bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New parallel computing algorithm of molecular dynamics for extremely huge scale biological systems
Authors: Jung Jaewoon , Kobayashi Chigusa , Kasahara Kento , Tan Cheng , Kuroda Akiyoshi , Minami Kazuo , Ishiduki Shigeru , Nishiki Tatsuo , Inoue Hikaru , Ishikawa Yutaka , Feig Michael , Sugita Yuji
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we address high performance extreme‐scale molecular dynamics (MD) algorithm in the GENESIS software to perform cellular‐scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with more than 100,000 CPU cores. It includes (1) the new algorithm of real‐space nonbonded interactions maximizing the performance on ARM CPU architecture, (2) reciprocal‐space nonbonded interactions minimizing communicational cost, (3) accurate temperature/pressure evaluations that allows a large time step, and (4) effective parallel file inputs/outputs (I/O) for MD simulations of extremely huge systems. The largest system that contains 1.6 billion atoms was simulated using MD with a performance of 8.30 ns/day on Fugaku supercomputer. It extends the available size and time of MD simulations to answer unresolved questions of biomacromolecules in a living cell.
Targeting tumor‐associated macrophages: A potential treatment for solid tumors
Authors: Chen Yibing , Jin Huan , Song Yucen , Huang Ting , Cao Jun , Tang Qing , Zou Zhengzhi
Published: November 2020

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) in solid tumors exert protumor activities by releasing cytokines or growth factors into the tumor microenvironment. Increasing studies have also shown that TAMs play a key role in tumor progression, such as tumor angiogenesis, immunosuppression, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. A large body of evidence shows that the abundance of TAMs in solid tumors is correlated with poor disease prognosis and resistance to therapies. Therefore, targeting TAMs in solid tumors is considered to be a promising immunotherapeutic strategy. At present, the therapeutic strategies of targeting macrophages mainly include limiting monocyte recruitment, depletion strategies, promoting macrophage phagocytic activity, and induction of macrophage reprogramming. Additionally, targeting TAMs in combination with conventional therapies has been demonstrated to be a promising therapeutic strategy in solid tumors. In the present review, we summarized various TAMs‐targeting therapeutic strategies for treating solid tumors. This review also discusses the challenges for targeting TAMs as tumor treatments, the obstacles in clinical trials, and the perspective for the future development of TAMs‐targeting therapies for various cancers.
Synthesis and characterisation of monolithic PTFE‐modified MnOX/FeOX catalysts for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOX at low temperature
Authors: Van Dongen Madeline T , Ng Derrick , Moura Leonardo V , Acharya Durga , Wang Jinxiu , Easton Christopher D , Wang Feng , Xie Zongli
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOX has been the most widely used technique for the reduction of NOX emissions from combustion flue gas. MnOX/FeOX based catalysts typically can attain high NOX conversion at low temperature but with inferior water vapor resistance.

RESULTS

A MnOX/FeOX catalyst was synthesized by the sonicated co‐precipitation method and then wash‐coated on ceramic cordierite monoliths to form a low pressure drop monolithic catalyst suitable for high flowrate flue gas treatment conditions. The catalyst achieved above 90% NO conversion at a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 30 000 h−1 over a 125–225 °C temperature window under simulated industrial flue gas conditions. In the presence of up to 5% H2O vapor, comparable performance was retained for a reduced temperature window of ≥150 °C. In order to improve water resistance and LT‐SCR performance, an optimal 10% w/w polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) doped MnOX/FeOX catalyst was developed, which exhibited remarkably high performance of up to 98% NO conversion, with improved water resistance at up to 10% v/v H2O while retaining high performance from 100 °C.

CONCLUSION

Monolithic MnOX/FeOX catalyst incorporating PTFE significantly improved NO conversion and water vapour resistance due to the enhanced NH3 adsorption associated with Lewis acid sites and water repellent property. These findings will provide guidance for researchers in this field to adapt F‐based or similar additives into the making of high performance and high water resistance catalysts either to retrofit existing catalyst synthesis procedures or reinvent a novel catalyst in a scalable but economical way. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
The impact of robotics in liver surgery: A worldwide systematic review and short‐term outcomes meta‐analysis on 2,728 cases
Authors: Ciria Ruben , Berardi Giammauro , Alconchel Felipe , Briceño Javier , Choi Gi Hong , Wu Yao‐Ming , Sugioka Atsushi , Troisi Roberto Ivan , Salloum Chady , Soubrane Olivier , Pratschke Johann , Martinie John , Tsung Allan , Araujo Raphael , Sucandy Iswanto , Tang Chung N. , Wakabayashi Go
Published: November 2020

Background

The dissemination of robotic liver surgery is slow‐paced and must face the obstacle of demonstrating advantages over open and laparoscopic (LLS) approaches. Our objective was to show the current position of robotic liver surgery (RLS) worldwide and to identify if improved short‐term outcomes are observed, including secondary meta‐analyses for type of resection, etiology, and cost analysis.

Methods

A PRISMA‐based systematic review was performed to identify manuscripts comparing RLS vs open or LLS approaches. Quality analysis was performed using the Newcatle‐Ottawa score. Statistical analysis was performed after heterogeneity test and fixed‐ or random‐effect models were chosen accordingly.

Results

After removing duplications, 2728 RLS cases were identified from the final set of 150 manuscripts. More than 75% of the cases have been performed on malignancies. Meta‐analysis from the 38 comparative reports showed that RLS may offer improved short‐term outcomes compared to open procedures in most of the variables screened. Compared to LLS, some advantages may be observed in favour of RLS for major resections in terms of operative time, hospital stay and rate of complications. Cost analyses showed an increased cost per procedure of around US$5000.

Conclusions

The advantages of RLS still need to be demonstrated although early results are promising. Advantages vs open approach are demonstrated. Compared to laparoscopic surgery, minor perioperative advantages may be observed for major resections although cost analyses are still unfavorable to the robotic approach.
The other side of COVID‐19 pandemic: Effects on male fertility
Authors: Seymen Cemile Merve
Published: November 2020

The outbreak of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has become a major pandemic threat worldwide. According to the existing clinical data, this virus not only causes respiratory diseases and affects the lungs but also induces histopathological or functional changes in various organs like the testis and also the male genital tract. The renin‐angiotensin system (RAS), also ACE 2 and TMPRSS2 play an important role in the cellular entry for SARS‐CoV‐2. Because the male genital system presents high ACE 2 expression, the importance of this pathway increases in COVID‐19 cases. As the COVID‐19 pandemic has affected the male genital system in direct or indirect ways and showed a negative impact on male reproduction, this paper focuses on the possible mechanisms underlying the damage caused by COVID‐19 to the testis and also other components of the male genital tract.
COVID‐19 in HIV‐infected patients: A case series and literature review
Authors: Swaminathan Neeraja , Moussa Peter , Mody Nidhi , Lo Kevin B. , Patarroyo‐Aponte Gabriel
Published: November 2020

During the current COVID pandemic, there is growing interest to identify subsets of the population that may be at a higher than average risk of infection. One such group includes people living with HIV.
Guidelines on newly identified limitations of diagnostic tools for COVID‐19 and consequences
Authors: Syal Kirtimaan
Published: November 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by coronavirus has spread worldwide and has become the deadliest pandemic of the 21st century. Such rapid spread is predominantly attributed to the poor diagnosis and its asymptomatic transmission. In the absence of treatment regime, timely diagnosis is the best available remedy that can restrict its spread. An early diagnosis of COVID‐19 is critical for determining the line of treatment and preventing long term complications in the infected subject. Unfortunately, available rapid antigen and antibody kits are known to be erroneous whereas reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction based tests are expensive, viral load dependent and at times inconclusive. In current scenario, the false‐negative results imposed a major risk to the individual patient care and also to the efforts for containing the spread at the population level, where as false positives are traumatic for families and can lead to improper treatment resulting in severe complications. In this article, the limitations of available diagnostic procedures have been elaborated and plausible combination approach has been advised.
Design of a compact, wideband, and flexible rhombic antenna using CMA for WBAN/WLAN and 5G applications
Authors: Qas Elias Bashar Bahaa , Soh Ping Jack , Abdullah Al‐Hadi Azremi , Vandenbosch Guy A. E.
Published: November 2020

The design of a compact, wideband flexible monopole antenna printed on a flexible Kapton polyimide substrate is presented. The proposed antenna consists of two rhombic elements embedded within a square plane as the radiating element. The wide bandwidth is aimed at alleviating potential performance degradations due to its application in an on‐body environment. The proposed antenna is designed using two main methods: the method of moments with adaptive cross approximation, and the characteristic mode analysis. The antenna operates from 2.038 to 3.745 GHz, indicating a bandwidth of 1.707 GHz (59.03%). Two dominant resonant frequencies are observed at 2.45 and 3.42 GHz, with realized gain of 3 and 5 dBi, and radiation efficiency of 90% and 83%, respectively. Besides that, the genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization techniques are used to optimize the antenna and its performance validated via measurements. Besides, in free space, its on‐body performance when placed in proximity of a human body phantom is evaluated. Finally, specific absorption rate assessment is performed to ensure the safety of the proposed antenna when operating on human. Results indicate the antenna's suitability for wearable applications to support different wireless standards.
Targeted metabolomics study of early pathological features in hippocampus of triple transgenic Alzheimer’s disease male mice
Authors: Zhao Yuxi , Chen Haiquan , Iqbal Javed , Liu Xukun , Zhang Huajie , Xiao Shifeng , Jin Na , Yao Fang , Shen Liming
Published: November 2020

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a serious neurodegenerative disease in people of age 65 or above. The detailed etiology and pathogenesis of AD have not been elucidated yet. In this study, the hippocampi of 2‐ and 6‐month‐old triple transgenic Alzheimer's disease male mice and age–sex‐matched wild‐type (WT) mice were analyzed by using targeted metabolomics approach. Compared with WT mice, 24 and 60 metabolites were found with significant differences in 2‐ and 6‐month‐old AD mice. Among these, 14 metabolites were found common while 10 metabolites showed consistent variable trends in both groups. These differential metabolites are found associated with amino acid, lipid, vitamin, nucleotide‐related base, neurotransmitter and energy metabolisms, and oxidative stress. The results suggest that these differential metabolites might play a critical role in AD pathophysiology, and may serve as potential biomarkers for AD. Moreover, the results highlight the involvement of abnormal purine, pyrimidine, arginine, and proline metabolism, along with glycerophospholipid metabolism in early pathology of AD. For the first time, several differential metabolites are found to be associated with AD in this study. Targeted metabolomics can be used for rapid and accurate quantitative analysis of specific target metabolites associated with AD.
An improved method for the separation of carotenoids and carotenoid isomers by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Shuang , Tang Xinyi , Lu Yingying , Xu Jilin , Chen Juanjuan , Chen Haimin
Published: November 2020

Carotenoids consist of a series of conjugated isoprene units that are characteristically highly conjugated through double bonds, leading to the formation of many isomers that are susceptible to oxidation and other chemical modifications. Extreme hydrophobicity and high complexity make carotenoids difficult to identify and quantify. We implemented the use of a common Syncronis C18 column with strong eluting solvent, here isopropanol, to successfully separate a mixture of 23 carotenoids standards with different structural properties. In addition, the method differentiated between three groups of isomeric carotenoids (lycopene/δ‐carotene/γ‐carotene/ε‐carotene/α‐carotene/β‐carotene, α‐cryptoxanthin/β‐cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin/lutein) by optimizing the gradient profile and using liquid chrmatography–mass spectrometry. The LOD ranged from 0.05 to 5.51 ng/mL, and the recovery of carotenoids in Mytilus coruscus was from 63.54 to 93.25%, with standard deviations <10%. Twenty‐five carotenoids were detected with a total content of 857 ± 55.1 mg/kg, and three isomeric carotenoids were identified: ε‐carotene, α‐carotene, and β‐carotene. Our results show that this methodology is a significant improvement over other alternatives for analyzing carotenoids because of its compatibility with carotenoids of different categories, and most importantly, its ability to resolve isomeric carotenes, which is significant not only for assessing carotenoid species, but also for the tracing of metabolic pathways of carotenoids.
Examining the role of country image in the relationship between cuisine image and intention to visit a country
Authors: Aydin Bulent , Erdogan Bayram Zafer , Baloglu Seyhmus
Published: November 2020

The purpose of the study is to investigate the role of a country's image as a mediator between cuisine image and intention to visit a country. Data were collected using online and face‐to‐face surveys from 445 participants experiencing Turkish cuisine in the United Kingdom. The results show that the general cuisine image affects overall country image positively, whereas it does not directly affect intention to visit. However, general country image plays a mediating role between intention to visit and cuisine image. The findings are limited to those who have experienced Turkish cuisine; therefore, they should be interpreted with caution.
Compounding Stress: Childhood Adversity as a Risk Factor for Adulthood Trauma Exposure in the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Bürgin David , Boonmann Cyril , Schmeck Klaus , Schmid Marc , Tripp Paige , Nishimi Kristen , O'Donovan Aoife
Published: November 2020

Childhood adversity (CA) and adulthood traumatic experiences (ATEs) are common and unequally distributed in the general population. Early stressors may beget later stressors and alter life‐course trajectories of stressor exposure. Gender differences exist regarding the risk of specific stressors. However, few studies have examined the associations between specific types of CA and ATEs. Using a large‐scale sample of older adults, we aimed to (a) determine if specific or cumulative CA increased the risk for specific or cumulative ATEs and (b) examine whether these associations were moderated by gender. In a sample from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (N = 15,717; Mage = 67.57 years, SD = 10.54), cross‐sectional Poisson and logistic regression models were fitted to assess the specific and cumulative associations between CA and ATEs. Overall, cumulative CA was associated with a larger risk ratio of ATEs, adjusted for covariates: aRRRs = 1.28, 1.63, and 1.97 for 1, 2, and 3–4 adverse events in childhood, respectively. Cumulative CA was particularly strongly associated with adulthood physical attacks, aOR = 5.66, and having a substance‐abusing spouse or child, aOR = 4.00. Childhood physical abuse was the strongest independent risk factor for cumulative ATEs, aRRR = 1.49, and most strongly associated with adulthood physical attacks, aOR = 3.41. Gender moderated the association between cumulative CA and cumulative ATEs, with slightly stronger associations between cumulative CA and ATEs for women than men. Given that CA and ATEs perpetuate health disparities worldwide, reducing their incidence and effects should be major priorities for public health.
Arctic crustose coralline alga resilient to recent environmental change
Authors: Williams Branwen , Chan Phoebe T. W. , Halfar Jochen , Hargan Kathryn , Adey Walter
Published: November 2020

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide is warming Arctic seawater at a rate twice the global average due to multiple positive feedbacks. Thus, warming is disproportionately influencing data‐poor Arctic marine ecosystems. Subarctic flora are an important component of these ecosystems, along with the less biodiverse flora endemic to the Arctic. Warming will likely lead to an increasing dominance of subarctic flora that will be initially successful due to a shorter sea ice period. Benthic crustose coralline algae presently flourishes in subarctic regions where they are key substrate builders that influence community structure through provision of habitat for a variety of benthic organisms. Here we evaluate changes in the skeletal resilience of long‐lived subarctic crustose coralline alga Clathromorphum compactum to variability in seawater temperature and sea ice (the later which influences salinity and solar irradiance reaching the seafloor) across latitudes in the northwest Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. We demonstrate that average growth and calcification rate significantly decreases in C. compactum toward higher latitudes due to colder temperatures and more fresh waters. Skeletal density also declines toward higher latitudes but displays specimen‐specific variability. However, through a common growth period (1984–2001), density increased at all locations which we interpret to be a response to warmer and more well‐lit benthic environments. At the most northerly site, growth and calcification also increased with density, suggesting warming and declining Arctic sea ice in the spring may benefit this species at its upper latitudinal limits. As a result, continued warming may enhance the presence of C. compactum in Arctic regions.
Hamiltonian symmetry classification, integrals, and exact solutions of a generalized Ermakov system
Authors: Naz R. , Mahomed F. M.
Published: November 2020

We investigate the Hamiltonian symmetry classification, first integrals, and exact solutions of the three‐dimensional generalized Ermakov system expressed in Spherical polar form. We utilize the Hamiltonian version of Noether's theorem to construct Hamiltonian symmetries and first integrals. The three‐dimensional generalized Ermakov system involves an arbitrary function F(θ, ϕ). First, the Hamiltonian symmetry classification is performed for the three‐dimensional generalized Ermakov system. For arbitrary form of the function F(θ, ϕ), four first integrals are established, and only three of these are functionally independent. The Hamiltonian integral theorem yields seven different functional forms of F(θ, ϕ) for which the generalized Ermakov system has additional Hamiltonian symmetries and related first integrals. These functional forms are new and not provided before in the literature. Finally, the exact solutions of the generalized Ermakov system, for arbitrary F(θ, ϕ) as well as for different forms of F(θ, ϕ) are provided with the aid of these derived first integrals.
Generation of nondiffraction beams by using graphene‐based metasurface in terahertz regime
Authors: Zeng Ting , Deng Li , Zhang Chen , Qu Meijun , Wang Hongjun , Wang Ling , Li Shufang
Published: November 2020

In this article, a graphene‐based reflective metasurface which can generate Bessel beams at arbitrary directions is proposed at 1.52 THz. It chooses the classical cross structure as the unit cell and extends the coverage of the reflection phase to 360° by adjusting two key parameters while maintaining a relatively high‐reflection amplitude. Combined with the excellent impedance characteristics of graphene in the terahertz regime and the long energy transmission distance of the nondiffraction beam, the reflective metasurface finally realize the pseudo‐Bessel beam with a maximum propagation distance of about 3358.85 um and a deflection of about 15° in yoz‐plane as expected. Two forms of efficiency are proposed for the metasurface, one is the focusing efficiency, the other is the conventional radiation efficiency. The simulation results show that the former shows a trend of increasing first and then decreasing, which conforms to the beam‐forming property of Bessel beam; the latter can be basically maintained at high value of 70% within the nondiffraction propagation distance, which conforms to the energy transmission characteristic of the nondiffraction beam. All the studies show that the graphene‐based metasurface combined with the nondiffraction theory has the advantages of highly controllable beam deflection, long focusing distance, and high‐energy transfer efficiency in the terahertz regime, so it will have a broad application prospect in terahertz telecommunication, wireless energy transmission, near‐field detecting, imaging and many other fields.
Unbalanced SSFP for super‐resolution in MRI
Authors: Lally Peter J. , Matthews Paul M. , Bangerter Neal K.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To achieve rapid, low specific absorption rate (SAR) super‐resolution imaging by exploiting the characteristic magnetization off‐resonance profile in SSFP.

Theory and Methods

In the presented technique, low flip angle unbalanced SSFP imaging is used to acquire a series of images at a low nominal resolution that are then combined in a super‐resolution strategy analogous to non‐linear structured illumination microscopy. This is demonstrated in principle via Bloch simulations and synthetic phantoms, and the performance is quantified in terms of point‐spread function (PSF) and SNR for gray and white matter from field strengths of 0.35T to 9.4T. A k‐space reconstruction approach is proposed to account for B0 effects. This was applied to reconstruct super‐resolution images from a test object at 9.4T.

Results

Artifact‐free super‐resolution images were produced after incorporating sufficient preparation time for the magnetization to approach the steady state. High‐resolution images of a test object were obtained at 9.4T, in the presence of considerable B0 inhomogeneity. For gray matter, the highest achievable resolution ranges from 3% of the acquired voxel dimension at 0.35T, to 9% at 9.4T. For white matter, this corresponds to 3% and 10%, respectively. Compared to an equivalent segmented gradient echo acquisition at the optimal flip angle, with a fixed TR of 8 ms, gray matter has up to 34% of the SNR at 9.4T while using a ×10 smaller flip angle. For white matter, this corresponds to 29% with a ×11 smaller flip angle.

Conclusion

This approach achieves high degrees of super‐resolution enhancement with minimal RF power requirements.
QD Display: A Game‐Changing Technology for the Display Industry
Authors: Lee Jong Hyuk
Published: November 2020

With its unprecedented picture quality, the QD display is poised to unveil a new horizon for the display industry. Here, Samsung Display Senior Vice President Jong Hyuk Lee explores its key characteristics.
Advancing Touch Technology for Flexible Emissive Displays
Authors: Lee Albert
Published: November 2020

Although on‐cell architecture improves optical and mechanical performance for flexible OLED displays used in mobile devices, it still poses major technical hurdles. Here, the human‐interface developer Synaptics explains its approach on these issues.
Multi‐task convolutional neural network‐based design of radio frequency pulse and the accompanying gradients for magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Zhang Yajing , Jiang Ke , Jiang Weiwei , Wang Nan , Wright Alan J. , Liu Ailian , Wang Jiazheng
Published: November 2020

Modern MRI systems usually load the predesigned RFs and the accompanying gradients during clinical scans, with minimal adaption to the specific requirements of each scan. Here, we describe a neural network‐based method for real‐time design of excitation RF pulses and the accompanying gradients' waveforms to achieve spatially two‐dimensional selectivity. Nine thousand sets of radio frequency (RF) and gradient waveforms with two‐dimensional spatial selectivity were generated as the training dataset using the Shinnar–Le Roux (SLR) method. Neural networks were created and trained with five strategies (TS‐1 to TS‐5). The neural network‐designed RF and gradients were compared with their SLR‐designed counterparts and underwent Bloch simulation and phantom imaging to investigate their performances in spin manipulations. We demonstrate a convolutional neural network (TS‐5) with multi‐task learning to yield both the RF pulses and the accompanying two channels of gradient waveforms that comply with the SLR design, and these design results also provide excitation spatial profiles comparable with SLR pulses in both simulation (normalized root mean square error [NRMSE] of 0.0075 ± 0.0038 over the 400 sets of testing data between TS‐5 and SLR) and phantom imaging. The output RF and gradient waveforms between the neural network and SLR methods were also compared, and the joint NRMSE, with both RF and the two channels of gradient waveforms considered, was 0.0098 ± 0.0024 between TS‐5 and SLR. The RF and gradients were generated on a commercially available workstation, which took ~130 ms for TS‐5. In conclusion, we present a convolutional neural network with multi‐task learning, trained with SLR transformation pairs, that is capable of simultaneously generating RF and two channels of gradient waveforms, given the desired spatially two‐dimensional excitation profiles.
Linearized stable spectral method to analyze two‐dimensional nonlinear evolutionary and reaction‐diffusion models
Authors: Hamid Muhammad , Usman Muhammad , Haq Rizwan UI , Tian Zhenfu , Wang Wei
Published: November 2020

The work is devoted to the development of a new spectral method based on higher dimensional orthogonal polynomials. Firstly, the concept of traditional Chelyshkov polynomials is extended for the function of more than one variable while definitions and theorems are presented with proofs. The operational matrices of derivative have been constructed assisted by defined higher‐order polynomials and used to the development of a spectral method. The method is further coupled with a Picard‐iterative scheme to tackle the high nonlinearities and termed as the Picard–Chelyshkov polynomial method (PCPM). The convergence and error‐bound have been analyzed through theorems and their proofs in order to prove the mathematical authenticity of the method. The PCPM is applied for some two‐dimensional unsteady nonlinear fractional partial differential equations and efficient results have been attained. In addition, it is evident from the comparative analysis with existing literature that the proposed method is fair enough in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and cost to deal with the problem in higher dimensions whilst could be further modified for other classes of dynamical problems.
“I wanna be your dog”: Evaluating the efficacy of univariate and multivariate methods for differentiating domestic and wild canids in North America
Authors: Welker Martin H. , Byers David A. , McClure Sarah B.
Published: November 2020

The domestic dog (Canis familiaris) holds a unique place in human cultures as the first species to be domesticated and has been adapted to a greater diversity of functions requiring far greater morphological variation than any other domesticate. Because of this variability in morphology and pronounced skeletal similarities with other canid species, dog remains are frequently challenging to identify in the archaeological record. Analysts have attempted to overcome these challenges by proposing a diverse array of methods for identifying dog remains. Unfortunately, recent analyses have quantitatively tested and critiqued the effectiveness of several methods widely used for identifying dog remains since the mid‐1900s. In addition, many methods were developed specifically for differentiating dogs from their progenitor species, the grey wolf (Canis lupus) and analysts working in many regions of the world have frequently assumed, without testing; they will remain effective in differentiating dog remains from other canid species. Using data collected on 538 North American dog, wolf, coyote and fox mandibles, we test the effectiveness of several methods for differentiating dogs from an array of North American canids. Our results reveal that no single method is universally effective and that differentiating dogs from mid‐sized canids, like the North American coyote, remains a significant challenge for archaeologists working in North America and likely other parts of the world.
Attrition Bias in an Observational Study of Very Low‐Energy Diet: A Cohort Study
Authors: Isaman Deanna J. M. , Herman William H. , Rothberg Amy E.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Obesity treatment is plagued by attrition. Estimates of attrition bias are needed. Thus, in this study, percent change from baseline BMI at 1, 2, and 3 years following enrollment in a 2‐year weight management program using a very low‐energy diet was calculated. Program data were supplemented with information from medical records.

Methods

Attrition was classified as occurring early (<6 months), late (6‐21 months), at program completion (22‐28 months), and after program completion (>28 months). Stepwise multivariable regression examined attrition and other covariates.

Results

A total of 881 subjects had ≥3 years of follow‐up. BMI decreased by a mean (SD) of 11.8 (9.2), 8.6 (9.3), and 5.2 (10.0) kg/m2 at 1, 2, and 3 years after enrollment, respectively. At year 1, every 10‐kg/m2 increase in baseline BMI was associated with a 2% (95% CI: 1%‐3%) decrease in BMI. Individuals with early attrition decreased their mean BMI by 13% (11%‐15%) less than program completers and by 9% (7%‐11%) at 2 years. At 3 years, there was no significant difference in BMI between individuals with early attrition and program completers. However, BMI decreased 5% (3%‐ 8%) more in individuals who extended participation compared with program completers.

Conclusions

Reported outcomes of weight management programs must account for program attrition.
Insights for reducing the consumption of wildlife: The use of bear bile and gallbladder in Cambodia
Authors: Davis Elizabeth Oneita , Veríssimo Diogo , Crudge Brian , Lim Thona , Roth Vichet , Glikman Jenny Anne
Published: November 2020

Unsustainable wildlife use is one of the leading threats to earth's biodiversity. Historically, efforts to address this issue have been focused on increasing enforcement and anti‐poaching measures.

However, recognition that such supply‐reduction measures may be inefficient has spurred a movement towards consumer research and behaviour change. Here, we used consumer research to investigate the consumption of bear bile and gallbladder in Cambodia.

Our aim was to gather key consumer insights such as demographics, beliefs and the identification of trusted individuals and communication channels, which could be used to underpin future behaviour change efforts to reduce the consumption of bear bile and gallbladder. To accomplish this, we conducted 4,512 structured quantitative interviews and 132 qualitative, semi‐structured interviews across Cambodia.

We found that although the level of bear bile and gallbladder consumption varied across the country, consumers were largely homogenous in their beliefs and choice of trusted messengers. This indicates that behaviour change interventions grounded in these results may be effective in any of the eight areas surveyed.

We believe our study strategy can be adapted and followed by other conservation organizations to ensure they are capturing essential information necessary for designing effective behaviour change campaigns.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Analysis of dual role of nanographene on the microstructure‐properties correlation of TPU/NG nanocomposite
Authors: Gholizadeh Armin , Babaei Amir , Ziaratban Majid
Published: November 2020

Synthesis of nanographene (NG) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/NG nanocomposites by a facile and cost‐effective method was pursued in this work. For that purpose, NG was synthesized via a combination of microwave (MW) and shear mixing done by a simple kitchen blender. Next, TPU/NG nanocomposites were prepared by the kitchen blender in the solution state. Afterward, with variable amounts of the NG, TPU/NG nanocomposites were fabricated and their mechanical and rheological performances were comprehensively studied. It was established that the dispersion quality of NG had a fundamental impact on the rheological and mechanical properties of the fabricated nanocomposites which were even more fascinating than that of other nanofillers. It was discussed and suggested that this interesting presentation might have been originated from the dual role (reinforcement and a lubricant agent) of NG due to its size, dispersion state, and added amount.
Surface characterization of polycaprolactone and carbonyl iron powder composite fabricated by solvent cast 3D printing for tissue engineering
Authors: Singh Jasvinder , Pandey Pulak Mohan , Kaur Tejinder , Singh Neetu
Published: November 2020

In tissue engineering applications, various synthetic biodegradable polymers have got attention due to their excellent physical as well as biological properties. Polycaprolactone (PCL) has been identified as one of the best biocompatible polymers, which have wide applications in biomedical engineering. The surface properties of PCL have limited its utilization in tissue engineering. The researchers have also focused on the development of the PCL blends to enhance the surface characteristics. In the present study, carbonyl iron powder (CIP) reinforced PCL blends were fabricated by the solvent cast 3D printing (SC‐3DP) technique. The characterization techniques such as X‐ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and surface energy measurement by contact angle were used. The surface free energy of all the surfaces with their polar components was determined by Owens Wendt method. The fibroblasts cell responses were also examined for the assessment of biological properties. The results revealed that the increase in the percentage of CIP in the PCL matrix enhanced the value of surface free energy. The CIP reinforcement influenced the topography and surface roughness of the prepared composites. The change in surface properties affected the cell interactions on the surfaces, as investigated by cell viability test. The cell adhesion and viability were improved at a lower percentage of CIP.
Analytical modeling and experimentally optimizing synergistic effect on thermal conductivity enhancement of polyurethane nanocomposites with hybrid carbon nanofillers
Authors: Navidfar Amir , Trabzon Levent
Published: November 2020

Combining various carbon nanofillers with different dimensions can lead to a synergistic effect through the formation of an efficient conductive network. Hybrid polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites containing multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were fabricated to study experimental and theoretical aspects of thermal conductivity (TC) enhancement. The optimization of hybrid nanofillers combinations was done to synergically enhance the TC using various types of graphene, nanofillers concentrations and ratios. A synergistic thermal conductivity improvement with MWCNTs and GNPs was confirmed at low nanofillers contents. The TC of hybrid nanocomposite at 0.25 wt% is approximately equivalent to the TC of individual nanofillers at 0.75 wt%. An analytical model for the effective thermal conductivity of single and hybrid nanocomposites was considered with variables of volume fraction, interfacial thermal resistance, straightness of the nanofillers and the percolation effect, in which the predictions of the modified models agreed with the experimental results.
Differences in Predicted Warfarin Dosing Requirements Between Hmong and East Asians Using Genotype‐Based Dosing Algorithms
Authors: Sun Boguang , Wen Ya‐Feng , Culhane‐Pera Kathleen A. , Lo Muaj , Xiong Txia , Lee Koobmeej , Peng Kerui , Thyagarajan Bharat , Bishop Jeffrey R. , Zierhut Heather , Straka Robert J.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Warfarin’s narrow therapeutic index and high variability in dosage requirements make dosage selection critical. Genetic factors are known to impact warfarin dosage selection. The Hmong are a unique Asian subpopulation numbering over 278,000 in the United States whose participation in genetics‐based research is virtually nonexistent. The translational significance of early reports of warfarin pharmacogene differences in Hmong has not been evaluated.

Objectives

(i) To validate previously identified allele frequency differences relevant to warfarin dosing in Hmong versus East Asians and (ii) to compare predicted warfarin sensitivity and maintenance doses between a Hmong population and an East Asian cohort.

Method

DNA collected from two independent cohorts (n=236 and n=198) of Hmong adults were genotyped for CYP2C9 (*2, *3), VKORC1 (G‐1639A), and CYP4F2 (*3). Allele frequencies between the combined Hmong cohort (n=433) and East Asians (n=1165) from the 2009 International Warfarin Pharmacogenetics Consortium (IWPC) study were compared using a χ2 test. Percentages of Hmong and East Asian participants predicted to be very sensitive to warfarin were compared using a χ2 test, and the predicted mean warfarin maintenance dose was compared with a t test.

Results

The allele frequencies of CYP2C9*3 in the combined Hmong cohort and CYP4F2*3 in the VIP‐Hmong cohort are significantly different from those in East Asians (18.9% vs 3.0%, p<0.001 and 9.8% vs 22.1%, p<0.001, respectively). Comparing the combined Hmong cohort to the East Asian cohort, the percentage of participants predicted to be very sensitive to warfarin was significantly higher (28% vs 5%, p<0.01) and the mean predicted warfarin maintenance dose was significantly lower (19.8 vs 21.3 mg/week, p<0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

The unique allele frequencies related to warfarin when combined with nongenetic factors observed in the Hmong translate into clinically relevant differences in predicted maintenance dose requirements for Hmong versus East Asians.
Grit, fit, gender, and academic achievement among first‐year college students
Authors: Whipple Sara S. , Dimitrova‐Grajzl Valentina
Published: November 2020

Academic achievement is a known predictor of career trajectory and future earnings. Thus, a great deal of research has been devoted to understanding the variables that impact academic achievement. The purpose of the current study is to extend existing scholarly work by examining the predictive power of both cognitive and noncognitive variables on first‐year academic achievement of students at a military college. We focus on the concepts of grit and person–environment (P–E) fit as our key noncognitive predictors of success. We investigate if grit affects academic achievement and if it operates differently for men and women. Given the unique educational setting of our study, we capture a P–E fit by examining whether a student is a recipient of an ROTC scholarship. Our empirical results suggest that grit has a positive effect on college grade point average for male participants but not a significant effect on female participants. Furthermore, we find that ROTC scholarships, as a proxy for fit, positively predict first‐year academic achievement. These findings have policy implications for admissions and financial aid offices as well as teachers and support staff.
Changing times: Opportunities for altering winter wheat phenology
Authors: Sheehan Hester , Bentley Alison
Published: November 2020

Social Impact Statement

Climate change presents challenges to agricultural production systems. Wheat is a significant crop in the United Kingdom, occupying 40% of arable land area. Increased temperatures and drought risk are predicted to lead to future productivity losses. Plant breeders and researchers are working to develop more resilient wheat varieties although are often driven by different motivating factors compared to farmers. Here, we report on a dialog with agronomists working with farmers in wheat‐producing regions throughout the UK to gain greater understanding of the farm‐level importance of wheat flowering time and maturity along with the future opportunities and risks presented by earlier flowering varieties.

Summary

Optimized environmental adaptation is the cornerstone of regional crop breeding. Recent and predicted future instability for long‐standing adaptive response presents new challenges to selective breeding. Wheat is a long day plant, requiring extended daylength to initiate flowering, a response controlled by the Photoperiod‐1 (Ppd‐1) gene. Mutations conferring photoperiod insensitivity arose during domestication, allowing rapid flowering in both short and long days and extending wheat's adaptive range. In the United Kingdom, wheat production is dominated by photoperiod‐sensitive winter varieties which have a relatively narrow window of flowering time. Changing seasonal conditions alongside mounting logistics pressure as a result of loss of effective agrochemicals and increasing seasonal weather fluctuations mean that greater flexibility in varietal flowering time is likely required to sustain UK wheat productivity. In this Opinion piece, we present findings from a recent dialog with UK agronomists on the demand and likely potential for greater flowering time range in winter wheat varieties. This provides important insight connecting farmer priorities and demands with ongoing genetic research and breeding. Our findings highlight the farm‐level importance of wheat phenology and provide recommendations for future research and plant breeding.
Irreversible Adsorption of Serum Proteins onto Nanoparticles
Authors: von Baeckmann Cornelia , Kählig Hanspeter , Lindén Mika , Kleitz Freddy
Published: November 2020

When a material comes in contact with serum or plasma, proteins will immediately adsorb to its surface. The extent of serum protein adsorption as well as the composition of the protein corona is thought to be decisive for the biological fate. The understanding of the mechanism underlying the concurrent adsorption of multiple proteins and the exact ways by which the adsorbed proteins interact with the biological setting, is still rudimentary. For both cases, a correct estimate of the composition of the protein corona is the key for an improved understanding. The protein corona composition is typically analyzed indirectly through analysis of the supernatant after protein desorption. However, in most cases the particles are not analyzed afterward in order to ensure that all proteins indeed have desorbed. Here, the results related to the analysis of the amounts of proteins in the corona are reported, focusing on the desorbed as well as the fraction of proteins that do not desorb. Irreversible protein adsorption can be observed in some cases. The results show that, in addition of the analysis of the supernatant, analysis of the particles is of critical importance to fully characterize the protein corona formed on nanoparticles.
Comparing decannulation failures and successes in pediatric tracheostomy: An 18‐year experience
Authors: Kolb Caroline M. , Halbert Kelly , Xiao Wendi , Strang Abigail R. , Briddell Jenna W.
Published: November 2020

Objectives

There is a paucity of published literature identifying patients at higher risk of decannulation failure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate patient factors that may predict successful decannulation of pediatric tracheostomy patients and analyze factors contributing to tracheostomy decannulation failures.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of tracheostomy outcomes was conducted at a pediatric referral hospital. Successful and failed decannulations were compared using the following patient variables: age at tracheostomy, sex, ethnicity, gestational age and weight, the primary indication for tracheostomy, comorbidities, age at decannulation attempt, polysomnography data, and status of airway before decannulation as assessed endoscopically by airway team.

Results

Four hundred thirty‐nine tracheostomies were performed over the 18‐year period with 173 decannulation attempts. The overall rate of successful decannulation on the first attempt was 91.9% (159 of 173), with an eventual decannulation success rate of 97.1% (168 of 173). Compared with failed decannulations, the patients with successful decannulations had a shorter duration of tracheostomy and no medical comorbidities. Gestational age and weight approached, but did not achieve, statistical significance. After 25 months with a tracheostomy, approximately 50% of patients are decannulated with very few decannulations occurring after 75 months. The overall mortality rate in this cohort was 18.6% (78 of 420) with a tracheostomy‐related mortality rate of 0.95% (4 of 420).

Conclusions

The decannulation protocol at this institution is successful nearly 92% of the time. Fewer medical comorbidities, shorter duration of tracheostomy placement, and older gestational age may improve the likelihood of successful decannulation. Future studies are needed to determine the optimal timing and workup to evaluate patients for decannulation.
Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacogenetic assays to monitor clopidogrel therapy
Authors: Alvitigala Bhawani Yasassri , Gooneratne Lallindra Viranjan , Constantine Godwin Roger , Wijesinghe Rajapaksha Arachchige Namal Kumarasiri , Arawwawala Liyanage Dona Ashanthi Menuka
Published: November 2020

Clopidogrel is the most common and widely used antiplatelet agent for patients with coronary artery disease following confirmation by electrocardiographic studies. The nonresponsiveness of patients to clopidogrel and the possibility of testing for clopidogrel resistance by platelet function assays (PFA) are contentious issues. Light transmission aggregometry (LTA) is considered as the gold standard test among all PFA. In this review, the most commonly used PFA used for monitoring the effect of clopidogrel, LTA, vasodilator‐stimulated phosphoprotein assay phosphorylation, rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) delta and ROTEM platelet, thromboelastography, PFA‐100, VerifyNow P2Y12 assay, Multiplate analyzer, Plateletworks assay and pharmacogenetic studies, are comparatively discussed including their principles of action, advantages, and disadvantages. VerifyNow P2Y12 assay can be accepted as the ideal point of care test out of the discussed assays. However, modified assays are required which could overcome the limitations associated with currently available assays.