bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forty Years of Arctic Primary Care Research on the Early Diagnosis of Cancer
Authors: Holtedahl Knut
Published: July 2021

Usually, before a patient with cancer can be treated in a hospital, a general practitioner (GP) must suspect the diagnosis and refer the patient. GPs often worry that they could have done better for some of their cancer patients. Had there been an unreasonable delay of diagnosis? In the arctic, rural/urban city of Tromsø, this question became the subject of several scientific articles. Symptoms was an evident gateway to thinking about cancer in patients. In later years, there has been an explosion of good research studies about early diagnosis both in primary and secondary care. Through a northern gaze, the reader will be guided through a journey covering forty years of primary care-based research aiming at earlier diagnosis of cancer. Summing up, suggestions are given for: How to react upon signals from the body? And for the GP: 1. Explain unusual symptoms. 2. Add results from clinical findings and testing to symptoms. 3. Refer when the probability based on symptoms and findings exceed 3%. 4. Consider ‘fast track’ when you seriously suspect cancer. 5. Think of early diagnosis of cancer as an important, challenging and interesting part of your effort to serve the patients who consult you!
A Review of Ergonomic Evaluation of Occupational Hazard of Indian Agriculture Farm and Allied Activities
Authors: Prasad Tripathi Surendra , Pratap Singh Somvanshi Surya , Ranjan Kumar Singh Shyam , Mishra Anupam
Published: July 2021

Women in India are the major workforce in agriculture and perform almost all the agricultural activities. Women constitute 25.51% of the total work force in the country. The rural women play a vital role in agriculture and other agro based processing activities. They spent more time on post-harvest activities than those pre-harvest activities. Environmental and occupational health issues among agricultural workers expressed high levels of concern about working in hot weather, agricultural injuries, pesticides, awkward posture and drudgery prone activities. User Eco-friendly tools can increase the working efficiency and reduce the working load health hazards on farm activities during agricultural activities.
On Naturally Embodied Cyborgs
Authors: Selinger Evan , Engström Timothy ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: July 2021

This paper examines a specific appeal to philosophical anthropology—Andy Clark's—and the role it plays in shaping his account of our fundamental cyborg humanity." By focusing on the theme of embodiment, we also inquire into how phenomenology might benefit from Clark's account as well as how Clark's account might benefit from further engagement with phenomenology. Throughout, we explore inter- and intra-disciplinary questions that highlight the contribution the philosophy of technology can make to our understanding of embodiment and philosophical anthropology.
The Educational Prerequisites of Rehabilitation
Authors: Fennell Jon ,   The Polanyi Society
Published: July 2021

In response to the events of January 6 and the second impeachment trial, which made clear the fragility of democracy in the USA, several scholars whose work has appeared in this journal comment on one or more of the following questions: (1) What causes, epistemic and/or social, might Polanyi see as contributing to the incivility, rancor, and division that now characterize American politics? (2) What would Polanyi say about the events of January 6, as well as the events leading up to it? (3) What remedies might Polanyi suggest for rehabilitating our experiment in democracy?
Elizabeth Grosz, The Incorporeal: Ontology, Ethics, and the Limits of Materialism
Authors: Turkis Martin E. ,   The Polanyi Society
Published: July 2021

Critical theorist Elizabeth Grosz moves beyond the New Materialism she previously espoused and argues for a monism that avoids reductive materialism, holding that materiality is inconceivable without its immaterial frame. She also argues that this position ought to serve as the basis for an immanent and non-normative ontoethics. I give a summation and review of the book before offering an argument against such an approach to ethics. I also offer a related critique of the tendency, widespread within critical theory, to consider all transcendence oppressive.
Ecological status assessment of the Samokovska river: 2018 case study
Authors: Simić Snežana , Mitrović Aleksandra , Đorđević Nevena , Radosavljević Sanja
Published: July 2021

The Samokovska River, as the most important watercourse of the Kopaonik National Park, has been poorly investigated from algological and water quality aspects. This river is not covered by the monitoring program of the Serbian Environmental Protection Agency routine. Our research performed in October 2018 aimed to present an algal diversity, ecological status assessment, and negative anthropogenic impacts threatening this river. For ecological status assessment purposes, the diatom indices phytobenthos and physico-chemical parameters of water were used. The typology and the problem of reliable assessing of the ecological status were also discussed on the example of the Samokovska River.
Vernacular architecture in Serbia in the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries: Transformation and disappearance
Authors: Mandrapa Đorđe , Parežanin Vladimir
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study is to reevaluate general theoretical and practical interpretation of vernacular architecture in Serbia in the 19th and the first half of 20th century. This incorporates the understanding of vernacular architecture in a wider context, through interpretations of various authors, who do not only observe its design value, but also the cultural and spiritual values. Since vernacular architecture cannot be recognized as a singular discipline, but within the area of many disciplines, the wider interpretation is mandatory. Although celebrated and recognized as archetypal, vernacular architecture in the studied period is fading away and gradually disappears, faced with modern building techniques and architectural styles, brought by formally educated builders. The goal of this study is to examine the processes within which mentioned transformation is occurring and, accordingly, to understand the vernacular architecture which developed in practice. Since vernacular architecture in Serbian historiography has up to now only been examined in the context of traditional rural architecture, or of, so called national style, the main premise of the study is to offer another approach to this kind of creation, so as to examine and critically view the recent dominant understanding of application of vernacular principles and elements in the architecture of the mentioned period.
Self-managing socialism and urban planning: The case study of general plan of Belgrade 1972
Authors: Radosavljević Jelena
Published: July 2021

This paper aims to open up a discussion about relations between former Yugoslavia's socialism and planning practice resulting from self-managing system established in early 1950s. Although this system was applied through a top-down approach, it implied, at least allegedly, coordination, integration and democratic harmonisation of particular interests with common and general ones on local level. The paper will briefly review the history and concept of socialist ideology and consider the impact that it had on institutional arrangements evolution and planning practice in Serbia. It will then touch on the role of ideology for urban planning process at the local level, understanding self-managing planning principles, their benefits, role and significance in planning practice.
Application of AMMI model in zoning of FAO 400-500 maize hybrids
Authors: Drašković Bojan , Zečević Veselinka , Hojka Zdravko , Filipović Milomir , Srdić Jelena , Kravić Natalija , Babić Vojka
Published: July 2021

Identification of high yielding and stable genotypes is one of the main goals in all breeding programmes. Estimation of hybrids is often aggravated due to the presence of genotype x environment (GE) interaction. One of the ways to eliminate negative effect of this interaction is the application of reliable statistical models such as AMMI model, which singles out high yielding and stable genotypes that have positive reaction to the improvement of production environments. This research aimed to establish specific maize hybrids interactions in different environments in two years by AMMI analysis. Twelve KWS maize hybrids belonging to FAO 400-500, were examined in two years over eight locations in Vojvodina. The highest yield in both years had the hybrid KWS2 (12.764 kg ha-1). Based on the AMMI1 model, hybrid KWS9 showed the highest stability and adaptability at all locations. According to AMMI2, hybrids KWS1, KWS3 and KWS12, had the highest stability and adaptability, while hybrids KWS2, KWS6, KWS8, KWS9 and KWS10 showed a satisfactory level of stability and it is necessary to pay attention to which locations they have positive interactions in order to be recommended in such regions. Nevertheless, based on the AMMI2, locations Temerin, Kikinda and Zrenjanin, showed similar interaction response, which points out that the number of trial locations could be reduced. Obtained results would contribute to the more precise decision in hybrids recommendation for the certain region, but also in defining further aims in maize breeding.
Open model of education using Open Source principles
Authors: Viduka Dejan , Ličina Boris , Kraguljac Vladimir
Published: July 2021

The information society is a force that has changed the way we live, work, learn, inform and have fun today. The open model of education has experienced explosive growth in the last decade thanks to the increasing availability of modern technologies. The Open Access Initiative can now be seen in many areas of education and science where it contributes to faster and better acquisition and dissemination of knowledge. This paper discusses the possibilities of using a new open model based on the principles of Open Source. The scientific contribution represents opportunities for application and improvement for all actors in the process, while creating significant financial savings and impact on the digital divide. This is reflected in the use of legal software that is free, the use of old computer configurations and open access to scientific and university publications. In this way, schools, teachers and students have the opportunity to participate in teaching, work or play, regardless of their financial status.
Making Time: Words, Narratives, and Clocks in Elementary Mathematics
Authors: Earnest Darrell , Chandler John
Published: July 2021

This article investigates the interplay of time words with how children position hands on an analog clock. Using a mathematics discourse framework (Sfard, 2008), we analyzed how students interpreted precise (e.g., 2:30) and relative (e.g., half past 11) times, finding that particular words are dynamically interwoven with activity. Interviews with students in Grades 2 and 4 revealed that different prompts led to different narrative descriptions about time on the clock, with precise times leading to whole-number descriptions and relative times to part-whole descriptions consistent with fractions. Subsequent analysis of assessment performance for students across Grades 2–5 corroborated that specific time prompts led to particular clock interpretations. Implications for theory and the K–12 treatment of time measure are discussed.
¿Puede un ‘serious game’ influir positivamente en pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica?
Authors: Bonet Carles
Published: July 2021

Un doctorado industrial consiste en llevar a cabo un proyecto de investigación en un entorno empresarial en que detrás de todo está el producto final que la empresa comercializará. Para la persona doctoranda tiene grandes ventajas porque puede llevarlo a cabo mientras trabaja, ya que es necesario que la empresa la contrate para hacer esta tarea. Además, tanto la persona doctoranda como la universidad que le presta ayuda reciben ayudas económicas para poder sacar adelante el proyecto.
The long and short of it
Authors: Passmore Lori A , Tang Terence TL
Published: July 2021

Longer poly(A) tails improve translation in early development, but not in mature cells that have higher levels of the protein PABPC.
A catalyst for change
Authors: Stachl Chrissy
Published: July 2021

Disillusioned with conducting chemistry experiments in a basement, a new graduate student decides instead to dedicate her PhD to improving the culture of her research environment.
Application of different building representation techniques in HEC-RAS 2-D for urban flood modeling using the Toce River experimental case
Authors: Mustafa Andam , Szydłowski Michał
Published: July 2021

This paper presents the impact of the choice of building representation techniques and hydrodynamic models on urban flood simulations using HEC-RAS 2-D for the Toce River physical model. To this end, eight numerical models based on previous laboratory experiments were prepared to simulate unsteady urban flooding on each side of building units. Two simplified building layouts (aligned and staggered) were examined, where models were prepared for two different building representation techniques: Building Block (BB) and Building Resistance (BR). Water depth variation computations using the BR and BB techniques were compared to the laboratory measurements and previous studies in the literature. A statistical analysis was performed using both the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) in order to evaluate the performance of the models. A sensitivity analysis showed that the proper mesh resolution and model parameter values were obtained. As far as the BR technique is concerned, it is well-suited for representing building units in numerical simulations using high Manning coefficients. Furthermore, this study confirms the importance of the BR technique, which should help researchers in using low-resolution Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) along with open-source programs. Moreover, the study aims to produce a deeper comprehension of numerical modeling and urban flooding.
Confidence intervals for the difference between the coefficients of variation of Weibull distributions for analyzing wind speed dispersion
Authors: La-ongkaew Manussaya , Niwitpong Sa-Aat , Niwitpong Suparat
Published: July 2021

Wind energy is an important renewable energy source for generating electricity that has the potential to replace fossil fuels. Herein, we propose confidence intervals for the difference between the coefficients of variation of Weibull distributions constructed using the concepts of the generalized confidence interval (GCI), Bayesian methods, the method of variance estimates recovery (MOVER) based on Hendricks and Robey’s confidence interval, a percentile bootstrap method, and a bootstrap method with standard errors. To analyze their performances, their coverage probabilities and expected lengths were evaluated via Monte Carlo simulation. The simulation results indicate that the coverage probabilities of GCI were greater than or sometimes close to the nominal confidence level. However, when the Weibull shape parameter was small, the Bayesian- highest posterior density interval was preferable. All of the proposed confidence intervals were applied to wind speed data measured at 90-meter wind energy potential stations at various regions in Thailand.
Ethnozoological Study on Ichthyotherapy among the Suku People (Feshi Territory, Kwango Province), Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Kiamfu Victor Pwema , Kivudi Patience , Swana Willy Lusasi , Mutanda Santos Kavumbu , Kilingwa Clément Munganga , Yakolina Angélique Osobo , Ngbolua Koto-Te-Nyiwa , Micha Jean-Claude
Published: July 2021

A survey was conducted from August 15, 2019 to February 20, 2020 among 67 traditional healers in order to know the species of fish that are used in the composition of traditional medicines used to treat some diseases in the Kambundi-Nganga Group, Ganaketi Sector, Feshi Territory in Kwango (DR Congo). The results obtained show that seventeen (17) species of fish belonging to 14 genera, 12 families and 8 orders are used by traditional healers to treat 24 pathologies. The fish of the order Siluriformes offer eight (8) species of fish which are used in the preparation of medicines for treating diseases. The fish species frequently used are respectively: Parauchenoglanis punctatus (31.3%), Clarias ebriensis and Gymnallabes typus representing respectively 16.4% and Malapterurus electricus (12%). It is followed by the order of Characiformes and Perciformes with respectively two species of fish. Fish of the orders Osteoglossiformes, Channiformes, Cyprinodontiformes, Symbranchiformes and Cypriniformes are represented by one species. The most treated pathologies are: bronchitis, asthma, dysmenorrhea and rheumatism. The most used parts of the fish are bones (32%), head bones (24%), fins (19%), scales (6%) or sometimes the whole fish (15%). It is therefore desirable that in-depth chemical and pharmacological studies be conducted in order to scientifically validate the use of fish in ichthyotherapy and to identify the active principles with therapeutic value for each species.
Radiographic and fluoroscopic X‐ray systems: Quality control of the X‐ray tube and automatic exposure control using theoretical spectra to determine air kerma and dose to a homogenous phantom
Authors: Konst Bente , Nøtthellen Jacob , Bilet Ellinor , Båth Magnus
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To develop a method to perform quality control (QC) of X‐ray tubes and automatic exposure control (AEC) as a part of the QC of the radiographic and fluoroscopic X‐ray system. Our aim is to verify the output from the X‐ray tube by comparing the measured radiation output, or air kerma, to the theoretical output given the applied exposure settings and geometry, in addition to comparing the measured kV to the nominal kV. The AEC system for fluoroscopic and conventional X‐ray systems is assessed by determining the absorbed dose to a homogenous phantom with different thicknesses.

Method

This study presents a model to verify the X‐ray tube measurement results and a method to determine the dose to a homogenous phantom (Dphantom). The following input is needed: a parameterized model of the X‐ray spectrum, the X‐ray tube measurements using a multifunctional X‐ray meter, the exposure parameters recorded via imaging of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) slabs of different thickness that simulate the patient using AEC, and a parameterized model for calculating the dose to water from Monte Carlo simulations. The output is the entrance surface dose (ESD) and absorbed dose in the phantom, Dphantom (µGy). In addition, the parameterized X‐ray spectrum is used to compare theoretical and measured air kerma as a part of the QC of the X‐ray tube. To verify the proposed method, the X‐ray spectrum provided in this study, SPECTRUM, was compared to two commercially available spectra, SpekCalc and Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) 78. The fraction of energy imparted to the homogenous phantom was compared to the imparted fraction calculated by PCXMC.

Results

The spectrum provided in this study was in good agreement with two previously published X‐ray spectra. The absolute percentage differences of the spectra varied from 0.05% to 3.9%, with an average of 1.4%, compared to SpekCalc. Similarly, the deviation from IPEM report 78 varied from 0.02% to 2.3%, with an average of 0.74%. The SPECTRUM was parameterized for calculation of the imparted fraction for target angles of 10°, 12°, and 15°, kV (50–150 kV) with the materials Al (2.2–8 mm), Cu (0–1 mm), and any combination of the filters, PMMA and water. The deviation of energy imparted from the results by PCXMC was less than 8% for all measurements across different kV, filtration, and vendors, obtained by using PMMA to record the exposure parameters, while the dose was calculated based on water with same thicknesses as the PMMA.

Conclusion

This study presents an accurate and suitable method to perform a part of the QC of fluoroscopic and conventional X‐ray systems with respect to the X‐ray tube and the associated AEC system. The method is suitable for comparing protocols within and between systems via the absorbed dose.
Robust attitude estimation of rotating space debris based on virtual observations of neural network
Authors: Ma Chuan , Zheng Zixuan , Chen Jianlin , Yuan Jianping
Published: July 2021

High precise estimation and prediction of the target's attitude motion are key technologies for capturing and removing rotating space debris. In this article, a neural‐network‐enhanced Kalman filter (NNEKF) is proposed to improve the precision and robustness of attitude estimation algorithm. The main innovation of the NNEKF is to utilize virtual observations of the inertia characteristics to improve the filter's performances. The virtual observations are obtained using a neural network, which is offline trained using simulation data. In order to decrease the number of nodes of the network, the input data are preprocessed using the discrete Fourier transformation method. Moreover, by involving the characteristic frequencies in the input vector, the neural network can extract information from all the past observations, so as to grasp long‐term characteristics of the dynamical system. Therefore, the NNEKF can provide more precise estimation of the target's moment of inertia, and furthermore improve the accuracy and robustness of attitude estimation and prediction. Simulation results indicate that the NNEKF can reduce the estimation errors by 39% compared with the conventional EKF method when using the same measurement data. And the accumulation errors of prediction using estimates of the NNEKF is just as 24% as the conventional EKF.
Which is better: weekly, monthly or daily buprenorphine?
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2021

The answer to the question posed in the headline depends on whom you ask, but studies are coming out reporting patient viewpoints on what formulations of buprenorphine they prefer. A randomized clinical trial funded by Camurus, maker of both weekly and monthly depot versions, said patients preferred either of these to the daily oral (see “Australian study touts patient satisfaction with depot buprenorphine,” ADAW, May 31, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33080).
Overcoming T Cell Exhaustion via Immune Checkpoint Modulation with a Dendrimer‐Based Hybrid Nanocomplex
Authors: Gao Yue , Ouyang Zhijun , Yang Chao , Song Cong , Jiang Chunjuan , Song Shaoli , Shen Mingwu , Shi Xiangyang
Published: July 2021

T cell exhaustion, in which dysfunctional T cells are limited in cytokine release and constrained in immune response, leads to immune escape of cancer cells and decreased efficiency of cancer immunotherapy. Direct regulation or blocking of programmed death 1 (PD‐1) represents a promising strategy to overcome T cell exhaustion for reinvigorating anticancer immunity. Here, the construction of a 1,3‐propanesultone (1,3‐PS)‐grafted zwitterionic dendrimer‐entrapped gold nanoparticle platform chelated with Gd(III) (Gd‐Au DENP‐PS) for immune checkpoint modulation is reported. The developed Gd‐Au DENP‐PS possesses good stability, antifouling property, biocompatibility, and dual‐mode computed tomography (CT)/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging functions, and allows for efficient packaging and serum‐enhanced delivery of PD‐1 siRNA to mediate PD‐1 gene silencing in T cells in vitro, and also in vivo in a melanoma‐bearing mouse model and in healthy aging mice. The dendrimer nanocomplexes or T cell‐laden nanocomplexes enable suppression of tumor growth through the generation of significant effector CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, and the tumor immunotherapeutic potency can be further improved by combination with an indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase inhibitor. This study identifies a new possibility with a functional dendrimer‐based nanohybrid platform for dual‐mode CT/MR imaging‐guided cancer immunotherapy via the regulation of T cell exhaustion.
Pediatric emergency medicine fellowship point‐of‐care ultrasound training in 2020
Authors: Cramer Natan , Cantwell Lauren , Ong Hilary , Sivasankar Shyam M. , Graff Danielle , Lawson Simone L. , Wilson Paria M. , Noorbakhsh Kathleen A. , Mickley Megan , Zuckerbraun Noel S. , Sobolewski Brad , Soung Jane K. , Azhdam Devora B. , Wagner Neville Desiree N. , Hincapie Mark R. , Marin Jennifer R.
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The primary objective was to survey pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) leaders and fellows regarding point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) training in PEM fellowship programs, including teaching methods, training requirements, and applications taught. Secondary objectives were to compare fellows' and program leaders' perceptions of fellow POCUS competency and training barriers.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional survey of U.S. PEM fellows and fellowship program leaders of the 78 fellowship programs using two online group‐specific surveys exploring five domains: program demographics; training strategies and requirements; perceived competency; barriers, strengths, and weaknesses of POCUS training; and POCUS satisfaction.

Results

Eighty‐three percent (65/78) of programs and 53% (298/558) of fellows responded. All participating PEM fellowship programs included POCUS training in their curriculum. Among the 65 programs, 97% of programs and 92% of programs utilized didactics and supervised scanning shifts as educational techniques, respectively. Sixty percent of programs integrated numerical benchmarks and 49% of programs incorporated real‐time, hands‐on demonstration as training requirements. Of the 19 POCUS applications deemed in the literature as core requirements for fellows, at least 75% of the 298 fellows reported training in 13 of those applications. Although less than half of fellows endorsed competency for identifying intussusception, ultrasound‐guided pericardiocentesis, and transvaginal pregnancy evaluation, a higher proportion of leaders reported fellows as competent for these applications (40% vs. 68%, p ≤ 0.001; 21% vs. 39%, p = 0.003; and 21% vs. 43%, p ≤ 0.001). Forty‐six percent of fellows endorsed a lack of PEM POCUS evidence as a training barrier compared to 31% of leaders (p = 0.02), and 39% of leaders endorsed a lack of local financial support as a training barrier compared to 23% of fellows (p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Although most PEM fellowship programs provide POCUS training, there is variation in content and requirements. Training does conform to many of the expert recommended guidelines; however, there are some discrepancies and perceived barriers to POCUS training remain.
Contributions of evolutionary anthropology to understanding climate‐induced human migration
Authors: Templon Alannah R. , Kirsch Danielle R. , Towner Mary C.
Published: July 2021

Humans are able to thrive in a multitude of ecological and social environments, including varied environments over an individual lifetime. Migration—leaving one place of residence for another—is a central feature of many people's life histories, and environmental change goes hand‐in‐hand with migration, both in terms of cause and consequence. Climate change has amplified this connection between environment and migration, with the potential to profoundly impact millions of lives. Although climate‐induced migration has been at the forefront of other disciplines in the social sciences, evolutionary anthropologists (EAs) have given it little attention. In this paper we draw upon existing literature and contribute our EA perspective to present a framework for analyzing climate‐induced migration that utilizes theoretical approaches from a variety of social science disciplines. We focus on three overlapping dimensions—time, space, and severity—relevant to understanding the impact of climate change on human migration. We apply this framework to case studies from North America of people impacted by climate change and extreme weather events, including hurricanes, droughts, rising sea‐levels, and wildfires. We also consider how access to both economic and social resources influence decisions regarding migration. Research focused on climate‐induced human migration can benefit equally from the addition of EA perspectives and a more interdisciplinary theoretical approach.
Effects of reinforcements and gamma‐irradiation on wear performance of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene as acetabular cup liner in hip‐joint arthroplasty: A review
Authors: Nayak Chinmayee , Balani Kantesh
Published: July 2021

Improving the wear resistance of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), the gold standard polymer for acetabular component in hip joint arthroplasty, is the most important challenge in joint arthroplasty. The possible ways that have been approached to this challenge are by: (i) engineering multi‐phase that is, both carbonaceous and noncarbonaceous fillers‐based polyethylene composites, which unite the inherent attributes of each element available in the system. The wear rate of carbonaceous composite is nearly 50% lower (5.11–6.69 × 10−5 mm3/Nm) than that of noncarbonaceous composite (10–12.5 × 10−5 mm3/Nm), thus, recognized as a potential reinforcement, and (ii) coupling gamma‐irradiation, which is a mandated sterilization process, with multi‐phase nanocomposite to understand the free radical‐scavenging effect of fillers and improved interfacial adhesion strength between fillers and matrix. After the exposure of gamma‐rays (50–100 kGy), the free radicals formed by bond breakage in both the reinforcements and the matrix recombine to form covalent/Van der Waals bond in the interface. Thus, dramatical improvement in wear resistance of both types of composites with 2–4 times decreased wear rate is observed compared to that of composites under un‐irradiated condition. However, enhancing the interfacial adhesion between two different phases is a major constraint in the design of UHMWPE composites. Many methods such as functionalization of reinforcements, and irradiation on functionalized UHMWPE composites that can be approached to address this constraint are documented in this review.
Engineering all‐aromatic polyamide surface from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic and the accelerated strategy
Authors: Lv Jing , Guo Longhai , Xie Chunjie , Xu Weitong , Ye Jun , Li Xiaoyu , Qiu Teng , Tuo Xinlin
Published: July 2021

Being a new kind of nanomaterials, aromatic polyamide nanofibers (ANF) have been much highlighted in recent studies. We here demonstrate an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) accelerated chemical cleavage on poly (p‐phenylene terephthalamide) chopped fibers, which provides an efficient preparation method of ANF. The comprehensive study on the processes accelerated by different alcohols revealed that the preparation time of ANF in the mixed medium of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)‐alcohol (20:1 in volume) was shorten to 45 min and 75 min for methanol (ethanol) and isopropanol, respectively. However, the nanofibers prepared in DMSO‐IPA exhibited the minimum in axial and radial dimensions, providing the finest and most uniform diameter of 16 nm. The corresponding ANF films through vacuum assisted filtration also showed the highest tensile strength of 150 MPa, in comparison with those of the ANF films prepared using other alcohols, which were about 110 MPa. Furthermore, ANF/silicon hybrid films were prepared by the ionic ring‐opening reaction followed by the alkoxysilane condensation and nanoparticle fabrication. By changing the organo functional groups in the alkoxysilane, the surface of the films were adjustable in a wide contact angle range from 56° (hydrophilic) to 150° (superhydrophobic), suggesting the amendable interfacial properties potential applicable to composite fabrication with most of the resin matrix.
Alteration of unfolded protein responses and autophagy signaling represented the molecular basis underlying saccharin toxicity to Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Osabutey Angelina F. , Kim A‐Young , Seo Bo Yoon , Mai Linh Xuan , Koh Young Ho
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to develop a new control method for Drosophila using saccharin sodium dihydrate (saccharin), an artificial sweetener that is safe for humans and the environment, and to elucidate its mode of action. In this study, we confirmed that saccharin can dose‐dependently inhibit the development of or kill vinegar flies (VFs) and spotted wing Drosophila (SWDs). In addition, we found that low concentrations of saccharin induced a similar effect as starvation in Drosophila, whereas high concentrations of saccharin induced changes in the unfolded protein response (UPR) and autophagy signaling that were unlike starvation and inhibited development or killed the VF and the SWD by performing real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses. Spinosad is a widely used plant protection agent for SWD control. When saccharin was cotreated with 0.25–1.0 ppm spinosad, an additive insecticidal activity was observed only at high concentrations of saccharin. However, when saccharin was cotreated with 2.0 ppm spinosad, an additive insecticidal activity was observed at low concentrations of saccharin. Taken together, alteration of UPR and autophagy signaling represented the molecular basis underlying saccharin toxicity to Drosophila and concurrent spraying of an insecticide with saccharin could enhance the insecticidal activities.
New results on finite‐time stability of fractional‐order Cohen–Grossberg neural networks with time delays
Authors: Du Feifei , Lu Jun‐Guo
Published: July 2021

The finite‐time stability (FTS) of fractional‐order delayed Cohen–Grossberg neural networks (FODCGNNs) with the order ℘ ∈ (1, 2) is investigated in this study. Based on the fractional‐order delayed Gronwall inequality (FODGI), a new sufficient condition to guarantee the FTS of FODCGNNs is established, which reduces the conservation of the existing criterion. Finally, one numerical example is exhibited to illustrate the effectiveness and less conservativeness of the obtained results.
Understanding Community Water System Disinfection Practices in the United States
Authors: Gibson Mark C. , Bartrand Timothy A.
Published: July 2021

Key Takeaways

A novel analysis was conducted of utility‐provided and US Environmental Protection Agency–collected data on disinfection practices for small, medium, large, and very large community water systems.

The analysis includes a total of 3,823 systems across four size categories that collectively serve more than 217 million US customers.

In the United States, chlorine‐based disinfectants are by far the most widely used for both centralized (primary) and residual (secondary) disinfection in the distribution system.
The effects of trait social anxiety on affective and behavioral reactions to others' resource allocations
Authors: Anderl Christine , Dorrough Angela R. , Rohrbeck Mariví , Glöckner Andreas
Published: July 2021

Most studies investigating interindividual differences in the context of social decision making have focused on the decision maker. Considerably less empirical attention has been paid to interindividual differences in how recipients react both affectively and behaviorally. In two preregistered studies (total N = 667), we examined whether heightened levels of trait social anxiety are associated with higher levels of forecasted and experienced negative affective reactions in response to uneven resource allocations by an interaction partner in a dictator game and an ultimatum game as well as corresponding hypothetical and actual behavioral reactions. In accordance with our predictions, social anxiety levels correlated with negative affective reactions; these correlations were stronger the more unevenly the resources were allocated by the other individual. The observed effects remained robust when controlling for expectations and basic personality traits and across two different economic social decision‐making tasks. This suggests that social anxiety level is an important contributor to interpersonal differences in affective reactions to another individual's uneven resource allocations.
Determination of amoxicillin and cotrimoxazole concentrations in sputum of patients with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Tron Camille , Belleguic Chantal , Piau Caroline , Brinchault Graziella , Deneuville Eric , Ricordel Charles , Kayal Samer , Bellissant Eric , Verdier Marie‐Clémence , Lemaitre Florian
Published: July 2021

In the management of cystic fibrosis, treatments against Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae such as amoxicillin or cotrimoxazole have to be prescribed and the antibiotherapy's efficacy may be linked to the concentration that reaches the infected site. As cystic fibrosis patients present disturbed pharmacokinetics parameters, drug monitoring would be relevant to assess the lung distribution of antibiotics and to optimize dosing regimens. In this context, the aim of the study was to develop and validate HPLC‐based methods for the determination of both antibiotics in bronchial sputum from cystic fibrosis patients, in order to assess the distribution of the drugs into the lungs. Plasma proteins were precipitated by acetonitrile and amoxicillin concentrations in sputum were determined by HPLC coupled with tandem‐mass spectrometry. Following liquid extraction with ethyl acetate, cotrimoxazole was quantified by HPLC using ultraviolet detection. Both methods were rapid, specific, accurate and reproducible. The method was applied to patient samples. In three treated patients, concentrations of amoxicillin in sputum were similar and below the lower limit of quantification (0.1 μg/g) and in six patients, sputum concentrations up to 11.1 and 6.4 μg/g were measured for sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, respectively.
Activity of Fluorinated Curcuminoids against Leishmania major and Toxoplasma gondii Parasites
Authors: Khan Tariq A. , Koko Waleed S. , Al Nasr Ibrahim S. , Schobert Rainer , Biersack Bernhard
Published: July 2021

A new 3,4‐difluorobenzylidene analog of curcumin, CDF, was recently reported, which demonstrated significantly enhanced bioavailability and in vivo anticancer activity compared with curcumin. For highlighting the antiparasitic behavior of CDF, we tested this compound together with its new O‐methylated analog MeCDF against Leishmania major and Toxoplasma gondii parasites. Both CDF and MeCDF were tested in vitro against L. major and T. gondii. In addition, the in vitro cytotoxicity against Vero cells and macrophages was determined and selectivity indices were calculated. The DPPH radical scavenging activity assay was carried out in order to determine the antioxidant activity of the test compounds. Both compounds showed high activities against both parasite forms with EC50 values in the (sub‐)micromolar range (0.35 to 0.8 μM for CDF, 0.31 to 1.2 μM for MeCDF). The higher activity of CDF against L. major amastigotes when compared with MeCDF can in parts be attributed to the antioxidant activity of CDF while MeCDF lacking any antioxidant activity was more active than CDF against T. gondii parasites. In conclusion, CDF and MeCDF are promising antiparasitic drug candidates due to their high activities against L. major and T. gondii parasites.
Membrane Functionalization in Pilot Scale: Roll‐to‐Roll Electron Beam System with Inline Contact Angle Determination
Authors: Schulze Agnes , Drößler Lutz , Weiß Steffen , Went Marco , Abdul Latif Amira , Breite Daniel , Fischer Kristina
Published: July 2021

Zur Steigerung von Permeationsleistung und Antifouling‐Eigenschaften von Polymermembranen wurde eine einstufige Reaktion mittels Elektronenbestrahlung entwickelt. Dieses Verfahren kombiniert die Oberflächenaktivierung des Membranpolymers und die simultane permanente Immobilisierung von hydrophilen Molekülen. Die Technologie kann auf verschiedene Polymere, Flachfilter‐/Hohlfaser‐Membranen sowie auf alle Porenbereiche angewendet werden. Das dafür entwickelte Rolle‐zu‐Rolle‐System ermöglicht alle Prozess‐Schritte inkl. Inline‐Analytik zur Qualitätskontrolle der Membranoberfläche in einer kontinuierlich betriebenen Anlage.
Color reproduction on varnished cardboard packaging by using lower ink coverages due to the gray component replacement image processing
Authors: Cigula Tomislav , Hudika Tomislav , Donevski Davor
Published: July 2021

Even in these challenging times, cardboard packaging industry is increasing its revenue with stable annual increase prediction, but customers are increasing demands on the packaging with respect to environmental protection, attractiveness, and branding. This article aims to determine the influence of image processing in terms of gray component replacement and overprint varnishing on the color reproduction on a cardboard packaging material. A test chart with tertiary colors was defined and modified by different gray component replacement levels. It was printed in accordance with ISO norm on coated and uncoated cardboard and finished by overprinting water based, offset, and UV varnish. The prepared samples were evaluated by measuring surface coverage, tone value increase (dot gain) of primary colors and calculating ΔE00 of defined tertiary colors. The results showed that gray component replacement application reduces ink consumption. Higher gray component replacement applied results in lower ink surface coverage, but the decrease is also dependent on the image content. The TVI (dot gain) is significantly influenced only by applying UV varnish, resulting with higher TVI. The color differences of the tertiary colors showed that increased level of the gray component replacement applied did not cause significant color differences, even decreased color difference in some cases. Additionally, applying gray component replacement decreased color differences in “reddish” part of the gamut. This research proved that lowering the ink consumption due to the gray component replacement will not cause significant differences in the color reproduction. Furthermore, varnishing with commercial offset or water‐based varnish will not cause higher deviations in color reproduction, but use of the UV varnish would.
Malignancy outcomes and the impact of repeat fine needle aspiration of thyroid nodules with Bethesda category III cytology: A multicenter experience
Authors: Köseoğlu Derya , Özdemir Başer Özden , Çetin Zeynep
Published: July 2021

Background

The clinical management of Bethesda III category thyroid nodules has some undefined points and differs among centers and conflicting malignancy rates are present in the literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the Bethesda category III thyroid nodule outcomes in our centers, to determine malignancy rates and also to evaluate clinical and sonographic features which may help to predict malignancy.

Methods

This retrospective study included 333 patients with thyroid nodules who had Bethesda category III on fine needle aspiration (FNA) in three tertiary medical centers of Turkey.

Results

Among 333 patients, 302 had appropriate follow up. Eighteen patients received thyroidectomy after the first FNA, with a malignancy rate of 38.89% (7/18) and 284 patients received a second FNA. After the second FNA, thyroidectomy was performed in 80 patients and 41 patients needed the third FNA. Thirteen thyroidectomies were performed after the third FNA. Totally 111 patients received thyroidectomy with a malignancy rate of 48.65% (54/111) among patients with surgery and the lower bound was detected as 17.88% (54/302). Of these patients the malignancy rates of patients receiving thyroidectomy with two and three FNAs were 47.50% (38/80) and 69.23% (9/13), respectively. Hypoechogenicity, microcalcification, and irregular margin were found as good predictors for malignancy.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that the malignancy rate was 48.65% in patients receiving thyroidectomy. We showed a higher malignancy rate than the traditionally rate of 5%–15%. This study showed that repeat FNAs decrease the rate of unnecessary surgery performed for benign lesions by increasing the rate of malignancy detection.
Mouse model of panic disorder: Vulnerability to early environmental instability is strain‐dependent
Authors: Luchetti Alessandra , Di Segni Matteo , Andolina Diego , Ventura Rossella , Battaglia Marco , D'Amato Francesca Romana
Published: July 2021

Early life experiences and genetic background shape phenotypic variation. Several mouse models based on early treatments have evaluated short‐ and long‐term phenotypic alterations and explored their molecular mechanisms. The instability of maternal cues was used to model human separation anxiety in outbred mice, one of the etiopathogenetic factors that predict panic disorder (PD). Application of the repeated cross‐fostering (RCF) protocol to inbred strains (C57 and DBA) allowed us to measure differential responses to the same experimental manipulation. Ultrasounds emitted during isolation indicated that after RCF, pups from both strains lose their ability to be comforted by nest cues, but the frequency modulation of separation calls increased in RCF‐C57 and decreased in RCF‐DBA mice. No strain‐specific difference in olfactory ability explained these responses in RCF‐exposed mice. Rather, disruption of the infant‐mother bond may differentially affect separation calls in the two strains. Moreover, the RCF‐associated increased respiratory response to hypercapnia–an endophenotype of human PD documented among mice outbred strains–was replicated in the C57 strain only. We suggest that RCF‐induced instability of the early environment affects emotionality and respiratory physiology differentially, depending on pups’ genetic background. These strain‐specific responses provide a lead to understand differential vulnerability to emotional disorders.
Infants’ stress responses and protest behaviors at childcare entry and the role of care providers
Authors: Ahnert Lieselotte , Eckstein‐Madry Tina , Piskernik Bernhard , Porges Stephen W. , Lamb Michael E.
Published: July 2021

During the transition from home to childcare, 70 15‐month‐old infants were videotaped, and their negative emotions were rated. Infants’ attachments to mothers were assessed prior to child care entry and to care providers five months later using the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP). Infant heart rate was monitored at home, during adaptation to childcare (mothers present), and during subsequent separations. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) was computed from the beat‐to‐beat measures of heart rate to reflect vagal tone, which is reduced during chronic states of stress, and was collected upon Arrival, during in‐group Play, and when in the Group more generally. All infants responded to childcare entry with low RSA levels indicating stress. However, during adaptation with the mother present, RSA was higher for securely attached infants. On the first separation day, 35.3% of the infants fussed and cried extensively. These intense protests predicted later secure attachments to care providers, which adaptively helped to reduce stress, especially in infants who protested extensively, as if summoning their mothers back. Because extensive protest suggests limited regulatory capacities, infants risk overburdening the stress system when left unsupported.