bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of design‐based mean squared error of a small area mean model‐based estimator under a nested error linear regression model
Authors: Stefan Marius , Hidiroglou Michael A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this article, we propose a conditional model estimator (cmmse) for the design‐based mean squared error (dMSE) of a small area mean estimator under the basic unit level model. The mean squared error dMSE refers to the variability of a small area estimator over all possible sample selections. It is different from the model mean squared error (mMSE), traditionally used to measure the efficiency in small area estimation problems. For known model parameters, Rao, Rubin‐Bleuer & Estevao [Rao et al., Survey Methodology 2018; 44, 151–166] showed that dMSE depends on two quadratic finite population parameters. A design estimator of dMSE, denoted as dmse, is obtained by substituting the quadratic parameters with their corresponding design unbiased estimators. Rao, Rubin‐Bleuer & Estevao [Rao et al., Survey Methodology 2018; 44, 151–166] proposed a composite MSE estimator (cmse) based on both the design and the model. This estimator is defined as a weighted average between the design‐based dmse and a model‐based estimator (mmse). Given known variance components, we obtain a new formula for dMSE that accounts for the estimation of the fixed model coefficients. Our conditional model MSE estimator cmmse is obtained by replacing the quadratic finite population parameters by their best predictions under the model, in the new formula of dMSE. Properties of the proposed estimator are studied in terms of design bias, relative root mean squared error, coverage rate and a score function of the confidence intervals.
Measuring force generation within reconstituted microtubule bundle assemblies using optical tweezers
Authors: Al Azzam Omayma , Trussell Cameron Lee , Reinemann Dana N. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractKinesins and microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) are critical to sustain life, facilitating cargo transport, cell division, and motility. To interrogate the mechanistic underpinnings of their function, these microtubule‐based motors and proteins have been studied extensively at the single molecule level. However, a long‐standing issue in the single molecule biophysics field has been how to investigate motors and associated proteins within a physiologically relevant environment in vitro. While the one motor/one filament orientation of a traditional optical trapping assay has revolutionized our knowledge of motor protein mechanics, this reductionist geometry does not reflect the structural hierarchy in which many motors work within the cellular environment. Here, we review approaches that combine the precision of optical tweezers with reconstituted ensemble systems of microtubules, MAPs, and kinesins to understand how each of these unique elements work together to perform large scale cellular tasks, such as but not limited to building the mitotic spindle. Not only did these studies develop novel techniques for investigating motor proteins in vitro, but they also illuminate ensemble filament and motor synergy that helps bridge the mechanistic knowledge gap between previous single molecule and cell level studies.
Public–private collaboration in the provision of palliative care for children and adolescents with cancer: A Chilean experience
Authors: Fernández Jazmine , Roje Dunja , Rossell Nuria , Zubieta Marcela 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn Chile, children and adolescents with cancer in need of palliative care receive services through a collaborative scheme run in coordination between the hospitals of the public health system that attend children with cancer and the non‐profit civil society organization Fundación Nuestros Hijos (FNH).AimThe main objective of this article is to offer a summary of the Chilean experience in the provision of palliative care services for children and adolescents with cancer, as an example of a public‐private partnership that improves the quality of life and the end‐of‐life experience for the children, adolescents, and their families.Methods and resultsThe palliative care program works with the children and their families as main members of the team, providing medical services for pain and symptom alleviation, psycho‐social support, rehabilitation for the improvement of quality of life, and aid to secure the best physical conditions for the child at home or in temporary housing for the whole family.ConclusionThe private‐public collaboration between the Chilean health system and the FNH is a successful model to help families suffering the devastating loss of a child.
Quantitative modelling of fish habitat in a large regulated river in a changing climate
Authors: Wegscheider Bernhard , Linnansaari Tommi , Monk Wendy A. , Ndong Mouhamed , Haralampides Katy , St‐Hilaire Andre , Schneider Matthias , Curry R. Allen 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe expansion of hydropower in combination with the already existing infrastructure and a changing climate are significantly influencing the world's rivers. The resulting alteration in flow regimes is expected to strongly affect fish habitat and associated fish communities both spatially and temporally. Using habitat modelling, this study identified habitat bottlenecks during the critical summer low flow period and fish assemblages that will be most susceptible to regulated and predicted future flow regimes in the Saint John River downstream the Mactaquac Generating Station. Expert knowledge‐based habitat models were applied at the meso‐scale to evaluate the influence of alternative future flow regimes on habitat suitability indices of fish assemblages. Dam renewal and removal scenarios predicted low habitat suitability for rheophilic fish species, particularly during prolonged low flow periods in dry years. Limnophilic and eurytopic fish assemblages were not expected to be limited in habitat conditions. Overall, the proposed modelling approach represents a promising tool to support the development of environmental flows in large regulated rivers that face challenges with ageing infrastructure and a changing climate.
Oxidative Degradation of Azo Dyes in Aqueous Solution by Water‐Soluble Iron Porphyrin Catalyst
Authors: Saha Tapan Kumar , Frauendorf Holm , Meyer Franc 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTextile and food industries produce a significant volume of effluents containing azo dyes and other pollutants. These effluents are serious environmental threats, and new methods for their treatment and for the degradation of azo dyes are thus attracting much attention. The current study deals with the oxidative degradation of azo dyes by meso‐tetrakis(1‐methylpyridinium‐4‐yl)prophyrinatoiron(III), [FeIII(tmpyp)], and meta‐chloroperoxy benzoic acid (m‐CPBA) in aqueous solution at room temperature. The catalytic degradation of azo dyes was investigated by using rapid‐scan stopped‐flow spectrophotometry as a function of solution pH, [catalyst], [m‐CPBA], [dye] and [surfactants]. To obtain mechanistic insight, the reaction between [FeIII(tmpyp)] and m‐CPBA was also studied in aqueous solution in absence of azo dyes. Spectral analyses and kinetic data show that [FeIII(tmpyp)] is transformed into the transient intermediate [FeIV(O)(tmpyp)].+ (a compound I analog) within 20–30 ms followed by the formation of relatively stable [FeIV(O)(tmpyp)] (a compound II analog). Batch experiments reveal that the dye degradation rate is influenced by the solution pH and the concentrations of [FeIII(tmpyp)], m‐CPBA, dye, and surfactants. On the basis of the kinetic and spectroscopic data, a mechanistic scheme for the dye degradation reaction and a steady‐state rate equation are proposed. The products resulting from oxidative degradation of the azo dye amaranth have been analyzed by HPLC‐UV‐HRMS.
Nitric Oxide Release for Enhanced Biocompatibility and Analytical Performance of Implantable Electrochemical Sensors
Authors: Zhang Qi , Meyerhoff Mark E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe real‐time, continuous monitoring of glucose/lactate, blood gases and electrolytes by implantable electrochemical sensors holds significant value for critically ill and diabetic patients. However, the wide‐spread use of such devices has been seriously hampered by implant‐initiated host responses (e. g., thrombus formation, inflammatory responses and bacterial infection) when sensors are implanted in blood or tissue. As a result, the accuracy and usable lifetime of in vivo sensors are often compromised. Nitric oxide (NO) is an endogenous gas molecule able to inhibit platelet adhesion/activation, inflammatory responses and bacterial growth. As such, the release of NO from the surfaces of in vivo sensors is a promising strategy for enhancement of their biocompatibility and analytical performance. In this review, the physiological functions of NO to improve the biocompatibility of implantable electrochemical sensors are introduced, followed by a brief analysis of chemical approaches to realize NO release from such devices. A detailed summary of the various types of NO releasing electrochemical sensors reported to date and their performance in benchtop and/or in vivo testing are also provided. Finally, the prospects of future developments to further advance NO releasing sensor technology for clinical use are discussed.
Development of low‐cost planar electrodes and microfluidic channels for applications in capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D)
Authors: Takekawa Victor Sadanory , Marques Letícia Aparecida , Strubinger Ethan , Segato Thiago Pinotti , Bogusz Stanislau , Brazaca Laís Canniatti , Carrilho Emanuel 
Published: June 2021

AbstractElectrochemical techniques are commonly applied to micro total analysis system (μTAS) devices mainly due to its high sensitivity and miniaturization capacity. Among many electrochemical techniques, capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D) stands out for not requiring direct electrode‐solution contact, avoiding several problems such as electrolysis, bubble formation, and metal degradation. Furthermore, the instrumentation required for C4D measurements is compact, low cost, and easy to use, allowing in situ measurements to be performed even by nonspecialized personal. Contrarily, the production of metallic electrodes and microchannels adequate for C4D measurements commonly requires specialized facilities and workers, increasing the costs of applying these methods. We propose alternatives to batch manufacture metallic electrodes and polymeric microchannels for C4D analysis using more straightforward equipment and lower‐cost materials. Three devices with different dielectric layer compositions and electrode sizes were tested and compared regarding their analytical performance. The constructed platforms have shown a reduction of more than 64% in cost when compared to traditional techniques and displayed good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.994), reproducibility (RSD ≤ 4.07%, n = 3), and limits of detection (≤0.26 mmol/L) when measuring standard NaCl samples. Therefore, the proposed methods were successfully validated and are available for further C4D applications such as diagnosis of dry‐eye syndrome.
Testing and estimation of X‐chromosome SNP effects: Impact of model assumptions
Authors: Song Yilin , Biernacka Joanna M. , Winham Stacey J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractInterest in analyzing X chromosome single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is growing and several approaches have been proposed. Prior studies have compared power of different approaches, but bias and interpretation of coefficients have received less attention. We performed simulations to demonstrate the impact of X chromosome model assumptions on effect estimates. We investigated the coefficient biases of SNP and sex effects with commonly used models for X chromosome SNPs, including models with and without assumptions of X chromosome inactivation (XCI), and with and without SNP–sex interaction terms. Sex and SNP coefficient biases were observed when assumptions made about XCI and sex differences in SNP effect in the analysis model were inconsistent with the data‐generating model. However, including a SNP–sex interaction term often eliminated these biases. To illustrate these findings, estimates under different genetic model assumptions are compared and interpreted in a real data example. Models to analyze X chromosome SNPs make assumptions beyond those made in autosomal variant analysis. Assumptions made about X chromosome SNP effects should be stated clearly when reporting and interpreting X chromosome associations. Fitting models with SNP × Sex interaction terms can avoid reliance on assumptions, eliminating coefficient bias even in the absence of sex differences in SNP effect.
Colonic perforation due to ovarian cancer invasion: An unusual event
Authors: Pitarch‐Martínez María , Blanco‐Elena Juan Antonio , Robles‐Quesada María Teresa , Alberca‐Páramo Ana , Granados‐García José 
Published: June 2021

SynopsisThe present study reports a case of colonic perforation, which is a rare presentation of ovarian cancer that requires emergent surgical treatment.
In vivo evidence for the cellular basis of central hypoventilation of Rett syndrome and pharmacological correction in the rat model
Authors: Wu Yang , Cui Ningren , Xing Hao , Zhong Weiwei , Arrowood Colin , Johnson Christopher M. , Jiang Chun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused mostly by mutations in the MECP2 gene. RTT patients show periodical hypoventilation attacks. The breathing disorder contributing to the high incidence of sudden death is thought to be due to depressed central inspiratory (I) activity via unknown cellular processes. Demonstration of such processes may lead to targets for pharmacological control of the RTT‐type hypoventilation. We performed in vivo recordings from medullary respiratory neurons on the RTT rat model. To our surprise, both I and expiratory (E) neurons in the ventral respiratory column (VRC) increased their firing activity in Mecp2‐null rats with severe hypoventilation. These I neurons including E–I phase‐spanning and other I neurons remained active during apneas. Consistent with enhanced central I drive, ectopic phrenic discharges during expiration as well as apnea were observed in the Mecp2‐null rats. Considering the increased I neuronal firing and ectopic phrenic activity, the RTT‐type hypoventilation does not seem to be caused by depression in central I activity, neither reduced medullary I premotor output. This as well as excessive E neuronal firing as shown in our previous studies suggests inadequate synaptic inhibition for phase transition. We found that the abnormal respiratory neuronal firing, ectopic phrenic discharge as well as RTT‐type hypoventilation all can be corrected by enhancing GABAergic inhibition. More strikingly, Mecp2‐null rats reaching humane endpoints with severe hypoventilation can be rescued by GABAergic augmentation. Thus, defective GABAergic inhibition among respiratory neurons is likely to play a role in the RTT‐type hypoventilation, which can be effectively controlled with pharmacological agents.
Bird flu outbreak amidst COVID‐19 pandemic in South Africa: Efforts and challenges at hand
Authors: Uwishema Olivier , Adriano Lubanga F. , Chalhoub Elie , Onyeaka Helen , Mhanna Melissa , David Success C. , Nasrallah Yves , Ribeiro Lucas L. P. A. , Berjaoui Christin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractOver the months of April and May 2021, South Africa has witnessed several outbreaks of highly infective avian influenza (H5N1) in different poultry farms. This came as a shock to a country that was already battling with the deadly COVID‐19 pandemic. The emergence of the virus has spurred import bans and massive culls in the poultry business. Local experts have also called for a restriction on the movement of people and cars in and out of their chicken farms. Employees have also been encouraged to shower in the mornings when they arrive at the farms and wear fresh clothes, as the flu spreads very quickly. In a country that is already facing the economic implications of the COVID‐19, this has the potential to cause a significant dent in the economy, as well as severely impact people's day‐to‐day life. Bird flu—also called avian influenza—is a viral infection that can infect not only birds but also humans and other animals. The threat of a new influenza pandemic has prompted countries to draft national strategic preparedness plans to prevent, contain and mitigate the next human influenza pandemic. This paper describes the South African burden, current efforts, and preparedness against the avian influenza virus.
A novel method for ranking CMIP6 global climate models over the southeast Asian region
Authors: Desmet Quentin , Ngo‐Duc Thanh 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe performance of 28 CMIP6 models in simulating the Southeast Asian (SEA) climate is investigated. An evaluation methodology is developed to evaluate spatiotemporal patterns of precipitation, near‐surface temperature, and 850‐hPa wind. Mean annual cycles of temperature and rainfall are assessed separately over Indochina, the Maritime Continent, and the Philippines; and the summer and winter seasons are selected for studying spatial patterns. Within these distinctions, statistics comparing the models to reference data are calculated. The patterns' shape and phase are notably studied, and wind direction differences are assessed specifically over the most major wind flows. We present a scoring procedure allowing us to give each model a unique score reporting on the diverse evaluation aspects, hence establishing a ranking. The process rests on a scoring function growing exponentially with the performance: it favours the models combining good performances according to the largest number of criteria. The assessment highlights EC‐Earth3 and EC‐Earth3‐Veg, which conduct excellent simulations of the regional patterns of rainfall and wind. Their temperature outputs are also reliable, but CNRM‐CM6 ranks first for this variable, while finishing third globally. Local differences are discussed: we emphasize, among other things, the diverse impact of topography on temperature and rainfall, or the frequent deviation of winter winds circulating from the South China Sea to the Java Sea. In addition, a similarity study reveals major difficulties for simulating near‐equatorial annual cycles of temperature and precipitation whereas the summer monsoon spatial rainfall patterns bring out the largest discrepancies. In any event, the top models pointed out by our ranking constitute a high‐performance subset that further climate modelling experiments in SEA can rely on.
Untargeted metabolomics analysis identifies creatine, myo‐inositol, and lipid pathway modulation in a murine model of tendinopathy
Authors: Sikes Katie J. , McConnell Anna , Serkova Natalie , Cole Brian , Frisbie David 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTendinopathy has been broadly characterized as alterations in cell proliferation, extracellular matrix turnover/synthesis, and inflammatory alterations. However, the underlying glucose metabolism pathways which contribute to these responses have not been well explored. The potential link between glucose metabolism and tendon pathology is interesting from a global standpoint since the development of spontaneous tendinopathy is associated with systemic metabolic disorders including diabetes mellitus. Therefore, the overarching goal of this study was to understand the potential pathogenic role of glucose metabolism‐driven mechanisms in the development of tendinopathy. To test this, we have utilized an untargeted metabolomics approach to discover pathways which may be altered following tendinopathic injury and treadmill running in an established murine model of TGF‐β1 induced tendinopathy. While specific tendon glucose alterations were not observed via metabolomics or 18F‐fluoroeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/microcomputed tomography imaging (18F‐FDG PET/CT), metabolites including creatinine, D‐chiro‐inositol, and lipids were dysregulated following tendon injury. As novel pathways for manipulation, the creatine pathway, myo‐inositol pathway, and lipid signaling may lead to the development of enhanced preventative strategies and therapeutic options for all patients who suffer from tendon‐related injuries.
Vein preservation strategies to improve the survival rate of the infrahyoid musculocutaneous flap
Authors: Nguyen Khoi Anh , Ngo Tham Xuan , Nguyen Can Quoc , Wein Richard O. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe infrahyoid musculocutaneous flap (IHMCF) is a good alternative in the reconstruction of moderate‐sized oral cavity surgical defects. Insufficient venous drainage can significantly affect the survival rate of this flap.ObjectivesIdentify the survival rates of the IHMCF and evaluate the functional capacity of reconstructed patients.DesignWe report a case series.SettingThis study took place at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery of Oncology Hospital Ho Chi Minh City, the largest oncology center in South Vietnam.ParticipantsOne hundred and twelve patients with surgical defects after oral cavity resection for cancer underwent IHMCF reconstruction from November 2013 to November 2018. During the harvest of the flap, our modification of the surgical technique specifically attempted to preserve more secondary veins for IHMCF.Main Outcome MeasuresPostoperative viability of the flap was checked by clinical observation. The last examination was performed at 3‐months after reconstructive operation or after the completion of adjuvant radiotherapy. The functional capacity of our patients was evaluated by three physicians (Head and Neck Surgeon, Radiation Oncologist, and Physiatrist) with understandability of speech scale and the functional oral intake score items assessed.ResultsTwo cases of partial skin necrosis (1.8%) were experienced. The majority of patients demonstrated favorable functional rehabilitation at long‐term follow up.ConclusionsThe IHMCF is a reliable flap suitable for moderate‐sized defects of the oral cavity. Altering the surgical approach to specifically preserve more venous outflow can improve the survival rate of the flap.Level of Evidence4.
Reliability and construct validity of the Duchenne Video Assessment
Authors: Contesse Marielle G. , Sapp Amber T. L. , Apkon Susan D. , Lowes Linda P. , Dalle Pazze Laura , Leffler Mindy G. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe Duchenne Video Assessment (DVA) assesses quality of movement as an indication of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) disease severity. Caregivers video record patients performing home‐based movement tasks using a mobile application, and physical therapists (PTs) rate the videos using scorecards with prespecified compensatory movement criteria. Reliability and construct validity of the DVA were tested using video and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) data from patients with DMD and healthy controls from a separate study.MethodsFifteen PTs were trained and certified as DVA raters. All raters scored videos of five subjects performing each movement task; nine raters rescored the same videos four weeks later. Three raters scored videos from an average of 25 subjects for each movement task. Aggregate scores were used to test construct validity. An expert DMD clinician assigned each video to a severity group for known‐groups analyses. Differences between rater scores across severity groups were tested and correlations between DVA and PODCI scores were calculated.ResultsInter‐rater reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC]) between all 15 raters ranged from 0.70 to 0.97 for all movement tasks. Mean intra‐rater reliability ICC for nine raters ranged from 0.82 to 0.98 for all movement tasks. There were statistically significant differences between known severity groups for all movement tasks. The DVA correlated strongly with related PODCI constructs of physical function and weakly with unrelated constructs.DiscussionThe DVA was found to be a reliable and valid tool for measuring quality of movement as an indication of disease severity.