bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovering and Visualizing Disease-Specific Electrocardiogram Features Using Deep Learning
Authors: van de Leur Rutger R. , Taha Karim , Bos Max N. , van der Heijden Jeroen F. , Gupta Deepak , Cramer Maarten J. , Hassink Rutger J. , van der Harst Pim , Doevendans Pieter A. , Asselbergs Folkert W. , van Es René
Published: January 2021

Background:

ECG interpretation requires expertise and is mostly based on physician recognition of specific patterns, which may be challenging in rare cardiac diseases. Deep neural networks (DNNs) can discover complex features in ECGs and may facilitate the detection of novel features which possibly play a pathophysiological role in relatively unknown diseases. Using a cohort of PLN (phospholamban) p.Arg14del mutation carriers, we aimed to investigate whether a novel DNN-based approach can identify established ECG features, but moreover, we aimed to expand our knowledge on novel ECG features in these patients.

Methods:

A DNN was developed on 12-lead median beat ECGs of 69 patients and 1380 matched controls and independently evaluated on 17 patients and 340 controls. Differentiating features were visualized using Guided Gradient Class Activation Mapping++. Novel ECG features were tested for their diagnostic value by adding them to a logistic regression model including established ECG features.

Results:

The DNN showed excellent discriminatory performance with a c-statistic of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.91–0.99) and sensitivity and specificity of 0.82 and 0.93, respectively. Visualizations revealed established ECG features (low QRS voltages and T-wave inversions), specified these features (eg, R- and T-wave attenuation in V2/V3) and identified novel PLN-specific ECG features (eg, increased PR-duration). The logistic regression baseline model improved significantly when augmented with the identified features (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

A DNN-based feature detection approach was able to discover and visualize disease-specific ECG features in PLN mutation carriers and revealed yet unidentified features. This novel approach may help advance diagnostic capabilities in daily practice.
Light‐Dark Patterns Mirroring Shift Work Accelerate Atherosclerosis and Promote Vulnerable Lesion Phenotypes
Authors: Figueiro Mariana G. , Goo Young‐Hwa , Hogan Ryan , Plitnick Barbara , Lee Jeong‐Kyung , Jahangir Kiran , Moulik Mousumi , Yechoor Vijay K. , Paul Antoni
Published: January 2021

Background

Despite compelling epidemiological evidence that circadian disruption inherent to long‐term shift work enhances atherosclerosis progression and vascular events, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. A challenge to the use of mouse models for mechanistic and interventional studies involving light‐dark patterns is that the spectral and absolute sensitivities of the murine and human circadian systems are very different, and light stimuli in nocturnal mice should be scaled to represent the sensitivities of the human circadian system.

Methods and Results

We used calibrated devices to deliver to low‐density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice light‐dark patterns representative of that experienced by humans working day shifts or rotating shift schedules. Mice under day shifts were maintained under regular 12 hours of light and 12 hours of dark cycles. Mice under rotating shift schedules were subjected for 11 weeks to reversed light‐dark patterns 4 days in a row per week, followed by 3 days of regular light‐dark patterns. In both protocols the light phases consisted of monochromatic green light at an irradiance of 4 µW/cm
2
. We found that the shift work paradigm disrupts the foam cell's molecular clock and increases endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis. Lesions of mice under rotating shift schedules were larger and contained less prostabilizing fibrillar collagen and significantly increased areas of necrosis.

Conclusions

Low‐density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice under light‐dark patterns analogous to that experienced by rotating shift workers develop larger and more vulnerable plaques and may represent a valuable model for further mechanistic and/or interventional studies against the deleterious vascular effects of rotating shift work.
عبد الملك الديلميّ في الدراسات الاستشراقيّة وشذرات من تفسيره الصوفيّ
Authors: عبده خالد محمّد
Published: January 2021

The first part of this article discusses what has been written on ‘Abd al-Malik al-Daylamī’s biography in Orientalist studies, using the work of Arthur Arberry, Gerhard Böwering and Pieter Coppens as examples.

It also analyzes what was written about al-Daylamī in Persian Sufi studies, through Mujtaba Shahswary’s article, in an attempt to shed light on Daylamī’s biography and unpublished Sufi writings. It focuses on his exegesis Futūḥ al- Raḥmān fī ishārāt al-Qur’ān in particular.

The second part of the article presents a model of this exegesis through its introduction and interpretation of the two first sūras of the Qur’ān: al-Fātiḥa and al-Baqara.
الذاتيّة في الكلام
Authors: جعفورة محمّد المعزّ
Published: January 2021

This paper presents a theoretical investigation building on the many achievements realized over the years in structural linguistics. It takes as its point of departure the transformation brought about by Benveniste’s pioneering theoretical work on subjectivity and discourse. Benveniste’s work laid the groundwork for making a distinction between language and enunciation. Discussion of the subject became justified and legitimate, given the observation that structures are imbued with subjects. In this paper, we argue for the need to delve into the field of “intersubjectivity,” a dialogue between two subjects who leave behind, in their discourse, traces of their respective particularities observable to a third participant, who in turn paints an image of each.
A Survey of Science Teachers’ Perception and Practices in Inclusive Science Classrooms
Authors: Teo Tang Wee
Published: January 2021

This paper reports on a first study about Singapore primary science teachers’ views and practices in inclusive science classrooms. Rasch analysis was performed on an online teacher survey administered to 108 teachers, which was conducted to investigate teachers’ views about students with special education needs (SEN; Construct A), self-efficacy views in teaching students with SEN (Construct B), and their science teaching practices in inclusive classrooms (Construct C). The findings show that it was generally easy for the science teachers to agree with items in Constructs B and C, but not in Construct A. A closer examination of the individual constructs revealed positive teachers’ views, their feelings of inadequacy and wish for greater school support, and selected types of accommodations and modifications practiced in their classrooms. This study contributes new insights drawn from an Asian study, offers a validated instrument, and provides science teacher educators ideas for supporting science teachers in inclusive science teaching.
Rediscovering the poorly-known Neotropical katydid Hyperomerus crassipes Redtenbacher, 1891 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae: Agraeciini): description of male reveals the synonymic status of Uchuca Giglio-Tos, 1898
Authors: TAVARES GUSTAVO COSTA , NUNES-GUTJAHR ANA LÚCIA
Published: January 2021

Hyperomerus Redtenbacher is a genus of Neotropical katydid with only one species, H. crassipes. For more than one hundred years, the only specimen known was the female holotype. Now, more three exemplars were found deposited in the Zoological Collection of the Universidade Federal do Amazonas in Brazil, including the unknown male, which reveals the congeneric status with Uchuca Giglio-Tos species and, consequently, this last genus is being made a junior synonym of Hyperomerus. Additionally, H. crassipes is redescribed, and the records of all species now included within the genus Hyperomerus are updated.
Two new deep-sea species of the genus Henricia (Asteroidea: Spinulosida: Echinasteridae) from Japanese waters
Authors: KOBAYASHI ITARU , KOHTSUKA HISANORI , FUJITA TOSHIHIKO
Published: January 2021

Two new deep-sea Henricia species, Henricia margarethae n. sp. and Henricia fragilis n. sp. are described from Sagami Bay and the Ogasawara Islands in Japan. The two new species show an affinity with eight congeners in having multiple furrow spines and abactinal papular areas which are larger than surrounding plates. The two species described herein are characterized by the arrangement of abactinal pseudopaxillae, the arrangement of abactinal papulae, the shape and arrangement of abactinal spines, the length of intermarginal and ventrolateral series, and the armament of superomarginal, inferomarginal, and adambulacral plates.
Development of Ochratoxin A Aptasensor Based on Au Nanoparticles@g-C3N4
Authors: Xia Xiaojuan , Li Mei , Wang Min , Gu Meng-Qiao , Chi Kuan-Neng , Yang Yun-Hui , Hu Rong
Published: January 2021

Ochratoxin is teratogenic, carcinogenic and immunotoxic to humans. It contains ochratoxin in many foods, so the detection of ochratoxin in food is particularly important. In this paper, gold nanoparticles (Au NPs)@g-C3N4 composite was synthesized by loading Au
NPs on carbon nitride material, and it was immobilized on the surface of glassy carbon electrode by chitosan (Chit) as the substrate of electrochemical aptasensors. An ochratomycin A electrochemical aptasensor was constructed by hybridizing DNA1 and ochratoxin A (OTA) aptamers. The resulting
hybrid strands were immobilized on the substrate of glassy carbon electrode. Electrochemical alternating current impedance (EIS) was used to detect the impedance value of the aptasensor when incubating different concentrations of OTA. The impedance value is inversely ratio to the concentration
of OTA, achieving quantitative detection of OTA. The aptasensor can detect OTA with a linear range of 0.5–100 ng/mL, the linear correlation coefficient is 0.9506, and the detection limit is 0.167 ng/mL. This aptasensor provides a novel and efficient method for detecting OTA.
Combination of Curcumin and Paclitaxel Liposomes Exhibits Enhanced Cytotoxicity Towards A549/A549-T Cells and Unaltered Pharmacokinetics
Authors: Feng Xianhu , Pi Chao , Fu Shaozhi , Yang Hongru , Zheng Xiaoli , Hou Yi , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhang Xiaomei , Zhao Ling , Wei Yumeng
Published: January 2021

Background: Combination chemotherapy of chemo-drugs and natural herbal drugs has been shown to be more advantageous than individual treatment with respect to enhancing cytotoxicity, alleviating toxicity and controlling the development of multidrug resistance (MDR). Purpose:
The goal of this study is to construct a combined drug delivery system of curcumin liposomes (CUR-LPs) and paclitaxel liposomes (PTX-LPs) to enhance the anticancer activity and reverse the MDR of PTX. Methods: CUR-LPs and PTX-LPs were prepared by solvent evaporation method with optimal
formulation composition. MTT assay was used to assess the effect of the combination of CUR-LPs and PTX-LPs treatments on the proliferation of A549/A549-T cells. In addition, the pharmacokinetic behaviors of the combination treatments were evaluated by HPLC. Results : The mixed liposomes were
found to have negative zeta-potential (–17.91 ± 1.21 mV) and relatively uniform particle size (105.88 ± 3.19 nm) with a low polydispersity index (0.21 ± 0.016). IC50 of PTX for combination of CUR-LPs and PTX-LPs decreased in the range of 1.47–2.9
times and 1.59–2.5 times compared to the free-drug counterparts in A549 and A549-T cells, respectively. Superior cytotoxicity and higher synergy (CI< 0.4) were observed for the combination treatment with ratio of 40:1 (CUR-LPs:PTX-LPs) compared with the free-drug counterparts
in both cell lines tested. Following intravenous administration in rats, liposomes presented higher bioavailability (CUR-LPs: 9.02 fold; PTX-LPs: 7.32 fold) compared to free drugs. Co-administration did not alter the respective pharmacokinetic behaviors. Conclusion: Overall, the present
study presents a promising strategy for the development of compound formulations of CUR and PTX.
Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of a Nano Ultrasound Contrast Agent Targeting Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Chen Wu , Liu Xiaofang , Li Yiying , Yang Yongsheng , Xu Kun , Hao Meifang , Huang Yuqin , Ye Qianjun , Gao Guifang , Yuan Lijing
Published: January 2021

To prepare a nano-sized ultrasound contrast agent that specifically targets pancreatic cancer cells and to evaluate its targeting effect In Vitro. PLGA-PEG-NHS was synthesized using PLGA, NHS, and PEG and detected using 1H-NMR. PLGA-PEG-NHS and PFOB were used to prepare PLGA
nano contrast agent coated with PFOB by emulsification and volatilization, and then a hedgehog antibody was conjugated. The morphology of the nano contrast agent was observed using a transmission electron microscope, and its particle size and potential were measured using the dynamic light
scattering method. The entrapment and drug loading efficiency of the nano contrast agent was measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The In Vitro release characteristics of the nano contrast agent was measured using the dialysis method. Human pancreatic cancer cell lines
SW1990 and CFPAC1 were cultured in medium containing the nano contrast agent. The targeting ability of the nano contrast agent was qualitatively and quantitatively verified using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The average particle size of the targeted ultrasound contrast agent
was 198.9 nm, zeta potential was −31.8 mv, entrapment rate was 63.7±3.9%, drug loading efficiency was 14.3±0.9%, and drug release was 85.3% in 48 h. In Vitro cell experiments showed that the targeted ultrasound contrast agent strongly bound to SW1990 cells with high
expression of hedgehog antigen, but no specific binding was detected in CFPAC-1 cells which lack the hedgehog antigen. The nano ultrasound contrast agent prepared by emulsification and volatilization method can be potentially used for the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Reversible 100 mA Current Switching in a VO2/Al2O3-Based Two-Terminal Device Using Focused Far-Infrared Laser Pulses
Authors: Kim Jihoon , Choi Sungwook , Lee Seul-Lee , Kim Do Kyung , Kim Min Seok , Kim Bong-Jun , Lee Yong Wook
Published: January 2021

In this study, we implemented reversible current switching (RCS) of 100 mA in a two-terminal device based on a vanadium dioxide (VO2) thin film, which could be controlled by far-infrared (FIR) laser pulses. The VO2 thin films used for fabrication of two-terminal
devices were grown on sapphire (Al2O3) substrates using a pulsed laser deposition method. An optimal deposition condition was determined by analyzing the resistance-temperature curves of deposited VO2 thin films and the current–voltage characteristics
of two-terminal devices based on these films, which were suggested in our previous works. The film surface of the VO2-based device was directly irradiated using focused CO2 laser pulses, and the insulator-metal transition or metal-insulator transition of the VO2
thin film could be triggered depending on laser irradiation. Consequently, RCS of up to 100 mA could be accomplished. This on-state current is close to the upper limit of the current flowing through our VO2 device. The switching contrast, defined as the ratio between on-state and
off-state currents, was evaluated and found to be ˜11,962. The average rising and falling times of the switched current were found to be ˜29.2 and ˜71.7 ms, respectively. In comparison with our previous work, the improved heat dissipation structure and the high-quality thin
film could maintain the switching contrast at a similar level, although the on-state current was increased by about two times.
Fabrication of Transparent Superhydrophobic Surface from ZnO Nanorods
Authors: Kim Hwa-Min , Lee Chang-Hyun , Kwon Jiseon , Kim Jongjae , Kim Bonghwan
Published: January 2021

A transparent superhydrophobic surface was fabricated from ZnO nanorods grown on Si and glass substrates in a thermal furnace for industrial applications such as surface coating. Two types of glasses were used for the substrates: slide glass and Corning glass. The ZnO nanorods were
then coated with PTFE using existing sputtering technology and then grown on the glasses. The optical transparency and processing temperature of the nanorods on the substrates with and without a ZnO buffer layer were investigated, for comparison. The superhydrophobic surface formed on Corning
glass with a 50-nm-thick ZnO buffer layer exhibited a transparency of 80% or higher and a water contact angle of 150° or higher in the visible light region. High optical transmittance of the superhydrophobic surface was achieved by controlling the size and growth direction of the nanorods.
X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy images showed that the nanorods on the glass substrates were thicker than those on Si, and the nanorods predominantly grew in the vertical direction on the buffer layer. However, the growth direction did not affect the wettability of the surface.
Vertically grown nanorods can still affect optical transmittance because they facilitate the propagation of light. In the case of Corning glass, superhydrophobic surfaces with contact angles of 150° and 152.3° were formed on both samples with buffer layers of 50 nm and 100 nm, respectively.
Therefore, a buffer layer thickness in the range of 50–100 nm is suitable for realizing a transparent superhydrophobic surface on a glass substrate.
The Effect of Fe Addition on Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Electric Conductivity of the As-Cast Al–Mg–Si Alloys
Authors: Kim Cheol-Woo , Yoo Hyo-Sang , Jeon Jae-Yeol , Cho Jae-Ik , Hong Sung-Kil
Published: January 2021

Fe is considered as one of the most harmful trace elements among impurities in aluminum and its alloys due to its influence of the mechanical properties especially in elongation. It is therefore essential that the Fe content is controlled to improve quality and the toughness of aluminum
alloy castings. Since demand for high strength aluminum alloy casting was significantly increased in electro materials and devices, automotive and airplane industries, it is necessary to characterize the effect of Fe and set the tolerable amount of Fe content in aluminum alloys. Al6061 alloys
were prepared with compositions of 0.36, 0.45, 0.58, 0.65, 0.75, 0.81 and 0.91 wt.% Fe. Solidification characteristics were analyzed by CALPHAD (Pandat software) method. Mechanical properties such as hardness, tensile strength, elongation and fatigue strength were evaluated and compared with
different Fe contents. Al13Fe4 phase increased with increasing as Fe content, however, other phases, α-AlFeSi and Mg2Si, showder a slight decrease. The higher the Fe content, the lower the electrical conductivity of the alloy due to the severe distortion
of the Al matrix. As Fe content was more than specification of Al6061 alloy, 0.7 wt.%, the mechanical properties, especially, hardness and elongation were greatly influenced. The hardness is attributed to the poor densification and angular-shaped Al13Fe4 phases unevenly
distributed in the α-Al matrix.
Electrical Properties of Amorphous Indium Zinc Tin Oxide Thin Film Transistor with Y2O3 Gate Dielectric
Authors: Jauhari Inas M. , Bak Yang-Gyu , Noviyana Imas , Putri Maryane A. , Lee Jung-A , Heo Young-Woo , Lee Hee Young
Published: January 2021

High-k Y2O3 thin films were investigated as the gate dielectric for amorphous indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO) thin-film transistors (TFTs). Y2O3 gate dielectric was deposited by radio frequency magnetron sputtering (RF-MS) under various
working pressures and annealing conditions. Amorphous IZTO TFTs with SiO2 as the gate dielectric showed a high field-effect mobility (μFE) of 19.6 cm2/Vs, threshold voltage (Vth) of 0.75 V, on/off current ratio (Ion/Ioff)
of 2.0×106, and subthreshold swing (SS) value of 1.01 V/dec. The IZTO TFT sample device fabricated with the Y2O3 gate dielectric showed an improved subthreshold swing value compared to that of the IZTO TFT device with SiO2 gate dielectric. The IZTO TFT
device using the Y2O3 gate dielectric deposited at a working pressure of 5 mtorr and annealed at 400 °C in 6 sccm O2 for 1 hour showed a high μFE of 51.8 cm2/Vs, Vth of −0.26 V, Ion/Ioff
of 6.0×103, and SS value of 0.19 V/dec. With the application of a Y2O3 gate dielectric, the Vth shift improved under a positive bias stress (PBS) but was relatively unaffected by negative bias stress (NBS). These shifts were attributed
to charge traps within the gate dielectric and/or interfaces between the channel and gate dielectric layer.
Interaction of Humic Acid with Graphene Oxide: Relation to Antibacterial Activities Against Escherichia coli
Authors: Yu Hongyang , Chu Runxuan , Li Xue , Wang Bing , Chen Wei , Zhou Shuang , Chen Huiyan , Chen Hanqing , Wang Meng , Zheng Lingna , Du Wei , Feng Weiyue
Published: January 2021

Graphene oxide (GO) sheets attracted great attention as effectively antibacterial agents in water treatment and environmental remediation applications. In the study, the interaction of humic acid (HA) as the model of natural organic matter (NOM) with GO and their antibacterial activities
against Escherichia coli (E. coli) was investigated. The interaction between GO and HA molecules was analyzed by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and fluorescence spectroscopy analysis. The study demonstrated that GO reaction with HA was a spontaneously exothermic process, which
enabled formation of stable and well dispersed GO-HA complex in aqueous solution. Both GO and GO-HA could significantly inhibit the growth of E. coli and present dose-dependent bactericidal property. GO and GO-HA showed more obvious antibacterial activity in saline solution than in
LB broth. We suggest the surface wrinkles of GO and GO-HA could contribute to the firm wrapping of E. coli, which is the principle factor for the antibacterial activity of GO and GO-HA. Especially, GO-HA exhibit less surface wrinkles in comparison with GO, corresponding to its reduced
antibacterial activity in saline solution.
Ni-Doped ZnO Thin Films: Deposition, Characterization and Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Moorthy K. , Inbanathan S. S. R. , Gopinathan C. , Lalla N. P. , Alghamdi Abdulaziz Ali , Kumar Rajesh , Rani Rosaline D. , Umar Ahmad
Published: January 2021

Root like structured Ni-doped zinc oxide [Zn(1-x)NixO (x = 0.09)] thin films were deposited on a non-conducting glass substrate by indigenously developed spray pyrolysis system at optimized substrate hotness of 573±5 K. Thus obtained
Ni-doped ZnO thin films were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). XRD result revealed that Ni-doped ZnO has a polycrystalline nature with a hexagonal
wurtzite structure. For pure ZnO and Ni-doped ZnO thin films, the particle sizes were 60.9 and 53.3 nm while lattice strain values were 1.56×10−3 and 1.14×10−3, respectively. The film surface showed characteristic root-like structure as observed
by the SEM. It was observed that the Ni-doped ZnO thin films were grown in high density along with more extent of branching as compared to pure ZnO thin films but retained the root-like morphologies, however, the branches were more-thinner and of shorter lengths. AFM analysis showed that the
surface grains of the Ni-doped samples are homogeneous with less RMS roughness values compared with the undoped ZnO samples. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared thin films was evaluated by the degradation of methyl orange (MO) dye under UV light irradiation. Pure ZnO and Ni-doped ZnO
thin films took 150 min and 100 min to degrade about 60% MO dye, respectively.
Synthesis and Characterization of PtCo Alloy Nanoparticles Supported on a Reduced Graphene Oxide/g-C3N4 Composite for Efficient Methanol Electro-Oxidation
Authors: Baronia Richa , Goel Jyoti , Singhal Sunil Kumar
Published: January 2021

In the development of direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) the fabrication of an anode comprising of a Pt or Pt-based bi or tri-metallic alloys nanoparticles on a suitable support material having higher stability, higher surface area, electrical conductivity and strong interaction is very
important. In the present work we have solved this problem by using a nanocomposite of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) as the support material and deposited PtCo nanoparticles by in-situ chemical reduction. The electro-oxidation
of methanol is carried out in an acidic medium. The electrochemical behaviour of as-synthesized PtCo/rGO-gC3N4 catalyst was found to be much superior to Pt/rGO-g-C3N4 catalysts towards electro-oxidation of methanol and is mainly due to the homogeneous
dispersion of PtCo nanoparticles onto rGO-g-C3N4 nano composite, higher electrical conductivity and a strong interaction between metal nanoparticles and N group of the support material. By using the as-synthesized electro-catalyst the adsorption or poisoning of Pt due
to CO is greatly reduced and more active Pt sites are created for the electro-oxidation of methanol. Thus, the as-synthesized electro-catalyst can be used as an efficient anode material in a direct methanol fuel cell.
Microwave-Aided Exfoliation and Reduction of Graphene Oxide
Authors: Rattan Sonal , Kumar Suresh , Goswamy J. K.
Published: January 2021

Wet chemical oxidation methods have been widely used to prepare graphene oxide from graphite flakes, which in turn can be reduced using strong and hazardous chemicals like hydrazine. In this report, we have demonstrated a non-hazardous method for simultaneous exfoliation and reduction
of graphene oxide. Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), UV-Visible, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopic techniques have been used to ascertain chemical functionalization and reduction of graphene oxide. Morphological studies were carried out using field emission scanning electron microscopy.
Morphological details of the microwave reduced graphene showed enhancement in inter-layer spacing of graphene sheets after microwave treatment. The enhancement in electrical conductivity of graphene oxide after microwave treatment indicates its efficient reduction.
Preparation, Characterization and Lithium Storage Performance of Agglomerated ZnMn2O4 Nanoparticles
Authors: Yao Jin-Huan , Zhang Tian-Ge , Li Yan-Wei , Wu Jing-Jing
Published: January 2021

Agglomerated ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles with average particle sizes of 90–130 nm are synthesized by a facile chemical co-precipitation method. It is found that the consumption of precipitant ammonia has an important impact on the morphology and lithium storage
property of the prepared ZnMn2O4 nanomaterials. With increasing ammonia consumption (molar ratios of Zn2+ to the precipitant ammonia of 1:10, 1:15, 1:20 and 1:25, respectively), the particle size of the prepared ZnMn2O4 nanomaterials becomes
smaller, the porous morphology formed by the primary nanoparticles agglomeration becomes more obvious, and the lithium storage performance is improved. When Zn2+/ammonia mole ratio is 1:25, the prepared ZnMn2O4 material presents a reversible capacity of 780
mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g−1. At a very high current density of 5 A g−1, the sample still retains a reversible capacity of 250 mAh g−1. This superior lithium storage performance of the sample
is associated with its porous structure, which benefits the penetration of the electrolyte and enhances the electrochemical reaction activity of the active materials in the electrode. These results suggest that agglomerated ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles prepared by chemical coprecipitation
method have potential as anode electroactive materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries.
Graphene Oxide and Graphene Oxide-TiO2 Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Characterization, and Rhodamine B Photodegradation Investigation
Authors: Nguyen Duy Khang Vu , Pham Thuy Loan Thi , Tran My Hanh Thi , Tran Tuong Vi , Vo Dang Khoa Nguyen
Published: January 2021

In this study, graphene oxide (GO) sheets were successfully synthesized using two routes: conventional Hummers' (HGO) and modified Hummers' (or Marcano's) (MGO) methods. GO sheets were then assembled with TiO2 nanoparticles to form nanocomposites (i.e., HGO–TO and MGO–TO).
The properties of HGO and MGO and their nanocomposites with TiO2 were evaluated by Fouriertransform infrared (FTIR), Raman, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) adsorption, and diffuse reflectance (DRS) spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The
specific surface area, pore volume, and pore size of MGO, determined by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) equation, were 565 m2g−1, 376 cm3 g−1, and 30 nm, respectively; all of these parameters decreased after MGO was combined with TiO2.
In addition, compared with HGO, MGO possessed higher oxidation level and more stable bonding with TiO2 nanoparticles. The morphology of HGO and MGO, which were characterized by scanning electron (SEM) and transmission electron microscopies (TEM), together with energy-dispersive
X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and elemental mapping technique, was determined to consist of TiO2 nanoparticle-assembled GO sheets. All GO–TiO2 nanocomposite samples exhibited a very high activity (˜100%) toward rhodamine B (RhB) dye photodegradation under natural
sunlight exposure within 60 min. The obtained results for the GO–TiO2 nanocomposite showed the potential of its application in wastewater purification and other environmental aspects.
A Review: Anomaly-Based versus Full-Field-Based Weather Analysis and Forecasting
Authors: Qian Weihong , Du Jun , Ai Yang
Published: January 2021

Comparisons between anomaly and full-field methods have been carried out in weather analysis and forecasting over the last decade. Evidence from these studies has demonstrated the superiority of anomaly to full field in the following four aspects: depiction of weather systems, anomaly forecasts, diagnostic parameters, and model prediction. To promote the use and further discussion of the anomaly approach, this article summarizes those findings. After examining many types of weather events, anomaly weather maps show at least five advantages in weather system depiction: 1) less vagueness in visually connecting the location of an event with its associated meteorological conditions, 2) clearer and more complete depictions of vertical structures of a disturbance, 3) easier observation of time and spatial evolution of an event and its interaction or connection with other weather systems, 4) simplification of conceptual models by unifying different weather systems into one pattern, and 5) extension of model forecast length due to earlier detection of predictors. Anomaly verification is also mentioned. The anomaly forecast is useful for raising one’s awareness of potential societal impact. Combining the anomaly forecast with an ensemble is emphasized, where a societal impact index is discussed. For diagnostic parameters, two examples are given: an anomalous convective instability index for convection, and seven vorticity and divergence related parameters for heavy rain. Both showed positive contributions from the anomalous fields. For model prediction, the anomaly version of the beta-advection model consistently outperformed its full-field version in predicting typhoon tracks with clearer physical explanation. Application of anomaly global models to seasonal forecasts is also reviewed.
Balance Performance of Post-Call Medical Residents
Authors: Ungar Omer J. , Amit Uri , Wengier Anat , Cavel Oren , Oron Yahav , Handzel Ophir
Published: January 2021

Background:

Fatigue is thought of as a leading cause of iatrogenic accidents. A significant deterioration in qualitative balance function has been shown in sleep deprived individuals.

Aim/Objectives:

To quantify the degree to which balance is impaired by sleep deprivation (SD) in post-call medical residents.

Methods:

Medical residents voluntarily underwent computed dynamic posturography (CDP) before and after an on-call night, at an identical time of the day. Order of test performance was random to avoid behavioral learning. Each participant served as his or her own control.

Results:

Seventeen residents were enrolled (median age 32years). Average sleeping duration the night before and during the night shift was 6.5 and 1 hour, respectively. The average response times difference between alert and fatigued was 10.15 milliseconds (95% CI: 6.81-13.49 milliseconds), yielding a significantly prolonged response times from 120 milliseconds before to 130 milliseconds after the night shift ( P < .001). Comparison of additional measurements of CDP performance did not differ between test conditions.

Conclusion:

Medical residents are fatigued due to the effect of on-call nights. Sleep deprivation prolongs response times to vestibular stimuli. This finding probably has an effect on execution of manual skills and may reflect a more generalized slowing of responses and overall performance impairment.

Significance:

The vestibular system is susceptible to SD.
An Unusual Cause of Recurrent Epistaxis: Nasal Leech Infestation
Authors: Tuang Geng Ju , Muhammad Athierah , Zahedi Farah Dayana
Published: January 2021

Though a common symptom, epistaxis should never be overlooked as the implications may be consequential. Nasal leech infestation represents an unusual etiology of recurrent epistaxis. The leeches release enzymes to anaesthetize the attachment site to facilitate the feeding process. Given the inconspicuous area of infestation and the absence of pain, there is often a delayed treatment. A detailed history taking and physical examination remain paramount in the assessment of recurrent epistaxis.
Validity of a New Prediction Model to Identify Patients at Risk for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome
Authors: Tawaranurak Krongthong , Kamolphiwong Sinchai , Sae-wong Suthon , Vasupongayya Sangsuree , Kamolphiwong Thossaporn , Bumrungsena Chuanchom , Chaiyarukjirakun Varaned
Published: January 2021

Objectives:

To develop and validate a new clinical prediction model for screening patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea–hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

Methods:

This study used 2 data sets to develop and validate the model. To build the model, the first data set comprised 892 patients who had diagnostic polysomnography (PSG); data were assessed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. To validate the new model, the second data set comprised 374 patients who were enrolled to undergo overnight PSG. Receiver operating characteristic analysis and all predictive parameters were validated.

Results:

In the model development phase, univariate analysis showed 6 parameters were significant for prediction apnea–hypopnea index ≥15 events/hour: male sex, choking or apnea, high blood pressure, neck circumference >16 inches (female) or 17 inches (male), waist circumference ≥80 (female) or 90 cm (male), and body mass index >25 kg/m2. Estimated coefficients showed an area under the curve of 0.753. In the model validation phase, the sensitivity and specificity were approximately 93% and 26%, respectively, for identifying OSAHS. Comparison with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale score of ≥10 and STOP-Bang score ≥3 showed sensitivity of 42.26% and 56.23%, respectively, for detecting patients at risk.

Conclusions:

This new prediction model gives a better result on identifying patients at risk for OSAHS than Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-Bang in terms of sensitivity. Moreover, this model may play a role in clinical decision-making for a comprehensive sleep evaluation to prioritize patients for PSG.
Prevalence, Form, and Function of Consolidated Public Safety Departments in the United States
Authors: Wilson Jeremy M. , Grammich Clifford A.
Published: January 2021

Most communities in the United States provide fire and police services through separate departments, but some operate a single consolidated one for police, fire, and, frequently, emergency medical services. The number of such public safety departments has grown in recent years, but little systematic research has been done on them. This article presents results of a census and subsequent survey of public safety departments in the United States to examine their prevalence, form, and function. It reviews characteristics of their distribution, capabilities and structure, staffing and management, budget, and approach to community policing. It concludes by identifying future research needs.
Fuel and material utilization of a waste shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushroom bed derived from hardwood chips I: characteristics of calorific value in terms of elemental composition and ash content
Authors: Sekino Noboru , Jiang Zhuoqiu
Published: January 2021

To understand the fuel characteristics of a waste shiitake mushroom bed derived from hardwood chips, the moisture content at the time of disposal and after 1 month, as well as its calorific value, ash content, and elemental composition, were investigated. The moisture content on a wet basis (MCw) was 78% at the time of disposal and was as high as 63% even 1 month after disposal. It is considered that the slow drying process is caused by the low moisture permeability of the skin of mushroom bed, and therefore, it is preferable to crush the waste mushroom bed before drying. Comparing the gross calorific value on a dry basis of the waste mushroom bed with that of the cultivation bed wood chips, the value inside of the waste mushroom bed was similar, while that of its skin was significantly lower (by 11%). The reason for this lies in the significantly higher ash content and nitrogen content compared to those of wood. When analyzed from the combustion heat of the contained elements, it was found that both the cultivation bed wood chips and the waste mushroom bed had almost no hydrogen contributing to combustion due to their high oxygen content, and they were dependent on the heat generation of carbon. As a result of finding the relationship between the net calorific value that can be used as a boiler fuel and MCw, for example, the value at an MCw of 50% was calculated to be 7.6 MJ/kg, which was almost the same as that of sugi (Cryptomeria Japonica) sapwood and bark. The ash content of the waste mushroom bed was about 7%, which is close to that of bark and about ten times that of the wood used for the cultivation bed. When the waste mushroom bed is used as boiler fuel, appropriate ash treatment is required as in the case of using bark.
Generation and Starch Characterization of Non-Transgenic BEI and BEIIb Double Mutant Rice (Oryza sativa) with Ultra-High Level of Resistant Starch
Authors: Miura Satoko , Koyama Nana , Crofts Naoko , Hosaka Yuko , Abe Misato , Fujita Naoko
Published: January 2021

Background

Cereals high in resistant starch (RS) are gaining popularity, as their intake is thought to help manage diabetes and prediabetes. Number of patients suffering from diabetes is also increasing in Asian countries where people consume rice as a staple food, hence generation of practically growable high RS rice line has been anticipated. It is known that suppression of starch branching enzyme (BE) IIb increases RS content in cereals. To further increase RS content and for more practical use, we generated a non-transgenic be1 be2b double mutant rice (Oryza sativa) line, which completely lacked both proteins, by crossing a be1 mutant with a be2b mutant.

Results

The be1 be2b mutant showed a decrease in intermediate amylopectin chains and an increase in long amylopectin chains compared with be2b. The amylose content of be1 be2b mutant (51.7%) was the highest among all pre-existing non-transgenic rice lines. To understand the effects of chewing cooked rice and cooking rice flour on RS content, RS content of mashed and un-mashed cooked rice as well as raw and gelatinized rice flour were measured using be1 be2b and its parent mutant lines. The RS contents of mashed cooked rice and raw rice flour of be1 be2b mutant (28.4% and 35.1%, respectively) were 3-fold higher than those of be2b mutant. Gel-filtration analyses of starch treated with digestive enzymes showed that the RS in be1 be2b mutant was composed of the degradation products of amylose and long amylopectin chains. Seed weight of be1 be2b mutant was approximately 60% of the wild type and rather heavier than that of be2b mutant.

Conclusions

The endosperm starch in be1 be2b double mutant rice were enriched with long amylopectin chains. This led to a great increase in RS content in cooked rice grains and rice flour in be1 be2b compared with be2b single mutant. be1 be2b generated in this study must serve as a good material for an ultra-high RS rice cultivar.
Analysis of the polyester clothing value chain to identify key intervention points for sustainability
Authors: Palacios-Mateo Cristina , van der Meer Yvonne , Seide Gunnar
Published: January 2021

Clothing is one of the primary human needs, and the demand is met by the global production of thousands of tons of textile fibers, fabrics and garments every day. Polyester clothing manufactured from oil-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the market leader. Conventional PET creates pollution along its entire value chain—during the production, use and end-of-life phases—and also contributes to the unsustainable depletion of resources. The consumption of PET garments thus compromises the quality of land, water and air, destroys ecosystems, and endangers human health. In this article, we discuss the different stages of the value chain for polyester clothing from the perspective of sustainability, describing current environmental challenges such as pollution from textile factory wastewater, and microfibers released from clothing during the laundry cycle. We also consider potential solutions such as enhanced reuse and recycling. Finally, we propose a series of recommendations that should be applied to polyester clothing at all stages along the value chain, offering the potential for meaningful and effective change to improve the environmental sustainability of polyester textiles on a global scale.
DISTEVAL: a web server for evaluating predicted protein distances
Authors: Adhikari Badri , Shrestha Bikash , Bernardini Matthew , Hou Jie , Lea Jamie
Published: January 2021

Background

Protein inter-residue contact and distance prediction are two key intermediate steps essential to accurate protein structure prediction. Distance prediction comes in two forms: real-valued distances and ‘binned’ distograms, which are a more finely grained variant of the binary contact prediction problem. The latter has been introduced as a new challenge in the 14th Critical Assessment of Techniques for Protein Structure Prediction (CASP14) 2020 experiment. Despite the recent proliferation of methods for predicting distances, few methods exist for evaluating these predictions. Currently only numerical metrics, which evaluate the entire prediction at once, are used. These give no insight into the structural details of a prediction. For this reason, new methods and tools are needed.

Results

We have developed a web server for evaluating predicted inter-residue distances. Our server, DISTEVAL, accepts predicted contacts, distances, and a true structure as optional inputs to generate informative heatmaps, chord diagrams, and 3D models. All of these outputs facilitate visual and qualitative assessment. The server also evaluates predictions using other metrics such as mean absolute error, root mean squared error, and contact precision.

Conclusions

The visualizations generated by DISTEVAL complement each other and collectively serve as a powerful tool for both quantitative and qualitative assessments of predicted contacts and distances, even in the absence of a true 3D structure.
Effect of inorganic phosphate on migration and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Lin Hengzhang , Zhou Yong , Lei Qun , Lin Dong , Chen Jiang , Wu Chuhuo
Published: January 2021

Background

Phosphate is the major ingredient of bone tissue, and is also an important component of commercial bone substitute materials, bone scaffolds, and implant surface coatings. With the dissolution of the bone substitute materials and the degradation by cells, local ion concentrations will change and affect bone tissue reconstruction. Bone marrow -derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are main autologous cells to repair injured bone. When bone injure occurs, BM-MSCs migrate to the damaged area, differentiate into osteoblasts, and secrete bioactive factors to promote bone tissue repaired. This study aimed to investigate the effect of inorganic phosphate (Pi) at a series of concentration on migration and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow -derived mesenchymal stem cells(hBM-MSCs).

Methods

The culture of hBM-MSCs in mediums with different concentration of Pi from 2 mM to 10 mM were performed. HBM-MSCs migration were examined with transwell assays. HBM-MSCs proliferation were evaluated by cell counting kit-8 colorimetric method. Osteogenic genes expression were analyzed by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Mineralized nodules formation were demonstrated by Alizarin red staining.

Result

4–10 mM Pi could effectively promote the migration of hBM-MSCs at 12 h and 18 h. There was no significant difference in the migration number of hBM-MSCs in Pi culture mediums at a concentration of 6, 8, and10mM. 2–10 mM Pi could promote the proliferation of hBM-MSCs to varying degrees in the observation period, while 4–10 mM Pi could promote the osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of hBM-MSCs.

Conclusion

The findings in our study showed 4-10 mM Pi could promote the migration, osteogenic differentiation, and mineralization of hBM-MSCs.
Ion channel profiling of the Lymnaea stagnalis ganglia via transcriptome analysis
Authors: Dong Nancy , Bandura Julia , Zhang Zhaolei , Wang Yan , Labadie Karine , Noel Benjamin , Davison Angus , Koene Joris M. , Sun Hong-Shuo , Coutellec Marie-Agnès , Feng Zhong-Ping
Published: January 2021

Background

The pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis (L. stagnalis) has been widely used as a model organism in neurobiology, ecotoxicology, and parasitology due to the relative simplicity of its central nervous system (CNS). However, its usefulness is restricted by a limited availability of transcriptome data. While sequence information for the L. stagnalis CNS transcripts has been obtained from EST libraries and a de novo RNA-seq assembly, the quality of these assemblies is limited by a combination of low coverage of EST libraries, the fragmented nature of de novo assemblies, and lack of reference genome.

Results

In this study, taking advantage of the recent availability of a preliminary L. stagnalis genome, we generated an RNA-seq library from the adult L. stagnalis CNS, using a combination of genome-guided and de novo assembly programs to identify 17,832 protein-coding L. stagnalis transcripts. We combined our library with existing resources to produce a transcript set with greater sequence length, completeness, and diversity than previously available ones. Using our assembly and functional domain analysis, we profiled L. stagnalis CNS transcripts encoding ion channels and ionotropic receptors, which are key proteins for CNS function, and compared their sequences to other vertebrate and invertebrate model organisms. Interestingly, L. stagnalis transcripts encoding numerous putative Ca2+ channels showed the most sequence similarity to those of Mus musculus, Danio rerio, Xenopus tropicalis, Drosophila melanogaster, and Caenorhabditis elegans, suggesting that many calcium channel-related signaling pathways may be evolutionarily conserved.

Conclusions

Our study provides the most thorough characterization to date of the L. stagnalis transcriptome and provides insights into differences between vertebrates and invertebrates in CNS transcript diversity, according to function and protein class. Furthermore, this study provides a complete characterization of the ion channels of Lymnaea stagnalis, opening new avenues for future research on fundamental neurobiological processes in this model system.