bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epitaxial lift-off CdTe/MgCdTe double heterostructures for thin-film and flexible solar cells applications
Authors: Ding Jia , Tsai Cheng-Ying , Ju Zheng , Zhang Yong-Hang
Published: May 2021

This paper reports an improved epitaxial lift-off (ELO) technology for monocrystalline CdTe/MgCdTe double-heterostructure (DH) thin films using water-soluble and nearly lattice-matched MgTe as a sacrificial layer. Employing hard-baked photoresist as the superstrates with appropriate surface tension, the lift-off thin films show smooth and flat surfaces, confirmed by atomic-force microscopy profiles. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements reveal further enhancement of the light extraction from the ELO thin films with a coated Ag back reflective mirror. The increased PL intensity also confirms that the CdTe/MgCdTe DHs maintain high optical quality after ELO. External luminescence quantum efficiency (ηext) is quantitatively measured and used to calculate the implied open-circuit voltage (iVOC). A 0.5-μm-thick lift-off CdTe/MgCdTe DH with a back mirror demonstrates an ηext value of 5.35% and an iVOC value of 1.152 V. The devices based on this structure are also expected to have an improved fill factor and a short-circuit current density (JSC) of 24.7 mA/cm2 according to the simulation results, promising to achieve CdTe solar cells with a record power conversion efficiency.
Chimeras confined by fractal boundaries in the complex plane
Authors: Andrzejak Ralph G.
Published: May 2021

Complex-valued quadratic maps either converge to fixed points, enter into periodic cycles, show aperiodic behavior, or diverge to infinity. Which of these scenarios takes place depends on the map’s complex-valued parameter c and the initial conditions. The Mandelbrot set is defined by the set of c values for which the map remains bounded when initiated at the origin of the complex plane. In this study, we analyze the dynamics of a coupled network of two pairs of two quadratic maps in dependence on the parameter c. Across the four maps, c is kept the same whereby the maps are identical. In analogy to the behavior of individual maps, the network iterates either diverge to infinity or remain bounded. The bounded solutions settle into different stable states, including full synchronization and desynchronization of all maps. Furthermore, symmetric partially synchronized states of within-pair synchronization and across-pair synchronization as well as a symmetry broken chimera state are found. The boundaries between bounded and divergent solutions in the domain of c are fractals showing a rich variety of intriguingly esthetic patterns. Moreover, the set of bounded solutions is divided into countless subsets throughout all length scales in the complex plane. Each individual subset contains only one state of synchronization and is enclosed within fractal boundaries by c values leading to divergence.
Lessons learned from first-principles calculations of transition metal oxides
Authors: Vo Hien , Zhang Shenli , Wang Wennie , Galli Giulia
Published: May 2021

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) are an important class of materials with diverse applications, ranging from memristors to photoelectrochemical cells. First-principles calculations are critical for understanding these complex materials at an atomic level and establishing relationships between atomic and electronic structures, particularly for probing quantities difficult or inaccessible to experiment. Here, we discuss computational strategies used to understand TMOs by focusing on two examples, a photoanode material, BiVO4, and an oxide for low-power electronics, La1−xSrxCoO3. We highlight key aspects required for the modeling of TMOs, namely, the descriptions of how oxygen vacancies, extrinsic doping, the magnetic state, and polaron formation impact their electronic and atomic structures and, consequently, many of the observed properties.
Parameter identification method of hydraulic automatic gauge control system based on chaotic wolf pack optimization algorithm
Authors: Zhu Yong , Li Guangpeng , Tang Shengnan , Jiang Wanlu , Zheng Zhijian
Published: May 2021

In the metallurgical industry, the hydraulic automatic gauge control (HAGC) system is a kernel system used to assure the thickness precision of a rolling piece. In addition, the HAGC system is a complex nonlinear system with multiple degrees of freedom (DOF). It is difficult to identify the key parameters and obtain an accurate prediction model that can reflect the output performance of the HAGC system. On the basis of theoretical analysis, a vertical vibration model of the HAGC system with two DOF was established. Moreover, based on the swarm intelligence in nature, a novel method for model parameter identification of the HAGC system was explored, and a parameter identification method was proposed based on the chaotic wolf pack optimization algorithm. Furthermore, the proposed method was verified by experiments. The results indicate that the proposed method presents laudable identification ability. The theoretically predicted response of the identification model is consistent with the measured response of the actual system. The error of the response output waveform is small. The proposed method can be used to identify key structural parameters of the HAGC system.
Quantitative prediction of flow dynamics and mechanical retention of surface-altered red blood cells through a splenic slit
Authors: Qi Xiaojing , Wang Shuo , Ma Shuhao , Han Keqin , Li Xuejin
Published: May 2021

Normal red blood cells (RBCs) have remarkable properties of deformability, which enable them to squeeze through tiny splenic inter-endothelial slits (IESs) without any damage. Decreased surface-area-to-volume (SA/V) ratio through the loss of membrane surface is a key determinant of splenic entrapment of surface-altered RBCs due to cell aging or disease. Here, we investigate the flow dynamics and mechanical retention of the surface-altered RBCs with different extents of surface area loss, using a multiscale RBC (MS-RBC) model implemented in dissipative particle dynamics (DPD). We show that the DPD-based MS-RBC simulations can accurately reproduce the ex vivo experimentally measured rate of RBC mechanical retention when we take into account the distribution of RBC surface area (i.e., the size difference within the RBC population). We also examine the cumulative effect of the cell surface area loss on the traversal dynamics of the surface-altered RBCs, where we found that the final values of cell surface area (or the SA/V ratio) play a key role in determining the RBC traversal dynamics, regardless of the loss pathway of cell surface area. Taken together, these simulation results have implications for understanding the sensitivity of the splenic IESs to retain and clear the surface-altered RBCs with increased surface area loss, providing an insight into the fundamental flow dynamics and mechanical clearance of the surface-altered RBCs by the human spleen.
Mechanical characteristics and pore evolution of red sandstone under ultrasonic high-frequency vibration excitation
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wang Xufeng , Wang Jiyao , Yang Zhanbiao
Published: May 2021

Ultrasonic vibration rock breaking is a new type of rock breaking technology. By studying the mechanical properties of red sandstone under ultrasonic vibration, the mechanical behavior and damage mechanism of rock under the impact of high-frequency vibration can be revealed more comprehensively from macro- and microscopic standpoints. In this paper, the cylindrical red sandstone specimen is used as the study object subjected to vibration excitation via the ultrasonic vibration device. The change in the mechanical parameters of red sandstone specimens is analyzed via a single-axial compression test. The red sandstone specimens are vibrated to study the effects of high-frequency vibration on their natural frequency. The latter’s natural frequency is measured using the knocking method, while the micro-disruption characteristics of the red sandstone are observed via electron microscopy. The T2 spectrum, aperture distribution, porosity, and nuclear magnetic resonance image (MRI) evolution characteristics of red sandstone specimens are obtained via nuclear magnetic resonance technology. The results show that ultrasonic vibration deteriorates the red sandstone compressive strength and elastic modulus by 55.3% and 26.9%, respectively, after 120 s of excitation. Under ultrasonic vibration excitation, the rock specimen’s natural frequency is reduced by 2.4% due to its mass and elastic modulus variation. Many transgranular cracks are generated in the sandstone, splitting the crystal nucleus into smaller blocks. The generation of new micropores is observed in the T2 spectrum, and the maximum increase in the dimensions of micropores and mesopores at the two peaks is 58.7% and 4.67%, respectively. The variation trend of rock specimen porosity is completely consistent with the variation in micropores’ content. MRI images indicate that the microcrack aggregation occurs in the edge area of the contact surface between the exciter and rock.
Response of
Authors: Wang Dan , Sun Yuchu , Tu Mei , Zhang Peipei , Wang Xiaoqiong , Wang Taixia , Li Jingyuan
Published: May 2021

Plants inevitably receive harmful UV-B radiation when exposed to solar energy, so they have developed a variety of strategies to protect against UV-B radiation damage during long-term evolution. In this study, Zebrina pendula Schnizl. was used to investigate the plant defence against UV-B radiation because of its strong adaptability to sunlight changes, and the colour of its leaves changes significantly under different sunlight intensities. The experiment was carried out to study the changes of Z. pendula leaves under three light conditions: artificial daylight (control check); shading 50%; and artificial daylight + UV-B, aiming to explore the mechanism of defence against UV-B radiation by observing changes in leaf morphological structure, anthocyanin content and distribution. Results showed that the single leaf area increased but leaves became thinner, and the anthocyanin content in the epidermal cells decreased under 50% shading. In contrast, under daylight + UV-B, the single leaf area decreased but thickness increased (mainly due to the increase of the thickness of the upper epidermis and the palisade tissue), the trichomes increased. In addition, the anthocyanin content in the epidermal cells and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity increased, and the leaf colour became redder, also, the photosynthetic pigment content in mesophyll cells and the biomass per unit volume increased significantly under daylight + UV-B. Thus, when UV-B radiation was enhanced, Z. pendula leaves reduced the exposure to UV-B radiation by reducing the area, and reflect some UV-B radiation by growing trichomes. The UV-B transmittance was effectively reduced by increasing the single leaf thickness and anthocyanin content to block or absorb partial UV-B. Through the above comprehensive defence strategies, Z. pendula effectively avoided the damage of UV-B radiation to mesophyll tissue.
Cognitive impairment after focal brain lesions is better predicted by damage to structural than functional network hubs
Authors: Reber Justin , Hwang Kai , Bowren Mark , Bruss Joel , Mukherjee Pratik , Tranel Daniel , Boes Aaron D.
Published: May 2021

Significance

Hubs are highly connected brain regions that are important for coordinating processing in brain networks and supporting cognition. There are several different methods for characterizing network hubs in gray and white matter, yet it is unclear which of these hub measures identify sites that are most critical for supporting cognition. Here, we use data from two large cohorts of patients with focal brain damage to show that lesions of white matter regions with dense structural connections have the strongest association with cognitive impairment, while gray matter functional centrality measures have weaker associations. These findings highlight the critical role of densely connected white matter regions in supporting cognition, which helps to explain interindividual differences in cognitive outcomes following brain damage.
An interpreted atlas of biosynthetic gene clusters from 1,000 fungal genomes
Authors: Robey Matthew T. , Caesar Lindsay K. , Drott Milton T. , Keller Nancy P. , Kelleher Neil L.
Published: May 2021

Significance

Fungi represent an underexploited resource for new compounds with applications in the pharmaceutical and agriscience industries. Despite the availability of >1,000 fungal genomes, our knowledge of the biosynthetic space encoded by these genomes is limited and ad hoc. We present results from systematically organizing the biosynthetic content of 1,037 fungal genomes, providing a resource for data-driven genome mining and large-scale comparison of the genetic and molecular repertoires produced in fungi, and compare to those present in bacteria.
Insects defend against fungal infection by employing microRNAs to silence virulence-related genes
Authors: Wang Yan , Cui Chunlai , Wang Guandong , Li Yifei , Wang Sibao
Published: May 2021

Significance

The entomopathogenic fungus
Beauveria bassiana
can overcome insecticide resistance and represents a promising tool for controlling mosquitoes and other insect pests. Improvement of fungal efficacy requires better understanding of fungus–mosquito interactions. Here, we report on a new strategy of insect defense against fungal infection that employs translocation of miRNAs to silence virulence genes. Fungal infection activates production of
Anopheles
let-7 and miR-100 microRNAs (miRNAs). These miRNAs translocate into fungal hyphae to specifically silence the
sec2p
and
C6TF
fungal genes. Both genes are essential for fungal invasive growth and pathogenicity. Notably, virulence of a
B. bassiana
strain expressing both anti–let-7 and anti–miR-100 “sponge” RNAs is dramatically increased. This study may lead to new strategies for improved fungal-based vector control efficacy.
Phosphorylation-dependent subfunctionalization of the calcium-dependent protein kinase CPK28
Authors: Bredow Melissa , Bender Kyle W. , Johnson Dingee Alexandra , Holmes Danalyn R. , Thomson Alysha , Ciren Danielle , Tanney Cailun A. S. , Dunning Katherine E. , Trujillo Marco , Huber Steven C. , Monaghan Jacqueline
Published: May 2021

Calcium (Ca
2+
)-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs or CPKs) are a unique family of Ca
2+
sensor/kinase-effector proteins with diverse functions in plants. In
Arabidopsis thaliana
, CPK28 contributes to immune homeostasis by promoting degradation of the key immune signaling receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase BOTRYTIS-INDUCED KINASE 1 (BIK1) and additionally functions in vegetative-to-reproductive stage transition. How CPK28 controls these seemingly disparate pathways is unknown. Here, we identify a single phosphorylation site in the kinase domain of CPK28 (Ser318) that is differentially required for its function in immune homeostasis and stem elongation. We show that CPK28 undergoes intermolecular autophosphorylation on Ser318 and can additionally be transphosphorylated on this residue by BIK1. Analysis of several other phosphorylation sites demonstrates that Ser318 phosphorylation is uniquely required to prime CPK28 for Ca
2+
activation at physiological concentrations of Ca
2+
, possibly through stabilization of the Ca
2+
-bound active state as indicated by intrinsic fluorescence experiments. Together, our data indicate that phosphorylation of Ser318 is required for the activation of CPK28 at low intracellular [Ca
2+
] to prevent initiation of an immune response in the absence of infection. By comparison, phosphorylation of Ser318 is not required for stem elongation, indicating pathway-specific requirements for phosphorylation-based Ca
2+
-sensitivity priming. We additionally provide evidence for a conserved function for Ser318 phosphorylation in related group IV CDPKs, which holds promise for biotechnological applications by generating CDPK alleles that enhance resistance to microbial pathogens without consequences to yield.
Molecular dynamics reveals formation path of benzonitrile and other molecules in conditions relevant to the interstellar medium
Authors: Jose Jeeno , Zamir Alon , Stein Tamar
Published: May 2021

Significance

Understanding how aromatic molecules are formed in the harsh environment of the interstellar medium has long presented a significant unsolved puzzle to scientists. This paper investigates how small aromatic molecules and aromatic nitrogen heterocycles (as well as nonaromatic molecules) are formed from van der Waals clusters upon ionization. Applying ab initio molecular dynamics, we demonstrate that when the clusters contain acetylene and cyanoacetylene—some of the building blocks found in Taurus Molecular Cloud-1—the formation of benzonitrile cation can be predicted. Our results also envisage the formation of other important compounds, including a bicyclic structure, and can help facilitate astronomy’s search for additional aromatic molecules in the interstellar medium.
Identification of EMT signaling cross-talk and gene regulatory networks by single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Deshmukh Abhijeet P. , Vasaikar Suhas V. , Tomczak Katarzyna , Tripathi Shubham , den Hollander Petra , Arslan Emre , Chakraborty Priyanka , Soundararajan Rama , Jolly Mohit Kumar , Rai Kunal , Levine Herbert , Mani Sendurai A.
Published: May 2021

Significance

The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical cell biological process that occurs during normal embryonic development and cancer progression. Our study combines single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis and mathematical modeling to identify critical regulators of EMT. Detailed analyses of TGF-β1–induced EMT by single-cell RNA-sequencing data revealed simultaneous activation of EMT signaling pathways. We created mathematical approaches to identify the master regulatory pathway of EMT and key downstream mediators of this process. This study sheds light on the signaling architecture that governs EMT and informs ongoing efforts to delineate drivers of cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis.
The Coronavirus Corpus
Authors: Davies Mark
Published: May 2021

This paper discusses the creation and use of the Coronavirus Corpus, which is currently (March 2021) 900 million words in size, and which will probably be about one billion words in size by May–June 2021. The Coronavirus Corpus is a subset of the NOW Corpus (News on the Web), which is currently about 12.1 billion words in size and which grows by about two billion words each year. These two corpora are updated every night, with about 6–10 million words for NOW and 2–3 million words for the Coronavirus Corpus. The Coronavirus Corpus allows users to see the frequency of words and phrases over time (even by individual day), and users can find all words that are more frequent in one time period than another. Users can also see the collocates for words and phrases, and compare the collocates to see what is being said about particular topics over time.
Creep deformation and rupture behaviour of boron-added P91 Steel
Authors: Sakthivel T. , Sasikala G. , Syamala Rao P. , Parameswaran P. , Laha K.
Published: May 2021

Creep deformation and rupture behaviour of P91 and boron-added P91BN steels were investigated over the stress range of 100–350 MPa at 823, 873 and 923 K. The time spent in each creep regime was significantly higher in P91BN steel as compared to P91 steel. The reduction in the minimum creep rate in P91BN steel about one to two orders of magnitude was observed than that in the P91 steel. An addition of boron (0.006 wt-%) with controlled nitrogen content (0.011 wt-%) in P91BN led to better creep rupture strength than the P91 steel. Using the Larson–Miller parametric method, creep rupture strength evaluated at 873 K for 105 h life was about 33% enhancement in the case of P91BN steel than P91 steel.
Dbnl and β-catenin promote pro-N-cadherin processing to maintain apico-basal polarity
Authors: Herrera Antonio , Menendez Anghara , Torroba Blanca , Ochoa Andrea , Pons Sebastián
Published: May 2021

The neural tube forms when neural stem cells arrange into a pseudostratified, single-cell–layered epithelium, with a marked apico-basal polarity, and in which adherens junctions (AJs) concentrate in the subapical domain. We previously reported that sustained β-catenin expression promotes the formation of enlarged apical complexes (ACs), enhancing apico-basal polarity, although the mechanism through which this occurs remained unclear. Here, we show that β-catenin interacts with phosphorylated pro-N-cadherin early in its transit through the Golgi apparatus, promoting propeptide excision and the final maturation of N-cadherin. We describe a new β-catenin–dependent interaction of N-cadherin with Drebrin-like (Dbnl), an actin-binding protein that is involved in anterograde Golgi trafficking of proteins. Notably, Dbnl knockdown led to pro-N-cadherin accumulation and limited AJ formation. In brief, we demonstrate that Dbnl and β-catenin assist in the maturation of pro-N-cadherin, which is critical for AJ formation and for the recruitment AC components like aPKC and, consequently, for the maintenance of apico-basal polarity.
A simple thought experiment to discuss the mass–energy equivalence in the special theory of relativity
Authors: Duarte Sergio , Lima Nathan
Published: May 2021

Einstein’s relation between mass and energy is perhaps the most famous equation of Physics. Despite its simplicity, the meaning of

E
0

=
m

c
2

is not easy to grasp. Furthermore, its traditional derivations rely either on the integral of momentum, on properties of electromagnetic radiation, or even on the expression for transformation of energy. In the present work, we provide a simple thought experiment with an inelastic collision between two particles observed from two inertial reference frames. We show that for the conservation of relativistic momentum to hold, the mass of the system must increase after the collision. We also show that the increase of mass relates to the loss of kinetic energy according to the equation

Δ

K
=
−

Δ

m

c
2

, which enables us to define the equation for relativistic energy (

E
=
m

c
2

/

1
−

v
2

/

c
2

), rest energy (

E
0

=
m

c
2

)

and relativistic kinetic energy (

K
=
E
−

E
0

)

. There are two main advantages in this presentation: first, it relies only on simple algebra, not depending on differential calculus and on any property of radiation; second, it leads directly to a comprehensible physical meaning of the relation of equivalence, which can sometimes be too obscure in more formal derivations.
The Best Selection of PIP Scholarship: AHP-TOPSIS Vs Fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS
Authors: Wardana Ari Kusuma , Rianto
Published: May 2021

The Smart Indonesia Program (PIP) is a program created by the government to address education problems in Indonesia. Selection of students who are entitled to PIP assistance is the main problem in this study, so this study aims to provide a comparison and evaluation of the selection of students who are entitled to PIP assistance. Previous research has been evaluated using the AHP-TOPSIS method and in this study comparing the method between AHP-TOPSIS vs Fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS, the purpose of this study is to obtain the effectiveness of both methods. The criteria in this study are the impact of natural disasters, physical disabilities, the convict’s family, PKH / KPS / KKS holders, destitute, orphans, parents’ income and conflict areas. In this study, the results show that the two methods have the same ranking results, even though they have different weight values. This is because the importance value of each criterion is close together so that the results of the ranking of the two methods are the same. From these results, it can be concluded that the two methods are feasible to be used in the PIP scholarship selection, where the ranking of the choices is in alternatives 2 3 and 4.
Effect of Current Densities in Cu-Sn-Zn Electroplating Process on Carbon Substrate Using Less Hazardous Electrolyte
Authors: Rosley R , Jikan S S , Badaruzaman N A , Roslan M S , Razak S N A , Esa F
Published: May 2021

Cu-Sn-Zn ternary alloy coatings was studied from a less hazardous electrolyte containing copper (II) chloride, tin (II) chloride, zinc (II) chloride, reducing agent and complexing agent. In this work, the impact of different current densities on morphology, chemical composition, current efficiency, microhardness and corrosion rate were investigated by method of scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, weight gain measurements, x-ray diffraction, and potentiodynamic polarization measurement, respectively. It was discovered that, Cu-Sn-Zn alloys obtained at 30 mA/cm2 presents the highest microhardness value. It is also can be concluded that, current densities have a significant impact on the appearance and the surface morphology of Cu-Sn-Zn alloy electrodeposits.
VIRUSBreakend: Viral Integration Recognition Using Single Breakends
Authors: Cameron Daniel L , Jacobs Nina , Roepman Paul , Priestley Peter , Cuppen Edwin , Papenfuss Anthony T
Published: May 2021

Motivation

Integration of viruses into infected host cell DNA can cause DNA damage and disrupt genes. Recent cost reductions and growth of whole genome sequencing has produced a wealth of data in which viral presence and integration detection is possible. While key research and clinically relevant insights can be uncovered, existing software has not achieved widespread adoption, limited in part due to high computational costs, the inability to detect a wide range of viruses, as well as precision and sensitivity.

Results

Here, we describe VIRUSBreakend, a high-speed tool that identifies viral DNA presence and genomic integration. It utilizes single breakends, breakpoints in which only one side can be unambiguously placed, in a novel virus-centric variant calling and assembly approach to identify viral integrations with high sensitivity and a near-zero false discovery rate. VIRUSBreakend detects viral integrations anywhere in the host genome including regions such as centromeres and telomeres unable to be called by existing tools. Applying VIRUSBreakend to a large metastatic cancer cohort, we demonstrate that it can reliably detect clinically relevant viral presence and integration including HPV, HBV, MCPyV, EBV and HHV-8.

Availability and implementation

VIRUSBreakend is part of the Genomic Rearrangement IDentification Software Suite (GRIDSS). It is available under a GPLv3 license from https://github.com/PapenfussLab/VIRUSBreakend.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Countering Corporate Power Through Social Control: What Does a Social Licence Offer?
Authors: Haines Fiona , Bice Sara , Einfeld Colette , Sullivan Helen
Published: May 2021

This paper interrogates the capacity for social control to act as a complement and alternative to the law in controlling corporate harm. Social control can manifest as demands that businesses obtain a social, not just a legal, licence to operate which can provide an avenue for communities to reject or shape company operations. Drawing on parallels with the ambiguities that hinder the criminalization of business conduct, this paper shows how the social licence can also be used to silence critical voices or justify harmful practices. This ambiguity hinges on struggles around what is or is not socially desirable, which can engender significant conflict. Whilst this conflict might be inevitable, even productive in reducing corporate harm, it can leave a debilitating social legacy.
Strengthening Prevention, Early Intervention and Family Support: A Conceptual Framework for Studying System Change in Irish Child Protection and Welfare
Authors: Malone Patrick , Canavan John
Published: May 2021

All states grapple with the challenges of protecting children and ensuring their development. For minority world states, whilst there is a longer history of established systems focused on the protection and welfare of children, transformation and change are ever-present characteristics of such systems—reflecting the ongoing pursuit of greater effectiveness in meeting the needs of service users. Recent trends suggest an increased focus on prevention and family support amongst child protection systems, with some national and regional states re-organising services in this direction. Alongside these central policy and practice reforms, academic literature has emerged to support those considering and planning for system change and improvement in child protection. In this article, we first propose a conceptual framework for studying system change in child protection, building on the work of Coffman and Wulczyn, but incorporating three further orientations: system culture and climate; implementation science; and leadership. Secondly, using Ireland’s experience of developing and strengthening the prevention and family support dimensions of its child protection system as a case study, we assess the value of the framework and possible revisions to it for future use.
Chemo Proling and Simultaneous Analysis of Different Combinations of Sinomenii Caulis and Ramulus Cinnamomi Using UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS, GC–MS and HPLC Methods
Authors: Liu Liu , Chu Xiaoqin , Tian Chunling , Xia Mengqiu , Zhang Lu , Jiang Jianqin , Gui Shuangying
Published: May 2021

Objective

Sinomenii Caulis (QingFengTeng) and Ramulus Cinnamomi (GuiZhi) are traditional Chinese drugs that have been used for anti-inflammation. In this study, the team plans to find out the material basis of a Chinese herb combination composed of the two herbs with different ratios.

Methods

The extracts of the herbal compound with various ratios obtained from ethanol extraction were analyzed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry to identify the basic chemical compounds. Simultaneously, the contents of the eight main components (sinomenine, magnoflorine, laurifoline, dauricine, coumarin, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamic acid and cinnamaldehyde) from herb formula were determined by gradient elution by high-performance liquid chromatography. Furthermore, the content of sinomenine and cinnamaldehyde were determined by isocratic elution, respectively.

Results

Eighteen compounds in the herb formula were identified by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS. The components in the GuiZhi are mostly volatile oils and the kinds of compounds isolated from the formula in the ratio of 4:1 were the most. Wherein eight compounds were identified as the main detection targets in the content determination.

Conclusion

The extraction rate of sinomenine in QingFengTeng was related to the proportion of GuiZhi in the drug pairs. Synchronously, the addition of sinomenine in different proportions also had some influence on the extraction of cinnamaldehyde in GuiZhi. Furthermore, the series of methods was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of chemical compounds in different samples of QingFengTeng–GuiZhi decoction.
Regional foundations of energy transitions
Authors: Coenen Lars , Hansen Teis , Glasmeier Amy , Hassink Robert
Published: May 2021

Due to a spatial turn in the socio-technical transition literature, the geography of energy transitions has recently been taken increasingly seriously, leading to burgeoning research output on regional energy transitions since early 2010. Amidst this wealth of publications, however, it can be difficult to keep track of its diverse and constantly evolving landscape. This editorial therefore aims at developing a framework that allows for bringing multiple approaches to regional energy transitions into conversation with each other and that helps to understand and explain the complexity of these interdependencies in ways that go beyond observing regional variety in energy transitions.
Computing moment inequality models using constrained optimization
Authors: Dong Baiyu , Hsieh Yu-Wei , Shum Matthew
Published: May 2021

Inference for moment inequality models is computationally demanding and often involves time-consuming grid search. By exploiting the equivalent formulations between unconstrained and constrained optimization, we establish new ways to compute the identified set and its confidence set in moment inequality models that overcome some of these computational hurdles. In simulations, using both linear and nonlinear moment inequality models, we show that our method significantly improves the solution quality and save considerable computing resources relative to conventional grid search. Our methods are user-friendly and can be implemented using a variety of canned software packages.
University students’ sense of coherence, future worries and mental health: findings from the German COVID-HL-survey
Authors: Dadaczynski Kevin , Okan Orkan , Messer Melanie , Rathmann Katharina
Published: May 2021

Early-on in the COVID-19 pandemic when universities were closed as part of the nation-wide public health response to the COVID-19 outbreak, studying and student life significantly changed. Based on limited evidence the aim of this study was to explore the relationship between sense of coherence (SoC), future worries and mental health outcomes among German university students during the early phase of the pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey with n = 14 916 participants was carried out by inviting all private and public universities in Germany. All data were analysed using univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistics. Findings indicate a low and very low wellbeing for 38% of university students. Moreover, 29% reported being affected by at least two health complaints more than once week. Both health outcomes follow a social gradient and could be more frequently observed for respondents with lower subjective social status and female students. Regression analysis revealed significant association between the SoC dimensions and wellbeing (OR: 1.2−2.03) as well as health complaints (OR: 1.58−1.71). A high level of future worries was associated with low/very low wellbeing (OR: 2.83) and multiple health complaints (OR: 2.84). Based on the results, the public health response to the pandemic and university health promotion should therefore consider student mental health as an important target within their policy and action frameworks.
Surgical reconstruction of the dissected innominate artery using extra-anatomic aorto-axillar bypass
Authors: Zivkovic Igor , Micovic Slobodan , Bojovic Zeljko , Peric Miodrag
Published: May 2021

The innominate artery is the most commonly affected supra-aortic vessel in the acute ascending aorta dissection. The brachiocephalic vessels, separated from the true lumen, need reimplantation. The fragile vessel tissue might be challenging to reconstruct. Cerebral blood flow could be restored using an extra-anatomic bypass.
How efficacious are Octreotide and Somatostatin in the management of chylothorax in congenital cardiac surgical patients?
Authors: Madhavan Sudharsan , Nakao Masakazu
Published: May 2021

A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was how efficacious are Octreotide and Somatostatin in the management of chylothorax in congenital cardiac surgical patients. Altogether >55 papers were found using the reported search, of which 8 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. The comparative data on LOS and chylothorax duration are mixed though interpretation is difficult since Octreotide has been instituted belatedly from the onset of chylothorax in multiple instances. There is also preliminary evidence to suggest that responders to Somatostatin and Octreotide are affected by single-ventricle physiology and CVP levels. Meanwhile, non-responders tend to have higher mortality and may merit earlier surgical intervention. The included studies thus far have significant limitations such as low-level evidence study design, selection bias, variability in duration and dosage of therapy and heterogenous comparative arms. Notwithstanding these limitations, Octreotide has shown to be an useful adjunct treatment in reducing chylothorax volume especially in patients with higher output chylothorax (>40 ml/kg/h) after the failure of conservative management.
HIV drug resistance among adults initiating antiretroviral therapy in Uganda
Authors: Watera Christine , Ssemwanga Deogratius , Namayanja Grace , Asio Juliet , Lutalo Tom , Namale Alice , Sanyu Grace , Ssewanyana Isaac , Gonzalez-Salazar Jesus Fidel , Nazziwa Jamirah , Nanyonjo Maria , Raizes Elliot , Kabuga Usher , Mwangi Christina , Kirungi Wilford , Musinguzi Joshua , Mugagga Kaggwa , Mbidde Edward Katongole , Kaleebu Pontiano
Published: May 2021

Background

WHO revised their HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) monitoring strategy in 2014, enabling countries to generate nationally representative HIVDR prevalence estimates from surveys conducted using this methodology. In 2016, we adopted this strategy in Uganda and conducted an HIVDR survey among adults initiating or reinitiating ART.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of adults aged ≥18 years initiating or reinitiating ART was conducted at 23 sites using a two-stage cluster design sampling method. Participants provided written informed consent prior to enrolment. Whole blood collected in EDTA vacutainer tubes was used for preparation of dried blood spot (DBS) specimens or plasma. Samples were shipped from the sites to the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) for temporary storage before transfer to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) for genotyping. Prevalence of HIVDR among adults initiating or reinitiating ART was determined.

Results

Specimens from 491 participants (median age 32 years and 61.5% female) were collected between August and December 2016. Specimens from 351 participants were successfully genotyped. Forty-nine had drug resistance mutations, yielding an overall weighted HIVDR prevalence of 18.2% with the highest noted for NNRTIs at 14.1%.

Conclusions

We observed a high HIVDR prevalence for NNRTIs among adults prior to initiating or reinitiating ART in Uganda. This is above WHO’s recommended threshold of 10% when countries should consider changing from NNRTI- to dolutegravir-based first-line regimens. This recommendation was adopted in the revised Ugandan ART guidelines. Dolutegravir-containing ART regimens are preferred for first- and second-line ART regimens.
Comparative analysis of competency coverage within accredited master’s in health informatics programs in the East African region
Authors: Were Martin C , Gong Wu , Balirwa Priscillah , Balugaba Bonny Enock , Yeung Ada , Pierce Leslie , Ingles Donna , Kim Young , Lee Hyeon Jeong , Shepherd Bryan E
Published: May 2021

Objective

As master of science in health informatics (MSc HI) programs emerge in developing countries, quality assurance of these programs is essential. This article describes a comprehensive comparative analysis of competencies covered by accredited MSc HI programs in the East African common labor and educational zone.

Materials and Methods

Two reviewers independently reviewed curricula from 7 of 8 accredited MSc HI university programs. The reviewers extracted covered competencies, coding these based on a template that contained 73 competencies derived from competencies recommended by the International Medical Informatics Association, plus additional unique competencies contained within the MSc HI programs. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the structure and completion requirements of each MSc HI program. Jaccard similarity coefficient was used to compare similarities in competency coverage between universities.

Results

The total number of courses within the MSc HI degree programs ranged from 8 to 22, with 35 to 180 credit hours. Cohen’s kappa for coding competencies was 0.738. The difference in competency coverage was statistically significant across the 7 institutions (P = .012), with covered competencies across institutions ranging from 32 (43.8%) to 49 (67.1%) of 73. Only 4 (19%) of 21 university pairs met a cutoff of over 70% similarity in shared competencies.

Discussion

Significant variations observed in competency coverage within MSc HI degree programs could limit mobility of student, faculty, and labor.

Conclusions

Comparative analysis of MSc HI degree programs across 7 universities in East Africa revealed significant differences in the competencies that were covered.
Design thinking in applied informatics: what can we learn from Project HealthDesign?
Authors: Novak Laurie L , Harris Joyce W , Koonce Taneya Y , Johnson Kevin B
Published: May 2021

Objective

The goals of this study are to describe the value and impact of Project HealthDesign (PHD), a program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that applied design thinking to personal health records, and to explore the applicability of the PHD model to another challenging translational informatics problem: the integration of AI into the healthcare system.

Materials and Methods

We assessed PHD’s impact and value in 2 ways. First, we analyzed publication impact by calculating a PHD h-index and characterizing the professional domains of citing journals. Next, we surveyed and interviewed PHD grantees, expert consultants, and codirectors to assess the program’s components and the potential future application of design thinking to artificial intelligence (AI) integration into healthcare.

Results

There was a total of 1171 unique citations to PHD-funded work (collective h-index of 25). Studies citing PHD span medical, legal, and computational journals. Participants stated that this project transformed their thinking, altered their career trajectory, and resulted in technology transfer into the commercial sector. Participants felt, in general, that the approach would be valuable in solving contemporary challenges integrating AI in healthcare including complex social questions, integrating knowledge from multiple domains, implementation, and governance.

Conclusion

Design thinking is a systematic approach to problem-solving characterized by cooperation and collaboration. PHD generated significant impacts as measured by citations, reach, and overall effect on participants. PHD’s design thinking methods are potentially useful to other work on cyber–physical systems, such as the use of AI in healthcare, to propose structural or policy-related changes that may affect adoption, value, and improvement of the care delivery system.
Effect of ractopamine hydrochloride on environmental gas emissions, growth performance, and carcass characteristics in feedlot steers
Authors: Ross Elizabeth G , Ball Jase J , Werth Samantha J , Mejia-Turcios Sebastian E , Zhao Yongjing , Pan Yuee , Taube Patrick C , Meinert Todd R , Van Engen Nicholas K , Mitloehner F M
Published: May 2021

With a growing global population and increased environmental concerns around animal agriculture, it is essential to humanely maximize animal performance and reduce environmental emissions. This study aims to determine the efficacy of feeding ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC), an orally active, β 1-adrenergic agonist (β1AA), to feedlot steers in the last 42 d of finishing to reduce ammonia (NH3) emissions and improve animal performance. A randomized complete block design was used to allocate 112 Angus and crossbred Angus steers (initial body weight [BW] = 566.0 ± 10.4 kg) to 8 cattle pen enclosures. Pens (n = 4 per treatment, 14 steers per pen, and 56 steers per treatment) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: 1) CON; finishing ration containing no RAC, 2) RAC; finishing ration containing 27.3 g/907 kg dry matter (DM) basis RAC. Steers were weighed on day −1 and 0 before treatment and day 14, 28, and 42 during treatment. Treatment rations were mixed and delivered daily by masked personnel. Measured emissions included NH3, nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), and carbon dioxide (CO2). The primary response variables assessed were emissions standardized by live weight (LW) and hot carcass weight (HCW). Steers were harvested on day 43 and carcass data were collected on day 43 and 44. Steers fed RAC reduced NH3 emissions by 17.21% from day 0 to 28 (P = 0.032) and tended to reduce NH3 from day 0 to 42 by 11.07% (P = 0.070) vs. CON. When standardized for LW, NH3 was reduced by 23.88% from day 0 to 14 (P = 0.018), 17.80% from day 0 to 28 (P = 0.006), and 12.50% for day 0 to 42 (P = 0.027) in steers fed RAC vs. CON. Steers fed RAC had 14.05% (P = 0.013) lower cumulative NH3 emissions when standardized by HCW vs. CON. Feeding RAC to Steers reduced H2S by 29.49% from day 0 to 14 (P = 0.009) and tended to reduce H2S over day 0 to 28 by 11.14% (P = 0.086) vs. CON. When H2S emissions were standardized for LW, RAC fed steers had a 28.81% reduction from day 0 to 14 (P = 0.008) vs. CON. From day 0 to 42 the RAC fed steers tended to have a 0.24 kg/d greater average daily gain (ADG) (P = 0.066) and tended to eat 4.27% less (P = 0.069) on a DM basis vs. CON. The RAC fed steers had a 19.95% greater gain to feed ratio (G:F) compared to CON (P = 0.012). Steers fed RAC had an average of 12.52 kg greater HCW (P = 0.006) and an increase of 1.93 percentage units in dressing percent (DP) (P = 0.004) vs. CON. Ractopamine is an effective medicated feed additive for reducing NH3 and improving end product performance through HCW yields.
Vascular tracheobronchial compression syndrome secondary to contained ruptured thoracic aortic aneurysm
Authors: Dinh Krystal , Manuel Lucy , Somers Miles , Vicaretti Mauro
Published: May 2021

Vascular tracheobronchial compression syndrome is the compression of the trachea or pulmonary bronchus by a vascular structure. It is primarily a diagnosis in children and secondary to congenital vascular anomalies. In adults, vascular tracheobronchial compression syndrome can be either congenital or required with a vast majority of congenital conditions found incidentally on imaging. Acquired conditions are largely due to aortic arch aneurysms or kinking of the aorta. The case described herein illustrates the rare case of a saccular thoracic aneurysm causing compression of the left primary bronchus. Patients may have a history of gradual onset of symptoms involving both the airway and oesophagus. Vascular tracheobronchial compression syndrome may go undetected and asymptomatic throughout an individual’s lifespan, however as described herein this syndrome may also be life-threatening.