bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of thickness on themultiwalledcarbon nanotubes performance in glass/epoxy composite laminates under dynamic loading
Authors: Emdadi Derabi Mohammad , Sangsefidi Milad , Rahmani Omid
Published: August 2021

The aim of this research is to investigate the thickness influence on the efficiency of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in glass/epoxy composite laminates under the high‐velocity impact. Combining 0.25 wt% of MWCNTs in the 4‐layer and 8‐layer specimens and 0.1 wt% of MWCNTs in the 16‐layer specimen led to the maximum rise in the energy absorption and specific perforation energy compared with the unreinforced laminates. The significant growth in energy absorption in the 4‐layer, 8‐layer, and 16‐layer specimens was 5.8, 8.3, and 14.4 J, respectively. The number of agglomerations (dislocations) in the matrix was consequently increased as a function of thickness, which led to the better performance of MWCNTs with lower weight percentages in the composite laminates containing more layers. The scanning electron microscope was used to observe the dispersion and agglomeration of MWCNTs in the resin epoxy, and there was also an improvement in the fiber–resin bonding.
Severe early‐onset fetal growth restriction: What do we tell the prospective parents?
Authors: Unterscheider Julia , Cuzzilla Rocco
Published: August 2021

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a common complication of pregnancy, associated with higher risk of perinatal mortality and adverse health and developmental outcomes for surviving infants. True FGR relates to a pathological restriction of fetal growth resulting from complex interactions between maternal, placental, fetal, and environmental factors. Early‐onset FGR (onset <32 weeks' gestation) is often first suspected at routine mid‐trimester sonographic assessment of fetal morphology, or identified as part of the placental syndrome, commonly maternal pre‐eclampsia. Prenatal investigations may identify the cause of FGR. Timing of delivery is guided by serial sonographic surveillance of fetal growth and well‐being and maternal condition, balancing the risk of stillbirth with the benefits of advancing gestation. This is particularly pertinent to severe early‐onset FGR, a leading iatrogenic cause of very preterm birth. Prognosis is largely determined by the severity of FGR and its causes, gestation at birth, and birthweight. Pregnancy termination may be considered. Antenatal care and delivery in a tertiary center, provided by a multi‐disciplinary team with expertise in managing high‐risk pregnancies, are imperative to optimizing outcomes.
Reversible addition–fragmentation chain transferbased copolymers of acrylonitrile and alkyl acrylates as possible precursors for carbon fibers: synthesis and thermal behavior during stabilization
Authors: Toms Roman V , Balashov Mikhail S , Gervald Alexander Y , Prokopov Nickolay I , Plutalova Anna V , Chernikova Elena V
Published: August 2021

Copolymers of acrylonitrile and alkyl acrylates with various alkyl substituents (methyl, ethyl, butyl, 2‐ethylhexyl and lauryl) were synthesized via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization in dimethylsulfoxide. It is demonstrated that reactivity of alkyl acrylate in copolymerization decreases with increase of the length of the alkyl substituent. The molar fractions of homodiads and homotriads of acrylonitrile and the number‐average sequence length of acrylonitrile units decreases with a decrease in the acrylate content in the copolymer or with an increase in the length of the alkyl substituent in the acrylate. The copolymer composition was held constant throughout copolymerization in all the studied systems resulting in the formation of copolymers with high compositional homogeneity. Additionally the reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer mechanism provides low dispersity of the copolymers. Both factors enable the effect of the alkyl substituent in alkyl acrylate on the thermal behavior of acrylonitrile copolymers to be carefully revealed. Being inert in the cyclization reaction, alkyl acrylates have no effect on the activation energy of the reaction. However, increase of the length of the alkyl substituent is followed by a slower evolution of the ladder structure. In contrast, in conditions of oxidative stabilization, the stabilization index increases in the order of increase of the number‐average sequence length of the acrylonitrile units in the copolymers. Thus, the use of alkyl acrylates with longer alkyl substituents provides an increase of chain flexibility and the formation of an enhanced ladder structure during oxidative stabilization which is profitable for carbon fiber production. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Effects of prosthetic feet on metabolic energy expenditure in people with transtibial amputation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hafner Brian J. , Halsne Elizabeth G. , Morgan Sara J. , Morgenroth David C. , Humbert Andrew T.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To assess the effects of different prosthetic feet on energy costs associated with walking and running in people with transtibial amputation.

Literature Survey

The Pubmed, CINAHL, and Web‐of‐Science bibliographic databases were searched for original research published through June 30, 2018. References from identified articles were also reviewed.

Methodology

Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and articles for pertinent studies. Details were extracted with a standardized template. Risk of bias was assessed using domain‐based methods. Prosthetic feet were grouped into categories and compared according to energy costs associated with walking or running over various terrain conditions. Meta‐analyses were conducted when data quantity and homogeneity permitted. Evidence statements were formed when results were consistent or undisputed.

Synthesis

Fifteen studies were included. Participants (n = 141) were predominantly male (87.9%), had unilateral amputation (95.7%) from non‐dysvascular causes (87.9%), and were classified as unlimited community ambulators or active adults (56.0%). Participants were often young but varied in age (mean age 24.8–66.6 years). Available evidence indicates that feet with powered dorsiflexion reduce energy costs relative to dynamic response feet in unlimited community ambulators or active adults when walking on level or declined surfaces. Dynamic response feet do not significantly reduce energy costs compared to energy storing, flexible keel, or solid ankle feet when walking on level terrain. Running feet do not reduce energy costs relative to dynamic response in active adults when running. Select feet may reduce energy costs under specific conditions, but additional research is needed to confirm preliminary results.

Conclusions

The overall body of evidence is based on small samples, comprised mostly of participants who may not well represent the population of prosthesis users and test conditions that may not well reflect how prostheses are used in daily life. However, evidence suggests energy costs are affected by prosthetic foot type only under select conditions.
Electrospinning nanofibers of microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates for applications in medical tissue engineering
Authors: Zhao Xiao‐Hong , Niu Yi‐Nuo , Mi Chen‐Hui , Gong Hai‐Lun , Yang Xin‐Yu , Cheng Ji‐Si‐Yu , Zhou Zi‐Qi , Liu Jia‐Xuan , Peng Xue‐Liang , Wei Dai‐Xu
Published: August 2021

Differently to most chemically synthesized medical materials, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are intracellular carbon and energy storage granules, which is a family of natural bio‐polymers synthesized by microorganism's materials. Due to excellent biocompatibility reasonable biodegradability and versatile material difference, PHAs are well medical biomaterials candidates for applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery, including commercial PHB, PHBV, PHBHHx, PHBVHHx, P34HB and few uncommercial PHAs. Electrospinning nanofibers with the size of 10–10,000 nm can improve the mechanical properties and decrease the crystallinity of PHA, meanwhile simulate the structure and function of native extracellular matrix of cells. Hence, PHAs electrospinning nanofibers as engineered scaffolds have been widely used for tissue engineering scaffolds in cardiovascular, vascular, nerve, bone, cartilage and skin; also, as carriers for application in drug delivery system. In this review, we highlight the extraction and properties of medical PHAs from natural or engineered microorganism, and microstructure, current manufacturing techniques and medical applications of electrospinning nanofibers of PHAs. Moreover, the current challenges and prospects of PHAs electrospinning nanofibers are discussed rationally, providing an insight into developing vibrant fields of PHAs electrospinning nanofibers‐based biomedicine.
Conductive Polymer Spark Gap Igniters
Authors: McConnell Miranda P. , Murray Allison K. , Boudouris Bryan W. , Gunduz I. Emre , Son Steven F. , Chiu George T.‐C. , Rhoads Jeffrey F.
Published: August 2021

Electrodes fabricated from electronically active polymers offer some benefits over those fabricated with common metals, including an appreciable resistance to corrosion and lower density. These benefits, and potentially others, manifest the advantages of using conductive polymers in lieu of metals for the mass production of ignition systems. In this work, spark gap igniters were fabricated using a potentially low‐cost, roll‐to‐roll compatible process utilizing the doped conductive polymer polyaniline as the electrode material. Subsequently, nanothermite was printed on the spark gap igniters between the organic leads and ignited using a high voltage source to demonstrate the effectiveness of the device. All of the igniters successfully fired with a mean spark over voltage of 3.14 kV. In addition, all of the igniters with deposited nanothermite successfully ignited the material. Accordingly, this work outlines the materials and processes required to develop organic‐based spark gap igniters and establishes a baseline for future work related to the metal‐free ignition of energetic materials.
Do calmodulin binding IQ motifs have built‐in capping domains?
Authors: Muguruza‐Montero Arantza , Ramis Rafael , Nuñez Eider , R. Ballesteros Oscar , G. Ibarluzea Markel , Araujo Ariane , M‐Alicante Sara , Urrutia Janire , Leonardo Aritz , Bergara Aitor , Villarroel Alvaro
Published: August 2021

Most calmodulin (CaM) targets are α‐helices. It is not clear if CaM induces the adoption of an α‐helix configuration to its targets or if those targets are selected as they spontaneously adopt an α‐helical conformation. Other than an α‐helix propensity, there is a great variety of CaM targets with little more in common. One exception to this rule is the IQ site that can be recognized in a number of targets, such as those ion channels belonging to the KCNQ family. Although there is negligible sequence similarity between the IQ motif and the docking site on SK2 channels, both adopt a similar three‐dimensional disposition. The isolated SK2 target presents a pre‐folded core region that becomes fully α‐helical upon binding to CaM. The existence of this pre‐folded state suggests the occurrence of capping within CaM targets. In this review, we examine the capping properties within the residues flanking this core domain, and relate known IQ motifs and capping.
Effect of remimazolam induction on hemodynamics in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery: A randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial
Authors: Liu Tianxiao , Lai Ting , Chen Jing , Lu Yizhi , He Fang , Chen Yanhua , Xie Yubo
Published: August 2021

Background

The stability of hemodynamics during anesthesia induction in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery is particularly important. Remimazolam is a new type of benzodiazepine drug, with supposed advantages of rapid induction, rapid recovery, stable hemodynamics, and mild respiratory inhibition.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of remimazolam anesthesia induction on hemodynamics in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery.

Methods

This randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial enrolled consecutive patients undergoing mitral valve replacement (MVR)/aortic valve replacement (AVR)/double‐valve replacement (DVR) surgery on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The study was conducted according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either remimazolam or propofol induction of 30 patients each. All patients, data collectors, and data analyzers were blinded to the group allocation. The primary outcomes were the fluctuations in hemodynamic parameters (the difference of maximum or minimum heart rate to baseline, ▲HR, the difference of maximum or minimum mean arterial pressure to baseline, ▲MAP), the occurrence of cardiovascular events (hypotension, severe bradycardia), and the cumulative norepinephrine doses used per patient, averaged per group during induction. The secondary outcomes were hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, HR, mean arterial pressure, MAP, bispectral index, BIS, plasma lactic acid, Lac, and blood glucose, Glu values).

Results

A total of 60 patients with heart valve replacement were included in the final analysis, with 30 patients in each group. The ▲MAP was significantly lower in the remimazolam group than in the propofol group during induction (p < .05). The incidences of hypotension and the cumulative norepinephrine doses used per patient, averaged per group during induction were significantly lower in the remimazolam group than in the propofol group (p < .05).

Conclusion

Remimazolam may be safe and effective for induction and may as an alternative to propofol during anesthesia induction in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery.
Impact of biocontrol microbes on soil microbial diversity in ginger (Zingiber officinaleRoscoe)
Authors: Huang Zhiqiang , Liu Bowen , Yin Yong , Liang Fang , Xie Deshan , Han Tiantian , Liu Yongzeng , Yan Bin , Li Qian , Huang Yong , Liu Qing
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Bacteria are the most diverse and abundant group of soil organisms that influence plant growth and health. Bacillus and Trichoderma are commonly used as biological control agents (BCA) that directly or indirectly act on soil bacteria. Therefore, it is essential to understand how the applied microbes impact the indigenous microbial community before exploring their activity in the control of soilborne diseases.

RESULTS

MiSeq sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was used to decipher the shift of rhizosphere bacterial community in ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) treated with Bacillus subtilus and Trichoderma harzianum at different concentrations. The dominant phyla in treated and nontreated samples were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria and comprised up to 54.7% of the total sequences. There were significant differences between BCA treated and nontreated samples in the bacteria community. BCA treated plants presented higher bacterial diversity than nontreated and higher dosage of BCA had a larger impact on rhizosphere microbiota, but the ‘dose–response relationship’ varied in different bacterial groups. Potential biomarkers at genus level were found, such as RB41, Pseudomonas, Nitrospira, Candidatus_Udaeobacter.

CONCLUSION

The combined use of Bacillus subtilus and Trichoderma harzianum could alter bacterial community structure and diversity in rhizosphere soil. BCA–microbes interactions as well as soil microbial ecology should be noticed in plant disease management. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Sulfoxaflor resistance in Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (Costa) induces negligible cross‐resistance to other tested insecticides: stability, risk assessment, and fitness cost
Authors: Wazir Shabana , Shad Sarfraz A
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Oxycarenus hyalinipennis (Costa) (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae) is a polyphagous insect pest. In Pakistan, O. hyalinipennis is managed by using different insecticides, a major concern for cotton producers, and has developed resistance to many of these. Sulfoxaflor belongs to a newly released sulfoximine family that has high efficacy for controlling sap‐feeding insect pests.

RESULTS

A sulfoxaflor selected‐population (Sulfo‐Sel‐Pop) of O. hyalinipennis showed a 3064.92‐fold level of resistance after continuous selection for 18 generations with sulfoxaflor compared to unselected population (UNSel‐Pop). The Sulfo‐Sel‐Pop showed a reduction in resistance (from 3064.92 to 635‐fold) without exposure for five generations, indicating unstable resistance to sulfoxaflor. Cross‐resistance studies of the Sulfo‐Sel‐Pop revealed no or very low cross‐resistance to triazophos (0.42 to 0.30‐fold), deltamethrin (0.85 to 0.18‐fold) and acetamiprid (1.16 to 4.86‐fold) from G4 to G19 compared to the field population (Field‐Pop). The mean value of realized heritability was 0.15 in the Sulfo‐Sel‐Pop (G19). Significantly reduced relative fitness was determined in the Sulfo‐Sel‐Pop (Rf = 0.21) followed by Cross1 [(Sulfo‐Sel‐Pop ♂ × UNSel‐Pop ♀) (Rf = 0.58)], and Cross2 [(Sulfo‐Sel‐Pop ♀ × UNSel‐Pop ♂) (Rf = 0.70)] compared with the UNSel‐Pop. The values of intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), biotic potential (Bp) fecundity, egg hatching, and net reproductive rate (R0) were also significantly less in the Sulfo‐Sel‐Pop compared to UNSel‐Pop.

CONCLUSION

A very high fitness cost, unstable resistance and no or very low cross‐resistance in the Sulfo‐Sel‐Pop have great implications in designing effective strategies for managing insecticide resistance to O. hyalinipennis. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Resistance of Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) to triflumezopyrim: inheritance and fitness costs
Authors: Qin Yao , Xu Pengfei , Jin Ruoheng , Li Zhao , Ma Kangsheng , Wan Hu , Li Jianhong
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Triflumezopyrim, a novel commercialized mesoionic chemical insecticide, has been confirmed as a promising insecticide for efficiently controlling the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål). Here, a laboratory triflumezopyrim‐resistant (TR) strain and an isogenic susceptible (TS) strain were established to characterize the inheritance and fitness costs of triflumezopyrim resistance in N. lugens.

RESULTS

After 29 generations of successive selection with triflumezopyrim, the TR strain developed a 155.23‐fold higher resistance level than the TS strain. The median lethal concentration (LC50) values from progenies (F1RS and F1SR) of reciprocal crosses between TR and TS strains suggested that triflumezopyrim resistance in N. lugens was autosomal and codominant. Chi‐square analyses of self‐bred and backcrossed progenies suggested that the resistance results from a polygenic effect. Compared to the TS strain, the TR strain showed a lower relative fitness (0.62) with a significantly decreased female adult period, longevity, total fecundity, egg hatchability, intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), net reproductive rate (R0), and prolonged pre‐adult period and total preoviposition period (TPOP).

CONCLUSION

The inheritance mode of triflumezopyrim resistance in N. lugens was characterized as autosomal, codominant and polygenic. The resistance had a fitness cost, which may be an important factor limiting the evolution of resistance. These findings provide valuable information for optimizing resistance management strategies to delay triflumezopyrim resistance development and maintain sustainable control of N. lugens. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Recent applications of chromatography for analysis of contaminants in cannabis products: a review
Authors: López‐Ruiz Rosalía , Marín‐Sáez Jesús , Garrido Frenich Antonia , Romero‐González Roberto
Published: August 2021

In the last few years, the cultivation of cannabis has been increasing due to greater use in foods, recreational use, creams, oils, and other applications. Thus, analysis of contaminants (e.g. pesticides and mycotoxins) in cannabis products is necessary to ensure consumer safety. This review is focused on the analytical procedures, based on chromatographic techniques, used for the determination of contaminants in cannabis and related products, developed from 2015 to 2020. QuEChERS (acronym of quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) was mainly used for the extraction of pesticides and other contaminants from cannabis because its versatility and capacity to extract a wide range of substances, and therefore, increasing the scope of the analysis. The most employed technique to determine pesticides and mycotoxins in cannabis products was liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to mass spectrometry (MS), although gas chromatography (GC) coupled to MS was also employed for the analysis of non‐polar compounds, using triple quadrupole (QqQ) as mass analyzer. Nevertheless, new advances in cannabis analysis are also discussed, introducing techniques such as high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), which allows for performing both targeted and untargeted (unknown and suspect) analyses. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Auxetic Behavior and Other Negative Thermomechanical Properties from Rotating Rigid Units
Authors: Grima-Cornish James N. , Attard Daphne , Grima Joseph N. , Evans Kenneth E.
Published: August 2021

Auxetics display the anomalous property of expanding laterally when uniaxially stretched, that is, a negative Poisson's ratio, a property that arises from 1) the presence of specific geometric features within the nano/macrostructure of the material and 2) amenable deformations in response to the applied stimulus. Herein, how ancient symmetrical esthetic artifacts have been transformed to functional auxetics through mechanisms that have ripened the field of “mechanical metamaterials” and “architected materials” in the last decades is explored. In particular, the important role and various implementations, both in 2D and 3D, of “rotating rigid units,” which range from “rotating squares” to much more complex renditions at various scales of structure, are looked at. The role of rotating rigid units to generate negative thermal expansion and negative compressibility is also delved into.
When should matching be used in the design of cluster randomized trials?
Authors: Chondros Patty , Ukoumunne Obioha C. , Gunn Jane M. , Carlin John B.
Published: August 2021

For cluster randomized trials (CRTs) with a small number of clusters, the matched‐pair (MP) design, where clusters are paired before randomizing one to each trial arm, is often recommended to minimize imbalance on known prognostic factors, add face‐validity to the study, and increase efficiency, provided the analysis recognizes the matching. Little evidence exists to guide decisions on when to use matching. We used simulation to compare the efficiency of the MP design with the stratified and simple designs, based on the mean confidence interval width of the estimated intervention effect. Matched and unmatched analyses were used for the MP design; a stratified analysis was used for the stratified design; and analyses without and with post‐stratification adjustment for factors that would otherwise have been used for restricted allocation were used for the simple design. Results showed the MP design was generally the most efficient for CRTs with 10 or more pairs when the correlation between cluster‐level outcomes within pairs (matching correlation) was moderate to strong (0.3‐0.5). There was little gain in efficiency for the MP or stratified designs compared to simple randomization when the matching correlation was weak (0.05‐0.1). For trials with four pairs of clusters, the simple and stratified designs were more efficient than the MP design because greater degrees of freedom were available for the analysis, although an unmatched analysis of the MP design recovered precision for weak matching correlations. Practical guidance on choosing between the MP, stratified, and simple designs is provided.
Insights on the Thermal Stability of the Sb2Se3 Quasi‐1D Photovoltaic Technology
Authors: Vidal-Fuentes Pedro , Guc Maxim , Becerril-Romero Ignacio , Sylla Diouldé , Alcobé Xavier , Sánchez Yudania , Pérez-Rodríguez Alejandro , Saucedo Edgardo , Izquierdo-Roca Victor
Published: August 2021

This work explores the thermal stability of antimony‐based photovoltaic (PV) technologies investigating the effect of low‐temperature (50—350 °C) postdeposition annealings (PDAs) on bare Sb2Se3 absorbers and complete SLG/Mo/Sb2Se3/CdS/i‐ZnO/ITO devices (5.7% power conversion efficiency with no anti‐reflecting coating or metallic grid). A comprehensive structural analysis by means of X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, coupled with optoelectronic characterization, reveals clear evidences of a degradation process dominated by selenium diffusion. The degradation process is observed to start at low PDA temperatures as a shrinkage of the Sb2Se3 unit cell. Further increasing the PDA temperature above 200 °C leads to the formation of Sb oxides and Se secondary phases in bare absorbers, and of CdS1—x
Se
x
in complete devices at the Sb2Se3 front interface which completely degrade the heterojunction and kill device performance. Furthermore, a clear correlation is found between PV performance decrease and Sb2Se3 layer lattice shrinkage with the increasing PDA temperature (T > 50 °C). This is the first time that thermal instability is reported for the Sb2Se3 compound at temperatures commonly used during PV module fabrication processes such as emitter/transparent conducting oxide deposition or encapsulation.
Fine Tuning Miscibility of Donor/Acceptor through Solid Additives Enables All‐Polymer Solar Cells with 15.6% Efficiency
Authors: Li Zhenye , Peng Feng , Ying Lei , Quan Huilei , Li Jingwen , Wang Xingzhu , Wu Hongbin , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: August 2021

Optimization of the photovoltaic performance of all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) includes delicate control of the film morphology of the light‐harvesting layer. Although miscibility of polymer donors and polymer acceptors plays a critical role in the description of film morphology of all‐PSCs, the mixing thermodynamics is unrevealed. Herein, we demonstrate that by incorporating 1% weight ratio of PC71BM as the solid additive into the blends of electron‐donating polymer PTzBI‐oF and electron‐accepting polymer PFA1, the miscibility of donor/acceptor can be improved by virtue of forming a favorable phase separation, which leads to an increased charge carrier transport and simultaneously enhanced fill factor. The maximum power conversion efficiency is thereby improved from 14.6% to 15.6%. The miscibility of two components in the photoactive layer can be quantitatively described using the Flory−Huggins interaction parameter (χ). In particular, a correlation between the Flory−Huggins parameters of the two components, in terms of phase separation morphology and device performance of all‐PSCs, is established and the mechanism by which PC71BM is added to this system is explored. This study establishes guidelines for the selection of solid additives when optimizing the efficiency of all‐PSCs and promotes the integration and development of polymer physics and organic photovoltaics.
Fat1 suppresses the tumor‐initiating ability of nonsmall cell lung cancer cells by promoting Yes‐associated protein 1 nuclear‐cytoplasmic translocation
Authors: Li Minjie , Zhong Yuan , Wang Miao
Published: August 2021

The suppressive roles of Fat1 have been widely revealed in various tumors. However, its effects on the tumor‐initiating ability of nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells have never been elucidated. Currently, we identified that a higher level of Fat1 mRNA expression predicted a longer overall survival and first‐progression survival of lung cancer patients, especially in adenocarcinoma patients. In addition, Fat1 mRNA exhibited a lower level in lung cancer tissues relative to that in normal tissues. Functionally, we focused on the effects of Fat1 on the tumor‐initiating ability of NSCLC cells and we found that Fat1 overexpression decreased the expression of tumor‐initiating markers. Furthermore, overexpression of Fat1 reduced ALDH1 activity and sphere‐formation ability of NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, we revealed that Fat1 promoted the nuclear‐cytoplasmic transportation of YAP1 (Yes‐associated protein 1), a critical executor of Hippo signaling, and a mutant form of YAP (YAP‐5SA), which can escape from LATS1/2‐mediated phosphorylation, rescued the Fat1‐mediated inhibition on the tumor‐initiating ability of NSCLC cells. This work prompts that Fat1 suppresses the tumor‐initiating ability of NSCLC cells by activating Hippo signaling.
Knowledge and perception of community about causes of cattle abortion and case‐control study of brucellosis as cause of abortion in Jimma zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Robi Dereje Tulu , Gelalcha Benti Deresa , Deresa Feyissa Begna
Published: August 2021

Background

Abortion, causes by several infectious and non‐infectious factors is one of the most critical health problems of cattle in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess knowledge and perception of the community about potential causes of abortion and case‐control study of brucellosis as a cause of abortion in cattle of study districts.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted between October 2016 and October 2017 in selected districts of the Jimma zone using a questionnaire survey. Based on the questionnaire survey, we also carried out a case‐control study (141 cases and 282 controls) to confirm whether the most frequently mentioned disease (brucellosis) is associated with abortion. The blood samples were collected from both cases and controls cattle groups and then serum was separated. The presence of antibody againstBrucellaorganism in serum was first tested by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and all RBPT positive samples were confirmed using the Complement Fixation Test (CFT).

Results

From a total of 180 randomly selected respondents, the majority (59.4%) of them attributed abortion to infectious diseases. Based on the questionnaire survey, brucellosis, leptospirosis and listeriosis were identified as the major infectious causes of abortion in the areas. Physical injuries, shortage of feed and toxic substances were observed as less important non‐infection causes of abortion in the study areas. This study also identified improper disposal of aborted materials and birth products, use of communal bulls, sharing communal grazing areas and water sources which favour disease transmission. Exposure toBrucellaorganism was higher among cases (6.4%) than controls (2.8%) with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.042).

Conclusion

Brucellosis is the most important infectious cause of cattle abortion in this study. Thus, important to conduct appropriate control methods and increasing public awareness of the zoonotic transmission of brucellosis are suggested. This finding also recommended the need for further study to isolate and characterise brucellosis as a cause of abortion in cattle.
Pathogenic bacteria in cheese, raw and pasteurised milk
Authors: Bastam Mahsa Morovati , Jalili Mahsa , Pakzad Iraj , Maleki Abbas , Ghafourian Sobhan
Published: August 2021

Background

Foodborne diseases, especially those transmitted by milk and its products, are worldwide problem. Milk is not only a complete food but also a unique medium for activating various bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. In recent years, numerous bacteria with multiple drug resistance patterns have appeared, and there have been many problems in infection control. Today, ranchers use antibiotics for control of the animal disease, and humans are constantly using animal products containing antibiotics.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contamination status of raw and pasteurised milk as well as local cheese and to find a rapid Multiplex PCR method for investigation of contamination. Determination of antibiotic resistant isolates is also desirable.

Materials and Methods

One hundred samples were collected from livestock and retail outlets using culture and molecular methods to identify S. aureus, L. monocytogenes and S. typhi. The antibiotic resistance pattern was determined for the isolates.

Results

In this study, culture results for 100 samples showed 10% S. aureus isolates while no cases of S. typhi and L. monocytogenes were detected. In real‐time qPCR, S. aureus was isolated in 60% (n = 60) of samples, S. typhi in 53% (n = 53) and L. monocytogenes in 2% (n = 2). The results of sensitivity and specificity of Multiplex PCR for the three studied bacteria indicated general specificity of 72% and sensitivity of 80%.

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that S. typhi, L. monocytogenes and S. aureus are more likely to be detected by real‐time qPCR because of the high sensitivity of this test to culture. Multiplex method was not reliable in this study and cannot be suggested for rapid diagnosis.
A case report on ventrolateral herniorrhaphy in sheep: The novel way of using vest‐over‐pants closure technique
Authors: Kitessa Jiregna Dugassa , Merga Abebe Fromsa , Afata Abebe Wirtu
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To describe the surgical management of ventrolateral hernias by using the vest‐over‐pants closure technique.

Animals

On two local breed sheep that were kept under an extensive management system.

Study design

Case report.

Study methods

Patient history and clinical findings, diagnosis, and treatment.

Outcomes

After frequent follow‐up and well post‐operative care, the patient were recovered.

Conclusion

The herniorrhaphy and closure performed in both sheep were highly successful and effective in apposing hernial ring by maintaining equal tensions with minimal wound dehiscence, unlike other closure techniques.
Crenosoma vulpisassociated eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy in a young dog in Latvia
Authors: Vekšins Armands , Ponomarjova Olga , Sandersen Charlotte , Kļaviņa Alīna
Published: August 2021

A 1.5‐year‐old male American Staffordshire Terrier with a chronic cough was referred to the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies veterinary hospital. A diagnosis of bronchopneumopathy was reached by means of radiography and CT. Nematode parasites were detected during bronchoscopy and were collected by bronchoalveolar lavage. Parasitological examination confirmed infection withCrenosoma vulpis. Treatment with fenbendazole at 50 mg/kg for 3 days was effective.
Rapid Flood Mapping Using Multi-temporal SAR Images: An Example from Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Kabir , Matin Mir A. , Thapa Rajesh Bahadur
Published: August 2021

In the HKH region, large areas in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan get inundated by floodwater during every rainy season. Among them, Bangladesh has been experiencing record-high floods where four types prevail: flash flood, local rainfall flood, monsoon river flood, and storm-surge flood; and these occur almost every year due to Bangladesh’s unique geographical setting as the most downstream country in the HKH region.
The High-Impact Weather Assessment Toolkit
Authors: Gatlin Patrick N. , Case Jonathan L. , Srikishen Jayanthi , Adhikary Bhupesh
Published: August 2021

Of the various types of weather phenomena, thunderstorms produce some of the most immediate and impactful hazards—damaging winds and hail, frequent lightning, and intense rainfall. Resilience to high-impact weather can be attained through investment in several key areas: proper infrastructure; effective emergency management; public education; and well-informed weather forecasting services.
Communicating Science for Informed Decision-Making
Authors: Bajracharya Birendra , Maden Utsav , Weiss Devrin , Kucera Leah
Published: August 2021

SERVIR’s primary objective is to use Earth observation (EO) information and geospatial information technologies (GIT) to address challenges in areas of societal concern such as food security, land use and land cover, water resources, weather, and natural disasters. With a tagline of “connecting space to village”, SERVIR-HKH aims to build the capacities of people and institutions in the HKH region to integrate science and technology into the decision-making processes. To achieve these broad and ambitious objectives, SERVIR-HKH provides scientific information to a wide range of audiences with different societal contexts (Chap. 1). A picture is worth a thousand words, they say; EO satellites provide pictures of the Earth surface which help scientists to understand the dynamics of natural and anthropogenic processes. Similarly, GIT tools enable analysis and visualization of data, not only for scientific exploration but also to help communicate the information to the intended users in the form of maps and charts. The cartographic principles applied during the map-making process ensure that the scientific information undergoes minimum distortion while communicating to the target audiences.
Approach and Process for Effective Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation
Authors: Kadel Lalu Maya , Ahmad Farid , Bhattarai Ganesh
Published: August 2021

The use of Earth observation (EO) information and geospatial information technologies (GITs) for evidence-based decision-making is a growing opportunity because of open access and increased availability of data.
Geospatial Applications in the HKH Region: Country Needs and Priorities
Authors: Matin Mir A. , Islam Sheikh Tawhidul
Published: August 2021

Geospatial information, defined as information that refers to a location on Earth, is becoming a critical tool in governance (Chantillon et al. in ISPRS Int J Geo-Inf 6, 2017). Over the last decade, such information has become part of mainstream information management, thereby creating a massive demand for geospatial content and solutions among individuals, private companies, and government agencies.
In-Season Crop-Area Mapping for Wheat and Rice in Afghanistan and Bangladesh
Authors: Tiwari Varun , Qamer Faisal Mueen , Matin Mir A. , Ellenburg Walter Lee , Yousafi Waheedullah , Kamal Mustafa
Published: August 2021

Cereal grains are the most commonly grown crops in the world. Wheat and rice are important commodities which contribute to 50% of the world’s food-calorie intake (McKevith Nutr Bull 29(2): 111–142, 2004). These two cereals are critical to food security in the developing regions. In this context, crop-mapping services can be used for detailed monitoring of the cultivated areas; it can also provide the area statistics of specific crops and the data on their intensity across the landscape. This mapping process is also valuable for government agencies since it provides them with critical information that can be used to manage their stocks (for imports and exports). This chapter dwells on a crop-mapping service developed under the SERVIR-HKH program. In this regard, the needs assessment was carried out with the assistance of the governments of Bangladesh and Afghanistan through a consultation workshop. Wheat mapping in Afghanistan and rice mapping in Bangladesh were the top priorities for the respective governments. Here, we discuss two particular mapping exercises that were undertaken in these two countries: wheat mapping in Afghanistan at a national level and the mapping of Boro rice in selected districts of Bangladesh.
Climate-Resilient Forest Management in Nepal
Authors: Chitale Vishwas Sudhir , Thapa Sunil , Matin Mir A. , Gurung Kamala , Adhikari Shankar , Maharjan Rabindra
Published: August 2021

Forests play a vital role in combating climate change and mitigating its effects. In the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), they are an important source of livelihood for the region’s growing population. With forest degradation and deforestation increasing, it has become all the more necessary to have a reliable climate resilient forest management system. At present, lack of precise information on forest degradation and the impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems hinder the conservation, planning and management of forest ecosystems in Nepal. We attempt to tackle this issue in collaboration with Department of Forests and Soil Conservation (DoFSC), Nepal, by providing scientific and reliable data on vulnerability of forests to anthropogenic factors and climate change using geospatial tools and techniques. We introduced a two-way multitier approach in Nepal to support the identification and implementation of adaptation and management strategies with special focus on forest ecosystems. It aims to reduce the vulnerability of forests to climate change and the degradation of forest ecosystems due to anthropogenic drivers. We used multispectral satellite datasets, data on climate trends and projections, and published data on extraction of forest resources in the study area. We then used data mining to quantify the influence of temperature and precipitation on functioning of forests by using MODIS data of net primary productivity, leaf area index, evapotranspiration and climatic trends and projections data. Finally, we overlayed the forest degradation map on forest climate sensitivity map to identify the hotspots of degradation and sensitivity needing immediate attention. These hotspots are defined as “adaptation footprints”, which help decision makers to prioritize their activities within their district. Most of the forest ecosystems in mid-western and far-western Nepal are highly sensitive to observed and predicted impacts of climate change, which need immediate prioritization and management. The products of this study are accessible through a web-based decision support tool, which will help decision makers at district and province level to prioritize the activities of forest management.
Enhancing Flood Early Warning System in the HKH Region
Authors: Tsering Karma , Shakya Kiran , Matin Mir A. , Nelson Jim , Bajracharya Birendra
Published: August 2021

Flooding is a chronic natural hazard with disastrous impacts that have magnified over the last decade due to the rising trend in extreme weather events and growing societal vulnerability from global socioeconomic and environmental changes (WMO 2011 in Manual on flood forecasting and warning (WMO-No. 1072)).
Systems biology of resurrection plants
Authors: Gechev Tsanko , Lyall Rafe , Petrov Veselin , Bartels Dorothea
Published: August 2021

Plant species that exhibit vegetative desiccation tolerance can survive extreme desiccation for months and resume normal physiological activities upon re-watering. Here we survey the recent knowledge gathered from the sequenced genomes of angiosperm and non-angiosperm desiccation-tolerant plants (resurrection plants) and highlight some distinct genes and gene families that are central to the desiccation response. Furthermore, we review the vast amount of data accumulated from analyses of transcriptomes and metabolomes of resurrection species exposed to desiccation and subsequent rehydration, which allows us to build a systems biology view on the molecular and genetic mechanisms of desiccation tolerance in plants.
Characterisation of enterovirus RNA detected in the pancreas and other specimens of live patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes in the DiViD study
Authors: Oikarinen Sami , Krogvold Lars , Edwin Bjørn , Buanes Trond , Korsgren Olle , Laiho Jutta E. , Oikarinen Maarit , Ludvigsson Johnny , Skog Oskar , Anagandula Mahesh , Frisk Gun , Hyöty Heikki , Dahl-Jørgensen Knut
Published: August 2021

Aims/hypothesis

The Diabetes Virus Detection (DiViD) study is the first study to laparoscopically collect pancreatic tissue and purified pancreatic islets together with duodenal mucosa, serum, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and stools from six live adult patients (age 24–35 years) with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. The presence of enterovirus (EV) in the pancreatic islets of these patients has previously been reported.

Methods

In the present study we used reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and sequencing to characterise EV genomes present in different tissues to understand the nature of infection in these individuals.

Results

All six patients were found to be EV-positive by RT-qPCR in at least one of the tested sample types. Four patients were EV-positive in purified islet culture medium, three in PBMCs, one in duodenal biopsy and two in stool, while serum was EV-negative in all individuals. Sequencing the 5′ untranslated region of these EVs suggested that all but one belonged to enterovirus B species. One patient was EV-positive in all these sample types except for serum. Sequence analysis revealed that the virus strain present in the isolated islets of this patient was different from the strain found in other sample types. None of the islet-resident viruses could be isolated using EV-permissive cell lines.

Conclusions/interpretation

EV RNA can be frequently detected in various tissues of patients with type 1 diabetes. At least in some patients, the EV strain in the pancreatic islets may represent a slowly replicating persisting virus.

Graphical abstract
An empirical study on stress-based fail-safe topology optimization and multiple load path design
Authors: Kranz Micah , Lüdeker Julian K. , Kriegesmann Benedikt
Published: August 2021

Explicitly considering fail-safety within design optimization is computationally very expensive, since every possible failure has to be considered. This requires solving one finite element model per failure and iteration. In topology optimization, one cannot identify potentially failing structural members at the beginning of the optimization. Hence, a generic failure shape is applied to every possible location inside the design domain. In the current paper, the maximum stress is considered as optimization objective to be minimized, since failure is typically driven by the occurring stresses and thus of more practical relevance than the compliance. Due to the local nature of stresses, it is presumed that the optimization is more sensitive to the choice of the failure shape than compliance-based optimization. Therefore, various failure shapes, sizes and different numbers of failure cases are investigated and compared on the basis of a general load-path-based evaluation scheme. Instead of explicitly considering fail-safety, redundant structures are obtained at much less computational cost by controlling the maximum length scale. A common and easy to implement maximum length scale approach is employed and fail-safe properties are determined and compared against the explicit fail-safe approach.
Significant differences in rates of aseptic loosening between two variations of a popular total knee arthroplasty design
Authors: Brown Michael , Ramasubbu Rohan , Jenkinson Mark , Doonan James , Blyth Mark , Jones Bryn
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The NexGen Legacy Posterior Stabilised (LPS) prosthesis (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA) has augmentable and non-augmentable tibial baseplate options. We have noted an anecdotal increase in the number of cases requiring early revision for aseptic loosening since adopting the non-augmentable option. The purpose of this study was to ascertain our rates of aseptic tibial loosening for the two implant types within five years of implantation and to investigate the causes for any difference observed.

Methods

A database search was performed for all patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using the NexGen LPS between 2009 and 2015. Kaplan–Meier curves were plotted to assess for differences in revision rates between cohorts. We collected and compared data on gender, age, body mass index, component alignment and cement mantle quality as these were factors thought to affect the likelihood of aseptic loosening.

Results

Two thousand one hundred seventy-two TKAs were included with five year follow-up. There were 759 augmentable knees of which 14 were revised and 1413 non-augmentable knees of which 48 were revised. The overall revision rate at five years was 1.84% in the augmentable cohort and 3.4% in the non-augmentable cohort. The revision rate for aseptic loosening was 0.26% in the augmentable group and 1.42% in the non-augmentable group (p = 0.0241).

Conclusions

We have identified increased rates of aseptic loosening in non-augmentable components. This highlights the effect that minor implant changes can have on outcomes. We recommend that clinicians remain alert to implant changes and publish their own results when important trends are observed.