bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning prediction models in orthopedic surgery: A systematic review in transparent reporting
Authors: Groot Olivier Q. , Ogink Paul T. , Lans Amanda , Twining Peter K. , Kapoor Neal D. , DiGiovanni William , Bindels Bas J. J. , Bongers Michiel E. R. , Oosterhoff Jacobien H. F. , Karhade Aditya V. , Oner F. C. , Verlaan Jorrit‐Jan , Schwab Joseph H.
Published: March 2021

Machine learning (ML) studies are becoming increasingly popular in orthopedics but lack a critically appraisal of their adherence to peer‐reviewed guidelines. The objective of this review was to (1) evaluate quality and transparent reporting of ML prediction models in orthopedic surgery based on the transparent reporting of multivariable prediction models for individual prognosis or diagnosis (TRIPOD), and (2) assess risk of bias with the Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool. A systematic review was performed to identify all ML prediction studies published in orthopedic surgery through June 18th, 2020. After screening 7138 studies, 59 studies met the study criteria and were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data and discrepancies were resolved by discussion with at least two additional reviewers present. Across all studies, the overall median completeness for the TRIPOD checklist was 53% (interquartile range 47%–60%). The overall risk of bias was low in 44% (n = 26), high in 41% (n = 24), and unclear in 15% (n = 9). High overall risk of bias was driven by incomplete reporting of performance measures, inadequate handling of missing data, and use of small datasets with inadequate outcome numbers. Although the number of ML studies in orthopedic surgery is increasing rapidly, over 40% of the existing models are at high risk of bias. Furthermore, over half incompletely reported their methods and/or performance measures. Until these issues are adequately addressed to give patients and providers trust in ML models, a considerable gap remains between the development of ML prediction models and their implementation in orthopedic practice.
A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of Transcendental Meditation as Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans
Authors: Bellehsen Mayer , Stoycheva Valentina , Cohen Barry H. , Nidich Sanford
Published: March 2021

Preliminary studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Transcendental Meditation (TM) for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study extended previous research with a pilot trial of TM as a treatment for PTSD via a single‐blinded, randomized controlled design. veterans with PTSD (N = 40) were assigned to a TM intervention or treatment‐as‐usual (TAU) control group. Participants in the TM group engaged in 16 sessions over 12 weeks, primarily in a 60‐min group format. Change in PTSD symptoms, measured via the Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale for DSM‐5 (CAPS‐5) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included self‐reported PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, sleep difficulties, anger, and quality of life (QoL). Assessments were conducted at baseline and 3‐month follow‐up. Mean CAPS‐5 score decreases were significantly larger for participants in the TM group (M = ‐11.28, 95% CI [‐17.35, ‐5.20]), compared to the TAU group (M = −1.62, 95% CI [‐6.77, 3.52]), p = .012, d = ‐0.84. At posttest, 50.0% of veterans in the TM group no longer met PTSD diagnostic criteria as compared to 10.0% in the TAU group, p = .007. Adjusted mean changes on self‐report measures of PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties indicated significant reductions in the TM group compared to TAU, ds = .80–1.16. There were no significant group differences regarding anger or QoL. These findings demonstrate the efficacy of TM as a treatment for veterans with PTSD and for comorbid symptoms. Combined with other research, they suggest that TM may be a tolerable, non–trauma‐focused PTSD treatment.
The hydrodynamic mechanism of rainfall runoff from loess slopes treated with incorporated straw
Authors: Liu Huaqing , Yang Jiahui , Diao Yanfang , Lei Tingwu , Rahma Abbas E.
Published: March 2021

The hydrodynamic parameters of rainfall runoff are important for those studying hillslope water flow, which in turn affects soil erosion, chemical pollutant migration, and diffusion. Straw incorporation into the cultivated soil layer may affect soil properties, resulting in different hydrodynamic behaviours of hillslope runoff. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influences of straw incorporation, rainfall intensity, and slope gradient on hydraulic parameters, such as the Reynolds number (Re), Froude number (Fr), Darcy‐Weisbach friction factor (f), and hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient (DH). Laboratory experiments were conducted under four straw incorporation rates (SRs: 0, 2, 4, and 8 t ha−1), three rainfall intensities (RIs: 80, 120, and 160 mm hr−1), and three slope gradients (SGs: 10, 15, and 20°) to examine the hydrodynamic characteristics. The results show that the increase in SR significantly reduces the DH. Compared with bare soil slope (0.020 m2 s−1), the mean DH decreased by half (0.011 m2 s−1) at an SR of 2 t ha−1 and approximately three‐quarters (0.005 m2 s−1) at an SR of 8 t ha−1. Both Re and Fr decreased with a rise in the SR; however, the slope roughness increased, which caused a significant increase in frictional force compared to results observed for the bare soil. A rise in RI and SG increased the driving force on the farmland slope. The Re and Fr decreased with RI and SR, while f increased with RI and SG. Therefore, this study elucidates that the incorporation of straw in the soil can alter the hydrodynamic parameters, thus influencing water flow velocity and soil erosion.
In vitro protein digestibility of direct‐expanded chickpea–sorghum snacks
Authors: Bekele Esayas K. , Tyler Robert T. , Henry Carol J. , House James D. , Nosworthy Matthew G.
Published: March 2021

Blending cereals with pulses provides a balanced protein with higher biological value as their amino acid compositions are complementary. Extrusion not only can improve protein digestibility but also may reduce essential amino acid content. This study investigated the effects of extrusion parameters and blend ratio on in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) and IVPD‐corrected amino acid score (IVPDCAAS) of direct‐expanded chickpea–sorghum snacks. Chickpea–sorghum blends (50:50, 60:40, and 70:30 chickpea:sorghum, w/w) were extruded at 10 combinations of moisture content (16%, 18%, and 20%) and barrel temperature (120°C, 140°C, and 160°C), and at 169°C and 15% moisture, the conditions identified in a previous study as producing maximal expansion. Chickpea and sorghum flours were extruded at 140°C and 18% moisture for comparison purposes. The IVPD of raw 50:50, 60:40, and 70:30 chickpea–sorghum blends ranged from 76% to 78%; values for raw chickpea and sorghum flours were 79% and 74%, respectively. Extrusion increased IVPD (P < 0.05) of all flours and blends. An increase in extrusion temperature increased the IVPD of extrudates (P < 0.05), whereas an increase in moisture content had the opposite effect (P < 0.05). The IVPDCAAS of raw 50:50, 60:40, and 70:30 chickpea–sorghum blends were 0.64, 0.72, and 0.73, respectively; values for raw chickpea and sorghum flours were 0.74 and 0.27, respectively. Extrusion increased IVPDCAAS (P < 0.05). The 70:30 chickpea–sorghum blend extruded at the maximal expansion exhibited the highest protein quality indicating this to be the optimal condition for snack production.
Spectral Hong–Ou–Mandel Interference between Independently Generated Single Photons for Scalable Frequency‐Domain Quantum Processing
Authors: Khodadad Kashi Anahita , Kues Michael
Published: March 2021

The photon's frequency degree of freedom, being compatible with mature telecom infrastructure, offers large potential for the stable and controllable realization of photonic quantum processing applications such as the quantum internet. The Hong–Ou–Mandel effect, as a two‐photon interference phenomenon, serves as a central building block for such frameworks. A key element yet missing to enable meaningful frequency‐based implementations as well as scalability in the number of processed photons, is the demonstration of the Hong–Ou–Mandel effect between independently created photons of different frequencies. The experimental implementation of bosonic and fermionic frequency domain Hong–Ou–Mandel interference between independently generated single photons is reported here, with measured visibilities of 74.31% ± 3.56% and 86.44% ± 8.27%, respectively. This is achieved through a scalable photonic frequency circuit that creates two post‐selected pure single photons, which undergo frequency mixing at an electro‐optic phase modulator. The system is on‐the‐fly reconfigurable allowing to probe bosonic and fermionic Hong–Ou–Mandel interference in the same experimental setup. The work demonstrates the versatility of frequency domain processing and its scalability toward higher photon numbers, which enables new quantum gate concepts as well as the establishment of frequency‐based large‐scale quantum networks.
Deep‐sea corrosion rusticles from iron‐hulled shipwrecks
Authors: Silva‐Bedoya Lina M. , Watkin Elizabeth , Machuca Laura L.
Published: March 2021

Vertical tube‐shaped iron‐oxide accumulations, named rusticles, obtained from the wrecks of the HMAS Sydney II and the HSK Kormoran at 2480 m ocean depth were chemically analysed along with surrounding seawater. Rusticles consisted of a porous aggregation of iron oxides and high levels of toxic metals and metalloids. Their growth rate is approximately 1 cm per year, predominantly over the areas of the hulls that remained underwater during their service years. A connection between the quality of antifouling paints and rusticle growth and composition was found. A mechanism explaining the formation of rusticles is proposed based on corrosion of carbon steel in deep‐seawater, water chemistry, surface complexation of iron oxides and chemical garden formation mechanisms. This study provides a complete rationalisation of the process of rusticle formation and deep‐water corrosion that is applicable to the long‐term integrity of offshore infrastructure.
Authenticating brand activism: Negotiating the boundaries of free speech to make a change
Authors: Sibai Olivier , Mimoun Laetitia , Boukis Achilleas
Published: March 2021

Activist brands commonly engage in controversies to redefine which opinions and ideas are acceptable to express publicly. We conceptualize this practice as free speech boundary work. How can activist brands negotiate the boundaries of free speech to authenticate their activist positioning? By conducting a comparative case study of 18 activist brands, we identify three controversial strategies—creating monstrous hybrids, challenging the establishment, and demonstrating exemplarity—each of them challenging the boundaries of free speech through a distinct mechanism. The results show that whether these strategies authenticate brands’ activism depends on their ability to communicate brands’ moral competency, defined in terms of moral sensitivity, moral vision, and moral integration. This study contributes to the literature on brand activism by proposing an integrative framework that articulates the mechanisms underlying the reformative power of controversial brand activism. Second, we contribute to the literature on brand activism authentication by introducing a competency‐oriented view that reveals the heterogeneous and multidimensional nature of activism authenticity and expands our conception of the spectrum of moral territories with which activist brands can engage.
Transcriptome analysis of buffalo granulosa cells in three dimensional culture systems
Authors: Pandey Mamta , Singh Sudhakar , Yadav Monica , Singh Dheer , Onteru Suneel Kumar
Published: March 2021

Hanging drop (HD) three‐dimensional (3D) culture model for buffalo granulosa cells (GC) was reported to mimic the preovulatory stage of ovarian follicles in our previous study. To further verify its reliability, the present study attempted a comparative transcriptome profile of buffalo GC freshly isolated from ovarian follicles (<8 mm diameter) (FC) and their cultures in normal culture dish (ND or 2D), polyHEMA coated dish (PH) and HD culture systems (3D). Out of 223 significantly (−log2 fold change: >3; p < .0005; false discovery rate [FDR]: <0.1) differentially expressed genes (SDEGs) among different culture systems, 137 were found unannotated, and 94, 29, and 66 were exclusively expressed in FC, PH, and HD, respectively. However, on eliminating the fixed points of p values and FDR from the entire raw data, only 11 genes related to long noncoding RNA, 12 genes related to luteinization, and 3 genes related to follicular maturation were exclusively expressed in FC, PH, and HD culture systems, respectively. The quantitative real time‐PCR validation and the next generation sequencing data had more than 90% correlation. Bioinformatics analyses of the exclusively expressed SDEG revealed that the freshly aspirated GCs were a true representative of GCs from small follicles (<8 mm diameter), the GC spheroids under PH maintained mitochondrial function, and those cultured in HD system for 6 days simulated the inflammatory milieu required for ovulation. Therefore, the comparative transcriptome profile also reinforced that HD culture system is better in vitro culture method than the other methods analyzed in this study for buffalo GC.
Momentum‐based accelerated mirror descent stochastic approximation for robust topology optimization under stochastic loads
Authors: Li Weichen , Zhang Xiaojia Shelly
Published: March 2021

Robust topology optimization (RTO) improves the robustness of designs with respect to random sources in real‐world structures, yet an accurate sensitivity analysis requires the solution of many systems of equations at each optimization step, leading to a high computational cost. To open up the full potential of RTO under a variety of random sources, this article presents a momentum‐based accelerated mirror descent stochastic approximation (AC‐MDSA) approach to efficiently solve RTO problems involving various types of load uncertainties. The proposed framework performs high‐quality design updates with highly noisy and biased stochastic gradients. The sample size is reduced to two (minimum for unbiased variance estimation) and is shown to be sufficient for evaluating stochastic gradients to obtain robust designs, thus drastically reducing the computational cost. The AC‐MDSA update formula based on entropic ℓ1‐norm is derived, which mimics the feasible space geometry. A momentum‐based acceleration scheme is integrated to accelerate the convergence, stabilize the design evolution, and alleviate step size sensitivity. Several 2D and 3D examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed AC‐MDSA to handle RTO involving various loading uncertainties. Comparison with other methods shows that the proposed AC‐MDSA is superior in computational cost, stability, and convergence speed.
Polylactide/graphene nanoplatelets composite films: Impact of high‐pressure on topography, barrier, thermal, and mechanical properties
Authors: Ahmed Jasim , Mulla Mehrajfatema Z. , Vahora Aateka , Bher Anibal , Auras Rafael
Published: March 2021

In this study, the compatibility of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) in the development of a polylactide (PLA)‐based sustainable composite films and its suitability under high‐pressure (HP) processing (300–600 MPa/15 min) were examined. The GNP concentrations relative to PLA were restricted to 2 wt% while 10 wt% polyethylene glycol (PEG) was blended as a plasticizer. The film properties were examined by monitoring the thermal, barrier, mechanical, and microstructure before and after the pressure treatments. Reinforcement of GNP and pressurization both significantly improved the glass transition and crystallization temperatures of the film. Both water vapor and oxygen permeabilities were increased with increasing HP intensity. Both the loading concentration and the applied pressure significantly influenced tensile, microstructure, and AFM surface roughness. This work demonstrates the limitations of thermal and mechanical properties of biodegradable single‐layer nanocomposite films in the HP environment and the future directions to improve those properties for industrial uses.
Multivalent display of chemical signals on self‐assembled peptide scaffolds
Authors: Distaffen Hannah E. , Jones Christopher W. , Abraham Brittany L. , Nilsson Bradley L.
Published: March 2021

Self‐assembled peptide materials have emerged as promising bioinspired tools for applications that include regenerative medicine, drug delivery, antimicrobial and vaccine development, optics, and catalysis. Peptide self‐assembly mediated by noncovalent hydrogen bonding, coulombic, hydrophobic, and aromatic interactions gives rise to a variety of supramolecular structures that reflect on the nature of the constituent peptides. The emergent properties of these supramolecular peptide materials often depend on the multivalent presentation of functional appendages on the self‐assembled scaffold. For example, the multivalent display of cell‐signaling motifs on self‐assembled peptide nanofibrils provides materials that are excellent extracellular matrix mimetics for tissue engineering applications. This review includes a discussion of chemical strategies that address the challenge of appending functional signal motifs in a multivalent display on self‐assembled peptide and protein materials. In addition, recent examples of supramolecular peptide materials that rely on the multivalent display of chemical signals for the desired applications are presented. Collectively, this discussion illustrates the potential of self‐assembled peptides as sustainable materials to address challenges in contemporary materials science and provides principles for the design of next‐generation agents for a variety of applications.
Protein yoga: Conformational versatility of the Hemolysin II C‐terminal domain detailed by NMR structures for multiple states
Authors: Kaplan Anne R. , Olson Rich , Alexandrescu Andrei T.
Published: March 2021

The C‐terminal domain of Bacillus cereus hemolysin II (HlyIIC), stabilizes the trans‐membrane‐pore formed by the HlyII toxin and may aid in target cell recognition. Initial efforts to determine the NMR structure of HlyIIC were hampered by cis/trans isomerization about the single proline at position 405 that leads to doubling of NMR resonances. We used the mutant P405M‐HlyIIC that eliminates the cis proline to determine the NMR structure of the domain, which revealed a novel fold. Here, we extend earlier studies to the NMR structure determination of the cis and trans states of WT‐HlyIIC that exist simultaneously in solution. The primary structural differences between the cis and trans states are in the loop that contains P405, and structurally adjacent loops. Thermodynamic linkage analysis shows that at 25 C the cis proline, which already has a large fraction of 20% in the unfolded protein, increases to 50% in the folded state due to coupling with the global stability of the domain. The P405M or P405A substitutions eliminate heterogeneity due to proline isomerization but lead to the formation of a new dimeric species. The NMR structure of the dimer shows that it is formed through domain‐swapping of strand β5, the last segment of secondary structure following P405. The presence of P405 in WT‐HlyIIC strongly disfavors the dimer compared to the P405M‐HlyIIC or P405A‐HlyIIC mutants. The WT proline may thus act as a “gatekeeper,” warding off aggregative misfolding.
Elastic and Attenuation Studies of Some Rare Earth Substituted Multiferroic Bismuth Ferrites
Authors: Sagar Elle , Kumar K. Vijaya , Reddy Paduru Venugopal
Published: March 2021

A series of rare earth substituted bismuth ferrites are prepared without any detectable impurity phase, by the solid‐state reaction method. The structural characterization of the samples is conducted using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and bulk density studies. Later, the ultrasonic longitudinal (Vl) and shear wave (Vs) velocities are measured by the pulse transmission technique and using these values, the elastic moduli are calculated. As the materials are porous, zero porous elastic moduli have been computed using Hasselmann and Fulrath model. It is observed that the elastic moduli of samples are found to increase continuously with decreasing of ionic radii of the substituted element and the observed behavior is explained qualitatively. Finally, the attenuation coefficient values of all the samples are also calculated and are found to increase with decreasing of ionic radii of the rare earth substituted ion.
Aging in Ferroelectric Si‐Doped Hafnium Oxide Thin Films
Authors: Mart Clemens , Kohlenbach Nico-Dominik , Kühnel Kati , Eßlinger Sophia , Czernohorsky Malte , Ali Tarek , Weinreich Wenke , Eng Lukas M.
Published: March 2021

The hafnium oxide (HfO2) material system offers a unique combination of outstanding physical properties, that enable a manifold of novel integrated ferroelectric, piezoelectric, and pyroelectric applications. Long‐term stability is an essential concern for nonvolatile memory devices, sensors, and nanoelectromechanical systems. Herein, the aging effects of the pyroelectric response in polycrystalline Si‐doped HfO2 thin films in the field‐free case are reported. It is observed that aging effects are accelerated by high temperatures, lower film thicknesses, and higher dopant concentration. The decay of the pyroelectric coefficients and the dielectric permittivity exhibits a logarithmic time dependence. The full pyroelectric response is restored by repeated electric field cycling (i.e., deaging). After the aging process, a significant internal bias field is observed. It is concluded that the migration of positively charged oxygen vacancies in the films is responsible for this aging process.
Adaptive dynamic optimal control for triggered networked switched systems under dual‐ended denial‐of‐service attacks
Authors: Qi Yiwen , Xing Ning , Fu Jun , Guan Wei
Published: March 2021

Networked switched systems (NSSs) have unique advantages, but the unreliability of networks, such as suffering from attacks, will reduce system performance. Besides, the required control energy to stabilize systems is not considered in existing switching signal design methods, which is worthy of improvement. In this paper, an energy function‐based resilient triggered switching law (EFB‐RTSL) is proposed for NSSs under dual‐ended denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks and asynchronous switching. For the data communication under DoS attacks, a resilient switch‐triggering mechanism is designed that aims at reducing the unnecessary data transmission and the risk of switching signal being attacked. For the discontinuity of switching signal induced by DoS attacks, a combined structure of attacks‐triggered decision switch and buffer is constructed. Moreover, an integrated model is built to characterize the dual‐ended DoS attacks, and the maximum tolerance is given. The coupling between DoS attacking, synchronous, and asynchronous switching is clarified, which provides convenient conditions for stability analysis. Subsequently, the gains of subcontrollers are computed by a dynamic iterative algorithm. By utilizing the average dwell time and Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional technique, sufficient criteria are derived to ensure the stability of triggered NSSs when suffering from dual‐ended DoS attacks. At last, the effectiveness of proposed method is verified by a numerical simulation.
In Vivo Survival and Differentiation of Friedreich Ataxia iPSC-Derived Sensory Neurons Transplanted in the Adult Dorsal Root Ganglia
Authors: Viventi Serena , Frausin Stefano , Howden Sara E. , Lim Shiang Y. , Finol-Urdaneta Rocio K. , McArthur Jeffrey R. , Abu-Bonsrah Kwaku Dad , Ng Wayne , Ivanusic Jason , Thompson Lachlan , Dottori Mirella
Published: March 2021

Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by degeneration of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neurons, which is due to low levels of the mitochondrial protein Frataxin. To explore cell replacement therapies as a possible approach to treat FRDA, we examined transplantation of sensory neural progenitors derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) and FRDA induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) into adult rodent DRG regions. Our data showed survival and differentiation of hESC and FRDA iPSC-derived progenitors in the DRG 2 and 8 weeks post-transplantation, respectively. Donor cells expressed neuronal markers, including sensory and glial markers, demonstrating differentiation to these lineages. These results are novel and a highly significant first step in showing the possibility of using stem cells as a cell replacement therapy to treat DRG neurodegeneration in FRDA as well as other peripheral neuropathies.
Bayesian design and analysis of external pilot trials for complex interventions
Authors: Wilson Duncan T. , Wason James M. S. , Brown Julia , Farrin Amanda J. , Walwyn Rebecca E. A.
Published: March 2021

External pilot trials of complex interventions are used to help determine if and how a confirmatory trial should be undertaken, providing estimates of parameters such as recruitment, retention, and adherence rates. The decision to progress to the confirmatory trial is typically made by comparing these estimates to pre‐specified thresholds known as progression criteria, although the statistical properties of such decision rules are rarely assessed. Such assessment is complicated by several methodological challenges, including the simultaneous evaluation of multiple endpoints, complex multi‐level models, small sample sizes, and uncertainty in nuisance parameters. In response to these challenges, we describe a Bayesian approach to the design and analysis of external pilot trials. We show how progression decisions can be made by minimizing the expected value of a loss function, defined over the whole parameter space to allow for preferences and trade‐offs between multiple parameters to be articulated and used in the decision‐making process. The assessment of preferences is kept feasible by using a piecewise constant parametrization of the loss function, the parameters of which are chosen at the design stage to lead to desirable operating characteristics. We describe a flexible, yet computationally intensive, nested Monte Carlo algorithm for estimating operating characteristics. The method is used to revisit the design of an external pilot trial of a complex intervention designed to increase the physical activity of care home residents.
Control of Proton‐Conductive Behavior with Nanoenvironment within Metal–Organic Materials
Authors: Otake Ken‐ichi , Kitagawa Hiroshi
Published: March 2021

Solid‐state proton‐conductive materials have been of great interest for several decades due to their promising application as electrolytes in fuel cells and electrochemical devices. Metal–organic materials (MOMs) have recently been intensively investigated as a new type of proton‐conductive materials. The highly crystalline nature and structural designability of MOMs make them advantageous over conventional noncrystalline proton‐conductive materials—the detailed investigation of the structure–property relationship is feasible on MOM‐based proton conductors. This review aims to summarize and examine the fundamental principles and various design strategies on proton‐conductive MOMs, and shed light on the nanoconfinement effects as well as the importance of hydrophobicity on specific occasions, which have been often disregarded. Besides, challenges and future prospects on this field are presented.
Defects in Hard Carbon: Where Are They Located and How Does the Location Affect Alkaline Metal Storage?
Authors: Olsson Emilia , Cottom Jonathon , Cai Qiong
Published: March 2021

Hard carbon anodes have shown significant promise for next‐generation battery technologies. These nanoporous carbon materials are highly complex and vary in structure depending on synthesis method, precursors, and pyrolysis temperature. Structurally, hard carbons are shown to consist of disordered planar and curved motifs, which have a dramatic impact on anode performance. Here, the impact of position on defect formation energy is explored through density functional theory simulations, employing a mixed planar bulk and curved surface model. At defect sites close to the surface, a dramatic decrease (50%) in defect formation energy is observed for all defects except the nitrogen substitutional defect. These results confirm the experimentally observed enhanced defect concentration at surfaces. Previous studies have shown that defects have a marked impact on metal storage. This work explores the interplay between position and defect type for lithium, sodium, and potassium adsorption. Regardless of defect location, it is found that the energetic contributions to the metal adsorption energies are principally dictated by the defect type and carbon interlayer distance.
Extracellular vesicles derived from fibroblasts promote wound healing by optimizing fibroblast and endothelial cellular functions
Authors: Oh Eun Jung , Gangadaran Prakash , Rajendran Ramya Lakshmi , Kim Hyun Mi , Oh Ji Min , Choi Kang Young , Chung Ho Yun , Ahn Byeong-Cheol
Published: March 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been exhibited as promising candidates for delivering endogenous therapeutic cargos for regenerative therapies. Fibroblasts could be candidate source cells for EVs, to investigate their therapeutic effects in wound healing. Here we demonstrated the isolation and characterization of fibroblast-derived (L929 cell line) EVs (L929-EVs). Furthermore, L929-EVs treatment showed pro-wound healing effects in vitro by enhancing proliferation, migration, and scarless wound healing related genes in fibroblast cells. L929-EVs treatment also enhanced the migration and tube formation of endothelial cells. The combination of L929-EVs with fibrin glue accelerated wound healing in the mouse skin wound model by enhancing collagen formation, collagen maturation, and blood vessels in the wounded skin. The role of fibroblast-derived EVs in wound healing could be an important phenomenon, and fibroblast-derived EVs could be harnessed for wound healing therapies.
Satellite cell activation and retention of muscle regenerative potential after long-term denervation
Authors: Wong Alvin , Garcia Steven M. , Tamaki Stanley , Striedinger Katharine , Barruet Emilie , Hansen Scott L. , Young David M. , Pomerantz Jason H.
Published: March 2021

Irreversible denervation atrophy remains an unsolved clinical problem, and the role of skeletal muscle stem cell (MuSC, satellite cell) depletion in this process is unclear. We investigated the ability of MuSCs to regenerate muscle in the context of denervation. Three to 12 months following sciatic denervation in mice, MuSC number, size, EdU uptake, rate of division, and mitochondrial activity were increased. Following acute myotoxin injury, denervated muscles formed new muscle fibers in situ. MuSCs isolated via flow cytometry from denervated mouse muscle, or from atrophic denervated gluteus maximus muscles of humans with complete spinal cord injuries two decades prior, formed new muscle fibers and reoccupied the anatomic niche after transplantation into uninjured muscle. Our results show unequivocally that, even after prolonged denervation, MuSCs retain intrinsic regenerative potential similar to that of uninjured MuSCs. Treatment of denervation atrophy will require elucidating the non-MuSC environmental changes in muscle that prevent functional regeneration.
Experimental study on seismic performance of precast hollow shear walls
Authors: Zhang Xin , Liu Xiangqian , Lu Zheng , Xu Jiarong
Published: March 2021

This paper puts forward a new type of the precast hollow shear wall. Focusing on seismic performance, the low‐frequency cyclic loading tests of five precast specimens and two cast‐in‐situ specimens in full size are conducted for comparison. The yielding and failure mechanism of specimens are analyzed and compared. The reliability of the vertical connection of precast hollow shear wall structure under the seismic effect is studied. The effects of axial compression ratio, single reinforcement connection in the central part, and confined stirrup for lapped reinforcements in boundary elements are also tested through experiments. The result shows that the failure mechanism of the precast specimen is basically same as the cast‐in‐situ specimen. The hysteretic curve of the precast specimen is plumper. And the energy dissipation capacity of precast specimen is superior to that of cast‐in‐situ specimen. In addition, the experimental data show that the buckled stirrup encryption for lapped steel in boundary elements will not increase the seismic performance of the proposed precast specimen. On the whole, the seismic performance of the proposed precast hollow shear wall can meet the safety requirements. Hence, it can be used in actual engineering project replacing cast‐in‐situ shear wall.
AXL is crucial for E1A‐enhanced therapeutic efficiency of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors through NFI in breast cancer
Authors: Su Chih‐Ming , Hsu Tung‐Wei , Sung Shian‐Ying , Huang Ming‐Te , Chen Kuan‐Chou , Huang Chih‐Yang , Chiang Chien Yi , Su Yen‐Hao , Chen Hsin‐An , Liao Po‐Hsiang
Published: March 2021

AXL which is a chemosensitizer protein for breast cancer cells in response to epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor and suppresses tumor growth. The clinical information show nuclear factor I (NFI)‐C and NFI‐X expression correlate with AXL expression in breast cancer patients. Following, we establish serial deletions of AXL promoter to identify regions required for Adenovirus‐5 early region 1A (E1A)‐mediated AXL suppression. All of the NFI family members were extensively studied for their expression and functions in regulating AXL. Moreover, E1A post‐transcriptionally downregulates AXL expression through NFI. NFI‐C and NFI‐X, not NFI‐A and NFI‐B, resulting in cell death in response to EGFR‐TKI. Our finding suggests that NFI‐C and NFI‐X are crucial regulators for AXL and significantly correlated with poor survival of breast cancer patients.
Advances in surface‐enhanced Raman scattering bioprobes for cancer imaging
Authors: Lin Jie , Akakuru Ozioma Udochukwu , Wu Aiguo
Published: March 2021

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology with feature of high sensitivity, selective enhancement, in situ detection, nondestructive, label free, and fingerprint spectrum has been widely utilized in various practical applications, especially for bioanalysis. Cancer diagnosis and therapy based on SERS bioimaging has been reported as a promising approach in recent decades, and various types of material‐based SERS bioprobes are rapidly designed continuously. SERS bioimaging has been successfully employed in cancer screening, diagnosis, and componential analysis in both in vitro and in vivo cancer tissue samples, which simultaneously provides visual morphology and biochemical information. Precise tumor tissue excision, real‐time monitoring of cellular uptake process, and noninvasive cell tracking and labeling are realized due to the effective Raman image bioprobes, satisfying the requirements of precision medicine. Here, an overview of SERS bioprobes based on noble metals, metal oxides, and composite materials is presented by highlighting their respective, unique advantages and recent achievements in cancer imaging realm. This review also offers a distinctive perspective on designing multifunctional micro–nanoparticles with remarkable SERS activity, and proposing novel strategies for establishing high‐performance sensors and imaging bioprobes derived from the deep insight of enhancement mechanism for different types of SERS substrates.
Elevated Rates of Violence Victimization and Suicide Attempt Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Patients in an Urban, Safety Net Health System
Authors: Progovac Ana M. , Tran Nathaniel M. , Mullin Brian O. , De Mello Libardi Maia Juliana , Creedon Timothy B. , Dunham Emilia , Reisner Sari L. , McDowell Alex , Bird Natalie , Sánchez Román María José , Dunn Mason , Telingator Cynthia , Lu Frederick , Breslow Aaron Samuel , Forstein Marshall , Cook Benjamin Lê
Published: March 2021

The extent to which violent victimization may explain higher rates of suicidality for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) populations is not well‐understood. We identified likely‐TGD patients using 2008–2019 electronic health record data and compared them with non‐TGD patients to characterize differences in suicide attempt, ideation, and violent victimization. TGD patients (n = 916) had more suicide attempts (5.2 vs. 0.4 percent), ideation (20.5 vs. 1.8 percent), and violent victimization (5.4 vs. 1.7 percent, all p < .001) than non‐TGDs (n = 511,026). Violent victimization and TGD cohort were independent predictors of suicide attempt (odds ratios [ORs], 7.23 and 10.84) and ideation (ORs, 6.83 and 11.03, all p < .001). We did not observe a differential impact of violent victimization for gender minorities. TGD patients are at higher baseline risk for suicidality, which is higher still for those experiencing violent victimization. Routine screening for both outcomes, including in primary care settings, may improve treatment.
Landscape of modular symmetric flavor models
Authors: Ishiguro Keiya , Kobayashi Tatsuo , Otsuka Hajime
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We study the moduli stabilization from the viewpoint of modular flavor symmetries. We systematically analyze stabilized moduli values in possible configurations of flux compactifications, investigating probabilities of moduli values and showing which moduli values are favorable from our moduli stabilization. Then, we examine their implications on modular symmetric flavor models. It is found that distributions of complex structure modulus τ determining the flavor structure are clustered at a fixed point with the residual ℤ3 symmetry in the SL(2, ℤ) fundamental region. Also, they are clustered at other specific points such as intersecting points between |τ|2 = k/2 and Re τ = 0,±1/4,±1/2, although their probabilities are less than the ℤ3 fixed point. In general, CP-breaking vacua in the complex structure modulus are statistically disfavored in the string landscape. Among CP-breaking vacua, the values Re τ = ±1/4 are most favorable in particular when the axio-dilaton S is stabilized at Re S = ±1/4. That shows a strong correlation between CP phases originated from string moduli.
Session-based concurrency, declaratively
Authors: Cano Mauricio , López Hugo A. , Pérez Jorge A. , Rueda Camilo
Published: March 2021

Session-based concurrencyis a type-based approach to the analysis of message-passing programs. These programs may be specified in anoperationalordeclarativestyle: the former defines how interactions are properly structured; the latter defines governing conditions for correct interactions. In this paper, we study rigorous relationships between operational and declarative models of session-based concurrency. We develop a correct encoding of session$$\pi $$π-calculus processes into the linear concurrent constraint calculus ($$\texttt {lcc}$$lcc), a declarative model of concurrency based on partial information (constraints). We exploit session types to ensure that our encoding satisfies precise correctness properties and that it offers a sound basis on which operational and declarative requirements can be jointly specified and reasoned about. We demonstrate the applicability of our results by using our encoding in the specification of realistic communication patterns with time and contextual information.
Potentiated inhibition of Trichoderma virens and other environmental fungi by new biocide combinations
Authors: Vallières Cindy , Alexander Cameron , Avery Simon V.
Published: March 2021

Fungi cause diverse, serious socio-economic problems, including biodeterioration of valuable products and materials that spawns a biocides industry worth ~$11 billion globally. To help combat environmental fungi that commonly colonise material products, this study tested the hypothesis that combination of an approved fungicide with diverse agents approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) could reveal potent combinatorial activities with promise for fungicidal applications. The strategy to use approved compounds lowers potential development risks for any effective combinations. A high-throughput assay of 1280 FDA-approved compounds was conducted to find those that potentiate the effect of iodopropynyl-butyl-carbamate (IPBC) on the growth of Trichoderma virens; IPBC is one of the two most widely used Biocidal Products Regulations–approved fungicides. From this library, 34 compounds in combination with IPBC strongly inhibited fungal growth. Low-cost compounds that gave the most effective growth inhibition were tested against other environmental fungi that are standard biomarkers for resistance of synthetic materials to fungal colonisation. Trifluoperazine (TFZ) in combination with IPBC enhanced growth inhibition of three of the five test fungi. The antifungal hexetidine (HEX) potentiated IPBC action against two of the test organisms. Testable hypotheses on the mechanisms of these combinatorial actions are discussed. Neither IPBC + TFZ nor IPBC + HEX exhibited a combinatorial effect against mammalian cells. These combinations retained strong fungal growth inhibition properties after incorporation to a polymer matrix (alginate) with potential for fungicide delivery. The study reveals the potential of such approved compounds for novel combinatorial applications in the control of fungal environmental opportunists.

Key points

• Search with an approved fungicide to find new fungicidal synergies in drug libraries.

• New combinations inhibit growth of key environmental fungi on different matrices.

• The approach enables a more rapid response to demand for new biocides.
Yoga—An Alternative Form of Therapy in Patients with Blunt Chest Trauma: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gunjiganvi Mallikarjun , Mathur Purva , Kumari Minu , Madan Karan , Kumar Atin , Sagar Rajesh , Sagar Sushma , Gupta Amit , Mishra Biplab , Mir Altaf Hussain , Meti Mohini , Kumar Subodh
Published: March 2021

Background

Yoga as alternative form of therapy has shown positive impact on pulmonary functions, exercise capacity, behavioral changes, and inflammation in non‐trauma patients. However, the efficacy of Yoga has not been studied in chest trauma patients.

Methods

This randomized controlled trial was conducted at level‐1 Trauma Centre. Isolated chest injury patients were randomized into either standard physiotherapy or Yogatherapy groups. Patients in physiotherapy group received conventional chest physiotherapy and Yogatherapy group received a set of Yogic exercises in addition to conventional chest physiotherapy. Primary outcome measure was changes in pulmonary function tests (PFT) at 4 weeks of discharge. Secondary outcomes were changes in quality of life (QoL), respiratory muscle strength and endurance, chest wall mobility, and levels of cytokines at 4 weeks. Data were analyzed using STATA v14.0.

Results

A total of 89 eligible patients were randomized to physiotherapy (n = 46) and Yoga therapy (n = 43) groups. Demographic characteristics were comparable in both the groups. There were statistically significant improvements in PFT in the Yogatherapy group compared with physiotherapy with an increase in Forced vital capacity (p = 0.02) and Forced expiratory volume (p = 0.01) at 4 weeks. In addition, there were significant improvement in physical component of QoL, respiratory muscle endurance (p = 0.003) and axillary cirtometry (p = 0.009) in the Yogatherapy group. However, no statistically significant difference in the trends of cytokine markers seen between the groups.

Conclusion

Yoga was found to be effective in improving pulmonary functions and QoL in patients with chest trauma. (Trial registered at ctri.nic.in/clinicaltrials/login.php, numberREF/2016/05/011,287).
Combining survey and remotely sensed environmental data to estimate the habitat associations, abundance and distribution of breeding thin-billed prions Pachyptila belcheri and Wilson’s storm-petrels Oceanites oceanicus on a South Atlantic tussac island
Authors: Stokes Allan W. , Catry Paulo , Matthiopoulos Jason , Boldenow Megan , Clark T. J. , Guest Amy , Marengo Ilaria , Wakefield Ewan D.
Published: March 2021

Small petrels are the most abundant seabirds in the Southern Ocean. However, because they breed in burrows on remote and often densely vegetated islands, their colony sizes and conservation status remain poorly known. To estimate the abundance of these species on Bird Island in the Falkland archipelago, we systematically surveyed their breeding burrow density and occupancy across this near-pristine tussac (Poa flabellata)-covered island. By modelling burrow density as functions of topography and Sentinel 2 satellite-derived Normalised Difference Vegetation Index data, we inferred habitat associations and predicted burrow abundance of the commonest species—Thin-billed Prions (Pachyptila belcheri) and Wilson’s Storm-petrels (Oceanites oceanicus). We estimate that there are 631,000 Thin-billed Prion burrows on the island (95% CI 496,000–904,000 burrows). Assuming that burrow occupancy lies between 12 and 97%, this equates to around 76,000–612,000 breeding pairs, making Bird Island the second or third largest P. belcheri colony in the world, holding approximately 3–27% of the species’ breeding population. We estimate that 8200–9800 (95% CI 5,200–18,300 pairs) pairs of Wilson’s Storm-petrels also breed on the island. Notably, the latter burrowed predominantly under and within tussac pedestals, whereas they are usually assumed to breed in rock cavities. Thin-billed Prions are declining in the Kerguelen archipelago, but their population trends in the Falklands are unknown. Given the wide confidence intervals around our own and other population estimates for these cryptic species, we recommend that their populations should be monitored regularly, at multiple sites.
Adrenergic tone benefits cardiac performance and warming tolerance in two teleost fishes that lack a coronary circulation
Authors: Ekström Andreas , Sundell Erika , Morgenroth Daniel , Sandblom Erik
Published: March 2021

Tolerance to acute environmental warming in fish is partly governed by the functional capacity of the heart to increase systemic oxygen delivery at high temperatures. However, cardiac function typically deteriorates at high temperatures, due to declining heart rate and an impaired capacity to maintain or increase cardiac stroke volume, which in turn has been attributed to a deterioration of the electrical conductivity of cardiac tissues and/or an impaired cardiac oxygen supply. While autonomic regulation of the heart may benefit cardiac function during warming by improving myocardial oxygenation, contractility and conductivity, the role of these processes for determining whole animal thermal tolerance is not clear. This is in part because interpretations of previous pharmacological in vivo experiments in salmonids are ambiguous and were confounded by potential compensatory increases in coronary oxygen delivery to the myocardium. Here, we tested the previously advanced hypothesis that cardiac autonomic control benefits heart function and acute warming tolerance in perch (Perca fluviatilis) and roach (Rutilus rutilus); two species that lack coronary arteries and rely entirely on luminal venous oxygen supplies for cardiac oxygenation. Pharmacological blockade of β-adrenergic tone lowered the upper temperature where heart rate started to decline in both species, marking the onset of cardiac failure, and reduced the critical thermal maximum (CTmax) in perch. Cholinergic (muscarinic) blockade had no effect on these thermal tolerance indices. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that adrenergic stimulation improves cardiac performance during acute warming, which, at least in perch, increases acute thermal tolerance.