bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 2.7 V Aqueous Supercapacitor Using a Microemulsion Electrolyte**
Authors: Hughson Fraser R. , Borah Rohan , Nann Thomas
Published: February 2021

The use of aqueous electrolytes in energy storage devices is traditionally limited by the voltage stability window of water at 1.23 V. Here, we present the use of a microemulsion based electrolyte which, although mostly water by mass, has a voltage stability window of up to 5 V. This allows the cost and safety benefits of aqueous electrolytes to finally be realised in high voltage systems. Supercapacitors constructed using this electrolyte were able to achieve and maintain a capacitance of ∼40 Fg−1 and an energy density of ∼40 Wh kg−1 with a Coulombic efficiency of 99 % for over 10,000 cycles on activated carbon.
Changing trends in the disease burden of esophageal cancer in China from 1990 to 2017 and its predicted level in 25 years
Authors: Li Songbo , Chen Hui , Man Jinyu , Zhang Tongchao , Yin Xiaolin , He Qiufeng , Yang Xiaorong , Lu Ming
Published: February 2021

Background

Nearly half of the cases of esophageal cancer in the world were in China, but the corresponding burden in China has not been estimated for the past decades or for the near future.

Methods

Data on the incidence, mortality, and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) rates owing to esophageal cancer in China from 1990 to 2017 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. To reflect the trend in the disease burden, we calculated the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) in the age‐standardized rates of these three outcomes in China from 1990 to 2017.

Results

The age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR) for esophageal cancer decreased from 19.38/100,000 in 1990 to 12.23/100,000 in 2017, with an EAPC of −2.53 (95%CI: −2.90, −2.16), but the number of cases of esophageal cancer increased from 164,473 to 234,624. The age‐standardized rates of esophageal cancer in females were always lower than they were in males during the study period, and there was a downward trend that was more pronounced among females than males. The most common risk factors for males were smoking and alcohol consumption, while the most common risk factors for females were a diet low in fruits and a high body mass index (BMI). New cases of, and deaths from esophageal cancer are predicted to increase by about 1.5 times in the coming 25 years.

Conclusion

Although the age‐standardized burden of esophageal cancer has been declining, the number of new cases of, and deaths from esophageal cancer have increased in China over the past 30 years, and they will continue to increase in the near future. Hence, national policies should be adopted to promote the prevention and management of known risk factors for it, especially smoking and excessive caloric intake.
Biohybrid Systems for Improved Bioinspired, Energy‐Relevant Catalysis
Authors: Fan Gang , Wasuwanich Pris , Furst Ariel L.
Published: February 2021

Biomimetic catalysts, ranging from small‐molecule metal complexes to supramolecular assembles, possess many exciting properties that could address salient challenges in industrial‐scale manufacturing. Inspired by natural enzymes, these biohybrid catalytic systems demonstrate superior characteristics, including high activity, enantioselectivity, and enhanced aqueous solubility, over their fully synthetic counterparts. However, instability and limitations in the prediction of structure‐function relationships are major drawbacks that often prevent the application of biomimetic catalysts outside of the laboratory. Despite these obstacles, recent advances in synthetic enzyme models have improved our understanding of complicated biological enzymatic processes and enabled the production of catalysts with increased efficiency. This review outlines important developments and future prospects for the design and application of bioinspired and biohybrid systems at multiple length scales for important, biologically relevant, clean energy transformations.
Computed tomography analysis of coronary ostia location following valve‐in‐valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement with the ACURATE neo valve: Implications for coronary access
Authors: Khokhar Arif A. , Laricchia Alessandra , Ponticelli Francesco , Kim Won‐Keun , Gallo Francesco , Regazzoli Damiano , Toselli Marco , Sticchi Alessandro , Ruggiero Rossella , Cereda Alberto , Zlahoda‐Huzior Adriana , Fisicaro Andrea , Gardi Ilja , Mangieri Antonio , Reimers Bernhard , Dudek Dariusz , Colombo Antonio , Giannini Francesco
Published: February 2021

Background

Valve‐in‐valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (ViV‐TAVR) is an emerging alternative to re‐do surgery. However, the challenge of coronary access (CA) following ViV‐TAVR is a potential limitation as TAVR expands to younger lower‐risk populations.

Objectives

Using post‐implantation computed tomography (CT) scans to evaluate the geometrical relationship between coronary ostia and valve frame in patients undergoing ViV‐TAVR with the ACURATE neo valve.

Methods

Post‐implant CT scans of 18 out of 20 consecutive patients treated with the ACURATE neo valve were analyzed. Coronary ostia location in relation to the highest plane (HP) (highest point of the ACURATE neo or surgical valve) was determined. Ostia located below the highest plan were further subclassified according to the gap available between the transcatheter heart valve frame and ostium (transcatheter‐to‐coronary [TTC] distance). The impact implantation depth has on these geometrical relationships was evaluated.

Results

A total of 21 out of 36 coronary ostia (58%) were located below the level of the HP with the left coronary artery (36%) more likely to be affected than the right (22%). Further sub‐classification of these ostia revealed a large (>6 mm), moderate (4–6 mm), and small (<4 mm) TTC distance in 57% (12/21), 38% (8/21), and in 6% (1/18) of cases, respectively. At an implantation depth <4 mm compared to >4 mm, all ostia were located below the HP with no difference in post‐procedural mean gradients (14.5 mmHg ± 4.7 vs. 12.6 mmHg ± 5.8; p = .5, 95%CI 3.8–7.5).

Conclusions

CA following ACURATE neo implantation for ViV‐TAVR could potentially be challenging in a significant proportion of patients and specific consideration should be given to the implantation depth.
Immunoglobulin and complement‐mediated glomerular diseases with an MPGN pattern of injury: Unmasking the diagnosis of lupus in a patient with hepatitis A infection
Authors: Nimmo Ailish , Zhou Qiaoling , Chatzitolios Anastasios , Bailey Phillippa
Published: February 2021

In cases with a broad differential or atypical features, it is important to continually review the original diagnosis. Diagnosing SLE can be challenging due to its multisystem presentations; a multidisciplinary approach is beneficial.
Hyperpolarized 13C Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Fumarate Metabolism by Parahydrogen‐induced Polarization: A Proof‐of‐Concept in vivo Study
Authors: Stewart Neil J. , Nakano Hitomi , Sugai Shuto , Tomohiro Mitsushi , Kase Yuki , Uchio Yoshiki , Yamaguchi Toru , Matsuo Yujirou , Naganuma Tatsuya , Takeda Norihiko , Nishimura Ikuya , Hirata Hiroshi , Hashimoto Takuya , Matsumoto Shingo
Published: February 2021

Hyperpolarized [1‐13C]fumarate is a promising magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarker for cellular necrosis, which plays an important role in various disease and cancerous pathological processes. To demonstrate the feasibility of MRI of [1‐13C]fumarate metabolism using parahydrogen‐induced polarization (PHIP), a low‐cost alternative to dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (dDNP), a cost‐effective and high‐yield synthetic pathway of hydrogenation precursor [1‐13C]acetylenedicarboxylate (ADC) was developed. The trans‐selectivity of the hydrogenation reaction of ADC using a ruthenium‐based catalyst was elucidated employing density functional theory (DFT) simulations. A simple PHIP set‐up was used to generate hyperpolarized [1‐13C]fumarate at sufficient 13C polarization for ex vivo detection of hyperpolarized 13C malate metabolized from fumarate in murine liver tissue homogenates, and in vivo 13C MR spectroscopy and imaging in a murine model of acetaminophen‐induced hepatitis.
Distance‐Dependent Chiral Communication between Two Quinoline Oligoamide Foldamers Connected by Alkyl Chains
Authors: Zheng Lu , Guo Shengzhu , Wang Chu , Wang Yanru , Fan Yanqing , Chen Xuebo , Zhang Kun , Jiang Hua
Published: February 2021

A series of macrocycles that contain two quinoline oligoamide foldamers (QOFs) using various length of alkyl chains as linkers (2, 3, 6, 8 or 12 hydrocarbons) were synthesized. The two QOFs interact with each other through the linkers and the intramolecular helix chiral communications between the two QOFs were studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy and crystal structures. Investigations show that the intensity of the intramolecular helix chiral communications between the two QOFs is dependent on the length of the linkers, and the interaction between the two QOFs increases with decreasing length of the linkers. When the length of the linkers decreased to C2 linkers, only one conformer is present in solution. Moreover, increasing the length of the foldamers would enhance the intramolecular helix chiral communication if the linkers are short, indicating that the length of the foldamers also has significant impact on intramolecular helix chiral communication.
Therapeutic delivery with V‐amylose
Authors: Prasher Parteek , Fatima Rabab , Sharma Mousmee
Published: February 2021

The helical structure of V‐amylose offering a superior encapsulation affinity compared with the other polysaccharides, especially toward the amphiphilic or hydrophobic molecules; in addition to providing a higher resistance toward enzymatic hydrolysis support its applications as a potential drug delivery vehicle. Mainly, the glycosidic linkages and –CH2– groups forming the hydrophobic cavity of V‐amylose helix, and the glycosyl hydroxyl groups constituting its hydrophilic periphery promote the loading of a diverse range of molecules via van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding interactions. These properties enable a high‐loading efficiency, targeted delivery, and controlled release of the cargo drug molecules by V‐amylose. Besides, V‐amylose presents characteristics of an ideal drug delivery system, such as biocompatibility, physiological benevolence, nonimmunogenicity, and biodegradability. The V‐amylose polysaccharide chains fold into left‐handed single helix comprising of six glucose units in each turn having a pitch height of 7.91–8.17 Å. These structural features of V‐amylose differentiate it from the parent amylose polysaccharide and enable the accommodation and nanoencapsulation of a wide range of therapeutics in the former. The tightly packed helical structure of V‐amylose provides extraordinary resistance toward digestion by amylase compared with the linear polysaccharides, which supports the application of V‐amylose as controlled drug release systems. The activity of the amylase enzyme produced by salivary glands, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and gut microbiota on amylose‐based drug delivery vehicles promote enzyme‐sensitive controlled oral and colon‐specific release of the encapsulated drug. The single helical V‐amylose with hydrophobic core and hydrophilic periphery forms inclusion complexes that improve the absorption and permeation of drugs having a high clogP index. The present commentary highlights the distinguished features of V‐amylose as an imminent drug delivery system.
Multicomponent shell traits are consistent with an individual recognition function of the appearance of common murre (Uria aalge) eggs: A biological replication study
Authors: Ducay Rebecca L. , Luro Alec B. , Hansen Erpur S. , Hauber Mark E.
Published: February 2021

In dense breeding colonies, and despite having no nest structure, common murres (or guillemots: Uria aalge) are still able to identify their own eggs. Each female murre's egg is thought to be recognized individually by the shell's avian‐perceivable traits. This is because the eggshells’ visible traits conform to expectations of the identity‐signaling hypothesis in that they show both high intraindividual repeatability and high interindividual variability. Identity signaling also predicts a lack of correlation between each of the putative multicomponent recognition traits, yielding no significant relationships between those eggshell traits that are generated by mutually exclusive physiological factors. Using a multivariate analysis across eggshell size and shape, avian‐perceivable background coloration, spot (maculation) shape, and spot density, we detected no unexpected statistical correlations between Icelandic common murre egg traits lacking known physiological or mathematical relationships with one another. These results biologically replicate the conclusions of a recent eggshell trait study of Canadian common murres using similar methodology. We also demonstrate the use of static correlations to infer identity signaling function without direct behavioral observations, which in turn may also be applied to rare or extinct species and provide valuable insight into otherwise unknown communicative and behavioral functions.
Pattern of crop raiding by wild large mammals and the resultant impacts vary with distances from forests in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Mamo Alemayehu , Lemessa Debissa , Diriba Obsu Hirko , Hunde Debela
Published: February 2021

Crop raiding is a major form of human‐wildlife interaction mainly in the ecotone areas of human‐modified natural landscapes. The aim of this study was to examine the spatial pattern of crop raiding and the resultant impacts on how farmers perceive forests at different distances from Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve which is located in southwest Ethiopia. For this, thirty transects (each 1 km long) were laid out at 200 m interval parallel to forest edges: ten transects close to forest (<0.5 km), ten at intermediate (0.5–1 km), and ten transects were taken far from forest (>1 km). Along each transect, 2–6 households were randomly selected and interviewed using semistructured questionnaire. The perception of the respondents on forests at different distances from forest edges was analyzed using Pearson's Chi‐square test. The variation in the amount of damage among these three locations was tested using one‐way ANOVA. Four wild large mammals including olive baboon, vervet monkey, bush pigs, and crested porcupine were identified as top crop raiders in the area. The frequencies of occurrence of crop raiders decreased with increasing distance from forest edges. Similarly, the amount of damage in maize fields was higher close to forests when compared with that of either at intermediate or far from forest edges (p < .001). Eighty‐one percent of the households living close to the forests perceive that forest is a threat to their survival. Overall, our results imply that strategies need to be sought in order to minimize the socio‐ecological impacts of crop raiders mainly in locations close to forest edges.
Discovery of central Texas Eurycea eggs in the wild
Authors: Moon Linda M. , Anderson Kelsey A. , Glass Campbell Lindsay
Published: February 2021

Eurycea pterophila is a fully aquatic paedomorphic salamander species classified as under review for federal listing and distributed in restricted sections of the Comal River (Comal CO., TX). Unlike Eurycea sosorum, which constitutes the only documented wild sightings of Eurycea eggs in the region, no eggs of Eurycea pterophila have been documented in the wild. During a routine collection of Eurycea pterophila for a captive assurance population, two eggs were found in the Comal River, TX near Spring Island, and successfully raised in captivity. Captive Eurycea pterophila eggs were laid at the same time the wild eggs were found; thus, data are presented here for a comparison.
Role‐based Access Control Video Surveillance Mechanism Modeling in Smart Contract Environment
Authors: Kim Jinsu , Park Namje
Published: February 2021

Closed circuit television (CCTV) is installed on roads or in facilities for the purpose of filming videos to be used for crime prevention
or as evidence for accidents in the future, and the number of CCTVs installed
annually is increasing sharply. The videos collected by the devices can be
submitted as legal evidence for accidents, which could happen in the future,
but the damage to their integrity may cause the loss of reliability. Blockchain,
which guarantees the integrity of data by sharing data as a distributed network
method on these issues, can be applied as an effective means of data forgery.
In general, however, video information contains sensitive data within the
image, and sharing it externally can cause many problems. Thus, in this paper,
by implementing role‐based approach control based on a block chain that
guarantees integrity through sharing of data, a mechanism is proposed to share
filmed images but prevent indiscriminate access by third parties.
Forecasting asset returns with network‐based metrics: A statistical and economic analysis
Authors: Baitinger Eduard
Published: February 2021

One of the main challenges facing researchers and industry professionals for decades is the successful prediction of asset returns. This paper enriches this endeavor by applying topological metrics of correlation networks to the challenge of financial forecasting. These network‐based metrics are retrieved with the help of graph theory and quantify the interconnectedness of financial assets. In this paper, we show that this network‐based information statistically significantly predicts future asset returns. Because industry professionals are more interested in the economic value‐added of competing forecasting approaches, we also devote our attention to an economic analysis. Considering economic performance metrics, network‐based predictors generate a clear value‐added, which also applies to the multi‐asset allocation case.
Adhesion of Nafion for advanced proton exchange membrane fuel cell architectures under low fabrication temperature
Authors: Sun P.‐K. , Besser R. S.
Published: February 2021

Nafion has been used as one of the essential materials for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The ability to laminate Nafion to itself and other materials, to form hermetic seals, leads to novel architectures, including a device designed by our group. In this work, understanding of cohesion/adhesion is essential because the sealing relies on interfacial properties of the materials. Since the ionic character of Nafion is known to be sensitive to processing temperature, it is essential to understand what regimes of processing conditions lead to a good device operation while providing robust sealing. To characterize cohesion/adhesion strength and understand the correlation with fabrication, the T‐peel test was applied. Results show that the bonding strengths of Nafion–Nafion increase sharply with processing temperature. More dramatically, the presence of an interposed aluminum layer further increases the strength by up to a factor of 100 for processing temperatures below 140°C. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the resulting surfaces and to evaluate the surface chemistry of the delaminated Nafion–Al joints. The bonding across the interface was enhanced by formation of Al–F and O–Fx bonds as a result of the introduction of Al. Adhesion strength increases as the preponderance of the two types changes with the bonding temperature.
Global Evidence of Temperature Acclimation of COVID‐19 D614G Linage
Authors: Hao Zhaonian , Li Ruyuan , Hao Chengyi , Zhao Haoyuan , Wan Xueyan , Guo Dongsheng
Published: February 2021

The novel D614G linage is becoming the dominating species of SARS‐CoV‐2. The impact of meteorological and geographical factors on SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic are presently not well understood. This research article presents a retrospective case series. Pandemic and meteorological data from 30 countries and 49 states from USA are collected as of June 10th, 2020. The primary outcome are the coefficients of correlations between meteorological factors and pandemic data. Hierarchical clustering analysis are used on SARS‐CoV‐2 genome, meteorological factors, and pandemic. Disseminating velocity of SARS‐CoV‐2 is negatively correlated with average temperature in majority of included countries and states from USA. Proportion of the GR clade is positively associated with temperature, but is negatively correlated with altitude in countries‐set. Virus disseminating velocities in states from cluster A (Overwhelming proportion of G + GR + GH clades, GH > 60%) and C (Overwhelming proportion of G + GR + GH clades, G 20–30%) both has negative correlations with temperature, while cluster C has more significant negative correlation than cluster A. Climate and geographical environment are revealed to affect virus spreading. GH and GR clades of SARS‐CoV‐2 are probably acquiring higher temperature tolerance, while G clade may retain high temperature intolerance.
Palynofacies analysis and depositional environments of Upper Cretaceous sediments in the ST‐9H well, offshore South Tano Basin, Western Ghana
Authors: Achaegakwo Christopher A. , Atta‐Peters David
Published: February 2021

Palynofacies analyses were carried out on 43 cutting samples from the ST 9H well in the Tano Basin, with the view of reconstructing the palaeoenvironment of the Upper Cretaceous sediments in the well. The stratigraphic distribution of the palynofacies assemblages defined four palynofacies units. Palynofacies PA reflects deposition in near shore/shallow marine (inner neritic) environment under distal dysoxic‐anoxic shelf condition. Palynofacies PB was deposited in an inner–middle neritic environment under mud‐dominated oxic shelf conditions, Palynofacies PC in an open marine (outer neritic) environment under distal suboxic‐anoxic basin conditions, and Palynofacies PD in a proximal–marginal marine environment under dysoxic‐anoxic basin conditions. These palynofacies assemblages (PA–PD) are characterized by kerogen types II (oil prone), III‐IV (gas prone), II > I (oil prone), and III (gas prone), respectively. Marker dinoflagellate and miospore assemblages recovered from the sediments –are indicative of a Campanian–Maastrichtian age. The palaeofloral association and the perideanacean dinocysts assemblage are typical of Senonian Palme Province and the Malloy suite, respectively. These assemblages are indicative of a warm and humid tropical‐subtropical climatic condition.
Predictive model and determinants of odds of neonates dying within 28 days of life in Ghana
Authors: Takramah Wisdom Kwami , Aheto Justice Moses K.
Published: February 2021

Background

One of the priorities and important current problem in public health research globally is modeling of neonatal mortality and its risk factors in using the appropriate statistical methods. It is believed that multiple risk factors interplay to increase the risk of neonatal mortality. To understand the risk factors of neonatal mortality in Ghana, the current study carefully evaluated and compared the predictive accuracy and performance of two classification models.

Methods

This study reviewed the birth history data collected on 5884 children born in the 5 years preceding the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS). The 2014 GDHS is a cross‐sectional nationally representative household sample survey. The relevant variables were selected using leaps‐and‐bounds method, and the area under curves were compared to evaluate the predictive accuracy of unweighted penalized and weighted single‐level multivariable logistic regression models for predicting neonatal mortality using the 2014 GDHS data.

Results

The study found neonatal mortality prevalence of 2.8%. A sample of 4514 children born in the 5 years preceding the 2014 GDHS was included in the inferential analysis. The results of the current study show that for the unweighted penalized single‐level multivariable logistic model, there is an increased risk of neonatal death among babies born to mothers who received prenatal care from non‐skilled worker [OR: 3.79 (95% CI: 2.52, 5.72)], multiple births [OR: 3.10 (95% CI: 1.89, 15.27)], babies delivered through caesarian section [OR: 2.24 (95% CI: 1.30, 3.85)], and household with 1 to 4 members [OR: 5.74 (95% CI: 3.16, 10.43)], respectively. The predictive accuracy of the unweighted penalized and weighted single‐level multivariable logistic regression models was 82% and 80%, respectively.

Conclusion

The study advocates that prudent and holistic interventions should be institutionalized and implemented to address the risk factors identified in order to reduce neonatal death and, by large, improve child and maternal health outcomes to achieve the SDG target 3.2.
2‐O‐Octadecylascorbic acid represses RhoGDIβ expression and ameliorates DNA damage‐induced abnormal spindle orientations
Authors: Doi Natsumi , Togari Hiro , Minagi Kenji , Iwaoka Yuji , Tai Akihiro , Nakaoji Koichi , Hamada Kazuhiko , Tatsuka Masaaki
Published: February 2021

The appropriate regulation of spindle orientation maintains proper tissue homeostasis and avoids aberrant tissue repair or regeneration. Spindle misorientation due to imbalance or improper functioning leads to a loss of tissue integrity and aberrant growth, such as tissue loss or overgrowth. Pharmacological manipulation to prevent spindle misorientation will enable a better understanding of how spindle orientation is involved in physiological and pathological conditions and will provide therapeutic possibilities to treat patients associated with abnormal tissue function caused by spindle misorientation. N‐terminal‐deleted Rho guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor β (RhoGDIβ/RhoGDI2/LyGDI) produced by caspase‐3 activation perturbs spindle orientation in surviving cells following exposure to either ionizing radiation or UVC. Thus, presumably, RhoGDIβ cleaved by caspase‐3 activation acts as a determinant of radiation‐induced spindle misorientation that promote aberrant tissue repair due to deregulation of directional organization of cell population and therefore becomes a potential target of drugs to prevent such response. The objective of this study was to screen and identify chemicals that suppress RhoGDIβ expression. We focused our attention on ascorbic acid (AA) derivatives because of their impact on the maintenance of skin tissue homeostasis. Here, we screened for AA derivatives that suppress RhoGDIβ expression in HeLa cells and identified a lipophilic derivative, 2‐O‐octadecylascorbic acid (2‐OctadecylAA), as a novel RhoGDIβ inhibitor that ameliorated ionizing radiation‐induced abnormal spindle orientations. Among all examined AA derivatives, which were also antioxidative, the inhibition activity was specific to 2‐OctadecylAA. Therefore, this activity was not due to simple antioxidant properties. 2‐OctadecylAA was previously shown to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma development. Our findings suggest that the anticarcinogenic effects of 2‐OctadecylAA are partly due to RhoGDIβ inhibition mechanisms by which spindle orientation perturbations are attenuated. Thus, the molecular targeting features of RhoGDIβ warrant its further development for the treatment or control of spindle orientation abnormalities that affect epithelial homeostasis.
Fibrinogen to albumin ratio reflects the activity of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis
Authors: Lee Lucy Eunju , Pyo Jung Yoon , Ahn Sung Soo , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong‐Beom , Lee Sang‐Won
Published: February 2021

Background

We investigated whether fibrinogen to albumin ratio (FAR) at diagnosis could reflect the cross‐sectional activity and predict poor outcomes in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV).

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 54 immunosuppressant drug‐naïve patients with AAV who had the results of plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin at diagnosis. Clinical and laboratory data at diagnosis were collected, and all‐cause mortality, cerebrovascular accident, cardiovascular disease, end‐stage renal disease occurrences were assessed as poor outcomes. FAR was calculated by the following equation: FAR = plasma fibrinogen (g/dl)/serum albumin (g/dl).

Results

The median age was 65.5 years, and 59.3% of patients were men (33 MPA, 13 GPA and 8 EGPA). FAR was significantly correlated with Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS; r = 0.271), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; r = 0.668) and C‐reactive protein (CRP; r = 0.638). High BVAS was defined as BVAS ≥16, and the cut‐off of FAR at diagnosis was set as 0.118. AAV patients with FAR at diagnosis ≥0.118 had a significantly higher risk for the cross‐sectional high BVAS than those without (RR 3.361). In the univariable linear regression analysis, CRP (β = 0.383) and FAR (β = 0.297) were significantly correlated with BVAS at diagnosis. However, in the multivariable analysis, none of them was correlated with the cross‐sectional BVAS. FAR at diagnosis could not predict poor outcomes during follow‐up in AAV patients.

Conclusions

Fibrinogen to albumin ratio at diagnosis could reflect the cross‐sectional BVAS but could not predict poor outcomes in patients with AAV.
Myogenesis modelled by human pluripotent stem cells: a multi‐omic study of Duchenne myopathy early onset
Authors: Mournetas Virginie , Massouridès Emmanuelle , Dupont Jean‐Baptiste , Kornobis Etienne , Polvèche Hélène , Jarrige Margot , Dorval Alan R.L. , Gosselin Maxime R.F. , Manousopoulou Antigoni , Garbis Spiros D. , Górecki Dariusz C. , Pinset Christian
Published: February 2021

Background

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) causes severe disability of children and death of young men, with an incidence of approximately 1/5000 male births. Symptoms appear in early childhood, with a diagnosis made mostly around 4 years old, a time where the amount of muscle damage is already significant, preventing early therapeutic interventions that could be more efficient at halting disease progression. In the meantime, the precise moment at which disease phenotypes arise—even asymptomatically—is still unknown. Thus, there is a critical need to better define DMD onset as well as its first manifestations, which could help identify early disease biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets.

Methods

We have used both human tissue‐derived myoblasts and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from DMD patients to model skeletal myogenesis and compared their differentiation dynamics with that of healthy control cells by a comprehensive multi‐omic analysis at seven time points. Results were strengthened with the analysis of isogenic CRISPR‐edited human embryonic stem cells and through comparisons against published transcriptomic and proteomic datasets from human DMD muscles. The study was completed with DMD knockdown/rescue experiments in hiPSC‐derived skeletal muscle progenitor cells and adenosine triphosphate measurement in hiPSC‐derived myotubes.

Results

Transcriptome and miRnome comparisons combined with protein analyses demonstrated that hiPSC differentiation (i) leads to embryonic/foetal myotubes that mimic described DMD phenotypes at the differentiation endpoint and (ii) homogeneously and robustly recapitulates key developmental steps—mesoderm, somite, and skeletal muscle. Starting at the somite stage, DMD dysregulations concerned almost 10% of the transcriptome. These include mitochondrial genes whose dysregulations escalate during differentiation. We also describe fibrosis as an intrinsic feature of DMD skeletal muscle cells that begins early during myogenesis. All the omics data are available online for exploration through a graphical interface at https://muscle‐dmd.omics.ovh/.

Conclusions

Our data argue for an early developmental manifestation of DMD whose onset is triggered before the entry into the skeletal muscle compartment, data leading to a necessary reconsideration of dystrophin roles during muscle development. This hiPSC model of skeletal muscle differentiation offers the possibility to explore these functions as well as find earlier DMD biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
A zero‐bounded model of operant demand
Authors: Gilroy Shawn P. , Kaplan Brent A. , Schwartz Lindsay P. , Reed Derek D. , Hursh Steven R.
Published: February 2021

Contemporary approaches for evaluating the demand for reinforcers use either the Exponential or the Exponentiated model of operant demand, both derived from the framework of Hursh and Silberberg (2008). This report summarizes the strengths and complications of this framework and proposes a novel implementation. This novel implementation incorporates earlier strengths and resolves existing shortcomings that are due to the use of a logarithmic scale for consumption. The Inverse Hyperbolic Sine (IHS) transformation is reviewed and evaluated as a replacement for the logarithmic scale in models of operant demand. Modeling consumption in the “log10‐like” IHS scale reflects relative changes in consumption (as with a log scale) and accommodates a true zero bound (i.e., zero consumption values). The presence of a zero bound obviates the need for a separate span parameter (i.e., k) and the span of the model may be more simply defined by maximum demand at zero price (i.e., Q0). Further, this reformulated model serves to decouple the exponential rate constant (i.e., α) from variations in span, thus normalizing the rate constant to the span of consumption in IHS units and permitting comparisons when spans vary. This model, called the Zero‐bounded Exponential (ZBE), is evaluated using simulated and real‐world data. The direct reinstatement ZBE model showed strong correspondence with empirical indicators of demand and with a normalization of α (ZBEn) across empirical data that varied in reinforcing efficacy (dose, time to onset of peak effects). Future directions in demand curve analysis are discussed with recommendations for additional replication and exploration of scales beyond the logarithm when accommodating zero consumption data.
Evaluation of surface characteristic and bacterial adhesion of low‐shrinkage resin composites
Authors: Bilgili Can Dilber , Dündar Ayşe , Barutçugil Çağatay , Koyuncu Özyurt Özlem
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to examine the surface characteristics of low shrinkage composites and adhesion of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus mitis to these materials. Control material (glass) and three low shrinkage composites (Charisma Diamond, Kalore GC, Beatiful II LS) were used. After polishing procedure was applied to composite specimens, surface roughness (SR), surface free energy (SFE), and contact angle measurements were performed. Surfaces of composite were analyzed using scanning electron microscope and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. After pellicle formation with artificial saliva, S. mutans and S. mitis biofilms were incubated in 5% CO2 for 24 h at 37°C and were analyzed using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The lowest SR and highest SFE values were found in the control group. While the contact angle of control was statistically lower than composites, statistically difference was not found between composite groups. S. mutans adhesion of composites was significantly lower than control group, but there was no significant difference between composites. S. mitis adhesion of all groups was statistically similar. SR did not affect the S. mutans and S. mitis adhesion. Less adherence of S. mutans to low shrinkage composites was associated with low SFE and high contact angle values. Even though the highest SR was observed in the Charisma Diamond, no difference was found between the composites in terms of bacterial adhesion.
The paedomorphic lateral line system in Pseudamiops and Gymnapogon (Percomorpha, Apogonidae), with morphological and molecular‐based phylogenetic considerations
Authors: Sato Mao , Nakae Masanori , Sasaki Kunio
Published: February 2021

The lateral line system and its innervation were examined in two paedomorphic species of Apogonidae, Gymnapogon japonicus and Pseudamiops cf. springeri, both of which have been included in Gymnapogonini (Apogoninae) characterized by a small translucent body lacking canalized lateral line scales, but with many superficial neuromasts (total SNs: 2,691 and 2,197 in G. japonicus and Pseudamiops cf. springeri, respectively). Although scales are entirely absent in G. japonicus, the innervation pattern of the trunk lateral line system is basically similar to that in other apogonids having a single lateral line scale series. In comparison, Pseudamiops cf. springeri (and P. gracilicauda) have three series of inconspicuous lateral line scales with a distinct innervation pattern, implying a phylogenetic affinity with Pseudamia (Pseudamiinae). The monophyly of Pseudamiops and Pseudamia was also supported strongly by a molecular phylogenetic analysis, thus the paedomorphic nature is considered homoplasy between Pseudamiops and Gymnapogon. The innervation of head lateral line system in G. japonicus and Pseudamiops cf. springeri is basically the same with that of other apogonids, supporting homology of the presence of many head SNs among the species. The SN pattern and head canals of adult Pseudamiops cf. springeri are similar to those in juvenile Pseudamia gelatinosa, implying a paedomorphic truncation of lateral line system development in Pseudamiops cf. springeri.
Plaque Morphologic Quantification Reliability of 3D Whole‐Brain Vessel Wall Imaging in Patients With Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease: A Comparison With Conventional 3D Targeted Vessel Wall Imaging
Authors: Zhang Na , Liu Xinfeng , Xiao Jiayu , Song Shlee S. , Fan Zhaoyang
Published: February 2021

Background

Three‐dimensional (3D) whole‐brain vessel wall imaging (VWI) has demonstrated exquisite image quality for delineating intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) and reliability for quantifying normal vessel dimensions. However, its reliability in quantifying plaque morphology remains unknown.

Purpose

To evaluate the plaque morphologic quantification reliability of 3D whole‐brain VWI in patients via comparison with 3D targeted VWI and 2D turbo spin‐echo (TSE).

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

Thirty‐three patients with symptomatic ICAD.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3D and 2D TSE acquired at 3.0 T.

Assessment

Each participant underwent two VWI sessions with an interval of 7–10 days. Three readers identified in consensus all the plaques on both whole‐brain and targeted 3D VWI. Their lumen and vessel wall area and volume, plaque burden, percent stenosis, and vessel wall remodeling were measured for by two independent readers. At each culprit plaque determined by a radiologist, the lumen and vessel wall area, plaque burden, plaque‐to‐wall contrast ratio (CR), and plaque enhancement ratio (ER) were measured for 2D and 3D VWI methods.

Statistical Tests

Intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate for 3D VWI's interobserver/intraobserver agreement, interscan repeatability, and agreement with 2D TSE in each plaque morphologic measurements. Paired t test was performed for detecting the differences in plaque‐to‐wall CR and plaque ER between the two 3D methods.

Results

Eighty‐four plaques were detected by both 3D VWI methods. Whole‐brain VWI provided excellent interobserver/intraobserver agreement (ICCs: 0.79–0.99/0.95–0.99), interscan repeatability (ICCs: 0.85–0.99), agreement with 2D TSE (ICC: 0.80–0.94) in all morphologic measurements. ICCs of whole‐brain VWI (0.79–0.99) were higher or equal to those of targeted VWI (0.76–0.99). The plaque‐to‐wall CR and plaque ER were significantly higher on whole‐brain VWI than on targeted VWI.

Data Conclusion

The 3D whole‐brain VWI provides excellent interobserver/intraobserver agreement, interscan repeatability, and agreement with 2D TSE in plaque morphologic quantification of ICAD and outperforms 3D targeted VWI.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Effect of different cryopreservation media on human nucleus pulposus cells' viability and trilineage potential
Authors: Croft Andreas S. , Guerrero Julien , Oswald Katharina A. C. , Häckel Sonja , Albers Christoph E. , Gantenbein Benjamin
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a significant cause of disability in many countries, affecting more than half a billion people worldwide. In the past, progenitor cells have been found within the nucleus pulposus (NP) of the human intervertebral disc (IVD). However, in the context of cell therapy, little is known about the effect of cryopreservation and expansion on here called “heterogenic” human NP cells (hNPCs), and whether commercially available cryopreservation media are more efficient than “commonly used” media in terms of cell viability.

Materials: In this study, hNPCs from four trauma patients (age 40.5 ± 14.3 years) and two patients with degenerated IVDs (age 24 and 46 years), undergoing spinal surgery, were collected. To isolate hNPCs, the tissue was digested with a mild two‐step protocol. After subsequent expansion, hNPCs at passages 2‐5 were separated and either cryo‐preserved for 1 week at −150°C or differentiated into osteogenic, adipogenic, or chondrogenic lineages for 21 days. Cryopreservation was performed with five different media to compare their effect on the cell's viability and differentiation potential. Cell viability was determined with flow cytometry using propidium iodide and the trilineage differentiation potential was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and histological analysis.

Results: After 1 week of cryopreservation, the hNPC's cell viability was comparable for all conditions, that is, independent of the cryopreservation medium used (82.3 ± 0.8% of cell viability). Furthermore, hNPCs from trauma patients showed some evidence for adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation and at lower levels, this and evidence of osteogenic differentiation could be confirmed with hNPCs from degenerated discs. Moreover, cryopreservation did not affect the cell's differentiation potential in the majority of the cases tested.

Conclusion: “Commonly used” cryopreservation media seem to perform just as well as commercially available media in terms of cell viability and the overall maintenance of the hNPCs trilineage differentiation potential.
Bacterial communities as indicators of soil health under a continuous cropping system
Authors: Shi Guiying , Sun Hongqiang , Calderón‐Urrea Alejandro , Li Mouqiang , Yang Hongyu , Wang Wenzhu , Su Guoli
Published: February 2021

With growing global interest in the improvement of soil quality and the adoption of sustainable land management systems, there is an urgent need to find early indicators to monitor and manage sustainable soil health. Meta‐analyses provide useful information on microbial communities and community‐level molecular characteristics, which can be exploited as ‘biomarker’ indicators of ecosystem processes for soil health evaluation. Lanzhou lily (Lilium davidii var. unicolor) is the only type of sweet edible lily in China, as well as an endemic species with a narrow distribution. Due to its uses as food and in gardening, this lily has an economic value in the Country, particularly in Gansu Province located in the Loess Plateau. This lily is usually cultivated in long‐term continuous monoculture (replanting), resulting in the so‐called consecutive replanting problem (CRP), which is associated with severe soil degradation and significant yield and quality losses. This study was conducted to investigate the bacterial community structure and specific bacterial members related to the lily's CRPs and soil health degradation indicators via next‐generation sequence (NGS) analysis. The bacterial diversity of rhizosphere soil was analyzed by high‐throughput DNA sequencing (Miseq) of samples collected in fields at 0, 3, 6, and 9 replanting years (L0, L3, L6, and L9, respectively). Results showed that long‐term replanting significantly increased soil bacterial abundance and insignificantly changed soil bacterial diversity. However, replanting altered the soil microbial communities where 3–6 years of replanting was a transmission period for change, resulting in a new community structure after 9 years of replanting. Some specific bacterial members were found to be correlated with lily's plant growth, both positively and negatively. Long‐term replanting accumulation of the harbored highly abundant pathogenic bacterial genus Streptomyces and the species Bacillus simplex and depletion of the plant‐beneficial bacteria genera Sphingomonas and Hyphomicrobium are the causes of the lily's CRP under a 0–9 year replanting system. In addition, changes in the soil physiochemical properties contributed to the new structure of bacterial communities, and the phylum Proteobacteria and the genus Sphingomonas could be regarded as potential indicators of sustainable soil management.
Existence of positive solutions for a critical fractional Kirchhoff equation with potential vanishing at infinity
Authors: Gu Guangze , Tang Xianhua , Yang Xianyong
Published: February 2021

In this paper, we consider the following fractional Kirchhoff equation with critical nonlinearity
where , is the fractional Laplace operator with , V vanishes at infinity and . Under appropriate assumptions on f, we prove the existence of positive solution by using the variational method.
Positioning and Aligning Electrospun PAN Fibers by Conductive and Dielectric Substrate Patterns
Authors: Hellert Christian , Storck Jan Lukas , Grothe Timo , Kaltschmidt Bernhard , Hütten Andreas , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: February 2021

During electrospinning, the flying nanofibers can be attracted by conductive areas such as copper tape on a nonconductive substrate, especially in case of magnetic nanofibers. The question arises, however, whether the conductivity or any other physical properties of these areas are responsible for this effect. Here, electrospinning polyacrylonitrile (PAN) on nonconductive polypropylene (PP) substrates is reported, modified with conductive copper tape as well as with diverse coatings with varying dielectric constants. The results show that in case of non‐magnetic PAN fibers, especially BaTiO3 with its high dielectric constant strongly, attracts the fibers formed during electrospinning, which can be explained by local modification of the electric field due to the introduced dielectric. This process can be used to tailor the nanofiber mat thickness depending on the position.
Stability Effect of Metallic Traces in the Degradation of Materials
Authors: Zaharescu Traian , Borbath Tunde , Blanco Ignazio , Borbath Istvan
Published: February 2021

The electrical devices, where alkyd resin is used as insulation material must have an improved thermal stability. The added filler, inorganic oxide compounds, have various contributions on the resin durability because of their differences in the electronic distribution. The PbTiO3 doped with Mn, Ce, In, Gd, Nb, Pr, and Nd atoms possessing certain features of stabilization played the role of protector during material oxidation. The investigations by isothermal and nonisothermal chemiluminescence revealed the effect of filler in the alkyd resin matrices subjected to the accelerated degradation by γ‐irradiation. The influence of doping atoms is discussed and the stabilization consequences are evaluated.
Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM): New Standards for Mechanical Characterization
Authors: Tosto Claudio , Saitta Lorena , Pergolizzi Eugenio , Patti Antonella , Celano Giovanni , Cicala Gianluca
Published: February 2021

Different materials from polycarbonate to polyetherimide are analyzed to account for the effects of different printing settings on the mechanical properties of parts printed by Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM). The materials chosen are engineering polymers specifically developed for functional applications. However, the two polymers differ in terms of melt temperature and viscosity thus resulting in different printing quality. The aim of the work is to elucidate the different mechanical performance by selecting the printing and testing settings to obtain statistically significant results. As the result of this study, some useful guidelines are drawn to develop standard procedures for the mechanical characterization of FDM printed parts.