bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using seasonal rainfall clusters to explain the interannual variability of the rain belt over the Greater Horn of Africa
Authors: Seregina Larisa S. , Fink Andreas H. , van der Linden Roderick , Funk Chris , Pinto Joaquim G.
Published: August 2020

The seasonal cycle of rainfall over the Greater Horn of Africa (GHA) is dominated by the latitudinal migration and activity of the tropical rain belt (TRB). The TRB exhibits high interannual variability in the GHA and the reasons for the recent dry period in the Long Rains (March–May) are poorly understood. In addition, few studies have addressed the rainfall fluctuations during the Msimu Rains (Dec.–Mar.) in the southern GHA region. Interannual variations of the seasonal cycle of the TRB between 1981 and 2018 were analysed using two statistical indices. The Rainfall Cluster Index (RCI) describes the seasonal cycle as a succession of six characteristic rainfall patterns, while the Seasonal Location Index (SLI) captures the latitudinal location of the TRB. The SLI and RCI depict the full seasonal cycle of the TRB supporting interpretations of the interannual variations and trends. The Msimu Rains are dominated by two clusters with opposite rainfall characteristics between the Congo Basin and Tanzania. The associated anomalies in moisture flux and divergence indicate variations in the location of the TRB originating from an interplay between low‐level air flows from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and tropical and subtropical teleconnections. The peak period of the Long Rains shows a complex composition of five clusters, which is tightly connected to intraseasonal and interannual variability of latitudinal locations of the TRB. A persistent location of the TRB near the equator, evidenced in a frequent occurrence of a cluster related to an anomalously weak Walker circulation, is associated with wet conditions over East Africa. Dry Long Rains are associated with strong and frequent latitudinal variations of the TRB position with a late onset and intermittent rainfall. These results offer new opportunities to understand recent variability and trends in the GHA region.
Mechanisms for regional compound hot extremes in the mid‐lower reaches of the Yangtze River
Authors: Li Yi , Ding Yihui , Liu Yanxiang
Published: August 2020

Hot temperature extremes, particularly during summer, impose severe adverse effects on human health and natural systems. Although considerable attention has been paid to individual hot days and nights, little is known about mechanisms leading to compound hot extremes that combine daytime and nighttime heat. This important type of hot extreme has occurred frequently in the populated mid‐lower reaches of the Yangtze River during the past three to four decades. Through composite analysis, dynamic–thermodynamic processes leading to the occurrence of compound hot extremes are investigated. Results show that an anomalous anticyclone, exhibiting a quasi‐barotropic structure and persisting through day and night, is a prerequisite for the occurrence of compound hot extremes in the mid‐lower reaches of the Yangtze River. The anomalous anticyclone reduces cloud cover and increases solar radiation, causing extreme daytime high temperature. Simultaneously, a descending branch within the column of the anomalous anticyclone enhances local adiabatic heating. This descending branch and resultant adiabatic heat are sustained and further strengthened by anomalous descending motions as part of vertical cells associated with positive precipitation anomalies to the north and south of the anticyclone. During compound hot extremes, intensified southerlies transport additional water vapour toward the study area, helping to establish a stable atmospheric stratification in the low troposphere. This low‐level stable moist layer plays a particularly important role to offset nighttime radiative cooling and, therefore, elevates nighttime low temperatures to form compound hot extremes. Consequently, compound hot extremes in the study area are hot‐humid in nature.
Human thermal climate of the Carpathian Basin
Authors: Ács Ferenc , Zsákai Annamária , Kristóf Erzsébet , Szabó Amanda Imola , Breuer Hajnalka
Published: August 2020

A human body–clothing–atmosphere environment system energy balance model is constructed to evaluate individual human thermal climates in the Carpathian Basin. The analysis is performed in terms of clothing resistance and operative temperature for the period 1971–2000. The model's main strength is that it simulates the metabolic activity rate M as simply as possible taking into account interpersonal variations. Non‐sweating, walking humans are considered in natural outdoor conditions at a walking speed of 4 km⋅h−1. Atmospheric data are used from the CarpatClim dataset; human data are taken from a Hungarian human dataset. The dataset reveals that the interpersonal variations of M of walking humans can reach 40–50 W⋅m−2. According to the results, the variability of individual human thermal climates can be significant. This variability increases towards cold climates and is less in the comfortable thermal zone, when the operative temperature is between 23 and 28°C. It should be mentioned that summer is thermally neutral in the Little Hungarian Plain, the Great Hungarian Plain and in larger parts of the Transylvanian Plateau, irrespective of the person considered. The warmest areas in the Carpathian Basin can be found in Bačka and Banat. In terms of thermal sensation, the results obtained agree well with the results referring to the human considered in the Physiological Equivalent Temperature index model.
An objective definition of seasons for the Mediterranean region
Authors: Kotsias George , Lolis Christos J. , Hatzianastassiou Nikolaos , Lionello Piero , Bartzokas Aristides
Published: August 2020

An objective definition of seasons for the Mediterranean region is performed using the mean intra‐annual variations of 12 climatological parameters. The aim is to achieve a climatologically appropriate determination of the onset and cessation dates, as well as the duration, of each season, better than the conventional seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn). Moreover, possible changes of the defined seasons during the 70‐year study period 1949–2018 are investigated over the climatologically sensitive Mediterranean region. The data used are daily NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis grid point values of precipitation rate, convective precipitation rate, 2 m temperature, total cloud cover, 2 m zonal and meridional wind, 500 and 1,000 hPa geopotential height, 500 and 850 hPa temperature, 850 hPa specific humidity and precipitable water over the Mediterranean region, for the period 1949–2018. Firstly, Principal Component Analysis is applied to the mean intra‐annual variations of the above parameters in order to reduce the dimensionality and then k‐means Cluster Analysis is applied to the resultant Principal Components in order to group dates with similar regimes of the above parameters. This methodology is applied for the 70‐year period 1949–2018 as well as for the five overlapping 30‐year subperiods 1949–1978, 1959–1988, 1969–1998, 1979–2008, and 1989–2018. According to the results, four seasons are defined for all periods. Although these seasons correspond to the four conventional seasons, there are differences regarding the onset and cessation dates and the duration. In general, it is found that winter lasts about 4 months, spring and summer are a little shorter than 3 months and autumn lasts about 2.5 months. The most remarkable long‐term changes are: (a) the warming during the last 30‐year period, which agrees with the ongoing climate change, (b) the shortening of winter and spring due to the delay of their onset date, and (c) the extension of autumn due to the delay of its cessation date.
Integrative mRNA/miRNA expression analysis in healing human gingiva
Authors: Wang Yun , Tatakis Dimitris N.
Published: August 2020

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in the epigenetic regulation of complex biological processes. Their possible role in human oral wound healing, a process that differs from cutaneous wound healing by being faster and typically scar‐free, has been unexplored. This report presents the miRNA expression profile of experimental human oral wounds and an integrative analysis of mRNA/miRNA expression.

Methods

Nine healthy volunteers provided standardized normal and 5‐day healing palatal biopsies, used for next generation miRNA and mRNA sequencing analysis, correlation and network analysis, real‐time PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry.

Results

On average, 169 significantly regulated precursor miRNAs were detected, including 21 novel miRNAs, selectively confirmed by PCR. Hsa‐miR‐223‐3p and hsa‐miR‐124‐3p were, respectively, the most up‐ and downregulated miRNAs in healing gingiva. Hsa‐miR‐124‐3p had the most predicted mRNA target interactions, with angiogenesis‐related genes the most enriched. Correlation analysis showed the highest correlation between hsa‐miR‐181a‐3p and SERPINB1; hsa‐miR‐223‐5p and SLC2A3; hsa‐miR‐1301 and MS4A7. In addition, SERPINB1 mRNA had the most associations with differentially regulated miRNAs. IL33 was the only cytokine significantly correlated with miRNAs (ρ >  0.95). qPCR and immunohistochemistry verified the significant upregulation of SERPINB1 and IL33 in healing gingiva.

Conclusions

This study is the first to report on the miRNome of healing human gingiva and to provide an integrative analysis of miRNA/mRNA expression during human oral wound healing; the results offer novel insights into the participating molecular mechanisms and raise the possibility of SERPINB1 and IL‐33 as potential wound healing therapeutic targets.
Monitoring the spin crossover phenomenon of [Fe(2‐mpz)2Ni(CN)4] 2D Hofmann‐type polymer nanoparticles via temperature‐dependent Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Lada Zoi G. , Andrikopoulos Konstantinos S. , Polyzou Christina D. , Tangoulis Vassilis , Voyiatzis George A.
Published: August 2020

The incorporation of spin crossover (SCO) properties into metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has led to an appealing subclass of multifunctional MOFs. Because temperature is the most common way to manipulate the SCO phenomenon, the spin state of relevant complexes is conveniently monitored by variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility (χMT) measurements. Other physical and spectroscopic techniques may also monitor the SCO behavior. In this context, the present work focuses on the use of variable‐temperature micro‐Raman spectroscopy. More specifically, the SCO behavior of the two‐dimensional Hofmann‐type MOF [FeII(2‐mpz)2Ni(CN)4], (2‐mpz = 2‐methylpyrazine), in the form of both bulk microcrystalline powder and nanoparticles is in depth analyzed via temperature‐dependent Raman spectroscopy. Magnetic susceptibility measurements were used in order to benchmark the vibrational spectroscopic ones. A brief introduction on the basic synthetic features of the samples and the morphological characteristics of representative samples are described, while the detailed syntheses of the MOF compounds in the microscale and the nanoscale were recently comprehensively addressed. It is unambiguously revealed for the samples in the different particle sizes that the SCO characteristics, such as Tc values, hysteretic behavior, and high spin (HS) population curves as a function of temperature, derived from Raman measurements are in close comparison with those of the magnetic susceptibility. In addition, spectroscopic analysis in the high‐ and low‐wavenumber regions suggests the 2D network structure of the specific compound and reveals the alterations at molecular level associated with the HS and low spin (LS) states. The significance of Raman spectroscopy for the study of SCO materials is demonstrated, because the technique offers combined structural characterization and detailed study of the transition.
IPDmada: An R Shiny tool for analyzing and visualizing individual patient data meta‐analyses of diagnostic test accuracy
Authors: Wang Junfeng , Keusters Willem R. , Wen Lingzi , Leeflang Mariska M. G.
Published: August 2020

Background

Individual patient data meta‐analyses (IPD‐MA) are regarded as the gold standard for systematic reviews, which also applies to systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) studies. An increasing number of DTA systematic reviews with IPD‐MA have been published in recent years, but there is much variation in how these IPD‐MA were performed. A number of existing methods were found, but there is no consensus as to which methods are preferred as the standard methods for statistical analysis in DTA IPD‐MA.

Objectives

To create a web‐based tool which integrates recommended statistical analyses for DTA IPD‐MA, and allows researchers to analyse the data and visualize the results with interactive plots.

Methods

A systematic methodological review was performed to identify statistical analyses and data visualization methods used in DTA IPD‐MA. Methods were evaluated by the authors and recommended analyses were integrated into the IPDmada tool which is freely available online with the user interface developed with R Shiny package.

Results

IPDmada allows users to upload their own data, perform the meta‐analysis with both continuous and dichotomized tests, and incorporate individual level covariate‐adjusted analysis. All tables and figures can be exported as .csv or .pdf files. A hypothetical dataset was used to illustrate the application of IPDmada.

Conclusions

IPDmada will be very helpful to researchers doing DTA IPD‐MA, since it not only facilitates the statistical analysis but also provides a standard framework. The introduction of IPDmada will harmonize the methods used in DTA IPD‐MA and ensure the quality of such analyses.

Highlights

IPDmada is a newly developed web‐based tool for performing statistical analysis of individual patient data meta‐analysis of diagnostic accuracy and visualizing the results.

The tool is freely available to all the researchers, and requiring no installation of statistical software/packages.

The tool has an user‐friendly interface, and allows meta‐analysis on both dichotomized and continuous test results. Researchers can easily use this tool to investigate the threshold effect and covariate effect on the summary accuracy.

The introduction and implementation of IPDmada will serve as a useful tool for DTA IPD‐MA and increase the quality of such studies.
Assessment of other‐cause mortality in localized renal cell carcinoma patients within 15 years: A population‐based analysis
Authors: Pecoraro Angela , Knipper Sophie , Palumbo Carlotta , Rosiello Giuseppe , Luzzago Stefano , Tian Zhe , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Saad Fred , Briganti Alberto , Fiori Cristian , Porpiglia Francesco , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: August 2020

Background and Objective

Five‐year other cause mortality (OCM) after nephrectomy for non‐metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) should be marginal in properly selected surgical candidates. We examined 5‐year OCM rates as a quality of care indicator for patient selection.

Materials and Methods

Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (1997‐2011), we identified 59267 RCC patients treated with either radical (n = 27 804, 46.9%) or partial nephrectomy (n = 31 463, 53.1%). Temporal trends and multivariable Cox regression analyses assessed 5‐year OCM. Data were stratified according to age group, year of diagnosis, race, marital status, gender, and socio‐economic status. The overall OCM rates for the entire cohort at 5 years of follow‐up was 4.7% and decreased from 9.4% to 5.6% over the study span (−3.8%, P < .001). The greatest decrease in 5‐year OCM rates over time was recorded in patients >70 years (17.0%‐9.6%, slope, −0.6%/y), as well as in African‐Americans (12.0‐6.2%; slope, −0.3%/y) and in males (8.9%‐4.7%; slope, −0.3%, all P < .001).

Conclusions

An important OCM decrease was recorded over the study span. Nonetheless, further improvement may be accomplished, especially in African‐Americans, unmarried and older individuals, who exhibited higher OCM rates than others. These three groups may represent ideal targets for better patient selection based on OCM considerations.
Factors affecting the incidence of chronic pain following breast cancer surgery: Preoperative history, anesthetic management, and surgical technique
Authors: Berger Jack M. , Longhitano Yaroslava , Zanza Christian , Sener Stephen F.
Published: August 2020

Background or Objectives

Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women. Chronic pain following mastectomy remains a significant problem. This study aimed to evaluate risk factors associated with postoperative chronic pain.

Methods

Medical records were analyzed retrospectively for 147 consecutive patients with breast cancer who underwent mastectomy between July 2016 and February 2018 with one‐year follow‐up. All patients received a paravertebral block pre‐operatively and then general anesthesia for the surgery.

Results

The median postoperative pain score was 1.3 on the verbal analgesic score. The average total dose of opioids administered postoperatively was 10.4 mg, expressed in morphine milligram equivalents. The incidence of chronic pain after mastectomy was 16.7% at 6 months and 13.3% at 1 year. The satisfaction rate for anesthesia and surgery was 95.7%.

Conclusions

The data suggested that preoperative paravertebral nerve blocks, appropriate adjuvants, and a balanced general anesthetic may contribute to better postoperative pain control and decreased the incidence of chronic pain. A history of preoperative use of opioids and/or a history of alcohol consumption were both associated with significant increased levels of postoperative pain, and this subgroup warrants attention to diminish the risk of developing chronic pain.
Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: A high incidence of metastatic disease to lymph nodes
Authors: Claxton Matthew R. , Reynolds Grace , Wenger Doris E. , Rose Peter S. , Houdek Matthew T.
Published: August 2020

Background

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (ESMC) is a rare type of soft‐tissue sarcoma with limited series reporting outcome of treatment. Currently there is limited data on the incidence and impact on patient outcome in those with metastatic disease to lymph nodes in ESMC.

Methods

Thirty (21 males, 9 females) patients, mean age 50 ± 16 years, with ESMC were reviewed. The tumors were most commonly located in the lower extremity (n = 23, 77%) and the mean tumor size and volume were 9 ± 5 cm and 490 ± 833 cm3. Mean follow up was 7 ± 4 years.

Results

Six (20%) patients either presented (n = 3, 10%) or developed (n = 3, 10%) lymph node metastatic disease. When comparing patients without, with lymph node metastasis and metastasis elsewhere, patients with lymph nodes metastasis had worse survival than those without metastasis, however better 10‐year disease specific survival than those with metastasis elsewhere (100% vs 62% vs 0%; P < .001).

Conclusion

There is a high incidence of lymph node metastatic disease in patients with ESMC. Although survival in these patients is worse compared to those without metastasis, their survival is better than those with metastasis elsewhere. Due to the high incidence of lymph node metastatic disease, preoperative staging of the lymph node should be considered.
Evaluation of the Achilles Tendon Using B‐Mode Ultrasound and Strain Elastography in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Mutlu Samet , Erdem Toslak Iclal , Inci Ayca , Cekic Bulent , Yavuz Alpaslan
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To investigate the B‐mode ultrasound (US) features and elasticity of the Achilles tendon in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) using US elastography and to compare them with those of healthy individuals.

Methods

From March 2019 through May 2019, 30 consecutive patients with variable stages of CKD and 30 healthy individuals were prospectively included in this study. Ultrasound and strain elastographic examinations were performed on both Achilles tendons of all individuals. Degrees of tendinopathy, if existed, were classified as defined by Archambault et al (J Clin Ultrasound 1998; 26:335–339), and thicknesses were documented with US. Strain ratios (SRs) were calculated by measuring the strain values from the Achilles tendon and Kager fat pad. Statistical differences in the SRs of Achilles tendons between the control group and patients with CKD were calculated.

Results

The 30 patients with CKD ranged in age from 24 to 73 years, and the 30 healthy individuals ranged in age from 25 to 78 years. Both distal and left middle thirds of the Achilles tendons were thicker in patients with CKD than in healthy individuals (P < .05). The mean SRs ± SDs in the patient group (4.71 ± 0.95 and 4.85 ± 1.47 on the right and left, respectively) were significantly higher (P < .05) than in healthy individuals (2.31 ± 0.42 and 2.65 ± 0.55 on the right and left), which indicated an increased stiffness of Achilles tendons in the patient group.

Conclusions

As a semiquantitative and noninvasive imaging modality, strain elastography has the potential to detect the morphologic and elasticity changes of Achilles tendons in patients with CKD, which may give an opportunity to help physicians predict possible leading partial or complete tears.
A pyrolysis study of allylic hydrocarbon fuels
Authors: Nagaraja Shashank S. , Kukkadapu Goutham , Panigrahy Snehasish , Liang Jinhu , Lu Haitao , Pitz William J. , Curran Henry J.
Published: August 2020

The pyrolysis of selected C3–C5 allylic hydrocarbons has been studied using a single‐pulse shock tube. A new single‐pulse shock tube has been designed and constructed by recommissioning an existing conventional shock tube. This facility enables the investigation of high‐temperature chemical kinetics with an emphasis on combustion chemistry. The modifications performed on the existing shock tube are described, and the details of the sampling system to analyze the species concentration using a gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐flame ionization detection (GC‐MS with a flame ionization detector) system are also provided. This facility is characterized and validated by performing cyclohexene pyrolysis experiments. Furthermore, the performance of the shock tube is demonstrated by reproducing previous literature measurements on the pyrolysis of isobutene. Postvalidation, this setup is used to study the pyrolysis of trans‐2‐butene and 2‐methyl‐2‐butene (2M2B). A newly developed mechanism, NUIGMech1.0, is used to simulate the experimental data of propene, isobutene, 2‐butene, and 2M2B, allylic hydrocarbon fuels. A description using two different kinetic simulation approaches is provided using our isobutene experiments as a reference. We found no significant differences between the two methods. Additionally, the contribution of different reaction classes on fuel consumption is detailed and the influence of geometry on fuel consumption and first aromatic ring: benzene is discussed.
Gender Differences in Compensation, Mentorship, and Work‐Life Balance within Facial Plastic Surgery
Authors: Lafer Marissa P. , Frants Anna , Zhang Yan , Wang Binhuan , Lee Judy W.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Our objective was to identify gender differences in work‐life balance, professional advancement, workload, salary, and career satisfaction among facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons.

Study Design

Cross‐Sectional Survey.

Methods

American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) members were invited by email to respond to a confidential 25‐question online survey. The survey had a response rate of 12%. There were a total of 139 participants; 23 participants were in training and 116 were either board‐eligible or board‐certified facial plastic surgeons. Collected variables included general demographics, personal life, academic involvement, career development, workload, and career satisfaction.

Results

Forty percent of participants were female. Fifty‐nine percent of female participants were 25–35 years old compared with 15% of male participants. The majority of male participants were over 45 years old (63%) while only 19% of female participants fell into this age category (P < .0001). Women were more likely to be in a relationship with a physician (35% vs. 19%) or non‐physician full‐time professional (55% vs. 31%). The vast majority of men had children (89%) while only half of women (52%) had children. On average, women with children had fewer children than men (P < .0001). No gender difference was seen with respect to working full versus part‐time (P = .81). Participants were equally satisfied with a surgical career regardless of gender.

Conclusion

Although significant progress has already been made towards closing the gender gap, gender disparities remain both professionally and personally for facial plastic surgeons. With an increasing number of women in medicine, we should continue to strive to close the gender gap.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E787–E791, 2021
Characterization of Fibroblasts in Iatrogenic Laryngotracheal Stenosis and Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lina Ioan , Tsai Hsiu‐Wen , Ding Dacheng , Davis Ruth , Motz Kevin M. , Hillel Alexander T.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Iatrogenic laryngotracheal stenosis (iLTS) is the pathological narrowing of the glottis, subglottis, and/or trachea due to scar tissue. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are over 8 times more likely to develop iLTS and represent 26% to 53% of all iLTS patients. In this investigation, we compared iLTS scar‐derived fibroblasts in patients with and without T2DM.

Study Design

Controlled ex vivo study.

Methods

iLTS scar fibroblasts were isolated and cultured from subglottic scar biopsies in iLTS patients diagnosed with or without type 2 diabetes (non‐T2DM). Fibroblast proliferation, fibrosis‐related gene expression, and metabolic utilization of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and glycolysis were assessed. Contractility was measured using a collagen‐based assay. Metabolically targeted drugs (metformin, phenformin, amobarbital) were tested, and changes in fibrosis‐related gene expression, collagen protein, and contractility were evaluated.

Results

Compared to non‐T2DM, T2DM iLTS scar fibroblasts had increased α‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression (8.2× increased, P = .020), increased contractility (mean 71.4 ± 4.3% vs. 51.7 ± 16% Δ area × 90 minute−1, P = .016), and reduced proliferation (1.9× reduction at 5 days, P < .01). Collagen 1 (COL1) protein was significantly higher in the T2DM group (mean 2.06 ± 0.19 vs. 0.74 ±.44 COL1/total protein [pg/μg], P = .036). T2DM iLTS scar fibroblasts had increased measures of OXPHOS, including basal respiration (mean 86.7 vs. 31.5 pmol/minute/10 μg protein, P = .016) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation (mean 97.5 vs. 25.7 pmol/minute/10 μg protein, P = .047) compared to non‐T2DM fibroblasts. Amobarbital reduced cellular contractility; decreased collagen protein; and decreased expression of αSMA, COL1, and fibronectin. Metformin and phenformin did not significantly affect fibrosis‐related gene expression.

Conclusion

T2DM iLTS scar fibroblasts demonstrate a myofibroblast phenotype and greater contractility compared to non‐T2DM. Their bioenergetic preference for OXPHOS drives their increased contractility, which is selectively targeted by amobarbital.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:1570–1577, 2021
Development of Ectopic Livers by Hepatocyte Transplantation Into Swine Lymph Nodes
Authors: Fontes Paulo , Komori Junji , Lopez Roberto , Marsh Wallis , Lagasse Eric
Published: August 2020

Orthotopic liver transplantation continues to be the only effective therapy for patients with end‐stage liver disease. Unfortunately, many of these patients are not considered transplant candidates, lacking effective therapeutic options that would address both the irreversible progression of their hepatic failure and the control of their portal hypertension. In this prospective study, a swine model was exploited to induce subacute liver failure. Autologous hepatocytes, isolated from the left hepatic lobe, were transplanted into the mesenteric lymph nodes (LNs) by direct cell injection. At 30‐60 days after transplantation, hepatocyte engraftment in LNs was successfully identified in all transplanted animals with the degree of ectopic liver mass detected being proportional to the induced native liver injury. These ectopic livers developed within the LNs showed remarkable histologic features of swine hepatic lobules, including the formation of sinusoids and bile ducts. On the basis of our previous tyrosinemic mouse model and the present pig models of induced subacute liver failure, the generation of auxiliary liver tissue using the LNs as hepatocyte engraftment sites represents a potential therapeutic approach to supplement declining hepatic function in the treatment of liver disease.
Foamability and Special Applications of Microcellular Thermoplastic Polymers: A Review on Recent Advances and Future Direction
Authors: Banerjee Ritima , Ray Suprakas Sinha
Published: August 2020

Foaming of thermoplastics is an area of significant research interest. The substitution of any solid polymer with its foamed counterparts not only results in the lowering of material and fuel consumption but also enhances the scope of tailoring of properties for new applications. The key to manufacturing a useful foam is to achieve the desired morphology and volume expansion ratio as per the product requirements. In addition, other properties may become important, depending on the applications. Open‐cell structure, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and cytocompatibility are required in scaffolds. The ease with which a polymeric material can be foamed to achieve the desired properties depends on material characteristics, processing conditions, and the blowing agent. This article reviews key literature related to factors affecting foamability and ways of enhancing the foamability of various polymeric materials. Other highlights of this review include studies on degradation kinetics of biodegradable foams, special morphology development for scaffolds, packaging, and acoustic applications as well as cell seeding studies in scaffolds. In summary, this review is expected to provide direction for future developments in the field of microcellular processing to advance the technology and applications of thermoplastic foams as sustainable materials.
A Study on the Optical Behavior of Dyx3+ ion Activated Sr(1‐X)Y2O4 Nanophosphors
Authors: Ghorpade Santosh P. , Melavanki Raveendra , Patil N. R.
Published: August 2020

White light emitting voluminous powder of Sr(1‐x)Y2O4:Dyx3+ nanophosphors (NPPs) is synthesized through solution combustion method using organic fuel as glycine. The doping agent Dy3+ ion is incorporated in the form of dysprosium nitrate hexahydrate and Dy3+ ion varied as 0.01%, 0.03%, 0.05%, 0.07%, 0.09%, and 0.11%. Further, the sample is calcinated at a temperature of 1300 °C for 3 h. The structural and optical properties are investigated using X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), photoluminescence (PL), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopic techniques. XRD spectra confirm the orthorhombic structure of SrY2O4: Dyx3+ with Pnam space group and cell parameters of a = 10.07 Å, b = 11.91 Å, c = 3.41 Å, the particle size is about 40 nm estimated from the Debye–Scherer method. The morphology and particles size is further confirmed by FE‐SEM and HR‐TEM. The PL emission spectra obtained at an 354 nm excitation wavelength and corresponding PL emission spectra indicate two distinctive peaks, that is, blue (4F9/2 → 6H15/2) and yellow (4F9/2→ 6H13/2). FTIR and room temperature Raman spectroscopy confirms the presence of various bonds. PL emission, correspondingly, is confirmed by the CIE diagram. All these analysis reveal Sr(1‐x)Y2O4:Dyx3+ NPP may be potential candidates for white light‐emitting diodes.
Bos taurus Urine Assisted Biosynthesis of CuO Nanomaterials: A New Paradigm of Antimicrobial and Antineoplatic Therapy
Authors: Padvi Mukesh Nimba , Hiremath Narendra Gurumoorty , Prasad Saurabh Rai Dhirendra , Nayak Arpan Kumar , Bohara Raghvendra Ashok , Attrar Yasmin , Ramteke Avinash Avadhutrao , Sarvalkar Prashant
Published: August 2020

Resistance to antibiotics is a global concern and urgently needs sincere attention. Looking toward the current scenario there is a definite need for hybrid systems which can combat with the pathogens. One such approach is synthesis of CuO NPs using cow urine for the first time. The advantage of this method is its eco‐friendly and economical synthesis approach. It is seen that the prepared NPs exhibit excellent antimicrobial activity against test microorganism such as Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Also, the synthesized NPs show synergistic effectiveness with common broad spectrum antibiotic tetracycline. In addition, the prepared NPs are also tested for anticancer activity by using MTT assay and results suggests that the prepared NPs shows excellent anticancer activity against MCF7 cell lines. The developed material carries excellent potential in biomedical application.
lncRNA CERS6‐AS1 as ceRNA promote cell proliferation of breast cancer by sponging miR‐125a‐5p to upregulate BAP1 expression
Authors: Yan Liang , Li Kai , Feng Zunyong , Zhang Yizongheng , Han Renrui , Ma Jinzhu , Zhang Jieling , Wu Xu , Liu Haijun , Jiang Yuxin , Zhang Yao , Zhu Yiping
Published: August 2020

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can act as oncogene and tumor suppressor genes in many types of cancers including breast cancer (BC). Our previous study has indicated microRNA (miR)‐125a‐5p was downregulated and function as a tumor suppressor in BC. However, its upstream regulation mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we used bioinformatics algorithms, RNA pulldown assay, and dual‐luciferase reports assay to predict and confirm lncRNA CERS6‐AS1 interacted with miR‐125a‐5p. Then we found CERS6‐AS1 was upregulated in BC tissues. Experimental results of tumor growth in nude mice show that CERS6‐AS1 promotes tumor growth. Furthermore, CERS6‐AS1 regulated BC susceptibility gene 1‐associated protein 1 (BAP1) expression via sponging miR‐125a‐5p via Western blot analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction arrays. Finally, we showed that miR‐125a‐5p had opposing effects to those of CERS6‐AS1 on BC cells, demonstrating that CERS6‐AS1 may promote cell proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis via sponging miR‐125a‐5p. Our results indicated CERS6‐AS1 promote BC cell proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis via sponging miR‐125a‐5p to upregulate BAP1 expression.
Long‐Term Follow‐Up and Evolution of ADCY5—From a Ballistic to Dystonic Phenotype
Authors: Wali Gurusidheshwar M. , Wali Gautam , Kumar Kishore R. , Sue Carolyn M.
Published: August 2020

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The optimal level of corporate social responsibility based on the duopoly model
Authors: Chen Junlong , Sun Chaoqun , Liu Jiali , Huo Yan
Published: August 2020

This paper constructs a duopoly model considering corporate social responsibility (CSR) and market's sensitivity to CSR (e) and analyzes the equilibrium results, the condition of CSR implementation and the optimal CSR level (β*) of Model CC (two enterprises implement CSR) and Model CN (only one enterprise implements CSR). The results show that β* is affected by competitors and e. e, marginal cost (c) and cost difference affect the equilibrium results and the comparative results. Reducing c and improving e can promote social welfare. Consumer surplus under Model CC is highest. CSR has a negative effect on social welfare under certain conditions.
Advertising persuasion in dual markets
Authors: Vakratsas Demetrios , Keswani Aneel , Stolin David
Published: August 2020

Many firms operate in ‘dual’ markets by selling the same products and services to both individual and institutional customers. Can they also persuade both with the same advertising content? The authors investigate this issue by examining a unique database including information on institutional and individual mutual fund flows, advertising frequency, and (persuasive and informative) advertising content. They find that the effects of persuasive advertising content on institutional and individual fund flows are similar and sizeable in terms of elasticity. In addition, they find that only the individual market responds to informative advertising content. Hence, dual‐market firms can use persuasive content to achieve advertising economies.
Addressing the sensitivity of forecast impact to flight path design for targeted observations of extratropical winter storms: A demonstration in an OSSE framework
Authors: Kren A. C. , Cucurull L. , Wang H.
Published: August 2020

Few studies have examined the forecast uncertainties brought about from varying aircraft flight track patterns in targeted observations for extratropical winter storms. To examine the degree of uncertainty in downstream forecasts caused by different aircraft flight patterns, a series of observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) are performed and demonstrated for two extratropical winter storms identified in the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) T511 Nature Run using the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Global Data Assimilation System and Global Forecast System (Q1FY15). Winter storms were chosen to support operational Pacific Ocean targeting strategies using unmanned aircraft. For these two storms, objective and composite flight tracks are generated as they could occur in an operational field mission to sample sensitive areas and meteorologically important regions, and then the changes in downstream forecasts across the various flight tracks are evaluated. The forecast impact downstream is sensitive to flight track orientation and shows case‐dependent results, with some flight patterns leading to significant improvements, while others result in neutral to degraded forecasts. The degree of downstream uncertainty in the verification region can vary up to 8% from the different flight paths, depending on the metric used and the atmospheric variables analysed. Although the study is a demonstration of the technique and is limited to only two case studies, it suggests that uncertainty in flight path design should not be neglected in future field missions. Some guidance for mitigating this uncertainty is also discussed.
Anatomy‐based diagnostic criteria for complex body wall anomalies (CBWA)
Authors: Martín‐Alguacil Nieves
Published: August 2020

Background

Precise diagnosis and classification of CBWA cases can be challenging. BSA are considered when there is a body wall anomaly, skeletal abnormalities, and the umbilical cord is anomalous, absent or rudimentary, and LBWC when there is a body wall and structural limb anomalies with or without craniofacial abnormalities.

Methods

PubMed was searched for body stalk anomalies, limb body wall complex, body stalk anomalies and amniotic band syndrome, and limb body wall complex and amniotic band syndrome. Sixty nine articles were selected and reviewed. This article systematically classifies the variants of CBWA in 218 cases, the study is based on the embryological and anatomical criteria established by Martín‐Alguacil and Avedillo to study BSA in the pig.

Results

Eight different BSA presentation were defined. One hundred and eighty nine cases were classified as BSA, from which five were Type I, nine Type II, 20 Type III, 57 Type IV, 11Type V, 24 Type VI, 11 Type VII, and 52 Type VIII. Twenty six cases presented cranial phenotype, 114 abdominal phenotype, 42 cranio/abdominal overlapping phenotype, and five without defined phenotype. In addition, 52 BSA cases presented some kind of spinal dysraphism (SPDYS) and were classified as BSA/SPDYS, most of these cases did not show structural limb anomalies, except for three cases and were classified as LBWC/SPDYS.

Conclusion

This morphology‐based classification represents a useful tool for clinical diagnosis, it helps to quantify and to evaluate CBWA in a precise, objective manner.
Impact of magnetohydrodynamic and buoyancy‐driven forces on carbon nanotube‐water nanofluid
Authors: Aldabesh Abdulmajeed , Rout Bishnu C. , Mishra Satyaranjan R. , Henda Mouna Ben , Tlili Iskander
Published: August 2020

Present analysis brings out the study of an electrically conducting carbon nanotube (CNT) water‐based nanofluid flow occurrences with the existence of buoyant forces. Inclusion of the impact of thermal radiation in the energy balance also enhances the heat transfer characteristics of nanofluid. Due to considerable interest in the conductivity of CNT's and practical applications in industries, its study plays an important role. Closed form solution does not hold good for the nonlinear coupled system into nonlinear ODE. For the solutions, we have employed a semianalytical technique baptized Adomian Decomposition Method (ADM) with suitable guess solutions using initial conditions. The influence of physical restrictions describing the flow behavior is presented through figures. The outcomes of numerical validation for the rate of heat, shear stress, and mass transfer coefficients are also presented in tabular form. The physical phenomena of these parameters are also discussed in the discussion section for stretching surfaces. It is observed that the CNT nanoparticle volume fraction is favorable to enhance the fluid temperature, and more importantly, in comparison to pure fluid, CNT‐water nanofluid retards the velocity greatly which is an important phenomenon for the production of materials in industries.
Convective and conductive selection criteria of a stable dendritic growth and their stitching
Authors: Toropova L.V. , Alexandrov D.V. , Galenko P.K.
Published: August 2020

The paper deals with the analysis of stable thermo‐solutal dendritic growth in the presence of intense convection. The n‐fold symmetry of crystalline anisotropy as well as the two‐ and three‐dimensional growth geometries are considered. The steady‐state analytical solutions are found with allowance for the convective‐type heat and mass exchange boundary conditions at the dendritic surface. A linear morphological stability analysis determining the marginal wavenumber is carried out. The new stability criterion is derived from the solvability theory and stability analysis. This selection criterion takes place in the regions of small undercooling. To describe a broader undercooling diapason, the obtained selection criterion, which describes the case of intense convection, is stitched together with the previously known selection criterion for the conductive‐type boundary conditions. It is demonstrated that the stitched selection criterion well describes a broad diapason of experimental undercoolings.
Recovery of timewise‐dependent heat source for hyperbolic PDE from an integral condition
Authors: Huntul M.J. , Tamsir Mohammad
Published: August 2020

The inverse problem of recovering the timewise‐dependent heat source coefficient along with the temperature in a second‐order hyperbolic equation with mixed derivative and with initial and Neumann boundary conditions and integral measurement is, for the first time, numerically investigated. The inverse problem considered in this paper has a unique solution. However, it is an ill‐posed problem by being sensitive to noise. The one‐dimensional inverse problem is discretized using the FDM and recast as a nonlinear least‐squares minimization of Tikhonov regularization function. Numerically, this is effectively solved using the MATLAB subroutine lsqnonlin. The present numerical results demonstrate that accurate and stable approximate solutions have been attained.
Bandpass filter using coupled‐line‐stub cascaded structure with high stopband rejection
Authors: Lu Sen , Xu Kai‐Da , Guo Yingjiang , Ren Yi , Chen Qiang
Published: August 2020

A compact fifth‐order bandpass filter (BPF) with high stopband rejection level is proposed using a coupled‐line‐stub cascaded structure (CLS‐CS). Based on transversal signal‐interference technique, the CLS‐CS is introduced to improve the characteristics of the filter, generating four new transmission zeros (TZs) close to band edge. The positions of all TZs are calculated through input impedance deduction. For demonstration, a BPF prototype centered at 2.1 GHz is designed with measured 3‐dB fractional bandwidth of 39% (1.68‐2.50 GHz) and stopband rejection levels of over 28.9 dB, which validates the proposed idea.
Technical Note: Patient‐weight dependence of the effective dose conversion coefficients for diagnostic x‐ray imaging procedures
Authors: Golikov Vladislav , Druzhinina Polina
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to provide a method and reference data for the evaluation of the weight dependence of the conversion coefficients from air collision kerma integrated over beam area to the effective dose for patients undergoing diagnostic x‐ray examinations.

Method

A simple physics‐based analytical model was developed in order to calculate the weight dependence of the effective dose conversion coefficients based on existing values of the conversion coefficients between patient effective dose and air collision kerma integrated over beam area calculated by the Monte Carlo method on the base of computational MIRD‐5‐type stylized models.

Results

The analytical expressions that make possible taking into account a patient’s weight when assessing the effective dose were presented. The following categories of diagnostic x‐ray examinations are considered: CT; plain radiography; cardiac angiography; fluoroscopy. The results indicate that the weight dependence of the effective dose conversion coefficients for different categories of diagnostic x‐ray examinations has the same form. Correction factor for evaluation of the new value of the effective dose conversion coefficient for a patient with weightWpa.when we know its value for a standard patient with weightWst.depends on the ratios of their weights (Wst./Wpat.) and fractions of the incident energy which is imparted to a patient.

Conclusions

The paper presents an approach and necessary data for the estimation of the weight dependence of the effective dose conversion coefficients for patients undergoing different diagnostic x‐ray examinations.
Dynamic Monte Carlo Simulation for Chain‐Shuttling Polymerization of Olefin Block Copolymers in Continuous Stirred‐Tank Reactor
Authors: Tongtummachat Tiprawee , Ma‐In Rungrueng , Anantawaraskul Siripon , Soares João B. P.
Published: August 2020

A dynamic Monte Carlo model coupling with residence time distribution is developed to simulate chain microstructures of olefin block copolymers (OBCs) produced with the chain‐shuttling polymerization in a continuous stirred‐tank reactor (CSTR). The simulated results provide information on how polymer chain microstructures (i.e., average molecular weight, average comonomer content, and microstructural distributions) evolve in a CSTR system and show a good agreement with previously reported theoretical and experimental results. The model is also used to investigate effect of reaction conditions (i.e., catalyst feed compositions, monomer feed compositions, and mean residence time) on time evolution of OBC chain microstructures.