bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The 1st International Project Competition for Structural Health Monitoring (IPC-SHM, 2020): A summary and benchmark problem
Authors: Bao Yuequan , Li Jian , Nagayama Tomonori , Xu Yang , Spencer Billie F , Li Hui
Published: April 2021

To promote the development of structural health monitoring around the world, the 1st International Project Competition for Structural Health Monitoring (IPC-SHM, 2020) was initiated and organized in 2020 by the Asia-Pacific Network of Centers for Research in Smart Structures Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and four leading companies in the application of structural health monitoring technology. The goal of this competition was to attract more young scholars to engage in the study of structural health monitoring, encouraging them to provide creative and effective solutions for full-scale applications. Recognizing the recent advent and importance of artificial intelligence in structural health monitoring, three competition projects were set up with the data from full-scale bridges: (1) image-based identification of fatigue cracks in bridge girders, (2) data anomaly detection for structural health monitoring, and (3) condition assessment of stay cables using cable tension data. Three corresponding data sets were released at http://www.schm.org.cn and http://sstl.cee.illinois.edu/ipc-shm2020 . Participants were required to be full-time undergraduate students, M.S. students, Ph.D. students, or young scholars within 3 years after obtaining their Ph.D. Both individual and teams (each team had no more than five individuals) could compete. Submissions for the competition included a 10- to 15-page technical paper, a 10-min presentation video with PowerPoint slides, and commented code. The organizing committee then conducted the validation, review, and evaluation. A total of 330 participants in 112 teams from 70 universities and institutions in 12 countries registered for the competition, resulting in 75 papers from 56 teams from 57 different affiliations finally being submitted. Of those submitted, 31, 30, and 14 papers were for Projects 1, 2, and 3, respectively. After completion of the review by the organization committee and awards committee, the top 10, 10, and 5 teams were selected as the prize winners for the three competition projects.
Crab-Rangoons in Kyrat: (Re)Writing South-Asian History in Far Cry 4
Authors: Mukherjee Souvik
Published: April 2021

Recent research has started focusing on the representation of history in videogames. Such representation is almost always of mainstream history and usually presented from a Western perspective. Set in a fictitious Himalayan kingdom in South Asia, Ubisoft’s Far Cry 4 is arguably a crucial example of how history is represented using Western and even colonial frameworks and where the narratives that do not emerge from conventional written history are almost always rendered invisible. Using the frameworks of Subaltern Studies and “border-thinking,” this essay attempts to unpack issues of Orientalism and “colonial difference”; it then engages with postcolonial digital humanities and postcolonial game studies to comment on how history is represented in videogames and how the neglected gaps and silences in the game are important in constructing the historiography in videogames. In the process, the essay engages in a debate with current notions of videogame-historiography.
Comparison of Multimaterial Decomposition Fat Fraction with DECT and Proton Density Fat Fraction with IDEAL IQ MRI for Quantification of Liver Steatosis in a Population Exposed to Chemotherapy
Authors: Corrias Giuseppe , Erta Marco , Sini Marcello , Sardu Claudia , Saba Luca , Mahmood Usman , Huicochea Castellanos Sandra , Bates David , Mondanelli Nicola , Thomsen Brian , Carollo Gabriella , Sawan Peter , Mannelli Lorenzo
Published: April 2021

Introduction:

Oncologic patients who develop chemotherapy-associated liver injury (CALI) secondary to chemotherapy treatment tend to have worse outcomes. Biopsy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis. The purpose of this article is to compare 2 alternatives: Proton-Density-Fat-Fraction (PDFF) MRI and MultiMaterial-Decomposition (MMD) DECT.

Materials and Methods:

49 consecutive oncologic patients treated with Chemotherapy underwent abdominal DECT and abdominal MRI within 2 weeks of each other. Two radiologists tracked Regions of Interest independently both in the PDFF fat maps and in the MMD DECT fat maps. Non-parametric exact Wilcoxon signed rank test and Cohen’s K were used to compare the 2 sequences and to evaluate the agreement.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference in the fat fraction measured as a continuous value between PDFF and DECT between 2 readers. Within the same imaging method (PDFF) the degree of agreement based on the k coefficient between reader 1 and reader 2 is 0.88 (p-value < 0.05). Similarly, for single-source DECT(ssDECT) the degree of agreement based on the k coefficient between reader 1 and reader 2 is 0.97 (p-value < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The results of this study demonstrate that the hepatic fat fraction of ssDECT with MMD are not significantly different from PDFF. This could be an advantage in an oncological population that undergoes serial CT scans for follow up of chemotherapy response.
Introducing a low-risk breast screening pathway into the NHS Breast Screening Programme: Views from healthcare professionals who are delivering risk-stratified screening
Authors: Woof Victoria G , McWilliams Lorna , Donnelly Louise S , Howell Anthony , Evans D Gareth , Maxwell Anthony J , French David P
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

Proposals to stratify breast screening by breast cancer risk aim to produce a better balance of benefits to harms. Notably, risk estimation calculated from common risk factors and a polygenic risk score would enable high-risk women to benefit from more frequent screening or preventive medication. This service would also identify low-risk women who experience fewer benefits from attending, as lower grade and in situ cancers may be treated unnecessarily. It may therefore be appropriate for low-risk women to attend screening less. This study aimed to elicit views regarding implementing less frequent screening for low-risk women from healthcare professionals who implement risk-stratified screening.

Methods:

Healthcare professionals involved in the delivery of risk-stratified breast screening were invited to participate in a focus group within the screening setting in which they work or have a telephone interview. Primary care staff were also invited to provide their perspective. Three focus groups and two telephone interviews were conducted with 28 healthcare professionals. To identify patterns across the sample, data were analysed as a single dataset using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results:

Analysis yielded three themes: Reservations concerning the introduction of less frequent screening, highlighting healthcare professionals’ unease and concerns towards implementing less frequent screening; Considerations for the management of public knowledge, providing views on media impact on public opinion and the potential for a low-risk pathway to cause confusion and raise suspicion regarding implementation motives; and Deliberating service implications and reconfiguration management, where the practicalities of implementation are discussed.

Conclusions:

Healthcare professionals broadly supported less frequent screening but had concerns about implementation. It will be essential to address concerns regarding risk estimate accuracy, healthcare professional confidence, service infrastructure and public communication prior to introducing less frequent screening for low-risk women.
‘It all begins with a teacher’: A multimodal critical discourse analysis of Singapore’s teacher recruitment videos
Authors: Teo Peter
Published: April 2021

This study focuses on a series of videos aimed at teacher recruitment in Singapore and how they are used as an ideological tool for persuasion. By adopting a multimodal critical discourse analysis approach to focus on affect, it examines how these videos create and promulgate the ideology of an ideal teacher as one who is caring, encouraging and supportive of students. The analysis shows how affect is not only embodied in and performed by the primary protagonists in the video narratives through their action, facial expression, posture and speech. It is also evoked through various secondary meaning-making modes, such as focus, angle, lighting, background music and setting, through which the narratives unfold. More importantly, it demonstrates how affect is used not only as a means to arouse and engage viewers’ sensibilities but also as a persuasive strategy to manufacture and manage particular social and economic realities in contemporary society.
Solidarity now? Other stories about researchers, otherness, and polyphony in research
Authors: Klevan Trude , Karlsson Bengt , Borg Marit
Published: April 2021

We are three researchers within the field of mental health. For the past 3 years, we have collaborated with colleagues in Greece on evaluating the pilot project Refugee Outreach Mental Health Team. Part of our role has been to evaluate how refugees and asylum seekers experience the treatment and support offered by the team. The findings from the evaluation have been presented in a published research report and we have thereby “completed our task.” However, following the completion of the formal obligations, we have continued to dwell on the less outspoken dialogues and inner voices. Not only those of the participants, but also the ones of the researchers that are present before, during and after research interviews. Inspired by relational autoethnography, we share some “other stories” about how the research processes touched us deeply and how it has left traces in our minds and bodies long after the project completion. We reflect on how relational processes of polyphonic meaning-making can be used to develop deeper insights and knowledge as well as a call for action. We suggest that the sharing of other stories can provide new knowledge and new understandings of how knowledge can be developed. Our hope is also that it may serve troubling or evocative purposes, and encourage the development of dialogues by invoking inner and outer voices. Perhaps, it may even call for solidarity in others and ourselves.
Creating a diverse student success infrastructure: The key to serving today’s student body and catalyzing cultural change
Authors: Kezar Adrianna
Published: April 2021

While there have long been campus efforts to better support students from diverse backgrounds, these programs, services and interventions have not been systemic. This paper documents student success infrastructure elements which share similar features that enhance their effectiveness, suggesting some basic ways of re-orienting the way higher education is organized that better support student success. The shared features of effectiveness within the student success infrastructure include broad stakeholder engagement, collaboration, learning, clarity & transparency, equity, and alignment.
Advances and perspectives of competence research in higher education – Report on the German KoKoHs program
Authors: Zlatkin-Troitschanskaia Olga
Published: April 2021

Higher education in Germany is characterized by specific historicalcultural traditions stemming from von Humboldt’s humanistic understanding of education. In this context, higher education focuses on a variety of multi-perspective goals. Accordingly, higher education focuses on both the acquisition of knowledge and skills in specific domains (e.g., medicine, economics) and on the development and promotion of generic (interdisciplinary) skills (e.g., problem solving, critical thinking), whereby the latter aspect is becoming increasingly more important in the 21st century. This paper analyses ten years of competence research in higher education in germany, and considers advances and perspectives.
Japanese doctoral students’ stress: Main findings from a national survey in 2017
Authors: Huang Futao
Published: April 2021

This study is mainly concerned with an analysis of what stress Japanese doctoral students face and how universities they belong to could provide better support for them, and help them to overcome their stress. The study employs the data from a national survey of doctoral students at Japanese research universities in 2017. In addition to a general description of their overall stress, four variables of gender, discipline, age and sector of universities are used to explore their perceptions of stress. The study argues that a vast majority of Japanese doctoral students suffered from stress in various aspects. Although some findings based on the case study of Japan are not consistent with previous research such as gender differences in stress, some match with existing research in terms of disciplinary differences and age differences in stress.
Three challenges to Russian system of doctoral education: Why only one out of ten doctoral students defends thesis?
Authors: Terentev Evgeniy , Bekova Saule , Maloshonok Natalia
Published: April 2021

This paper is aimed at providing evidence on the experience of doctoral students at Russian universities in the era of significant institutional changes related to the shift from the “master-apprentice” model of doctoral education to the model of structured doctoral programs. Based on the results of a cross-institutional online-survey of doctoral students (N = 2,034) conducted in 16 leading Russian universities, three main barriers to the completion of doctoral programs were distinguished: (1) poor supervision, (2) lack of financing and forced need to have a paid job, (3) tough requirements and a lack of competences to fulfill them. We argue that the institutional transformations, which were implemented in the last seven years, did not solve these problems, and more efforts should be done to enhance the development of doctoral programs in Russian universities in order to overcome the modern crisis of doctorate in Russia.
Effect of Decreasing the Anterior Pelvic Tilt on Range of Motion in Femoroacetabular Impingement: A Computer-Simulation Study
Authors: Kobayashi Naomi , Higashihira Shota , Kitayama Haruna , Kamono Emi , Yukizawa Yohei , Oishi Takayuki , Takagawa Shu , Honda Hideki , Choe Hyonmin , Inaba Yutaka
Published: April 2021

Background:

The influence of pelvic tilt mobility, which can be reproduced in computer-simulation models, is an important subject to be addressed in the understanding of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) pathophysiology.

Purpose:

To use computer-simulation models of FAI cases to evaluate the optimum improvement in hip range of motion (ROM) achieved by decreasing the anterior pelvic tilt and compare the results with the improvement in ROM achieved after cam resection surgery.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

The pre- and postoperative computed tomography (CT) images from 28 patients with FAI treated with arthroscopic cam resection were evaluated. Using a dynamic computer-simulation program, 3-dimensional models with a 5° and a 10° decrease in anterior pelvic tilt from the supine functional pelvic plane (baseline) were created from the preoperative CT scans. Similar models were constructed for hips before (at baseline) and after cam resection. Improvements from baseline in maximum internal rotation at 45°, 70°, and 90° of flexion were assessed for the 5° change in pelvic tilt, 10° change in pelvic tilt, and cam resection models, and the results were compared for all conditions.

Results:

The combination of a 10° change in pelvic tilt and cam resection showed the largest ROM improvement from baseline ( P < .001). Improvement in internal rotation in the cam resection model was significantly higher compared with the 5° pelvic tilt change model ( P < .001), while there was no significant difference between the cam resection model and the 10° pelvic tilt change model.

Conclusion:

Decreasing anterior pelvic tilt by 10° in the preoperative computer simulation model resulted in an equivalent effect to cam resection, while a 5° change in pelvic tilt was inferior to cam resection in terms of ROM improvement.

Clinical Relevance:

Enough of a decrease in anterior pelvic tilt may contribute to ROM improvement that is as effective as that of cam resection surgery.
Detection, Speech Recognition, Loudness, and Preference Outcomes With a Direct Drive Hearing Aid: Effects of Bandwidth
Authors: Folkeard Paula , Eeckhoutte Maaike Van , Levy Suzanne , Dundas Drew , Abbasalipour Parvaneh , Glista Danielle , Agrawal Sumit , Scollie Susan
Published: April 2021

Direct drive hearing devices, which deliver a signal directly to the middle ear by vibrating the tympanic membrane via a lens placed in contact with the umbo, are designed to provide an extension of audible bandwidth, but there are few studies of the effects of these devices on preference, speech intelligibility, and loudness. The current study is the first to compare aided speech understanding between narrow and extended bandwidth conditions for listeners with hearing loss while fitted with a direct drive hearing aid system. The study also explored the effect of bandwidth on loudness perception and investigated subjective preference for bandwidth. Fifteen adult hearing aid users with symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss participated in a prospective, within-subjects, randomized single-blind repeated-measures study. Participants wore the direct drive hearing aids for 4 to 15 weeks (average 6 weeks) prior to outcome measurement. Outcome measures were completed in various bandwidth conditions achieved by reducing the gain of the device above 5000 Hz or by filtering the stimuli. Aided detection thresholds provided evidence of amplification to 10000 Hz. A significant improvement was found in high-frequency consonant detection and recognition, as well as for speech in noise performance in the full versus narrow bandwidth conditions. Subjective loudness ratings increased with provision of the full bandwidth available; however, real-world trials showed most participants were able to wear the full bandwidth hearing aids with only small adjustments to the prescription method. The majority of participants had either no preference or a preference for the full bandwidth setting.
Efficacy of Simulation Using NLN/Jeffries Nursing Education Simulation Framework on Satisfaction and Self-Confidence of Undergraduate Nursing Students in a Middle-Eastern Country
Authors: Al Khasawneh Esra , Arulappan Judie , Natarajan Jansi Rani , Raman Savithri , Isac Chandrani
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Utilizing simulation in nursing education is increasingly becoming a popular teaching pedagogy. Simulation provides opportunity to the nursing students to practice the clinical skills through various real life like situational experiences. Simulation improves the clinical decision making skills of the nursing students.

Objective

A descriptive, cross sectional, correlational study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of simulation using NLN/Jeffries Nursing Education Simulation Framework on satisfaction and self-confidence of Undergraduate nursing students.

Methods

370 undergraduate nursing students participated in the study. Educational practices, Simulation design, Student satisfaction and Self-confidence questionnaires were used.

Results

Majority of the nursing students perceived agreement on various domains of student satisfaction, self-confidence, educational practices and simulation design used in the curriculum. The students were self-confident to care for similar patients in the clinical area and satisfied with this instructional method. Satisfaction and self-confidence were correlated with educational practices and simulation design.

Conclusion

Developing simulations using NLN/Jeffries Nursing Education Simulation framework will provide meaningful, engaging, and pedagogically sound experiences for the students. Pre-briefing and de-briefing are meaningful strategies to enhance the learning of students.
Matrix-Assisted Bone Marrow Stimulation: A Surgical Technique
Authors: Lutter Christoph , Lenz Robert , Tischer Thomas
Published: April 2021

Background:

Microfracture is an established technique for cartilage regeneration but is limited by many factors such as small defect size, intralesional osteophytes, and lower quality of cartilage regeneration. Therefore, methods to improve results after microfracture like additional matrix augmentation or autologous cell addition are promising techniques. An all-arthroscopic surgical technique for matrix-augmented bone marrow stimulation will be presented here.

Indications:

Cartilage lesions of moderate size (>1 cm2) that appear too large or unsuitable for pure microfracture but do not yet meet the criteria for autologous cartilage transplantation (>2.5 cm2). The exact size of suitable lesions is currently evolving with only few evidence-based data available.

Technique Description:

The arthroscopic procedure largely follows the standard microfracture technique. First, the cartilage defect is extensively debrided with removal of calcific cartilage layer. Stable cartilage margins have to be created with removal of all unstable fragments. The resulting well-defined defect is then measured with the use of a marking probe. The subchondral bone is then penetrated and opened using a microfracture awl. Next, the matrix based on hyaluronic acid (Hyalofast) is cut to the appropriate size. All joint fluid is removed, and the matrix is inserted through a previously placed canula and modeled into the defect with the probe. When the defect is well contained, no other fixation material is necessary. Otherwise, the matrix can be additionally fixed using fibrin clue. Cell application (dependent on regulatory issues) can be performed. Before closure, the joint should be moved to ensure safe fixation of the matrix.

Results:

Currently, there are only insufficient data to exactly define the defect size for microfracture or matrix-assisted bone marrow stimulation. Some studies show an advantage of using biomaterials compared with microfracture alone, but further studies are necessary.

Discussion/Conclusion:

The presented arthroscopic matrix-assisted bone marrow stimulation is a technically simple, inexpensive way of treating cartilage defects and should therefore be considered when treating affected patients. It can be used in a variety of joints. An additional combination with bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells might be promising but is subject to country-specific regulatory issues.
How I treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia after venetoclax
Authors: Lew Thomas E. , Tam Constantine S. , Seymour John F.
Published: April 2021

Venetoclax-based regimens have expanded the therapeutic options for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), frequently achieving remissions with undetectable measurable residual disease and facilitating time-limited treatment without chemotherapy. Although response rates are high and durable disease control is common, longer-term follow-up of patients with relapsed and refractory disease, especially in the presence of TP53 aberrations, demonstrates frequent disease resistance and progression. Although the understanding of venetoclax resistance remains incomplete, progressive disease is typified by oligoclonal leukemic populations with distinct resistance mechanisms, including BCL2 mutations, upregulation of alternative BCL2 family proteins, and genomic instability. Although most commonly observed in heavily pretreated patients with disease refractory to fludarabine and harboring complex karyotype, Richter transformation presents a distinct and challenging manifestation of venetoclax resistance. For patients with progressive CLL after venetoclax, treatment options include B-cell receptor pathway inhibitors, allogeneic stem cell transplantation, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, and venetoclax retreatment for those with disease relapsing after time-limited therapy. However, data to inform clinical decisions for these patients are limited. We review the biology of venetoclax resistance and outline an approach to the common clinical scenarios encountered after venetoclax-based therapy that will increasingly confront practicing clinicians.
The chromatin remodeler CHD8 governs hematopoietic stem/progenitor survival by regulating ATM-mediated P53 protein stability
Authors: Tu Zhaowei , Wang Chen , Davis Ashley K. , Hu Mengwen , Zhao Chuntao , Xin Mei , Lu Q. Richard , Zheng Yi
Published: April 2021

The Chd8 gene encodes a member of the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding (CHD) family of SNF2H-like adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent chromatin remodeler, the mutations of which define a subtype of autism spectrum disorders. Increasing evidence from recent studies indicates that ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling genes are involved in the control of crucial gene-expression programs in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) regulation. In this study, we identified CHD8 as a specific and essential regulator of normal hematopoiesis. Loss of Chd8 leads to severe anemia, pancytopenia, bone marrow failure, and engraftment failure related to a drastic depletion of HSPCs. CHD8 forms a complex with ATM and its deficiency increases chromatin accessibility and drives genomic instability in HSPCs causing an activation of ATM kinase that further stabilizes P53 protein by phosphorylation and leads to increased HSPC apoptosis. Deletion of P53 rescues the apoptotic defects of HSPCs and restores overall hematopoiesis in Chd8−/− mice. Our findings demonstrate that chromatin organization by CHD8 is uniquely necessary for the maintenance of hematopoiesis by integrating the ATM-P53–mediated survival of HSPCs.
Iron homeostasis during anemia of inflammation: a prospective study of patients with tuberculosis
Authors: Cercamondi Colin I. , Stoffel Nicole U. , Moretti Diego , Zoller Thomas , Swinkels Dorine W. , Zeder Christophe , Mhimibra Francis , Hella Jerry , Fenner Lukas , Zimmermann Michael B.
Published: April 2021

Anemia of inflammation is a hallmark of tuberculosis. Factors controlling iron metabolism during anemia of inflammation and its resolution are uncertain. Whether iron supplements should be given during antituberculosis treatment to support hemoglobin (Hb) recovery is unclear. Before and during treatment of tuberculosis, we assessed iron kinetics, as well as changes in inflammation and iron metabolism indices. In a 26-week prospective study, Tanzanian adults with tuberculosis (N = 18) were studied before treatment and then every 2 weeks during treatment; oral and intravenous iron tracers were administered before treatment and after intensive phase (8/12 weeks) and complete treatment (24 weeks). No iron supplements were given. Before treatment, hepcidin and erythroferrone (ERFE) were greatly elevated, erythrocyte iron utilization was high (∼80%), and iron absorption was negligible (<1%). During treatment, hepcidin and interleukin-6 levels decreased ∼70% after only 2 weeks (P< .001); in contrast, ERFE did not significantly decrease until 8 weeks (P< .05). ERFE and interleukin-6 were the main opposing determinants of hepcidin (P< .05), and greater ERFE was associated with reticulocytosis and Hb repletion (P< .01). Dilution of baseline tracer concentration was 2.6-fold higher during intensive phase treatment (P< .01), indicating enhanced erythropoiesis. After treatment completion, iron absorption increased ∼20-fold (P< .001), and Hb increased ∼25% (P< .001). In tuberculosis-associated anemia of inflammation, our findings suggest that elevated ERFE is unable to suppress hepcidin, and iron absorption is negligible. During treatment, as inflammation resolves, ERFE may remain elevated, contributing to hepcidin suppression and Hb repletion. Iron is well absorbed only after tuberculosis treatment, and supplementation should be reserved for patients remaining anemic after treatment. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02176772.
An Overview on Recent Progress of Metal Oxide/Graphene/CNTs-Based Nanobiosensors
Authors: Aykaç Ahmet , Gergeroglu Hazal , Beşli Büşra , Akkaş Emine Özge , Yavaş Ahmet , Güler Saadet , Güneş Fethullah , Erol Mustafa
Published: April 2021

Nanobiosensors are convenient, practical, and sensitive analyzers that detect chemical and biological agents and convert the results into meaningful data between a biologically active molecule and a recognition element immobilized on the surface of the signal transducer by a physicochemical detector. Due to their fast, accurate and reliable operating characteristics, nanobiosensors are widely used in clinical and nonclinical applications, bedside testing, medical textile industry, environmental monitoring, food safety, etc. They play an important role in such critical applications. Therefore, the design of the biosensing interface is essential in determining the performance of the nanobiosensor. The unique chemical and physical properties of nanomaterials have paved the way for new and improved sensing devices in biosensors. The growing demand for devices with improved sensing and selectivity capability, short response time, lower limit of detection, and low cost causes novel investigations on nanobiomaterials to be used as biosensor scaffolds. Among all other nanomaterials, studies on developing nanobiosensors based on metal oxide nanostructures, graphene and its derivatives, carbon nanotubes, and the widespread use of these nanomaterials as a hybrid structure have recently attracted attention. Nanohybrid structures created by combining these nanostructures will directly meet the future biosensors’ needs with their high electrocatalytic activities. This review addressed the recent developments on these nanomaterials and their derivatives, and their use as biosensor scaffolds. We reviewed these popular nanomaterials by evaluating them with comparative studies, tables, and charts.
Formation and Evaluation of Silicon Substrate with Highly-Doped Porous Si Layers Formed by Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching
Authors: Li Yijie , Van Toan Nguyen , Wang Zhuqing , Samat Khairul Fadzli Bin , Ono Takahito
Published: April 2021

Porous silicon (Si) is a low thermal conductivity material, which has high potential for thermoelectric devices. However, low output performance of porous Si hinders the development of thermoelectric performance due to low electrical conductivity. The large contact resistance from nonlinear contact between porous Si and metal is one reason for the reduction of electrical conductivity. In this paper, p- and n-type porous Si were formed on Si substrate by metal-assisted chemical etching. To decrease contact resistance, p- and n-type spin on dopants are employed to dope an impurity element into p- and n-type porous Si surface, respectively. Compared to the Si substrate with undoped porous samples, ohmic contact can be obtained, and the electrical conductivity of doped p- and n-type porous Si can be improved to 1160 and 1390 S/m, respectively. Compared with the Si substrate, the special contact resistances for the doped p- and n-type porous Si layer decreases to 1.35 and 1.16 mΩ/cm2, respectively, by increasing the carrier concentration. However, the increase of the carrier concentration induces the decline of the Seebeck coefficient for p- and n-type Si substrates with doped porous Si samples to 491 and 480 μV/K, respectively. Power factor is related to the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity of thermoelectric material, which is one vital factor that evaluates its output performance. Therefore, even though the Seebeck coefficient values of Si substrates with doped porous Si samples decrease, the doped porous Si layer can improve the power factor compared to undoped samples due to the enhancement of electrical conductivity, which facilitates its development for thermoelectric application.
White matter microstructure associations with episodic memory in adults with Down syndrome: a tract-based spatial statistics study
Authors: Bazydlo Austin , Zammit Matthew , Wu Minjie , Dean Douglas , Johnson Sterling , Tudorascu Dana , Cohen Ann , Cody Karly , Ances Beau , Laymon Charles , Klunk William , Zaman Shahid , Handen Benjamin , Alexander Andrew , Christian Bradley , Hartley Sigan
Published: April 2021

Background

Nearly all persons with Down syndrome will show pathology of Alzheimer’s disease in their 40s. There is a critical need for studies to identify early biomarkers of these various pathological changes of Alzheimer’s disease in the Down syndrome population and understand the relationship of these biomarkers to cognitive symptoms in order to inform clinical trials. Although Alzheimer’s disease is often considered a disease of gray matter, white matter degeneration has been documented during the preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s disease. The current study examined the association between diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures of white matter microstructure and episodic memory performance in 52 adults with Down syndrome.

Methods

Seventy (N = 70) participants (M = 40.13, SD = 7.77 years) received baseline scans as part of the Neurodegeneration in Aging Down Syndrome (NiAD) study at two imaging facilities (36 at the University of Wisconsin-Madison [UW-Madison] and 34 at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center [UPMC]). All participants had genetically confirmed trisomy 21. Fifty-two (N = 52) participants remained after QC. The DTI measures, fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD), were calculated for each participant. A combined measure of episodic memory was generated by summing the z-scores of (1) Free and Cued Recall test and (2) Rivermead Behavioural Memory Test for Children Picture Recognition. The DTI data were projected onto a population-derived FA skeleton and tract-based spatial statistics analysis was conducted using the FSL tool PALM to calculate Pearson’s r values between FA and MD with episodic memory.

Results

A positive correlation of episodic memory with FA and a negative correlation of episodic memory and MD in the major association white matter tracts were observed. Results were significant (p < 0.05) after correction for chronological age, imaging site, and premorbid cognitive ability.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that white matter degeneration may be implicated in early episodic memory declines prior to the onset of dementia in adults with Down syndrome. Further, our findings suggest a coupling of episodic memory and white matter microstructure independent of chronological age.
MAPS: machine-assisted phenotype scoring enables rapid functional assessment of genetic variants by high-content microscopy
Authors: Chao Jesse T. , Roskelley Calvin D. , Loewen Christopher J. R.
Published: April 2021

Background

Genetic testing is widely used in evaluating a patient’s predisposition to hereditary diseases. In the case of cancer, when a functionally impactful mutation (i.e. genetic variant) is identified in a disease-relevant gene, the patient is at elevated risk of developing a lesion in their lifetime. Unfortunately, as the rate and coverage of genetic testing has accelerated, our ability to assess the functional status of new variants has fallen behind. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more practical, streamlined and cost-effective methods for classifying variants.

Results

To directly address this issue, we designed a new approach that uses alterations in protein subcellular localization as a key indicator of loss of function. Thus, new variants can be rapidly functionalized using high-content microscopy (HCM). To facilitate the analysis of the large amounts of imaging data, we developed a new software toolkit, named MAPS for machine-assisted phenotype scoring, that utilizes deep learning to extract and classify cell-level features. MAPS helps users leverage cloud-based deep learning services that are easy to train and deploy to fit their specific experimental conditions. Model training is code-free and can be done with limited training images. Thus, MAPS allows cell biologists to easily incorporate deep learning into their image analysis pipeline. We demonstrated an effective variant functionalization workflow that integrates HCM and MAPS to assess missense variants ofPTEN, a tumor suppressor that is frequently mutated in hereditary and somatic cancers.

Conclusions

This paper presents a new way to rapidly assess variant function using cloud deep learning. Since most tumor suppressors have well-defined subcellular localizations, our approach could be widely applied to functionalize variants of uncertain significance and help improve the utility of genetic testing.
Correlation AnalyzeR: functional predictions from gene co-expression correlations
Authors: Miller Henry E. , Bishop Alexander J. R.
Published: April 2021

Background

Co-expression correlations provide the ability to predict gene functionality within specific biological contexts, such as different tissue and disease conditions. However, current gene co-expression databases generally do not consider biological context. In addition, these tools often implement a limited range of unsophisticated analysis approaches, diminishing their utility for exploring gene functionality and gene relationships. Furthermore, they typically do not provide the summary visualizations necessary to communicate these results, posing a significant barrier to their utilization by biologists without computational skills.

Results

We present Correlation AnalyzeR, a user-friendly web interface for exploring co-expression correlations and predicting gene functions, gene–gene relationships, and gene set topology. Correlation AnalyzeR provides flexible access to its database of tissue and disease-specific (cancer vs normal) genome-wide co-expression correlations, and it also implements a suite of sophisticated computational tools for generating functional predictions with user-friendly visualizations. In the usage example provided here, we explore the role ofBRCA1-NRF2interplay in the context of bone cancer, demonstrating how Correlation AnalyzeR can be effectively implemented to generate and support novel hypotheses.

Conclusions

Correlation AnalyzeR facilitates the exploration of poorly characterized genes and gene relationships to reveal novel biological insights. The database and all analysis methods can be accessed as a web application athttps://gccri.bishop-lab.uthscsa.edu/correlation-analyzer/and as a standalone R package athttps://github.com/Bishop-Laboratory/correlationAnalyzeR.
Changes in the expression levels of elastic fibres in yak lungs at different growth stages
Authors: Li Jingyi , Meng Xiangqiong , Wang Lihan , Yu Yang , Yu Hongxian , Wei Qing
Published: April 2021

Background

Yaks have a strong adaptability to the plateau environment, which can be attributed to the effective oxygen utilization rate of their lung tissue. Elastic fibre confers an important adaptive structure to the alveolar tissues in yaks. However, little research has been focused on the structural development of lung tissues and the expression levels of elastic fibres in yaks after birth. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the morphological changes of elastic fibers and expression profiles of fibre-formation genes in yak lungs at different growth stages and the relationship between these changes and plateau adaptation.

Results

Histological staining was employed to observe the morphological changes in the lung tissue structure of yaks at four different ages: 1 day old, 30 days old, 180 days old and adult. There was no significant difference in the area of a single alveolus between the 1-day-old and 30-day-old groups (P-value > 0.05). However, the single alveolar area was gradually increased with an increase in age (P-value < 0.05). Elastic fibre staining revealed that the amount of elastic fibres in alveolar tissue was increased significantly from the ages of 30 days to 180 days (P-value < 0.05) and stabilized during the adult stage. Transcriptome analysis indicated that the highest levels of differentially expressed genes were found between 30 days of age and 180 days of age. KEGG analysis showed that PI3K-Akt signalling pathway and MAPK pathway, which are involved in fibre formation, accounted for the largest proportion of differentially expressed genes between 30 days of age and 180 days of age. The expression levels of 36 genes related to elastic fibre formation and collagen fibre formation were also analysed, and most of these genes were highly expressed in 30-day-old and 180-day-old yaks.

Conclusions

The content of elastic fibres in the alveolar tissue of yaks increases significantly after birth, but this change occurs only from 30 days of age to 180 days of age. Our study indicates that elastic fibres can improve the efficiency of oxygen utilization in yaks under harsh environmental conditions.
Treatment with surfactants enables quantification of translational activity by O-propargyl-puromycin labelling in yeast
Authors: Staudacher Jennifer , Rebnegger Corinna , Gasser Brigitte
Published: April 2021

Background

Translation is an important point of regulation in protein synthesis. However, there is a limited number of methods available to measure global translation activity in yeast. Recently, O-propargyl-puromycin (OPP) labelling has been established for mammalian cells, but unmodified yeasts are unsusceptible to puromycin.

Results

We could increase susceptibility by using a Komagataella phaffii strain with an impaired ergosterol pathway (erg6Δ), but translation measurements are restricted to this strain background, which displayed growth deficits. Using surfactants, specifically Imipramine, instead, proved to be more advantageous and circumvents previous restrictions. Imipramine-supplemented OPP-labelling with subsequent flow cytometry analysis, enabled us to distinguish actively translating cells from negative controls, and to clearly quantify differences in translation activities in different strains and growth conditions. Specifically, we investigated K. phaffii at different growth rates, verified that methanol feeding alters translation activity, and analysed global translation in strains with genetically modified stress response pathways.

Conclusions

We set up a simple protocol to measure global translation activity in yeast on a single cell basis. The use of surfactants poses a practical and non-invasive alternative to the commonly used ergosterol pathway impaired strains and thus impacts a wide range of applications where increased drug and dye uptake is needed.
Assessment of the knowledge level and experience of healthcare personnel concerning CPR and early defibrillation: an internal survey
Authors: Spinelli G. , Brogi E. , Sidoti A. , Pagnucci N. , Forfori F.
Published: April 2021

Background

In‐hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is a major public health problem with significant mortality. Rapid cardiopulmonary resuscitation and early defibrillation is extremely connected to patient outcome. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of a basic life support and defibrillation course in improving knowledge in IHCA management.

Methods

We performed a prospective observational study recruiting healthcare personnel working at Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy. Study consisted in the administration of two questionnaires before and after BLS-D course. The course was structured as an informative meeting and it was held according to European Resuscitation Council guidelines.

Results

78 participants completed pre- and post-course questionnaires. Only 31.9% of the participants had taken part in a BLS-D before our study. After the course, we found a significative increase in the percentage of participants that evaluated their skills adequate in IHCA management (17.9% vs 42.3%; p < 0.01) and in the correct use of defibrillator (38.8% vs 67.9% p < 0.001). However, 51.3% of respondents still consider their preparation not entirely appropriate after the course. Even more, we observed a significant increase in the number of corrected responses after the course, especially about sequence performed in case of absent vital sign, CPR maneuvers and use of defibrillator.

Conclusions

The training course resulted in significant increase in the level of knowledge about the general management of IHCA in hospital staff. Therefore, a simple intervention such as an informative meetings improved significantly the knowledge about IHCA and, consequently, can lead to a reduction of morbidity and mortality.
Mid-term outcomes of modified valve-sparing aortic root replacement versus the Bentall procedure for middle-aged Chinese patients with acute DeBakey I aortic dissection: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Wu Qingsong , Wang Zhisheng , Qiu Zhihuang , Shen Yue , Chen Xiaodong , Chen Xingfeng , Chen Liangwan
Published: April 2021

Background

The mid-term and long-term efficacies of valve preservation in acute DeBakey I aortic dissection (AD) are controversial. Thus, it is unclear whether middle-aged patients with acute DeBakey I AD should undergo modified valve-sparing procedures or the Bentall procedure in an emergency setting.

Methods

This study included 213 middle-aged Chinese patients (under 60 years old) who were treated for acute DeBakey I AD between January 2009 and June 2015. The treatments involved modified valve-sparing aortic root replacement (VSARR) (117 patients) or the Bentall procedure (96 patients). Preoperative, intraoperative, postoperative, and follow-up data were analyzed. Echocardiography and thoracoabdominal computed tomography angiography (CTA) findings were reviewed at 3 months, 1 year, and then annually after surgery.

Results

No significant differences were observed in terms of the preoperative, intraoperative, in-hospital mortality, and postoperative parameters. There were also no significant differences in aortic regurgitation (AR). However, follow-up examinations using CTA revealed that 6 patients had endoleakage at the distal end of the triple-branched stent (0/110 patients [0.0%] vs. 6/90 patients [6.7%],P = 0.022). The anticoagulation-related thromboembolism/bleeding events was significantly lower in group A than in group B (0/110 patients [0.0%] vs. 11/90 patients [11.1%],P = 0.001). And postoperative aortic valve re-operation rate was significantly lower in group A (1/110 patients [0.9%] vs. 8/90 patients [8.9%],P = 0.020). There was no significant difference in survival during the follow-up period (log-rankP > 0.05).

Conclusion

For middle-aged patients with acute DeBakey I AD, VSARR were associated with a lower rate of endoleakage at the distal end of the triple-branched stent, thromboembolism/bleeding events and aortic valve re-operation (vs. the Bentall procedure).