bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnic differences in beta cell function occur independently of insulin sensitivity and pancreatic fat in black and white men
Authors: Ladwa Meera , Bello Oluwatoyosi , Hakim Olah , Shojaee-Moradie Fariba , Boselli Maria Linda , Charles-Edwards Geoff , Peacock Janet , Umpleby A Margot , Amiel Stephanie A , Bonadonna Riccardo C , Goff Louise M
Published: March 2021

Introduction

It is increasingly recognized that type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a heterogenous disease with ethnic variations. Differences in insulin secretion, insulin resistance and ectopic fat are thought to contribute to these variations. Therefore, we aimed to compare postprandial insulin secretion and the relationships between insulin secretion, insulin sensitivity and pancreatic fat in men of black West African (BA) and white European (WE) ancestry.

Research design and methods

A cross-sectional, observational study in which 23 WE and 23 BA men with normal glucose tolerance, matched for body mass index, underwent a mixed meal tolerance test with C peptide modeling to measure beta cell insulin secretion, an MRI to quantify intrapancreatic lipid (IPL), and a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp to measure whole-body insulin sensitivity.

Results

Postprandial insulin secretion was lower in BA versus WE men following adjustment for insulin sensitivity (estimated marginal means, BA vs WE: 40.5 (95% CI 31.8 to 49.2) × 103vs 56.4 (95% CI 48.9 to 63.8) × 103pmol/m2body surface area × 180 min, p=0.008). There was a significantly different relationship by ethnicity between IPL and insulin secretion, with a stronger relationship in WE than in BA (r=0.59 vs r=0.39, interaction p=0.036); however, IPL was not a predictor of insulin secretion in either ethnic group following adjustment for insulin sensitivity.

Conclusions

Ethnicity is an independent determinant of beta cell function in black and white men. In response to a meal, healthy BA men exhibit lower insulin secretion compared with their WE counterparts for their given insulin sensitivity. Ethnic differences in beta cell function may contribute to the greater risk of T2D in populations of African ancestry.
Using an adaptive, codesign approach to strengthen clinic-level immunisation services in Khayelitsha, Western Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Timothy Andrea , Coetzee David , Morgan Christopher , Kelaher Margaret , Bailie Ross Stewart , Danchin Margie
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Optimal immunisation programme service delivery and childhood vaccine coverage remains an ongoing challenge in South Africa. Previous health systems approaches have made recommendations on how to address identified barriers but detailed local implementation studies are lacking. This study aimed to improve immunisation service delivery in children under 24 months in Khayelitsha, Western Cape Province using an adaptive, co-design approach to assess and improve childhood immunisation service delivery at the clinic level.

Methods

A rapid, adaptive approach to identification of barriers and assessment of current childhood immunisation service delivery was developed with three clinics in Khayelitsha, Western Cape Province. This informed a short co-design process with key stakeholders and service providers to develop local interventions targeted at high priority barriers. Interventions were implemented for 4–6 months and evaluated using theory-based evaluation tools. Clinic service delivery, satisfaction and changes to clinic processes and parent engagement and knowledge were measured.

Results

Interventions developed included weekly community immunisation education radio sessions, daily clinic health talks, immunisation education and promotion materials and service provider and parent quality checklists. Evaluation post-intervention showed improvement in parents’/guardians’ knowledge about immunisation, parent engagement and service provider commitment to improvement in service quality. Radio sessions and immunisation education and communication materials were deemed most useful by parents and providers.

Conclusion

Immunisation service delivery can be strengthened using an adaptive, clinic-led assessment process which can effectively identify barriers, inform co-designed interventions and be evaluated over a short period. This approach provides a framework to guide future local participatory action research to more effectively improve childhood immunisation service delivery and other child health services in under-resourced settings.
A participatory modelling approach for investigating the spread of COVID-19 in countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region to support public health decision-making
Authors: Adib Keyrellous , Hancock Penelope A , Rahimli Aysel , Mugisa Bridget , Abdulrazeq Fayez , Aguas Ricardo , White Lisa J , Hajjeh Rana , Al Ariqi Lubna , Nabeth Pierre
Published: March 2021

Early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office recognised the importance of epidemiological modelling to forecast the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic to support decisions guiding the implementation of response measures. We established a modelling support team to facilitate the application of epidemiological modelling analyses in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) countries. Here, we present an innovative, stepwise approach to participatory modelling of the COVID-19 pandemic that engaged decision-makers and public health professionals from countries throughout all stages of the modelling process. Our approach consisted of first identifying the relevant policy questions, collecting country-specific data and interpreting model findings from a decision-maker’s perspective, as well as communicating model uncertainty. We used a simple modelling methodology that was adaptable to the shortage of epidemiological data, and the limited modelling capacity, in our region. We discuss the benefits of using models to produce rapid decision-making guidance for COVID-19 control in the WHO EMR, as well as challenges that we have experienced regarding conveying uncertainty associated with model results, synthesising and comparing results across multiple modelling approaches, and modelling fragile and conflict-affected states.
Relationship ofPneumocystisantibody responses to paediatric asthma severity
Authors: Rayens Emily , Noble Brenda , Vicencio Alfin , Goldman David L , Bunyavanich Supinda , Norris Karen A
Published: March 2021

Background

Although asthma is the most commonly diagnosed respiratory disease, its pathogenesis is complex, involving both genetic and environmental factors. A role for the respiratory microbiome in modifying asthma severity has been recently recognised. Airway colonisation byPneumocystis jiroveciihas previously been associated with multiple chronic lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and severe asthma (SA). Decreased incidence ofPneumocystispneumonia in HIV-infected individuals and reduced severity of COPD is associated with naturally occurring antibody responses to thePneumocystisantigen, Kexin (KEX1).

Methods

104 paediatric patients were screened for KEX1 IgG reciprocal end point titre (RET), including 51 with SA, 20 with mild/moderate asthma, 20 non-asthma and 13 with cystic fibrosis (CF) in a cross-sectional study.

Results

Patients with SA had significantly reducedPneumocystisKEX1 titres compared with patients with mild/moderate asthma (p=0.018) and CF (p=0.003). A binary KEX1 RET indicator was determined at a threshold of KEX1 RET=1000. Patients with SA had 4.40 (95% CI 1.28 to 13.25, p=0.014) and 17.92 (95% CI 4.15 to 66.62, p<0.001) times the odds of falling below that threshold compared with mild/moderate asthma and patients with CF, respectively. Moreover, KEX1 IgG RET did not correlate with tetanus toxoid IgG (r=0.21, p=0.82) or total IgE (r=0.03, p=0.76), indicating findings are specific to antibody responses to KEX1.

Conclusions

Paediatric patients with SA may be at higher risk for chronicPneumocystisinfections and asthma symptom exacerbation due to reduced levels of protective antibodies. Plasma KEX1 IgG titre may be a useful parameter in determining the clinical course of treatment for paediatric patients with asthma.
Tumor DNA methylation profiles correlate with response to anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy in sarcoma patients
Authors: Starzer Angelika M , Berghoff Anna S , Hamacher Rainer , Tomasich Erwin , Feldmann Katharina , Hatziioannou Teresa , Traint Stefan , Lamm Wolfgang , Noebauer-Huhmann Iris M , Furtner Julia , Müllauer Leonhard , Amann Gabriele , Bauer Sebastian , Schildhaus Hans-Ulrich , Preusser Matthias , Heller Gerwin , Brodowicz Thomas
Published: March 2021

Background

Some sarcomas respond to immune checkpoint inhibition, but predictive biomarkers are unknown. We analyzed tumor DNA methylation profiles in relation to immunological parameters and response to anti-programmed cell death 1 (anti-PD-1) immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in patients with sarcoma.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively identified adult patients who had received anti-PD-1 ICI therapy for recurrent sarcoma in two independent centers. We performed (1) blinded radiological response evaluation according to immune response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (iRECIST) ; (2) tumor DNA methylation profiling of >850,000 probes using Infinium MethylationEPIC microarrays; (3) analysis of tumor-infiltrating immune cell subsets (CD3, CD8, CD45RO, FOXP3) and intratumoral expression of immune checkpoint molecules (PD-L1, PD-1, LAG-3) using immunohistochemistry; and (4) evaluation of blood-based systemic inflammation scores (neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, leucocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio). Response to anti-PD-1 ICI therapy was bioinformatically and statistically correlated with DNA methylation profiles and immunological data.

Results

35 patients (median age of 50 (23–81) years; 18 females, 17 males; 27 soft tissue sarcomas; 8 osteosarcomas) were included in this study. The objective response rate to anti-PD-1 ICI therapy was 22.9% with complete responses in 3 out of 35 and partial responses in 5 out of 35 patients. Adjustment of DNA methylation data for tumor-infiltrating immune cells resulted in identification of methylation differences between responders and non-responders to anti-PD-1 ICI. 2453 differentially methylated CpG sites (DMPs; 2043 with decreased and 410 with increased methylation) were identified. Clustering of sarcoma samples based on these DMPs revealed two main clusters: methylation cluster 1 (MC1) consisted of 73% responders and methylation cluster 2 (MC2) contained only non-responders to anti-PD-1 ICI. Median progression-free survival from anti-PD-1 therapy start of MC1 and MC2 patients was 16.5 and 1.9 months, respectively (p=0.001). Median overall survival of these patients was 34.4 and 8.0 months, respectively (p=0.029). The most prominent DNA methylation differences were found in pathways implicated in Rap1 signaling, focal adhesion, adherens junction Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling and extracellular matrix (ECM)–receptor interaction.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that tumor DNA methylation profiles may serve as a predictive marker for response to anti-PD-1 ICI therapy in sarcoma.
Type I T cells sensitize treatment refractory tumors to chemotherapy through inhibition of oncogenic signaling pathways
Authors: Cecil Denise , Park Kyong Hwa , Curtis Benjamin , Corulli Lauren , Disis Mary (Nora)
Published: March 2021

Background

The most common clinical outcome observed after treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitor antibodies is disease stabilization. Using vaccines to generate high levels of tumor antigen-specific T-helper 1 (Th1), we show that tumors not eradicated by vaccination demonstrate prolonged disease stabilization. We evaluated the mechanism by which type I T cells inhibit disease progression and potentially influence the subsequent clinical response to standard therapy in treatment refractory cancers.

Methods

We employed a meta-analysis of studies with tumor growth from four different vaccines in two different mammary cancer models. The T-cell subtype and cytokine essential for vaccine-induced tumor inhibition was determined by in vivo neutralization studies and immunohistochemistry. The role of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in receptor tyrosine kinase and downstream signaling was determined by immunoblotting. The role of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) on IFN-γ signaling was evaluated on SOCS1-silenced cells with immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation. The effect of vaccination on growth factor receptor signaling pathways, performed in both luminal (TgMMTVneu) and basal (C3(1)-Tag) mammary cancer models treated with paclitaxel or an anti-HER2-neu monoclonal antibody were assessed via immunoblotting.

Results

Immunization with an epitope-based vaccine targeting a representative tumor antigen resulted in elevated tumor trafficking Tbet+CD4 T cells, decreased tumor proliferation and increased apoptosis compared with control vaccinated mice. The resulting disease stabilization was dependent on IFN-γ-secreting CD4+ T cells. In the presence of excess IFN-γ, SOCS1 became upregulated in tumor cells, bound insulin receptor, insulin like growth factor receptor 1 and epidermal growth factor receptor resulting in profound oncogenic signaling inhibition. Silencing SOCS1 restored growth factor receptor signaling and proliferation and prevented cell death. Similar signaling perturbations were detected in vaccinated mice developing antigen-specific Th1 cells. Vaccination synergized with standard therapies and restored disease sensitivity to treatment with both a neu-specific antibody and paclitaxel in TgMMTVneu and to paclitaxel in C3(1)-Tag. Combination of vaccination and chemotherapy or biological therapy was more effective than monotherapy alone in either model and resulted in complete resolution of disease in some individuals.

Conclusions

These data suggest the clinical activity of type I T cells extends beyond direct tumor killing and immune therapies designed to increase type I T cells and could be integrated into standard chemotherapy regimens to enhance therapeutic efficacy.
Phase I study of a multitargeted recombinant Ad5 PSA/MUC-1/brachyury-based immunotherapy vaccine in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC)
Authors: Bilusic Marijo , McMahon Sheri , Madan Ravi A , Karzai Fatima , Tsai Yo-Ting , Donahue Renee N , Palena Claudia , Jochems Caroline , Marté Jennifer L , Floudas Charalampos , Strauss Julius , Redman Jason , Abdul Sater Houssein , Rabizadeh Shahrooz , Soon-Shiong Patrick , Schlom Jeffrey , Gulley James L
Published: March 2021

Background

Antitumor vaccines targeting tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) can generate antitumor immune response. A novel vaccine platform using adenovirus 5 (Ad5) vectors [E1–, E2b–] targeting three TAAs—prostate-specific antigen (PSA), brachyury, and MUC-1—has been developed. Both brachyury and the C-terminus of MUC-1 are overexpressed in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and have been shown to play an important role in resistance to chemotherapy, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and metastasis. The transgenes for PSA, brachyury, and MUC-1 all contain epitope modifications for the expression of CD8+ T-cell enhancer agonist epitopes. We report here the first-in-human trial of this vaccine platform.

Methods

Patients with mCRPC were given concurrently three vaccines targeting PSA, brachyury, and MUC-1 at 5×1011 viral particles (VP) each, subcutaneously every 3 weeks for a maximum of three doses (dose de-escalation cohort), followed by a booster vaccine every 8 weeks for 1 year (dose-expansion cohort only). The primary objective was to determine the safety and the recommended phase II dose. Immune assays and clinical responses were evaluated.

Results

Eighteen patients with mCRPC were enrolled between July 2018 and September 2019 and received at least one vaccination. Median PSA was 25.58 ng/mL (range, 0.65–1006 ng/mL). The vaccine was tolerable and safe, and no grade >3 treatment-related adverse events or dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were observed. One patient had a partial response, while five patients had confirmed PSA decline and five had stable disease for >6 months. Median progression-free survival was 22 weeks (95% CI: 19.1 to 34). Seventeen (100%) of 17 patients mounted T-cell responses to at least one TAA, whereras 8 (47%) of 17 patients mounted immune responses to all three TAAs. Multifunctional T-cell responses to PSA, MUC-1, and brachyury were also detected after vaccination in the majority of the patients.

Conclusions

Ad5 PSA/MUC-1/brachyury vaccine is well tolerated. The primary end points were met and there were no DLTs. The recommended phase II dose is 5×1011 VP. The vaccine demonstrated clinical activity, including one partial response and confirmed PSA responses in five patients. Three patients with prolonged PSA responses received palliative radiation therapy. Further research is needed to evaluate the clinical benefit and immunogenicity of this vaccine in combination with other immuno-oncology agents and/or palliative radiation therapy.

Trial registration number

NCT03481816.
Towards collective moral resilience: the potential of communities of practice during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond
Authors: Delgado Janet , Siow Serena , de Groot Janet , McLane Brienne , Hedlin Margot
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes communities of practice (CoP) as a process to build moral resilience in healthcare settings. We introduce the starting point of moral distress that arises from ethical challenges when actions of the healthcare professional are constrained. We examine how situations such as the current COVID-19 pandemic can exponentially increase moral distress in healthcare professionals. Then, we explore how moral resilience can help cope with moral distress. We propose the term collective moral resilience to capture the shared capacity arising from mutual engagement and dialogue in group settings, towards responding to individual moral distress and towards building an ethical practice environment. Finally, we look at CoPs in healthcare and explore how these group experiences can be used to build collective moral resilience.
Current state of cardiac troponin testing in Duchenne muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy: review and recommendations from the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy expert panel
Authors: Spurney Christopher F , Ascheim Deborah , Charnas Lawrence , Cripe Linda , Hor Kan , King Nicholas , Kinnett Kathi , McNally Elizabeth M , Sauer John-Michael , Sweeney Lee , Villa Chet , Markham Larry W
Published: March 2021

Cardiac disease is now the leading cause of death in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Clinical evaluations over time have demonstrated asymptomatic cardiac troponin elevations and acute elevations are associated with symptoms and cardiac dysfunction in DMD. Clinicians require a better understanding of the relationship of symptoms, troponin levels and progression of cardiac disease in DMD. As clinical trials begin to assess novel cardiac therapeutics in DMD, troponin levels in DMD are important for safety monitoring and outcome measures. The Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy convened an expert panel of cardiologists, scientists, and regulatory and industry specialists on 16 December 2019 in Silver Spring, Maryland and reviewed published and unpublished data from their institutions. The panel recommended retrospective troponin data analyses, prospective longitudinal troponin collection using high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I assays, inclusion of troponin in future clinical trial outcomes and future development of clinical guidelines for monitoring and treating troponin elevations in DMD.
Nicotine delivery and cigarette equivalents from vaping a JUULpod
Authors: Prochaska Judith J , Vogel Erin A , Benowitz Neal
Published: March 2021

With patented nicotine salt technology, JUUL dominates the e-cigarette market. We reviewed studies of JUUL’s nicotine pharmacokinetic profile and studies quantifying nicotine in a JUULpod, emitted in the aerosol and absorbed by users. Examined in eight studies, JUUL’s peak nicotine levels were half to three-quarters that of a combustible cigarette in industry-conducted studies with JUUL-naïve users, while comparable to or greater than combustible cigarettes in independent studies of experienced e-cigarette users. JUUL Labs reports each 5% (nicotine-by-weight) cartridge contains approximately 40 mg nicotine per pod and is ‘approximately equivalent to about 1 pack of cigarettes.’ In five independent studies, nicotine in the liquid in a JUULpod ranged from 39.3 to 48.3 mg. Seven studies measured nicotine delivery via vaping-machine generated aerosols, varying in puffing regimes and equipment. One study estimated 68% transfer efficiency to the aerosol, measuring 28.8 mg nicotine per JUULpod. The other studies reported nicotine values ranging from 72 to 164 µg/puff. At 200 puffs, this is 14.4–32.8 mg of nicotine per pod with equivalence to 13–30 cigarettes. A study measuring nicotine levels in JUUL users during a 5-day controlled switch found equivalence to 18 cigarettes. One JUULpod appears capable of delivering the nicotine equivalent to smoking about a pack of cigarettes, with variability. In JUUL-naïve smokers, JUUL’s nicotine boost was lower than that of combustible cigarettes; while in experienced users, JUUL was comparable. Minimising harshness and adaptive to user experience, JUUL’s design facilitates initiation to a high nicotine, and ultimately, highly addictive vaping product.
Brain proteomic changes by histone deacetylase inhibition after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Pumiglia Luke , Williams Aaron M , Kemp Michael T , Wakam Glenn K , Alam Hasan B , Biesterveld Ben E
Published: March 2021

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. There are currently no cytoprotective treatments for TBI. There is growing evidence that the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) may be beneficial in the treatment of TBI associated with hemorrhagic shock and in isolation. We sought to further evaluate the mechanistic underpinnings of this demonstrated efficacy via proteomic analysis of injured brain tissue.

Methods

Swine were subjected to TBI via controlled cortical impact, randomized to treatment with VPA or control and observed for 6 hours. The brains of the pigs were then sectioned, and tissue was prepared and analyzed for proteomic data, including gene ontology (GO), gene-set enrichment analysis and enrichment mapping, and network mapping.

Results

Proteomic analysis demonstrated differential expression of hundreds of proteins in injured brain tissue after treatment with VPA. GO analysis and network analyses revealed groups of proteins and processes that are known to modulate injury response after TBI and impact cell fate. Processes affected included protein targeting and transport, cation and G-protein signaling, metabolic response, neurotransmitter response and immune function.

Discussion

This proteomic analysis provides initial mechanistic insight into the observed rescue of injured brain tissue after VPA administration in isolated TBI.

Level of evidence

Not applicable (animal study).
Evaluation and validation of a multiphysics finite element model for a piezoelectric energy harvester
Authors: Melro Andrew , Liu Kefu
Published: March 2021

This study explores the applicability of the multiphysics finite element method to model a piezoelectric energy harvester. The piezoelectric energy harvester under consideration consists of a stainless-steel cantilever beam attached to a piezoelectric ceramic patch. Two configurations were considered: one without a proof mass and one with a proof mass. COMSOL Multiphysics software is used to simultaneously model three physics: solid mechanics, electrostatics, and electrical circuit physics. Several key relationships were investigated to predict the behaviour of the piezoelectric energy harvester. The effects of the electrical load resistance and proof mass on the performance of a piezoelectric energy harvester were evaluated. Experimental testing was conducted to validate the results obtained using the finite element model. Overall, the results from the finite element model closely matched those from the experimental testing. It was found that increasing the load resistance of the piezoelectric energy harvester caused an increase in voltage across the load resistor, and matching the impedance yielded the maximum power output. Increasing the proof mass reduces the fundamental frequency, which results in an increase in the displacement transmissibility and impedance-matched resistance. The study shows that the multiphysics finite element method is effective for modelling piezoelectric energy harvesters.
INVESTIGATION OF THE STEADY-STATE SOLUTION OF THE FRACTAL FORCED DUFFING’S OSCILLATOR USING AN ANCIENT CHINESE ALGORITHM
Authors: ELÍAS-ZÚÑIGA ALEX , MARTÍNEZ-ROMERO OSCAR , TREJO DANIEL OLVERA , PALACIOS-PINEDA LUIS MANUEL
Published: March 2021

In this paper, the steady-state solution of Duffing-type oscillators with fractal-order derivative is obtained. First, the two-scale fractal-order derivative transform is used to write the fractal differential equation of motion as an ordinary differential non-homogenous equation of motion. Then the ancient Chinese algorithm and He’s formulation are used to find the approximate frequency-amplitude response curve. The results show that the steady-state response diagrams exhibit hardening or softening behavior depending on the fractal parameter value.
China–Japan Economic Cooperation with ASEAN: Keohane’s International Regime Theory
Authors: RAMEZANI Ahmad , KAMALI Yahya
Published: March 2021

Research findings show that China and Japan realise the utility of regime-building with ASEAN, so both have started to build trust with ASEAN since 1997. ASEAN established the ASEAN–China Free Trade Area with China and the ASEAN–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership with Japan in 2010 and 2008, respectively, and bilaterally, both sides gained mutual benefits from interdependence. However, China–ASEAN increasing cooperation is a state of asymmetric dependence in favour of China and the changing Japan–ASEAN cooperation is not so symmetrical.
Biochemical Sensing with Nanoplasmonic Architectures: We Know How but Do We Know Why?
Authors: Dahlin Andreas
Published: March 2021

Here, the research field of nanoplasmonic sensors is placed under scrutiny, with focus on affinity-based detection using refractive index changes. This review describes how nanostructured plasmonic sensors can deliver unique advantages compared to the established surface plasmon resonance technique, where a planar metal surface is used. At the same time, it shows that these features are actually only useful in quite specific situations. Recent trends in the field are also discussed and some devices that claim extraordinary performance are questioned. It is argued that the most important challenges are related to limited receptor affinity and nonspecific binding rather than instrumental performance. Although some nanoplasmonic sensors may be useful in certain situations, it seems likely that conventional surface plasmon resonance will continue to dominate biomolecular interaction analysis. For detection of analytes in complex samples, plasmonics may be an important tool, but probably not in the form of direct refractometric detection.
“Rocket Fuel” in Drinking Water and Milk?
Authors: Rajeshwar Krishnan
Published: March 2021

Perchlorate has been in the media headlines in recent months, having been increasingly detected in soil, groundwater, irrigation run-off, and drinking water. Disturbingly, traces of this chemical have been found in dairy milk and even in the breast milk of nursing mothers. The quotation and question marks in the header above underline the fact that some of these media headlines are not entirely correct in a strictly chemical (and factual) sense and enjoy journalistic license.
Pennington Corner: Semi Wet, Semi Dry, or Semiconductor?
Authors: Calvo Roque J.
Published: March 2021

Even before the establishment of our formal divisional structure, the Society represented a very diverse technical scope that included both wet (a reference to electrochemical science and technology) and dry (a reference to solid-state science and technology) scientific interests.
Letter to the Editor - Fall 2005
Authors: Lorenz Wolfgang
Published: March 2021

Dear Editor: I have studied with highest interest the eleven articles on “Silicon: Into the Nano Era” in Interface, Vol. 14, No. 1.
The Chalkboard: Electrical Techniques for the Characterization of Dielectric Films
Authors: Kundu Tias , Garg Reenu , Chowdhury Naser , Misra Durga
Published: March 2021

The science and technology of dielectric materials—a strong topic in physics, chemistry, and electrical engineering—has been pursued for well over 100 years. At present, dielectric materials have wide applications throughout the electronics, microwave, communication, and aerospace industries. Silicon dioxide has been the most significant and ubiquitous dielectric for several decades.
The Drugstore Li-Ion Cell
Authors: Dahn Jeff , Jiang Junwei , Moshurchak Lee , Buhrmester Claudia , Wang Richard Liangchen
Published: March 2021

Lithium-ion batteries store the greatest energy per volume or per mass of any rechargeable battery technology compatible with portable electronics. They have excellent performance and storage characteristics, long charge-discharge cycle life, no memory effect, and are available at low lost. As such, they have become the power source of choice for portable electronic devices like laptop computers, cell phones, digital cameras, etc.
Running on Empty: Fuel Cells to the Rescue?
Authors: Leddy Johna , Fenton James M.
Published: March 2021

A fuel cell is an electrochemical power source with advantages of both the combustion engine and the battery. Like a combustion engine, a fuel cell will run as long as it is provided fuel; and like a battery, fuel cells convert chemical energy directly to electrical energy. As an electrochemical power source, fuel cells are not subject to the Carnot limitations of combustion (heat) engines.
Using Silicon to Understand Silicon: Doping of Nanostructures
Authors: Chelikowsky James R.
Published: March 2021

It is often said that silicon is the quintessential building material for electronic devices. However, silicon is more than a building material. It is a very special material that allows us to build computers, and to learn much about the electronic properties of materials, e.g., these computers built with silicon can be used to solve for the electronic properties of silicon itself.
Battery Modeling
Authors: Spotnitz Robert
Published: March 2021

Battery modeling, or the mathematical description of batteries, long considered an academic pastime, now plays an important role in the design and use of batteries.
Theory of Defects in Semiconductors: Recent Developments and Challenges
Authors: Estreicher Stefan K.
Published: March 2021

Our present understanding of the properties of defects in semiconductors comes from a combination of microscopic experiment and first-principles theory. Over the past few decades, theory has evolved from a qualitative tool to the point where many properties of defects can be predicted quantitatively. The following perspective outlines some recent developments and remaining challenges.
Electrochemical Degradation Pathways of 1,1,1-Trichloroethane by Immobilized P450 CYP119 in Extreme Temperature and pH Environments
Authors: Blair Emek
Published: March 2021

The 2005 Edward G. Weston Summer Research Fellowship Summary Report
Improved CMOS Performance via Enhanced Carrier Mobility
Authors: Mooney Patricia M.
Published: March 2021

The amazing advancements achieved in Si CMOS have come primarily from scaling, i.e., from reducing the critical dimensions of the transistors. Since it is becoming increasingly difficult to further reduce critical dimensions such as the gate oxide thickness, alternative methods of improving transistor performance are being investigated.
Fabrication of Colloidal Nanostructures from Nanolithographically Defined Templates
Authors: Salaita Khalid
Published: March 2021

The 2004 Joseph W. Richards Summer Fellowship Summary Report
Effect of Magnetic Field on the Energy Spectrum, Binding Energy and Magnetic Susceptibility of an Impurity in a 2D Gaussian Quantum Dot
Authors: Boda Aalu
Published: March 2021

The problem of on-center acceptor

A

0

and donor

D

0

impurities in a two-dimensional (2D) GaAs quantum dot in the presence of an externally applied magnetic field now modelled with Gaussian confinement and examined with the exact matrix diagonalization technic. Magnetic moment, susceptibilities are calculated after obtaining the energy spectrum of these impurities. I have compared the results of these impurities with parabolic confinement. I found an interesting phenomenon in the attendance of spin-Zeeman term, the ground state magnetic (GSM) moment

M

g
s

and the GSM susceptibility

S

g
s

of one electron system, donor

D

0

and acceptor

A

0

impurity systems demonstrate zero-temperature diamagnetic spikes owing to transitions in the orbital angular momentum (OAM). The number of spikes and the position of these spikes depend on the radius of the quantum dot and depth of the potential

V

0

also. The low-lying binding energy levels have been studied by computing state away from the energies of donor

D

0

impurity and an electron.
Synergistic Effect of Photocatalysis and Fenton on Improving the Removal Rate of 4H-SiC during CMP
Authors: Lu Jiabin , Huang Yuanfu , Fu Youzhi , Yan Qiusheng , Zeng Shuai
Published: March 2021

To improve the material removal rate (MRR) of single-crystal silicon carbide (SiC) by chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), an ultraviolet (UV) photocatalysis–Fenton (UV + TiO2 + Fenton) composite reaction is used to increase the hydroxyl radical (·OH) concentration. In this study, the effects of UV photocatalysis, the Fenton reaction, and their composite reaction on ·OH concentration are experimentally investigated by the chemical degradation of methyl orange. Subsequently, the oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) during the reaction is measured to characterize the oxidisability of the chemical reaction. Finally, a CMP experiment is conducted to verify the synergistic effect of the UV + TiO2 + Fenton composite reaction. The ·OH test results show that the ·OH concentration in the UV + TiO2 + Fenton composite reaction is relatively significantly improved. They are 6 and 1.38 times those obtained in the Fenton and UV + TiO2 + H2O2 systems, respectively, and 11.4% higher than the summations of these properties achieved in both the systems. The CMP experiment results show that the MRR reaches 387.2 nm h−1 when the single-crystal 4H-SiC is polished by the UV + TiO2 + Fenton system, which is 44.1% and 22.4% higher than those of the Fenton and UV + TiO2 + H2O2 systems, respectively. The synergistic mechanism of the UV + TiO2 + Fenton composite reaction system for CMP is discussed.
Communication—A Strategy to Reduce the Content of Residual Oxide Layer on SiC Surface in ECMP
Authors: Gao B. , Zhai W. J. , Zhai Q. , Shi Y. Q.
Published: March 2021

4H-SiC is a promising next-generation semiconductor. To reduce the content of residual oxide layer on SiC surface generated in electrochemical mechanical polishing (ECMP), a novel strategy to form an inhibitive PS/CeO2 layer on SiC surface by utilizing electrostatic attraction was proposed. The electrostatic attraction was achieved by controlling the pH value of slurry. Polishing results show that this method can reduce the surface roughness and the amount of residual oxide on the polished surface, hence improving polishing quality. This technique also shows the potential to attain high polishing efficiency compared with conventional or two-step ECMP.
Developmental maturation of the colonic uptake process of the microbiota-generated thiamin pyrophosphate
Authors: Sabui Subrata , Romero Jose M. , Said Hamid M.
Published: March 2021

The colonic carrier-mediated uptake process of the microbiota-generated and phosphorylated form of vitamin B1, i.e., thiamin pyrophosphate, undergoes ontogenic changes that parallel the development of the gut microbiota (and their ability to generate vitamins) during early stages of life.
PepT1-knockout mice harbor a protective metabolome beneficial for intestinal wound healing
Authors: Sung Junsik , Wang Lixin , Long Dingpei , Yang Chunhua , Merlin Didier
Published: March 2021

Fecal metabolites were significantly different between the KO and normal wild-type (WT) mice. One fecal metabolite, tuberonic acid (TA), was sevenfold higher in KO mouse feces than in WT mouse feces. TA prevented lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in macrophages and improved the epithelial cell healing process.
The developing murine lung is susceptible to acetaminophen toxicity
Authors: Dobrinskikh Evgenia , Sherlock Laura G. , Orlicky David J. , Zheng Lijun , De Dios Robyn , Balasubramaniyan Durga , Sizemore Thom , Butler Brittany , Wright Clyde J.
Published: March 2021

Acetaminophen ( n-acetyl-p-aminophenol, APAP) use in the neonatal intensive care unit is rapidly increasing. Although APAP-related hepatotoxicity is rarely reported in the neonatal literature, other end-organ toxicity can occur with toxic exposures. APAP-induced lung injury has been reported with toxic exposures in adults, but whether this occurs in the developing lung is unknown. Therefore, we tested whether toxic APAP exposures would injure the developing lung. Neonatal C57BL/6 mice (PN7, early alveolar stage of lung development) were exposed to a dose of APAP known to cause hepatotoxicity in adult mice (280 mg/kg, IP). This exposure induced significant lung injury in the absence of identifiable hepatic toxicity. This injury was associated with increased pulmonary expression of Cyp2e1, the xenobiotic enzyme responsible for the toxic conversion of APAP. Exposure was associated with increased pulmonary expression of antioxidant response genes and decreased pulmonary glutathione peroxidase activity level. Furthermore, we observed an increase in pulmonary expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Lastly, we were able to demonstrate that this toxic APAP exposure was associated with a shift in pulmonary metabolism away from glycolysis with increased oxidative phosphorylation, a finding consistent with increased mitochondrial workload, potentially leading to mitochondrial toxicity. This previously unrecognized injury and metabolic implications highlight the need to look beyond the liver and evaluate both the acute and long-term pulmonary implications of APAP exposure in the perinatal period.
Maternal vitamin B12 in mice positively regulates bone, but not muscle mass and strength in post-weaning and mature offspring
Authors: Singh Parminder , Telnova Svetalana , Zhou Bin , Mohamed Abdalla D. , Mello Vanessa De , Wackerhage Henning , Guo X. Edward , Panda Amulya K. , Yadav Vijay K.
Published: March 2021

Vitamin B12 deficiency has been shown to affect bone mass in rodents and negatively impact bone formation in humans. In this study using mouse models, we define the effect of B12 supplementation in the wild-type mother and B12 deficiency in a mouse genetic model ( Gif−/− mice) during gestation on bone and muscle architecture and mechanical properties in the offspring. Analysis of bones from 4-wk-old offspring of the wild-type mother following vehicle or B12 supplementation during gestation (from embryonic day 0.5 to 20.5) showed an increase in bone mass caused by an isolated increase in bone formation in the B12-supplemented group compared with vehicle controls. Analysis of the effect of B12 deficiency in the mother in a mouse genetic model ( Gif−/− mice) on the long bone architecture of the offspring showed a compromised cortical and trabecular bone mass, which was completely prevented by a single injection of B12 in the B12-deficient Gif−/− mothers. Biomechanical analysis of long bones of the offspring born from B12-supplemented wild-type mothers showed an increase in bone strength, and conversely, offspring born from B12-deficient Gif−/− mothers revealed a compromised bone strength, which could be rescued by a single injection of B12 in the B12-deficient Gif−/− mother. Muscle structure and function analysis however revealed no significant effect on muscle mass, structure, and grip strength of B12 deficiency or supplementation in Gif−/− mice compared with littermate controls. Together, these results demonstrate the beneficial effect of maternally derived B12 in the regulation of bone structure and function in the offspring.
Dual modulatory effects on feedback from a proprioceptor in the crustacean stomatogastric nervous system
Authors: Grininger Davis , Birmingham John T.
Published: March 2021

We report that the combination of GABA and the peptide proctolin increases contraction of a stomatogastric muscle while decreasing the corresponding response of the proprioceptor that reports on it. These results suggest a general mechanism by which muscle movements can be modified while sensory feedback is conserved, one that may be particularly well suited for providing flexibility to central pattern generator networks.
Neural Network Supervision Control Strategy for Inverted Pendulum Tracking Control
Authors: Gao Hongliang , Li Xiaoling , Gao Chao , Wu Jie
Published: March 2021

This paper presents several control methods and realizes the stable tracking for the inverted pendulum system. Based on the advantages of RBF and traditional PID, a novel PID controller based on the RBF neural network supervision control method (PID-RBF) is proposed. This method realizes the adaptive adjustment of the stable tracking signal of the system. Furthermore, an improved PID controller based on RBF neural network supervision control strategy (IPID-RBF) is presented. This control strategy adopts the supervision control method of feed-forward and feedback. The response speed of the system is further improved, and the overshoot of the tracking signal is further reduced. The tracking control simulation of the inverted pendulum system under three different signals is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Melanocytic Nevus in the External Auditory Canal with Keratin Accumulation
Authors: Jeong Junhui , Lee Kyuin , Choi Hyun Seung
Published: March 2021

Nevus is a benign melanocytic neoplasm and the most common type of skin tumor. It may occur anywhere on the skin, but it is rare in the external auditory canal (EAC). We present a case of melanocytic nevus in the EAC with keratin accumulation. In microscopic surgery, the mass was excised completely, and the wax and keratin material medial portion of the EAC behind the mass was removed. In this patient, a melanocytic nevus in the EAC caused symptoms of hearing loss and wax and keratin buildup. For melanocytic nevus in the EAC, excision and pathologic confirmation should be performed if there are symptoms or when malignant transformation is suspected.
Task Priority-Based Cached-Data Prefetching and Eviction Mechanisms for Performance Optimization of Edge Computing Clusters
Authors: Ullah Ihsan , Khan Muhammad Sajjad , St-Hilaire Marc , Faisal Mohammad , Kim Junsu , Kim Su Min
Published: March 2021

The rapid evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the development of cloud computing have endorsed a new computing paradigm called edge computing, which brings the computing resources to the edge of the network. Due to low computing power and small data storage at the edge nodes, the task must be assigned to the computing nodes, where their associated data is available, to reduce overheads caused by data transmissions in the network. The proposed scheme named task priority-based data-prefetching scheduler (TPDS) tries to improve the data locality through available cached and prefetching data for offloading tasks to the edge computing nodes. The proposed TPDS prioritizes the tasks in the queue based on the available cached data in the edge computing nodes. Consequently, it increases the utilization of cached data and reduces the overhead caused by data eviction. The simulation results show that the proposed TPDS can be effective in terms of task scheduling and data locality.
Extended Error Expansion of Classical Midpoint Rectangle Rule for Cauchy Principal Value Integrals on an Interval
Authors: Yu Chunxiao , Wei Lingling
Published: March 2021

The classical composite midpoint rectangle rule for computing Cauchy principal value integrals on an interval is studied. By using a piecewise constant interpolant to approximate the density function, an extended error expansion and its corresponding superconvergence results are obtained. The superconvergence phenomenon shows that the convergence rate of the midpoint rectangle rule is higher than that of the general Riemann integral when the singular point coincides with some priori known points. Finally, several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and effectiveness of the theoretical analysis. This research is meaningful to improve the accuracy of the collocation method for singular integrals.
On the Sixth Residues and Some New Properties of Their Distribution
Authors: Su Juanli , Zhang Jin
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we use the analytic methods, the properties of the sixth-order characters, and the classical Gauss sums to study the computational problems of a certain special sixth residues’ modulo

p

and give two exact calculating formulas for them.
Crowd-Sourcing Information Dissemination Based on Spatial Behavior and Social Networks
Authors: Cheng Yong
Published: March 2021

In the context of today’s network era, rich social networks and convenient network communication make different individuals and groups interact and transmit information in more diversified ways, which also bring new dissemination in information of crowd-sourcing tasks. The paper analyzes mobile behavior characteristics of users from different perspectives, such as spatial activity behavior and location type preference, and constructs a user space mobile behavior model based on the physical world. At the same time, it analyzes the social influence of users in social networks and mode of information transmission. In the paper, real data sets are adopted, mathematical modeling and computer simulation are combined to build an information communication model around the social influence of users in social networks, and the rules of information communication in new environment of social networks are depicted in combination with users’ spatial movement.
FrHPI: A Discriminative Patch-Image Model for Hyperspectral Anomaly Detection
Authors: Li Hao , Fan Ganghui , Zeng Shan , Kang Zhen
Published: March 2021

Anomaly detection is now a significantly important part of hyperspectral image analysis to detect targets in an unsupervised manner. Traditional hyperspectral anomaly detectors fail to consider spatial information, which is vital in hyperspectral anomaly detection. Moreover, they usually take the raw data without feature extraction as input, limiting the detection performance. We propose a new anomaly detector based on the fractional Fourier transform (FrFT) and a modified patch-image model called the hyperspectral patch-image (HPI) model to tackle these two problems. By combining them, the proposed anomaly detector is named fractional hyperspectral patch-image (FrHPI) detector. Under the assumption that the target patch-image is a sparse matrix while the background patch-image is a low-rank matrix, we first formulate a matrix by sliding a rectangle window on the first three principal components (PCs) of HSI. The matrix can be decomposed into three parts representing the background, targets, and noise with the well-known low-rank and sparse matrix decomposition (LRaSMD). Then, distinctive features are extracted via FrFT, a transformation which is desirable for noise removal. Background atoms are selected to construct the covariance matrix. Finally, anomalies are picked up with Mahalanobis distance. Extensive experiments are conducted to verify the proposed FrHPI detector’s superiority in hyperspectral anomaly detection compared with other state-of-the-art detectors.