bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Long-Chain Non-Coding RNA Nuclear Paraspeckle Assembly Transcript 1 in Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Cardiomyocyte Impairment Through miR-199a-5 Targeting
Authors: Liu Xiaojian , Niu Qingying , Fei Liping
Published: April 2021

To investigate the targeting mechanism of long-chain non-coding RNA NEAT1 (LncRNA NEAT1) for microRNA-199a-5p (miR-199a-5p), to regulate hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in myocardial cell impairment. Rat cardiomyocytes were cultured in vitro and divided into the: Con group, H/R group,
H/R + si-NC group, H/R + si-NEAT1 group, H/R + miR-NC group, H/R + miR-199a-5p group, H/R + si-NEAT1 + anti-miR-NC group, and H/R + si-NEAT1 + anti-miR-199a-5p group. Levels of endocellular NEAT1 and miR-199a-5p were evaluated with qRT-PCR. Changes in endocellular LDH, SOD, and MDA levels
were observed. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining was applied to test apoptosis rates. Western blotting was used to test Bcl-2 and Bax protein levels. The double luciferase reporter gene was used to test the targeting association between NEAT1 and miR-199a-5p. In comparison with the Con group, H/R
showed significantly increased NEAT1 levels (P < 0.05), significantly decreased miR-199a-5p levels (P < 0.05), significantly decreased SOD and Bcl-2 levels (P < 0.05), and significantly increased apoptosis rates and LDH, SOD levels (P < 0.05). Cardiomyocyte levels
of LDH, SOD, and apoptosis rates was significantly reduced following NEAT1 expression inhibition, or miR-199a-5p overexpression (P < 0.05), and SOD and Bcl-2 levels increased significantly (P < 0.05). Overexpression of miR-199a-5p can significantly reduce the fluorescence intensity of
the luciferase reporter gene. No significant change in luciferase activity was observed after binding site mutation. Interference with miR-199a-5p expression can inhibit the protective action of NEAT1 expression on cardiomyocyte impairment. Inhibiting NEAT1 expression can inhibit cardiomyocyte
apoptosis by up-regulating miR-199a-5p expression, enhancing the clearance ability of oxygen free radicals, and protecting against H/R cardiomyocyte impairment.
Novel Combinatorial Dexamethasone and Hyaluronic Acid Micro Particulate Injection for the Treatment of Hip Arthritis: Assesment in Rabbit Model
Authors: Ma Shiqiang , Guo Donghui , Shi Qiuling , Li Xiaoming
Published: April 2021

The aforementioned study emphasis on formulation of Dexamethasone and Hyaluronic acid (DHA) loaded microspheres for intra-articulate injection at hip region to cure arthritic condition. DHA microspheres were formulated by solvent evaporation technique. The microspheres were found with
smooth, regular surface characteristics. The loading and encapsulation efficiencies were also found higher. The in vitro release was found to be 15.12% for initial 24 hrs while 97.65% up to 25 days. Such microspheres were injected to hip region of Adult male new Zealand Rabbits (2.5–3
kg) to observe anti arthritic effect. The study result showed excellent ability of microsphere in order to treat arthritis. Therefore the results obtained concluded effectiveness of DHA microspheres in treating arthritic disease.
The Role of Interleukin-22 Receptor1 in the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Colonrectal Cancer
Authors: Qin Xiaoning , Ruan Hongxun , Hao Yinghao , Kong Weiqi , Zhao Jing , Lin Lin
Published: April 2021

Background: To study the relationship between interleukin-22 receptor1 (IL-22R1) and the proliferation and apoptosis of colon cancer cells. Methods: SW480, SW620 (Human Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines) that express positive to IL-22R1 were exposed in the environment of IL-22.
The proliferation trial included 5 groups: IL-22, 5-FU, 5-FU + IL-22, medium and control. The apoptosis trial included 4 groups: IL-22, 5-FU, 5-FU + IL-22 and control. The result of apoptosis was detected by Apoptosis Kit (AnnxinVPE and 7-AAD), and proliferation was detected by Ki67 antibody
(Cell proliferation-associated nuclear antigens). The rates of proliferation and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Changes of the rate of proliferation and apoptosis before and after silencing were compared and analyzed statistically after silencing the gene of IL-22R1. Result:
The combination of IL-22R1 and IL-22 could significantly inhibit the apoptosis of colon cancer cells and promote the proliferation of colon cancer cells (P < 0.05). The effect was significantly weakened when IL-22R1 was silenced (P < 0.05). Conclusion: IL-22R1 combined
with IL-22 could promote the proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells. In addition, blocking IL-22R1 could eliminate the influence of IL-22 on the proliferation and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells.
Predictive Value of Positron Emission Tomography/CT Imaging in Distant Metastasis in Early and Locally Advanced Lung Cancer
Authors: Meng Jianwen , Huang Qun , Huang Yifeng , Yang Zida , Chen Kang , Wang Ana , Chang Kaimin , Liang Liping
Published: April 2021

The imaging features of advanced non-small cell lung cancer identified by imaging approaches are particularly critical for the clinical prognosis and treatment. Our study explores the predictive value of Positron Emission Tomography–Computed Tomography (PET/CT) imaging in distant
metastasis in early and locally advanced lung cancer. From September 2017 to September 2019, 121 patients with PET images were enrolled. 80 patient’s data were used to simulate the cohort and the data on 41 patients were used to validate the cohort. Quantitative PET image features were
assessed. A Cox model was used to predict the distant metastasis. A combination of imaging and histology type prognostic models was also evaluated. The best prognostic model includes two features, which can quantify intratumoral heterogeneity. In independent validation cohort, the consistency
index of model was 0.71. This prognostic model allows high-risk and low-risk group with distant metastases (hazard ratio 4.8, P < 0.05). The ROC curve revealed a separation of the combined imaging and histology type among high-and low-risk group. The consistency index was also improved
to 0.80. PET features related to distant metastases have been identified and these features may help develop appropriate treatment options for early and locally advanced lung cancer patients.
Magnetic Resonance Image from Children’s Brain by Evaluating IQ Estimator Using Kernel Support Vector Regression
Authors: Tamil Thendral M. , Babu T. R. Ganesh
Published: April 2021

Human brain explains the function of the various parts of our body. The Brain has been categorized into three parts Cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem. In this, cerebrum plays a vital role in the brain which controls reading, thinking, learning, speech, emotions, vision, hearing and
other senses. The Prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the cerebral cortex which covers the front part of the frontal lobe and the most strongly recommended in human qualities like consciousness, general intelligence, and personality. To find out one’s intelligence, most of the IQ score is commonly
obtained from many diverse tests with disadvantages of no single large dataset containing psychology test scores for the IQ estimation is unavailable. In this paper deals about estimating the IQ from young children Brain MRI images with Kernel Support Vector Regression (SVR) is designed. The
experimentation is carried out to verify the performance of different feature reduction by applying four extracted features Grey Matter Volume, White Matter Volume, Gyri and Sulci Surface Area with the target only as Wechsler Abbreviated Scale Intelligence (WASI) IQ Score has been collected
from ABIDE II MRI images of 232 children between 6 and 15 years of age. Kernel SVR is used to estimate IQ scores between the concrete and valued IQs on using reduced features obtained from PCA, Kernel PCA, t-SNE and Kernel t-SNE with root mean square error of 1.0021, 0.459, 0.976 and 1.517
and acquired Pearson’s correlation coefficients of 0.938, 0.9864, 0.941 and 0.843 respectively.
Anatomic Locking Plate Fixation and Coracoclavicular Stabilisation with Multistrand Titanium Cable for Unstable Distal Clavicle Fracture
Authors: Liu Zhong-Guo , Yu Yue-Wei , Xie Huang-Lin , Xie Qing-Xin
Published: April 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to introduce a modified surgical procedure using anatomic locking plate (ALP) fixation and coracoclavicular (CC) stabilisation with multistrand titanium cable (MTC) to repair unstable distal clavicle fractures, and to estimate clinical effects
of these people. Materials and methods: Between July 2016 and April 2018, we treated 7 patients with unstable distal clavicle fracture by ALP fixation and CC stabilisation with MTC. After the surgery, we followed up every patient for at least 24 months and analysed their clinical results.
Results: The average term required for fracture healing was 9.9 (range, 9–12 weeks) and all cases are successful in fracture healing. The average Constant score was 94.6 points (range, 92–100) at the last follow-up; the modified University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
shoulder rating scale was 33.4 points (range, 31–35) at the last follow-up. There was no infection, hardware failure and iatrogenic fracture in all the cases. Conclusions: ALP fixation and CC stabilisation with MTC is a really good method for the treatment of unstable distal clavicle
fractures. This surgical technique can provide stable fixation for early functional exercise, and prevent extra shoulder joint damage.
Semi Supervised Generative Adversarial Network for Automated Glaucoma Diagnosis with Stacked Discriminator Models
Authors: Kannan K. Gokul , Babu T. R. Ganesh
Published: April 2021

Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) is neural network architecture, widely used in many computer vision applications such as super-resolution image generation, art creation and image to image translation. A conventional GAN model consists of two sub-models; generative model and discriminative
model. The former one generates new samples based on an unsupervised learning task, and the later one classifies them into real or fake. Though GAN is most commonly used for training generative models, it can be used for developing a classifier model. The main objective is to extend the effectiveness
of GAN into semi-supervised learning, i.e., for the classification of fundus images to diagnose glaucoma. The discriminator model in the conventional GAN is improved via transfer learning to predict n + 1 classes by training the model for both supervised classification (n classes) and
unsupervised classification (fake or real). Both models share all feature extraction layers and differ in the output layers. Thus any update in one of the model will impact both models. Results show that the semi-supervised GAN performs well than a standalone Convolution Neural Networks (CNNs)
model.
Intra-Vascular Ultra Sound Image Classification System for the Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease Using Adaptive Wavelet Transform with Support Vector Machine
Authors: Swarnalatha A. , Manikandan M.
Published: April 2021

In this study, an efficient Decision Support System (DSS) is presented to classify coronary artery disease using Intra-Vascular Ultra Sound (IVUS) images. IVUS images are commonly used to diagnose coronary artery diseases. Wavelet transform is a multiresolution texture analysis tool
which is applied to various image analysis and classification systems. Unlike the wavelet transform, Empirical Wavelet Transform (EWT) is a dependent decomposition approach that provides superior temporal and frequency information. Hence, EWT is considered as a feature extraction approach
in this study. Before extracting EWT features, an adaptive non-linear speckle reducing filter; Lee filter is used to remove the IVUS images’ noises. The accumulated energies of EWT sub-bands are computed and fed to four Support Vector Machine (SVM) for coronary plague classification
into five different classes; normal, calcium, fibrous, necrotic (thrombus) and soft plague (fibro-fatty). A total number of 400 IVUS images and their corresponding labeling are obtained from Shifa hospitals, Tirunelveli, Tamilnadu, India. Results prove that the classification of coronary plague
is done with higher accuracy by using the EWT-SVM approach.
Tumor Classification Based on Regional Heterogeneity Using Pixel Level Feature Descriptors
Authors: Gunasundari C. , Bhuvaneswari K. Selva
Published: April 2021

Brain tumor is considered to be widely analyzed disease for effective diagnosis and treatment planning. Several approaches were framed to detect and diagnose tumor at early stage. In this work, texture analysis is carried out to analyze the nature of tumor and categorize it. Around
3064 images were analyzed during this study consisting of meningioma, glioma and pituitary tumors. Intensity and gradient pixel based texture analysis is carried out in this analysis. Results confirm that the tumors can be classified and categorized based on the intensity and gradient pixel
information. A total of 2216 feature vector is extracted it is observed that the gradient based information aids for better classification of tumors. Localized binary patterns are found to provide detailed information about the subtle variation in the brain regions due to the presence of abnormality
in brain tissues. It is further observed that the normalized feature vectors show better differentiation between tumor categories. The ROC and PRC curves exhibit the high classification ability using the extracted features to differentiate tumor grades.
Physical Stability, Rheology, Thermal Conductivity and Optical and Corrosion Properties of a Graphene Quantum Dot Fluid
Authors: Qiu Zhongzhu , Li Lin , Zhu Qunzhi , Guo Ruitang , Yao Yuan , Wu Congcong , Li Shengnan , Li Peng
Published: April 2021

Because of their unique and tunable photoluminescence properties, exceptional physicochemical properties, high photostability, biocompatibility and small size, Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have received a lot of attention. However, insufficient investigations have been carried out on
GQD fluids. In this paper, the properties of a prepared GQD fluid are studied experimentally, involving the physical stability, rheology, thermal conductivity, optical properties and corrosion characteristics. It is found that a highly physically stable GQD fluid could be easily achieved because
the selected GQDs are well dispersed. It is also found that the addition of GQDs had a slight effect on the base fluid viscosity, but it could significantly increase the thermal conductivity of the fluid. In addition, the investigation of the optical properties shows that the GQD fluid exhibited
high absorption to sunlight. The transmittance of ultraviolet and near-infrared light is close to zero. In contrast, the transmittance of GQDs to visible light is high at low weight concentrations, but significantly decreases with the increase of the proportion of GQDs. The corrosion characteristics
of the copper and carbon steel samples in the selected GQD fluid or deionized water were experimentally investigated. It is found that the selected GQD fluid can greatly accelerate the corrosion of copper. However, nearly the same corrosion rate is observed for carbon steel in the GQD fluid
as that in deionized water. The high stability, low viscosity, enhanced thermal conductivity and unique optical and corrosion properties allowed the GQD fluid to have excellent potential for applications in the energy sector.
Electrocaloric Effect of (K1−xNax)NbO3 Single Crystal
Authors: Jin MinYa , Qiu JianHua , Chen ZhiHui , Wang XiuQin , Yuan NingYi , Ding JianNing
Published: April 2021

The electrocaloric effect of (K1−xNax)NbO3 single crystal is calculated based on Landau-Devonshire theory. The electrocaloric coefficient and adiabatic temperature change are calculated with the variation of temperature in rhombohedral,
orthorhombic and tetragonal phase. A maximum of electrocaloric coefficient is obtained in each ferroelectric phase. Moreover, the tetragonal phase presents the larger electrocaloric coefficient and adiabatic temperature change than that rhombohedral and orthorhombic phase. However, the large
electrocaloric effect is also obtained at room temperature with the adiabatic temperature change of 0.5 K, which tallies with the experimental findings.
In Situ Transformed Carbon Fibers/Al2O3 Nanocomposites Using Cao–MgO–SiO2 Sintering Agent
Authors: Chen Hua-Hui , Cao Jing-Jing , Hong Hai-Ping , Zheng Nan , Ren Jie , Wang Chang-An
Published: April 2021

In Situ transformed carbon fibers/Al2O3 ceramic matrix nanocomposites with Cao–MgO–SiO2 sintering agent were prepared by hot-pressed sintering technology in vacuum. In the sintering process, pre-oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers (below
named as pre-oxidized PAN fibers) were used as the precursors of In Situ transformed carbon fibers. The micro/nanostructure of composites and interface between In Situ transformed carbon fibers and matrix were investigated, as well as the properties of composites. The results
showed that the composites could be sintered well at a relatively low temperature of 1650 °C. During the sintering, the precursors, pre-oxidized PAN fibers, were In Situ transformed into carbon fibers, and the In Situ transformed carbon fibers had the graphitelike structure
along the fiber axial direction. The carbon atoms arrangement in the surface layer of the fiber was more orderly than the core. A typical diffraction peak of carbon fiber at 26°, which corresponded to the (002) crystal plane, was observed, and the inter-planar spacing was approximately
0.34 nm. The CaO–MgO–SiO2 sintering agent formed MgAl2O4 and CaAl2Si2O8 phases in the interface between In Situ transformed carbon fibers and matrix, therefore improving the interface bonding, and thereby
modifying the mechanical properties of the composites.
Simple Synthesis of Ru Decahedral Hollow Nanocages with Face-Centered Cubic Structure
Authors: Zhou Xinfeng , Qi Weihong , Li Yejun
Published: April 2021

Metallic nanocrystals with specific morphologies are of great interest to various applications, in particular for nanocages with well-defined and controllable surface due to high surface-to-volume ratio with high utilization efficiency of atoms. In the present work, Ru decahedral nanocages
were synthesized via a combination of seed-mediated growth and chemical etching approach over Pd decahedra seeds. To be specific, the Pd decahedra were synthesized via a standard procedure, on which the Ru out layers were grown by seed-mediated growth with a few nanometers. Subsequently, Ru
decahedral nanocages were formed with selective chemical etching of Pd cores in acidic aqueous solution. The present work suggests an effective strategy towards synthesis of hollow nanocages.
Synthesis, Optical Properties and Applications of Ternary Oxide Nanoparticles by a Microwave Technique
Authors: Liu Mingling , Sun Meiling , Wang Zhijia
Published: April 2021

Nanocrystal preparation is in high demand due to the development of nanodevices. Nanostructures or microstructures of binary oxides such as TiO2, ZnO, and Al2O3 have been extensively prepared and studied. Synthesis of ternary oxide nanomaterials with
controlled structures, morphologies, and sizes are of interest due to their potential applications in nanodevices caused by tunable energy level, bandgap, and structure. In this work, a solution-based method is used to prepare CaWO4 and LaPO4 ternary oxide nanomaterials
by microwave technique. Controlled sizes and morphologies including nanorods and microspheres are synthesized by the microwave method, which is believed to be a facile and low-cost technique for the synthesis of ternary oxide nanomaterials. Furthermore, the (relatively) quick process enables
high efficiency of the production. The structural and optical properties of the prepared nanomaterials are also investigated in this work. This work benefits nanomaterial synthesis for nanomanufacturing and applications in lighting and photodynamic activations as well as optical storage.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles After Deposition on Screen Printed Electrode
Authors: Wang Kailai , Zhang Wenyu , Lai Edward P. C.
Published: April 2021

A small aliquot (10–14 μL) of ZnO nanoparticles dispersed in deionized water was deposited by evaporation to produce a dry residue on the working area of a screen-printed electrode. An electrochemical test solution containing K3Fe(CN)6and KCl was added to the electrode surface for analysis by electrochemical impendence spectroscopy (EIS). Using this deposition analysis technique, a new relationship between the charge transfer resistance (Rct) and the amount of ZnO nanoparticles has been explored. Based on the trend of increasingRctvalue with an increase of ZnO nanoparticles, a quantitative analysis method can be established to determine the mass of nanoparticles (0.01–1.00 μg) deposited from an unknown dispersion. To study the matrix effect, addition of Nafion solution to the aqueous dispersion resulted in a change of the linear range to 0.3–0.5 μg nanoparticles. Addition of methanol (10% by volume) to the aqueous dispersion changes the analysis range to 0.2–0.6 μg nanoparticles, while additional methanol (50% by volume) changes the analysis range to 0.06–1.00 μg nanoparticles. The analytical sensitivity, as indicated by the slope of each standard calibration curve, ranked as: aqueous dispersion > Nafion/aqueous dispersion > 10% methanol/aqueous dispersion > 50% methanol/aqueous dispersion. Altogether these results verify that deionized water is the best dispersion medium for EIS analysis of ZnO nanoparticles.
Effect of Relative Humidity on the Thickness of Assembled Silica Colloidal Crystal Films
Authors: Dong Ao , Su Qianqian , Ma Ning , Xu Pengfei , Zhou Lele , Wu Feng , Wang Lu , Wan Yizhen , Qian Weiping
Published: April 2021

In order for the colloidal crystal films to be better applied, the influence of relative humidity on the preparation of silica colloidal crystal (SCC) films was systematically studied to solve the problem of different thicknesses of SCC films prepared by different batches under the
conditions with the same temperature, concentration of suspension and diameter of the particles. SCC films with 190 nm particles were prepared by static vertical deposition method under different humidity regulated by saturated salt solutions, and the thickness of the films was obtained by
an interferometric method. The results showed that the increase in humidity would reduce the thickness of the prepared films, which was believed to be caused by the decrease in evaporation rate after the wetting film absorbs water vapor. A new formula for calculating film thickness was proposed
and verified from a series of experiments. With the control of humidity, high-quality SCC films with controlled thickness can be repeatedly prepared.
Performance Enhancement of Actual Wastewater Treatment and Electricity Generation Through Surface Modified TiO2 Nanotube Arrays Based Photoanode Photocatalytic Fuel Cell
Authors: Li Xicheng , Yang Fengnan , Guo Tao , Zhang Yang , Yu Shaobin , Zhou Lian , Wang Qiang , Wang Changzheng
Published: April 2021

Herein, we report a surface modified TiO2 nanowire arrays (NAs) photoanode based photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC) towards simultaneous enhancement of actual wastewater treatment and electricity generation under visible light irradiation. TiO2 NAs were facile fabricated
via two-step anodization process in ethylene glycol and glycerin solution, respectively. Actual wastewater samples were directly applied to evaluate the PFC performance in terms of wastewater degradation and electricity generation through the as-prepared TiO2 NAs photoanode without
loading noble-metals or semiconductors. TiO2 NAs photoanode prepared from ethylene glycol solution demonstrated a highly ordered surface network, exhibiting short-circuit current density and fill factor nearly 4.3 times and 1.4 times higher than pristine TiO2 NAs photoanode
prepared according to previous reports. The experimental results revealed that the fabrication of TiO2 NAs by a facile surface modification in ethylene glycol solution can be considered a low-cost and scalable routine for enhancing performance of PFC photoanode towards efficient
actual wastewater treatment and electricity generation.
Turning Pore Size of Silica-Based Nano-TiO2 for Treating Cyanide Wastewater
Authors: Pan Yubo , Zhang Yali , Huang Yaoguo , Jia Yun , Cui Hongyou , Wang Ming
Published: April 2021

Cyanide wastewater is a very highly toxic substance. In this study, a kind of silicon-based nano-TiO2 material by turning pore size accurately is prepared to treat cyanide wastewater. The materials are characterized by XRD, TG analysis, N2 adsorption/desorption
test, UVAS analysis and TEM. Results show that adding NaCl to the synthesis of silica supports can change the size of pores. It emerges that pore size can affect the catalytic performance of the material. Catalytic experiments confirm that cyanide has the best catalytic effect when it has
a pore size of 16.47 nm. UVAS spectrum demonstrate that the cyanide has been broken down rather than adsorbed onto the material.
Hydrothermal Generation of 3-Dimensional WO3 Nanocubes, Nanobars and Nanobricks, Their Antimicrobial and Anticancer Properties
Authors: Qureshi Nilam , Lee Seungjae , Chaudhari Ravindra , Mane Pramod , Pawar Jayant , Chaudhari Bhushan , Shinde Manish , Rane Sunit , Kim Taesung , Amalnerkar Dinesh
Published: April 2021

In our current endeavor, 3-dimensional (3D) tungsten oxide (WO3) nanostructures (nanocubes, nanobars and nanobricks) have been swiftly generated via hydrothermal route at 160 °C for 24 h. Physico-chemical characterization of the resultant powder revealed formation of
WO3 nanostructures with predominantly faceted cube, brick and rectangular bar-like morphology. The present study was also aimed at exploring the antimicrobial and anticancer potential of WO3 nanostructures. Antimicrobial activity was tested against different micro-organisms
viz., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Aspergillus fumigatus. The antibacterial and antifungal activity was ascertained against these micro-organisms by measuring the diameter of inhibition zone in agar well diffusion
test which revealed that the resultant WO3 nanostructures acted as excellent antibacterial agents against both bacteria and fungi but were more effective against the fungus, A. fumigatus. To examine the growth curves of bacterial cells, time kill assay was monitored for E.
coli, against which significant antibacterial action of WO3 nanostructures was noted. The anti-cancer activity of WO3 nanostructures was found to be concentration-dependent against KB cell line by viable cell count method. In our pilot study, WO3 nanostructures
suspension with concentration in the range of 10−1 to 10−5 mg/ml was found to kill KB cells effectively.
Impacts of Tropical North Atlantic and Equatorial Atlantic SST Anomalies on ENSO
Authors: Jiang Leishan , Li Tim
Published: April 2021

The Sea Surface Temperature Anomaly (SSTA) in tropical Atlantic during boreal spring and summer shows two dominant modes: a basin-warming and a meridional dipole mode, respectively. Observational and coupled model simulations indicate that the former induces a Pacific La Niña in the succeeding winter whereas the latter cannot. The basin-warming forcing induces a La Niña through a Kelvin wave response and the associated wind-evaporation-SST-convection (WESC) feedback over the northern Indian Ocean (NIO) and Maritime Continent (MC). Anomalous Kelvin wave easterly interacts with the monsoonal westerly, leading to a warm SSTA and a northwest-southeast oriented heating anomaly in NIO/MC, which further induces easterly and cold SSTA over the equatorial Pacific. In contrast, the dipole forcing has little impact on the Indian and Pacific Oceans due to the offsetting of the Kelvin wave to the asymmetric Atlantic heating.

Further observational and modeling studies towards the Tropical North Atlantic (TNA) and Equatorial Atlantic (EA) SSTA modes indicate that the TNA (EA) forcing induces a CP- (EP-) type ENSO. In both cases, the Kelvin wave response and the WESC feedback over the NIO/MC are important in conveying the Atlantic’s impact. The difference lies in distinctive Rossby wave responses – A marked westerly anomaly appears in the equatorial eastern Pacific (EEP) for the TNA forcing (due to its westward location) while no significant wind response is observed in EEP for the EA forcing. The westerly anomaly prevents a cooling tendency in EEP through anomalous zonal and vertical advection according to a mixed-layer heat budget analysis.
The Passive microwave Empirical cold Surface Classification Algorithm (PESCA): application to GMI and ATMS
Authors: Camplani Andrea , Casella Daniele , Sanò Paolo , Panegrossi Giulia
Published: April 2021

This paper describes a new Passive microwave Empirical cold Surface Classification Algorithm (PESCA) developed for snow cover detection and characterization by using passive microwave satellite measurements. The main goal of PESCA is to support the retrieval of falling snow, as several studies have highlighted the influence of snow cover radiative properties on the falling snow passive microwave signature. The developed methodology is based on the exploitation of the lower frequency channels (< 90 GHz), common to most microwave radiometers. The methodology applied to the conically scanning GMI and the cross-track scanning ATMS is described in this paper. PESCA is based on a decision tree developed using an empirical method and verified using the AutoSnow product built from satellite measurements. The algorithm performance appears to be robust for both sensors in dry conditions (TPW < 10 mm), and for mean surface elevation < 2500 m, independently of the cloud cover. The algorithm shows very good performance for cold temperatures (2 m temperature below 270 K) with a rapid decrease of the detection capabilities between 270 K and 280 K, where 280 K is assumed as the maximum temperature limit for PESCA [overall detection statistics: POD=0.98(0.92), FAR=0.01(0.08), HSS=0.72(0.69) for ATMS(GMI)]. Some inconsistencies found between the snow categories identified with the two radiometers are related to their different viewing geometry, spatial resolution, and temporal sampling. The spectral signatures of the different snow classes appear to be different also at high frequency (>90GHz), indicating potential impact for snowfall retrieval. This method can be applied to other conically and cross track scanning radiometers including the future operational EPS-SG mission microwave radiometers.
A Neural-Network Quality Control scheme for improved Quantitative Precipitation Estimation accuracy on the UK weather radar network
Authors: Husnoo Nawal , Darlington Timothy , Torres Sebastián , Warde David
Published: April 2021

In this work, we present a new Quantitative-Precipitation-Estimation (QPE) quality-control (QC) algorithm for the UK weather radar network. The real-time adaptive algorithm uses a neural network (NN) to select data from the lowest useable elevation scan to optimize the combined performance of two other radar data correction algorithms: ground clutter mitigation (using CLEAN-AP) and vertical profile of reflectivity (VPR) correction. The NN is trained using 3D tiles of observed uncontaminated weather signals that are systematically combined with ground-clutter signals collected under dry weather conditions. This approach provides a way to simulate radar signals with a wide range of clutter contamination conditions and with realistic spatial structures while providing the uncontaminated “truth” with respect to which the performance of the QC algorithm can be measured. An evaluation of QPE products obtained with the proposed QC algorithm demonstrates superior performance as compared to those obtained with the QC algorithm currently used in operations. Similar improvements are also illustrated using radar observations from two periods of prolonged precipitation, showing a better balance between overestimation errors from using clutter-contaminated low-elevation radar data and VPR-induced errors from using high-elevation radar data.
Otopathologic Abnormalities in CHARGE Syndrome
Authors: da Costa Monsanto Rafael , Knoll Renata Malimpensa , de Oliveira Penido Norma , Song Grace , Santos Felipe , Paparella Michael Mauro , Cureoglu Sebahattin
Published: April 2021

Objective

To perform an otopathologic analysis of temporal bones (TBs) with CHARGE syndrome.

Study Design

Otopathologic study of human TB specimens.

Setting

Otopathology laboratories.

Methods

From the otopathology laboratories at the University of Minnesota and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, we selected TBs from donors with CHARGE syndrome. These TBs were serially sectioned at a thickness of 20 µm, and every 10th section was stained with hematoxylin and eosin. We performed otopathologic analyses of the external ear, middle ear (middle ear cleft, mucosal lining, ossicles, mastoid, and facial nerve), and inner ear (cochlea, vestibule, internal auditory canal, and cochlear and vestibular nerves). The gathered data were statistically analyzed.

Results

Our study included 12 TBs from 6 donors. We found a high prevalence of abnormalities affecting the ears. The most frequent findings were stapes malformation (100%), aberrant course of the facial nerve (100%) with narrow facial recess (50%), sclerotic and hypodeveloped mastoids (50%), cochlear (100%) and vestibular (83.3%) hypoplasia with aplasia of the semicircular canals, hypoplasia and aplasia of the cochlear (66.6%) and vestibular (91.6%) nerves, and narrowing of the bony canal of the cochlear nerve (66.6%). The number of spiral ganglion and Scarpa’s ganglion neurons were decreased in all specimens (versus normative data).

Conclusions

In our study, CHARGE syndrome was associated with multiple TB abnormalities that may severely affect audiovestibular function and rehabilitation.
Association Between Perceived Resilience and Mental Well-Being of Saudi Nursing Students During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Grande Rizal Angelo N. , Berdida Daniel Joseph E. , Villagracia Hazel N. , Cornejo Larry Terrence O. , Villacorte Liza Mendizabal , Borja Ma. Venus F.
Published: April 2021

Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between nursing students’ profile variables and their state of mental well-being and resilience during the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic and how this impacts their understanding of holistic nursing care provision. Design: This study used a cross-sectional design and total enumeration sample ( n = 439) from all enrolled nursing students in the College of Nursing of a state-run university. Method: The 10-item Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and 14-item Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) were used to collect data from the participants. A correlational analysis was employed to determine the relationship between the responses of the participants to their profile variables. Findings: There were no significant differences in age, gender, and year level in the 10-item CD-RISC and WEMWBS. Regarding the WEMWBS, the mean total score of those with 61–100% of the allowed units was significantly higher than those with 31–60%. Finally, the CD-RISC scores revealed that participants with a general point average (GPA) of A were significantly higher than those with a GPA of B+ or B. Conclusion: Academically performing students (those with a GPA of B and above) are more resilient. In addition, there is an existing linear relationship between high mental well-being and the ability to pursue higher academic loads.
What does it Mean to be a Man? Trans Masculinities, Bodily Practices, and Reflexive Embodiment
Authors: Aboim Sofia , Vasconcelos Pedro
Published: April 2021

Confronted with the centrality of the body for trans-masculine individuals interviewed in the United Kingdom and Portugal, we explore how bodily-reflexive practices are central for doing masculinity. Following Connell’s early insight that bodies needed to come back to the political and sociological agendas, we propose that bodily-reflexive practice is a concept suited to account for the production of trans-masculinities. Although multiple, the journeys of trans-masculine individuals demonstrate how bodily experiences shape and redefine masculinities in ways that illuminate the nexus between bodies, embodiments, and discursive enactments of masculinity. Rather than oppositions between bodily conformity to and transgression of the norms of hegemonic masculinity, often encountered in idealizations of the medicalized transsexual against the genderqueer rebel, lived bodily experiences shape masculinities beyond linear oppositions. Tensions between natural and technological, material and discursive, or feminine and masculine were keys for understanding trans-masculine narratives about the body, embodiment, and identity.
World-ready: A Journalism Capstone Unit Model with International Focus in a Pandemic and Post-pandemic Landscape
Authors: Glitsos Laura
Published: April 2021

In assessing the literature to date, in the field of journalism capstone units, there is an absence of research on the potential of Australian journalism capstone units that help cultivate journalism students’ international networks through new media platforms. I argue that there is a need for an Australian journalism capstone unit that focuses on a global vision for post-programme work opportunities in a radically changed and digitally driven global landscape, which does not rely on physical travel. This is especially pertinent for students in the Australian communications network, which has a legacy tradition of insularity that is cultivated by geographical isolation. This factor has also become more pertinent in the wake of COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Reply to my critics
Authors: Hanley Ryan Patrick
Published: April 2021

This reply to my five generous and insightful critics – Gianna Englert, David Williams, Alexandra Oprea, Geneviève Rousslière, and Brandon Turner – focuses on three key issues they raise: the relationship of past ideas to present politics, the utility of ideological labels in the history of political thought, and the relationship of political philosophy to religion and theology.
New Kids on the Block? A Bibliometric Analysis of Emerging COVID-19—Trends in Leadership Research
Authors: Bauwens Robin , Batistič Saša , Kilroy Steven , Nijs Sanne
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented challenges for society. The effects on organizations have been drastic and such tough times have demanded new organizational solutions as well as strong and new forms of organizational leadership. Leadership scholars have accelerated their research efforts in the quest to identify what is needed to lead in these uncertain times. In this paper, we adopt a bibliometric review to unravel the emerging trends in leadership research in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and in doing so, identify commonalities and divergences in these themes with respect to leadership approaches and assess potential avenues for future research. The findings reveal that research on the topic has emerged along six main clusters: (1) leadership and employee health during pandemic times, (2) public leadership, (3) leadership in health care, (4) leadership and diversity, (5) educational leadership, and (6) leadership and persuasive communication. The findings reveal that across these clusters, the pandemic has sparked research on leadership approaches that deal with change and uncertainty as well as those that are less hierarchical and person centered in nature. We also notice a novel attention to context. Rather than “new kids on the block,” these trends are largely continuations of established leadership theories and approaches that see their particular importance increase in this unprecedented situation. Finally, we outline some distinct avenues for further research with regard to leadership in COVID-19 times.
Defined MSC exosome with high yield and purity to improve regenerative activity
Authors: Kim Jun Yong , Rhim Won-Kyu , Yoo Yong-In , Kim Da-Seul , Ko Kyoung-Won , Heo Yun , Park Chun Gwon , Han Dong Keun
Published: April 2021

Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been studied as vital components of regenerative medicine. Typically, various isolation methods of exosomes from cell culture medium have been developed to increase the isolation yield of exosomes. Moreover, the exosome-depletion process of serum has been considered to result in clinically active and highly purified exosomes from the cell culture medium. Our aim was to compare isolation methods, ultracentrifuge (UC)-based conventional method, and tangential flow filtration (TFF) system-based method for separation with high yield, and the bioactivity of the exosome according to the purity of MSC-derived exosome was determined by the ratio of Fetal bovine serum (FBS)-derived exosome to MSC-derived exosome depending on exosome depletion processes of FBS. The TFF-based isolation yield of exosome derived from human umbilical cord MSC (UCMSC) increased two orders (92.5 times) compared to UC-based isolation method. Moreover, by optimizing the process of depleting FBS-derived exosome, the purity of UCMSC-derived exosome, evaluated using the expression level of MSC exosome surface marker (CD73), was about 15.6 times enhanced and the concentration of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), known as impurities resulting from FBS, proved to be negligibly detected. The wound healing and angiogenic effects of highly purified UCMSC-derived exosomes were improved about 23.1% and 71.4%, respectively, with human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC). It suggests that the defined MSC exosome with high yield and purity could increase regenerative activity.
The P450 multigene family of Fontainea and insights into diterpenoid synthesis
Authors: Mitu Shahida A. , Ogbourne Steven M. , Klein Anne H. , Tran Trong D. , Reddell Paul W. , Cummins Scott F.
Published: April 2021

Background

Cytochrome P450s (P450s) are enzymes that play critical roles in the biosynthesis of physiologically important compounds across all organisms. Although they have been characterised in a large number of plant species, no information relating to these enzymes are available from the genus Fontainea (family Euphorbiaceae). Fontainea is significant as the genus includes species that produce medicinally significant epoxy-tigliane natural products, one of which has been approved as an anti-cancer therapeutic.

Results

A comparative species leaf metabolome analysis showed that Fontainea species possess a chemical profile different from various other plant species. The diversity and expression profiles of Fontainea P450s were investigated from leaf and root tissue. A total of 103 and 123 full-length P450 genes in Fontainea picrosperma and Fontainea venosa, respectively (and a further 127/125 partial-length) that were phylogenetically classified into clans, families and subfamilies. The majority of P450 identified are most active within root tissue (66.2% F. picrosperma, 65.0% F. venosa). Representatives within the CYP71D and CYP726A were identified in Fontainea that are excellent candidates for diterpenoid synthesis, of which CYP726A1, CYP726A2 and CYP71D1 appear to be exclusive to Fontainea species and were significantly more highly expressed in root tissue compared to leaf tissue.

Conclusion

This study presents a comprehensive overview of the P450 gene family in Fontainea that may provide important insights into the biosynthesis of the medicinally significant epoxy-tigliane diterpenes found within the genus.
Tricuspid regurgitation in ischemic mitral regurgitation patients: prevalence, predictors for outcome and long-term follow-up
Authors: Koren Ofir , Darawsha Henda , Rozner Ehud , Benhamou Daniel , Turgeman Yoav
Published: April 2021

Background

Functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) is common in left-sided heart pathology involving the mitral valve. The incidence, clinical impact, risk factors, and natural history of FTR in the setting of ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) are less known.

Method

We conducted a cohort study based on data collected from January 2012 to December 2014. Patients diagnosed with IMR were eligible for the study. The median follow-up was 5 years. The primary outcome is defined as FTR developing at any stage.

Results

Among the 134 IMR patients eligible for the study, FTR was detected in 29.9% (N = 40, 20.0% mild, 62.5% moderate, and 17.5% severe). In the FTR group, the average age was 60.7 ± 9.2 years (25% females), the mean LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was 37.3 ± 6.45 [%], LA area 46.4 ± 8.06 (mm2), LV internal diastolic diameter (LVIDD) 59.6 ± 3.94 (mm), RV fractional area change 22.3 ± 4.36 (%), systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) 48.4 ± 9.45 (mmHg). Independent variables associated with FTR development were age ≥ 65y [OR 1.2], failed revascularization, LA area ≥ 42.5 (mm2) [OR 17.1], LVEF ≤ 24% [OR 32.5], MR of moderate and severe grade [OR 419.4], moderate RV dysfunction [OR 91.6] and pulmonary artery pressure of a moderate or severe grade [OR 33.6]. During follow-up, FTR progressed in 39 (97.5%) patients. Covariates independently associated with FTR progression were lower LVEF, RV dysfunction, and PHT of moderate severity. LA area and LVIDD were at the margin of statistical significance (p = 0.06 and p = 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

In our cohort study, FTR development and progression due to IMR was a common finding. Elderly patients with ischemic MR following unsuccessful PCI are at higher risk. FTR development and severity are directly proportional to LV ejection fraction, to the extent of mitral regurgitation, and SPAP. FTR tends to deteriorate in the majority of patients over a mean of 5-y follow-up.