bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Konkretisierung von Auswertekriterien zur Berechnung der Verbrennungseffektivität
Authors: Zehfuß Jochen , Gößwein Lukas
Published: April 2021

Die Verbrennungseffektivität χ ist eine wesentliche Größe bei der Bestimmung der Wärmefreisetzungsrate und der Brandlastdichte bei Anwendung der Eurocode‐Brandschutznachweise. Ein Berechnungsverfahren zur Bestimmung von χ ist bisher jedoch nicht genormt. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden Empfehlungen bez. der Wahl der Auswertekriterien zur Berechnung der Verbrennungseffektivität gegeben. Hierfür wurden Brandversuche im Labormaßstab sowie Realmaßstab am Institut für Baustoffe, Massivbau und Brandschutz (iBMB) der TU Braunschweig durchgeführt. Bei den untersuchten Objekten handelte es sich um Alltagsgegenstände und handelsübliche Bodenbeläge. Die acht am häufigsten in der Praxis angewendeten Kriterien wurden für die Auswertung der experimentellen Untersuchungen herangezogen. Die Unterschiede der Auswertekriterien liegen in den zeitlichen Bezügen ihrer Eingangsparameter. Ergänzend wurde die Verbrennungseffektivität aus den Mittelwerten mehrerer Kriterien gebildet. Es zeigte sich, dass durch die Mittelwertbildung evtl. Ausreißerwerte eingefangen werden können. Als ebenfalls sehr robust erwies sich das Kriterium der Brennstoffbeladung. Die Ergebnisse wurden in einer Tabelle mit Empfehlungen bez. der Auswahl von Auswertekriterien bzw. ‐methoden zusammengetragen.
Growth dynamics and heritability for plant high‐throughput phenotyping studies using hierarchical functional data analysis
Authors: Xu Yuhang , Li Yehua , Qiu Yumou
Published: April 2021

In modern high‐throughput plant phenotyping, images of plants of different genotypes are repeatedly taken throughout the growing season, and phenotypic traits of plants (e.g., plant height) are extracted through image processing. It is of interest to recover whole trait trajectories and their derivatives at both genotype and plant levels based on observations made at irregular discrete time points. We propose to model trait trajectories using hierarchical functional principal component analysis (HFPCA) and show that the problem of recovering derivatives of the trajectories is reduced to estimating derivatives of eigenfunctions, which is solved by differentiating eigenequations. Based on HFPCA, we also propose a new measure for the broad‐sense heritability by allowing it to vary over time during plant growth. Simulation studies show that the proposed procedure performs better than its competitors in terms of recovering both trait trajectories and their derivatives. Interesting characteristics of plant growth and heritability dynamics are revealed in the application to a modern plant phenotyping study.
Novel luminescent Schiff’s base derivative with an azo moiety for ultraselective and sensitive chemosensor of Fe3+ ions
Authors: Priyangga Krisfian Tata Aneka , Kurniawan Yehezkiel Steven , Yuliati Leny , Purwono Bambang , Wahyuningsih Tutik Dwi , Lintang Hendrik O.
Published: April 2021

Chemosensors with ultrasensing capabilities for detection of metal ions have received particular attention when using luminescent organic compounds. Even though hundreds of chemosensor agents have been reported for Fe3+ ion sensing, the designs of those molecules have been complicated and time consuming, in addition to having limited application for aquatic samples due to their poor hydrophilicity. Here, we synthesized a novel azo‐imine derivative (L2) that showed ultrasensitive and selective sensing for Fe3+ ions. L2 exhibited ultraselective detection of Fe3+ ions with a turn‐off of its emission intensity at 341 nm in H2O:MeOH (4:1 v/v) aqueous medium. This quenching phenomenon was in good agreement with its colour change from orange‐yellowish to colourless. Its capability was shown due to its very low limit of detection and limit of quantification values of 0.31 and 1.04 μM, respectively. The interference study showed that L2 is ultraselective for the detection of Fe3+ ions without a significant reduction in its sensing capability even in competitive metal mixtures. Furthermore, direct Fe3+ quantification of tap and drinking water showed that L2 gave good recovery percentages. These findings demonstrated that the Schiff’s base with an azo fluorophore derivative is a potential chemosensor agent for Fe3+ ions sensing applications in aqueous media.
Integration of metabolic pathway manipulation and promoter engineering for the fine‐tuned biosynthesis of malic acid in Bacillus coagulans
Authors: Sun Wenhui , Jiang Bo , Zhao Dongying , Pu Zhongji , Bao Yongming
Published: April 2021

Bacillus coagulans, a thermophilic facultative anaerobe, is a favorable chassis strain for the biosynthesis of desired products. In this study, B. coagulans was converted into an efficient malic acid producer by metabolic engineering and promoter engineering. Promoter mapping revealed that the endogenous promoter Pldh was a tandem promoter. Accordingly, a promoter library was developed, covering a wide range of relative transcription efficiencies with small increments. A reductive tricarboxylic acid pathway was established in B. coagulans by introducing the genes encoding pyruvate carboxylase (pyc), malate dehydrogenase (mdh), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (pckA). Five promoters of various strengths within the library were screened to fine‐tune the expression of pyc to improve the biosynthesis of malic acid. In addition, genes involved in the competitive metabolic pathways were deleted to focus the substrate and energy flux toward malic acid. Dual‐phase fed‐batch fermentation was performed to increase the biomass of the strain, further improving the titer of malic acid to 25.5 g/L, with a conversion rate of 0.3 g/g glucose. Our study is a pioneer research using promoter engineering and genetically modified B. coagulans for the biosynthesis of malic acid, providing an effective approach for the industrialized production of desired products using B. coagulans.
Student design and characterization of visible DHFR fusions for biochemistry tools to improve learning during lab exercises
Authors: Park Junyun , Obeng Jeremiah , Spezia Peter , Huang Jonathan , Morrone Dana J.
Published: April 2021

Student feedback from an undergraduate biochemistry lab course suggested the use of visibly traceable proteins may assist learning. Based on this feedback, we used guided inquiry lab exercises where students developed and characterized a suite of fluorescent protein‐dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) fusions as tools for a biochemistry teaching lab. In contrast to the unfused versions, members of this suite are well‐expressed, soluble, visible, highly stable, and easily characterized. The color of mCherry and EGFP fluorescent fusions with microbial DHFR allows students to visibly track their target protein from expression through purification under ambient light, while fusions with BFP are visible under UV‐light. Fusions were made to both wild‐type and kinetically enhanced DHFR variants. Importantly, we found that fluorescent protein fusions with DHFR did not kinetically interfere as the KM and kcat values were not remarkably altered from the unfused variant. With these fusions, students can easily measure kinetic parameters under steady‐state conditions with readily available substrate and common laboratory spectrophotometers. Additionally, students also determined IC50 values of trimethoprim for DHFR. These exercises can be completed in a series of up to six lab periods and we have included the protocols for instructors who wish undertake a similar series of experiments in their biochemistry teaching labs. Using these visible fusion enzymes with subsequent students, we observed potential learning gains on a course assessment and received positive student feedback. We suggest that the often over‐looked element of visual cues in a biochemistry lab may be an exploitable component of learning.
Pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and metabolism of CC‐92480 in rat by liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: You Weili , Pang Jie
Published: April 2021

CC‐92480 is a cereblon E3 ubiquitin ligase modulating drug with potent antimyeloma activity. In this study, we developed a sensitive UHPLC–MS/MS method for the determination of CC‐92480 in rat plasma. The plasma samples were prepared with acetonitrile and the samples were then separated on an Acquity BEH C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) with water containing 0.1% formic acid (A) and acetonitrile (B) as mobile phase. The MS detection was performed using multiple reaction monitoring mode with precursor‐to‐product ion transitions at m/z 568.3 > 363.1 for CC‐92480 and m/z 441.2 > 138.1 for ibrutinib (internal standard). The assay showed excellent linearity over the concentration range of 1–1,000 ng/ml, with correlation coefficient >0.995. The method was further validated for selectivity, precision, accuracy, recovery and stability according to the US Food and Drug Administration's guideline. The validated method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic and bioavailability studies of CC‐92480 in rat plasma. Based on the pharmacokinetic results, the oral bioavailability of CC‐92480 was >63%. In addition, the circulating metabolites of CC‐92480 were detected by UHPLC–HRMS and the structures were proposed according to their accurate masses and fragment ions. The proposed metabolic pathways of CC‐92480 were oxidative dealkylation and amide hydrolysis.
Exposure to DMSO during infancy alters neurochemistry, social interactions, and brain morphology in long‐evans rats
Authors: Rabow Zachary , Morningstar Taryn , Showalter Megan , Heil Hailey , Thongphanh Krista , Fan Sili , Chan Joanne , Martínez‐Cerdeño Verónica , Berman Robert , Zagzag David , Nudler Evgeny , Fiehn Oliver , Lechpammer Mirna
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a widely used solvent to dissolve hydrophobic substances for clinical uses and experimental in vivo purposes. While usually regarded safe, our prior studies suggest changes to behavior following DMSO exposure. We therefore evaluated the effects of a five‐day, short‐term exposure to DMSO on postnatal infant rats (P6‐10).

Methods

DMSO was intraperitoneally injected for five days at 0.2, 2.0, and 4.0 ml/kg body mass. One cohort of animals was sacrificed 24 hr after DMSO exposure to analyze the neurometabolic changes in four brain regions (cortex, hippocampus, basal ganglia, and cerebellum) by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography. A second cohort of animals was used to analyze chronic alterations to behavior and pathological changes to glia and neuronal cells later in life (P21‐P40).

Results

164 metabolites, including key regulatory molecules (retinoic acid, orotic acid, adrenic acid, and hypotaurine), were found significantly altered by DMSO exposure in at least one of the brain regions at P11 (p < .05). Behavioral tests showed significant hypoactive behavior and decreased social habits to the 2.0 and 4.0 ml DMSO/kg groups (p < .01). Significant increases in number of microglia and astrocytes at P40 were observed in the 4.0 ml DMSO/kg group (at p < .015.)

Conclusions

Despite short‐term exposure at low, putatively nontoxic concentrations, DMSO led to changes in behavior and social preferences, chronic alterations in glial cells, and changes in essential regulatory brain metabolites. The chronic neurological effects of DMSO exposure reported here raise concerns about its neurotoxicity and consequent safety in human medical applications and clinical trials.
Tetranorlanostane and Lanostane Triterpenoids with Cytotoxic Activity from the Epidermis of Poria cocos
Authors: Jiang Ting‐Ting , Ding Lin‐Fen , Nie Wei , Wang Liu‐Yan , Lei Tie , Wu Xing‐De , Zhao Qin‐Shi
Published: April 2021

Two unprecedented tetranorlanostane triterpenoids, poricolides A (1) and B (2), and two new lanostane triterpenoids, 3β‐acetoxy‐24‐methyllanosta‐8,16,24(31)‐trien‐21‐oic acid (3) and 3β‐acetoxylanosta‐7,9(11),16,23‐tetraen‐21‐oic acid (4), were isolated from the epidermis of Poria cocos. The structures of 1–4 were determined via analysis of 1H‐, 13C‐, and 2D‐NMR, and HR‐ESI‐MS data, and the absolute configurations of 1 and 3 were established by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 were the first report of tetranorlanostane triterpenoid having a δ‐lactone ring at C(17). Compounds 3 and 4 were rare lanostane triterpenoids having a double bond between C(16) and C(17). Compounds 1–4 exhibited potent antiproliferative effects against A549, SMMC‐7721, MCF‐7, and SW480 cancer cell lines with IC50 values from 16.19±0.38 to 27.74±1.12 μM.
Metal‐Organic Frameworks Derived Multidimensional CoP/N, P‐Doped Carbon Architecture as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Tian Yongshang , Li Shuiyun , Qin Panpan , Wang Qiqi , Liu Peng , Ji Xiang , Jing Qiangshan
Published: April 2021

Exploring highly efficient non‐noble‐metal‐based electrocatalysts for water electrocatalysis is vitally important to meet the requirement for future hydrogen energy. In this work, we report a simple metal‐organic‐frameworks‐based one‐step calcination route to the rational design of a multidimensional bifunctional electrocatalyst, constituting 0D CoP nanocrystals embedded in N, P‐doped binary carbon networks with 1D carbon hollow nanotube and 2D carbon porous nanosheet. The elaborate hierarchical architecture allows for high exposure of active sites and continuous electron/ion transport pathwaysf1.02. Together with the strong coupling effect between CoP and hybrid carbon matrices, the obtained electrocatalyst can efficiently catalyze both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions. Specifically, low overpotentials of 103 and 260 mV are needed to deliver H2‐evolving current of 10 mA cm−2 and O2‐evolving current of 30 mA cm−2, respectively. Remarkably, an alkaline electrolyzer comprising this electrocatalyst drives 10 mA cm−2 at a low cell voltage of 1.54 V, outperforming the integrated benchmarking Pt/C+IrO2 couple, along with steady durability. The current work introduces a new way of developing innovative transition metal phosphides/carbon nanostructures for electrocatalysis and other energy‐related applications.
Exosome‐Coated Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework Nanoparticles for Intracellular Detection of ATP†
Authors: Lv Wenxing , Han Ziwei , Li Yike , Huang Yanjuan , Sun Jiashu , Lu Xiaoquan , Liu Chao
Published: April 2021

Main observation and conclusion

The intracellular delivery of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) encapsulated with functional biomolecules represents a promising avenue in the field of biomedicine and biosensing. To improve the cellular uptake efficiency of MOFs, here we report the fabrication of cancer cell‐derived exosome membrane (EM)‐coated zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (EM‐ZIF‐8) nanoparticles by using a microfluidic sonication device. EM‐ZIF‐8 nanoparticles loaded with FITC‐labeled bovine serum albumin (BSA) can be taken up by cancer cells and evade phagocytosis more efficiently than their counterparts (ZIF‐8 nanoparticles). Moreover, we use EM‐ZIF‐8 loaded with Rhodamine B (RhB) for in situ imaging of cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The shield effect of ZIF‐8 suppresses the fluorescence of RhB, and the presence of ATP disrupts the ZIF‐8 structure based on the competitive coordination between ATP and Zn2+, leading to the restoration of RhB fluorescence. This method allows accurate detection of the fluctuation of ATP in A549 cells induced by Ca2+ or 2‐DDG treatment. The devised biomimetic EM‐ZIF‐8 nanoparticles thus provide an efficient platform for intracellular drug delivery and ATP sensing.
A single stiffened nucleus alters cell dynamics and coherence in a monolayer
Authors: Parreira Maria Teresa , Lavrenyuk Kirill , Sanches João M. , Dahl Kris Noel
Published: April 2021

Force transmission throughout a monolayer is the result of complex interactions between cells. Monolayer adaptation to force imbalances such as singular stiffened cells provides insight into the initiation of disease and fibrosis. Here, NRK‐52E cells transfected with ∆50LA, which significantly stiffens the nucleus. These stiffened cells were sparsely placed in a monolayer of normal NRK‐52E cells. Through morphometric analysis and temporal tracking, the impact of the singular stiffened cells shows a pivotal role in mechanoresponse of the monolayer. A method for a detailed analysis of the spatial aspect and temporal progression of the nuclear boundary was developed and used to achieve a full description of the phenotype and dynamics of the monolayers under study. Our findings reveal that cells are highly sensitive to the presence of mechanically impaired neighbors, leading to generalized loss of coordination in collective cell migration, but without seemingly affecting the potential for nuclear lamina fluctuations of neighboring cells. Reduced translocation in neighboring cells appears to be compensated by an increase in nuclear rotation and dynamic variation of shape, suggesting a “frustration” of cells and maintenance of motor activity. Interestingly, some characteristics of the behavior of these cells appear to be dependent on the distance to a ∆50LA cell, pointing to compensatory behavior in response to force transmission imbalances in a monolayer. These insights may suggest the long‐range impacts of single cell defects related to tissue dysfunction.
High‐density linkage map construction and QTL analysis of fiber quality and lint percentage in tetraploid cotton
Authors: Zhu Linglong , Andres Ryan J. , Zhang Kuang , Kuraparthy Vasu
Published: April 2021

Improving fiber quality and yield are major research objectives for cotton breeders in the United States. Identifying broadly existing and stable quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to fiber quality is critical to properly utilizing genomic resources in cotton improvement programs. An F6 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross of NC05AZ21 × TX‐2324 was used to develop linkage maps and for QTL analysis of six fiber quality traits and lint percentage. The Illumina 63K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array was used to genotype the RIL population. Analysis of variance of phenotypic trait data showed significant differences among lines and years for all traits tested. The heritability for tested traits ranged from 0.56 to 0.91. Genetic mapping was performed using 3,009 polymorphic SNP markers on the RILs. We constructed a genetic map with a total length of 4,983.73 cM and an average distance of 1.66 cM between markers. The linkage map corresponded well with the Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) sequence‐based physical map. Thirty‐two QTLs with additive effects for lint percentage and fiber quality traits were identified on 15 chromosomes, explaining 7.9–22.2% of the phenotypic variance. The majority of these QTLs were mapped in the D subgenome, indicating that functional mutations in the D subgenome are responsible for the major fiber quality improvements in Upland cotton. Furthermore, five QTL clusters were located on four chromosomes (Chr.05, Chr.18, Chr.19, and Chr.26), which may explain the strong correlation between fiber quality traits measured. The QTLs identified in the current study could be targeted for marker‐assisted selection and map‐based cloning of fiber quality traits in Upland cotton.
“Water‐in‐Salt” Electrolytes for Supercapacitors: A Review
Authors: Tian Xue , Zhu Qizhen , Xu Bin
Published: April 2021

“Water‐in‐salt” (WIS) electrolytes, which have more salt than the solvent in both mass and volume, show promising prospects for application in supercapacitors due to their wide electrochemical stability window (about 3 V), considerable ion transport, high safety, low cost, and environmental friendliness. This Review summarizes the advances, progress, and challenges of WIS electrolytes in supercapacitors. The working mechanisms, reason for the wide electrochemical stability window, typical systems, challenges, and modification strategies of the WIS electrolytes in supercapacitors are discussed. Moreover, the application of WIS electrolytes in symmetric and asymmetric supercapacitors are presented. Finally, perspectives and the future development direction of WIS electrolytes are given. This Review is expected to provide inspiration and guidance for designing WIS electrolytes with advanced performance and push forward the development of high‐performance aqueous supercapacitors with high cell voltage, good rate performance, and thus high energy density and power density.
Forest Saccharomyces paradoxus are robust to seasonal biotic and abiotic changes
Authors: Boynton Primrose J. , Wloch‐Salamon Dominika , Landermann Doreen , Stukenbrock Eva H.
Published: April 2021

Microorganisms are famous for adapting quickly to new environments. However, most evidence for rapid microbial adaptation comes from laboratory experiments or domesticated environments, and it is unclear how rates of adaptation scale from human‐influenced environments to the great diversity of wild microorganisms. We examined potential monthly‐scale selective pressures in the model forest yeast Saccharomyces paradoxus. Contrary to expectations of seasonal adaptation, the S. paradoxus population was stable over four seasons in the face of abiotic and biotic environmental changes. While the S. paradoxus population was diverse, including 41 unique genotypes among 192 sampled isolates, there was no correlation between S. paradoxus genotypes and seasonal environments. Consistent with observations from other S. paradoxus populations, the forest population was highly clonal and inbred. This lack of recombination, paired with population stability, implies that selection is not acting on the forest S. paradoxus population on a seasonal timescale. Saccharomyces paradoxus may instead have evolved generalism or phenotypic plasticity with regard to seasonal environmental changes long ago. Similarly, while the forest population included diversity among phenotypes related to intraspecific interference competition, there was no evidence for active coevolution among these phenotypes. At least ten percent of the forest S. paradoxus individuals produced “killer toxins,” which kill sensitive Saccharomyces cells, but the presence of a toxin‐producing isolate did not predict resistance to the toxin among nearby isolates. How forest yeasts acclimate to changing environments remains an open question, and future studies should investigate the physiological responses that allow microbial cells to cope with environmental fluctuations in their native habitats.
Front Face Fluorescence Spectroscopy Combined with PLS‐DA Allows to Monitor Chemical Changes of Edible Vegetable Oils during Storage at 60 °C
Authors: Botosoa Eliot Patrick , Chèné Christine , Karoui Romdhane
Published: April 2021

In this work, front‐face fluorescence spectroscopy coupled with chemometric tools are used for the monitoring of rapeseed, sunflower, extra virgin olive, and linseed oil. The oil samples are heated at 60 °C for up to 15 days. The fluorescence excitation spectra are scanned in the range of 270–420 nm and 250–310 nm after emission wavelength set at 450 and 330 nm, respectively. The primary and secondary lipid oxidation products are also determined on the same oil samples. By applying partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) to each spectral collection obtained after emission set at 450 and 330 nm, clear discrimination of edible oil samples according to their botanical types, and sometimes aging, is obtained.

Practical Applications: This study shows that oxidation of rapeseed, sunflower, extra virgin olive, and linseed oil monitored different trends due to their difference in composition. The presented results demonstrated the capability of the front‐face fluorescence spectroscopy to differentiate four vegetable oils contained in capped and uncapped flasks indicating the evolution of primary and secondary indicators of oxidation during the storage period. The technology can be exploited at the industrial level for monitoring in a non‐destructive manner the level of oxidation of edible oil.
Perception of repeated pain relief with controllable and uncontrollable pain
Authors: Becker Susanne , Schakib‐Ekbatan Karin , Wroblewski Daniel , Schweiker Marcel
Published: April 2021

Background

The ultimate goal of pain research is to provide effective routes for pain relief. Nevertheless, the perception pain relief as a change in pain intensity and un‐/pleasantness has only been rarely investigated. It has been demonstrated that pain relief has rewarding and reinforcing properties, but it remains unknown whether the perception of pain relief changes when pain reductions occur repeatedly. Further, it remains an open question whether the perception of pain relief depends on the controllability of the preceding pain.

Methods

In this study, healthy volunteers (N = 38) received five cycles of painful heat stimulation and reduction of this stimulation to a non‐painful warm stimulation once in a condition with control of the stimulation and once without control. Participants rated perceived intensity and un‐/pleasantness on visual analogue scales during the heat stimulation and immediately after its reduction.

Results

Results showed that perceived pain relief, estimated by the difference in ratings during ongoing heat stimulation and after its reduction, increased with repetitions. However, this increase levelled off after two to four repetitions. Further, perceived pain relief was larger in the condition without control compared to the condition with control.

Conclusion

The perception of pain relief can be modulated similar to the perception of pain by stimulus characteristics and psychological factors. Mechanistic knowledge about such modulating factors is important, because they can determine, e.g., the amount of requested pain killers in clinical settings and the efficacy of pain relief as a reinforcing stimulus.

Significance

When in pain, pain relief can become an all‐dominate goal. The perception of such pain relief can vary depending on external and internal characteristics and thus modulate, e.g., requests for pain killers in clinical settings. Here, we show that perceived intensity and pleasantness of pain relief changes with repetitions and whether the preceding pain is perceived as uncontrollable. Such mechanistic knowledge needs to be considered to maximize the effects of pain relief as a rewarding and reinforcing stimulus.
Evaluating the fire risk associated with cladding panels: An overview of fire incidents, policies, and future perspective in fire standards
Authors: Yuen Anthony Chun Yin , Chen Timothy Bo Yuan , Li Ao , De Cachinho Cordeiro Ivan Miguel , Liu Luzhe , Liu Hengrui , Lo Anson Lok Pui , Chan Qing Nian , Yeoh Guan Heng
Published: April 2021

Multifunctional building façades have become an increasingly critical component in modern buildings, especially after the tremendous scrutiny triggered by the utilization of combustible aluminum cladding panels (ACP) in the construction sector. Following the massive effort by both industry and government agencies to reduce the fire risks of combustible façades in recent years, façades with insufficient fire ratings have been continuously causing severe building fires leading to countless human casualties and properties damages. This review aims to provide an in‐depth overview of the previous developments and current progress for establishing relevant fire standards with regards to ACPs, from an Australian standpoint. The fire spread mechanisms associate with ACPs, and their potential hazards were discussed. Furthermore, the current building regulations for ACPs have been reviewed, including detailed experimental procedures and rating criterion for all existing international standards. To address the research knowledge gap in terms of the understanding of the cladding fire mechanisms, and combustibility of existing ACP polymer composites, recent advancement in experimental and numerical studies has been summarized and discussed to identify the critical issues and concerns for current ACP products. Future perspectives involving cutting‐edge approaches such as computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling coupled with artificial neural network (ANN) optimization are advocated in this article. Additionally, fundamental material characterization techniques using molecular dynamics (MD) approaches can be implemented to deliver a better description of the degradation kinetics and smoke/toxicity generations.
Microbiota profiles and dynamics in fermented plant‐based products and preliminary assessment of their in vitro gut microbiota modulation
Authors: Lavefve Laura , Cureau Natacha , Rodhouse Lindsey , Marasini Daya , Walker Laura M. , Ashley Danielle , Lee Sun‐Ok , Gadonna‐Widehem Pascale , Anton Pauline M. , Carbonero Franck
Published: April 2021

Consumption of fermented food has long been associated with health benefits, but there is still limited knowledge on the bacterial dynamics in plant‐based food fermentation outside of culture‐based studies. Different fermented plant‐based products were assessed for the presence of Archaea and their microbiota bacterial dynamics during the fermentation. Archaea were consistently detected in the brine of the vegetables, and constant increase in gene copy number throughout the fermentation of kraut indicated that Archaea were not only viable but actively growing. The plant‐associated bacterial microbiota of cabbage and jalapeno were dominated by Proteobacteria, specifically Pseudomonas (51% and 39% respectively), while the okra harbored roughly equal numbers of firmicutes and proteobacteria. In cabbage and jalapeno fermentations, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which were detected in extremely low levels in raw products, became dominant with expected succession of heterofermentative and homofermentative species. These two stages were not detected in the fermentation of okra, and Lactobacillus remained the most abundant genera. The kombucha fermentation was dominated by Gluconacetobacter as reported previously, but also characterized by high abundance of Bacteroides. Intriguingly, the microbiota composition and dynamics were very different between the two kombucha batches tested, suggesting redundancy in microorganisms’ fermentative roles. Finally, a preliminary in vitro fermentation study was indicative of a potential bifidogenic effect of microbial metabolites from kombucha. Collectively, these data indicate that fermented plant products harbor a highly diverse microbiota, bacteria, and archaea, even after the end of the fermentation.
Schlitzentlastungs‐ und Kompensationsmethode zur Messung der Druckspannungen im Randbereich geotechnischer Bauwerke – Empfehlung Nr. 22 des Arbeitskreises 3.3 – Versuchstechnik Fels – der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Geotechnik e. V.
Authors: Fröhlich Bernhard , Schlebusch Michael
Published: April 2021

Der Arbeitskreis AK 3.3 „Versuchstechnik Fels“ der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Geotechnik e. V. erarbeitet Empfehlungen für felsmechanische Labor‐ und Feldversuche sowie Messungen im Gebirge und an geotechnischen Bauwerken. Die vorliegende Empfehlung Nr. 22 behandelt die Messung von Druckspannungen im Randbereich von geotechnischen Bauwerken und von Bauteilen mit der Schlitzentlastungs‐ und Kompensationsmethode. Es werden das Messprinzip, die Versuchseinrichtung, die praktische Anwendung am Versuchsort und die Auswertung anhand eines Beispiels erläutert.
Distinct functional and structural connections predict crystallised and fluid cognition in healthy adults
Authors: Dhamala Elvisha , Jamison Keith W. , Jaywant Abhishek , Dennis Sarah , Kuceyeski Amy
Published: April 2021

White matter pathways between neurons facilitate neuronal coactivation patterns in the brain. Insight into how these structural and functional connections underlie complex cognitive functions provides an important foundation with which to delineate disease‐related changes in cognitive functioning. Here, we integrate neuroimaging, connectomics, and machine learning approaches to explore how functional and structural brain connectivity relate to cognition. Specifically, we evaluate the extent to which functional and structural connectivity predict individual crystallised and fluid cognitive abilities in 415 unrelated healthy young adults (202 females) from the Human Connectome Project. We report three main findings. First, we demonstrate functional connectivity is more predictive of cognitive scores than structural connectivity, and, furthermore, integrating the two modalities does not increase explained variance. Second, we show the quality of cognitive prediction from connectome measures is influenced by the choice of grey matter parcellation, and, possibly, how that parcellation is derived. Third, we find that distinct functional and structural connections predict crystallised and fluid abilities. Taken together, our results suggest that functional and structural connectivity have unique relationships with crystallised and fluid cognition and, furthermore, studying both modalities provides a more comprehensive insight into the neural correlates of cognition.
The effect of subcutaneous injection of methylprednisolone acetate and lidocaine for refractory postherpetic neuralgia: a prospective, observational study
Authors: Nguyen Duc Thuan , Dang Thanh Chung , Nguyen Quang An , Le Trung Duc , Hoang Thi Dung , Tran Thi Ngoc Truong , Duong Ta Hai Ninh , Nguyen Van Tuan , Le Van Quan , Hoang Tien Ung , Duong Minh Tuan , Nhu Dinh Son , Phan Viet Nga
Published: April 2021

Background

Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common and bearable complication of herpes zoster (HZ). This pain may have negative impact on the patient's all aspects of daily life and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). Despite numerous advances in treatment, many patients remain resistant to the current therapy options. It is the first time subcutaneous injection of methylprednisolone acetate and lidocaine has been used to treat refractory PHN. We report the results of this treatment evaluating pain relief and HRQOL improvement in this disorder.

Methods

A total of 43 patients with refractory PHN was enrolled in the observational study. All patients received daily subcutaneous injection of methylprednisolone acetate and lidocaine for 10 consecutive days. The severity of pain was assessed by using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and 36‐Item Short Form Survey (SF‐36) was applied to evaluate HRQOL. Assessment of the pain and HRQOL was carried out at baseline and posttreatment at 4 weeks as well as 6 and 12 months.

Results

At baseline, all patients experienced severe PHN with average VAS scores of 8.44 ± 0.85 (minimum 7; maximum 10). At 4 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after treatment, the pain had significantly decreased (P < .001), and all subjects showed significant improvement in all eight domains of HRQOL. No major adverse events associated with the subcutaneous injection were observed.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that subcutaneous injection of methylprednisolone acetate and lidocaine can be an effective and safe treatment for PHN.
Heat and mass transfer analysis of combined convection in a horizontal rectangle
Authors: Ambethkar Vusala , Basumatary Lakshmi R.
Published: April 2021

In this study, the heat and mass transfer of combined free and forced convection in the horizontal rectangle is explored. The governing equations together with the boundary conditions are solved numerically by using the finite volume method. The innovative idea in this study is to appropriately modify the Semi‐Implicit Method for Pressure‐Linked Equations algorithm and thereby, the numerical solutions of the flow variables such as the temperature and the concentration in addition to the components of velocity and the pressure are computed. The Richardson numbers (Ri) for distinct gases and liquids are calculated for different Rayleigh numbers at low (Re = 50) and high (Re = 5000) Reynolds numbers. The dimensionless parameters, such as the Reynolds number (Re), the Prandtl number (Pr), and the Schmidt number (Sc) are appropriately chosen to calculate the Richardson numbers. Consequently, combined free and forced convection effects are analyzed. Furthermore, the heat and mass transfer aspect for distinct gases and liquids is critically examined using empirical correlations. The accuracy and the validation of these results are ensured owing to the solutions obtained from correlations being advised in this study and those are existing in the literature.
Telehealth to train interventionists teaching functional living skills to children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: A. Craig Emma , Dounavi Katerina , Ferguson Jenny
Published: April 2021

The number of Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBA®s) available outside of the United States is significantly lower than the number of individuals with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) requiring services. Research on alternative delivery platforms, such as telehealth, to disseminate interventions to those in need is of paramount importance. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of training professionals working with individuals with ASD in behavior‐analytic procedures through telehealth. Four professional–child dyads took part. Data were collected on the professionals' treatment fidelity and number of independent steps performed by the children for 3 functional daily living skills. The study employed a multiple probe design across participants and included a cost analysis. All 4 professionals met the mastery criterion and all 4 children demonstrated increases in independence.
Simultaneous multi‐spectral, single‐photon fluorescence imaging using a plasmonic colour filter array
Authors: Connolly Peter W. R. , Valli Jessica , Shah Yash D. , Altmann Yoann , Grant James , Accarino Claudio , Rickman Colin , Cumming David R. S. , Buller Gerald S.
Published: April 2021

We present the first realisation of simultaneous multi‐spectral fluorescence imaging using a single‐photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array, where the spectral unmixing is facilitated by a plasmonic metasurface mosaic colour filter array (CFA). A 64 × 64 pixel format silicon SPAD array is used to record widefield fluorescence and brightfield data from four biological samples. A plasmonic metasurface composed of an arrangement of circular and elliptical nanoholes etched into an aluminium thin film deposited on a glass substrate provides the high transmission efficiency CFA, enabling a bespoke spectral unmixing algorithm to reconstruct high fidelity, full colour images from as few as ∼3 photons per pixel. This approach points the way toward real‐time, single‐photon sensitive multi‐spectral fluorescence imaging. Furthermore, this is possible without additional bulky components such as a filter wheel, prism or diffraction grating, nor the need for multiple sample exposures or multiple detectors.
Sarcopenia Definitions as Predictors of Fracture Risk Independent of FRAX®, Falls, and BMD in the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) Study: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Harvey Nicholas C , Orwoll Eric , Kwok Timothy , Karlsson Magnus K , Rosengren Björn E , Ribom Eva , Cauley Jane A , Cawthon Peggy M , Ensrud Kristine , Liu Enwu , Cruz-Jentoft Alfonso J , Fielding Roger A , Cooper Cyrus , Kanis John A , Lorentzon Mattias , Ohlsson Claes , Mellström Dan , Johansson Helena , McCloskey Eugene
Published: April 2021

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-derived appendicular lean mass/height2 (ALM/ht2) is the most commonly used estimate of muscle mass in the assessment of sarcopenia, but its predictive value for fracture is substantially attenuated by femoral neck (fn) bone mineral density (BMD). We investigated predictive value of 11 sarcopenia definitions for incident fracture, independent of fnBMD, fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX®) probability, and prior falls, using an extension of Poisson regression in US, Sweden, and Hong Kong Osteoporois Fractures in Men Study (MrOS) cohorts. Definitions tested were those of Baumgartner and Delmonico (ALM/ht2 only), Morley, the International Working Group on Sarcopenia, European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP1 and 2), Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia, Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) 1 and 2 (using ALM/body mass index [BMI], incorporating muscle strength and/or physical performance measures plus ALM/ht2), and Sarcopenia Definitions and Outcomes Consortium (gait speed and grip strength). Associations were adjusted for age and time since baseline and reported as hazard ratio (HR) for first incident fracture, here major osteoporotic fracture (MOF; clinical vertebral, hip, distal forearm, proximal humerus). Further analyses adjusted additionally for FRAX-MOF probability (n = 7531; calculated ± fnBMD), prior falls (y/n), or fnBMD T-score. Results were synthesized by meta-analysis. In 5660 men in USA, 2764 Sweden and 1987 Hong Kong (mean ages 73.5, 75.4, and 72.4 years, respectively), sarcopenia prevalence ranged from 0.5% to 35%. Sarcopenia status, by all definitions except those of FNIH, was associated with incident MOF (HR = 1.39 to 2.07). Associations were robust to adjustment for prior falls or FRAX probability (without fnBMD); adjustment for fnBMD T-score attenuated associations. EWGSOP2 severe sarcopenia (incorporating chair stand time, gait speed, and grip strength plus ALM) was most predictive, albeit at low prevalence, and appeared only modestly influenced by inclusion of fnBMD. In conclusion, the predictive value for fracture of sarcopenia definitions based on ALM is reduced by adjustment for fnBMD but strengthened by additional inclusion of physical performance measures. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
How are uncertain prenatal genetic results perceived and managed two years after they were received? A qualitative interview study
Authors: Lou Stina , Jensen Amalie Hahn , Vogel Ida
Published: April 2021

Chromosomal microarray has considerably improved our ability to identify or dismiss genetic conditions in the unborn child. However, this detailed analysis also reveals copy number variants (CNVs) of unknown or uncertain significance, in which the specific child's prognosis can be difficult to predict. Little is known about the longer‐term impacts of receiving an uncertain prenatal CNV result. Our qualitative study explored how such a result was perceived and managed in everyday life, 2 years after it was received. From an original sample of 16 couples, nine women participated in a semi‐structured follow‐up phone interview. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results show that these women did not perceive the CNV result to be a part of their everyday lives. They managed the CNV result by focusing on the child's positive development, by not sharing the CNV information in wider social networks, and by emphasizing parental values such as taking life as it comes, welcoming human variation, and accepting that dealing with a child's struggles is an inherent part of parenthood. Overall, the women expressed a positive attitude toward prenatal genetic information about serious disorders but considered ‘their’ CNV to be close to normal; several women suggested that such findings should not be reported. However, they also recognized the difficulties in making such decisions, given variable penetrance and that couples’ definitions of ‘serious’ could vary significantly. The diagnostic process during pregnancy was remembered as being highly stressful, and many expressed a need for more control in a future pregnancy. Our study provides insight into how mothers reconfigure CNV results to fit their values and everyday lives. When delivering uncertain CNV results in a prenatal setting, genetics healthcare providers should present and discuss long‐term coping strategies with expecting parents.
Serum cystatin C as a predictor of 90‐day mortality among patients admitted with complications of cirrhosis
Authors: Suksamai Anuchit , Chaiprasert Amnart , Chirapongsathorn Sakkarin
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim

Cystatin C (Cys) is not affected by age, sex, and muscle mass. We evaluated to compare the predictive performance of serum Cys level and model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score and developed a new model to predict 90‐day mortality among patients admitted with cirrhosis complications.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed from December 2018 to December 2019. All cirrhotic patients admitted with acute decompensated liver cirrhosis or acute on chronic liver failure had laboratory values measured within 48 h of admission.

Results

A cohort of 225 patients with cirrhosis was admitted during the study period. Sixty‐five patients were eligible for analysis. Twenty‐seven of these patients (41.4%) died within 90 days of follow‐up. The median of MELD score was 20.5 (15, 24). Serum Cys level of >1.45 mg/L had the highest 90‐day mortality prediction with the sensitivity and specificity of 66.7% and 68.4%, respectively. Cys and MELD scores were predictive of 90‐day mortality: Cys hazard ratio (HR) = 2.04 (95% CI 1.01–4.14, P = 0.048); MELD score HR = 1.01 (95% CI 0.51–2.01, P = 0.970). C‐statistic of Cys, MELD score, model for end‐stage liver disease‐cystatin C (MELD‐Cys) score, combined Cys with MELD‐Cys score to predict 90‐day mortality were 0.67, 0.58, 0.58, and 0.63, respectively. Adding Cys to the MELD score did not improve the predictive of 90‐day mortality.

Conclusion

Serum Cys is superior to MELD score, and the new MELD‐Cys model is comparable to the MELD score in predicting mortality among patients with cirrhosis admitted with complications.
Association between the HLA genotype and the severity of COVID‐19 infection among South Asians
Authors: Naemi Fatmah M. A. , Al‐adwani Shurooq , Al‐khatabi Heba , Al‐nazawi Ashwaq
Published: April 2021

Regional variations are found in the incidence and severity of the COVID‐19 infection. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphism is one of the genetic factors that might have an impact on the outcome of the disease. This study explored the association between the HLA genotype and the severity of COVID‐19 among patients from South Asia. Blood samples from 95 Asians (Bangladeshis, Indians, and Pakistanis) with COVID‐19 were collected. The patients were divided according to the severity of their infection: mild (N = 64), severe (N = 31), and fatal (N = 20). DNA was extracted from all samples, and HLA genotyping was performed for both class I (A, B, and C) and class II (DRB1, DQA1, and DQB1) using the PCR‐rSSO (polymerase chain reaction–reverse sequence‐specific oligonucleotide) molecular method. The frequency of HLA‐B*51 was significantly higher among patients in the fatal group than among those in the mild infection group (15% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.027). Additionally, the frequency of HLA‐B*35 was significantly higher in the mild infection group than in the fatal group (21.1% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.050 [a borderline p‐value]). In terms of HLA class II, DRB1*13 was significantly observed in the fatal group than in the mild infection group (17.5% vs. 11.3%, p = 0.049). However, the p‐value for all alleles became insignificant after a statistical correction for the p‐values (pc = 0.216, pc = 0.4, and pc = 0.49, respectively). Compared with all published data, this study highlights that the association between the HLA system and the COVID‐19 outcome might be ethnic‐dependent. Genetic variation between populations must be examined on a wider scale to assess infection prognosis and vaccine effectiveness.