bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confirming the contribution and genetic spectrum of de novo mutation in infantile spasms: Evidence from a Chinese cohort
Authors: Liu Liying , Liu Fang , Wang Qiuhong , Xie Hua , Li Zhengchang , Lu Qian , Wang Yangyang , Zhang Mengna , Zhang Yu , Picker Jonathan , Cui Xiaodai , Zou Liping , Chen Xiaoli
Published: May 2021

Objective

We determined the yield, genetic spectrum, and actual origin of de novo mutations (DNMs) for infantile spasms (ISs) in a Chinese cohort. The efficacy of levetiracetam (LEV) for STXBP1‐related ISs was explored also.

Methods

Targeted sequencing of 153 epilepsy‐related candidate genes was applied to 289 Chinese patients with undiagnosed ISs. Trio‐based amplicon deep sequencing was used for all DNMs to distinguish somatic/mosaic mutations from germline ones.

Results

Total of 26 DNMs were identified from 289 recruited Chinese patients with undiagnosed ISs. Among them, 24 DNMs were interpreted as pathogenic mutations based on American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines, contributing to 8.3% (24/289) of diagnosis yield in the Chinese IS cohort. CDKL5 and STXBP1 are the top genes with recurrent DNMs, accounting for 3.1% (9/289) of yield. Further deep resequencing for the trio members showed that 22.7% (5/22) of DNMs are actually somatic in the proband or a parent. These somatic carriers presented milder seizure attacks than those with true germline DNMs. After treatment with LEV for half a year, three patients with DNM in STXBP1 showed improved clinical symptoms, including seizure‐free and normal electroencephalogram, except for a patient with a second DNM in DIAPH3.

Significance

Our study confirmed the contribution and genetic spectrum of DNMs in Chinese IS patients. Somatic mutation account for a quarter of DNMs in IS cases. Treatment with LEV improved the prognosis of STXBP1‐related ISs.
Determining Discard Mortality of Monkfish in a Sea Scallop Dredge Fishery
Authors: Weissman Amelia , Knotek Ryan , Mandelman John , Rudders David , Roman Sally , Sulikowski James
Published: May 2021

Discard mortality studies are considered a primary research priority, particularly for species and fisheries where discard rates are high. Monkfish (the commercial name for Goosefish) Lophius americanus supports the most lucrative finfish fishery in New England, and it is also the second highest bycatch species by weight in the sea scallop dredge fishery. Despite its commercial importance, no data exist with respect to monkfish discard mortality estimates for any gear type. The goals of this study were to evaluate the discard mortality process for monkfish captured in sea scallop dredge gear, estimate mortality rate, and develop best handling/management practices to mitigate the impact of monkfish bycatch in the sea scallop dredge fishery. Discard mortality was estimated during a field study conducted between June and October 2017 on board sea scallop commercial fishing vessels on Georges Bank in the Northwest Atlantic. Pop-up satellite tags were affixed to 60 monkfish to track survival from 14 to 28 d postcapture. From these monitored individuals, high predation rates were observed (n = 18 out of 26 mortalities), and the bulk of mortalities (n = 21) occurred within the first 24 h of discarding. However, in light of having no clear method for disentangling capture-related and tag-induced predation, predation was noted exclusively as one or the other to account for uncertainty and provide an upper and lower bound of mortality. This approach suggested that the discard mortality rate was between 17.9% and 54.1% for monkfish discarded by scallop dredges and that elevated air temperatures (above thermal preferences) may contribute to increased mortality. Based on these results, it appears that monkfish discard mortality is lower than previous assumptions of 100%, and potential best-practice management suggestions moving forward may include minimizing fishing in areas of high monkfish abundance or scheduling rotating time/area closures during periods when air temperature exceeds monkfish thermal tolerance of 13°C.
SAR and temperature distributions in a database of realistic human models for 7 T cardiac imaging
Authors: Steensma Bart R. , Meliadò Ettore F. , Luijten Peter , Klomp Dennis W. J. , van den Berg Cornelis A. T. , Raaijmakers Alexander J. E.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To investigate inter‐subject variability of B1+, SAR and temperature rise in a database of human models using a local transmit array for 7 T cardiac imaging.

Methods

Dixon images were acquired of 14 subjects and segmented in dielectric models with an eight‐channel local transmit array positioned around the torso for cardiac imaging. EM simulations were done to calculate SAR distributions. Based on the SAR distributions, temperature simulations were performed for exposure times of 6 min and 30 min. Peak local SAR and temperature rise levels were calculated for different RF shim settings. A statistical analysis of the resulting peak local SAR and temperature rise levels was performed to arrive at safe power limits.

Results

For RF shim vectors with random phase and uniformly distributed power, a safe average power limit of 35.7 W was determined (first level controlled mode). When RF amplitude and phase shimming was performed on the heart, a safe average power limit of 35.0 W was found. According to Pennes' model, our numerical study suggests a very low probability of exceeding the absolute local temperature limit of 40 °C for a total exposure time of 6 min and a peak local SAR of 20 W/kg. For a 30 min exposure time at 20 W/kg, it was shown that the absolute temperature limit can be exceeded in the case where perfusion does not change with temperature.

Conclusion

Safe power constraints were found for 7 T cardiac imaging with an eight‐channel local transmit array, while considering the inter‐subject variability of B1+, SAR and temperature rise.
Solution NMR in human embryo culture media as an option for assessment of embryo implantation potential
Authors: Salmerón Ana M. , Abreu Ana Cristina , Vilches‐Ferrón Miguel , Fernández Ignacio
Published: May 2021

NMR offers the potential to holistically screen hundreds of metabolites and has already proved to be a powerful technique able to provide a global picture of metabolic changes in a wide range of biological systems underlying complex and multifactorial matrixes. This review covers the literature until May 2020 centered on the early prediction of the viability of in vitro developed embryos using several analytical techniques, including NMR. Nowadays, the predominant non‐invasive technique for selecting viable embryos is based on morphology, where variables associated with the rate of cleavage and blastocyst formation are evaluated by the embryologist following standardized criteria that are somewhat subjective. This morphological approach is therefore inadequate for the prediction of embryo quality, and several studies have focused on developing new non‐invasive methods using molecular approaches based particularly on metabolomics. This review outlines the potential of NMR as one of these non‐invasive in vitro methods based on the analysis of spent embryo culture media.
Transitional care experiences of caregivers of preterm infants hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit: A qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Ma Ruo Han , Zhang Qing , Ni Zhi Hong , Lv Hai Tao
Published: May 2021

Aim

To describe the transitional care experiences and nursing needs of caregivers of preterm infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Design

A qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews with the 24 caregivers of preterm infants admitted to Children's Hospital, Soochow University. All data were collected by a trained and experienced interviewer. The caregivers' experiences were described using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Six Five themes emerged from the analysis: (a) uncertainty about the disease; (b) anxiety due to restricted visitation; (c) exhaustion from overwork; (d) emotional depression; (e) low care ability; (f) a variety of channels for help and a positive response. This study provides a basis for understanding the needs of their caregivers so that effective coping strategies can be implemented. Nurses' education and practice should focus on understanding the real experiences of the parents of preterm infants during transitional nursing.
Validation of a manual of care plans for people hospitalized with COVID‐19
Authors: González Aguña Alexandra , Fernández Batalla Marta , Díaz‐Tendero Rodríguez Javier , Sarrión Bravo Juan Antonio , Gonzalo de Diego Blanca , Santamaría García José María
Published: May 2021

Aim

Validate a manual of care plans for people hospitalized for coronavirus disease, COVID‐19.

Design

Validation study with a mixed‐method design.

Methods

Design and validation of a care plans manual for people hospitalized by COVID‐19. Care plans used standardized languages: NANDA‐I, Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) and Nursing Intervention Classification (NIC). The design included external and internal validation with quantitative and qualitative analysis. Data collection was between March and June 2020. The study methods were compliant with the Good Reporting of a Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS) checklist.

Results

The manual integrated 24 NANDA‐I diagnoses, 34 NOC and 47 NIC different criteria. It was validated by experts of Scientific‐Technical Commission, who recommended linking the diagnoses to an assessment. The internal validation validated 17 of 24 diagnoses, 56 of 65 NOC and 86 of the 104 NIC. During the discussion group, 6 new diagnoses proposed were validated and the non‐validated diagnoses were linked to the baseline condition of the person.
Preparation and characterization of composites using blends of divinylbenzene‐based hyperbranched and linear functionalized polymers
Authors: Kabir Sumaya F. , Adlington Kevin , Parsons Andrew J. , Irvine Derek J. , Ahmed Ifty
Published: May 2021

In this study, hyperbranched polymers were explored as matrix modifiers to create E‐glass fiber (GF) reinforced polymer composites with enhanced mechanical properties. Hyperbranched polymers have lower viscosities than their linear equivalents, potentially providing enhanced fiber wet out leading to improved stress transfer. Hyperbranched (HB), hydrogenated hyperbranched (H‐HB), and linear functional (LF) divinyl benzene were blended with linear polystyrene (LP) to form a range of composite matrix formulations. Blends of the HB and LP polymers were used since the neat hyperbranched polymers alone proved to be highly brittle when formed into a film. A neat LP‐GF composite was also prepared as control. Of the three matrix modifiers considered, only the H‐HB provided an improvement in mechanical properties in comparison to LP‐GF. With the addition of 10 and 20 wt% H‐HB, respectively, the flexural modulus increased by 25% (p < 0.05) and 36% (p < 0.05) and flexural strength increased by 15% (p < 0.05) and 31% (p < 0.005). The enhanced mechanical properties were attributed to better fiber wetting along with crystallization observed with the addition of 20 wt% H‐HB. The non‐reactive ethyl (CH2CH3) chain end group of the macromolecular H‐HB resulted in a plasticizing effect, which in turn improved its wettability. The LP:HB polymer blends, on the other hand, underwent crosslinking due to the presence of the vinyl (CHCH2) chain ends leading to poor wettability in comparison to the LP:H‐HB and LP:LF blended films and hence lower mechanical properties.
TAM KJ‐Q14 ESU and TAM 12J‐39 ESU upland cotton germplasm with improved fiber bundle strength
Authors: Smith C. Wayne , Joy Kolbyn , Hague Steve , Hequet Eric , Kelly Brendan , Jones Don
Published: May 2021

Production of quality cotton yarns depends on cotton fibers that are long, strong, and uniform in length. Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) yarn produced in the United States is spun predominately on open‐end spinning technology, while globally, ring technology predominates. Open‐end technology offers speed of production, while ring offers flexibility in size and quality of yarn. A newer technology, vortex spinning, provides spinning speeds that exceed that of open‐end spinning and is 30 times that of ring spinning. In order for upland cotton fibers to compete with man‐made fibers as newer technology is adopted, breeders must develop genotypes that produce longer, stronger, and finer fibers that are more uniform in length distribution. The Cotton Improvement Program at Texas A&M AgriLife Research has developed and released upland cotton germplasm with fiber length equal to that of pima cotton (G. barbadenseL.) and fiber strength greater than upland cultivars currently marketed. TAM KJ‐Q14 ESU (extra strength upland) and TAM 12J‐39 ESU (Reg. no. GP‐1084, PI 698109 and Reg. no. GP‐1085 PI 698110, respectively) were developed as part of the effort to provide upland cotton breeders with parental material to incorporate fiber strength into new cultivars. TAM KJ‐Q14 ESU combines excellent fiber length with fiber strength exceeding 350 kN m kg–1while TAM 12J‐39 ESU combines competitive yield potential with fiber strength exceeding 350 kN m kg–1. Both germplasm lines will provide breeders with additional sources of excellent fiber strength in good to excellent agronomic profiles.
A Comparative Evaluation of Natural and Synthetic Binder Systems and their Influence on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Gallic Acid‐KNO3‐KClO3 Tertiary Pyrotechnic Mixture
Authors: Pathak Tribhuvan Kumar , Sharma Vandana , Singh Jassal Pyar , Pal Singh Raj , Johar Rajni
Published: May 2021

Tannic acid is a natural binder that was comparatively investigated against four different types of conventional synthetic binders phenol‐formaldehyde resin, carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt, ethylcellulose, and hydroxyethylcellulose which are being used in aerosol forming pyrotechnic formulations for firefighting application. It has been found that the nature of the binder in an amount of 3 % significantly influences the fire suppression performance, thermal and mechanical characteristics of gallic acid‐based aerosol‐forming pyrotechnic mixture. The safety and performance characteristics of these formulations were evaluated by conducting analysis specific to pyrotechnic formulations, i. e., calorimetric analysis, linear solid strand burn rate measurement, TGA/DSC thermal analysis, compression test, moisture content, and fire suppression test. These formulations were designed to discharge fire extinguishing aerosol and it can be inferred from the values obtained from these analyses that tannic acid is a preferred binder to the other four binder systems for the Gallic acid‐KNO3‐KClO3 pyrotechnic mixture.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of the Influence of PEG‐TDI Aging Degradation on Diffusibility and Compatibility of NG and BTTN
Authors: Kong Lingze , Dong Kehai , Tang Yanhui , Lai Shuaiguang
Published: May 2021

In this study, the molecular dynamics method was used to explore the effects of the degradation of an adhesion agent (PEG‐TDI) in a nitrate ester plasticized polyether propellant on the compatibility and diffusibility of energetic plasticizers (NG and BTTN) and the glass transition temperature and mechanical properties of the blend system (PEG‐TDI/NG/BTTN). The radial distribution function, the mean square radius of gyration, and fractional free volume of the PEG‐TDI/NG/BTTN system under different degrees of degradation conditions were calculated. The diffusibility and compatibility of NG and BTTN, the glass transition temperature, and the mechanical properties of the blended system were then discussed. The results showed that, with aggravation of the degree of PEG‐TDI degradation, the fractional free volume in the system decreased, intermolecular hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions enhanced, and the size of the polymeric nematic decreased. These changes eventually caused the diffusion ability of NG and BTTN to weaken, compatibility to be enhanced, and glass transition temperature, stiffness, and yield strength of the PEG‐TDI/NG/BTTN system to increase.
Drp1‐dependent peptide reverse mitochondrial fragmentation, a homeostatic response in Friedreich ataxia
Authors: Johnson Joseph , Mercado‐Ayón Elizabeth , Clark Elisia , Lynch David , Lin Hong
Published: May 2021

Friedreich ataxia is an autosomal recessive, neurodegenerative disease characterized by the deficiency of the iron‐sulfur cluster assembly protein frataxin. Loss of this protein impairs mitochondrial function. Mitochondria alter their morphology in response to various stresses; however, such alterations to morphology may be homeostatic or maladaptive depending upon the tissue and disease state. Numerous neurodegenerative diseases exhibit excessive mitochondrial fragmentation, and reversing this phenotype improves bioenergetics for diseases in which mitochondrial dysfunction is a secondary feature of the disease. This paper demonstrates that frataxin deficiency causes excessive mitochondrial fragmentation that is dependent upon Drp1 activity in Friedreich ataxia cellular models. Drp1 inhibition by the small peptide TAT‐P110 reverses mitochondrial fragmentation but also decreases ATP levels in frataxin‐knockdown fibroblasts and FRDA patient fibroblasts, suggesting that fragmentation may provide a homeostatic pathway for maintaining cellular ATP levels. The cardiolipin‐stabilizing compound SS‐31 similarly reverses fragmentation through a Drp1‐dependent mechanism, but it does not affect ATP levels. The combination of TAT‐P110 and SS‐31 does not affect FRDA patient fibroblasts differently from SS‐31 alone, suggesting that the two drugs act through the same pathway but differ in their ability to alter mitochondrial homeostasis. In approaching potential therapeutic strategies for FRDA, an important criterion for compounds that improve bioenergetics should be to do so without impairing the homeostatic response of mitochondrial fragmentation.
Current‐Induced Complementary Doping to Graphene from Hydrogen Silsesquioxane Passivation Layer
Authors: Wang Zhongwang , Yuan Yahua , Liu Xiaochi , Mizuta Hiroshi , Sun Jian
Published: May 2021

Hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) is a high‐resolution negative‐tone e‐beam resist. Apart from that, it also frequently uses a complementary dopant to 2D materials. So far, most of the studies on an HSQ complementary doping process have been performed by electron beam exposure during the device fabrication. Doping induced by post‐treatment after device fabrication has not been investigated. Herein, current annealing is reported as an easy access to induce controlled complementary doping from the capping HSQ to the graphene. Joule heating caused by the current is able to break siliconhydrogen and siliconoxygen bonds in HSQ. Subsequently, hydrogen and oxygen atoms generated are trapped at the HSQ–graphene interface, therefore, n‐type and p‐type doping graphene, respectively. The doping polarity and strength can be controlled by current strength and annealing duration.
A system reliability estimation method by the fourth moment saddle point approximation and copula functions
Authors: Zhu Li‐Sha , Lu Hao , Zhang Yi‐Min
Published: May 2021

Despite many advances in the field of computational system reliability analysis, estimating the joint probability distribution of correlated non‐normal state variables on the basis of incomplete statistical data brings great challenges for engineers. To avoid multidimensional integration, system reliability estimation usually requires the calculation of marginal failure probability and joint failure probability. The current article proposed an integrated approach for estimating system reliability on the basis of the high moment method, saddle point approximation, and copulas. First, the statistic moment estimation based on the stochastic perturbation theory is presented. Thereafter, by constructing CGF (concise cumulant generating function) for the state variable with its first four statistical moments, a fourth moment saddle point approximation method is established for the component reliability estimation. Second, the copula theory is briefly introduced and extensively utilized two‐dimensional copulas are presented. The best fit copula for estimating the probability of system failure is selected according to the AIC (Akaike Information Criterion). Finally, the derived method is applied to three numerical examples for the sake of a comprehensive validation.
Trocylation of 3‐quinuclidinol, a key marker for the chemical warfare agent 3‐quinuclidinyl benzilate, for its enhanced detection at low levels in complex soil matrices by electron ionization gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Valdez Carlos A. , Leif Roald N. , Vu Alexander K. , Salazar Edmund P.
Published: May 2021

Rationale

Detection of 3‐quinuclidinol (3Q), a marker for the chemical warfare agent 3‐quinuclidinyl benzilate, is very difficult by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS), providing low, broad signals even when analyzed in isolated form. Therefore, a method that can convert 3Q into a substrate with enhanced detectability by GC/MS would be an important tool for its analysis.

Methods

2,2,2‐Trichloroethoxycarbonyl chloride (TrocCl) was used in the derivatization of 3Q in three different soils of varying composition and total organic content (Virginia type A soil, Nebraska EPA standard soil and Ottawa sand) when present at a 10 μg g−1 concentration in each. A direct derivatization protocol and one involving the pre‐extraction of the analyte were evaluated for their individual efficiencies and subsequent analysis using electron ionization GC/MS.

Results

The practical derivatization of 3Q, when present at low levels (10 μg g−1) in three different soil matrices, was found to be rapid (1 h) and to take place smoothly at ambient temperature (and as low as 4°C). The method detection limit was determined to be 30 ng mL−1 for the Virginia type A soil, 49 ng mL−1 for the Nebraska EPA standard soil and 72 ng mL−1 for the Ottawa sand sample.

Conclusions

An expedient and practical derivatization method for 3Q, a chemical warfare degradation product difficult to detect by GC/MS, has been realized using trichloroethyl chloroformate. The reaction provides 3Q‐Troc, a derivative with better detectability than 3Q by electron ionization GC/MS such as peak sharpness and a unique mass spectrum for its unambiguous identification.
Integrating robot‐assisted ultrasound tracking and 3D needle shape prediction for real‐time tracking of the needle tip in needle steering procedures
Authors: Konh Bardia , Padasdao Blayton , Batsaikhan Zolboo , Ko Seong Young
Published: May 2021

Background

Needle insertions have been used in several minimally invasive procedures for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Real‐time position of the needle tip is an important information in needle steering systems.

Methods

This work introduces a robot‐assisted ultrasound tracking (R‐AUST) system integrated with a needle shape prediction method to provide 3D position of the needle tip. The tracking system is evaluated in phantom and ex vivo beef liver tissues.

Results

An average error of 0.60 mm was found for needle insertion tests inside the phantom tissue. The R‐AUST integrated with shape prediction in the beef liver tissue was able to track the needle tip with an average and maximum error of 0.37 and 0.67 mm, respectively. The average error reported in this work is within the mean allowable needle placement error (<2.7 mm) in targeted procedures.

Conclusions

Integration of R‐AUST tracking method with needle shape prediction results in a reasonably accurate real‐time tracking suitable for ultrasound‐guided needle insertions.
Modelling species distribution from camera trap by‐catch using a scale‐optimized occupancy approach
Authors: Wevers Jolien , Beenaerts Natalie , Casaer Jim , Zimmermann Fridolin , Artois Tom , Fattebert Julien
Published: May 2021

Habitat selection is strongly scale‐dependent, and inferring the characteristic scale at which an organism responds to environmental variation is necessary to obtain reliable predictions. The occupancy framework is frequently used to model species distribution with the advantage of accounting for imperfect observation, but occupancy studies typically do not define the characteristic scale of the modelled variables. We used camera trap data from winter wildlife surveys in the Swiss part of the Jura Mountains to model occupancy of wild boar (Sus scrofa) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). We used a three‐step approach: (1) first, we identified factors influencing detectability; (2) second, we optimized the characteristic scale of each candidate explanatory variable; and (3) third, we fit multivariable, multiscale occupancy models in relation to land cover, human presence and topography. Wild boar occupancy was mainly influenced by the interaction between elevation within 2500 m and the proportion of forested areas within a 2500 m, with a nonsignificant additional effect of the interaction between ruggedness within 1900 m and the proportion of forested areas within 2500 m as well as the distance to urban areas. Roe deer occupancy was mainly associated with the interaction between ruggedness within 900 m and the proportion of open landscape within 900 m, with an additional nonsignificant effect of the interaction between elevation within 1500 m and the proportion of open landscape within 900 m as well as the distance to urban areas. Incorporating scale optimization in occupancy modelling of camera trap data can greatly improve the understanding of species‐environment relationships by combining the possibility of occupancy models to correct for detection bias and simultaneously allowing to infer the characteristic scale at which certain factors influence the distribution of the organisms studied.
Aging Modulates the Effects of Ischemic Injury Upon Mesenchymal Cells within the Renal Interstitium and Microvasculature
Authors: Shaw Isaac W. , O'Sullivan Eoin D. , Pisco Angela O. , Borthwick Gary , Gallagher Kevin M. , Péault Bruno , Hughes Jeremy , Ferenbach David A.
Published: May 2021

The renal mesenchyme contains heterogeneous cells, including interstitial fibroblasts and pericytes, with key roles in wound healing. Although healing is impaired in aged kidneys, the effect of age and injury on the mesenchyme remains poorly understood. We characterized renal mesenchymal cell heterogeneity in young vs old animals and after ischemia-reperfusion-injury (IRI) using multiplex immunolabeling and single cell transcriptomics. Expression patterns of perivascular cell markers (α-SMA, CD146, NG2, PDGFR-α, and PDGFR-β) correlated with their interstitial location. PDGFR-α and PDGFR-β co-expression labeled renal myofibroblasts more efficiently than the current standard marker α-SMA, and CD146 was a superior murine renal pericyte marker. Three renal mesenchymal subtypes; pericytes, fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts, were recapitulated with data from two independently performed single cell transcriptomic analyzes of murine kidneys, the first dataset an aging cohort and the second dataset injured kidneys following IRI. Mesenchymal cells segregated into subtypes with distinct patterns of expression with aging and following injury. Baseline uninjured old kidneys resembled post-ischemic young kidneys, with this phenotype further exaggerated following IRI. These studies demonstrate that age modulates renal perivascular/interstitial cell marker expression and transcriptome at baseline and in response to injury and provide tools for the histological and transcriptomic analysis of renal mesenchymal cells, paving the way for more accurate classification of renal mesenchymal cell heterogeneity and identification of age-specific pathways and targets.
Current Perspectives of Limbal-Derived Stem Cells and its Application in Ocular Surface Regeneration and Limbal Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Singh Vivek , Tiwari Anil , Kethiri Abhinav Reddy , Sangwan Virender Singh
Published: May 2021

Limbal stem cells are involved in replenishing and maintaining the epithelium of the cornea. Damage to the limbus due to chemical/physical injury, infections, or genetic disorders leads to limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) with partial or total vision loss. Presently, LSCD is treated by transplanting limbal stem cells from the healthy eye of the recipient, living-related, or cadaveric donors. This review discusses limbal-derived stem cells, the importance of extracellular matrix in stem cell niche maintenance, the historical perspective of treating LSCD, including related advantages and limitations, and our experience of limbal stem cell transplantation over the decades.
Alkyl‐Linked Porphyrin Porous Polymers for Gas Capture and Precious Metal Adsorption
Authors: Hong Yeongran , Rozyyev Vepa , Yavuz Cafer T.
Published: May 2021

In gas adsorption and metal recovery, inexpensive and covalently bonded porous polymers offer industrial feasibility, despite the challenge of having reactive functionalities while maintaining porosity. Herein, three highly porous covalent organic polymers (COPs), COP‐210, COP‐211, and COP‐212, with porphyrin functionalities that are readily synthesized by a Friedel–Crafts reaction using chlorinated solvents as linkers are reported. The polymers exhibit competitive adsorption capacities for CO2, H2, and CH4. Their porphyrin sites proved particularly effective in precious metal recovery, where COPs exhibit high selectivity toward gold, platinum, palladium, and silver. Analysis reveals that reductive metal capture is prevalent for gold and silver. Platinum is also captured through a combination of reduction and chelation. The gold adsorption capacities are 0.901–1.250 g g−1 with fast adsorption kinetics at low pH. COP‐212 selectively recovers 95.6% of gold from actual electronic waste (e‐waste) collected from junkyards. The results show that the inexpensive and scalable porous porphyrin polymers offer great potential in gas capture, separation, and precious metal recovery.
Energy Tracing of Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: An Yidan , Ma Tianshu , Li Xiaofeng
Published: May 2021

Where did the solar energy go in photovoltaic cells in addition to the electricity? Herein, a detailed analytical derivation and numerical investigation on tracing the energy in solar cells (SCs) driven by various mechanisms are presented. Particularly, the critical factors constraining the SC performance are addressed, i.e., the energy and voltage losses. Six categories of intrinsic losses and three categories of potential losses in SCs are identified, in which the sum of Joule and Peltier losses show a constant under a specific bias and can be regarded as a self‐heating effect within SC; moreover, it is strongly dependent with the key material/device parameters, which can be effectively decreased for a realistic (with carrier recombination) SC system so that approaches the limiting efficiency. To bridge the energy loss and the temperature characteristics, an opto–electro–thermal model is developed to accurately mimic the multiphysics responses of SCs. For Si/perovskite and perovskite/perovskite double‐junction SCs, the energy‐tracing study explains the various energy factors limiting the highest efficiency and predicts an efficiency up to 37.5% by an optimal Si/perovskite double‐junction design. The energy‐based study promotes the understanding of the fundamental photovoltaic physics for the possibilities of new photoconversion strategies with higher performances.
Android Permission Classifier: a deep learning algorithmic framework based on protection and threat levels
Authors: Ashawa Moses , Morris Sarah
Published: May 2021

Recent works demonstrated that Android is the fastest growing mobile OS with the highest number of users worldwide. Android's popularity is facilitated by factors such as ease of use, open‐source, and cheap to purchase compared to mobile OS like iOS. The widespread of Android has brought an exponential increase in the complexity and number of malicious applications targeting Android. Malware deploys different attack vectors to exploit Android vulnerability and attack the OS. One way to thwart malware attacks on Android is the use of Android security patches, antivirus software, and layer security. However, the fact that the permission request dynamic is different from other attack vectors, makes it difficult to identify which permission request is malicious or not especially when constructing permission request profiles for Android users. The aforementioned challenge is tackled by our research. This article proposed a framework called Android Permission Classifier for the classification of Android malware permission requests based on threat levels. This article is the first to classify Android permission based on their protection and threat levels. With the framework, out of the 113 permissions extracted, 23 were classified as more dangerous. Our model shows classification accuracy of 97% and an FPR value of 0.2% with high diversity capacity when compared with the performance of those of other similar existing methods.
Structure and Property Modulations of 13Cr Stainless Steel Through Microgravity Solidification and Minor Ce Addition
Authors: Ruan Ying , Wang Qingqing , Wei Bingbo
Published: May 2021

Both rare‐earth doping and microgravity solidification processing bring significant influences upon the structure formation and mechanical properties of various alloys. Herein, the microstructure and performance of 13Cr martensitic stainless steel are modulated by adding minor Ce content and microgravity solidification by means of drop tube technique. The lattice structure of constituent phase α(Fe) is deformed evidently by microgravity solidification, and the lattice parameter variation is 1.8 times of that caused by Ce addition. The microstructures of this steel processed by arc melting consist of lath‐shaped martensites and a few feather‐shaped bainites whose volume fraction increases with the Ce content. The bainite is replaced by ferrite in the rapidly solidified microstructure of 13Cr steel under microgravity condition. Although both microgravity solidification and Ce addition induce the microstructure refinement and inclusion spheroidization, the former effect plays the dominant role. The compressive properties and microhardness decrease moderately with Ce addition due to the slight increase in bainite, however, the microgravity solidification brought the hardening effect and thus the microhardness of the steel droplets increases with undercooling.
Trends and Prospects in UiO‐66 Metal‐Organic Framework for CO2 Capture, Separation, and Conversion
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Helal Aasif , Abdelnaby Mahmoud M. , Alloush Ahmed M. , Zeama Mostafa , Yamani Zain H.
Published: May 2021

Among thousands of known metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), the University of Oslo's MOF (UiO‐66) exhibits unique structure topology, chemical and thermal stability, and intriguing tunable properties, that have gained incredible research interest. This paper summarizes the structural advancement of UiO‐66 and its role in CO2 capture, separation, and transformation into chemicals. The first part of the review summarizes the fast‐growing literature related to the CO2 capture reported by UiO‐66 during the past ten years. The second part provides an overview of various advancements in UiO‐66 membranes in CO2 purification. The third part describes the role of UiO‐66 and its composites as catalysts for CO2 conversion into useful products. Despite many achievements, significant challenges associated with UiO‐66 are addressed, and future perspectives are comprehensively presented to forecast how UiO‐66 might be used further for CO2 management.
Serum phosphate is associated with mortality among patients admitted to ICU for acute pancreatitis
Authors: Hedjoudje Abdellah , Farha Jad , Cheurfa Chérifa , Grabar Sophie , Weiss Emmanuel , Badurdeen Dilhana , Kumbhari Vivek , Prat Frédéric , Levy Philippe , Piton Gaël
Published: May 2021

Background and Aims

Routine laboratory tests can be useful predictors in the early assessment of the severity and mortality of acute pancreatitis (AP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of clinical and laboratory parameters for the prediction of mortality among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for AP.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital made publicly available to examine the relationship between routine clinical and laboratory parameters with respect to mortality for AP. Cox proportional hazard ratio was used to evaluate the impact of several routine laboratory markers on mortality. Receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to determine the accuracy of diagnosis of laboratory tests by using area under curve (AUC) for the respective analysis.

Results

In total, 499 patients were admitted to the ICU for AP. Several factors for predicting mortality in AP at admission were identified in the multivariate analysis: alkaline phosphatase hazard ratio (HR) = 1.00 (1.00–1.00, p = 0.024), anion gap HR = 1.09 (1.00–1.20, p = 0.047), bilirubin total HR = 1.11 (1.06–1.17, p < 0.001), calcium total HR = 0.59 (0.42–0.84, p = 0.004), phosphate HR = 1.51 (1.18–1.94, p = 0.001), potassium HR = 1.91 (1.03–3.55, p = 0.041), white blood cells HR = 1.04 (1.00–1.07, p = 0.028). The AUC of serum phosphate level for mortality was 0.7 in the ROC analysis. The optimal cut‐off value of serum phosphate level for prediction of mortality was 3.78 mg/dl (sensitivity, 0.58; specificity, 0.78).

Conclusion

In this large cohort, we identified baseline serum phosphate as the most valuable single routine laboratory test for predicting mortality in AP. Future prospective studies are required to confirm these results.
Morbid obesity but not obesity is associated with increased mortality in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A national cohort study
Authors: Chen Bing , Yo Chia‐Hung , Patel Ramya , Liu Bolun , Su Ke‐Ying , Hsu Wan‐Ting , Lee Chien‐Chang
Published: May 2021

Background

The relationship between body weight and outcomes of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is unclear.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the impact of obesity and morbid obesity on mortality and ERCP‐related complications in patients who underwent ERCP.

Methods

We conducted a US population‐based retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Readmissions Databases (2013–2014). A total of 159,264 eligible patients who underwent ERCP were identified, of which 137,158 (86.12%) were normal weight, 12,522 (7.86%) were obese, and 9584 (6.02%) were morbidly obese. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes were the length of stay, total cost, and ERCP‐related complications. Multivariate analysis and propensity score (PS) matching analysis were performed. The analysis was repeated in a restricted cohort to eliminate confounders.

Results

Patients with morbid obesity, as compared to normal‐weight patients, were associated with a significantly higher in‐hospital mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 5.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–25.04). Obese patients were not associated with significantly different mortality comparing to normal weight (HR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.14–7.12). Patients with morbid obesity were also found to have an increased length of hospital stay and total cost. The rate of ERCP‐related complications was comparable among the three groups except for a higher cholecystitis rate after ERCP in obese patients.

Conclusions

Morbid obesity but not obesity was associated with increased mortality, length of stay, and total cost in patients undergoing ERCP.
Trial for use nanoselenium particle with different dietary regime in Oreochromis niloticus and Mugil cephalus polyculture ponds: Growth efficiency, haematological, antioxidant, immunity and transcriptional analysis
Authors: Moustafa Eman M. , Abd El‐Kader Marwa F. , Hassan Montaser M. , Fath El‐Bab Ahmed F. , Omar Amira , Farrag Foad , Gewida Ahmed G. , Abd‐Elghany Mohamed F. , Shukry Mustafa , Alwakeel Rasha A.
Published: May 2021

Background

Fish farming is one of the most productive economies in the world. One of the essential goals in fish production is to minimize processing costs while maintaining and increasing the vital functions, weight and immunity of fish.

Objective

We conducted this study to explore nanoselenium (Nano‐Se) particles in various feeding schemes.

Material and Method

Nano‐Se particles incorporated in the basal diet at (0.5 mg/kg diet), and the fish was divided into six groups after adaptation as the follows: The first group was feed daily with a diet containing Nano‐Se (0.5 mg/kg diet); the second group was exposed to a feeding programme in which it has day feeding followed by day of starvation with a diet containing Nano‐Se (0.5 mg/kg diet); the third group was day feeding followed by 2 days of starvation; the fourth group served as a negative control group in which this group was continuous feeding with a basal diet without Nano‐Se; the fifth group was day feeding with the basal diet followed by a day of starvation; and the sixth group was day feeding with basal diet followed by 2 days of starvation.

Result

Our result revealed that Group 2 showed significant improvement in haematological parameters, red blood cells and haemoglobin with a substantial increase in total protein (p < 0.05) as well as lysosomal and phagocytic activity with considerable upregulation of growth hormone and insulin growth factor 1 in addition to markedly increase in the pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Finally, this study offers the first‐time dietary regime with Nano‐Se supplementation that saves the feeding cost and increases fish welfare and growth.
The myth of mitochondrial DNA and race performance in racing pigeons
Authors: Kolvenbag Geert , Scott Mark
Published: May 2021

This is the first prospective study to investigate the impact of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) on race performance in a closely bred family of racing pigeons in one breeding loft where there is a high percentage of male and female birds related to one foundation hen, Queen L by Jelle Roziers. This study shows that in this family of birds, which are all related to Queen L, there is no advantage of having mtDNA with regard to race performance on the longer distances. The results of this study reject the hypothesis that mtDNA genes are related to long‐distance performance. Actually, this analysis indicates that those birds in this family with no mtDNA from Queen L may have better race performance on the shorter distances than those with mtDNA. This suggests that there are other genetic factors which may be related to race performance in this family of racing pigeons.
Photoperiod affects the laying performance of the mountain duck by regulating endocrine hormones and gene expression
Authors: Ouyang Hongjia , Yang Bo , Lao Yongcong , Tang Jun , Tian Yunbo , Huang Yunmao
Published: May 2021

Light mainly affects animal reproductive performance through the hypothalamus‐ pituitary‐gonadal axis, but the specific regulating mechanism is not yet clear in duck. To reveal the effects of light on the laying performance of ducks and its possible regulatory mechanisms, Shanma ducks at 52 weeks age were divided into three group treated with different photoperiods of 16 hr (control group), 24 hr (long‐photoperiod group, LP), and 8 hr (short‐photoperiod group, SP). Laying performance, endocrine‐related hormones and gene expression of three groups were compared. The results showed that laying performance was greatest in the LP group; including laying rate, average egg weight and feed‐egg ratio. Compared to the SP group, GnIH plasma concentration was decreased in the LP group, whilst FSH was increased in the LP group. GnIHR gene expression in the pituitary and large yellow follicles were downregulated in the LP group. The expression of Mel‐a in large white follicles, and Mel‐b and Mel‐c in the hypothalamus were also downregulated in the LP group. Altogether these results suggest that extended photoperiods may promote the laying performance of ducks by inhibiting the secretion of GnIH and the expression of GnIHR and melatonin receptor genes.
Quasi‐static response of a bottom‐fixed wind turbine subject to various incident wind fields
Authors: Nybø Astrid , Nielsen Finn Gunnar , Godvik Marte
Published: May 2021

In the design of offshore wind farms the simulated dynamic response of the wind turbine structure includes loading from turbulent wind. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard for wind turbine design recommends both the Mann spectral tensor model and the Kaimal spectral model combined with an exponential coherence formulation. These models give deviating wind loads. This study compares these two models to a large eddy simulations model and a model based on offshore wind measurements. The comparisons are performed for three situations, covering unstable, neutral and stable atmospheric conditions. The impact of the differences in the wind fields on the quasi‐static response of a large bottom‐fixed wind turbine is investigated. The findings are supported by an assessment of the impact of individual wind characteristics on the turbine responses. The wind model based on measurements causes high tower bottom and blade root flapwise bending moments due to a high wind load at very low frequencies. Low and negative horizontal coherence is obtained using the Mann spectral tensor model. This causes relatively large yaw moments as compared to the results using the other wind models. The largest differences in response are seen in the stable situation. We furthermore show that the quasi‐static wind load has great impact on the total damage equivalent moments of the structure. From the results, we conclude that in the design of large offshore wind turbines one should carefully consider the structure of the turbulent wind. Further, longer simulations than recommended by the standards should be used to reduce uncertainty in estimated response.
The many facets of miR‐223 in cancer: Oncosuppressor, oncogenic driver, therapeutic target, and biomarker of response
Authors: Favero Andrea , Segatto Ilenia , Perin Tiziana , Belletti Barbara
Published: May 2021

Given their intrinsic pleiotropism, microRNAs (miR) play complex biological roles, in both normal and pathological conditions. Often the same miR can act as oncogene or oncosuppressor, depending on the biological process dysregulated in each specific tissue. miR‐223 does not represent an exception to this rule and its functions greatly differ in different contexts. miR‐223 has been widely studied in the hematopoietic compartment, where it plays a central role in innate immune response, regulating myeloid differentiation and granulocytes function. Accordingly, dysregulated expression of miR‐223 has been associated to different inflammatory disorders and tumors arising from the immune compartment. Most carcinomas, breast cancer being the most studied, display loss of miR‐223. However, in gastro‐esophageal cancers miR‐223 is frequently overexpressed and correlates with worse prognosis. A link between miR‐223 and response to CDK4/6‐inhibitors has been recently proposed, suggesting a role as biomarker of therapeutic response. The notion that one of the most commonly mutated protein in cancer, mutant p53, binds the promoter of miR‐223 and suppresses its transcription, adds a further level of complexity to the full understanding of miR‐223 in cancer. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge on the molecular networks that alter or are altered by miR‐223, in different cancer types. We will discuss if the times are ready for the exploitation of miR‐223 as predictive biomarker of treatment response or, even, as therapeutic target, in specific settings. Finally, we will suggest which could be the next steps to be taken for a realistic clinical application of miR‐223.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease