bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consortium blockchain‐enabled access control mechanism in edge computing based generic Internet of Things environment
Authors: Saha Sourav , Chattaraj Durbadal , Bera Basudeb , Kumar Das Ashok
Published: June 2020

This article introduces a new consortium blockchain‐enabled access control scheme in edge computing based generic Internet of Things environment (called CBACS‐EIoT), where the mutual authentication among the IoT smart devices and the gateway node(s), and also among the gateway node(s) and respective edge server(s) occur. In addition, key management phase is executed among the edge server(s) and associated cloud server(s). Using the established secret keys, the entities in the network communicate securely. The data gathered securely by the gateway nodes are then used to form various types of blocks (private, public, or consortium) at the edge server(s) based on application types in the generic IoT environment. The created blocks are mined by the edge servers in order to add them in the blockchain center. A detailed security analysis including the formal security has revealed that the proposed CBACS‐EIoT is robust against various potential attacks needed in the IoT environment. To further strengthen the security, the simulation‐based formal security verification on CBACS‐EIoT has been carried out to exhibit that CBACS‐EIoT is secure against passive and active attacks. Finally, a meticulous comparative performance analysis shows that CBACS‐EIoT offers superior security and supports more functionality features, and also provides less communication and computational overheads compared with existing relevant schemes.
Proteome and microbiota analysis highlight Lactobacillus plantarum TWK10 supplementation improves energy metabolism and exercise performance in mice
Authors: Chen Yi‐Ming , Liao Chen‐Chung , Huang Yen‐Chun , Chen Ming‐Yi , Huang Chi‐Chang , Chen Wen‐Chyuan , Chiu Yen‐Shuo
Published: June 2020

Lactobacillus plantarum TWK10 (LP10) is a probiotic known to improve endurance exercise performance. Here, we analyze the proteomics and metagenomic changes in a LP10 supplemented mouse model. Male ICR mice were divided into two groups (n = 8) to receive by oral gavage either vehicle or of LP10 for 6 weeks. Proteins changes by LP10 treatment were subjected to the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) to provide corroborative evidence for differential regulation of molecular and cellular functions affecting metabolic processes. Fecal samples were obtained from each mouse, and the microbial community profile analyzed by pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA genes. Of the 880 identified proteins, 25 proteins were significantly downregulated and 44 proteins were significantly upregulated in the LP10 treated compared to vehicle group. LP10 supplementation shift in the gut microbiota to butyrate‐producing members and provided from lipid oxidation since peroxisomal fatty acid oxidation in liver.
Angular Dependence of Solar Cell Parameters in Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells Textured with Periodic Array of Microholes
Authors: Altinoluk Serra , Kumar Naveen , Ciftpinar Emine Hande , Demircioglu O. , Turan Rasit , Vasileska Dragica
Published: June 2020

Surface texturing is an indispensable way of increasing absorption in solar cells. In order to properly characterize the effect of texturing, the angular dependence of the incidence light should be addressed. This is particularly important when the actual application where the incidence angle of the sunlight varies during the day is considered. This study presents the angular dependence of solar cell parameters in the case of periodically textured crystalline silicon (c‐Si) solar cells with microholes. A standard solar cell with pyramid texturing is also studied for comparison. It is shown that the incidence angle for the highest efficiency depends on the surface structure. While a standard pyramid‐textured surface performs best at the zero angle of incidence, it is needed to tilt the sample with microholes textures 15° with respect to the surface normal. This is also confirmed by the simulation study performed for the structures presented in this study.
Digitizing observations from the Met Office Daily Weather Reports for 1900–1910 using citizen scientist volunteers
Authors: Craig Philip M. , Hawkins Ed
Published: June 2020

We describe the digitization of 1.8 million sub‐daily and daily weather observations which were recorded in the UK Met Office Daily Weather Reports during the 1900–1910 period. The data were rescued from scanned images of the original documents by 2,148 volunteer citizen scientists using the weatherrescue.org website. The rescued observations include dry and wet bulb temperatures, daily maximum and minimum temperatures, daily rainfall amounts and sub‐daily sea‐level pressure from 72 different locations across western Europe. These observations will be used to fill gaps in existing pressure, temperature and rainfall records and are one of the largest recoveries of weather data by citizen scientists. The value of these additional observations is highlighted by comparing the pressure observations to the Twentieth Century Reanalysis version 3 ensemble for some specific case studies.
GLAST‐CreERT2mediated deletion ofGDNFincreases brain damage and exacerbates long‐term stroke outcomes after focal ischemic stroke in mouse model
Authors: Zhang Nannan , Zhang Zhe , He Rui , Li Hailong , Ding Shinghua
Published: June 2020

Focal ischemic stroke (FIS) is a leading cause of human death. Glial scar formation largely caused by reactive astrogliosis in peri‐infarct region (PIR) is the hallmark of FIS. Glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was originally isolated from a rat glioma cell‐line supernatant and is a potent survival neurotrophic factor. Here, usingCreERT2–LoxPrecombination technology, we generated inducible and astrocyte‐specific GDNF conditional knockout (cKO), that is, GLAST‐GDNF−/−cKO mice to investigate the effect of reactive astrocytes (RAs)‐derived GDNF on neuronal death, brain damage, oxidative stress and motor function recovery after photothrombosis (PT)‐induced FIS. Under non‐ischemic conditions, we found that adult GLAST‐GDNF−/−cKO mice exhibited significant lower numbers of Brdu+, Ki67+ cells, and DCX+ cells in the dentate gyrus (DG) in hippocampus than GDNF floxed (GDNFf/f) control (Ctrl) mice, indicating endogenous astrocytic GDNF can promote adult neurogenesis. Under ischemic conditions, GLAST‐GDNF−/−cKO mice had a significant increase in infarct volume, hippocampal damage and FJB+ degenerating neurons after PT as compared with the Ctrl mice. GLAST‐GDNF−/−cKO mice also had lower densities of Brdu+ and Ki67+ cells in the PIR and exhibited larger behavioral deficits than the Ctrl mice. Mechanistically, GDNF deficiency in astrocytes increased oxidative stress through the downregulation of glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in RAs. In summary, our study indicates that RAs‐derived endogenous GDNF plays important roles in reducing brain damage and promoting brain recovery after FIS through neural regeneration and suggests that promoting anti‐oxidant mechanism in RAs is a potential strategy in stroke therapy.
Risk factors for symptomatic HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder in adults aged 50 and over attending a HIV clinic in Tanzania
Authors: Eaton Patrick , Lewis Thomas , Kellett‐Wright Johanna , Flatt Aidan , Urasa Sarah , Howlett William , Dekker Marieke , Kisoli Aloyce , Rogathe Jane , Thornton Jessica , McCartney Judith , Yarwood Vanessa , Irwin Charlotte , Mukaetova‐Ladinska Elizabeta B. , Akinyemi Rufus , Gray William K. , Walker Richard W. , Dotchin Catherine L. , Makupa Philip C. , Quaker Andrew‐Leon S. , Paddick Stella‐Maria
Published: June 2020

Objectives

HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), although prevalent, remains a poorly researched cause of morbidity particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). We aimed to explore the risk factors for HAND in people aged 50 and over under regular follow‐up at a government HIV clinic in Tanzania.

Methods

HIV‐positive adults aged 50 years and over were approached for recruitment at a routine HIV clinic appointment over a 4‐month period. A diagnostic assessment for HAND was implemented, including a full medical/neurological assessment and a collateral history from a relative. We investigated potential risk factors using a structured questionnaire and by examination of clinic records.

Results

Of the cohort (n = 253), 183 (72.3%) were female and the median age was 57 years. Fifty‐five individuals (21.7%) met the criteria for symptomatic HAND. Participants were at a greater risk of having symptomatic HAND if they lived alone [odds ratio (OR) = 2.566, P = .015], were illiterate (OR 3.171, P = .003) or older at the time of HIV diagnosis (OR = 1.057, P = .015). Age was correlated with symptomatic HAND in univariate, but not multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

In this setting, HIV‐specific factors, such as nadir CD4 count, were not related to symptomatic HAND. The “legacy theory” of early central nervous system damage prior to initiation of anti‐retroviral therapy initiation may contribute, only in part, to a multifactorial aetiology of HAND in older people. Social isolation and illiteracy were associated with symptomatic HAND, suggesting greater cognitive reserve might be protective.
Acyl‐Coenzyme A Thioesterase 9 Traffics Mitochondrial Short‐Chain Fatty Acids Toward De Novo Lipogenesis and Glucose Production in the Liver
Authors: Steensels Sandra , Qiao Jixuan , Zhang Yanzhen , Maner‐Smith Kristal M. , Kika Nourhan , Holman Corey D. , Corey Kathleen E. , Bracken W. Clay , Ortlund Eric A. , Ersoy Baran A.
Published: June 2020

Background and Aims

Obesity‐induced pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with increased de novo lipogenesis (DNL) and hepatic glucose production (HGP) that is due to excess fatty acids. Acyl‐coenzyme A (CoA) thioesterase (Acot) family members control the cellular utilization of fatty acids by hydrolyzing (deactivating) acyl‐CoA into nonesterified fatty acids and CoASH.

Approach and Results

Using Caenorhabditis elegans, we identified Acot9 as the strongest regulator of lipid accumulation within the Acot family. Indicative of a maladaptive function, hepatic Acot9 expression was higher in patients with obesity who had NAFLD and NASH compared with healthy controls with obesity. In the setting of excessive nutrition, global ablation of Acot9 protected mice against increases in weight gain, HGP, steatosis, and steatohepatitis. Supportive of a hepatic function, the liver‐specific deletion of Acot9 inhibited HGP and steatosis in mice without affecting diet‐induced weight gain. By contrast, the rescue of Acot9 expression only in the livers of Acot9 knockout mice was sufficient to promote HGP and steatosis. Mechanistically, hepatic Acot9 localized to the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it deactivated short‐chain but not long‐chain fatty acyl‐CoA. This unique localization and activity of Acot9 directed acetyl‐CoA away from protein lysine acetylation and toward the citric acid (TCA) cycle. Acot9‐mediated exacerbation of triglyceride and glucose biosynthesis was attributable at least in part to increased TCA cycle activity, which provided substrates for HGP and DNL. β‐oxidation and ketone body production, which depend on long‐chain fatty acyl‐CoA, were not regulated by Acot9.

Conclusions

Taken together, our findings indicate that Acot9 channels hepatic acyl‐CoAs toward increased HGP and DNL under the pathophysiology of obesity. Therefore, Acot9 represents a target for the management of NAFLD.
Quantifying the spatial variability of melting seasonal ground ice and its influence on potential evapotranspiration spatial variability in a boreal peatland
Authors: Van Huizen Brandon , Petrone Richard M.
Published: June 2020

Melting seasonal ground ice (SGI) in western Boreal Plains (WBP) peatlands can reduce the available energy at the surface by reducing potential evapotranspiration (PET). PET often exceeds annual precipitation in the WBP. Including this effect in hydrological models may be important in assessing water deficits. However, SGI melt and the timing of ice‐free conditions vary spatially, which suggests PET spatial variability could be influenced by SGI. Understanding this potential linkage can help improve site scale PET in peatland hydrological models. The objectives of this paper were (a) to quantify the effect of ice thickness and melt rate on peatland PET; (b) quantify the spatial variability of SGI thickness and melt rate across spatial scales; and (c) assess how/if spatial variability in SGI thickness/melt rate affects site scale PET. Results from the sensitivity analysis indicated that SGI thickness had a bigger impact on reducing PET compared with the melt rate. Two SGI thickness values were used that were observed on site: 0.32 m, which was measured in a more treed area, and 0.18 m, which was in a more open area. The 0.32 m had an average PET reduction of 14 mm (±0.7), over the month of May, compared with 9 mm (±1 mm) when there was 0.18 m of SGI, which are 13.7 and 8.8% reductions, respectively. SGI thickness and melt rate, both exhibited large‐ and small‐scale spatial variability. At the large scale, spatial patterns in SGI thickness appeared to be influenced by extensive shading from the adjacent hillslopes. Small scale, SGI thickness may be a function of tree proximity and the snowpack. Finally, net radiation, rather than SGI, appeared to be the main driver behind PET spatial variability. This work enhances our conceptual understanding of the role of SGI in WBP peatlands. Future work can use the findings to better inform peatland hydrological models, allowing for better representation of peatlands in regional‐scale models.
Long‐term survival of young endometrial cancer patients desiring fertility preservation treated with hysteroscopic resection followed by hormone therapy (NEMO technique)
Authors: Mazzon Ivan , Masciullo Valeria , Scambia Giovanni , Ferrandina Gabriella , Corrado Giacomo
Published: June 2020

The NEMO technique is a therapeutic option for women with Stage IA endometrial cancer who wish to preserve fertility.
Replicating the Levitt and Porter estimates of drunk driving
Authors: Dunn Richard A. , Tefft Nathan W.
Published: June 2020

Estimates of the prevalence and risk of drinking‐and‐driving are a high‐priority need for researchers and policymakers. Levitt and Porter (Journal of Political Economy, 2001, 109(6), 1198–1237) demonstrate how these can be recovered using publicly available information in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Although robust to systematic misreporting and sample selection and far cheaper to implement than surveys, their methodological innovations are largely ignored. We believe this arises partly from difficulty in replicating their results. This article identifies the underlying causes of replication failure and offers practical guidance for future implementation that takes advantage of the current structure of the FARS data.
Preparation and characteristics of a novel oxygen‐releasing coating for improved cell responses in hypoxic environment
Authors: Jiang Yuyin , Xie Youtao , Chen Zhaoming , Li Kai , Zheng Xuebin
Published: June 2020

Affected by environmental factors such as oxygen deficiency, the secretion of growth factor was abnormal in bone injury sites, resulting in the poor responses of osteoblasts and prolonging the healing process. Herein, in this study, we reported an in situ oxygen‐releasing porous titanium coating that combines the dual degradability of poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) with the self‐releasing oxygen capacity of the CaO2 core. The resulting formulation exhibited stable oxygen‐releasing capacity as well as the ability to promote proliferation and differentiation of the MC3T3 cell line under hypoxia conditions. According to these results, oxygen‐releasing coatings based on improved cellular microenvironment may be a promising bone repair material that would reduce the incidence of difficult bone healing in the future.
Advanced financial reporting—The French approach to the disclosure problem
Authors: Hecht Andreas , Hachmeister Dirk
Published: June 2020

Sound decision‐making depends on an appropriate level of relevant information. This topic is on the agenda of international standard setters in order to increase the decision usefulness of financial disclosures for the addressees of corporate reporting. A look at France demonstrates how a unique recommendation on financial market communication initiated by the Financial Supervisory Authority, which goes beyond legal requirements, can help solve the problem. The resulting advanced disclosures not only provide a clear picture of the origin and magnitude of, for example, financial risks but also of the extent to which the company has reduced or increased the risk with derivative instruments. Such unprecedented transparency could raise the inhibition threshold for speculation. In addition, we illustrate that the enhanced data granularity could benefit various stakeholders through more meaningful competitive or benchmarking analyses.
Randomized Crossover Trial to Compare Abuse Liability of Intravenous Remimazolam Versus Intravenous Midazolam and Placebo in Recreational Central Nervous System Depressant Users
Authors: Schippers Frank , Pesic Marija , Saunders Robert , Borkett Keith , Searle Shawn , Webster Lynn , Stoehr Thomas
Published: June 2020

Remimazolam (RMZ) is a new and ultra‐fast‐acting, short‐duration intravenous benzodiazepine, a drug class associated with abuse potential. This trial was designed to compare the abuse potential of remimazolam with placebo and midazolam (MDZ), a well‐characterized member of the same pharmacological class in healthy, recreational drug users 18‐55 years‐of‐age, who demonstrated good drug tolerance and were able to discriminate between midazolam and placebo. At equipotent intravenous doses selected to produce effects ranging from mild/moderate to relatively strong sedation without loss of consciousness (RMZ: 5, 10 mg versus MDZ: 2.5, 5 mg), peak scores (Emax or Emin, respectively) for drug liking, good/bad/any effects, and sedation (drowsiness and relaxation) were significantly greater than placebo for both active drugs and were broadly comparable between RMZ and MDZ. In contrast, areas under the effect‐time curves (TA_AUE) were notably lower for RMZ versus MDZ, particularly for measures of good and any effects, reflecting the shorter duration of action and consistent with the more rapid observed plasma clearance for RMZ versus MDZ and the lack of an active RMZ metabolite. Scores for willingness to take drug again were also lower for RMZ versus MDZ, but not significantly so. We concluded that the abuse potential of RMZ is comparable to or lower than that of MDZ, a drug known to have a low potential for intravenous abuse.
A subset of microRNAs in the Dlk1‐Dio3 cluster regulates age‐associated muscle atrophy by targeting Atrogin‐1
Authors: Shin Yeo Jin , Kwon Eun‐Soo , Lee Seung‐Min , Kim Seon‐Kyu , Min Kyung‐Won , Lim Jae‐Young , Lee Bora , Kang Jae Sook , Kwak Ju Yeon , Son Young Hoon , Choi Jeong Yi , Yang Yong Ryul , Kim Seokho , Kim Yeon‐Soo , Jang Hak C. , Suh Yousin , Yoon Je‐Hyun , Lee Kwang‐Pyo , Kwon Ki‐Sun
Published: June 2020

Background

The microRNAs (miRNAs) down‐regulated in aged mouse skeletal muscle were mainly clustered within the delta‐like homologue 1 and the type III iodothyronine deiodinase (Dlk1‐Dio3) genomic region. Although clustered miRNAs are coexpressed and regulate multiple targets in a specific signalling pathway, the function of miRNAs in the Dlk1‐Dio3 cluster in muscle aging is largely unknown. We aimed to ascertain whether these miRNAs play a common role to regulate age‐related muscle atrophy.

Methods

To examine anti‐atrophic effect of miRNAs, we individually transfected 42 miRNA mimics in fully differentiated myotubes and analysed their diameters. The luciferase reporter assay using target 3′ untranslated region (UTR) and RNA pull‐down assay were employed to ascertain the target predicted by the TargetScan algorithm. To investigate the therapeutic potential of the miRNAs in vivo, we generated adeno‐associated virus (AAV) serotype 9 expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) (AAV9‐GFP) bearing miR‐376c‐3p and infected it into the tibialis anterior muscle of old mice. We performed morphometric analysis and measured ex vivo isometric force using a force transducer. Human gluteus maximus muscle tissues (ages ranging from 25 to 80 years) were used to investigate expression levels of the conserved miRNAs in the Dlk1‐Dio3 cluster.

Results

We found that the majority of miRNAs (33 out of 42 tested) in the cluster induced anti‐atrophic phenotypes in fully differentiated myotubes with increasing their diameters. Eighteen of these miRNAs, eight of which are conserved in humans, harboured predicted binding sites in the 3′ UTR of muscle atrophy gene‐1 (Atrogin‐1) encoding a muscle‐specific E3 ligase. Direct interactions were identified between these miRNAs and the 3′ UTR of Atrogin‐1, leading to repression of Atrogin‐1 and thereby induction of eIF3f protein content, in both human and mouse skeletal muscle cells. Intramuscular delivery of AAV9 expressing miR‐376c‐3p, one of the most effective miRNAs in myotube thickening, dramatically ameliorated skeletal muscle atrophy and improved muscle function, including isometric force, twitch force, and fatigue resistance in old mice. Consistent with our findings in mice, the expression of miRNAs in the cluster was significantly down‐regulated in human muscle from individuals > 50 years old.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that genetic intervention using a muscle‐directed miRNA delivery system has therapeutic efficacy in preventing Atrogin‐1‐mediated muscle atrophy in sarcopenia.
Accurate automatic detection of acute lymphatic leukemia using a refined simple classification
Authors: Al‐Tahhan F. E. , Fares M. E. , Sakr Ali A. , Aladle Doaa A.
Published: June 2020

An improved classification technique is presented to identify automatically the acute lymphatic leukemia (ALL) subtypes. An adaptive segmentation procedure is performed on peripheral blood smear images to extract the main features (10 geometric features) from the segmented images of white blood cell (WBC), nucleus, and cytoplasm. To show the importance of the different extracted features for the diagnostic accuracy, a comprehensive study is made on all the possible permutation cases of the features using powerful classifiers which are K‐nearest neighbor (KNN) at different metric functions, support vector machine (SVM) with different kernels, and artificial neural network (ANN). This procedure enables us to construct a feature map depending only on least number of features which lead to the highest diagnostic accuracy. It is found that the features map regarding the vacuoles in the cytoplasm and the regularity of the nucleus membrane gives the highest accurate results. The automatic classification for ALL subtypes based only on these two effective features is assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and F1‐score measures. It is confirmed that the present technique is highly accurate, and saves the effort and time of training.
Comparison of radiation doses between diagnostic full‐field digital mammography (FFDM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT): a clinical study
Authors: Asbeutah Akram M. , AlMajran Abdullah A. , Brindhaban Ajit , Asbeutah Saad A.
Published: June 2020

Introduction

There are increasing concerns about radiation exposure among women who undergo full‐field digital mammography (FFDM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). The main aim of this study was to compare the entrance surface dose (ESD) and average glandular dose (AGD) from FFDM and DBT for different breast thicknesses.

Methods

The ESD and AGD for FFDM in craniocaudal, mediolateral oblique and DBT in craniocaudal projection were recorded from a GE Senographe Essential FFDM unit. The accuracy of the ESD and AGD from the FFDM unit was verified during regular quality assurance programme. Patients were categorised according to their compressed breast thicknesses. X‐ray tube potential and target filter combinations were varied with ESD and AGD recorded directly from the FFDM unit. The non‐parametric Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were performed.

Results

The median and interquartile range (IQR) age of the patients were 48 and 11 years, respectively. The highest median for ESD and median total AGD for different breast thicknesses were ranged from 3.3 to 9.1 mGy and 3.3 to 6.0 mGy, respectively, for two‐view FFDM. However, it ranged from 3.1 to 8.9 mGy and 1.8 to 4.0 mGy, respectively, for single‐view DBT. Both ESD and AGD were significantly lower for DBT (P < 0.001) compared with FFDM. There was a significant difference (P = 0.001) in the ESD and AGD values for different breast thicknesses in FFDM and DBT techniques.

Conclusions

The AGD for a single‐view DBT was lower than the two‐view FFDM technique.
Terahertz wave radiation from mutually injection locked multi‐element graphene nanoribbon avalanche transit time sources
Authors: Acharyya Aritra
Published: June 2020

Mutual injection locking of multi‐element graphene nanoribbon impact avalanche transit time (G‐IMPATT) sources designed to operate at different millimeter‐wave (mm‐wave) and terahertz frequencies has been studied. Planar circuit is used for implementing the mutual injection locking between adjacent elements of the source operating in parallel‐connected‐power‐combined mode. The static, high frequency and noise simulations of the proposed sources have been carried out by using in‐house simulation codes based on self‐consistent quantum drift‐diffusion model. Results show that mutual injection locking between the adjacent elements forced the sources to oscillate nearly at a single frequency even if significantly high degree of mismatch is present among the elements of the multi‐element oscillators. A minor amount of reduction in power out and insignificant deterioration in the noise performance of the multi‐element G‐IMPATT oscillators have been observed due to the presence of mutual injection locking between the adjacent elements.
The Influence of Holland's Vocational Interests on Work‐Family Conflict: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Han Yu , Sears Greg J.
Published: June 2020

Drawing on a sample of 438 working professionals from various organizations across the central United States, the authors investigated the relationship between Holland's (1959, 1997) RIASEC (Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional) model and employee perceptions of work‐family conflict. Results revealed that the RIASEC model contributed unique variance in predicting work‐family conflict beyond demographic characteristics and the Big Five personality constructs. The RIASEC interests were found to be associated with different dimensions of work‐family conflict. These results signal that vocational interests may influence not only work‐related attitudes and behaviors (e.g., job satisfaction, performance), but also one's ability to balance work and family demands.
Changes in knee adduction moment wearing a variable‐stiffness shoe correlate with changes in pain and mechanically stimulated cartilage oligomeric matrix levels
Authors: Erhart‐Hledik Jennifer C. , Mahtani Gordhan B. , Asay Jessica L. , Migliore Eleonora , Nguyen Michelle M. , Andriacchi Thomas P. , Chu Constance R.
Published: June 2020

This study aimed to determine if changes in knee adduction moment (KAM) after 6 months of variable‐stiffness shoe wear are associated with changes in symptoms or serum levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) following a mechanical stimulus in subjects with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA). Twenty‐five subjects were enrolled in the study and assigned a variable‐stiffness shoe, and 19 subjects completed the 6‐month follow‐up. At baseline and follow‐up subjects underwent gait analysis in control and variable‐stiffness shoes, completed Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) questionnaires, and serum COMP concentrations were measured immediately before, 3.5 and 5.5 hours after a 30‐minute walking activity. Relationships between changes in KAM (first peak and impulse) and changes in (a) COMP levels in response to the 30‐minute walking activity and (b) WOMAC scores from baseline to 6‐month follow‐up were assessed by Pearson correlation coefficients. Changes in first peak KAM were associated with changes in COMP levels 5.5 hours postactivity from baseline to follow‐up (R = .564, P = .045). Subjects with greater reductions in KAM had larger decreases in COMP (expressed as a percent of preactivity levels) at follow‐up. Subjects with greater reductions in KAM impulse had significantly greater improvements in WOMAC Pain (R = −.56, P = .015) and Function (R = −.52, P = .028) scores at follow‐up. The study results demonstrated the magnitude of reduction in the KAM wearing a variable‐stiffness shoe is associated with decreases in mechanically stimulated COMP levels and pain/function. This work suggests that interactions between COMP and joint loading during walking should be further investigated in future studies of treatment outcomes in OA.
Reconnaissance scale mapping of salinity in three‐dimensions using EM38 and EM34 data and inversion modelling
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhao Xueyu , Zhao Dongxue , Arshad Maryem , Zare Ehsan , Triantafilis John
Published: June 2020

In irrigated areas, the spectre of soil salinisation is ever‐present. To obtain baseline data to map salt, or the soil electrical conductivity of a saturated soil paste extract (ECe, dS m−1), we use electromagnetic (EM) data from a survey of EM38 and EM34 data with EM inversion software (EM4Soil). This is because the collected apparent electrical conductivity (ECa, mS m−1) can be inverted to estimate true electrical conductivity (σ, mS m−1) and correlated with ECe. To do this we use a quasi‐two dimensional (Q‐2D) model along a pseudo‐transect, which includes seven soil sample locations, to make a linear regression (LR) calibration between σ and ECe (i.e., ECe = 0.0122 × σ − 0.0535 [R2 = .71]). From the joint inversion of interpolated EM38 and EM34 ECa across 40,000 ha, a quasi‐three dimensional (Q‐3D) model was then used to predict ECe. The model was validated using 30 soil sample locations scattered across the area. The agreement between predicted and measured ECe was moderate (Lin's concordance = 0.59) and conclude that useful information on a reconnaissance scale can be obtained and indicates where more detailed information may be collected to confirm areas of moderate salinity. To better predict ECe, more ECa could be collected on smaller grid spacings (i.e., 0.5 km and 1 km in irrigated and dryland areas, respectively). To improve resolving depth of ECe we recommend including ECa from a single‐frequency multiple‐coil array DUALEM‐421.
National comparisons of early career researchers' scholarly communication attitudes and behaviours
Authors: Jamali Hamid R. , Nicholas David , Herman Eti , Boukacem‐Zeghmouri Cherifa , Abrizah Abdullah , Rodríguez‐Bravo Blanca , Xu Jie , Świgon’ Marzena , Polezhaeva Tatiana , Watkinson Anthony
Published: June 2020

The paper compares the scholarly communication attitudes and practices of early career researchers (ECRs) in eight countries concerning discovery, reading, publishing, authorship, open access, and social media. The data are taken from the most recent investigation in the 4‐year‐long Harbingers project. A survey was undertaken to establish whether the scholarly communication behaviours of the new wave of researchers are uniform, progressing, or changing in the same overall direction or whether they are impacted significantly by national and cultural differences. A multilingual questionnaire hosted on SurveyMonkey was distributed in 2019 via social media networks of researchers, academic publishers, and key ECR platforms in the UK, USA, France, China, Spain, Russia, Malaysia, and Poland. Over a thousand responses were obtained, and the main findings are that there is a significant degree of diversity in terms of scholarly communication attitudes and practices of ECRs from the various countries represented in the study, which cannot be solely explained by the different make‐up of the samples. China, Russia, France, and Malaysia were more likely to be different in respect to a scholarly activity, and responses from the UK and USA were relatively similar.

Key points

ECRs from China, Russia, France, and Malaysia are more likely to hold different (although moderate) views in respect to a scholarly activity.

ECRs from the UK and USA are similar in many respects, including being positive towards open science and relying less on external factors (impact factor or number of download) for their decision to read a paper.

French ECRs appear not to want to do, abide, or follow anything novel or innovative and are very critical of scholarly developments.

Spanish ECRs are innovative and more positive about publishing open access (OA), while Chinese ECRs are somewhat conservative as they are less likely to publish in OA

Chinese ECRs are the highest users of social media for testing and conducting research but least likely to use it to share their reputations or build reputations.
Phenotypic spectrum and antialbuminuric response to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker therapy in pediatric Dent disease
Authors: Deng Haiyue , Zhang Yanqin , Xiao Huijie , Yao Yong , Zhang Hongwen , Liu Xiaoyu , Su Baige , Guan Na , Zhong Xuhui , Wang Suxia , Ding Jie , Wang Fang
Published: June 2020

Background

To characterize the phenotypic spectrum and assess the antialbuminuric response to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and/or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) therapy in a cohort of children with Dent disease.

Methods

The patients’ clinical findings, renal biopsy results, genetic and follow‐up data were analyzed retrospectively. Mutations in CLCN5 or OCRL were detected by next‐generation sequencing or Sanger sequencing.

Results

Of 31 Dent disease boys, 24 carried CLCN5 and 7 carried OCRL mutations. Low molecular weight proteinuria and albuminuria were detected in all cases. Nephrotic‐range proteinuria and severe albuminuria were identified in 52% and 62% of cases, respectively; by 7 years of age, 6 patients had hematuria and nephrotic‐range proteinuria, and 7 patients had hematuria and moderate to severe albuminuria. In addition to disease‐related renal features, patients with Dent‐1 disease also presented with congenital cataract (1/9) and developmental delay (2/7). Seventeen of 31 patients underwent renal biopsy. Glomerular changes included mild glomerular lesions, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis and focal segmental glomerular sclerosis. Thirteen of the 31 patients had follow‐up records and received ACE inhibitor and/or ARB treatment for more than 3 months. After a median 1.7 (range 0.3–8.5) years of treatment, a reduction in the urinary microalbumin‐to‐creatinine ratio was observed in 54% of children.

Conclusions

Hematuria with nephrotic‐range proteinuria or moderate to severe albuminuria was common in Dent disease patients. Extrarenal manifestations were observed in Dent‐1 patients, which extends the phenotypic spectrum. In addition, ACE inhibitors and ARBs are well tolerated, and they are partially effective in controlling albuminuria.
Reverse‐flow latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in a multi‐step approach for complex back defect reconstruction: A case report
Authors: Menichini Giulio , Lucattelli Elena , Innocenti Alessandro , Brogi Mattia , Cipriani Federico , Innocenti Marco
Published: June 2020

Reconstruction of complex back defects is challenging for reconstructive surgeons, as it should preserve function, provide adequate coverage, and minimize morbidity. We present a case of multiple‐step reconstruction after resection of a large squamous cell carcinoma recurrence in a 68‐year‐old man, with local perforator flaps and a reverse‐flow latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap. After radical excision, four propeller perforator flaps were harvested to cover a 30 × 25 cm defect, based on the dorsal branch of the fifth posterior intercostal arteries (right 20 × 9 cm, left 17 × 9 cm) and on the superior gluteal arteries (right 20 × 11 cm, left 21 × 12 cm) bilaterally. In the second step, bilateral propeller perforator flaps based on the fourth lumbar arteries (right 18 × 13 cm, left 23 × 11 cm) were transposed to cover the residual loss of tissues. After 5 months, a recurrence occurred on the left midback. A wide en bloc excision of the last three ribs and pulmonary pleura was performed, and the synthetic mesh used for thoracic wall reconstruction was covered with an ipsilateral 20 × 10 cm reverse‐flow latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap based on the serratus anterior branch. All the flaps healed uneventfully and there were no donor‐site complications. Two years postoperatively, the patient had a cosmetically acceptable result without any functional impairment. The reverse‐flow latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap can represent a salvage procedure in back complex defects reconstruction, especially when other local flaps have already been harvested in previous reconstructive procedures.
Glycerophospholipid profile alterations are associated with murine muscle‐wasting phenotype
Authors: Senoo Nanami , Miyoshi Noriyuki , Kobayashi Eri , Morita Akihito , Tanihata Jun , Takeda Shin'ichi , Miura Shinji
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Phospholipids are essential components of cellular membranes and are closely associated with cellular functions, but relationships involving skeletal muscle phospholipid profiles and their physiological phenotypes have remained unclear.

Methods

We carried out comprehensive phospholipid analyses using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to determine the phospholipid profiles of skeletal muscles derived from muscle‐wasting mouse models, including denervated and Duchenne muscular dystrophy mouse models (mdx) as well as rescued mdx mice expressing truncated dystrophin.

Results

Consistent phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine alterations in skeletal muscles isolated from denervated and mdx mice were observed. Notably, the levels of these phospholipids binding polyunsaturated fatty acids were reduced in denervated and mdx muscles. Moreover, rescuing the mdx pathology by expressing truncated dystrophin led to the restoration of phospholipid profiles.

Discussion

Our findings support the hypothesis that phospholipid profiles of the skeletal muscle may be associated with skeletal muscle function.
On the effective conductivity and the apparent viscosity of a thin rough polymer interface using PGD‐based separated representations
Authors: Ammar Amine , Ghnatios Chady , Delplace Frank , Barasinski Anais , Duval Jean‐Louis , Cueto Elías , Chinesta Francisco
Published: June 2020

Composite manufacturing processes usually proceed from preimpregnated preforms that are consolidated by simultaneously applying heat and pressure, so as to ensure a perfect contact compulsory for making molecular diffusion possible. However, in practice, the contact is rarely perfect. This results in a rough interface where air could remain entrapped, thus affecting the effective thermal conductivity. Moreover, the interfacial melted polymer is squeezed flowing in the rough gap created by the fibers located on the prepreg surfaces. Because of the typical dimensions of a composite prepreg, with thickness orders of magnitude smaller than its other in‐plane dimensions, and its surface roughness having a characteristic size orders of magnitude smaller than the prepreg thickness, high‐fidelity numerical simulations for elucidating the impact of surface and interface roughness remain today, despite the impressive advances in computational availabilities, unattainable. This work aims at elucidating roughness impact on heat conduction and the effective viscosity of the interfacial polymer squeeze flow by using an advanced numerical strategy able to reach resolutions never attained until now, a sort of numerical microscope able to attain the scale of the smallest geometrical detail.
An examination of the effects of rescue workers meaning transfer, attitudes and subjective norms towards being voluntarily involved in civic activities on civic engagement intention
Authors: Cavazos‐Arroyo Judith , Puente‐Diaz Rogelio
Published: June 2020

The present investigation used the transfer‐meaning model to assess the influence of rescue workers meaning after a major catastrophic event. Specifically, we examined the influence of rescue workers meaning on subjective norms and attitudes towards being voluntarily involved in civic activities and the influence of these on online and offline civic engagement intention. 300 Mexican undergraduate and graduate students completed a battery of questionnaires assessing meaning transfer, subjective norms, attitudes and behavioural intentions towards offline and online civic engagement. Results showed a significant positive effect of rescue workers meaning on subjective norms and attitude towards being voluntarily involved in civic activities. In addition, subjective norms and attitudes were significant antecedents of offline and online civic participation intention. The theoretical and managerial implications of our results were discussed.
Conservationists' perspectives on poverty: An empirical study
Authors: Fisher Janet A. , Dhungana Hari , Duffy Janine , He Jun , Inturias Mirna , Lehmann Ina , Martin Adrian , Mwayafu David M. , Rodríguez Iokiñe , Schneider Helen
Published: June 2020

Biodiversity conservation interventions have long confronted challenges of human poverty. The ethical foundations of international conservation, including conservation's relationship with poverty, are currently being interrogated in animated debates about the future of conservation. However, while some commentary exists, empirical analysis of conservation practitioner perspectives on poverty, and their ethical justification, has been lacking thus far.

We used Q methodology complemented by more detailed qualitative analysis to examine empirically perspectives on poverty and conservation within the conservation movement, and compare these empirical discourses to positions within the literature. We sampled conservation practitioners in western headquartered organizations, and in Bolivia, China, Nepal and Uganda, thereby giving indications of these perspectives in Latin America, Asia and Africa.

While there are some elements of consensus, for instance the principle that the poor should not shoulder the costs of conserving a global public good, the three elicited discourses diverge in a number of ways. Anthropocentrism and ecocentrism differentiate the perspectives, but beyond this, there are two distinct framings of poverty which conservation practitioners variously adhere to.

The first prioritizes welfare, needs and sufficientarianism, and is more strongly associated with the China, Nepal and Uganda case studies. The second framing of poverty focuses much more on the need for ‘do no harm’ principles and safeguards, and follows an internationalized human rights‐oriented discourse.

There are also important distinctions between discourses about whether poverty is characterized as a driver of degradation, or more emphasis is placed on overconsumption and affluence in perpetuating conservation threats. This dimension particularly illuminates shifts in thinking in the 30 or so years since the Brundtland report, and reflecting new global realities.

This analysis serves to update, parse and clarify differing perspectives on poverty within the conservation, and broader environmental movement, to illuminate consensual aspects between perspectives, and reveal where critical differences remain.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
MicroRNA‐2861 and nanofibrous scaffold synergistically promote human induced pluripotent stem cells osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Abazari Mohammad Foad , Zare Karizi Shohreh , Kohandani Mina , Nasiri Navid , Nejati Fatemeh , Saburi Ehsan , Nikpoor Amin Reza , Enderami Seyed Ehsan , Soleimanifar Fatemeh , Mansouri Vahid
Published: June 2020

Tissue engineering using new strategies has become a growing and promising method for treating large tissue lesions in the body. On the other hand, microRNAs (miRNAs), which are small non‐coding regulatory RNAs, are a new class of genetic materials that can have effective pharmacological roles. The combination of these two themes has created promising prospects for the treatment of diseases. Herein, human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were transduced with miRNA‐2861 and then the osteogenic differentiation potential of transduced iPSCs and non‐transduced iPSCs was investigated while cultured on the electrospun poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) nanofibrous scaffold and culture plate. MiR‐2861‐transduced iPSCs showed a significantly higher viability, mineralization, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium content, and bone‐related gene expression in comparison with those iPSCs that non‐transduced. The results also indicated that this increase is improved when miR‐2861 transduced iPSCs are cultured on the PLGA nanofibrous scaffold synergistically. This synergy was also confirmed by the results obtained from of Western blot analysis. It can be concluded that, miR‐2861, by negative regulation of those proteins that decrease/inhibit osteogenic differentiation and PLGA nanofibrous scaffold by preparation of a suitable artificial extracellular matrix, have a great positive impact in improving iPSCs osteogenic differentiation potential and this blend can be proposed to use in bone tissue engineering application.
Race and socioeconomic status in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for nonmalignant conditions
Authors: Harney Sarah M. , Kahn Justine M. , Jin Zhezhen , Wong Priscilla , McKetta Sarah , Satwani Prakash
Published: June 2020

Background

Survival disparities by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES) are observed in a wide range of pediatric treatment settings including oncology and solid organ transplantation. To date, few studies have examined the effects of race and SES on outcomes in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). We explored whether survival differed by race/ethnicity or SES in children receiving HCT for nonmalignant conditions at a single institution serving a diverse patient population.

Procedures

The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to estimate overall survival (OS) with the log‐rank test for between‐group comparisons. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify risk factors for OS, adjusting for treatment‐ and disease‐related factors.

Results

Of 133 subjects, 0 to 21 years, 19% were non‐Hispanic (NH) white, 34% were NH black, 40% were Hispanic, and 7% were Asian. Sixty‐seven percent of the subjects had public insurance; 49% lived in neighborhoods with poverty rate ≥20%. Primary diagnoses included hemoglobinopathies (56%), bone marrow failure (22%), and other conditions (22%). Median follow‐up was 5.8 years (range 0.1‐14.5). Analysis revealed no difference in OS by race, insurance type, or neighborhood SES.

Conclusions

Findings from this single‐institution study suggest that in pediatric patients undergoing HCT for nonmalignant conditions, treatment at a tertiary care center with a multidisciplinary approach may mitigate drivers of disparities observed in other settings. Additional studies are now needed to further elucidate the complex interrelationships among race, SES, and clinical outcomes for children undergoing HCT.