bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variants in the ethylmalonyl‐CoA decarboxylase (ECHDC1) gene: a novel player in ethylmalonic aciduria?
Authors: Fogh Sarah , Dipace Graziana , Bie Anne , Veiga‐da‐Cunha Maria , Hansen Jakob , Kjeldsen Margrethe , Mosegaard Signe , Ribes Antonia , Gregersen Niels , Aagaard Lars , Van Schaftingen Emile , Olsen Rikke K. J.
Published: May 2021

Ethylmalonic acid (EMA) is a major and potentially cytotoxic metabolite associated with short‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase (SCAD) deficiency, a condition whose status as a disease is uncertain. Unexplained high EMA is observed in some individuals with complex neurological symptoms, who carry the SCAD gene (ACADS) variants, c.625G>A and c.511C>T. The variants have a high allele frequency in the general population, but are significantly overrepresented in individuals with elevated EMA. This has led to the idea that these variants need to be associated with variants in other genes to cause hyperexcretion of ethylmalonic acid and possibly a diseased state. Ethylmalonyl‐CoA decarboxylase (ECHDC1) has been described and characterized as an EMA metabolite repair enzyme, however, its clinical relevance has never been investigated. In this study, we sequenced the ECHDC1 gene (ECHDC1) in 82 individuals, who were reported with unexplained high EMA levels due to the presence of the common ACADS variants only. Three individuals with ACADS c.625G>A variants were found to be heterozygous for ECHDC1 loss‐of‐function variants. Knockdown experiments of ECHDC1, in healthy human cells with different ACADS c.625G>A genotypes, showed that ECHDC1 haploinsufficiency and homozygosity for the ACADS c.625G>A variant had a synergistic effect on cellular EMA excretion. This study reports the first cases of ECHDC1 gene defects in humans and suggests that ECHDC1 may be involved in elevated EMA excretion in only a small group of individuals with the common ACADS variants. However, a direct link between ECHDC1/ACADS deficiency, EMA and disease could not be proven.
Fabrication and characterization of gum arabic‐ and maltodextrin‐based microcapsules containing polyunsaturated oils
Authors: Akram Sajeela , Bao Yiwen , Butt Masood S , Shukat Rizwan , Afzal Arslan , Huang Jen‐Yi
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Polyunsaturated oils have various health‐promoting effects, however, they are highly prone to oxidation. Encapsulation using biopolymers is one of the most effective strategies to enhance oil stability. This research examined the potential of gum arabic and maltodextrin for microencapsulation of omega‐3 rich oils, aiming to enhance encapsulation efficiency and stability of encapsulated oil.

RESULTS

We encapsulated fish and flaxseed oils by emulsification‐spray drying. Spray‐dried microcapsules were prepared by oil‐in‐water emulsions consisting of 10 wt% oil and 30 wt% biopolymer (gum arabic, maltodextrin, or their mixture). Results showed that both microcapsules were spherical in shape with surface shrinkage, and exhibited amorphous structures. Gum arabic‐based microcapsules had higher encapsulation efficiency as well as better storage stability for both types of oil. Flaxseed oil microcapsules generally had higher oxidative stability regardless of the type of wall material.

CONCLUSIONS

Through a comprehensive characterization of the physical and chemical properties of the emulsions and resulting microcapsules, we proved gum arabic to be a more effective wall material for polyunsaturated oil microencapsulation, especially flaxseed oil. This study provides a promising approach to stabilize oils which are susceptible to deterioration, and facilitates their wider uses as food and nutraceutical products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Chromatographic characterization of a silica hydride‐based amide stationary phase
Authors: Pesek Joseph J. , Matyska Maria T. , Tardiff Emma , Hiltz Tanya
Published: May 2021

An amide phase based on a porous silica hydride support material is tested for retention characteristics in both the reversed‐phase and aqueous normal‐phase modes. A series of retention maps (capacity factor vs. mobile phase composition) were obtained using reference standards of varying analyte sizes, functionalities, and polarities. An assessment of the specific column selectivity is made and classes of compounds are identified that show high potential for effective retention, resolution, and efficiency when using amide functionalized silica hydride columns for reversed‐phase and aqueous‐normal phase separation. Several practical applications are presented that illustrate the capabilities of this particular column format.
Topology‐Induced Phase Transitions in Spin‐Orbit Photonics
Authors: Ling Xiaohui , Guan Fuxin , Cai Xiaodong , Ma Shaojie , Xu He‐Xiu , He Qiong , Xiao Shiyi , Zhou Lei
Published: May 2021

Spin‐controlled vortex generation and spin‐Hall effect, two distinct effects discovered in optics, have been extensively studied recently. However, while physical origins of two effects are both due to spin‐orbit interactions, their inherent connections remain obscure which also hinders further explorations on the manipulations of them. Here, in studying the scattering of a spin‐polarized light beam at sharp interfaces, an intriguing phase transition between vortex generation and spin‐Hall shift trigged by varying the incidence angle is revealed. After reflection/refraction, the beam contains two components: normal and abnormal modes acquiring spin‐redirection‐Berry phases and Pancharatnam–Berry phases, respectively. Inside the abnormal beam, two classes of wave components gain Pancharatnam–Berry phases with distinct topological natures, generating intrinsic and extrinsic orbital angular momenta (OAM), respectively. Enlarging incidence angle changes the relative portions of these two contributions, making the abnormal beam undergo a phase transition from vortex generation to spin‐Hall shift. Such intriguing effect is experimentally observed at a purposely designed metamaterial slab, exhibiting efficiency enhanced by several‐thousand times compared to that at a conventional slab. These findings unify two previously discovered effects in a single framework, reinterpret previous results with clearer pictures, and shed light on understanding other physical effects involving the competition between intrinsic and extrinsic OAM.
Low‐Level Light Therapy Downregulates Scalp Inflammatory Biomarkers in Men With Androgenetic Alopecia and Boosts Minoxidil 2% to Bring a Sustainable Hair Regrowth Activity
Authors: Mahe Yann F. , Cheniti Ahsène , Tacheau Charlotte , Antonelli Rosaria , Planard‐Luong Lien , de Bernard Simon , Buffat Laurent , Barbarat Philippe , Kanoun‐Copy Leila
Published: May 2021

Background and Objectives

Low‐level light therapies using visible to infrared light are known to activate several cellular functions, such as adenosine triphosphate and nitric oxide synthesis. However, few clinical observations report its biological consequences for skin and scalp homeostasis. Since scalp inflammation was recognized as a potential physiological obstacle to the efficacy of the reference hair regrowth drug Minoxidil in vivo and since perifollicular inflammation is the hallmark of about 50%–70% follicular units in androgenetic alopecia, we decided to investigate whether the anti‐inflammatory activity of LLLT/GentleWaves® device were assigned to L'Oréal by Light BioScience L.L.C., Virginia Beach, VA (US) could enhance hair regrowth activity of Minoxidil.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

We conducted a first experimental clinical study on 64 men with androgenetic alopecia using LLLT/GentleWaves®, 590‐nm predominant wavelength 70 seconds, specifically pulsed once per day, for 3 days, and we performed a whole‐genome analysis of treated scalp biopsies. In a second clinical study, including 135 alopecic volunteers, we evaluated the hair regrowth activity in response to the upgraded LLLT/GentleWaves® device and Minoxidil.

Results

In the first clinical study, whole‐genome analysis of treated scalp biopsies showed downregulation of scalp inflammatory biomarkers, such as AP1/FOSB messenger RNA (mRNA) and mir21, together with the disappearance of CD69 mRNA, specific to scalp‐infiltrating T cells of about 50% of the studied volunteers prior to the LLLT/GentleWaves® treatment. In the second clinical study, we observed that LLLT/GentleWaves® was able to boost the hair regrowth activity of a Minoxidil 2% lotion to the extent of the highest concentration (5%) in terms of efficacy, number of responders, and perceived performance.

Conclusions

Altogether, these observations suggest the potential benefit of LLLT/GentleWaves® as a noninvasive adjunctive technology for skin and scalp conditions, where a mild perifollicular inflammation is involved. Lasers Surg. Med. 2021. Copyright © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Spatial Covariance of Cholinergic Muscarinic M1/M4 Receptors in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Colloby Sean J. , Nathan Pradeep J. , Bakker Geor , Lawson Rachael A. , Yarnall Alison J. , Burn David J. , O'Brien John T. , Taylor John‐Paul
Published: May 2021

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is associated with cholinergic dysfunction, although the role of M1 and M4 receptors remains unclear.

Objective

To investigate spatial covariance patterns of cholinergic muscarinic M1/M4 receptors in PD and their relationship with cognition and motor symptoms.

Methods

Some 19 PD and 24 older adult controls underwent 123I‐iodo‐quinuclidinyl‐benzilate (QNB) (M1/M4 receptor) and 99mTc‐exametazime (perfusion) single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scanning. We implemented voxel principal components analysis, producing a series of images representing patterns of intercorrelated voxels across individuals. Linear regression analyses derived specific M1/M4 spatial covariance patterns associated with PD.

Results

A cholinergic M1/M4 pattern that converged onto key hubs of the default, auditory–visual, salience, and sensorimotor networks fully discriminated PD patients from controls (F1,41 = 135.4, P < 0.001). In PD, we derived M1/M4 patterns that correlated with global cognition (r = −0.62, P = 0.008) and motor severity (r = 0.53, P = 0.02). Both patterns emerged with a shared topography implicating the basal forebrain as well as visual, frontal executive, and salience circuits. Further, we found a M1/M4 pattern that predicted global cognitive decline (r = 0.46, P = 0.04) comprising relative decreased binding within default and frontal executive networks.

Conclusions

Cholinergic muscarinic M1/M4 modulation within key brain networks were apparent in PD. Cognition and motor severity were associated with a similar topography, inferring both phenotypes possibly rely on related cholinergic mechanisms. Relative decreased M1/M4 binding within default and frontal executive networks could be an indicator of future cognitive decline. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Natural products as geroprotectors: An autophagy perspective
Authors: Raj Stephen D. , Fann David Y. , Wong Esther , Kennedy Brian K.
Published: May 2021

Over the past decade, significant attention has been given to repurposing Food and Drug Administration approved drugs to treat age‐related diseases. In contrast, less consideration has been given to natural bioactive compounds. Consequently, there have been limited attempts to translate these compounds. Autophagy is a fundamental biological pathway linked to aging, and numerous strategies to enhance autophagy have been shown to extend lifespan. Interestingly, there are a number of natural products that are reported to modulate autophagy, and here we describe a number of them that activate autophagy through diverse molecular and cellular mechanisms. Among these, Urolithin A, Spermidine, Resveratrol, Fatty Acids and Phospholipids, Trehalose and Lithium are featured in detail. Finally, we outline possible strategies to optimise and increase the translatability of natural products, with the overall aim of delaying the ageing process and improving human healthspan.
Unique solvability of a stationary radiative‐conductive heat transfer problem in a system consisting of an absolutely black body and several semitransparent bodies
Authors: Amosov Andrey
Published: May 2021

We consider a stationary boundary value problem describing a radiative‐conductive heat transfer in a system consisting of one absolutely black body and several semitransparent bodies. To describe the radiative transfer, the integro‐differential radiative transfer equation is used. We do not take into account the dependence of the radiation intensity and the properties of semitransparent materials on the radiation frequency. We proved at the first time the unique solvability of this problem. Besides, we proved the comparison theorems and established the results on improving the properties of solutions with increasing exponents of data summability.
Analysis of transmission dynamics of COVID‐19 via closed‐form solutions of a susceptible‐infectious‐quarantined‐diseased model with a quarantine‐adjusted incidence function
Authors: Naz Rehana , Al‐Raeei Marwan
Published: May 2021

We analyze the disease control and prevention strategies in a susceptible‐infectious‐quarantined‐diseased (SIQD) model with a quarantine‐adjusted incidence function. We have established the closed‐form solutions for all the variables of SIQD model with a quarantine‐adjusted incidence function provided
by utilizing the classical techniques of solving ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The epidemic peak and time required to attain this peak are provided in closed form. We have provided closed‐form expressions for force of infection and rate at which susceptible becomes infected. The management of epidemic perceptive using control and prevention strategies is explained as well. The epidemic starts when ρ0 > 1, the peak of epidemic appears when number of infected attains peak value when
, and the disease dies out ρ0 < 1. We have provided the comparison of estimated and actual epidemic peak of COVID‐19 in Pakistan. The forecast of epidemic peak for the United states, Brazil, India, and the Syrian Arab Republic is given as well.
Orally Administered DHA‐Enriched Phospholipids and DHA‐Enriched Triglyceride Relieve Oxidative Stress, Improve Intestinal Barrier, Modulate Inflammatory Cytokine and Gut Microbiota, and Meliorate Inflammatory Responses in the Brain in Dextran Sodium Sulfate Induced Colitis in Mice
Authors: Che Hongxia , Li Hongyan , Song Lin , Dong Xiufang , Yang Xihong , Zhang Tiantian , Wang Yuming , Xie Wancui
Published: May 2021

Scope

Studies based on DHA/EPA supplementation in animal models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) reveal controversial results. It is speculated that different forms of DHA may explain the controversial results. Therefore, the effects of DHA‐enriched phospholipids (DHA‐PL) and DHA‐enriched triglyceride (DHA‐TG) on IBD are compared.

Methods and results

Male C57BL6/J mice are given DHA‐PL and DHA‐TG for 14 consecutive days, and receive ad libitum a 3.0% dextran sodium sulfate solution on the eighth day to establish IBD model. The results show that both DHA‐PL and DHA‐TG can reverse the colitis pathological process by decreasing the disease activity indexes (DAI), raising the colon length, suppressing the intestinal permeability, suppressing the oxidative stress, down‐regulating pro‐inflammatory factors, up‐regulating anti‐inflammatory factor in colon tissues. DHA‐PL and DHA‐TG also regulate the composition of gut microbiota via decreasing of the abundance Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, and DHA‐TG increases the abundance of Odoribacter. Importantly, DHA‐PL and DHA‐TG obviously attenuate the activation of microglia.

Conclusions

DHA‐PL shows outstanding advantages in regulating oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and intestinal barrier permeability. The current research indicates that the existence of DHA affects the improvement, DHA in phospholipid form could be a more effective choice for nutritional intervention to prevent and treat colitis.
Generation and analysis of Prss28 and Prss29 deficient mice using CRISPR‐Cas9 genome‐editing
Authors: Dhakal Pramod , Spencer Thomas E.
Published: May 2021

Glands of the uterus are essential for the establishment of pregnancy in mice and their products regulate embryo implantation and stromal cell decidualization critical for pregnancy establishment. Forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) is expressed specifically in the glands and a critical regulator of their differentiation, development and function. Progesterone and FOXA2 regulate members of a serine proteinase gene family (Prss28 and Prss29). Here, CRISPR‐Cas9 genome‐editing was used to create mice with a heterozygous or homozygous deletion of Prss28 or/and Prss29 to determine their biological roles in uterine function. Female mice lacking Prss28 and Prss29 or both developed normally and were fertile without alterations in uterine histoarchitecture, uterine gland number, or and gene expression. Thus, Prss28 and Prss29 are dispensable for female fertility and do not impact endometrial gland development or uterine function mice.
Voluntary and magnetically evoked muscle contraction protocol in males with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Safety, feasibility, reliability, and validity
Authors: Trost Joyceann P. , Chen Mo , Stark Molly M. , Hodges James S. , Richter Sara , Lindsay Angus , Warren Gordon L. , Lowe Dawn A. , Kimberley Teresa J.
Published: May 2021

Introduction/Aims

Clinical trials addressing treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) require reliable and valid measurement of muscle contractile function across all disease severity levels. In this work we aimed to evaluate a protocol combining voluntary and evoked contractions to measure strength and excitability of wrist extensor muscles for safety, feasibility, reliability, and discriminant validity between males with DMD and controls.

Methods

Wrist extensor muscle strength and excitability were assessed in males with DMD (N = 10; mean ± standard deviation: 15.4 ± 5.9 years of age), using the Brooke Upper Extremity Rating Scale (scored 1‐6), and age‐matched healthy male controls (N = 15; 15.5 ± 5.0 years of age). Torque and electromyographic (EMG) measurements were analyzed under maximum voluntary and stimulated conditions at two visits.

Results

A protocol of multiple maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) and evoked twitch contractions was feasible and safe, with 96% of the participants completing the protocol and having a less than 7% strength decrement on either measure for both DMD patients and controls (P ≥ .074). Reliability was excellent for voluntary and evoked measurements of torque and EMG (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] over 0.90 and over 0.85 within and between visits, respectively). Torque, EMG, and timing of twitch‐onset measurements discriminated between DMD and controls (P < .001). Twitch contraction time did not differ significantly between groups (P = .10).

Discussion

Findings from this study show that the protocol is a safe, feasible, reliable, and a valid method to measure strength and excitability of wrist extensors in males with DMD.
First-in-Human Phase I Study of Envafolimab, a Novel Subcutaneous Single-Domain Anti-PD-L1 Antibody, in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Papadopoulos Kyriakos P. , Harb Wael , Peer Cody J. , Hua Qiong , Xu Siying , Lu Haolan , Lu Ni , He Yue , Xu Ting , Dong Ruiping , Gong John , Liu David
Published: May 2021

Lessons Learned

Subcutaneous injection was an effective route of administration for envafolimab with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile in patients with previously treated advanced solid tumors. Subcutaneous envafolimab was well tolerated and had durable antitumor activity at a wide range of doses and schedules. Envafolimab has the potential to be a more convenient option than currently approved intravenous PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.

Background

Envafolimab is a novel fusion of a humanized single-domain PD-L1 antibody and human IgG1 Fc fragment formulated for subcutaneous injection. This study explored the safety and feasibility of subcutaneous administration of envafolimab as an alternative to intravenous administration of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in the treatment of advanced, refractory solid tumors.

Methods

This was a first-in-human, open-label phase I trial. In a dose-escalation phase, patients received subcutaneous envafolimab 0.01–10 mg/kg once weekly following a modified 3+3 design. In a dose-exploration phase, patients received subcutaneous envafolimab 300 mg once every 4 weeks.

Results

Twenty-eight patients were enrolled (dose escalation n = 18, dose exploration n = 10, median age 66 years; 71% male; ECOG performance score = 0 [21%] or 1 [79%]). No dose-limiting toxicities or injection-site reactions were reported. Envafolimab demonstrated dose-proportional increases in area under the time-concentration curve and maximum plasma concentration. Median time to maximum plasma concentration was 4–7 days. In the dose-exploration phase, terminal half-life was 14 days after dose 1 in cycle 1 and 23 days at steady state. Three patients experienced a confirmed partial response.

Conclusion

Subcutaneous envafolimab had a favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profile, with promising preliminary antitumor activity in patients with advanced solid tumors.
Overview and recent developments in cell‐based noninvasive prenatal testing
Authors: Vossaert Liesbeth , Chakchouk Imen , Zemet Roni , Van den Veyver Ignatia B.
Published: May 2021

Investigators have long been interested in the natural phenomenon of fetal and placental cell trafficking into the maternal circulation. The scarcity of these circulating cells makes their detection and isolation technically challenging. However, as a DNA source of fetal origin not mixed with maternal DNA, they have the potential of considerable benefit over circulating cell‐free DNA‐based noninvasive prenatal genetic testing (NIPT). Endocervical trophoblasts, which are less rare but more challenging to recover are also being investigated as an approach for cell‐based NIPT. We review published studies from around the world describing both forms of cell‐based NIPT and highlight the different approaches’ advantages and drawbacks. We also offer guidance for developing a sound cell‐based NIPT protocol.
Modelling picosecond and nanosecond laser ablation for prediction of induced damage on textured SiNx/Si surfaces of Si solar cells
Authors: Shen Xiaowei , Hsiao Pei‐Chieh , Wang Zhimeng , Liu Mengdi , Phua Benjamin , Song Ning , Stokes Alex , Lennon Alison
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the laser‐induced damage arising from 266 and 532 nm laser ablation of SiNx films on alkaline textured Si surfaces with nanosecond and picosecond pulse durations using a combination of optical‐thermal simulations and measurements of carrier recombination current density. Simulations predict that the melting depth is limited to within 150 nm of the SiNx/Si surface after 266 nm ps laser irradiation due to the greater absorption in both the SiNx and Si resulting in more direct ablation, while temperatures exceeding the melting temperature of Si are predicted to extend up to 1000 nm into the Si substrate with 532 nm ps pulses leading primarily to spallation. Ablation of the SiNx by 266 nm ps irradiation is predicted to be more homogeneous on smaller sized pyramids due to the increased absorption of double‐bounce reflected light on the pyramid faces. This finding has implications for applications requiring uniform ablation of dielectrics on textured Si surfaces. Ablation of SiNx by the longer wavelength 532 nm ps pulses also increases carrier recombination compared to that incurred with 266 nm ps pulses due to the increased melting depth. Longer ns pulses result in less steep temperature gradients and, for 266 nm pulses, an increased melting depth compared to ps pulses. Consequently, shorter ps UV pulses are preferred for SiNx ablation on Si surfaces due to their reduced laser damage penetration, whereas the less steep temperature gradients resulting from ns 532 nm pulses are beneficial for laser doping to form selective emitters.
Sleep in children with cystic fibrosis: More under the covers
Authors: Reiter Joel , Breuer Oded , Cohen‐Cymberknoh Malena , Forno Erick , Gileles‐Hillel Alex
Published: May 2021

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic multisystem disease with manifestations from birth. It involves the entire respiratory system, with increased cough, and recurrent pulmonary infections, and it also leads to intestinal malabsorption, all of which can have an impact on sleep. In this review, we summarize the available literature on the various sleep disturbances in children with CF. Sleep quality and sleep efficiency are often impaired in children with CF. They may be accompanied by symptoms associated with sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB), and objective findings, such as nocturnal hypoxemia. Importantly, a strong association has been shown between SDB and the severity of lung disease, and some studies have reported a similar association for sleep quality. Further research is needed to better characterize the association of sleep disturbances with respiratory outcomes and the impact of treatment of sleep disorders on pulmonary status in children with CF.
Design of a foundational sciences curriculum: Applying the ICAP framework to pharmacology education in integrated medical curricula
Authors: Quesnelle Kelly M. , Zaveri Naunihal T. , Schneid Stephen D. , Blumer Joe B. , Szarek John L. , Kruidering Marieke , Lee Michael W.
Published: May 2021

Expectations for physicians are rapidly changing, as is the environment in which they will practice. In response, preclerkship medical education curricula are adapting to meet these demands, often by reducing the time for foundational sciences. This descriptive study compares preclerkship pharmacology education curricular practices from seven allopathic medical schools across the United States. We compare factors and practices that affect how pharmacology is integrated into the undergraduate medical education curriculum, including teaching techniques, resources, time allocated to pharmacology teaching, and assessment strategies. We use data from seven medical schools in the United States, along with results from a literature survey, to inform the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches and to raise important questions that can guide future research regarding integration of foundational sciences in medical school and health professions’ curricula. In this comparative study, we found that there is significant heterogeneity in the number of hours dedicated to pharmacology in the preclerkship curriculum, whereas there was concordance in the use of active learning pedagogies for content delivery. Applying the ICAP (Interactive, Constructive, Active, Passive) Framework for cognitive engagement, our data showed that pharmacology was presented using more highly engaging pedagogies during sessions that are integrated with other foundational sciences. These findings can serve as a model that can be applied beyond pharmacology to other foundational sciences such as genetics, pathology, microbiology, biochemistry, etc.
Prescribed‐time control of uncertain strict‐feedback‐like systems
Authors: Ye Hefu , Song Yongduan
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we present a control method for achieving prescribed‐time regulation of strict‐feedback‐like systems in the presence of unknown yet time‐varying control gains and mismatched uncertainties. The developed control algorithms are capable of full‐state regulation within pre‐set time independent of initial condition and any other design parameter. The corresponding control action is continuous and bounded during the entire control process, which, for vanishing uncertainties/disturbances, reduces to zero as the states approach the equilibrium and remains zero thereafter, allowing for nonstop running of the system beyond the settling time. The efficiency of the proposed method is verified through numerical examples.
Efficient Simulation Methods for Thermal‐Mechanical Coupled Analysis and Rapid Residual Distortion Prediction of Laser Melting Deposition Process
Authors: Cao Xiankun , Duan Chenghong , Luo Xiangpeng
Published: May 2021

Herein, an improved thermal‐mechanical coupled analysis is used to increase the calculation efficiency of the detailed laser melting deposition (LMD) process. By optimizing the loading process of the laser heat source and lumping several deposited layers into an equivalent numerical layer, the efficiency is significantly improved. The calculation time is saved by 85% when lumping six layers. Compared with the experimental data, the minimum deviation of predicted maximum distortion reaches 3.2% when lumping four layers. A multiscale method is proposed to predict the distortion result of the large‐sized part efficiently. In this method, the optimal heights of equivalent numerical layers are explored. The comparisons with the experimental result show that the optimal heights of equivalent numerical layers are 1 and 1.5 mm in view of accuracy and efficiency. Based on the multiscale method, the residual distortion of the substrate after depositing a large‐sized eight‐layer line deposition structure is accurately predicted. The deviations of the maximum distortion predicted by the improved thermal‐mechanical coupled simulation and the multiscale method are 3.26% and 6.12%, respectively. Moreover, the calculation time of the latter is 98.8% less than that of the former.
Green Technology‐Based Utilization of Refractory Siderite Ores to Prepare Electric Arc Furnace Burden
Authors: Chen Dong , Guo Hongwei , Lv Yanan , Li Peng , Yan Bingji , Zhao Wei
Published: May 2021

Siderite ore is a typical and widely available refractory iron ore. In consideration of the growing demand for iron ores and the increasing pressure to reduce emissions in the steel industry, a green technology‐based utilization of siderite ore as an electric arc furnace (EAF) burden by applying carburization roasting and magnetic separation processes is proposed. Under optimized conditions, an electric furnace burden (Fe3C) assaying 81.62% Fe and 6.48% C, with a corresponding iron recovery rate of 91.33%, is prepared. Moreover, when compared with the traditional blast furnace (BF)–basic oxygen furnace (BOF) long process, the CO2 and NOx reductions amount to 17.60% and 35.07%, respectively. Furthermore, the carburization behavior and separation mechanism are revealed using X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy. The results show that siderite can be carburized to Fe3C; however, the separation efficiency of iron carbide and gangue is very low. Furthermore, Na2SO4 is a necessary additive to enhance the separation efficiency as it improves the carburized efficiency, increases the iron carbide particle size, and improves the embedded relationship of gangue and iron carbide. The proposed technology is promising for the utilization of siderite ores in terms of product value and environmental friendliness.
A Review of the Melt Structure and Crystallization Behavior of Non‐Reactive Mold Flux for the Casting of Advanced High‐Strength Steels
Authors: Wang Wanlin , Xu Hui , Zhai Bingyu , Zhang Lei
Published: May 2021

The non‐reactive CaO–Al2O3‐based mold flux system is proposed to avoid the reaction problems during the casting process of advanced high‐strength steels, when conventional CaO–SiO2‐based mold flux system is applied. However, new problems such as low consumption and insufficient lubrication are introduced during the industrials of CaO–Al2O3‐based mold fluxes, which is closely associated with its melt structure and crystallization behavior. Herein, the studies on the melt structure and crystallization property of CaO–Al2O3‐based mold fluxes are summarized and discussed. The structural roles of Al2O3, B2O3, and SiO2 in CaO–Al2O3‐based mold flux system are quite complex because the structural transformation occurs in aluminate network structure, such as [AlO4]5− and [AlO5]7−, and borate network structure, such as [BO3]3− and [BO4]5−, in the system. In addition, it is suggested that the addition of basic metal oxides and fluorides will strengthen the stability of network structure, due to the charge compensation effect of Li+ and Ba2+, and the strong electrostatic attraction between Al3+ and F−. On the contrary, many Al‐bearing crystal phases with high melting point precipitate in the CaO–Al2O3‐based melt, which will improve the crystallization ability of slag and deteriorate its lubrication performance.
Lithium Storage in Carbon Cloth–Supported KNb3O8 Nanorods Toward a High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Capacitor
Authors: Sun Hui , Niu Fei , Yuan Peng , He Xuexia , Sun Jie , Liu Zonghuai , Li Qi , Lei Zhibin
Published: May 2021

Exploration of novel anodes with a high capacity and fast charge rate is crucial for developing high‐energy‐density lithium‐ion capacitors. Herein, high‐rate Li+ insertion into KNb3O8 nanorods grown on conductive carbon cloth (CC) by a facile electrodeposition technique is reported. The hierarchically porous network and the enhanced conductivity enable the CC‐KNb3O8 electrode to deliver a high discharge capacity of 271 mA h g−1 at 0.01 A g−1 with a low yet safe voltage (1.2 V versus Li/Li+) while exhibiting outstanding cycling stability (225 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles) and superior rate capability (159 mA h g−1 at 0.5 A g−1). Electrochemical results and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis show that accompanying mutielectron transfers involving the Nb5+/Nb4+ and Nb4+/Nb3+ redox reactions, KNb3O8 remains in the stable orthorhombic phase without notable volume expansion during the whole charging and discharging process. A lithium‐ion capacitor built with a CC‐KNb3O8 anode and active carbon cathode delivers a maximum energy density of 69 W h kg−1 at a power output of 346 W kg−1 and retains 88% capacity after 1000 cycles at 2.0 A g−1. This work opens up a new avenue for designing high‐capacity niobium‐based electrodes toward a high‐performance charge storage device.
G2 and S phase‐expressed‐1 acts as a putative tumor promoter in cervical cancer by enhancing Wnt/β‐catenin signaling via modulation of GSK‐3β
Authors: Guo Wenting , Zhu Jing , Zhu Yuan , Wang Kai
Published: May 2021

G2 and S phase‐expressed‐1 (GTSE1) is currently identified as a key regulator of carcinogenesis. However, the involvement of GTSE1 in cervical cancer is unclear. The aims of this work were to explore the relationship between GTSE1 and cervical cancer. Our data elucidated high GTSE1 expression in cervical cancer tissue, which predicted a poor prognosis in cervical cancer patients. GTSE1 knockdown had tumor‐suppressive effects in cervical cancer cells by inhibiting cell proliferative and invasive abilities. GTSE1 knockdown decreased the level of phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) and active β‐catenin, resulted in inactivation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Suppression of GSK‐3β remarkably abolished the GTSE1‐knockdown‐induced inhibitory effects on Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Suppression of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling abolished the GTSE1‐overexpression‐induced oncogenic effects. Notably, GTSE1 knockdown impeded the in vivo tumorigenicity of cervical cancer cells. In short, this work demonstrates that GTSE1 is overexpressed in cervical cancer and GTSE1 suppression exerts a tumor‐inhibiting role in cervical cancer by down‐regulating Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Our work underlines a crucial relevance between GTSE1 and cervical cancer progression and suggests GTSE1 as a promising therapeutic target for cervical cancer.
HBCD, TBECH, and BTBPE exhibit cytotoxic effects in human vascular endothelial cells by regulating mitochondria function and ROS production
Authors: Shi Jun , Wang Xueting , Chen Lulu , Deng Huiping , Zhang Min
Published: May 2021

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs), such as, 1,2,5,6‐tetrabromocyclooctane (HBCD), 1,2‐dibromo‐4‐(1,2‐dibromopropyl)cyclohexane (TBECH), and 1 1,2‐bis‐(2,4,6‐tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE), have garnered increasing attention due to their potent biological effects. In the present study, the toxicity of HBCD, TBECH, and BTBPE in human vascular endothelial cells (ECs) was explored. The data showed that HBCD, TBECH, and BTBPE induced cytotoxicity, namely dose–dependent cell viability reduction, cell membrane permeability and apoptosis increase, migration, and lumen formation inhibition. Moreover, HBCD was found to be more toxic than BTBPE or TBECH. Exposure to HBCD, TBECH, and BTBPE led to the production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial superoxide generation, and mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, implying that reactive stress caused the cytotoxicity. The ATP content, glutathione content, superoxide dismutase, and MDA activities were reduced, indicating that mitochondrial dysfunction may be the key mechanisms responsible for apoptosis. The present study suggested that mitochondria are a new target of BFRs in ECs and further deepened our understanding of the developmental toxicity of BFRs.
Engineering heterogeneity of precision nanoparticles for biomedical delivery and therapy
Authors: Zheng Di , Yang Kuikun , Nie Zhihong
Published: May 2021

Nanoparticle (NP)‐based vehicles are attractive for biomedical delivery and therapy, owing to improved therapeutic efficiency and reduced adverse effects compared to free drugs. Uncontrolled NP heterogeneity at the suspension level or single particle level poses grand challenges in the effective use of NPs for biology and medicines. Precision nanoparticles (PNPs) are a class of discrete nanostructures exhibiting elaborately tailored surface or structural heterogeneity, but minimal variations between nanostructures in one solution. Benefiting from their precisely controlled NP heterogeneity, PNPs have emerged as promising platforms for modulating various biological processes to improve the biomedical performance of NP‐based vehicles. This review summarizes recent advances in the development of precisely tailored PNPs for biomedical applications, with an emphasis on the nano‐bio interactions, and drug delivery and therapy. We start with a brief overview of the major categories of PNPs and their fabrication strategies (section 2). We then focus on reviewing the use of PNPs for enhancing biomolecular recognition or detection, regulating the NP‐protein interactions, modulating the NP‐biomembrane interactions, and improving the biological delivery and therapy (section 3). Finally, we discuss the challenges and perspectives on the design and use of PNPs for biomedical applications (section 4).
A Web-Based Co-Creation and User Engagement Method and Platform
Authors: Tocchetti Andrea , Corti Lorenzo , Brambilla Marco , Marco Diletta Di
Published: May 2021

In recent years, new methods to engage citizens in deliberative processes of governments and institutions have been studied. Such methodologies have become a necessity to assure the efficacy and longevity of policies. Several tools and solutions have been proposed while trying to achieve such a goal. The dual problem to citizen engagement is how to provide policy-makers with useful and actionable insights stemming from those processes. In this paper, we propose a research featuring a method and implementation of a crowdsourcing and co-creation technique that can provide value to both citizens and policy-makers engaged in the policy-making process. Thanks to our methodology, policy-makers can design challenges for citizens to partake, cooperate and provide their input. We also propose a web-based tool that allow citizens to participate and produce content to support the policy-making processes through a gamified interface that focuses on emotional and vision-oriented content.
Probing Hawking radiation through capacity of entanglement
Authors: Kawabata Kohki , Nishioka Tatsuma , Okuyama Yoshitaka , Watanabe Kento
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We consider the capacity of entanglement in models related with the gravitational phase transitions. The capacity is labeled by the replica parameter which plays a similar role to the inverse temperature in thermodynamics. In the end of the world brane model of a radiating black hole the capacity has a peak around the Page time indicating the phase transition between replica wormhole geometries of different types of topology. Similarly, in a moving mirror model describing Hawking radiation the capacity typically shows a discontinuity when the dominant saddle switches between two phases, which can be seen as a formation of island regions. In either case we find the capacity can be an invaluable diagnostic for a black hole evaporation process.
Spillway preheating
Authors: Fan JiJi , Lozanov Kaloian D. , Lu Qianshu
Published: May 2021

Abstract

In traditional models only an order one fraction of energy is transferred from the inflaton to radiation through nonperturbative resonance production in preheating immediately after inflation, due to backreaction effects. We propose a particle production mechanism that could improve the depletion of the inflaton energy density by up to four orders of magnitude. The improvement comes from the fast perturbative decays of resonantly produced daughter particles. They act as a “spillway” to drain these daughter particles, reducing their backreaction on the inflaton and keeping the resonant production effective for a longer period. Thus we dub the scenario “spillway preheating”. We also show that the fraction of energy density remaining in the inflaton has a simple inverse power-law scaling in the scenario. In general, spillway preheating is a much more efficient energy dissipation mechanism, which may have other applications in model building for particle physics.
Metaplectic flavor symmetries from magnetized tori
Authors: Almumin Yahya , Chen Mu-Chun , Knapp-Pérez Víctor , Ramos-Sánchez Saúl , Ratz Michael , Shukla Shreya
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We revisit the flavor symmetries arising from compactifications on tori with magnetic background fluxes. Using Euler’s Theorem, we derive closed form analytic expressions for the Yukawa couplings that are valid for arbitrary flux parameters. We discuss the modular transformations for even and odd units of magnetic flux, M, and show that they give rise to finite metaplectic groups the order of which is determined by the least common multiple of the number of zero-mode flavors involved. Unlike in models in which modular flavor symmetries are postulated, in this approach they derive from an underlying torus. This allows us to retain control over parameters, such as those governing the kinetic terms, that are free in the bottom-up approach, thus leading to an increased predictivity. In addition, the geometric picture allows us to understand the relative suppression of Yukawa couplings from their localization properties in the compact space. We also comment on the role supersymmetry plays in these constructions, and outline a path towards non-supersymmetric models with modular flavor symmetries.
Nonlinear evolution problems with singular coefficients in the lower order terms
Authors: Farroni Fernando , Greco Luigi , Moscariello Gioconda , Zecca Gabriella
Published: May 2021

We consider a Cauchy–Dirichlet problem for a quasilinear second order parabolic equation with lower order term driven by a singular coefficient. We establish an existence result to such a problem and we describe the time behavior of the solution in the case of the infinite–time horizon.
Shock interactions in inviscid air and $$\hbox {CO}_2$$–$$\hbox {N}_2$$ flows in thermochemical non-equilibrium
Authors: Garbacz C. , Maier W. T. , Scoggins J. B. , Economon T. D. , Magin T. , Alonso J. J. , Fossati M.
Published: May 2021

The present study aims at providing insights into shock wave interference patterns in gas flows when a mixture different than air is considered. High-energy non-equilibrium flows of air and$$\hbox {CO}_2$$CO2–$$\hbox {N}_2$$N2over a double-wedge geometry are studied numerically. The impact of freestream temperature on the non-equilibrium shock interaction patterns is investigated by simulating two different sets of freestream conditions. To this purpose, the SU2 solver has been extended to account for the conservation of chemical species as well as multiple energies and coupled to the Mutation++ library (Multicomponent Thermodynamic And Transport properties for IONized gases in C++) that provides all the necessary thermochemical properties of the mixture and chemical species. An analysis of the shock interference patterns is presented with respect to the existing taxonomy of interactions. A comparison between calorically perfect ideal gas and non-equilibrium simulations confirms that non-equilibrium effects greatly influence the shock interaction patterns. When thermochemical relaxation is considered, a type VI interaction is obtained for the$$\hbox {CO}_2$$CO2-dominated flow, for both freestream temperatures of 300 K and 1000 K; for air, a type V six-shock interaction and a type VI interaction are obtained, respectively. We conclude that the increase in freestream temperature has a large impact on the shock interaction pattern of the air flow, whereas for the$$\hbox {CO}_2$$CO2–$$\hbox {N}_2$$N2flow the pattern does not change.
Differences in Radiation Exposure of CT-Guided Percutaneous Manual and Powered Drill Bone Biopsy
Authors: Zensen Sebastian , Selvaretnam Sumitha , Opitz Marcel , Bos Denise , Haubold Johannes , Theysohn Jens , Forsting Michael , Guberina Nika , Wetter Axel
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Apart from the commonly applied manual needle biopsy, CT-guided percutaneous biopsies of bone lesions can be performed with battery-powered drill biopsy systems. Due to assumably different radiation doses and procedural durations, the aim of this study is to examine radiation exposure and establish local diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) of CT-guided bone biopsies of different anatomical regions.

Methods

In this retrospective study, dose data of 187 patients who underwent CT-guided bone biopsy with a manual or powered drill biopsy system performed at one of three different multi-slice CT were analyzed. Between January 2012 and November 2019, a total of 27 femur (A), 74 ilium (B), 27 sacrum (C), 28 thoracic vertebrae (D) and 31 lumbar vertebrae (E) biopsies were included. Radiation exposure was reported for volume-weighted CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose–length product (DLP).

Results

CTDIvol and DLP of manual versus powered drill biopsy were (median, IQR): A: 56.9(41.4–128.5)/66.7(37.6–76.2)mGy, 410(203–683)/303(128–403)mGy·cm, B: 83.5(62.1–128.5)/59.4(46.2–79.8)mGy, 489(322–472)/400(329–695)mGy·cm, C: 97.5(71.6–149.2)/63.1(49.1–83.7)mGy, 627(496–740)/404(316–515)mGy·cm, D: 67.0(40.3–86.6)/39.7(29.9–89.0)mGy, 392(267–596)/207(166–402)mGy·cm and E: 100.1(66.5–162.6)/62.5(48.0–90.0)mGy, 521(385–619)/315(240–452)mGy·cm. Radiation exposure with powered drill was significantly lower for ilium and sacrum, while procedural duration was not increased for any anatomical location. Local DRLs could be depicted as follows (CTDIvol/DLP): A: 91 mGy/522 mGy·cm, B: 90 mGy/530 mGy·cm, C: 116 mGy/740 mGy·cm, D: 87 mGy/578 mGy·cm and E: 115 mGy/546 mGy·cm. The diagnostic yield was 82.4% for manual and 89.4% for powered drill biopsies.

Conclusion

Use of powered drill bone biopsy systems for CT-guided percutaneous bone biopsies can significantly reduce the radiation burden compared to manual biopsy for specific anatomical locations such as ilium and sacrum and does not increase radiation dose or procedural duration for any of the investigated locations.

Level of Evidence

Level 3.