bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bridging Topological Results and Thin-Walled Frame Structures Considering Manufacturability
Authors: Bai Jiantao , Zhao Yanfang , Meng Guangwei , Zuo Wenjie
Published: February 2021

Topology optimization has been intensively studied and extensively applied in engineering design. However, the optimized results often take the form of a solid frame structure; hence, it is difficult to apply the topological results in the design of a thin-walled frame structure. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel bridging method to transform the topological results into a lightweight thin-walled frame structure while satisfying the stiffness and manufacturing requirements. First, the optimized topological results are obtained using the classical topology optimization method, which is smoothed to reduce structural complexity. Then, the initial thin-walled frame structure is created by referring to the smoothed topological results, in which the thin-walled cross section is designed according to the mechanical properties and manufacturing requirements. Furthermore, the size and shape of the thin-walled frame structure is optimized to minimize mass with the stiffness and manufacturing constraints. Finally, numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed method can reasonably design an optimized thin-walled frame structure from the topological results.
Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Quasi-Static System Level Behavior of Planetary Gear Sets
Authors: Ryali Lokaditya , Verma Abhishek , Hong Isaac , Talbot David , Zhu Farong
Published: February 2021

This study presents a unique experimental methodology that synchronously measures various quasi-static responses of a simple four-planet planetary gear set, namely, planet load sharing, overall transmission error (OTE), and floating sun gear orbits. Strain gauges mounted directly on the planet pins were used to monitor the load shared among the planets, which is a crucial design criterion for durability and performance. High-precision optical encoders were used to measure the OTE of the gear set to explore its diagnostic value in identifying system errors. Radial motions of the floating sun gear, which are critical to the self-centering and load sharing behavior of the gear set, were monitored using magnetic proximity probes. The influence of various design parameters and operating conditions such as planet mesh phasing, carrier pin position errors, gear tooth modifications, and input torque on the system’s response will be investigated by performing an extensive set of experiments in a repeatable and accurate manner. Finally, these experimental results will be recreated theoretically using the static planetary load distribution model of Hu et al. (2018, “A Load Distribution Model for Planetary Gear Sets,” ASME J. Mech. Des., 140(5), p. 53302) to not only validate the model but also comprehend the measured behavior.
A subjective and objective evaluation of a codec for the electrical stimulation patterns of cochlear implants
Authors: Hinrichs Reemt , Gajecki Tom , Ostermann Jörn , Nogueira Waldo
Published: February 2021

Wireless transmission of audio from or to signal processors of cochlear implants (CIs) is used to improve speech understanding of CI users. This transmission requires wireless communication to exchange the necessary data. Because they are battery powered devices, energy consumption needs to be kept low in CIs, therefore making bitrate reduction of the audio signals necessary. Additionally, low latency is essential. Previously, a codec for the electrodograms of CIs, called the Electrocodec, was proposed. In this work, a subjective evaluation of the Electrocodec is presented, which investigates the impact of the codec on monaural speech performance. The Electrocodec is evaluated with respect to speech recognition and quality in ten CI users and compared to the Opus audio codec. Opus is a low latency and low bitrate audio codec that best met the CI requirements in terms of bandwidth, bitrate, and latency. Achieving equal speech recognition and quality as Opus, the Electrocodec achieves lower mean bitrates than Opus. Actual rates vary from 24.3 up to 53.5 kbit/s, depending on the codec settings. While Opus has a minimum algorithmic latency of 5 ms, the Electrocodec has an algorithmic latency of 0 ms.
Reduced Endurance Capacity and Suboptimal Energy Availability in Top-Level Female Cyclists
Authors: Barreto Gabriel , de Oliveira Luana Farias , Saito Tiemi , Klosterhoff Rafael , Perim Pedro , Dolan Eimear , Pereira Rosa Maria R. , Campos-Ferraz Patrícia , Lima Fernanda R. , Saunders Bryan
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Women’s professional cycling has grown in popularity, and this increase is also apparent in Brazil, which has increased its female cycling calendar in recent years. The aim of this observational study was to (1) determine training and competition loads of a top-level Brazilian female cycling team, (2) evaluate nutrition and clinical health, and (3) measure whether exercise capacity changed throughout the season. Methods: Training and competition data were collected over the season using global positioning system monitors, while laboratory-based physiological and performance measures (incremental cycling test, 30-s Wingate, 4-km time trial) and clinical and nutritional analyses were performed at time points throughout the season. Results: Total distance covered over the year was 11,124 (2895) km (7382–14,698 km). Endurance capacity was reduced over the season (P = .005) but not anaerobic power (all P > .05). Nutrition and stress markers remained largely unchanged throughout the season, although there were some individual fluctuations in some measures, and testosterone concentration was low for some. Median estimated energy availability ranged between 32.3 and 56.8 kcal·kgLBM−1·d−1 during training and 26.4 and 53.8 kcal·kgLBM−1·d−1 during competition. Percentage of training spent in optimal estimated energy availability was generally low, with 3 athletes spending <35% within the optimal intake. Conclusions: Substantial training and competition loads of the monitored professional Brazilian female cyclists may have reduced exercise capacity toward the end of the season, indicative of a grueling yearlong schedule. Several athletes may have had suboptimal energy availability during the season, potentially affecting testosterone concentration. These data demonstrate the difficulties in maintaining optimal nutrition, health, and performance throughout a season in professional female cycling and highlight the need for quality sport-science support for this type of top-level athlete.
Groundwater depletion will reduce cropping intensity in India
Authors: Jain Meha , Fishman Ram , Mondal Pinki , Galford Gillian L. , Bhattarai Nishan , Naeem Shahid , Lall Upmanu , Balwinder-Singh  , DeFries Ruth S.
Published: February 2021

Groundwater depletion will reduce cropping intensity in India, and canal irrigation cannot fully substitute for this loss.
Intrinsically stretchable organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Kim Jin-Hoon , Park Jin-Woo
Published: February 2021

Intrinsically stretchable light-emitting diodes were developed by designing constituent materials to be mechanically stretchable.
Nanoscale optical writing through upconversion resonance energy transfer
Authors: Lamon S. , Wu Y. , Zhang Q. , Liu X. , Gu M.
Published: February 2021

Resonance energy transfer from upconversion nanoparticles induces the reduction in graphene oxide for nanoscale optical writing.
Large sulfur isotope fractionation in lunar volcanic glasses reveals the magmatic differentiation and degassing of the Moon
Authors: Saal Alberto E. , Hauri Erik H.
Published: February 2021

The differentiation and degassing of the Moon are revealed in the sulfur isotopes of lunar lavas.
Ardipithecushand provides evidence that humans and chimpanzees evolved from an ancestor with suspensory adaptations
Authors: Prang Thomas C. , Ramirez Kristen , Grabowski Mark , Williams Scott A.
Published: February 2021

The suspensory hand ofArdipithecusuntangles the relationship between bipedalism and stone tool use in human evolution.
Genome Sequencing of a Historic Staphylococcus aureus Collection Reveals New Enterotoxin Genes and Sheds Light on the Evolution and Genomic Organization of This Key Virulence Gene Family
Authors: Dicks Jo , Turnbull Jake D. , Russell Julie , Parkhill Julian , Alexander Sarah
Published: February 2021

Staphylococcus aureus
strains pose a significant health risk to both human and animal populations. Key among this species’ virulence factors is the staphylococcal enterotoxin gene family.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Kinneretia
sp. Strain DAIF2, Isolated from a Freshwater Pond
Authors: Hollensteiner Jacqueline , Friedrich Ines , Hollstein Lucas , Lamping Jan-Philipp , Wolf Kalina , Liesegang Heiko , Poehlein Anja , Hertel Robert , Daniel Rolf
Published: February 2021

Kinneretia
sp. strain DAIF2 was isolated from a eutrophic freshwater pond. The genome consists of a single chromosome (6,010,585 bp) with a GC content of 69.3%. The whole-genome-based phylogeny of DAIF2 revealed a closest relation to the genus
Kinneretia
.
Cambrian magmatic flare-up, central Tibet: Magma mixing in proto-Tethyan arc along north Gondwanan margin
Authors: Hu Pei-yuan , Zhai Qing-guo , Cawood Peter A. , Zhao Guo-chun , Wang Jun , Tang Yue , Zhu Zhi-cai , Wang Wei , Wu Hao
Published: February 2021

Accompanying Gondwana assembly, widespread but diachronous Ediacaran–early Paleozoic magmatism of uncertain origin occurred along the supercontinent's proto-Tethyan margin. We report new geochemical, isotopic, and geochronological data for Cambrian magmatic rocks (ca. 500 Ma) from the Gondwana-derived North Lhasa terrane, located in the present-day central Tibetan Plateau. The magmatic rocks are composed of basalts, gabbros, quartz monzonites, granitoids (with mafic microgranular enclaves), and rhyolites. Nd-Hf isotopic and whole-rock geochemical data indicate that these rocks were probably generated by mixing of mantle-derived mafic and crust-derived felsic melts. The mantle end-member volumes of mafic, intermediate, and felsic rocks are ∼75%–100%, 50%–60%, and 0–30%, respectively. Integration of our new data with previous studies suggests that the North Lhasa terrane experienced long-term magmatism through the Ediacaran to Ordovician (ca. 572–483 Ma), with a magmatic flare-up at ca. 500 Ma. This magmatism, in combination with other Ediacaran–early Paleozoic magmatism along the proto-Tethyan margin, was related to an Andean-type arc, with the magmatic flare-up event related to detachment of the oceanic slab following collisional accretion of Asian microcontinental fragments to northern Gondwana. Diachroneity of the proto-Tethyan arc system along the northern Gondwanan margin (ca. 581–531 Ma along the Arabian margin and ca. 512–429 Ma along the Indian-Australian margin) may have been linked to orogenesis within Gondwana. The North Lhasa terrane was probably involved in both Arabian and Indian-Australian proto-Tethyan Andean-type orogens, based on its paleogeographic location at the northern end of the East African orogen.
Cost of neonatal abstinence syndrome: an economic analysis of English national data held in the National Neonatal Research Database
Authors: Rees Philippa , Carter Ben , Gale Chris , Petrou Stavros , Botting Beverley , Sutcliffe Alastair G
Published: February 2021

Objective

To determine the incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) across neonatal units, explore healthcare utilisation and estimate the direct cost to the NHS.

Design

Population cohort study.

Setting

NHS neonatal units, using data held in the National Neonatal Research Database.

Participants

Infants born between 2012 and 2017, admitted to a neonatal unit in England, receiving a diagnosis of NAS (n=6411).

Main outcome measures

Incidence, direct annual cost of care (£, 2016–2017 prices), duration of neonatal unit stay (discharge HR), predicted additional cost of care, and odds of receiving pharmacotherapy.

Results

Of 524 334 infants admitted during the study period, 6411 had NAS. The incidence (1.6/1000 live births) increased between 2012 and 2017 (β=0.07, 95% CI (0 to 0.14)) accounting for 12/1000 admissions and 23/1000 cot days nationally. The direct cost of care was £62 646 661 over the study period. Almost half of infants received pharmacotherapy (n=2631; 49%) and their time-to-discharge was significantly longer (median 18.2 vs 5.1 days; adjusted HR (aHR) 0.16, 95% CI (0.15 to 0.17)). Time-to-discharge was longer for formula-fed infants (aHR 0.73 (0.66 to 0.81)) and those discharged to foster care (aHR 0.77 (0.72 to 0.82)). The greatest predictor of additional care costs was receipt of pharmacotherapy (additional mean adjusted cost of £8420 per infant).

Conclusions

This population study highlights the substantial cot usage and economic costs of caring for infants with NAS on neonatal units. A shift in how healthcare systems provide routine care for NAS could benefit infants and families while alleviating the burden on services.
Hypotension in Preterm Infants (HIP) randomised trial
Authors: Dempsey Eugene M , Barrington Keith J , Marlow Neil , O'Donnell Colm Patrick Finbarr , Miletin Jan , Naulaers Gunnar , Cheung Po-Yin , Corcoran John David , EL-Khuffash Afif Faisal , Boylan Geraldine B , Livingstone Vicki , Pons Gerard , Macko Jozef , Van Laere David , Wiedermannova Hana , Straňák Zbyněk
Published: February 2021

Objective

To determine whether restricting the use of inotrope after diagnosis of low blood pressure (BP) in the first 72 hours of life affects survival without significant brain injury at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA) in infants born before 28 weeks of gestation.

Design

Double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial. Caregivers were masked to group assignment.

Setting

10 sites across Europe and Canada.

Participants

Infants born before 28 weeks of gestation were eligible if they had an invasive mean BP less than their gestational age that persisted for ≥15 min in the first 72 hours of life and a cerebral ultrasound free of significant (≥ grade 3) intraventricular haemorrhage.

Intervention

Participants were randomly assigned to saline bolus followed by either a dopamine infusion (standard management) or placebo (5% dextrose) infusion (restrictive management).

Primary outcome

Survival to 36 weeks of PMA without severe brain injury.

Results

The trial terminated early due to significant enrolment issues (7.7% of planned recruitment). 58 infants were enrolled between February 2015 and September 2017. The two groups were well matched for baseline variables. In the standard group, 18/29 (62%) achieved the primary outcome compared with 20/29 (69%) in the restrictive group (p=0.58). Additional treatments for low BP were used less frequently in the standard arm (11/29 (38%) vs 19/29 (66%), p=0.038).

Conclusion

Though this study lacked power, we did not detect major differences in clinical outcomes between standard or restrictive approach to treatment. These results will inform future studies in this area.

Trial registration number

NCT01482559, EudraCT 2010-023988-17.
Decision to extubate extremely preterm infants: art, science or gamble?
Authors: Shalish Wissam , Keszler Martin , Davis Peter G , Sant’Anna Guilherme M
Published: February 2021

In the modern era of neonatology, mechanical ventilation has been restricted to a smaller and more immature population of extremely preterm infants. Given the adverse outcomes associated with mechanical ventilation, every effort is made to extubate these infants as early as possible. However, the scientific basis for determining extubation readiness remains imprecise and primarily guided by clinical judgement, which is highly variable and subjective. In the absence of accurate tools to assess extubation readiness, many infants fail their extubation attempt and require reintubation, which also increases complications. Recent advances in the field have led to unravelling some of the complexities surrounding extubation in this population. This review aims to synthesise the available knowledge and provide a more evidence-based approach towards the reporting of extubation outcomes and assessment of extubation readiness in extremely preterm infants.
An intersectional human rights approach to prioritising access to COVID-19 vaccines
Authors: Sekalala Sharifah , Perehudoff Katrina , Parker Michael , Forman Lisa , Rawson Belinda , Smith Maxwell
Published: February 2021

We finally have a vaccine for the COVID-19 crisis. However, due to the limited numbers of the vaccine, states will have to consider how to prioritise groups who receive the vaccine. In this paper, we argue that the practical implementation of human rights law requires broader consideration of intersectional needs in society and the disproportionate impact that COVID-19 is having on population groups with pre-existing social and medical vulnerabilities. The existing frameworks/mechanisms and proposals for COVID-19 vaccine allocation have shortcomings from a human rights perspective that could be remedied by adopting an intersectional allocative approach. This necessitates that states allocate the first COVID-19 vaccines according to (1) infection risk and severity of pre-existing diseases; (2) social vulnerabilities; and (3) potential financial and social effects of ill health. In line with WHO’s guidelines on universal health coverage, a COVID-19 vaccine allocation strategy that it is more consistent with international human rights law should ensure that vaccines are free at the point of service, give priority to the worst off and be allocated in a transparent, participatory and accountable prioritisation process.
Development and implementation of a cardiac resynchronisation therapy care pathway: improved process and reduced resource use
Authors: van Stipdonk Antonius Martinus Wilhelmus , Schretlen Stijn , Dohmen Wim , Brunner-LaRocca Hans-Peter , Knackstedt Christian , Vernooy Kevin
Published: February 2021

Background

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) requires intensive, complex and multidisciplinary care to maximize the clinical benefit. In current practice this is typically a task for highly specialised physicians. We report on a novel multidisciplinary, standardised CRT care pathway (CRT-CPW). Experienced clinicians developed a CPW with simple and broadly applicable aids based on clinical evidence and identified shortcomings in the current CRT care. The resulting CPW was implemented at the Maastricht University Medical Center, aiming at a transfer from heterogeneous physician-led care to standardized nurse-led care.

Methods

Two CRT patient cohorts were compared in this analysis. The benchmarked usual care cohort (2012–2014, 122 patients) was compared with the CRT-CPW cohort (2015–2017, 115 patients). The primary outcomes were process-related: number of physician consultations, nurse consultations, length of stay (LOS) at implantation and total hospitalisation days during 1-year follow-up, and referral-to-treatment time. Clinical outcomes were assessed to adress non-inferiority of quality of care.

Results

Patients in the CRT-CPW cohort consulted nurses and technicians significantly more often than patients in the usual care cohort (2.4±1.5 vs 1.7±2.0, p<0.0001 and 4.3±2.5 vs 3.7±1.5, p=0.063, respectively). Patients with CRT-CPW consulted physicians significantly less often (1.7±1.4 vs 2.6±2.1, p<0.001). Referral to treatment time was significantly reduced in the CRT-CPW group (23.6±18.4 vs 37.0±26.3 days, p=0.002). LOS at implantation and total hospitalisation days were significantly reduced in the CRT-CPW group (1.1±1.2 vs 1.5±0.7 days, p<0.0001 and 2.4±4.8 vs 4.8±9.3, p<0.0001, respectively). Clinical outcome analyses showed no significant difference in 12-month all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalisations.

Conclusion

The introduction of a novel CRT-CPW resulted in a successful transition of physician-led to nurse-led care, with a significantly reduced resource use and equal clinical outcomes. Future evaluations will focus on impact on outcomes versus costs, to evaluate cost-effectiveness of the CRT-CPW.
Realist analysis of streaming interventions in emergency departments
Authors: Anwar Mohammed Rashidul , Rowe Brian H , Metge Colleen , Star Noah D , Aboud Zaid , Kreindler Sara Adi
Published: February 2021

Background

Several of the many emergency department (ED) interventions intended to address the complex problem of (over)crowding are based on the principle ofstreaming: directing different groups of patients to different processes of care. Although the theoretical basis of streaming is robust, evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions remains inconclusive.

Methods

This qualitative research, grounded in the population-capacity-process model, sought to determine how, why and under what conditions streaming interventions may be effective. Data came from a broader study exploring patient flow strategies across Western Canada through in-depth interviews with managers at all levels. We undertook realist analysis of interview data from the 98 participants who discussed relevant interventions (fast-track/minor treatment areas, rapid assessment zones, diverse short-stay units), focusing on their explanations of initiatives’ perceived outcomes.

Results

Essential features of streaming interventions included separation of designated populations (population), provision of dedicated space and resources (capacity) and rapid cycle time (process). These features supported key mechanisms of impact: patients wait only for services they need; patient variability is reduced; lag time between steps is eliminated; and provider attitude change promotes prompt discharge. Conversely, reported failures usually involved neglect of one of these dimensions during intervention design and/or implementation. Participants also identified important contextual barriers to success, notably lack of outflow sites and demand outstripping capacity. Nonetheless, failure was more commonly attributed to intervention flaws than to context factors.

Conclusions

While streaming interventions have the potential to reduce crowding, a theory-based intervention relies on its implementers’ adherence to the theory. Streaming interventions cannot be expected to yield the desired results if operationalised in a manner incongruent with the theory on which they are supposedly based.
Vaccination of patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases against SARS-CoV-2: considerations before widespread availability of the vaccines
Authors: Schulze-Koops Hendrik , Specker Christof , Skapenko Alla
Published: February 2021

Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has become available and will hopefully end the current pandemic. Understandably, patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (iRMDs) and their physicians are feverishly preoccupied with questions about vaccination and the vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. However, as it will take months before all patients with iRMDs will have access to the vaccines, measures that are taken now in order to increase potential safety and efficacy of the vaccines may impose a risk for the patients with regard to reactivation of their underlying iRMD. The ad hoc commission ‘Covid-19’ and the board of directors of the German Society for Rheumatology have addressed this topic and have developed considerations, which are intended to answer urgent questions, to take away concerns and fears and to make initial recommendations for patients with iRMDs.
Effect of xylanase and live yeast supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut microbiome diversity of pigs
Authors: Lu H. , Yan H. , O’Neill H.M. Masey , Bradley C.L. , Bedford M.R. , Wilcock P. , Nakatsu C.H. , Adeola O. , Ajuwon K.M.
Published: February 2021

Effect of xylanase (Xyl) and live yeast (LY) supplementation on gut microbiome composition, growth performance, and nutrient digestibility of weanling pigs was determined. A total of 180 weanling pigs were assigned to five treatments from weaning to market. Treatments were designated based on whether Xyl, LY, or their combination were fed in the first 2 wk postweaning or thereafter until finishing at day 141 postweaning. Treatments were (days 1–15; days 15–141): control–control, control–Xyl, Xyl–Xyl, LY–Xyl, Xyl + LY–Xyl. Xylanase was added at 16 000 BXU·kg−1 and LY at 1 kg·t−1. Pigs fed with LY and LY + Xyl from days 0–15 had greater body weight and average daily gain at day 15 compared with control (P < 0.05). Glucose transporter 2 mRNA was higher in LY and LY + Xyl groups on day 15 compared with control (P < 0.05). Xylanase supplementation from week 2 postweaning increased apparent total tract nutrient digestibility of gross energy, nitrogen, and phosphorus on day 43. Live yeast with or without Xyl improved growth performance in the first 2 wk after weaning; Xyl + LY–Xyl and control–Xyl groups had improved overall feed efficiency. In conclusion, LY and Xyl supplementation improved performance of weanling pigs in the first 2 wk after weaning with no effects on long-term growth performance.
Supermassive primordial black holes at high redshifts
Authors: Dubrovich V. K. , Eroshenko Yu. N. , Grachev S. I.
Published: February 2021

We consider some properties and possible observational manifestations of the very heavy primordial black holes (PBHs), with masses [Formula: see text]. These black holes should be surrounded by the dense dark matter and baryonic halos even at early cosmological epochs. There are mechanisms as for radiation emission in the centers due to accretion and for deep absorption of relic radiation at the periphery of the halos. We calculate the absorption profile in the 21[Formula: see text]cm line of atomic hydrogen by solving the equations of radiation transfer through the baryonic halo around a PBH. The calculations show that a spherical absorbing layer appears around the object, which can be observed with radio telescopes. Also, at some epochs, shock waves may form at the periphery of the objects. The accelerated charged particles can radiate in radio frequency band, so it is possible that these objects can explain the recently discovered radio circles.
A Multidisciplinary Approach for Optimization Design of CNC Machine Tools
Authors: Ta Thi-Na , Hwang Yunn-Lin , Horng Jeng-Haur
Published: February 2021

The main objective of this research is to propose a multidisciplinary approach for the development and design of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools using numerical optimization methods combined Multi-Body Dynamic (MBD) analysis and to control design co-simulation. Metamodels based Sequential Approximate Optimization (SAO) for the co-simulation optimization problems are developed. The metamodels are constructed as approximate models for exact dynamic analysis responses by using simultaneous Kriging metamodeling method. SAO problems for single objective and multi-objective optimization designs are carried out based on the augmented Lagrange multiplier (ALM) method. An application of the proposed method on optimizing Proportional-Integral-Derivative (P-I-D) coefficients of PID controllers of a CNC machine tool model is performed to demonstrate the usefulness of integrating different research methods in numerical simulation. Therefore, this work overcomes a difficult task in tuning the PID controller which requires extensive experience and understandings of research and development (R&D) engineers. Moreover, the optimal PID controllers obtained by the multidisciplinary approach can help to increase the contouring accuracy of the CNC machine tools.
Synthesis and Fabrication of Fluorescent Green OLEDs Based on PEDOT:PSS/Silver Nanowire Hybrid-Composite Anode and Their Performance
Authors: Lakshmanan Raja , Balachandar Settu , K. Varadharaj Eswaramoorthy , Shivaprakash N. C. , Shobin Loukkose Rosemary , Ramachandran R. , Sindhu S.
Published: February 2021

Transparent conducting films have attracted increasing attention for their usefulness in optoelectronic devices, such as solar cells, liquid crystal display, and LEDs. Silver nanowires (AgNWs) with a length of 20 μm and a diameter of 70 nm was synthesized using polyol process. The optimized concentration of AgNWs is 0.5 mg of Ag NWs in 1 ml of PEDOT:PSS and it was used to fabricate PEDOT:PSS/AgNWs hybrid-composite TCF electrode, resulting in 88% transmittance and good electrical conductive (30 Ω sq−1) thin film. Two types of green fluorescent OLEDs were fabricated: those made with conventional ITO anode and the anode based on PEDOT:PSS/Ag NWs hybrid-composite. The observed maximum luminous intensity was increased by 27% in OLED fabricated PEDOT:PSS/AgNWs hybrid-composite TCF electrode, compared to the conventional ITO. At a wavelength of 530 nm, the maximum luminous intensities for green fluorescent OLEDs fabricated on PEDOT:PSS/AgNWs hybrid-composite TCF and ITO anode were 1610 counts per second and 1260 counts per second, respectively. The observed maximum current density increased by 28% as compared to the conventional ITO. The observed current densities were 370 mA cm−2 for OLEDs fabricated on PEDOT:PSS/AgNWs hybrid-composite TCF-based anode, and 293 mA cm−2 for conventional ITO anode. The proposed hybrid-composite electrode is a suitable material to replace conventional ITO.
P110α and P110δ catalytic subunits of PI3 kinase regulate lysophosphatidylcholine-induced TRPC6 externalization
Authors: Chaudhuri Pinaki , Smith Andrew H. , Putta Priya , Graham Linda M. , Rosenbaum Michael A.
Published: February 2021

Lipid oxidation products, including lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) inhibit endothelial cell (EC) migration in vitro and impair EC healing of arterial injuries in vivo, in part by activating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), which increases the externalization of canonical transient receptor potential 6 (TRPC6) channels and the subsequent increase in intracellular calcium. Inhibition of PI3K is a potential method to decrease TRPC6 activation and restore migration, but PI3K is involved in multiple intracellular signaling pathways and has multiple downstream effectors. The goal of this study is to identify the specific p110 catalytic subunit isoforms responsible for lysoPC-induced TRPC6 externalization to identify a target for intervention while minimizing impact on alternative signaling pathways. Down-regulation of the p110α and p110δ isoforms, but not the p110β or p110γ isoforms, with small interfering RNA significantly decreased phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate production and TRPC6 externalization, and significantly improved EC migration in the presence of lysoPC. These results identify an additional role of p110α in EC and reveal for the first time a specific role of p110δ in EC, providing a foundation for subsequent in vivo studies to investigate the impact of p110 isoform inhibition on arterial healing after injury.
Aquaporin water channels as regulators of cell-cell adhesion proteins
Authors: Edamana Sarannya , Login Frédéric H. , Yamada Soichiro , Kwon Tae-Hwan , Nejsum Lene N.
Published: February 2021

Aquaporin (AQP) water channels facilitate passive transport of water across cellular membranes following an osmotic gradient. AQPs are expressed in a multitude of epithelia, endothelia, and other cell types where they play important roles in physiology, especially in the regulation of body water homeostasis, skin hydration, and fat metabolism. AQP dysregulation is associated with many pathophysiological conditions, including nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, chronic kidney disease, and congestive heart failure. Moreover, AQPs have emerged as major players in a multitude of cancers where high expression correlates with metastasis and poor prognosis. Besides water transport, AQPs have been shown to be involved in cellular signaling, cell migration, cell proliferation, and regulation of junctional proteins involved in cell-cell adhesion; all cellular processes which are dysregulated in cancer. This review focuses on AQPs as regulators of junctional proteins involved in cell-cell adhesion.
Baroreflex dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease: integration of central and peripheral mechanisms
Authors: Sabino-Carvalho Jeann L. , Falquetto Barbara , Takakura Ana C. , Vianna Lauro C.
Published: February 2021

The incidence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is increasing worldwide. Although the PD hallmark is the motor impairments, nonmotor dysfunctions are now becoming more recognized. Recently, studies have suggested that baroreflex dysfunction is one of the underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular dysregulation observed in patients with PD. However, the large body of literature on baroreflex function in PD is unclear. The baroreflex system plays a major role in the autonomic, and ultimately blood pressure and heart rate, adjustments that accompany acute cardiovascular stressors on a daily basis. Therefore, impaired baroreflex function (i.e., decreased sensitivity or gain) can lead to altered neural cardiovascular responses. Since PD affects parasympathetic and sympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system and both are orchestrated by the baroreflex system, understanding of this crucial mechanism in PD is necessary. In the present review, we summarize the potential altered central and peripheral mechanisms affecting the feedback-controlled loops that comprise the reflex arc in patients with PD. Major factors including arterial stiffness, reduced number of C1 and activation of non-C1 neurons, presence of central α-synuclein aggregation, cardiac sympathetic denervation, attenuated muscle sympathetic nerve activity, and lower norepinephrine release could compromise baroreflex function in PD. Results from patients with PD and from animal models of PD provide the reader with a clearer picture of baroreflex function in this clinical condition. By doing so, our intent is to stimulate future studies to evaluate several unanswered questions in this research area.
Retinotopic variations of the negative blood-oxygen-level dependent hemodynamic response function in human primary visual cortex
Authors: de la Rosa Natasha , Ress David , Taylor Amanda J. , Kim Jung Hwan
Published: February 2021

We investigate dynamics of the negative hemodynamic response function (nHRF), the negative blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) response (NBR) evoked by a brief stimulus, in human early visual cortex. Here, we show that the nHRFs are not inverted versions of the corresponding pHRFs. The nHRF has complex dynamics that varied significantly with eccentricity. The results also show shift-invariant temporal linearity does not hold for the NBR.
Inactivated Nevus Tissue with High Hydrostatic Pressure Treatment Used as a Dermal Substitute after a 28‐Day Cryopreservation Period
Authors: Matsuura Yoshitaka , Sakamoto Michiharu , Ogino Shuichi , Arata Jun , Morimoto Naoki
Published: February 2021

Background. Giant congenital melanocytic nevi (GCMN) treatment remains controversial. While surgical resection is the best option for complete removal, skin shortage to reconstruct the skin defect remains an issue. We report a novel treatment using a high hydrostatic pressurization (HHP) technique and a cryopreservation procedure. However, cryopreservation may inhibit revascularization of implanted nevus tissue and cultured epidermal autograft (CEA) take. We aimed to investigate the influence of the cryopreservation procedure on the HHP‐treated dermis specimen and CEA take on cryopreserved tissue. Methods. Nevus tissue harvested from a patient with GCMN was inactivated with HHP of 200 MPa and then cryopreserved at ‐30°C for 28 days. The cryopreserved specimen was compared with fresh (HHP‐treated without cryopreservation) tissue and with untreated (without HHP treatment) tissue to evaluate the extracellular matrix, basal membranes, and capillaries. Cultured epidermis (CE) take on the cryopreserved tissue was evaluated following implantation of the cryopreserved nevus tissue with CE into the subcutis of nude mice. Results. No difference was observed between cryopreserved and fresh tissue in terms of collagen or elastic fibers, dermal capillaries, or basement membranes at the epidermal‐dermal junction. In 4 of 6 samples (67%), applied CE took on the nevus tissues and regenerated the epidermis in the cryopreserved group compared with 5 of 6 samples (83%) in the fresh group. Conclusion. Cryopreservation at ‐30°C for 28 days did not result in significant damage to inactivated nevus tissue, and applied CE on the cryopreserved nevus tissues took and regenerated the epidermis. Inactivated nevus tissue with HHP can be used as a dermal substitute after 28‐day cryopreservation.
Optimization of the Online Teaching System Based on Streaming Media
Authors: Wang Kuiqun
Published: February 2021

Network and related network technology limit the traditional online teaching activities, making teaching activities only limited to asynchronous teaching, limiting the advantages of real‐time, interactive, and vivid online teaching. As a new online teaching network technology, streaming media technology can realize flexible and efficient two‐way communication between teachers and students, simulate virtual face‐to‐face teaching environment, and produce enough emotional resonance for both sides in the corresponding time and space. In view of the poor communication quality and flexibility of current streaming media technology, this paper will build a selective streaming media online teaching architecture based on animation media service platform. The system innovatively uses DXSDK filtering technology to realize real‐time audio acquisition and filtering processing and solves the communication quality problem of streaming media online teaching. Aiming at the flexibility of streaming media online teaching, the system adds online auxiliary teaching function, which can realize online text communication, file information management, and learning tracking interaction between teaching and learning. The experimental part is applied to the online teaching activities of a training institution. From the experimental results, the stability and flexibility of the system are greatly improved within a certain range of users, which has obvious practical value. It has high stability and application value.
Sparse Array Design for DOA Estimation of Non‐Gaussian Signals: From Global Postage‐Stamp Problem Perspective
Authors: Ye Changbo , Chen Luo , Zhu Beizuo
Published: February 2021

In this paper, a sparse array design problem for non‐Gaussian signal direction of arrival (DOA) estimation is investigated. Compared with conventional second‐order cumulant‐ (SOC‐) based methods, fourth‐order cumulant‐ (FOC‐) based methods achieve improved DOA estimation performance by utilizing all information from received non‐Gaussian sources. Considering the virtual sensor location of vectorized FOC‐based methods can be calculated from the second order difference coarray of sum coarray (2‐DCSC) of physical sensors, it is important to devise a sparse array design principle to obtain extended degree of freedom (DOF). Based on the properties of unfolded coprime linear array (UCLA), we formulate the sparse array design problem as a global postage‐stamp problem (GPSP) and then present an array design method from GPSP perspective. Specifically, for vectorized FOC‐based methods, we divide the process of obtaining physical sensor location into two steps; the first step is to obtain the two consecutive second order sum coarrays (2‐SC), which can be modeled as GPSP, and the solutions to GPSP can also be utilized to determine the physical sensor location sets without interelement spacing coefficients. The second step is to adjust the physical sensor sets by multiplying the appropriate coprime coefficients, which is determined by the structure of UCLA. In addition, the 2‐DCSC can be calculated from physical sensors directly, and the properties of UCLA are given to confirm the degree of freedom (DOF) of the proposed geometry. Simulation results validate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed array geometry.
Analyzing the Classification Techniques for Bulk of Cursive Languages Data: An Overview
Authors: Hong Mu , Nazir Shah , Shuo Zhang , Guan Wang
Published: February 2021

The remarkable growth of texts both in online and offline is becoming a challenging issue which need exploration for further research. Diversities of regional and cultural changes have produced diverse languages as a source of communication. Variations of styles are existing for handwritten texts which is due to varying writing styles. The research area of text recognition is matured which has increased a number of directions in the area of research. A detail report of the existing literature is needed which can help practitioners and researchers to use the existing evidence and provide new solutions for identification of cursive languages and to optimize the ability of recognition for cursive text. For facilitating the researchers and practitioners by providing in-depth analysis of the existing literature, the proposed study provide a detail report through which researchers can get benefit of the literature and devise new solutions. This study is based on searching various popular libraries for identifying relevant materials associated with the proposed study.
Clinical Application of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Organoids as an Alternative to Organ Transplantation
Authors: Hsia Gabriella Shih Ping , Esposito Joyce , da Rocha Letícia Alves , Ramos Sofia Lígia Guimarães , Okamoto Oswaldo Keith
Published: February 2021

Transplantation is essential and crucial for individuals suffering from end-stage organ failure diseases. However, there are still many challenges regarding these procedures, such as high rates of organ rejection, shortage of organ donors, and long waiting lines. Thus, investments and efforts to develop laboratory-grown organs have increased over the past years, and with the recent progress in regenerative medicine, growing organs in vitro might be a reality within the next decades. One of the many different strategies to address this issue relies on organoid technology, a miniaturized and simplified version of an organ. Here, we address recent progress on organoid research, focusing on transplantation of intestine, retina, kidney, liver, pancreas, brain, lung, and heart organoids. Also, we discuss the main outcomes after organoid transplantation, common challenges faced by these promising regenerative medicine approaches, and future perspectives on the field.
Factors Controlling Shale Reservoirs and Development Potential Evaluation: A Case Study
Authors: Luo Chao , Lin Hun , Peng Yujiao , Qu Hai , Huang Xiaojie , Yin Nanxin , Liu Wei , Gao Xuanbo
Published: February 2021

The shale of the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation is an important gas-producing layer for shale gas development in southern China. This set of shale reservoir characteristics and shale gas development potential provide an important foundation for shale gas development. This study takes wellblock XN111 in the Sichuan Basin, China, as an example and uses X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), isothermal adsorption, and other techniques to analyze the shale reservoir characteristics of the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation. The results show that the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation was deposited in a deep-water shelf environment. During this period, carbonaceous shale and siliceous shale characterized by a high brittle mineral content (

quartz
>
40
 
wt
.
%

,

carbonate
 
mineral
>
10
 
wt
.
%

) and a low clay mineral content (<30 wt.%, mainly illite) were widely deposited throughout the region. The total organic carbon (TOC) content reaches up to 6.07 wt.%, with an average of 2.66 wt.%. The vitrinite reflectance is 1.6–2.28%, with an average of 2.05%. The methane adsorption capacity is 0.84–4.69 m3/t, with an average of 2.92 m3/t. Pores and fractures are developed in the shale reservoirs. The main reservoir space is composed of connected mesopores with an average porosity of 4.78%. The characteristics and development potential of the shale reservoirs in the Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation are controlled by the following factors: (1) the widespread deep-water shelf deposition in wellblock XN111 was a favorable environment for the development of high-quality shale reservoirs with a cumulative thickness of up to 50 m; (2) the high TOC content enabled the shale reservoir to have a high free gas content and a high adsorptive gas storage capacity; and (3) the shale’s high maturity or over maturity is conducive to the development of pores and fractures in the organic matter, which effectively improves the storage capacity of the shale reservoirs. The reservoir characteristic index was constructed using the high-quality shale’s thickness, gas content, TOC, fracture density, and clay content. Using production data from shale gas wells in adjacent blocks, a mathematical relationship was established between the Estimated Ultimate Recovery (EUR) of a single well and the Reservoir Characteristics Index (Rci). The EUR of a single well in wellblock XN111 was estimated.
[Retracted] Identification and Validation of Key Genes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Wang Jia , Peng Rui , Zhang Zheng , Zhang Yixi , Dai Yuke , Sun Yan
Published: February 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver cancer and has poor outcomes. However, the potential molecular biological process underpinning the occurrence and development of HCC is still largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify the core genes related to HCC and explore their potential molecular events using bioinformatics methods. HCC‐related expression profiles GSE25097 and GSE84005 were selected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between 306 HCC tissues and 281 corresponding noncancerous tissues were identified using GEO2R online tools. The protein‐protein interaction network (PPIN) was constructed and visualized using the STRING database. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of the DEGs were carried out using DAVID 6.8 and KOBAS 3.0. Additionally, module analysis and centrality parameter analysis were performed by Cytoscape. The expression differences of key genes in normal hepatocyte cells and HCC cells were verified by quantitative real‐time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Additionally, survival analysis of key genes was performed by GEPIA. Our results showed that a total of 291 DEGs were identified including 99 upregulated genes and 192 downregulated genes. Our results showed that the PPIN of HCC was made up of 287 nodes and 2527 edges. GO analysis showed that these genes were mainly enriched in the molecular function of protein binding. Additionally, KEGG pathway analysis also revealed that DEGs were mainly involved in the metabolic, cell cycle, and chemical carcinogenesis pathways. Interestingly, a significant module with high centrality features including 10 key genes was found. Among these, CDK1, NDC80, HMMR, CDKN3, and PTTG1, which were only upregulated in HCC patients, have attracted much attention. Furthermore, qRT‐PCR also confirmed the upregulation of these five key genes in the normal human hepatocyte cell line (HL‐7702) and HCC cell lines (SMMC‐7721, MHCC‐97L, and MHCC‐97H); patients with upregulated expression of these five key genes had significantly poorer survival and prognosis. CDK1, NDC80, HMMR, CDKN3, and PTTG1 can be used as molecular markers for HCC. This finding provides potential strategies for clinical diagnosis, accurate treatment, and prognosis analysis of liver cancer.