bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen‐doped graphene prepared by low‐temperature thermal treatment as an electrocatalyst support for methanol oxidation
Authors: Khodaverdi Mohammadmahdi , Pourfayaz Fathollah , Mehrpooya Mehdi
Published: February 2021

In this study, functionalized graphene is used as a carbon‐based material to support platinum–ruthenium bimetallic nanoparticles and to improve methanol oxidation reaction activity due to the enhanced physical and electrical properties of graphene. First, surface oxidation is used for creating oxygen functional groups, and then nitrogen doping by thermal treatment with ammonia as the nitrogen precursor. Platinum–ruthenium alloy nanoparticles are dispersed by the impregnation reduction method on the support materials. The final nanocomposite samples contain 8% of oxygen and 3% of nitrogen. Compared to PtRu/GNS and PtRu/CB, the PtRu/NO‐GNS catalyst indicates 1.25 and 1.3 times higher surface area, and 2.3 and 4 times higher electrochemical surface area, respectively. The highest methanol oxidation current density of 305 mA/mg and 262 mA/mg is obtained for platinum–ruthenium supported on nitrogen‐doped graphene and nitrogen‐doped oxidized graphene, which is 2.9 and 2.5 times higher than that for PtRu/GNS, respectively. It is revealed that the nitrogen‐doped samples have shown greater activity and long‐term stability than other electrocatalysts, including the widely used carbon black supported catalyst. Hence, this work reports the performance of an efficient alternative electrocatalyst with practical application in direct methanol fuel cells.
Targeting brain regions of interest in functional near‐infrared spectroscopy—Scalp‐cortex correlation using subject‐specific light propagation models
Authors: Cai Lin , Nitta Tomonori , Yokota Sho , Obata Takayuki , Okada Eiji , Kawaguchi Hiroshi
Published: February 2021

Targeting specific brain regions of interest by the accurate positioning of optodes (emission and detection probes) on the scalp remains a challenge for functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Since fNIRS data does not provide any anatomical information on the brain cortex, establishing the scalp‐cortex correlation (SCC) between emission‐detection probe pairs on the scalp and the underlying brain regions in fNIRS measurements is extremely important. A conventional SCC is obtained by a geometrical point‐to‐point manner and ignores the effect of light scattering in the head tissue that occurs in actual fNIRS measurements. Here, we developed a sensitivity‐based matching (SBM) method that incorporated the broad spatial sensitivity of the probe pair due to light scattering into the SCC for fNIRS. The SCC was analyzed between head surface fiducial points determined by the international 10–10 system and automated anatomical labeling brain regions for 45 subject‐specific head models. The performance of the SBM method was compared with that of three conventional geometrical matching (GM) methods. We reveal that the light scattering and individual anatomical differences in the head affect the SCC, which indicates that the SBM method is compulsory to obtain the precise SCC. The SBM method enables us to evaluate the activity of cortical regions that are overlooked in the SCC obtained by conventional GM methods. Together, the SBM method could be a promising approach to guide fNIRS users in designing their probe arrangements and in explaining their measurement data.
The prognostic significance of race in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by histological subtype
Authors: Stepan Katelyn O. , Mazul Angela L. , Skillington S. Andrew , Paniello Randal C. , Rich Jason T. , Zevallos Jose P. , Jackson Ryan S. , Pipkorn Patrik , Massa Sean , Puram Sidharth V.
Published: February 2021

Background

Race has been shown to have variable prognostic importance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, previous studies are limited by a lack of comprehensive treatment, epidemiologic, and comorbidity data.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study utilizing the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2016. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regressions were used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for overall survival.

Results

A cohort of 9995 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Race, insurance, comorbidity, treatment, stage, age, and histology were independent prognosticators. Among patients with keratinizing NPC, Asians and Hispanics had superior survival (aHR 0.58 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48–0.69], aHR 0.76 [95% CI 0.61–0.96]) compared to white patients. Among patients with non‐keratinizing differentiated NPC, Asians and black patients had improved survival (aHR 0.71 [95% CI 0.56–0.91], aHR 0.72 [95% CI 0.54–0.95]) compared to white patients. Race was not prognostic in non‐keratinizing undifferentiated NPC.

Conclusion

The prognostic significance of race varies across histological subtypes of NPC.
Gene Deconvolution Reveals Aberrant Liver Regeneration and Immune Cell Infiltration in Alcohol‐Associated Hepatitis
Authors: Kim Adam , Wu Xiaoqin , Allende Daniela S. , Nagy Laura E.
Published: February 2021

Background and Aims

Acute liver damage causes hepatocyte stress and death, but in chronic liver disease impaired hepatocyte regeneration and immune cell infiltration prevents recovery. While the roles of both impaired liver regeneration and immune infiltration have been studied extensively in chronic liver diseases, the differential contribution of these factors is difficult to assess.

Approach and Results

We combined single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) data from healthy livers and peripheral immune cells to measure cell proportions in chronic liver diseases. Using bulk RNA‐seq data from patients with early alcohol‐associated hepatitis, severe AH (sAH), HCV, HCV with cirrhosis, and NAFLD, we performed gene deconvolution to predict the contribution of different cell types in each disease. Patients with sAH had the greatest change in cell composition, with increases in both periportal hepatocytes and cholangiocyte populations. Interestingly, while central vein hepatocytes were decreased, central vein endothelial cells were expanded. Endothelial cells are thought to regulate liver regeneration through WNT signaling. WNT2, important in central vein hepatocyte development, was down in sAH, while multiple other WNTs and WNT receptors were up‐regulated. Immunohistochemistry revealed up‐regulation of FZD6, a noncanonical WNT receptor, in hepatocytes in sAH. Immune cell populations also differed in disease. In sAH, a specific group of inflammatory macrophages was increased and distinct from the macrophage population in patients with HCV. Network and correlation analyses revealed that changes in the cell types in the liver were highly correlated with clinical liver function tests.

Conclusions

These results identify distinct changes in the liver cell populations in chronic liver disease and illustrate the power of using single‐cell RNA‐seq data from a limited number of samples in understanding multiple different diseases.
Adaptive and Constitutive Activations of Malic Enzymes Confer Liver Cancer Multilayered Protection Against Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Lee Derek , Zhang Misty Shuo , Tsang Felice Ho‐Ching , Bao Macus Hao‐Ran , Xu Iris Ming‐Jing , Lai Robin Kit‐Ho , Chiu David Kung‐Chun , Tse Aki Pui‐Wah , Law Cheuk‐Ting , Chan Cerise Yuen‐Ki , Yuen Vincent Wai‐Hin , Chui Noreen Nog‐Qin , Ng Irene Oi‐Lin , Wong Chun‐Ming , Wong Carmen Chak‐Lui
Published: February 2021

Background and aims

HCC undergoes active metabolic reprogramming. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are excessively generated in cancer cells and are neutralized by NADPH. Malic enzymes (MEs) are the less studied NADPH producers in cancer.

Approach and Results

We found that ME1, but not ME3, was regulated by the typical oxidative stress response pathway mediated by kelch‐like ECH associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor (NRF2). Surprisingly, ME3 was constitutively induced by superenhancers. Disruption of any ME regulatory pathways decelerated HCC progression and sensitized HCC to sorafenib. Therapeutically, simultaneous blockade of NRF2 and a superenhancer complex completely impeded HCC growth. We show that superenhancers allow cancer cells to counteract the intrinsically high level of ROS through constitutively activating ME3 expression. When HCC cells encounter further episodes of ROS insult, NRF2 allows cancer cells to adapt by transcriptionally activating ME1.

Conclusions

Our study reveals the complementary regulatory mechanisms which control MEs and provide cancer cells multiple layers of defense against oxidative stress. Targeting both regulatory mechanisms represents a potential therapeutic approach for HCC treatment.
Fructose Protects Against Acetaminophen‐Induced Hepatotoxicity Mainly by Activating the Carbohydrate‐Response Element‐Binding Protein α–Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 Axis in Mice
Authors: Zhang Deqiang , Wang Sujuan , Ospina Erin , Shabandri Omar , Lank Daniel , Akakpo Jephte Y. , Zhao Zifeng , Yang Meichan , Wu Jun , Jaeschke Hartmut , Saha Pradip , Tong Xin , Yin Lei
Published: February 2021

Acetaminophen (N‐acetyl‐para‐aminophenol [APAP]) overdose is the most common cause of drug‐induced liver injury in the Western world and has limited therapeutic options. As an important dietary component intake, fructose is mainly metabolized in liver, but its impact on APAP‐induced liver injury is not well established. We aimed to examine whether fructose supplementation could protect against APAP‐induced hepatotoxicity and to determine potential fructose‐sensitive intracellular mediators. We found that both high‐fructose diet feeding before APAP injection and fructose gavage after APAP injection reduced APAP‐induced liver injury with a concomitant induction of the hepatic carbohydrate‐response element‐binding protein α (ChREBPα)–fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) pathway. In contrast, Chrebpα liver‐specific‐knockout (Chrebpα‐LKO) mice failed to respond to fructose following APAP overdose, suggesting that ChREBPα is the essential intracellular mediator of fructose‐induced hepatoprotective action. Primary mouse hepatocytes with deletion of Fgf21 also failed to show fructose protection against APAP hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, overexpression of FGF21 in the liver was sufficient to reverse liver toxicity in APAP‐injected Chrebpα‐LKO mice. Conclusion: Fructose protects against APAP‐induced hepatotoxicity likely through its ability to activate the hepatocyte ChREBPα–FGF21 axis.
Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Autoimmune Hepatitis, and Prediction of Disease Activity
Authors: Arndtz Katherine , Shumbayawonda Elizabeth , Hodson James , Eddowes Peter J. , Dennis Andrea , Thomaides‐Brears Helena , Mouchti Sofia , Kelly Matt D. , Banerjee Rajarshi , Neubauer Stefan , Hirschfield Gideon M.
Published: February 2021

Noninvasive monitoring of disease activity in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has potential advantages for patients for whom liver biopsy is invasive and with risk. We sought to understand the association of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) with clinical course of patients with AIH. We prospectively recruited 62 patients (median age, 55 years; 82% women) with clinically confirmed AIH. At recruitment, patients underwent mpMRI with LiverMultiScan alongside clinical investigations, which were repeated after 12‐18 months. Associations between iron‐corrected T1 (cT1) and other markers of disease were investigated at baseline and at follow‐up. Discriminative performance of cT1, liver stiffness, and enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) to identify those who failed to maintain remission over follow‐up was investigated using the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs). Baseline cT1 correlated with alanine aminotransferase (Spearman’s correlation coefficient [r
S] = 0.28, P = 0.028), aspartate aminotransferase (r
S = 0.26, P = 0.038), international normalized ratio (r
S = 0.35 P = 0.005), Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (r
S = 0.32, P = 0.020), ELF (r
S = 0.29, P = 0.022), and liver stiffness r
S = 0.51, P < 0.001). After excluding those not in remission at baseline (n = 12), 32% of the remainder failed to maintain remission during follow‐up. Failure to maintain remission was associated with significant increases in cT1 over follow‐up (AUC, 0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52‐0.90; P = 0.035) but not with changes in liver stiffness (AUC, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.49‐0.87; P = 0.067) or ELF (AUC, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.37‐0.78; P = 0.502). cT1 measured at baseline was a significant predictor of future loss of biochemical remission (AUC, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.53‐0.83; P = 0.042); neither liver stiffness (AUC, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.34‐0.71; P = 0.749) nor ELF (AUC, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.33‐0.70; P = 0.843) were significant predictors of loss of biochemical remission. Conclusion: Noninvasive mpMRI has potential to contribute to risk stratification in patients with AIH.
Potential benefits of eye tracking within process control monitoring tasks
Authors: Shi Chao , Noah Benjamin , Rothrock Ling , Kim Jung‐Hyup
Published: February 2021

Statistically, about 70% of the process industry accidents in the refinery control room are caused by human error. It is necessary to develop a deeper understanding of the interaction between humans and the automated systems. This experiment investigated the effectiveness of Overview Displays in a refinery control room by using eye‐tracking measures. Specifically, control room operators were presented with three Overview Displays that have been adopted by the oil and gas industry under two levels of difficulty for each display. The dependent variables include five eye‐movement metrics that previous studies have related to cognitive processing. The results indicated that Overview Display type significantly affected eye‐movement behavior. The consistency between eye tracking results and the performance results suggesting the possibility that eye‐tracking measures could be used to indicate the performance results. The findings could be used to increase operator assessment effectiveness.
Oral birch pollen immunotherapy with apples: Results of a phase II clinical pilot study
Authors: Nothegger Bettina , Reider Norbert , Covaciu Claudia E. , Cova Valentina , Ahammer Linda , Eidelpes Reiner , Unterhauser Jana , Platzgummer Stefan , Raffeiner Elisabeth , Tollinger Martin , Letschka Thomas , Eisendle Klaus
Published: February 2021

Background

Seventy percent of patients suffering from birch pollen allergy (BPA) develop a pollen‐related food allergy (prFA), especially to apples, due to a clinically relevant cross‐reactivity between the major allergen in birch Bet v 1 and Mal d 1 in apples. Therefore allergen‐specific immunotherapy with fresh apples (AITA) could be a promising natural treatment of both BPA and prFA.

Objective

To assess the clinical efficacy of immunotherapy by daily apple consumption for patients with BPA and prFA.

Methods

A daily defined increasing amount of selected cultivars (Red Moon®, Pink Lady®, Topaz, Golden Delicious) was continuously consumed by 16 patients (12 female; median age; 50; range, 23–68 years), leading to increased intake of allergen over a period of at least 8 months. Specific IgE and IgG4 to Bet v 1 and Mal d 1, conjunctival and oral provocation tests, skin reactivity, and the average daily rhinoconjunctivitis combined symptom and medication score (CSMS) were measured during the peak birch pollen season.

Results

After 8 months of therapy, patients showed increased tolerance to apples (p < .001) and a decreased skin reactivity to apples. Oral allergy syndrome to other birch prFA than apple also decreased (p < .05). Moreover, daily rhinoconjunctivitis CSMS declined by 34% (p < .001), as did conjunctival reactivity to birch pollen extract by 27% (p < .01), while specific IgG4 to Mal d 1 and Bet v 1 increased (p < .01).
The cost‐effectiveness of tranexamic acid for treatment of postpartum hemorrhage: A systematic review
Authors: Aziz Samia , Rossiter Shania , Homer Caroline S. E. , Wilson Alyce N. , Comrie‐Thomson Liz , Scott Nick , Vogel Joshua P.
Published: February 2021

Background

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is responsible for nearly one quarter of maternal deaths. A 2017 multicountry trial found that incorporating tranexamic acid (TXA) into the PPH management package was effective in reducing maternal death due to bleeding.

Objective

To systematically review studies assessing the cost‐effectiveness of tranexamic acid for PPH treatment.

Search strategy

Nine databases were searched using variations of keywords ‘tranexamic acid’, ‘postpartum hemorrhage’ and ‘cost effectiveness’.

Selection criteria

Eligible studies were any type of economic or effectiveness evaluation studies on tranexamic acid for treating women with PPH.

Data collection and analysis

Two reviewers independently screened citations and extracted data on cost effectiveness measures. Quality was assessed using the Consensus on Health Economic Criteria list.

Main results

Four studies were included, of which two were abstracts. Three studies concluded that early administration of TXA was cost‐saving or cost‐effective. One abstract reported TXA was not cost‐effective in the USA unless the probability of death due to hemorrhage is higher.

Conclusion

Available evidence (four studies in three countries) suggests that this life‐saving intervention may be below willingness to pay thresholds (cost‐effective) or cost saving. Further studies conducted in different populations and settings are needed to inform health policy decision‐making to reduce PPH‐associated morbidity and mortality.
RETRACTED: Optimal brain tumor diagnosis based on deep learning and balanced sparrow search algorithm
Authors: Liu Tingting , Yuan Zhi , Wu Li , Badami Benjamin
Published: February 2021

In recent years, the diagnosis of brain tumors with the help of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods has received significant attention. MRI techniques with substantial capabilities of displaying the internal structures of the human body have become one of the most widely used methods in this field. In the present study, a tumor is segmented after effectively preprocessing MRI images. Then, the main features are mined using a combination of the gray‐level cooccurrence matrix and discrete wavelet transform. Finally, the mined features are fed into an optimized convolutional neural network (CNN)‐based classification using a new improved metaheuristic technique, called balanced sparrow search algorithm (BSSA) for the final diagnosis to improve the efficiency of the CNN concerning consistency and accuracy. To verify the efficacy of the recommended algorithm, it is implemented on the whole brain atlas (WBA) database, and the results are compared with certain new and well‐known methods. A comparative result also has been performed to the study, and the results show that the highest accuracy achieved by the recommended BSSA‐CNN system is 93.65%. In addition, it is demonstrated that the specificity of 65.07% in the presented method yields results that are significantly better than those of the competing methods.
Incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality in underweight individuals
Authors: Kwon Hyuktae , Yun Jae Moon , Park Jin Ho , Cho Be Long , Han Kyungdo , Joh Hee‐Kyung , Son Ki Young , Cho Su Hwan
Published: February 2021

Background

Few studies have evaluated the association between being underweight and having cardiovascular disease in the general population. We investigated the incidence of stroke, myocardial infarction (MI), and all‐cause mortality according to detailed underweight categories in a large population cohort.

Methods

We included 4 164 364 individuals who underwent a health examination that was conducted as part of the Korean National Health Insurance Service between January 2009 and December 2012 and followed them up to determine the incidence of stroke, MI, and all‐cause mortality until 31 December 2016. Based on the body mass index, the study population was categorized into normal (18.50–22.99), mild (17.00–18.49), moderate (16.00–16.99), and severe underweight (<16.00) groups. Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed to calculate the hazard ratio for stroke, MI, and mortality according to the severity of underweight in reference to the normal weight. We adjusted for age, sex, lifestyle, economic status, co‐morbidity, blood pressure, glucose, lipid level, and waist circumference.

Results

The mean age of the 4 164 364 eligible subjects in this study cohort was 44.4 ± 14.3 years, and 46.1% of the participants were male; 46 728 strokes, 30 074 MIs, and 121 080 deaths occurred during 27 449 902 person‐years. The incidence of stroke, MI, and all‐cause mortality increased proportionally with the severity of underweight in the multivariate model. This proportional association became more evident when the waist circumference was additionally adjusted. The respective hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for mild, moderate, and severe underweight were 1.10 (1.06–1.15), 1.11 (1.02–1.20), and 1.38 (1.24–1.53) for stroke; 1.19 (1.14–1.25), 1.40 (1.27–1.53), and 1.86 (1.64–2.11) for MI; and 1.63 (1.60–1.67), 2.10 (2.02–2.17), and 2.98 (2.85–3.11) for all‐cause mortality. In stratified analyses based on waist circumference, the severity of underweight was consistently associated with a higher risk of stroke, MI, and death.

Conclusions

The severity of underweight was associated with a higher risk of stroke, MI, and all‐cause mortality.
Comparison of MRI and CT for the Prediction of Microvascular Invasion in Solitary Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on a Non‐Radiomics and Radiomics Method: Which Imaging Modality Is Better?
Authors: Meng Xiang‐Pan , Wang Yuan‐Cheng , Zhou Jia‐Ying , Yu Qian , Lu Chun‐Qiang , Xia Cong , Tang Tian‐Yu , Xu Jiajia , Sun Ke , Xiao Wenbo , Ju Shenghong
Published: February 2021

Background

Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are both capable of predicting microvascular invasion (MVI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, which modality is better is unknown.

Purpose

To intraindividually compare CT and MRI for predicting MVI in solitary HCC and investigate the added value of radiomics analyses.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

Included were 402 consecutive patients with HCC (training set:validation set = 300:102).

Field Strength/Sequence

T2‐weighted, diffusion‐weighted, and contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted imaging MRI at 3.0T and contrast‐enhanced CT.

Assessment

CT‐ and MR‐based radiomics signatures (RS) were constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. CT‐ and MR‐based radiologic (R) and radiologic‐radiomics (RR) models were developed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The performance of the RS/models was compared between two modalities. To investigate the added value of RS, the performance of the R models was compared with the RR models in HCC of all sizes and 2–5 cm in size.

Statistical Tests

Model performance was quantified by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and compared using the Delong test.

Results

Histopathologic MVI was identified in 161 patients (training set:validation set = 130:31). MRI‐based RS/models tended to have a marginally higher AUC than CT‐based RS/models (AUCs of CT vs. MRI, P: RS, 0.801 vs. 0.804, 0.96; R model, 0.809 vs. 0.832, 0.09; RR model, 0.835 vs. 0.872, 0.54). The improvement of RR models over R models in all sizes was not significant (P = 0.21 at CT and 0.09 at MRI), whereas the improvement in 2–5 cm was significant at MRI (P < 0.05) but not at CT (P = 0.16).

Data Conclusion

CT and MRI had a comparable predictive performance for MVI in solitary HCC. The RS of MRI only had significant added value for predicting MVI in HCC of 2–5 cm.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Antibody response patterns in COVID‐19 patients with different levels of disease severity in Japan
Authors: Imai Kazuo , Kitagawa Yutaro , Tabata Sakiko , Kubota Katsumi , Nagura‐Ikeda Mayu , Matsuoka Masaru , Miyoshi Kazuyasu , Sakai Jun , Ishibashi Noriomi , Tarumoto Norihito , Takeuchi Shinichi , Ito Toshimitsu , Maesaki Shigefumi , Tamura Kaku , Maeda Takuya
Published: February 2021

We analyzed antibody response patterns according to the level of disease severity in patients with novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in Japan. We analyzed 611 serum specimens from 231 patients with COVID‐19 (mild, 170; severe, 31; critical, 30). Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibodies against nucleocapsid protein (N) and spike 1 protein (S1) were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. The peaks of fitting curves for the optical density (OD) values of IgM and IgG antibodies against N appeared simultaneously, while those against S1 were delayed compared with N. The OD values of IgM against N and IgG against both N and S1 were significantly higher in the severe and critical cases than in the mild cases at 11 days after symptom onset. The seroconversion rates of IgG were higher than those of IgM against both N and S1 during the clinical course based on the optimal cut‐off values defined in this study. The seroconversion rates of IgG and IgM against N and S1 were higher in the severe and critical cases than in the mild cases. Our findings show that a stronger antibody response occurred in COVID‐19 patients with greater disease severity and there were low seroconversion rates of antibodies against N and S1 in the mild cases.
An ultra‐low‐power CNFET‐based improved Schmitt trigger design for VLSI sensor applications
Authors: Vidhyadharan Abhay Sanjay , Vidhyadharan Sanjay
Published: February 2021

To enable easy integration of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors with digital very large scale integrtaion (VLSI) circuits, the interface circuits need to operate efficiently even at low power supply voltages, consuming minimum power from the limited onboard supply source. Schmitt triggers have higher noise margins and lower delays as compared to conventional static CMOS logic circuits, at low‐voltage levels and hence are being widely used in VLSI sensor applications. Carbon nanotube FETs (CNFETs) have ION:IOFF and ION:CGG ratios significantly greater than the corresponding CMOS devices, and hence they have been acknowledged as viable candidates to replace CMOS devices in ultra‐low‐power VLSI circuits. This article presents an ultra‐low‐power CNFET‐based Schmitt trigger design, which consumes significantly lower power than the conventional design. The cause of the higher power consumption in conventional CMOS‐based Schmitt trigger is the availability of a direct path between VDD and ground for a longer time duration, during switching. The short‐circuit path in the conventional CMOS Schmitt trigger circuit is the result of the design methodology adopted to obtain hysteresis in VTC curve. The threshold voltage of the CNFET can be easily configured by an appropriate selection of its chiral vector. This property of the CNFET has been used in the implementation of a new, simple but effective Schmitt trigger, which minimizes the short‐circuit currents, while providing the same hysteresis as that of conventional design. The proposed circuit operates at 0.4 V VDD to cater for low‐voltage levels of VLSI sensor applications. The proposed CNFET‐based Schmitt trigger consumes only 0.002 times the power of conventional CMOS Schmitt trigger and operates 56 times faster than the conventional CMOS design. The overall PDP in the proposed CNFET‐based Schmitt trigger has been demonstrated to be merely 0.0003% of the PDP in corresponding conventional designs.
Instrumentation of the sacroiliac joint with cylindrical threaded implants: A detailed finite element study of patient characteristics affecting fixation performance
Authors: Dubé‐Cyr Roxanne , Villemure Isabelle , Arnoux Pierre‐Jean , Rawlinson Jeremy , Aubin Carl‐Éric
Published: February 2021

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a known pain generator that, in severe cases, may require surgical fixation to reduce intra‐articular displacements and allow for arthrodesis. The objective of this computational study was to analyze how the number of implants affected SIJ stabilization with patient‐specific characteristics such as the pelvic geometry and bone quality. Detailed finite element models were developed to account for three pelvises of differing anatomy. Each model was tested with a normal and low bone density (LD) under two types of loading: compression only and compression with flexion and extension moments. These models were instrumented with one to three cylindrical, threaded and fenestrated implants through a posterior oblique trajectory, requiring less muscle dissection than the more common lateral trajectory used with triangular implants. Compared with the noninstrumented pelvis, the change in range of motion (ROM) and stress distribution were used to characterize joint stabilization. Noninstrumented mobility ranged from 0.86 to 2.55 mm and from 1.37° to 6.11°. Across patient‐specific characteristics, the ROM reduction with one implant varied from 3% to 21% for vertical and 15% to 47% for angular displacements. With two implants, the ROM reduction ranged from 12% to 41% for vertical and from 28% to 61% for angular displacements. Three implants, however, did not further improve the joint stability (14% to 42% for vertical and 32% to 63% for angular displacements). With respect to patient characteristics, an LD led to a decreased stabilization and a higher volume of stressed bone (>75% of yield stress). A better understanding of how patient characteristics affect the implant performance could help improve surgical planning of sacroiliac arthrodesis.
Flint maize root mycorrhization and organic acid exudates under phosphorus deficiency: Trends in breeding lines and doubled haploid lines from landraces
Authors: Li Xuelian , Quan Xiuhao , Mang Melissa , Neumann Günter , Melchinger Albrecht , Ludewig Uwe
Published: February 2021

Aims: High maize yields in modern well‐managed agroecosystems depend on the use of elite varieties and hybrids. Unfortunately, because of repeated selection at high fertilizer rates, some beneficial traits, such as the interaction with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi or the release of organic acid anions for phosphate mobilization and for attracting beneficial microorganisms, might be gradually declining in modern elite genotypes. However, old founder lines and landraces possibly carry genetic relicts that originate from pre‐green revolution times that are useful for breeding elite material for low input farming systems.

Methods: Seedling colonization with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and organic acid anion release were measured in flint lines that were released over more than five decades ago and in six preselected doubled haploid (DH) lines from landraces. P‐uptake‐related root traits were compared under P‐sufficient and P‐deficient conditions.

Results: Weak trends for the loss of AMF colonization or changes in organic acid anion release at low P supply were detected in modern varieties. One DH line from a landrace was found with increased mycorrhization, whereas others were similar to modern elite lines. Overall, substantial genetic variance was encountered for these traits.

Conclusions: The concern that modern elite maize varieties have lost beneficial traits for nutrient acquisition is not substantiated for the flint pool of maize, although weak trends exist. Lines associated with better P‐acquisition efficiency under limited P availability should be utilized for breeding more sustainable varieties.
The role of neurotization in autologous breast reconstruction: Can reconstruction restore breast sensation?
Authors: Vartanian Emma D. , Lo Andrea Y. , Hershenhouse Korri S. , Jacob Laya , Patel Ketan M.
Published: February 2021

As the sophistication of microsurgical breast reconstruction continues to evolve, plastic surgeons are focusing on techniques to improve functional and psychosocial outcomes for patients, including breast sensation. Interest in neurotization of breast flaps, among both patients and surgeons, has grown significantly in recent years. This study aimed to review the outcomes of neurotization across autologous flap reconstructions, to provide a comprehensive analysis of the efficacy of this technique in improving postoperative sensory recovery.
Is elective cancer surgery feasible during the lock‐down period of the COVID‐19 pandemic? Analysis of a single institutional experience of 404 consecutive patients
Authors: Kulle Cemil Burak , Azamat Ibrahim Fethi , Vatansever Dogan , Erus Suat , Tarim Kayhan , Akyoldas Goktug , Gokler Ozan , Deveci Mehmet Ali , Cakar Nahit , Ergonul Onder , Agcaoglu Orhan , Kiremit Murat Can , Yavuz Omer , Kiris Talat , Unsaler Selin , Giray Burak , Korkmaz Murat , Dilege Ece , Kilic Mert , Cesur Ezgi , Solaroglu Ihsan , Altuntas Ozan , Simsek Aykin , Tanju Serhan , Erkan Mert , Canda Erdem , Sasani Mehdi , Hafiz Aysenur Meric , Kordan Yakup , Balik Emre , Bilge Orhan , Bugra Dursun , Taskiran Cagatay , Dilege Sukru
Published: February 2021

Background

We aimed to assess the feasibility and short‐term clinical outcomes of surgical procedures for cancer at an institution using a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐free surgical pathway during the peak phase of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic.

Materials and Methods

This was a single‐center study, including cancer patients from all surgical departments, who underwent elective surgical procedures during the first peak phase between March 10 and June 30, 2020. The primary outcomes were the rate of postoperative SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and 30‐day pulmonary or non‐pulmonary related morbidity and mortality associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 disease.

Results

Four hundred and four cancer patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were analyzed. The rate of patients who underwent open and minimally invasive procedures was 61.9% and 38.1%, respectively. Only one (0.2%) patient died during the study period due to postoperative SARS‐CoV2 infection because of acute respiratory distress syndrome. The overall non‐SARS‐CoV2 related 30‐day morbidity and mortality rates were 19.3% and 1.7%, respectively; whereas the overall SARS‐CoV2 related 30‐day morbidity and mortality rates were 0.2% and 0.2%, respectively.

Conclusions

Under strict institutional policies and measures to establish a COVID‐19‐free surgical pathway, elective and emergency cancer operations can be performed with acceptable perioperative and postoperative morbidity and mortality.
Genetic Differentiation of Wild Boar Populations in a Region Endangered by African Swine Fever
Authors: Reiner Gerald , Rumpel Martin , Zimmer Karl , Willems Hermann
Published: February 2021

For areas at risk for African swine fever (ASF) introduction from neighboring regions, it is important for epidemic control to know how wild boar (Sus scrofa) dispersion dynamics could be used to combat the spread of ASF. In this regard, long‐term information based on population genetic data makes an important contribution. We selected our study area as Rhineland‐Palatinate, Germany, because it had a high density of wild boars and was threatened by ASF via infected wild boars from neighboring Belgium. On an area of around 20,000 km2, we collected almost 1,200 blood samples from 22 wild boar hunting grounds. The study area included a network of potential barriers to movement, including roads and rivers. We assessed genetic differentiation based on microsatellite data. We used 2 spatial (Bayesian Analysis of Population Structure [BAPS] and TESS) and 1 non‐spatial (STRUCTURE) Bayesian model‐based approaches to analyze the data. Each of the algorithms detected 4 clusters with different cluster compositions in different areas and identified the highest degrees of differentiation between hunting grounds east and west of the Rhine River, between Pfalz and Eifel‐Hunsrück, and to a lesser degree between Westerwald and Taunus and between Eifel and Hunsrück. Thus, genetic evidence suggests barriers of different strength that might be helpful in a setup of complex and expensive measures against the spread of animal diseases such as ASF. The described approach could also provide valuable information for other threatened regions to contain ASF. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Wildlife Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Hyoid Bone Syndrome and Dysphonia: Can Throat Pain Affect the Voice?
Authors: Rubin Adam D. , Codino Juliana , Bottalico Pasquale , Parrish Sheila , Jackson‐Menaldi Cristina
Published: February 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To investigate the relationship of throat pain and dysphonia.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Forty‐five subjects presenting with hyoid bone syndrome (HBS) and dysphonia were asked to rate their pain on a numerical rating scale and complete the 10‐item Voice‐Related Quality of Life (V‐RQOL) questionnaire prior to and at 1‐week follow‐up after treatment with triamcinolone injection into the attachments to the affected greater cornu(s). Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests were applied to evaluate if the overall V‐RQOL scores, the physical functioning (PF) and social–emotional (SE) domain scores, and pain scores changed significantly after treatment. To evaluate how change in perceived pain affected V‐RQOL, the differences in the V‐RQOL, PF, and SE domain scores, and in pain scores were calculated for each subject. Three linear models were fit to the response variables, ΔV‐RQOL, ΔPF, and ΔSE, using ΔPain as a predicting variable.

Results

V‐RQOL, PF, and SE domain scores, and pain scores all improved significantly with treatment. A bigger decrease in the pain score led to a bigger increase in V‐RQOL and domain scores, with slopes varying between −1.1 and −1.4. The PF domain scores showed the greatest improvement with decrease in pain scores.

Conclusions

Effective treatment of HBS led to improvement in patients' voice complaints, suggesting that throat pain may have a direct effect on voice. This may be related to compensatory perilaryngeal adjustments patients make when speaking with a “guarding” effect when they have throat pain.

Level of Evidence

IV (Cohort study) Laryngoscope, 131:E2303–E2308, 2021
Higher Mortality in Pediatric Liver Transplant Candidates With Sarcopenia
Authors: Boster Julia M. , Browne Lorna P. , Pan Zhaoxing , Zhou Wenru , Ehrlich Peter F. , Sundaram Shikha S.
Published: February 2021

Little is known about the impact of sarcopenia (reduced muscle mass and function) in pediatric chronic liver disease. We compared psoas muscle surface area (PMSA), measured at the 4th lumbar vertebrae, in children listed for liver transplantation (LT) to that of healthy controls and studied the impact of sarcopenia on transplant‐associated outcomes. The effect of PMSA (raw value and z score) on survival was studied using multivariable proportional hazards, whereas the impact of PMSA on other transplant‐associated outcomes was assessed by multivariable linear or logistic regression. The correlation of PMSA with anthropometric values and markers of disease severity was studied using Spearman’s rank‐order correlation. Mean PMSA was significantly lower in LT candidates (n = 57, 699.4 ± 591.9 mm2 [mean ± SD]) than controls (n = 53, 1052.9 ± 960.7 mm2; P = 0.02). For LT candidates, there was an increased risk of death (either while on the waiting list or following transplantation) with lower PMSA (hazard ratio [HR], 1.6 per 100 mm2 [P = 0.03]; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1‐2.8), amounting to a 4.9 times higher risk of death for every 1 unit decrease in PMSA z score (HR, 4.9 [P = 0.05], 95% CI, 1.2‐34.5), adjusting for age and sex. PMSA did not correlate with posttransplant length of intubation, hospital length of stay, or perioperative complications. PMSA also did not correlate with calculated (r = 0.10, P = 0.60) or appealed Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease/Pediatric End‐Stage Liver Disease scores (r = 0.10, P = 0.69). Pediatric LT candidates have a significant reduction in muscle compared with controls. LT candidates with lower PMSA experience significant increases in mortality. As such, sarcopenia may provide a novel indicator of disease severity in children with chronic liver disease.
Low‐Cost, Highly Sensitive, and Flexible Piezoresistive Pressure Sensor Characterized by Low‐Temperature Interfacial Polymerization of Polypyrrole on Latex Sponge
Authors: Cheng Haonan , Wang Bo , Tan Yongsong , Yin Yunjie , Wang Chaoxia
Published: February 2021

Piezoresistive pressure sensors based on sponge are widely concerned because of their wide strain range, convenient signal acquisition, and good compressibility, yet it is still a challenge to acquire sponge‐based pressure sensors with low cost and excellent sensing performance. Herein, low‐priced FeCl3.6H2O and pyrrole (Py) are dispersed in deionized water to form FeCl3.6H2O/Py solution. Commercial latex sponge is impregnated into this solution to prepare conductive polypyrrole/latex (PPy/latex) sponge through low‐temperature interfacial polymerization. The surface of latex sponge is covered by the micro‐wrinkled PPy, which endows the PPy/latex sponge with a certain electrical conductivity. The specific porous structure and high elasticity of the latex sponge are the basic conditions for PPy/latex sponge excellent piezoresistive behaviors. PPy/latex sponge based piezoresistive pressure sensor shows high sensitivity (0.084 kPa−1 at below 3.12 kPa), wider sensing range (0–85.0%) and long durability over 3800 s (1800 cycles). At the same time, the ability of the PPy/latex sponge based piezoresistive pressure sensor to monitor human movement has been successfully evaluated in some application scenarios, such as bending fingers, grabbing objects, tiptoe rising, and crouching.
Non‐Fourier fractional thermoelastic two‐dimensional model of a hollow sphere
Authors: Kulkarni Vinayak. S. , Mittal Gaurav
Published: February 2021

Assuming non‐Fourier thermal effects, Tzou's dual‐phase‐lag model has been applied to introduce the governing heat conduction equation in the presented mathematical model. Moreover, in order to design a well‐posed dual‐phase‐lag model, the governing time fractional dual‐phase‐lag heat equation has been established by introducing conductive temperature and thermodynamical temperature, satisfying the two‐temperature theory. Due to the application of phase lags τΩ, τΘ satisfying τΩ > τΘ, the finite speed of thermal wave propagation has been achieved. The corresponding governing equations of motion and stresses have been considered in two‐dimensional bounded spherical domain. The spherical boundaries are assumed to be traction free. The Laplace and the Legendre integral transforms have been applied to obtain the analytical solutions of conductive and thermodynamical temperatures, displacement components, and thermal stresses. The Gaver–Stehfest algorithm has been employed to achieve the time domain inversions of Laplace transforms numerically, satisfying the Kuznetsov convergence criteria. Classical, fractional and generalized thermoelasticity theories has been recovered theoretically and numerically as well for various fractional orders and phase‐lags.
Spaceborne miniaturized UHF dual band helix antenna with a small frequency ratio
Authors: Xue Kai , Liao Shaowei , Zhu Ruilong , Xue Quan , Ding Liqin , Wang Yang , Guo Qing
Published: February 2021

This study proposes a novel miniaturized circularly polarized (CP) ultrahigh frequency (UHF) quadrifilar helix antenna for spaceborne applications. The dual‐band operation is realized using four inverted‐U shaped helical strips (IUSHSs) that are rotated and alternately arranged on the four faces of a hollow polyimide cuboid in a sequential rotation manner, which effectively reduces the size of the antenna. Furthermore, the four IUSHSs are connected by a cross‐shape strip at the top of the antenna to control the dual resonant frequencies, resulting in a small dual‐band frequency ratio. The proposed antenna is both lightweight and robust when compared with the conventional miniaturized CP antennas operating at similar bands with similar performance. In particular, its compact radiator provides effective miniaturized spaceborne solution without the need of high‐dielectric coefficient materials. A device for spaceborne application that operates at 402/505 MHz is designed, fabricated, measured, and in‐orbit tested with a weight of 651 g and an effective size of 0.161 × 0.161 × 0.228 λ3402MHz (λ402MHz is the wavelength at 402 MHz). The measured gain and axial ratio of the proposed antenna are better than 5.32 dBi and 2.18 dB, respectively, within 2 and 12 MHz bandwidth for the two bands. The test results proved that the methods used to design the proposed antenna are effective.
Preparation of proton block and highly conductive AEM by creating PANI dominated and hydrophobicity ion channels for sulfuric acid enrichment
Authors: Xie Ruosong , Ning Ping , Qu Guangfei , Deng Jijia , Li Ziying , Li Zhishuncheng , Li Junyan
Published: February 2021

Electrodialysis is widely used to separate and concentrate sulfuric acid from industrial wastewater. Nevertheless, owing to the proton leakage of anion‐exchange membrane (AEM), the concentration of recycled sulfuric acid is typically less than 20 wt.%. What is more, the restraining of proton leakage would sacrifice the conductivity of membrane, leading to the increasing of energy consumption (EC). In this work, a proton block and highly conductive polyaniline (PANI)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane were prepared by creating PANI dominated and hydrophobicity ion channels through etching. The variations of solubility, structure, and electrical performance of membrane during etching process were investigated. As a result, the electrical performance of membrane, especially for the conductivity, was significantly improved owning to the formation of PANI dominated ion channels and spaces. Meanwhile, even the porosity and water content of etched membrane were improved, the anions were mainly migrated through molecular chains of PANI; the protons were still blocked by the hydrophobic pores. Further, the etched membranes with different porosities were used to enrich sulfuric acid (1 wt.%) through electrodialysis. As a result, the proton leakage was proved to be the major limitative factor of acid solution enrichment. By using the optimal etched membrane, concentrated acid (41 wt.%) was obtained with a less energy consume (EC), compared with commercial AEM.
LC–MS/MS coupled with chemometric analysis as an approach for the differentiation of bulbus Fritillaria unibracteata and Fritillaria ussuriensis
Authors: Yang Lin , Zhang Mengrui , Yang Tiechui , Wai Ming Tse , Wai Gaun Tse Kathy , Ye Bengui
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Bulbus Fritillaria unibracteata Hsiao et K.C. Hsia is an important traditional Chinese medicine, widely used for the treatment of coughs, phlegm and asthma for thousands of years. Due to an increasing demand in clinic practices, a variety of substitutes have appeared in the market, resulting in a big challenge in the differentiation of bulbus F. unibracteata and its substitutes.

Aim

To differentiate bulbus F. unibracteata and its substitutes (bulbus Fritillaria ussuriensis Maxim.) based on their main isosteroidal alkaloid contents, and to test the potentiality of chemometrics as a tool for discrimination.

Materials and methods

The nine isosteroidal alkaloids in 61 batches of Fritillariae bulbus were simultaneously quantitated by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were applied to classify the two kinds of Fritillariae bulbus.

Results

Quantitative analysis showed that there were differences in the content of the nine alkaloids between two kinds of Fritillariae bulbus. According to the content of nine isosteroidal alkaloids, bulbus of F. unibracteata and F. ussuriensis were successfully distinguished by PCA model. Among these isosteroidal alkaloids, verticine and verticinone may be used as potential chemical markers for the identification and differentiation between the two kinds of Fritillaria bulbus.

Conclusion

The LC–MS/MS method coupled with PCA would be a powerful strategy to differentiate bulbus F. unibracteata and substitute specimens for quality evaluation and control.