bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of External Costs of Diesel, LNG, and Electric Drive on a Ro-Ro Ferry Route
Authors: Vukić Luka , Guidi Giambattista , Poletan Jugović Tanja , Oblak Renato
Published: June 2021

Following the sustainable transport policy, environmental criteria are becoming a competitive factor within the maritime shipping industry. The use of greener fuels in internal combustion engines, including electric drive, is a measure that can reduce external costs of transport. Alternative fuels in maritime transport, benefits, and potential attainable savings have been examined on the Kamenari–Lepatane ro-ro ferry route in the Bay of Kotor located in Montenegro. The results indicate higher total fuel cost savings by switching to LNG compared with electric power. However, the external costs of the latter are considerably lower, especially using renewable energy sources rather than fossil ones in the production process. The results obtained, relative to the magnitude and assumed complete internalization of external costs, justify the incentive to use the renewable sources as energy providers on the examined ro-ro ferry route. Environmental criteria should play a decisive role in assessing the overall benefit value, under the current trends and regulations of emissions reduction in maritime transport.
Impact of Aircraft Noise on Communities Near Belgrade Airport
Authors: Ganić Emir , Ivošević Jurica , Mirković Bojana
Published: June 2021

The aim of this research was to examine the impact of aircraft noise on communities near the Belgrade Airport by conducting short-term noise measurements. Apart from the noise abatement procedure published in the Aeronautical Information Publication for Belgrade Airport, there are still neither publicly available reports of the actual efforts made towards the aircraft noise reduction nor the description of the current noise situation. In order to estimate the current noise situation, eighteen aircraft overflight noise measurements were taken in two settlements in specific sound-sensitive community areas around the Belgrade Airport. The results showed that level differences between background noise and aircraft overflights were higher than 10 dB for each measurement and could be considered significant. Furthermore, preliminary compatibility analysis with acoustic zoning was performed. Average daily noise levels were estimated from these short-term measurements and were compared to legal noise limits for different acoustic zones. The results indicate that in some cases noise levels exceed the legal threshold, which should encourage land use planners to include the issue of Belgrade acoustic zoning on the agenda, but also prompt Belgrade Airport to implement continuous noise and flight tracks monitoring.
The The Application of Drones in City Logistics Concepts
Authors: Tadić Snežana , Kovač Milovan , Čokorilo Olja
Published: June 2021

With the rise of city logistics (CL) problems in the last three decades, various methods, approaches, solutions, and initiatives were analyzed and proposed for making logistics in urban areas more sustainable. The most analyzed and promising solutions are those that take into account cooperation among logistics providers and consolidation of the flow of goods. Furthermore, technological innovations enable the implementation of modern vehicles/equipment in order to make CL solutions sustainable. For several years, drone-based delivery has attracted lots of attention in scientific research, but there is a serious gap in the literature regarding the application of drones in CL concepts. The goal of this paper is to analyze four CL concepts that differ in consolidation type, transformation degree of flow of goods (direct and indirect, multi-echelon flows), and the role of drones. Two of the analyzed concepts are novel, which is the main contribution of the paper. The performances of the analyzed concepts are compared to the performances of the traditional delivery model – using only trucks without prior flow consolidation. The results indicate that CL concepts which combine different consolidation models and drones in the last phase of the delivery could stand out as a sustainable CL solution.
Multiclass Classification with Imbalanced Datasets for Car Ownership Demand Model – Cost-Sensitive Learning
Authors: Kaewwichian Patiphan
Published: June 2021

In terms of the travel demand prediction from the household car ownership model, if the imbalanced data were used to support the transportation policy via a machine learning model, it would negatively affect the algorithm training process. The data on household car ownership obtained from the study project for the expressway preparation in the Khon Kaen Province (2015) was an unbalanced dataset. In other words, the number of members of the minority class is lower than the rest of the answer classes. The result is a bias in data classification. Consequently, this research suggested balancing the datasets with cost-sensitive learning methods, including decision trees, k-nearest neighbors (kNN), and naive Bayes algorithms. Before creating the 3-class model, a k-folds cross-validation method was applied to classify the datasets to define true positive rate (TPR) for the model’s performance validation. The outcome indicated that the kNN algorithm demonstrated the best performance for the minority class data prediction compared to other algorithms. It provides TPR for rural and suburban area types, which are region types with very different imbalance ratios, before balancing the data of 46.9% and 46.4%. After balancing the data (MCN1), TPR values were 84.4% and 81.4%, respectively.
Zonisamide‐responsive myoclonus in SEMA6B‐associated progressive myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Herzog Rebecca , Hellenbroich Yorck , Brüggemann Norbert , Lohmann Katja , Grimmel Mona , Haack Tobias B. , von Spiczak Sarah , Münchau Alexander
Published: June 2021

We present a female patient in her early twenties with global development delay, progressive ataxia, epilepsy, and myoclonus caused by a stop mutation in the SEMA6B gene. Truncating DNA variants located in the last exon of SEMA6B have recently been identified as a cause of autosomal dominant progressive myoclonus epilepsy. In many cases, myoclonus in the context of progressive myoclonic epilepsy is refractory to medical treatment. In the present case, treatment with zonisamide caused clinical improvement, particularly of positive and negative truncal myoclonus, considerably improving patient’s gait and thus mobility.
A Strategy of Bifunctional Nanoscale Melamine‐Resin Sphere Template to Fabricate Porous Carbons
Authors: Li Le , Xu Zhi , Chen Xiaoxia , Fang Chenhong , Yan Deyue , Xiao Guyu
Published: June 2021

The pore structures of carbons profoundly affect their properties and functions. The hard template method has been extensively employed to fabricate porous carbons. Generally, the heteroatoms of porous carbons remarkably boost their performances, thus various of strategies have been carried out to incorporate the heteroatoms into porous carbons. The usual hard templates, such as silica nanoparticle and polystyrene sphere, only function as a pore‐forming agent. Herein, nanoscale melamine resin spheres (NMRSs) are fabricated for the first time. NMRSs can be decomposed to generate the template mesopore in situ during the pyrolysis of carbon precursors. Moreover, NMRSs also can work as a nitrogen‐dopant for porous carbons. As a demonstration, the N,P‐codoped hierarchically porous carbons are prepared using NMRSs as both pore‐forming agent and dopant, which exhibit excellent catalytic performances for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), close to or better than those of the best performing metal‐free doped carbon catalysts for the ORR. Therefore, this bifunctional template paves a facile pathway to fabricate porous carbons.
Photonic Band Gap Material Topological Design at Specified Target Frequency
Authors: Zhang Xiaopeng , Luo Yangjun , Yan Yi , Liu Pai , Kang Zhan
Published: June 2021

To achieve any specified band gap structure around target frequency, a new photonic crystals (PhC) topological design strategy is proposed. In the design optimization model, a band gap index that measures the minimal signed distances between the specified frequency and any two adjacent orders of frequencies is proposed, and the topology of PhC unit cell is represented with a low number of design variables through the material‐field series‐expansion. Then the sequential Kriging‐based algorithm is adopted for solving the multi‐peak and nondifferentiable optimization problems. Based on the numerical implementation of the proposed optimization method, the PhC unit cells are designed to provide band gaps precisely matching any specified central frequency value. The optimized unit cell designs are easily assembled to achieve a PhC device with the large relative band gap.
Adult diagnosis of congenital serine biosynthesis defect: A treatable cause of progressive neuropathy
Authors: Debs Sarah , Ferreira Carlos R. , Groden Catherine , Kim H. Jeffrey , King Kelly A. , King Monique C. , Lehky Tanya , Cowen Edward W. , Brown Laura H. , Merideth Melissa , Owen Carter M. , Macnamara Ellen , Toro Camilo , Gahl William A. , Soldatos Ariane
Published: June 2021

A woman with ichthyosis, contractures, and progressive neuropathy represents the first case of phosphoserine aminotransferase deficiency diagnosed and treated in an adult. She has novel compound heterozygous mutations in the gene PSAT1. Treatment with high dose oral L‐serine completely resolved the ichthyosis. Consideration of this diagnosis is important because early treatment with L‐serine repletion can halt progression of neurodegeneration and potentially improve neurological disabilities. As exome sequencing becomes more widely implemented in the diagnostic evaluation of progressive neurodegenerative phenotypes, adult neurologists and geneticists will increasingly encounter later onset manifestations of inborn errors of metabolism classically considered in infancy and early childhood.
Expanding the clinical and radiological phenotypes of leukoencephalopathy due to biallelic HMBS mutations
Authors: Stutterd Chloe A. , Kidd Alexa , Florkowski Chris , Janus Edward , Fanjul Miriam , Raizis Anthony , Wu Teddy Y. , Archer John , Leventer Richard J. , Amor David J. , Lukic Vesna , Bahlo Melanie , Gow Paul , Lockhart Paul J. , van der Knaap Marjo S. , Delatycki Martin B.
Published: June 2021

Pathogenic heterozygous variants in HMBS encoding the enzyme hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS), also known as porphobilinogen deaminase, cause acute intermittent porphyria (AIP). Biallelic variants in HMBS have been reported in a small number of children with severe progressive neurological disease and in three adult siblings with a more slowly, progressive neurological disease and distinct leukoencephalopathy. We report three further adult individuals who share a distinct pattern of white matter abnormality on brain MRI in association with biallelic variants in HMBS, two individuals with homozygous variants, and one with compound‐heterozygous variants. We present their clinical and radiological features and compare these with the three adult siblings previously described with leukoencephalopathy and biallelic HMBS variants. All six affected individuals presented with slowly progressive spasticity, ataxia, peripheral neuropathy, with or without mild cognitive impairment, and/or ocular disease with onset in childhood or adolescence. Their brain MRIs show mainly confluent signal abnormalities in the periventricular and deep white matter and bilateral thalami. This recognizable pattern of MRI abnormalities is seen in all six adults described here. Biallelic variants in HMBS cause a phenotype that is distinct from AIP. It is not known whether AIP treatments benefit individuals with HMBS‐related leukoencephalopathy. One individual reported here had improved neurological function for 12 months following liver transplantation followed by decline and progression of disease.
Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia EXTL3‐deficient type: Long‐term follow‐up and review of the literature
Authors: Akalın Akçahan , Taskiran Ekim Z. , Şimşek‐Kiper Pelin Özlem , Utine Eda , Alanay Yasemin , Özçelik Uğur , Boduroğlu Koray
Published: June 2021

Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia (SEMD) is a group of genetic skeletal disorders characterized by disproportionate short stature, and varying degrees of vertebral, epiphyseal, and metaphyseal involvement of the skeleton. According to the Nosology and classification of genetic skeletal disorders 2019 revision, more than 20 types of SEMD have been identified, and SEMD with immune deficiency, EXTL3 type is one of the newcomers. Affected individuals display variable skeletal abnormalities and neurodevelopmental findings. Liver and kidney cysts have also been reported frequently. Patients may exhibit varying degrees of immune deficiency as well. To date, only 14 patients from 9 unrelated families with SEMD with immune deficiency, EXTL3 type have been reported in the literature. We report a new patient who is currently 15 years old in whom cystic liver lesions were detected in the prenatal period. Disproportionate short stature, mild developmental delay and a T−NK+B+ immunological profile were detected in the postnatal follow‐up. Exome sequence analysis revealed a previously reported homozygous missense variant in exon 3 c.953C > T; p.(Pro318Leu) in EXTL3.
A General Approach to Convert Hemicyanine Dyes into Highly Optimized Photoacoustic Scaffolds for Analyte Sensing**
Authors: Gardner Sarah H. , Brady Catharine J. , Keeton Cameron , Yadav Anuj K. , Mallojjala Sharath C. , Lucero Melissa Y. , Su Shengzhang , Yu Zhengxin , Hirschi Jennifer S. , Mirica Liviu M. , Chan Jefferson
Published: June 2021

Most photoacoustic (PA) imaging agents are based on the repurposing of existing fluorescent dye platforms that exhibit non‐optimal properties for PA applications. Herein, we introduce PA‐HD, a new dye scaffold optimized for PA probe development that features a 4.8‐fold increase in sensitivity and a red‐shift of the λabs from 690 nm to 745 nm to enable ratiometric imaging. Computational modeling was used to elucidate the origin of these enhanced properties. To demonstrate the generalizability of our remodeling efforts, we developed three probes for β‐galactosidase activity (PA‐HD‐Gal), nitroreductase activity (PA‐HD‐NTR), and H2O2 (PA‐HD‐H2O2). We generated two cancer models to evaluate PA‐HD‐Gal and PA‐HD‐NTR. We employed a murine model of Alzheimer's disease to test PA‐HD‐H2O2. There, we observed a PA signal increase at 735 nm of 1.79±0.20‐fold relative to background, indicating the presence of oxidative stress. These results were confirmed via ratiometric calibration, which was not possible using the parent HD platform.
Upcycling by grafting onto semi‐crystalline polymers using supercritical CO2
Authors: Camarda Daniel S. , Lampe Matthew J. , Lesser Alan J. , Desbois Philippe , Stoll Klaus , Gabriel Claus , Konradi Rupert
Published: June 2021

The creation of graft copolymers by selectively grafting a second polymer to the amorphous fraction of a semi‐crystalline polymer in supercritical CO2 is demonstrated herein. The graft copolymer is synthesized by free radical polymerization of a vinyl monomer within the semi‐crystalline polymer below its melt temperature. Such conditions afford selective grafting on the amorphous regions (block “B”) while leaving the crystalline domains (block “A”) unmodified. Accordingly, unique A‐B, A‐B‐A, A‐B‐A‐B‐A, and so forth. block structures are formed. In this work, styrene is polymerized within polyamide 6, polyethylene terephthalate, and isotactic polypropylene. Purification of these material is performed to remove the un‐grafted homopolymer, allowing for determination of the graft yield, the portion of polymer which covalently bonds to the semi‐crystalline matrix. Grafting yields achieved in polyamide 6, polyethylene terephthalate, and isotactic polypropylene were 98%, 59%, and 15%, respectively. Property enhancements were observed upon further characterization of polystyrene‐polyamide 6 copolymers, including high glass transition temperatures, the ability to be remelted, and tunable grafting molecular weight. Additionally, hydrophobicity is controlled by varying polystyrene composition. The remarkable range of accessed properties demonstrates this as a potential route to upcycling plastics.
Experimental study of mixing performance with the tridimensional rotational flow sieve tray under low Reynolds number
Authors: Yang Kun , Tang Meng , Wang Dewu , Liu Yan , Wang Hongkai , Zhang Yurong , Zhang Shaofeng , Nie Lu
Published: June 2021

The mixing of fluids at low Reynolds numbers is currently attracting widespread attention. This study proposes a novel type of static mixer, the tridimensional rotational flow sieve tray (TRST). The mixing performance of the laminar flow fluid was measured using the coefficient of variation (CoV). We investigated the effects of the number, mode, and spacing of the mixing elements; the main fluids, tracer Reynolds number, and tracer outlet position on the mixing performance of the TRST. The results showed that the mixing performance increased with the increase in the number of elements and the Reynolds number of the main fluid. The mixing performance was better when the elements were in the backward installation than in the forward installation. The tracer Reynolds number had little effect on mixing. The mixing performance first increased and then decreased with the increase in the radial distance of the tracer outlet. With the increase in the element spacing, the mixing performance first decreased and then increased. The experimental conditions that yield the best mixing effect are as follow: eight TRSTs in a backward installation; elements spacing of 40 mm; Reynolds numbers of the main fluid and tracer as 987 and 237, respectively; and tracer outlet radial distance of 8.5 mm. The calculated CoVa values of the empirical model had an average deviation of ±12% from the experimental values. Compared with commonly used static mixers, TRST showed good mixing performance.
Experimental methods in chemical engineering: Mössbauer spectroscopy
Authors: Bianchi Claudia L. , Djellabi Ridha , Ponti Alessandro , Patience Gregory S. , Falletta Ermelinda
Published: June 2021

When a free nucleus absorbs or emits a gamma ray, it recoils to conserve energy, just like a gun recoils after shooting a bullet. Nuclei bound to a crystal lattice conserve energy when they absorb or emit gamma rays from a nuclear transition as they are fixed so their movement is restricted. This restriction is recoilless nuclear resonance fluorescence—the Mössbauer effect. The energy transmitted through a sample reveals its electronic and molecular structure and magnetic properties but only when the atoms in the source and sample are the same isotope—57Co/57Fe is the most common couple. So, many of its applications are to identify iron species or how they change as a function of environmental conditions, like corrosion. A bibliometric map identified six major clusters centred around: nanoparticles and magnetite (Fe3O4), crystal structure and spectroscopy, oxidation and catalysis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy, 57Fe and cathodes, and Co and thin films. In the last 30 years, the number of articles per year that mention the technique has hovered around 1250. More recently, Mössbauer spectroscopy has experienced a great rediscovery, particularly in the industrial sector for the solution of some problems, but also in space exploration.
Semiparametric integer‐valued autoregressive models on ℤ
Authors: Liu Zhengwei , Li Qi , Zhu Fukang
Published: June 2021

In the analysis of real integer‐valued time series data, we often encounter negative values and negative correlations. For integer‐valued autoregressive time series, there are many parametric models to choose from, but some of them are relatively complex. With little information about the background of real data, we hope that a simple and effective semiparametric model can be used to obtain more information that usually cannot be provided by parametric models, such as the confidence interval of the innovation distribution. But the only existing semiparametric model based on thinning operators can only deal with non‐negative data with positive correlation coefficients. In addition, it has two drawbacks: first, an initial distribution of the innovation is required, but different initial values may lead to different results; second, the confidence interval of the innovation distribution is not available, which is essential in low‐valued data. To overcome these drawbacks, we propose a rounded semiparametric autoregressive model with a log‐concave innovation, which can deal with ‐valued time series with autoregressive coefficients of arbitrary sign. The consistencies of the estimators for the parametric and nonparametric parts of the model are also discussed. We illustrate the superior performance of the proposed model based on three real datasets.
Machine learning in/for blockchain: Future and challenges
Authors: Chen Fang , Wan Hong , Cai Hua , Cheng Guang
Published: June 2021

Machine learning and blockchain are two of the most notable technologies of recent years. The first is the foundation of artificial intelligence and big data analysis, and the second has significantly disrupted the financial industry. Both technologies are data‐driven, and thus there are rapidly growing interests in integrating both for more secure and efficient data sharing and analysis. In this article, we review existing research on combining machine learning and blockchain technologies and demonstrate that they can collaborate efficiently and effectively. In the end, we point out some future directions and expect more research on deeper integration of these two promising technologies.
Classical Hodgkin's lymphoma with cutaneous involvement in an adolescent male: A case study
Authors: Ghosh Sumon , Ghosh Sajib , Amin Rownak Jahan , Chowdhury Fahmida , Prasad Namala Satya , Prabu Pandurangan , Chowdhury Sukanta
Published: June 2021

Background

Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) with skin involvement is reasonably rare. It typically occurs late in the course and is associated with a poor prognosis; however, it may also be indolent in some cases.

Case

We report a case of a 15‐year‐old previously healthy male with Hodgkin's lymphoma who presented with multiple lymphadenopathies of axilla and serpiginous ulcerative nodular lesions involving pectoral skin. A lymph node biopsy was performed following an initial diagnostic workup for a suspected active infectious disease, which revealed a neoplastic invasion from a mixed cellularity classical HL with skin involvement. A total of six cycles of ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) chemotherapy regimen was administered to the patient.

Conclusion

In comparison to other studies, this case demonstrates that a good response is possible with standard ABVD chemotherapy.
Color bizarreness effects in object memory: Evidence from a recall test and eye tracking
Authors: Morita Aiko , Kambara Toshimune
Published: June 2021

The main purpose of this study was to examine whether we could find a color bizarreness effect in object memory. Given robust results that objects with bizarre shapes are remembered better than those with common shapes, we would also expect to find a color bizarreness effect. In experiment 1, as in most studies of bizarreness effects, participants were presented pictures one by one in the learning phase, and recalled the object names in the test phase. In experiment 2, we presented multiple objects simultaneously in the learning phase and measured how long participants looked at each object by eye tracking. If participants paid attention to bizarre color objects, it would provide strong support for a color bizarreness effect. The results supported the existence of this effect. Our results strengthen research findings on bizarreness effects in pictorial materials in a different aspect. Not only an object's shape, but also its color can produce the bizarreness effect. Furthermore, we clearly demonstrated that bizarre colors attract attention and enhance object memory. This could be applied to making memorable advertisements and creating learning materials.
Preference for accent and background colors in interior architecture in terms of similarity/contrast of natural color system attributes
Authors: Serra Juan , Gouaich Yacine , Manav Banu
Published: June 2021

Color combination criteria are said to entail an affective response in interior design. We investigated the color combination criteria that orient the preference of current observers, after Le Corbusier's 1931 Salubra keyboards. We explored the similarity/contrast in Natural Color System (NCS) hue, blackness, and chromaticness in 312 combinations with four colors, two backgrounds and two accent colors, coming from 43 individual colors, on the walls of a simulated interior of a bedroom from the Swiss Pavilion (Le Corbusier, 1930‐1931). Participants were 644 students of architecture and interior design in Western Europe and Near East, who evaluated with a Likert scale their preference for virtual images via an online survey. Results indicate that the most preferred color combinations are those with hues closer in the color wheel, being the similarity between hues in the backgrounds more important than in the accent colors, and with NCS B30G to G as the most preferred hues. Observers preferred color compositions with blackness under 10% and similar blackness between the two background colors, together with a certain blackness contrast between these background colors and the two color accents. Similarly, observers liked color compositions with low chromaticness and low chromaticness difference among the four colors of the composition.
Hybrid Chemomechanical Plastics Recycling: Solvent‐free, High‐Speed Reactive Extrusion of Low‐Density Polyethylene.
Authors: Martey Shawn , Addison Bennett , Wilson Nolan , Tan Bin , Yu Jianger , Dorgan John R. , Sobkowicz Margaret J.
Published: June 2021

Low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) is ubiquitous in the packaging industry owing to its flexibility, toughness, and low cost. However, it is typically contaminated with other materials, seriously limiting options for mechanical recycling. Interest in chemical recycling techniques such as pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction is growing, but most of these processes face technoeconomic challenges that have limited commercial deployment. This study concerns a hybrid chemomechanical approach using reactive twin‐screw extrusion (TSE) for tailoring the molecular weight and chain structure of reclaimed LDPE. Two types of zeolite catalysts at several loading levels are evaluated over a range of processing conditions. Structural, thermal, and rheological properties of the extruded samples are investigated and compared to virgin LDPE and LDPE extruded without the catalyst. NMR spectroscopy is used to investigate changes in the structure of the polymer. LDPE extruded with microporous Y zeolite shows lower degradation temperature and increased short chain branching. Mesoporous MCM‐41 also induces increased branching but has no effect on the degradation temperature. The theoretical mechanical energy input for the chemical modification is calculated by using process modeling. The demonstrated hybrid reactive extrusion process provides a potential low‐cost, simple approach for repurposing LDPE‐based flexible packaging as coatings and adhesives.
Quantification and role of innate lymphoid cell subsets in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Blomme Evy E , Provoost Sharen , De Smet Elise G , De Grove Katrien C , Van Eeckhoutte Hannelore P , De Volder Joyceline , Hansbro Philip M , Bonato Matteo , Saetta Marina , Wijnant Sara RA , Verhamme Fien , Joos Guy F , Bracke Ken R , Brusselle Guy G , Maes Tania
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) secrete cytokines, such as IFN‐γ, IL‐13 and IL‐17, which are linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here, we investigated the role of pulmonary ILCs in COPD pathogenesis.

Methods

Lung ILC subsets in COPD and control subjects were quantified using flow cytometry and associated with clinical parameters. Tissue localisation of ILC and T‐cell subsets was determined by immunohistochemistry. Mice were exposed to air or cigarette smoke (CS) for 1, 4 or 24 weeks to investigate whether pulmonary ILC numbers and activation are altered and whether they contribute to CS‐induced innate inflammatory responses.

Results

Quantification of lung ILC subsets demonstrated that ILC1 frequency in the total ILC population was elevated in COPD and was associated with smoking and severity of respiratory symptoms (COPD Assessment Test [CAT] score). All three ILC subsets localised near lymphoid aggregates in COPD. In the COPD mouse model, CS exposure in C57BL/6J mice increased ILC numbers at all time points, with relative increases in ILC1 in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Importantly, CS exposure induced increases in neutrophils, monocytes and dendritic cells that remained elevated in Rag2/Il2rg‐deficient mice that lack adaptive immune cells and ILCs. However, CS‐induced CXCL1, IL‐6, TNF‐α and IFN‐γ levels were reduced by ILC deficiency.

Conclusion

The ILC1 subset is increased in COPD patients and correlates with smoking and severity of respiratory symptoms. ILCs also increase upon CS exposure in C57BL/6J mice. In the absence of adaptive immunity, ILCs contribute to CS‐induced pro‐inflammatory mediator release, but are redundant in CS‐induced innate inflammation.
Genetic risk for severe COVID‐19 correlates with lower inflammatory marker levels in a SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative cohort
Authors: Powell Timothy R , Hotopf Matthew , Hatch Stephani L , Breen Gerome , Duarte Rodrigo R R , Nixon Douglas F
Published: June 2021

Objectives

It remains unknown how inflammatory marker levels differ amongst individuals susceptible to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), prior to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and the onset of the cytokine storm. We used genetic risk scores to model how susceptibility to severe COVID‐19 correlates with baseline levels of 35 inflammatory markers, by testing their impact in a SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative population cohort. Because of the established effects of age and body mass index on severe COVID‐19 risk, we further considered how these variables interacted with genetic risk to affect inflammatory marker levels.

Methods

We accessed data on 406 SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative individuals as part of a UK population study. Multiplex electrochemiluminescence methods were applied to blood serum, and 35 inflammatory markers were assayed. Corresponding genotype data, alongside results from a large genome‐wide association study of severe COVID‐19, allowed us to construct genetic risk scores and to test their impact on inflammatory protein levels.

Results

Our results revealed that a higher genetic risk for severe COVID‐19 was associated with lower blood levels of interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF‐D) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α). Inflammatory profiles of those with high genetic risk increasingly diverge from the norm in association with age and obesity.

Conclusion

Our results support the theory that individuals at risk of severe COVID‐19 have a deficient innate immunity marked by reduced levels of inflammatory markers at baseline, including IFN‐γ, VEGF‐D and TNF‐α. We hypothesise that a secondary overactive adaptive immune response may subsequently explain the high levels of cytokines observed in SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive COVID‐19 patients.
Discovering fiber type architecture over the entire muscle using data‐driven analysis
Authors: Bindellini Davide , Voortman Lennard M. , Olie Cyriel S. , van Putten Maaike , van den Akker Erik , Raz Vered
Published: June 2021

Skeletal muscle function is inferred from the spatial arrangement of muscle fiber architecture, which corresponds to myofiber molecular and metabolic features. Myofiber features are often determined using immunofluorescence on a local sampling, typically obtained from a median region. This median region is assumed to represent the entire muscle. However, it remains largely unknown to what extent this local sampling represents the entire muscle. We present a pipeline to study the architecture of muscle fiber features over the entire muscle, including sectioning, staining, imaging to image quantification and data‐driven analysis with Myofiber type were identified by the expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms, representing contraction properties. We reconstructed muscle architecture from consecutive cross‐sections stained for laminin and MyHC isoforms. Examining the entire muscle using consecutive cross‐sections is extremely laborious, we provide consideration to reduce the dataset without loosing spatial information. Data‐driven analysis with over 150,000 myofibers showed spatial variations in myofiber geometric features, myofiber type, and the distribution of neuromuscular junctions over the entire muscle. We present a workflow to study histological changes over the entire muscle using high‐throughput imaging, image quantification, and data‐driven analysis. Our results suggest that asymmetric spatial distribution of these features over the entire muscle could impact muscle function. Therefore, instead of a single sampling from a median region, representative regions covering the entire muscle should be investigated in future studies.
A show of Hands: Novel and conserved expression patterns of teleost hand paralogs during craniofacial, heart, fin, peripheral nervous system and gut development
Authors: Reynolds Samantha , Pierce Christian , Powell Benjamin , Kite Alexandra , Hall‐Ruiz Nicholas , Schilling Thomas , Le Pabic Pierre
Published: June 2021

Background

Hand genes are required for the development of the vertebrate jaw, heart, peripheral nervous system, limb, gut, placenta, and decidua. Two Hand paralogues, Hand1 and Hand2, are present in most vertebrates, where they mediate different functions yet overlap in expression. In ray‐finned fishes, Hand gene expression and function is only known for the zebrafish, which represents the rare condition of having a single Hand gene, hand2. Here we describe the developmental expression of hand1 and hand2 in the cichlid Copadichromis azureus.

Results

hand1 and hand2 are expressed in the cichlid heart, paired fins, pharyngeal arches, peripheral nervous system, gut, and lateral plate mesoderm with different degrees of overlap.

Conclusions

Hand gene expression in the gut, peripheral nervous system, and pharyngeal arches may have already been fixed in the lobe‐ and ray‐finned fish common ancestor. In other embryonic regions, such as paired appendages, hand2 expression was fixed, while hand1 expression diverged in lobe‐ and ray‐finned fish lineages. In the lateral plate mesoderm and arch associated catecholaminergic cells, hand1 and hand2 swapped expression between divergent lineages. Distinct expression of cichlid hand1 and hand2 in the epicardium and myocardium of the developing heart may represent the ancestral pattern for bony fishes.
Connexin 43 contributes to phenotypic robustness of the mouse skull
Authors: Jewlal Elizabeth , Barr Kevin , Laird Dale W. , Willmore Katherine E.
Published: June 2021

Background

We compared skull shape and variation among genetically modified mice that exhibit different levels of connexin43 (Cx43) channel function, to determine whether Cx43 contributes to craniofacial phenotypic robustness. Specifically, we used two heterozygous mutant mouse models (G60S/+ and I130T/+) that, when compared to their wildtype counterparts, have an ~80% and ~50% reduction in Cx43 function, respectively.

Results

Both mutant strains showed significant differences in skull shape compared to wildtype littermates and while these differences were more severe in the G60S/+ mouse, shape differences were localized to similar regions of the skull in both mutants. However, increased skull shape variation was observed in G60S/+ mutants only. Additionally, covariation of skull structures was disrupted in the G60S/+ mutants only, indicating that while a 50% reduction in Cx43 function is sufficient to cause a shift in mean skull shape, the threshold for Cx43 function for disrupting craniofacial phenotypic robustness is lower.

Conclusions

Collectively, our results indicate Cx43 can contribute to phenotypic robustness of the skull through a nonlinear relationship between Cx43 gap junctional function and phenotypic outcomes.
Deletion of Fibroblast growth factor 9 globally and in skeletal muscle results in enlarged tuberosities at sites of deltoid tendon attachments
Authors: Leek Connor C. , Soulas Jaclyn M. , Bhattacharya Iman , Ganji Elahe , Locke Ryan C. , Smith Megan C. , Bhavsar Jaysheel D. , Polson Shawn W. , Ornitz David M. , Killian Megan L.
Published: June 2021

Background

The growth of most bony tuberosities, like the deltoid tuberosity (DT), rely on the transmission of muscle forces at the tendon‐bone attachment during skeletal growth. Tuberosities distribute muscle forces and provide mechanical leverage at attachment sites for joint stability and mobility. The genetic factors that regulate tuberosity growth remain largely unknown. In mouse embryos with global deletion of fibroblast growth factor 9 (Fgf9), the DT size is notably enlarged. In this study, we explored the tissue‐specific regulation of DT size using both global and targeted deletion of Fgf9.

Results

We showed that cell hypertrophy and mineralization dynamics of the DT, as well as transcriptional signatures from skeletal muscle but not bone, were influenced by the global loss of Fgf9. Loss of Fgf9 during embryonic growth led to increased chondrocyte hypertrophy and reduced cell proliferation at the DT attachment site. This endured hypertrophy and limited proliferation may explain the abnormal mineralization patterns and locally dysregulated expression of markers of endochondral development in Fgf9null attachments. We then showed that targeted deletion of Fgf9 in skeletal muscle leads to postnatal enlargement of the DT.

Conclusion

Taken together, we discovered that Fgf9 may play an influential role in muscle‐bone cross‐talk during embryonic and postnatal development.
The Different Protective Effects of Phospholipids Against Obesity‐Induced Renal Injury Mainly Associate with Fatty Acid Composition
Authors: Zhang Lingyu , Ding Lin , Shi Haohao , Wang Chengcheng , Xue Changhu , Zhang Tiantian , Wang Yuming
Published: June 2021

The objectives of the study are to investigate the protective effects of eight phospholipids (PL) with different fatty acids or polar head groups on obesity‐induced renal damage. Four kinds of phosphatidylcholine (PC) are exacted from egg york (Egg‐PC), soybean (Soy‐PC), squid roe (DHA‐PC) and sea cucumber (EPA‐PC). Furthermore, four kinds of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) are enzymatically synthesized from PC, respectively. Male C57BL/6J mice are fed with standard diet, high‐fat diet (Model) or high‐fat diet containing 2% phospholipids for 8 weeks. Mice in the model group demonstrate severe renal injury. Different phospholipids improve renal dysfunction in high‐fat diet mice to varying degrees, and EPA‐PE shows the best effects on reducing serum Cr, chronic inflammation and renal lipid accumulation. A further mechanistic study reveals that the lipid‐lower effect of phospholipids might be attributed to increased fatty acid β‐oxidation and decreased fatty acid synthesis. Finally, it seemed that the influence of phospholipids on the PGC1α activation appear to be dependent on FA saturation, as DHA/EPA‐PL increases the expression of PGC1α greater than Soy‐PL, as well as Egg‐PL.

Practical Applications:Based on these findings, phospholipids are promising supplement for alleviation of obesity‐induced renal dysfunction, and their different protective effects mainly due to the fatty acids composition.
New Insights on Potentiometric Immunosensor at Carbon Fiber Microelectrode for Alpha‐Fetoprotein in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Ling , Liang Dong , Guo Wuhua , Tang Dianping , Zeng Yongyi
Published: June 2021

Herein, we investigated the analytical features of potentiometric immunosensors for detection of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) in hepatocellular carcinoma at different electrodes, such as carbon fiber microelectrode (CFME) and carbon‐disk electrode (CDE), respectively. To construct such an immunosensor, anti‐AFP capture antibodies were first conjugated covalently onto the activated electrodes through typical carbodiimide coupling. Thereafter, one‐step immunoreaction protocol was successfully introduced to develop a new potentiometric immunoassay upon addition of AFP. Accompanying the antigen‐antibody reaction, the surface charges of the modified electrodes were changed for the readout of electric potential. Results indicated that the linear range of CDE‐based immunosensor was 0.1–100 ng mL−1 AFP, whereas the assay sensitivity by using CFME could be further increased to 3.2 pg mL−1 with the linear range from 0.01 to 500 ng mL−1 AFP. Meanwhile, CFME‐based immunosensor showed high sensitivity, good reproducibility and specificity, and could be utilized for the analysis of human serum specimens with consistent results relative to commercialized ELISA kit.
Depression is associated with hippocampal volume loss in adults with HIV
Authors: Bronshteyn Margarita , Yang Fan Nils , Shattuck Kyle F. , Dawson Matthew , Kumar Princy , Moore David J. , Ellis Ronald J. , Jiang Xiong
Published: June 2021

Depressive symptoms are more prevalent in persons with HIV (PWH) than HIV‐uninfected individuals. In HIV‐uninfected individuals, depression has been associated with atrophy in the hippocampus and other brain regions. In the present study, we investigated the impact of depression on brain structure in PWH. One hundred PWH participated in a cross‐sectional study (56.6 ± 6.4 yrs, range 41–70 yrs, 24 females, 63 African Americans). The Beck's Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) was used to assess depressive symptoms. Structural MRI images were collected. Both the voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) technique and a region of interest (ROI) based approach were used to examine the relationship between hippocampal gray matter volume (GMv) and depressive symptoms. The impact of HIV CD4 nadir and antidepressants was also investigated. Both VBM and ROI approaches revealed that higher BDI‐II scores (implicating more severe depressive symptoms) were associated with loss of hippocampal GMv, especially in the right hippocampus and the right entorhinal cortex. Low CD4 nadir predicted additional hippocampal volume loss independent of depressive symptoms. Taking antidepressants did not have a detectable effect on hippocampal volume. In summary, having more depressive symptoms is associated with smaller hippocampal volume in PWH, and a history of severe immunosuppression (i.e., low CD4 nadir) correlates with additional hippocampal volume reduction. However, the impact of depression on hippocampal volume may be independent of HIV‐disease severity such as low CD4 nadir.
RETRACTED: Novel computer‐aided lung cancer detection based on convolutional neural network‐based and feature‐based classifiers using metaheuristics
Authors: Guo Zhiqiang , Xu Lina , Si Yujuan , Razmjooy Navid
Published: June 2021

This study proposes a lung cancer diagnosis system based on computed tomography (CT) scan images for the detection of the disease. The proposed method uses a sequential approach to achieve this goal. Consequently, two well‐organized classifiers, the convolutional neural network (CNN) and feature‐based methodology, have been used. In the first step, the CNN classifier is optimized using a newly designed optimization method called the improved Harris hawk optimizer. This method is applied to the dataset, and the classification is commenced. If the disease cannot be detected via this method, the results are conveyed to the second classifier, that is, the feature‐based method. This classifier, including Haralick and LBP features, is subsequently applied to the received dataset from the CNN classifier. Finally, if the feature‐based method also does not detect cancer, the case study is healthy; otherwise, the case study is cancerous.
Blood plasma resonance Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis for esophageal cancer detection
Authors: Li Xianchang , Chen Hongjun , Zhang Shiding , Yang Haijun , Gao Shanshan , Xu Haisheng , Wang Lidong , Xu Ruiping , Zhou Fuyou , Hu Jiming , Zhao Jianhua , Zeng Haishan
Published: June 2021

We herein report a novel, reliable and inexpensive method for detecting esophageal cancer using blood plasma resonance Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis methods. The blood plasma samples were divided into late stage cancer group (n = 164), early stage cancer group (n = 35) and normal group (n = 135) based on clinical pathological diagnosis. Using a specially designed quartz capillary tube as sample holder, we obtained higher quality resonance Raman spectra of blood plasma than existing method. The study demonstrated that the carotenoids levels in blood plasma were reduced in esophageal cancer patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (and 95% confidence interval) calculated by wavenumber selection and principal component analysis combined with linear discriminant analysis (PC‐LDA) algorithm were 0.894 (0.858‐0.929), 0.901 (0.841‐0.960) and 0.871 (0.799‐0.942) for differentiating late cancer from normal, late cancer from early cancer, and early cancer from normal respectively. The contribution from the two carotenoids wavenumber regions of 1155 and 1515 cm−1 were more than 84.2%. The results show that the plasma carotenoids could be a potential biomarker for screening esophageal cancer using resonance Raman spectroscopy combined with wavenumber selection and PC‐LDA algorithms.
Low temperature SCR of NOx over Mn/Fe mixed oxides catalyst: comparison of synthesis methods
Authors: Ng Derrick , Acharya Durga , Wang Xingdong , Easton Christopher D , Wang Jinxiu , Xie Zongli
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

With the increasing environmental pollution issues arising from NOx, the low‐temperature selective catalytic reduction (LT‐SCR) of NOx by NH3 is becoming more important. Mn/Fe mixed oxides type catalysts have been proven to be particularly effective at low temperature reactions; however, the synthesis method can be a key factor determining the SCR activities.

RESULTS

A comprehensive study of LT‐SCR was carried out on a series of Mn/Fe mixed oxides catalysts prepared using diverse synthesis methods, namely, sonication assisted continuous coprecipitation (SACP), equilibrium adsorption (EA), precipitation method using either NaOH (P‐OH) or Na2CO3 (P‐CO) as precipitant, and one pot hydrothermal synthesis (CA). The morphology, composition, crystal property, oxidation status, and surface property were systematically characterised. LT‐SCR of the NOx performance of prepared Mn/Fe catalysts was conducted in temperatures from 75 to 225 °C. It was demonstrated that, at reaction temperatures under 125 °C, LT‐SCR performance showed the trend of P‐OH > SACP > EA ~ CA > P‐CO; meanwhile, the trend was CA > SACP > P‐OH ~ EA > P‐CO at temperatures over 125 °C. However, N2 selectivity showed the trend SACP > CA > P‐OH overall.

CONCLUSION

The characterisation results suggested that NOx conversion performance is controlled by several parameters, especially uniformity of materials, high surface area, Mn crystallinity, surface oxygen defects, Fe (III) on the surface; these are important parameters to achieve high denitrification performance as shown by P‐OH and SACP under low temperature. At higher temperatures, the stability of materials and high Brønsted acid sites on the surface are important, leading to better performance by CA and SACP.