bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography in the era of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography: A prospective comparative analysis in preoperative evaluation of benign biliary stricture
Authors: Kurdia Kailash C , Irrinki Santhosh , Siddharth Bharath , Gupta Vikas , Lal Anupam , Yadav Thakur D
Published: June 2021

Background and Aim

Accurate anatomical delineation is the key before definitive repair for benign biliary stricture (BBS). The role of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) as a road map is less studied in the era of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).

Methods

A prospective observational study, performed between July 2012 and December 2013. All patients of post‐cholecystectomy BBS were evaluated with MRCP and PTC prior to definitive repair. Findings of MRCP and PTC were compared with intraoperative details.

Results

Thirty patients with BBS were included in the study. MRCP was performed in all but PTC was amenable in 28 of 30 (93.3%) patients. PTC was comparable to MRCP in diagnosing stricture type (96.4% vs 89.3%), intrahepatic stones (75% vs 75%), and biliary anomalies (95.6% vs 100%). Additionally, PTC revealed internal biliary fistula in 4 (85.7% vs 61.4%; P value 0.04). PTC‐related minor complications were noted in 2 (7.1%) patients.

Conclusion

PTC is comparable to MRCP in diagnosing the stricture type, intrahepatic biliary stones, and biliary anomalies. Though comparable to MRCP, the authors could not reveal any additional information that could change the course of management in BBS.
Gas‐phase fragmentation reactions of a7 ions containing a glutamine residue
Authors: Atik Ahmet , Arslanoglu Alper , Yalcin Talat
Published: June 2021

The gas‐phase fragmentation reactions of the a7 ions derived from glutamine (Q) containing model heptapeptides have been studied in detail with low‐energy collision‐induced dissociation (CID) tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Specifically, the positional effect of the Q residue has been investigated on the fragmentation reactions of a7 ions. The study involves two sets of permuted isomers of the Q containing model heptapeptides. The first set contains the QAAAAAA sequence, and the second set involves of QYAGFLV sequence, where the position of the Q residue is changed from N‐ to C‐terminal gradually for both peptide series. An intense loss of ammonia from the a7 ions followed by internal amino acid eliminations strongly supports forming the imine‐amides structure via cyclization/rearrangement reaction for all studied a7 ions. This is in agreement with the pioneering study reported by Bythell et al. (2010, 10.1021/ja101556g). A novel rearrangement reaction is detected upon fragmentation of imine‐amide structure, which yields a protonated C‐terminal amidated hexapeptide excluding the Q residue. A possible fragmentation mechanism was proposed to form the protonated C‐terminal amidated hexapeptide, assisted via nucleophilic attack of the side chain amide nitrogen of the Q residue on its N‐protonated imine carbon atom of the rearranged imine‐amide structure.

Highlights

The gas‐phase fragmentation reactions of a7 ions obtained from protonated model peptides containing glutamine residue were studied by ESI‐MS/MS.

A rearranged imine‐amide structure is the predominant even for a7 ions.

Novel rearrangement reaction is observed which forms a protonated C‐terminal amidated hexapeptide excluding Q residue upon fragmentation of the imine‐amide structure.
Overcoming bit loss mechanism in self‐amplified multilevel silicon‐oxide‐nitride‐oxide‐silicon memory cell
Authors: Bohara Pooja , Vishvakarma Santosh Kumar
Published: June 2021

This work reports on the triple‐level NAND flash cell realized from self‐amplified (SA) double gate (DG) tunneling‐based silicon‐oxide‐nitride‐oxide‐silicon (T‐SONOS) memory device. Through calibrated simulations, we show that capacitive coupling between the front gate and back gate can be used to store eight states (or 3 bits), that is, from “000” to “111,” in a T‐SONOS memory device with the readable difference between each level at lower programming voltages. The performance of the multilevel T‐SONOS cell is compared with the inversion mode SONOS (I‐SONOS) multilevel cell. Results highlight that gate length (Lg) scaling from 100 to 25 nm significantly deteriorates the threshold voltage associated with the lower states in the I‐SONOS multilevel cell. However, highly stable eight states can be achieved in a multi‐level T‐SONOS cell at Lg = 25 nm. The results highlight the potential of SA T‐SONOS cell for designing multilevel memory cell arrays.
Revisiting the dynamic risk profile of cardiovascular/non‐cardiovascular multimorbidity in incident atrial fibrillation patients and five cardiovascular/non‐cardiovascular outcomes: A machine‐learning approach
Authors: Lip Gregory Y. H. , Tran George , Genaidy Ash , Marroquin Patricia , Estes Cara
Published: June 2021

Background

Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) usually have a heterogeneous co‐morbid history, with dynamic changes in risk factors impacting on multiple adverse outcomes. We investigated a large prospective cohort of patients with multimorbidity, using a machine‐learning approach, accounting for the dynamic nature of comorbidity risks and incident AF.

Methods

Using machine‐learning, we studied a prospective US cohort using medical/pharmacy databases of 1 091 911 patients, with an incident AF cohort of 14 078 and non‐AF cohort of 1 077 833 enrolled in the 4‐year study. Five incident clinical outcomes (heart failure, stroke, myocardial infarction, major bleeding, and cognitive impairment) were examined in relationship to AF status (AF vs non‐AF), diverse multi‐morbid (conditions and medications) history, and demographic parameters (age and gender), with supervised machine‐learning techniques.

Results

Complex inter‐relationships of various comorbidities were uncovered for AF cases, leading to 6‐fold higher risk of heart failure relative to the non‐AF cohort (OR 6.02, 95% CI 5.72‐6.33), followed by myocardial infarction (OR=2.68), stroke (OR=2.19), and major bleeding (OR=1.36). Supervised machine learning algorithms on the original populations yielded comparable results for both neural network and logistic regression algorithms in terms of discriminant validity, with c‐indexes for incident adverse outcomes: heart failure (0.924, 95%CI 0.923‐0.925), stroke (0.871, 95%CI 0.869‐0.873), myocardial infarction (0.901, 95% CI 0.899‐0.903), major bleeding (0.700, 95%CI 0.697‐0.703), and cognitive impairment (0.919, 95% CI 0.9170.921). External calibration of all models demonstrated a good fit between the predicted probabilities and observed events. Decision curve analysis demonstrated that the obtained models were much more clinically useful than the “treat all” strategy.

Conclusions

Complex multimorbidity relationships uncovered using a machine learning approach for incident AF cases have major consequences for integrated care management, with implications for risk stratification and adverse clinical outcomes. This approach may facilitate automated approaches in the presence of multimorbidity, potentially helping decision making.
Graphene edge method for three‐dimensional probing of Raman microscopes focal volumes
Authors: Sacco Alessio , Portesi Chiara , Giovannozzi Andrea Mario , Rossi Andrea Mario
Published: June 2021

In this work, a layer of graphene was used as a standard material for the measurement of the dimensions of Raman microscopes focal volumes of different confocal Raman spectrometers equipped with different objectives and excitation laser wavelengths. This method consists in probing the volume near the focal point of the system by using a flat graphene monolayer sheet with a straight edge. Graphene was selected because of its high Raman cross section and mechanically and chemically stability, allowing fast measurements and easy manipulation. In this paper, a method to employ graphene to accurately and precisely measure the three dimensions of the focal volume of a Raman microscope is presented; scanning along the axial and lateral directions, it is possible to reconstruct the three dimensions of the focal volume. Furthermore, these operations can be combined in a single procedure which allows the measurement of projections of the volume on planes parallel to the optical axis. Knowledge of these parameters enable absolute quantification of Raman‐active molecules and support high‐resolution Raman imaging.
Anionic and Cationic Surfactant Synergism: Minimizing Precipitation, Microemulsion Formation, and Enhanced Solubilization and Surface Modification
Authors: Phaodee Parichat , Sabatini David A.
Published: June 2021

Anionic–cationic surfactant mixtures are known to exhibit synergistic effects (e.g., low critical micelle concentration, ultralow interfacial tension, middle phase microemulsion formulation, and increased solubilization and adsolubilization). However, the anionic–cationic surfactant mixtures are also prone to form other unique phases such as precipitates, gels, and coacervates in place of middle‐phase microemulsions. Research summarized in this article demonstrates that asymmetric anionic–cationic surfactant mixtures have been shown to promote middle‐phase microemulsions instead of these other phases, albeit with a slight decrease in synergism when using these asymmetric mixtures. The use of anionic–cationic surfactant mixtures also is shown to enhance or decrease surfactant adsorption depending on anionic–cationic surfactant ratios. Middle‐phase microemulsion formation is demonstrated using anionic‐rich or cationic‐rich alcohol‐free microemulsions by anionic–cationic ratio scans while also reducing or eliminating electrolyte requirement. Solubilization and adsolubilization are shown to increase for mixed anionic–cationic surfactant systems, especially for hydrophobic solutes. Thus, by exploiting these synergisms while avoiding phase separation, properly designed anionic–cationic surfactant mixtures can be advantageous for a wide range of applications.
A 0.37‐in. 5900PPI liquid crystal on silicon CMOS SoC using low voltage high dynamic voltage range novel pixel circuit for augmented reality micro‐displays
Authors: Jeong Minsu , Kim Eunsu , Hong Ook , Kim Chulwoo
Published: June 2021

A new pixel circuit and a driving circuit are proposed for high‐resolution field sequential color driven liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) micro‐displays. The proposed pixel circuit is based on data storage with global charge transfer, whose reference node is controlled to increase the LC node voltage and to decrease the response time. Pixel LC reference node voltage modulation is adopted to reduce the pixel size and the driving circuit operation voltage by half. This allows the pixel display to be operated with an overdrive scheme, at low‐voltages and a wide dynamic range. As a result, the pixel driving circuits and the pixel circuit achieve low‐color crosstalk, and both power consumption and area are greatly reduced. To verify proper operation of the proposed pixel circuit, a 0.37‐in. 360‐Hz field refresh rate full‐HD video resolution 5900PPI 4.3‐μm pixel pitch backplane is implemented in 0.11‐μm CMOS technology using 1.5‐ and 6‐V supplies for logic and pixel driving, respectively. Measurement results demonstrate that the LC voltage dynamic range and the maximum brightness are increased by as much as 1.4 V and 39.7%, respectively. The response time is also reduced by approximately 30% owing to the proposed unique overdriving scheme.
Clinical Characteristics, Classification, and Management of Adult Nasopharyngolaryngeal Hemangioma
Authors: Shen Zhe , Zhang Diekuo , Li Guo , Huang Donghai , Qiu Yuanzheng , Xie Changning , Zhang Xin , Wang Xingwei , Liu Yong
Published: June 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To analyze the clinical features, classification, and treatment of adult nasopharyngolaryngeal hemangioma (ANPLH).

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Methods

From February 2009 to May 2020, 101 patients with ANPLH were reviewed and analyzed.

Results

Symptoms of ANPLH were frequently displayed as abnormal pharyngeal sensation and functional defection. According to lesion location, ANPLH was divided into five categories including nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, and mixed types. The mixed type constitutes the highest portion, and the nasopharyngeal type is the least in our cohort. Most lesions could resect through natural cavity under endoscopy. Patients with mixed lesions had a higher rate of postoperative recurrence and planned multiple surgeries. Acceptable but not severe intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred in our patient cohort.

Conclusions

Patients with ANPLH are always symptomatic and even functional defective, which can be classified into five categories based on lesion location. For these patients, endoscopic surgery through natural cavity is recommended to remove lesions with fewer complications and favorable clinical outcomes.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2724–2728, 2021
Oligosaccharide and antinutrient content of whole red haricot bean fermented in salt–sugar and salt‐only solutions
Authors: Kitum Vivian C. , Kinyanjui Peter K. , Mathara Julius M. , Sila Daniel N.
Published: June 2021

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are nutritious and confer numerous health benefits. However, they are also high raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) and antinutrients. Appreciable amounts of RFOs and antinutrients remain after soaking and cooking, causing flatulence and lowered mineral bioavailability to bean consumers. Fermentation has been shown to lower RFOs and antinutrients in bean flours and milk. However, beans are majorly consumed as whole grains. The purpose of this study was to develop a protocol for fermenting whole common beans. We fermented boiled whole red haricot beans and evaluated their effect on RFOs, tannins, and phytates. A factorial research design was used. Beans were sorted, soaked for 15 h, and boiled for 1 h. The beans were then fermented in 2% salt–sugar solution (SSF) and 2% salt‐only solution (SOF) for 120 h. Microbial growth and pH were monitored every 24 h during fermentation. After fermentation, the beans were dried, milled, and the flours subjected to biochemical analysis. Fermentation favored the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), lowering the pH to 3.88 and 5.26 in SSF and SOF batches, respectively. Tannin content reduced significantly by 64.70% and 73.19% in the SSF and SOF batches, respectively. Phytates reduced by 58.88% and 68.85%, respectively. Raffinose reduced significantly by 96.40% and 95.01%, respectively, whereas stachyose reduced by 95.92% and 94.11%, respectively. The highest reduction of antinutrients and RFOs occurred between 24 and 72 h of fermentation. Higher antinutrient losses occurred in the SOF batch, whereas higher RFO losses occurred in the SSF batch.
Developing a rapid evidence response toCOVID‐19: The collaborative approach of Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Groot Gary , Baer Susan , Badea Andreea , Dalidowicz Michelle , Yasinian Maryam , Ali Anum , Carr Tracey , Reeder Bruce ,   COVID‐19 Evidence Support Team (CEST)
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The COVID‐19 Evidence Support Team (CEST) was a provincial initiative that combined the support of policymakers, researchers, and clinical practitioners to initiate a new learning health cycle (LHS) in response to the pandemic. The primary aim of CEST was to produce and sustain the best available COVID‐19 evidence to facilitate decision‐making in Saskatchewan, Canada. To achieve this objective, four provincial organizations partnered to establish a single, data‐driven system.

Methods

The CEST partnership was driven by COVID‐19 questions from Emergency Operational Committee (EOC) of the Saskatchewan Health Authority. CEST included three processes: (a) clarifying the nature and priority of COVID‐19 policy and clinical questions; (b) providing Rapid Reviews (RRR) and Evidence Search Reports (ESR); and (c) seeking the requestors' evaluation of the product. A web‐based repository, including a dashboard and database, was designed to house ESRs and RRRs and offered a common platform for clinicians, academics, leaders, and policymakers to find COVID‐19 evidence.

Results

In CEST's first year, 114 clinical and policy questions have been posed resulting in 135 ESRs and 108 RRRs. While most questions (41.3%) originated with the EOC, several other teams were assembled to address a myriad of questions related to areas such as long‐term care, public health and prevention, infectious diseases, personal protective equipment, vulnerable populations, and Indigenous health. Initial challenges were mobilization of diverse partners and teams, remote work, lack of public access, and quality of emerging COVID‐19 literature. Current challenges indicate the need for institutional commitment for CEST sustainability. Despite these challenges, the CEST provided the Saskatchewan LHS with a template for successful collaboration.

Conclusions

The urgency of COVID‐19 pandemic and the implementation of the CEST served to catalyze collaboration between different levels of a Saskatchewan LHS.
An embedding problem for finite local torsors over twisted curves
Authors: Otabe Shusuke
Published: June 2021

In his previous paper, the author proposed as a problem a purely inseparable analogue of the Abhyankar conjecture for affine curves in positive characteristic and gave a partial answer to it, which includes a complete answer for finite local nilpotent group schemes. In the present paper, motivated by the Abhyankar conjectures with restricted ramifications due to Harbater and Pop, we study a refined version of the analogous problem, based on a recent work on tamely ramified torsors due to Biswas–Borne, which is formulated in terms of root stacks. We study an embedding problem to conclude that the refined analogue is true in the solvable case.
Constant scalar curvature Kähler metrics on rational surfaces
Authors: Martinez‐Garcia Jesus
Published: June 2021

We consider projective rational strong Calabi dream surfaces: projective smooth rational surfaces which admit a constant scalar curvature Kähler metric for every Kähler class. We show that there are only two such rational surfaces, namely the projective plane and the quadric surface. In particular, we show that all rational surfaces other than those two admit a destabilising slope test configuration for some polarisation, as introduced by Ross and Thomas. We further show that all Hirzebruch surfaces other than the quadric surface and all rational surfaces with Picard rank 3 do not admit a constant scalar curvature Kähler metric in any Kähler class.
MS‐based glycomics and glycoproteomics methods enabling isomeric characterization
Authors: Peng Wenjing , Gutierrez Reyes Cristian D. , Gautam Sakshi , Yu Aiying , Cho Byeong Gwan , Goli Mona , Donohoo Kaitlyn , Mondello Stefania , Kobeissy Firas , Mechref Yehia
Published: June 2021

Glycosylation is one of the most significant and abundant posttranslational modifications in mammalian cells. It mediates a wide range of biofunctions, including cell adhesion, cell communication, immune cell trafficking, and protein stability. Also, aberrant glycosylation has been associated with various diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, inflammation, immune deficiencies, congenital disorders, and cancers. The alterations in the distributions of glycan and glycopeptide isomers are involved in the development and progression of several human diseases. However, the microheterogeneity of glycosylation brings a great challenge to glycomic and glycoproteomic analysis, including the characterization of isomers. Over several decades, different methods and approaches have been developed to facilitate the characterization of glycan and glycopeptide isomers. Mass spectrometry (MS) has been a powerful tool utilized for glycomic and glycoproteomic isomeric analysis due to its high sensitivity and rich structural information using different fragmentation techniques. However, a comprehensive characterization of glycan and glycopeptide isomers remains a challenge when utilizing MS alone. Therefore, various separation methods, including liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, and ion mobility, were developed to resolve glycan and glycopeptide isomers before MS. These separation techniques were coupled to MS for a better identification and quantitation of glycan and glycopeptide isomers. Additionally, bioinformatic tools are essential for the automated processing of glycan and glycopeptide isomeric data to facilitate isomeric studies in biological cohorts. Here in this review, we discuss commonly employed MS‐based techniques, separation hyphenated MS methods, and software, facilitating the separation, identification, and quantitation of glycan and glycopeptide isomers.
Evaluating Target Levels of American White Pelican Abundance to Achieve Management Objectives for Adfluvial Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout
Authors: McCormick Joshua L. , Brimmer Arnold F. , Watkins Carson J.
Published: June 2021

Recent declines in abundance of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri in the upper Blackfoot River drainage in Idaho coincided with establishment of a nearby nesting colony and increased abundance of American white pelicans Pelecanus erythrorhynchos (hereafter, “pelicans”). Published pelican predation rates have been estimated to be as high as 70% on Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout in the Blackfoot River. Consequently, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game established management objectives for pelicans of less than 350 breeding pairs or 700 adults. However, a thorough assessment has not been conducted to evaluate if the pelican abundance objective would reduce predation to an extent that would allow Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout to recover to levels that meet minimum objectives for abundance. A Bayesian state-space model that integrated survival and abundance data was used in this study to evaluate the effects of local pelican abundance on survival, abundance, and population growth rate of Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout. Survival of both juvenile and adfluvial adult Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout decreased as pelican abundance increased, and there was a positive relationship between survival of both life stages and population growth rate. If the current management objective for abundance of 700 breeding pelicans was met, the probability of meeting or exceeding the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout objective was 0.44 and declined substantially as simulated pelican abundance increased beyond 700. Results of this study suggest that if pelican abundance can be maintained at or below the current management objective, there is a reasonable chance of meeting the management objective for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout.
Psychometric properties of the Nepali language version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS‐21)
Authors: Thapa Deependra Kaji , Visentin Denis , Kornhaber Rachel , Cleary Michelle
Published: June 2021

Aim

To assess the psychometric properties of the Nepali language version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS‐21).

Design

Descriptive, cross‐sectional survey.

Methods

The DASS‐21 was administered (May–July 2019) among 794 randomly selected older adults aged ≥60 years. Factor structure was evaluated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Cronbach's alpha was calculated, and correlation analyses with quality of life evaluated convergent validity.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis indicated that the 21 items loaded on three factors, with factor loadings ranging from 0.50–0.88. Confirmatory factor analysis suggested a four‐factor model including the three subscales and an additional common 'general distress’ factor, which demonstrated a better overall fit. Good reliability was found for each subscale, with Cronbach's alphas 0.79 for Anxiety, 0.91 for Stress, and 0.93 for Depression. The Nepali language version of the DASS‐21 satisfied convergent validity with all subscales depicting significant negative correlations with quality of life demonstrating adequate psychometric properties.
Validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Humanism Scale Short Form: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lee Hyunjin , Seo Kawoun
Published: June 2021

Aim

To examine the reliability and validity of a Korean version of the Humanism Scale Short Form.

Design

A cross‐sectional descriptive design.

Methods

This study involved 191 nurses in Korea. Data were collected from 1 May to 30 June 2019. Bilingual nursing professionals translated the scale into Korean, and reverse translation was performed. Validity and reliability were assessed, and the correlation coefficients of the developed scale were compared with those of the Korean version of the Empathy Quotient Scale and Compassion Competence Scale to evaluate concurrent validity.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis with 15 items showed that two factors (human equality and respect for human beings) explained 50.86% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha for the overall scale was 0.88. Thus, the scale has acceptable reliability and validity. Humanism measures can predict a nurse's approach to holistic care and provide fundamental data for developing programs to improve integrated caring capacities.
Differences in adolescent cerebral perfusion as a function of obesity: Results from the FLEX‐Brain study
Authors: Aghjayan Sarah L. , Stillman Chelsea M. , El Nokali Nermeen E. , Watt Jennifer C. , Richards Emily A. , Bertocci Michele A. , Erickson Kirk I. , Rofey Dana L.
Published: June 2021

Objective

Children and adolescents have greater resting cerebral blood flow (rCBF) during periods of rapid brain growth. Overweight and obesity have a global impact on brain cerebrovascular health in adults, but whether these effects are discernable in adolescents with overweight and obesity remains unknown. This study examined differences in rCBF between adolescents with a healthy weight (HW) and adolescents with overweight or obesity (OW).

Methods

The current study focused on analyzing data from 58 participants (mean age = 15.43 [SD 1.37] years). Participants were classified into OW (n = 38) and HW groups (n = 20) according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for children. Voxelwise t tests between the HW and OW groups were conducted to test for regional group differences in rCBF, controlling for age and sex. Mean rCBF was extracted from a gray matter mask to compare global rCBF between the HW and OW groups.

Results

The HW group had greater rCBF compared with the OW group in five clusters, with peaks in the cerebellum, precentral gyrus, and supplementary motor area. No clusters survived correction for the OW > HW contrast. Global rCBF did not significantly differ between the groups (p = 0.09).

Conclusions

These results suggest that overweight and obesity in adolescence are associated with discernable reductions in blood flow to specific brain regions rather than having a global impact on rCBF.
Exploration of the role of nanoferrite load and particle size on the rheometric, mechanical, and dielectric properties of (Co0.2Zn0.8Fe2O4/NBR) nanocomposites
Authors: Agami W. R. , Aly M. Adel
Published: June 2021

Spinel nanoferrite powder with chemical formula Co0.2Zn0.8Fe2O4 was synthesized by sol–gel citrate method. Moreover, nanocomposites of (Co0.2Zn0.8Fe2O4/Nitrile butadiene rubber [NBR]) with different ferrite filler loads (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 20, 25, and 30 phr) were prepared aiming to enhance more improvements of the mechanical and dielectric properties of NBR to be used in communication and data transmission applications. Different techniques (XRD, SEM, and TEM) were used to investigate the structural and morphological properties of the ferrite and (ferrite/NBR) nanocomposites. Several properties were measured: rheometric [maximum torque (MH), hardness, scorch (ts2) and cure (tc90) times, cure rate index (CRI)], mechanical [stress at yield (σB), stress at rupture (σR), Young's modulus (E)] and dielectric [electrical resistivity (ρac), real (ε′), and imaginary (ε″) parts of the dielectric constant]. The study concentrated on the effect of both nanoferrite concentration and particle size on the different investigated properties. Generally, the rheometric and mechanical properties were improved with increasing ferrite load while reduced with increasing its particle size. However, the dielectric constant showed an increase with increasing ferrite load as well as particle size. These results were explained according to the interaction between ferrite nanoparticles and rubber matrix.
Identification of potential pathogenic mutations in Chinese children with first branchial cleft anomalies detected by whole‐exome sequencing
Authors: Yang Yeran , Liu Wei , Jin Yaqiong , Chen Min , Lu Jie , Yu Yongbo , Ren Huimin , Han Shujing , Chu Ping , Guo Yongli , Zhang Jie , Ni Xin
Published: June 2021

Importance

First branchial cleft anomalies (FBCAs) are rare congenital malformations, accounting for < 8% of all branchial cleft anomalies. However, little is currently known about the cause of FBCAs at the molecular level.

Objective

To identify genomic alterations related to the genetic etiology of FBCAs in Chinese children.

Methods

We performed whole‐exome sequencing of samples from 10 pediatric patients with FBCAs. Data analysis was carried out using the Burrow‐Wheeler Alignment software package, and the dbSNP database for comparisons. Rare variants were further validated by Sanger sequencing. Insertion/deletions (indels) were examined using the Genome Analysis Toolkit.

Results

We identified 14 non‐synonymous mutations in seven potential FBCA‐susceptibility genes (TRAPPC12, NRP2, NPNT, SH3RF2, RHPN1, TENM4, and ARMCX4). We also detected 133 shared small indels in 125 genes. Gene Ontology analysis indicated that most of the identified genes played critical roles in development and differentiation pathways involved in regulating organ development.

Interpretation

We characterized the mutational landscape in pathways involved in development and differentiation in Chinese children with FBCA. The results identified potential pathogenic genes and mutations related to FBCA, and provide molecular‐level support for the branchial theory of FBCA pathogenesis.
Primary cardiac CIC‐rearranged undifferentiated sarcoma in an infant
Authors: Zhang Meng , Yang Yeran , Guan Xiaoxing , Yao Xingfeng , Guo Yongli , He Lejian
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Cardiac neoplasms are particularly rare in children, and the majority of these tumors are benign. Approximately 10% of cardiac neoplasms are malignant, including soft tissue sarcomas and lymphomas. Cardiac tumors could also be metastases. Primitive EWSR1‐negative round or spindle cell undifferentiated sarcoma harboring CIC gene translocation is a highly aggressive malignancy mainly occurring in soft tissues. However, it has not yet been described in the heart.

Case presentation

We report a sarcoma that arose from the right ventricle in a 1‐year‐old girl. Histologically, it was composed of closely arranged small round or oval undifferentiated cells with fibrovascular separation, hyaline degeneration, and geographical necrosis. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells exhibited focal membrane positivity for CD99 and diffuse positivity for WT1 and ETV4. Fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis showed EWSR1‐negative but CIC‐positive split signals. The breakpoint was also confirmed by whole genome sequencing.

Conclusion

Based on morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular findings, this cardiac mass was diagnosed as CIC‐rearranged sarcoma.
Implementing layer of protection analysis in a global organization
Authors: Fargie Dave , Pearson Kathy
Published: June 2021

This paper will cover challenges and learnings from implementing layer of protection analysis (LOPA) in a Global organization. The challenges include a wide range of different processes, multiple functional organizations and different country guidance and regulations. The learning will include methods used for streamlining LOPA and communicating consistent LOPA guidance. LOPA is better used as a comparison tool than as an absolute measure of risk. For LOPA results to be comparable, common standards need to be used within the LOPA technique. The paper will cover some of the methods used to embed LOPA practices including: (1) Guidance using worked examples. (2) Templates for similar equipment. (3) Using an internal LOPA governance board to review complicated LOPAs. (4) Use of common software.(5) Strong interfaces between LOPA and safety instrumented function development.
Migration into food from closures of boxes made of recycled paperboard with an internal functional barrier
Authors: Biedermann Maurus , McCombie Gregor , Dubois Philippe , Lang Silvia , Harling Antje , Grob Koni
Published: June 2021

As an option to reduce migration from boxes of recycled paperboard into the packed food, it was proposed to apply a functional barrier layer to the internal surface of the paperboard. However, with most designs of the closures, flaps expose unprotected outer surface to the inside of the box, that is, migration may occur around the barrier, and the closures are not airtight. A pilot study provided first data on the contribution of the closures to the migration into the packed food during long‐term storage of a dry food like rice. Three closure designs were tested with the surrogates also used for determining barrier efficiency and applying the criterion that no more than 1% of the substances in the board should reach the food. Boxes were formed from paperboard with an efficient PET/PE barrier and spiked with surrogate substances. They were filled with rice and stored under various time/temperature conditions. Two closure designs represented those commonly observed for dry foods; the third avoided flaps reaching into the box by joining barrier surface against barrier surface. For the first two closure designs, migration into rice reached several per cent after just a few weeks. The third design resulted in clearly lower migration but still more than 1%. It is concluded that functional barriers on the internal surface of recycled paperboard may only reduce the migration below the proposed 1% criterion if specially designed closures are used.
Erasable Superconductivity in Topological Insulator Bi2Se3 Induced by Voltage Pulse
Authors: Le Tian , Ye Qikai , Chen Chufan , Yin Lichang , Zhang Dongting , Wang Xiaozhi , Lu Xin
Published: June 2021

3D topological insulators attract much attention due to their topologically protected Dirac surface states. Doping into topological insulators or their proximity with normal superconductors can promote the realization of topological superconductivity and Majorana fermions with potential applications in quantum computation. Here, an emergent superconductivity is observed in local mesoscopic point‐contacts on the topological insulator Bi2Se3 by applying a voltage pulse through the contacts, evidenced by the Andreev reflection peak in the point‐contact spectra and a visible resistance drop in the four‐probe electrical resistance measurements. More intriguingly, the superconductivity can be erased with thermal cycles by warming up to high temperatures (300 K) and induced again by the voltage pulse at the base temperature (1.9 K), suggesting a significance for designing new types of quantum devices. Nematic behavior is also observed in the superconducting state, similar to the case of CuxBi2Se3 as topological superconductor candidates.
Consistency between chromosomal status analysis of biopsied human blastocyst trophectoderm cells and whole blastocyst cells
Authors: Takahashi Harunori , Takahashi Kazumasa , Goto Mayumi , Hirakawa Takeo , Hasegawa Hisataka , Shitara Akihiro , Iwasawa Takuya , Togashi Kazue , Makino Kenichi , Shirasawa Hiromitsu , Miura Hiroshi , Sato Wataru , Kumazawa Yukiyo , Terada Yukihiro
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This study investigated the consistency between results of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy performed on trophectoderm (TE) cells and remaining blastocyst cells.

Methods

TE biopsy was performed on 29 surplus cryopreserved human blastocysts. Biopsy samples and remaining blastocysts were processed using the VeriSeq PGS kit, and chromosomal statuses were compared by next‐generation sequencing.

Results

Discordance was observed in the chromosomal status of 11 out of 29 blastocysts between the biopsied TE and remaining blastocysts. Concordance was observed in 11 of 12 blastocysts classified as euploid by TE biopsy and in 7 of 17 blastocysts classified as aneuploid. There was 100% concordance (7/7) in cases diagnosed as aneuploid with no mosaicism by TE biopsy. However, discordance was observed in all 10 cases showing mosaicism or partial chromosomal abnormality.

Conclusion

Chromosomal status analysis based on TE biopsy does not accurately reflect the chromosomal status of the whole blastocyst. The chromosomal status is usually the same between the TE and remaining blastocyst cells in cases diagnosed as euploid or aneuploid with no mosaicism. However, mosaic blastocysts and those with other types of structural rearrangements have a higher risk of inconsistency, warranting caution during embryo selection.
Sustainable development and invasive alien species: Implementation challenges of an EU regulation
Authors: Roman A. Iasmina , Mauerhofer Volker
Published: June 2021

Invasive alien species (IAS) constitute a trans‐ and intracontinental challenge. With this article, we exemplify obstacles met during the implementation of the Regulation (EU) No. 1143/2014 against IAS and comparatively assess them through two case studies from two Member States, Austria and Romania, via qualitative content analysis. Challenges are identified, analyzed, and discussed based on interviews with stakeholders from both countries in the view of the three main intervention types within this Regulation: prevention, early detection, and rapid eradication and management. The obstacles, which the two Member States met, are related to creating, updating, and maintaining the Union List and to the distribution of competences, which influence the national and subnational cooperation and coordination. Financial resources, custom controls, national legislation, and awareness influence the implementation of the IAS Regulation too. This research contributes to improving knowledge about numerous details of the implementation and enforcement of this IAS‐Regulation to make them more feasible, not just for scientists, but also for decision‐ and policymakers, business owners, and other stakeholders.
How do higher education institutions promote sustainable development? A literature review
Authors: Berchin Issa Ibrahim , de Aguiar Dutra Ana Regina , Guerra José Baltazar Salgueirinho Osório de Andrade
Published: June 2021

Higher education institutions (HEIs) have a fundamental role in transforming societies aimed at a more sustainable future. Through knowledge creation and dissemination, research, education and outreach, institutions of higher education lead the path towards sustainable development. The aim of this paper is to identify, based on a review of the literature, how HEIs promote sustainable development. An analysis of both international declarations and the scientific literature on education for sustainable development shows that emphasis is given to discussions on development, education, research, and training. This highlights the need for a stronger role of universities to promote sustainable development paths, expanding and disseminating knowledge, building capacity through training, and working with local communities to increase their resilience.
Estimation of diagnostic test accuracy: A “Rule of Three” for data with repeated observations but without a gold standard
Authors: Walter Stephen D.
Published: June 2021

This article considers how to estimate the accuracy of a diagnostic test when there are repeated observations, but without the availability of a gold standard or reference test. We identify conditions under which the structure of the observed data is rich enough to provide sufficient degrees of freedom, such that a suitable latent class model can be fitted with identifiable accuracy parameters. We show that a Rule of Three applies, specifying that accuracy can be evaluated as long as there are at least three observations per individual with the given test. This rule also applies if the three observations arise from combinations of different test methods, or from a sequential design in which individuals are tested for a maximum number of times with the same test but stopping if a positive (or negative) result occurs. The rule pertains to tests having an arbitrary number of response categories. Accuracy is evaluated by parameters reflecting rates of misclassification among the response categories, and the model also provides estimates of the underlying distribution of the true disease state. These ideas are illustrated by data from two medical studies. Issues discussed include the advantages and disadvantages of analyzing the response variable as binary or multinomial, as well as the feasibility of testing goodness of fit when the model incorporates a large number of parameters. Comparisons are possible between models that do or do not assume equal accuracy rates for the observations, and between models where certain misclassification parameters are or are not assumed to be zero.
Principal component analysis of hybrid functional and vector data
Authors: Jang Jeong Hoon
Published: June 2021

We propose a practical principal component analysis (PCA) framework that provides a nonparametric means of simultaneously reducing the dimensions of and modeling functional and vector (multivariate) data. We first introduce a Hilbert space that combines functional and vector objects as a single hybrid object. The framework, termed a PCA of hybrid functional and vector data (HFV‐PCA), is then based on the eigen‐decomposition of a covariance operator that captures simultaneous variations of functional and vector data in the new space. This approach leads to interpretable principal components that have the same structure as each observation and a single set of scores that serves well as a low‐dimensional proxy for hybrid functional and vector data. To support practical application of HFV‐PCA, the explicit relationship between the hybrid PC decomposition and the functional and vector PC decompositions is established, leading to a simple and robust estimation scheme where components of HFV‐PCA are calculated using the components estimated from the existing functional and classical PCA methods. This estimation strategy allows flexible incorporation of sparse and irregular functional data as well as multivariate functional data. We derive the consistency results and asymptotic convergence rates for the proposed estimators. We demonstrate the efficacy of the method through simulations and analysis of renal imaging data.
Single Zinc Atoms Anchored on MOF‐Derived N‐Doped Carbon Shell Cooperated with Magnetic Core as an Ultrawideband Microwave Absorber
Authors: Huang Mengqiu , Wang Lei , You Wenbin , Che Renchao
Published: June 2021

Polarization behaviors of no‐magnetic shell dominate the dielectric properties for core–shell magnetic‐carbon composites, which faces a huge challenge. Herein, a single atom‐doping strategy is established to adjust local electric potential in the metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐derived carbon shell. Benefiting from the confined transformation, single Zn atoms and N atoms are evenly distributed in the porous carbon shell using ZIF‐8 as a template. Dielectric assembled carbon layers with functionalized Fe3O4 core construct unique magnetic‐dielectric synergy system. The electromagnetic parameters of Fe3O4@Zn‐N‐Carbon composites can be modified by tuning the pod‐like Zn‐N‐doping carbon shell via repeating ZIF‐8 growth cycles. Surprisingly, the core–shell Fe3O4@Zn‐N‐Carbon exhibits superior microwave absorption (MA) performance both in the reflection loss ability and wide‐frequency responding feature. The reflection loss value of Fe3O4@Zn‐N‐Carbon microspheres reach −61.9 dB and the effective absorption bandwidth up to 11.5 GHz at only 2.5 mm thickness. The excellent MA mechanism is ascribed to following reasons. High‐density stacking Zn‐N doping carbon layers boost the interfacial polarization and plentiful Zn single atoms maximize the dipole polarization because of maximum atom utilization efficiency. Enhanced magnetic loss ability results from the compulsory magnetic coupling responding among Fe3O4 cores. Magnetic‐dielectric synergy of core–shell Fe3O4@Zn‐N‐Carbon microspheres can build ultrawide MA frequency.
Modulating the 0D/2D Interface of Hybrid Semiconductors for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Performances
Authors: Li Faying , Benetti Daniele , Zhang Min , Feng Jinhui , Wei Qin , Rosei Federico
Published: June 2021

Photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar‐driven hydrogen production is a promising route to convert solar energy into chemical energy using semiconductors as active materials. However, the performance is still far from satisfactory due to a limited absorption range and rapid charge recombination. Compared to 3D semiconductors, 0D/2D nanohybrids may exhibit better PEC performance, due to the formation of an intimate interface between the two semiconductors that can inhibit carrier recombination. Herein, a photoelectrode based on a 0D/2D heterojunction is constructed by 0D metal chalcogenide quantum dots (QDs) and hierarchical 2D Zn‐MoS2 nanosheets (NSs). The effect of PbS, CdS, and their composite PbS@CdS QDs is analyzed by depositing them onto Zn‐MoS2 NSs using an in situ process. This distinctive heterojunction can leverage the light harvesting capabilities of QDs with the catalytic performance of Zn‐MoS2. Compared to Zn‐MoS2, Zn‐MoS2/PbS, and Zn‐MoS2/CdS, the obtained 0D/2D heterostructure based on the composite Zn‐MoS2/PbS@CdS has a significantly enhanced photocurrent. The synergistic effect between 0D/2D heterojunction, the extended absorption range of QDs, and the strong coupling and band alignment between them lead to superior solar‐driven PEC performance. This work can provide a new platform to construct multifunctional 0D/2D nanohybrids for optoelectronic applications, not limited to PEC devices.
Reversible Copper Sulfide Conversion in Nonflammable Trimethyl Phosphate Electrolytes for Safe Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Huihua , Zhang Huang , Diemant Thomas , Jürgen Behm R. , Geiger Dorin , Kaiser Ute , Varzi Alberto , Passerini Stefano
Published: June 2021

Rechargeable sodium‐ion batteries are considered promising candidates for low‐cost and large‐scale energy storage systems. However, the limited energy density, cyclability, and safety issues remain challenges for practical applications. Herein, investigation of the Cu1.8S/C composite material as the negative electrode active (conversion) material in combination with a concentrated electrolyte composed of a 3.3 m solution of sodium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (NaFSI) in trymethyl phosphate and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) as the additive is reported on. Such a combination enables the stable cycling of the conversion‐type Cu1.8S/C electrode material for hundreds of cycles with high capacity (380 mAh g−1). Both the salt (NaFSI) and the additive (FEC) contribute to the formation of a stable NaF‐rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the anode surface. A full cell using the Na3V2(PO4)3/C cathode also demonstrates stable cycling performance for 200 cycles with a promising Coulombic efficiency (CE) (99.3%). These findings open new opportunities for the development of safer rechargeable sodium‐ion batteries.