bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of allele specific expression in various tissues of broiler chickens using the detection tool VADT
Authors: Tomlinson M. Joseph , Polson Shawn W. , Qiu Jing , Lake Juniper A. , Lee William , Abasht Behnam
Published: February 2021

Differential abundance of allelic transcripts in a diploid organism, commonly referred to as allele specific expression (ASE), is a biologically significant phenomenon and can be examined using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from RNA-seq. Quantifying ASE aids in our ability to identify and understandcis-regulatory mechanisms that influence gene expression, and thereby assist in identifying causal mutations. This study examines ASE in breast muscle, abdominal fat, and liver of commercial broiler chickens using variants called from a large sub-set of the samples (n = 68). ASE analysis was performed using a custom software called VCF ASE Detection Tool (VADT), which detects ASE of biallelic SNPs using a binomial test. On average ~ 174,000 SNPs in each tissue passed our filtering criteria and were considered informative, of which ~ 24,000 (~ 14%) showed ASE. Of all ASE SNPs, only 3.7% exhibited ASE in all three tissues, with ~ 83% showing ASE specific to a single tissue. When ASE genes (genes containing ASE SNPs) were compared between tissues, the overlap among all three tissues increased to 20.1%. Our results indicate that ASE genes show tissue-specific enrichment patterns, but all three tissues showed enrichment for pathways involved in translation.
Fabrication, micro-structure characteristics and transport properties of co-evaporated thin films of Bi2Te3 on AlN coated stainless steel foils
Authors: Ahmed Aziz , Han Seungwoo
Published: February 2021

N-type bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) thin films were prepared on an aluminum nitride (AlN)-coated stainless steel foil substrate to obtain optimal thermoelectric performance. The thermal co-evaporation method was adopted so that we could vary the thin film composition, enabling us to investigate the relationship between the film composition, microstructure, crystal preferred orientation and thermoelectric properties. The influence of the substrate temperature was also investigated by synthesizing two sets of thin film samples; in one set the substrate was kept at room temperature (RT) while in the other set the substrate was maintained at a high temperature, of 300 °C, during deposition. The samples deposited at RT were amorphous in the as-deposited state and therefore were annealed at 280 °C to promote crystallization and phase development. The electrical resistivity and Seebeck coefficient were measured and the results were interpreted. Both the transport properties and crystal structure were observed to be strongly affected by non-stoichiometry and the choice of substrate temperature. We observed columnar microstructures with hexagonal grains and a multi-oriented crystal structure for the thin films deposited at high substrate temperatures, whereas highly (00 l) textured thin films with columns consisting of in-plane layers were fabricated from the stoichiometric annealed thin film samples originally synthesized at RT. Special emphasis was placed on examining the nature of tellurium (Te) atom based structural defects and their influence on thin film properties. We report maximum power factor (PF) of 1.35 mW/m K2 for near-stoichiometric film deposited at high substrate temperature, which was the highest among all studied cases.
Cerebral arterial architectonics and CFD simulation in mice with type 1 diabetes mellitus of different duration
Authors: Yankova Galina , Tur Darya , Parshin Daniil , Cherevko Alexander , Akulov Andrey
Published: February 2021

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects tens of millions of people. Diabetes mellitus is one of the strongest factors in the development of cerebrovascular diseases. In this study we used NOD.CB17 Prkdcscid mice and the pharmacological model of type 1 diabetes mellitus of different duration to study changes in the cerebral vasculature. We used two combined approaches using magnetic resonance angiography both steady and transient CFD blood flow modeling. We identified the influence of type 1 diabetes on the architectonics and hemodynamics of the large blood vessels of the brain as the disease progresses. For the first time, we detected a statistically significant change in angioarchitectonics (the angles between the vessels of the circle of Willis, cross-sections areas of vessels) and hemodynamic (maximum blood flow rate, hydraulic resistance) in animals with diabetes duration of 2 months, that is manifested by the development of asymmetry of cerebral blood flow. The result shows the negative effect of diabetes on cerebral circulation as well as the practicability of CFD modeling. This may be of extensive interest, in pharmacological and preclinical studies.
Self-propelled Leidenfrost droplets on a heated glycerol pool
Authors: Matsumoto Ryo , Hasegawa Koji
Published: February 2021

The development of contactless sample manipulation for microfluidic purposes has attracted significant attention within the physicochemical fields. Most existing studies focus on the interactions of unheated liquid substrates and on heated/unheated solid substrates. Therefore, the dynamics of droplets on heated liquid pools have yet to be explored. Here, we present an experimental investigation on the levitated and self-propelled droplets on a heated pool. We aim to identify the effect of the pool temperature and the thermophysical properties of droplets on the dynamics of a self-propelled Leidenfrost droplet on a heated pool. The motion of droplets after levitation on the heated pool is visualized. To elucidate the self-propulsion of Leidenfrost droplets, we quantify the thickness of the vapour film between the approaching droplet and the pool surface. Our experimental results show a quantitative agreement with the simple model prediction for self-propelled Leidenfrost droplets. Our results provide deeper physical insights into the dynamics of Leidenfrost droplets on a heated pool for contactless and contamination-free sample manipulation.
Universal quantum simulation of single-qubit nonunitary operators using duality quantum algorithm
Authors: Zheng Chao
Published: February 2021

Quantum information processing enhances human’s power to simulate nature in quantum level and solve complex problem efficiently. During the process, a series of operators is performed to evolve the system or undertake a computing task. In recent year, research interest in non-Hermitian quantum systems, dissipative-quantum systems and new quantum algorithms has greatly increased, which nonunitary operators take an important role in. In this work, we utilize the linear combination of unitaries technique for nonunitary dynamics on a single qubit to give explicit decompositions of the necessary unitaries, and simulate arbitrary time-dependent single-qubit nonunitary operator F(t) using duality quantum algorithm. We find that the successful probability is not only decided by F(t) and the initial state, but also is inversely proportional to the dimensions of the used ancillary Hilbert subspace. In a general case, the simulation can be achieved in both eight- and six-dimensional Hilbert spaces. In phase matching conditions, F(t) can be simulated by only two qubits. We illustrate our method by simulating typical non-Hermitian systems and single-qubit measurements. Our method can be extended to high-dimensional case, such as Abrams–Lloyd’s two-qubit gate. By discussing the practicability, we expect applications and experimental implementations in the near future.
Quantized electronic transitions in electrodeposited copper indium selenide nanocrystalline homojunctions
Authors: Menezes Shalini , Samantilleke Anura P. , Larson Bryon W.
Published: February 2021

Pairing semiconductors with electrochemical processing offers an untapped opportunity to create novel nanostructures for practical devices. Here we report the results of one such pairing: the in-situ formation of highly-doped, interface-matched, sharp nanocrystalline homojunctions (NHJs) with single step electrodeposition of two copper-indium-selenide (CISe) compounds on flexible foil. It produces a homogenous film, comprising inherently ordered, 3-dimensional interconnected network of pn-CISe NHJs. These CISe NHJs exhibit surprising non-linear emissions, quantized transitions, large carrier mobility, low trap-state-density, long carrier lifetime and possible up-conversion. They facilitate efficient separation of minority carriers, reduce recombination and essentially function like quantum materials. This approach mitigates the material issues and complex fabrication of incumbent nanoscale heterojunctions; it also overcomes the flexibility and scale-up challenges of conventional planar pn junctions. The self-stabilized CISe NHJ film can be roll-to-roll processed in ambient atmosphere, thus providing a promising platform for a range of optoelectronic technologies. This concept exemplified by CISe compounds can be adapted to create nano-scale pn junctions with other inorganic semiconductors.
Isolation and characterization of novel primary cells from the human distal outflow pathway
Authors: Roy Chowdhury Uttio , Bahler Cindy K. , Hann Cheryl R. , Holman Bradley H. , Fautsch Michael P.
Published: February 2021

Ocular hypertension occurs due to increased resistance to aqueous humor removal through the conventional outflow pathway. Unlike the proximal region of the conventional outflow pathway, the distal region has not been well studied, mostly due to lack of model systems. Here we describe isolation and characterization of human primary vascular distal outflow pathway (VDOP) cells from the distal region of the conventional outflow pathway. Tissue from the distal region was isolated from human corneo-scleral rims, digested with collagenase type I (100 U/ml) and placed on gelatin coated plates to allow cellular growth in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (low glucose) containing fetal bovine serum and antibiotic/antimycotic. VDOP cells showed consistent proliferation for up to 7 passages, retained endothelial-like nature of the parent tissues and showed a unique marker phenotype of Lectin+VEGFR2-CD34-NG2- that was distinct from neighboring trabecular meshwork (Lectin+VEGFR2-CD34-NG2+) and Schlemm’s canal (Lectin+VEGFR2+CD34+NG2+) cells. Dexamethasone treated VDOP cells did not express myocilin and did not form cross-linked actin networks, in contrast to trabecular meshwork cells. These data show that VDOP cells are unique to the distal outflow region and can be used as a viable in vitro model system to understand the biology of the distal outflow pathway and intraocular pressure regulation.
Spike bursting in a dragonfly target-detecting neuron
Authors: Fabian Joseph M. , Wiederman Steven D.
Published: February 2021

Dragonflies visually detect prey and conspecifics, rapidly pursuing these targets via acrobatic flights. Over many decades, studies have investigated the elaborate neuronal circuits proposed to underlie this rapid behaviour. A subset of dragonfly visual neurons exhibit exquisite tuning to small, moving targets even when presented in cluttered backgrounds. In prior work, these neuronal responses were quantified by computing the rate of spikes fired during an analysis window of interest. However, neuronal systems can utilize a variety of neuronal coding principles to signal information, so a spike train’s information content is not necessarily encapsulated by spike rate alone. One example of this is burst coding, where neurons fire rapid bursts of spikes, followed by a period of inactivity. Here we show that the most studied target-detecting neuron in dragonflies, CSTMD1, responds to moving targets with a series of spike bursts. This spiking activity differs from those in other identified visual neurons in the dragonfly, indicative of different physiological mechanisms underlying CSTMD1’s spike generation. Burst codes present several advantages and disadvantages compared to other coding approaches. We propose functional implications of CSTMD1’s burst coding activity and show that spike bursts enhance the robustness of target-evoked responses.
Machine learning methodology for high throughput personalized neutron dose reconstruction in mixed neutron + photon exposures
Authors: Shuryak Igor , Turner Helen C. , Pujol-Canadell Monica , Perrier Jay R. , Garty Guy , Brenner David J.
Published: February 2021

We implemented machine learning in the radiation biodosimetry field to quantitatively reconstruct neutron doses in mixed neutron + photon exposures, which are expected in improvised nuclear device detonations. Such individualized reconstructions are crucial for triage and treatment because neutrons are more biologically damaging than photons. We used a high-throughput micronucleus assay with automated scanning/imaging on lymphocytes from human blood ex-vivo irradiated with 44 different combinations of 0–4 Gy neutrons and 0–15 Gy photons (542 blood samples), which include reanalysis of past experiments. We developed several metrics that describe micronuclei/cell probability distributions in binucleated cells, and used them as predictors in random forest (RF) and XGboost machine learning analyses to reconstruct the neutron dose in each sample. The probability of “overfitting” was minimized by training both algorithms with repeated cross-validation on a randomly-selected subset of the data, and measuring performance on the rest. RF achieved the best performance. Mean R2 for actual vs. reconstructed neutron doses over 300 random training/testing splits was 0.869 (range 0.761 to 0.919) and root mean squared error was 0.239 (0.195 to 0.351) Gy. These results demonstrate the promising potential of machine learning to reconstruct the neutron dose component in clinically-relevant complex radiation exposure scenarios.
A multiwell plate-based system for toxicity screening under multiple static or cycling oxygen environments
Authors: Yao Ming , Walker Glenn , Gamcsik Michael P.
Published: February 2021

Tumor tissue contains a continuous distribution of static and dynamically changing oxygen environments with levels ranging from physiologically normal oxygen down to anoxia. However, in vitro studies are often performed under oxygen levels that are far higher than those found in vivo. A number of devices are available to alter the oxygen environment in cell culture, including designs from our laboratory. However, in our devices and most other designs, changing the media in order to feed or dose cells remains a disruptive factor in maintaining a consistent hypoxic environment. This report presents a novel 96-well plate design that recirculates the local oxygen environment to shield cells during media changes and facilitates toxicity studies of cells cultured under varying oxygen levels. The principle behind the design is presented and the response of human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells treated with tirapazamine and doxorubicin under eight different static or cycling oxygen levels was measured. As expected, tirapazamine is progressively more toxic as oxygen levels decrease but retains some toxicity as oxygen is cycled between hypoxic and normoxic levels. Doxorubicin sensitivity is largely unaffected by changing oxygen levels. This technology is ideal for assessing the effects of oxygen as a variable in toxicity screens.
Radiomics feature robustness as measured using an MRI phantom
Authors: Lee Joonsang , Steinmann Angela , Ding Yao , Lee Hannah , Owens Constance , Wang Jihong , Yang Jinzhong , Followill David , Ger Rachel , MacKin Dennis , Court Laurence E.
Published: February 2021

Radiomics involves high-throughput extraction of large numbers of quantitative features from medical images and analysis of these features to predict patients’ outcome and support clinical decision-making. However, radiomics features are sensitive to several factors, including scanning protocols. The purpose of this study was to investigate the robustness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics features with various MRI scanning protocol parameters and scanners using an MRI radiomics phantom. The variability of the radiomics features with different scanning parameters and repeatability measured using a test–retest scheme were evaluated using the coefficient of variation and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for both T1- and T2-weighted images. For variability measures, the features were categorized into three groups: large, intermediate, and small variation. For repeatability measures, the average T1- and T2-weighted image ICCs for the phantom (0.963 and 0.959, respectively) were higher than those for a healthy volunteer (0.856 and 0.849, respectively). Our results demonstrated that various radiomics features are dependent on different scanning parameters and scanners. The radiomics features with a low coefficient of variation and high ICC for both the phantom and volunteer can be considered good candidates for MRI radiomics studies. The results of this study will assist current and future MRI radiomics studies.
Relationship of continuous glucose monitoring-related metrics with HbA1c and residual β-cell function in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Babaya Naru , Noso Shinsuke , Hiromine Yoshihisa , Taketomo Yasunori , Niwano Fumimaru , Yoshida Sawa , Yasutake Sara , Kawabata Yumiko , Ikegami Hiroshi
Published: February 2021

The targets for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived metrics were recently set; however, studies on CGM data over a long period with stable glycemic control are limited. We analyzed 194,279 CGM values obtained from 19 adult Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes. CGM data obtained during stable glycemic control over four months were analyzed. CGM-related metrics of different durations “within 120, 90, 60, 30, and 7 days” were calculated from baseline. Time in range (TIR; glucose 70–180 mg/dL), time above range (TAR; glucose ≥ 181 mg/dL), and average glucose levels, but not time below range (TBR; glucose ≤ 69 mg/dL), strongly correlated with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values (P < 0.0001). TBR correlated with glucose coefficient of variation (CV) (P < 0.01). Fasting serum C-peptide levels negatively correlated with glucose CV (P < 0.01). HbA1c of approximately 7% corresponded to TIR of 74% and TAR of 20%. The shorter the CGM period, the weaker was the relationship between HbA1c and CGM-related metrics. TIR, TAR, and average glucose levels accurately reflected HbA1c values in Japanese patients with type 1 diabetes with stable glycemic control. Glucose CV and TBR complemented the limitation of HbA1c to detect glucose variability and hypoglycemia. Stable glycemic control with minimal hypoglycemia depended on residual β-cell function.
Automated detection of cerebral microbleeds on T2*-weighted MRI
Authors: Chesebro Anthony G. , Amarante Erica , Lao Patrick J. , Meier Irene B. , Mayeux Richard , Brickman Adam M.
Published: February 2021

Cerebral microbleeds, observed as small, spherical hypointense regions on gradient echo (GRE) or susceptibility weighted (SWI) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences, reflect small hemorrhagic infarcts, and are associated with conditions such as vascular dementia, small vessel disease, cerebral amyloid angiopathy, and Alzheimer’s disease. The current gold standard for detecting and rating cerebral microbleeds in a research context is visual inspection by trained raters, a process that is both time consuming and subject to poor reliability. We present here a novel method to automate microbleed detection on GRE and SWI images. We demonstrate in a community-based cohort of older adults that the method is highly sensitive (greater than 92% of all microbleeds accurately detected) across both modalities, with reasonable precision (fewer than 20 and 10 false positives per scan on GRE and SWI, respectively). We also demonstrate that the algorithm can be used to identify microbleeds over longitudinal scans with a higher level of sensitivity than visual ratings (50% of longitudinal microbleeds correctly labeled by the algorithm, while manual ratings was 30% or lower). Further, the algorithm identifies the anatomical localization of microbleeds based on brain atlases, and greatly reduces time spent completing visual ratings (43% reduction in visual rating time). Our automatic microbleed detection instrument is ideal for implementation in large-scale studies that include cross-sectional and longitudinal scanning, as well as being capable of performing well across multiple commonly used MRI modalities.
Post-traumatic olfactory loss and brain response beyond olfactory cortex
Authors: Pellegrino Robert , Farruggia Michael C. , Small Dana M. , Veldhuizen Maria G.
Published: February 2021

Olfactory impairment after a traumatic impact to the head is associated with changes in olfactory cortex, including decreased gray matter density and decreased BOLD response to odors. Much less is known about the role of other cortical areas in olfactory impairment. We used fMRI in a sample of 63 participants, consisting of 25 with post-traumatic functional anosmia, 16 with post-traumatic hyposmia, and 22 healthy controls with normosmia to investigate whole brain response to odors. Similar neural responses were observed across the groups to odor versus odorless stimuli in the primary olfactory areas in piriform cortex, whereas response in the frontal operculum and anterior insula (fO/aI) increased with olfactory function (normosmia > hyposmia > functional anosmia). Unexpectedly, a negative association was observed between response and olfactory perceptual function in the mediodorsal thalamus (mdT), ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and posterior cingulate cortex (pCC). Finally, connectivity within a network consisting of vmPFC, fO, and pCC could be used to successfully classify participants as having functional anosmia or normosmia. We conclude that, at the neural level, olfactory impairment due to head trauma is best characterized by heightened responses and differential connectivity in higher-order areas beyond olfactory cortex.
Thiacalix[4]arene-supported molecular clusters for catalytic applications
Authors: Hang Xinxin , Bi Yanfeng
Published: February 2021

Recent advances of thiacalix[4]arene-supported molecular clusters for catalytic applications are presented.
Fructooligosaccharides protect against OVA-induced food allergy in mice by regulating the Th17/Treg cell balance using tryptophan metabolites
Authors: Yan Xiumei , Yan Jingbin , Xiang Qiangwei , Wang Fanyan , Dai Huan , Huang Kaiyu , Fang Lingjuan , Yao Hao , Wang Lingya , Zhang Weixi
Published: February 2021

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) can change gut microbiota composition and play a protective role in food allergy (FA).
Nanophotonic structures with optical surface modes for tunable spin current generation
Authors: Shilina P. V. , Ignatyeva D. O. , Kapralov P. O. , Sekatskii S. K. , Nur-E-Alam M. , Vasiliev M. , Alameh K. , Achanta Venu Gopal , Song Y. , Hamidi S. M. , Zvezdin A. K. , Belotelov V. I.
Published: February 2021

We propose a novel type of photonic-crystal (PC)-based nanostructures for efficient and tunable optically-induced spin current generation via the spin Seebeck and inverse spin Hall effects.
Gamma radiation shielding characteristics of various spinel ferrite nanocrystals: a combined experimental and theoretical investigation
Authors: Lokhande Rajkumar M. , Vinayak Vithal , Mukhamale Sachin V. , Khirade Pankaj P.
Published: February 2021

A detailed description of the structural and gamma ray shielding parameters of various spinel ferrite nanocrystals.
Chromatographic separation of rare earths from aqueous and ethanolic leachates of NdFeB and SmCo magnets by a supported ionic liquid phase
Authors: Avdibegović Dženita , Binnemans Koen
Published: February 2021

Chromatographic separation of rare earths, iron and cobalt from the aqueous and ethanolic leachates of NdFeB and SmCo magnets.
Green sol–gel auto combustion synthesis and characterization of double perovskite Tb2ZnMnO6 nanoparticles and a brief study of photocatalytic activity
Authors: Dara Mina , Hassanpour Mohammad , Alshamsi Hassan Abbas , Baladi Mahin , Salavati-Niasari Masoud
Published: February 2021

In this work, new double perovskite Tb2ZnMnO6 nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a sol–gel auto combustion method.
Insights into thep-nitrophenol adsorption by amidoxime-modified poly(acrylonitrile-co-acrylic acid): characterization, kinetics, isotherm, thermodynamic, regeneration and mechanism study
Authors: Ezzuldin M. Saber Shihab , Md Jamil Siti Nurul Ain , Abdullah Luqman Chuah , Choong Thomas Shean Yaw , Ming Ting Teo
Published: February 2021

This study performs an appraisal of the adsorptive capacity of amidoxime-modified poly(acrylonitrile-co-acrylic acid) for thep-nitrophenol (PNP) adsorption, from aqueous solutions.
A ZnO@CuO core–shell heterojunction photoanode modified with ZnFe-LDH for efficient and stable photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Han Jianhua , Xing Haiyang , Song Qinggong , Yan Huiyu , Kang Jianhai , Guo Yanrui , Liu Zhifeng
Published: February 2021

A highly efficient ZnO@CuO core–shell heterojunction photoanode modified with cocatalyst ZnFe-layered double hydroxides was designed and synthesized in this work.
Eutectic solvents with tuneable hydrophobicity: lipid dissolution and recovery
Authors: Lo Calvin , Semerel Jeltzlin , van den Berg Corjan , Wijffels René H. , Eppink Michel H. M.
Published: February 2021

Depending on the composition, eutectic solvent imidazole/hexanoic acid has a tuneable hydrophobicity. In this study, this principle was used for lipid dissolution and recovery.
MOF-derived zirconia-supported Keggin heteropoly acid nanoporous hybrids as a reusable catalyst for methyl oleate production
Authors: Zhang Qiuyun , Lei Dandan , Luo Qizhi , Yang Xianju , Wu Yaping , Wang Jialu , Zhang Yutao
Published: February 2021

The developed MOF-derived ZrO2 supported silicotungstic acid nanoporous hybrids is a highly efficient catalyst in esterification.
Long non-coding RNA LINC00488 facilitates thyroid cancer cell progression through miR-376a-3p/PON2
Authors: Xie Fuyuan , Li Longgen , Luo Yuting , Chen Rensheng , Mei Jinhong
Published: February 2021

Objective: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) recently have been identified as influential indicators in a variety of malignancies. The aim of the present study was to identify a functional lncRNA LINC00488 and its effects on thyroid cancer in the view of cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Methods: In order to evaluate the effects of LINC00488 on the cellular process of thyroid cancer, we performed a series of in vitro experiments, including cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, EdU (5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine) assay, flow cytometry, transwell chamber assay, Western blot and RT-qPCR. The target gene of LINC00488 was then identified by bioinformatics analysis (DIANA and TargetScan). Finally, a series of rescue experiments was conducted to validate the effect of LINC00488 and its target genes on proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of thyroid cancer.

Results: Our findings revealed that LINC00488 was highly expressed in thyroid cancer cell lines (BCPAP, BHP5-16, TPC-1 and CGTH-W3) and promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion, while inhibited the apoptosis of thyroid cancer cells (BCPAP and TPC-1). The results of bioinformatics analysis and dual luciferase reporter gene assay showed that LINC00488 could directly bind to miR-376a-3p and down-regulated the expression level of miR-376a-3p. In addition, Paraoxonase-2 (PON2) was a target gene of miR-376a-3p and negatively regulated by miR-376a-3p. Rescue experiment indicated that LINC00488 might enhance PON2 expression by sponging miR-376a-3p in thyroid cancer.

Conclusion: Taken together, our study revealed that lncRNA LINC00488 acted as an oncogenic gene in the progression of thyroid cancer via regulating miR-376a-3p/PON2 axis, which indicated that LINC00488-miR-376a-3p-PON2 axis could serve as novel biomarkers or potential targets for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
Effects of storage time and temperature on highly multiparametric flow analysis of peripheral blood samples; implications for clinical trial samples
Authors: Jerram Amelia , Guy Thomas V. , Beutler Lucinda , Gunasegaran Bavani , Sluyter Ronald , Fazekas de St Groth Barbara , McGuire Helen M.
Published: February 2021

We sought to determine the effect of time and temperature of blood sample storage before preparation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by Ficoll-hypaque density gradient centrifugation. Blood samples from healthy donors were stored at room temperature (RT) or refrigerated at 4°C before preparation of PBMCs. Cell yield and viability, and proportions of major cell populations within PBMCs, as determined by fluorescence flow cytometry, were assessed for both fresh and cryopreserved samples. Highly multiparametric mass cytometry was performed on cryopreserved PBMCs. We found that refrigeration had marked negative effects on subsequent PBMC yield. Storage at RT led to co-purification of low density neutrophils with PBMCs, but had no detectable effects on the proportions of multiple cell subsets including, but not limited to, monocytes, NK cells, B cells, Treg cells, and naïve, central memory and effector memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and CD45RA-positive terminal effector CD8+ T cells. Expression of a number of cell surface receptors, including CXCR5, CCR6, CXCR3 and TIGIT, but not CD247 was reduced after RT storage before PBMC preparation, and this effect correlated with the degree of low density neutrophil contamination. As such, when PBMC preparation cannot be undertaken immediately after blood draw, storage at RT is far superior to refrigeration. RT storage leads to neutrophil activation, but does not compromise measurement of PBMC subset distribution. However caution must be applied to interpretation of cytometric measurements of surface molecules such as chemokine receptors.
The life cycle of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in neurons: an update on the trafficking of neuronal calcium channels
Authors: Ferron Laurent , Koshti Saloni , Zamponi Gerald W.
Published: February 2021

Neuronal voltage-gated Ca2+ (CaV) channels play a critical role in cellular excitability, synaptic transmission, excitation–transcription coupling and activation of intracellular signaling pathways. CaV channels are multiprotein complexes and their functional expression in the plasma membrane involves finely tuned mechanisms, including forward trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the plasma membrane, endocytosis and recycling. Whether genetic or acquired, alterations and defects in the trafficking of neuronal CaV channels can have severe physiological consequences. In this review, we address the current evidence concerning the regulatory mechanisms which underlie precise control of neuronal CaV channel trafficking and we discuss their potential as therapeutic targets.
Job Satisfaction of School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists in New York State as a Function of Workplace Features
Authors: Amir Rebecca , Jones Skott E. , Frankel Danielle , Fritzsch Jessica
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The number of unfilled speech-language pathologist (SLP) positions in school-based settings remains an ongoing concern, particularly in the most populous states. New York State (NYS) is among those that have been identified to demonstrate a current and predicted unmet need for qualified SLPs. This study examines workplace features that contribute to job satisfaction of school-based SLPs in NYS to better understand which factors affect recruitment and retention.

Method

Three hundred sixty-six school-based SLPs in NYS responded to a 40-question survey about their workplace characteristics and levels of satisfaction for various job features.

Results

Respondents reported the highest satisfaction in areas relating to the nature of work with their students and available opportunities for interprofessional collaboration. The most prominent workplace features of concern related to workload amount, limited time to complete required tasks within the work week, and others' understanding of the SLP's role.

Conclusions

SLPs are generally satisfied with the work itself but challenges about increasing workload and lack of understanding have the potential to lead to attrition. Advocating for a workload analysis, a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the school-based SLP, and limits on the number of students served holds promise to improve job satisfaction. In turn, these efforts may both improve retention and lead to increased recruitment to help fill available positions.
Event‐triggered second‐moment stabilisation under action‐dependent Markov packet drops
Authors: Bose Shourya , Tallapragada Pavankumar
Published: February 2021

This paper considers the problem of the second‐moment stabilisation of a scalar linear plant with process noise. It is assumed that the sensor communicates with the controller over an unreliable channel, whose state evolves according to a Markov chain, with the transition matrix on a timestep depending on whether there is a transmission on that timestep. Under such a setting, an event‐triggered transmission policy is proposed which meets the objective of exponential convergence of the second moment of the plant state to an ultimate bound. Further, upper bounds on the transmission fraction of the proposed policy are provided. The results are illustrated through an example scenario of control in the presence of a battery‐equipped energy‐harvesting sensor. The proposed control design as well as the analytical guarantees are verified through simulations for the example scenario.
Deep tree neural network for multiple‐time‐step prediction of short‐term speed and confidence estimation
Authors: Tao Yanyun , Wang Xiang , Zheng Jianying , E Wenjuan , Zhao Po , Meng Shiwei
Published: February 2021

To solve the multiple‐time‐step prediction of traffic speed and confidence for segment types of expressway, a deep tree neural network (DTNN) with multitask learning is proposed. DTNN contains a classification network, regression networks and a confidence network. These sub backbone networks accomplish the tasks of distinguishing segment types, fitting the speed of segments and the confidence estimation on the predicted speed, respectively. Through multitask learning, the sub networks in DTNN share feature representation and complement each other. To further improve the accuracy of speed prediction on congestion, the mean absolute percentage error loss function (MAPE‐loss) is applied in DTNN. It makes the learning and extracted features biased to low speed samples. The traffic speed dataset of the Shanghai Expressway is used to test the DTNN and 12 comparison methods. Results show that the proposed DTNN with MAPE‐loss can efficiently improve the predictive accuracy of low‐speed samples over the other methods. The trained DTNN also gave highly accurate low speed prediction on the dataset of Suzhou expressway. In addition, the smallest reduction in the R‐squared value from the training stage to the testing stage illustrates the best generalization of DTNN model.
Organised randoms: Learning and correcting for systematic galaxy clustering patterns in KiDS using self-organising maps
Authors: Johnston Harry , Wright Angus H. , Joachimi Benjamin , Bilicki Maciej , Elisa Chisari Nora , Dvornik Andrej , Erben Thomas , Giblin Benjamin , Heymans Catherine , Hildebrandt Hendrik , Hoekstra Henk , Joudaki Shahab , Vakili Mohammadjavad
Published: February 2021

We present a new method for the mitigation of observational systematic effects in angular galaxy clustering through the use of corrective random galaxy catalogues. Real and synthetic galaxy data from the Kilo Degree Survey’s (KiDS) 4th Data Release (KiDS-1000) and the Full-sky Lognormal Astro-fields Simulation Kit package, respectively, are used to train self-organising maps to learn the multivariate relationships between observed galaxy number density and up to six systematic-tracer variables, including seeing, Galactic dust extinction, and Galactic stellar density. We then create ‘organised’ randoms; random galaxy catalogues with spatially variable number densities, mimicking the learnt systematic density modes in the data. Using realistically biased mock data, we show that these organised randoms consistently subtract spurious density modes from the two-point angular correlation function w(ϑ), correcting biases of up to 12σ in the mean clustering amplitude to as low as 0.1σ, over an angular range of 7 − 100 arcmin with high signal-to-noise ratio. Their performance is also validated for angular clustering cross-correlations in a bright, flux-limited subset of KiDS-1000, comparing against an analogous sample constructed from highly complete spectroscopic redshift data. Each organised random catalogue object is a clone carrying the properties of a real galaxy, and is distributed throughout the survey footprint according to the position of the parent galaxy in systematics space. Thus, sub-sample randoms are readily derived from a single master random catalogue through the same selection as applied to the real galaxies. Our method is expected to improve in performance with increased survey area, galaxy number density, and systematic contamination, making organised randoms extremely promising for current and future clustering analyses of faint samples.
Low-frequency oscillations while magnetic storms as a tool to determine the types of solar plasma flows
Authors: Barkhatov N. A. , Revunov S.E. , Cherney O. T. , Smirnova Zh. V. , Mukhina M. V.
Published: February 2021

Comparison of wavelet spectrum (skeletons) local maxima for disturbed components of solar plasma flow parameters and geomagnetic field disturbances recorded along the meridional station chain during geomagnetic storm intervals is performed in the range of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves. An algorithm for quantitative evaluation of analyzed skeletons consistency has been developed. It has been used to demonstrate the possibility of the type of solar wind plasma flow elaboration on unique spectral signs of Solar wind speed disturbances, density and interplanetary magnetic field. It is shown that the energy spectrum of oscillations for these parameters reflects the internal structure of the corresponding plasma formation. The skeletons application to the analysis of the interplanetary space main parameters made it possible to estimate the magnetosphere reaction time in geomagnetic field horizontal component oscillations at different latitudes on the disturbance. As a result, the distributed magnetosphere reaction over latitude was determined in the form of geomagnetic field oscillations on the disturbed solar flow parameters. It is shown that the dynamics of the components of the solar wind parameters disturbance spectra corresponding to plasma flows manifest themselves in the MHD spectra of high-latitude stations magnetograms and can be used as a diagnostic tool.
Neural networks technique for detecting current systems while main phase of geomagnetic storm
Authors: Barkhatov N. A. , Revunov S. E. , Cherney O. T. , Mukhina M. V. , Smirnova Zh. V.
Published: February 2021

The study demonstrated the technology for searching nonlinear correlations between the intensity indices of auroral electric jets (AU, AL) and ring current intensity indices (SYM, ASY). The well-known connection of the western electrojet with the asymmetric part of the ring current and the eastern electrodett with the symmetric is confirmed. The technology of artificial neural networks was chosen as the main method. Thus, the relationship of magnetic disturbances in the auroral region and magnetic disturbances at middle and low latitudes in the main phase of a geomagnetic storm is investigated. The characteristic lead times in the development of mid-latitude magnetospheric processes relative to polar are determined. An acceptable neural network recovery of auroral electrojet intensity indices from ring current index data is demonstrated.
Evaluation of the Feasibility of Recycled Concrete Aggregate for Producing Structural Concrete
Authors: Ali Mohammad Tabrez , Rahman Ibadur , Dev Nirendra , Singh Priyanka
Published: February 2021

When sustainability has become a primary measure of the selection of the building materials in the construction industry over the past decades, researchers all around the world have been looking upon for alternatives to reduce the overall environmental impact of the construction materials while not compromising the strength and durability. The factors like manufacturing, reusability, recyclability, disposal etc, are the criteria of utmost attention affecting the overall life cycle impact of the construction materials. In this prospect the Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) has shown up as an exceptionally viable contender for the manufacturing of concrete with several environmental benefits over the Natural Aggregate (NA) and has already been identified by industry and several government agencies across the globe. The efficient material use of RCA can potentially deliver an inferior though competent concrete in comparison to the NA while averring the criteria of sustenance. The present study delves into the calculation of the proportion of the RCA in a mix design for achieving maximum compressive strength. The experimental setup constituted the casting of concrete cubes of control mix design of M40 grade with proportions of RCA varying from 0-100 percent spread over a space of 10% with NA which were later put to tests. The thorough investigation on the casted concrete cubes lead to the conclusion that the mix design with 50% proportion of RCA in addition to 50% proportion of NA delivered the maximum compressive strength, an average value of 8.23% higher than that of the normal concrete and the highest Rebound Number, an average value of 53.92 for the M40 grade concrete thereby showcasing the feasibility of producing structural concrete with RCA. The results are asserted to be governed by the better bonding between the RCA and NA and due to the significant increase in the water retention capacity by the provision of RCA in the mix.
Specifics of managerial decisions made by the heat-supplying organizations management during the selection of the partner organizations
Authors: Verstina Natalia G , Fomenko Natalia M
Published: February 2021

The issue of the selection of business partners in the conditions of the uniform heat-supplying organizations functioning is considered in the article. The need of quality and timely evaluation of the potential partners for the purpose of the increase in the level of quality of generation, transportation and distribution of heat energy is proved. The author’s approach of holding the procedure of selection of the most reliable partner was used with the help of the method of the hierarchical analysis. The method of pair comparisons was also applied within the research, the blocks and indicators of the assessment were defined. The model of additive convolution was chosen as the method of the aggregated criterion creation.
Examining the role of institutional support in enhancing smallholder oilseed producers’ adaptability to climate change in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Kephe Priscilla Ntuchu , Petja Brilliant Mareme , Ayisi Kingsley Kwabena
Published: February 2021

Smallholder oilseed production constitutes a crucial component of rural economies and continues to face the consequences of a changing climate despite the increased levels of vulnerability. This paper assesses how smallholder oilseed farmers’ adaptive capacity in Limpopo is enhanced through various institutional support schemes within the context of increased climate extremes and their need to sustain production. Six hundred farmers were interviewed across three agro-ecological zones of Limpopo Province. Results show that some of the institutions’ current operations aimed at providing support to farmers do not adequately satisfy the farmers’ needs. A strong linear relationship was observed between the number of support types received by farmers and grain yield, suggesting that farmers who received more support types were relatively less vulnerable. Educational support is ranked as the most significant contributor to enhancing farmers’ adaptive capacity. This emphasizes the need for proper linkages between farmers’ choices of adaptive methods and the types of support needed. Therefore, this study provided a diagnosis of the gaps in essential types of institutional support needed to increase farmers’ resilience, which can be used as an input to beef up the policy and positioning to improve the adaptive capacity.
Fallbericht: das Broken-Heart-Syndrom im Rettungsdienst: „und sie starb (zum Glück nicht) am gebrochenen Herzen …“
Authors: Switalski Jörg , Lechleuthner Alex
Published: February 2021

Eine 62-jährige, normgewichtige Patientin wird an einem schwülwarmen Sommernachmittag (30° Celsius) nach initialer Synkope mit Bewusstlosigkeit im häuslichen Umfeld bei klinischem Verdacht auf ein akutes Koronarsyndrom (AKS) (retrosternale linksbetonte Schmerzsymptomatik, typische EKG-Veränderungen) präklinisch entsprechend der Leitlinie des European Resuscitation Council (ERC) therapiert und nach Voranmeldung in ein Krankenhaus mit Herzkatheterbereitschaft transportiert. In der unmittelbar bei Aufnahme durchgeführten Echokardiographie wird die Verdachtsdiagnose eines Tako-Tsubo-Syndroms gestellt und mittels nachfolgend durchgeführter Herzkatheteruntersuchung (HKT) durch Ausschluss einer koronaren Herzerkrankung (KHK) bestätigt. Das Broken-Heart-Syndrom beschreibt eine akut auftretende Kardiomyopathie, häufig verbunden mit den typischen klinischen Zeichen eines AKS. Vermutete Ursache ist ein extrem hoher Anstieg von Stresshormonen. Eine präklinische Abgrenzung zu einem
Myokardinfarkt auf dem Boden einer KHK ist nicht sicher möglich.
Primary Malignant Orbital Tumors
Authors: Laplant Jacquelyn , Cockerham Kimberly
Published: February 2021

Objective Primary orbital malignancy is rare. Awareness of the characteristic clinical and imaging features is imperative for timely identification and management. Surgery remains an important diagnostic and treatment modality for primary orbital malignancy, but determining the optimal surgical approach can be challenging. The purpose of this article is to explore recent advances in the diagnosis, management, and surgical approaches for primary orbital malignancies.

Design In this review, the clinical presentation, imaging features, and medical and surgical management of primary orbital malignancies with representative cases will be discussed.

Setting Outpatient and inpatient hospital settings.

Participants Patients with diagnosed primary orbital malignancies.

Main Outcome Measures Descriptive outcomes.

Results Advancements in orbital imaging, microsurgical techniques, and multimodal therapy have improved the diagnosis and management of primary orbital malignancies. Special considerations for biopsy or resection are made based on the tumor's location, characteristics, nearby orbital structures, and goals of surgery. Minimally invasive techniques are supplanting traditional approaches to orbital surgery with less morbidity.

Conclusions Advances in imaging technologies and surgical techniques have facilitated the diagnosis and management of primary orbital malignancies. Evolution toward less invasive orbital surgery with focus on preservation and restoration of function is underway.