bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Swallowing‐related neural oscillation: an intracranial EEG study
Authors: Hashimoto Hiroaki , Takahashi Kazutaka , Kameda Seiji , Yoshida Fumiaki , Maezawa Hitoshi , Oshino Satoru , Tani Naoki , Khoo Hui Ming , Yanagisawa Takufumi , Yoshimine Toshiki , Kishima Haruhiko , Hirata Masayuki
Published: May 2021

Objective

Swallowing is a unique movement due to the indispensable orchestration of voluntary and involuntary movements. The transition from voluntary to involuntary swallowing is executed within milliseconds. We hypothesized that the underlying neural mechanism of swallowing would be revealed by high‐frequency cortical activities.

Methods

Eight epileptic participants fitted with intracranial electrodes over the orofacial cortex were asked to swallow a water bolus and cortical oscillatory changes, including the high γ band (75–150 Hz) and β band (13–30 Hz), were investigated at the time of mouth opening, water injection, and swallowing.

Results

Increases in high γ power associated with mouth opening were observed in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC) with water injection in the lateral central sulcus and with swallowing in the region along the Sylvian fissure. Mouth opening induced a decrease in β power, which continued until the completion of swallowing. The high γ burst of activity was focal and specific to swallowing; however, the β activities were extensive and not specific to swallowing. In the interim between voluntary and involuntary swallowing, swallowing‐related high γ power achieved its peak, and subsequently, the power decreased.

Interpretation

We demonstrated three distinct activities related to mouth opening, water injection, and swallowing induced at different timings using high γ activities. The peak of high γ power related to swallowing suggests that during voluntary swallowing phases, the cortex is the main driving force for swallowing as opposed to the brain stem.
Steroids Enable Mesenchymal Stromal Cells to Promote CD8+ T Cell Proliferation Via VEGF‐C
Authors: Gan Yurun , Zhang Tao , Chen Xiaodong , Cao Wei , Lin Liangyu , Du Liming , Wang Yu , Zhou Fei , He Xuefeng , He Yulong , Gan Jianhe , Sheng Huiming , Sorokin Lydia , Shi Yufang , Wang Ying
Published: May 2021

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) function as a formidable regulator of inflammation and tissue homeostasis and expanded MSCs are shown to be effective in treating various inflammatory diseases. Their therapeutic effects require the existence of certain inflammatory cytokines. However, in the absence of sufficient proinflammatory stimuli or in the presence of anti‐inflammatory medications, MSCs are animated to promote immune responses and unable to alleviate inflammatory disorders. In this study, it is demonstrated that steroid co‐administration interferes the efficacy of MSCs in treating acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGvHD). Molecular analysis reveals that vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF‐C) is highly induced in MSCs by steroids and TNFα and VEGF‐C in turn promotes CD8+ T cell response. This immune promoting effect is abolished by blockade or specific genetic ablation of VEGFR3 in CD8+ T cells. Additionally, administration of VEGF‐C alone exacerbates aGvHD progression through eliciting more vigorous CD8+ T cell activation and proliferation. Further studies demonstrate that VEGF‐C augments the PI3K/AKT signaling process and the expression of downstream genes, such as Cyclin D1. Thus, the data demonstrate that steroids can reverse the immunosuppressive effect of MSCs via promoting VEGF‐C‐augmented CD8+ T cell response and provide novel information for designing efficacious MSC‐based therapies.
Functional Features and Current Applications of the RNA‐Targeting Type VI CRISPR‐Cas Systems
Authors: Perčulija Vanja , Lin Jinying , Zhang Bo , Ouyang Songying
Published: May 2021

CRISPR‐Cas systems are a form of prokaryotic adaptive immunity that employs RNA‐guided endonucleases (Cas effectors) to cleave foreign genetic elements. Due to their simplicity, targeting programmability, and efficiency, single‐effector CRISPR‐Cas systems have great potential for application in research, biotechnology, and therapeutics. While DNA‐targeting Cas effectors such as Cas9 and Cas12a have become indispensable tools for genome editing in the past decade, the more recent discovery of RNA‐targeting CRISPR‐Cas systems has opened the door for implementation of CRISPR‐Cas technology in RNA manipulation. With an increasing number of studies reporting their application in transcriptome engineering, viral interference, nucleic acid detection, and RNA imaging, type VI CRISPR‐Cas systems and the associated Cas13 effectors particularly hold promise as RNA‐targeting or RNA‐binding tools. However, even though previous structural and biochemical characterization provided a firm basis for leveraging type VI CRISPR‐Cas systems into such tools, the lack of comprehension of certain mechanisms underlying their functions hinders more sophisticated and conventional use. This review will summarize current knowledge on structural and mechanistic properties of type VI CRISPR‐Cas systems, give an overview on the reported applications, and discuss functional features that need further investigation in order to improve performance of Cas13‐based tools.
The Role of Dimensionality on the Optoelectronic Properties of Oxide and Halide Perovskites, and their Halide Derivatives
Authors: Hoye Robert L. Z. , Hidalgo Juanita , Jagt Robert A. , Correa‐Baena Juan‐Pablo , Fix Thomas , MacManus‐Driscoll Judith L.
Published: May 2021

Halide perovskite semiconductors have risen to prominence in photovoltaics and light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), but traditional oxide perovskites, which overcome the stability limitations of their halide counterparts, have also recently witnessed a rise in potential as solar absorbers. One of the many important factors underpinning these developments is an understanding of the role of dimensionality on the optoelectronic properties and, consequently, on the performance of the materials in photovoltaics and LEDs. This review article examines the role of structural and electronic dimensionality, as well as form factor, in oxide and halide perovskites, and in lead‐free alternatives to halide perovskites. Insights into how dimensionality influences the band gap, stability, charge‐carrier transport, recombination processes and defect tolerance of the materials, and the impact these parameters have on device performance are brought forward. Particular emphasis is placed on carrier/exciton‐phonon coupling, which plays a significant role in the materials considered, owing to their soft lattices and composition of heavy elements, and becomes more prominent as dimensionality is reduced. It is finished with a discussion of the implications on the classes of materials future efforts should focus on, as well as the key questions that need to be addressed.
Triplet‐Charge Annihilation in a Small Molecule Donor: Acceptor Blend as a Major Loss Mechanism in Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Marin‐Beloqui Jose M. , Toolan Daniel T. W. , Panjwani Naitik A. , Limbu Saurav , Kim Ji‐Seon , Clarke Tracey M.
Published: May 2021

Organic photovoltaics (OPV) are close to reaching a landmark 20% device efficiency. One of the proposed reasons that OPVs have yet to attain this milestone is their propensity toward triplet formation. Herein, a small molecule donor, DRCN5T, is studied using a variety of morphology and spectroscopy techniques, and blended with both fullerene and non‐fullerene acceptors. Specifically, grazing incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and transient absorption, Raman, and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies are focused on. It is shown that despite DRCN5T's ability to achieve OPV efficiencies of over 10%, it generates an unusually high population of triplets. These triplets are primarily formed in amorphous regions via back recombination from a charge transfer state, and also undergo triplet‐charge annihilation. As such, triplets have a dual role in DRCN5T device efficiency suppression: they both hinder free charge carrier formation and annihilate those free charges that do form. Using microsecond transient absorption spectroscopy under oxygen conditions, this triplet‐charge annihilation (TCA) is directly observed as a general phenomenon in a variety of DRCN5T: fullerene and non‐fullerene blends. Since TCA is usually inferred rather than directly observed, it is demonstrated that this technique is a reliable method to establish the presence of TCA.
Universal correlation for gas hydrates suppression temperature of inhibited systems: IV. Water activity
Authors: Sa Jeong‐Hoon , Sum Amadeu K.
Published: May 2021

In Parts I, II, and III, the Hu‐Lee‐Sum (HLS) correlation was demonstrated to be a robust method for determining the hydrate suppression temperatures for structure I and II hydrates containing inorganic salts and organic inhibitors. Here, Part IV introduces two different approaches to estimate the water activity for systems containing inhibitors: ice melting point and activity coefficient models. The ice melting point is translated into the water activity changes, which can then be directly used for the hydrate suppression temperatures. The great benefit of this method is its applicability to any inhibited systems with unknown compositions of inhibitors. The activity coefficient model is based on widely available models. These methods for determining the water activity allow for a simple yet reliable prediction of hydrate suppression temperatures for inhibited systems, which advocate for their use in place of the more traditional methods known to be less reliable and less accurate.
PtZn intermetallic nanoalloy encapsulated in silicalite‐1 for propane dehydrogenation
Authors: Zhang Bofeng , Li Guozhu , Zhai Ziwei , Chen Dali , Tian Yajie , Yang Ruoou , Wang Li , Zhang Xiangwen , Liu Guozhu
Published: May 2021

Propane dehydrogenation (PDH) is one of the most effective methods to produce propylene. But the industrial Pt‐based catalysts often suffer from short‐term stability under the high temperature reaction environment (500–700°C) via sintering and coke deposition. Herein, stable PDH reaction in high propylene yield has been achieved by the confinement of Pt–Zn intermetallic alloys (IMAs) in the channels of silicalite‐1. Single‐site Zn in the MFI framework was found to play a key role on assisting and stabilizing the PtZn IMAs for efficient PDH. By the cooperative action of the spatial confined PtZn IMAs and the lattice confined framework Zn, high propylene selectivity (>99%) without obvious deactivation was realized on the as‐developed catalyst (PtZn@S‐1) under 600°C even after 90 h. The low deactivation constant (0.003 h−1) was 6 times lower than that of the industrial PtSn catalyst.
Water exchange rate across the blood‐brain barrier is associated with CSF amyloid‐β 42 in healthy older adults
Authors: Gold Brian T. , Shao Xingfeng , Sudduth Tiffany L. , Jicha Gregory A. , Wilcock Donna M. , Seago Elayna R. , Wang Danny J.J.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

We tested if water exchange across the blood‐brain barrier (BBB), estimated with a noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, is associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and neuropsychological function.

Methods

Forty cognitively normal older adults (67–86 years old) were scanned with diffusion‐prepared, arterial spin labeling (DP‐ASL), which estimates water exchange rate across the BBB (kw). Participants also underwent CSF draw and neuropsychological testing. Multiple linear regression models were run with kwas a predictor of CSF concentrations and neuropsychological scores.

Results

In multiple brain regions, BBB kwwas positively associated with CSF amyloid beta (Aβ)42 concentration levels. BBB kwwas only moderately associated with neuropsychological performance.

Discussion

Our results suggest that low water exchange rate across the BBB is associated with low CSF Aβ42 concentration. These findings suggest that kwmay be a promising noninvasive indicator of BBB Aβ clearance functions, a possibility which should be further tested in future research.
Evaluation of bleeding control course for health‐care providers in Japan
Authors: Morishita Koji , Matsushima Kazuhide , Benitez Yanez , Ito Kaori , Inoue Satoshi , Okada Kazuya , Hondo Kenichi , Kato Nagisa , Yagi Masayuki , Otomo Yasuhiro
Published: May 2021

Aim

The Bleeding Control Basic (BCon) course was developed by the American College of Surgeons to teach laypeople and health‐care providers (HCPs) how to stop life‐threatening bleeding. The first BCon course in Japan was held for HCPs in July 2018. Our study aimed to evaluate the utility of the course, the satisfaction and confidence level of the HCPs that participated, and their experience with using vascular tourniquets.

Method

The BCon participants were asked to complete a survey after the BCon courses from December 2018 to December 2019. These participants included different types of HCPs (physicians, nurses, and emergency medical technicians). After the course, the participants were asked to evaluate: (i) the perceived utility of the course, (ii) their satisfaction with the course, (iii) their confidence in the techniques that they learned in the course, (iv) their experience of using tourniquets in eight specific areas using a 10‐point Likert scale.

Results

A total of 163 HCPs, including 108 physicians, 27 nurses, and 28 emergency medical technicians completed the BCon course. The respondents rated the course highly, showing an average value of approximately 9 for each item for perceived utility, satisfaction, confidence, and experience in using tourniquets. In particular, nurses rated the overall activity more highly than physicians (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The BCon course and tourniquets were well‐received by all types of HCPs in Japan.
Reality of traffic injuries attributable to preceding decreased level of consciousness
Authors: Oda Yuya , Motomura Tomokazu , Matsumoto Hisashi
Published: May 2021

Aim

Although decreased level of consciousness (DLOC) while driving may lead to serious accidents involving drivers and people around them, including passengers and pedestrians, few studies have assessed traffic injuries attributable to preceding DLOC. We aimed to identify factors suggestive of a DLOC preceding traffic injury during initial examination.

Methods

This study included 193 drivers who were brought to our facility during the 1‐year period from January to December 2018. The drivers were divided into those with and without DLOC for comparison and analysis. Data on age, sex, causes of DLOC, and medical history were retrospectively reviewed from medical records.

Results

Of these 193 drivers, 58 (30.1%) had experienced preceding DLOC. The following factors suggested possible episodes of preceding DLOC: a single‐vehicle accident (odds ratio [OR] 3.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.76–7.34; P < 0.001) and histories of hypertension (OR 2.64; 95% CI 1.13–6.15; P = 0.0248) and psychiatric disorders (OR 3.49; 95% CI 1.08–11.3; P = 0.0370). The causes of DLOC were endogenous diseases in 20 drivers (34.3%), dozing off episodes in 19 (32.8%), and acute alcohol intoxication in 11 (19.0%).

Conclusion

Before traffic accidents, 30.1% of drivers experienced DLOC. Single‐vehicle accidents and histories of hypertension and psychiatric disorders were factors suggestive of preceding DLOC.
Temporary Singularities and Axions: An Analytic Solution that Challenges Charge Conservation
Authors: Gratus Jonathan , Kinsler Paul , McCall Martin W.
Published: May 2021

An analytic solution for electromagnetic fields interacting with an axion field that violates global charge conservation is constructed. Despite providing a specific example where “physics breaks down” at a singularity, it nevertheless demonstrates that the physical laws on the surrounding spacetime still impose constraints on what is allowed to happen. The construction is valid for a spacetime containing a temporary singularity and a Maxwellian electrodynamics containing a proposed “topological” axion field. Further, the concepts of transformation optics can be applied to show that our specific mathematical solution has a much wider applicability.
Investigation of 3D printing strategy on the mechanical performance of coextruded continuous carbon fiber reinforced PETG
Authors: Kasmi Samir , Ginoux Geoffrey , Allaoui Samir , Alix Sébastien
Published: May 2021

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) has been used to create prototypes and functional parts for various applications using plastic filaments. It has also been extended to the use of continuous fibers for reinforcing thermoplastic polymers. This study aims to optimize the deposition design of a coextruded continuous carbon fiber (CCF) composite filament with a polyethylene terephthalate glycol‐modified (PETG) filament. The characterizations on the raw materials revealed that the matrix polymer in CCF composite filament had similar physicochemical properties as PETG, and carbon fibers were homogeneously distributed in CCF filament. The effect of raster orientation and shells number on the mechanical properties of non‐reinforced and coextruded CCF‐reinforced PETG was investigated. The highest mechanical properties were obtained at a raster orientation of 0° for both reinforced and non‐reinforced materials. With the increase of raster orientation, Young's modulus and ultimate tensile strength decreased. The presence of shells improved the tensile strength of non‐reinforced PETG. For composite samples printed with unreinforced shells, Young's modulus decreased due to decrease in fibers content, and elongation at break and ultimate tensile strength increased. Tomographic observations showed that the mechanical behavior of printed specimens depended on the anisotropy of porosity in printed specimens.
Aquatic macroinvertebrates from littoral vegetated lakes in arid Patagonia: The influence of fish introduction on community structure
Authors: Lopez María Eugenia , Saad Juan , Izaguirre Irina , Marinone María Cristina , Fontanarrosa María Soledad
Published: May 2021

Wetlands in arid regions are characterized by their great heterogeneity, often including endemic species that contribute to regional aquatic biodiversity. In the Patagonian steppe, most lakes are naturally fishless and sustain a rich aquatic biodiversity, including endemics; however, many of these lakes have been stocked with Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) during recent decades. The introduction of predatory fish into aquatic ecosystems naturally devoid of these organisms can produce profound alterations in the structure of the original communities and in the configuration of their biotic assemblages.

Aquatic invertebrates play important roles in both the structure and functioning of freshwater ecosystems, including their contribution to global biodiversity and their cascading effects across ecosystem boundaries.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of introduced non‐native fish on the pleustonic macroinvertebrate assemblage. Samples were taken from 10 shallow Patagonian lakes (five fishless and five stocked with fish) in two consecutive warm periods.

Lakes with fish had higher conductivity and phosphate values. Higher inter‐annual differences were also observed in lakes with fish for phytoplanktonic chlorophyll a, nitrate, phosphate, conductivity, and water temperature.

The community structure (relative abundance of different taxa, species composition, and diversity index) was affected by the presence of rainbow trout, with the differences mainly driven by the relative abundance of Ostracoda, Hyalella, Chironomidae, and Haliplus species.

This approach can be used to assess the required conservation actions in shallow Patagonian steppe lakes, which have been listed as priority areas for waterbird conservation. Specifically, this study provides a baseline for monitoring future trends of the macroinvertebrate communities and for evaluating conservation and management efforts over time.
Output feedback stabilization of a first‐order hyperbolic equation with multi‐point nonlocal term
Authors: Hu Qing‐Qing , Jin Feng‐Fei , Yan Baoqiang
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the output feedback stabilization of a first‐order hyperbolic equation with multi‐point nonlocal term by boundary control. First of all, we utilize the backstepping method to design a boundary state feedback controller. On the basis of equivalence of original and target system, we guarantee the exponential stability of closed‐loop system. Hereafter, the output feedback control in the light of an infinite‐dimensional observer is constructed. We demonstrate that the resulting closed‐loop system is exponentially stable via operator semigroup theory. Finally, we display the validity of the proposed controller by some numerical simulations.
Application of experimental design in HPLC method optimization and robustness for the simultaneous determination of canagliflozin, empagliflozin, linagliptin, and metformin in tablet
Authors: Moussa Bahia Abbas , Mahrouse Marianne Alphonse , Fawzy Michael Gamal
Published: May 2021

Gliflozins and gliptins represent two different pharmacological drug classes that exert different and potentially complementary glucose‐lowering effect in patients with type II diabetes mellitus. A novel, selective, and sensitive HPLC method was developed for the determination of canagliflozin, empaglifozin, linagliptin, and metformin in pure form, in laboratory prepared mixtures, and in pharmaceutical dosage form. Experimental design optimization was applied by using Plackett–Burman and face‐centered composite designs to achieve the best resolution with minimum experimental trials. Three significant variables affecting optimization, namely buffer pH, percentage of methanol, and percentage of acetonitrile, were studied. Chromatographic separation was achieved using an Agilent Eclipse C8 column, and column temperature was kept at 45°C. The mobile phase was composed of dipotassium hydrogen phosphate buffer (0.05 M, adjusted to pH 6 using o‐phosphoric acid):acetonitrile:methanol (50:25:25, v/v/v) at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min. Sharp and well‐resolved peaks of the cited drugs were obtained. The method was fully validated in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision, selectivity and robustness in agreement with the International Council of Harmonization (ICH) guidelines Q2 (R1). Satisfactory results were obtained by the analysis of tablets through applying the developed method. Therefore, it could be performed for the analysis of the cited drugs in quality control laboratories.
Long noncoding RNA LOC100911498 is a novel regulator of neuropathic pain in rats
Authors: Tang Wenxin , Zhang Lufeng , Li Zhisong
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Neuropathic pain (NP) is the most debilitating of all clinical pain syndromes and may be a consequence of dysfunction in the somatosensory nervous system. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of NP is not fully understood yet and it cannot be cured totally. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is a type of RNA molecule greater than 200 nucleotides, and dysregulated expression of lncRNAs play a critical role in the facilitation of NP. Previous study showed the expression level of LOC100911498 in the spinal cords of spared nerve injury (SNI) rats were increased. This research was aimed at exploring what role LOC100911498 plays in the pathophysiological process of NP.

Methods

The mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) of rats was measured by the von Frey test. The expression levels of P2X4 receptor (P2X4R), ionized calcium‐binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba‐1), p‐p38 and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in spinal cords were detected, respectively.

Results

Our results suggested that the level of LOC100911498 in SNI rats was markedly higher than that in the sham group; the MWT values in rats were treated with LOC100911498siRNA were increased, and the expression levels of P2X4R, Iba‐1, p‐p38 and BDNF in SNI+ LOC100911498siRNA group were reduced compared with those in the SNI group.

Conclusion

Our study indicated the effects lncRNA LOC100911498 siRNA exerted on NP were mediated by P2X4R on microglia in the spinal cords of rats. Further, LOC100911498 may be a novel positive regulator of NP by regulating the expression and function of the P2X4R.
Depression and anxiety symptoms are related to pain and frailty but not cognition or delirium in older surgical patients
Authors: Wang Sophia , Cardieri Brielle , Mo Lin Hung , Liu Xiaoyu , Sano Mary , Deiner Stacie G.
Published: May 2021

Objective

In community dwelling older adults, depression and anxiety symptoms can be associated with early cognitive decline. Symptoms of depression and anxiety are common in older adults prior to surgery. However, their significance is unknown. Our objective was to determine whether preoperative depression and anxiety symptoms are associated with postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) and in‐hospital delirium, in older surgical patients.

Methods

We conducted a secondary data analysis of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in a cohort study of patients 65 and older undergoing elective noncardiac surgery. We used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to screen for depression and anxiety symptoms at a home visit prior to surgery and 3 months after surgery. Patients with a history of psychiatric (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia) or neurologic disorder (Parkinson's disease and stroke) were excluded from the parent study.

Results

Out of the 167 patients, 9.6% (n = 16) reported significant depressive symptoms and 21.6% (n = 36) reported significant anxiety symptoms on preoperative screening. There was no association between preoperative or new‐onset postoperative depression and anxiety symptoms and the incidence of delirium or POCD three months after surgery. Patients with preoperative depressive symptoms had higher preoperative pain (scores 69 vs. 35.7, p = .002) and frailty (56 vs. 14.6, p <.001).

Conclusion

In our cohort, we did not detect an association between preoperative depression and anxiety symptoms and neurocognitive disorders. Preoperative depression and anxiety symptoms were related to physical pain and frailty. Taken together, these suggest that in patients without a formal psychiatric diagnosis, preoperative depression and anxiety symptoms are related to physical state rather than a harbinger of early cognitive decline. Future studies are needed to understand the nature of the relationship between depression and anxiety symptoms and physical state in surgical patients.
MRPL15 is a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Xu Haoya , Zou Ruoyao , Li Feifei , Liu Jiyu , Luan Nannan , Wang Shengke , Zhu Liancheng
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To analyze the role of six human epididymis protein 4 (HE4)‐related mitochondrial ribosomal proteins (MRPs) in ovarian cancer and selected MRPL15, which is most closely related to the tumorigenesis and prognosis of ovarian cancer, for further analyses.

Methods

Using STRING database and MCODE plugin in Cytoscape, six MRPs were identified among genes that are upregulated in response to HE4 overexpression in epithelial ovarian cancer cells. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) ovarian cancer, GTEX, Oncomine, and TISIDB were used to analyze the expression of the six MRPs. The prognostic impact and genetic variation of these six MRPs in ovarian cancer were evaluated using Kaplan‐Meier Plotter and cBioPortal, respectively. MRPL15 was selected for immunohistochemistry and GEO verification. TCGA ovarian cancer data, gene set enrichment analysis, and Enrichr were used to explore the mechanism of MRPL15 in ovarian cancer. Finally, the relationship between MRPL15 expression and immune subtype, tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes, and immune regulatory factors was analyzed using TCGA ovarian cancer data and TISIDB.

Results

Six MRPs (MRPL10, MRPL15, MRPL36, MRPL39, MRPS16, and MRPS31) related to HE4 in ovarian cancer were selected. MRPL15 was highly expressed and amplified in ovarian cancer and was related to the poor prognosis of patients. Mechanism analysis indicated that MRPL15 plays a role in ovarian cancer through pathways such as the cell cycle, DNA repair, and mTOR 1 signaling. High expression of MRPL15 in ovarian cancer may be associated with its amplification and hypomethylation. Additionally, MRPL15 showed the lowest expression in C3 ovarian cancer and was correlated with proliferation of CD8+ T cells and dendritic cells as well as TGFβR1 and IDO1 expression.

Conclusion

MRPL15 may be a prognostic indicator and therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Because of its close correlation with HE4, this study provides insights into the mechanism of HE4 in ovarian cancer.
Is Gender Equality Still an Issue? Gender (Im)balances in STEM
Authors: Rosenthal Katrin
Published: May 2021

In recent years, considerable efforts have been made to support women to study and work in STEM fields. Nevertheless, inequalities remain, and women are clearly underrepresented in STEM. There is still a pervasive issue with the retention and progression of women in academia. How big is this problem actually, how can we promote diversity, equality and inclusion in academia, and how can we counteract unconscious bias?
Progress in Organic Solar Cells: Materials, Physics and Device Engineering
Authors: Bi Pengqing , Zhang Shaoqing , Wang Jingwen , Ren Junzhen , Hou Jianhui
Published: May 2021

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have been developed for few decades since the preparation of the first photovoltaic device, and the record power conversion efficiency (PCE) certified by national renewable energy laboratory (NREL) has exceeded 17%. Looking back the whole history of OSCs, its rapid development is inseparable from multi‐disciplinary efforts, including the new materials synthesizing, the device physics, and the device engineering, especially the breakthroughs in these disciplines. In this review, we are aiming at reviewing the history of the development of OSCs and summarizing the representative breakthroughs.
DNA methylation‐based profiling of bone and soft tissue tumours: a validation study of the ‘DKFZ Sarcoma Classifier’
Authors: Lyskjær Iben , De Noon Solange , Tirabosco Roberto , Rocha Ana Maia , Lindsay Daniel , Amary Fernanda , Ye Hongtao , Schrimpf Daniel , Stichel Damian , Sill Martin , Koelsche Christian , Pillay Nischalan , Von Deimling Andreas , Beck Stephan , Flanagan Adrienne M
Published: May 2021

Diagnosing bone and soft tissue neoplasms remains challenging because of the large number of subtypes, many of which lack diagnostic biomarkers. DNA methylation profiles have proven to be a reliable basis for the classification of brain tumours and, following this success, a DNA methylation‐based sarcoma classification tool from the Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ) in Heidelberg has been developed. In this study, we assessed the performance of their classifier on DNA methylation profiles of an independent data set of 986 bone and soft tissue tumours and controls. We found that the ‘DKFZ Sarcoma Classifier’ was able to produce a diagnostic prediction for 55% of the 986 samples, with 83% of these predictions concordant with the histological diagnosis. On limiting the validation to the 820 cases with histological diagnoses for which the DKFZ Classifier was trained, 61% of cases received a prediction, and the histological diagnosis was concordant with the predicted methylation class in 88% of these cases, findings comparable to those reported in the DKFZ Classifier paper. The classifier performed best when diagnosing mesenchymal chondrosarcomas (CHSs, 88% sensitivity), chordomas (85% sensitivity), and fibrous dysplasia (83% sensitivity). Amongst the subtypes least often classified correctly were clear cell CHSs (14% sensitivity), malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (27% sensitivity), and pleomorphic liposarcomas (29% sensitivity). The classifier predictions resulted in revision of the histological diagnosis in six of our cases. We observed that, although a higher tumour purity resulted in a greater likelihood of a prediction being made, it did not correlate with classifier accuracy. Our results show that the DKFZ Classifier represents a powerful research tool for exploring the pathogenesis of sarcoma; with refinement, it has the potential to be a valuable diagnostic tool.
Use of the prostate‐specific antigen test in the U.S. for men age 30 to 64 in 2011 to 2017 using a large commercial claims database: Implications for practice interventions
Authors: Shahangian Shahram , Sharma Krishna P. , Fan Lin , Siegel David A.
Published: May 2021

Background

Given the public health relevance of PSA‐based screening, various professional organizations have issued recommendations on the use of the PSA test to screen for prostate cancer in different age groups.

Aim

Using a large commercial claims database, we aimed to determine the most recent rates of PSA testing for privately insured men age 30 to 64 in the context of screening recommendations.

Methods and Results

Data from employer plans were from MarketScan commercial claims database. Annual PSA testing rate was the proportion of men with ≥1 paid test(s) per 12 months of continuous enrollment. Men with diagnosis of any prostate‐related condition were excluded. Annual percent change (APC) in PSA test use was estimated using joinpoint regression analysis. In 2011 to 2017, annual testing rate encompassing 5.02 to 5.53 million men was approximately 1.4%, age 30 to 34; 3.4% to 4.1%, age 35 to 39; 11% to 13%, age 40 to 44; 18% to 21%, age 45 to 49; 31% to 33%, age 50 to 54; 35% to 37%, age 55 to 59; and 38% to 41%, age 60 to 64. APC for 2011 to 2017 was −0.5% (P = .11), age 30 to 34; −3.0% (P = .001), age 35‐39; −3.1% (P < .001), age 40 to 44; −2.4% (P = .001), age 45 to 49; −0.2% (P = .66), age 50 to 54; 0.0% (P = .997), age 55 to 59; and −3.3% (P = .054) from 2011 to 2013 and 1.2% (P = .045) from 2013 to 2017, age 60 to 64. PSA testing rate decreased from 2011 to 2017 for age groups between 35 and 49 by 13.4% to 16.9%.

Conclusions

Based on these data, PSA testing rate has modestly decreased from 2011 to 2017. These results, however, should be considered in view of the limitation that MarketScan claims data may not be equated to actual PSA testing practices in the entire U.S. population age 30 to 64. Future research should be directed to understand why clinicians continue ordering PSA test for men younger than 50.
O‐GlcNAc Engineering on a Target Protein in Cells with Nanobody‐OGT and Nanobody‐splitOGA
Authors: Ramirez Daniel H. , Ge Yun , Woo Christina M.
Published: May 2021

The monosaccharide O‐linked N‐acetyl glucosamine (O‐GlcNAc) is an essential and dynamic post‐translational modification (PTM) that decorates thousands of nucleocytoplasmic proteins. Interrogating the role of O‐GlcNAc on a target protein is crucial yet challenging to perform in cells. We recently reported a pair of methods to selectively install or remove O‐GlcNAc on a target protein in cells using an engineered O‐GlcNAc transferase (OGT) or split O‐GlcNAcase (OGA) fused to a nanobody. Target protein O‐GlcNAcylation and de‐O‐GlcNAcylation complements methods to interrogate the role of O‐GlcNAc on a global scale or at individual glycosites. Herein, we describe a protocol for utilizing the nanobody‐OGT and nanobody‐splitOGA systems to screen for O‐GlcNAc functionality on a target protein. We additionally include associated protocols for the detection of O‐GlcNAc and cloning procedures to adapt the method for the user's target protein of interest. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 28 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: Target protein O‐GlcNAcylation of JunB using nanobody‐OGT

Basic Protocol 2: Target protein deglycosylation of Nup62 using nanobody‐splitOGA

Alternate Protocol: Verification of the O‐GlcNAc state of a tagged target protein through chemoenzymatic labeling

Support Protocol: Cloning of new nanobody‐OGT/nanobody‐splitOGA and target protein pairs
Immunohistochemical and Genetic Labeling of Hairy and Glabrous Skin Innervation
Authors: Pomaville Matthew B. , Wright Kevin M.
Published: May 2021

Cutaneous innervation is an essential component of the mammalian sensory nervous system. During development, genetically and morphologically diverse subtypes of sensory neurons use distinct molecular pathways to innervate end organs or form free nerve endings in glabrous and hairy skin. Peripheral neurons can be damaged by acute injury or degenerate due to chronic conditions including diabetes and chemotherapy, leading to peripheral neuropathy. The analysis of skin and cutaneous innervation can be applied to many research endeavors, from developmental neuroscience to pharmaceutical testing. Due to the natural hydrophobicity and heterogenous makeup of the skin (dense, keratinized cells as well as sparse, extracellular‐matrix‐bound cells), its histological analysis presents unique challenges compared to that of many other tissues. This series of protocols describes histological methods for generalized immunohistochemistry and subtype‐specific genetic labeling of sensory neurons in mouse skin in both whole‐mount and section formats. We provide detailed methodology of tissue preparation for hairy and glabrous skin, several types of labeling, and counting of hair follicles in flat‐mounted mouse skin. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Cryosectioning and immunostaining of mouse hairy skin

Alternate Protocol 1: Alternate method for preparation and fixation of mouse hairy skin

Basic Protocol 2: Sectioning of mouse paw glabrous skin

Basic Protocol 3: Whole‐mount immunolabeling of mouse skin

Basic Protocol 4: Sparse labeling of skin‐innervating neurons with a Cre‐dependent membrane‐bound alkaline phosphatase reporter

Alternate Protocol 2: Sparse labeling of skin‐innervating neurons with a Cre‐dependent fluorescent reporter

Basic Protocol 5: Oil Red O staining of skin
Learning‐dependent dendritic spine plasticity is impaired in spontaneous autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Huang Lianyan , Lafaille Juan J. , Yang Guang
Published: May 2021

Cognitive impairment is often observed in multiple sclerosis and its animal models, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Using mice with immunization‐induced EAE, we have previously shown that the stability of cortical synapses is markedly decreased before the clinical onset of EAE. In this study, we examined learning‐dependent structural synaptic plasticity in a spontaneous EAE model. Transgenic mice expressing myelin basic protein‐specific T cell receptor genes develop EAE spontaneously at around 8 weeks of age. Using in vivo two‐photon microscopy, we found that the elimination and formation rates of postsynaptic dendritic spines in somatosensory and motor cortices increased weeks before detectable signs of EAE and remained to be high during the disease onset. Despite the elevated basal spine turnover, motor learning‐induced spine formation was reduced in presymptomatic EAE mice, in line with their impaired ability to retain learned motor skills. Additionally, we found a substantial elevation of IFN‐γ mRNA in the brain of 4‐week‐old presymptomatic mice, and treatment of anti‐IFN‐γ antibody reduced dendritic spine elimination in the cortex. Together, these findings reveal synaptic instability and failure to form new synapses after learning as early brain pathology of EAE, which may contribute to cognitive and behavioral deficits seen in autoimmune diseases.
Revisiting institutional stability: A systematic review and distillations of dominant modes
Authors: Galik Christopher S. , Chelbi Leila
Published: May 2021

The concept of institutional stability has been explored from multiple disciplinary lenses and is associated with a variety of theories and frameworks, masking important variation in the mechanisms and modes of institutional stability, and complicating our understanding of how and why institutions are maintained over time. This is particularly salient to questions of environmental governance, where the recent pace and magnitude of both political and environmental change necessitates more careful attention to the capacity of existing institutions to persist or adapt. Here, we conduct a systematic review to examine the treatment of institutional stability in the literature to determine whether dominant or consistent conceptualizations of institutional stability are present. Beginning with a list of 21 synonyms for stability as used in the literature, we assembled a raw dataset of 23,379 manuscripts in print or published between 1976 and August 2019. Papers were then screened to ensure a theoretical or empirical analysis of institutional stability, resulting in a final dataset of 165 unique manuscripts. From our review, we propose two separate axes—directionality and intentionality—upon which four separate modes of stability may be arrayed. Termed passive stability, active stability, intended inaction, and failed action, we find that each is characterized by distinct mechanisms and captures specific concepts detailed in the extant literature. Though we believe our typology to have the potential to provide for a more precise analysis of institutional stability and associated policy and resource outcomes, further research is necessary to demonstrate its applicability.
Chromatin assembly factor 1B critically controls the early development but not function acquisition of invariant natural killer T cells in mice
Authors: Xu Yu , Ma Junwei , Luo Haorui , Shi Yaohuang , Liu Haifeng , Sun Ao , Xu Chenqi , Ji Hongbin , Liu Xiaolong
Published: May 2021

CD4+CD8+ double‐positive thymocytes give rise to both conventional TCRαβ+ T cells and invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells), but these two kinds of cells display different characteristics. The molecular mechanism underlying iNKT cell lineage development and function acquisition remain to be elucidated. We show that the loss of chromatin assembly factor 1B (CHAF1b) maintains the normal development of conventional TCRαβ+ T cells but severely impairs early development of iNKT cells. This dysregulation is accompanied by the impairment in chromatin activation and gene transcription at Vα14‐Jα18 locus. Notably, ectopic expression of a Vα14‐Jα18 TCR rescues Chaf1b‐deficient iNKT cell developmental defects. Moreover, cytokine secretion and antitumor activity are substantially maintained in Vα14‐Jα18 TCR transgene‐rescued Chaf1b‐deficient iNKT cells. Our study identifies CHAF1b as a critical factor that controls the early development but not function acquisition of iNKT cells via lineage‐ and stage‐specific regulation.
Autosomal deletion/insertion polymorphisms for global stratification analyses and ancestry origin inferences of different continental populations by machine learning methods
Authors: Jin Xiaoye , Liu Yuluo , Zhang Yuanyuan , Li Yongle , Chen Chuanliang , Wang Hongdan
Published: May 2021

A lot of population data of 30 deletion/insertion polymorphisms (DIPs) of the Investigator DIPplex kit in different continental populations have been reported. Here, we assessed genetic distributions of these 30 DIPs in different continental populations to pinpoint candidate ancestry informative DIPs. Besides, the effectiveness of machine learning methods for ancestry analysis was explored. Pairwise informativeness (In) values of 30 DIPs revealed that six loci displayed relatively high In values (>0.1) among different continental populations. Besides, more loci showed high population‐specific divergence (PSD) values in African population. Based on the pairwise In and PSD values of 30 DIPs, 17 DIPs in the Investigator DIPplex kit were selected to ancestry analyses of African, European, and East Asian populations. Even though 30 DIPs provided better ancestry resolution of these continental populations based on the results of PCA and population genetic structure, we found that 17 DIPs could also distinguish these continental populations. More importantly, these 17 DIPs possessed more balanced cumulative PSD distributions in these populations. Six machine learning methods were used to perform ancestry analyses of these continental populations based on 17 DIPs. Obtained results revealed that naïve Bayes manifested the greatest performance; whereas, k nearest neighbor showed relatively low performance. To sum up, these machine learning methods, especially for naïve Bayes, could be used as the valuable tool for ancestry analysis.
Heat Exchanger Assisted Exhaust Heat Recovery with Thermoelectric Generator in Heavy Vehicles
Authors: Hassan M. A. , Samanta Raunak
Published: May 2021

The automobile industry is in a constant pursuit to improve the fuel economy of vehicles. The internal combustion engine is inefficient due to its inherent irreversibility. Around 30% of the combustion energy is lost in the form of heat with the exhaust gasses. If this lost energy is recovered and utilized, then it will improve the overall fuel economy of the vehicle. Herein, a waste heat recovery concept is presented to recover heat from exhaust gasses in a heavy commercial vehicle. Two exhaust gas heat exchangers are conceptualized and their performances are compared. A novel idea of immersing thermoelectric modules in coolant is proposed instead of using a separate cooling block or channel. The thermal performance is evaluated considering transformer oil as coolant instead of commonly used engine coolant. The performance of two heat exchangers one having a parallel flat plate fin core and the other having a pin fin core configuration is investigated. The effect of coolant volume flow rate and exhaust gas mass flow rate also is analyzed.
Effects of Various Elements Doping on LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 Layered Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lu Yang , Mo Yan , Chen Yong , Yu Feng
Published: May 2021

Ni‐rich LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM622) and doped LiNi0.6–x
Co0.2Mn0.2M
x
(M = Cr, Cu, Fe, Sn, and Zn) are synthesized and investigated for lithium‐ion batteries. The doping effects on morphology, crystal structure, and electrochemical performance are evaluated. These results suggest that introducing elements of Cu, Sn, and Zn is favorable for the structural integrity because the cation mixing of Li+/Ni2+ is reduced. Extended cycle life is obtained for these Cu‐ and Sn‐doped electrodes. When operated at the cutoff voltage of 4.4 V, about 86% and 99% of the initial capacity can be maintained within 200 cycles for LiNi0.59Co0.2Mn0.2Cu0.01O2 and LiNi0.59Co0.2Mn0.2Sn0.01O2, respectively. Possible factors for capacity decay involving structural properties, polarization degree, and impedance increment are discussed. Meanwhile, Cu looks promising as a novel dopant for layered NCM622 cathode materials with improved structures and properties, in which the optimized doping amount is also discussed in detail.
Powder Aerosol Deposition as a Method to Produce Garnet‐Type Solid Ceramic Electrolytes: A Study on Electrochemical Film Properties and Industrial Applications
Authors: Nazarenus Tobias , Sun Yanyan , Exner Jörg , Kita Jaroslaw , Moos Ralf
Published: May 2021

Cyclable lithium batteries with a lithium metal anode are of great interest for future mobile and stationary applications due to their high potential energy density. To suppress lithium dendrite formation and growth, solid electrolytes (all‐solid‐state‐batteries) are an alternative for liquid electrolytes. Compared with all other solid electrolytes, the ceramic lithium garnet solid electrolyte Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) features a high thermal, electrochemical, and chemical stability. Due to its nonflammable nature, it is beneficial for battery cell safety. Despite major research efforts, an industrially applicable process route to produce the ceramic solid electrolyte has not been identified yet. Herein, film fabrication at room temperature of Al0.2Li6.025La3Zr1.625Ta0.375O12 (ALLZTO) via powder aerosol deposition (PAD) on a scalable apparatus is investigated. In addition to the description of synthesis and process conditions regarding industrial scalability, the sprayed 30 μm‐thick PAD films are examined optically and electrochemically in half cells and symmetrical cells with lithium metal electrodes. By categorizing the process data and the electrochemical results compared with common reported production methods, a statement about the suitability for the industrial production of ceramic solid electrolytes using PAD is provided.