bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and structural control of polyphenylene sulfide porous fibers via thermally induced phase separation method
Authors: Zhong Tianhaoyue , Li Junfeng , Yan Xiang , Jiang Chunhui , Chen Yuan , Xu Qibin , Su Zexi , Liu Pengqing
Published: April 2021

The porous fibers are expected to be widely used in liquid filtration, environmental protection, and catalyst carrier field. Polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) porous fiber was prepared using polyethersulfone (PES) as pore‐forming agent by a thermally induced phase separation method. The rheological behaviors, crystallization, compatibility of the PPS/PES blending resins and fibers were characterized by the tests of high pressure capillary rheology, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic thermodynamic analysis, and so on; meanwhile, the structure and properties of PPS porous fibers were studied through the tests of continuity, scanning electron microscope, mercury injection, and mechanical properties. The results shown that the pore structure of porous PPS fibers can be regulated by controlling the PES content. In the spinning process, the higher winding speed (R = 300 ~ 400) and the larger PES content (60%) are more conducive to the formation of an interpenetrating structure of PES in the blend system. After the extraction of PES, PPS fibers with PES contents of 30% and 40% formed pore structure with uniform shape and size. Nevertheless, a high PES fraction of 60% leads to the collapse of the pore structure, resulting in serious structural damage. The porous fiber with controllable pore dimension is obtained by selecting proper ratio of polymers and appropriate spinning conditions.
A niche‐based gap analysis for the conservation of odonate species in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Brasil Leandro Schlemmer , de Andrade André Felipe Alves , Ribeiro Bruno R. , Spigoloni Zander A. , Juen Leandro , De Marco Paulo
Published: April 2021

Despite the current rates of deforestation and the expected climatic changes, protecting species in their natural habitats is still the simplest, cheapest, and most effective way of safeguarding biodiversity. Here, the network of protected areas in the Brazilian Amazon was evaluated to assess its effectiveness in safeguarding species of Odonata.

Ecological niche models were built to assess the suitability of the habitat for 503 Amazonian odonate species. Then, the effectiveness for the protection of odonate species of three classes of protected areas (strictly protected area, sustainable use area, and indigenous territory) was evaluated.

Approximately 30% of the species are protected within the network of protected areas. These findings highlight the importance of protected areas for safeguarding most odonate species in the Amazon. For under‐represented or gap species, additional resources are still needed for effective management and protection on some private properties, which need to set aside land for conservation. In this way, it is possible to preserve habitats for odonate species and guarantee their conservation in the Amazon.
β‐Glucosidase produced by Moniliophthora perniciosa: Characterization and application in the hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse
Authors: Almeida Larissa Emanuelle da Silva , Ribeiro Geise Camila Araújo , Aparecida de Assis Sandra
Published: April 2021

β‐Glucosidases (BGLs) belong to the group of enzymes of cellulases and act in the last stage of cellulose degradation, releasing glucose molecules, eliminating the inhibitory effect of cellobiose. This study focused on the production, characterization, and application of BGL from Moniliophthora perniciosa in the hydrolysis of pretreated sugarcane bagasse (3% NaOH + 6% Na2SO3), with varying enzymatic loads and reaction times. The enzyme showed an optimum pH of 4.5 and 60°C. It was stable at all temperatures analyzed (50–90°C) and retained about 100% of its activity at 50°C after 60 min of incubation. Among the ions analyzed, BaCl2 increased BGL activity 9.04 ± 1.41 times. The maximum production of reducing sugars (89.15%) was achieved after 48 h with 10 mg of protein.
Simple, rapidly electroassembled thiolated PEG‐based sensor interfaces enable rapid interrogation of antibody titer and glycosylation
Authors: Motabar Dana , Li Jinyang , Wang Sally , Tsao Chen‐Yu , Tong Xin , Wang Lai‐Xi , Payne Gregory F. , Bentley William E.
Published: April 2021

Process conditions established during the development and manufacture of recombinant protein therapeutics dramatically impacts their quality and clinical efficacy. Technologies that enable rapid assessment of product quality are critically important. Here, we describe the development of sensor interfaces that directly connect to electronics and enable near real‐time assessment of antibody titer and N‐linked galactosylation. We make use of a spatially resolved electroassembled thiolated polyethylene glycol hydrogel that enables electroactivated disulfide linkages. For titer assessment, we constructed a cysteinylated protein G that can be linked to the thiolated hydrogel allowing for robust capture and assessment of antibody concentration. For detecting galactosylation, the hydrogel is linked with thiolated sugars and their corresponding lectins, which enables antibody capture based on glycan pattern. Importantly, we demonstrate linear assessment of total antibody concentration over an industrially relevant range and the selective capture and quantification of antibodies with terminal β‐galactose glycans. We also show that the interfaces can be reused after surface regeneration using a low pH buffer. Our functionalized interfaces offer advantages in their simplicity, rapid assembly, connectivity to electronics, and reusability. As they assemble directly onto electrodes that also serve as I/O registers, we envision incorporation into diagnostic platforms including those in manufacturing settings.
Exploring the Potential Mechanism of Costunolide‐Induced MCF‐7 Cells Apoptosis by Multi‐Spectroscopy, Molecular Docking and Cell Experiments
Authors: Liu Dan , Zeng Meng , Pi Jing‐Wen , Liu Mei‐Jia , Ding Wei‐Zhe , Mei Xue‐Ying , Liu Jian‐Li , Cao Xiang‐Yu
Published: April 2021

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer with high morbidity and mortality in women. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism of costunolide inducing MCF‐7 cells apoptosis by multi‐spectroscopy, molecular docking, and cell experiments. The results manifested that costunolide interacted with calf thymus DNA (ct‐DNA) in a spontaneous manner, and the minor groove as the preferential binding mode. Furthermore, costunolide inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation. Hoechst 33258 staining showed that cell apoptosis induced by costunolide might be related to DNA damage. The apoptosis mechanism relied on regulating the protein expression of Bax, Bcl‐2, p53, Caspase‐3 and the activation of p38MAPK and nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) pathways. This study will provide some experimental basis and potential therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment.
QFR accuracy and Pd/pa:FFR discordance: Too much inside baseball or novel physiologic insight?
Authors: Seto Arnold H. , Kern Morton J.
Published: April 2021

Key Points

The accuracy of angiographic fractional flow reserve (FFR) compared with wire‐based FFR remains suboptimal.

This patient‐level meta‐analysis demonstrates that discordance between Pd/Pa and FFR is associated with QFR discordance

Limits to the predictability of FFR include variation in myocardial resistance, myocardial mass, and adenosine responses.
Coronary arterial disease in patients undergoing percutaneous edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair: Handle with care
Authors: Musumeci Giuseppe , Colopi Marzia
Published: April 2021

Key Points

Percutaneous mitral valve repair using the MitraClip System is a revolutionary treatment option for patients with severe mitral regurgitation (MR) and prohibitive surgical risk.

Coronary arterial disease is a frequent comorbidity in patients with severe MR.

The impact of concomitant coronary artery disease and revascularization on outcome in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair is still an ongoing debate.
PCI for left main bifurcation stenting: A treatment paradigm at a crossroads?
Authors: Farhad Hoshang , Levy Michael S.
Published: April 2021

Key Points

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) with Drug‐eluting stents (DES) for significant left main (LM) disease is an accepted therapeutic alternative to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in appropriate patients based on SYNTAX II score stratification.

Conflicting outcome data regarding use of single versus dual‐stent strategies for LM disease exist.

Further prospective randomized data using current generation DES and contemporary PCI techniques will provide more insight into optimal treatment strategies.
Reducing vascular complications of large‐bore sheaths removal with a novel post‐closure technique: Adapt and evolve
Authors: Tarantini Giuseppe , Nai Fovino Luca
Published: April 2021

Key Points

Vascular complications after structural heart intervention and use of percutaneous mechanical circulatory support predominantly result from vascular closure device failure.

This study showed the safety and feasibility of a novel “post‐closing” technique using two Perclose Proglides, based on proximation of the large‐size arteriotomy by pushing two stiff guidewires apart.

Future randomized studies should compare this novel suture‐based vascular closure technique with plug‐based vascular closure devices, such as MANTA.
Bivalirudin versus heparin in PCI: Is the pendulum swinging again in favor of heparin?
Authors: Nicolas Johny , Mehran Roxana
Published: April 2021

Key Points

The optimal antithrombotic strategy in patients with left main disease (LMD) and undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unknown due to the underrepresentation of these high‐risk patients in clinical trials.

Bivalirudin does not seem to offer any additional benefits when compared with heparin, even in high‐risk patients such as those with LMD.

Additional randomized clinical trials are needed to establish the optimal antithrombotic therapy regimen among LMD patients undergoing PCI.
Contingency tables, confusion matrices, classifiers and quality of prediction
Authors: Brereton Richard G.
Published: April 2021

Contingency tables and confusion matrices are described; in addition, several methods for assessing the quality of classification models are introduced.
Multivalent Tryptophan‐ and Tyrosine‐Containing [60]Fullerene Hexa‐Adducts as Dual HIV and Enterovirus A71 Entry Inhibitors
Authors: Ruiz‐Santaquiteria Marta , Illescas Beatriz M. , Abdelnabi Rana , Boonen Arnaud , Mills Alberto , Martí‐Marí Olaia , Noppen Sam , Neyts Johan , Schols Dominique , Gago Federico , San‐Félix Ana , Camarasa María‐José , Martín Nazario
Published: April 2021

Unprecedented 3D hexa‐adducts of [60]fullerene peripherally decorated with twelve tryptophan (Trp) or tyrosine (Tyr) residues have been synthesized. Studies on the antiviral activity of these novel compounds against HIV and EV71 reveal that they are much more potent against HIV and equally active against EV71 than the previously described dendrimer prototypes AL‐385 and AL‐463, which possess the same number of Trp/Tyr residues on the periphery but attached to a smaller and more flexible pentaerythritol core. These results demonstrate the relevance of the globular 3D presentation of the peripheral groups (Trp/Tyr) as well as the length of the spacer connecting them to the central core to interact with the viral envelopes, particularly in the case of HIV, and support the hypothesis that [60]fullerene can be an alternative and attractive biocompatible carbon‐based scaffold for this type of highly symmetrical dendrimers. In addition, the functionalized fullerenes here described, which display twelve peripheral negatively charged indole moieties on their globular surface, define a new and versatile class of compounds with a promising potential in biomedical applications.
Detecting and filtering rumor in social media using news media event
Authors: Kandasamy Nithya , Murugasamy Krishnamoorthi
Published: April 2021

In social media platform, many users post messages to express their interests and preferences daily. Because of its fast and easy access abundant people follow news events and there is a possibility for spreading rumor or fake news. This fake news is unverified at the time of posting. Therefore, it is necessary to detect and remove the fake news before it spread widely. Rumors or fake news are created illegally for the purpose of popularity, hike in their business or financial, and so forth, and these rumors need to be detected as easily as possible. Our proposed rumor detection method compares the social media content with news media and applies the support vector machine (SVM) as binary classification technique. Our experiments results revealed that the proposed method attained considerable improvement when compared to the existing machine learning techniques. The proposed SVM rumor detection approach attained better results of 89% precision, 64% recall, and 85% F‐measure. The experimental results proved that the proposed method will be useful for avoiding social damages caused by rumors in social media.
Performance evaluation for an hourglass‐shaped impedance‐network‐based high step‐up converter in a photovoltaic system using PSIM© simulation
Authors: El Aroudi Abdelali , Zhang Guidong , Al‐Numay Mohammed
Published: April 2021

In this paper, the control design and the performance evaluation of a novel high step‐up converter with an hourglass‐shaped impedance network (HIN) are performed when used as an interface between a photovoltaic (PV) source and a load in a PV system. For optimum energy extraction from the PV source, the PV voltage controller design and optimization to track the maximum power point of the PV system is addressed. The converter offers the possibility of an optimum regulation of the PV voltage with voltage mode control using a simple Type‐III compensation network resulting in a low overshoot, a relatively short settling time, and negligible energy loss after a change of input reference due to the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) or to irradiance change. To evaluate the performance of the HIN converter when used in a PV system, PSIM©software is used to perform numerical simulations using the switched model under different conditions.
An efficient hash‐based authentication protocol for wireless sensor networks in Internet of Things applications with forward secrecy
Authors: Javad Sadri Mohammad , Rajabzadeh Asaar Maryam
Published: April 2021

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) play an influential role in the advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) because the infrastructure of WSNs consists of lots of sensors, which can be used to collect online data by the users or service providers; however, in the process of collecting the data, the users and service providers have to communicate with the sensors through an unprotected channel, so the confidentiality and integrity of the transmitted messages might be threatened by an adversary. Consequently, several authentication protocols have been proposed to provide a secure authentication process for IoT‐based WSNs. In this paper, we analyze Ghani et al.'s protocol and demonstrate that their protocol is vulnerable to user impersonation attack, malicious gateway attack, and traceability attack. Furthermore, it suffers from some design weaknesses. To fix these drawbacks, we propose a new hash‐based authentication protocol for IoT‐based WSNs. We analyze our protocol with both formal and informal methods to show that our protocol is secure against various known attacks such as sensor and user trace, sensor capture, off‐line password guessing, and replay attacks. Finally, we evaluate our protocol in terms of security features and communication and computation costs. The results show that not only the proposed protocol is more secure than other existing protocols but also reduces 60% of the execution time of the user authentication process in comparison with Ghani et al.'s protocol.
Mindfulness and acceptance‐based behavioral treatment for bulimia‐spectrum disorders: A pilot feasibility randomized trial
Authors: Juarascio Adrienne S. , Parker Megan N. , Hunt Rowan , Murray Helen Burton , Presseller Emily K. , Manasse Stephanie M.
Published: April 2021

Objective

Although existing research supports the efficacy of mindfulness‐ and acceptance‐based treatments (MABTs) for eating disorders (EDs), few studies have directly compared outcomes from MABTs to standard CBT.

Method

Participants (N = 44), treatment‐seeking adults with bulimia‐spectrum EDs, were screened for eligibility, consented, and randomized to receive 20 sessions of outpatient, individual CBT or MABT treatment. Treatment outcomes (binge eating and compensatory behavior episodes, global ED severity, depressive symptoms, quality of life, emotional awareness/clarity, distress tolerance, values‐based decision‐making, and emotion modulation) were measured at pre‐treatment, post‐treatment, and 6‐month follow up. Data on feasibility and acceptability are also presented.

Results

Treatment and assessment retention rates were comparable between MABT and CBT (p range = .51–.73) and between‐group differences on acceptability measures were very small (d range = 0.03–0.19). Both conditions produced notable and generally comparable changes in most treatment outcomes at post‐treatment (within group d range = 0.06–1.77).

Discussion

The MABT and CBT conditions demonstrated comparable degrees of feasibility, acceptability, and symptom improvement, suggesting that MABTs warrant further evaluation as ED treatments.
Variation in the rate of land subsidence induced by groundwater extraction and its effect on the response pattern of soil microbial communities
Authors: Mohseni Neda , Bol Roland
Published: April 2021

Excessive extraction of groundwater leads to (irreversible) changes in the physical soil properties, causing land subsidence associated with soil compaction to occur. Using a combined image processing and field approach, we examined: (1) how variation in the land subsidence rate induces different soil compaction degrees; and (2) the response patterns of microbial communities to such variations. By using Sentinel Synthetic Aperture Radar image processing, we selected three locations that exhibited different land subsidence rates, including high (HSR), moderate (MSR), and low (LSR). Then, soil sampling was undertaken within these representative locations. Indicators of soil compaction, including total porosity, air‐filled porosity, water‐filled porosity, and bulk density, were measured. The soil microbial community was determined using qPCR and sequencing. The highest and lowest values for bulk density were observed in the HSR–MSR and LSR zones, respectively. The greatest values of total porosity and macropore volume were displayed in the LSR zone compared to other zones. Bacterial abundance in the LSR zone was significantly greater than that in the HSR and MSR zones. The relative abundances of bacterial taxa indirectly demonstrated that the anaerobic phyla were significantly increased (by 10–13%), and the aerobic phyla decreased (by 30–40%) in the HSR zone compared to the LSR zone. This result demonstrates that the aerobes declined as larger volumes of the soil became more anaerobic. Indeed, the increased abundance of anaerobes was not able to compensate for the larger decrease in the abundance of aerobes. Our work showed that at the increased rates of land subsidence, the abundance distribution of the microbial community critically declined. These findings highlight the critical impacts of increasing the land subsidence rate on the emergence of high soil compaction degrees, which can significantly affect the resilience thresholds of the microbial communities in dryland soils.
Standardization ofhigh‐temperaturespecific heat capacity test parameters offire‐resistantgypsum board
Authors: Feng Yu , Ye Jihong
Published: April 2021

The specific heat capacity at the high temperature of fire‐resistant gypsum boards plays a vital role in the simulation accuracy of the thermal response for cold‐formed steel (CFS) composite structures. However, there are not given comprehensive and accurate values in the existing standard for test parameters (including heating rate, sample quality, and sample size) used in the test of the specific heat capacity of gypsum boards. This situation leads to large differences in test results. This paper aimed to provide standardized test parameters for obtaining accurate specific heat capacity curves of gypsum boards. First, the effect of test parameters was quantified by 10 groups of specific heat capacity tests of gypsum boards through the uniform design; Then, the standardized values of test parameters were proposed combined with sample composition analysis and finite element numerical analysis: the heating rate was 12°C/min, the sample mass was 18 mg, the sample particle size was 45 to 48 μm; Finally, the standardized test parameters were verified by comparing with the test results of cold‐formed steel composite floors in the literature. The results show that the specific heat capacity curve of gypsum boards measured by the standardized test parameters proposed to this paper has good accuracy for simulating the time‐temperature curve of cold‐formed steel composite floors. It is conducive to accurately assess the fire resistance of cold‐formed steel composite floors. The test parameter standardization method can also be extended to other building materials. As a result, the specific heat capacity test can follow a basic standard.
Study on development potential of newly added wind power heating in Beijing–Tianjin—Hebei under carbon emission reduction
Authors: Wang Weijun , Qiao Xinna
Published: April 2021

Electric heating is helpful in resolving air pollution, and also utilizes renewable energy power. However, the environmental benefits of electric heating are restrained by regional resources endowment and regional electrical energy structure. In the context of the active promotion of electric heating in Beijing—Tianjin–Hebei, the paper studied the development potential and limits of wind power electric heating under the constraints of environmental effects to provide reference for the orderly development of electric heating. A model to predict the capacity of the installed wind power improved by the fruit fly optimized ELM (Extreme Learning Machine) algorithm and an electric heating environment effect calculation model are constructed. The optimal value and critical value of the newly added heating area in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei are obtained through calculation under four scenarios of wind abandonment rate. As the wind abandonment rate increases from 4–10% (with interval of 2%), the optimal value of the newly added electric heating area in Beijing—Tianjin–Hebei will be 19.15, 29.47, 36.26, and 47.90 million m2 by the year 2030. Additionally, as the utilization rate of thermal power exceeds 41.16%, electric heating will produce more carbon emissions compared to coal‐fired heating. Therefore, if we want to develop electric heating on a large scale, we need to control the proportion of thermal power in the power supply structure and increase the proportion of new energy. This study can be used as theoretical reference to the development programme of electric energy substitution in the future. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanisms of demyelination and neurodegeneration in globoid cell leukodystrophy
Authors: Feltri M. Laura , Weinstock Nadav I. , Favret Jacob , Dhimal Narayan , Wrabetz Lawrence , Shin Daesung
Published: April 2021

Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD), also known as Krabbe disease, is a lysosomal storage disorder causing extensive demyelination in the central and peripheral nervous systems. GLD is caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the lysosomal hydrolase, galactosylceramidase (GALC), which catabolizes the myelin sphingolipid galactosylceramide. The pathophysiology of GLD is complex and reflects the expression of GALC in a number of glial and neural cell types in both the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS), as well as leukocytes and kidney in the periphery. Over the years, GLD has garnered a wide range of scientific and medical interests, especially as a model system to study gene therapy and novel preclinical therapeutic approaches to treat the spontaneous murine model for GLD. Here, we review recent findings in the field of Krabbe disease, with particular emphasis on novel aspects of GALC physiology, GLD pathophysiology, and therapeutic strategies.
Nicotine induces morphological and functional changes in astrocytes via nicotinic receptor activity
Authors: Aryal Surya P. , Fu Xu , Sandin Joree N. , Neupane Khaga R. , Lakes Jourdan E. , Grady Martha E. , Richards Christopher I.
Published: April 2021

Nicotine is a highly addictive compound present in tobacco, which causes the release of dopamine in different regions of the brain. Recent studies have shown that astrocytes express nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and mediate calcium signaling. In this study, we examine the morphological and functional adaptations of astrocytes due to nicotine exposure. Utilizing a combination of fluorescence and atomic force microscopy, we show that nicotine‐treated astrocytes exhibit time‐dependent remodeling in the number and length of both proximal and fine processes. Blocking nAChR activity with an antagonist completely abolishes nicotine's influence on astrocyte morphology indicating that nicotine's action is mediated by these receptors. Functional studies show that 24‐hr nicotine treatment induces higher levels of calcium activity in both the cell soma and the processes with a more substantial change observed in the processes. Nicotine does not induce reactive astrocytosis even at high concentrations (10 μM) as determined by cytokine release and glial fibrillary acidic protein expression. We designed tissue clearing experiments to test whether morphological changes occur in vivo using astrocyte specific Aldh1l1‐tdTomato knock in mice. We find that nicotine induces a change in the volume of astrocytes in the prefrontal cortex, CA1 of the hippocampus, and the substantia nigra. These results indicate that nicotine directly alters the functional and morphological properties of astrocytes potentially contributing to the underlying mechanism of nicotine abuse.
Similar or dissimilar? Influence of similarity between distraction tasks and target tasks on unconscious thought
Authors: Li Jiansheng , Guo Yanlin , Shi Kai , Li Xuejing , Xie Jiarong
Published: April 2021

Distraction tasks are known to affect the unconscious‐thought (UT) effect. However, the relationship between two task types, namely distraction and target tasks, and their effect on UT effect have not been examined in previous studies. In this study, we assessed whether simultaneously performing dissimilar distraction and target tasks are beneficial to information processing by UT. In Experiment 1, the target task was an Alternate Use Task (speech task). For the similar‐task test, the UT group was assigned the speech 1‐back task (speech task) as the distraction task; for the dissimilar‐task test, the UT group was assigned the spatial 1‐back task (spatial task) as the distraction task. The results of the experiment revealed that under dissimilar tasks, the UT group not only provided more answers but also provided answers that were more novel. For Experiment 2, the target task was changed to Creative Mental Synthesis Task (spatial task) to replicate the results of Experiment 1. The results demonstrated that the dissimilarity between the distraction and target tasks facilitates the UT.
Monoallelic mutations in SLCO2A1 cause autosomal dominant primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy
Authors: Xu Yang , Zhang Zeng , Yue Hua , Li Shanshan , Zhang Zhenlin
Published: April 2021

Primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (PHO) is a rare disease inherited as a recessive or irregular dominant trait and characterized by digital clubbing, pachydermia, and periostosis. Biallelic mutations in HPGD and SLCO2A1, disturbing prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) catabolism and leading to increased circulating PGE2 level, cause PHO autosomal recessive 1 (PHOAR1) and PHO autosomal recessive 2 (PHOAR2), respectively. However, no causative genes have been reported for PHO autosomal dominant (PHOAD). Here, we performed Sanger sequencing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) on DNA samples from seven Chinese PHOAD families; after excluding other single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), structural variations (SVs), and copy number variations (CNVs) in the genomes, we reported six SLCO2A1 monoallelic mutations (c.1660G>A [p.G554R], c.664G>A [p.G222R], c.1106G>A [p.G369D], c.1065dupA [p.Q356TfsX77], c.1293delT [p.S432AfsX48], and c.1807C>T [p.R603X]) in the probands and affected family members. Then, in five other PHO families with probands carrying SLCO2A1 biallelic mutations, we verified that parents with SLCO2A1 monoallelic mutations also displayed PHO manifestations, which further confirmed the pathogenicity of SLCO2A1 monoallelic mutations and illustrated the allelic nature of PHOAD and PHOAR2. Subsequently, through comparison of seven PHOAD probands and 50 PHOAR2 patients, we found onset age in puberty and skewed penetrance rate were similar in both PHO types, but symptoms and signs of PHOAD were milder, including less severe pachydermia (p = .027) and periostosis (p = .005), and less frequent cutis verticis gyrata (p = .011), acne (p = .005), arthralgia (p = .037), and anemia (p = .023). The median urinary PGE2 level in PHOAD probands was almost half that in PHOAR2 patients (PHOAD 277.58 ng/mmoL creatinine, PHOAR2 473.19 ng/mmoL creatinine; p = .038). Moreover, through the 3-month trial of oral administration of etoricoxib, an effective response similar to that we reported previously in PHOAR2 patients was observed in PHOAD probands. In conclusion, our findings confirm that SLCO2A1 monoallelic mutations are the cause of PHOAD and broaden phenotypic spectrum of PHO. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Phosphorylated LASS2 inhibits prostate carcinogenesis via negative regulation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Zhang Kuangen , Wu Rui , Mei Fang , Zhou Yuhe , He Lin , Liu Yanhua , Zhao Xuyang , You Jiangfeng , Liu Beiying , Meng Qingyang , Pei Fei
Published: April 2021

LASS2 is a novel tumor‐suppressor gene and has been characterized as a ceramide synthase, which synthesizes very‐long acyl chain ceramides. However, LASS2 function and pathway‐related activity in prostate carcinogenesis are still largely unexplored. Here, we firstly report that LASS2 promotes β‐catenin degradation through physical interaction with STK38, SCYL2, and ATP6V0C via the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway, phosphorylation of LASS2 is essential for β‐catenin degradation, and serine residue 248 of LASS2 is illustrated to be a key phosphorylation site. Furthermore, we find that dephosphorylation of LASS2 at serine residue 248 significantly enhances prostate cancer cell growth and metastasis in vivo, indicating that phosphorylated LASS2 inhibits prostate carcinogenesis through negative regulation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Thus, our findings implicate LASS2 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target of prostate cancer.
IκB kinase inhibition remodeled connexins, pannexin‐1, and excitatory amino‐acid transporters expressions to promote neuroprotection of galantamine and morphine
Authors: Magdy Shimaa , Gamal Maha , Samir Nancy F. , Rashed Laila , Emad Aboulhoda Basma , Mohammed Haitham S. , Sharawy Nivin
Published: April 2021

Inflammatory pathway and disruption in glutamate homeostasis join at the level of the glia, resulting in various neurological disorders. In vitro studies have provided evidence that membrane proteins connexions (Cxs) are involved in glutamate release, meanwhile, excitatory amino‐acid transporters (EAATs) are crucial for glutamate reuptake (clearance). Moreover, pannexin‐1 (Panx‐1) activation is more detrimental to neurons. Their expression patterns during inflammation and the impacts of IκB kinase (IKK) inhibition, morphine, and galantamine on the inflammatory‐associated glutamate imbalance remain elusive.

To investigate this, rats were injected with saline or lipopolysaccharide. Thereafter, vehicles, morphine, galantamine, and BAY‐117082 were administered in different groups of animals. Subsequently, electroencephalography, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, western blot, and histopathological examinations were carried out and various indicators of inflammation and glutamate level were determined. Parallel analysis of Cxs, Panx‐1, and EAAts in the brain was performed. Our findings strengthen the concept that unregulated expressions of Cxs, Panx‐1, and EAATs contribute to glutamate accumulation and neuronal cell loss. Nuclear factor‐kB (NF‐κB) pathway can significantly contribute to glutamate homeostasis via modulating Cxs, Panx‐1, and EAATs expressions. BAY‐117082, via inhibition of IkK, promoted the anti‐inflammatory effects of morphine as well as galantamine. We concluded that NF‐κB is an important component of reshaping the expressions of Cxs, panx‐1, and EAATs and the development of glutamate‐induced neuronal degeneration.
Low‐cost nano‐TiO2 composites for remediation of textile dyes: Appraisal on the effect of solar and ultraviolet irradiations
Authors: Kaur Harleen , Kalia Anu
Published: April 2021

The study evaluates the azo dye degradation potential of nano‐TiO2; its composites with low‐cost substrates in the form of powder and encapsulated bead for two widely used azo dyes, methyl orange (MO) and congo red (CR) under solar and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Degradation potential varied according to the dye concentration, chemistry of dye, light source, and the formulation of the photocatalyst. Both the dyes were completely decolorized at 100 mg/L concentration and to some extent at 1,000 mg/L concentration. The activated charcoal‐titanium dioxide (AC‐TiO2) nanocomposite in the presence of solar radiations proved to be an economic and efficient substrate for degradation of the test dyes exhibiting combined action of adsorption and photocatalytic phenomena.
Prolonged presence of replication‐competent SARS‐CoV‐2 in mildly symptomatic individuals: A report of two cases
Authors: Mendes Correa Maria C. , Leal Fabio E. , Villas Boas Lucy S. , Witkin Steven S. , de Paula Anderson , Tozetto Mendonza Tania R. , Ferreira Noely E. , Curty Gislaine , de Carvalho Pedro S. , Buss Lewis F. , Costa Silvia F. , da Cunha Carvalho Flavia M. , Kawakami Joyce , Taniwaki Noemi N. , Paiao Heuder , da Silva Bizário Joao C. , de Jesus Jaqueline G. , Sabino Ester C. , Romano Camila M. , Grepan Regina M. Z. , Sesso Antonio
Published: April 2021

It has been estimated that individuals with COVID‐19 can shed replication‐competent virus up to a maximum of 20 days after initiation of symptoms. The majority of studies that addressed this situation involved hospitalized individuals and those with severe disease. Studies to address the possible presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 during the different phases of COVID‐19 disease in mildly infected individuals, and utilization of viral culture techniques to identify replication‐competent viruses, have been limited. This report describes two patients with mild forms of the disease who shed replication‐competent virus for 24 and 37 days, respectively, after symptom onset.
Synchronization and frequency control strategy for doubly fed induction generator based on adaptive high‐order sliding mode controller
Authors: Zare Hassan
Published: April 2021

Since the DFIGs have been widely used in the modern electric power system, they must participate in the frequency regulation and active power generation during different internal and external disturbance conditions. The amassed kinetic energy in the rotating components due to acceleration and deceleration operating conditions can appropriately support the active power generation. Loss of the rotor speed equilibrium leads to overspeed of the DFIG's rotor and accordingly instability condition. An imbalance between power generation and demand can create a significant deviation in the frequency of the power system, that is, the speed and frequency of the generator increase due to reduced load and increased power, and vice versa. Hence, the frequency of the power system is basically considered a prominent measure for maintaining the balance of active power, while various frequency regulation strategies such as inertial response and frequency control have been widely used for DFIG. On the other hand, the synchronization control‐based power generation by DFIG can cause an instability condition during the severe disturbances. This paper proposes ASCS‐AHSMC to accurately regulate the system frequency and maintain the synchronization. To appraise the performance of the proposed controller, it has been compared with the conventional SMC and Fuzzy‐based SMC. Furthermore, DFIG experiences less stable conditions under different wind variation models and short circuit to validate the controllability of ASCS‐AHSMC. Finally, the performance of the ASCS‐AHSMC has been well approved under different disturbance conditions as compared with the conventional SMC and the Fuzzy‐based SMC.
Effects of different rotational legume crops and residue management regimes on soil microbial properties and functions in a sugarcane farming system
Authors: Paungfoo-Lonhienne Chanyarat , Wang Weijin , Yeoh Yun Kit , Reeves Steven , Halpin Neil , Daly Joshua
Published: April 2021

Background: Legume crop rotation in sugarcane cropping systems can improve soil health and fertility. However, their impacts on soil microbial community composition and function have not been clearly understood to date.

Aims: This study aimed to assess responses of soil biochemical properties and composition of microbial communities driving C and N transformations in soils to different legume crop rotations and crop residue management practices.

Methods: We investigated the effects of two rotational legume crops (soybean and peanut) and six different crop residue management practices on soil physicochemical and microbial properties as well as biological activities including C and N mineralisation, nitrification capacity and denitrification potential, in a subtropical sugarcane cropping system.

Results: Incorporating high‐N soybean crop residues into soil significantly increased soil mineral N content in the first month compared to no‐till; no significant tillage effects were recorded with low‐N peanut residues. Both crop residues increased soil microbial biomass C, C mineralisation capacity and nitrification capacity. However, bacterial and archaeal composition and abundances of 16S rRNA and nitrification genes were not affected. Spraying a nitrification inhibitor (DMPG) onto the crop residues before tillage significantly suppressed soil nitrification capacity.

Conclusions: Compared to peanut rotation, soybean rotation could supply significantly more N for the following sugarcane crop due to its much higher crop residue N inputs and faster N mineralisation. Spraying legume residues with DMPG before tillage may provide an effective strategy to inhibit formation and thus reduce the risk of losses through leaching or denitrification.
Interfacial Rheology Measured with a Spinning Drop Interfacial Rheometer: Particularities in More Realistic Surfactant–Oil–Water Systems Close to Optimum Formulation at HLDN = 0
Authors: Marquez Ronald , Meza Luz , Alvarado José G. , Bullón Johnny , Langevin Dominique , Forgiarini Ana M. , Salager Jean‐Louis
Published: April 2021

Three different cases were selected to study the effect of physicochemical formulation on interfacial rheology properties of surfactant–oil–water (SOW) systems by increasing the complexity of the system from a basic case. This was performed by changing the normalized hydrophilic–lipophilic deviation (HLDN) to attain the optimum formulation at HLDN = 0. Two types of SOW systems were studied: the first one used an ionic surfactant with a salinity scan, and the second one a mixture of two nonionic surfactants in a formulation scan produced by changing their proportion. Both of them contained cyclohexane as a pure oil phase, without alcohol. Sec‐butanol was then added as a co‐surfactant with hardly any formulation influence on HLDN. The complexity in interfacial rheology was then increased by changing the oil to a light crude with low asphaltene content. The interfacial rheology is also reported for a realistic system with a high asphaltene content comprised of crude oil diluted in cyclohexane with a conventional surfactant and a commercial demulsifier. The findings confirm that at optimum formulation and whatever the scanning variable (salinity, average ethylene oxide number in the nonionic surfactant mixture, or surfactant/demulsifier concentration), the interfacial tension, and interfacial elastic moduli E, E′, and E″ exhibit a deep minimum. These observations are related to the acceleration of the surfactant exchanges between the interface, oil, and water, near the optimum formulation. Several arguments are put forward to explain how these findings could contribute to the decrease in emulsion stability at HLDN = 0.
New insights on interfacial polymerization kinetics of polyaniline
Authors: Shen Qing
Published: April 2021

The kinetics on the interfacial polymerization, IP, of polyaniline, PANI, has been studied by in situ dynamic conductivity measurement. Experimentally, the IP process was performed in classical and nonclassical by varying the ratio of upper/bottom phase volume in symmetrical or asymmetrical, respectively. Recorded dynamic solution conductivity, μ, curves showed that the fully PANI IP process has three stages: when the time, t, increase caused the μ stable at the first stage, rapid enhancement to the highest at the second stage, and then again stable while at a higher equilibrium level at the third stage. By defining the dμ/dt as the dynamic polymerization rate, rd, and the drd/dt as the dynamic polymerization acceleration, ad, respectively, the presented relative curves shown that the rd and ad both were varied in whole IP process while the increase was only at the second IP stage. Comparisons found that the increase of the time for rd and ad approaching to the greatest at the second stage was important for enhancing the conductivity of PANI, and the nonclassical IP process, especially the enhancement of the bottom phase volume, was the better than the others.
Study on the effect of vibration on solidification structures in the vibration cast‐rolling process
Authors: Wang H. , Qu C. , Zheng Y. , Du F.
Published: April 2021

In the vibration cast‐rolling process, the metal material is in the state of sub‐rapid solidification. Based on the principle of solidification and random theory, the relation between the vibrating process with sub‐rapid solidification and the number of new crystal nuclei was deduced. The theoretical analysis, numerical simulations and experiments of sub‐rapid solidification under vibration were performed. The results show that the modified Cellular Automaton‐Finite Element model can predict the solidified microstructure and size of crystal grains. The results also show that vibration with chilling can effectively promote the production of free crystal nuclei. With a higher frequency of vibration, the area of the equiaxed zone can increase, and the grains can be smaller.
Tourette Syndrome and Driving
Authors: Makhoul Karim , Jankovic Joseph
Published: April 2021

Background

Driving ability may be impaired in patients with various movement disorders, but it has not been studied in patients with Tourette syndrome (TS).

Cases

We describe a series of 6 patients from our large cohort of TS patients followed in our movement disorders clinic in whom severe tics have had interfered with their driving abilities. The motor tics involved facial muscles and caused visual impairment because of frequent blinking and transient blepharospasm (dystonic tic), but complex limb and truncal tics also seriously impacted their driving.

Conclusions

Although majority of patients with TS have no functional impairment, severe motor tics in some patients may adversely affect their driving ability, potentially causing danger to themselves and others. Screening for such troublesome tics should be considered in patients with TS, particularly in teenagers who are being evaluated for driver's licensing.
Low phase noise buffer‐reused BiCMOS oscillator
Authors: Lee Ho‐Chang , Jang Sheng‐Lyang , Chen Yen‐Hsun
Published: April 2021

This letter presents a lower phase noise voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) uses two differential amplifiers in cross‐coupled feedback and is named as a buffer‐reused VCO in the TSMC standard 0.18 μm SiGe BiCMOS processes. The die area is 1.1 × 1.2 mm2. The first amplifier uses HBT stacking on nMOSFET and the second amplifier uses nMOS amplifier. Its power consumption of 2.65 mW with output buffer current, the phase noise is −128.81 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset frequency from the center frequency 4.19 GHz. The figure of merit (FOM) is −194.08 dBc/Hz.
Report looks at sexual assault survivor experiences
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: April 2021

Nearly 40% of students who reported an incident of sexual assault or sexual violence to their campus authorities reported a corresponding disruption in their educational experiences. That finding comes from a 42‐page report on the adverse experiences that sexual assault or sexual violence student survivors experience after the incident and after reporting the incident.
Estimating the age of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticusL. 1758) cockerels through spur development
Authors: Doherty Sean Paul , Foster Alison , Best Julia , Hamilton‐Dyer Sheila , Morris James , Sadler Peta , Skelton Caroline , Smallman Rebecca , Woldekiros Helina , Thomas Richard , Sykes Naomi
Published: April 2021

Determining the age of bird remains after the cessation of growth is challenging due to the absence of techniques such as tooth eruption and wear available for mammals. Without these techniques, it is difficult to reconstruct hunting strategies, husbandry regimes, and wider human–animal relationships. This paper presents a new method, developed from a collection (n = 71) of known‐age specimens of domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticusL. 1758), for assessing age based on the fusion and size of the tarsometatarsal spur. Using this method, we reconstruct the demographics of domestic fowl from Iron Age to Early Modern sites in Britain to reveal the changing dynamics of human–domestic fowl relationships. We highlight the advanced age that cockerels often attained in their early history and how their life expectancies have subsequently declined.
Color and Coatings
Authors: Houta Faiza , Quinten Michael
Published: April 2021

Optical thickness determination of very thin layers is based on measuring the reflectance and evaluating with a fit algorithm. Any fit algorithm however needs initial values for the parameters that need not to be far away from the expected final parameter values. This causes serious problems in the case of samples with spatially distributed coatings. We successfully circumvented the problem by combining the thickness determination with a color evaluation. The color evaluation proved to be helpful to set the proper initial values for each measuring position.
Principles of Laser Scanning Microscopes
Authors: Farell Megan
Published: April 2021

One of the factors that contributes to the recent considerable reduction in the size and high integration of electronics and other devices is the miniaturization of the electronic components that they contain. In addition, new fine functional materials have been developed and widely used in fields including the automobile, aviation, metal, and chemical industries. As a result, higher accuracy and resolving power are required for minute three‐dimensional measurement of these components and materials. Although a variety of devices are available to satisfy these requirements, the confocal microscope is gathering attention as the device of choice for easy three‐dimensional, non‐contact surface profile measurements in air.