bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Nasal Obstruction Balance Index: A Novel Approach to Improving Correlation Between Unilateral Nasal Airway Measurements and Evaluating Nasal Airway Asymmetry
Authors: Kaura Anika , Pendolino Alfonso Luca , Navaratnam Annakan , Andrews Peter J. , Leung Terence S.
Published: May 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Demonstrate that the Nasal Obstruction Balance Index (NOBI) model fulfils the unmet need of improving unilateral correlation between subjective and objective nasal obstruction outcome measures and identifying the more obstructed side.

Improve correlation between unilateral objective nasal airway measurements (nasal inspiratory peak flow [NIPF] and acoustic rhinometry [AR]) and subjective Visual Analogue Scale for nasal obstruction (VAS‐NO) scores.

Improve assessment of nasal airway asymmetry by evaluating unilateral measurements both before and after the application of nasal decongestant; which the patient could better understand.

NOBI represents a ratio calculated by taking the difference between left and right nasal airway measurements and divided by the maximum unilateral measurement. It is based on Poiseuille's law and aims to reduce the confounding variables which challenge nasal airway measurement.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Forty‐three controls and 34 patients with nasal obstruction underwent both unilateral and bilateral NIPF, AR and VAS‐NO measurements; these were repeated after the application of nasal decongestant. The NOBI values for unilateral NIPF, AR, and VAS‐NO were calculated both before and after decongestant.

Results

The correlation between unilateral NIPF and AR measurements was enhanced considerably (r = 0.57,P < .01) when NOBI was applied. The NOBI metric significantly increased the correlation between unilateral NIPF, AR, and VAS‐NO scores. Postdecongestant NOBI for NIPF and AR measurements correctly identified the more obstructed side in 82.4% and 94.1% of the deviated nasal septum (DNS) cases, respectively.

Conclusion

The NOBI model provides a better correlation between unilateral subjective and objective measurements and identifies the more obstructed side.

Level of Evidence

3Laryngoscope, 131:E2833–E2840, 2021
Moving ecological and biogeochemical transitions across the North Pacific
Authors: Follett Christopher L. , Dutkiewicz Stephanie , Forget Gael , Cael B. B. , Follows Michael J.
Published: May 2021

In the North Pacific Ocean, nutrient rich surface waters flow south from the subpolar gyre through a transitional region and into the subtropics. Along the way, nutrients are used, recycled, and exported, leading to lower biomass and a commensurate change in ecosystem structure moving southward. We focus on the region between the two gyres (the Transition Zone) using a coupled biophysical ocean model, remote sensing, floats, and cruise data to explore the nature of the physical, biogeochemical, and ecological fields in this region. Nonlinear interactions between biological processes and the meridional gradient in nutrient supply lead to sharp shifts across this zone. These transitions between a southern region with more uniform biological and biogeochemical properties and steep meridional gradients to the north are diagnosed from extrema in the first derivative of the properties with latitude. Some transitions like that for chlorophyll a (the transition zone chlorophyll front [TZCF]) experience large seasonal excursions while the location of the transitions in other properties moves very little. The seasonal shifts are not caused by changes in the horizontal flow field, but rather by the interaction of seasonal, depth related, forcing with the mean latitudinal gradients. Focusing on the TZCF as a case study, we express its phase velocity in terms of vertical nutrient flux and internal ecosystem processes, demonstrating their nearly equal influence on its motion. This framework of propagating biogeochemical transitions can be systematically expanded to better understand the processes that structure ecosystems and biogeochemistry in the North Pacific and beyond.
Size‐specific grazing and competitive interactions between large salps and protistan grazers
Authors: Stukel Michael R. , Décima Moira , Selph Karen E. , Gutiérrez‐Rodríguez Andres
Published: May 2021

We investigated competition betweenSalpa thompsoniand protistan grazers during Lagrangian experiments near the Subtropical Front in the southwest Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean. Over a month, the salp community shifted from dominance by large (> 100 mm) oozooids and small (< 20 mm) blastozooids to large (~ 60 mm) blastozooids. Phytoplankton biomass was consistently dominated by nano‐ and microphytoplankton (> 2 μm cells). Using bead‐calibrated flow‐cytometry light scatter to estimate phytoplankton size, we quantified size‐specific salp and protistan zooplankton grazing pressure. Salps were able to feed at a > 10,000 : 1 predator : prey size (linear‐dimension) ratio. Small blastozooids efficiently retained cells > 1.4μm (high end of picoplankton size, 0.6–2 μm cells) and also obtained substantial nutrition from smaller bacteria‐sized cells. Larger salps could only feed efficiently on > 5.9μm cells and were largely incapable of feeding on picoplankton. Due to the high biomass of nano‐ and microphytoplankton, however, all salps derived most of their (phytoplankton‐based) nutrition from these larger autotrophs. Phagotrophic protists were the dominant competitors for these prey items and consumed approximately 50% of the biomass of all phytoplankton size classes each day. Using a Bayesian statistical framework, we developed an allometric‐scaling equation for salp clearance rates as a function of salp and prey size:urn:x-wiley:00243590:media:lno11770:lno11770-math-0001where ESD is prey equivalent spherical diameter (µm), TL isS. thompsonitotal length,φ = 5.6 × 10−3 ± 3.6 × 10−4,ψ = 2.1 ± 0.13,θ = 0.58 ± 0.08, andγ = 0.46 ± 0.03 and clearance rate is L d‐1salp‐1. We discuss the biogeochemical and food‐web implications of competitive interactions among salps, krill, and protozoans.
Culture as infrastructure in learning health systems
Authors: Vinson Alexandra H.
Published: May 2021

Building Learning Health Systems requires the combination of information, regulatory, and cultural infrastructures that create communities focused on changing health outcomes through the application of quality improvement methodology, focused data collection, closed feedback loops, and community‐participatory techniques. Accomplishing the vision of the Learning Health System relies on building robust infrastructures, and teaching a wide variety of stakeholders to participate in these novel socio‐technical systems. In this commentary, I draw on empirical examples from fieldwork with Learning Networks to describe how social scientists view culture and what this concept might hold for learning health sciences.
Scoring Algorithm‐Based Genomic Testing in Dystonia: A Prospective Validation Study
Authors: Zech Michael , Jech Robert , Boesch Sylvia , Škorvánek Matej , Necpál Ján , Švantnerová Jana , Wagner Matias , Sadr‐Nabavi Ariane , Distelmaier Felix , Krenn Martin , Serranová Tereza , Rektorová Irena , Havránková Petra , Mosejová Alexandra , Příhodová Iva , Šarláková Jana , Kulcsarová Kristína , Ulmanová Olga , Bechyně Karel , Ostrozovičová Miriam , Haň Vladimír , Ventosa Joaquim Ribeiro , Brunet Theresa , Berutti Riccardo , Shariati Mohammad , Shoeibi Ali , Schneider Susanne A. , Kuster Alice , Baumann Matthias , Weise David , Wilbert Friederike , Janzarik Wibke G. , Eckenweiler Matthias , Mall Volker , Haslinger Bernhard , Berweck Steffen , Winkelmann Juliane , Oexle Konrad
Published: May 2021

Background

Despite the established value of genomic testing strategies, practice guidelines for their use do not exist in many indications.

Objectives

We sought to validate a recently introduced scoring algorithm for dystonia, predicting the diagnostic utility of whole‐exome sequencing (WES) based on individual phenotypic aspects (age‐at‐onset, body distribution, presenting comorbidity).

Methods

We prospectively enrolled a set of 209 dystonia‐affected families and obtained summary scores (0–5 points) according to the algorithm. Singleton (N = 146), duo (N = 11), and trio (N = 52) WES data were generated to identify genetic diagnoses.

Results

Diagnostic yield was highest (51%) among individuals with a summary score of 5, corresponding to a manifestation of early‐onset segmental or generalized dystonia with coexisting non‐movement disorder‐related neurological symptoms. Sensitivity and specificity at the previously suggested threshold for implementation of WES (3 points) was 96% and 52%, with area under the curve of 0.81.

Conclusions

The algorithm is a useful predictive tool and could be integrated into dystonia routine diagnostic protocols. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson Movement Disorder Society
One‐dimensional bunched Ni‐V2O3@C@CNT for superior performance lithium‐ion batteries and hybrid capacitors
Authors: Bai Youcun
Published: May 2021

In this paper, by using the bamboo‐like carbon nanotubes (BCNTs) from sulfonated polymer nanotubes (SPNTs), the 3D porous sugar‐coated haws stick‐like composites decorated with V2O3 and Ni nanoparticles (NV@C@CNT) have been prepared via a facile solution method and subsequent annealing reactions. The porous carbon matrix derived from the SPNTs provides a continuous highly conductive network to facilitate the fast charge transfer and form a stable solid electrolyte interface film. This engineering protocol toward electrode architectures/configurations endows integrated NV@C@CNT anodes with large specific capacity (895.6 mAh g–1 at 0.2 A g–1 after 100 cycles), good operation stability, excellent rate capabilities, and prolonged cyclic life span. To prove their potential real applications, we have established the NV@C@CNT//FCNT lithium ion capacitors (LICs), which is capable of showing high energy densities, power densities, and long cycle stability. This work provides a scalable, simple, and efficient evolutionary method for the production of NV@C@CNT electrode materials, providing useful inspiration and guidance for the anodic applications of metal oxides in next‐generation power sources.
Atomic understanding of structural deformations upon ablation of graphene
Authors: Alaghemandi Mohammad , Salehi Leili , Samolis Panagis , Trachtenberg Benyamin T. , Turnali Ahmet , Sander Michelle Y. , Sharifzadeh Sahar
Published: May 2021

We investigate the atomic rearrangement in graphene under femtosecond pulse illumination with reactive molecular dynamics simulations and compare with ultra‐fast laser ablation experiments. To model the impact of the laser pulse irradiation, heat is locally applied to a selected area of the graphene layer and the resulting structural deformation is simulated as a function of time, providing a detailed understanding of the bond breaking process under laser illumination and subsequent re‐equilibration after the pulse is turned off. Analysis of the atomic dynamics indicates that the types of defects formed depend on the pulse energy and exposure duration. By varying the exposed area, we determine that the shape of the ablated area is not only a function of the pulse energy, but also of the beam spot size and pulse repetition. Furthermore, we apply a machine learning approach to extrapolate our simulated data to experimental length scales and reproduce the trends in ablated area as a function of temperature. Our study provides a first step towards understanding the design parameters for graphene nano‐patterning.
Defects of the femoral head‐neck junction: A new method of classification and observed frequency in Hamann‐Todd skeletal collection
Authors: Medlej Bahaa , Cohen Haim , Dar Gali , Peleg Smadar , Abbas Janan , Masharawi Youssef , Hershkovitz Israel , May Hila
Published: May 2021

Femoral head‐neck defects (FHNDs) are commonly reported in the anatomical and anthropological literature. The best known types are Allen's fossa and Poirier's facet; however, their definition and etiology are still debated. The aims of this study were to revise the categorization and identification of FHNDs and to reveal their prevalence in a skeletal sample. The femora of 238 individuals (161 males and 77 females) aged between 21 and 93 years old from the Hamann‐Todd osteological collections (Cleveland Museum of Natural History) were examined. FHNDs were classified according to their location, size, and appearance. Six different types of defects in the femoral head and neck were defined: ditch (it appears like Allen's fossa), tongue (it appears like Poirier's facet), indentate, sunken, groove, and pit. This classification method was found to be reliable (κ ≥ 0.907). FHNDs are very common among adult human populations (69.3%), especially the ditch (25.2%) and the tongue types (38.2%). All types were sex and age independent; however, the age of onset varied. The tongue type was more prevalent among the elderly, whereas the ditch type was more prevalent among younger individuals. To conclude, there are six distinct types of FHNDs, which varied in their location, appearance, and prevalence. The most common defects, tongue and ditch, were sex and age independent. These defects are easily identified by naked eye or via CT images and therefore can be studied both in skeletal and modern populations, respectively.
Indigenous knowledge of key ecological processes confers resilience to a small‐scale kelp fishery
Authors: Kobluk Hannah M. , Gladstone Keith , Reid Mike , Brown Kelly , Krumhansl Kira A. , Salomon Anne K.
Published: May 2021

Feedbacks between social and ecological processes can lead to sustainable stewardship practices that support ecological resilience among harvested populations. This is evident along the world's coast lines, where Indigenous knowledge systems have facilitated millennia of human–nature coexistence. However, social–ecological conditions globally are quickly shifting, posing challenges for coastal Indigenous communities where customary harvest of ocean resources, such as kelps, needs to adapt to growing markets, novel climates and changing governance regimes. Consequently, a pressing need exists to determine how specific ecological and social variables drive key dynamics within coupled human–ocean systems.

Motivated by the information needs of an Indigenous community on Canada's Pacific Coast, we co‐designed a traditional harvest experiment, field surveys and semi‐directed interviews with Indigenous resource users and managers to measure the ecological resilience of the feather boa kelp Egregia menziesii to harvest and determine what environmental variables most affected its recovery. We wove these results with information on current stewardship practices to inform future management of this slow‐growing perennial kelp based on Indigenous knowledge and western science.

We found that Egregia recovered from traditional harvest levels faster than expected with minimal impact on its productivity because plants sprouted new fronds. In fact, traditional harvest levels of Egregia mimicked natural frond loss. Indigenous knowledge and empirical ecological evidence revealed the importance of individual plant size, site‐specific seawater temperature and wave exposure in driving Egregia recovery. Indigenous stewardship practices reflected these ecological relationships in the practice of selecting large plants from sites with healthy patches of Egregia. While we documented key social controls of harvest, current self‐reported harvest levels of kelp fronds were two times greater than the stated social norm, but only 1.2 times greater in terms of kelp biomass.

Consequently, traditional harvest protocols facilitate Egregia recovery and promote its sustained use. However, its ecological resilience is susceptible to the erosion of customary practices and warming ocean temperatures.

Co‐produced research that mobilizes multiple bodies of knowledge can enhance our understanding of social–ecological resilience, empower local decision makers and democratize the science and practice of natural resource management.

​

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Thin film cadmium telluride solar cells on ultra‐thin glass in low earth orbit—3 years of performance data on the AlSat‐1N CubeSat mission
Authors: Lamb Dan A. , Irvine Stuart J. C. , Baker Mark A. , Underwood Craig I. , Mardhani Simran
Published: May 2021

This paper details 3 years of cadmium telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic performance onboard the AlSat‐1N CubeSat in low earth orbit. These are the first CdTe solar cells to yield I–V measurements from space and help to strengthen the argument for further development of this technology for space application. The data have been collected over some 17 000 orbits by the CubeSat with the cells showing no signs of delamination, no deterioration in short circuit current or series resistance. The latter indicating that the aluminium‐doped zinc oxide transparent front electrode performance remained stable over the duration. Effects of temperature on open circuit voltage (Voc) were observed with a calculated temperature coefficient for Voc of −0.19%/°C. Light soaking effects were also observed to increase the Voc. The fill factor decreased over the duration of the mission with a major contribution being a decrease in shunt resistance of all four of the cells. The decrease in shunt resistance is speculated to result from gold diffusion from the rear contacts into the absorber and through to the front interface. This has likely resulted in the formation of a deep trap state within the CdTe and micro shunts formed between the rear and front contact. Further development of this technology should therefore utilise more stable back contacting methodologies more commonly employed for terrestrial CdTe modules.
Preparation of Reinforced Anisometric Patchy Supraparticles for Self‐Propulsion
Authors: Oguztürk H. Esra , Bauer Leona J. , Mantouvalou Ioanna , Kanngieβ  er Birgit , Velev Orlin D. , Gradzielski Michael
Published: May 2021

The preparation of fumed silica‐based anisometric supraparticles with well‐defined catalytically active patches suitable for self‐propulsion is presented here. These sub‐millimeter‐sized particles can self‐propel as they contain Pt‐covered magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles, where the Pt can decompose catalytically a “fuel” like H2O2 and thereby propel the supraparticles. By their magnetic properties, the catalytically active nanoparticles can be concentrated in patches on the supraparticle surface. The goal is to obtain robust supraparticles with well‐defined patchiness and long‐time stability during self‐propulsion through evaporation‐induced self‐assembly (EISA) on a superhydrophobic surface. The latter is a major issue as oxygen evolution can lead to the disintegration of the supraparticles. Therefore, enhanced mechanical stability is sought using a number of different additives, where the best results are obtained by incorporating polystyrene microspheres followed by heat treatment or reinforcement with microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and sodium trisilicate (Na2SiO3). The detailed internal structure of the different types of particles is investigated by confocal micro‐X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy (CMXRF), which allows for precisely locating the catalytic Fe3O4@Pt nanoparticles within the supraparticles with a resolution in the µm range. The insights on the supraparticle structure, together with their long‐time stability, allow fabricating optimized patchy supraparticles for potential applications in propulsion‐enhanced catalysis.
Humidity effect in heating and cooling of press‐formed paperboard food packages: Comparison of storing and heating conditions
Authors: Niini Arvo , Leminen Ville , Tanninen Panu , Varis Juha
Published: May 2021

Press‐formed paperboard food packages were heated and cooled to study the humidity effect on the packages with a series of dimension measurements. The empty packages in the form of trays were pre‐dried or preconditioned before their packing with oatmeal, and heating humidity of the packages was altered to find the optimal storing and heating conditions for improving the dimensional stability of the trays. The dimension measurement results showed aggravated dimensional stability of the trays during the heating and cooling. Pre‐drying and low heating humidity were observed to reduce the impact of the humidity effect on the packages, and the humidity effect was linked to the material moisture content change. The dry storing and heating humidity were concluded to enhance the dimensional stability of the press‐formed paperboard food packages. Use of the dry storing condition was found necessary to mitigate the humidity effect in the heating and cooling of the food packages.
Laboratory and initial field testing of the Min‐Trap™ for tracking reactive iron sulfide mineral formation during in situ remediation
Authors: Ulrich Shannon , Martin Tilton Jennifer , Justicia‐Leon Shandra , Liles David , Prigge Robert , Carter Erika , Divine Craig , Taggart Dora , Clark Katherine
Published: May 2021

The Mineral Trap, or Min‐Trap™, is a monitoring well‐based sampler designed to collect direct physical evidence of reactive mineral formation in situ without collecting soil or rock core samples. The Min‐Trap consists of a nonreactive granular medium (e.g., silica sand) within water‐permeable mesh pillows that are supported inside a slotted polyvinyl chloride housing that is incubated within a conventional monitoring well. The primary objective of the Min‐Trap in this application is to collect reactive minerals that are forming in the aquifer in a retrievable format that can be submitted for laboratory analysis. To evaluate the capability of Min‐Traps to capture reactive iron minerals, both a laboratory tank test and a field test were conducted. Both tests confirmed that iron sulfide minerals form in the Min‐Trap under sulfate reducing conditions within several weeks. Analysis of the precipitated minerals via the AMIBA analysis suite showed that they almost entirely consisted of weak acid soluble (biogenic, microcrystalline) ferrous iron‐based minerals, and at least two thirds of the sulfur‐containing minerals were monosulfides (i.e., mackinawite) at the end of each test. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the colocation of iron and sulfur in the mineral masses. The dominance of the ferrous iron and reduced sulfur verifies that little to no oxidation of the captured minerals occurred between sample collection and analysis. A subsurface soil core was collected during the field test next to the Min‐Trap‐containing well. AMIBA results were consistent between the native soil and the Min‐Trap except for much higher strong acid soluble (crystalline) ferric iron in the native soil when compared to the silica sand of the Min‐Trap, as expected. This work shows that Min‐Traps are useful for documenting the formation of reactive iron sulfides (FeSx) that can form during in situ anaerobic biostimulation and can drive complementary abiotic treatment of chlorinated volatile organic compounds. Mineralogical data obtained from Min‐Traps can be applied to assess remedial objectives at several stages of the remedial program, including initial characterization, alternatives evaluation, feasibility testing, remedy optimization, and transition from active treatment to passive remedial methods.
Heuristics and protective behavior for floods
Authors: Starominski‐Uehara Marvin
Published: May 2021

Findings from the literature of flood risk management have suggested that heuristics increase exposure to flood risks. This article models some of these conventional heuristics. The main finding emerging from survey data is that not every heuristic significantly correlates with the decision of households to not take protective actions. Flood experience, as it has been corroborated in the literature, turned out to be the main driver among residents living in flood‐prone areas in Southeast Queensland, Australia, to take protective actions against flood risks. More specifically, households who featured perceived negative flood experiences were more likely to take out flood insurance, retrofit or raise their property, and relocate. This survey analysis is supported by the Theory of Ecological Rationality. It suggests that flood mitigation policies should create models that mimic real‐world decision‐making processes to gain further insights into how flood experience affects risk perception and decision‐making under uncertainty.
Partisanship, policy options, and risk: Perceived influence of political partisanship on health emergency preparedness
Authors: Myers Nathan
Published: May 2021

The 21st century has seen the emergence of two novel coronaviruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and COVID‐19 (coronavirus infectious disease of 2019). In the wake of the 9/11 attacks in 2001, Republicans and Democrats were united in their concerns regarding SARS and the potential threat of biological weapons. That united front was not to be seen during the 2016 debate over supplemental funding for Zika. The primary focus of this study is whether the perception of partisanship in the public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) area affects attitudes about policy options regarding PHEP. To investigate these issues, a Qualtrics online survey of members of hospital preparedness coalitions was conducted. The survey questions covered issues such as the level of governmental priority placed on fighting infectious disease, respondents' level of confidence that the essential functions of government are being managed, the role of partisanship in PHEP decision making, and support for proposals to reform the government's infectious disease response. A statistically significant association was found between respondents' reporting that partisanship in PHEP presents a risk of injury or death and support for all the proposed reforms, indicating a desire to decentralize PHEP activities and a need to reinvigorate PHEP bipartisanship.
Reactive oxygen species as potential antiviral targets
Authors: Sander Willem J. , Fourie Corinne , Sabiu Saheed , O'Neill Frans H. , Pohl Carolina H. , O'Neill Hester G.
Published: May 2021

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are by‐products of cellular metabolism and can be either beneficial, at low levels, or deleterious, at high levels, to the cell. It is known that several viral infections can increase oxidative stress, which is mainly facilitated by viral‐induced imbalances in the antioxidant defence mechanisms of the cell. While the exact role of ROS in certain viral infections (adenovirus and dengue virus) remains unknown, other viruses can use ROS for enhancement of pathogenesis (SARS coronavirus and rabies virus) or replication (rhinovirus, West Nile virus and vesicular stomatitis virus) or both (hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus and influenza virus). While several viral proteins (mainly for hepatitis C and human immunodeficiency virus) have been identified to play a role in ROS formation, most mediators of viral ROS modulation are yet to be elucidated. Treatment of viral infections, including hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus and influenza virus, with ROS inhibitors has shown a decrease in both pathogenesis and viral replication both in vitro and in animal models. Clinical studies indicating the potential for targeting ROS‐producing pathways as possible broad‐spectrum antiviral targets should be evaluated in randomized controlled trials.
Influenza vaccines: Past, present, and future
Authors: Kim Yun‐Hee , Hong Kee‐Jong , Kim Hun , Nam Jae‐Hwan
Published: May 2021

​Summary

Globally, infection by seasonal influenza viruses causes 3–5 million cases of severe illness and 290,000–650,000 respiratory deaths each year. Various influenza vaccines, including inactivated split‐ and subunit‐type, recombinant and live attenuated vaccines, have been developed since the 1930s when it was discovered that influenza viruses could be cultivated in embryonated eggs. However, the protection rate offered by these vaccines is rather low, especially in very young children and the elderly. In this review, we describe the history of influenza vaccine development, the immune responses induced by the vaccines and the adjuvants applied. Further, we suggest future directions for improving the effectiveness of influenza vaccines in all age groups. This includes the development of an influenza vaccine that induces a balanced T helper cell type 1 and type 2 immune responses based on the understanding of the immune system, and the development of a broad‐spectrum influenza vaccine that can increase effectiveness despite antigen shifts and drifts, which are characteristics of the influenza virus. A brighter future can be envisaged if the development of an adjuvant that is safe and effective is realized.
Neural‐network‐based distributed security filtering for networked switched systems
Authors: Shang Hui , Zong Guangdeng , Shi Kaibo
Published: May 2021

In this paper, distributed security filtering is investigated for networked switched systems under the round‐robin protocol (RRP). In order to fully take the practical situation into account, a cyber attack without additional bounded constraint is considered by introducing the neural network approximate technique. Moreover, the scattered sensor nodes are universally utilized to transmit and collect system information. The distributed filtering is proposed for the networked switched systems to estimate the system output. In order to ease data collisions, RRP is taken to schedule signal communication through the shared network. By constructing a token‐dependent and mode‐dependent Lyapunov function, sufficient conditions are given to ensure the filtering error system under cyber attack is finite‐time bounded. The filtering gains are determined by solving a set of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, the availability of the acquired methods is verified by a PWM‐driven boost converter model.
Developing more generalizable prediction models from pooled studies and large clustered data sets
Authors: de Jong Valentijn M. T. , Moons Karel G. M. , Eijkemans Marinus J. C. , Riley Richard D. , Debray Thomas P. A.
Published: May 2021

Prediction models often yield inaccurate predictions for new individuals. Large data sets from pooled studies or electronic healthcare records may alleviate this with an increased sample size and variability in sample characteristics. However, existing strategies for prediction model development generally do not account for heterogeneity in predictor‐outcome associations between different settings and populations. This limits the generalizability of developed models (even from large, combined, clustered data sets) and necessitates local revisions. We aim to develop methodology for producing prediction models that require less tailoring to different settings and populations. We adopt internal‐external cross‐validation to assess and reduce heterogeneity in models' predictive performance during the development. We propose a predictor selection algorithm that optimizes the (weighted) average performance while minimizing its variability across the hold‐out clusters (or studies). Predictors are added iteratively until the estimated generalizability is optimized. We illustrate this by developing a model for predicting the risk of atrial fibrillation and updating an existing one for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis, using individual participant data from 20 cohorts (N = 10 873) and 11 diagnostic studies (N = 10 014), respectively. Meta‐analysis of calibration and discrimination performance in each hold‐out cluster shows that trade‐offs between average and heterogeneity of performance occurred. Our methodology enables the assessment of heterogeneity of prediction model performance during model development in multiple or clustered data sets, thereby informing researchers on predictor selection to improve the generalizability to different settings and populations, and reduce the need for model tailoring. Our methodology has been implemented in the R package metamisc.
Absence of Microsatellite Instability in Extramammary Paget's Disease
Authors: Kashiwada-Nakamura K. , Myangat T. M. , Kajihara I. , Kusaba Y. , Tanaka K. , Sakamoto R. , Maeda-Otsuka S. , Yamada-Kanazawa S. , Sawamura S. , Kanemaru H. , Nishimura Y. , Honda N. , Makino K. , Miyashita A. , Aoi J. , Igata T. , Makino T. , Masuguchi S. , Fukushima S. , Ihn H.
Published: May 2021

Background

Deficiency of DNA mismatch repair (MMR) induces microsatellite instability (MSI). Pembrolizumab, an antibody targeting PD-1 (an immune checkpoint inhibitor), is more effective against MMR-deficient tumours than against MMR-proficient tumours. The status of MMR is a useful biomarker for predicting the effectiveness of pembrolizumab administration. Although the status of MMR has attracted attention in skin tumours, there are few reports on MSI in extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD).

Objectives

To evaluate the status of MMR in patients with EMPD.

Materials & Methods

One hundred one patients with EMPD were included. MMR status of the genomic DNA of each subject was analysed using Promega panel (approved as a companion diagnostic agent for the administration of pembrolizumab).

Results

MSI testing showed the occurrence rates of MSI-high (more than two markers are unstable), MSI-low (one marker is unstable) and MSS (all markers are stable) tumour tissues were 0% (0/101), 1.0% (1/101) and 99.0% (100/101), respectively.

Conclusion

The status of MMR may not be useful for the potential therapeutic application of pembrolizumab.
Microfluidics for Microswimmers: Engineering Novel Swimmers and Constructing Swimming Lanes on the Microscale, a Tutorial Review
Authors: Sharan Priyanka , Nsamela Audrey , Lesher‐Pérez Sasha Cai , Simmchen Juliane
Published: May 2021

This paper provides an updated review of recent advances in microfluidics applied to artificial and biohybrid microswimmers. Sharing the common regime of low Reynolds number, the two fields have been brought together to take advantage of the fluid characteristics at the microscale, benefitting microswimmer research multifold. First, microfluidics offer simple and relatively low‐cost devices for high‐fidelity production of microswimmers made of organic and inorganic materials in a variety of shapes and sizes. Microscale confinement and the corresponding fluid properties have demonstrated differential microswimmer behaviors in microchannels or in the presence of various types of physical or chemical stimuli. Custom environments to study these behaviors have been designed in large part with the help of microfluidics. Evaluating microswimmers in increasingly complex lab environments such as microfluidic systems can ensure more effective implementation for in‐field applications. The benefits of microfluidics for the fabrication and evaluation of microswimmers are balanced by the potential use of microswimmers for sample manipulation and processing in microfluidic systems, a large obstacle in diagnostic and other testing platforms. In this review various ways in which these two complementary technology fields will enhance microswimmer development and implementation in various fields are introduced.
Systems biology for crop improvement
Authors: Pazhamala Lekha T. , Kudapa Himabindu , Weckwerth Wolfram , Millar A. Harvey , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: May 2021

In recent years, generation of large‐scale data from genome, transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, epigenome, and others, has become routine in several plant species. Most of these datasets in different crop species, however, were studied independently and as a result, full insight could not be gained on the molecular basis of complex traits and biological networks. A systems biology approach involving integration of multiple omics data, modeling, and prediction of the cellular functions is required to understand the flow of biological information that underlies complex traits. In this context, systems biology with multiomics data integration is crucial and allows a holistic understanding of the dynamic system with the different levels of biological organization interacting with external environment for a phenotypic expression. Here, we present recent progress made in the area of various omics studies—integrative and systems biology approaches with a special focus on application to crop improvement. We have also discussed the challenges and opportunities in multiomics data integration, modeling, and understanding of the biology of complex traits underpinning yield and stress tolerance in major cereals and legumes.
Comparative study of antimicrobial action of aloe vera and antibiotics against different bacterial isolates from skin infection
Authors: Arbab Safia , Ullah Hanif , Weiwei Wang , Wei Xiaojuan , Ahmad Salah Uddin , Wu Lingyu , Zhang Jiyu
Published: May 2021

Aloe vera is reputed to have medicinal properties. For centuries, it has been used for an array of ailments such as mild fever, wounds and burns, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, sexual vitality and fertility problems to cancer, immune modulation, AIDS and various skin infections. In present study, antibacterial activity of aloe vera gel extracts was tested against some common skin infection pathogens, that is, Escherichia coli, Shigella, Salmonella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus all were recorded positive. Antibiotic resistance and susceptibility pattern of above isolates were also studied against 10 clinically significant antibiotics (ampicillin [AMC], amoxicillin, augmentin, cefotaxime, ceftazidime [CAZ], cefuroxime [CXM], ciprofloxaci, tetracycline, cefpodoxime and imipenem). AMC and CXM were found to be most effective antibiotic followed by CXM with highest efficacy against Gram‐negative bacteria. In case of CAZ showed highest efficacy was showed against Gram‐positive bacteria. Aloe vera leave gel was extracted with four different solvent‐like aloe vera leaf extract, root extract, leaf ethanol extract and root ethanol extract; however, Gram‐negative as well Gram‐positive isolates was found highest susceptibility with aloe leaf and aloe root ethanol extract. Moderate sensitivity observed with aloe leaf extract and aloe root extract against both Gram‐positive as well as Gram‐negative bacterial isolates. This result showed that ethanol extracts of aloe vera both leaf and root can be used alongside conventional antibiotics to fight agents of infections that are so prevalent in the skin infection.
Modulator effect of mangiferin on biochemical characterization in 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene induced oral cancer in experimental hamsters
Authors: Liu Min , Wen Chengquan , Pan Shengqi
Published: May 2021

Background

Newly, chemo‐preventive technique might be a hopeful advancement in developing countries for treating cancers with the aid of toxic less natural based constituents. Malignancy urges to augment effectual chemo‐preventive agents that are look forward to suppress the tumours which may be stimulated by chewing and smoking of tobacco and over alcohol consumption related with the high prevalence of human oral cancer (OC) patients.

Methods

In the present research, we examined to assess antioxidants, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and detoxification enzymes levels of anticancer activity of mangiferin on 0.5% 7.12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) provoked hamster cheek pouch carcinoma (HCPC). OC on hamster buccal pouch (HBP) was incited by DMBA treatment for thrice per week for over 14 weeks.

Results

100% well defined OC establishment with body weight (bw), tumour burden (TB), antioxidant, LPO and liver marker enzymes and also histological changes were observed on DMBA‐challenged buccal pouch carcinoma (BPC) in hamsters. Orally treated mangiferin at an effective dosage of 50 mg/kg bw, to DMBA painted hamsters were significantly averted the body weight, succession of tumour, the biochemical as well as histopathological changes.

Conclusion

Findings of this work clearly suggest that the anti‐carcinoma effect of mangiferin possesses the modulator effects on potent antioxidant, anti‐LPO and detoxification agents to expel the metabolites of malignant cells, on DMBA‐provoked BPC in hamsters.
Ribosome dynamics and mRNA turnover, a complex relationship under constant cellular scrutiny
Authors: Morris Christelle , Cluet David , Ricci Emiliano P.
Published: May 2021

Eukaryotic gene expression is closely regulated by translation and turnover of mRNAs. Recent advances highlight the importance of translation in the control of mRNA degradation, both for aberrant and apparently normal mRNAs. During translation, the information contained in mRNAs is decoded by ribosomes, one codon at a time, and tRNAs, by specifically recognizing codons, translate the nucleotide code into amino acids. Such a decoding step does not process regularly, with various obstacles that can hinder ribosome progression, then leading to ribosome stalling or collisions. The progression of ribosomes is constantly monitored by the cell which has evolved several translation‐dependent mRNA surveillance pathways, including nonsense‐mediated decay (NMD), no‐go decay (NGD), and non‐stop decay (NSD), to degrade certain problematic mRNAs and the incomplete protein products. Recent progress in sequencing and ribosome profiling has made it possible to discover new mechanisms controlling ribosome dynamics, with numerous crosstalks between translation and mRNA decay. We discuss here various translation features critical for mRNA decay, with particular focus on current insights from the complexity of the genetic code and also the emerging role for the ribosome as a regulatory hub orchestrating mRNA decay, quality control, and stress signaling. Even if the interplay between mRNA translation and degradation is no longer to be demonstrated, a better understanding of their precise coordination is worthy of further investigation.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability

Translation > Translation Regulation

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA‐Protein Complexes
Potential of total‐reflection X‐ray spectrometry for multielement analysis of biological samples using dilution or suspension sample preparation techniques
Authors: Marguí Eva , Jablan Jasna , Queralt Ignasi , Bilo Fabjola , Borgese Laura
Published: May 2021

In most clinical and nutritional studies, it is of significance to know information about the multielemental composition of biological samples. Conventional analysis of biological samples relies upon sample digestion followed by atomic spectrometry detection. This approach is essential for the quantification of ultratrace elements in biological samples. While in other applications it could be of interest to have simpler analytical methods with multielemental capability but involving a minimum sample treatment, reduce the amount of sample and a more cost‐effective analysis. In the present contribution, the possibilities and drawbacks of simple sample treatments (i.e., dilution and suspension) in combination with total reflection X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF) for the analysis of different types of biological samples have been critically evaluated. For that, a set of reference materials or well‐characterized biological human fluids (blood, serum, plasma and seminal plasma) and animal/vegetal tissues have been used to estimate the analytical capabilities in terms of limits of detection, trueness and precision of the proposed TXRF methods. The results are based on the authors' experience in analysing biological samples using TXRF, and it is expected that they can be useful for new TXRF users in this field and they can provide a good basis for further application of this technique in clinical studies and other applications dealing with the analysis of biological samples in the future.
Chemoselective Hydrogenation of Olefins Using a Nanostructured Nickel Catalyst
Authors: Klarner Mara , Bieger Sandra , Drechsler Markus , Kempe Rhett
Published: May 2021

The selective hydrogenation of functionalized olefins is of great importance in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Here, we report on a nanostructured nickel catalyst that enables the selective hydrogenation of purely aliphatic and functionalized olefins under mild conditions. The earth‐abundant metal catalyst allows the selective hydrogenation of sterically protected olefins and further tolerates functional groups such as carbonyls, esters, ethers and nitriles. The characterization of our catalyst revealed the formation of surface oxidized metallic nickel nanoparticles stabilized by a N‐doped carbon layer on the active carbon support.
Quantification and Identification of Post-Translational Modifications Using Modern Proteomics Approaches
Authors: Holtz Anja , Basisty Nathan , Schilling Birgit
Published: May 2021

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) occur dynamically, allowing cells to quickly respond to changes in the environment. Lysine residues can be targeted by several modifications including acylations (acetylation, succinylation, malonylation, glutarylation, and others), methylation, ubiquitination, and other modifications. One of the most efficient methods for the identification of post-translational modifications is utilizing immunoaffinity enrichment followed by high-resolution mass spectrometry. This workflow can be coupled with comprehensive data-independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry to be a high-throughput, label-free PTM quantification approach. Below we describe a detailed protocol to process tissue by homogenization and proteolytically digest proteins, followed by immunoaffinity enrichment of lysine-acetylated peptides to identify and quantify relative changes of acetylation comparing different conditions.
Quantitative Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics: An Overview
Authors: Rozanova Svitlana , Barkovits Katalin , Nikolov Miroslav , Schmidt Carla , Urlaub Henning , Marcus Katrin
Published: May 2021

In recent decades, mass spectrometry has moved more than ever before into the front line of protein-centered research. After being established at the qualitative level, the more challenging question of quantification of proteins and peptides using mass spectrometry has become a focus for further development. In this chapter, we discuss and review actual strategies and problems of the methods for the quantitative analysis of peptides, proteins, and finally proteomes by mass spectrometry. The common themes, the differences, and the potential pitfalls of the main approaches are presented in order to provide a survey of the emerging field of quantitative, mass spectrometry-based proteomics.
Advances in Genetics and Breeding of Rice: An Overview
Authors: Siddiq E. A. , Vemireddy Lakshminarayana R.
Published: May 2021

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is life for more than half of the human population on Earth. In the history of rice breeding, two major yield breakthroughs or leaps occurred, which phenomenally revolutionized rice breeding: the Green Revolution in the 1960s and hybrid technology in the 1970s. However, the fruits of these technologies have not spread globally to all rice-growing areas, especially African countries, for diverse reasons. It is estimated that at least 50% more rice yield is needed to feed the anticipated nine billion people by 2050. This clearly warrants another breakthrough in rice. It is apparent that the currently used conventional and molecular marker-assisted methods need to be updated with multi-pronged approaches involving innovative cutting-edge technologies for achieving the next breakthrough in rice. Here, we attempt to discuss the exciting avenues for the next advances in rice breeding by exploiting cutting-edge technologies.