bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injury-Free In Vivo Delivery and Engraftment into the Cornea Endothelium Using Extracellular Matrix Shrink-Wrapped Cells
Authors: Palchesko Rachelle N. , Du Yiqin , Geary Moira L. , Carrasquilla Santiago , Shiwarski Daniel J. , Khandaker Irona , Funderburgh James L. , Feinberg Adam W.
Published: March 2021

Cell injection is a common clinical approach for therapeutic delivery of cells into diseased and damaged tissues in order to achieve regeneration. However, cell retention, viability, and engraftment at the injection site has generally been poor, driving the need for improved approaches. Here, we developed a technique to shrink-wrap micropatterned islands of corneal endothelial cells in a basement membrane-like layer of extracellular matrix (ECM) that enables the cells to maintain their cell-cell junctions and cytoskeletal structure while in suspension. These μMonolayers exhibited the ability to rapidly engraft into intact, high-density corneal endothelial monolayers in both in vitro and in vivo model systems. Importantly, the engrafted μMonolayers increased local cell density, something that the clinical-standard single cells in suspension failed to do. These results show that shrink-wrapping cells in ECM dramatically improves engraftment and provides a potential alternative to cornea transplant when low endothelial cell density is the cause of corneal blindness.

One Sentence Summary

Shrink-wrapped patches of endothelial cells can rapidly attach and integrate into an intact cornea endothelium when injected into the anterior chamber, increasing cell density.
Vaccine genetics of IGHV1-2 VRC01-class broadly neutralizing antibody precursor naïve human B cells
Authors: Lee Jeong Hyun , Toy Laura , Kos Justin T. , Safonova Yana , Schief William R. , Watson Corey T. , Havenar-Daughton Colin , Crotty Shane
Published: March 2021

A successful HIV vaccine must overcome the hurdle of being able to activate naïve precursor B cells encoding features within their germline B cell receptors (BCR) that allow recognition of broadly neutralizing epitopes. Knowledge of whether broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) precursor B cells are circulating at sufficient frequencies within individuals in communities heavily impacted by HIV may be important. Using a germline-targeting eOD-GT8 immunogen and high-throughput droplet-based single cell BCR sequencing, we demonstrate that large numbers of paired BCR sequences from multiple donors can be efficiently screened to elucidate precursor frequencies of rare, naïve VRC01-class B cells. The results indicate that IGHV1-2 alleles incompatible with VRC01-class responses are relatively common in various human populations, and germline variation within IGHV1-2 associates with gene usage frequencies in the naïve BCR repertoire.
Using Graph Convolutional Neural Networks to Learn a Representation for Glycans
Authors: Burkholz Rebekka , Quackenbush John , Bojar Daniel
Published: March 2021

As the only nonlinear and most diverse biological sequence, glycans offer substantial challenges for computational biology. These complex carbohydrates participate in nearly all biological processes – from protein folding to the cellular entry of viruses – yet are still not well understood. There are few computational methods to link glycan sequences to functions and those that do exist do not take full advantage of all the available information of glycans. SweetNet is a graph convolutional neural network model that uses graph representation learning to facilitate a computational understanding of glycobiology. SweetNet explicitly incorporates the nonlinear nature of glycans and establishes a framework to map any glycan sequence to a representation. We show that SweetNet outperforms other computational methods in predicting glycan properties on all reported tasks. More importantly, we show that glycan representations, learned by SweetNet, are predictive of organismal phenotypic and environmental properties. Finally, we present a new application for glycan-focused machine learning, the prediction of viral glycan-binding, that can be used to discover new viral receptors and monitor rapidly mutating viruses.
In vitroevaluation of the activity of terpenes and cannabidiol against Human Coronavirus E229
Authors: Chatow Lior , Nudel Adi , Nesher Iris , Hemo David Hayo , Rozenberg Perri , Voropaev Hanna , Winkler Ilan , Levy Ronnie , Kerem Zohar , Yaniv Zohara , Eyal Nadav
Published: March 2021

The activity of a new, terpene-based formulation, code-named NT-VRL-1, against Human Coronavirus (HCoV) strain 229E was evaluated in human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5 cells), with and without the addition of cannabidiol (CBD). The tested formulation exhibited an antiviral effect when it was pre-incubated with the host cells prior to virus infection. The combination of NT-VRL-1 with CBD potentiated the antiviral effect better than the positive controls pyrazofurin and glycyrrhizin. There was a strong correlation between the quantitative results from a cell-viability assay and the cytopathic effect seen under the microscope after 72 h. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of activity of a combination of terpenes and CBD against a coronavirus.
Fragment-based computational design of antibodies targeting structured epitopes
Authors: Rangel Mauricio Aguilar , Bedwell Alice , Costanzi Elisa , Taylor Ross , Russo Rosaria , Bernardes Gonçalo J. L. , Ricagno Stefano , Frydman Judith , Vendruscolo Michele , Sormanni Pietro
Published: March 2021

De novo design methods hold the promise of reducing the time and cost of antibody discovery, while enabling the facile and precise targeting of predetermined epitopes. Here we describe a fragment-based method for the combinatorial design of antibody binding loops and their grafting onto antibody scaffolds. We designed and tested six single-domain antibodies targeting different epitopes on three antigens, including the receptor-binding domain of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Biophysical characterisation showed that all designs are highly stable, and bind their intended targets with affinities in the nanomolar range without anyin vitroaffinity maturation. We further discuss how a high-resolution input antigen structure is not required, as our method yields similar predictions when the input is a crystal structure or a computer-generated model. This computational procedure, which readily runs on a laptop, provides a starting point for the rapid generation of lead antibodies binding to pre-selected epitopes.

summary

A combinatorial method can rapidly design nanobodies for predetermined epitopes, which bind with KDs in the nanomolar range.
The impact of real-time fMRI denoising on online evaluation of brain activity and functional connectivity
Authors: Misaki Masaya , Bodurka Jerzy
Published: March 2021

Objective

Comprehensive denoising is imperative in fMRI analysis to reliably evaluate neural activity from the blood oxygenation level dependent signal. In real-time fMRI, however, only a minimal denoising process has been applied and the impact of insufficient denoising on online brain activity estimation has not been assessed comprehensively. This study evaluated the noise reduction performance of online fMRI processes in a real-time estimation of regional brain activity and functional connectivity.

Approach

We performed a series of real-time processing simulations of online fMRI processing, including slice-timing correction, motion correction, spatial smoothing, signal scaling, and noise regression with high-pass filtering, motion parameters, motion derivatives, global signal, white matter/ventricle average signals, and physiological noise models with image-based retrospective correction of physiological motion effects (RETROICOR) and respiration volume per time (RVT).

Main results

All the processing was completed in less than 400 ms for whole-brain voxels. Most processing had a benefit for noise reduction except for RVT that did not work due to the limitation of the online peak detection. The global signal regression, white matter/ventricle signal regression, and RETORICOR had a distinctive noise reduction effect, depending on the target signal, and could not substitute for each other. Global signal regression could eliminate the noise-associated bias in the mean dynamic functional connectivity across time.

Significance

The results indicate that extensive real-time denoising is possible and highly recommended for real-time fMRI applications.
We can still feel good: evaluation of the I can feel good programme second edition in a low secure unit
Authors: Ashworth Sarah , Robinson Charlotte , Harrison Donna , Brotherton Natalie
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present the process of reviewing, adapting and evaluating, the second edition of the I Can Feel Good programme (Ashworth et al., 2018) and adapted DBT programme facilitated at a low-security psychiatric hospital for men with intellectual disability. Through the presentation of programme development, evaluation and revision, a more thorough and transparent understanding of the process involved can be disseminated.

Design/methodology/approach

The programme lasted approximately 14 months and covered all four modules. N = 5, all-male, ages ranged between 23 and 57 years old. All detained under the MHA (1983) with a primary diagnosis of Mild ID with comorbid psychiatric diagnoses including mental illness, autism spectrum disorders and personality disorder. To evaluate routine effectiveness a pre-post comparison within groups design was used. A standardised GAS approach provided a template to score the degree to which identified goals were achieved over the intervention for participants.

Findings

Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used due to data not meeting parametric assumptions regarding normal distribution. Except for the mindfulness module, all modules saw pre to post programme psychometric results in the desired direction, evidencing skills acquisition. Coping in crisis and managing feelings modules outcomes neared statistical significance, with the module of people skills demonstrating statistical significance (p < 0.05).

Originality/value

Upon examination of the results, it appears as though the second edition pilot programme, displayed initially promising results. The clinical and statistical aspects of the programme are explored, in the hope that clinicians may consider the programme’s application and utility within various clinical contexts, in addition to gaining insight into the process of programme development and refinement.
Effect of inter-organizational systems appropriation in agility and resilience development: an empirical investigation
Authors: Mandal Santanu , Dubey Ritesh Kumar
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study explored the role of inter-organizational systems (IOS) appropriation in the form of five key IOS usage-based capabilities, namely, IOS use for communication, intelligence, integration, collaboration and coordination in the development of tourism SC agility and resilience. Furthermore, the inter-relationship among these IOS usage-based capabilities were explored.

Design/methodology/approach

The study collected perceptual measures from hotel managers and tour managers having sufficient experience in the tourism sector. With 209 completed responses, the data were analyzed using partial least squares.

Findings

The study found IOS use of communication and intelligence as prominent enablers of IOS use for integration, collaboration and coordination. Furthermore, IOS use for integration, collaboration and coordination was found to have a prominent influence in the development of tourism SC agility and resilience. However, the influence of IOS use for communication on collaboration was not supported. Also, the impact of IOS use for collaboration in tourism resilience development was not supported.

Originality/value

The study is the foremost to explore the role of IOS appropriation in the development of dynamic capabilities like agility and resilience in tourism. Furthermore, the study also contributed to extant literature on IOS appropriation through suggesting two additional factors, namely, IOS use for collaboration and coordination to the existing IOS usage-based capabilities.
Enabling situational awareness of business processes
Authors: Zhao Xiaohui , Yongchareon Sira , Cho Nam-Wook
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to explore the ways of integrating situational awareness into business process management for the purpose of realising hyper automated business processes. Such business processes will help improve their customer experiences, enhance the reliability of service delivery and lower the operational cost for a more competitive and sustainable business.

Design/methodology/approach

Ontology has been deployed to establish the context modelling method, and the event handling mechanisms are developed on the basis of event calculus. An approach on performance of the proposed approach has been evaluation by checking the cost savings from the simulation of a large number of business processes.

Findings

In this research, the authors have formalised the context presentation for a business process with a focus on rules and entities to support context perception; proposed a system architecture to illustrate the structure and constitution of a supporting system for intelligent and situation aware business process management; developed real-time event elicitation and interpretation mechanisms to operationalise the perception of contextual dynamics and real-time responses; and evaluated the applicability of the proposed approaches and the performance improvement to business processes.

Originality/value

This paper presents a framework covering process context modelling, system architecture and real-time event handling mechanisms to support situational awareness of business processes. The reported research is based on our previous work on radio frequency identification-enabled applications and context-aware business process management with substantial extension to process context modelling and process simulation.
How perceived risk, benefit and trust determine user Fintech adoption: a new dimension for Islamic finance
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Raza Syed Ali , Khamis Bilal , Puah Chin Hong , Amin Hanudin
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study’s objectives are twofold; first, this paper aims to explore the determinants of perceived benefit and perceived risk of Islamic Fintech. Second, this study examines the influence of perceived benefit, perceived risk and user trust on the intention to adopt Islamic Fintech.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of 350 was distributed among the respondents, while a usable sample of 321 was retained for the analysis. The study performed a self-administration survey to collect the sample data while the hypothesized model was tested using SmartPLS.

Findings

The results revealed that perceived benefit and perceived risk were significant and positively influenced by their factors. Moreover, perceived benefits showed a positive and significant impact on trust. However, perceived risk had a negative and significant impact on trust. The results also found a strong positive and significant relationship between trust and intention to adopt Islamic Fintech.

Originality/value

The outcome of this research may be used to develop strategies for Fintech and enables the financial sector to attain economies of scale in the world.
An empirical research on developing a logistics performance scale
Authors: Coşkun Artuğ Eren , Erturgut Ramazan
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The main objective of this study is to identify reliable and valid performance dimensions for both the identification and quantification of logistics performance that continues its development in the academic literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research approach was used in the scale development process. First, the logistical performance literature was analyzed in detail, and it was evaluated that the logistics performance consists mainly of logistics efficiency, logistics differentiation, logistics agility and logistics effectiveness dimensions. During the scale development process, opinions were obtained from academics, industry managers and pilot applications were carried out. For the implementation of the developed scale, a total of 108 companies engaged in logistics activities in Turkey were identified, and the developed scale was applied to 398 logistics professionals.

Findings

A 28-item logistics performance scale has been developed based on the resource-based theory to measure totally five-dimensional performance. First, the three items under the logistics agility dimension were separated from this dimension as a result of the exploratory factor analysis, and it was understood that these items belong to the “logistics flexibility” dimension. The established structure was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. The reliability and validity of the scale are within the range of acceptable values.

Research limitations/implications

The research data were collected from the Western Mediterranean region. The scale should be tested in different geographies.

Originality/value

By means of establishing a valid and reliable scale for logistics performance and its sub-dimensions, it is evaluated that this study will contribute to future research based on the measurement of logistics performance.
The post-adoption behavior of internet banking users through the eyes of self-determination theory and expectation confirmation model
Authors: Rahi Samar , Othman Mansour Majeed Mustafa , Alharafsheh Malek , Alghizzawi Mahmoud
Published: March 2021

Purpose

In this era of digital technology, the banking sector has revolutionized its operations by using web-based Internet banking services. However, the success of these financial services is dependent on Internet banking user continuance intention instead of initial adoption. The current study develops a theoretical framework based on three well-known theories, namely the expectation–confirmation theory, self-determination theory (SDT) and the commitment trust theory, to investigate Internet banking user continuance intention towards use of Internet banking services.

Design/methodology/approach

Following positivist paradigm, a research survey was conducted towards Internet banking users of commercial banks. In response, 355 valid observations were retrieved and used for data analysis. For data analysis, this study has used a latest statistical approach, namely structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

This study has confirmed that factors underpinning the commitment trust theory, SDT and expectation–confirmation model have significant impact on Internet banking user continuance intention. The research model explained 68.4% of variance in determining Internet banking user continuance intention, which is substantial. The effect size analysis (f2) indicates that perceived usefulness is the most important factor among all other exogenous variables. The predictive relevance of the research model was found substantial Q2 50.3%. These findings confirmed that the research model has substantial power to predict Internet banking user continuance intention.

Practical implications

From a managerial perspective, findings of this research give deeper insight into financial advisors, bank managers and policy- makers to understand human motivation and expectation–confirmation factors in order to retain customers and gain return on Information Technology (IT) investment. Additionally, results suggest that attention should be given on user trust, which in turn boosts user intention towards continuance use of Internet banking services. Extension of the self-determination framework contributes to theory and augments e-commerce literature, especially in a post-adoption setting.

Originality/value

There are several studies that investigate Internet banking user pre-adoption behaviour. Therefore, less is discussed about the Internet banking user’s post-adoption behaviour. Findings of this study help financial advisors to comprehensively understand which factor influences Internet banking user behaviour towards continue use of Internet banking services.
The influence of dispositions and shared leadership on team–member exchange
Authors: Lau Rebecca S. , Cheung Gordon W. , Cooper–Thomas Helena D.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine two individual dispositions, propensity to trust and reciprocation wariness, as antecedents of team–member exchange (TMX) and how shared leadership moderates these relationships. It also investigates work engagement as a consequence of TMX.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 175 employees in 42 teams; a multilevel random slope model was used to test the moderating effect of shared leadership at the team level and across levels.

Findings

Shared leadership provides a boundary condition for the relationships from propensity to trust and reciprocation wariness to work engagement through TMX. At the individual level, the positive effects of propensity to trust and negative effects of reciprocation wariness on TMX, and their indirect effects on work engagement through TMX, were weaker at higher shared leadership. At the team level, the positive relationship between propensity to trust and TMX was unconditional on shared leadership, whereas the relationship between reciprocation wariness and TMX was moderated by shared leadership. At the team level, shared leadership had positive effects on TMX and work engagement.

Practical implications

Managers can adopt shared leadership to encourage social exchanges among team members to enhance TMX and work engagement.

Originality/value

The study extends the TMX research by investigating dispositions as antecedents and work engagement as a consequence at both individual and team levels. It also identifies the moderating role played by team-level shared leadership, which provides a strong situation supporting reciprocal interactions.
Risk, efficiency and capital in a dual banking industry: evidence from GCC banks
Authors: Alsharif Mohammad
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aims to extend the literature by simultaneously investigating the relationship between risk, efficiency and capital in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) dual banking system.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the simultaneous-equation modeling technique with a three-stage least square estimator on 60 listed GCC commercial banks from 2005 through 2018.

Findings

Although GCC Islamic banks are more capitalized and liquid, they are riskier and less efficient than GCC conventional banks. Moreover, a higher level of capital reduces the insolvency and credit risk of GCC banks for both types of banks. However, it enhances the cost efficiency of GCC conventional banks only. GCC conventional banks also exhibit skimping behavior, while for GCC Islamic banks, cost efficiency is negatively associated with bank risk. This implies that the risk-taking behavior in Islamic banks is prompted by the incentives of the shareholders following the risk-sharing nature of Islamic banking.

Originality/value

This study differs from previous studies in many aspects. First, it relies on a recent long data set that covers the implementation of the accords of Basel II (introduced in 2004) and Basel III (introduced in 2010). Second, it estimates the efficiency of GCC banks based on separate frontiers for Islamic and conventional banks, ensuring the robustness of the results. In conclusion, to the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the intertemporal relationship between risk, efficiency and capital in the GCC dual banking industry.
The adverse impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic on the labor market in Cameroon
Authors: Djoumessi Yannick Fosso
Published: March 2021

This paper analyzes the impacts of the Covid‐19 pandemic on employment in Cameroon. Using data collected from a rapid survey led by the National Institute of Statistics, on a sample of 1,310 respondents from April to May 2020. These data show that a large proportion of workers suffered a wage cut (60.93%) and temporary job suspension (31.6%), and the smallest proportion suffered job loss (7.47%). The results of the logistic regression show that lower frequency of outgoings to work, difficulties in accessing transport services and the loss of customer confidence have a strong negative impact on both wage cuts and temporary suspensions of work. The closure (total or partial) of activities has increasingly enhanced job loss. Further, the log of odds show that workers in private firms are more affected than their peers in public firms, and the middle‐aged are the most affected group. So, it is recommended to revamp the old methods of activity into digital innovation that enables less physical touch and find an appropriate way to support those who have lost their jobs during this Covid‐19 pandemic, particularly in the private sector.
Antenatal prediction models for short‐ and medium‐term outcomes in preterm infants
Authors: Ushida Takafumi , Moriyama Yoshinori , Nakatochi Masahiro , Kobayashi Yumiko , Imai Kenji , Nakano‐Kobayashi Tomoko , Nakamura Noriyuki , Hayakawa Masahiro , Kajiyama Hiroaki , Kotani Tomomi ,   for the Neonatal Research Network of Japan
Published: March 2021

Introduction

In extremely and very preterm infants, predicting individual risks for adverse outcomes antenatally is challenging but necessary for risk‐stratified perinatal management and parents’ participation in decision‐making about treatment. Our aim was to develop and validate prediction models for short‐term (neonatal period) and medium‐term (3 years of age) outcomes based on antenatal maternal and fetal factors alone.

Material and methods

A population‐based study was conducted on 31 157 neonates weighing ≤1500 g and born between 22 and 31 weeks of gestation registered in the Neonatal Research Network of Japan during 2006–2015. Short‐term outcomes were assessed in 31 157 infants and medium‐term outcomes were assessed in 13 751 infants among the 31 157 infants. The clinical data were randomly divided into training and validation data sets in a ratio of 2:1. The prediction models were developed by factors selected using stepwise logistic regression from 12 antenatal maternal and fetal factors with the training data set. The number of factors incorporated into the model varied from 3 to 10, on the basis of each outcome. To evaluate predictive performance, the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) was calculated for each outcome with the validation data set.

Results

Among short‐term outcomes, AUROCs for in‐hospital death, chronic lung disease, intraventricular hemorrhage (grade III or IV) and periventricular leukomalacia were 0.85 (95% CI 0.83–0.86), 0.80 (95% CI 0.79–0.81), 0.78 (95% CI 0.75–0.80), and 0.58 (95% CI 0.55–0.61), respectively. Among medium‐term outcomes, AUROCs for cerebral palsy and developmental quotient of <70 at 3 years of age were 0.66 (95% CI 0.63–0.69) and 0.72 (95% CI 0.70–0.74), respectively.

Conclusions

Although the predictive performance of these models varied for each outcome, their discriminative ability for in‐hospital death, chronic lung disease, and intraventricular hemorrhage (grade III or IV) was relatively good. We provided a bedside prediction tool for calculating the likelihood of various infant complications for clinical use. To develop these prediction models would be valuable in each country, and these risk assessment tools could facilitate risk‐stratified perinatal management and parents’ shared understanding of their infants' subsequent risks.
Epiretinal membrane: A review
Authors: Fung Adrian T. , Galvin Justin , Tran Tuan
Published: March 2021

The prevalence of epiretinal membrane (ERM) is 7% to 11.8%, with increasing age being the most important risk factor. Although most ERM is idiopathic, common secondary causes include cataract surgery, retinal vascular disease, uveitis and retinal tears. The myofibroblastic pre‐retinal cells are thought to transdifferentiate from glial and retinal pigment epithelial cells that reach the retinal surface via defects in the internal limiting membrane (ILM) or from the vitreous cavity. Grading schemes have evolved from clinical signs to ocular coherence tomography (OCT) based classification with associated features such as the cotton ball sign. Features predictive of better prognosis include absence of ectopic inner foveal layers, cystoid macular oedema, acquired vitelliform lesions and ellipsoid and cone outer segment termination defects. OCT‐angiography shows reduced size of the foveal avascular zone. Vitrectomy with membrane peeling remains the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic ERMs. Additional ILM peeling reduces recurrence but is associated with anatomical changes including inner retinal dimpling.
Feasibility and safety of calcium alginate hydrogel sealant for the treatment of cryptoglandular fistula‐in‐ano: phase I/IIa clinical trial
Authors: de la Portilla Fernando , Dios‐Barbeito Sandra , Maestre‐Sánchez María Victoria , Vázquez‐Monchul Jorge Manuel , García‐Cabrera Ana María , Ramallo Irene , Reyes‐Díaz María Luisa
Published: March 2021

Aim

Complex perianal fistulas pose a challenge to the surgeon since the fistulous tract must be eliminated without impairing continence. Although without strong scientific evidence, some bibliography has demonstrated the efficacy of some sealants in the treatment of anal fistulas. We aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of calcium alginate hydrogel injections into the fistulous tract as treatment for trans‐sphincteric cryptoglandular fistulas.

Methods

A prospective, single‐centre, case series of this novel technique was conducted in a level 3 Spanish hospital, including patients diagnosed with trans‐sphincteric perianal fistulas and treated with a calcium alginate hydrogel sealant. A strict follow‐up was performed by an independent surgeon at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The main outcome measures were feasibility, safety (number of adverse events) and efficacy of the treatment.

Results

Twenty patients were treated. The treatment was performed for all patients. Seven adverse events related to the injection product or the surgical procedure were identified. After a 12‐month follow‐up, 12 patients were completely cured and eight were not cured, with a greater response in the first 6 months. These findings were confirmed by endoanal ultrasound, with a Cohen's kappa concordance rate of 0.89. No statistically significant differences were observed in pain measured using the visual analogue scale, faecal incontinence measured using the Wexner scoring system, and quality of life analysed by the SF‐36 Health Survey.

Conclusion

The treatment was feasible, safe and with discrete satisfactory healing results. It also demonstrated an acceptable safety profile, without worsening of faecal incontinence, quality of life and pain following treatment.
Fretting fatigue life assessment of overhead conductors using a clamp/conductor numerical model and biaxial fretting fatigue tests on individual wires
Authors: Omrani Amine , Langlois Sebastien , Van Dyke Pierre , Lalonde Sebastien , Karganroudi Sasan Sattarpanah , Dieng Lamine
Published: March 2021

The fatigue life of overhead conductors is usually evaluated through experimental tests on clamp/conductor assemblies. Some recent studies aim to estimate the fatigue life of conductors using uniaxial tests on individual strands. This paper presents an innovative method for assessing the fretting fatigue life of overhead conductors combining the effect of both tension and bending loadings. It consists of coupling a numerical approach based on modeling the clamp/conductor assembly using the finite element method and an experimental one based on fretting fatigue tests on individual wires. A biaxial fretting fatigue test rig has been developed and validated through preliminary tests performed on 1350‐H19 aluminum wires under uniaxial and an equivalent biaxial loading. Tension and bending loadings obtained from the numerical model were then applied on individual wires. Results showed a good correspondence with existing experimental data of the fatigue tests carried on the aluminum conductor steel reinforced (ACSR) Bersfort conductor with a metal‐to‐metal suspension clamp.
Modeling GaseousCO2Flow Behavior in Layered Basalts: Dimensional Analysis and Aquifer Response
Authors: D'Aniello Andrea , Tómasdóttir Sigrún , Sigfússon Bergur , Fabbricino Massimiliano
Published: March 2021

Particular attention is paid to the risk of carbon dioxide (CO2) leakage in geologic carbon sequestration (GCS) operations, as it might lead to the failure of sequestration efforts and to the contamination of underground sources of drinking water. As carbon dioxide would eventually reach shallower formations under its gaseous state, understanding its multiphase flow behavior is essential. To this aim, a hypothetical gaseous leak of carbon dioxide resulting from a well integrity failure of the GCS system in operation at Hellisheiði (CarbFix2) is here modeled. Simulations show that migration of gaseous carbon dioxide is largely affected by formation stratigraphy, intrinsic permeability, and retention properties, whereas the initial groundwater hydraulic gradient (0.0284) has practically no effect. In two different scenarios, about 18.3 and 30.6% of the CO2that would have been injected by the GCS system for 3 days could be potentially released again into the atmosphere due to a sustained leakage of the same duration. As the gaseous leak occurs, the aquifer experiences high pressure buildups, and the presence of a less conductive layer further magnifies these. Strikingly, the dimensional analysis showed that buoyant and viscous forces can be comparable over time within the predicted gaseous plumes, even far from the leakage source. Local pressure gradients, buoyant, viscous, and capillary forces all play an important role during leakage. Therefore, neglecting one or more of these contributions might lead to a partial prediction of gaseous CO2flow behavior in the subsurface, giving space to incorrect interpretations and wrong operational choices.
Glycerol‐enhancing heat‐moisture treatment of A‐type rice and cassava starches and B‐type potato and canna starches
Authors: Chatpapamon Chatsachee , Uttapap Dudsadee , Wandee Yuree , Puttanlek Chureerat , Rungsardthong Vilai
Published: March 2021

Effects of glycerol on the heat‐moisture treatment (HMT) of A‐type rice and cassava starches and B‐type potato and canna starches were investigated. Starch samples were soaked in water or glycerol solution, adjusted to 25% moisture, and then subjected to HMT at 100 °C for 1, 6, and 16 h. Pasting profiles of all four starches plasticised with water clearly showed the B‐type potato and canna starches were more susceptible to HMT than the A‐type rice and cassava starches. The effect of HMT on the pasting properties of glycerol‐plasticised samples was inconclusive; the B‐type canna and A‐type cassava starches were altered, but not the B‐type potato and A‐type rice starches, which remained comparable to the water‐plasticised samples. Thus, the type of plasticiser as well as the environment surrounding the crystalline region, which is specific to each starch type, also affect the alteration of starch during HMT.
The TGF‐β/miR‐31/CEACAM1‐S axis inhibits CD4+CD25+Treg differentiation in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Liu Yanjuan , Li Caiyan , Yang Yang , Li Tao , Xu Yunfei , Zhang Wenqin , Li Muyuan , Xiao Yizhi , Hu Jie , Liu Ke , Li Quanzhen , Gui Ming , Zuo Xiaoxia , Li Yisha , Zhang Huali
Published: March 2021

Defects causing concomitant loss of CD25 expression in regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been identified in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the cause of this deficiency is not fully understood. Carcinoembryonic antigen related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1), an immune co‐receptor, contributes to general T‐cell function and activation. Our previous study revealed that CEACAM1 expression was upregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with SLE. However, its role remains unclear. Herein, we confirmed CEACAM1, especially CEACAM1‐S, was upregulated in PBMCs from patients with SLE. CEACAM1‐S over‐expression inhibits CD4+CD25+Treg differentiation, whereas knockdown of CEACAM1 had the opposite effectin vitro. CEACAM1‐S is the target of miR‐31. MiR‐31 mimic inhibits CEACAM1 expression and enhances CD4+CD25+Treg differentiation, which was reversed by CEACAM1‐S over‐expression. Moreover, the circulating TGF‐β level was upregulated in SLE patients and TGF‐β reduced miR‐31 expression via enhancing NF‐κB activity. Importantly, CEACAM1 and TGF‐β mRNA levels were downregulated, while the miR‐31 level and the abundance of CD4+CD25+Tregs were increased in inactive patients compared with that in patients with active SLE. In addition, CEACAM1‐S expression was positively correlated with the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score, while CD4+CD25+Treg abundance and miR‐31 level were negatively correlated with the SLEDAI score. In conclusion, reduced activity of miR‐31 by TGF‐β, via the inhibition of NF‐ᴋB, acted to inhibit the differentiation of CD4+CD25+Tregs by directly targeting CEACAM1‐S and to promote autoimmunity.
Investigating the mediating role of online learning motivation in the COVID‐19 pandemic situation in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md. H Asibur , Uddin Mohammad Shahab , Dey Anamika
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role of online learning motivation (OLM) in the COVID‐19 pandemic situation in Bangladesh by observing and comparing direct lectures (DL), instructor–learner interaction (ILI), learner–learner interaction (LLI), and internet self‐efficacy (ISE) as predictors of OLM and online learning satisfaction (OLS). Data were collected from 442 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 35 universities in Bangladesh. To test the hypotheses, the PLS‐SEM approach was applied using SmartPLS 3.0. The study shows a significant mediating role of OLM between the independent variables and learning satisfaction. In addition, DL, ILI, and ISE are shown to be significant predictors of student satisfaction. The findings have a number of valuable implications for education policy makers, universities, instructors, and students. Moreover, the study suggests some new research perspectives to overcome the limitations of this research and to gain precise knowledge on students' learning motivation and satisfaction regarding other online classes for different categories of students (e.g., high school and college, professional, and PhD).
ERα down‐regulates carbohydrate responsive element binding protein and decreases aerobic glycolysis in liver cancer cells
Authors: Lu Ying , Tian Na , Hu Lei , Meng Jian , Feng Ming , Zhu Yemin , Zhang Ping , Li Minle , Liu Qi , Tong Lingfeng , Tong Xuemei , Li Yakui , Wu Lifang
Published: March 2021

Deregulated metabolism is one of the characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma. Sex hormone receptor signalling has been involved in the marked gender dimorphism of hepatocellular carcinoma pathogenesis. Oestrogen receptor (ER) has been reported to reduce the incidence of liver cancer. However, it remains unclear how oestrogen and ER regulate metabolic alterations in liver tumour cells. Our previous work revealed that ERα interacted with carbohydrate responsive element binding protein (ChREBP), which is a transcription factor promoting aerobic glycolysis and proliferation of hepatoma cells. Here, the data showed that ERα overexpression with E2 treatment reduced aerobic glycolysis and cell proliferation of hepatoma cells. In addition to modestly down‐regulating ChREBP transcription, ERα promoted ChREBP degradation. ERα co‐immunoprecipitated with both ChREBP‐α and ChREBP‐β, the two known subtypes of ChREBP. Although E2 promoted ERα to translocate to the nucleus, it did not change subcellular localization of ChREBP. In addition to interacting with ChREBP‐β and promoting its degradation, ERα decreased ChREBP‐α–induced ChREBP‐β transcription. Taken together, we confirmed an original role of ERα in suppressing aerobic glycolysis in liver cancer cells and elucidated the mechanism by which ERα and ChREBP‐α together regulated ChREBP‐β expression.
Annual Research Review: Immersive virtual reality and digital applied gaming interventions for the treatment of mental health problems in children and young people: the need for rigorous treatment development and clinical evaluation
Authors: Halldorsson Brynjar , Hill Claire , Waite Polly , Partridge Kate , Freeman Daniel , Creswell Cathy
Published: March 2021

Background

Mental health problems in children and young people are common and can lead to poor long‐term outcomes. Despite the availability of effective psychological interventions for mental health disorders, only a minority of affected children and young people access treatment. Digital interventions, such as applied games and virtual reality (VR), that target mental health problems in children and young people may hold a key to increasing access to, engagement with, and potentially the effectiveness of psychological treatments. To date, several applied games and VR interventions have been specifically developed for children and young people. This systematic review aims to identify and synthesize current data on the experience and effectiveness of applied games and VR for targeting mental health problems in children and young people (defined as average age of 18 years or below).

Methods

Electronic systematic searches were conducted in Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science.

Results

Nineteen studies were identified that examined nine applied games and two VR applications, and targeted symptoms of anxiety, depression, and phobias using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Existing evidence is at a very early stage and studies vary extensively in key methodological characteristics. For applied games, the most robust evidence is for adolescent depressive symptoms (medium clinical effect sizes). Insufficient research attention has been given to the efficacy of VR interventions in children and young people.

Conclusions

The evidence to date is at a very early stage. Despite the enthusiasm for applied games and VR, existing interventions are limited in number and evidence of efficacy, and there is a clear need for further co‐design, development, and evaluation of applied games and VR before they are routinely offered as treatments for children and young people with mental health problems.
Reproductive biology of the fat snook Centropomus parallelus Poey, 1860 (Teleostei, Centropomidae) and implications for its management in the southern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Costa e Silva Gisleine Hoffmann , Freitas Matheus Oliveira , Abilhoa Vinícius
Published: March 2021

The reproductive biology of Centropomus parallelus was described from 589 individuals captured in estuarine and coastal waters in Southern Brazil. Length‐frequency distribution showed the dominance of males in smaller length‐classes (132–290 mm LT), whereas females were dominant in larger length‐classes (>290 mm LT). Total length at maturity (L50) was 180 mm LT and corresponded to 29% of the maximum length recorded. Histological sections revealed one hermaphrodite (205 mm LT) and few immature females. Life history traits provided herein can contribute to sustainable fisheries management practices.
Global material flow analysis of glass: From raw materials to end of life
Authors: Westbroek Coenraad D. , Bitting Jennifer , Craglia Matteo , Azevedo José M. C. , Cullen Jonathan M.
Published: March 2021

Global glass production grew to 150 million tonnes (Mt) in 2014, equating to approximately 21 kg per person. Producing this glass is energy intensive and contributes annual CO2emissions of some 86Mt. An accurate map of the global glass supply chain is needed to help identify emissions mitigation options from across the supply chain, including process energy efficiency and material efficiency options. This map does not yet exist, so we address this knowledge gap by tracing the production chain from raw materials to end of life and producing a global Sankey diagram of container and flat glass making for 2014. To understand future demand for flat glass we also model the stocks of glass in vehicles and buildings. The analysis shows the relative scale of glass flows and stocks worldwide and provides a baseline for future study of the emission mitigation potential of energy and material efficiency of manufacturing with glass.
The relation between thyroid dysregulation and impaired cognition/behaviour: An integrative review
Authors: Eslami‐Amirabadi Manizhe , Sajjadi Seyed Ahmad
Published: March 2021

Despite decades of research on the relation between thyroid diseases and cognition, the nature of this relationship remains elusive. An increasing prevalence of cognitive impairment and thyroid dysfunction has been consistently observed with ageing. Also, there appears to be an association between thyroid disorders and cognitive decline. Given the increasing global burden of dementia, elucidating the relationship between thyroid disorders as a potentially modifiable risk factor of cognitive impairment was the main goal of this review. We summarise the current literature examining the relationship between thyroid hormonal dysregulation and cognition or behaviour. We present the available imaging and pathological findings related to structural and functional brain changes related to thyroid hormonal dysregulation. We also propose potential mechanisms of interaction between thyroid hormones, autoantibodies and cognition/behaviour. Effects of gender, ethnicity and environmental factors are also briefly discussed. This review highlights the need for long‐term prospective studies to capture the course of brain functional changes associated with the incidence and progression of thyroid dysregulations along with the confounding effects of non‐modifiable risk factors such as gender and ethnicity. Moreover, double‐blind controlled clinical trials are necessary to devise appropriate treatment plans to prevent cognitive consequences of over or undertreatment of thyroid disorders.
A review of cosmetic skin delivery
Authors: Hu Xueqing , He Huaming
Published: March 2021

Background

Cosmetic Skin Delivery has a very important impact on the action of cosmetics. More and more cosmetic manufacturers are focusing on cosmetic delivery. Meanwhile, it also brings safety issues and the customization of national laws and regulations.

Objectives

This paper reviews the theoretical knowledge about cosmetic skin delivery and evaluation methods.

Methods

An extensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, and other databases for articles on transdermal/skin delivery in cosmetics from 1985 to 2020.

Results

The importance of skin delivery in cosmetics is outlined. The structure of the skin and the skin barrier, including delivery pathways available to cosmetic molecules in three modalities are introduced. The laws and regulations of various countries on nanomaterials for cosmetics are listed. The in vitro skin absorption test methods for cosmetics are briefly reviewed. Furthermore, the prospect of future skin penetration methods for cosmetics is presented.

Conclusions

Currently, various methods to enhance and evaluate cosmetic delivery through skin are available. However, there are no unified domestic and international laws and regulations about evaluation of transdermal delivery. This article provides a new perspective on the development of novel permeation enhancement technologies.