bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The outcomes and experience of pregnancy in limb girdle muscular dystrophy type R9
Authors: Libell Eric M. , Bowdler Noelle C. , Stephan Carrie M. , Zimmerman Miriam Bridget , Gedlinske Amber M. , Mathews Katherine D. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionPublished information about the experiences of pregnancy in limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is limited and does not specify LGMD type, limiting utility. We describe the experience and outcomes of pregnancy in a cohort of women with LGMD type R9 (LGMDR.MethodsAll women 18 y of age or older with a genetic and clinical diagnosis of LGMDR9 who are enrolled in the University of Iowa Wellstone dystroglycanopathy natural history study (clinicaltrials.gov NCT00313677) were invited to complete a questionnaire about their pregnancy experiences, including questions about pregnancy complications, muscle symptoms experienced during pregnancy, and post‐partum course.ResultsA total of 22 women responded to the survey. Thirteen women reported 26 live births. The majority of pregnancies that resulted in a live birth were uncomplicated (n = 19, 73%), and most infants had no complications (n = 25, 96%). The rates of assisted vaginal delivery (n = 9, 35%) and induction of labor (n = 18, 70%) were both significantly higher than the national average. Almost half of pregnancies (n = 11, 42%) resulted in increased weakness during pregnancy; only one returned to pre‐pregnancy baseline.DiscussionThe data presented here suggest that women with LGMDR9 who are considering a pregnancy should be counseled that they might have a higher likelihood of assisted vaginal delivery and could experience progression of weakness. These results are generally consistent with previous reports, but future studies of pregnancy in defined subtypes of LGMD will be required to confirm these findings and determine if risks vary by genotype.
Mixed optimal control of forward‐backward stochastic system
Authors: Zhang Huanjun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper is concerned with a mixed optimal control problem driven by forward‐backward stochastic differential equation, where the term “mixed” means that there are two controllers, one is a deterministic controller and the other is a random controller. We derive a necessary condition and a sufficient condition for the mixed optimal control problem. A linear‐quadratic mixed optimal control problem is discussed, and the corresponding optimal control is expressed by the solution of mean‐field forward‐backward stochastic differential equation. A feature here is that we obtain a mean‐field forward‐backward stochastic differential equation, which naturally arises from the study of mixed optimal control problem driven by forward‐backward stochastic differential equation without mean‐field term. As an application of theoretical results obtained here, we solve a problem of information security investment and cyber insurance.
Media representation and its impact on female candidates' electability in parliamentary elections: A content analysis of three Ugandan newspapers
Authors: Kasadha Juma , Kantono Rehema 
Published: January 2021

This article examines media representation of female candidates and its impact on their electability in Ugandan parliamentary 2016 elections. A total of N = 1,704 newspaper articles were extracted fromNew Vision,Daily Monitor, andRed peppernewspapers. A content analysis method was used to code 17 topical issues. Findings on average show female candidates were represented in less than three dominant topical issues (2.70 ± 3.74). Results also show that news article placement and page number were statistically significant in increasing male candidate's electability compared to the female candidates. Findings also show that all newspapers represented female candidates prominently in agricultural roles (M=3.00) compared to politics in which female candidates averaged (2.80 ± 0.60) inDaily Monitor, (2.94 ± 0.31) inNew Vision, and (2.90 ± 0.32) inRed Pepper. We deduce that in order to increase female candidates' electability media should cover both male and female candidates in all topical issues equally.
ONCOPEDS: A mobile application to improve early diagnosis and timely referral in childhood cancer in a low‐ and middle‐income country—A pilot study
Authors: Vásquez Liliana , Montoya Jacqueline , Ugaz Cecilia , Ríos Ligia , León Esmeralda , Maza Iván , Maradiegue Essy , Chávez Sharon , Tarrillo Fanny , Diaz Rosdali , Pascual Claudia , Rojas Ninoska , Tello Mariela , Moore Carla , Shah Darshi , Cotrina Bernardette , Bartolo Juan , Perez Jorge , Palacios Víctor 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundDiagnosis delay in children and adolescents with cancer is a public health problem in Peru that leads to high rates of advanced disease and mortality. We aimed to assess the implementation feasibility and potential utility of ONCOpeds®, a mobile application that provides consultations with pediatric oncologists, in reducing the latency to diagnosis (LD) and referral time (RT) among children and adolescents in Peru diagnosed with cancer.Material and MethodsA prospective pilot study was conducted in the region of Callao between November 2017 and April 2018. Primary and secondary care providers were trained on the use of ONCOpeds in five educational sessions. Patients younger than 18 years who resided in Callao and were diagnosed with cancer at four pediatric cancer units in Lima were analyzed by referral type: ONCOpeds facilitated or conventional.ResultsONCOpeds was successfully installed in the smartphones of 78 primary and secondary care providers of Callao. During the study period, 23 new cases of cancer in children and adolescents from the region were diagnosed. Ten patients received ONCOpeds‐facilitated referrals and 13 received conventional referrals. The RT decreased among those who received ONCOpeds‐facilitated referrals by 66% (P = 0.02); however, the LD did not significantly decrease with the use of ONCOpeds.ConclusionsThe implementation of ONCOpeds was found to be feasible in this pilot study, having a potential utility in improving early diagnosis and referral in children and adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer. Directions for future research include multicenter studies with a larger population to further test the application's effectiveness.
Multivariate statistical and comparison analysis of chemical constituents in Arenaria kansuensis Maxim. from different regions in Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Liu Zenggen , Li Mingzhu , Tao Yanduo , Olsen Richard 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionArenaria kansuensis Maxim. (AKM) is one of the most valued medicinal and edible herbs widely used in Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau and there is also a large number of AKM bioactive constituents for health benefits of human beings. However, few works have referred to phytochemical content, fingerprint analysis and quality control of AKM. Therefore, the establishment of validated analytical methods is urgently needed for fingerprint comparison and quantitative analysis of AKM multicomponent.ObjectivesTo determine quantitatively and compare the phytochemical constituents of AKM located at different areas.MethodologyThe chemical constituents in AKM samples were separated, identified, and quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a diode array detector. The discrimination and separation models for the chemical constituents were developed by chemometric analysis.ResultsThe flavones and β‐carboline alkaloids were rich in AKM herbs, and the overall pattern of phytochemical profiles was the same, while the significant differences were detected in the total flavonoids, total β‐carboline alkaloids and individual contents, especially the predominant compounds such as tricin and arenarine B. This demonstrated that ecogeographical origin gave an important impact on phytochemical compositions which could be considered as reliable parameters for classifying the AKM resources. Moreover, the contents of AKM constituents were higher in July and/or August than other months of the year, and there were no significant differences in the main phytochemical contents between cultivated and wild AKM herbs.ConclusionThis study could provide credible data and method for geographical origin trace, comprehensive evaluation and further utilization of AKM resources.
A fatal case of liver abscess caused by hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae in a diabetic adolescent: A clinical and laboratory study
Authors: Li Yue , Li Zheng , Qian Suyun , Dong Fang , Wang Qing , Zhang Pengfei , Yao Kaihu 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTImportanceHypervirulent variants of Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) are capable of causing life‐threatening pyogenic liver abscesses (PLAs), but hvKp caused PLAs was seldom reported in pediatric populations. Hence, there is an urgent need to raise our awareness of this phenomenon in pediatric populations.ObjectiveThis study aimed to report the clinical characteristics of hvKp that caused fatal PLA complicated by bacteremia in an adolescent and further identify the microbiological and genomic features of the causative strain.MethodsA 14‐year‐old boy with diabetes mellitus was admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of PLA complicated by bacteremia. A hypermucoviscous hvKp strain, KPN_19‐106, was isolated from the drainage fluid present within the liver abscess cavity and blood. The hypermucoviscosity phenotype of the causative strain was determined by string test. Its virulence was measured using serum resistance assay and Galleria mellonella larvae‐killing assay. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by broth microdilution method. Genetic information was obtained by whole‐genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis.ResultsKPN_19‐106 belonged to sequence type 380 and serotype K2 and exhibited stronger serum resistance and higher in vivo lethality than the well‐characterized hvKp NTUH‐K2044 strain. Although KPN_19‐106 is susceptible to most antibiotics, no sign of improvement was observed during treatment with such drugs. Whole‐genome sequencing revealed that the isolate had integrated multiple mobile genetic elements related to virulence.InterpretationAntibiotic‐susceptible hvKp can cause fatal PLA complicated by bacteremia in adolescents, with no improvement during antimicrobial therapy. The causative strain in this case had integrated multiple virulence genes and thus exhibited higher virulence both in vitro and in vivo when compared with NTUH‐K2044.
Nonenzymatic dopamine biosensor based on tannin nanocomposite
Authors: Abdi Mahnaz M. , Azli Nur Farhana Waheeda Mohd , Chaibakhsh Naz , Lim Hong Ngee , Tahir Paridah Md , Karimi Gholamreza , Khorram Mohammad 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA dopamine (DA) biosensor was developed based on polypyrrole/tannin/cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (PPy/TA/CTAB) nanocomposite and central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was employed for the optimization of conditions. Chemical polymerization of the PPy/TA in the presence of a cationic surfactant, CTAB, reduced the particle size of composite and a rod‐like structure with a lumpy surface and high porosity was observed for nanocomposite justifying the highest current response for the modified electrode. Amperometry and differential pulse voltammetry analyses were applied for all electrochemical measurements and DA detection in the range of 0.5–100 μM. The good adhesion of nanocomposite on the electrode surface, as well as porosity and high surface area of the modified electrode, enhanced the diffusion of DA molecules inside the matrix. Amperometry analysis of the Screen printed carbon electrode/PPy/TA/CTAB modified electrode displayed a good sensitivity of 0.039 μA (μM)−1 toward DA with the limit of detection of 2.9 × 10–7 M. The modified biosensor also excludes the interfering species of ascorbic acid and uric acid which makes this sensor appropriate for DA determination. The proposed biosensor showed an acceptable reproducibility and repeatability with low relative standard deviations of 4.8% and 4.4%, respectively.
Characterization of ionized lignin model compounds with α‐O‐4 linkages by positive‐ and negative‐ion mode electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry based on collision‐activated dissociation
Authors: Sheng Huaming , Tang Weijuan , Gao Jinshan , Riedeman James , Hurt Matthew , Yang Linan , Kenttämaa Hilkka I. 
Published: January 2021

RationaleThe biggest obstacle in the rational conversion of biomass into aromatic chemicals is the identification of unknown compounds in lignin degradation mixtures that are highly complex. As opposed to lignin degradation products with β‐O‐4 linkages, very little is known about the mass spectrometric analysis of lignin degradation products with α‐O‐4 linkages.MethodsLignin model compounds with an α‐O‐4 and another linkage, as well as lignin model compounds with only β‐O‐4 linkages, were ionized by attachment of lithium or sodium cations under positive‐ion mode electrospray ionization (ESI) or by deprotonation in negative‐ion mode ESI in a linear quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer. The ions were subjected to collision‐activated dissociation in multiple‐stage tandem mass spectrometry experiments to characterize their fragmentation patterns.ResultsAll studied compounds formed abundant sodium and lithium cation adducts in positive‐ion mode ESI with no fragmentation. Model compounds with β‐O‐4 linkages displayed stable [M − H]− ions in negative‐ion mode ESI whereas compounds with α‐O‐4 linkages only showed fragment ions. CAD of the lithiated α‐O‐4 compounds provided more structural information than CAD of sodiated compounds. However, both sodiated and lithiated compounds with α‐O‐4 linkages showed losses of monomer units at the MS2 stage, which is useful for sequencing of lignins with this type of linkage.ConclusionsAn ionization and sequencing method has been developed for lignin model compounds with α‐O‐4 linkages that spontaneously fragment upon ionization via (−)ESI.
Hydro Explorer: An interactive web app to investigate changes in runoff timing and runoff seasonality all over the world
Authors: Rottler Erwin , Vormoor Klaus , Francke Till , Bronstert Axel 
Published: January 2021

AbstractClimatic changes and anthropogenic modifications of the river basin or river network have the potential to fundamentally alter river runoff. In the framework of this study, we aim to analyze and present historic changes in runoff timing and runoff seasonality observed at river gauges all over the world. In this regard, we develop the Hydro Explorer, an interactive web app, which enables the investigation of >7,000 daily resolution discharge time series from the Global Runoff Data Centre (GRDC). The interactive nature of the developed web app allows for a quick comparison of gauges, regions, methods, and time frames. We illustrate the available analytical tools by investigating changes in runoff timing and runoff seasonality in the Rhine River Basin. Since we provide the source code of the application, existing analytical approaches can be modified, new methods added, and the tool framework can be re‐used to visualize other data sets.
Nanostraw‐Assisted Cellular Injection of Fluorescent Nanodiamonds via Direct Membrane Opening
Authors: Hebisch Elke , Hjort Martin , Volpati Diogo , Prinz Christelle N. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDue to their stable fluorescence, biocompatibility, and amenability to functionalization, fluorescent nanodiamonds (FND) are promising materials for long term cell labeling and tracking. However, transporting them to the cytosol remains a major challenge, due to low internalization efficiencies and endosomal entrapment. Here, nanostraws in combination with low voltage electroporation pulses are used to achieve direct delivery of FND to the cytosol. The nanostraw delivery leads to efficient and rapid FND transport into cells compared to when incubating cells in a FND‐containing medium. Moreover, whereas all internalized FND delivered by incubation end up in lysosomes, a significantly larger proportion of nanostraw‐injected FND are in the cytosol, which opens up for using FND as cellular probes. Furthermore, in order to answer the long‐standing question in the field of nano‐biology regarding the state of the cell membrane on hollow nanostructures, live cell stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy is performed to image directly the state of the membrane on nanostraws. The time‐lapse STED images reveal that the cell membrane opens entirely on top of nanostraws upon application of gentle electrical pulses, which supports the hypothesis that many FND are delivered directly to the cytosol, avoiding endocytosis and lysosomal entrapment.
Single‐Atom Quantum‐Point Contact Switch Using Atomically Thin Hexagonal Boron Nitride
Authors: Nikam Revannath Dnyandeo , Rajput Krishn Gopal , Hwang Hyunsang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe first report of a quantized conductance atomic threshold switch (QCATS) using an atomically‐thin hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) layer is provided. This QCATS has applications in memory and logic devices. The QCATS device shows a stable and reproducible conductance quantization state at 1·G0 by forming single‐atom point contact through a monoatomic boron defect in an hBN layer. An atomistic switching mechanism in hBN‐QCATS is confirmed by in situ visualization of mono‐atomic conductive filaments. Atomic defects in hBN are the key factor that affects the switching characteristic. The hBN‐QCATS has excellent switching characteristics such as low operation voltage of 0.3 V, low “off” current of 1 pA, fast switching of 50 ns, and high endurance > 107 cycles. The variability of switching characteristics, which are the major problems of switching device, can be solved by reducing the area and thickness of the switching region to form single‐atom point contact. The switching layer thickness is scaled down to the single‐atom (≈0.33 nm) h‐BN layer, and the switching area is limited to single‐atom defects. By implementing excellent switching characteristics using single‐layer hBN, the possibility of implementing stable and uniform atomic‐switching devices for future memory and logic applications is confirmed.
Broadband Nonlinear Photonics in Few‐Layer Borophene
Authors: Ma Chunyang , Yin Peng , Khan Karim , Tareen Ayesha Khan , Huang Rui , Du Juan , Zhang Ye , Shi Zhe , Cao Rui , Wei Songrui , Wang Xin , Ge Yanqi , Song Yufeng , Gao Lingfeng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn this paper, 2D borophene is synthesized through a liquid‐phase exfoliation. The morphology and structure of as‐prepared borophene are systemically analyzed, and the Z‐scan is used to measure the nonlinear optical properties. It is found that the saturable absorber (SA) properties of borophene make it serve as an excellent broadband optical switch, which is strongly used for mode‐locking in near‐ and mid‐infrared laser systems. Ultrastable pulses with durations as short as 792 and 693 fs are successfully delivered at the central wavelengths of 1063 and 1560 nm, respectively. Furthermore, stable pulses at a wavelength of 1878 nm are demonstrated from a thulium mode‐locked fiber laser based on the same borophene SA. This research reveals a significant potential for borophene used in lasers helping extending the frontiers of photonic technologies.
Tailoring P2/P3 Biphases of Layered NaxMnO2 by Co Substitution for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Battery
Authors: Jiang Na , Liu Qiunan , Wang Jiawei , Yang Wanfeng , Ma Wensheng , Zhang Liqiang , Peng Zhangquan , Zhang Zhonghua 
Published: January 2021

AbstractP‐type layered oxide is a promising cathode candidate for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), but faces the challenge of simultaneously realizing high rate capability and long cycle life. Herein, Co‐substituted NaxMnO2 nanosheets with tunable P2/P3 biphase structures are synthesized by a novel dealloying–annealing strategy. The optimized P2/P3–Na0.67Mn0.64Co0.30Al0.06O2 cathode delivers an excellent rate capability of 83 mA h g−1 at a high current density of 1700 mA g−1 (10 C), and an outstanding cycling stability over 500 cycles at 1000 mA g−1. This excellent performance is attributed to the unique P2/P3 biphases with stable crystal structures and fast Na+ diffusion between open prismatic Na sites. Moreover, operando X‐ray diffraction is applied to explore the structural evolution of Na0.67Mn0.64Co0.30Al0.06O2 during the Na+ extraction/insertion processes, and the P2–P2′ phase transition is effectively suppressed. Operando Raman technique is utilized to explore the structural superiority of P2/P3 biphase cathode compared with pure P2 or P3 phase. This work highlights precisely tailoring the phase composition as an effective strategy to design advanced cathode materials for SIBs.
Nanoelectrochemical Study of Molecular Transport through the Nuclear Pore Complex
Authors: Amemiya Shigeru 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe nuclear pore complex (NPC) is the proteinaceous nanopore that solely mediates the transport of both small molecules and macromolecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell to regulate gene expression. In this personal account, we introduce recent progress in our nanoelectrochemical study of molecular transport through the NPC. Our work represents the importance of chemistry in understanding and controlling of NPC‐mediated molecular transport to enable the efficient and safe delivery of genetic therapeutics into the nucleus, thereby fundamentally contributing to human health. Specifically, we employ nanoscale scanning electrochemical microscopy to test our hypothesis that the nanopore of the NPC is divided by transport barriers concentrically into peripheral and central routes to efficiently mediate the bimodal traffic of protein transport and RNA export, respectively, through cooperative hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions.
Structural control and biomedical applications of plasmonic hollow gold nanospheres: A mini review
Authors: Guarino‐Hotz Melissa , Zhang Jin Z. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHollow gold nanospheres (HGNs) are core/shell structures with a dielectric material core, usually composed of solvent, and a gold metal shell. Such structures have two metal/dielectric interfaces to allow interaction between the gold metal with the interior and external dielectric environment. Upon illumination by light, HGNs exhibit unique surface plasmon resonance (SPR) properties compared to solid gold nanoparticles. Their SPR absorption/scattering can be tuned by changing their diameter, shell thicknesses, and surface morphologies. In addition to the low toxicity, easy functionalization, resistance to photobleaching, and sensitivity to changes in surrounding medium of gold, the enhanced surface‐to‐volume ratio and tunable SPR of HGNs make them highly attractive for different applications in the fields of sensing, therapy, and theranostics. In this article, we review recent progress on the synthesis and structural control of HGNs and applications of their SPR properties in biomedical sensing and theranostics.This article is categorized under:
Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing
Diagnostic Tools > in vitro Nanoparticle‐Based Sensing
Diagnostic Tools > in vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging