bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stability of amino acids and related amines in human serum under different preprocessing and pre-storage conditions based on iTRAQ®-LC-MS/MS
Authors: An Zhuoling , Shi Chen , Li Pengfei , Liu Lihong 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACT
Amino acid analysis or metabonomics requires large-scale sample collection, which makes sample storage a critical consideration. However, functional amino acids are often neglected in metabolite stability studies because of the difficulty in detecting and accurately quantifying them with most analysis methods. Here, we investigated the stability of amino acids and related amines in human serum following different preprocessing and pre-storage procedures. Serum samples were collected and subjected to three storage conditions; cold storage (4°C), room temperature storage (22°C), and freezing (−80°C). The concentration of amino acids and related amines were quantified using iTRAQ®-LC-MS/MS with isobaric tagging reagents. Approximately 54.84%, 58.06%, and 48.39% of detectable and target analytes were altered at the 4°C condition, 22°C condition, and when subjected to freeze-thaw cycles, respectively. Some amino acids which are unstable and relatively stable were found. Our study provides detailed amino acid profiles in human serum and suggests pre-treatment measures that could be taken to improve stability.
Simultaneous Detection of Two Tumor Marker Proteins Using Dual-Colored Signaling Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Prepared via Multi-Step Post-Imprinting Modifications
Authors: Sunayama Hirobumi , Takamiya Kazuhiro , Takano Eri , Horikawa Ryo , Kitayama Yukiya , Takeuchi Toshifumi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We report simultaneous detection of tumor marker proteins using a molecularly imprinted polymer-based fluorescence sensing system, in which prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recognition cavity, labeled with Alexa Fluor 594, and α-fetoprotein (AFP) recognition cavity, labeled with Alexa Fluor 647, exist together in the polymer matrix. The individually fluorescent-labeled PSA- and AFP-imprinted polymer was prepared by a dual imprinting method, followed by multi-step post-imprinting modifications (PIM). A polymerizable group, conjugated with PSA or AFP via a disulfide bond, was prepared and immobilized on a phenylboronic acid moiety-introduced substrate by the formation of cyclic diester between phenylboronic acid and glycans on proteins. The polymer matrix was prepared using surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. After the reduction of the disulfide bond and hydrolysis of the cyclic diester, PSA- and AFP-imprinted nano-cavities were generated simultaneously. In multi-step PIM, thiol-reactive fluorescent dyes were introduced via a dynamic protection procedure using the target protein, which yielded dual fluorescence-labeled imprinted nano-cavities. Fluorescence signaling abilities were assessed, and each AFP and PSA-imprinted nano-cavity was confirmed to transduce the protein binding events into specific fluorescence signals, with lower values of limit of detection (&lt;2.0 ng/mL). Therefore, the proposed methodology could be a novel platform for the simultaneous detection of multiple proteins.
Training Specialists for the Use of the Resources of the "Moscow Electronic School" in Their Professional Activities for Teaching Schoolchildren with special Educational Needs
Authors: Afanasyeva Yulia , Gravitskaya Elena 
Published: February 2021

The article is devoted to the issues of training specialists in the field of special education using modern digital educational technologies, in particular, using the innovative resources of the Moscow Electronic School.
The prerequisites are the urgent need to train modern special teachers who are able to work with children with disabilities and who are proficient in modern digital educational technologies.
The purpose of the study is to develop a technology for training specialists in higher education, who own the resources of the "Moscow Electronic School".
Research methods: questioning of students, expert assessment of students by pedagogical workers in order to assess the skills and abilities of working in the MES environment.
The results of the study indicate that the proposed technology for training specialists in higher education, who own the resources of the Moscow Electronic School, within the elective, has demonstrated rather high results. The study revealed a greater satisfaction of teachers with the preparation of students, namely, an increase in the creative potential, the emergence of students' involvement in practice was noted. In particular, this was noted in the students' independent approach to adapting their lessons to the special educational needs of mentally retarded schoolchildren, in the correct temporal alternation of the stages of working with the interactive panel. So, teachers, heads of practice noted a high level of ownership of MES resources in 2020 among 57% of students, which is almost twice as high as among students who underwent teaching practice in 2018 (31%). The average level in 2020 was registered in 28%, low - in 15%, which is almost two times less than in 2018 (27%).
The introduction of such an elective is exclusive, since it is focused on students enrolled in the specialty (defectological) education and solves the following problems: firstly, equipping with the skills and abilities of working in a digital environment, namely the environment of the Moscow Electronic School, and secondly, equipping with specific knowledge and skills of developing electronic content for children with disabilities.
Orientalism in Joseph Conrad’s novel Almayer’s Folly (1895): a post-colonial approach
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad 
Published: February 2021

He represents the false critic toward colonialism which depicted him as the author in the neutral side in the history of colonialism. In this undergraduate thesis, the writer attempts to reveal the pattern of Joseph Conrad’s Orientalism by find the image and stereotype of the Orient and Occident, the Fantasy of Western colonialism, the hegemony that legitimate the colonial authorities toward the Malay Archipelago and finds the evidence that proves him as the part of author who supports colonialism. The writer uses Edward’s Said Orientalism theory as the major post-colonial theory in this study to investigate the pattern of Orientalism and the evidence of Joseph Conrad as the colonialist author. The writer uses the technique of writing this undergraduate thesis by dividing the extrinsic and intrinsic element of the novel Almayer’s Folly (1895). In the finding and discussion of this undergraduate thesis, the writer reveals the pattern of Orientalism and the evidence of Joseph Conrad as the pro-colonialism author through the binary division in the novel which creates the stereotype of the Orient and compares to the ideal Victorian character depicted in his white characters in the novel. Then, Conrad creates the Western Fantasy toward the Oriental Malay Archipelago as the object for the Westerner in search of adventure, career and positioning the imaginary narrative of European territory as the happy land for the major characters.
The function of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis
Authors: He Chao Peng , Jiang Xin Chen , Chen Cheng , Zhang Hai Bin , Cao Wen Dong , Wu Qi , Ma Chi 
Published: February 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA), one of the most common motor system disorders, is a degenerative disease involving progressive joint destruction caused by a variety of factors. At present, OA has become the fourth most common cause of disability in the world. However, the pathogenesis of OA is complex and has not yet been clarified. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) refers to a group of RNAs more than 200 nucleotides in length with limited protein-coding potential, which have a wide range of biological functions including regulating transcriptional patterns and protein activity, as well as binding to form endogenous small interference RNAs (siRNAs) and natural microRNA (miRNA) molecular sponges. In recent years, a large number of lncRNAs have been found to be differentially expressed in a variety of pathological processes of OA, including extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, synovial inflammation, chondrocyte apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Obviously, lncRNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression, maintaining the phenotype of cartilage and synovial cells, and the stability of the intra-articular environment. This article reviews the results of the latest research into the role of lncRNAs in a variety of pathological processes of OA, in order to provide a new direction for the study of OA pathogenesis and a new target for prevention and treatment.Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(2):122–133.
Exposure to hypergravity during zebrafish development alters cartilage material properties and strain distribution
Authors: Lawrence Elizabeth Anna , Aggleton Jessye , van Loon Jack , Godivier Josepha , Harniman Robert , Pei Jiaxin , Nowlan Niamh , Hammond Chrissy 
Published: February 2021

Aims Vertebrates have adapted to life on Earth and its constant gravitational field, which exerts load on the body and influences the structure and function of tissues. While the effects of microgravity on muscle and bone homeostasis are well described, with sarcopenia and osteoporosis observed in astronauts returning from space, the effects of shorter exposures to increased gravitational fields are less well characterized. We aimed to test how hypergravity affects early cartilage and skeletal development in a zebrafish model. Methods We exposed zebrafish to 3 g and 6 g hypergravity from three to five days post-fertilization, when key events in jaw cartilage morphogenesis occur. Following this exposure, we performed immunostaining along with a range of histological stains and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to examine cartilage morphology and structure, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation experiments to investigate the cartilage material properties, and finite element modelling to map the pattern of strain and stress in the skeletal rudiments. Results We did not observe changes to larval growth, or morphology of cartilage or muscle. However, we observed altered mechanical properties of jaw cartilages, and in these regions we saw changes to chondrocyte morphology and extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. These areas also correspond to places where strain and stress distribution are predicted to be most different following hypergravity exposure. Conclusion Our results suggest that altered mechanical loading, through hypergravity exposure, affects chondrocyte maturation and ECM components, ultimately leading to changes to cartilage structure and function. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(2):137–148.
Refined extreme ultraviolet mask stack model
Authors: Makhotkin I. A. , Wu M. , Soltwisch V. , Scholze F. , Philipsen V. 
Published: February 2021

A refined model of an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) mask stack consisting of the Mo/Si multilayer coated by a Ru protective layer and a TaBN/TaBO absorber layer was developed to facilitate accurate simulations of EUV mask performance for high-NA EUV photo-lithography (EUVL) imaging. The model is derived by combined analysis of the measured EUV and x ray reflectivity of an industry-representative mask blank. These two sets of measurements were analyzed using a combined free-form analysis procedure that delivers high-resolution x ray and EUV optical constant depth profiles based on self-adapted sets of sublayers as thin as 0.25 nm providing a more accurate description of the reflectivity than obtained from only EUV reflectivity. “Free-form analysis” means that the shape of the layer interfaces in the model is determined experimentally and is not given a priori by the structure model. To reduce the numerical effort for EUV imaging simulations, a low-resolution model of the multilayer and absorber stack with sublayer thicknesses larger than 2 nm, that fits to only the EUV reflectance, was derived from the high-resolution model. Rigorous high-NA EUVL simulations were done to compare the performance of the new model to our previous work [Proc. SPIE 8886, 88860B (2013)PSISDG0277-786X10.1117/12.2030663].
The risk of ergonomic injury across surgical specialties
Authors: Aaron Ksenia A. , Vaughan John , Gupta Raghav , Ali Noor-E-Seher , Beth Alicia H. , Moore Justin M. , Ma Yifei , Ahmad Iram , Jackler Robert K. , Vaisbuch Yona 
Published: February 2021

Objective
Lack of ergonomic training and poor ergonomic habits during the operation leads to musculoskeletal pain and affects the surgeon’s life outside of work. The objective of the study was to evaluate the severity of ergonomic hazards in the surgical profession across a wide range of surgical subspecialties. We conducted intraoperative observations using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) score system to identify ergonomic hazards. Additionally, each of the ten surgical subspecialty departments were sent an optional 14 question survey which evaluated ergonomic practice, environmental infrastructure, and prior ergonomic training or education. A total of 91 surgeons received intraoperative observation and were evaluated on the REBA scale with a minimum score of 0 (low ergonomic risk <3) and a maximum score of 10 (high ergonomic risk 8–10). And a total of 389 surgeons received the survey and 167 (43%) surgeons responded. Of the respondents, 69.7% reported suffering from musculoskeletal pain. Furthermore, 54.9% of the surgeons reported suffering from the highest level of pain when standing during surgery, while only 14.4% experienced pain when sitting. Importantly, 47.7% stated the pain impacted their work, while 59.5% reported pain affecting quality of life outside of work. Only 23.8% of surgeons had any prior ergonomic education. Both our subjective and objective data suggest that pain and disability induced by poor ergonomics are widespread among the surgical community and confirm that surgeons rarely receive ergonomic training. Intraoperative observational findings identified that the majority of observed surgeons displayed poor posture, particularly a poor cervical angle and use of ergonomic setups, both of which increase ergonomic risk hazards. This data supports the need for a comprehensive ergonomic interventional program for the surgical team and offers potential targets for future intervention.
5th generation vs 4th generation troponin T in predicting major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in patients hospitalized for non-cardiac indications: A cohort study
Authors: Gupta Vedant , Paranzino Marc , Alnabelsi Talal , Ayoub Karam , Eason Joshua , Mullis Andin , Kotter John R. , Parks Andrew , May Levi , Nerusu Sethabhisha , Dai Chen , Cleland Daniel , Leung Steve Wah , Sorrell Vincent Leigh 
Published: February 2021

Objective
The frequency and implications of an elevated cardiac troponin (4th or 5th generation TnT) in patients outside of the emergency department or presenting with non-cardiac conditions is unclear.

Methods
Consecutive patients aged 18 years or older admitted for a primary non-cardiac condition who had the 4th generation TnT drawn had the 5th generation TnT run on the residual blood sample. Primary and secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality (ACM) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) respectively at 1 year.

Results
918 patients were included (mean age 59.8 years, 55% male) in the cohort. 69% had elevated 5th generation TnT while 46% had elevated 4th generation TnT. 5th generation TnT was more sensitive and less specific than 4th generation TnT in predicting both ACM and MACE. The sensitivities for the 5th generation TnT assay were 85% for ACM and 90% for MACE rates, compared to 65% and 70% respectively for the 4th generation assay. 5th generation TnT positive patients that were missed by 4th generation TnT had a higher risk of ACM (27.5%) than patients with both assays negative (27.5% vs 11.1%, p<0.001), but lower than patients who had both assay positive (42.1%). MACE rates were not better stratified using the 5th generation TnT assay.

Conclusions
In patients admitted for a non-cardiac condition, 5th generation TnT is more sensitive although less specific in predicting MACE and ACM. 5th generation TnT identifies an intermediate risk group for ACM previously missed with the 4th generation assay.
Interventions to minimize blood loss in very preterm infants—A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Persad Emma , Sibrecht Greta , Ringsten Martin , Karlelid Simon , Romantsik Olga , Ulinder Tommy , Borges do Nascimento Israel Júnior , Björklund Maria , Arno Anneliese , Bruschettini Matteo 
Published: February 2021

Blood loss in the first days of life has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in very preterm infants. In this systematic review we included randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of interventions to preserve blood volume in the infant from birth, reduce the need for sampling, or limit the blood sampled. Mortality and major neurodevelopmental disabilities were the primary outcomes. Included studies underwent risk of bias-assessment and data extraction by two review authors independently. We used risk ratio or mean difference to evaluate the treatment effect and meta-analysis for pooled results. The certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. We included 31 trials enrolling 3,759 infants. Twenty-five trials were pooled in the comparison delayed cord clamping or cord milking vs. immediate cord clamping or no milking. Increasing placental transfusion resulted in lower mortality during the neonatal period (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.00; participants = 595; trials = 5; I2 = 0%, moderate certainty of evidence) and during first hospitalization (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51, 0.96; 10 RCTs, participants = 2,476, low certainty of evidence). The certainty of evidence was very low for the other primary outcomes of this review. The six remaining trials compared devices to monitor glucose levels (three trials), blood sampling from the umbilical cord or from the placenta vs. blood sampling from the infant (2 trials), and devices to reintroduce the blood after analysis vs. conventional blood sampling (1 trial); the certainty of evidence was rated as very low for all outcomes in these comparisons. Increasing placental transfusion at birth may reduce mortality in very preterm infants; However, extremely limited evidence is available to assess the effects of other interventions to reduce blood loss after birth. In future trials, infants could be randomized following placental transfusion to different blood saving approaches.
Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42020159882.
Preoperative MRI and LDH in women undergoing intra-abdominal surgery for fibroids: Effect on surgical route
Authors: Kim Annie , Boyd Leslie , Ringel Nancy , Meyer Jessica , Bennett Genevieve , Lerner Veronica 
Published: February 2021

Introduction
Our institution implemented a preoperative protocol to identify high-risk cases for which power morcellation should be avoided.

Material and methods
In this retrospective cohort study, an institutional protocol requiring preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging with diffusion-weighted imaging and serum Lactate Dehydrogenase levels was implemented. Chart review was performed including all women who underwent intra-abdominal surgery for symptomatic fibroids from 4/23/2013 to 4/23/2015.

Results
A total of 1,085 women were included, 479 before and 606 after implementation of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Lactate Dehydrogenase protocol. The pre-protocol group had more post-menopausal women (4% vs. 2%, p = 0.022) and women using tamoxifen (2% vs. 0%, p = 0.022) than those in the post-protocol group, but baseline patient characteristics were otherwise similar between groups. Incidence of malignant pathological diagnoses did not change significantly over the time period in relation to protocol implementation. The rate of open surgery for both hysterectomy and myomectomy remained the same in the year preceding and the year following initiation of the protocol (open hysterectomy rate was 19% vs. 16% in pre- and post-protocol groups, respectively, P = 0.463, and open myomectomy rate was 10% vs. 9% rates in pre- and post-protocol groups, respectively, P = 0.776). There was a significant decrease in the use of power morcellation (66% in pre- and 50% in post-protocol cohorts, p<0.001) and an increased use of containment bags (1% in pre- and 19% in post-protocol cohort). When analyzing the subset of women who had abnormal Magnetic Resonance Imaging / and Lactate Dehydrogenase results, abnormal Magnetic Resonance Imaging results alone resulted in higher rates of open approach (65% for abnormal vs. 35% for normal). Similarly, a combination of abnormal Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Lactate Dehydrogenase tests resulted in higher rates of open approach (70% for abnormal and 17% for normal). Abnormal Lactate Dehydrogenase results alone did not influence route.

Conclusions
Rates of MIS procedures were decreased for women with abnormal preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging results. False positive results appear to be one of the main drivers for the use of an open surgical route.
Iran and Israel: The Inevitable War?
Authors: Inbar Efraim 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
This article reviews the ascendance of Iran in Middle East politics, the Iranian nuclear program, and the strategic implications of Iranian aspirations, which all increase the likelihood of direct armed conflict between Israel and Iran. It concludes that Iran’s nuclear and hegemonic ambitions remain uncurbed. Whatever efforts at “regime change” were made were unsuccessful, and Iran remains undeterred. Therefore, the likelihood of direct armed conflict between Israel and Iran is great.
Visual Familiarity Induced 5-Hz Oscillations and Improved Orientation and Direction Selectivities in V1
Authors: Gao Mang , Lim Sukbin , Chubykin Alexander A. 
Published: February 2021

Neural oscillations play critical roles in information processing, communication between brain areas, learning, and memory. We have recently discovered that familiar visual stimuli can robustly induce 5-Hz oscillations in the primary visual cortex (V1) of awake mice after the visual experience. To gain more mechanistic insight into this phenomenon, we usedin vivopatch-clamp recordings to monitor the subthreshold activity of individual neurons during these oscillations. We analyzed the visual tuning properties of V1 neurons in naive and experienced mice to assess the effect of visual experience on the orientation and direction selectivity. Using optogenetic stimulation through the patch pipettein vivo, we measured the synaptic strength of specific intracortical and thalamocortical projectionsin vivoin the visual cortex before and after the visual experience. We found 5-Hz oscillations in membrane potential (Vm) and firing rates evoked in single neurons in response to the familiar stimulus, consistent with previous studies. Following the visual experience, the average firing rates of visual responses were reduced while the orientation and direction selectivities were increased. Light-evoked EPSCs were significantly increased for layer 5 (L5) projections to other layers of V1 after the visual experience, while the thalamocortical synaptic strength was decreased. In addition, we developed a computational model that could reproduce 5-Hz oscillations with enhanced neuronal selectivity following synaptic plasticity within the recurrent network and decreased feedforward input.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNeural oscillations at around 5 Hz are involved in visual working memory and temporal expectations in primary visual cortex (V1). However, how the oscillations modulate the visual response properties of neurons in V1 and their underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we show that these oscillations may alter the orientation and direction selectivity of the layer 2/3 (L2/3) neurons and correlate with the synaptic plasticity within V1. Our computational recurrent network model reproduces all these observations and provides a mechanistic framework for studying the role of 5-Hz oscillations in visual familiarity.