bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pericardiocentesis induced right ventricular changes in patients with and without pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Alnsasra Hilmi , Case Brian C. , Yang Michael , Rogers Toby , Satler Lowell F. , Asch Federico M. , Waksman Ron , Kumar Preetham , Ben‐Dor Itsik , Medvedofsky Diego 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundPericardial effusion drainage in patients with significant pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been questioned because of hemodynamic collapse concern, mainly because of right ventricular (RV) function challenging assessment. We aimed to assess RV function changes related to pericardiocentesis in patients with and without PH.MethodsConsecutive patients with symptomatic moderate‐to‐large pericardial effusion who had either echocardiographic or clinical signs of cardiac tamponade and who underwent pericardiocentesis from 2013 to 2018 were included. RV speckle‐tracking echocardiography analysis was performed before and after pericardiocentesis. Patients were stratified by significant PH (pulmonary artery systolic pressure [PASP] ≥50 mm Hg).ResultsThe study cohort consisted of 76 patients, 23 (30%) with PH. In patients with PH, both end‐diastolic and end‐systolic areas (EDA, ESA) increased significantly after pericardiocentesis (22.6 ± 8.0 cm2–26.4 ± 8.4 cm2, P = .01) and (15.9 ± 6.3 cm2–18.7 ± 6.5 cm2, P = .02), respectively. However, RV function indices including fractional area change (FAC: 30.6 ± 13.7%–29.1 ± 8.8%, P = .61) and free‐wall longitudinal strain (FWLS: −16.7 ± 6.7 to −15.9 ± 5.0, P = .50) remained unchanged postpericardiocentesis. In contrast, in the non‐PH group, after pericardiocentesis, EDA increased significantly (20.4 ± 6.2–22.4 ± 5.9 cm2, P = .006) but ESA did not (14.9 ± 5.7 vs 15.0 ± 4.6 cm2, P = .89), and RV function indices improved (FAC 27.9 ± 11.7%–33.1 ± 8.5%, P = .003; FWLS −13.6 ± 5.4 to −17.2 ± 3.9%, P < .001).ConclusionQuantification of RV size and function can improve understanding of echocardiographic and hemodynamic changes postpericardiocentesis, which has the potential to guide management of PH patients with large pericardial effusion.
The future of the regulatory space in local government audit: A comparative study of the four countries of the United Kingdom
Authors: Ferry Laurence , Ahrens Thomas 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper compares audit regulatory space in local government between the U.K.’s four countries – England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It addresses current arrangements and practices, their historical background, and rationales for regulation in order to derive lessons for the future of public audit. It draws on the notion of regulatory space as extended through new audit spaces that specifically include public audit. The study is based on interviews with audit professionals and policy makers in each country, extensive documentation review, and observation. The comparison is structured by four themes: ‘Organisation and fragmentation’ concerns how the system is accredited and imbued with institutional capital. ‘Independence and competition’ addresses the independence of accounting firms and auditors, ‘audit scope’ reporting, and ‘inspection’ the assessments and rankings that have become part of public audit. The four countries exhibited similar emphasis on financial audit and reporting. They treated performance and fairness aspects differently.
Metamorphic transformation rate over large spatial and temporal scales constrained by geophysical data and coupled modelling
Authors: Hetényi György , Chanard Kristel , Baumgartner Lukas P. , Herman Frédéric 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMetamorphic transformation rates are classically determined on decimetre‐scale field samples and from laboratory experiments at smaller scales. Here we present a geophysical approach based on field data and joint geophysical–petrological modelling to quantify the average rate of metamorphic transformations at the 10–100‐kilometre and million‐year scales. The model simulates the eclogitization of Indian lower crust as it penetrates beneath southern Tibet. Metamorphic transformation of the lower crust is tracked by its densification, the effect of which is then compared to observed gravity anomalies. From the modelling we find that the Indian lower crust's overall densification requires a partially hydrated initial composition. Moreover, the modelled evolution of this densification compared to what is predicted by pressure–temperature–density grids is consistent with delayed, far‐from‐equilibrium metamorphism. The Indian lower crust descends underneath the Himalaya until beneath southern Tibet in a thermodynamically metastable state until the first dehydration reactions are reached. This observation is used to determine the average rate of metastable rock transformation to an eclogite facies assemblage, constrained at between ~6 × 10−9 and 5 × 10−7 g/cm2/year, and reaction affinity at 0.8–1.6 kJ/mol oxygen. Compared to field and laboratory data, this range of results matches the effective rates typically associated with regional metamorphism. This fit and correlation across the scales legitimates the use of transformation rates determined at small scales in large‐scale geodynamic studies.
The effects of the oral supplementation of L‐Cystine associated with reduced L‐Glutathione‐GSH on human skin pigmentation: a randomized, double‐blinded, benchmark‐ and placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Duperray Joël , Sergheraert Renaud , Chalothorn Kunyanatt , Tachalerdmanee Preeyanuch , Perin Fabrice 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundGlutathione has become a potential skin‐lightening ingredient after the discovery of its anti‐melanogenic properties. Various mechanisms of action have been considered to explain this property, one of them being the skewing of the melanin synthesis pathway toward the production of lighter pheomelanin instead of darker eumelanin, consequently producing a lightening effect.AimsTo evaluate the skin lightening and anti‐dark spot effects of oral supplementation with L‐Cystine associated with L‐Glutathione as compared to placebo and benchmark.MethodsEffects of this L‐Cystine‐L‐Glutathione oral combination were investigated in a 12‐week randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, benchmark‐ and placebo‐controlled trial involving 124 Asian female subjects. Women were randomly allocated into 4 equal groups (500 mg L‐Cystine and 250 mg L‐Glutathione, 250 mg reduced L‐Glutathione, 500 mg L‐Cystine, or a placebo, daily). Skin color was measured at baseline, after 6 and 12 weeks by spectrophotometry. Size and color of facial dark spots were determined from digital photographs.ResultsA significant skin lightening was observed after 12 weeks of oral supplementation with L‐Cystine associated with L‐Glutathione. This combination also induced a significant reduction in the size of facial dark spots after 6 and 12 weeks. It is noteworthy that the observed effects were not only significantly better than those obtained with placebo, but also with L‐Cystine alone or L‐Glutathione alone.ConclusionThe daily oral administration of 500 mg L‐Cystine and 250 mg L‐Glutathione during 12 weeks was a safe treatment to effectively lighten the skin and reduce the size of facial dark spots of Asian women.
Perception and attitude of adults toward cosmetic products amid COVID‐19 pandemic in Malaysia
Authors: Mohammed Ali Haider , Blebil Ali , Dujaili Juman , Hassan Bassam Abdul Rasool 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe use of cosmetics is growing among both male and female consumers due to the availability of different brands. While there is an increase in the usage of cosmetic products, it is concerning whether the consumers are aware of the safety of the products.AimsThis study aimed to widely explore consumers’ perceptions and attitudes toward cosmetics within the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was carried out among adults in Selangor, Malaysia. Thirty‐three questions divided into three dimensions (socio‐demographic parameters, assessment of perception, and assessment of attitude) were developed and validated to be answered by cosmetics consumers. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done using SPSS.ResultsA response rate of 87% was achieved, and the mean age of participants was 33 ± 7.2. The overall perception of consumers indicates low levels of perception and moderate level of attitude toward cosmetic products. There was a positive correlation and high relationship between participants’ perception and attitude (p = 0.001, r = 0.72). A significant association was observed between demographic data of respondents and their attitude and perception toward cosmetic products. Participants were unaware that sharing of cosmetic products could lead to bacterial infection and possibly increased the chance of contracting COVID‐19.ConclusionThis study displayed a nonchalant perception and attitude of Malaysian adults toward cosmetic products by focusing on aesthetics rather than health safety. Therefore, it is recommended to raise awareness on the composition and effects of cosmetic products, increase the practice of hygiene and dissuade the sharing of cosmetics to reduce transmissions of COVID‐19.
Dermoscopic changes in melanocytic nevi following hair removal laser: A prospective study
Authors: Nasimi Maryam , Lajevardi Vahide , Mahmoudi Hamidreza , Heidari Sadaf , Ghaedi Forugh 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundChanges in the appearance of melanocytic nevi have been increasingly reported following hair removal lasers. This could be a source of anxiety in patients doing cosmetic hair removal lasers. Moreover, taking biopsy of any changed nevus following laser is not routinely practical. Therefore, this study was designed to describe dermoscopic changes happened on acquired junctional melanocytic nevi after photo‐depilation methods.MethodIn this prospective study, 66 melanocytic nevi in 27 patients were chosen. Dermoscopic images were taken at the baseline visit and 2 months following single session of hair removal laser. Afterward, the before and after laser images were compared for any change in the structure and color of the nevi.ResultsDermoscopic images showed alterations in nevi following laser including changes in size in 33%, color in 63.6%, newly developed asymmetry in 12.1%, and regression in 3% of nevi. Besides, alteration in reticular and dots and globules pattern was found in 92.5% and 69.32%, respectively.ConclusionsHair removal laser could induce considerable changes in appearance of acquired junctional melanocytic nevi. Dermoscopic study before and after the process could help to avoid unnecessary excision of suspected lesions.
Properties and regulation of Gly‐Sar uptake and transport in bovine intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Hou Pengfei , Wang Caihong , Zhou Miaomiao , Liu Hongyun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIntestinal absorption of peptides is vital for the overall health and productivity of dairy cows. This study investigated the regulation, uptake and transport of dipeptides in bovine intestinal epithelial cells (BIECs). We also evaluated the effects of time, pH, concentration of the dipeptides, temperature, presence of diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC)—an inhibitor of PepT1, and other dipeptides (Met‐Met, Lys‐Lys or Met‐Lys), on the uptake and transport of Gly‐Sar‐FITC, which was a common fluorophore‐labelled dipeptide. Under controlled experiments, BIECs were treated with 25 μM LY294002 (a phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitor) and 25 μM Perifosine (a protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor). The subsequent expression of PepT1 in the BIECs was assessed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blotting. It was found that the uptake and transport of Gly‐Sar‐FITC were significant high at 37℃ than that at 4℃. The optimal pH for transport and uptake of Gly‐Sar‐FITC was 6.0–6.5, whereas the two properties decreased significantly in the presence of DEPC, Met‐Met, Lys‐Lys and Met‐Lys (p < 0.05). The apical‐to‐basolateral transport was also found to be significantly higher than the reverse transport (p < 0.05). PI3K and AKT inhibitors were found to significantly suppress the expression of PepT1, thus impairing uptake and transport of Gly‐Sar‐FITC. Findings of this study thus suggest that the uptake and transport of Gly‐Sar‐FITC in BIECs are mediated by PepT1, and the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway regulates the absorption of small peptides.
Understanding racial disparities in the care of patients with irritable bowel syndrome: The need for a unified approach
Authors: Sasegbon Ayodele , Vasant Dipesh H. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a highly prevalent disorder of gut‐brain interaction, which significantly erodes the quality of life of those it affects. Recent studies have confirmed that its prevalence varies quite markedly between countries, implying that it is affected by cultural and socioeconomic factors. In an important study, Silvernale at al. have recently reported racial disparities including potential referral biases, with reduced opportunities to access specialist care and differing patterns of healthcare utilization affecting ethnic minority populations with IBS. Similar disparities have also been reported for other gastrointestinal disorders. In this paper, we, therefore, discuss the potential implications of such disparities and how they can impact clinical outcomes, and discuss ways in which this problem could be addressed, and highlighting areas for future research.
Isolated left bundle branch block in the young: case reports and review of literature
Authors: Kohli Utkarsh , Sriram Chenni S. , Nayak Hemal M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIsolated left bundle branch block (LBBB) aberrancy is exceedingly rare in the young and its clinical and genetic determinants remain poorly characterized. Furthermore, there is conflicting data on its natural history in the pediatric age group patients. We report the rare phenotype of isolated typical LBBB aberrancy in two healthy children, one of whom carried a likely pathogenic mutation in the coding exon 1 of NKX2‐5 (p.Q22R, c.65A > G, rs201442000). Our findings suggest that isolated LBBB aberrancy could be non‐progressive in some children, at least in the short term. However, given the paucity of data on this entity, we recommend continued long‐term surveillance.
Presence and the roles of IL‐9/Th9 axis in vitiligo
Authors: Kumar Sushant , Marathe Soumitra , Dhamija Bhavuk , Zambare Uddhao , Bilala Richa , Warang Sanyogita , Nayak Chitra , Purwar Rahul 
Published: April 2021

AbstractImmune dysregulation is critical in vitiligo pathogenesis. Although the presence and roles of numerous CD4+ T‐cell subsets have been described, the presence of Th9 cells and more importantly, roles of IL‐9 on melanocyte functions are not explored yet. Here, we quantified the T helper cell subsets including Th9 cells in vitiligo patients by multicolor flowcytometry. There was an increased frequency of skin‐homing (CLA+) and systemic (CLA‐) Th9 cells in vitiligo patients compared to healthy donors. However, there was no difference in Th9 cell frequency in vitiligo patients with early and chronic disease. There was negligible IL‐9 receptor (IL‐9R) expression on human primary melanocytes (HPMs); however, IFNγ upregulated IL‐9R expression on HPMs. Functionally, IL‐9/IL‐9R signaling reduced the production of IFNγ‐induced toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HPMs. There was no effect of IL‐9 on expression of genes responsible for melanosome formation (MART1, TYRP1, and DCT), melanin synthesis (TYR), and melanocyte‐inducing transcription factor (MITF) in HPMs. In conclusion, this study identifies the presence of Th9 cells in vitiligo and their roles in reducing the oxidative stress of melanocytes, which might be useful in designing effective therapeutics.
What Can Network Science Tell Us About Phonology and Language Processing?
Authors: Vitevitch Michael S. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractContemporary psycholinguistic models place significant emphasis on the cognitive processes involved in the acquisition, recognition, and production of language but neglect many issues related to the representation of language‐related information in the mental lexicon. In contrast, a central tenet of network science is that the structure of a network influences the processes that operate in that system, making process and representation inextricably connected. Here, we consider how the structure found across phonological networks of several languages from different language families may influence language processing as we age and experience diseases that affect cognition during the typical and atypical acquisition of new words, during typical perception and production of speech in adults, and during language change over time. We conclude that the network science approach may not only provide insights into specific language processes but also provide a way to connect the work from these domains, which are becoming increasingly balkanized.
DkMYB14 is a bifunctional transcription factor that regulates the accumulation of proanthocyanidin in persimmon fruit
Authors: Chen Wenxing , Zheng Qingyou , Li Jinwang , Liu Ying , Xu Liqing , Zhang Qinglin , Luo Zhengrong 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARYProanthocyanidins (PAs) are phenolic secondary metabolites that contribute to the protection of plant and human health. Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) can accumulate abundant PAs in fruit, which cause a strong sensation of astringency. Proanthocyanidins can be classified into soluble and insoluble PAs; the former cause astringency but the latter do not. Soluble PAs can be converted into insoluble PAs upon interacting with acetaldehydes. We demonstrate here that DkMYB14, which regulates the accumulation of PA in persimmon fruit flesh, is a bifunctional transcription factor that acts as a repressor in PA biosynthesis but becomes an activator when involved in acetaldehyde biosynthesis. Interestingly, both functions contribute to the elimination of astringency by decreasing PA biosynthesis and promoting its insolubilization. We show that the amino acid Gly39 in the R2 domain and the ethylene response factor‐associated amphiphilic repression‐like motif in the C‐terminal of DkMYB14 are essential for the regulation of both PA and acetaldehyde synthesis. The repressive function of DkMYB14 was lost after the mutation of either motif, and all activities of DkMYB14 were eliminated following the mutation of both motifs. Our results demonstrate that DkMYB14 functions as both a transcriptional activator and a repressor, directly repressing biosynthesis of PA and promoting its insolubilization, resulting in non‐astringency in persimmon.
Modeling the Nano Indentation Behavior of Recast Layer and Heat Affected Zone on Reverse Micro EDMed Hemispherical Feature
Authors: Roy T. , Sharma A. , Ranjan P. , Balasubramaniam R. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Electrical discharge machined surfaces inherently possess recast layer on the surface with heat affected zone (HAZ) beneath it and these have a detrimental effect on the mechanical properties viz., hardness, elastic modulus, etc. It is very difficult to experimentally characterize each machined surface. Therefore, an attempt is made in this study to numerically calculate the mechanical properties of the parent material, HAZ and the recast layer on a hemispherical protruded micro feature fabricated by reverse micro EDM (RMEDM). In the first stage, nano indentation was performed to experimentally determine the load–displacement plots, elastic modulus and hardness of the parent material, HAZ, and the recast layer. In the second stage, finite element analysis (FEA) simulation was carried out to mimic the nano indentation process and determine the load–displacement plots for all the three cases viz., parent material, recast layer, and HAZ. Results demonstrated that the load–displacement plots obtained from numerical model in each case was in good agreement with that of the experimental curves. Based on simulated load–displacement plots, hardness was also calculated for parent material, HAZ, and the recast layer. A maximum of 11% error was observed between simulated values of hardness and experimentally determined values. This model can be utilized to predict the mechanical properties of surfaces fabricated by micro scale EDM process and this will help in reducing the number of experiments thereby saving time and cost.
Influence of Precursor Concentration on Crystalline Quality of GaN Thin Films Grown on a Sapphire Wafer
Authors: Jumaah Omar Dhannoon , Jaluria Yogesh 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Chemical vapor deposition (CVD), which involves chemical reactions in gases for deposition on a heated surface, is an extensively used manufacturing technique for obtaining thin films of materials like silicon, graphene, silicon carbide, aluminum nitride, and gallium nitride (GaN). The process is driven by heat and mass transfer, fluid flow, and chemical reactions in the gases and at the surface. GaN is one of the most promising materials for manufacturing optical and electronic devices. However, the reliability and durability of the GaN-based devices depend on the crystalline quality of the thin films used. In this study, the epitaxial growth of GaN thin films on sapphire (Al2O3) wafers is carried out in a vertical rotating disk metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) system. Epitaxial growth refers to the process of growing a crystal of a particular orientation on the top of another crystal, with the orientation being determined by the underlying crystal. MOCVD reactors are CVD systems that use metalorganic compounds that consist of metal and organic ligands, leading to materials like GaAs, AlN, InN, and GaN. The quality of the thin films is largely determined by the choice of operating conditions such as the flowrate, surface temperature, and concentration of the metalorganic precursors that decompose due to heat in the reactor, react, and deposit the desired material on the surface of a wafer or a heated susceptor. In this experimental study, the crystalline quality and surface morphology of GaN thin films are evaluated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The correlation between the crystalline quality of GaN thin films and the flowrate of the precursors is examined in detail on the basis of an evaluation of the dislocation density. The results indicate that a low concentration (V/III) ratio, where V and III refer to elements in the fifth and third groups of the periodic table, is beneficial for obtaining a high deposition rate since a low value of this ratio implies a high precursor concentration. However, it negatively affects the crystalline quality of the thin film. Similarly, high V/III ratios lead to low deposition rates and better crystalline quality, indicating the need to optimize the process.