bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical and biological properties of electrospun poly(d,l‐lactide)/nanoclay and poly(d,l‐lactide)/nanosilica nanofibrous scaffold for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Lopresti Francesco , Pavia Francesco Carfì , Ceraulo Manuela , Capuana Elisa , Brucato Valerio , Ghersi Giulio , Botta Luigi , La Carrubba Vincenzo 
Published: May 2021

AbstractElectrospun scaffolds exhibiting high physical performances with the ability to support cell attachment and proliferation are attracting more and more scientific interest for tissue engineering applications. The inclusion of inorganic nanoparticles such as nanosilica and nanoclay into electrospun biopolymeric matrices can meet these challenging requirements. The silica and clay incorporation into polymeric nanofibers has been reported to enhance and improve the mechanical properties as well as the osteogenic properties of the scaffolds. In this work, for the first time, the physical and biological properties of polylactic acid (PLA) electrospun mats filled with different concentrations of nanosilica and nanoclay were evaluated and compared. The inclusion of the particles was evaluated through morphological investigations and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The morphology of nanofibers was differently affected by the amount and kind of fillers and it was correlated to the viscosity of the polymeric suspensions. The wettability of the scaffolds, evaluated through wet contact angle measurements, slightly increased for both the nanocomposites. The crystallinity of the systems was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry highlighting the nucleating action of both nanosilica and nanoclay on PLA. Scaffolds were mechanically characterized with tensile tests to evaluate the reinforcing action of the fillers. Finally, cell culture assays with pre‐osteoblastic cells were conducted on a selected composite scaffold in order to compare the cell proliferation and morphology with that of neat PLA scaffolds. Based on the results, we can convince that nanosilica and nanoclay can be both considered great potential fillers for electrospun systems engineered for bone tissue regeneration.
Nontribological corrosion modes dominate wrought CoCrMo acetabular taper corrosion: A retrieval study
Authors: Shenoy Aarti A. , Kurtz Steven M. , Gilbert Jeremy L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCorrosion of modular metal‐on‐metal acetabular tapers in total hip arthroplasty (THA) systems is often attributed to mechanically driven processes. Recent findings suggest that mechanically assisted crevice corrosion (MACC) might not be the dominant cause of corrosion in shell‐liner tapers. This study aims to document and present the corrosion modes observed in metal–metal acetabular liners. Twenty‐one retrieved wrought CoCrMo liners were examined using digital optical microscopy (DOM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). Corrosion‐related damage was documented in nonengagement taper regions, outside of direct taper contact. Within engagement regions, nonmechanically driven corrosion features (pitting, intergranular corrosion) were observed adjacent to fretting and material transfer, which rely on mechanical contact; corrosion independent of MACC was observed even in contact regions. Corrosion types observed included intergranular corrosion (IGC), pitting attack, phase boundary dissolution, all both outside and inside of taper junctions, and MACC within contact regions of the taper. Typical fretting scars associated with MACC were mostly absent, and were not always associated with corrosion damage where present. Finally, hard phase particles (Mo–Si–O) released from the wrought CoCrMo microstructure had redeposited within regions with material loss. Acetabular taper corrosion modes differ significantly from those in head–neck tapers and are dominated by electrochemically driven processes, not mechanical processes, as indicated by corrosion in noncontact regions. With greater prevalence of dual mobility hip implants, acetabular taper corrosion processes must be understood in order to limit their impact on device performance.
The quality of risk reports: Integrating requirement levels of standard setters into text analysis
Authors: Helms Nils , Hölscher Reinhold , Nelde Matthias , Schneider Jochen 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe intention of this paper is to shed light on the analysis of financial disclosure through the integration of requirement levels. This in return will lead to the development of a general applicable evaluation methodology based on Bloom's taxonomy system. Therefore, it will be possible to explicitly consider the relevance of the given information. To underline the appropriateness of our method, we combine the requirement levels with a qualitative content analysis. Based on the German accounting standard DRS 20, we clarify the respective application of the requirement levels in the context of the qualitative content analysis. Hence, we will discuss the limitations of our developed approach. In addition, we analyze further areas of application in the context of qualitative analysis of financial disclosure. All things considered, it is evident that our chosen approach, through the integration of a taxonomy system, contributes to the validity of established text analyzing methods.
Establishment of assay method‐ and trimester‐specific reference intervals for thyroid hormones during pregnancy in Chengdu, China
Authors: Huang Cheng , Wu Ying , Chen Linong , Yuan Zhiya , Yang Shuzhe , Liu Chenggui 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe reference intervals of thyroid hormone will change at different stages of pregnancy because of physiological alterations. On the other hand, the reference intervals of thyroid hormone will also change in different detection systems due to the manufacturer's methodology as well as a different race. The objective of this study was to establish the assay method‐ and trimester‐specific reference intervals for thyroid‐stimulating hormone, free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine for pregnant women in Chengdu.MethodsA prospective, population‐based cohort study involved 23,701 reference samples of pregnant women during the three trimesters and 8646 non‐pregnant women with pre‐pregnancy clinical and laboratory tests. The 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles were calculated as the reference intervals for thyroid‐stimulating hormone, free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine at each trimester of pregnant women according to ATA Guidelines.ResultsThe reference interval of thyroid‐stimulating hormone in the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles has a significant increasing trend from the first trimester, to second trimester and to third trimester, which was 0.08–3.79 mIU/L for the first trimester, and 0.12–3.95 mIU/L for the second trimester and 0.38–4.18 mIU/L for the third trimester, respectively (p < 0.001). However, the reference intervals of free thyroxine and free triiodothyronine in the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles have significant decreasing trends from the first trimester, to second trimester and to third trimester, which were 11.87–18.83 pmol/L and 3.77–5.50 pmol/L for the first trimester, and 11.22–18.19 pmol/L and 3.60–5.41 pmol/L for the second trimester, and 10.19–17.42 pmol/L and 3.37–4.79 pmol/L for the third trimester, respectively (both p < 0.001).ConclusionIt is necessary to establish assay method‐ and trimester‐specific reference intervals for thyroid‐stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, and free triiodothyronine because the reference intervals of these thyroid hormones are significantly different at different stages of pregnancy.
Clinical and molecular genetic analysis of a Chinese family with hereditary elliptocytosis caused by a novel mutation in the EPB41 gene
Authors: Cao Manxiong , Huang Zhanqin , Zhou Huanbing , Lin Jinghua , Zhang Dongqing 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundHereditary elliptocytosis (HE) is a heterogeneous red blood cell membrane disorder characterized by the presence of elliptocytes on a peripheral blood smear. Clinical manifestations of HE vary widely from asymptomatic carriers to patients with severe transfusion‐dependent anemia. Most patients are asymptomatic or have mild anemia, which hinders diagnosis. The proband in this case had mild anemia and jaundice over a period of 4 years, the etiology of which was unclear. Hence, he was admitted to our hospital for further diagnosis.MethodsPeripheral blood smears and routine blood tests were performed and biochemical parameters of the proband, and his family members were determined. To confirm the diagnosis, gene mutations were screened in the proband using next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and verified by Sanger sequencing in other family members.ResultsA novel mutation (c.1294delA, p.Ser432 fs) in exon 15 of the EPB41 gene was detected in the proband and his family members. This mutation results in a frameshift and a premature stop codon at position 455, encoding a truncated protein. The variant was likely pathogenic according to the criteria of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. SWISS‐MODEL protein structure prediction indicated partial loss of the spectrin and actin binding and C‐terminal domains.ConclusionA heterozygous mutation 1294delA in exon 15 of the EPB41 gene was identified using NGS and Sanger sequencing in members of a Chinese family. This identification expands the spectrum of EPB41 mutations and contributes to the genetic diagnosis of families with HE.
Fetal‐haemoglobin enhancing genotype at BCL11A reduces HbA2 levels in patients with sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Adeyemo Titilope A. , Ojewunmi Oyesola O. , Oyetunji Idayat Ajoke , Kalejaiye Olufunto Olufela , Menzel Stephan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractUnderstanding the interplay of genetic factors with haemoglobin expression and pathological processes in sickle cell disease is important for pharmacological and gene‐therapeutic interventions. In our nascent study cohort of Nigerian patients, we found that three major disease‐modifying factors, HbF levels, α‐thalassaemia deletion and BCL11A genotype, had expected beneficial haematological effects. A key BCL11A variant, while improving HbF levels (5.7%–9.0%), also led to a small, but significant decrease in HbA2. We conclude that in general, interventions boosting HbF are likely to reduce HbA2 in patients’ erythroid cells and that such therapeutic strategies might benefit from a parallel stimulation of HbA2 through independent mechanisms.
Analysis of rainfall variability for the October to December over Tanzania on different timescales during 1951–2015
Authors: Mbigi Dickson , Xiao Ziniu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study has utilized spectral analysis to ascertain the nature of decadal rainfall variability, while correlation, singular value decomposition (SVD), and composite analyses were employed to explore and understand the possible associated mechanisms. Inferences were drawn to the interannual timescales. The spectrum analysis of October to December (OND) rainfall revealed dominant signals at 2.4, 2.9, and 5.0, and a band near 16–25 years. These cyclicities suggest that dominant drivers of Tanzania rainfall anomalies evolve on interannual and decadal timescales. Interannual variations in Tanzania rainfall are mostly linked to the Indian and Pacific oceans. Significant sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the Indian and Pacific oceans included those associated with Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and El Niño‐Southern Oscillations (ENSO), respectively and are linked to changes in the atmospheric circulation anomalies over the western Indian Ocean. The observed circulation variations are most likely to influence Tanzania rainfall. In contrast, wet and dry decades are mostly linked to the Indian and Atlantic oceans. The Indian ocean provides stronger teleconnections with Tanzania rainfall at decadal timescales, consistent with interannual timescales teleconnections. Notably, the ‘dipole’ like forcing observed at interannual timescales is less coherent at decadal timescales over the Indian Ocean. As such, the Indian Ocean displayed a coherent monopole pattern in decadal SST. As a result of these differences, the location of the western Indian ocean centre of convection activities observed at interannual timescales has shifted to around the central Indian Ocean at decadal timescales. Wet decades in Tanzania rainfall are associated with the condition of enhanced convection and increase moisture content centred over the central Indian Ocean. This convective condition was observed to spread to a large area of the Indian Ocean and the African continent, including the study area.
Innovation in complex assembled electronic products: An analysis of the evolution of television components
Authors: Singh Shivendu Pratap , Kemerer Chris F. , Ramasubbu Narayan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA complex assembled electronic product (CAEP), such as a modern television (TV), can be produced in a variety of design configurations using different combinations of software and hardware components that are arranged together in a hierarchy of technical subsystems within a defined product architecture. We examine the lifecycle of individual components that make up a CAEP to better understand why its dominant design configuration includes specific components from among the (often many) competing alternatives. The emergence of the dominant design configuration of a product has long‐term implications on the operational efficiency of a firm's product assembly line and its component selection strategy. We test hypotheses that explain both the inclusion of a component in the dominant design configuration of a CAEP, and its longevity to remain in the product market over the lifecycle of the CAEP using three key factors: (a)pleiotropy, or the number of functions supported by the component, (b) the nature of standards used by the component (openvs.closed), and (c) the source of innovation of the component (exogenousvs.endogenousto the industry). We empirically test our hypotheses using a longitudinal data set of 2830 TV models spanning 15 years (2002–2016). The results show that components that have higher pleiotropy and that are supported by open standards not only have a higher chance of being selected into the dominant design configuration of TV, but also remain in the TV market for a longer time. Specifically, every additional functionality associated with a component increases its likelihood of entering the dominant design configuration by approximately three times, and its longevity by about 2 years. Similarly, a component supported by an open standard is approximately four times more likely to be part of the dominant design configuration compared with a component supported by a closed standard, and it remains in the TV market for approximately an additional 2 years. In addition, components developed through endogenous innovation efforts were nearly five times more likely to enter the dominant design configuration of TV. Their longevity, however, was not significantly different from that of components sourced exogenously. Building on these results, we discuss the implications for product management of CAEP and for further research to examine innovation in CAEPs.
Detecting rotational disorder in heme proteins: A comparison between resonance Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and circular dichroism
Authors: Sebastiani Federico , Milazzo Lisa , Exertier Cécile , Becucci Maurizio , Smulevich Giulietta 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn heme proteins, the canonical and reversed conformations result from the rotation of the heme group by 180° about the α,γ‐meso axis in the protein pocket. The coexistence of the two different heme orientations has been observed both in proteins reconstituted with hemin and in some native proteins. The reversal of the heme orientation can also change certain functional properties of heme proteins. Complementing the results from other experimental techniques, like circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance, resonance Raman spectroscopy provides detailed information on the structure of the reversed heme. This allows one to elucidate the effects of the heme rotation on the vibrational spectra of the peripheral substituents, especially the vinyl groups. Furthermore, the combination of resonance Raman spectroscopy on single crystals and solution samples of heme proteins is proposed to be a sensitive tool to detect heme orientational disorder, even in the absence of structural data.
Application of HKUST‐1 metal‐organic framework as coating for headspace solid‐phase microextraction of some addictive drugs
Authors: Baheri Tahmine , Yamini Yadollah , Shamsayei Maryam , Tabibpour Mahmoud 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn the present study, a copper‐based metal‐organic framework (HKUST‐1) was used first time for preconcentration trace amounts of addictive drugs in biological samples. HKUST‐1 was synthesized and coated onto the surface of stainless steel wire. The prepared coating was used in headspace solid‐phase microextraction method coupled with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry for preconcentration and determination of some addictive drugs in biological fluids. Prepared coating shows good extraction efficiency due to large surface area, and π–π stacking interaction with selected analytes. Under optimum conditions, the method was validated with a reasonable determination coefficient (R2 > 0.9961) and suitable linear dynamic range (0.5–1000 μg L−1). Also, the limits of detections were obtained in the range of 0.1–0.4, 0.2–0.6, and 0.4–0.7 μg L−1 for water, urine, and plasma samples, respectively. The limits of quantification of present method were obtained in the range 0.5–1.3, 0.7–1.5, and 1.0–1.9 μg L−1 in water, urine, and plasma samples, respectively. The intra‐day and inter‐dye single fiber and fiber to fiber relative standard deviations were observed in the range 3.0–13.9% and 3.5–12.3%, respectively. Finally, the present method was applied for the determination of the drugs in biological samples.
Assessment of the Rigidity Changes of Corpus Cavernosum Penis in Vasculary Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Subtypes by Shear Wave Elastography (SWE)
Authors: Aybar Mustafa Devran , Turna Onder 
Published: May 2021

IntroductionErectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that is very common all over the world, concerns about men and causes very important social problems. The aim of this study is to perform quantitative penile corpus cavernosum (CC) stiffness measurements by using SWE for patients with both types of vascular ED.MethodsIn our study, we handled the data of 101 participants in total. The average age of the participants was 56.36. We divided the participants after color Doppler US (CDUS) into three groups: normal group (n = 30), arterial insufficiency (n = 51), and venous insufficiency (n = 20). SWE measurements were made in both groups in the CC flaccid (f) and rigid (r) positions, and the results were noted. International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) questionnaire and Erection score (ES) were evaluated.ResultsThe mean CC f SWE and r SWE measurement values were 20.2 ± 0.8 and 17.15 ± 0.54 kPa, 3.84 ± 0.13 and 2.78 ± 0.11 m/s in the arterial insufficiency group; 15.72 ± 0.58 and 12.52 ± 0.33 kPa, 2.88 ± 0.06 and 2.09 ± 0.11 m/s in the venous insufficiency group; 14.75 ± 0.51 and 13.41 ± 0.36 kPa, 2.63 ± 0.1 and 2.34 ± 0.11 m/s in the control group, respectively. The CC measurement of f SWE and r SWE values as kPa showed significant differences between the groups (P < .001).ConclusionSWE can provide quantitative data with high specificity and sensitivity while evaluating CC penile stiffness noninvasively. It seems to contribute to the radiological evaluation of ED cases with useful data.
Responses of mineral nutrient contents and transport in red clover under aluminum stress
Authors: Yang Qin , Lin Yonghe , Jin Ling , Ren Xiaoyan , He Chunyan , Liu Quan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAluminum toxicity is considered the main factor underlying nutrient deficiencies and growth limitations of plants in acidic soil. Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is an important legume grass distributed worldwide, and it has medicinal value and strong adaptability to acidic soil with Al. However, few studies have focused on the relationship between nutrient uptake and Al stress. In this study, the changes in nutrients in the organs (root, stem, and leaf) of the cultivars Brilliant, Dory, and Haifa under high aluminum stress were detected. The results indicated that the contents of macronutrients and micronutrients were significantly influenced by Al3+ concentrations and the interaction between Al3+ concentrations and cultivars (P < 0.05). Under the Al3+ treatments, the contents of phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) significantly decreased by 30.5% to 87.2% and 6.3% to 39.2%, respectively. However, potassium (K), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) increased significantly, and these changes were closely correlated with Al resistance. The effect of Al stress on the copper (Cu) content varied with the plant organs, with Cu reduced in the roots but increased in the stems and leaves. Furthermore, the change ranges of nutrition contents in the sensitive cultivar were largest except for Cu. For example, the contents of Ca dropped by 26% in Brilliant leaves but decreased by less than 4% in the leaves of Haifa and Dory at 5‐mM Al3+. Moreover, the nutrient transport efficiencies were positively correlated with the Al3+ treatment concentrations in resistant cultivar except for Mg.
Krill availability in adjacent Adélie and gentoo penguin foraging regions near Palmer Station, Antarctica
Authors: Nardelli Schuyler C. , Cimino Megan A. , Conroy John A. , Fraser William R. , Steinberg Deborah K. , Schofield Oscar 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe Palmer Deep canyon along the West Antarctic Peninsula is a biological hotspot with abundant phytoplankton and krill supporting Adélie and gentoo penguin rookeries at the canyon head. Nearshore studies have focused on physical mechanisms driving primary production and penguin foraging, but less is known about finer‐scale krill distribution and density. We designed two acoustic survey grids paired with conductivity–temperature–depth profiles within adjacent Adélie and gentoo penguin foraging regions near Palmer Station, Antarctica. The grids were sampled from January to March 2019 to assess variability in krill availability and associations with oceanographic properties. Krill density was similar in the two regions, but krill swarms were longer and larger in the gentoo foraging region, which was also less stratified and had lower chlorophyll concentrations. In the inshore zone near penguin colonies, depth‐integrated krill density increased from summer to autumn (January–March) independent of chlorophyll concentration, suggesting a life history‐driven adult krill migration rather than a resource‐driven biomass increase. The daytime depth of krill biomass deepened through the summer and became decoupled from the chlorophyll maximum in March as diel vertical migration magnitude likely increased. Penguins near Palmer Station did not appear to be limited by krill availability during our study, and regional differences in krill depth match the foraging behaviors of the two penguin species. Understanding fine‐scale physical forcing and ecological interactions in coastal Antarctic hotspots is critical for predicting how environmental change will impact these ecosystems.