bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concurrent topology optimization for thermoelastic structures with random and interval hybrid uncertainties
Authors: Zheng Jing , Ding Shaonan , Jiang Chao , Wang Zhonghua 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA concurrent topology optimization for thermoelastic structures with random and interval hybrid uncertainties is discussed in this work. A robust topology optimization method is proposed for structures composed of periodic microstructures under thermal and mechanical coupled loads. The robust objective function is defined as a linear combination of the mean and standard variance under the worst case for the robust optimization model. An efficient hybrid orthogonal polynomial expansion (HOPE) method is developed to evaluate the robust objective function. The sensitivities for the robust topology optimization are then calculated based on the uncertainty analysis. Three numerical examples are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, and the Monte Carlo scanning test is used to validate the numerical accuracy of our proposed method. For comparison purpose, the topology optimizations under deterministic assumptions are also provided for these examples to show the importance of considering hybrid uncertainties.
“Help, I need somebody!”: Exploring who founds new nonprofits
Authors: Andersson Fredrik , Walk Marlene 
Published: November 2021

AbstractRecent research suggests that the founding of a new nonprofit is seldom an activity done in solitude; rather, new nonprofits emerge from the efforts and contributions of multiple individuals working together as a team. Yet, to date, we know very little about these collective efforts to start new nonprofits, especially during the earliest, nascent, stage of the founding process. This research note draws on survey data from 69 early‐stage nonprofit founders to examine how many individuals are involved during the nascent stage of founding, who these individuals are and how they are related and to illustrate how they contribute to the founding process.
Your neighborhood matters: A machine‐learning approach to the geospatial and social determinants of health in 9‐1‐1 activated chest pain
Authors: Faramand Ziad , Alrawashdeh Mohammad , Helman Stephanie , Bouzid Zeineb , Martin‐Gill Christian , Callaway Clifton , Al‐Zaiti Salah 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHealthcare disparities in the initial management of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) exist. Yet, the complexity of interactions between demographic, social, economic, and geospatial determinants of health hinders incorporating such predictors in existing risk stratification models. We sought to explore a machine‐learning‐based approach to study the complex interactions between the geospatial and social determinants of health to explain disparities in ACS likelihood in an urban community. This study identified consecutive patients transported by Pittsburgh emergency medical service for a chief complaint of chest pain or ACS‐equivalent symptoms. We extracted demographics, clinical data, and location coordinates from electronic health records. Median income was based on US census data by zip code. A random forest (RF) classifier and a regularized logistic regression model were used to identify the most important predictors of ACS likelihood. Our final sample included 2400 patients (age 59 ± 17 years, 47% Females, 41% Blacks, 15.8% adjudicated ACS). In our RF model (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.71 ± 0.03) age, prior revascularization, income, distance from hospital, and residential neighborhood were the most important predictors of ACS likelihood. In regularized regression (akaike information criterion = 1843, bayesian information criterion = 1912, χ2 = 193, df = 10, p < 0.001), residential neighborhood remained a significant and independent predictor of ACS likelihood. Findings from our study suggest that residential neighborhood constitutes an upstream factor to explain the observed healthcare disparity in ACS risk prediction, independent from known demographic, social, and economic determinants of health, which can inform future work on ACS prevention, in‐hospital care, and patient discharge.
One step synthesis of an amino acid derived particles, poly(L‐Arginine) and its biomedical application
Authors: Sahiner Nurettin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHerein, single step synthesis of poly(L‐Arginine) (p(L‐Arg)) particles was reported for the first time via microemulsion crosslinking method using tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride (THPC) as the crosslinking agent. The C‐P vibrational FT‐IR peaks of the p(L‐Arg) particles observed at 1035 cm−1 as well as elemental analysis results corroborated the successful crosslinking of native L‐Arg molecules with THCP. Spherical‐shaped p(L‐Arg) particles visualized by SEM analysis ranged 1–10 μm in size in dry state. The important parameters of p(L‐Arg) particles affecting their biomedical potential use such as degradability, blood compatibility, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties were thoroughly investigated. Accordingly, 49.2 ± 6.7%, 68.1 ± 4.8%, and 62.5 ± 7.1% of the p(L‐Arg) particles were degraded at pH 5.4, 7.4, and 9.0, respectively, in about 200 h. The p(L‐Arg) particles exhibited fascinating blood compatibility with less than 4% hemolysis induction and more than 95% blood clotting index at 2 mg/mL concentration. The antioxidant activity of p(L‐Arg) particles was measured as 0.66 ± 0.06 μM Trolox equivalent g−1 by means of TEAC assay. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of L‐Arg amino acid against Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145, gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, B. subtilis ATCC 6633 bacteria, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 yeast strains was significantly enhanced in the form of p(L‐Arg) particles. Furthermore, drug loading and release performances of p(L‐Arg) particles were also investigated using naproxen and riboflavin as active pharmaceuticals. Based on drug release studies performed in PBS at pH 7.4, 73.9 ± 12.6% of loaded naproxen was released in 90 min, whereas 62.1 ± 4.6% of loaded riboflavin was released in 135 min.
B7H3 expression and significance in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Fang Chuling , Rinke Andrew E , Wang Jing , Flaherty Kevin R , Phan Sem H , Liu Tianju 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe clinical significance of B7H3 (CD276) and its cleavage product soluble B7H3 (sB7H3) in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is unknown. Mounting evidence suggests the potential utility of peripheral blood myeloid cell enumeration to predict disease outcome and indicate active lung disease. Here we hypothesized that sB7H3 is involved in regulation of circulating myeloid cells in pulmonary fibrosis. In support of this possibility, both plasma sB7H3 and B7H3+ cells were elevated in IPF patient blood samples, which correlated negatively with lung function. To analyze its function, the effects of sB7H3 on naïve or bleomycin‐treated mice were examined. The results revealed that sB7H3 injection induced an influx of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and Ccl2 expression in lung tissue of naïve mice, accompanied by enhanced overall inflammation. Additionally, sB7H3 caused accumulation of MDSCs in bone marrow with increased expression of inflammatory cytokines. Notably, in vitro assays revealed chemotaxis of MDSCs to sB7H3, which was dependent on TLT‐2 (TREML2), a putative receptor for sB7H3. Thus, increased circulating sB7H3 and/or B7H3+ cells in IPF patient blood samples correlated with lung function decline and potential immunosuppressive status. The correlation of sB7H3 with deterioration of lung function might be due to its ability to enhance inflammation and recruitment of MDSCs into the lung and their expansion in the bone marrow, and thus potentially contribute to IPF exacerbation. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Behavior of nanosilver and nanotitanium reinforced polymethyl methacrylate for dental applications
Authors: Bangera Madhu Keshava , Kotian Ravindra , Natarajan Srikant , Somasundaram Jayalakshmi , Mangalath Divya Lakshmanan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe study evaluated the mechanical, tribological, and cytocompatibility properties of silver nanoparticles and titanium dioxide nanoparticles reinforced into polymethyl methacrylate resin. Both nanoparticles were separately ball‐milled with polymethyl methacrylate, and a conventional compression molding technique prepared samples in a thermostatically controlled water bath. Samples were analyzed for flexural strength, polishability, three‐body abrasive wear, surface hardness, and cytotoxicity. The fracture mechanics and surface roughness were further analyzed using a field emission scanning electron microscope. Most properties showed improvement at the said concentration compared to the control group, while few did not show property enhancement. The cell proliferation and viability were not compromised. Within study limits, silver nanoparticles and titanium dioxide nanoparticles reinforced polymethyl methacrylate resin positively influenced the dental polymer to a certain extent. The nanocomposite is cytocompatible at the tested concentrations. Pre‐reaction of the polymer, treating nanoparticles with coupling agents, determining an optimal additive size and concentration, and use of effective dispersion technique may further enhance the properties of the nanocomposites.
A conserved β‐bulge glycine residue facilitates folding and increases stability of the mouse α‐defensin cryptdin‐4
Authors: Clark Richard J. , Phan Thanh Huyen , Song Angela , Ouellette André J. , Conibear Anne C. , Rosengren K. Johan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDefensins are key components of both innate and adaptive immune responses to pathogens. Cryptdins are mouse alpha‐defensins that are secreted from Paneth cells in the small intestine and have disulfide‐stabilised structures and antibacterial activities against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The folding and three‐dimensional structures of alpha‐defensins are thought to depend on a conserved glycine residue that forms a β‐bulge. Here we investigated the role of this conserved glycine at position 19 of cryptdin‐4 (Crp4) in terms of the folding, structure and stability. A Crp4 variant with D‐Ala at position 19 folded efficiently, was stabilised by a large number of hydrogen bonds, and resisted proteolysis in simulated intestinal fluid. Although a variant with L‐Ala at position 19 was able to adopt the correct fold, it showed less efficient folding and was degraded more rapidly than the D‐Ala variant. These results demonstrate the key role that glycine residues can have in folding of bioactive peptides and can provide insights to guide design of stable antimicrobial peptides that fold efficiently.
Modeling of transport in carrier‐selective contacts in silicon heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Muralidharan Pradyumna , Goodnick Stephen M. , Vasileska Dragica 
Published: November 2021

AbstractHigh‐performance silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cells use carrier‐selective contact structures based on hydrogentated amorphous Si (a‐Si:H) to maximize collection of photogenerated carriers. The high open circuit voltages observed experimentally in SHJ cells require that the carrier‐selective contacts provide selectivity and passivation. However, a microscopic understanding of the dynamics of carrier transport through the a‐Si layer is currently lacking. In this paper, we explicitly simulate the transport of holes across the a‐Si:H(i) layer using a novel kinetic Monte Carlo approach. The hole‐selective contact structure investigated in this paper usesp‐type doped a‐Si:H(p) and intrinsic a‐Si:H(i) on ann‐type crystalline silicon wafer, where the selectivity is provided by the a‐Si:H(p) and the passivation is provided by the a‐Si:H(i). However, in addition to the passivation provided by the a‐Si:H(i), this layer also creates a potential barrier to the collection of photogenerated holes. There have been experimental studies in the literature that have suggested that multi‐phonon processes are the main transport mechanism that assists in the transport of holes across the intrinsic a‐Si:H barrier. Simulations presented here show that multi‐phonon injection of holes into the a‐Si:H(i) layer is the rate limiting step for transport across the a‐Si:H(i) layer. Our results indicate that multi‐phonon transport is strongly dependent on the electric field at the a‐Si:H(i)/c‐Si heterointerface as well. Transport simulations presented in this paper are consistent with experimental findings that multi‐phonon processes limit transport across the a‐Si:H(i) layer and are responsible for photocurrent suppression at the a‐Si:H(i)/c‐Si heterointerface when these processes are slower than the associated incident hole flux due to photo‐excitation.
In AI we trust? Citizen perceptions of AI in government decision making
Authors: Ingrams Alex , Kaufmann Wesley , Jacobs Daan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractUsing a survey experiment on the topic of tax auditing, we investigate artificial intelligence (AI) use in government decision making through the lenses of citizen red tape and trust. We find that individuals consider an AI‐led decision to be lower in red tape and trustworthiness than a decision by a human. We also find that highly complex tasks produce decisions with higher levels of perceived red tape, but that this effect does not vary according to whether the task is AI‐ or human‐led. We argue that researchers and practitioners give more attention to the balance of instrumental and value‐based qualities in the design and implementation of AI applications.
Predictors of mortality in children with cystic fibrosis in India
Authors: Kaur Hardeep , Pandey Shivam , Jat Kana R. , Lodha Rakesh , Kabra S. K. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere is a lack of studies on cystic fibrosis (CF) outcomes in children from developing countries like India. Identifying risk factors for mortality may help identify the high‐risk group and plan policy management of such patients. We aimed to determine the factors associated with mortality among Indian children with CF.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we extracted demography, clinical features, laboratory and outcome data from medical records of children with CF. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify variables associated with mortality.ResultsWe enrolled 178 children, and there were 32 (18.0%) deaths. Median (IQR) z‐score for body mass index (BMI) at last follow up was −1.5 (−2.7, −0.2) and −2.5 (−4.0, −1.6), p‐value 0.039, in survived and deceased group respectively. Mean (SD) of % predicted of FEV1/FVC and FEV1 25–75 at the time of diagnosis in survived versus diseased group was 94.7 (24.1) versus 81.5 (19.1), p‐value 0.063 and 56.1 (38.9) versus 45.7 (29.9), p‐value 0.347, respectively. Significant factors associated with mortality included history of neonatal complications; hazard ratio (HR): 8.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0–23.9, p < 0.001), low Z‐scores for BMI at the time of diagnosis; HR: 7.1 (95% CI: 2.3–22.0, p < 0.001), FEV1/FVC at the time of diagnosis; HR: 5.1 (95% CI: 1.65–15.4, p < 0.004), and FEV1 25–75; HR: 3.6 (95% CI: 1.1–11.8, p = 0.03).ConclusionsFactors associated with increased mortality risk included neonatal complications, low BMI, and lower pulmonary function test results. Low BMI and low PFT indices can be improved upon by timely treatment of respiratory infections, better nutrition, early diagnosis, and treatment. A newborn screening program may help in early diagnosis and identification of the neonatal problem of CF.
Efficacy of standardized tracheostomy training with a simulation model for healthcare providers: A study by ISPAT team
Authors: Uyan Zeynep S. , Atag Emine , Ergenekon Almala P. , Gokdemir Yasemin , Gokler Ozan , Ay Pinar , Bas İkizoglu Nilay , Cenk Muruvvet , Erdem Eralp Ela , Sivrikaya G. Ulufer , Girit Saniye , Cakir Erkan , Kilic Ayse A. , Yazan Hakan , Can Oksay Sinem , Hepkaya Evrim , Kiyan Gursu , Karadag Bulent , Karakoc Fazilet , Oktem Sedat 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionTracheostomy care in children may be challenging, due to lack of knowledge of healthcare providers (HCPs). The aim of this study was to determine the level of knowledge of HCP who follow patients with tracheostomy and to increase this level with theoretical training and training in a simulation laboratory.Materials and MethodsISPAT (IStanbul PAediatric Tracheostomy), a multidisciplinary team for tracheostomy care was established and a training program was prepared. Participants were subjected to theoretical and practical pretests which evaluated their knowledge levels and skills for care, follow‐up, and treatment of a patient with tracheostomy. After the theoretical and practical training given to the participants with a simulation model, theoretical and practical posttests were applied.ResultsFifty‐one HCP from nine tertiary pediatric clinics in Istanbul were enrolled in the training program. Only six (11.8%) of them had received standardized training programs previously. Regarding the theoretical tests, seven of the 33 questions were indicated as essential. The knowledge level of the participants based on the essential questions significantly increased after the training (p < 0.05 for all of the essential questions). The total number of correct answers and correct answers of three subheadings also significantly increased after the practical training (p < 0.001 for all). Ninety‐five percent of the participants assessed the course as good or excellent in general.ConclusionTraining in a simulation laboratory in combination with theoretical education can improve the knowledge and skills of the HCP enabling improved care of children with a tracheostomy.
Substrate‐assisted activation and selectivity of the bacterial RavD effector deubiquitinylase
Authors: Schulze‐Niemand Eric , Naumann Michael , Stein Matthias 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDeubiquitinylases (DUBs) catalyze the peptide bond cleavage of specific ubiquitin linkages at distinct protein substrates. Pathogens from viruses and bacteria independently developed effector proteins with DUB activity to mimic host DUB functions and circumvent immune responses. The effector protein RavD from Legionella pneumophila cleaves linear ubiquitin chains with an exclusive methionine‐1 selectivity. It thus performs as a functional analogue of the human DUB OTULIN, which achieves its selectivity only via a specialized proximal ubiquitin S1′ binding site as well as a substrate‐assisted activation of the catalytic triad. An analysis of the crystal structures of bacterial RavD in its free and di‐ubiquitin‐bound forms, in order to rationalize the structural basis for its selectivity and activation mechanism, is not fully conclusive. As these ambiguities might arise from the introduced double mutation of the di‐ubiquitin substrate in the RavD–di‐ubiquitin complex crystal structure, biomolecular modeling, and molecular dynamics sampling (1–2 μs for each system of RavD and OTULIN) were employed to reconstitute the physiological RavD–di‐ubiquitin complex. The simulations show that the distal S1 ubiquitin binding sites of RavD and OTULIN are similar in terms of interface area, composition, and ubiquitin binding affinity. The proximal S1′ site of RavD, in contrast, is significantly smaller and ubiquitin binding is weaker and more flexible than in OTULIN. Upon substrate access, the residues of the catalytic triad of RavD show a reduction of flexibility and a conformational transition toward a catalytically active state. Thus, the enzymatic activation of RavD is presumably also substrate‐assisted and a clear rationale for the common M1‐substrate selectivity.
Promotion of osteogenesis by Sweroside via BMP2‐involved signaling in postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Choi La Yoon , Kim Mi Hye , Yang Woong Mo 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPhlomis umbrosa has been traditionally used for bone diseases in traditional Korean Medicine. Sweroside (SOS), marker compounds of P. umbrosa, has been known to promote osteoblast differentiation. In this study, ameliorative effects of SOS on osteoporosis and potential target pathway were investigated. Ovariectomized mice were administered three doses of SOS three times a week for 4 weeks after inducing osteoporosis. Bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) were analyzed by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. A human osteosarcoma cell line (SaOS‐2) was differentiated to clarify the promoting effects of SOS on osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Osteoblastic bone‐forming markers were evaluated in lumbar vertebrae (LV) and mineralized SaOS‐2 cells. SOS markedly elevated BMC and BMD levels and attenuated the bone marrow adipocytes in the femoral shaft. SOS increased the formation of bone matrix in SaOS‐2 cells. Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP2) and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (CBFA1) in LV and SaOS‐2 cells were up‐regulated by SOS. SOS increased alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), osteopontin (SPP1), and bone sialoprotein‐1 (BSPH1). In conclusion, SOS induced the formation of mineralized bone matrix by regulating BMP2/CBFA1‐mediated molecules. Therefore, SOS could be a therapeutic compound of treatment for osteoporosis by producing the new bone matrix.
Collagen films, cassava starch and their blends: Physical–chemical, thermal and microstructure properties
Authors: da Costa Gilmar Freire , Grisi Cristiani Viegas Brandão , de Albuquerque Meireles Bruno Raniere Lins , de Sousa Solange , de Magalhães Cordeiro Angela Maria Tribuzy 
Published: November 2021

AbstractCollagen‐based films from Tilapia skin, cassava starch and their blends were prepared using the casting technique. Five treatments were prepared, where T1 represents the film containing 6% collagen, T2—film containing 6% cassava starch, T3—film containing 3%/3% blend of collagen/cassava starch, T4—film containing the 4.5%/1.5% blend of collagen/cassava starch and T5—film containing the blend of 1.5%/4.5% collagen/cassava starch. The physical, mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of each film were evaluated. The results indicated that T1 and T4 treatments improved film water resistance (p < 0.05). T3–T5 treatments provided higher values (p < 0.05) of lightness (L*). The scanning electron micrographs showed a smooth and homogeneous surface for the T1 and T2 films and a slightly roughened surface for the T3–T5 films. The T1 film had the highest (p < 0.05) tensile strength and elongation at break compared to the other films. Furthermore, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that the structures of the T1, T3, T4 and T5 films were predominantly amorphous. In general, T1 and T4 films were the ideal formulations. They have potential for being used as edible packaging for food, soluble sachets, containers for oils and/or capsules for the delivery of bioactive compounds.