bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Slowing down the heat in thermoelectrics
Authors: Qin Bingchao , Wang Dongyang , Zhao Li‐Dong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHeat transport has various applications in solid materials. In particular, the thermoelectric technology provides an alternative approach to traditional methods for waste heat recovery and solid‐state refrigeration by enabling direct and reversible conversion between heat and electricity. For enhancing the thermoelectric performance of the materials, attempts must be made to slow down the heat transport by minimizing their thermal conductivity (κ). In this study, a continuously developing heat transport model is reviewed first. Theoretical models for predicting the lattice thermal conductivity (κlat) of materials are summarized, which are significant for the rapid screening of thermoelectric materials with low κlat. Moreover, typical strategies, including the introduction of extrinsic phonon scattering centers with multidimensions and internal physical mechanisms of materials with intrinsically low κlat, for slowing down the heat transport are outlined. Extrinsic defect centers with multidimensions substantially scatter various‐frequency phonons; the intrinsically low κlat in materials with various crystal structures can be attributed to the strong anharmonicity resulting from weak chemical bonding, resonant bonding, low‐lying optical modes, liquid‐like sublattices, off‐center atoms, and complex crystal structures. This review provides an overall understanding of heat transport in thermoelectric materials and proposes effective approaches for slowing down the heat transport to depress κlat for the enhancement of thermoelectric performance.image
Platelet decrease and efficacy of platelet‐rich plasma return following peripheral blood stem cell apheresis
Authors: Shima Takahiro , Sakoda Teppei , Henzan Tomoko , Kunisaki Yuya , Sugio Takeshi , Kamezaki Kenjiro , Iwasaki Hiromi , Teshima Takanori , Maeda Takahiro , Akashi Koichi , Miyamoto Toshihiro 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundPeripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation is a key treatment option for hematological diseases and is widely performed in clinical practice. Platelet loss is one of the major complications of PBSC apheresis, and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) return is considered in case of platelet decrease following apheresis; however, little is known about the frequency and severity of platelet loss and the efficacy of PRP return postapheresis.MethodsWe assessed changes in platelet counts following PBSC‐related apheresis in 270 allogeneic (allo)‐ and 105 autologous (auto)‐PBSC settings. We also evaluated the efficacy of PRP transfusion on platelet recovery postapheresis.ResultsIn both allo‐ and auto‐PBSC settings, the preapheresis platelet count (range, 84‐385 and 33‐558 × 109/L, respectively) decreased postapheresis (range, 57‐292 and 20‐429 × 109/L, respectively), whereas severe platelet decrease (<50 × 109/L) was only observed in auto‐PBSC patients (n = 9). We confirmed that platelet count before apheresis was a risk factor for severe platelet decrease (<50 × 109/L) following auto‐PBSC apheresis (odds ratio 0.749, P < .049). PRP return postapheresis facilitated platelet recovery in more than 80% of cases in both allo and auto settings.ConclusionLower platelet count preapheresis is a useful predictor of severe platelet decrease following auto‐PBSC apheresis and PRP return is an effective process to facilitate platelet recovery postapheresis.
Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) enhance insulin secretory response via GPR40 and adenylate cyclase (AC)
Authors: Hwang Mina , Kim Hyo‐Sup , Jin Sang‐Man , Hur Kyu Yeon , Kim Jae‐Hyeon , Lee Moon‐Kyu 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThiazolidinediones are synthetic PPARγ ligands that enhance insulin sensitivity, and that could increase insulin secretion from β‐cells. However, the functional role and mechanism(s) of action in pancreatic β‐cells have not been investigated in detail.
Vatairea guianensis lectin stimulates changes in gene expression and release of TNF‐α from rat peritoneal macrophages via glycoconjugate binding
Authors: Marques Gabriela Fernandes Oliveira , Pires Alana Freitas , Osterne Vinicius Jose Silva , Pinto‐Junior Vanir Reis , Silva Ivanice Bezerra , Martins Maria Gleiciane Queiroz , Oliveira Messias Vital , Gomes Angelica Maciel , de Souza Luiz Augusto Gomes , Pavão Mauro Sérgio Gonçalves , Cavada Benildo Sousa , Assreuy Ana Maria Sampaio , Nascimento Kyria Santiago 
Published: June 2021

AbstractUsing a rat model of peritonitis, we herein report the inflammatory effect induced by the lectin isolated from Vatairea guianensis (VGL) seeds in the context of interactions between VGL and both toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1). Peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with VGL for dose‐dependent gene expression and release of TNF‐α. In vivo results showed that VGL (1 mg/kg; intraperitoneal) induced peritonitis in female Wistar rats. Leukocyte migration, macrophage activation, and protein leakage were measured 3 and 6 hours after induction. In vitro, peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with VGL for gene expression and TNF‐α dosage (mean ± SEM (n = 6), analysis of variance, and Bonferroni's test (P < .05)). In silico, VGL structure was applied in molecular docking with representative glycans. It was found that (a) VGL increases vascular permeability and stimulates leukocyte migration, both rolling and adhesion; (b) lectin‐induced neutrophil migration occurs via macrophage stimulation, both in vitro and in vivo; (c) lectin interacts with TLR4 and TNFR1; and (d) stimulates TNF‐α gene expression (RT‐PCR) and release from peritoneal macrophages. Thus, upon lectin‐glycan binding on the cell surface, our results suggest that VGL induces an acute inflammatory response, in turn activating the release of peritoneal macrophages via TNF‐α and TLR and/or TNFR receptor pathways.
Metabolic alterations of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in sleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy: A proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Wang Weina , Wu Xintong , Su Xiaorui , Sun Huaiqiang , Tan Qiaoyue , Zhang Simin , Lu Lu , Gao Hui , Liu Wenyu , Yang Xibiao , Zhou Dong , Kemp Graham J. , Yue Qiang , Gong Qiyong 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSleep‐related hypermotor epilepsy (SHE) is a focal epilepsy whose neurobiological underpinnings remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to identify possible neurochemical alterations in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in participants with SHE using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS). Thirty‐nine participants with SHE (mean age, 30.7 years ± 11.3 [standard deviation], 24 men) and 59 controls (mean age, 29.4 years ± 10.4, 29 men) were consecutively and prospectively recruited and underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and 1H MRS in the bilateral DLPFCs. Brain concentrations of metabolites, including N‐acetyl aspartate (NAA), myo‐inositol (mI), choline, creatine, the sum of glutamate and glutamine, glutathione (GSH) and γ‐aminobutyric acid, were estimated with LCModel and corrected for the partial volume effect of cerebrospinal fluid using tissue segmentation. ANCOVA analyses revealed lower concentration of NAA in the left DLPFC in participants with SHE compared with controls. A significant difference of NAA concentration between DLPFC in the two hemispheres (left > right) was observed only in the control group. We further confirmed a higher GSH concentration in men than in women in SHE participants, which probably indicates that men are more susceptible to this disease. The mI concentration in the right DLPFC was negatively correlated with epilepsy duration. This study demonstrates that DLPFC is an important brain region involved in the pathophysiology of SHE, in which both neurons and astrocytes appear impaired, and the elevated GSH level may suggest an abnormality related to oxidative stress.
Elevated zinc concentrations did not induce thiols in spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Authors: Krippner Johanna , Schubert Sven 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundPlants evolved various mechanisms to cope with metal stress. Cadmium (Cd) exposure specifically induces the synthesis of thiol‐rich substances such as phytochelatins. Due to the chemical similarity of Cd and zinc (Zn), similar detoxification mechanisms for both metals are under discussion.AimWe conducted a nutrient solution experiment to investigate thiol accumulation of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) and spinach (Spinacia oleracea) cultivars at different metal toxicity levels in vivo.MethodsThree metal treatments were applied: 1 µM Zn (control), 10 µM Zn, and 1 µM Zn + 1 µM Cd. After 10 days, thiol accumulation in parsley and spinach cultivars, which differ in their Zn tissue tolerance, was measured.ResultsSpinach and parsley cultivars differed in metal uptake, translocation, and resistance. In spinach, Cd application induced more severe toxicity symptoms and biomass reduction than Zn. Cadmium toxicity was more pronounced in spinach than in parsley due to higher Cd translocation of spinach cultivars. Despite comparable Zn tissue concentrations, parsley did not show any Zn toxicity symptoms. Due to lower Cd tissue concentrations, only a slight browning of parsley roots was found after Cd treatment. Whereas Cd application induced thiol synthesis in both plant species, Zn excess did not.ConclusionAs elevated Zn concentrations in plant tissues did not induce thiol synthesis, a contribution of phytochelatins to Zn homeostasis and detoxification was excluded.
Inconsistent results for Peto odds ratios in multi‐arm studies, network meta‐analysis and indirect comparisons
Authors: Schwarzer Guido , Efthimiou Orestis , Rücker Gerta 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe Peto odds ratio is a well‐known effect measure in meta‐analysis of binary outcomes. For pairwise comparisons, the Peto odds ratio estimator can be severely biased in the situation of unbalanced sample sizes in the two treatment groups or large treatment effects. In this publication, we evaluate Peto odds ratio estimators in the setting of multi‐arm studies and in network meta‐analysis using illustrative examples. We observe that Peto odds ratio estimators in a multi‐arm study are inconsistent if the observed event probabilities are different or the sample sizes of treatment groups are unbalanced. The same problem emerges in network meta‐analysis including only two‐arm studies and translates to indirect comparisons of pairwise meta‐analyses. We conclude that the Peto odds ratio should not be used as effect measure in network meta‐analysis or indirect comparisons of pairwise meta‐analyses.
Outcomes and quality of life in immediate one‐stage versus two‐stage breast reconstructions without an acellular dermal matrix: 17‐ years of experience
Authors: Dimovska Eleonora O.F. , Chen Courtney , Chou Hsu‐Huan , Lin Yi‐Ling , Cheng Ming‐Huei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundAdvantages of one‐stage implant‐based reconstructions include expedited surgery and recovery. This study aimed to investigate clinical and patient‐reported outcomes in one‐stage implant‐based breast reconstructions without acellular dermal matrix (ADM).MethodsA prospectively collected database from 2002 to 2018 was retrospectively reviewed. One‐stage and two‐stage groups were compared for demographics, implant properties, early complications (hematoma, seroma, poor wound healing, implant removal), late complications (skin necrosis, capsular contracture, implant exposure, implant rupture), revision procedures, and Breast‐Q questionnaire outcomes.ResultsA total of 223 patients, 187 one‐stage (84%) and 36 two‐stage (16%) patients were recruited. At a mean follow‐up of 124.9 and 92.5 months, respectively (p < .01), there were no differences in early (p = .85) or late (p = .23) complications or revision procedures (p = .12). Eighty patients (36%) returned the Breast‐Q questionnaire (60 one‐stage, 20 two‐stage patients). There were no statistical differences in patient reported outcomes in breast well‐being (p = .07), psychosocial well‐being (p = .84), or sexual well‐being (p = .78).ConclusionsOne‐stage implant‐based breast reconstruction without an ADM is a viable reconstruction providing comparable outcomes to two‐stage procedures, with the benefit of minimal complications, a shorter reconstructive journey, and satisfactory quality of life.
The interdisciplinary and psychosocial gap in cancer survivorship: A longitudinal study in a Latin American Cancer Center
Authors: Puschel Klaus , León Augusto , Arancibia Victor , Aubel Paula , Velásquez Eng Cristián , Sáez Ps Sebastián , Vinés Eugenio , León Augusto , Thompson Beti , Are Chandrakanth 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThere is lack of information on the quality of care provided to the rapidly increasing population of cancer survivors in Latin America. Our study attempts to address this gap and to identify areas needed to be improved.MethodsA random sample of 210 breast and colorectal cancer survivors were selected from a hospital‐based registry in Chile. Cancer registry information, electronic chart review, and personal interviews were used to assess medical and nonmedical care over a 5‐year period. Survivorship care practices were compared to a standardized reference based on the US Institute of Medicine domains and the American Cancer Association guidelines.ResultsOver 80% of breast and colorectal cancer survivors received appropriate medical care, ongoing testing surveillance and risk factors assessment. Only a third of survivors were assessed for psychosocial disorders and 25% of them received interdisciplinary care. Overall, 66.1% of breast and 58.6% of colorectal cancer survivors reached the expected quality level of cancer survivorship care according to the reference standard (p < .001).ConclusionMedical care practices reached a high standard in a leading cancer center in Latin America. However, a much stronger psychosocial assessment and interdisciplinary care is needed to improve survivorship cancer quality care.
Optimization of process parameters in fused deposition modelling of thermoplastics: A review
Authors: Nyiranzeyimana G. , Mutua J.M. , Mose B.R. , Mbuya T.O. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAmong the several techniques for additive manufacturing (AM), fused deposition modelling (FDM) is widely used. Fused deposition modelling process uses a thermoplastic material, which is melted and then extruded layer by layer through a nozzle, in order to create a three‐dimensional object. As a result of the default setting of process parameters provided by the manufacturers, produced parts normally have a poor surface finish, low mechanical properties, low dimensional accuracy, and increased residual stresses compared to the parts produced using conventional manufacturing processes like molding (casting). Qualities of fused deposition modelled (FDMed) parts are generally affected by process parameters including the layer thickness, extrusion temperature, build orientation, printing speed, raster angle, infill density, raster width, nozzle diameter, and air gap. Increasing infill density, printing temperature, and decreasing print speed and layer thickness lead to increase mechanical strength and improve the surface finish of the printed parts. The optimal process parameters are preferred to achieve superior properties of the parts. This paper reviews the optimal fused deposition modelling process parameters on part qualities for making the stability of used deposition modelled parts for use. Various process parameters are identified in order to obtain desirable qualities in the manufactured parts. Areas for future research are proposed.
Microstructural characterization and mechanical integrity of stainless steel 316L clad layers deposited via wire arc additive manufacturing for nuclear applications
Authors: Kannan A. Rajesh , Kumar S. Mohan , Pramod R. , Shanmugam N. Siva , Vishnukumar M. , Naveenkumar S. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe potential applications of stainless steel 316L components using wire arc additive manufacturing offers many benefits such as improved part complexity, higher deposition rate and less material waste. Microstructural examination indicates the strong interlayer bonding between cladded layers and was mainly austenitic with columnar and equiaxed dendrites while equiaxed grains with annealing twins were observed in the stainless steel 316L substrate. In the current study, we report that stainless steel 316L additively cladded via wire arc additive manufacturing exhibits a 11 % and 14 % increase in the yield strength and tensile strength, correspondingly in contrast to the stainless steel 316L substrate. The enhanced mechanical properties are attributed to the columnar structure and interlayer remelted peritectic growth. Hardness values were higher at the cladded layers compared to the interface and substrate. Interface sample failed in the substrate side and all samples exhibited ductile mode of fracture with fine dimples and micro voids. Wire arc additive manufacturing process can be employed for producing or repairing components with better mechanical properties and corrosion performance for elevated temperature environments including nuclear reactor applications.
Effects of genetic polymorphisms in INTS10 and their interaction with environmental factors on progression from persistent HBV infection to hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wu Yanmei , Lin Zibo , Luo Meihua , Yu Xinfa , Chen Sidong , Liu Li 
Published: June 2021

AbstractGenome‐wide association study recently identified a novel antiviral gene INTS10 (index rs7000921) in suppression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. However, data were lacking on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of INTS10 in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induced by HBV infection. Herein, we conducted a case‐control study, including 737 HBV‐related HCC cases and 750 persistently HBV‐infected controls, to investigate the effect of INTS10 SNPs and their gene–environment interactions on HBV‐related HCC. In multivariate analysis, the CT genotype of rs7000921 conferred a decreased risk of HBV‐related HCC compared to the TT genotype (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.64–0.98, p for permutation test = .038). Among the 12 tagSNPs, the rs4268139 yielded a borderline significant association with disease risk under the additive model (adjusted OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.63–1.00, p for permutation test = .061). Random forest model further suggested the rs7000921 and rs7822495 as the two‐top ranked important SNPs, and thus a weighted genetic risk score (wGRS) was generated from these two SNPs plus rs4268139. The highest tertile of wGRS was associated with an increased risk, with an adjusted OR of 1.36 (95% CI = 1.05–1.75, p for permutation test = .016) compared to the lowest wGRS. Furthermore, an additive interaction was seen between wGRS and drinking (attributable proportion due to interaction [AP] = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.02–0.43, p = .016). The additive interaction between wGRS and smoking approached near significance (AP = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.00–0.32, p = .045). INTS10 polymorphisms may contribute to the progression from HBV infection to HCC. More importantly, INTS10 polymorphisms interact with drinking and smoking to affect the progression.
Optimizing the operation of an electrodiagnostic laboratory during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A 6‐month single‐center experience
Authors: Lau K. H. Vincent , Kaku Michelle C. , Marks Ariel , Tang Connie , Zhou Lan , Siao Peter 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsThe initial surge of the coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic in early 2020 led to widespread cancellation of elective medical procedures in the United States, including nonurgent outpatient and inpatient electrodiagnostic (EDx) studies. As certain regions later showed a downtrend in daily new cases, EDx laboratories have reopened under the guidance of the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM). In our reopening experience guided by the AANEM, we measured relevant outcomes to determine further workflow adaptations. We aimed to detail our experience and share the lessons learned.MethodsWe reviewed the clinical volumes, billing data, diagnosis distributions, and rates of COVID‐19 exposure and transmission among patients and staff in our EDx laboratory during the first 6 months of reopening, starting on June 1, 2020. For context, we detailed the recent AANEM guidelines we adopted at our laboratory, supplemented by other consensus statements.ResultsWe completed 816 outpatient studies from June 1 to December 1, 2020, reaching 97% of the total volume and 97% of total billing compared with the same time period in 2019. The average relative value units per study were similar. There were no major shifts in diagnosis distributions. We completed 10 of 12 requested inpatient studies during this period. There were no known COVID‐19 transmissions between patients and staff.DiscussionOur experience suggests that it is possible to safely operate an EDx laboratory under the guidance of the AANEM and other experts, with clinical volume and billing rates comparable to pre‐pandemic baselines.
A novel diagnostic method for myasthenia gravis
Authors: Kocak Goknur Selen , Tütüncü Melih , Adatepe Nurten Uzun , Yerlikaya Bengi Dolek , Kara Eyup , Atas Ahmet , Yener Murat , Oren Meryem Merve 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroduction/AimsVideonystagmography (VNG) which directly records eye movements using infrared video goggles with mini‐cameras, is used to measure nystagmus. Our aim is to explore whether VNG can be used to detect a decrement in the extraocular muscle (EOM) activity of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG).MethodsThirty‐four patients with MG, including 13 with ocular‐predominant and 21 with generalized MG, and 23 healthy controls participated. Using VNG we recorded the velocity of the eye movements of the patients as they followed a moving target. We then calculated the gain by dividing the eye movement velocity (degrees/second) by the target velocity (degrees/second).ResultsIn MG subjects, the mean initial gain (maximum gain) was 1.23 ± 0.31 (range: 0.63–2.15) for the right eye and 1.22 ± 0.37 (range; 0.60–2.28) for the left eye. The mean minimum gain was 0.11 ± 0.12 (0.01–0.58) for the right and 0.14 ± 0.5 (0.02–0.55) for the left. Due to fatigue, the movement gain was reduced by 91.7% in the right eye and 88.2% in the left eye. After reaching minimum velocity, gain remained at a minimum for a mean of 1.08 ± 0.52 (0.3–2.4) s for the right and 1.49 ± 0.85 (0.4–3.6) s for the left, before the velocity increased again. There was no fatigue‐induced decrement in healthy subjects.DiscussionOur study documents a decrement in EOM activity recorded by VNG in patients with MG which begins to improve within 1–2 s after reaching minimum velocity, analogous to traditional low‐frequency repetitive nerve stimulation testing and its U‐shaped pattern. Thus, VNG may be a promising diagnostic test for MG.