bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Planting density and variety intercropping improve organ biomass distribution of rapeseed to alleviate the trade‐off between yield and lodging resistance
Authors: Wang Zongkai , Wang Bo , Kuai Jie , Li Zhen , Bai Ru , Zhou Guangsheng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA split‐plot experiment was conducted to alleviate high yield and strong lodging resistance not coinciding with rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). The main plot was planting density (1.2 and 4.5 × 105 plants ha−1), and the subplots were different intercropping ratios (1:0, 0:1, 2:1, 1:1, and 1:2) of Huayouza 62 (lodging resistance) and Fengyou 520 (lodging sensitive). Our results indicated that increased density significantly decreased biomass, siliques, and yield per plant, but the population yield was enhanced by 9.3%, and intercropping increased leaf area at the bolting and anthesis, dry matter accumulation, and population yield compared to the sole crop. Increased density decreased the root neck diameter and stem breaking strength of per plant but increased the population lodging resistance, and intercropping significantly improved lodging‐related agronomy traits, increased stem breaking strength, and stem biochemical contents compared to sole cropping. The average lodging index was decreased by 17.7% and lodging angle by 11.2% at the planting density of 1.2 × 105 plants ha−1 deployed at 1:2 intercropping ratio, and at 4.5 × 105 plants ha−1 with 1:1 intercropping ratio, the average lodging index decreased 7.8% and the lodging angle by 14.1%. Total population root biomass was significantly negatively correlated with the lodging angle, but positively correlated with the harvest yield. Intercropping rapeseed varieties that differ in lodging resistance at variable density can improve the root traits of the population that alleviate the trade‐off between high yield and poor lodging resistance.
Batch and Continuous‐Flow Preparation of Biomass‐Derived Furfural Acetals over a TiO2 Nanoparticle‐Exfoliated Montmorillonite Composite Catalyst
Authors: Zhou Bo , Song Fan , Ma Xinyue , Wang Lijun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFurfural acetals with high octane value, high calorific value and high oxidation resistance are considered promising biofuels or fuel precursors with huge potential demand. However, there are few studies on efficient scalable catalyst systems, including continuous‐flow catalyst systems, for their preparation. In this work, TiO2 nanoparticles supported on exfoliated montmorillonite, with strong Lewis acid sites and abundant accessible Brønsted acid sites, is used to catalyze the acetalization reactions of biomass‐derived furfural and alcohols. Low dosage of the catalyst made the reaction reach equilibrium in a very short time (TOF=690–1305 min−1) at room temperature with the acetal as the only product. In continuous‐flow reactions, the catalyst showed a stable product output with conversion close to that for the batch reaction with a short catalyst‐reactant contact time of 150 s. Contrast experiments revealed that both Lewis and Brønsted acid sites on the catalyst were indispensable for maximizing the catalytic performance, and simultaneously activating both furfural and alcohol on the adjacent Lewis and Brønsted acid sites was proposed to be responsible for the high catalytic performance.
Non‐isolated single‐phase inverter based on an autotransformer for low‐power applications
Authors: Corrêa Douglas Rosa , de Faria Andrade Juliano , de Morais Aniel Silva , Vilefort Leandro Sousa , Tofoli Fernando Lessa 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis work presents a non‐isolated single‐phase voltage‐source inverter (VSI) topology using an autotransformer to provide an alternating current (AC) output voltage whose maximum peak value can be up to twice that obtained with the conventional half‐bridge and full‐bridge inverters. Prominent advantages include a simple structure with low component count, as well as the fact that both switches are connected to a same reference node, as there is no need for isolated driver circuitry. As a possible drawback, the maximum voltage across the switches is equal to twice the input voltage, but it is still reasonable to state that the topology is adequate for low‐power, low‐input‐voltage applications. A thorough qualitative and quantitative analysis is presented, from which it is possible to derive a consistent design procedure. An experimental prototype with a rated power of 100 W, switching frequency of 20 kHz, direct current (DC) input voltage of 35 V, and rms output voltage of 37 V is developed to validate the theoretical assumptions.
Caveolin‐1‐driven membrane remodelling regulates hnRNPK‐mediated exosomal microRNA sorting in cancer
Authors: Robinson Harley , Ruelcke Jayde E. , Lewis Amanda , Bond Charles S. , Fox Archa H. , Bharti Vandhana , Wani Shivangi , Cloonan Nicole , Lai Andrew , Margolin David , Li Li , Salomon Carlos , Richards Renée S. , Farrell Aine , Gardiner Robert A. , Parton Robert G. , Cristino Alexandre S. , Hill Michelle M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundCaveolae proteins play diverse roles in cancer development and progression. In prostate cancer, non‐caveolar caveolin‐1 (CAV1) promotes metastasis, while CAVIN1 attenuates CAV1‐induced metastasis. Here, we unveil a novel mechanism linking CAV1 to selective loading of exosomes with metastasis‐promoting microRNAs.ResultsWe identify hnRNPK as a CAV1‐regulated microRNA binding protein. In the absence of CAVIN1, non‐caveolar CAV1 drives localisation of hnRPNK to multi‐vesicular bodies (MVBs), recruiting AsUGnA motif‐containing miRNAs and causing their release within exosomes. This process is dependent on the lipid environment of membranes as shown by cholesterol depletion using methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin or by treatment with n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Consistent with a role in bone metastasis, knockdown of hnRNPK in prostate cancer PC3 cells abolished the ability of PC3 extracellular vesicles (EV) to induce osteoclastogenesis, and biofluid EV hnRNPK is elevated in metastatic prostate and colorectal cancer.ConclusionsTaken together, these results support a novel pan‐cancer mechanism for CAV1‐driven exosomal release of hnRNPK and associated miRNA in metastasis, which is modulated by the membrane lipid environment.
White matter alterations in young children with prenatal alcohol exposure
Authors: Kar Preeti , Reynolds Jess E. , Grohs Melody N. , Gibbard W. Ben , McMorris Carly , Tortorelli Christina , Lebel Catherine 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPrenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and social–emotional challenges. Previous neuroimaging research has identified structural brain alterations in newborns, older children, adolescents, and adults with PAE; however, little is known about brain structure in young children. Extensive brain development occurs during early childhood; therefore, understanding the neurological profiles of young children with PAE is critical for early identification and effective intervention. We studied 54 children (5.21 ± 1.11 years; 27 males) with confirmed PAE (94% also had other prenatal exposures, 74% had adverse postnatal experiences) compared with 54 age‐ and sex‐matched children without PAE. Children underwent diffusion tensor imaging between 2 and 7 years of age. Mean fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were obtained for 10 major white matter tracts. Univariate analyses of covariance were used to test group differences (PAE vs. control) controlling for age and sex. The PAE group had higher FA in the genu of the corpus callosum and lower MD in the bilateral uncinate fasciculus. The PAE group also had lower tract volume in the corpus callosum, the bilateral inferior fronto‐occipital fasciculi, and the right superior longitudinal fasciculus. Our findings align with studies of newborns with PAE reporting lower diffusivity, but contrast those in older populations with PAE, which consistently report lower FA and higher MD. Further research is needed to understand trajectories of white matter development and how our results of higher FA/lower MD in young children connect with lower FA/higher MD observed at older ages.
Abundance, not diversity, of host beetle communities determines abundance and diversity of parasitoids in deadwood
Authors: Vogel Sebastian , Prinzing Andreas , Bußler Heinz , Müller Jörg , Schmidt Stefan , Thorn Simon 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMost parasites and parasitoids are adapted to overcome defense mechanisms of their specific hosts and hence colonize a narrow range of host species. Accordingly, an increase in host functional or phylogenetic dissimilarity is expected to increase the species diversity of parasitoids. However, the local diversity of parasitoids may be driven by the accessibility and detectability of hosts, both increasing with increasing host abundance. Yet, the relative importance of these two mechanisms remains unclear. We parallelly reared communities of saproxylic beetle as potential hosts and associated parasitoid Hymenoptera from experimentally felled trees. The dissimilarity of beetle communities was inferred from distances in seven functional traits and from their evolutionary ancestry. We tested the effect of host abundance, species richness, functional, and phylogenetic dissimilarities on the abundance, species richness, and Shannon diversity of parasitoids. Our results showed an increase of abundance, species richness, and Shannon diversity of parasitoids with increasing beetle abundance. Additionally, abundance of parasitoids increased with increasing species richness of beetles. However, functional and phylogenetic dissimilarity showed no effect on the diversity of parasitoids. Our results suggest that the local diversity of parasitoids, of ephemeral and hidden resources like saproxylic beetles, is highest when resources are abundant and thereby detectable and accessible. Hence, in some cases, resources do not need to be diverse to promote parasitoid diversity.
High‐frequency spinal cord stimulation as rescue therapy for chronic pain patients with failure of conventional spinal cord stimulation
Authors: Cordero Tous Nicolas , Sánchez Corral Carlos , Ortiz García Isabel María , Jover Vidal Aarón , Gálvez Mateos Rafael , Olivares Granados Gonzalo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the efficacy of 10‐kHz high‐frequency (HF10) devices as a rescue treatment in patients with failure of conventional spinal cord stimulation (SCS) therapy for chronic pain without the need to change the spinal hardware.MethodsIn this real‐world prospective study, patients with neuropathic pain treated with conventional tonic SCS in whom the therapy had failed, either during the trial phase or after a period of optimal functioning, were recruited throughout 2 years for HF10‐SCS therapy. Data on analgesia, functionality, analgesics use and treatment safety were collected 12 months after treatment.ResultsEleven of the 18 (61%) patients included in the study were successfully rescued with HF10‐SCS. Of them, 5 out of 12 (45%) were in the trial phase and six out of six (100%) had previously functioning implants. A significant improvement in low‐back and limb pain was obtained (p = 0.003 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Treatment success was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.037), weight (p = 0.014), body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.007) and time of rescue (p = 0.015). A linear regression test confirmed a significant association between treatment failure and BMI and gender (p = 0.004).ConclusionsOur results suggest that analgesic rescue with HF10‐SCS is an effective therapeutic option for non‐responders to conventional SCS, although obesity might be a limiting factor for treatment success. Nevertheless, more comprehensive studies are needed to corroborate our findings.SignificanceThis study shows that high‐frequency stimulation may be useful in patients with failure of conventional tonic stimulation for chronic pain, both in the trial phase and in previously implanted subjects. The novelty of this study lies in the use of the implanted epidural electrodes, which avoids the need for further surgery. The results in terms of pain control and recovery of functionality are satisfactory. In addition, variables such as male gender and high body mass index could be predictors of therapy failure.
Distinct effects of the basal ganglia and cerebellum on the thalamocortical pathway in idiopathic generalized epilepsy
Authors: Gong Jinnan , Jiang Sisi , Li Zhiliang , Pei Haonan , Li Qifu , Yao Dezhong , Luo Cheng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe aberrant thalamocortical pathways of epilepsy have been detected recently, while its underlying effects on epilepsy are still not well understood. Exploring pathoglytic changes in two important thalamocortical pathways, that is, the basal ganglia (BG)‐thalamocortical and the cerebellum‐thalamocortical pathways, in people with idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE), could deepen our understanding on the pathological mechanism of this disease. These two pathways were reconstructed and investigated in this study by combining diffusion and functional MRI. Both pathways showed connectivity changes with the perception and cognition systems in patients. Consistent functional connectivity (FC) changes were observed mainly in perception regions, revealing the aberrant integration of sensorimotor and visual information in IGE. The pathway‐specific FC alterations in high‐order regions give neuroimaging evidence of the neural mechanisms of cognitive impairment and epileptic activities in IGE. Abnormal functional and structural integration of cerebellum, basal ganglia and thalamus could result in an imbalance of inhibition and excitability in brain systems of IGE. This study located the regulated cortical regions of BG and cerebellum which been affected in IGE, established possible links between the neuroimaging findings and epileptic symptoms, and enriched the understanding of the regulatory effects of BG and cerebellum on epilepsy.
Modified vacuum‐assisted closure (EndoVAC) therapy for treatment of pharyngocutaneous fistula: Case series and a review of the literature
Authors: Steinbichler Teresa Bernadette , Wolfram Dolores , Runge Annette , Hartl Roland , Dejaco Daniel , Rauchenwald Tina , Pototschnig Claus , Riechelmann Herbert , Schartinger Volker Hans 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundPharyngocutaneous fistula is a potential life‐threatening complication following head and neck surgery. There is only limited evidence about the efficacy of vacuum‐assisted closure (VAC) therapy and endoscopic vacuum‐assisted closure (EndoVAC) therapy for the treatment of pharyngocutaneous fistulas.MethodsIn this article, we report on a consecutive case series of six male patients with pharyngocutaneous fistula treated with a modified outside‐in EndoVAC technique. We also present a review of the current related literature.ResultsEndoVAC therapy alone was successful in five of the six patients (83.3%) with a median duration of EndoVAC therapy of 18.5 days (range: 7 to 32 days) and a median number of EndoVAC sponge changes of 4 (range: 1 to 9 changes). One patient needed additional reconstructive surgery after prior radiochemotherapy and jejunal transfer. No treatment‐related complications were observed.ConclusionEndoVAC therapy is an easy‐to‐perform, safe procedure for the treatment of pharyngocutaneous fistulae.
Characteristics and outcomes of COVID‐19 pneumonia in pregnancy compared with infected nonpregnant women
Authors: Vizheh Maryam , Muhidin Salut , Aghajani Faezeh , Maleki Zohreh , Bagheri Fereshteh , Hosamirudsari Hadiseh , Aleyasin Ashraf , Tehranian Afsaneh 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the clinical and paraclinical features and outcomes of pregnant and nonpregnant women with COVID‐19.MethodsA multicenter retrospective cohort study of pregnant and nonpregnant women of reproductive age hospitalized between March and October 2020 in Tehran, Iran. Medical records were reviewed and women who tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 on RT‐PCR were included. Extracted data were compared and logistic regression performed.ResultsA total of 110 pregnant and 234 nonpregnant COVID‐19‐positive women were included. Frequency of severe disease was higher in nonpregnant women than pregnant women (29% vs 11.8%; P < 0.001). Symptoms including cough, dyspnea, chill, fatigue, and headache were more frequent in nonpregnant women (P < 0.05). Pregnant women had higher oxygen saturation levels and lower lymphocyte count (P = 0.001). Six (5.5%) pregnant and 12 (5.1%) nonpregnant women died (P = 0.80). No significant differences between the groups were found for ICU admission and end organ failure. Significantly more nonpregnant women had acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS, 9.4% vs 0%; P = 0.001). Univariate regression indicated association between hypertension and death; oxygen saturation and ARDS; and body mass index and ICU admission. No association was found between pregnancy and death, ICU admission, or ARDS.ConclusionPregnant women with COVID‐19 are not at higher risk of adverse outcomes compared with nonpregnant women.
Automatic detection and segmentation of lung nodules in different locations from CT images based on adaptive α‐hull algorithm and DenseNet convolutional network
Authors: Zhang Xiaofang , Li Suxiao , Zhang Bin , Dong Jie , Zhao Shujun , Liu Xiaomin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAutomatic lung nodules detection and segmentation can assist doctors in better diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer. However, precise detection and segmentation are still challenging, because lung nodules can have different contours or locations and may be attached to other tissues, such as neighboring blood vessel and pleural surface. In this study, an automatic detection and segmentation method for lung nodules in different locations has been developed. First, we apply Otsu thresholding to segment lung parenchyma. Next, a morphological opening operation is carried out to remove blood vessels. Then α‐hull operation is proposed to correct lung contours and optimal α values can be acquired adaptively. Finally, DenseNet convolutional network is applied to classify true lung nodules from all nodule candidates. We select the intersection area of at least three radiologists' annotations as ground truth and validate our method on 466 nodules including well‐circumscribed, juxta‐vascular, juxta‐pleural, and pleural tail. Our study not only concentrates on false positive reduction but also evaluates segmentation performance. To give a more comprehensive quantitative evaluation of nodule segmentation, we use evaluation metrics including Jaccard index (JI), dice similar coefficient (DSC), Hausdorff distance, under‐segmentation rate, over‐segmentation rate, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and false positive rate. Overall results are 0.6385 ± 0.1309, 0.7710 ± 0.1057, 3.5123 ± 3.1251, 0.1769 ± 0.1308, 0.1848 ± 0.1463, 0.7936 ± 0.1417, 0.9998 ± 0.0003, 0.9997 ± 0.0003, and 0.0002 ± 0.0003, respectively. These metrics can demonstrate segmentation performance in multiple dimensions. As a general and automatic detection and segmentation framework for lung nodules in different locations, this study achieves better performance than previous approaches in JI and DSC.
Engineering and polymeric composition of drug‐eluting suture: A review
Authors: Deng Xiaoxuan , Qasim Muhammad , Ali Azam 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSutures are the most popular surgical implants in the global surgical equipment market. They are used for holding tissues together to achieve wound closure. However, controlling the body's immune response to these “foreign bodies” at site of infection is challenging. Natural polymers such as collagen, silk, nylon, and cotton, and synthetic polymers such as polycaprolactone, poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid), poly(p‐dioxanone) and so forth, contribute the robust foundation for the engineering of drug‐eluting sutures. The incorporation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with polymeric composition of suture materials is an efficient way to reduce inflammatory reaction in the wound site as well as to control bacterial growth, while allowing wound healing. The incorporation of polymeric composition in surgical sutures has been found to add high flexibility as well as excellent physical and mechanical properties. Fabrication processes and polymer materials allow control over drug‐eluting profiles to effectively address wound healing requirements. This review outlines and discusses (a) polymer materials and APIs used in suture applications, including absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures; (b) suture structures, such as monofilament, multifilament, barded and smart sutures; and (c) the existing manufacturing techniques for drug‐eluting suture production, including electrospinning, melt‐extrusion and coating.
Gain-of-Function Lrp5 Mutation Improves Bone Mass and Strength and Delays Hyperglycemia in a Mouse Model of Insulin-Deficient Diabetes
Authors: Leanza Giulia , Fontana Francesca , Lee Seung-Yon , Remedi Maria S. , Schott Céline , Ferron Mathieu , Hamilton-Hall Malcolm , Alippe Yael , Strollo Rocky , Napoli Nicola , Civitelli Roberto 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT
High fracture rate and high circulating levels of the Wnt inhibitor, sclerostin, have been reported in diabetic patients. We studied the effects of Wnt signaling activation on bone health in a mouse model of insulin-deficient diabetes. We introduced the sclerostin-resistant Lrp5A214V mutation, associated with high bone mass, in mice carrying the Ins2Akita mutation (Akita), which results in loss of beta cells, insulin deficiency, and diabetes in males. Akita mice accrue less trabecular bone mass with age relative to wild type (WT). Double heterozygous Lrp5A214V/Akita mutants have high trabecular bone mass and cortical thickness relative to WT animals, as do Lrp5A214V single mutants. Likewise, the Lrp5A214V mutation prevents deterioration of biomechanical properties occurring in Akita mice. Notably, Lrp5A214V/Akita mice develop fasting hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance with a delay relative to Akita mice (7 to 8 vs. 5 to 6 weeks, respectively), despite lack of insulin production in both groups by 6 weeks of age. Although insulin sensitivity is partially preserved in double heterozygous Lrp5A214V/Akita relative to Akita mutants up to 30 weeks of age, insulin-dependent phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAKT) activation in vitro is not altered by the Lrp5A214V mutation. Although white adipose tissue depots are equally reduced in both compound and Akita mice, the Lrp5A214V mutation prevents brown adipose tissue whitening that occurs in Akita mice. Thus, hyperactivation of Lrp5-dependent signaling fully protects bone mass and strength in prolonged hyperglycemia and improves peripheral glucose metabolism in an insulin independent manner. Wnt signaling activation represents an ideal therapeutic approach for diabetic patients at high risk of fracture. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).