bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generation of β Cells from iPSC of a MODY8 Patient with a Novel Mutation in the Carboxyl Ester Lipase (CEL) Gene
Authors: Pellegrini Silvia , Pipitone Giovanni B , Cospito Alessandro , Manenti Fabio , Poggi Gaia , Lombardo Marta T , Nano Rita , Martino Gianvito , Ferrari Maurizio , Carrera Paola , Sordi Valeria , Piemonti Lorenzo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractContextMaturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) 8 is a rare form of monogenic diabetes characterized by a mutation in CEL (carboxyl ester lipase) gene, which leads to exocrine pancreas dysfunction, followed by β cell failure. Induced pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into functional β cells. Thus, β cells from MODY8 patients can be generated in vitro and used for disease modelling and cell replacement therapy.MethodsA genetic study was performed in a patient suspected of monogenic diabetes.ResultsA novel heterozygous pathogenic variant in CEL (c.1818delC) was identified in the proband, allowing diagnosis of MODY8. Three MODY8-iPSC (induced pluripotent stem cell) clones were reprogrammed from skin fibroblasts of the patient, and their pluripotency and genomic stability confirmed. All 3 MODY8-iPSC differentiated into β cells following developmental stages. MODY8-iPSC–derived β cells were able to secrete insulin upon glucose dynamic perifusion. The CEL gene was not expressed in iPSCs nor during any steps of endocrine differentiation.ConclusioniPSC lines from a MODY8 patient with a novel pathogenic variant in the CEL gene were generated; they are capable of differentiation into endocrine cells, and β cell function is preserved in mutated cells. These results set the basis for in vitro modelling of the disease and potentially for autologous β cell replacement.
The Effects of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Pediatric Anesthesiologists: A Survey of the Members of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia
Authors: Margolis Rebecca D. , Strupp Kim M. , Beacham Abbie O. , Yaster Myron , Austin Thomas M. , Macrae Andrew W. , Diaz-Berenstain Laura , Janosy Norah R. 
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND:
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the personal and professional lives of all health care workers. Anesthesiologists frequently perform virus-aerosolizing procedures (eg, intubation and extubation) that place them at increased risk of infection. We sought to determine how the initial COVID-19 outbreak affected members of the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA) on both personal and professional levels. Specifically, we examined the potential effects of gender and age on personal stress, burnout, sleep deprivation, anxiety, depression, assessed job satisfaction, and explored financial impact.

METHODS:
After receiving approval from the SPA Committees for Research and Quality and Safety and the Colorado Multiple Institutional Review Board, we e-mailed a questionnaire to all 3245 SPA members. The survey included 22 questions related to well-being and 13 questions related to effects of COVID-19 on current and future practice, finances, retirement planning, academic time and productivity, and clinical and home responsibilities. To address low initial response rates and quantify nonresponse bias, we sent a shortened follow-up survey to a randomly selected subsample (n = 100) of SPA members who did not respond to the initial survey. Response differences between the 2 cohorts were determined.

RESULTS:
A total of 561 (17%) members responded to the initial questionnaire. Because of COVID-19, 21.7% of respondents said they would change their clinical responsibilities, and 10.6% would decrease their professional working time. Women were more likely than men to anticipate a future COVID-19–related job change (odds ratio [OR] = 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-2.63; P = .011), perhaps because of increased home responsibilities (OR = 2.63, 95% CI, 1.74-4.00; P < .001). Additionally, 14.2% of respondents planned to retire early, and 11.9% planned to retire later. Women and non-White respondents had higher likelihoods of burnout on univariate analysis (OR = 1.75, 95% CI, 1.06-2.94, P = .026 and OR = 1.82, 95% CI, 1.08-3.04, P = .017, respectively), and 25.1% of all respondents felt socially isolated. In addition, both changes in retirement planning and future occupational planning were strongly associated with total job satisfaction scores (both P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the personal and professional lives of pediatric anesthesiologists, albeit not equally, as women and non-Whites have been disproportionately impacted. The pandemic has significantly affected personal finances, home responsibilities, and retirement planning; reduced clinical and academic practice time and responsibilities; and increased feelings of social isolation, stress, burnout, and depression/anxiety.
On-Surface Synthesis of Dibenzohexacenohexacene and Dibenzopentaphenoheptaphene
Authors: Xu Xiushang , Kinikar Amogh , Di Giovannantonio Marco , Ruffieux Pascal , Müllen Klaus , Fasel Roman , Narita Akimitsu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
We report the on-surface synthesis and gas-phase theoretical studies of two novel nanographenes, namely, dibenzohexacenohexacene and dibenzopentaphenoheptaphene, using 8,8′-dibromo-5,5′-bibenzo[rst]pentaphene as a precursor. These nanographenes display a combination of armchair and zigzag edges, as shown by noncontact atomic force microscopy (nc-AFM), and their electronic properties are elucidated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations which reveal relatively low HOMO-LUMO energy gaps of about 1.75 eV.
Creation of Highly Efficient and Durable Organic and Perovskite Solar Cells Using Nanocarbon Materials
Authors: Matsuo Yutaka 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This accounts article describes examples of improving power conversion efficiency and stability of organic and perovskite solar cells by using nanocarbon nanotubes such as fullerene derivatives, endohedral fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes. Appropriately doped carbon nanotubes can replace indium-tin-oxide transparent electrodes and evaporated metal electrodes to produce stable and flexible solar cells. Properly designed fullerene derivatives can serve as electron transporting layer through passivation of defects at the interface between perovskite crystals and an inorganic charge selective layer. Lithium-ion endohedral fullerene can dope organic semiconducting molecules and carbon nanotubes for improving not only power conversion efficiency but also stability because neutral lithium endohedral fullerene forms to scavenge intruding oxygen. The author suggests creation of carbon-rich solar cells using such nanocarbon materials for further development of practical organic solar cells.
Impact of sin taxes on consumption volumes of sweetened beverages and soft drinks in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Megally Rania , Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub 
Published: January 2021

Background: The consumption of sweetened drinks plays a major role in increasing the burden of diseases such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence rate of obesity and overweight individuals in Saudi Arabia has increased alarmingly among children over the past decade, revealing a crucial need the initiate and monitor effective prevention measures of obesity. Hence, this paper aims to measure the impact of sin taxes of sugar-sweetened beverages on the consumption level of such beverages in Saudi Arabia. Building enough evidence to guide other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) on how to reduce the level of sugar intake consumption to reduce obesity and malnutrition has an impact on the economy as a whole. Methods: The excise taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages were applied in 2017. The impact of this was measured using a time series data set that covered sales volumes of soft drinks in Saudi Arabia from 2010 to 2020. Results: Sin taxes had a significant negative impact on the sales volume over the years. A significance level of <1% was found as sales volume of soft drinks decreased by 57.64% from 2010 to 2017 when sin taxes were applied on energy and soft drinks. Conclusions: Sin tax policy is recommended to other countries in the EMR to reduce obesity levels among children. These recommendations advocate the recommended priority actions by the World Health Organization for the strategy on nutrition for the EMR 2020-2030.
Prognostic importance of numbers of retrieved lymph nodes and positive lymph nodes for ampulla of vater cancer (AVC) in 2347 patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database
Authors: Feng Jiao , Wu RuiYang , Zhang Gang , Yang ZhiMing , Zhang Liang 
Published: January 2021

Introduction
The numbers of retrieved lymph nodes (RLNs) and positive lymph nodes (PLNs) had a significant impact on the survival of patients with ampulla of vater cancer (AVC), but the optimal numbers of the both were controversial.

Objective
The cohort study aimed to explore the prognostic value and the optimal point of RLNs and PLNs for AVC.

Methods
A total of 2347 AVC patients with M0 disease who underwent surgical resection and lymph node dissection from January 2004 to December 2013 were acquired from a prospective database.

Results
The study found that the optimal cut-off values of RLNs were 18 in the N0 cohort and 16 in N1 or entire cohort due to the highest 5-year overall survival (OS) rate and disease-specific survival (DSS) rate and the separation of survival curves (all P < 0.05). In patients with RLNs ≥ 16, patients with PLN = 0 demonstrated significantly better 5-year OS and DSS rates (70.9% and 77.1%) compared to those with PLNs = 1–2 (41.6% and 44.7%; all P < 0.001), and patients with PLNs = 1–2 demonstrated significantly better 5-year OS and DSS rates (41.6% and 44.7%) compared to those with PLNs ≥ 3 (24.3% and 28.0%; all P < 0.001).

Conclusions
This article recommended that at least 16 lymph nodes will improve the prognosis of AVC patients undergoing surgery. The best cut-off values of PLNs recommended for this study were 0 and 2, which may accurately stratify patients.
Effect of patient and treatment factors on persistence with antihypertensive treatment: A population-based study
Authors: Malo Sara , Aguilar-Palacio Isabel , Feja Cristina , Lallana María Jesús , Armesto Javier , Rabanaque María José 
Published: January 2021

Purpose
To analyze patterns of antihypertensive drug use among new users in a Southern European population, and identify patient- and treatment-related factors that influence persistence.

Methods
This is a retrospective observational study of new antihypertensive drug users aged ≥40 years in Aragón, Spain. Information on antihypertensive drugs (2014–2016) prescribed and dispensed at pharmacies via the public health system were collected from a regional electronic population-based pharmacy database. Persistence was assessed using the gap method. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were conducted to analyze patterns of use and factors that influence persistence.

Results
The 25,582 new antihypertensive drug users in Aragón during the study period were prescribed antihypertensive drugs in monotherapy (73.3%), fixed combination (13.9%), free combination (9.1%), or other (3.7%). One in five received antihypertensive drugs within 15 days of the prescription date, but not after. During the first year of follow-up, 38.6% of the study population remained persistent. The likelihood of treatment discontinuation was higher for participants who were male, aged ≥80 years, and received an antihypertensive drug in monotherapy compared with fixed combination.

Conclusion
Overall persistence with antihypertensive therapy was poor, and was influenced by the sex, age and type of therapy. Fixed combinations appear to be a good choice for initial therapy, especially in patients with a higher risk of discontinuation. Nonetheless, adverse drug effects and the patient’s preferences and clinical profile should be taken into account.
Corporate Profit Tax and Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility Under Foreign Acquisition
Authors: Xu Lili , Lee Sang-Ho 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This study investigates government public policies facing competing firms’ strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and finds that the choice of CSR crucially depends on corporate profit tax. We demonstrate that strategic CSR decreases while social welfare increases with corporate tax. When the government grants uniform output subsidies, we show that bilateral CSR leads to a lower CSR level than under unilateral CSR but bilateral CSR is always beneficial to society. However, when the government grants discriminatory output subsidies which yield different levels of unilateral CSR, we show that domestic CSR leads to a lower CSR level than under foreign CSR. In an endogenous CSR choice game, domestic CSR (no CSR) is a Nash equilibrium when corporate tax is low (high) under the uniform subsidy, while foreign CSR could be a Nash equilibrium when corporate tax is low under the discriminatory subsidy.
Characterization of a lignin-based gel responsive to aqueous binary solvents and pH
Authors: Taira Shogo , Usukura Yuriko , Nishida Mitsukuni , Shigetomi Kengo , Uraki Yasumitsu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A lignin-based gel (AL-PE gel) was obtained from hardwood acetic acid lignin (AL) and poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PE) as a cross-linker at a high AL concentration, while the reaction at a lower AL concentration yielded an amphipathic derivative (am-AL-PE). The gel has been reported to swell in aqueous ethanol but shrink in pure water and ethanol. In the present work, swelling behaviors in other aqueous binary solvents and the swelling mechanism were investigated to explore novel lignin-based functional materials, such as stimuli-and/or environment-responsive gels. The AL-PE gel swelled in aqueous methanol, isopropanol, acetone, and tetrahydrofuran, and the order of swelling in the solvents was consistent with that of the am-AL-PE. Spin-spin relaxation time (T

2
) measurements with 1H NMR analysis of the gel in aqueous acetone revealed that gel swelling was closely related to an increasing T

2
of acetone bound to the gel network. The nature of the lignin moiety in the gel also enabled a pH response, and the amphipathic nature of the gel provided it with a function as an absorbent for cationic surfactants. The results of this study can contribute to the valorization of lignin as a main component for solvent sensors and environmental purification materials.
Solar powered battery charging scheme for light electric vehicles (LEVs)
Authors: Singh Kamal , Mishra Anjanee Kumar , Singh Bhim , Sahay Kuldeep 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This work is targeted to design an economical and self-reliant solar-powered battery charging scheme for light electric vehicles (LEV’s). The single-ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC) is utilized to enhance the performance of solar power and battery charging at various solar irradiances. Various unique attributes of a SEPIC converter offer the effective charging arrangement for a self-reliant off-board charging system. Further, the continuous conduction mode (CCM) function of the converter minimizes the elementary stress and keeps to maintain the minimum ripples in solar output parameters. A novel maximum power point tracking (MPPT) approach executed in the designed system requires only the battery current to track the maximum power point (MPP) at various weather situations. Both the simulated and real-time behaviors of the developed scheme are examined utilizing a battery pack of 24 V and 100 Ah ratings. These responses verify the appropriateness of the designed system for an efficient off-board charging system for LEV’s.
Youth language in virtual space in Nigeria: Multimodal affordance, indexicality and youth identities
Authors: Oloruntoba-Oju Taiwo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractVirtual space expressions contribute to the proliferation of African youth lingo within the Nigerian environment. However, beyond the sheer accumulation of lingual features, virtual space in Nigeria is also a site for the projection of both modern and indigenous youth identities, and for the deployment of sundry communication codes and multimodal affordances. This article explores this twin deployment, first as a way of broadening the sociolinguistic profile of African urban and youth languages, and second as a platform for examining aspects of youth identity formations in the Nigerian setting and how these intersect with the larger linguistic and sociolinguistic environment. Employing the methodology of content analysis, the article establishes youth language practice in virtual space in the Nigerian environment as not only multimodal, but also as indexical. Data samples are drawn from multiple discussion threads onNairaland, a Nigerian youth news and entertainment blog that is hugely representative of the virtual space youth speech community in the country. The article concludes that virtual space and multimodal affordances enable the projection of hybridized and sometimes nondescript youth identities and alter-egos, as well as a display of communicative usages that appear distinctively African.
Incorporation of redox-active polyimide binder into LiFePO4 cathode for high-rate electrochemical energy storage
Authors: Zhang Qing , Sha Zongfeng , Cui Xun , Qiu Shengqiang , He Chengen , Zhang Jinlong , Wang Xianggang , Yang Yingkui 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Commercial LiFePO4 (LFP) electrode still cannot meet the demand of high energy density lithium-ion batteries as a result of its low theoretical specific capacity (170 mA h g−1). Instead of traditional electrochemical inert polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), the incorporation of multifunctional polymeric binder becomes a possible strategy to overcome the bottleneck of LFP cathode. Herein, a novel polyimide (PI) binder was synthesized through a facile hydrothermal polymerization route. The PI binder exhibits better connection between active particles with uniform dispersion than that of PVDF. The multifunctional PI binder not only shows well dispersion stability in the organic electrolyte, but also contributes to extra capacity because of the existence of electrochemical active carbonyl groups in the polymer chain. Besides, the high intrinsic ion conductivity of PI also results in promoted ion transfer kinetic. Consequently, the LFP cathode using PI binder (LFP–PI) shows larger capacity and better rate capability than LFP cathode with PVDF binder (LFP–PVDF). Meanwhile, the superior binding ability also endows LFP–PI with great cycling stability compared to the LFP–PVDF electrode.
Exact solutions of space–time fractional KdV–MKdV equation and Konopelchenko–Dubrovsky equation
Authors: Tang Bo , Tao Jiajia , Chen Shijun , Qu Junfeng , Wang Qian , Ding Ling 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In the present study, we deal with the space–time fractional KdV–MKdV equation and the space–time fractional Konopelchenko–Dubrovsky equation in the sense of the conformable fractional derivative. By means of the extend

\left(\tfrac{G^{\prime} }{G}\right)

-expansion method, many exact solutions are obtained, which include hyperbolic function solutions, trigonometric function solutions and rational solutions. The results show that the extend

\left(\tfrac{G^{\prime} }{G}\right)

-expansion method is an efficient technique for solving nonlinear fractional partial equations. We also provide some graphical representations to demonstrate the physical features of the obtained solutions.
Numerical solution of two-term time-fractional PDE models arising in mathematical physics using local meshless method
Authors: Li Jun-Feng , Ahmad Imtiaz , Ahmad Hijaz , Shah Dawood , Chu Yu-Ming , Thounthong Phatiphat , Ayaz Muhammad 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Multi-term time-fractional partial differential equations (PDEs) have become a hot topic in the field of mathematical physics and are used to improve the modeling accuracy in the description of anomalous diffusion processes compared to the single-term PDE results. This research includes the numerical solutions of two-term time-fractional PDE models using an efficient and accurate local meshless method. Due to the advantages of the meshless nature and ease of applicability in higher dimensions, the demand for meshless techniques is increasing. This approach approximates the solution on a uniform or scattered set of nodes, resulting in well-conditioned and sparse coefficient matrices. Numerical tests are performed to demonstrate the efficacy and accuracy of the proposed local meshless technique.
Spectroscopic impedance measurement front-end for applications in industrial processes
Authors: Flatscher Matthias , Neumayer Markus , Bretterklieber Thomas 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The determination and differentiation of various materials is of great interest in numerous applications. For this purpose, spectroscopic impedance measurement systems are applied. The frequency dependent impedance analysis enables a detailed material investigation and an assessment of its composition e. g. the moisture content. By applying impedance measurement systems in industrial environments conditions as high temperatures, high pressures or vibrations have to be considered. In this paper we present a front-end topology intended to be used for frequency spectroscopic based measurement systems, deployed in industrial environments. The impedance measurement capability of the proposed system is investigated by means of a realized prototype. We present results obtained for measurement frequencies up to

50

MHz

50\hspace{0.1667em}\text{MHz}

and address calibration strategies, which improve the robustness. The measurement electronics is also characterized over the environmental temperature range.
A Technology-Assisted Language Intervention for Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Meinzen-Derr Jareen , Sheldon Rose , Altaye Mekibib , Lane Laura , Mays Lindsay , Wiley Susan 
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) often have persistent language delays despite early identification and interventions. The technology-assisted language intervention (TALI), which incorporates augmentative and alternative communication technology into a speech-language therapy model, was designed to support language learning. The study objective was to evaluate the impact of the TALI on spoken language outcomes in DHH children.

METHODS:
Children aged 3 to 12 years with mild to profound bilateral hearing loss were enrolled in a single-site randomized controlled trial. Children were randomly assigned to receive the TALI or treatment as usual (TAU) (with no change in current care) and were followed for 24 weeks. Primary outcomes included spoken language measures elicited from language samples. Secondary outcomes included standardized assessments. Intention-to-treat analyses were used.

RESULTS:
Analyses focused on 41 children randomly assigned to TALI (n = 21) or TAU (n = 20). Among all participants, mean age was 6.3 years (SD 2.5). Over 24 weeks, children in the TALI group, compared with those in the TAU group, had significantly greater increases in the length of phrases they used to express themselves (β = .91 vs .15, respectively; P&lt; .0001). Similar findings were seen with conversational turn-taking and number of different words spoken.

CONCLUSIONS:
Providing visual supports for language concepts that are typically challenging for DHH children to acquire allowed children to process and comprehend spoken language more fully. Such strategies can mitigate persistent language delays with the goal of improving lifelong outcomes and independence across settings.