bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
lncRNA OIP5‐AS1 knockdown or miR‐223 overexpression can alleviate LPS‐induced ALI/ARDS by interfering with miR‐223/NLRP3‐mediated pyroptosis
Authors: Ji Juanjuan , Ye Wei , Sun Gengyun 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundAcute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are life‐threatening diseases and endothelial barrier injury is an important contributor to the pathogenesis of ALI/ARDS. Long non‐coding (lncRNA) has been shown to participate in the progression of ALI/ARDS. The present study aimed to investigate the function of lncRNA opa‐interacting protein 5 antisense RNA 1 (OIP5‐AS1) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ALI/ARDS.MethodsOIP5‐AS1 and miR‐223 levels were detected by a polymerase chain reaction in the serum of ALI/ARDS patients or healthy donors. An 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide assay was performed to detect the proliferation of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs). Flow cytometry were performed to detect the apoptosis of HPMECs. The protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, GSDMD‐N and caspase‐1 were measured by western blotting to detect the pyroptosis of HPMECs. Interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐18 and IL‐10 were detected by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to measure the inflammatory response of HPMECs. The production of reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde was measured to determine the oxidative stress of HPMECs. Targets of OIP5‐AS1 and miR‐223 were predicted by StarBase and confirmed by a dual‐luciferase reporter assay.ResultsWe found that OIP5‐AS1 was up‐regulated and miR‐223 was down‐regulated in the serum of ALI/ARDS patients and LPS‐treated HPMECs. Functionally, knockdown of OIP5‐AS1 induced proliferation and inhibited apoptosis, pyroptosis, inflammatory response and oxidative stress of LPS‐treated HPMECs. Interestingly, miR‐223 was a target of OIP5‐AS1 and miR‐223 inhibition abolished the effects of si‐OIP5‐AS1 on LPS‐induced HPMECs. More importantly, miR‐223 directly targeted NLRP3, and miR‐223 overexpression promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis, pyroptosis, inflammatory response and oxidative stress of LPS‐treated HPMECs, with this being abolished by NLRP3 overexpression. Finally, we found that OIP5‐AS1 knockdown and miR‐223 overexpression could both alleviate LPS‐induced ALI/ARDS in vivo.ConclusionsTaken together, we find that lncRNA OIP5‐AS1 aggravates LPS‐induced ALI/ARDS via miR‐223/NLRP3 axis and provides new targets for ALI/ARDS therapy.
High‐resolution (40 m) simulation of a severe case of low‐level windshear at the Hong Kong International Airport—Comparison with observations and skills in windshear alerting
Authors: Chan P. W. , Lai K. K. , Li Q. S. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA case of severe low‐level windshear at the Hong Kong International Airport was investigated in this study using large eddy simulation (LES) with a spatial resolution of 40 m. The computer simulation results were compared with the actual observations at the airport, including Doppler light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems and surface automatic weather stations. The LES was found to be capable of reproducing the tiny vortices associated with the terrain‐disrupted airflow. Some interesting features of surface temperature and vertical velocity were also observed in the computer simulation. The simulated and observed meteorological parameters had satisfactory comparison results, although the micro‐scale variability of such parameters still could not be captured by the high‐resolution LES. Finally, the computer‐simulated headwind profiles appeared to have skills in capturing the low‐level windshear reports from the pilots. The headwind refers to the component of the wind along the direction of the flight path to be encountered by the arrival/departing aircraft. The study was novel in the use of the rather large domain for LES simulation and in the application to low‐level windshear alerting.
Reducing River Flows to Control a Parasitic Salmonid Disease in the Klamath River: Simulations Question the Efficacy of Desiccation as a Management Tool
Authors: Turecek Aaron , Payton Quinn , Alexander Julie D. , Goodman Damon , Evans Allen F. , Som Nicholas A. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Aquatic parasites cause disease in economically and culturally important Klamath River salmonids Oncorhynchus spp., and the myxozoan parasite Ceratonova shasta has been linked to high juvenile salmonid mortality. Because C. shasta requires the freshwater annelid Manayunkia occidentalis to complete its life cycle, management approaches have focused on disrupting annelid populations to reduce C. shasta and disease risk for salmonids. Previous studies have demonstrated that manipulating river discharge to achieve short-term, high-flow events is effective for disturbing annelids. There is also interest in the efficacy of manipulating river discharge to desiccate annelids to reduce disease risk. To investigate the efficacy of reducing streamflow to desiccate annelids, we simulated the amount of annelid habitat, categorized by quality, that would be dewatered as discharge was incrementally reduced. Simulations were accomplished by coupling two-dimensional hydrodynamic models with an annelid presence/absence model. Simulations were conducted for three study sites located on the Klamath River main stem downstream of Iron Gate Dam, where discharge can be manipulated. Reductions in discharge from June base flow (31.2 m3/s or 1,100 ft3/s) to the lowest simulated discharge rate (17.0 m3/s; approximately half of base flow) resulted in an 11.8% reduction of the total wetted area of the river across all three study sites combined. For the same discharge simulation, reductions in annelid habitat differed based on the quality of habitat, with low- quality (&lt;0.20 probability of annelids) to moderate-quality (0.20–0.80 probability of annelids) habitat reduced by 8.3% (95% credible interval = 7.5–10.3) and 23.7% (10.7–27.5), respectively, while high-quality habitat (&gt;0.80 probability of annelids) was never desiccated. These results suggest that desiccation is unlikely to offer an effective solution for managing myxozoan parasites of salmonids that are transmitted by annelids because reducing streamflow had minimal effects on the amount of annelid habitat.
A proper generalized decomposition based Padé approximant for stochastic frequency response analysis
Authors: Lee Gil‐Yong , Park Yong‐Hwa 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis article presents a proper generalized decomposition (PGD) based Padé approximant for efficient analysis of the stochastic frequency response. Due to the high nonlinearity of the stochastic response with respect to the input uncertainties, the classical stochastic Galerkin (SG) method utilizing polynomial chaos exhibits slow convergence near the resonance. Furthermore, the dimension of the SG method is the product of deterministic and stochastic approximation spaces, and hence resolution over a banded frequency range is computationally expensive or even prohibitive. In this study, to tackle these problems, the PGD first generates the solution of stochastic frequency equations as a separated representation of deterministic and stochastic components. For the banded frequency range computations, the deterministic vectors are exploited as a reduced basis in conjunction with singular value decomposition. Subsequently, the Padé approximant is applied based on the PGD solution, and the stochastic frequency response is represented by a rational function. Through various numerical studies, it is demonstrated that the proposed framework improves not only the accuracy in the vicinity of resonance but also the computational efficiency, compared with the SG method.
Development and effectiveness of a global health competency promotion program for Korean undergraduate nursing students
Authors: Cho Mi‐Kyoung , Choi Mi‐Young 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimThis study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a programme designed to promote global health competency among nursing students.DesignIt used a randomized pre–post‐test comparison group design to compare the effects of a global health competency programme among nursing students.MethodsData collection for the pre‐test was carried out for 2 days (25–26 October 2018) and that of post‐test was conducted for 2 days (23–24 December 2018). A total of 38 fourth‐year nursing students participated in this study (14 in the international nursing group, 11 in the transcultural nursing group and 13 in the complementary and alternative medicine group). The participants were from the nursing department of a university in Cheongju.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between the groups in the pre‐test homogeneity test. The international nursing group showed statistically significant improvements between the pre‐ and post‐tests in global health competency, cultural competency, global health confidence and cultural nursing confidence.
Collocation method for one dimensional nonlocal diffusion equations
Authors: Guan Qingguang , Gunzburger Max , Zhang Xiaoping 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this paper, the collocation method for solving one dimensional steady state and time dependent nonlocal diffusion equations is analyzed. The difficulty of applying collocation method to nonlocal diffusion equations comes from the singularity of the kernel. If the kernel is weakly singular, however, if the kernel is not integrable in Riemann sense. So that the Hadamard finite part integral is introduced to overcome this difficulty. For analysis and performance, a “balance” term is added to discretize the nonlocal operator. Numerical results validate the theorems.
Maternal prepregnancy weight and gestational weight gain in association with autism and developmental disorders in offspring
Authors: Matias Susana L. , Pearl Michelle , Lyall Kristen , Croen Lisa A. , Kral Tanja V. E. , Fallin Daniele , Lee Li‐Ching , Bradley Chyrise B. , Schieve Laura A. , Windham Gayle C. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveMaternal prepregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain (GWG) are examined in relation to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders (DD) in offspring in a multisite case–control study.MethodsMaternal prepregnancy BMI, obtained from medical records or self‐report, was categorized as underweight, normal weight, overweight, obesity Class 1, or obesity Class 2/3. GWG was standardized for gestational age (GWG z score), and the rate (pounds/week) was categorized per adherence with clinical recommendations. Logistic regression models, adjusting for demographic factors, were used to assess associations with ASD (n = 1,159) and DD (n = 1,617), versus control children (n = 1,633).ResultsMaternal obesity Class 2/3 was associated with ASD (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.40‐2.51) and DD (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.22‐2.13). GWG z score was not associated with DD (AOR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.95‐1.36), but the GWG z score highest tertile was associated with higher odds of ASD, particularly among male children (AOR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.15‐1.88).ConclusionsResults indicate that maternal prepregnancy severe obesity increases risk of ASD and DD in children and suggest high gestational‐age‐adjusted GWG is a risk factor for ASD in male children. Because maternal BMI and GWG are routinely measured and potentially modifiable, these findings could inform early interventions for high‐risk mother–child dyads.
Cargo Transportation and Methylene Blue Degradation by Using Fuel‐Powered Micromotors
Authors: Li Zhonghao , Xie Zhongzhou , Lu Hao , Wang Ying , Liu Yongsheng 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn the past two decades, micromotors have experienced rapid development, especially in environmental remediation, the biomedical field, and in cargo delivery. In this study micromotors have been synthesized from a variety of materials. Different functional layers and catalytic layers are formed through template electrodeposition (the bottom‐up method). At the same time, the article analyzes the influence of hydrogen peroxide concentration, surfactant type and concentration on the speed of the micromotors. Cargo transportation through tubular micromotors has always been a problem that people are eager to solve. In this article, we electrodeposit a layer of Ni in the microtubes, which effectively guides the microtubular motors to complete the cargo transportation. The potential applications of micromotors are also being explored. We added the prepared micromotors to the methylene blue solution to effectively enhance the degradation.
Clinical evidence for a biological effect of epigenetically active decitabine in relapsed or progressive rhabdoid tumors
Authors: Steinbügl Mona , Nemes Karolina , Johann Pascal , Kröncke Thomas , Tüchert Stefanie , da Costa Maria Joao Gil , Ebinger Martin , Schüller Ulrich , Sehested Astrid , Hauser Peter , Reinhard Harald , Sumerauer David , Hettmer Simone , Jakob Marcus , Hasselblatt Martin , Siebert Reiner , Witt Olaf , Gerss Joachim , Kerl Kornelius , Frühwald Michael C. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundRefined therapy has helped to improve survival rates in rhabdoid tumors (RT). Prognosis for patients with chemoresistant, recurrent, or progressive RT remains dismal. Although decitabine, an epigenetically active agent, has mainly been evaluated in the management of hematologic malignancies in adults, safety in children has also been demonstrated repeatedly.Materials and methodsA retrospective series of patients who received decitabine upon relapse or progression following therapy according to the EU‐RHAB regimen is presented. Due to the retrospective nature of analyses, response was defined as measurable regression of at least one lesion on imaging. 850k methylation profiling was done whenever tumor tissue was available.ResultsA total of 22 patients with RT of any anatomical localization were included. Most patients (19/22) presented with metastases. All received low‐dose decitabine with or preceding conventional chemotherapy. Patients received a median of two (1‐6) courses of decitabine; 27.3% (6/22) demonstrated a radiological response. Molecular analyses revealed increased methylation levels in tumors from responders. No excessive toxicity was observed. Clinical benefits for responders included eligibility for early phase trials or local therapy. Responders showed prolonged time to progression and overall survival. Due to small sample size, statistical correction for survivorship bias demonstrated no significant effect on survival for responders.ConclusionsPatients with RT demonstrate promising signs of antitumor activity after multiagent relapse therapy including decitabine. Analyses of methylation data suggest a specific effect on an epigenetic level. We propose to consider decitabine and other epigenetic drugs as candidates for further clinical investigations in RT.
The cost‐effectiveness of genotyping versus sequencing for prenatal cystic fibrosis carrier screening
Authors: Avram Carmen M. , Dyer Alexandria L. , Shaffer Brian L. , Caughey Aaron B. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveWe investigated the cost‐effectiveness of three sequential prenatal cystic fibrosis (CF) carrier screening strategies: genotyping both partners, genotyping one partner then sequencing the second, and sequencing both partners.MethodA decision‐analytic model compared the strategies in a theoretical cohort of four million pregnant couples in the US population and five racial/ethnic sub‐populations. Inputs were obtained from literature and varied in sensitivity analysis. Outcomes included cost per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY), missed carrier couples, affected newborns, missed prenatal diagnoses, terminations, and procedure‐related losses. The cost‐effectiveness threshold was $100,000/QALY.ResultsSequencing both partners identified 1099 carrier couples that were missed by genotyping both partners, leading to 273 fewer missed prenatal diagnoses, 152 more terminations, and 152 fewer affected newborns. A similar trend was observed in the genotyping followed by sequencing strategy. The incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of genotyping followed by sequencing compared to genotyping both partners was $180,004/QALY and the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of sequencing both partners compared to genotyping followed by sequencing was $17.6 million/QALY. Sequencing both partners was cost‐effective below $339 per test, genotyping/sequencing between $340 and $1837, and genotyping both partners above $1838. Sequencing was not cost‐effective among five racial/ethnic sub‐populations.ConclusionDespite improved outcomes, sequencing for prenatal CF carrier screening was not cost‐effective compared to genotyping. The clinical significance of the incremental cost‐effectiveness of CF carrier screening is a matter of deliberation for public policy debate.
Cloud‐based simulation tools for streamlined optical design
Authors: Suchowski Haim 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn a stark contrast to traditional optical design and simulation software, 3DOptix offers a free, easy‐to‐use, cloud‐based, collaborative optical design and simulation software. It includes a suite of discovery tools, such as off‐the‐shelf optical element search, Filter finder tool, professional drawing/media capabilities, educational walk‐me, and live mode. The modern UI/UX design allows for a steep learning curve catering to both experienced optical designers and novices.
Effects of hydrogen content in films on the etching of LPCVD and PECVD SiN films using CF4/H2 plasma at different substrate temperatures
Authors: Hsiao Shih‐Nan , Britun Nikolay , Nguyen Thi‐Thuy‐Nga , Tsutsumi Takayoshi , Ishikawa Kenji , Sekine Makoto , Hori Masaru 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe dependences of etching characteristics on substrate temperature (Ts, from –20 to 50°C) of the plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) SiN films (PE‐SiN) and low‐pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) SiN films (LP‐SiN) with CF4/H2 plasma were investigated. The Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy shows that both film types were N–H bond‐rich films, but in different hydrogen contents (PE‐SiN 22.7 at% and LP‐SiN 3.8 at%) from the Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy analyses. A higher hydrogen content led to a thinner fluorocarbon thickness because of the reaction between hydrogen outflux and C and N to form an HCN byproduct. The etch rates (ER) for the PE‐SiN were higher than that of the LP‐SiN at all Ts, due to the different FC thickness and etching mechanisms proposed. The formation of the N−Hx layer on PE‐SiN at low temperature caused the decrease in ER. For the LP‐SiN, the weak dependences of Ts on surface structure and ER were observed.
Structural elements determining the transglycosylating activity of glycoside hydrolase family 57 glycogen branching enzymes
Authors: Xiang Gang , Leemhuis Hans , van der Maarel Marc Jos Elise Cornelis 
Published: August 2021

AbstractGlycoside hydrolase family 57 glycogen branching enzymes (GH57GBE) catalyze the formation of an α‐1,6 glycosidic bond between α‐1,4 linked glucooliogosaccharides. As an atypical family, a limited number of GH57GBEs have been biochemically characterized so far. This study aimed at acquiring a better understanding of the GH57GBE family by a systematic sequence‐based bioinformatics analysis of almost 2500 gene sequences and determining the branching activity of several native and mutant GH57GBEs. A correlation was found in a very low or even no branching activity with the absence of a flexible loop, a tyrosine at the loop tip, and two β‐strands.
The “striated delta” signature of gravity waves generated near the jet stream during rapid extratropical cyclogenesis
Authors: Morgan Adam L. , Reeder Michael J. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDistinctive, triangular‐shaped “striated delta” clouds provide a novel framework for better understanding large‐amplitude gravity wave generation near upper‐tropospheric jets and fronts during rapid extratropical cyclogenesis, as the transverse cloud‐top banding is thought to be the imprint of gravity waves. For 28 striated deltas in the Australian region between May and September 2009, cloud formations have a mean length of 1,034 km, width of 537 km, lifetime of 7 hr and striation wavelength of 74 km. Composite analysis in ECMWF operational analysis data shows that deltas typically occur within the poleward jet exit during baroclinic evolution, located near the axis of inflection between an upstream upper trough and downstream ridge. Candidate gravity wave generation mechanisms in the vicinity of the upper jet coinciding with striated delta development are examined, including large parcel accelerations, nonlinear imbalance within the broadscale flow and deep moist convection. The striated delta shape is partly explained by a triangular pattern of Q‐vector convergence and quasi‐geostrophic adiabatic vertical motion forcing within the poleward jet exit, although the pattern is displaced a few hundred kilometres upstream.
Challenges in studying steric interactions in highly strained perhalogenated alkanes and silanes
Authors: Simões Luís H. , Cormanich Rodrigo A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe decomposition of the molecular total energy in their hyperconjugative, steric and electrostatic effects can lead to interesting interpretations about the stereoelectronic effects that govern their geometry and properties. In this work, we have studied homologous series of perfluoroalkanes, perchloroalkanes, perfluorosilanes and perchlorosilanes, and all molecules have preference for helical geometries. According to Natural Bond Orbitals (NBO) calculations, the silanes have their helical geometry stabilized by hyperconjugative interactions, as well as the perfluoroalkanes. However, it was surprisingly difficult to disclose that steric interactions are ruling the helical geometry preference in perchloroalkanes by comparing the NBO analysis and the Quantum Theory of Atoms ins Molecules (QTAIM). Although perchloroalkanes have extremely intense steric interactions between Cl lone pairs, some of them were underestimated by the NBO analysis, which showed the opposite behavior compared with QTAIM that indicates steric effects as the leading forces to helical geometry preference.
Connectivity‐maintained and specified‐time vehicle platoon control systems with disturbance observer
Authors: Wang Jiange , Wong Wai‐Choong , Luo Xiaoyuan , Li Xiaolei , Guan Xinping 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this article, the connectivity‐maintained platoon control problem for networked vehicles with external disturbance is considered. By modeling each vehicle as a nonlinear triple integral system, a specified‐time sliding model disturbance observer and a specified‐time controller are presented to ensure the convergence of the platoon system. The predetermined performance method is applied to maintain the connectivity of vehicles in the platoon, which enables flexibility in the communication connectivity between vehicles. The specified time sliding mode disturbance observer is proposed to estimate the external disturbance within the predefined time and it is proved to be uniformly ultimate boundedness stable by using the time transformation method. A dynamic gain controller with the time constraint is proposed to achieve the stable platoon with connectivity maintained for each vehicle. The proposed approach can simultaneously guarantee the specified‐time convergence and connectivity maintenance without depending on any system parameters. The effective of the proposed controller is proved by the Lyapunov function. Finally, comparative simulation results are obtained to verify the effectiveness of the proposed protocols.