bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Large deletion of Wdr19 in developing renal tubules disrupts primary ciliogenesis, leading to polycystic kidney disease in mice
Authors: Yu Shang‐Shiuan , Wang Ellian , Chiang Chih‐Ying , Cheng Po‐Hao , Yeh Yu‐Shan , Wu Ying‐Ying , Chiou Yuan‐Yow , Jiang Si‐Tse 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWD repeat domain 19 (Wdr19) is a major component of the intraflagellar transport (IFT) machinery, which is involved in the function of primary cilia. However, the effects of Wdr19 on primary cilia formation, cystogenesis, and polycystic kidney disease (PKD) progression remain unclear. To study these effects, we generated three lines of kidney‐specific conditional knockout mice: Wdr19‐knockout (Wdr19‐KO, Wdr19f/−::Cdh16‐CreTg/0), Pkd1‐knockout (Pkd1‐KO, Pkd1f/−::Cdh16‐CreTg/0), and Wdr19/Pkd1‐double knockout (Wdr19&Pkd1‐dKO, Wdr19f/−;Pkd1f/−::Cdh16‐CreTg/0) mice. Ultrastructural analysis using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that the primary cilia were almost absent at postnatal day 10 in Wdr19‐KO mice compared with Pkd1‐KO and wild‐type (WT) mice. However, the primary cilia appeared structurally normal even if malfunctional in Pkd1‐deficient cysts. The Pkd1‐KO mice had the most severe PKD progression, including the shortest lifespan (14 days) and the largest renal cysts, among the three knockout lines. Thus, the molecular mechanism of renal cystogenesis in Wdr19‐KO mice (primary cilia abrogation) was different from that in Pkd1‐KO mice (primary cilia malfunction). In summary, Wdr19 deficiency leads to primary cilia abrogation and renal cyst formation. Wdr19 is primarily proposed to participate in retrograde IFT and to be crucial for the construction of primary cilia, which are critical organelles for tubulogenesis in the developing kidneys. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
An electric‐driven variable stiffness morphing skin: Preparation and properties
Authors: Ren Xiaoming , Zhu Guangming 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWith variable stiffness properties, shape memory polymers (SMPs) become the most promising materials of morphing skins. In this article, based on hydro‐epoxy resin/carboxyl‐terminated butadiene acrylonitrile/maleic anhydride matrix, composite morphing skins are prepared by doping conductive carbon black (CB). By adjusting the content of CB, in‐plane and out‐of‐plane properties of skins can be adjusted. Because of the in‐plane tensile stress acting on the skin during flight, tensile test is required. The results indicate that in‐plane tensile strength of skin decreases as the CB content increases. In electrical resistivity test, the electronic resistivity of skin decreases sharply at a low‐percolation threshold (1.9 wt%) and then maintains a low and steady level. As for out‐of‐plane properties, thermo‐ and electro‐active shape memory test are studied. All of the selected typical composite skins have 100% thermo‐driven shape recovery rate. Some skins have 100% thermo‐driven shape fixity rate and fast electro‐active shape recovery speed. When the CB content is 2.6 or 3 wt%, the skin can recover its out‐of‐plane deformed shape completely at 150 V. Benefit from easy control and remote drive, the composite SMP skins are proved to be a promising candidate material for morphing skins.
Shared and unique affective abnormalities in schizotypy dimensions
Authors: Lai Jocelyn , Snyder Madeline E. , Vijayakumar Kamalakannan SO. M. , Bailey Drew H. , Martin Elizabeth A. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAttention to affect is theoretically a precursor to one's ideal affect (i.e., preference for feeling low‐ and high‐arousal positive and negative affect) and emotion regulation (ER). In schizotypy, there have been mixed findings regarding abnormalities in attention to affect. At the same time, little is known about ideal affect in schizotypy or whether differences in ideal affect or ER difficulties in schizotypy are driven by attention to affect. Thus, this study aimed to identify shared and unique abnormalities in attention to affect, ideal affect, and ER difficulties in schizotypy, and to test whether attention to affect underlies differences in ideal affect and ER difficulties. Using groups of individuals with either extreme levels of social anhedonia (SocAnh; n = 181), extreme levels of perceptual aberrations/magical ideation (PerMag; n = 105), or individuals low on both (i.e., controls; n = 531), we tested group differences in attention to affect, ideal affect, and ER difficulties. Our findings suggest both shared and unique affective abnormalities; compared to controls, the SocAnh group paid the least attention to positive affect. Only PerMag had heightened attention to negative affect compared to controls. Additionally, we found unique abnormalities relating to ideal affect but mostly shared difficulties in ER in schizotypy. Abnormalities in ideal affect and ER remain largely consistent after accounting for attention to affect for PerMag, suggesting that attention to affect is not the primary mechanism driving these abnormalities. However, we found evidence that attention to affect underlies some SocAnh–control group differences in ideal affect and ER difficulties. Our work helps to clarify prior work and contributes to the understanding of shared and unique affective abnormalities in schizotypy. Future research may consider longitudinal approaches to test causal mechanisms of affective abnormalities in schizotypy.
Preparation and application practice of temperature self‐regulating flexible polymer electric heaters
Authors: Ali Imran , Shchegolkov Alexandr , Shchegolkov Aleksei , Zemtsova Natalya , Bogoslovskiy Vladimir , Shigabaeva Gulnara , Galunin Evgeny , Hussain Iqbal , Almalki Abdulraheem S. A. , Alsharif Meshari A. , Alahmdi Mohammed Issa 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe present article considers a comparative analysis of two elastomers, polyurethane (PUС) and organosilicon (OSC), both modified with 1.0–9.0 wt.% multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The MWCNTs‐1 and MWCNTs‐2 were synthesized through CVD method using Co‐Mo/Al2O3‐MgO and Fe‐Co/2,1Al2O3. The results obtained showed that the lowest bulk conductivity (5 × 10−10 S × cm−1) was typical for PUC elastomer modified with 1 wt.% MWCNTs‐2. As for OSC elastomer (modified with 9 wt.% MWCNTs‐1), the lowest bulk conductivity was found to be 0.4 S × cm−1. The maximum temperature field uniformity was established for OSC elastomer modified with 7 wt.% MWCNTs‐2, whereas in the modified PUC‐based elastomer, the nonuniform temperature field took place. This might be caused by local MWCNTs entanglement manifested in the formation of agglomerates or a denser packing of conductive networks. The best combination of the polymer matrix and MWCNTs type was revealed. Finally, it was established that for electric heaters, it is the most efficient to employ OSC modified with 7 wt.% MWCNTs and use MWCNTs‐1 or MWCNTs‐2, depending on the feeding voltage level of 12 or 24 V. This study is of special importance in household purposes, clothing with built‐in heating panels, car/tractor systems, minibus interiors, onboard thermal ventilation systems, clothing, and aircraft industries.
Which factor explains the life‐history of Xanthium strumarium L., an aggressive alien invasive plant species, along its altitudinal gradient?
Authors: Ullah Rafi , Khan Nasrullah , Ali Kishwar 
Published: January 2022

AbstractInvasive biology acknowledges the concept of better performance by invasive plants in the introduced range. Xanthium strumarium L. is one of the successful invasive species in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The phenological pattern, vegetative and reproductive traits plasticity analysis of the species was explored to explain the invasive success across the altitudinal gradient in the current invaded habitats. Phenological patterns and timing (seedling, vegetative growth, flowering and fruiting, drying, and seed bank) were observed during a full year for two seasons. We also examine plant functional traits at altitudes of 500, 1000, and 1500 m a.s.l. to assess traits and biomass variations. The X. strumarium exhibits late vegetative and reproductive phenology at higher altitudes, enabling them to occupy an empty niche and benefit from decreased competition for resource acquisition. The lower altitude plants show a higher growth rate (stem size increase, number of leaves, and leaf area) due to the higher nutrient availability. Higher altitude plants have the highest reproductive biomass and biomass ratio revealing plant abilities to be reproductively adapted in the higher altitudes. Among climatic variables, mean yearly temperature, mean annual yearly humidity, and mean day length in hours, while in soil variables, organic matter and nitrogen percentage significantly affect the phenological and morphological stages. Therefore, we conclude that X. strumarium can invade higher altitudes with a shift in its phenological and morphological changes making the invasion process successful.
Risk of major depressive disorder in adolescent and young adult cancer patients in Japan
Authors: Akechi Tatsuo , Mishiro Izumi , Fujimoto Shinji 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer in Japan and identify risk factors for MDD among these patients.MethodsThis was a matched cohort study using a large claims database in Japan. Included patients were aged 15–39 years, newly diagnosed with cancer during 2012–2017 and assessable for a follow‐up period of 12 months. Kaplan–Meier estimates and Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for MDD in the AYA patients with cancer versus age‐, sex‐ and working status‐matched cancer‐free controls. A subgroups analysis of the AYA patients with cancer was performed to explore MDD risk factors.ResultsA total of 3559 AYA patients with cancer and 35,590 matched controls were included in the analysis. Adolescent and young adult patients with cancer had a three‐fold higher risk for MDD compared with cancer‐free controls (HR, 3.12; 95% CI, 2.64–3.70). Among cancer categories with >100 patients, patients with multiple cancer categories, including those with metastatic cancer (HR, 6.73, 95% CI, 3.65–12.40) and leukemia (HR, 6.30; 95% CI, 3.75–10.58), had the greatest MDD risk versus matched controls. Patients who received inpatient chemotherapy as initial treatment had a higher risk for MDD than patients without chemotherapy (HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.30–0.62).ConclusionsAdolescent and young adult patients in Japan with cancer are at high risk for MDD. Particularly, those with multiple cancer categories, leukemia, and those who receive aggressive anticancer treatments should be monitored closely for symptoms of MDD.
Risk of genital and urinary tract infections associated with SGLT‐2 inhibitors as an add‐on therapy to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A retrospective cohort study in Korea
Authors: Yang Hyeri , Choi Eunmi , Park Eunjun , Na Eonji , Chung Soo Youn , Kim Bonggi , Han Soon Young 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors are antidiabetic drugs with associated safety concerns regarding the risk of genital and urinary tract infections. This study assessed the risk of genital and urinary tract infections associated with prescription of SGLT‐2 inhibitors as an add‐on therapy to metformin in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) compared to dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors, sulfonylurea (SU), and thiazolidinedione (TZD). We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the NHIS—National Health Insurance—Database in Korea from 2014 to 2017. Patients aged ≥19 years and those diagnosed with T2DM prior to drug prescription were enrolled. The outcomes were genital and urinary tract infections. Analysis was performed using Cox's proportional hazard model following 1:1 propensity score matching to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Among the 107 131 patients included in the study, a total of 7738, 7145, and 2175 patients were assigned to the DPP‐4 inhibitors, SU, and TZD comparator groups, using the propensity score (PS) of each comparator based on 7741 people in the assessed drug SGLT‐2 inhibitor group. SGLT‐2 inhibitors were associated with a higher risk of genital infections than DPP‐4 inhibitors (HR: 2.39, 95% CI: 2.07–2.76), SU (HR: 3.23, 95% CI: 2.73–3.81), and TZD (HR: 3.23, 95% CI: 2.35–4.44), as an add‐on therapy to metformin. Similar results were observed for the risk of urinary tract infections. In conclusion, SGLT‐2 inhibitors are significantly associated with a higher risk of genital and urinary tract infections compared to DPP‐4 inhibitors, SU, and TZD.
Properties of black carrot extract and its efficacy for improving the storage quality of vacuum packaged fresh meat products
Authors: Aksu Muhammet Irfan , Turan Emre 
Published: January 2022

AbstractNatural plant extracts have been widely used in the food industry in recent years as natural colourants, antioxidants and antimicrobials due to consumer health concerns. In this study, the effects of different levels of black carrot water extract (BCWE) (control without BCWE, 100, 200 and 300 ppm) on metmyoglobin (MetMb), lipid oxidation, colour and microbial counts of vacuum‐packed ground beef were evaluated during chilled storage for 15 days. MetMb, pH, lipid oxidation, redness (a*) values and microbial counts of ground beef were significantly (p < 0.01) affected by BCWE treatment. During storage, the lowest lipid oxidation values were determined in the BCWE groups (p < 0.05). BCWE groups had higher a* values and lower MetMb content at the end of storage than control. BCWE contributed to reduce the growth of Enterobacteriaceae. The 200‐ppm BCWE group had approximately 2 log units lower Enterobacteriaceae counts at the end of storage compared to the control. These results showed that the anthocyanin‐rich BCWE is a promising natural additive to overcome the problems in vacuum‐packed ground meat. Consequently, 200‐ppm BCWE can be recommended for use in vacuum‐packed ground beef to prevent discolouration, lipid oxidation and microbial growth during chilled storage.
Ex Vivo Confocal Microscopy for Surgical Margin Assessment: A Histology-Compared Study on 109 Specimens
Authors: Grizzetti L. , Kuonen F. 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Background
The assessment of surgical margins is mandatory to prevent local recurrence or distant dissemination of skin cancers. Histological examination of haematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained slides from paraffin-embedded or frozen samples is the gold standard for margin assessment, but is a time-consuming procedure. Ex vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is an upcoming technique that scans unfixed fresh tissue rapidly, allowing fast per-operative margin assessment.

Objective
Here, we propose to assess the efficiency of a new ex vivo confocal microscope for the per-operative assessment of surgical margins.

Methods
We analyzed 16 biopsies and 93 surgical specimens of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas by ex vivo CLSM using Histolog® Scanner V2. Surgical specimens included fusiform excisions, slow-Mohs peripheral and deep compartments, and Mohs excisions. The time required from surgical excision to image analysis was recorded and the quality of the images obtained for each specimen assessed. The presence or absence of tumour was estimated based on ex vivo CLSM images and compared with conventional H&E-stained sections from paraffin-embedded or frozen (Mohs) specimens.

Results
Mean time for specimen processing using Histolog Scanner was 5.1 ± 3.4 min. We obtained 89% of high quality images. Mean time for confocal image analysis was 1 ± 0.76 min. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for ex vivo CLSM compared to classical H&E procedures were respectively 93% and 100% when performed on tumour biopsies. The overall sensitivity and specificity for ex vivo CLSM for margin assessment compared to classical H&E procedures were respectively 61.5% and 95%, with variations depending on the type of tumour or surgical specimen analyzed. In particular, we obtained 80% sensitivity and 100% specificity for the assessment of BCC surgical margins.

Conclusion
Our data suggest that ex vivo CLSM using Histolog® Scanner V2 could be a valid help for surgeons for a fast and accurate per-operative margin analysis.
Predictive BPaaS management with quantum and neural computing
Authors: Hedhli Ameni , Mezni Haithem , Ben Said Lamjed 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWith the increasing adoption of cloud computing, the deployment and management of business processes over cloud environments have become an essential operation for most enterprises, leading to the emergence of BPaaS (Business Process as a Service) as a new cloud service model. This SaaS‐like service, like its ancestors, should be strategically distributed and managed over multiple cloud zones, while taking into account several constraints and conditions (e.g., sensitivity of BPaaS fragments, insecure and untrusted cloud zones, lack of resources, and workload changes). However, current BPaaS approaches are static, which means that they are no longer suitable to manage such enterprise‐oriented cloud service model and to deal with the uncertain and dynamic nature of cloud availability zones. To fill this gap, we adopt a predictive BPaaS management strategy by proposing a model that forecasts the next‐short time overload of cloud zones. These latter, as hosting environments for the managed BPaaS, are categorized as overloaded or underloaded, which triggers the migration of BPaaS fragments to high‐performance cloud zones. The proposed neural network prediction model (called QGA‐NN) is enhanced with a quantum genetic algorithm to optimize the prediction of cloud zones' overload. QGA‐NN is evaluated using a BPaaS placement algorithm, which we defined as a triggered management operation. Experimental results have proved the accuracy and effectiveness of our predictive approach, compared with state‐of‐the‐art solutions.
Qubits based mutual authentication protocol
Authors: Nema Prashant , Nene Manisha J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAuthentication of the entity is the initial step toward secure transaction over the internet. The evolution in the nature and types of attacks have forced the commerce industry to move from single factor to multi‐factor authentication technique largely employing biometric codes for human based entity. These biometric codes are unique and therefore, are synonymous to a user identity in the digital world. Hence, safeguarding the Biometric data becomes important for the user. Also, the classical authentication techniques relying on public key encryption schemes are no longer considered safe in the post quantum era. The research in this paper therefore, proposes a quantum based mutual authentication user‐server protocol which employs the principles of quantum mechanics to carry out secure exchange and storage of confidential data. The mathematical formulae validated through demonstration of properties of quantum mechanics verifies the ability of the protocol to work in compromised channel. The detailed security analysis carried out further quantifies the same and builds in confidence to adopt the quantum based mutual authentication protocol for critical user‐server data exchange.
Teaching about Indigenous peoples in the EFL classroom: Practical approaches to the development of intercultural competence
Authors: Murray Helen Margaret 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis article considers how theories about intercultural competence can be used when teaching about Indigenous peoples in the English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom. Intercultural understanding and communicative competence are important skills for pupils to develop for living in modern multicultural societies. Although based on the requirements of the Norwegian curriculum, the suggestions made in this article are applicable to all EFL classrooms where topics relating to Indigenous peoples are taught. After brief discussion of relevant theories concerning the development of intercultural competence, practical approaches to teaching are suggested. These can guide teachers when creating teaching modules on topics relating to Indigenous peoples. The article discusses how using authentic materials, avoiding stereotyping, and redressing the balance of power when teaching about Indigenous peoples in the EFL classroom can lead to the development of intercultural understanding. The practical approaches for how pupils can work with topics relating to Indigenous peoples include suggestions for activities and discussion questions taken from the author’s own teaching materials.
LncRNA MEG3amelioratesNiOnanoparticles‐induced pulmonary inflammatory damage via suppressing the p38 mitogen activated protein kinases pathway
Authors: Yang Mengmeng , Chang Xuhong , Gao Qing , Gong Xuefeng , Zheng Jinfa , Liu Han , Li Kun , Zhan Haibing , Wang Xiaoxia , Li Sheng , Sun Xingchang , Feng Sanwei , Sun Yingbiao 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe lung inflammatory damage could result from the nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs), in which the underlying mechanism is still unclear. This article explored the roles of long noncoding RNA maternally expressed gene 3 (lncRNA MEG3) and p38 mitogen activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK) pathway in pulmonary inflammatory injury induced by NiO NPs. Wistar rats were treated with NiO NPs suspensions (0.015, 0.06, and 0.24 mg/kg) by intratracheal instillation twice‐weekly for 9 weeks. Meanwhile, A549 cells were treated with NiO NPs suspensions (25, 50, and 100 μg/ml) for 24 h. It can be concluded that the NiO NPs did trigger pulmonary inflammatory damage, which was confirmed by the histopathological examination, abnormal changes of inflammatory cells and inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, TGF‐β1, TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, IL‐10, CXCL‐1 and CXCL‐2) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), pulmonary tissue and cell culture supernatant. Furthermore, NiO NPs activated the p38 MAPK pathway and downregulated MEG3 in vivo and in vitro. However, p38 MAPK pathway inhibitor (10 μM SB203580) reversed the alterations in the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines induced by NiO NPs. Meanwhile, over‐expressed MEG3 significantly suppressed NiO NPs‐induced p38 MAPK pathway activation and inflammatory cytokines changes. Overall, the above results proved that over‐expression of lncRNA MEG3 reduced NiO NPs‐induced inflammatory damage by preventing the activation of p38 MAPK pathway.
Synthesis of phytic acid‐based compounds for improving the mechanical properties and fire performances of poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Yang Xiangming , Song Xiaoling , Wang Yijing , Yu Erlei , Wei Zhong 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBio‐based phytic acid is a nontoxic naturally occurring compound and has the potential for use in polymers for flame retardancy due to its high phosphorus content. In this work, two novel phytic acid‐based compounds, phytyl octyl glycidyl ether (PAOc) and phytyl phenyl glycidyl ether (PAPh), were prepared through the addition esterification of 2‐ethylhexyl glycidyl ether and phenyl glycidyl ether with phytic acid. The chemical structure of PAOc and PAPh were confirmed by 1H NMR, 31P NMR, and FTIR spectra. The mechanical, thermal, and fire performances of the PLA/PAOc and PLA/PAPh blends were investigated by various tests including mechanical, thermal (DSC, TGA), morphological (SEM), and flammability (LOI, UL‐94). The results showed that the addition of PAOc and PAPh improved the thermal stability of PLA through hydrogen bonding. PAPh was more effective to improving the mechanical properties and crystalline properties of PLA than PAOc. When PAPh was 5 wt%, the elongation at break of PLA increased from 2.9% to 16.7%, the tensile strength increased from 32 to 37 MPa, and the crystallinity increased from 30.6% to 36.7%. Moreover, introduction of phenyl group was beneficial to phytic acid improving the flame retardant properties of PLA. At an addition level of 10 wt%, the LOI of PLA/PAPh reached 27.5% and achieved UL‐94‐V0 rating while improving the mechanical properties.