bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mutation spectrum of non‐syndromic hearing loss in the UAE, a retrospective cohort study and literature review
Authors: Elsayed Omnia , Al‐Shamsi Aisha 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundHearing loss (HL) is a heterogeneous condition that causes partial or complete hearing impairment. Hundreds of variants in >60 genes have been reported to be associated with Hereditary HL (HHL), variants of the GJB2 gene are the most common cause of congenital SNHL, with >100 variants reported. The HHL prevalence is thought to be high in the Arab population; however, the genetic epidemiology of HHL among Emirati populations is understudied.AimsTo shed light on the mutational spectrum of NSHL in Emirati patients seen in the genetic clinic over 10 years and to capture founder mutation(s) if any were identified.MethodsRetrospective chart review of all Emirati patients assessed by clinical geneticists due to NSHL during the period between January 2010 to December 2020. Genetic tests were done based on clinical phenotypes of the patient and family history including targeted mutation testing, next‐generation sequencing, or whole‐exome sequencing (solo or trio). The authors did literature reviews using PubMed for all previously reported articles related to NSHL genes from UAE.ResultsA total of 162 patients with HL, were evaluated during the period between January 2010 to December 2020. There were 82 patients with NSHL, and only 72 patients who completed the genetic evaluations were included in this retrospective study. Among the studied group, 42 (51.2%) were males and 40 (48.78%) were females. The youngest patient was 2 years old and the oldest patient was 50 years old. Consanguinity was documented in 76 patients (92.68%). A total of 14 mutations reported here are novel (23/72 i.e., 31.9%). Twelve missense mutations, 6 nonsense mutations, 6 frameshift mutations, 2 in‐frame deletion mutations, and 1 splice site mutation was found. Variants in the GJB2 gene are the most commonly identified cause of NSHL, with c.35delG being the most followed by c.506G > A. The second commonly found variant is c.934C > G (p.Arg312Gly) in the CDC14A gene, found in 9 patients. This was followed by variants in OTOF and SLC26A4 genes, found in 8 patients, respectively. Chromosomal microdeletions encompassing genes causing NSHL were found in 3 patients. No mitochondrial mutations were found in this study group. A total of 11 previous reports about Emirati patients with NSHL were reviewed, with a total of 35 patients.ConclusionEmirati patients with NSHL have several mutations, most notably missense mutations. Novel mutations are worth further testing and represent the area for future researches.
A dual‐polarized array based on a novel strip‐typed antenna
Authors: Row Jeen‐Sheen , Han Tuan‐Yung , Chen Jun‐Yan 
Published: September 2022

AbstractA strip‐typed antenna with the advantages of simple structure and easy fabrication is first proposed. When the antenna is mounted on a planar circuit board, it has the same radiation characteristics as a traditional microstrip antenna operated in the fundamental mode; however, the proposed antenna only occupies a space of a linear length for the surface of the circuit board. Then, A 1 × 4 array with ± 45° polarizations is realized using the strip‐typed antenna as a radiating element. The dual‐polarized array is excited with a pair of coplanar corporate feed networks. Simulated results show that the gains of the radiating element and array are up to 8 and 13 dBi, respectively; in addition, the isolation between the two input ports of the array is higher than 27 dB within an impedance bandwidth of around 11%. Experiments are also carried out, and they validate the simulated results. Details of the designs are presented.
A systematic search and assessment of the quality and characterisation of free mobile applications targeting knee pain
Authors: Nogueira Francisco M. F. , Martins Ricardo P. , Nery Ellen C. H. Pereira , Silva Anabela G. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractKnee pain has an incidence of approximately 25% in adults and its prevalence has been increasing in the last 20 years. The use of smartphones and mobile applications (apps) has also increased in the ‘Health and Fitness’ field, which might be a useful complement in the rehabilitation process of these patients. However, it is necessary to investigate the quality of these mobile applications.AimThis study aimed to assess free mobile apps targeting knee pain and to characterise and critically analyse the interventions described in them.MethodsA systematic search was performed in the Apple store, Play Store and Microsoft Store.ResultsA total of 26 applications met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated using the Mobile Apps Rating Scale (MARS), and for their content against guidelines on knee pain intervention. The mean MARS total score was 3.3 (±0.5) and the mean subjective quality score was 2.1 (±0.9) out of a maximum of 5 points each. Most apps combined different types of exercises 88% and included both exercise and pain education (62%).ResultsThese results suggest a need to improve the quality of these apps aiming to create more engagement and improve app usage. Additionally, as health apps may be useful in pain management and be an alternative to complement rehabilitation, the involvement of health professionals is important during the development process of the apps including evidence‐based content and progression recommendations.
Assessment timing and choice of outcome measure in determining treatment response in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: A post hoc analysis of the PRISM trial
Authors: Rajabally Yusuf A. , Ouaja Rabye , Kasiborski Fabrice , Pujol Sonia , Nobile‐Orazio Eduardo 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroduction/AimsTreatment response and its timing are variable in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). In this study we assessed the variability using multiple outcome measures.MethodsWe performed a post hoc analysis of the PRISM trial, a 24‐week prospective, multicenter, single‐arm, open‐label, phase III study of a 10% intravenous immunoglobulin preparation for CIDP. We ascertained timing of response with primary/secondary outcome measures.ResultsAt 6 weeks after treatment initiation, 13 of 40 subjects (32.5%) were defined as responders on the primary outcome measure, the adjusted Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause And Treatment (INCAT) scale. This increased to 20 of 41 (48.8%) at 12 weeks and to 32 of 42 (76.2%) at 24 weeks. Use of minimal important difference (MID)‐determined amelioration of the inflammatory Rasch‐built Overall Disability Scale (I‐RODS), or of the Medical Research Council sum score (MRCSS), or of dominant hand‐grip strength, in addition to the adjusted INCAT, indicated a sensitivity of 41.7% in identifying adjusted INCAT nonresponders at week 12 who subsequently responded at week 24. Specificity was 60% vs INCAT nonresponders at week 24. Consideration of amelioration of any amplitude on any secondary outcome measure indicated a 75% sensitivity, but only 30% specificity vs adjusted INCAT nonresponders at week 24.DiscussionImmunoglobulin treatment continuation may be justified for up to 24 weeks in CIDP. Additional outcome measures may help in the early treatment stages to predict delayed response on the adjusted INCAT. However, their use is limited by high false‐positive rates. More robust, reliable, and relevant outcome measures are needed to detect early improvement in immunoglobulin‐treated CIDP.
Biomedical applications of microfluidic devices: Achievements and challenges
Authors: Akbari Kenari Mahsa , Rezvani Ghomi Erfan , Akbari Kenari Amirreza , Arabi Seyed Mohammad Saeed , Deylami Javad , Ramakrishna Seeram 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThere has been a recent interest in microfluidics due to their wide application and unique integration of concepts, including physics, materials science, chemistry, microelectronics, and biology. Microfluidic chips can be applied in different fields, particularly in the biomedical sector, such as drug delivery, diagnosis devices, cell culture, and scaffold fabrication. Various materials, including metals, polymers, and ceramics, can be manufactured into microscale chips with channels and chambers. Platforms of any required size, structure, or geometry can be fabricated using a wide range of fabrication techniques, for example, three‐dimensional printing. This manuscript assesses the microfluidic devices starting from their historical development, materials, fabrication methods and challenges, as well as biomedical applications.
Preparation of polystyrene@Ni@Cu core–shell microspheres by pickering emulsion polymerization and their autonomous motion in a magnetic field applied to anisotropic conductive films
Authors: Wang Hu , Hu Xulian , Zhou Zhaoxi , Chen Qihui , Hong Maochun , Fu Heqing 
Published: September 2022

AbstractSuccessfully designed and synthesized PS@Ni@Cu core–shell composite microspheres, which provide efficient electronic transmission for anisotropic conductive films for electronic packaging applications. Herein, a simple method for preparing core–shell composite microspheres using Pickering emulsion polymerization as a template, a dense nano‐nickel shell layer was coated on the surface of polystyrene to obtain PS@Ni microspheres, the microspheres have conductivity and magnetic properties. Then the microspheres were coated with nano‐copper layer by electroless plating to enhance the mobility of electrons in specific media. Finally, the microspheres are laminated in epoxy resin, which can realize directional (horizontal, inclined, and vertical) movement under magnetic field force to form anisotropic conductive film. The conductivity is 171.68 S cm−1, the adhesiveness and conductivity of the film can be changed by adjusting the content of microspheres. The film has excellent thermal stability, good adhesion, and can be anisotropic conductive. The difference in conductivity between the conductive direction and the insulating direction is about 108 orders of magnitude, and it can adapt to strong acids and alkalis and other more extreme environments. It is significance to the development of electronic packaging and is expected to be widely used in the field of electronic devices.
Stretching‐induced changes in the crystal structure of isotactic polybutene‐1: Temperature and stretching speed dependence
Authors: Wen Shuai , Yue Qianqian , Liu Yongjia , Peng Yongfei , He Aihua , Nie Huarong 
Published: September 2022

AbstractTo better understand the two synchronous processes of lamella orientation and crystal transition of iPB‐1 during stretching, the stretching‐induced changes in the crystal structure of iPB‐1 were investigated at different temperatures (room temperature, 65, and 85°C) and stretching speeds (5, 10, and 20 μm/s). It was discovered that the acceleration of crystal transition occurred almost simultaneously with strain‐hardening, and that lamella orientation and crystal transition made a different response to the stretching speeds and temperatures. This is attributed to two modes of energy dissipation: (1) the motion and orientation of the lamellae; and (2) the lattice displacement within the individual lamellae, resulting in the crystal transition from form II to I. At high temperatures, the reduced resistance to motion makes the lamellae more inclined to move in the amorphous phase in the stretching direction, which caused a high orientation of the lamellae but a retardation of the crystal transition. When iPB‐1 was stretched at a fast speed, the tie molecules failed to immediately transfer sufficient stress to the individual lamellae to induce the helix displacement of the lattice; thus, the orientation of the lamellae was a dominant trait. As a result, both a rapid crystal transition and a high yield of crystal form I were achieved when iPB‐1 was stretched at a slow speed at room temperature.
Effect of graphite oxide content on shape memory performance of graphite oxide‐carbon fiber hybrid reinforced shape memory polymer composites by VIHPS
Authors: Li Fei , Ma Yuqin , Xu Yi , Xu Wei , Zhu Wen , Guo Haiyin 
Published: September 2022

AbstractGraphite oxide (GO)‐carbon fiber (CF) hybrid reinforced shape memory polymer composites (SMPC) with different GO content were prepared by vacuum infiltration hot‐press forming experimental system (VIHPS). By studying the wettability and adhesion characteristics between the shape memory matrix and CF, it was found that the addition of GO could improve the ability of the matrix to wet the CF surface and enhance the interface bonding. The shape memory performance of the composite with GO was better than that of CF reinforced epoxy matrix composite. The shape fixed rate increased by nearly 8%, and the shape recovery rate increased by nearly 13%. Combined with the test results and the characterization analysis of microstructure, the strengthening effect of GO was mainly reflected in the following aspects. Firstly, the surface folds of GO and its two‐dimensional grid structure increased the surface roughness and wettability of CF, forming a mechanical interlock among GO, reinforcement and matrix. The mechanical interlock promoted the reinforcement and matrix to have an ideal interfacial bonding strength. Secondly, the addition of GO was conducive to the transfer of deformation force and heat to prevent stress concentration in the composite and significantly improved the shape memory performance of the composite.
SIN3‐HDAC complex‐associated factor, a chromatin remodelling gene located in the 12p amplicon, is a potential germ cell tumour‐specific oncogene
Authors: Jhuang Yu‐Ling , Yang Chun‐Wei , Tseng Yu‐Fen , Hsu Chia‐Lang , Li Huei‐Ying , Yuan Ray‐Hwang , Jeng Yung‐Ming 
Published: September 2022

AbstractA genetic hallmark of malignant germ cell tumours (GCTs) is isochromosome 12p, but oncogenes located in 12p that are specifically expressed in GCT have not yet been identified. SIN3‐HDAC complex‐associated factor (SINHCAF) is a subunit of the Sin3/histone deacetylase (HDAC) complex, and it defines a Sin3a‐Hdac complex variant that is required for the self‐renewal of mouse embryonic stem cells. This study demonstrated that SINHCAF is expressed in a vast majority of malignant GCTs and is rarely expressed in somatic malignancy. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation revealed SINHCAF amplification in malignant GCTs. SINHCAF silencing using shRNA reduced anchorage‐dependent cell proliferation and tumoursphere formation and inhibited tumour cell migration and invasion in GCT cell lines. Moreover, in the GCT cell line NTERA2/D1, SINHCAF silencing inhibited the expression of genes associated with embryonic stem cells and induced the expression of genes associated with neuronal and white fat cell differentiation. Compared with somatic cell lines, GCT cell lines were more susceptible to HDAC inhibitor treatment. Thus, we identified SINHCAF to be a potential oncogene located in the amplicon of chromosome 12p and showed that SINHCAF was specifically expressed in malignant GCTs. HDAC inhibitor treatment may counteract the oncogenic activity of SINHCAF and is a promising therapeutic approach for GCTs. © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Analysis of silica and silicon carbide abrasives characteristics on denim wear
Authors: Elaissi Arwa , Ghith Adel , Alibi Hamza 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis paper presents the development of certain abrasives based on selected industrial wastes and gives an idea of their postuse behavior. These abrasives are manufactured using two methods: pulverization and coating. For these purposes, we used cellulosic nonwoven fibers as reinforcement, three types of resin (polyurethane, acrylic, and polyester) as a matrix, and abrasive grains of silicon carbide (SiC) and silica to obtain the abrasive character. We report the wear of the developed materials by abrasion, the evaluation of their roughness, the influence of the type of the abrasive grains, and their sizes on the wear performances. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to show the morphology of abrasives. The weight loss of abrasives was measured by thermogravimetric analysis and its derivative. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy allows the chemical characterization and identification of abrasive grains. Under the same test conditions, experimental results indicate that silica‐based abrasives exhibit higher surface roughness and abrasion wear rate than SiC‐based abrasives.
Ultrasound‐based radiomics for the evaluation of fetal rat lung maturity: A noninvasive assessment method (Ultrasound‐based radiomics in fetal rat lung)
Authors: Du Yanran , Jiao Jing , Cao Aili , Ji Chao , Li Man , Ji Chenli , Wu Yang , Guo Yi , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhou Jianqiao , Ren Yunyun 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo establish a classification model for the evaluation of rat fetal lung maturity (FLM) using radiomics technology.MethodA total of 430 high‐throughput features were extracted per fetal lung image from 134 fetal lung ultrasound images (four‐cardiac‐chamber views) of 67 Sprague–Dawley (SD) fetal rats with a gestational age of 16–21 days. The detection of fetal lung tissues included histopathological staining and the expression of surface proteins SP‐A, SP‐B, and SP‐C. A machine learning classification model was established using a support vector machine based on histopathological results to analyze the relationship between fetal lung texture characteristics and FLM.ResultsThe rat fetal lungs were divided into two groups: terminal sac period (SD1) and canalicular period (SD2). The mRNA transcription and protein expression level of SP‐C protein were significantly higher in the SD1 group than in the SD2 group (p < 0.05). The diagnostic performance of the rat FLM classification model was measured as follows: area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), 0.93 (training set) and 0.89 (validation set); sensitivity, 89.26% (training set) and 87.10% (validation set); specificity, 85.87% (training set) and 79.17% (validation set); and accuracy, 87.79% (training set) and 83.64% (validation set).ConclusionUltrasound‐based radiomics technology can be used to evaluate the FLM of rats, which lays a foundation for further research on this technology in human fetal lungs.
Evolution of inverter ground impedances for PV modules with various backsheet types
Authors: Buerhop Claudia , Stroyuk Oleksandr , Pickel Tobias , Hauch Jens , Peters Ian Marius 
Published: September 2022

AbstractHerein, we present results that emphasize the importance of retaining high insulation resistance in polymer backsheets for the reliable operation of photovoltaic installations. By correlating inverter monitoring data, meteorological data, and spectroscopic information from backsheet materials of photovoltaic modules, we derive performance and degradation rates for inverters connected to photovoltaic modules with several backsheet types. The feasibility of evaluating the degradation status of photovoltaic modules in the field through spectroscopic analysis of the water content in backsheet and encapsulant is demonstrated. We show that an increase in water content is a sign for reduced leakage resistance. Ground impedance was measured alongside relative humidity and temperature for three specific backsheet types. Inverters with polyamide and fluorinated coating/polyethylene terephthalate backsheets showed a significant drop in ground impedance at high humidity, RH > 70%. A loss rate of −2 kΩ/day in ground impedance was found for inverters connected to modules with certain fluorinated backsheets. This value is twice as high as for inverters connected to modules with polyamide backsheets. Time series show that the sensitivity to moisture and water ingress increases with time, especially for modules with polyamide and certain fluorinated backsheets. The worst degradation scenario observed had an annual yield loss of 27% due to inverter outages on humid days. About 25% of inverter trip alerts after 8 years of operation included modules with the specific fluorinated backsheet. In general, the study revealed a distinct backsheet impact on ground impedance and operation of inverters and the resulting yield showing an important role of the choice of polymers for reliable and long‐lasting photovoltaic systems.
Chromosome 3A harbors several pleiotropic and stable drought‐responsive alleles for photosynthetic efficiency selected through wheat breeding
Authors: Koua Ahossi Patrice , Oyiga Benedict Chijioke , Dadshani Said , Benaouda Salma , Sadeqi Mohammad Bahman , Rascher Uwe , Léon Jens , Ballvora Agim 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWater deficit is the most severe stress factor in crop production threatening global food security. In this study, we evaluated the genetic variation in photosynthetic traits among 200 wheat cultivars evaluated under drought and rainfed conditions. Significant genotypic, treatments, and their interaction effects were detected for chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Drought stress reduced the effective quantum yield of photosystem II (YII) from the anthesis growth stage on. Leaf chlorophyll content measured at anthesis growth stages was significantly correlated with YII and non‐photochemical quenching under drought conditions, suggesting that high throughput chlorophyll content screening can serve as a good indicator of plant drought tolerance status in wheat. Breeding significantly increased the photosynthetic efficiency as newer released genotypes had higher YII and chlorophyll content than the older ones. GWAS identified a stable drought‐responsive QTL on chromosome 3A for YII, while under rainfed conditions, it detected another QTL on chromosome 7A for chlorophyll content across both growing seasons. Molecular analysis revealed that the associated alleles of AX‐158576783 (515.889 Mbp) on 3A co‐segregates with the NADH‐ubiquinone oxidoreductase (TraesCS3A02G287600) gene involved in ATP synthesis coupled electron transport and is proximal to WKRY transcription factor locus. This allele on 3A has been positively selected through breeding and has contributed to increasing the grain yield.
Taro raphide‐associated proteins: Allergens and crystal growth
Authors: Paull Robert E. , Zerpa‐Catanho Dessireé , Chen Nancy J. , Uruu Gail , Wai Ching Man Jennifer , Kantar Michael 
Published: September 2022

AbstractCalcium oxalate raphide crystals are found in bundles in intravacuolar membrane chambers of specialized idioblasts cells of most plant families. Aroid raphides are proposed to cause acridity in crops such as taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott). Acridity is irritation that causes itchiness and pain when raw/insufficiently cooked tissues are eaten. Since raphides do not always cause acridity and since acridity can be inactivated by cooking and/or protease treatment, it is possible that a toxin or allergen‐like compound is associated with the crystals. Using two‐dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry (MS) peptide sequencing of selected peptides from purified raphides and taro apex transcriptome sequencing, we showed the presence on the raphides of peptides normally associated with mitochrondria (ATP synthase), chloroplasts (chaperonin ~60 kDa), cytoplasm (actin, profilin), and vacuole (V‐type ATPase) that indicates a multistage biocrystallation process ending with possible invagination of the tonoplast and addition of mucilage that may be derived from the Golgi. Actin might play a crucial role in the generation of the needle‐like raphides. One of the five raphide profilins genes was highly expressed in the apex and had a 17‐amino acid insert that significantly increased that profilin's antigenic epitope peak. A second profilin had a 2‐amino acid insert and also had a greater B‐cell epitope prediction. Taro profilins showed 83% to 92% similarity to known characterized profilins. Further, commercial allergen test strips for hazelnuts, where profilin is a secondary allergen, have potential for screening in a taro germplasm to reduce acridity and during food processing to avoid overcooking.