bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Avoidable and Bias‐Inflicting Methodological Pitfalls in Real‐World Studies of Medication Safety and Effectiveness
Authors: Bykov Katsiaryna , Patorno Elisabetta , D’Andrea Elvira , He Mengdong , Lee Hemin , Graff Jennifer S. , Franklin Jessica M.
Published: July 2021

Many real‐word evidence (RWE) studies that utilize existing healthcare data to evaluate treatment effects incur substantial but avoidable bias from methodologically flawed study design; however, the extent of preventable methodological pitfalls in current RWE is unknown. To characterize the prevalence of avoidable methodological pitfalls with potential for bias in published claims‐based studies of medication safety or effectiveness, we conducted an English‐language search of PubMed for articles published from January 1, 2010 to May 20, 2019 and randomly selected 75 studies (10 case‐control and 65 cohort studies) that evaluated safety or effectiveness of cardiovascular, diabetes, or osteoporosis medications using US health insurance claims. General and methodological study characteristics were extracted independently by two reviewers, and potential for bias was assessed across nine bias domains. Nearly all studies (95%) had at least one avoidable methodological issue known to incur bias, and 81% had potentially at least one of the four issues considered major due to their potential to undermine study validity: time‐related bias (57%), potential for depletion of outcome‐susceptible individuals (44%), inappropriate adjustment for postbaseline variables (41%), or potential for reverse causation (39%). The median number of major issues per study was 2 (interquartile range (IQR), 1–3) and was lower in cohort studies with a new‐user, active‐comparator design (median 1, IQR 0–1) than in cohort studies of prevalent users with a nonuser comparator (median 3, IQR 3–4). Recognizing and avoiding known methodological study design pitfalls could substantially improve the utility of RWE and confidence in its validity.
Extending π‐Conjugation and Integrating Multi‐Redox Centers into One Molecule for High‐Capacity Organic Cathodes
Authors: Wang Zhaolei , Qi Qiaoyan , Jin Weize , Zhao Xin , Huang Xiaoyu , Li Yongjun
Published: July 2021

Structural diversity, designability, and eco‐friendliness make organic electrode materials appealing for next‐generation rechargeable batteries. However, most of them show low specific capacity and poor cycling stability, which limit their further application. To develop high‐capacity imide‐based cathode materials, three C3‐symmetric triimides were designed. Systematic comparisons of these triimides as cathode materials revealed that extending π‐conjugation and incorporating multiple redox centers improved the cell performance in terms of specific capacity and cycling stability. In particular, a nitrogen‐rich heteroaromatic hexaazatrinaphthylene triimide (HATNTI‐Pr) with multiple active sites (imide and pyrazine) exhibited high specific capacity. Hybridized with graphene sheets, a HATNTI‐Pr‐based binder‐free cathode delivered a high practical capacity (317 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C), excellent cycling stability (80 % retention after 100 cycles), and considerable rate performance (75 mAh g−1 at 5 C). The energy storage mechanism of HATNTI‐Pr with up to nine Li+ storage ability was investigated.
Defined diets for freshwater planarians
Authors: Abel Chris , Powers Kaleigh , Gurung Gargi , Pellettieri Jason
Published: July 2021

Background

Planarian flatworms are popular invertebrate models for basic research on stem cell biology and regeneration. These animals are commonly maintained on a diet of homogenized calf liver or boiled egg yolk in the laboratory, introducing a source of uncontrolled experimental variability.

Results

Here, we report the development of defined diets, prepared entirely from standardized, commercially sourced ingredients, for the freshwater species Schmidtea mediterranea, Dugesia japonica, and Girardia dorotocephala. These food sources provide an opportunity to test the effects of specific nutritional variables on biological phenomena of interest. Defined diet consumption was not sufficient for growth and only partially induced the increase in stem cell division that normally accompanies feeding, suggesting these responses are not solely determined by caloric intake. Our defined diet formulations enable delivery of double‐stranded RNA for gene knockdown in a manner that provides unique advantages in some experimental contexts. We also present a new approach for preserving tissue integrity during hydrogen peroxide bleaching of liver‐fed animals.

Conclusions

These tools will empower research on the connections between diet, metabolism, and stem cell biology in the experimentally tractable planarian system.
Shielded environments reduce stress in alien Asteraceae species during hot and dry summers along urban‐to‐rural gradients
Authors: Géron Charly , Lembrechts Jonas J. , Nijs Ivan , Monty Arnaud
Published: July 2021

Urban environments often host a greater abundance and diversity of alien plant species than rural areas. This is frequently linked to higher disturbance and propagule pressure, but could also be related to the additional establishment of species from warmer native ranges in cities, facilitated by the latter's higher air temperatures and drier soils. A hitherto unresolved question is how stressful the urban environments become during climate extremes such as heatwaves and droughts. Do such episodes still favor alien plant species, or set them back? We used in situ measured phenotypic leaf and development trait responses of the six most widespread alien Asteraceae species from various native climates along Belgian urban‐to‐rural gradients, measured during two unusually warm and dry summers. Urbanization was characterized by three factors: the percentage of artificially sealed surfaces (urbanity, measured at three spatial scales from in situ to satellite‐based), the vegetation cover and the sky view factor (SVF, fraction of the hemisphere not blocked by buildings or vegetation). Across species, either from colder or warmer native climates, we found a predominant protective effect of shielded environments that block solar radiation (low SVF) along the entire urban‐to‐rural gradient. Such environments induced lower leaf anthocyanins and flavonols indices, indicating heat stress mitigation. Shielded environments also increased specific leaf area (SLA), a typical shade response. We found that vegetated areas had a secondary importance, increasing the chlorophyll content and decreasing the flavonols index, but these effects were not consistent across species. Finally, urbanity at the organism spatial scale decreased plant height, while broader‐scale urbanity had no significant influence. Our results suggest that sealed surfaces constrain alien Asteraceae during unusually warm and dry summers, while shielded environments protect them, possibly canceling out the lack of light. These findings shed new light on alien plant species success along urban‐to‐rural gradients in a changing climate.
Alpine lichen diversity in an isolated sky island in the Colorado Plateau, USA—Insight from an integrative biodiversity inventory
Authors: Leavitt Steven D. , Hollinger Jason , Summerhays Sara , Munger Isaac , Allen Jonah , Smith Barb
Published: July 2021

Lichens are major components of high altitude/latitude ecosystems. However, accurately characterizing their biodiversity is challenging because these regions and habitats are often underexplored, there are numerous poorly known taxonomic groups, and morphological variation in extreme environments can yield conflicting interpretations. Using an iterative taxonomic approach based on over 800 specimens and incorporating both traditional morphology‐based identifications and information from the standard fungal DNA barcoding marker, we compiled a voucher‐based inventory of biodiversity of lichen‐forming fungi in a geographically limited and vulnerable alpine community in an isolated sky island in the Colorado Plateau, USA—the La Sal Mountains. We used the newly proposed Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP) approach to empirically delimit candidate species‐level lineages from family‐level multiple sequence alignments. Specimens comprising DNA‐based candidate species were evaluated using traditional taxonomically diagnostic phenotypic characters to identify specimens to integrative species hypotheses and link these, where possible, to currently described species. Despite the limited alpine habitat (ca. 3,250 ha), we document the most diverse alpine lichen community known to date from the southern Rocky Mountains, with up to 240 candidate species/species‐level lineages of lichen‐forming fungi. 139 species were inferred using integrative taxonomy, plus an additional 52 candidate species within 29 different putative species complexes. Over 68% of sequences could not be assigned to species‐level rank with statistical confidence, corroborating the limited utility of current sequence repositories for species‐level DNA barcoding of lichen‐forming fungi. By integrating vouchered specimens, DNA sequence data, and photographic documentation, we provide an important baseline of lichen‐forming fungal diversity for the limited alpine habitat in the Colorado Plateau. These data provide an important resource for subsequent research in the ecology and evolution of lichens alpine habitats, including DNA barcodes for most putative species/species‐level lineages occurring in the La Sal Mountains, and vouchered collections representing any potentially undescribed species that can be used for future taxonomic studies.
Anion Effect on the Formation of Zinc‐Salicyaldimine Compounds in Neutral and Anionic Complex Forms: Synthesis, Characterization, 1H NMR Studies, and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Tsai Meng‐Jung , Su Yo‐Ting , Wu Jing‐Yun
Published: July 2021

Reactions of Zn(BF4)2 and ZnCl2 with a nitrile‐functionalized salicyaldimine ligand, 3‐(salicylideneimino)benzonitrile (Hsal‐3‐PhCN), in both 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 stoichiometry of metal‐to‐ligand, afforded zinc‐salicyaldimine compounds [Zn(sal‐3‐PhCN)2] (1) and [HNEt3][Zn(sal‐3‐PhCN)Cl2] (2), respectively. Compound 1 is a neutral zinc‐salicyaldimine complex, where the Zn(II) center is in a distorted {ZnN2O2} tetrahedral geometry, made up of two sal‐3‐PhCN ligands both in the N,O‐chelating mode. Comparably, 2 is an ionic zinc‐salicyaldimine compound, where the Zn(II) center is in a distorted {ZnNOCl2} tetrahedral geometry, made up of one sal‐3‐PhCN ligand in the N,O‐chelating mode and two chloro ligands. The results indicate that neutral and anionic forms of zinc‐salicyaldimine complexes would form under the domination of anion with different zinc‐binding abilities. 1H NMR studies indicate different degrees of decomplexation of 2 in different solvents, leading to a dynamic equilibrium between the zinc‐salicyaldimine complex form and the neutral form of salicyaldimine ligand. This is achieved by proton transfer and interpreted by the hydrogen‐bonding properties of the solvents. Photophysical studies reveal that Hsal‐3‐PhCN exhibited weak yellow fluorescence (λem=554 nm) while 1 and 2 emitted strong blue (λem=472 nm) and green (λem=504 nm) fluorescence, respectively, in solid‐state, and in comparison, much weaker emissions in solution phases.
The effect of oxygen concentration on selected industrial products in the open controlled atmosphere cone calorimeter
Authors: Barton John , Rios Oriol , Runefors Marcus , van Hees Patrick
Published: July 2021

Past research on the effect of oxygen concentration on the heat release rate and carbon monoxide yield has focused on materials in isolation and there is a lack of research that studies end‐use products. This paper investigates the effect of oxygen concentration on the heat release rate per unit area (HRRPUA) and carbon monoxide yield for two different cables and a mineral oil used as an operating fluid for vacuum pumps. A standard cone calorimeter was used to conduct the tests at an ambient oxygen concentration of 21% and an open controlled atmosphere cone calorimeter (OCACC) was used for the tests conducted below 21%. The OCACC allows cone calorimeter tests to be run at different oxygen concentrations by attaching a chamber to the standard cone calorimeter. The effects of oxygen concentration on the HRRPUA and carbon monoxide yield for the cables were limited when there was flaming over the entire exposed surface area. For the mineral oil, there was a large decrease in the HRPPUA at a reduced oxygen concentration, but the carbon monoxide yield appeared to be unaffected.
Grazing intensity and human activity intensity data sets on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau during 1990–2015
Authors: Sun Yongxiu , Liu Shiliang , Liu Yixuan , Dong Yuhong , Li Mingqi , An Yi , Shi Fangning
Published: July 2021

As the ‘third pole’ of the world, the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau (QTP) is extremely ecologically sensitive and fragile, while also facing increasing levels of human activity, especially overgrazing. In this study, livestock data from the statistical yearbook were transformed to 1 km grazing intensity raster data by integrating the net primary productivity (NPP) data for 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015. Furthermore, the human activity intensity (HAI) data at 1 km resolution were evaluated by the entropy weight method, which applied eight types of spatial data, including grazing intensity, Night‐Time Light, population density, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) density, the ratio of cultivated land, distance to road, distance to town and the slope of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Also, the five‐year interval human activity intensity data on the QTP from 1990 to 2015 were evaluated. By preparing the historical spatial data sets of grazing intensity and human activity intensity, our study will help to explore the influence of human disturbance on the alpine ecosystems on the QTP, as well as provide effective support for the decision‐making of the government aiming to achieve regional ecosystem management and sustainable development.
Ein Ansatz zur Berücksichtigung pfahlartiger Tragglieder beim Nachweis der Gesamtstandsicherheit
Authors: Gömmel Roland , Neidhart Thomas , Rackwitz Frank
Published: July 2021

Stabilisierungssäulen (StS) sind hydraulisch gebundene, pfahlartige Tragglieder und werden zur Reduzierung von Setzungen bzw. zur Erhöhung der Gesamtstandsicherheit angewandt. Aufgrund der fehlenden Bewehrung in Verbindung mit häufig geringen Durchmessern sind StS nicht zum planmäßigen Abtrag von Einwirkungen quer zur Traggliedachse geeignet. Der Beitrag erläutert das laterale Tragverhalten unbewehrter pfahlartiger Tragglieder. In einem Überblick werden typische Ansätze zur Berücksichtigung von StS beim Nachweis der Gesamtstandsicherheit vorgestellt und es wird herausgearbeitet, dass die bestehenden Ansätze den Beitrag der Tragglieder meist unzutreffend berücksichtigen und häufig erheblich überschätzen. Es wird ein numerisches Strukturmodell vorgestellt, mit welchem das laterale Tragverhalten unbewehrter, hydraulisch gebundener, pfahlartiger Tragglieder untersucht wurde. Anhand systematischer Untersuchungen wird dargelegt, wie StS bei lateralen Gleitkörperbewegungen versagen und welche Versagensmechanismen zu erwarten sind. Die Aktivierung des Traggliedquerwiderstands wird für undrainierte Bedingungen anhand eines einfachen mechanischen Modells erläutert und es werden daraus grundsätzliche Hinweise zu Entwurf und Bemessung geotechnischer Konstruktionen mit StS abgeleitet. Schließlich werden zwei Ansätze zur Berücksichtigung von StS beim Nachweis der Gesamtstandsicherheit im Gleitkreisverfahren nach Bishop vorgestellt und deren Anwendung anhand eines Schadensfalls aufgezeigt.
The ability of detainment bunds to decrease sediments transported from pastoral catchments in surface runoff
Authors: Levine Brian , Burkitt Lucy , Horne Dave , Tanner Chris , Sukias James , Condron Leo , Paterson John
Published: July 2021

Erosion leading to sedimentation in surface water may disrupt aquatic habitats and deliver sediment‐bound nutrients that contribute to eutrophication. Land use changes causing loss of native vegetation have accelerated already naturally high erosion rates in New Zealand and increased sedimentation in streams and lakes. Sediment‐bound phosphorus (P) makes up 71–79% of the 17–19 t P y−1 delivered from anthropogenic sources to Lake Rotorua in New Zealand. Detainment bunds (DBs) were first implemented in the Lake Rotorua catchment in 2010 as a strategy to address P losses from pastoral agriculture. The bunds are 1.5–2 m high earthen stormwater retention structures constructed across the flow path of targeted low‐order ephemeral streams with the purpose of temporarily ponding runoff on productive pastures. The current DB design protocol recommends a minimum pond volume of 120 m3 ha−1 of contributing catchment with a maximum pond storage capacity of 10 000 m3. No previous study has investigated the ability of DBs to decrease annual suspended sediment (SS) loads leaving pastoral catchments. Annual SS yields delivered to two DBs with 20 ha and 55 ha catchments were 109 and 28 kg SS ha−1, respectively, during this 12‐month study. The DBs retained 1280 kg (59%) and 789 kg (51%) of annual SS loads delivered from the catchments as a result of the bunds' ability to impede stormflow and facilitate soil infiltration and sediment deposition. The results of this study highlight the ability of DBs to decrease SS loads transported from pastures in surface runoff, even during large storm events, and suggests DBs are able to reduce P loading in Lake Rotorua.
Oncophone20 study: Patients’ perception of telemedicine in the COVID‐19 pandemic during follow‐up visits for gynecological and breast cancers
Authors: Picardo Elisa , Baù Maria G. , Anatrone Caterina , Mondino Aurelia , Surace Alessandra , Gallo Federica , Danese Saverio , Mitidieri Marco
Published: July 2021

Objective

To analyze oncological patients’ perception of telemedicine during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

A total of 345 women, of whom 267 experienced breast cancer and 78 experienced a gynecological cancer, were enrolled. Specific questionnaires about their experiences and feelings about telemedicine in the COVID‐19 era were collected.

Results

In the breast group, “enhanced care” showed moderate positive perception (mean 4.40) among less‐educated women that was slightly lower among better‐educated women (mean 4.14) with a significant difference (P = 0.034). “satisfaction” had an opposite pattern: a mean of 3.99 for a lower level of education and 4.78 for a higher level of education, with a strong significant difference (P < 0.001). “privacy and discomfort” approached neutrality for less‐educated women, while for higher‐educated women the lower mean of 2.93 indicted a more positive perception (P = 0.007). In the pelvic group, younger women had a better perception towards telemedicine for “telemedicine as a substitution” (mean 3.68) compared to older women (mean 3.05). The privacy and discomfort subscale was in favor of better‐educated women (mean 2.57) compared to less‐educated women (mean 3.28; P = 0.042).

Conclusion

Telemedicine was generally well accepted, not only among younger and higher‐educated women but also by women needing intensive care, in both cancer groups.
Band‐tailored van der Waals heterostructure for multilevel memory and artificial synapse
Authors: Wang Yanan , Zheng Yue , Gao Jing , Jin Tengyu , Li Enlong , Lian Xu , Pan Xuan , Han Cheng , Chen Huipeng , Chen Wei
Published: July 2021

Two‐dimensional (2D) van der Waals heterostructure (vdWH)‐based floating gate devices show great potential for next‐generation nonvolatile and multilevel data storage memory. However, high program voltage induced substantial energy consumption, which is one of the primary concerns, hinders their applications in low‐energy‐consumption artificial synapses for neuromorphic computing. In this study, we demonstrate a three‐terminal floating gate device based on the vdWH of tin disulfide (SnS2), hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN), and few‐layer graphene. The large electron affinity of SnS2 facilitates a significant reduction in the program voltage of the device by lowering the hole‐injection barrier across h‐BN. Our floating gate device, as a nonvolatile multilevel electronic memory, exhibits large on/off current ratio (~105), good retention (over 104 s), and robust endurance (over 1000 cycles). Moreover, it can function as an artificial synapse to emulate basic synaptic functions. Further, low energy consumption down to ~7 picojoule (pJ) can be achieved owing to the small program voltage. High linearity (<1) and conductance ratio (~80) in long‐term potentiation and depression (LTP/LTD) further contribute to the high pattern recognition accuracy (~90%) in artificial neural network simulation. The proposed device with attentive band engineering can promote the future development of energy‐efficient memory and neuromorphic devices.

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Reduced‐form factor augmented VAR—Exploiting sparsity to include meaningful factors
Authors: Beyeler Simon , Kaufmann Sylvia
Published: July 2021

Induced sparsity in the factor loading matrix identifies the factor basis, while rotational identification is obtained ex post by clustering methods closely related to machine learning. We extract meaningful economic concepts from a high‐dimensional data set, which together with observed variables follow an unrestricted, reduced‐form VAR process. Including a comprehensive set of economic concepts allows reliable, fundamental structural analysis, even of the factor augmented VAR itself. We illustrate this by combining two structural identification methods to further analyze the model. To account for the shift in monetary policy instruments triggered by the Great Recession, we follow separate strategies to identify monetary policy shocks. Comparing ours to other parametric and non‐parametric factor estimates uncovers advantages of parametric sparse factor estimation in a high dimensional data environment. Besides meaningful factor extraction, we gain precision in the estimation of factor loadings.
A novel automatic 3D stitching algorithm for optical coherence tomography angiography and its application in dermatology
Authors: Ji Yubo , Zhou Kanheng , Ibbotson Sally Helen , Wang Ruikang K. , Li Chunhui , Huang Zhihong
Published: July 2021

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA) techniques offer numerous advantages in clinical skin applications but the field of view (FOV) of current commercial systems are relatively limited to cover the entire skin lesion. The typical method to expand the FOV is to apply wide field objective lens. However, lateral resolution is often sacrificed when scanning with these lenses. To overcome this drawback, we developed an automated 3D stitching method for creating high‐resolution skin structure and vascular volumes with large field of view, which was realized by montaging multiple adjacent OCT and OCTA volumes. The proposed stitching method is demonstrated by montaging 3 × 3 OCT and OCTA volumes (nine OCT/OCTA volumes as one data set with each volume covers 2.5 cm × 2.5 cm area) of healthy thin and thick skin from six volunteers. The proposed stitching protocol achieves high flexibility and repeatable for all the participants. Moreover, according to evaluation of structural similarity index and feature similarity index, our proposed stitched result has a superior similarity to single scanning protocol in large‐scaled. We had also verified its improved performance through assessing metrics of vessel contrast‐noise‐ratio (CNR) from 2.07 ± 0.44 (single large‐scaled scanning protocol) to 3.05 ± 0.51 (proposed 3 × 3 sub‐volume stitching method).
Manufacture and preliminary evaluation of acellular tooth roots as allografts for alveolar ridge augmentation
Authors: Liu Yang , Yu Lu , Zhang Di , He Xiaoning , Javed Rabia , Ao Qiang
Published: July 2021

Alveolar ridge augmentation can be used to obtain appropriate alveolar ridge for dental implantation. A variety of bone graft materials including autogenous bone, allograft, xenograft, and alloplastic material are used in alveolar ridge augmentation. Autogenous tooth‐derived bone graft material has received much attention for the past few years, because the structure and physicochemical characteristics of tooth are similar to those of bones. Compared to autogenous tooth, allogenic tooth has the advantage of extensive resources. However, the problem of cell‐derived immunological rejection of allogenic tooth remains unresolved. In the present study, acellular tooth root (ATR) is obtained by an innovative combination procedure. The biocompatibility of ATR is assessed using cytotoxicity test, hemolysis test, intracutaneous reactivity test, and acute systemic toxicity test. Osseointegration is evaluated in vivo by implanting ATR into the rat tibia defect as an allograft material. The results show that the ATR has fine biocompatibility, and there is an osseointegration between ATR and bone bed at 8 weeks post operation. This study demonstrates that the ATR could be used in alveolar ridge augmentation as a kind of new tooth‐derived bone graft material.
Charge injection characteristics of sputtered ruthenium oxide electrodes for neural stimulation and recording
Authors: Chakraborty Bitan , Joshi‐Imre Alexandra , Cogan Stuart F.
Published: July 2021

We have studied the charge‐injection characteristics and electrochemical impedance of sputtered ruthenium oxide (RuOx) films as electrode coatings for neural stimulation and recording electrodes. RuOx films were deposited by reactive DC magnetron sputtering, using a combination of water vapor and oxygen gas as reactive plasma constituents. The cathodal charge storage capacity of planar RuOx electrodes was found to be 54.6 ± 9.5 mC/cm2 (mean ± SD, n = 12), and the charge‐injection capacity in a 0.2‐ms cathodal current pulse was found to be 7.1 ± 0.3 mC/cm2 (mean ± SD, n = 15) at 0.6 V positive bias versus Ag|AgCl, in phosphate buffer saline at room temperature for ~250 nm thick films. In general, the RuOx films exhibited high charge‐injection capacities, with or without a positive interpulse bias, comparable to sputtered iridium oxide (SIROF) coatings. The charge‐injection capacity increased monotonically with film thickness from 120 to 630 nm, and reached 11.30 ± 0.34 mC/cm2 (mean ± SD, n = 5) at 0.6 V bias versus Ag|AgCl at 630 nm film thickness. In addition, RuOx films showed minimal changes in electrochemical characteristics over 1.5 billion cycles of constant current pulsing at a charge density of 408 μC/cm2 (8 nC/phase, 200 μs pulse width). The findings of low‐impedance, high charge‐injection capacity, and long‐term pulsing stability suggest the suitability of RuOx as a comparatively inexpensive and favorable choice of electrode material for neural stimulation and recording.
Introducing new method for the synthesis of polycyclic compounds containing [1,3]dithiine derivatives, with anticancer and antibacterial activities against common bacterial strains between aquatic and human
Authors: Moghaddam‐Manesh Mohammadreza , Hosseinzadegan Sara
Published: July 2021

In this study, glycerol:potassium carbonate used as a green deep eutectic solvent, for synthesis of polycyclic compounds containing [1,3]dithiine derivatives. The antimicrobial properties of the derivatives against Lactococcus garvieae and Edwardsiella tarda were tested as bacterial strains between aquatic and human based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the minimum lethal concentration (MBC) and inhibition zone diameter (IZD). In addition to antimicrobial properties, cytotoxicity testing was performed against MCF‐7 breast cancer cells via MTT cell viability assay.
Macrophage inflammatory state influences susceptibility to lysosomal damage
Authors: Wong Amanda O , Marthi Matangi , Haag Amanda , Owusu Irene A , Wobus Christiane E , Swanson Joel A
Published: July 2021

Macrophages possess mechanisms for reinforcing the integrity of their endolysosomes against damage. This property, termed inducible renitence, was previously observed in murine macrophages stimulated with LPS, peptidoglycan, IFNγ, or TNFα, which suggested roles for renitence in macrophage resistance to infection by membrane-damaging pathogens. This study analyzed additional inducers of macrophage differentiation for their ability to increase resistance to lysosomal damage by membrane-damaging particles. Renitence was evident in macrophages activated with LPS plus IFNγ, PGE2, or adenosine, and in macrophages stimulated with IFN-β, but not in macrophages activated with IL-4 or IL-10. These responses indicated roles for macrophage subtypes specialized in host defense and suppression of immune responses, but not those involved in wound healing. Consistent with this pattern, renitence could be induced by stimulation with agonists for TLR, which required the signaling adaptors MyD88 and/or TRIF, and by infection with murine norovirus-1. Renitence induced by LPS was dependent on cytokine secretion by macrophages. However, no single secreted factor could explain all the induced responses. Renitence induced by the TLR3 agonist Poly(I:C) was mediated in part by the type I IFN response, but renitence induced by Pam3CSK4 (TLR2/1), LPS (TLR4), IFNγ, or TNFα was independent of type 1 IFN signaling. Thus, multiple pathways for inducing macrophage resistance to membrane damage exist and depend on the particular microbial stimulus sensed.
A molecular hybrid comprising AS1411 and PDGF‐BB aptamer, cholesterol, and doxorubicin for inhibiting proliferation of SW480 cells
Authors: Rotkrua Pichayanoot , Lohlamoh Walaiporn , Watcharapo Paphada , Soontornworajit Boonchoy
Published: July 2021

Cancer treatment commonly relies on chemotherapy. This treatment faces many challenges, including treatment specificity and undesired side effects. To address these, a Dox‐loaded Chol–aptamer molecular hybrid (Dox‐CAH) was developed. This multivalent interaction system combines the key function of each integrated species: doxorubicin, cholesterol, and two aptamers binding to nucleolin and platelet‐derived growth factor BB (PDGF‐BB). The study has four stages: preparation of CAH via oligonucleotide hybridization, intercalation of doxorubicin into CAH, verification of CAH binding on SW480 by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, and investigation of effect of Dox‐CAH on SW480 proliferation. CAH was successfully prepared, as confirmed by electrophoresis. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy demonstrated CAH binding to SW480, due to the presence of the AS1411 aptamer. This molecular hybrid exhibited specific binding because it did not bind to CCD 841 CoN. CAH binding to PDGF‐BB compromises its function, as shown by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and cell assay. The DNA duplex in this molecular hybrid reduces the cytotoxicity of the Dox‐CAH. Binding and the reduction of Dox‐CAH toxicity may improve treatment specificity and minimize side effects. Dox‐CAH is a model for more effective anticancer therapy, allowing incorporation of chemotherapeutic drugs and recognition elements.
Probable viremia and positive placental swabs for SARS‐CoV‐2 in a preterm pregnant woman with mild COVID‐19
Authors: Akdemir Yesim , Haciseyitoglu Demet , Celebi Guven , Aydemir Cumhur , Bahadır Burak , Cakir Anil T. , Barut Aykut , Ozmen Ulku
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to report a case of mild novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) in a pregnant woman with probable viremia, as reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) testing of endometrial and placental swabs for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) was positive. A 26‐year‐old multigravida at 35 weeks 2 days of gestation, who had extensive thigh and abdominal cellulitis, tested SARS‐CoV‐2 positive by RT‐PCR performed on samples from the endometrium and maternal side of the placenta. However, other samples (amniotic fluid, fetal side of the placenta, umbilical cord, maternal vagina, and neonatal nasopharynx) tested negative for SARS‐CoV‐2. This is one of the rare reports of probable SARS‐CoV‐2 viremia with the presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the endometrium and placenta, but not leading to vertical transmission and neonatal infection. Because knowledge about transplacental transmission and results is very limited, we conclude that more RT‐PCR tests on placental and cord blood samples are needed in order to safely make definite conclusions.
Viral infections amidst COVID‐19 in Africa: Implications and recommendations
Authors: Uwishema Olivier , Adanur Irem , Babatunde Abdulhammed Opeyemi , Hasan Mohammad Mehedi , Elmahi Osman Kamal Osman , Olajumoke Kolawole Barakat , Aborode Abdullahi Tunde , Emmanuella Nzeribe , Costa Ana Carla dos Santos , Ahmad Shoaib , Essar Mohammad Yasir
Published: July 2021

Viral infections have been on the rise for the past decades. The impact of the viruses worsened amidst the pandemic burdening the already overwhelmed health care system in African countries. This article sheds light on how the coronavirus together with the already existing viral infections, some of which re‐emerged, impacted the continent. The strategies in place such as immunization, education, will have to be strengthened in all African countries to reduce the burden. Furthermore, governments can further collaborate with other countries in creating guidelines to reduce co‐infection of the diseases.
Diversity in neuroscience education: A perspective from a Historically Black institution
Authors: Harrington Melissa A.
Published: July 2021

The events of 2020, including the pandemic which highlighted the extent of health disparities in the United States, combined with the Black Lives Matter protests, have focused public attention on the systemic inequities that continue to afflict our nation. Publicly available data from the National Center for Education Statistics show that our discipline of neuroscience shows the same types of disparities, particularly for African‐American students. I have drawn on data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Survey of U.S. colleges and universities to show that while the number of graduates from neuroscience undergraduate and graduate degree programs has grown dramatically in this century, only a small percentage of those graduates are African American, and the numbers are growing very slowly. I also present data on the neuroscience PhD program at my institution, Delaware State University, the only Historically Black University in the United States to offer a PhD in neuroscience. Because a high percentage of our students and graduates are African American, our small, young program has the potential for great impact in diversifying our discipline of neuroscience. While elite colleges and research‐intensive universities have been engaged for decades in efforts to increase diversity in their academic programs, change is slow, and large inequities remain. With Delaware State University's neuroscience PhD program as an example, I hope to convince readers that it is time for our nation to recognize the institutions that are best positioned to serve students from communities of color, and direct resources to support their growth and success.
Long‐term clinical outcomes of periodontal regeneration with enamel matrix derivative: A retrospective cohort study with a mean follow‐up of 10 years
Authors: De Ry Siro P. , Roccuzzo Andrea , Lang Niklaus P. , Sculean Anton , Salvi Giovanni E.
Published: July 2021

Background

Despite the large body of evidence on the efficacy of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects, few studies reported long‐term data (≥10‐year).

Methods

Periodontal patients treated with regenerative surgery with EMD between 1999 and 2012 were invited to participate in a clinical examination. The following clinical parameters were recorded and compared at baseline (T0), 6 months after surgery (T1) and after at least 8 years of follow‐up (T2): probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque and bleeding scores. The primary outcome variable was CAL change.

Results

Forty‐one patients with 75 treated teeth were available for analysis. Out of these, 68 (tooth survival rate: 90.7%) reached the latest follow‐up with a mean observation period of 10.3 years (range: 8.0 to 21.3). The most frequent reason for tooth loss was recurrence of periodontal disease. Tooth survival curves showed a statistically significant difference between smokers and non‐smokers (P = 0.028). Mean CAL changed from 8.43 ± 1.86 (T0) to 6.47 ± 1.70 (T1) (P < 0.001) and to 5.91 ± 1.83 (T2) (P < 0.001). At T1, a CAL gain of ≥3 mm was measured in 35% of the defects whereas at T2 it was detected in 51% of cases.

Conclusions

Within their limitations, the present results have shown that in intrabony defects, the clinical improvements obtained following regenerative surgery with EMD can be maintained on a mean period of 10 years. Smoking status and maxillary molars were correlated with an increased risk for tooth and CAL loss, respectively.
Comparison of catalyst life and performance employing the conversion capacity concept
Authors: Parikh Apoorv P. , Parikh Vihang P. , Parikh Parimal A.
Published: July 2021

Researchers frequently come across catalyst performance reported as either conversion or rate of reaction as a function of time on stream. When different publications reported data in different manners, comparison of the performance of even similar catalysts becomes difficult. The same situation arises when catalytic behavior is shown at different space velocities. This is because catalyst deactivation characteristics depend on space velocity in addition to rate constants for the main chemical reaction as well as the deactivation process. To circumvent this difficulty, we have furthered the concept of conversion capacity originally brought out by Janssens (J. Catal., 2009;264:130–137) for methanol/dimethyl ether conversions. Conversion capacity was defined by him as the maximum amount of the reactant converted by the time the catalyst affords zero conversion. He developed equations for the first‐order main‐ and deactivation‐ reaction. However, many reactions of practical importance are of order two. We have developed expressions for the second‐order reactions to determine conversion capacity and also the time required for reaching 50% of the initial conversion, t0.5 for the reaction occurring in a plug flow reactor. Here we have given the example calculations for conversion capacity for the reaction of methane tri‐reforming taking data from two different published articles reporting conversion and rate of reaction as a function of time‐on‐stream. We further show the usefulness of these two parameters as giving information not only on the life of the catalysts but also their relative catalytic performance by drawing parallels between reported information and values determined here. Still, a word of caution is necessary. Expression for rate versus time on stream is valid for a linear relationship. Also, values of conversion capacity and t0.5 obtained by expressions given here are qualitative in nature and should be used for comparison purposes rather than attaching any physical significance to them.
Oscillating chemiluminescence reaction in the L‐012–H2O2–KSCN–CuSO4–NaOH system
Authors: Tsuoka Kazuki , Samejima Nobutoshi , Toki Erika , Nakashima Tetsuto , Abe Rin , Oyama Takahiro , Tsukiyama Koichi
Published: July 2021

The oscillating chemiluminescence of the L‐012–H2O2–KSCN–CuSO4–NaOH system was investigated both experimentally and numerically. The oscillation behavior could be classified into two patterns: (i) intense sharp spike‐like emission of a very short duration and (ii) slowly varying emission with a slow rise and a faster fall between the adjacent spike‐like emissions. The concentrations of OH·, HO2·, ·OS(O)CN, and SO3·− were simulated using the Runge–Kutta method. Comparing the time‐dependent emission intensities with calculated radical concentrations, we concluded that the pulsed sharp emission and slowly varying chemiluminescence were caused due to the reaction of L‐012 with ·OS(O)CN and HO2·, respectively. The OH· radicals did not participate in the chemiluminescence.
Influence of different tree species on autotrophic and heterotrophic soil respiration in a mined area under reclamation
Authors: Valente Fernanda D. A. , Gomes Lucas C. , Castro Marllon F. , Neves Julio Cesar L. , Silva Ivo R. , de Oliveira Teógenes S.
Published: July 2021

Planting trees is one of the most effective activities in recovering soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks of degraded areas, but we still lack information on how different tree species can influence soil respiration, one of the main sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) to the atmosphere. This study aimed to explore the influence of different tree species on the autotrophic and heterotrophic components of the total soil respiration in a bauxite mining area under reclamation. We analyzed the soil CO2 efflux under five treatments: (i) monoculture of clonal Eucalyptus; (ii) monoculture of Anadenanthera peregrina (L.); (iii) a mixed plantation of 16 native tree species; (iv) a mined area without vegetation cover as a control site; and (v) a natural forest cover as a reference site. This design allowed exploring the soil CO2 dynamics in a gradient of recovery, from a degraded area to natural vegetation. Additionally, we measured soil temperature, moisture, and soil attributes. Soil CO2 efflux increased with increasing tree species cover in the rainy months. There was no significant change in CO2 efflux among the tree species. However, heterotrophic soil respiration contributed to 64% of total soil CO2 efflux and was associated with litter decomposition. Among the abiotic variables, increases in soil moisture had the most influence on CO2 efflux. Therefore, these results help to understand the factors that underpin the loss of SOC and show that afforestation with different tree species can recovery the soil biological activity by improving litter deposition and is a promising way to restore soil quality in degraded areas.
Carbon sequestration in Mediterranean soils following afforestation of abandoned crops: Biases due to changes in soil compaction and carbonate stocks
Authors: Juvinyà Carla , LotfiParsa Hassan , Sauras‐Yera Teresa , Rovira Pere
Published: July 2021

Crop replacement by secondary forests increases soil organic carbon (OC) stocks. Quantifying this increase is subject to biases: the changes in soil compaction and, in calcareous zones, the changes in soil inorganic carbon (IC) content, which affect the carbon balance. How relevant are both biases, though? We studied this problem in NE Spain, subhumid Mediterranean, in a set of current crops, old forests, and new forests grown on croplands abandoned after 1956. We compared soil OC stocks on a fixed‐depth basis (30 cm), and on an equivalent‐mass basis: uppermost 425 kg m−2 of fine mineral matter (amount in crop soils). Down to 30 cm, OC stocks were lowest in crops (5.45 kg m−2) and highest in old forests (7.50 kg m−2), which gives a potential OC sequestration in the mineral soil of 2.05 kg m−2. On an equivalent‐mass basis, the potential is 2.50 kg m−2, meaning that the fixed‐depth criterion underestimates OC sequestration by more than 20%. These figures are surpassed by those of IC: crops store 17.73 kg IC m−2 down to 30 cm, old forests 12.28, suggesting a potential loss upon afforestation of 5.45 kg IC m−2. Nevertheless, the lack of negative relationships between IC losses and OC gains within a given land use suggests that the contrasting IC stocks result from past management, mainly tillage. The decarbonation is only apparent. Our results stress the need of accounting for changes in carbonate content and soil compaction in future studies about carbon sequestration in soils.
Retention of Postocular Visible Implant Elastomer in Two Sizes of Adult Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout
Authors: Bushon Amanda M. , Rash Jacob M.
Published: July 2021

Retention of visible implant elastomer (VIE) was assessed during an evaluation of put-grow-and-take Brown Trout Salmo trutta and Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss stockings in Apalachia Reservoir, North Carolina. Visible implant elastomer was injected in the postocular adipose tissue of two sizes (approximately 254 [small] and 356 [large] mm TL) of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout in November 2012–2015. Each year, 1,000 large and 1,500 small trout of each species were marked with VIE. Mark retention was assessed after 30 d in a hatchery and during poststocking collection events in Apalachia Reservoir. The recaptured trout were examined for VIE marks during annual spring electrofishing, fall gill-net samples, and a year-long creel survey. The 30-d VIE retention rate for all trout and all years was 99.9%. Following stocking, both sizes of Rainbow Trout were collected up to 17 months after marking and VIE retention was 100%. Large and small Brown Trout were collected up to 33 and 34 months after marking, and the VIE retention rates were 100% and 99.3%, respectively. This study found visible implant elastomer to be an effective and simple batch mark that remained visible on Rainbow Trout for up to 17 months and Brown Trout for up to 34 months postmarking in the wild.
Characterization of the dissipative mappings and their application to perturbations of dissipative‐Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Baghel Mohit Kumar , Gillis Nicolas , Sharma Punit
Published: July 2021

In this article, we find necessary and sufficient conditions to identify pairs of matrices X and Y for which there exists such that is positive semidefinite and . Such a is called a dissipative mapping taking X to Y. We also provide two different characterizations for the set of all dissipative mappings, and use them to characterize the unique dissipative mapping with minimal Frobenius norm. The minimal‐norm dissipative mapping is then used to determine the distance to asymptotic instability for dissipative‐Hamiltonian systems under general structure‐preserving perturbations. We illustrate our results over some numerical examples and compare them with those of Mehl, Mehrmann, and Sharma (Stability radii for linear Hamiltonian systems with dissipation under structure‐preserving perturbations, SIAM J Matrix Anal Appl, 37(4):1625–54, 2016).
A study of water‐induced elementary hemp fiber swelling and the reinforced polypropylene composite expansion
Authors: Han Hong Chang , Gong Xiao Lu , Li Chen , Kang Feng , Yang Heng Bin , Zhou Ming
Published: July 2021

To deeply understand the swelling mechanism, the water swelling ratio and direction of elementary hemp fiber and the reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites were analyzed by both experimental methods and numerical simulation. The fiber swelling force was also calculated based on Flory–Rehner theory. The results showed that the simulated fiber radial swelling ratio of 6.5% is slightly higher than the measured one of 5.6%. For the reinforced composites, the simulated cross‐sectional expansion of 3.7% is very close to the measured one of 3.5%. This indicates that fiber mainly swells along its radial direction and the composite expansion is affected by not only fiber swelling ratio and direction but also fiber volume fraction and orientation. The proposed simulation model could easily estimate the swelling ratio and rate of plant fiber and the reinforced composites from their weight gain data. The generated swelling force of fiber is almost 850 MPa at the beginning and decreases to zero until achieving saturation state, which is much higher than the constraint stress of PP matrix and drives composite water expansion behavior. It is concluded that reducing the mixing entropy of plant fiber with water should be an effective approach to inhibit composite water expansion and improve its dimensional stability. The obtained results are beneficial for constructing a water absorption and service life prediction model of shortcut hemp fiber composites.