bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First‐Principles Diffusivity Ratios for Atmospheric Isotope Fractionation on Mars and Titan
Authors: Hellmann Robert , Harvey Allan H.
Published: April 2021

Recent work used the kinetic theory of molecular gases, along with state‐of‐the‐art intermolecular potentials, to calculate from first principles the diffusivity ratios necessary for modeling kinetic fractionation of water isotopes in air. Here, we extend that work to the Martian atmosphere, employing potential‐energy surfaces for the interaction of water with carbon dioxide and with nitrogen. We also derive diffusivity ratios for methane isotopes in the atmosphere of Titan by using a high‐quality potential for the methane‐nitrogen pair. The Mars calculations cover 100–400 K, while the Titan calculations cover 50–200 K. Surprisingly, the simple hard‐sphere theory that is inaccurate for Earth's atmosphere is in good agreement with the rigorous results for the diffusion of water isotopes in the Martian atmosphere. A modest disagreement with the hard‐sphere results is observed for the diffusivity ratio of CH3D in the atmosphere of Titan. We present temperature‐dependent correlations, as well as estimates of uncertainty, for the diffusivity ratios involving HDO, H217O, and H218O in the Martian atmosphere, and for CH3D and13CH4in the atmosphere of Titan, providing for the first time the necessary data to be able to model kinetic isotope fractionation in these environments.
Redox reactions between acetonitrile and nitrogen dioxide in the interlayer space of fluorinated graphite matrices
Authors: Pinakov D. V. , Makotchenko V. G. , Semushkina G. I. , Chekhova G. N. , Prosvirin I. P. , Asanov I. P. , Fedoseeva Yu. V. , Makarova A. A. , Shubin Yu. V. , Okotrub A. V. , Bulusheva L. G.
Published: April 2021

The insertion of N2O4 into a fluorinated graphite matrix with acetonitrile initiates redox reactions in the interlayer space.
Conformation-specific perturbation of membrane dynamics by structurally distinct oligomers of Alzheimer's amyloid-β peptide
Authors: Madhu Priyanka , Das Debapriya , Mukhopadhyay Samrat
Published: April 2021

Different mechanisms of interaction of conformationally distinct amyloid-β oligomers with the lipid membrane.
Direct dynamics in a proton transfer reaction of isomer product competition. Insight into the suppressed formation of the isoformyl cation
Authors: Wang Yujie , Zhao Siwei , Liu Xu , Zhen Wenqing , Fu Gang , Yang Li , Sun Shaozeng , Zhang Jiaxu
Published: April 2021

Proton transfer between HOCO+ and CO produces the formyl cation HCO+ and isoformyl cation HOC+ isomers initiating multiple astrochemical reaction networks.
The study on calcium polyphosphate/poly-amino acid composite for supportive bone substitute materials in vitro
Authors: Hu Jinbo , Zhang Rongguang , Chen Hong , Wu Yanan , Chen Lichao , Zhang Qiyi , Ren Haohao , Yan Yonggang
Published: April 2021

A poly-amino acid/calcium polyphosphate composite with high mechanical strength, excellent stability and biological activity was prepared and studied for bone-repaired.
Plug-and-play assembly of paper-based colorimetric and electrochemical devices for multiplexed detection of metals
Authors: Silva-Neto Habdias A. , Cardoso Thiago M. G. , McMahon Catherine J. , Sgobbi Lívia F. , Henry Charles S. , Coltro Wendell K. T.
Published: April 2021

We propose a “plug-and-play” (PnP) assembly for coupling paper-based colorimetric and electrochemical devices for multiplexed detection of metals.
Characterization of surface materials on African sculptures: new insights from a multi-analytical study including proteomics
Authors: Granzotto Clara , Sutherland Ken , Goo Young Ah , Aksamija Amra
Published: April 2021

Multiple analytical techniques, including proteomics, were used to characterize materials from the surfaces of two African sculptures in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago: a Bamana power object (boli), and a Yoruba wooden sculpture.
Supramolecular assembly induced chiral interface for electrochemical recognition of tryptophan enantiomers
Authors: Sun Yi-Xin , Zhang Dan-Dan , Sheng Yang , Xu Defeng , Zhang Rong , Bradley Mark
Published: April 2021

The β-CD@PEI-Fc chiral interface was prepared based on the supramolecular host–guest interaction between ferrocene (Fc) grafted polyethyleneimine (PEI-Fc) and chiral β-cyclodextrin (β-CD).
Nano-assembly of ursolic acid with platinum prodrug overcomes multiple deactivation pathways in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer
Authors: Wang Yupeng , Luo Zhijian , Zhou Dongfang , Wang Xuefeng , Chen Jianjun , Gong Shipeng , Yu Zhiqiang
Published: April 2021

A dual prodrug nano-assembled system for synergistic chemotherapy of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
A flexible fibrous membrane based on copper(ii) metal–organic framework/poly(lactic acid) composites with superior antibacterial performance
Authors: Liu Zhao , Ye Junwei , Rauf Abdul , Zhang Siqi , Wang Guangyao , Shi Suqi , Ning Guiling
Published: April 2021

A flexible fibrous membrane was prepared by electrospinning a Cu(ii)-based MOF and poly(lactic acid), which showed excellent broad-spectrum antibacterial properties based on the steady and prolonged release of Cu2+ in biocidal concentrations.
Recent advances inin situoxygen-generating and oxygen-replenishing strategies for hypoxic-enhanced photodynamic therapy
Authors: Qin Shuheng , Xu Yue , Li Hua , Chen Haiyan , Yuan Zhenwei
Published: April 2021

This review paper aims to solve the Achilles’ heel of hypoxia in the process of photodynamic therapy (PDT), from the angle of increasing the concentration of oxygen. So, different oxygen supplementation methods and future prospects are discussed.
Crystal engineering strategies towards halogen-bonded metal–organic multi-component solids: salts, cocrystals and salt cocrystals
Authors: Nemec Vinko , Lisac Katarina , Bedeković Nikola , Fotović Luka , Stilinović Vladimir , Cinčić Dominik
Published: April 2021

This highlight presents an overview of the current advances in the preparation of halogen bonded metal–organic multi-component solids, including salts and cocrystals comprising neutral and ionic constituents.
Efficient capture of Sr2+ from acidic aqueous solution by an 18-crown-6-ether-based metal organic framework
Authors: Guo Chenglong , Yuan Mengjia , He Linwei , Cheng Liwei , Wang Xia , Shen Nannan , Ma Fuyin , Huang Guolin , Wang Shuao
Published: April 2021

Here, Guo et al. report a metal organic framework material (SNU-200) functionalized with an 18-crown-6-ether, whose specific binding site with an excellent affinity toward strontium leads to excellent Sr2+ adsorption capability under acidic conditions at low concentrations.
Influence of intermolecular interactions and crystal structure on desolvation mechanisms of solvates
Authors: Liu Wanying , Hou Baohong , Huang Xin , Zong Shuyi , Zheng Zhixin , Li Shuyu , Zhao Bugui , Liu Songqiang , Zhou Lina , Hao Hongxun
Published: April 2021

The desolvation processes of the solvates were systematically investigated by various analytical techniques and were analyzed based on the intermolecular interactions, molecular networks, void types, proportion of voids and packing patterns.
Improved ionic conductivity for amide-containing electrolytes by tuning intermolecular interaction: the effect of branched side-chains with cyanoethoxy groups
Authors: Yamada Koki , Yuasa Shohei , Matsuoka Riho , Sai Ryansu , Katayama Yu , Tsutsumi Hiromori
Published: April 2021

Significant improvement in ionic conductivity was confirmed for amide-containing electrolytes having multiple cyanoethoxy groups, owing to (1) unique Li+ coordination structure, (2) improved salt dissociability, and (3) high segmental mobility.
Tuning the electronic structure of BaTiO3 for an enhanced photocatalytic performance using cation–anion codoping: a first-principles study
Authors: Fo Yumeng , Ma Yanxia , Dong Hao , Zhou Xin
Published: April 2021

(Mo + C)-, (W + C)-, (Mo + 2N)- and (W + 2N)-codoped BaTiO3 are predicted to be promising photocatalysts for water splitting under visible-light-irradiation.
Recent advances in the synthesis of organic chloramines and their insights into health care
Authors: Grace Victoria G. , Rajasekhara Reddy Sabbasani
Published: April 2021

Organic nitrogen–chlorine compounds and their derivatives are important heterocyclic motifs, exhibiting applications such as N-chlorinating agents, analytical reagents, disinfectants, antipathogens, and as synthetic intermediates for drugs, polymers, and natural products.
Subtle influence on alginate gel properties through host–guest interactions between covalently appended cyclodextrin and adamantane units
Authors: Popescu Elena Irina , Aricov Ludmila , Mocanu Sorin , Matei Iulia , Hristea Elena , Baratoiu Rodica , Leonties Anca , Petcu Cristian , Alexandrescu Elvira , Ionita Gabriela
Published: April 2021

Host–guest interactions between functionalized alginate chains modulate the physico-chemical properties of alginate gels.
Recent progress in mitochondria-targeting-based nanotechnology for cancer treatment
Authors: Qin Jingbo , Gong Ningqiang , Liao Zhihuan , Zhang Shouwen , Timashev Peter , Huo Shuaidong , Liang Xing-Jie
Published: April 2021

This review summarizes the state of the art design and construction of nanosystems used for mitochondria-targeted delivery.
Organo-redox-catalysis for the difunctionalization of alkenes and oxidative Ritter reactions by C–H functionalization
Authors: Liu Sensheng , Klussmann Martin
Published: April 2021

Roll over transition metals-triarylamines are redox-catalysts, enabling olefin difunctionalization and C–H functionalization reactions by activating benzoyl peroxide.
Transition metal halide derived phase transition from Cs4PbCl6 to CsPbxM1–xX3 for bright white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Shi Wenbin , Zhang Xiao , Chen Hsueh Shih , Matras-Postolek Katarzyna , Yang Ping
Published: April 2021

Highly luminescent and stable CsPbxM1−xX3 NCs were synthesized using a post-processing method in MX2 (M: Zn and Mn, X: Br and Cl) hexane solutions to treat parent Cs4PbCl6 NCs without luminescence.
Smart city development in Taiwan
Authors: Leu Jang‐Hwa , Lin Bo‐Chi , Liao Yen‐Yi , Gan Dai‐You
Published: April 2021

This article outlines Taiwan’s experience in developing smart cities, including visions, implementation strategies and application cases. To take global trends and local needs into account, Taiwan has applied a dual development model that combines top‐down (theme‐based)/bottom‐up (needs‐based) approaches for a synergy effect in balancing innovations and local needs. Furthermore, a public–private partnership program has been adopted to prompt collaboration between central/local authorities with local businesses.Meanwhile, Taiwan uses a private finance initiative program and a global marketing strategy for strengthening the scalability and sustainability of smart city solutions. Three visions in the project help achieve the transformation to ensure smarter urban governance, more comprehensive industrial business models and better livelihoods of residents. Moreover, this article also presents five application cases in the top‐down approach and four application cases in the bottom‐up approach with proven track records which covered eight industry sectors: agriculture, healthcare, education, mobility, retail, energy, governance and environment.
ResTech: innovative technologies for crisis resolution
Authors: Loiacono Giuseppe , Rulli Edoardo
Published: April 2021

The use of financial technologies (FinTech) by financial market participants fostered a discussion among public authorities on the use technologies for regulatory (RegTech) and supervisory (SupTech) purposes. This paper discusses the application of innovative technologies to crisis resolution (ResTech) and sets out its potential scope of application. ResTech is the application of technologies: i) to support the work of resolution authorities in developing resolution plans and in resolving financial firms; and ii) to allow financial firms to achieve regulatory compliance and better risk management in a more effective and automated manner. This paper also argues that the features and market dynamics of resolution differ from those of RegTech and SupTech: there is little market incentive for the private sector to foster innovation in the area of crisis resolution. The lack of private sector incentives to invest in R&D on how to resolve a firm’s crisis leaves the task to resolution authorities. In addition, resolution-technologies may support the identification of optimal liquidation strategy for small and medium-sized financial firms, by ensuring the maximisation of creditors’ proceeds out of the insolvency estate.
Documenting Single-Generation Range Shifts of Periodical Cicada Brood VI (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Magicicada spp.)
Authors: Cooley John R , Marshall David C , Simon Chris
Published: April 2021

Historically, most North American periodical cicada (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Magicicada spp. Davis 1925) distribution records have been mapped at county-level resolution. In recent decades, Magicicada brood distributions and especially edges have been mapped at a higher resolution, aided by the use of GIS technology after 2000. Brood VI of the 17-yr cicadas emerged in 2000 and 2017 and is the first for which detailed mapping has been completed in consecutive generations. Overlaying the records from the two generations suggests that in some places, Brood VI expanded its range slightly between 2000 and 2017, although the measured changes are close to the lower limit of detectability given the methods used. Even so, no simple alternative to range expansion easily accounts for these observations. We also bolster Alexander and Moore’s assertion that M. cassini does not occur in Brood VI.
Revisiting Solitary Pedunculated Lipofibromas
Authors: Adotama Prince , Hutson Seneca D , Rieder Evan A , Stein Jennifer A , Kim Randie H
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Pedunculated lipofibromas are soft, compressible, skin-colored nodules that typically present as an acquired solitary lesion, predominantly located on the buttocks and thighs. We aimed to differentiate between pedunculated lipofibromas and nevus lipomatosus superficialis. Although benign, this may be important as treatment options vary.

Methods

We describe 3 cases of solitary pedunculated lipofibromas occurring in older, obese adults that required clinicopathologic correlation for the correct diagnosis.

Results

The histopathologic features of pedunculated lipofibromas include a broad-based lesion with aggregates of mature adipocytes extending upwards into the dermis without an associated inflammatory infiltrate. The primary histopathologic differential diagnoses include fibroepithelial polyps with adipocytes and nevus lipomatosus superficialis, which is more frequently found in children or young adults and is typically characterized clinically by multiple lesions with a cerebriform to verrucoid surface.

Conclusions

While the precise relationship between pedunculated lipofibromas and nevus lipomatosus is still unknown, we propose using pedunculated lipofibroma as a more specific clinical term to refer to solitary pedunculated or broad-based fatty lesions with a smooth surface that occur in older patients and in a wide anatomic distribution.
Patient Awareness and Clinical Inertia: Obstacles to Hypertension Control in Rural Communities in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Castro-Dominguez Yulanka , Trejo Paredes Maria Camila , Mones Patricia , Spatz Erica S , Lombo Bernardo , Sepulveda Priscilla , Reyes-Uribe Olmar , Otero Jorge , Ramirez Gisselle , Urena Pedro , Lopez Emilton , Dominguez Boanerges , McNamara Robert L
Published: April 2021

Background

Many obstacles exist for adequate hypertension control, including low individual awareness and clinical inertia (CI). In this study, we aimed to determine hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control among community residents of rural areas of Peravia in Dominican Republic (DR), followed by an assessment of CI in their primary care clinics (PCCs).

Methods

We interviewed 827 adults from 8 rural communities of Peravia. Demographics, medical history, health care information, and blood pressure (BP) were obtained. We reviewed the community PCC visits of patients with known hypertension or a BP ≥140/90, abstracting medical history and the physician’s action toward uncontrolled BP.

Results

Of those interviewed, 57% (95% CI: 53%–60%) had hypertension, with 63% (95% CI: 59%–68%) of those aware of their diagnosis. Among individuals with hypertension, 60% (95% CI: 56%–65%) were receiving pharmacological treatment, and only 35% (95% CI: 31%–40%) were controlled. Characteristics associated with awareness were female sex, age >55 years, diabetes, private insurance, and having at least 1 health care visit within the past year. Of the 507 PCC patients reviewed, 340 (67%) had uncontrolled BP. Of these, 220 had no clinical action to address the uncontrolled BP, corresponding to a CI rate of 65%.

Conclusions

Among rural communities in the DR, undiagnosed hypertension remains common, especially in individuals who are younger, uninsured, or with limited access to health care. For those seen in PCCs, therapeutic intensification to achieve controlled BP is infrequently done. Strategies to address population awareness and CI are needed to improve hypertension control.
Divergence of stem biomechanics and hydraulics betweenBauhinialianas and trees
Authors: Xiao Yan , Song Yu , Wu Fu-Chuan , Zhang Shu-Bin , Zhang Jiao-Lin
Published: April 2021

Liana abundance and biomass are increasing in neotropical and Asian tropical seasonal forests over the past decades. Stem mechanical properties and hydraulic traits influence the growth and survival of plants, yet the differences in stem mechanical and hydraulic performance between congeneric lianas and trees remain poorly understood. Here, we measured 11 stem mechanical and hydraulic traits for 10 liana species and 10 tree species from Bauhinia grown in a tropical common garden. Our results showed that Bauhinia lianas possessed lower stem mechanical strength as indicated by both modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture, and higher stem potential hydraulic conductivity than congeneric trees. Such divergence was mainly attributed to the differentiation in liana and tree life forms. Whether the phylogenetic effect was considered or not, mechanical strength was positively correlated with wood density, vessel conduit wall reinforcement and sapwood content across species. Results of principle component analysis showed that traits related to mechanical safety and hydraulic efficiency were loaded in the opposite direction, suggesting a trade-off between biomechanics and hydraulics. Our results provide evidence for obvious differentiation in mechanical demand and hydraulic efficiency between congeneric lianas and trees.
Time-dependent diffusion MRI probes cerebellar microstructural alterations in a mouse model of Down syndrome
Authors: Wu Dan , Zhang Yi , Cheng Bei , Mori Susumu , Reeves Roger H , Gao Feng J
Published: April 2021

The cerebellum is a complex system with distinct cortical laminar organization. Alterations in cerebellar microstructure are common and associated with many factors such as genetics, cancer and ageing. Diffusion MRI (dMRI) provides a non-invasive tool to map the brain structural organization, and the recently proposed diffusion-time (td)-dependent dMRI further improves its capability to probe the cellular and axonal/dendritic microstructures by measuring water diffusion at multiple spatial scales. The td-dependent diffusion profile in the cerebellum and its utility in detecting cerebellar disorders, however, are not yet elucidated. Here, we first deciphered the spatial correspondence between dMRI contrast and cerebellar layers, based on which the cerebellar layer-specific td-dependent dMRI patterns were characterized in both euploid and Ts65Dn mice, a mouse model of Down syndrome. Using oscillating gradient dMRI, which accesses diffusion at short td’s by modulating the oscillating frequency, we detected subtle changes in the apparent diffusivity coefficient of the cerebellar internal granular layer and Purkinje cell layer of Ts65Dn mice that were not detectable by conventional pulsed gradient dMRI. The detection sensitivity of oscillating gradient dMRI increased with the oscillating frequency at both the neonatal and adult stages. The td-dependence, quantified by ΔADC map, was reduced in Ts65Dn mice, likely associated with the reduced granule cell density and abnormal dendritic arborization of Purkinje cells as revealed from histological evidence. Our study demonstrates superior sensitivity of short-td diffusion using oscillating gradient dMRI to detect cerebellar microstructural changes in Down syndrome, suggesting the potential application of this technique in cerebellar disorders.
Music, men and masculinity on the Grand Tour: British flautists in Italy
Authors: McGeary Thomas
Published: April 2021

The Grand Tour was the highpoint of the education of the sons of many members of the British upper classes. Despite its contributions to British culture, the Tour came in for contemporary objection and satire. More recently Richard Leppert has used his construct of 18th-century British ideology of gender, class and music to argue that men’s musical activities on the Tour were devalued. This article re-assesses the role of music-making of males on the Grand Tour. It questions the basis of Leppert’s account, and documents an array of paintings depicting Grand Tourists with instruments. The paintings range from highly finished, formal portraits by Pompeo Batoni, to the personal caricatures by Joshua Reynolds, and the informal chalk sketches by Thomas Patch. The article also uses the newly discovered account book of the Hon. Charles Stanhope to show the attention and expenses he devoted to music while on his Grand Tour.
Peculiarities in coronary sinus anatomy: implications for successful cannulation from an autoptic study
Authors: Sławek-Szmyt Sylwia , Szmyt Krzysztof , Żaba Czesław , Grygier Marek , Lesiak Maciej , Araszkiewicz Aleksander
Published: April 2021

Aims

The number of cardiovascular procedures using the coronary sinus (CS) as a gateway is constantly increasing. The present study aimed to define specific structures within CS, which could potentially complicate CS cannulation and to develop a new Thebesian valve (TV) classification system.

Methods and results

The study was performed on 560 consecutive unfixed cadaveric hearts during routine autopsy examination (1–3 days post-mortem). Basic CS dimensions were measured and the presence and dimensions of the TV and the Vieussens valve (VV) were assessed. Thebesian valves were classified according to their morphology into six main types: remnant fold, semilunar, fenestrated, chord, fused strands, and mixed shaped. The median age of hearts was 48 years (range 16–95 years), and 38.9% were female. Thebesian valve was present in 79.5%. The most common TV type was semilunar (54%) followed by fenestrated (8.2%), remnant fold (5.5%), fused strands (4.8%), chord (4.0%), and mixed shaped (3.0%). In 1.1% of hearts, TV totally covered the coronary sinus ostium (CSO). The VV was detected in 67.9%. Potentially occlusive VV was found in 1.1% hearts and in all of which it coexisted with obstructive TV. The median CSO area was 87.9 mm2 [interquartile range (IQR): 56.5–127.1 mm2] and median CS length was 38 mm (IQR: 29.5–45 mm). The CSO area and CS length correlated with each other and with the right atrium’s dimensions.

Conclusion

We identified six types of TVs, among which only 1.1% TVs caused total occlusion of CSO. The obstructive TV co-existed with potentially occlusive VV what might hinder CS cannulation.
Typology of actors’ influence strategies in intersectoral governance process in Montreal, Canada
Authors: Borvil Achille Dadly , Kishchuk Natalie , Potvin and Louise
Published: April 2021

The objective of this article is to document the strategies developed by actors from different sectors during the processes of intersectoral governance. As a case study, the article focuses on the process of renegotiating the Terms of Reference of the Montreal Initiative for Local Social Development, a regional intersectoral intervention with the mission of guiding and supporting the actions of local intersectoral coalitions referred to as Neighbourhood Round Tables. The renegotiation process was marked by crisis in intersectoral governance. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 16 actors representing the four sectors involved in the intersectoral governance process, about four systematically selected critical incidents. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using QDAMiner software. Interpretive and cross-sectional thematic analysis was conducted to assign meaning to the results. Results show that the actors developed intersectoral (shared or mediated) strategies and intrasectoral (creative unilateral, power-based unilateral or multilateral) strategies to influence collective decisions. The strategies, presented in a proposed typology, were distinguishable by their goals, their organizational origin, the actors involved and their fundamental mechanisms. Intersectoral strategies were developed at the regional level and aimed to promote or defend collective interests. In contrast, intrasectoral strategies sought to protect sectoral interests. The findings illustrate how actors’ strategies operate within intersectoral governance processes. They show that collective decisions are shaped by the strategies created both at the boundaries of, and within, sectors. The proposed typology, if validated and applied to other cases, may help better understand how partners interact to influence collective decision-making.
Comparative thermal performance among four young-of-the-year temperate reef fish species
Authors: Schaal Sara M , Lotterhos Katie E
Published: April 2021

Identifying the role of temperature on species-specific performance is critical for predicting how species will respond to temperature increases expected under climate change. We compared the thermal performance of two sympatric Pacific rockfish species complexes (controls for relatedness and geographic location) that vary in larval life-history traits associated with different oceanographic regimes including temperature during early life-history stages: the BY complex (Black: Sebastes melanops, Yellowtail: S. flavidus) and the CQ complex (Copper: S. caurinus, Quillback: S. maliger). By using controlled experiments, we evaluated foraging activity, growth, and survival of young-of-the-year rockfish recruits under current and future habitat temperatures over a 14-day time period indicative of marine heatwave events expected with climate change. BY rockfish displayed a heat-intolerant behaviour by only foraging at temperatures within current habitat temperatures, whereas the CQ rockfish displayed a heat-tolerant behaviour by actively foraging at temperatures above current and future predicted temperatures for a limited time. Although growth and survival in each species significantly declined with temperature, the magnitude of the effect did not vary between species. Taken together, our results show that rockfish are capable of using different behavioural strategies to cope with warming and may be differentially impacted by future climate conditions.
Monitoring of three-phase variations in the mortality of COVID-19 pandemic using control charts: where does Pakistan stand?
Authors: Mahmood Yasar , Ishtiaq Sunaina , Khoo Michael B C , Teh Sin Yin , Khan Hina
Published: April 2021

Background

At the end of December 2019, the world in general and Wuhan, the industrial hub of China, in particular, experienced the COVID-19 pandemic. Massive increment of cases and deaths occurred in China and 209 countries in Europe, America, Australia, Asia and Pakistan. Pakistan was first hit by COVID-19 when a case was reported in Karachi on 26 February 2020. Several methods were presented to model the death rate due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to forecast the pinnacle of reported deaths. Still, these methods were not used in identifying the first day when Pakistan enters or exits the early exponential growth phase.

Objective

The present study intends to monitor variations in deaths and identify the growth phases such as pre-growth, growth, and post-growth phases in Pakistan due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

New approaches are needed that display the death patterns and signal an alarming situation so that corrective actions can be taken before the condition worsens. To meet this purpose, secondary data on daily reported deaths in Pakistan due to the COVID-19 pandemic have been considered. The $ c$ and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control charts have been used for monitoring variations.

Results

The $ c$-chart shows that Pakistan switches from the pre-growth to the growth phase on 31 March 2020. The EWMA chart demonstrates that Pakistan remains in the growth phase from 31 March 2020 to 17 August 2020, with some indications signaling a decrease in deaths. It is found that Pakistan moved to a post-growth phase for a brief period from 27 July 2020 to 28 July 2020. Pakistan switches to re-growth phase with an alarm on 31/7/2020, right after the short-term post-growth phase. The number of deaths starts decreasing in August in that Pakistan may approach the post-growth phase shortly.

Conclusion

This amalgamation of control charts illustrates a systematic implementation of the charts for government leaders and forefront medical teams to facilitate the rapid detection of daily reported deaths due to COVID-19. Besides government and public health officials, it is also the public’s responsibility to follow the enforced standard operating procedures as a temporary remedy of this pandemic in ensuring public safety while awaiting a suitable vaccine to be discovered.
Education: The role of the first siderophore cephalosporin Fetcroja® (cefiderocol) in UK clinical practice: introduction
Authors: Hussain Abid
Published: April 2021

Welcome to this special JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance Supplement, which is sponsored by Shionogi BV. The march of increasing Gram-negative resistance is relentless, and in the last 10 years we have seen a development in the pipeline of antimicrobials targeting the most resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Within this Supplement, we will present the current landscape for Gram-negative treatments, the launch data for cefiderocol, UK potential positioning and examples of early use. The prescribing information for cefiderocol is available at: https://shionogi-eu-content.com/gb/fetcroja/pi.
The Use of Frozen, Food-Grade Blood to Successfully Maintain Colonies of Four Species of Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Tyler-Julian Kara , Darrisaw Constance , Lloyd Aaron , Hoel David
Published: April 2021

An essential component of all mosquito-rearing activities is the act of blood-feeding the mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). Many options exist for this purpose including live host animals and a diverse array of artificial-feeding methods. Most of the published artificial-feeding methods involve expensive materials, custom-built devices, or are labor-intensive. All of the previously published methods utilize blood sources, which are either expensive, or difficult to obtain. Additionally, much of the research into artificial blood-feeding methods for mosquitoes has focused on two species: Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse). This article presents a modified artificial blood-feeding method that uses affordable and easily sourced materials, does not require any technical knowledge to assemble, and requires minimal time and effort. The combination of inexpensive aluminum plates, Parafilm and polytetrafluoroethylene tape membranes, an electric germination mat, and frozen, food-grade blood produces exceptional feeding rates and abundant egg production. The method has been used for 2 yr at the Lee County Mosquito Control District to successfully maintain laboratory colonies of four species of mosquito: Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Aedes taeniorhynchus (Wiedemann), and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say). Variations of this method are reported, which can be used for wild and laboratory colonies of multiple species. This modified method is highly accessible for any small-scale mosquito rearing facility with labor or budgetary constraints.
Accidental Injuries in Preschoolers: Are We Missing an Opportunity for Early Assessment and Intervention?
Authors: Allan Carla C , DeShazer Madeline , Staggs Vincent S , Nadler Cy , Crawford Trista Perez , Moody Simone , Chacko Anil
Published: April 2021

Objective

Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at risk for accidental injuries, but little is known about age-related changes in early childhood. We predicted that ADHD would be associated with greater frequency and volume of accidental injuries. We explored associations between ADHD and injury types and examined age-related changes within the preschool period.

Methods

Retrospective chart review data of 21,520 preschool children with accidental injury visits within a large pediatric hospital network were examined. We compared children with ADHD (n = 524) and without ADHD (n = 20,996) on number of injury visits by age, total number of injury visits, injury volume, and injury type.

Results

Children with ADHD averaged fewer injury visits at age 3 and 90% more visits at age 6. Children with ADHD had injury visits in more years during the 3–6 age. There were no differences in injury volumes. Among patients with an injury visit at age 3, children with ADHD had 6 times the probability of a subsequent visit at age 6. At age 3, children with ADHD were estimated to have 50% fewer injury visits than children without ADHD, but by age 6, children with ADHD had an estimated 74% more injury visits than children without ADHD. Risk for several injury types for children with ADHD exceeded that for patients without ADHD by at least 50%.

Conclusions

Early identification and treatment of preschool ADHD following accidental injury may prevent subsequent injuries. Clinical implications and future directions are discussed with emphasis on the maintenance of parental monitoring into the older preschool years.
Peritonitis due to colon mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Villavicencio Rafael , Ávalos Claudia P
Published: April 2021

Mantle cell lymphoma is a rare and aggressive type of B-cell non-Hodking lymphoma. It can compromise the gastrointestinal tract, sometimes developing an entity known as multiple lymphomatous polyposis. It develops more frequently in males in the sixth decade of life, presenting heterogeneous clinical patterns. The diagnostic is endoscopic with histological confirmation. Currently, the treatment is chemotherapy, reserving surgical exploration of the abdominal cavity for complicated cases with acute abdomen. We present the case of a 51-year-old woman who underwent emergency surgery to treat peritonitis due perforation of a multiple lymphomatoid polyposis, an unreported atypical complication. It is concluded that although it is an extremely rare entity, it is important to include it in the differential diagnosis of complicated multiple colon polyposis.
A Persistent Positive Antibody Test in a Patient with No History of COVID-19 Infection
Authors: McMurry Jordan , Fink Ezekiel
Published: April 2021

Antibody testing for SARS-CoV-2 has been established as a tool with broad utility in the surveillance and control of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, because of limited knowledge about the duration of humoral immunity to COVID-19 and the existence of unique individual immune responses, the potential role of antibody testing in the diagnosis of current and past infections of COVID-19 remains ambiguous. Herein, we describe a unique case of an asymptomatic patient showing a persistent positive total antibody test for SARS-CoV-2 while testing negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and IgG-specific antibodies. This case study shows how a combination of tests can be employed to identify a false positive and draw conclusions about a patient’s COVID-19 status. It also highlights the complexity of using antibody testing for the diagnosis of COVID-19.
Measuring H0 using X-ray and SZ effect observations of dynamically relaxed galaxy clusters
Authors: Wan Jenny T , Mantz Adam B , Sayers Jack , Allen Steven W , Morris R Glenn , Golwala Sunil R
Published: April 2021

We use a sample of 14 massive, dynamically relaxed galaxy clusters to constrain the Hubble constant, H0, by combining X-ray and Sunyaev–Zel’dovich (SZ) effect signals measured with Chandra, Planck, and Bolocam. This is the first such analysis to marginalize over an empirical, data-driven prior on the overall accuracy of X-ray temperature measurements, while our restriction to the most relaxed, massive clusters also minimizes astrophysical systematics. For a cosmological-constant model with Ωm = 0.3 and ΩΛ = 0.7, we find $H_0 = 67.3^{+21.3}_{-13.3}\, \mathrm{km}\, \mathrm{s}^{-1}\, \mathrm{Mpc}^{-1}$, limited by the temperature calibration uncertainty (compared to the statistically limited constraint of $H_0 = 72.3^{+7.6}_{-7.6}\, \mathrm{km}\, \mathrm{s}^{-1}\, \mathrm{Mpc}^{-1}$). The intrinsic scatter in the X-ray/SZ pressure ratio is found to be 13 ± 4 per cent (10 ± 3 per cent when two clusters with significant galactic dust emission are removed from the sample), consistent with being primarily due to triaxiality and projection. We discuss the prospects for reducing the dominant systematic limitation to this analysis, with improved X-ray calibration and/or precise measurements of the relativistic SZ effect providing a plausible route to per cent level constraints on H0.
MEVITEM—a phase I/II trial of vismodegib + temozolomide vs temozolomide in patients with recurrent/refractory medulloblastoma with Sonic Hedgehog pathway activation
Authors: Frappaz Didier , Barritault Marc , Montané Laure , Laigle-Donadey Florence , Chinot Olivier , Le Rhun Emilie , Bonneville-Levard Alice , Hottinger Andreas F , Meyronnet David , Bidaux Anne-Sophie , Garin Gwenaële , Pérol David
Published: April 2021

Background

Vismodegib specifically inhibits Sonic Hedgehog (SHH). We report results of a phase I/II evaluating vismodegib + temozolomide (TMZ) in immunohistochemically defined SHH recurrent/refractory adult medulloblastoma.

Methods

TMZ-naïve patients were randomized 2:1 to receive vismodegib + TMZ (arm A) or TMZ (arm B). Patients previously treated with TMZ were enrolled in an exploratory cohort of vismodegib (arm C). If the safety run showed no excessive toxicity, a Simon’s 2-stage phase II design was planned to explore the 6-month progression-free survival (PFS-6). Stage II was to proceed if arm A PFS-6 was ≥3/9 at the end of stage I.

Results

A total of 24 patients were included: arm A (10), arm B (5), and arm C (9). Safety analysis showed no excessive toxicity. At the end of stage I, the PFS-6 of arm A was 20% (2/10 patients, 95% unilateral lower confidence limit: 3.7%) and the study was prematurely terminated. The overall response rates (ORR) were 40% (95% CI, 12.2-73.8) and 20% (95% CI, 0.5-71.6) in arm A and B, respectively. In arm C, PFS-6 was 37.5% (95% CI, 8.8-75.5) and ORR was 22.2% (95% CI, 2.8-60.0). Among 11 patients with an expected sensitivity according to new generation sequencing (NGS), 3 had partial response (PR), 4 remained stable disease (SD) while out of 7 potentially resistant patients, 1 had PR and 1 SD.

Conclusion

The addition of vismodegib to TMZ did not add toxicity but failed to improve PFS-6 in SHH recurrent/refractory medulloblastoma. Prediction of sensitivity to vismodegib needs further refinements.
Numerical study of stellar core collapse and neutrino emission using the nuclear equation of state obtained by the variational method
Authors: Nakazato Ken’ichiro , Sumiyoshi Kohsuke , Togashi Hajime
Published: April 2021

Core-collapse simulations of massive stars are performed using the equation of state (EOS) based on the microscopic variational calculation with realistic nuclear forces. Progenitor models with initial masses of 15, 9.6, and 30 $M$⊙ are adopted as examples of an ordinary core-collapse supernova with a shock stall, a low-mass supernova with a successful explosion, and black hole formation, respectively. Moreover, the neutrinos emitted from the stellar collapse are assessed. The variational EOS is confirmed to work well in all cases. The EOS dependencies of the dynamics, thermal structure, and neutrino emission of the stellar collapse are also investigated.
Inequality hinders group efforts to avoid environmental disasters
Authors: Brown Thomas C , Kroll Stephan
Published: April 2021

Using a threshold public good experiment, we examine how varying degrees of inequality in resources and differences in risk of loss among players affect the success of group efforts to avoid a common loss. We find that when the poor face greater risk than the rich, contributions and success in reaching the threshold decrease with increasing inequality in funds available. This occurs not because the poor do not make a greater effort when they face higher risk but rather because the rich, who control most of the resources, tend to lower their contributions when they face the lower risk, and because a subset of the rich are not averse to inequality. These results highlight the challenges confronting parties in real-world situations, such as forest communities threatened by wildfire or countries confronting climate change, where group efforts are necessary if losses are to be avoided and the parties differ widely in available resources and in the risks they face.
The Analysis of Non-conviction-Based Property Confiscation and Forfeiture Regulatory Regime in Botswana
Authors: Mogomotsi Goemeone E J
Published: April 2021

Civil (non-conviction based) property forfeiture and confiscation laws are an important aspect of legal regimes for combating organized crime. Although they have recently gained notoriety, property confiscation regimes have been available in some legal system since time immemorial. Botswana has recently enacted the Proceeds and Instruments of Crime Act (PICA) as the main source of law against financial and organized crimes including terrorist financing, money laundering, and racketeering. Furthermore, PICA provides for the regulatory framework relating to both criminal and civil assets confiscation or forfeiture. This article examines the substantive provisions relating to non-conviction-based assets forfeiture in Botswana. It underscores the sanctity of private property rights as the basis of having both substantive and procedural aspects for their deprivation. Furthermore, this article highlights the existence and importance of interim measures available to the state pending the finalization of confiscation proceedings. The prevailing legislative regime attempts to balance the interests of property owners, third parties, and that of the state. This article concludes that the civil forfeiture regime in Botswana reflects the full domestication of international standards.
Diagnostic Guide: Fusarium Crown Rot of Winter Wheat
Authors: Hagerty Christina H. , Irvine Tessa , Rivedal Hannah M. , Yin Chuntao , Kroese Duncan R.
Published: April 2021

Fusarium crown rot of winter wheat is an economically important disease in most regions where winter wheat is grown. Fusarium crown rot is caused by Fusarium culmorum and F. pseudograminearum. This diagnostic guide details information to aid in field, molecular, and morphological diagnosis of Fusarium crown rot.
Codependent excitatory and inhibitory plasticity accounts for quick, stable and long-lasting memories in biological networks
Authors: Agnes Everton J. , Vogels Tim P.
Published: April 2021

The brain’s functionality is developed and maintained through synaptic plasticity. As synapses undergo plasticity they also affect each other. The nature of such “codependency” is difficult to disentangle experimentally, because multiple synapses must be monitored simultaneously. To help understand the experimentally observed phenomena, we introduce a framework that formalises synaptic codependency between different connection types. The resulting model explains how inhibition can gate excitatory plasticity, while neighbouring excitatory-excitatory interactions determine the strength of long-term potentiation. Furthermore, we show how the interplay between excitatory and inhibitory synapses can account for the quick rise and long-term stability of a variety of synaptic weight profiles, such as orientation tuning and dendritic clustering of co-active synapses. In recurrent neuronal networks, codependent plasticity produces rich and stable motor cortex-like dynamics with high input sensitivity. Our results suggest an essential role for the neighbourly synaptic interaction during learning, connecting micro-level physiology with network-wide phenomena.
Thermal oscillations enable reshuffling of genetic material in a primitive cell cycle
Authors: Rubio-Sánchez Roger , O’Flaherty Derek , Wang Anna , Coscia Francesca , Di Michele Lorenzo , Cicuta Pietro , Bonfio Claudia
Published: April 2021

Self-assembling single-chain amphiphiles available in the prebiotic environment likely played a fundamental role in the advent of primitive cell cycles. However, the instability of prebiotic fatty acid-based membranes to temperature and pH seems to suggest that primitive cells could only host prebiotically-relevant processes in a narrow range of non-fluctuating environmental conditions. Here we propose a novel primitive cell cycle driven by environmental fluctuations, which enable the generation of daughter protocells with reshuffled content. A reversible membrane-to-oil phase transition accounts for the dissolution of fatty acid-based vesicles at high temperatures, and the concomitant release of genetic content. At low temperatures, fatty acid bilayers reassemble and encapsulate reshuffled genetic material in a new cohort of protocells. Notably, we find that our disassembly/reassembly cycle drives the emergence of functional RNA-containing primitive cells from parent non-functional compartments. Thus, by exploiting the intrinsic instability of prebiotic fatty acid vesicles, our results point at an environmentally-driven tunable primitive cell cycle, which supports the release and reshuffle of protocellular genetic and membrane components, potentially leading to a new generation of protocells with superior traits. In the absence of protocellular transport machinery, the environmentally-driven disassembly/assembly cycle proposed herein would have supported genetic content reshuffling transmitted to primitive cell progeny, hinting at a potential mechanism important to initiate Darwinian evolution of early lifeforms.