bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular structural characterization of superphenalene and supertriphenylene
Authors: Radhakrishnan M. , Prabhu Savari , Arockiaraj Micheal , Arulperumjothi M.
Published: November 2021

Innovative discovery in bottom‐line research and industrial utilization of graphene material has made its mass and low‐cost creation an essential advance. This one‐atom thick luminous of carbon accumulates a set of different physico‐chemical properties, going from its extraordinary mechanical conduct to its uncommon electrical and warm conductivities, which are making graphene a genuine choice to trade numerous customary materials for different applications. Hexabenzocoronene (HBC) is one of the model frameworks for graphene. Because of extremely solid stacking cooperations prompting a columnar plan inside the HBC crystal the subsequent material is as insoluble as graphene. In this paper, we derive the explicit analytic expressions of distance and degree‐based topological indices of super‐polycyclic aromatic compounds with HBC as a base molecule, such as superphenalene and supertriphenylene.
Covid‐19 vaccines and variants of concern: A review
Authors: Hadj Hassine Ikbel
Published: November 2021

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) in December 2019, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the number of confirmed infections has risen to more than 242 million worldwide, with nearly 5 million deaths. Currently, nine Covid‐19 vaccine candidates based on the original Wuhan‐Hu‐1 strain are at the forefront of vaccine research. All nine had an efficacy over 50% against symptomatic Covid‐19 disease: NVX‐CoV2373 (∼96%), BNT162b2 (∼95%), mRNA‐1273 (∼94%), Sputnik V (∼92%), AZD1222 (∼81%), BBIBP‐CorV (∼79%), Covaxin (∼78%), Ad26.CoV.S (∼66%) and CoronaVac (∼51%). However, vaccine efficacy (VE) can be jeopardised by the rapid emergence and spread of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants of concern (VOCs) that could escape from neutralising antibodies and/or cell‐mediated immunity. Rare adverse events have also been reported soon after administration of viral vector and mRNA vaccines. Although many Covid‐19 vaccines have been developed, additional effective vaccines are still needed to meet the global demand. Promising Covid‐19 vaccines such as WIBP‐CorV, AD5‐nCOV, ZyCoV‐D, CVnCoV, EpiVacCorona and ZF2001 have advanced to clinical studies. This review describes the most relevant mutations in the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein, discusses VE against VOCs, presents rare adverse events after Covid‐19 vaccination and introduces some promising Covid‐19 vaccine candidates.
Synthesis of Functionalized Quinazolinones via Acid‐Catalyzed Redox Neutral Reaction
Authors: Mondal Mohabul A. , Mondal Sudipta , Khan Abdul A.
Published: November 2021

An intramolecular 1,5‐hydride transfer reaction is observed during the synthesis of quinazolinones from anthranilamide and aliphatic dialdehyde under a mild acidic condition at room temperature. The hydride is being transferred from a dihydroquinazolinone moiety to a distal imine functional group. We proposed the hydride transfer mechanism based on the product obtained in a deuterated solvent. The influence of steric and electronic effects, and length of the dialdehyde towards the hydride transfer reaction, have been investigated. NMR and mass spectrometry are used to characterize the synthesized quinazolinones. This simple method is suitable for the preparation of a diverse array of multivalent quinazolinones.
Electrolytic Study of Pineapple Peel Derived Porous Carbon for All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitors
Authors: Dubey Prashant , Shrivastav Vishal , Singh Mandeep , Maheshwari Priyanka H. , Sundriyal Shashank , Dhakate Sanjay R.
Published: November 2021

Biowaste derived carbon materials are recently gaining attention owing to their high specific surface area (SSA) and decent electrical conductivity. Herein, pineapple peel derived porous carbon nanosheets have been synthesized at different activation temperatures (PP‐600, PP‐700 and PP‐800). This shows that its high SSA along with hierarchal pore size distribution makes it a suitable electrode material for supercapacitors. Further, the electrochemical performance of the as prepared electrode material was carried out in three different electrolytes viz. acidic (1 M H2SO4), basic (6 M KOH) and neutral (1 M Na2SO4) and among them 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte shows superior electrochemical performance. Furthermore, PP‐800 electrode material displayed highest specific capacitance of 368.8 F/g in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte, which is much higher when tested and compared in 6 M KOH (34 F/g) and 1 M Na2SO4 (102.7 F/g) electrolytes at a constant current density of 1 A/g. Additionally, symmetrical solid‐state supercapacitor was fabricated by utilizing PP‐800 electrodes and PVA gel electrolyte, that rendered remarkable energy density of ∼43 Wh/kg at a high‐power density of ∼1 kW/kg. The as fabricated PP‐800//PP‐800 device displayed an extraordinary cycle life exhibiting capacitance retention of 83 % after 10000 ultra‐long charge‐discharge cycles.
Reusable Cavitand‐Based Electrospun Membranes for the Removal of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Water
Authors: Amorini Mattia , Riboni Nicolò , Pesenti Lucia , Dini Valentina Antonia , Pedrini Alessandro , Massera Chiara , Gualandi Chiara , Bianchi Federica , Pinalli Roberta , Dalcanale Enrico
Published: November 2021

The removal of toxic and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from water is one of the most intractable environmental problems nowadays, because of their resistance to remediation. This work introduces a highly efficient, regenerable membrane for the removal of PAHs from water, featuring excellent filter performance and pH‐driven release, thanks to the integration of a cavitand receptor in electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers. The role of the cavitand receptor is to act as molecular gripper for the uptake/release of PAHs. To this purpose, the deep cavity cavitand BenzoQxCav is designed and synthetized and its molecular structure is elucidated via X‐Ray diffraction. The removal efficiency of the new adsorbent material toward the 16 priority PAHs is demonstrated via GC‐MS analyses at ng L−1 concentration. A removal efficiency in the 32%, to 99% range is obtained. The regeneration of the membrane is performed by exploiting the pH‐driven conformational switching of the cavitand between the vase form, where the PAHs uptake takes place, to the kite one, where the PAHs release occurs. The absorbance and regeneration capability of the membrane are successfully tested in four uptake/release cycles and the morphological stability.
2D sp2 Carbon‐Conjugated Covalent Organic Framework with Pyrene‐Tethered TEMPO Intercalation for Photocatalytic Aerobic Oxidation of Sulfides into Sulfoxides
Authors: Shi Ji-Long , Feng Keyu , Hao Huimin , Ku Calvin , Sit Patrick H.-L. , Teoh Wey Yang , Lang Xianjun
Published: November 2021

The 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) offer many 2D planes which are suitable for π–π stacking interactions with other conjugated molecules. To improve the photocatalytic performance of COFs, the synthesis of a pyrene‐tethered 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl‐N‐oxyl (TEMPO) derivative cocatalyst is hereby described. The pyrene end of the cocatalyst is intercalated in between the layers of the 2D sp2 carbon‐conjugated porphyrin covalent organic framework (Por‐sp2c‐COF) via π–π stacking interactions evidenced by theoretical and experimental studies. The immobilization of pyrene‐tethered TEMPO significantly enhances both the efficiency of photoinduced hole transfer and the stability of Por‐sp2c‐COF for the selective aerobic oxidation of a series of sulfides to sulfoxides under the irradiation of 623 nm red LEDs. This work highlights the merit of π–π stacking as a facile and efficient approach of immobilizing hole transfer cocatalysts without disrupting the physiochemical properties of the 2D COF photocatalyst.
Advanced Strategies in Metal‐Organic Frameworks for CO2 Capture and Separation
Authors: Usman Muhammad , Iqbal Naseem , Noor Tayyaba , Zaman Neelam , Asghar Aisha , Abdelnaby Mahmoud M. , Galadima Ahmad , Helal Aasif
Published: November 2021

The continuous carbon dioxide (CO2) gas emissions associated with fossil fuel production, valorization, and utilization are serious challenges to the global environment. Therefore, several developments of CO2 capture, separation, transportation, storage, and valorization have been explored. Consequently, we documented a comprehensive review of the most advanced strategies adopted in metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) for CO2 capture and separation. The enhancements in CO2 capture and separation are generally achieved due to the chemistry of MOFs by controlling pore window, pore size, open‐metal sites, acidity, chemical doping, post or pre‐synthetic modifications. The chemistry of defects engineering, breathing in MOFs, functionalization in MOFs, hydrophobicity, and topology are the salient advanced strategies, recently reported in MOFs for CO2 capture and separation. Therefore, this review summarizes MOF materials′ advancement explaining different strategies and their role in the CO2 mitigations. The study also provided useful insights into key areas for further investigations.
Ortho C−H Functionalization of 2‐Arylimidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines
Authors: Ghosh Sumit , Laru Sudip , Hajra Alakananda
Published: November 2021

C−H activation and functionalization is quite promising in recent days as the strategy offers a go‐to general method for different bond formations and hence grants synthetic versatility. At the same time, imidazopyridine, a fused bicycle of imidazole moiety with pyridine ring, has a profound impact due to its ubiquitous and prodigious application in medicinal as well as material chemistry. The presence of N‐1 atom in 2‐arylImidazo[1,2‐a]pyridine facilitates the coordination with metal catalysts leading to the formation of ortho‐substituted products. This review summarizes all the articles on ortho C−H functionalization of 2‐arylImidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines published till August 2021.
BMS flux algebra in celestial holography
Authors: Donnay Laura , Ruzziconi Romain
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Starting from gravity in asymptotically flat spacetime, the BMS momentum fluxes are constructed. These are non-local expressions of the solution space living on the celestial Riemann surface. They transform in the coadjoint representation of the extended BMS group and correspond to Virasoro primaries under the action of bulk superrotations. The relation between the BMS momentum fluxes and celestial CFT operators is then established: the supermomentum flux is related to the supertranslation operator and the super angular momentum flux is linked to the stress-energy tensor of the celestial CFT. The transformation under the action of asymptotic symmetries and the OPEs of the celestial CFT currents are deduced from the BMS flux algebra.
Matching N3LO QCD calculations to parton showers
Authors: Prestel Stefan
Published: November 2021

Abstract

The search for new interactions and particles in high-energy collider physics relies on precise background predictions. This has led to many advances in combining precise fixed-order cross-section calculations with detailed event generator simulations. In recent years, fixed-order qcd calculations of inclusive cross sections at n3lo precision have emerged, followed by an impressive progress at producing differential results. Once differential results become publicly available, it would be prudent to embed these into event generators to allow the community to leverage these advances. This note offers some concrete thoughts on me+ps matching at third order in qcd. As a method for testing these thoughts, a toy calculation of e+e− → u$$ \overline{u} $$

u
¯

at $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
($$ {\alpha}_s^3 $$

α
s
3

) is constructed, and combined with an event generator through unitary matching. The toy implementation may serve also as blueprint for high-precision qcd predictions at future lepton colliders. As a byproduct of the n3lo matching formula, a new nnlo+ps formula for processes with “additional” jets is obtained.
Efficient rules for all conformal blocks
Authors: Fortin Jean-François , Ma Wen-Jie , Prilepina Valentina , Skiba Witold
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We formulate a set of general rules for computing d-dimensional four-point global conformal blocks of operators in arbitrary Lorentz representations in the context of the embedding space operator product expansion formalism [1]. With these rules, the procedure for determining any conformal block of interest is reduced to (1) identifying the relevant projection operators and tensor structures and (2) applying the conformal rules to obtain the blocks. To facilitate the bookkeeping of contributing terms, we introduce a convenient diagrammatic notation. We present several concrete examples to illustrate the general procedure as well as to demonstrate and test the explicit application of the rules. In particular, we consider four-point functions involving scalars S and some specific irreducible representations R, namely 〈SSSS〉, 〈SSSR〉, 〈SRSR〉 and 〈SSRR〉 (where, when allowed, R is a vector or a fermion), and determine the corresponding blocks for all possible exchanged representations.
Light-cone distribution amplitudes of light mesons with QED effects
Authors: Beneke Martin , Böer Philipp , Toelstede Jan-Niklas , Vos K. Keri
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We discuss the generalization of the leading-twist light-cone distribution amplitude for light mesons including QED effects. This generalization was introduced to describe virtual collinear photon exchanges at the strong-interaction scale ΛQCD in the factorization of QED effects in non-leptonic B-meson decays. In this paper we study the renormalization group evolution of this non-perturbative function. For charged mesons, in particular, this exhibits qualitative differences with respect to the well-known scale evolution in QCD only, especially regarding the endpoint-behaviour. We analytically solve the evolution equation to first order in the electromagnetic coupling αem, which resums large logarithms in QCD on top of a fixed-order expansion in αem. We further provide numerical estimates for QED corrections to Gegenbauer coefficients as well as inverse moments relevant to (QED-generalized) factorization theorems for hard exclusive processes.
Second-order reliability methods: a review and comparative study
Authors: Hu Zhangli , Mansour Rami , Olsson Mårten , Du Xiaoping
Published: November 2021

Second-order reliability methods are commonly used for the computation of reliability, defined as the probability of satisfying an intended function in the presence of uncertainties. These methods can achieve highly accurate reliability predictions owing to a second-order approximation of the limit-state function around the Most Probable Point of failure. Although numerous formulations have been developed, the lack of full-scale comparative studies has led to a dubiety regarding the selection of a suitable method for a specific reliability analysis problem. In this study, the performance of commonly used second-order reliability methods is assessed based on the problem scale, curvatures at the Most Probable Point of failure, first-order reliability index, and limit-state contour. The assessment is based on three performance metrics: capability, accuracy, and robustness. The capability is a measure of the ability of a method to compute feasible probabilities, i.e., probabilities between 0 and 1. The accuracy and robustness are quantified based on the mean and standard deviation of relative errors with respect to exact reliabilities, respectively. This study not only provides a review of classical and novel second-order reliability methods, but also gives an insight on the selection of an appropriate reliability method for a given engineering application.
The Evolution of Hemocyanin Genes in Caenogastropoda: Gene Duplications and Intron Accumulation in Highly Diverse Gastropods
Authors: Schäfer Gabriela Giannina , Grebe Lukas Jörg , Schinkel Robin , Lieb Bernhard
Published: November 2021

Hemocyanin is the oxygen transport protein of most molluscs and represents an important physiological factor that has to be well-adapted to their environments because of the strong influences of abiotic factors on its oxygen affinity. Multiple independent gene duplications and intron gains have been reported for hemocyanin genes of Tectipleura (Heterobranchia) and the caenogastropod species Pomacea canaliculata, which contrast with the uniform gene architectures of hemocyanins in Vetigastropoda. The goal of this study was to analyze hemocyanin gene evolution within the diverse group of Caenogastropoda in more detail. Our findings reveal multiple gene duplications and intron gains and imply that these represent general features of Apogastropoda hemocyanins. Whereas hemocyanin exon–intron structures are identical within different Tectipleura lineages, they differ strongly within Caenogastropoda among phylogenetic groups as well as between paralogous hemocyanin genes of the same species. Thus, intron accumulation took place more gradually within Caenogastropoda but finally led to a similar consequence, namely, a multitude of introns. Since both phenomena occurred independently within Heterobranchia and Caenogastropoda, the results support the hypothesis that introns may contribute to adaptive radiation by offering new opportunities for genetic variability (multiple paralogs that may evolve differently) and regulation (multiple introns). Our study indicates that adaptation of hemocyanin genes may be one of several factors that contributed to the evolution of the large diversity of Apogastropoda. While questions remain, this hypothesis is presented as a starting point for the further study of hemocyanin genes and possible correlations between hemocyanin diversity and adaptive radiation.
The child’s perception on monitoring inflammatory bowel disease activity
Authors: van Wassenaer Elsa A. , van der Klift Renée R. , Staphorst Mira S. , van der Lee Johanna H. , Benninga Marc A. , Koot Bart G. P.
Published: November 2021

To determine the perception of children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) regarding monitoring tests, we first compared the reported discomfort and patient perspective during gastro-intestinal (GI)-endoscopy, magnetic resonance entrography (MRE), and ultrasound (US) and, in a second comparison, patient preference on non-invasive tests (venipuncture, sampling stool and US). A cross-sectional study in children 8–18 years undergoing an US, MRE, and GI-endoscopy for diagnosis or follow-up of IBD. After each procedure, the children filled out the Discomfort during research procedures questionnaire (DISCO-RC). Items of the DISCO-RC are as follows: nervousness, annoyance, pain, fright, boredom, and tiredness. Answers range from “not” (= 0 points) to “extremely” (= 4 points) (range total score: 0–24). Differences between the procedures were assessed with Friedman test, with subsequent Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The children were also asked which non-invasive test they preferred not to undergo regularly (venipuncture, stool-sampling, or US). Answers were analyzed with χ2-test. Forty-nine patients (27 (55%) female, median age 15 (range 9–17)) were included. The children reported to be most nervous, frightened, and tired after GI-endoscopy (median: 1, 1, 2 points, respectively), equally annoyed by MRE and GI-endoscopy (median 1 point), and equally bored by MRE and US. GI-endoscopy was ranked as most discomfortable, followed by MRE and US (total DISCO-RC scores: 7 vs. 5 vs. 2, p < 0.001). Most of the children preferred not to sample stool or perform venipuncture regularly (n = 20 (41%, both) (p < 0.001)).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that the children with IBD report low discomfort after US, MRE, and GI-endoscopy. US is preferred as a monitoring tool, also among non-invasive monitoring tests. GI-endoscopy was most discomfortable.

What is Known:• Children with inflammatory bowel disease need to be monitored frequently for disease activity.• Adult studies — including a systematic review — on acceptability of monitoring tools among IBD patients showed mixed results.

What is New:• Children in our study ranked gastro-intestinal endoscopy as most discomfortable, followed by MRE and US.• With regard to non-invasive monitoring, most children preferred not to sample stool or perform venipuncture regularly, and preferred US.
Protein expression of prognostic genes in primary melanoma and benign nevi
Authors: Gambichler T. , Elfering J. , Meyer T. , Bruckmüller S. , Stockfleth E. , Skrygan M. , Käfferlein H. U. , Brüning T. , Lang K. , Wagener D. , Schröder S. , Nick M. , Susok L.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the protein expression characteristics of genes employed in a recently introduced prognostic gene expression assay for patients with cutaneous melanoma (CM).

Methods

We studied 37 patients with CM and 10 with benign (melanocytic) nevi (BN). Immunohistochemistry of primary tumor tissue was performed for eight proteins: COL6A6, DCD, GBP4, KLHL41, KRT9, PIP, SCGB1D2, SCGB2A2.

Results

The protein expression of most markers investigated was relatively low (e.g., DCD, KRT9, SCGB1D2) and predominantly cytoplasmatic in melanocytes and keratinocytes. COL6A6, GBP4, and KLHL41 expression was significantly enhanced in CM when compared to BN. DCD protein expression was significantly correlated with COL6A6, GBP4, and KLHL41. GBP4 was positively correlated with KLHL41 and inversely correlated with SCGB2B2. The latter was also inversely correlated with serum S100B levels at time of initial diagnosis. The presence of SCGB1D2 expression was significantly associated with ulceration of the primary tumor. KRT9 protein expression was significantly more likely found in acral lentiginous melanoma. The presence of DCD expression was less likely associated with superficial spreading melanoma subtype but significantly associated with non-progressive disease. The absence of SCGB2A2 expression was significantly more often observed in patients who did not progress to stage III or IV.

Conclusions

The expression levels observed were relatively low but differed in part with those found in BN. Even though we detected some significant correlations between the protein expression levels and clinical parameters (e.g., CM subtype, course of disease), there was no major concordance with the protective or risk-associated functions of the corresponding genes included in a recently introduced prognostic gene expression assay.
Development of a Measure to Assess What Young Heterosexual Adults Say They Learn About Sex from Pornography
Authors: Dawson Kate , Nic Gabhainn Saoirse , Willis Malachi , MacNeela Pádraig
Published: November 2021

This study involved the development of two new measures to assess what some young heterosexual-identifying adults report learning about sex from pornography. Inventory items were generated from an extensive literature review and six qualitative focus group sessions with young adults (N = 54) aged 18–29 which explored how pornography could be used as a source of sexual information. A total of 135 items pertaining to sexual learning from pornography were produced, reviewed and categorized by a sample of young adults (n = 9), and finally reviewed for item and construct relevance by a panel of pornography, sex education and scale development experts (n = 6). Inventory items were administered to a sample of young adult university students (n = 1306). Two separate exploratory factor analyses were conducted for the female and male datasets. The final factors were reviewed by a panel of young adults  = 8) to identify the theme of each factor. Both the SIPI-F and SIPI-M yielded three factors: (1) How to be a good sexual partner, (2) Body aesthetic, and (3) Sexual exploration. Results show that pornography provides information about a range of sex-related topics. Findings also show that more frequent female pornography users reported learning more about how to be a good sexual partner and body aesthetic than less frequent pornography users. The SIPI-F and SIPI-M can be useful for examining a variety of questions regarding the use of pornography as an informal source of sexual information and its correlates.
Rethinking Integration of Epistemic Strategies in Social Understanding: Examining the Central Role of Mindreading in Pluralist Accounts
Authors: Wolf Julia , Coninx Sabrina , Newen Albert
Published: November 2021

In recent years, theories of social understanding have moved away from arguing that just one epistemic strategy, such as theory-based inference or simulation constitutes our ability of social understanding. Empirical observations speak against any monistic view and have given rise to pluralistic accounts arguing that humans rely on a large variety of epistemic strategies in social understanding. We agree with this promising pluralist approach, but highlight two open questions: what is the residual role of mindreading, i.e. the indirect attribution of mental states to others within this framework, and how do different strategies of social understanding relate to each other? In a first step, we aim to clarify the arguments that might be considered in evaluating the role that epistemic strategies play in a pluralistic framework. On this basis, we argue that mindreading constitutes a core epiststrategy in human social life that opens new central spheres of social understanding. In a second step, we provide an account of the relation between different epistemic strategies which integrates and demarks the important role of mindreading for social understanding.
Quadrotor Path Following and Reactive Obstacle Avoidance with Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Rubí Bartomeu , Morcego Bernardo , Pérez Ramon
Published: November 2021

A deep reinforcement learning approach for solving the quadrotor path following and obstacle avoidance problem is proposed in this paper. The problem is solved with two agents: one for the path following task and another one for the obstacle avoidance task. A novel structure is proposed, where the action computed by the obstacle avoidance agent becomes the state of the path following agent. Compared to traditional deep reinforcement learning approaches, the proposed method allows to interpret the training process outcomes, is faster and can be safely trained on the real quadrotor. Both agents implement the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient algorithm. The path following agent was developed in a previous work. The obstacle avoidance agent uses the information provided by a low-cost LIDAR to detect obstacles around the vehicle. Since LIDAR has a narrow field-of-view, an approach for providing the agent with a memory of the previously seen obstacles is developed. A detailed description of the process of defining the state vector, the reward function and the action of this agent is given. The agents are programmed in python/tensorflow and are trained and tested in the RotorS/gazebo platform. Simulations results prove the validity of the proposed approach.
The CombiConsultation: a new concept of sequential consultation with the pharmacist and practice nurse/general practitioner for patients with a chronic condition.
Authors: Meijvis Valérie A. M. , Heringa Mette , Kwint Henk-Frans , de Wit Niek J. , Bouvy Marcel L.
Published: November 2021

The primary health care system is generally well organized for dealing with chronic diseases, but comprehensive medication management is still a challenge. Studies suggest that pharmacists can contribute to effective and safe drug therapy by providing services like a clinical medication review (CMR). However, several factors limit the potential impact of a CMR. Therefore, we propose a new pharmaceutical care service for patients with a chronic condition: the CombiConsultation. The CombiConsultation is a medication evaluation service conducted by the (community) pharmacist and either the practice nurse or general practitioner. It consists of 3 steps: medication check, implementation and follow-up. The pharmacist primarily focusses on setting treatment goals for 1 or 2 drug-related problems in relation to a specific chronic condition. In this manuscript we describe the process and characteristics of the CombiConsultation. We compare the CombiConsultation with the CMR and explain the choices made and the implications for implementation.
A novel definition and treatment of hyperinflammation in COVID-19 based on purinergic signalling
Authors: Hasan Djo , Shono Atsuko , van Kalken Coenraad K. , van der Spek Peter J. , Krenning Eric P. , Kotani Toru
Published: November 2021

Hyperinflammation plays an important role in severe and critical COVID-19. Using inconsistent criteria, many researchers define hyperinflammation as a form of very severe inflammation with cytokine storm. Therefore, COVID-19 patients are treated with anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs appear to be less efficacious than expected and are sometimes accompanied by serious adverse effects. SARS-CoV-2 promotes cellular ATP release. Increased levels of extracellular ATP activate the purinergic receptors of the immune cells initiating the physiologic pro-inflammatory immune response. Persisting viral infection drives the ATP release even further leading to the activation of the P2X7 purinergic receptors (P2X7Rs) and a severe yet physiologic inflammation. Disease progression promotes prolonged vigorous activation of the P2X7R causing cell death and uncontrolled ATP release leading to cytokine storm and desensitisation of all other purinergic receptors of the immune cells. This results in immune paralysis with co-infections or secondary infections. We refer to this pathologic condition as hyperinflammation. The readily available and affordable P2X7R antagonist lidocaine can abrogate hyperinflammation and restore the normal immune function. The issue is that the half-maximal effective concentration for P2X7R inhibition of lidocaine is much higher than the maximal tolerable plasma concentration where adverse effects start to develop. To overcome this, we selectively inhibit the P2X7Rs of the immune cells of the lymphatic system inducing clonal expansion of Tregs in local lymph nodes. Subsequently, these Tregs migrate throughout the body exerting anti-inflammatory activities suppressing systemic and (distant) local hyperinflammation. We illustrate this with six critically ill COVID-19 patients treated with lidocaine.
Take a deep breath… The evolution of the respiratory system of symphytognathoid spiders (Araneae, Araneoidea)
Authors: Lopardo Lara , Michalik Peter , Hormiga Gustavo
Published: November 2021

Spiders are unique in having a dual respiratory system with book lungs and tracheae, and most araneomorph spiders breathe simultaneously via book lungs and tracheae, or tracheae alone. The respiratory organs of spiders are diverse but relatively conserved within families. The small araneoid spiders of the symphytognathoid clade exhibit a remarkably high diversity of respiratory organs and arrangements, unparalleled by any other group of ecribellate orb weavers. In the present study, we explore and review the diversity of symphytognathoid respiratory organs. Using a phylogenetic comparative approach, we reconstruct the evolution of the respiratory system of symphytognathoids based on the most comprehensive phylogenetic frameworks to date. There are no less than 22 different respiratory system configurations in symphytognathoids. The phylogenetic reconstructions suggest that the anterior tracheal system evolved from fully developed book lungs and, conversely, reduced book lungs have originated independently at least twice from its homologous tracheal conformation. Our hypothesis suggests that structurally similar book lungs might have originated through different processes of tracheal transformation in different families. In symphytognathoids, the posterior tracheal system has either evolved into a highly branched and complex system or it is completely lost. No evident morphological or behavioral features satisfactorily explains the exceptional variation of the symphytognathoid respiratory organs.
Polynomial Response Surface based on basis function selection by multitask optimization and ensemble modeling
Authors: Zhao Yong , Ye Siyu , Chen Xianqi , Xia Yufeng , Zheng Xiaohu
Published: November 2021

Polynomial Regression Surface (PRS) is a commonly used surrogate model for its simplicity, good interpretability, and computational efficiency. The performance of PRS is largely dependent on its basis functions. With limited samples, how to correctly select basis functions remains a challenging problem. To improve prediction accuracy, a PRS modeling approach based on multitask optimization and ensemble modeling (PRS-MOEM) is proposed for rational basis function selection with robustness. First, the training set is partitioned into multiple subsets by the cross validation method, and for each subset a sub-model is independently constructed by optimization. To effectively solve these multiple optimization tasks, an improved evolutionary algorithm with transfer migration is developed, which can enhance the optimization efficiency and robustness by useful information exchange between these similar optimization tasks. Second, a novel ensemble method is proposed to integrate the multiple sub-models into the final model. The significance of each basis function is scored according to the error estimation of the sub-models and the occurrence frequency of the basis functions in all the sub-models. Then the basis functions are ranked and selected based on the bias-corrected Akaike’s information criterion. PRS-MOEM can effectively mitigate the negative influence from the sub-models with large prediction error, and alleviate the uncertain impact resulting from the randomness of training subsets. Thus the basis function selection accuracy and robustness can be enhanced. Seven numerical examples and an engineering problem are utilized to test and verify the effectiveness of PRS-MOEM.
Electric vehicle charging station planning with dynamic prediction of elastic charging demand: a hybrid particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Bai Xingzhen , Wang Zidong , Zou Lei , Liu Hongjian , Sun Qiao , Alsaadi Fuad E.
Published: November 2021

This paper is concerned with the electric vehicle (EV) charging station planning problem based on the dynamic charging demand. Considering the dynamic charging behavior of EV users, a dynamic prediction method of EV charging demand is proposed by analyzing EV users’ travel law via the trip chain approach. In addition, a multi-objective charging station planing problem is formulated to achieve three objectives: (1) maximize the captured charging demands; (2) minimize the total cost of electricity and the time consumed for charging; and (3) minimize the load variance of the power grid. To solve such a problem, a novel method is proposed by combining the hybrid particle swarm optimization (HPSO) algorithm with the entropy-based technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (ETOPSIS) method. Specifically, the HPSO algorithm is used to obtain the Pareto solutions, and the ETOPSIS method is employed to determine the optimal scheme. Based on the proposed method, the siting and sizing of the EV charging station can be planned in an optimal way. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified via the case study based on a test system composed of an IEEE 33-node distribution system and a 33-node traffic network system.
Clinical and translational research workforce education survey identifies needs of faculty and staff
Authors: Loucks Tammy L. , Harvey Jillian , Lee-Chavarria Diana , Paranal Rechelle , Lenert Kathleen A. , Bonilha Heather S. , Feghali-Bostwick Carol
Published: November 2021

Developing the translational research workforce is a goal established by the National Center for Advancing Translational Science for its network of Clinical and Translational Science Award Program hubs. We surveyed faculty and research staff at our institution about their needs and preferences, utilization of existing trainings, and barriers and facilitators to research training. A total of 545 (21.9%) faculty and staff responded to the survey and rated grant development, research project development, and professional development among their top areas for further training. Faculty prioritized statistical methods and dissemination and implementation, while staff prioritized research compliance and research administration. Faculty (73.9%; n = 119) and staff (87.3%; n = 165) reported that additional training would give them more confidence in completing their job responsibilities. Time and lack of awareness were the most common barriers to training. Our results indicate the value of training across a range of topics with unique needs for faculty and staff. This pre-COVID survey identified time, awareness, and access to training opportunities as key barriers for faculty and staff. The shift to remote work spurred by the pandemic has further heightened the need for effective and readily accessible online trainings to enable continuous development of the clinical and translational research workforce.
Gluten contamination in labelled gluten-free, naturally gluten-free and meals in food services in low-, middle- and high-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guennouni Morad , Admou Brahim , El khoudri Noureddine , Bourrhouat Aicha , Zogaam Loubna Gharbi , Elmoumou Lahcen , Hilali Abderraouaf
Published: November 2021

The gluten-free diet is based on the consumption of foods without gluten, which aims to manage celiac disease. The concern of celiac patients is that these foods should be safe. However, gluten contamination can affect these foods. The objectives of this review and meta-analysis were first, to identify articles that detected gluten contamination in gluten-free foods using validated methods. Second, to quantify the overall prevalence of gluten contamination of naturally gluten-free foods, labelled gluten-free products, and meals prepared in food services. Third, to highlight the influence of the country’s income and the period of study on this prevalence. The studies were identified in Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Forty articles were included according to PRISMA guidelines. The statistical meta-analysis was performed using MedCalc 19 software. The results show that in the gluten-free foods analysed, the overall prevalence of gluten contamination was estimated at 15.12% (95% CI: 9.56%–21.70%), with more than 20 mg/kg of gluten. Naturally gluten-free foods were significantly more contaminated than labelled gluten-free products and than meals in food services (28.32%; 9.52%; 4.66% respectively; p < 0.001). Moreover, it was noticed that oats were the most contaminated food. In addition, the prevalence of gluten contamination has significantly decreased over time. The majority of the studies were carried out in upper-middle-income and high-income countries, while only one study was conducted in lower-middle income countries. Therefore, it is necessary to implement preventive actions to reduce gluten contamination, ensuring safe gluten-free foods for celiac patients, including low-income countries.
Linear PDE with constant coefficients
Authors: Ait El Manssour Rida , Härkönen Marc , Sturmfels Bernd
Published: November 2021

We discuss practical methods for computing the space of solutions to an arbitrary homogeneous linear system of partial differential equations with constant coefficients. These rest on the Fundamental Principle of Ehrenpreis–Palamodov from the 1960s. We develop this further using recent advances in computational commutative algebra.
Infection of Diplostomum spp. in invasive round gobies in the St Lawrence River, Canada
Authors: Marcogliese D.J. , Locke S.A.
Published: November 2021

The round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) is a successful invader of the Great Lakes–St Lawrence River basin that harbours a number of local parasites. The most common are metacercariae of the genus Diplostomum. Species of Diplostomum are morphologically difficult to distinguish but can be separated using molecular techniques. While a few species have been sequenced from invasive round gobies in this study system, their relative abundance has not been documented. The purpose of this study was to determine the species composition of Diplostomum spp. and their relative abundance in round gobies in the St Lawrence River by sequencing the barcode region of cytochrome c oxidase I. In 2007–2011, Diplostomum huronense (=Diplostomum sp. 1) was the most common, followed in order by Diplostomum indistinctum (=Diplostomum sp. 4) and Diplostomum indistinctum sensu Galazzo, Dayanandan, Marcogliese & McLaughlin (2002). In 2012, the most common species infecting the round goby in the St Lawrence River was D. huronense, followed by D. indistinctum and Diplostomum gavium (=Diplostomum sp. 3). The invasion of the round goby in the St Lawrence River was followed by a decline of Diplostomum spp. in native fishes to low levels, leading to the previously published hypothesis that the presence of the round goby has led to a dilution effect. Herein, it is suggested that despite the low infection levels in the round goby, infections still may lead to spillback, helping to maintain Diplostomum spp. in native fishes, albeit at low levels.
Classification of pseudocalcium visual responses from mouse retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Shabani H. , Sadeghi Mahdi , Zrenner E. , Rathbun D.L. , Hosseinzadeh Z.
Published: November 2021

Recently, a detailed catalog of 32 retinal ganglion cell (RGC) visual response patterns in mouse has emerged. However, the 10,000 samples required for this catalog—based on fluorescent signals from a calcium indicator dye—are much harder to acquire from the extracellular spike train recordings underlying our bionic vision research. Therefore, we sought to convert spike trains into pseudocalcium signals so that our data could be directly matched to the 32 predefined, calcium signal-based groups. A microelectrode array (MEA) was used to record spike trains from mouse RGCs of 29 retinas. Visual stimuli were adapted from the Baden et al. study; including moving bars, full-field contrast and temporal frequency chirps, and black–white and UV-green color flashes. Spike train histograms were converted into pseudocalcium traces with an OGB-1 convolution kernel. Response features were extracted using sparse principal components analysis to match each RGC to one of the 32 RGC groups. These responses mapped onto of the 32 previously described groups; however, some of the groups remained unmatched. Thus, adaptation of the Baden et al. methodology for MEA recordings of spike trains instead of calcium recordings was partially successful. Different classification methods, however, will be needed to define clear RGC groups from MEA data for our bionic vision research. Nevertheless, others may pursue a pseudocalcium approach to reconcile spike trains with calcium signals. This work will help to guide them on the limitations and potential pitfalls of such an approach.
A complicated puzzle: spinsters, widows and credit in Sweden (1790–1910)
Authors: Pompermaier Matteo
Published: November 2021

This article aims to retrace the extent of single women's engagement in the credit market. To this end, it relies on a series of more than 1,900 probate inventories drawn up between 1790 and 1910 in the two Swedish cities of Gävle and Uppsala. These two cities represent an ideal case study, because the process of industrialisation and economic development resulted in two differently structured credit markets. The research centres initially on the problem of studying women's agency from probate inventories. It analyses the main characteristics of spinsters and widows as they emerge from the sources and compares them with married women. Subsequently, the article analyses how marital status shaped women's economic lives, affecting how they participated in the credit market. For this purpose, it focuses specifically on banking and peer-to-peer exchanges (in particular, promissory notes). Spinsters favoured more conservative strategies relying more often on the services provided by banks, while widows seemed to have played an additional, and more significant, role as lenders in peer-to-peer networks. The study also confirms that unmarried women were only rarely active as borrowers.
When Job Search is Deemed Insufficient: Experiences of Unemployed People Disbarred Following Compliancy Monitoring
Authors: Demazière Didier , Zune Marc
Published: November 2021

Job search is a central element of activation policies, which aim to transform unemployed people into active jobseekers who are subject to checks. We examine a neglected aspect of activation: sanctions. To do so we analyse, through biographical interviews with formerly-unemployed people whose benefit payments have been stopped, what it means when a job search is deemed insufficient. Although these formerly-unemployed people have failed to present enough written and tangible evidence of their job search during checks, they have pursued a different type of job search comprising more informal activities that are difficult to convert into written documents. So, we identify a twin-stranded job search – prescribed and alternative. We also point out that the gap between institutionally-framed job search and experience-based job search widens among unemployed people having low employability attributes, so that ever-stricter checks penalize those who are most vulnerable.
Evaluating Simulated Raindrop Size Distributions and Ice Microphysical Processes With Polarimetric Radar Observations in a Meiyu Front Event Over Eastern China
Authors: Chen Gang , Zhao Kun , Huang Hao , Yang Zhengwei , Lu Yinghui , Yang Ji
Published: November 2021

To better understand the characteristics of simulated raindrop size distributions (DSDs) and ice microphysical processes for convective systems in the East Asia monsoon region, a typical Meiyu event is simulated with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model using three two‐moment bulk microphysics schemes in this study. The simulated microphysical characteristics are then evaluated using polarimetric radar observations and retrievals. Although the observed linear storm structures are well simulated in terms of their location, there are significant deviations regarding simulated polarimetric radar variables and DSD parameters when compared to the observations. Compared to radar retrievals, all the simulated low‐level raindrops are found to have lower number concentration and larger mean sizes. To investigate the sources of the simulated DSD biases, vertical distributions of radar reflectivity and specific ice hydrometers (snow, graupel), as well as profiles of liquid/ice water contents from radar retrievals and simulations are further compared. In addition, variations about the occurrence frequency and transfer rate for four categories of ice processes (deposition, aggregation, riming, and melting) among the three schemes are analyzed. Results indicate that the overprediction of snow and graupel from riming processes is likely to be responsible for the production of extremely large raindrops at low levels.