bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of low back pain among female hospital staff at childbearing age
Authors: Al-Hadidi Fadi , Bsisu Isam , Haddad Bassem , AlRyalat Saif Aldeen , Shaban Mamoun , Matani Nada , Dehidi Sondos , Khater Yasmeen , Shahrouri Rana , Al Muzayen Tasnim , Al Hawamdeh Hashem
Published: May 2020

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is considered the most common work-related musculoskeletal disorder among female healthcare workers. The aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of LBP and non-ergonomic risk factors between female nurses, office workers, and patient transporters, and the effect of pain on job performance.

Methods

Based on semi-structured interviews, we conducted a cross-sectional study on Jordanian female hospital workers between January and July, 2017.

Results

We included 209 participants with a mean age of 35.57 ± 8 years from four Jordanian medical centers. Nurses have significantly higher frequency of LBP (82.5%; p = 0.05) compared to both office workers (67.5%) and patient transporters (68.6%). The mean difference in pain score using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) after treatment varied significantly (p = 0.003), since it was 28.2 (±35.4) for office workers, compared to 22.8 (±26.5) for nurses and 6.5 (±33.7) for patient transporters. A higher frequency of nurses reported that LBP affected their job performance (64.9%; p = 0.013), and 43.3% of them reported having previous sick leaves due to LBP (p = 0.008).

Conclusions

LBP is common among female hospital workers, with significantly higher prevalence among female nurses when compared to other female hospital staff.
Recent Progress on Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells with Nonpolymeric Materials
Authors: Matsuki Keiichiro , Pu Jiang , Takenobu Taishi
Published: May 2020

Light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) have emerged as some of the simplest light‐emitting devices. Indeed, numerous LECs have been produced using fluorescent polymers; however, initial LEC structures require a mixture of polymers and electrolytes, thus strictly limiting their applicability. In contrast, recent advances in device technologies and material synthesis have opened a route for LECs using nonpolymeric materials. This progress report focuses on current developments in the device concepts, mechanisms, and characteristics of LECs that allow the utilization of nonpolymeric materials. First, the three primary device types, namely, electrochemically doped, ionic‐material, and electrostatically doped LECs, are categorized, and their distinct features are described. Second, electrochemically doped LECs based on small molecules and branched molecules are introduced. Then, an overview of the rapidly growing field of ionic‐material LECs, especially ionic transition metal complexes, ionic small molecules and perovskites, and their characteristics are provided. Following these results, recent achievements in solid‐state materials, such as inorganic single crystals, quantum dots, and 2D materials, as electrostatically doped LECs are highlighted. Finally, an overview and evaluation of these LECs reveal the key directions and remaining issues that must be overcome to further functionalize LECs, which provide a versatile approach for new lighting applications comprising emergent materials.
Building Artificial Solid‐Electrolyte Interphase with Uniform Intermolecular Ionic Bonds toward Dendrite‐Free Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Wang Zhijie , Wang Yanyan , Zhang Zihe , Chen Xiaowei , Lie Wilford , He Yan‐Bing , Zhou Zhen , Xia Guanglin , Guo Zaiping
Published: May 2020

Li metal has been widely regarded as a promising anode for next‐generation batteries due to its high theoretical capacity and low electrochemical potential. The unstable solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) and uncontrollable dendrite growth, however, incur severe safety hazards and hamper the practical application of Li metal anodes. Herein, an advanced artificial SEI layer constructed by [LiNBH]n chains, which are crosslinked and self‐reinforced by their intermolecular LiN ionic bonds, is designed to comprehensively stabilize Li metal anodes on a molecular level. Benefiting from its polymer‐like structure, the [LiNBH]n layer is flexible and effectively tolerates the volume change of Li metal anodes. In addition, this layer with high polarity in its structure, helps to regulate the homogeneous distribution of the Li+ flux on Li electrodes via the further formation of LiN bonds. The designed [LiNBH]n layer is electrically nonconductive but highly ionically conductive, thus facilitating Li+ diffusion and confining Li deposition beneath the layer. Therefore, under the protection of the [LiNBH]n layer, the Li metal anodes exhibit stable cycling at a 3 mA cm−2 for more than 700 h, and the full cells with high lithium iron phosphate and sulfur cathodes mass loading also present excellent cycling stability.
Transformation of Discrete Amorphous Aluminosilicate Nanoparticles into Nanosized Zeolites
Authors: Guo Hailing , Zhao Lei , Martineau‐Corcos Charlotte , Fayon Franck , Viger‐Gravel Jasmine , Awala Hussein , Boullay Philippe , Grand Julien , Vicente Aurélie , Gilson Jean‐Pierre , Mintova Svetlana
Published: May 2020

The effect of amorphous aluminosilicate precursor nanoparticles on the formation of nanosized zeolites with faujasite (FAU) and sodalite (SOD) type frameworks is illustrated using a new synthetic strategy to prepare nanosized zeolites with tailored particle size distribution, morphology, and structure. This two‐step synthesis procedure includes the formation of colloidal suspensions followed by separation of the amorphous precursor nanoparticles, and their subsequent transformation into nanosized crystals by treatment with alkali suspensions (NaOH) solutions only. The selective transformation of the amorphous nanoparticles into FAU and SOD nanosized crystals is studied at atomistic and microscopic levels using 29Si and 23Na nuclear magnetic resonanse (NMR) spectroscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, and N2 physisorption, respectively. The presence of sodalite cages occluding highly mobile sodium in the amorphous nanoparticles is confirmed by 23Na‐1H D‐HMQC NMR spectroscopy. The subsequent treatment of these amorphous precursor particles with aqueous sodium hydroxide illustrates that the cations are not only charge compensators but also inorganic templates stabilizing sodalite cages during the long‐range ordering in the amorphous particles.
3D‐Printed Curved Metasurface with Multifunctional Wavefronts
Authors: Li Haipeng , Wang Guang‐Ming , Hu Guangwei , Cai Tong , Qiu Cheng‐Wei , Xu He‐Xiu
Published: May 2020

Achieving multifunctional wavefront controls on curved platforms, especially in the transmissive case, is of pivotal importance in the emerging technological field of communication and detection systems, yet it poses a great challenge. A strategy to control the versatile transmissive structured wavefront on conformal platform is proposed by curving a 3D printed flexible metasurface (MS), and its efficacy is demonstrated. The conformal metasurface (CMS) is designed to have broadband performance by cascading three super‐thin flexible printed circuit boards and two 3D‐printing substrates. A general theoretical strategy is proposed for the projection of a curved surface onto a referenced plane by judiciously engineering the compensation of the curvature‐induced phase. Next, four individual proof‐of‐concept conformal quarter‐cylindrical devices are experimentally characterized with the functionalities to generate highly directive beams, vortex‐beams carrying orbital angular momentums, and dual‐beam steering with different angular positioning, confirming the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed strategy. Most importantly, it is shown that the aforementioned multiple angle‐multiplexed functionalities can be achieved by a single synthesized full‐cylinder CMS. The findings demonstrate a successful approach to setting up a robust, systematic, multifunctional, and ultracompact MS for complete wavefront control over curved platforms.
Efficiency of Bayesian quantitative trait loci mapping with full‐sib progeny
Authors: Andrade Andréa Carla Bastos , Viana José Marcelo Soriano , Pereira Helcio Duarte , Fonseca e Silva Fabyano
Published: May 2020

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping with perennial crops is based on one or more full‐sib progeny because homozygous genotypes are difficult to obtain. The objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of Bayesian QTL mapping with full‐sib progeny. The analyses used two simulated data sets, one assuming genotyping for 292 simple sequence repeats (SSR) loci (density of 10 cM) and the other assuming genotyping for 2969 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (density of 1 cM). Each data set consisted of 50 replications of 40 full‐sib progeny of size 400. We assumed a broad sense heritability of 60%, genetic control by 10 QTLs and 90 minor genes, and positive dominance. The QTL heritability values ranged from 1 to 12%. The scenarios included one and multiple progeny. In the best scenarios for the low (four progeny of size 400) and high marker density (one progeny of size 400), the average power of detection was 52 and 67% for the low heritability QTLs, 83 and 95% for the average heritability QTLs, and 95 and 94% for the high heritability QTLs, respectively. The observed false discovery rate (FDR) was 15 and 9% with low and high density, respectively. The Bayesian QTL mapping provides a precise localization of candidate genes with a bias in the QTL position of approximately 4–6 cM. The polygenic effect is important to control the false discovery rate (FDR) and to provide a higher power of QTL detection with multiple progeny.
Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy for positive hepatic ductal margin on cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Sugiura Teiichi , Uesaka Katsuhiko , Okamura Yukiyasu , Ito Takaaki , Yamamoto Yusuke , Ashida Ryo , Ohgi Katsuhisa , Asakura Hirofumi , Todaka Akiko , Fukutomi Akira
Published: May 2020

Aim

This study evaluated the effects of postoperative adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (A‐CRT) for positive hepatic ductal margin (HM+) in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (EHCC).

Methods

Patients with EHCC who underwent surgical resection between 2002 and 2014 were included in this retrospective study. For patients with HM+, A‐CRT was conducted. The clinical effect of A‐CRT for HM+ on the survival and recurrence and prognostic factors of EHCC was reviewed.

Results

Among 340 patients, the hepatic ductal margin was negative in 296 and positive in 44. Of the 44 patients with HM+, 22 received postoperative A‐CRT, and 22 did not. Hepatic stump recurrence occurred in 19 patients. The incidence was significantly higher in patients with HM+ (20%, 9/44) than in those with negative hepatic ductal margin (HM−) (3%, 10/296) (P < .001). Among the patients with HM+, the incidence was almost identical between the patients with and without A‐CRT: 23% (5/22) in HM+/CRT− and 18% (4/22) in HM+/CRT+ patients (P = .999). The median survival time was 49 months in HM−, 43 months in HM+/CRT−, and 49 months in HM+/CRT+ patients. The differences were not significant among the groups. A multivariate analysis revealed CA 19‐9 ≥ 300 U/mL, combined vascular resection, histologic grade G2/G3, and lymph node metastasis to be significant prognostic factors. However, the performance of postoperative A‐CRT did not contribute to prolonging survival.

Conclusion

A‐CRT for HM+ in patients with EHCC did not affect the survival or stump recurrence.
A dual functional 1D Cd‐based coordination polymer for the highly luminescent sensitive detection of Fe3+ and picric acid
Authors: Wang Dingkang , Wang Ming , Chen Kaixuan , You Yujian , Zhang Jing , Zhou Xinhui , Huang Wei
Published: May 2020

Fluorescent coordination polymers have drawn extensive attention in sensing applications. Herein, we report a carbazole‐based one‐dimensional coordination polymer [CdL(H2O)(DMF)2]·DMF (CdL, H2L = 9H‐carbazole‐2,7‐dicarboxylic acid, DMF = N,N‐dimethylformamide). In CdL, each Cd2+ ion is four‐bridged by carboxylates, which is further linked by the carbazole units to form a one‐dimensional Cd–O–C chains along the c‐axis. CdL displays high water stability in the pH range of 3–10. Luminescence experiments indicate that CdL could selectively detect Fe3+ during the concentration range of 0–0.1 mm in water with a Ksv of 8022 m−1 and picric acid (PA) within the concentration range of 0–0.05 mm in methanol solution with a Ksv of 17948 m−1 respectively. The above results reveal that CdL can be applied as a multiresponse luminescence sensor for selectively sensing for Fe3+ in water and PA in methanol solution.
Nano‐ and micro‐structure tin (IV) complexes bearing 4‐pyridinecarbacylamidophosphate: Sonochemical synthesis, crystal structure, anti‐cholinesterase activity, and docking studies
Authors: Nikpour Soghra , Dorosti Niloufar , Afshar Farzaneh , Kubicki Maciej
Published: May 2020

Two di‐ and triorganotin (IV) complexes, Sn (CH3)2Cl2(4‐PCAPh)2 (C1) and Sn(C6H5)3Cl(4‐PCAPh) (C2); {4‐PCAPh = 4‐NC5H4C(O)NHP(O)(C6H12N)2}, have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, 1H, 13C, 31P NMR and IR spectroscopy. The crystal structure of C1 has been confirmed by X‐ray crystallography, which reveals an octahedral geometry surrounding Sn (IV). Both ligands function in an all‐trans conformation, with an N‐ligated mode for 4‐PCAPh. Also, the complexes were prepared at nano‐ (Ć1) and micro‐size (Ć2) by the sonochemical process. The role of reaction solvent and the concentration of initial reactants on the size and morphology of particles were studied and the products were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The activities and mechanism of complexes C1, C2, Ć1, Ć2 and their corresponding ligand (L) on cholinesterase (ChE) were evaluated using a modified Ellman's method and Lineweaver‐Burk plots. Nanosheet Ć1 showed the best activity against AChE and BChE with the IC50 values being 73.08 ± 0.12 μM and 122.48 ± 0.69 μM, respectively, and the mixed‐type mechanism. Molecular modeling simulation revealed the binding interaction template for Sn (CH3)2Cl2(4‐PCAPh)2 with the ChE.
Cross‐estimation for decision selection
Authors: Gu Xinyue , Li Bo
Published: May 2020

We propose a data‐driven procedure, cross‐estimation for decision selection (CrEDS), to choose from an abundance of off‐the‐shelf statistical models or computer algorithms at a decision‐maker's disposal.CrEDS combines the ideas of cross‐validation (CV) and local smoothing, a nonparametric statistical technique. We demonstrate the power ofCrEDS with five numerical experiments in inventory and revenue management problems, ranging from low to high dimensional and from exogenous to endogenous. We also conduct a case study using an auto‐lending data.CrEDS performs favorably compared to other existing selection criteria and provides a practical framework for a broad range of optimal decision selection problems.
Integration of ion exchange resin materials for a downstream‐processing approach of an imine reductase‐catalyzed reaction
Authors: Meyer Lars‐Erik , Brundiek Henrike , von Langermann Jan
Published: May 2020

In this study, an ion exchange resin‐based downstream‐processing concept for imine reductase (IRED)‐catalyzed reactions was investigated. As a model reaction, 2‐methylpyrroline was converted to its corresponding product (S)‐2‐methylpyrrolidine with >99% of conversion by the (S)‐selective IRED from Paenibacillus elgii B69. Under optimized reaction conditions full conversion was achieved using a substrate concentration of 150 and 500 mmol/L of d‐glucose. Seven commercially available cation‐ and anion‐exchange resins were studied with respect to their ability to recover the product from the reaction solution. Without any pretreatment, cation‐exchange resins Amberlite IR‐120(H), IRN‐150, Dowex Monosphere 650C, and Dowex Marathon MSC showed high recovery capacities (up to >90%). A 150‐ml preparative scale reaction was performed yielding ~1 g hydrochloride salt product with >99% purity. Any further purification steps, for example, by column chromatography or recrystallization, were not required.
A Simple Electrochemical Swab Assay for the Rapid Quantification of Clonazepam in Unprocessed Saliva Enabled by Lubricin Antifouling Coatings
Authors: Russo Matthew J. , Quigley Anita F. , Kapsa Robert M. I. , Moulton Simon E. , Guijt Rosanne , Silva Saimon M. , Greene George W.
Published: May 2020

The electrochemical sensing of clonazepam in samples of unprocessed saliva is reported, using commercially available reduced graphene oxide (rGO) screen printed electrodes (SPEs). The rGO electrodes were modified with self‐assembled lubricin (LUB) antiadhesive coatings that function as a size‐selective molecular sieve that partitions small molecule analytes from large fouling molecules at the electrode‐fluid interface. By mitigating the adverse effects of protein fouling, these LUB coatings enable direct, reliable, and quantitative electrochemical measurements of clonazepam concentrations in untreated saliva, which was not possible with uncoated rGO electrodes in identical tests. The proposed assay design, which is suitable for disposable point‐of‐care diagnostics requires no sample pre‐treatment and shows a linear detection response over a concentration range of 25–250 nM with a correlation coefficient of R2=0.987 and a limit of detection (LoD) of 16.67 nM. The swab‐based sample acquisition method paired with the antifouling properties of the LUB coatings provide a cost effective and practical biosensing platform for assessing electroactive drug concentrations in saliva in a point‐of‐care setting.
Polysubstituted Pyrimidines as mPGES‐1 Inhibitors: Discovery of Potent Inhibitors of PGE2 Production with Strong Anti‐inflammatory Effects in Carrageenan‐Induced Rat Paw Edema
Authors: Kalčic Filip , Kolman Viktor , Ajani Haresh , Zídek Zdeněk , Janeba Zlatko
Published: May 2020

We report an extensive structure‐activity relationship optimization of polysubstituted pyrimidines that led to the discovery of 5‐butyl‐4‐(4‐benzyloxyphenyl)‐6‐phenylpyrimidin‐2‐amine, and its difluorinated analogue. These compounds are sub‐micromolar inhibitors of PGE2 production (IC50 as low as 12 nM). In order to identify the molecular target of anti‐inflammatory pyrimidines, we performed extensive studies including enzymatic assays, homology modeling and docking. The difluorinated analogue simultaneously inhibits two key enzymes of the arachidonic acid cascade, namely mPGES‐1 and COX‐2, with mPGES‐1 inhibition being the principal mechanism of action. Other pyrimidines studied are potent mPGES‐1 inhibitors with no observed inhibition of COX‐1/2 enzymes. Moreover, the two most potent compounds proved to be significantly effective in vivo in a model of acute inflammation, suppressing carrageenan‐induced rat paw edema by 36 and 46 %. The promising results of this study warrant further preclinical evaluation of selected anti‐inflammatory candidates.
Sex differences in the brains of capuchin monkeys (Sapajus [Cebus] apella)
Authors: Hecht Erin E. , Reilly Olivia T. , Benítez Marcela E. , Phillips Kimberley A. , Brosnan Sarah F.
Published: May 2020

This study reports an analysis of 20 T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans from tufted capuchin monkeys (5 male, 15 female). We carried out a data‐driven, whole‐brain volumetric analysis on regional gray matter anatomy using voxel‐based morphometry. This revealed that males showed statistically significant expansion of a region of the hypothalamus, while females showed significant expansion in a distributed set of regions, including the cerebellum, early visual cortex, and higher‐order visual regions spanning occipital and temporal cortex. In order to elucidate the network connectivity of these regions, we employed probabilistic tractography on diffusion tensor imaging data. This showed that the female‐enlarged regions connect with distributed association networks across the brain. Notably, this contrasts with rodent studies, where sex differences are focused in deep, ancestral limbic regions involved in the control of reproductive behavior. Additionally, in our data set, for several regions, male and female volumetric measures were completely nonoverlapping. This contrasts with human studies, where sex differences in cortical regions have been reported but are characterized by overlapping rather than divergent male and female values. We suggest that these results can be understood in the context of the different lifetime experiences of males and females, which may produce increased experience‐dependent cortical plasticity in capuchins compared to rodents, and in humans compared to capuchins.
Hetero‐Tetranuclear Cu2+/Ca2+/Ca2+/Cu2+ Architectures Based On Malten Ligand: Scaffold for Anion Binding
Authors: Rossi Patrizia , Macedi Eleonora , Formica Mauro , Giorgi Luca , Paoli Paola , Fusi Vieri
Published: May 2020

The hetero‐tetranuclear Cu2+/Ca2+/Ca2+/Cu2+ complex obtained with the N,N’‐bis((3‐hydroxy‐4‐pyron‐2‐yl)methyl)‐N,N’‐dimethylethylendiamine (Malten) ligand has been studied in solid and solution states as scaffold to bind anions. Three crystal structures showing the same metal ions sequence have been examined; they display a tetracharged complex cation neutralized by four monocharged anions. The anions play two different roles: as coordinated (two ClO4−, Cl− or NO3−) or ancillary (two ClO4−) guests. The tetranuclear scaffold hosts two anions also in aqueous and ethanol solutions. Spectrophotometric studies in ethanol allowed to determine the addition constant values for Cl− and Br− (Log K1‐2=4.43(4), 4.39(3) for Cl−, 3.80(3), 3.54(2) for Br−) while the others, although bound, showed lower affinity for the scaffold. Both the crystals and the solutions change their color depending on the added anion, namely pink, dark green or blue in the presence of ClO4−, Cl− or NO3−, respectively, thus the presence of the different anions is visible to the naked eye. The hetero‐tetranuclear Cu2+/Ca2+/Ca2+/Cu2+ complex is a versatile architecture to be used as scaffold for anion binding.
Impact of equilibrium radial electric field on energy loss process after pedestal collapse
Authors: Seto Haruki , Xu X.Q. , Dudson Benjamin D. , Yagi Masatoshi
Published: May 2020

An impact of the equilibrium radial electric field on energy loss processes after pedestal collapse is numerically investigated using the BOUT++ framework. Using linear stability analysis, the resistive ballooning mode is shown to be stabilized by the radial shear of the equilibrium radial electric field. On the other hand, the energy loss level after the pedestal collapse increases if the equilibrium radial electric field is taken into account. The spatio‐temporal and phase diagram analyses show that the equilibrium radial electric field partially cancels the fluctuation‐driven toroidally axisymmetric radial electric field and weakens the E × B shearing rate after pedestal collapse, weakening the turbulence suppression by vortex shearing. The equilibrium radial electric field therefore increases turbulence intensity in nonlinear cyclic oscillations among pressure gradient, E × B shearing rate, and turbulence intensity, which gives rise to subsequent bursts of turbulent transport and increases the energy loss level.
Species specificity and sexual dimorphism in tooth shape among the three sympatric haplochromine species in Lake Kivu cichlids
Authors: Munyandamutsa Philippe , Jere Wilson Lazaro , Kassam Daud , Mtethiwa Austin
Published: May 2020

Tooth shape is used to differentiate between morphologically similar species of vertebrates, including fish. This study aimed to quantify tooth shape of three sympatric species: Haplochromis kamiranzovu, H. insidiae, and H. astatodon endemic to Lake Kivu, whose existing identification criteria are currently only qualitative. A quantitative tooth shape analysis was performed based on digitized tooth outline data with a subsequent elliptic Fourier analysis to test for differences among the three species. We looked at crown shape and size differences within H. kamiranzovu and H. insidiae at geographical, habitat, and gender levels. No comparison at habitat level was done for H. astatodon because it is found only in littoral zone. The analysis revealed significant tooth shape differences among the three species. Haplochromis astatodon had a significantly longer major cusp height and a longer and larger minor cusp than that of H. insidiae. It had also a longer major cusp height and a longer and larger minor cusp than that of H. kamiranzovu. Tooth shape differences of H. kamiranzovu and H. insidiae species were not significantly different between littoral and pelagic fish (p > .05) while differences were significant between southern and northern Lake Kivu populations (p < .05). Tooth sizes in H. kamiranzovu and H. insidiae were significantly different, both in height and width as well as in their ratios, and this was true at sex and geographic levels (p < .05), but not at habitat level (p > .05). Tooth shape was also significantly different with sharp teeth for males compared with females of southern populations versus northern ones. These shape‐ and size‐related differences between sexes suggest differences in the foraging strategies toward available food resources in the lake habitat. Further research should explain the genetic basis of the observed pattern.
Enantioselective Total Synthesis of Chondrosterins I and J by Catalytic Asymmetric Intramolecular Aldol Reaction Using Chiral Diamine Catalyst
Authors: Kawamoto Yuichiro , Ozone Daiki , Kobayashi Toyoharu , Ito Hisanaka
Published: May 2020

The first enantioselective total synthesis of chondrosterins I and J was accomplished. The synthetic method focuses on an intramolecular aldol reaction through catalytic asymmetric desymmetrization using chiral diamine catalyst. An intensive investigation of this reaction improved the enantiomeric excess up to 92 % ee. In addition, stereoselective reduction of the ketone moiety efficiently converted chondrosterin I to chondrosterin J.
Concealability beliefs facilitate navigating intergroup contexts
Authors: Le Forestier Joel M. , Page‐Gould Elizabeth , Lai Calvin K. , Chasteen Alison L.
Published: May 2020

Living in a diverse world requires the ability to navigate intergroup contexts. However, interacting with outgroup members can cause anxiety that leads to lower‐quality interactions and avoidance of future contact. One reason people experience this anxiety is the concern that others will judge them on the basis of an identity. These concerns may be reduced among people who believe the identity is unperceivable by others. The belief that one's identity is concealable may therefore reduce intergroup anxiety and ease people's experiences in intergroup contexts. The present work tests this proposition in two studies and finds that individual differences in concealability beliefs are negatively associated with intergroup anxiety and positively associated with the propensity to initiate intergroup contact and with the quantity and quality of people's cross‐group friendships. Materials, data, and code for both studies and a pre‐registration for Study 2 are available online (https://osf.io/4cjhg/).
Evaluation of the potential of fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium L.), European goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea L.), and common broom (Cytisus scoparius L.) stems in bioethanol production
Authors: Smuga‐Kogut Małgorzata , Szymanowska Daria , Markiewicz Roksana , Piskier Tomasz , Kobus‐Cisowska Joanna , Cielecka‐Piontek Judyta , Schöne Heralt
Published: May 2020

One of the main goals of industrial biotechnology is to develop an effective method for ethanol production for fuel purposes using lignocellulosic biomass. Variability of lignocellulosic raw materials, selection of an effective method for the pretreatment of raw material, and selection of microorganisms with the ability to ferment not only hexoses but also pentoses and are moreover resistant to environmental stress generated by the products of lignocellulosic complex decomposition, are the challenges encountered in ethanol production. The use of agricultural wastelands and overgrowing plants that have little possibility of application in processes other than energy production seem to be an interesting alternative to conventional, but very often rather cultivation demanding energy crops. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using the stems of fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium L.), European goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea L.), and common broom (Cytisus scoparius L.) for ethanol production. The key elements studied were characteristics of the lignocellulosic complex structure, influence of the selected ionic liquids on the structural changes in biomass, and efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis and ethanol fermentation processes. The results showed that under the assumed conditions the best effect was observed with the fireweed materials subjected to pretreatment with 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium acetate and enzymatic hydrolysis with Viscozyme® preparation. The final concentration of ethanol obtained was 2.509 g L−1 with a yield of 92.3%. This was due to the highest share of cellulose (40.9%) in the whole lignocellulosic complex compared to other raw materials, which in combination with the selection of an appropriate ionic liquid and an enzymatic preparation, led to high bioprocess efficiency.
The impact of different rainfall products on landscape modelling simulations
Authors: Skinner Christopher J. , Peleg Nadav , Quinn Niall , Coulthard Tom J. , Molnar Peter , Freer Jim
Published: May 2020

Rainfall products can contain significantly different spatiotemporal estimates, depending on their underlying data and final constructed resolution. Commonly used products, such as rain gauges, rain gauge networks, and weather radar, differ in their information content regarding intensities, spatial variability, and natural climatic variability, therefore producing different estimates. Landscape evolution models (LEMs) simulate the geomorphic changes in landscapes, and current models can simulate timeframes from event level to millions of years and some use rainfall inputs to drive them. However, the impact of different rainfall products on LEM outputs has never been considered. This study uses the STREAP rainfall generator, calibrated using commonly used rainfall observation products, to produce longer rainfall records than the observations to drive the CAESAR‐Lisflood LEM to examine how differences in rainfall products affect simulated landscapes. The results show that the simulation of changes to basin geomorphology is sensitive to the differences between rainfall products, with these differences expressed linearly in discharges but non‐linearly in sediment yields. Furthermore, when applied over a 1500‐year period, large differences in the simulated long profiles were observed, with the simulations producing greater sediment yields showing erosion extending further downstream. This suggests that the choice of rainfall product to drive LEMs has a large impact on the final simulated landscapes. The combination of rainfall generator model and LEMs represents a potentially powerful method for assessing the impacts of rainfall product differences on landscapes and their short‐ and long‐term evolution. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Micronutrients and in vivo antioxidant properties of powder fractions and ethanolic extract of Dichrostachys glomerata Forssk. fruits
Authors: Deli Markusse , Baudelaire Elie Djantou , Nguimbou Richard Marcel , Njintang Yanou Nicolas , Scher Joël
Published: May 2020

Dichrostachys glomerata powders were processed by sieve fractionation and ethanolic extraction followed by freeze‐drying. The micronutrient contents and the in vivo antioxidant properties of powder fractions in rats' high‐fat diet‐induced oxidation model were determined. Sieved fractionation was achieved by finely grinding the Dichrostachys fruits and fractionating on a sieve column to retain particle of sizes <180, 180–212, 212–315, and ≥315 µm. Unsieved powder and lyophilized ethanolic extract were used as control. All the powders were examined for the minerals, total carotenoids, and vitamins contents. For in vivo antioxidant properties assessment, the individual powder was dissolved in water and administered to rats at the dose of 250 mg/kg body weight. Oxidation was induced by treating the rat with high‐fat diet, and the measured parameters were malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. The results showed a significant influence (p < .05) of particle size on the micronutrient contents and in vivo antioxidant properties. The smaller the particle size of the powder fractions, the higher the minerals, vitamins, total carotenoids contents, and antioxidant properties. Comparatively, the ethanolic powder had the highest carotenoids content, while the powders of particle size <180 µm and 180–212 µm had the highest minerals and vitamin contents. The highest antioxidant properties were characterized by high superoxide dismutase, catalase activities, and low malondialdehyde production. The grinding of Dichrostachys fruit followed by controlled differential sieving process may compete with ethanol extraction for an efficient concentration of bioactive compounds and micronutrients except carotenoids.
Covid‐19: Ethical Challenges for Nurses
Authors: Morley Georgina , Grady Christine , McCarthy Joan , Ulrich Connie M.
Published: May 2020

The Covid‐19 pandemic has highlighted many of the difficult ethical issues that health care professionals confront in caring for patients and families. The decisions such workers face on the front lines are fraught with uncertainty for all stakeholders. Our focus is on the implications for nurses, who are the largest global health care workforce but whose perspectives are not always fully considered. This essay discusses three overarching ethical issues that create a myriad of concerns and will likely affect nurses globally in unique ways: the safety of nurses, patients, colleagues, and families; the allocation of scarce resources; and the changing nature of nurses’ relationships with patients and families. We urge policy‐makers to ensure that nurses’ voices and perspectives are integrated into both local and global decision‐making so as to minimize the structural injustices many nurses have faced to date. Finally, we urge nurses to seek sources of support throughout this pandemic.
Automated and rapid identification of multidrug resistant Escherichia coli against the lead drugs of acylureidopenicillins, cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones using specific Raman marker bands
Authors: Götz Theresa , Dahms Marcel , Kirchhoff Johanna , Beleites Claudia , Glaser Uwe , Bohnert Jürgen A. , Pletz Mathias W. , Popp Jürgen , Schlattmann Peter , Neugebauer Ute
Published: May 2020

A Raman‐based, strain‐independent, semi‐automated method is presented that allows the rapid (<3 hours) determination of antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial pathogens isolated from clinical samples. Applying a priori knowledge about the mode of action of the respective antibiotic, we identified characteristic Raman marker bands in the spectrum and calculated batch‐wise weighted sum scores from standardized Raman intensity differences between spectra of antibiotic exposed and nonexposed samples of the same strains. The lead substances for three relevant antibiotic classes (fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin, third‐generation cephalosporin cefotaxime, ureidopenicillin piperacillin) against multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative bacteria (MRGN) revealed a high sensitivity and specificity for the susceptibility testing of two Escherichia coli laboratory strains and 12 clinical isolates. The method benefits from the parallel incubation of control and treated samples, which reduces the variance due to alterations in cultivation conditions and the standardization of differences between batches leading to long‐term comparability of Raman measurements.
A molecular‐beacon‐based asymmetric PCR assay for detecting polymorphisms related to folate metabolism
Authors: Peng Qi , Liao Shengbin , He Yuejing , Liang Liyun , Su Xiaohua , Rao Chunbao , Li Wenrui , Li Siping , Lu Xiaomei
Published: May 2020

Background

Polymorphisms (rs1801133 or C677T; rs1801131 or A1298C) of the MTHFR gene and rs1801394 (A66G) of the MTRR gene are important genetic determinants of folate metabolism. A convenient, sensitive, and reliable method is required to detect polymorphisms for the precise supplementation of folate.

Methods

A rapid detection method based on molecular beacon probes that can detect rs1801133, rs1801131, and rs1801394 simultaneously was developed in this study. Specific primers and probes were designed, and the amplification system and conditions were optimized. We applied our method to a group of 500 unrelated women of gestational age in the Dongguan region of Guangdong Province in China. The clinical performance of this assay was evaluated by testing 94 samples in comparison with Sanger sequencing.

Results

The molecular‐beacon‐based PCR assay we established is extremely sensitive, with a detection limit of 2 ng/μL of genomic DNA, and validated by direct sequencing in a blind study with 100% concordance.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that our molecular‐beacon‐based asymmetric PCR assay is an easy, reliable, high‐yield, and cost‐effective method for the simultaneous detection of three polymorphisms related to folate metabolism. It could help evaluate the risk of perinatal‐neonatal neural tube malformation, pregnancy hypertension, and other diseases and guide the individualized supplementation of folic acid. Data on the spectrum of mutations in the Dongguan District in this study are beneficial for guiding the supplementation of folic acid.
Seasonal shifts in the presence of pathogenic leptospires, Escherichia coli, and physicochemical properties in coastal rivers and streams of Puerto Rico
Authors: Truitt Zamara G. , Poon‐Kwong B. , Bachoon D.S. , Otero E.
Published: May 2020

Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonotic disease in the Caribbean region and the island of Puerto Rico. Information on the presence of pathogenic Leptospira in rivers and streams of Puerto Rico is currently lacking. This study aimed to evaluate seasonal shifts in the presence of pathogenic leptospires and the level of Escherichia coli from 32 coastal locations in Puerto Rico's dry and wet seasons. Physicochemical parameters (temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen) were determined at each site. The temperature (25.8 °C) and pH (average 7.6) values were all within acceptable USEPA regulatory standards. Thirty‐eight percent of the sites of the dry season and 28% of the wet season sites contained dissolved oxygen levels ≤4 mg L−1, which is relatively low. In the dry season, 19 sites (59%) and 18 (56%) of the wet season sites had E. coli counts >410 most probable number (MPN) 100 ml−1 and would be considered unsafe for recreational use. The lipl32 gene quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was used for the detection of pathogenic leptospires in the samples. Low concentrations of pathogenic leptospires (<60 genome copies 100 ml−1) at Camuy, Espíritu Santo, Río Guayanilla, Quebrada Majagual, and Río Fajardo were detected during the wet season. Pathogenic leptospires were detected (∼40 genome copies 100 ml−1) at only one site, Loíza, during the dry season. There was no predictable relationship between the physicochemical parameters, concentrations of E. coli, and the presence of pathogenic leptospires in water samples.
Quantitative Prostate MRI
Authors: Schieda Nicola , Lim Christopher S. , Zabihollahy Fatemeh , Abreu‐Gomez Jorge , Krishna Satheesh , Woo Sungmin , Melkus Gerd , Ukwatta Eran , Turkbey Baris
Published: May 2020

Prostate MRI is reported in clinical practice using the Prostate Imaging and Data Reporting System (PI‐RADS). PI‐RADS aims to standardize, as much as possible, the acquisition, interpretation, reporting, and ultimately the performance of prostate MRI. PI‐RADS relies upon mainly subjective analysis of MR imaging findings, with very few incorporated quantitative features. The shortcomings of PI‐RADS are mainly: low‐to‐moderate interobserver agreement and modest accuracy for detection of clinically significant tumors in the transition zone. The use of a more quantitative analysis of prostate MR imaging findings is therefore of interest. Quantitative MR imaging features including: tumor size and volume, tumor length of capsular contact, tumor apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) metrics, tumor T1 and T2 relaxation times, tumor shape, and texture analyses have all shown value for improving characterization of observations detected on prostate MRI and for differentiating between tumors by their pathological grade and stage. Quantitative analysis may therefore improve diagnostic accuracy for detection of cancer and could be a noninvasive means to predict patient prognosis and guide management. Since quantitative analysis of prostate MRI is less dependent on an individual users' assessment, it could also improve interobserver agreement. Semi‐ and fully automated analysis of quantitative (radiomic) MRI features using artificial neural networks represent the next step in quantitative prostate MRI and are now being actively studied. Validation, through high‐quality multicenter studies assessing diagnostic accuracy for clinically significant prostate cancer detection, in the domain of quantitative prostate MRI is needed. This article reviews advances in quantitative prostate MRI, highlighting the strengths and limitations of existing and emerging techniques, as well as discussing opportunities and challenges for evaluation of prostate MRI in clinical practice when using quantitative assessment.

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Immunoregulation with mTOR inhibitors to prevent COVID‐19 severity: A novel intervention strategy beyond vaccines and specific antiviral medicines
Authors: Zheng Yunfeng , Li Renfeng , Liu Shunai
Published: May 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has become a major global public health concern. The mortality rate for critically ill patients is up to 60%, and, thus, reducing the disease severity and case mortality is a top priority. Currently, cytokine storms are considered as the major cause of critical illness and death due to COVID‐19. After a systematical review of the literature, we propose that cross‐reactive antibodies associated with antibody‐dependent enhancement (ADE) may actually be the cause of cytokine storms. It would be more difficult to develop vaccines for highly pathogenic human coronaviruses (CoVs) if ADE characteristics are taken into consideration. Therefore, it is urgent to find an effective way to prevent the occurrence of severe illness as severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV‐2 specific drugs or vaccines are still in development. If the activation of memory B cells can be selectively inhibited in high‐risk patients at an early stage of COVID‐19 to reduce the production of cross‐reactive antibodies against the virus, we speculate that ADE can be circumvented and severe symptoms can be prevented. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors satisfy such needs and it is recommended to conduct clinical trials for mTOR inhibitors in preventing the severity of COVID‐19.
The safety of antiviral therapy and drug withdrawal for the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HBV during pregnancy
Authors: Xiao Li‐Xin , Chen Yi‐Ru , Huang Ping , Mei Yong‐Yu , Pan Calvin Q. , Lin Chao‐Shuang
Published: May 2020

The efficacy of prenatal antiviral therapy (AVT) for preventing the vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is well demonstrated. However, data are limited regarding the safety of postpartum cessation of AVT, which may induce alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation. We aimed to investigate the necessity of prolonging maternal AVT after delivery. Chronic hepatitis B mothers at the immune‐tolerant phase with HBV DNA levels >6 log10 IU/mL were prospectively enrolled and received AVT during the third trimester until delivery. Patients were offered to discontinue AVT either at delivery or postpartum week (PPW) 6. In addition, mothers who deferred AVT during pregnancy served as the control group. All mothers were followed until PPW 52 for clinical and virological parameters of hepatitis flares. Among 118 mothers recruited, 91 received AVT with 53 (group A) and 24 (group B) discontinue their treatment at delivery and PPW 6, respectively. Twenty‐seven mothers who deferred AVT during pregnancy were followed as the control (group C). A total of 104 of 118 mothers who completed the study, 50% (52/104) had postpartum‐elevated ALT levels, which were mild and moderate except 6 of 104 (5.77%) of patients had levels ≥5 times the upper limit of normal; 70% (36/52) of the ALT flares occurred within 12 weeks after delivery. In subgroup analyses, the frequency of ALT elevation was similar among the groups A vs B vs C (50.9% [27/53] vs 58.3% [14/24] vs 40.7% [11/27], respectively; P  = .447), as well as the mean peak ALT level (108.4/74.1/126.7 U/L in groups A/B/C, respectively; P = .291). Although postpartum ALT flares were common for mothers with or without AVT during pregnancy, most cases of ALT elevation were mild to moderate. Our study observed that extending AVT to PPW 6 did not affect maternal outcomes and ATV should be discontinued at birth. Close monitoring is warranted as severe flares rarely occurred.
Non‐stationary characteristics of intraseasonal precipitation variability in Northeast Asia during the boreal summer
Authors: Noh Tae‐Gyu , Yeh Sang‐Wook , Hyun Yu‐Kyung , Hwang Seung‐On
Published: May 2020

In this study, we examined the non‐stationary characteristics of precipitation variability in Korea on intraseasonal timescales during the boreal summer (June–July–August) for 1979–2017 by analysing the European Center for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts ERA‐interim reanalysis data set. We reconstructed the Korean precipitation variability on intraseasonal timescales in each year using three empirical orthogonal function modes of precipitation anomaly representing northward propagating intraseasonal oscillation from the tropics to subtropics. Then, we compared the reconstructed precipitation variability with the total precipitation variability in Korea. We found that the correlation coefficients between two precipitation variabilities change from year to year, indicating non‐stationary characteristics of intraseasonal precipitation variability contributing to the total precipitation variability. Years, when reconstructed precipitation is highly (less) correlated with total precipitation variability, are characterized by a large (small) amount of total precipitation, an early (late) start of the rainy season and enhanced (reduced) precipitation variability on an intraseasonal timescale. We further examined the reason why the relationship between two variabilities is non‐stationary. A large convective forcing in the western tropical Pacific and the associated atmospheric conditions, including the weakening of Western North Pacific subtropical high with its eastward shift and vertical shear of zonal wind affect the characteristic change of intraseasonal precipitation variability in Korea.