bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avoidable Acute Care Use for Vaccine‐Preventable Illnesses Among Medicaid Beneficiaries With Lupus
Authors: Feldman Candace H. , Xu Chang , Costenbader Karen H.
Published: May 2021

Objective

Nearly 25% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are hospitalized yearly, often for outcomes that may have been avoided if patients had received sustained outpatient care. We examined acute care use for vaccine‐preventable illnesses to determine sociodemographic contributors and modifiable predictors.

Methods

Using US Medicaid claims from 29 states (2000–2010), we identified adults (18–65 years) with prevalent SLE and 12 months of enrollment prior to the first SLE code (index date) to identify baseline data. We defined acute care use for vaccine‐preventable illnesses as emergency department (ED) or hospital discharge diagnoses for influenza, pneumococcal disease, meningococcal disease, herpes zoster, high‐grade cervical dysplasia/cervical cancer, and hepatitis B after the index date. We estimated the incidence rate of vaccine‐preventable illnesses and used Cox regression to assess risk (with hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals) by sociodemographic factors and health care utilization, adjusting for vaccinations, comorbidities, and medications.

Results

Among 45,654 Medicaid beneficiaries with SLE, <10% had billing claims for vaccinations. There were 1,290 patients with ≥1 ED visit or hospitalization for a vaccine‐preventable illness (6.6 per 1,000 person‐years); 93% of events occurred in unvaccinated patients. Patients who were Black compared to White had 22% higher risk. Greater outpatient visits were associated with lower risk.

Conclusion

Medicaid beneficiaries with SLE who are not vaccinated are at risk for potentially avoidable acute care use for vaccine‐preventable illnesses. Racial disparities were noted, with a higher risk among Black patients compared to White patients. Greater outpatient use was associated with reduced risk, suggesting that access to ambulatory care may reduce avoidable acute care use.
A Facile Magnetic System for Tracking of Medical Devices
Authors: Swanepoel Liam , Alsharif Nouf , Przybysz Alexander , Fourie Pieter , Goussard Pierre , Khan Mohammad Asadullah , Almansouri Abdullah , Kosel Jurgen
Published: May 2021

The largest disadvantage of modern day minimally invasive surgery is the required use of X‐ray or fluoroscopic imaging for locating or tracking medical catheters and tubes. The implications are increased costs and effort, limited availability for instance in less developed countries, and the cumulative exposure to contrast dyes and ionizing radiation are detrimental to health, especially in young patients and neonates with increased sensitivity. In order to reduce the use of X‐ray imaging and provide a wider accessibility, a facile magnetic system is proposed for subcutaneous medical device localization. It consists of a lightweight and flexible, biocompatible, and permanent magnet at the tip of the subcutaneous device and a sensing device to scan the dermal surface and locate the magnetic tip. The mechanical and magnetic properties of the magnetic tip are tailored to fit the requirements of the delicate catheter application. Evaluation of the tracking system using a 5 Fr magnetic tip resulted in a depth‐dependent position and orientation error of 0.75 mm and 3.7°. Additionally, a maximum placement depth error of 0.96 mm is achieved. Evaluation of the system in vivo revealed its practicality and accuracy as well as the influence of potential user errors.
Enantioselective Catalyzed Synthesis of Amino Derivatives Using Electrophilic Open‐Chain N‐Activated Ketimines
Authors: Lupidi Gabriele , Palmieri Alessandro , Petrini Marino
Published: May 2021

N‐Activated ketimines are characterized by the presence of acyl, sulfonyl, and phosphinoyl groups linked to the nitrogen atom of the azomethine system. These electron‐withdrawing groups enhance the electrophilic character of the imino moiety allowing the addition of even weak nucleophilic reagents. The presence of the oxygen atoms in these activating groups with its coordinating and Lewis or Brønsted properties is of paramount importance in asymmetric catalyzed reactions. This review collects the results that have appeared in the literature during the last two decades on the utilization of open‐chain N‐activated ketimines for the synthesis of optically active α‐disubstituted and α‐trisubstituted amino derivatives including nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds.

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Thiophene Derivative‐Loaded Nanoparticles Mediate Anticancer Activity Through the Inhibition of Kinases and Microtubule Assembly
Authors: Abdel‐Rahman Somaya A. , Wafa Emad I. , Ebeid Kareem , Geary Sean M. , Naguib Youssef W. , El‐Damasy Ashraf K. , Salem Aliasger K.
Published: May 2021

Different tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene derivatives are explored as new tubulin polymerization destabilizers to arrest tumor cell mitosis. A series of compounds incorporating the tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene scaffold are synthesized, and their biological activities are investigated. The cytotoxicity of each of the synthesized compounds is assessed against a range of cell lines. Specifically, the benzyl urea tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene derivative, 1‐benzyl‐3‐(3‐cyano‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen‐2‐yl)urea (BU17), is identified as the most potent compound with broad‐spectrum antitumor activity against several cancer cell lines. The potential mechanism(s) of action are investigated where dose‐dependent G2/M accumulation and A549 cell cycle arrest are detected. Additionally, A549 cells treated with BU17 express enhanced levels of caspase 3 and 9, indicating the induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, it is found that BU17 inhibits WEE1 kinase and targets tubulin by blocking its polymerization. BU17 is also formulated into PLGA nanoparticles, and it is demonstrated that BU17‐loaded nanoparticles can significantly enhance antitumor activity compared to the soluble counterpart.
Type‐I Energy Level Alignment at the PTCDA—Monolayer MoS2 Interface Promotes Resonance Energy Transfer and Luminescence Enhancement
Authors: Park Soohyung , Mutz Niklas , Kovalenko Sergey A. , Schultz Thorsten , Shin Dongguen , Aljarb Areej , Li Lain‐Jong , Tung Vincent , Amsalem Patrick , List‐Kratochvil Emil J. W. , Stähler Julia , Xu Xiaomin , Blumstengel Sylke , Koch Norbert
Published: May 2021

Van der Waals heterostructures consisting of 2D semiconductors and conjugated molecules are of increasing interest because of the prospect of a synergistic enhancement of (opto)electronic properties. In particular, perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) on monolayer (ML)‐MoS2 has been identified as promising candidate and a staggered type‐II energy level alignment and excited state interfacial charge transfer have been proposed. In contrast, it is here found with inverse and direct angle resolved photoelectron spectroscopy that PTCDA/ML‐MoS2 supported by insulating sapphire exhibits a straddling type‐I level alignment, with PTCDA having the wider energy gap. Photoluminescence (PL) and sub‐picosecond transient absorption measurements reveal that resonance energy transfer, i.e., electron–hole pair (exciton) transfer, from PTCDA to ML‐MoS2 occurs on a sub‐picosecond time scale. This gives rise to an enhanced PL yield from ML‐MoS2 in the heterostructure and an according overall modulation of the photoresponse. These results underpin the importance of a precise knowledge of the interfacial electronic structure in order to understand excited state dynamics and to devise reliable design strategies for optimized optoelectronic functionality in van der Waals heterostructures.
Modulation of the Electronic Structure of IrSe2 by Filling the Bi Atom as a Bifunctional Electrocatalyst for pH Universal Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Xin , Wang Dong , Yin Wen-Jin , Si Yubing , Bu Kejun , Wang Sishun , Zhao Wei , Huang Fuqiang
Published: May 2021

Although IrSe2 is a superior oxygen evolution catalyst, its electronic structure lacks active sites for hydrogen production and hinders its use as a bifunctional catalyst. The intercalation of Bi atoms into the IrSe2 framework regulates its electronic structure with the improvement of performance. Herein, novel bismuth inserted iridium‐based selenide (BiIr4Se8) is synthesized via solid‐state reaction. Interestingly, BiIr4Se8 exhibits impressive activities with dual functionality in pH‐universal electrolytes. It achieves small overpotentials at 10 mA cm−2 toward hydrogen evolution (85 mV in acid and 252 mV in alkali) and oxygen evolution (379 mV in acid and 364 mV in alkali), which overmatches the benchmarking noble metal‐based electrocatalysts. When served as the bifunctional electrocatalyst to drive a water electrolyzer, BiIr4Se8 affords 10 mA cm−2 at a voltage of 1.56 and 1.52 VRHE in 0.5 m H2SO4 and 1 m KOH, far exceeding the Pt/C||RuO2 and other published materials. Theoretical calculations show that a narrow bandgap is obtained due to the induced intermediate band derived from the combination of the p orbitals of Bi atoms and structure reconstruction, which promotes the electrocatalytical performance. This research introduces a new strategy to design channel structures and sheds light on their applications for water splitting.
Determining an ideal sampling density for microbial community analyses of farm fields
Authors: Rottler Caitlin M. , Martyn Trace E.
Published: May 2021

Soil microbial communities represent an important indicator of soil health. Laboratories that provide microbial community analyses to farmers recommend submitting a single sample comprising 12–15 soil cores mixed together, but the instructions do not specify field size. Soil cores can be time consuming to collect and analyses are expensive to run, so it is important to identify the number of samples necessary to return reliable data without becoming unnecessarily time consuming to collect. In this study, we tested different sample densities using samples taken from five fields in Oklahoma and one in Kansas. The amount of variation in abundance of some microbial groups decreased significantly with increasing sample density, suggesting that higher sampling densities are preferable to lower ones. In addition, results indicate that changing sampling densities has the potential to introduce variation. Sampling density should therefore be maintained when samples are to be compared with one another.
Hydrothermal stability of fluorine‐induced microporous silica membranes: Effect of steam treatment conditions
Authors: Kanezashi Masakoto , Hataoka Naoya , Ikram Rana , Nagasawa Hiroki , Tsuru Toshinori
Published: May 2021

A fluorine‐SiO2 membrane was prepared using triethoxyfluorosilane (TEFS) as a Si precursor, and its hydrothermal stability was evaluated. The TEFS membrane calcined at 750°C had fewer Si‐OH and Si‐F groups in its network structure and showed H2 permeance that was greater than 10−6 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1 with H2/N2 and N2/SF6 permeance ratios of 10 and 210, respectively. This membrane performance was relatively stable under the temperature (< 500°C) used for steam treatment, regardless of the steam partial pressure (30, 90 kPa). On the other hand, when the steam treatment temperature was increased beyond 500°C, gas permeance decreased significantly and the membrane became highly selective for He and H2 over smaller molecules (He/N2: > 600, H2/N2: > 100). The relationship between the activation energy of H2 and the permeance ratios (He/H2, He/H2O, H2/H2O) of a TEFS‐derived membrane under steam treatment higher than 600°C resulted in a network pore size that approximated in conventional microporous SiO2 membranes.
DEM investigation on the breakage of spherical aggregate under multi‐contact loadings
Authors: Liu Xiaoxing , Wang Yongchang , Zhang Zengxu , Yu Yin
Published: May 2021

Particle crushing is commonly encountered during the storage, transportation, and handling of granular assemblies. This work is aimed at ascertaining the applicability of four particle breakage criteria frequently mentioned in literature. Discrete element method (DEM) simulations were conducted to investigate the crushing of spherical aggregates under multicontact loadings. Mean and major principal stress criteria, octahedral shear stress criterion, and maximal contact force (MCF) criterion were then evaluated based on the obtained DEM results. It is found that the first three parameters all vary with the number of loading contacts, demonstrating they cannot predict the crushing of particles under arbitrary loading configuration. Simulation results indicate that the MCF at crushing is related to the number and the spatial arrangement of loading contacts. Thus, strictly speaking, this parameter cannot uniquely define particle breakage either. The influences of the microstructural heterogeneity on the breakage strength of particle and also on the applicability of MCF criterion are discussed.
Recent Progress on Emerging Transistor‐Based Neuromorphic Devices
Authors: He Yongli , Zhu Li , Zhu Ying , Chen Chunsheng , Jiang Shanshan , Liu Rui , Shi Yi , Wan Qing
Published: May 2021

Human brain outperforms the current von Neumann digital computer in many aspects, such as energy efficiency and fault‐tolerance. Inspired by human brain, neuromorphic computation has attracted increasing research interest. In recent years, emerging neuromorphic devices are widely developed for neuromorphic computing. Herein, the recent progress on transistor‐based neuromorphic devices is presented. First, a brief introduction of biological synaptic and neuronal functions is given. Then operation principles and latest progress in neuromorphic transistors, including ion‐gate neuromorphic transistors, ferroelectric‐gate neuromorphic transistors, and floating‐gate neuromorphic transistors, are reviewed and discussed. At last, conclusions and prospects are given.
Soft Origami Gripper with Variable Effective Length
Authors: Chen Bohan , Shao Zhuyin , Xie Zhexin , Liu Jiaqi , Pan Fei , He Liwen , Zhang Li , Zhang Yanming , Ling Xuechen , Peng Fujun , Yun Weidong , Wen Li
Published: May 2021

Nature has evolved to shape morphing to adapt to complex environments while engaging with the surroundings. Inspired by this capability, robots are expected to be endowed with the ability to perform shape‐changing, thus interacting with complex environments. Herein, a soft origami actuator with variable effective length (VEL) is proposed to adapt to different objects. The actuator's VEL is realized by an origami structure and actuated by hybrid actuation of tendons and pneumatic pressure. The soft actuator yields motion combining both elongation and bending generated by the asymmetric Yorshimura origami structure. Then an adaptive gripper composed of four origami actuators with programmable effective length is fabricated and its effect on grasping performance is evaluated through both simulations and experiments. Results show that the gripper can grip objects of different shapes, weights, sizes, and textures. This research may shed light on a new soft gripper design using origami structure for the environment's self‐adaptability.
Novel GUCY2C variant causing familial diarrhea in a Mennonite kindred and a potential therapeutic approach
Authors: Wolfe Rachel M. , Mohsen Al‐Walid , Walsh Vockley Cate , Bertrand Carol A. , Nicholls Robert D. , Heiman Paige , Seibold Leah M. , Vockley Jerry , Ghaloul‐Gonzalez Lina
Published: May 2021

Guanylate cyclase 2C (GC‐C), encoded by the GUCY2C gene, is implicated in hereditary early onset chronic diarrhea. Several families with chronic diarrhea symptoms have been identified with autosomal dominant, gain‐of‐function mutations in GUCY2C. We have identified a Mennonite patient with a novel GUCY2C variant (c.2381A > T; p.Asp794Val) with chronic diarrhea and an extensive maternal family history of chronic diarrhea and bowel dilatation. Functional studies including co‐segregation analysis showed that all family members who were heterozygous for this variant had GI‐related symptoms. HEK‐293 T cells expressing the Asp794Val GC‐C variant showed increased cGMP production when stimulated with Escherichia coli heat‐stable enterotoxin STp (HST), which was reversed when 5‐(3‐Bromophenyl)‐5,11‐dihydro‐1,3‐dimethyl‐1H‐indeno[2′,1′:5,6]pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidine‐2,4,6(3H)‐trione (BPIPP; a GC‐C inhibitor) was used. In addition, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) activity measured with SPQ fluorescence assay was increased in these cells after treatment with HST, indicating a crucial role for CFTR activity in the pathogenesis of this disorder. These results support pathogenicity of the GC‐C Asp794Val variant as a cause of chronic diarrhea in this family. Furthermore, this work identifies potential candidate drug, GC‐C inhibitor BPIPP, to treat diarrhea caused by this syndrome.
Thiocyanation/Cyclization of γ‐hydroxy Olefins to Access Thiocyanato‐Containing Oxygen Heterocyclic Compounds
Authors: Li Chengcheng , Long Pingliang , Fu Zhenda , Wu Di , Chen Fu‐Xue , Yin Hongquan
Published: May 2021

A new thiocyanation/cyclization reaction was developed to synthesize thiocyanato‐containing oxygen heterocyclic compounds with terminal and non‐terminal enols. The approach supplies an efficient method to build the multi‐substituted ring and spiro ring structure of furan, which has a wide range of substrates, good functional group tolerance, and the desired products can be obtained in a medium to high yield.
Ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor based on the block copolymer of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐b‐poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) containing rhodamine 6G and 1,8‐naphthalimide moieties
Authors: Kong Fan , Jia Xueli , Zhang Shuting , Lin Mengqi , Cheng Yu
Published: May 2021

We have synthesized an amphiphilic block copolymer poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐b‐poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) containing 1,8‐naphthalimide and spirolactam rhodamine 6G moieties via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer radical polymerization. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of the poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) block well matches the absorption spectrum of the 1,8‐naphthalimide moiety and the enhanced emission with a peak at 510 nm from the 1,8‐naphthalimide moiety is found in the block copolymer film for excitation at 330 nm. The 560‐nm emission from the rhodamine 6G moiety is observed as the block copolymer film sprayed by Britton‐Robinson (B‐R) buffers or Fe3+ aqueous solutions for excitation at 330 and 400 nm. The PL intensity at 560 nm is markedly increased for the pH value of the B‐R buffer lower than 3.0 or the Fe3+ concentration in water higher than 5 × 10−4 M. The 560‐nm PL intensity is much higher for the block copolymer film photoexcited at 330 nm than that photoexcited at 400 nm due to double‐step resonance energy transfer. The PL intensity ratio of 560 to 510 nm (I560/I510) is dependent on the resonance energy transfer from 1,8‐naphthalimide to rhodamine 6G, which is sensitive to the concentrations of H+ and Fe3+ ions in water.
Correlating the 3D melt electrospun polycaprolactone fiber diameter and process parameters using neural networks
Authors: Lakshmi Narayana Pasupuleti , Wang Xiao‐Song , Yeom Jong‐Taek , Maurya Anoop Kumar , Bang Won‐Seok , Srikanth Ommi , Harinatha Reddy Maddika , Hong Jae‐Keun , Subba Reddy Nagireddy Gari
Published: May 2021

In the present work, we developed an artificial neural networks (ANN) model to predict and analyze the polycaprolactone fiber diameter as a function of 3D melt electrospinning process parameters. A total of 35 datasets having various combinations of electrospinning writing process variables (collector speed, tip to nozzle distance, applied pressure, and voltage) and resultant fiber diameter were considered for model development. The designed stand‐alone ANN software extracts relationships between the process variables and fiber diameter in a 3D melt electrospinning system. The developed model could predict the fiber diameter with reasonable accuracy for both train (28) and test (7) datasets. The relative index of importance revealed the significance of process variables on the fiber diameter. Virtual melt spinning system with the mean values of the process variables identifies the quantitative relationship between the fiber diameter and process variables.
Global birth defects app: An innovative tool for describing and coding congenital anomalies at birth in low resource settings
Authors: Dolk Helen , Leke Aminkeng Zawuo , Whitfield Phil , Moore Rebecca , Karnell Katy , Barišić Ingeborg , Barlow‐Mosha Linda , Botto Lorenzo D. , Garne Ester , Guatibonza Pilar , Godfred‐Cato Shana , Halleux Christine M. , Holmes Lewis B. , Moore Cynthia A. , Orioli Ieda , Raina Neena , Valencia Diana
Published: May 2021

Background

Surveillance programs in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) have difficulty in obtaining accurate information about congenital anomalies.

Methods

As part of the ZikaPLAN project, an International Committee developed an app for the description and coding of congenital anomalies that are externally visible at birth, for use in low resource settings. The “basic” version of the app was designed for a basic clinical setting and to overcome language and terminology barriers by providing diagrams and photos, sourced mainly from international Birth Defects Atlases. The “surveillance” version additionally allows recording of limited pseudonymized data relevant to diagnosis, which can be uploaded to a secure server, and downloaded by the surveillance program data center.

Results

The app contains 98 (88 major and 10 minor) externally visible anomalies and 12 syndromes (including congenital Zika syndrome), with definitions and International Classification of Disease v10 ‐based code. It also contains newborn examination videos and links to further resources. The user taps a region of the body, then selects among a range of images to choose the congenital anomaly that best resembles what they observe, with guidance regarding similar congenital anomalies. The “basic” version of the app has been reviewed by experts and made available on the Apple and Google Play stores. Since its launch in November 2019, it has been downloaded in 39 countries. The “surveillance” version is currently being field‐tested.

Conclusion

The global birth defects app is a mHealth tool that can help in developing congenital anomaly surveillance in low resource settings to support prevention and care.
Nongenetic risk factors for infantile cataracts: Systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Nalbandyan Marine , Papadopoulos Eleni A. , Leckman‐Westin Emily , Browne Marilyn L.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

While infantile cataracts are a major cause of childhood blindness, risk factors remain unknown for approximately two‐thirds of cases.

Methods

We systematically searched electronic databases PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus, from inception through March 2018, to identify relevant cohort, case–control, cross‐sectional studies, case reports, and case series. We also manually screened bibliographies and consulted with experts in the field to identify additional publications. We reviewed cross‐sectional studies, case reports, and case series and provided a narrative summary of the reported potential risk factors. We evaluated methodological qualities of cohort and case–control studies, extracted relevant data, and described statistically significant associations with infant, maternal, and paternal characteristics. Quality assessment and data extraction were conducted by two reviewers independently. All discrepancies were discussed with the senior author and resolved by consensus.

Results

Overall, 110 publications were included in the review, 33 of which were cohort and case–control studies. Most of these studies (n = 32) used population‐based data and had either excellent (n = 31) or good (n = 2) methodological quality. Nine studies reported statistically significant associations with infant characteristics (preterm birth, low birth weight), maternal occupations and diseases during pregnancy (untreated hypertension, infections), and paternal sociodemographics (younger age, employment in sawmill industry during pregnancy).

Conclusions

This systematic literature review provided a comprehensive summary of the known nongenetic risk factors for infantile cataracts, identified gaps in the literature, and provided directions for future research. Studies identifying modifiable risk factors are warranted to design interventions aimed at primary prevention of infantile cataracts.
A shared frailty model for multivariate longitudinal data on adverse event of radiation therapy
Authors: Kim Sung Won , Schumacher Martin , Augustin Nicole H.
Published: May 2021

Oral mucositis is an inflammatory adverse event when treating head and neck cancer patients with radiation therapy (RT). The severity of its occurrence is believed to mainly depend on its site and the distribution of a cumulative radiation dose in the mouth area. The motivating study investigating differences in radiosensitivities (mucositis progression) at distinct sites where the severity of mucositis is assessed regularly at eight distinct sites on an ordinal scale results in multivariate longitudinal data and thus poses certain challenges. To deal with the multivariate longitudinal data in this particular setting, we take a time‐to‐event approach focusing on the first occurrence of severe mucositis at the distinct sites using the fact that the site‐specific cumulative radiation dose thought to be the main driver of oral mucositis develops over time. Thereby, we may address multivariate longitudinal processes in a simpler and more compact fashion. In this article, to find out differences in mucositis progression at eight distinct sites we propose a shared frailty model for multivariate parallel processes within individuals. The shared frailty model directly incorporating ‘process indicators’ as covariates turns out to adequately explain the differences in the parallel processes (here, mucositis progressions at distinct sites) while taking individual effects into account. The parallel result with the one from the previous analysis based on the same data but conducted with an alternative statistical methodology shows adequacy of the proposed approach.
Experimental Reasons for the Variable Efficiencies of Organic Electrocatalysts Used for Converting Carbon Dioxide to Methanol
Authors: Budanovic Maja , Urbančok Dejan , Er Jasmine Y. H. , Tessensohn Malcolm E. , Webster Richard D.
Published: May 2021

Pyridinium (the protonated form of pyridine) and related compounds have been proposed to be promising homogenous electrocatalysts in the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to methanol due to the low overpotential required to achieve faradaic yields of about 20 %, although the percentage yields vary dramatically between different research groups. In this study, experimental conditions were varied during the electrolysis of CO2 at a platinum electrode in the presence of pyridinium to determine the reasons for the discrepancies in the yields of methanol reported between different research groups. Two other vitamin‐based and environmentally friendly nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds (nicotinamide and nicotinic acid) which have structural similarities to the promising but toxic pyridine homogeneous electrocatalyst, were also investigated as alternative electrocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 in aqueous acidic media. Cyclic voltammetry studies suggest that nicotinamide and nicotinic acid (forms of vitamin B3) follow a similar reaction mechanism as pyridine in the reduction of CO2. Relatively low faradaic yields of methanol were obtained during controlled potential electrolysis experiments for all the electrocatalysts (0.4–1.9 %) which can be attributed to the low solubility of CO2 along with the competing hydrogen evolution reaction. It was found that adventitious sources of methanol were responsible for greatly inflating the apparent yields of methanol unless scrupulous care was taken in controlling the experimental conditions. The problem with background methanol is particularly difficult to control due to the electrochemical reactions typically generating products in the parts per million range, considerably lower than normal synthetic reactions.
Radiolabelled Cyclic Bisarylmercury: High Chemical and in vivo Stability for Theranostics
Authors: Gilpin Ian Moore F. , Ullrich Martin , Wünsche Thomas , Zarschler Kristof , Lebeda Ondřej , Pietzsch Jens , Pietzsch Hans‐Jürgen , Walther Martin
Published: May 2021

We show the synthesis of an in vivo stable mercury compound with functionality suitable for radiopharmaceuticals. The designed cyclic bisarylmercury was based on the water tolerance of organomercurials, higher bond dissociation energy of Hg−Ph to Hg−S, and the experimental evidence that acyclic structures suffer significant cleavage of one of the Hg−R bonds. The bispidine motif was chosen for its in vivo stability, chemical accessibility, and functionalization properties. Radionuclide production results in 197(m)HgCl2(aq), so the desired mercury compound was formed via a water‐tolerant organotin transmetallation. The Hg‐bispidine compound showed high chemical stability in tests with an excess of sulfur‐containing competitors and high in vivo stability, without any observable protein interaction by human serum assay, and good organ clearance demonstrated by biodistribution and SPECT studies in rats. In particular, no retention in the kidneys was observed, typical of unstable mercury compounds. The natHg analogue allowed full characterization by NMR and HRMS.
Platelet Immunophenotyping by High‐Dimensional Mass Cytometry
Authors: Spurgeon Benjamin E. J. , Michelson Alan D. , Frelinger Andrew L.
Published: May 2021

Platelets are small blood cells that contribute to hemostasis, immunity, and inflammation. Characterization of platelet surface markers allows for differentiation of activated platelets from resting platelets, diagnosis of platelet disorders, and investigation of platelet biology and pathology. In this article, we describe the use of mass cytometry or “CyTOF” (mass spectroscopy detection of metal‐tagged antibodies on individual cells) to measure a large number of markers on each platelet and to identify platelet subsets based on the shared expression of multiple markers. This powerful new approach provides a vastly more detailed picture of platelet immunophenotypes than conventional flow cytometry and enables investigation of the roles of platelet subsets in health and disease. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 28 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol: Platelet immunophenotyping by high‐dimensional mass cytometry

Support Protocol: Data preprocessing
Using gastrointestinal distress reports to predict youth anxiety risk: Implications for mental health literacy and community care
Authors: Bloom Paul Alexander , Douglas Ian , VanTieghem Michelle , Tottenham Nim , Callaghan Bridget
Published: May 2021

This study investigates the generalizability and predictive validity of associations between gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and youth anxiety to establish their utility in community mental health decision‐making. We analyzed data from youth ages 3 to 21 years in volunteer cohorts collected in Los Angeles (N = 327) and New York City (N = 102), as well as the Healthy Brain Network cohort (N = 1957). Youth GI distress was measured through items taken from the parent‐reported Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). We examined generalizability of GI–anxiety associations across cohorts and anxiety reporters, then evaluated the performance of these models in predicting youth anxiety in holdout data. Consistent with previous work, higher levels of gastrointestinal distress were associated with more parent‐reported youth anxiety behaviors in all three cohorts. Models trained on data from the Healthy Brain Network cohort predicted parent‐reported and child‐reported anxiety behaviors, as well as clinician‐evaluated anxiety diagnoses, at above chance levels in holdout data. Models which included GI symptoms often, but not always, outperformed models based on age and sex alone in predicting youth anxiety. Based on the generalizability and predictive validity of GI–anxiety associations investigated here, GI symptoms may be an effective tool for child‐facing professionals for identifying children at risk for anxiety (Preprint: https://psyarxiv.com/zgavu/).
Habitat selection of an endangered primate, the samango monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis schwarzi): Integrating scales to prioritize habitat for wildlife management
Authors: Parker Edwin J. , Koyama Nicola F. , Hill Russell A.
Published: May 2021

Aim

As habitat loss continues to accelerate with global human population growth, identifying landscape characteristics that influence species occurrence is a key conservation priority in order to prevent global biodiversity loss. In South Africa, the arboreal samango monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis sp.) is threatened due to loss and fragmentation of the indigenous forests it inhabits. The aim of this study was to determine the habitat preferences of the samango monkey at different spatial scales, and to identify key conservation areas to inform management plans for this species.

Location

This study was carried out in the western Soutpansberg Mountains, which represents the northernmost population of samango monkeys within South Africa, and the only endangered subspecies (C. a. schwarzi).

Methods

We used sequentially collected GPS points from two samango monkey groups followed between 2012 and 2017 to quantify the used and available habitat for this species within the western Soutpansberg Mountains. We developed 2nd‐order (selection of ranging area), 3rd‐order (selection within range), and 4th‐order (feeding site selection) resource selection functions (RSFs) to identify important habitat features at each scale. Through scale integration, we identified three key conservation areas for samango monkeys across Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Results

Habitat productivity was the most important landscape variable predicting probability of use at each order of selection, indicating the dependence of these arboreal primates on tall‐canopy indigenous forests. Critical habitat across Limpopo was highly fragmented, meaning complete isolation between subpopulations is likely.

Main conclusions

Understanding the habitat characteristics that influence samango monkey distribution across South Africa is crucial for prioritizing critical habitat for this species. Our results indicated that large, contiguous patches of tall‐canopy indigenous forest are fundamental to samango monkey persistence. As such, protected area expansion of large forest patches and creation of forest corridors are identified as key conservation interventions for this species.
Development of activity collecting system for grazing cattle in vast land
Authors: Natori Takahiro , Oishi Yuya , Tsuichihara Satoki , Takemura Hiroshi , Aikawa Naoyuki
Published: May 2021

Dairy farming in Japan has low milk supply and reproductive rate per cattle, which is considered to be due to lack of proper breeding management. In order to solve this problem, there is a demand for a breeding management system that does not require human intervention, utilizing the ICT and robot technology. Studies on cow health and breeding management using various sensors have been reported; in this paper, we develop the system to collect the amount of activity and position of the grazing cattle in vast land. The developed system is (i) the “cattle sensor” composed of a GPS module and an acceleration sensor and (ii) the data transfer system composed of a wireless module and solar cells. The cow sensor can be used continuously for 2 months without battery replacement and is a system that can be used in vast land and mountain areas. And the data obtained from the sensor suggest the possibility of estrus detection.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Direct Diarylation of 2‐Benzyl‐1,2,3‐triazole: a Simple Access to 4‐Aryl‐ or 4,5‐Diaryl‐2‐benzyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles and Phenanthro[9,10‐d][1,2,3]triazoles
Authors: Shi Xinzhe , Zhang Jian , Roisnel Thierry , Soulé Jean‐François , Doucet Henri
Published: May 2021

The reactivity of 2‐benzyl‐1,2,3‐triazole in palladium‐catalyzed direct arylation was studied. The reaction conditions for the selective synthesis of 2‐benzyl‐4‐aryl‐1,2,3‐triazoles in moderate to high yields using phosphine‐free Pd(OAc)2 catalyst and inexpensive KOAc base have been found. Then, from these 4‐aryl‐1,2,3‐triazoles, the palladium‐catalyzed C−H bond functionalization of the C5‐position allowed the synthesis of the corresponding 4,5‐diarylated 2‐benzyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles. This selective 4,5‐diarylation of 2‐benzyl‐1,2,3‐triazole was successfully applied for the straightforward building of the π‐extended polycyclic heteroaromatic structures phenanthro[9,10‐d][1,2,3]triazoles through Pd‐catalyzed C4‐ and C5‐intermolecular arylations followed by Pd‐catalyzed C−H intramolecular arylation.
The efficacy of an educational movie to improve pain and dysfunctional behavior in school children: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kisling Sarah , Claus Benedikt B. , Stahlschmidt Lorin , Wager Julia
Published: May 2021

Background

Chronic pain in children is a serious issue, therefore calling for effective prevention/intervention measures. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an educational movie on pain knowledge in school children in general and on pain‐related behaviours and pain intensity in those who are affected by chronic pain. Regarding those affected, the association between pain knowledge and intensity, as well as the potential mediating effect of pain‐related behaviours, were investigated.

Methods

Recruited from four schools, N = 381 students (51.7% female; Mage = 11.4, SD = 0.95) participated, of which n = 108 reported chronic pain. Each school was randomly allocated to the intervention or control group (cluster‐randomization). At two time points spaced 4–5 weeks apart, students provided information on their pain knowledge, pain‐related behaviour (passive pain coping, pain‐related disability, missed school days, medication use) and pain intensity. After the first assessment, students in the intervention group watched an educational movie. Multilevel linear models for all outcomes were calculated as well as a mediation analysis.

Results

Pain knowledge increased significantly in the intervention group (β = 2.76 [95% CI 2.20, 3.31]). However, no significant time‐by‐group interactions were found for pain‐related behaviour or pain intensity. The mediation model identified that the indirect effect of pain knowledge on pain intensity was mediated by pain‐related behaviour (β = −0.18, p = 0.014 and β = 0.38, p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Educational movies may be an effective tool for educating students about pain management. However, the knowledge gained may not be sufficient to improve pain behaviour and intensity overall.

Significance

A 10‐min educational movie on chronic pain management was tested in school children (N = 381). Following the intervention, knowledge of chronic pain concepts was statistically greater in the intervention group compared to the control group not watching the movie. Furthermore, a mediation model theoretically determined whether an association between pain knowledge and pain intensity exists, and whether this is explained by level of dysfunctional pain‐related behaviorisms. Full mediation was confirmed.
Efficacy of long‐term adrenocorticotropic hormone therapy for West syndrome: A retrospective multicenter case series
Authors: Baba Shimpei , Okanishi Tohru , Homma Yoichiro , Yoshida Takeshi , Goto Tomohide , Fukasawa Tatsuya , Kobayashi Satoru , Kamei Atsushi , Fujii Yuji , Hino‐Fukuyo Naomi , Yamada Keitaro , Daida Atsuro , Kawawaki Hisashi , Hoshino Hideki , Sejima Hitoshi , Ishida Yusuke , Okazaki Tetsuya , Inui Takehiko , Kanai Sotaro , Motoi Hirotaka , Itamura Shinji , Nishimura Mitsuyo , Enoki Hideo , Fujimoto Ayataka
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Long‐term adrenocorticotropic therapy (LT‐ACTH), which consisted of 2‐4 weeks of daily injections of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and subsequent months of weekly injections, was tried for relapsed West syndrome (WS) or other intractable epilepsies in small case reports. Our aim was to explore the efficacy of LT‐ACTH for preventing WS relapse, as well as the prevalence of its adverse events.

Methods

This is a retrospective, nationwide, multicenter case series of patients with WS who underwent LT‐ACTH. Clinical information of the patients and protocol of LT‐ACTH were collected from participating institutes in this study. We defined clinical response to ACTH as achievement of hypsarrhythmia and epileptic spasms resolution. Patients who responded to daily ACTH injections were identified and assessed whether they experienced WS relapse during/after the weekly ACTH injection period. The outcome was measured by the nonrelapse rate at 24 months after daily ACTH injections using the Kaplan‐Meier method.

Results

Clinical information of 16 children with WS was analyzed. The median age at LT‐ACTH initiation was 14.5 months (range: 7‐68 months). Thirteen (81%) patients had previously undergone conventional ACTH treatment. The LT‐ACTH regimens comprised a median of 16 days of daily injections (range: 11‐28 days) and 10 months of weekly injections (range: 3‐22 months). Seven patients experienced WS relapse during/after subsequent weekly ACTH period, and the nonrelapse rate at 24 months after daily injections was estimated at 60.6% (95% confidence interval: 32.3%‐80.0%). Height stagnation, hypertension, and irritability were observed; lethal adverse events were not reported.

Significance

Our study firstly explored the efficacy of LT‐ACTH for preventing WS relapse. LT‐ACTH might be a treatment option for patients with relapsed or intractable WS; however, we note that our study is limited by its small sample size and the lack of an appropriate control group.
Leaf venation of Lauraceae species (excluding Ocotea) from Bahia, Brazil
Authors: de Moraes Pedro Luís Rodrigues , Ribeiro Henrique Lauand , Coan Alessandra Ike , Tomazello Filho Mario
Published: May 2021

With the aim of recognizing and identifying both fertile and sterile specimens of Lauraceae from the Brazilian state of Bahia, we analyzed the leaf venation pattern of 56 species belonging to 14 genera (excluding Ocotea), 30 of them described and illustrated for the first time. A dichotomous identification key was built from a matrix of 12 venation characters and 36 states, which allowed to distinguish the taxa.
Gas diffusion layer wettability determination by cyclic voltammetry for automotive fuel cells
Authors: Obermaier Michael , Bauer Andreas , Dalkilic Mert , Rauber Markus , Scheu Christina
Published: May 2021

Fuel cell performance and durability are highly dependent on water management, wherefore wettability properties of the cell's gas diffusion layer (GDL) are important. In this work, we implement a method to determine the GDL wetted surface area, which is based on capacitance measurements by cyclic voltammetry with a pH‐neutral, aqueous electrolyte, to an automotive size fuel cell failure analysis process and demonstrate its benefit. The electrolyte penetrates large pores of the GDL, wherefore, in contrast to the most conventional methods, also inner parts of the GDL are measured. Tenside concentration of the electrolyte and penetration time, polytetrafluoroethylene treatment of the GDL, and properties of the microporous layer highly influence the capacitance values. Thus, the method is sensitive to different GDL morphologies and surface modifications. Different degradation patterns for samples either artificially chemically and mechanically aged or after real‐operation (e.g., prototype vehicle) are detected by the method. For a comprehensive understanding, the obtained results are compared to ex situ degradation analysis data. A comparison to static contact angle measurements, being a state‐of‐the‐art method to determine GDL wettability, reveals a higher sensitivity of the introduced method to detect degradation, in particular, of chemically aged and real‐operation aged GDLs.
An approach to situation awareness (SA) assessment in flight simulation: SA dynamic circulation (SADC) model
Authors: Feng Chuanyan , Wanyan Xiaoru , Liu Shuang , Chen Hao , Zhuang Damin
Published: May 2021

Accurate prediction and evaluation of pilot's situation awareness (SA) are of great importance for ensuring flight safety. In the present study, an SA dynamic circulation (SADC) model is developed for describing the dynamic generation and update processes of pilot's SA in‐flight environments. In the SADC model, five cognitive statuses of SA, which constitute the dynamic circulation in a closed‐loop network, are put forward on a framework of adaptive control of thought rational‐queuing network. By introducing the progressive triggers of the low and high SA, pilot's SA covering three levels is computed using conditional probability. In addition, flight simulations based on four typical flight scenarios were performed to verify the usability of the SADC model, and multiple methods including the subjective evaluation, situation present assessment method (SPAM), and physiological measurement were adopted for SA measurement. According to the results, the rationality of the SADC model is validated due to the significant correlations between SA theoretical prediction value and SPAM response time as well as 10D‐SART score. Besides, in our study, the SPAM response time and 10D‐SART score show an acceptable sensitivity to SA measurement, however, physiological indicators of respiratory rate and standard deviation of normal to normal RR intervals are proved more sensitive to workload rather than SA. The SADC model is expected to be applied in the quantitative characterization of pilot's SA as a new auxiliary analysis tool during cockpit display interface design and flight training strategy optimization.
Risk prediction models for colorectal cancer: Evaluating the discrimination due to added biomarkers
Authors: Fang Zhe , Hang Dong , Wang Kai , Joshi Amit , Wu Kana , Chan Andrew T. , Ogino Shuji , Giovannucci Edward L. , Song Mingyang
Published: May 2021

Most risk prediction models for colorectal cancer (CRC) are based on questionnaires and show a modest discriminatory ability. Therefore, we aim to develop risk prediction models incorporating plasma biomarkers for CRC to improve discrimination. We assessed the predictivity of 11 biomarkers in 736 men in the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study and 639 women in the Nurses' Health Study. We used stepwise logistic regression to examine whether a set of biomarkers improved the predictivity on the basis of predictors in the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment Tool. Model discrimination was assessed using C‐statistics. Bootstrap with 500 randomly sampled replicates was used for internal validation. The models containing each biomarker generated a C‐statistic ranging from 0.50 to 0.59 in men and 0.50 to 0.54 in women. The NCI model demonstrated a C‐statistic (95% CI) of 0.67 (0.62‐0.71) in men and 0.58 (0.54‐0.63) in women. Through stepwise selection of biomarkers, the C‐statistic increased to 0.70 (0.66‐0.74) in men after adding growth/differentiation factor 15, total adiponectin, sex hormone binding globulin and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1B (P for difference = 0.008); and increased to 0.62 (0.57‐0.66) in women after further including insulin‐like growth factor 1 and insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 3 (P for difference = .06). The NCI + selected biomarkers model was internally validated with a C‐statistic (95% CI) of 0.73 (0.70‐0.77) in men and 0.66 (0.61‐0.70) in women. Circulating plasma biomarkers may improve the performance of risk factor‐based prediction model for CRC.