bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A learner‐centered approach for designing visuohaptic simulations for conceptual understanding of truss structures
Authors: Walsh Yoselyn , Magana Alejandra , Will Hector , Yuksel Tugba , Bryan Lynn , Berger Edward , Benes Bedrich
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to explore the process of designing a visuohaptic simulation for learning structural analysis following a learner‐centered approach (LCD). Our implementation of an LCD approach followed a three‐part iterative process: (1) requirements analysis and specification, (2) multimedia application design, and (3) prototype inspection. In designing the learning tasks, we employed a three‐phase pedagogical approach of prediction, experimentation, and confirmation. We found that designing a visuohaptic simulation for learning purposes is a complex process that requires considering the learners' building of knowledge from different perspectives (e.g., prior knowledge, nonnormative conceptions, cognitive load, and modalities). A total of 51 participants interacted with the visuohaptic simulation following one of two sequenced approaches: (1) haptic feedback and minimal visual information followed by enhanced visual and haptic feedback, or (2) enhanced visual and kinesthetic feedback followed by enhanced visual and haptic feedback. Results suggest that the visuohaptic simulations promoted learners' exploration of structural analysis concepts, improved their intuition about the forces acting on the member of the structure—compression, tension, and zero‐force members, and facilitated knowledge transfer. However, we concluded that our approach did not challenge participants to revise nonnormative conceptions and representational competencies. Implications for teaching and learning of our findings are discussed.
“You never feel so Black as when you're contrasted against a White background”: Black students' experiences at a predominantly White institution in the UK
Authors: Osbourne Lateesha , Barnett Julie , Blackwood Leda
Published: April 2021

“Old” universities in the UK are typically populated with White middle‐class students who hail from White majority hometowns, whilst “new” universities have more diverse cohorts from diverse hometowns. Our research conducted with 17 Black students at a predominantly White university, examined the initial encounters in which Black students first realise their minority status on campus. We found that White numerical dominance combined with White students' racialised place‐based assumptions about who belongs where, had an immediate and powerful impact on our participants. Importantly, our findings suggest that for Black students coming from diverse hometowns, experiences such as being the only Black person in lecture halls, being told that you are the first Black person your peers have met, and being expected to use urban street slang and sell drugs constituted both a denial of their student identity and a misrecognition of their Black identity. Our analysis highlights the importance of considering the diversity within institutions alongside Black and White students' place‐based histories with diversity; and how these are consequential for Black students' experiences of (mis)recognition and (non)belonging on campuses. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.
Variety of Nucleotide Polymerase Mutants Aiming to Synthesize Modified RNA
Authors: Ohashi Sana , Hashiya Fumitaka , Abe Hiroshi
Published: April 2021

Significant efforts have been made to develop therapeutic RNA aptamers that exploit synthetic RNA to capture target molecules. However, ensuring RNA aptamers are resistant against intrinsic nucleases remains an issue and restricts their use as therapeutics. Introduction of chemical modifications to the 2′ sugar moiety of RNA improves their stability effectively and can be achieved by chemical synthesis using modified phosphoramidites; however, this approach is not suitable for preparing long RNA molecules. Although recombinant nucleotide polymerases can transcribe RNA, these polymerases cannot synthesize modified RNA because they do not recognize 2′ modified nucleoside triphosphates. In this review, we focus on several polymerase mutants that tolerate substrates containing modifications of the 2′ sugar moiety to synthesize RNA, and the problems that must be overcome to prepare chemically modified RNA with high efficacy by in vitro transcription.
Theory‐oriented Synthesis of 2D/2D BiVO4/MXene Heterojunction for Simultaneous Removal of Hexavalent Chromium and Methylene Blue
Authors: Liu Peng , Yi Jianhong , Bao Rui , Zhao Heng
Published: April 2021

Precise catalyst discovery by theoretical calculation is currently providing novel and promising approach to fine design and fabricate efficient photocatalysts. We demonstrated a possibility of designing 2D/2D BiVO4/MXene heterojunction with excellent charge separation efficiency by density functional theory (DFT) and realized the preparation by hydrothermal method based on the theoretical results. As expected, the as‐constructed composites exhibited an unprecedented photocatalytic activity for simultaneous removal of hexavalent chromium (83.6 %) and methylene blue (88.7 %) within 120 minutes under visible light by photogenerated electrons and holes respectively, which were 2.17‐ and 3.67‐times compared with pristine BiVO4. This significant improvement is ascribed to the strong interfacial interaction within the unique 2D/2D heterojunction, which greatly improves the lifetime of charge carriers by reducing the recombination and shortening the transmission distance. The present work demonstrates a good example to firstly design reasonable catalyst by theoretical calculation and then efficiently improve the activity for environment remediation by solar‐light driven photocatalysis.
Oligomers Intermediates in Between Two New Distinct Homonuclear Uranium(IV) DOTP Complexes**
Authors: Dovrat Gev , Pevzner Svetlana , Berthon Claude , Lerner Ana , Maimon Eric , Vainer Radion , Karpasas Mark , Ben‐Elyiahu Yeshayahu , Moisy Philippe , Bettelheim Armand , Zilbermann Israel
Published: April 2021

Two new aqueous UIV complexes were synthesized by the interaction between the tetravalent uranium cation and the (1,4,7,10‐Tetraazacyclododecane‐1,4,7,10‐tetra(methylene phosphonic acid) (DOTP) macrocyclic ligand. Two distinct homonuclear complexes were identified; the first was characterized by X‐ray crystallography as a unique “out‐of‐cage”, [U(DOTPH6)2] complex, in which the UIV cation is octa‐coordinated to 4 phosphonic arms from each ligand in a square anti‐prism geometry, with a C4 symmetry. The second is the “in‐cage” [U(DOTPH4)] complex, in which the tetravalent cation is located between the macrocycle O4 and N4 planes. With the help of UV‐Vis absorption, 1H/31P NMR, ATR‐IR, and MALDI‐TOFMS analytical techniques, the chemical interchange between both species is presented. It is shown that the one‐way transition is governed by the formation of a multiple number of soluble oligomeric species consisting of varied stoichiometric ratios of both characterized homonuclear complexes.
Synthesis of Gold(I)−Trifluoromethyl Complexes and their Role in Generating Spectroscopic Evidence for a Gold(I)−Difluorocarbene Species
Authors: Vanden Broeck Sofie M. P. , Nelson David J. , Collado Alba , Falivene Laura , Cavallo Luigi , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Van Hecke Kristof , Nahra Fady , Cazin Catherine S. J. , Nolan Steven P.
Published: April 2021

Readily prepared and bench‐stable [Au(CF3)(NHC)] compounds were synthesized by using new methods, starting from [Au(OH)(NHC)], [Au(Cl)(NHC)] or [Au(L)(NHC)]HF2 precursors (NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbene). The mechanism of formation of these species was investigated. Consequently, a new and straightforward strategy for the mild and selective cleavage of a single carbon/fluorine bond from [Au(CF3)(NHC)] complexes was attempted and found to be reversible in the presence of an additional nucleophilic fluoride source. This straightforward technique has led to the unprecedented spectroscopic observation of a gold(I)−NHC difluorocarbene species.
Paramagnetic Solid‐State NMR to Localize the Metal‐Ion Cofactor in an Oligomeric DnaB Helicase
Authors: Zehnder Johannes , Cadalbert Riccardo , Terradot Laurent , Ernst Matthias , Böckmann Anja , Güntert Peter , Meier Beat H. , Wiegand Thomas
Published: April 2021

Paramagnetic metal ions can be inserted into ATP‐fueled motor proteins by exchanging the diamagnetic Mg2+ cofactor with Mn2+ or Co2+. Then, paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) or pseudo‐contact shifts (PCSs) can be measured to report on the localization of the metal ion within the protein. We determine the metal position in the oligomeric bacterial DnaB helicase from Helicobacter pylori complexed with the transition‐state ATP‐analogue ADP:AlF4− and single‐stranded DNA using solid‐state NMR and a structure‐calculation protocol employing CYANA. We discuss and compare the use of Mn2+ and Co2+ in localizing the ATP cofactor in large oligomeric protein assemblies. 31P PCSs induced in the Co2+‐containing sample are then used to localize the DNA phosphate groups on the Co2+ PCS tensor surface enabling structural insights into DNA binding to the DnaB helicase.
Blood pressure reduction and anti‐hypertensive treatment choice: A post‐hoc analysis of the SPRINT trial
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Gregson John , Böhm Michael , Rossignol Patrick , Zannad Faiez , Pocock Stuart J.
Published: April 2021

Background

Uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) increases the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. In SPRINT an intensive versus standard BP lowering strategy resulted in a lower rate of cardiovascular events and death. Whether BP reduction only or also the choice of anti‐hypertensive drugs is associated with outcomes remains to be elucidated.

Aims

We aim to study the association of BP and different anti‐hypertensive drugs with several cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods

Time‐updated Cox and mixed‐effects models. The primary outcome was a composite of first myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, heart failure, or cardiovascular death.

Results

A total of 9361 patients were included. The anti‐hypertensive agents most frequently used were ACEi/ARBs, with an almost 20% higher prescription rate in the intensive arm (80% vs. 61%), followed by thiazide‐type diuretics (65% vs. 42%), calcium‐channel blockers (57% vs. 39%), and beta‐blockers (52% vs. 26%). Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists were rarely used (≤7% of the observations). In multivariate analysis, the use of ACEi/ARBs, especially in combination with thiazides, were independently associated with a lower primary outcome event‐rate (HR [95%CI] 0.75 [0.61–0.92], p = .006), whereas a DBP <60 mmHg was independently associated with a higher event‐rate (HR [95%CI] 1.36 [1.07–1.71], p = .011). SBP <120 mmHg was associated with lower rate of cardiovascular and all‐cause death on intensive treatment but not on the standard arm (interaction p < .05 for both).

Conclusions

In SPRINT, an intensive therapy strategy achieving SBP <120 mmHg with a DBP ≥60 mmHg, and using ACEi/ARBs plus thiazides was associated with a lower event‐rate.
Nitrogen and Boron Co‐Doped Carbon Spheres for Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction
Authors: Cheng Chunfeng , Shao Jiaqi , Wei Pengfei , Song Yanpeng , Li Hefei , Gao Dunfeng , Wang Guoxiong
Published: April 2021

The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) powered by renewable electricity is a promising route to close the carbon cycle, but it suffers from low product selectivity and high overpotential. Here we develop nitrogen and boron co‐doped hollow carbon spheres (NB−CS) through the pyrolysis of a mixture comprising low‐molecular‐weight phenolic resols, melamine and boric acid. The optimized NB−CS catalyst presents high CO2RR performance and achieves a CO Faradaic efficiency of 95.1% at a low overpotential of 310 mV, superior to carbon spheres doped with nitrogen or boron alone. Structural and electrochemical characterizations indicate that the efficient CO2RR to CO over the NB−CS catalyst is likely ascribed to the unique graphitized architecture along with high conductivity, large surface area and high density of exposed N and B reactive sites. This work highlights opportunities to use cost‐effective and readily available carbon nanomaterials as efficient CO2RR catalysts.
Computational simulation of pacifier deformation and interaction with the palate
Authors: Lee Christopher L. , Costello Michael , Tesini David A.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

The objective of this study is to demonstrate that computational finite element models can be used to reliably simulate dynamic interaction between a pacifier, the palate, and the tongue during nonnutritive sucking (NNS). The interactions can be quantified by the results of finite element analyses which include deformation, strain, stress, contact force, and contact area.

Materials and Methods

A finite element model was created based upon CAD solid models of an infant pacifier and palate. The silicone pacifier bulb is represented by a hyperelastic constitutive law. Contact surfaces are defined between the pacifier and palate. A time and spatially varying pressure load is applied to the bulb representing peristaltic interaction with the tongue. A second time‐varying, periodic pressure representing NNS is applied to the model simultaneously. A large displacement, nonlinear transient dynamic analysis is run over two NNS cycles.

Results

Results from the finite element analysis show the deformed shape of the bulb with maximum principal elastic strain of 0.23 and a range of maximum principal stress on the palate from 0.60 MPa (tensile) to −0.27 MPa (compressive) over the NNS cycles. The areas of contact between the pacifier and the palate are shown in surface contour plots.

Conclusions

A nonlinear transient dynamic finite element model can simulate the mechanical behavior of a pacifier and its interaction with the tongue and contact with the palate subject to NNS. Quantitative results predicting deformation, strain, stress, contact force, and contact area can be used in comparative studies to provide insight on how pacifiers cause changes in dental, orthognathic, and facial development.
The function of LncRNAs and their role in the prediction, diagnosis, and prognosis of lung cancer
Authors: Chen Yu , Zitello Emory , Guo Rui , Deng Youping
Published: April 2021

Lung cancer remains a major threat to human health. Low dose CT scan (LDCT) has become the main method of early screening for lung cancer due to the low sensitivity of chest X‐ray. However, LDCT not only has a high false positive rate, but also entails risks of overdiagnosis and cumulative radiation exposure. In addition, cumulative radiation by LDCT screening and subsequent follow‐up can increase the risk of lung cancer. Many studies have shown that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) remain stable in blood, and profiling of blood has the advantages of being noninvasive, readily accessible and inexpensive. Serum or plasma assay of lncRNAs in blood can be used as a novel detection method to assist LDCT while improving the accuracy of early lung cancer screening. LncRNAs can participate in the regulation of various biological processes. A large number of researches have reported that lncRNAs are key regulators involved in the progression of human cancers through multiple action models. Especially, some lncRNAs can affect various hallmarks of lung cancer. In addition to their diagnostic value, lncRNAs also possess promising potential in other clinical applications toward lung cancer. LncRNAs can be used as predictive markers for chemosensitivity, radiosensitivity, and sensitivity to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐targeted therapy, and as well markers of prognosis. Different lncRNAs have been implicated to regulate chemosensitivity, radiosensitivity, and sensitivity to EGFR‐targeted therapy through diverse mechanisms. Although many challenges need to be addressed in the future, lncRNAs have bright prospects as an adjunct to radiographic methods in the clinical management of lung cancer.
Node placement optimization using particle swarm optimization and iterated local search algorithm in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Chelbi Slaheddine , Dhahri Habib , Bouaziz Rafik
Published: April 2021

Coverage and connectivity are the two most challenging issues in target‐based wireless sensor networks (WSNs). For that, node placement is one of the fundamental concerns that affect the performance of coverage and connectivity in WSN. This paper introduces a new approach by combining particle swarm optimization and iterated local search (PSO‐ILS) to have an optimum coverage and connectivity rate with the minimum number of nodes. In one side, to maintain the full coverage of targets, the PSO‐ILS is used to deploy the minimum number of sensor nodes. In other side, to achieve the full connectivity, the optimal position determination (OPD) algorithm was conceived to identify the optimal candidate positions which can be used by the PSO‐ILS to place the minimum number of relay nodes. The obtained results considered over a number of runs are compared with canonical PSO, differential evolution (DE), and genetic algorithms (GAs). The outcomes derived from this comprehensive analysis determine that PSO‐ILS provides an effectual improvement in contrary to the methods PSO, DE, and GA in terms of the selected potential positions to ensure full coverage of target points and the number of relay nodes required to achieve full connectivity.
Weather affects post‐fire recovery of sagebrush‐steppe communities and model transferability among sites
Authors: Applestein Cara , Caughlin T. Trevor , Germino Matthew J.
Published: April 2021

Altered climate, including weather extremes, can cause major shifts in vegetative recovery after disturbances. Predictive models that can identify the separate and combined temporal effects of disturbance and weather on plant communities and that are transferable among sites are needed to guide vulnerability assessments and management interventions. We asked how functional group abundance responded to time since fire and antecedent weather, if long‐term vegetation trajectories were better explained by initial post‐fire weather conditions or by general five‐year antecedent weather, and if weather effects helped predict post‐fire vegetation abundances at a new site. We parameterized models using a 30‐yr vegetation monitoring dataset from burned and unburned areas of the Orchard Training Area (OCTC) of southern Idaho, USA, and monthly PRISM data, and assessed model transferability on an independent dataset from the well‐sampled Soda wildfire area along the Idaho/Oregon border. Sagebrush density increased with lower mean air temperature of the coldest month and slightly increased with higher mean air temperature of the hottest month, and with higher maximum January–June precipitation. Perennial grass cover increased in relation to higher precipitation, measured annually in the first four years after fire and/or in September–November the year of fire. Annual grass increased in relation to higher March–May precipitation in the year after fire, but not with September–November precipitation in the year of fire. Initial post‐fire weather conditions explained 1% more variation in sagebrush density than recent antecedent 5‐yr weather did but did not explain additional variation in perennial or annual grass cover. Inclusion of weather variables increased transferability of models for predicting perennial and annual grass cover from the OCTC to the Soda wildfire regardless of the time period in which weather was considered. In contrast, inclusion of weather variables did not affect transferability of the forecasts of post‐fire sagebrush density from the OCTC to the Soda site. Although model transferability may be improved by including weather covariates when predicting post‐fire vegetation recovery, predictions may be surprisingly unaffected by the temporal windows in which coarse‐scale gridded weather data are considered.
Urinary N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide: prognostic value in patients with acute chest pain
Authors: Reynen Stefanie , Schlossbauer Michael , Hubauer Ute , Hupf Julian , Mohr Arno , Orso Evelyn , Zimmermann Markus , Luchner Andreas , Maier Lars S. , Wallner Stefan , Jungbauer Carsten G.
Published: April 2021

Aims

The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of urinary N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) compared with plasma NT‐proBNP in patients presenting with acute chest pain in the emergency department.

Methods and results

We measured simultaneously plasma and urinary NT‐proBNP at admission in 301 patients with acute chest pain. In our cohort, 174 patients suffered from acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A follow‐up (median of 55 months) was performed regarding the endpoints all‐cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events (mortality, congestive heart failure, ACS with the necessity of a coronary intervention, and stroke). Fifty‐four patients died during follow‐up; 98 suffered from the combined endpoint. A significant and positive correlation of urinary and plasma NT‐proBNP was found (r = 0.87, P < 0.05). Patients with troponin positive ACS had significantly elevated levels of plasma and urinary NT‐proBNP compared with those with unstable angina pectoris or chest wall syndrome (each P < 0.05). The highest levels of both biomarkers were found in patients with congestive heart failure (each P < 0.05). According to Kaplan–Meier analysis, plasma and urinary NT‐proBNP were significant predictors for mortality and the combined endpoint in the whole study cohort and in the subgroup of patients with ACS (each P < 0.05). Regarding Cox regression analysis, plasma and urinary NT‐proBNP were independent predictors for mortality and the combined endpoint (each P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Urinary NT‐proBNP seems to provide a significant predictive value regarding the endpoints all‐cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events in patients with acute chest pain and those with ACS.
Reactivity of Copper(I) Complexes Containing Ligands Derived from (1S,3R)‐Camphoric Acid with Dioxygen
Authors: Stöhr Fabian , Kulhanek Niclas , Becker Jonathan , Göttlich Richard , Schindler Siegfried
Published: April 2021

Amine derivatives prepared from camphoric acid were used as ligands for the synthesis of corresponding copper(I) complexes. Their reactivity towards dioxygen was analyzed. The formation of a short‐lived bis(μ‐oxido)copper complex was spectroscopically observed during the reaction of the copper(I) complex with (1R, 3S)‐N1,N1,N3,N3‐Tetramethyl‐1,2,2‐trimethylcyclopentane‐1,3‐diamine as a ligand. Furthermore, a regioselective demethylation of the ligand system was detected. Deuteration of the methyl groups of the ligand allowed crystallization and characterization of the bis(μ‐oxido)copper complex. Derivatives of the ligand with pyridine residues caused suppression of the reactivity of the corresponding copper(I) complexes towards dioxygen. Additionally, the ligand system could be modified for intramolecular oxygenation reactions with benzaldehyde that led to the formation of salicylaldehyde, a selective hydroxylation in ortho position.
Fluorophore Multimerization as an Efficient Approach towards Bright Protein Labels
Authors: Reiber Thorge , Zavoiura Oleksandr , Dose Christian , Yushchenko Dmytro A.
Published: April 2021

Cell analysis techniques like flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy are widely used to explore cells in real‐time and provide important insights into a variety of cellular processes. These techniques require bright and specific staining reagents to generate strong fluorescence signal and enable reliable read‐out, making the choice of fluorescent labels a key aspect of experimental design. Much research has been done in the field of fluorophore development to generate bright small‐molecule dyes, fluorescent proteins, and emitting nanoparticles. However, it remains challenging to modify biomolecules with multiple emitters and avoid self‐quenching of such fluorophores at the same time. Herein, we present advances in multimerization‐based methods for the generation of fluorescent labels with high brightness and discuss their advantages and limitations in the context of flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy applications.
The fit between dignity self‐construal and independent university norms: Effects on university belonging, well‐being, and academic success
Authors: Menkor Michèle , Nagengast Benjamin , Van Laar Colette , Sassenberg Kai
Published: April 2021

Universities struggle with students’ low well‐being and high dropout rates. High (compared to low) fit between students’ self‐construal and perceived university norms might help to prevent these problems. A strong dignity self‐construal (i.e., the understanding that one's worth is independent of others) is adaptive if university norms stress independence. The more a university norm is perceived as stressing independence, the better the fit for students with a strong (vs. weak) dignity self‐construal. Thus, if students with a strong dignity self‐construal perceive a university norm as stressing independence, they should develop a greater sense of belonging to the university and, in turn, experience higher well‐being, more motivation, and lower dropout intention. A longitudinal study with two measurement points conducted with students from 18 universities (N = 719) provided support for these predictions. This underlines the relevance of the fit between student and (perceived) school characteristics for the higher education sector.
Greenhouse gas balance and mitigation potential of agricultural systems in Colombia: A systematic analysis
Authors: Silva‐Parra Amanda , Trujillo‐González Juan Manuel , Brevik Eric C.
Published: April 2021

Agriculture is widely recognized as a source of considerable greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with opportunities for mitigation. The limited capacity to identify and collect reliable activity data and to quantify emissions by sources and removals by sinks needs to be addressed. One proposed solution is to adapt IPCC methodologies that include estimations of both CO2 emissions and carbon sequestration in agricultural systems, which were applied to Colombia at the farm level in this study. The aim of this work was to provide an assessment of GHG balances through these IPCC methodologies to identify potential GHG mitigation in sustainable agricultural systems used in Colombia that provide acceptable GHG trade‐offs to the atmosphere. Agroforestry systems made the largest contribution to this mitigation potential because of the potential to sequester carbon in both soil and biomass, giving a negative GHG emission to the atmosphere. GHG balance analysis at the Colombian farm level indicated that conventional agriculture with pastures of Pennisetum clandestinum in rotation with potatoes (PRP) in the Andean zone of Nariño (Colombia) is a large emitter of GHG with 9.1 ton CO2eq ha−1 year−1. On the other hand, in livestock systems in the Andean zone (Antioquia), intensive silvopastoral systems with 500 Eucalyptus tereticornis trees ha−1 (SSPi) on pastures is a great neutralizer of GHG emissions, accounting for −26.6 t CO2eq ha−1 year−1. Agroforestry systems play a leading role, as crop rotation and improved pastures can represent a GHG mitigation opportunity for sustainable agricultural production at the farm level in Colombia. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) in a hydroponics system using brackish water at low cost*
Authors: Bashabsheh Khaled , Al‐Tabbal Jalal , Bani‐hani Nabeel , Qrunfleh Issam , Haddad Moawiya , Al‐Einein Suha Abu
Published: April 2021

Reuse of brackish water from desalination units in agriculture will reduce the environmental impacts resulting from disposal in the soil and groundwater, thus reflecting positively in reducing costs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of reusing brackish water from a small water desalination unit as amended to morphology and productivity of salvia plants during the three growing seasons of 2014–2016. Brackish water from desalination treatment plants was used in hydroponic systems with three concentrations (10, 25 and 50 mM). Growth parameters (number of branches per plant, plant height (cm) and herbage yield weights (g m‾2)) and ion concentration percentage in the herbage of sage (Salvia officinalis L.) during three growing seasons 2014–2016 were measured. Results revealed that lateral branches per plant, plant height and dry weight of herbage were negatively affected by brackish water and decreased by 6, 8 and 10%, respectively, compared to control. In addition, the concentration of ions in herbage decreased by 35 and 20% for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, respectively. We conclude from this study that irrigating sage plants using rejected water from desalination plant units leads to a decrease in morphological characteristics compared to non‐saline water, but as an economic option this type of water can be used in agriculture to reduce the environmental impacts of disposal of this water.
The 14‐day repeated‐dose toxicity studies of a fixed‐dose combination, QXOH/levobupivacaine, via subcutaneous injection in mice
Authors: Gao Peiwen , Zhang Yujun , Deng Chaoyi , Gong Deying , Kang Yi , Liu Jin , Zhang Wensheng
Published: April 2021

QXOH‐LB, a fixed‐dose combination (35 mM QXOH and 10 mM levobupivacaine) has been shown to induce a long duration of local anesthesia in animal efficacy testing, which indicates potential for postoperative pain management. In this study, we evaluated the potential toxicity of QXOH‐LB in NIH mice under the Guidance on the repeated‐dose toxicity published by the China Food and Drug Administration. Mice (n = 30 per sex per group) were subcutaneously injected 5, 10, 20 mg/kg QXOH‐LB, 5, 10, 20 mg/kg QXOH, and 5 mg/kg levobupivacaine (LB) once a day for 14 days with sacrifice of main study animals; remaining mice (n = 10 per sex per group) were monitored for an additional 4‐week recovery period. Mice in the 10 and 20 mg/kg QXOH, and 20 mg/kg QXOH‐LB died, which was considered due to excessive respiratory inhibition. The doses of 10 mg/kg QXOH‐LB and 5 mg/kg QXOH were well tolerated without any clinical signs of toxicity. Therefore, the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL) of QXOH‐LB and QXOH was considered to be 10 and 5 mg/kg/day, respectively. In the dose range from 5 to 20 mg/kg, the exposure of QXOH and LB in QXOH‐LB was equal to each agent used alone at the same dose in NIH mice. There was no gender difference on exposure and no evidence of accumulation.
Comparing impulsivity in borderline personality, schizophrenia and obsessional‐compulsive disorders: Who is ahead?
Authors: Martin Sylvia , Graziani Pierluigi , Del‐Monte Jonathan
Published: April 2021

Objective

Impulsivity impacts life domains and in a psychiatric context is often associated with disorders severity and stigmatization. Borderline personality disorder's (BPD), Schizophrenic disorder's (SZD), and obsessional compulsive disorder's (OCD) impulsivity issues relate to worse prognosis. This study aims to compare these disorders assessing their proneness to impulsivity and urgency.

Methods

We recruited 90 patients among them OCD (n = 25), SZD (n = 23), and BPD (n = 50), and 24 healthy control participants (HC). We assessed the diagnosis according and measured the impulsivity level.

Results

Our results showed that BPD was significantly more impulsive than HC, SZD, and OCD. HC, SZD, and OCD being equivalent on their global Urgency‐Premeditation‐Perseverance‐Sensation seeking scores. For urgency, BPD was also superior to others, OCD was superior to HC, but SZD and HC were equivalent. The urgency was correlated to SZD's scale for SZD, no link appeared between borderline personality questionnaire and Yale‐Brown Obsessive‐Compulsive Scale's score.

Conclusion

These results question the existent literature relating impulsivity and SZD.
Effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy skills training group for adults with borderline personality disorder
Authors: Heerebrand Sharon L. , Bray Jemma , Ulbrich Christine , Roberts Rachel M. , Edwards Suzanne
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training Group (DBT‐ST) component of DBT.

Method

Participants (N = 114) attended an 18–20‐week DBT‐ST. The study utilized a quasi‐experimental design with a within‐persons control group for a measure of borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms (at referral), and emergency department (ED) presentations, and psychiatric bed‐days (both assessed for 6 months pre‐ and post‐intervention). Primary outcomes were the number of BPD symptoms, psychological distress, depression, rate of ED presentations, and psychiatric inpatient bed‐days.

Results

After completing DBT‐ST, participants had reduced BPD symptoms, psychological distress, and depression (p < 0.001). The waitlist control group showed no improvement in BPD symptoms (p = 0.085). The rate of ED presentations was reduced (p = 0.001). There was no reduction in psychiatric inpatient bed‐days (p = 0.160), likely due to insufficient power.

Conclusions

DBT‐ST participation in addition to treatment‐as‐usual is an effective treatment for people with BPD.
Awakening to recognize the detrimental effects of social avoidance and the possibility of healing through reconnection
Authors: Simonsen Sebastian , Bo Sune
Published: April 2021

Background

Loneliness and social avoidance are widespread and serious mental health problems. People experiencing loneliness or social avoidance have difficulties maintaining ordinary life activities and often experience profound suffering. How do we as clinicians deal with or help people out of loneliness and social avoidance?

Aims

In this paper, we introduce the issue on loneliness and social avoidance. We do so by first defining loneliness and social avoidance and outlining the impact on mental health issues of these phenomena. Next, we introduce the six papers central to the special issue along with some thoughts on how to understand therapy and treatment of social avoidance.

Discussion

We discuss new directions and how to move beyond more conventional therapeutic approaches to these problems.
You are not in the army now! A field study on the impact of a Preparation for Civilian Life program on young soldiers
Authors: Lavie Merav , Lahav Eyal , Shavit Tal
Published: April 2021

Recent years have seen the implementation of educational programs aimed at developing future orientation and better employability skills, mostly for people new to or returning to the job market. In a field study, we investigated the impact of a 5‐day program on reintegration to civilian life on young Israeli combat soldiers' time preferences, gratitude, patriotism, and perceptions of their combat experience. Questionnaires administered before and after the program revealed a positive effect on future orientation but a negative effect on gratitude and perceptions of the combat experience. Although the positive effect on future orientation is in line with the program design, the negative effects found should be taken into consideration when planning or improving similar educational programs.
Pharmacokinetics of Asfotase Alfa in Adult Patients With Pediatric‐Onset Hypophosphatasia
Authors: Pan Wei‐Jian , Pradhan Rajendra , Pelto Ryan , Seefried Lothar
Published: April 2021

Hypophosphatasia is a rare metabolic disease resulting from variant(s) in the gene‐encoding tissue‐nonspecific isozyme of alkaline phosphatase. In this 13‐week, phase 2a, multicenter, randomized, open‐label, dose‐response study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02797821), the pharmacokinetics of asfotase alfa, an enzyme replacement therapy approved for the treatment of hypophosphatasia, was assessed in adult patients with pediatric‐onset hypophosphatasia. In total, 27 adults were randomly assigned 1:1:1 to a single subcutaneous dose of asfotase alfa (0.5, 2.0, or 3.0 mg/kg) during week 1. From week 3 to week 9, patients received 0.5, 2.0, or 3.0 mg/kg subcutaneously 3 times per week (equivalent to 1.5, 6.0, or 9.0 mg/kg/wk, respectively). Noncompartmental analysis revealed exposure (maximum concentration in the dosing interval and area under the concentration‐time curve from time 0 to infinity) to asfotase alfa increased between single‐ and multiple‐dose administration and with increasing doses; however, extensive interindividual variability was observed in the concentration‐time profiles within each dose cohort. Median terminal elimination half‐life was ≈5 days following multiple‐dose administration, with steady state achieved by approximately day 29. Dose‐normalized exposure data indicated that asfotase alfa activity was approximately dose‐proportional within the studied dose range. Additionally, dose‐normalized exposure was comparable across body mass index categories of <25, ≥25 to <30, and ≥30 kg/m2, indicating that asfotase alfa dosing bioavailability was consistent in these patients, including those who were obese. These data, together with previously published pharmacodynamic results in this study population, support the use of asfotase alfa at the recommended dose of 6 mg/kg/wk in adults with pediatric‐onset hypophosphatasia.
Understanding disparities in viral suppression among Black MSM living with HIV in Atlanta Georgia
Authors: Sullivan Patrick S , Knox Justin , Jones Jeb , Taussig Jennifer , Valentine Graves Mariah , Millett Greg , Luisi Nicole , Hall Eric , Sanchez Travis H , Del Rio Carlos , Kelley Colleen , Rosenberg Eli S , Guest Jodie L
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Due to factors associated with structural racism, Black men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV are less likely to be virally suppressed compared to white MSM. Most of these data come from clinical cohorts and modifiable reasons for these racial disparities need to be defined in order to intervene on these inequities. Therefore, we examined factors associated with racial disparities in baseline viral suppression in a community‐based cohort of Black and white MSM living with HIV in Atlanta, GA.

Methods

We conducted an observational cohort of Black and white MSM living with HIV infection in Atlanta. Enrolment occurred from June 2016 to June 2017 and men were followed for 24 months; laboratory and behavioural survey data were collected at 12 and 24 months after enrolment. Explanatory factors for racial disparities in viral suppression included sociodemographics and psychosocial variables. Poisson regression models with robust error variance were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) for Black/white differences in viral suppression. Factors that diminished the PR for race by ≥5% were considered to meaningfully attenuate the racial disparity and were included in a multivariable model.

Results

Overall, 26% (104/398) of participants were not virally suppressed at baseline. Lack of viral suppression was significantly more prevalent among Black MSM (33%; 69/206) than white MSM (19%; 36/192) (crude Prevalence Ratio (PR) = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.1 to 2.5). The age‐adjusted Black/white PR was diminished by controlling for: ART coverage (12% decrease), housing stability (7%), higher income (6%) and marijuana use (6%). In a multivariable model, these factors cumulatively mitigated the PR for race by 21% (adjusted PR = 1.1 [95% CI: 0.8 to 1.6]).

Conclusions

Relative to white MSM, Black MSM living with HIV in Atlanta were less likely to be virally suppressed. This disparity was explained by several factors, many of which should be targeted for structural, policy and individual‐level interventions to reduce racial disparities.
The impact of disruptions due to COVID‐19 on HIV transmission and control among men who have sex with men in China
Authors: Booton Ross D , Fu Gengfeng , MacGregor Louis , Li Jianjun , Ong Jason J , Tucker Joseph D , Turner Katherine ME , Tang Weiming , Vickerman Peter , Mitchell Kate M
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic is impacting HIV care globally, with gaps in HIV treatment expected to increase HIV transmission and HIV‐related mortality. We estimated how COVID‐19‐related disruptions could impact HIV transmission and mortality among men who have sex with men (MSM) in four cities in China, over a one‐ and five‐year time horizon.

Methods

Regional data from China indicated that the number of MSM undergoing facility‐based HIV testing reduced by 59% during the COVID‐19 pandemic, alongside reductions in ART initiation (34%), numbers of all sexual partners (62%) and consistency of condom use (25%), but initial data indicated no change in viral suppression. A mathematical model of HIV transmission/treatment among MSM was used to estimate the impact of disruptions on HIV infections/HIV‐related deaths. Disruption scenarios were assessed for their individual and combined impact over one and five years for 3/4/6‐month disruption periods, starting from 1 January 2020.

Results

Our model predicted new HIV infections and HIV‐related deaths would be increased most by disruptions to viral suppression, with 25% reductions (25% virally suppressed MSM stop taking ART) for a three‐month period increasing HIV infections by 5% to 14% over one year and deaths by 7% to 12%. Observed reductions in condom use increased HIV infections by 5% to 14% but had minimal impact (<1%) on deaths. Smaller impacts on infections and deaths (<3%) were seen for disruptions to facility HIV testing and ART initiation, but reduced partner numbers resulted in 11% to 23% fewer infections and 0.4% to 1.0% fewer deaths. Longer disruption periods (4/6 months) amplified the impact of disruption scenarios. When realistic disruptions were modelled simultaneously, an overall decrease in new HIV infections occurred over one year (3% to 17%), but not for five years (1% increase to 4% decrease), whereas deaths mostly increased over one year (1% to 2%) and five years (1.2 increase to 0.3 decrease).

Conclusions

The overall impact of COVID‐19 on new HIV infections and HIV‐related deaths is dependent on the nature, scale and length of the various disruptions. Resources should be directed to ensuring levels of viral suppression and condom use are maintained to mitigate any adverse effects of COVID‐19‐related disruption on HIV transmission and control among MSM in China.
Non‐life‐threatening adverse effects with COVID‐19 mRNA‐1273 vaccine: A randomized, cross‐sectional study on healthcare workers with detailed self‐reported symptoms
Authors: Kadali Renuka Ananth Kalyan , Janagama Ravali , Peruru Sharanya , Gajula Viswanath , Madathala Rajasekhar R. , Chennaiahgari Nikhita , Malayala Srikrishna V.
Published: April 2021

There are concerns regarding the side effects of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) mRNA‐1273 vaccine among healthcare workers (HCWs) in the United States. The objective of the study was to investigate the side effects of the mRNA‐1273 vaccine with detailed review of organ systems. A randomized, cross‐sectional study using an independent online survey questionnaire was conducted to collect responses from HCWs. Of all participants, 87.8% (1116/1271) provided complete responses. Of them, 38.7% (432/1116) received the mRNA‐1273 vaccine, among which, 89.35% were females; 425 of these 432 mRNA‐1273 vaccine recipients (98.34%) reported at least one or more symptoms. The results were classified based on the frequency of symptoms reported postvaccination. Of these, 254/432 (58.8%) were able to continue their daily routine activities. 108/432 (25%) temporarily had trouble to perform daily activities, 120/432 (27.78%) required transient time off from work, 17/432 (3.94%) required help from an outpatient provider, 1/432 (0.23%) required help from emergency department, and none of them were hospitalized. Despite the wide array of self‐reported symptoms, 97.02% of the HCWs did not intend to skip the second dose of vaccine. Among all the symptoms reported, localized pain, generalized weakness, headache, myalgia, chills, fever, nausea, joint pains, sweating, localized swelling at the injection site, dizziness, itching, rash, decreased appetite, muscle spasm, decreased sleep quality, and brain fogging were the most commonly reported symptoms (in descending order of occurrence). Most of the symptoms reported were nonlife threatening. Despite the wide array of self‐reported symptoms, there appears to be a higher acceptance for this vaccine.
Postglacial anthropogenic fires related to cultural changes in central Japan, inferred from sedimentary charcoal records spanning glacial–interglacial cycles
Authors: Inoue Jun , Okuyama Chikako , Hayashi Ryoma , Inouchi Yoshio
Published: April 2021

We examined long‐term charcoal records spanning the glacial–interglacial cycles that are evident in two cores collected from Lake Biwa in central Japan. We found that the records of the two cores have a similar long‐term variation pattern of charcoal concentrations and abundant large charcoal fragments in postglacial sediments, which indicates that frequent fires occurred near the shores of Lake Biwa during the postglacial period. Analogous natural conditions in the early postglacial period and the early part of the last interglacial period strongly suggest that the frequent fires that occurred only during the postglacial period were anthropogenic. A comparison between the charcoal records of Lake Biwa sediments and the cultural changes and human populations in this district suggests that anthropogenic fires in this district were influenced by the lifestyle and culture of each era rather than by the populations. Humans tended to use more fire at the start of the settlement during the early Neolithic era in this region, in spite of the small population size.
Obsidian from the northern sector of the Main Ethiopian Rift: implications for archeology
Authors: Negash Agazi , Alene Mulugeta , Asrat Asfawossen , Nash Barbara
Published: April 2021

Obsidian is abundant in the Main Ethiopian Rift (MER). Petrological and geochemical features of obsidian from four volcanic centers in the MER, namely Birenti, Dofen, Fentale and Kone, are presented. Compositional and petrological variability is noted among the Dofen and Fentale obsidian, but not in those from Kone and Birenti where each have separate but uniform elemental composition. The Fentale and Kone obsidian were source materials for the artifacts of a number of Middle Stone Age and Later Stone Age/Neolithic sites in the region. We have yet to determine whether Dofen and Birenti were sources for archeological artifacts. The study also shows that volcanic episodes from a single center do not necessarily result in compositional variability.
Iron Binding in an Ethylenediaminetetracetic Acid‐Based Gemini Surfactant Monolayer Film
Authors: Sowah‐Kuma David , Rehman Jeveria , Yeboah Alfred , Bu Wei , Yan Ci , Paige Matthew F.
Published: April 2021

The ability of Fe3+ to bind to Langmuir monolayers of an N, N, N′, N′‐dialkyl‐N, N′‐diacetate ethylenediamine gemini surfactant has been explored. Fe3+ in the subphase resulted in the formation of compacted, liquid‐phase monolayers with a mesh‐like morphology at the micron length scale in comparison with expanded, unstructured liquid‐phase monolayers in the absence of iron. The response of the monolayer to subphase Fe3+ was different from that reported for Na+ and Ca2+ for an affiliated, shorter‐tail gemini surfactant. Combined surface potential and X‐ray reflectivity measurements indicated that Fe3+ induced minor conformational changes in the monolayer, suggesting ionic association with the head group. Direct evidence for the binding of iron was provided by total reflection X‐ray fluorescence measurements, which revealed that multiple ions were associated with each head group as opposed to chelating with 1:1 stoichiometry as observed with bulk ethylenediaminetetracetic acid. Cumulative data suggest the adsorption of Fex(OH)y(3x−y)+ complexes with the monolayer surface as has been reported with other charged and uncharged monolayers.