bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and hydrophobicity modification of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) membranes for pervaporation separation of volatile organic compound from water
Authors: Miranmousavi Haniyeh Sadat , Saljoughi Ehsan , Mousavi Seyed Mahmoud , Kiani Shirin
Published: June 2021

In this study, novel nanocomposite membranes were fabricated for the removal of isopropyl benzene, a volatile organic compound (VOC), from water via pervaporation (PV). The membranes were made of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) copolymer. In order to improve the hydrophobic properties of the membranes, hydrophobic silica nanoparticles that had been surface modified by hexamethyldisilazane were used as the nanofiller in the PV membranes, for the first time. Incorporating hydrophobic silica nanoparticles into PVDF‐HFP and increasing its concentration up to 9 wt% enhanced membrane hydrophobicity. Evaluation of membrane performance in VOC separation from water showed that the membrane containing 9 wt% of silica had the highest VOC separation factor, so that the values of total flux, separation factor, and PV separation index (PSI) were 3.77 g/m2/h; 42,483.81; and 158,788.50 g/m2/h for this membrane, respectively. The separation factor and PSI value of the mentioned membrane were almost 204 and 5 times higher than that of the neat PVDF‐HFP membrane.
Development and validation of case‐finding algorithms to identify prosthetic joint infections after total knee arthroplasty in Veterans Health Administration data
Authors: Weinstein Erica J. , Stephens‐Shields Alisa , Loabile Bogadi , Yuh Tiffany , Silibovsky Randi , Nelson Charles L. , O'Donnell Judith A. , Hsieh Evelyn , Hanberg Jennifer S. , Akgün Kathleen M. , Tate Janet P. , Lo Re Vincent
Published: June 2021

Purpose

To determine the positive predictive values (PPVs) of ICD‐9, ICD‐10, and current procedural terminology (CPT)‐based diagnostic coding algorithms to identify prosthetic joint infection (PJI) following knee arthroplasty (TKA) within the United States Veterans Health Administration.

Methods

We identified patients with: (1) hospital discharge ICD‐9 or ICD‐10 diagnosis of PJI, (2) ICD‐9, ICD‐10, or CPT procedure code for TKA prior to PJI diagnosis, (3) CPT code for knee X‐ray within ±90 days of the PJI diagnosis, and (4) at least 1 CPT code for arthrocentesis, arthrotomy, blood culture, or microbiologic procedure within ±90 days of the PJI diagnosis date. Separate samples of patients identified with the ICD‐9 and ICD‐10‐based PJI diagnoses were obtained, stratified by TKA procedure volume at each medical center. Medical records of sampled patients were reviewed by infectious disease clinicians to adjudicate PJI events. The PPV (95% confidence interval [CI]) for the ICD‐9 and ICD‐10 PJI algorithms were calculated.

Results

Among a sample of 80 patients meeting the ICD‐9 PJI algorithm, 60 (PPV 75.0%, [CI 64.1%–84.0%]) had confirmed PJI. Among 80 patients who met the ICD‐10 PJI algorithm, 68 (PPV 85.0%, [CI 75.3%–92.0%]) had a confirmed diagnosis.

Conclusions

An algorithm consisting of an ICD‐9 or ICD‐10 PJI diagnosis following a TKA code combined with CPT codes for a knee X‐ray and either a relevant surgical procedure or microbiologic culture yielded a PPV of 75.0% (ICD‐9) and 85.0% (ICD‐10), for confirmed PJI events and could be considered for use in future pharmacoepidemiologic studies.
Treatment of patients with serious infections due to carbapenem‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii: How viable are the current options?
Authors: O'Donnell J. Nicholas , Putra Vibert , Lodise Thomas P.
Published: June 2021

This review critically appraises the published microbiologic and clinical data on the treatment of patients with carbapenem‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections. Despite being recognized as an urgent threat pathogen by the CDC and WHO, optimal treatment of patients with serious CRAB infections remains ill‐defined. Few commercially available agents exhibit reliable in vitro activity against CRAB. Historically, polymyxins have been the most active agents in vitro, though interpretations of susceptibility data are difficult given issues surrounding MIC testing methodologies and lack of correlation between MICs and clinical outcomes. Most available preclinical and clinical data involve use of polymyxins, tetracyclines, and sulbactam, alone and in combination. As the number of viable treatment options is limited, combination therapy with a polymyxin is often used for patients with CRAB infections, despite the significant risk of nephrotoxicity. However, no treatment regimen has been found to reduce mortality, which exceeds 40% across most studies, or substantially improve clinical response. While some newer agents, such as eravacycline and cefiderocol, have demonstrated in vitro activity, clinical efficacy has not been fully established. New agents with clinically relevant activity against CRAB isolates and favorable toxicity profiles are sorely needed.
The association between urate‐lowering therapies and treatment‐related adverse events, liver damage, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE): A network meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Zhang Siliang , Xie Qiming , Xie Shuqing , Chen Jianwei , Deng Qingyue , Zhong Ling , Guo Jing , Yu Yuan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Hyperuricemia is a common disease that may lead to gout, renal damage, and cardiovascular events. Oral medication is the main treatment for hyperuricemia patients when lifestyle intervention fails. An evaluation of the safety of various urate‐lowering therapies (ULTs) is integral to clinical decision‐making. We constructed a network meta‐analysis (NMA) to evaluate the safety of oral ULTs.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to April 1, 2021, for randomized controlled trials that examined the safety of ULTs. The language restriction was English. The three outcomes used to assess the safety of uric acid lowering medications were treatment‐related adverse events, liver damage, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Results

Thirty‐two trials enrolling 23,868 individuals were included in the study. In terms of treatment‐related adverse events, there were no statistically significant differences between five uric acid lowering medications and placebo: allopurinol (risk ratio (RR): 1.08; 95% credible interval (CrI): 0.91, 1.29), febuxostat (RR: 1.05; 95% CrI: 0.89, 1.25), lesinurad (RR: 1.19; 95% CrI: 0.85, 1.67), lesinurad combined with xanthine oxidase inhibitor (XOI, RR: 1.05; 95% CrI: 0.83, 1.32), and topiroxostat (RR: 1.01; 95% CrI: 0.83, 1.23). Topiroxostat likely increases risk of liver damage (RR: 2.65; 95%CI: 1.24, 5.70; NNH: 33.40) as compared with placebo. With regard to MACE, there were no statistically significant differences between three uric acid lowering medications and placebo: allopurinol (RR: 0.63; 95% CrI: 0.36, 1.34), febuxostat (RR: 0.69; 95% CrI: 0.38, 1.66), and lesinurad combined with XOI (RR: 0.56; 95% CrI: 0.23, 1.85). The rankings of different interventions were depicted by cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA).

Conclusions

Through NMA, we provide some evidence for the safety of ULTs. We found no statistically significant differences in their effects on treatment‐related adverse events and MACE. However, topiroxostat likely increases the risk of liver damage.
Effectiveness of sacubitril/valsartan versus aldosterone antagonists in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Riaz Munaza , Smith Steven M. , Dietrich Eric A. , Pepine Carl J. , Park Haesuk
Published: June 2021

Study Objective

To assess the effectiveness of sacubitril/valsartan versus angiotensin receptor antagonist therapy for prevention of heart failure (HF)‐related hospitalization and all‐cause hospitalization in a large cohort of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Data Source

IBM® MarketScan® research databases (2014–2018).

Patients

Patients aged 18 years or older with their first HFrEF hospitalization on or after January 1, 2015, who initiated sacubitril/valsartan or angiotensin receptor antagonist after hospital discharge.

Intervention

Sacubitril/Valsartan versus Angiotensin receptor antagonist.

Measurements and Main Results

The index date was the first sacubitril/valsartan or angiotensin receptor antagonist fill date. After 1 up to 3 propensity score matching, Cox proportional hazards regression was used with robust variance estimators to compare HF‐related and all‐cause hospitalizations between treatments. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the main analysis. After propensity score matching, 1,088 sacubitril/valsartan and 2,839 angiotensin receptor antagonist new users were included. The crude incidence of HF‐related hospitalization was 13 per 100 person‐years for sacubitril/valsartan users and 18 per 100 person‐years for angiotensin receptor antagonist users. Compared with angiotensin receptor antagonist use, sacubitril/valsartan use was associated with 27% lower risk of HF‐related hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.58–0.91; p = 0.006) and 31% lower risk of all‐cause hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.61–0.79; p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed no significant heterogeneity, including subpopulations with chronic kidney disease or coronary artery disease.

Conclusions

Compared with angiotensin receptor antagonists, sacubitril/valsartan was associated with lower risk of HF‐related and all‐cause hospitalizations. Our data suggest that, when added sequentially, sacubitril/valsartan should be the preferred initial agent over angiotensin receptor antagonists.
Four‐Dimensional Gravity on a Covariant Noncommutative Space (II)
Authors: Manolakos G. , Manousselis P. , Zoupanos G.
Published: June 2021

Based on the construction of the 4‐dim noncommutative gravity model described in our previous work, first, a more extended description of the covariant noncommutative space (fuzzy 4‐dim de Sitter space), which accommodates the gravity model, is presented and then the corresponding field equations, which are obtained after variation of the previously proposed action, are extracted. Also, a spontaneous breaking of the initial symmetry is performed, this time induced by the introduction of an auxiliary scalar field, and its implications in the reduced theory, which is produced after considering the commutative limit, are examined.
Tanshinone IIA alleviates acute ethanol‐induced myocardial apoptosis mainly through inhibiting the expression of PDCD4 and activating the PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Deng Hanyu , Yu Bo , Li Yang
Published: June 2021

Myocardial apoptosis contributes to acute ethanol‐induced cardiac injury. Improving immoderate apoptosis has become the potential therapeutic strategy for acute ethanol‐induced heart damage. Previous studies reported that Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA), a key ingredient extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, performed an anti‐apoptotic role against acute ethanol‐related cell damage. In this study, we investigated whether Tan IIA protected the acute ethanol‐induced cardiac damage in vivo and in vitro. C57BL/6 mice were treated with acute ethanol and then treated with Tan IIA. The results showed that Tan IIA significantly improved heart function and blocked myocardial apoptosis. Acute ethanol exposure induced H9C2 cells apoptosis. Treatment with Tan IIA abrogated acute ethanol‐induced H9C2 cells apoptosis. Mechanistically, Tan IIA inhibited apoptosis by downregulating the programmed cell death protein 4 (PDCD4) expression and activating the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway. Furthermore, PDCD4 overexpression abrogated Tan IIA‐mediated anti‐apoptotic role and activation on the PI3K/Akt pathway. Interestingly, the PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) application significantly attenuated the main protective effects of Tan IIA. In conclusion, Tan IIA improves acute ethanol‐induced myocardial apoptosis mainly through regulating the PDCD4 expression and activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. We provide evidence that Tan IIA is a new treatment approach for acute ethanol‐induced heart damage.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Anticancer Activity of Pyrazolone Appended Triarylmethanes (TRAMs)
Authors: Kshatriya Rajpratap , Shelke Premchand , Mali Suraj , Yashwantrao Gauravi , Pratap Amit , Saha Satyajit
Published: June 2021

The present work describes the design, synthesis, and evaluation of the anticancer properties of pyrazolone ring appended triarylmethanes by the condensation of diarylmethanols with pyrazolone in presence of a catalytic amount of p‐TSA catalyst. The use of an inexpensive catalyst and accessing the desired product in good yields within a short span are the merits associated with this protocol. Furthermore, the in‐silico, as well as in‐vitro analysis and molecular docking of the designed molecules, were performed followed by their anticancer activity evaluation against cancer cell lines like MCF7, MDA‐MB‐231, HeLa, and DU‐145. Few of the synthesized molecules demonstrated significant anticancer activity and could provide a new direction in the development of anti‐cancer molecules.
Reaction of Aroylpyrrolobenzothiazinetriones with Electron‐Rich Dienophiles
Authors: Khramtsova Ekaterina E. , Lystsova Ekaterina A. , Dmitriev Maksim V. , Maslivets Andrey N. , Jasiński Radomir
Published: June 2021

The development of synthetic protocols to small molecules with a complex 3D shape is a relevant problem for modern chemists because such molecules are required by drug discovery. The Diels‐Alder reaction is a good synthetic approach to complex three‐dimensional structures. In the present paper, a reaction of aroylpyrrolobenzothiazinetriones (oxa‐dienes) with electron‐rich dienophiles is investigated in order to reach novel alkaloid‐like pyrano[4,3‐b]pyrroles fused to a 1,4‐benzothiazine‐2‐one moiety. The studied reaction was found to proceed highly regioselectively. Its stereoselectivity was dramatically dependent on the reaction solvent. The experimental results are supplemented with computational studies, which demonstrate that the studied reaction proceeds via a one‐step polar mechanism. In addition, an improved synthesis of alkaloid‐like pentacyclic 6/6/5/6/5‐ and 6/6/5/6/6‐angularly fused pyrano[4,3‐b]pyrroles via an acid‐catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of Michael adducts to hetero‐Diels‐Alder cycloadducts was discovered. The synthesized alkaloid‐like heterocycles represent an interest to pharmaceutics, since their close analogs show significant antiviral activity.
Corporate directors' implicit theories of the roles and duties of boards
Authors: Boivie Steven , Withers Michael C. , Graffin Scott D. , Corley Kevin G.
Published: June 2021

Research summary

The question of what boards do, or should do, has remained a central focus in governance research. Much of this research is based on explicit theories or empirical models that impose assumed behaviors onto boards—such as monitoring—that are thought to define their roles and duties. While these explicit perspectives have offered critical insights, we suggest it is time to consider directors' implicit beliefs of their roles and duties to understand their perspective of the board's overall role. We use a grounded theory approach to develop theoretical insights about directors' implicit views of their roles and duties. We integrate information learned from extensive interviews with active directors and executives and find that directors view themselves as strategic partners with their firms' executives.

Managerial summary

How do directors view their work on their boards? This remains a critical question for corporate governance researchers and practitioners alike. To help answer this question, we conducted extensive interviews with current directors and executives. Our analysis of these interviews suggests that directors view their CEOs as generally acting in the best interests of their firms. In turn, directors consider strategically collaborating with their CEOs as critical to their board service. Recognizing the unique perspectives that directors bring to the boardroom has important implications for governance practices directed toward ensuring overall board effectiveness.
Core–Shell MOF‐in‐MOF Nanopore Bifunctional Host of Electrolyte for High‐Performance Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Abdelmaoula Ahmed Eissa , Shu Jun , Cheng Yu , Xu Lin , Zhang Gang , Xia Yangyang , Tahir Muhammad , Wu Peijie , Mai Liqiang
Published: June 2021

Solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries with high safety are the encouraging next‐generation rechargeable electrochemical energy storage devices. Yet, low Li+ conductivity of solid electrolyte and instability of solid–solid interface are the key issues hampering the practicability of the solid electrolyte. In this research, core–shell MOF‐in‐MOF nanopores UIO‐66@67 are proposed as a unique bifunctional host of ionic liquid (IL) to fabricate core–shell ionic liquid–solid electrolyte (CSIL). In the current design of CSIL, the shell structure (UIO‐67) has a large pore size and a high specific surface area, boosting the absorption amount of ionic liquid electrolyte, thus increasing the ionic conductivity. Nevertheless, the core structure (UIO‐66) has a small pore size compared to the ionic liquid, which can confine the large ions, decreasing their mobility, and selectively boost the transport of Li+. The CSIL solid electrolyte exhibits considerable enhancement in the lithium transference number (tLi+) and ionic conductivity compared to the homogenous porous host (pure UIO‐66 and UIO‐67). Additionally, the Li|CSIL|Li symmetric batteries maintain a stable polarization of less than 28 mV for more than 1000 h at 1000 µA cm−2. Overall, the results demonstrate the concept of core–shell MOF‐in‐MOF nanopores as a promising bifunctional host of electrolytes for solid‐state or quasi‐solid‐state rechargeable batteries.
Anchorage and lap capacity of square twisted reinforcement for assessment of existing structures
Authors: Cairns John , Feldman Lisa , Palmisano Fabrizio
Published: June 2021

Although square twisted section reinforcement is no longer used in new construction, there remain many older structures still in service that were built with such bars. The increasing need for assessment of existing construction means there remains a continuing need for information on performance over older types of reinforcement. Research into plain surface bars essentially ceased when ribbed bars became the norm, and plain bars have consequently been bypassed in developments in understanding of bond since 1960. The basis through which margins of safety are introduced for design has also changed as formal methods for analysis of reliability have developed. An analysis of test data on bond of square twisted bars, also termed Type 1 deformed or Ransome type bars is presented, and a new semi‐empirical formulation for anchorage capacity of straight square twisted bars in R.C. structures consistent with the reliability‐based approach included in the forthcoming second generation of Eurocodes is derived. The expression parallels that for ribbed bars in the fib Model Code 2010. A comparison with provisions of some historical international design codes suggests that in some cases the margin of safety against failure of straight plain bar anchorages may have been lower than would be required by current norms. Implications for practice are briefly discussed.
Noise mitigation in 12‐to‐5 V DC‐DC converter using an embedded metal layout strategy
Authors: Jung Dong Yun , Jang Hyun Gyu , Kwon Sungkyu , Cho Doohyung , Park Kun Sik , Lim Jong‐Won , Lee Yong Ha
Published: June 2021

We propose a 12‐to‐5 V DC‐DC converter using a low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC)‐based multi‐layer circuit technology. The converter using seven‐layer LTCC includes an embedded metal layout strategy to achieve noise mitigation. The measured efficiency and maximum output ripple noise of the proposed converter prototype were 96.18% and 73.75 mVpp, respectively. From the result of electromagnetic interference test, the proposed converter satisfied the IEC61000‐6‐3 Class B standard. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Sequencing the USDA core soybean collection reveals gene loss during domestication and breeding
Authors: Bayer Philipp E. , Valliyodan Babu , Hu Haifei , Marsh Jacob I. , Yuan Yuxuan , Vuong Tri D. , Patil Gunvant , Song Qijian , Batley Jacqueline , Varshney Rajeev K. , Lam Hon‐Ming , Edwards David , Nguyen Henry T.
Published: June 2021

The gene content of plants varies between individuals of the same species due to gene presence/absence variation, and selection can alter the frequency of specific genes in a population. Selection during domestication and breeding will modify the genomic landscape, though the nature of these modifications is only understood for specific genes or on a more general level (e.g., by a loss of genetic diversity). Here we have assembled and analyzed a soybean (Glycine spp.) pangenome representing more than 1,000 soybean accessions derived from the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection, including both wild and cultivated lineages, to assess genomewide changes in gene and allele frequency during domestication and breeding. We identified 3,765 genes that are absent from the Lee reference genome assembly and assessed the presence/absence of all genes across this population. In addition to a loss of genetic diversity, we found a significant reduction in the average number of protein‐coding genes per individual during domestication and subsequent breeding, though with some genes and allelic variants increasing in frequency associated with selection for agronomic traits. This analysis provides a genomic perspective of domestication and breeding in this important oilseed crop.
Using Tetracycline to Evaluate Age Estimation in a Long‐Lived Aquatic Mammal
Authors: Lonati Gina L. , Howell Amber R. , Schueller Paul , Deutsch Charles J.
Published: June 2021

Age estimation is useful for understanding population parameters and, in many vertebrates, relies on the principle that growth layer groups (GLGs) are deposited annually in specific tissues. In Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris), GLGs in earbones are used to estimate age at death. Opportunities to validate the rate of GLG deposition in earbones from manatees >15 years old are rare, yet important for ensuring accurate age estimation across the species’ lifespan. Tetracycline injection is a useful method for validating GLG interpretations, particularly when the exact age of an animal is unknown. Since 1997, we collected earbones from 10 manatees that were ≥13–69 years old at death and had been injected with tetracycline 9–37 years before death. The number of years since injection (YSI) was estimated by photographing earbone cross‐sections under ultraviolet light, measuring the distance between the fluorescent tetracycline mark and earbone edge, processing the earbones to visualize GLGs, superimposing the distance to evaluate the marks’ locations relative to GLGs, and counting the GLGs between the mark and earbone edge. Seven earbones had tetracycline marks, although 2 of the marks were dull or discontinuous. On average, estimated YSI was 5.6 (SD = 7.5) years less than the known YSI; however, the error was nearly always ≤2 years for manatees that had been injected <20 years before death, consistent with an annual rate of GLG deposition at younger ages. Resorption (i.e., bone turnover) that obliterated GLGs was likely why YSI was underestimated in old manatees with longer post‐injection intervals, although we cannot exclude the possibility that GLG deposition rate may slow in old age. We discuss how age, extrinsic stressors, life history events, and laboratory processing may affect tetracycline visibility, earbone growth, and GLG interpretation. Our study reinforces the challenges with accurately estimating the age of old individuals in long‐lived mammalian species. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Bootstrapping the $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 Wess-Zumino models in three dimensions
Authors: Rong Junchen , Su Ning
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Using numerical bootstrap method, we determine the critical exponents of the minimal three-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 Wess-Zumino models with cubic superpotetential $$ \mathcal{W}\sim {d}_{ijk}{\Phi}^i{\Phi}^j{\Phi}^k $$
W
∼

d
ijk

Φ
i

Φ
j

Φ
k

. The tensor dijk is taken to be the invariant tensor of either permutation group SN, special unitary group SU(N), or a series of groups called F4 family of Lie groups. Due to the equation of motion, at the Wess-Zumino fixed point, the operator dijkΦjΦk is a (super)descendant of Φi. We observe such super-multiplet recombination in numerical bootstrap, which allows us to determine the scaling dimension of the super-field ∆Φ.
Bootstrapping the minimal $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 superconformal field theory in three dimensions
Authors: Rong Junchen , Su Ning
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We develop the numerical bootstrap technique to study the 2 + 1 dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 superconformal field theories (SCFTs). When applied to the minimal $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 SCFT, it allows us to determine its critical exponents to high precision. This model was argued in [1] to describe a quantum critical point (QCP) at the boundary of a 3 + 1D topological superconductor. More interestingly, this QCP can be reached by tuning a single parameter, where supersymmetry (SUSY) is realized as an emergent symmetry. We show that the emergent SUSY condition also plays an essential role in bootstrapping this SCFT. But performing a “two-sided” Padé re-summation of the large N expansion series, we calculate the critical exponents for Gross-Neveu-Yukawa models at N =4 and N =8.
Optimization of a human milk–directed quantitative sIgA ELISA method substantiated by mass spectrometry
Authors: Dingess Kelly A. , van Dam Pauline , Zhu Jing , Mank Marko , Knipping Karen , Heck Albert J.R. , Stahl Bernd
Published: June 2021

Immunoglobulins are the primary protective products in human milk and are responsible for transferring maternal pathogen memory to the infant, providing protection by binding to recognized pathogens and inhibiting virulence. To better understand potentially protective/anti-infective compounds in human milk, the establishment of human milk–tailored analytical approaches is crucial, as most contemporary analytical methods have been optimized for plasma or serum. One of the most prominent immunoglobulins in human milk is secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), which may be relevant for the protection of breastfed infants from harmful pathogens. Advanced sIgA detection methods can help monitor the immune status and development of the mother-infant dyad. We therefore developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) sIgA method for the quantitative analysis of IgA plus secretory component (SC), validated with sIgA standards and substantiated by mass spectrometry (MS)–based proteomics. A very strong correlation was observed between the MS-detected IgA1 and the human milk–specific sIgA ELISA (r = 0.82). Overall, the MS data indicate that the developed human milk sIgA ELISA does not differentiate between sIgA1 and sIgA2 and is, therefore, a reflection of total sIgA. Furthermore, our MS data and the human milk–derived sIgA ELISA data are better correlated than data derived from a standard serum IgA ELISA kit (relative to MS IgA1 r = 0.82 and r = 0.42, respectively). We therefore propose our human milk–specific sIgA ELISA as an ideal quantitative indicator of total sIgA with advantages over current serum IgA ELISA kits.
Remote proctoring for high-risk coronary interventions with mechanical circulatory support during COVID-19 pandemic and beyond
Authors: Woitek Felix J. , Haussig Stephan , Mierke Johannes , Linke Axel , Mangner Norman
Published: June 2021

Remote proctoring by advanced digital technologies may help to overcome pandemic, geographic, and resource-related constraints for mentoring and educating interventional cardiology skills. We present a case series of patients undergoing high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention (HR-PCI) with mechanical circulatory support (MCS) guided by remote proctoring to gain insights into a streaming technology platform with regard to video/audio quality, visibility of all structural and imaging details, and delay in transmission. According to our experience, remote proctoring appears to be a reliable, quick, and resource-conserving way to disseminate, educate and improve MCS-supported HR-PCI with implications far beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
A computational framework for modeling cell–matrix interactions in soft biological tissues
Authors: Eichinger Jonas F. , Grill Maximilian J. , Kermani Iman Davoodi , Aydin Roland C. , Wall Wolfgang A. , Humphrey Jay D. , Cyron Christian J.
Published: June 2021

Living soft tissues appear to promote the development and maintenance of a preferred mechanical state within a defined tolerance around a so-called set point. This phenomenon is often referred to as mechanical homeostasis. In contradiction to the prominent role of mechanical homeostasis in various (patho)physiological processes, its underlying micromechanical mechanisms acting on the level of individual cells and fibers remain poorly understood, especially how these mechanisms on the microscale lead to what we macroscopically call mechanical homeostasis. Here, we present a novel computational framework based on the finite element method that is constructed bottom up, that is, it models key mechanobiological mechanisms such as actin cytoskeleton contraction and molecular clutch behavior of individual cells interacting with a reconstructed three-dimensional extracellular fiber matrix. The framework reproduces many experimental observations regarding mechanical homeostasis on short time scales (hours), in which the deposition and degradation of extracellular matrix can largely be neglected. This model can serve as a systematic tool for futurein silicostudies of the origin of the numerous still unexplained experimental observations about mechanical homeostasis.
Corynebacterium rouxii, a recently described member of the C. diphtheriae group isolated from three dogs with ulcerative skin lesions
Authors: Schlez Karen , Eisenberg Tobias , Rau Jörg , Dubielzig Sabine , Kornmayer Matthias , Wolf Georg , Berger Anja , Dangel Alexandra , Hoffmann Christiane , Ewers Christa , Sing Andreas
Published: June 2021

Corynebacterium (C.) diphtheriae is one of the two etiological pathogens for human diphtheria with significant morbidity and mortality. Recently, members of its biovar Belfanti have been described as two novel species, C. belfantii and C. rouxii. The most important virulence factor and also the premise to cause diphtheria is the isolate’s capacity to encode and express the diphtheria toxin (DT). In contrast to C. ulcerans, which represents a potentially zoonotic pathogen, C. diphtheriae (incl. the novel deduced species) has almost exclusively been found to comprise a human pathogen. We here report three rare cases of C. rouxii isolation from dogs suffering from disseminated poly-bacterial exsudative to purulent dermatitis and a traumatic labial defect, respectively. The isolates were identified as C. diphtheriae based on commercial biochemistry and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis. However, recently described specific spectral peaks were highly similar to spectra of C. rouxii, which was confirmed by whole genome sequencing. Further investigations of the dog isolates for the presence of DT by tox gene qPCR revealed negative results. The findings from this study point out that skin infections in companion animals can be colonized by uncommon and so believed human specific pathogens, thereby resembling the clinical signs of cutaneous diphtheria.
Nonlocal vibration and buckling of two-dimensional layered quasicrystal nanoplates embedded in an elastic medium
Authors: Sun Tuoya , Guo Junhong , Pan E.
Published: June 2021

A mathematical model for nonlocal vibration and buckling of embedded two-dimensional (2D) decagonal quasicrystal (QC) layered nanoplates is proposed. The Pasternak-type foundation is used to simulate the interaction between the nanoplates and the elastic medium. The exact solutions of the nonlocal vibration frequency and buckling critical load of the 2D decagonal QC layered nanoplates are obtained by solving the eigensystem and using the propagator matrix method. The present three-dimensional (3D) exact solution can predict correctly the nature frequencies and critical loads of the nanoplates as compared with previous thin-plate and medium-thick-plate theories. Numerical examples are provided to display the effects of the quasiperiodic direction, length-to-width ratio, thickness of the nanoplates, nonlocal parameter, stacking sequence, and medium elasticity on the vibration frequency and critical buckling load of the 2D decagonal QC nanoplates. The results show that the effects of the quasiperiodic direction on the vibration frequency and critical buckling load depend on the length-to-width ratio of the nanoplates. The thickness of the nanoplate and the elasticity of the surrounding medium can be adjusted for optimal frequency and critical buckling load of the nanoplate. This feature is useful since the frequency and critical buckling load of the 2D decagonal QCs as coating materials of plate structures can now be tuned as one desire.
Contemporary problems and challenges of sustainable distribution of perishable cargoes: Case study of Polish cold port stores
Authors: Filina-Dawidowicz Ludmiła , Wiktorowska-Jasik Anna
Published: June 2021

Nowadays, a lot of attention is given to the issues of sustainable development of transport. Transport and logistics companies, including those involved in distribution of perishable goods, undertake different activities in order to reduce negative impact of transport on the environment. The purpose of the article is to determine the principles of sustainable distribution of perishable goods and to examine the current state and plans of its principles application in business practice on the cold port stores example. Contemporary problems of sustainable distribution of perishable cargo have been identified. Marketing research was used to identify the main directions of activities undertaken by port cold stores in the field of sustainable distribution of food perishable goods. The case study of port cold stores located in Poland was considered. According to the examined cold stores, economic and organizational factors are the most important among the factors set. The challenges faced by cold port stores in their efforts to comply with the principles of sustainable distribution were recognized. Moreover, research indicates that port cold stores are aware of their role in the sustainable distribution of perishable cargoes and strive to improve its conditions. As the result of the research, the areas of possible improvements in the functioning of cold stores have been specified. The article presents a new perspective on the problems of perishable cargo sustainable distribution as a link of supply chain.
Skeptical Arguments and Deep Disagreement
Authors: Melchior Guido
Published: June 2021

This paper provides a reinterpretation of some of the most influential skeptical arguments, Agrippa’s trilemma, meta-regress arguments, and Cartesian external world skepticism. These skeptical arguments are reasonably regarded as unsound arguments about the extent of our knowledge. However, reinterpretations of these arguments tell us something significant about the preconditions and limits of persuasive argumentation. These results contribute to the ongoing debates about the nature and resolvability of deep disagreement. The variety of skeptical arguments shows that we must distinguish different types of deep disagreement. Moreover, the reinterpretation of skeptical arguments elucidates that deep disagreement cannot be resolved via argumentation.
PTCH2 is not a strong candidate gene for gorlin syndrome predisposition
Authors: Smith Miriam J. , Evans D. Gareth
Published: June 2021

A number of case/family reports have proposed PTCH2 as a putative Gorlin Syndrome (GS) gene, but evidence to support this is lacking. We assessed our cohort of 21 PTCH1/SUFU negative GS families for PTCH2 variants and assessed current evidence from reported cases/families and population data. In our PTCH1/SUFU variant negative GS cohort (25% of total), no pathogenic or likely pathogenic PTCH2 variants were identified. In addition, none of the previously published PTCH2 variants in GS families/cases could be considered pathogenic or likely pathogenic using current guidelines. The absence of clear pathogenic variants in GS families and the high frequency of Loss-of-function (LoF) variants in the general population, including the presence of homozygous LoF variants without a clinical phenotype, mean that it is untenable that PTCH2 is a GS gene. PTCH2 should not be included in panels for genetic diagnosis of GS.
A Sensitivity Analysis of the Anisotropy of Hydraulic Conductivity to the Seepage, Deformation and Stability of Anti-dipping Layered Rock Slopes: A Case Study of the Pulang Area in Southwestern China
Authors: Zhang Guangkeng , Lu Guangyin , Xia Chengzhi , Wu Lianrong , Xu Zongming , Bai Ying , Li Jialu
Published: June 2021

In this paper, in order to study the influence of anisotropy ratios and anisotropy directions on the seepage, deformations and stability of the anti-dipping layered rock slopes, Geo-studio software was used in this study for the numerical analysis of carbonaceous slate slopes on the unsaturated seepage, fluid–solid coupling, and stability theory in Pulang area. The results showed that the maximum surface water content of the layered rock slopes gradually decreased with increases of the water conductivity anisotropy ratio and decreases in the anisotropy angle of the anti-dipping layered rock slopes. In addition, the rainfall infiltration depths in the middle sections of the slopes were observed to be the most affected by the anisotropy ratio and dip angles of the rock formations. Meanwhile, the bottom sections of slopes were the least affected by the anisotropy ratio and the dip angles of the rock formations. In regard to the anti-dipping rock slopes, it was found that the anisotropy ratio and rock layer dip angles should be considered in the deformation and stability analyses. When the seepage of an anti-dipping layered slope was considered to be isotropic, the safety factors often were overestimated. As the anisotropy ratio decreases and the anti-dipping angles of the layered planes increases, the safety factors of the slopes will gradually decrease. This study provided a feasible scheme for evaluating the seepage, deformations and stability of the anti-dipping layered rock slopes in southwest China’s Pulang area.
Perceived impacts of climate variability and change: an exploration of farmers’ adaptation strategies in Zimbabwe’s intensive farming region
Authors: Mavhura Emmanuel , Manyangadze Tawanda , Aryal Komal Raj
Published: June 2021

Climate variability and change (CVC) affect many economic sectors including agriculture. In order to alleviate the negative impact of CVC on food production, farmers must adopt a range of strategies. However, the strategies will be less effective if farmers’ perceptions on CVC are not considered. This study therefore, examined the perceptions of commercial farmers on CVC and their adaptation strategies to the perceived impacts. It used a cross-sectional survey involving 365 farmers in the intensive farming region of Zimbabwe. Results showed that farmers’ perceptions on increasing temperatures and decreasing rainfall amounts were cognate with climate data from the meteorological office. The findings also demonstrated that farmers were well aware of the CVC impacts on their livelihoods. These include increases in the frequency and severity of drought, and a shortening of the length of the rainy season. However, the most significant changes were observed among the natural and economic capitals including soil salinization, reduction in grazing pastures, fodder and crop yields in addition to increases in food prices. In response to the perceived impacts of local CVC, the farmers were adopting crop and land use management strategies that include planting rotation, cultivating short-season varieties and drought tolerant crops, crop and farm diversification, intensified irrigation, agroforestry, soil moisture conservation and mixed farming. The study concludes that farmers are active observers of local CVC. Therefore, they should modify their agricultural calendar and diversify their farming systems so as to better meet current and future risks from CVC.
Hydrogels in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: drug delivery systems and artificial matrices for dynamic in vitro models
Authors: Oliveira Isabel Maria , Fernandes Diogo Castro , Cengiz Ibrahim Fatih , Reis Rui Luís , Oliveira Joaquim Miguel
Published: June 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorder that mostly affects the synovial joints and can promote both cartilage and bone tissue destruction. Several conservative treatments are available to relieve pain and control the inflammation; however, traditional drugs administration are not fully effective and present severe undesired side effects. Hydrogels are a very attractive platform as a drug delivery system to guarantee these handicaps are reduced, and the therapeutic effect from the drugs is maximized. Furthermore, hydrogels can mimic the physiological microenvironment and have the mechanical behavior needed for use as cartilage in vitro model. The testing of these advanced delivery systems is still bound to animal disease models that have shown low predictability. Alternatively, hydrogel-based human dynamic in vitro systems can be used to model diseases, bypassing some of the animal testing problems. RA dynamic disease models are still in an embryonary stage since advances regarding healthy and inflamed cartilage models are currently giving the first steps regarding complexity increase. Herein, recent studies using hydrogels in the treatment of RA, featuring different hydrogel formulations are discussed. Besides, their use as artificial extracellular matrices in dynamic in vitro articular cartilage is also reviewed.
Biomolecular solid-state NMR spectroscopy at 1200 MHz: the gain in resolution
Authors: Callon Morgane , Malär Alexander A. , Pfister Sara , Římal Václav , Weber Marco E. , Wiegand Thomas , Zehnder Johannes , Chávez Matías , Cadalbert Riccardo , Deb Rajdeep , Däpp Alexander , Fogeron Marie-Laure , Hunkeler Andreas , Lecoq Lauriane , Torosyan Anahit , Zyla Dawid , Glockshuber Rudolf , Jonas Stefanie , Nassal Michael , Ernst Matthias , Böckmann Anja , Meier Beat H.
Published: June 2021

Progress in NMR in general and in biomolecular applications in particular is driven by increasing magnetic-field strengths leading to improved resolution and sensitivity of the NMR spectra. Recently, persistent superconducting magnets at a magnetic field strength (magnetic induction) of 28.2 T corresponding to 1200 MHz proton resonance frequency became commercially available. We present here a collection of high-field NMR spectra of a variety of proteins, including molecular machines, membrane proteins, viral capsids, fibrils and large molecular assemblies. We show this large panel in order to provide an overview over a range of representative systems under study, rather than a single best performing model system. We discuss both carbon-13 and proton-detected experiments, and show that in 13C spectra substantially higher numbers of peaks can be resolved compared to 850 MHz while for 1H spectra the most impressive increase in resolution is observed for aliphatic side-chain resonances.
Evaluating Mechanisms: Mapping Weekly Dynamics between Experiential Avoidance and SAD Symptoms
Authors: Sarfan Laurel D. , Magee Joshua C. , Clerkin Elise M.
Published: June 2021

Widely-used, empirically-supported treatments focus on reducing experiential avoidance (EA) as a mechanism of social anxiety disorder (SAD) symptom change. However, little is known about how EA and SAD symptoms bidirectionally interrelate from session to session, or throughout the course of an intervention—a gap that raises significant theoretical and clinical questions about the mechanistic role of EA. Participants (N = 78) with elevated EA and SAD symptoms completed a 3-session pilot intervention (Approach-Avoidance Task training plus psychoeducation) designed to target EA. Bivariate latent change score modeling was then used to map the bidirectional, temporal interrelationships between EA and SAD symptoms from session to session. Analyses accounted for the overall trajectory of change in both variables (i.e., EA and SAD) and both variables’ preceding measurement. Findings suggested that changes in SAD symptoms preceded and predicted changes in EA from session to session. Contrary to hypotheses, this effect was not bidirectional, as changes in EA did not precede and predict changes in SAD symptoms from session to session. The use of a relatively small analogue sample limit the external validity of the present findings. Nevertheless, these novel findings advance our understanding of the dynamic interrelationships between EA and SAD symptoms throughout treatment. Moreover, given that many leading treatments target EA, this study highlights a need for future work to continue evaluating whether EA is indeed a mechanism of SAD symptom change.
Evolution of Concentration Under Lattice Spin-Flip Dynamics
Authors: Chazottes Jean-René , Collet Pierre , Redig Frank
Published: June 2021

We consider spin-flip dynamics of Ising lattice spin systems and study the time evolution of concentration inequalities. For “weakly interacting” dynamics we show that the Gaussian concentration bound is conserved in the course of time and it is satisfied by the unique stationary Gibbs measure. Next we show that, for a general class of translation-invariant spin-flip dynamics, it is impossible to evolve in finite time from a low-temperature Gibbs state towards a measure satisfying the Gaussian concentration bound. Finally, we consider the time evolution of the weaker uniform variance bound, and show that this bound is conserved under a general class of spin-flip dynamics.
Shades of hope: Marcel’s notion of hope in end-of-life care
Authors: Szabat Marta , Knox Jeanette Bresson Ladegaard
Published: June 2021

This article examines the compatibility and relevance of Gabriel Marcel’s phenomenology of hope in interdisciplinary research on the role of hope in end-of-life (EOL) care. Our analysis is divided into three thematic topics which examine the various shades of hope observed in Marcel’s phenomenology of hope and in the collection of 20 EOL studies on hope as experienced by adult palliative care (PC) patients, health care professionals (HCP) and parents of terminally ill children. The three topics defining the shades of hope are: the meaning of hope in its dynamic aspects, the dialectics of hope and despair, and the transcendent facets of hope. We analyse how Marcel’s understanding of hope is reflected in EOL studies, and how this perception can enrich the philosophy of PC and significantly deepen and broaden HCPs’ understanding of hope. Our findings prove that despite terminological differences between Marcelian phenomenology and the concepts of hope in the 20 EOL studies, hope emerges as a resourceful movement towards being. Implementing Marcelian hope within communication in EOL care could help in HCPs’ interpersonal approach to patients as his concept harbors a holistic perception of the existential situation of a person. Equally, introducing Marcel’s phenomenology of hope into the clinical encounter could play a beneficial role in improving the ability of patients to adapt to the difficult conditions of their disease and PC treatment.