bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shredding Paper
Authors: Hillard Michael G.
Published: May 2021

From the early twentieth century until the 1960s, Maine led the United States in paper production. The state could have earned a reputation as the Detroit of paper production, however, the industry eventually slid toward failure. What happened? This book unwraps the changing US political economy since 1960, uncovers how the paper industry defined and interacted with labor relations, and peels away the layers of history that encompassed the rise and fall of Maine's mighty paper industry. For a century, the story of the nation's most widely read glossy magazines and card stock was one of capitalism, work, accommodation, and struggle. Local paper companies in Maine dominated the political landscape, controlling economic, workplace, land use, and water-use policies. Hillard examines the many contributing factors surrounding how Maine became a paper powerhouse and then shows how it lost that position to changing times and foreign interests. Through a retelling of labor relations and worker experiences from the late-nineteenth century up until the late 1990s, the book highlights how national conglomerates began absorbing family-owned companies over time, which were subject to Wall Street demands for greater short-term profits after 1980. This new political economy impacted the economy of the entire state and destroyed Maine's once-vaunted paper industry. The book tells the great and grim story of blue-collar workers and their families and analyzes how paper workers formulated a “folk” version of capitalism's history in their industry. Ultimately, it offers a telling example of the demise of big industry in the United States.
Piercing the Structure of Tradition
Authors: Anno Mariko
Published: May 2021

What does freedom sound like in the context of traditional Japanese theater? Where is the space for innovation, and where can this kind of innovation be located in the rigid instrumentation of the Noh drama? This book investigates flute performance as a space to explore the relationship between tradition and innovation. This first English-language monograph traces the characteristics of the Noh flute (nohkan), its music, and transmission methods and considers the instrument's potential for development in the modern world. The book examines the musical structure and nohkan melodic patterns of five traditional Noh plays and assesses the degree to which Issō School nohkan players maintain to this day the continuity of their musical traditions in three contemporary Noh plays influenced by William Butler Yeats. The book's ethnographic approach draws on interviews with performers and case studies, as well as the author's personal reflection as a nohkan performer and disciple under the tutelage of Noh masters. The book argues that traditions of musical style and usage remain influential in shaping contemporary Noh composition and performance practice, and the existing freedom within fixed patterns can be understood through a firm foundation in Noh tradition.
The Nohkan and Oral Transmission
Authors: Anno Mariko
Published: May 2021

This chapter discusses the three primary functions of the nohkan in a Noh play and focuses on comprehending the role of shōga and the importance and history of oral transmission. It offers an analysis of Issō Yukihiro singing the shōga of the ryo-chū-kan keishiki of the [Chū no Mai] using Western staff notation, followed by his performance of the ryo-chū-kan keishiki. It also talks about Issō Yukihiro as a professional nohgaku-shi and a nohkan performer, who has been actively promoting the nohkan by collaborating with musicians that play Western music and Japanese music. The chapter analyses how the nohkan failed to reach a level of popularity within or outside Japan due to the lack of comprehensive study on the nohkan and the challenges of oral transmission using shōga. It includes transcriptions of nohkan melodies in Western staff notation, which has become a universal method of notating music.
Analysis and Prediction of Trough Track Superelevation Based on Big Data
Authors:   Jinan University, China, Huang Jiabin , He Zhichao , Li Chen , Fan Hongru , Yin Yi , Xie Yongjun
Published: May 2021

The detection of the safety status of urban rail transit is an important part of ensuring the operation of the rail. Using the data detected by the rail to analyze and predict the quality of the rail is very important for the research of rail inspection. Based on the existing research, this paper uses big data to analyze the collected superelevation data, and builds a trough-track superelevation big data prediction model based on the combination of the stochastic oscillation sequence gray model and ALO-Elman network to analyze the historical superelevation data and mine information about superelevation trends. In this paper, the average value of superelevation data of the equal-spaced groove track in a certain interval is collected for verification. The experimental results show that the method can reasonably predict the change trend of the ultra-elevation. The change trend is basically in line with the original data change trend, and the deviation is controlled to be small within range.
Systemic Review of Screening the Shapes of Ibuprofen Particles in Different Solvents
Authors: Rashid Md. Abdur
Published: May 2021

Ibuprofen is a very popular analgesic which is mostly available in the market as tablet dosage form. The ibuprofen molecule possesses a chiral center in the propionic acid group. So, there are two enantiomers (R and S), whose chemical properties are similar, but which have optical rotations of opposite sign. The (-) form (l- or laevo-) is the R (-) enantiomer whereas the (+) form (d or dextro-) is referred to as S (+) – ibuprofen. The R (-) isomer is biologically inactive while the S (+) isomer is active. The R (-) form however is slowly converted to the S (+) active form during metabolism in the human body by the presence of the enzyme isomerase (2-arylpropionyl-CoA epimerase). Thus, a large difference in the body potency between the two enantiomers is not found.

During manufacturing of tablet, ibuprofen particle plays a significant role in flowability and compressibility etc. Theoretically particle size and shape have great impact on those sorts of mechanical properties of tablets. The morphology can influence physical properties such as packing density, bulk density, agglomeration, and dissolution behaviour as well as the mechanical strength and wet ability. Furthermore, crystal shapes have also been found to have an effect on the bioavailability of the resulting APIs. Commercial ibuprofen typically has a needle shaped morphology with rough surfaces and show poor flowability, poor compaction behavior and a tendency to stick to the tablet punches. To overcome these problems, a suitable size and shape of ibuprofen crystal is desirable that could be directly compressed with fewer operation steps but still having good product stability and therapeutic efficacy, but it can be changed through recrystallization or other methods such as spray drying, etc. Ibuprofen crystallized from solvents with a high hydrogen bonding ability like methanol will form chunky crystals and low hydrogen bonding solvents like hexane will form needle like crystals. Therefore, it was necessary to review the shapes of ibuprofen particles in different solvents.

This review paper has covered a comprehensive studies of ibuprofen particle shapes in different solvents and cosolvents.
Prognosis of EBV Infection in Children with Tonsillitis
Authors: Erfanian Reza , Sohrabpour Saeed
Published: May 2021

Aims: Determining the prognosis of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection with in children with tonsillitis.

Methods: Totally 102 children with chronic tonsillitis admitted to our hospital between January 2017 and March 2019 were selected. Among them, 52 children with EBV infection were assigned to a case group, and the other 50 without EBV infection to a control group. All children were given targeted therapy. Then the two groups were compared in efficacy, defervescence time, alleviation time of tonsillar enlargement and pharyngalgia after therapy, immune function-associated indexes and inflammatory factor-associated indexes before and after therapy, incidence of adverse reactions during therapy, and recurrence times during therapy and 1-year follow-up.

Results: Compared with the case group, the control group showed notably better efficacy, experienced notably shorter alleviation time of tonsillar enlargement and pharyngalgia, and presented better improvement in immune function and inflammation (all P<0.05). Additionally, the two groups were not greatly different in the incidence of adverse reactions (P>0.05), while the control group experienced notably less times of recurrence during therapy and 1-year follow-up (P<0.05).

Conclusion: EBV infection will compromise the efficacy on children with tonsillitis and take its toll on their prognosis, so it is imperative to adopt a targeted and individualized therapeutic regimen for children with both diseases.
Impact of negative pressure system on microbiological air quality in a Central Sterile Supply Department
Authors: dos Santos Almeida Alda Graciele Claudio , de Moraes Bruna Camila Quartim , de Araújo Moriya Giovana Abrahão , Navarini Alessandra , Sasagawa Suzethe Matiko , Mimica Lycia M J , Gambale Valderez , Graziano Kazuko Uchikawa
Published: May 2021

Objective

Guidelines recommend that the cleaning area in a Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) maintain a negative pressure of the environmental air, but how much this system can impact the contamination of the air by bioaerosols in the area is not known. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of negative pressure on CSSD by evaluating the microbiological air quality of this sector.

Methods

Microbiological air samples were collected in two CSSD in the same hospital: one with and one without a negative air pressure system. Outdoor air samples were collected as a comparative control. Andersen six-stage air sampler was used to obtain the microbiological air samples.

Results

The concentration of bioaerosols in the CSSD without negative pressure was 273.15 and 206.71 CFU/m3, while in the CSSD with negative pressure the concentration of bioaerosols was 116.96 CFU/m3 and 131.10 CFU/m3. The number of isolated colonies in the negative pressure CSSD was significantly lower (P = .01541).

Conclusion

The findings showed that the negative pressure system in the CSSD cleaning area contributed to the quantitative reduction in bioaerosols. However, the concentration of bioaerosols was lower than that established in the guideline for indoor air quality of many countries. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that CSSDs which do not have a negative pressure system in their cleaning area offer occupational risk.
Profiling of gut microbial dysbiosis in adults with myeloid leukemia
Authors: Yu Dandan , Yu Xiaomin , Ye Aifang , Xu Chunquan , Li Xiaolong , Geng Wujun , Zhu Liqing
Published: May 2021

Dysregulation of gut microbiota is implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. To date, the link between gut microbiota and myeloid leukemia (ML) remains largely unelucidated. Herein, a total of 29 patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), 17 patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and 33 healthy subjects were enrolled, and gut microbiota were profiled via Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA. We evaluated the correlation between ML and gut microbiota. The microbial α‐diversity and β‐diversity exhibited significant differences between ML patients and healthy controls (HCs). Compared to healthy subjects, we found that at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Chloroflexi was increased, while that of Tenericutes was decreased. Correspondingly, at the genus level in ML, Streptococcus were increased, especially in AML patients, while Megamonas (P = 0.02), Lachnospiraceae NC2004 group, and Prevotella 9 (P = 0.007) were decreased. Moreover, ML‐enriched species, including Sphingomonas, Lysobacyer, Helicobacter, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Clostridium sensu stricto 1, were identified. Our results indicate that the gut microbiota was altered in ML patients compared to that of healthy subjects, which could contribute to the elucidation of microbiota‐related pathogenesis of ML, and the development of novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of ML.
Phosphorylation of Akt at Thr308 regulates p‐eNOS Ser1177 during physiological conditions
Authors: Liang Xiao‐xue , Wang Rui‐yu , Guo Yong‐zheng , Cheng Zhe , Lv Ding‐yi , Luo Ming‐hao , He An , Luo Su‐xin , Xia Yong
Published: May 2021

Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)‐derived nitric oxide (NO) plays a crucial role in maintaining vascular homeostasis. As a hallmark of eNOS activation, phosphorylation of eNOS at Ser1177 induced by activated protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) is pivotal for NO production. The complete activation of Akt requires its phosphorylation of both Thr308 and Ser473. However, which site plays the main role in regulating phosphorylation of eNOS Ser1177 is still controversial. The purpose of the present study is to explore the specific regulatory mechanism of phosphorylated Akt in eNOS activation. Inhibition of Akt Thr308 phosphorylation by a specific inhibitor or by siRNA in vitro led to a decrease in eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1177 and to lower NO concentration in the cell culture medium of HUVECs. However, inhibiting p‐Akt Ser473 had no effect on eNOS phosphorylation at Ser1177. Next, we administered mice with inhibitors to downregulate p‐Akt Ser473 or Thr308 activity. Along with the inhibition of p‐Akt Thr308, vascular p‐eNOS Ser1177 protein was simultaneously downregulated in parallel with a decrease in plasma NO concentration. Additionally, we cultured HUVECs at various temperature conditions (37, 22, and 4 °C). The results showed that p‐Akt Ser473 was gradually decreased in line with the reduction in temperature, accompanied by increased levels of p‐Akt Thr308 and p‐eNOS Ser1177. Taken together, our study indicates that the phosphorylation of Akt at Thr308, but not at Ser473, plays a more significant role in regulating p‐eNOS Ser1177 levels under physiological conditions.
Enabling High‐Performance NASICON‐Based Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries Towards Practical Conditions
Authors: Paolella Andrea , Liu Xiang , Daali Amine , Xu Wenqian , Hwang Inhui , Savoie Sylvio , Girard Gabriel , Nita Alina Gheorghe , Perea Alexis , Demers Hendrix , Zhu Wen , Guerfi Abdelbast , Vijh Ashok , Bertoni Giovanni , Gazzadi Gian Carlo , Berti Giulia , Sun Chengjun , Ren Yang , Zaghib Karim , Armand Michel , Kim Chisu , Xu Gui‐Liang , Amine Khalil
Published: May 2021

Solid‐state lithium metal batteries (SSLMBs) are promising next‐generation high‐energy rechargeable batteries. However, the practical energy densities of the reported SSLMBs have been significantly overstated due to the use of thick solid‐state electrolytes, thick lithium (Li) anodes, and thin cathodes. Here, a high‐performance NASICON‐based SSLMB using a thin (60 µm) Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3 (LAGP) electrolyte, ultrathin (36 µm) Li metal, and high‐loading (8 mg cm−2) LiFePO4 (LFP) cathode is reported. The thin and dense LAGP electrolyte prepared by hot‐pressing exhibits a high Li ionic conductivity of 1 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 80 °C. The assembled SSLMB can thus deliver an increased areal capacity of ≈1 mAh cm−2 at C/5 with a high capacity retention of ≈96% after 50 cycles under 80 °C. Furthermore, it is revealed by synchrotron X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and in situ high‐energy X‐ray diffraction that the side reactions between LAGP electrolyte and LFP cathode are significantly suppressed, while rational surface protection is required for Ni‐rich layered cathodes. This study provides valuable insights and guidelines for the development of high‐energy SSLMBs towards practical conditions.
Two‐Dimensional Silicene–Stanene Heterostructures by Epitaxy
Authors: Dhungana Daya Sagar , Grazianetti Carlo , Martella Christian , Achilli Simona , Fratesi Guido , Molle Alessandro
Published: May 2021

The synthesis of new Xenes and their potential applications prototypes have achieved significant milestones so far. However, to date the realization of Xene heterostructures in analogy with the well known van der Waals heterostructures remains an unresolved issue. Here, a Xene heterostructure concept based on the epitaxial combination of silicene and stanene on Ag(111) is introduced, and how one Xene layer enables another Xene layer of a different nature to grow on top is demonstrated. Single‐phase (4 × 4) silicene is synthesized using stanene as a template, and stanene is grown on top of silicene on the other way around. In both heterostructures, in situ and ex situ probes confirm layer‐by‐layer growth without intercalations and intermixing. Modeling via density functional theory shows that the atomic layers in the heterostructures are strongly interacting, and hexagonal symmetry conservation in each individual layer is sequence selective. The results provide a substantial step toward currently missing Xene heterostructures and may inspire new paths for atomic‐scale materials engineering.
Near‐Linear Controllable Synthesis of Mesoporosity in Hierarchical UiO‐66 by Template‐Free Nucleation‐Competition
Authors: Li Jia‐Xin , Chang Gang‐Gang , Tian Ge , Pu Chun , Huang Ke‐Xin , Ke Shan‐Chao , Janiak Christoph , Yang Xiao‐Yu
Published: May 2021

Hierarchies design of porosity in metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) has gained significant interest in recent years, and customization of mesoporous sizes in MOFs is still quite challenging. Herein, a template‐free method by nucleation‐competition has been developed to realize a near‐linear control of the mesopore sizes (3–13 nm) in the hierarchical MOF UiO‐66(Hf). High selectivity of enzyme adsorption, high activity of bulky‐molecular catalysis, high stability of mesostructure, and extension to other MOFs further prove the success in the potential customization synthesis and applications.
Hierarchical Core‐Shell N‐Doped Carbon@FeP4‐CoP Arrays as Robust Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting at High Current Density
Authors: Yan Puxuan , Hu Yan , Shoko Elvis , Isimjan Tayirjan Taylor , Tian Jianniao , Yang Xiulin
Published: May 2021

Exploring non‐precious metal‐based electrocatalysts at high current density and stability is an urgent issue for sustainable H2 production. Here, hierarchical core‐shell N‐doped carbon encapsulated array‐like FeP4 and CoP active components have been fabricated in situ on the surface of nickel foam (NC@FeP4‐CoP/NF) by etching sheet‐like ZIF‐67 arrays, Prussian analog formation, and phosphating in turns. The crystallinity, hierarchical heterostructure, and chemical state have been carefully discussed. Electrochemical studies demonstrate that the catalyst displays excellent electrocatalytic activity and durability in electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (η20 = 218 mV) and hydrogen evolution reaction (η10 = 116 mV), better than most previously reported bifunctional catalysts. Moreover, the bifunctional catalyst only needs 1.72 and 1.80 V cell voltages at 500 and 1000 mA cm−2 respectively, together with a good catalytic stability at 500 mA cm−2 for 48 h, implying potential commercialization prospects. This excellent electrocatalytic performance is mainly attributed to the distinctive hierarchical structure as well as core‐shell NC encapsulated FeP4‐CoP active sites, which can enhance the charge transport rate, inhibit the exfoliation of the active materials, provide a larger active surface area, and facilitate electrolyte diffusion and gas release.
Hierarchical Porous Carbon Nanotube Skeleton Supported Polydimethylsiloxane Composite with Electrical Continuity for High‐Performance Electromagnetic Shielding
Authors: Xiao Wei , Han Xiaolong , Niu Xiu , Lin Jinkun , Han Xiao , He Aihua , Jiang Qingsong , Nie Huarong
Published: May 2021

Electromagnetic (EM) shielding materials have attracted significant attention, owing to their widespread potential in preventing EM irradiation in electrical devices and human bodies. In this study, a hierarchical porous carbon nanotube (CNT) skeleton with electrical continuity is presented, which is rapidly fabricated via the facile microwave pyrolysis of CNT‐coated organic templates, for constructing high‐performance EM shielding materials. Furthermore, the CNT skeleton, which comprises countless intertwined CNTs, can be easily designed into various configurations, such as CNT foams and CNT sheets, with varying conductivities and pore densities. In the as‐constructed CNT‐skeleton‐supported polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/CNT‐foam composites, the continuity of intertwined CNTs leads to a high conductivity of 271.2 S m−1 at a CNT loading of 2 wt%. Owing to the multiple reflections and reabsorption of the EM waves in the hierarchical porous CNT skeleton with macroporous, microporous, and hollow structures, the PDMS/CNT‐foam composites exhibit a high EM shielding effectiveness (SE) of 43 dB, mainly via absorption. Additionally, the electrical continuity of the CNT skeleton allows the dissipation of heat in the PDMS/CNT‐skeleton.
Narrowband Near‐Infrared Photodetector Enabled by Dual Functional Internal‐Filter‐Induced Selective Charge Collection
Authors: Liu Zhixin , Tao Liting , Zhang Yingzhu , Zhou Guanqing , Zhu Haiming , Fang Yanjun , Wu Gang , Yang Deren , Chen Hongzheng
Published: May 2021

The spectral selective detection of the near‐infrared (NIR) signals is important for biological sensing, healthy monitoring, and intelligent communication. Herein, a new method to fabricate a visible‐blind NIR‐sensitive narrowband photodetector (NPD) with excellent comprehensive performances is reported. The organic bulk heterojunction (OBHJ) thin film, based on an NIR‐sensitive organic acceptor, is employed to provide fast photoresponse, with adjustable cutoff edge. The key strategy of introducing a solution‐processable optical/electric bifunctional internal filter (CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3)/CuSCN) realizes the selective collection of the NIR‐induced charge carriers. Further combined with the suitable energy level and high mobility of the MAPbI3/CuSCN layer, the extraction of NIR‐light‐induced charges from OBHJ is promoted efficiently. The NPD with optimized structure exhibits narrowband NIR response (full width at half maximum (FWHM) < 100 nm) with maximum external quantum efficiency value up to 74.26% and detection limit down to 3.6 pW cm−2, both of which are the best values among the ever reported NIR NPDs. The highest responsivity reaches 0.485 A W−1 in the NIR region, with a large linear dynamic range of 162 dB. The specific detectivity is close to 1013 Jones, enabling the device to detect weak NIR signals.
Modulating Electronic Structure of an Au‐Nanorod‐Core–PdPt‐Alloy‐Shell Catalyst for Efficient Alcohol Electro‐Oxidation
Authors: Yang Xiaobo , Wang Qiang , Qing Shaojun , Gao Zhe , Tong Xili , Yang Nianjun
Published: May 2021

Direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs) utilize alcohol electro‐oxidation reactions (AORs) to provide electricity, where catalysts with optimal electronic structures are required to accelerate sluggish AORs. Herein, an electrocatalyst with an Au‐nanorod core and a PdPt‐alloy shell is designed. Its electronic structures are modulated through epitaxial growth of a PdPt‐alloy shell on the Au‐nanorod core, which exhibits a tensional strain effect and atomic steps. Three key problems of AORs are solved with this catalyst, including poor adsorption of alcohols on the catalyst, CO poisoning of the catalyst, and a high free energy barrier for the AORs. Taking methanol electro‐oxidation reaction (MOR) as an example, this catalyst shows 9.4 times higher mass activity than the market‐available Pt/C catalyst. Theoretic simulations prove that this catalyst has a low free energy barrier for the MOR, and strong adsorption of methanol but weaker adsorption of carbonaceous intermediates. The reasons behind this are the stretched geometric structure of the PdPt (100)‐alloy shell and the optimized electronic structure of catalytic sites on the catalyst surface. Meanwhile, efficient electro‐oxidation of ethanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol is realized. This work paves the way to design and synthesize universal and efficient AOR catalysts for the construction of high‐performance DAFCs.
2D Metal‐Free Nanomaterials Beyond Graphene and Its Analogues toward Electrocatalysis Applications
Authors: Li Zhenglong , Chen Yaping , Ma Tianyi , Jiang Yinzhu , Chen Jian , Pan Hongge , Sun Wenping
Published: May 2021

Exploring highly active and low‐cost electrocatalysts is essential to the development of sustainable and efficient energy conversion technologies. 2D nanomaterials with unique electronic structure and physicochemical properties have great potential in constructing advanced electrocatalysts. 2D carbonaceous graphene and its analogs (e.g., reduced graphite oxide, carbon nanosheets) have been extensively studied in this field, while there recently has been considerable attention focusing on other 2D metal‐free nanomaterials (e.g., g‐C3N4, h‐BN). Here, the recent advances of 2D metal‐free nanomaterials beyond graphene and its analogs toward a wide range of electrocatalysis applications are reviewed. The strategies for constructing advanced 2D metal‐free nanomaterial‐based electrocatalysts are discussed in terms of surface engineering and interface engineering. Finally, perspectives on the challenges and future directions of these unique material systems in the electrocatalysis area are provided.
Molecular dynamics study on membrane fouling by oppositely charged proteins
Authors: Ma Yunqiao , Zydney Andrew L. , Wang Rong , Chew Jia Wei
Published: May 2021

Membrane fouling continues to hamper the performance of membrane‐filtration processes. A challenge with macromolecular foulants like proteins is that macroscopic characterizations, like net electrical charge, may be poorly correlated with membrane fouling. This necessitates a molecular‐scale analysis of the local interactions. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to understand the interactions between two similar‐sized proteins with opposite overall charges (namely, lysozyme and α‐lactalbumin) and a negative‐charged membrane. Surprisingly, the protein–membrane distances and adsorption probabilities of both proteins are similar. Compared with the positive‐charged lysozyme, the negative‐charged α‐lactalbumin exhibits (a) greater protein–membrane attractive interaction energy due to synergy among adsorption sites; (b) lower root‐mean‐squared deviations (RMSD); and (c) greater number of residues that show low root‐mean‐squared fluctuations (RMSF). These results indicate that local interactions are critical and thus highlight the pitfall of using the overall protein characteristics as predictors of membrane fouling.
Deep imputation on large‐scale drug discovery data
Authors: Irwin Benedict W. J. , Whitehead Thomas M. , Rowland Scott , Mahmoud Samar Y. , Conduit Gareth J. , Segall Matthew D.
Published: May 2021

More accurate predictions of the biological properties of chemical compounds would guide the selection and design of new compounds in drug discovery and help to address the enormous cost and low success‐rate of pharmaceutical R&D. However, this domain presents a significant challenge for AI methods due to the sparsity of compound data and the noise inherent in results from biological experiments. In this paper, we demonstrate how data imputation using deep learning provides substantial improvements over quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) machine learning models that are widely applied in drug discovery. We present the largest‐to‐date successful application of deep‐learning imputation to datasets which are comparable in size to the corporate data repository of a pharmaceutical company (678 994 compounds by 1166 endpoints). We demonstrate this improvement for three areas of practical application linked to distinct use cases; (a) target activity data compiled from a range of drug discovery projects, (b) a high value and heterogeneous dataset covering complex absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination properties, and (c) high throughput screening data, testing the algorithm's limits on early stage noisy and very sparse data. Achieving median coefficients of determination, R2, of 0.69, 0.36, and 0.43, respectively, across these applications, the deep learning imputation method offers an unambiguous improvement over random forest QSAR methods, which achieve median R2 values of 0.28, 0.19, and 0.23, respectively. We also demonstrate that robust estimates of the uncertainties in the predicted values correlate strongly with the accuracies in prediction, enabling greater confidence in decision‐making based on the imputed values.
Characterization of Extracranial Giant Cell Arteritis with Intracranial Involvement and its Rapidly Progressive Subtype
Authors: Beuker Carolin , Wankner Maximilian Christian , Thomas Christian , Strecker Jan‐Kolja , Schmidt‐Pogoda Antje , Schwindt Wolfram , Schulte‐Mecklenbeck Andreas , Gross Catharina , Wiendl Heinz , Barth Peter J. , Eckert Bernd , Meinel Thomas Raphael , Arnold Marcel , Schaumberg Jens , Krüger Schulamith , Deb‐Chatterji Milani , Magnus Tim , Röther Joachim , Minnerup Jens
Published: May 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to characterize patients with extracranial giant cell arteritis with intracranial involvement.

Methods

In a multicenter retrospective study, we included 31 patients with systemic giant cell arteritis (GCA) with intracranial involvement. Clinical characteristics, pattern of arterial involvement, and cytokine profiles were assessed. Patients with GCA without intracranial involvement (n = 17), and with intracranial atherosclerosis (n = 25) served as controls.

Results

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was elevated in 18 patients (69.2%) with and in 16 patients (100%) without intracranial involvement (p = 0.02). Headache was complained by 15 patients (50.0%) with and 13 patients (76.5%) without intracranial involvement (p = 0.03). Posterior circulation arteries were affected in 26 patients (83.9%), anterior circulation arteries in 17 patients (54.8%), and both territories in 12 patients (38.7%). Patients with GCA had vertebral artery stenosis proximal and, in contrast, patients with atherosclerosis distal to the origin of posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). Among patients with GCA with intracranial involvement, 11 patients (37.9%) had a rapid progressive disease course characterized by short‐term recurrent ischemic events. The median modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at follow‐up in these patients was 4 (interquartile range [IQR] = 2.0–6.0) and 4 patients (36.4%) died. Vessel wall expression of IL‐6 and IL‐17 was significantly increased in patients with rapid progressive course.

Interpretation

Typical characteristics of GCA, headache, and an elevated ESR, are frequently absent in patients with intracranial involvement. However, differentiation of intracranial GCA from atherosclerosis can be facilitated by the typical pattern of vertebral artery stenosis. About one‐third of patients with intracranial GCA had a rapid progressive course with poor outcome. IL‐17 and IL‐6 may represent potential future treatment targets. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:118–129
Host–Guest Interactions in a Metal–Organic Framework Isoreticular Series for Molecular Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Stanley Philip M. , Haimerl Johanna , Thomas Christopher , Urstoeger Alexander , Schuster Michael , Shustova Natalia B. , Casini Angela , Rieger Bernhard , Warnan Julien , Fischer Roland A.
Published: May 2021

A strategy to improve homogeneous molecular catalyst stability, efficiency, and selectivity is the immobilization on supporting surfaces or within host matrices. Herein, we examine the co‐immobilization of a CO2 reduction catalyst [ReBr(CO)3(4,4′‐dcbpy)] and a photosensitizer [Ru(bpy)2(5,5′‐dcbpy)]Cl2 using the isoreticular series of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) UiO‐66, ‐67, and ‐68. Specific host pore size choice enables distinct catalyst and photosensitizer spatial location—either at the outer MOF particle surface or inside the MOF cavities—affecting catalyst stability, electronic communication between reaction center and photosensitizer, and consequently the apparent catalytic rates. These results allow for a rational understanding of an optimized supramolecular layout of catalyst, photosensitizer, and host matrix.
Low‐Level Radiofrequency Exposure Induces Vasoconstriction in Rats
Authors: Mai Thi Cuc , Braun Anne , Bach Veronique , Pelletier Amandine , de Seze Rene
Published: May 2021

Recent studies have revealed that rodents' physiological responses to low‐intensity radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields were similar to thermoregulatory responses to cold conditions. The primary autonomic response to cold exposure is peripheral vasoconstriction that allows rodents to reduce heat loss and maintain a relatively constant internal body temperature. In the present study, we investigated the effects of 900 MHz RF at a low level (SAR of 0.35 W/kg) on tail skin temperature (Ttail) in rats. We showed that rats exposed to RF had lower Ttail than control rats at ambient temperatures between 27 and 28 °C, suggesting that RF could induce a noticeable degree of vasoconstriction under mild‐warm ambient temperatures. This difference in Ttail was suppressed after the intraperitoneal injection of a vasodilator, an α‐adrenergic antagonist, confirming the hypothesis of the vasoconstriction in exposed rats. Moreover, like a response to cold stimuli, RF exposure led to increased plasma concentrations of important factors: noradrenaline (a neurotransmitter responsible for vasoconstriction and thermogenesis) and fatty acids (markers of activated thermogenesis). Taken together, these findings indicate that low‐intensity RF levels triggered some key physiological events usually associated with responses to cold in rats. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Effects of feedback specificity on acquisition of trial‐based functional analysis skills
Authors: Falligant John M. , Pence Sacha T. , Nuhu Nadratu N. , Bedell Sarah , Luna Odessa
Published: May 2021

Individuals responsible for training educational and support staff in schools and agencies may lack experience in evidence‐based training techniques. In particular, staff may have difficulty providing effective performance feedback, which is a critical component of many training models. Though many dimensions of feedback (e.g., accuracy, timing, consistency) may influence the effectiveness of feedback delivery, the impact of feedback specificity on performance is unknown. Accordingly, the purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of feedback specificity (vague vs. specific) on acquisition of trial‐based functional analysis skills with eight graduate students studying applied behavior analysis. Overall, specific feedback was associated with improved skill acquisition for all trainees, whereas vague feedback actually decreased performance, relative to baseline, for three trainees. Implications for staff training practices and future areas of research will be discussed.
Safe Sisters program offers support to sorority members
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: May 2021

The most effective bystander intervention programs don't fall into a one‐size‐fits‐all framework but rather are tailored to meet the needs of particular groups. A fitting example is the Indiana University Bloomington Safe Sisters program, which has shown promising results as a bystander intervention method specifically designed to support, educate, and empower sorority members, according to Rachel P. Feldwisch, Ph.D.
Drone program flies high at Claremont Colleges
Authors: Rahn Josh
Published: May 2021

The nation's colleges and universities are seen as the proving ground for many innovations that have tr2ansformed daily life. And naturally, many public safety professionals working in these institutions have taken an early adopter approach to those same innovations. That's especially true whenever new theories and training have practical, valuable applications for the public safety field.
Check on your people, they need it
Authors: Zacarese Lawrence M.
Published: May 2021

We often talk about officer or employee health and wellness as a footnote or one of many programs we offer our organizations. Don't get me wrong; there are plenty of agencies that have fully invested in wellness and prevention programs, but the majority of police and public safety agencies are faced with the same challenges: limited funding, limited personnel, or both.
Microfluidic Chips for Formulation of Silica Nanoparticles and Enzyme Immobilization
Authors: Ling Fiona W. M. , Abdulbari Hayder A. , Chin Sim-Yee
Published: May 2021

The unique micromixing environment of microfluidic technology provides new opportunities to apply known nanoparticle formulation techniques for higher reaction rates and better product quality. Novel methods to formulate silica nanoparticles and immobilize Rhizomucor miehei lipase on these particles in a microflow environment are introduced. The quality of the formulated nanoparticles from the microfluidic reactor was compared with those produced in the traditional bench‐scale method. The results demonstrate that the smaller silica nanoparticles were produced from the microfluidic reactor with higher dispersity compared to nanoparticles obtained from the bench‐scale. Immobilization of lipase is found to be more effective using silica nanoparticles synthesized in microflow systems as the carriers.
Anomeric and Enantiomeric 2’‐Deoxycytidines: Base Pair Stability in the Absence and Presence of Silver Ions
Authors: Zhang Aigui , Budow‐Busse Simone , Leonard Peter , Seela Frank
Published: May 2021

Dodecamer duplex DNA containing anomeric (α/β‐d) and enantiomeric (β‐l/β‐d) 2’‐deoxycytidine mismatches was studied with respect to base pair stability in the absence and presence of silver ions. Stable duplexes with silver‐mediated cytosine–cytosine pairs were formed by all anomeric and enantiomeric combinations. Stability changes were observed depending on the composition of the mismatches. Most strikingly, the new silver‐mediated base pair of anomeric α‐d‐dC with enantiomeric β‐l‐dC is superior to the well‐noted β‐d/β‐d‐dC pair in terms of stability. CD spectra were used to follow global helical changes of DNA structure.
Cu‐Catalyzed Chemoselective Reduction of N‐Heteroaromatics with NH3·BH3 in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Gao Chao , Xuan Qingqing , Song Qiuling
Published: May 2021

Main observation and conclusion

An efficient catalytic system was successfully developed on reduction of N‐heteroaromatics with H3N∙BH3 as hydrogen source in CuSO4 solution, featuring excellent chemoselectivity as well as very broad functional group tolerance. Various challenging substrates, such as OH‐, NH2‐, Cl‐, Br‐, etc., contained quinolines, quinoxalines, 1,5‐naphthyridines and quinazolines were all reduced smoothly. Mechanistic studies suggested that [Cu‐H] intermediate might be generated from NH3∙BH3, which was believed to form with H3N∙BH3 in CuSO4 solution.
Cardiovascular safety of febuxostat compared to allopurinol for the treatment of gout: A systematic and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gao Linggen , Wang Bin , Pan Ying , Lu Yan , Cheng Rui
Published: May 2021

The cardiovascular safety of febuxostat compared to allopurinol for the treatment of gout remains equivocal. Febuxostat had a better safety outcome compared with allopurinol. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we searched MEDLINE and Embase for articles published between March 1, 2000 and April 4, 2021, without any language restrictions. We did a systematic review and meta‐analysis of included clinical trials to evaluate the cardiovascular safety of febuxostat compared to allopurinol for treatment of chronic gout. Two reviewers independently selected studies, assessed study quality, and extracted data. Risk ratios were calculated with random effects and were reported with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). From 240 potentially relevant citations, 224 papers were excluded; 16 studies were ultimately included in the analysis. Febuxostat had a better safety outcome compared with allopurinol，which was the composite of urgent coronary revascularization (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.77–0.90, p < .0001) and stroke (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79–0.97, p = .009). However, that difference was not found in nonfatal myocardial infarction (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.80–1.22, p = .91), cardiovascular related mortality (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.69–1.38, p = .89) and all‐cause mortality (OR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.75–1.15, p = .52). No significant differences in cardiovascular related mortality and all‐cause mortality were observed across any subgroup. This meta‐analysis adds new evidence regarding the cardiovascular safety of febuxostat in patients. Initiation of febuxostat in patients was not associated with an increased risk of death or serious cardiovascular related adverse events compared with allopurinol.
Passing the baton
Authors: Khuri Fadlo R.
Published: May 2021

After reading 30,000 abstracts and some 5​,000 articles, letters, and editorials over 10 years as editor‐in‐chief of Cancer, I am stepping down, immeasurably the wiser for the experience. In addition to the knowledge gained, it is the people I have worked with that have made this a pleasure and a privilege.
A causal role for the pulvinar in coordinating task‐independent cortico–cortical interactions
Authors: Eradath Manoj K. , Pinsk Mark A. , Kastner Sabine
Published: May 2021

The pulvinar is the largest nucleus in the primate thalamus and has topographically organized connections with multiple cortical areas, thereby forming extensive cortico‐pulvino‐cortical input–output loops. Neurophysiological studies have suggested a role for these transthalamic pathways in regulating information transmission between cortical areas. However, evidence for a causal role of the pulvinar in regulating cortico–cortical interactions is sparse and it is not known whether pulvinar's influences on cortical networks are task‐dependent or, alternatively, reflect more basic large‐scale network properties that maintain functional connectivity across networks regardless of active task demands. In the current study, under passive viewing conditions, we conducted simultaneous electrophysiological recordings from ventral (area V4) and dorsal (lateral intraparietal area [LIP]) nodes of macaque visual system, while reversibly inactivating the dorsal part of the lateral pulvinar (dPL), which shares common anatomical connectivity with V4 and LIP, to probe a causal role of the pulvinar. Our results show a significant reduction in local field potential phase coherence between LIP and V4 in low frequencies (4–15 Hz) following muscimol injection into dPL. At the local level, no significant changes in firing rates or LFP power were observed in LIP or in V4 following dPL inactivation. Synchronization between pulvinar spikes and cortical LFP phase decreased in low frequencies (4–15 Hz) both in LIP and V4, while the low frequency synchronization between LIP spikes and pulvinar phase increased. These results indicate a causal role for pulvinar in synchronizing neural activity between interconnected cortical nodes of a large‐scale network, even in the absence of an active task state.
Clinical significance of golgi protein‐73 as a diagnostic marker for Egyptian patients with colorectal cancer: Preliminary study
Authors: Abdelhady Shaymaa Abdelraheem , Attya Heba , Abdo Mohamed , Attia Fadia M.
Published: May 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Early diagnostic methods help in therapeutic success and higher survival rate. Golgi protein 73 (gp73) could help in diagnosis of colorectal cancer at an earlier stage.

Aim

A case‐control study aimed to assess serum level of golgi protein 73 (gp73) as a liquid biopsy marker in Egyptian colorectal cancer patients.

Methods and results

In the current study, ninty (90) patients were included and classified into three groups; thirty (30) patients with Colorectal cancer (CRC) as study group; 30 patients (20 patients with irritable bowel disease and 10 patients with rectal polyps) as pathological control and 30 healthy adult individuals as normal control. The diagnosis was based on the history, clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, and histological data. Golgiprotein 73 (GP73) was measured by ELISA immunoassay Kit. Serum GP73 level was higher in CRC patients than pathological control group and normal control group with high sensitivity and specificity p < .005.

Conclusion

GP73 alone or combined with Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) may be good diagnositic marker in CRC. However large studies are warranted on different stages of the disease to assess its diagnostic and prognositic value.
Effectiveness of psychotherapy for self‐harm and suicide varies
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: May 2021

Finding out which psychotherapy modalities are most effective for reducing self‐harm and suicidality in pediatrics is difficult because of bias risk and methodological issues preventing comparative estimates, a recent study has found. Still, some do appear to be acceptable to and efficacious for children and adolescents, according to the meta‐analysis, published on April 16 in JAMA Network Open. Because self‐harm and suicidal behavior are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality among children and adolescents, it's valuable to look at comparative effectiveness of psychotherapies. The comparative performance of psychotherapies for suicidality is unclear because few head‐to‐head clinical trials have been conducted.
The future ofnon‐financialbusinesses reporting: Learning from the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Hassan Abeer , Elamer Ahmed A. , Lodh Suman , Roberts Lee , Nandy Monomita
Published: May 2021

In this paper we conceptually identify the gap in the literature about lack of business's awareness in non ‐financial activities, especially biodiversity, which can be responsible for crisis like Covid‐19 which can adversely affect the global economy. We recommend approaches to existing business about how to enhance the quality of reporting by considering non‐human element in reporting and making it more comprehensive for the stakeholders. We adopt Actor Network Theory (ANT) and the Natural Inventory Model to support our argument that nature consists of both human and non‐human. From our observation about the Covid‐19 crisis and by consulting the existing relevant literature on CSR, Covid‐19, non‐financial reporting and integrated reports (IR), we propose the implication of non‐financial reporting by companies based on a theoretical framework. We recommend that companies should implement/adopt Circular Economy concept for sustainable business model and report on biodiversity and extinction accounting in more structured and mandatory way via producing IR to create value on short, medium and long terms. This is the first paper to tackle the Covid‐19 crisis and offer solution for future reporting. The findings will add value in the academia and society.