bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of a novel and green rod‐like magnetic ZnS/CuFe2O4/agar organometallic hybrid catalyst for the synthesis of biologically‐active 2‐amino‐tetrahydro‐4H‐chromene‐3‐carbonitrile derivatives
Authors: Bahrami Shahrzad , Hassanzadeh‐Afruzi Fereshte , Maleki Ali
Published: August 2020

The magnetic biocompatible rod‐like ZnS/CuFe2O4/agar organometallic hybrid catalyst was designed and prepared based on a natural macromolecule (agar) through a green and convenient method using inexpensive, nontoxic, and easily available substances. Then, the as‐prepared catalyst was characterized by several techniques such as Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, scanning electron microscopy image, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry curve, X‐ray diffraction pattern, and thermogravimetric analysis. Eventually, the catalytic application of the ZnS/CuFe2O4/agar nanobiocomposite was assessed in sequential Knoevenagel condensation–Michael addition reaction of dimedone, malononitrile, and different substituted aromatic aldehydes for the synthesis of 2‐amino‐tetrahydro‐4H‐chromene‐3‐carbonitrile derivatives. Some notable strengths of this environmentally benign catalyst include simplicity of catalyst preparation and separation, affording desired products with satisfactory yields (81%–97%) in very short reaction times (3–18 min), and with no need for complicated work‐up processes. Experimental tests showed that the catalyst can be successfully reused after five sequential runs without significant reduction in its catalytic efficiency.
Novel imidazole derivatives with recoverable activity as latent curing agents for epoxy
Authors: Shi Kunxiang , Shen Yucai , Yang Yunxu , Wang Tingwei
Published: August 2020

A series of latent curing agents were developed by replacing the hydrogen atom on secondary amine in imidazole with methoxy polyethylene glycol maleate diesters via Michael addition reaction. Methoxy polyethylene glycol maleate diesters with different molecular weight also restrained the reactivity of tertiary amine in imidazole ring. The curing properties and pot‐life of the modified imidazole/epoxy systems were measured by differential scanning calorimeter and rotational rheometer. The modified imidazole/epoxy system could be cured quickly at 175°C. The modified imidazole shows good latency. After stored for more than 1 month, viscosity of modified imidazole/epoxy system remains unchanged. The longer chain polyether had the better thermal latency these curing agents had. Compared with unmodified imidazole, the novel latent curing agents led to better impact strength for cured epoxy. However, the compatibility between epoxy and latent curing agent will get worse if the molecular weight of polyether unite is over 750.
Phase II Randomized Trial of Rituximab Plus Cyclophosphamide Followed by Belimumab for the Treatment of Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Atisha‐Fregoso Yemil , Malkiel Susan , Harris Kristina M. , Byron Margie , Ding Linna , Kanaparthi Sai , Barry William T. , Gao Wendy , Ryker Kristin , Tosta Patti , Askanase Anca D. , Boackle Susan A. , Chatham W. Winn , Kamen Diane L. , Karp David R. , Kirou Kyriakos A. , Sam Lim S. , Marder Bradley , McMahon Maureen , Parikh Samir V. , Pendergraft William F. , Podoll Amber S. , Saxena Amit , Wofsy David , Diamond Betty , Smilek Dawn E. , Aranow Cynthia , Dall’Era Maria
Published: August 2020

Objective

To assess the safety, mechanism of action, and preliminary efficacy of rituximab followed by belimumab in the treatment of refractory lupus nephritis (LN).

Methods

In a multicenter, randomized, open‐label clinical trial, 43 patients with recurrent or refractory LN were treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide (CYC), and glucocorticoids followed by weekly belimumab infusions until week 48 (RCB group), or treated with rituximab and CYC but no belimumab infusions (RC group). Patients were followed up until week 96. Percentages of total and autoreactive B cell subsets in the patients’ peripheral blood were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

Treatment with belimumab did not increase the incidence of adverse events in patients with refractory LN. At week 48, a complete or partial renal response occurred in 11 (52%) of 21 patients receiving belimumab, compared to 9 (41%) of 22 patients in the RC group who did not receive belimumab (P = 0.452). Lack of improvement in or worsening of LN was the major reason for treatment failure. B cell depletion occurred in both groups, but the percentage of B cells remained lower in those receiving belimumab (geometric mean number of B cells at week 60, 53 cells/μl in the RCB group versus 11 cells/μl in the RC group; P = 0.0012). Percentages of total and autoreactive transitional B cells increased from baseline to week 48 in both groups. However, percentages of total and autoreactive naive B cells decreased from baseline to week 48 in the belimumab group compared to the no belimumab RC group (P = 0.0349), a finding that is consistent with the observed impaired maturation of naive B cells and enhanced censoring of autoreactive B cells.

Conclusion

The addition of belimumab to a treatment regimen with rituximab and CYC was safe in patients with refractory LN. This regimen diminished maturation of transitional to naive B cells during B cell reconstitution, and enhanced the negative selection of autoreactive B cells. Clinical efficacy was not improved with rituximab and CYC in combination with belimumab when compared to a therapeutic strategy of B cell depletion alone in patients with LN.
Variation in education doctoral students’ conceptions of university teaching
Authors: Mimirinis Mike , Ahlberg Kristina
Published: August 2020

The development of doctoral students as university teachers has received substantially less attention compared with their development as researchers, with a similar deficit extending to research on how they experience and understand university teaching. This article reports the results of a phenomenographic study of education doctoral students’ conceptions of teaching in higher education. Using samples from two education departments in England and Sweden, we conducted interviews to identify variation in doctoral students’ experiences of university teaching. Analysis of the transcripts produced six qualitatively different conceptions of teaching: doctoral students conceptualised university teaching as a means of (A) transmitting knowledge, (B) presenting contrasting concepts of education, (C) communicating and engaging with students, (D) enabling students to apply knowledge and skills, (E) enabling students to interpret and compare concepts of education, and (F) promoting personal, professional and societal development and change. While in broad agreement with previous studies on university teachers’ conceptions of teaching, the study offers a unique insight into how the subject of education is understood by doctoral students who teach. The findings also underline the need to introduce common frameworks of academic development for academics and doctoral students alike that prioritise ways of representing and engaging with the structure of the subject, rather than the acquisition of teaching skills.
Residual disease after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal cancer: locations undetected by endoscopic biopsies in the preSANO trial
Authors: Wilk B J , Eyck B M , Doukas M , Spaander M C W , Schoon E J , Krishnadath K K , Oostenbrug L E , Lagarde S M , Wijnhoven B P L , Looijenga L H J , Biermann K , Lanschot J J B
Published: August 2020

Background

Active surveillance has been proposed for patients with oesophageal cancer in whom there is a complete clinical response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). However, endoscopic biopsies have limited negative predictive value in detecting residual disease. This study determined the location of residual tumour following surgery to improve surveillance and endoscopic strategies.

Methods

The present study was based on patients who participated in the prospective preSANO trial with adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus or oesophagogastric junction treated in four Dutch hospitals between 2013 and 2016. Resection specimens and endoscopic biopsies taken during clinical response evaluations after nCRT were reviewed by two expert gastrointestinal pathologists. The exact location of residual disease in the oesophageal wall was determined in resection specimens. Endoscopic biopsies were assessed for the presence of structures representing the submucosal layer of the oesophageal wall.

Results

In total, 119 eligible patients underwent clinical response evaluations after nCRT followed by standard surgery. Residual tumour was present in endoscopic biopsies from 70 patients, confirmed on histological analysis of the resected organ. Residual tumour was present in the resection specimen from 27 of the other 49 patients, despite endoscopic biopsies being negative. Of these 27 patients, residual tumour was located in the mucosa in 18, and in the submucosa beneath tumour-free mucosa in eight. One patient had tumour in muscle beneath tumour-free mucosa and submucosa.

Conclusion

Most residual disease after nCRT missed by endoscopic biopsies was located in the mucosa. Active surveillance could be improved by more sampling and considering submucosal biopsies.
Implementing the 3T‐approach for cervical cancer screening in Cameroon: Preliminary results on program performance
Authors: Levy Juliette , de Preux Marie , Kenfack Bruno , Sormani Jessica , Catarino Rosa , Tincho Eveline F. , Frund Chloé , Fouogue Jovanny T. , Vassilakos Pierre , Petignat Patrick
Published: August 2020

Option recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) includes human papillomavirus (HPV) primary screening followed by visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) triage. We implemented a program based on a 3T‐approach (Test‐Triage and Treat). Our objective was to verify the effectiveness of the program by defining a set of performance indices. A sensitization campaign was performed in Dschang (Cameroon) and women aged 30‐49 years were invited to participate for screening based on the 3T‐approach. Participants performed HPV self‐sampling (Self‐HPV), analyzed with the point‐of‐care Xpert HPV assay followed by VIA/VILI triage and treatment if required. Key performance indicators (KPIs) for screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow‐up were defined, and achievable targets were described for which the approach is likely to be running optimally. A total of 840 women with a mean age of 39.4±5.9 years participated. The KPIs included (i) the screening rate (8.4% at 7 months, target =20% at 12 months), (ii) HPV positivity rate (19.8%, expected range 18‐25%), (iii) compliance to referral to VIA/VILI and complete test (100%, target >90%), (iv) compliance to referral to thermal ablation (100%, target >90%), (v) VIA/VILI positivity rate (50.6%, expected range 45‐55%), (vi) a single visit from diagnostic to treatment (79.8%, target >80%), (vii) compliance to follow‐up at 1 month (96.4%, target >80%) and (viii) at 6 months (70.6%, target >80%). Program performance based on the single‐visit 3T‐approach corresponded to defined targets and preliminary results support adequateness of KPIs for periodic monitoring.
Circulating immune cell dynamics in patients with triple negative breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Talamantes Sarah , Xie Eric , Costa Ricardo L. B. , Chen Melissa , Rademaker Alfred , Santa‐Maria Cesar A.
Published: August 2020

Background

Lymphopenia has been associated with inferior cancer outcomes, but there is limited data in breast cancer. We describe the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on circulating immune cells and its association with pathological complete response (pCR) rates in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Methods

We constructed a database of patients with early stage TNBC treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Circulating lymphocytes and monocytes were assessed before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. These were correlated with pCR rates and disease‐free survival (DFS) using Fisher's exact test, logistic regression, and the log‐rank test.

Results

From 2000 to 2015, we identified 95 eligible patients. Median age was 50; 29 (31%) were treated with platinum‐containing chemotherapy; and 66 (69%) with nonplatinum‐containing chemotherapy (anthracycline‐taxane, or either alone). About 32 (34%) patients achieved a pCR; and 33 (35%) had recurrence events. Median follow‐up time was 47 months. No significant associations were found between changes in lymphocytes and pCR or DFS. There was a correlation between lower monocyte levels after neoadjuvant chemotherapy and pCR (mean monocyte 0.56 in those with no‐pCR vs 0.46 in those with pCR, P = .049, multivariate P = .078) and DFS (median DFS in highest monocyte quartile was 30 vs 107 months in lowest quartile, P = .022, multivariate P = .023). In patients who received nonplatinum regimens, DFS was better among those who had larger decreases in monocytes.

Conclusions

Development of lymphopenia from neoadjuvant chemotherapy was not associated with pCR in patients with TNBC. However, lower absolute circulating monocytes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved outcomes.
Development of Gene‐Targeted Polypyridyl Triplex‐Forming Oligonucleotide Hybrids
Authors: Zuin Fantoni Nicolò , McGorman Bríonna , Molphy Zara , Singleton Daniel , Walsh Sarah , El‐Sagheer Afaf H. , McKee Vickie , Brown Tom , Kellett Andrew
Published: August 2020

In the field of nucleic acid therapy there is major interest in the development of libraries of DNA‐reactive small molecules which are tethered to vectors that recognize and bind specific genes. This approach mimics enzymatic gene editors, such as ZFNs, TALENs and CRISPR‐Cas, but overcomes the limitations imposed by the delivery of a large protein endonuclease which is required for DNA cleavage. Here, we introduce a chemistry‐based DNA‐cleavage system comprising an artificial metallo‐nuclease (AMN) that oxidatively cuts DNA, and a triplex‐forming oligonucleotide (TFO) that sequence‐specifically recognises duplex DNA. The AMN‐TFO hybrids coordinate CuII ions to form chimeric catalytic complexes that are programmable – based on the TFO sequence employed – to bind and cut specific DNA sequences. Use of the alkyne‐azide cycloaddition click reaction allows scalable and high‐throughput generation of hybrid libraries that can be tuned for specific reactivity and gene‐of‐interest knockout. As a first approach, we demonstrate targeted cleavage of purine‐rich sequences, optimisation of the hybrid system to enhance stability, and discrimination between target and off‐target sequences. Our results highlight the potential of this approach where the cutting unit, which mimics the endonuclease cleavage machinery, is directly bound to a TFO guide by click chemistry.
Recent Perspectives on Rearrangement Reactions of Ylides via Carbene Transfer Reactions
Authors: Jana Sripati , Guo Yujing , Koenigs Rene M.
Published: August 2020

Among the available methods to increase the molecular complexity, sigmatropic rearrangements occupy a distinct position in organic synthesis. Despite being known for over a century sigmatropic rearrangement reactions of ylides via carbene transfer reaction have only recently come of age. Most of the ylide mediated rearrangement processes involve rupture of a σ‐bond and formation of a new bond between π‐bond and negatively charged atom followed by simultaneous redistribution of π‐electrons. This minireview describes the advances in this research area made in recent years, which now opens up metal‐catalyzed enantioselective sigmatropic rearrangement reactions, metal‐free photochemical rearrangement reactions and novel reaction pathways that can be accessed via ylide intermediates.
Crucial Role of Water in the Mechanosynthesis of CsPbI3 and Other ABX3 Halides
Authors: Tsvetkov Dmitry , Mazurin Maksim , Ivanov Ivan , Malyshkin Dmitry , Sereda Vladimir , Zuev Andrey
Published: August 2020

Mechanochemical synthesis of CsPbI3, as a model system for ABX3 halides, was studied. Water was shown to strongly promote the kinetics of formation of CsPbI3 from the CsI+PbI2 mixture through increased mobility of the constituting ionic species. Since many binary and ternary halides are hygroscopic, it was concluded that the presence of small, uncontrollable and unintentional additions of water should often occur in both precursor mixtures and synthesized complex halides boosting the kinetics of formation of many, if not all, ternary organic–inorganic hybrid halides such as, for example, MAPbX3 (X=Cl, Br, I). In addition, trace amounts of water should influence the transport characteristics of complex halides. Thus, the presence of water explains, at least partially, the huge scatter in both the reported mechanochemical reaction times necessary for obtaining single‐phase APbX3 perovskite halides and the activation energies of ionic diffusion in APbX3.
Application of Reclaimed Sodium Polyacrylate to Increase Soil Water Retention
Authors: Khodadadi Dehkordi Davoud , Shamsnia Seyed Amir
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study is to investigate the impacts of salt denseness, temperature, and pH on swelling capability and the water retention capability in loam soil treated by reclaimed hydrogel. In swelling dynamic and deswelling dynamic tests, a sample of reclaimed hydrogel (0.15 g) is applied. The bag (with polymer) is drowned in 110 mL distilled water in a vessel at lab temperature. For evaluating deswelling dynamic, the swollen superabsorbent polymer (after obtaining balance swelling) is set in a vessel in lab conditions. The influence of temperature is evaluated by conducting dynamic tests at 70 °C. The influence of pH on swelling capability is evaluated by providing solutions with different pH values. The results show that the reclaimed hydrogel has a large capability to take up and store moisture and is suitable in agricultural utilization. It is technically feasible to increase the water retention capability of soil, and therefore reduce irrigation cost. Moreover, the swelling capability rises with temperature, while it declines with the rise in salt or pH denseness. The results indicate that sodium polyacrylate achieved from used diapers can be reclaimed and applied as a moisture absorbing substance in agriculture for a superior irrigation administration.
Association between circulating tumor DNA burden and disease burden in patients with ALK‐positive lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Eric W. , Dagogo‐Jack Ibiayi , Kuo Anderson , Rooney Marguerite M. , Shaw Alice T. , Digumarthy Subba R.
Published: August 2020

Background

Plasma genotyping is an emerging approach for the identification of genetic alterations mediating resistance to anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)–targeted therapy. The authors reviewed plasma genotyping and imaging findings to assess the correlation between circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) burden and disease burden in patients with ALK‐positive lung cancer.

Methods

The authors analyzed 97 plasma specimens from 75 patients with ALK‐positive lung cancer to identify ALK and non‐ALK alterations. Disease burden was estimated by tabulating lesions per organ and calculating lesion diameters, areas, and volumes. Disease burden was correlated with the allelic frequency (AF) of plasma alterations.

Results

The mean interval between plasma collection and imaging was 8 days. ctDNA was detected in approximately 85% of plasma specimens. An ALK fusion and ALK mutation were detected in 79% and 76%, respectively, of plasma specimens. Using the maximum plasma alteration AF and maximum ALK alteration AF as independent surrogates of ctDNA burden, a higher disease burden measurement on imaging was found to be associated with higher ctDNA burden. Total body and extrathoracic tumor volume but not intrathoracic tumor volume correlated with ctDNA burden. Of all the disease sites assessed, the ctDNA burden correlated most with involvement of the liver, bones, and adrenal glands. Despite being the defining alteration in ALK‐positive lung cancer, isolated plasma ALK fusion AF did not perform as well as the maximum plasma alteration AF or maximum ALK alteration AF for correlating tumor burden.

Conclusions

In patients with ALK‐positive lung cancer, the maximum plasma alteration AF and maximum ALK alteration AF correlate with the extrathoracic burden of disease and are more predictive of tumor burden compared with the ALK fusion AF alone.

Lay Summary

Analysis of genetic material shed from cancer cells into the circulation offers insights into the molecular composition of tumors. The circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) varies over time and across individuals and is impacted by the distribution of disease.

Herein, the authors estimated tumor burden on imaging and correlated it with ctDNA by calculating the maximum allelic frequency.

The current study findings demonstrated that the greatest correlation exists between extrathoracic, extracranial tumor burden (particularly involvement of the liver, adrenal glands, or bones) and ctDNA burden, suggesting a biological basis for the interpatient and temporal intrapatient differences in ctDNA yield that have been described in previous studies.
A multiview approach based on naming behavioral modeling for aligning chinese user accounts across multiple networks
Authors: Zhu Junxing , Wang Xiang , Liu Qiang , Li Xiaoyong , Shao Chengcheng , Zhou Bin
Published: August 2020

Hundreds of millions of Chinese people have become social network users in recent years, and aligning the accounts of common Chinese users across multiple social networks is valuable to many inter‐network applications, for example, cross‐network recommendation and cross‐network link prediction. Many methods have explored the proper ways of utilizing account name information into aligning the common English users' accounts. However, how to properly utilize the account name information when aligning the Chinese user accounts remains to be detailedly studied. In this article, we first discuss the available naming behavioral models as well as the related features for different types of Chinese account name matchings. Second, we propose the framework of Multi‐View Cross‐Network User Alignment (MCUA) method, which uses a multi‐view framework to creatively integrate different models to deal with different types of Chinese account name matchings, and can consider all of the studied features when aligning the Chinese user accounts. Finally, we conduct experiments to prove that MCUA can outperform many existing methods on aligning Chinese user accounts between Sina Weibo and Twitter. Besides, we also study the best learning models and the top‐k valuable features of different types of name matchings for MCUA over our experimental datasets.
In Vitro Assays to Study PD‐1 Biology in Human T Cells
Authors: Tocheva Anna S. , Lerrer Shalom , Mor Adam
Published: August 2020

Our understanding of programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) biology is limited due to technical difficulties in establishing reproducible, yet simple, in vitro assays to study PD‐1 signaling in primary human T cells. The protocols in this article were refined to test the consequences of PD‐1 ligation on short‐term T cell signaling, long‐term T cell function, and the structural consequences of PD‐1 ligation with PD‐1 ligands. Basic Protocol 1 addresses the need for a robust and reproducible short‐term assay to examine the signaling cascade triggered by PD‐1. We describe a phospho flow cytometry method to determine how PD‐1 ligation alters the level of CD3ζ phosphorylation on Tyr142, which can be easily applied to other proximal signaling proteins. Basic Protocol 2 describes a plate‐bound assay that is useful to examine the long‐term consequences of PD‐1 ligation such as cytokine production and T cell proliferation. Complementary to that, Basic Protocol 3 describes an in vitro superantigen‐based assay to evaluate T cell responses to therapeutic agents targeting the PD‐1/PD‐L axis, as well as immune synapse formation in the presence of PD‐1 engagement. Finally, in Basic Protocol 4 we outline a tetramer‐based method useful to interrogate the quality of PD‐1/PD‐L interactions. These protocols can be easily adapted for mouse studies and other inhibitory receptors. They provide a valuable resource to investigate PD‐1 signaling in T cells and the functional consequences of various PD‐1‐based therapeutics on T cell responses. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: PD‐1 crosslinking assay to determine CD3ζ phosphorylation in primary human T cells

Basic Protocol 2: Plate‐based ligand binding assay to study PD‐1 function in human T cells

Support Protocol 1: T cell proliferation assay in the presence of PD‐1 ligation

Basic Protocol 3: In vitro APC/T cell co‐culture system to evaluate therapeutic interventions targeting the PD‐1/PD‐L1 axis

Support Protocol 2: Microscopy‐based approach to evaluate the consequences of PD‐1 ligation on immune synapse formation

Basic Protocol 4: Tetramer‐based approach to study PD‐1/PD‐L1 interactions
Boost Selectivity of HCOO−Using Anchored Bi Single Atoms towards CO2Reduction
Authors: Yang Xupeng , Chen Yuliang , Qin Lang , Wu Xiaonan , Wu Yuting , Yan Tao , Geng Zhigang , Zeng Jie
Published: August 2020

Single atoms have been widely applied as efficient catalysts in various catalytic systems due to its high selectivity for certain products, which is induced by a uniform coordinate environment of active sites. Herein, it is demonstrated that Bi single atoms anchored on carbon black (Bi SAs/C) can serve as an efficient catalyst for CO2electroreduction into formate (HCOO−). During CO2electroreduction, Bi SAs/C achieved a faradaic efficiency for HCOO−of 83.6 % at−1.1 Vversus reversible hydrogen electrode (V vs. RHE). Notably, the selectivity for HCOO−of Bi SAs/C was always higher than 95 % at all applied potentials. In addition, at−1.2 Vvs.RHE, the current density for HCOO−formation in thepresence of Bi SAs/C reached−12.0 mA cm−2, which was 3.4 times as high as that (−3.5 mA cm−2) of BiOxclusters on carbon black (BiOx/C). Mechanistic studies revealed that Bi SAs/C facilitated the faradaic process and accelerated reaction kinetics in comparison with BiOx/C.
Smoking and COVID‐19: Similar bronchial ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression and higher TMPRSS4 expression in current versus never smokers
Authors: Voinsky Irena , Gurwitz David
Published: August 2020

Uncertainties remain concerning the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and potential therapeutics for COVID‐19. Among unsettled controversies is whether tobacco smoking increases or protects from severe COVID‐19. Several epidemiological studies reported reduced COVID‐19 hospitalizations among smokers, while other studies reported the opposite trend. Some authors assumed that smokers have elevated airway expression of ACE2, the cell recognition site of the SARS‐Cov‐2 spike protein, but this suggestion remains unverified. We therefore performed data mining of two independent NCBI GEO genome‐wide RNA expression files (GSE7894 and GSE994) and report that in both data sets, current smokers and never smokers have, on average, closely similar bronchial epithelial cell mRNA levels of ACE2, as well as TMPRSS2, coding for a serine protease priming SARS‐Cov‐2 for cell entry, and ADAM17, coding for a protease implicated in ACE2 membrane shedding. In contrast, the expression levels of TMPRSS4, coding for a protease that primes SARS‐CoV‐2 for cell entry similarly to TMPRSS2, were elevated in bronchial epithelial cells from current smokers compared with never smokers, suggesting that higher bronchial TMPRSS4 levels in smokers might put them at higher SARS‐Cov‐2 infection risk. The effects of smoking on COVID‐19 severity need clarification with larger studies. Additionally, the postulated protective effects of nicotine and nitric oxide, which may presumably reduce the risk of a “cytokine storm” in infected individuals, deserve assessment by controlled clinical trials.
Material hardship, prefrontal cortex–amygdala structure, and internalizing symptoms in children
Authors: Lichtin Rebecca D. , Merz Emily C. , He Xiaofu , Desai Pooja M. , Simon Katrina R. , Melvin Samantha A. , Maskus Elaine A. , Noble Kimberly G.
Published: August 2020

Material hardship, or difficulty affording basic resources such as food, housing, utilities, and health care, increases children's risk for internalizing problems. The uncinate fasciculus (UNC) and two of the gray matter regions it connects—the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and amygdala—may play important roles in the neural mechanisms underlying these associations. We investigated associations among material hardship, UNC microstructure, OFC and amygdala structure, and internalizing symptoms in children. Participants were 5–9‐year‐old children (N = 94, 61% female) from socioeconomically diverse families. Parents completed questionnaires assessing material hardship and children's internalizing symptoms. High‐resolution, T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (n = 51), and diffusion tensor imaging (n = 58) data were acquired. UNC fractional anisotropy (FA), medial OFC surface area, and amygdala gray matter volume were extracted. Greater material hardship was significantly associated with lower UNC FA, smaller amygdala volume, and higher internalizing symptoms in children, after controlling for age, sex, and family income‐to‐needs ratio. Lower UNC FA significantly mediated the association between material hardship and internalizing symptoms in girls but not boys. These findings are consistent with the notion that material hardship may lead to altered white matter microstructure and gray matter structure in neural networks critical to emotion processing and regulation.
Fine sediment and flow velocity impact bacterial community and functional profile more than nutrient enrichment
Authors: Juvigny‐Khenafou Noël P. D. , Piggott Jeremy J. , Atkinson David , Zhang Yixin , Wu Naicheng , Matthaei Christoph D.
Published: August 2020

Freshwater ecosystems face many simultaneous pressures due to human activities. Consequently, there has been a rapid loss of freshwater biodiversity and an increase in biomonitoring programs. Our study assessed the potential of benthic stream bacterial communities as indicators of multiple‐stressor impacts associated with urbanization and agricultural intensification. We conducted a fully crossed four‐factor experiment in 64 flow‐through mesocosms fed by a pristine montane stream (21 d of colonization, 21 d of manipulations) and investigated the effects of nutrient enrichment, flow‐velocity reduction and added fine sediment after 2 and 3 weeks of stressor exposure. We used high‐throughput sequencing and metabarcoding techniques (16S rRNA genes), as well as curated biological databases (METAGENassit, MetaCyc), to identify changes in bacterial relative abundances and predicted metabolic functional profile. Sediment addition and flow‐velocity reduction were the most pervasive stressors. They both increased α‐diversity and had strong taxon‐specific effects on community composition and predicted functions. Sediment and flow velocity also interacted frequently, with 88% of all bacterial response variables showing two‐way interactions and 33% showing three‐way interactions including nutrient enrichment. Changes in relative abundances of common taxa were associated with shifts in dominant predicted functions, which can be extrapolated to underlaying stream‐wide mechanisms such as carbon use and bacterial energy production pathways. Observed changes were largely stable over time and occurred after just 2 weeks of exposure, demonstrating that bacterial communities can be well‐suited for early detection of multiple stressors. Overall, added sediment and reduced flow velocity impacted both bacterial community structure and predicted function more than nutrient enrichment. In future research and stream management, a holistic approach to studying multiple‐stressor impacts should include multiple trophic levels with their functional responses, to enhance our mechanistic understanding of complex stressor effects and promote establishment of more efficient biomonitoring programs.
Applications of deep convolutional neural networks to predict length, circumference, and weight from mostly dewatered images of fish
Authors: Bravata Nicholas , Kelly Dylan , Eickholt Jesse , Bryan Janine , Miehls Scott , Zielinski Dan
Published: August 2020

Simple biometric data of fish aid fishery management tasks such as monitoring the structure of fish populations and regulating recreational harvest. While these data are foundational to fishery research and management, the collection of length and weight data through physical handling of the fish is challenging as it is time consuming for personnel and can be stressful for the fish. Recent advances in imaging technology and machine learning now offer alternatives for capturing biometric data. To investigate the potential of deep convolutional neural networks to predict biometric data, several regressors were trained and evaluated on data stemming from the FishL™ Recognition System and manual measurements of length, girth, and weight. The dataset consisted of 694 fish from 22 different species common to Laurentian Great Lakes. Even with such a diverse dataset and variety of presentations by the fish, the regressors proved to be robust and achieved competitive mean percent errors in the range of 5.5 to 7.6% for length and girth on an evaluation dataset. Potential applications of this work could increase the efficiency and accuracy of routine survey work by fishery professionals and provide a means for longer‐term automated collection of fish biometric data.
Visual trajectory pattern as prognostic factors for neck pain
Authors: Myhrvold Birgitte Lawaetz , Irgens Pernille , Robinson Hilde Stendal , Engebretsen Kaia , Natvig Bård , Kongsted Alice , Køpke Vøllestad Nina
Published: August 2020

Background

A novel approach capturing both temporal variation and pain intensity of neck pain is by visual trajectory patterns. Recently, both previous and expected visual trajectory patterns were identified as stronger predictors of outcome than traditional measures of pain history and psychological distress. Our aim was to examine patient characteristics within the various previous and expected patterns, relationship between the two patterns and predictive value of a variable combining the previous and expected patterns.

Methods

Patients with neck pain (n = 932) consulting chiropractors were included. Baseline measures included pain intensity, disability, psychological variables and symptom history and expectations. Participants reported global perceived effect after 12 weeks. Analyses included descriptive statistics and logistic regression.

Results

Pain intensity, disability, psychological and worse outcome expectations increased from a single pain episode to severe ongoing pain of previous and expected patterns. Having a severe pain history was associated with poor prognosis, particularly if combined with negative expectations. The variable combining previous and expected patterns had a discriminative ability similar to that of other predictors AUC = 0.64 (95% CI = 0.60–0–67) versus AUC = 0.66 (95% CI = 0.62–0.70). The model with highest discriminative ability was achieved when adding the combined patterns to other predictors AUC = 0.70 (95% CI = 0.66–0.73).

Conclusion

The study indicates that pain expectations are formed by pain history. The patients’ expectations were similar to or more optimistic compared with their pain history. The prognostic ability of the model including a simplified combination of previous and expected patterns, together with a few other predictors, suggests that the trajectory patterns might have potential for clinical use.

Significance

The dynamic nature of neck pain can be captured by visual illustrations of trajectory patterns. We report, that trajectory patterns of pain history and future expectations to some extent are related. The patterns also reflect a difference in severity assessed by higher degree of symptoms and distress. Moreover, the visual trajectory patterns predict outcome at 12‐weeks. Since the patterns are easily applicable, they might have potential as a clinical tool.
What is knowledge in Industry 4.0?
Authors: Ullah AMM Sharif
Published: August 2020

Industry 4.0 relevant systems (eg, cyber‐physical systems, digital twins, and alike) need digitized knowledge to function. Before digitizing knowledge, a fundamental question arises: What is knowledge? In order to answer this question, this study first reviews the definitions of knowledge found in the extant literature of epistemology, engineering design, manufacturing, organization science, information science, and education science. Since the definitions reported so far are not succinct and suffer circularity, this study overcomes this by introducing a three‐element‐based definition of knowledge—a piece knowledge consists of three elements defined as claim, provenance, and inference. This results in four types of knowledge defined as definitional, deductive, inductive, and creative knowledge, and each type of knowledge is again divided into some categories. Some real‐life scenarios relevant to engineering design and manufacturing are used to clarify the proposed knowledge types/categories; the relevant pieces of knowledge are represented by knowledge graphs (concept maps) for the sake of digitization. The myriad proximal and distal relationships between knowledge and other relevant entities (human/machine learning, logical inferences, experimental data, analytical results, creative thinking, and cognitive reflections) become succinct and transparent due to the proposed definition of knowledge. Consequently, this study establishes the fundamentals of developing sophisticated methods and tools for the advancement of Industry 4.0.
Multi‐degree‐of‐freedom force‐displacement mixed control strategy for structural testing
Authors: Zhou Huimeng , Wang Tao , Du Chunbo , Chen Cheng
Published: August 2020

Structural members carry spatial loads owing to, for example, gravity, winds, and earthquakes. Loads along multiple degrees of freedoms (DOF) should be synchronously imposed on the loading point for accurately reproducing structural responses under spatial loading. Strong coupling may exist among the multiple DOFs owing to specimen rigidity, posing significant challenges for actuator control. Two major problems should be solved to address this challenge. The first is the nonlinear coordinate transformation from the local actuator space (LAS) to the global Cartesian coordinate (GCC) system, depending on the current GCC position of the loading point. The second is the mixed control scheme for engineering specimens, that is, force control in rigid directions and simultaneous displacement control in soft directions, which depends greatly on the nonlinearities developed in specimens. To overcome these difficulties, a modified Newton‐Raphson (NR) iteration integrated with a PI control (MNR‐PI) is developed to handle material nonlinearity, and the incremental kinematic transformation method integrated with PI control (IKT‐PI) is proposed to solve the nonlinear coordinate transformation problem. The theoretical background of the MNR‐PI, which can be synchronously incorporated with the control process of the loading system to solve nonlinear problems, is first provided. The control gains are then designed by discrete control theory, and a new MDOF force‐displacement mixed control method is accordingly formulated and numerically simulated. Finally, three‐DOF cyclic tests on a steel column are conducted to demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method.
Facile and low‐cost production of Lantana camara stalk‐derived porous carbon nanostructures with excellent supercapacitance and adsorption performance
Authors: Ganesan Sivarasan , Eswaran Muthusankar , Chokkiah Bavatharani , Dhanusuraman Ragupathy , Lingassamy Arul Pragasan , Ponnusamy Vinoth Kumar , Kumar Gopalakrishnan , Pugazhendhi Arivalagan
Published: August 2020

In this study, we report a novel biomass‐derived porous carbon nanostructures (BD‐PCNSs) obtained from Lantana camara stem (LAC) using a simple and low‐cost preparation method. LAC biomass was processed with a temperature‐controlled hydrothermal precarbonization cum pyrolysis technique and followed by alkaline surface activation to achieve BD‐PCNSs. The physicochemical properties for the obtained BD‐PCNSs material were confirmed using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen sorption isotherms, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. As‐prepared BD‐PCNSs exhibited excellent performances toward supercapacitance and wastewater treatment. BD‐PCNSs showed high‐specific capacitance ~146 Fg−1 in the aqueous electrolyte with excellent coulombic efficiency, and cyclic retention affirms its green energy storage device fabrication. Also, maximum adsorption capacity (106.4 mg g−1) was achieved for the efficient removal of ibuprofen from wastewater and proven as a promising eco‐friendly, and low‐cost absorbent material claim its practical applications.
Practical long‐term storage of strawberries in refrigerated containers at ice temperature
Authors: Ikegaya Atsushi , Ohba Seiji , Nakajima Teruko , Toyoizumi Tomoyasu , Ito Seiko , Arai Eiko
Published: August 2020

This study investigated the effect of storage temperature in the presence or absence of film packaging on the Benihoppe and Kirapika varieties of Japanese strawberries stored for 28 days at 0°C and 3°C. The study was conducted in a 20‐foot reefer container for practicality. Storage at 0°C suppressed decay and reduction in sugars and organic acids more efficiently than that at 3°C. Softening of fruit hardness was also suppressed depending on the variety. The reduction in sugars and organic acids did not affect strawberry palatability. Along with low temperature, long‐term storage of strawberries also requires the use of film packaging, which prevents drying. Without film packaging, storage at both 0°C and 3°C decreased fresh weight significantly, resulting in loss of commercial value. In contrast, storage in film packaging decreased weight reduction to <5%, even after 28 days cold storage.
Developing principles of social change as a result of a Pasifika Youth Empowerment Program: A qualitative study
Authors: Firestone Ridvan , Matheson Anna , Firestone Justice , Schleser Max , Yee Emily , Tuisano Hana , Kaholokula Keawe‘aimoku , Ellison‐Loschmann Lis
Published: August 2020

Issue

Empowerment is a concept over‐used in health promotion, yet it is an important process that can used in developing the capacity and capability of young people for creating social change to improve healthier lives.

Methods

The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP), a pilot study aimed at empowering 15 youth (18‐24 years) to lead healthier lives. We present secondary outcomes of the original YEP study, using focus groups and mobile‐mentary approaches to capture the impact of the YEP through the youths’ understanding of the program. Thematic analyses to examine the pragmatic usefulness of the empowerment program.

Results

We identified three major themes: (aa) Knowledge: education and awareness of healthy living and understanding of the wider social health issues, compound the health complexities of obesity; (b) Youth as catalysts for change: the youth viewed themselves as agents of social change; and (c) Transformation: the youth recognised themselves as catalysts for change that can positively transform communities into action.

Conclusion

This study contributes new insights and depth of understanding about how the empowerment program can strengthen the process of individual capacity in an effort to mobilise social change for the betterment of the whole community, particularly among indigenous Pasifika population groups.

So what?

Developing empowerment principles will enable others to consider “how apply” empowerment more practically when working with young people and not use it flippantly with no real action‐oriented outcome.
Forecasting stock returns using first half an hour order imbalance
Authors: Chu Xiaojun , Qiu Jianying
Published: August 2020

We explore the predictive power of the first half‐hour order imbalance (FOIB) to stock returns in Chinese stock market. Our results show that FOIB predicts returns better than daily order imbalance both in‐sample and out‐of‐sample. The predictive power of FOIB is both statistically and economically significant. Moreover, we provide evidence that the predictive power of FOIB appears stemming from large trade size.
Connectedness of Asia Pacific forex markets: China's growing influence
Authors: Chow Hwee K.
Published: August 2020

This paper investigates the degree of connectedness of Asia Pacific forex markets post‐global financial crisis and relates it to developments in the renminbi markets. The connectedness measure developed by Diebold and Yilmaz (2014) (Journal of Econometrics, 182, 119–134) reveal the strength of linkages across the U.S. dollar currency pairs of 12 currencies, namely offshore renminbi, onshore renminbi, euro, yen, Australian dollar, Indian rupee, Korean won, Malaysian ringgit, New Zealand dollar, Singapore dollar, Thai baht and Taiwan dollar. With the gradual liberalization of China's exchange rate system, shocks from the renminbi markets contribute more to fluctuations in almost all individual Asia Pacific currency markets vis‐à‐vis the yen. Rolling regressions show a number of Asia Pacific currencies exhibit tighter association with the renminbi when the latter underwent exchange rate regime reform. Finally, results from a two‐step analysis involving a panel regression provide evidence that time‐varying sensitivities of Asia Pacific currencies to the renminbi are directly related to the countries' trade and financial links with China.
Long‐run relationship between R&D investment and environmental sustainability: Evidence from the European Union member countries
Authors: Paramati Sudharshan Reddy , Alam Md Samsul , Hammoudeh Shawkat , Hafeez Khalid
Published: August 2020

The researchers, environmental scientists and policymakers around the world are exerting substantial efforts to mitigate the growth of CO2 emissions to save the planet. A number of measures and initiatives, such as, energy efficiency, renewable energy technologies and emission‐control are proposed in order to reduce CO2 emissions. This study examines the long‐run relationship between R&D investment and environmental sustainability in a panel of 25 European Union (EU) member countries over a period of 17 years (1998–2014). We use robust and reliable econometric methods to capture the interactions between R&D investment on renewable energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The findings confirm that the growth of R&D expenditures promotes renewable energy consumption and plays a significant role in reducing CO2 emissions in the sample countries. Furthermore, the findings suggest that increasing the share of renewable energy consumption in the total energy mix also reduces CO2 emissions. Given these results, we suggest that the EU policymakers provide more financial and regulatory assistance to the R&D activities, specifically in the energy sector, to ensure promoting low carbon economies in this region.