bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preference for and reinforcing efficacy of different types of attention in preschool children
Authors: Harper Amy M. , Dozier Claudia L. , Briggs Adam M. , de Villegas Sara Diaz , Ackerlund Brandt Julie A. , Jowett Hirst Erica S.
Published: February 2021

It is unknown whether and to what extent common types of attention delivered in early childhood environments are preferred by and function as reinforcers for young children. We assessed children's preference for commonly delivered types of attention across 31 preschool‐aged participants (Experiment 1). Next, we conducted a reinforcer assessment (Experiment 2) and a progressive‐ratio assessment (Experiment 3) to (a) validate the results of the preference assessment and (b) determine the relative reinforcing efficacy of each type of attention. Results of Experiment 1 showed that most participants preferred conversation or physical interaction. Results of Experiment 2 validated the results of Experiment 1 showing preferred types of attention were more likely to function as reinforcers. Finally, although some types of attention functioned as reinforcers, results of Experiment 3 indicated these reinforcers only maintained responding under relatively dense schedules of reinforcement. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Challenging the electrostatic σ‐hole picture of halogen bonding using minimal models and the interacting quantum atoms approach
Authors: Jiménez‐Grávalos Fernando , Gallegos Miguel , Martín Pendás Ángel , Novikov Alexander S.
Published: February 2021

Among the different noncovalent interactions, halogen bonds have captured wide attention in the last years. Their stability has been rationalized in electrostatic terms by appealing to the σ‐hole concept, a charge‐depleted region that is able to interact favorably with electron rich moieties. This interpretation has been questioned, and in this work a set of anionic halogen model systems are used to shed some light on this issue. We use the interacting quantum atoms method, which provides an orbital invariant energy decomposition in which pure electrostatic terms are well isolated, and we complement our insights with the analysis of electrostatic potentials (ESPs) as well as with traditional descriptors of charge accumulation like the Laplacian of the electron density. The total electrostatic interaction between the interacting species is surprisingly destabilizing in many of the systems examined, demonstrating that although σ‐holes might be qualitatively helpful, much care has to be taken in ascribing the stability of these systems to electrostatics. It is clearly shown that electron delocalization is essential to understand the stability of the complexes. The evolution of atomic charges as the aggregates forms reveals a charge transfer picture in which the central, σ‐hole bearing halogen acts as a mere spectator. These systems may then be not far from engaging in a classical 3c‐4e interaction. Since the presence of a σ‐hole as characterized by the ESP mapped on a suitable molecular envelope isosurface does not guarantee attractive electrostatic interactions, we encourage to employ a wider perspective that takes into account the full charge distribution.
The CH···HC interaction in biphenyl is a delocalized, molecular‐wide and entirely non‐classical interaction: Results from FALDI analysis
Authors: Bates Thomas G. , de Lange Jurgens H. , Cukrowski Ignacy
Published: February 2021

In this study we aim to determine the origin of the electron density describing a CH···HC interaction in planar and twisted conformers of biphenyl. In order to achieve this, the fragment, atomic, localized, delocalized, intra‐ and inter‐atomic (FALDI) decomposition scheme was utilized to decompose the density in the inter‐nuclear region between theortho‐hydrogens in both conformers. Importantly, the structural integrity, hence also topological properties, were fully preserved as no 'artificial' partitioning of molecules was implemented. FALDI‐based qualitative and quantitative analysis revealed that the majority of electron density arises from two, non‐classical and non‐local effects: strong overlap oforthoCH σ‐bonds, and long‐range electron delocalization between the phenyl rings andorthocarbons and hydrogens. These effects resulted in a delocalized electron channel, that is, a density bridge or a bond path in a QTAIM terminology, linking the H‐atoms in the planar conformer. The same effects and phenomena are present in both conformers of biphenyl. We show that the CH···HC interaction is a molecular‐wide event due to large and long‐range electron delocalization, and caution against approaches that investigate CH···HC interactions without fully taking into account the remainder of the molecule.
Adsorption and reactions of C6 compounds with CC, COH, and/or CO groups on TiO2
Authors: Lin Po‐Yuan , Chien Tzu‐En , Lai Po‐Chih , Shih Ying‐Chung , Li Kun‐Lin , Chung Yu‐Yin , Liu Ying‐Xuan , Lin Jong‐Liang
Published: February 2021

Acetone is generated upon mesityl oxide (MO) adsorption on TiO2 at 35°C. Water plays an important role in promoting MO decomposition to form acetone. It is suggested that diacetone alcohol plays a role in the transformation of MO to acetone. The thermal reaction of pinacol on TiO2 mainly produces pinacolone at a temperature higher than 100°C. However, acetone is mainly formed in the photocatalytic decomposition of pinacol on TiO2 in O2. Pinacolone is thermally transformed into 2,3‐dimethyl‐1,3‐butadiene in the absence of O2 and into pivalate in the presence of O2. Both the reactions of pinacolone occur above 200°C.
Bimetallic Fe and Co supported on the N‐doped mesoporous carbon frameworks with enhanced oxygen reduction reaction performance via high‐gravity technology
Authors: Wu Guangping , Shi Jinhua , Dong Hongbo , Nie Yao , Wang Yanzhong , Chen Yanjun , Li Dan , Linghu Yaoyao , He Zhenfeng , Wang Chao , Guo Li
Published: February 2021

The exploitation of high‐efficiency, inexpensive, as well as durable electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of vital importance for the commercialization of fuel cells. In this study, we prepared an efficient non‐precious ORR electrocatalyst via high‐gravity technology. The results of physical characterization revealed that the Fe atoms could be uniformly dispersed on the Fe/Co/N‐MCF catalyst via the high‐gravity technology. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated that the Fe can be combined with N from the ZIF‐67 to form the Fe‐Nx structures, which has already been confirmed to be acted as validly ORR active sites. The electrochemical testing results showed that the Fe/Co/N‐MCF catalyst obtained via high gravity technology expressed a 24 mV positive than commercial Pt/C in terms of half‐wave potential. Moreover, Fe/Co/N‐MCF catalyst exhibited an excellent anti‐ethanol activity and durability, its current density only decays 2.6%, far lower than 23.3% of commercial Pt/C after 10,000 s chronoamperometry aging test.
Validation of estimating left ventricular ejection fraction by mitral annular displacement derived from speckle‐tracking echocardiography: A neglected method for evaluating left ventricular systolic function
Authors: Wang Yonghuai , Zhang Yan , Li Guangyuan , Kong Fanxin , Guan Zhengyu , Yang Jun , Ma Chunyan
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The echocardiographic measurement of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) is dependent on professional experience and adequate visualization. Tissue motion of mitral annular displacement (TMAD) can be easily assessed using speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE), even in patients with poor acoustic windows. Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) can be estimated using STE‐derived TMAD when LVEF is not available.

Methods

Four‐hundred fifty‐six outpatients were enrolled after excluding the patients whose LVEF measurements remained challenging or TMAD value could be confounded. An optimized regression model for LVEF‐TMAD was developed in the derivation set (n = 287), and its reliability was verified in the validation set (n = 123) and regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) set (n = 46).

Results

In the derivation set, the power models had the highest F‐value. Therefore, the power equations were chosen to estimate LVEF by TMAD in the validation set. There was a near‐zero bias and a narrow range between the observed and estimated LVEF. The highest intra‐class correlation coefficient was found between the observed and the estimated LVEF by normalized TMAD at the midpoint of mitral annular (nTMADmid). Moreover, there were no significant differences between the observed and the estimated LVEF in the RWMA set.

Conclusion

The LVEF can be estimated with STE‐derived TMAD, even for patients with RWMA, and nTMADmid may be the optimal parameter.
Integration of mental health services into HIV healthcare facilities among Thai adolescents and young adults living with HIV
Authors: Sudjaritruk Tavitiya , Aurpibul Linda , Songtaweesin Wipaporn Natalie , Narkpongphun Assawin , Thisayakorn Paul , Chotecharoentanan Tawalchaya , Nadsasarn Rachaneekorn , Janjing Prapaporn , Saisaengjan Chutima , Puthanakit Thanyawee ,   the Mental Health Study Group
Published: February 2021

Introduction

To assess the burden of depression, anxiety and suicidality; and to determine the impact of integrated mental health and HIV services on treatment outcomes among Thai adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYHIV).

Methods

A multicentre prospective cohort study was conducted among AYHIV (15 to 25 years), and age‐ and sex‐matched HIV‐uninfected adolescents and young adults (HUAY). The Patient Health Questionnaire 9‐item (PHQ‐9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7‐item scales (GAD‐7) were used as screening tools for depressive and anxiety symptoms respectively. History of lifetime and recent suicidal ideations/attempts were ascertained. Elevated mental health screening scores were defined as having either significant depressive symptoms (PHQ‐9 ≥9), significant anxiety symptoms (GAD‐7 ≥10) or suicidality (lifetime; and recent [within two weeks]). Participants meeting these criteria were referred to psychiatrists for confirmatory diagnosis and mental health services. Follow‐up assessment with PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7 was performed one year after psychiatric referral.

Results

From February to April 2018, 150 AYHIV and 150 HUAY were enrolled, median age was 19.0 (IQR:16.8 to 21.8) years and 56% lived in urban areas. Among AYHIV, 73% had HIV RNA <50 copies/mL, and median CD4 count was 580 (IQR:376 to 744) cells/mm3. At enrolment, 31 AYHIV (21%; 95%CI:14% to 28%) had elevated mental health screening scores; 17 (11%) significant depressive symptoms, 11 (7%) significant anxiety symptoms and 21 (14%) suicidality. Seven AYHIV (5%) had all three co‐existing conditions. These prevalences were not substantially different from HUAY. Urban living increased risk, whereas older age decreased risk of elevated mental health screening scores (p < 0.05). All AYHIV with elevated mental health screening scores were referred to study psychiatrists, and 19 (13%; 95%CI: 8% to 19%) had psychiatrist‐confirmed mental health disorders (MHDs), including adjustment disorder (n = 5), major depression (n = 4), anxiety disorders (n = 2), post‐traumatic stress disorder (n = 1) and mixed MHDs (n = 4). One year after psychiatric referral, 42% of AYHIV who received mental health services demonstrated an absence of significant mental health symptoms from the reassessments, and 26% had an improved score.

Conclusions

With the significant burden of MHDs among AYHIV, an integration of mental health services, including mental health screenings, and psychiatric consultation and referral, is critically needed and should be scaled up in HIV healthcare facilities.
Four‐stage CMOS amplifier design based on symbolic calculations: Stack comparison approach
Authors: Bahadoran Ghavam , Reza‐Alikhani Hamidreza
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a simple simplification method to design a multistage amplifier. The simplification procedure is based on a defined criterion which mainly related to ignoring negligible terms. In order to verify the validity and accuracy of the exploited method, a complex four‐stage CMOS amplifier is considered. Simplified transfer function and circuit simulator output are compared. According to simulation results obtained from HSPICE circuit simulator and TSMC 0.18 μm CMOS technology, the proposed approach expresses a bitter performance by 1% error. The aim is to propose a preprocessing algorithm. This helps main algorithm to deal with simpler inputs. In this way, a preprocessing algorithm is investigated which reduces CPU time and needed memory to simplify heavy symbolical transfer functions. Since target is analog and mix mode circuit, some circuit‐based assumptions are considered.
Effects of re‐ensiling on the fermentation quality and microbial community of napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) silage
Authors: Yin Xiang , Tian Jing , Zhang Jianguo
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

With the rapid development of animal husbandry, the silage trade has increased in frequency. The re‐ensiling of materials is often required before or after trading, resulting in the exposure of the silage to air before re‐sealing. To develop a re‐ensiling technique for silage, different silage exposure periods were simulated to check the possible effects on the fermentation quality and microbial community of silage.

RESULTS

Fresh and wilted napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) were ensiled for 90 days, then exposed to air for 0, 6, 12, 24, 36 or 48 h, before being re‐ensiled. As a control, grass was directly ensiled for 180 days. Wilting increased the relative abundance of Klebsiella. The relative abundance of Paenibacillus in the unwilted silage was much higher than that in the wilted silage. Re‐ensiling increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, but decreased the relative abundances of Klebsiella, Bacillus, and Paenibacillus. In addition, Lactobacillus became the dominant bacteria in the re‐ensiled fresh and wilted silages. Re‐ensiling within 48 h of exposure did not affect the fermentation quality of the wilted silage, whereas that of the unwilted silage declined when exposed to air for over 24 h.

CONCLUSION

Re‐ensiling wilted napier grass silage within 48 h of aerobic exposure did not cause the fermentation quality to decline. The unwilted napier grass silage contained a higher relative abundance of Paenibacillus and significantly deteriorated when re‐ensiled after over 24 h of aerobic exposure. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
The Effects of Scallop Dredge Fishing Practices on Physical, Behavioral, and Physiological Stress in Discarded Yellowtail Flounder, Windowpane, and Fourspot Flounder
Authors: Anderson Brooke N. , Weissman Amelia M. , Mandelman John , Rudders David B. , Sulikowski James A.
Published: February 2021

The Atlantic sea scallop Placopecten magellanicus dredge fishery is one of the most lucrative commercial fishing industries in the northeastern United States, and fish bycatch can comprise up to ~42% of the total catch. Benthic species, such as flatfish, are particularly susceptible to unintended capture in scallop dredge gear, and mitigating bycatch and associated mortality has been mandated a priority for fisheries management. Based on this management need, the present study evaluated the physical, physiological, and behavioral stress responses of Yellowtail Flounder Limanda ferruginea, Windowpane Scophthalmus aquosus, and Fourspot Flounder Paralichthys oblongus to capture in the scallop dredge fishery. More specifically, we used generalized additive models and linear regression models to assess the influence of various fishing practices, environmental conditions, and biological factors on injury condition, physiological parameters, and reflex indicators. Although these flatfish species appeared to be physically resilient to capture based on an observable injury assessment, dredge capture and handling factors proved stressful, with the degree of immediate mortality, physiological disturbances, and reflex impairment varying by species. While multiple factors influenced the degree of stress in these species, based on our results the reduction of tow duration and limiting air exposure/sorting duration would likely be the most effective strategies to mitigate the impact of scallop dredge fishing on these flatfish species.
Optimised collection of non‐uniformly sampled 2D‐HSQC NMR spectra for use in metabolic flux analysis
Authors: Jeeves Mark , Roberts Jennie , Ludwig Christian
Published: February 2021

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is integral to metabolic studies; yet, it can suffer from the long acquisition times required to collect data of sufficient signal strength and resolution. The use of non‐uniform sampling (NUS) allows faster collection of NMR spectra without loss of spectral integrity. When planning experimental methodologies to perform metabolic flux analysis (MFA) of cell metabolism, a variety of options are available for the acquisition of NUS NMR data. Before beginning data collection, decisions have to be made regarding selection of pulse sequence, number of transients and NUS specific parameters such as the sampling level and sampling schedule. Poor choices will impact data quality, which may have a negative effect on the subsequent analysis and biological interpretation. Herein, we describe factors that should be considered when setting up non‐uniformly sampled 2D‐1H,13C HSQC NMR experiments for MFA and provide a standard protocol for users to follow.
Suppression of TopBP1 function increases the efficacy of chemotherapeutic treatments by enhancing the induction of apoptosis
Authors: Obayashi Yuko , Fujikane Ryosuke , Morita Shou , Uechi Yuka , Hiraki Akimitsu , Hidaka Masumi
Published: February 2021

The DNA damage response (DDR) is an important mechanism to maintain genome integrity by arresting cell cycle progression and inducing DNA repair and/or apoptosis. Therefore, the activity of DDR is closely related to the drug sensitivity of cancer cells. Inhibitors of ATR, a key member of protein kinases functioning in DDR, are attractive candidates as sensitizers in chemotherapy. In this study, we explore another candidate of chemosensitizers and report DNA topoisomerase II binding protein 1 (TopBP1), a regulator of ATR‐mediated signaling, as a potential target to increase the efficacy of chemotherapeutic treatments. Suppression of TopBP1 using siRNA increased cancer cell sensitivity to cisplatin and an alkylating agent N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (MNU), concomitant with a percentage increase in the sub‐G1 population and caspase‐9 activation. The immunoblotting analysis revealed that the phosphorylation of CHK1 was significantly reduced in TopBP1‐knockdown cells. Consequently, treatment with an ATR inhibitor dramatically increased the production of the sub‐G1 population compared to an ATM inhibitor. Phosphorylation of RPA2 increased after drug treatment in TopBP1‐knockdown cells. These results suggest that TopBP1 is involved in DDR protecting stalled forks from collapse and preventing apoptosis through the activation of an ATR/CHK1 signaling pathway.
Impact of microfinance on quality of life, personal empowerment and familial harmony of female borrowers in Pakistan
Authors: Fayyaz Sana , Khan Areeba
Published: February 2021

Microfinance institutions have made a significant progress in the last decade with elliptic growth in clients all over the world. As a financial inclusion initiative, microfinance institutions have performed well insofar as outreach to gender diverse groups is concerned. However, their role in poverty alleviation and social mobility is still not convincing albeit the incentives targeted on female borrowers. This paper aims to study the impact of microfinance initiative on enhancement of quality of life (QOL), personal empowerment and familial harmony of the female borrowers through logit probit regression model. Our results show a significant impact of microfinance on QOL enhancement of female borrowers, as well as their families, mediated by personal empowerment. This paper introduces the concept of familial harmony as an integral predictor of QOL of females in Pakistan. Our findings may be helpful in devising cointegrated policies directed upon community and gender‐based microfinance initiatives in public private partnerships.
BRAF fusions in pediatric histiocytic neoplasms define distinct therapeutic responsiveness to RAF paradox breakers
Authors: Jain Payal , Surrey Lea F. , Straka Joshua , Russo Pierre , Womer Richard , Li Marilyn M. , Storm Phillip B. , Waanders Angela J. , Hogarty Michael D. , Resnick Adam C. , Picarsic Jennifer
Published: February 2021

Pediatric histiocytic neoplasms are hematopoietic disorders frequently driven by the BRAF‐V600E mutation. Here, we identified two BRAF gene fusions (novel MTAP‐BRAF and MS4A6A‐BRAF) in two aggressive histiocytic neoplasms. In contrast to previously described BRAF fusions, MTAP‐BRAF and MS4A6A‐BRAF do not respond to the paradox breaker RAF inhibitor (RAFi) PLX8394 due to stable fusion dimerization mediated by the N‐terminal fusion partners. This highlights a significant and clinically relevant shift from the current dogma that BRAF‐fusions respond similarly to BRAF‐inhibitors. As an alternative, we show suppression of fusion‐driven oncogenic growth with the pan‐RAFi LY3009120 and MEK inhibition.
Are outcomes for childhood leukaemia in Australia influenced by geographical remoteness and Indigenous race?
Authors: Jessop Sophie , Ruhayel Sandra , Sutton Rosemary , Youlden Danny R. , Pearson Glenn , Lu Cynthia , Milne Suzanne , Henderson Michelle J. , Aitken Joanne F. , Kotecha Rishi S. , Revesz Tom
Published: February 2021

Background

Presenting features, biology and outcome for childhood leukaemia are known to vary by ethnic origin, geographic location and socioeconomic group. This study aimed to compare presentation patterns, follow‐up and clinical outcomes in Indigenous and non‐Indigenous children with acute leukaemia in Australia, and to assess the impact of remoteness and area‐based socioeconomic disadvantage on outcome.

Methods

A retrospective review of children aged between 1 day and 18 years who were diagnosed with acute leukaemia in South Australia (SA), Northern Territory (NT) and Western Australia (WA) between 2009 and 2018 was performed. Data were collected from children treated at the Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide and Perth Children's Hospital.

Results

Analysis of 455 children treated for acute leukaemia showed that children from remote/very remote localities had inferior overall survival (p = .004). Five‐year overall survival was 91.7% (95% CI: 87.9–94.3%) for children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and 69.8% (56.7–79.5%) for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). A larger proportion of Indigenous children from SA/NT were diagnosed with AML compared to non‐Indigenous children (60.0% vs. 14.4%, p = .001). Indigenous children were less likely to be enrolled on clinical trials (34.5% vs. 53.1%, p = .03) and more likely to be lost to follow‐up (26.1% vs. 9.2%, p = .009).

Conclusion

Geographic remoteness of residence is associated with inferior overall survival for Australian children with leukaemia. Indigenous children with acute leukaemia suffer from disparities in outcomes. These findings provide evidence to guide national policy in supporting appropriate resource allocation to overcome the challenges faced by children within these groups.
The impact of the emergence of COVID‐19 on women's prenatal genetic testing decisions
Authors: Farrell Ruth M. , Pierce Madelyn , Collart Christina , Craighead Caitlin , Coleridge Marissa , Chien Edward K. , Perni Uma , Frankel Richard , Ranzini Angela , Edmonds Brownsyne Tucker , Rose Susannah S.
Published: February 2021

Objective

We conducted a study to examine the impact of COVID on patients' access and utilization of prenatal genetic screens and diagnostic tests at the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States.

Methods

We conducted telephone interviews with 40 patients to examine how the pandemic affected prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic testing decisions during the initial months of the pandemic in the United States. An interview guide queried experiences with the ability to access information about prenatal genetic testing options and to utilize the tests when desired. Audio recordings were transcribed and coded using NVivo 12. Analysis was conducted using Grounded Theory.

Results

The pandemic did not alter most participants' decisions to undergo prenatal genetic testing. Yet, it did impact how participants viewed the risks and benefits of testing and timing of testing. There was heightened anxiety among those who underwent testing, stemming from the risk of viral exposure and the fear of being alone if pregnancy loss or fetal abnormality was identified at the time of an ultrasound‐based procedure.

Conclusion

The pandemic may impact patients' access and utilization of prenatal genetic tests. More research is needed to determine how best to meet pregnant patients' decision‐making needs during this time.
Child obesity moderates the association between poverty and academic achievement
Authors: Kranjac Ashley W. , Kranjac Dinko
Published: February 2021

Childhood overweight and obesity are major public health problems in the United States. Children who experience poverty are 1.5 times more likely to suffer with overweight and 1.6 times more likely to have obesity. The extent to which overweight or obesity exacerbates the negative influence of socioeconomic inequality on child academic outcomes has not yet been examined. We estimated the effect of poverty on math and reading achievement trajectories using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS) Kindergarten class of 1998−1999 survey data and multilevel growth curve modeling techniques. Our findings indicate that the impact of obesity status is more pronounced for children from low socioeconomic backgrounds in both reading and math achievement, as well as for children with overweight in reading achievement scores. Thus, we see evidence that overweight and obesity moderate the pathway through which early‐childhood poverty affects school performance. Given that we identified overweight and obesity as putative mechanisms through which socioeconomic deprivation affects academic achievement, focusing on overweight and obesity prevention may alter students’ academic trajectories. Taken together, we see evidence that the combined negative effect of increased weight status and poverty, beyond the independent effects of each, has far‐reaching consequences for educational outcomes.
Detailed Numerical Modeling and Simulation of Fe2O3−Al Thermite Reaction
Authors: de Souza Kesiany M. , de Lemos Marcelo J. S.
Published: February 2021

A thermite reaction is a self‐propagating exothermic reaction with many practical applications in welding processes, material synthesis, pyrotechnic and initiator technologies. Motivated by the above‐mentioned, the present study involves modeling and simulation of common hematite‐aluminum thermite reaction with the aim of predicting temperature levels and radial burning speeds in a thin disk ignited at the center. Balance equations of species and energy conservation were solved in one dimension space by applying a finite difference method, considering no species transport and a one‐step mechanism. The Arrhenius equation was adopted to model the kinetics rate. Phase change and temperature dependence of the thermochemical properties were also considered. Analyses of spatial and temporal meshes revealed that numerical results were independent of the grid used. Predictions show that the ignition procedure affects the formation of the reaction‐front, higher temperatures, and longer ignition zones can start the self‐sustained reaction earlier. However, once the reaction wave is established, its velocity and peak temperature are the same, independent of the initial temperature profile. Simulations herein also show that an increase of the activation energy and decrease of the pre‐exponential factor slows down the reaction speed considerably, impacting on accurate prediction of reaction‐wave velocity. Further, the activation energy influences the burning velocity much more drastically than the pre‐exponential factor. The maximum temperature observed in the model is around the melting temperature of alumina (2327 K), which is in agreement with the experimental results reported in the literature.
Upregulated UCA1 contributes to oxaliplatin resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma through inhibition of miR‐138‐5p and activation of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Guolin , Li Li , Liang Chaoyong , Yu Fei , Teng Cuifang , Pang Yingxing , Wei Tongtong , Song Jinjing , Wang Hanlin , Liao Xiaoli , Li Yongqiang , Yang Jie
Published: February 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) inevitably developed oxaliplatin (OXA) resistance after long‐term treatment, but the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we found that LncRNA UCA1 was upregulated in most of OXA‐resistant HCC tissues and cells (HepG2/OXA and SMMC‐7721/OXA). Follow‐up analysis and online Kaplan–Meier Plotter revealed that HCC patients with high UCA1 level had a shorter survival compared with those with low expression. Overexpression of UCA1 increased OXA IC50 in HepG2 and SMMC‐7721 cells, whereas knockdown of UCA1 decreased OXA IC50 in resistant counterparts. Moreover, dual luciferase reporter assay showed that co‐transfection of UCA1‐WT plasmid with miR‐138‐5p mimics enhanced fluorescence signals, whereas co‐transfection of UCA1‐Mut plasmid and miR‐138‐5p mimics did not induce any changes. Consistently, UCA1 levels in HepG2/OXA and SMMC‐7721/OXA cells were downregulated after transfected with miR‐138‐5p mimics. UCA1 silencing or transfection of miR‐138‐5p mmics inhibited the activation of AKT and mTOR in HepG2/OXA and SMMC‐7721/OXA cells, whereas UCA1 overexpression increased the phosphorylated AKT and mTOR levels in parental counterparts. Rapamycin or miR‐138‐5p mimics similarly suppressed the activation of AKT and mTOR, whereas UCA1 overexpression exert opposite roles. Interestingly, administration of rapamycin or miR‐138‐5p mimics apparently antagonized the effects of UCA1 on AKT and mTOR activation. Besides, depletion of UCA1 triggered more dramatic regression of HepG2 xenografts than that of HepG2/OXA xenografts with OXA treatment and impaired the p‐AKT and p‐mTOR levels in vivo. In conclusion, our findings provide the evidence that UCA1 may contribute to OXA resistance via miR‐138‐5p‐mediated AK /mTOR activation, suggesting that UCA1 is a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Effect of Dopant Concentrations on the Luminescent Properties of LiAl5O8:Fe Phosphors
Authors: Silva Ariosvaldo J. S. , Nascimento Thiago D. , Nascimento Patresio A. M. , Silveira Wellisson S. , Carvalho Iure da S. , Rezende Marcos V. dos S.
Published: February 2021

The structural and optical properties of pure and Fe‐doped LiAl5O8 are investigated using the modified sol–gel method, using anhydrous glucose as the polymerizing agent. The structural and optical properties are identified using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL), and X‐ray excited optical luminescence (XEOL). The XRD diffraction patterns confirm the formation of a LiAl5O8 phase with different Fe concentrations. The effect of Fe3+ ions as a dopant on the luminescent properties of LiAl5O8 is studied and is discussed in detail. The results reveal a red emission upon excitation at 267 and 391 nm. A maximum emission intensity is observed for 1 mol% of Fe. PL and XEOL emission spectra exhibit 4T1g(4 G) → 6A1g(6S) and 4E1g + 6A1g(4 G) → 6A1g(6S) transitions typical of the Fe3+ ion. In addition, an 2 E → 4A2 transition centered at ≈714 nm is attributed to the presence of Cr3+ ions in the host lattice as a contaminant in starting materials. The coordinated Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) is calculated from the emission spectra, and points to the possibility of applying this study as a red–pink emitting match.
Asymmetric Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional method on stability of time‐delay systems
Authors: Sheng Zhaoliang , Lin Chong , Chen Bing , Wang Qing‐Guo
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a new asymmetric Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional method for investigating the asymptotic stability of time‐delay systems. Two resulting delay‐dependent asymptotic stability conditions in the form of linear matrix inequalities are given. The advantages of the new approaches are verified theoretically and numerically.
Change‐point joint model for identification of plateau of activity in early phase trials
Authors: Altzerinakou Maria‐Athina , Paoletti Xavier
Published: February 2021

This article presents a phase I/II trial design for targeted therapies and immunotherapies, with the objective of identifying the optimal dose (OD). We employ a joint modeling technique for discrete time‐to‐event toxicity data and repeated and continuous biomarker measurements. For the biomarker measurements, we implement a change point linear mixed effects skeleton model. This model can accommodate both plateauing and nonplateauing dose‐activity relationships. For each new cohort of patients, we estimate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) taking toxicity as a cumulative endpoint, over six treatment cycles. Then, we select the OD using two different criteria. The OD is a dose that is equally active to the MTD or a dose located on the beginning of the plateau of the dose‐activity relationship. Joint modeling allows us to take into account informative censoring due to toxicities or lack of activity and we also consider consent withdrawal and intermittent missing responses. Model estimation relies on likelihood inference.
Silk Nanococoons: Bio‐Nanoreactors for Enzymatic Catalytic Reactions and Applications to Alcohol Intoxication
Authors: Chen Zhengwei , Hu Fan , Lin Zaifu , Hu Jin , Shen Runqing , Lin Youhui , Liu Xiang Yang
Published: February 2021

Enzymatic reactions are often terminated by severe aqueous environments. Inspired by bio‐protection of silk cocoons, a system of silk fibroin (SF) nanococoons is developed, which is capable of providing a bio‐protective environment for enzymatic activities on one hand, and facilitating the process of cascade enzymatic reactions on the other hand. This gives rise to the significant enhancement in enzymatic stability and efficacy. For instance, the protected glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase enzymes exhibit a 17.5‐ and 7.0‐fold increase when stored at 60 °C (>50% activity; ≈28 h) and 25 °C (>67.5% activity; ≈14 days), respectively, compared with free enzymes. It follows that this protective effect is subject to the mutual templated crystallization between enzymes and SF molecules, which prevents enzyme molecules from unfolding. In animal experiments, it shows that alcohol oxidase and catalase protected by silk nanococoons are able to reduce the alcohol levels of intoxicated mice with >5.0‐time efficacy at the alcohol decomposition level of >80% in 4.0 h compared with the unprotected. By bio‐inspiration of silk cocoons, the silk bio‐nanoreactors demonstrate the significant potential applications in biomedicine.
Production and Applications of Amylose‐Lipid Complexes as Resistant Starch: Recent Approaches
Authors: Li Liang , Liu Zhendong , Zhang Wenhui , Xue Bei , Luo Zhang
Published: February 2021

Starches are glucose storage compounds in plants and are made up of relatively linear amylose and the heavily branched amylopectin. Starch can be classified into three categories, namely Rapidly Digestible Starch (RDS), Slowly Digestible Starch (SDS), and Resistant Starch (RS). Amylose‐lipid complex (ALC) is a recent addition to the RS category as RS type 5 (RS‐5) due to its resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis. The enzymatic resistance of ALC depends on the lipid's molecular structure and the crystalline morphology of the helices. Naturally, present lipids in high amylase‐containing raw plant‐based foods or added lipids can form the ALC during gelatinization or other processing steps. Thermal stability and ease of production with numerous health benefits makes it suitable for research and industrial application. This review focuses on the recent developments in structural characteristics, production methodologies of RS‐5, and its application in food and medical industries. This review will provide a comprehensive overview to the readers about the production and current research development in RS‐5 and will helpful to distil this information to design desired future research studies on RS‐5.
Predicting the compressive strength of self‐compacting concrete containing Class F fly ash using metaheuristic radial basis function neural network
Authors: Pazouki Gholamreza , Golafshani Emadaldin Mohammadi , Behnood Ali
Published: February 2021

The use of Class F fly ash (CFFA) as a partial replacement of cement in the concrete mixture can provide a wide variety benefits such as improving the mechanical properties, reducing the construction costs, and enhancing the environmental conditions. Compressive strength as one of the most critical mechanical parameters used in many design codes can be obtained either through costly and time‐consuming experiments or non‐destructive methods such as predictive models. In this study, a hybrid model of the radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) and firefly optimization algorithm (FOA) (RBFNN + FOA) was proposed for the prediction of the compressive strength of self‐compacting concrete (SCC) containing CFFA. For this purpose, a multi‐laboratory dataset containing 327 SCC samples made with CFFA was employed. The input parameters in the proposed models included the age of the specimen and the amounts of cement, water, CFFA, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and superplasticizer, and the only output parameter was the compressive strength of SCC. For comparison purpose, the artificial neural network (ANN) was also used to model the compressive strength of SCC containing CFFA. The results show that the compressive strength estimated by the proposed and ANN models have good accuracies compared to the experimental results. Moreover, several performance metrics showed that the accuracy of the proposed model is higher than that of the model developed based on ANN algorithm.
Iron‐Silicate Chemical Garden Morphology and Silicate Reactivity with Alpha‐Keto Acids
Authors: Weber Jessica M. , Barge Laura M.
Published: February 2021

Chemical gardens, which are self‐organizing, abiotic, inorganic precipitates in far‐from‐equilibrium systems, are of interest for prebiotic chemistry/origin of life research and, under certain reaction systems, can be considered hydrothermal vent analogs. While the presence of different additives to chemical gardens, including phosphate and amino acids, have been explored, the reactivity of organic molecules in chemical garden systems is not well understood. Here we explored the reactivity of two metabolically important alpha‐keto acids (pyruvic acid and glyoxylic acid) and ammonia in the presence of iron‐silicate chemical gardens. While reactivity was not observed in the case of pyruvic acid, we found that glyoxylic acid formed alpha‐hydroxy acids and amino acids. We found that the observed organic reactivity can be attributed to the silicate in the exterior solution as opposed to the solid iron‐containing chemical garden structure. These results have implications for the reactivity of hydrothermal vent chimneys and their surrounding environments in iron‐ and silica‐rich systems.
Single Encoding Diffusion MRI: A Probe to Brain Anisotropy
Authors: Jallais Maëliss , Wassermann Demian
Published: February 2021

This chapter covers anisotropy in the context of probing microstructure of the human brain using single encoded diffusion MRI. We will start by illustrating how diffusion MRI is a perfectly adapted technique to measure anisotropy in the human brain using water motion, followed by a biological presentation of human brain. The non-invasive imaging technique based on water motions known as diffusion MRI will be further presented, along with the difficulties that come with it. Within this context, we will first review and discuss methods based on signal representation that enable us to get an insight into microstructure anisotropy. We will then outline methods based on modeling, which are state-of-the-art methods to get parameter estimations of the human brain tissue.
Conceptual Parallels Between Stochastic Geometry and Diffusion-Weighted MRI
Authors: Dela Haije Tom , Feragen Aasa
Published: February 2021

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is sensitive to ensemble-averaged molecular displacements, which provide valuable information on e.g. structural anisotropy in brain tissue. However, a concrete interpretation of diffusion-weighted MRI data in terms of physiological or structural parameters turns out to be extremely challenging. One of the main reasons for this is the multi-scale nature of the diffusion-weighted signal, as it is sensitive to the microscopic motion of particles averaged over macroscopic volumes. In order to analyze the geometrical patterns that occur in (diffusion-weighted measurements of) biological tissue and many other structures, we may invoke tools from the field of stochastic geometry. Stochastic geometry describes statistical methods and models that apply to random geometrical patterns of which we may only know the distribution. Despite its many uses in geology, astronomy, telecommunications, etc., its application in diffusion-weighted MRI has so far remained limited. In this work we review some fundamental results in the field of diffusion-weighted MRI from a stochastic geometrical perspective, and discuss briefly for which other questions stochastic geometry may prove useful. The observations presented in this paper are partly inspired by the Workshop on Diffusion MRI and Stochastic Geometry held at Sandbjerg Estate (Denmark) in 2019, which aimed to foster communication and collaboration between the two fields of research.
Eddies and Entanglements: Africa and the Global Mnemoscape
Authors: van Der Rede Lauren , Erasmus Aidan
Published: February 2021

Van Der Rede and Erasmus provocatively characterize Africa as a “disobedient object” of memory studies, posing a series of radical challenges to the terms and methods of the field. In empirical terms, they point out how two specific cases, the Red Terror in Ethiopia and States of Emergency during Apartheid in South Africa, inflect our Europe-centered models of trauma and memory. Beyond this, positing Africa “not as a cartographic and geological location but as a concept and methodology,” van Der Rede and Erasmus challenge the liberal universalism implicit in the problematics of memory studies (and indeed in the notion of mnemonic solidarity) with an insistence on hearing/listening rather than speaking that draws on postcolonial theory and the new methods of sound studies.
Exploring Novel Surface Representations via an Experimental Ray-Tracer in CGA
Authors: Hadfield Hugo , Achawal Sushant , Lasenby Joan , Lasenby Anthony , Young Benjamin
Published: February 2021

Conformal Geometric Algebra (CGA) provides a unified representation of both geometric primitives and conformal transformations, and as such holds significant promise in the field of computer graphics. In this paper we implement a simple ray tracer in CGA with a Blinn–Phong lighting model, before putting it to use to examine ray intersections with surfaces generated from the direct interpolation of geometric primitives. General surfaces formed from these interpolations are rendered using analytic normals. In addition, special cases of point-pair interpolation, which might find use in graphics applications, are described and rendered. A closed form expression is found for the derivative of the square root of a scalar plus 4-vector element with respect to a scalar parameter. This square root derivative is used to construct an expression for the derivative of a pure-grade multivector projected to the blade manifold. The blade manifold projection provides an analytical method for finding the normal line to the interpolated surfaces and its use is shown in lighting calculations for the ray tracer and in generating vertex normals for exporting the evolved surfaces as polygonal meshes.
A longitudinal study on the COVID-19 pandemic and its divergent effects on social participation and mental health across different study groups with and without mental disorders
Authors: Mergel Eduard , Schützwohl Matthias
Published: February 2021

Purpose

With the rapid spread of COVID-19 and the restrictions imposed in many parts of the world, there is growing concern about its impact on mental health. This longitudinal study investigated the social participation, social inclusion and psychological well-being in adults with and without mental disorders before the beginning of the pandemic, as well as during and after strict lockdown restrictions in Germany.

Methods

The sample (n = 106) consisted of three groups: participants with a chronic mental disorder, with an acute mental disorder, and without a mental disorder at the time of the initial survey. Parameters of interest were assessed using the Measure of Participation and Social Inclusion for Use in People with a Chronic Mental Disorder (F-INK), the Index for the Assessment of Health Impairments (IMET) and the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18).

Results

The perceived impairments in social participation and the associated changes in behaviour varied depending on the presence of a mental disorder at the time of the initial survey and were largely temporary, i.e. limited to the period of strict lockdown restrictions. We found no further detrimental effects on mental health 4 weeks after lockdown or later, when a policy of physical distancing was in place.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings suggest a general resilience to the official restrictions and measures as well as the pandemic itself. However, further efforts are needed to improve the situation of people with chronic mental disorders and their limited opportunities for social participation.
Evolution of frustrated and stabilising contacts in reconstructed ancient proteins
Authors: Crippa Martina , Andreghetti Damiano , Capelli Riccardo , Tiana Guido
Published: February 2021

Energetic properties of a protein are a major determinant of its evolutionary fitness. Using a reconstruction algorithm, dating the reconstructed proteins and calculating the interaction network between their amino acids through a coevolutionary approach, we studied how the interactions that stabilise 890 proteins, belonging to five families, evolved for billions of years. In particular, we focused our attention on the network of most strongly attractive contacts and on that of poorly optimised, frustrated contacts. Our results support the idea that the cluster of most attractive interactions extends its size along evolutionary time, but from the data, we cannot conclude that protein stability or that the degree of frustration tends always to decrease.