bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Aqueous Extract of Terminalia catappa L. on Membrane Stability of Sickle Cell Erythrocytes
Authors: Chukwunyere E. K. , Chikezie P. C. , Anuforo P. C. , Adejor J. , Nwankwo H. C.
Published: December 2020

Background: The effects of 800 mg% aqueous extract of T. catappa on membrane stability of human erythrocytes of HbSS genotype were investigated using in vitro studies.

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the membrane stabilizing potential of aqueous extract of T. catappa on sickle cell erythrocytes.

Study Design: Laboratory Experimental Design was used in this study.

Place and Duration: Department of Biochemistry, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria. The study was carried out between November, 2010 and May, 2011.

Materials and Methods: Spectrophotometric method was employed in determining the osmotic fragility index of HbSS erythrocytes. The mean corpuscular fragility (MCF) of the control was 0.422 ± 0.80 g/100 ml, whereas that of the test sample was 0.36 ± 0.014 g/100 ml. The percentage stabilization for the HbSS erythrocytes, which was calculated using the MCF values, was 14.28%. The MCF values of the control and the test showed significant difference (p < 0.05).

Results: The result showed that aqueous extract of T. catappa exhibited an increasing capacity to stabilize HbSS erythrocytes membrane.

Conclusion: The present study showed that aqueous extract of T. catappa L. exhibited membrane stability potential on sickle cell erythrocytes.
Growth of Transplanted Rice as Influenced by Enriched Nitrogen Sources at Different Levels
Authors: Reddy N. Prathap , Rao CH. Bharat Bhushan , Surekha K. , Hussain SA.
Published: December 2020

The field experiment was carried out during kharif, 2018 at the research farm of the ICAR, Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Hyderabad (TS) to study the growth of transplanted rice as influenced by the enriched nitrogen sources at different levels. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with eleven treatments viz., T1 Control (0:60:40 kg N:P:K ha-1), T2 (75% Recommended Dose of Nitrogen (RDN) through neem coated urea), T3 (75% RDN through enriched rice straw compost with trichoderma), T4 (75% RDN through vermicompost), T5 (75% RDN through neem coated urea + nitrification inhibitor), T6 (75% RDN (50% RDN through vermicompost + 25% RDN through neem coated urea + nitrification inhibitor ), T7 (100%  RDN through neem coated urea), T8 (100%  RDN through enriched rice straw  compost with trichoderma), T9 (100%  RDN through vermicompost),   T10 (100%  RDN through neem coated urea + nitrification inhibitor) and T11 (100% RDN (50% RDN through vermicompost + 50% RDN through neem coated urea + nitrification inhibitor). From this study it can be concluded that application of 100% RDN through neem coated urea resulted in highest plant height at 90 Days after transplanting (DAT) and at harvest, tillers m-2 at 60 DAT and at harvest, dry matter production at 90 DAT and at harvest, SPAD meter readings at 60 DAT and 90 DAT. Similarly, lowest plant height, tillers m-2, dry matter production and SPAD meter readings were recorded for control.
Transition Metal ParaCEST, LipoCEST, and CellCEST Agents as MRI Probes
Authors: Morrow Janet R. , Chowdhury Md Saiful I. , Abozeid Samira M. , Patel Akanksha , Raymond Jaclyn J.
Published: December 2020

First‐row transition metal (TM) complexes are of interest as members of a relatively new class of coordination complexes that produce MRI contrast through CEST (chemical‐exchange saturation transfer). CEST reduces the intensity of the water protons upon exchange of a selectively magnetically saturated proton with the water proton pool. Paramagnetic TM complexes produce large paramagnetically shifted protons, which facilitates CEST signal intensity by avoiding tissue background signal (paraCEST agents) and also allowing for faster proton‐exchange rates. TM paraCEST agents have certain advantages over lanthanide paraCEST agents including the possibility of tuning oxidation and spin states to allow for the development of responsive agents. Moreover, the covalent bonding character of the TM ions bestows large through‐bond contributions to the hyperfine shifts of protons, which is beneficial for paraCEST agents. New applications include the development of TM water proton shift reagents (SRs) for improvement of sensitivity through incorporation into supramolecular assemblies. Liposomes with encapsulated and amphiphilic SRs produce lipoCEST, and cells loaded with SRs produce cellCEST. This article summarizes TM paraCEST agents and SRs and highlights new research directions.
Printable Ultra‐Flexible Fluorinated Organic–Inorganic Nanohybrid Sol–Gel Derived Gate Dielectrics for Highly Stable Organic Thin‐Film Transistors and Other Practical Applications
Authors: Kwon Hyeok‐jin , Ye Heqing , Baek Yonghwa , Hong Jisu , Wang Rixuan , Choi Yonghwan , Lee Ilgeum , Park Chan Eon , Nam Sooji , Kim Juyoung , Kim Se Hyun
Published: December 2020

A novel fluorinated organic–inorganic (O–I) hybrid sol—gel based material, named FAGPTi, is successfully synthesized and applied as a gate dielectric in flexible organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs). The previously reported three‐arm‐shaped alkoxysilane‐functionalized amphiphilic polymer yields a stable O–I hybrid material consisting of uniformly dispersed nanoparticles in the sol‐state. Here, a fluorinated precursor is introduced into the system, making it possible to realize more stable spherical composites. This results in long‐term colloidal stability (≈1.5 years) because composite growth is strongly inhibited by the presence of fluorine groups with intrinsically strong repulsive forces. Additionally, the FAGPTi film is easily deposited via thermally annealed sol–gel reactions; the films can be successfully fabricated through the printing method, and exhibit excellent flexibility and enhanced insulating properties compared to existing materials. OTFTs with FAGPTi layers show highly stable driving characteristics under severe bending conditions (1.9% strain). Integrated logic devices are also successfully operated with these OTFTs. Additionally, it can facilely be applied to amorphous indium‐gallium‐zinc‐oxide (a‐IGZO) TFT devices other than OTFT. Therefore, this synthetic strategy can provide useful insights into the production of functional O–I hybrid materials, enabling the efficient fabrication of electronic materials and devices exhibiting these properties.
Understanding the Synergistic Effect of Device Architecture Design toward Efficient Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes Using Interfacial Layer Engineering
Authors: Yoon Eojin , Jang Kyung Yeon , Park Jinwoo , Lee Tae‐Woo
Published: December 2020

Metal halide perovskite (MHP) light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) have been widely studied and have been reached to >20% external quantum efficiency, owing to their attractive characteristics (e.g., solution processability, tunable bandgap and extremely high color purity, high mobility). During the rapid development of perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs), modifying the device architecture has been widely studied as well as improving the crystal quality of MHP to achieve near‐unity photoluminescence quantum yield. However, efforts in device architecture engineering have received less attention despite their significance. Here, strategies are reviewed to enhance the efficiency of PeLEDs in terms of the device engineering by interfacial charge injection/transport, exciton‐quenching blocking, and defect passivation layers for enhancing radiative electron–hole recombination. Strategies are systematically classified for each layer in PeLEDs and discussed the synergetic effect between different strategies. Perspective is also provided on future research on PeLEDs focusing on their architecture.
Germanium‐on‐Carborundum Surface Phonon‐Polariton Infrared Metamaterial
Authors: Qiang Bo , Dubrovkin Alexander M. , Krishnamoorthy Harish N. S. , Wang Qian , Zheludev Nikolay I. , Wang Qi Jie
Published: December 2020

Surface phonon‐polaritons in thin layers of high‐index dielectric structures are emerging as promising excitations for exploitation in high‐density photonic devices. Here, a mid‐infrared phononic–dielectric metamaterial, a 2D periodic array of germanium discs on silicon carbide (carborundum) is demonstrated. It is shown that the metamaterial can support sharp resonances at the free space wavelength that is at least ten times larger than lattice parameter of the array. With germanium discs of thickness 120 nm and diameter 1 µm, a metamaterial resonance at the wavelength of 11 µm is observed. A blueshift of the resonant frequency observed upon increase of the disk size is related to the anomalous dispersion of surface polaritons at germanium carborundum interface. It is argued that such surface phonon‐polariton metamaterial is a promising platform for applications where enhanced homogeneity of optical response is required, such as imaging, holography, and cloaking.
Gate‐Switchable Photovoltaic Effect in BP/MoTe2 van der Waals Heterojunctions for Self‐Driven Logic Optoelectronics
Authors: Hu Siqi , Xu Jinpeng , Zhao Qinghua , Luo Xiaoguang , Zhang Xutao , Wang Tao , Jie Wanqi , Cheng Yingchun , Frisenda Riccardo , Castellanos‐Gomez Andres , Gan Xuetao
Published: December 2020

Recently, van der Waals heterojunction based on 2D materials emerges as a promising technology for optoelectronic integrated circuits. Here, a self‐driven optoelectronic logic device is demonstrated based on vertically stacked van der Waals heterojunction of black phosphorus and molybdenum telluride. Through the electrostatic doping by gating, the heterojunction is dynamically tuned to isotype (p‐P and n‐N) and anisotype (p‐N) while the built‐in electric field in the heterojunction is greatly changed. Consequently, the photovoltaic effect in the heterojunction is switchable by the gate voltage, enabling a novel self‐driven optoelectronic logic element without the need of external biasing. This optoelectronic logic device shows promising characteristics of output dark current <1 pA, on/off current ratio >105, switching time <10 µs, broadband operation in the spectral range from 400 to 1600 nm, and linearly adjustable output current. The results may open up unprecedented opportunities to employ van der Waals heterojunctions for exploring logic optoelectronics with high performance and low power consumption.
Polarization Dependent Light‐Driven Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators Based on Photothermal Effect
Authors: Li Yong , Liu Yanjun , Luo Dan
Published: December 2020

Light‐driven liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) have drawn a great deal of attention as one kind of the most attractive and exciting soft active materials because of their wide application in biomimetic devices, artificial muscles, sensors, and soft robotics. Recently, photothermal effect based LCE actuators have emerged as a promising material with features of biocompatibility, high tissue penetration ability, and the ease and flexibility in materials design. However, to achieve polarized light‐driven LCE actuators, where the polarization can serve as an additional manipulation degree of freedom for actuators manipulation, is still a challenge. Herein, a strategy of constructing a linearly polarization dependent light‐driven soft actuator based on dichroic dye (DD) doped LCEs is demonstrated. Three polarization‐dependent photothermal effect based LCE actuators, including oscillators, bionic dog swinging tail, and light‐mill are experimentally investigated for the first time. The polarization of light is proved to perform as controlling parameter and provides an additional degree of freedom to photothermal effect based light‐driven LCE actuators besides the wavelength and intensity of light. The DD‐doped LCE actuator with good polarization dependence shows great potential applications in soft robotics and biomimetic field.
Partnering With Oppressive Institutions for Social Change: Roles, Ethics, and a Framework for Practicing Accountability
Authors: Javorka McKenzie
Published: December 2020

Community psychology is driven by the values of social justice, action, and accountability to oppressed groups, with a large body of literature devoted to understanding how to work in partnership with communities through participatory methodologies (e.g., community‐based participatory research, participatory action research). However, some community psychologists may work in partnership with oppressive institutions (e.g., the criminal justice system) in order to transform these institutions toward greater equity and justice. In this conceptual review, I explore the unique challenges and opportunities of partnering with oppressive institutions for social change. First, I define oppressive institutions as those that are hierarchy‐enhancing under social dominance theory and draw on theories of social change to explain when and why we might choose to partner with these institutions in research and action. I then review case studies of the ethical dilemmas community psychologists have faced in such partnerships. Finally, I propose a conceptual framework for practicing accountability when partnering with hierarchy‐enhancing institutions. This framework includes specific practices that research/evaluation teams might incorporate into their relationships with institutional partners and communities impacted by the institution.
Increasing Financial Empowerment among Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: A Growth Curve Analysis
Authors: Johnson Laura
Published: December 2020

Financial empowerment interventions are often used with survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) to improve their financial well‐being. However, few evaluations actually measure financial empowerment as an outcome. Thus, the purpose of this study was to develop and test a conceptual model for financial empowerment and then use the model to evaluate the effectiveness of a financial literacy intervention at increasing financial empowerment for survivors. The conceptual model was guided by Christens’ nomological network for psychological empowerment and included four components: emotional, cognitive, relational, and behavioral. The analyses used data from a randomized controlled trial evaluating Moving Ahead, a financial literacy program developed for IPV survivors (n = 449). To determine whether this intervention was effective at increasing financial empowerment for survivors over time, confirmatory factor analyses were run to test for longitudinal measurement invariance, followed by a curve‐of‐factors growth model (CFM) with assignment as a time‐invariant predictor of change. Strict partial longitudinal measurement invariance was achieved and CFM results found assignment to be significantly associated with both initial status (.054,p = .042) and change over time (.114,p = .000). Results suggest that this conceptual model for financial empowerment fit the data well and the intervention was effective.
Considerations for Size, Surface Charge, Polymer Degradation, Co‐Delivery, and Manufacturability in the Development of Polymeric Particle Vaccines for Infectious Diseases
Authors: Genito Christopher J. , Batty Cole J. , Bachelder Eric M. , Ainslie Kristy M.
Published: December 2020

Vaccines have advanced human health for centuries. To improve upon the efficacy of subunit vaccines they have been formulated into nano/microparticles for infectious diseases. Much progress in the field of polymeric particles for vaccine formulation has been made since the push for a tetanus vaccine in the 1990s. Modulation of particle properties such as size, surface charge, degradation rate, and the co‐delivery of antigen and adjuvant has been used. This review focuses on advances in the understanding of how these properties influence immune responses to injectable polymeric particle vaccines. Consideration is also given to how endotoxin, route of administration, and other factors influence conclusions that can be made. Current manufacturing techniques involved in preserving vaccine efficacy and scale‐up are discussed, as well as those for progressing polymeric particle vaccines toward commercialization. Consideration of all these factors should aid the continued development of efficacious and marketable polymeric particle vaccines.
Effects of oilfield injection water component on rheological characteristics of CTAC/NaSal aqueous solution
Authors: Jing JiaQiang , Yuan Ying , Yin Ran , Zhang Ming , Yin XiaoYun , Liu XueWei
Published: December 2020

The additive drag reduction technology has wide application and high economic value in drag reduction of oilfield water injection system. With CTAC/NaSal (cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride/sodium salicylate) aqueous solution as the research object, this paper explores the effects of oilfield water component on its rheological characteristics under the experimental condition of 10–60°C, .1–1 000 s−1, and 0.01–0.21 wt %. The experimental results reveal that the oil cannot inhibit the formation of shear‐induced structure in the solution and strengthen the temperature resistance of the solution; NaHCO3 and CaCl2, two types of salts, have similar effects on rheological characteristics of the CTAC/NaSal solution. The solution viscosity increases first and then decreases with the increase of salt concentration. And the viscosity peak gradually moves to the left lower with the increase of temperature, which means that the salt tolerance of the solution decreases with the increase of temperature. Moreover, the Giesekus model has the best performance for describing the rheological characteristics of surfactant solutions. Within the experimental concentration range, the relative error is ±25%.
Influence of fiber orientation, temperature and relative humidity on the long‐term performance of short glass fiber reinforced polyamide 6
Authors: Pastukhov Leonid V. , Kanters Marc J. W. , Engels Tom A. P. , Govaert Leon E.
Published: December 2020

As a result of processing of short fiber reinforced thermoplastics, the fiber orientation varies throughout a product giving rise to a pronounced anisotropic mechanical response. Different flow conditions in a product result in spatial variation in both short‐ and long‐term mechanical properties. In this study, a modeling approach is presented to evaluate the lifetime of short fiber reinforced polyamide 6, both in plasticity‐ and crack growth controlled regions of failure. In the plasticity‐controlled region, a viscoplastic model based on separation of the load angle (by means of Hill's equivalent stress formulation) and time dependence of the yield stress is used in the form of an associative flow rule. The influence of temperature and relative humidity on the magnitude of the plastic flow rate is described by using an apparent temperature approach combined with a Ree‐Eyring formulation. The depression of the glass transition temperature in the polyamide 6 matrix with increasing amount of absorbed moisture was used to predict the anisotropic deformation kinetics in a humid environment. Similar to the plasticity controlled failure, in slow crack growth controlled failure region the effect of temperature, relative humidity, and load angle on the lifetime under a fatigue load is investigated. The apparent temperature approach could also be successfully applied to predict the slow crack growth failure, while the load angle dependence is shown to scale similar to the plasticity‐controlled failure with the Hill's equivalent stress.
Assembly of Water‐soluble AIE‐active Fluorescent Organic Nanoparticles for Ratiometric Detection of Hypochlorite in Living Cells
Authors: Liu Yi‐chen , Du Wei , Liu Guang‐jian , Zhou Wei , Gao Xiao‐jie , Xing Guo‐wen
Published: December 2020

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) plays a crucial role in many physiological processes and is widely used as bleach, deodorant and fungicide. In this work, we designed an amphiphilic hydrazone fluorescent molecule THG‐1 containing hydrophilic sugar units and hydrophobic tetraphenylethylene unit for ratiometric detection of HOCl with high sensitivity and excellent selectivity based on HOCl‐triggered hydrolyzation reaction and aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) effect. The detection mechanism was verified by liquid chromatograph mass spectrometry experiments and scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests. Contrast experiments revealed that the numbers of lactose unit and hydrazone linker were essential for assembly of THG‐1 and detection of HOCl. In addition, THG‐1 was successfully used for imaging of exogenous and endogenous HOCl in living cells.
Near‐Infrared‐II Semiconducting Polymer Dots for Deep‐tissue Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Chan Yang‐Hsiang , Saha Sampa , Liu Ming‐Ho
Published: December 2020

Fluorescence imaging, particularly in the NIR‐II region (1000–1700 nm), has become an unprecedented tool for deep‐tissue in vivo imaging. Among the fluorescent nanoprobes, semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (Pdots) appear to be a promising agent because of their tunable optical and photophysical properties, ultrahigh brightness, minimal autofluorescence, narrow‐size distribution, and low cytotoxicity. This review elucidates the recent advances in Pdots for deep‐tissue fluorescence imaging and the facing future translation to clinical use.
Application of Metal‐Organic Frameworks in Adsorptive Removal of Organic Contaminants from Water, Fuel and Air
Authors: Ahmed Imteaz , Mondol Md. Mahmudul Hassan , Lee Hye Jin , Jhung Sung Hwa
Published: December 2020

Currently, our environment is contaminated with various toxic substances. Removal of such hazardous materials from water, air and fuel is important for sustainability. In this minireview, adsorptive removal of organic substances, by using metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), for our safe environment will be discussed. For example, removal of (i) pharmaceuticals/personal care products, pesticides, and dyes from water; (ii) S‐ or N‐containing compounds from liquid fuel; and (iii) volatile organic compounds from air will be summarized. Moreover, plausible mechanisms to explain the observation will also be discussed. Finally, prospects in the field will be suggested for further research and development.
Feeling right about doing right, even if it was difficult? Emotional and behavioral consequences of conflict during ethical consumer decision‐making
Authors: Becker Daniela
Published: December 2020

Many consumer choices nowadays involve ethical considerations (e.g., when buying clothes consumers can often choose between a standard and an ethically produced collection). Previous work has shown that how people feel after such ethically connotated consumer choices is a central determinant of their future ethical consumer behavior. However, most of that research focuses on the effect of choice outcomes (ethical vs. unethical product) on emotional and behavioral reactions. Challenging this outcome‐focused approach, the present paper proposes that the experience of conflict (e.g., between ethical goals vs. self‐interest) during decision‐making has a significant additional effect on emotional reactions and future behavior. Results from one fully powered, preregistered study (N = 383) showed that conflict strength predicted increased negative post‐choice emotions and reduced choice satisfaction. Importantly, this pattern occurred for ethical as well as unethical choice outcomes. Conflict also increased the likelihood of making the opposite choice in a subsequent ethical consumer choice situation—again independent of participants' prior choice. Those results are an important extension of previous work as they highlight the importance of taking experienced conflict into account when predicting post‐choice emotions and future ethical consumer behavior.
Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis secondary to COVID‐19 infection: A case report
Authors: Iraji Fariba , Galehdari Hamid , Siadat Amir Hossein , Bokaei Jazi Safoura
Published: December 2020

COVID‐19 is a novel disease that mostly affects the respiratory system but as the number of cases is rising significantly around the world, more extra‐respiratory manifestations are being reported among which are various dermatologic manifestations.
The curious case of HLA‐DR‐positive APL
Authors: Devi Kanta , Ali Natasha
Published: December 2020

The triad of weak/absent CD34, negative HLA‐DR expression, and positivity to CD117 is pathognomonic for the diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia. However, in rare cases, strong positivity to HLD‐DR and CD34 may be noted.
Separation of Nano‐scaled Particles by Flocculation
Authors: Yeap Swee Pin , Sum Jing Yao , Toh Pey Yi
Published: December 2020

Owing to the increased application of nanoparticles in engineering industries, the development of separation techniques to isolate nanoparticles grew as important as the one to isolate micro‐ or macro‐sized particles. Centrifugation, filtration, and precipitation are the common processes used to separate nanoparticles from a suspension. Interestingly, these processes work best if the nanoparticles are preflocculated into a larger cluster. Flocculation of nanoparticles may involve a complex mechanism affected by the physicochemical and molecular properties of the flocculant. A review of the effects induced by these factors on the flocculation of nanoparticles is given. The applications of advanced flocculation approaches as well as the research gaps in this research area are discussed.
A Water‐Splitting System with a Cobalt (II,III) Oxide Co‐Catalyst‐Loaded Bismuth Vanadate Photoanode Along with an Organo‐Photocathode
Authors: Murakami Takahiro , Ikezoi Kosuke , Nagai Keiji , Kato Hideki , Abe Toshiyuki
Published: December 2020

In the water‐splitting reaction, the oxidation of water to O2 is considered to be a kinetically demanding process, so that a co‐catalyst has been usually applied to promote water oxidation. This work demonstrates that, when loading mixed‐valence cobalt (II,III) oxide (Co3O4) dispersed in a Nafion membrane (Nf) on a nanoporous bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) photoanode (i. e., BiVO4/Nf[Co3O4]), stable and efficient water oxidation occurred. In particular, it is noteworthy that the BiVO4/Nf[Co3O4] photoanode exhibited stable performance even in an acidic medium (pH=2). In the present system consisting of a BiVO4/Nf[Co3O4] photoanode along with an organo‐photocathode, the stoichiometric formation of O2 and H2 successfully occurred by applying just 0.1 V between the photoelectrodes (cf. maximum efficiency, ca. 0.2 %), which was superior to the prototype comprising BiVO4 and Pt counter electrode. The Co3O4 loading can effectively suppress the collapse of the nanostructured BiVO4 upon photocorrosion, resulting in the stable and kinetically efficient consumption of holes in BiVO4.
On using kernel integration by graphical LASSO to study partial correlations between heterogeneous data sets
Authors: Nørgaard Sarah Kristine , Linder‐Steinlein Kristoffer , Eliasen Anders Ulrik , Stokholm Jakob , Chawes Bo L. , Bønnelykke Klaus , Bisggard Hans , Smilde Age K. , Rasmussen Morten Arendt
Published: December 2020

Integration of unstructured and very diverse data is often required for a deeper understanding of the complex biological systems. In order to uncover communalities between heterogeneous data, the data are often harmonized by constructing a kernel and perform numerical integration. In this study, we propose a method for data integration in the framework of an undirected graphical model, where the nodes represent individual data sources of varying nature in terms of complexity and underlying distribution and where the edges represent the partial correlations between two blocks of data. We propose a modified GLASSO for estimation of the graph, with a combination of cross‐validation and extended Bayes Information Criterion for sparsity tuning. Furthermore, hierarchical clustering on the weighted consensus kernels from a fixed network is used to partitioning the samples into different classes. Simulations show increasing ability to uncover true edges with increasing sample size andsignal to noise. Likewise, identification of nonexisting edges towards disconnected nodes is feasible. The framework is demonstrated for integration of longitudinal symptom burden data, from the second and third year of life, combined with 21 diseases precursors and information of the development of asthma and eczema at the age of 6 years, from 403 children from the COPSAC2010 mother‐child cohort. This suggests that maternal predisposition as well as being born preterm indirectly lead to a higher risk of asthma via an increased respiratory symptom burden.
Benzothiadiazole‐Substituted Aza‐BODIPY Dyes: Two‐Photon Absorption Enhancement for Improved Optical Limiting Performances in the Short‐Wave IR Range
Authors: David Sylvain , Chang Hao‐Jung , Lopes Cesar , Brännlund Carl , Le Guennic Boris , Berginc Gérard , Van Stryland Eric , Bondar Mykailo V. , Hagan David , Jacquemin Denis , Andraud Chantal , Maury Olivier
Published: December 2020

Aza‐boron dipyrromethenes (aza‐BODIPYs) presenting a benzothiadiazole substitution on upper positions are described. The strong electron‐withdrawing effect of the benzothiadiazole moiety permits enhancement of the accepting strength and improves the delocalization of the aza‐BODIPY core to attain a significant degree of electronic communication between the lower donating groups and the upper accepting groups. The nature of the intramolecular charge transfer is studied both experimentally and theoretically. Linear spectroscopy highlighted the strongly redshifted absorption and emission of the synthesized molecules with recorded fluorescence spectra over 1000 nm. Nonlinear optical properties were also investigated. Strong enhancement of the two‐photon absorption of the substituted dyes compared with the unsubstituted one (up to 4520 GM at 1300 nm) results in an approximately 15–20 % improvement of the optical power limiting performances. These dyes are therefore a good starting point for further improvement of optical power limiting in the short‐wave IR range.
Identification of Phenazine‐Based MEMO1 Small‐Molecule Inhibitors: Virtual Screening, Fluorescence Polarization Validation, and Inhibition of Breast Cancer Migration
Authors: Labrecque Courtney L. , Hilton Cassidy N. , Airas Justin , Blake Alexis , Rubenstein Kristen J. , Parish Carol A. , Pollock Julie A.
Published: December 2020

Phosphorylation‐dependent protein–protein interactions play a significant role in biological signaling pathways; therefore, small molecules that are capable of influencing these interactions can be valuable research tools and have potential as pharmaceutical agents. MEMO1 (mediator of ErbB2‐cell driven motility) is a phosphotyrosine‐binding protein that interacts with a variety of protein partners and has been found to be upregulated in breast cancer patients. Herein, we report the first small‐molecule inhibitors of MEMO1 interactions identified through a virtual screening platform and validated in a competitive fluorescence polarization assay. Initial structure–activity relationships have been investigated for these phenazine‐core inhibitors and the binding sites have been postulated using molecular dynamics simulations. The most potent biochemical inhibitor is capable of disrupting the large protein interface with a KI of 2.7 μm. In addition, the most promising phenazine core compounds slow the migration of breast cancer cell lines in a scratch assay.
Pentafluoro‐3‐hydroxy‐pent‐2‐en‐1‐ones Potently Inhibit FNT‐Type Lactate Transporters from all Five Human‐Pathogenic Plasmodium Species
Authors: Walloch Philipp , Hansen Christian , Priegann Till , Schade Dennis , Beitz Eric
Published: December 2020

The protozoan parasite Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe and prevailing form of malaria in sub‐Saharan Africa. Previously, we identified the plasmodial lactate transporter, PfFNT, a member of the microbial formate–nitrite transporter family, as a novel antimalarial drug target. With the pentafluoro‐3‐hydroxy‐pent‐2‐en‐1‐ones, we discovered PfFNT inhibitors that potently kill P. falciparum parasites in vitro. Four additional human‐pathogenic Plasmodium species require attention, that is, P. vivax, most prevalent outside of Africa, and the regional P. malariae, P. ovale and P. knowlesi. Herein, we show that the plasmodial FNT variants are highly similar in terms of protein sequence and functionality. The FNTs from all human‐pathogenic plasmodia and the rodent malaria parasite were efficiently inhibited by pentafluoro‐3‐hydroxy‐pent‐2‐en‐1‐ones. We further established a phenotypic yeast‐based FNT inhibitor screen, and found very low compound cytotoxicity and monocarboxylate transporter 1 off‐target activity on human cells, particularly of the most potent FNT inhibitor BH267.meta, allowing these compounds to proceed towards animal model malaria studies.
Quality of life among survivors of adolescent and young adult cancer in Canada: A Young Adults With Cancer in Their Prime (YACPRIME) study
Authors: Schulte Fiona S. M. , Chalifour Karine , Eaton Geoff , Garland Sheila N.
Published: December 2020

Background

The quality of life (QoL) among survivors of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer may be compromised compared with that in the general population. In this study, the authors: 1) assessed for differences in QoL among a national study of AYA cancer survivors compared with the Canadian population and 2) explored the factors associated with poorer QoL in AYA cancer survivors.

Methods

For the current research, data from the Young Adults With Cancer in Their Prime study were used. QoL was measured using physical and mental component scores from a 12‐item short‐form health status measure. A comparison group was derived from the Canadian Community Health Survey.

Results

AYAs (n = 195; 17.8% male; mean ± SD: 35.62 ± 6.89 years on study, 6.48 ± 5.73 years from treatment) were compared with a comparison sample (n = 665; 21.2% male). Among survivors, 31.8% reported poor physical health, and 49.7% reported poor mental health. Compared with the general population, AYAs had significantly lower physical health (F[1,818] = 52.80; P = .00) and mental health (F[1,818] = 83.54; P = .00), controlling for sex and age. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that an annual income level <$40,000 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 8.32; 95% CI, 2.85‐24.30), poor sleep quality (AOR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06‐1.33), worse body image (AOR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.14), and higher social support (AOR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00‐1.05) were significantly associated with poor physical health. Poor sleep quality (AOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.08‐1.38), body image (AOR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.12), fear of cancer recurrence (AOR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06‐1.21) were associated with poor mental health.

Conclusions

The QoL of AYAs requires urgent attention. Sleep, body image, and social support may be important modifiable targets for intervention to improve their QoL.
Short‐term effects of wildfire in boreal peatlands: Does fire mitigate the linear footprint of oil and gas exploration?
Authors: Pinzon Jaime , Dabros Anna , Riva Federico , Glasier James R. N.
Published: December 2020

Exploration practices for oil sands developments in the boreal forest of western Canada create a network of thousands of kilometers of linear features, particularly seismic lines that dissect these forests posing significant environmental challenges. As wildfire is one of the prevalent stand‐replacing natural disturbances in the Canadian boreal forest, it is an important driver of environmental change and stand development that may contribute to the mitigation of such linear industrial footprint. Here, we evaluate the short‐term cumulative (also known as combined) effects of seismic lines and wildfire on biodiversity and site conditions. One year after the Horse River (Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada) fire event in the spring of 2016, we compared dissected and undisturbed forests in burned and unburned boreal peatlands, assessing changes in overall stand structure and the responses of a variety of organisms. Soil moisture was significantly higher on seismic lines than in the adjacent forest, suggesting why most of the study sites within the fire perimeter showed little evidence of burning at the line in relation to the adjacent forest. Low fire severity on seismic lines seemed an important driver of local species diversity for ants, beetles, spiders, and plants in disturbed peatlands, resulting in similar species composition on seismic lines both within and outside the burned area, but different assemblages in burned and unburned adjacent forests. Our results suggest that fire did not erase seismic lines; rather, wildfire might increase the influence of this footprint on the recovering adjacent forest. Longer‐term monitoring will be necessary to understand how boreal treed peatlands respond to the cumulative effect of wildfire and linear disturbances.
Extreme rainfall events and cooling of sea turtle clutches: Implications in the face of climate warming
Authors: Laloë Jacques‐Olivier , Tedeschi Jamie N. , Booth David T. , Bell Ian , Dunstan Andy , Reina Richard D. , Hays Graeme C.
Published: December 2020

Understanding how climate change impacts species and ecosystems is integral to conservation. When studying impacts of climate change, warming temperatures are a research focus, with much less attention given to extreme weather events and their impacts. Here, we show how localized, extreme rainfall events can have a major impact on a species that is endangered in many parts of its range. We report incubation temperatures from the world's largest green sea turtle rookery, during a breeding season when two extreme rainfall events occurred. Rainfall caused nest temperatures to drop suddenly and the maximum drop in temperature for each rain‐induced cooling averaged 3.6°C (n = 79 nests, min = 1.0°C, max = 7.4°C). Since green sea turtles have temperature‐dependent sex determination, with low incubation temperatures producing males, such major rainfall events may have a masculinization effect on primary sex ratios. Therefore, in some cases, extreme rainfall events may provide a “get‐out‐of‐jail‐free card” to avoid complete feminization of turtle populations as climate warming continues.
Elevated α‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase as an independent prognostic factor for mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Liu Zeming , Li Jinpeng , Li Man , Chen Sichao , Gao Rongfen , Zeng Guang , Chen Danyang , Wang Shipei , Li Qianqian , Hu Di , Zeng Wen , Guo Liang , Wu Xiaohui
Published: December 2020

Aims

Many studies have explored the clinical characteristics of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID‐19), especially patients with cardiovascular disease. However, associated mechanisms and markers remain to be further investigated. This study aimed to investigate the effect of α‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α‐HBDH) levels on disease progression and prognosis of patients with COVID‐19.

Methods and results

One thousand seven hundred and fifty‐one patients from the Leishenshan hospital in Wuhan were divided into elevated and normal groups by α‐HBDH level, and the clinical information between the two groups was compared retrospectively. The main outcome evaluation criteria included in‐hospital death and disease severity. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses, survival curves, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic curve models were performed to explore the relationship between elevated α‐HBDH and the two outcomes. Besides, curve fitting analyses were conducted to analyse the relationship between computed tomography score and survival. Among 1751 patients with confirmed COVID‐19, 15 patients (0.87%) died. The mean (SD) age of patients was 58 years in normal α‐HBDH group and 66 years in elevated α‐HBDH group (P < 0.001). The mortality during hospitalization was 0.26% (4 of 1559) for patients with normal α‐HBDH levels and 5.73% (11 of 192) for those with elevated α‐HBDH levels (P < 0.001). Multivariate Cox analysis confirmed an association between elevated α‐HBDH levels and higher risk of in‐hospital mortality [hazard ratio: 4.411, 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.127–17.260; P = 0.033]. Multivariate logistic regression for disease severity and α‐HBDH levels showed significant difference between both groups (odds ratio = 3.759; 95% CI, 1.895–7.455; P < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier curves also illustrated the survival difference between normal and elevated α‐HBDH patients (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study found that serum α‐HBDH is an independent risk factor for in‐hospital mortality and disease severity among COVID‐19 patients. α‐HBDH assessment may aid clinicians in identifying high‐risk individuals among COVID‐19 patients.
Side Effects of Insecticides on Leaf-Miners and Gall-Inducers Depend on Species Ecological Traits and Competition with Leaf-Chewers
Authors: Leroy Benjamin M.L. , Gossner Martin M. , Ferrini Gabriele , Seibold Sebastian , Lauer Florian P.M. , Petercord Ralf , Eichel Peter , Jaworek Jessica , Weisser Wolfgang W.
Published: December 2020

Internal feeding is considered to shield sessile herbivorous insects from exposure to nonsystemic insecticides aerially sprayed against forest defoliators, although this has not been tested. It is, however, established that leaf damage caused by defoliators affects the survivorship and oviposition behavior of sessile herbivores. Thus feeding ecology and competition may mediate nontarget effects of insecticides on these insects. We tested the ecological sensitivity of 3 guilds of sessile herbivores (upper-surface leaf-miners, lower-surface leaf-miners, and gall-inducers) to the lipophilic larvicides diflubenzuron and tebufenozide aerially applied either at operational rates (12 g active ingredient [a.i.]/ha and 69.6 g [a.i.]/ha, respectively) or at maximum legal rates (60 g [a.i.]/ha and 180 g [a.i.]/ha, respectively), in German oak forests. Diflubenzuron affected leaf-miners at different life stages depending on their position on the leaf but had no effect on gall-inducers. Tebufenozide showed a similar, but not significant, pattern in leaf-miners and did not affect gall-inducers. By reducing the incidence of chewing damage on leaves, both insecticides offset the negative effect of competition on leaf-miner and gall-inducers. The net outcome of insecticide treatment was positive for guilds avoiding exposure, but negative for upper-surface leaf-miners. Exposure to insecticides in situ can be mediated by subtle differences in species biology and species interactions, with potential implications for organisms usually considered safe in risk assessment studies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;00:1–17. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Strongly deleterious mutations are a primary determinant of extinction risk due to inbreeding depression
Authors: Kyriazis Christopher C. , Wayne Robert K. , Lohmueller Kirk E.
Published: December 2020

Human-driven habitat fragmentation and loss have led to a proliferation of small and isolated plant and animal populations with high risk of extinction. One of the main threats to extinction in these populations is inbreeding depression, which is primarily caused by recessive deleterious mutations becoming homozygous due to inbreeding. The typical approach for managing these populations is to maintain high genetic diversity, increasingly by translocating individuals from large populations to initiate a “genetic rescue.” However, the limitations of this approach have recently been highlighted by the demise of the gray wolf population on Isle Royale, which declined to the brink of extinction soon after the arrival of a migrant from the large mainland wolf population. Here, we use a novel population genetic simulation framework to investigate the role of genetic diversity, deleterious variation, and demographic history in mediating extinction risk due to inbreeding depression in small populations. We show that, under realistic models of dominance, large populations harbor high levels of recessive strongly deleterious variation due to these mutations being hidden from selection in the heterozygous state. As a result, when large populations contract, they experience a substantially elevated risk of extinction after these strongly deleterious mutations are exposed by inbreeding. Moreover, we demonstrate that, although genetic rescue is broadly effective as a means to reduce extinction risk, its effectiveness can be greatly increased by drawing migrants from small or moderate-sized source populations rather than large source populations due to smaller populations harboring lower levels of recessive strongly deleterious variation. Our findings challenge the traditional conservation paradigm that focuses on maximizing genetic diversity in small populations in favor of a view that emphasizes minimizing strongly deleterious variation. These insights have important implications for managing small and isolated populations in the increasingly fragmented landscape of the Anthropocene.
Hydrogen Generation Using Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Kamlungsua K. , Su P.‐C. , Chan S. H.
Published: December 2020

No abstract.
Effective supervision model for improved primary healthcare services: case of Egypt
Authors: Abdel‐Razik Madiha Said , El‐Aguizy Fayrouz , Wahby Ghada , Elsayad Ahmed Samir , Elhabashi Eman Moawad
Published: December 2020

Background

In Egypt, primary healthcare workers (PHCWs) often work in challenging situations and in relative isolation from the health system and specialists' experiences. Supervision is currently applied by PHCWs to present practice, control and upgrade knowledge and skills.

Objectives

To assess the current supervision system in the Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP) at the central, governorate, district, and primary healthcare (PHC) facility levels.

Methods

The research setting is the MOHP‐PHC head quarter (HQ) and five governorates.

Design

Cross‐sectional analytical observational health system research qualitative and quantitative study of Egyptian health service and operations.

Sampling

The multistage sampling technique was used to select districts (n = 25) units (n = 250), physicians (n = 250), and nurses (n = 250) from five randomly selected governorates that represent four Egypt regions.

Data collection

Focus group discussions (FGDs) and self‐administered questionnaires.

Results

Response rate to questionnaires were in total 73% (67% for physicians and 80% for nurses). FGDs demonstrated that PHC has an effective supervision system at central, governorate, and district levels. The effective supervision allowed overcoming barriers related to the shortage in PHCWs needed to cover 5364 PHC units in addition to mobile clinics. Supervisors use a standardized consistent checklist covering all items of service delivery. More than 95% of physicians and nurses appreciated receiving on‐the‐job training from the district supervisory teams.

Conclusion

Egypt MOHP‐PHC has an effective supervision model in place at the central, governorate and district levels that supports continuous communication between PHC facilities' staff and the health system enabling continuous personal and professional upgrade and development and improved problem‐solving skills at the facility level.