bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistance, race, and subjectivity in congregation‐based community organizing
Authors: Gupta Jyoti
Published: March 2021

Ideas of resistance have become common in media and political discourse in contemporary times where there is growing awareness of racial violence and xenophobia. Calls to “resist” and awakenings to public life prompt questions about the kind of citizenship being cultivated, the social meanings individuals reproduce and create through participation in “resistance,” and the changing sense of their positions and agency as they act in the world. Here I examine the citizen‐subject that comes into being through “resistance” to racial injustice, drawing on the case of Faith in Action (formerly PICO) and its development of a theological organizing framework, the Theology of Resistance. This study analyzes the discourses and content of two public data sources—The Prophetic Resistance Podcast series and news media about prophetic resistance within the organizing network. These sources offer a means to examine the negotiated nature of political selves that are created through processes that socialize and subjugate as well as through processes wherein subjects produce and sometimes transform social positions. Findings show that centering a racial analytic and prioritizing racial justice outcomes, shifts that were made within FIA, results in the cultivation of a political subject that is reflexive about internal and external subjugating forces, relational as it discards the armor of racial hierarchy and exclusion, and constructive as it creates conditions or contexts for new political subjects through prophetic action. This study contributes to the conceptual development of organizing as a mechanism to generate social change; specifically, it offers the lens of political subjectivity as a meaningful analytic to enrich understandings of this mechanism.
Low‐energy technology for producing anhydrite in the CaCO3–H2SO4–H2O system derived from industrial wastes
Authors: Kamarou Maksim , Korob Natalia , Hil Anastasiya , Moskovskikh Dmitry , Romanovski Valentin
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

A high‐quality anhydrite binder could be produced due to the exergy of sulfuric acid in the CaCO3–H2SO4–H2O system derived from industrial wastes. Waste of sulfuric acid derived from the production of heat‐resistant fibers and wastes of limestone that was formed on the metallurgical enterprise were used for the synthesis of anhydrite. Such a product is safe from an environmental point of view and has many advantages, both operational and economic, over standard gypsum binders.

RESULTS

The optimal technological parameters have been established and a technological scheme for producing anhydrite excluding the stage of calcium sulfate dihydrate formation has been proposed. Anhydrite production in the CaCO3–H2SO4–H2O system, due to the exergy of sulfuric acid, is a promising technology to replace the traditional thermal technology for producing anhydrite. This technology can reduce fuel costs because the required synthesis temperature is 95–105 °С, instead of 800–1000 °С in the traditional one, and this significantly reduces the cost of manufactured products.

CONCLUSION

The maximum yield of synthetic anhydrite was provided by a limestone suspension taken in a stoichiometric amount. This neutralizing agent makes it possible to obtain particles of a prismatic shape, the size of which is generally more than 20 μm. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Greenhouse gas fluxes from turfgrass systems: Species, growth rate, clipping management, and environmental effects
Authors: Law Quincy D. , Trappe Jon M. , Braun Ross C. , Patton Aaron J.
Published: March 2021

Turfgrass systems can be an important source or sink for greenhouse gases (GHG), including carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and methane (CH4). Further research is required in turfgrass systems; therefore, our objectives were to evaluate the effects of turfgrass species, growth rate, clipping management, and environmental conditions on GHG emissions. Greenhouse gas fluxes were measured in two separate field experiments in West Lafayette, IN. Experiment 1 investigated GHG flux in three cool‐season (C3) and two warm‐season (C4) turfgrass species during two growing seasons. Experiment 2 investigated fluxes in two C3 cultivars with varying growth rates and under different clipping management regimes. The C3 turfgrasses had the highest mean CO2 flux rates ranging from 0.373 to 0.431 g CO2‐C m−2 h−1 compared with 0.273 to 0.361 g CO2‐C m−2 h−1 for C4 turfgrasses. Mean hourly N2O flux rates ranged from 43.3 to 50.9 μg N2O‐N m−2 h−1 for C3 compared with 11.1 to 14.4 μg N2O‐N m−2 h−1 for C4 turfgrasses. Methane flux was more variable across time, but overall C4 turfgrasses were more likely to be a CH4 source, whereas C3 turfgrasses were often a CH4 sink. Growth rate and grass clipping management treatments had negligible impact on measured GHG flux. The differences in management practices specific to C3 and C4 turfgrasses had the largest impact on GHG flux. Results indicate the impact and importance of turfgrass species selection on GHG flux and also provide more information on our overall understanding on carbon and nitrogen cycling in urban soils.
Genetic counseling for patients with positive genomic screening results: Considerations for when the genetic test comes first
Authors: Schwartz Marci L. B. , Buchanan Adam H. , Hallquist Miranda L. G. , Haggerty Christopher M. , Sturm Amy C.
Published: March 2021

Emerging genetic testing delivery models have enabled individuals to receive testing without a medical indication. This article will highlight key considerations for patient care in the setting of adult patients with positive results for monogenic disease identified through genomic screening. Suggestions for how to adapt genetic counseling to a genomic screening population will encompass topics such as phenotyping, risk assessments, and the use of existing guidelines and resources. Case examples will demonstrate principles of genotype‐first patient care.
Covered metallic stent placement for biliary drainage could be promising in the coming era of neoadjuvant chemo‐radiation therapy for all pancreatic cancer
Authors: Hasegawa Sho , Kubota Kensuke , Yagi Shin , Kurita Yusuke , Sato Takamitsu , Hosono Kunihiro , Matsuyama Ryusei , Endo Itaru , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: March 2021

Background/Purpose

The role of endoscopic preoperative biliary drainage for pancreatic head cancer is controversial because of the high incidence of stent occlusion before surgery. We sought to validate a suitable stent for biliary drainage in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC)/neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NAC‐RT).

Methods

We evaluated patients who received preoperative neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic head cancer between January 2013 and December 2019. A covered metal (CMS) or plastic stent (PS) was inserted in symptomatic patients for biliary drainage. Recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), success rate of endoscopic drainage, adverse events, and surgical outcomes were compared between the CMS and PS groups.

Results

Occurrence rate of RBO was significantly higher with PS (97%) vs CMS (15%, P < .001), and time to RBO was significantly longer with CMS vs PS (not reached vs 40.5 days, P < .001). Delayed schedule associated with RBO for neoadjuvant chemotherapy was significantly lower in CMS vs PS (14% vs 50%, P < .05). There was no difference in postoperative bleeding, operation time, complications, and rate of a microscopically margin‐negative resection between groups.

Conclusions

Use of CMS during NAC/NAC‐RT allows for safe chemotherapy without causing cholangitis or biliary obstruction and for surgery to be performed.
Antibody response to SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination is extremely vivacious in subjects with previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Callegaro Annapaola , Borleri Daniela , Farina Claudio , Napolitano Gavino , Valenti Daniela , Rizzi Marco , Maggiolo Franco
Published: March 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic calls for rapid actions, now principally oriented to a world‐wide vaccination campaign. In this study we verified if, in individuals with a previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, a single dose of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine would be immunologically equivalent to a full vaccine schedule in naïve individuals. Health care workers (184) with a previous SARS‐CoV‐2 infection were sampled soon before the second dose of vaccine and between 7 and 10 days after the second dose, the last sampling time was applied to SARS‐CoV‐2 naïve individuals, too. Antibodies against SARS‐CoV‐2 were measured using Elecsys Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 S immunoassay. The study was powered for non‐inferiority. We used non parametric tests and Pearson correlation test to perform inferential analysis. After a single vaccine injection, the median titer of specific antibodies in individuals with previous coronavirus disease 2019 was 30.527 U/ml (interquartile range [IQR]: 19.992–39.288) and in subjects with previous SARS‐CoV‐2 asymptomatic infection was 19.367.5 U/ml (IQR: 14.688–31.353) (p = .032). Both results were far above the median titer in naïve individuals after a full vaccination schedule: 1974.5 U/ml (IQR: 895–3455) (p < .0001). Adverse events after vaccine injection were more frequent after the second dose of vaccine (mean: 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75–1.14 vs. mean: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.63–2.19) (p < .0001) and in exposed compared to naïve (mean: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.28–1.98 vs. mean: 2.35; 95% CI: 1.87–2.82) (p = .015). In SARS‐CoV‐2 naturally infected individuals a single mRNA vaccine dose seems sufficient to reach immunity. Modifying current dosing schedules would speed‐up vaccination campaigns.
Field evaluation of COVID‐19 antigen tests versus RNA based detection: Potential lower sensitivity compensated by immediate results, technical simplicity, and low cost
Authors: Matsuda Elaine Monteiro , de Campos Ivana Barros , de Oliveira Isabela Penteriche , Colpas Daniela Rodrigues , Carmo Andreia Moreira dos Santos , Brígido Luís Fernando de Macedo
Published: March 2021

One year into the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, diagnostic strategies, although central for contact tracing and other preventive measures, are still limited. To meet the global demand, lower cost and faster antigen tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) detection are a convenient alternative to the gold standard reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay. We tested laboratory‐based RT‐PCR RNA detection and two rapid antigen detection (RAD) tests, based on the immunochromatography test for nucleocapsid protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19 Ag ECO Test, ECO Diagnóstica, and Panbio COVID‐19 Ag Rapid Test Abbott). Paired collection and testing were done in a small prospective open study in three clinical services in São Paulo, constituted of mostly symptomatic volunteers at collection (97%, 109/112) for a median of 4 days (interquartile range: 3–6), ranging from 1 to 30. Among the 108 paired RT‐PCR/RAD tests, results were concordant in 96.4% (101/108). The test's performance was comparable, with an overall sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 96%. These observations add to other data that suggest that antigen tests may provide reasonable sensitivity and specificity and deserve a role to improve testing strategies, especially in resource‐limited settings.
Hypothesis of zinc ascorbate as best zinc ionophore for raising antiviral resistance against Covid‐19
Authors: Cingolani Valentino
Published: March 2021

Highlights

Zinc ascorbate could prevent and treat Covid‐19 by raising antiviral resistance to SARS‐CoV‐2 virus via increase of intracellular zinc concentration as a zinc ionophore more than other salts of zinc or zinc with vitamin C.

Tests in vitro and clinical trials for Covid‐19 prevention and treatment with zinc ascorbate are strongly recommended and should start as soon as possible.

Potential advantages of zinc ascorbate supplementation over vaccines and drugs are also discussed, with supplementation suggestions.
Application of sunflower pectin gels with low glycemic index in the coating of fresh strawberries stored in modified atmospheres
Authors: Muñoz‐Almagro Nerea , Herrero‐Herranz María , Guri Sonia , Corzo Nieves , Montilla Antonia , Villamiel Mar
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

This study reports the use of low glycemic sunflower pectin gel, elaborated with calcium and without or with sweeteners (sucrose, stevia and saccharin) as an edible coating and its possible combination with two modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), in order to extend shelf life, maintaining the quality, of strawberries during the storage at 4 °C.

RESULTS

This pectin coating, formed with only calcium and/or stevia or saccharin, extended the shelf life of strawberries with respect to uncoating fruits, up to 12 days, keeping the microbial load constant, the firmness and less weight loss. With the same edible coatings, the shelf life of strawberries was extended up to 23 days when they were combined with MAP [10% carbon dioxide (CO2), 85% nitrogen (N2) and 5% oxygen (O2)], maintaining the quality of strawberries, while the other MAP, with a higher CO2 concentration (20% CO2, 75% N2 and 5% O2), had no effect.

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight the suitability of the combination of edible pectin coating combined with MAP to obtain an important shelf life extension, maintaining the good quality of the fruit. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Propagation and characterization of viable arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores within maize plant (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Fasusi Oluwaseun Adeyinka , Amoo Adenike Eunice , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

The harmful effect of chemical fertilizer application on human health and the environment as a modern method of meeting the food demand of the increasing world population demands an urgent alternative that is environmentally friendly, which will pose no harm to human health and the environment. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are beneficial soil microorganisms that provide various ecological functions in increasing soil fertility and enhancing plant growth. This present study aimed to propagate, characterize and examine the effect of viable arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores on maize (Zea mays L) hosts using molecular methods. The propagation of AMF in the host plant using sterile soil and vermiculite was conducted in the greenhouse.

RESULT

The effect of AMF inoculation revealed a significant difference (P > 0.05) in maize growth, root colonization and AMF spore count when compared with the control. In all the parameters measured in this study, all the AMF spores propagated had a positive effect on the maize plant over the control, with the highest value mostly recorded in Rhizophagus irregularis AOB1. The molecular characterization of the spore using a specific universal primer for Glomeromycota established the success of the propagation process, which enhanced the classification of the AMF species into Rhizophagus irregularis OAB1, Glomus mosseae OAB2 and Paraglomus occultum OAB3.

CONCLUSION

This finding will be a starting point in producing arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculum as a biofertilizer to enhance plant growth promotion. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
A laboratory course on information display technologies for remote learning
Authors: Kam Kevin A. , Kumar Vikrant , Lamport Zachary A. , Kymissis Ioannis
Published: March 2021

Conducting remote laboratory‐based courses in electronics is a major challenge primarily because of the hardware requirements. This paper describes a laboratory course on information display technologies specially designed and implemented for remote learning. The course was successfully offered during the COVID‐19 lockdown and has an online instruction component to introduce the concepts, as well as a laboratory part involving hands‐on work. The course covers experiments on fundamental concepts related to perception and color, liquid crystal displays (LCD), light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), and a final project where a mechanical display is designed and built. Course assessment based on an anonymous survey shows the hands‐on work enhanced the student learning and improved course understanding from an average of 2.5/5 measured at the start of the course to 4/5 at the end.
Childhood cancer survivors face markedly worse overall survival after diagnosis with breast cancer, melanoma, or colorectal cancer
Authors: Lynch Kevin T. , Kane William J. , Fleming Mark A. , Desai Raj P. , Showalter Shayna L. , Slingluff Craig L. , Levin Daniel E. , Hedrick Traci L.
Published: March 2021

Background

Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at elevated risk of secondary malignancies (SM). Enhanced screening for SM is recommended, but compliance is poor. We hypothesized that CCS with adult‐onset SM (colorectal cancer [CRC], melanoma, or breast cancer [BC]) would present with more advanced disease and have decreased overall survival (OS).

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program was queried for patients diagnosed with cancer at age less than or equal to 18 also diagnosed with adult‐onset CRC, melanoma, or BC. A cohort without a history of prior malignancy was likewise identified. Tumor features and clinical outcomes were compared.

Results

CCS with a SM (n = 224) were compared with patients without a childhood cancer history (n = 1,392,670). CCS were diagnosed younger (BC = 37.6 vs. 61.3, p < 0.01, CRC = 35.0 vs. 67.1, p < 0.01, melanoma = 29.6 vs. 61.3 years old, p < 0.01). CCS with BC were more likely to have Stage III or IV disease (25.2% vs. 16.5%, p = 0.01). Hormone‐receptor expression also differed; CCS were less likely to develop Luminal A‐type tumors (48.6% vs. 66.9%, p = 0.01). After age‐adjustment, CCS had worse OS (Hazard ratio: CRC = 2.449, p < 0.01, melanoma = 6.503, p < 0.01, BC = 3.383, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

CCS were younger when diagnosed with a SM. After age‐adjustment, OS was diminished. Heightened surveillance may be necessary for CCS diagnosed with SM.
Application of augmented reality (AR) technology to locate the cutaneous perforator of anterolateral thigh perforator flap: A case report
Authors: Nuri Takashi , Mitsuno Daisuke , Iwanaga Hiroyuki , Otsuki Yuki , Ueda Koichi
Published: March 2021

Multi‐detector row computed tomography (MDCT) makes it possible to visualize the peripheral perforators of the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. However, to transfer the preoperative MDCT angiography data to the operative field requires effective techniques. In this report, we describe an application of augmented reality (AR) technology to harvest the anterolateral thigh flap. A 36‐year‐old female presented with a T2N2 squamous cell carcinoma of the lateral tongue. The patient underwent hemiglossectomy and microsurgical reconstruction using the left ALT flap. Three dimensional (3D) images the vascular image, vascular with muscles and vascular with outline of the thigh ware prepared. Then these images were exposed to an AR device. The location of the perforator was determined using the 3D vascular image on AR. The intraoperative location of the cutaneous perforator corresponded with the predicted location which was confirmed using the AR technique. A 6 × 15 cm left ALT flap was transferred to the defect. Microsurgical anastomosis was performed on the left superior thyroid artery and the internal jugular vein. There were no complications during the postoperative course. At the 6‐month follow‐up, the patient showed no evidence of flap and donor site complications. Our experience suggests that AR technology may effectively support the transfer of MDCT angiography images onto surgical sites.
An Integrative in silico Drug Repurposing Approach for Identification of Potential Inhibitors of SARS‐CoV‐2 Main Protease
Authors: Djokovic Nemanja , Ruzic Dusan , Djikic Teodora , Cvijic Sandra , Ignjatovic Jelisaveta , Ibric Svetlana , Baralic Katarina , Buha Djordjevic Aleksandra , Curcic Marijana , Djukic‐Cosic Danijela , Nikolic Katarina
Published: March 2021

Considering the urgent need for novel therapeutics in ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic, drug repurposing approach might offer rapid solutions comparing to de novo drug design. In this study, we designed an integrative in silico drug repurposing approach for rapid selection of potential candidates against SARS‐CoV‐2 Main Protease (Mpro). To screen FDA‐approved drugs, we implemented structure‐based molecular modelling techniques, physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling of drugs disposition and data mining analysis of drug‐gene‐COVID‐19 association. Through presented approach, we selected the most promising FDA approved drugs for further COVID‐19 drug development campaigns and analysed them in context of available experimental data. To the best of our knowledge, this is unique in silico study which integrates structure‐based molecular modeling of Mpro inhibitors with predictions of their tissue disposition, drug‐gene‐COVID‐19 associations and prediction of pleiotropic effects of selected candidates.
Recent and new results on octonionic Bergman and Szegö kernels
Authors: Kraußhar Rolf Sören
Published: March 2021

Very recently one has started to study Bergman and Szegö kernels in the setting of octonionic monogenic functions. In particular, explicit formulas for the Bergman kernel for the octonionic unit ball and for the octonionic right half‐space as well as a formula for the Szegö kernel for the octonionic unit ball have been established. In this paper, we extend this line of investigation by developing explicit formulas for the Szegö kernel of strip domains of the form
from which we derive by a limit argument considering d → ∞ the Szegö kernel of the octonionic right half‐space. Additionally, we set up formulas for the Bergman kernel of such strip domains and relate both kernels with each other. In fact, these kernel functions can be expressed in terms of onefold periodic octonionic monogenic generalizations of the cosecant function and the cotangent function, respectively.
Pseudospectral analysis and approximation of two‐dimensional fractional cable equation
Authors: Mittal Avinash K. , Balyan Lokendra K. , Panda Manoj K. , Shrivastava Parnika , Singh Harvindra
Published: March 2021

In recent years, major attention has been devoted to fractional‐order partial differential equations since they seem to be more efficient in modeling complex processes. Fractional‐order partial differential equations are considered as generalizations of classical integer‐order partial differential equations. In many areas of electrophysiology and in modeling neuronal dynamics, the cable equation plays a major role. In this article, the authors constructed to approximate the numerical solutions of the two‐dimensional fractional cable equation using the time‐space Jacobi pseudospectral method. The proposed method is established in both time and space to approximate the solutions. Moreover, we use fractional Lagrange interpolants polynomial as a test function, which satisfies the Kronecker delta property at Jacobi–Gauss–Lobatto (JGL) points. The fractional derivative is defined in the modified Riemann–Liouville fractional derivatives formula at JGL points. Using the proposed method, the approximate solution is obtained by solving a diagonally block system of nonlinear algebraic equations. The stability analysis of the proposed method, uniqueness of the solution, and error estimate are also provided. Finally, numerical solutions are demonstrated to justify the theoretical results and confirm the expected convergence rate. The pseudospectral solutions are more accurate as compared to the available results to date in the same vicinity.
Algebraic multigrid methods for saddle point systems arising from mortar contact formulations
Authors: Wiesner Tobias A. , Mayr Matthias , Popp Alexander , Gee Michael W. , Wall Wolfgang A.
Published: March 2021

In this article, a fully aggregation‐based algebraic multigrid strategy is developed for nonlinear contact problems of saddle point type using a mortar finite element approach. While the idea of extending multigrid methods to saddle point systems can already be found, for example, in the context of Stokes and Oseen equations in literature, the main contributions of this work are (i) the development and open‐source implementation of an interface aggregation strategy specifically suited for generating Lagrange multiplier aggregates that are required for coupling structural equilibrium equations with contact constraints and (ii) a review of saddle point smoothers in the context of constrained interface problems. The new interface aggregation strategy perfectly fits into an aggregation‐based multigrid framework and can easily be combined with segregated transfer operators, which allow to preserve the saddle point structure on the coarse levels. Further analysis provides insight into saddle point smoothers applied to contact problems, while numerical experiments illustrate the robustness of the new method. We have implemented the proposed algorithm within the MueLu package of the open‐source Trilinos project. Numerical examples demonstrate the robustness of the proposed method in complex dynamic contact problems as well as its scalability up to 23.9 million unknowns on 480 MPI ranks.
The development of a shortened, Korean version of the Anticipated Turnover Scale for hospital nurses
Authors: Nam Sujin , Kim Heejung , Hong Soyun , Wong Janet Yuen Ha , Fong Daniel Yee Tak
Published: March 2021

This study was a psychometric validation of a Korean version of the Anticipated Turnover Scale (ATS) involving translation, transcultural adaptation, and validation. We used data from a cross‐sectional online survey of 287 Korean practicing nurses in hospitals. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assessed the validity of the one‐factor structure that was hypothesized in the original version. We removed any items that did not enhance the scale's reliability and validity. Test and retest reliability was performed on 206 of the nurses who completed the survey again two weeks later. The mean age of the 287 nurses was 33 years, and 278 (97%) of them were female. The final 6‐item Korean version of the ATS demonstrated a satisfactory model fit in the CFA (χ2 = 22.67; degree of freedom = 9; goodness‐of‐fit index= 0.97; comparative fit index = 0.98; Tucker–Lewis Index = 0.97; root mean square error of approximation = 0.07; and standard root mean residual = 0.03). The intraclass correlation coefficient with the test–retest reliability for the 2‐week interval was 0.81, with a good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.85; McDonald's omega coefficient reliability = 0.92). The 6‐item revised ATS is a reliable and valid scale to assess the turnover intention of Korean nurses who work in hospitals. It can be used in an acute setting and predict the anticipated turnover rate for monitoring purposes.
Regional differences in pediatric asthma hospital admissions: National data from Israel 1996–2017
Authors: Reiter Joel , Karakis Isabella , Grotto Itamar , Novack Lena , Haklai Ziona , Applbaum Yael , Steiman Ada , Gordon Ethel‐Sherry , Riener Eva , Kerem Eitan , Cohen‐Cymberknoh Malena
Published: March 2021

Background

Asthma is a common chronic childhood illness and frequent cause of hospitalization. A decline in hospital admission rates was noted up to the 1990s, however, trends are not as clear since the turn of the century. This study aimed to assess the rates and regional differences of asthma admissions over more than two decades using the national Ministry of Health database, which registers data from all the hospitals.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study, analysis of all pediatric asthma admissions, for Patients 1–14 years old, between 1996 and 2017 as recorded by the National Hospital Discharge Registry, was performed. Asthma admission rates were calculated per 1000 age adjusted residents, using the number of admission cases as the numerator, and age specific population size as the denominator.

Results

The annual asthma hospitalization rate decreased in the entire pediatric population from 2.14 in 1996–0.89 in 2017. Children in the 1–4 year age group comprised most of the hospital admissions, and most of the decline was attributable to this age group. Significant differences in hospitalizations were found between different regions as well as differences in the rate of decline in asthma hospitalizations with the lowest admission rate in the Jerusalem district, highest in Haifa, northern and southern Israeli regions and the greatest rate of decline in the Tel‐Aviv district.

Conclusion

This nationwide study, over more than two decades, shows clear regional differences in the rates of asthma admissions as well as regional differences in the rates of decline.
Multiple sites on SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein are susceptible to proteolysis by cathepsins B, K, L, S, and V
Authors: Bollavaram Keval , Leeman Tiffanie H. , Lee Maggie W. , Kulkarni Akhil , Upshaw Sophia G. , Yang Jiabei , Song Hannah , Platt Manu O.
Published: March 2021

SARS‐CoV‐2 is the coronavirus responsible for the COVID‐19 pandemic. Proteases are central to the infection process of SARS‐CoV‐2. Cleavage of the spike protein on the virus's capsid causes the conformational change that leads to membrane fusion and viral entry into the target cell. Since inhibition of one protease, even the dominant protease like TMPRSS2, may not be sufficient to block SARS‐CoV‐2 entry into cells, other proteases that may play an activating role and hydrolyze the spike protein must be identified. We identified amino acid sequences in all regions of spike protein, including the S1/S2 region critical for activation and viral entry, that are susceptible to cleavage by furin and cathepsins B, K, L, S, and V using PACMANS, a computational platform that identifies and ranks preferred sites of proteolytic cleavage on substrates, and verified with molecular docking analysis and immunoblotting to determine if binding of these proteases can occur on the spike protein that were identified as possible cleavage sites. Together, this study highlights cathepsins B, K, L, S, and V for consideration in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and presents methodologies by which other proteases can be screened to determine a role in viral entry. This highlights additional proteases to be considered in COVID‐19 studies, particularly regarding exacerbated damage in inflammatory preconditions where these proteases are generally upregulated.
Intercropped Bt and non‐Bt corn with ruzigrass (Urochloa ruziziensis) as a tool to resistance management of Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Jacques Filipe L , Degrande Paulo E , Gauer Evandro , Malaquias José B , Scoton Ana Maria N
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Corn intercropped with ruzigrass is common in Brazil, and it can improve the physicochemical features of soils, increase water retention, and suppress the emergence of resistant weeds and soil nematodes. As both corn and ruzigrass are hosts to Spodoptera frugiperda (the main corn pest in South America), the cultivation of both these plants in the same place at one time motivates investigation into the pest population dynamics. We hypothesize that the intercropping system influences S. frugiperda pressure and leaf injury in corn. Considering that if corn hybrids with high dose toxin expression are used, ruzigrass may be a potential host to susceptible S. frugiperda larvae, consequently an alternative refuge and be included as a tool for the resistant management of Bt corn. To test these hypotheses about the use of ruzigrass as an alternative host of S. frugiperda in an intercropping system with corn, we conducted field trials in three seasons to verify S. frugiperda population dynamics and leaf injury to crop systems. In addition to phenotypic evaluation, we also characterized molecularly S. frugiperda strains collected in corn and ruzigrass to identify strain differences.

RESULTS

The insects collected in both corn and ruzigrass were identified as corn strains. Ruzigrass was used as a S. frugiperda host during all crop cycles. The intercropped system did not increase the S. frugiperda population or leaf injury on Bt corn.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that the intercropped system is not prejudicial to Bt corn cultivation since high dose concept applies to all larvae instars. The results also suggest that ruzigrass may be used as a promising alternative refuge in Bt corn agroecosystems, if compliance with management strategies is followed. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evaluation of sublethal and transgenerational effects of sulfoxaflor on Aphis gossypii via life table parameters and 16S rRNA sequencing
Authors: Shang Jiao , Yao Yong‐Sheng , Zhu Xiang‐Zhen , Wang Li , Li Dong‐Yang , Zhang Kai‐Xin , Gao Xue‐Ke , Wu Chang‐Cai , Niu Lin , Ji Ji‐Chao , Luo Jun‐Yu , Cui Jin‐Jie
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Aphis gossypii, a polyphagous and recurrent pest induced by pesticides, causes tremendous loss crop yields each year. Previous studies on the mechanism of pesticide‐induced sublethal effects mainly focus on the gene level. The symbiotic bacteria are also important participants of this mechanism, but their roles in hormesis are still unclear.

RESULTS

In this study, life table parameters and 16S rRNA sequencing were applied to evaluate the sublethal and transgenerational effects of sulfoxaflor on adult A. gossypii after 24‐h LC20 (6.96 mg L−1) concentration exposure. The results indicated that the LC20 of sulfoxaflor significantly reduced the finite rate of increase (λ) and net reproductive rate (R0) of parent generation (G0), and significantly increased mean generation time (T) of G1 and G2, but not of G3 and G4. Both reproductive period and fecundity of G1 and G2 were significantly higher than those of the control. Furthermore, our sequencing data revealed that more than 95% bacterial communities were dominated by the phylum Proteobacteria, in which the maximum proportion genus was the primary symbiont Buchnera and the facultative symbiont Arsenophonus. Compared to those of the control, the abundance and composition of symbiotic bacteria of A. gossypii for three successive generations (G0–G2) were changed after G0 A. gossypii was exposed to sulfoxaflor: the diversity of the bacterial community was decreased, but the abundance of Buchnera was increased (G0), while the abundance of Arsenophonus was decreased. Contrary to G0, G1 and G2 cotton aphid exhibited an increased relative abundance of Arsenophonus in the sublethal treatment group.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our results provide an insight into the interactions among pesticide resistance, aphids, and symbionts, which will eventually help to better manage the resurgence of A. gossypii. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
A tale of three villages: Local housing policies, well‐being and encounters between residents and immigrants
Authors: Ulceluse Magdalena , Bock Bettina , Haartsen Tialda
Published: March 2021

This article examines how the location, function and quality of immigrant accommodation facilities, regulated by local housing policies, shape the perceived effects of immigration on the well‐being of residents and immigrants in three villages in the Netherlands. Drawing on semistructured interviews with local government representatives, residents and Romanian and Polish immigrants, we show how the different locations of the immigrant accommodations condition social interactions between residents and immigrants and, in this process, reinforce social hierarchies and inequalities. We illustrate how, sometimes unintentionally, spatial policies prepare the stage for conflicts to arise between immigrants and residents, shaping the latter's experiences of migration irrespective of the behaviour of the former. For immigrants, the location of their accommodation sets the limits to what they can do in terms of private behaviour and social relations, exposing them to social control and evaluation.
Quantized control for a class of neural networks with adaptive event‐triggered scheme and complex cyber‐attacks
Authors: Liu Jinliang , Suo Wei , Xie Xiangpeng , Yue Dong , Cao Jinde
Published: March 2021

This article is concerned with the quantized control problem for neural networks with adaptive event‐triggered scheme (AETS) and complex cyber‐attacks. By fully considering the characteristics of cyber‐attacks, a mathematical model of complex cyber‐attacks, which consists of replay attacks, deception attacks, and denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks, is firstly built for neural networks. For the sake of relieving the pressure under limited communication resources, an AETS and a quantization mechanism are employed in this article. By utilizing Lyapunov stability theory, adequate conditions ensuring the stability of neural networks are obtained. Moreover, the controller gain is derived by solving a set of linear matrix inequalities. At last, the usefulness of the proposed method is verified by a numerical example.
Graphene‐Nanorod Enhanced Quasi‐Van Der Waals Epitaxy for High Indium Composition Nitride Films
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Liu Bingyao , Ren Fang , Yin Yue , Wang Yunyu , Chen Zhaolong , Jiang Bei , Liu Bingzhi , Liu Zhetong , Sun Jingyu , Liang Meng , Yan Jianchang , Wei Tongbo , Yi Xiaoyan , Wang Junxi , Li Jinmin , Gao Peng , Liu Zhongfan , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: March 2021

The nitride films with high indium (In) composition play a crucial role in the fabrication of In‐rich InGaN‐based optoelectronic devices. However, a major limitation is In incorporation requiring a low temperature during growth at the expense of nitride dissociation. Here, to overcome this limitation, a strain‐modulated growth method, namely the graphene (Gr)‐nanorod (NR) enhanced quasi‐van der Waals epitaxy, is proposed to increase the In composition in InGaN alloy. The lattice transparency of Gr enables constraint of in‐plane orientation of nitride film and epitaxial relationships at the heterointerface. The Gr interlayer together with NRs buffer layer substantially reduces the stress of the GaN film by 74.4%, from 0.9 to 0.23 GPa, and thus increases the In incorporation by 30.7%. The first principles calculations confirm that the release of strain accounts for the dramatic improvement. The photoluminescence peak of multiple quantum wells shifts from 461 to 497 nm and the functionally small‐sized cyan light‐emitting diodes of 7 × 9 mil2 are demonstrated. These findings provide an efficient approach for the growth of In‐rich InGaN film and extend the applications of nitrides in advanced optoelectronic, photovoltaic, and thermoelectric devices.
Effect of Steel Composition and Processing Parameters on the Penetration Depth of Microcracks in ZnFe‐Coated Boron Steels
Authors: Järvinen Henri , Rämö Jari , Sabr Ali , Järn Sanna , Lepikko Emmi , Järvenpää Martti , Peura Pasi
Published: March 2021

Liquid metal assisted cracking (LMAC) and so‐called microcracking are limiting the application of hot‐dip galvanized boron steels in the direct press hardening process. This study addresses the role of steel hardenability on the microcracking behavior of ZnFe‐coated (galvannealed) boron steels 22MnB5 and 22MnMoB8. Several soaking times and forming start temperatures in the range of 800–520 °C are examined using a laboratory press hardening equipment with a hat‐profiled forming tool. The results indicate that the penetration depth of microcracks can be reduced by improving the hardenability of steel, which enables hot forming in austenitic state at exceptionally low temperatures even without accelerated cooling procedures. The austenite decomposition of 22MnB5 leads easily to heterogeneous microstructure (ferrite + austenite/martensite) below the coating/steel interface, which promotes the penetration of microcracks. The crack depth is generally reduced with a conversion‐delayed 22MnMoB8 steel; however, a crucial reduction is attained only at lowest hot forming temperatures of 550 and 520 °C. The results of 22MnMoB8 uncouple the effect of high‐temperature ferrite formation from the microcracking mechanisms and suggest that the embrittling effect from zinc or zinc‐rich intermetallic phases plays a crucial role at conventional hot forming temperatures of 800–600 °C.
High‐Efficiency Optical Filters Based on Nanophotonics
Authors: Kanamori Yoshiaki
Published: March 2021

Nanophotonic structures are artificial optical substances composed of structures smaller than incident light wavelengths. For example, it can artificially create a unique refractive index that is not found in substances in the natural world. That is, by designing the shape of the nanophotonic structure, an optical filter device that exhibits an optical response on demand can be realized. Also, we can realize applied devices with useful functions that cannot be realized by substances existing in nature, such as antireflective surfaces with 0% reflectance, wavelength‐selective filters with 100% reflectance at specific wavelengths, and filters that shift the resonant wavelength in response to changes in the ambient refractive index. There can be applications to high‐brightness light‐emitting elements, high‐efficiency power generation elements, color filters for full‐color high‐resolution cameras, miniature spectroscopic systems, high‐efficiency biosensors, and so on. In the future, the development of further applications with this technology is widely expected in the fields of information, energy and global environment, and medical care and welfare. This paper describes high‐efficiency optical filters based on nanophotonic technologies. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
NEURoaid II (MLC901) in cognitively Impaired not demenTEd patientS (NEURITES): A pilot double blind, placebo‐controlled randomized trial
Authors: Chen Christopher L. H. , Nguyen Trọng Hung , Marasigan Simeon , Lee Chun Fan , Lu Qingshu , Kandiah Nagaendran , de Silva Deidre , Chong Eddie , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy
Published: March 2021

Objective

To investigate the efficacy and safety of MLC901 in vascular cognitive impairment no dementia (VCIND) patients.

Design

This was a multi‐center, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled pilot study.

Setting and participant

VCIND patients from hospitals in Singapore (67), Vietnam (19), and the Philippines (17) were recruited and followed‐up from March 2013 to April 2018.

Methods

The primary outcome was executive function as measured by the Verbal Fluency (VF) and 2‐part Color Trails Test (CTT). The mean difference in the scores between baseline and week 12, and baseline and week 24, was compared between MLC901 and placebo using a two‐sample t‐test.

Results

The trial randomized 103 subjects: MLC901 (n = 57) and placebo (n = 46). The mean age of participants was 68.3 ± 8.4 years and 38.8% were female. Improvement in executive function with MLC901 was not significantly better than placebo at week 12 (CTT1 mean difference [md] 3.8 seconds, 95% confidence interval [CI]: –9.0 to 16.5, CTT2 md 10.9 seconds, 95% CI: –0.2 to 22.0), and at week 24 (CTT1 md 2.8 seconds, 95% CI: –8.4 to 14.0, CTT2 md = 4.4 seconds, 95% CI: –8.2 to 16.9). Improvement in VF from baseline was not significantly different between MLC901 and placebo at weeks 12 and 24. There were no significant differences in adverse events (43.5% vs. 56.1%) or serious adverse events (13% vs. 22.8%) in placebo versus MLC901 groups. In post hoc exploratory analysis, the treatment effect of MLC901 on cognitive function appears more apparent in subjects with existing impairment in executive function: CTT2 (md 14.4 seconds [P = .05] and 9.9 seconds [P = .3] at week 12 and week 24, respectively).

Conclusions

Whilst MLC901 appears to be safe, there was no significant cognitive benefit from MLC901 in the study population. Post hoc hypotheses generating analyses suggest that VCIND patients with existing impairment in executive function may show benefit.
Bulk interactions and boundary dual of higher-spin-charged particles
Authors: David Adrian , Neiman Yasha
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We consider higher-spin gravity in (Euclidean) AdS4, dual to a free vector model on the 3d boundary. In the bulk theory, we study the linearized version of the Didenko-Vasiliev black hole solution: a particle that couples to the gauge fields of all spins through a BPS-like pattern of charges. We study the interaction between two such particles at leading order. The sum over spins cancels the UV divergences that occur when the two particles are brought close together, for (almost) any value of the relative velocity. This is a higher-spin enhancement of supergravity’s famous feature, the cancellation of the electric and gravitational forces between two BPS particles at rest. In the holographic context, we point out that these “Didenko-Vasiliev particles” are just the bulk duals of bilocal operators in the boundary theory. For this identification, we use the Penrose transform between bulk fields and twistor functions, together with its holographic dual that relates twistor functions to boundary sources. In the resulting picture, the interaction between two Didenko-Vasiliev particles is just a geodesic Witten diagram that calculates the correlator of two boundary bilocals. We speculate on implications for a possible reformulation of the bulk theory, and for its non-locality issues.
Extensive studies of the neutron star equation of state from the deep learning inference with the observational data augmentation
Authors: Fujimoto Yuki , Fukushima Kenji , Murase Koichi
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We discuss deep learning inference for the neutron star equation of state (EoS) using the real observational data of the mass and the radius. We make a quantitative comparison between the conventional polynomial regression and the neural network approach for the EoS parametrization. For our deep learning method to incorporate uncertainties in observation, we augment the training data with noise fluctuations corresponding to observational uncertainties. Deduced EoSs can accommodate a weak first-order phase transition, and we make a histogram for likely first-order regions. We also find that our observational data augmentation has a byproduct to tame the overfitting behavior. To check the performance improved by the data augmentation, we set up a toy model as the simplest inference problem to recover a double-peaked function and monitor the validation loss. We conclude that the data augmentation could be a useful technique to evade the overfitting without tuning the neural network architecture such as inserting the dropout.