bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of prognostic nomogram in ependymoma: A retrospective analysis of the SEER database
Authors: Jia Zetian , Yan Yaqi , Wang Jiuxin , Yang He , Zhan Haihua , Chen Qian , He Yawei , Huang Changyu , Hu Yuhua
Published: August 2021

Background

The prognostic factors for survival in patients with ependymoma (EPN) remain controversial. The aim of this study was to establish a prognostic model for 5‐ and 10‐year survival probability nomograms for patients with EPN.

Methods

Clinical data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were used for patients diagnosed with ependymoma between 2000 and 2018 and were randomized 7:3 into a development set and a validation set. Factors significantly associated with prognosis were screened out using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. The calibration chart and consistency index (C‐index) are used to evaluate the discrimination and consistency of the prediction model. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to further evaluate the established model. Finally, prognostic factors selected by LASSO regression were evaluated using Kaplan–Meier (KM) survival curves.

Results

A total of 3820 patients were included in the prognostic model. Seven survival predictors were obtained by LASSO regression screening, including age, gender, morphology, location, size, laterality, and resection. The prognostic model of the nomogram showed moderate discriminative ability in the development group and the validation group, with a C‐index of 0.642 and 0.615, respectively. In the development set and validation set survival curves, the prognosis index of high risk was less effective than low risk (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our nomograms may play an important role in predicting 5 and 10‐year outcomes for patients with ependymoma. This will help assist clinicians in personalized medicine.
An Advanced ‘clickECM’ That Can be Modified by the Inverse‐Electron‐Demand Diels‐Alder Reaction
Authors: Nellinger Svenja , Rapp Mareike A. , Southan Alexander , Wittmann Valentin , Kluger Petra J.
Published: August 2021

The extracellular matrix (ECM) represents the natural environment of cells in tissue and therefore is a promising biomaterial in a variety of applications. Depending on the purpose, it is necessary to equip the ECM with specific addressable functional groups for further modification with bioactive molecules, for controllable cross‐linking and/or covalent binding to surfaces. Metabolic glycoengineering (MGE) enables the specific modification of the ECM with such functional groups without affecting the native structure of the ECM. In a previous approach (S. M. Ruff, S. Keller, D. E. Wieland, V. Wittmann, G. E. M. Tovar, M. Bach, P. J. Kluger, Acta Biomater. 2017, 52, 159–170), we demonstrated the modification of an ECM with azido groups, which can be addressed by bioorthogonal copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). Here, we demonstrate the modification of an ECM with dienophiles (terminal alkenes, cyclopropene), which can be addressed by an inverse‐electron‐demand Diels‐Alder (IEDDA) reaction. This reaction is cell friendly as there are no cytotoxic catalysts needed. We show the equipment of the ECM with a bioactive molecule (enzyme) and prove that the functional groups do not influence cellular behavior. Thus, this new material has great potential for use as a biomaterial, which can be individually modified in a wide range of applications.
Electron Transfer Inside a Decaferrocenylated Rotaxane Analyzed by Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry and Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Boitel‐Aullen Gabriel , Fillaud Laure , Huet François , Nierengarten Iwona , Delavaux‐Nicot Béatrice , Nierengarten Jean‐François , Maisonhaute Emmanuel
Published: August 2021

The electrochemical behavior of a giant rotaxane bearing 10 electroactive ferrocene centers has been analyzed by both fast scan cyclic voltammetry and impedance measurements. The measurements support the hypothesis that all redox centers are not equivalent and display different electron transfer rate constants, which would arise from several possible conformations of the adsorbed molecule. Effectively using such systems in molecular devices thus necessitates to minimize or at least control those dispersions.
Electroresponsive Performances of Ecoresorbable Smart Fluids Consisting of Various Plant‐Derived Carrier Liquids
Authors: Park Sohee , Gwon Hyukjoon , Lee Seungae
Published: August 2021

This paper proposes the fabrication of a new type of electrorheological (ER) fluid with ecoresorbable features as well as excellent electroresponsive performance. The proposed ER fluid consists of biocompatible Mg‐doped silica/titania hollow nanoparticles (ST HNPs) suspended in vegetable oils (canola, grapeseed, olive, and soy). The effects of biodegradable plant‐derived carrier liquids on the ER performance are analyzed. The polarizability and wettability of the fabricated ER fluids are studied. The high polarizability of the nanoparticles contributes to the highly electroresponsive performance by inducing electrostatic interactions between the nanoparticles under electric fields; this enables the formation of a rigid and strong fibril structure. A suitable wettability, which represents the favorable interaction between the oil and the nanoparticles, allows the nanoparticles to disperse evenly in the oil and prevents their aggregation, thereby making the formation of a rigid and strong fibrillar structure under the electric field easier.
Chirality in peptide‐based materials: From chirality effects to potential applications
Authors: Chen Zhonghui , Chi Zhenguo , Sun Yifeng , Lv Ziyu
Published: August 2021

Chirality is ubiquitous in nature with primary cellular functions that include construction of right‐/left‐handed helix and selective communications among diverse biomolecules. Of particularly intriguing are the chiral peptide‐based materials that can be deliberately designed to change physicochemistry properties via tuning peptide sequences. Critically, understanding their chiral effects are fundamental for the development of novel materials in chemistry and biomedicine fields. Here, we review recent researches on chirality in peptide‐based materials, summarizing relevant typical chiral effects towards recognition, amplification, and induction. Driven forces for the chiral discrimination in affinity interaction as well as the handedness preferences in supramolecular structure formation at both the macroscale and microscale are illustrated. The implementation of such chirality effects of artificial copolymers, assembled aggregates and their composites in the fields of bioseparation and bioenrichment, cell incubation, protein aggregation inhibitors, chiral smart gels, and bionic electro devices are also presented. At last, the challenges in these areas and possible directions are pointed out. The diversity of chiral roles in the origin of life and chirality design in different organic or composite systems as well as their applications in drug development and chirality detection in environmental protection are discussed.
Transient Thermal Stress Calculation of a Shell and Tube Condenser with Fixed Tubesheet
Authors: Pernica Marek , Létal Tomáš , Lošák Pavel , Naď Martin , Reppich Marcus , Jegla Zdeněk
Published: August 2021

The present article deals with transient thermal stress calculation on a safety horizontal shell and tube condenser. This condenser is used in a power plant for cooling of hot steam diverted from the turbine in the case of its emergency shutdown. The standard stress calculation was provided according to the EN 13445 standard in steady regime. As consistent with this calculation, an expansion joint must be used on the shell. The main aim of this article is to describe a detailed calculation of the transient temperature field on the shell and tubes, using finite element method analysis, and longitudinal thermal stresses on the shell and tubes during the start‐up process. Transient analyses are useable for more accurate EN 13445 calculation and, furthermore, for fatigue calculation.
Augmenting Structure‐Based Design with Experimental Protein‐Ligand Interaction Data: Molecular Recognition, Interactive Visualization, and Rescoring
Authors: Tosstorff Andreas , Cole Jason C. , Bartelt Richard , Kuhn Bernd
Published: August 2021

The previously introduced ratio of frequencies (RF) framework provides statistically sound information on the relative interaction preferences of atoms in crystal structures. By applying the methodology to protein‐ligand complexes, we can investigate the significance of interactions that are employed in structure‐based drug design. Here, we revisit three aspects of molecular recognition in the light of the RF framework, namely stacking interactions of heteroaromatic rings with protein amide groups, interactions of acidified C−H groups, and interaction differences between syn and anti lone pairs of carboxylate groups. In addition, we introduce a highly interactive visualization tool that facilitates design idea generation in structure‐enabled drug discovery projects. Finally, we show that applying the RF analysis as a simple rescoring tool after docking improves enrichment factors for the DUD−E diverse targets subset supporting the relevance of our approach.
A phase 2a, single‐arm, open‐label study of tafasitamab, a humanized, Fc‐modified, anti‐CD19 antibody, in patients with relapsed/refractory B‐precursor cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Klisovic Rebecca B. , Leung Wing H. , Brugger Wolfram , Dirnberger‐Hertweck Maren , Winderlich Mark , Ambarkhane Sumeet V. , Jabbour Elias J.
Published: August 2021

Background

B‐precursor cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) in adults is an aggressive and challenging condition, and patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT), or noncandidates for SCT, have a particularly poor prognosis. The authors investigated the activity of the Fc‐modified anti‐CD19 antibody tafasitamab in adults with R/R B‐ALL (NCT01685021).

Methods

Adults with R/R B‐ALL received single‐agent tafasitamab 12 mg/kg weekly for up to four 28‐day cycles. Patients with complete remission (with or without neutrophil/platelet recovery; complete remission [CR] or complete remission with incomplete count recovery [CRi]) after cycles 2, 3, or 4 could continue tafasitamab every 2 weeks for up to 3 further months. The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR).

Results

Twenty‐two patients were treated (median, 2 prior lines of therapy; range, 1‐8). Six patients completed 2 cycles, and 2 of these patients responded for an ORR of 9%; 16 patients (73%) progressed before their first response assessment. Responses lasted 8 and 4 weeks in the 2 patients with CR and minimal residual disease (MRD)–negative CRi, respectively. Tafasitamab produced rapid B‐cell/blast depletion in 21 of 22 patients within 1 to 2 weeks of first administration. Tafasitamab was well tolerated, with the most frequent adverse events being infusion‐related reactions (59.1%) and fatigue (40.9%). Grade 3 to 4 febrile neutropenia (22.7%) was the most common hematologic adverse event.

Conclusions

Tafasitamab monotherapy was associated with clinical activity in a subset of patients with R/R B‐ALL, including short‐lasting CR and MRD‐negative CRi. Given its favorable tolerability profile, further development of tafasitamab in chemoimmunotherapy combinations and MRD settings should be explored.
Association of statin use with clinical outcomes in patients with triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Nowakowska Malgorzata K. , Lei Xiudong , Thompson Mikayla T. , Shaitelman Simona F. , Wehner Mackenzie R. , Woodward Wendy A. , Giordano Sharon H. , Nead Kevin T.
Published: August 2021

Background

Previous studies have examined the association of statin therapy and breast cancer outcomes with mixed results. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical effects of incident statin use among individuals with triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Methods

Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results‐Medicare and Texas Cancer Registry‐Medicare databases were used, and women aged ≥66 years who had stage I, II, and III breast cancer were identified. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the association of new statin use in the 12 months after a breast cancer diagnosis with overall survival (OS) and breast cancer‐specific survival (BCSS).

Results

When examining incident statin use, defined as the initiation of statin therapy in the 12 months after breast cancer diagnosis, a significant association was observed between statin use and improved BCSS (standardized hazard ratio, 0.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20‐0.88; P = .022) and OS (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.50‐0.99; P = .046) among patients with TNBC (n = 1534). No association was observed with BCSS (standardized hazard ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.71‐1.39; P = .97) or OS (hazard ratio, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.92‐1.17; P = .55) among those without TNBC (n = 15,979). The results were consistent when examining statin exposure as a time‐varying variable.

Conclusions

Among women with I, II, and III TNBC, initiation of statin therapy in the 12 months after breast cancer diagnosis was associated with an OS and BCSS benefit. Statins may have a role in select patients with breast cancer, and further investigation is warranted.
Apixaban Single‐Dose Pharmacokinetics, Bioavailability, Renal Clearance, and Pharmacodynamics Following Intravenous and Oral Administration
Authors: Frost Charles , Garonzik Samira , Shenker Andrew , Barrett Yu Chen , LaCreta Frank
Published: August 2021

This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, ascending single intravenous (IV) bolus‐dose study evaluated safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of apixaban, a direct factor Xa (FXa) inhibitor approved for multiple indications. Eight healthy subjects were randomized 3:1 (apixaban:placebo) within each IV dose cohort (0.5, 1.25, 2.5, 3.75, and 5 mg). The 2.5‐mg IV panel also received 5 mg of oral apixaban or placebo. Blood samples were collected for PK and PD, including international normalized ratio, modified prothrombin time (mPT), and anti‐FXa activity. Apixaban had 66.2% oral bioavailability, dose‐proportional exposure, 17 to 26 L steady‐state volume of distribution, and 3.2 to 3.5 L/h total plasma clearance. Renal clearance was ≈27%. Anti‐FXa activity and mPT changes followed the apixaban plasma concentration–time profile; both were highly correlated with concentration (R2 = 0.99 and R2 = 0.93 for anti‐FXa activity and mPT, respectively). International normalized ratio remained within reference range (0.9‐1.3). There were no serious or bleeding‐related adverse events. Overall, an apixaban single IV bolus was safe and well tolerated over a 10‐fold dose range by these subjects. Apixaban had good oral bioavailability, dose‐proportional exposure, and constant plasma clearance over a broad dose range, with modest renal clearance. Apixaban PD were consistent with reversible FXa inhibition.
The relationship between obsessions and the self: Feared and actual self‐descriptions in a clinical obsessive–compulsive disorder sample
Authors: Llorens‐Aguilar Sara , Arnáez Sandra , Aardema Frederick , García‐Soriano Gemma
Published: August 2021

Cognitive models of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) posit the relevance of the self in OCD, although the nature of this association is still unclear. We aimed to explore actual and feared selves and its association with obsessions and intrusions in a group of OCD patients. A group of 58 patients with OCD identified their most upsetting obsession and intrusion (non‐clinical obsession) experienced in the past 3 months. These cognitions were classified as either moral‐based or autogenous (obsessions n = 32; intrusions n = 26) or non‐moral‐based or reactive, depending on their content. Next, patients described their actual self and their feared self, that is, the person they feared being or becoming, and whether they believed these descriptions were associated with their obsessions/intrusions. Results indicate that individuals with OCD described themselves as insecure, anxious and fearful, but also as good and nice. They particularly feared a selfish, aggressive, bad, liar, coward, insecure and arrogant self. Two‐thirds of the patients believed that their obsessions said something about their actual self (65.52%) and that their obsessions brought them closer to the person they do not want to be (62.06%). A third of patients believed their intrusions said something about their actual self (actual self: 30.35%; feared self: 25%), which was a significantly lower percentage than for obsessions. These associations existed independent from the content of the obsession and/or intrusion, although patients with obsessions with moral‐based contents more often tended to believe that their obsessions brought them closer to the person they do not want to be. Results suggest the relevance of the real and feared selves in the maintenance of obsessions.
Enhanced efficiency nitrogen formulations for bermudagrass–white clover pastures
Authors: Payne Kathryn M. , Smith S. Ray , Goff Ben M.
Published: August 2021

Nitrogen fertilizer use is generally restricted in bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]–white clover (Trifolium repens L.) forage systems because it stimulates grass growth and increases competition with the clover, compromising forage nutritive value and prospective forage accumulation. Enhanced efficiency fertilizer nitrogen (N) products hold potential to improve white clover persistence in bermudagrass–clover pastures while providing supplemental N required by the grass. This study evaluated the effect of different enhanced efficiency N formulations (Environmentally Smart Nitrogen [ESN]; methylene urea; SuperU; and 75% ESN, 25% urea blend) and untreated urea on forage accumulation, nutritive value, and legume persistence in a ‘Wrangler’ bermudagrass and ‘Durana’ white clover mixture. Nitrogen was applied at four rates (0, 112, 224, and 448 kg N ha−1) in two equal applications each year. By the second year, white clover stands were lesser at the greatest N rates. All enhanced efficiency N sources maintained white clover similar to the unfertilized grass–clover control, but only ESN improved white clover persistence over urea. Total season forage accumulation increased linearly with increasing N rates within all three growing seasons, but dry weather conditions in the last 2 yr resulted in less forage accumulation. Nutritive value decreased with maturity throughout the growing season, but ESN maintained clover in the pasture resulted in overall less fiber components and greater digestibility. Although there was no effect of N source on forage accumulation, the ability of ESN to maintain clover could make it a viable option for fertilization in bermudagrass–white clover mixtures.
Cytologic analysis of vitreous fluids: A retrospective review of our 24 years of experience
Authors: Collins Gabriel L. , Hubbard Elizabeth W. , Clark Christopher T. , Duncan Lisa D. , Nodit Laurentia
Published: August 2021

Background

Cytologic analysis of vitreous fluid is an important component in diagnosis of vitreitis. No standard reporting guidelines exist for these specimens. This study chronicles our 24 years experience and proposes a tentative diagnostic model.

Methods

Retrospective cytology reports review and database study. Clinical indications, cytologic patterns, ancillary studies performed, and diagnoses were recorded.

Results

176 samples from 160 patients were included and main cytologic patterns are reflected in Table 1. Most fluids were negative for malignancy (88%) and patterns IIB (53%) and IIA (19%) were dominant. The non‐diagnostic rate was 7%; atypical and suspicious categories represented <0.5% of fluids tested and only 2% were positive for malignancy (3 intraocular lymphoma and one melanoma). Clinical indications for fluid examination were infection/inflammation (59%), to rule out lymphoma (11%), amyloidosis (3%), melanoma (2%), or to investigate intraocular hemorrhage. Fungal elements were demonstrated in 7 cases. No viral inclusions were appreciated; however, one case was positive for HSV 2 by IHC and 2 were negative by PCR. One case had Gram + cocci. Flow cytometry studies were suboptimal in 6 fluids, negative for an aberrant lymphocyte population in 11, and positive for high grade lymphoma in 3 cases. Atypical, suspicious and positive for melanoma were reported in 3 samples. Amyloid was identified in 1 aspirate.

Conclusions

Cytologic analysis of vitreous fluid is a useful tool. Modern techniques like flow cytometry and PCR testing further expand the diagnostic possibilities. Standardization of diagnostic terminology will aid clinicians caring for patients suffering from ocular disease.
Human–wildlife conflict in the roof of the world: Understanding multidimensional perspectives through a systematic review
Authors: Sharma Prashanti , Chettri Nakul , Wangchuk Kesang
Published: August 2021

Human–wildlife conflicts have intensified by many folds and at different levels in recent years. The same is true in the case of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH), the roof of the world, and a region known for its wealth in biodiversity. We present a systematic literature review (SLR) using the search, appraisal, synthesis, and analysis (SALSA) framework; and for spatial and network analysis, we employed the VOSviewer software. The review—covering 240 peer—articles within a span of 27 years (from 1982 to 2019)—revealed that in the last decade, there was a 57% increase in publications but with a disproportionate geographical and thematic focus. About 82% of the research concentrated on protected areas and large carnivores and mega herbivores played a big role in such conflicts. About 53% of the studies were based on questionnaires, and the main driver reported was habitat disturbance of animals due to land‐cover change, urbanization, and increase in human population. On the management front, the studies reported the use of traditional protection techniques like guarding and fencing. Our analysis of 681 keywords revealed a prominent focus on ‘human‐wildlife conflict,’ ‘Nepal,’ ‘Bhutan,’ ‘Snow Leopard,’ and ‘Leopard’ indicating the issue linked with these species and countries. The involvement of 640 authors from 36 countries indicates increasing interest, and Nepal and India are playing key roles in the region. As for the spatial analysis that was conducted, while it showed regional variations, there were conspicuous limitations in terms of having a transboundary focus. Thus, particular attention ought to be paid to building transboundary partnerships and improving management interventions; there is also a pressing need to understand the patterns of human–wildlife convergence, especially involving meso‐mammals.
Highly Aligned Ultra‐Thick Gel‐Based Cathodes Unlocking Ultra‐High Energy Density Batteries
Authors: Yang Shichun , Zhou Chaochao , Wang Qiong , Chen Binbin , Zhao Yan , Guo Bin , Zhang Zhengjie , Gao Xinlei , Chowdhury Ridwanur , Wang Huizhi , Lai Chao , Brandon Nigel P. , Wu Billy , Liu Xinhua
Published: August 2021

Increasing electrode thickness can substantially enhance the specific energy of lithium‐ion batteries; however, ionic transport, electronic conductivity, and ink rheology are current barriers to adoption. Here, a novel approach using a mixed xanthan gum and locust bean gum binder to construct ultra‐thick electrodes is proposed to address above issues. After combining aqueous binder with single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), active material (LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2) and subsequent vacuum freeze‐drying, highly aligned, and low‐tortuosity structures with a porosity of ca. 50% can be achieved with an average pore size of 10 μm, whereby the gum binder‐SWCNT‐NMC811 forms vertical structures supported by tissue‐like binder/SWCNT networks allowing for excellent electronic conducting phase percolation. As a result, ultra‐thick electrodes with a mass loading of about 511 mg cm−2 and 99.5 wt% active materials have been demonstrated with a remarkable areal capacity of 79.3 mAh cm−2, which is the highest value reported so far. This represents a >25× improvement compared with conventional electrodes with an areal capacity of about 3 mAh cm−2. This route also can be expanded to other electrode materials, such as LiFePO4 and Li4Ti5O12, and thus opens the possibility for low‐cost and sustainable ultra‐thick electrodes with increased specific energy for future lithium‐ion batteries.
High Quality of a Perchlorate‐Based Hybrid Perovskite‐Type Cage‐Like Single Crystal – Evidence of Temperature‐Induced Distinct Dielectric Transition
Authors: Huang Yi‐Fang , Xiang Lin , Feng Yan , An Zhen , Miao Le‐Ping , Li Jian‐Rong , Ye Heng‐Yun , Shi Chao
Published: August 2021

(HTz)[Ba(ClO4)3] (HTz=thiazolium cation, 1), a perchlorate‐based hybrid perovskite‐type single crystal undergoes sequential structural phase transitions at 143/154 K and 210/218 K. The perovskite‐type cage structure is composed of Ba2+ nodes and ClO4− linkers to form anionic cage Ba8(ClO4)12 in which the HTz resides. It is notable that the anionic framework incorporating HTz is a perovskite‐type structure with the (412 ⋅ 63) framework. Various‐temperature single‐crystal structure analyses reveal the stepwise changed dynamics of HTz, and the distortion of the anionic cage Ba8(ClO4)12 are the origin of the phase transitions. We tend to attribute the switchable dielectric constant behavior mainly to order‐disorder transition of the HTzs and the rearrangement of the Ba8(ClO4)12 framework. Furthermore, dielectric switching is recorded. Our findings may prompt investigations of new perchlorate‐based organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskites.
Dual Signals Electrochemical Biosensor for Point‐of‐Care Testing of Amino Acids Enantiomers
Authors: Ning Guyang , Wang Haiyang , Fu Mingxuan , Liu Jiaxian , Sun Yuena , Lu Haijun , Fan Xinyu , Zhang Yufan , Wang Huan
Published: August 2021

A highly sensitive electrochemical sensor based on both potential and current dual signals was constructed via polypyrrole‐coated chiral carbon nanotubes (L/D‐CNT@PPy) loaded with Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs) and β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) hybrid. Using L/D‐CNT and β‐CD as chiral selectors, PPy and Pt NPs enhanced the conductivity and the sensors showed excellent performance for chiral recognition of tyrosine (Tyr) and tryptophan (Trp). The linear ranges of the D‐CNT@PPy@Pt NPs@β‐CD sensor were 3–30 μM (Tyr) and 19.6–196 μM (Trp), respectively, the detection limits were 0.107 nM (Tyr) and 0.133 nM (Trp), respectively, and the recoveries for L‐Tyr were 96.56 %–106.32 %. This electrochemical sensor based on a dual‐signal strategy of potential and current was expected to be used in the field of point of care testing (POCT).
Electrochemical Sensing in Contact Lenses
Authors: Liu Huixin , Yan Xiaomei , Gu Zhen , Xiu Guangli , Xiao Xinxin
Published: August 2021

Electrochemical sensors embedded in hydrogel‐based contact lenses provide valuable health‐related information, enabling non‐invasive and real‐time continuous monitoring. Recently, considerable progress has been made in tear based electrochemical sensors. The scope of reported analytes is continuously expanding. This review identifies key chemical biomarkers (including metabolites, ions, proteins) that can be electrochemically detected in tears. The working principles of i) amperometric enzymatic biosensors, ii) ion‐selective sensors for pH and ions, iii) voltammetric sensors and iv) affinity sensors are summarized. This review provides guidelines for the future development of contact lens based electrochemical sensors.
A microfluidic viscometer: Translation of oscillatory motion of a water microdroplet in oil under electric field
Authors: Dixit Anvesh , Parashar Chintak Kamalesh , Dutta Satarupa , Mahanta Jiwajyoti , Kakati Nayanjyoti , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar
Published: August 2021

The electric field induced motion of a charged water droplet suspended in a low‐dielectric oil medium is exploited to evaluate the rheological properties of the suspending medium. The time‐periodic electrophoretic motion of the droplet between the electrodes decorated in a polymeric micro‐well is translated into a proof‐of‐concept microfluidic prototype, which can measure viscosities of the unknown fluid samples. The variations in the instantaneous velocities of the migrating droplet have been measured inside silicone oil of known physical properties at different electric field intensities. Subsequently, a balance between the electric field to the viscous force has been employed to evaluate the experimental charge density on the droplet surface. Thereafter, a comprehensive scaling law has been devised to find a correlation between the charge on the droplet to the dielectric permittivity of the surrounding medium, size of the water droplet, and the applied electric field intensity. Following this, the scaling law and force balance have been employed together to evaluate the unknown viscosity of an array of suspending mediums by simply analyzing the electrophoretic motion of water droplet. The model proposed is also found to be consistent when a solid amberlite microparticle has been employed as a probe instead of the water droplet. In such a scenario, minor changes in the exponents of the scaling law are found to be necessary to reproduce the results obtained using the water droplet. The method paves the way for the making of an economical and portable microfluidic rheometer with further finetuning and translational developments.
Early Sasanian landscape modification: New geoarchaeological evidence from the Ardashir Pond in southwest Iran (Palace of Ardashir, third century CE)
Authors: Djamali Morteza , Rashidian Elnaz , Askari‐Chaverdi Alireza , Aubert Cyril , Brisset Elodie , Demory François , Faucherre Nicolas , Gandouin Emmanuel , Lahijani Hamid , Marriner Nick , Naderi‐Beni Abdolmajid , Parnell Andrew
Published: August 2021

The Sasanian period (224–651 CE) marked an era of large‐scale urban projects in southwest Asia, including Iran's semi‐arid highlands, with particular efforts to manipulate water bodies. This study presents a recent interdisciplinary investigation of a spring‐fed pond at the entrance of the Palace of Ardashir (Firuzabad plain, southwest Iran), part of a recently registered World Heritage site. Historical accounts suggest that the entire water system of the plain, including the pond, underwent a hydraulic re‐organization at the beginning of the Sasanian period, a fact that has never been investigated geoarchaeologically. A series of sediment cores were retrieved from the pond to probe its evolution and examine the extent of its landscape modification. The cores were sedimentologically described and radiocarbon‐dated with age–depth models established based on 57 AMS (accelerator mass spectrometry) 14C dates to understand the basin's depositional history. The results indicate that (i) Ardashir Pond has existed as part of a larger wetland complex since at least 4500 years ago, (ii) it was substantially enlarged at the beginning of the Sasanian era, and (iii) it was abandoned at the end of the Sasanian period. The Ardashir Pond is one of the first geoarchaeologically investigated case studies to demonstrate the Sasanian landscape in the framework of the “Iranshahr” sociopolitical concept.
Hydrocarbon generation kinetics and expulsion models of the Triassic Chang 9 lacustrine shales, Ordos Basin, China: Implications for the tight sandstone oil occurrence
Authors: Xu Zhengjian , Wang Yang , Jiang Shu , Fang Chao , Liu Luofu , Wu Kangjun , Shu Yun , Feng Yanjun , Li Xin , Deng Can
Published: August 2021

Ordos Basin, a large lacustrine basin in the Triassic, possesses amounts of conventional and unconventional petroleum. In the basin, the Chang 7 shales have been studied extensively. Recent studies suggested that the crude oils accumulated in the Triassic Chang 9–8 should be mainly sourced by the Chang 9 shales [including the delta plain shale (DPS), delta front shale (DFS), and deep lake shale (DLS)]. The source rock (SR) potential, hydrocarbon generation (HG), and hydrocarbon expulsion (HE) characters of the Chang 9 shales should be analysed to make a comprehensive source rock evaluation. The shales are evaluated as excellent source rock potential, and the DLS is evaluated as the best potential. The HG–HE of the shales are analysed by utilizing two (closed and open systems) pyrolysis experiments. The DLS activation energy (Ea) shows the narrowest distribution and has the lowest average value of 219.00 kJ/mol. The HG onsets and total amounts of the DFS, DPS, and DLS have been determined (165 Ma and 200 × 103 t/km2, 157 Ma and 305 × 103 t/km2, 154 Ma and 430 × 103 t/km2), and the peak generation of the shales happened at 125–117 Ma, 127–100 Ma, and 125–100 Ma, respectively. The Chang 9 DFS, DPS, and DLS have reached the HE threshold at depths of 2,250, 2,500, and 2050 m, respectively, indicating large amounts of hydrocarbons have been expelled into the Lower Yanchang Formation (LYF). The tight sandstone oil reservoirs (TSORs) are mainly located in the areas where the organic‐rich shales are developed, especially in the northeastern study area. The areas between high‐value zones of source rock properties (e.g., thickness, Ro, total organic carbon, HG–HE intensity) are the sweet spots.
Geochronology and geochemistry of granites from the Hengjian area, Qinling Orogenic Belt: Implications for the Late Palaeozoic tectonic evolution of the North Qinling Terrane, China
Authors: Han Xu , Li Longming , Lin Shoufa , Ren Shenglian , Liang Tao , Feng Lamei , Ge Yanpeng , Lu Kejia , Wang Lei
Published: August 2021

The North Qinling Orogen underwent subduction and collision processes during the Palaeozoic, but the tectonic framework remains unclear. To investigate the tectonic evolution of the North Qinling Orogen, we selected the Devonian granites from the northeastern margin of the North Qinling Terrane. Integrated petrographic, geochemical, and geochronological studies, as well as Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic analyses, were carried out on the newly identified Devonian granites from the Hengjian area in the northeastern North Qinling Terrane, Qinling Orogenic Belt. Zircon laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry U–Pb dating reveals that these granites were crystallized at 396–387 Ma. The granite samples are metaluminous to weakly peraluminous (A/CNK = Al2O3/(CaO+Na2O+K2O) = 0.86 to 1.12), with high SiO2 (60.6–76.5 wt%) and high total alkaline (Na2O + K2O = 8.45–11.0 wt%) contents. The granites are enriched in Th, rare‐earth element, Zr, and Hf and depleted in Sr, Nb, Ta, P, Eu, and Ti. They are characterized by high Zr + Nb + Ce + Y contents (511–990 ppm) and 10,000*Ga/Al ratios (2.71–3.32), as well as high zircon‐saturation temperatures (TZr = 819–885°C, average = 845°C), which indicate that they are typical A‐type granites. The granites have low Y/Nb (0.39–0.67) and Yb/Ta (0.56–0.83) ratios, resembling those of the A1‐type granite, which indicates that they are formed in anorogenic settings. They also have low (87Sr/86Sr)i ratios (0.7055–0.7071) and negative εNd(t) values (−10.1 to −8.40) and variable zircon εHf(t) values (−8.46 to +14.7), with the two‐stage model ages of 2.0–1.8 Ga and 1.9–0.4 Ga, respectively. These geological features suggest that the granites of the Hengjian area were most likely generated by partial melting of mafic lower crust induced by asthenospheric ascent. The A‐type granites were generated in a continental rift environment during 396–387 Ma, corresponding to the closure of the Shangdan Ocean and the opening of the Palaeo‐Tethyan Ocean during the Early Devonian.
Vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in atopy
Authors: Tamasauskiene Laura , Golubickaite Ieva , Ugenskiene Rasa , Sjakste Nikolajs , Paramonova Natalia , Wu Lawrence Shih‐Hsin , Wang Lawrence Shih‐Jiu‐Yao , Sitkauskiene Brigita
Published: August 2021

Background

The occurrence of allergic conditions, for example allergic asthma, rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis, is rising worldwide. These allergic conditions are associated with poor life quality. Vitamin D is proposed to be linked with increased risk and severe forms of allergic diseases.

Aims

This review article aimed to evaluate the vitamin D level role and polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) in atopy.

Methods & Materials

We analyzed publications that were focusing on levels of vitamin D and/or polymorphism analysis of vitamin D receptor gene in allergic asthma, rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis patients.

Results

We noticed that levels of vitamin D are extensively studied in atopy by many research groups, however, polymorphisms of vitamin D receptor gene and their link with levels of vitamin D lack comprehensive data. There is evidence that vitamin D may be associated with anti‐inflammatory effects in allergic diseases. Some of VDR polymorphisms also may play a role in pathogenesis of these diseases. However, the data from different studies are controversial.

Discussion

The results of different studies are usually inconsistent, most probably due to populational bias or differences in methodology. Even though, more evidence shows a positive impact of vitamin D on the risk and outcomes of allergic diseases, especially atopic dermatitis, and asthma.

Conclusions

There is controversial data about the level of vitamin D and its role in atopy; however, more evidence shows a positive impact on the risk and outcomes of allergic diseases.
Accumulated and distributed response–reinforcer arrangements during the treatment of escape‐maintained problem behavior
Authors: Frank‐Crawford Michelle A. , Borrero John C. , Newcomb Eli T. , Doan Trang , Fisher Alyssa , Rooker Griffin W.
Published: August 2021

Contingent positive reinforcement has proven more effective in treating escape‐maintained problem behavior than contingent negative reinforcement, particularly when problem behavior continues to produce escape. However, this research has overwhelmingly used distributed‐reinforcement arrangements, where tasks and reinforcer access are interspersed throughout the work period. An alternative to interspersal involves allowing the individual to accumulate and then receive a larger quantity of reinforcement once work requirements are completed; this is known as an accumulated‐reinforcement arrangement. The current study examined the efficacy of, and preference for positive (food) and negative (break) reinforcement contingencies delivered in accumulated and distributed arrangements in the treatment of escape‐maintained problem behavior. In Experiment 1, accumulated break was preferred for 4 of 5 participants and accumulated food was preferred for 3 of 5. In Experiment 2, accumulated break was similarly effective to distributed break for 3 of 5 participants and accumulated and distributed food were equally effective for 4 participants.
Predicting Imminent Fractures in Patients With a Recent Fracture or Starting Oral Bisphosphonate Therapy: Development and International Validation of Prognostic Models
Authors: Khalid Sara , Pineda-Moncusí Marta , El-Hussein Leena , Delmestri Antonella , Ernst Martin , Smith Christopher , Libanati Cesar , Toth Emese , Javaid Muhammad K , Cooper Cyrus , Abrahamsen Bo , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel
Published: August 2021

The availability of anti-osteoporosis medications with rapid onset and high potency requires tools to identify patients at high imminent fracture risk (IFR). There are few tools that predict a patient's IFR. We aimed to develop and validate tools for patients with a recent fracture and for patients initiating oral bisphosphonate therapy. Models for two separate cohorts, those with incident fragility fracture (IFx) and with incident oral bisphosphonate prescription (OBP), were developed in primary care records from Spain (SIDIAP database), UK (Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD), and Denmark (Danish Health Registries). Separate models were developed for hip, major, and any fracture outcomes. Only variables present in all databases were included in Lasso regression models for the development and logistic regression models for external validation. Discrimination was tested using area under curve (AUC) and calibration was assessed using observed versus predicted risk plots stratified by age, sex, and previous fracture history. The development analyses included 35,526 individuals in the IFx and 41,401 in the OBP cohorts, with 671,094 in IFx and 330,256 in OBP for the validation analyses. Both the IFx and OBP models demonstrated similarly good performance for hip fracture at 1 year (with AUCs of 0.79 [95% CI 0.75 to 0.82] and 0.87 [0.83 to 0.91] in Spain, 0.71 [0.71 to 0.72] and 0.73 [0.72 to 0.74] in the UK, and 0.70 [0.70 to 0.70] and 0.69 [0.68 to 0.70] in Denmark), and lower discrimination for major osteoporotic and any fracture sites. Calibration was good across all three countries. Discrimination and calibration for the 2-year models was similar. The proposed IFR prediction models could be used to identify more precisely patients at high imminent risk of fracture and inform anti-osteoporosis treatment selection. The freely available model parameters permit local validation and implementation. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Bisphenol A exposure induces neurobehavioral deficits and neurodegeneration through induction of oxidative stress and activated caspase‐3 expression in zebrafish brain
Authors: Sahoo Pradyumna K. , Aparna Sai , Naik Pradeep K. , Singh Shashi B. , Das Saroj K.
Published: August 2021

Bisphenol A (BPA) is noted for its adversative effects by inducing oxidative stress, carcinogenicity, neurotoxicity, inflammation, etc. However, the likely act of BPA in inducing neurodegenerative phenotypes remains elusive in the available literature. Hence, the present study was conducted to decipher the neurodegenerative potential of BPA in inducing Parkinson's disease like phenotypes in zebrafish. Zebrafish were subjected to chronic waterborne exposure to BPA for 56 days. Locomotor activities and neurobehavioral response were assessed by the NTDT (novel tank diving test), OFT (open field test), and LDPT (light‐dark preference test). The oxidative stress markers and histopathological observation for pyknosis and chromatin condensation were carried out. Immunohistochemistry for activated caspase‐3 and targeted proteins expression study was performed. The basic findings reveal that chronic BPA exposure significantly induces locomotor dysfunction through a significant decline in mean velocity and total distance traveled. As a measure of pyknosis and chromatin condensation, pyknotic and Hoechst positive neurons in telencephalon and diencephalon significantly increased by BPA exposure. A higher concentration of BPA adversely affects the neurobehavioral response, antioxidant status, and neuromorphology in zebrafish. Parkinson‐relevant targeted protein expression viz. alpha‐synuclein and LRRK2, were significantly upregulated, whereas tyrosine hydroxylase, NeuN, and Nurr1 were significantly downregulated in the zebrafish brain. As an indicator of cell death by apoptosis, the expression of activated caspase‐3 was significantly increased in the BPA‐exposed zebrafish brain. These basic results of the current study indicate that chronic waterborne exposure to BPA induces neuropathological manifestation leading to the development of motor dysfunction and Parkinsonism‐like neurodegenerative phenotypes in zebrafish.
Factors affecting the placement of agricultural best management practices in the agricultural conservation planning framework (ACPF) toolbox in the mid‐Atlantic region
Authors: Respess Zachary M. , Duncan Jonathan M.
Published: August 2021

There has been a recent push to conduct spatially explicit landscape planning at finer hydrologic unit scales to mitigate diffuse pollution. The Agricultural Conservation and Planning Framework (ACPF) helps identify potential locations for agricultural conservation practices by using high‐resolution soils and elevation data. This spatially explicit approach attempts to identify runoff and nutrient pathways, but output may be influenced by user‐specified parameters and the properties of the digital elevation model (DEM) being used. Here we assess differences in the density and location of conservation practices sited by the ACPF toolbox across three DEM resolutions in three agricultural catchments, each in distinct physiographies (Ridge and Valley, Piedmont, Coastal Plain) of the United States mid‐Atlantic region. Output frequency did not vary much for contour buffer strips or water and sediment control basins (WASCOBs) across DEM resolution, particularly compared with landscape type. The DEM resolution was crucial for the density of grassed waterways but of little consequence for contour buffer strips. Placement density of WASCOBs and contour buffer strips varied by region. Grassed waterways are sited based on either discrete values or statistical distributions of stream power index (SPI). A higher density of grassed waterways was placed in lower relief landscapes when a single standard deviation threshold was applied. Using discrete SPI values for the grassed waterway tool generated more consistent output across watersheds than output based on statistical distributions. These and other reported findings can help guide user decisions in future applications of the ACPF toolbox, particularly across different areas of study.
Patterns of heart rate and cardiac pausing in unrestrained resting decapod crustaceans
Authors: McGaw Iain J. , Nancollas Sarah J.
Published: August 2021

Measurement of heart rate (HR) has been used as an important physiological indicator in a broad range of taxa. In the present study HR patterns were measured in five species of unrestrained, resting decapod crustaceans. In addition to variation in HR among individuals, it was also very variable within an individual animal. While some of this variation was related to activity, there was also a non‐locomotory component. Unstressed, resting crabs exhibited intermittent heart activity, whereas HR in stressed crabs was more stable, suggesting differential control of HR in resting crabs. Once the animals settled in the experimental apparatus they exhibited regular and extended cardiac pauses (acardia) of 15–300‐s duration. As with HR, there was a significant variation in the frequency and length of acardic events, which were only observed in inactive crabs. Regaining of HR, following a period of acardia, was characterized by small adjustments in position and movement of the mouthparts. This rhythmic pattern, and the fact that entry into and out of acardia was not instantaneous, suggested that these events were related to release of neurohormones and their subsequent degradation in the system, rather than direct neural control of the heart. Because HR was variable and interrupted by regular periods of acardia, caution is recommended when calculating baseline levels of HR, or using HR alone as an indicator of physiological stress. Incorporating a coefficient of variation for HR and/or measuring the periods of acardia may be a more reliable indicator of physiological stress in decapod crustaceans.