bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assembling the Career Firefighter Health Study cohort: A methods overview
Authors: Zeig‐Owens Rachel , Singh Ankura , Triplett Suzanne , Salako Joke , Skerker Molly , Napier Ariana , Peele Eric , Stanley Marshica , Sattaluri Sridevi , Prezant David , Webber Mayris P.
Published: June 2021

Background

Studies of World Trade Center (WTC)‐exposed rescue/recovery workers report the increased occurrence of health conditions after work at the WTC disaster site. However, the extent to which these associations are due to WTC exposure is unclear, in part due to the lack of suitable comparison groups. Accordingly, we identified a previously assembled National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) cohort of career firefighters from three US cities (n = 29,992). Here, we document the challenges in establishing this non‐WTC‐exposed firefighter cohort for the goal of tracking and comparing cancer and chronic health conditions in WTC‐exposed and non‐WTC‐exposed firefighters.

Methods

Follow‐up process included institutional review board applications, data use agreements, state cancer registry linkages and vital status determination for the NIOSH firefighter cohort. After completion of these steps, we undertook outreach to the three original city fire departments and union officials, before contact tracing and direct recruitment of 14,566 living firefighters to complete a confidential health survey. We staggered recruitment efforts by the city, using letters, postcards, emails, videos, and telephone outreach. Participants who completed the survey received $10.

Results

A total of 4962 of 14,566 alive firefighters responded to the baseline survey (34.1% response rate). Respondents were older and more likely to be non‐Hispanic white than nonrespondents.

Conclusions

We provide an overview of the process for the first survey to collect information on physical and mental health conditions among US firefighters. The data collected will have an important impact on studies of WTC rescue/recovery work, firefighting, and related health conditions.
Guillain‐Barré Syndrome following ChAdOx1‐S/nCoV‐19 Vaccine
Authors: Maramattom Boby V. , Krishnan Parameswaran , Paul Reji , Padmanabhan Sandeep , Cherukudal Vishnu Nampoothiri Soumya , Syed Akheel A. , Mangat Halinder S.
Published: June 2021

As of April 22, 2021, around 1.5 million individuals in three districts of Kerala, India had been vaccinated with COVID‐19 vaccines. Over 80% of these individuals (1.2 million) received the ChAdOx1‐S/nCoV‐19 vaccine. In this population, during this period of 4 weeks (mid‐March to mid‐April 2021), we observed seven cases of Guillain‐Barre syndrome (GBS) that occurred within 2 weeks of the first dose of vaccination. All seven patients developed severe GBS. The frequency of GBS was 1.4‐ to 10‐fold higher than that expected in this period for a population of this magnitude. In addition, the frequency of bilateral facial weakness, which typically occurs in <20% of GBS cases, suggests a pattern associated with the vaccination. While the benefits of vaccination substantially outweigh the risk of this relatively rare outcome (5.8 per million), clinicians should be alert to this possible adverse event, as six out of seven patients progressed to areflexic quadriplegia and required mechanical ventilatory support. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:312–314
Total Synthesis of the Alleged Structure of Crenarchaeol Enables Structure Revision**
Authors: Holzheimer Mira , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Schouten Stefan , Havenith Remco W. A. , Cunha Ana V. , Minnaard Adriaan J.
Published: June 2021

Crenarchaeol is a glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether lipid produced exclusively in Archaea of the phylum Thaumarchaeota. This membrane‐spanning lipid is undoubtedly the structurally most sophisticated of all known archaeal lipids and an iconic molecule in organic geochemistry. The 66‐membered macrocycle possesses a unique chemical structure featuring 22 mostly remote stereocenters, and a cyclohexane ring connected by a single bond to a cyclopentane ring. Herein we report the first total synthesis of the proposed structure of crenarchaeol. Comparison with natural crenarchaeol allowed us to propose a revised structure of crenarchaeol, wherein one of the 22 stereocenters is inverted.
Liquid Droplet Formation and Facile Cytosolic Translocation of IgG in the Presence of Attenuated Cationic Amphiphilic Lytic Peptides
Authors: Iwata Takahiro , Hirose Hisaaki , Sakamoto Kentarou , Hirai Yusuke , Arafiles Jan Vincent V. , Akishiba Misao , Imanishi Miki , Futaki Shiroh
Published: June 2021

Fc region binding peptide conjugated with attenuated cationic amphiphilic lytic peptide L17E trimer [FcB(L17E)3] was designed for immunoglobulin G (IgG) delivery into cells. Particle‐like liquid droplets were generated by mixing Alexa Fluor 488 labeled IgG (Alexa488‐IgG) with FcB(L17E)3. Droplet contact with the cellular membrane led to spontaneous influx and distribution of Alexa488‐IgG throughout cells in serum containing medium. Involvement of cellular machinery accompanied by actin polymerization and membrane ruffling was suggested for the translocation. Alexa488‐IgG negative charges were crucial in liquid droplet formation with positively charged FcB(L17E)3. Binding of IgG to FcB(L17E)3 may not be necessary. Successful intracellular delivery of Alexa Fluor 594‐labeled anti‐nuclear pore complex antibody and anti‐mCherry‐nanobody tagged with supernegatively charged green fluorescence protein allowed binding to cellular targets in the presence of FcB(L17E)3.
Cleavage of the N≡N Triple Bond and Unpredicted Formation of the Cyclic 1,3‐Diaza‐2,4‐Diborete (FB)2N2 from N2 and Fluoroborylene BF
Authors: Xu Bing , Beckers Helmut , Ye Haoyu , Lu Yan , Cheng Juanjuan , Wang Xuefeng , Riedel Sebastian
Published: June 2021

A complete cleavage of the triple bond of N2 by fluoroborylene (:BF) was achieved in a low‐temperature N2 matrix by the formation of the four‐membered heterocycle FB(μ‐N)2BF, which lacks a trans‐annular N−N bond. Additionally, the linear complex FB=N−N=BF and cyclic FB(η2‐N2) were formed. These novel species were characterized by their matrix infrared spectra and quantum‐chemical calculations. The puckered four‐membered‐ring B2N2 complex shows a delocalized aromatic two‐electron π‐system in conjugation with the exo‐cyclic fluorine π lone pairs. This work may contribute to a rational design of catalysts based on borylene for artificial dinitrogen activation.
One‐step fabrication of wear‐resistant superhydrophobic coating based on aminosilane‐functionalized diatomaceous earth
Authors: Sun Xiaoying , Liu Jing , Zhang Zhihui , Zhi Yuanyuan , Jin Lujiang , Hang Jianzhong , Shi Liyi
Published: June 2021

Facile fabrication of superhydrophobic coatings with excellent mechanical robustness is highly desired in practical application. Herein, a convenient and effective strategy for one‐step fabrication of robust volumetric superhydrophobic coating was developed containing aminosilane‐functionalized cylindrical diatomaceous earth (DE) particles and a polyurethane (PU) resin. Due to the strong chemical cross‐linking between the amino groups and the isocyanates, the superhydrophobic DE particles were strongly anchored to the PU resin, thus improving the wear resistance of the coating. The coating could withstand 20 m sandpaper abrasion under a constant pressure of 2.6 kPa. The wear resistance of the coating improved nearly 471% compared with the superhydrophobic DE/PU composite coating prepared by physical‐blending. Moreover, the coating also demonstrated great self‐cleaning performance, excellent chemical stability and underwater durability. Additionally, the as‐prepared coating could be easily applied to various substrates and exhibited high rigidity (3H‐4H), good adhesion (4B‐5B), and great flexibility (impact resistance of 1 Kg·m).
Whether or when: The question on the use of theories in data science
Authors: Fonseca Fred
Published: June 2021

Data Science can be considered a technique or a science. As a technique, it is more interested in the “what” than in the “why” of data. It does not need theories that explain how things work, it just needs the results. As a science, however, working strictly from data and without theories contradicts the post‐empiricist view of science. In this view, theories come before data and data is used to corroborate or falsify theories. Nevertheless, one of the most controversial statements about Data Science is that it is a science that can work without theories. In this conceptual paper, we focus on the science aspect of Data Science. How is Data Science as a science? We propose a three‐phased view of Data Science that shows that different theories have different roles in each of the phases we consider. We focus on when theories are used in Data Science rather than the controversy of whether theories are used in Data Science or not. In the end, we will see that the statement “Data Science works without theories” is better put as “in some of its phases, Data Science works without the theories that originally motivated the creation of the data.”
Power of sustainable development: Does environmental management system certification affect a firm's access to finance?
Authors: Zhang Ying , Ruan Hongfei , Tang Guiyao , Tong Li
Published: June 2021

Although prior research generated inconclusive findings between a firm's environmental management system and firm financial performance, attention to resolve this inconsistency by examining the internal channels is limited. Thus, this study focuses on a firm's access to finance and investigates whether a firm's environmental management system certification (EMS) leads to better access to finance. Based on the organizational legitimacy perspective, we hypothesize that this certification will benefit a firm with stakeholder approval and support and consequently alleviate its financial capital constraints. We further posit that the proposed relationship will be moderated by three types of legitimacy environments pertaining to how stakeholders and investors make the judgment on the environmental management system certification. We document that the proposed relationship, that is, the positive relationship between environmental management system certification and access to finance, will be stronger when the government attaches larger importance to environmental protection (regulative legitimacy), better environmental record (moral legitimacy), and better financial position (pragmatic legitimacy). Empirical analyses provide strong corroborating evidence for our predictions. These findings have important theoretical and managerial implications that are well discussed in this study.
Learning‐based pose edition for efficient and interactive design
Authors: Victor Léon , Meyer Alexandre , Bouakaz Saïda
Published: June 2021

Authoring an appealing animation for a virtual character is a challenging task. In computer‐aided keyframe animation artists define the key poses of a character by manipulating its underlying skeletons. To look plausible, a character pose must respect many ill‐defined constraints, and so the resulting realism greatly depends on the animator's skill and knowledge. Animation software provide tools to help in this matter, relying on various algorithms to automatically enforce some of these constraints. The increasing availability of motion capture data has raised interest in data‐driven approaches to pose design, with the potential of shifting more of the task of assessing realism from the artist to the computer, and to provide easier access to nonexperts. In this article, we propose such a method, relying on neural networks to automatically learn the constraints from the data. We describe an efficient tool for pose design, allowing Naïve users to intuitively manipulate a pose to create character animations.
Linking physics in two‐year colleges and physics professional societies
Authors: Lui Kristine P.H. , O'Kuma Thomas , Hilborn Robert
Published: June 2021

This chapter describes the last 30 years of the engagement of community college faculty with one physics professional society. Plans are under development for establishing a National Center for Physics focused on two‐year colleges.
Meta‐analysis comparing valve‐in‐valve TAVR and redo‐SAVR in patients with degenerated bioprosthetic aortic valve
Authors: Saleem Sameer , Ullah Waqas , Syed Mubbasher Ameer , Megaly Michael , Thalambedu Nishanth , Younas Sundas , Zahid Salman , Alam Mahboob , Virani Salim S. , Verma Divya Ratan , Abdul‐Waheed Mohammad , Fischman David L.
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The comparative efficacy and safety of valve‐in‐valve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (ViV‐TAVR) and redo‐surgical AVR (redo‐SAVR) in patients with degenerated bioprosthetic aortic valves remain unknown.

Method

Digital databases were searched to identify relevant articles. Unadjusted odds ratios for dichotomous outcomes were calculated using a random effect model. A total of 11 studies comprising 8326 patients (ViV‐TAVR = 4083 and redo‐SAVR = 4243) were included.

Results

The mean age of patients undergoing ViV‐TAVR was older, 76 years compared to 73 years for those undergoing SAVR. The baseline characteristics for patients in ViV‐TAVR vs. redo‐SAVR groups were comparable. At 30‐days, the odds of all‐cause mortality (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.30–0.68, p = .0002), cardiovascular mortality (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26–0.73, p = .001) and major bleeding (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.15–0.54, p = .0001) were significantly lower in patients undergoing ViV‐TAVR compared to redo‐SAVR. There were no significant differences in the odds of cerebrovascular accidents (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.52–1.58, p = .74), myocardial infarction (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.44–1.92, p = .83) and permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM) (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.27–1.07, p = .08) between the two groups. During mid to long‐term follow up (6‐months to 5‐years), there were no significant differences between ViV‐TAVR and redo‐SAVR for all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and stroke. ViV‐TAVR was, however, associated with higher risk of prosthesis‐patient mismatch and greater transvalvular pressure gradient post‐implantation.

Conclusion

ViV‐TAVR compared to redo‐SAVR appears to be associated with significant improvement in short term mortality and major bleeding. For mid to long‐term follow up, the outcomes were similar for both groups.
Effective Heterogeneous MoOx‐Modified CeO2 Catalyst for Michael Addition of Dimethyl Malonate to 2‐Cyclohexen‐1‐one
Authors: Tamura Masazumi , Doi Yamato , Li Yingai , Nakagawa Yoshinao , Tomishige Keiichi
Published: June 2021

Molybdenum oxide‐modified cerium oxide (MoOx−CeO2) with 1 wt % Mo acted as an effective and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for Michael addition of dimethyl malonate to 2‐cyclohexen‐1‐one, providing high yield of the target product (99 %). The catalyst showed higher activity with high selectivity (>99 %) than simple metal oxides and the other combination of metal oxides and CeO2. Based on the catalyst characterization and experimental studies, MoOx species in the MoOx−CeO2 catalyst are isolated Mo6+, and the interface between the isolated MoOx and CeO2 is the active site. The activity based on the active site was about 74‐fold and 1800‐fold higher than that of CeO2 surface and the typical strong organic base of DBU (1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene), respectively.
RNA Ligation for Mono and Dually Labeled RNAs
Authors: Depaix Anaïs , Mlynarska‐Cieslak Agnieszka , Warminski Marcin , Sikorski Pawel J. , Jemielity Jacek , Kowalska Joanna
Published: June 2021

Labeled RNAs are invaluable probes for investigation of RNA function and localization. However, mRNA labeling remains challenging. Here, we developed an improved method for 3′‐end labeling of in vitro transcribed RNAs. We synthesized novel adenosine 3′,5′‐bisphosphate analogues modified at the N6 or C2 position of adenosine with an azide‐containing linker, fluorescent label, or biotin and assessed these constructs as substrates for RNA labeling directly by T4 ligase or via postenzymatic strain‐promoted alkyne‐azide cycloaddition (SPAAC). All analogues were substrates for T4 RNA ligase. Analogues containing bulky fluorescent labels or biotin showed better overall labeling yields than postenzymatic SPAAC. We successfully labeled uncapped RNAs, NAD‐capped RNAs, and 5′‐fluorescently labeled m7Gp3Am‐capped mRNAs. The obtained highly homogenous dually labeled mRNA was translationally active and enabled fluorescence‐based monitoring of decapping. This method will facilitate the use of various functionalized mRNA‐based probes.
Cell‐Penetrating Mitochondrion‐Targeting Ligands for the Universal Delivery of Small Molecules, Proteins and Nanomaterials
Authors: Xiao Qicai , Du Wei , Dong Xiao , Du Shubo , Ong Sing Yee , Tang Guanghui , Zhang Changyu , Yang Fen , Li Lin , Gao Liqian , Yao Shao Q.
Published: June 2021

Mitochondria are key organelles that perform vital cellular functions such as those related to cell survival and death. The targeted delivery of different types of cargos to mitochondria is a well‐established strategy to study mitochondrial biology and diseases. Of the various existing mitochondrion‐transporting vehicles, most suffer from poor cytosolic entry, low delivery efficiency, limited cargo types, and cumbersome preparation protocols, and none was known to be universally applicable for mitochondrial delivery of different types of cargos (small molecules, proteins, and nanomaterials). Herein, two new cell‐penetrating, mitochondrion‐targeting ligands (named MitoLigand) that are capable of effectively “tagging” small‐molecule drugs, native proteins and nanomaterials are disclosed, as well as their corresponding chemoselective conjugation chemistry. Upon successful cellular delivery and rapid endosome escape, the released native cargos were found to be predominantly localized inside mitochondria. Finally, by successfully delivering doxorubicin, a well‐known anticancer drug, to the mitochondria of HeLa cells, we showed that the released drug possessed potent cell cytotoxicity, disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential and finally led to apoptosis. Our strategy thus paves the way for future mitochondrion‐targeted therapy with a variety of biologically active agents.
Subphthalocyaninato Boron(III) Hydride: Synthesis, Structure and Reactivity
Authors: Tejerina Lara , Labella Jorge , Martínez‐Fernández Lara , Corral Inés , Victoria Martínez‐Díaz M. , Torres Tomás
Published: June 2021

Subphthalocyanine (SubPc) chemistry has been limited so far by their high sensitivity toward strong nucleophiles. In particular, the substitution of the axial chlorine atom by a nucleophilic group in the case of less‐reactive SubPcs, such as those bearing electron‐withdrawing peripheral substituents, presents some limitations and requires harsh conditions. By taking advantage of the electrophilic character of DIBAL‐H, it has been possible to prepare for the first time SubPc‐hydride derivatives that exhibit high reactivity as hydroboration reagents of aldehydes. This hydride transfer requires using a typical carbonyl activator (trimethylsilyl triflate) and only one equivalent of aldehyde, affording SubPcs with an axial benzyloxy group in good yield. This transformation has proven to be a useful alternative method for the axial functionalisation of dodecafluoroSubPc, a paradigmatic SubPc derivative, by using electrophiles for the first time. Considering the increasing interest in SubPcs as electron‐acceptor semiconductors with remarkable absorption in the visible range to replace fullerene in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices, it is of the utmost importance to develop new synthetic methodologies for their axial functionalisation.
Measurements with a hydrogen electrode without pressured gas
Authors: Roscher Jessica , Holze Rudolf
Published: June 2021

In Lehre wie Forschung ist die Wasserstoffbezugselektrode unerlässlich. Da sie in klassischer Ausführung den Gebrauch von Druckwasserstoff erfordert, ist ihre praktische Nutzung potentiell eingeschränkt. Ausgehend von einem Konzept einer vorgeschlagenen Wasserstoffbezugselektrode, die ohne Druckwasserstoff auskommt und dennoch alle Vorteile der konventionellen Wasserstoffbezugselektrode aufweist, wird aufgezeigt, dass diese Elektrode für gängige Praktikumsversuche ebenso korrekte Resultate zugänglich macht.
The reliability of visual ERP components in children across the first year of school
Authors: Jetha Michelle K. , Segalowitz Sidney J. , Gatzke‐Kopp Lisa M.
Published: June 2021

Event‐related potentials (ERPs) are increasingly used as neurophysiological markers of perceptual and cognitive processes conveying risk for psychopathology. However, little is known about the reliability of ERP components during childhood, a time of substantial brain maturation. In the present study, we examine the early visual ERP components (P1, N170, VPP), frequently examined as indicators of attentional bias, for 110 children at kindergarten (T1) and first grade (T2). Children performed a Go/Nogo task at both time points, with exact stimuli changed to reduce habituation. All components showed increases in absolute amplitude and the P1 and VPP also showed decreases in latency. Retest reliability across time was good to very good for amplitude measures (Pearson rs ranging from .54 for N170 to .69 for P1) and low to very good for latencies (rs from .34 for P1 to .60 for N170), despite the change in visual stimuli. Although there was some evidence of moderation by sex, early visual ERP components appear to be a reliable measure of individual differences in attention processing in middle childhood. This has implications for the use of early visual ERP components as trait‐like markers for individual differences in perceptual processes in developmental research.
Hypertensive disorders in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy: insights from the ESC EORP PPCM Registry
Authors: Jackson Alice M. , Petrie Mark C. , Frogoudaki Alexandra , Laroche Cécile , Gustafsson Finn , Ibrahim Bassem , Mebazaa Alexandre , Johnson Mark R. , Seferovic Petar M. , Regitz‐Zagrosek Vera , Mbakwem Amam , Böhm Michael , Prameswari Hawani S. , Fouad Doaa A. , Goland Sorel , Damasceno Albertino , Karaye Kamilu , Farhan Hasan A. , Hamdan Righab , Maggioni Aldo P. , Sliwa Karen , Bauersachs Johann , van der Meer Peter ,   the PPCM Investigators Group
Published: June 2021

Aims

Hypertensive disorders occur in women with peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). How often hypertensive disorders co‐exist, and to what extent they impact outcomes, is less clear. We describe differences in phenotype and outcomes in women with PPCM with and without hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.

Methods and results

The European Society of Cardiology EURObservational Research Programme PPCM Registry enrolled women with PPCM from 2012–2018. Three groups were examined: (i) women without hypertension (PPCM‐noHTN); (ii) women with hypertension but without pre‐eclampsia (PPCM‐HTN); (iii) women with pre‐eclampsia (PPCM‐PE). Maternal (6‐month) and neonatal outcomes were compared. Of 735 women included, 452 (61.5%) had PPCM‐noHTN, 99 (13.5%) had PPCM‐HTN and 184 (25.0%) had PPCM‐PE. Compared to women with PPCM‐noHTN, women with PPCM‐PE had more severe symptoms (New York Heart Association class IV in 44.4% vs. 29.9%, P < 0.001), more frequent signs of heart failure (pulmonary rales in 70.7% vs. 55.4%, P = 0.002), a higher baseline left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (32.7% vs. 30.7%, P = 0.005) and a smaller left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (57.4 ± 6.7 mm vs. 59.8 ± 8.1 mm, P = 0.001). There were no differences in the frequencies of death from any cause, rehospitalization for any cause, stroke, or thromboembolic events. Compared to women with PPCM‐noHTN, women with PPCM‐PE had a greater likelihood of left ventricular recovery (LVEF ≥ 50%) (adjusted odds ratio 2.08, 95% confidence interval 1.21–3.57) and an adverse neonatal outcome (composite of termination, miscarriage, low birth weight or neonatal death) (adjusted odds ratio 2.84, 95% confidence interval 1.66–4.87).

Conclusion

Differences exist in phenotype, recovery of cardiac function and neonatal outcomes according to hypertensive status in women with PPCM.
New Electrode Material GCE/AgNPs‐LS/Hg Based on Nanosilver Produced with the Use of Biopolymers
Authors: Konował Emilia , Modrzejewska‐Sikorska Anna , Kopaczewska Anna Maria , Karbowska Bożena
Published: June 2021

A method of producing nanosilver by using lignosulfonic acid derivative and a new method of the obtained AgNPs‐LS electrode material for developing a chemically modified GCE/AgNPs‐LS/Hg electrode is presented. The data demonstrate that the modified electrode shows enhanced performance in determining Tl+ ions in comparison to unmodified electrode GCE. The stripping anodic peak current of thallium characterized in linearity over its concentration range from 1.22 ⋅ 10−8 to 1.15 ⋅ 10−7 mol dm−3, with detection limit 4.6 ⋅ 10−9 mol dm−3. It is assumed that the novel AgNPs‐LS/Hg2+ complex is suitable for preparing functionalized nanostructured material and can be used as an electrochemical sensing platform for heavy metals.
Electrocatalytic Sensor for Hydrogen Peroxide Based on Immobilized Benzoquinone
Authors: Laroussi Arwa , Raouafi Noureddine , Mirsky Vladimir M.
Published: June 2021

An amperometric chemosensor for the detection of hydrogen peroxide is reported. The sensor is based on 1,4‐benzoquinone immobilized on the gold electrode using self‐assembled monolayer of short chain symmetrical dithiol as an anchor layer. Sensor analysis was performed by cyclic voltammetry at the potential range from −0.6 V till +0.9 V as well as in the anodic or cathodic potential ranges only. The results indicate oxidative electrochemical decomposition of hydrogen peroxide at the potential of ∼+0.4 V leading to the formation of oxygen while at cathodic potentials a reduction of the formed oxygen as well as of the hydrogen peroxide occur. A decrease in the oxidation potential of hydrogen peroxide on the gold electrode coated by self‐assembled monolayer with 1,4‐benzoquinone in comparison with that measured on the electrodes coated by the same self‐assembled monolayer without 1,4‐benzoquinone, indicates electrocatalytic effect of this moiety on oxidative decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. Analytical evaluation of the sensor performance was done in the voltammetric as well as in the chronoamperometric mode. The sensor exhibited linear response over the concentration range till 2.5 mM with a limit of detection ∼4 μM.
Impact of COVID‐19 on agricultural food: A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis
Authors: Abid Ali , Jie Shang
Published: June 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has put unprecedented stress on agricultural food. Therefore, the goal of this study is to analyze the effect of the COVID‐19 outbreak on agricultural food and provide policy recommendations based on SWOT analysis to minimize risks. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organization and the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics were used for this study with a thorough literature review containing policy documents and scientific magazines in the related sector. There is enough evidence to demonstrate that the COVID‐19 pandemic has had a massive influence on agricultural food supply, largely impacting food demand as well as food insecurity. The study uses SWOT analysis to identify the highest‐priority policies that may remediate the current issues. Key strategies include developing new online resources such as digitized trade and providing a digital platform to strengthen the buyer–supplier collaboration and lower the risk of food wastage and insecurity. The government should invest in technology that contributes to the sustainable flow of agricultural products along the supply chain to prevent food crises during the pandemic.
A complementary food supplement from local food ingredients to enhance iron intake among children aged 6–59 months in Benin
Authors: Affonfere Marius , Chadare Flora Josiane , Fassinou Finagnon Toyi Kévin , Talsma Elise F. , Linnemann Anita R. , Azokpota Paulin
Published: June 2021

Nutritious complementary feeding is often not affordable in Benin, and iron deficiency exists. This research aimed at formulating an affordable and sensory acceptable complementary food supplement using local food ingredients to increase iron intake among children aged 6–59 months in Benin. The complementary food supplement was formulated to ensure that 10 g would cover 25% of the estimated average requirements for iron for children aged 6 to 12 months. Adansonia digitata fruit pulp, Moringa oleifera leaf powder, and Cochlospermum tinctorium root powder were used to compose the complementary food supplement, which was mixed with maize and sorghum ogi porridges before being presented to the mothers and children for the acceptability test. The mineral contents of Adansonia digitata fruit pulp in mg/100 g dw were 9.9 ± 0.1 for iron and 0.9 ± 0.1 for zinc. The iron and zinc contents of Moringa oleifera leaf powder and Cochlospermum tinctorium root powder in mg/100 g dw were 34.1 ± 2.2 and 26.8 ± 2.7 and 9 ± 0.0 and 0.9 ± 0.0, respectively. The complementary food supplement contained, in mg/100 g dw, 17.4 ± 1.1 of iron and 1.2 ± 0.1 of zinc. The maize and sorghum ogi porridges enriched with the complementary food supplement at substitution rates of 15% and 16% (in dry weight), respectively, were acceptable to 85% of children for sorghum ogi porridge and 87% for maize ogi porridge. The present study demonstrated the potential of local food ingredients in the formulation of an iron‐rich and acceptable complementary food supplement for children aged 6–59 months in Benin.
Immune Activation Induces Telomeric DNA Damage and Promotes Short‐Lived Effector T Cell Differentiation in Chronic HCV Infection
Authors: Nguyen Lam Nhat , Nguyen Lam Ngoc Thao , Zhao Juan , Schank Madison , Dang Xindi , Cao Dechao , Khanal Sushant , Thakuri Bal Krishna Chand , Zhang Jinyu , Lu Zeyuan , Wu Xiao Y. , El Gazzar Mohamed , Ning Shunbin , Wang Ling , Moorman Jonathan P. , Yao Zhi Q.
Published: June 2021

Background and Aims

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) leads to a high rate of chronic infection and T cell dysfunction. Although it is well known that chronic antigenic stimulation is a driving force for impaired T cell functions, the precise mechanisms underlying immune activation–induced T cell dysfunctions during HCV infection remain elusive.

Approach and Results

Here, we demonstrated that circulating CD4+ T cells from patients who are chronically HCV‐infected exhibit an immune activation status, as evidenced by the overexpression of cell activation markers human leukocyte antigen‐antigen D‐related, glucose transporter 1, granzyme B, and the short‐lived effector marker CD127‐ killer cell lectin‐like receptor G1+. In contrast, the expression of stem cell–like transcription factor T cell factor 1 and telomeric repeat‐binding factor 2 (TRF2) are significantly reduced in CD4+ T cells from patients who are chronically HCV‐infected compared with healthy participants (HP). Mechanistic studies revealed that CD4+ T cells from participants with HCV exhibit phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling hyperactivation on T cell receptor stimulation, promoting proinflammatory effector cell differentiation, telomeric DNA damage, and cellular apoptosis. Inhibition of Akt signaling during T cell activation preserved the precursor memory cell population and prevented inflammatory effector cell expansion, DNA damage, and apoptotic death. Moreover, knockdown of TRF2 reduced HP T cell stemness and triggered telomeric DNA damage and cellular apoptosis, whereas overexpression of TRF2 in CD4 T cells prevented telomeric DNA damage.

Conclusions

These results suggest that modulation of immune activation through inhibiting Akt signaling and protecting telomeres through enhancing TRF2 expression may open therapeutic strategies to fine tune the adaptive immune responses in the setting of persistent immune activation and inflammation during chronic HCV infection.
Stereotypy and spontaneous alternation in deer mice and its response to anti‐adenosinergic intervention
Authors: de Brouwer Geoffrey , Engelbrecht Jaco , Mograbi Daniel C. , Legoabe Lesetja , Steyn Stephan F. , Wolmarans De Wet
Published: June 2021

Repetitive behavioral phenotypes are a trait of several neuropsychiatric disorders, including obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD). Such behaviors are typified by complex interactions between cognitive and neurobiological processes which most likely contribute to the suboptimal treatment responses often observed. To this end, exploration of the adenosinergic system may be useful, since adenosine‐receptor modulation has previously shown promise to restore control over voluntary behavior and improve cognition in patients presenting with motor repetition. Here, we employed the deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii) model of compulsive‐like behavioral persistence, seeking to investigate possible associations between stereotypic motor behavior and cognitive flexibility as measured in the T‐maze continuous alternation task (T‐CAT). The effect of istradefylline, a selective adenosine A2A receptor antagonist at two doses (10 and 20 mg kg−1 day−1) on the expression of stereotypy and T‐CAT performance in high (H) and non‐(N) stereotypical animals, was investigated in comparison to a control intervention (six groups; n = 8 or 9 per group). No correlation between H behavior and T‐CAT performance was found. However, H but not N animals presented with istradefylline‐sensitive spontaneous alternation and stereotypy, in that istradefylline at both doses significantly improved the spontaneous alternation scores and attenuated the stereotypical expression of H animals. Thus, evidence is presented that anti‐adenosinergic drug action improves repetitive behavior and spontaneous alternation in stereotypical deer mice, putatively pointing to a shared psychobiological construct underlying naturalistic stereotypy and alterations in cognitive flexibility in deer mice.
Degree of biliary tract violation during treatment of gallbladder adenocarcinoma is independently associated with development of peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Sutton Thomas L. , Walker Brett S. , Radu Stephanie , Dewey Elizabeth N. , Enestvedt C. Kristian , Maynard Erin , Orloff Susan L. , Nabavizadeh Nima , Sheppard Brett C. , Lopez Charles D. , Billingsley Kevin G. , Mayo Skye C.
Published: June 2021

Background

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is often incidentally diagnosed after cholecystectomy. Intra‐operative biliary tract violations (BTV) have been recently associated with development of peritoneal disease (PD). The degree of BTV may be associated with PD risk, but has not been previously investigated.

Methods

We reviewed patients with initially non‐metastatic GBC treated at our institution from 2003 to 2018. Patients were grouped based on degree of BTV during their treatment: major (e.g., cholecystotomy with bile spillage, n = 27, 29%), minor (e.g., intra‐operative cholangiogram, n = 18, 19%), and no violations (n = 48, 55%). Overall survival (OS) and peritoneal disease‐free survival (PDFS) were evaluated with Kaplan‐Meier and Cox proportional hazards modeling.

Results

Ninety‐three patients were identified; the median age was 64 years (range 31–87 years). Seventy‐six (82%) were incidentally diagnosed. The median follow‐up was 23 months; 20 (22%) patients developed PD. The 3‐year PDFS for patients with major, minor, and no BTV was 52%, 83%, and 98%, respectively (major vs. none: p <  0.001; minor vs. none: p <  0.01). BTV was not associated with 5‐year OS (HR 1.53, p =  0.16).

Conclusion

Increasing degree of BTV is associated with higher risk of peritoneal carcinomatosis in patients with GBC and should be considered during preoperative risk stratification. Reporting biliary tract violations during cholecystectomy is encouraged.
How useful is active learning for image‐based plant phenotyping?
Authors: Nagasubramanian Koushik , Jubery Talukder , Fotouhi Ardakani Fateme , Mirnezami Seyed Vahid , Singh Asheesh K , Singh Arti , Sarkar Soumik , Ganapathysubramanian Baskar
Published: June 2021

Deep learning models have been successfully deployed for a diverse array of image‐based plant phenotyping applications including disease detection and classification. However, successful deployment of supervised deep learning models requires large amount of labeled data, which is a significant challenge in plant sciences (and most biological) domain due to the inherent complexities. Specifically, data annotation is costly, laborious, time consuming and needs domain expertise for phenotyping tasks, especially for diseases. To overcome this challenge, active learning algorithms have been proposed to reduce the amount of labeling needed by deep learning models to achieve good predictive performance. Active learning methods work by adaptively suggesting samples to annotate using an acquisition function to achieve maximum (classification) performance under a fixed labeling budget. We report the performance of four different active learning methods, (1) Deep Bayesian Active Learning (DBAL), (2) Entropy, (3) Least Confidence, and (4) core‐set, with conventional random sampling‐based annotation for two vastly different image‐based classification datasets. The first image dataset consists of soybean [Glycine max L. (Merr.)] leaves belonging to eight different soybean stresses and a healthy class, and the second consists of nine different weed species from the field. For a fixed labeling budget, we observed that the classification performance of deep learning models using active learning based acquisition strategies is better than random sampling‐based acquisition for both datasets. The integration of active learning strategies for data annotation can help mitigate labelling challenges in the plant sciences applications particularly where resources dedicated to annotations are limited.
Formulation matters! A spectroscopic and molecular dynamics investigation on the peptide CIGB552 as itself and in its therapeutical formulation
Authors: Savioli Marco , Antonelli Lorenzo , Bocchinfuso Gianfranco , Cavalieri Francesca , Cimino Rita , Gatto Emanuela , Placidi Ernesto , Fernandez Masso Julio Raul , Garay Perez Hilda , Santana Hector , Guerra‐Vallespi Maribel , Venanzi Mariano
Published: June 2021

Synthetic therapeutic peptides (STP) are intensively studied as new‐generation drugs, characterized by high purity, biocompatibility, selectivity and stereochemical control. However, most of the studies are focussed on the bioactivity of STP without considering how the formulation actually used for therapy administration could alter the physico‐chemical properties of the active principle. The aggregation properties of a 20‐mer STP (Ac‐His‐Ala‐Arg‐Ile‐Lys‐D‐Pro‐Thr‐Phe‐Arg‐Arg‐D‐Leu‐Lys‐Trp‐Lys‐Tyr‐Lys‐Gly‐Lys‐Phe‐Trp‐NH2), showing antitumor activity, were investigated by optical spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy imaging, as itself (CIGB552) and in its therapeutic formulation (CIGB552TF). It has found that the therapeutic formulation deeply affects the aggregation properties of the investigated peptide and the morphology of the aggregates formed on mica by deposition of CIGB552 and CIGB552TF millimolar solutions. Molecular dynamics simulations studied the first steps of CIGB552 aggregation under physiological ionic strength conditions (NaCl 150 mM), showing that peptide oligomers, from dimers to tetramers, are preferentially formed in this environment. Interestingly, cell viability assays performed on H‐460 cell lines indicate a major antiproliferative activity of the peptide in its therapeutic formulation with respect to the peptide aqueous solution.
Statistical insights for crude‐rate‐based operational measures of misdiagnosis‐related harms
Authors: Zhu Yuxin , Wang Zheyu , Liberman Ava L. , Chang Tzu‐Pu , Newman‐Toker David
Published: June 2021

In longitudinal event data, a crude rate is a simple quantification of the event rate, defined as the number of events during an evaluation window, divided by the at‐risk population size at the beginning or mid‐time point of that window. The crude rate recently received revitalizing interest from medical researchers who aimed to improve measurement of misdiagnosis‐related harms using administrative or billing data by tracking unexpected adverse events following a “benign” diagnosis. The simplicity of these measures makes them attractive for implementation and routine operational monitoring at hospital or health system level. However, relevant statistical inference procedures have not been systematically summarized. Moreover, it is unclear to what extent the temporal changes of the at‐risk population size would bias analyses and affect important conclusions concerning misdiagnosis‐related harms. In this article, we present statistical inference tools for using crude‐rate based harm measures, as well as formulas and simulation results that quantify the deviation of such measures from those based on the more sophisticated Nelson‐Aalen estimator. Moreover, we present results for a generalized multibin version of the crude rate, for which the usual crude rate is a single‐bin special case. The generalized multibin crude rate is more straightforward to compute than the Nelson‐Aalen estimator and can reduce potential biases of the single‐bin crude rate. For studies that seek to use multibin measures, we provide simulations to guide the choice regarding number of bins. We further bolster these results using a worked example of stroke after “benign” dizziness from a large data set.
NIR‐Triggered Multi‐Mode Antitumor Therapy Based on Bi2Se3/Au Heterostructure with Enhanced Efficacy
Authors: Yang Chunzheng , Chang Mengyu , Yuan Meng , Jiang Fan , Ding Binbin , Zhao Yajie , Dang Peipei , Cheng Ziyong , Kheraif Abdulaziz A. Al , Ma Ping'an , Lin Jun
Published: June 2021

Of all the reaction oxygen species (ROS) therapeutic strategies, NIR light‐induced photocatalytic therapy (PCT) based on semiconductor nanomaterials has attracted increasing attention. However, the photocatalysts suffer from rapid recombination of electron‐hole pairs due to the narrow band gaps, which are greatly restricted in PCT application. Herein, Bi2Se3/Au heterostructured photocatalysts are fabricated to solve the problems by introducing Au nanoparticles (NPs) in situ on the surface of the hollow mesoporous structured Bi2Se3. Owing to the lower work function of Au NPs, the photo‐induced electrons are easier to transfer and assemble on their surfaces, resulting in the increased separation of the electron‐hole pairs with efficient ROS generation. Besides, Bi2Se3/Au heterostructures also enhance the photothermal efficiency due to the effective orbital overlaps with accelerated electron migrations according to density functional theory calculations. Moreover, the PLGA‐PEG and the doxorubicin (DOX) are introduced for photothermal‐triggered drug release in the system. The Bi2Se3/Au heterostructures also displays excellent infrared thermal (IRT) and computed tomography (CT) dual‐modal imaging property for promising cancer diagnosis. Collectively, Bi2Se3/Au@PLGA‐PEG‐DOX exhibits prominent tumor inhibition effect based on synchronous PTT, PCT and chemotherapy triggered by NIR light for efficient antitumor treatment.
Fluorescence Switchable Block Copolymer Particles with Doubly Alternate‐Layered Nanoparticle Arrays
Authors: Kim Taewan , Xu Meng , Lee Young Jun , Ku Kang Hee , Shin Do Joong , Lee Doh C. , Jang Se Gyu , Yun Hongseok , Kim Bumjoon J.
Published: June 2021

The precise self‐assembly of block copolymers (BCPs) and inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) under 3D confinement offers microparticles with programmable nanostructures and functionalities. Here, fluorescence‐switchable hybrid microspheres are developed by forming doubly alternating arrays of Au NPs and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) within polystyrene‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (PS‐b‐P4VP) BCP domains. These doubly alternating arrays afford controlled nonradiative energy transfer (NRET) between the QDs and Au NPs that is dependent on the layer‐to‐layer distance. Solvent‐selective swelling of the hybrid particles tunes the distance between layers, modulating their NRET behavior and affording switchable fluorescence. The particle fluorescence is “OFF” in water through strong NRET from the QDs to Au NPs, but is “ON” in alcohols due to the increased distance between the Au NP and QD arrays in the swollen P4VP domains. The experimentally observed NRET intensity as a function of interparticle distance shows larger quenching efficiencies than those theoretically predicted due to the enhanced quenching within a 3D‐confined system. Finally, the robust and reversible fluorescence switching of the hybrid particles in different solvents is demonstrated, highlighting their potentials for bioimaging, sensing, and diagnostic applications.
A force‐based fiber beam‐column element to predict moment‐axial‐shear interaction of reinforced concrete frames
Authors: Hippola Sameera , Rajapakse Chathura , Mihaylov Boyan , Wijesundara Kushan
Published: June 2021

The nonlinear analysis of large complex reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures with shear‐critical members requires numerical approaches that combine high accuracy and computational efficiency. At the same time, existing modeling approaches either involve detailed and costly discretization of the deformations in the frame members (displacement‐based approaches), or compromise on accuracy by greatly simplifying (or even neglecting) shear effects. This paper presents a novel nonlinear force‐based fiber beam‐column element that addresses both these challenges. The element is capable of capturing the complex moment‐axial‐shear interaction response of planar RC frames and walls, while at the same time requiring minimum discretization. The proposed formulation consists of two nested iterative procedures at the structure and sectional levels. The introduction of the sectional level procedure explicitly satisfies sectional equilibrium, which is not achieved in either existing displacement or force‐based line element formulations. As a result, a stable convergence of all average strain, local crack strain, and slip strain components of the constitutive relationship is ensured. The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed element formulation is illustrated with the help of beam and frame tests from the literature.
EWPD in the SMEFT to dimension eight
Authors: Corbett Tyler , Helset Andreas , Martin Adam , Trott Michael
Published: June 2021

Abstract

We calculate the $$ \mathcal{O}\left({\left\langle {H}^{\dagger }H\right\rangle}^2/{\Lambda}^4\right) $$
O

H
†

H

2

/

Λ
4

corrections to LEP electroweak precision data using the geometric formulation of the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT). We report our results in simple-to-use interpolation tables that allow the interpretation of this data set to dimension eight for the first time. We demonstrate the impact of these previously unknown terms in the case of a general analysis in the SMEFT, and also in the cases of two distinct models matched to dimension eight. Neglecting such dimension-eight corrections to LEP observables introduces a theoretical error in SMEFT studies. We report some preliminary studies defining such a theory error, explicitly demonstrating the effect of previously unknown dimension-eight SMEFT corrections on LEP observables.
Extensions of recent combinatorial refinements of discrete and integral Jensen inequalities
Authors: Horváth László
Published: June 2021

The main purpose of this work is to present essential extensions of results in [7] and [8], and apply them to some special situations. Of particular interest is the refinement of the integral Jensen inequality for vector valued integrable functions. The applications related to four topics, namely f-divergences in information theory (an interesting refinement of the weighted geometric mean–arithmetic mean inequality is obtained as a consequence), norm inequalities, quasi-arithmetic means, Hölder’s and Minkowski’s inequalities.