bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualization of music, musicians, and musical instruments in the works of Adyghe artists
Authors: Sokolova Alla Nikolaevna
Published: June 2021

This article reviews painting and graphics of Adyghe artists, which plotlines and images resemble musical instruments, musicians, and in a certain way, music itself. The author assumes that the entire heritage in this area can be divided into three groups. The first group contains the artworks that are perceived as historical documents testifying to the presence or absence of certain types of musical instruments, ways of playing those, dances, dance positions, moves, etc.; this also includes paintings with ethnographically precise reproduction of the past or present reality, which depicts music and motions. The second group contains the portraits of prominent musicians who significantly contributed to the history of regional culture. The third group is comprised of the musical instruments and dance, which visualize something secret behind the traditional things. Each group has a special technique and means of visualization of music and musical instruments. The novelty of this research lies in examination of the canvases of Adyghe painters preserved in the funds of the North Caucasus branch of the State Museum of Oriental Art (Maykop), and are virtually unknown to the general audience; in articulation of the topic aimed at examination of means of visualization of music, musical instruments and musicians in painting and graphics; in the proposed non-homogeneous classification of painting heritage related to music, musical instruments and musicians, which can be implicated to any other regional culture; in determination of the role of this type of cultural heritage for future generation. It is stated that painting and graphics exhibited in museums are not perceives so much the past as the present, which is included in the cultural and emotional-psychological life of modernity.
Note on one inequality and its application in intuitionistic fuzzy sets theory. Part 1
Authors: Vassilev-Missana Mladen V.
Published: June 2021

The inequality \mu^{\frac{1}{\nu}} + \nu^{\frac{1}{\mu}} \leq 1 is introduced and proved, where \mu and \nu are real numbers, for which \mu, \nu \in [0, 1] and \mu + \nu \leq 1. The same inequality is valid for \mu = \mu_A(x), \nu = \nu_A(x), where \mu_A and \nu_A are the membership and the non-membership functions of an arbitrary intuitionistic fuzzy set A over a fixed universe E and x \in E. Also, a generalization of the above inequality for arbitrary n \geq 2 is proposed and proved.
Thalamus and claustrum control parallel layer 1 circuits in retrosplenial cortex
Authors: Brennan Ellen KW , Jedrasiak-Cape Izabela , Kailasa Sameer , Rice Sharena P , Sudhakar Shyam Kumar , Ahmed Omar J
Published: June 2021

The granular retrosplenial cortex (RSG) is critical for both spatial and non-spatial behaviors, but the underlying neural codes remain poorly understood. Here, we use optogenetic circuit mapping in mice to reveal a double dissociation that allows parallel circuits in superficial RSG to process disparate inputs. The anterior thalamus and dorsal subiculum, sources of spatial information, strongly and selectively recruit small low-rheobase (LR) pyramidal cells in RSG. In contrast, neighboring regular-spiking (RS) cells are preferentially controlled by claustral and anterior cingulate inputs, sources of mostly non-spatial information. Precise sublaminar axonal and dendritic arborization within RSG layer 1, in particular, permits this parallel processing. Observed thalamocortical synaptic dynamics enable computational models of LR neurons to compute the speed of head rotation, despite receiving head direction inputs that do not explicitly encode speed. Thus, parallel input streams identify a distinct principal neuronal subtype ideally positioned to support spatial orientation computations in the RSG.
De novo learning versus adaptation of continuous control in a manual tracking task
Authors: Yang Christopher S , Cowan Noah J , Haith Adrian M
Published: June 2021

How do people learn to perform tasks that require continuous adjustments of motor output, like riding a bicycle? People rely heavily on cognitive strategies when learning discrete movement tasks, but such time-consuming strategies are infeasible in continuous control tasks that demand rapid responses to ongoing sensory feedback. To understand how people can learn to perform such tasks without the benefit of cognitive strategies, we imposed a rotation/mirror reversal of visual feedback while participants performed a continuous tracking task. We analyzed behavior using a system identification approach, which revealed two qualitatively different components of learning: adaptation of a baseline controller and formation of a new, task-specific continuous controller. These components exhibited different signatures in the frequency domain and were differentially engaged under the rotation/mirror reversal. Our results demonstrate that people can rapidly build a new continuous controllerde novoand can simultaneously deploy this process with adaptation of an existing controller.
Feasibility of melting fingerprint obtained from ISSR-HRM curves for marine mammal species identification
Authors: Kriangwanich Wannapimol , Buddhachat Kittisak , Poommouang Anocha , Chomdej Siriwadee , Thitaram Chatchote , Kaewmong Patcharaporn , Kittiwattanawong Kongkiat , Nganvongpanit Korakot
Published: June 2021

Currently, species identification of stranded marine mammals mostly relies on morphological features, which has inherent challenges. The use of genetic information for marine mammal species identification remains limited, therefore, new approaches that can contribute to a better monitoring of stranded species are needed. In that context, the ISSR-HRM method we have proposed offers a new approach for marine mammal species identification. Consequently, new approaches need to be developed to identify individuals at the species level. Eight primers of the ISSR markers were chosen for HRM analysis resulting in ranges of accuracy of 56.78–75.50% and 52.14–75.93% in terms of precision, while a degree of sensitivity of more than 80% was recorded when each single primer was used. The ISSR-HRM primer combinations revealed a success rate of 100% in terms of discrimination for all marine mammals included in this study. Furthermore, ISSR-HRM analysis was successfully employed in determining marine mammal discrimination among varying marine mammal species. Thus, ISSR-HRM analysis could serve as an effective alternative tool in the species identification process. This option would offer researchers a heightened level of convenience in terms of its performance and success rate. It would also offer field practice to veterinarians, biologists and other field-related people a greater degree of ease with which they could interpret results when effectively classifying stranded marine mammals. However, further studies with more samples and with a broader geographical scope will be required involving distinct populations to account for the high degree of intraspecific variability in cetaceans and to demonstrate the range of applications of this approach.
The Rhetoric of Foreign Aid and the Need for International Trade: Challenges and Possibilities for Developing Nations. A Critical Perspective
Authors: Samuel Umaru Tsaku
Published: June 2021

This paper attempts to critically examine foreign aids by donor nations and agencies to the developing nations, and at the same time, examine international trade to show that the latter is better off. The study utilized dependency theory of underdevelopment to analyze why foreign aids have not being a spring board for development in developing nations. The paper found out that foreign aids over the years have not engendered development because of the conditionalities attached to such aids which come in the form of grants, loans, assistance etc. These further keep developing nations down as it is difficult to find examples of unequivocal success from receipt of official foreign aids. The reasons are not far-fetched. Since the 1940’s when official foreign aids started flowing, the motive seems to satisfy the donor interests and has little or nothing  to do with egalitarian development and poverty reduction in developing nations. In view of this, international trade is far better to the developing nations, and same should be encouraged despite their disadvantaged position in global capitalist equation. The paper concluded that despite the fact that globalization and neo-liberalism favour the owners of big Corporations, mostly in advanced countries of the world, developing countries can still make some gains from international trade by looking inwards, rather than relying on foreign aids which have not been contributing in alleviating poverty and inequalities, but used to reward military and political allies and to promote private enterprise and unequal free trade.
Relation between Shock Index, Severity of Coronary Artery Disease and Outcomes in ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Sharban Mohamed Salama , Alaarag Ahmed Farouk , Elsaidy Mona Adel , El-Masry Magdy Mohamed
Published: June 2021

Background: Coronary artery disease is considered a major cause of death in both male and female subjects in the developed world and carries a risk of several complications.

Multiple scores have been developed in order to set risk stratification and predict the outcomes for ischemic patients. Another scores have been developed in order to assess the severity of the coronary arteries lesions.

Methods: The prospective cross sectional cohort study included 68 consecutive patients with STEMI; they were divided into two groups based on the shock index at presentation. Group A: included 43 patients with SI ˂0.7. Group B: included 25 patients with SI ˃ 0.7. All participants were subjected to trans-thoracic echocardiography, PPCI, SYNTAX score calculation and follow up during the hospitalization period.

Results: There was a significant myocardial damage in group B supported by the reduced LVEF and elevated serum troponin at presentation. There was a significant more coronary artery lesion severity in group B as assessed by the SYNTAX score. As regard in-hospital outcomes, patients in group B had the worst outcomes during the hospitalization period.

Conclusions: Shock index is a useful and quick tool to predict the severity of the underling coronary artery disease and correlate with the SYNTAX score in patients with STEMI. Shock index is a good indicator of the hemodynamics and the extent of myocardial damage. Shock index is a quick bedside tool with a good prediction value for the in-hospital outcomes in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI.
An inquiry into the beverage of the ancient Caledonians, and other northern nations, at their feasts
Authors: Foulis of Colinton John
Published: June 2021

The early inhabitants of the north-west part of what is now called Scotland, appear evidently not to have been far advanced in those arts which are commonly reckoned the improvements of polished life. A simple race, whose principal care was herds and flocks; their dainties were produced by hunting, and their ordinary drink must have been water, which was supplied by every fountain or stream, or milk, which was procured by little labour. But, as these could only serve to answer the pressing calls to thirst, it is evident that inventive luxury had made them acquainted with some fermented liquor, which was used at festivals and grand entertainments, that dissipated their cares, elevated their spirits, and is called by their poets, The Joy of the Shell. But what that liquor was, of what made, or how prepared, we are left almost entirely in the dark.
Histone demethylase KDM6B inhibits breast cancer metastasis by regulating Wnt/β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Xun Jing , Gao Ruifang , Wang Botao , Li Yifan , Ma Yuan , Guan Jun , Zhang Qi
Published: June 2021

Tumor metastasis remains a major challenge for patients with breast cancer. Aberrant epigenetic factor lysine‐specific demethylase 6B (KDM6B) has been associated with tumor progression. Here, we show that KDM6B is significantly down‐regulated in human breast cancer tissues, and its low expression is associated with poor prognosis of patients with breast cancer. Furthermore, overexpression of KDM6B remarkably inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, migration and epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers of breast cancer cells in vitro and tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Notably, the expression of KDM6B in breast cancer tissues was negatively correlated with that of β‐catenin, and overexpression of KDM6B decreased the expression of β‐catenin and its accumulation in the nucleus of breast cancer cells. Overall, our findings provide novel insights into suppression of metastasis of breast cancer cells by KDM6B via β‐catenin and suggest involvement of the KDM6B‐Wnt/β‐catenin axis in breast cancer progression.
In Situ Embedding Synthesis of Highly Stable CsPbBr3/CsPb2Br5@PbBr(OH) Nano/Microspheres through Water Assisted Strategy
Authors: Du Kaimin , He Lingjun , Song Shuyan , Feng Jing , Li Yao , Zhang Manli , Li Huwei , Li Chengyu , Zhang Hongjie
Published: June 2021

The disappointing stability of perovskites, especially in water, remains a key issue hindering their further commercialization. Here, CsPbBr3/CsPb2Br5@PbBr(OH) (PQDs@PbBr(OH)) nano/microspheres with superior stability and outstanding photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY, ≈98%) are fabricated through a water‐assisted process. The nano/microspheres can maintain excellent photoluminescence (PL) intensity and high PLQY (≈90%) when immersed in water for more than 18 months. By changing the water content in the reaction mixture, the phase, particle size, and PL peaks of the nano/microspheres will change. Compared with CsPbBr3/Cs4PbBr6 nanocrystals synthesized without water, PQDs@PbBr(OH) nano/microspheres exhibit better thermal stability, photostability, and superior stability in water. Based on the first‐principles calculations, the enhanced stability results from PbBr(OH) with high decomposition enthalpy in water, which can effectively prevent water from contacting PQDs embedded in it. Moreover, white light‐emitting diodes are fabricated by mixing green‐emitting PQDs@PbBr(OH) powder and K2SiF6:Mn4+ (KSF) red phosphor on a 460 nm blue chip and the device shows a high luminous efficacy of 101.27 lm W−1 at 10 mA. This work not only provides a reliable method for the facile preparation of ultrastable perovskites, but also has great potentials for future practical applications.
A Novel Nanobody–Photosensitizer Conjugate for Hypoxia Resistant Photoimmunotherapy
Authors: Xiong Tao , Peng Qiang , Chen Yingchao , Li Mingle , Du Jianjun , Fan Jiangli , Jia Lingyun , Peng Xiaojun
Published: June 2021

As a non‐invasive treatment modality, photodynamic therapy has been a potential therapeutic method for metastatic and non‐metastatic tumors. In order to further improve the tumor selectivity, phtotoimmunotherapy (PIT) has been developed recently, which includes antibodies as the active targeting ligands. However, traditional monoclonal antibody‐based PIT suffers from long half‐lives and extended phototoxic side‐effects in vivo. Herein, a type I mechanism‐based photoimmunoconjugate (PIC) is developed by incorporating anti‐EGFR nanobody as the targeting ligand, and benzophenothiazine as the photosensitizer (PS). The small size and robust structure of the nanobody ensures excellent targeting accuracy and efficient renal excretion. Meanwhile, the type I PS is able to circularly transfer oxygen to superoxide radical upon irradiation to overcome hypoxia microenvironment. The PIC showed satisfying phototherapeutic ability both in normoxia and hypoxia, and displayed high selectivity towards tumor in vivo. By combining nanobody and Type I PS, the work presents a novel type of PIC for the precise treatment of tumors with high specificity and potency.
Thermochemotherapy Meets Tissue Engineering for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Authors: Gang Fangli , Zhang Qin , Jiang Le , Xiao Yi , Xu Nan , Wang Yanling , Xiao Yao , Li Aijuan , Liu Ziyu , Liu Bo , Wu Yanglin , Su Xinlin , Perkins Alexander Go , Wu Qiong , Zhang Jiwen , Lin Jun , Sun Xiaodan
Published: June 2021

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that progresses from inflammation to cartilage destruction. Inspired by the similar characteristics of inflammatory granulation tissue to those of tumors, the newly emerged tumor therapy called thermochemotherapy is proposed to treat RA. Meanwhile, the repair of cartilage injury via tissue engineering is paid attention simultaneously. A first‐line antirheumatic drug (MTX; methotrexate) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1) are loaded in nano‐Fe3O4 composite chitosan‐polyolefin to construct a multifunctional hydrogel (DN‐Fe‐MTX‐TGFβ1). The mechanical properties of the hydrogel are equivalent to that of articular cartilage to guarantee its role as a scaffold. A long‐term release ability and the magnetocaloric properties of the hydrogel assure its effect to provide sustained local thermochemotherapy. The effective ability of the hydrogel for both anti‐inflammation and cartilage repair is demonstrated. This work indicates a promising way to combine thermochemotherapy and tissue engineering for the effective treatment of RA for the first time.
The Neuroprotective Effect of MicroRNA‐22‐3p Modified Tetrahedral Framework Nucleic Acids on Damaged Retinal Neurons Via TrkB/BDNF Signaling Pathway
Authors: Li Jiajie , Xiao Lirong , Yan Naihong , Li Yanjing , Wang Yun , Qin Xin , Zhao Dan , Liu Mengting , Li Ni , Lin Yunfeng
Published: June 2021

Glaucoma is the world's leading irreversible cause of blindness. It is characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) loss and axon damage, and there is no effective prevention or treatment so far. In this study, tetrahedral frame nucleic acids (tFNAs) with various biological functions are selected as the carrier, and microRNA‐22‐3p (miR‐22) are modified by attaching them onto tFNAs to synthesize a novel DNA nanocomplex (tFNAs‐miR22). Relevant results show that tFNAs can efficiently transfer miR‐22 into damaged retinal neurons to impose a neuroprotective effect on glaucoma. More interestingly, a certain synergism between tFNAs and miR‐22 is shown. tFNAs‐miR22 can selectively activate tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) and regulate the TrkB‐brain‐derived growth factor (BDNF) signaling pathway to restore the expression of BDNF on the models of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA)‐induced glaucoma in vivo and in vitro, thus exerting the neuroprotective effect on retinal neurons. This study shows the successfully establishment of a simple but effective delivery system of microRNAs associated with glaucoma treatment, which may be a promising neuroprotective agent for future treatment of this optic neurodegenerative disease.
Diamond in the Rough: Toward Improved Materials for the Bone−Implant Interface
Authors: Fong Jessica S. L. , Booth Marsilea A. , Rifai Aaqil , Fox Kate , Gelmi Amy
Published: June 2021

The ability of an orthopedic implant to integrate successfully with the surrounding bone tissue is imperative for optimal patient outcomes. Here, the recent advances and future prospects for diamond‐based coatings of conventional osteo‐implant materials (primarily titanium) are explored. The ability of these diamond coatings to enhance integration into existing bone, improved implant mechanical properties, facilitate surface chemical functionalization, and provide anti‐microbial properties are discussed in context of orthopedic implants. These diamond‐based materials may have the additional benefit of providing an osteo‐inductive effect, enabling better integration into existing bone via stem cell recruitment and bone regeneration. Current and timely research is highlighted to support the discussion and suggestions in further improving implant integration via an osseoinductive effect from the diamond composite materials.
Acidity‐Activatable Dynamic Nanoparticles Boosting Ferroptotic Cell Death for Immunotherapy of Cancer
Authors: Song Rundi , Li Tianliang , Ye Jiayi , Sun Fang , Hou Bo , Saeed Madiha , Gao Jing , Wang Yingjie , Zhu Qiwen , Xu Zhiai , Yu Haijun
Published: June 2021

Immunotherapy shows promising therapeutic potential for long‐term tumor regression. However, current cancer immunotherapy displays a low response rate due to insufficient immunogenicity of the tumor cells. To address these challenges, herein, intracellular‐acidity‐activatable dynamic nanoparticles for eliciting immunogenicity by inducing ferroptosis of the tumor cells are engineered. The nanoparticles are engineered by integrating an ionizable block copolymer and acid‐liable phenylboronate ester (PBE) dynamic covalent bonds for tumor‐specific delivery of the ferroptosis inducer, a glutathione peroxidase 4 inhibitor RSL‐3. The nanoparticles can stably encapsulate RSL‐3 inside the hydrophobic core via π–π stacking interaction with the PBE groups at neutral pH (pH = 7.4), while releasing the payload in the endocytic vesicles (pH = 5.8–6.2) by acidity‐triggered cleavage of the PBE dynamic covalent bonds. Furthermore, the nanoparticles can perform acid‐activatable photodynamic therapy by protonation of the ionizable core, and significantly recruit tumor‐infiltrating T lymphocytes for interferon gamma secretion, and thus sensitize the tumor cells to RSL‐3‐inducible ferroptosis. The combination of nanoparticle‐induced ferroptosis and blockade of programmed death ligand 1 efficiently inhibits growth of B16‐F10 melanoma tumor and lung metastasis of 4T1 breast tumors, suggesting the promising potential of ferroptosis induction for promoting cancer immunotherapy.
Stretchable and Soft Electroadhesion Using Liquid‐Metal Subsurface Microelectrodes
Authors: Park Sungjune , Shintake Jun , Piskarev Yegor , Wei Yuwen , Joshipura Ishan , Frey Ethan , Neumann Taylor , Floreano Dario , Dickey Michael D.
Published: June 2021

Electroadhesion is an attractive mechanism to electrically modulate adhesion to surfaces. Electroadhesion arises from the interaction of electric fields with conductive or dielectric materials. Electroadhesion devices consist of in‐plane, interdigitated electrodes that generate out‐of‐plane electric fields, which increase adhesion with target surfaces. To date, these electrodes have predominantly been composed of carbonaceous materials. Here, liquid metal is utilized to create the electrodes in silicone substrates. Liquid metal can be patterned in a variety of unique ways, including microfluidic injection, spray deposition, or printing. These electrodes have nearly unlimited deformation in soft and stretchable substrates while maintaining metallic conductivity. The experimental results show that stretching improves electroadhesion performance due to the changes in geometry of the electrodes and insulation layer, whose behaviors are theoretically predictable. The use of liquid‐filled, sub‐surface microchannels can help to maintain contact between the elastomer and substrate during peeling due to the surface stresses caused by the capillary pressure. This approach to electroadhesion can be implemented in ultra‐stretchable and soft substrates, including those used in soft robotics, due to the inherently compliant and deformable electrical conductivity of the liquid metal electrodes.
Neighborhood Socioeconomic Deprivation and Depression Symptoms in Adults From the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL)
Authors: Holmgren Jennifer L. , Carlson Jordan A. , Gallo Linda C. , Doede Aubrey L. , Jankowska Marta M. , Sallis James F. , Perreira Krista M. , Andersson Lena M.C. , Talavera Gregory A. , Castaneda Sheila F. , Garcia Melawhy L. , Allison Matthew A.
Published: June 2021

Socioeconomic factors appear to impact mental health conditions such as depression, but little is known about the relative and combined role of neighborhood and personal socioeconomic deprivation among Hispanics/Latinos. This study examined cross‐sectional associations of neighborhood and personal socioeconomic deprivation with depression symptoms in a US Hispanic/Latino population from the San Diego Field Center of the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (n = 3,851). Depression symptoms were assessed with the ten‐item Centers for Epidemiological Studies in Depression Scale. Neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation was a composite of eleven variables (e.g., neighborhood income, education, employment, household crowding). Greater personal socioeconomic deprivation based on education, income, and employment was generally associated with higher depression symptoms, including after adjusting for neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation. Greater neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation was associated with higher depression symptoms in females but not males, but the association in females became non‐significant when adjusting for personal socioeconomic deprivation. Neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation did not significantly interact with personal socioeconomic deprivation in relation to depression symptoms. The present findings support the association of personal socioeconomic status with mental health (indicated by depression symptoms) among Hispanic/Latino populations, whereas neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation did not relate to depression beyond the impact of personal indicators.
Donepezil hydrochloride as a novel inducer for osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells on PLLA scaffolds in vitro
Authors: Soraya Zahra , Ghollasi Marzieh , Halabian Raheleh , Eftekhari Elahe , Tabasi Amin , Salimi Ali
Published: June 2021

Over the past decades, bone defects caused by illness or trauma have been the most common traumatic injuries in humans and treatment of orthopedic infections has always been a serious challenge to experts in the world. In this project, poly L‐lactic acid (PLLA) nanofibrous scaffolds were synthesized as a nontoxic, eco‐friendly, and cost‐effective scaffold by the electrospinning technique. Then, the impact of PLLA on the cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was assayed in the presence and absence of donepezil hydrochloride (DH) which was prescribed in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Also, hMSCs were seeded on PLLA scaffold in the presence (PLLA‐DH) and absence of 1 μg mL‐1of DH under osteogenic induction media. Osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs was assessed by specific bone‐related tests including alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin red and von Kossa staining, calcium content assay. Also, Osteocalcin and osteopontin were evaluated as osteogenic proteins as well as ALP, osteonectin, osteocalcin, collagen type I (Col‐I) and Runx2 as osteogenic genes via immunocytochemistry (ICC) and Real‐time PCR analyses. The obtained data showed the higher ALP enzyme activity and biomineralization, more intensity during von Kossa staining as well as the increase in the expression rate of osteogenic related gene and protein markers in differentiated hMSCs on PLLA‐DH. In conclusion, the present study revealed that the combination of PLLA scaffold with DH provides a scope to develop a suitable matrix in bone tissue engineering applications.
Biohydrogen Machinery: Recent Insights, Genetic Fabrication, and Future Prospects
Authors: Madavi Tanushree Baldeo , Chauhan Sushma , Jha Meenakshi , Choi Kwon-Young , Pamidimarri Sudheer D. V. N.
Published: June 2021

The increase in global carbon footprints forced mankind to look for alternative carbon‐free fuels. Biohydrogen is an ideal fuel, free of carbon footprint, which has the potential to replace fossil fuels. Its high energy content per gram has a great commercial value. Bacteria, cyanobacteria, and algae are developed with various cellular machineries for hydrogen production. Detailed information on these hydrogen‐producing cellular machineries, their mechanism of catalysis, and modern genetic engineering and fabrication studies for the enhancement of hydrogen production are reviewed and discussed.
Peripheral artery disease and clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhu Jianfu , Tan Xiaowei , Zhou Jian Zhong
Published: June 2021

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac rhythm disturbance and leads to morbidity and mortality. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is associated with atherosclerotic risk factors and always classified as a vascular disease and deemed to be a bad complication of AF. In patients with AF, the risk and prognostic value of PAD have not been estimated comprehensively.

Hypothesis

PAD is associated with all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular (CV) mortality, and other outcomes in patients with AF.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for prospective studies published before April 2021 that provided outcomes data on PAD in confirmed patients with AF. Heterogeneity was estimated using the I2 statistic. The fixed‐effects model was used for low to moderate heterogeneity studies, and the random‐effects model was used for high heterogeneity studies.

Results

Eight prospective studies (Newcastle‐Ottawa score range, 7–8) with 39 654 patients were enrolled. We found a significant association between PAD and all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25–1.62; p < .001), CV mortality (HR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.32–2.05; p < .001) and MACE (HR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.38–2.22; p < .001) in patients with AF. No significant relationship was found in major bleeding (HR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.95–1.57; p = 0.118), myocardial infarction (MI) (HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.17–3.67; p = .038), and stroke (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.87–1.50, p = 0.351).

Conclusions

PAD is associated with an increased risk of all‐cause mortality, CV mortality, and MACE in patients with AF. However, no significant association was found with major bleeding, MI, and stroke.
Aliphatic 18F‐Radiofluorination: Recent Advances in the Labeling of Base‐Sensitive Substrates**
Authors: Bratteby Klas , Shalgunov Vladimir , Herth Matthias Manfred
Published: June 2021

Aliphatic fluorine‐18 radiolabeling is the most commonly used method to synthesize tracers for PET‐imaging. With an increasing demand for 18F‐radiotracers for clinical applications, new labeling strategies aiming to increase radiochemical yields of established tracers or, more importantly, to enable 18F‐labeling of new scaffolds have been developed. In recent years, increased attention has been focused on the direct aliphatic 18F‐fluorination of base‐sensitive substrates in this respect. This minireview gives a concise overview of the recent advances within this field and aims to highlight the advantages and limitations of these methods.
A Dual NMR Probe Approach to Understanding the Electronic Properties of N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes
Authors: Barnett Christopher , Cole Marcus L. , Harper Jason B.
Published: June 2021

The electronic properties of a series of imidazolium‐derived N‐heterocyclic carbenes systematically substituted at the 4,5‐positions were investigated through NMR analysis of their palladium and selenone derivatives. This combined approach provided information on both the σ‐donating ability and the π‐accepting ability of the carbenes, allowing correlation with the electronic nature of the substituents on the carbene and providing an understanding of the structural features that affect these properties; in principle, this allows design of related ligands with known electronic parameters. Along with a greater understanding of the electronic properties of this series of carbenes, the work allows a comparison of the utility of both NMR probes based on the information gained, and the differences in requirements for preparation and acquisition. With this in mind, the selenone probe is proposed as being able to provide a wide range of electronic information, along with being relatively easily prepared.
Animal Models of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Smith Paul
Published: June 2021

Animal models with high translational validity are essential tools in understanding disease pathogenesis and in the development of therapeutic strategies. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system characterized by progressive neurological deficits and socioeconomic burden. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the most extensively utilized animal model of MS, with well‐characterized rodent and non‐human primate variants. The EAE model is typically induced by either active immunization with myelin‐derived proteins or peptides in adjuvant or by passive transfer of activated myelin‐specific CD4+ T lymphocytes. To date, the EAE model has been an essential tool in the development of at least seven U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)−approved immunomodulatory drugs for the treatment of MS, including glatiramer acetate, fingolimod, and natalizumab. However, the translational validity of the EAE model is frequently compromised due to poor study design, inconsistent clinical scoring endpoints, and inappropriate statistical calculations. No single animal model accurately reflects the complexity of human MS pathogenesis. Beyond EAE, multiple additional animal models are described, including Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus and cuprizone‐induced demyelination, which facilitate the study of pathogen‐induced CNS autoimmunity and remyelination, respectively. This overview summarizes several of the most frequently used animal models of MS and highlights key factors that significantly influence the experimental outcome and affect translational validity. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Seasonal patterns of taxonomic and functional beta diversity in submerged macrophytes at a fine scale
Authors: Wang Hao , Fu Hui , Wen Zihao , Yuan Changbo , Zhang Xiaolin , Ni Leyi , Cao Te
Published: June 2021

Spatiotemporal variation in community composition is of considerable interest in ecology. However, few studies have focused on seasonal variation patterns in taxonomic and functional community composition at the fine scale. As such, we conducted seasonal high‐density sampling of the submerged macrophyte community in Hongshan Bay of Erhai Lake in China and used the generalized dissimilarity model (GDM) to evaluate the effects of environmental factors and geographic distance on taxonomic and functional beta diversity as well as corresponding turnover and nestedness components. At the fine scale, taxonomic turnover and nestedness as well as functional turnover and nestedness showed comparable contributions to corresponding taxonomic and functional beta diversity, with different importance across seasons. All taxonomic and functional dissimilarity metrics showed seasonal variation. Of note, taxonomic beta diversity was highest in summer and lowest in winter, while functional beta diversity showed the opposite pattern. Taxonomic and functional turnover showed similar change patterns as taxonomic and functional beta diversity. Taxonomic nestedness was low in summer and high in winter. Functional nestedness was also lower in summer. These results suggest that under extreme environmental conditions, both turnover and nestedness can exist at the fine scale and seasonal community composition patterns in submerged macrophytes should be considered. Future investigations on community assembly mechanisms should pay greater attention to long‐term dynamic characteristics and functional information.
Preferential Formation of Side‐Pocket‐Substituted Zinc Phthalocyanines Emitting Beyond 800 nm
Authors: McKearney Declan , Roberts Ryan J. , Mitchell Devon , Cheung Jeffrey C. F. , Williams Vance E. , Leznoff Daniel B.
Published: June 2021

A series of zinc (1,4,8,11,15,18,22,25‐octabutoxy)phthalocyanine (2) complexes that spontaneously form 5‐coordinate complexes with anionic axial ligands neutralized with side‐pocket cations, of the form Cation‐PcZnX (X=Cl, OAc; Cation=H+ or Li+), was synthesized and structurally characterized. The side‐pocket protonation of the axial‐chloride species pushed the emission maximum from 760 nm (for axial ligand‐free 2) to 826 nm, well into the NIR region. A 1D‐coordinated chain bridged by lithium and chloride atoms was isolated and structurally characterized, representing the first side‐pocket metalated PcM species. This preferential formation of axially substituted [PcZnX]− “ate” complexes and their sequestration of both protons and lithium cations, opens a new series of materials with unique structural and electronic properties. Furthermore, their ability to both absorb and emit in the NIR region makes them desirable for numerous applications.
Form-Specific and Probabilistic Environmental Risk Assessment of 3 Engineered Nanomaterials (Nano-Ag, Nano-TiO2, and Nano-ZnO) in European Freshwaters
Authors: Hong Hyunjoo , Adam Véronique , Nowack Bernd
Published: June 2021

The release of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) to the environment necessitates an assessment of their environmental risks. The currently available environmental risk assessments (ERA) for ENMs are based on an analysis of the total flows of a specific ENM to the environment and on ecotoxicity studies performed with pristine ENMs. It is known that ENMs undergo transformation during product use and release and in technical systems such as wastewater treatment. The aim of the present study was therefore to perform an ERA of 3 ENMs (nano-Ag, nano-TiO2, and nano-ZnO) based on a form-specific release model and a form-specific analysis of ecotoxicological data. Predicted environmental concentration values were derived using a form-specific material flow model. Species sensitivity distributions were used to derive predicted-no-effect concentrations (PNECs) for the pristine ENMs and for dissolved and transformed Ag and ZnO. For all ENMs, the matrix-embedded form was included in the assessment. A probabilistic assessment was applied, yielding final probability distributions for the risk characterization ratio (RCR). For nano-Ag, the form-specific assessment resulted in a decrease of the mean RCR from 0.061 for the approach neglecting the different release forms to 0.034 because of the much lower PNEC of transformed Ag. Likewise, for nano-ZnO, the form-specific approach reduced the mean RCR from 1.2 to 0.86. For nano-TiO2, the form-specific assessment did not change the mean RCR of 0.026. This analysis shows that a form-specific approach can have an influence on the assessment of the environmental risks of ENMs and that, given the availability of form-specific release models, an updated ERA for ENMs can be performed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2629–2639. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
The effect of incorporating herbal (Lippia javanica) infusion on the phenolic, physicochemical, and sensorial properties of fruit wine
Authors: Chawafambira Armistice
Published: June 2021

The use of medicinal herbs in food processing to improve food quality and human health is growing in sub‐Saharan Africa. Herbal infusions have perceived medicinal benefits. This study investigated the effect of incorporating L. javanica extract on the phenolic, physicochemical, and sensory properties of a Uapaca kirkiana fruit‐based wine. The fruit and L. javanica were analyzed for proximate, pH, total soluble sugars (TSS), total sugar, titratable acidity, phenolics, and antioxidant activity (AOA). The prepared substrate was fermented at optimized fermentation temperature of 23°C, pH of 3.4, inoculum concentration of 9.5% (v/v) (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), and L. javanica extract concentration of 10% (v/v). The produced wine had a pH, total sugar, TSS, total acidity, and vitamin C content of 3.1 ± 0.2, 3.0 ± 0.1 g/L, 4.8 ± 0.1%, 5.9 ± 0.01 g/L, and 4.4 ± 0.1 mg/100 g, respectively. The wine had 12.2 ± 2.1 mg GAE/g, 0.06 ± 0.01 mg/g, and 1.8 ± 1.1 mg CE/g total phenols, tannins, and flavonoids, respectively. The alcohol, free sulfur dioxide (SO2), AOA, and color values of the produced wine were 10.2 ± 0.1 alcohol by volume (ABV)%, 58.1 ± 1.2 mg/L, 73.1 ± 0.1 EC50 mg/L, and 40.4 ± 2.1% yellow, respectively. The flavor, color, and overall acceptance of the produced wine were rated as “good” and were significantly different (p < .05) from control wine. The addition of L. javanica extracts enhanced total phenol, color, and sensory properties of the wine. The utilization of U. kirkiana fruit by incorporating L. javanica infusion can reduce postharvest losses and improve nutrition and health.
Detection of mental fatigue state using heart rate variability and eye metrics during simulated flight
Authors: Qin Hao , Zhou Xiaozhou , Ou Xuhan , Liu Yue , Xue Chenqi
Published: June 2021

Pilot mental fatigue is a growing concern in the aviation field due to its significant contributions to human errors and aviation accidents. Long work hours, sleep loss, circadian rhythm disruption, and workload are well‐known reasons, but there is a need to accurately detect pilot mental fatigue to improve aviation safety. However, due to the highly restricted cockpit environment and the complex nature of mental fatigue, feasible in‐flight detection remains under‐investigated. The objective of this study is to define a promising approach for mental fatigue detection based on psychophysiological measurements in flying‐relevant environments. Eleven participants engaged in a simulated flight experiment, where several conventional heart rate variability (HRV) and ocular indices were examined to study their relevance to mental fatigue. Additionally, a Toeplitz Inverse Covariance‐Based Clustering (TICC) method was performed to determine the ground truth, after which supervised machine learning was adopted to enable automated mental fatigue detection using HRV and eye metrics. Results showed that HRV and eye metrics were sensitive to the mental fatigue induced by prolonged flight‐relevant tasks. The TICC method helped determine the ground truth for mental fatigue and identify its three distinct levels. Furthermore, a supervised learning‐based detection of mental fatigue was achieved using a support vector machine with the greatest detection accuracy of 91.8%. The findings and methodology of this study provide new insights into the fatigue countermeasures in restricted cockpit environment and lay the groundwork for further explorations into the mental fatigue induced by prolonged flight missions.
Hydrological and catchment controls on event‐scale dissolved organic carbon dynamics in boreal headwater streams
Authors: Ducharme Adrienne A. , Casson Nora J. , Higgins Scott N. , Friesen‐Hughes Karl
Published: June 2021

Hydrological events transport large proportions of annual or seasonal dissolved organic carbon (DOC) loads from catchments to streams. The timing, magnitude and intensity of these events are very sensitive to changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, particularly across the boreal region where snowpacks are declining and summer droughts are increasing. It is important to understand how landscape characteristics modulate event‐scale DOC dynamics in order to scale up predictions from sites across regions, and to understand how climatic changes will influence DOC dynamics across the boreal forest. The goal of this study was to assess variability in DOC concentrations in boreal headwater streams across catchments with varying physiographic characteristics (e.g., size, proportion of wetland) during a range of hydrological events (e.g., spring snowmelt, summer/fall storm events). From 2016 to 2017, continuous discharge and sub‐daily chemistry grab samples were collected from three adjacent study catchments located at the International Institute for Sustainable Development‐Experimental Lakes Area in northwestern Ontario, Canada. Catchment differences were more apparent in summer and fall events and less apparent during early spring melt events. Hysteresis analysis suggested that DOC sources were proximal to the stream for all events at a catchment dominated by a large wetland near the outlet, but distal from the stream at the catchments that lacked significant wetland coverage during the summer and fall. Wetland coverage also influenced responses of DOC export to antecedent moisture; at the wetland‐dominated catchment, there were consistent negative relationships between DOC concentrations and antecedent moisture, while at the catchments without large wetlands, the relationships were positive or not significant. These results emphasize the utility of sub‐daily sampling for inferring catchment DOC transport processes, and the importance of considering catchment‐specific factors when predicting event‐scale DOC behaviour.
Attention profiles following preterm birth: A review of methods and findings from infancy to adulthood
Authors: Ginnell Lorna , Boardman James P. , Reynolds Rebecca M. , Fletcher‐Watson Sue
Published: June 2021

Children born preterm are at increased risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and subclinical attention problems. The ADHD profile that presents following prematurity has been characterized by inattention without impulsivity or hyperactivity. This supports the existence of a preterm attentional phenotype. This review aims to examine the preterm attentional profile regarding three attention networks: alerting, orienting, and executive attention, and to survey the methods used for measuring attention networks. We conclude that prematurity is associated with impairments in the attention networks, but a robust and detailed articulation of a distinctive preterm attention phenotype cannot be ascertained from the available data. Future research should focus on addressing methodological challenges associated with measuring attention, protocol harmonization, open data sharing, and longitudinal studies utilizing a variety of measurement types. Delineating the developmental trajectory of attention will improve understanding of the pathway from prematurity to attentional problems including ADHD and guide interventions.
Measurement invariance of the Phubbing Scale across 20 countries
Authors: Błachnio Agata , Przepiórka Aneta , Gorbaniuk Oleg , Bendayan Rebecca , McNeill Monika , Angeluci Alan , Abreu Ana Maria , Ben‐Ezra Menachem , Benvenuti Martina , Blanca Maria J. , Brkljacic Tihana , Babić Nenad Čuš , Gorbaniuk Julia , Holdoš Juraj , Ivanova Ana , Karadağ Engin , Malik Sadia , Mazzoni Elvis , Milanovic Anita , Musil Bojan , Pantic Igor , Rando Belen , Seidman Gwendolyn , D'Souza Lancy , Vanden Abeele Mariek M. P. , Wołońciej Mariusz , Wu Anise M. S. , Yu Shu
Published: June 2021

Mobile phone addiction is a robust phenomenon observed throughout the world. The social aspect of mobile phone use is crucial; therefore, phubbing is a part of the mobile phone addiction phenomenon. Phubbing is defined as ignoring an interlocutor by glancing at one's mobile phone during a face‐to‐face conversation. The main aim of this study was to investigate how the Phubbing Scale (containing 10 items) might vary across countries, and between genders. Data were collected in 20 countries: Belarus, Brazil, China, Croatia, Ecuador, India, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, UK, Ukraine and USA. The mean age across the sample (N = 7696, 65.8% women, 34.2% men) was 25.32 years (SD = 9.50). The cross‐cultural invariance of the scale was investigated using multigroup confirmatory factor analyses (MGCFA) as well as the invariance analyses. Additionally, data from each country were assessed individually via confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs). We obtained two factors, based on only eight of the items: (a) communication disturbances and (b) phone obsession. The 8 items Phubbing Scale.