bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical performance of ASTA SepsiPrep kit in direct bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility test using MicroIDSys Elite and VITEK‐2 system
Authors: Yoo In Young , Han Jayho , Ha Sung Il , Cha Young Jong , Pil Shin Dong , Park Yeon‐Joon
Published: May 2021

Background

Rapid and accurate microbial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) are essential for timely use of appropriate antimicrobial agents for bloodstream infection. To shorten the time for isolating colonies from the positive blood culture, various preparation methods for direct identification using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) system were developed. Here, we evaluated the SepsiPrep kit (ASTA Corp.) for direct identification of microorganisms and AST from positive blood cultures using MicroIDSys Elite MALDI‐TOF MS system (ASTA Corp.) and VITEK‐2 system (bioMérieux).

Methods

For direct identification, a total of 124 prospective monomicrobial positive blood culture bottles were included. For direct identification, the pellet was prepared by centrifugation and washing twice. For direct AST, the pellet was suspended in 0.45% saline and adjusted to McFarland 0.5. The results from the direct identification and AST using MicroIDSys Elite and VITEK‐2 system were compared to those from the conventional method performed with pure colony subcultured on agar plate.

Results

Compared to the conventional method using pure colony, correct direct identification rate was 96.5% and 98.5% for 57 gram‐positive isolates and 67 gram‐negative isolates, respectively. For direct AST, among the 55 gram‐positive isolates, the categorical agreement (CA) for staphylococci, streptococci, and enterococci was 96.7%, 98.4%, and 94.1%, respectively. For 66 gram‐negative isolates, the CA for Enterobacterales and non‐fermentative gram‐negative rods was 99.0% and 96.6%, respectively.

Conclusions

The SepsiPrep kit was easy to use combined with MicroIDSys Elite and VITEK‐2 system and also, the correct identification and AST rate were very high.
Simultaneous detection of Marburg virus and Ebola virus with TaqMan‐based multiplex real‐time PCR method
Authors: Yu Zhikang , Wu Heming , Huang Qingyan , Zhong Zhixiong
Published: May 2021

Background

Marburg virus (MARV) and Ebola virus (EBOV) are acute infections with high case fatality rates. It is of great significance for epidemic monitoring and prevention and control of infectious diseases by the development of a rapid, specific, and sensitive quantitative PCR method to detect two pathogens simultaneously.

Methods

Primers and TaqMan probes were designed according to highly conserved sequences of these viruses. Sensitivity, specificity, linear range, limit of detection, and the effects of hemolysis and lipid on real‐time qPCR were evaluated.

Results

The linearity of the curve allowed quantification of nucleic acid concentrations in range from 103 to 109 copies/ml per reaction (MARV and EBOV). The limit of detection of EBOV was 40 copies/ml, and MARV was 100 copies/ml. It has no cross‐reaction with other pathogens such as hepatitis b virus (HBV), hepatitis c virus (HCV), human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Repeatability analysis of the two viruses showed that their coefficient of variation (CV) was less than 5.0%. The above results indicated that fluorescence quantitative PCR could detect EBOV and MARV sensitively and specifically.

Conclusions

The TaqMan probe‐based multiplex fluorescence quantitative PCR assays could detect EBOV and MARV sensitively specifically and simultaneously.
White blood cells and platelet profiles of diabetic patients at University of Gondar specialized referral hospital: A comparative cross‐sectional study
Authors: Adane Tiruneh , Asrie Fikir , Getaneh Zegeye , Getawa Solomon
Published: May 2021

Background

Altered level of many hematological parameters such as white blood cells (WBC) and platelet function has been observed in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the WBC and platelet profiles and their association with anthropometric measurement and blood pressure in DM patients and healthy controls.

Method

A comparative cross‐sectional study was conducted on a total of 246 participants at the University of Gondar Specialized Referral Hospital. Venous blood with K2 EDTA anticoagulant was drawn and analyzed by using Sysmex KX21N hematology analyzers for WBC and platelet parameters. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Results were presented as frequency and mean ± standard deviation (SD). The independent sample t test was used to compare quantitative variables between DM and control groups. The bivariate (spearman's rank) correlation was used to analyze continuous variables. A p‐value ˂ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results

The mean platelet count was significantly higher among diabetics (252.77 ± 77.7) compared to non‐diabetic controls (208.22 ± 68), p < 0.001. Similarly, the total WBC count was higher among DM patients (6.95 ± 2.23) than in the controls (6.15 ± 1.95), p = 0.04. A significant negative correlation was also found between neutrophil and duration of illness in DM patients. Besides, there is a significant positive correlation between WBC and lymphocyte number with systolic blood pressure (SBP) in DM patients.

Conclusion

Platelet and WBC count were significantly higher in DM patients than in the controls. Therefore, routine screening and profile checking of those abnormal indices is recommended to minimize DM‐related complications.
Family history of any cancer for childhood leukemia patients in Sweden
Authors: Li Xinjun , Sundquist Kristina , Sundquist Jan , Försti Asta , Hemminki Kari
Published: May 2021

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood leukemia, while the other types, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are much rarer. While data on familial risks for childhood ALL have been emerging, such data for the other childhood leukemias are hardly available. We aim to fill in the gap of knowledge by assessing familial clustering of each childhood leukemia with childhood and adult leukemia and with any cancer. We identified 4461 childhood leukemias from the Swedish Cancer Registry and obtained their family members from the Multigeneration Register. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were 3.34 for singleton siblings both diagnosed with ALL before age 20 years and 1.64 for those who had a family member diagnosed with ALL in adult age. Other childhood leukemias showed no familial risk, but childhood ALL risk was increased to 1.40 when adult family members were diagnosed with CLL. Childhood ALL was associated with endometrial cancer, and female ALL patients showed increased risk when family members were diagnosed with testicular cancer, melanoma, and skin squamous cell carcinoma. Childhood CLL was associated with rectal cancer, and childhood AML was associated with pancreatic and bladder cancers. As most of these associations are reported for the first time, there is a need to replicate the findings from independent sources.
Unskilled But Aware of It? Cluster Analysis of Creative Metacognition from Preschool Age to Early Adulthood
Authors: Urban Marek , Urban Kamila
Published: May 2021

The unskilled and unaware effect occurs when low‐performing individuals overestimate their performance, while high performers underestimate it. The aim of the present study was to examine an occurrence of the unskilled and unaware effect in a self‐assessment of creative performance, linking this phenomenon to creative metacognition (CMC) research. 262 participants from four educational stages (preschool, elementary school, high school, and undergraduate) performed an alternative uses task and evaluated their performance using self‐ and comparative judgments. A non‐hierarchical cluster analysis of creative performance, judgments, and metacognitive accuracy was able to identify three separate clusters: an overestimating group of unskilled and unaware participants (27.1%), an underestimating group of skilled and unaware participants (44.3%), and, surprisingly, a group of unskilled but aware participants (28.6%). All three groups were present throughout the entire sample, from preschoolers to university students, but the distribution had developed with age. The most unskilled and unaware participants were in the group of preschoolers, while there were the most skilled but unaware among the university students. The findings are discussed in the context of creative metacognition and creative self‐efficacy research.
Evaluation of the fibrosis‐4 index for detection of advanced fibrosis among individuals at risk for intestinal failure–associated liver disease
Authors: Micic Dejan , Huard Genevieve , Lee Sang Mee , Fiel M. Isabel , Moon Jang , Schiano Thomas D. , Iyer Kishore
Published: April 2021

Background

Intestinal failure–associated liver disease (IFALD) refers to the spectrum of liver injury secondary to IF and parenteral nutrition use. Our aim was to evaluate the use of noninvasive indices of liver fibrosis to detect advanced fibrosis among individuals at risk for IFALD.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of a retrospective study, including all liver biopsies performed on individuals undergoing intestinal transplantation (ITx) between January 2000 and May 2014. To determine the clinical utility of detecting advanced fibrosis, receiver operating characteristic curves were developed. Comparison between the area under the curves was performed by DeLong test.

Results

Fifty‐three patients had a liver biopsy performed at the time of ITx; 13 of 53 (24.5%) patients had advanced fibrosis. The fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index positively correlated to the stage of fibrosis on liver biopsy (r = 0.426, P = .002). When compared against the FIB‐4 index, the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index had a significantly decreased ability to correctly identify the presence of advanced fibrosis (P = .019). When determining the cutoff value with 90% specificity for the detection of advanced fibrosis, a FIB‐4 index of ≥4.4 had a sensitivity of 0.462 and a positive predictive value of 0.6.

Conclusion

In this retrospective cohort study, we found a positive correlation between the FIB‐4 index and the liver fibrosis stage as characterized by the Brunt classification. This evaluation of the FIB‐4 index against liver biopsies supports the use of the FIB‐4 index in the detection of liver fibrosis in IF.
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds in blueberries and protective effects on hydrogen peroxide‐induced cell injury
Authors: Wang Chen , Zhang Minna , Wu Limin , Wang Fang , Li Lingxi , Zhang Shuting , Sun Baoshan
Published: May 2021

This work was conducted to optimize an accelerated solvent extraction for ultra high performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analysis of blueberry phenolic compounds. The conditions for accelerated solvent extraction were verified using response surface methodology to obtain the following optimized conditions: ethanol concentration (pH = 3), 48%; temperature, 50℃, and static cycle times, 3. Further, ultra high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry and ultra high performance liquid chromatography with triple‐quadrupole tandem mass methods for determination of the detailed phenolic composition were developed and validated. Total of 81 phenolic compounds were identified by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry including 23 anthocyanins, 32 flavonols, 11 proanthocyanidins, 2 other flavonoids, and 13 phenolic acids. Fifty‐one of these compounds have been simultaneously quantified by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with triple‐quadrupole tandem mass including 31 anthocyanins, 8 flavonols, 6 proanthocyanidins, 2 other flavonoids, and 8 phenolic acids. Malvidin‐dinhexoside has, for the first time, been detected in wild. Moreover, by verifying the protection on PC12 cells against oxidative damage, it was showed that the phenolic extracts (500 µg/mL) can improve significantly the viability (9.26‐24.78%) of hydrogen peroxide‐induced PC12 cells, activities of superoxide dismutase (34.59‐37.90 U/mg) and glutathione peroxidase (6.87‐14.42 mU/mg) and decrease the content of malonic dialdehyde (13.27‐24.62 nmol/mg). Correlation analysis suggested that anthocyanins might contribute most to these activities.
Photoresponsive molecularly imprinted polymers based on 4‐[(4‐methacryloyloxy)phenylazo] benzenesulfonic acid for the determination of sulfamethazine
Authors: Huang Weihong , Si Haojie , Zhang Liming , Yin Xifeng , Ji Zehua , Ni Xiaoni , Xu Wanzhen
Published: April 2021

Core–shell structured photoresponsive molecularly imprinted polymers were developed for the determination of sulfamethazine in milk samples. The photoresponsive imprinted polymers were prepared with polymethyl methacrylate containing a mass of ester groups as core, sulfamethazine as template molecules, self‐synthesized water‐soluble 4‐[(4‐methacryloyloxy)phenylazo] benzenesulfonic acid as a photoresponsive monomer, and ethylene dimethacrylate as cross‐linker. Interestingly, the imprinted polymer can specifically adsorb sulfamethazine under dark and 440 nm irradiation, and release it at 365 nm. A series of adsorption experiments showed that the maximum adsorption capacity reached 12.5 mg⋅g–1, and the adsorption equilibrium was achieved within 80 min. Moreover, the imprinted polymers display excellent reusability, with almost no performance loss after four times photo‐controlled adsorption‐release cycles, and the imprinted polymers have excellent selectively for sulfamethazine (imprinting factor  = 3.01). In the end, the imprinted polymers realized effective separation and enrichment of sulfamethazine in milk, with a recovery rate of over 97.5%. The material can be used as a solid‐phase extractant in the process of enrichment and separation for the quantitative detection of sulfamethazine in milk samples.
Combining Occurrence and Habitat Suitability Data Improve Conservation Guidance for the Giant Kangaroo Rat
Authors: Semerdjian Alyssa E. , Butterfield H. Scott , Stafford Robert , Westphal Michael F. , Bean William T.
Published: April 2021

Identifying high‐quality habitat (i.e., areas with resources and conditions suitable to support long‐term species persistence) is a priority for conservation, but estimating habitat quality is expensive and time consuming. Instead managers often rely on occurrence data or models of habitat suitability, but these data are only proximally related to individual and population persistence on the landscape. In most habitat suitability modeling studies, researchers treat the model as a hypothesis and the occurrence data as the truth. But occurrence does not always correlate with habitat as expected; therefore, occurrence data may be unreliable. We propose that suitability models and occurrence data be given equal weight to highlight areas of disagreement for future demographic study. To highlight this approach, we used the giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens) as a case study because their distinct burrow mounds allow for remote monitoring of short‐term presence and long‐term persistence. We conducted trapping, manned aerial surveys, and aerial imagery surveys in the San Joaquin Desert in California, USA, between 2001 and 2017 and compared the results to an existing habitat suitability model to provide estimates of long‐term persistence based on the presence of burrow mounds made by giant kangaroo rats. We treated areas of positive agreement as priorities for habitat conservation and areas of negative agreement as areas managers could ignore. Remaining areas should be prioritized for additional occupancy and demographic studies. From an initial area of 17,385 km2, we identified 668 km2of currently occupied high‐quality habitat. Of this, just 135 km2was on private land and therefore requiring protection. We classified 1,498 km2(8.6%) for additional research. Of that area, 744 km2was flagged for additional occupancy surveys. Our 3 data sets disagreed over 754 km2, suggesting a need for further demographic studies to reveal important population‐habitat relationships for the species in those areas. This approach can be useful as part of any habitat conservation exercise for prioritizing protection or targeting future demographic studies. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Potential of Unconventional Seed Oils and Fats from West African Trees: A Review of Fatty Acid Composition and Perspectives
Authors: Lykke Anne Mette , Gregersen Sandra Beyer , Padonou Elie Antoine , Bassolé Imael Henri Nestor , Dalsgaard Trine Kastrup
Published: May 2021

Seed oils sourced from West Africa are generally not well‐characterized, but likely to have an untapped potential. This review aims to make an overview of fatty acid (FA) composition of unconventional seed oils from semi‐arid West African trees and evaluate potential for new and enhanced uses and for improving local livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. A total of 111 studies on FA composition were found, covering 31 species. Only 69 of the studies (62%) were included in the review, as 38% had unreliable or incomplete results. There was a clear link between taxonomic kinship and FA composition. Over 20 potentially interesting and underexploited oils were found, including oils with properties similar to palm oil, olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and cotton seed oil. About half of the oils have promising potential for cosmetics. One third of the oils were relatively saturated, indicating properties for structuring food and heat resistance. Most of the species had multiple uses and oil production could be profitable in co‐production with other non‐timber forest products. Furthermore, establishment of sustainable oil production and domestication of oil trees could promote biodiversity conservation. Enhanced oil production in semi‐arid West Africa is promising, but several practical constraints remain to be overcome.
Role of small Rhizaria and diatoms in the pelagic silica production of the Southern Ocean
Authors: Llopis Monferrer Natalia , Leynaert Aude , Tréguer Paul , Gutiérrez‐Rodríguez Andrés , Moriceau Brivaela , Gallinari Morgane , Latasa Mikel , L'Helguen Stéphane , Maguer Jean‐François , Safi Karl , Pinkerton Matthew H. , Not Fabrice
Published: May 2021

We examined biogenic silica production and elementary composition (biogenic Si, particulate organic carbon and particulate organic nitrogen) of Rhizaria and diatoms in the upper 200 m along a transect in the Southwest Pacific sector of the Southern Ocean during austral summer (January–February 2019). From incubations using the 32Si radioisotope, silicic acid uptake rates were measured at 15 stations distributed in the Polar Front Zone, the Southern Antarctic Circumpolar Current and the Ross Sea Gyre. Rhizaria cells are heavily silicified (up to 7.6 nmol Si cell−1), displaying higher biogenic Si content than similar size specimens found in other areas of the global ocean, suggesting a higher degree of silicification of these organisms in the silicic acid rich Southern Ocean. Despite their high biogenic Si and carbon content, the Si/C molar ratio (average of 0.05 ± 0.03) is quite low compared to that of diatoms and relatively constant regardless of the environmental conditions. The direct measurements of Rhizaria's biogenic Si production (0.8–36.8 μmol Si m−2 d−1) are of the same order of magnitude than previous indirect estimations, confirming the importance of the Southern Ocean for the global Rhizaria silica production. However, diatoms largely dominated the biogenic Si standing stock and production of the euphotic layer, with low rhizarians' abundances and biogenic Si production (no more than 1%). In this manuscript, we discuss the Antarctic paradox of Rhizaria, that is, the potential high accumulation rates of biogenic Si due to Rhizaria in siliceous sediments despite their low production rates in surface waters.
Developing a systematic approach to assessing data quality in secondary use of clinical data based on intended use
Authors: Razzaghi Hanieh , Greenberg Jane , Bailey L. Charles
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Secondary use of electronic health record (EHR) data for research requires that the data are fit for use. Data quality (DQ) frameworks have traditionally focused on structural conformance and completeness of clinical data extracted from source systems. In this paper, we propose a framework for evaluating semantic DQ that will allow researchers to evaluate fitness for use prior to analyses.

Methods

We reviewed current DQ literature, as well as experience from recent multisite network studies, and identified gaps in the literature and current practice. Derived principles were used to construct the conceptual framework with attention to both analytic fitness and informatics practice.

Results

We developed a systematic framework that guides researchers in assessing whether a data source is fit for use for their intended study or project. It combines tools for evaluating clinical context with DQ principles, as well as factoring in the characteristics of the data source, in order to develop semantic DQ checks.

Conclusions

Our framework provides a systematic process for DQ development. Further work is needed to codify practices and metadata around both structural and semantic data quality.
Direct Determination of Interchain Transfer Constants of Benzyl Acrylate to Poly(Ethyl Acrylate) by RAFT Polymerization and Polymer Chromatography
Authors: Li Xiaohua , Xue Yang , Ma Xinyu , Guo Ruiwei
Published: May 2021

Interchain transfer is an important side reaction in radical polymerization of acrylates and has significant effects on both reaction kinetics and the resulting polymer microstructures. In this study, an effective method for direct determination of the interchain transfer constant (Ctr) is established via the combination of RAFT polymerization of a monomer in the presence of another prepared polymer and subsequent separation using polymer chromatography. The Ctr of benzyl acrylate (BzA) to poly(ethyl acrylate) (PEA) is determined with benzyl N‐carbazole dithiocarbamate (BCBD) as the RAFT agent and the effects of polymerization recipe, such as BzA/BCBD mole ratios, BzA/PEA mass ratios, and solvent amounts on Ctr determination investigated. The results indicate that interchain transfer reactions show clear short chain radical effects in early stage of RAFT polymerization and the experimental recipes have little influence on the determination. The Ctr values are in the range of 1–2 × 10−4 at 90–120 °C and the activation energy of Ctr at 47.8 kJ mol−1.
Reactive Surfactants for Achieving Open‐Cell PolyHIPE Foams from Pickering Emulsions
Authors: Berezovska Inna , Kapilov Katya , Dhavalikar Prachi , Cosgriff‐Hernandez Elizabeth , Silverstein Michael S.
Published: May 2021

PolyHIPEs, highly porous polymers synthesized within high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs), emulsions with over 74% internal phase, are of interest for applications such as absorbents, reaction supports, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Typically, the surfactant contents for HIPE stabilization are relatively high, ranging from 20 to 30 wt% of the external phase, with the monomers usually being the remainder. One drawback of using surfactants for these applications is the potential for leachables, necessitating intensive purification processes for their removal. Pickering HIPEs, HIPEs stabilized using amphiphilic solid nanoparticles that spontaneously migrate to the oil–water interface, can be used as an alternative HIPE stabilization strategy. Although nanoparticles can add surface functionality advantageous for the application, polyHIPEs from Pickering HIPEs often lack the interconnecting holes needed for the high permeability required for such applications. This work describes a successful approach for designing an HIPE stabilization system that is based on a combination of nanoparticles and reactive surfactants and that generates the desired surface functionality, an interconnected porous structure, and a low leachable content. Such an approach can extend the applicative utility of such polyHIPEs by circumventing the need for extensive purification.
High‐Performance All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitor Electrode Materials Using Freestanding Electrospun Carbon Nanofiber Mats of Polyacrylonitrile and Novolac Blends
Authors: Wang He , Wang Hongjie , Ruan Fangtao , Wei Anfang , Feng Quan
Published: May 2021

Herein, this paper reports a facile method to prepare electrospun carbon nanofiber mats (ECNFMs) with high specific surface area and interconnected structure using polyacrylonitrile (PAN) as a precursor and novolac resin (NOC) as a polymer sacrificial pore‐making agent. Without additional treatment, the prepared ECNFMs have a highly porous structure because NOC decomposes in a wider temperature range than most polymer activators. The NOC content in the PAN nanofibers shows important effects on porosity. The BET specific surface area of ECNFMs reaches a maximum of 1468 m2 g−1 when the precursor nanofibers contained 30 wt% NOC (ECNFM‐3) after carbonization at 1000 °C. The supercapacitor device from ECNFM‐3 electrode and all‐solid‐state electrolyte shows excellent cycling durability and high specific capacitance: ≈99.72% capacitance retention after 10 000 charge/discharge cycles and ≈320 mF cm−2 at 0.25 mA cm−2. Furthermore, it shows a large energy density of ≈11.1 Wh cm−2 under the power density of 500 mW m−2. Activation of carbon nanofibers simply by the addition of NOC into precursor nanofibers can offer a handy way to prepare ECNFMs for high‐performance all‐solid‐state supercapacitors and other potential applications.
Fabrication of Cellulose Nanofiber/Reduced Graphene Oxide/Nitrile Rubber Flexible Films Using Pickering Emulsion Technology for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding and Piezoresistive Sensor
Authors: Wang Yanan , Guan Yupeng , Liao Daogui , He Yingying , Li Shuai , Zhou Li , Yu Chuanbai , Chen Yunhua , Liu Yuanli , Liu Hongxia
Published: April 2021

With the rapid development of flexible electronics, the demand for flexible electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials is increasing. This study develops a new green and effective strategy, consisting of graphene oxide (GO) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) co‐stabilized Pickering emulsion combined with hot‐pressing technology, to prepare flexible and conductive nitrile rubber (NBR) composite films. The composite films consist of a 3D network conductive skeleton structure of reduced GO (RGO) and an isolated NBR structure. This specific design results in a maximum high conductivity of 99 S m−1, which is higher by an order of magnitude compared with that of the composites obtained using the traditional solution blending method, and a stable EMI shielding effectiveness of 25.81 dB in the X band. The introduction of the flexible NBR results in the excellent flexibility and structural strength of the composite film, and exhibits a decrease of 2.51% in the EMI shielding efficacy after 5000 cycles. As a piezoresistive sensor for wearable devices, the CNF‐RGO/NBR flexible film can hold precise current signals and respond to finger motion. The findings of this study can provide new insights for the design of conductive and flexible composites as wearable and portable medical equipment and electronic devices.
Synthesis and Post‐Polymerization Modification of Poly(N‐(4‐Vinylphenyl)Sulfonamide)s
Authors: Molle Edgar , Mutlu Hatice , Theato Patrick
Published: May 2021

Herein, a straightforward synthesis of a novel class of polymers, that is, poly(N‐(4‐vinylphenyl)sulfonamide)s, and their monomers is reported. A set of monomers with varying electron densities, fine‐tuned by different substituents on the aromatic sulfonamide moiety, is polymerized by free radical polymerization featuring low molar masses (2300  ≤ Mn ≤ 3200 g mol−1) and low dispersities (1.15 ≤ Đ ≤ 1.47). Further, the post‐polymerization modification of the obtained polymers via aza‐Michael addition with electron‐deficient alkenes is demonstrated using organic superbases as catalysts, paving the way toward the facile synthesis of novel polymeric protected β‐amino acid derivatives.
NIR–vis–UV Light‐Responsive High Stress‐Generating Polymer Actuators with a Reduced Creep Rate
Authors: Pan Xinglong , Verpaalen Rob C. P. , Zhang Huiyi , Debije Michael G. , Engels Tom A. P. , Bastiaansen Cees W. M. , Schenning Albert P. H. J.
Published: May 2021

Untethered, light‐responsive, high‐stress‐generating actuators based on widely‐used commercial polymers are appealing for applications in soft robotics. However, the construction of actuators that are stable and reversibly responsive to low‐intensity ultraviolet, visible, and infrared lights remains challenging. Here, transparent, stress‐generating actuators are reported based on ultradrawn, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene films. The composite films have different draw ratios (30, 70, and 100) and contain a small amount of graphene in combination with ultraviolet and near‐infrared‐absorbing dyes. The composite actuators respond rapidly (t0.9 < 0.8 s) to different wavelengths of light (i.e., 780, 455, and 365 nm). A maximum photoinduced stress of 35 MPa is achieved at a draw ratio of 70 under near‐infrared light irradiation. The photoinduced stress increases linearly with the light intensity, indicating the transfer of light into thermally induced mechanical contraction. Moreover, the addition of additives lead to a reduction in the plastic creep rate of the drawn films compared to their nonmodified counterparts.
Min cost improvement and max gain stability in multicriteria sorting methods on combinatorial domains
Authors: Benabbou Nawal , Martin Hugo , Perny Patrice
Published: April 2021

Various multicriteria sorting methods have been proposed in the literature to assign the feasible alternatives into predefined categories. We consider here problems involving a set of totally ordered categories representing different achievement levels in the satisfaction of criteria. As in many existing methods, the assignment rule of an alternative to a category is based on the comparison of its performance vector to reference profiles defining lower bounds of the categories. Within this standard setting we address a new problem that consists in finding how to modify a given solution, within a combinatorial set of alternatives, to upgrade it in the upper category (or higher) at minimum cost. We also consider the problem of identifying the sequence of solutions that minimize the total cost while satisfying some budget constraint at every step, and the problem of determining how to modify the current solution to save money while staying in the same category. We first propose a general approach based on mixed integer (linear or quadratic) programming to solve these problems. Then, we implement this approach on various multiobjective combinatorial problems, such as multi‐agent assignment problems and multiobjective knapsack problems. Numerical tests are provided to establish the feasibility of the approach on instances of different sizes.
Characterizations of vanishing Campanato classes related to Schrödinger operators via fractional semigroups on stratified groups
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Dai Tiantian , Li Pengtao
Published: May 2021

Let
be a Schrödinger operator on stratified Lie groups, where
is the sub‐Laplacian on
and V belongs to the reverse Hölder class. In this paper, we introduce a new Campanato‐type space
of vanishing mean oscillation associated with L. By Carleson measures related to fractional heat semigroups, we establish an equivalent characterization of
. As an application, we prove that the dual of
is
, where
is the completeness of
.
Prenatal High‐Sucrose Diet Induced Vascular Dysfunction in Thoracic Artery of Fetal Offspring
Authors: Feng Xueqin , Yu Tiantian , Zhang Yumeng , Li Lijuan , Qu Miaomiao , Wang Jishui , Dong Fangxiang , Zhang Lihua , Wang Fengge , Zhang Fanyong , Zhou Xiuwen , Xu Zhice , Man Dongmei
Published: May 2021

Scope

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is related to intrauterine fetal development. The authors’ previous work reports that prenatal high sucrose (HS) diet impaired micro‐vascular functions in postnatal offspring. It is unclear whether/how prenatal HS causes vascular injury during fetal life.

Methods and results

Pregnant rats are fed with normal drinking water or 20% high‐sucrose solution during the whole gestational period. Pregnant HS increases maternal weight before delivery. Fetal thoracic aorta is separated for experiments. Angiotensin II (AII)‐stimulated vascular contraction of fetal thoracic arteries in HS group is greater, which mainly results from the enhanced AT1 receptor (AT1R) function and the downstream signaling. Nifedipine significantly increases vascular tension in HS group, indicating that the L‐type calcium channels (LTCCs) function is strengthened. 2‐Aminoethyl diphenylborinate (2‐APB), inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors (IP3Rs) inhibitor, increases vascular tension induced by AII in HS group and ryanodine receptors‐sensitive vascular tone shows no difference in the two groups, which suggested that the activity of IP3Rs‐operated calcium channels is increased.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that prenatal HS induces vascular dysfunction of thoracic arteries in fetal offspring by enhancing AT1R, LTCCs function and IP3Rs‐associated calcium channels, providing new information regarding the impact of prenatal HS on the functional development of fetal vascular systems.
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Seeds Increase Intestinal Protein Uptake
Authors: Ballegaard Anne‐Sofie Ravn , Larsen Jeppe Madura , Rasmussen Peter Have , Untersmayr Eva , Pilegaard Kirsten , Bøgh Katrine Lindholm
Published: May 2021

Scope

Within the last decade, quinoa seeds have gained much popularity as a new food and have recently been proposed as an appropriate food for early introduction in infants. Quinoa contains high levels of saponins, which are known for their adjuvant activity and effect on the intestinal barrier function. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of quinoa on intestinal permeability and inflammation in comparison with the positive controls; cholera toxin (CT), and capsaicin.

Methods and results

The effect of quinoa on intestinal barrier function and inflammation is investigated in vitro using a Caco‐2 cell line and in vivo using a Brown Norway rat model. Effects in vivo are analyzed by protein uptake, histology, gene expression, antibody levels, and flow cytometry. Quinoa and the positive controls all increased the intestinal permeability, but distinct patterns of absorbed protein are observed in the epithelium, Peyer's patches, lamina propria, and serum. The quinoa‐mediated effect on intestinal barrier function is found to be distinct from the effect of the two positive controls.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate the ability of quinoa to increase intestinal permeability and to promote compartment‐specific protein uptake via mechanisms that may differ from CT and capsaicin.
Performance of an enhanced afterloader with electromagnetic tracking capabilities for channel reconstruction and error detection
Authors: Tho Daline , Lavallée Marie‐Claude , Beaulieu Luc
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To assess catheter reconstruction and error detection performance of an afterloader (Elekta Brachytherapy, Veenendaal, The Netherlands) equipped with electromagnetic (EM) tracking capabilities.

Materials/Methods

The Flexitron research unit used was equipped with a special check cable integrating an EM sensor (NDI Aurora V3) that enables tracking and reconstruction capability. The reconstructions of a 24‐cm long catheter were performed using two methods: continuous fixed‐speed check cable backward stepping (at 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cm/s) and stepping through each dwell position every 1 mm. The ability of the system to differentiate between two closely located (parallel) catheters was investigated by connecting catheters to the afterloader and moving it from its axis with an increment of 1 mm. A robotic arm (Meca500, Mecademic, Montreal) with an accuracy of 0.01 mm was used to move the catheter between each reconstruction. Reconstructions were obtained with a locally weighted scatterplot smoothing algorithm. To quantify the reconstruction accuracy, distances between two catheters were computed along the reconstruction track with a 5 mm step. The reconstructions of curve catheter paths were assessed through parallel and perpendicular phantom configuration to the EM field generator. Indexer length and lateral errors were simulated and a ROC analysis was made.

Results

Using a 50 cm/s check cable speed does not allow for accurate reconstructions. A slower check cable speed results in better reconstruction performance and smaller standard deviations. At 1 cm/s, a catheter can be shifted laterally down to 1 mm and all paths can be uniquely identified. The optimum operating distance from the field generator (50 to 300 mm) resulted in a lower absolute mean deviation from the expected value (0.2 ± 0.1 mm) versus being positioned on the edge of the electromagnetic sensitive detection volume (0.6 ±0.3 mm). The reconstructions of curved catheters with a check cable speed under 5 cm/s gave a 0.8 mm ±0.3 mm error, or better. All indexer and lateral shifts of 1 mm were detected with a check cable speed of 2.5 cm/s or lower.

Conclusions

The EM‐equipped Flexitron afterloader is able to track and reconstruct catheters with high accuracy. A speed under 5 cm/s is recommended for straight and curved catheter reconstructions. It allows catheter identification down to 1 mm inter‐catheter distance shift. The check cable can also be used to detect common shift errors.
Thin and Light Dual‐Cell OLCDs: Bringing Ultrahigh Contrast Performance to TVs and Automotive Displays
Authors: Cain Paul
Published: May 2021

The displays industry has no shortage of innovations to deliver ultrahigh contrast displays that are increasingly competitive with OLED and manufacturable in existing fabs. Dual‐cell OLCD is one approach that offers huge advantages in display performance and cost through simplification, thin structure, and true pixel‐level dimming.
Effect of Temperature on Survival of Lost River Suckers with a Natural Infection of Ichthyobodo spp.
Authors: Martin Barbara A. , Burdick Summer M. , Purcell Maureen K. , Powers Rachel L.
Published: April 2021

To compensate for low natural survival of endangered Lost River Suckers Deltistes luxatus, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Klamath Tribes have initiated captive rearing programs. We conducted laboratory experiments intended to determine the temperature for optimum growth of juvenile Lost River Suckers; however, due to an unanticipated infection with Ichthyobodo spp., we instead estimated survival in conjunction with temperature and parasite loads. Ichthyobodo spp. are common parasites that infest fish skin and gills; they are known to be present in Upper Klamath Lake and have been found in fish at both the federal and tribal fish-rearing facilities. All fish held at mean temperatures of 16°C and 19°C survived the entire 65-d experiment, whereas the median time to death was 27 d at 22°C, 8 d at 24°C, and 7 d at 26°C. Gill samples from all Lost River Suckers tested positive for Ichthyobodo spp. DNA, with a trend toward higher copy numbers in suckers that were held at a mean temperature of 22°C or warmer compared to those held at 19°C or cooler. Fish kept at all temperatures grew slowly. These results suggest that survival of Lost River Suckers with a natural infection of Ichthyobodo spp. was significantly impacted by temperature.
Recent progress of Y‐series electron acceptors for organic solar cells
Authors: Lu Bing , Wang Jian , Zhang Zhecheng , Wang Jin , Yuan Xiaolei , Ding Yue , Wang Yang , Yao Yong
Published: May 2021

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have entered the era of non‐fullerene electron acceptors. Nowadays with the rapid development of non‐fullerene electron acceptor materials, Organic photovoltaic show huge potential in challenging conventional photovoltaic technology. Among the emerging non‐fullerene electron acceptors, the Y‐series acceptors own superior performance. The single‐junction devices based Y‐series acceptors have achieved power conversion efficiencies of 17∼18%. This paper gives an overview of the recent advances of Y‐series electron acceptors. Through discussing the selected molecules, the perspective of molecular design on three parts of the molecules, including the central core, side chain and end group, are spotlighted, and the photoelectric properties, photovoltaic performance and film morphology of various Y‐series acceptors materials are also presented. Finally, some molecule design directions will be proposed to further promote the progress of OSCs.
Numerical solution of singular Lyapunov equations
Authors: Chu Eric K.‐W. , Szyld Daniel B. , Zhou Jieyong
Published: April 2021

We consider the numerical solution of large scale singular (continuous‐time) Lyapunov equations of the formAX + XA⊤ + BB⊤ = 0, whereAis semistable, that is, its spectrum is contained in the left half plane, with the exception of a few semisimple eigenvalues at zero. We also consider the case of a few semisimple eigenvalues on the imaginary axis. We assume that we know these few eigenvalues (zero or imaginary), and that we have or can compute the corresponding invariant subspaces. We use this information to build an appropriate newly proposed subspace on which to project the Lyapunov equations, and then compute a low‐rank approximation to the least squares solution. Selected illustrative numerical examples are provided.
Body image and hopelessness among early‐stage breast cancer survivors after surgery in China: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wu Qiong , Yin Yongtian , Wang Qing , Wang Shiyuan , Jia Xinjie
Published: May 2021

Aim

To examine the body image and hopelessness status of early‐stage breast cancer survivors who received a one‐time dressing change after surgery and were ready to be discharged from a hospital in China.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Participants were 211 women with breast cancer who had received a one‐time dressing change postsurgery. Spearman's correlation and structural equation modelling were used for data analysis.

Results

Participants in the 35–45 age group and those who underwent bilateral mastectomy presented higher scores for hopelessness. Married participants showed lower scores for the feelings about the future subscale compared to other subscales. Body image was significantly and positively associated with and had a positive effect on hopelessness. Women with a more positive appraisal of their body image tended to report lower levels of hopelessness. Healthcare providers should evaluate patients’ distress levels after a mastectomy to identify women who may require early psychosocial intervention.
The uses of domesticated animals at the Early Bronze Age City of Wangjinglou, China
Authors: You Yue , Wu Qian
Published: May 2021

Zooarchaeological research on the early Bronze Age in the Central Plain of North China has been focused mainly on two periods: the Erlitou culture (ca. 1900–1500 BC) and the late Shang Dynasty (ca. 1250–1046 BC). In this paper, our research on the animal bone assemblage from the Wangjinglou site, a walled city of the Erligang culture (ca. 1600–1400 BC), allows us to explore the use of animal resources and husbandry specializations during the time period between Erlitou and the late Shang. Domesticated animals, especially pigs and cattle, were dominant species in the faunal assemblage, while wild animals, mainly deer, were small in number. Moreover, the percentages of cattle and sheep were higher in prosperous phases at Wangjinglou and lower in the later phase during the site's decline. Analysis of the estimated death ages for various taxa suggests that pigs were raised for meat consumption, while sheep were used for secondary products. This research on Wangjinglou shows the varied nature of the animal economy at an early Bronze Age City in East Asia.
Designation Products: Boron Neutron Capture Therapy for Head and Neck Carcinoma
Authors: Kanno Hitoshi , Nagata Hironori , Ishiguro Akihiro , Tsuzuranuki Satoshi , Nakano Shintaro , Nonaka Takahiro , Kiyohara Koushin , Kimura Toshinari , Sugawara Akihiko , Okazaki Yuzuru , Takae Shinichi , Nakabayashi Tetsuo , Arai Hiroyuki , Suzuki Hiroshi
Published: April 2021

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare approved a drug called borofalan (10B), a treatment system, and a dose calculation program for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) in March 2020. The application pertaining to the products submitted to the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency was supported by a Japanese, open-label, uncontrolled trial (Study 002) in patients with unresectable, locally recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy, or in those with unresectable locally advanced or locally recurrent (LA/LR) head and neck nonsquamous cell carcinoma. The drug was administered as a single intravenous dose using infusion rates of 200 mg/kg per hour for the first 2 hours after the start of administration and 100 mg/kg per hour during irradiation. Neutron irradiation was performed using the devices at a single dose of 12 Gy-equivalent for oral, pharyngeal, or laryngeal mucosa for up to 60 minutes from 2 hours after the start of drug administration. The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR). The results of Study 002 showed that the ORR based on an assessment of the Independent Central Review Committee per RECIST version 1.1 was 71.4% (90% confidence interval [CI], 51.3%–86.8%). The lower limit of the 90% CI exceeded the prespecified threshold for ORR. When BNCT is applied to patients with unresectable LA/LR head and neck cancer, precautions should be taken, and patients should be monitored for possible onset of dysphagia, brain abscess, skin disorder, crystal urine, cataract, and/or carotid hemorrhage.

Implications for Practice

Borofalan (10B), a treatment system and a dose calculation program for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), demonstrated significant efficacy in an open-label, uncontrolled trial in which overall response rate was the primary endpoint for patients with unresectable locally advanced or locally recurrent head and neck cancer. Although no information about survival benefits was obtained, BNCT will become an effective treatment option that is expected to manage local lesions that are intractable with any standard therapy. In addition, BNCT is expected to maintain quality of life of the intended patient population, on account of its high tumor selectivity and low invasiveness.