bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of adverse clinical outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Shi Si , Liu Xiaohui , Xiao Jinling , Wang Hongwei , Chen Liyan , Li Jianing , Han Kaiyu
Published: September 2020

Objective

This study aims to investigate blood and biochemical laboratory findings in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) and analyze the potential predictors of poor outcome in patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

The clinical, laboratory, and outcome data of 87 patients with COVID‐19 were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Only data collected at the time of admission were used in the analysis for predictors of poor outcome. These patients were divided into two groups: the adverse prognosis group (36 patients) and the non‐adverse prognosis group (51 patients). The adverse prognosis of COVID‐19 patients was defined as admission to the intensive care unit or death.

Results

On the univariate analysis, age, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil counts, lymphocytes count, neutrophils‐to‐lymphocytes ratio (NLR), interleukin‐6, albumin‐to‐globulin ratio (AGR), albumin, lactate dehydrogenase, glutamyl transpeptidase, and blood glucose were found to be the significant predictors. On the multivariate analysis, the predictors of poor outcome of patients with COVID‐19 were NLR (OR = 2.741, [95% CI = 1.02 ~ 7.35],P = .045) and IL‐6 (OR = 1.405, [95% CI = 1.04 ~ 1.89,P = .025]). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that the AUC of NLR, interleukin‐6, pneumonia severity index (PSI) score, and Confusion‐Urea‐Respiratory Rate‐Blood pressure‐65 (CURB‐65) score were 0.883, 0.852, 0.824, and 0.782, respectively.

Conclusion

High interleukin‐6 (6 pg/mL, cuff value) and NLR (4.48, cuff value) can be used to predict poor outcomes in patients with COVID‐19 on admission, thus can serve as a beneficial tool for timely identifying COVID‐19 patients prone to poor outcome and reduce patient mortality through early intervention.
DNMT1 deregulation of SOCS3 axis drives cardiac fibroblast activation in diabetic cardiac fibrosis
Authors: Tao Hui , Shi Peng , Zhao Xu‐Dong , Xuan Hai‐Yang , Gong Wen‐Hui , Ding Xuan‐Sheng
Published: September 2020

Cardiac fibrosis is one of the main pathological manifestations of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Cardiac fibroblast activation is a key effector of cells resulting in diabetic cardiac fibrosis. However, the underlying mechanism of cardiac fibroblast activation and diabetic cardiac fibrosis remains unclear. Accumulating evidence suggests that DNA methylation alterations play a central role in cardiac fibroblast activation. In this study, we demonstrated that DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1)‐mediated suppression of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) promoter hypermethylation leads to downregulation of SOCS3 expression in diabetic cardiac fibrosis. High glucose‐induced expression of DNMT1 was increased in cardiac fibroblasts, while the expression of SOCS3 was decreased. Downregulation of SOCS3 facilitated activation of STAT3 to promote cardiac fibroblast activation and collagen deposition. Genetic or pharmacological inactivation of DNMT1 reversed the activated phenotype of cardiac fibroblasts. Clinically, we observed a significant inverse correlation between DNMT1 and SOCS3 expression levels, and loss of SOCS3 expression or increased expression of DNMT1. Taken together, these findings identify DNMT1 silencing of SOCS3 axis as a driver of cardiac fibroblast activation in diabetic cardiac fibrosis. These results provide a scientific and new explanation of the underlying mechanism of diabetic cardiac fibrosis.
Taxonomic implication of leaf epidermal anatomy of selected taxa of Scrophulariaceae from Pakistan
Authors: Ullah Fazal , Ayaz Asma , Saqib Saddam , Parmar Gaurav , Bahadur Saraj , Zaman Wajid
Published: September 2020

The family Scrophulariaceae consists of taxonomically complex genera and species. The delimitation of the taxa within this family is always challenging. In this paper, we studied leaf epidermis anatomical characteristics and its taxonomic significance of four species belonging to four genera of the family Scrophulariaceae collected from northern Pakistan. The species were examined under light and scanning electron microscopes (LM and SEM). Qualitative and quantitative foliar epidermal anatomical features were examined for both adaxial and abaxial surfaces. Qualitative characters like epidermal cell shape, epidermal cell cover, anticlinal wall, trichomes type, stomata type and stomata position were examined. Quantitative characters like the length and width of leaf epidermis, stomata, stomatal pore, subsidiary cell and trichomes for both adaxial and abaxial surfaces were studied and measured. Stomatal index within the species and between the species was found to be different on adaxial and abaxial surfaces. Diacytic stomata and glandular trichomes on epidermis were only found in Anticharis glandulosa while rest of the taxa has anomocytic type stomata and dendroid trichomes on both surfaces. Based on the micromorphological characters, we did principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis for the species delimitation and identification. A taxonomic key has been provided to delimit and identify the studied taxa based on foliar epidermal characters. The aim of the present research was to elucidate the micromorphological characters to distinguish the studied taxa for taxonomic purposes.
Synthesis of fused tetracyclic benzo[4,5]furo[3,2‐d]pyrimidin‐4(3H)‐ones derivatives containing thiadiazole/oxazolidine/triazole/triazinanone moieties
Authors: He Shengjie , Ma Junkai , Li Fei , Hu Yanggen
Published: September 2020

In an attempt to design and synthesize new heterocycles with improved their biological properties, some of fused tetracyclic benzo[4,5]furo[3,2‐d]pyrimidin‐ 4(3H)‐ones bearing 1,2,4‐triazole, 1,3,4‐thiadiazole, 1,2,4‐triazinanone, and oxazolidine systems have been prepared by the aza‐Wittig reactions from readily available starting material under mild conditions. The structure of synthesized compounds was elucidated by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS, IR, and elemental analysis.
SLAMF1 signaling induces Mycobacterium tuberculosis uptake leading to endolysosomal maturation in human macrophages
Authors: Barbero Angela María , Trotta Aldana , Genoula Melanie , Del Pino Rodrigo Emanuel Hernández , Estermann Martín Andrés , Celano Josefina , Fuentes Federico , García Verónica Edith , Balboa Luciana , Barrionuevo Paula , Pasquinelli Virginia
Published: September 2020

Tuberculosis dates back to ancient times but it is not a problem of the past. Each year, millions of people die from tuberculosis. After inhalation of infectious droplet nuclei, Mycobacterium tuberculosis reaches the lungs where it can manipulate the immune system and survive within host macrophages, establishing a persistent infection. The signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 1 (SLAMF1) is a self-ligand receptor that can internalize gram-negative bacteria and regulate macrophages’ phagosomal functions. In tuberculosis, SLAMF1 promotes Th1-protective responses. In this work, we studied the role of SLAMF1 on macrophages’ functions during M. tuberculosis infection. Our results showed that both M. tuberculosis and IFN-γ stimulation induce SLAMF1 expression in macrophages from healthy donor and Tohoku Hospital Pediatrcs-1 cells. Costimulation through SLAMF1 with an agonistic antibody resulted in an enhanced internalization of M. tuberculosis by macrophages. Interestingly, we found that SLAMF1 interacts with M. tuberculosis and colocalizes with the bacteria and with early and late endosomes/lysosomes markers (EEA1 and LAMP2), suggesting that SLAMF1 recognize M. tuberculosis and participate in the endolysosomal maturation process. Notably, increased levels of SLAMF1 were detected in CD14 cells from pleural effusions of tuberculosis patients, indicating that SLAMF1 might have an active function at the site of infection. Taken together, our results provide evidence that SLAMF1 improves the uptake of M. tuberculosis by human monocyte-derived macrophages.
Mechanisms of NK cell dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment and current clinical approaches to harness NK cell potential for immunotherapy
Authors: Devillier Raynier , Chrétien Anne-Sophie , Pagliardini Thomas , Salem Nassim , Blaise Didier , Olive Daniel
Published: September 2020

NK cells are innate immune cells with inherent capabilities in both recognizing and killing cancer cells. NK cell phenotypes and functional alterations are being described with increasing precision among patients harboring various cancer types, emphasizing the critical role that NK cells play in antitumor immune responses. In addition, advances in understanding NK cell biology have improved our knowledge of such alterations, thereby expanding the potential exploitation of NK cells’ anticancer capabilities. In this review, we present an overview of (1) the various types of NK cell alterations that may contribute to immune evasion in cancer patients and (2) the various strategies to improve NK cell-based anticancer immunotherapies, including pharmacologic modulation and/or genetic modification.
Spillover effects of information leakages in buyer–supplier–supplier triads
Authors: Ried Leopold , Eckerd Stephanie , Kaufmann Lutz , Carter Craig
Published: September 2020

Information leakages—the unauthorized sharing of an organization's information with another organization—are a growing concern in today's supply chains, but remain relatively underexplored. Drawing on attribution theory and observational learning, our research investigates inter‐organizational information leakages from a network perspective. We assess the spillover effects of opportunistic and inadvertent information leakages between an OFFENDER organization and a VICTIM organization on the relationship between the OFFENDER and a nonpartisan OBSERVER. We consider the roles of integrity‐ and ability‐based trust, as well as operational similarity between the organizations. We conducted scenario‐based experiments with 181 sales practitioners recruited via MTurk and supplemented those results with post hoc interviews. Our results show clear spillover effects: The OBSERVER's willingness to share information with the OFFENDER decreases significantly after any type of information leakage between the OFFENDER and the VICTIM, but more so for opportunistic leakages. Integrity‐based trust mediates the relationship between intentionality and information sharing willingness. We also find indications of an unexpected collateral damage effect in that to some extent, both trust dimensions decrease in both forms of information leakage. Further, for opportunistic information leakages, the OBSERVER's willingness to share information with the OFFENDER decreases more when OBSERVER and VICTIM are operationally similar.
Copper Chelants and Antioxidants in Laundry Detergent Formulations Reduce Formation of Malodor Molecules on Fabrics
Authors: Miracle Gregory S. , Randall Sherri L. , Liu Zaiyou , Brogden David W. , Ketcha Marcia M. , Good David A. , Johnson Mary B. , Stenger Patrick C. , Hertz Patricia R. , Meli Fabrizio
Published: September 2020

For consumers who use laundry detergents, a top unmet need is to reduce malodor that can persist on fabrics, even after washing and drying. A known source of odor is autoxidation of residual sebum on fabric, leading to the generation of an array of odiferous compounds. To prevent this oxidation process, two technologies were evaluated: (i) antioxidants to scavenge radicals and (ii) metal chelants to inhibit the involvement of copper ions as catalysts in the autoxidation process. Copper is a common component of sweat, soil, and municipal water supplies, especially where copper piping is involved, which is typical in many US homes and businesses. For the evaluations, swatches of fabric were treated with artificial sebum, then washed in commercial washing machines with tap water containing laundry detergent, and dried using commercial dryers. Copper added to the wash at a level representative of consumer homes substantially increased the formation of known malodor molecules. Copper chelants [in particular, diethylenetriamine (DETA)] added to the wash were effective in inhibiting the formation of malodor molecules. In combination with antioxidants [in particular, methyl 3‐(3, 5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)propanoate (MtBHPP)], the inhibitory effect was greater. Even at low concentrations (<1%), DETA and MtBHPP were effective at inhibiting the generation of known malodor molecules on fabrics. As DETA and MtBHPP meet performance, cost, and stability considerations, they hold promise for use in high‐quality commercial laundry detergent products designed to eliminate malodor on consumer fabrics.
Antioxidant Polymers via the Kabachnik‐Fields Reaction to Control Cellular Oxidative Stress
Authors: He Xianzhe , Liu Guoqiang , Tian Ye , Mao Tengfei , Wu Haibo , Wei Yen , Tao Lei
Published: September 2020

Small molecular antioxidants are almost ineffective in regulating harmful oxidative stress in vivo because of their poor bioavailability. Polymer antioxidants are a promising alternative to address this issue, but their laborious synthetic routes limit their development. In this study, aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes are used to synthesize a family of polymers containing different α‐aminophosphonate pendant groups via a facile one‐pot method that combines the Kabachnik–Fields (KF) reaction and free radical polymerization. The structure–property relationship study of these polymers reveals the KF moieties in polymer structures confer radical scavenging ability on polymers. The radical scavenging ability and cytotoxicity of these polymers are evaluated in a stepwise manner to identify a biocompatible polymer antioxidant that can effectively protect the cells from H2O2‐induced oxidative damage. This is the first attempt to develop antioxidative polymers by the KF reaction. It highlights the feasibility of synthesizing new functional polymers using multicomponent reactions, which has important implications for organic and polymer chemistry.
Preparation of Robust Superhydrophobic Sand by Chemical Vapor Deposition of Polydimethylsiloxane for Oil/Water Separation
Authors: Mosayebi Elham , Azizian Saeid , Noei Nima
Published: September 2020

In recent years, oil has been released by industrial activities into the aquatic environment and threatened human's and creatures’ health, hence researchers are seeking to find proper methods to separate oil from water. Superhydrophobic surfaces are promising materials for oil/water separation. In the present work, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is loaded on the surface of sand grains by chemical vapor deposition method. The preparation method is a single‐step and simple method and just needs small amounts of a single component (PDMS). The prepared sample is characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and energy dispersive X‐Ray (EDS) methods, also water contact angle is measured. The water contact angle is about 152±1° and the surface shows superhydrophobic property which can be used as an efficient filter for oil/water separation. The oil/water separation efficiency is high (98%) and almost constant after 25 cycles. The obtained superhydrophobic sand is stable in harsh and corrosive conditions for instance acidic and basic solutions.
Catalyst‐Free Multicomponent Cyclopolymerizations of Diisocyanides, Activated Alkynes, and 1,4‐Dibromo‐2,3‐Butanedione: a Facile Strategy toward Functional Polyiminofurans Containing Bromomethyl Groups
Authors: Zhu Guinan , Fu Weiqiang , Han Binru , Shi Jianbing , Tong Bin , Cai Zhengxu , Zhi Junge , Dong Yuping
Published: September 2020

Polymers containing iminofuran (PIFs) are rarely reported due to the lack of simple and effective synthesis methods. In this work, a novel multicomponent cyclopolymerization (MCCP) of diisocyanides, activated alkynes, and 1,4‐dibromo‐2,3‐butanedione using catalyst‐free one‐pot reactions under mild conditions to prepare PIFs containing bromomethyl groups is reported. PIFs with good solubility and thermal stability are obtained with high Mws (up to 19 600) and good yields (up to 89.5%) under optimized polymerization conditions. The structure of the PIFs is characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. The photophysical properties indicate that polymers P1a2b3 and P1c2b3 have cluster‐triggered emission characteristics. Thin films made from PIFs quickly degrade under UV irradiation. Moreover, the obtained polymers are decorated with bromomethyl and carboxylate groups in the side chain, which can be postfunctionalized to prepare multifunctional materials, such as star branched polymers and biomedical carrier materials. Thus, this work not only enriches the field of polymerization based on isocyanates and activated alkynes but also provides a facile strategy toward functional iminofuran polymers.
Methionine‐ and Choline‐Deficient Diet Enhances Adipose Lipolysis and Leptin Release in aP2‐Cre Fatp4‐Knockout Mice
Authors: Cheng Yuting , Gan‐Schreier Hongying , Seeßle Jessica , Staffer Simone , Tuma‐Kellner Sabine , Khnykin Denis , Stremmel Wolfgang , Merle Uta , Herrmann Thomas , Chamulitrat Walee
Published: September 2020

Scope

Inadequate intake of choline commonly leads to liver diseases. Methionine‐ and choline‐deficient diets (MCDD) induce fatty liver in mice which is partly mediated by triglyceride (TG) lipolysis in white adipose tissues (WATs). Because Fatp4 knockdown has been shown to increase adipocyte lipolysis in vitro, here, the effects of MCDD on WAT lipolysis in aP2‐Cre Fatp4‐knockout (Fatp4A−/−) mice are determined.

Methods and Results

Isolated WATs of Fatp4A−/− mice exposed to MCD medium show an increase in lipolysis, and the strongest effect is noted on glycerol release from subcutaneous fat. Fatp4A−/− mice fed with MCDD for 4 weeks show an increase in serum glycerol, TG, and leptin levels associated with the activation of hormone‐sensitive lipase in subcutaneous fat. Chow‐fed Fatp4A−/− mice also show an increase in serum leptin and very‐low‐density lipoproteins as well as liver phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin levels. Both chow‐ and MCDD‐fed Fatp4A−/− mice show a decrease in serum ketone and WAT sphingomyelin levels which supports a metabolic shift to TG for subsequent WAT lipolysis

Conclusions

Adipose Fatp4 deficiency leads to TG lipolysis and leptin release, which are exaggerated by MCDD. The data imply hyperlipidemia risk by a low dietary choline intake and gene mutations that increase adipose TG levels.
Investigation of intravoxel incoherent motion tensor imaging for the characterization of the in vivo human heart
Authors: Zhang Xiu‐Shi , Sang Xi‐Qiao , Kuai Zi‐Xiang , Zhang Hong‐Xia , Lou Jie , Lu Qing , Zhu Yue‐Min
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To investigate intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) tensor imaging of the in vivo human heart and elucidate whether the estimation of IVIM tensors is affected by the complexity of pseudo‐diffusion components in myocardium.

Methods

The cardiac IVIM data of 10 healthy subjects were acquired using a diffusion weighted spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging sequence along 6 gradient directions with 10 b values (0~400 s/mm2). The IVIM data of left ventricle myocardium were fitted to the IVIM tensor model. The complexity of myocardial pseudo‐diffusion components was reduced through exclusion of low b values (0 and 5 s/mm2) from the IVIM curve‐fitting analysis. The fractional anisotropy, mean fraction/mean diffusivity, and Westin measurements of pseudo‐diffusion tensors (fp and D*) and self‐diffusion tensor (D), as well as the angle between the main eigenvector of fp (or D*) and that of D, were computed and compared before and after excluding low b values.

Results

The fractional anisotropy values of fp and D* without low b value participation were significantly higher (P < .001) than those with low b value participation, but an opposite trend was found for the mean fraction/diffusivity values. Besides, after removing low b values, the angle between the main eigenvector of fp (or D*) and that of D became small, and both fp and D* tensors presented significant decrease of spherical components and significant increase of linear components.

Conclusion

The presence of multiple pseudo‐diffusion components in myocardium indeed influences the estimation of IVIM tensors. The IVIM tensor model needs to be further improved to account for the complexity of myocardial microcirculatory network and blood flow.
Prospective motion correction for diffusion weighted EPI of the brain using an optical markerless tracker
Authors: Berglund Johan , van Niekerk Adam , Rydén Henric , Sprenger Tim , Avventi Enrico , Norbeck Ola , Glimberg Stefan L. , Olesen Oline V. , Skare Stefan
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To enable motion‐robust diffusion weighted imaging of the brain using well‐established imaging techniques.

Methods

An optical markerless tracking system was used to estimate and correct for rigid body motion of the head in real time during scanning. The imaging coordinate system was updated before each excitation pulse in a single‐shot EPI sequence accelerated by GRAPPA with motion‐robust calibration. Full Fourier imaging was used to reduce effects of motion during diffusion encoding. Subjects were imaged while performing prescribed motion patterns, each repeated with prospective motion correction on and off.

Results

Prospective motion correction with dynamic ghost correction enabled high quality DWI in the presence of fast and continuous motion within a 10° range. Images acquired without motion were not degraded by the prospective correction. Calculated diffusion tensors tolerated the motion well, but ADC values were slightly increased.

Conclusions

Prospective correction by markerless optical tracking minimizes patient interaction and appears to be well suited for EPI‐based DWI of patient groups unable to remain still including those who are not compliant with markers.
3D UTE bicomponent imaging of cortical bone using a soft–hard composite pulse for excitation
Authors: Li Liang , Chen Yanjun , Wei Zhao , Cai Zhenyu , Jerban Saeed , Zha Yunfei , Ma Ya‐Jun
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To evaluate 3D UTE bicomponent imaging of cortical bone ex vivo and in vivo using a newly designed soft–hard composite pulse for excitation.

Methods

Chemical shift artifacts, presenting as fat–water oscillation or combination‐induced signal oscillation, significantly reduce the accuracy of quantitative UTE bicomponent analysis of cortical bone. To achieve fat suppression for more reliable bicomponent analysis, a newly developed soft–hard excitation pulse was used with UTE imaging and compared with a single rectangular pulse excitation without and with a conventional fat saturation (FatSat) module. These 3 sequences were applied to 8 bovine bone samples without marrow fat, 3 bovine bone samples with marrow fat, and tibial midshafts of 5 healthy human volunteers. Bicomponent analyses were performed in both ex vivo and in vivo studies.

Results

The soft–hard pulse provided comparable fat suppression, but much reduced bone signal attenuation compared with the FatSat module. Better bicomponent fitting was also achieved with the soft–hard excitation pulse because it greatly reduced chemical shift artifacts and outperformed the single rectangular pulse without or with FatSat. Although the FatSat module reduced fat signals and related fat–water oscillation, the water signals were significantly attenuated with more than 40% reduction due to direction saturation. For the inner layer of tibial midshaft in healthy volunteers, fitting errors increased from 3.78% for the soft–hard pulse to 11.43% and 5.16%, respectively, for the single rectangular pulse without and with the FatSat module.

Conclusion

The 3D UTE sequence with a new soft–hard excitation pulse allows more reliable bicomponent imaging of cortical bone.
Effect of antibiotics on urine leakage in women with refractory detrusor overactivity: A phase IIb randomized trial
Authors: Chen Zhuoran , Moore Kate H. , Mansfield Kylie J. , Ognenovska Samantha , Allen Wendy , Parkin Katrina , Mukerjee Chinmoy , Aryal Nanda R. , Gebski Val
Published: September 2020

Aim

Because bacterial cystitis is common in women with refractory detrusor overactivity, the aim was to compare the efficacy of 6 weeks of rotating antibiotics versus placebo, in conjunction with an anticholinergic, in controlling the symptoms of urge incontinence.

Methods

In a multicenter phase IIb double‐blinded randomized placebo‐controlled trial, women with urodynamically proven refractory detrusor overactivity were randomized in a 2:1 ratio of antibiotics versus placebo for 6 weeks, in addition to darifenacin for 6 months. Any woman with disabling cystitis symptoms was given appropriate antibiotics (“clinical override”). The primary outcome was the degree of urge incontinence change at 6 weeks and 6 months on 24‐h pad test. Secondary outcomes were changes in leaks and voids per day measured on 3‐day bladder diary and quality of life measures. Microbiological data were collected at all visits.

Results

Although 278 women were screened, only 36 were randomized and 33 (91.7%) completed the trial. Leakage on 24‐h pad test decreased at 6 months by 75 g in patients receiving antibiotics versus 35 g in placebo. Cure of urge incontinence occurred at 6 months in 10/21 (48%) of antibiotics versus 2/12 (17%) of placebo. Clinical override, necessitating treatment of cystitis, occurred in 41.6% of placebo versus 16.7% of the antibiotic group by 6 months.

Conclusion

Despite the small sample size, the study showed a significant reduction in pad leakage and leaks per day over 24 h in the active treatment group over a 6‐month period. Nearly half of patients on placebo had disabling urinary tract infection symptoms that required clinical override treatment.
In silico GABA+ MEGA‐PRESS: Effects of signal‐to‐noise ratio and linewidth on modeling the 3 ppm GABA+ resonance
Authors: Zöllner Helge Jörn , Oeltzschner Georg , Schnitzler Alfons , Wittsack Hans‐Jörg
Published: September 2020

To investigate the GABA+ modeling accuracy of MEGA‐PRESS GABA+‐edited MRS data with various spectral quality scenarios, the influence of varying signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and linewidth on the model estimates was quantified. MEGA‐PRESS data from 46 volunteers were averaged to generate a template MEGA‐PRESS spectrum, which was modeled and quantified to generate a GABA+ level ground truth. This spectrum was then manipulated by adding 427 combinations of varying artificial noise levels and line broadening, mimicking variations in GABA+ SNR and B0 homogeneity. GABA+ modeling and quantification was performed with 100 simulated spectra per condition using automated routines in both Gannet 3.0 and Tarquin. The GABA+ estimation error was calculated as the relative deviation to the quantified GABA+ ground truth levels to assess the accuracy of GABA+ modeling. Finally, the accordance between the simulations and different in vivo scenarios was assessed. The GABA+ estimation error was smaller than 5% for all GABA+ SNR values with creatine linewidths lower than 9.7 Hz in Gannet 3.0 or unequal 10.6 Hz in Tarquin. The standard deviation of the GABA+ amplitude over 100 spectra per condition varied between 3.1 and 17% (Gannet 3.0) and between 1 and 11% (Tarquin) over the in vivo relevant GABA+ SNR range between 2.6 and 3.5. GABA+ edited studies might be realized for voxels with low GABA+ SNR at the cost of higher group‐level variance. The accuracy of GABA+ modeling had no relation to commonly used quality metrics. The Tarquin algorithm was found to be more robust against linewidth changes than the fitting algorithm in Gannet.
Case‐based learning combined with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education concept to improve clinical thinking of undergraduate nursing students: A randomized experiment
Authors: Zhu Xinhong , Xiong Zhenfang , Zheng Taoyun , Li Lin , Zhang Liuyi , Yang Fen
Published: September 2020

Aims

The present study was conducted to apply and examine case‐based learning (CBL) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education concept in the training of nursing student's clinical thinking.

Design

A randomized experimental design with non‐equivalent group pretest–posttest.

Methods

Participants were requested to participant in either of the two programmes: traditional education programme as a control group or CBL combined with STEM education concept (the STEM group). Questionnaires of critical thinking, self‐directed learning, self‐efficacy were administered before and after the experiment.

Results

Differences between the STEM group and control group were observed in critical thinking, self‐directed learning, self‐efficacy and career choice over one semester. Accordingly, CBL combined with STEM education concept enhanced the nursing student's clinical thinking.
Versatile in vitro assay to recognize Cas9‐induced mutations
Authors: Bente Heinrich , Mittelsten Scheid Ortrun , Donà Mattia
Published: September 2020

The discovery of CRISPR/Cas9 has revolutionized molecular biology, and its impact on plant biotechnology and plant breeding cannot be over‐estimated. In many plant species, its application for mutagenesis is now a routine procedure––if suitable target sites, sufficient expression of the Cas9 protein, and functioning sgRNAs are combined. sgRNAs differ in their efficiency, depending on parameters that are only poorly understood. Several software tools and experience from growing databases are supporting the design of sgRNAs, but some seemingly perfect sgRNAs turn out to be inefficient or fail entirely, and most data bases stem from work with mammalian cells. Different in vitro assays testing sgRNAs in reconstituted Cas9 complexes are available and useful to reduce the risk of failure, especially in plants when CRISPR/Cas9 application requires modifications within the germ line and laborious transformation protocols. Low sgRNA efficiency and long generation times in plants can also contribute to the workload and costs of screening for the wanted genome edits. Here, we present a protocol in which a simple, initial in vitro test for suitable sgRNAs is modified to accelerate genotyping of Cas9‐induced mutations. We demonstrate applicability of our protocol for mutagenesis and mutation screen for specific genes in Arabidopsis, but the principle should be universally suitable to provide a simple, low‐cost, and rapid method to identify edited genes also in other plants and other organisms.
An overview of boron nitride based polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Joy Jomon , George Elssa , Haritha Prakashan , Thomas Sabu , Anas Saithalavi
Published: September 2020

Recently, boron nitride (BN) based materials have received significant attention in both academic and industrial sectors due to its interesting properties like large energy band gap, good resistance to oxidation, excellent thermal conductivity, thermal stability, chemical inertness, significant mechanical property and widespread applications. This review article deals with the preparation and properties of boron nitride and its nanocomposites with various polymers. Diverse polymers have been explored for the preparation of boron nitride filled polymer nanocomposites by adopting different mixing methods. Properties of the resulting polymer nanocomposites mainly depend up on filler size and dispersion, mixing conditions and type of interaction between polymer matrix and the filler. Herein, the structure, preparation and properties of various boron nitride based polymer nanocomposites are reviewed in detail along with a brief overview of different classes of BN nanomaterials.
Molecules from nature: Reconciling biodiversity conservation and global healthcare imperatives for sustainable use of medicinal plants and fungi
Authors: Howes Melanie‐Jayne R. , Quave Cassandra L. , Collemare Jérôme , Tatsis Evangelos C. , Twilley Danielle , Lulekal Ermias , Farlow Andrew , Li Liping , Cazar María‐Elena , Leaman Danna J. , Prescott Thomas A. K. , Milliken William , Martin Cathie , De Canha Marco Nuno , Lall Namrita , Qin Haining , Walker Barnaby E. , Vásquez‐Londoño Carlos , Allkin Bob , Rivers Malin , Simmonds Monique S. J. , Bell Elizabeth , Battison Alex , Felix Juri , Forest Felix , Leon Christine , Williams China , Nic Lughadha Eimear
Published: September 2020

Societal Impact Statement

Plants and fungi have provided, or inspired, key pharmaceuticals for global health challenges, including cancer, heart disease, dementia, and malaria, and are valued as traditional medicines worldwide. Global demand for medicinal plants and fungi has threatened certain species, contributing to biodiversity loss and depletion of natural resources that are important for the health of humanity. We consider the evolving role of plants and fungi in global healthcare as new challenges to human health and to biodiversity arise. We present current and emerging scientific approaches, to uncover and preserve nature‐based health solutions for the future, through harmonization with biodiversity conservation strategies.

Non‐communicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, are the main causes of deaths globally, and communicable diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis affect billions of people. Plants and fungi have provided key pharmaceuticals in our armory against these global health challenges, while in some regions of the world, they continue to have a central role in healthcare systems as traditional medicines. Consequently, global demand for plants and fungi in healthcare has threatened certain medicinal species, and is a driving factor in biodiversity loss. Yet the future of therapeutics from nature is evolving. Scientific advances are enabling the untapped potential of the world's plants and fungi to be explored for their medicinal value, and to reveal other roles they may have for improving health and well‐being; this demonstrates the value of natural capital as an incentive for biodiversity conservation. Emerging technologies also offer new hope for safeguarding essential medicines for the future, by revealing more sustainable solutions for sourcing key natural products. This review discusses recent developments and future approaches for the discovery of natural products as medicines, for health and well‐being, and strategies to harmonize the therapeutic use of biodiversity with its proactive conservation through nature‐based solutions.
Unlocking plant resources to support food security and promote sustainable agriculture
Authors: Ulian Tiziana , Diazgranados Mauricio , Pironon Samuel , Padulosi Stefano , Liu Udayangani , Davies Lee , Howes Melanie‐Jayne R. , Borrell James S. , Ondo Ian , Pérez‐Escobar Oscar A. , Sharrock Suzanne , Ryan Philippa , Hunter Danny , Lee Mark A. , Barstow Charles , Łuczaj Łukasz , Pieroni Andrea , Cámara‐Leret Rodrigo , Noorani Arshiya , Mba Chikelu , Nono Womdim Rémi , Muminjanov Hafiz , Antonelli Alexandre , Pritchard Hugh W. , Mattana Efisio
Published: September 2020

Societal Impact Statement

Biodiversity is essential to food security and nutrition locally and globally. By reviewing the global state of edible plants and highlighting key neglected and underutilized species (NUS), we attempt to unlock plant food resources and explore the role of fungi, which along with the wealth of traditional knowledge about their uses and practices, could help support sustainable agriculture while ensuring better protection of the environment and the continued delivery of its ecosystem services. This work will inform a wide range of user communities, including scientists, conservation and development organizations, policymakers, and the public of the importance of biodiversity beyond mainstream crops.

As the world's population is increasing, humanity is facing both shortages (hunger) and excesses (obesity) of calorie and nutrient intakes. Biodiversity is fundamental to addressing this double challenge, which involves a far better understanding of the global state of food resources. Current estimates suggest that there are at least 7,039 edible plant species, in a broad taxonomic sense, which includes 7,014 vascular plants. This is in striking contrast to the small handful of food crops that provide the majority of humanity's calorie and nutrient intake. Most of these 7,039 edible species have additional uses, the most common being medicines (70%), materials (59%), and environmental uses (40%). Species of major food crops display centers of diversity, as previously proposed, while the rest of edible plants follow latitudinal distribution patterns similarly to the total plant diversity, with higher species richness at lower latitudes. The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List includes global conservation assessments for at least 30% of edible plants, with ca. 86% of them conserved ex situ. However, at least 11% of those species recorded are threatened. We highlight multipurpose NUS of plants from different regions of the world, which could be key for a more resilient, sustainable, biodiverse, and community participation‐driven new “green revolution.” Furthermore, we explore how fungi could diversify and increase the nutritional value of our diets. NUS, along with the wealth of traditional knowledge about their uses and practices, offer a largely untapped resource to support food security and sustainable agriculture. However, for these natural resources to be unlocked, enhanced collaboration among stakeholders is vital.
Evaluation of the novel coronavirus disease in Turkish children: Preliminary outcomes
Authors: Yılmaz Kamil , Gozupirinççioğlu Ayfer , Aktar Fesih , Akın Alper , Karabel Müsemma , Yolbas Ilyas , Uzel Veysiye Hulya , Şen Velat
Published: September 2020

Background

The novel coronavirus disease (Covid‐19) can progress with mild to moderate or self‐limiting clinical findings in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the disease features of Covid‐19 in Turkish children.

Methods

Children diagnosed by the method of real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction for Covid‐19 at the Dicle University Department of Pediatric, between April and June 2020, were evaluated. Hospital records were investigated retrospectively.

Results

One hundred and five patients children with the mean age of 108.64 ± 65.61 months were enrolled in this study. The most common cause of transmission in pediatric patients was in contact with a family member diagnosed with COVID‐19 (n = 91, 86.7%). The most common admission complaints were dry cough (n = 17, 16.2%), fever (n = 16, 15.2%), lassitude and fatigue (n = 14, 13.3%) respectively. More than 95% of all children with Covid‐19 were asymptomatic, mild, or moderate cases. CRP was identified only independent factor associated with long duration of hospitalization.

Conclusion

The results of this study show the effect of Covid‐19 on Turkish children. A clear understanding of the local epidemiology of corona virus infections and identification of risk factors are critical for the successful implementation of the prevention and control program.
Sampled‐data containment control for Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy multiagent systems with packet losses
Authors: Zhang Zhenxing , Dong Jiuxiang
Published: September 2020

This article investigates the sampled‐data containment control issue for nonlinear multiagent systems (MASs) with packet losses in the framework of Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy model. In the process of designing fuzzy sampled‐data containment controller, a crucial factor, that is, asynchronous premise variables, is tackled via the proposed novel asynchronous premise rebuilding approach. Based on the fact that there may be packet losses in communication networks, the fuzzy sampled‐data MAS is concerned as a switched version with two subsystems. Then, in the light of average dwell‐time method and Lyapunov stability theory, sufficient conditions of designing fuzzy sampled‐data containment controller are derived such that the states containment can be achieved for considered systems in spite of packet losses. Finally, both a numerical simulation and a Caltech multivehicle wireless test bed simulation are presented to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
The impact of sustainability reporting quality on the value relevance of corporate sustainability performance
Authors: Jadoon Imran Abbas , Ali Akhter , Ayub Usman , Tahir Muhammad , Mumtaz Raheel
Published: September 2020

The value relevance of corporate sustainability performance (CSP) has been studied from different theoretical perspectives, yielding inconclusive evidence. Therefore, it is imperative to revisit corporate sustainability performance relevance for investors. This study explores the value relevance of corporate sustainability performance by studying the impact that the quality of sustainability reporting has on it. It employed the panel data of 247 firms from 2012 to 2016 for the best 30 green capital markets ranked by the Global Green Economy Index. The results indicated that investors value corporate sustainability performance (achieved through social, economic, and corporate governance dimensions only) and the quality of sustainability reporting. However, the environmental dimension of CSP lacks financial materiality for investors. Furthermore, the quality of sustainability reporting plays an instrumental role in the value relevance of the corporate governance dimension because it is perceived as an alternative corporate governance mechanism by investors. The findings are useful for practitioners, regulators, and other stakeholders interested in understanding the value relevance of corporate sustainability performance and quality of sustainability reporting.
Towards efficient federated learning‐based scheme in medical cyber‐physical systems for distributed data
Authors: Guo Kehua , Li Nan , Kang Jian , Zhang Jian
Published: September 2020

In recent years, Cyber‐Physical Systems (CPS) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have made good progress in the medical field. The medical CPS (MCPS) based on AI can realize the efficient and reasonable utilization of medical resources and improve the quality of medical process. However, current MCPS are still facing several challenges, and the privacy protection of medical data is one of the most critical challenges. Since medical data is stored in different hospitals, most studies collect data from decentralized hospitals to train a disease diagnosis model, which is not conducive to the privacy protection of patients. And in some existing solutions, it is also difficult for doctors to select the optimal model from multiple models in clinical diagnosis. In this paper, we propose a novel scheme based on federated learning in MCPS for training disease diagnosis models from distributed medical image data. Our scheme is divided into three parts: the model provider, the server, and the consumer, and a detailed working process is designed for each part. This scheme can not only effectively solve the problem of privacy protection, but also solve the problem of model selection for doctors and save storage space. It can ensure that consumers automatically get a steadily improved disease diagnosis model. This scheme is performed on simulated distributed medical image datasets. The experimental results show the effectiveness and superiority of our scheme.
Climate, Fire Regime, Geomorphology, and Conspecifics Influence the Spatial Distribution of Chinook Salmon Redds
Authors: Jacobs Gregory R. , Thurow Russell F. , Buffington John M. , Isaak Daniel J. , Wenger Seth J.
Published: September 2020

Pacific salmon spawning and rearing habitats result from dynamic interactions among geomorphic processes, natural disturbances, and hydro‐climatological factors acting across a range of spatial and temporal scales. We used a 21‐year record of redd locations in a wilderness river network in central Idaho, USA, to examine which covariates best predict the spawning occurrence of Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and how shifts under a changing climate might affect habitat availability. We quantified geomorphic characteristics (substrate size, channel slope, and valley confinement), climatic factors (stream temperature and summer discharge), wildfire, and conspecific abundance (as inferred by the number of redds) throughout the network. We then built and compared logistic regression models that estimated redd occurrence probability as a function of these covariates in 1‐km reaches throughout the network under current and projected climate change scenarios. Redd occurrence was strongly affected by nearly all of the covariates examined. The best models indicated that climate‐driven changes in redd occurrence probabilities will be relatively small but spatially heterogeneous, with warmer temperatures increasing occurrence probabilities in cold, high‐elevation reaches and decreasing probabilities in warm, low‐elevation reaches. Furthermore, positive effects of wildfire on redd occurrence may be more important than climate‐driven effects on stream temperature and summer discharge, although climate‐related changes in temperature and scour regime during the egg incubation period may influence survival to emergence. Our results identify where favorable spawning habitats are likely to exist under climate change, how future habitat distributions may differ from contemporary conditions, and where habitat conservation might be prioritized. Furthermore, the positive occurrence–abundance relationship we observed indicates that the study site is underseeded, and effective management actions are needed for increasing the recruitment of spawning adults to take advantage of available habitat.
Forward trijet production in p-p and p-Pb collisions at LHC
Authors: Bury Marcin , van Hameren Andreas , Kotko Piotr , Kutak Krzysztof
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We calculate various azimuthal angle distributions for three jets produced in the forward rapidity region with transverse momentapT>20 GeV in proton-proton (p-p) and proton-lead (p-Pb) collisions at center of mass energy 5.02 TeV. We use the multiparton extension of the so-called small-xImproved Transverse Momentum Dependent factorization (ITMD). We study effects related to change from the standardkT-factorization to ITMD factorization as well as changes as one goes from p-p collision to p-Pb. We observe rather large differences in the distribution when we change the factorization approach, which allows to both improve the small-xTMD gluon distributions as well as validate and improve the factorization approach. We also see significant depletion of the nuclear modification ratio, indicating a possibility of searches for saturation effects using trijet final states in a more exclusive way than for dijets.
Tensor renormalization group approach to four-dimensional complex ϕ4 theory at finite density
Authors: Akiyama Shinichiro , Kadoh Daisuke , Kuramashi Yoshinobu , Yamashita Takumi , Yoshimura Yusuke
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Tensor network is an attractive approach to the field theory with negative sign problem. The complex ϕ4 theory at finite density is a test bed for numerical algorithms to verify their effectiveness. The model shows a characteristic feature called the Silver Blaze phenomenon associated with the sign problem in the large volume limit at low temperature. We analyze the four-dimensional model employing the anisotropic tensor renormalization group algorithm with a parallel computation. We find a clear signal of the Silver Blaze phenomenon on a large volume of V = 10244, which implies that the tensor network approach is effective even for four-dimensional field theory beyond two dimensions.