bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development, validation and evaluation of matrix effect of a QuEChERS‐based multiresidue method with low temperature dispersive clean‐up for analysis of 104 pesticides in cumin (Cuminum cyminum) by LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Parmar Kaushik D , Kalasariya Ravi L , Litoriya Nitesh S , Chawla Suchi , Vaghela Kiran M , Shah Paresh G
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Until now, there is no method available for analysis of pesticide residues in complex matrices like spices. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop and validate a QuEChERS‐based method for the estimation of 104 pesticides in cumin seed.

RESULTS

Samples were spiked for 109 pesticides at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg kg−1. Of these 104 pesticides were recovered. At 0.1, 0.5 and 0.1 mg kg−1, recoveries ranged from 71% to 108% when compared with matrix matched standards. Seventeen pesticides showed higher or lower recoveries than acceptable range (70–120%) when quantified using solvent standards showing significant matrix effect (ME) (≥ ±20%) even after 20× dilution. However, for the other pesticides ME was significantly eliminated on dilution. The recovery percentage improved for all pesticides on quantitation with matrix matched standards when compared with solvent standards. For pesticides with lower European Union (EU) maximum residue limits (MRLs), an experiment at lower spiking concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05 mg kg−1 with lower dilutions (8×) reveals that almost all pesticides with lower EU MRLs (0.02 and 0.05 mg kg−1) showed recoveries in the range 74–124% and relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 20%.

CONCLUSION

Theoretical limit of quantitation (LOQ) is proposed which ranged from 0.01 to 0.18 mg kg−1 for matrix matched standards. An LOQ of 0.01 mg kg−1 was easily achieved for the pesticides with lower EU MRLs with lower dilutions (8×) with exception of fipronil for which this can be achieved without dilution provided matrix matched standards are used. The method can be extended to other spices. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Encapsulation of CALB by nucleotide/metal ions coordination nanoparticles: highly selective catalysis of esterification while poor performance in glycerolysis reaction
Authors: Chen Wenyi , Xu Li , Zhong Nanjing
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Enzymatic esterification is attracting for particular high‐acid oil deacidification. In this study, Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) was encapsulated into a series of nucleotide‐hybrid metal coordination polymers (CPs), which were constructed by guanosine 5′‐monophosphate (GMP) and various metals.

RESULTS

We here found that, most of the present CPs encapsulated CALB (CALB@CPs) samples were highly selective for esterification while poor in glycerolysis reaction. They exhibited quite poor performance in glycerolysis, with triacylglycerols (TAGs) conversion lower than 5%, despite this considerable enzymatic hydrolysis activities were observed. However, they (most of them) showed good performance in esterification of fatty acids and glycerol for TAG synthesis. In addition, the GMP/Tb (CPs constructed by GMP and Tb3+) encapsulated CALB (CALB@GMP/Tb) transformed over 98% of oleic acid into glycerides in the high‐acid oil deacidification process, and TAG content from 87 to 89% was obtained. Moreover, the CALB@GMP/Tb showed good reusability in the esterification system.

CONCLUSION

The present CALB@CPs samples are selective for esterification and suitable for high‐acid oils deacidification. This work provides a new system for enzymatic selectivity improvement study. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Experimental and theoretical research on the effect of coupling heat and pH on the structure and antioxidant activity of cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside from black soybean coat
Authors: Xie Yanli , Ma Mengyao , Zhang Chunyu , Yang Yuhui , Shumin Sun , Ma Weibin , Li Qian
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Since anthocyanin has good coloration and antioxidant properties, many studies have focused on exploring the stability and antioxidant activity of anthocyanin. The objective of this work was to study effects of pH and temperature on the bioactivity of cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (C3G) and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐photodiode array‐electrospray ionization‐quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐PDA‐ESI‐Q‐TOF‐MS) and density functional theory (DFT) were used to explain the mechanism of structural transformation of C3G affecting their bioactivity at the molecular level.

RESULTS

During the heating process at pH 2.2 to 7.0，the flavylium cation content of C3G decreased from 92.71% to 51.64% and the chalcone content increased from 7.29% to 30.61%. The quinoidal base and first discovery of the degradation product of the C3G, 1‐(3,4‐dihydroxy‐phenyl)‐2‐(3, 4,5‐trihydroxy‐6‐hydroxymethyl‐tetrahydro‐pyran‐2‐yloxy)‐ethanone, were only detected in heated samples at pH 7.0. DFT revealed the antioxidant mechanism was mediated by sequential proton loss electron transfer and the antioxidant activity of C3G in pH 5.0 and 7.0 environments was higher than that in the pH 2.2 environment.

CONCLUSIONS

The results revealed the thermal degradation products of C3G included catechin, 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,4,6‐trihydroxy‐benzaldehyde and 1‐(3,4‐Dihydroxy‐phenyl)‐2‐(3,4,5‐trihydroxy‐6‐hydroxymethyl‐tetrahydro‐pyran‐2‐yloxy)‐ethanone. C3G had higher antioxidant activity in weakly acidic to near‐neutral environments and the reactive sites were most likely at the 4'‐OH and 5‐OH sites. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Application of curcumin as a green and new sorbent in deep eutectic solvent‐based dispersive micro‐solid phase extraction of several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from honey samples prior to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry determination
Authors: Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza , Jouyban Abolghasem , Nemati Mahboob , Farajzadeh Mir Ali , Marzi Khosrowshahi Elnaz
Published: August 2021

A green, simple, and efficient dispersive micro‐solid phase extraction method was developed for the extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from honey samples. In this method, for the first time, curcumin was used as an efficient and green sorbent to extract the analytes from the sample. After that the adsorbed analytes were eluted using a deep eutectic solvent prepared by mixing tetrabutylammonium chloride: ethylene glycol and analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Important experimental factors affecting adsorption and desorption steps of the method were optimized and under optimal experimental conditions, low limits of detection (0.14–0.37 ng/g) and quantification (0.49–1.3 ng/g), wide linear range (1.3–500 ng/g) with a coefficient of determination ≥0.994 were obtained. Relative standard deviation values for intra‐ and interday precisions were ≤7.5% for all of the analytes at a concentration of 2 ng/g for each analyte (n = 6). Extraction recovery of the method was in the range of 72–81%. Finally, 20 honey samples were analyzed and the analytes were successfully detected. The method is environment friendly because of the use of curcumin as a sorbent. Also, biodegradability of the used deep eutectic solvent components is another advantage of the method.
Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide Modified Montmorillonite‐Doped Tasar Silk Fibroin/Polyvinyl Alcohol Blend 3D Nanowebs for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Batra Radhika , Purwar Roli , Kulanthaivel Senthilguru , Mishra Prashant
Published: August 2021

Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) modified montmorillonite (MMT) clay (CTAB‐MT) doped, tasar silk fibroin‐polyvinyl alcohol blend‐based 3D nanowebs are generated through electrospinning technique. The morphological analysis reveals the formation of interlinked 3D nanoweb‐like architecture and high surface roughness through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy, respectively. The existence of CTAB‐MT in nanowebs is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared and complete exfoliation of clay in the polymer blend matrix along with the altered crystallinity of samples is indicated in X‐ray diffraction. The incorporation of CTAB‐MT clay has shown the enhancement of thermal and mechanical properties of nanoweb samples while the water uptake capacity is reduced and enzymatic biodegradability is found to slow down. The samples present excellent biocompatibility with no cytotoxicity in the Alamar blue assay and high attachment as well as spreading of L929 fibroblast cells covering the entire surface as observed in SEM. The CTAB‐MT clay has imparted the samples with good antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus bacterial strains. The aforementioned properties of these CTAB‐MT clay doped 3D nanowebs direct toward their suitability as a potential candidate for tissue engineering applications in the biomedical field.
On the global existence of small data classical solutions to a semilinear wave equation with a time‐dependent damping
Authors: Xiao Changwang , Guo Fei
Published: August 2021

In this paper, we consider a one‐dimension semilinear wave equation with a time‐dependent damping and power type nonlinearity, which only depends on the derivatives of the unknown function. Employing the global iteration method, we give a simple proof of the global existence of the small data classical solution to the equation for any given nonlinear power exponent which is bigger than 1.
Contextualizing multidimensional poverty in urban India
Authors: Mohanty Sanjay K. , Vasishtha Guru
Published: August 2021

Urban poverty is complex and conventional money‐metric poverty fails to measure the multiple deprivations of the urban population. Though recent estimates of multidimensional poverty do capture multiple deprivations, they do not capture the extent of multidimensional poverty in urban India. Using the urban sample from the National Family Health Survey, 2015–16, this paper estimates and decomposes multidimensional poverty in urban India. Urban poverty is measured in four key domains: Education, health, standard of living, and housing. A multilevel logistic model is used to decompose the variations in multidimensional poverty across geographical regions. Results suggest that about one‐third of the urban Indian population is multidimensionally poor and one‐sixth is vulnerable to multidimensional poverty. The state patterns of multidimensional poverty were diverse, with more than half of the urban population in Manipur and Bihar being multidimensionally poor, followed by Nagaland and Uttar Pradesh. On controlling for household characteristics, 17.5% of the total variation in multidimensional poverty was attributable to census enumeration blocks, 6.6% to districts, 1.8% to regions, and 9.9% to states. The odds of multidimensional poverty were higher among large households, female‐headed households, widowed, and scheduled tribes. Contextualizing multidimensional poverty and prioritizing vulnerable groups and regions are essential for reducing multidimensional poverty in urban India.
Poverty and terrorism in Africa: Understanding the nexus based on existing levels of terrorism
Authors: Iheonu Chimere O. , Ichoku Hyacinth E.
Published: August 2021

Prevailing literature recognizes that poverty may not act as a significant factor that spurs the level of terrorist activities. However, literature on the relationship between poverty and terrorism in Africa remains sparse. This study, therefore, investigates the influence of poverty on terrorism in 26 African countries from 2000 to 2017 in a panel data environment. Findings from the two‐stage least square regression, with standard errors which are heteroskedastic and autocorrelation consistent, show that poverty significantly raises the level of terrorism incidents. However, after accounting for unobserved heterogeneity, we find that the positive relationship between poverty and terrorism becomes insignificant. Further findings employing the instrumental variable quantile regression with fixed effects show that the existing levels of terrorism incidents matter for the impact of poverty on terrorism incidents. The result shows that the impact of poverty on terrorism is only significant at the median. Furthermore, economic growth, political stability, income inequality, and unemployment matter for terrorism in Africa. The study highlights that poverty is not a determining factor for terrorism in Africa when compared to economic growth, political stability, and unemployment. Recommendations are such that inclusive growth, political stability, and unemployment reduction should be prioritized in Africa.
Effect of charged mutation on aggregation of a pentapeptide: Insights from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Prabakaran R. , Rawat Puneet , Yasuo Nobuaki , Sekijima Masakazu , Kumar Sandeep , Gromiha M. Michael
Published: August 2021

Aggregation of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can negatively affect their chemistry, manufacturing, and control attributes and lead to undesirable immune responses in patients. Therefore, optimization of lead mAb drug candidates during discovery stages to mitigate aggregation is increasingly becoming an integral part of their developability assessments. The disruption of short sequence motifs called aggregation prone regions (APRs) found in amino acid sequences of mAb candidates can potentially mitigate their aggregation. In this work, we have performed molecular dynamics simulations to study the aggregation of an APR (VLVIY) found in λ light chains of human antibodies and its single point mutant KLVIY. Eighteen different multicopy peptide simulation systems of “VLVIY” and “KLVIY” were constructed by varying their concentrations, temperatures, termini capping, and flanking gate‐keeper regions. Within 20 ns of the simulation, peptide “VLVIY” formed an aggregate of 100 peptides at ~0.1 M concentration with a 60% reduction in solvent accessible surface area (SASA). Furthermore, analysis of the SASA change, peptide cluster distribution, and water residence time demonstrated how Val ➔ Lys mutation resists aggregation and improves solubility. Presence of Lys slows down aggregation kinetics via charge–charge repulsions and by raising the kinetic barrier to formation of large oligomers. However, the effect of the Val ➔ Lys mutation is dependent on sequence and structural contexts around the APR. This mutation also alters the solvation shell around the peptide by favoring solute‐solvent interactions, thereby increasing its solubility. This work has provided a detailed mechanistic explanation of how APR disruption can mitigate aggregation in biotherapeutics and improve their developability.
Induced fit versus conformational selection: From rate constants to fluxes… and back to rate constants
Authors: Vauquelin Georges , Maes Dominique
Published: August 2021

Induced fit‐ (IF) and conformational selection (CS) binding mechanisms have long been regarded to be mutually exclusive. Yet, they are now increasingly considered to produce the final ligand‐target complex alongside within a thermodynamic cycle. This viewpoint benefited from the introduction of binding fluxes as a tool for analyzing the overall behavior of such cycle. This study aims to provide more vivid and applicable insights into this emerging field. In this respect, combining differential equation‐ based simulations and hitherto little explored alternative modes of calculation provide concordant information about the intricate workings of such cycle. In line with previous reports, we observe that the relative contribution of IF increases with the ligand concentration at equilibrium. Yet the baseline contribution may vary from one case to another and simulations as well as calculations show that this parameter is essentially regulated by the dissociation rate of both pathways. Closer attention should be paid to how the contributions of IF and CS compare at physiologically relevant drug/ligand concentrations. To this end, a simple equation discloses how changing a limited set of “microscopic” rate constants can extend the concentration range at which CS contributes most effectively. Finally, it could also be beneficial to extend the utilization of flux‐ based approaches to more physiologically relevant time scales and alternative binding models.
Topological analysis of para‐line graph of Remdesivir used in the prevention of corona virus
Authors: Liu Jia‐Bao , Singaraj Rosary Maria
Published: August 2021

Topological indices are the molecular descriptors that characterize the formation of chemical compounds and they assist us to predict certain physical–chemical properties like molar refraction, molar volume, chromatographic behavior, boiling point, heat of vaporization and partition coefficient. The computation of the topological index of a drug design enable researchers to have a high quality conception of the physical science and bioorganic characteristics of drugs. Reverse degree based topological indices play important role for calculation of topological descriptor. Para‐line graphs are used to illustrate the molecular structure in another way and these illustrations are valuable in structural chemistry. In this article, we present some reverse degree based topological indices namely, the reverse general Randic index, the reverse atom bond connectivity index, the reverse geometric arithmetic index, the reverse forgotten index, the reverse Balaban index and different types of Zagreb indices for the para‐line graph of Remdesivir. The results attained can help in the design of new medicine for the prevention of corona virus.
Rapid and dramatic responses to dabrafenib and trametinib in BRAF V600E‐mutated lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ota Takayo , Okabayashi Aya , Fukuoka Masahiro
Published: August 2021

V‐raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homologue B1 (BRAF) is a proto‐oncogene that regulates cell proliferation and survival. BRAF V600E‐mutated lung cancer has aggressive characteristics and is resistant to chemotherapies. Combination of BRAF‐specific inhibitor dabrafenib and mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor trametinib is the standard treatment for BRAF V600E‐mutated lung cancer. We report a case of BRAF V600E‐mutated lung adenocarcinoma, which presented with respiratory distress due to deterioration of advanced cancer. The tumour responded rapidly and significantly to BRAF/MEK inhibitors, and the patient's symptoms improved within 2 weeks. BRAF/MEK inhibitors are effective treatment in BRAF‐mutated lung cancer even under critical conditions.
Polarization and intensity of Compton scattering
Authors: Saito Naoki , Tanaka Ryohei , Kawai Jun
Published: August 2021

X‐ray spectra scattered at 90° by acrylic resin plates of various thicknesses are measured. The intensity and polarization of Compton‐scattered X‐rays are estimated from the spectra. As the thickness of the slab increases, the intensity increases but the polarization decreases. The optimal thickness for a polarized X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer is determined, which provides both high intensity and high polarization.
Perceived and Actual Lock-in Effects Amongst Swedish Public Sector Organisations When Using a SaaS Solution
Authors: Lundell Björn , Gamalielsson Jonas , Katz Andrew , Lindroth Mathias
Published: August 2021

When a public sector organisation (PSO) uses a software as a service (SaaS) solution from a global provider this imposes risks for different types of lock-in effects. In turn, use of such solutions by PSOs may prevent full control of digital assets that need to be created, processed, maintained, and archived for use and reuse over long life-cycles. This paper addresses perceived and actual lock-in effects related to use of SaaS solutions in the public sector. We review perceptions of lock-in amongst government agencies and investigate how 46 PSOs have addressed challenges related to obtaining licences and an effective exit plan related to use of the Microsoft Office 365 SaaS solution. Through a review of responses to a survey conducted by the Swedish Government Offices we find significant misconceptions concerning lock-in effects. We find that every one of the 46 PSOs investigated neither obtained necessary licences nor established an effective exit strategy to allow the PSO to independently access, process and maintain digital assets processed by the SaaS solution after decommissioning. We present recommendations for any PSO considering use of a SaaS solution.
A Control Theoretical Approach to Spectral Factorization is Unstable
Authors: Meller Michał , Lasota Adam
Published: August 2021

Local stability analysis of a recently proposed recursive feedback-based approach to spectral factorization is performed. The method is found not to give stability guarantees. Interestingly enough, its global behavior often allows one to obtain reasonable approximations of spectral factorizations if a suitable stopping criterion is employed.
The Uptake of Sporopollenin Exine Capsules and Associated Bioavailability of Adsorbed Oestradiol in Selected Aquatic Invertebrates
Authors: Chapman Emma , Meichanetzoglou Aimilia , Boa Andrew N. , Hetjens Hanne , Faetsch Sonja , Teuchies Johnny , Höss Sebastian , Moore Dean , Bervoets Lieven , Kay Paul , Heise Susanne , Walker Paul , Rotchell Jeanette M.
Published: August 2021

Lycopodium clavatumsporopollenin exine capsules (SpECs) are known to both adsorb and absorb chemicals. The aim of the present work was to determine whether oestradiol (E2) is ‘bioavailable’ to bioindicator species, either pre-adsorbed to, or in the presence of, SpECs. SpEC uptake was confirmed forDaphnia magnaandDreissena bugensis. E2 levels varied among treatments forCaenorhabditis elegansthough there was no relationship to SpEC load. E2 was not detected inD. bugensistissues. Expression changes of general stress and E2-specific genes were measured. ForC. elegans,NHR-14expression suggested that SpECs modulate E2 impacts, but not general health responses. ForD. magna, SpECs alone and with E2 changedVtg1and general stress responses. ForD. bugensis, SpECS were taken up but no E2 or change in gene expression was detected after exposure to E2 and/or SpECs. The present study is the first to investigate SpECs and bound chemical dynamics.
Apparent posterior cerebral artery territory perfusion asymmetry on arterial spin labeling MRI is a common non-pathologic finding in patients with a unilateral fetal posterior cerebral artery
Authors: Noorbakhsh Abraham , Farid Nikdokht , Bolar Divya S.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To determine the frequency of apparent posterior cerebral artery (PCA) territory asymmetry seen on arterial spin labeling (ASL) imaging in patients with a unilateral fetal PCA, but without underlying clinical or imaging pathology to suggest true hypoperfusion.

Methods

A search of radiology reports from 1/2017 through 6/2020 was performed with the inclusion term "fetal PCA.” Eighty patients were included with unilateral fetal PCA confirmed on MRA or CTA, with brain MRI including ASL imaging, and without conventional imaging abnormality or clinical symptoms referable to the PCA territories. Cases were evaluated by two independent readers for visually apparent PCA perfusion asymmetries. ASL imaging consisted of pseudocontinuous ASL with 1.5 s labeling duration and 2 s post-labeling delay adapted from white paper recommendations.

Results

Thirteen of 80 cases (16.2%) had apparent hypoperfusion in the PCA territory contralateral to the side of the fetal PCA. Agreement between readers was near perfect (97.5%, κ = 0.91). This finding was more common in patients who were older, scanned on a 3.0 T magnet, and who had non-visualization of the posterior communicating artery contralateral to the fetal PCA.

Conclusion

Apparent PCA hypoperfusion on ASL is not uncommon in patients with a contralateral fetal PCA who have no clinical or conventional imaging findings to suggest true hypoperfusion. This phenomenon is likely due to differential blood velocities between the carotid and vertebral arteries that result in differential arterial transit times and labeling efficiency. It is important for radiologists to know that apparent hypoperfusion may arise from variant circle of Willis anatomy.
Progranulin and Activin A Concentrations are Elevated in Serum from Patients with Acute Exacerbations of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Xie Tian , Han Lizhen , Chen Yongxing , Wu Haihong
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive fibrotic lung disease of unknown cause with a variable course. Acute exacerbations of IPF (AE-IPF) is sudden accelerations of the disease or a superimposed idiopathic acute injury significantly reducing lung function. To examine the serum concentrations of Progranulin (PGRN) and activin A in patients with AE-IPF in a pilot study.

Methods

Twenty-one patients with AE-IPF were compared with 23 patients with stable IPF as a control group. Serum PGRN and activin A levels, arterial blood gas measurements, and lung function were determined in these two groups.

Results

Peripheral blood PGRN and activin A levels in patients with AE-IPF were 83.7 + 10.0 and 14.2 ± 1.7 ng/ml (mean + SD), respectively; higher than those in the control group 61.0 + 5.8 and 5.8 + 1.0 (p < 0.001). PGRN and activin A levels were significantly negatively correlated with carbon monoxide diffusion capacity r = − 0.857 (p < 0.001) and r = − 0.757 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Progranulin (PGRN) and activin A may be involved in the pathogenesis of AE-IPF. They may be possible markers of disease activity in AE-IPF.
Patterns of undertreatment among patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML): considerations for patients eligible for non-intensive chemotherapy (NIC)
Authors: Hubscher Elizabeth , Sikirica Slaven , Bell Timothy , Brown Andrew , Welch Verna , Russell-Smith Alexander , D’Amico Paul
Published: August 2021

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a life-threatening malignancy that is more prevalent in the elderly. Because the patient population is heterogenous and advanced in age, choosing the optimal therapy can be challenging. There is strong evidence supporting antileukemic therapy, including standard intensive induction chemotherapy (IC) and non-intensive chemotherapy (NIC), for older patients with AML, and guidelines recommend treatment selection based on a patient’s individual and disease characteristics as opposed to age alone. Nonetheless, historic evidence indicates that a high proportion of patients who may be candidates for NIC receive no active antileukemic treatment (NAAT), instead receiving only best supportive care (BSC). We conducted a focused literature review to assess current real-world patterns of undertreatment in AML. From a total of 25 identified studies reporting the proportion of patients with AML receiving NAAT, the proportion of patients treated with NAAT varied widely, ranging from 10 to 61.4% in the US and 24.1 to 35% in Europe. Characteristics associated with receipt of NAAT included clinical factors such as age, poor performance status, comorbidities, and uncontrolled concomitant conditions, as well as sociodemographic factors such as female sex, unmarried status, and lower income. Survival was diminished among patients receiving NAAT, with reported median overall survival values ranging from 1.2 to 4.8 months compared to 5 to 14.4 months with NIC. These findings suggest a proportion of patients who are candidates for NIC receive NAAT, potentially forfeiting the survival benefit of active antileukemic treatment.
Different impacts of metabolic profiles on future risk of cardiovascular disease between diabetes with and without established cardiovascular disease: the Japan diabetes complication and its prevention prospective study 7 (JDCP study 7)
Authors: Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Katakami Naoto , Hayashino Yasuaki , Nishimura Rimei , Suzuki Hiroaki , Shimano Hitoshi , Yoshioka Narihito , Tajima Naoko , Yamasaki Yoshimitsu
Published: August 2021

Aims

Most risk calculators that predict future cardiovascular disease (CVD) by baseline profiles are originally developed for primary prevention, but some studies applied the calculators to secondary prevention. We compared the impact of baseline profiles on the future CVD risk between patients with diabetes with and without a CVD history.

Methods

We analyzed a multicenter prospective cohort of 6338 Japanese patients with diabetes aged 40–74 years, including those with (n = 634) and without a CVD history (n = 5704). The future risk of CVD was investigated using the competing risk model, with adjustment for non-cardiovascular mortality.

Results

During the median follow-up of 6.9 years, 413 CVD events were observed. The 8-year cumulative incidence rates of CVD were 21.5% and 7.2% in patients with and without a CVD history, respectively. A higher systolic blood pressure and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were independently associated with a future CVD risk in patients without a CVD history (both P < 0.05), whereas they were not associated in those with a CVD history. The P values for interaction were 0.040 and 0.005, respectively. The male sex, an older age, a longer duration of diabetes, higher hemoglobin A1c levels, and higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were common independent risk factors regardless of CVD history (all P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The prognostic impact of metabolic profiles on CVD risk would not be identical between patients with and without a CVD history, suggesting that it might be inappropriate to apply CVD risk calculators developed for primary prevention to patients with a CVD history.
Serum resistin is predictive marker of development of new digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Pellicano Chiara , Leodori Giorgia , Colalillo Amalia , Navarini Luca , Gigante Antonietta , Rosato Edoardo
Published: August 2021

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is autoimmune disease characterized by endothelial dysfunction and microvascular damage. Resistin has been implied in microvascular dysfunction. Objective of this study is to evaluate the association between baseline resistin and development of new digital ulcers (DUs) in SSc patients. At baseline, serum resistin has been assessed in 70 female SSc patients and 26 healthy controls (HC). In SSc patients, clinical assessment was performed at baseline and after a 52-weeks follow-up. Serum resistin level was increased in SSc patients compared to HC [5.89 ng/ml (2.5 ng/ml–8.1 ng/ml) vs 2.3 ng/ml (0.4 ng/ml–2.4 ng/ml), p = 0.0004)]. Resistin was lower (p = 0.005) in SSc patients with early capillaroscopic pattern than patients with active or late capillaroscopic pattern [2.49 ng/ml (0.89 ng/ml–5.81 ng/ml) vs 7.11 ng/ml (3.48 ng/ml–11.35 ng/ml) and 6.49 ng/ml (3.35 ng/ml–8.87 ng/ml), respectively]. After a 52-weeks follow-up, 34 (48.6%) patients developed new DUs. Median serum resistin was significantly higher in patients with new DUs than in patients without new DUs [6.54 ng/ml (3.35 ng/ml–11.02 ng/ml) vs 4.78 ng/ml (1.06 ng/ml–7.6 ng/ml), p = 0.019]. Kaplan–Meier curves show a significantly reduced free survival from DUs in patients with increased resistin (p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, resistin is associated with the development of new DUs. Increased serum resistin level is a predictive marker of new DUs in SSc.
Review of Mesoscale Wind-Farm Parametrizations and Their Applications
Authors: Fischereit Jana , Brown Roy , Larsén Xiaoli Guo , Badger Jake , Hawkes Graham
Published: August 2021

With the ongoing expansion of wind energy onshore and offshore, large-scale wind-farm-flow effects in a temporally- and spatially-heterogeneous atmosphere become increasingly relevant. Mesoscale models equipped with a wind-farm parametrization (WFP) can be used to study these effects. Here, we conduct a systematic literature review on the existing WFPs for mesoscale models, their applications and findings. In total, 10 different explicit WFPs have been identified. They differ in their description of the turbine-induced forces, and turbulence-kinetic-energy production. The WFPs have been validated for different target parameters through measurements and large-eddy simulations. The performance of the WFP depends considerably on the ability of the mesoscale model to simulate the background meteorological conditions correctly as well as on the model set-up. The different WFPs have been applied to both onshore and offshore environments around the world. Here, we summarize their findings regarding (1) the characterizations of wind-farm-flow effects, (2) the environmental impact of wind farms, and (3) the implication for wind-energy planning. Since wind-farm wakes can last for several tens of kilometres downstream depending on stability, surface roughness and terrain, neighbouring wind farms need to be taken into account for regional planning of wind energy. Their environmental impact is mostly confined to areas close to the farm. The review suggests future work should include benchmark-type validation studies with long-term measurements, further developments of mesoscale model physics and WFPs, and more interactions between the mesoscale and microscale community.
Bidirectional Turbulent Fluxes of Fog at a Subtropical Montane Cloud Forest Covering a Wide Size Range of Droplets
Authors: Baumberger Maiken , Breuer Bettina , Lai Yen-Jen , Gabyshev Dmitrii , Klemm Otto
Published: August 2021

Size-resolved turbulent fluxes of fog droplets are investigated above a subtropical montane cloud forest in Taiwan. By integrating an aerosol spectrometer into an eddy-covariance set-up, we measure droplet number fluxes and liquid water fluxes in a size range of aerosol particles and droplets with diameters ranging from 0.25 $${\upmu }\!\mathrm{m}$$

μ

m

to 17.3 $${\upmu }\!\mathrm{m}$$

μ

m

. We find two flux-direction changes within this size range: a downward flux occurs for accumulation-mode aerosols of diameters between 0.25 $${\upmu }\!\mathrm{m}$$

μ

m

and 0.83 $${\upmu }\!\mathrm{m}$$

μ

m

, an upward flux occurs for hydrated aerosols with diameters between 1.1 $${\upmu }\!\mathrm{m}$$

μ

m

and 2.4 $${\upmu }\!\mathrm{m}$$

μ

m

, and a downward flux occurs again for activated fog droplets between diameters of 3 $${\upmu }\!\mathrm{m}$$

μ

m

and 17.3 $${\upmu }\!\mathrm{m}$$

μ

m

. The droplet size distributions can be modelled by a trimodal log-normal distribution, and the modes correlate with the different flux directions. The formation of the three modes and the establishment of the respective flux directions can be explained by combining the Köhler theory on the basis of measured ion concentrations in fog with the turbulent transport of droplets. Finally, from the combined analysis of droplet fluxes and size distributions, we infer relevant processes of droplet development and dissolving during various phases of the life cycles of the fog events.
Fungal microbiota in seeds, seedlings and mature plants of raspberry (Rubus ideaus L.)
Authors: Wysoczański Wojciech , Węgrzyn Ewa , Lembicz Marlena , Jaroszewicz Bogdan
Published: August 2021

Presently, there is an intensive search for fungal endophytes to be used in agriculture for the protection and condition improvement of plants and in medicine. We screened for the presence of endophytes in raspberry, which occurs naturally in the Białowieża Forest. The fungal isolates representative of each morphotype were analysed using the molecular markers ITS1 and ITS2. In total, we found 34 taxa of endophytic fungi. The majority were potential pathogens. As many as 27 taxa were found in the leaves of mature plants. No fungi could be isolated from the surface sterilized seeds obtained from these plants. Seedlings were grown from the seeds deposited in the soil seed bank in the Białowieża Geobotanical Station of the University of Warsaw in Białowieża. 8 taxa of endophytic fungi were found in seedlings. It could be due to a possibility of seed infection with these endophytes in soil conditions.
Measuring Acceptance of Block-Based Coding Environments
Authors: Toma Radu Bogdan
Published: August 2021

The development of computational thinking skills is attracting attention worldwide. The use of visual or block-based coding in primary schools has gained momentum. Yet, students' acceptance of such coding environments has been neglected in the literature. This study presents a measurement instrument that will allow pursuing such an endeavor. The Technology Acceptance Model was used as a guiding framework. A panel of eight experts and a purposive sample of 315 elementary school students (Mage = 10.18 years, SD = 1.13) were recruited. Inter-rater agreement between experts (75–100%) confirmed the content validity of the items. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a three-factor solution of 12 items measuring perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and attitudes towards visual coding. Inspection of the correlation matrix provided evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. Cronbach’s alpha (.75–.82), McDonald’s omega (.68–.83), and Spearman-Brown’s split-half coefficients (.67–.80) provided evidence of reliability. Overall, findings support the validity and reliability of the proposed instrument. Its use can shed light on students' acceptance of different block-based coding environments.
Biocompatibility testing of composite biomaterial designed for a new petal valve construction for pulsatile ventricular assist device
Authors: Major Roman , Gawlikowski Maciej , Plutecka Hanna , Surmiak Marcin , Kot Marcin , Dyner Marcin , Lackner Juergen M. , Major Boguslaw
Published: August 2021

This paper presents the results of biocompatibility testing performed on several biomaterial variants for manufacturing a newly designed petal valve intended for use in a pulsatile ventricular assist device or blood pump. Both physical vapor deposition (PVD) and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) were used to coat titanium-based substrates with hydrogenated tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C:H) or amorphous hydrogenated carbon (a-C:H and a-C:H, N). Experiments were carried out using whole human blood under arterial shear stress conditions in a cone-plate analyzer (ap. 1800 1/s). In most cases, tested coatings showed good or very good haemocompatibility. Type a-C:H, N coating proved to be superior in terms of activation, risk of aggregation, and the effects of generating microparticles of apoptotic origin, and also demonstrated excellent mechanical properties. Therefore, a-C:H, N coatings were selected for further in vivo studies. In vivo animal studies were carried out according to the ISO 10993 standard. Intradermal reactivity was assessed in three rabbits and sub-acute toxicity and local effects after implantation were examined in 12 rabbits. Based on postmortem examination, no organ failure or wound tissue damage occurred during the required period of observation. In summary, our investigations demonstrated high biocompatibility of the biomaterials in relation to thrombogenicity, toxicity, and wound healing. Prototypes of the petal valves were manufactured and mounted on the pulsatile ventricular assist device. Hydrodynamic features and impact on red blood cells (hemolysis) as well as coagulation (systemic thrombogenicity) were assessed in whole blood.
The Gendered Relationship Between (Old and New Forms of) Employment Instability and Union Dissolution
Authors: Bastianelli Elena , Vignoli Daniele
Published: August 2021

The present study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the relation between employment instability and union dissolution. To address the oversights of previous research, we disentangle the effect of employment instability on union dissolution by: (i) considering not only the effect of joblessness, but also the type of employment contract; (ii) evaluating both status and the accumulation of instability over the life course; and (iii) detecting gender differences. We focus on Italy, applying event-history techniques to the most recent Italian Multipurpose Survey “Families, social subjects and life cycle” of 2016, observing cohorts from 1950 to 1986. Our results suggest that the effect of employment instability on union dissolution is gender-specific: joblessness and limited-time employment are facilitators for men’s dissolution, while, for women, joblessness is an inhibitor for dissolution, and time-limited and permanent employment do not substantially differ. We also highlight the crucial role of the persistence of instability in unpacking the association between employment instability and union dissolution. This paper advances—for the first time for Italy, at least—that men’s time-limited employment arrangements negatively affect a couple’s stability.
A comparison of the influencing factors of chronic pain and quality of life between older Koreans and Korean–Americans with chronic pain: a correlational study
Authors: Chang Sun Ju , Kim Hee Jun , Juon Hee-Soon , Park Hyunjeong , Choi Seung Woo , Lee Kyung-eun , Ryu Hyunju
Published: August 2021

Background

Chronic pain is one of the most common health problems for older adults worldwide and is likely to result in lower quality of life. Living in a different culture may also influence chronic pain and quality of life in older adults. The purpose of this study was to explore how multifaceted elements affect chronic pain and quality of life in older Koreans living in Korea and in older Korean–Americans (KAs) living in the USA.

Methods

We conducted a secondary data analysis of data from 270 adults aged 65 years or over (138 Koreans and 132 KAs). We compared the effects of multifaceted elements on pain and quality of life by testing structural equation models (SEMs) for each group, using a maximum likelihood estimation and bootstrapping.

Results

SEMs for both Korean and KAs showed that age and depressive symptoms directly affected quality of life. The number of comorbidities and depressive symptoms had mediating effects on quality of life through chronic pain in both groups. In older Koreans only, perceived financial status directly affected quality of life. In older KAs only, sleep quality indirectly affected quality of life through chronic pain.

Conclusion

The data showed that multimorbidity and depressive symptoms play critical roles for explaining chronic pain in older Koreans and KAs and ultimately negatively influence quality of life. Future intervention program to improve quality of life in older adults with chronic pain should consider the different cultural aspects affecting quality of life for Koreans and KAs.
Influence of Public Engagement with Science on Scientific Information Literacy During the COVID‑19 Pandemic
Authors: Gu Chao , Feng Yi
Published: August 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are fighting not only the novel coronavirus, but also the “infodemic” induced by the pandemic. Therefore, it is urgent to explore approaches for enhancing individual immunity against science-related misinformation. We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine the relationship between public engagement with science (PES) and scientific information literacy (SIL) during the COVID-19 pandemic from college students (N = 8075) in China. The results showed that there was a significant difference between attitudes toward and activities of PES. More importantly, both PES activities and PES attitudes were found positively associated with SIL, especially the PES attitudes. The empirical study is significant in demonstrating the predictive effect of PES on individual ability to recognize science-related misinformation, which is crucial for mitigating harm from the “infodemic.” Our study indicated that other than a science communication model in order to restore public trust in science, PES is promising to be incorporated into informal science education to facilitate individual SIL.
A Multi-scale Contact Temperature Model for Dry Sliding Rough Surfaces
Authors: Choudhry Jamal , Almqvist Andreas , Larsson Roland
Published: August 2021

A multi-scale flash temperature model has been developed and validated against existing work. The core strength of the proposed model is that it can be adapted to predict flash contact temperatures occurring in various types of sliding systems. In this paper, it is used to investigate how different surface roughness parameters affect the flash temperatures. The results show that for decreasing Hurst exponents as well as increasing values of the high-frequency cut-off, the maximum flash temperature increases. It was also shown that the effect of surface roughness does not influence the average interface temperature. The model predictions were validated against data from an experiment conducted in a pin-on-disc machine. This also showed the importance of including a wear model when simulating flash temperature development in a sliding system.
The impact of different tree planting strategies on ecosystem services and disservices in the piazzas of a northern Italian city
Authors: Speak A. F. , Montagnani L. , Solly H. , Wellstein C. , Zerbe S.
Published: August 2021

Achieving urban sustainability goals, and improving the quality of life in cities, are aided by the careful selection of tree species for public green spaces. Numerous trade-offs and synergies are necessary to consider when selecting tree species for successful public green spaces and there is little data on effective species mixes. In this transdisciplinary research we consider the relative impacts of nine different tree planting scenarios, as modelled with i-Tree, in three piazzas of Bolzano, North Italy. The scenarios consider the opinions of the general public gathered from focused workshops and data collected via a purposefully created smartphone application in addition to data from local urban tree inventories. Shade provision and aesthetics were the primary factors that influenced citizen tree preferences. Scenarios which included larger tree species generally performed the best due to the greater provision of ecosystem services that arises with larger tree dimensions. Ecosystem disservices also increase with larger trees but can be minimised by careful species selection. Public participation in the planning of urban green spaces can be a beneficial activity which ensures new planning outputs will be well-received whilst providing opportunities for education of citizens about the multiple ecosystem services and disservices in urban contexts. Model outputs revealed that different tree species choices can have greatly different impacts in terms of ecosystem service and disservice provision.
A Bayesian Generalized Explanatory Item Response Model to Account for Learning During the Test
Authors: Lozano José H. , Revuelta Javier
Published: August 2021

The present paper introduces a new explanatory item response model to account for the learning that takes place during a psychometric test due to the repeated use of the operations involved in the items. The proposed model is an extension of the operation-specific learning model (Fischer and Formann in Appl Psychol Meas 6:397–416, 1982; Scheiblechner in Z für Exp Angew Psychol 19:476–506, 1972; Spada in Spada and Kempf (eds.) Structural models of thinking and learning, Huber, Bern, Germany, pp 227–262, 1977). The paper discusses special cases of the model, which, together with the general formulation, differ in the type of response in which the model states that learning occurs: (1) correct and incorrect responses equally (non-contingent learning); (2) correct responses only (contingent learning); and (3) correct and incorrect responses to a different extent (differential contingent learning). A Bayesian framework is adopted for model estimation and evaluation. A simulation study is conducted to examine the performance of the estimation and evaluation methods in recovering the true parameters and selecting the true model. Finally, an empirical study is presented to illustrate the applicability of the model to detect learning effects using real data.