bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human and Environmental Health Implications of Pesticide Utilization by Market Gardeners in the Western Highlands of Cameroon
Authors: Kenko Daniel Brice Nkontcheu , Kamta Parfait Nkontcheu
Published: April 2021

Aims: Assessment of human and environmental health implications of pesticide use by farmers in the western highlands of Cameroon, the case of Fotouni.

Study design:  Descriptive Cross-Sectional

Place and Duration of Study: This work was done between November 2016 and March 2017 in Fotouni (West Region of Cameroon).

Methodology: A structured questionnaires randomly administered to 76 markets gardeners owning a farm and willing to take part in the survey.

Results: The survey revealed that secondary school was the highest level of education achieved by most of the respondents (68.4%). Farmers were aged between 19 and 63 years, the highest percentage (47.4%) being in the 31 to 40 years range. Five pesticide families were used in the study area with a predominance of insecticides. Thirty-one commercial names were recorded corresponding to 18 active ingredients. Chlorothalonil was the most used active ingredient. Beauchamp and Dimethoate were two illegally used compounds recorded. Most farmers (89%) mixed pesticide before application while others (31.6%) changed dosage per crop season. Furthermore, prescribed doses were not followed by 34.2% of respondents and 60.5% of farmers hadn’t receive any training on pesticide application. Market gardeners chose pesticides to apply mainly from information on labels (71%). Farm water was used by 92.1% of respondents for domestic purposes; 28.9% of respondents testified active pesticide poisoning while 47.4% failed to use protective equipment during application. Seven post-application symptoms were recorded, the main one being impaired vison and nausea. The farm house was the main pesticide storage site (56%). Empty sachets were poorly managed as respondents burned (42%) or buried (10%). The Restricted Entry Interval was a mystery for the majority of respondents (70%) who declared they re-entered the farms less than 24h after application.

Conclusion:  Farmers were highly exposed to pesticides due to ignorance and poor legislation.
Presence or Absence of Earlobes Reveals Different Biometric Structure among the Peluca Hen from Guatemala
Authors: Parés-casanova Pere M. , Jáuregui Raúl
Published: April 2021

Background and Objective: Earlobe, a head furnishing trait, is a non-putative trait in Peluca hen (“naked-necked” hen), a local breed from Guatemala. The objective of this study is to determine if presence or absence of earlobe is linked to a body linear trait.

Materials and Methods: Quantitative data collected on 311 mature hens belonging to Peluca breed were subjected to analyses for two different phenotypic subsets according to presence/absence of earlobes (212 with earlobes and 99 without earlobes). Measured morphometric traits were 18: Weight, Perimeter, Length, Width and Height of Body, Wing Length, Leg Length, Lengths of Head, Beak and Face, Length and Width of Shank, Metatarsal Perimeter, Dorso-sternal Height, Bicostal Length, Withers Height, and Thoracic and Abdominal Perimeters. A Principal Component Analysis was applied to the study of variable between both groups to explore the relationship between traits.

Results: body length and height, and abdominal and thoracic perimeters were the most discriminative traits between groups. “Non-lobe” group presented significative higher values only for body length.

Conclusion: Presence/absence of earlobes describe a different body structure within the Peluca hen. Moreover, as this represents no adaptative response, presence or absence of earlobe must be considered to be more related to the productive aptitude rather than different ecotypes. This association of earlobe with some body traits is important since it can ease the task of selecting productive characteristics of the “Peluca” hen.
Bayesian Estimation and Prediction Based on Constant Stress-Partially Accelerated Life Testing for Topp Leone-Inverted Kumaraswamy Distribution
Authors: Al-Dayian G. R. , El-Helbawy A. A. , Refaey R. M. , Behairy S. M.
Published: April 2021

Accelerated life testing or partially accelerated life tests is very important in life testing experiments because it saves time and cost. Partially accelerated life tests are used when the data obtained from accelerated life tests cannot be extrapolated to usual conditions. This paper proposes, constant–stress partially accelerated life test using Type II censored samples, assuming that the lifetime of items under usual condition have the Topp Leone-inverted Kumaraswamy distribution. The Bayes estimators for the parameters, acceleration factor, reliability and hazard rate function are obtained. Bayes estimators based on informative priors is derived under the balanced square error loss function as a symmetric loss function and balanced linear exponential loss function as an asymmetric loss function. Also, Bayesian prediction (point and bounds) is considered for a future observation based on Type-II censored under two samples prediction. Numerical studies are given and some interesting comparisons are presented to illustrate the theoretical results. Moreover, the results are applied to real data sets.
Prediction for Modified Topp Leone-Chen Distribution Based on Progressive Type-II Censoring Scheme
Authors: AL-Dayian G. R. , EL-Helbawy A. A. , AL-Sayed N. T. , Swielum E. M.
Published: April 2021

Prediction of future events on the basis of the past and present information is a fundamental problem of statistics, arising in many contexts and producing varied solutions. The predictor can be either a point or an interval predictor. This paper focuses on predicting the future observations from the modified Topp-Leone Chen distribution based on progressive Type-II censored scheme. The two-sample prediction is applied to obtain the maximum likelihood, Bayesian and E-Bayesian prediction (point and interval) for future order statistics. The Bayesian and E-Bayesian predictors are considered based on two different loss functions, the balanced squared error loss function; as a symmetric loss function and balanced linear exponential loss function; as an asymmetric loss function. The predictors are obtained based on conjugate gamma prior and uniform hyperprior distributions. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the theoretical results and an application using real data sets are used to demonstrate how the results can be used in practice.
Study of the Impact of Curing Condition on Flexural Strength of a Very Thin Semiconductor Package
Authors: Talledo Jefferson
Published: April 2021

Thinner semiconductor package is becoming popular especially in consumer electronics applications. As package becomes thinner, it is more vulnerable to package crack when subjected to external load. It is important to ensure that the package is strong enough to resist package cracking. This paper presents the study of package flexural strength under different epoxy mold compound curing condition. A 3-point bend test was done to characterize the breaking strength of the package that was subjected to post-mold curing. It was then compared to the strength of the package not subjected to post-mold curing (PMC). Results of the bend testing showed that the package flexural strength is much lower when the package is not subjected to post-mold curing. This study demonstrates that the measurement of flexural strength can be used to determine if the package has undergone post-mold curing or not. Performing the right post-mold curing of the thin molded package is required to ensure higher flexural strength.
Resveratrol reduces cardiac NLRP3‐inflammasome activation and systemic inflammation to lessen doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity in juvenile mice
Authors: Maayah Zaid H. , Alam Abrar S. , Takahara Shingo , Soni Shubham , Ferdaoussi Mourad , Matsumura Nobutoshi , Zordoky Beshay N. , Eisenstat David D. , Dyck Jason R.B.
Published: April 2021

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a very effective anticancer agent that is widely used in pediatric cancer patients. Nevertheless, DOX is known to have cardiotoxic effects that may progress to cardiomyopathy later in life. We have recently shown that cotreatment of resveratrol (RES) with DOX in juvenile mice attenuates late‐onset hypertension‐induced cardiomyopathy. However, the molecular mechanism responsible for these changes remains unknown. Herein, we show that the cardiac NLRP3 inflammasome plays a crucial role in regulating cardiac injury in a DOX ‐treated juvenile mouse model and the detrimental effects of hypertension in these mice later in life. We further demonstrate that RES significantly reduces systemic inflammation to contribute to the improvements observed in DOX ‐induced cardiac injury in young mice and late‐onset hypertension‐induced cardiomyopathy.
Online violent video games and online aggressive behavior among Chinese college students: The role of anger rumination and self‐control
Authors: Zheng Xianliang , Chen Huiping , Wang Zeyi , Xie Fangwei , Bao Zhenzhou
Published: April 2021

Online aggressive behavior (OAB) has received increasing attention in recent years, and that playing online violent video games (OVVG) is an important predictor of OAB. However, little is known of the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this relationship. This study aims to investigate (a) the mediating role of anger rumination in the association between OVVG and OAB and (b) the moderating role of self‐control in the relationship between anger rumination and OAB. A total of 595 Chinese college students (M age = 19.59 years, SD age = 1.40) completed measurements regarding OVVG, anger rumination, self‐control, and OAB. The correlation analyses showed that OVVG was significantly positively associated with anger rumination and OAB. Mediation analyses revealed anger rumination partially mediated the link between OVVG and OAB. Moderated mediation further indicated that anger rumination was not associated with OAB for individuals with high levels of self‐control. However, for those with low levels of self‐control, anger rumination was significantly associated with OAB. These findings suggest that the improvement of self‐control and the decline of anger rumination could be a practicable way to address the issue of OAB effectively.
Rechargeable LiCO2 Batteries with Graphdiyne as Efficient Metal‐Free Cathode Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Junxiang , Wang Fuhui , Qi Guicai , Cheng Jianli , Chen Lin , Liu Huibiao , Wang Bin
Published: April 2021

A rechargeable LiCO2 battery is one of the promising power sources for utilizing the greenhouse gas CO2 in a sustainable approach. However, highly efficient catalysts for reversible formation/decomposition of insulating discharge product, Li2CO3, are the main challenge, which can boost the cycle stability. Herein, 2D single‐atom‐thick graphdiyne (GDY) with abundant acetylenic bond sites is prepared by a bottom‐up cross‐coupling reaction strategy and used as metal‐free catalysts for reversible LiCO2 batteries. The prepared GDY has a rich diacetylenic unit and atomic‐level in‐plane pores in the network, which can chemically adsorb the CO2 molecules and easily promote the Li+ diffusion and thereby resulting in uniform nucleation and reversible formation/decomposition of the discharge product. The GDY hybrid cathodes show a small overpotential gap of 1.4 V at a current density of 50 mA · g−1, a high full discharge capacity of 18 416 mAh · g−1 at 100 mA · g−1, and outstanding long‐term stability of 158 cycles at 400 mA · g−1 with a curtailing capacity of 1000 mAh · g−1. Furthermore, a flexible belt‐shaped LiCO2 battery is fabricated as a proof of concept with a high gravimetric energy density of 165.5 Wh · kg−1 (based on the mass of the whole device) as well as excellent mechanical flexibility.
Polyphenol‐Containing Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Properties, and Therapeutic Delivery
Authors: Guo Yuxin , Sun Qing , Wu Fu‐Gen , Dai Yunlu , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: April 2021

Polyphenols, the phenolic hydroxyl group‐containing organic molecules, are widely found in natural plants and have shown beneficial effects on human health. Recently, polyphenol‐containing nanoparticles have attracted extensive research attention due to their antioxidation property, anticancer activity, and universal adherent affinity, and thus have shown great promise in the preparation, stabilization, and modification of multifunctional nanoassemblies for bioimaging, therapeutic delivery, and other biomedical applications. Additionally, the metal−polyphenol networks, formed by the coordination interactions between polyphenols and metal ions, have been used to prepare an important class of polyphenol‐containing nanoparticles for surface modification, bioimaging, drug delivery, and disease treatments. By focusing on the interactions between polyphenols and different materials (e.g., metal ions, inorganic materials, polymers, proteins, and nucleic acids), a comprehensive review on the synthesis and properties of the polyphenol‐containing nanoparticles is provided. Moreover, the remarkable versatility of polyphenol‐containing nanoparticles in different biomedical applications, including biodetection, multimodal bioimaging, protein and gene delivery, bone repair, antibiosis, and cancer theranostics is also demonstrated. Finally, the challenges faced by future research regarding the polyphenol‐containing nanoparticles are discussed.
Toward Planar and Dendrite‐Free Zn Electrodepositions by Regulating Sn‐Crystal Textured Surface
Authors: Li Shiying , Fu Jing , Miao Guoxing , Wang Shengping , Zhao Wanyu , Wu Zichen , Zhang Yijie , Yang Xiaowei
Published: April 2021

The propensity of Zn‐metal anodes to form non‐uniform or dendritic electrodeposits is bound up with the nature of the electrode surface. However, the effect of surface structure on the inherent nucleation and deposition of Zn is not yet well understood. Here, the surface structure of a Zn‐metal anode is reconstructed with Sn‐crystal textures via a facile chemical displacement reaction. Compared to the bare Zn, the high‐affinity Zn binding sites of Sn afford lower deposition energy barrier, which promotes deposition kinetics. What is more, a Sn‐textured surface with moderate Zn affinity but high average surface energy ensures a better wettability from the deposits, leading to the lateral growth of Zn crystals. The resultant Sn‐textured Zn‐metal anode exhibits an extremely low voltage hysteresis of 20 mV and achieves a prolonged cycling stability over 500 h cycles without dendrite formation. This work provides new insights into the crystal‐texture‐dependent Zn electrodeposition process and offers direction for direct surface texturing to better stabilize Zn‐metal anodes with improved reversibility.
Cross‐Substitution Promoted Ultrawide Bandgap up to 4.5 eV in a 2D Semiconductor: Gallium Thiophosphate
Authors: Yan Yong , Yang Juehan , Du Juan , Zhang Xiaomei , Liu Yue‐Yang , Xia Congxin , Wei Zhongming
Published: April 2021

Exploring 2D ultrawide bandgap semiconductors (UWBSs) will be conductive to the development of next‐generation nanodevices, such as deep‐ultraviolet photodetectors, single‐photon emitters, and high‐power flexible electronic devices. However, a gap still remains between the theoretical prediction of novel 2D UWBSs and the experimental realization of the corresponding materials. The cross‐substitution process is an effective way to construct novel semiconductors with the favorable parent characteristics (e.g., structure) and the better physicochemical properties (e.g., bandgap). Herein, a simple case is offered for rational design and syntheses of 2D UWBS GaPS4 by employing state‐of‐the‐art GeS2 as a similar structural model. Benefiting from the cosubstitution of Ge with lighter Ga and P, the GaPS4 crystals exhibit sharply enlarged optical bandgaps (few‐layer: 3.94 eV and monolayer: 4.50 eV) and superior detection performances with high responsivity (4.89 A W−1), high detectivity (1.98 × 1012 Jones), and high quantum efficiency (2.39 × 103%) in the solar‐blind ultraviolet region. Moreover, the GaPS4‐based photodetector exhibits polarization‐sensitive photoresponse with a linear dichroic ratio of 1.85 at 254 nm, benefitting from its in‐plane structural anisotropy. These results provide a pathway for the discovery and fabrication of 2D UWBS anisotropic materials, which become promising candidates for future solar‐blind ultraviolet and polarization‐sensitive sensors.
Supramolecular Nanofibrils Formed by Coassembly of Clinically Approved Drugs for Tumor Photothermal Immunotherapy
Authors: Li Shukun , Zhang Wenjia , Xing Ruirui , Yuan Chengqian , Xue Huadan , Yan Xuehai
Published: April 2021

Pancreatic cancer, one of the most lethal malignancies, compromises the performance of traditional therapeutic regimens in the clinic because of stromal resistance to systemic drug delivery and poor prognosis caused by tumor metastasis. Therefore, a biocompatible therapeutic paradigm that can effectively inhibit pancreatic tumor growth while simultaneously eliminating tumor metastasis is urgently needed. Herein, supramolecular nanofibrils are fabricated through coassembly of clinically approved immunomodulatory thymopentin and near‐infrared indocyanine green for localized photothermal immunotherapy of pancreatic tumors. The resulting long‐range ordered fibrous nanodrugs show improved photophysical capabilities for fluorescence imaging and photothermal conversion and significantly promote the proliferation and differentiation of antitumor immune cells. Hence, the integration of rapid photothermal therapy and moderate immunomodulation for inhibiting tumor growth and eliminating tumor metastasis is promising. The utilization of clinically approved molecules to construct nanodrugs administered via localized injection amplifies the complementary photothermal immunotherapeutic effects of the components, creating opportunities for clinical translation as a treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Semi‐Rational Engineering of Toluene Dioxygenase from Pseudomonas putida F1 towards Oxyfunctionalization of Bicyclic Aromatics
Authors: Wissner Julian L. , Schelle Jona T. , Escobedo‐Hinojosa Wendy , Vogel Andreas , Hauer Bernhard
Published: April 2021

Toluene dioxygenase (TDO) from Pseudomonas putida F1 was engineered towards the oxyfunctionalization of bicyclic substrates. Single and double mutant libraries addressing 27 different positions, located at the active site and entrance channel were generated. In total, 176 different variants were tested employing the substrates naphthalene, 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoline, and 2‐phenylpyridine. Introduced mutations in positions M220, A223 and F366, exhibited major influences in terms of product formation, chemo‐, regio‐ and enantioselectivity. By semi‐rational evolution, we lighted up the TDO capability to convert bulkier substrates than its natural substrate, at unprecedented reported conversions. Thus, the most active TDO variants were applied to biocatalytic oxyfunctionalizations of 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoline, and 2‐phenylpyridine, enabling the production of substantial amounts of (+)‐(R)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoline‐4‐ol (71% isolated yield, 94% ee) and (+)‐(1S,2R)‐3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)cyclohexa‐3,5‐diene‐1,2‐diol (60% isolated yield, 98% ee), respectively. Here, we provide a set of novel TDO‐based biocatalysts useful for the preparation of oxyfunctionalized bicyclic scaffolds, which are valuable to perform downstream synthetic processes.

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Macro–Microstatic Stiffness Prediction Model of Metal Rubber
Authors: Zhang Chuanbing , Ao Hongrui , Jiang Hongyuan
Published: April 2021

An accurate prediction to the macro–microstatic stiffness of metal rubber (MR) is necessary when introduced into the novel hybrid metal rubber‐bump foil bearings (HMR‐BFBs) as the supporting components. However, the deficiency in theoretical models describing the static stiffness limits MR's engineering applications. This study presents theoretical and experimental characterization for the mechanical properties of MR samples. The microstatic stiffness prediction models are proposed based on the radial and axial deformation mechanisms of helix wire units. The constitutive static stiffness model for predicting the macromechanical properties of MR samples is developed with consideration of the separation state, the sliding contact state, and the extrusion contact state between the metal wires based on the force interaction and the Coulomb friction. Moreover, an orthogonal experiment is designed, and subsequently the static stiffness tests of MR samples are carried out. Based on static stiffness tests, a semiempirical stiffness model with consideration of the material and process parameters, including the relative density of MR samples, the wire diameter, and the Young's modulus of metal wires is developed. Results show a good agreement between the theoretically predicted and experimental static stiffness of MR specimens with a correlation index R2 of 0.9692.
Gut Microbiome in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Cox Laura M. , Maghzi Amir Hadi , Liu Shirong , Tankou Stephanie K. , Dhang Fyonn H. , Willocq Valerie , Song Anya , Wasén Caroline , Tauhid Shahamat , Chu Renxin , Anderson Mark C. , De Jager Philip L. , Polgar‐Turcsanyi Mariann , Healy Brian C. , Glanz Bonnie I. , Bakshi Rohit , Chitnis Tanuja , Weiner Howard L.
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study was undertaken to investigate the gut microbiome in progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) and how it relates to clinical disease.

Methods

We sequenced the microbiota from healthy controls and relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) and progressive MS patients and correlated the levels of bacteria with clinical features of disease, including Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), quality of life, and brain magnetic resonance imaging lesions/atrophy. We colonized mice with MS‐derivedAkkermansiaand induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

Results

Microbiota β‐diversity differed between MS patients and controls but did not differ between RRMS and progressive MS or differ based on disease‐modifying therapies. Disease status had the greatest effect on the microbiome β‐diversity, followed by body mass index, race, and sex. In both progressive MS and RRMS, we found increasedClostridium bolteae,Ruthenibacterium lactatiformans, andAkkermansiaand decreasedBlautia wexlerae,Dorea formicigenerans, andErysipelotrichaceae CCMM. Unique to progressive MS, we found elevatedEnterobacteriaceaeandClostridium g24 FCEYand decreasedBlautiaandAgathobaculum. SeveralClostridiumspecies were associated with higher EDSS and fatigue scores. Contrary to the view that elevatedAkkermansiain MS has a detrimental role, we found thatAkkermansiawas linked to lower disability, suggesting a beneficial role. Consistent with this, we found thatAkkermansiaisolated from MS patients ameliorated EAE, which was linked to a reduction in RORγt+ and IL‐17–producing γδ T cells.

Interpretation

Whereas some microbiota alterations are shared in relapsing and progressive MS, we identified unique bacteria associated with progressive MS and clinical measures of disease. Furthermore, elevatedAkkermansiain MS may be a compensatory beneficial response in the MS microbiome. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:1195–1211
Mineral carbonation of CO2 with utilization of coal gasification slags based on chemical looping
Authors: Yu Changjun , Cai Lihong , Jiang Guoqiang , Shao Junjie , Wei Wei , Wang Ruyang , Jin Zhengwei , Jing Yunhuan , Wang Qi
Published: April 2021

Aiming to utilize CO2 and solid waste form coal chemical industry synchronously, we proposed a novel process which integrated CO2 mineral carbonation and utilization of gasification slags based on chemical looping. With NH4Cl as the loop chemical, which generated HCl and NH3 through pyrolysis, the aluminum, calcium, and so forth were extracted by HCl from the coal slag, and CO2 was mineralized by calcium and NH3. NH4Cl was recovered after mineralization, and chemical looping was closed. A pilot setup with a capacity of 1‐kg CO2/h was conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of the chemical looping process. An airlift reactor was employed for mineral carbonation reaction, and conditions for extraction and mineral carbonation were optimized. The process presented the CO2 conversion of more than 90% with a calcium overall utilization ratio of 74.8%. The CO2 sequestration potential of the gasification slag is 121‐g CO2/kg slag, which is higher than that of steel slag and red mud. Calcium carbonate with the particle size of 1–10 μm can be obtained during the mineral carbonation. Simultaneously, the process extracted and enriched 62.3% of aluminum in the slag and enabled the deep utilization of the slag.
Nano‐curcumin/graphene platelets loaded on sodium alginate/polyvinyl alcohol fibers as potential wound dressing
Authors: Rezaei Marjan , Nikkhah Maryam , Mohammadi Soheila , Bahrami Seyed Hajir , Sadeghizadeh Majid
Published: April 2021

Innovative composites of biopolymers and nanomaterials have been exploited to fabricate wound dressings which show functional abilities to improve different stages of wound healing by a variety of mechanisms. In this study, a polymeric nanocomposite dressing is fabricated by electrospinning of a blend of sodium alginate (SA), poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) and graphene nanoplatelets (Gnp). The crosslinking of the nanofibers is done by thermal treatment followed by ionic bonding of the fibers. The crosslinked fibers are loaded by curcumin, a natural potent anti‐inflammatory compound, encapsulated in monomethoxy poly ethylene glycol‐oleate micelles/polymersomes (NCur). Results indicate that by incorporation of Gnp and NCur into the SA/PVA scaffold the tensile strength is not changed (~7 MPa) but the elongation to break and toughness of the scaffolds significantly increase from 11.25±2.6 and 50.56 to 35.5±5.1% and 125.9 Jm‐3, respectively. The scaffolds support the controlled release of curcumin for 24 h in vitro. Biocompatibility of the scaffolds has been confirmed by cell viability assay on mouse fibroblast cells. Overall, the findings demonstrate the potential applications of the spun fibers for wound dressing purposes.
Clinical evaluation of the Hydra self‐expanding transcatheter aortic valve: 6 month results from the GENESIS trial
Authors: Chandra Praveen , Jose John , Mattummal Shafeeq , Mahajan Ajaykumar U. , Govindan Sajeev C. , Makhale Chandrashekhar N. , Chandra Sharad , Shetty Ranjan , Mohanan Sandeep , John John F. , Mehrotra Sanjay , Søndergaard Lars
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and performance of the Hydra transcatheter aortic valve (THV) in the treatment of symptomatic severe aortic stenosis in patients at high or extreme surgical risk.

Background

The Hydra THV (Vascular Innovations Co. Ltd., Nonthaburi, Thailand) is a novel flexible repositionable self‐expanding system with supra‐annular bovine pericardial leaflets, available in three sizes, covering aortic annuli between 17 and 27 mm.

Methods

The GENESIS trial was a prospective, multi‐center, single‐arm, 6 month follow‐up study conducted in India. The primary performance endpoint was device success defined as per VARC‐II criteria at 30 days. The primary safety endpoint was all‐cause mortality at 30 days. All endpoints were adjudicated by an independent clinical events committee.

Results

Forty high‐risk patients (74.5 ± 6.7 years, 60% men; STS Score:5.6 ± 4.2%) were enrolled in 11 centres. Device success was achieved in 92.5%. The effective orifice area improved from 0.7 ± 0.2 to 2.3 ± 0.6 cm2 at 30 days and to 2.2 ± 0.7 cm2 at 6 months (p < .0001). Mean aortic valve gradient decreased from 53.5 ± 18.1 to 8.9 ± 4.9 mmHg at 30 days and to 7.6 ± 2.7 mmHg at 6 months (p < .0001). The rate of new permanent pacemaker implantation was 7.5% at 30 days, and no patient had more than mild paravalvular leak at 6 months. The 30 days and 6 month all‐cause mortality was 10.0 and 17.5%, cardiovascular mortality 7.5 and 7.5%, device‐related mortality 5.0 and 5.0%, respectively. No patients had stroke up to 6 months.

Conclusions

The GENESIS trial demonstrated high efficacy of the self‐expanding Hydra THV. The cardiovascular mortality rate of 7.5% may partly be explained by the inclusion of some centres with no or limited previous experience in transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
Hydrosilane σ‐Adduct Intermediates in an Adaptive Zinc‐Catalyzed Cross‐dehydrocoupling of Si−H and O−H Bonds
Authors: Patnaik Smita , Kanbur Uddhav , Ellern Arkady , Sadow Aaron D.
Published: April 2021

Three‐coordinate PhBOX
ZnR (PhBOX
=phenyl‐(4,4‐dimethyl‐oxazolinato; R=Me: 2 a, Et: 2 b) catalyzes the dehydrocoupling of primary or secondary silanes and alcohols to give silyl ethers and hydrogen, with high turnover numbers (TON; up to 107) under solvent‐free conditions. Primary and secondary silanes react with small, medium, and large alcohols to give various degrees of substitution, from mono‐ to tri‐alkoxylation, whereas tri‐substituted silanes do not react with MeOH under these conditions. The effect of coordinative unsaturation on the behavior of the Zn catalyst is revealed through a dramatic variation of both rate law and experimental rate constants, which depend on the concentrations of both the alcohol and hydrosilane reactants. That is, the catalyst adapts its mechanism to access the most facile and efficient conversion. In particular, either alcohol or hydrosilane binds to the open coordination site on the PhBOX
ZnOR catalyst to form a PhBOX
ZnOR(HOR) complex under one set of conditions or an unprecedented σ‐adduct PhBOX
ZnOR(H−SiR′3) under other conditions. Saturation kinetics provide evidence for the latter species, in support of the hypothesis that σ‐bond metathesis reactions involving four‐centered electrocyclic 2σ–2σ transition states are preceded by σ‐adducts.
Chemie mit und an der frischen Luft
Authors: Jacobs Erik , Geue Niklas
Published: April 2021

In der folgenden Aufgabe wird die Winkler‐Titration beschrieben, die seit über 100 Jahren zur Bestimmung des Sauerstoffgehaltes in Wasserproben verwendet wird. Zunächst werden mögliche Fehlerquellen betrachtet und die zugrunde liegenden Reaktionen diskutiert, bevor die Methode anhand eines Rechenbeispiels praktisch veranschaulicht wird. Am Ende wird die Aufgabe durch einen kurzen, interdisziplinären Exkurs zu verwandten Meereswissenschaften abgerundet.
Composition and function of ciliary inner‐dynein‐arm subunits studied in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Yamamoto Ryosuke , Hwang Juyeon , Ishikawa Takashi , Kon Takahide , Sale Winfield S.
Published: April 2021

Motile cilia (also interchangeably called “flagella”) are conserved organelles extending from the surface of many animal cells and play essential functions in eukaryotes, including cell motility and environmental sensing. Large motor complexes, the ciliary dyneins, are present on ciliary outer‐doublet microtubules and drive movement of cilia. Ciliary dyneins are classified into two general types: the outer dynein arms (ODAs) and the inner dynein arms (IDAs). While ODAs are important for generation of force and regulation of ciliary beat frequency, IDAs are essential for control of the size and shape of the bend, features collectively referred to as waveform. Also, recent studies have revealed unexpected links between IDA components and human diseases. In spite of their importance, studies on IDAs have been difficult since they are very complex and composed for several types of IDA motors, each unique in composition and location in the axoneme. Thanks in part to genetic, biochemical, and structural analysis of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, we are beginning to understand the organization and function of the ciliary IDAs. In this review, we summarize the composition of Chlamydomonas IDAs particularly focusing on each subunit, and discuss the assembly, conservation, and functional role(s) of these IDA subunits. Furthermore, we raise several additional questions/challenges regarding IDAs, and discuss future perspectives of IDA studies.
Outcomes of patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated with induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiation compared with those treated with concurrent chemoradiation
Authors: Guo Theresa W. , Saiyed Faiez , Yao Christopher M. K. L. , Kiong Kimberley L. , Martinez Julian , Sacks Ruth , Lee J. Jack , Moreno Amy C. , Frank Steven J. , Rosenthal David I. , Glisson Bonnie S. , Ferrarotto Renata , Mott Frank E. , Johnson Faye M. , Myers Jeffrey N.
Published: April 2021

Background

Induction chemotherapy (IC) has been associated with a decreased risk of distant metastasis in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. However, its role in the treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is not well established.

Methods

The outcomes of patients with OPSCC treated with IC followed by concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) were compared with the outcomes of those treated with CRT alone. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS), and the secondary end points were the times to locoregional and distant recurrence.

Results

In an existing database, 585 patients met the inclusion criteria: 137 received IC plus CRT, and 448 received CRT. Most patients were positive for human papillomavirus (HPV; 90.9%). Patients receiving IC were more likely to present with a higher T stage, a higher N stage, and low neck disease. The 3‐year OS rate was significantly lower in patients receiving IC (75.7%) versus CRT alone (92.9%). In a multicovariate analysis, receipt of IC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 3.4; P < .001), HPV tumor status (aHR, 0.36; P = .002), and receipt of concurrent cetuximab (aHR, 2.7; P = .002) were independently associated with OS. The risk of distant metastasis was also significantly higher in IC patients (aHR, 2.8; P = .001), whereas an HPV‐positive tumor status (aHR, 0.44; P = .032) and completion of therapy (aHR, 0.51; P = .034) were associated with a lower risk of distant metastasis. In HPV‐positive patients, IC remained associated with distant metastatic progression (aHR, 2.6; P = .004) but not OS.

Conclusions

In contrast to prior studies, IC was independently associated with worse OS and a higher risk of distant metastasis in patients with OPSCC. Future studies are needed to validate these findings.
High‐risk endometrial cancer proteomic profiling reveals that FBXW7 mutation alters L1CAM and TGM2 protein levels
Authors: Urick Mary Ellen , Yu Eun‐Jeong , Bell Daphne W.
Published: April 2021

Background

FBXW7 is frequently somatically mutated in grade 3 endometrioid endometrial cancers (G3EECs) and serous endometrial cancers (SECs), which are high‐risk cancers associated with poor outcomes and in need of novel treatment options. The aim of this study was to determine the proteomic effects of 3 FBXW7 mutations in high‐risk endometrial cancers (ECs).

Methods

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) editing was used to generate 3 HEC‐50B G3EEC derivative cell lines, each of which harbored 1 FBXW7 mutation, and to revert an endogenous FBXW7 mutation in HEC‐1‐B grade 2 endometrioid endometrial cancer (G2EEC) cells to the wild‐type genotype. Proteomic profiling based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to determine protein differences between the HEC‐50B derivative lines and parental cells. Western blot analysis was performed to assess differential protein levels of CRISPR‐edited derivative lines originating from HEC‐50B, ARK1 (SEC), ARK4 (SEC), HEC‐1‐B, and JHUEM‐1 (G2EEC) cell lines in comparison with parental cells.

Results

Results of this study demonstrated the effects of FBXW7 mutations on the proteome and phosphoproteome of HEC‐50B G3EEC cells and highlighted proteins that also exhibited altered levels in FBXW7‐mutated ARK1 and ARK4 SEC cells, including 2 potentially druggable proteins: L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) and transglutaminase 2 (TGM2). Furthermore, they demonstrated that reversion of an endogenous FBXW7 mutation to the wild‐type genotype in JHUEM‐1 and HEC‐1‐B G2EEC cells resulted in decreased L1CAM and TGM2 protein levels.

Conclusions

L1CAM and TGM2 protein levels are affected by FBXW7 mutations in ECs.
Migalastat Tissue Distribution: Extrapolation From Mice to Humans Using Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Comparison With Agalsidase Beta Tissue Distribution in Mice
Authors: Wu Yi Shuan , Khanna Richie , Schmith Virginia , Lun Yi , Shen Jin‐Song , Garcia Anadina , Dungan Leo , Perry Anthony , Martin Lukas , Tsai Pai‐Chi , Hamler Rick , Das Anibh M. , Schiffmann Raphael , Johnson Franklin K.
Published: April 2021

Approved therapies for Fabry disease (FD) include migalastat, an oral pharmacological chaperone, and agalsidase beta and agalsidase alfa, 2 forms of enzyme replacement therapy. Broad tissue distribution may be beneficial for clinical efficacy in FD, which has severe manifestations in multiple organs. Here, migalastat and agalsidase beta biodistribution were assessed in mice and modeled using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) analysis, and migalastat biodistribution was subsequently extrapolated to humans. In mice, migalastat concentration was highest in kidneys and the small intestine, 2 FD‐relevant organs. Agalsidase beta was predominantly sequestered in the liver and spleen (organs unaffected in FD). PBPK modeling predicted that migalastat 123 mg every other day resulted in concentrations exceeding the in vitro half‐maximal effective concentration in kidneys, small intestine, skin, heart, and liver in human subjects. However, extrapolation of mouse agalsidase beta concentrations to humans was unsuccessful. In conclusion, migalastat may distribute to tissues that are inaccessible to intravenous agalsidase beta in mice, and extrapolation of mouse migalastat concentrations to humans showed adequate tissue penetration, particularly in FD‐relevant organs.
The impact of comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder on eating disorder treatment outcomes: Investigating the unified treatment model
Authors: Mitchell Karen S. , Singh Simar , Hardin Sabrina , Thompson‐Brenner Heather
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Many women with eating disorders (EDs) have comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, there have been few studies on how comorbid PTSD may impact ED treatment outcomes.

Method

Participants were 2,809 patients from residential ED treatment facilities who were treated using the Unified Treatment Model (UTM). We investigated whether PTSD diagnosis at admission was associated with changes in Eating Disorder Examination‐Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) scores, binge eating, self‐induced vomiting, and restriction, across three time points, as well as clinically significant improvement and treatment drop‐out.

Results

Using latent growth models, with time modeled as a second‐order polynomial, we found that EDE‐Q scores and behavioral symptoms decreased from admission to discharge, but increased from discharge to 6‐month follow‐up. PTSD diagnosis was associated with higher baseline EDE‐Q scores and restriction, and lower binge‐eating frequency. PTSD diagnosis was not associated with symptom change over time, treatment dropout, or clinically significant change.

Discussion

Although PTSD diagnoses were associated with higher ED symptom levels at admission, PTSD was not associated with worse treatment outcomes, suggesting the UTM is a promising treatment for patients with and without PTSD. Future studies should investigate the impact of ED treatment on PTSD symptoms in order to determine the need for integrated treatments for these comorbid conditions.
Mindfully motivated: Can a brief session of mindfulness meditation enhance motivation towards personal goals?
Authors: Smyth Aidan , Milyavskaya Marina
Published: April 2021

Recent research suggests that mindfulness meditation may impair motivation towards traditional laboratory tasks. The present research explored the effects of meditation on motivation towards personal goals and an anagram task. In Study 1 (n = 200), participants in the mindfulness condition reported greater goal motivation than those in a comparison podcast condition (due to a decrease in the podcast condition); this difference remained 10 min later. Exploratory analyses revealed no differences between conditions in post‐manipulation anagram motivation. In Study 2 (n = 120), participants in the mindfulness condition reported greater goal motivation than those in the podcast condition; this difference remained 20 min later. There were no differences between conditions in anagram motivation. Furthermore, goal motivation increased from before to after meditating, whereas anagram motivation remained the same. These findings oppose the notion that meditation impairs motivation and instead suggest that meditation may offer motivational benefits for personal goal pursuit.
Electrochemical Biosensor Design with Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotube to Display DNA‐Schiff Base Interaction
Authors: Munir Azeema , Bozal‐Palabiyik Burcin , Eren Gokcen , Shah Afzal , Ali Saqib , Uddin Noor , Uslu Bengi
Published: April 2021

This paper demonstrates a Schiff base i. e. 5‐(diethylamino)‐2‐((2,6‐diethylphenylimino)methyl)phenol (5‐DDMP) that was sensed by DNA biosensor. dsDNA was immobilized onto GCE modified with functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes to prepare a biosensor. The efficiency of dsDNA biosensor was determined and binding of 5‐DDMP with dsDNA was searched by UV‐vis spectrophotometry and differential pulse voltammetry. Molecular docking simulations between 5‐DDMP and dsDNA were explored and as a result, a hydrogen bond and a π‐π contact were observed between 5‐DDMP and deoxyguanosine base (dG22) of the strand B, deoxyadenosine base (dA5) of the strand A, respectively. These studies could be useful for new anticancer drug design and development.
Synthesis Efforts of Acyclic Bis(monoalkylamino)maleonitriles and Macrocyclic Bis(dialkylamino)maleonitriles as Fluorescent Probes for Cations and a New Colorimetric Copper(II) Chemodosimeter
Authors: Schwarze Thomas , Sperlich Eric , Müller Thomas , Kelling Alexandra , Holdt Hans‐Jürgen
Published: April 2021

In this article, we report on the synthesis of acyclic bis(monoalkylamino)maleonitriles and on the intended synthesis of macrocyclic bis(dialkylamino)maleonitriles to get fluorescent probes for cations. During our efforts to synthesize macrocyclic bis(dialkylamino)maleonitriles, we were only able to isolate macrocyclic bis(dialkylamino)‐fumaronitriles. The synthesis of macrocyclic bis(dialkylamino)maleonitriles is challenging, due to the fact that bis‐(dialkylamino)fumaronitriles are thermodynamically more stable than the corresponding bis(dialkylamino)‐maleonitriles. Further, it turned out that the acyclic bis(monoalkylamino)maleonitriles and macrocyclic bis‐(dialkylamino)fumaronitriles are no suitable tools to detect cations by a strong fluorescence enhancement. Further, only the bis(monoalkylamino)maleonitriles, which are bearing a 2‐pyridyl unit as an additional complexing unit, are able to selectively recognize copper(II) by a color change from yellow to red.
Effect of radio frequency glow‐discharge treatment of titanium on human gingival fibroblasts as a function of distance
Authors: Ali Aya , Visser Michelle B. , Ehrensberger Mark T. , Meyer Anne E.
Published: April 2021

The mechanical stability and long‐term success of an implant depends on the early healing phase and osseointegration of the bone around it. In addition, a healthy gingival tissue around the implant acts as a barrier that prevents bacteria and pathological byproducts from reaching the implant site. This study investigated the in‐vitro attachment and spreading of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) on bacterial grade polystyrene (PS) at different distances from radio‐frequency glow‐discharge (RFGD)‐treated commercially pure titanium (cpTi) specimens. Controls included sterile cpTi specimens without RFGD treatment. A second set of experiments utilized media transferred to new bacterial grade polystyrene dishes (no cpTi) after the medium was conditioned by exposure to cpTi, either with or without RFGD treatment, for 24 hr. Surface characterization of the dishes was conducted through contact angle measurements and infrared spectroscopy. Cell numbers and surface areas were determined from Image J analysis of multiple microscopic images of fixed, stained cells. The results showed significantly greater numbers and surface areas on bacterial grade PS dishes at distances up to 15 mm from the RFGD‐treated cpTi groups than for the controls. Moreover, a significant effect of the conditioned medium from RFGD‐treated cpTi versus control cultures was shown on the numbers of fibroblasts attached to bacterial grade polystyrene dishes after 24 hr (p < 0.005) and 48 hr (p = 0.002) incubation. Surface areas of cells exposed to conditioned medium were not significantly different (p ≥ 0.05). Surface characterization of the PS dishes showed a higher value of the critical surface tensions of the treated group when compared to the control group.
Linking Thought and Behavior: Evidence for Process—Mode of Expression Congruence Effects
Authors: Nowlan Luke , Borenstein Benjamin , Morgan Carter , Xu Minzhe , Janiszewski Chris
Published: April 2021

Prior research suggests that the influence of marketing cues on consumers’ behavior can occur as a result of either system 1 processes (i.e., associative, intuitive, impulsive processes) or system 2 processes (i.e., rule‐based, analytic, reflective processes). We demonstrate that how people express a behavior can influence whether the behavior reflects predominantly system 1 or system 2 processing. Specifically, we propose a process—mode of expression congruence effect, whereby less deliberate behaviors (e.g., physically grabbing something) are relatively more sensitive to system 1 processing, while more deliberate behaviors (e.g., writing down one’s preference) are relatively more sensitive to system 2 processing. Six studies provide support for process—mode of expression congruence, showing that the magnitude and direction in which an environmental cue influences a consumer’s behavior can depend on the deliberateness of the mode of expression.
Entrustable professional activities framework for assessment in predoctoral dental education, developed using a modified Delphi process
Authors: Ramaswamy Vidya , Fitzgerald Mark , Danciu Theodora , Nalliah Romesh , de Peralta Tracy , Munz Stephanie M. , Murdoch‐Kinch Carol Anne
Published: April 2021

Purpose/objectives

The purpose of this study was to define and develop a set of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) for dental education using a modified Delphi consensus approach. EPAs define the core tasks that a graduating dentist needs to perform independently in practice. The EPA framework facilitates assessment of competencies as they manifest in the tasks and independence needed to be ready for practice.

Methods

Feedback was obtained from participants about a list of EPAs, with modifications made after each of the 3 rounds, using a modified Delphi approach. Phase 1 included attendees at the ADEA Fall 2017 meeting (n = 35) who participated in an EPA workshop primarily composed of academic deans. The Phase 2 “reactor panel” consisted of 10 dental schools’ academic deans and other individuals with expertise and interest in dental curriculum and assessment (n = 31). Phase 3 participants were attendees at the ADEA CCI 2019 meeting (n = 91) who also participated in a 2‐day EPA workshop.

Results

In phase 1, overall ratings for acceptability of the EPAs were satisfactory. In phase 2, the next iteration of EPAs was judged as satisfactory for inclusion in curriculum, match well with clinical practice and clarity. In phase 3, the EPAs were judged as satisfactory for being an “entrustable, essential, and important task of the profession.” Qualitative feedback suggested wording, measurability, and specific focus of EPA statements is important.

Conclusions

A preliminary set of EPAs was designed for predoctoral dental education through a systematic, careful consensus building approach involving a diverse set of participants.