bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multifactorial proteomics approach to sex‐specific effects of diet composition and social environment in an omnivorous insect
Authors: Gutiérrez Yeisson , Fresch Marion , Hellmann Sören L. , Hankeln Thomas , Scherber Christoph , Brockmeyer Jens
Published: May 2021

Rearing conditions may elicit noticeable plastic responses in life‐history traits of living organisms. Diet composition and the social environment have proven to influence prominent traits such as survival, body size, fecundity, and life span. Nevertheless, the physiological mechanisms underlying such responses are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated changes in the proteome of the house cricketAcheta domesticussubjected to diets of different nutritional composition (i.e., protein to carbohydrates ratio) and two distinct social environments (i.e., solitary or in groups). We measured the relative abundances of 685 proteins identified in whole‐body cricket samples using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Differential expression of proteins induced by diet composition and social environment in female and maleA. domesticuswas assessed in a data‐independent proteomics approach. Additionally, we performed a functional analysis of the differentially expressed proteins using comprehensive databases (KEGG and GO). We found that sex alone explained a significant portion (40.87%) of the relative protein abundance variation. Males had a higher representation of proteins involved in metabolic pathways and locomotion. In contrast, females exhibited a higher abundance of proteins related to genetic processes regulation and nutrient catabolism. Moreover, diet composition and social environment induced sex‐specific changes in a smaller set of proteins with particular roles. Females had their protein profile affected by diet composition and social environment. The involved proteins were mainly related to several protein synthesis stages, carbohydrate metabolism, and muscle development. In contrast, males were only affected by diet composition, overexpressing proteins related to hormone production, carbohydrate metabolism, and apparently depositing excess protein in the cuticle when fed with a protein‐rich diet. Evidently, diet had a more substantial influence on the proteome of the cricketA. domesticusthan the social environment, showing that diet composition may exert profound physiological changes in insects in a sex‐specific manner.
Functional traits provide new insight into recovery and succession at deep‐sea hydrothermal vents
Authors: Dykman Lauren N. , Beaulieu Stace E. , Mills Susan W. , Solow Andrew R. , Mullineaux Lauren S.
Published: May 2021

Investigation of communities in extreme environments with unique conditions has the potential to broaden or challenge existing theory as to how biological communities assemble and change through succession. Deep‐sea hydrothermal vent ecosystems have strong, parallel gradients of nutrients and environmental stress, and present unusual conditions in early succession, in that both nutrient availability and stressors are high. We analyzed the succession of the invertebrate community at 9°50′ N on the East Pacific Rise for 11 yr following an eruption in 2006 in order to test successional theories developed in other ecosystems. We focused on functional traits including body size, external protection, provision of habitat (foundation species), and trophic mode to understand how the unique nutritional and stress conditions influence community composition. In contrast to established theory, large, fast‐growing, structure‐forming organisms colonized rapidly at vents, while small, asexually reproducing organisms were not abundant until later in succession. Species in early succession had high external protection, as expected in the harsh thermal and chemical conditions after the eruption. Changes in traits related to feeding ecology and dispersal potential over succession agreed with expectations from other ecosystems. We also tracked functional diversity metrics over time to see how they compared to species diversity. While species diversity peaked at 8 yr post‐eruption, functional diversity was continuing to increase at 11 yr. Our results indicate that deep‐sea hydrothermal vents have distinct successional dynamics due to the high stress and high nutrient conditions in early succession. These findings highlight the importance of extending theory to new systems and considering function to allow comparison between ecosystems with different species and environmental conditions.
Cobaltoceniumselenolate Gold(I) Complexes: Synthesis, Spectroscopic, Structural and Anticancer Properties
Authors: Menia Daniel , Kopacka Holger , Wurst Klaus , Müller Thomas , Lippmann Petra , Ott Ingo , Bildstein Benno
Published: May 2021

Cobaltoceniumselenolate is an unusual, highly air‐sensitive, mesoionic compound containing a very soft anionic selenium donor atom. Here we explore its coordination chemistry with Au(I) metal centers and show that its hetero‐ and homoleptic gold complexes are highly colored, air‐stable compounds, which were characterized by1H/13C/31P/77Se NMR, IR, UV‐Vis, HR‐MS and single crystal XRD. Cytotoxicity of these polar, water‐soluble complexes was studied against various standard cancer cell lines (A549MDA‐MB‐231, HT‐29) revealing good anticancer activity of all three complexes.
Illness perceptions and illness behaviours in back pain: A cross‐sectional cluster analysis
Authors: Morton LaKrista , de Bruin Marijn , Macfarlane Gary J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Individuals' perceptions of back pain may shape what they do in response to manage their pain, for example, self‐care, medication and seeking healthcare. Illness perceptions encompass a variety of beliefs such as how long pain is expected to last and whether treatments are perceived to control pain. Whether these beliefs meaningfully cluster and whether these clusters are associated with how people manage their back pain are currently unknown.

Methods

1,343 individuals with back pain from a general population sample completed the brief Illness Perceptions Questionnaire and measures about their pain and illness behaviours. Using a two‐stage cluster analysis, we identified four distinct clusters of individuals. Logistic regression was used to investigate relationships between cluster membership and illness behaviours.

Results

After adjustment for socio‐demographic characteristics, pain severity, interference and duration, relative to a low threat illness perception cluster, a high threat cluster was more likely to have contacted a general practitioner (OR: 3.03, 95% CI: 1.75, 5.23) and a moderate threat–high treatment control cluster was more likely to have consulted a physical therapist (OR: 2.21, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.87). Both the moderate threat–high treatment control cluster and high threat cluster were also less likely to have reported self‐care (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.95; OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.34, 0.83, respectively).

Conclusions

The cluster analysis provided a meaningful classification of individuals based on their cognitive illness perceptions of their back pain, as these clusters were associated with different illness behaviours. Interventions which modify clusters of illness perceptions may be effective in influencing how individuals respond to back pain.

Significance

Within a general population setting, we identified four clearly distinct groups of people based on the perceptions they held about their back pain. These groupings seemed to reflect meaningful characterisations as they differed based on the characteristics of their pain (e.g., severity and duration) and, after adjustment for these characteristics, were associated with different ways of managing pain. Interventions which focus on targeting the sets of illness perceptions that people hold may be effective in influencing how individuals manage back pain.
Utilization of biomass to promote calcium‐based sorbents for CO2capture
Authors: Liang Xiao , Chen Huichao
Published: May 2021

To promote and maintain the reactivity of calcium‐based sorbents for CO2capture is essential for calcium looping technology. Biomass together with cement was doped with calcium‐based sorbents pellets to promote the reactivity and enhance the sintering resistance for CO2capture. The influence of parameters, such as biomass types, addition, pretreatments, precursors, and cement amounts on CO2capture performance of sorbents are determined and an optimized process is developed for sorbents pellets making. Biomass such as coconut shell doped with calcium‐based sorbents present promising enhancement in CO2capture capacity. Sorbents doped with pretreated biomass exhibit excellent CO2capture performance with a carbonation conversion of 0.6 and 0.73 after 10 cycles, respectively. The microstructures of the sorbents characterized by N2physisorption/desorption and the phase structure determined byin situX‐ray diffraction (XRD) are investigated as a supplement for mechanism study. The release of volatiles and pyrolysis of biomass char in sorbents are the main causes for microstructure improvement for sorbents. The formations of CaAl2O4, CaAl4O7and Ca12Al14O33in sorbents during the carbonation/calcination cycles account for the enhancement of the sorbents’ sintering resistance. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does the rise of robotic technology make people healthier?
Authors: Gunadi Christian , Ryu Hanbyul
Published: May 2021

Technological advancements bring changes to our life, altering our behaviors as well as our role in the economy. In this paper, we examine the potential effect of the rise of robotic technology on health. Using the variation in the initial distribution of industrial employment in US cities and the difference in robot adoption across industries over time to predict robot exposure at the local labor market, we find evidence that higher penetration of industrial robots in the local economy is positively related to the health of the low‐skilled population. A 10% increase in robots per 1000 workers is associated with an approximately 10% reduction in the share of low‐skilled individuals reporting poor health. Further analysis suggests that the reallocation of tasks partly explains this finding. A 10% increase in robots per 1000 workers is associated with an approximately 1.5% reduction in physical tasks supplied by low‐skilled workers.
Comparing paired‐stimulus and multiple‐stimulus concurrent‐chains preference assessments: Consistency, correspondence, and efficiency
Authors: Basile Carissa D. , Tiger Jeffrey H. , Lillie Madelynn A.
Published: May 2021

Concurrent‐chains preference assessments have been used to assess preferences for leisure activities, teaching strategies, behavioral interventions, and other protracted events. This assessment model involves presenting an array of representative stimuli (e.g., pictures or colored cards), providing participants with an opportunity to select a representative stimulus from the array, arranging access to the associated activity, and then rank‐ordering activities based upon their accumulated selection frequency across trials. The predominant model for presenting stimuli has been one in which all stimuli are presented in arrays simultaneously (i.e., a multiple‐stimulus model). Activities selected repeatedly are identified as highly preferred and are then sequentially removed from the array to determine a preference hierarchy. The current study compared this approach with an alternative in which representative stimuli were presented to participants in paired arrays. Assessments conducted in the paired‐array format were completed more rapidly than the multiple‐stimulus format with a high degree of correspondence between preference rankings generated by both approaches.
First experience in clinical application of hyperspectral endoscopy for evaluation of colonic polyps
Authors: Yoon Jonghee , Joseph James , Waterhouse Dale J. , Borzy Charlie , Siemens Kyla , Diamond Sarah , Tsikitis Vassiliki Liana , Bohndiek Sarah E.
Published: May 2021

Early detection and resection of adenomatous polyps prevents their progression to colorectal cancer (CRC), significantly improving patient outcomes. Polyps are typically identified and removed during white‐light colonoscopy. Unfortunately, the rate of interval cancers that arise between CRC screening events remains high, linked to poor visualization of polyps during screening and incomplete polyp removal. Here, we sought to evaluate the potential of a hyperspectral endoscope (HySE) to enhance polyp discrimination for detection and resection. We designed, built and tested a new compact HySE in a proof‐of‐concept clinical study. We successfully collected spectra from three tissue types in seven patients undergoing routine colonoscopy screening. The acquired spectral data from normal tissue and polyps, both pre‐ and post‐ resection, were subjected to quantitative analysis using spectral angle mapping and machine learning, which discriminated the data by tissue type, meriting further investigation of HySE as a clinical tool.
Biochemical and cytotoxic evaluation of latroeggtoxin‐VI against PC12 cells
Authors: Tang Xiaochao , Yu Dianmei , Wang Haiyan , Meng Wenwen , Lei Zhixiang , Zhai Yiwen , Wang Ying , Wang Xianchun
Published: May 2021

Latroeggtoxin‐VI (LETX‐VI) is a peptide neurotoxin discovered from Latrodectus tredecimguttatus eggs. In the current study, the action features of the neurotoxin on PC12 cells were systematically investigated. LETX‐VI could promote dopamine release from PC12 cells in the absence and presence of Ca2+, involving an even more complex action mechanism in the presence of Ca2+ and when the treatment time was longer. Although LETX‐VI enchanced the autophagy and secretion activity in PC 12 cells, it showed no remarkable influence on the proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and ultrastructure of the cells. Pulldown combined with CapLC‐MS/MS analysis suggested that LETX‐VI affected PC12 cells by interacting with multiple proteins involved in the metabolism, transport, and release of neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine. The low cytotoxicity and effective regulatory action of LETX‐VI on PC12 cells suggest the potential of the active peptide in the development of drugs for the treatment of some dopamine‐related psychotic diseases and cancers.
ESCASA: Analytical estimation of atomic coordinates from coarse‐grained geometry for nuclear‐magnetic‐resonance‐assisted protein structure modeling. I. Backbone and Hβ protons
Authors: Lubecka Emilia A. , Liwo Adam
Published: May 2021

A method for the estimation of coordinates of atoms in proteins from coarse‐grained geometry by simple analytical formulas (ESCASA), for use in nuclear‐magnetic‐resonance (NMR) data‐assisted coarse‐grained simulations of proteins is proposed. In this paper, the formulas for the backbone Hα and amide (HN) protons, and the side‐chain Hβ protons, given the Cα‐trace, have been derived and parameterized, by using the interproton distances calculated from a set of 140 high‐resolution non‐homologous protein structures. The mean standard deviation over all types of proton pairs in the set was 0.44 Å after fitting. Validation against a set of 41 proteins with NMR‐determined structures, which were not considered in parameterization, resulted in average standard deviation from average proton–proton distances of the NMR‐determined structures of 0.25 Å, compared to 0.21 Å obtained with the PULCHRA all‐atom‐chain reconstruction algorithm and to the 0.12 Å standard deviation of the average‐structure proton–proton distance of NMR‐determined ensembles. The formulas provide analytical forces and can, therefore, be used in coarse‐grained molecular dynamics.
Characterization of orthogonal hydrogen and halogen bonds in thiobarbituric acid complexes with halogen molecules (X = I2, Br2, and Cl2): Structural and spectroscopic study
Authors: Alosaimi Abeer M. , Aljehani Abdulrahman S. , Ibrahim Mohamed M. , El‐Sheshtawy Hamdy S. , Altalhi Tariq
Published: May 2021

The molecular complexes between thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and halogen molecules (X2 = I2, Br2, and Cl2) in different solvents are explored. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations at rwb97xd/lanl2dz were used to corroborate the experimental electronic and optical properties of the molecular adducts. Experimental results (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) show the stability of the complexes by halogen bonding (XB) and competitive hydrogen bonding (HB), which was supported by the DFT calculations. The molecular electrostatic potential and the frontier orbital calculations supported engagement of the thione group in XB rather than the carbonyl group. Based on the Hirshfeld atomic population, noncovalent interaction, and natural bond orbital analysis, the stability of TBAX2 adducts increases in the order TBACl2 > TBABr2 > TBAI2, where the larger charge transfer and highest stabilization energy were calculated for TBACl2 adducts.
GPCR‐mediated YAP/TAZ inactivation in fibroblasts via EPAC1/2, RAP2C, and MAP4K7
Authors: Choi Kyoung Moo , Haak Andrew J. , Diaz Espinosa Ana M. , Cummins Katherine A. , Link Patrick A. , Aravamudhan Aja , Wood David K. , Tschumperlin Daniel J.
Published: May 2021

Yes‐associated protein (YAP) and PDZ‐binding motif (TAZ) have emerged as important regulators of pathologic fibroblast activation in fibrotic diseases. Agonism of Gαs‐coupled G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) provides an attractive approach to inhibit the nuclear localization and function of YAP and TAZ in fibroblasts that inhibits or reverses their pathological activation. Agonism of the dopamine D1 GPCR has proven effective in preclinical models of lung and liver fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanisms coupling GPCR agonism to YAP and TAZ inactivation in fibroblasts remain incompletely understood. Here, using human lung fibroblasts, we identify critical roles for the cAMP effectors EPAC1/2, the small GTPase RAP2c, and the serine/threonine kinase MAP4K7 as the essential elements in the downstream signaling cascade linking GPCR agonism to LATS1/2‐mediated YAP and TAZ phosphorylation and nuclear exclusion in fibroblasts. We further show that this EPAC/RAP2c/MAP4K7 signaling cascade is essential to the effects of dopamine D1 receptor agonism on reducing fibroblast proliferation, contraction, and extracellular matrix production. Targeted modulation of this cascade in fibroblasts may prove a useful strategy to regulate YAP and TAZ signaling and fibroblast activities central to tissue repair and fibrosis.
Transmission electron microscopy of the liver mitochondria of N‐Nitrosodibutylamine‐treated mice
Authors: Dutta Sthiti Porna , Neog Kundal , Alam Anis
Published: May 2021

N‐Nitrosodibutylamine (DBN) has been found in a wide variety of products because of the nitrosation of amines present in these products. An extensive series of synthesis and carcinogenicity studies of various compounds related to DBN and its metabolites have revealed that they have markedly different carcinogenic effects. The role of mitochondria in disease has been found to be expanded beyond the respiratory chain, as defects in additional mitochondrial functions and behaviors have been linked to cancer, metabolic disorders, and many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's disease (Nunnari & Suomalainen (2012) Cell, 148, 1145–1159). The sample preparation was performed using the protocol standardized by Sophisticated Analytical Instrumentation Facility (SAIF) laboratory in NEHU. The prepared sample was then mounted and observed under the transmission electron microscope model JEM‐100 CC II. The micrographs obtained from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at various magnifications 2,000, 5,000, and 12,000× from DBN‐treated mice showed significant changes. Mitochondria showed variability in number, size, and shape. This significant alteration in the morphology and population of liver mitochondria observed in DBN‐treated animals in comparison to that of the age‐matched normal control mice provide a unique potential for the use of mitochondria as markers for the early detection for the treatment of liver cancer.
Quantitative MRI T2 Mapping is Able to Assess Tissue Quality After Reparative and Regenerative Treatments of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
Authors: Rizzo Giulio , Cristoforetti Alessandro , Marinetti Alessandro , Rigoni Marta , Puddu Leonardo , Cortese Fabrizio , Nollo Giandomenico , Della Sala Sabino W. , Tessarolo Francesco
Published: May 2021

Background

Quantitative MRI has potential for tissue characterization after reparative and regenerative surgical treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OCLTs). However available data is inconclusive and quantitative sequences can be difficult to implement in real‐time clinical application.

Purpose

To assess the potential of T2 mapping in discriminating articular tissue characteristics after reparative and regenerative surgery of OCLTs in real‐world clinical settings.

Study Type

Observational and prospective cohort study.

Population

15 OCLT patients who had received either reparative treatment with arthroscopic microfracture surgery (MFS) for a grade I lesion or regenerative treatment with bone marrow derived cell transplantation (BMDCT) for a grade II lesion.

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T, proton density weighted TSE, T2‐weighted true fast imaging with steady‐state‐free precession and multi‐echo T2 mapping sequences.

Assessment

Patients were evaluated at a minimum postoperative follow‐up of 24 months. T2 maps of the ankle were generated and the distribution of T2 values was analyzed in manually identified volumes of interest (VOIs) for both treated lesions (TX) and healthy cartilage (CTRL). The amount of fibrocartilage, hyaline‐like and remodeling tissue in TX VOIs was obtained, based on T2 thresholds from CTRL VOIs.

Statistical Tests

Fisher's exact test for categorical data, nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test for continuous data. The statistical significance level was P < 0.05.

Results

From CTRL VOI analysis, T2 < 25 msec, 25 msec ≤ T2 ≤ 45 msec, and T2 > 45 msec were considered as representative for fibrocartilage, hyaline‐like and remodeling tissue, respectively. Tissue composition of the two treatment groups was different, with significantly more fibrocartilage (+28%) and less hyaline‐like tissue (−15%) in MFS than in BMDCT treated lesions. No difference in healthy tissue composition was found between the two groups (P = 0.75).

Data Conclusions

T2 mapping of surgically treated OCLTs can provide quantitative information about the type and amount of newly formed tissue at the lesion site, thereby facilitating surgical follow‐up in a real‐word clinical setting.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Recent advances in the extraction of triazine herbicides from water samples
Authors: Manousi Natalia , Kabir Abuzar , Zachariadis George A.
Published: May 2021

Pesticides are excessively used in agriculture to improve the quality of crops by eliminating the negative effects of pests. Among the different groups of pesticides, triazine pesticides are a group of compounds that contain a substituted C3H3N3 heterocyclic ring, and they are widely used. Triazine pesticides can be dangerous for humans as well as for the aquatic environment because of their high toxicity and endocrine disrupting effect. However, the concentration of these chemical compounds in water samples is low. Moreover, other compounds that may exist in the water samples can interfere with the determination of triazine pesticides. As a result, it is important to develop sample preparation methods that provide preconcentration of the target analyte and sufficient clean‐up of the samples. Recently, a wide variety of novel microextraction and miniaturized extraction techniques (e.g., solid‐phase microextraction and liquid‐phase microextraction, stir bar sorptive extraction, fabric phase sorptive extraction, dispersive solid‐phase extraction, and magnetic solid‐phase extraction) have been developed. In this review, we aim to discuss the recent advances regarding the extraction of triazine pesticides from environmental water samples. Emphasis will be given to novel sample preparation methods and novel sorbents developed for sorbent‐based extraction techniques.
RETRACTED: Prerequisites for implementation of the public administration reform strategy in Ukrainian civil service
Authors: Khadzhyradieva Svitlana K. , Slukhai Sergii V. , Vasylieva Oleksandra I. , Klochko Andriy A. , Pashkova Anna G.
Published: May 2021

The relevance of the topic of the article is due to the needs of scientific analysis of the process of reforming public administration in modern Ukraine to identify ways and opportunities for further improvement of public administration. The purpose of the study is to analyze the innovations of civil service in Ukraine, which are aimed at improving the performance and ensuring the quality of civil service. The research methodology includes a set of general scientific and special political science methods. The results of this paper demonstrate that Ukraine has moved quite a distance from the Soviet legacy as far as civil service is concerned. Nevertheless, the country still has a lot to be done: these achievements must be supported by steady efforts so as to make them irreversible and to significantly increase the efficiency of public administration. The practical importance is determined by the need to formulate priority ways of raising the country's economic competitiveness and promoting social welfare.
Optical Implementation of 2 × 2 Universal Unitary Matrix Transformations
Authors: Macho‐Ortiz Andrés , Pérez‐López Daniel , Capmany José
Published: May 2021

Unitary operations are a specific class of linear transformations that have become an essential ingredient for the realization of classical and quantum information processing. The ability of implementing any n‐dimensional unitary signal transformation by using a reconfigurable optical hardware has recently led to the pioneering concept of programmable linear optical processor, whose basic building block (BB) must be correctly designed to guarantee that the whole system is able to perform universal (i.e., arbitrary) unitary matrix transformations. Here, it is demonstrated that the present architectures of the BB do not fulfil the universal unitary property (at least) in optical processors, limiting the number of unitary matrix transformations that may be generated. Aiming to solve this fundamental constraint, the theoretical tools required to analyze and design universal unitary optical circuits and their corresponding BBs are presented. The consequences of this mathematical framework are explored, obtaining a simple route to implement different BB architectures, all of them guaranteeing a true universal unitary functionality in the resulting optical processors. These findings may pave the way to revisit the design of high‐dimensional unitary optical processors, unleashing the potential of programmable integrated photonics technology.
Emerging 988 crisis hotline expected to transform BH care
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: May 2021

On July 16, 2022, two of the most important numbers in this country will be 911, for medical emergencies, and 988, for mental health and suicide crises, and with that, an important time for communities to invest in crisis response and continuum of care, said the CEO and president of RI International during the National Council for Mental Wellbeing's NATCON 21 mental health and addiction recovery conference on May 5.
An iterative method for optimal control of bilateral free boundaries problem
Authors: El Yazidi Youness , Ellabib Abdellatif
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a bilateral free boundaries problem is considered. This kind of inverse problems appears in the theory of semiconductors and multi‐phase problems. Using a shape functional and some regularization terms, an optimal control problem is formulated. In addition, we prove its solution existence. The first optimality conditions and the shape gradient are computed. With the finite element method, we write the discrete version of the optimal control problem. To design our proposed scheme, we based on the conjugate gradient, where we use the genetic algorithm to find the best initial guess for the gradient method. At each mesh regeneration, we perform a mesh refinement in order to avoid any domain singularities. Some numerical examples are shown to demonstrate the validity of the theoretical results and to prove the robustness and efficiency of the proposed scheme, especially to identify free boundaries with jump points.
The ASH‐ASPHO Choosing Wisely Campaign: 5 hematologic tests and treatments to question
Authors: O'Brien Sarah H. , Badawy Sherif M. , Rotz Seth J. , Shah Mona D. , Makarski Julie , Bercovitz Rachel S. , Hogan Mary‐Jane S. , Luchtman‐Jones Lori , Panepinto Julie A. , Priola Ginna M. , Witmer Char M. , Wolfson Julie A. , Yee Marianne , Hicks Lisa K.
Published: May 2021

Choosing Wisely is a medical stewardship and quality‐improvement initiative led by the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation in collaboration with leading medical societies in the United States. The American Society of Hematology (ASH) has been an active participant in the Choosing Wisely project. In 2019, ASH and the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO) formed a joint task force to solicit, evaluate, and select items for a pediatric‐focused Choosing Wisely list. By using an iterative process and an evidence‐based method, the ASH‐ASPHO Task Force identified 5 hematologic tests and treatments that health care providers and patients should question because they are not supported by evidence, and/or they involve risks of medical and financial costs with low likelihood of benefit. The ASH‐ASPHO Choosing Wisely recommendations are as follows: (1) avoid routine preoperative hemostatic testing in an otherwise healthy child with no previous personal or family history of bleeding, (2) avoid platelet transfusion in asymptomatic children with a platelet count 10 × 103/μL unless an invasive procedure is planned, (3) avoid thrombophilia testing in children with venous access‐associated thrombosis and no positive family history, (4) avoid packed red blood cells transfusion for asymptomatic children with iron deficiency anemia and no active bleeding, and (5) avoid routine administration of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor for prophylaxis of children with asymptomatic autoimmune neutropenia and no history of recurrent or severe infections. We recommend that health care providers carefully consider the anticipated risks and benefits of these identified tests and treatments before performing them.
Clinical survey and predictors for the development of tracheobronchomalacia in preterm infants
Authors: Chiu Chun‐Che , Lai Shen‐Hao , Lin Jainn‐Jim , Chan Oi‐Wa , Chiu Chih‐Yung , Tseng Pei‐Ling , Hsia Shao‐Hsuan , Lee En‐Pei
Published: May 2021

Background

Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) contributes to the increased morbidity and mortality observed in preterm infants. Effective strategies for the prevention of TBM are necessary to achieve better outcomes. We sought to identify risk factors associated with the development of TBM in preterm infants. Optimal cut‐off values for each risk factor were also determined.

Methods

A total of 80 infants who were born at 36 week's gestation or earlier and underwent flexible bronchoscopy were included in our study sample. A comparison of demographic and clinical risk factors between those with TBM (n = 35, 44%) and those without TBM (n = 45, 56%) was conducted using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the appropriate cut‐off values for predicting the development of TBM.

Results

In the multivariate analysis, only peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) and the number of intubation days remained significantly different between infants with and without TBM. Preterm infants with TBM received higher PIP (odds ratio: [OR], 1.067; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.010–1.128; p = .020) and were intubated for longer (odds ratio [OR], 1.019; 95% CI, 1.003–1.035; p = .016) than those without TBM. Infants who received PIP > 19.5 cmH2O or were intubated for >79.5 days were associated with a significantly higher risk of presence of TBM.

Conclusion

High PIP and prolonged intubation were major risk factors for the development of TBM in premature infants. Those who require PIP > 19.5 cmH2O or intubation >79.5 days warrant bronchoscopy examination for early diagnosis and management of TBM.
Persistent pulmonary air leak in the pediatric intensive care unit: Characteristics and outcomes
Authors: Kagan Shelly , Nahum Elhanan , Kaplan Eytan , Kadmon Gili , Gendler Yulia , Weissbach Avichai
Published: May 2021

Background

Persistent air leak (PAL) complicates various lung pathologies in children. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of children hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with PAL are not well described. We aimed to elucidate the course of disease among PICU hospitalized children with PAL.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of all PICU‐admitted children aged 0–18 years diagnosed with pneumothorax complicated by PAL, between January 2005 and February 2020 was conducted at a tertiary center. PAL was defined as a continuous air leak of more than 48 h.

Results

PAL complicated the course of 4.8% (38/788) of children hospitalized in the PICU with pneumothorax. Two were excluded due to missing data. Of 36 children included, PAL was secondary to bacterial pneumonia in 56%, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in 31%, lung surgery in 11%, and spontaneous pneumothorax in 3%. Compared to non‐ARDS causes, children with ARDS required more drains (median, range: 4, 3–11 vs. 2, 1–7; p < .001) and mechanical ventilation (100% vs. 12%; p < .001), and had a higher mortality (64% vs. 0%; p < .001). All children with bacterial pneumonia survived to discharge, with a median air leak duration of 14 days (range 3–72 days). Most of which (90%) were managed conservatively, by continuous chest drainage.

Conclusion

Bacterial pneumonia was the leading cause of PAL in this cohort. PAL secondary to ARDS was associated with a worse outcome. In contrast, non‐ARDS PAL was successfully managed conservatively, in most cases.
C4N8O6: A Promising Ternary CNO‐Compound With Good Detonation Performance And Low Sensitivity
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Qian , Zhang Shujia , Lin Qiuhan , Lu Ming
Published: May 2021

Among energetic materials, there is a significant challenge facing researchers: to seek an optimal balance between detonation performance and molecular stability. By introducing an azo1,2,4‐oxadiazole backbone and low‐sensitivity C‐NO2 moieties, a promising energetic molecule, 1,2‐bis(3‐nitro‐1,2,4‐oxadiazol‐5‐yl)diazene (4) was prepared through three‐step reaction and well‐characterized by IR and multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, DSC measurement, elemental analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. It shows high thermal stability (Td=260 °C), good mechanical sensitivity (IS: 21 J, FS: 220 N), and superior detonation performance (D: 9336 m s−1, P: 37.7 GPa). The combination of advanced performance and desirable safety as well as the simple reaction process make it highly competitive in the field of energetic materials.
Phytopathogenic infection alters rice–pest–parasitoid tri‐trophic interactions
Authors: Sun Ze , Shi Jin‐Hua , Liu Hao , Yin Le‐Tong , Abdelnabby Hazem , Wang Man‐Qun
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Plant pathogens and pests often occur together, causing damage while interfering with plant growth. The effects of phytopathogenic infections on plant–herbivore–natural enemy tri‐trophic interactions (TTIs) have been extensively investigated, but little is known about how the interval of infection influences such relationships. Here, the effect of rice plants infected by the phytopathogen Rhizoctonia solani on the herbivorous rice brown planthopper (BPH) and associated egg parasitoid Anagrus nilaparvatae over a temporal scale was examined.

RESULTS

Our results showed that rice plants infected by R. solani showed increased volatile profiles and significantly attracted BPH and A. nilaparvatae at 5–15 days post infection (DPI) and 5–10 DPI, respectively, when compared with healthy plants. Jasmonic acid and salicylic acid content decreased significantly in BPH‐damaged plants after 15 DPI, whereas oxalic acid accumulated soon after 5 DPI when compared with healthy plants. To adapt to adverse environment, BPH laid more eggs and developed into macropterous adults. Under field conditions, R. solani infection had no substantial effect on the arthropod community when compared with healthy plants.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, R. solani infection altered rice–pest–parasitoid TTIs over a temporal scale. This result will shed more light on our understanding of plant pathogen–insect cross‐talk essential for developing novel pest management strategies. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Paraffin oil induces resistance against powdery mildew in grapevine through salicylic acid signaling
Authors: Pálfi Xénia , Lovas Miklós , Zsófi Zsolt , Kátai János , Karácsony Zoltán , Váczy Kálmán Z
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Mineral oils have been widely used in the pest control of several crops. However, their mode of action is poorly understood, especially in the case of their antifungal properties. The possible direct fungicidal activity and the stress‐inducing capability of paraffin oil on grapevine were examined using Vitis vinifera L. cv ‘Kékfrankos’ cuttings and the fungus Erysiphe necator, the causal agent of powdery mildew.

RESULTS

Our experiments demonstrated that paraffin oil does not have fungicide activity on E. necator, but induces significant stress‐related changes in grapevine physiology. Elevated H2O2 production and the accumulation of the phytohormone salicylic acid were measured. Secondary thickening of the cell wall by lignin deposition and the accumulation of phenolic compounds were also observed. Some enzyme activities related to the detoxification of reactive oxygen species, disease response, and the synthesis of lignin were changed in accordance with the determined changes in cell wall composition and H2O2 levels.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that paraffin oil induces stress responses on grapevine leaves through oxidative burst, and this response is systemized by salicylic acid. The accumulation of lignin and water‐soluble phenolics may be directly responsible for the paraffin oil‐induced resistance of grapevine against powdery mildew. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Measuring epistemologies in science learning and teaching: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Lee Silvia Wen‐Yu , Luan Hui , Lee Min‐Hsien , Chang Hsin‐Yi , Liang Jyh‐Chong , Lee Yuan‐Hsuan , Lin Tzung‐Jin , Wu An‐Hsuan , Chiu Ying‐Ju , Tsai Chin‐Chung
Published: May 2021

Promoting understanding of the epistemologies of science has long been the primary objective in science education, and can be viewed as a form of science learning outcome. Many studies have attempted to understand learners' conceptions of epistemology in science from various perspectives and methods; however, no recent reviews have focused on the measurement of various constructs and variables of epistemologies of science. The main purpose of this review study is to understand how these epistemologies in science teaching and learning were measured, and to provide an overview of recent developments with respect to the measurement issue in the epistemology of science. We searched for articles that were published between 2010 and 2019 and retained 225 eligible studies passing all review criteria for inclusion in this review. Major constructs of epistemologies of science emerging from the studies include epistemic beliefs and views, nature of science, epistemic emotions, epistemic metacognition, epistemic practices, and epistemic resources. These constructs were further categorized into personal, productive, and practical epistemologies. Among these studies, most of the quantitative studies used questionnaires for measuring personal epistemologies, while only a few utilized close‐ended items. The majority of the studies adopting qualitative methods investigated personal epistemologies as well. Nevertheless, among studies of practical epistemologies, more studies adopted qualitative methods than quantitative methods. We summarize the characteristics and psychometric properties of the most frequently used quantitative research instruments. Examples of qualitative data collection and data analyses are provided. Relationships between epistemologies and science learning outcomes are discussed, and suggestions are made for future directions.
MXenes as Superexcellent Support for Confining Single Atom: Properties, Synthesis, and Electrocatalytic Applications
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Lai Cui , Li Bisheng , Liu Shiyu , Huang Danlian , Xu Fuhang , Liu Xigui , Qin Lei , Fu Yukui , Li Ling , Yi Huan , Chen Liang
Published: May 2021

Single atom catalysts (SACs) have shown their noticeable potential and gradually become a new favorite in catalytic field due to the particular selectivity, high catalytic performance, and strong durability. The most important factor in the synthesis of SACs is the selection of appropriate support and formation of metal–support interaction. Among a large number of nanomaterials, MXenes can be utilized as benign supports for fixing SACs because of their expansive specific surface area, regulable bandgap, superior electronic conductivity, and strong mechanical stability. The structure and property of MXenes can be manipulated by changing transition metal elements and surface termination. Here, the uniqueness and superiority of MXenes as superexcellent supports for confining SACs are analyzed from structure and property. The synthetic strategy of MXene‐supported SACs is also summarized, especially emphasizing the immobilization of isolated atom against aggregation by utilizing the formidable metal–support covalent coordination interaction. In addition, the applications of MXene‐supported SACs in electrocatalytic field are highlighted, including hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, overall water splitting, oxygen reduction reaction, and nitrogen reduction reaction. Finally, the challenges and prospects are pointed out for the further understanding and practical application of MXene‐supported SACs in electrocatalysis.
Division of labor in epitranscriptomics: What have we learnt from the structures of eukaryotic and viral multimeric RNA methyltransferases?
Authors: Graille Marc
Published: May 2021

The translation of an mRNA template into the corresponding protein is a highly complex and regulated choreography performed by ribosomes, tRNAs, and translation factors. Most RNAs involved in this process are decorated by multiple chemical modifications (known as epitranscriptomic marks) contributing to the efficiency, the fidelity, and the regulation of the mRNA translation process. Many of these epitranscriptomic marks are written by holoenzymes made of a catalytic subunit associated with an activating subunit. These holoenzymes play critical roles in cell development. Indeed, several mutations being identified in the genes encoding for those proteins are linked to human pathologies such as cancers and intellectual disorders for instance. This review describes the structural and functional properties of RNA methyltransferase holoenzymes, which when mutated often result in brain development pathologies. It illustrates how structurally different activating subunits contribute to the catalytic activity of these holoenzymes through common mechanistic trends that most likely apply to other classes of holoenzymes.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification

RNA Processing > Capping and 5′ End Modifications
Granular micromechanics‐based identification of isotropic strain gradient parameters for elastic geometrically nonlinear deformations
Authors: Barchiesi Emilio , Misra Anil , Placidi Luca , Turco Emilio
Published: May 2021

Although the primacy and utility of higher‐gradient theories are being increasingly accepted, values of second gradient elastic parameters are not widely available due to lack of generally applicable methodologies. In this paper, we present such values for a second‐gradient continuum. These values are obtained in the framework of finite deformations using granular micromechanics assumptions for materials that have granular textures at some ‘microscopic’ scale. The presented approach utilizes so‐called Piola's ansatz for discrete‐continuum identification. As a fundamental quantity of this approach, an objective relative displacement between grain‐pairs is obtained and deformation energy of grain‐pair is defined in terms of this measure. Expressions for elastic constants of a macroscopically linear second gradient continuum are obtained in terms of the micro‐scale grain‐pair parameters. Finally, the main result is that the same coefficients, both in the 2D and in the 3D cases, have been identified in terms of Young's modulus, of Poisson's ratio and of a microstructural length.
A Compositional Pluralist Semantics for Extensional and Attitude Verbs
Authors: Liefke Kristina
Published: May 2021

We propose a new account of linguistic content that reconciles content-pluralism with compositionality. This is achieved by integrating truth-conditional content and attitude report content into a single notion of content. A parametrized version of this notion (with parameters for agents, times, and information states) serves as input to the compositional semantic machinery. By supplying different parameter-values to the parametrized contents of their complements, different verbs select for different components of the complement’s integrated content. The resulting account explains the different substitution properties of extensional and attitude constructions and captures the role of agents’ epistemicperspective in the determination of attitude content. The account improves upon other accounts of truth-conditional and attitude content (esp. two-dimensional semantics) by interpreting different occurrences of an expression—in extensional and in attitude embeddings—as objects ofthe samesemantic type, and by explaining the substitution-resistance of attitudinal embeddings of extensional constructions.
When Mechanical Computations Explain Better
Authors: Zipoli Caiani Silvano
Published: May 2021

In this paper I defend the epistemic value of the representational-computational view of cognition by arguing that it has explanatory merits that cannot be ignored. To this end, I focus on the virtue of a computational explanation of optic ataxia, a disorder characterized by difficulties in executing visually-guided reaching tasks, although ataxic patients do not exhibit any specific disease of the muscular apparatus. I argue that addressing cases of patients who are suffering from optic ataxia by invoking a causal role for internal representations is more effective than merely relying on correlations between bodily and environmental variables. This argument has consequences for the epistemic assessment of radical enactivism, whichRE invokes the Dynamical System Theory as the best tool for explaining cognitive phenomena.