bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Workforce Education
Authors: Bonvillian William B. , Sarma Sanjay E.
Published: February 2021

A roadmap for how we can rebuild America's working class by transforming workforce education and training.

The American dream promised that if you worked hard, you could move up, with well-paying working-class jobs providing a gateway to an ever-growing middle class. Today, however, we have increasing inequality, not economic convergence. Technological advances are putting quality jobs out of reach for workers who lack the proper skills and training. In Workforce Education, William Bonvillian and Sanjay Sarma offer a roadmap for rebuilding America's working class. They argue that we need to train more workers more quickly, and they describe innovative methods of workforce education that are being developed across the country.

It's not just that we need a pipeline of skilled workers for future jobs; we need to give workers the skills they need now. Focusing on manufacturing, healthcare, and retail sectors, Bonvillian and Sarma investigate programs that reimagine workforce education, from short intensive courses that offer certification to a new model for apprenticeships. They examine the roles of community colleges, employers, governments, and universities in workforce education, and describe new education technologies that can deliver training to workers. We can't tackle inequality unless we equip our workers for twenty-first-century jobs.
Increased precipitation enhances soil respiration in a semi-arid grassland on the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Wang Yutao , Xie Yingzhong , Rapson Gillian , Ma Hongbin , Jing Le , Zhang Yi , Zhang Juan , Li Jianping
Published: February 2021

Background

Precipitation influences the vulnerability of grassland ecosystems, especially upland grasslands, and soil respiration is critical for carbon cycling in arid grassland ecosystems which typically experience more droughty conditions.

Methods

We used three precipitation treatments to understand the effect of precipitation on soil respiration of a typical arid steppe in the Loess Plateau in north-western China. Precipitation was captured and relocated to simulate precipitation rates of 50%, 100%, and 150% of ambient precipitation.

Results and Discussion

Soil moisture was influenced by all precipitation treatments. Shoot biomass was greater, though non-significantly, as precipitation increased. However, both increase and decrease of precipitation significantly reduced root biomass. There was a positive linear relationship between soil moisture and soil respiration in the study area during the summer (July and August), when most precipitation fell. Soil moisture, soil root biomass, pH, and fungal diversity were predictors of soil respiration based on partial least squares regression, and soil moisture was the best of these.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the importance of increased precipitation on soil respiration in drylands. Precipitation changes can cause significant alterations in soil properties, microbial fungi, and root biomass, and any surplus or transpired moisture is fed back into the climate, thereby affecting the rate of soil respiration in the future.
Undiagnosed cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese individuals: a low income country experience
Authors: Vallejo-Valdivieso Patricio Alfredo , Zambrano-Pincay Graciela , Ortiz Alberto
Published: February 2021

Background

Overweight and obesity are associated with diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there is scarce information from lower income countries about undiagnosed obesity-associated conditions. This information is necessary for healthcare planning and for assessment of Global Burden of Disease.

Methods

We assessed the prevalence of obesity-associated conditions in 656 overweight (n = 360) and obese (n = 296) adults from inner-city Portoviejo (Ecuador), in descriptive field research, based on an opportunistic and selective sampling strategy.

Results

Of 316 men and 340 women, 73% met criteria for prehypertension (27%) or hypertension (46%), 50% met criteria for prediabetes (30%) or diabetes (20%), 11% had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 consistent with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 5.5% had pathological albuminuria for a total CKD prevalence of 16%. Age-related prevalence data were generated. In all participants, serum total cholesterol and triglycerides were >200 and >150 mg/dl, respectively. Hyperuricemia and microhematuria (<2%) were uncommon. Women were more likely to have low eGFR (18 vs 5%, p 0.000). Diabetes and pathological albuminuria prevalence were higher in obese than in overweight participants (15 vs 12%, p 0.018; and 8 vs 4%, p 0.0199, respectively).

Discussion

In conclusion, undiagnosed hypertension, diabetes and CKD were more common than expected in overweight and obese persons from Ecuador. Detection rates exceeded official estimates of prevalene of these conditions. Screening the overweight/obese for these conditions, especially at the age ranges at higher risk, may be cost-effective to identify a high number of persons who may benefit from early inexpensive intervention.
GC–MS Analysis and Antimalarial Activity of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Carica papaya against Plasmodium berghei NK65 Infection in Swiss Mice
Authors: Momoh Johnson Oshiobugie , Damazio Olanrewaju Anthony , Oyegbami Omolayo Monsurat
Published: February 2021

Aim: The study determines the GC-MS and the anti-malarial activity of methanolic leaf extract of Carica papaya in Swiss mice infected with Plasmodium berghei NK65.

Study Design: The experimental study lasted for five weeks.

Place of Study: Department of Chemical Sciences (Biochemistry Unit) and animal House unit in Department of Biological Sciences (Environmental Biology Unit), School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, Lagos, Nigeria.

Study Design and Methodology: AAS, GC-MS and phytochemical analyses were determined in the plant extract using standard procedures. Thirty-six Swiss mice of both sexes (26–32g) were divided into six groups of six mice each. Group A (normal control) was untreated and uninfected. Groups B–F were intraperitoneally inoculated with P. berghei NK65, while group B (disease control) was untreated-infected group, group C and D (standard drugs) received standard drugs, chloroquine (10 mg/kg B.WT) and artesunate (10 mg/kg B.WT); groups E and F received methanolic leaf extract of C. papaya at 400 and 600 mg/kg B.WT respectively. WBC, HCT and HGB were determined in the whole blood using BC-3200 Auto Hematology Analyzer. MDA, TP, SOD % inhibition, SOD unit, CAT and GSH were all determined in the liver homogenate using standard procedures.

Results: The AAS analysis shows that the extract contains minerals like: potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and sodium. Twenty-six compounds were identified to be present in the extract using GC-MS analysis. The active compounds with their retention time, molecular weight, molecular formula, peak area and activities were predicted. The three major prevailing compounds and their percentage abundance are: squalene (27.28%), neophytadiene (12.71%) and phytol (10.16%) respectively. The phytochemical analysis indicates the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids, phenolic compounds etc. The C. papaya extract caused 56.76% and 75.53%  significant (P<0.05) reduction in parasitemia at 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight respectively while chloroquine exerted 92.86% and artesunate exerted 90.67% reduction at 10 mg/kg body weight respectively carried out during  curative test. The extract significantly (P<0.05) reduced WBC count and increase HGB and HCT concentration in the treated mice compared to the infected untreated mice. There were significant (p<0.05) increase in the TP, SOD % inhibition, SOD unit, GSH and CAT levels in the liver homogenate of animals treated with chloroquine, artesunate and extract of C. papaya compared to the untreated mice. MDA level was significantly decreased in the malaria treated mice compared to the untreated mice.

Conclusions: The study shows that methanolic leaf extract of Carica papaya possess antimalarial activity in Swiss mice infected with Plasmodium berghei NK 65.
A combination of extracellular matrix‐ and interferon‐associated signatures identifies high‐grade breast cancers with poor prognosis
Authors: Lecchi Mara , Verderio Paolo , Cappelletti Vera , De Santis Francesca , Paolini Biagio , Monica Melissa , Sangaletti Sabina , Pupa Serenella Maria , Iorio Marilena Valeria , Bianchi Giulia , Gennaro Massimiliano , Fucà Giovanni , De Braud Filippo , Tagliabue Elda , Di Nicola Massimo
Published: February 2021

Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease in which the tumor microenvironment (TME) seems to impact the clinical outcome. Here, we investigated whether a combination of gene expression signatures relating to both the structural and immune TME aspects can help predict prognosis in women with high‐grade BC (HGBC). Thus, we focused on a combined molecular biomarker variable that involved extracellular matrix (ECM)‐associated gene expression (ECM3 signature) and interferon (IFN)‐associated metagene (IFN metagene) expression. In 97 chemo‐naive HGBCs from the METABRIC dataset, the dichotomous ECM3/IFN (dECIF) variable identified a group of high‐risk patients (ECM3+/IFN− vs other; hazard ratio = 3.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.5–6.7). Notably, ECM3+/IFN− tumors showed low tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes, high levels of CD33‐positive cells, absence of PD‐1 expression, or low expression of PD‐L1, as suggested by immune profiles and immune‐histochemical analysis on an independent cohort of 131 HGBCs. To make our results transferable to clinical use, we refined the dECIF biomarker using reduced ECM3 and IFN signatures; notably, the prognostic value of this reduced dECIF was comparable to that of the original dECIF. After validation in a new BC cohort, reduced dECIF was translated into a robust qPCR classifier for real‐world clinical use.
Supply analysis of preferential market incentive for energy crops
Authors: Oyedeji Oluwafemi , Langholtz Matthew , Hellwinckel Chad , Webb Erin
Published: February 2021

This analysis explores the valuation of feedstock quality attributes of switchgrass and miscanthus – two energy crops poised for future expansion – and compares the relative economic availability of these two crops under two scenarios: (i) uniform price assumptions (i.e., no incentive for quality), and (ii) a scenario of a price premium based on convertibility (i.e., an incentive for quality). Given data on cellulose content, hemicellulose content, and their relative convertibility, miscanthus is expected to be 11% more efficient at conversion to biofuels than switchgrass under the biochemical conversion route. Based on this scenario of improved conversion efficiency and associated profit, we simulate an 11% price premium for miscanthus over other feedstocks in a base‐case scenario. By adding this price premium, supplies of miscanthus increase over the base case by about 4 million (44%), 94 million (64%), and 166 million (94%) tons in year 0, 10, and 20 after simulated contracts for production are initiated respectively. These results emphasize that custom simulations are needed to quantify feedstock availability if supplies are intended to reflect grower response to industry demands for feedstock quality specifications. Farmers can grow ‘peas or carrots’, and price signals from biorefineries will influence what energy crops they produce. Recognizing that the energy crop mix is tractable according to quality characteristics is relevant both for near‐term and long‐term biofuels research and development. We recommend accounting for market preferences for quality attributes when estimating potential future supplies of energy crops. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Selection and identification of an ssDNA aptamer to NB4 cell
Authors: Zhang Xian‐hui , Wang Wei , Chen Xin
Published: February 2021

This study was to find the aptamers with high affinity and specificity binding to acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) NB4 cell line.

These aptamers targeted NB4 cells were selected from a random single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) library of systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (CELL‐SELEX). The binding rate of FITC‐ssDNA library and NB4 cells was monitored using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscope. After cloned and sequenced, the structure, specificity, and affinity of these candidate aptamers were further analyzed.

After a total of 19 rounds of selection, the ssDNA library was enriched and the BR (19.9%) of the 16th round was 12 times of the first round (1.6%). Three enriched aptamers were obtained from 21 positive clones of the 16th round, and the predicted secondary structures of these aptamers were mainly stem‐loop. The aptamer CX9 had the highest affinity, and the equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) was 16.2 nM. The fluorescence intensity of CX9 binding to NB4 cells was stronger than HL60 and K562 cells under fluorescence microscopy.

The study indicates that aptamer CX9 exhibits high affinity and specificity with NB4 cells and lay a foundation for the rapid diagnostic method to detect APL with fluorescence‐labeled aptamer.
PUM1 and RNase P genes as potential cell‐free DNA markers in breast cancer
Authors: Murillo Carrasco Alexis , Acosta Oscar , Ponce Jaime , Cotrina José , Aguilar Alfredo , Araujo Jhajaira , Rebaza Pamela , Pinto Joseph A. , Fujita Ricardo , Buleje José
Published: February 2021

Background

Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) is used in clinical research to identify biomarkers for diagnosis of and follow‐up on cancer. Here, we propose a fast and innovative approach using traditional housekeeping genes as cfDNA targets in a copy number analysis. We focus on the application of highly sensitive technology such as digital PCR (dPCR) to differentiate breast cancer (BC) patients and controls by quantifying regions of PUM1 and RPPH1 (RNase P) in plasma samples.

Methods

We conducted a case‐control study with 82 BC patients and 82 healthy women. cfDNA was isolated from plasma using magnetic beads and quantified by spectrophotometry to estimate total cfDNA. Then, both PUM1 and RPPH1 genes were specifically quantified by dPCR. Data analysis was calibrated using a reference genomic DNA in different concentrations.

Results

We found RNase P and PUM1 values were correlated in the patient group (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.842), but they did not have any correlation in healthy women (ICC = 0.519). In dPCR quantification, PUM1 showed the capacity to distinguish early‐stage patients and controls with good specificity (98.67%) and sensitivity (100%). Conversely, RNase P had lower cfDNA levels in triple‐negative BC patients than luminal subtypes (p < 0.025 for both), confirming their utility for patient classification.

Conclusion

We propose the PUM1 gene as a cfDNA marker for early diagnosis of BC and RNase P as a cfDNA marker related to hormonal status and subtype classification in BC. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.
Facile Fabrication of Amphiphilic and Asymmetric Films with Excellent Deformability for Efficient and Stable Adsorption Applications
Authors: Ge Chengbiao , Wang Guilong , Zhao Guoqun
Published: February 2021

In this study, a facile way to prepare amphiphilic and asymmetric films with excellent mechanical properties for efficient and stable adsorption applications is reported. Non‐solvent induced phase separation technology is developed to fabricate porous asymmetric poly(ether‐block‐amide) composite films. These films have a unique structure composed of a solid surface, a microporous surface, and hierarchical porous core, hence exhibiting prominent mechanical properties with an elongation at break up to 317% and mechanical resilience. Before and after 50‐times cyclic stretching deformations, they still maintain intact porous structure, and their wetting angles of upper and lower surfaces to both water and cyclohexane are almost constant. Moreover, these films show excellent uptake for cyclohexane and water, and cyclic large deformations have little influence on the performance. It only takes 3 s to absorb 4 times of the weight of cyclohexane, while 1.8 times of water can be loaded within 134 s.
A dual‐frequency continuous wave doppler lidar for velocity measurement at far distance
Authors: Li Yabi , Xing Yuxiao , Gao Yuan , Zhang Haiyang , Zhang Zilong , Zhao Changming
Published: February 2021

A dual‐frequency continuous wave Doppler lidar for long‐distance and high‐precision velocity measurement is experimentally demonstrated in this article. The lidar system uses the optical heterodyne detection method to avoid complicated optical coherent configuration. All Phase Fast Fourier Transform and Chirp‐Z Transform are used to obtain the Doppler frequency shift. The maximum of the calculated Doppler shift was 999.83 Hz with the frequency resolution of 0.54 Hz, and the corresponding theoretical velocity was determined to be 749.87 m/s. During the experiment, the speed of the car was successfully measured in the outdoor environment, the frequency and velocity resolutions were less than 0.5 Hz and ± 0.2 m/s, respectively, and the detection distance of moving and stationary targets reached 1100 m and 2300 m. The capability of the dual‐frequency Doppler lidar system has been verified.
Homestead together: Pediatric palliative care telehealth support for rural children with cancer during home‐based end‐of‐life care
Authors: Weaver Meaghann S. , Shostrom Valerie K. , Neumann Marie L. , Robinson Jacob E. , Hinds Pamela S.
Published: February 2021

Background

Children with terminal cancer and their families describe a preference for home‐based end‐of‐life care. Inadequate support outside of the hospital is a limiting factor in home location feasibility, particularly in rural regions lacking pediatric‐trained hospice providers.

Methods

The purpose of this longitudinal palliative telehealth support pilot study was to explore physical and emotional symptom burden and family impact assessments for children with terminal cancer receiving home based‐hospice care. Each child received standard of care home‐based hospice care from an adult‐trained rural hospice team with the inclusion of telehealth pediatric palliative care visits at a scheduled minimum of every 14 days.

Results

Eleven children (mean age 11.9 years) received pediatric palliative telehealth visits a minimum of every 14 days, with an average of 4.8 additional telehealth visits initiated by the family. Average time from enrollment to death was 21.6 days (range 4‐95). Children self‐reported higher physical symptom prevalence than parents or hospice nurses perceived the child was experiencing at time of hospice enrollment with underrecognition of the child's emotional burden. At the time of hospice enrollment, family impact was reported by family caregivers as 46.4/100 (SD 18.7), with noted trend of improved family function while receiving home hospice care with telehealth support. All children remained at home for end‐of‐life care.

Conclusion

Pediatric palliative care telehealth combined with adult‐trained rural hospice providers may be utilized to support pediatric oncology patients and their family caregivers as part of longitudinal home‐based hospice care.
Elimination of macrophages reduces glutaraldehyde‐fixed porcine heart valve degeneration in mice subdermal model
Authors: Liu Zongtao , Wang Yixuan , Xie Fei , Liu Xing , Li Fei , Dong Nianguo
Published: February 2021

Glutaraldehyde‐fixed porcine heart valve (GPHV) calcify and deteriorate over time. The aim of this study was to explore the roles macrophages play in mediating calcification and degeneration of the valve's connective tissue matrix. GPHV were implanted subcutaneously in the abdomens of C57BL/6 mice. The mice were equally divided into two study groups: (a) GPHV +phosphate buffered saline (PBS) liposomes, and (b) GPHV +clodronate liposomes. GPHV were collected for further analyses at 4 weeks post implant. Macrophages were almost depleted from the spleens of mice injected with clodronate liposomes as indicated by immunohistochemical staining. Furthermore, the expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2), MMP‐9, and proinflammatory cytokines like IL‐1β, IL‐6, MCP‐1, MIP‐1a, MIP‐1b, were downregulated in the GPHV +Clodronate liposomal group compared with the GPHV+PBS liposomal group. Clodronate liposomal treatment led to significant decreases in the expression of RUNX2, ALP and OPN as well as less calcium deposits in GPHVs compared with PBS liposomal treatment. This finding indicated that infiltrating macrophages are critically involved in the development of calcification and deterioration in GPHVs. Macrophage depletion by clodronate liposomes decreased the extent of GPHV’s calcification and deterioration.
Organocatalyzed Asymmetric Mannich Reaction: An Update
Authors: Bagheri Ilnaz , Mohammadi Leila , Zadsirjan Vahideh , Heravi Majid M.
Published: February 2021

The Mannich reaction is a multicomponent reaction resulting in aminoalkylation of an acidic proton placed next to a carbonyl functional group. It involves an appropriate carbonyl compound, such as formaldehyde and a primary or secondary amine or ammonia. The final product is a β‐amino‐carbonyl compound known as a Mannich base. Reactions between aldimines and α‐methylene carbonyls are also considered as Mannich reaction since these imines are generated from the reaction of amines and aldehydes. It comprises the reaction of primary or secondary amines or ammonia, formaldehyde and appropriate α‐CH‐acidic compounds (nucleophiles) such as carbonyl compounds having α‐CH‐acidic, nitriles, acetylenes, aliphatic nitro compounds, α‐alkyl‐pyridines or imines. Owing to the development of asymmetric organocatalysis, reports on asymmetric Mannich reaction have been drastically increased. The asymmetric Mannich reaction offers access to enantioenriched β‐amino ketones or β‐amino aldehydes, which are present as a scaffold in several natural products. Organocatalysts have been developed not only as a supplement to metal‐catalyzed reactions or to biocatalysis, but nowadays, they are extensively used for the synthesis of various optically pure compounds that could not be achieved via metal‐ or biocatalyzed reactions. In this review, we try to update the advances in organocatalyzed asymmetric Mannich reactions, covering the recent advances of the subject from 2008 to date.
N,N‐ and N,O‐6‐membered Ring peri‐Annelation in Naphthalene. Is it a Heteroring or merely a peri‐ Heterobridge?
Authors: Tzeli Demeter , Tsoungas Petros G.
Published: February 2021

The effect of peri‐fusion on the aromaticity of 6‐membered N−, O−, N,N−, N,N,N− and N,O‐doped naphthalene derivatives has been studied via NICS‐z, ‐xz, ‐xy, and ‐xyz scans employing DFT and MP2 calculations. The relative aromaticity of these structures was found to vary with the type of heteroring and the distance from the plane. Their corresponding ordering depends on the scan approaches. Accordingly, i) along the z axis at the center of the naphthalene B and C constituent rings, it is 1,8>2>7,9≫4>6, 5>3 (the most aromatic members are naphthalene and the N,O‐derivative 8),  ii) along the x symmetry axis of naphthalene, it is 3>8,7>5>4>9>6>2>1 (the most aromatic one is a N‐derivative 3) and  iii) along the z axis, on the xy plane, it is 6>1>8>9>2>5>7>3>4 at z=0.8 Å and 1>2>8>9>6>7>5>3>4 at 2.4 Å (the most aromatic ones are the N,N,N‐derivative 6 at 0.8 Å and naphthalene at 2.4 Å). Their relative magnetic anisotropy ordering remains virtually unaltered in all different approaches (z‐, xz‐, xy‐, and xyz‐scans), as does their aromaticity at z=2.4 Å. The σ component of the total density is dominant close to the plane while the π component picks up in significance with increasing distance from the plane. The peri‐fused ring appears to be a heteroring not just a heterobridge.
A New Fluorescence MOF for Highly Sensitive Detection of Acetylacetone
Authors: Wang Y. N. , Wang S. D. , Chang X. P. , Li H. F. , Zhang J. M. , Xu L. , Wang S. Y.
Published: February 2021

A novel metal‐organic framework (MOF) assembled by a semi‐rigid tricarboxylate, namely, 5‐(3,4‐dicarboxylphenoxy) nicotic acid (H3L) has been solvothermally synthesized: [Zn3(L)2(H2O)2] ⋅ 3H2O 1. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis indicates that MOF 1 shows 2‐D layer with quadrangle channels along the a axis (ca. 7.0×8.3 Å2). The 2‐D layer self‐assembles into a final 3‐D supramolecular network via the interlayer π⋯π interactions. The photoluminescence investigations indicate that 1 can selectively and sensitively detect acetylacetone (acac) with high KSV value of 3.597×104 M−1 and low limit of detection (LOD) of 50.77 ppb. Further mechanism studies have shown that static photo‐competitive absorption, photoinduced electron transfer and H‐bonding interaction between chemosensor and the analyte may be the primary causes of the fluorescence quenching effect for acac.
Synthesis of NiFe2O4@AC/UiO‐66(Zr) for Enhancement of the Photocatalytic Performance of Alizarin Yellow R Under Visible‐light
Authors: Elshamy Omnia A. , El‐Fawal Esraa M.
Published: February 2021

In this study, NiFe2O4@AC/UiO‐66(Zr) composites were successfully prepared with different ratios of UiO‐66(Zr) as support for NiFe2O4@AC, (1 : 1), (2 : 1) and (3 : 1) named NiFe2O4@AC/UiO‐66(Zr)‐1, NiFe2O4@AC/UiO‐66(Zr)‐2 and NiFe2O4@AC/UiO‐66(Zr)‐3, respectively. The prepared composites were characterized by X‐Ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), ultraviolet‐visible diffuse reflectance (UV‐Vis/DRS) spectroscopy, PL (Photoluminescence) study. The synthesized composites′ efficiencies to enhance the photodegradation of alizarin yellow R (AYR) under visible‐light were evaluated. The results identified that NiFe2O4@AC/UiO‐66(Zr)‐2 is the most photoreactive photocatalyst with the lowest bandgap ∼1.7 eV. NiFe2O4@AC/UiO‐66(Zr)‐2 shows higher photodegradation efficiency (97.9 %) compared to NiFe2O4@AC/UiO‐66(Zr)‐1 and NiFe2O4@AC/UiO‐66(Zr)‐3 with photodegradation efficiency of 75.1 % and 89.9 %, respectively after 180 min under visible‐light. The photodegradation reaction of AYR was found to be pseudo first‐order reaction, and the rate constant (Ka) for NiFe2O4@AC/UiO‐66(Zr)‐1, NiFe2O4@AC/UiO‐66(Zr)‐2, and NiFe2O4@AC/UiO‐66(Zr)‐3 are 0.0072 min−1, 0.0204 min−1, and 0.0122 min−1, consecutively. The effects of various conditions such as initial concentration and photocatalyst dose on the photodegradation of AYR were determined. The high photodegradation efficiency of NiFe2O4@AC/UiO‐66(Zr)‐2 composite is because of the heterojunction and effective charge transfer between NiFe2O4@AC and UiO‐66(Zr). NiFe2O4@AC/UiO‐66(Zr)‐2 photocatalyst exhibits photocatalytic stability and reusability up to five cycles.
Regioselective Synthesis of Novel [1,2,4]Triazolo[1,5‐a]pyridine Derivatives
Authors: Hassen Manel Ben , Masmoudi Fatma , Zribi Lazhar , Trigui Mohamed , Ismaili Lhassane , Marco‐Contelles José , Chabchoub Fakher
Published: February 2021

Herein we report the reaction of 2‐(5‐aryl‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)acetonitriles 1 a,b with appropriate Michael acceptors 2–4 to give novel [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyridines 5–8, whose antioxidant properties have been investigated. A plausible reaction mechanism, supported by DFT calculations, has been proposed to explain the total observed regioselective formation of [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyridine derivatives depending on the type of substituents on the Michael acceptor.

Triazoles are well‐known agents exhibiting antimicrobial,[1] antitumor,[2] anti‐inflammatory,[3] antihypertensive,[4] anticonvulsant,[5] antiviral[6] and analgesic[7] biological activities. On the other hand, pyridine is the key core of heterocyclic derivatives showing a variety of pharmacological properties.[8–12] Several studies have revealed that a combination of different bioactive molecules, having different mechanisms of action, is a current strategy affording useful therapeutic agents.[13] This is the case of the [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a] pyridine heterocyclic motif,[14] present in a number of bioactive compounds,[15] and largely used in materials chemistry.[16] Accordingly, diverse synthetic methods have been described for the synthesis of differently substituted [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyridines.[17–24] Our group has recently reported the ultrasound‐promoted facile and convenient “one‐pot” procedure for the synthesis of novel [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyridines in short reaction times and high yields, based on the reaction of 2‐(5‐aryl‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐yl)acetonitriles, malononitrile (or ethyl cyanoacetate) and aromatic aldehydes, in absolute ethanol, in the presence of IRA‐400.[25]
Anomalous dimensions from gauge couplings in SMEFT with right-handed neutrinos
Authors: Datta Alakabha , Kumar Jacky , Liu Hongkai , Marfatia Danny
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Standard Model Neutrino Effective Field Theory (SMNEFT) is an effective theory with Standard Model (SM) gauge-invariant operators constructed only from SM and right-handed neutrino fields. For the full set of dimension-six SMNEFT operators, we present the gauge coupling terms of the one-loop anomalous dimension matrix for renormalization group evolution (RGE) of the Wilson coefficients between a new physics scale and the electroweak scale. We find that the SMNEFT operators can be divided into five subsets which are closed under RGE. Our results apply for both Dirac and Majorana neutrinos. We also discuss the operator mixing pattern numerically and comment on some interesting phenomenological implications.
Aktueller Stand der Impfung gegen SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Iking-Konert Christof , Specker Christof , Krüger Klaus , Schulze-Koops Hendrik , Aries Peer
Published: February 2021

Am 21.12.2020 hat die EMA mit der mRNA-Vakzine BNT162b2 der Firmen BioNTech/Pfizer (Comirnaty®, BioNTech, Mainz, Deutschland; Pfizer, New York City, NY, USA) den ersten Impfstoff gegen SARS-CoV‑2 in der Europäischen Union zugelassen, am 06.01.2021 folgte bereits der zweite (Moderna®, Moderna, Cambridge, MA, USA). Viele weitere Zulassungen werden in Kürze folgen. Mit der Verfügbarkeit der Impfung sind bei Patienten/-innen genau wie bei Ärzten/-innen viele Fragen aufgekommen, die in diesem Hot-Topic-Artikel so aktuell wie möglich adressiert werden sollen.
Family history of prostate cancer and prostate tumor aggressiveness in black and non-black men;results from an equal access biopsy study
Authors: Jenkins Kimberly R. , Oyekunle Taofik , Howard Lauren E. , Wiggins Emily K. , Freedland Stephen J. , Allott Emma H.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To test for racial differences in associations between family history (FH) of prostate cancer (PC) and prostate cancer aggressiveness in a racially diverse equal access population undergoing prostate biopsy.

Subjects/patients and methods

We prospectively enrolled men undergoing prostate biopsy at the Durham Veterans Administration from 2007 to 2018 and assigned case or control status based on biopsy results. Race and FH of PC were self-reported on questionnaires. Logistic regression was used to test the association between FH and PC diagnosis overall and by tumor aggressiveness [high- (Grade Group 3–5) or low-grade (Grade Group 1–2) vs. no cancer], overall, and stratified by race. Models were adjusted for age and year of consent, race, PSA level, digital rectal exam findings, prostate volume, and previous (negative) biopsy receipt.

Results

Of 1,225 men, 323 had a FH of PC and 652 men were diagnosed with PC on biopsy. On multivariable analysis, FH was associated with increased odds of high-grade PC in black (OR 1.85, p = 0.041) and all men (OR 1.56, p = 0.057) and was unrelated to overall or low-grade PC diagnosis, overall, or stratified by race (all p ≥ 0.325). In sensitivity analyses among men without a previous biopsy, results were slightly more pronounced.

Conclusion

In this setting of equal access to care, positive FH of PC was associated with increased tumor aggressiveness in black men, but not non-black men undergoing prostate biopsy. Further research is required to tease apart the contribution of genetics from increased PC awareness potentially influencing screening and biopsy rates in men with FH.
Working the Self: Truth-Telling in the Practice of Alcoholics Anonymous
Authors: Palm Fredrik
Published: February 2021

This article interrogates twelve step practice within Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) from the perspective of Foucault’s later work on governance, truth-telling and subjectivity. Recent critical studies of addiction tend to view self-help cultures like that of AA and related twelve step programs as integral parts of contemporary power/knowledge complexes, and thus as agents of the modern “will to knowledge” that Foucault often engages with. In line with the widespread Foucauldian critique of governmentality, addiction self-help culture is thus conceived as one that primarily reproduces abstract, neoliberal norms on health and subjectivity. The argument put forward in this article aims to upset this framework attending to a number of features of twelve step practice that, arguably, bear striking resemblances to Foucault’s later discussions of ethics, care of self and truth-telling. In this, it is suggested that a close study of AA practices, might interrupt assumptions about contemporary addiction discourse and its relationship to issues of truth and power often reproduced in Foucauldian critiques.
Celestina’s Influence on La casa de Bernarda Alba
Authors: López González Luis F.
Published: February 2021

This study argues that the breadth and depth of influence of Fernando de Rojas’s Celestina on Federico García Lorca’s La casa de Bernarda Alba is much greater than previously acknowledged. García Lorca borrowed from Rojas not only motifs, images, and characterization, but also symbols, structure, and the effusive rhetoric that characterizes Celestina and Melibea’s mode of expression. Lorca’s La casa contains a microcosm of the social institutions and cultural dynamics that predominate in Celestina’s world and, by extension, in Rojas’s society. In this comparative analysis, I hope to show the far-reaching influence that Celestina has had since its publication in 1499 up to the twentieth century. By reading Lorca’s play from this perspective, I also uncover new levels of meaning that help us interpret La casa based on the systems of intertextual relations that underprop La casa’s foundations.
Spatial variability of nitrogen dioxide and formaldehyde and residential exposure of children in the industrial area of Viadana, Northern Italy
Authors: Marcon Alessandro , Panunzi Silvia , Stafoggia Massimo , Badaloni Chiara , de Hoogh Kees , Guarda Linda , Locatelli Francesca , Silocchi Caterina , Ricci Paolo , Marchetti Pierpaolo
Published: February 2021

Chipboard production is a source of ambient air pollution. We assessed the spatial variability of outdoor pollutants and residential exposure of children living in proximity to the largest chipboard industry in Italy and evaluated the reliability of exposure estimates obtained from a number of available models. We obtained passive sampling data on NO2 and formaldehyde collected by the Environmental Protection Agency of Lombardy region at 25 sites in the municipality of Viadana during 10 weeks (2017–2018) and compared NO2 measurements with average weekly concentrations from continuous monitors. We compared interpolated NO2 and formaldehyde surfaces with previous maps for 2010. We assessed the relationship between residential proximity to the industry and pollutant exposures assigned using these maps, as well as other available countrywide/continental models based on routine data on NO2, PM10, and PM2.5. The correlation between NO2 concentrations from continuous and passive sampling was high (Pearson’s r = 0.89), although passive sampling underestimated NO2 especially during winter. For both 2010 and 2017–2018, we observed higher NO2 and formaldehyde concentrations in the south of Viadana, with hot-spots in proximity to the industry. PM10 and PM2.5 exposures were higher for children at < 1 km compared to the children living at > 3.5 km to the industry, whereas NO2 exposure was higher at 1–1.7 km to the industry. Road and population densities were also higher close to the industry. Findings from a variety of exposure models suggest that children living in proximity to the chipboard industry in Viadana are more exposed to air pollution and that exposure gradients are relatively stable over time.
Recent advances and future avenues in understanding the role of adipose tissue cross talk in mediating skeletal muscle mass and function with ageing
Authors: Wilhelmsen Andrew , Tsintzas Kostas , Jones Simon W.
Published: February 2021

Sarcopenia, broadly defined as the age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass, quality, and function, is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and an increased likelihood of adverse health outcomes. The regulation of skeletal muscle mass with ageing is complex and necessitates a delicate balance between muscle protein synthesis and degradation. The secretion and transfer of cytokines, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), both discretely and within extracellular vesicles, have emerged as important communication channels between tissues. Some of these factors have been implicated in regulating skeletal muscle mass, function, and pathologies and may be perturbed by excessive adiposity. Indeed, adipose tissue participates in a broad spectrum of inter-organ communication and obesity promotes the accumulation of macrophages, cellular senescence, and the production and secretion of pro-inflammatory factors. Pertinently, age-related sarcopenia has been reported to be more prevalent in obesity; however, such effects are confounded by comorbidities and physical activity level. In this review, we provide evidence that adiposity may exacerbate age-related sarcopenia and outline some emerging concepts of adipose-skeletal muscle communication including the secretion and processing of novel myokines and adipokines and the role of extracellular vesicles in mediating inter-tissue cross talk via lncRNAs and miRNAs in the context of sarcopenia, ageing, and obesity. Further research using advances in proteomics, transcriptomics, and techniques to investigate extracellular vesicles, with an emphasis on translational, longitudinal human studies, is required to better understand the physiological significance of these factors, the impact of obesity upon them, and their potential as therapeutic targets in combating muscle wasting.
Hybrides Projektmanagement
Authors: Albrecht Arnd , Albrecht Evelyn
Published: February 2021

Exzellentes Projektmanagement ist der kritische Erfolgsfaktor für alle Produktentwicklungen und Serviceleistungen in der Wirtschaft. Effektivität und Effizienz sind die Kernparameter, um die Zielerreichung erfolgreich zu gestalten. Globale Wertschöpfungsketten und Beteiligung vieler Stakeholder sowie regulatorische Implikationen führen zu einer immer komplexeren Projektsteuerung und -ausführung in der klassischen sequenziellen Abwicklung. Schwerer kalkulierbare Zeitaufwände und Kosten sowie die volatile Erwartungshaltung des Kunden lassen Projekte risikoreicher werden. Im Zuge der Arbeitswelt 4.0, wo nicht nur Automatisierungen und Künstliche Intelligenz (KI) eine Rolle spielen, haben sich neue agile Projektformen wie Scrum-Management etabliert. Es hat sich allerdings gezeigt, dass reine agile Formen sowohl organisationsbedingt als auch im Zusammenspiel vieler heterogener Partner nicht immer erfolgreich sind. Daraus haben sich Mischformen, sogenannter hybride Gebilde entwickelt, die im Projektmanagement als state of the art gesehen werden. Voraussetzung zur erfolgreichen Umsetzung ist eine hohe Professionalität aller Beteiligten und die Kenntnisse von klassischen und agilen Projektmanagement Formen. Neue Anforderungsprofile für Beteiligte im hybriden Projektmanagement werden diskutiert.
Risk stratification and subclinical phenotyping of dilated and/or arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy mutation-positive relatives: CVON eDETECT consortium
Authors: Roudijk R. W. , Taha K. , Bourfiss M. , Loh P. , van den Heuvel L. , Boonstra M. J. , van Lint F. , van der Voorn S. M. , te Riele A. S. J. M. , Bosman L. P. , Christiaans I. , van Veen T. A. B. , Remme C. A. , van den Berg M. P. , van Tintelen J. P. , Asselbergs F. W.
Published: February 2021

In relatives of index patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, early detection of disease onset is essential to prevent sudden cardiac death and facilitate early treatment of heart failure. However, the optimal screening interval and combination of diagnostic techniques are unknown. The clinical course of disease in index patients and their relatives is variable due to incomplete and age-dependent penetrance. Several biomarkers, electrocardiographic and imaging (echocardiographic deformation imaging and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging) techniques are promising non-invasive methods for detection of subclinical cardiomyopathy. However, these techniques need optimisation and integration into clinical practice. Furthermore, determining the optimal interval and intensity of cascade screening may require a personalised approach. To address this, the CVON-eDETECT (early detection of disease in cardiomyopathy mutation carriers) consortium aims to integrate electronic health record data from long-term follow-up, diagnostic data sets, tissue and plasma samples in a multidisciplinary biobank environment to provide personalised risk stratification for heart failure and sudden cardiac death. Adequate risk stratification may lead to personalised screening, treatment and optimal timing of implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation. In this article, we describe non-invasive diagnostic techniques used for detection of subclinical disease in relatives of index patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
Traditions of Argumentation in Teachers’ Responses to Multilingualism in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Kultti Anne , Pramling Niklas
Published: February 2021

In this study, we investigate how professionals in early childhood education (ECE) reason about multilingualism. Empirical data are analyzed in terms of ‘traditions of argumentation’ which proposes that we cannot argue for something without, explicitly or implicitly, arguing against something else. The analyses use transcribed data from two focus groups conducted with teachers in two preschools in Sweden. These teachers had experience teaching culturally and linguistically diverse groups of children. The reoccurring rhetorical strategy used by the teachers to talk about their work with multilingual children used a set of contrasts. Three contrasts were identified: (1) I/we versus them (others); (2) here-and-now versus there-and-then; and (3) building ECE on research versus personal experience. The study has implications for teachers and students in preschool teacher education to understand the possible tensions and contrasts inherent in teaching culturally and linguistically diverse children. Rather than simplifying professional practice to either side of a dichotomy, teachers should be encouraged to understand and verbalize the bases of their professional knowledge, and understand the different positions from which they draw knowledge to inform practice.
The Arctic Carbon Cycle and Its Response to Changing Climate
Authors: Bruhwiler Lori , Parmentier Frans-Jan W. , Crill Patrick , Leonard Mark , Palmer Paul I.
Published: February 2021

Purpose of Review

The Arctic has experienced the most rapid change in climate of anywhere on Earth, and these changes are certain to drive changes in the carbon budget of the Arctic as vegetation changes, soils warm, fires become more frequent, and wetlands evolve as permafrost thaws. In this study, we review the extensive evidence for Arctic climate change and effects on the carbon cycle. In addition, we re-evaluate some of the observational evidence for changing Arctic carbon budgets.

Recent Findings

Observations suggest a more active CO2 cycle in high northern latitude ecosystems. Evidence points to increased uptake by boreal forests and Arctic ecosystems, as well as increasing respiration, especially in autumn. However, there is currently no strong evidence of increased CH4 emissions.

Long-term observations using both bottom-up (e.g., flux) and top-down (atmospheric abundance) approaches are essential for understanding changing carbon cycle budgets. Consideration of atmospheric transport is critical for interpretation of top-down observations of atmospheric carbon.
Micromouse 3D simulator with dynamics capability: a Unity environment approach
Authors: Zawadniak Pedro V. F. , Piardi Luis , Brito Thadeu , Lima José , Costa Pedro , Monteiro André L. R. , Costa Paulo , Pereira Ana I.
Published: February 2021

The micromouse competition has been gaining prominence in the robotic atmosphere, due to the challenging and multidisciplinary characteristics provided by the teams’ duels, being a gateway for those who intend to deepen their studies in autonomous robotics. In this context, this paper presents a realistic micromouse simulator developed with Unity software, a widely game engine with dynamics and 3D development platform used. The developed simulator has hardware-in-the-loop capabilities, aims to be simple to use, it can be customizable, and designed to be as similar as possible to the real robot configurations. In this way, the proposed simulator requires few modifications to port the microcontroller code to a real robot. Therefore, the framework presented in this work allows the user to simulate the development of new algorithm strategies dedicated to competition and also hardware updates. The simulation supports several mazes, from previous competitions and has the possibility to add different mazes elaborated by the user. Thus, the features and functionality of the simulator can serve to accelerate the project’s development of the beginning and advanced competitors, using real models to reduce the gap between the mouse robot behavior in the simulation and the reality. The developed simulation environment is available to the community.
Assessing the influence of neglected GC-FID variables on the multiple responses using multivariate optimization for the determination of ethanol and acetonitrile in radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Hassan Hishar , Othman Muhammad Faiz , Zakaria Zainul Amiruddin , Ahmad Saad Fathinul Fikri , Abdul Razak Hairil Rashmizal
Published: February 2021

Analytical gas chromatography in line with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) method was developed and validated for direct determination of organic solvents in [18F]fluoro-ethyl-tyrosine ([18F]FET), [18F]fluoromisonidazole ([18F]FMISO) and [18F]fluorothymidine ([18F]FLT). Variables of the splitless time (min) and injection temperature (°C) on the response of analysis time and resolution were optimized with the assistance of a two-level full factorial design and desirability function of Derringer. The proposed procedure was validated following the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) Q2 (R1) guideline. Excellent linearity, R2 > 0.990, indicated that approximately 99% of the response variance could be predicted from ethanol and acetonitrile concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 6.0 mg mL−1 and 0.1 to 0.8 mg mL−1, respectively. The proposed procedure has proved to be selective, sensitive, and accurate (90–110%), with excellent repeatability and precision (RSD < 2%). In the robustness analysis, the findings from the calculated Standardized Effects Values (SE) were insignificant (p > 0.05) and demonstrated that the proposed method was robust for a splitless time of 1.0 ± 0.5 min and an injection temperature of 210 ± 10 °C. The proposed method was also successfully used for the quantitative determination of ethanol and acetonitrile in [18F]FET, [18F]FMISO, and [18F]FLT. Both solvents were well separated (R, 4.1–4.3) within 4.5 min. Therefore, the proposed method is relevant for routine quality control analysis of all 18F-radiopharmaceutical derivatives for the direct determination of ethanol and acetonitrile.