bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data‐mining methods predict chlorine residuals in premise plumbing using low‐cost sensors
Authors: Saetta Daniella , Richard Rain , Leyva Carlos , Westerhoff Paul , Boyer Treavor H.
Published: January 2021

Variable water quality within buildings is of increasing concern due to public health impacts (e.g., lead, Legionella pneumophila, Naegleria fowleri, disinfection byproducts). Advances in data acquisition and analytics provide the opportunity to monitor real‐time building‐wide water quality variability. Accordingly, the goal of this research was to create a water quality sensor platform including data acquisition, storage, and mining methods able to monitor, and ultimately improve, water quality within buildings. The platform was used to monitor water temperature, pH, conductivity, oxidation–reduction potential, dissolved oxygen, and chlorine using sensors only. Other building data infrastructure, specifically Wi‐Fi logins by occupants, were used to approximate activity rates and associated water use. An advanced machine‐learning technique, gradient boosting machines, predicted the chlorine residuals throughout the building plumbing network better than multivariate linear regression models. Finally, the implications of water quality monitoring on costs, scalability, reliability, human dimensions, regulatory compliance, and future green building designs are considered.
Locating Structure Directing Agent and Al in CHA: Combined Study of Structure Determination of X‐Ray Powder Diffraction and Classical Lattice Energy Calculation
Authors: Chang Shuai , Park Soon Hee , Cho Sung June
Published: January 2021

Locating the structure directing agent and Al in zeolite CHA has been performed using structure determination of X‐ray powder diffraction combined with General Utility Lattice Program (GULP) calculation. Trimethyladamantylammonium ion (TMAdaOH+) and benzyltrimethyl ammonium ion (BTMAOH+), respectively, have been found to fit in the pore, resulting in the formation of high silica zeolite CHA, which shows the superior catalytic performance in abatement of NOx using NH3 in the exhaust gas stream of mobile car. The intimate interaction between the corresponding structure directing agent (SDA) and the counter ion due to the Al substitution in the framework has been characterized using the lattice energy calculation. The difference in the lattice energy of the zeolite CHA prepared with TMAdaOH was large compared to that of the zeolite CHA prepared with BTMAOH, which can be attributed probably to the molecule's size. Thereby, the SDA in the zeolite pore has been located readily and the resulting information can be useful for increasing the understanding in the zeolite formation mechanism and designing novel zeolite.
Health‐related quality of life among Ethiopian pregnant women during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Dule Aman , Hajure Mohammedamin , Mohammedhussein Mustefa , Abdu Zakir
Published: January 2021

Objective

To explore the quality of life and its association with perceived social support and pandemic fear among pregnant women.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study was conducted among 384 pregnant mothers at southwest Ethiopia from August 1, 2020, to August 15, 2020. Participants were included by consecutive sampling. Quality of life was assessed by short version of WHO quality of life. Social support and fear of COVID‐19 were evaluated by Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and fear of COVID‐19 scale (FCoV‐19S), respectively. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 23.0. Frequency and percentage for categorical variables, and mean ± SD for continuous variables were calculated. Independent sample t test and ANOVA were employed to compare the groups of normally distributed variables. Multiple regressions were performed, and Pearson correlation (r) was used to explore the relationships. Statistical significance was declared at p < .05, and 95% CI was calculated.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 31.3 ± 7.7, and 40.4% of them were between the ages of 25–34. The mean scores of participants those living with <5 family members and those living with ≥5 family members were significantly different [t(382) = 3.09, p = .002]. Participants with primary education have significantly high mean score of WHOQOL‐BREF from those participants with no formal education (p = .028, MD = −1.9). Moderate negative correlation was observed between the scores of WHOQOL‐BREF and FCoV‐19S. All the components of MSPSS had positively associated with WHOQOL‐BREF score at significant level. On final model, FCoV‐19S score has uniquely accounted for 19.4% of variance in WHOQOL‐BREF.

Conclusions

Perceived social support has positively linked to QOL among pregnant women during COVID‐19 pandemic. Pandemic‐related fear has negative association with QOL and may be considered independent contributor of decreased quality of life in this population.
Patterns of cortical grey matter thickness reduction in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Fujimori Juichi , Fujihara Kazuo , Wattjes Mike , Nakashima Ichiro
Published: January 2021

Objective

To examine the patterns of cortical gray matter thickness in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

Methods

Seventy‐four MS patients—clinically isolated syndrome (4%), relapsing–remitting MS (79%), and progressive MS (17%)—and 21 healthy controls (HCs) underwent 1.5 Tesla T1‐weighted 3D MRI examinations to measure brain cortical thickness in a total of 68 regions of interest. Using hierarchical cluster analysis with multivariate cortical thickness data, cortical thickness reduction patterns were cross‐sectionally investigated in MS patients.

Results

The MS patients were grouped into three major clusters (Clusters 1, 2, and 3). Most of the regional cortical thickness values were equivalent between the HCs and Cluster 1, but decreased in the order of Clusters 2 and 3. Only the thicknesses of the temporal lobe cortices (the bilateral superior and left middle temporal cortex, as well as the left fusiform cortex) were significantly different among Clusters 1, 2, and 3. In contrast, temporal pole thickness reduction was evident exclusively in Cluster 3, which was also characterized by increased lesion loads in the temporal pole and the adjacent juxtacortical white matter, dilatation of the inferior horn of the lateral ventricle, severe whole‐brain volume reduction, and longer disease duration. Although cortical atrophy was significantly more common in the progressive phase, approximately half of the MS patients with the severe cortical atrophy pattern had relapsing–remitting disease.

Conclusion

Cortical thickness reduction patterns in MS are mostly characterized by the degree of temporal lobe cortical atrophy, which may start in the relapsing–remitting phase. Among the temporal lobe cortices, the neurodegenerative change may accelerate in the temporal pole in the progressive phase.
Knowledge mapping of computer applications in education using CiteSpace
Authors: Rawat Keshav S. , Sood Sandeep K.
Published: January 2021

The education field plays a vital role in the growth and progress of society. In recent years, with the evolution of technology, a significant development has been observed in the publication of this field. Henceforth, a scientific review is required to explore computer applications in education using internet communication and technology (ICT) technologies. This paper analyzes the scientometric features of documents published from 2011 to 2020 in the education field using ICT. The research literature is retrieved from Scopus and CiteSpace is used to visualize network analysis of country collaboration, co‐citation, and keyword co‐occurrence. Here, the field of higher education is identified as an important area with increasing research trends. Higher education, such as engineering education with the application of ICT, has experienced the latest research trend, and it involves designing of frameworks for improving student performance and the teaching–learning process. The outcome of this paper is the identification of the research frontiers, hotspots, and the latest areas in the field of education, which will help to understand the overall development and future research directions.
Enhanced humoral immunity in breast cancer patients with high serum concentration of anti‐HER2 autoantibody
Authors: Sato Yasufumi , Shimoda Masafumi , Sota Yoshiaki , Miyake Tomohiro , Tanei Tomonori , Kagara Naofumi , Naoi Yasuto , Kim Seung Jin , Noguchi Shinzaburo , Shimazu Kenzo
Published: January 2021

Humoral immunity plays a substantial role in the suppression of breast cancer. We have revealed that a high serum concentration of anti‐HER2 autoantibody (HER2‐AAb) is associated with favorable outcomes in patients with invasive breast cancer. Thus, we aimed to clarify the association between high serum concentration of HER2‐AAb and humoral immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Out of 500 consecutive patients with invasive breast cancer, we selected those whose HER2‐AAb values were high (n = 33) or low (n = 20) based on the distribution of HER2‐AAb values of 100 healthy individuals. Tumor and regional lymph node formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded samples prepared from the surgical specimens were subjected to immunohistochemistry. We confirmed that the recurrence‐free survival of the high HER2‐AAb group was significantly longer than that of the low HER2‐AAb group (p = 0.015). The numbers of tumor‐infiltrating CD20+ immune cells (ICs) (p < 0.001), IGKC+ICs (p = 0.023), and CXCL13+ ICs (p = 0.044) were significantly higher in the high HER2‐AAb group than in the low HER2‐AAb group. The number of CD4+ ICs in the B‐cell follicles of the regional lymph nodes was also significantly greater in the high HER2‐AAb group than in the low HER2‐AAb group (p = 0.026). Our findings indicate that a high level of HER2‐AAb is associated with enhanced humoral immunity against breast cancer and thus may provide a rationale for the association of HER2‐AAb with favorable prognosis.
Essential Oil of Lepidium virginicum: Protective Activity on Anthracnose Disease and Preservation Effect on the Nutraceutical Content of Tamarillo Fruit (Solanum betaceum)
Authors: Pacheco‐Hernández Yesenia , Santamaría‐Juárez Juana Deisy , Hernández‐Silva Néstor , Cruz‐Durán Ramiro , Mosso‐González Clemente , Villa‐Ruano Nemesio
Published: January 2021

The essential oil from the annual plant Lepidium virginicum L. was chemically characterized in three consecutive years (2018–2020). The essential oils were evaluated in vitro and in situ on the causal agent of anthracnose in tamarillo fruits (Solanum betaceum). The main volatile constituents were phenylacetonitrile (>60 %), linalool (>10 %), limonene (>7 %) and α‐terpineol (>5 %). The essential oil (MIC, 19–30 μg mL−1), phenylacetonitrile (MIC, 45 μg mL−1) and α‐terpineol (MIC, 73 μg mL−1) caused a significant inhibition in the conidial viability from a wild strain of Colletotrichum acutatum, which was isolated and identified as a causal agent of anthracnose. The inoculation of conidia from C. acutatum in non‐symptomatic tamarillo fruits, followed by the in situ treatment with different concentrations of the essential oil (>30 μg mL−1), phenylacetonitrile and α‐terpineol, significantly (p<0.01) avoided the degradation of anthocyanins (delphinidin 3‐O‐rutinoside, cyanidin 3‐O‐rutinoside and pelargonidin 3‐O‐rutinoside) and carotenoids (β‐cryptoxanthin and β‐carotene) as well as retarded yellowing and necrosis triggered by anthracnose at least for 10 days. Our results suggest the potential use of the essential oil from L. virginicum as a natural component to preserve the nutraceutical content of tamarillo fruits against C. acutatum infection.
Unveiling the Potential of Transition Metal Complexes for Medicine: Translational in Situ Activation of Metal‐Based Drugs from Bench to in Vivo Applications
Authors: Silva Maria J. S. A. , Gois Pedro M. P. , Gasser Gilles
Published: January 2021

The development of metal‐based anticancer drugs has been hampered, among other reasons, by their lack of selectivity for cancer cells. In a recent article, Zou and co‐workers presented the successful intracellular activation of organogold(I) complexes for potential cancer treatment through Pd(II)‐mediated transmetallation, overcoming some off‐target activity of novel gold‐based drugs. This unique strategy builds the perfect bridge between metallodrug usage and bioorthogonal intracellular catalysis for more advanced and selective therapies. Such an approach will hopefully pave the way for forthcoming studies in medicinal inorganic chemistry.
A pseudotumoral form of Crohn's disease: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Sabbah Meriem , Gharbi Ghada , Jouini Raja , Haddad Dhafer , Bibani Norsaf , Chamakhi Chiraz , Gargouri Dalila
Published: January 2021

In front of a colonic tumor, the diagnosis of a pseudotumoral form of Crohn's disease must be considered. However, it is a rare form, especially when inaugural and a neoplasia must be eliminated before retaining the diagnosis.
Biosynthetic Cyclization Catalysts for the Assembly of Peptide and Polyketide Natural Products
Authors: Adrover‐Castellano Maria L. , Schmidt Jennifer J. , Sherman David H.
Published: January 2021

Many biologically active natural products are synthesized by nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), polyketide synthases (PKSs) and their hybrids. These megasynthetases are comprised of modules which are subdivided into distinct catalytic domains that allow for substrate initiation, chain extension, processing and termination. At the end of a module, a terminal domain, usually a thioesterase (TE), is responsible for catalyzing the release of the NRPS or PKS as a linear or cyclized product. In this Review, we address the general cyclization mechanism of the TE domain, including oligomerization and the fungal C−C bond forming Claisen‐like cyclases (CLCs). Additionally, we include examples of cyclization catalysts acting within or at the end of a module. Furthermore, condensation‐like (CT) domains, terminal reductase (R) domains, reductase‐like domains that catalyze Dieckmann condensation (RD), thioesterase‐like Dieckmann cyclases, trans‐acting TEs from the penicillin binding protein (PBP) enzyme family, product template (PT) domains and others will also be reviewed. The studies summarized here highlight the remarkable diversity of NRPS and PKS cyclization catalysts for the production of biologically relevant, complex cyclic natural products and related compounds.
High‐pressure Nucleation of Low‐Density Polymorphs**
Authors: Sobczak Szymon , Ratajczyk Paulina , Katrusiak Andrzej
Published: January 2021

New polymorphs β and γ of bis‐3‐nitrophenyl disulphide, crystallized above 0.3 GPa, are less dense than the ambient‐pressure polymorph α. This counterintuitive density relation results from the high‐entropy nucleation and subsequent kinetic crystallization. The work performed by pressure compensates the high entropy and temperature product, substantiated in varied conformers and increased chemical potential. Pressure‐increased viscosity promotes the kinetic polymorphs, in accordance with empirical Ostwald's rule of stages. It contrasts to mechanochemical techniques, favouring high‐density polymorphs.
On power capping and performance optimization of multithreaded applications
Authors: Conoci Stefano , Di Sanzo Pierangelo , Pellegrini Alessandro , Ciciani Bruno , Quaglia Francesco
Published: January 2021

Multithreaded applications facilitate the exploitation of the computing power of multicore architectures. On the other hand, these applications can become extremely energy‐intensive, in contrast with the need for limiting the energy usage of computing systems. In this article, we explore the design of techniques enabling multithreaded applications to maximize their performance under a power cap. We consider two control parameters: the number of cores used by the application, and the core power state. We target the design of an autotuning power‐capping technique with minimal intrusiveness and high portability, which is agnostic about the workload profile of the application. We investigate two different approaches for building the strategy for selecting the best configuration of the parameters under control, namely a heuristic approach and a model‐based approach. Through an extensive experimental study, we evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed technique considering two different selection strategies, and we compare them with existing solutions.
Initial investigations of a novel bioluminescence method for imaging dental demineralization
Authors: Longbottom Christopher , Vernon Bruce , Perfect Emma , Haughey Anne‐Marie , Christie Adam , Pitts Nigel
Published: January 2021

Objectives

In this in vitro study, a bioluminescent marker was investigated for its potential to illuminate the assessment of dental caries and dental erosion, which are significant clinical and public health problems, through its binding of those ions, notably Ca2+, known to be released during the process of demineralization.

Materials and Methods

The light output from the selected bioluminescent marker was investigated in several experiments, including: (a)contact with a range of Ca2+ ion concentrations; (b) treatment of extracted teeth with solutions of differing pH, followed by application of the bioluminescence marker to assess Ca2+ ion release; and (c) application of the marker to freshly extracted teeth with natural and artificially created caries lesions on occlusal and smooth surfaces to image the Ca2+ ion distribution.

Results

The results of: experiment (a) showed that the light output from the marker increases with increasing Ca2+ concentration and of experiment (b) showed increases in light being observed as increasingly acidic solutions were applied. The results of experiment (c) showed the bioluminescence images of the extracted teeth produced “demineralization maps” of the imaged surfaces.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the ability of a novel bioluminescence technology to image Ca2+ ions on tooth enamel surfaces which has potential in dental caries and dental erosion applications and provides the scientific basis for the ongoing development of that novel technology.
Field resistance to wheat stem rust in durum wheat accessions deposited at the USDA National Small Grains Collection
Authors: Olivera Pablo D. , Bulbula Worku D. , Badebo Ayele , Bockelman Harold E. , Edae Erena A. , Jin Yue
Published: January 2021

Wheat stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, is a re‐emerging disease, posing a significant threat to durum wheat production worldwide. The limited number of stem rust resistance genes in modern cultivars compels us to identify and incorporate new effective genes in durum wheat breeding programs. We evaluated 8,245 spring durum wheat accessions deposited at the USDA National Small Grains Collection (NSGC) for resistance in field stem rust nurseries in Debre Zeit, Ethiopia and St. Paul, MN (USA). A higher level of disease development was observed at the Debre Zeit nursery compared with St. Paul, and the effective alleles of Sr13 in this nursery did not display the level of resistance observed at the St. Paul nursery. Four hundred and ninety‐one (∽6%) accessions exhibited resistant to moderately susceptible responses after three field evaluations at Debre Zeit and two at St. Paul. Nearly 70% of these accessions originated from Ethiopia, Mexico, Egypt, and USA. Eight additional countries, namely Portugal, Turkey, Italy, Canada, Chile, Australia, Syria, and Tunisia contributed to 19% of the resistant to moderately susceptible entries. Among the 491 resistant to moderately susceptible accessions, 53.8% (n = 265) were landraces, and 28.4% (n = 139) and 11.4% (n = 55) were breeding lines and cultivars, respectively. Breeding lines and cultivars displayed a higher level and frequency of resistance than the landraces. We concluded that a large number of durum wheat accessions from diverse origins deposited at the NSGC can be exploited for diversifying and improving stem rust resistance in wheat.
Reliability of animal counts and implications for the interpretation of trends
Authors: Vallecillo David , Gauthier‐Clerc Michel , Guillemain Matthieu , Vittecoq Marion , Vandewalle Philippe , Roche Benjamin , Champagnon Jocelyn
Published: January 2021

Population time series analysis is an integral part of conservation biology in the current context of global changes. To quantify changes in population size, wildlife counts only provide estimates because of various sources of error. When unaccounted for, such errors can obscure important ecological patterns and reduce confidence in the derived trend. In the case of highly gregarious species, which are common in the animal kingdom, the estimation of group size is an important potential bias, which is characterized by high variance among observers. In this context, it is crucial to quantify the impact of observer changes, inherent to population monitoring, on i) the minimum length of population time series required to detect significant trends and ii) the accuracy (bias and precision) of the trend estimate.

We acquired group size estimation error data by an experimental protocol where 24 experienced observers conducted counting simulation tests on group sizes. We used this empirical data to simulate observations over 25 years of a declining population distributed over 100 sites. Five scenarios of changes in observer identity over time and sites were tested for each of three simulated trends (true population size evolving according to deterministic models parameterized with declines of 1.1%, 3.9% or 7.4% per year that justify respectively a “declining,” “vulnerable” or “endangered” population under IUCN criteria).

We found that under realistic field conditions observers detected the accurate value of the population trend in only 1.3% of the cases. Our results also show that trend estimates are similar if many observers are spatially distributed among the different sites, or if one single observer counts all sites. However, successive changes in observer identity over time lead to a clear decrease in the ability to reliably estimate a given population trend, and an increase in the number of years of monitoring required to adequately detect the trend.

Minimizing temporal changes of observers improve the quality of count data and help taking appropriate management decisions and setting conservation priorities. The same occurs when increasing the number of observers spread over 100 sites. If the population surveyed is composed of few sites, then it is preferable to perform the survey by one observer. In this context, it is important to reconsider how we use estimated population trend values and potentially to scale our decisions according to the direction and duration of estimated trends, instead of setting too precise threshold values before action.
Beyond the stethoscope: managing ambulatory heart failure during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Oseran Andrew S. , Afari Maxwell E. , Barrett Conor D. , Lewis Gregory D. , Thomas Sunu S.
Published: January 2021

There have been nearly 70 million cases of COVID‐19 worldwide, with over 1.5 million deaths at the time of this publication. This global pandemic has mandated dramatic changes in healthcare delivery with a particular focus on social distancing in order to reduce viral transmission. Heart failure patients are among the highest utilizers of health care and are at increased risk for COVID‐related vulnerabilities. Effectively managing this complex and resource‐intensive patient population from a distance presents new and unique challenges. Here, we review relevant data on telemedicine and remote monitoring strategies for heart failure patients and provide a framework to help providers treat this population during the COVID‐19 pandemic. This includes (i) dedicated pre‐visit contact and planning (i.e. confirm clinical appropriateness, presence of compatible technology, and patient comfort); (ii) utilization of virtual clinic visits (use of telehealth platforms, a video‐assisted exam, self‐reported vital signs, and weights); and (iii) use of existing remote heart failure monitoring sensors when applicable (CardioMEMS, Optivol, and HeartLogic). While telemedicine and remote monitoring strategies are not new, these technologies are emerging as an important tool for the effective management of heart failure patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic. In general, these strategies appear to be safe; however, additional data will be needed to determine their effectiveness with respect to both process and outcomes measures.
Usefulness of CHADS2, R2CHADS2, and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores for predicting incident atrial fibrillation in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients
Authors: Wu Yuzhong , Xie Zengshuo , Liang Weihao , Xue Ruicong , Wu Zexuan , Wu Dexi , He Jiangui , Zhu Wengen , Liu Chen
Published: January 2021

Aims

Coexisting of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) could increase the risk of mortality. In this study, we aimed to assess the values of the CHADS2, R2CHADS2, and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores for AF prediction in HFpEF patients.

Methods and results

We performed a retrospective analysis on symptomatic HFpEF patients in the TOPCAT (Treatment of Preserved Cardiac Function Heart Failure with an Aldosterone Antagonist) trial. Associations of the CHADS2, R2CHADS2, and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores with the risk of incident AF in HFpEF patients without baseline AF (n = 2202) were assessed using the multivariable competing risk regression models. The discriminatory performances of these scores were calculated using the C‐index. During a median follow‐up of 3.3 years, the average incidence of AF was 1.80 per 100 patient‐years in HFpEF patients. When score was analysed as a continuous variable, per 1‐point increase in the CHADS2 (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20–1.68, C‐index: 0.71), R2CHADS2 (HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.10–1.42, C‐index: 0.69), or CHA2DS2‐VASc (HR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.16–1.46, C‐index: 0.70) scores was associated with an increased risk of incident AF. When score was analysed as a categorical variable, patients with CHADS2 ≥ 3 (HR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.70–4.04), R2CHADS2 ≥ 3 (HR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.56–4.17), or CHA2DS2‐VASc ≥ 4 (HR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.59–4.07) had a higher risk of incident AF compared with the corresponding controls.

Conclusions

Our data first suggest that the CHADS2, R2CHADS2, and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores could predict the risk of incident AF in HFpEF patients with modest predictive abilities.
Two Different Thiosemicarbazone Tauto‐Conformers Coordinate to Palladium (II). Stability and Biological Studies of the Final Complexes
Authors: Fabra David , Matesanz Ana I. , Herrero Jorge M. , Alvarez Cristina , Balsa Lucia M. , Leon Ignacio E. , Quiroga Adoracion G.
Published: January 2021

Thiosemicarbazone moiety is a valuable scaffold for the synthesis of metallic complexes with anticancer purposes, when bearing N‐heterocyclic the final compounds possess diverse biological activities. Using thiazole as bioisosteres, the resulting thiosemicarbazones can afford synthetic drugs with a variety of pharmacological effects. Trying to elucidate, if metal complexes from α‐N‐heterocyclic thiosemicarbazones can achieve more selectivity versus special tumor lines, we have developed new metal complexes with 1H imidazole‐4‐carboxaldehyde 4 N‐p‐tolyl‐ and 4 N‐phenylthiosemicarbazone (HL1and HL2respectively). The solution studies of these ligands showed a tautomeric equilibria in solution and their reaction with Li2PdCl4proved the stability of both forms affording two mononuclear Pd(II) complexes. Both tautomeric forms are clearly coordinated to palladium center acting as two different bidentate ligands. Palladium complexes’ stability in biological buffers was investigated to stablish the optimal conditions for the evaluation of cytotoxicity, that on the triple negative adenocarcinoma cell line showed IC50values in the low micromolar range. Complexes were also studied with CT DNA (UV‐Visible spectroscopy and viscosity) and with the pBR322 plasmid supercoiled models, indicating non covalent interaction.
The (mis)fit of policy programs to political institutions and its influence on programmatic action – How crisis has differently hit French and German health policy
Authors: Hornung Johanna
Published: January 2021

The Programmatic Action Framework (PAF) is a relatively new theoretical perspective that adds a complementary lens to the explanation of policy processes and policy change. Yet, a key requirement of a valid policy process framework is its capacity to be proven wrong. Besides the empirical cases that provide evidence for the occurrence of programmatic action, it is necessary to present examples in which programmatic action did not occur, and to explain why this is the case. Proceeding from the observation that programmatic groups and policy programs existed in French and German health policy throughout the 1990s, this contribution answers the question why in 2020, programmatic action is still present in France but not in Germany and why the German policy program did not survive the financial crisis of 2008. It argues that misfit to pre‐existing institutional logics and changing institutional logics in the course of programmatic action hinder program success.
A Toxic Unit and Additive Index Approach to Understanding the Interactions of 2 Piscicides, 3-Trifluoromethyl-4-Nitrophenol and Niclosamide, in Rainbow Trout
Authors: Hepditch Scott L.J. , Birceanu Oana , Wilkie Michael P.
Published: January 2021

The toxic unit and additive index approaches were used to understand how 2 pesticides, 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) and 2,5-dichloro-4-nitrosalicylanilide (niclosamide; Nic), interact in mixtures. Our first objective was to determine whether the interaction was strictly additive or greater than additive at doses comparable to those used to control invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Laurentian Great Lakes, and our second was to compare the utility of the toxic unit and additive index models for determining how TFM and Nic interacted. Typically, TFM is mixed with Nic (1–2%, w/v) to increase its potency and reduce TFM use. However, there is little information on how the 2 chemicals interact. Using a well-studied, resident nontarget fish, the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), we conducted toxicity tests with TFM, Nic, and TFM:Nic (100:1, w/v; TFM/1% Nic) mixtures over 12 h to determine if the interaction was strictly additive, less than additive (antagonistic), or greater than additive (synergistic). The toxic unit and additive index approaches indicated synergistic interactions at environmentally relevant concentrations, suggesting that both are valid approaches for predicting how TFM and Nic interact. The toxic unit approach was simpler to conceptualize and to calculate, and we recommend that it be used when describing how TFM and Nic, and other similar organic compounds, interact with each other in aquatic ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1419–1430. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
A selective role for the mPFC during choice and deliberation, but not spatial memory retention over short delays
Authors: Kidder Kevan S. , Miles Jesse T. , Baker Phillip M. , Hones Victoria I. , Gire David H. , Mizumori Sheri J. Y.
Published: January 2021

Important interactions between memory and decision‐making processes are required to maintain high‐levels of spatial working memory task performance. Past research reveals that the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HPC) are both vital structures involved in these processes. Recent evidence suggests that interactions between these two structures are dynamic and task dependent. However, there exists uncertainty surrounding the specific conditions that recruit mPFC contributions to these tasks, specifically regarding its role in retaining information online during delay periods. To address this issue, we tested rats on a spatial‐delayed alternation task in which we utilized a closed‐loop optogenetic system to transiently disrupt mPFC activity during different task epochs (delay, choice, return). By analyzing the effects of mPFC disruption on choice accuracy and a deliberative behavior known as vicarious‐trial‐and‐error (VTE), our study revealed several interesting findings regarding the role of the mPFC in spatial‐working memory tasks. The main findings include: (a) choice accuracy in the spatial‐delayed alternation (SDA) task was impaired when the mPFC was disrupted during the choice epoch and not delay or return epochs, (b) mPFC disruption resulted in a non‐epoch specific reduction in VTE occurrence which correlated with impairments in task performance. Taken together, findings from this study suggest that, during spatial decision‐making, contributions made by the mPFC are specific to points of deliberation and choice (not delay), and that VTEs are a deliberative behavior which relies on intact mPFC function.
Contemporary management of breast cancer in Nigeria: Insights from an institutional database
Authors: Olasehinde Olalekan , Alatise Olusegun , Omisore Adeleye , Wuraola Funmilola , Odujoko Oluwole , Romanoff Anya , Akinkuolie Akinbolaji , Arowolo Olukayode , Adisa Adewale , Knapp Gregory , Famurewa Olusola , Omisile Idowu , Onabanjo Emmanuella , Constable Jeremy , Omoniyi‐Esan Ganiyat , Adesunkanmi Abdul‐Rasheed , Lawal Oladejo , Kingham Thomas P.
Published: January 2021

High‐quality data are needed to guide interventions aimed at improving breast cancer outcomes in sub‐Saharan Africa. We present data from an institutional breast cancer database to create a framework for cancer policy and development in Nigeria. An institutional database was queried for consecutive patients diagnosed with breast cancer between January 2010 and December 2018. Sociodemographic, diagnostic, histopathologic, treatment and outcome variables were analyzed. Of 607 patients, there were 597 females with a mean age of 49.8 ± 12.2 years. Most patients presented with a palpable mass (97%) and advanced disease (80.2% ≥ Stage III). Immunohistochemistry was performed on 21.6% (131/607) of specimens. Forty percent were estrogen receptor positive, 32.8% were positive for HER‐2 and 43.5% were triple negative. Surgery was performed on 49.9% (303/607) of patients, while 72% received chemotherapy and 7.9% had radiotherapy. At a median follow‐up period of 20.5 months, the overall survival was 43.6% (95% CI −37.7 to 49.5). Among patients with resectable disease, 18.8% (57/303) experienced a recurrence. Survival was significantly better for early‐stage disease (I and II) compared to late‐stage disease (III or IV) (78.6% vs 33.3%, P < .001). Receipt of adjuvant radiotherapy after systemic chemotherapy was associated with improved survival in patients with locally advanced disease (68.5%, CI −46.3 to 86 vs 51%, CI 38.6 to 61.9, P < .001). This large cohort highlights the dual burden of advanced disease and inadequate access to comprehensive breast cancer care in Nigeria. There is a significant potential for improving outcomes by promoting early diagnosis and facilitating access to multimodality treatment.
Multinational working capital management a study on Toyota Motor Corporation
Authors: Bhattacheryay Suranjan
Published: January 2021

The purpose of the study is to explore the influence of three factors on working capital management—fixation of current assets level—level of investment for each type of current asset components—sourcing of finance at competitive rate. A further study is made on MNCs effectiveness in managing working capital besides to weigh how they re‐position profits, cash flows and capital within to maximize profitability. Present globalised and integrated economy, facilitate MNCs to internationalise business by acquiring intangible assets besides optimising resources. MNCs all these activities invite challenges in continuing global presence. In‐spite of all odds, MNCs generate, capture value by applying unique business models besides combining with or buying foreign business and play a major force in driving globalisation of world economy. The study is descriptive and based on secondary data, sourced from the annual reports of Toyota Motor Corporation. Statistical techniques like coefficient of correlation, correlation matrix and least squares method, are used for analysis and past six years performances are critically analyzed to justify research questions. The message of the paper is to have now a well‐designed global fund transfer policy, economy friendly tax regime and modest regulations in lessening MNCs challenges.
Co‐movement of foreign exchange rate returns and stock market returns in an emerging market: Evidence from the wavelet coherence approach
Authors: He Xingxing , Gokmenoglu Korhan K. , Kirikkaleli Dervis , Rizvi Syed Kumail Abbas
Published: January 2021

This study aims to investigate the causal relationship between the Turkish stock market returns, namely XU100, and foreign exchange rates, namely USD/TRY and EUR/TRY, in Turkey using the wavelet coherence approach. In this study, we focus on the period from April 2000 to March 2019. Our findings reveal the following: (i) While we identify substantial volatility in the exchange rate during the 2000 November (banking crisis), 2001 February (economic crisis), and 2018 July (exchange rate crisis) periods, significant volatility was observed in the Turkish stock market during the 2000 banking crisis, 2001 economic crisis, and 2008 global crisis periods; (ii) There is a negative correlation between the Turkish stock market and foreign exchange rates at different frequencies over the selected sample period; (iii) A unidirectional causality runs from the Turkish stock market to foreign exchange rates between 2000 and 2004 at a scale of 4 months and between 2008 and 2012 at a scale of 32 months; (iv) Although inconsistent results are observed for the models of USD/TRY‐XU100 and EUR/TRY‐XU100, our empirical results show that the correlations between USD/TRY and XU100 are stronger than between EUR/TRY and XU100.
Acceptance and commitment therapy and the therapeutic relationship: Rupture and repair
Authors: Walser Robyn D. , O'Connell Manuela
Published: January 2021

The therapeutic relationship is an essential part of effective therapy. Therapists facing a rupture in this alliance are challenged to mend the discord in a forward moving and effective treatment service. In acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) the alliance is characterized by client and therapist working together, using the core processes of ACT, creating a vital and moment‐by‐moment collaborative experience. As a transdiagnostic, behavioral intervention, acceptance, and mindfulness processes and commitment and behavioral change processes are used to create meaningful and engaged lives. ACT's core methods promote psychological flexibility in response to problems in living, psychopathology, and enhancement of general well‐being. However, flexibility in session can be lost to therapeutic ruptures. In ACT, processes such as defusion, perspective‐taking, choice, and values play a role in restoring a cooperative, engaged alliance repair. We will explore the therapeutic relationship within the ACT model and present its perspective on rupture and repair in psychotherapy.
Role of Toll‐like receptors in the pathogenesis of COVID‐19
Authors: Khanmohammadi Shaghayegh , Rezaei Nima
Published: January 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has led to a pandemic since March 2020. The exact pathogenesis of SARS‐CoV‐2 and the role of each component of the innate and adaptive immune system is still unknown. However, available data from other coronavirus families, such as SARS‐CoV and the Middle East respiratory syndrome and also new findings could be useful for a better understanding of SARS‐CoV‐2. Toll‐like receptors (TLR) play an important role in recognition of viral particles and activation of the innate immune system. Activation of TLR pathways leads to secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α, as well as type 1 interferon. Different TLRs, like TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9 are potentially important in COVID‐19 infection. It is also worth mentioning that we should bear in mind both the beneficial and harmful effects of TLR in confronting COVID‐19 infection. TLRs could be a potential target in controlling the infection in the early stages of disease and production of vaccine against SARS‐CoV‐2.
Clinical significance of cellular immunity function and inflammatory factors assays in alveolar lavage fluid for severe COVID‐19 pneumonia
Authors: Liao Liang , Yang Guo‐hui
Published: January 2021

In this study, we aimed to investigate the changes of lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) and inflammatory factors (interleukin‐6 [IL‐6], hypersensitive C‐reactive protein [HS‐CRP], and procalcitonin [PCT]) of alveolar lavage fluid in patients with severe corona virus‐2019 (COVID‐19) pneumonia and their clinical impact on the assessment of disease severity and prognosis. Twenty‐four patients with severe COVID‐19 pneumonia were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Ezhou Central Hospital from February 1 to March 22, 2020. According to the 28‐day prognosis, they were assigned to a death group and a survival group. On the 3rd day of ICU admission, peripheral blood and alveolar lavage fluid were collected for examination of lymphocyte subsets and inflammatory factors by flow cytometry and immunoturbidimetry, respectively. The CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ cell counts in alveolar lavage fluid and serum were significantly higher in the survival group than those of the death group (p < .05). The levels of IL‐6, HS‐CRP, and PCT in the alveolar lavage fluid and serum of the death group were statistically higher than those of the survival group (p < .05); The CD3+, CD4+ cell count, and IL‐6 level were negatively correlated with Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, respectively (p < .05). The CD4+ cell and SOFA score have a regression relationship for the prognosis of COVID‐19 severe patients. The CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ cells, and IL‐6 levels are valuable in determining the prognosis of severe COVID‐19 pneumonia and are strongly correlated with the severity of the disease; the CD4+ cell is an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of COVID‐19 pneumonia.
Multiplexed analysis of circulating IgA antibodies for SARS‐CoV‐2 and common respiratory pathogens in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Fang Zhang‐fu , Sun Bao‐qing , Zhu Ai‐ru , Lin Lian‐cheng , Zhao Jin‐cun , He Song , Huang Shau‐Ku , Zhong Nan‐shan , Liu Zhi‐gang
Published: January 2021

Previous studies have revealed a diagnostic role of pathogen‐specific IgA in respiratory infections. However, co‐detection of serum specific IgA for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and common respiratory pathogens remains largely unexplored. This study utilizes a protein microarray technology for simultaneous and quantitative measurements of specific IgAs for eight different respiratory pathogens including adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza virus type A, influenza virus type B, parainfluenza virus, mycoplasma pneumoniae, chlamydia pneumoniae, and SARS‐CoV‐2 in serum sample of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). A total of 42 patients with COVID‐19 were included and categorized into severe cases (20 cases) and nonsevere cases (22 cases). The results showed that co‐detection rate of specific‐IgA for SARS‐CoV‐2 with at least one pathogen were significantly higher in severe cases than that of nonsevere cases (72.2% vs. 46.2%, p = .014). Our study indicates that co‐detection of IgA antibodies for respiratory pathogens might provide diagnostic value for the clinics and also be informative for risk stratification and disease management in patients with COVID‐19.
Functional analysis of the F337C mutation in the CLCN1 gene associated with dominant myotonia congenita reveals an alteration of the macroscopic conductance and voltage dependence
Authors: Jehasse Kevin , Jacquerie Kathleen , de Froidmont Alice , Lemoine Camille , Grisar Thierry , Stouffs Katrien , Lakaye Bernard , Seutin Vincent
Published: January 2021

Background

Myotonia congenita (MC) is a common channelopathy affecting skeletal muscle and which is due to pathogenic variants within the CLCN1 gene. Various alterations in the function of the channel have been reported and we here illustrate a novel one.

Methods

A patient presenting the symptoms of myotonia congenita was shown to bear a new heterozygous missense variant in exon 9 of the CLCN1 gene (c.1010 T > G, p.(Phe337Cys)). Confocal imaging and patch clamp recordings of transiently transfected HEK293 cells were used to functionally analyze the effect of this variant on channel properties.

Results

Confocal imaging showed that the F337C mutant incorporated as well as the WT channel into the plasma membrane. However, in patch clamp, we observed a smaller conductance for F337C at −80 mV. We also found a marked reduction of the fast gating component in the mutant channels, as well as an overall reduced voltage dependence.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first report of a mixed alteration in the biophysical properties of hClC‐1 consisting of a reduced conductance at resting potential and an almost abolished voltage dependence.
A homogenization‐based state‐dependent model for gap‐graded granular materials with fine‐dominated structure
Authors: Shi X. S. , Zhao Jidong , Gao Yufeng
Published: January 2021

Gap‐graded granular soils are common natural soils composed of cohesionless granular matrix and rock aggregates. Since they are widely used as construction materials worldwide, their deformation behavior is crucial for the design of civil infrastructures. There have been rare constitutive models reported for gap‐graded granular soils in the literature. This study presents a homogenization‐based state‐dependent model within the elastoplastic framework. The model features a homogenization equation with a structure parameter and a novel state‐dependent dilatancy function to describe the behavior of granular matrix. Simulations of the model reveals that the initial stiffness and peak shear strength of gap‐graded soils rely on both the coarse fraction and the initial density of granular matrix. The structure parameter is related to the internal structure of gap‐graded soils, and it varies with the particle shape, and particle size distribution of rock aggregates. A higher value of the structure parameter indicates a more distinct coarse fraction effect of rock aggregates, that is, higher initial stiffness, higher peak shear strength, and higher residual shear strength. For a given coarse fraction, the critical states can be well fitted by a straight line through the origin, and the critical state strength parameter Mm increases with the rising rock fraction. A practical method is further proposed for the critical state line of gap‐graded granular soils in e‐p′ compression plane. The proposed model is validated by using experimental data from the literature, including the soils with various densities of sand matrix, different particle size, and particle size distribution of rock aggregates. Comparison between measured data and model predictions indicates that the proposed model can well reproduce the stress‐strain relationship and volumetric deformation behavior of sand‐gravel mixtures and soil‐rock mixtures.