bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Winter canola yield and nitrogen use efficiency in a semiarid irrigated condition
Authors: Paye Wooiklee S. , Begna Sultan , Ghimire Rajan , Angadi Sangamesh V. , Singh Paramveer , Umesh Mathada Rangappa , Darapuneni Murali
Published: January 2021

Winter canola (Brassica napus L.) is an economically viable alternative crop for the semiarid southern Great Plains of the United States. Although land area under winter canola has increased in recent years, an independent guideline on fertility recommendation and their effects on crop growth and soil health is not available for the semiarid southern Great Plains region. This study aimed to evaluate winter canola growth, yield components, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) with different nitrogen application timings (NATs) in a semiarid irrigated condition. A 2‐yr study was designed with two canola varieties (Riley and 46W94) and four NATs. Nitrogen treatments were F100 (100% of nitrogen applied in fall), S100 (100% of nitrogen applied in spring), FS50 (50% of nitrogen applied in fall and 50% in spring), and FSB25 (25% of nitrogen applied in fall, 25% in spring, and 25% before flowering). The winter dry matter accumulation was greater with the F100 N application, whereas the forage quality was better with the FS50 treatment. The highest seed yield of 2,539 kg ha–1 was from S100, which was not significantly different from FS50 and FSB25. The N use efficiency was the highest under FSB25, which uses 25% less N, followed by S100, FS50, and F100 treatments. The FS50 with 50% of N application in fall and 50% in spring was the most efficient N timing treatment when winter biomass accumulation, seed yield, and seed oil and protein contents were considered.
Digital peer‐to‐peer information seeking and sharing: Opportunities for education and collaboration in newborn screening
Authors: Miller Brianne C. , Goldenberg Aaron J. , Bonhomme Natasha F.
Published: January 2021

Parents use the internet to connect with their peers and access information about a multitude of health topics, including newborn screening (NBS). As the NBS system evolves, education about NBS must be evaluated and updated to remain accessible and beneficial to parents. In this article, we aim to describe parents' current NBS educational needs and highlight areas to improve newborn screening education by detailing an analysis of NBS posts on an online parenting discussion platform. We analyzed a total of 317 discussion posts on BabyCenter®, finding that parents had questions about and desired support around many aspects of NBS including processes, results, and follow‐up. As a result of this analysis, three recommendations to improve NBS education were developed. Through collaboration and by leveraging technology, we can provide parents with accessible, timely, and desired NBS informational and social support.
Hydrofluorination of Alkenes: A Review
Authors: Bertrand Xavier , Chabaud Laurent , Paquin Jean‐François
Published: January 2021

In this minireview, we explore the different approaches used to perform the hydrofluorination reaction of alkenes. Contrary to other hydrohalogenation reactions, the hydrofluorination requires specific conditions due to the lower reactivity of HF. Over the years, many different approaches have been explored among which the use of HF complexes has particularly proved to be useful as these reagents are easier to handle. The enantioselective hydrofluorination has been demonstrated using electrophilic sources of fluorine, while radical fluorination proved compatible with a vast range of functional groups that are generally problematic with strong acids and some fluoride sources. This review will cover the different conditions developed through the years, starting with the first reported addition using gaseous HF, up to the most recent method described in October 2020.
Rejoinder to “Virtual age, is it real?”
Authors: Finkelstein Maxim , Cha Ji Hwan
Published: January 2021

In this rejoinder, we first comment on valuable discussions of contributors. Based on these meaningful inputs, we proceed with description of the notion of “virtual age” from different perspectives. We also add a more detailed description for the new concept of a random virtual age that is applied to degrading items. The latter is used for age recalculation when one operational regime is switched to another.
Development of a rapid polarized total synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (pTSFS) method for protein quantification in a model bioreactor broth
Authors: Boateng Bernard O. , Elcoroaristizabal Saioa , Ryder Alan G.
Published: January 2021

Protein quantification during bioprocess monitoring is essential for biopharmaceutical manufacturing and is complicated by the complex chemical composition of the bioreactor broth. Here we present the early‐stage development and optimization of a polarized total synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (pTSFS) method for protein quantification in a hydrolysate‐protein model (mimics clarified bioreactor broth samples) using a standard benchtop laboratory fluorometer. We used UV transmitting polarizers to provide wider range pTSFS spectra for screening of the four different TSFS spectra generated by the measurement: parallel (||), perpendicular (⊥), unpolarized (T) intensity spectra and anisotropy maps. TSFS|| (parallel polarized) measurements were the best for protein quantification compared to standard unpolarized measurements and the Bradford assay. This was because TSFS|| spectra had a better analyte signal to noise ratio (SNR), due to the anisotropy of protein emission. This meant that protein signals were better resolved from the background emission of small molecule fluorophores in the cell culture media. SNR of >5000 was achieved for concentrations of bovine serum albumin/yeastolate 1.2/10 g L–1 with TSFS||. Optimization using genetic algorithm and interval partial least squares based variable selection enabled reduction of spectral resolution and number of excitation wavelengths required without degrading performance. This enables fast (<3.5 min) online/at‐line measurements, and the method had an LOD of 0.18 g L–1 and high accuracy with a predictive error of <9%.
PURE mRNA display and cDNA display provide rapid detection of core epitope motif via high‐throughput sequencing
Authors: Reyes Sabrina Galiñanes , Kuruma Yutetsu , Fujimi Mai , Yamazaki Masako , Eto Sumie , Nishikawa Shota , Tamaki Satoshi , Kobayashi Asaki , Mizuuchi Ryo , Rothschild Lynn , Ditzler Mark , Fujishima Kosuke
Published: January 2021

The reconstructed in vitro translation system known as the PURE system has been used in a variety of cell‐free experiments such as the expression of native and de novo proteins as well as various display methods to select for functional polypeptides. We developed a refined PURE‐based display method for the preparation of stable messenger RNA (mRNA) and complementary DNA (cDNA)‐peptide conjugates and validated its utility for in vitro selection. Our conjugate formation efficiency exceeded 40%, followed by gel purification to allow minimum carry‐over of components from the translation system to the downstream assay enabling clean and efficient random peptide sequence screening. We chose the commercially available anti‐FLAG M2 antibody as a target molecule for validation. Starting from approximately 1.7 × 1012 random sequences, a round‐by‐round high‐throughput sequencing showed clear enrichment of the FLAG epitope DYKDDD as well as revealing consensus FLAG epitope motif DYK(D/L/N)(L/Y/D/N/F)D. Enrichment of core FLAG motifs lacking one of the four key residues (DYKxxD) indicates that Tyr (Y) and Lys (K) appear as the two key residues essential for binding. Furthermore, the comparison between mRNA display and cDNA display method resulted in overall similar performance with slightly higher enrichment for mRNA display. We also show that gel purification steps in the refined PURE‐based display method improve conjugate formation efficiency and enhance the enrichment rate of FLAG epitope motifs in later rounds of selection especially for mRNA display. Overall, the generalized procedure and consistent performance of two different display methods achieved by the commercially available PURE system will be useful for future studies to explore the sequence and functional space of diverse polypeptides.
Associations between race and survival in pediatric patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Khullar Karishma , Plascak Jesse J. , Drachtman Richard , Cole Peter D. , Parikh Rahul R.
Published: January 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine the factors associated with disparities in overall survival (OS) by race in pediatric diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients.

Methods

We evaluated clinical features and survival among patients ≤21 years of age diagnosed with stage I–IV DLBCL from 2004 to 2014 from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Among 1386 pediatric patients with DLBCL, 1023 patients met eligibility criteria. In unadjusted analysis, Black patients had a significantly higher overall death rate than White patients (HRBlack vs. White 1.51; 95% CI: 1.02–2.23, p = 0.041). The survival disparity did not remain significant in adjusted analysis, though controlling for covariates had little effect on the magnitude of the disparity (HR 1.46; 95% CI 0.93–2.31, p = 0.103). In adjusted models, presence of B symptoms, receipt of chemotherapy, stage of disease, and Other insurance were significantly associated with OS. Specifically, patients with B symptoms and those with Other insurance were more likely to die than those without B symptoms or private insurance, respectively (HR 1.75; 95% CI 1.22–2.50, p = 0.002) and (HR 2.56; 95% CI, 1.39–4.73, p = 0.0027), patients who did not receive chemotherapy were three times more likely to die than those who received chemotherapy (HR 3.10; CI 1.80–5.35, p < 0.001), and patients who presented with earlier stage disease were less likely to die from their disease than those with stage IV disease (stages I–III HR 0.34, CI 0.18–0.64, p < 0.001; HR 0.50, CI 0.30–0.82, p = 0.006, HR 0.72, CI 0.43–1.13, p = 0.152, respectively).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that racial disparities in survival may be mediated by clinical and treatment parameters.
Work with municipal stakeholders to empower your officers to enforce local health ordinances
Authors: Rahn Josh
Published: January 2021

The hard work of preventing the spread of COVID‐19 has given campus law enforcement new challenges, but it has also offered opportunities to collaborate with other agencies in productive ways. Many college campuses are embedded within a larger urban or suburban environment. Therefore, consistency in the nature and enforcement of health measures is important for the well‐being of the entire community. That goal was part of the thinking behind Penn State University's decision to give its campus police officers the authority to enforce the public health ordinance passed by the Borough of State College in August.
Consider technology that helps promote social distancing
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2021

How can campuses safely host students in the midst of COVID‐19? That's a big question officials at many institutions are trying to answer. One key is to enable and encourage social distancing on campus.
Study finds student drinking habits changed due to COVID‐19
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: January 2021

When college and university campuses closed in spring 2020 due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, the amount of alcohol consumed by underage students decreased according to a new report in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. The report speculates that the decrease in underage drinking may be due to students moving back in with their parents, compared to the relative freedom for unsupervised activities when living on a college campus.
A recombinant influenza virus with a CTLA4‐specific scFv inhibits tumor growth in a mouse model
Authors: Lei Guang‐Lin , Wang Li‐Peng , Dong Suo‐Hua , Sun Fang , Cheng Jin‐Xia , Yang Xiao‐Lan , Zhang Shao‐Geng , Wang Xi‐Liang , Wang Xin‐Xin , Yang Peng‐Hui
Published: January 2021

Oncolytic viruses (OV) have shown excellent safety and efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies. Influenza A virus (IAV) is considered a promising oncolytic virus. In this report, we generated a recombinant influenza virus expressing an immune checkpoint blockade agent targeting CTLA4. Using reverse genetics, a recombinant influenza virus, termed rFlu‐CTLA4, encoding the heavy chain of a CTLA4 antibody on the PB1 segment and the light chain of the CTLA4 antibody on the PA segment was produced. RFlu‐CTLA4 could replicate to high titers, and antibodies were produced in the allantoic fluid of infected eggs. Furthermore, the selective cytotoxicity of the virus was higher in various hepatocellular carcinoma cancer cell lines than in the normal cell line L02 in vitro, as indicated by MTS assays. More importantly, in a subcutaneous H22 mouse hepatocarcinoma model, intratumoral injections of rFlu‐CTLA4 inhibited the growth of treated tumors and increased the overall survival of mice compared with injections of the PR8 virus. Taken together, these results warrant further exploration of this novel recombinant influenza virus for its potential use as a single or combination agent for cancer immunotherapy.
Expanding percutaneous treatment of mitral valve diseases: Transcatheter closure of mitral valve leaflet perforation
Authors: Carretero Bellón Juan M. , Morr Igor C. , Merchan Erika F. , Prada Fredy H.
Published: January 2021

Mitral valve perforation is a rare cause of mitral regurgitation. We present a case of a 16‐year‐old patient with mitral valve regurgitation after redo‐cardiac surgery for recurrent subaortic stenosis. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a mitral regurgitation with an eccentric jet causing a significant regurgitation documented by the presence of a convergence flow over the hole. This finding was corroborating by transesophageal echocardiography locating the perforation from the region of A2 scallop. Three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography confirmed these findings and played a key role guiding the procedure. Typical approach is usually a cardiac surgical procedure based on repair the perforation, but the mitral orifice was successfully closed percutaneously using an Amplatzer Duct Occluder II (ADO II; Abbott Vascular, IL).
Pediatric gastropleural fistula, a complication of sleeve gastrectomy: Case report and brief review
Authors: Albassam Dana , Alzaid Mohammed , Alotaibi Nawaf , Alsadoon Hammad , Alqazlan Felwa , Alotaibi Wadha
Published: January 2021

Gastropleural fistula (GPF) is a rare pathological communication between the stomach and pleura. It may complicate sleeve gastrectomy (SG). An endoscopic application of OTSC can be used to manage GPF.
ReGeneraTing Agents (rgta®) technology combined with antibiotics improves outcomes for infections in the upper limb
Authors: Roohi Sharifah Ahmad , Keuylian Zela , Barritault Denis
Published: January 2021

A matrix therapy agent marketed as CACIPLIQ20® showed marked improvement in the healing rate of hand infections, including functional recovery. It can be used at both earlier and later stages to promote faster healing and prevent an adverse outcome.
Integrated Reactor‐Combustor Recycling System for Safe Operation by Catalytic Removal of Excess O2
Authors: Lu Mengke , Zeng Tao , Zhou Xinggui , Westermann Thomas , Mleczko Leslaw
Published: January 2021

A reactor‐combustor recycling system is proposed for safe operation of a hydrocarbon‐ and O2‐rich reactor by catalytically combusting excess O2 and recycling generated CO2 for dilution. The Pt/Al2O3 catalysts are determined as active and stable, and the Mars van Krevelen mechanism is applied for the combustion kinetics. Modeling and simulation of the system involving reactor, heater, combustor, valve, and cooler are performed, where multitubular, monolith, and microstructured reactors are compared for addressing the strong exothermic combustion. The system is highly promising because 99.9 % O2 can be consumed and explosion risk be eliminated via CO2 dilution. The microstructured combustor exhibits the highest potential by considering heat management, pressure drop, and compactness.
Understanding the improved performance of sulfur‐doped interconnected carbon microspheres for Na‐ion storage
Authors: Yuan Xinran , Chen Siming , Li Jinliang , Xie Junpeng , Yan Genghua , Liu Botian , Li Xibo , Li Rui , Pan Likun , Mai Wenjie
Published: January 2021

As one of the low‐cost energy storage systems, Na‐ion batteries (NIBs) have received tremendous attention. However, the performance of current anode materials still cannot meet the requirements of NIBs. In our work, we obtain sulfur‐doped interconnected carbon microspheres (S‐CSs) via a simple hydrothermal method and subsequent sulfurizing treatment. Our S‐CSs exhibit an ultrahigh reversible capacity of 520 mAh g–1 at 100 mA g–1 after 50 cycles and an excellent rate capability of 257 mAh g–1, even at a high current density of 2 A g–1. The density functional theory calculations demonstrate that sulfur doping in carbon favors the adsorption of Na atom during the sodiation process, which is accountable for the performance enhancement. Furthermore, we also utilize operando Raman spectroscopy to analyze the electrochemical reaction of our S‐CSs, which further highlights the sulfur doping in improving Na‐ion storage performance.
Function‐Oriented and Modular (+/−)‐cis‐Pseudoguaianolide Synthesis: Discovery of New Nrf2 Activators and NF‐κB Inhibitors
Authors: Emmetiere Fabien , Ratnayake Ranjala , Schares Henry A. M. , Jones Katherine F. M. , Bevan–Smith Emily , Luesch Hendrik , Harki Daniel A. , Grenning Alexander J.
Published: January 2021

Described herein is a function‐oriented synthesis route and biological evaluation of pseudoguaianolide analogues. The 10‐step synthetic route developed retains the topological complexity of the natural product, installs functional handles for late‐stage diversification, and forges the key bioactive Michael acceptors early in the synthesis. The analogues were found to be low‐micromolar Nrf2 activators and micromolar NF‐κB inhibitors and dependent on the local environment of the Michael acceptor moieties.
Photo‐Oxidation‐Controlled Surface Pattern with Responsive Wrinkled Topography and Fluorescence
Authors: Shou Huizhu , Ma Tianjiao , Li Tiantian , Chen Shuai , Ma Xiaodong , Yin Jie , Jiang Xuesong
Published: January 2021

Wrinkles and photo‐oxidation reactions are widely found in soft materials, which are intimately associated with the failure of materials and structures. It is expected that the photo‐oxidation process could also have a positive effect on the material and its surface. Here, we report the photo‐oxidation of 2‐(4‐dietheylaminophenyl)‐4,5‐bis(4‐methoxyphenyl) imidazole (DEA‐TAI) into a wrinkled bilayer system to control surface wrinkle and fluorescent patterns, in which a supramolecular polymer network composed of carboxylic acid‐containing copolymer (PS‐BA‐AA; PS=poly(styrene), BA=butyl acrylate; AA=acrylic acid) and DEA‐TAI were used as the skin layer. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation can induce photo‐oxidation of the imidazole ring of DEA‐TAI to weaken the intermolecular hydrogen bonding between PS‐BA‐AA and DEA‐TAI, resulting in the release of stress in the bilayer system. The wrinkled morphology and fluorescence of the surface can be simultaneously regulated by photo‐oxidation of DEA‐TAI under UV light, and the resulting wrinkles are extremely sensitive to the pH value, which can be quickly and reversibly erased by NH3 gas. Smart surfaces with specific hierarchical wrinkles and fluorescence can be achieved by selective irradiation with photomasks, which may find potential applications in smart displays and multi‐code information storage.
Pyrolysis of predried dyeing sludge: Weight loss characteristics, surface morphology, functional groups and kinetic analysis
Authors: Wang Bo , Xu Xiang , Cao Xiu , Liu Yinhe
Published: January 2021

The weight loss characteristics, surface morphology, functional group, and kinetic parameters of predried dyeing sludge (PDS) pyrolysis was studied for the first time in this paper. The contents of both volatile matter and organic matter in PDS char both decreased with the increase of pyrolysis temperature. The PDS pyrolysis process can be divided into four stages: S1 (30°C‐180°C)—water evaporation, S2 (180°C‐500°C)—decomposition of organic compounds such as aliphatic compounds and biomass fibres, S3 (500°C‐900°C)—decomposition of the former stage residues, and S4 (900°C‐1350°C)—decomposition of carbonaceous material remaining in the char and vaporization of partial ash. With the increase of pyrolysis temperature, the number density of small spherical particles on the PDS particle surface increased. The decomposition of aliphatic hydrocarbon was basically completed at 700°C. The average activation energy of PDS in S2‐S4 stages were 172.93, 445.65, and 301.76 kJ/mol, respectively. The pyrolysis reaction of PDS samples could be described by nth‐order reaction mechanism function.
Molten Salt Derived Graphene‐Like Carbon Nanosheets Wrapped SiOx/Carbon Submicrospheres with Enhanced Lithium Storage†
Authors: Zhang Qianliang , Han Suping , Tian Fang , Feng Zhenyu , Xi Baojuan , Xiong Shenglin , Qian Yitai
Published: January 2021

Main observation and conclusion

There is no doubt that SiOx and carbon composite is one of the promising anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries owing to its high capacity and rational cycling stability. Herein, we report a sol‐gel synthesis followed by molten salt carbonization route to fabricate graphene‐like carbon nanosheet wrapped SiOx/C submicrospheres (SiOx/C@2D‐C). The in‐situ generated carbon nanosheets under molten salt condition can further improve the electroconductivity, restrain the volumetric expansion and guarantee the structural integrity of the electrode. As a result, the as‐obtained SiOx/C@2D‐C delivers a discharge capacity of 559 mAh·g−1 at 0.5 A·g−1 after 200 cycles and 548 mAh·g–1 at 1.0 A·g−1 even after 1000 cycles. The full cell assembled with SiOx/C@2D‐C as anode and commercial LiFePO4 as cathode can achieve an energy density of 200 Wh·kg−1 and maintain a capacity of 66.7% after 100 cycles with a working potential of 2.8 V. The approach is simple and cost effective, which is promising for mass production of SiOx‐based materials for high energy LIBs.
Prognostic value of absolute quantification of mutated KRAS in circulating tumour DNA in lung adenocarcinoma patients prior to therapy
Authors: Wahl Sissel Gyrid Freim , Dai Hong Yan , Emdal Elisabeth F , Ottestad Anine L , Dale Vibeke G , Richardsen Elin , Halvorsen Tarje O , Grønberg Bjørn Henning
Published: January 2021

Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) is a highly sensitive and accurate method for quantification of nucleic acid sequences. We used absolute quantification of mutated v‐Ki‐ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homology gene (KRAS) by ddPCR to investigate the prognostic role of mutated KRAS in patients with KRAS‐mutated lung adenocarcinomas. Pre‐treatment plasma samples from 60 patients with stages I–IV KRAS‐mutated lung adenocarcinomas were analysed for KRAS mutations. The associations between survival, detectable KRAS mutations in plasma, and the plasma concentration of mutated KRAS were assessed. Overall, 23 of 60 (38%) patients had detectable KRAS mutation in plasma. The percentage of patients with detectable mutation was 8% in stage I, 30% in stage II, 71% in stage III, and 73% in stage IV. Estimated overall median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 26.2 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 12.5–39.9] and 50.8 months (95% CI 0–107.3), respectively. Patients with detectable mutations in plasma had significantly worse median PFS compared to patients with undetectable mutation (13.1 versus 70.1 months) and shorter median OS (20.7 versus not reached). High circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) concentrations of mutated KRAS were significantly associated with shorter PFS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.008, 95% CI 1.004–1.012] and OS (HR 1.007, 95% CI 1.003–1.011). All associations remained statistically significant in multivariable analyses. In conclusion, ddPCR is an accurate and easily feasible technique for quantification of KRAS mutations in ctDNA. The presence of detectable KRAS mutation in plasma at baseline was associated with worse PFS and OS. High concentration of mutated KRAS in ctDNA was an independent negative prognostic factor for both PFS and OS.
Clinical significance of coronavirus disease 2019 in hospitalized patients with myocardial injury
Authors: Briscoe Michael , Sykes Robert , Krystofiak Thomas , Peck Oliver , Mangion Kenneth , Berry Colin
Published: January 2021

Background

The clinical significance of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) as an associate of myocardial injury is controversial.

Hypothesis

Type 2 MI/Myocardial Injury are associated with worse outcomes if complicated by COVID‐19.

Methods

This longitudinal cohort study involved consecutive patients admitted to a large urban hospital. Myocardial injury was determined using laboratory records as ≥1 hs‐TnI result >99th percentile (male: >34 ng/L; female: >16 ng/L). Endotypes were defined according to the Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction (MI) and COVID‐19 determined using PCR. Outcomes of patients with myocardial injury with and without COVID‐19 were assessed.

Results

Of 346 hospitalized patients with elevated hs‐TnI, 35 (10.1%) had laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 (median age [IQR]; 65 [59–74]; 64.8% male vs. COVID‐19 negative: 74 [63–83] years; 43.7% male). Cardiac endotypes by COVID‐19 status (yes vs. no) were: Type 1 MI (0 [0%] vs. 115 [100%]; p < .0005), Type 2 MI (13 [16.5%] vs. 66 [83.5%]; p = .045), and non‐ischemic myocardial injury (cardiac: 4 [5.8%] vs. 65 [94.2%]; p = .191, non‐cardiac:19 [22.9%] vs. 64 [77.%]; p < .0005). COVID‐19 patients had less comorbidity (median [IQR] Charlson Comorbidity Index: 3.0 [3.0] vs. 5.0 [4.0]; p = .001), similar hs‐TnI concentrations (median [IQR] initial: 46 [113] vs. 62 [138]; p = .199, peak: 122 [474] vs. 79 [220] ng/L; p = .564), longer admission (days) (median [IQR]: 14[19] vs. 6[12]; p = .001) and higher in‐hospital mortality (63.9% vs. 11.3%; OR = 13.2; 95%CI: 5.90, 29.7).

Conclusions

Cardiac sequelae of COVID‐19 typically manifest as Non‐cardiac myocardial injury/Type 2MI in younger patients with less co‐morbidity. Paradoxically, the admission duration and in‐hospital mortality are increased.
An incremental reinforcement learning scheduling strategy for data‐intensive scientific workflows in the cloud
Authors: Nascimento André , Silva Vítor , Paes Aline , de Oliveira Daniel
Published: January 2021

Most scientific experiments can be modeled as workflows. These workflows are usually computing‐ and data‐intensive, demanding the use of high‐performance computing environments such as clusters, grids, and clouds. This latter offers the advantage of the elasticity, which allows for changing the number of virtual machines (VMs) on demand. Workflows are typically managed using scientific workflow management systems (SWfMS). Many existing SWfMSs offer support for cloud‐based execution. Each SWfMS has its scheduler that follows a well‐defined cost function. However, such cost functions should consider the characteristics of a dynamic environment, such as live migrations or performance fluctuations, which are far from trivial to model. This article proposes a novel scheduling strategy, named ReASSIgN, based on reinforcement learning (RL). By relying on an RL technique, one may assume that there is an optimal (or suboptimal) solution for the scheduling problem, and aims at learning the best scheduling based on previous executions in the absence of a mathematical model of the environment. For this, an extension of a well‐known workflow simulator WorkflowSim is proposed to implement an RL strategy for scheduling workflows. Once the scheduling plan is generated via simulation, the workflow is executed in the cloud using SciCumulus SWfMS. We conducted a throughout evaluation of the proposed scheduling strategy using a real astronomy workflow named Montage.
Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of using human menstrual blood‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells in treating severe and critically ill COVID‐19 patients: An exploratory clinical trial
Authors: Xu Xiaowei , Jiang Wanli , Chen Lijun , Xu Zhenyu , Zhang Qiang , Zhu Mengfei , Ye Peng , Li Hang , Yu Liang , Zhou Xiaoyang , Zhou Chenliang , Chen Xiaobei , Zheng Xiaoqin , Xu Kaijin , Cai Hongliu , Zheng Shufa , Jiang Wubian , Wu Xiaojun , Li Dong , Chen Lu , Luo Qingqing , Wang Yingyan , Qu Jingjing , Li Yifei , Zheng Wendi , Jiang Yingan , Tang Lingling , Xiang Charlie , Li Lanjuan
Published: January 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) was identified in December 2019 and has subsequently spread worldwide. Currently, there is no effective method to cure COVID‐19. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) may be able to effectively treat COVID‐19, especially for severe and critical patients. Menstrual blood‐derived MSCs have recently received much attention due to their superior proliferation ability and their lack of ethical problems. Forty‐four patients were enrolled from January to April 2020 in a multicenter, open‐label, nonrandomized, parallel‐controlled exploratory trial. Twenty‐six patients received allogeneic, menstrual blood‐derived MSC therapy, and concomitant medications (experimental group), and 18 patients received only concomitant medications (control group). The experimental group was treated with three infusions totaling 9 × 107 MSCs, one infusion every other day. Primary and secondary endpoints related to safety and efficacy were assessed at various time points during the 1‐month period following MSC infusion. Safety was measured using the frequency of treatment‐related adverse events (AEs). Patients in the MSC group showed significantly lower mortality (7.69% died in the experimental group vs 33.33% in the control group; P = .048). There was a significant improvement in dyspnea while undergoing MSC infusion on days 1, 3, and 5. Additionally, SpO2 was significantly improved following MSC infusion, and chest imaging results were improved in the experimental group in the first month after MSC infusion. The incidence of most AEs did not differ between the groups. MSC‐based therapy may serve as a promising alternative method for treating severe and critical COVID‐19.
Extensive daily movement rates measured in territorial arctic foxes
Authors: Poulin Marie‐Pier , Clermont Jeanne , Berteaux Dominique
Published: January 2021

An animal's movement rate is a central metric of movement ecology as it correlates with its energy acquisition and expenditure. Obtaining accurate estimates of movement rate is challenging, especially in small highly mobile species where GPS battery size limits fix frequency, and geolocation technology limits positions’ precision. In this study, we used high GPS fix frequencies to evaluate movement rates in eight territorial arctic foxes on Bylot Island (Nunavut, Canada) in July–August 2018. We also assessed the effects of fix interval and location error on estimated movement rates. We obtained 96 fox‐days of data with a fix interval of 4 min and 12 fox‐days with an interval of 30 s. We subsampled the latter dataset to simulate six longer fix intervals ranging from 1 to 60 min and estimated daily distances traveled by adding linear distances between successive locations. When estimated with a fix interval of 4 min, daily distances traveled by arctic foxes averaged 51.9 ± 11.7 km and reached 76.5 km. GPS location error averaged 11 m. Daily distances estimated at fix intervals longer than 4 min were greatly underestimated as fix intervals increased, because of linear estimation of tortuous movements. Conversely, daily distances estimated at fix intervals as small as 30 s were likely overestimated due to location error. To our knowledge, no other territorial terrestrial carnivore was shown to routinely travel daily distances as large as those observed here for arctic foxes. Our results generate new hypotheses and research directions regarding the foraging ecology of highly mobile predators. Furthermore, our empirical assessment of the effects of fix interval and location error on estimated movement rates can guide the design and interpretation of future studies on the movement ecology of small opportunistic foragers.
Saliency prediction based on object recognition and gaze analysis
Authors: Ishikawa Tomoki , Yakoh Takahiro
Published: January 2021

Predicting the human visual attention in an image is called saliency prediction and is an active research area in the field of neuroscience and computer vision. Early works on saliency prediction was performed by using low‐level features. In recent years, convolutional neural networks have been adapted for saliency prediction and achieved the state‐of‐the‐art performance. However, the eye‐gaze depends on the personality of each viewer and conventional methods did not take into account such individual properties of the viewer. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel saliency prediction method considering the influence of eye‐gaze. Assuming that personality can be expressed as the degree of attention to an object, our proposed method considers the personality by learning which objects are likely to be perceived by each viewer and weighting the universal saliency map with the generated mask based on the object detection results. The experimental results show that the proposed universal saliency map achieves higher accuracy than conventional methods on the public dataset, and the proposed weighted saliency map can reflect the variation of the eye‐gaze influences among viewers.
CD8+ Tregs revisited: A heterogeneous population with different phenotypes and properties
Authors: Niederlova Veronika , Tsyklauri Oksana , Chadimova Tereza , Stepanek Ondrej
Published: January 2021

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a key role in the peripheral self‐tolerance and preventing autoimmunity. While classical CD4+ Foxp3+ Tregs are well established, their CD8+ counterparts are still controversial in many aspects including their phenotypic identity and their mechanisms of suppression. Because of these controversies and because of only a limited number of studies documenting the immunoregulatory function of CD8+ Tregs in vivo, the concept of CD8+ Tregs is still not unanimously accepted. We propose that any T‐cell subset considered as true regulatory must be distinguishable from other cell types and must suppress in vivo immune responses via a known mechanism. In this article, we revisit the concept of CD8+ Tregs by focusing on the characterization of individual CD8+ T‐cell subsets with proposed regulatory capacity separately. Therefore, we review the phenotype and function of CD8+ FOXP3+ T cells, CD8+ CD122+ T cells, CD8+ CD28low/− T cells, CD8+ CD45RClow T cells, T cells expressing CD8αα homodimer and Qa‐1‐restricted CD8+ T cells to show whether there is sufficient evidence to establish these subsets as bona fide Tregs. Based on the intrinsic ability of CD8+ Treg subsets to promote immune tolerance in animal models, we elaborate on their potential use in clinics.
Strengths of Acids in Acetonitrile
Authors: Kütt Agnes , Tshepelevitsh Sofja , Saame Jaan , Lõkov Märt , Kaljurand Ivari , Selberg Sigrid , Leito Ivo
Published: January 2021

The equilibrium acidity scale (pKa scale) in acetonitrile has been supplemented by numerous new compounds and new ΔpKa measurements. It now contains altogether 231 acids – over twice more than published previously – linked by 569 ΔpKa measurements and spans between the pKa values of hydrogen iodide (2.8) and indole (32.57), covering close to 30 orders of magnitude. Measurement results acquired over the last 15 years were added to the scale and new least‐squares treatment was carried out. The treatment yielded revised pKa values for the compounds published previously, with the root mean square difference between revised and previous values 0.04, demonstrating very good stability of the scale. Correlation equations were developed for estimating pKa values for the studied types of compounds in water, DMSO, DMF, and 1,2‐dichloroethane on the basis of pKa values in acetonitrile. These equations enable predicting pKa values with an average error around or less than 1 pKa unit, which is a sufficient accuracy for many applications. The scale is expected to be a useful tool for the widest possible research areas in organic chemistry, electrochemical power sources, catalysis, etc.
Standard procedures for native CZE‐MS of proteins and protein complexes up to 800 kDa
Authors: Jooß Kevin , McGee John P. , Melani Rafael D. , Kelleher Neil L.
Published: January 2021

Native mass spectrometry (nMS) is a rapidly growing method for the characterization of large proteins and protein complexes, preserving “native” non‐covalent inter‐ and intramolecular interactions. Direct infusion of purified analytes into a mass spectrometer represents the standard approach for conducting nMS experiments. Alternatively, CZE can be performed under native conditions, providing high separation performance while consuming trace amounts of sample material. Here, we provide standard operating procedures for acquiring high‐quality data using CZE in native mode coupled online to various Orbitrap mass spectrometers via a commercial sheathless interface, covering a wide range of analytes from 30–800 kDa. Using a standard protein mix, the influence of various CZE method parameters were evaluated, such as BGE/conductive liquid composition and separation voltage. Additionally, a universal approach for the optimization of fragmentation settings in the context of protein subunit and metalloenzyme characterization is discussed in detail for model analytes. A short section is dedicated to troubleshooting of the nCZE‐MS setup. This study is aimed to help normalize nCZE‐MS practices to enhance the CE community and provide a resource for the production of reproducible and high‐quality data.
Synthesis of encapsulation of binary mixture by silica and its performance in pure cementitious system
Authors: Srinivasaraonaik B. , Sinha Shishir , Singh Lok P.
Published: January 2021

Microencapsulation of binary mixture of 75% stearic acid (SA) + 25% capric acid (CA) (as core) has been amalgamated by silica (as shell) through sol‐gel method. The obtained silica binary mixture (Si‐BM) microcapsules was characterized in detail by sophisticated instruments such as field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and thermogravimetric (TG/DTA) were exploited to identify shape and mean size, functional groups, nature of crystallinity, and weight loss of Si‐BM. The obtained microcapsules were regular in shape, crystalline state, mean size about 6.03 μm and the encapsulation efficiency of Si‐BM found to be 71%. The dissimilar microcapsules such as Si‐BM and melamine formaldehyde phase change material (MF‐PCM) were assimilated (1, 3, and 5 wt%) into cement paste to elucidate thermal‐mechanical properties. As the amount of Si‐BM increases, the compressive strength increased by 10% and thermal conductivity of cement paste is increased by 9% as compared to MF‐PCM.

Novelty Statement

Encapsulation of binary mixture is synthesized with silica through chemical method. The nonidentical different dosage of microcapsules such as MF‐PCM and Si‐BM were incorporated into pure cement system to determine its effect on mechanical and thermal properties of cementitious system. These data will be useful to further incorporation in mortar and concrete for energy storage as well as thermal load reduction on buildings.
A comprehensive study of raw and roasted macadamia nuts: Lipid profile, physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory properties
Authors: Tu Xing‐Hao , Wu Bang‐fu , Xie Ya , Xu Shu‐Ling , Wu Zong‐Yuan , Lv Xin , Wei Fang , Du Li‐Qing , Chen Hong
Published: January 2021

Macadamia nuts have high nutritional value and positive health attributes. Changes to the composition and availability of these compounds during roasting contribute to product quality. In this study, changes to the chemical composition of lipids (fatty acids, triglycerides, and free fatty acids) and other phytochemicals were analyzed, and a sensory evaluation was carried out of two major varieties of macadamia nuts planted in China, after roasting. Only small changes in fatty acid (FA) content and a slight decrease in total triglycerides (TAGs) were observed after roasting. The free fatty acid (FFA) content and the peroxide value were increased by roasting. The total available polyphenol content increased by 25.6% and the oxidative stability index of kernels increased by 21.6%. The sensory scores for taste and aroma were doubled by roasting. Overall, the sensory, nutritional quality, and oxidative stability of roasted macadamia nuts were greatly improved, compared with raw nuts.
Müller glia–myeloid cell crosstalk accelerates optic nerve regeneration in the adult zebrafish
Authors: Van Dyck Annelies , Bollaerts Ilse , Beckers An , Vanhunsel Sophie , Glorian Nynke , van houcke Jessie , van Ham Tjakko J. , De Groef Lies , Andries Lien , Moons Lieve
Published: January 2021

Neurodegenerative disorders, characterized by progressive neuronal loss, eventually lead to functional impairment in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS). Importantly, these deteriorations are irreversible, due to the very limited regenerative potential of these CNS neurons. Stimulating and redirecting neuroinflammation was recently put forward as an important approach to induce axonal regeneration, but it remains elusive how inflammatory processes and CNS repair are intertwined. To gain more insight into these interactions, we investigated how immunomodulation affects the regenerative outcome after optic nerve crush (ONC) in the spontaneously regenerating zebrafish. First, inducing intraocular inflammation using zymosan resulted in an acute inflammatory response, characterized by an increased infiltration and proliferation of innate blood‐borne immune cells, reactivation of Müller glia, and altered retinal cytokine expression. Strikingly, inflammatory stimulation also accelerated axonal regrowth after optic nerve injury. Second, we demonstrated that acute depletion of both microglia and macrophages in the retina, using pharmacological treatments with both the CSF1R inhibitor PLX3397 and clodronate liposomes, compromised optic nerve regeneration. Moreover, we observed that csf1ra/b double mutant fish, lacking microglia in both retina and brain, displayed accelerated RGC axonal regrowth after ONC, which was accompanied with unusual Müller glia proliferative gliosis. Altogether, our results highlight the importance of altered glial cell interactions in the axonal regeneration process after ONC in adult zebrafish. Unraveling the relative contribution of the different cell types, as well as the signaling pathways involved, may pinpoint new targets to stimulate repair in the vertebrate CNS.
Anatomical variation of the internal carotid artery and its implication to the endoscopic endonasal translacerum approach
Authors: Umehara Toru , Taniguchi Masaaki , Akutsu Nobuyuki , Kimura Hidehito , Uozumi Yoichi , Nakai Tomoaki , Kishima Haruhiko , Kohmura Eiji
Published: January 2021

Background

The endoscopic endonasal trans‐lacerum approach (EETLA) is useful in handling skull base tumors around inferior petrous apex (IPA); however, its surgical corridor is exclusively a triangular space (supra‐eustachian triangle [SET]), between the internal carotid artery (ICA) and eustachian tube.

Methods

We investigated correlation between SET size and extent of resection around the IPA (lateral extent of resection [EOR]) through a retrospective analysis of 15 surgeries using EETLA.

Results

Of 15 cases (9 chordomas, 4 chondrosarcomas, and 2 meningiomas), 20 sides of IPA were affected by the tumor. When being restricted to sides with severe lateral tumor extension beyond the midpoint of petrous ICA (10 sides), the SET size was significantly broader in the group with lateral EOR of ≥90% (p value = 0.019).

Conclusions

The SET size was a powerful index of tumor resectability in EETLA, especially in cases with severe tumor extension. The individual anatomical variations should be considered when determining EETLA application.
Sixty years of discrimination and diversity research in human resource management: A review with suggestions for future research directions
Authors: Triana María del Carmen , Gu Pamela , Chapa Olga , Richard Orlando , Colella Adrienne
Published: January 2021

This article reviews discrimination and diversity research published inHuman Resource Management(HRM) over the past 60 years. While discrimination and diversity are very different constructs, it is often informative to study them together, because when people recognize each other's diversity, this can result in bias, stereotyping, and discrimination. We conducted bibliographic searches for terms related to discrimination and diversity as well as a manual search through every title and abstract published in HRM over the last 60 years to assess article relevance. The search resulted in 135 research articles with 136 unique studies (i.e., samples) which are reviewed in this article. Sex and race are the demographics that have been examined the most in HRM, while religion has been examined the least. Moreover, the number of studies examining lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) employees in the workplace in HRM has grown quickly within the past 10 years, culminating in a recent meta‐analysis. Our review looks at some of the earliest research published, the most recent research published, and the overall trends we identified in the research over the years for both discrimination and diversity articles. We then make future research suggestions and recommendations to advance the study of discrimination and diversity in the coming years.
Interpretation of infinite shear rate viscosity and a nonuniform heat sink/source on a 3D radiative cross nanofluid with buoyancy assisting/opposing flow
Authors: Ayub Assad , Wahab Hafiz A. , Shah Syed Z. H. , Shah Syed L. , Darvesh Adil , Haider Ali , Sabir Zulqurnain
Published: January 2021

With respect to bionomical concerns and energy security, the performance of refrigeration systems should be enriched, which can be done by improving the characteristics of working liquids. Nanoliquids have attracted interest in the fields of engineering and industry due to their prominent thermophysical characteristics. Researchers have used nanoliquids as working liquids and noticed significant fluctuations in thermal execution. In this study,  our prime aim was to study the impact of thermal radiation and varying thermal conductivity on a cross‐nanofuid with the addition of a nonuniform heat sink–source, chemical process, and activation energy (AE) together with effects of assisting and opposing buoyancy. Furthermore, the relationship of zero‐mass flux together with the mechanism of thermophoresis and Brownian motion is considered. Traditionalistic transformations gave the ordinary differential equations (ODEs), which are further dealt with the approach of the Shooting Scheme to change the boundary value problem (BVP) into an initial value problem (IVP) and a numerical comparison is made with the Matlab solver package bvp4c. Bvp4c is based upon a collocation scheme, which yields numeric outcomes for nonlinear ODEs with IVP. Impacts of the involved parameters on mass transfer profile, heat, and momentum fields are shown through graphs. Mass transfer of the cross nanofluid increases with increasing values of AE parameter. Values of physical quantities like drag forces, rate of transport of heat and mass in the case of assisting/opposing flow are tabulated. The drag force magnitudes are greater for enhancing values of M, a, and n, while on the other hand, the opposing tendency is seen for We1 and We2. The magnitude of the rate of heat transport (Nusselt number) falls for greater values of m, σ, δ, and Nt, but in contrast, it accelerates for E, Pr, and n.