bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multilayer polyimide nanocomposite films synthesis process optimization impact on nanoparticles dispersion and their dielectric performance
Authors: Akram Shakeel , Castellon Jérôme , Agnel Serge , Zhou Kai , Habas Jean‐Pierre , Nazir Muhammad Tariq 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe preparation of polyimide (PI)/nanocomposite films and their thickness are a complex process with some ambiguous variables that are involved in the synthesis process. Therefore, it is crucial to understand those variables and reveal the chemistry behind them. Several methods have been probed until an optimal synthesis process was found. A detailed synthesis process optimization is described in this article to understand all variables, which can influence the molecular weight of polyamic acide (PAA) solution, the thickness of films, and nanoparticles dispersion. The spin coating technique was used to control the thickness of single and multilayer PI/nanocomposite films, which reveals that the thickness of the casted PI film depends on several factors, such as the viscosity, molecular weight of the PAA solution, and the spin speed of spin coater. Factors, which can influence the molecular weight of PAA solution, are discussed in detail. After completing the synthesis process, the single and multilayer PI nanocomposite films are characterized experimentally. The results reveal that using a thin layer of nanocomposite on PI film in the form of a multilayer structure improves the nanoparticles dispersion and thereafter its dielectric properties.
Respiratory Diseases as Risk Factors for Seropositive and Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis and in Relation to Smoking
Authors: Kronzer Vanessa L. , Westerlind Helga , Alfredsson Lars , Crowson Cynthia S. , Nyberg Fredrik , Tornling Göran , Klareskog Lars , Holmqvist Marie , Askling Johan 
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveThe link and interplay between different airway exposures and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk are unclear. This study was undertaken to determine whether respiratory disease is associated with development of RA, and specifically to examine this relationship by RA serostatus and smoking exposure.MethodsUsing data from the Epidemiological Investigation of Rheumatoid Arthritis study, this analysis included 1,631 incident RA cases and 3,283 matched controls recruited from 2006 to 2016. Linking these individuals to the National Patient Register provided information on past acute or chronic, upper or lower respiratory disease diagnoses. For each disease group, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for RA, using logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, residential area, body mass index, and education both overall and stratified by anti–citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)/rheumatoid factor (RF) status and by smoking status.ResultsRespiratory disease diagnoses were associated with risk of RA, with an ORadj of 1.2 for acute upper respiratory disease (95% CI 0.8–1.7), 1.4 for chronic upper respiratory disease (95% CI 1.1–1.9), 2.4 for acute lower respiratory disease (95% CI 1.5–3.6), and 1.6 for chronic lower respiratory disease (95% CI 1.5–3.6). These associations were present irrespective of RF or ACPA status, though the association was somewhat stronger for ACPA/RF–positive than ACPA/RF–negative RA. The association between any respiratory disease and RA was stronger for nonsmokers (ORadj 2.1 [95% CI 1.5–2.9]) than for smokers (ORadj 1.2 [95% CI 0.9–1.5]).ConclusionRespiratory diseases increase the risk for both seropositive and seronegative RA, but only among nonsmokers. These findings raise the hypothesis that smoking and airway disease are associated with RA development through partly different mechanisms.
The Association Between Physician Gender and Career Advancement Among Academic Rheumatologists in the United States
Authors: Jorge April , Bolster Marcy , Fu Xiaoqing , Blumenthal Daniel M. , Gross Nate , Blumenthal Kimberly G. , Wallace Zachary 
Published: August 2020

ObjectiveTo determine the potential association between physician gender and academic advancement among US rheumatologists.MethodsWe performed a nationwide, cross‐sectional study of all rheumatologists practicing in the US in 2014 using a comprehensive database of all licensed physicians. Among academic rheumatologists, we estimated gender differences in faculty rank, adjusting for differences in physician age, years since residency graduation, publications, National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, registered clinical trials, and appointment at a top 20 medical school using a multivariate logistic regression model. We also estimated gender differences in leadership positions (i.e., division director and fellowship program director).ResultsAmong 6,125 total practicing rheumatologists, 941 (15%) had academic faculty appointments in 2014. Women academic rheumatologists (41.4%) were younger and had completed residency more recently than men. Women had fewer total publications, publications on which they were the first or last author, and NIH grants. In fully adjusted analyses, women were less likely to be full or associate professors than men, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.78 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.62–0.99]). Women in rheumatology had similar odds as men of being a fellowship program director or division director (adjusted OR 0.99 [95% CI 0.69–1.43] and adjusted OR 0.96 [95% CI 0.66–1.41], respectively).ConclusionAmong academic rheumatologists, women are less likely than men to be full or associate professors but have similar odds of being fellowship program directors or division directors, when adjusting for several factors known to influence faculty promotion. These differences suggest barriers to academic promotion despite representation in leadership positions within rheumatology divisions.
On the future of the individual longitudinal age‐crime curve
Authors: Le Blanc Marc 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThis article serves as our memorial for the outstanding contribution of Rolf Loeber to developmental criminology. His salient paper on the future of the study of the age‐crime curve (2012) is the focal point.AimsFollow some research trails that Rolf Loeber proposed in his 2012 paper.MethodsRecent data on official offending from the Montréal Two Samples Four Generations Cross‐sectional and Longitudinal Studies (MTSFGCLS) are analysed. The data were gathered for two generations of juvenile court males; five birth cohorts born around 1960 and followed from age 8 to 61, and five birth cohorts born around 1980, males and females traced from age 12 to 45. The age‐crime curves are presented for the total prevalence. Epidemiological data are displayed for career descriptors: number of years active in offending, frequency, variety, onset, offset and duration.ResultsThe age‐crime curves of the two generations display the habitual shape reported in the literature. The epidemiological data shows that the population sample has a much lower curve in comparison to the court sample; this sort of difference is also observed between females and males.ConclusionThe difference between the two generations in the age‐crime curves are interpreted in light of three evolutions in Québec from 1960 to 2000: (a) a radical change in the delinquency law, social and criminal justice policies, and treatment for juvenile delinquents; (b) a reduction of the juvenile and adult crime rates; (c) a significant increase in the wellbeing of the population on education, health and welfare services.
From brown, red, and black rice to beer: Changes in phenolics, γ‐aminobutyric acid, and physicochemical attributes
Authors: dos Santos Jaqueline Pozzada , Acunha Tanize dos Santos , Prestes Dejalmo Nolasco , Rombaldi Cesar Valmor , El Halal Shanise Lisie Mello , Vanier Nathan Levien 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackground and objectivesMany breweries have attempted to widen their offers by developing innovative products that meets consumer demands. Brown‐, red‐, and black‐pericarp rice were malted and used for brewing. The color, the physicochemical properties, the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), the phenolics profile, and the free radical scavenging capacity of raw rice, rice malt, and obtained beers were evaluated.FindingsThe beer made from black rice malt showed 18 times more nitrogen content when compared to brown rice beer. Regarding GABA content, the beer obtained from red‐pericarp rice was the best, exhibiting more than 20 μg/g. Catechin was detected in beer made with brown‐ and red‐pericarp rice, and protocatechuic acid was detected in beer made from black‐pericarp rice. Beer from black‐pericarp rice kept cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside (40.54 μg/ml) above the quantification limit, while other anthocyanins that were initially detected in black rice and its malt were lost during brewing.ConclusionsWork may support future studies regarding the use of pigmented rice genotypes for the development of craft beers with unique physicochemical and nutritional properties.Significance and noveltyThe study is in line with current approaches for assessing beer attributes as a function of different rice genotypes, providing knowledge for the scientific world and brewing industry.
Secondary syphilis mimicking sarcoidosis
Authors: Li Wencheng , Barnes Erin , McNeil Candice , Palavecino Elizabeth 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSecondary syphilis may mimic sarcoidosis due to atypical clinical and pathological presentations. Differential diagnosis of these two is critical since the clinical courses and treatments are different. Highly clinical suspicion and utilization of confirmatory tests in high‐risk patients are the key for the differential diagnosis.
Modelling mechanism of Ca2+ removal from dicyandiamide using dynamic ion exchange method
Authors: Huang Meiying , Ren Yongsheng , Jiang Demin , Qi Junsheng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBased on breakthrough theory and fractal porous medium theory (FPM), the paper investigates the modelling mechanism of Ca2+ removal in dicyandiamide by dynamic ion exchange. In this work, parameters within consideration included the flow rate of dicyandiamide crystallization mother liquor, the height‐diameter ratio of the resin layer, and the temperature on Ca2+ exchange. It was found that the removal efficiency of Ca2+ reached 97.32%. Meanwhile, the through function of the process was obtained, and the behaviour of the dynamic process was modelled and simulated. In addition, using FPM theory, the calculation equation of the spectral dimension of the fractal surface of the resin in the ion exchange process was observed as linear and a mathematical model was established. This paper analyses the dynamics equation of the ideal surface and the fractal surface. According to the analytic results, it was linear relation on the ideal surface and power function on the fractal surface.
Efficient parallel implementations to compute the diameter of a graph
Authors: Takafuji Daisuke , Nakano Koji , Ito Yasuaki 
Published: August 2020

SummaryThe Floyd‐Warshall algorithm is a well‐known algorithm to compute the distance of all pairs of nodes of a graph. The Blocked Floyd‐Warshall algorithm, a variant of the Floyd‐Warshall has been proposed to accelerate the Floyd‐Warshall algorithm by means of a graphics processing unit (GPU) architecture. The previously published GPU implementations for the Blocked Floyd‐Warshall algorithm perform many separated kernel calls for costly barrier synchronization. The main contribution of this article is to present efficient implementations of the Blocked Floyd‐Warshall algorithm, which performs no barrier synchronization and invokes only one kernel call. Experimental results using NVIDIA Tesla V100 show that our implementation runs 1.05‐1.31 times faster than the previously published one. Our implementation with SIMD functions also runs 1.00‐1.28 times faster than it. Second, we propose efficient GPU implementations to execute the Blocked Floyd‐Warshall algorithm for many graphs at the same time. From the experimental results, our single kernel implementation runs 1.03‐1.60 times faster than multiple kernel one. In terms of implementations with SIMD functions, our single kernel implementation runs 1.01‐1.89 times faster than it. We also propose the low‐latency implementations for many graphs. Finally, we implemented the parallel Floyd‐Warshall algorithm on the multicore processors.
Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Central Nervous System Pharmacokinetics of CDK4/6 Inhibitors to Guide Selection of Drug and Dosing Regimen for Brain Cancer Treatment
Authors: Li Jing , Jiang Jun , Wu Jianmei , Bao Xun , Sanai Nader 
Published: August 2020

A better understanding of the human central nervous system (CNS) pharmacokinetics is critical to the selection of the right drug and refinement of dosing regimen for more effective treatment of primary and metastatic brain cancer. Using the physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling approach, we systematically compared the CNS pharmacokinetics of three cyclin D‐cyclin dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitors (ribociclib, palbociclib, and abemaciclib) in patients with cancer. A PBPK model platform was developed and verified for predicting plasma and CNS pharmacokinetics. Target engagement ratio (TER), defined as the ratio of the average steady‐state unbound drug brain concentration to the in vitro half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) for CDK4/6 inhibition, was used as a crude predictor of efficacy. As compared with ribociclib and palbociclib, abemaciclib penetrated into the human brain to a larger extent, but at a slower rate, and was retained in the brain longer. Following the standard dosing regimens, the predicted CDK4/6 TERs were 26/5.2 for abemaciclib, 2.4/0.62 for ribociclib, and 0.36/0.27 for palbociclib. Simulations suggested that abemaciclib achieved comparable TERs following twice daily or daily dosing; ribociclib may sufficiently inhibit both CDK4 and CDK6 at the maximum tolerated dose; whereas, palbociclib achieved TERs < 0.5 even at a dose 50% higher than the standard dose. In conclusion, the PBPK modeling, supported by available preclinical and clinical evidence, suggests that abemaciclib is the best CDK4/6 inhibitor for brain cancer treatment, whereas palbociclib is not recommended. The model refined dosing regimen is 300 mg daily on a 4‐weeks‐on schedule for abemaciclib, and 900 mg daily on a 3‐weeks‐on/1‐week‐off schedule for ribociclib.
Novel combination immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer: potent anti‐tumor effects with CD40 agonist and interleukin‐15 treatment
Authors: Van Audenaerde Jonas RM , Marcq Elly , von Scheidt Bianca , Davey Ashleigh S , Oliver Amanda J , De Waele Jorrit , Quatannens Delphine , Van Loenhout Jinthe , Pauwels Patrick , Roeyen Geert , Lardon Filip , Slaney Clare Y , Peeters Marc , Kershaw Michael H , Darcy Phillip K , Smits Evelien LJM 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectivesWith the poorest 5‐year survival of all cancers, improving treatment for pancreatic cancer is one of the biggest challenges in cancer research. We sought to explore the potential of combining both priming and activation of the immune system. To achieve this, we combined a CD40 agonist with interleukin‐15 and tested its potential in pancreatic cancer.MethodsResponse to this combination regimen was assessed in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma mouse models, and a thorough analysis of the tumor microenvironment was performed.ResultsWe demonstrated profound reduction in tumor growth and increased survival of mice with the majority of mice being cured when both agents were combined, including an unprecedented 8‐fold dose reduction of CD40 agonist without losing any efficacy. RNAseq analysis showed involvement of natural killer (NK) cell‐ and T‐cell‐mediated anti‐tumor responses and the importance of antigen‐presenting cell pathways. This combination resulted in enhanced infiltration of tumors by both T cells and NK cells, as well as a striking increase in the ratio of CD8+ T cells over Tregs. We also observed a significant increase in numbers of dendritic cells (DCs) in tumor‐draining lymph nodes, particularly CD103+ DCs with cross‐presentation potential. A critical role for CD8+ T cells and involvement of NK cells in the anti‐tumor effect was highlighted. Importantly, strong immune memory was established, with an increase in memory CD8+ T cells only when both interleukin‐15 and the CD40 agonist were combined.ConclusionThese novel preclinical data support initiation of a first‐in‐human clinical trial with this combination immunotherapy strategy in pancreatic cancer.
Evaluating spectral cytometry for immune profiling in viral disease
Authors: Niewold Paula , Ashhurst Thomas Myles , Smith Adrian Lloyd , King Nicholas Jonathan Cole 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn conventional fluorescence cytometry, each fluorophore present in a panel is measured in a target detector, through the use of wide band‐pass optical filters. In contrast, spectral cytometry uses a large number of detectors with narrow band‐pass filters to measure a fluorophore's signal across the spectrum, creating a more detailed fluorescent signature for each fluorophore. The spectral approach shows promise in adding flexibility to panel design and improving the measurement of fluorescent signal. However, few comparisons between conventional and spectral systems have been reported to date. We therefore sought to compare a modern conventional cytometry system with a modern spectral system, and to assess the quality of resulting datasets from the point of view of a flow cytometry user. Signal intensity, spread, and resolution were compared between the systems. Subsequently, the different methods of separating fluorophore signals were compared, where compensation mathematically separates multiple overlapping fluorophores and unmixing relies on creating a detailed fluorescent signature across the spectrum to separate the fluorophores. Within the spectral data set, signal spread and resolution were comparable between compensation and unmixing. However, for some highly overlapping fluorophores, unmixing resolved the two fluorescence signals where compensation did not. Finally, data from mid‐ to large‐size panels were acquired and were found to have comparable resolution for many fluorophores on both instruments, but reduced levels of spreading error on our spectral system improved signal resolution for a number of fluorophores, compared with our conventional system. Furthermore, autofluorescence extraction on the spectral system allowed for greater population resolution in highly autofluorescent samples. Overall, the implementation of a spectral cytometry approach resulted in data that are comparable to that generated on conventional systems, with a number of potential advantages afforded by the larger number of detectors, and the integration of the spectral unmixing approach. © 2020 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Trade‐offs in moving citizen‐based anuran call surveys online during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic: Lessons from rural Appalachia, USA
Authors: Smith Walter H. , Hamed Michael Kevin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCitizen science approaches provide adaptable methodologies for enhancing the natural history knowledge of understudied taxa and engaging underserved populations with biodiversity. However, transitions to remote, virtual training, and participant recruitment in response to public health crises like the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic have the potential to disrupt citizen science projects. We present a comparison of outputs from a citizen science initiative built around call surveys for the Mountain Chorus Frog (Pseudacris brachyphona), an understudied anuran, in Appalachian Virginia, USA, prior to and during the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic. A transition to virtual training in this initiative did not lead to a decrease in scientific output and led to unexpected natural history insight about our focal taxon; however, a reliance on virtual instruction did decrease overall participation by local residents, particularly for rural K‐12 students. We discuss the trade‐offs exhibited by the adaptation of our initiative to a virtual format and provide recommendations for other citizen science initiatives facing similar restrictions in the face of current and future public health crises.
High levels of phenological asynchrony between specialized pollinators and plants with short flowering phases
Authors: Maglianesi María A. , Hanson Paul , Brenes Emanuel , Benadi Gita , Schleuning Matthias , Dalsgaard Bo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSpecies phenology plays a key role in determining mutualistic interactions, such as those between plants and pollinators. Notably, temporal synchrony shapes the patterns of interactions by influencing the probability of encounters between interacting partners; thus, species phenology greatly contributes to structuring ecological communities. In these communities, specialized species are expected to show a high level of synchrony with their partners; however, the relationship between species phenology and specialization remains largely unexplored. In three localities in the tropical mountains of Costa Rica, we quantified the level of phenological synchrony in plant–pollinator networks and tested whether phenological synchrony is associated with the degree of pollinator specialization on plant partners. We also tested the relationship between pollinator specialization and the length of the flowering phase of the visited plants. Across all three studied networks, our results show a strong asynchrony between interacting plant and pollinator species. We also found that more specialized pollinators were more asynchronous with their plant partners and, moreover, that specialized pollinators preferably visited plant species with shorter flowering phases compared to generalized pollinators. These patterns suggest that specialized pollinators may be more vulnerable to mutualistic disruptions because they depend primarily on short‐lived resources and have a high risk of phenological mismatch. This discovery has important consequences for specialized species’ potential to survive and adapt to changes in the phenology of their interacting partners, which is highly relevant in a time characterized by changing climates and associated shifts in species phenology.
Trait‐based variation in host contribution to pathogen transmission across species and resource supplies
Authors: Welsh Miranda E. , Cronin James Patrick , Mitchell Charles E. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractTwo key knowledge gaps currently limit the development of more predictive and general models of pathogen transmission: (1) the physiological basis of heterogeneity in host contribution to pathogen transmission (reservoir potential) remains poorly understood and (2) a general means of integrating the ecological dynamics of host communities has yet to emerge. If the traits responsible for differences in reservoir potential also modulate host community dynamics, these traits could be used to predict pathogen transmission as host communities change. In two greenhouse experiments, across 23 host species and two levels of resource supply, the reservoir potential of plant hosts increased significantly along the Leaf Economics Spectrum, a global axis of plant physiological trait covariation that features prominently in models of plant community ecology. This indicates that the traits of the Leaf Economics Spectrum underlie broad differences in reservoir potential across host species and resource supplies. Therefore, host traits could be used to integrate epidemiological models of pathogen transmission with ecological models of host community change.