bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CBD, a precursor of THC in e-cigarettes
Authors: Czégény Zsuzsanna , Nagy Gréta , Babinszki Bence , Bajtel Ákos , Sebestyén Zoltán , Kiss Tivadar , Csupor-Löffler Boglárka , Tóth Barbara , Csupor Dezső 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe use of cannabidiol (CBD) in electronic cigarettes is widespread. Previously, it was reported that CBD is partly transformed to THC in case smoking as a cigarette, however, the pyrolysis of this compound has not been assessed extensively. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of temperature on the composition of pyrolysis products of CBD. The experiments were performed in the typical operating temperature range of e-cigarettes (250–400 °C) and at 500 °C under both inert and oxidative conditions, and the pyrolysis products were identified and quantified by GC–MS. Depending on the temperature and atmosphere, 25–52% of CBD was transformed into other chemical substances: Δ9-THC, Δ8-THC, cannabinol and cannabichromene were the predominant pyrolysates in both conditions, all formed by cyclization reaction. THC was the main pyrolysis product at all temperatures under both oxidative and inert conditions. Our results point out that CBD in e-cigarettes can be considered as a precursor of THC, thus it bears all the dangers related to this psychoactive compound. Our findings are fundamental contributions to the safety profile of CBD-based e-cigarettes.
Estimation of the timing of BAP1 mutation in uveal melanoma progression
Authors: Uner Ogul E. , See Thonnie Rose O. , Szalai Eszter , Grossniklaus Hans E. , Stålhammar Gustav 
Published: April 2021

AbstractUveal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular malignancy. A vast majority of metastasizing tumors have mutations in the BAP1 gene. Here, we investigate the spatiotemporal timing of these mutations. The size of 177 uveal melanomas and 8.3 million individual tumor cells was measured. BAP1 sequencing results and BAP1 IHC were available and for 76 (43%) and 101 (57%) of these, respectively. Tumors with a BAP1 mutation had significantly larger volume (2109 vs. 1552 mm3, p = 0.025). Similarly, tumor cells with loss of BAP1 protein expression had significantly larger volume (2657 vs. 1593 μm3, p = 0.027). Using observations of the time elapsed between mitoses, the BAP1 mutation was calculated to occur when the primary tumor had a size of a few malignant cells to 6 mm3, 0.5 to 4.6 years after tumor initiation and at least 9 years before diagnosis. We conclude that BAP1 mutations occur early in the growth of uveal melanoma, well before the average tumor is diagnosed. Its timing coincides with the seeding of micrometastases.
High immune efficacy against different avian influenza H5N1 viruses due to oral administration of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based vaccine in chickens
Authors: Lei Han , Lu Xin , Li Shuangqin , Ren Yi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA safe and effective vaccine is the best way to control large-scale highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) A (H5N1) outbreaks. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) is an ideal mucosal delivery vector for vaccine development, and we have previously shown that conventional administration of a S. cerevisiae-based vaccine (EBY100/pYD1-HA) via injection led to protection against the homologous H5N1 virus in a mouse model. Because the diameter of S. cerevisiae is approximately 10 μm, which results in a severe inflammation by injection route, therefore, oral administration is a more suitable approach for EBY100/pYD1-HA conferring protection in poultry. We extended our work by evaluating the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of oral vaccination with EBY100/pYD1-HA in the chicken model. Oral immunization with EBY100/pYD1-HA could induce robust serum IgG, mucosal IgA and cellular immune responses. Importantly, EBY100/pYD1-HA provided protection against challenges with a homologous and a heterologous H5N1 viruses. These findings suggest that EBY100/pYD1-HA, a promising H5N1 oral vaccine candidate, can avoid potential reassortment of other avian influenza viruses in oral administration of live virus vaccines and overcome the limitations of conventional injection routes. Importantly, this platform will be able to provide opportunities for broader applications in poultry during HPAI A (H5N1) outbreaks.
Validation of the Dutch-Flemish translated ABCD questionnaire to measure cardiovascular diseases knowledge and risk perception among adults
Authors: Hassen Hamid Yimam , Aerts Naomi , Demarest Stefaan , Manzar Md Dilshad , Abrams Steven , Bastiaens Hilde 
Published: April 2021

AbstractValid and reliable measurement of an individual’s knowledge and risk perception is pivotal to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The recently developed Attitudes and Beliefs about Cardiovascular Disease (ABCD) knowledge and risk questionnaire is shown to be valid in England. In this study, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the modified and Dutch (Flemish)-translated ABCD questionnaire using both the classical test and item response theory (IRT) analysis. We conducted a community-based survey among 525 adults in Antwerp city, Belgium. We assessed the item- and scale-level psychometric properties and validity indices of the questionnaire. Parameters of IRT, item scalability, monotonicity, item difficulty and discrimination, and item fit statistics were evaluated. Furthermore, exploratory and confirmatory factorial validity, and internal consistency measures were explored. Descriptive statistics showed that both the knowledge and risk scale items have sufficient variation to differentiate individuals’ level of knowledge and risk perception. The overall homogeneity of the knowledge and risk subscales was within the acceptable range (> 0.3). The exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the risk scale supported a three-factor solution corresponding to risk perception (F1), perceived benefits and intention to change physical activity (F2), and perceived benefit and intention to change healthy dietary habit (F3). The two parametric logistic (2—PL) and rating scale models showed that the item infit and outfit values for knowledge and risk subscales were within the acceptable range (0.6 to 1.4) for most of the items. In conclusion, this study investigated the Dutch (Flemish) version of the ABCD questionnaire has good psychometric properties to assess CVD related knowledge and risk perception in the adult population. Based on the factor loadings and other psychometric properties, we suggested a shorter version, which has comparable psychometric properties.
Automated curriculum learning for embodied agents a neuroevolutionary approach
Authors: Milano Nicola , Nolfi Stefano 
Published: April 2021

AbstractWe demonstrate how the evolutionary training of embodied agents can be extended with a curriculum learning algorithm that automatically selects the environmental conditions in which the evolving agents are evaluated. The environmental conditions are selected to adjust the level of difficulty to the ability level of the current evolving agents, and to challenge the weaknesses of the evolving agents. The method does not require domain knowledge and does not introduce additional hyperparameters. The results collected on two benchmark problems, that require to solve a task in significantly varying environmental conditions, demonstrate that the method proposed outperforms conventional learning methods and generates solutions which are robust to variations and able to cope with different environmental conditions.
Analysis and forecasting of global real time RT-PCR primers and probes for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Nayar Gowri , Seabolt Edward E. , Kunitomi Mark , Agarwal Akshay , Beck Kristen L. , Mukherjee Vandana , Kaufman James H. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRapid tests for active SARS-CoV-2 infections rely on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RT-PCR uses reverse transcription of RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA) and amplification of specific DNA (primer and probe) targets using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The technology makes rapid and specific identification of the virus possible based on sequence homology of nucleic acid sequence and is much faster than tissue culture or animal cell models. However the technique can lose sensitivity over time as the virus evolves and the target sequences diverge from the selective primer sequences. Different primer sequences have been adopted in different geographic regions. As we rely on these existing RT-PCR primers to track and manage the spread of the Coronavirus, it is imperative to understand how SARS-CoV-2 mutations, over time and geographically, diverge from existing primers used today. In this study, we analyze the performance of the SARS-CoV-2 primers in use today by measuring the number of mismatches between primer sequence and genome targets over time and spatially. We find that there is a growing number of mismatches, an increase by 2% per month, as well as a high specificity of virus based on geographic location.
Organocatalytic stereoselective 1,6-addition of thiolacetic acids to alkynyl indole imine methides: access to axially chiral sulfur-containing tetrasubstituted allenes
Authors: Wang Ziyang , Lin Xiao , Chen Xuling , Li Pengfei , Li Wenjun 
Published: April 2021

A chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed enantioselective 1,6-conjugate addition of thiolacetic acid to alkynyl indole imine methide in situ formed from α-(3-indolyl) propargylic alcohol has been established.
LncRNA SNHG15 modulates gastric cancer tumorigenesis by impairing miR-506-5p expression
Authors: Chen Zhiping , Zhong Tianyu , Li Tao , Zhong Jinghua , Tang Yang , Liu Zhanyu , Ling Baodian , Wang Lanfeng 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The gastric cancer (GC) patients commonly have a poor prognosis due to its invasiveness and distant metastasis. Growing evidence proved that aberrant long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) expression contributes to tumor development and progression. LncRNA SNHG15 has been reported to be involved in many different kinds of cancer, while its role in GC remains unclear. In the present study, we found that SNHG15 was up-regulated in GC tissues and cell lines. Silencing SNHG15 suppressed proliferation migration, invasion and promoted apoptosis of AGS cells. More importantly, microRNA-506-5p (miR-506-5p) was predicted as a direct target of SNHG15 by binding its 3′-UTR and further verified using luciferase reporter assay. Meanwhile, the results of rescue experiments revealed that knockdown of miR-506-5p expression reversed the functional effects of SNHG15 silenced cell proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis. In conclusion, our findings revealed that SNHG15 executed oncogenic properties in GC progression through targeting miR-506-5p, which might provide a novel target for the GC treatment.
Effectiveness of a Supports-Based Approach to Peer Interactions of an Autistic Student in the Classroom: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Vidal Verónica , DeThorne Laura 
Published: April 2021

PurposeThis mixed-methods study examined the effect of a supports-based intervention on the interactions between John, a 9-year-old minimally speaking autistic student with access to a speech-generating augmentative and alternative communication device, and nonautistic peers in the classroom.MethodWe used a single-case experimental ABAB design to evaluate the relation between provision of social supports and the frequency of communicative offers between John and one nonautistic peer, Ethan. In addition, we integrated interview data and situated discourse analyses involving a variety of adult and child participants to illustrate the nature of peer interactions both before and during provision of social supports.ResultsIn summary, visual inspection of the single-case data supported a functional relation of moderate effect size between the provision of social support and an increased frequency of communicative offers between John and Ethan. Results from the discourse analysis suggested that social supports led to the (a) emergence of completed turns across peers, (b) flexible use of multimodal communicative resources, and (c) movement toward egalitarian interactions.ConclusionsThis study is one of the first to provide experimental evidence for a supports-based approach to peer interactions involving a minimally verbal autistic student. Clinical implications focus on encouraging flexible multimodality and adopting a strength-based approach that fosters autistic sociality.
Modelling and analysis of virtual power plants interactive operational characteristics in distribution systems
Authors: Ullah Zahid , Mirjat Nayyar Hussain 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis study provides an overview of virtual power plants as aggregated flexibility service providers in distribution systems. The integration of photovoltaic energy sources increases uncertainty regarding the operation of distribution grids, impacting power quality. Innovative ideas are therefore needed to support the migration of traditional systems toward a smart grid. A virtual power plant could make use of the flexibility of emerging technologies to address these power quality and grid operation issues. To this end, this study introduces a new concept describing a location‐specific interactive flexibility market framework in the context of a virtual power plant setting. In this proposed setting, flexibility providers (i.e. prosumers) can support location‐based services in distribution systems. These services would reasonably alleviate the need to upgrade or substitute power capacity cost‐effectively and facilitate the reliable and safe operation of the distribution grid. A direct control algorithm is designed and developed for the market studied, which was implemented to verify its efficacy experimentally. The efficiency of the proposed mathematical model and method is confirmed by the results of a case study using the UK‐16 busbar generic distribution system, and finally some specific conclusions are drawn regarding the application of the proposed method.
A low‐complexity FS‐MPDPC with extended voltage set for grid‐connected converters
Authors: Dharmasena Shamini , Olowu Temitayo O. , Sarwat Arif I. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe conventional finite control set model predictive control (FS‐MPC) for converter control is a well‐studied area, but performance degradation due to the finite candidate vector set is still limiting its practical applications. Extending the voltage vector set using discrete space vector modulation has been proposed as a solution to overcome the limitations, but the brute‐force search inherent to FS‐MPC increases the computational complexity for a larger voltage set. This paper proposes a technique to alleviate the above issue by avoiding the brute‐force search that is being executed in FS‐MPC. The technique utilises the basics of direct‐power‐control theory to cut down the number of candidate voltage vectors applied in each cycle in the optimization problem. In this work, a design example having a voltage vector set of 37 elements is considered, and the proposed technique narrows down the search to eight optimal vectors. The proposed controller is specifically designed for active–reactive power control of a grid‐connected converter that interlinks an energy storage system to the grid. The system is modelled in MATLAB Simulink environment and simulations are carried out to analyse the performance in all four active–reactive bidirectional power flow modes. Results validate the performance of the controller, both in steady‐state and transient conditions. Further, the reduction in computational complexity due to the proposed algorithm is evaluated. It is observed that the number of computations was reduced approximately by 75% after applying the proposed algorithm for a system with a 37 voltage vector set.
Time reversal detection in a multistatic radar system with a varying environment
Authors: Zhang Zhaoming , Chen Baixiao , Yang Minglei 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMultistatic radar has the advantage of spatial diversity, but its detection performance is decreased in dense multipath scattering environments. This problem can be solved by using the time reversal (TR) technique to take advantage of the multipath effect to improve target detection; however, this usually requires a stationary channel response that is difficult to achieve in practice. This article studies a TR detection algorithm for a multistatic radar system in a varying multipath channel environment. We establish a varying channel response model and derive a time reversal likelihood ratio test (TR–LRT) detector to utilise the characteristics of multiple paths when the multipath environment is changing during the detection process. We use Monte Carlo simulations and theoretical analysis to show the superior performance of the proposed TR detector compared with a conventional detector. Our proposed TR–LRT detector shows good robustness to environmental variations. Simulation results show that better detection results are achieved in a more severe multipath scattering environment.
Stellenwert von MINOCA beim akuten Koronarsyndrom ohne ST-Streckenhebung
Authors: Pöss Janine , Thiele Holger 
Published: April 2021

ZusammenfassungBei 5–6% aller Patienten mit akutem Myokardinfarkt, die einer Koronarangiografie unterzogen werden, liegt ein Myokardinfarkt mit nicht obstruktiven Koronarien (myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries; MINOCA) vor. Eine angemessene Diagnostik ist erforderlich, um die zugrunde liegende Ursache zu identifizieren und eine spezifische Therapie einzuleiten. Im Jahr 2019 hat die American Heart Association (AHA) in einem Scientific Statement eine überarbeitete Definition für den Begriff MINOCA vorgestellt und diese in ein klinisch sinnvolles Gerüst mit diagnostischen und therapeutischen Algorithmen zum Management von Patienten mit MINOCA eingebettet . Die im August 2020 aktualisierte Leitlinie der European Society of Cardiology (ESC) zum akuten Koronarsyndrom ohne persistierende ST-Strecken-Hebungen (NSTE-ACS) widmet dem Thema MINOCA ein eigenes, neues Kapitel . Folgender Beitrag fasst die wesentlichen Aspekte zusammen und gibt einen Überblick über
dieses Krankheitsbild.
NSTE-ACS: Medikamentöse Therapie – Antithrombotische Therapie
Authors: Rizas Konstantinos D. , Sibbing Dirk 
Published: April 2021

ZusammenfassungDie koronare Herzerkrankung ist weltweit die häufigste Todesursache, und ihre Häufigkeit nimmt stetig zu. Der ischämischen Herzerkrankung ist gegenwärtig jeder 6. Todesfall in Europa anzurechnen. Die duale Plättchenhemmung (DAPT) mit Acetylsalicylsäure und einem P2Y12-Inhibitor ist nach einer koronaren Stentimplantation unerlässlich. Ziel der Therapie ist die Verhinderung von ischämischen kardiovaskulären Ereignissen. Die neuen Leitlinien der Europäischen Gesellschaft für Kardiologie (ESC) aus dem Jahr 2020 empfehlen eine in vielerlei Hinsicht individualisierte Art und Dauer der antithrombotischen Therapie in Abhängigkeit von der gewählten Managementstrategie (interventionell, operativ oder konventionell), dem Risiko für ischämische Ereignisse und Blutungskomplikationen sowie anderen Begleiterkrankungen wie Vorhofflimmern. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden die neuen und relevanten Empfehlungen für die antithrombotische Behandlung von Patienten nach akutem
Koronarsyndrom ohne ST-Strecken-Hebungen zusammengefasst.
Thermal characteristics of InGaN-based green micro-LEDs
Authors: Feng Yang , Zhanghu Mengyuan , Hyun Byung-Ryool , Liu Zhaojun 
Published: April 2021

We have investigated the thermal characteristics of InGaN-based green micro-light-emitting diodes (micro-LEDs) without the passivation layer in a wide junction temperature range of 298–453 K. The decreased temperature coefficient (dVf/dT) of the device with a smaller device size is attributed to the increased series resistances for the smaller devices, largely affected by the defects due to sidewall damage of the active layer. The ideality factor of 2.02 at 298 K suggests that the charge transport mechanism could be defect-assisted tunneling. In addition, it is observed that the ideality factor decreases with increasing temperature. The results of the C–V measurements suggest similar electron and hole concentrations in the depletion region, leading to a balanced electron–hole recombination in the active layer. It was also found that the temperature-dependent bandgaps of ternary In0.3Ga0.7N obtained from electroluminescence spectra of micro-LEDs agree with the calculated values by using the semi-empirical Varshni relationship.
Active sites for ice nucleation differ depending on nucleation mode
Authors: Holden Mark A. , Campbell James M. , Meldrum Fiona C. , Murray Benjamin J. , Christenson Hugo K. 
Published: April 2021

Significance
The appearance of ice crystals in the atmosphere is an important component of our planet’s climate. Ice crystals usually form on solid particles suspended in the atmosphere, where a water droplet can either condense on the particle and then freeze, or ice can grow directly on the particle without water first condensing. However, understanding of why some types of particles are especially effective is poor. Here, we use microscopy to identify the sites where ice first forms on atmospherically important minerals and find a significant difference between the two modes of ice growth. These results provide insight into the factors that govern ice formation in the atmosphere and imply an important role of surface morphology in directing crystal formation.
Endothelial cell invasion is controlled by dactylopodia
Authors: Figueiredo Ana Martins , Barbacena Pedro , Russo Ana , Vaccaro Silvia , Ramalho Daniela , Pena Andreia , Lima Aida Pires , Ferreira Rita Rua , Fidalgo Marta Alves , El-Marjou Fatima , Carvalho Yulia , Vasconcelos Francisca Ferreira , Lennon-Duménil Ana-Maria , Vignjevic Danijela Matic , Franco Claudio Areias 
Published: April 2021

Significance
In this report, we describe how endothelial cells, the cells lining the interior of blood vessels, invade into tissues to form new vessels through sprouting angiogenesis. We found that endothelial cells use a specific lamellipodia-related membrane protrusion for invasion, which we termed dactylopodia. These protrusions have a special morphology, originate from filopodia, are linked to membrane-ruffling activity, and are specialized in invading into avascular extracellular matrix. Our work lays the foundations for drug discovery targeting sprouting angiogenesis.
The predictive utility of word familiarity for online engagements and funding
Authors: Markowitz David M. , Shulman Hillary C. 
Published: April 2021

Significance
How well do simple or complex language patterns predict meaningful behaviors in the field? We used nearly 1.1 million datapoints across 12 samples to demonstrate that language complexity is a positive or negative heuristic depending on instrumental goal activation (e.g., if effort in a task is associated with value). We substantiate the simpler-is-better hypothesis that suggests without instrumental goal activation, common words associate with favorable outcomes in social media, academia, and entertainment settings. With instrumental goal activation, however, complexity leads to more favorable outcomes in the form of money for charitable giving campaigns and NIH grants. We demonstrate the contingent nature of language complexity as a heuristic, with clear links to behavior in the field.