bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of the COVID‐19 lockdown on children with asthma‐related symptoms: A tertiary care center experience
Authors: Golan‐Tripto Inbal , Arwas Noga , Maimon Michal S. , Bari Romi , Aviram Micha , Gatt Dvir , Goldbart Aviv 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundAcute asthma exacerbations are a common cause for emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations in children. Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and the education system closure/total lockdown in Israel on March 2020, we have noticed a decrease in pediatric ED visits and an increase in hospitalizations of asthma exacerbations.Objectiveto examine the patterns of ED visits for asthma exacerbations during COVID‐19 outbreak, in comparison to the previous year.MethodsA retrospective study comparing asthma related ED visits and hospitalizations among children aged 2–18 years at a tertiary center in southern Israel. Three time periods were selected: 2020 A (prelockdown, 2/1/20 to 3/14/20), 2020 B (lockdown, 3/15/20 to 5/15/20) and 2020 C (postlockdown, 5/16/20 to 6/30/20) and compared to the three parallel time periods in 2019. Data regarding demographics, number of ED visits and clinical severity parameters were collected and analyzed.ResultsFive hundred and twelve children visited the ED for asthma exacerbation: 273 children during 2019 and 239 children during 2020. Lockdown period in 2020 revealed significantly fewer ED visits per day compared to the parallel calendar period in 2019 (1.8 vs. 1.43, p < .001). Significantly higher hospitalization rate (47.1% vs. 33.7%, p = .05) and longer length of stay (3.15 vs. 1.9 days, p = .03) were observed during the lockdown.ConclusionLockdown is associated with fewer ED visits for asthma exacerbation, probably due to; reduced exposure to viral infections and environmental allergens, decreased availability of primary physicians and families' reluctance to arrive to the ED. ED visits during lockdown were characterized by higher hospitalization rate and longer LOS.
Formation of diethylamine thermal ionization mass spectrum on NaAux intermetallide
Authors: Knatko Mikhail V. , Lapushkin Mikhail N. 
Published: June 2021

RationaleThe mass spectra of amine thermal ionization on intermetallic NaAux emitters differ significantly from those of the same compounds on the surfaces of transition metals and their oxides. The factors underlying these differences are determined through studying the processes taking place on intermetallic surfaces, which give rise to the corresponding mass spectra.MethodsThe dependence of mass spectral composition and individual line intensity of diethylamine thermal ionization on intermetallic NaAux surface on diethylamine pressure, oxygen, sodium atom current and emitter temperature was studied using a magnet sector mass spectrometer.ResultsDiethylamine mass spectral composition is determined by the reaction between the molecules adsorbed on the NaAux surface. Oxygen and sodium concentration on the surface does not affect the mass spectral composition. Mass line intensity depends on diethylamine pressure and emitter temperature affecting the reaction efficiency on the surface.ConclusionsIntermetallic NaAux is an ionic semiconductor that can provide sufficient lifetime for adsorbed molecules to efficiently interact with each other and with their decomposition products. This creates unique conditions for the formation of various compounds on the surface with their mass exceeding by 2.5 times that of diethylamine.
Docetaxel‐induced interstitial lung disease among patients with breast cancer: a case series and review of literature
Authors: Hettiarachchi Sanjeewa Malinda , Thilakaratne Dilanka , Dharmasena Dawpadee , Rathnapala Amila , Abeysinghe Prasad , Perera Eshanth 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTaxane‐induced pneumotoxicity is rare. However, 1–5% of patients taking docetaxel may develop severe pneumotoxicity. This has been limited to case reports in the literature. We report seven breast cancer patients who developed docetaxel‐induced diffuse parenchymal lung disease (DPLD) of an organizing pneumonia pattern on high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT). The patients presented with progressive breathlessness within four weeks of the final dose. All had an organizing pneumonia pattern on their HRCTs, without other evidence of infection. Restrictive lung disease with low carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) was noted, with desaturation on a 6‐min walk test (6MWT). They were started on prednisolone. Repeated HRCT after four to eight weeks from the commencement of steroid treatment showed marked improvement. The clinical and functional improvement were also significant. One patient succumbed to the illness as a result of severe lung involvement. Docetaxel‐induced DPLD is a fatal adverse effect, which can be managed by the cessation of the drug and starting on steroids in adequate doses.
A comparative study of 100 major Japanese rivers: Multi‐objective evaluations and environmental flow practices
Authors: Shinozaki Yui , Shirakawa Naoki 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEnvironmental flow (e‐flow) practices were investigated for 100 class A rivers in Japan, which are managed by the central government. We examined how much e‐flow requirements (EFRs) are allocated for each river, and investigated the seasonally variable flow components, objectives, and target organisms. The EFRs of the 100 rivers ranged from 5 to 51% as a percentage of the mean annual discharge (MAD). Protecting physical habitat was an e‐flow objective for all target rivers. Protecting water quality and cultural scenery, preventing salt damage, and maintaining groundwater levels were also common objectives. However, the minimum flow required for the migration and spawning of 12 representative fish species was the most influential factor. The Japanese e‐flow framework is a holistic approach that takes not only individual species but also multiple aspects of ecosystem services, including its social and cultural value, into account. E‐flows for all target rivers were given as a form of minimum flow. Eighty‐six percent of the rivers considered seasonally variable flow targets, while 14% designed constant minimum flow throughout a year. The reason why the EFRs do not consider natural flow variability is that the storage and control capacity of Japanese dams is minimal, and that problems associated with the modified flow regime is not critical at present. The Japanese e‐flow framework has been successfully implemented, and it has been institutionally integrated into river management for 30 years. However, it will require adaptive management and adjustment in the future as social structure, climate, and hydro‐ecological characteristics change.
A Green CeO2−WO3/TiO2 Medium‐Low Temperature de‐NOx Catalyst for Selective Catalytic Reduction of NOx with NH3
Authors: Fu Zihao , Zhang Guodong , Tang Zhicheng , Zhang Haitao 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA series of CeO2−WO3/TiO2 catalysts were synthesized by the co‐precipitation method and used for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO with NH3 under medium‐low temperature conditions with metatitanic acid as Ti source. A more reasonable weight ratio of CeO2 and WO3 was explored. The catalytic activity enhanced with the increase of cerium content, but the catalytic activity changed slightly in the temperature range of 240 °C to 400 °C when the cerium content exceeded 15 %. Tungsten could enhance the sulfur resistance by adjusting the degree of crystallization, acidity in the SCR process. When the weight ratio of CeO2 to WO3 was 15: 8, the conversion rate of NO was more than 90 % in the temperature range of 240 °C to 440 °C. For 15 %CeO2‐8 %WO3/TiO2 catalyst, the NO conversion was maintained around 84 % when the mixed gas was introduced SO2. At the same time, we have optimized the selection of carriers, metatitanic acid as a carrier was better than titanium dioxide.
Preparation of Superhydrophobic Fabric Based on the SiO2@PDFMA Nanocomposites by an Emulsion Graft Polymerization and a Hot‐Pressing Process
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Gu Youcai , Mi Tengfei , Zhao Yuehua , Wang Xiaomei , Zhang Xu 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe report a facile method to fabricate superhydrophobic fabric based on the silica@poly (dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate) (SiO2@PDFMA) nanocomposites by emulsion graft polymerization and hot‐pressing process. The coated fabric without using resin adhesive demonstrated robust abrasion resistance, UV resistance, eﬃciently repel various liquids, excellent waterproof property, and good self‐cleaning performance. Intriguingly, the superhydrophobic coating has a little adverse effect on the important textile physical properties, such as the fabric color, air permeability, and color fastness. The robust superhydrophobicity was considered to be related to the following reasons. First, the Nano‐SiO2 and fibers provide micro‐nanoscale roughness, and PDFMA has excellent chemical/ultraviolet resistance and low surface energy. Their combination endows the fabric superhydrophobicity. Moreover, by the mean of hot‐pressing (at 120 °C under 0.2 MPa), the SiO2@PDFMA nanocomposites were firmly riveted to fibers. These results demonstrate a process particularly suitable for fabrics, and the coatings are expected to be practically applied in the textile industry.
A Scale of Atomic Electronegativity Based on Floating Spherical Gaussian Orbital Approach
Authors: Tandon Hiteshi , Labarca Martín , Chakraborty Tanmoy 
Published: June 2021

AbstractElectronegativity (χ) is an old yet valuable concept having multidisciplinary applications. To advance the understanding of this concept, an electronegativity model has been proposed based on polarizability within the context of Floating Spherical Gaussian Orbital (FSGO) approach. The model provides atomic electronegativity scale for 120 elements. The calculated electronegativity presents marked periodicity and relates well with other electronegativity scales. Further, Electronegativity Equalization Principle is validated by the computed electronegativity data. The proposed scale has also been successfully applied to compute Fermi energy for some metal oxides. In accordance with the literature, this is the first FSGO‐polarizability based model of electronegativity.
A Synergetic Organoselenium Catalytic System for Constructing 4‐Chromanone Derivatives via a Tandem Process under Visible Light Radiation
Authors: Zhou Jie , Huang Manna , Liang Yaowen , Wan Yiqian 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA novel visible light‐promoted synergetic organoselenium catalytic system that catalyzed a straightforward and efficient tandem reaction for the direct construction of spiroepoxy chroman‐4‐ones with relatively broad functionality tolerance under mild reaction conditions has been developed. In our protocol, aqueous tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) instead of TBHP in organic solvents makes it greener and safer especially when applied in industry. The discovery of a synergetic organoselenium catalytic system benefits new research on visible light‐promoted radical cyclization and catalytic epoxidation with peroxidation.
Facile preparation of antibacterial MOF‐fabric systems for functional protective wearables
Authors: Teo Wei Liang , Liu Jiawei , Zhou Weiqiang , Zhao Yanli 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMetal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have shown numerous potentials as promising materials to address real‐world problems. However, their practical utilization in commercial products was largely limited by the lack of downstream processing methodologies to transform MOF powders into functional products. In this study, a commercially viable solution for the general synthesis of MOF‐fabric composites was introduced. On account of coordination bonding between poly(acrylic acid) and MOF substrates, MOF powders securely adhered onto the surface of fabric materials via a drip cast method to give MOF‐fabric composites easily. This strategy can be applied to different MOF types, as well as a wide variety of fabric materials. The prepared materials showed excellent bacterial killing efficacy attributed to the embedded HKUST‐1 MOF. In light of the recent coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, this methodology could enable the large‐scale fabrication of essential MOF‐based personal protective wearables (e.g., clothing and masks) for use by healthcare professionals.
An empirical comparison of validation methods for software prediction models
Authors: Ali Asad , Gravino Carmine 
Published: June 2021

AbstractModel validation methods (e.g., k‐fold cross‐validation) use historical data to predict how well an estimation technique (e.g., random forest) performs on the current (or future) data. Studies in the contexts of software development effort estimation (SDEE) and software fault prediction (SFP) have used and investigated different model validation methods. However, no conclusive indications to suggest which model validation method has a major impact on the prediction accuracy and stability of estimation techniques. Some studies have investigated model validation methods specific to data about either SDEE or SFP. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study in the literature, which has employed different validation methods both with SDEE and SFP data. The aim of this paper is to consider different methods (10) from the family of cross‐validation (CV) and bootstrap validation methods to identify which one contributes to obtaining a better prediction accuracy for both types of data. We also evaluate which model validation methods allow the estimation techniques to provide stable performances (i.e., with lower variance). To this aim, we present an empirical study involving six datasets from the domain of SDEE and six datasets from the SFP domain. The results reveal that repeated 10‐fold CV with SDEE and optimistic boot with SFP data are the model validation methods that provide a better prediction accuracy in a greater number of experiments than the other model validation methods. Furthermore, a model validation method can improve the prediction accuracy up to 60% with SDEE data and up to 36% when employing SFP data. The analysis also reveals that repeated fivefold CV produces more stable performances when the experiments are repeated on the same data.
Determination of free carrier protein in glycoconjugate vaccines by size exclusion chromatography–high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector
Authors: Rajendar Burki , Reddy MVN Janardhan , Suresh Ch NV , Bheemaraju Sreekanth , Matur Ramesh V. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPolysaccharide‐protein conjugates elicit a protective immune response in children below 2 years. The conjugated antigens using different carrier proteins generate T‐cell dependent antibody response in children and increased antibody titers in adults than unconjugated polysaccharide vaccines. Different marketed conjugate vaccines, contain carrier proteins such as cross‐reactive material, Tetanus Toxoid, Diphtheria toxoid and Protein D (derived from non‐typeable Haemophilus influenzae). Quantification of unconjugated polysaccharide (free poly) and protein (free protein) in the purified conjugates (drug substance) and formulated drug product are important quality control parameters. In addition, the bulk conjugates are monitored for free protein as stability indicating parameter. Since the purified conjugates contain low amounts of free protein, highly sensitive methods are needed. We developed a method using size‐exclusion chromatography with high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection for free protein quantification and validated. The method can be used for quantifying the free carrier protein in Pneumococcal, Typhoid and Hib polysaccharides conjugated with different carrier proteins such as cross‐reactive material, Tetanus Toxoid and pneumococcal surface adhesin A. The method we report is sensitive, accurate, and precise with a linear range of 0.625 to 40 μg/mL and the limit of quantification is 0.12, 1.74, and 13.2 μg/mL for CRM197, PsaA, and Tetanus Toxoid, respectively. Spike recoveries were between 80 and 120% for all the conjugates using different carrier proteins. Reported method is simple, direct and can be used for quantitative determination of any free carrier protein in polysaccharide conjugates with greater application in polysaccharide‐protein conjugate manufacturing and release in the vaccine industry.
Thin layer chromatographic method for separation and estimation of anticancer drug Ibrutinib in presence of its degradants
Authors: Shah Dimal A. , Patel Jesheeka M. , Mahajan Ashok , Chhalotiya Usmangani 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA precise, accurate, and sensitive thin‐layer chromatographic method was developed for the estimation of anticancer drug Ibrutinib in synthetic mixture. The developed method uses precoated silica gel 60 F254 aluminum plates as stationary phase and Methanol: Ethyl acetate: Ammonia (2: 8: 0.2, v/v/v) as mobile phase. The densitometric analysis was carried out at the 286 nm under the reflectance mode and Rf was found to be 0.60 under optimized chromatographic condition. The linearity of the method was observed in the range of 100–500 ng/band. The developed method was validated as per the ICH guideline for the parameters like linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, and specificity. As a part of specificity, a forced degradation study was carried out to know the possible amount of degradation under the various stress conditions such as acid, base hydrolysis, and oxidative stress degradation where the drug and the degradants band were well resolved from each other. The proposed method was successfully used for the estimation of IBR in a synthetic mixture.
Electroactive polyacrylamide/chitosan/polypyrrole hydrogel for captopril release controlled by electricity
Authors: Ovando‐Medina Víctor M. , Reyes‐Palacios Guadalupe Abigail , García‐Montejano Luis A. , Antonio‐Carmona Iveth D. , Martínez‐Gutiérrez Hugo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe demand for the development of new therapies and devices for controlled drug release has been continuously increasing, especially those based on materials sensitives to external stimuli, such as electricity. Therefore, in this work, acrylamide was polymerized in the presence of chitosan (CS), using N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as cross‐linking, followed by immersion in pyrrole aqueous solution and chemical polymerization to obtain an electroactive hydrogel of polyacrylamide/CS/polypyrrole (PA/CS/PPy) (67.5/7.5/25% wt.); this electroactive hydrogel was later used in drug delivery controlled by electricity studies. The synthesized PA/CS/PPy hydrogel was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. It was observed that the hydrogel presented pores in the range of 50–200 μm with CS and PPy well incorporated to the cross‐linked PA. The hydrogel swelling percentage (S) was determined at different pHs. It was observed that S was independent of pH, with S = 700% and a swelling kinetics described by the Fickian diffusion mechanism at alkaline pH. PA/CS/PPy hydrogel was used to absorb captopril (a drug for hypertension control), and its kinetics release at different applied potentials and pH was studied. Release kinetics were described by the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, while release mechanism was a Case‐II transport without current at alkaline pH; under electrical stimuli, the mechanism presented an anomalous transport with ON–OFF profile, increasing the release rate with the applied voltage showing its electroactivity in the captopril release.
Remodeling tumor microenvironment with nanomedicines
Authors: Martin John D. , Miyazaki Takuya , Cabral Horacio 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe tumor microenvironment (TME) has been recognized as a major contributor to cancer malignancy and therapeutic resistance. Thus, strategies directed to re‐engineer the TME are emerging as promising approaches for improving the efficacy of antitumor therapies by enhancing tumor perfusion and drug delivery, as well as alleviating the immunosuppressive TME. In this regard, nanomedicine has shown great potential for developing effective treatments capable of re‐modeling the TME by controlling drug action in a spatiotemporal manner and allowing long‐lasting modulatory effects on the TME. Herein, we review recent progress on TME re‐engineering by using nanomedicine, particularly focusing on formulations controlling TME characteristics through targeted interaction with cellular components of the TME. Importantly, the TME should be re‐engineering to a quiescent phenotype rather than be destroyed. Finally, immediate challenges and future perspectives of TME‐re‐engineering nanomedicines are discussed, anticipating further innovation in this growing field.This article is categorized under:
Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Facial vs. Meridional Coordination Modes in ReI Tricarbonyl Complexes with a Carbodiphosphorane‐based Tridentate Ligand
Authors: Maser Leon , Vogt Matthias , Langer Robert 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe reactivity of the novel cationic ligand precursor [(dppm)2CH](PF6) (1) with a weakly coordinating anion and [ReBr(CO)5] is reported. The initial coordination results in the formation of the facially coordinated dicationic complex fac‐[({dppm}2CH)Re(CO)3]X2 (fac‐2, X=Br, PF6). The facial coordination mode is retained in fac‐[({dppm}2C)Re(CO)3](PF6) (fac‐3) upon deprotonation of the central cationic donor group. Quantum chemical investigations indicate that for both complexes, 2 and 3, the meridional coordination mode is thermodynamically favored. In line with these findings, the isomerization of the facially coordinated complex fac‐3 to the meridionally coordinated complex mer‐[({dppm}2C)Re(CO)3](PF6) (mer‐3) is observed under irradiation with UV‐light.
A modified diet to support conservation of the Atala hairstreak butterfly (Eumaeus atala Poey)
Authors: Braatz Elizabeth , Sincage Jamie , Gezon Zachariah J. , Maynard Lily T. , Ardente Amanda , Savage Anne , Sullivan Kathleen E. , Livingston Shannon , Valdes Eduardo V. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRaising insects in a laboratory for release into the wild is a common conservation practice, but maintaining breeding colonies year‐round can be limited by seasonal food availability. Food availability is particularly challenging for insects which depend on specific host plants. For example, our early efforts to rear the imperiled Atala hairstreak butterfly (Eumaeus atala Poey) resulted in colony failure during winter due to lack of food. To overcome this barrier, we developed a modified freeze‐dried host plant diet to support the colony. The diet consisted of reconstituted freeze‐dried leaves and stems from fresh‐growth coontie (Zamia integrifolia), the host plant for the Atala butterflies. We fed larvae less than 9 mm on this freeze‐dried diet and transferred them to live coontie plants after they were more than 9 mm. We reared a colony of Atala butterflies using these methods for 859 days, resulting in more than 3400 animals released into the wild. Comparing colony counts during that time period to the 548 days we reared them without modified freeze‐dried diet showed a clear benefit in using freeze‐dried diet. A growth trial (N = 40) of larvae fed on only freeze‐dried diet compared to larvae fed on fresh coontie cuttings found no significant difference in larval or pupal development between groups (p  =  0.71 and p  =  0.47, respectively). We, therefore, conclude that the freeze‐dried diet provided an appropriate alternative for Atala colonies when fresh growth from the host plant is unavailable, and we recommend use of this technique for raising other host plant‐dependent insect species of conservation concern.