bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid preparation and antimicrobial activity of polyurea coatings with RE‐Doped nano‐ZnO
Authors: Li Yuanzhe , Liu Yang , Yao Bingqing , Narasimalu Srikanth , Dong ZhiLi 
Published: October 2021

SummaryThe recent COVID‐19 virus has led to a rising interest in antimicrobial and antiviral coatings for frequently touched surfaces in public and healthcare settings. Such coatings may have the ability to kill a variety of microorganisms and bio‐structures and reduce the risk of virus transmission. This paper proposes an extremely rapid method to introduce rare‐earth doping nano‐ZnO in polyamines for the preparation of the anti‐microbial polyurea coatings. The nano‐ZnO is prepared by wet chemical method, and the RE‐doped nano‐ZnO was obtained by mixing nano ZnO and RE‐dopants with an appropriate amount of nitric acid. This rapidly fabricated polyurea coating can effectively reduce bacteria from enriching on the surface. Comparing with pure nano‐ZnO group, all the polyurea coatings with four different rare‐earth elements (La, Ce, Pr and Gd) doped nano‐ZnO. The La‐doped nano‐ZnO formula group indicates the highest bactericidal rate over 85% to Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pseudomonas). Followed by Ce/ZnO, the bactericidal rate may still remain as high as 83% at room temperature after 25‐min UV‐exposure. It is believed that the RE‐doping process may greatly improve the photocatalytic response to UV light as well as environmental temperature due to its thermal catalytic enhancement. Through the surface characterizations and bioassays, the coatings have a durably high bactericidal rate even after repeated usage. As polyurea coating itself has high mechanical strength and adhesive force with most substrate materials without peel‐off found, this rapid preparation method will also provide good prospects in practical applications.
Re‐naming and re‐framing: Evolving the “Higher Education Research Group” to the “Geography & Education Research Group”
Authors: Healey Ruth L. , West Harry 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAt the Higher Education Research Group (HERG) Annual General Meeting on the 29 August 2018, it was proposed that the Research Group might consider broadening its remit to consider a wider context of geography education and formally include the geographies of education. In this editorial, we outline the background to this proposal and the process which was undertaken to evolve from HERG to the Geography and Education Research Group (GeogEd) over the following two years. We take the opportunity to introduce this special section of five papers, each offering a different perspective on the background to and future of the newly re‐framed Research Group. In this way they: (1) explore the history of the Research Group since its inception; (2) provide a critical overview of the geographies of education; (3) explore the reciprocal relationship between geography education and the geographies of education, and the process of (re)forming GeogEd; (4) offer reflections from senior members of the Royal Geographical Society and Geographical Association on the new Research Group; and (5) reflect on the opportunities the bringing together of different communities of practice under GeogEd might offer in the future.
Use of sedative‐hypnotic medications and risk of dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: AlDawsari Asma , Bushell Trevor J. , Abutheraa Nouf , Sakata Shuzo , Al Hussain Sarah , Kurdi Amanj 
Published: October 2021

AimsGrowing evidence suggests an association between the use of sedative‐hypnotic medications and risk of dementia. The aim of this study is to examine this association using a meta‐analysis approach.MethodsMEDLINE (PubMed) and Scopus were systematically searched for studies published in English only. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale, and an overall odds ratio was pooled using a random‐effects model.ResultsA total of 35 articles were included in the analysis. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) for dementia from all records were (OR; 1.33, 95% CI 1.19–1.49) for benzodiazepine (BZD) combined use (Subgroup‐1), (OR: 1.46, 95% CI 1.23–1.73) for short‐acting BZD use (Subgroup‐2), (OR: 1.72, 95% CI 1.48–1.99) for long‐acting BZD use (Subgroup‐3), (OR: 1.13, 95% CI 0.97–1.32) for BZDs without specification of duration of action (Subgroup‐4), (OR: 1.64, 95% CI 1.13–2.38) for the combined BZDs and Z‐drugs, (OR: 1.43, 95% CI 1.17–1.74) for Z‐drugs only, (OR: 1.14, 95% CI 0.88–1.46) for antidepressant use, (OR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.68–1.39) for antipsychotic use and (OR: 0.98, 95% CI 0.85–1.13) for anticonvulsant use. When sensitivity analysis was performed, association between overall use of BZDs and short‐acting BZDs with the increased risk of dementia disappeared after exclusion of studies that were not adjusted for age covariate (OR: 1.2, 95% CI 1.0–1.44) and (OR: 1.22, 95% CI 0.75–2.01), respectively. Adjustment for protopathic bias by introduction of a lag period showed no evidence of increased risk of dementia with the use of BZDs (Subgroup‐1) (OR: 1.14, 95% CI 0.82–1.58), Z‐drugs (OR: 1.29, 95% CI 0.78–2.13), and combined BZDs and Z‐drugs (OR: 1.51, 95% CI 0.91–2.53). Combined use of BZDs and Z‐drugs showed more positive association when only studies of non‐user design were analysed (OR: 2.75, 95% CI 2.23–3.39).ConclusionsAll the investigated sedative‐hypnotics showed no association with increased risk of dementia except for BZDs. However, the observed association with BZDs did not persist after exclusion of studies with potential reverse causation and confounding by indication. Therefore, this association needs to be assessed carefully in future research.
Can sweet food‐specific inhibitory control training via a mobile application improve eating behavior in children with obesity?
Authors: Memarian Sepideh , Moradi Alireza , Hasani Jafar , Mullan Barbara 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesConsumption of excess sugar, a common energy‐dense nutrient‐poor food, is a risk factor for obesity in school‐aged children. Food‐specific inhibition training, where responses to palatable food stimuli, such as sweet foods, are consistently and repeatedly inhibited, reduces sweet food intake in adults. However, no studies have yet examined the effectiveness of inhibitory control training specifically targeting sweet foods among children with high sugar cravings. We examined whether sweet food‐specific inhibitory control training (SF‐ICT), administered via a mobile app, reduced choice and consumption of sweet foods, and weight in a sample of children aged 7–11 with overweight or obesity and who had high sugar cravings (N = 46).DesignThis study was designed as a 2 × 3 between‐within design.MethodsParticipants were randomly allocated to a single‐blind design with two conditions: they either received 7 sessions of active or control go/no‐go training in which either sweet foods or non‐food cues were paired with no‐go signals. Participants' weight, sweet food choice, and consumption were measured pre and post‐training, and at three‐month follow‐up.ResultsThe results revealed that participants in the active group showed a significant reduction in sweet food choice and intake from pre to post‐training relative to the control group. The effects of the training on reducing sweet food intake persisted over the 3‐month follow‐up No significant changes in weight loss were observed.ConclusionsThese results provide preliminary evidence that sweet food‐specific inhibitory control training (SF‐ICT) via a mobile app is effective in modifying eating behavior among children with excessive consumption of sugary foods. Further research is required to clarify under what conditions the benefits of training would expand to weight loss.
Subannual phenology and the effect of staggered fruit ripening on dispersal competition
Authors: Schubert Spencer C. , Walters Eric L. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSeed dispersal mutualisms evolve in complex communities of plants and frugivorous animals, within which indirect interactions such as competition and facilitation can occur. Many tropical plants reproduce subannually in multiple episodes per year. Yet, the consequences of episodic reproduction on interactions with seed dispersers remain largely unexplored. We studied Guarea guidonia (Meliaceae), a subannually reproducing tree, to examine temporal variation in seed dispersal within a tropical forested landscape in the central Dominican Republic. We hypothesized that foraging by dispersers would (a) increase with daily ripe fruit set on focal trees, (b) decrease with increasing ripe fruit biomass of neighboring plants, and (c) decrease in response to the fruiting periods of other taxa at the landscape scale. Over 18 months, we tracked the phenology of 24 focal trees and quantified foraging during fruiting phases through repeated observations, simultaneously measuring seed dispersal in traps beneath isolated bird perches across the study landscape. Date was the only clear predictor of frugivore visitation, with early and late peaks in activity during the 5‐month fruiting period. The midseason decline in foraging at focal trees matched a decline in Guarea dispersal to seed traps independently of fruit abundance. Declines in Guarea dispersal were inversely related to peak dispersal of higher quality lipid‐rich fruiting species. Our results suggest that multiple flowering episodes and subsequent asynchronous fruit ripening of low‐quality fruits can reduce competitive pressure from other higher quality fruiting species, implying that this potential bet‐hedging strategy may be an overlooked factor in the evolution of subannual reproduction.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Does alma mater matter? An audit study of labour market outcomes of Canadian Bachelor's Degree recipients
Authors: Mullen Ann L. , Baker Jayne , Menard Gabriel , Walker Brigham 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn many parts of the world, the rewards attached to a university degree vary significantly according to the name of the institution one attends, particularly in countries with highly stratified postsecondary systems. Because the Canadian higher education system is relatively homogenous and non‐hierarchical, it has been generally accepted that Canadian graduates enter the labour market on equal footing regardless of where they matriculate. We test this assumption through an experimental audit study that compares employers’ responses to fictitious matched job applications from equally qualified bachelor's degree recipients from three Ontario universities: Brock, Queen's, and Waterloo. Not all employers make a distinction between the paired applications; but when they do, Waterloo is favoured. In these cases, even though applicants had the same field of study, academic achievement and work experience, employers singled out Waterloo applicants for a response 84% more often than those from Brock. These findings indicate that institutional affiliation matters in Canada, and suggests that graduates from some institutions fare significantly better in the labour market than their equally accomplished peers from other institutions. We conclude that even in relatively non‐hierarchical systems with comparatively minimal structural or resource variation, status hierarchies emerge that privilege some graduates over others.
Identification of an AXL kinase inhibitor in triple‐negative breast cancer by structure‐based virtual screening and bioactivity test
Authors: Li Pei , Niu Yuzhen , Li Shuyan , Zu Xuyu , Xiao Maoyu , Yin Liyang , Feng Jianbo , He Jun , Shen Yingying 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBreast cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the glandular epithelium of the breast, and more than 15% of the patients are triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). Therefore, finding new targets and targeted therapeutic drugs for TNBC is urgent. Overexpression of the AXL is associated with motility and invasiveness of the TNBC cells, which is a potential target for breast cancer therapy. A compound Y041‐5921 (IC50 = 6.069 μm for AXL kinase and IC50 = 4.1 μm for MDA‐MB‐231 cell line) was identified through structure‐based virtual screening and bioassay test for the first time. The compound Y041‐5921 could significantly inhibit the proliferation and invasion of the TNBC cells and the toxicity of Y041‐5921 to normal immortalized breast epithelial cells was far lower than that of commonly used clinical chemotherapy drugs. Besides, it also had well inhibitory effect on the proliferation of many other malignant tumor cell lines (the IC50 value are 10.0 m, 7.1 m, 10.3 m, 11.4 m and 5.8 m for U251 cell, COLO cell, PC‐9 cell, CAKI‐1 cell and MG63 cell, respectively). The interaction mechanism between Y041‐5921 and AXL was studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and binding free energy calculation, and the key residues whose energy contribution mainly comes from non‐polar solvation interaction (such as Ala565, Lys567, Met598, Leu620, Pro621, Met623, Lys624, Arg676, Asn677 and Met679) were identified. The small molecule inhibitors Y041‐5921 targeting AXL reported in this work will lay a foundation and provide a theoretical basis for the development of the TNBC.
Effect of Ginkgolide in Ischemic Stroke patients with large Artery Atherosclerosis: Results from a randomized trial
Authors: Dong Yi , Zhang Jingyu , Wang Yanxia , Zhao Lihong , Li Runhui , Wei Chunhua , Bai Qingke , Wan Lishu , Sun Liping , Feng Shejun , You Mingyao , Wang Chun , Zhang Hongtian , He Qing , Yu Ming , Dong Qiang ,   GISAA committee
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundDual antiplatelet therapy is considered beneficial in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with intracranial artery stenosis (ICAS), with more bleeding events. Ginkgolide is shown to reduce platelet activation after infarction, which might be of benefit in AIS. We aimed to explore the effect of Ginkgolide in AIS patients with ICAS.MethodsThis was a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial conducted at 61 centers in China. Within 72 h after onset, consecutive patients diagnosed as AIS with ICAS were randomized to either Ginkgolide or placebo treatment. The primary outcome was the composite of mortality and recurrent stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) during first 4 weeks in an intention‐to‐treat analysis. Secondary functional outcome was assessed by modified Rankin Scale and improvement of stroke severity was assessed by National Institution of Health Stroke Scale at day 28. Safety outcome was measured by the rate of severe adverse event (SAE).ResultsThere were 936 patients randomized to either Ginkgolide or placebo treatment. Their average age was 64.2 ± 10.4 years old and 36.0% of the patients were female. The composite index event occurred in six patients in placebo group, and none occurred in Ginkgolide group (risk ratio 1.01; 95% CI 1.00–1.02). There were more patients who achieved favorable outcome in Ginkgolide group, compared with that of the placebo group (OR 2.16, 95%CI 1.37–3.41). SAE occurred in five (1.1%) patients in the Ginkgolide group and three (0.6%) in the placebo group (OR0.60, 95CI% 0.14–2.53). Intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 1/473 (0.2%) in the placebo group.ConclusionsGinkgolide, working as PAF antagonist, may reduce recurrent stroke in AIS with ICAS patients within 72 hours after onset. It might be an optional treatment in moderate‐to‐severe AIS patients with ICAS. (http://www.chictr.org.cn Number as ChiCTR‐IPR‐17012310).
Peripheral airways involvement in children with asthma exacerbation
Authors: Wawszczak Maria , Kulus Marek , Peradzyńska Joanna 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe literature provides some evidence of peripheral airways key role in the pathogenesis of asthma. However, the extent to which lung periphery including acinar zone contribute to asthma activity and control in pediatric population is unclear. Therefore, the aim of the study was to estimate peripheral airways involvement in children with asthma exacerbation and stable asthma simultaneously via different pulmonary function tests.MethodsChildren with asthma exacerbation (n = 20) and stable asthma (n = 22) performed spirometry, body plethysmography, exhaled nitric oxide, impulse oscillometry (IOS), and multiple‐breath washout (MBW).ResultsPeripheral airway's function indexes were increased in children with asthma, particularly in group with asthma exacerbation when compared with stable asthma group. The prevalence of abnormal results was significantly higher in asthma exacerbation. All children with asthma exacerbation had conductive ventilation inhomogeneity; 76% had acinar ventilation inhomogeneity. According to IOS measurements, resistance and reactance were within normal range, but other IOS parameters were significantly higher in children with asthma exacerbation compared with stable asthma group. The 36% of children with acute asthma had air trapping.ConclusionSignificant involvement of peripheral airways was observed in children with asthma, particularly in asthma exacerbation, which determine lung periphery as important additional target for therapy and provide new insights into pathophysiological process of pediatric asthma.
Neural responses to natural visual motion are spatially selective across the visual field, with selectivity differing across brain areas and task
Authors: Ki Jason J. , Dmochowski Jacek P. , Touryan Jonathan , Parra Lucas C. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIt is well established that neural responses to visual stimuli are enhanced at select locations in the visual field. Although spatial selectivity and the effects of spatial attention are well understood for discrete tasks (e.g. visual cueing), little is known for naturalistic experience that involves continuous dynamic visual stimuli (e.g. driving). Here, we assess the strength of neural responses across the visual space during a kart‐race game. Given the varying relevance of visual location in this task, we hypothesized that the strength of neural responses to movement will vary across the visual field, and it would differ between active play and passive viewing. To test this, we measure the correlation strength of scalp‐evoked potentials with optical flow magnitude at individual locations on the screen. We find that neural responses are strongly correlated at task‐relevant locations in visual space, extending beyond the focus of overt attention. Although the driver's gaze is directed upon the heading direction at the centre of the screen, neural responses were robust at the peripheral areas (e.g. roads and surrounding buildings). Importantly, neural responses to visual movement are broadly distributed across the scalp, with visual spatial selectivity differing across electrode locations. Moreover, during active gameplay, neural responses are enhanced at select locations in the visual space. Conventionally, spatial selectivity of neural response has been interpreted as an attentional gain mechanism. In the present study, the data suggest that different brain areas focus attention on different portions of the visual field that are task‐relevant, beyond the focus of overt attention.
Genomic landscape of circulating tumour DNA in metastatic extramammary Paget’s disease
Authors: Sawamura Soichiro , Mijiddorj Myangat Tselmeg , Kajihara Ikko , Tanaka Kenichiro , Ide Maho , Sakamoto Ryoko , Otsuka‐Maeda Saki , Kanemaru Hisashi , Nishimura Yuki , Kanazawa‐Yamada Saori , Kashiwada‐Nakamura Kayo , Honda Noritoshi , Makino Katsunari , Aoi Jun , Igata Toshikatsu , Makino Takamitsu , Masuguchi Sinichi , Fukushima Satoshi , Ihn Hironobu 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAlthough cancer personalized profiling by deep sequencing (CAPP‐Seq) of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) has gained attention, the clinical utility of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) in extramammary Paget's disease (EMPD) has not been investigated. In this study, genomic alterations in the cfDNA and tumour tissue DNA were investigated in seven patients with metastatic EMPD. CAPP‐Seq revealed mutations in 18 genes, 11 of which have not yet been reported in EMPD. The variant allele frequency of some of the mutated genes reflected the disease course in patients with EMPD. In one patient, the mutation was detected even though imaging findings revealed no metastasis. In another patient with triple EMPD (genital area and both axilla), cfDNA sequencing detected the mutation in a rib metastatic lesion, which was also detected in both axilla lesions but not the genital region. Investigations of the ctDNA may be useful towards the elucidation of clonal evolution in EMPD.
Brand communities: A literature review and future research agendas using TCCM approach
Authors: Roy Bhattacharjee Debashree , Pradhan Debasis , Swani Kunal 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAcademic interest in brand community research has burgeoned in the past two decades. Despite its importance, there has been a paucity of effort in reviewing the growing research. Drawing on the Theory‐Context‐Characteristics‐Methods (TCCM) review framework, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of the dominant theories, contexts (i.e., industries and countries), characteristics (i.e., key variables and their relationships), and methods (i.e., research approaches and analysis techniques) employed in brand community research over last two decades (2001–2020). A systematic analysis of 285 articles reveals a focus on consumer‐specific theories and a scant application of multi‐disciplinary theories. Though the literature covers an array of industries to understand brand communities, there is a need for more research in the B2B context and the service industries. Furthermore, we detect a need for more research on the influence of brand/marketer‐related variables on brand communities, underlying mechanisms and boundary conditions for the key relationships in this area. This research presents four different stages of the evolution of brand community research over the years. Finally, we apply the TCCM framework to suggest fertile areas for future research.
Cloning, sequencing and structural analysis of membrane‐bound polyphenol oxidase from Granny Smith apples (Malus × domestica Borkh)
Authors: Han Qian‐Yun , Liu Fang , Ni Yuan‐Ying 
Published: October 2021

SummaryThe gene sequence coding for the membrane‐bound polyphenol oxidase (mPPO) with a length of 1761 bp was cloned by PCR method and shown to contain one highly conserved sequence encoding a di‐copper‐binding region. The predicted three‐dimensional structure of mPPO indicated that the active site was located near two copper ions and composed of a typical bundle of four α‐helices. Each of the two catalytic copper ions was coordinated with three histidine residues in the hydrophobic pocket, yielding His 180, His 201, His 210, His 332, His 336 and His 366. Docking studies showed that 4‐methylcatechol and chlorogenic acid have different binding models due to different ligand sizes and binding sites in the active centre, and it was found that the smaller compound exhibited a higher affinity for mPPO. Molecular dynamic simulation results indicated that Phe 353 is important in controlling enzymatic activity through influencing substrate coordination in the active site.
Introduction: Social protection for digital platform workers in Europe
Authors: Daugareilh Isabelle 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis special issue of the International Social Security Review addresses the important topic of social protection for digital platform workers in Europe. The special issue highlights the risk that social protection systems may be largely undermined by a decline in social solidarity in favour of individualism, the partial or full privatization of social security, and a reduction in protection levels, all as a result of the emergence of digital platforms and the support they receive from legislators in most countries.