bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk of interstitial lung disease in patients treated for atrial fibrillation with dronedarone versus other antiarrhythmics
Authors: Tave Arlene , Goehring Earl , Desai Vibha , Wu Chuntao , Bohn Rhonda L. , Tamayo Sally G. , Sicignano Nicholas , Juhaeri Juhaeri , Jones Judith K. , Weiss Sheila R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeTo compare risks of interstitial lung disease (ILD) between patients treated with dronedarone versus other antiarrhythmics.MethodsParallel retrospective cohort studies were conducted in the United States Department of Defense Military Health System database (DoD) and the HealthCore Integrated Research Database (HIRD). Study patients were treated for atrial fibrillation (AF) with dronedarone, amiodarone, sotalol, or flecainide. Propensity score matching was employed to create analysis cohorts balanced on baseline variables considered potential confounders of treatment decisions. The study period of July 20, 2008 through September 30, 2014 included a 1‐year baseline and minimum 6 months of follow‐up, for patients with drugs dispensed between July 20, 2009 and March 31, 2014. Suspect ILD outcomes were reviewed by independent adjudicators. Cox proportional hazards regression compared risk of confirmed ILD between dronedarone and each comparator cohort. A sensitivity analysis examined the effect of broadening the outcome definition.ResultsA total 72 ILD cases (52 DoD; 20 HIRD) were confirmed among 27 892 patients. ILD risk was significantly higher among amiodarone than dronedarone initiators in DoD (HR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.1–5.3, p = 0.02). No difference was detected in HIRD (HR = 1.0; 95% CI = 0.4–2.4). Corresponding risks in sotalol and flecainide exposure groups did not differ significantly from dronedarone in either database.ConclusionsILD risk among AF patients initiated on dronedarone therapy was comparable to or lower than that of amiodarone initiators, and similar to that of new sotalol or flecainide users. This finding suggests that elevated ILD risk associated with amiodarone does not necessarily extend to dronedarone or other antiarrhythmic drugs.
Influence of different molecular weights of polyhexene‐1 on the morphology and rheology of cyclic olefin copolymer blends
Authors: Shamsoddini‐Zarch Fatemeh , Jahani Yousef , Karrabi Mohammad , Ohshima Masahiro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe morphology and rheological behavior of cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) blends with two molecular weights of polyhexene‐1 (PH‐1, PH‐1‐UH [ultra‐high]) were investigated at a wide range of compositions. Morphology of the blends at low concentrations of polyhexene‐1 s showed a droplet‐matrix structure and changed to a co‐continuous morphology at intermediate concentrations. The rheological Cole‐Cole plots and viscosity versus composition confirmed immiscibility of the blends. The interfacial interaction of blends phases was investigated and Complex viscosity and storage modulus versus frequency were measured and the results were consistent with high interfacial strength between the COC and high concentrations of PH‐1‐UH which increases the melt strength of the blends. Relaxation time spectra and Tan δ versus frequency curves were analyzed and these results were consistent with a high degree of entanglements between the COC and PH‐1‐UH chains in the PH‐1‐UH‐rich compounds which in turn increased the elasticity. Damping factor measurements and calculation of interfacial tension using emulsion models showed that in the COC‐rich blends, the interfacial interaction COC/PH‐1 blends is higher than that of the COC/PH‐1‐UH blends and thus the elasticity and particles form relaxation time of the PH‐1 blends are higher compared to PH‐1‐UH blends.
Crosslinked electrospun composite membranes of poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(vinyl chloride): tunable mechanical properties, porosity and performance
Authors: Mithaiwala Husain , Tronstad Zachary T , Korah Mani Modayil , Buffington Alexander , Green Matthew D 
Published: March 2021

AbstractManaging water resources has become one of the most pressing concerns of scientists in both academia and industry. Broadening access to nontraditional water feedstocks, such as brackish water, seawater and wastewater, requires a robust pretreatment process to prolong the lifetime and improve the efficiency of reverse osmosis treatment processes. Herein, pretreatment membranes with tunable hydrophilic characteristics and mechanical properties were developed through a facile and scalable technique. Specifically, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) were electrospun at various PVA‐to‐PVC mass ratios and then crosslinked with a poly(ethylene glycol) diacid. Fiber diameters and morphologies were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM); Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and confocal fluorescence microscopy further confirmed the presence of both polymers. Moreover, a rigorous analysis to map the PVA/PVC concentration was established to accurately determine the relative concentrations of the two polymers on the co‐spun mat. The crosslinking reaction noted above tuned the membrane porosity from 500 to 80 nm, as seen using SEM, and the mechanical properties were probed using tensile testing. The data revealed that the PVC content controlled the mechanical strength; moreover, higher PVA contents were expected to increase water permeation by enhancing the hydrophilicity, but the higher degree of crosslinking in these materials actually reduced water permeation. This work introduces a facile, scalable route for the manufacture of pretreatment membranes with tunable porosity, mechanical properties and water permeation behavior. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Quantum chemical design of near‐infrared sensitive fused ring electron acceptors containing selenophene as π‐bridge for high‐performance organic solar cells
Authors: Mehboob Muhammad Yasir , Hussain Riaz , Khan Muhammad Usman , Adnan Muhammad , Ehsan Muhammad Ali , Rehman Abdul , Janjua Muhammad Ramzan Saeed Ashraf 
Published: March 2021

AbstractEnd‐capped acceptors modification of fused ring electron acceptors (FREAs) is an attractive strategy to boost the optoelectronic and photovoltaic properties of the materials. FREAs are also proven beneficial due to their tremendous applications in organic solar cells (OSCs). Among fused‐ring electronic species, small fullerene‐free FREAs have already been drawn more attention due to their near‐infrared sensitivity and constantly increasing efficiencies. Therefore, we have designed six new FREAs (K1–K6) having selenophene as π‐bridge in between the central alkylated indaceno[1,2‐b:5,6b]dithiophene (IDT) unit after the incorporations of various end‐capped acceptors on to the recently synthesized IDT2SeC2C4‐4F molecule. Structural–property relationship and photophysical and photovoltaic properties of newly designed molecules are studied with the help of density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT). Certain critical specifications like frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) alignment, density of states (DOS), absorption maxima, excitation energy, binding energy (BE) along with transition density matrix (TDM), and the specifically estimated reorganizational energy values of electron and hole and the open circuit voltages of newly designed molecules are computed and compared with reference molecule. Generally, a red‐shifting absorption behavior of FREAs is considered the most important reason for their high efficiencies in OSCs. Our novel designed molecules exhibit red shift in absorption spectrum. Similarly, low excitation and binding energies of designed molecules offer improved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) with highest possible charge photocurrent density (Jsc) in OSCs devices. Furthermore, study of PTB7‐Th/K1 complex is also done in order to examine charge transfer between within complex. By introducing the efficient end‐capped acceptor moieties in reference molecule, enhancement in charge mobilities is noted. The large open circuit voltage, low reorganizational energies, narrower highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO–LUMO) energy gap, lower binding and excitation energies, and highly red shifting in absorption phenomenon indicate an efficient designing of molecules, which could be best fitted for high efficiency OSCs. Finally, theorized molecules are much superior related to their photovoltaic and electronic properties and thus are recommended to experimentalist for their synthesis and out‐looking future developments of highly efficient solar cells devices.
High fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels in asthma patients: Does size matter?
Authors: Diamant Nir , Amirav Israel , Armoni‐Domany Keren , Sadot Efraim , Shapira Udi , Cahal Michal , Be'er Moria , Rochman Mika , Lavie Moran 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundFractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a biomarker for eosinophilic inflammation used for diagnosis and monitoring of asthma. High FeNO indicates significant airway eosinophilia and steroid‐responsive airway inflammation. Some children with asthma have extremely high FeNO levels, but whether these levels represent a different asthma phenotype compared with those with mildly elevated FeNO is unclear. The objective of this study is to investigate whether the extent of high FeNO levels correlates with clinical phenotype, asthma control, comorbidity, and pulmonary function test (PFT) findings in children with asthma.MethodsAnthropometric data, daytime and nighttime symptoms, controller treatment, comorbidity, and PFT findings were retrieved from the Pediatric Pulmonology Unit database (2014–2020) and correlated with FeNO levels in pediatric asthma patients with high FeNO levels.ResultsTwo‐hundred children and adolescents with high FeNO levels (range 36–227 ppb) were included. Within this range, higher FeNO levels positively correlated with increased daytime and nighttime symptoms (p = .013 and p = .01, respectively) and poorly controlled asthma (p = .034). A FeNO level of ≥80 ppb was the cutoff for significantly more severe daytime and nighttime symptoms and very poorly controlled asthma compared with levels <80 ppb (p = .004, p = .005, and p = .036, respectively). No correlation was found between FeNO and controller treatment, comorbidity, and PFT performance.ConclusionIn pediatric asthma patients, high FeNO levels correlate with increased symptom severity and poor asthma control. A FeNO level of ≥80 ppb may serve as an objective indicator for severe asthma.
An Optimized & Scaled‐Up Synthetic Procedure for Trinitroethyl Formate TNEF
Authors: Dosch Dominik E. , Andrade Karen , Klapötke Thomas M. , Krumm Burkhard 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPrevious reports showed, that tris(2,2,2‐trinitroethoxy)methane, also known as tris(2,2,2‐trinitroethyl) orthoformate or trinitroethyl formate (TNEF), exhibits a very high potential for application due to its excellent energetic properties and compatibility with state of the art binder systems for composite propellants. However, TNEF was never produced on a scale exceeding a few grams. In this work, a scaled and optimized synthetic procedure for the manufacturing of elemental analysis pure TNEF in a 100 g pre‐technical scale is described. Applied optimizations focus on cost of the synthesis and improvements regarding a greener purification process. Acceptable yields were achieved in the 100 g scale and the described synthetic procedure could be easily applied in the technical scale in the next step. This could stimulate a broader application of TNEF as an environmentally benign high energy density oxidizer for composite propellants.
Entomopathogenic fungi to control bark beetles: a review of ecological recommendations
Authors: Mann Andrew J , Davis Thomas S 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThere is considerable interest in applying entomopathogenic fungi as a biological control to limit insect populations due to their low environmental and human applicator impacts. However, despite many promising laboratory tests, there are few examples where these fungi were successfully applied to manage bark beetles. Here, we explore how environmental conditions unique to bark beetle habitats may have limited previous entomopathogenic fungus applications, including variable temperatures, ultraviolet light, bark beetle symbiotic microorganisms, tree phytochemicals, and cryptic bark beetle behaviors. Based on the existing literature, we provide a framework for interpreting the pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungi to bark beetles, with emphasis on both standardizing and improving laboratory approaches to enhance field applications. Our synthesis indicates that most previous laboratory evaluations are conducted under conditions that are not representative of actual bark beetle systems; this may render fungal isolates functionally non‐pathogenic in field settings. We recommend that future studies place particular effort into understanding entomopathogen response to the presence of bark beetle symbiotic microorganisms, plant phytochemicals, and potential as a tree endophyte. Additionally, field application methods should aid entomopathogens in overcoming stressful conditions and allow the fungus to infect multiple bark beetle life stages. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Silicon amendment to rice plants reduces the transmission of southern rice black‐streaked dwarf virus by Sogatella furcifera
Authors: Jia Luyao , Han Yongqiang , Hou Maolin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDPlant viruses are transmitted mainly by piercing‐sucking herbivores, and viral disease management relies on chemical control of vectors. Southern rice black‐streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) is transmitted by the white‐backed planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of silicon (Si) amendment for reducing SRBSDV transmission.RESULTSThe settling and ovipositional preferences of WBPH females decreased significantly by 14.6–43.7% for plants treated with either 0.16 g or 0.32 g SiO2 kg−1 soil during SRBSDV acquisition and by 26.2–28.3% for plants treated with 0.32 g SiO2 kg−1 soil during SRBSDV inoculation, compared with controls. Adding either 0.16 or 0.32 g SiO2 kg−1 soil significantly reduced SRBSDV inoculation rate by 31.3% and 45.3%, respectively, and acquisition rate by 25.5% and 66.0%, respectively. Silicification was intensified more in plants treated with 0.32 g SiO2 kg−1 soil than in controls. The nonprobing (np) duration increased, and the phloem sap ingestion (N4‐b) duration decreased significantly in the WBPHs feeding on high‐rate‐Si‐supplemented plants compared with control plants during both inoculation and acquisition access.CONCLUSIONThis study showed that Si amendment to rice plants decreased the WBPH settling and ovipositional preference and the SRBSDV acquisition and inoculation rates, thereby reducing SRBSDV transmission. The intensified plant silicification and the altered WBPH feeding behaviors (i.e. prolonged np and shortened N4‐b) may explain the reduced SRBSDV transmission in Si‐amended plants. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Laboratory and field insights into the dynamics and behavior of Argentine ants, Linepithema humile, feeding from hydrogels
Authors: Cabrera Emilia , Rivas Fontan Ignacio , Hoffmann Benjamin D , Josens Roxana 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDHydrogels that have absorbed a liquid containing a toxicant are a novel form of bait‐delivery for ant control. Here, we study the abilities of Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) workers to imbibe liquid from hydrogels. We quantified feeding behavior with: (i) hydrogels containing different sucrose concentrations (20, 30, 40 and 50% w/w); (ii) hydrogels versus liquid droplets; and (iii) hydrogel age (air exposure time). We also performed a field assay to assess visits by L. humile and other ant species to hydrogels.RESULTSIngested volume and feeding time decreased with increasing sucrose concentrations, but the number and duration of pauses were similar. Feeding from hydrogels was slower than from a liquid droplet and ants imbibed less liquid and fed for shorter times from hydrogels. Feeding time increased with hydrogel age, whereas ingested volume decreased and approached zero after 120 min under laboratory conditions. In the field, ants attended the hydrogels during the full 120‐min study period. When L. humile workers found a hydrogel, they monopolized it to the exclusion of other ant species. L. humile occupied and dominated hydrogels predominantly in shaded locations.CONCLUSIONHydrogels with sucrose concentrations no greater than 30% appear best for liquid uptake by L. humile. Hydrogels not in direct sunlight will have greater attendance by L. humile and, therefore, less attendance by non‐target ant species. Shady and humid places may prolong the longevity of hydrogels, which would imply higher intakes. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Skills on the move: Highly skilled migrants in Switzerland and beyond
Authors: Hercog Metka , Cangià Flavia 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article explores how highly skilled migrants make sense of and subjectively validate their skills when in search of employment in a new country. With the use of a transnational perspective, we suggest that in the context of migration, skills can only be properly understood if we consider the multiple locations and events in people's life trajectories. In addition to foregrounding the spatial context, we also explore skills through a temporal perspective. The country of origin, previous countries of migration, receiving context and future destinations, and past experiences and future plans can all play a role in the way individuals make sense of and subjectively validate what migrants themselves consider to be their skills. Drawing upon qualitative research among highly skilled migrants in Switzerland, we examine how personal and professional skills intertwine with each other when people engage with a given yet evolving socio‐economic environment.
Rapid decomposition of geological samples by ammonium bifluoride (NH4HF2) for combined Hf‐Nd‐Sr isotope analyses
Authors: Újvári Gábor , Klötzli Urs , Horschinegg Monika , Wegner Wencke , Hippler Dorothee , Kiss Gabriella Ilona , Palcsu László 
Published: March 2021

RationaleComplete decomposition of silicate rock matrices is crucial in determining their isotopic compositions, but acid dissolution in a high‐pressure steel‐jacketed bomb, which has been the only powerful, effective technique thus far, is time‐consuming and expensive. Rock dissolution using ammonium bifluoride (ABF), as described here, is a viable alternative.MethodsGeological reference materials (GRMs) were digested using ABF in closed Teflon beakers at temperatures of 220/230°C in a convection oven and subsequently treated with HNO3. Hf‐Sr‐Nd were separated and purified using ion‐exchange chemistry columns calibrated for 50–2 mg samples. The isotopic compositions of Sr‐Nd were measured by Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry, while that of Hf by Multi‐Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, both with normal 1011 Ω and gain calibrated 1013 Ω amplifiers.ResultsTotal procedural blanks of our protocol are 0.5 ng for Sr, 0.2 ng for Nd and <25 pg for Hf. Test runs with GRMs, ranging in composition from basic to felsic and dissolved in ABF, yield accurate 87Sr/86Sr, 143Nd/144Nd and 176Hf/177Hf isotope ratios as compared with those obtained with the bomb dissolution technique. Reproducibilities were comparable, on the order of 10–20 ppm. Our technique allows combined Hf‐Sr‐Nd isotope analyses of low‐mass (50–2 mg) samples.ConclusionsThe ABF digestion is an alternative technique to high‐pressure bomb dissolution in matrix decomposition for accurate and reproducible Hf‐Nd‐Sr isotope analyses of geological samples within a reasonable time (3–4 days), with high sample throughput and low costs in geochemistry and environmental sciences.
Application of PFAS‐mobile lab to support adaptive characterization and flux‐based conceptual site models at AFFF releases
Authors: Quinnan Joseph , Rossi Michael , Curry Patrick , Lupo Mark , Miller Margaret , Korb Helmer , Orth Cameron , Hasbrouck Kristen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article presents two aspects of an Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) demonstration conducted at Camp Grayling Army Airfield in Grayling, Michigan: verification of an accelerated per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) screening method using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectroscopy and its application to develop a flux‐based conceptual model. The ESTCP project information can be found here: https://serdp‐estcp.org/Program‐Areas/Environmental‐Restoration/Contaminated‐Groundwater/Emerging‐Issues/ER19‐5203. The objective is to demonstrate the value of adaptive high‐resolution PFAS site characterization using a quantitative screening method that is selective for PFAS compounds and sensitive across the range of concentrations between screening levels at 40 nanograms per liter and source impacts within the milligram per liter range. The reliability of the method is demonstrated using three metrics: sample pair comparability statistics with an Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program‐certified lab, visual interpretation of characterization and relative flux, and comparison of contaminant mass discharge calculated at flux transects. In addition, the study measured vadose zone source strength using three methods: soil to groundwater concentration ratios, lysimeter porewater sample analysis, and synthetic precipitation leaching procedure testing. The overall results demonstrate that application of the mobile lab and the stratigraphic flux approach can distinguish individual PFAS sources, visually map perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate and migration pathways, and provide an efficient means of ranking source contributions to plumes.
Antivirals against human polyomaviruses: Leaving no stone unturned
Authors: Wu Zongsong , Graf Fabrice E , Hirsch Hans H 
Published: March 2021

SummaryHuman polyomaviruses (HPyVs) encompass more than 10 species infecting 30%–90% of the human population without significant illness. Proven HPyV diseases with documented histopathology affect primarily immunocompromised hosts with manifestations in brain, skin and renourinary tract such as polyomavirus‐associated nephropathy (PyVAN), polyomavirus‐associated haemorrhagic cystitis (PyVHC), polyomavirus‐associated urothelial cancer (PyVUC), progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC),Trichodysplasia spinulosa(TS) and pruritic hyperproliferative keratinopathy. Although virus‐specific immune control is the eventual goal of therapy and lasting cure, antiviral treatments are urgently needed in order to reduce or prevent HPyV diseases and thereby bridging the time needed to establish virus‐specific immunity. However, the small dsDNA genome of only 5 kb of the non‐enveloped HPyVs only encodes 5–7 viral proteins. Thus, HPyV replication relies heavily on host cell factors, thereby limiting both, number and type of specific virus‐encoded antiviral targets. Lack of cost‐effective high‐throughput screening systems and relevant small animal models complicates the preclinical development. Current clinical studies are limited by small case numbers, poorly efficacious compounds and absence of proper randomized trial design. Here, we review preclinical and clinical studies that evaluated small molecules with presumed antiviral activity against HPyVs and provide an outlook regarding potential new antiviral strategies.