bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thyroid surgery in 103 children in a single institution from 2000-2014
Authors: Almosallam Osama Ibrahim , Aseeri Ali , Alhumaid Ahmed , AlZahrani Ali S. , Alsobhi Saif , AlShanafey Saud
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND:

Data on thyroid surgery in children are scarce.

OBJECTIVE:

Analyze outcome data on thyroid surgery in a pediatric population.

DESIGN:

Medical record review.

SETTING:

Tertiary health care institution.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We collected demographic and clinical data on patients 18 years or younger who had thyroid surgery in the period 2000 to 2014. Descriptive data are presented.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Indications for thyroidectomy, thyroid pathology, complications, length of stay, and radioactive iodine treatment and recurrences.

SAMPLE SIZE:

103.

RESULTS:

Of 103 patients who underwent 112 thyroidectomy procedures, 80 (78%) were females and the mean age at operation was 13.2 years. and 17 (16%) were associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. There was no history of radiation exposure. Eighty-one patients (78%) had fine needle aspiration (FNA) which correlated with the final histopathology in 94% of cases. Sixty-six patients (64%) had malignant cancer (61 papillary), 44 (74.6%) of 59 patients who had neck dissection had lymph node metastasis and 7 (11%) had distant metastases to the lung. Procedures included total thyroidectomy (50%), hemithyroidectomy (17%), completion (31%), and subtotal thyroidectomy (2%). Twenty-three patients (22%) developed hypocalcemia (3 permanent) and 6 (5.8%) had unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (3 permanent). Patients were followed up for a mean duration of 71.7 months (median 60 months). Of 66 patients with thyroid cancer, 43 (65%) received radioactive iodine, and 10 (15%) had recurrence.

CONCLUSION:

Malignancy is the commonest indication for thyroid surgery in children and FNA is highly diagnostic. Hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury are significant complications. The recurrence rate in thyroid cancer is 15%.

LIMITATIONS:

Retrospective.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

None.
Where and why do firms choose to move? Empirical evidence from Norway
Authors: Nilsen Oyvind Lervik , Tørset Trude , Gutiérrez María Díez , Cherchi Elisabetta , Andersen Stig Nyland
Published: August 2020

A key goal for many public policies is to increase the competitiveness of local industries and make areas more attractive for firm location and development. However, little is known about firm relocations even though they are of crucial importance in understanding economic development within a region and the effectiveness of the policies proposed. This paper contributes to filling this gap by looking further into the firm relocation process by estimating models for the decision to relocate and to where. The studied area consists of four counties on the western coast of Norway that generate about half of Norway’s traditional exports. Changes in firm relocations for approximately 16,500 firms within this study area are analyzed. In addition, interviews with firms that relocated are also carried out to support the findings from the model. The results indicate that the decision to relocate is influenced by a firm’s internal and external characteristics such as agglomeration. The results are relevant for regional planning and development as firms seem to have different preferences regarding what makes a location attractive or not. The results might serve as input in land-use interaction models, where changes in firm location patterns from transport investments are estimated.
AVALIAÇÃO DA TEMPORALIDADE DE OCUPAÇÕES EM ÁREAS DE PRESERVAÇÃO PERMANENTE NO MUNICÍPIO DE JUNDIAÍ/SP
Authors: Gavioli Felipe Rosafa , Tavares Hossomi Amanda Maria
Published: August 2020

As Áreas de Preservação Permanente (APPs) são áreas protegidas, definidas pela legislação e que devem ser mantidas com vegetação nativa. As metragens e a definição das APPs foram sendo modificadas ao longo dos anos, desde a publicação do código florestal de 1965, que teve diversas alterações até sua atual versão dada pela publicação da Lei 12.651/2012. A Companhia Ambiental do Estado de São Paulo (CETESB) utiliza estas mudanças históricas da legislação para avaliar a regularização de usos antrópicos consolidados em locais que hoje são considerados como APPs, a partir da temporalidade da ocupação. O presente estudo avaliou a temporalidade das ocupações existentes em APPs hídricas em 2018, identificando quais destas ocupações são anteriores a 1986, no município de Jundiaí/SP, a partir de técnicas de geoprocessamento. Identificou-se que dos 8.390 hectares de APPs hídricas do município, 625,86 hectares estavam ocupados em 2018 por usos antrópicos exceto agropecuária. Deste montante, 303,67 hectares podem ter o uso antrópico regularizado, já que a ocupação existe desde 1985, quando tais áreas não eram consideradas como APPs. Entre 1985 e 2018, houve incremento de cobertura florestal em 214,97 hectares de APPs. O uso de geoprocessamento pode auxiliar os órgãos competentes na gestão e no licenciamento ambiental.
Unknown knowns: implicit epistemological hierarchies in the evaluation of widening participation activities
Authors: Crockford Julian
Published: August 2020

Comparing guidance documents issued by the Office for Fair Access (OFFA), the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the Office for Students (OfS) over the course of 15 years, I argue that the introduction of a new higher education regulator in 2018 caused a shift
in the positioning of widening participation evaluation in HE policy. I suggest that the resulting changes have significant implications for the configuration of key evaluation stakeholder groups and that these reconfigurations, in turn, have implications for the epistemic relationships at
play in the evaluation process. In particular, the way in which a mode of evaluation is framed by policy can determine who has the power to shape dominant definitions of meaningful evidence and whose situated forms of knowledge are considered to constitute robust evidence. The ongoing tension
between positivist and post-positivist approaches can be eased, I argue, by focusing on the role of delivery practitioners as producers of evidence about 'what works' in their own contexts. I conclude by drawing on other practice-based disciplines such as social work and nursing to suggest
that we might learn from work that is already advanced in these areas, which appears to have found a balance between evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence.
COVID-19 and outreach: the challenge and the response
Authors: Raven Neil
Published: August 2020

Those from disadvantaged backgrounds are likely to be most adversely affected by the current pandemic and the consequent closure of schools and colleges. The longer-term economic consequences of COVID-19 and the potential for a recession may also have an especially detrimental impact
on the educational aspirations of widening participation students. Under these circumstances it can be argued that the need for outreach is greater than ever. Yet, with schools and colleges closed to visitors, this is also a very challenging time for those seeking to widen access. This article
discusses how outreach might respond to the crisis.
Using logic chain and theory of change tools to evaluate widening participation: Learning from the What works? Student Retention & Success programme
Authors: Thomas Liz
Published: August 2020

There has been national and institutional commitment to widening participation (WP) for over 20 years in England, and during this time considerable investment has been made in WP. The field of WP is, however, still characterised by a lack of evidence of impact, and institutions are
under pressure to provide better evidence moving forward. Practitioners working across the student lifecycle find evaluation challenging. This paper focuses on the approach used to evaluate a programme of work intended to improve the success of non-traditional students in higher education
(HE), drawing on logic chains and a theory of change model (programme theory evaluation tools). It considers the benefits and limitations of this approach and discusses how it was applied in practice. It provides examples of indicators and evidence and considers ways in which the model can
be improved and applied to other contexts.
An Evaluation of China’s Automated Scoring System Bingo English
Authors: Gao Jianmin , Li Xin , Gu Peiqi , Liu Ziqi
Published: August 2020

The study evaluated the effectiveness of Bingo English, one of the representative automated essay scoring (AES) systems in China. 84 essays in an English test held in a Chinese university were collected as the research materials. All the essays were scored by both two trained and experienced human raters and Bingo English, and the linguistic features of them were also quantified in terms of complexity, accuracy, fluency (CAF), content quality, and organization. After examining the agreement between human scores and automated scores and the correlation of human and automated scores with the indicators of the essays’ linguistic features, it was found that Bingo English scores could only reflect the essays’ quality in a general way, and the use of it should be treated with caution.
Bewegungswissenschaft
Authors: Wollny Rainer
Published: August 2020

Die Bewegungswissenschaft zählt zu den zentralen Forschungs- und Lehrgebieten der Sportwissenschaft. Sie beschäftigt sich grundlagen- und anwendungsorientiert mit der Erklärung der Körperhaltung, der Bewegung, der Motorik und des motorischen Lernens. In besonderer Weise werden die Phänomene des äußeren Erscheinungsbildes und der körperinternen koordinativen Kontrollprozesse sporttypischer Bewegungen betrachtet. Dieses Buch führt in die vielfältigen Gegenstandsbereiche, Kenntnisse, Forschungsmethoden und sportpraktischen Anwendugnsbereiche der Bewegungswissenschaft des Sports ein. Den Einstieg in eine der faszinierendsten Teildisziplinen der Sportwissenschft erleichtern zahlreiche Abbildugnen und kommentierende Literaturhinweise. Im Einzelnen beschäftigt sich das Lehrbuch mit den körperinternen Leistungsvoraussetzungen der Bewegung und Motorik sowie den wichtigsten Theorien und empirischen Befunden über die Bewegungskontrolle und das motorische Lernen. Neben der Entwicklung der motorischen Basisfähigkeiten und der sportmotorischen Fertigkeiten in der gesamten Lebensspanne werden einflussreiche Modellvorstellungen über die motorische Ontogenese des Menschen thematisiert. Abschließend erläutert der Band die Analyse und die Modellierung äußerer und körperinnerer Bewegungsmerkmale.
The Problem of Environmental Democracy
Authors: Pommier Eric ,   Center for Environmental Philosophy, The University of North Texas
Published: August 2020

The work of Hans Jonas’ has been largely overlooked by environmental philosophers. His Principle of Responsibility can help guide effective development of political institutions for environmental purposes. It is possible to use this principle to develop a deliberative and environmental conception of democracy. Some implications of the social contract framework of deliberative democracy show that Jonas’ conceptualization of responsibility leads to an environmental and deliberative conception of democracy by accommodating different citizens’ senses of the good in terms of an environmentally conceived global governance.
“A Life Worthy of Being Called Human”
Authors: Larrère Catherine ,   Center for Environmental Philosophy, The University of North Texas
Published: August 2020

“Act so that the effects of your action are compatible with the permanence of genuine human life on Earth.” How can we understand Jonas’ “maxim”? Is it too anthropocentric to be of any interest for an environmental ethic? Is is too limited to survival to have a moral signification in a truly human ethic? One can argue first that it is not so much anti-Kantian than that it challenges the current prevailing “presentism” and obliges us to take into consideration not only future generations, but also the context in which one anticipates these future generations to be living. Therefore, we can distinguish two different interpretations of Jonas’ maxim: in a first stage, that of sustainable development, it was understood as taking into consideration not only the needs but also the rights of future generations; in a second stage, that of an Anthropocene and ecological transition, it means that making sense of humanity implies connecting human beings to the Earth and other living beings far from opposing them.
Climax: Biology and Ethics in Environmental Restoration
Authors: Neira Hernán ,   Center for Environmental Philosophy, The University of North Texas
Published: August 2020

Justifications for the environmental restoration of the Pumalín National Park, originally known as Pumalín Nature Sanctuary, in Chile can be analyzed from a philosophical and ethical point of view. The environmental stage to which the park should be restored is defined as a moral choice, rather than an ecological one, that is based on “climax” as an a priori value that supports and guides the main restoration actions carried out in the park. This climax is a pre-settling or pre-colonization condition. Defined philosophically, climax is both an ethical and political value. For these actions, the ecosystem’s health can be treated the same as that of a human’s health: each society defines the criteria and the acme of health, as well as the valid efforts to restore it.
The Scholastic Logic of Statistical Hypotheses
Authors: Hanke Miroslav ,   Zeta Books
Published: August 2020

Among the important conceptual innovations introduced in the second scholasticism era and motivated by theological debates following the Council of Trent were the theories of moral necessity and moral implication. As they were centred upon a view of moral necessity as a form of necessity weaker than physical (and, ipso facto, metaphysical and logical) necessity, and moral implication as weaker than physical (and, ipso facto, metaphysical and logical) implication, some interpretations of moral necessity encouraged the logic of statistical hypotheses and probability. Three branches of this debate are studied in this paper: the explanation of moral necessity in terms of suppositio (Vega, Molina, Hurtado, Sforza Pallavicino), the confrontation over the interpretation of moral necessity (Quirós, Herrera), and the theory of statistical quantification (Elizalde, Terill, de Benedictis).
Mere Theistic Evolution
Authors: Murray Michael J. , Churchill John Ross ,   Evangelical Philosophical Society
Published: August 2020

A key takeaway from the recent volume Theistic Evolution: A Scientific, Philosophical, and Theological Critique is that no version of theistic evolution that adheres largely to consensus views in biology is a plausible option for orthodox Christians. In this paper we argue that this is false: contrary to the arguments in the volume, evolutionary theory, properly understood, is perfectly compatible with traditional Christian commitments. In addition, we argue that the lines between Intelligent Design and theistic evolution are not as sharp as most scholars have assumed, such that many who self-identify as Intelligent Design adherents would also qualify as theistic evolutionists.
Do Christians Need to Reconcile Evolutionary Theory and Doctrines of Divine Providence and Creation?
Authors: Meyer Stephen C. ,   Evangelical Philosophical Society
Published: August 2020

Many Christian scholars have argued that standard versions of evolutionary theory and orthodox theological commitments can be reconciled. Some theistic evolutionists or “evolutionary creationists” have argued that evolutionary mechanisms such as random mutation and natural selection are nothing less than God’s way of creating. Though I dispute the logical coherence of these attempted reconciliations elsewhere, I argue here that there is little reason for Christians to attempt them, since an accumulating body of evidence from multiple subdisciplines of biology casts doubt on the creative power of the main evolutionary mechanisms. Thus, rather than addressing the question, “Can a meaningful doctrine of divine providence or creation be reconciled with mainstream evolutionary theory?” this essay will address the question of whether Christians should, or need to, attempt such a reconciliation at all.
Replies to Commentators on Mere Theistic Evolution
Authors: Murray Michael J. , Churchill John Ross ,   Evangelical Philosophical Society
Published: August 2020

In this essay we respond to the comments of Tom McCall, William Lane Craig, and Stephen C. Meyer on mere theistic evolution.
ELECTRODEPOSITION OF COMPOSITE COATINGS
Authors: Vinokurov Evgeny G. , Margolin Lev N. , Farafonov Vladimir V.
Published: August 2020

Galvanic coatings have been attracting attention for many years as an object of research from both theoretical and practical points of view. A relatively new direction in electroplating is the production of composite coatings, which are based on metal matrices and dispersed phases of different nature. Introduction to the electrolyte for joint electrochemical deposition of micro -, nanoparticles of oxides, carbides, nitrides, polymers, etc. allows you to adjust the structure, composition, properties of coatings, providing them with new characteristics. As shown by the analysis of publications on this topic in the VINITI RAS Database, systematic research in this area has been carried out for about twenty years and interest in them has not decreased. The system of queries from the array of published documents selected and summarized all currently known combinations of metal matrix/dispersed phase and information about their properties (corrosion behavior, wear resistance, microhardness, resistance to high-temperature oxidation, heat resistance, structural and adhesive characteristics). The results are presented in the form of tables and are provided with links to the original works. The analysis of the obtained problem-oriented database showed that for the period 2000-2019, no more than 15-20% of possible combinations were described, and an even smaller number of composite coatings were studied in depth and brought to practical use. The presented material makes it possible to analyze promising areas of research in a clear and easy to find source information form. The review is based on more than 400 references to journal articles. The original database on composite electroplating contains 1650 sources (patents, reports, brief reports, deposited manuscripts, etc.) that may be of interest as an extensive reference material.
Le super-héros et ses possibles : comment lire les comics aujourd’hui?
Authors: Baurin Camille
Published: August 2020

Cet article a pour objectif de présenter la production contemporaine des comics de super-héros en montrant comment celle-ci se fonde désormais sur une réflexivité massive. On partira ainsi de la tendance du genre à se déployer en une variété d’univers alternatifs qui ne cessent de confronter les super-héros à des contreparties de plus en plus subversives. Partant de ce constat, on verra que la réflexivité, après s’être s’établie à l’intérieur des récits, est devenue une stratégie promotionnelle s’enracinant dans les politiques des éditeurs elles-mêmes. Ce faisant, nous pourrons interroger le rôle de la métatextualité au sein d’une industrie contemporaine de culture populaire comme moyen de cerner les contours de la culture geek à laquelle elle appartient plus globalement et de revitaliser en même temps la nature contre-culturelle des comics.
Politique des mains en vis-à-vis : le dessin comme processus de réflexion
Authors: Genoudet Adrien
Published: August 2020

Il s’agit d’approcher, dans cet article, la manière dont certains auteurs de bandes dessinées se réapproprient, par plusieurs procédés, des images déjà existantes. Ces images, appropriées et diluées par la pratique des dessinateurs nous permettent de comprendre différemment les jeux de miroirs stylistiques lorsqu’on les analyse dans le temps. Chaque reprise d’images, quelle qu’elle soit, est toujours un dialogue temporel avec l’Autre. En s’intéressant aux reprises de photographies dans des bandes dessinées ou aux montages et compositions de David Vandermeulen dans Fritz Haber, nous essayons de comprendre dans cet article, plus largement, le geste de la main du dessinateur prit comme un mouvement de vis-à-vis avec un autre créateur.
Regarde, le dessin a bougé. Mark Beyer et le temps de l’autoréflexivité dans Amy + Jordan
Authors: Baetens Jan
Published: August 2020

On voudrait revenir ici sur le feuilleton post-underground de Mark Beyer,Amy + Jordan(à partir de l’anthologie publiée par Pantheon en 2004). Cette série, à la fois portrait d’une génération et expérience narrative et formelle à mi-chemin de l’abstraction et de la figuration, n’est sans doute pas construite autour du problème de l’autoréflexivité. Cependant, elle y apporte une contribution originale dans la mesure oùAmy + Jordanse présente comme un travail dans lequel l’autoréflexivité se déploie à travers le temps de la lecture, attirant ainsi l’attention sur le rôle producteur non seulement de l’interprétation, mais aussi sur le déroulement de cette interprétation dans le temps.
Hubungan Obesitas dengan Risiko Kejadian Penyakit Asma pada Perempuan Usia Produktif di Indonesia
Authors: Maulana Arief , Prihartono Nurhayati Adnan , Yovsyah Yovsyah
Published: August 2020

Penelitian mengenai hubungan obesitas dengan risiko kejadian penyakit asma sudah banyak dilakukan namun masih jarang dilakukan penelitian yang mengambil sampel perempuan usia produktif (15-64 tahun). Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengevaluasi hubungan obesitas dalam menyebabkan asma pada perempuan usia produktif (15-64 tahun). Penelitian ini menggunakan data bersumber dari Indonesian Family Life Survey-5 (IFLS-5) tahun 2014 dengan desain penelitian cross sectional. Sampel yang dianalisis pada penelitian ini berjumlah 15.654 setelah memenuhi kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi.  Data sampel dianalisis dengan menggunakan uji regresi logistik untuk mengetahui besar risiko obesitas dalam menyebabkan asma. Hasil penelitian didapatkan prevalensi asma sebesar 2,91%. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa perempuan usia produktif yang obesitas memiliki risiko 1,21 kali (95% CI 0,987-1,485) untuk mengalami asma (POR=1,21) dibandingkan dengan yang tidak obesitas setelah dikontrol dengan variabel merokok. Perlu adanya adanya promosi kesehatan lebih baik dan variatif untuk mencegah asma terutama pada perempuan obesitas pada umur 15-64 tahun.
Tuberculosis Case Finding Practice: The Intention of Cadres
Authors: Lepuen Agnes Pude , Ayuningsih Bratajaya Cicilia Nony , Rasmada Sada
Published: August 2020

Tuberculosis (TB) is a difficult health problem to overcome. Active case finding is an important step in managing this infectious disease. However, the prevalence of TB case finding among cadres at the community level is low because of the stigma attached to TB, difficulty in geographical coverage, low public awareness, and social economic barriers. In addition, the empowerment and intention of cadres to perform community-based TB case finding are not optimal yet. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the intention of TB case finding among 162 public health cadres at one district. Convenient sampling technique was employed in this study. Relationship analyses were performed using Chi-Square test. Results suggested that three factors, namely, attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavior control influenced the intention to practice TB case finding among cadres. Public health care providers must encourage cadres to practice active TB case finding and understand the benefits and burdens encountered by cadres during TB case finding. Abstrak Praktik Penemuan Kasus Tuberkulosis: Niat Kader. Tuberkulosis (TB) masih menjadi masalah kesehatan yang sulit diatasi. Penemuan kasus TB secara aktif merupakan langkah awal yang menjadi kunci keberhasilan dalam penanganan kasus TB, namun angka penemuan kasus TB masih rendah. Kader belum dapat melakukan pendeteksian dini kasus TB secara optimal. Selain itu sebagai penemu kasus TB di masyarakat, kader memiliki berbagai tantangan dalam upaya menemukan kasus TB, salah satunya adalah niat untuk menemukan kasus TB mengingat banyak stigma yang muncul terkait penyakit TB, keadaan geografi yang sulit dijangkau, rendahnya kesadaran masyarakat, dan kendala biaya. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui intensi atau niat kader dalam menemukan kasus TB. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain cross sectional dengan melibatkan 162 kader kesehatan di sebuah kecamatan. Metode pengambilan sampel menggunakan convenient sampling. Analisa hubungan menggunakan uji statistik Chi Square. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan ketiga faktor yaitu sikap, norma subjektif, dan kendali perilaku yang dirasakan memiliki hubungan dengan intensi dalam menemukan kasus TB. Maka dapat disimpulkan, dukungan tenaga kesehatan sangat penting dalam meningkatkan praktik penemuan kasus TB dan penting untuk memperhatikan manfaat dan tantangan yang ditemui oleh kader dalam menemukan kasus TB. Kata Kunci: kader kesehatan, kontrol kendali yang dirasakan, niat, norma subjektif, sikap, penemuan kasus Tuberkulosis
Emergent Properties of Macroscale Assemblies of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Tulevski George S. , Falk Abram L.
Published: August 2020

Individually, carbon nanotubes are known to have outstanding electrical and optical properties. Assemblies of carbon nantoubes, however, typically underperform relative to their individual properties. Recently, advances in solution‐based assembly methods show that assemblies can not only approach their predicted properties, but also demonstrate emergent properties not evidenced in individual carbon nanotubes. This article will highlight several of these methods and how the emergent properties of the resultant assemblies advance the state‐of‐the art for carbon nanotube electronics and optics.
A follow‐up report on the effect of a simplified basic life support training program for non‐medical staff working at a university hospital: changes in attitude toward cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator use through repeat training
Authors: Matsuura Hiroshi , Sakai Tomohiko , Katayama Yusuke , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Hirose Tomoya , Matsumoto Hisatake , Matsubara Tsunehiro , Iwami Taku , Fujino Yuji , Shimazu Takeshi
Published: August 2020

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the effect of repeat training and the interval of reattending a simplified basic life support (BLS) training course.

Methods

We administered a questionnaire on the attitude toward cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) use (check for response, chest compression, and using an AED) before and immediately after a 45‐min BLS training program provided for non‐medical staff working at a university hospital from September 2010 to November 2018. The main outcome was positive willingness of the participants toward CPR and AED use. The effect of repeat training was assessed with McNemar’s test and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Differences in the interval of reattending the simplified BLS training course were assessed with Fisher’s exact test.

Results

Fifty‐nine training courses were held. Among the total participant count of 1,025, 760 individuals attended, of whom 126 attended the training multiple times. The proportion of participants showing a positive attitude toward chest compression before the course increased as the number of attendances increased (adjusted odds ratio 1.62: 9.8% at first training to 58.8% at sixth training). The positive attitude of participants before the course was significantly greater when the training interval was <1 year (36.1% versus 18.7%). There was no significant difference for a 6‐month interval (40% versus 23.2%).

Conclusions

Repeat training for non‐medical staff in a chest compression‐only CPR training course showed a cumulative effect of repeat attendance. A course interval of <1 year from the previous attendance would be important for maintaining a positive attitude toward CPR and AED use.
Utilizing a Photocatalysis Process to Achieve a Cathode with Low Charging Overpotential and High Cycling Durability for a Li‐O2 Battery
Authors: Tong Shengfu , Luo Cuiping , Li Jiade , Mei Zongwei , Wu Mingmei , O'Mullane Anthony P. , Zhu Huaiyong
Published: August 2020

The practical applications of non‐aqueous lithium‐oxygen batteries are impeded by large overpotentials and unsatisfactory cycling durability. Reported here is that commonly encountered fatal problems can be efficiently solved by using a carbon‐ and binder‐free electrode of titanium coated with TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNAs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Ultraviolet irradiation of the TNAs generates positively charged holes, which efficiently decompose Li2O2 and Li2CO3 during recharging, thereby reducing the overpotential to one that is near the equilibrium potential for Li2O2 formation. The AuNPs promote Li2O2 formation, resulting in a large discharge capacity. The electrode exhibits excellent stability with about 100 % coulombic efficiency during continuous cycling of up to 200 cycles, which is due to the carbon‐ and binder‐free composition. This work reveals a new strategy towards the development of highly efficient oxygen electrode materials for lithium‐oxygen batteries.
On‐Surface Driven Formal Michael Addition Produces m‐Polyaniline Oligomers on Pt(111)
Authors: Ruiz del Árbol Nerea , Sánchez‐Sánchez Carlos , Otero‐Irurueta Gonzalo , Martínez José I. , de Andrés Pedro L. , Gómez‐Herrero Ana C. , Merino Pablo , Piantek Marten , Serrate David , Lacovig Paolo , Lizzit Silvano , Alemán José , Ellis Gary J. , López María F. , Martín‐Gago José A.
Published: August 2020

On‐surface synthesis is emerging as a highly rational bottom‐up methodology for the synthesis of molecular structures that are unattainable or complex to obtain by wet chemistry. Here, oligomers of meta‐polyaniline, a known ferromagnetic polymer, were synthesized from para‐aminophenol building‐blocks via an unexpected and highly specific on‐surface formal 1,4 Michael‐type addition at the meta position, driven by the reduction of the aminophenol molecule. We rationalize this dehydrogenation and coupling reaction mechanism with a combination of in situ scanning tunneling and non‐contact atomic force microscopies, high‐resolution synchrotron‐based X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy and first‐principles calculations. This study demonstrates the capability of surfaces to selectively modify local molecular conditions to redirect well‐established synthetic routes, such as Michael coupling, towards the rational synthesis of new covalent nanostructures.
Jaburetox, a urease‐derived peptide: Effects on enzymatic pathways of the cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea
Authors: Perin Ana P. A. , Noronha Mila S. , Moyetta Natalia R. , Coste Grahl Matheus V. , Fruttero Leonardo L. , Staniscuaski Fernanda
Published: August 2020

Jaburetox is a recombinant peptide derived from one of the Canavalia ensiformis urease isoforms. This peptide induces several toxic effects on insects of different orders, including interference on muscle contractility in cockroaches, modulation of UDP‐N‐acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase (UAP) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activities in the central nervous system of triatomines, as well as activation of the immune system in Rhodnius prolixus. When injected, the peptide is lethal for R. prolixus and Triatoma infestans. Here, we evaluated Jaburetox toxicity to Nauphoeta cinerea cockroaches, exploring the effects on the central nervous system through the activities of UAP, NOS, acid phosphatases (ACP), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). The results indicated that N. cinerea is not susceptible to the lethal effect of the peptide. Moreover, both in vivo and in vitro treatments with Jaburetox inhibited NOS activity, without modifying the protein levels. No alterations on ACP activity were observed. In addition, the enzyme activity of UAP only had its activity affected at 18 hr after injection. The peptide increased the AChE activity, suggesting a mechanism involved in overcoming the toxic effects. In conclusion, our findings indicate that Jaburetox affects the nitrinergic signaling as well as the AChE and UAP activities and establishes N. cinerea as a Jaburetox‐resistant model for future comparative studies.
Determination of the inhibition profiles of pyrazolyl–thiazole derivatives against aldose reductase and α‐glycosidase and molecular docking studies
Authors: Demir Yeliz , Taslimi Parham , Koçyiğit Ümit M. , Akkuş Musa , Özaslan Muhammet Serhat , Duran Hatice Esra , Budak Yakup , Tüzün Burak , Gürdere Meliha B. , Ceylan Mustafa , Taysi Seyithan , Gülçin İlhami , Beydemir Şükrü
Published: August 2020

Aldose reductase (AR) is the first and rate‐limiting enzyme of the polyol pathway, which converts glucose to sorbitol in an NADPH‐dependent reaction. α‐Glycosidase breaks down starch and disaccharides to glucose. Hence, inhibition of these enzymes can be regarded a considerable approach in the treatment of diabetic complications. AR was purified from sheep liver using simple chromatographic methods. The inhibitory effects of pyrazolyl–thiazoles ((3aR,4S,7R,7aS)‐2‐(4‐{1‐[4‐(4‐bromophenyl)thiazol‐2‐yl]‐5‐(aryl)‐4,5‐dihydro‐1H‐pyrazol‐3‐yl}phenyl)‐3a,4,7,7a‐tetrahydro‐1H‐4,7‐methanoisoindole‐1,3(2H)‐dione derivatives; 3a–i) on AR and α‐glycosidase enzymes were investigated. All compounds showed a good inhibitory action against AR and α‐glycosidase. Among these compounds, compound 3d exhibited the best inhibition profiles against AR, with a Ki value of 7.09 ± 0.19 µM, whereas compound 3e showed the lowest inhibition effects, with a Ki value of 21.89 ± 1.87 µM. Also, all compounds showed efficient inhibition profiles against α‐glycosidase, with Ki values in the range of 0.43 ± 0.06 to 2.30 ± 0.48 µM, whereas the Ki value of acarbose was 12.60 ± 0.78 µM. Lastly, molecular modeling approaches were implemented to predict the binding affinities of compounds against AR and α‐glycosidase. In addition, the ADME analysis of the molecules was performed.
Visible‐Light Photoredox Catalyzed C−N Coupling of Quinoxaline‐2(1H)‐ones with Azoles without External Photosensitizer
Authors: Sun Mingli , Wang Lei , Zhao Lulu , Wang Zhiming , Li Pinhua
Published: August 2020

A visible‐light photoredox catalyzed C−N coupling of quinoxaline‐2(1H)‐ones with azoles in the absence of external photosensitizer has been developed. The protocol employs commercially available pyrazoles and triazoles as amination reagents and shows wide substrate scope, providing the corresponding C3‐position amination products in good yields and high regioselectivity under ambient conditions. Investigations indicate that the starting materials and products can act as photosensitizers avoiding use of additional photocatalyst in an autocatalytic manner. In addition, 1O2 coexists with O2.− from molecular oxygen (3O2) via an energy transfer (ET) and single electron transfer (SET) process during the reaction.
Movements of Mobile Ions in Molecular Electronic Devices
Authors: Sachan Pradeep , Chandra Mondal Prakash
Published: August 2020

Molecular electronic devices have gained extensive interest, owing to their low‐cost fabrication, easy characterization, low voltage operations, fast response to external stimuli, and innumerable applications that are not possible with the existing complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS)‐based devices. Molecular ultrathin films of controllable thickness grown through the electroreduction method on conducting carbon electrodes can further enhance the interfacial stability of the molecular devices over thiolated self‐assembled monolayers, thus are more powerful for practical usages. A novel nanometric molecular electronic device with a stacking configuration of carbon/tetraphenylporphyrin/LiF/carbon demonstrates electric‐field‐ and polar‐solvent‐driven ion movements, producing high‐density charge storage ability and resonant charge‐transport mechanism at low bias <+1 V is highlighted here. The charge storage capability of the device enhances in CH3CN vapor as much as 78 fold over the dry measurement.
Complications seen with the use of lasers for cosmetic applications
Authors: Schwartzberg Lauren , Gold Michael H.
Published: August 2020

Background

There are many indications for lasers in cosmetic dermatology. Nonetheless, complications do occur. Laser mechanism of action, fluence, wavelength, and pulse duration all play a role in the laser's potential to damage nearby skin and cause subsequent harmful consequences. Understanding the laser being used and known complications associated with these lasers may provide better patient outcomes.

Objective

To evaluate the complications associated with laser treatments in cosmetic dermatology so providers have a concise resource to improve patient outcomes.

Methods

A literature review of complications associated with carbon dioxide, erbium YAG, neodymium‐doped YAG, alexandrite, and dye lasers.

Results

Notable complications include burns, infections, dyspigmentation, ophthalmic injuries, Koebner phenomenon, scarring, prolonged erythema, acne, milia, and contact dermatitis.

Conclusion

Clinicians using lasers should be aware of the complications associated with laser use since precautions may be taken to prevent some of these adverse events and prompt identification can help improve patient outcomes and decrease long‐term consequences.
Temporary right ventricular circulatory support following right ventricular infarction: results of a groin‐free approach
Authors: Kremer Jamila , Farag Mina , Brcic Andreas , Zubarevich Alina , Schamroth Joel , Kreusser Michael M. , Karck Matthias , Ruhparwar Arjang , Schmack Bastian
Published: August 2020

Aims

Acute right heart failure (RHF) is a severe complication of right ventricular infarction. The management of acute RHF poses a number of challenges, such as providing haemodynamic support. Temporary circulatory support (TCS) may be required upon failing medical therapy. The ProtekDuo® dual lumen cannula provides a minimally invasive option for (TCS) through a groin‐free internal jugular vein approach. We present the largest patient series to date using the ProtekDuo® cannula as temporary right ventricular assist device (t‐RVAD) in RHF after acute myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods and results

From July 2016 to November 2019, 10 patients underwent t‐RVAD implantation for RHF following acute MI. Transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography were performed in all patients to assess cardiac function, with a particular focus on RV function. Cumulative 30‐day survival was 60%. Mean TAPSE was 6.4 ± 3.1 mm, mean fractional area change was 12.1 ± 4.2%, and mean right ventricular end diastolic area was 19.8 ± 2.7 cm2. Mean implantation time was 32.8 ± 8.3 min. Mean interval after first cardiac intervention was 4.6 ± 5.8 days. Mean t‐RVAD time was 10.0 ± 7.4 days with a significant reduction in central venous pressure 19.3 ± 2.7 vs. 8.2 ± 2.6 mmHg, P < 0.001 and a significant increase in central venous saturation 52.8 ± 15.6 vs. 80.0 ± 6.0%, P < 0.001. Mean intensive care unit stay was 18.6 ± 12.2 days. Four patients were weaned from TCS. Two patients were bridged to a long‐term paracorporeal RVAD. There were no t‐RVAD associated complications. Causes of death (n = 4) were multiorgan failure, electromechanical dissociation, and haemorrhagic stroke. Mean follow‐up time was 96.0 ± 107.6 days. No independent predictors of mortality were identified in univariate analysis.

Conclusions

We show that groin‐free, percutaneous implantation of the ProtekDuo® cannula is a feasible and safe tool for TCS in acute RHF post‐MI. This approach provides the advantages of percutaneous implantation including complete mobilization and non‐surgical bedside explantation, as well as the option for adding an oxygenator to the t‐RVAD circuit.
Safety evaluation of aqueous extracts of Sanghuangporus vaninii fruiting body in Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Huo Jinxi , Sun Yuqing , Zhong Shi , Li Yougui , Yang Ruchun , Xia Lijuan , Wang Jiahong , Zhang Majuan , Zhu Jianxun
Published: August 2020

Sanghuangporus vaninii, called “Sanghuang,” is orally used for health care, tumor, and inflammation treatment in Asia. However, the safety of S. vaninii has not been evaluated. The major compounds analysis showed that aqueous extracts of S. vaninii fruiting body were rich in polysaccharides, nucleotides, and polyphenols. Then, the aqueous was given orally to Sprague–Dawley rats for toxical test. In acute toxicity study, the maximum tolerated dose was 21 g/kg. In 17‐week repeated dose toxicity experiment, all rats had no abnormal reaction among control group, low dose group (0.15 g/kg) and middle dose group (1.00 g/kg). At high dose group (6.00 g/kg), the feces began to darken on 16th day (D16), and turned to drug stained stool on D21, all rats recovered on the 3rd day (D92) of recovery period. During the whole experiment, there were no animal death and no treatment‐related changes in any of the parameters under the all doses. These results indicated the No‐Observed Adverse Effect Level of aqueous extract of S. vaninii fruiting body was 1.0 g/kg.
MHD nonlinear radiative flow of Carreau nanofluid with variable chemical reaction: An approach to control global warming
Authors: Mishra Ashok , Priyadarsan K. P. , Mishra S. , Nayak M. K.
Published: August 2020

Solar energy is a significant source of clean and renewable energy, which can be harnessed to control global warming/pollution levels. Carreau nanofluid models have been used in the cooling of solar devices so as to upgrade the efficiency of solar energy systems. The energy equation is modeled by adopting nonlinear thermal radiation because it has a major role on the solar energy absorption capacity of nanofluid. Diffusion of species involving chemical reactions in boundary layer flow finds overwhelming applications in pollution studies, polymer production, in the design of chemical processing equipments, and so forth. In view of this, the present article is developed to evaluate the impact of nonlinear thermal radiation, chemical reaction, and applied magnetic field to the flow of Carreau nanoliquid induced by exponentially extendable surface. The outcomes of the preset study include that more magnetized the conducting fluid contributes more controlled motion of both shear thinning and shear thickening fluids. Axial and transverse surface viscous drag forces, rate of heat, and mass transportation augment with raising Weissenberg parameter while temperature and concentration fields attain a descending trend due to it. In addition, augmented temperature ratio parameter upgraded the thermal field.
Chronotype and depressive symptoms: A moderated mediation model of sleep quality and resilience in the 1st‐year college students
Authors: Zhou Jieying , Hsiao Fan‐Chi , Shi Xuliang , Yang Jiayu , Huang Yanping , Jiang Yulu , Zhang Bin , Ma Ning
Published: August 2020

Objective

Depression is highly prevalent among 1st‐year college students, and evening chronotype is an important risk factor associated with depression. This study investigates the mediating role of sleep quality and the moderating role of resilience between chronotype and depressive symptoms.

Methods

A total of 4531 students were included in this cross‐sectional study. Mediation and moderated mediation models were applied.

Results

The association between chronotype and depressive symptoms was partially mediated by sleep quality, and the direct and indirect effects were moderated by resilience. The negative correlation between chronotype and depressive symptoms was significant in students with low levels of resilience compared with moderate/high levels. The positive correlation between sleep quality and depressive symptoms was strongest in low‐level resilience students.

Conclusion

This study reveals that greater eveningness is associated with poorer sleep quality among 1st‐year college students, which may lead to severer depression, and highlights the importance of resilience training in reducing depressive symptoms.
Ginsenoside Rb1 attenuates microglia activation to improve spinal cord injury via microRNA‐130b‐5p/TLR4/NF‐κB axis
Authors: Wang Dan , Zhao Shixin , Pan Junwei , Wang Zhen , Li Yu , Xu Xiaoxiao , Yang Jiahao , Zhang Xi , Wang Yisheng , Liu Ming
Published: August 2020

Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1), a major ingredient of ginseng, has been found to be a potential protective agent in spinal cord injury (SCI) and in activated microglia‐induced neuronal injury. This study discovered that GRb1 could facilitate miR‐130b‐5p expression in SCI rats and Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4; a crucial player in inflammation) was a potential target of miR‐130b‐5p. Hence, we further investigated whether GRb1 could relieve SCI by reducing microglia‐mediated inflammatory responses and neuronal injury via miR‐130b‐5p/TLR4 pathways. The results showed that GRb1 alleviated SCI through inhibiting neuronal apoptosis and proinflammatory factor expression via increasing miR‐130b‐5p.GRb1 weakened the damage of activated microglia to neurons through upregulating miR‐130b‐5p. miR‐130b‐5p attenuated activated microglia‐induced neuron injury via targeting TLR4. GRb1 inactivated TLR4/nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation and inhibited proinflammatory cytokine secretion by increasing miR‐130b‐5p in activated microglia. As a conclusion, GRb1 alleviated SCI through reducing activated microglia‐induced neuronal injury via miR‐130b‐5p/TLR4/NF‐κB axis, providing a deep insight into the molecular basis of GRb1 in the treatment of SCI.
Scale‐up Fenton process: study and optimization in piggery wastewater treatment
Authors: Zárate‐Guzmán Ana I , Warren‐Vega Walter M , Romero‐Cano Luis A , Cárdenas‐Mijangos Jesús
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

In the present study, the Fenton process was used as an effective method to treat several contaminants present in wastewaters. The case study is a pig farm located in the community of Loma de Zempoala, Guanajuato, Mexico, where the Fenton process in continuos flow assisted with sunlight was used to treat a real piggery wastewater.

RESULTS

First, an optimization of the operational parameters at laboratory scale was carried out by experimental design Taguchi L9. Experimental data showed the following degradation efficiencies: chemical oxygen demand (COD) = 95% ± 1.%; total organic carbon (TOC) = 53% ± 9%; Color = 99% ± 1%. To maximize the degradation of organic matter a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to define the following operational parameters: pH = 3, reaction time = 60 min, molar ratios hydrogen peroxide (H2O2):COD = 1.5 and H2O2:ferrous ion (Fe2+) = 1.5. As a second step, the scaling of the process in continuous flow was carried out, and the experimental data were adjusted appropriately to a kinetic model of pseudo‐first‐order, reaching a 98% degradation of organic matter at 250 min.

CONCLUSION

In this study, the Fenton process assisted with sunlight is faster than the traditional method because the incident light has a catalytic effect together with the ferric ion, improving the formation of hydroxyl radicals; as a consequence, the treated effluent presents the quality indicated by the Mexican environmental legislation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Ergodicity and threshold behaviors of a predator‐prey model in stochastic chemostat driven by regime switching
Authors: Wang Liang , Jiang Daqing
Published: August 2020

This paper deals with a stochastic predator‐prey model in chemostat which is driven by Markov regime switching. For the asymptotic behaviors of this stochastic system, we establish the sufficient conditions for the existence of the stationary distribution. Then, we investigate, respectively, the extinction of the prey and predator populations. We explore the new critical numbers between survival and extinction for species of the dual‐threshold chemostat model. Numerical simulations are accomplished to confirm our analytical conclusions.