bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cenários do Pós-Abolição no Vale do Paraíba Paulista: tutela, trabalho infantil e violência sexual (1888/1889)
Authors: Papali Maria Aparecida Chaves Ribeiro , Zanetti Valéria , Castilho Mateus Henrique Obristi
Published: August 2020

O artigo discute as tensões desencadeadas no pós-abolição em pequenas cidades do Vale do Paraíba Paulista, tais como São José dos Campos, Jacareí e Paraibuna. Uma das questões que se tornou evidente foi a exploração da mão de obra infantil e juvenil por meio de ações de tutela e contratos de soldada. A documentação consultada possibilitou a interpretação de um cenário tenso, no qual trabalho, fugas e violência sexual se mesclavam no cotidiano de órfãos tutelados e seus respectivos tutores.

Palavras-chave: tutela - pós-abolição - órfãos.

Abstract

The article seeks to discuss the tensions triggered in small post-abolition cities in the Paraiba Valley of São Paulo, including São José dos Campos, Jacareí and Paraibuna. One of the issues that became evident through the analysis was the exploitation of children and youth labor through tutorship actions and soldier contracts. The documentation consulted allowed for an interpretation of a tense scenario, where work, evasion and sexual violence  mixed in the daily lives of protected orphans and their respective guardians.

Keywords: Guardianship - post-abolition - orphans.

 

 
MILITANTES NEGROS NOS ESTADOS UNIDOS E NO BRASIL: KING JR., MALCOLM X E MILITANTES BRASILEIROS ENVOLVIDOS NA ATUAÇÃO DO MOVIMENTO NEGRO UNIFICADO, RELAÇÕES POSSÍVEIS. (1950-1980)
Authors: Garrido Mírian C. M.
Published: August 2020

As militâncias brasileiras organizadas no período final da ditadura civil militar apontam líderes estadunidenses como referências e, erroneamente, essa influência foi compreendida, por alguns, como mera cópia do modelo. O presente artigo busca situar as bases históricas em que se formou a militância estadunidense, tomando como exemplo dois ícones desse movimento, Martin Luther King Jr. e Malcolm X, as possibilidades de diálogo entre eles, assim como as trajetórias e as ações de ativistas brasileiros que estiveram envolvidos na atuação do Movimento Negro Unificado. O corpo documental, constituído por entrevistas, biografias, discursos e obras bibliográficas, foi utilizado como meio de acessar as visões de mundo desses indivíduos e os discursos por eles fabricados ou repelidos. Em síntese, amparados no passado histórico e na luta contra o racismo, brasileiros e estadunidenses denunciavam o preterimento social e econômico, ao passo que apontavam os caminhos de reversão dessa realidade. As direções, contudo, eram diversas.

Palavras-chave: militantes negros - racismo - transnacional - autoidentificação positiva.

Abstract

The Afro-Brazilian militancy organized in the final period of the Civil-Military Dictatorship, pointed to African American leaders as references, and that influence was wrongly understood by some as a mere copy of their model.. This article seeks to identify in which  historical bases was the African-American militancy formed, taking the example of two icons of this movement (King Jr. and Malcolm X), and the possibilities of dialogue between them and Afro-Brazilians activists, who were engaged with the Unified Black Movement. The documental series is understood as a way of accessing the worldviews of these individuals and the discourses they fabricated or rejected; composed of interviews, biographies, speeches and bibliographical works. In sumy, supported in the historical past and the fight against racism, Brazilian and U.S. activists denounced social and economic postponement as they also pointed to the paths of reversing this reality; the directions, however, were multiple.

Keywords: afro militants - racism - transnational - positive identification.
OS MOVIMENTOS AFRICANOS PELA INDEPENDÊNCIA E O FIM DO SALAZARISMO
Authors: Conceição Juvenal De Carvalho
Published: August 2020

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DESCOLONIZANDO O CONHECIMENTO: CONTRIBUIÇÃO DE NEGROS BRASILEIROS AO DIÁLOGO TRANSATLÂNTICO
Authors: Costa Joaze Bernardino
Published: August 2020

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O MEDO
Authors: Pinho Osmundo
Published: August 2020

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Influence of Electrostatic Field on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AZ91 Mg Alloy during Ageing Treatment
Authors: Liu Meijuan , Sun Ming , Zhang Binghui , Xia Zhengwen , Guo Minghao
Published: August 2020

The effects of electrostatic field on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ91 alloy during ageing treatment are studied. It is shown that electrostatic field can modify the precipitate distributions. With the help of electrostatic field (intensity 4 kV cm−1), the continuous precipitate (CP) is refined, whereas the discontinuous precipitate (DP) is suppressed to some extent. The tensile yield strength of peak‐aged AZ91 alloy is improved from 156 to 169 MPa. The mechanism by which the electrostatic field modifies the precipitate distributions is discussed via the resistivity data combined with the classical theory of vacancy‐dominant diffusion. It is shown that the electrostatic field probably enhances the bulk diffusion and then improves the competitiveness of CP against DP.
Rheological Behavior of Pure Molybdenum at High Temperature Considering Strain Compensation
Authors: Hu Ping , Cheng Quan , Li Shilei , Xing Hairui , Han Jiayu , Ge Songwei , Hua Xingjiang , Hu Boliang , Wang Kuaishe , Li Laiping
Published: August 2020

The rheological behavior of pure molybdenum at a temperature range of 1150–1300 °C at an interval of 50 °C with strain rates ranging from 0.01 to 10 s−1 is studied by means of an isothermal compression experiment. The obtained true stress–strain curves reflect the strong dependence of the flow stress on the deformation temperatures and strain rates. To accurately describe the rheological behavior, a classic Arrhenius‐type equation is utilized for verification, which has been developed to consider the strain compensation. The results show that the modified constitutive equation has the ability to accurately predict performance. Meanwhile, processing maps of pure molybdenum under strains of 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6 are also constructed and the deformation safety in different domains is discussed in conjunction with the metallographic structure. The deformation conditions at a temperature range of 1250–1300 °C and a strain rate of 0.01–0.23 s−1 are the optimal hot working parameters under a strain of 0.6, which creates a foundation for the effective hot forming of molybdenum.
Changing the Electronic Polarizability of Monolayer MoS2 by Perylene‐Based Seeding Promoters
Authors: Martella Christian , Kozma Erika , Tummala Pinaka Pani , Ricci Saverio , Patel Kishan Ashokbhai , Andicsovà‐Eckstein Anita , Bertini Fabio , Scavia Guido , Sordan Roman , Nobili Luca G. , Bollani Monica , Giovanella Umberto , Lamperti Alessio , Molle Alessandro
Published: August 2020

Large area molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) monolayers are typically obtained by using perylene‐3,4,9,10‐tetracarboxylic acid tetrapotassium salt (PTAS) as organic seeding promoter in chemical vapor deposition (CVD). However, the influence of the seeding promoter and the involvement of the functional groups attached to the seed molecules on the physical properties of the MoS2 monolayer are rarely taken into account. Here, it is shown that MoS2 monolayers exhibit remarkable differences in terms of the electronic polarizability by using two representative cases of seeding promoter, namely, the commercial PTAS and a home‐made perylene‐based molecule, N,N‐bis‐(5‐guanidil‐1‐pentanoic acid)‐perylene‐3,4,9,10‐tetracarboxylic acid diimide (PTARG). By thermogravimetric analysis, it is verified that the thermal degradation of the promoters occurs differently at the CVD working condition: with a single detachment of the functional groups for PTAS and with multiple thermal events for PTARG. As a consequence, the promoter‐dependent electronic polarizability, derived by free charges trapped in the monolayer, impacts on the photoluminescence emission, as well as on the electrical performances of the monolayer channel in back‐gated field‐effect transistors. These findings suggest that the modification of the electronic polarizability, by varying the molecular promoter in a pre‐growth stage, is a path to engineer the MoS2 opto‐electronic properties.
Screening of a large Rubinstein–Taybi cohort identified many novel variants and emphasizes the importance of the CREBBP histone acetyltransferase domain
Authors: Cross Esther , Duncan‐Flavell Philippa J. , Howarth Rachel J. , Hobbs James I. , Thomas Nicholas Simon , Bunyan David J.
Published: August 2020

Pathogenic variants within the CREBBP and EP300 genes account for the majority of individuals with Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RSTS). Data are presented from a large cohort of 395 individuals referred for diagnostic testing of CREBBP, and of the 19 CREBBP missense variants classified as likely pathogenic in this study, 17 were within the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) domain, providing evidence that this domain is critical to the normal function of the CREBBP protein (CBP). The data presented here, combined with other published results, suggest that the presence of a missense variant within the CBP HAT domain can be considered as moderate evidence of pathogenicity in the context of official variant interpretation guidelines. Within our study cohort, 129 had a pathogenic or likely pathogenic CREBBP variant and 5 had a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) which warranted familial studies. 147 of the remaining probands were also screened for EP300 and a further 16 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were identified, plus one VUS. Therefore, this analysis has provided a molecular diagnosis in at least 145 individuals with RSTS (37%) and identified a wide range of variants (n = 133) of which 103 were novel.
Education differentially contributes to cognitive reserve across racial/ethnic groups
Authors: Avila Justina F. , Rentería Miguel Arce , Jones Richard N. , Vonk Jet M. J. , Turney Indira , Sol Ketlyne , Seblova Dominika , Arias Franchesca , Hill‐Jarrett Tanisha , Levy Shellie‐Anne , Meyer Oanh , Racine Annie M. , Tom Sarah E. , Melrose Rebecca J. , Deters Kacie , Medina Luis D. , Carrión Carmen I. , Díaz‐Santos Mirella , Byrd DeAnnah R. , Chesebro Anthony , Colon Juliet , Igwe Kay C. , Maas Benjamin , Brickman Adam M. , Schupf Nicole , Mayeux Richard , Manly Jennifer J.
Published: August 2020

Introduction

We examined whether educational attainment differentially contributes to cognitive reserve (CR) across race/ethnicity.

Methods

A total of 1553 non‐Hispanic Whites (Whites), non‐Hispanic Blacks (Blacks), and Hispanics in the Washington Heights‐Inwood Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP) completed structural magnetic resonance imaging. Mixture growth curve modeling was used to examine whether the effect of brain integrity indicators (hippocampal volume, cortical thickness, and white matter hyperintensity [WMH] volumes) on memory and language trajectories was modified by education across racial/ethnic groups.

Results

Higher educational attainment attenuated the negative impact of WMH burden on memory (β = −0.03; 99% CI: −0.071, −0.002) and language decline (β = −0.024; 99% CI:− 0.044, −0.004), as well as the impact of cortical thinning on level of language performance for Whites, but not for Blacks or Hispanics.

Discussion

Educational attainment does not contribute to CR similarly across racial/ethnic groups.
Implantable Cardiac Monitoring in the Secondary Prevention of Cryptogenic Stroke
Authors: Triantafyllou Sokratis , Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Dilaveris Polychronis , Giannopoulos Georgios , Kossyvakis Charalampos , Adreanides Elias , Liantinioti Chrissoula , Tympas Konstantinos , Zompola Christina , Theodorou Aikaterini , Palaiodimou Lina , Flevari Panagiota , Kosmidou Maria , Voumvourakis Konstantinos , Parissis John , Deftereos Spyridon , Tsivgoulis Georgios
Published: August 2020

Objective

In this study, we sought to evaluate the impact of implantable cardiac monitoring (ICM) in the prevention of stroke recurrence after a cryptogenic ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

Methods

We evaluated consecutive patients with cryptogenic ischemic stroke or TIA admitted in a comprehensive stroke center during an 8‐year period. We compared the baseline characteristics and outcomes between patients receiving conventional cardiac monitoring with repeated 24‐hour Holter‐monitoring during the first 5 years in the outpatient setting and those receiving continuous cardiac monitoring with ICM during the last 3 years. Associations on the outcomes of interest were further assessed in multivariable regression models adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

We identified a total of 373 patients receiving conventional cardiac monitoring and 123 patients receiving ICM. Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) detection was higher in the ICM cohort compared to the conventional cardiac monitoring cohort (21.1% vs 7.5%, p < 0.001). ICM was independently associated with an increased likelihood of PAF detection during follow‐up (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.16–3.24) in multivariable analyses. Patients receiving ICM were also found to have significantly higher rates of anticoagulation initiation (18.7% vs 6.4%, p < 0.001) and lower risk of stroke recurrence (4.1% vs 11.8%, p = 0.013). ICM was independently associated with a lower risk of stroke recurrence during follow‐up (HR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.11–0.90) in multivariable analyses.

Interpretation

ICM appears to be independently associated with a higher likelihood of PAF detection and anticoagulation initiation after a cryptogenic ischemic stroke or TIA. ICM was also independently related to lower risk of stroke recurrence in our cryptogenic stroke / TIA cohort. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:946–955
Deep Brain Stimulation for Chronic Cluster Headache: Meta‐Analysis of Individual Patient Data
Authors: Nowacki Andreas , Schober Martin , Nader Lydia , Saryyeva Assel , Nguyen Thuy‐Anh Khoa , Green Alexander L. , Pollo Claudio , Krauss Joachim K. , Fontaine Denys , Aziz Tipu Z.
Published: August 2020

Objective

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a treatment option for refractory chronic cluster headache (CCH). Despite several recent prospective case series reporting a good outcome, the effectiveness and the optimal stimulation target of DBS for CCH remain unclear. We aimed to obtain precise estimates and predictors of long‐term pain relief in an individual patient data meta‐analysis. Furthermore, we aimed to construct a probabilistic stimulation map of effective DBS.

Methods

We invited investigators of published cohorts of patients undergoing DBS for CCH, identified by a systematic review of MEDLINE from inception to Febuary 15, 2019, to provide individual patient data on baseline covariates, pre‐ and postoperative headache scores at median (12‐month) and long‐term follow‐up, in addition to individual imaging data to obtain individual electrode positions. We calculated a stimulation map using voxel‐wise statistical analysis. We used multiple regression analysis to estimate predictors of pain relief.

Results

Among 40 patients from four different cohorts representing ~50% of all previously published cases, we found a significant 77% mean reduction in headache attack frequency over a mean follow‐up of 44 months, with an overall response rate of 75%. Positive outcome was not associated with baseline covariates. We identified 2 hotspots of stimulation covering the midbrain ventral and retrorubral tegmentum.

Interpretation

This study supports the hypothesis that DBS provides long‐term pain relief for the majority of CCH patients. Our stimulation map of the region of influence of therapeutic DBS identified an optimal anatomical target site that can help surgeons to guide their surgical planning in the future. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:956–969
Direct Intermediate Regulation Enabled by Sulfur Containers in Working Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Xie Jin , Song Yun‐Wei , Li Bo‐Quan , Peng Hong‐Jie , Huang Jia‐Qi , Zhang Qiang
Published: August 2020

Polysulfide intermediates (PSs), the liquid‐phase species of active materials in lithium–sulfur (Li‐S) batteries, connect the electrochemical reactions between insulative solid sulfur and lithium sulfide and are key to full exertion of the high‐energy‐density Li‐S system. Herein, the concept of sulfur container additives is proposed for the direct modification on the PSs species. By reversible storage and release of the sulfur species, the container molecule converts small PSs into large organosulfur species. The prototype di(tri)sulfide‐polyethylene glycol sulfur container is highly efficient in the reversible PS transformation to multiply affect electrochemical behaviors of sulfur cathodes in terms of liquid‐species clustering, reaction kinetics, and solid deposition. The stability and capacity of Li‐S cells was thereby enhanced. The sulfur container is a strategy to directly modify PSs, enlightening the precise regulation on Li‐S batteries and multi‐phase electrochemical systems.
Efficient Encounter Complex Formation and Electron Transfer to Cytochrome c Peroxidase with an Additional, Distant Electrostatic Binding Site
Authors: Di Savino Antonella , Foerster Johannes M. , La Haye Thijmen , Blok Anneloes , Timmer Monika , Ullmann G. Matthias , Ubbink Marcellus
Published: August 2020

Electrostatic interactions can strongly increase the efficiency of protein complex formation. The charge distribution in redox proteins is often optimized to steer a redox partner to the electron transfer active binding site. To test whether the optimized distribution is more important than the strength of the electrostatic interactions, an additional negative patch was introduced on the surface of cytochrome c peroxidase, away from the stereospecific binding site, and its effect on the encounter complex as well as the rate of complex formation was determined. Monte Carlo simulations and paramagnetic relaxation enhancement NMR experiments indicate that the partner, cytochrome c, interacts with the new patch. Unexpectedly, the rate of the active complex formation was not reduced, but rather slightly increased. The findings support the idea that for efficient protein complex formation the strength of the electrostatic interaction is more critical than an optimized charge distribution.
A Mechanochemical Reaction Cascade for Controlling Load‐Strengthening of a Mechanochromic Polymer
Authors: Pan Yifei , Zhang Huan , Xu Piaoxue , Tian Yancong , Wang Chenxu , Xiang Shishuai , Boulatov Roman , Weng Wengui
Published: August 2020

We demonstrate an intermolecular reaction cascade to control the force which triggers crosslinking of a mechanochromic polymer of spirothiopyran (STP). Mechanochromism arises from rapid reversible force‐sensitive isomerization of STP to a merocyanine, which reacts rapidly with activated C=C bonds. The concentration of such bonds, and hence the crosslinking rate, is controlled by force‐dependent dissociation of a Diels–Alder adduct of anthracene and maleimide. Because the adduct requires ca. 1 nN higher force to dissociate at the same rate as that of STP isomerization, the cascade limits crosslinking to overstressed regions of the material, which are at the highest rate of material damage. Using comb polymers decreased the minimum concentration of mechanophores required to crosslinking by about 100‐fold compared to previous examples of load‐strengthening materials. The approach described has potential for controlling a broad range of reaction sequences triggered by mechanical load.
Rapid and quantitative determination of fentanyls and pharmaceuticals from powdered drug samples by paper spray mass spectrometry
Authors: Borden Scott A. , Saatchi Armin , Krogh Erik T. , Gill Chris G.
Published: August 2020

Paper spray mass spectrometry is presented as a direct, quantitative tool for the measurement of pharmaceutical drugs and a variety of fentanyl analogs in solid samples and powder slurries with the ultimate goal of providing meaningful harm‐reduction drug checking. Method development and validation was carried out for fentanyl analog slurries as a proxy for street drug samples. Lower limits of quantitation were determined to be 3.6‐7.4 ng/g for fentanyl analogs in the pharmaceutical slurry matrix. Using 1 mg of solid sample, the method can quantify picogram quantities of these drugs, well below required thresholds for even the most potent fentanyl analogs. Quality control samples were prepared and used to assess method validity according to the Scientific Working Group for Forensic Toxicology (SWGTOX) guidelines. Performance metrics for both precision and accuracy were found to be within SWGTOX‐recommended guidelines. Additionally, pharmaceutical tablets were used to demonstrate the applicability of the developed paper spray methodology for the direct qualitative and quantitative analysis of active ingredients in pharmaceutical powders deposited directly onto the paper spray substrate. A proposed workflow for rapid solid drug sample measurements is presented with potential applications for point‐of‐use street drug measurements and other solid sample matrices.
A novel CuFe2O4@Ag nanocomposite biosynthesized bySpirulina platensisexhibits an anticancer effect on human gastric adenocarcinoma and Michigan Cancer Foundation‐7 breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Garfami Mohammad , Jalali Amir , Salehzadeh Ali
Published: August 2020

In recent years, the increasing cancer incidence and mortality rate has posed a significant challenge to scientists to develop novel therapeutic drugs against cancerous cells. One of the investigated techniques for cancer therapeutics is the green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs). In this study, we reported the green synthesis and characterization of the CuFe2O4@Ag nanocomposite usingSpirulina platensisand its cytotoxic activity on two cancer cell lines: human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS) and Michigan Cancer Foundation‐7 (MCF‐7) breast cancer. The physical and chemical properties of the biosynthesized nanocomposite were characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, dynamic light scattering, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and zeta potential analyses. The anticancer properties of the CuFe2O4@Ag nanocomposite and imatinib drug on both cancer cell lines were evaluated using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazoyl‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay. Also, apoptosis induced by the nanocomposite was assessed using annexin V/propidium iodide staining followed by flow cytometry analysis, Hoechst 33432 staining, and caspase‐3 activity assay. Finally, the effect of the CuFe2O4@Ag nanocomposite on the expression ofBAXandBCL2genes was assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The result of the MTT test showed an increase in the cellular uptake of CuFe2O4@Ag nanocomposite and cell viability loss in a concentration‐dependent manner with the 50% minimum inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 180 and 220 μg/ml for MCF‐7 and AGS cell lines, respectively. The mean expression ofBAXwas significantly higher than that ofBCL2in cells treated with the nanocomposite. The results of flow cytometry, Hoechst 33432 staining, and caspase‐3 activity assay indicated the stimulation of apoptosis through an increase in caspase‐3 and nucleus fragmentation. In general, our results demonstrated the cytotoxic activity of the CuFe2O4@Ag nanocomposite. However, further in vivo studies are required to evaluate the accumulation of this nanocomposite in organs such as liver, kidneys, brain, and testes and its potential toxic effects.
Neural Evidence for Speech Processing Deficits During a Cocktail Party Scenario in Minimally and Low Verbal Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism
Authors: Schwartz Sophie , Wang Le , Shinn‐Cunningham Barbara G. , Tager‐Flusberg Helen
Published: August 2020

As demonstrated by the Cocktail Party Effect, a person's attention is grabbed when they hear their name in a multispeaker setting. However, individuals with autism (ASD) are commonly challenged in multispeaker settings and often do not respond to salient speech, including one's own name (OON). It is unknown whether neural responses during this Cocktail Party scenario differ in those with ASD and whether such differences are associated with expressive language or auditory filtering abilities. We measured neural responses to hearing OON in quiet and multispeaker settings using electroencephalography in 20 minimally or low verbal ASD (ASD‐MLV), 27 verbally fluent ASD (ASD‐V), and 27 neurotypical (TD) participants, ages 13–22. First, we determined whether TD's neural responses to OON relative to other names could be quantified with early frontal mismatch responses (MMRs) and late, slow shift parietal and frontal responses (LPPs/FNs). Second, we compared the strength of MMRs and LPPs/FNs across the three groups. Third, we tested whether participants with poorer auditory filtering abilities exhibited particularly weak neural responses to OON heard in a multispeaker setting. Our primary finding was that TDs and ASD‐Vs, but not ASD‐MLVs, had significant MMRs to OON in a multispeaker setting, and strength of LPPs positively correlated with auditory filtering abilities in those with ASD. These findings reveal electrophysiological correlates of auditory filtering disruption within a clinical population that has severe language and communication impairments and offer a novel neuroimaging approach to studying the Cocktail Party effect in neurotypical and clinical populations. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1828‐1842. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Lay Summary

We found that minimally and low verbal adolescents and young adults with autism exhibit decreased neural responses to one's own name when heard in a multispeaker setting. In addition, decreased strength of neural responses in those with autism correlated with decreased auditory filtering abilities. We propose that these neural deficits may reflect the ineffective processing of salient speech in noisy settings and contribute to language and communication deficits observed in autism.
Current status of targeted microbubbles in diagnostic molecular imaging of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Jugniot Natacha , Bam Rakesh , Meuillet Emmanuelle J. , Unger Evan C. , Paulmurugan Ramasamy
Published: August 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is often associated with a poor prognosis due to silent onset, resistance to therapies, and rapid spreading. Most patients are ineligible for curable surgery as they present with advanced disease at the time of diagnosis. Present diagnostic methods relying on anatomical changes have various limitations including difficulty to discriminate between benign and malignant conditions, invasiveness, the ambiguity of imaging results, or the inability to detect molecular biomarkers of PDAC initiation and progression. Therefore, new imaging technologies with high sensitivity and specificity are critically needed for accurately detecting PDAC and noninvasively characterizing molecular features driving its pathogenesis. Contrast enhanced targeted ultrasound (CETUS) is an upcoming molecular imaging modality that specifically addresses these issues. Unlike anatomical imaging modalities such as CT and MRI, molecular imaging using CETUS is promising for early and accurate detection of PDAC. The use of molecularly targeted microbubbles that bind to neovascular targets can enhance the ultrasound signal specifically from malignant PDAC tissues. This review discusses the current state of diagnostic imaging modalities for pancreatic cancer and places a special focus on ultrasound targeted‐microbubble technology together with its clinical translatability for PDAC detection.
Covalently Mercurated Molecular Beacon for Discriminating the Canonical Nucleobases
Authors: Aro‐Heinilä Asmo , Lönnberg Tuomas , Virta Pasi
Published: August 2020

A highly nucleobase‐discriminating metalated nucleoside analogue, 3‐fluoro‐2‐mercuri‐6‐methylaniline, was incorporated into an oligonucleotide molecular beacon. Fluorescence emission spectra were measured after the addition of four different complementary strands, in which the nucleobase opposite the metalated analogue varies. The fluorescence results showed a clear binding selectivity at room temperature, in the order G>T>C>A. The selectivity is based on the different affinities between the metalated nucleoside analogue and the canonical nucleobases. The synthesized probe is capable of robust discrimination between the two purine as well as the two pyrimidine bases by fluorescence at room temperature, and more sophisticated temperature analysis allows clear separation of every canonical nucleobase. The probe would, hence, be a suitable method for the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms.
Co‐cultured bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells repair thioacetamide‐induced hepatocyte damage
Authors: Chen Hung‐Chiuan , Awale Suresh , Wu Chean‐Ping , Lee Hu‐Hui , Wu Hsi‐Tien
Published: August 2020

Adult stem cells, such as bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), are postdevelopmental cells found in many bone tissues. They are capable of multipotent differentiation and have low immune‐rejection characteristics. Hepatocytes may become inflamed and produce a large number of free radicals when affected by drugs, poisoning, or a viral infection. The excessive accumulation of free radicals in the extracellular matrix (ECM) eventually leads to liver fibrosis. This study aims to investigate the restorative effects of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mBMSCs) on thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced damage in hepatocytes. An in vitro transwell co‐culture system of HepG2 cells were co‐cultured with mBMSCs. The effects of damage done to TAA‐treated HepG2 cells were reflected in the overall cell survival, the expression of antioxidants (SOD1, GPX1, andCAT), the ECM (COL1A1andMMP9), antiapoptosis characteristics (BCL2), and inflammation (TNF) genes. The majority of the damage done to HepG2 by TAA was significantly reduced when cells were co‐cultured with mBMSCs. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and its phosphorylated STAT3 (p‐STAT3), as related to cell growth and survival, were detected in this study. The results show that STAT3 was significantly decreased in the TAA‐treated HepG2 cells, but the STAT3 and p‐STAT3 of HepG2 cells were significantly activated when the TAA‐treated HepG2 co‐cultured with mBMSCs. Strong expression of interleukin (Il6) messenger RNA in co‐cultured mBMSCs/HepG2 indicated mBMSCs secret the cytokines IL‐6, which promotes cell survival through downstream STAT3 activation and aid in the recovery of HepG2 cells damaged by TAA.
Bilateral epididymal cyst with spontaneous resolution
Authors: Mukendi Alain Mwamba
Published: August 2020

Bilateral epididymal cysts are infrequent particularly in children. They commonly arise from the epididymal head. Cysts arising from the epididymal tails are very rare. Spontaneous resolution may occur with no need for surgical excision of cysts and can take up to 50 months.
Working diagrams to identify the operating range of a bubbling fluidized bed reactor for the CO2 methanation
Authors: Martin‐del‐Campo Jennifer , Kopyscinski Jan
Published: August 2020

Fluidized bed reactors for the catalytic CO2 methanation is a promising concept within the power‐to‐gas (methane) process. Due to the intermittency of renewable electricity generation and thus hydrogen production, the subsequent methanation reactor should also be able to operate at lower feed flow rates, while maintaining fluidized bed conditions. Bubbling fluidized bed reactors offer the required flexibility as shown with the new type of working diagrams. These working diagrams visualize a decision window for (a) determining the reactor diameter and (b) operating the fluidized bed reactor with a turndown ratio of 0.5‐1.1. Reducing the turndown ratio (ie, inlet flow rate) could lead to defluidization, thus increasing temperature or reducing the pressure are alternatives to maintain fluidization conditions. The former method is not desired, as a temperature increase would significantly reduce the CH4 yield due to thermodynamic constraints and therefore reduce the overall efficiency. An industrial CO2 methanation reactor, for example, that is designed for 10 bara (1 bara = 100 kPa) and 340°C with a total inlet flow rate of 5000 m3N · h−1 (H2/CO2 = 4) can be operated at a turndown ratio of 0.5 (2500 m3N · h−1) at the same temperature and the same u0/umf ratio by reducing the pressure to 5 bara with only a slight decrease in the CO2 equilibrium conversion from 96.7% to 94.6%.
Flocculating and dewatering of kaolin suspensions with different forms of poly(acrylamide‐co‐diallyl dimethylammonium chloride)
Authors: Afacan Christopher , Narain Ravin , Soares João B. P.
Published: August 2020

Recently, polymeric nanofibres have been considered for the rapid flocculation and dewatering of oil sands tailings. Apparently due to their fast initial interaction with the suspended fine particles, polymer nanofibres performed better than their parent water‐soluble polymer solutions. To further understand this mechanism, a model study was conducted using kaolin suspensions and poly(acrylamide‐co‐diallyl dimethylammonium chloride) nanofibres and powders. The initial settling rate, supernatant turbidity, water recovery, capillary suction time, and solids content were measured to determine the effect of using nanofibres on solid‐liquid separation. Nanofibres performed similarly to, or better than, equivalent polymer solutions in terms of initial settling rate and supernatant clarity at higher dosages and kaolin loadings. The kaolin studies showed that polymer nanofibres could absorb onto clay particles faster, and produce bigger flocs more rapidly, supposedly due to their high surface area to volume ratio. Our results indicate that polymer nanofibres, as well as polymer powders, may be successfully used to treat mature fine tailings produced from oil sands.
Discovery of a Histidine‐Based Scaffold as an Inhibitor of Gut Microbial Choline Trimethylamine‐Lyase
Authors: Gabr Moustafa , Świderek Katarzyna
Published: August 2020

Anaerobic choline metabolism by human gut microbiota to produce trimethylamine (TMA) has recently evolved as a potential therapeutic target because of its association with chronic kidney disease and increased cardiovascular risks. Limited examples of choline analogues have been reported as inhibitors of bacterial enzyme choline TMA‐lyase (CutC), a key enzyme regulating choline anaerobic metabolism. We used a new workflow to discover CutC inhibitors based on focused screening of a diversified library of small molecules for intestinal metabolic stability followed by in vitro CutC inhibitory assay. This workflow identified a histidine‐based scaffold as a CutC inhibitor with an IC50 value of 1.9±0.2 μM. Remarkably, the identified CutC inhibitor was able to reduce the production of TMA in whole‐cell assays using various bacterial strains as well as in complex gut microbiota environment. The improved efficiency of the new scaffold identified in this study in comparison to previously reported CutC inhibitors would enable optimization of potential leads for in vivo screening and clinical translation. Finally, docking studies and molecular‐dynamic simulations were used to predict putative interactions created between inhibitor and CutC.
Depressive and anxiety symptoms in refugees: Insights from classical test theory, item response theory and network analysis
Authors: Schlechter Pascal , Wilkinson Paul O. , Knausenberger Judith , Wanninger Katharina , Kamp Svea , Morina Nexhmedin , Hellmann Jens H.
Published: August 2020

Screening tools developed for Western populations have produced heterogeneous prevalence estimates for depression and anxiety disorders among refugees. The use of these instruments assumes that psychopathological symptoms are manifested similarly across different cultural groups. Here, we scrutinized whether depressive and anxiety symptoms are manifested similarly between German residents and refugees in Germany. We tested measurement invariance, test information and specifics of symptom interrelations in 200 refugees and 202 German residents with classical test theory (CTT), item response theory (IRT) and network analysis. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire regarding depressive and anxiety symptoms in either Arabic or German. Measurement invariance was only present to a certain extent. Questionnaires were most informative on different spectrums of the latent traits for the two groups. Network analysis demonstrated that symptom interrelations of depressive and anxiety symptoms differed across residents and refugees. This was especially true for core symptoms of common nosological systems, such as losing interest or feeling depressed. Surprisingly, traumatic events in the past were not central in refugees' anxiety networks. Core symptoms of nosological systems seem to be differently pronounced in refugees and residents, which has important implications for our understanding of mental health symptoms in refugees.
Composition of the murine gut microbiome impacts humoral immunity induced by rabies vaccines
Authors: Zhang Yachun , Wu Qiong , Zhou Ming , Luo Zhaochen , Lv Lei , Pei Jie , Wang Caiqian , Chai Benjie , Sui Baokun , Huang Fei , Fu Zhen F. , Zhao Ling
Published: August 2020

Background

Gut microbiome plays a crucial role in modulating human and animal immune responses. Rabies is a fatal zoonosis causing encephalitis in mammals and vaccination is the most effective method to control and eliminate rabies. The relationship between the gut microbiome and humoral immunity post rabies vaccination has not been investigated yet.

Methods

Mice orally administrated with a cocktail of broad‐spectrum antibiotics were inoculated with rabies vaccines, and humoral immune response was analyzed at indicated time points. The 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing was performed on fecal samples from groups in vancomycin‐treated and untreated mice. Mice were immunized with rabies vaccines and virus‐neutralizing antibody (VNA) levels were measured, resulting in VNA high (H) and low (L) groups. Then 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed on fecal samples from H and L group mice.

Results

After antibiotic (Abx) treatment, mice had decreased levels of rabies virus (RABV)‐specific IgM, IgG, and virus‐neutralizing antibody compared with untreated mice. Abx‐treated mice had fewer T follicular helper cells, germinal center B cells, and antibody secreting cells (ASCs) in lymph nodes than did untreated mice. Gut microbiome facilitated secondary immune responses by increasing the generation of ASCs. Treatment with vancomycin alone had a similarly impaired effect on the humoral immune responses compared with Abx‐treated mice. From the natural population group of mice received rabies vaccines, VNA titers vary significantly and the abundance of Clostridiales and Lachnospiraceae was positively associated with the antibody titers in mice.

Conclusions

Our results provide the evidence that the gut microbiome impacts humoral immunity post rabies vaccination, and further investigation of the mechanism will help the development of novel adjuvants and vaccines.
Cytologic diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma in the Asia‐Pacific region
Authors: Liu Chih‐Yi , Bychkov Andrey , Agarwal Shipra , Zhu Yun , Hang Jen‐Fan , Lai Chiung‐Ru , Na Hee Young , Li Weiwei , Liu Zhiyan , Jain Deepali , Suzuki Ayana , Hirokawa Mitsuyoshi , Chia Noel , Nga Min En , Jitpasutham Tikamporn , Keelawat Somboon , Park So Yeon , Satoh Shinya , Chen Chien‐Chin , Gunawardena Dilini , Kumarasinghe Priyanthi , Jung Chan Kwon , Kakudo Kennichi
Published: August 2020

Background

The accurate preoperative identification of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is challenging due to the rarity of tumor and variable cytologic appearance. The Asian experience with diagnosing MTC by fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) was scarcely reported.

Methods

Cases of MTC with available FNA slides were enrolled from 13 hospitals representing 8 Asia‐Pacific countries. Clinicopathological information, including sample preparation technique, staining method, original cytologic diagnosis and review diagnosis were collected.

Results

Of a total of 145 MTC cases retrospectively recruited, 99 (68.3%) were initially interpreted as MTC/suspicious for MTC (S‐MTC). The distribution of original FNA diagnostic categories was not associated with the staining method or sample preparation technique. The staining methods used were Papanicolaou, hematoxylin‐eosin and Romanowsky stains. Liquid‐based cytology (LBC) was used only in three countries. After reviewing all cases, the diagnostic rate of MTC/S‐MTC increased to 91.7% (133/145). Cases with initially unrecognized MTC had either marked pleomorphism or cytology mimicking papillary carcinoma or follicular neoplasm. Although LBC provided certain benefits, there was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between conventional smear and LBC. Immunocytochemistry was available in 38 cases (26.2%), all of which were correctly recognized as MTC.

Conclusion

Our report summarizes how MTC is handled in contemporary Asian thyroid FNA practice. Although the detection rate of MTC by cytology alone is less satisfactory, integration with ancillary tests could achieve an excellent performance. The recognition of constitutive cytomorphologic features is needed for each cytopreparatory method, which may result in a lower threshold to initiate further workup for MTC.
Differential effects of heat in the phases of the light–dark cycle in the activity‐based anorexia model
Authors: Roura Ignacio , Fraga Ángela , Gutiérrez Emilio
Published: August 2020

Background

This research builds on the studies on ambient temperature as a key influence in the recovery of rodents exposed to the activity‐based anorexia (ABA) model. The ABA model is an experimental paradigm in which rodents under a restricted feeding schedule and with free access to an activity wheel show signs that parallel those of anorexia nervosa in humans.

Objective

The present study focuses on the effects of applying heat during the different phases of the dark–light cycle in the activity levels, body weight, food intake, body temperature, and recovery rates of 30 male rats submitted to ABA.

Method

After reaching a 20% weight loss criterion, animals were randomly assigned to three experimental conditions: (a) continuous warming, (b) warming exclusively during the light phase, or (c) warming exclusively during the dark phase.

Results

Differential effects were found depending on the modalities of warming: in comparison with either light or dark warming, continuous warming significatively decreased activity, facilitated weight gain, and maintained body temperature. Transient effects of warming were found both in the groups warmed either during light or dark periods exclusively.

Discussion

The results suggest that both light and dark warming did not promote recovery in animals exposed to ABA. Evidence about the beneficial effects of continuous warming are in line with previous research and reinforces adding external heat as a useful tool in the treatment of anorexia nervosa.
Cannot see the diversity for all the species: Evaluating inclusion criteria for local species lists when using abundant citizen science data
Authors: Ruete Alejandro , Arlt Debora , Berg Åke , Knape Jonas , Żmihorski Michał , Pärt Tomas
Published: August 2020

Abundant citizen science data on species occurrences are becoming increasingly available and enable identifying composition of communities occurring at multiple sites with high temporal resolution. However, for species displaying temporary patterns of local occurrences that are transient to some sites, biodiversity measures are clearly dependent on the criteria used to include species into local species lists. Using abundant opportunistic citizen science data from frequently visited wetlands, we investigated the sensitivity of α‐ and β‐diversity estimates to the use raw versus detection‐corrected data and to the use of inclusion criteria for species presence reflecting alternative site use. We tested seven inclusion criteria (with varying number of days required to be present) on time series of daily occurrence status during a breeding season of 90 days for 77 wetland bird species. We show that even when opportunistic presence‐only observation data are abundant, raw data may not produce reliable local species richness estimates and rank sites very differently in terms of species richness. Furthermore, occupancy model based α‐ and β‐diversity estimates were sensitive to the inclusion criteria used. Total species lists (all species observed at least once during a season) may therefore mask diversity differences among sites in local communities of species, by including vagrant species on potentially breeding communities and change the relative rank order of sites in terms of species richness. Very high sampling effort does not necessarily free opportunistic data from its inherent bias and can produce a pattern in which many species are observed at least once almost everywhere, thus leading to a possible paradox: The large amount of biological information may hinder its usefulness. Therefore, when prioritizing among sites to manage or preserve species diversity estimates need to be carefully related to relevant inclusion criteria depending on the diversity estimate in focus.
Scalable and High‐Performance Graphene/Graphite Nanosheet Composite Anode for Lithium Ion Batteries via Jet Cavitation
Authors: Wang Jingshi , Shen Zhigang , Yi Min
Published: August 2020

Herein, ultrafine layered graphene/graphite nanosheet composites (GGNCs) with low content of defects are produced via jet cavitation which is scalable and can afford gram‐scale, kilogram‐scale, or ton‐scale quantities of GGNC in less than 1 s, min, h, or day. The as‐produced composites are used as lithium ion battery anodes and are shown to possess a reversible specific capacity of ≈480 mAh g−1 (much higher than ≈372 mAh g−1 in commercial graphite anode) at 100 mA g−1 current density after 100 cycles. They also exhibit excellent rate capability, especially at high current rates (e.g., 301.8 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1), due to the outstanding conductivity and favorable electrode/electrolyte contact. This work demonstrates jet cavitation as a scalable, low‐cost, and environmentally friendly pretreatment route for commercial carbon‐based anode materials, which can increase the anode specific capacity by 30%.