bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
All‐Earth‐Abundant Photothermal Silicon Platform for CO2 Catalysis with Nearly 100% Sunlight Harvesting Ability
Authors: Zhang Dake , Lv Kangxiao , Li Chaoran , Fang Yaosi , Wang Shenghua , Chen Zhijie , Wu Zhiyi , Guan Wenhao , Lou Deyue , Sun Wei , Yang Deren , He Le , Zhang Xiaohong
Published: August 2020

Photothermal CO2 hydrogenation catalyzed by earth‐abundant materials, such as non‐noble metals, has emerged as an industrially viable and sustainable way of effectively converting solar energy into chemical energy stored in fuels and other valuable chemical feedstocks. However, the performance of existing non‐noble metal photocatalysts often suffers from incomplete sunlight utilization, limited photothermal effect, and poor stability under intense light illumination. Herein, the fabrication of all‐earth‐abundant on‐silicon architectures with nearly 100% sunlight harvesting ability is demonstrated. The cobalt‐loading‐optimized architecture exhibits a high photothermal CO2 conversion rate of 0.433 mol·gCo−1·h−1. A spatial confinement strategy based on surface encapsulation with a thin layer of silica is further used to improve the stability of supported Co nanoparticles against sintering. This strategy of maximizing the sunlight absorbance of non‐noble metal photocatalysts lays a foundation for industrial implementation of all‐earth‐abundant photothermal CO2 catalysis.
Countering Dominant Discourses and Reaffirming Cultural Identities of Learners From Refugee Backgrounds
Authors: Strekalova‐Hughes Ekaterina , Peterman Nora
Published: August 2020

The authors discuss how teachers can select picture books to fully recognize the lives and identities of refugee‐background learners, counter harmful myths, and address forced displacement in their classrooms.
Value of cervical electrical impedance spectroscopy to predict spontaneous preterm delivery in asymptomatic women: the ECCLIPPx prospective cohort study
Authors: Anumba D. O. C. , Stern V. , Healey J. T. , Dixon S. , Brown B. H.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Preterm birth (PTB) accounts for two‐thirds of deaths of structurally normal babies and is associated with substantial lifetime healthcare costs. Prevention of PTB remains limited by the modest accuracy of prediction methods, namely transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) cervical length (CL) measurement and quantitative cervicovaginal fetal fibronectin (FFN) estimation. We report the first substantive study detailing the predictive performance of a cervical probe device based on electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for PTB – the EleCtriCaL Impedance Prediction of Preterm birth by spectroscopy of the cervix (ECCLIPPx) study. We aimed to compare the accuracy of cervical EIS‐based prediction of spontaneous PTB with that of prediction using TVS‐CL and FFN in asymptomatic women in the mid‐trimester.

Methods

We studied asymptomatic women with a singleton pregnancy at 20–22 weeks' and 26–28 weeks' gestation. EIS was performed using a Sheffield Mark 5.0 device that makes measurements in the frequency range 76 Hz to 625 kHz using a small probe housing tetrapolar electrodes. TVS‐CL and FFN were also measured. The associations of cervical EIS, TVS‐CL and FFN with spontaneous delivery before 37 weeks and before 32 weeks were determined by multivariate linear and non‐linear logistic regression analysis. Areas under the receiver‐operating‐characteristics curves (AUC) plots of sensitivity against specificity were used to compare the predictive performance of all parameters, both in isolation and in combination.

Results

Of the 365 asymptomatic women studied at 20–22 weeks who were not receiving treatment, 29 had spontaneous PTB, 14 had indicated PTB and 322 had term birth. At the higher frequencies assessed, cervical EIS predicted spontaneous PTB before 37 weeks with an AUC of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.71–0.81), compared with AUCs of 0.72 (95% CI, 0.66–0.76) for TVS‐CL and 0.62 (95% CI, 0.56–0.72) for FFN. Combining all three assessments improved the prediction of spontaneous PTB before 37 weeks (AUC, 0.79 (95% CI, 0.74–0.83)) compared with TVS‐CL and FFN alone. Incorporating a history of spontaneous PTB (defined as previous mid‐trimester miscarriage or spontaneous PTB (14 to < 37 weeks)) into the cervical EIS prediction model improved the accuracy of prediction of spontaneous PTB before 37 weeks (AUC, 0.83 (95% CI, 0.78–0.87)) and before 32 weeks (AUC, 0.86 (95% CI, 0.82–0.90)).

Conclusions

Mid‐trimester cervical EIS assessment predicts spontaneous PTB. Larger confirmatory studies investigating its potential clinical utility and to inform effective preventive interventions are required. © 2020 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Properties of butyl acrylate polymers synthesized by radiation and miniemulsion polymerization techniques as flexible coating for packaging materials
Authors: Ibrahim Saber , Lotfy Salah
Published: August 2020

A soft‐segment homopolymer of the monomer butyl acrylate was synthesized by miniemulsion polymerization to study the unique properties of poly(n‐butyl acrylate) [P(nBuA)] as flexible coating. The nanostructure and linear properties of P(nBuA) synthesized using radiation and radical polymerization techniques were investigated. The molar mass and particle size of the prepared P(nBuA) polymers were characterized using size‐exclusion chromatography and a particle‐size analyzer, respectively. Photo‐initiation of P(nBuA) was induced by 2,2‐dimethoxy‐2‐phenylacetophenone in the presence of the crosslinkers polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), bisphenol A ethoxylated diacrylate (BPAEDA), or trimethylpropane triacrylate (TMPTA), followed by crosslinking by ionizing radiation. The dynamic mechanical analysis parameters—tangent delta, storage modulus, and loss modulus—were determined for the three prepared crosslinked polymers of P(nBuA) and showed that P(nBuA‐BPAEDA), P(nBuA‐PEGDA), and P(nBuA‐TMPTA) are strong and flexible materials. Thermal gravimetric analysis was used to study the thermal behavior of the prepared elastic P(nBuA) polymers. Thermal gravimetric data revealed that the crosslinkers improved the thermal stability of P(nBuA). The favorable properties of the synthesized polymers indicate their potential to be used as flexible nanocoatings for packaging materials.
Creativity and Global Citizenship Education
Authors: Glăveanu Vlad
Published: August 2020

This chapter explores the conceptual connections between two increasingly popular concepts nowadays, creativity and global citizenship. It starts by distinguishing between mainstream and critical approaches to both and argues for a sociocultural framework that places open-mindedness, dialogue, ethics and participation at the heart of educating for creativity and global citizenship. Five guiding principles for such an education are outlined and discussed in turn: (1) seeking differences; (2) valuing multiplicity; (3) promoting dialogue; (4) increasing participation; and (5) acting ethically. In the end, the challenges and opportunities associated with fostering creativity and global citizenship from a critical, sociocultural perspective are reflected upon.
The Construction of Citizenship in Kazakhstan Between the Soviet Era and Globalization
Authors: Seidikenova Almash , Akkari Abdeljalil , Bakitov Aitkali
Published: August 2020

From the Soviet era to the present day, conceptions of Kazakh citizenship have undergone continuous transformations, notably due to changes in political regimes, shifts in the demographic composition, and economic fluctuations. Despite its tumultuous history, Kazakhstan has managed to forge a flexible approach to citizenship and relatively peaceful relationships between the county’s different ethnic groups. In today’s post-independence nationhood, Kazakhstan may represent a unique case of citizenship building in the context of globalization.

The first part of this chapter addresses the ambiguities concerning conceptions of citizenship during the Soviet era, which were marked not only by deportations, evacuations, voluntary and involuntary migrations but also by a rhetoric that depicted Kazakhstan as the ‛Promised Land’ benefiting from the Soviet Union’s friendship. The second part analyzes citizenship building following the county’s independence in 1991 that could be described as a subtle blend of Soviet heritage and renewed Kazakh national identity. The third part will focus on the transformations driven by the country’s economic globalization and new migratory flows. Finally, the fourth part suggests that Kazakhstan’s trilingual policy may open up new prospects for global citizenship education (GCE).
Global Citizenship Through the Lens of Indigenous Pedagogies in Australia and New Zealand. A Comparative Perspective
Authors: Bagnall Nigel , Moore Sarah Jane
Published: August 2020

This chapter looks at the need for inclusive teaching especially for minority groups. It draws upon the experiences of two Pacific Nation’s with different histories and cultural traditions: The Maori in New Zealand and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ in Australia. Drawing on over 40 years teaching and researching in national schools, international schools and universities, we show how complex the global classroom has become. In particular, we look at the way education in New Zealand has much to teach Indigenous members of the global classroom. We raise the question of the Aboriginal voice in current Australian educational provision. How to be heard and what more needs to be done to include all the strands of Australian inhabitants, not just the most recent arrivals.
Global Citizenship Education in West Africa: A Promising Concept?
Authors: Lauwerier Thibaut
Published: August 2020

From early 2010, the concept of Global Citizenship Education (GCE) has been mainstreamed into international discourse and to a lesser extent in national discourse. Alongside education for sustainable development and education for peace, GCE has become the new buzzword in international development policies. However, its implementation remains problematic, especially in contexts such as West Africa where it faces major challenges. The exogenous origin of GCE and the lack of local stakeholders’ involvement could diminish the relevance of the concept. Moreover, many multi-ethnic West African countries are still facing issues surrounding national citizenship and citizenship education. In this chapter, we discuss the potential of GCE in Francophone West Africa by reviewing the scientific literature on the topic.
Citizenship Education in Post-conflict Contexts: The Case of Algeria
Authors: Abdellatif Mami Naouel
Published: August 2020

In most post-conflict contexts, weakened by the large scale of destruction, efforts are often directed towards rebuilding society through preparing citizens to manage conflictual relationships and rebuild at both social and identity levels. This obviously requires the support of citizenship education that models attitudes and civic practices as well as building civic competences.

This chapter focuses on two post-conflict periods in Algerian history. Firstly, we consider the post-colonial period characterized by the need of Algerian society to unite behind a national identity and achieve what the former president Houari Boumedien called “l’Etat – Nation” (the Nation State). From this perspective, we examine the historical complexities around citizenship education in Algeria comprised of three-identity components, namely ‘Algerianity’, Arabization and Islam. Secondly, we analyze the challenges of citizenship education following Algeria’s ‘Black Decade’ civil war that ended at the start of this millennium. At that time, civic identity was very much influenced by a growing rejection of religious extremism. Finally, we discuss multi-level case studies of educational reforms related to citizenship education as well as changes in the Algerian educational system in terms of participation, conceptions of citizenship, an openness to discuss controversial issues linked to freedom of expression, human rights issues, the participation of women and contextual values of development.
Asymmetric Unimodal Maps with Non-universal Period-Doubling Scaling Laws
Authors: Kozlovski Oleg , van Strien Sebastian
Published: August 2020

We consider a family of strongly-asymmetric unimodal maps $$\{f_t\}_{t\in [0,1]}$$

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, $$f(c)=1$$

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is of the form and $$\begin{aligned} f(x)=\left\{ \begin{array}{ll} 1-K_-|x-c|+o(|x-c|)&{} \text{ for } xc, \end{array}\right. \end{aligned}$$

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. We show that such a family contains a Feigenbaum–Coullet–Tresser $$2^\infty $$

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map, and develop a renormalization theory for these maps. The scalings of the renormalization intervals of the $$2^\infty $$

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map turn out to be super-exponential and non-universal (i.e. to depend on the map) and the scaling-law is different for odd and even steps of the renormalization. The conjugacy between the attracting Cantor sets of two such maps is smooth if and only if some invariant is satisfied. We also show that the Feigenbaum–Coullet–Tresser map does not have wandering intervals, but surprisingly we were only able to prove this using our rather detailed scaling results.
Gender Differences in Postoperative Pain, Nausea and Vomiting After Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Salazar‐Parra Marcela , Guzman‐Ramirez Bertha Georgina , Pintor‐Belmontes Kevin Josue , Barbosa‐Camacho Francisco José , Bernal‐Hernández Aldo , Cruz‐Neri Roberto Ulises , Fuentes‐Orozco Clotilde , Aguirre Laura Lizeth Reyes , Rodríguez‐Navarro Dinorah , Brancaccio‐Pérez Irma Valeria , Esparza‐Estrada Isaac , Cervantes‐Pérez Enrique , Cervantes‐Guevara Gabino , Cervantes‐Cardona Guillermo Alonso , González‐Ojeda Alejandro
Published: August 2020

Background

Although reports suggest that pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) may be more frequent in women, the evidence is inconsistent. The objective of this study was to investigate whether women are more sensitive to pain and PONV after laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Methods

A total of 370 women and 275 men were included in a retrospective cohort study. All underwent LC under standardized general anesthesia. The variables analyzed included clinical and anthropometric parameters. End points were the incidence of nausea, vomiting, pain, and the requirement for additional pain relievers and antiemetics to control these.

Results

The women were younger and had lower body weight than the men (p < 0.001). Body mass index was within the normal range for 50% of women and 30% of men (p < 0.001). Pain was more common in women at 1, 6, 12 and 24 h after surgery (p < 0.02). Narcotics in addition to the doses used to lessen pain intensity (p = 0.01) were required in 60 women and 19 men (p < 0.001). PONV was more frequent in women at 1 and 6 h after surgery (p < 0.01). Rescue antiemetics were required in 35 women and 11 men (p = 0.008). Hospital stay was shorter for men (p < 0.001). Four patients in each group developed postoperative complications (p = 0.14). There was no mortality.

Conclusions

Early postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting after LC were more common in women, who more frequently required analgesic and antiemetic rescue medication.
Anorectal angle at rest predicting successful sacral nerve stimulation in idiopathic fecal incontinence—a cohort analysis
Authors: Kollmann Cathérine T. , Pretzsch Elise B. , Kunz Andreas , Isbert Christoph , Krajinovic Katica , Reibetanz Joachim , Kim Mia
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Sacral nerve stimulation is an effective treatment for patients suffering from fecal incontinence. However, less is known about predictors of success before stimulation. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of successful sacral nerve stimulation in patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence.

Methods

Consecutive female patients, receiving peripheral nerve evaluation and sacral nerve stimulation between September 2008 and October 2014, suffering from idiopathic fecal incontinence were included in this study. Preoperative patient’s characteristics, anal manometry, and defecography results were collected prospectively and investigated by retrospective analysis. Main outcome measures were independent predictors of treatment success after sacral nerve stimulation.

Results

From, all in all, 54 patients suffering from idiopathic fecal incontinence receiving peripheral nerve evaluation, favorable outcome was achieved in 23 of 30 patients after sacral nerve stimulation (per protocol 76.7%; intention to treat 42.6%). From all analyzed characteristics, wide anorectal angle at rest in preoperative defecography was the only independent predictor of favorable outcome in multivariate analysis (favorable 134.1 ± 13.9° versus unfavorable 118.6 ± 17.1°).

Conclusions

Anorectal angle at rest in preoperative defecography might present a predictor of outcome after sacral nerve stimulation in patients with idiopathic fecal incontinence.
COVID-19: Behandlungsstrategien der deutschsprachigen Kinderrheumatologen
Authors: Janda A. , Schuetz C. , Heeg M. , Minden K. , Hedrich C. M. , Kallinich T. , Hinze C. , Schulz A. , Speth F.
Published: August 2020

Hintergrund

Zuverlässige Daten zu Verlauf und Therapie von COVID-19 („corona virus disease 2019“) bei Kindern mit rheumatischen Erkrankungen unter Immunsuppression fehlen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Abbildung individueller Strategien der Mitglieder der Gesellschaft für Kinder- und Jugendrheumatologie (GKJR) im Umgang mit COVID-19.

Methodik

Mittels Online-Umfrage wurden im Mai 2020 das Meinungsbild der GKJR-Mitglieder zum Umgang mit DMARDs („disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs“) bei COVID-19-Erkrankung sowie die Bereitschaft zum Einsatz spezieller Therapieansätze bei Patienten mit unterschiedlicher Schwere von COVID-19 erhoben.

Ergebnisse

Es nahmen 71 Kollegen (27,3 % aller befragten ärztlichen Mitglieder) an der Umfrage teil; davon hatten 28,2 % bereits Patienten mit COVID-19 betreut. Über 95 % der Teilnehmer lehnten eine präventive Anpassung der antirheumatischen Therapie im Rahmen der SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie ab. Bei ambulanten Patienten unter Immunsuppression mit nachgewiesener COVID-19-Erkrankung würden mehr als 50 % der Teilnehmer folgende Therapien aussetzen: intravenöse hoch dosierte Steroide, Cyclophosphamid, Anti-CD20-Antikörper, sowie eine BAFF-, CTLA-4-, TNF-α-Blockade. Hingegen würden nichtsteroidale Antiphlogistika, Hydroxychloroquin (HCQ), orale Steroide, Mycophenolat, IL-1-Blockade sowie Immunglobuline (Ig) von >70 % der Kollegen weiter fortgeführt. Bei stationären Patienten mit COVID-19 würden insgesamt 74,6 % der Kollegen eine COVID-19-gerichtete Therapie erwägen. Bei stabilem Verlauf unter O2-Therapie (Stufe I) würden am häufigsten HCQ (18,3 %), Azithromycin (16,9 %) und Ig (9,9 %) in Betracht gezogen. Bei drohendem (Stufe II) bzw. manifestem Zytokinsturm (Stufe III) würden am häufigsten Anakinra (40,8 % bei Stufe II bzw. 46,5 % bei Stufe III), Tocilizumab (26,8 % bzw. 40,8 %), Steroide (25,4 % bzw. 33,8 %) und Remdesivir (29,6 % bzw. 38,0 %) eingesetzt. Von vielen Kollegen wurde betont, dass die Therapiestrategie individuell und der klinischen Situation entsprechend angepasst werden soll.

Diskussion

Die Ergebnisse der Online-Umfrage sind vor dem Hintergrund einer aktuell in Deutschland niedrigen Prävalenz von COVID-19 zu sehen und spiegeln somit theoretische Überlegungen der Befragten wider. Da Kinder derzeit nicht im Fokus von prospektiven COVID-19-Studien stehen, scheint der kontinuierliche und kritische kollegiale Fachaustausch bei Therapieentscheidungen umso wichtiger zu sein.
An unpublished manuscript of John von Neumann on shock waves in boostered detonations: historical context and mathematical analysis
Authors: Knoedler Molly Riley , Kostas Julianna C. , Hogan Caroline Mary , Kerkhoff Harper , Topaz Chad M.
Published: August 2020

We report on an unpublished and previously unknown manuscript of John von Neumann and contextualize it within the development of the theory of shock waves and detonations during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Von Neumann studies bombs comprising a primary explosive charge along with explosive booster material. His goal is to calculate the minimal amount of booster needed to create a sustainable detonation, presumably because booster material is often more expensive and more volatile. In service of this goal, he formulates and analyzes a partial differential equation-based model describing a moving shock wave at the interface of detonated and undetonated material. We provide a complete transcription of von Neumann’s work and give our own accompanying explanations and analyses, including the correction of two small errors in his calculations. Today, detonations are typically modeled using a combination of experimental results and numerical simulations particular to the shape and materials of the explosive, as the complex three dimensional dynamics of detonations are analytically intractable. Although von Neumann’s manuscript will not revolutionize our modern understanding of detonations, the document is a valuable historical record of the state of hydrodynamics research during and after World War II.
Towards early disease modification of Parkinson’s disease: a review of lessons learned in the Alzheimer field
Authors: Smedinga Marthe , Darweesh Sirwan K. L. , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Post Bart , Richard Edo
Published: August 2020

Parkinson’s disease (PD) research is beginning to focus on early disease modification and prevention. The therapeutic pipeline includes a growing range of pharmacological interventions that could theoretically intervene with the underlying disease process. It is hoped that applying such interventions in a very early stage of the disease pathology, before the onset of motor symptoms or during its early stages, may prevent or delay further disease progression. To identify people in this early disease stage, criteria for ‘prodromal PD’ have been proposed—describing people with one or more specific features that jointly constitute a variably increased risk of developing clinically manifest PD. Here, we aim to draw lessons from the field of Alzheimer’s research, which has followed a similar strategy over the last decade, including the expansion of the disease label to ‘prodromal’ stages. Importantly, none of the large and costly randomized-controlled trials aiming to slow down or prevent Alzheimer’s dementia by targeting the alleged disease pathology, i.e., amyloid-β aggregation, resulted in detectable clinical effects. Lack of sufficiently robust phase 2 trial results before moving to phase 3 studies, suboptimal participant selection, insensitive outcomes, a too narrow target focus, and trial design flaws contributed to this disappointing outcome. We discuss the various similarities between these Alzheimer’s and PD approaches, and review the design of prevention or early disease modification trials for both diseases including the potential for immunotherapy. Finally, we offer considerations to optimize the design of such trials in PD, benefiting from the lessons learned in Alzheimer’s prevention research.
The structure-based reaction mechanism of urease, a nickel dependent enzyme: tale of a long debate
Authors: Mazzei Luca , Musiani Francesco , Ciurli Stefano
Published: August 2020

This review is an attempt to retrace the chronicle that starts from the discovery of the role of nickel as the essential metal ion in urease for the enzymatic catalysis of urea, a key step in the biogeochemical cycle of nitrogen on Earth, to the most recent progress in understanding the chemistry of this historical enzyme. Data and facts are presented through the magnifying lenses of the authors, using their best judgment to filter and elaborate on the many facets of the research carried out on this metalloenzyme over the years. The tale is divided in chapters that discuss and describe the results obtained in the subsequent leaps in the knowledge that led from the discovery of a biological role for Ni to the most recent advancements in the comprehension of the relationship between the structure and function of urease. This review is intended not only to focus on the bioinorganic chemistry of this beautiful metal-based catalysis, but also, and maybe primarily, to evoke inspiration and motivation to further explore the realm of bio-based coordination chemistry.
A novel method for alveolar bone grafting assessment in cleft lip and palate patients: cone-beam computed tomography evaluation
Authors: Stasiak Marcin , Wojtaszek-Słomińska Anna , Racka-Pilszak Bogna
Published: August 2020

Objectives

This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to present a new method for secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) assessment and to qualitatively evaluate the SABG results in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients.

Materials and methods

Research was conducted according to the STROBE guidelines. The study group consisted of 21 patients with a mean age of 16 years. High-resolution cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was performed at least 1 year after grafting. The experimental side was the cleft side, and the contralateral side without a congenital cleft was the control. Measurements were performed at four levels of the maxillary central incisors’ roots according to the new scale with scores from 0 to 3. The sum of the scores provided a general assessment of bone architecture. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for intergroup comparisons, and a Kappa coefficient was used for reproducibility measurements.

Results

High individual variability was found, and the bone architecture was significantly worse on the cleft side than on the noncleft side. The results showed 28.57% failure, 33.33% poor, 19.05% moderate, and 19.05% good results from the surgical procedure. Kappa coefficients produced results from 0.92 to 1.00 for intra-rater and from 0.81 to 1.00 for inter-rater reproducibility.

Conclusions

CBCT provides detailed information about alveolar bone morphology. The new assessment method is useful at every treatment stage and provides excellent repeatability. SABG did not provide good bone morphology, in most cases.

Clinical relevance

This research presents a new universal alternative for the assessment of SABG by utilizing CBCT.
Intestinal hypomotility in systemic sclerosis: a histological study into the sequence of events
Authors: den Braber-Ymker M. , Vonk M. C. , Grünberg K. , Lammens M. , Nagtegaal I. D.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The pathogenesis of intestinal involvement in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is thought to be a sequential process (vascular, neuronal, and consecutive muscular impairment), but understanding of the underlying histological changes and how they translate to symptoms, is still lacking. Therefore, we systematically investigated histological characteristics of SSc in the intestines, compared to controls.

Methods

Autopsy material from the small bowel and colon was used for histological semiquantitative evaluation of the vasculature, enteric nervous system, interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), and muscle layers, using a combination of histochemical and immunohistochemical stainings, according to guidelines of the Gastro 2009 International Working Group.

Results

Vascular changes were most frequently encountered, represented by intima fibrosis in both arteries and small vessels, and represented by venous dilatation. Second, generalized fibrosis of the circular muscle layer was significantly more found in SSc patients than in controls. Third, reduction of submucosal nerve fibers and myenteric neurons was shown in the colon of four SSc patients, which may explain severe symptoms of intestinal dysmotility. The density of myenteric ICC network was decreased in the small bowel of SSc patients.

Conclusions

The postulated sequential processes of intestinal involvement in SSc could not be supported by our histological evaluation. The interpatient diversity suggests that parallel processes occur, explaining the variety of histological features and clinical symptoms.

Key Points• Histological analysis showed vascular changes, fibrosis in the muscularis propria, and reduction of the ENS and ICC network in the intestines of SSc patients.• Pathophysiological mechanisms leading to intestinal dysmotility in SSc may be parallel rather than sequential.• The interpatient diversity suggests parallel pathophysiological processes, explaining the variety of histological features and clinical symptoms.
Brainstem auditory evoked potentials in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome without central nervous system involvement
Authors: Waliszewska-Prosół Marta , Sebastian Agata , Wiland Piotr , Budrewicz Sławomir , Dziadkowiak Edyta , Ejma Maria
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune, multisystem exocrinopathy characterized by dysfunction of the exocrine glands. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is estimated to be present in 10–60% patients with pSS. The present study aimed to evaluate brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) in pSS patients without central nervous system involvement, and without otolaryngological abnormalities.

Method

Thirty-six pSS patients (35 women, 1 man, mean age 48 years old) and 40 healthy volunteers were investigated. BAEP, brain imaging, laboratory parameters, and clinical neurological and otolaryngological examinations were performed.

Results

Abnormal BAEP were recorded in 16.7% patients. The mean wave BAEP I and V latency and mean wave III-V and I-V interpeak latencies were significantly longer in pSS patients than the controls. There were no statistically significant correlations between BAEP parameters and laboratory tests. None of the patients was found having the abnormalities on brain imaging.

Conclusions

This study confirms that in pSS patients without clinical central nervous system impairment, auditory pathway disturbances could be found. Disorders of brain bioelectrical activity may be a consequence of ongoing autoimmune process.

Key Points• BAEP abnormalities confirmed the clinically observed involvement of the central nervous system in patients with pSS.• Brain bioelectrical activity dysfunctions in pSS patients may be a consequence of ongoing inflammatory and/or immunological processes.
A comprehensive and cost-effective approach for investigating passive dispersal in minute invertebrates with case studies of phytophagous eriophyid mites
Authors: Kuczyński Lechosław , Radwańska Anna , Karpicka-Ignatowska Kamila , Laska Alicja , Lewandowski Mariusz , Rector Brian G. , Majer Agnieszka , Raubic Jarosław , Skoracka Anna
Published: August 2020

Dispersal is a fundamental biological process that operates at different temporal and spatial scales with consequences for individual fitness, population dynamics, population genetics, and species distributions. Studying this process is particularly challenging when the focus is on microscopic organisms that disperse passively, whilst controlling neither the transience nor the settlement phase of their movement. In this work we propose a comprehensive approach for studying passive dispersal of microscopic invertebrates and demonstrate it using wind and phoretic vectors. The protocol includes the construction of versatile, modifiable dispersal tunnels as well as a theoretical framework quantifying the movement of species via wind or vectors, and a hierarchical Bayesian approach appropriate to the structure of the dispersal data. The tunnels were used to investigate the three stages of dispersal (viz., departure, transience, and settlement) of two species of minute, phytophagous eriophyid mites Aceria tosichella and Abacarus hystrix. The proposed devices are inexpensive and easy to construct from readily sourced materials. Possible modifications enable studies of a wide range of mite species and facilitate manipulation of dispersal factors, thus opening a new important area of ecological study for many heretofore understudied species.
Moral Assertion
Authors: Kelp Christoph
Published: August 2020

In this paper, I introduce a puzzle about moral assertion and defend a solution that centrally features the claim that the normativity of moral assertion centrally features moral understanding.
A small cichlid species flock from the Upper Miocene (9–10 MYA) of Central Kenya
Authors: Altner Melanie , Reichenbacher Bettina
Published: August 2020

Fossil cichlids from East Africa offer unique insights into the evolutionary history and ancient diversity of the family on the African continent. Here we present three fossil species of the extinct haplotilapiine cichlid †Baringochromis gen. nov. from the upper Miocene of the palaeolake Waril in Central Kenya, based on the analysis of a total of 78 articulated skeletons. †Baringochromis senutae sp. nov., †B. sonyii sp. nov. and †B. tallamae sp. nov. are superficially similar, but differ from each other in oral-tooth dentition and morphometric characters related to the head, dorsal fin base and body depth. These findings indicate that they represent an ancient small species flock. Possible modern analogues of palaeolake Waril and its species flock are discussed. The three species of †Baringochromis may have begun to subdivide their initial habitat by trophic differentiation. Possible sources of food could have been plant remains and insects, as their fossilized remains are known from the same place where †Baringochromis was found.
Expression and Clinical Significance of Mucin Gene in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Tong Jiaxin , Gu Qingjia
Published: August 2020

Purpose of Review

This review highlights the expression and regulation of mucin in CRS and discusses its clinical implications.

Recent Findings

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is common chronic nasal disease; one of its main manifestations and important features is mucus overproduction. Mucin is the major component of mucus and plays a critical role in the pathophysiological changes in CRS. The phenotype of CRS affects the expression of various mucins, especially in nasal polyps (NP). Corticosteroids(CS), human neutrophil elastase (HNE), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) are closely related to the tissue remodeling of CRS and regulate mucin expression, mainly MUC1, MUC4, MUC5AC, and MUC5B. “It is expected that CS, HNE and TGF - β could be used to regulate the expression of mucin in CRS.” However, at present, the research on mucin is mainly focused on mucin 5AC and mucin 5B, which is bad for finding new therapeutic targets.

Investigating the expression and location of mucin in nasal mucosa and understanding the role of various inflammatory factors in mucin expression are helpful to figure out regulatory mechanisms of airway mucin hypersecretion. It is of great significance for the treatment of CRS.
The Joubert Syndrome Gene arl13b is Critical for Early Cerebellar Development in Zebrafish
Authors: Zhu Jian , Wang Han-Tsing , Chen Yu-Rong , Yan Ling-Ya , Han Ying-Ying , Liu Ling-Yan , Cao Ying , Liu Zhi-Zhi , Xu Hong A.
Published: August 2020

Joubert syndrome is characterized by unique malformation of the cerebellar vermis. More than thirty Joubert syndrome genes have been identified, includingARL13B. However, its role in cerebellar development remains unexplored. We found that knockdown or knockout ofarl13bimpaired balance and locomotion in zebrafish larvae. Granule cells were selectively reduced in the corpus cerebelli, a structure homologous to the mammalian vermis. Purkinje cell progenitors were also selectively disturbed dorsomedially. The expression ofatoh1andptf1, proneural genes of granule and Purkinje cells, respectively, were selectively down-regulated along the dorsal midline of the cerebellum. Moreover,wnt1, which is transiently expressed early in cerebellar development, was selectively reduced. Intriguingly, activating Wnt signaling partially rescued the granule cell defects inarl13bmutants. These findings suggested that Arl13b is necessary for the early development of cerebellar granule and Purkinje cells. Thearl13b-deficient zebrafish can serve as a model organism for studying Joubert syndrome.
Classification and improvement of the flow condition with spatial distribution in unsaturated soil
Authors: Sato Mari
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Seepage flow in unsaturated soil cannot be accurately calculated or measured using existing theories, as they consider several assumptions, and associated simulations are conducted under ideal conditions. Exact values such as velocity and pressure inside the unsaturated ground are not obvious that are often estimated by the seepage flow analysis. Those estimated values are not often corresponded to the measured values well. This study aimed to re-evaluate the conditions that well-known theories are established without any failures and aim to reduce the inconsistency for numerical analysis. Concretely, it develops a simple method to judge the inconsistency of well-known theories on geotechnical engineering in unsaturated soil by utilizing the fundamental magnitude relations of several properties and velocity terms in Bernoulli’s principle. As a result, consistent and inconsistent conditions are classified, although it is estimated that continuous seepage ranges close to the piezometric head conservation equation: h = z + ψ. The classification by this judgement is contributed to the estimation of the ground seepage condition using the combination of pressure head and hydraulic head difference in practical sites. Moreover, the inconsistency can be solved by assuming the local hydraulic gradient distributions. The hydraulic gradient modification is proposed by installing tentative seepage length and tentative hydraulic head for flow analysis. Finally, the local hydraulic gradient led by the proposed equations is calculated with the Mualem–van Genuchten model; the calculation results show the modified local hydraulic gradient is valid and applicable. Future works include discretization and analytical method. The criterion can immediately judge whether ground conditions and modification methods can be used for a more accurate seepage analysis in unsaturated soil.
Classification of the Paleoproterozoic Gulcheru Formation: Implications on Early Paleogeographic and Tectonic Evolution of the Cuddapah Basin, India
Authors: Majumder Tuasha , Patranabis-Deb Sarbani
Published: August 2020

The Papaghni sub-basin of the Cuddapah basin is an arcuate NW-SE trending intracratonic basin, stretching from Kurnool in the NW to Guvvalacheruvu in the SE, in southern peninsular India. Despite of large number of researches, an understanding of the evolution of the basin is still elusive. The sub-basin preserves records of repeated opening and closing of Paleoproterozoic rifts along the zone of NW-SE trending axis in the East Dharwar craton. Present study was carried out along the southwestern margin of the Papaghni sub-basin, in and around Tadpatri-Gooty-Dhone area, where the successive litho-units are represented by two major unconformity-bound sequences. Each of these sequences are characterized by a distinctive set of litho-assemblage, deposited under diverse tectonic environments with highly variable modes and tempos of sedimentation in an extensional basin. The basin initiated at about 2 Ga and shortly evolved into a shallow sea, with development of wide siliciclastic shelf in an open marine condition, the Gulcheru Formation. Gradually, with time the siliciclastic shelf was replaced by an extensive stromatolitic carbonate platform, the Vempalle Formation. Dedicated fieldwork exemplifies that the initial basin-fill is characterized largely by several cycles of simple, but amalgamated and stacked fanglomerates (alluvial fan to fan-delta) systems developed from several single stream breaches onto the proximal setting of the basin, in a syn-rift setting. These fanglomerates display a fining upward sequence, which progressively passes up to high-energy coastal, tide-storm dominated shelf environments of post-rift setting. This study justifies the subdivision of the Gulcheru Formation into two formal lithostratigraphic members, the Daditota Member and the Karvipalle Member. The Daditota Member directly overlies the granitoid basement and grades upward to Karvipalle Member. Karvipalle Member, comprising predominantly of medium to fine-grained, reddish brown and white quartz arenites of stable shelf deposits, distinctly differs from the conglomerate and very coarse-grained mass-flow dominated deposits of the Daditota Member. The Vempalle Formation overlies the Gulcheru Formation with a gradational contact and consists of stromatolitic dolomite, oolite and shale, developed in a ramp type carbonate platform setting. Gradual transition from siliciclastic to carbonate sequence points to passive margin setting developed during the breakup of the supercontinent Kenorland. Disposition of proximal to distal sequences and northeastern, eastern and southeastern paleocurrent of the sequences advocate a NW-SE shoreline and eastern paleo-slope of the basin.
A new type of experimentally proposed in situ heat/gas clean foam fracturing fluid system
Authors: Zhang Kuangsheng , Zhao Zhenfeng , Tang Meirong , Chen Wenbin , Wang Chengwang , Mao Xinyu , Li Nianyin
Published: August 2020

When cold fluid is injected into low-temperature, low-pressure, low-permeability reservoirs containing wax-bearing heavy oil, cryogenic paraffin deposition and heavy oil condensation will occur, thus damaging the formation. Moreover, the formation pressure coefficient is low and the working fluid flowback efficiency is low, which affects the fracturing stimulation effect. Therefore, an in situ heat/gas clean foam fracturing fluid system is proposed. This system can ensure that conventional fracturing fluid can create fractures and carry proppant in the reservoir, generate heat in situ to avoid cold damage, reduce the viscosity, and improve the fluidity of crude oil. The in situ heat fracturing fluid generates a large amount of inert gas while generating heat, thus forming foam-like fracturing fluid, reducing fluid loss, improving proppant-carrying performance, improving gel-breaking performance, effectively improving crack conductivity, and is clean and environmentally friendly. Based on the improved existing fracturing fluid system, in this paper, a new type of in situ heat fracturing fluid system is proposed, and a system optimization evaluation is conducted through laboratory experiments according to the performance evaluation standard of water-based fracturing fluid. Compared with the traditional in situ heat fracturing fluid system, the fracturing fluid system proposed in this study generates a large amount of inert gas and form foam-like fracturing fluid, reduces fluid loss, enhances the proppant-carrying capacity and gel-breaking performance, improves crack conductivity, the gel without residue and that the gel-breaking liquid is clean and harmless.
Tribological behavior of ammonium-based protic ionic liquid as lubricant additive
Authors: Guo Hong , Iglesias Patricia
Published: August 2020

In this study, the tribological behavior of an ammonium-based protic ionic liquid (PIL) as an additive in a base mineral oil (MO) is investigated on a steel-steel contact at room temperature and 100 °C. Tri-[bis(2-hydroxyethylammonium)] citrate (DCi) was synthesized in a simple and low-cost way, and the ionic structure of DCi was confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). The stability measurement of 1 wt% DCi to a MO was investigated, and the lubricating ability and anti-wear properties of DCi as an additive in MO were also examined using a custom-designed reciprocating ball-on-flat tribometer. Optical microscope and profilometry were used to obtain the worn morphology of the steel disks. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were carried out to investigate the wear mechanism and to analyze the surface interactions between the rubbing components. When 1 wt% DCi is added into the base MO, frictional performance is improved at both temperatures studied with a friction reduction of 29.0% and 35.5%, respectively. Moreover, the addition of 1 wt% DCi to MO reduced the wear volume 59.4% compared to the use of MO. An oxygen-richened tribolayer is confirmed by EDS on the disk surface when DCi was used as additive under 100 °C.
Comparing the effects of whey and casein supplementation on nutritional status and immune parameters in patients with chronic liver disease: a randomised double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Mizubuti Y. G. G. , Vieira E. L. M. , Silva T. A. , d’Alessandro M. O. , Generoso S. V. , Teixeira A. L. , Lima A. S. , Correia M. I. T. D.
Published: August 2020

Protein supplementation may be beneficial for patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). This study compared the effects of whey protein isolate (WP) and casein (CA) supplementation on nutritional status and immune parameters of CLD patients who were randomly assigned to take 20 g of WP or CA twice per d as a supplement for 15 d. Body composition, muscle functionality and plasmatic immunomarkers were assessed before and after supplementation. Patients were also classified according to the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) into less (MELD < 15) and more (MELD ≥ 15) severe disease groups. Malnutrition, determined by the Subjective Global Assessment at baseline, was observed in 57·4 % and 54·2 % of patients in the WP and CA groups, respectively (P = 0·649). Protein intake was lower at baseline in the WP group than in the CA group (P = 0·035), with no difference after supplementation (P = 0·410). Both the WP and CA MELD < 15 groups increased protein intake after supplementation according to the intragroup analysis. No differences were observed in body composition, muscle functionality, most plasma cytokines (TNF, IL-6, IL-1β and interferon-γ), immunomodulatory proteins (sTNFR1, sTNFR2, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor) or immunomodulatory hormones (adiponectin, insulin and leptin) after supplementation in the WP groups at the two assessed moments. WP supplementation increased the levels of interferon-γ-induced protein-10/CXCL10 (P = 0·022), eotaxin-1/CCL11 (P = 0·031) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/CCL2 (P = 0·018) and decreased IL-5 (P = 0·027), including among those in the MELD ≥ 15 group, for whom IL-10 was also increased (P = 0·008). Thus, WP consumption by patients with CLD impacted the immunomodulatory responses when compared with CA with no impact on nutritional status.
The Roots of Comparative Alterity in Siam: Depicting, describing, and defining the peoples of the world, 1830s–1850s
Authors: REEDER MATTHEW
Published: August 2020

This article identifies a moment of conceptual innovation—the 1830s to the 1850s—in which everyday artists and writers in Siam were tasked with creating comparative representations of the peoples of the world. Although their compositions took a variety of formats, they departed from earlier representations of alterity by devoting equal attention to each ‘type’, including the Thai themselves. This approach is best exemplified in three mid-nineteenth-century works: (1) a set of archetypal portraits of about 20 peoples painted on the shutters of a major Buddhist monastery, (2) sculptures of 32 peoples at the same monastery with a short poem describing each one, and (3) entries defining terms for peoples in an early Thai–Thai dictionary. The systematic formatting of these works drew on similar compositions circulating across the nineteenth-century globe. Yet, despite the presence in Bangkok of foreign interlocutors and imported books and prints, the mid-nineteenth-century compositions preserve ethnic tropes and practices of expression specific to Siam. In addition, the agents of intellectual innovation were not restricted to the usual princely or missionary protagonists. It was a motley cast of anonymous artists, local scholars, and middling officials who tapped traditional genres of composition and local markers of differentiation to render the peoples of the world as comparable, generic, and fixed.