bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Marriage of Univalence and Parametricity
Authors: Tabareau Nicolas , Tanter Éric , Sozeau Matthieu
Published: January 2021

Reasoning modulo equivalences is natural for everyone, including mathematicians. Unfortunately, in proof assistants based on type theory, which are frequently used to mechanize mathematical results and carry out program verification efforts, equality is appallingly syntactic, and as a result, exploiting equivalences is cumbersome at best. Parametricity and univalence are two major concepts that have been explored in the literature to transport programs and proofs across type equivalences, but they fall short of achieving seamless, automatic transport. This work first clarifies the limitations of these two concepts when considered in isolation and then devises a fruitful marriage between both. The resulting concept, called
univalent parametricity
, is an extension of parametricity strengthened with univalence that fully realizes programming and proving modulo equivalences. Our approach handles both type and term dependency, as well as type-level computation. In addition to the theory of univalent parametricity, we present a lightweight framework implemented in the Coq proof assistant that allows the user to transparently transfer definitions and theorems for a type to an equivalent one, as if they were equal. For instance, this makes it possible to conveniently switch between an easy-to-reason-about representation and a computationally efficient representation as soon as they are proven equivalent. The combination of parametricity and univalence supports
transport à la carte
: basic univalent transport, which stems from a type equivalence, can be complemented with additional proofs of equivalences between functions over these types, in order to be able to transport more programs and proofs, as well as to yield more efficient terms. We illustrate the use of univalent parametricity on several examples, including a recent integration of native integers in Coq. This work paves the way to easier-to-use proof assistants by supporting seamless programming and proving modulo equivalences.
Mathematical Models to Determine the Conductivity of a Cztis Photovoltaic Material as a Function of the Synthesis Temperature
Authors: Patarroyo Mesa Miguel , Castellanos Báez Yemy Tatiana , Gómez Cuaspud Jairo Alberto , Vera López Enrique , Aperador Chaparro William
Published: January 2021

Study on the conductivity of the material Cu2ZnTiS4 (CZTiS), obtained under a hydrothermal route from precursor nitrates treated in a teflon reactor under constant pressure with a stainless steel jacket, involving different heat treatments (200, 225, 250, 275 and 300°C) for reaction times of 48 hours in all cases and subsequent calcination at 550°C in a tube oven, under nitrogen flow (50 mL min-1). The materials were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The results showed materials with structural and crystalline properties concordant with a kesterite type phase, evidencing homogeneous surfaces, unique morphological properties derived from the process with regular distribution of particles and size of the nanometric order (5-6 nm) as well as the characteristics of the roughness of the material. Solid state impedance spectroscopy (IS) evidenced its electrical behavior and validated the proposed mathematical models.
Electrochemical Degradation of Naproxen (NPX) and Diclofenac (DFC) through Active Chlorine Species (Cl2-active): Considerations on Structural Aspects and Degradation in Urine
Authors: Palma Ricardo Enrique , Serna-Galvis Efraim , Ramirez Juan Esteban , Torres Ricardo Antonio
Published: January 2021

The electrochemical degradation of two highly consumed analgesics, naproxen (NPX) and diclofenac (DFC), mediated by chloride ions and using a dimensionally stable anode (Ti/IrO2), is compared. In the first part, the ability of the system to generate reactive chlorine species was evaluated as a function of the current density (j= 1.25, 3.13, 5.00 mA cm-2) and the chloride concentration ([NaCl]= 0.01, 0.025, 0.05 mol L-1). Subsequently, under proper conditions, the process performance to degrade the pharmaceuticals individually and mixed, in distilled water and synthetic fresh urine, was evaluated. The electrochemical system achieved 100 % of NPX and DFC elimination in distilled water at 0.017 and 0.056 Ah L-1, respectively. A strong dependence on the chemical structure of the analgesic was evidenced in the degradation kinetics. Finally, slow elimination of the pharmaceuticals in the urine was observed, because of compounds in this complex matrix that compete for the degrading agents.
Gel Polymer Electrolyte for Aluminum-Ion Batteries
Authors: Ortiz-Gonzalez Jessica Daniela , Sánchez-Sáenz Carlos Ignacio
Published: January 2021

Aluminum-based batteries have potential advantages such as low flammability, low cost, and 3 electrons in the reaction that give them high charge capacity. Current research focuses on aluminum-ion batteries with carbon-derived cathodes that have achieved fast-charge capability and long-term stability; however, present some problems as: the disintegration of the cathodic material, the use of ionic liquids electrolytes, whose corrosivity, sensitivity to the environment and cost, generate safety and design problems for commercial devices. An aluminum-ion polymer battery was constructed with aluminum foil anode, graphene paper cathode, and an iongel of PMMA-AlCl3(0.68)-EMIm|AlCl4(80%) as the electrolyte, to reduce the environmental sensitivity and achieve different types of assembly. The battery was evaluated using Cyclic Voltammetry and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), finding reversible behavior between 1.5V-2.5V vs. Al (QRE) associated with the plasticizer reaction and irreversible reduction peaks between 0.5V-1.5V vs. Al (QRE) produced by the coordination of chloroaluminate cations with the polymer matrix. The battery presented a maximum coulombic efficiency of ~60%, the losses are attributed to the cathode collector corrosion and the irreversibilities in the electrodes.
Synthesis and Characterization of a Quaternary Semiconductor Based on Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Pinzon Lopez Johan Libardo , Soracá Pérez Gina Yasmin , Gómez Cuaspud Jairo Alberto , Vera López Enrique , Pineda Triana Yaneth
Published: January 2021

This article presents the synthesis of a kesterite phase quaternary semiconductor, based on the Cu2ZnSnS4 system (abbreviated CZTS), making use of a hydrothermal route starting from metal salt solutions. The results of characterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirm the presence of a tetragonal kesterite phase I-42m with a preferential orientation in the plane (1 1 2). The results of the morphological characterization by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM-TEM) confirmed the obtaining of nanometric particles, which are grouped as clusters of approximately 1 micron with crystallite sizes of ≈ 6.0 nm. The complementary analysis of electron microscopy with X-ray energy dispersion spectrometry (EDS) confirmed a good agreement in composition without evidence of volatilization of the species, which allowed the characteristics of the material to be preserved. The results of the analysis by ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy determined the obtaining of a semiconductor with a band-gap of 1.46 eV, obtained by analyzing its absorption spectrum and the TAUC equation. The electrical properties of the material evaluated by solid state impedance spectroscopy confirmed that the synthesis route is appropriate for obtaining a semiconductor.
Copper and Cobalt Co-Doped Ferrites as Effective Agents for the Electrochemical Detection of N-acetyl-p-aminophenol
Authors: Morales J. , Silgado-Cortázar D. G. , Rosero-Martínez J. M. , Basante-Delgado S. F. , Mendez-Albores Erika , Aperador-Chaparro W. A. , Gómez-Cuaspud J. A.
Published: January 2021

In the present article, the synthesis of copper and cobalt co-doped ferrites (Cu0.3Co0.7Fe2O4) and application as an electrode modifier were demonstrated. The synthesis of Cu0.3Co0.7Fe2O4 was conducted using the citrate sol-gel method by mixing the stoichiometric ratio of cobalt chloride, copper chloride, and ferrous chloride in aqueous solutions with citric acid and adjusting the pH of the solution to 7 using liquid ammonia. The spinel phase structure was confirmed by means of X-ray powder diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the morphology of the sample and the vibrations of the functional groups were determined by Raman and IR-ATR spectroscopy. A promising modified electrode based on copper and cobalt co-doped ferrites (Cu0.3Co0.7Fe2O4)-modified glassy carbon electrode (Cu0.3Co0.7Fe2O4 / GCE) was presented for the sensitive detection of N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (NAP). The electrochemical behavior of NAP on Cu0.3Co0.7Fe2O4 / GCE was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The modified electrode displayed excellent redox activity towards NAP, with a significant reduction of overpotential compared to bare GCE. A good linear relationship was obtained between the concentration and current response of NAP with a detection limit of 28.9 nM The excellent electrocatalytic activity of Cu0.3Co0.7Fe2O4 suggesting potential application of the modified electrode as an electrochemical sensor for N-acetyl-p-aminophenol.
TMEM16A channel upregulation in arterial smooth muscle cells produces vasoconstriction during diabetes
Authors: Leo M. Dennis , Peixoto-Nieves Dieniffer , Yin Wen , Raghavan Somasundaram , Muralidharan Padmapriya , Mata-Daboin Alejandro , Jaggar Jonathan H.
Published: January 2021

We investigated the involvement of TMEM16A channels in vascular dysfunction during type 2 diabetes (T2D). TMEM16A message, protein, and currents were higher in smooth muscle cells of resistance-size arteries during T2D. Pressure stimulated greater vasoconstriction in the arteries of T2D mice that was abolished in the arteries of TMEM16A smKO mice. Akt2 protein and activity were both lower in T2D arteries, and Akt2 knockdown elevated TMEM16A protein. We propose that a decrease in Akt2 function stimulates TMEM16A expression in arterial smooth muscle cells, leading to vasoconstriction during T2D.
Thinned Virtual Array for Cramer Rao Bound Optimization in MIMO Radar
Authors: Li Xia , Wang Buhong
Published: January 2021

By transmitting multiple independent waveforms at the transmit side and processing echoes of spatial targets at the receive side, Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) radar enjoys virtual array aperture expansion and more degree of freedom (DOF), both of which favors the application of direction finding or estimation of direction of arrival (DOA). The expanded virtual aperture provides higher angular resolution which also promotes the precision of DOA estimation, and the extra DOF brought by waveform diversity can be leveraged to focus energy in certain spatial region for better direction-finding capacity. However, beamspace methods which match certain beampatterns suffer from deteriorated performance and complexity in implementation, and the advantage of virtual array aperture is limited by its virtual element redundancy. As an important performance indicator of DOA estimation, Cramer–Rao Bound (CRB) is closely connected to the array configuration of the system. To reduce the complexity of the system and improve CRB performance at the same time, in this paper, the virtual array of MIMO radar is designed directly by selecting outputs from matched filters at the receive side. For the sake of fair comparison, both scenarios with and without priori directions are considered to obtain optimized virtual array configuration, respectively. The original combinatorial problems are approximated by sequential convex approximations methods which produce solutions with efficiency. Numerical results demonstrate that the proposed method can provide thinned virtual arrays with excellent CRB performance.
Risk Factors of Ureteral Stenosis in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Retrospective Study in National Referral Hospital in Indonesia
Authors: Irdam Gampo A. , Sutojo Bobby , Raharja Putu A. R.
Published: January 2021

Ureteral stenosis is one of the most common urological complications following kidney transplantations. It is occurred in 2–10% of patients and poses a significant problem to the patients as it may lead to permanent damage to renal damage. Identification of risk factors is important to prevent the incidence of ureteral stenosis. Thus, we aim to determine the risk factors of ureteral stenosis in the Indonesian population. This is a retrospective analysis of 487 kidney transplant patients performed in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital between 2014 and 2018. We collected and compared donor and recipient demography data in recipients who developed ureteral stenosis and recipients who did not develop ureteral stenosis. Ureteral stenosis was defined as the presence of hydronephrosis from ultrasound and increased number of serum creatinine. The overall incidence of ureteral stenosis post-kidney transplantation in our center is 6.6% (32 from 487 patients) from January 2014 until June 2018. We found that older donor and recipient age more frequent in developing ureteral stenosis post-kidney transplantation (

p

 < 0.001). We also found that donors with number of arteries more than 2 (

p

 < 0.001) and prolonged warm ischemic time (

p

 < 0.05) are more frequently to develop ureteral stenosis post-kidney transplantation. There is no association between type II diabetes mellitus and hypertension with ureteral stenosis in this study. Donor age, recipient age, donor number of arteries more than 2, and prolonged warm ischemia time are associated with ureteral stenosis after kidney transplantation.
Comparison of Effects of a Thrombin‐Based Hemostatic Agent and Topical Tranexamic Acid on Blood Loss in Patients with Preexisting Thromboembolic Risk Undergoing a Minimally Invasive Total Knee Arthroplasty. A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yen Shih-Hsiang , Lin Po-Chun , Wu Cheng-Ta , Wang Jun-Wen
Published: January 2021

Background. The efficacy of a thrombin‐based hemostatic agent (Floseal®) on reducing postoperative blood loss after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was still unclear. The aim of our study was to conduct a prospective randomized controlled study to compare the blood conservation effects of Floseal® and topical TXA in patients with preexisting thromboembolic risk undergoing primary minimally invasive TKA. Methods. Our power analysis of this study was based upon the following description, to obtain a statistical power of 0.90 and an alpha error of 0.05, 30 patients were required in each group. Therefore, we enrolled a total of 103 patients with at least one of the risk factors for thromboembolism who underwent unilateral primary minimally invasive TKA, and the participants were randomly divided into the topical TXA group (n = 34), receiving intra‐articular injection of 3 g of TXA in 100 mL saline after TKA, the topical Floseal® group (n = 34), receiving 10 mL of Floseal® intra‐articularily during surgery, and the placebo group (n = 35), receiving an intra‐articular saline injection only. The total blood loss (TBL) and hemoglobin (Hb) drop were compared among the 3 groups. Results. The TXA group had a lower TBL of 645 mL (227 to 1090) in comparison with 1145 mL (535 to 1942) in the Floseal® group and 1103 mL (424 to 1711) in the placebo (p < 0.001, respectively). The TBL was similar between the Floseal® group and the placebo group (p = 0.819). No patients in any group had symptoms of venous thromboemblism. Conclusion. Our prospective randomized controlled study showed that intra‐articular application of TXA was superior to hemostatic matrix (Floseal®) in terms of blood conservation in patients with preexisting thromboembolic risk undergoing minimally invasive TKA. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02865174) on 08/09/2016.
Polygoni Multiflori Radix Preparat Delays Skin Aging by Inducing Mitophagy
Authors: Liu Xiang , Yang Chunyan , Deng Ying , Liu Ping , Yang Hongqiu , Du Xiaoshuang , Du Yu
Published: January 2021

Background. As the skin is the largest organ of the human body, it is aging inevitably and produces cosmetic and psychological problems, and even disease. Therefore, the molecular mechanisms related to the prevention of skin aging need to be further explored. Methods. Aging models were constructed by D‐galactose. Mice were administrated with polygoni multiflori radix preparat (PMRP), PMRP and 3‐methyladenine, or PMRP and rapamycin intragastrically. The apparent and viscera index of aged rats was measured. Then, the physicochemical property, antioxidant ability, histological structure, mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP and ROS levels, and mitophagy of aged skins were determined. Finally, the expression of PINK1, Parkin, P62, and LC3II/I; apoptosis‐related proteins; and the percentage of apoptotic cells were measured. Results. PMRP relieved skin aging with reducing of thymus index, improvement of pathological damage and histological structure, increase of the expression area of fibrous tissue, the ratio of type I to type III collagen, and antioxidant ability of aged skins. Importantly, PMRP also improved mitochondrial dysfunction with an increase in the content of mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP and a decrease of ROS levels. Moreover, mitophagy was enhanced with the treatment of PMRP when observed using electron microscopy, and the expression of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3I/II was increased with PMRP treatment but P62 expression was decreased. Meanwhile, PMRP alleviated apoptosis with a decrease of apoptotic cell and the expression of Cleaved‐cas3, Bax, Cyt‐c, AIF, and Smac as well as an increase of Bcl‐2 expression. Conclusion. The results demonstrated that the polygoni multiflori radix preparata may delay skin aging by inducing mitophagy.
Multipoint Optimal Minimum Entropy Deconvolution Adjusted for Automatic Fault Diagnosis of Hoist Bearing
Authors: Li Tengyu , Kou Ziming , Wu Juan , Yahya Waled , Villecco Francesco
Published: January 2021

Multipoint optimal minimum entropy deconvolution adjusted (MOMEDA) is a powerful method that can extract the periodic characteristics of signal effectively, but this method needs to evaluate the fault cycle a priori, and moreover, the results obtained in a complex environment are easily affected by noise. These drawbacks reduce the application of MOMEDA in engineering practice greatly. In order to avoid such problems, in this paper, we propose an adaptive fault diagnosis method composed of two parts: fault information integration and extracted feature evaluation. In the first part, a Teager energy spectrum amplitude factor (T‐SAF) is proposed to select the intrinsic mode function (IMF) components decomposed by ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), and a combined mode function (CMF) is proposed to further reduce the mode mixing. In the second part, the particle swarm optimization (PSO) taking fractal dimension as the objective function is employed to choose the filter length of MOMEDA, and then the feature frequency is extracted by MOMEDA from the reconstructed signal. A cyclic recognition method is proposed to appraise the extracted feature frequency, and the evaluation system based on threshold and weight coefficient removes the wrong feature frequency. Finally, the feasibility of the method is verified by simulation data, experimental signals, and on‐site signals. The results show that the proposed method can effectively identify the bearing state.
Involvement of Muscarinic Receptors in Hypotensive and Diuretic Effects of Aqueous Soluble Fraction from Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav.
Authors: Younis Waqas , Alamgeer  , Schini-Kerth V. B. , Nocchi Samara Requena , Silva Denise Brentan , de Souza Priscila , Bukhari Ishfaq Ali , Vohra Fahim , Afzal Sibtain , Gasparotto Junior Arquimedes
Published: January 2021

Background. Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. (Asphodelaceae) is widely used in Pakistan traditional medicine as a hypotensive and diuretic agent. Despite the cardioprotective effects described for A. tenuifolius, the mechanisms involved in its probable hypotensive and diuretic effects have never been evaluated. Firstly, different extracts from A. tenuifolius seeds were obtained, and their antioxidant profiles and chemical constituents by LC-DAD-were determined, including molecular networking by the GNPS platform. Then, to evaluate changes in blood pressure, different groups of anesthetized normotensive rats were intravenously treated with the crude extract (AT-Cr, 1–50 mg/kg), aqueous (AS-AT, 1–25 mg/kg), n-butanol (BS-AT, 1–50 mg/kg), and dichloromethane fraction (DS-AT, 1–80 mg/kg). The diuretic effects of AT-Cr, AS-AT, BS-AT, and DS-AT at 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, p.o. doses, were also evaluated in comparison with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, 10 mg/kg, p.o). The urinary volume, sodium, potassium, and pH were estimated in the sample collected for 6 h from saline-loaded rats. Using pharmacological antagonists or inhibitors, we determine the involvement of acetylcholine, prostaglandins, and nitric oxide in A. tenuifolius-induced hypotensive and diuresis action. In addition, the activities of angiotensin-converting enzyme, erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase, and renal Na+/K+/ATPase were evaluated in vitro. Acute treatment with crude extract and fractions of A. tenuifolius exhibited significant hypotensive and diuretic potential in normotensive rats. However, AS-AT produced the most potent and significant dose-dependent hypotension and diuretic effects in normotensive rats. Previous treatment with atropine significantly reduced the hypotensive and diuretic action of AS-AT, but pretreatment with indomethacin or L-NAME did not affect these effects. Moreover, the 7-day treatment with AS-AT did not reduce activities of serum angiotensin-converting enzyme, erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase, and renal Na+/K+/ATPase. AS-AT showed four major compound node clusters, which included sugars, alkaloids, nucleoside, amino acid, and glycosylated flavonoids. This research supports and extends the traditional use of A. tenuifolius as a hypotensive and diuretic agent. The results showed that AS-AT from A. tenuifolius could present compounds responsible for hypotensive and diuretic activities through the activation of muscarinic receptors.
Microscopic Stress Sensitivity Analysis with In Situ SEM Study and Digital Core Deformation Simulation
Authors: Sui Weibo , Hou Yanan , Cheng Zhilin
Published: January 2021

Rock stress sensitivity is typically investigated macroscopically. In contrast, a new method combining in situ Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM) study and digital core deformation simulation is developed in this paper, providing an effective way to investigate the relationship between microstructural deformation and decreasing permeability. The simulation method might replace in situ SEM study under certain scenarios. First, the in situ SEM study was implemented, and the microstructure deformations of rock samples during uniaxial loading were observed and recorded. The SEM images at different stress states were analyzed by digital image correlation (DIC) technique to investigate the principles of these deformations. A deformation simulation method was correspondingly proposed. The simulation effectiveness was demonstrated by comparing the simulation and the in situ SEM study results. To validate the simulation method for the three-dimensional (3D) digital core, porosity-permeability integrated measurements under triaxial stresses were conducted to obtain macroscale data under different stress states for a tight sandstone sample. A 3D digital core was reconstructed by micro-CT imaging with the same rock sample. Under the constraints of the measured porosity changes, the 3D digital core deformation was simulated. A series of simulated cores at different stress states were used for pore network model extraction, and the corresponding permeability was calculated. A comparison of the permeability changes of the simulation and porosity-permeability integrated measurements indicated consistently that the simulation method can characterize the 3D digital core stress sensitivity. In addition, the in situ SEM study results revealed that the throats deformed more severely than the pores by generating the pore and throat diameter frequency distributions at different stress states. Therefore, we concluded that throat deformation is more critical than pore deformation for permeability reduction.
D‐Limonene Alleviates Acute Kidney Injury Following Gentamicin Administration in Rats: Role of NF‐κB Pathway, Mitochondrial Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress, and PCNA
Authors: Babaeenezhad Esmaeel , Hadipour Moradi Forouzan , Rahimi Monfared Sobhan , Fattahi Mohammad Davood , Nasri Maryam , Amini Abdolhakim , Dezfoulian Omid , Ahmadvand Hassan
Published: January 2021

Clinical application of gentamicin (GM) is well known to be associated with the development of acute kidney injury (AKI). This study was the first to investigate the possible protective effects of D‐limonene (D‐lim) on AKI following GM administration in rats. 32 rats arranged in four groups (n = 8): (1) the control group received saline intraperitoneally (0.5 ml/day) and orally (0.5 ml/day), (2) the D‐lim group received D‐lim (100 mg/kg) orally and saline (0.5 ml/day) intraperitoneally, (3) the GM group received GM (100 mg/kg/day) intraperitoneally and saline (0.5 ml/day) orally, and (4) the treated group received intraperitoneal GM (100 mg/kg) and oral D‐lim (100 mg/kg). All treatments were performed daily for 12 consecutive days. Results revealed that D‐lim ameliorated GM‐induced AKI, oxidative stress, mitochondrial apoptosis, and inflammation. D‐lim showed nephroprotective effects as reflected by the decrease in serum urea and creatinine and improvement of renal histopathological changes. D‐lim alleviated GM‐induced oxidative stress by increasing the activities of renal catalase, serum and renal glutathione peroxidase, and renal superoxide dismutase and decreasing renal malondialdehyde and serum nitric oxide levels. Intriguingly, D‐lim suppressed mitochondrial apoptosis by considerably downregulating Bax and caspase‐3 (Casp‐3) mRNA and protein expressions and markedly enhancing Bcl2 mRNA and protein expressions. Furthermore, D‐lim significantly decreases GM‐induced inflammatory response through downregulation of NF‐κB, IL‐6, and TNF‐α mRNA and/or protein expressions and decrease in renal myeloperoxidase activity. Finally, D‐lim remarkably downregulated PCNA protein expression in the treated group compared with the GM group. In brief, this study showed that D‐lim alleviated AKI following GM administration in rats, partially through its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities as well as downregulation of PCNA expression.
Proteomic Profiling Reveals the Molecular Changes of Insomnia Patients
Authors: Wang Guanying , Ren Xiaojuan , Zhang Xingping , Wang Qingquan , Liu Tao , Deng Ning , Yan Deqi
Published: January 2021

Background. Insomnia is an economic burden and public health problem. This study is aimed at exploring potential biological pathways and protein networks for insomnia characterized by wakefulness after sleep. Method. Proteomics analysis was performed in the insomnia group with wakefulness and the control group. The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were enriched; then, hub proteins were identified by protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network and verified by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). Results. Compared with the control group, the sleep time and efficiency of insomnia patients were decreased, and awakening time and numbers after sleep onset were significantly increased (P < 0.001). The results of proteomic sequencing found 68 DEPs in serum under 1.2‐fold changed standard. These DEPs were significantly enriched in humoral immune response, complement and coagulation cascades, and cholesterol metabolism. Through the PPI network, we identified 10 proteins with the highest connectivity as hub proteins. Among them, the differential expression of 9 proteins was verified by PRM. Conclusion. We identified the hub proteins and molecular mechanisms of insomnia patients characterized by wakefulness after sleep. It provided potential molecular targets for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of these patients and indicated that the immune and metabolic systems may be closely related to insomnia characterized by wakefulness after sleep.
The Reproductive Toxicity Associated with Dodonaea viscosa, a Folk Medicinal Plant in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khan Muhammad Farooq , Alqahtani Ali S. , Almarfadi Omer M. , Ullah Riaz , Nasr Fahd A. , Noman Omar M. , Siddiqui Nasir A. , Shahat Abdelaaty A. , Ahamad Syed Rizwan
Published: January 2021

Dodonaea viscosa is a medicinal plant which is being used to treat various diseases in humans. The available safety data suggest that the plant does not produce any side effects, or toxicity, in tested adult experimental animals. However, the influence of D. viscosa on fetus or embryonic development is largely not known. This study was conducted in order to find out the reproductive toxicity of D. viscosa in experimental animals. Zebrafish embryos were used as the in vivo developmental toxicity animal model. Methanolic crude extract, hexane, chloroform, and butanol fractions were prepared from the leaves of D. viscosa. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to serial dilution of crude extract and other fractions. The crude extract and hexane fraction induced higher level of toxicity in zebrafish embryos as compared to chloroform and butanol fractions. The phenol and flavonoid estimation revealed that crude leaves extract and hexane fractions had lower content of phenol and flavonoid. Two major compounds, phytol and methyl ester, of hexadecanoic acid were identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) analysis. More detailed studies are needed to check the toxicity of D. viscosa in pregnant experimental animals; however, the results from this study have shown that D. viscosa possesses reproductive toxicity and its use and doses must be carefully monitored in pregnant patients.
Prevalence of Anemia and Its Associate Factors among Women of Reproductive Age in Lao PDR: Evidence from a Nationally Representative Survey
Authors: Keokenchanh Sengtavanh , Kounnavong Sengchanh , Tokinobu Akiko , Midorikawa Kaoru , Ikeda Wakaha , Morita Akemi , Kitajima Takumi , Sokejima Shigeru
Published: January 2021

Introduction. Anemia continues to be a major public health problem significant among women of reproductive age (WRA) in developing countries, including Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), where the prevalence of anemia among women remains high. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among WRA 15–49 years in Lao PDR. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study, using the Lao Social Indicator Survey II, 2017 dataset. A total of 12,519 WRA tested for anemia were included in this study, through multistage sampling approaches. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the associated factors of anemia. Results. Of 12,519 women, 4,907 (39.2%) were anemic. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that living in central provinces (aOR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.96–2.38), rural area (aOR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.00–1.20), large family size with more than 6 persons (aOR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01–1.29), pregnancy (aOR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.22–1.74), having any adverse pregnancy outcomes (aOR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03–1.25), poor drinking water (aOR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.10–1.39), and poor sanitation facility (aOR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.03–1.28) were significantly associated with an increased risk of anemia. Conversely, four factors were associated with anemia preventively, including being aged 25–34 years (aOR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.74–0.90), postsecondary education (aOR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.60–0.97), Hmong-Mien ethnicity (aOR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.39–0.59), and watching television almost daily (aOR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.75–0.95). Conclusion. Anemia continues to be a major public health challenge in Lao PDR. Interventions should be considered on geographic variations, improving safe water and sanitation facility, promoting of iron supplements during pregnancy, and health education through mass media for women in rural areas.
A Multicomponent Thermal Fluid Numerical Simulation Method considering Formation Damage
Authors: Yu Xinan , Li Xiaoping , Wang Shuoliang , Luo Yi
Published: January 2021

Multicomponent thermal fluid huff and puff is an innovative heavy oil development technology for heavy oil reservoirs, which has been widely used in offshore oilfields in China and has proved to be a promising method for enhancing oil recovery. Components of multicomponent thermal fluids contain many components, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and steam. Under high temperature and high pressure conditions, the complex physical and chemical reactions between multicomponent thermal fluids and reservoir rocks occur, which damage the pore structure and permeability of core. In this paper, the authors set up a reservoir damage experimental device, tested the formation permeability before and after the injection of multiple-component thermal fluids, and obtained the formation damage model. The multicomponent thermal fluid formation damage model is embedded in the component control equation, the finite difference method is used to discretize the control equation, and a new multielement thermal fluid numerical simulator is established. The physical simulation experiment of multicomponent thermal fluid huff and puff is carried out by using the actual sand-packed model. By comparing the experimental results with the numerical simulation results, it is proved that the new numerical simulation model considering formation damage proposed in this paper is accurate and reliable.
Study on the Durability of Road Concrete with Blast Furnace Slag Affected by the Corrosion Initiated by Chloride
Authors: Nicula Liliana Maria , Corbu Ofelia , Iliescu Mihai , Sandu Andrei Victor , Hegyi Andreea
Published: January 2021

In order to assess the resistance of the road concrete to the penetration of the chloride ions, we used the rapid test RCPT in compliance with ASTM C1202. But, in order to increase the reliability of the rapid test of assessing the resistance of chloride ions’ permeability through measurements of the electrical conductivity, after finishing the RCPT test, we have also measured the depth of the chloride front migrating in the concrete. Road concrete mixtures were prepared in which blast furnace slag (GGBS) was incorporated as a binder and blast furnace slag (ABS) as crushed slag aggregate to the size of 0/4 mm. The effect of the blast furnace slag on the RCPT results was investigated and correlated with porosity trends, carbonatation layer depth, and with the compression strength values, by comparison with the level of results obtained on concrete mixtures made with conventional materials. The measurement of the migrated chlorine front in the concrete together with the determined physical and mechanical characteristics confirms the efficiency of the blast furnace slag incorporated in the concrete and supports the reliability of the rapid penetration test of chlorine ions RCPT using the procedure from ASTM C 1202.
Smooth Extubation and Smooth Emergence Techniques: A Narrative Review
Authors: Wong Tiffany H. , Weber Garret , Abramowicz Apolonia E.
Published: January 2021

There is a paucity of literature on extubation technique and a lack of consensus regarding the definition of smooth extubation. This narrative review paper defines an ideal extubation, otherwise known as a “smooth extubation,” reviews perioperative criteria for extubation and risks and adverse events related to extubation, and explores various perioperative techniques that can be used to achieve a smooth extubation while caring for an uncomplicated patient without significant risk factors for extubation failure. In light of the evolving practice during the SARS CoV2 (COVID-19) pandemic to minimize aerosol generation and infection transmission, smooth extubation is particularly important.
Training Thoracic Ultrasound Skills: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Simulation-Based Training versus Training on Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Pietersen Pia Iben , Jørgensen Rasmus , Graumann Ole , Konge Lars , Skaarup Søren Helbo , Lawaetz Schultz Hans Henrik , Laursen Christian B
Published: January 2021

Introduction: As ultrasound becomes more accessible, the use of point-of-care ultrasound examinations performed by clinicians has increased. Sufficient theoretical and practical skills are prerequisites to integrate thoracic ultrasound into a clinical setting and to use it as supplement in the clinical decision-making. Recommendations on how to educate and train clinicians for these ultrasound examinations are debated, and simulation-based training may improve clinical performance. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the effect of simulation-based training in thoracic ultrasound compared to training on healthy volunteers. Method: A total of 66 physicians with no previous experience in thoracic ultrasound completed a training program and assessment of competences from November 2018 to May 2019. After a theoretical session in ultrasound physics, sonoanatomy, and thoracic ultrasound, the physicians were randomized into one of three groups for practical training: (1) simulation-based training, (2) training on a healthy volunteer, or (3) no training (control group). Primary outcome was difference in the clinical performance score after the training period. Results: Using a multiple comparison, ANOVA with Bonferroni correction for multiplicity, there was no statistical significant difference between the two trained groups’ performance score: 45.1 points versus 41.9 points (minimum 17 points, maximum 68 points; p = 0.38). The simulation-based training group scored significantly higher than the control group without hands-on training, 36.7 points (p = 0.009). Conclusions: The use of simulation-based training in thoracic ultrasound does not improve the clinical performance score compared to conventional training on healthy volunteers. As focused, thoracic ultrasound is a relatively uncomplicated practical procedure when taught; focus should mainly be on the theoretical part and the supervised clinical training in a curriculum. However, simulation can be used instead or as an add-on to training on simulated patients.
Lower Serum Irisin Levels Are Associated with Increased Abdominal Aortic Calcification in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Zhou Si-Jia , Wang Xiao-Xiao , Tang Wen , Han Qing-Feng , He Lian , Zhang Ai-Hua
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Vascular calcification (VC), with the mechanisms remaining unclear, is closely related with dialysis patients’ cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality. Irisin is a newly identified myokine. This study aims to evaluate the serum irisin levels of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and their relationship with VC. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled stable PD patients in Peking University Third Hospital who were followed for >6 months. We used plain X-ray films of abdomen to quantitatively evaluate VC of abdominal aorta. VC was evaluated by abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) scores, and PD patients were divided into the high AAC score group (AAC score ≥4) and the low AAC score group (AAC score <4). Demographic data and laboratory indexes were collected. Serum irisin concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: A total of 102 PD patients were enrolled in this study, and 52 patients (51.0%) were found to have a high AAC score of ≥4. Age, diabetic mellitus proportion, pulse pressure, hypercalcemia (corrected calcium >2.54 mmol/L) rate, serum ultrasensitive C reactive protein, and AAC scores were significantly higher in the high AAC score group than those of the low AAC score group (p < 0.05). The high AAC score group had lower diastolic blood pressure, serum albumin, and serum carbon dioxide combining power compared with the low AAC score group (p < 0.05). Serum irisin levels of PD patients with a high AAC score were significantly lower than those of PD patients with a low AAC score (109.7 ± 13.1 ng/mL vs. 115.9 ± 10.1 ng/mL, p = 0.010). The multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that serum irisin, diabetic mellitus, serum ultrasensitive C reactive protein, and age were independent factors influencing the occurrence of VC in PD patients. Conclusion: Our results are the first to provide a clinical evidence of the association between serum irisin and abdominal aortic calcification in PD patients. Lower irisin levels, diabetic mellitus, higher serum ultrasensitive C reactive protein, and older age could be potential predictive factors for VC in PD patients.
Body Site and Body Orientation Preferences during Social Grooming: A Comparison between Wild and Captive Chimpanzees and Bonobos
Authors: Allanic Morgane , Hayashi Misato , Furuichi Takeshi , Matsuzawa Tetsuro
Published: January 2021

Grooming site preferences have been relatively well studied in monkey species in order to investigate the function of social grooming. They are not only influenced by the amount of ectoparasites, but also by different social variables such as the dominance rank between individuals or their levels of affiliation. However, studies on this topic mainly come from monkey species, with almost no report on great apes. This study aimed to explore whether body site and body orientation preferences during social grooming show species-specific differences (bonobos vs. chimpanzees) and environment-specific differences (captivity vs. wild). Results showed that bonobos groomed the head, the front and faced each other more often than chimpanzees, while chimpanzees groomed the back, anogenitals and more frequently in face-to-back positions. Moreover, captive individuals were found to groom facing one another more often than wild ones, whereas wild individuals groomed the back and in face-to-back positions more. While future studies should expand their scope to include more populations per condition, our preliminary 2 by 2 comparison study highlights the influence of (i) species-specific social differences such as social tolerance, social attention and facial communication, and (ii) socioenvironmental constraints such as risk of predation, spatial crowding and levels of hygiene, that might be the two important factors determining the grooming patterns in two Panspecies.
Two new species of Minimelanolocus (Herpotrichiellaceae, Chaetothyriales) from submerged wood in Yunnan, China

Authors: WAN YI-LE , BAO DAN-FENG , LUO ZONG-LONG , BHAT DARBHE-JAYARAMA , XU YUE-XIN , SU HONG-YAN , HAO YU-E
Published: January 2021

During a survey on diversity of freshwater fungi along a north-south latitudinal gradient in Asia, three fresh specimens of Minimelanolocus were collected from submerged wood in streams in northwestern Yunnan Province, China. Based on their distinct morphological features and phylogenetic analyses of combined ITS, LSU and SSU sequence data, Minimelanolocus nujiangensis and M. clavatus are described as new species and M. submersus was recollected from Yunnan, China. Illustrations and descriptions with notes of the three species are provided. This study increases the known diversity of Minimelanolocus and enriches freshwater fungal resources.
Macedomeris, a new monotypic doderiinine genus (Diplopoda, Glomerida) from a cave in North Macedonia, Balkan Peninsula
Authors: ANTIĆ DRAGAN Ž. , MAKAROV SLOBODAN E.
Published: January 2021

Here we describe a new monotypic glomerid genus, Macedomeris gen. nov., with Macedomeris ivoi sp. nov. (a presumed troglobiont) as its type species. The new genus clearly differs from all other genera within the order Glomerida by the combination of several morphological characters: the presence of a characteristic deep lateral pit (“Ohrgrube”) on both sides of the thoracic shield, the absence of striking ornamentation on tergites, the fusion of tergite 11 with the anal shield, and the lack of a large medial hump. In addition, Macedomeris gen. nov. differs from other members of the Glomerida by its general appearance, the presence of 2 or 3 vestigial ommatidia and a very wide syncoxite of a 2-segmented leg-pair 17 in the male. Notes on its ecology, troglomorphic features, and relationships with similar members of the tribe Doderiini are also given.
A new species of Oryttus Spinola, 1836 from the United Arab Emirates and Tunisia, with identification key to Palaearctic species (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae)
Authors: SCHMID-EGGER CHRISTIAN , HAUSER MARTIN
Published: January 2021

The Palaearctic species of the genus Oryttus Spinola, 1836, are reviewed and a key to these species is given. Oryttus konradschmidti sp. nov. is described from the United Arab Emirates and Tunisia.
Emergency Remote Training in Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy: An Initial Assessment from Columbia
Authors: Richardson Justin , Cabaniss Deborah , Cherry Sabrina , Halperin Jane , Vaughan Susan
Published: January 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic and the social distancing required to combat it have set in motion an experiment in psychoanalytic education of unprecedented scope. Following an abrupt shift from in-person study to remote classes, supervision, clinical work, and training analyses, the Columbia University Center for Psychoanalytic Training and Research polled its psychotherapy and psychoanalysis trainees to assess their initial experience of remote training. Most candidates found the technical aspects of online learning easy and were satisfied with remote training overall. Across all programs, most trainees considered class length and reading load about right and felt their class participation was unaffected, though they found it harder to concentrate. Most found it no harder to start a training case, felt the shift to remote supervision had no negative effect, and were satisfied with seeing their training analyst remotely. Most trainees preferred in-person classes, clinical work, and training analyses to those offered remotely, yet in light of the health risks they said they were less likely to continue training in fall 2020 if in-person work resumed. Trainees suggested several modifications of teaching techniques to improve their participation and concentration in class. These findings’ implications for the debate regarding remote training in psychoanalysis are explored.
Horizontal Shareholdings and Paragraph IV Generic Entry in the U.S. Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Xie Jin
Published: January 2021

The Federal Trade Commission frequently files complaints against “pay-for-delay” settlements between brand-name pharmaceutical companies and generic-drug manufacturers, the latter of which challenge the monopoly status of patent-protected drugs. I document than when the top 20 generic shareholders have more substantial financial interests in the brand, then the likelihood that the brand enters into a settlement agreement with the first generic to challenge the brand goes up. The result of such a settlement is a payment from brand to generic, in exchange for the generic’s delayed entry. Only after the first generic’s entry, a 180-day period of marketing exclusivity for that particular generic starts. Other generics can only market their drugs after that period expires. As such, the settlement between brand and the first generic extends the brand’s monopoly position. I conclude that horizontal shareholdings facilitate coordination between brand-name patent holders and generic challengers in response to the threat of entry.