bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FIELD-CURRENT IDENTITY AND DECAY OF THE PROCESS π+→e++v+γ
Authors: HE ZUO-XIU  , HUANG TAO  ,   中国科学院高能物理研究所
Published: November 2020

This article calculates the radiative decay process π+→e++ v + r of the π+ meson, by employing the field-current identity of the axial vector current which may be deduced from field algebra theory or the quantum theory of composite fields. The theoretical calculations are compatible with experimental results.
THE NORMAL-MODE SOUND FIELD IN SHALLOW WATER HAVING A POSITIVE SOUND VELOCITY GRADIENT AND A RANDOM FLUCTUATION SURFACE
Authors: TANG YING-WU
Published: November 2020

In this paper, the effect of a random fluctuation surface on the sound field of a harmonic point source in positive sound velocity gradient shallow water is consideved. Approximate expressions for the pole equations and amplitude functions are obtained. It is found that the results of reference [1] are the limiting case of the results of this paper.
PHOTON-PHOTON SCATTERING IN SPONTANEOUSLY BROKEN GAUGE THEORIES
Authors: ZHAO BAO-HENG  ,   中国科学技术大学
Published: November 2020

We investigate the contributions of W-meson intermediate states to photon-photon scattering in SU(2)L×U(1) model. Because the spontaneously broken gauge theories are renormalizable and the electromagnetic gauge invariance remains valid under symmetry-breaking, the infinities in the scattering amplitude of one loop approximation must cancel each other. We show the finiteness of the photon-photon scattering amplitude by calculation. We give the effective nonlinear interaction Lagrangian of the electromagnetic field and the scattering cross section at low energies. At low energies the leptonic intermediate states dominate the scattering amplitude, but at high energy limits the contributions of W-meson intermediate states are comparable with the contributions of leptonic intermediate states.
Hissing of geese: caller identity encoded in a non-vocal acoustic signal
Authors: Policht Richard , Kowalczyk Artur , Łukaszewicz Ewa , Hart Vlastimil
Published: November 2020

Non-vocal, or unvoiced, signals surprisingly have received very little attention until recently especially when compared to other acoustic signals. Some sounds made by terrestrial vertebrates are produced not only by the larynx but also by the syrinx. Furthermore, some birds are known to produce several types of non-syrinx sounds. Besides mechanical sounds produced by feathers, bills and/or wings, sounds can be also produced by constriction, anywhere along the pathway from the lungs to the lips or nostrils (in mammals), or to the bill (in birds), resulting in turbulent, aerodynamic sounds. These noises often emulate whispering, snorting or hissing. Even though hissing sounds have been studied in mammals and reptiles, only a few studies have analyzed hissing sounds in birds. Presently, only the hissing of small, nesting passerines as a defense against their respective predators have been studied. We studied hissing in domestic goose. This bird represents a ground nesting non-passerine bird which frequently produces hissing out of the nest in comparison to passerines producing hissing during nesting in holes e.g., parids. Compared to vocally produced alarm calls, almost nothing is known about how non-vocal hissing sounds potentially encode information about a caller’s identity. Therefore, we aimed to test whether non-vocal air expirations can encode an individual’s identity similar to those sounds generated by the syrinx or the larynx. We analyzed 217 hissing sounds from 22 individual geese. We calculated the Potential for Individual Coding (PIC) comparing the coefficient of variation both within and among individuals. In addition, we conducted a series of 15 a stepwise discriminant function analysis (DFA) models. All 16 acoustic variables showed a higher coefficient of variation among individuals. Twelve DFA models revealed 51.2–54.4% classification result (cross-validated output) and all 15 models showed 60.8–68.2% classification output based on conventional DFA in comparison to a 4.5% success rate when classification by chance. This indicates the stability of the DFA results even when using different combinations of variables. Our findings showed that an individual’s identity could be encoded with respect to the energy distribution at the beginning of a signal and the lowest frequencies. Body weight did not influence an individual’s sound expression. Recognition of hissing mates in dangerous situations could increase the probability of their surviving via a more efficient anti-predator response.
Effect of Sprouting on Chemical, Fatty Acid Composition, Antioxidants and Antinutrients of Flaxseeds
Authors: Hady M. A. M. Abd-El- , Elsorady M. E. I.
Published: November 2020

The objective research investigated the effect of flaxseed sprouting on chemical composition, fatty acid composition, antioxidants and flaxseed antinutrients during the four-day sprouting period. For attempts to reduce flaxseed levels of some antinutritional factors, such as cyanogenic glucosides, and improve nutrient palatability and availability, the sprouting technique has been used. After 4 days of sprouting, the dry matter content of the seeds was decreased by 5.54%. Significant decreases in oil content were observed during the sprouting period, but there were increases in protein, fibre, P, Ca, Fe and Zn content. During sprouting, the content of cyanogenic glucosides as antinutrients has decreased, thus increasing the nutritional quality and the economic demand for flaxseed sprouts. Increases were also found in the value of free fatty acids, peroxide and saponification. In addition, unsaponifiable matter has been reduced. Among fatty acids, while linoleic and oleic were increased during the sprouting period, linolenic was decreased. The results revealed that in extracted oils, total phenols and antioxidant activity decreased during and at the end of sprouting, whereas flavonoids, carotenoids and chlorophylls increased.
A VECM Analysis of the Relations the CPI, PPI, GDP Per Capita, Exchange Rate in the Republic of Azerbaijan
Authors: Davudova Revana I.
Published: November 2020

Aims:  The study focuses on an empirical analysis of a macroeconomic indicators system,  that reflect the level and pace of a country's socio-economic development, such as CPI, PPI, GDP per capita, exchange rate, taking into account the consequences of the COVID19 pandemic and oil prices  on the example Republic of Azerbaijan.

Study Design:  The study consists of four sections. It includes Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results and Discussion and Conclusion.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted for 4 months of 2020 in the department of "Mathematical support of economic research" of the Institute of Economics of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences.

Methodology: Within the dynamic VEC model, taking into account the COVID19 pandemic and oil prices, the long-run and short-run effects of macro indicators system on each other were studied by means of causality, impulse responses and variance decomposition on the monthly statistics covering the period 2015M01-2020M07 for the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Results: Calculations based on the established stable VEC (5) model revealed that there is a long-term causal relationship from the triad (CPI, PPI, Ex_Rate) to all endogenous variables. There are a short-term bi-directional causal relationship between CPI and GDP_Per_Capita and between PPI and Ex_Rate. From PPI and Ex_Rate to GDP_Per_Capita; from Ex_Rate to CPI, there are a unidirectional short-term causal relationship.

Conclusion: Summarizing the results, we can write the following long-term expressions: the change   a) in the GDP_per_Cap is influenced by the PPI and CPI variables negatively, and Ex_Rate – positively; b) in the CPI is influenced by the GDP_per_Cap and PPI variables negatively, and Ex_Rate – positively; c) in the PPI is influenced by the Ex_Rate and CPI variables negatively, and GDP_per_Cap – positively, so that the negative influence of the CPI is greater; d) in the Ex_Rate is influenced by the PPI and CPI variables negatively, and GDP_per_Cap – positively. Has been also identified that the indicator PPI has a more negative effect on changes in GDP_per_Cap, CPI and Ex_Rate.
The Importance of Identifying Students with Learning Difficulty in the School Context
Authors: Karunanayake Danesh , Madushani K. , Vimukthi N. D. U.
Published: November 2020

This research adopted the qualitative research methodology to study teachers’ ability to identify students with learning difficulties. The study was conducted in the Udawalawa region of the Ratnapura district of Sri Lanka and it provided teachers with a tool to help identify pupils with learning difficulties and facilitate their learning using adaptive instructions to meet their needs. The study highlights the challenges that pupils with learning difficulties face in the selected school. The findings provide insights into how teachers can identify pupils with learning difficulties in the classroom and provide suggestions for skill development of the teachers in the school. The sample studied included the two subject teachers and eight class teachers. The average age of the pupils studied was found to be eight years. The convenient sampling method was adopted for the study. Study revealed that teachers were aware of pupils with learning difficulties but not the specific type of learning difficulties that they experienced. Teachers also were not well equipped to use adaptive instructions to meet their needs. The study concluded that there was a gap as far as the teachers and their learners were concerned and that this needs to be further analyzed.
A Study on Generalized Tetranacci Numbers: Closed Form Formulas ∑n k=0 xkWk2 of Sums of the Squares of Terms
Authors: Soykan Y¨uksel
Published: November 2020

In this paper, closed forms of the sum formulas ∑n k=0 xkWk2 for the squares of generalized Tetranacci numbers are presented. We also present the sum formulas ∑n k=0 xkWk+1Wk; ∑n k=0 xkWk+2Wk; and ∑n k=0 xkWk+3Wk: As special cases, we give summation formulas of the of Tetranacci, Tetranacci-Lucas and some other fourth order linear recurrance sequences.
Serum Copper and Serum Zinc in Preeclampsia: Cause or Effect?
Authors: Sayyed Anjum A. K. , Sontakke Alka N.
Published: November 2020

Background: Preeclampsia is multisystem disorder. Despite its prevalence and severity, the pathophysiology of this multisystem disorder is poorly understood. In concern regarding the increasing number of preeclamptic cases and lack of data about the levels of trace elements in preeclampsia, a case-control study was conducted with aim to determine the trace elements like serum total copper and serum total zinc in preeclampsia.

Aims: To estimate alterations in serum copper and serum zinc in preeclampsia and to compare them with normal pregnant women.

Study Design: This is a case control study, carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, MIMER Medical College, Talegaon Dabhade, Pune.

Methods: The present study consisted of 120 study participants. These were divided into two groups. Group I - normal pregnant women as control (n=60) and Group II - preeclamptic group (n=60). The serum levels of copper and zinc were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP- AES) technique at IIT Mumbai.

Results: Analysis revealed that mean values of total serum copper and total serum zinc were 196.20 ± 25.9 and 77.15 ± 14.5 (µg/dl) respectively in control group. In preeclamptic group, the mean values of copper and zinc were 213.13± 38.6 and 76.23 ± 13.13 (µg/dl) respectively. Copper was significantly increased in preeclamptic group, while non-significant reduction in levels of zinc levels was observed when compared to control group.

Conclusion: In the present study, significantly high serum copper was observed in preeclamptic patients. Presence of high copper levels may be related factor in the etiopathogenesis of preeclampsia. Estimation of trace elements like copper and zinc may help clinicians in early diagnosis and minimizing or delaying complications of preeclampsia, hence preventing harm to both mother & fetus.
Malarial Related Myopathies: A Rhabdomyolysis Story
Authors: Siagian Forman Erwin
Published: November 2020

Malaria is amongst the most prevalent and epidemiologically relevant global parasitic protozoan infections. It is infecting millions of people annually, especially in south east Asia and sub Saharan Africa. Its morbidity and mortality still cannot be controlled entirely and elimination is still far away. Children and pregnant women are among the most vulnerable group in the population. Its pathobiology have related to cause direct or indirect deleterious effect on the patient’s skeletal muscle, named rhabdomyolysis. Eventhough it is very rare, but potentially fatal and lethal. Three mechanism of malaria related rhabdomyolysis are very intense inflammatory response, extensive red cells sequestration in muscle capillaries due to severe anemia and the parasite toxin’s, will  lead to or add risks of complication. Derangement of specific type of muscle, named the skeletal and cardiac, is amongst the earliest sign of severe malaria. Further study need to be conducted in the future, especially on important topics about mechanism and its effect, signaling pathways, best practice on laboratory approach and management strategy best practice.
Clinical and Electrophysiological Aspects of Charcot – Marie Tooth Disease- A Case Report of Two Patients
Authors: Sharma Geetanjali
Published: November 2020

Aims/ Objectives: To study the importance of electrophysiological tests in diagnosing hereditary motor sensory neuropathy in absence of genetic studies.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Physiology, Pt. B.D. Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India.

Methodology: The patients were referred from the Department of Medicine to the Department of Physiology for nerve conduction, F-wave, EMG, VEP & BERA studies.

Results: On electrophysiological examination, there was symmetrical decreased motor conduction velocity of median nerve (less than 38 m/sec), ulnar, tibial and peroneal nerves except in the first patient where the left peroneal nerve conduction velocity was not recordable with decreased amplitude and increased distal motor latencies. Sensory conduction velocities for bilateral median nerves were also decreased with increased latency and decreased amplitude in both the patients. Sensory conduction velocity and amplitudes of bilateral sural nerves were decreased in the first patient with increased latencies. However, sensory conduction velocity wasn’t recordable for bilateral sural nerves in the other patient. EMG shows decrease in recruitment of motor unit potentials, amplitude in bilateral tibial, peroneous, abductor digiti minimi & 1st dorsal interosseus muscle in the first patient. In proximal upper & lower limb muscles, EMG showed features of denervation. In the second patient, EMG was not advised. VEP in one patient had increased latency of P100 wave & other had normal VEP. Brainstem auditory evoked potential was normal in both patients.

Conclusion: The paper highlights the importance of electrophysiological studies in diagnosis of motor sensory neuropathy in absence of genetic studies. Marked slowing of conduction velocity is the hallmark of CMDT1 [demylinating type].
Hydraulic Fracture Geometry Modeling Techniques for Extracting Unconventional Reservoirs
Authors: Khalil Mohamed Ali , Susi Abdunaser Omar
Published: November 2020

This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of all hydraulic fracture geometry modeling techniques available in the conventional and unconventional reservoirs. We are introducing a comparison study between major available hydraulic fracture modeling techniques, advantages, and disadvantages of each one according to the latest related studies. The study includes the three general families of models: 2D models, pseudo-3D models, and fully 3D models. Consequently, the results of this work can be used for selecting the proper model to simulate or stimulate the reservoir to enhance oil recovery using hydraulic fracturing. Also, these results can be used for any future updates related to hydraulic fracturing stimulation based on the comparisons that were conducted.
Serum Creatinine can be Reduced by Applying Homeopathic Medicines according to the Symptom Similarity: Case Study Analysis of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Authors: Rasel Nur-E-Alam , Alam Md. Sofiqul , Zahan Mohammad Akther-uz- , Hossain Md. Shahi Emran
Published: November 2020

Background: Over the past few decades, chronic kidney disease (CKD) with high serum creatinine has turned into an intensive clinical and epidemiological research in Bangladesh as well as globally. Even though the transparency provided by the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) guidelines, there appears to be within the CKD with high serum creatinine research literature significant dissimilarity on how to define CKD and assess kidney function. In this situation homeopathic symptomatic treatment can play a vital role in CKD with high creatinine. Methods: The cases of four patients with CKD and high creatinine from our observations are discussed, those whom were benefited by homeopathic treatment. The more common remedies administered in the treatment of CKD with high creatinine include: Lycopodium clavatum, Apis mellifica, Apocynum cannabinum, Aurum muriticum, Cuprum metalicum Cantharis,  Sarsaparilla, Glonoine, Serum anguillae, Berbaris vulgaris,… etc. The patho-physiologies, diagnosis, review of CKD and serum creatinine are discussed. These case study analyses of CKD emphasize that a consideration of CKD symptoms with high serum creatinine, in addition to more constitutional symptoms, is important when homeopathically analyzing these cases.

Results: The positive effects of different homeopathic medicines were clearly reducing serum creatinine during the treatment of CKD patients without hemodialysis with cost effectiveness and most harmless way.

Conclusions: These case study analyses found that early proper diagnosis, most appropriate selection of homeopathic remedies and follow-up is important to cure the CKD with high serum creatinine and possible resulting renal failure can be dreadful.
Effect of Sitagliptin and Glimepiride on Pancreatic Beta-Cells during the Treatment of Type-2 Diabetic Mellitus by Statistical Analysis
Authors: Joshi Bhaskar , Yadav Praveen , Bhavani A. Geetha
Published: November 2020

Aim: The study aimed to analyze the effect of Sitagliptin with Glimepiride during the treatment to improve pancreatic beta-cells in T2DM patients. Beta cells are type of cell found in pancreatic islet and also synthesize, secrete the insulin and amylin. Sitagliptin is found to be maintaining the beta-cells function and glycaemic control in T2DM patients.

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: This study open label randomized T2DM patients, study was conducted at the, Felix multi-specialty hospital, Noida U.P with enrolled patients from 1st Oct, 2017 to 30st Sept, 2019.

Methodology: Randomly diabetes mellitus type-2 (T2DM) patients’ data is collected (110patients) for statistical analysis. For this study T2DM patients enrolled with age of 30-60 years, treated with Sitagliptin and Glimepiride once a day. The baseline of HbA1c >7.0% to <10.5% thus, the performed student t-test is to find out the significance role.

Results: The 110 patients are distributed in two groups: one Sitagliptin user group (n=62) and second Glimepiride user group (n=43). The sitagliptin treatments may also protect also beta cells as pancreas may not able to regenerate beta cell.

Conclusion: The sitagliptin treatments may also protect beta cells as pancreas may not able to regenerate beta cell.
Coherence‐Tailored Multiwavelength High‐Speed Quantitative Phase Imaging with a High Phase Stability via a Frequency Comb
Authors: Boonruangkan Jeeranan , Farrokhi Hamid , Rohith Thazhe Madam , Toh Hui Ting , Mishra Abhinay , Sup Yoon Ho , Kwok Samuel , Carney Tom , Kim Seung Woo , Kim Young‐Jin
Published: November 2020

Coherent imaging enables noninvasive, label‐free, and quantitative monitoring of the dynamic motions of transparent microobjects requested in life sciences, biochemistry, material sciences, and fluid mechanics. Quantitative phase imaging (QPI), a coherent imaging technique, provides full‐field optical phase information through light interference. The use of coherence, however, inevitably accompanies phase ambiguity and coherent artifacts, such as speckle, diffraction, and parasitic interference, which severely deteriorate the interferograms to hinder successful phase reconstruction. Herein, it is demonstrated that a frequency comb can newly provide a wide coherence tunability for higher visibility interferograms, phase‐coherent multiple wavelengths for extracting physical height information from refractive index, and higher phase stability (2.39 × 10−3 at 10 s averaging time) at a higher speed up to 16.9 kHz. These superior characteristics of frequency‐comb‐referenced QPI will enable in‐depth understanding of dynamic motions in cellular, biomolecular, and microphysical samples.
Effect of conservation agriculture practices on soil quality, productivity, and profitability of peanut‐based system of Saurashtra, India
Authors: Jat Ram A. , Reddy Kiran K. , Choudhary Raja R. , Rawal Sachin , Thumber Bhargava , Misal Nitin , Zala P. V. , Mathukia R. K.
Published: November 2020

Moisture stress and low soil fertility are among the most important factors responsible for low productivity and profitability of peanut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) in India. Conservation agriculture (CA) can delay or minimize moisture stress impacts on crop plants and improve the soil fertility. Hence, a field experiment was conducted at Research Farm of ICAR‐Directorate of Groundnut Research, Junagadh, during 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 to evaluate the effects of different CA practices on soil moisture, soil fertility, yield, and profitability of peanut systems. Treatments consisted of four tillage practices in main plots (conventional tillage [CT], minimum tillage [MT], zero tillage [ZT], and rotary tillage [RT]); two residue management practices in sub‐plots (residue removal [NR] and residue retention [RR]), and two intercropping systems in sub‐sub plots using peanut, pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan(L.) Millsp.], and cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) (peanut+pigeonpea [PP] and peanut+cotton [PC]) systems and replicated thrice. Minimum tillage and residue management practice RR improved soil moisture content, soil porosity, soil organic C, nutrient status (mainly at 0–15 cm), and soil enzymatic activities and decreased soil temperature variation and soil penetration resistance. Minimum tillage and RR resulted in higher financial returns over CT and NR, respectively. Among the cropping systems, PP was found more productive and profitable as compared to PC. Thus, in the light black soils of Saurashtra, India, MT along with RR seems to be a suitable option particularly during the initial years of shifting to CA to retain soil moisture, improve soil fertility, and provide higher financial returns.
Predictors of survival outcomes in sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma: an analysis of the National Cancer Database
Authors: Farrell Nyssa Fox , Mace Jess C. , Detwiller Kara Y. , Li Ryan , Andersen Peter E. , Smith Timothy L. , Clayburgh Daniel R. , Geltzeiler Mathew
Published: November 2020

Background

Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) is a rare malignancy that poses management challenges. Although surgery and chemoradiation therapy (CRT) remain therapeutic mainstays, induction chemotherapy (IC) has emerged as a useful adjunct with locally advanced disease. This study used the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) to examine treatment outcomes for patients diagnosed with SNSCC.

Methods

The NCDB (2004‐2015) was queried for cases with SNSCC. Multivariate hazard regression modeling was used to identify significant predictors of 24‐month and 60‐month overall survival (OS) including treatment modality.

Results

A total of 3516 patients with SNSCC met inclusion criteria, including 1750 patients (49.8%) treated with surgery ± adjuvant therapy, 1352 (38.5%) treated with definitive radiotherapy (RT) or CRT, 300 (8.5%) who underwent IC followed by definitive CRT, and 114 (3.2%) who received IC followed by surgery and adjuvant therapy. Hazard modeling for confirmed treatment modality significantly associated (p < 0.001) with OS after adjustment. Patients who received surgical intervention ± adjuvant therapy had lower 24‐month and 60‐month mortality risk compared to definitive RT or CRT (hazard ratio [HR] ≥ 1.97; p < 0.001) or IC followed by definitive CRT (HR ≥ 1.73; p < 0.001). Compared to primary surgery ± adjuvant therapy, patients undergoing IC then surgery had similar 24‐month and 60‐month OS (p ≥ 0.672) after adjustment.

Conclusion

Multimodality therapy, including surgical intervention, associates with improved OS after multifactorial adjustments. IC followed by surgery associated with improved OS compared to IC, followed by CRT and CRT alone. Study results highlight the utility of surgery toward optimizing OS in patients with SNSCC and demonstrates the potential utility of IC when primary surgical management is not preferred.
Arbitration as a Service with Special Features: A Market‐Based ADR Perspective
Authors: Pearlstein Arthur
Published: November 2020

Arbitration is properly understood as a service offered and procured within a market, albeit a specialized one.
Ten Tips for Writing a Winning Arbitration Brief
Authors: Claiborne Zee
Published: November 2020

At the close of hearings in a complex commercial case, the arbitration panel will request closing briefs. The process for submitting briefs is often the subject of discussion between the arbitrators and counsel, with the panel making the final determination on the handling of this important step.
Dominantly inherited Alzheimer's disease in Latin America: Genetic heterogeneity and clinical phenotypes
Authors: Llibre‐Guerra Jorge J. , Li Yan , Allegri Ricardo F. , Mendez Patricio Chrem , Surace Ezequiel I. , Llibre‐Rodriguez Juan J. , Sosa Ana Luisa , Aláez‐Verson Carmen , Longoria Erika‐Mariana , Tellez Alberto , Carrillo‐Sánchez Karol , Flores‐Lagunes Luis Leonardo , Sánchez Victor , Takada Leonel Tadao , Nitrini Ricardo , Ferreira‐Frota Norberto Anizio , Benevides‐Lima Joyce , Lopera Francisco , Ramírez Laura , Jiménez‐Velázquez Ivonne , Schenk Christian , Acosta Daisy , Behrens María Isabel , Doering Michelle , Ziegemeier Ellen , Morris John C. , McDade Eric , Bateman Randall J.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

A growing number of dominantly inherited Alzheimer's disease (DIAD) cases have become known in Latin American (LatAm) in recent years. However, questions regarding mutation distribution and frequency by country remain open.

Methods

A literature review was completed aimed to provide estimates for DIAD pathogenic variants in the LatAm population. The search strategies were established using a combination of standardized terms for DIAD and LatAm.

Results

Twenty‐four DIAD pathogenic variants have been reported in LatAm countries. Our combined dataset included 3583 individuals at risk; countries with highest DIAD frequencies were Colombia (n = 1905), Puerto Rico (n = 672), and Mexico (n = 463), usually attributable to founder effects. We found relatively few reports with extensive documentation on biomarker profiles and disease progression.

Discussion

Future DIAD studies will be required in LatAm, albeit with a more systematic approach to include fluid biomarker and imaging studies. Regional efforts are under way to extend the DIAD observational studies and clinical trials to Latin America.
Alzheimer's team care approach—akin to diabetes—in the development, validation, and population assessment of retinal biomarkers for disease
Authors: Dueñas Michael R. , Snyder Peter J.
Published: November 2020

There exists a public health imperative to discover and to develop disease‐modifying Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapeutics to protect the health of millions of individuals facing AD. Achievement of this goal will be dependent on developing the clinical tools to detect high risk, in the earliest phases of the disease, and at the population level. This article describes the study of retinal biomarkers for the identification of, and tracking of change over time for, individuals in the preclinical stage of AD and substantiates the need for a major cross‐disciplinary effort for comparison across labs and clinical sites using diabetes risk monitoring as a perfect analogy. Proposed framework would: (1) support AD working groups across disciplines; (2) establish common imaging platforms to develop and test basic standards, and minimum datasets to embrace and test novel innovations as they emerge; and (3) accelerate AD prevention and quality improvement in real‐world care.
Selbstregeneration und Selbstheilung in DNA‐Origami‐Nanostrukturen
Authors: Scheckenbach Michael , Schubert Tom , Forthmann Carsten , Glembockyte Viktorija , Tinnefeld Philip
Published: November 2020

DNA‐Nanotechnologie und Fortschritte in der DNA‐Origami‐Technik haben das einfache Design und die Synthese komplexer und funktioneller Nanostrukturen ermöglicht. Jedoch sind molekulare Geräte aufgrund des hohen Anteils von Oberflächenatomen und der komplexen Einsatzbedingungen im Nanomaßstab anfällig für eine schnelle funktionelle und strukturelle Degradierung. Neben Stabilisierungsmechanismen sind Ansätze zur Selbstreparatur funktioneller molekularer Geräte wünschenswert. Hier nutzen wir die selbst‐assemblierenden und rekonfigurierbaren Eigenschaften von DNA‐Origami‐Nanostrukturen für die Selbstreparatur von photoinduzierten und enzymatischen Schäden aus. Wir geben Beispiele für die Reparatur von DNA‐Nanostrukturen, die den Unterschied zwischen unspezifischer Selbstregeneration und schadensspezifischer Selbstheilung aufzeigen. Anhand von DNA‐Origami‐Nanolinealen, die mit Rasterkraftmikroskopie und DNA‐PAINT‐Superauflösungs‐Mikroskopie untersucht wurden, demonstrieren wir die quantitative Aufrechterhaltung der Fluoreszenzeigenschaften mit direktem Potenzial zur Verbesserung nanoskaliger Kalibrierproben.
Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Interrupted Kinugasa Reaction: Synthesis of α‐Thiofunctional Chiral β‐Lactams
Authors: Qi Jialin , Wei Fang , Huang Shuai , Tung Chen‐Ho , Xu Zhenghu
Published: November 2020

A copper(I)‐catalyzed asymmetric, three‐component interrupted Kinugasa reaction has been developed. Diverse chiral sulfur‐containing chiral β‐lactams with two consecutive stereogenic centers were synthesized in one step from readily available starting materials in good yields and with excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivity. The key is the interception of in situ formed chiral four membered copper(I) enolate intermediate with sulfur electrophiles.
2,4,6‐Triphenylpyridinium: A Bulky, Highly Electron‐Withdrawing Substituent That Enhances Properties of Nickel(II) Ethylene Polymerization Catalysts
Authors: Janeta Mateusz , Heidlas Julius X. , Daugulis Olafs , Brookhart Maurice
Published: November 2020

The reactivity of NiII and PdII olefin polymerization catalysts can be enhanced by introduction of electron‐withdrawing substituents on the supporting ligands rendering the metal centers more electrophilic. Reported here is a comparison of ethylene polymerization activity of a classical salicyliminato nickel catalyst substituted with the powerful electron‐withdrawing 2,4,6‐triphenylpyridinium (trippy) group to the ‐CF3 analogue. The trippy substituent is substantially more electron‐withdrawing (σmeta=0.63) than the trifluoromethyl group (σmeta=0.43) which results in a ca. 8‐fold increase in catalytic turnover frequency. An additional advantage of trippy is the high steric bulk relative to the trifluoromethyl group. This feature results in a four‐fold increase in polymer molecular weight owing to enhanced retardation of chain transfer. A significant increase in catalyst lifetime is observed as well.
Highly Potent MRI Contrast Agent Displaying Outstanding Sensitivity to Zinc Ions
Authors: Wang Gaoji , Angelovski Goran
Published: November 2020

Zinc ions play an important role in numerous crucial biological processes in the human body. The ability to image the function of Zn2+ would be a significant asset to biomedical research for monitoring various physiopathologies dependent on its fate. To this end, we developed a novel Gd3+ chelate that can selectively recognize Zn2+ over other abundant endogenous metal ions and alter its paramagnetic properties. More specifically, this lanthanide chelate displayed an extraordinary increase in longitudinal relaxivity (r1) of over 400 % upon interaction with Zn2+ at 7 T and 25 °C, which is the greatest r1 enhancement observed for any of the metal ion‐responsive Gd‐based complexes at high magnetic field. A “turn‐on” mechanism responsible for these massive changes was confirmed through NMR and luminescence lifetime studies on a 13C‐labeled Eu3+ analogue. This molecular platform represents a new momentum in developing highly suitable magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents for functional molecular imaging studies of Zn2+.
Self‐Regeneration and Self‐Healing in DNA Origami Nanostructures
Authors: Scheckenbach Michael , Schubert Tom , Forthmann Carsten , Glembockyte Viktorija , Tinnefeld Philip
Published: November 2020

DNA nanotechnology and advances in the DNA origami technique have enabled facile design and synthesis of complex and functional nanostructures. Molecular devices are, however, prone to rapid functional and structural degradation due to the high proportion of surface atoms at the nanoscale and due to complex working environments. Besides stabilizing mechanisms, approaches for the self‐repair of functional molecular devices are desirable. Here we exploit the self‐assembly and reconfigurability of DNA origami nanostructures to induce the self‐repair of defects of photoinduced and enzymatic damage. We provide examples of repair in DNA nanostructures showing the difference between unspecific self‐regeneration and damage specific self‐healing mechanisms. Using DNA origami nanorulers studied by atomic force and superresolution DNA PAINT microscopy, quantitative preservation of fluorescence properties is demonstrated with direct potential for improving nanoscale calibration samples.
Biocompatible heterogeneous bone incorporated with polymeric biocomposites for human bone repair by 3D printing technology
Authors: Wan Meiling , Liu Shuifeng , Huang Da , Qu Yang , Hu Yang , Su Qisheng , Zheng Wenxu , Dong Xianming , Zhang Hongwu , Wei Yen , Zhou Wuyi
Published: November 2020

Polylactic acid (PLA) has become a popular polymer material due to its superior biocompatibility. At present, there are a few relevant research on heterogeneous bone powder. Besides, the poor dispersibility and adhesivity of inorganic particles in the organic phase remains a problem. In this study, the pork bone powders were modified with N‐butanol to improve its dispersibility and compatibility in the PLA matrix. In addition, polybutylene succinate‐co‐terephthalates (PBSA) was applied as a flexibilizer to further reinforce the mechanical properties of materials. The composite filaments with a diameter of 1.75 ± 0.05 mm containing 10 wt% of modified bone powder, 10 wt% PBSA and 80 wt% PLA were prepared by a melt blending method. The obtained results showed that modified particles were uniformly dispersed within the PLA matrix and improved the mechanical properties of the composite filaments with a tensile strength of 48.5 ± 0.2 MPa and a bending strength of 79.1 ± 0.1 MPa and a notch impact strength of 15.8 ± 0.3 kJ/m2. And the prepared composite materials contained low cytotoxicity, high biocompatibility and printability, which verified the feasibility of it in 3D printing personalized bone repair applications. This provides a theoretical basis for further research on the effect of bone repair in vivo. Therefore, the composite material will have potential applications such as making customized bones and bone scaffolds by three dimensional printing technology.
Maternal diabetes‐related malformations inUtah: A population study of birth prevalence 2001–2016
Authors: Orbain Matthew M. , Johnson Jane , Nance Amy , Romeo Alfred N. , Silver Michelle A. , Martinez Lynn , Leen‐Mitchell Marsha , Carey John C.
Published: November 2020

Maternal pregestational diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk for congenital malformations of about 2–4 times the background risk. Notably, the types and patterns of congenital malformations associated with maternal diabetes are nonrandom, with a well‐established increased risk for specific classes of malformations, especially of the heart, central nervous system, and skeleton. While the increased risk in clinical and epidemiological studies is well documented in the literature, a precise estimate of overall birth prevalence of these specific congenital malformations among women with maternal pregestational diabetes, is lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine total prevalence of structural malformations associated with maternal pregestational diabetes mellitus in a population‐based study. We identified infants with specific birth defects whose mother had pregestational diabetes mellitus in the Utah Birth Defect Network (UBDN), an active birth defects surveillance program that registers the occurrence of selected structural defects in the state of Utah. We defined specific maternal diabetes‐related malformations based on epidemiologic and clinical studies in the literature. Of the 825,138 recorded Utah births between 2001 and 2016, a total of 91 cases were identified as likely having diabetic embryopathy within UBDN data. The prevalence of diabetes‐related congenital malformation cases was calculated per year; the overall prevalence of diabetes‐related malformations 2001–2016 was 1.1 per 10,000 births in Utah (95% CI, 0.9–1.3). Knowledge of the overall prevalence of diabetes‐related malformations is important in predicting the number of cases that are potentially prevented with the implementation of programs to foster preconceptional management of maternal pregestational diabetes.
A methodological review of preference displacement research
Authors: White Allison N. , Melanson Isaac J. , Sipila‐Thomas Emma S. , Brodhead Matthew T.
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this review was to identify and compare methodological components of preference displacement research and outcomes. We coded, categorized, and defined patterns of preference displacement for a total of 133 participants across 10 studies. We found that patterns of displacement differed within and across studies, and over 46% of participants did not engage in patterns of displacement. Therefore, the commonly held notion that edible stimuli are more likely to displace tangible stimuli is not as ubiquitous as once thought. However, due to considerable variation in methodology and reporting across reviewed studies, it is difficult to determine what variables may be responsible for obtained study outcomes. We conclude that future researchers consider the importance of each methodological variable coded in our review, and make methodological decisions in the context of the research question they are looking to answer. We also provide additional suggestions for future research and clinical practice.
Application of supercritical fluid chromatography for separation and quantitation of 15 co‐formulated binary anti‐hypertensive medications using a single elution protocol
Authors: Pandya Pranav A. , Shah Priyanka A. , Shrivastav Pranav S.
Published: November 2020

A facile supercritical fluid chromatography method is proposed to analyse 15 co‐formulated binary anti‐hypertensive drug combinations using a customized elution procedure. The effect of mobile phase composition, column back pressure and temperature was suitably optimized for adequate retention, analyte response and resolution. The chromatographic separation of the different drug combinations was performed on a DCPak poly(4‐vinylpyridine) column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) at 125‐bar pressure and 40°C using a photodiode array detector. A linear gradient of CO2 and 0.1% formic acid in methanol provided the best elution conditions for all drug combinations. Baseline separation of the drugs was possible with resolution factor Rs ranging from 1.42 to 12.58. The method was validated for specificity, sensitivity, accuracy and precision, recovery and robustness. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation for aliskiren, amlodipine, atenolol, candesartan, hydrochlorothiazide, lisinopril, losartan, metoprolol, olmesartan, telmisartan and valsartan were in the range of 0.26–2.56 and 0.77–7.75 μg/mL, respectively. The thermodynamic study revealed that interactions of the drugs with the stationary phase were spontaneous as evident from the negative free energy values, and the separation process was enthalpy driven. The developed method was successfully employed to analyse these drugs in their co‐formulated tablet formulations.
Longitudinal changes in anxiety and psychological distress, and associated risk and protective factors during the first three months of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Germany
Authors: Bendau Antonia , Plag Jens , Kunas Stefanie , Wyka Sarah , Ströhle Andreas , Petzold Moritz Bruno
Published: November 2020

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic is related to multiple stressors and therefore may be associated with psychological distress. The aim of this study was to longitudinally assess symptoms of (un‐)specific anxiety and depression along different stages of the pandemic to generate knowledge about the progress of psychological consequences of the pandemic and to test the role of potential risk and resilience factors that were derived from cross‐sectional studies and official recommendations.

Methods

The present study uses a longitudinal observational design with four waves of online data collection (from March 27 to June 15, 2020) in a convenience sample of the general population in Germany. A total of N = 2376 participants that completed at least two waves of the survey were included in the analyses.

Findings

Specific COVID‐19‐related anxiety and the average daily amount of preoccupation with the pandemic decreased continuously over the four waves. Unspecific worrying and depressive symptoms decreased on average but not on median level. Self‐efficacy, normalization, maintaining social contacts, and knowledge, where to get medical support, were associated with fewer symptoms relative to baseline. Suppression, unhealthy habits, and a longer average daily time of thinking about the pandemic were correlated with a relative increase of symptoms.

Interpretation

Our findings provide insight into the longitudinal changes of symptoms of psychological distress along the first three months of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Germany. Furthermore, we were able to reaffirm the anticipated protective and risk factors that were extracted from previous studies and recommendations.
Engineering through distance education in the time of the fourth industrial revolution: Reflections from three decades of peer reviewed studies
Authors: Kocdar Serpil , Bozkurt Aras , Goru Dogan Tulay
Published: November 2020

In this current era of the fourth industrial revolution, the fifth generation of distance education has held out hopes of unique opportunities for engineering. With the aim of investigating the field of engineering through distance education, this study conducted a systematic review involving text‐mining and social network analysis to examine 120 publications on this topic. The time trend analysis found that there has been a steadily increasing interest in engineering through distance education. Analysis of subject areas revealed that a considerable amount of the publications on engineering through distance education falls under the social sciences subject area, suggesting that there is a need for more interdisciplinary studies. In examining the geographical distribution of the publications, it was observed that most contributions come from the United States, a developed country that has invested heavily in educating students through distance education. The research patterns identified through text‐mining and social network analysis revealed three major themes: (I) technology‐enhanced distance engineering education, (II) e‐learning and m‐learning, and (III) virtual and remote labs.
Highly Effective Direct Dehydrogenation of Propane to Propylene by Microwave Catalysis at Low Temperature over Co−Sn/NC Microwave Catalyst
Authors: Wang Qige , Xu Wentao , Ma Zhongchen , Yu Fei , Chen Yi , Liao Huanyu , Wang Xianyou , Zhou Jicheng
Published: November 2020

The direct catalytic dehydrogenation of propane (C3H8) to value‐added propylene (C3H6) has attracted much attention. However, direct dehydrogenation of C3H8 to C3H6 with outstanding catalytic performance at low temperature is a great challenge. Herein, we report a new approach for the direct dehydrogenation of C3H8 to C3H6 at low temperature by microwave catalysis over non‐precious Co−Sn/NC microwave catalyst. It is found that the microwave direct catalytic dehydrogenation of C3H8 over Co−Sn/NC microwave catalyst at low temperature (450 °C) is highly efficient. The C3H8 conversion is 15 % and the C3H6 selectivity is 75 % at 450 °C. Comparatively, the C3H8 conversion and C3H6 selectivity were respectively only 3.2 % and 67.8 % for Co−Sn/NC catalyst at 450 °C in the conventional reaction mode under identical conditions. Furthermore, the microwave catalyst does not show visible change after tested for 180 min. Importantly, the apparent activation energy of Co−Sn/NC catalyst drop from 59.58 kJ/mol in the conventional reaction mode to 20.98 kJ/mol in microwave catalytic reaction mode, which suggests a significant microwave direct catalytic effect. This work provides a novel approach for highly effective direct dehydrogenation of C3H8 to C3H6 by microwave irradiation at low temperature.
Supercritical Process for Preparation of Nanomedicine: Oxaprozin Case Study
Authors: Khoshmaram Aliakbar , Zabihi Samyar , Pelalak Rasool , Pishnamazi Mahboubeh , Marjani Azam , Shirazian Saeed
Published: November 2020

The solubility of oxaprozin was determined in supercritical carbon dioxide as solvent under different temperatures and pressures using the gravimetric technique. The measured solubility data revealed that the solubility of this medication varies by changing the pressure and temperature. The oxaprozin/supercritical solvent possesses a crossover pressure at 200 bar where the influence of temperature on the solubility changes. Furthermore, the experimental data was correlated using several semi‐empirical models. The best result was stated for the Kumar and Johnston model, whereas the other examined models introduced higher deviations.
An Anthracene‐Based Metal‐Organic Framework for Selective Photo‐Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Formic Acid Coupled with Water Oxidation
Authors: SK Mostakim , Barman Soumitra , Paul Shounik , De Ratnadip , Sreejith S. S. , Reinsch Helge , Grzywa Maciej , Stock Norbert , Volkmer Dirk , Biswas Shyam , Roy Soumyajit
Published: November 2020

A Zr‐based metal‐organic framework has been synthesized and employed as a catalyst for photochemical carbon dioxide reduction coupled with water oxidation. The catalyst shows significant carbon dioxide reduction property with concomitant water oxidation. The catalyst has broad visible light as well as UV light absorption property, which is further confirmed from electronic absorption spectroscopy. Formic acid was the only reduced product from carbon dioxide with a turn‐over frequency (TOF) of 0.69 h−1 in addition to oxygen, which was produced with a TOF of 0.54 h−1. No external photosensitizer is used and the ligand itself acts as the light harvester. The efficient and selective photochemical carbon dioxide reduction to formic acid with concomitant water oxidation using Zr‐based MOF as catalyst is thus demonstrated here.