bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DIREITOS ANIMAIS: ZOOLÓGICOS COMO PRÁTICA COLONIAL HUMANA
Authors: Lopes Sparemberger Raquel Fabiana , Peixer Galm Bernardes Isabela
Published: October 2020

Diante das barreiras do Direito posto, que toma como orientação o paradigma colonial da humanidade, reflexões acerca dos animais não-humanos são necessárias para que se possa transcender a significação clássica de animais enquanto propriedade, já que não se pode continuar a mercê de tradicionais comportamentos humanos que insistem numa arbitrária hierarquização de vidas igualmente sencientes. Objetivou-se no decorrer do texto demonstrar a relação de colonialidade presente no tratamento entre humanos e animais não-humanos, resultado do paradigma especista da humanidade, responsável por subjugar animais não-humanos e reduzi-los ao status de coisa inanimada. Contudo, argumenta-se ser possível compreender o animal não-humano enquanto ser sujeito de direitos a partir de justificativas ético-filosóficas encontradas nas obras de Tom Regan e Peter Singer, autores expoentes da Ética Animal. Ademais, apresenta-se a necessidade de um esforço do Direito para passar a enxergar o Outro, diferente do humano também enquanto ser sujeito de direitos a partir de compreensões descoloniais da norma, sobretudo no que se refere à Carta Constitucional de 1988 e à lei federal n° 7.173/1983, que dispõe sobre o estabelecimento e funcionamento de jardins zoológicos.
Evidenciação e Representatividade das Subvenções Governamentais nas Companhias de Capital Aberto Brasileiras
Authors: Hawerroth Wagner Matos , De Souza Maíra Melo
Published: October 2020

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar o nível de evidenciação e a representatividade das subvenções governamentais nas companhias de capital aberto brasileiras. O período analisado foi 2018. Para isto, foi elaborada uma lista de verificação com base no CPC 07(R1), a qual foi utilizada para analisar as notas explicativas das 212 companhias da amostra. A representatividade foi obtida utilizando os dados de ativo total e resultado do exercício, extraídos das demonstrações das companhias na B3, e os valores das subvenções governamentais, extraídos das notas explicativas. Constatou-se que o nível de evidenciação apresentado pelas companhias é relativamente baixo, com média próxima de 50% para os benefícios fiscais, e de 0% para os REFIS e empréstimos. Observou-se também que a representatividade das subvenções governamentais é expressiva, chegando à média de 1536% do resultado exercício e de 77% sobre o ativo. Conclui-se que as companhias não estão atendendo os requisitos para correta evidenciação das subvenções.
A produção de conhecimento sobre trabalho docente no Brasil: uma revisão da literatura especializada no assunto
Authors: Reis Nadson Santana , Castro Pedro Alves , Cardoso Berta Leni Costa , Nunes Claudio Pinto
Published: October 2020

O estudo analisa a produção científica que versa sobre o trabalho docente no Brasil. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática que avalia artigos científicos publicados entre 2011 e 2017, em língua portuguesa, em periódicos nacionais e internacionais indexados ao Portal de Periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes). Foram analisados, a partir da análise de conteúdo, 122 estudos que, a despeito de sua diversidade teórica, foram agrupados em seis (06) categorias analíticas, a saber: Trabalho docente: natureza e significado; Trabalho docente: política, gestão e avaliação; Precarização e intensificação do trabalho docente; Trabalho docente como ação pedagógica e/ou educativa; Trabalho docente, saúde e qualidade de vida; e, Trabalho docente, mídias e novas tecnologias. As considerações sugerem um amplo processo de precarização, intensificação e controle da atividade docente, bem como o avanço e incorporação de novas mídias e tecnologias. Tais aspectos reconfiguraram as atividades e responsabilidades dos professores com desdobramentos substantivos em sua saúde e qualidade de vida.
Ciliary localization of folliculin mediated via a kinesin‐2‐binding motif is required for its functions in mTOR regulation and tumor suppression
Authors: Zhang Yunlong , Liu Ying , Dai Yu , Ren Yazhe , Bao Guangsen , Ai Bo , Jiang Yu
Published: October 2020

Folliculin (FLCN) is a tumor suppressor protein involved in many cellular processes, including cell signaling, apoptosis, and autophagy. In ciliated cells, FLCN localizes to primary cilia and controls mTORC1 signaling in response to flow stress. Here, we show that the ciliary localization of FLCN requires its interaction with kinesin‐2, the motor protein for anterograde intraflagellar transport. FLCN binds to kinesin‐2 through a loop region in the middle of the protein. Single point mutations within this region of FLCN disrupt its kinesin‐2 binding and ciliary entry. The mutants lose the ability to suppress the abnormal mTORC1/2 signaling activities and anchorage‐independent growth of FLCN‐deficient tumor cells. These observations suggest that ciliary localization of FLCN is essential for its function as a tumor suppressor.
Frequent nicotine vaping associated with vaping cannabis in young people
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2020

A study of 3,322 young people found that those who vaped nicotine frequently were more likely to progress to vaping cannabis. The study was designed to look at developmental trajectories of nicotine and cannabis vaping, including timing of use.
Direct Ink Writing of Polymer Composite Electrolytes with Enhanced Thermal Conductivities
Authors: Cheng Meng , Ramasubramanian Ajaykrishna , Rasul Md Golam , Jiang Yizhou , Yuan Yifei , Foroozan Tara , Deivanayagam Ramasubramonian , Tamadoni Saray Mahmoud , Rojaee Ramin , Song Boao , Yurkiv Vitaliy Robert , Pan Yayue , Mashayek Farzad , Shahbazian‐Yassar Reza
Published: October 2020

Proper distribution of thermally conductive nanomaterials in polymer batteries offers new opportunities to mitigate performance degradations associated with local hot spots and safety concerns in batteries. Herein, a direct ink writing (DIW) method is utilized to fabricate polyethylene oxide (PEO) composite polymers electrolytes (CPE) embedded with silane‐treated hexagonal boron nitride (S‐hBN) platelets and free of any volatile organic solvents. It is observed that the S‐hBN platelets are well aligned in the printed CPE during the DIW process. The in‐plane thermal conductivity of the printed CPE with the aligned S‐hBN platelets is 1.031 W −1 K−1, which is about 1.7 times that of the pristine CPE with the randomly dispersed S‐hBN platelets (0.612 W −1 K−1). Thermal imaging shows that the peak temperature (°C) of the printed electrolytes is 24.2% lower than that of the CPE without S‐hBN, and 10.6% lower than that of the CPE with the randomly dispersed S‐hBN, indicating a superior thermal transport property. Lithium‐ion half‐cells made with the printed CPE and LiFePO4 cathode displayed high specific discharge capacity of 146.0 mAh g−1 and stable Coulombic efficiency of 91% for 100 cycles at room temperature. This work facilitates the development of printable thermally‐conductive polymers for safer battery operations.
High Power Conversion Efficiency of 13.61% for 1 cm2 Flexible Polymer Solar Cells Based on Patternable and Mass‐Producible Gravure‐Printed Silver Nanowire Electrodes
Authors: Wang Zhenguo , Han Yunfei , Yan Lingpeng , Gong Chao , Kang Jiachen , Zhang Hao , Sun Xue , Zhang Lianping , Lin Jian , Luo Qun , Ma Chang‐Qi
Published: October 2020

With the aim of developing high‐performance flexible polymer solar cells, the preparation of flexible transparent electrodes (FTEs) via a high‐throughput gravure printing process is reported. By varying the blend ratio of the mixture solvent and the concentration of the silver nanowire (AgNW) inks, the surface tension, volatilization rate, and viscosity of the AgNW ink can be tuned to meet the requirements of gravure printing process. Following this method, uniformly printed AgNW films are prepared. Highly conductive FTEs with a sheet resistance of 10.8 Ω sq−1 and a high transparency of 95.4% (excluded substrate) are achieved, which are comparable to those of indium tin oxide electrode. In comparison with the spin‐coating process, the gravure printing process exhibits advantages of the ease of large‐area fabrication and improved uniformity, which are attributed to better ink droplet distribution over the substrate. 0.04 cm2 polymer solar cells based on gravure‐printed AgNW electrodes with PM6:Y6 as the photoactive layer show the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.28% with an average PCE of 14.75 ± 0.35%. Owing to the good uniformity of the gravure‐printed AgNW electrode, the highest PCE of 13.61% is achieved for 1 cm2 polymer solar cells based on the gravure‐printed FTEs.
Empty‐State Band Mapping Using Momentum‐Resolved Secondary Electron Emission
Authors: Wan Gary , Croot Alex , Fox Neil A. , Cattelan Mattia
Published: October 2020

Material band structures of occupied electronic states are obtainable using conventional angle‐resolved photoemission experiments, leaving the unoccupied states far less explored. Here, an alternative approach is built on and expanded to investigate thermalized photoelectrons emitted from crystal surfaces. A model for electron emission is constructed and reveals the material unoccupied state band structure. Potentially applicable to any material and independent from the secondary electron generation mechanism, it is demonstrated on diamond and copper using different light sources. Moreover, the diamond indirect band gap is directly observed and the transverse effective mass at the conduction band minimum can be experimentally obtained, mt = (0.21 ± 0.015) me. This offers a convenient path for angle‐resolved photoemission data interpretation and empty‐state information extraction.
Recent Advances in Nanomaterial‐Assisted Combinational Sonodynamic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Liang Shuang , Deng Xiaoran , Ma Ping'an , Cheng Ziyong , Lin Jun
Published: October 2020

Ultrasound (US)‐triggered sonodynamic therapy (SDT), as a promising noninvasive therapeutic modality, has received ever‐increasing attention in recent years. Its specialized chemical agents, named sonosensitizers, are activated by low‐intensity US to produce lethal reactive oxygen species (ROS) for oncotherapy. Compared with phototherapeutic strategies, SDT provides many noteworthy opportunities and benefits, such as deeper penetration depth, absence of phototoxicity, and fewer side effects. Nevertheless, previous studies have also demonstrated its intrinsic limitations. Thanks to the facile engineering nature of nanotechnology, numerous novel nanoplatforms are being applied in this emerging field to tackle these intrinsic barriers and achieve continuous innovations. In particular, the combination of SDT with other treatment strategies has demonstrated a superior efficacy in improving anticancer activity relative to that of monotherapies alone. Therefore, it is necessary to summarize the nanomaterial‐assisted combinational sonodynamic cancer therapy applications. Herein, the design principles in achieving synergistic therapeutic effects based on nanomaterial engineering methods are highlighted. The ultimate goals are to stimulate the design of better‐quality combined sonodynamic treatment schemes and provide innovative ideas for the perspectives of SDT in promoting its future transformation to clinical application.
Integration of Electrospray and Digital Light Processing for Freeform Patterning of Porous Microstructures
Authors: Xue Yue , Qi Lin , Niu Ye , Huang Hanyang , Huang Fangsheng , Si Ting , Zhao Yi , Xu Ronald X.
Published: October 2020

An electrospray photolithographic patterning (EPP) process that integrates advantages of electrospray (ES) and digital light processing (DLP) for maskless fabrication of 3D porous microstructures is proposed here. First, monodisperse microparticles with controllable particle size produced by ES are deposited on a substrate to form a photoresist layer. Second, DLP exposure of the photoresist layer selectively irradiates the microparticles to form a desired pattern with complexity. Third, the repetitive steps of deposition and exposure enable layer‐by‐layer construction of a green part with embedded 3D patterns of irradiation. Finally, the irradiated microparticles are removed from the green part to form 3D particulate microstructures. With this process, freeform patterning of multiple micro‐electro‐mechanical system elements with controlled porosity, involving microfluidic channels, stamps, and power‐free pressure sensors is successfully demonstrated. The EPP process has a great technical potential for freeform and high‐throughput fabrication of multi‐layered porous microstructures in versatile applications such as micromixers, porous stamping, and microsensors.
Iron‐Catalyzed and Air‐Mediated C(sp3)−H Phosphorylation of 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds Involving C−C Bond Cleavage
Authors: Ou Yingcong , Huang Yuanting , Liu Yu , Huo Yanping , Gao Yang , Li Xianwei , Chen Qian
Published: October 2020

A C(sp3)−H phosphorylation has been achieved via the iron‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions between 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds and P(O)−H compounds involving C−C bond cleavages with air as the oxidant. This transformation provides a straightforward way to construct C(sp3)−P bonds, leading to the formation of β‐ketophosphine oxides in up to 93% yield with good functional group tolerance.

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Fabrication of 3D Ordered Structures with Multiple Materials via Macroscopic Supramolecular Assembly
Authors: Zhang Qian , Sun Yingzhi , He Chengzhi , Shi Feng , Cheng Mengjiao
Published: October 2020

Integration of diverse materials into 3D ordered structures is urgently required for advanced manufacture owing to increase in demand for high‐performance products. Most additive manufacturing techniques mainly focus on simply combining different equipment, while interfacial binding of distinctive materials remains a fundamental problem. Increasing studies on macroscopic supramolecular assembly (MSA) have revealed efficient interfacial interactions based on multivalency of supramolecular interactions facilitated by a “flexible spacing coating.” To demonstrate facile fabrication of 3D heterogeneous ordered structures, the combination of MSA and magnetic field‐assisted alignment has been developed as a new methodology for in situ integration of a wide range of materials, including elastomer, resin, plastics, metal, and quartz glass, with modulus ranging from tens of MPa to over 70 GPa. Assembly of single material, coassembly of two to four distinctive materials, and 3D alignment of “bridge‐like” and “cross‐stacked” heterogeneous structures are demonstrated. This methodology has provided a new solution to mild and efficient assembly of multiple materials at the macroscopic scale, which holds promise for advanced fabrication in fields of tissue engineering, electronic devices, and actuators.
Natural Fish Trap‐Like Nanocage for Label‐Free Capture of Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Jiang Wenning , Han Lulu , Yang Liwei , Xu Ting , He Jiabei , Peng Ruilian , Liu Ziyu , Zhang Chong , Yu Xiaomin , Jia Lingyun
Published: October 2020

Nanomaterials have achieved several breakthroughs in the capture of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) over the past decades. However, artificial fabrication of label‐free nanomaterials used for high‐efficiency CTC capture is still a challenge. Through billions of years of evolution and natural selection, various complicated and precise hierarchical structures are developed. Here, a novel fish trap‐like “nanocage” structure derived from the natural Chrysanthemum pollen is reported and a nanocage‐featured film for the label‐free capture of CTCs and CTC clusters is constructed. The nanocage‐featured film effectively captures 92% rare cancer cells with a broad spectrum of cancer types, due to the synergistic effect of nanocage‐CTC filopodia matching, high contact area, and strong adhesion force between the cancer cells and the nanocage. Furthermore, the nanocage‐featured film successfully detects CTCs and CTC clusters in 2 or 4 mL blood taken from 21 cancer patients (stages I–IV) suffering from various types of cancers. This novel, abundant, and economical fish trap‐like “nanocage” may provide new perspectives for the application of natural nanomaterials in clinical CTC capture and analysis.
Simultaneously Enhancing Power Density and Durability of Sliding‐Mode Triboelectric Nanogenerator via Interface Liquid Lubrication
Authors: Zhou Linglin , Liu Di , Zhao Zhihao , Li Shaoxin , Liu Yuebo , Liu Lu , Gao Yikui , Wang Zhong Lin , Wang Jie
Published: October 2020

The sliding‐mode triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) exhibits higher charge transfer efficiency for extracting mechanical energy than the contact–separation mode TENG, but the energy loss induced by air breakdown as well as the inferior durability seriously limits its practical applications. Here, an effective strategy via interface liquid lubrication is proposed for enhancing output performance of both sliding‐mode alternative current TENG (AC‐TENG) and direct current TENG (DC‐TENG). Due to the improved breakdown field strength requirement and reduced electrostatic field strength in the microgap between the triboelectric layer and electrode, interface liquid lubrication suppresses the interfacial electrostatic breakdown and reduces charge loss after the triboelectrification process, and thus more electrostatic charges are harvested by the AC‐TENG via electrostatic induction and the DC‐TENG via electrostatic breakdown. The maximum output power density of the lubricated sliding‐mode TENG is enhanced by more than 50% (3.45 W m−2 Hz−1) compared to the device without lubrication, and shows excellent durability over more than 500 000 operation cycles. This work provides an effective approach to improve the electric performance and durability of sliding‐mode AC‐TENG and DC‐TENG, which further promotes the practical applications of TENGs.
Nonvolatile Flexible Memory Based on a Planar Zigzag‐Type Nitrogen‐Doped Picene
Authors: Li Yang , Zhu Xiaolin , Qian Qingyun , Ma Chunlan , Zhang Mayue , Shi Zhiming , Kuai Jiajing , Zhang Yufen , Yan Zheng , Zhang Qichun
Published: October 2020

The wearable information storage devices have aroused particular attention due to their great promise in smart electronics and healthcare service. These devices require all the memory circuit components to be flexible and stretchable, especially for the memory storage elements. Herein, a planar zigzag‐structured nitrogen‐doped picene is successfully constructed as the active layer to obtain resistive switching memory devices, which possess both robust mechanical flexibility and electrical reliability. Attributed to the large‐area film morphological uniformity, the nonvolatile flexible memory devices exhibit highly reproducible resistive switching behavior, accompanying with concentrated distributions of switching voltages and resistance states under repetitive conformal deformation operation. The insight gained from this work may afford new opportunities for realizing high‐performance wearable information storage electronics.
2021 clinical trials update: Innovations in hemophilia therapy
Authors: Croteau Stacy E. , Wang Michael , Wheeler Allison P.
Published: October 2020

Therapies engineered to prolong clotting factor protein circulation time, manipulate the balance of pro‐coagulant and anti‐coagulant proteins, or introduce new genetic material to enable endogenous factor protein production dominate the clinical trial landscape of hemophilia. The availability of clotting factor concentrates and the establishment of primary prophylaxis have dramatically improved health outcomes for hemophilia patients. But, the burden of hemostatic therapy remains significant, and many barriers to consistent longitudinal use of prophylaxis exist. Several types of emerging therapeutics including engineered factor concentrates, substitutive therapies, rebalancing therapies, and gene transfer/editing all aim to reduce the challenges of current hemophilia treatment. Emerging treatment options may reduce treatment frequency or need for intravenous administration. They may also introduce new challenges in laboratory assessment of hemostasis. These novel therapies must not introduce significant new health risks and continue to support similar or improved outcomes. The potential ramifications of rebalancing the coagulation cascade, particularly in a stress or inflammatory state, or introduction of new genetic material are not trivial. The focus of this review is to provide an overview of active and recently completed clinical trials as well as emerging preclinical data investigating new therapeutic possibilities for hemophilia patients and potentially other rare bleeding disorders.
Workers' compensation claims among private skilled nursing facilities, Ohio, 2001–2012
Authors: Bush Ashley M. , Reichard Audrey A. , Wurzelbacher Steven J. , Tseng Chih‐Yu , Lampl Michael P.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Skilled nursing facilities have one of the highest rates of occupational injury and illness among all industries. This study quantifies the burden of occupational injury and illness in this industry using data from a single state‐based workers' compensation (WC) system.

Methods

Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation claims from 2001 to 2012 were analyzed among privately owned, state‐insured skilled nursing facilities and are presented as claim counts and rates per 100 full‐time equivalents (FTE). Worker, employer, incident, and injury characteristics were examined among all claims and by medical‐only (medical care expenses and/or less than eight days away from work) and lost‐time (eight days or more away from work) claim types.

Results

There were 56,442 claims in this population of Ohio skilled nursing facilities from 2001 to 2012. Overexertion and bodily reaction, slips, trips, and falls, and contact with objects and equipment accounted for the majority of all WC claims (89%). Overexertion and bodily reaction, and slips, trips, and falls comprised 85% of the 10,793 lost‐time claims. The highest injury event/exposure rates for all claims were for overexertion and bodily reaction (3.7 per 100 FTE for all claims), followed by slip, trips, and falls (2.1), and contact with objects and equipment (1.9).

Conclusion

Understanding the details surrounding injury events and exposures resulting in WC claims can help better align prevention efforts, such as incorporation of safe patient handling policies and lifting aids, improvement in housekeeping practices, and employee training within skilled nursing facilities to prevent worker injury and mitigate related expenses.
Management of pulmonary contusions during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Eguchi Daiki , Adachi Hiroshi , Choi Kwonil , Yonemori Koji
Published: October 2020

Background

Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) is an emerging infectious disease with human‐to‐human transmission. Early identification of patients with COVID‐19 is important in preventing its spread.

Case presentation

A 36‐year‐old man with a fever for 3 days fell from the 5th floor and was transported to our emergency department. Pan‐scan computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple ground‐glass opacities just below the pleura, pelvic fractures, thoracic vertebral fracture (Th11), and right femoral fracture. COVID‐19 was ruled out based on negative real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction results on days 2 and 3, and a reduction in the multiple ground‐glass opacities on CT carried out on day 5. Until the suspicion of COVID‐19 was cleared, strict and standardized processing procedures were implemented in the same way as for a patient with COVID‐19.

Conclusions

It is very difficult to rapidly differentiate between pulmonary contusions and COVID‐19, as these conditions have many similarities on CT.
Labeling of Erythrocytes by Porphyrin‐Phospholipid
Authors: Kumar Sunanda , Jiang Dawei , Sun Boyang , Seeley Kaelyn V. , Engle Jonathan W. , Sia Zachary , He Xuedan , Neelamegham Sriram , Cai Weibo , Lovell Jonathan F.
Published: October 2020

A method is developed for membrane labeling of erythrocytes with porphyrin‐phospholipid (PoP). To generate a concentrated PoP solution for labeling human red blood cells (RBCs), various surfactants and solvents are screened to identify conditions that avoid hemolysis while minimizing nonspecific PoP coprecipitation with RBCs in the pellet during centrifugation washes. Cholate, Tween 80, and Tween 40 are identified as useful surfactants for this purpose. When labeled RBCs are mixed with unlabeled ones, substantial nonspecific PoP exchange is observed. Egg‐yolk lecithin is included in a washing buffer to remove loosely bound PoP and reduce PoP exchange with unlabeled erythrocytes, based on flow cytometry and photodynamic hemolysis assays. Murine RBCs that are labeled with 64Cu‐chelated PoP display altered biodistribution with longer blood circulation relative to directly administered 64Cu‐chelated PoP.
Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide and Iron Oxide in Molten Salts to Fe/Fe3C Modified Carbon for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Liang Xinxin , Xiao Juanxiu , Weng Wei , Xiao Wei
Published: October 2020

Non‐noble electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is essential for water electrolysis and electrochemical conversion of CO2. Integrating electrochemical fixation of CO2 and electrochemical metallurgy to prepare advanced OER electrocatalyst is a promising solution to promote carbon neutrality and renewable energy. Herein, the electrochemical reduction of CO2 and Fe2O3 are combined in molten salts to prepare cathodic Fe3C‐based electrocatalyst and anodic oxygen at 600 °C with enhanced current efficiency. The resulting Fe3C‐based electrocatalyst outperforms precious electrocatalyst towards the OER operation in 1 M KOH due to a dynamic structural evolution to form an interface of Fe3C‐FeOOH.
Precise Distance Measurements in DNA G‐Quadruplex Dimers and Sandwich Complexes by Pulsed Dipolar EPR Spectroscopy
Authors: Stratmann Lukas M. , Kutin Yury , Kasanmascheff Müge , Clever Guido H.
Published: October 2020

DNA G‐quadruplexes show a pronounced tendency to form higher‐order structures, such as π‐stacked dimers and aggregates with aromatic binding partners. Reliable methods for determining the structure of these non‐covalent adducts are scarce. Here, we use artificial square‐planar Cu(pyridine)4 complexes, covalently incorporated into tetramolecular G‐quadruplexes, as rigid spin labels for detecting dimeric structures and measuring intermolecular Cu2+–Cu2+ distances via pulsed dipolar EPR spectroscopy. A series of G‐quadruplex dimers of different spatial dimensions, formed in tail‐to‐tail or head‐to‐head stacking mode, were unambiguously distinguished. Measured distances are in full agreement with results of molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, intercalation of two well‐known G‐quadruplex binders, PIPER and telomestatin, into G‐quadruplex dimers resulting in sandwich complexes was investigated, and previously unknown binding modes were discovered. Additionally, we present evidence that free G‐tetrads also intercalate into dimers. Our transition metal labeling approach, combined with pulsed EPR spectroscopy, opens new possibilities for examining structures of non‐covalent DNA aggregates.
Dexmedetomidine infusion for sedation in a patient with myotonic dystrophy*
Authors: Liu A. Y. , Dower A. , Nair S.
Published: October 2020

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is the most common muscular dystrophy in adults. Anaesthetic management should take into consideration the numerous body systems affected, including the musculoskeletal; respiratory; cardiovascular; gastro‐intestinal; and central nervous systems. A 42‐year‐old man with myotonic dystrophy presented for septoplasty and bilateral inferior turbinate reductions. He had severe upper and lower extremity myotonia and weakness, pulmonary impairment with non‐obstructive patterns and first‐degree atrioventricular block with reduced ejection fraction. He used bilevel positive airway pressure, a cough assist device and was paced 3% of the time with a single‐chamber pacemaker. To reduce potential complications associated with opioid use and general anaesthetics, an opioid‐free technique was planned using local anaesthetic infiltration and sedation with a dexmedetomidine infusion. The patient maintained spontaneous ventilation and haemodynamic stability, and had an uneventful postoperative course. Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α2‐adrenergic receptor agonist that has the ability to provide sedation, analgesia and anxiolysis with a stable haemodynamic profile. Avoiding both opioids and general anaesthetics in these patients may decrease the risk of peri‐operative complications.
Modeling and optimization for industrial adipic acid synthesis reactors
Authors: Wei Hui‐Long , Pan De‐Tao , Yan Wei‐Cheng , Luo Zheng‐Hong
Published: October 2020

Via coupling the mass balance, energy balance, and power law kinetic equations, a tanks‐in‐series reactor model is established to describe the performance of the industrial in‐series stirred‐tank oxidation reactors for adipic acid (AA) synthesis. Industrial‐scale experiments are carried out for model verification, and the satisfactory agreement between the experimental results and calculated data indicates the validity of model for the investigation of the reactor behaviors. First, single tank research is taken, and the results illustrate that the most sensitive parameter in the single reactor is the coolant temperature. Second, the five in‐series stirred‐tank reactors are selected according to the calculated intermediates conversion over the total tank number from 1 to 5. The optimal ketone–alcohol (K/A) oil feed distribution is found to be 1.7, 1.4, 1.1, 0.6, and 0.4 t/h. The corresponding reaction temperature distribution is 343.15, 346.15, 349.15, 351.15, and 353.15 K. The average residence time distribution is found to be 7.02, 6.61, 6.37, 5.80, and 5.63 min. The total yield of AA could reach up to 97.30% under the optimal conditions.
Anticorrosive properties and rust conversion mechanism of phytic acid‐based surface tolerant coating
Authors: Xu Hao , Lu Guangming , Liu Shuan , Pu Jibin , Tian Shu , Mao Chunlong , Chen Shanjun
Published: October 2020

A phytic acid‐based surface tolerant epoxy coating was prepared, and the effect of phytic acid on the corrosion resistance of the composite coating on rusty carbon steel substrate was investigated. The results showed that the low‐frequency impedance modulus of the composite coating on rusty carbon steel could reached 108 Ω·cm2 order of magnitude after immersing for 480 h in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Compared with pure epoxy coating, the phytic acid‐based surface tolerant epoxy coating on the rusty substrate exhibited better corrosion resistance even if with some artificial defects in the composite coating. The protective performance of the composite coating mainly came from the formation of a stable iron phytate chelate in the reaction of phytic acid and rust. For the rusty carbon steel, the original Fe3+ on its surface was also transformed by phytic acid penetrating to the interface between the coating and the substrate. Therefore, a dense film was formed with the reaction of phytic acid and rust on the substrates, and the dense film became a part of the whole paint film, which could improve the corrosion resistance of the surface tolerant coating.
Mechanical, morphological, and tribological behavior of Eulaliopsis binata fiber epoxy composites
Authors: Pradhan Subhrajit , Acharya Samir Kumar , Prakash Ved
Published: October 2020

This study is aimed at the potential use of a new natural fiber in polymer based composites (Eulaliopsis binata fiber) as a reinforcing material whose potential for tribological applications is still an unexposed area of research. The characterization studies of the fiber has been carried out with XRD, EDS, and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). Different weight percentages (10, 20, 30, and 40%) of short fiber were taken as reinforcement with epoxy polymer resin and hardener to study the tensile, flexural, and impact strength as well as the abrasive wear behavior of the developed composites. The experimental results indicate significant improvement in the mechanical and wear properties of epoxy with the incorporation of Eulaliopsis binata (EB) fiber. The composites containing 30 and 20 weight fraction of Eulaliopsis binata fiber exhibit optimum mechanical properties and abrasion resistance, respectively. The fractured and worn surfaces of the composites were studied under SEM to find out the failure mechanisms.
Effects of alkyl/vinyl‐modified nanosilicas on negative or positive high voltage direct current breakdown strength and tensile properties in silicone rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Park Jae‐Jun , Lee Jae‐Young
Published: October 2020

To develop silicone/nanosilica insulation materials for high voltage direct current (HVDC), hydrophilic surface of fumed nanosilica was changed to hydrophobic by modifying with various ratios of alkylsilane and alkylsilane/vinylsilane coupling agents and the effects of the modified nanosilicas on the HVDC breakdown strength under negative or positive polarities were studied. Dielectric and tensile properties were also studied. The surface modification was confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) analysis and the weights of the alkyl and alkyl/vinyl groups on the modified nanosilicas were measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Silicone rubber nanocomposites were prepared by mixing a liquid silicone rubber (LSR) and the modified nanosilicas, in which the mixing ratio of the LSR to the nanosilicas was fixed to be 20 wt%. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to observe the even dispersion of the nanosilica particles in the LSR matrix, and it was found that the surface‐modified nanosilicas were well dispersed in the form of nano‐clusters with 20–60 nm in size. Electrical properties (±HVDC breakdown strength and dielectric properties) and mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation‐at‐break) were estimated, and it was found that ±HVDC breakdown strength and tensile strength were maximal when the surface modification ratio of alkyl: alkyl/vinyl groups was 50: 50 wt%.
Toughening of epoxy thermosets with nano‐sized or micron‐sized domains of poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(butadiene‐co‐acrylonitrile)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) triblock copolymers synthesized using room temperature ester coupling reaction
Authors: Jheng Li‐Cheng , Wang I‐Hsin , Hsieh Tsung‐Han , Fan Chin‐Ting , Hsiao Chi‐Hui , Wu Chien‐Pang , Leu Ming‐Tsong , Chang Ting‐Yu
Published: October 2020

Poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(butadiene‐co‐acrylonitrile)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO‐b‐PBN‐b–PEO) triblock copolymers with three different compositions were synthesized from poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ethers and carboxylic acid‐terminated poly(butadiene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (CTBN) by ester coupling reaction at room temperature. The PEO‐b‐PBN‐b‐PEO was incorporated into anhydride cured epoxy thermosets to improve the fracture toughness by the formation of either nano‐sized spherical micelles or micron‐sized vesicles. The polymer chemical structure was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and gel permeation chromatography. The morphology of PEO‐b‐PBN‐b–PEO within the epoxy thermosets was investigated using a transmission electron microscope, an atomic force microscope, and a scanning electron microscope. Also, we conducted impact testing and plane‐strain fracture toughness testing to evaluate the fracture toughness in terms of the impact strength and the critical stress intensity factors (KIC) for the modified epoxy thermosets. The results revealed that all the PEO‐b‐PBN‐b‐PEO triblock copolymers are more effective in the toughening of epoxy thermoset compare to CTBN. We found that the 5 wt% PEO‐b‐PBN‐b‐PEO modified epoxy thermoset containing micron‐sized vesicles exhibited the highest KIC, which was 3.23 times as high as the KIC of pristine epoxy thermoset. Besides, the glass transition temperature remained and the tensile modulus did not reduce remarkably when the amount of PEO‐b‐PBN‐b‐PEO added into epoxy was 5 wt%.
Aligning fisheries management with life history in two commercially important groupers in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia
Authors: Rhodes Kevin L. , Baremore Ivy E. , Taylor Brett M. , Cuetos‐Bueno Javier , Hernandez Dalia
Published: October 2020

Camouflage grouper, Epinephelus polyphekadion (Bleeker, 1849), and squaretail coralgrouper, Plectropomus areolatus (Rüppell, 1830), are commercially important medium‐bodied groupers that aggregate at specific sites and times to spawn and are highly vulnerable to fishing during these events. Populations of both species are in decline globally, such that management specifically targeting these species is warranted.

A 12‐month fish market survey in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, provided an opportunity to examine age‐based reproductive life history of these two groupers and assess whether current management acts to conserve them. Life history characteristics of both E. polyphekadion and P. areolatus include a functionally gonochoristic sexual pattern and rapid growth particularly during early life history.

P. areolatus demonstrated early maturity (2.8 years) and a relatively brief lifespan (10 years), while delayed maturity (4.5 years) and higher longevity (25 years) was shown for E. polyphekadion. The spawning seasons for E. polyphekadion and P. areolatus were 2 and 3 months, respectively, which fall entirely within the January–April grouper sales, catch, and export ban period for Chuuk. Marketed catch included 22% E. polyphekadion and 15% P. areolatus juveniles, suggesting that size limits may aid in the conservation of these species.

Findings from this and recent grouper life history studies suggest that the current 4‐month ban in Chuuk be applied only to grouper species known to reproduce during these months to minimize economic impacts to fishers and market owners, and prevent shifts in fishing pressure to more vulnerable species, such as those with low population turnover times, slow growth, or late maturity. Size limits for catch, sale and export are also warranted as an additional management option.
Statische Analyse mit linear elastischen 3D‐Gebäudemodellen
Authors: Laggner Thomas Markus , Schlicke Dirk , Tue Nguyen Viet , Denk Wolf‐Dietrich
Published: October 2020

3D‐Gebäudemodelle sind heutzutage ein weit verbreitetes Werkzeug für die Tragwerksanalyse in der Praxis. Die ermittelte Lastverteilung mittels 3D‐Gebäudemodell unterscheidet sich allerdings mitunter deutlich von den Ergebnissen einer konventionellen Berechnung mit extrahierten 2D‐Teilmodellen. Hintergrund ist, dass im 3D‐Berechnungsmodell die Verformungskompatibilität im Gesamttragwerk abgebildet wird, während die damit einhergehende Umlagerung bei einer Berechnung mit extrahierten 2D‐Teilmodellen vernachlässigt wird. Am Beispiel eines repräsentativen 15‐stöckigen Stahlbetonhochhauses mit Flachdecken und aussteifendem Kern wurden daher verschiedene Modellierungsansätze untersucht, um daraus allgemeine Empfehlungen für die praktische Anwendung von ganzheitlichen 3D‐Gebäudemodellen zu entwickeln.

Dieser Beitrag zeigt zunächst auf, inwieweit sich die linear elastisch ermittelte Lastverteilung mittels 3D‐Gebäudemodell von jener einer Berechnung mit extrahierten 2D‐Teilmodellen unterscheidet. Hierbei werden zudem die Einflüsse aus der Baugeschichte, der Boden‐Bauwerk‐Interaktion, der Steifigkeiten der Anschlüsse und der Steifigkeitsreduktion der Decken durch Biegerissbildung dargestellt. Weitere Einflüsse auf die Lastverteilung in einem ganzheitlichen 3D‐Gebäudemodell infolge des zeitabhängigen Verformungsverhaltens von Beton (viskoelastische Betrachtung) werden in einem weiteren Beitrag der Autoren diskutiert. Insgesamt resultieren aus den verschiedenen Einflüssen signifikante Änderungen in der vertikalen Lastverteilung, die bei der Praxisanwendung von 3D‐Gebäudemodellen zu beachten sind.
Efforts to cope with CBME in COVID‐19 era to teach biochemistry in medical college
Authors: Suneja Shilpa , Gangopadhyay Sukanya , Kaur Charanjeet
Published: October 2020

The COVID‐19 outbreak has shut down universities and prompted the teaching faculty to move to online resources. In view of upcoming of new Medical Council of India (MCI) curriculum and outbreak of COVID‐19 pandemic, keeping pace with medical education became a challenge. To keep on par with learning activities of undergraduate students during this period, the teaching faculty adopted the use of online resources. E‐learning tools were utilized to engage first‐year undergraduate students and satisfy majority of aspects of Competency‐Based Undergraduate Medical Curriculum/Education (CBMC/E) in Biochemistry.
Identification of lusianthridin metabolites in rat liver microsomes by liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Ju Zhengcai , Liao Qi , Yang Yuangui , Guan Huida , Ma Chao , Tang Xiaowen , Yang Li , Wang Zhengtao
Published: October 2020

Lusianthridin, a bioactive component isolated from Dendrobium venustum, has been demonstrated to have many biological properties such as antioxidant and anticancer activities. However, the metabolic profiles remain unknown. This study was carried out to investigate the metabolic profiles of lusianthridin in liver microsomes. Lusianthridin was co‐incubated with liver microsomes in the presence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate and UDP‐glucuronic acid or glutathione at 37°C for 1 h. The incubation samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The data were acquired and processed. The structures of the metabolites were proposed by comparing their accurate mass and MS2 spectra with those of the parent compound. A total of 15 metabolites were detected in vitro, including two phase I and 13 phase II metabolites. The phase I metabolic pathways were oxidation, demethylation and dehydrogenation. The phase II metabolic pathways referred to glucuronidation and glutathione conjugation. The present study provides an overview pertaining to the metabolic profiles of lusianthridin in vitro, which is indispensable for understanding the efficacy and safety of lusianthridin, as well as the herbal medicine D. venustum.
Sex differences in underweight and body mass index in Chinese early de novo patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Wu Qing , Liu Meizhen , Yu Ming , Fu Jianfei
Published: October 2020

Objective

There have been studies investigating sex differences in clinical manifestation of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, sex differences in underweight and body mass index (BMI) in de novo PD patients lacked systematic study. We aimed to compare sex differences in clinical features and related factors of underweight and BMI in Chinese de novo PD patients.

Materials and Methods

A total of 253 untreated PD inpatients and 218 controls were recruited from Ningbo. BMI, demographics, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), supine and upright blood pressure, Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), homocysteine (HCY), uric acid, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid parameters were examined. Patients were assessed using the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor scores and Hoehn and Yahr (HY) Rating Scale.

Results

Female patients had a significantly lower incidence of underweight and higher BMI than male patients, and there were sex differences in serum lipids, HCY levels, and depression severity. Binary regression analysis showed that only in male patients was underweight associated with the UPDRS motor score and lower ΔSBP and ΔDBP values (all p < .05). Further multiple regression analysis indicated, in addition to the correlations between BMI and ΔSBP and ΔDBP values in both sexes (all p < .001), BMI was also associated with MoCA and lower UPDRS motor scores in male patients and lower HAMD scores in female patients.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that there are significant sex differences in the prevalence of underweight, BMI, and factors associated with underweight and BMI among de novo PD patients.
Clinical outcomes of breast cancer patients treated in phase I clinical trials at University of Colorado Cancer Center
Authors: Weiss Jennifer A. , Nicklawsky Andrew , Kagihara Jodi A. , Gao Dexiang , Fisher Christine , Elias Anthony , Borges Virginia F. , Kabos Peter , Davis Sarah L. , Leong Stephen , Eckhardt Sue Gail , Diamond Jennifer R.
Published: October 2020

Patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) refractory to standard of care therapies have a poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to assess patient characteristics and clinical outcomes for patients with MBC treated on phase I clinical trials. We performed a retrospective review of all patients with MBC who were enrolled in phase I clinical trials at the University of Colorado Cancer Center from January 2012 to June 2018. A total of 208 patients were identified. Patients had a mean age of 57 years and received on average 2.1 (range 0‐10) prior lines of chemotherapy. The majority of patients had hormone receptor‐positive/HER2‐negative breast cancer (58.6%) and 30.3% had triple‐negative breast cancer. The median progression free survival (PFS) was 2.8 months (95% CI, 2.3‐3.9) and median overall survival (OS) was 11.5 months (95% CI, 9.6‐13.2). Independent factors associated with longer PFS in multivariable analysis were treatment in a breast cancer‐selective trial or cohort (p = 0.016), age >50 years (p = 0.002), and ≤2 prior lines of chemotherapy in the metastatic setting (p = 0.025). Phase I clinical trials remain a valuable option for select patients with MBC and enrollment should be encouraged when available.
Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram for predicting cancer‐specific survival after radical cystectomy in patients with bladder cancer:A population‐based study
Authors: Yang Zhiqiang , Bai Yunjin , Liu Maoying , Hu Xu , Han Ping
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To establish a prognostic model to estimate the cancer‐specific survival (CSS) for urothelial carcinoma of bladder (UCB) patients after radical cystectomy (RC).

Methods

A total of 8650 candidates (2004–2011) obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were randomly split into development cohort (n = 4323) and validation cohort (n = 4327). We performed Cox regression analysis to identify prognostic factors and Kaplan‐Meier analysis to assess survival outcome. A nomogram predicting CSS was constructed. Its performance was validated by calibration curves, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, concordance index (C‐index), decision curve analysis (DCA), the net reclassification improvement (NRI), and the integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).

Results

The nomogram incorporated marital status, T stage, N stage, tumor size, and chemotherapy. In validation cohort, C‐index of the nomogram was 0.707. AUC of the nomogram and AJCC stage were 0.767 versus 0.674. Calibration plots for 3‐ and 5‐year CSS displayed good concordance. DCA curves of the nomogram exhibited larger benefits than the AJCC stage. The NRI and IDI indicated the nomogram outperformed AJCC stage.

Conclusions

We have established a prognostic nomogram with improved discriminative ability and clinical benefits for UCB patients after RC. The nomogram alongside an easy access web tool may assist clinicians in optimizing the postoperative management.