bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity and composition of algal epiphytes on the Mediterranean seagrass Cymodocea nodosa: a scale-based study
Authors: Tsioli Soultana , Papathanasiou Vasillis , Rizouli Anastasia , Kosmidou Maria , Katsaros Christos , Papastergiadou Eva , Küpper Frithjof C. , Orfanidis Sotiris
Published: March 2021

Cymodocea nodosa, a typical marine angiosperm species in the Mediterranean Sea, hosts a range of epiphytic algae. Epiphyte abundance varies at different spatial scales, yet epiphyte diversity and community composition are poorly understood. This study explores the epiphytes on C. nodosa from two reference meadows (Thasos, Vrasidas) and one anthropogenically stressed meadow (Nea Karvali) in the northern Aegean Sea (Kavala Gulf, Greece). A nested destructive sampling design at three spatial scales (metres, hundreds of metres, kilometres) and stereoscopic/microscopic observations were used. Light microscopy revealed a total of 19 taxa of macroalgae populating the leaves of C. nodosa. The most commonly encountered taxa with highest cover (%) were Hydrolithon cruciatum and Feldmannia mitchelliae. DNA sequencing (18S rDNA) confirms the presence of a number of dinoflagellate and red algal epiphytes, and this represents the first application of DNA metabarcoding to study the diversity of seagrass epiphytes. Epiphytic communities studied at species/taxon and functional (Ecological Status Groups) levels separated the reference low-stressed meadows from the degraded one, with the functional approach having higher success. The ecological evaluation index classified the studied meadows into different Ecological Status Classes according to anthropogenic stress.
Evaluating chronic kidney disease in rural South Africa: comparing estimated glomerular filtration rate using point-of-care creatinine to iohexol measured GFR
Authors: Currin Sean , Gondwe Mwawi , Mayindi Nokthula , Chipungu Shingirai , Khoza Bongekile , Khambule Lungile , Snyman Tracy , Tollman Stephen , Fabian June , George Jaya
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease is rising rapidly in low- and middle-income countries. Serum creatinine and estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are critical diagnostic tools, yet access to centralised laboratory services remains limited in primary care resource-limited settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate point-of-care (POC) technologies for serum creatinine measurement and to compare their performance to a gold standard measurement using iohexol measured GFR (mGFR).

Methods

POC creatinine was measured using iSTAT® and StatSensor® devices in capillary and venous whole blood, and laboratory creatinine was measured using the compensated kinetic Jaffe method in 670 participants from a rural area in South Africa. GFR estimating equations Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (CKD-EPI and MDRD) for POC and laboratory creatinine were compared to iohexol mGFR.

Results

Calculated GFR for laboratory and POC creatinine measurements overestimated GFR (positive bias of 1.9–34.1 mL/min/1.73 m2). However, all POC devices had less positive bias than the laboratory Jaffe method (1.9–14.7 vs. 34.1 for MDRD, and 8.4–19.9 vs. 28.6 for CKD-EPI). Accuracy within 30% of mGFR ranged from 0.56 to 0.72 for POC devices and from 0.36 to 0.43 for the laboratory Jaffe method. POC devices showed wider imprecision with coefficients of variation ranging from 4.6 to 10.2% compared to 3.5% for the laboratory Jaffe method.

Conclusions

POC estimated GFR (eGFR) showed improved performance over laboratory Jaffe eGFR, however POC devices suffered from imprecision and large bias. The laboratory Jaffe method performed poorly, highlighting the need for laboratories to move to enzymatic methods to measure creatinine.
Evaluation of the automated LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS IgG assay for the detection of circulating antibodies
Authors: Bonelli Fabrizio , Blocki Frank A. , Bunnell Tina , Chu Edward , De La O Arriel , Grenache David G. , Marzucchi Ginevra , Montomoli Emanuele , Okoye Lilian , Pallavicini Luca , Streva Vincent A. , Torelli Alessandro , Wagner Aaron , Zanin Davide , Zierold Claudia , Wassenberg James J.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

COVID-19 has brought about tests from many manufacturers. While molecular and rapid antigen tests are targeted for early diagnosis, immunoassays have a larger role in epidemiological studies, understanding longitudinal immunity, and in vaccine development and response.

Methods

The performance of the LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS IgG assay was evaluated against the Beckman ACCESS SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay in New Mexico, and against the Siemens ADVIA Centaur COV2G assay in New York. Discordant samples were parsed using a microneutralization assay.

Results

A SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity rate of 23.8% was observed in the samples tested in New York (September 2020), while in the same month the positivity rate was 1.5% in New Mexico. Positive and negative agreement were 67.6% (95% CI 49.5–82.6%) and 99.8% (95% CI 99.5–99.9%), respectively, with the Beckman test, and 98.0% (95% CI 95.7–99.3%) and 94.8% (95% CI 93.4–96.0%), respectively, with the Siemens test. Receiver operating characteristic analysis for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies discloses an AUC, area under the curve, of 0.996 (95% CI 0.992–0.999) for the LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS IgG assay. The criterion associated to the Youden Index was determined to be >12.9 kAU/L with a sensitivity of 99.44% and a specificity of 99.82%.

Conclusions

The LIAISON® SARS-CoV-2 TrimericS IgG assay is highly sensitive and specific. The balance of these parameters, without emphasis on high specificity alone, is particularly important when applied to high prevalence populations, where a highly sensitive assay will result in reporting a lower number of false negative subjects.
Continuous reference intervals for leukocyte telomere length in children: the method matters
Authors: Lesmana Analia , Tian Pei , Karlaftis Vasiliki , Hearps Stephen , Monagle Paul , Ignjatovic Vera , Elwood Ngaire
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Children with very short telomeres commonly develop bone marrow failure and other severe diseases. Identifying the individuals with short telomeres can improve outcome of bone marrow transplantation, with accurate diagnosis requiring the use of age-matched reference intervals (RIs). This study aimed to establish RIs for telomere length (TL) in children using three commonly used methods for TL measurement.

Methods

Healthy children aged 30 days to 18 years were recruited for assessment using age as a continuous variable. Venous blood samples were collected and leukocyte TL was measured using terminal restriction fragment (TRF) analysis, quantitative PCR (QPCR) and flow cytometry with fluorescence in situ hybridization (Flow-FISH). Fractional polynomial model and quantile regression were performed to generate continuous RIs. Factors that might contribute to variation in TL, such as gender, were also examined.

Results

A total of 212 samples were analyzed. Continuous RIs are presented as functions of age. TRF analysis and QPCR showed significant negative correlation between TL and age (r=−0.28 and r=−0.38, p<0.001). In contrast, Flow-FISH showed no change in TL with age (r=−0.08, p=0.23). Gender did not have significant influence on TL in children.

Conclusions

This study provides three options to assess TL in children by establishing method-specific continuous RIs. Choosing which method to use will depend on several factors such as amount and type of sample available and required sensitivity to age-related change.
Smoothed-Adaptive Perturbed Inverse Iteration for Elliptic Eigenvalue Problems
Authors: Giani Stefano , Grubišić Luka , Heltai Luca , Mulita Ornela
Published: March 2021

We present a perturbed subspace iteration algorithm to approximate the lowermost eigenvalue cluster of an elliptic eigenvalue problem. As a prototype, we consider the Laplace eigenvalue problem posed in a polygonal domain. The algorithm is motivated by the analysis of inexact (perturbed) inverse iteration algorithms in numerical linear algebra. We couple the perturbed inverse iteration approach with mesh refinement strategy based on residual estimators. We demonstrate our approach on model problems in two and three dimensions.
Residues on affine Grassmannians
Authors: Florence Mathieu , Gille Philippe
Published: March 2021

Given a linear group G over a field k, we define a notion of
index and residue of an element

g
∈

G
⁢

(

k
⁢

(

(
t
)

)

)

{g\in G(k(\kern-1.707165pt(t)\kern-1.707165pt))}

.
The index

r
⁢

(
g
)

{r(g)}

is a rational number and the residue a group homomorphism

res

(
g
)

:

𝔾
a

⁢
 or 
⁢

𝔾
m

→
G

{\mathop{\rm res}\nolimits(g):\mathbb{G}_{a}\text{ or }\mathbb{G}_{m}\to G}

.
This provides an alternative proof of Gabber’s theorem
stating that G has no subgroups isomorphic to

𝔾
a

{\mathbb{G}_{a}}

or

𝔾
m

{\mathbb{G}_{m}}

iff

G
⁢

(

k
⁢

[

[
t
]

]

)

=

G
⁢

(

k
⁢

(

(
t
)

)

)

{G(k[\kern-1.13811pt[t]\kern-1.13811pt])=G(k(\kern-1.707165pt(t)\kern-1.707165%
pt))}

.
In the case of a reductive group, we offer an explicit connection
with the theory of affine Grassmannians.
Ring-opening polymerization
Authors: Penczek Stanislaw , Pretula Julia , Slomkowski Stanislaw
Published: March 2021

Ring-opening polymerization is defined by IUPAC (Penczek, S., Moad, G. (2008). Glossary of the terms related to kinetics, thermodynamics, and mechanisms of polymerization. (IUPAC Recommendations 2008), Pure and Applied Chemistry, 80(10), 2163–2193) as (cit.) “Ring-opening polymerization (ROP): Polymerization in which a cyclic monomer yields a monomeric unit that is either acyclic or contains fewer rings than the cyclic monomer”. The large part of the resulting polymerizations is living/controlled; practically all belong to chain polymerizations. After the introduction, providing basic information on chain polymerizations, the paper presents the concise overview of major classes of monomers used in ROP, including cyclic ethers, esters, carbonates, and siloxanes as well as cyclic nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur containing monomers. There are discussed also thermodynamics, kinetic polymerizability, and major mechanisms of ROP. Special attention is concentrated on polymers prepared by ROP on industrial scale.
Higher differentiability results for solutions to a class of non-autonomous obstacle problems with sub-quadratic growth conditions
Authors: Gentile Andrea
Published: March 2021

We establish some higher differentiability results of integer and fractional order for solutions to non-autonomous obstacle problems of the form

min
⁡

{

∫
Ω

f
⁢

(
x
,

D
⁢
v
⁢

(
x
)

)

:

v
∈

𝒦
ψ

⁢

(
Ω
)

}

,

\min\biggl{\{}\int_{\Omega}f(x,Dv(x)):v\in\mathcal{K}_{\psi}(\Omega)\biggr{\}},

where the function f satisfies p-growth conditions with respect to the gradient variable, for

1
<
p
<
2

{1<p<2}

, and

𝒦
ψ

⁢

(
Ω
)

{\mathcal{K}_{\psi}(\Omega)}

is the class of admissible functions

v
∈

u
0

+

W
0

1
,
p

⁢

(
Ω
)

{v\in u_{0}+W^{1,p}_{0}(\Omega)}

such that

v
≥
ψ

{v\geq\psi}

a.e. in Ω, where

u
0

∈

W

1
,
p

⁢

(
Ω
)

{u_{0}\in W^{1,p}(\Omega)}

is a fixed boundary datum.
Here we show that a Sobolev or Besov–Lipschitz regularity assumption on the gradient of the obstacle ψ transfers to the gradient of the solution, provided the partial map

x
↦

D
ξ

⁢
f
⁢

(
x
,
ξ
)

{x\mapsto D_{\xi}f(x,\xi)}

belongs to a suitable Sobolev or Besov space.
The novelty here is that we deal with sub-quadratic growth conditions with respect to the gradient variable, i.e.

f
⁢

(
x
,
ξ
)

≈

a
⁢

(
x
)

⁢

|
ξ
|

p

{f(x,\xi)\approx a(x)\lvert\xi\rvert^{p}}

with

1
<
p
<
2

{1<p<2}

, and where the map a belongs to a Sobolev or Besov–Lipschitz space.
Microwave-assisted reactions: Efficient and versatile one-step synthesis of 8-substituted xanthines and substituted pyrimidopteridine-2,4,6,8-tetraones under controlled microwave heating
Authors: Mekheimer Ramadan Ahmed , Hayallah Alaa M. , Moustafa Moustafa Sherief , Al-Mousawi Saleh Mohammed , Abd-Elmonem Mohamed , Mostafa Sara M. , Abo Elsoud Fatma A. , Sadek Kamal Usef
Published: March 2021

We report herein a simple and efficient one-step synthesis of 8-substituted xanthines and substituted pyrimidopteridine-2,4,6,8-tetraones via reaction of 1,3-dimethyl-5,6-diaminouracil 1 with activated double bond systems 2 assisted by controlled microwave irradiation. The obtained heterocycles are privileged biologically relevant scaffolds.
Specific heat capacity of wood between −140 and 50 °C in dry and wet state
Authors: Nopens Martin , Sazama Uta , Krause Andreas , Fröba Michael
Published: March 2021

Specific heat capacity of wood is an important material property for fundamental research and timber technology. However, the existing database for heat capacity values is limited, especially for data below 0 °C. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the specific heat capacity of wood with different moisture contents (dry, below and above fibre saturation) in lower temperature. Beech (Fagus sylvatica) and scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) were investigated via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), equipped with a liquid nitrogen-cooling device, using the sapphire standard. Specific heat capacity for beech and pine were linear within the investigated temperature region. Values above 0 °C are in agreement with existing literature. Both species showed similar results. Based on the obtained results the specific heat capacity for bound water was calculated. The presented results are an important step for increasing the database of wood heat capacity. These findings enable future research for calculating heat-flux, diffusion and moisture transfer in wood.
Predicting strength of Finnish birch veneers based on three different failure criteria
Authors: Pramreiter Maximilian , Bodner Sabine C. , Keckes Jozef , Stadlmann Alexander , Feist Florian , Baumann Georg , Maawad Emad , Müller Ulrich
Published: March 2021

The use of wood in high-performance composites based on laminated veneer products, plywood or wood hybrid elements thereof requires accurate prediction of strength of each individual ply. Previous research has shown that one dominating factor influencing the strength of birch veneers is the fibre orientation. The present study investigates the validity of the failure criteria after Tsai-Hill, Hoffmann and Kollmann for thin birch veneers under tensile loading. The fibre orientation in- and out-of-plane was measured by means of wide-angle X-ray scattering. Tensile strength and threshold values were determined in laboratory experiments. Pearson correlation between the predicted strength and actual strength ranged from 0.836 up to 0.883. Best correlation (r = 0.883) was achieved for Kollmann using a combined angle between in- and out-of-plane fibre orientation. It was shown that the failure criteria commonly used for manmade fibre reinforced composites are also applicable for thin birch veneers.
Investigating the relationship between insulin resistance and adipose tissue in a randomized Tehrani population
Authors: Mirzay Razzaz Jalaledin , Moameri Hossein , Akbarzadeh Zahra , Ariya Mohammad , Hosseini Seyed ali , Ghaemi Alireza , Osati Saeed , Ehrampoush Elham , Homayounfar Reza
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Insulin resistance is the most common metabolic change associated with obesity. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between insulin resistance and body composition especially adipose tissue in a randomized Tehrani population.

Methods

This study used data of 2,160 individuals registered in a cross-sectional study on were randomly selected from among subjects who were referred to nutrition counseling clinic in Tehran, from April 2016 to September 2017. Insulin resistance was calculated by homeostasis model assessment formula. The odds ratio (95% CI) was calculated using logistic regression models.

Results

The mean age of the men was 39 (±10) and women were 41 (±11) (the age ranged from 20 to 50 years). The risk of increased HOMA-IR was 1.03 (95% CI: 1.01–1.04) for an increase in one percent of Body fat, and 1.03 (95% CI: 1.00–1.05) for an increase in one percent of Trunk fat. Moreover, the odds ratio of FBS for an increase in one unit of Body fat percent and Trunk fat percent increased by 1.05 (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI: 1.03, 1.06]) and 1.05 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.08). Also, the risk of increased Fasting Insulin was 1.05 (95% CI: 1.03–1.07) for an increase in one unit of Body fat percent, and 1.05 (95% CI: 1.02–1.08) for an increase in one unit of Trunk fat percent.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study showed that there was a significant relationship between HOMA-IR, Fasting blood sugar, Fasting Insulin, and 2 h Insulin with percent of Body fat, percent of Trunk fat.
STAT3 promotes peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer by enhancing mesothelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Yang Hongkui , Xu Wenjun
Published: March 2021

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a widely-reported oncogene in many human cancers, but its role in the peritoneal metastasis of gastric cancer (GC) has yet to be studied. The expression level of STAT3 in GC patient tissues was assessed. Stable shRNA knockdown (KD) of STAT3 was established in GC cell line AGS, followed by examination of its effect on AGC cell viability and proliferation, xenograft tumor growth, metastatic potential, mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT)-related properties and peritoneal metastasis in a mouse model. The specific STAT3 inhibitor BP1-102 was also employed to verify findings from STAT3 KD experiments. Expression of activated STAT3 was upregulated in GC patient tumor tissues, and further elevated among patients diagnosed with peritoneal metastasis. STAT3 deactivation suppressed viability and proliferation of GC cells in vitro, as well as GC tumorigenesis in vivo. Furthermore, the metastatic properties and production of MMT-inducing factors of GC cells in vitro were also dependent on STAT3 activation. Importantly, STAT3 KD significantly compromised peritoneal metastasis of GC in vivo. STAT3 activation contributes to peritoneal metastasis of GC by promoting MMT, warranting further investigation to explore its potential for GC treatment, in particular among peritoneal metastasis patients.
Carotenoids in Sporidiobolus pararoseus ameliorate diabetic nephropathy in mice through attenuating oxidative stress
Authors: Du Chao , Lv Tianqi , Liu Quanwen , Cheng Yuliang , Liu Chang , Han Mei , Zhang Weiguo , Qian He
Published: March 2021

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the major life-threatening complication of diabetes, and oxidative stress takes part in its initiation and development. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of carotenoids from Sporidiobolus pararoseus (CSP) on the renal function and oxidative stress status of mice with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN. The results indicated that CSP significantly attenuated symptoms of STZ-induced DN shown by decreased fasting blood glucose, reduced urine volume, urine albumin, serum creatinine and serum urea nitrogen, and improved kidney histological morphology. Furthermore, biochemical analysis of serum and kidney revealed a marked increase in oxidative stress of DN mice as evidenced by reduced total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), decreased activity of antioxidant enzyme -superoxide dismutase (SOD) and increased level of malondialdehyde (MDA). However, treatment with CSP improved oxidative stress status in DN mice as compared with the mice in model group. Exploration of the potential mechanism validated that CSP ameliorated the oxidative stress status in DN mice by activating the expressions of Nrf2, NQO-1, HO-1, GST and CAT in kidney. These data revealed that CSP may retard the progression of DN by ameliorating renal function, improving the oxidative stress status and activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway.
Realizations of oppositional speech acts in English: a contrastive analysis of discourse in L1 and L2 settings
Authors: Hopkinson Christopher
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the results of a study seeking insights into how speakers express oppositional stance in an online genre (businesses’ responses to negative customer reviews on TripAdvisor). The research is contrastive, exploring the differences between the practices of speakers in two types of setting – L1 English-speaking countries and countries where English is L2 – when performing oppositional speech acts (e.g. disagreement, criticism of the review/reviewer, etc.). Although there exists a large body of work concerned with contrastive differences in speech act realizations, oppositional speech acts remain under-researched – especially in contexts of non-politeness or impoliteness. This paper presents the results of a mixed-method qualitative/quantitative analysis revealing substantial differences along two principal dimensions of variation: the (in)directness with which opposition is expressed, and the downgrading (mitigation) or upgrading (aggravation) of oppositional speech acts. Some of these differences can be traced to well-known tendencies related to L1 versus L2 language use, while others represent new empirical findings that open up potential avenues for future research.
Person- versus content-oriented approaches in English and German email responses to customer complaints: a cross-cultural analysis of moves and first-person pronouns
Authors: Van Herck Rebecca , Dobbenie Babette , Decock Sofie
Published: March 2021

This cross-cultural study examines the differences in communicative styles between English and German email responses to customer complaints by analysing their discourse structure (through a rhetorical move analysis) and the frequency of first-person references (Iandweand their different forms). The framework is given by House (House, Juliane. 2006. Communicative styles in English and German.European Journal of English Studies10(3). 249–267.), who suggests that English speakers tend to use a more interpersonal (i.e., people-oriented) communicative style, while German speakers show a preference for a transactional (i.e., content-oriented) style. In addition, first-person references within the genre of email responses to complaints are associated with either the customer service agent’s personal or corporate identity. The data consist of 150 English and 84 German authentic emails. The results of the move analysis reveal that the discourse structure of both data sets is mainly similar, but the few differences point into the direction of support for House’s framework, in particular the dimension on addressee- or content-orientation. Although agents generally use morewethanI-references in both data sets, thus exhibiting mainly a corporate identity, they tend to use the opposite in some moves (e.g.,Apology), which points to pronominal shifting across move level, as suggested in previous research (Zhang, Yi & Camilla Vásquez. 2014. Hotels’ responses to online reviews: Managing consumer dissatisfaction.Discourse, Context and Media6. 54–64.). Overall, the German agents use morewe-references compared to their British colleagues. Finally, agents use pronominal shifting within move level to distance themselves from the company.
Disagreement and mitigation in power-asymmetrical venture capital reality TV shows: a comparative case study of Shark Tank in the US and Dragon’s Den in China
Authors: Zhang Huiyu , Zhao Junxiang , Wu Yicheng
Published: March 2021

This paper examines the relationships among cultural variation, power, disagreement, and mitigation devices. Based on a multi-modal analysis of original data from two TV shows (Shark Tankin the US andDragon’s Denin China), it is found that investors’ linguistic performance shows greater frequency and variation in both disagreement and its mitigation, influenced by power and politeness. Regarding the role of cultural variation, this study challenges some stereotypical conceptions of culture with the finding that Chinese participants use negation more often than their US counterparts. Meanwhile, Chinese and American participants choose different disagreement-mitigation formats: In the USShark Tankinvestors tend to initiate disagreements by enforcing explicitness and entrepreneurs tend to mitigate them by offering explanations, while in the ChineseDragon’s Deninvestors tend to utter negations and then mitigate them with qualifiers or alternative statements. Moreover, the American show also contains cases where the pre-set power-asymmetrical relationship changes during the course of presentation, and entrepreneurs with increasing power start to challenge investors by asking them various questions. However, this alteration of power relationships appears to be more difficult in the Chinese context.
Levels of lead, aluminum, and zinc in occupationally exposed workers of North-Western India
Authors: Singh Preeti , Mitra Prasenjit , Goyal Taru , Sharma Shailja , Purohit Purvi , Sharma Praveen
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Metals including lead (Pb), aluminum (Al), and zinc (Zn) are widely used in factories such as welding, handicrafts, and paint. Occupational exposure to such metals causes a wide range of biological effects, depending upon the metal levels and duration of exposure. Accumulation of these metals may lead to several adverse health effects such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. The study aimed to evaluate Pb, Al, and Zn levels in occupationally exposed workers of North-Western India and create awareness about its toxicity and adverse outcomes.

Methods

The study included 120 factory workers (exposed) and 100 healthy controls (nonexposed); age ranged 18–78 years. Blood Pb and serum Al was estimated by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry and serum Zn was estimated by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (ICE 3000, Thermo Fisher Scientific).

Results

Results indicated significantly higher levels of Pb, Al, and Zn in the exposed than the nonexposed. No significant difference was observed in metal levels, based on age and duration of exposure. Painters showed higher blood Pb, whereas welders were found to have higher serum Al and Zn levels.

Conclusions

To conclude, workers showed higher levels of metals and it may cause deleterious effects on the health of workers occupationally exposed to these metals. Appropriate maintenance regarding worker’s safety and hygiene is required to protect them from the harmful effects of these toxic metals.
Role of interleukin-2 and interleukin-18 in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Suri Smriti , Mitra Prasenjit , Abhilasha Abhilasha , Saxena Indu , Garg Mahendra K. , Bohra Gopal Krishna , Sharma Praveen
Published: March 2021

Objectives

The study aimed to compare the levels of anti-inflammatory interleukin-2 (IL-2) and proinflammatory interleukin-18 (IL-18) among newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and nondiabetic volunteers, to predict their roles as markers in the diagnosis of newly diagnosed T2DM.

Methods

In the study, 60 subjects were enrolled (30 T2DM cases and 30 non-diabetic controls). Biochemical parameters such as fasting plasma glucose (FBS), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and lipid profile were estimated in auto-analyser. Serum IL-2 and IL-18 levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Significant differences were observed in the levels of interleukins among study groups. The median (95% confidence interval) of IL-2 in cases and controls were 8.55 (6.07–47.23) and 45.87 (12.81–145.4) (p=0.02). The median (95% CI) of IL-18 on the other hand in cases and controls were 691.6 (580.3–872.6) and 511.1 (452.6–557.5) (p=0.0014).

Conclusions

Our study is the first to correlate IL-2 and IL-18 in newly diagnosed T2DM patients. Findings from this study highlight the anti-inflammatory role of IL-2 and proinflammatory role of IL-18 in T2DM. ROC analysis helped predict their role as markers in T2DM diagnosis.
Cocos nucifera L. oil alleviates lead acetate-induced reproductive toxicity in sexually-matured male Wistar rats
Authors: Olaniyan Olugbemi T. , Ojewale Olakunle A. , Dare Ayobami , Adebayo Olufemi , Enyojo Joseph E. , Okotie Gloria E. , Adetunji Charles O. , Mada Bello Sanusi , Okoli Bamidele J. , Eweoya Olugbenga O.
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Lead primarily affects male reproductive functions via hormonal imbalance and morphological damage to the testicular tissue with significant alteration in sperm profile and oxidative markers. Though, different studies have reported that Cocos nucifera L. oil has a wide range of biological effects, this study aimed at investigating the effect of Cocos nucifera L. oil on lead acetate-induced reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats.

Methods

Twenty (20) sexually matured male Wistar rats (55–65 days) were randomly distributed into four groups (n=5). Group I (negative control)—distilled water orally for 56 days, Group II (positive control)—5 mg/kg bwt lead acetate intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 14 days, Group III—6.7 mL/kg bwt Cocos nucifera L. oil orally for 56 days and Group IV—lead acetate intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 14 days and Cocos nucifera L. oil for orally for 56 days. Rats were sacrificed by diethyl ether, after which the serum, testis and epididymis were collected and used for semen analysis, biochemical and histological analysis.

Results

The lead acetate significantly increases (p<0.05) testicular and epididymal malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while a significant reduction (p<0.05) in sperm parameters, organ weight, testosterone and luteinizing hormone was observed when compared with the negative control. The coadministration of Cocos nucifera oil with lead acetate significantly increases (p<0.05) testosterone, luteinizing hormone, sperm parameters and organ weight, with a significant decrease (p<0.05) in MDA levels compared with positive control. Histological analysis showed that lead acetate distorts testicular cytoarchitecture and germ cell integrity while this was normalized in the cotreated group.

Conclusions

Cocos nucifera oil attenuates the deleterious effects of lead acetate in male Wistar rats, which could be attributed to its polyphenol content and antioxidant properties.
Free space and wired optics communication systems performance improvement for short-range applications with the signal power optimization
Authors: Eid Mahmoud M. A. , Sorathiya Vishal , Lavadiya Sunil , Shehata Eslam , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki
Published: March 2021

This article discusses the performance of the free space optics (FSO) systems for short-range applications with the input signal power optimization. The BER eye diagram analyzer used to compute the optimum bit error rate and also compute the maximum Q factor for the previous and proposed models. The previous model has outlined the maximum Q factor of 206.45, where the proposed model Q factor value is 569.867 under the same operating parameters such as the wavelength of the transmitter of 1550 nm, the power of the transmitter of 10 mW, and the range of FSO is 800 m and signal attenuation 0.4 dB/km. The proposed study has outlined better performance than the previous study by about 21.76% enhancement percentage ratio.
An analysis of Google Trends following athletic injuries by high profile NBA players during the 2019 NBA finals
Authors: Thompson Jay C. , Price Christopher M. , Checketts Jake X. , Hanson Chad , Torgerson Trevor , Hartwell Micah , Vassar Matt B.
Published: March 2021

Context

Injuries are common among high profile players in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and could provide an opportunity for physicians to provide accurate sports injury information and reliable rehabilitation data to the general public in the immediate aftermath.

Objectives

To evaluate social media trends to investigate public interest in athletic injuries in the NBA and to evaluate the length of maintained interest in these injuries.

Methods

The Google Trends tool was used to analyze search data around two high profile players—Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson—who suffered injuries during the 2019 NBA Finals. The results were compared to the expected search forecast derived from an autoregressive integrated moving algorithm model.

Results

Both players were associated with a mean increase of 1,052.4% (standard deviation [SD], 703.96%) in relative search volumes for terms related to their injuries. This data showed a significant increase in search engine activity related to injuries associated with NBA players in the first 6.13 days (SD, 3.14 days) following the injuries, marking a substantial timeframe for public engagement.

Conclusions

Search traffic information may be beneficial to the sports medicine community, as social media can provide a platform for patient education in a limited timeframe. By increasing patient awareness and knowledge regarding athletic injuries, social media can expand the pool of potential patients for physicians and surgeons.
Garin and Cassirer: Historiography and Philosophy
Authors: Ricci Saverio
Published: March 2021

The relation between Garin and Cassirer is still an insufficiently investigated topic, here proposed also in light of their personal connections and documents. This relation represents an important episode in the Nachwirkung of Cassirer in Italy. Garin was deeply influenced by Cassirer’s historical research and philosophical thought, in the shaping of his own research fields and in the methodological debates about the history of philosophy.
Holism | Cosmopsychism – And the Collapse of the Wavefunction
Authors: Bobanovic Denis
Published: March 2021

The holistic view of the Universe is a very promising approach. The necessity of such a view is shown by the teaching of Carl Friedrich von Weizsäcker, a German physicist and philosopher. If we accept Panpsychism as the best alternative to Materialism and Dualism, we should take the holistic view seriously. Panpsychism and Holism combined lead to the Idea of Cosmopsychism. If we consider the Universe as a holistic Quantum System, we should ask, what causes the collapse of its wavefunction? I offer four possible answers and I tend to divine consciousness, which brings the collapse of the wavefunction of our Universe.
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Modes
Authors: Paolini Paoletti Michele
Published: March 2021

I offer in this article an account of the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic properties based on the ontology of modes. Modes are particular properties that directly depend for their identity on their “bearers”. In Section 1, I shall introduce the ontology of modes. In Section 2, I shall examine the problem of distinguishing between intrinsic and extrinsic properties by considering another, related problem: that of distinguishing between internal and external relations. In Section 3, I shall present my own account and I shall also single out different degrees of intrinsicality and extrinsicality. In Section 4, I shall deal with missing-relatummodes, namely, with modes that lack specificrelata, such as Othello’s loving someone. I shall introduce three different theories to deal with them. Finally, in Section 5, I shall solve some problems affecting the intrinsic/extrinsic distinction from the standpoint of my account.
Convivial linguistic practices: lived togetherness through language in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Cook William Robert Amilan
Published: March 2021

This paper takes up conviviality as an analytical tool to investigate everyday language choices made by foreign residents living in Ras Al Khaimah, a small city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It draws on recent work in human geography and cultural studies to understand conviviality in terms of practices rather than outcomes. Specifically, it investigates some of the linguistic dimensions of conviviality deployed by residents of the city in everyday situations of linguistic contact and negotiation of difference. The paper focuses on participants’ “small story” narratives (Georgakopoulou, Alexandra. 2015. Small stories research: Methods – analysis – outreach. In Anna De Fina & Alexandra Georgakopoulou (eds.), The handbook of narrative analysis, 255–272. Malden: John Wiley & Sons) that exemplify everyday language choices in the face of a highly ethnolinguistically diverse as well as racially and economically stratified society. Considering the multitude of ethnolinguistic and socioeconomic divisions in the city and the country as a whole, the paper unpacks how such cross-border contact is negotiated through everyday language practices. The paper identifies four types of convivial linguistic practices described by my participants: language sharing, benevolent interpretation, language checks and respectful language choices. In the process, I also probe the limits of what studying conviviality can tell us about everyday linguistic togetherness in highly segregated societies marked by stark inequalities.
Exploring the physics of cesium lead halide perovskite quantum dots via Bayesian inference of the photoluminescence spectra in automated experiment
Authors: Heimbrook Amanda , Higgins Kate , Kalinin Sergei V. , Ahmadi Mahshid
Published: March 2021

The unique optoelectronic properties of metal halide perovskite quantum dots (QDs) make them promising candidates for applications in light-emitting diodes (LEDs), scintillators, and other photonic devices. The automated micropipetting synthesis platform equipped with an optical reader enables the opportunity for high throughput synthesis and photoluminescent (PL) characterization of metal halide perovskite QDs for the first time. Here, we explore the compositional dependence of the PL behavior and stability of the combinatorial library of cesium lead halide (CsPbX3) perovskites QDs via the automated platform. To study the stability of synthesized QDs in the binary and ternary configurations, we study the time-dependent PL properties using previously developed machine learning analysis. To systematically explore the PL behavior in the ternary CsPbX3 QDs system, we introduce the Bayesian inference framework that allows the probabilistic fit of multiple models to the PL data and establishes both optimal model and model parameter robustly. Furthermore, these behaviors can be used as a control parameter for the navigation of the multidimensional compositional spaces in automated synthesis. This analysis shows the nonuniformity of the PL peak behavior in the ternary CsPbX3 QDs system. Further, the analysis confirms narrow size distribution and good quality of CsPbBr3 QDs alloyed with low concentrations of iodide and chloride. We note that Bayesian Inference fit parameters can be further used as a control signal for navigation of the chemical spaces in automated synthesis.
Ultrafast mode-locking in highly stacked Ti3C2Tx MXenes for 1.9-μm infrared femtosecond pulsed lasers
Authors: Jhon Young In , Lee Jinho , Jhon Young Min , Lee Ju Han
Published: March 2021

Metallic 2D materials can be promising saturable absorbers for ultrashort pulsed laser production in the long wavelength regime. However, preparing and manipulating their 2D structures without layer stacking have been nontrivial. Using a combined experimental and theoretical approach, we demonstrate here that a metallic titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx), the most popular MXene 2D material, can have excellent nonlinear saturable absorption properties even in a highly stacked state due to its intrinsically existing surface termination, and thus can produce mode-locked femtosecond pulsed lasers in the 1.9-μm infrared range. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the electronic and optical properties of Ti3C2Tx MXene can be well preserved against significant layer stacking. Indeed, it is experimentally shown that 1.914-μm femtosecond pulsed lasers with a duration of 897 fs are readily generated within a fiber cavity using hundreds-of-layer stacked Ti3C2Tx MXene saturable absorbers, not only being much easier to manufacture than mono- or few-layered ones, but also offering character-conserved tightly-assembled 2D materials for advanced performance. This work strongly suggests that as-obtained highly stacked Ti3C2Tx MXenes can serve as superb material platforms for versatile nanophotonic applications, paving the way toward cost-effective, high-performance photonic devices based on MXenes.
Effect of new metal–organic framework (zeolitic imidazolate framework [ZIF-12]) in mixed matrix membranes on structure, morphology, and gas separation properties
Authors: Safak Boroglu Mehtap , Boz Ismail , Kaya Busra
Published: March 2021

In our study, the synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-12) crystals and the preparation of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with various ZIF-12 loadings were targeted. The characterization of ZIF-12 and MMMs were carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermomechanical analysis. The performance of MMMs was measured by the ability of binary gas separation. Commercial polyetherimide (PEI-Ultem® 1000) polymer was used as the polymer matrix. The solution casting method was utilized to obtain dense MMMs. In the SEM images of ZIF-12 particles, the particles with a rhombic dodecahedron structure were identified. From SEM images, it was observed that the distribution of ZIF-12 particles in the MMMs was homogeneous and no agglomeration was present. Gas permeability experiments of MMMs were measured for H2, CO2, and CH4 gases at steady state, at 4 bar and 35 °C by constant volume-variable pressure method. PEI/ZIF-12-30 wt% MMM exhibited high permeability and ideal selectivity values for H2/CH4 and CO2/CH4 were

P

H
2

/

CH
4

=
331.41

${P}_{{\text{H}}_{2}/{\text{CH}}_{4}}=331.41$

and

P

CO
2

/

CH
4

=
53.75

${P}_{{\text{CO}}_{2}/{\text{CH}}_{4}}=53.75$

gas pair.
Synthesis and applications of surface-modified magnetic nanoparticles: progress and future prospects
Authors: García-Merino Belén , Bringas Eugenio , Ortiz Inmaculada
Published: March 2021

The growing use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) demands cost-effective methods for their synthesis that allow proper control of particle size and size distribution. The unique properties of MNPs include high specific surface area, ease of functionalization, chemical stability and superparamagnetic behavior, with applications in catalysis, data and energy storage, environmental remediation and biomedicine. This review highlights breakthroughs in the use of MNPs since their initial introduction in biomedicine to the latest challenging applications; special attention is paid to the importance of proper coating and functionalization of the particle surface, which dictates the specific properties for each application. Starting from the first report following LaMer’s theory in 1950, this review discusses and analyzes methods of synthesizing MNPs, with an emphasis on functionality and applications. However, several hurdles, such as the design of reactors with suitable geometries, appropriate control of operating conditions and, in particular, reproducibility and scalability, continue to prevent many applications from reaching the market. The most recent strategy, the use of microfluidics to achieve continuous and controlled synthesis of MNPs, is therefore thoroughly analyzed. This review is the first to survey continuous microfluidic coating or functionalization of particles, including challenging properties and applications.
The representation of gappy sentences in four-valued semantics
Authors: Martínez-Fernández José , Martí Genoveva
Published: March 2021

Three-valued logics are standardly used to formalize gappy languages, i.e., interpreted languages in which sentences can be true, false or neither. A three-valued logic that assigns the same truth value to all gappy sentences is, in our view, insufficient to capture important semantic differences between them. In this paper we will argue that there are two different kinds of pathologies that should be treated separately and we defend the usefulness of a four-valued logic to represent adequately these two types of gappy sentences. Our purpose is to begin the formal exploration of the four-valued logics that could be used to represent the phenomena in question and to show that these phenomena are present in natural language, at least according to some semantic theories of natural language.
Evaluation of new sulfathiazole derivatives as antiproliferative agents
Authors: Yurttaş Leyla , Akalin Çiftçi Gülşen , Temel Halide Edip
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Sulfonamide group is an important scaffold used for generating new building blocks with diverse biological activities. Considering priority of the sulfonamide structure, seven new sulfathiazole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity, in this study.

Materials and methods

Compounds 2a–g were synthesized using a two-step synthetic procedure starting from commercially available sulfathiazole. The antiproliferative activity of the compounds was investigated against A549 and NIH/3T3 cell lines by MTT assay, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and cathepsin inhibition tests.

Results

Compound 2b bearing triazole ring exhibited highest inhibitory activity (IC50: 12.33 μg/mL) with selective profile which was better than cisplatin and it also inhibited MMP-9 with 53.67% percentage. Compounds 2c and 2e inhibited cathepsin L with percentages of 62.75 and 57.25%, whereas cathepsin D was poorly inhibited by the compounds.

Conclusions

Target compounds exhibited high to moderate antiproliferative activity and they displayed higher MMP-9 inhibition than cathepsin inhibition activity. 2b and 2e were identified as the most active compounds when evaluated, biologically.
Bentonite Suspension Filtration and its Electro-Kinetics in the Presence of Additives
Authors: Farag R. M. , Salem A. M. , El-Midany A. A. , El-Mofty S. E.
Published: March 2021

Invasion of fluids into porous media during drilling can lead to irreparable damage and reduced well productivity. Hence, minimizing the filtration loss of the drilling fluid into the formation is very important. The stability of colloidal suspensions plays a crucial role in controlling the interfacial forces and consequently on minimizing the filtration. The zeta potential is an indicator of the stability of colloids with respect to their electrostatic interactions. In this study, the rheological properties of bentonite suspensions are investigated with and without additives. The starch and CMC were used as additives to enhance the rheological properties of bentonite. The effects of these additives on the drilling fluid filtration were examined. Zeta-potential, viscosity, gel strength and yield point were measured to characterize the extent to which control of the filtration loss of the drilling fluids can be achieved. The zeta-potential and the amount of filtration loss of water-bentonite suspensions were correlated. Finally, the results showed that the addition of either starch or carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) enhances the filtration properties of water-bentonite suspensions.
Application of Newly Synthesized Sulfobetaine Based on Sweet Almond Oil in Bath Liquids for Sensitive Skin
Authors: Klimaszewska Emilia , Wieczorek Daria , Seweryn Artur , Ogorzałek Marta
Published: March 2021

Three formulations for bath liquids were developed, differing in the type of amphoteric surfactant applied. The formulations used Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidpropyl Hydroxide and newly synthesized sulfobetaine based on sweet almond oil (Oleicamidopropyl Sultaine). The molecular structure of the surfactant used in the manufactured formulations has a negatively charged sulfonate group and a positively charged quaternary nitrogen atom. Such molecular structures suggest that the functional properties of this substance are mild. Based on the research, it was found that the bath fluid containing the newly synthesized sulfobetaine based on sweet almond oil had the lowest zein number, the lowest pH increase of bovine albumin solution and the lowest ability to emulsify fatty dirt. This indicates a very low irritant effect of the tested bath liquid.