bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contraception, sterilisation and the mentally ill: beyond Manicheanism, some reference points
Authors: Lachaux B , Renaud V
Published: July 2002

The problem of contraception, sterilisation and the mentally ill is one of the key questions in medical ethics. Even if these two aspects bring into question a person's autonomy in two of the most intimate and fundamental aspects of life — sexuality and motherhood — they should not be confused as they differ greatly in terms of their reversibility. The essential question is rather one of individual freedom and its defence in situations where the subject is unable to defend himself either temporarily or in the long term. The fine line between individual and collective interests poses questions in terms of where to draw this line and the way in which it is defined in care situations. From this viewpoint, carers — that is, doctors and nurses, but also social workers and the patient's entourage — play an important role, not only in theory but also in day-to-day reality.
Poles apart, but are they the same? A comparative study of Australian and Scottish patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Stewart Simon , Blue Lynda , Capewell Simon , Horowitz John D. , McMurray John J.
Published: July 2002

This paper reports on an international comparison of the characteristics, treatment and health outcomes of chronic heart failure (CHF) patients discharged from acute hospital care in Australia and Scotland. The baseline characteristics and treatment of 200 CHF patients recruited to a randomised study of a non‐pharmacological intervention in Australia and 157 CHF patients concurrently recruited to a similar study in Scotland were compared. Subsequent health outcomes (including survival and readmission) within 3 months of discharge in those patients who received usual post‐discharge care in Australia (n ‐ 100) and Scotland (n ‐ 75) were also compared. Individuals in both countries were predominantly old and frail with significant comorbidity likely to complicate treatment. Similar proportions of Australian and Scottish patients were prescribed either a ‘high’ (20 vs. 18%) or medium (64 vs. 66%) dose of an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor. Proportionately more Australian patients were prescribed a long‐acting nitrate, digoxin and/or a β‐blocker. At 3 months post‐discharge, 57 of the 100 (57%: 95% CI 47–67%) Australian and 37 of the 75 (49%: 95% CI 38–61%) Scottish patients assigned to ‘usual care’ remained event‐free (NS). Similarly, 15 vs. 12% required ≥ 2 unplanned readmission (NS) and 16 vs. 19% of Australian and Scottish patients, respectively, died (NS). Australian and Scottish patients accumulated a median of 0.6 vs. 0.9 days, respectively, of hospitalisation/patient/month (NS). On multivariate analysis (including country of origin), unplanned readmission or death was independently correlated with severe renal impairment (adjusted odds ratio 4.4, P < 0.05), a previous hospitalisation for CHF (2.3, P < 0.05), longer index hospitalisation (2.7 for > 10 days, P < 0.05) and greater comorbidity (1.3 for each incremental unit of the Charlson Index, P ‐ 0.05). Health outcomes among predominantly old and frail CHF patients appear to be independent of the health‐care system in which the patient is managed and more likely to be dependent on the syndrome itself.
Heart failure as a metabolic problem
Authors: Anker Stefan D. , Rauchhaus Mathias
Published: July 2002

Chronic heart failure (CHF) remains an important and increasing public health care problem. Not until recently it has been recognised that CHF is a chronic progressive disorder affecting different physiological and metabolic pathways. Nowadays CHF is reviewed as the consequence of an interplay of haemodynamic, neurohormonal, immunological, and endocrine mechanisms, initially thought to have beneficial adaptive effects for the organism to compensate the heart's inability to pump properly. However, these secondary changes eventually contribute to further deterioration of CHF. This review focuses on metabolic features observed in patients with CHF and discusses immunological and neuroendocrine aspects and their potential contribution to the pathogenesis of CHF. The overall evidence suggests that advanced CHF is a multifactorial metabolic syndrome that can lead to cardiac cachexia and then carries a very poor prognosis. Joint efforts of cardiologists, endocrinologists, and immunologists are required to develop therapeutic strategies able to improve the metabolic status of CHF patients.
Room Temperature Benzofused Lactam Synthesis Enabled by Cobalt(III)‐Catalyzed C(sp2)−H Amidation
Authors: Tian Xun , Li Xin , Duan Shengzu , Du Ya , Liu Tongqi , Fang Yongsheng , Chen Wen , Zhang Hongbin , Li Minyan , Yang Xiaodong
Published: December 2020

Benzofused lactams, especially indolin‐2‐one and dihydroquinolin‐2‐one are popular structural motives in durgs and natural products. Herein, we developed a room temperature and robust synthesis of benzofused lactams through cobalt(III)‐catalyzed C(sp2)−H amidation. In this protocol, in‐situ formation of Cp*Co(III)(ligand) catalyst from Cp*Co(CO)I2 and ligand simplify the synthetic effort of cobalt complexes. Simple and readily synthesized 1,4,2‐dioxazol‐5‐ones underwent room temperature intramolecular C−H amidation and afforded a wide variety of functionalized benzofused lactams in up to 86% yield. The scalability of the reaction is also be demonstrated.

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Reconstructing leaf area from fragments: testing three methods using a fossil paleogene species
Authors: Toumoulin Agathe , Kunzmann Lutz , Moraweck Karolin , Sack Lawren
Published: December 2020

PREMISE

Fossil leaf traits can enable reconstruction of ancient environments and climates. Among these, leaf size has been particularly studied because it reflects several climatic forcings (e.g., precipitation and surface temperature) and, potentially, environment characteristics (e.g., nutrient availability, local topography, and openness of vegetation). However, imperfect preservation and fragmentation can corrupt its utilization. We provide improved methodology to estimate leaf size from fossil fragments.

METHODS

We apply three methods: (1) visually reconstructing leaf area based on taxon‐specific gross morphology; (2) estimating intact leaf area from vein density based on a vein scaling relationship; and (3) a novel complementary method, determining intact leaf length based on the tapering of the midvein in the fragment. We test the three methods for fossils of extinct Eotrigonobalanus furcinervis (Fagaceae) from two lignite horizons of the middle and late Eocene of central Germany respectively (~45/46 and 35/36 Ma).

RESULTS

The three methods, including the new one, yield consistent leaf size reconstructions. The vein scaling method showed a shift to larger leaf size, from the middle to the late Eocene.

CONCLUSIONS

These methods constitute a toolbox with different solutions to reconstruct leaf size from fossil fragments depending on fossil preservation. Fossil leaf size reconstruction has great potential to improve physiognomy‐based paleoenvironmental reconstructions and the interpretation of the fossil record.
Apathy in presymptomatic genetic frontotemporal dementia predicts cognitive decline and is driven by structural brain changes
Authors: Malpetti Maura , Jones P. Simon , Tsvetanov Kamen A. , Rittman Timothy , van Swieten John C. , Borroni Barbara , Sanchez‐Valle Raquel , Moreno Fermin , Laforce Robert , Graff Caroline , Synofzik Matthis , Galimberti Daniela , Masellis Mario , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Finger Elizabeth , Vandenberghe Rik , de Mendonça Alexandre , Tagliavini Fabrizio , Santana Isabel , Ducharme Simon , Butler Chris R. , Gerhard Alexander , Levin Johannes , Danek Adrian , Otto Markus , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Ghidoni Roberta , Sorbi Sandro , Heller Carolin , Todd Emily G. , Bocchetta Martina , Cash David M. , Convery Rhian S. , Peakman Georgia , Moore Katrina M. , Rohrer Jonathan D. , Kievit Rogier A. , Rowe James B. ,   Genetic FTD Initiative (GENFI)
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Apathy adversely affects prognosis and survival of patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). We test whether apathy develops in presymptomatic genetic FTD, and is associated with cognitive decline and brain atrophy.

Methods

Presymptomatic carriers of MAPT, GRN or C9orf72 mutations (N = 304), and relatives without mutations (N = 296) underwent clinical assessments and MRI at baseline, and annually for 2 years. Longitudinal changes in apathy, cognition, gray matter volumes, and their relationships were analyzed with latent growth curve modeling.

Results

Apathy severity increased over time in presymptomatic carriers, but not in non‐carriers. In presymptomatic carriers, baseline apathy predicted cognitive decline over two years, but not vice versa. Apathy progression was associated with baseline low gray matter volume in frontal and cingulate regions.

Discussion

Apathy is an early marker of FTD‐related changes and predicts a subsequent subclinical deterioration of cognition before dementia onset. Apathy may be a modifiable factor in those at risk of FTD.
Piptides: New, Easily Accessible Chemotypes For Interactions With Biomolecules
Authors: Arancillo Maritess , Taechalertpaisarn Jaru , Liang Xiaowen , Burgess Kevin
Published: December 2020

Small molecule probe development is pivotal in biomolecular science. Research described here was undertaken to develop a non‐peptidic chemotype, piptides, that is amenable to convenient, iterative solid‐phase syntheses, and useful in biomolecular probe discovery. Piptides can be made from readily accessible pip acid building blocks and have good proteolytic and pH stabilities. An illustrative application of piptides against a protein‐protein interaction (PPI) target was explored. The Exploring Key Orientations (EKO) strategy was used to evaluate piptide candidates for this. A library of only 14 piptides contained five members that disrupted epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor, EGFR, at low micromolar concentrations. These piptides also caused apoptotic cell death, and antagonized EGF‐induced phosphorylation of intracellular tyrosine residues in EGFR.
Bismutamide als einfache Vermittler hochselektiver Pn−Pn‐Radikal‐Kupplungsreaktionen (Pn=N, P, As)
Authors: Oberdorf Kai , Hanft Anna , Ramler Jacqueline , Krummenacher Ivo , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias , Poater Jordi , Lichtenberg Crispin
Published: December 2020

Die kontrollierte Generierung wohldefinierter Radikalspezies und deren Nutzung in selektiven Folgereaktionen sind wichtige und herausfordernde Aufgaben in der Synthesechemie. Wir zeigen hier, dass einfache Bismutamidverbindungen des Typs [Bi(NAr2)3] in der Lage sind, bei Raumtemperatur in Lösung Aminylradikale (NAr2). freizusetzen. Als Produkte dieser Reaktionen werden die entsprechenden Hydrazine als Ergebnis hochselektiver N−N‐Kupplungen erhalten. Die Anwendung dieser einfachen homolytischen Bi−Pn‐Bindungsspaltung wurde auf die höheren Homologe der Pniktogene (Pn=N‐As) erweitert: Homoleptische Bismutamide ermöglichen die hochselektive Dehydrokupplung von HPnR2 zu R2Pn−PnR2. NMR‐ und EPR‐spektroskopische Untersuchungen sowie Einkristallröntgenstrukturanalyse und DFT‐Rechnungen zeigen, dass geringe homolytische Bi−N‐Bindungsspaltungsenergien vorliegen, dass Radikalkupplungen in der Koordinationssphäre des Bismutzentrums anzunehmen sind und dass diese Reaktionen über die Einstellung elektronischer und sterischer Parameter effektiv gesteuert werden können.
Reactivity and Mechanisms of Photoactivated Heterometallic [RuIINiII] and [RuIINiIIRuII] Catalysts for Dihydrogen Generation from Water
Authors: El Harakeh Nour , de Morais Ana C. P. , Rani Neha , Gomez Javier A. G. , Cousino Abigail , Lanznaster Mauricio , Mazumder Shivnath , Verani Cláudio N.
Published: December 2020

Two heterometallic photocatalysts were designed and probed for water reduction. Both [(bpy)2RuIINiII(L1)](ClO4)2 (1) and [(bpy)2RuIINiII(L2)2RuII(bpy)2](ClO4)2 (2) can generate the low‐valent precursor involved in hydride formation prior to dihydrogen generation. However, while the bimetallic [RuIINiII] (1) requires the presence of an external photosensitizer to trigger catalytic activity, the trimetallic [RuIINiIIRuII] (2) displays significant coupling between the catalytic and light‐harvesting units to promote intramolecular multielectron transfer and perform photocatalysis at the Ni center. A concerted experimental and theoretical effort proposes mechanisms to explain why 1 is unable to achieve self‐supported catalysis, while 2 is fully photocatalytic.
An Aluminosilicate Zeolite Containing Rings of Tetrahedral Atoms with All Odd Numbers from Five to Eleven
Authors: Jo Donghui , Zhang Yaping , Lee Jeong Hwan , Mayoral Alvaro , Shin Jiho , Kang Na Young , Park Yong‐Ki , Hong Suk Bong
Published: December 2020

Herein we report the synthesis, structure solution, and catalytic properties of PST‐31, which has an unprecedented framework topology. This high‐silica (Si/Al=16) zeolite was synthesized using a pyrazolium‐based dication with a tetramethylene linker as an organic structure‐directing agent (OSDA) in hydroxide media. The PST‐31 structure is built from new building layers containing four‐, five‐, six‐, and seven‐membered rings, which are connected by single four‐membered rings in the interlayer region to form a two‐dimensional pore system. Its channels consist of [4.56.6.9.11] and [5.6.7.9.10.11] cavities and are thus delimited by nine‐, ten‐, and eleven‐membered rings. The OSDA cations in as‐synthesized PST‐31 were determined to reside without disorder in the large [42.514.64.72.94] cavities composed of smaller [4.56.6.9.11] and [5.6.7.9.10.11] ones, leading to a symmetry coincidence between the OSDA and the surrounding zeolite cavity. The proton form of PST‐31 was found to be selective for the cracking of n‐hexane to light olefins.
Three‐Dimensional Virtual Pathology Specimens: Decrease in Student Performance upon Switching to Digital Models
Authors: Vaduva Adrian O. , Serban Costela L. , Lazureanu Codruta D. , Cornea Remus , Vita Octavia , Gheju Adelina , Jurescu Aura , Mihai Ioana , Olteanu Emilian G. , Lupu Vlad , Pup Alexandra , Cornianu Marioara , Mureșan Anca , Taban Sorina , Dema Alis L. C.
Published: December 2020

Several alternatives to formalin‐stored physical specimens have been described in medical literature, but only a few studies have addressed the issue of learning outcomes when these materials were employed. The aim of this study was to conduct a prospective controlled study to assess student performance in learning anatomic pathology when adding three‐dimensional (3D) virtual models as adjunct teaching materials in the study of macroscopic lesions. Third‐year medical students (n = 501) enrolled at the Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Timisoara, Romania, were recruited to participate. Student performance was assessed through questionnaires. Students performed worse with new method, with poorer results in terms of overall (mean 77.6% ±SD 11.8% vs. 83.6% ±10.5) and individual question scores (percentage of questions with maximum score 34.6% ±25.6 vs. 47.7 ± 24.6). This decreased performance was generalizable, as it was observed across all language divisions and was independent of the teaching assistant involved in the process. In an open‐ended feedback evaluation of the new 3D specimens, most students agreed that the new method was better, bringing arguments both for and against these models. Although subjectively the students found the novel teaching materials to be more helpful, their learning performance decreased. A wider implementation as well as exposure to the technique and use of virtual specimens in medical teaching could improve the students’ performance outcome by accommodating the needs for novel teaching materials for digital natives.
Pain pathways and potential new targets for pain relief
Authors: Wang Menglan , Thyagarajan Baskaran
Published: December 2020

Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience that affects a sizable percentage of people on a daily basis. Sensory neurons known as nociceptors built specifically to detect damaging stimuli can be found throughout the body. They transmit information about noxious stimuli from mechanical, thermal, and chemical sources to the central nervous system and higher brain centers via electrical signals. Nociceptors express various channels and receptors such as voltage‐gated sodium and calcium channels, transient receptor potential channels, and opioid receptors that allow them to respond in a highly specific manner to noxious stimuli. Attenuating the pain response can be achieved by inhibiting or altering the expression of these pain targets. Achieving a deeper understanding of how these receptors can be affected at the molecular level can lead to the development of novel pain therapies. This review will discuss the mechanisms of pain, introduce the various receptors that are responsible for detecting pain, and future directions in pharmacological therapies.
The Role of Carbon Electrodes Pore Size Distribution on the Formation of the Cathode–Electrolyte Interphase in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Kensy Christian , Leistenschneider Desirée , Wang Shuwen , Tanaka Hideki , Dörfler Susanne , Kaneko Katsumi , Kaskel Stefan
Published: December 2020

The use of sulfur is advantageous in next generation lithium batteries replacing scarce metals and leading to enhanced specific energy compared to established energy storage devices. Herein, the utilization of microporous (d<2 nm) carbon/sulfur composites using a carbonate‐based electrolyte is studied to obtain more insights into the formation of a solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer on the cathode surface (cathode‐electrolyte interphase, CEI) in Li‐S cells. The sulfur was confined in model carbide‐derived carbon (CDC) system with uniform micropores as well as in commercial microporous activated carbon materials. The molecular structure of sulfur in the pores is characterized by means of EXAFS spectroscopy. The electrochemical evaluation of confined sulfur cathodes revealed quasi solid‐state transformation mechanism as well as the generation of a protective SEI layer on the cathode surface. This cathode‐electrolyte interphase (CEI) allows common microporous carbon/sulfur cathodes to reversibly cycle in carbonate‐based electrolyte, while mesoporous systems show rapid capacity fade due to permeable CEIs. Based on this result, the influence of the porosity of the porous carbon host materials on the essential cathodic SEI layer formation is discussed for carbonate‐based electrolytes in Li‐S batteries.
Language, discipline and ‘teaching like a champion’
Authors: Cushing Ian
Published: December 2020

This article presents an analysis of various language policy mechanisms currently circulating in secondary schools in England, with a particular focus on those that intermingle ‘language’, ‘standard English’ and ‘discipline’. Although the connections between language, ideology and behaviour are well established within critical educational linguistics, this has not been explored in relation to current education policy in England, which is characterised by an overt focus on standardised English and behaviour ‘management’. In a grounded approach, I explore how the disciplining of language correlates with the disciplining of the body, based on ethnographic‐orientated fieldwork undertaken in a London secondary school and drawing on a broad range of policy mechanisms such as curricula, textbooks, classroom artefacts and Doug Lemov’s Teach Like a Champion industry. I show how the current linguistic conservatism found within government policy gets reproduced in school‐level policies, pedagogies and classroom interactions, and highlight these relations within a network of policy actors and key terms associated with so‐called ‘zero‐tolerance’ and ‘no‐excuses’ schools. I show how teachers are positioned as language policy managers who work within a system of surveillance, compliance, coercion and control. As such, this article contributes to current thinking within critical language policy and the sociology of education by offering an expanded view of language ideologies in schools, whereby connections between language and discipline are explicitly illustrated and critiqued.
Effect of mesenchymal stem cells transplantation on the changes of oligodendrocyte lineage in rat brain with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Zhang Jun‐Mei , Wang Hua , Fan Yu‐Ying , Yang Feng‐Hua
Published: December 2020

Objective

To explore the effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) transplantation on the changes of oligodendrocyte lineage in brain of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) rats.

Methods

The animals were divided into normal control group, EAE model group (EAE group), cell culture medium injection treatment group (placebo treatment group), and MSCs treatment group (treatment group). The changes of A2B5‐, O4‐, and CNPase‐positive cells in oligodendrocyte lineage in rat brain were observed after 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days.

Results

The number of A2B5‐positive cells in rat brain of the treatment group at each time point was significantly more than that of the EAE and placebo treatment groups, and most obvious at 14 days. The O4‐positive cells number at each time point in the treatment group was significantly increased compared with the EAE and placebo treatment groups, and most obvious at 14 days. The CNPase‐positive cells number at each time point in the treatment group was significantly increased compared with the EAE and placebo treatment groups, and most obvious at 14 days.

Conclusions

MSCs treatment can increase cells expression in oligodendrocyte lineage, which laying a solid foundation for myelin regeneration.
DOJ regulation restricts reliance on guidance docs
Authors: Masinter Michael R.
Published: December 2020

To comply with civil rights laws, institutions look to the text of those laws, legally binding regulations, court decisions, and often to agency guidance documents. Questions have arisen in recent years about the legal significance of guidance documents — is the failure to follow guidance documents a violation of law? To help answer that question, the Department of Justice published on Oct. 7 a new regulation that severely restricts DOJ attorneys from relying on guidance documents in enforcement actions.
Stimuli‐Responsive Self‐Sorting Hybrid Hydrogen‐Bonded/Metal‐Coordinated Cage
Authors: Motloch Petr , Hunter Christopher A.
Published: December 2020

The self‐assembly of a unique molecular container is reported: a hybrid hydrogen‐bonded/metal‐coordinated cage where both hydrogen‐bonding and metal‐coordination form the crucial part of the topology. The hybrid cage was prepared combining hydrogen‐bonded rosette motif and palladium(II)/platinum(II) coordination to a pyridine ligand. It was also shown that the hybrid cage could be prepared by integrative self‐sorting from simple components. For the first time the genuine dual character of the hybrid cage was manifested as both self‐assembling parts responded selectively to different stimuli (such as phosphine and cyanurate), which resulted in the disassembly of the cage.
Spatial extension of a bone remodeling dynamics model and its finite element analysis
Authors: Baldonedo Jacobo G. , Fernández José R. , Segade Abraham
Published: December 2020

There are many works dealing with the dynamics of bone remodeling, proposing increasingly complex and complete models. In the recent years, the efforts started to focus on developing models that not only reproduce the temporal evolution, but also include the spatial aspects of this phenomenon. In this work, we propose the spatial extension of an existing model that includes the dynamics of osteocytes. The spatial dependence is modeled in terms of a linear diffusion, as proposed in previous works dealing with related problems. The resulting model is then written in its variational form, and fully discretized using the well‐known finite element method and a combination of the implicit and explicit Euler schemes. The numerical algorithm is then analyzed, proving some a priori error estimates and its linear convergence. Finally, we extend the examples already published for the temporal model to one and two dimensions, showing the dynamics of the solution in the spatial domain.
Weak σ‐Hole Triel Bond between C5H5Tr (Tr=B, Al, Ga) and Haloethyne: Substituent and Cooperativity Effects
Authors: Yang Qingqing , Zhou Bohua , Li Qingzhong , Scheiner Steve
Published: December 2020

The replacement of a CH group of benzene by a triel (Tr) atom places a positive region of electrostatic potential near the Tr atom in the plane of the aromatic ring. This σ‐hole can interact with an X lone pair of XCCH (X=F, Cl, Br, and I) to form a triel bond (TrB). The interaction energy between C5H5Tr and FCCH lies in the range between 2.2 and 4.4 kcal/mol, in the order Tr=B<Ga<Al. This bond is strengthened by halogen substituents on the ring, particularly on the site adjacent to Tr. There is a much stronger strengthening trend as the F of the FCCH nucleophile is replaced by the heavier halogen atoms, rising up to 22 kcal/mol for ICCH. Adding a Li+ cation above the ring pulls density toward itself and thus magnifies the Tr σ‐hole. The TrB to the XCCH nucleophile is thereby magnified as is the strength of the TrB. This positive cooperativity is particularly large for Tr=B.
Internet of Things architecture challenges: A systematic review
Authors: Samizadeh Nikoui Tina , Rahmani Amir Masoud , Balador Ali , Haj Seyyed Javadi Hamid
Published: December 2020

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly growing trend within many domains, such as automotive, avionics, automation, energy, and health. IoT architecture is the system of numerous elements, including sensors, protocols, actuators, cloud services, and layers. IoT architecture plays an important role to provide desired services. Nowadays, tens of IoT architectures are provided by the research community. Many challenges have been identified by the research community, including interoperability, security and privacy, reliability, energy constraints, scalability, and lack of common standards. However, to provide suitable IoT architecture, the importance and priority of requirements in different scenarios may vary, and requirement analysis should be regarded. To this end, this paper presents a systematic mapping survey to give a review of IoT architecture and provide a structured overview of research trends. Moreover, a technical taxonomy is presented for these challenges according to reviewed studies. This classification model can be used as a guideline for future works.
Advocate for UDL to boost learning for many students
Authors: Sejdic Alana
Published: December 2020

There is a myth that people only use 10% of their brains, but science has proven this to be untrue. Another myth claims all brains work and learn the same. This is why so many schools teach all students the same way from classroom to classroom, year to year.
Support structures and outreach help students with mental health conditions worsened by COVID‐19
Authors: Bannister Mary
Published: December 2020

Tiffany Bailey, Director of Accessibility Resources and Services at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, explained how ARS has helped students navigate unprecedented challenges.
Tweak your office's site to encourage students to register, Part 1
Authors: Hamblet Elizabeth C.
Published: December 2020

In a previous column, I suggested you use your site to dispel misunderstandings for incoming students (see “Use your office's website to counter myths for prospective students” in the April 2019 issue). Your website can also be an important tool to persuade both newly enrolled and current students to register with you, something research says many don't do — for a variety of reasons.
Type‐I Interferon assessment in 45 minutes using the FilmArray® PCR platform in SARS‐CoV‐2 and other viral infections
Authors: Mommert Marine , Perret Magali , Hockin Matthew , Viel Sébastien , Belot Alexandre , Richard Jean‐Christophe , Mezidi Mehdi , Fassier Jean‐Baptiste , Javouhey Etienne ,   ANTOINE Study Group,   COVID‐SER Study Group,   COVID‐HCL Study Group, Hemmert Andrew , Mallet François , Trouillet‐Assant Sophie , Brengel‐Pesce Karen
Published: December 2020

Low concentrations of type‐I interferon (IFN) in blood seem to be associated with more severe forms of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, following the type‐I interferon response (IR) in early stage disease is a major challenge. We evaluated detection of a molecular interferon signature on a FilmArray® system, which includes PCR assays for four interferon stimulated genes. We analyzed three types of patient populations: (i) children admitted to a pediatric emergency unit for fever and suspected infection, (ii) ICU‐admitted patients with severe COVID‐19, and (iii) healthcare workers with mild COVID‐19. The results were compared to the reference tools, that is, molecular signature assessed with Nanostring® and IFN‐α2 quantification by SIMOA® (Single MOlecule Array). A strong correlation was observed between the IR measured by the FilmArray®, Nanostring®, and SIMOA® platforms (r‐Spearman 0.996 and 0.838, respectively). The FilmArray® panel could be used in the COVID‐19 pandemic to evaluate the IR in 45‐min with 2 min hand‐on‐time at hospitalization and to monitor the IR in future clinical trials.
Dodecamethoxyneopentasilane as a New Building Block for Defined Silicon Frameworks
Authors: Lainer Thomas , Leypold Mario , Kugler Christoph , Fischer Roland C. , Haas Michael
Published: December 2020

In this contribution, a convenient synthetic method to obtain tris(trimethoxysilyl)silanides (M=Li, Na, K, Cu) 5 a–d is described. 5 a–d are easily accessible deriving from dodecamethoxyneopantasilane 4 in excellent yields and could be fully characterized via NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography. The efficiency of 5 a–d to serve as a new building block in silicon chemistry is demonstrated by the reactions with two different types of electrophiles (carbon‐ and silicon‐electrophiles). In all cases the salt metathesis reaction gave rise to novel polysilanes in excellent yields. The possibility of a post‐functionalization to perhydropolysilanes as well as perchloropolysilanes enables the synthesis of new precursors for silicon deposition.
Oxidative Cyclodehydrogenation Reactions with Tetraarylporphyrins
Authors: Martin Max M. , Oleszak Christoph , Hampel Frank , Jux Norbert
Published: December 2020

The extension of the aromatic π‐system of porphyrins is a powerful method to alter their optoelectronic properties. Herein, aryl substituents were fused to porphyrin cores by Scholl oxidation reactions that selectively produced mono‐ and doubly‐fused porphyrins in yields of up to 69 %. Several different aryl substituents attached to the porphyrin were investigated with respect to their reactivity under Scholl conditions. The fused products were fully characterized, i.e., by UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, which showed drastic changes in the electronic features. Insight into the solid‐state behavior was obtained by X‐ray crystallography. Our approach represents a novel option for the late‐stage functionalization of porphyrin‐based compounds.
Scalable Synthesis of Benzotriazoles via [3+2] Cycloaddition of Azides and Arynes in Flow
Authors: Kleoff Merlin , Boeser Lisa , Baranyi Linda , Heretsch Philipp
Published: December 2020

A method for the metal‐free synthesis of benzotriazoles in flow is reported. Using azides and in situ generated arynes, benzotriazoles are formed in a [3+2] cycloaddition within minutes. Employing different substitution patterns of the azide and aryne coupling partners, a modular access to benzotriazoles is provided. Thermal strain of hazardous azides and accumulation of reactive intermediates is minimized by short reaction times in flow, improving the safety profile of the process. The scalability of the reaction is demonstrated.
A comparison of block preconditioners for isogeometric analysis discretizations of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Horníková Hana , Vuik Cornelis , Egermaier Jiří
Published: December 2020

We deal with numerical solution of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations discretized using the isogeometric analysis (IgA) approach. Similarly to finite elements, the discretization leads to sparse nonsymmetric saddle‐point linear systems. The IgA discretization basis has several specific properties different from standard FEM basis, most importantly a higher interelement continuity leading to denser matrices. We are interested in iterative solution of the resulting linear systems using a Krylov subspace method (GMRES) preconditioned with several state‐of‐the‐art block preconditioners. We compare the efficiency of the ideal versions of these preconditioners for three model problems (for both steady and unsteady flow in two and three dimensions) and investigate their properties with focus on the IgA specifics, that is, various degree and continuity of the discretization basis. Our experiments show that the block preconditioners can be successfully applied to the systems arising from high continuity IgA, moreover, that the high continuity can bring some benefits in this context. For example, some of the preconditioners, whose convergence is h‐dependent in the steady case, seem to be less sensitive to the mesh refinement for higher continuity discretizations. In the unsteady case, we generally get faster convergence for higher continuity than for C0 continuous discretizations of the same degree for most of the preconditioners.
Have European banks maintained their payout policy during the crisis? The role of scrip dividends
Authors: Blanco‐Alcántara David , Gallud‐Cano Jorge , López‐Iturriaga Félix J. , López‐de‐Foronda Óscar
Published: December 2020

We analyse the trend among 79 banks from 20 European countries towards scrip dividends. Whereas banks do not seem to smooth cash dividends, they do smooth total dividends, which include both cash and scrip dividends. We also find that the new legal requirements (resulting from the Basel III Accord and other country‐level laws) have different implications on cash and scrip dividends. Whereas the need for better and more capital imposed by these rules has led banks to cut cash dividends, there is a positive relationship between the legal requirements on capital adequacy and scrip dividends.
Point‐of‐care blood clotting test and its correlation with fibrinogen level: Potential in goal‐directed transfusion in postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Mishra Nalini , Ekka Suma V. , Pal Sanjita , Mishra Ishan
Published: December 2020

Objective

To study the correlation of conventional point‐of‐care clotting test (POCCT) of whole blood with laboratory fibrinogen levels in women with primary major postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) to generate evidence regarding its potential in rationalizing transfusion of blood components for supplementing fibrinogen.

Methods

A total of 68 samples were studied: 40 from women with primary major PPH, 20 from women without PPH, and eight samples of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP). POCCT was performed in the PPH and non‐PPH groups and at the same time, sample for laboratory fibrinogen was sent. Values were correlated using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r). Depending upon the laboratory fibrinogen values, POCCT in the PPH group was divided into three subgroups of less than 7, 7–11, and more than >11 min as subgroups 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

Results

Women in the PPH group (n = 40) had a mean fibrinogen level of 346.15 ± 143.37 mg% with a significant negative correlation with POCCT (r = −0.69, P < 0.001). Mean fibrinogen levels of non‐PPH group and FFP samples were 602.1 ± 169.72 and 286.75 ± 103.42 mg%, respectively. PPH subgroups 1, 2, and 3 had mean fibrinogen of 452.2 ± 141.8, 332.58 ± 138.51, and 158.71 ± 145 mg%, respectively. These values may potentially guide FFP transfusions.

Conclusion

POCCT is easy, costs nothing and has a potential role in rationalizing FFP transfusion in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Neuroprotective role of gallic acid in aflatoxin B1‐induced behavioral abnormalities in rats
Authors: Adedara Isaac A. , Owumi Solomon E. , Oyelere Adegboyega K. , Farombi Ebenezer O.
Published: December 2020

The neurotoxic impact of dietary exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is documented in experimental and epidemiological studies. Gallic acid (GA) is a triphenolic phytochemical with potent anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. There is a knowledge gap on the influence of GA on AFB1‐induced neurotoxicity. This study probed the influence of GA on neurobehavioral and biochemical abnormalities in rats orally treated with AFB1 per se (75 µg/kg body weight) or administered together with GA (20 and 40 mg/kg) for 28 uninterrupted days. Behavioral endpoints obtained with video‐tracking software demonstrated significant (p < .05) abatement of AFB1‐induced anxiogenic‐like behaviors (increased freezing, urination, and fecal bolus discharge), motor and locomotor inadequacies, namely increased negative geotaxis and diminished grip strength, absolute turn angle, total time mobile, body rotation, maximum speed, and total distance traveled by GA. The improvement of exploratory behavior in animals that received both AFB1 and GA was confirmed by track plots and heat maps appraisal. Abatement of AFB1‐induced decreases in acetylcholinesterase activity, antioxidant status and glutathione level by GA was accompanied by a marked reduction in oxidative stress markers in the cerebellum and cerebrum of rats. Additionally, GA treatment abrogated AFB1‐mediated decrease in interleukin‐10 and elevation of inflammatory indices, namely tumor necrosis factor‐α, myeloperoxidase activity, interleukin‐1β, and nitric oxide. Further, GA treatment curtailed caspase‐3 activation and histological injuries in the cerebral and cerebellar tissues. In conclusion, abatement of AFB1‐induced neurobehavioral abnormalities by GA involves anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic mechanisms in rats.
Silencing of lipocalin‐2 improves cardiomyocyte viability under iron overload conditions via decreasing mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis
Authors: Kumfu Sirinart , Siri‐Angkul Natthaphat , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. , Chattipakorn Nipon
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to investigate the mechanistic roles of LCN‐2 and LCN‐2 receptors (LCN‐2R) as iron transporters in cardiomyocytes under iron overload condition. H9c2 cardiomyocytes were treated with either LCN‐2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) or LCN‐2R siRNA or L‐type or T‐type calcium channel (LTCC or TTCC) blockers, or iron chelator deferiprone (DFP). After the treatments, the cells were exposed to Fe3+ or Fe2+, after that biological parameters were determined. Silencing of lipocalin‐2 or its receptor improved cardiomyocyte viability via decreasing iron uptake, mitochondrial fission, mitophagy and cleaved caspase‐3 only in the Fe3+ overload condition. In contrast, treatments with LTCC blocker and TTCC blocker showed beneficial effects on those parameters only in conditions of Fe2+ overload. Treatment with DFP has been shown beneficial effects both in Fe2+ and Fe3+ overload condition. All of these findings suggested that LTCC and TTCC play crucial roles in the Fe2+ uptake, whereas LCN‐2 and LCN‐2R were essential for Fe3+ uptake into the cardiomyocytes under iron overload conditions.
Statement for electrophysiological procedures under the COVID‐19 pandemic from the Japanese heart rhythm society task force
Authors: Satomi Kazuhiro , Watanabe Eiichi , Takatsuki Seiji , Fukamizu Seiji , Iwasaki Yu‐ki , Takeuchi Daiji , Nogami Akihiko
Published: December 2020

COVID‐19 is a global catastrophe with markedly reduced health and economy of human civilization. Heart rhythm disorder has also been impacted by this disease. This statement is the universal criteria for EP procedures in the new era, which we will face during COVID‐19 pandemic. We described the methods of triage based on the severity of disease, the regional state of pandemic and supply of medical resources. This guidance will be the universal criteria for EP procedures in the new era, which we will face during and after the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Deleterious action of azadirachtin against the mutualistic fungus of leaf‐cutting ants
Authors: Amaral Karina D. , Gandra Lailla C. , de Souza Danival J. , Della Lucia Terezinha M. C.
Published: December 2020

Leaf‐cutting ants have a beneficial and obligatory relationship with the fungus that they grow. This mutualism allowed the evolutionary success of these ants. The great defoliation capacity of these insects, which often exceeds the level of tolerable economic damage, includes them as severe pests in many cultures. However, given the close relationship between these two agents of mutualism, it is expected that an impact on the fungus will reflect on the performance of the colony as a whole. Therefore, the effect of azadirachtin on the development, and the macronutrient composition of Leucoagaricus gongylophorus was evaluated. Azadirachtin reduced the final fungal mass at the end of treatment at all concentrations tested, but did not reduce the final growth area. A reduction in the amount of hyphae produced with increasing azadirachtin concentration was also observed. Regarding macronutrients, the compound did not affect their total amount in the fungus. Thus, it is observed that azadirachtin did not alter the composition of L. gongylophorus macronutrients, but inhibited its growth by reducing the number of hyphae produced. This reduction reflects directly on the amount of nutrients offered to the workers and the queen and may improve the management of these insects.
On maximum principles for solutions to nonlinear elliptic ODEs and radial solutions to nonlinear elliptic PDE's via Opial‐type inequalities
Authors: Kałamajska Agnieszka , Maria Kosiorek Anna
Published: December 2020

We consider degenerated nonlinear PDE of elliptic type:

a.e. in the ball in
. Using the argument based on Opial‐type inequalities, we investigate qualitative properties of their radial solutions, like, for example, the a priori estimates, maximum principles, monotonicity, as well as nonexistence of the nontrivial solutions.
Apparent propagator anisotropy from single‐shell diffusion MRI acquisitions
Authors: Aja‐Fernández Santiago , Tristán‐Vega Antonio , Jones Derek K.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The apparent propagator anisotropy (APA) is a new diffusion MRI metric that, while drawing on the benefits of the ensemble averaged propagator anisotropy (PA) compared to the fractional anisotropy (FA), can be estimated from single‐shell data.

Theory and Methods

Computation of the full PA requires acquisition of large datasets with many diffusion directions and different b‐values, and results in extremely long processing times. This has hindered adoption of the PA by the community, despite evidence that it provides meaningful information beyond the FA. Calculation of the complete propagator can be avoided under the hypothesis that a similar sensitivity/specificity may be achieved from apparent measurements at a given shell. Assuming that diffusion anisotropy (DiA) is nondependent on the b‐value, a closed‐form expression using information from one single shell (ie, b‐value) is reported.

Results

Publicly available databases with healthy and diseased subjects are used to compare the APA against other anisotropy measures. The structural information provided by the APA correlates with that provided by the PA for healthy subjects, while it also reveals statistically relevant differences in white matter regions for two pathologies, with a higher reliability than the FA. Additionally, APA has a computational complexity similar to the FA, with processing‐times several orders of magnitude below the PA.

Conclusions

The APA can extract more relevant white matter information than the FA, without any additional demands on data acquisition. This makes APA an attractive option for adoption into existing diffusion MRI analysis pipelines.
Diagnostic usefulness of denervation edema in the multifidus muscles using 3‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging in cervical radiculopathy
Authors: Yoshida Takeshi , Suwazono Shugo , Sueyoshi Takeshi , Izumi Yuishin , Nodera Hiroyuki
Published: December 2020

Background

Diagnosing cervical radiculopathy (CR) can be difficult because of symptomatic overlap with peripheral neuropathies. In this retrospective observational study, we aimed to determine whether short‐tau inversion recovery (STIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences are useful for detecting signs of denervation in the multifidus muscles in patients with CR.

Methods

We analyzed the data of 18 patients with CR who developed arm weakness within 1 year. We also included 10 patients with sensorimotor symptoms involving the upper extremities who did not have intervertebral foraminal stenosis on MRI as controls. For each patient with CR, the signal intensity (SI) of the affected multifidus muscles was measured and compared to that on the contralateral side (signal intensity ratio: SIR).

Results

Control patients without CR did not exhibit STIR signal abnormalities in the multifidus muscles. Most of the 18 patients with CR were male (83.3%), and the mean age was 59.4 years. Thirteen of 18 CR patients (72.2%) were determined to have STIR signal abnormalities by a radiologist. The mean SIR in the 13 patients with increased SI was significantly higher than that in the five patients without signal abnormalities (1.23 vs 0.97, P = .004), supporting the radiologist's diagnosis. The distribution of signal abnormalities closely followed those identified via clinical and electrophysiological tests, especially severe weakness (P = .044).

Conclusions

Denervation edema of the multifidus muscles can be detected in CR and correlates with clinical/electrophysiological tests and weakness severity, which may aid in CR diagnostics.
Role of Intrinsic Surface States in Efficiency Attenuation of GaN‐Based Micro‐Light‐Emitting‐Diodes
Authors: Jiang Fulong , Hyun Byung-Ryool , Zhang Yi , Liu Zhaojun
Published: December 2020

The effects of an intrinsic nonpolar surface on internal quantum efficiency (IQE) are numerically investigated for gallium nitride (GaN)‐based micro‐light emitting‐diodes (μ‐LEDs). It is found that due to the modulation of the surface density of states, the surface energy band bends upward, and valence band holes are naturally pushed toward the surface and are accumulated at the surface, resulting in significant nonradiative recombination. Consequently, the intrinsic surface states remarkably affect the IQE of μ‐LEDs with a size of less than 30 μm due to the large surface‐to‐volume ratio, whereas the IQE of devices with a size of more than 30 μm is relatively insensitive to the intrinsic surface states. IQE starts to decrease for devices with a size of 30 μm, even without considering sidewall damage. In particular, starting from a size of 10 μm, μ‐LEDs suffer a significant efficiency loss and the peak current density shifts to a higher value. The results open the way to improving device performance of μ‐LEDs down to 1 μm and beyond, by incorporating surface band engineering combined with surface passivation over the full range of microdisplay applications.