bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topological and system-level protein interaction network (PIN) analyses to deduce molecular mechanism of curcumin
Authors: Dhasmana Anupam , Uniyal Swati , Anukriti  , Kashyap Vivek Kumar , Somvanshi Pallavi , Gupta Meenu , Bhardwaj Uma , Jaggi Meena , Yallapu Murali M. , Haque Shafiul , Chauhan Subhash C.
Published: July 2020

Curcumin is an important bioactive component of turmeric and also one of the important natural products, which has been investigated extensively. The precise mode of action of curcumin and its impact on system level protein networks are still not well studied. To identify the curcumin governed regulatory action on protein interaction network (PIN), an interectome was created based on 788 key proteins, extracted from PubMed literatures, and constructed by using STRING and Cytoscape programs. The PIN rewired by curcumin was a scale-free, extremely linked biological system. MCODE plug-in was used for sub-modulization analysis, wherein we identified 25 modules; ClueGo plug-in was used for the pathway’s enrichment analysis, wherein 37 enriched signalling pathways were obtained. Most of them were associated with human diseases groups, particularly carcinogenesis, inflammation, and infectious diseases. Finally, the analysis of topological characteristic like bottleneck, degree, GO term/pathways analysis, bio-kinetics simulation, molecular docking, and dynamics studies were performed for the selection of key regulatory proteins of curcumin-rewired PIN. The current findings deduce a precise molecular mechanism that curcumin might exert in the system. This comprehensive in-silico study will help to understand how curcumin induces its anti-cancerous, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial effects in the human body.
Developing of nano sized fibrous eutectic silicon in hypereutectic Al–Si alloy by laser remelting
Authors: Abboud Jaafar , Mazumder Jyoti
Published: July 2020

Laser surface melting followed by rapid solidification is an effective means to produce very fine microstructures with desirable surface properties because of the high rates of cooling associated with it. In the present study, the effect of rapid cooling on the silicon particle size, distribution, and morphology of hypereutectic Al–17wt.%Si and Al–20wt.%Si alloys have been investigated. A continuous-wave CO2 laser of wavelength 10.6 μm and a Trumpf Yb-YAG disk laser of wavelength 1.030 μm were used with a beam diameter of 1 mm and scanning speeds ranging from 5 to 100 mm/s. Rapid solidification increased the solubility of silicon in aluminum to approximately 5wt% and induced non-equilibrium hypoeutectic microstructures comprising large volume fractions of primary α-Al dendrites and ultrafine Al–Si eutectic of lamellar morphology. Both α-Al dendrites and the silicon particle sizes were significantly reduced from micron to nanoscale level. The morphology of silicon particles is modified from massive polygonal and plate-like to a mixture of fine flakes with round corners, feathery and fibrous, or a coral-like and thread-like structure. The eutectic silicon size and the interlamellar spacing were reduced to 30 and 10 nm, respectively. Furthermore, most of the silicon crystals in the eutectic region and the aluminum dendrites contained a significant number of twins which were considered as an essential contributor to the mechanism of growth and branching. Microhardness values increased two to threefold due to the refinement of the microstructural constituent.
Global, regional, and country seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women: a systematic review, modelling and meta-analysis
Authors: Bigna Jean Joel , Tochie Joel Noutakdie , Tounouga Dahlia Noelle , Bekolo Anne Olive , Ymele Nadia S. , Youda Emilie Lettitia , Sime Paule Sandra , Nansseu Jobert Richie
Published: July 2020

Efficient health-care for pregnant women require accurate data on the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnancy at global, regional, and country levels. In this systematic review with meta- and modelling-analysis, we searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge, Global Index Medicus, and Africa Journal Online to identify studies that reported enough data to compute the immunoglobulins (Ig) M or G seroprevalence estimates of Toxoplasma gondii in pregnant women up to December 31st, 2018, without any language restriction. The global and regional estimates were done using a random-effects meta-analysis. We included 250 studies with 723,655 pregnant women. The global IgM seroprevalence was 1.9% (95%CI: 1.7–2.3). At the regional level, Eastern Mediterranean had the highest IgM seroprevalence (4.1%, 95%CI: 2.8–5.5) and The Americas, the lowest (1.1%, 0.8–1.4), with a statistically significant difference between WHO regions (p < 0.0001). The global IgG seroprevalence was 32.9% (95%CI: 29.4–36.4). Among WHO regions, The Americas had the highest prevalence (45.2%, 95%CI: 33.4–53.4) and Western Pacific the lowest (11.2%, 7.8–15.1), with a statistically significant difference between regions (p < 0.0001). This study presents a high toxoplasma seropositivity in pregnant women at global, regional and country levels, with a consequential high risk of maternal and congenital toxoplasmosis.
ColoType: a forty gene signature for consensus molecular subtyping of colorectal cancer tumors using whole-genome assay or targeted RNA-sequencing
Authors: Buechler Steven A. , Stephens Melissa T. , Hummon Amanda B. , Ludwig Katelyn , Cannon Emily , Carter Tonia C. , Resnick Jeffrey , Gökmen-Polar Yesim , Badve Sunil S.
Published: July 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) tumors can be partitioned into four biologically distinct consensus molecular subtypes (CMS1-4) using gene expression. Evidence is accumulating that tumors in different subtypes are likely to respond differently to treatments. However, to date, there is no clinical diagnostic test for CMS subtyping. In this study, we used novel methodology in a multi-cohort training domain (n = 1,214) to develop the ColoType scores and classifier to predict CMS1-4 based on expression of 40 genes. In three validation cohorts (n = 1,744, in total) representing three distinct gene-expression measurement technologies, ColoType predicted gold-standard CMS subtypes with accuracies 0.90, 0.91, 0.88, respectively. To accommodate for potential intratumoral heterogeneity and tumors of mixed subtypes, ColoType was designed to report continuous scores measuring the prevalence of each of CMS1–4 in a tumor, in addition to specifying the most prevalent subtype. For analysis of clinical specimens, ColoType was also implemented with targeted RNA-sequencing (Illumina AmpliSeq). In a series of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded CRC samples (n = 49), ColoType by targeted RNA-sequencing agreed with subtypes predicted by two independent methods with accuracies 0.92, 0.82, respectively. With further validation, ColoType by targeted RNA-sequencing, may enable clinical application of CMS subtyping with widely-available and cost-effective technology.
Author Correction: Cooperative nutrient accumulation sustains growth of mammalian cells
Authors: Son Sungmin , Stevens Mark M. , Chao Hui Xiao , Thoreen Carson , Hosios Aaron M. , Schweitzer Lawrence D. , Weng Yaochung , Wood Kris , Sabatini David , Vander Heiden Matthew G. , Manalis Scott
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Author Correction: Parvalbumin expression in oligodendrocyte-like CG4 cells causes a reduction in mitochondrial volume, attenuation in reactive oxygen species production and a decrease in cell processes’ length and branching
Authors: Lichvarova Lucia , Blum Walter , Schwaller Beat , Szabolcsi Viktoria
Published: July 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Novel D–π-A type near-infrared fluorescent probes for the detection of Aβ40 aggregates
Authors: Lv Guanglei , Xu Yunze , Yang Jiajia , Li Wenhui , Li Chunxia , Sun Anyang
Published: July 2020

A NIR fluorescent probe was synthesized for the preferential detection of Aβ40 aggregates in solution and the brain sections of AD transgenic mouse models.
Integration of antimicrobial peptides and gold nanorods for bimodal antibacterial applications
Authors: Chen Jin , Dai Tingting , Yu Jiawei , Dai Xiahong , Chen Richai , Wu Jiajun , Li Nan , Fan Linxiao , Mao Zhengwei , Sheng Guoping , Li Lanjuan
Published: July 2020

We integrate the anti-bacterial activity of BF2b antimicrobial peptide and the photothermal sterilization of gold nanorods to kill drug-resistant bacteria.
Phase transformation induced mechanochromism in a platinum salt: a tale of two polymorphs
Authors: Norton Amie E. , Abdolmaleki Mahmood Karimi , Liang Jiamin , Sharma Malvika , Golsby Robert , Zoller Ann , Krause Jeanette A. , Connick William B. , Chatterjee Sayandev
Published: July 2020

Red crystals of [Pt(tpy)Cl]NO3·HNO3 turn yellow when subjected to a mechanical stimulus. Here we report the structural details of mechanochromic system.
Ligand architecture for triangular metal complexes: a high oxidation state Ni3 cluster with proximal metal arrangement
Authors: Shoshani Manar M. , Agapie Theodor
Published: July 2020

We report the synthesis of trinuclear Ni clusters supported by a tetraanionic trisphenolphosphinimde ligand. The [Ni3(O3PN)2]2− cluster is oxidized at low potentials to form the [Ni3(O3PN)2]− species, featuring NiIII with proximal metal arrangement.
Sensitivity of VCD spectroscopy for small structural and stereochemical changes of macrolide antibiotics
Authors: Demarque Daniel P. , Heinrich Sascha , Schulz Frank , Merten Christian
Published: July 2020

Despite the large and flexible structure of erythromycin and its derivatives, VCD spectroscopy is shown to be sensitive to various structural changes including chemical changes and epimerizations of single stereocenters.
A dual-ion battery has two sides: the effect of ion-pairs
Authors: Huang Yuhao , Liang Zhaohui , Wang Hongyu
Published: July 2020

Interplay between the intercalation of Li+ into Li4Ti5O12 and BF4− into graphite in a dual-ion battery is studied.
Reaction probability and kinetics of water splitting on the penta-NiAs2 monolayer from an ab initio molecular dynamics investigation
Authors: Ho Thi H. , Dong Hieu C. , Bui Viet Q , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki , Le Hung M.
Published: July 2020

The reaction probability and kinetics of the water splitting process on the penta-NiAs2 monolayer are studied using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations.
Self-assembly of anisotropic nanoparticles into functional superstructures
Authors: Deng Kerong , Luo Zhishan , Tan Li , Quan Zewei
Published: July 2020

This review provides an overview of the recent achievements in self-assembly of colloidal nanoparticles with anisotropic shapes into functional superstructures.
White light emission from a green cyclometalated platinum(ii) terpyridylphenylacetylide upon titration with Zn(ii) and Eu(iii )
Authors: Qiu Yuqing , Feng Yuquan , Zhao Qian , Wang Hongwei , Guo Yingchen , Qiu Dongfang
Published: July 2020

A white-light-emission ternary system consisting of polypyridyl Eu(iii) (red), Pt(ii) (green) and Zn(ii) (blue) complexes is synthesized.
Catalytic C(sp3)–F bond formation: recent achievements and pertaining challenges
Authors: Tarantino Giulia , Hammond Ceri
Published: July 2020

Catalytic C(sp3)–F formation processes are critically reviewed, highlighting recent achievements and pertaining challenges still present in the field.
A microporous, amino acid functionalized Zn(ii)-organic framework nanoflower for selective CO2capture and solvent encapsulation
Authors: Gandhi Shradha , Das Prasenjit , Mandal Sanjay K.
Published: July 2020

A robustZn-CBSnanoflower is utilized for selective sorption of CO2and encapsulation of solvents.
Defects in complex oxide thin films for electronics and energy applications: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Li Weiwei , Shi Jueli , Zhang Kelvin H. L. , MacManus-Driscoll Judith L.
Published: July 2020

This review focuses on recent progress in defect-engineered novel functionalities of complex oxide thin films for electronics and energy applications, and current challenges and perspectives.
Macroporous polystyrene degraded and functionalized chromium MPS-Cr(iii)-alen complex as a sustainable porous catalyst for CO2fixation under atmospheric pressure and selective oxidation of aromatic alkenes
Authors: Paul Priyanka , Salam Noor , Khan Aslam , Das Debasis , Alam Seikh Mafiz , Islam Sk. Manirul
Published: July 2020

The benign synthesis of porous polystyrene supported chromium(iii) catalyst has been carried out for the production of cyclic carbonatesviaCO2fixation under atm. pressure and for the selective oxidation of aromatic alkenes under mild conditions.
Low-potential immunosensor-based detection of the vascular growth factor 165 (VEGF165) using the nanocomposite platform of cobalt metal–organic framework
Authors: Singh Sima , Numan Arshid , Zhan Yiqiang , Singh Vijender , Alam Aftab , Van Hung Tran , Nam Nguyen Dang
Published: July 2020

The vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) is a quintessential biomarker in cancers.
Evaluation of biosynthesis parameters, stability and biological activities of silver nanoparticles synthesized by Cornus Officinalis extract under 365 nm UV radiation
Authors: Wang Yinghui , Wei Simin , Wang Kang , Wang Zhe , Duan Jinwei , Cui Lin , Zheng Huayu , Wang Ying , Wang Shanshan
Published: July 2020

We present herein a systematically evaluation of the biosynthesis parameters on the green synthesis of AgNPs by utilizing Cornus officinalis extract under 365 nm UV radiation.
Kinetic modelling of hydrogen transfer deoxygenation of a prototypical fatty acid over a bimetallic Pd60Cu40catalyst: an investigation of the surface reaction mechanism and rate limiting step
Authors: Cheah Kin Wai , Yusup Suzana , Taylor Martin J. , How Bing Shen , Osatiashtiani Amin , Nowakowski Daniel J. , Bridgwater Anthony V. , Skoulou Vasiliki , Kyriakou Georgios , Uemura Yoshitmitsu
Published: July 2020

Application of tetralin as a source of hydrogen for catalytic conversion of oleic acid to diesel-like hydrocarbons using a bimetallic Pd–Cu catalyst.
Recent advancements in rational design of non-aqueous organic redox flow batteries
Authors: Li Min , Rhodes Zayn , Cabrera-Pardo Jaime R. , Minteer Shelley D.
Published: July 2020

The state-of-the-art advances of non-aqueous organic redox flow batteries for grid-scale energy storage were evaluated and summarized.
Pt/CuSe: a new counter electrode for polyiodide reduction in quantum dot-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Suriyawong Nipapon , Rajendran Raja , Hsieh Chia-Ying , Wu Ren-Jang , Lee Ming-Way
Published: July 2020

Pt/CuSe composite counter electrodes are suitable for QDSCs with polyiodide electrolyte.
Solvothermal synthesis of Sn3N4 as a high capacity sodium-ion anode: theoretical and experimental study of its storage mechanism
Authors: Fitch Samuel D. S. , Cibin Giannantonio , Hepplestone Steven P. , Garcia-Araez Nuria , Hector Andrew L.
Published: July 2020

Nanocrystalline Sn3N4 produced under solvothermal conditions provides a stable, reversible capacity of ∼850 mA h g−1 in sodium half-cells. The charge storage mechanism appears to combine insertion, conversion and alloying steps.
In situ photo-derived MnOOH collaborating with Mn2Co2C@C dual co-catalysts boost photocatalytic overall water splitting
Authors: Zhou Xunfu , Li Jinmei , Cai Xin , Gao Qiongzhi , Zhang Shengsen , Yang Siyuan , Wang Hongqiang , Zhong Xinhua , Fang Yueping
Published: July 2020

Novel Mn2Co2C@C/Mn2N0.86 composites are used to the in situ loadings of Mn2Co2C@C and MnOOH dual cocatalysts on host photocatalysts for photocatalytic overall water splitting.
Effects of Aging on the Subcortical Encoding of Stop Consonants
Authors: Rishiq Dania , Harkrider Ashley , Springer Cary , Hedrick Mark
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate aging effects on the predominantly subcortical (brainstem) encoding of the second-formant frequency transition, an essential acoustic cue for perceiving place of articulation.

Method

Synthetic consonant–vowel syllables varying in second-formant onset frequency (i.e., /ba/, /da/, and /ga/ stimuli) were used to elicit speech-evoked auditory brainstem responses (speech-ABRs) in 16 young adults (
M
age
= 21 years) and 11 older adults (
M
age
= 59 years). Repeated-measures mixed-model analyses of variance were performed on the latencies and amplitudes of the speech-ABR peaks. Fixed factors were phoneme (repeated measures on three levels: /b/ vs. /d/ vs. /g/) and age (two levels: young vs. older).

Results

Speech-ABR differences were observed between the two groups (young vs. older adults). Specifically, older listeners showed generalized amplitude reductions for onset and major peaks. Significant Phoneme × Group interactions were not observed.

Conclusions

Results showed aging effects in speech-ABR amplitudes that may reflect diminished subcortical encoding of consonants in older listeners. These aging effects were not phoneme dependent as observed using the statistical methods of this study.
Speech-Language Pathology Services in the Schools: A Follow-Up 9 Years Later
Authors: Brandel Jayne
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the schools provide services to students with a variety of disorders and severity levels. This study built upon a previously published survey (Brandel & Loeb, 2011) to examine whether factors related to the place and time for services for students with language disorders had changed since the 2008 survey and to examine the differentiation of decisions made by the SLPs across the three severity levels.

Method

Responses from 439 SLPs to an online national survey related to the place and time of services for students with language disorders were examined using regression in regard to the current factors impacting service delivery and the amount of variation in these decisions by the individual SLPs across the three severity levels.

Results

Similar to previous findings, students participated in services primarily in groups outside the classroom once or twice a week for 20–30 min. Factors that continued to impact decisions were the SLP's caseload and year of graduation. Related to the differentiation of decisions, most SLPs made two different decisions across the three severity levels for where and how long to provide services, while almost one third made the same decision for the place.

Conclusions

The results indicate that service delivery and the factors impacting it have remained relatively the same. While most SLPs do differentiate decisions related to time, less variation is observed regarding the place for services. Research is needed to clearly identify barriers and test possible solutions so that school practice can improve.
The luminosity evolution of nova shells
Authors: Tappert C. , Vogt N. , Ederoclite A. , Schmidtobreick L. , Vučković M. , Becegato L. L.
Published: July 2020

Over the last decade, nova shells have been discovered around a small number of cataclysmic variables that had not been known to be post-novae, while other searches around much larger samples have been mostly unsuccessful. This raises the question about how long such shells are detectable after the eruption and whether this time limit depends on the characteristics of the nova. So far, there has been only one comprehensive study of the luminosity evolution of nova shells, undertaken almost two decades ago. Here, we present a re-analysis of the Hα and [O III] flux data from that study, determining the luminosities while also taking into account newly available distances and extinction values, and including additional luminosity data of “ancient” nova shells. We compare the long-term behaviour with respect to nova speed class and light curve type. We find that, in general, the luminosity as a function of time can be described as consisting of three phases: an initial shallow logarithmic decline or constant behaviour, followed by a logarithmic main decline phase, with a possible return to a shallow decline or constancy at very late stages. The luminosity evolution in the first two phases is likely to be dominated by the expansion of the shell and the corresponding changes in volume and density, while for the older nova shells, the interaction with the interstellar medium comes into play. The slope of the main decline is very similar for almost all groups for a given emission line, but it is significantly steeper for [O III], compared to Hα, which we attribute to the more efficient cooling provided by the forbidden lines. The recurrent novae are among the notable exceptions, along with the plateau light curve type novae and the nova V838 Her. We speculate that this is due to the presence of denser material, possibly in the form of remnants from previous nova eruptions, or of planetary nebulae, which might also explain some of the brighter ancient nova shells. While there is no significant difference in the formal quality of the fits to the decline when grouped according to light curve type or to speed class, the former presents less systematic scatter. It is also found to be advantageous in identifying points that would otherwise distort the general behaviour. As a by-product of our study, we revised the identification of all novae included in our investigation with sources in the Gaia Data Release 2 catalogue.
Comparing the reflectivity of ungrouped carbonaceous chondrites with those of short-period comets like 2P/Encke
Authors: Tanbakouei Safoura , Trigo-Rodríguez Josep M. , Blum Jürgen , Williams Iwan , Llorca Jordi
Published: July 2020

Aims.The existence of asteroid complexes produced by the disruption of these comets suggests that evolved comets could also produce high-strength materials able to survive as meteorites. We chose as an example comet 2P/Encke, one of the largest object of the so-called Taurid complex. We compare the reflectance spectrum of this comet with the laboratory spectra of some Antarctic ungrouped carbonaceous chondrites to investigate whether some of these meteorites could be associated with evolved comets.

Methods.We compared the spectral behaviour of 2P/Encke with laboratory spectra of carbonaceous chondrites. Different specimens of the common carbonaceous chondrite groups do not match the overall features and slope of the comet 2P/Encke. By testing anomalous carbonaceous chondrites, we found two meteorites: Meteorite Hills 01017 and Grosvenor Mountains 95551, which could be good proxies for the dark materials that formed this short-period comet. We hypothesise that these two meteorites could be rare surviving samples, either from the Taurid complex or another compositionally similar body. In any case, it is difficult to get rid of the effects of terrestrial weathering in these Antarctic finds, and further studies are needed. A future sample return from the so-called dormant comets could also be useful to establish a ground truth on the materials forming evolved short-period comets.

Results.As a natural outcome, we think that identifying good proxies of 2P/Encke-forming materials might have interesting implications for future sample-return missions to evolved, potentially dormant, or extinct comets. Understanding the compositional nature of evolved comets is particularly relevant in the context of the future mitigation of impact hazard from these dark and dangerous projectiles.
Electrocaloric properties of Sr and Sn doped BCZT lead-free ceramics
Authors: Patel Satyanarayan , Kumar Manish
Published: July 2020

In the present work, the electrocaloric (EC) effect in lead-free Sr and Sn doped (Ba0.85Ca0.075Sr0.075)(Zr0.1Ti0.88Sn0.02)O3 ceramic prepared by solid-state method has been investigated. The phase purity and pure perovskite phase formation with Sr and Sn doping is confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The adiabatic temperature change ΔT (due to the EC effect), entropy change (ΔS) and refrigeration capacity (RC) are estimated under various electric fields. The maximum peak values of ΔT, ΔS and RC are found as 1.5 K, 1.8 J/kg.K and 2.75 J/kg, respectively under the applied electric field of 33 kV/cm at 305 K. It is also observed that the ΔT, ΔS and RC decreases with an increase in applied temperature. Moreover, the estimated values of EC properties are significantly high which indicates that fabrication of Sr and Sn doped lead-free ceramics can be advantageous for EC applications.
Murine hepatoma treatment with mature dendritic cells stimulated by Trichinella spiralis excretory/secretory products
Authors: Ding Jing , Liu Xiaolei , Tang Bin , Bai Xue , Wang Yang , Li Shicun , Li Jian , Liu Mingyuan , Wang Xuelin
Published: July 2020

Excretory/Secretory Products (ESPs) of the nematode Trichinella spiralis contain antitumor-active substances that inhibit tumor growth. Mature dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical role in the antitumor immunity of the organism. As pathogen-derived products, it ought to be discussed whether T. spiralis ESPs will reduce the antitumor effect of mature DCs from the host before it is applied to patients’ tumors. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the immunological effect of DCs stimulated by T. spiralis ESPs in H22 tumor-bearing mice. H22 tumor model mice in this study were randomly divided into four groups according to the treatment: PBS control group, ESP group, DCs group, and DCs stimulated with T. spiralis ESP (ESP+DCs group). The antitumor effect was evaluated by tumor inhibition rate and cytokine detection using ELISA. The results showed significant inhibition in tumor growth in the ESP+DCs, DCs and ESP groups when compared with the PBS control group (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively). However, no significant difference was observed on tumor inhibition rates between the ESP+DCs and DCs groups. The decrease in IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10, and the increase in IFN-γ between the DCs and ESP+DCs groups were also not significant. Therefore, DCs stimulated by ESP did not reduce the antitumor effect of mature DCs, which demonstrated that the T. spiralis ESP would not affect the antitumor effect of mature DCs by modulating the immune response of the host, and that ESPs are safe in antitumor immunology when applied in a tumor model mice.
Epidemiologische Studien zu chronischen
Straßenlärm-Expositionen und dem Blutdruck: Ein systematischer
Review mit Metaanalysen
Authors: Renner René A. , Groß Valérie J. , Ernst Angela , Hellmich Martin , Erren Thomas C.
Published: July 2020

Zielsetzung Ziel dieses Reviews ist es, die aktuelle epidemiologische
Studienlage zu Assoziationen zwischen chronischen
Straßenlärm-Expositionen und der Prävalenz der
arteriellen Hypertonie sowie dem Blutdruck darzustellen und in Metaanalysen
zu explorieren.

Methodik Es erfolgte eine systematische Literaturrecherche in den
Datenbanken Medline® und Web of Science™.
Ergänzend wurde nach grauer Literatur in der Datenbank OpenGrey
gesucht. Eingeschlossen wurden epidemiologische Studien, die
Zusammenhänge zwischen objektiven
Straßenlärm-Expositionen am Wohnsitz der Probanden und der
Prävalenz der arteriellen Hypertonie oder dem gemessenen Blutdruck
untersuchten. Wenn möglich wurden in Metaanalysen Gesamteffekte
für die untersuchten Assoziationen berechnet. Die statistische
Auswertung erfolgte mit R für Windows.

Ergebnisse Es wurden 31 relevante Studien identifiziert und
Metaanalysen für potenzielle Assoziationen zwischen
Straßenlärm und der Prävalenz der arteriellen
Hypertonie bei Erwachsenen und für Assoziationen mit dem
systolischen und diastolischen Blutdruck in beiden Altersgruppen
durchgeführt. Für Erwachsene konnte ein statistisch
signifikanter (p<0,01) Anstieg für das Risiko einer
arteriellen Hypertonie bei Exposition gegenüber chronischem
Straßenlärm mit einer Zunahme um 7% pro 5 dB(A)
festgestellt werden. Die berechneten Gesamteffekte für Assoziationen
mit dem systolischen Blutdruck waren sowohl für Kinder als auch
für Erwachsene nur schwach positiv und ohne statistische
Signifikanz. Für den diastolischen Blutdruck waren in beiden
Altersgruppen keine Zusammenhänge erkennbar.

Schlussfolgerung Aufgrund methodischer Limitierungen und einer hohen
Heterogenität der Einzelstudien, die sich auch in den
Random-Effects-Modellen abbildet, ist die Aussagekraft der
geschätzten Effekte stark eingeschränkt. Um potenzielle
Einflüsse von Straßenlärm auf den Endpunkt
arterielle Hypertonie und den Blutdruck angemessen untersuchen zu
können, sollten zukünftig mehr prospektive Kohortenstudien
mit einer präzisen Methodik, u.a. bezüglich der
Expositionserfassung, der Bestimmung der Endpunkte und der
Berücksichtigung relevanter Kofaktoren, durchgeführt
werden.
KODA score: an updated and validated bowel preparation scale for patients undergoing small bowel capsule endoscopy
Authors: Alageeli Mohammad , Yan Brian , Alshankiti Suliman , Al-Zahrani May , Bahreini Zoya , Dang ThucNhi T. , Friedland Joshua , Gilani Syed , Homenauth Ravi , Houle Jennifer , Kloc Milica , Luhoway Jacqueline , Merotto Lucas , Rofaiel Rymon , Singh Chantal , Smith Alexis , Thomas Benson , Townsend Cassandra , Yoo David , Zepeda-Gomez Sergio , Stitt Larry , Jairath Vipul , Sey Michael Sai Lai
Published: July 2020

Background and study aims A reliable outcome measure is needed for bowel preparation quality during capsule endoscopy. Currently, no scales are adequately validated. Our objective was to update an existing small bowel preparation score, create a standardized training module, then determine its inter-rater and intra-rater reliability.

Patients and methods Modification to produce standardized scoring of an existing small bowel preparation score was performed followed by development of a training module and validation to create the new Korea-Canada (KODA) score. Twenty readers from a range of backgrounds, including capsule endoscopists, gastroenterology fellows, residents, medical students, and nurses rated bowel cleanliness in 25 capsule videos consisting of 1,233 images, in duplicate 4 weeks apart, after completing the training module. Sequential images selected in 5-minute intervals during small bowel transit were rated on a scale between 0–3 based on the amount of visualized mucosa and the degree of obstruction. Reliability was assessed using estimates of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Results Intraclass correlation coefficients for inter-rater (ICC 0.81, 95 % CI 0.70–0.87) and intra-rater (ICC 0.92, 95 % CI 0.87–0.94) reliability were almost perfect among the 20 readers. Inter-rater reliability ranged between 0.72 (95 % CI 0.57–0.81) and 0.89 (95 % CI 0.79–0.93) for nurses and residents, respectively. Intra-rater reliability was greater than 0.90 for all groups except for nurses, which was still almost perfect (ICC 0.86, 95 % CI 0.79–0.90).

Conclusions Almost perfect inter-rater and intra-rater reliability was observed for the KODA score. This simple score could be used for future clinical trials after completion of the training module.
Aufgeklärte Mitarbeiter/innen – Die
informierte Einwilligung als ethische Orientierung für
Verhaltensprävention im betrieblichen Kontext
Authors: Kuhn Eva , Müller Sebastian , Heidbrink Ludger , Buyx Alena
Published: July 2020

Hintergrund und Methode Menschen haben in allen Lebensbereichen ein Recht
auf körperliche und geistige Unversehrtheit und darauf, in
Gesundheitsfragen autonom und informiert entscheiden zu können. Um dies
zu gewährleisten, ist die informierte Einwilligung in der Medizin seit
Jahren ethisch-rechtlicher ‚Goldstandard‘. Die Anmeldung zu
Maßnahmen der Verhaltensprävention läuft hingegen
bislang vorwiegend über Formulare, die lediglich dem Datenschutz
besondere Aufmerksamkeit widmen, ohne eine informierte Einwilligung
zukünftiger Teilnehmer/innen gesondert in den Blick zu nehmen.
Der Beitrag zeigt die ethischen Herausforderungen auf, die sich bei der
Zustimmung Beschäftigter zu gesundheitsförderlichen
Maßnahmen stellen. Daran schließt sich eine theoretische Analyse
der Übertragbarkeit des medizinethischen Instruments der informierten
Einwilligung auf die betriebliche Verhaltensprävention an.

Ergebnisse Die informierte Einwilligung lässt sich in angepasster
Form auf den betrieblichen Kontext übertragen. Besonderes Augenmerk ist
dabei nicht nur auf den Umgang mit gesundheitsbezogenen Daten zu legen, sondern
auch auf die angemessene Weitergabe der wesentlichen Informationen sowie die
Freiwilligkeit der Teilnahme.

Schlussfolgerungen Die abgewandelte Form der informierten Einwilligung in
der Verhaltensprävention sollte zu einem Kriterienraster
weiterentwickelt werden, welches konkrete Bedingungen für die Anwendung
der informierten Einwilligung auf einzelne verhaltenspräventive
Maßnahmen absteckt.
Functional Group Interconversion of Alkylidenemalononitriles to Primary Alcohols by a Cooperative Redox Operation
Authors: Grenning Alexander J. , Emmetiere Fabien
Published: July 2020

Functional group interconversions are essential chemical processes enabling synthesis. In this report, we describe a strategy to convert alkylidenemalononitriles into primary alcohols in one step. The reaction relies on a choreographed redox process involving alkylidene reduction, malononitrile oxidation, and acylcyanide reduction where molecular oxygen and NaBH4 work cooperatively. The method was applied to a variety of carbon skeletons and was utilized to synthesize complex terpenoid architectures.
Synthetic Study on Lactonamycins, Part 2: Stereoselective Access to ABCD-Ring System
Authors: Suzuki Keisuke , Takikawa Hiroshi , Murata Kazuki , Sato Shogo , Kawada Takuma , Nakakohara Hiroshi , Ohmori Ken
Published: July 2020

Toward a stereoselective total synthesis of the lactonamycins, we recently reported an approach to the DEF-ring system. Here we report a model study for constructing the ABCD-ring system, revealing a viable approach through (1) construction of the C-ring by asymmetric benzoin cyclization, (2) introduction of an angular hydroxy group through oxidation of an isoxazolium salt, and (3) construction of the AB rings through a ring-opening/closing sequence.
Is Lumbar Puncture Avoidable in Low-Risk Neonates with Suspected Sepsis?
Authors: Dalai Richie , Dutta Sourabh , Pal Arnab , Sundaram Venkataseshan , Jayashree Muralidharan
Published: July 2020

Objective Performing lumbar punctures (LP) in all clinically suspected neonatal sepsis, as per current recommendations, results in many “negative” LPs. LPs are not without their own risks. With the intention of minimizing unnecessary LPs among neonates, we aimed to identify a subgroup at extremely low risk of developing possible meningitis so that an LP could be safely avoided in it.

Study Design This was a prospective, observational, and cross-sectional study in a level III neonatal unit. We included 300 episodes, in which LP was performed for suspected sepsis. We recorded a comprehensive set of clinico-demographic variables, laboratory parameters, sickness score, organ dysfunction score, and organ localization and studied association of these factors with “definite (culture positive) or possible meningitis.” “Possible” meningitis was defined with liberal criteria, intending not to miss any meningitis. A subgroup without a single factor associated with “definite or possible meningitis” was analyzed for incidence of meningitis.

Results There were 121 episodes of “definite or possible meningitis” among 300 episodes of sepsis. On unadjusted analysis, apnea, irritability, high-pitched cry, seizures, neutrophilia, high C-reactive protein (CRP), score for acute neonatal physiology and perinatal extension II (SNAPPE-II), urine output, and leukomalacia were associated with “definite or possible” meningitis (p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, no apneas, no neutrophilia, and normal CRP were independently associated with “no definite or possible meningitis.” Nevertheless, the subgroup that had a combination of no apneas, no neutrophilia, and normal CRP (n = 118) had a 29% probability of “definite or possible meningitis.”

Conclusion The lowest risk subgroup had a 29% chance of having “definite or possible” meningitis. There is no subgroup that we could identify among neonates with suspected sepsis, in which it is safe to avoid an LP.

Key Points
Absence of replica symmetry breaking in disordered FKG-Ising models under uniform field
Authors: Itoi C. , Utsunomiya Y.
Published: July 2020

We prove that the variance of a spin overlap vanishes in disordered Ising models satisfying the Fortuin–Kasteleyn–Ginibre inequality under a uniform field, such as the generally distributed random field Ising model and site- and bond-diluted Ising models with the Bernoulli distribution. Chatterjee’s proof for the Gaussian random field Ising model is generalized to another independent identically distributed quenched disorder under a uniform field.
Random walks of trains of dissipative solitons
Authors: Cisternas Jaime , Cartes Carlos , Descalzi Orazio , Albers Tony , Radons Günter
Published: July 2020

The propagation of light pulses in dual-core nonlinear optical fibers is studied using a model proposed by Sakaguchi and Malomed. The system consists of a supercritical complex Ginzburg–Landau equation coupled to a linear equation. Our analysis includes single standing and walking solitons as well as walking trains of 3, 5, 6, and 12 solitons. For the characterization of the different scenarios, we used ensemble-averaged square displacement of the soliton trajectories and time-averaged power spectrum of the background waves. Power law spectra, indicative of turbulence, were found to be associated with random walks. The number of solitons (or their separations) can trigger anomalous random walks or totally suppress the background waves.
A cleanroom in a glovebox
Authors: Gray Mason J. , Kumar Narendra , O’Connor Ryan , Hoek Marcel , Sheridan Erin , Doyle Meaghan C. , Romanelli Marisa L. , Osterhoudt Gavin B. , Wang Yiping , Plisson Vincent , Lei Shiming , Zhong Ruidan , Rachmilowitz Bryan , Zhao He , Kitadai Hikari , Shepard Steven , Schoop Leslie M. , Gu G. D. , Zeljkovic Ilija , Ling Xi , Burch Kenneth S.
Published: July 2020

The exploration of new materials, novel quantum phases, and devices requires ways to prepare cleaner samples with smaller feature sizes. Initially, this meant the use of a cleanroom that limits the amount and size of dust particles. However, many materials are highly sensitive to oxygen and water in the air. Furthermore, the ever-increasing demand for a quantum workforce, trained and able to use the equipment for creating and characterizing materials, calls for a dramatic reduction in the cost to create and operate such facilities. To this end, we present our cleanroom-in-a-glovebox, a system that allows for the fabrication and characterization of devices in an inert argon atmosphere. We demonstrate the ability to perform a wide range of characterization as well as fabrication steps, without the need for a dedicated room, all in an argon environment. Finally, we discuss the custom-built antechamber attached to the back of the glovebox. This antechamber allows the glovebox to interface with ultra-high vacuum equipment such as molecular-beam epitaxy and scanning tunneling microscopy.
A numerical modeling study on inertial focusing of microparticle in spiral microchannel
Authors: Do Quoc-Vu , Van Duc-Anh , Nguyen Viet-Bac , Pham Van-Sang
Published: July 2020

In this work, the inertial focusing of a microparticle in spiral channels is investigated numerically using a numerical solver developed in the framework of OpenFOAM open-source software. A special periodic boundary condition was implemented for a developed immersed boundary method to mimic the long microchannel, along with an adaptive meshing procedure to significantly reduce memory resources and shorten computation time. Simulation of a microparticle moving inside a square duct confirmed the existence of eight equilibrium positions over the channel’s cross section, four of which are located close to the channel wall centers, whereas the others are positioned near the corners, which has been reported in many studies before. Most importantly, we present, for the first time, a direct numerical simulation for the inertial sorting phenomenon of a microparticle in the spiral channel of rectangular and trapezoidal cross sections. Comprehensive analysis of the resulting lateral force field maps and Dean vortex configurations provides more insight into the focusing mechanism of a microparticle, which is beneficial for the design and optimization of cell separation microfluidic devices.
Sharp steps in magnetization, magnetoresistance, and magnetostriction in Pr0.6Sr0.4Co1−yGayO3
Authors: Chanda A. , Mahendiran R.
Published: July 2020

We report the magnetization, magnetoresistance, and magnetostriction in polycrystalline Pr0.6Sr0.4Co1−yGayO3 (y = 0.0–0.3) samples. Upon substitution of the non-magnetic Ga3+ cation for Co3+, the low temperature ground state transforms from a ferromagnetic metal for y = 0 to a cluster glass type semiconductor for y ≥ 0.2. The field-dependent magnetization, magnetoresistance, and magnetostriction for y ≥ 0.2 show reversible abrupt steps for both positive and negative magnetic fields at T ≤ 3 K, whereas all these quantities vary smoothly with the magnetic field above 4 K. Such steps in all three distinct physical quantities were never reported earlier in perovskite cobaltites, and they differ from observations made in manganites and intermetallic alloys. It is suggested that field-induced avalanche flipping of ferromagnetic clusters is the origin of observed steps in all these three quantities.
A review of wombat diet and nutrition
Authors: Casey Fiona F. , Stannard Hayley J. , Old Julie M.
Published: July 2020

In this review we investigated the diet and nutrition of wombats and highlight areas for future research. The low energy requirements of wombats, conservative foraging behaviours and burrowing lifestyle allow them to subsist on low-quality food. Furthermore, their digestive anatomy and physiology is well adapted for digesting the resources available in their habitats. All species feed predominantly on native grasses; however, the nutritional requirements of juvenile and aged wombats are largely unknown. Changes to food availability and grass species in wombat habitats may alter their diet and nutritional intake. Also, despite evidence suggesting that wombats can satisfy their water requirements via the food they eat, the minimum threshold of water content at which wombats will cease feeding is unknown. Other areas for future research include investigating factors that affect digesta retention times (such as age or lactation), and the development of a method to determine age, because unlike most other mammals, wombat teeth grow continuously, hence teeth cannot be used as a reliable predictor of age in wombats.
Leopard (Panthera pardus) density and diet in a forest corridor of Terai: implications for conservation and conflict management
Authors: Kandel Sagar Raj , Lamichhane Babu Ram , Subedi Naresh
Published: July 2020

Abstract
ContextIncreasing forest fragmentation and degradation has forced wildlife to live in close proximity to humans, increasing the chances of human–wildlife conflict. Leopard (Panthera pardus) typifies the problem faced by large carnivores. It is a threatened species with a wide distribution, with a large part of their range outside protected areas, leaving them vulnerable to human–leopard conflict. Understanding their status and diet in such non-protected forests is necessary for their long-term conservation.
AimsThe present study aimed to estimate leopard density and assess their diet in a non-protected forest.
MethodsA camera-trapping survey was carried out in the Kamdi forest corridor outside of protected areas, covering 791.29km2 in the western part of Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) in Nepal. Leopard density was estimated based on the photographs obtained in camera traps, using Bayesian Explicit Capture–recapture (B-SECR) models. Scats of leopards were opportunistically collected (n=60) and their diet analysed through micro-histological characters of hair remains. The frequency of occurrence and relative biomass of different prey species consumed by leopard was calculated.
Key resultsLeopard density was estimated to be 1.50 (±0.49 s.e.) 100km−2 in the survey area. Similarly, we identified 13 prey species in the leopard scats. Wild prey contributed the majority (67.8%) of leopard diet, including 23.2% of wild boar (Sus scrofa) and 18.3% of spotted deer (Axis axis). Nearly one-third of leopard diet consists of domestic livestock (cattle, goat, sheep) and dog.
ConclusionsLeopard density was found to be relatively low in the forest corridor compared with protected areas. Nearly one-third of leopard diet from domestic livestock and dogs suggests that human–leopard conflict could be problematic in the survey area.
ImplicationsIncreasing prey density in the forest corridor and improving livestock husbandry in the periphery will contribute to increase leopard density, reduce the human–leopard conflict and enhance the functionality of the corridor.
Cleavage-furrow formation without F-actin inChlamydomonas
Authors: Onishi Masayuki , Umen James G. , Cross Frederick R. , Pringle John R.
Published: July 2020

Significance

Studies of eukaryotic cell division have focused on the actomyosin ring, whose filaments of F-actin and myosin-II are hypothesized to generate the contractile force for ingression of the cleavage furrow. However, myosin-II has a very limited taxonomic distribution, whereas division by furrowing is much more widespread. We used the green algaChlamydomonas reinhardtiito investigate how a furrow can form without myosin-II and the potential roles of F-actin in this process. Although F-actin was associated with ingressing furrows, its complete removal only modestly delayed furrowing, suggesting that an actin-independent mechanism (possibly involving microtubules) drives furrow ingression. Such a mechanism presumably emerged early in eukaryotic evolution and may still underlie cell division in a diverse range of modern species.
TNNT2
mutations in the tropomyosin binding region of TNT1 disrupt its role in contractile inhibition and stimulate cardiac dysfunction
Authors: Madan Aditi , Viswanathan Meera C. , Woulfe Kathleen C. , Schmidt William , Sidor Agnes , Liu Ting , Nguyen Tran H. , Trinh Bosco , Wilson Cortney , Madathil Sineej , Vogler Georg , O’Rourke Brian , Biesiadecki Brandon J. , Tobacman Larry S. , Cammarato Anthony
Published: July 2020

Significance

Roughly two decades ago, troponin T (TnT) of the trimeric thin filament regulatory troponin complex, was shown to contribute directly to the inhibition of skeletal and cardiac muscle contraction, independent of troponins I and C. The molecular basis of this enigmatic role for TnT remains unknown. Hypertrophic and restrictive cardiomyopathies (HCM and RCM) are characterized by impaired relaxation and, thus, an inability of the heart muscle to properly “turn off.” Based on data gleaned from multiple model systems used to investigate HCM and RCM TnT mutations, and recently published thin filament structural models, we propose a mechanism that potentially underlies TnT’s heretofore poorly understood role in muscle relaxation, which, when compromised, may cause disease.
Elevated dust depositions in West Asia linked to ocean–atmosphere shifts during North Atlantic cold events
Authors: Safaierad Reza , Mohtadi Mahyar , Zolitschka Bernd , Yokoyama Yusuke , Vogt Christoph , Schefuß Enno
Published: July 2020

Significance

North Atlantic cold events in the past have been shown to cause large-scale atmospheric reorganizations. Results of our dust record from southeastern Iran, which is highly susceptible to capture dust storms from North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula—the largest dust source on Earth—show a direct link between North Atlantic cooling and enhanced eastward dust transport from the Arabian Peninsula and North Africa. This finding suggests that climate conditions over western Asia during these cold events were controlled by a southward shift in the winter position of the Northern Hemisphere westerlies and more susceptible to variations in the North American winter ice cover.