bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired myofibroblast proliferation is a central feature of pathologic post-natal alveolar simplification
Authors: Khan Imran S , Molina Christopher , Ren Xin , Auyeung Vincent C , Cohen Max , Tsukui Tatsuya , Atakilit Amha , Sheppard Dean
Published: December 2024

Premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) have impaired alveolar gas exchange due to alveolar simplification and dysmorphic pulmonary vasculature. Advances in clinical care have improved survival for infants with BPD, but the overall incidence of BPD remains unchanged because we lack specific therapies to prevent this disease. Recent work has suggested a role for increased transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) signaling and myofibroblast populations in BPD pathogenesis, but the functional significance of each remains unclear. Here, we utilize multiple murine models of alveolar simplification and comparative single-cell RNA sequencing to identify shared mechanisms that could contribute to BPD pathogenesis. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals a profound loss of myofibroblasts in two models of BPD and identifies gene expression signatures of increased TGFβ signaling, cell cycle arrest, and impaired proliferation in myofibroblasts. Using pharmacologic and genetic approaches, we find no evidence that increased TGFβ signaling in the lung mesenchyme contributes to alveolar simplification. In contrast, this is likely a failed compensatory response, since none of our approaches to inhibit TGFβ signaling protect mice from alveolar simplification due to hyperoxia while several make simplification worse. In contrast, we find that impaired myofibroblast proliferation is a central feature in several murine models of BPD, and we show that inhibiting myofibroblast proliferation is sufficient to cause pathologic alveolar simplification. Our results underscore the importance of impaired myofibroblast proliferation as a central feature of alveolar simplification and suggest that efforts to reverse this process could have therapeutic value in BPD.
Recurrent disruption of tumour suppressor genes in cancer by somatic mutations in cleavage and polyadenylation signals
Authors: Kainov Yaroslav , Hamid Fursham , Makeyev Eugene V
Published: December 2024

The expression of eukaryotic genes relies on the precise 3'-terminal cleavage and polyadenylation of newly synthesized pre-mRNA transcripts. Defects in these processes have been associated with various diseases, including cancer. While cancer-focused sequencing studies have identified numerous driver mutations in protein-coding sequences, noncoding drivers – particularly those affecting the cis-elements required for pre-mRNA cleavage and polyadenylation – have received less attention. Here, we systematically analysed somatic mutations affecting 3'UTR polyadenylation signals in human cancers using the Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) dataset. We found a striking enrichment of cancer-specific somatic mutations that disrupt strong and evolutionarily conserved cleavage and polyadenylation signals within tumour suppressor genes. Further bioinformatics and experimental analyses conducted as a part of our study suggest that these mutations have a profound capacity to downregulate the expression of tumour suppressor genes. Thus, this work uncovers a novel class of noncoding somatic mutations with significant potential to drive cancer progression.
EFFECT OF BASTI CHIKITSA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BEEJA AND KSHETRA DUSHTI JANYA BANDHYATVA IN ELDERLY WOMEN: A CASE REPORT
Authors: . Lavina , Dave Hetal H
Published: December 2024

Pregnancy or motherhood beyond the edge of reproductive age is referred to as pregnancy in elderly gravida. Generally, reproductive potential decreases as women get older, one of the common reasons being Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels. This is a case study of a 38-year-old female patient who consulted the OPD at the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, with the chief complaint of being unable to conceive for 2 years. Her Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) value was 0.83 ng/ml on 22-7-2023. Ultrasonography, dated December 13, 2023, suggested a bulky heterogenous uterus with intramural fibroid (2.4×1.9 cm) with polycystic ovarian disease and pelvic inflammatory changes. Based on these clinical presentations and USG findings, the patient was diagnosed with infertility due to abnormal ovarian and uterine factors, which were correlated with beeja and kshetra dushti janya bandhyatva in Ayurvedic terms. Mainly, Vata dosha symptoms were observed in the patient. Therefore, Yoga basti followed by Matra basti was given with shamana chikitsa using garbhasthapana dravya to eliminate Vata dosha. Her complete nidana parivarjana was done. After 2 months of treatment, the patient conceived. She missed her period and did her urine pregnancy test on 01-3-24, which was found to be positive. This case study concluded that Basti chikitsa is beneficial in managing beeja (ovarian factor) and kshetra (uterine factor) dushti janya bandhyatva in elderly women.
THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF SIDDHA MEDICINES IN DYSFUNCTIONAL UTERINE BLEEDING (DUB) PATIENT: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Ramasamy Gomathi , Arumugam Mamallan , Elangovan Preetheekha , Govindasamy Tamilarasan
Published: December 2024

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) is a prevalent cause of life-threatening anaemia in women. Siddha medicine, a traditional system of medicine, offers various formulations for managing anaemia. This single-case study evaluates the therapeutic effect of Siddha medicines in treating life-threatening anaemia in a patient with DUB. A 35-year-old female with severe iron deficiency anaemia (haemoglobin 4.3 gm/dl) and DUB was treated with a combination of Siddha medicines, including Maruthampattai choornam, Annabethi chenduram, Sangu parpam, and Mathulai syrup for three months. Hematological parameters were monitored at baseline, 2 months, and 3.5 months. Significant improvement was observed in haematological parameters. Haemoglobin levels increased from 4.3 gm/dl to 11.3 gm/dl, RBC count from 3.09 million/cumm to 5.15 million/cumm, MCV from 57.9 fl to 72.2 fl, MCH from 13.9 pg to 21.9 pg, MCHC from 24.0 gm/dl to 30.4 gm/dl, and HCT from 17.9% to 37.2%. The Siddha medicinal regimen was effective in significantly improving the haematological profile of the patient, highlighting its potential in managing severe anaemia due to DUB. This study highlights the potential of Siddha medicine in managing severe anaemia due to DUB, emphasizing the role of traditional medicine in complementing conventional treatments.
Cookies with Functional Ingredients: Effect of Adding Powdered Passion Fruit Albedo on the Physical-chemical Characteristics and Sensory Attributes of Cookies Sweetened with Xylitol
Authors: Corrêa Carlos Victor Bessa , Andrade Jerusa Souza , Araújo Lidia Medina
Published: December 2024

Introduction: This paper studied nutritionally enhanced cookies, especially those containing dietary fiber and other health-promoting active substances. The addition of Xylitol, which is used as a sweetener and preservative as an ingredient during cookie production to extend the shelf life of cookies, also plays an important role in ensuring food and nutritional safety.
Aims: The aim of this study was to elaborate and evaluate the physical-chemical and sensorial characteristics of cookies enriched with powdered passion fruit albedo (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) and sweetened with xylitol.
Study Design:  This research involved the development of cookie formulations with varying concentrations of powdered passion fruit albedo and subsequent evaluation of their proximate composition, texture, water activity, soluble solids, pH, pectin content, and sensory attributes.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Brazil over a period of several months, encompassing both the experimental development of the cookie formulations and the laboratory analyses.
Methodology: The cookie samples were prepared with a control formulation and variations containing 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% powdered passion fruit albedo, all sweetened with 10% xylitol. The cookies were assessed for proximate composition (moisture, lipids, proteins, fiber, ash, and carbohydrates), texture, water activity, soluble solids, pH, pectin content, and sensory characteristics.
Results: The incorporation of powdered passion fruit albedo significantly influenced the characteristics of the cookies. Higher concentrations (6% to 12%) adversely affected texture and acceptability. The optimal concentration was found to be 3%, which resulted in cookies with increased moisture, protein, fiber, pectin, and ash content, reduced lipids, carbohydrates, and calories, improved texture, and higher acceptability (71.43%).
Conclusion: Cookies sweetened with xylitol and enriched with 3% powdered passion fruit albedo presented the best balance of physical-chemical and sensory properties, making them a viable option for producing functional foods with improved nutritional benefits.
Effect of Foliar Application of Proline on Photosynthetic Attributes, Osmolyte and Ion Homeostasis in Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) under Salt Stress
Authors: Sobahan Muhammad Abdus
Published: December 2024

Soil salinity is one of the abiotic stresses that hamper plant growth and development. Foliar application of proline mitigates the detrimental effect of salt stress in plants. The effect of proline on salt-induced inhibitory effects in the jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) plant was investigated. The experiment consisted of four treatments: control, proline, salt stress, and salt stress + proline. Salt stress significantly reduced growth, biomass accumulation, leaf area, stress tolerance index (%), photosynthetic pigments, SPAD value and K+/Na+ ratio in jute plants. Consequently, salt stress increased lipid peroxidation and proline content. Exogenous application of proline lessened the reduction of growth, leaf area, stress tolerance index (%), photosynthetic pigments, SPAD value and K+/Na+ ratio in jute plants. Proline also increased oxidative stress tolerance by increasing proline accumulation and reducing lipid peroxidation in jute plants. The present study suggests that proline comprehensively alleviates the detrimental effects of salt stress on jute plants.
Professional Development among Preschool Teachers: Trends and Practices
Authors: Shavega Theresia Julius
Published: December 2024

Teacher professional development is a necessary component in enhancing quality education and fostering optimal development among young children. This paper aimed at exploring the current trends and practices of professional development for preschool teachers. The analysis involved papers published between 2005 and 2024. The main search engine used in this study were Google scholar, Taylor and Francis, Online Wiley, Emerald Insight data base and Sage. After screening we got 54 articles that were considered for review. Dissertations and book chapters were excluded during review. Data were analyzed thematically. Literature revealed several trends, which were classified into three main themes; technological change, curriculum change and Social-emotional development in young children. Furthermore, it was revealed that during their professional development preschool teachers have been involved in several practices which were categorized into two major themes; workshop and scaffolding and modelling and demonstration. Literature review revealed that, professional development for preschool teachers are widely studied in developing countries such as USA (19), Asian (18) and European (14). We found dearth of literature on professional development for preschool teachers in African countries (03). We therefore recommend exploration of prevalence of professional development for preschool teachers in African countries, especially in Tanzania. Trends and practices and way forward for professional development have been identified and reported in this study.
Impact of Low-dose Herbicides on Weed Dynamics and Nutrient Removal by weeds in Transplanted Rice
Authors: Kumar R. Ganesh , Ramesh N. , Sundari A. , Kumar N. Senthil
Published: December 2024

The objective of this study is to find out the effect of low-dose herbicides on growth and yield in transplanted rice. A field experiment was conducted during the Kuruvai season (June – September 2023) at Experimental Farm, Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with nine treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of T1 - unweeded control, T2 - Twice hand weeding @ 20 and 40 DAT, T3 - PE application of Pretilachlor 50% EC @ 0.75 kg ha-1 on 3 DAT alone, T4 - PE application of Pretilachlor 50% EC @ 0.75 kg ha-1 on 3 DAT alone + One hand weeding at 30 DAT, T5 - PE application of Metsulfuron-methyl 10% + Chlorimuron-ethyl 10% WP @ 20 g ha-1 on 3 DAT alone, T6 - PE application of Metsulfuron-methyl 10% + Chlorimuron-ethyl 10% WP @ 20 g ha-1 on 3 DAT + One hand weeding at 30 DAT, T7 - PoE application of Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 6.9% EC @ 60 g ha-1 on 21 DAT alone, T8 - PE application of Pretilachlor 50% EC @ 0.75 kg ha-1 on 3 DAT + PoE application of Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 6.9% EC @ 60 g ha-1 on 21 DAT, T9 - PE application of Metsulfuron-methyl 10% + Chlorimuron-ethyl 10% WP @ 20 g ha-1 on 3 DAT + PoE application of Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 6.9% EC @ 60 g ha-1 on 21 DAT. Among these treatments, it is observed that the pre-emergence application of Metsulfuron-methyl 10% + Chlorimuron-ethyl 10% WP @ 20 g ha-1 on 3 DAT + Post-emergence application of Fenoxaprop-p-ethyl 6.9% EC @ 60 g ha-1 on 21 DAT (T9) had effectively decreased total weed count, weed dry matter production and nutrient removal by weeds. This led to an improvement in crop development and production.
Perímetro Irrigado de São Gonçalo (Sousa/PB)
Authors: Gomes Queiroz Jânesson , Bezerra Silva Jairo
Published: December 2024

Este trabalho objetiva identificar os principais fatores que influenciaram no colapso hídrico no Perímetro Irrigado de São Gonçalo (PISG) entre 2012 e 2017. A escassez de água no Perímetro fez surgir uma paisagem hidrossocial marcada pelo colapso da produção agropecuária, fome, migrações e (re)produções de retóricas sociais e pseudocientíficas que atribuem à seca natural a causa do problema. Quanto à abordagem, o estudo é quali-quantitativo. Os procedimentos englobaram pesquisa bibliográfica, documental e de campo. Foram levantadas informações teóricas principalmente nos estudos de Ab’Sáber (2003), Malvezzi (2007), Ioris (2013) e Soares (2024). O estudo documental envolveu, sobretudo, pesquisas no site da Agência Executiva de Gestão de Águas do Estado da Paraíba (AESA) sobre os volumes pluviométricos precipitados no PISG de 1994 a 2024 e também em relação a alguns volumes do açude de São Gonçalo. O estudo de campo se fez necessário para uma melhor compreensão da transformação espacial sofrida pelo Perímetro, inclusive com a realização de registros fotográficos. Em termos de resultados, ressalta-se o fato do colapso hídrico e produtivo no PISG ter sido um processo relacionado, em grande medida, à gestão ineficiente da água, especialmente no que diz respeito ao uso inadequado desse recurso natural no processo de irrigação.
Sappho(s)
Authors: duBois Page
Published: October 2019

Sappho's is the only woman poet's work of any length that survives from ancient Greece. Her work looks back to Homeric epic, engages with the poetry of her contemporaries, archaic Greek lyricists, and survives not only through the memory and acknowledgment of other ancient writers, but also through the fragments of her verses that were preserved in the Egyptian sands. Her place in world literature is assured not only by her great poetic gifts, but also by the connections we can draw between her words and the wider Mediterranean and beyond, into a long history of allusion and homage. Her work touches on European beginnings of literariness, on Asian contacts and influences, and sets same‐sex female desire at the very origins of Mediterranean civilization. Although there are controversies about her person, about the degree to which we can discern an “author” in the fragments that have survived, the work itself sets a high standard for the poetics that follow, in terms of form, intensity, and the play between intimacies and ritual. The ancient literary theorist Longinus justifiably calls her work “sublime.”
Faith and Dissidence in Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz
Authors: Cortés‐Vélez Dinorah
Published: October 2019

This chapter applies the related ideas of “heterodoxy” and “paradox” to Sor Juana's personal understanding of her Catholic faith. Sor Juana pushes the boundaries of orthodoxy without necessarily crossing lines into the heretical. With her faithful dissent, Sor Juana attempts to expand the range of acceptable activity for women in the church. I argue that Sor Juana's Christian and Baroque outlook provides her the ideal context to embrace paradox as a tool that allows her to cope with heterodoxy, which she adopts as a midpoint of non‐conformity somewhere between orthodoxy and heresy. Through paradox, Sor Juana defends the ability and right to dissent while remaining within the church.
Goethe's World Literature Paradigm: From Uneasy Cosmopolitanism to Literary Modernism
Authors: Pizer John D.
Published: October 2019

This chapter discusses Goethe's “world literature” (Weltliteratur) paradigm in its historical origins in a period of uneasy cosmopolitanism in the wake of the Congress of Vienna. The world literature paradigm arose in this milieu, and can be seen as an attempt to transcend the budding, albeit often cultural and localized, nationalism after the Napoleonic Wars. Goethe's discomfort with any form of nationalism is evident in his playDes Epimenides Erwachen(Epimenides's awakening) though it was commissioned to celebrate the Alliance's victory over Napoleon. After an initially positive reception, Young Germany authors and their liberal allies, who advocated German unification, turned against Goethe's world literature paradigm, and the cosmopolitan aspect of the concept was rejected for the next century. Nevertheless, Goethe and his paradigm influenced the development of literary trends in his lifetime and beyond. This is certainly the case with modernism, and the chapter concludes with a focus on Goethe's impact on this movement.
Sample Preparation for the Analysis of Nanomaterials in Water
Authors: Wagner Stephan , Navratilova Jana , Gondikas Andreas
Published: October 2019

The analysis of engineered nanomaterials in manufacturing industries or experimental laboratories (i.e. “pristine” nanomaterials) is rather straightforward because they have been synthesized under controlled conditions, and there is ample information available about the nanomaterials and the components surrounding them. However, when these materials are released in the natural environment, they are diluted and mixed with a multitude of natural matter. This increases complexity in sample collection and handling of critical steps in the analysis of environmental samples. Due to the presence of complex matrix components in the samples, samples must be prepared accordingly before analysis to make nanomaterials accessible to the analytical method. In this chapter, we explain commonly applied sample preparation techniques including filtration, centrifugation, particle size fractionation, and chemical clean up. The selection of the sample preparation technique is largely dependent on the type of nanomaterial and the type of matrix present in the sample. Therefore, we applied of the sample preparation techniques to: nanomaterials in fresh water, in high salinity water, and in organic‐rich and particle‐rich water.
On the Relation of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate and the Macromechanical Properties of Sea Urchin Spines
Authors: Lauer Christoph , Haußmann Sebastian , Schmidt Patrick , Fischer Carolin , Rapp Doreen , Berthold Christoph , Nickel Klaus G.
Published: October 2019

Amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) plays a crucial role in the formation of biogenic carbonates. It is widely accepted that ACC and organic macromolecules alter the fracture properties of Echinoderm calcite from the well‐defined cleavage planes of the raw material to conchoidal. However, the influence of ACC on the outstanding macromechanical properties of Echinoderm calcite is unknown. To address this question, full‐grown spines of the slate pencil urchin are shortly heated to 250 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry indicates that all ACC is crystallized at this temperature. Heated spines are compared with an untreated control group and no significant differences in compressive strength, bending strength, damage tolerance, and Young's modulus are detected. This highlights the weak influence of ≈6 wt% ACC on the macromechanical properties of Echinoderm calcite, which are likely established by its intricate and damage tolerant microstructure. When heating Echinoderm calcite, organics decompose, Mg calcite transforms, water is lost, and cracks and micropores form. All these processes are analyzed to exclude their influence on the mechanical properties, and it is imperative to consider them all. Only this way meaningful results can be achieved as these processes are temperature and dwelling time dependent and may even occur below 250 °C.
Phosphonium Phenolate Zwitterion vs Phosphonium Ylide: Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity Study of a Trimethylphosphonium Phenolate Zwitterion
Authors: Xiao Jing , Li Qiang , Shen Ruwei , Shimada Shigeru , Han Li‐Biao
Published: October 2019

4‐Methoxy‐3‐(trimethylphosphonio)phenolate was obtained from a regioselective addition of PMe3 to p‐quinone monoacetal. This compound undergoes hydrogen isotope exchange with D2O or CD3CN, and is capable of catalyzing H/D exchange of CD3CN with substrates bearing weakly acidic hydrogens. It exhibits similar reactivity to phosphorus ylides for olefinations of aldehydes. A possible tautomerization between the phosphonium phenolate zwitterion and phosphonium ylide is proposed for the first time to rationalize the unique reactivity.

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Splenic mass of uncertain etiology in a 15‐year‐old male patient: a case report
Authors: Hisamura Masaki , Mitsui Daichi , Kawaguchi Yumi , Oshio Sadayuki , Asano Yoshitaka , Kameda Shinya , Nakamura Motohiro , Chida Sachiko , Suzuki Mio , Koshimizu Kenji
Published: October 2019

Background

There are few reports on spleen masses, and solitary splenic abscesses with abdominal pain have not been reported in younger age groups. We report a case of a splenic mass of uncertain etiology in a 15‐year‐old boy.

Case Presentation

A 15‐year‐old boy visited the emergency department with abdominal pain. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a thin‐walled multilobular splenic cyst. Computed tomography revealed a cystic shadow and a septate structure in the spleen. Magnetic resonance imaging examination revealed a high‐signal region on the T2‐weighted image. The neutrophil ratio in the white blood cell count of 8,330/µL was high (80%), and splenic abscess could not be ruled out. Thus, therapy with 2 g/day fosfomycin was initiated. Abdominal pain disappeared on day 3 of hospital stay, and the patient was discharged on day 8.

Conclusion

Antibiotic therapy can be effective against very acute onset splenic abscesses, although surgical treatment is usually carried out.
Synthesis of Bridged Tetrahydrobenzo[b]azepines and Derivatives through an Aza‐Piancatelli Cyclization/Michael Addition Sequence
Authors: Wang Shengdong , Guillot Régis , Carpentier Jean‐François , Sarazin Yann , Bour Christophe , Gandon Vincent , Lebœuf David
Published: October 2019

Herein, we report the preparation of bridged tetrahydrobenzo[b]azepines, which was accomplished through an aza‐Piancatelli cyclization/Michael addition sequence in a one‐pot fashion from readily available precursors. It is noteworthy that a general method to access these scaffolds was hitherto unprecedented. Additionally, the multifaceted aspects of this process have been exemplified through its application to the synthesis of 2‐azabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes and bridged tetrahydrobenzo[b]oxepines, along with post‐derivatizations.
Water‐Soluble Polymeric Carbon Nitride Colloidal Nanoparticles for Highly Selective Quasi‐Homogeneous Photocatalysis
Authors: Krivtsov Igor , Mitoraj Dariusz , Adler Christiane , Ilkaeva Marina , Sardo Mariana , Mafra Luís , Neumann Christof , Turchanin Andrey , Li Chunyu , Dietzek Benjamin , Leiter Robert , Biskupek Johannes , Kaiser Ute , Im Changbin , Kirchhoff Björn , Jacob Timo , Beranek Radim
Published: October 2019

Heptazine‐based polymeric carbon nitrides (PCN) are promising photocatalysts for light‐driven redox transformations. However, their activity is hampered by low surface area resulting in low concentration of accessible active sites. Herein, we report a bottom‐up preparation of PCN nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution (ca. 10±3 nm), which are fully soluble in water showing no gelation or precipitation over several months. They allow photocatalysis to be carried out under quasi‐homogeneous conditions. The superior performance of water‐soluble PCN, compared to conventional solid PCN, is shown in photocatalytic H2O2 production via reduction of oxygen accompanied by highly selective photooxidation of 4‐methoxybenzyl alcohol and benzyl alcohol or lignocellulose‐derived feedstock (ethanol, glycerol, glucose). The dissolved photocatalyst can be easily recovered and re‐dissolved by simple modulation of the ionic strength of the medium, without any loss of activity and selectivity.
2D Semiconducting Metal–Organic Framework Thin Films for Organic Spin Valves
Authors: Song Xiaoyu , Wang Xinyue , Li Yusen , Zheng Chengzhi , Zhang Bowen , Di Chong‐an , Li Feng , Jin Chao , Mi Wenbo , Chen Long , Hu Wenping
Published: October 2019

2D conductive metal–organic frameworks (2D c‐MOFs) feature promising applications as chemiresistive sensors, electrode materials, electrocatalysts, and electronic devices. However, exploration of the spin‐polarized transport in this emerging materials and development of the relevant spintronics have not yet been implemented. In this work, layer‐by‐layer assembly was applied to fabricate highly crystalline and oriented thin films of a 2D c‐MOF, Cu3(HHTP)2, (HHTP: 2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexahydroxytriphenylene), with tunable thicknesses on the La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) ferromagnetic electrode. The magnetoresistance (MR) of the LSMO/Cu3(HHTP)2/Co organic spin valves (OSVs) reaches up to 25 % at 10 K. The MR can be retained with good film thickness adaptability varied from 30 to 100 nm and also at high temperatures (up to 200 K). This work demonstrates the first potential applications of 2D c‐MOFs in spintronics.
Back to Basics: Laser Safety
Authors: Spruce Lisa
Published: October 2019

Surgeons use lasers for a variety of inpatient and outpatient procedures. Perioperative nurses should have a basic understanding of the physics involved in producing the beam of energy and the risks associated with laser use. Although perioperative laser safety is the responsibility of all personnel involved in a laser procedure, health care facility leaders can implement certain strategies (eg, creating a laser safety committee with a laser safety officer) to help team members mitigate risk. This Back to Basics article reviews the history of lasers and identifies safety issues that perioperative nurses may encounter during laser procedures. It also discusses ways to prevent adverse outcomes associated with laser use and provides resources for additional information. By reviewing this article, perioperative nurses and leaders should be able to identify gaps related to laser safety that may be present in their organizations.
Cytoreductive Surgery With Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy, Part I: Introduction and Indications
Authors: Dunn Debra
Published: October 2019

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is used to treat peritoneal carcinomatosis, which often is secondary to gastrointestinal and ovarian cancers. During CRS, the surgeon resects cancerous tumors from the peritoneal cavity. During HIPEC, a chemotherapy agent is introduced into a solution that flows in and out of catheters in the abdominal cavity for approximately 90 minutes. The chemoperfusate is heated to 42° C (107.6° F), which kills cancer cells but is nonthreatening to normal cells. A primary goal of combining CRS with HIPEC is to apply targeted regional chemotherapy directly to the peritoneum to destroy residual micrometastatic disease while the tumor burden is minimal and before cancer cells become entrapped by the body's wound‐healing processes. Although HIPEC usually is not curative, it can extend a patient's life expectancy three to five years. This is the first article in a two‐part discussion of CRS with HIPEC.
Influence of irradiation crosslinking on the flame‐retardant properties of polyolefin blends
Authors: Alnajrani Mohammed N. , Alosime Eid M. , Basfar Ahmed A.
Published: October 2019

In the presence of flame retardants and other additives, halogen‐free flame retardant (HFFR) shape‐memory polymers were prepared using blends of ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene propylene diene monomer, and low‐density polyethylene. The HFFR compounds were irradiated using electron beam up to an absorbed dose of 150 kGy and characterized based on their mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. Both the tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (Eb) were found to increase as the levels of irradiation increased. This contrasted fact that, generally, Eb decreases as radiation doses increases because of polymer crosslinking capability. However, both TS and Eb decreased as the flame retardant content increased. The optimum mechanical properties were 13 MPa for TS and 200–350% for Eb. The versatile glass transition temperature greatly influenced the shape‐memory impact. Nevertheless, the variable rubbery modulus had no significant influence. The limiting oxygen index was found to increase as the total flame retardant contents increased to values over the range of 30–35%. Hardness was about 92, and the retentions of TS and Eb after thermal aging at 136 °C for 168 h were between 93–112 and 75–93%, respectively. UL94 ratings of V‐0 and a volume resistivity of 3.21 × 1015 to 3.49 × 1015 Ωcm were obtained using these HFFR compounds. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48649.
Construction and Characterization of a Mirror‐Image l‐DNA i‐Motif
Authors: Sun Yawei , Yang Bo , Hua Yi , Dong Yuanchen , Ye Jianhan , Wang Jiqian , Xu Lijin , Liu Dongsheng
Published: October 2019

The first thermally stable and pH‐responsive quadruplex intercalated motif (i‐motif) structure formed by l‐DNA is presented. Although this l‐type i‐motif exhibits the same physiochemical properties as its d isomer, its inverted chirality and good enzymatic resistance potentially open the way to the development of new DNA materials of pharmaceutical and biological interest.
Primary cutaneous CD4‐positive small/medium T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder: The first‐reported Latin‐American case with response to doxycycline
Authors: Escanilla Claudio , Guavita Falla Piedad Marcela , Cevallos Carolina , Ávalos Jobet Nicolás , Bobadilla Bruneau Francisco
Published: October 2019

Primary cutaneous CD4+ small/medium T‐cell lymphoproliferative disorder is a provisional entity according to the last WHO‐EORTC classification. The treatment of choice has not yet been defined. Local therapies have been used with variable response. Doxycycline as a main treatment option is a potential low‐cost and effective alternative for this disorder.
Operando Modeling of Multicomponent Reactive Solutions in Homogeneous Catalysis: from Non‐standard Free Energies to Reaction Network Control
Authors: Kuliaev Pavel O. , Pidko Evgeny A.
Published: October 2019

Optimization and execution of chemical reactions are to a large extend based on experience and chemical intuition of a chemist. The chemical intuition is rooted in the phenomenological Le Chatelier's principle that teaches us how to shift equilibrium by manipulating the reaction conditions. To access the underlying thermodynamic parameters and their condition‐dependencies from the first principles is a challenge. Here, we present a theoretical approach to model non‐standard free energies for a complex catalytic CO2 hydrogenation system under operando conditions and identify the condition spaces where catalyst deactivation can potentially be suppressed. Investigation of the non‐standard reaction free energy dependencies allows rationalizing the experimentally observed activity patterns and provides a practical approach to optimization of the reaction paths in complex multicomponent reactive catalytic systems.
Exploring the Relationship between BODIPY Structure and Spectroscopic Properties to Design Fluorophores for Bioimaging
Authors: Donnelly Joanna L. , Offenbartl‐Stiegert Daniel , Marín‐Beloqui José M. , Rizzello Loris , Battaglia Guiseppe , Clarke Tracey M. , Howorka Stefan , Wilden Jonathan D.
Published: October 2019

Designing chromophores for biological applications requires a fundamental understanding of how the chemical structure of a chromophore influences its photophysical properties. We here describe the synthesis of a library of BODIPY dyes, exploring diversity at various positions around the BODIPY core. The results show that the nature and position of substituents have a dramatic effect on the spectroscopic properties. Substituting in a heavy atom or adjusting the size and orientation of a conjugated system provides a means of altering the spectroscopic profiles with high precision. The insight from the structure–activity relationship was applied to devise a new BODIPY dye with rationally designed photochemical properties including absorption towards the near‐infrared region. The dye also exhibited switch‐on fluorescence to enable visualisation of cells with high signal‐to‐noise ratio without washing‐out of unbound dye. The BODIPY‐based probe is non‐cytotoxic and compatible with staining procedures including cell fixation and immunofluorescence microscopy.
Formation of Active Cyclic Five‐membered Frustrated Phosphane/Borane Lewis Pairs and their Cycloaddition Reactions
Authors: Dong Shunxi , Daniliuc Constantin G. , Kehr Gerald , Erker Gerhard
Published: October 2019

The cyclic five‐membered frustrated phosphane/borane Lewis pairs11 a,bfeaturing the bulky octaethylhydrindacenyl‐ (Eind) substituent or its mono‐bromo derivative (BrEind) at phosphorus are monomeric at room temperature. The reactive frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) cleave dihydrogen. The cyclic FLP11 b(BrEind) undergoes 1,2‐P/B addition to ethylene to give the zwitterionic heteronorbornane derivative 14 b. It reacts similarly with the carbon–carbon double bond of norbornene. With a variety of organic π‐reagents, the cyclic FLP11 boften undergoes reaction sequences reminiscent of the Alder–Rickert reaction: the cycloaddition reaction is followed by rapid cycloreversion to form new five‐membered heterocyclic FLP products with extrusion of ethene. Reactions of11 bwith benzaldehyde or with acetylenes follow this reaction pattern.
Enantioselective degradation of dufulin pesticide in water: Uptake, thermodynamics, and kinetics studies
Authors: Al‐Shaalan Nora Hamad , Ali Imran , ALOthman Zeid A. , Al‐Wahaibi Lamya Hamad , Alabdulmonem Hadeel
Published: October 2019

Kudzu (Pueraria thunbergiana) plant extract impregnated sediments were used for abiotic and biotic uptakes and biodegradation. The optimized conditions were 25 μg L−1 concentration, 7 days for abiotic uptake and 56 days for biotic uptake and biodegradation, dose 2 g L−1, 7 pH, and 35°C temperature. The amount removed of dufulin was 32.6% in abiotic conditions while these were 90% in the case of biotic uptake and biodegradation. Enantioselective biodegradation indicated that S‐(+)‐enantiomer degraded faster (90%) than R‐(−)‐enantiomer (87%). The data for abiotic and biotic uptakes and biodegradation followed well Langmuir, thermodynamics, and kinetics models. All these processes followed pseudo first‐order kinetics. It was observed that biodegradation was three times responsible for dufulin removal than simple sorption uptake (abiotic and biotic). The abiotic and biotic uptakes and biodegradation were quite fast and endothermic nature. The developed method may be used to remove the racemic and enantiomeric dufulin in water.
Enhanced Catalytic Oxidation of CO on Sulfur‐Doped Boron Nitride
Authors: Liu Bingping , Lee Jin Yong , Yan Shihai
Published: October 2019

Bridging the gap between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, the single‐atom catalyst supported on a substrate shows extremely high atom efficiency, low cost, excellent stability, and high activity for CO oxidation. Here, we report the catalytic mechanism of CO oxidation on sulfur‐doped h‐BN. The chemisorption activates O2 via electron transfer from sulfur‐doped h‐BN, inducing a reduction in the bond order of O2 and lengthening the O−O distance. This variation is helpful for the subsequent oxidation of CO. The oxidation process includes O2 adsorption, electron reorganization, and two instances each of CO adsorption, oxygen transfer, and CO2 desorption. The first oxygen transfer from O2 to CO occurs exothermically by ∼−63.8 kcal/mol with a barrier of ∼12.1 kcal/mol, which is thus the rate‐determining step. The significantly enhanced catalytic performance implies that sulfur doping on h‐BN should have potential applications in the areas of metal‐free catalysts with low cost and high activity.
Laser‐Assisted Fabrication of Pseudohexagonal Phase Niobium Pentoxide Nanopillars for Lithium Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Liang Dewei , Hu Lei , Wang Lili , Liu Lingli , Liang Sheng , Yang Lei , Zhou Ningning , Liang Changhao
Published: October 2019

Herein, we report a convenient route to fabricate pseudohexagonal phase niobium pentoxide (TT‐Nb2O5) nanopillars via combination of laser ablation in liquids (LAL) and hydrothermal treatment without using any organic surfactants or stabilizers. The morphology and structure of the as‐synthesized samples are investigated through scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Such nanopillars exhibit excellent lithium storage properties, including high reversible capacity, good rate capability, and excellent cycle stability (81% capacity retention after 1000 cycles) at a rate of 5 C in the potential range of 1.0 to 3.0 V, which is higher than other previously reported Nb2O5‐based electrode. The synergistic effects from the nanopillar morphology, high electronic conductivity and stable structure promise potential applications in high‐security and high‐rate capability Li‐ion batteries.
Synthesis and Binding Properties of a Tren‐Capped Hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene
Authors: Zahim Sara , Ajami Daniela , Laurent Pascal , Valkenier Hennie , Reinaud Olivia , Luhmer Michel , Jabin Ivan
Published: October 2019

The straightforward synthesis of a new hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene‐based ligand capped by a tren subunit was developed and the binding properties of the corresponding zinc complex were explored by NMR spectroscopy. Similarly to the closely related calix[6]tren‐based systems, the homooxacalixarene core ensures the mononuclearity of the zinc complex and the metal center displays a labile coordination site for exogenous guests. However, very different host–guest properties were observed: i) in CDCl3, the zinc complex strongly binds a water molecule and is reluctant to recognize other neutral guests, ii) in CD3CN, the exo‐coordination of anions prevails. Thus, in strong contrast to the calix[6]tren‐based systems, the coordination of neutral guests that thread through the small rim and fill the polyaromatic cavity was not observed. This unique behaviour is likely due to the fact that the 18‐membered ethereal macrocycle is too small to let a molecule threading through it. This work illustrates the key role played by the second coordination sphere in the binding properties of metal complexes.
Design of a compact T‐shaped slot antenna for wireless applications
Authors: Thiripurasundari C. , Mahadevi M. , Sumathy V. , Thiruvengadam C.
Published: October 2019

In this paper, the design of a penta‐band slot radiator for the WLAN (2.26‐2.61 GHz), WiMAX (3.14‐4.49 GHz), and C band (4‐8 GHz) antenna design and fabrication process is proposed. The proposed system (antenna) has a dielectric substrate material and radiating patch (T‐shaped) with an inverted‐L slot (both left and right sides of the feed), circle slot, and comb‐shaped ground structure on the back of the substrate. The proposed dimension of the antenna is 20 × 30 mm2, and it is designed and fabricated on FR4 substrate. It can be designed to cover the frequency bands of 2.61, 3.12, 4.32, 6.54, and 7.62 GHz. It can be designed using advanced design system (ADS) and measured using vector network analyzer (VNA). The obtained simulation result of the proposed antenna is achieved with better return loss.
Throughput enhanced scheduling (TES) scheme for ultra‐dense networks
Authors: Haci Huseyin , Abdelbari Amr
Published: October 2019

This paper proposes two novel packet scheduling schemes, called as throughput enhanced scheduling (TES) and TES plus (TES+), for future ultra‐dense networks. These schemes introduce two novel parameters to the scheduling decision making and reformulate the parameters used by the state‐of‐the‐art schemes. The aim is to have a more balanced weight distribution between delay and throughput‐related parameters at scheduling decisions. Also include a new telecommunications related parameter into scheduling decision making that has not been studied by popular schedulers. The performance of novel schemes is compared with well‐known schemes—proportional fairness (PF), exponential/proportional fairness (EXP/PF), and M‐LWDF. For performance evaluation, five performance metrics—average spectral efficiency and delay, quality of service (QoS) violation ratio, jitter, and Jain's fairness index—are investigated. The simulation results show that proposed schemes can outperform all the compared scheduling schemes.
Constraining past environmental changes of cold‐water coral mounds with geochemical proxies in corals and foraminifera
Authors: Raddatz Jacek , Rüggeberg Andres
Published: October 2019

Cold‐water coral (CWC) reefs and mounds are and have been biodiversity hotspots of the deep sea. As their occurrence depends on specific environmental parameters, gaining hindsight on changing ocean conditions under on‐going climate change is the key to a better understanding of CWC mound development through time. A convenient technique for reconstructing the palaeoenvironment during periods of CWC mound growth is by extracting geochemical proxies from biologically mediated carbonates. Here, the focus is on probably the two most abundant calcareous archives, that are, cold‐water Scleractinia and Foraminifera, with an overview of the geochemical proxies (selection) used in these aragonitic and calcitic skeletons from CWC mounds. A particular emphasis is set on constraining proxies for temperature, salinity, seawater density, seawater carbonate systems parameters (pH, CO32−), nutrients, oxygen and water mass tracers.
Comparison and optimization of SAR‐PAGE tests for erythropoietins in doping analysis
Authors: Zhou Xinmiao , Zhang Lisi , He Sen , Shen Li , He Chunji
Published: October 2019

Erythropoietins (EPOs) are substances listed in S2 of the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List and are used commonly by athletes to increase endurance performance. According to the current WADA Technical Documents, sarcosyl‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SAR‐PAGE) followed by western blotting to differentiate erythropoietins based on their molecular weights is the only method that can be used for both screening and confirmation of all types of erythropoietins. The efficiency of immunopurification and protein transfer is crucial for ensuring the selectivity and sensitivity of erythropoietin detection. Several comparisons and optimization of the SAR‐PAGE tests were conducted in this study. We optimized the first blotting conditions and then compared different immunopurification methods based on their selectivity, repeatability, and sensitivity for both urine and blood analysis. Additionally, rapid procedures for both urine and blood analysis were established and compared. The two‐step procedure at 1.0 mA/cm2 for 60 min followed by 1.56 mA/cm2 for 20 min increased the blotting efficiency compared with the commonly used constant current approach. Comparison of immunopurification revealed no significant difference in selectivity and sensitivity between the different methods. For other factors, such as operation complexity, time and cost, a StemCell® purification kit followed by single blotting and magnetic beads followed by double blotting are recommended for urine screening and confirmation, respectively. While magnetic beads and a MAIIA® kit followed by double blotting are recommended for both screening and confirmation of blood samples, respectively. To ensure high sensitivity and selectivity, double blotting is recommended for a rapid procedure for both urine and blood analysis.
Small mammal responses to long‐term large‐scale woodland creation: the influence of local and landscape‐level attributes
Authors: Fuentes‐Montemayor Elisa , Ferryman Mark , Watts Kevin , Macgregor Nicholas A. , Hambly Natasha , Brennan Stephen , Coxon Ruth , Langridge Holly , Park Kirsty J.
Published: October 2019

Habitat loss and fragmentation greatly affect biological diversity. Actions to counteract their negative effects include increasing the quality, amount and connectivity of seminatural habitats at the landscape scale. However, much of the scientific evidence underpinning landscape restoration comes from studies of habitat loss and fragmentation, and it is unclear whether the ecological principles derived from habitat removal investigations are applicable to habitat creation. In addition, the relative importance of local‐ (e.g., improving habitat quality) vs. landscape‐level (e.g., increasing habitat connectivity) actions to restore species is largely unknown, partly because studying species responses over sufficiently large spatial and temporal scales is challenging. We studied small mammal responses to large‐scale woodland creation spanning 150 yr, and assessed the influence of local‐ and landscape‐level characteristics on three small mammal species of varying woodland affinity. Woodland specialists, generalists, and grassland specialists were present in woodlands across a range of ages from 10 to 160 yr, demonstrating that these species can quickly colonize newly created woodlands. However, we found evidence that woodlands become gradually better over time for some species. The responses of individual species corresponded to their habitat specificity. A grassland specialist (Microtus agrestis) was influenced only by landscape attributes; a woodland generalist (Apodemus sylvaticus) and specialist (Myodes glareolus) were primarily influenced by local habitat attributes, and partially by landscape characteristics. At the local scale, high structural heterogeneity, large amounts of deadwood, and a relatively open understory positively influenced woodland species (both generalists and specialists); livestock grazing had strong negative effects on woodland species abundance. Actions to enhance habitat quality at the patch scale focusing on these attributes would benefit these species. Woodland creation in agricultural landscapes is also likely to benefit larger mammals and birds of prey feeding on small mammals and increase ecosystem processes such as seed dispersal.