bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surrealistic conceptual framework as a system: notional and functional analysis
Authors: Gorelov Oleg
Published: November 2020

The object of this research is the conceptual framework of surrealism as a literary trend. The subject of this research is the specific surrealistic system of concepts and paradigms implemented in literary texts. The author examines such aspects of the topic, as notional tools and the logic of interaction between the concepts of surrealistic theory, possibility for surrealistic system text analysis, specificities of correlation between surrealistic system, text, and surrealistic code as the regulatory structural formation that defines the general principles and rules of functionality of surrealistic system. Special attention is given to one of the types of notions of surrealistic system — incipits, which include such categories that launch the mechanism of inosculating the contradictions, i.e. “initiate” the realization of surrealistic; such categories Desire, Dream, Imagination, Freedom, Utopia, and Unconscious. The main conclusion of conducted research consists in recognition of possibility for description of surrealistic conceptual framework as a relational system, which includes functional interaction of the three types of notions (incipits, routers, and nodes) using the fourth type of notions (mediators). Functionality of similar typological network consists in actualization of the key principles of surrealistic code and their implementation in particular literary texts. The novelty lies in the fact that the combination of concepts of surrealistic theory and feature writing is analyzed as an open, non-regulatory system, which allows carrying out stylistic analysis of the texts that contain surrealistic elements. The research intuitions are corroborated by notional and functional analysis.
Euphemisms in satirical monologues (S. T. Altov, M. N. Zadornov, L. M. Izmailov, V. M. Koklyushkin, A. A. Trushkin)
Authors: Krylova Mariia Nikolaevna
Published: November 2020

This article examines the usage of euphemisms in the language of one of the genres of humor discourse – the satirical monologue. The subject of this research is the functions fulfilled by euphemisms in the monologues of S. T. Altov, M. N. Zadornov, L. M. Izmailov, V. M. Koklyushkin, A. A. Trushkin). Euphemisms in satirical monologue have not yet been the objects of linguistic research, although the analysis of their specificity would broaden the knowledge on the functions of this linguistic means. The methods of observation, continuous sampling, description, analysis, and synthesis were applied for studying euphemisms. As a result, the author determines that in humor discourse, the euphemisms become not only the means for concealing the forbidden content, but also effective elements for creating humor. In the genre of satirical monologue, the author and the performer traditionally create a vivid image of the character, and usage of euphemisms depends on the nature of this image, first and foremost, on the level of its education and culture. Moreover, euphemisms harmonize with other means of creating humor (puns, repetitions, metaphor, metonymy, outplaying of precedent phenomena, and stylistic contrast), forming a distinct satirical space in each of the monologues. Satirists tend to uniqueness with regards to structuring euphemisms.
THE ZERO-FIELD SPLITTING AND g-FACTORS OF d2 IONS IN A TRIGONALLY DISTORTED CUBIC CRYSTAL FIELD
Authors: MA DONG-PING  , XU YI-SUN  , HU ZHI-XIONG  ,   (1)成都农机学院; (2)四川师范学院
Published: November 2020

By using the irreducible tensor operator method, two corollaries are derived from generalized Wigner-Eckart theorem and the results associated with the corollaries are obtained. For the d2 ions in a trigonally distorted cubic crystal field, we have considered both the interactions of all possible Vc and (Vt+Hs) and taken into account the coval-ent bonding and dynamical Jahn-Teller effects with reduction factors. The groundstate wave functions are obtained through successive perturbations. Then the formulas of g∥, g⊥ and D are derived.In application to vanadium corundum, results in agreement with the experiments are obtained by overall fitting of the theoretical values to the observed values of D, g∥, g⊥ and absorption spectrum.Finally, we discuss the problems involved in our model, methods, results and importance of consideration of all interactions.
STUDY OF THE CONDUCTING BEHAVIOR OF AN AMORPHOUS Li+ CONDUCTOR IN THE ISO-THERMAL TREATMENT PROCESS
Authors: YANG YUAN  , YU WEN-HAI  ,   中国科学技术大学物理系
Published: November 2020

The con ducting behavior of an amorphous Li+ conductor B2O3-0.7Li2O-0.7LiCl-0.1Al2O3 has been measured continuously and automatically by using the a.c. Volt-Ampere method in the isothermal treatment process at a certain temperature below its transition temperature. It was found that the conductivities of specimens increased at the initial stage and decreased monotonically after passing a maximum, and then two flat steps appeared. Comparing these results with that obtained by DSC and XRD analysis, we confirmed that the presence of the maximum of the conductivities is principally due to the amorphous phase separation, and the flat steps on the diagram of the conductivities are due to the amorphous crystallization. These results were discussed preliminarily in the view of the interface effects between different phases.
PRELIMINARY EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS OF THE β-PARTICLE DETECTION WITH SUPERCONDUCTING TUNNEL JUNCTION USING D. C. JOSEPHSON EFFECT
Authors: PU HUAN-SHUN  , ZHONG YUAN-YUAN  , JIANG JIAU-HUA  , ZHUANG JIE-JIA  ,   中国科学院高能物理研究所
Published: November 2020

The detection of nuclear particles with superconducting tunnel junctions using D. C. Josephson effect is expected to have the merits of good energy resolution and fast time response. It was the first time to perform such an experiment to detect Sr90-Y90 β-particles by the Nb-NbOx-Pb superconducting tunnel junctions. The results showed that, under the β-particle irradiation, not only the critical current and energy gap voltage of the superconducting tunuel junctions decreased, but also voltage pulse signals at both ends of the superconducting tunnel junction were produced. In this paper we report some phenomena observed about β-particle detection with superconducting tunnel junctions using D. C. Josephson effect.
BIFURCATION DIAGRAMS IN LIQUID CRYSTAL HYBRID OPTICAL B1STABILITY
Authors: DAI JIAN-HUA  , ZHANG HONG-JUN  , WANG PENG-YE  , JIN CHAO-DING  ,   中国科学院物理研究所
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we report the calculation results of bifurcation diagrams in liquid crystal (LC) hybrid optical bistability. The x-A and x-xB bifurcation diagrams and A-xB phase portrait are given. The symmetry of the bifurcation diagram, the sudden change and hysteresis phenomena of chaotic regions, and the effect on the structure of chaotic regions caused by LC transmitance function with two peaks are observed.
A SERIES CALCULATION FOR TRANSVERSE MODES IN AXIAL-SYMMETRIC OPTICAL PASSIVE RESONATORS
Authors: LI XIAN-SHU  , XU JIA-JING  ,   (1)广州师范学院物理系; (2)中山大学物理系
Published: November 2020

On the basis of the references [1-3], we carried out a series calculation for all order (practical) transverse modes in axial-symmetric resonators used in common lasers. The calculations covered symmetric and asymmetric, stable and unstable resonators. All of the important characteristics of 10790 transverse modes in 673 resonators with Fres-nel number ?≤ 5 (individually ?=8, 10) were obtained.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY STUDIES ON THE INTERACTION BETWEEN CREEP AND FATIGUE
Authors: KONG QING-PING  , WANG XIANG  , ZHOU HAO  , NI QUN-HUI  ,   中国科学院固体物理研究所,合肥
Published: November 2020

The mechanism of creep-fatigue interaction in a nickel base alloy (Nimonic 75 type) has been studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Experiments at 873 K and a stress amplitude 392 MPa showed that, the data of creep, fatigue and "creep combined with fatigue" obeyed approximately the linear cumulative law. Micrographs of fracture surfaces by SEM indicated that, the rupture was all intergranular. However, observations by TEM showed that, the dislocation configurations within fractured specimens were quite different among creep, fatigue and "creep combined with fatigue". We believe that different dislocation configurations have different influence on the process of intergranular rupture, and the damages due to creep and fatigue are independent with each other. Consequently, linear interaction between creep and fatigue occurs macroscopically. The present paper shows that TEM has great potentialities for revealing the mechanism of creep-fatigue interaction.
Influence of opinion dynamics on rumor propagation in complex networks
Authors: Wang Qi-Yue , Liu Run-Ran , Jia Chun-Xiao ,   Research Center for Complexity Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
Published: November 2020

In this paper, the influence of opinion dynamics on rumor propagation is studied by introducing the mechanism of stifler’s comments on rumors into the susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) model. In this model, individuals can form a group together with their direct neighbors, through which the spreader can spread rumors, and the stiflers can express opinions and refute the rumors. The mechanism of rumor refuting can not only reduce the acceptance rate of the ignorant to rumor, but also increase the transition probability of the spreader to be a stifler. In this paper, we use the Erdös-Rényi (ER) random network, scale-free network and real social network as the underlying interaction structure to study the influence of stifler’s silence probability on the rumor spreading dynamics. First of all, we find that the process of rumor propagation can be roughly divided into two stages, i.e., the early stage of free propagation of rumors and the later stage of checks and balances between the stiflers and the spreaders, respectively. Secondly, it is found that the rumor will break out with the increase of stifler’s silence probability. Under a threshold of rumor outbreak, the increase of silence probability will not lead the number of spreaders to significantly increase, but will cause more ignorance to perceive the rumor and quickly turn into spreaders, and then change into stiflers under the guidance of other stiflers. When the silence probability reaches a threshold, the stiflers will not be able to control the spread of rumors, which will lead the number of stiflers to decrease and the rumors to break out. Finally, the early stage of rumor propagation in scale-free networks is shorter than that of random network, which makes rumor more difficult to break out. Our model comprehensively considers the influence of opinion dynamics on the spreading of rumors and more realistically simulates the rumor diffusion process, which provides a useful insight for the rumor control in real-world social networks.
An adjunctive therapy administered with an antibiotic prevents enrichment of antibiotic-resistant clones of a colonizing opportunistic pathogen
Authors: Morley Valerie J , Kinnear Clare L , Sim Derek G , Olson Samantha N , Jackson Lindsey M , Hansen Elsa , Usher Grace A , Showalter Scott A , Pai Manjunath P , Woods Robert J , Read Andrew F
Published: November 2020

A key challenge in antibiotic stewardship is figuring out how to use antibiotics therapeutically without promoting the evolution of antibiotic resistance. Here, we demonstrate proof of concept for an adjunctive therapy that allows intravenous antibiotic treatment without driving the evolution and onward transmission of resistance. We repurposed the FDA-approved bile acid sequestrant cholestyramine, which we show binds the antibiotic daptomycin, as an ‘anti-antibiotic’ to disable systemically-administered daptomycin reaching the gut. We hypothesized that adjunctive cholestyramine could enable therapeutic daptomycin treatment in the bloodstream, while preventing transmissible resistance emergence in opportunistic pathogens colonizing the gastrointestinal tract. We tested this idea in a mouse model of Enterococcus faecium gastrointestinal tract colonization. In mice treated with daptomycin, adjunctive cholestyramine therapy reduced the fecal shedding of daptomycin-resistant E. faecium by up to 80-fold. These results provide proof of concept for an approach that could reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance for important hospital pathogens.
Tracking prototype and exemplar representations in the brain across learning
Authors: Bowman Caitlin R , Iwashita Takako , Zeithamova Dagmar
Published: November 2020

There is a long-standing debate about whether categories are represented by individual category members (exemplars) or by the central tendency abstracted from individual members (prototypes). Neuroimaging studies have shown neural evidence for either exemplar representations or prototype representations, but not both. Presently, we asked whether it is possible for multiple types of category representations to exist within a single task. We designed a categorization task to promote both exemplar and prototype representations and tracked their formation across learning. We found only prototype correlates during the final test. However, interim tests interspersed throughout learning showed prototype and exemplar representations across distinct brain regions that aligned with previous studies: prototypes in ventromedial prefrontal cortex and anterior hippocampus and exemplars in inferior frontal gyrus and lateral parietal cortex. These findings indicate that, under the right circumstances, individuals may form representations at multiple levels of specificity, potentially facilitating a broad range of future decisions.
Influence of Guidance and Counseling Programme on Academic Performance among Secondary School Students in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
Authors: Saleh Bashehu , Abdulrahman Aishatu , Tela Mohammed Goni , Ali Mustapha
Published: November 2020

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of guidance and counseling programme on academic performance of secondary school students in Maiduguri metropolitan council. An ex post facto and survey research design was adopted in this study. Data was collected through administration of questionnaires to the selected respondents. The collected data was then processed and analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage. The study established the following findings: Secondary schools in the study area differed in the number of guidance and counseling services that they had implemented. Teacher counselors had little training in guidance and counseling. Stakeholders adequately supported guidance and counseling programme in the schools. Students were aware of the role and importance of career counseling in their schools (89.39%). Guidance and counseling programme has a positive impact on the academic performance of students. Based on these study findings, the following recommendations were made: There is need for the teacher counselors to implement all the services required for guidance and counseling and improve the level of training of teacher counselors in guidance and counseling. Guidance and counseling programme should be strengthened in order to improve the academic performance of secondary schools in the area.
Potential Impact of Nutrition on Immune System: Prevent or Assist COVID-19 Recovery
Authors: Mishra Sudhanshu , Sharma Disha , Raghuvanshi Anshita , Rajput Aishwarya , Chaturvedi Vikash , Shanno Kumari
Published: November 2020

In human beings, infection risk and severity differ according to immune competence based on how the immune system grows, matures, and declines. Many factors affect the immune system and its competencies, including diet. A number of clinical trials are underway to determine treatment options for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by extreme acute coronavirus syndrome. Considering Covid-19, enhanced nutrition including micronutrient supplementation to improve the immune system has been recognized as a viable solution to both preventing and alleviating infection severity. Micronutrient deficiencies, especially vitamins A, B complex, C, and D including trace minerals zinc, iron, and selenium, are prevalent among vulnerable populations in general, and among COVID-19 patients in particular, and may likely increase mortality risk. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify nutritional strategies that might prevent or assist COVID-19 recovery. There is still an unmet need for covering the treatment of geriatric and pediatric patients.
Factors Responsible for Late Presentation of STEMI Patients in our Population
Authors: Shah Ghulam Fareed , Memon Shahid Hussain , Shaikh Anwar Ali , Memon Abdul Ghaffar , Kumar Jagdesh , Almas Tabassum
Published: November 2020

Objective: To determine the reasoning factors responsible for late presentation of ST elevation myocardial infarction patients at tertiary care Hospital.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study took place at cardiology department of Liaquat         University of medical and health sciences. Study duration was 6 months from June 2018 to November 2018. All the patients those were diagnosed as ST elevation myocardial infarction, reached delayed in Hospital and either of gender were included. Patients or their attendant were interviewed regarding demographic information including reasons of delayed reaching in Hospital. All the information was collected via self-made proforma. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 20.

Results: Total 64 patients were interviewed to assess the reasons of late arrival. Patients mean age was 55.90+12.88 years. Males were commonest 51(79.7%). Most of the cases 44(68.8%) were illiterate. According to the pain arising time most of the patients 84.4% reached after 24 hours. Most common reasons which were responsible for late arrival were lack of medical knowledge and late referral by local health care facilities; followed by 10.9% patients had financial issues, 12.5% due to negligence and 09.4% reached late due to unavailability of resources.

Conclusion: In these study causes of delayed arrival were lack of medical knowledge and late referral followed by financial problems, negligence and unavailability of resources.
Similar Impact of Psoriatic Arthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis on Objective and Subjective Parameters of Hand Function
Authors: Liphardt Anna‐Maria , Manger Eva , Liehr Sonja , Bieniek Lisa , Kleyer Arnd , Simon David , Tascilar Koray , Sticherling Michael , Rech Jürgen , Schett Georg , Hueber Axel J.
Published: November 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare the impact of psoriatic disease (psoriatic arthritis [PsA] and psoriasis) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on objective and subjective parameters of hand function.

Methods

Hand function was determined in this cross‐sectional study by 1) vigorimetric grip strength, 2) the Moberg Picking‐Up Test used for assessing fine‐motor skills, and 3) self‐reported hand function (Michigan Hand Questionnaire). Mixed‐effects linear regression models were used to test the relation of hand function with disease group, age, and sex.

Results

Two hundred ninety‐nine subjects were tested, 101 with RA, 92 with PsA, and 106 nonarthritic controls (51 with psoriasis and 55 healthy controls [HCs]). Regression analysis showed that hand function was influenced by age, sex, disease group, and hand dominance (P < 0.001 for all). The impact of PsA and RA on hand function was comparable and generally more pronounced in women. Both PsA and RA led to significantly enhanced age‐related loss of grip strength, fine‐motor skills, and self‐reported hand function in patients with PsA and RA compared with HCs. In addition, patients with psoriasis showed significant impairment of hand function compared with HCs.

Conclusion

RA and PsA have a comparable impact on the decline of strength, fine‐motor skills, and self‐reported function of the hand. Unexpectedly, patients with psoriasis also show impaired hand function that follows a similar pattern as observed in patients with PsA.
Electrochemically Exfoliating MoS2 into Atomically Thin Planar‐Stacking Through a Selective Lateral Reaction Pathway
Authors: Pan Xuelei , Yan Mengyu , Sun Congli , Zhao Kangning , Luo Wen , Hong Xufeng , Zhao Yunlong , Xu Lin , Mai Liqiang
Published: November 2020

The production of atomically thin transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) has been investigated through various top‐to‐down exfoliation methods, such as mechanical and chemical exfoliation, while large‐scale chemical exfoliation is sluggish and needs over ten hours to achieve atomically thin TMDs. Herein, a new strategy is reported for exfoliating bulk MoS2 into two/three‐layer flakes within tens of seconds through a mild electrochemical treatment. This exfoliation method is driven by a lateral inward oxidation reaction starting from the typical layer edge with a rapid depth penetration, whereby a stacked few‐layer (two/three layers) structure is ultimately formed. This efficient reaction process is monitored based on an individual MoS2 on‐chip device combined with in situ Raman and cross‐sectional scanning transmission electron microscopy, and the uniformity of thickness is demonstrated. This preferentially initiated method can be also extended to produce few‐layer MoSe2 and the selective extraction mechanism is assumed to be related to intrinsic layer‐dependent energy band properties. Moreover, the special reassembled few‐layer MoS2 possesses great performance as functional materials in electrocatalysis (127 mV overpotential for hydrogen evolution reaction) and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (105 enhancement factor). These results illustrate the broad prospects of the reassembled few‐layer MoS2 for optics, catalysis, and sensors.
Electroreduction of Carbon Dioxide Driven by the Intrinsic Defects in the Carbon Plane of a Single Fe–N4 Site
Authors: Ni Wenpeng , Liu Zhixiao , Zhang Yan , Ma Chao , Deng Huiqiu , Zhang Shiguo , Wang Shuangyin
Published: November 2020

Manipulating the in‐plane defects of metal–nitrogen–carbon catalysts to regulate the electroreduction reaction of CO2 (CO2RR) remains a challenging task. Here, it is demonstrated that the activity of the intrinsic carbon defects can be dramatically improved through coupling with single‐atom Fe–N4 sites. The resulting catalyst delivers a maximum CO Faradaic efficiency of 90% and a CO partial current density of 33 mA cm−2 in 0.1 m KHCO3. The remarkable enhancements are maintained in concentrated electrolyte, endowing a rechargeable Zn–CO2 battery with a high CO selectivity of 86.5% at 5 mA cm−2. Further analysis suggests that the intrinsic defect is the active sites for CO2RR, instead of the Fe–N4 center. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the Fe–N4 coupled intrinsic defect exhibits a reduced energy barrier for CO2RR and suppresses the hydrogen evolution activity. The high intrinsic activity, coupled with fast electron‐transfer capability and abundant exposed active sites, induces excellent electrocatalytic performance.
Photocatalytic Annulation‐Carbohalogenation of 1,7‐Enynes for Atom‐Economic Synthesis of Functionalized 3,4‐Dihydronaphthalen‐1(2H)‐ones
Authors: Ji Wen‐Zhe , Shi Hao‐Nan , Wei Ping , Hao Wen‐Juan , Tu Shu‐Jiang , Jiang Bo
Published: November 2020

A general and efficient photocatalytic annulation‐carbohalogenation of 1,7‐enynes with a wide variety of alkyl halides was reported, which led to the atom‐economic synthesis of functionalized 3,4‐dihydronaphthalen‐1(2H)‐ones with good yields and high stereoselectivity under the mild and oxidant‐free conditions. The reaction demonstrated remarkable compatibility regarding alkyl halides as bifunctional reagents, such as ethyl 2‐bromo‐2,2‐difluoroacetate, ethyl 2,2‐difluoro‐2‐iodoacetate, perfluorobutyl iodide, bromotrichloromethane, and diethyl 2‐bromomalonate, and enabled wide substrate scope, high functional group tolerance, and 100% atom utilization.

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A Concise Route to 2‐Sulfonylacetonitriles from Sodium Metabisulfite
Authors: Yao Yanfang , Yin Ziqing , Chen Weiyun , Xie Wenlin , He Fu‐Sheng , Wu Jie
Published: November 2020

A three‐component reaction of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborates, sodium metabisulfite, and 3‐azido‐2‐methylbut‐3‐en‐2‐ol under mild conditions is described. By using abundant and cheap sodium metabisulfite as the sulfur dioxide surrogate, this protocol features good functional group compatibility, affording 2‐arylsulfonylacetonitriles in moderate to good yields. The reaction proceeds smoothly at room temperature without the need of any catalysts or additives. Moreover, the synthetic utility of this method is demonstrated by the transformation of 2‐arylsulfonylacetonitrile into 2‐arylsulfonyl acetamide and 2‐arylsulfonylethylamine.

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Automated detection of phenological transitions for yellow flowering plants such as Brassica oilseeds
Authors: Sulik John J. , Long Dan S.
Published: November 2020

Monitoring crop phenology is crucial for making site‐specific management decisions for crop protection and nutrition. The prominent yellow bloom associated with canola (Brassica napus L.) and similar yellow‐flowering plants can provide cues about spatial differences as well as timing of crop input requirements. The objective of this study was to remotely characterize the phenological development of Brassicaceae oilseeds such as canola and carinata (B. carinata A. Braun) in terms of spectral‐temporal dynamics between vegetation density and yellow flower density. Temporal variation of spectral indices (normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI], normalized difference yellowness index [NDYI], and visible atmospherically resistant index [VARI]) were measured in small plots over the growing season in relation to changes in vegetation density and flower density in winter canola and spring carinata. Phenological change between vegetative and reproductive development could be automatically detected using the difference in the change of the sign of ΔIndex values between VARI and NDYI. An overall accuracy of 85% was obtained when testing the algorithm with Landsat 8 data of canola fields near Olds, AB, Canada. The contrasting behavior between reproductive and vegetation indices across flowering transitions was confirmed for three independent datasets across a range of genetic variation in Brassica oilseeds as well as geographic variation in soil types and management practices. A bivariate time series analysis procedure was developed for automatically estimating flowering transitions based on predictable, relative differences between vegetative and reproductive indices. Researchers and land managers can exploit optimal phenology windows to improve site‐specific models and disease risk assessments.
Robotic Devices for Minimally Invasive Endovascular Interventions: A New Dawn for Interventional Radiology
Authors: Gunduz Seyda , Albadawi Hassan , Oklu Rahmi
Published: November 2020

Minimally invasive endovascular interventions have become the cornerstone of medical practice in the treatment of a variety of vascular diseases. Tools developed for these interventions have also opened new avenues for targeted delivery of therapeutics, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, using the vessels as highways into remote lesions. A more ambitious move toward an all‐endovascular approach to acute or chronic conditions, however, is fundamentally hindered by a variety of challenges, such as the complexity of the vascular anatomy, access to smaller vessels, the fragility of diseased vessels, emergency procedure requirements, prolonged exposure to ionizing X‐ray radiation, and patient‐specific factors including coagulopathy. These shortcomings necessitate new advances to the current practice. Smart soft‐body robots that fit the smallest vessels with high‐precision wireless control and autonomous capabilities have the potential to set the future standards of minimally invasive endovascular therapies. Herein, the current state of the small‐scale robotics from the viewpoint of endovascular applications is discussed, and their potential advantages to the existing tethered clinical devices are compared. Then, technical challenges and the clinical requirements toward realistic applications of small‐scale untethered robots inside the vasculature are discussed.
Reversible Design of Dynamic Assemblies at Small Scales
Authors: Soto Fernando , Wang Jie , Deshmukh Shreya , Demirci Utkan
Published: November 2020

Emerging bottom‐up fabrication methods have enabled the assembly of synthetic colloids, microrobots, living cells, and organoids to create intricate structures with unique properties that transcend their individual components. Herein, an access point to the latest developments is provided in externally driven assembly of synthetic and biological components. In particular, reversibility is emphasized, which enables the fabrication of multiscale systems that would not be possible under traditional techniques. Magnetic, acoustic, optical, and electric fields are the most promising methods for controlling the reversible assembly of biological and synthetic subunits as they can reprogram their assembly by switching on/off the external field or shaping these fields. Capabilities are featured to dynamically actuate the assembly configuration by modulating the properties of the external stimuli, including frequency and amplitude. The design principles are designed, which enable the assembly of reconfigurable structures. Finally, the high degree of control capabilities offered by externally driven assembly will enable broad access to increasingly robust design principles toward building advanced dynamic intelligent systems is foreseen.
Mental health stigma and barriers to care in World Trade Center responders: Results from a large, population‐based health monitoring cohort
Authors: DePierro Jonathan , Lowe Sandra M. , Haugen Peter T. , Cancelmo Leo , Schaffer Jamie , Schechter Clyde B. , Dasaro Christopher R. , Todd Andrew C. , Crane Michael , Luft Benjamin J. , Moline Jacqueline M. , Harrison Denise , Udasin Iris G. , Feder Adriana , Southwick Steven M. , Pietrzak Robert H.
Published: November 2020

Background

Nearly 20 years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, multiple studies have documented the adverse mental consequences among World Trade Center (WTC) rescue, recovery, and clean‐up workers. However, scarce research has examined mental health stigma and barriers to care in WTC‐exposed individuals, and no known study has examined whether rates of endorsement may differ between police and “nontraditional” responders, the latter comprising a heterogeneous group of workers and volunteers.

Objective

To identify the prevalence and correlates of mental health stigma and barriers to care in WTC responders.

Methods

Mental health stigma and barriers to care and their correlates were examined in 6,777 police and 6,272 nontraditional WTC responders.

Results

Nontraditional responders endorsed more stigma or barriers to care concerns than police responders. Within a subsample who screened positive for a psychiatric disorder, police were more likely than nontraditional responders to endorse “concerns that negative job consequences might result” (17.9% vs. 9.1%), while nontraditional responders were more likely to endorse “I don't know where to go to find counseling services” (18.4% vs.6.6%). Within this subsample, mental health service need and more severe WTC‐related posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were associated with increased likelihood of endorsing stigma or barriers; pre‐9/11 psychiatric history and non‐Hispanic Black race/ethnicity were associated with lower likelihood of endorsing stigma or barriers.

Conclusions

Results of this study underscore the burden of mental health stigma and barriers to care in WTC responders, and highlight the need for targeted interventions to address these concerns and promote mental healthcare utilization in this population.
Assessing complexity in hominid dental evolution: Fractal analysis of great ape and human molars
Authors: Cano‐Fernández Hugo , Gómez‐Robles Aida
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Molar crenulation is defined as the accessory pattern of grooves that appears on the occlusal surface of many mammalian molars. Although frequently used in the characterization of species, this trait is often assessed qualitatively, which poses unavoidable subjective biases. The objective of this study is to quantitatively test the variability in the expression of molar crenulation in primates and its association with molar size and diet.

Methods

The variability in the expression of molar crenulation in hominids (human, chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutan) was assessed with fractal analysis using photographs of first, second and third upper and lower molars. After this, representative values for 29 primate species were used to evaluate the correlation between molar complexity, molar size, and diet using a phylogenetic generalized least squares regression.

Results

Results show that there are statistically significant differences in fractal dimensions across hominid species in all molars, with orangutan molars presenting higher values of occlusal complexity. Our results indicate that there is no significant association between molar complexity and molar size or diet.

Discussion

Our results show higher levels of occlusal complexity in orangutans, thus supporting previously published observations. Our analyses, however, do not indicate a clear association between molar complexity and molar size or diet, pointing to other factors as the major drivers of complexity. To our knowledge, our study is the first one to use fractal analysis to measure occlusal complexity in primates. Our results show that this approach is a rapid and cost‐effective way to measure molar complexity.
High‐Preservation Single‐Cell Operation through a Photo‐responsive Hydrogel‐Nanopipette System
Authors: Li Zi‐Yuan , Liu Ying‐Ya , Li Yuan‐Jie , Wang Wenhui , Song Yanyan , Zhang Junji , Tian He
Published: November 2020

Single‐cell and in situ cell‐based operation with nanopipette approach offers a possibility to elucidate the intracellular processes and may aid the improvement of therapy efficiency and precision. We present here a photo‐responsive hydrogel‐nanopipette hybrid system that can achieve single‐cell operation with high spatial/temporal resolution and negligible cell damage. This strategy overcomes long‐time obstacles in nanopipette single‐cell studies as high electric potential (ca. 1000 mV) or organic solvent is always used during operations, which would inevitably impose disturbance and damage to targeted cells. The light‐triggered system promotes a potential‐free, non‐invasive single‐cell injection, resulting in a well‐retained cell viability (90 % survival rate). Moreover, the photo‐driven injection enables a precisely dose‐controllable single‐cell drug delivery. Significantly reduced lethal doses of doxorubicin (163–217 fg cell−1) are demonstrated in corresponding cell lines.
Breaking Platinum Nanoparticles to Single‐Atomic Pt‐C4 Co‐catalysts for Enhanced Solar‐to‐Hydrogen Conversion
Authors: Yan Junqing , Ji Yujin , Batmunkh Munkhbayar , An Pengfei , Zhang Jing , Fu Yang , Jia Baohua , Li Youyong , Liu Shengzhong , Ye Jinhua , Ma Tianyi
Published: November 2020

Effective transfer and utilization of the photogenerated electrons are a key factor for achieving highly efficient H2 generation by photocatalytic water splitting. Apart from the activity of the co‐catalyst, the interface between the co‐catalyst and semiconductor is of particular importance. Guided by DFT calculations, single‐atom (SA) Pt doped carbon nitride (CN) is successfully synthesized for use as the co‐catalyst to the semiconducting CuS. The catalyst system (Pt1‐CN@CuS) exhibits an enhanced photocatalytic performance for water splitting with a H2 production rate of 25.4 μmol h−1 and an apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 50.3 % under the illumination of LED‐530. Solar‐to‐hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency is calculated to be 0.5 % under AM 1.5 illumination. This is the very first investigation of SA as the co‐catalyst, which decreases the overpotential of CN during the water splitting and lowers interfacial resistance of the catalyst/co‐catalyst and co‐catalyst/electrolyte.
Effective catalytic approach of NiTiO3 photosonocatalyst for the synthesis of indazolo[3,2‐b]quinazoline and its photophysical property
Authors: Devi Priya Duraipandi , Mohana Roopan Selvaraj
Published: November 2020

A novel, flexible and strong technique for the synthesis of indazolo[3,2‐b]quinazoline motifs using NiTiO3 as a mild catalyst was reported. The reaction was effectively created utilizing 3,4‐dihydronaphthalen‐1(2H)‐one (1a), benzaldehyde (2a) and 1H‐indazol‐3‐amine (3a) by visible light/ultrasonic medium. Moreover, a proposed reaction pathway included Claisen–Schmidt condensation; Michael reaction with the nucleophilic endocyclic processes and oxidation for three‐component domino convention is also examined. The synthesized compounds were fluorescent in nature and have high fluorescence quantum yields.
Marea/Northern Hawwariya in northern Egypt: Integrated results of non‐invasive and excavation works
Authors: Derda Tomasz , Gwiazda Mariusz , Misiewicz Krzysztof , Małkowski Wiesław
Published: November 2020

Marea/Northern Hawwariya is one of the largest and most important archaeological sites dating between the 3rd century BC and the 8th century AD located at Lake Mareotis in northern Egypt. Even though excavations have been carried out since the end of the 1970s, the settlement is still largely unexplored. To rectify this situation, non‐invasive research has been carried out on 21.5 ha of the site using a precise positioning system and magnetometer measurements. Exact topographic and magnetic maps were prepared based on the data that were obtained. Simultaneously, verification research were carried out, including archaeological excavations, registering surface findings and satellite image analysis. In the south‐eastern part of the site, electrical resistivity measurements were taken as well. This approach allowed for the identification of the densely built areas of the Byzantine and Early Islamic town. On the south‐western side, some magnetic anomalies were registered, following regular patterns with clear linear borders and surrounded by wetlands without clear signs of habitation. On the northern side, the settlement was limited by an artificial coastline, forming straight waterfronts made of stone blocks. As for the town itself, a 260‐m street with adjacent regular built‐up areas was discovered. This regularity points to an order of planning, at least for the Byzantine part of the settlement. Recording of large amplitude magnetic anomalies proves the presence of heavily burnt objects. They may be interpreted as remains of kilns, perhaps used to manufacture amphorae, glass vessels and lime. Electrical resistivity measurements in the south‐eastern part of the site localized cavities in the natural limestone rock uplift. These may have been rock‐cut tombs. Multidisciplinary, non‐invasive research in Marea/Northern Hawwariya allowed for the quick generation of new knowledge on the topography of the site, significantly enriching information on its form and the functions of its various parts.
Development of a microbe domestication pod (MD Pod) for in situ cultivation of micro‐encapsulated marine bacteria
Authors: Alkayyali Tartela , Pope Emily , Wheatley Sydney K. , Cartmell Christopher , Haltli Bradley , Kerr Russell G. , Ahmadi Ali
Published: November 2020

Microbial marine natural products hold significant potential for the discovery of new bioactive therapeutics such as antibiotics. Unfortunately, this discovery is hindered by the inability to culture the majority of microbes using traditional laboratory approaches. While many new methods have been developed to increase cultivability, a high‐throughput in situ incubation chamber capable of simultaneously isolating individual microbes while allowing cellular communication has not previously been reported. Development of such a device would expedite the discovery of new microbial taxa and, thus, facilitate access to their associated natural products. In this study, this concept is achieved by the development of a new device termed by the authors as the microbe domestication (MD) Pod. The MD Pod enables single‐cell cultivation by isolating marine bacterial cells in agarose microbeads produced using microfluidics, while allowing potential transmission of chemical signals between cells during in situ incubation in a chamber, or “Pod,” that is deployed in the environment. The design of the MD Pod was optimized to ensure the use of biocompatible materials, allow for simple assembly in a field setting, and maintain sterility throughout incubation. The encapsulation process was designed to ensure that the viability of marine sediment bacteria was not adversely impacted by the encapsulation process. The process was validated using representative bacteria isolated from temperate marine sediment samples: Marinomonas polaris, Psychrobacter aquimaris, and Bacillus licheniformis. The overall process appeared to promote metabolic activity of most representative species. Thus, microfluidic encapsulation of marine bacteria and subsequent in situ incubation in the MD Pod is expected to accelerate marine natural products discovery by increasing the cultivability of marine bacteria.
Questioning coverage values determined by 2D western blots: A critical study on the characterization of anti‐HCP ELISA reagents
Authors: Seisenberger Christina , Graf Tobias , Haindl Markus , Wegele Harald , Wiedmann Michael , Wohlrab Stefanie
Published: November 2020

Host cell proteins (HCPs) constitute a major class of process‐related impurities, whose substantial clearance must be demonstrated by suitable analytical methods to warrant product quality and reduce potential safety risks for patients. In this regard, enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), which primarily rely on the quality of the HCP reference standard (immunogen) and HCP‐specific polyclonal antibodies, are considered the gold standard for HCP monitoring. For the qualification of the employed antibodies, two‐dimensional (2D) western blots (2D‐WBs) are the preferred technique to determine the coverage, though a number of practical constraints are well recognized. By using several orthogonal approaches, such as affinity‐based mass spectrometry and indirect ELISA, the present study revealed potential detection gaps (i.e., noncovered HCPs) of conventional 2D‐WBs, which can be primarily attributed to two different root causes: (i) low amounts of proteins or antibodies being unable to overcome the detection limit and (ii) western blot artifacts due to the loss of conformational epitopes through protein denaturation hindering HCP‐antibody recognition. In contrast, the lack of specific antibodies against certain (particularly, low molecular weight) HCPs, as proposed in previous studies, seems to play only a minor role. Together, these findings imply that CHO‐HCP ELISA antibodies are better than qualification studies by 2D‐WBs indicate.
Separation of nasopharyngeal epithelial cells from carcinoma cells on 3D scaffold platforms
Authors: Zhang W. G. , Liu Z. Y. , Pang S. W.
Published: November 2020

Scaffold microstructures were developed to mimic a three‐dimensional extracellular matrix in studying cell migration and invasion. The multiple‐layer scaffold platforms were designed to investigate cell migration and separation from top to bottom layer. Two cell lines including immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelial (NP460) cells and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC43) cells with Epstein–Barr virus were compared in this study. On one‐layer platforms with trench depth of 15 µm, both NP460 and NPC43 cells were guided to migrate along the 18‐µm‐wide trenches, and exhibited random migration directions when the trench width was 10 or 50 µm. Nearly no cell was found to migrate in the 10‐µm‐wide trenches on one‐layer platforms. However, the NP460 and NPC43 cells showed very different probability in the narrow trenches on two‐layer platforms, making it possible to separate the nasopharyngeal epithelial cells from the carcinoma cells. Moreover, 1‐µm deep grating topography on the top layer inhibited NP460 cells to migrate from top ridges to the 10‐µm‐wide trenches, but promoted such behavior for NPC43 cells. The results demonstrated in This study suggest that the engineered multiple‐layer scaffold platforms could be used to separate carcinoma cells in NPC tumor as a potential treatment of NPC.
What is necessary for next‐generation atmospheric environmental standards? Recent research trends for PM2.5‐bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives
Authors: Toriba Akira , Hayakawa Kazuichi
Published: November 2020

The air pollution associated with PM2.5 kills 7 million people every year in the world, especially threatening the health of children in developing countries. However, the current air quality standards depend mainly on particle size. PM2.5 contains many carcinogenic/mutagenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives such as nitropolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and oxygenated PAHs. Among them, environmental standards and guidelines have been set for benzo[a]pyrene by few countries and international organizations. Recent research reports showed that these pollutants are linked to diseases other than lungs, and new methods have been developed for determining trace levels of not only PAHs but also their derivatives. It is time to think about the next‐generation environmental standards. This article aims to (a) describe recent studies on the health effects of PAHs and their derivatives other than cancer, (b) describe new analytical methods for PAH derivatives, and (c) discuss the targets for the next‐generation standards.
Doxorubicin‐loaded nanoparticle coated with endothelial cells‐derived exosomes for immunogenic chemotherapy of glioblastoma
Authors: Zhang Chao , Song Jian , Lou Lei , Qi Xuejiao , Zhao Lei , Fan Bo , Sun Guozhu , Lv Zhongqiang , Fan Zhenzeng , Jiao Baohua , Yang Jiankai
Published: November 2020

Treatments of glioblastoma (GBM) have not been very effective, largely due to the inefficiency of drugs in penetrating the blood brain barrier (BBB). In this study, we investigated the potential of exosome‐coated doxorubicin (DOX)‐loaded nanoparticles (ENPDOX) in BBB penetration, inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD) and promoting survival of GBM‐bearing mice. DOX‐loaded nanoparticles (NPDOX) were coated with exosomes prepared from mouse brain endothelial bEnd.3 cells. ENPDOX cellular uptake was examined. Penetration of ENPDOX through the BBB was tested in an in vitro transwell system and a GBM mouse model. The effects of ENPDOX in inducing apoptosis and ICD were assessed. Finally, the efficacy of ENPDOX in the treatment of GBM‐bearing mice was assessed. ENPDOX was taken up by bEnd.3 cells and could penetrate the BBB both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, ENDDOX induced apoptosis and ICD of glioma GL261 cells. Systemic administration of ENPDOX resulted in maturation of dendritic cells, activation of cytotoxic cells, altered production of cytokines, suppressed proliferation and increased apoptosis of GBM cells in vivo and prolonged survival of GBM‐bearing mice. Our findings indicate that ENPDOX may be a potent therapeutic strategy for GBM which warrants further investigation in clinical application.