bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraction and Characterization of Microfibrillated Cellulose from Discarded Cotton Fibers through Catalyst Preloaded Fenton Oxidation
Authors: Xu Xianmeng , Lu Ning , Wang Shunmin , Huang Mengqi , Qu Shenglong , Xuan Feng
Published: July 2021

With rapid developments in science and technology, mankind is faced with the dual severe challenges of obtaining needed resources and protecting the environment. The need for sustainable development strategies has become a global consensus. As the most abundant biological resource on Earth, cellulose is an inexhaustible, natural, and renewable polymer. Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) offers the advantages of abundant raw materials, high strength, and good degradability. Simultaneously, MFC prepared from natural materials has high practical significance due to its potential application in nanocomposites. In this study, we reported the preparation of MFCs from discarded cotton with short fibers by a combination of Fe2+ catalyst‐preloading Fenton oxidation and a high‐pressure homogenization cycle method. Lignin was removed from the discarded cotton with an acetic acid and sodium chlorite mixed solution. Then, the cotton was treated with NaOH solution to obtain cotton cellulose and oxidized using Fenton oxidation to obtain Fenton‐oxidized cotton cellulose. The carboxylic acid content of the oxidized cotton cellulose was 126.87 μmol/g, and the zeta potential was −43.42 mV. Then, the Fenton‐oxidized cotton cellulose was treated in a high‐speed blender under a high‐pressure homogenization cycle to obtain the MFC with a yield of 91.58%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that cotton cellulose was effectively oxidized by Fe2+ catalyst‐preloading Fenton oxidation. The diameter of the MFC ranged from several nanometers to a few micrometers as determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the crystallinity index (CrI) of the MFC was 83.52% according to X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and the thermal stability of the MFC was slightly reduced compared to cotton cellulose, as seen through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The use of catalyst‐preloading Fenton oxidation technology, based on the principles of microreactors, along with high‐pressure homogenization, was a promising technique to prepare MFCs from discarded cotton.
Optical Solutions of the Date–Jimbo–Kashiwara–Miwa Equation via the Extended Direct Algebraic Method
Authors: Akram Ghazala , Sajid Naila , Abbas Muhammad , Hamed Y. S. , M. Abualnaja Khadijah
Published: July 2021

In this study, the solutions of

2
+
1

-dimensional nonlinear Date–Jimbo–Kashiwara–Miwa (DJKM) equation are characterized, which can be used in mathematical physics to model water waves with low surface tension and long wavelengths. The integration scheme, namely, the extended direct algebraic method, is used to extract complex trigonometric, rational and hyperbolic functions. The complex-valued solutions represent traveling waves in different structures, such as bell-, V-, and W-shaped multiwaves. The results obtained in this article are novel and more general than those contained in the literature (Wang et al., 2014, Yuan et al., 2017, Pu and Hu 2019, Singh and Gupta 2018). Furthermore, the mechanical features and dynamical characteristics of the obtained solutions are demonstrated by three-dimensional graphics.
A Modified Techniques of Fractional-Order Cauchy-Reaction Diffusion Equation via Shehu Transform
Authors: Areshi Mounirah , Zidan A. M. , Shah Rasool , Nonlaopon Kamsing
Published: July 2021

In this article, the iterative transformation method and homotopy perturbation transformation method are applied to calculate the solution of time-fractional Cauchy-reaction diffusion equations. In this technique, Shehu transformation is combined of the iteration and the homotopy perturbation techniques. Four examples are examined to show validation and the efficacy of the present methods. The approximate solutions achieved by the suggested methods indicate that the approach is easy to apply to the given problems. Moreover, the solution in series form has the desire rate of convergence and provides closed-form solutions. It is noted that the procedure can be modified in other directions of fractional order problems. These solutions show that the current technique is very straightforward and helpful to perform in applied sciences.
Synthesis of Zearalenone Immunogen and Comparative Analysis of Antibody Characteristics
Authors: Wang Yanan , Wang Xiaofei , Zhang Haitang , Jiang Jinqing , Fotina Hanna
Published: July 2021

Background. This study aimed to explore the zearalenone (ZEN) immunogen synthesis method, immunogenicity, and antibody characteristics and to lay a foundation for the establishment of immunoassay methods for ZEN single residue and ZEN and its analogs total residue. Methods. Based on the molecular structure and active sites of ZEN, oxime active ester (OAE), condensation mixed anhydride (CMA), formaldehyde (FA), and 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether method (BDE) were designed and used for immunogen (ZEN-BSA) synthesis. The immunogens were identified by infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) spectra and gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and were then used to immunize Balb/c mice to prepare ZEN polyclonal antibody (ZEN pAb). The titers and sensitivity of the ZEN pAb were determined by indirect noncompetitive ELISA (inELISA) and indirect competitive ELISA (icELISA), respectively, and its specificity was assessed by the cross-reaction test (CR). Results. ZEN-BSA was successfully synthesized, and the molecular binding ratios of ZEN to BSA were 17.2 : 1 (OAE), 14.6 : 1 (CMA), 9.7 : 1 (FA), and 8.3 : 1 (BDE), respectively. The highest inELISA titers of ZEN pAb of each group were 1 : (6.4 × 103) (OAE), 1 : (3.2 × 103) (CMA), 1 : (1.6 × 103) (FA), and 1 : (1.6 × 103) (BDE), respectively. The 50% inhibition concentrations (IC50) for ZEN by icELISA of each group were 11.67 μg/L (OAE), 16.29 μg/L (CMA), 20.92 μg/L (FA) and 24.36 μg/L (BDE), respectively. ZEN pAb from the mice immunized with ZEN-BSA (OAE) and ZEN-BSA (CMA) had class broad specificity to ZEN and its analogs. The CRs of ZEN pAb with α-ZAL, β-ZAL, α-ZOL, β-ZOL, and ZON were 36.53%, 16.98%, 64.33%, 20.16%, and 10.66%, respectively. ZEN pAb from the mice immunized with ZEN-BSA (FA) and ZEN-BSA (BDE) had high specificity for ZEN. The CRs of ZEN pAb with its analogs were all less than 1.0%. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that the preparation of the class broad-specificity antibodies of ZEN and its analogs can be achieved by immunizing animals with the immunogen ZEN-BSA prepared by the OAE method, while the preparation of highly specific antibodies can be achieved by immunizing animals with the immunogen ZEN-BSA prepared by the FA method. These findings lay the material and technical foundation for immunoassay of ZEN single residue and ZEN and its analogs total residue.
m6A-Related lncRNA to Develop Prognostic Signature and Predict the Immune Landscape in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Li Zuwei , Li Yuwu , Zhong Weizhang , Huang Peiyuan
Published: July 2021

Abnormal m6A methylation plays a significant role in cancer progression. Increasingly, researchers have focused on developing lncRNA signatures to evaluate the prognosis of cancer patients. The specific function of m6A-related lncRNAs in the prognosis of bladder cancer patients and the immune microenvironment of bladder cancer remains elusive. Herein, we performed a comprehensive analysis of m6A-related lncRNA prognostic values and their association with the immune microenvironment in bladder cancer using the TCGA dataset. A total of 9 m6A-related lncRNAs were dramatically correlated with overall survival outcomes in bladder cancer. Two molecular subtypes (cluster 1 and cluster 2) were identified by consensus clustering for 9 m6A-related prognostic lncRNAs. Cluster 1 was significantly correlated with poor prognosis, advanced clinical stage, higher PD-L1 expression, a higher ESTIMATEScore and immuneScore, and distinct immune cell infiltration. GSEA revealed the enrichment of apoptosis and the JAK-STAT signaling pathway in cluster 2. A prognostic risk score was constructed using 9 m6A-related prognostic lncRNAs, which functioned as an independent prognostic factor for bladder cancer. Moreover, bladder cancer patients in the low-risk score group had a higher pN stage, pT stage, and clinical stage and a lower tumor grade and immuneScore. The risk score was correlated with the infiltration levels of certain immune cells, including B cells, plasma cells, follicular helper T cells, regulatory T cells, resting NK cells, neutrophils, M0 macrophages, M1 macrophages, and M2 macrophages. Collectively, our study elucidated the important role of m6A-related lncRNAs in the prognosis of bladder cancer patients and in the bladder cancer immune microenvironment. The results suggest that the components of the m6A-related prognostic lncRNA signature might serve as a crucial mediator of the immune microenvironment in bladder cancer, representing promising therapeutic targets for improving immunotherapeutic efficacy.
Research on Spectroscopy Modulation of a Distributed Feedback Laser Diode Based on the TDLAS Technique
Authors: Li Bin , Xue Liang , Ji Nan , Wei Da Hui
Published: July 2021

Laser current and temperature control circuits have been developed for a distributed feedback laser diode, which is applied as the light source of a tuneable diode laser absorption spectroscopy system. The laser’s temperature fluctuation can be limited within the range of −0.02 to 0.02°C, and good operation stability was observed through 15 hours of monitoring on the emitting wavelength of the laser. Response time of temperature modulation was tested which is suitable for the tuning requirements of gas detection systems. Laser current can be injected within the range from 40 to 80 mA. In addition, a linear power supply circuit has been developed to provide stable and low-noise power supply for the system. The physical principles of laser modulation theory are discussed before experiments. Experiments show that the output wavelength of the laser can be tuned accurately through changing the working current and temperature. The wavelength can be linearly controlled by temperature at 0.115 nm/°C (I = 70 mA) and be controlled by current at 0.0140 nm/mA (T = 25°C). This is essential for the tuneable diode laser absorption spectroscopy systems. The proposed cost-effective circuits can replace commercial instruments to drive the laser to meet the requirements of methane detection experiments. It can also be applied to detect other gases by changing the light source lasers and parameters of the circuits.
Maintenance Optimization of a 2-Component Swappable Series System Using the Delay-Time Concept
Authors: wang Liying , Zhang Wenhua
Published: July 2021

In the 2-component swappable series system, the two components undertake tasks with different loads and degrade at different speeds. To prolong the lifetime of the series system, these two components are swapped in the operating process of the system in practice. This is common in the maintenance of duplexing steelmaking systems, tires of vehicles, and steel rails in curves. The failure process of each component in the system is modeled based on a two-stage delay-time concept and divided into two stages: normal and defective. Inspections are carried out periodically on the system. Two components may be swapped once at an inspection time that the two components are both in the normal stage. Due to the increase or decrease of loads, normal and defective time distributions after the swap are assumed to be different from those prior to the swap. The system is subjected to failure, inspection, and age-based renewals. The number of inspections over the maximum usage time of the system and the swap time are optimized jointly by minimizing the expected cost per unit time in a long run. A numerical example is presented to demonstrate the model.
O azul na história da moda
Authors: Bariani Ana Júlia Neres , Taguchi Anna Gabriela Seiko Ferraz , Alves Beatriz Nogueira , Silva Leandro Arcanjo Ferreira da , Santos Thaís Malta dos
Published: July 2021

Pesquisas indicam que o azul é a cor preferida de mais da metade da população ocidental. Porém, existem poucas pesquisas acerca dessa cor na indumentária dos países do ocidente. Nesse sentido, esse artigo tem como objetivo investigar o uso da cor azul na indumentária dos diferentes períodos históricos com foco nas sociedades ocidentais. Começa-se pela Antiguidade, com o lápis-lazúli, azul egípcio e índigo. Já na Idade Média, essa coloração adquiriu um significado religioso, fazendo-se presente em imagens do manto da Virgem Maria e em membros da nobreza de diversas nações. Porém, na Idade Moderna o azul ganhou diversos significados e tonalidades, passando pelos principais períodos: Renascimento, Barroco e Rococó. Já na Idade Contemporânea, com a invenção e popularização dos corantes sintéticos, essa cor pôde ser aplicada de formas completamente novas. Esse artigo também estuda os dogmas que associam o azul aos meninos, e a origem dessas ideias no período da Segunda Guerra Mundial. Essa análise do azul exige o emprego de fontes visuais que somente podem ser visualizadas no meio digital, (fato que implica em incertezas sobre o tom demonstrado na imagem, pois cada aparelho tecnológico utilizado pode exibir diferentes variantes do pigmento). Mas mesmo assim o estudo constrói um conhecimento singular e específico, que, ao trazer um novo foco de pesquisa, contribui de forma positiva para uma nova compreensão da história.
Ciência e tecnologia na agricultura: a descrição da rede do fogão solar na Comunidade de Areias, Uiraúna-Pb
Authors: Souza Rafael Dalyson dos Santos
Published: July 2021

O presente estudo busca descrever a controvérsia do Fogão Solar que se deu na Comunidade Agrícola de Areais no município de Uiraúna-PB a partir da pesquisa etnográfica realizada nesta, articulando-a com a literatura de laboratório dos cientistas alemães. Para tal, influenciado pela Antropologia das Ciências e da Modernidade e pela História das Ciências, busca mapear as posições dos atores (suas relações, interesses e enfrentamentos), numa abordagem que predispõe a leitura das “naturezas-culturas” também no chamado “mundo moderno”. A partir desta perspectiva, propõe-se a contribuir com uma área específica, a Antropologia da História, como um campo que busca mapear as fronteiras entre ambas e transpassá-las, através da interpretação das relações estabelecidas em torno de uma tecnologia que é em si ator, sem as dicotomias entre “sociedade” e “natureza”, “cultura” e “ciência”.
O poder do matrimônio no Medievo: repercussões sobre controle do homem, da mulher e a sociedade de títulos
Authors: Oliveira Ana Clara Cordeiro de
Published: July 2021

O poder na Idade Média permite um campo de pesquisa muito além dos agentes Estado e Igreja, pois ao alargar o horizonte conceitual é percebido uma alta complexidade que não deveria ser compreendida a partir de visões simplistas. Com isso, a ideia do artigo é trazer a temática do poder dentro dessa perspectiva, sendo escolhido o matrimonio como exemplo, já que o mesmo teve um forte papel de controle social, tendo o domínio- pelo menos de acordo com fontes religiosas- as condutas tanto dos homens quanto das mulheres; tocando na questão da sexualidade humana, de forma que à regulasse e julgasse; assim como também teve o papel de dar sustento ao sistema aristocrático medieval, pois alimentava os princípios de hereditariedade, das linhagens e dos títulos sociais. Portanto, elementos essenciais para a estruturação da Idade Média- incluindo a Igreja e o Estado- que se enraizaram tão fortemente no mundo ocidental, repercutindo até tempos atuais e em países como o próprio Brasil.
A fundação da Universidade de Toulouse: as relações entre o papado e as forças locais toulouseanas no século XIII (1209 – 1229)
Authors: Moreira Cassia Luana de Freitas
Published: July 2021

Esse artigo objetiva esclarecer a performasse de forças e interesses que culminou na formação da Universidade de Toulouse, no sul da Frances, entre os anos de 1209 a 1229 período em que se deu a Cruzada Albigense. haja vista o contexto instável em que se deu tal formação, qualificado por conflagrações políticas entre os agentes do Papado, a monarquia Francesa e as forças locais da região do Languedoc. A metodologia utilizada pauta-se na análise do discurso Foucaultiana, destacando a contribuição de Foucault (1970) no que diz respeito à articulação no discurso entre saber e poder, somando a percepção do autor em como se provoca resultados repressivos, mas sim constituidores de verdade. Esta pesquisa aponta que o condado de Toulouse é marcado por conflitos internos e externos, que foi  intensificado após a enorme adesão daquela região, incluindo a nobreza, a heresia Cátara, conflito este que alcançou seu nível mais alto na cruzada realizada para erradica a heresia, o fim do conflito armado se dá graças a assinatura do tratado de Paris de 1229, onde a Universidade aparece como uma das cláusulas que  condiciona a capitulação daquele conflito. Constatasse que a Universidade foi fundada estrategicamente em Toulouse como parte de uma política anti-herética coordenada pelo papado no Languedoc, visto que há evidencias que mesmo após o termino da cruzada ainda existiam casos de heresia naquela região, a Universidade servirá de base ortodoxia sob a tutela do Papa.
O valido de Beltrán de la Cueva e as ligas nobiliárias no reinado de Enrique IV (1454-1474)
Authors: Rosa Junior André Luis Ferreira da
Published: July 2021

Este artigo pretende apresentar como Beltrán de la Cueva, valido de Enrique IV na corte de Castela no século XV, foi peça fundamental de um cenário político de crise, em que os grupos nobiliárquicos que se insurgiam contra o monarca, declaravam defender a coroa do próprio rei. Portanto, uma interpretação que difere da ideia normalmente difundida pela historiografia que entende que esses levantamentos aristocráticos pretendiam o enfraquecimento da monarquia, ou seja, que seriam contra a centralização do poder régio. No caso que apresentaremos fica evidente que a centralidade (não a centralização) do rei era importante para a nobreza, ainda que o seu poder fosse disputado por diversos grupos: uma centralidade que somente se mantinha com base em lógicas de pluralidade política. Por meio de comparações entre as crônicas escritas no período, uma favorável e outra contrária ao rei, além da leitura e análise de obras historiográficas sobre o tema, pode-se observar como as funções que o valido exercia na corte ameaçaram grupos de interesses aristocráticos, como também a reação dos afetados. O artigo procura traçar a política castelhana desde a chegada de Beltrán de la Cueva à corte, até o fim do reinado de Enrique IV, refletindo sobre as disputas da nobreza em torno do poder régio, e as estratégias adotadas para preservá-lo que levaram a uma mudança na linha sucessória do trono.
Species diversity and abundance patterns of epiphytic orchids in Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kerala, India
Authors: Sebastian Jis , Kathiresan Durairaj , Kuriakose Giby
Published: July 2021

Species diversity and abundance patterns of epiphytic orchids were studied in Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary, in the Western Ghats of northern Kerala. Habitats sampled were wet evergreen (EVEG), montane wet evergreen (MEVG), moist deciduous (MDEC), and semi evergreen (SEVG), on a gradient of altitude from 60 to 1,589 m. Selective tree scanning on linear line transects was deployed (n= 40) across spatial units. A total of 39 orchid species were recorded. Rarefied species richness was maximum in the EVEG (20) habitat. Best suited rank abundance models were analysed for epiphytic orchids in each habitat and checked for significant differences. Bootstrap and Jackknife-1 estimators and species accumulation curves suggested higher species richness than observed, therefore more effort in sampling was needed in order to record all epiphytic orchids of the area. The difference in species richness between habitat types was not statistically significant (ANOVA). 38% of recorded epiphytic orchid species were endemic.
Notes on lectotypification of the Assam Ironwood Mesua assamica (King & Prain) Kosterm. (Calophyllaceae)
Authors: Baruah Prantik Sharma , Borthakur Sachin Kumar , Tanti Bhaben
Published: July 2021

Mesua assamica (King & Prain) Kosterm. (Calophyllaceae) was described in 1901 as Kayea assamica by King and Prain on the basis of specimens collected from the erstwhile Dibrugarh district of Assam, India. Later in 1969, the taxon was transferred from the genus Kayea to Mesua by Kostermans. As no holotype was designated by the authors either while describing the taxa or even while merging it with Mesua, a lectotype is designated here.
First record of the hoverfly genus Spilomyia Meigen (Diptera: Syrphidae) for Pakistan
Authors: Hassan Muhammad Asghar , Bodlah Imran , Hussain Riaz , Karam Azan , Fazlullah  , Ahmad Azaz
Published: July 2021

The genus Spilomyia Meigen, 1803 along with Spilomyia manicata (Rondani, 1865) are recorded for the first time from Swat valley, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. The diagnostic characters with photographs and distribution map of this rarely known species from Pakistan and its neighboring countries are provided.
Occurrence of vivipary in Ophiorrhiza rugosa Wall. (Rubiaceae)
Authors: Bhuyan Birina , Baruah Sanjib
Published: July 2021

Vivipary is a rare reproductive strategy, has been reported less than 0.1% of angiosperms. The present observation confirms the incidence of true vivipary in medicinally important species Ophiorhiza rugosa Wall. (Rubiaceae) from hill station of Karbi Anglong district of Assam.
Total length and head length relationship in Mugger Crocodiles Crocodylus palustris (Reptilia: Crocodilia: Crocodylidae) in Iran
Authors: Mobaraki Asghar , Abtin Elham , Erfani Malihe , Stevenson Colin
Published: July 2021

This study quantifies the morphometric relationship between total length (TL) and head length (HL) for a sample of 53 Mugger crocodiles (43–280 cm TL) in Iran. Across the size range of crocodiles sampled, the relationship was best described by a linear regression (TL= 15.52 + 6.283HL). The average TL/HL ratio was 7.034, which is similar to that reported for other crocodilian species and confirms its usefulness for estimating TL based on HL during population surveys.
Utilisation of honey trap method to ensnare a dispersing sub-adult Bengal Tiger Panthera tigris tigris L. in a human dominated landscape
Authors: Bhardwaj Gobind Sagar , Kari Balaji , Mathur Arvind
Published: July 2021

The need to conserve the tiger, an endangered species and avoid interactions with humans is among the main objectives of forest management of tiger reserves in India. The objective of the study is show that male tigers can be trapped by pheromones in urine and feces of tigress for subsequent translocation. A sub-adult male tiger strayed out of Sariska Tiger Reserve into the human dominated areas to look for territory. Attempts to tranquilize the tiger failed due to dense vegetation. Then the urine and feces of a captive tigress was used to trail the tiger, capture him, and release him into his natal area thereby avoiding incidents with humans. Tracking data indicated that the tiger had settled in the northern area part of Sariska and subsequently sired seven cubs with two tigresses.
On the rediscovery of a rare root parasite Gleadovia ruborum Gamble & Prain (Orobanchaceae) from Uttarakhand, western Himalaya, India
Authors: Kumar Amit , Page Navendu , Adhikari Bhupendra S. , Nair Manoj V. , Rawat Gopal S.
Published: July 2021

Gleadovia ruborum Gamble & Prain (Orobanchaceae), a rare root parasite is recorded after a gap of 57 years from a new locality in Uttarakhand, western Himalaya.  A total of four individuals were located in a shady moist forest of Abies pindrow-Quercus floribunda at Surkanda hill near Mussoorie.  All the individual plants were growing on the roots of Rubus pedunculosus D. Don.  The current communication provides an updated description, habitat characteristics and host species of Gleadovia ruborum.
First photographic record of Mishmi Takin Budorcus taxicolor taxicolor and Red Goral Nemorhaedus baileyi from Kamlang Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh Cheshta , Gupta Deepti
Published: July 2021

This study presents a first photographic record of two ungulate species Red Goral Nemorhaedus bailey and Mishmi Takin Budorcas taxicolor taxicolor in Kamlang Tiger Reserve. This area has a high potential for sustaining many endemic and endangered species but unfortunately is less studied due to the complexity of terrain and a paucity of funds. This article establishes a baseline information with the help of advanced technology such as camera trapping and motivates further scientific survey in the region.
Selective Inhibition of the C-Domain of ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Combined With Inhibition of NEP (Neprilysin): A Potential New Therapy for Hypertension
Authors: Alves-Lopes Rhéure , Montezano Augusto C. , Neves Karla B. , Harvey Adam , Rios Francisco J. , Skiba Dominik S. , Arendse Lauren B. , Guzik Tomasz J. , Graham Delyth , Poglitsch Marko , Sturrock Edward , Touyz Rhian M.
Published: July 2021

Combined inhibition of NEP (neutral endopeptidase) and ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme), without unwanted effects, remains an attractive therapeutic strategy in cardiovascular medicine. Omapatrilat, a dual NEP inhibitor–ACE inhibitor, was a promising antihypertensive drug but failed in trials due to angioedema, an effect possibly caused by inhibition of both the N- and C-domains of ACE. Here, we aimed to determine whether lisinopril-tryptophan (lisW-S), a C-domain specific ACE inhibitor that preserves the N-domain catalytic activity, together with sacubitril (NEP inhibitor), differentially influences cardiovascular function and vascular permeability in hypertension compared with omapatrilat and lisinopril+sacubitril which inhibits both the ACE C- and N-domains. Ang II (angiotensin II)–dependent hypertensive mice (transgenic mice expressing active human renin in the liver [also known as LinA3]) received vehicle, sacubitril, lisW-S, lisinopril, lisinopril+sacubitril, or lisW-S+sacubitril for 4 weeks. Systolic blood pressure was increased in LinA3 mice, along with cardiac hypertrophy/dysfunction, impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, hypercontractile responses, vascular remodeling, and renal inflammation. LisW-S+sacubitril, lisinopril+sacubitril, and omapatrilat reduced systolic blood pressure and normalized cardiovascular remodeling and vascular hypercontractile responses in LinA3 mice. Although lisinopril+sacubitril and omapatrilat improved Ach-induced vasorelaxation, lisW-S+sacubitril had no effect. Endothelial permeability (Evans Blue assessment) was increased in omapatrilat but not in LisW-S+sacubitril–treated mice. In conclusion, lisW-S combined with sacubitril reduced systolic blood pressure and improved cardiac dysfunction in LinA3 mice, similar to omapatrilat but without effects on endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. Moreover, increased vascular leakage (plasma extravasation) induced by omapatrilat was not evident in mice treated with lisW-S+sacubitril. Targeting ACE C-domain and NEP as a combination therapy may be as effective as omapatrilat in lowering systolic blood pressure, but without inducing vascular permeability and endothelial injury.
FIP1L1-PDGFRA-Associated Hypereosinophilic Syndrome as a Treatable Cause of Watershed Infarction
Authors: Tennenbaum Juliette , Groh Matthieu , Venditti Laura , Campos-Gazeau France , Chalayer Emilie , De Broucker Thomas , Hamidou Mohamed , Hunault Mathilde , Lyoubi Aicha , Meunier Raphaëlle , Muron Thierry , Sène Damien , Slama Borhane , Guidoux Céline , Lefèvre Guillaume , Kahn Jean-Emmanuel , Denier Christian , Rohmer Julien
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose:

Ischemic stroke has been reported in various conditions associated with eosinophilia.
FIP1L1-PDGFRA
fusion ([Fip1-like 1-platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha];
F/P
) leads to the proliferation of the eosinophilic lineage and thus to a clonal hypereosinophilic syndrome that is highly responsive to imatinib.

Methods:

We previously reported on a nationwide retrospective study of 151 patients with
F/P
-associated clonal hypereosinophilic syndrome. Patients from this cohort with a clinical history of ischemic stroke (as well as 2 additional cases) were further analyzed to better define their clinical picture and outcomes.

Results:

Sixteen male patients (median age, 51 [43–59] years) with low-to-intermediate cardiovascular risk were included. Median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 4 (range, 1–6). Most cerebral imaging disclosed multiple bilateral infarctions of watershed distribution (69%). Despite frequent cardiac involvement (50%), cardiac thrombus was evidenced in a single patient and, according to the TOAST classification (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment), 62.5% of strokes were presumably of undetermined etiology. Among the 15 patients treated with imatinib, and after a median follow-up of 4.5 years, stroke recurred in only 3 patients (consisting of either cardio embolic or hemorrhagic events, unrelated to the first episode).

Conclusions:

F/P
+ clonal hypereosinophilic syndrome is a diagnosis to consider in patients with unexplained ischemic stroke and hypereosinophilia (especially in the setting of multiple cortical borderzone distribution) and warrants prompt initiation of imatinib.
Implementation of the FAIR Data Principles for Exploratory Biomarker
Data from Clinical Trials
Authors: Arefolov Alexander , Adam Laura , Brown Shoshana , Budovskaya Yelena , Chen Cong , Das Diya , Farhy Chen , Ferguson Rebecca , Huang Hongmei , Kanigel Kimberly , Lu Christina , Polesskaya Oksana , Staton Tracy , Tajhya Rajeev , Whitley Maryann , Wong Jee-Yeon , Zeng Xiangpei , McCreary Mark
Published: July 2021

The FAIR data guiding principles have been recently developed and widely adopted to improve the Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reuse of digital assets in the face of an exponential increase of data volume and complexity. The FAIR data principles have been formulated on a general level and the technological implementation of these principles remains up to the industries and organizations working on maximizing the value of their data. Here, we describe the data management and curation methodologies and best practices developed for FAIRification of clinical exploratory biomarker data collected from over 250 clinical studies. We discuss the data curation effort involved, the resulting output, and the business and scientific impact of our work. Finally, we propose prospective planning for FAIR data to optimize data management efforts and maximize data value.
Reinstatement of Aloe labiaflava (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), a distinctive species of maculate aloe endemic to the western Mpumalanga province of South Africa
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F. , KLOPPER RONELL R.
Published: July 2021

The little-known Aloe labiaflava (Asphodelaceae subfam. Alooideae), which has for long been regarded as a hybrid between A. davyana and A. longibracteata, is reinstated as an accepted species endemic to a small area in the western Mpumalanga province of South Africa. It differs from both A. davyana and A. longibracteata in several reproductive morphological characters not present in these two species, especially by almost invariably producing only a single inflorescence per flowering season and by having a perianth that is distinctly flared at the mouth, with especially the external, apical ⅓ of the perianth conspicuously yellow.
A catalog of the Hybotidae of Chile (Diptera: Empidoidea)
Authors: GONZÁLEZ CHRISTIAN R. , ELGUETA MARIO , ALE-ROCHA ROSALY
Published: July 2021

A catalog of the Hybotidae of Chile is provided. We present all valid names and synonyms for the 27 species and 10 genera distributed in the country, including information about name, author, year of publication, page number, type species, type depository, type locality and references. The geographical distribution of the species was recorded from bibliographic data and revised collections. Two species previously recorded for the Hybotidae fauna of Chile must be deleted: Drapetis armipes Bezzi, described from Tacna – Peru, and Ocydromia philippii Bigot, a synonym junior of Hyperperacera nemoralis (Philippi), now in Brachystomatidae (Trichopezinae). Bicellaria collina (Philippi) and Austrodromia? valdiviana (Philippi) are maintained in Hybotidae waiting for clarification of correct taxonomic assignment.
New species of the genus Gynaecoserica Brenske, 1896 from Indochina (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Sericini)
Authors: AHRENS DIRK
Published: July 2021

Here I describe five additional new species of Gynaecoserica Brenske, 1896 from Indochina: Gynaecoserica bihtanensis Ahrens, new species (from Myanmar), G. fallaciosa Ahrens, new species , G. feresimplex Ahrens, new species, G. pseudocymosa Ahrens, new species (all from Thailand), G. ottoi Ahrens, new species (from Laos). The male genitalia of the new species are illustrated.
Revision of the genus Xylodrypta Lesne 1901 (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae: Bostrichinae: Xyloperthini) with a new species and a key to species
Authors: LIU LAN-YU , BEAVER ROGER A. , SANGUANSUB SUNISA
Published: July 2021

We revise the monospecific bostrichid genus Xylodrypta Lesne 1901, and describe a new species, X. lanna Liu & Beaver from Thailand and Laos. A key is given to distinguish the two species of Xylodrypta.
Bioinformatics study on genes related to a high-risk postoperative recurrence of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lin Xiao , Zhou Meng , Xu Zehong , Chen Yusheng , Lin Fan
Published: July 2021

In this study, we aimed to screen out genes associated with a high risk of postoperative recurrence of lung adenocarcinoma and investigate the possible mechanisms of the involvement of these genes in the recurrence of lung adenocarcinoma. We identify Hub genes and verify the expression levels and prognostic roles of these genes. Datasets of GSE40791, GSE31210, and GSE30219 were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Enrichment analysis of gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were performed for the screened candidate genes using the DAVID database. Then, we performed protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis through the database STRING. Hub genes were screened out using Cytoscape software, and their expression levels were determined by the GEPIA database. Finally, we assessed the relationships of Hub genes expression levels and the time of survival. Forty-five candidate genes related to a high-risk of lung adenocarcinoma recurrence were screened out. Gene ontology analysis showed that these genes were enriched in the mitotic spindle assembly checkpoint, mitotic sister chromosome segregation, G2/M-phase transition of the mitotic cell cycle, and ATP binding, etc. KEGG analysis showed that these genes were involved predominantly in the cell cycle, p53 signaling pathway, and oocyte meiosis. We screened out the top ten Hub genes related to high expression of lung adenocarcinoma from the PPI network. The high expression levels of eight genes (TOP2A, HMMR, MELK, MAD2L1, BUB1B, BUB1, RRM2, and CCNA2) were related to short recurrence-free survival and they can be used as biomarkers for high risk of lung adenocarcinoma recurrence. This study screened out eight genes associated with a high risk of lung adenocarcinoma recurrence, which might provide novel insights into researching the recurrence mechanisms of lung adenocarcinoma as well as into the selection of targets in the treatment of the disease.
Telepresence Robots in the Classroom
Authors: Thompson Penny , Chaivisit Sarinporn
Published: July 2021

This study used the concept of shared affordance space to explore students’ perceptions of the use of a telepresence robot in a face-to-face classroom. Results from this qualitative pilot study suggest the telepresence robot has the potential to provide enough autonomy and agency for both the remote user and the in-class students to perceive a shared affordance space. Robot users and classmates use human pronouns to describe the robot user and discuss a process of adjusting to its presence. The physical configuration of the classroom can either facilitate or hinder this process. The research provides greater understanding of the experiences of students in a face-to-face classroom that includes remote students attending class using a telepresence robot. It can help educators design and implement these experiences in a way that creates a beneficial classroom experience for both in-class and remote learners.
Combating LGBTQ+ health disparities by instituting a family medicine curriculum
Authors: Ruedas Nina Grace , Wall Terri , Wainwright Christopher
Published: July 2021

Research shows that a growing number of people in the United States are identifying as LGBTQ+. Therefore, it is more important than ever that clinicians are trained to be knowledgeable, inclusive, and culturally aware. Unfortunately, there is a lack of LGBTQ+ health education requirements in graduate medical education. As a result, fewer clinicians are prepared to care for this growing population. The shortage of knowledgeable clinicians contributes to LGBTQ+ health disparities and barriers to care. One strategy to combat these deficiencies in health care is for Family Medicine residency programs to create and carry out an LGBTQ+ health curriculum. This article will review LGBTQ+ health topics, identify efforts that Family Medicine residency programs can make, and summarize curriculum developments made by the St. Vincent's Family Medicine Residency Program.
“The Talk” and Parenting While Black in America: Centering Race, Resistance, and Refuge
Authors: Anderson Leslie A. , O’Brien Caughy Margaret , Owen Margaret T.
Published: July 2021

“The Talk” refers to a specific type of racial socialization message that many Black parents have with their children about how to safely conduct themselves when interacting with police officers and other individuals in positions of power. With the recent increased exposure of racialized violence against Black people at the hands of police and vigilantes in the United States, many parents of young Black children now feel especially compelled to initiate these conversations to equip their children with the necessary knowledge to protect themselves when interacting with police officers. Black parents bear the unjust burden of striking a balance between alerting their children of possible harm while also not villainizing every member of law enforcement their child may encounter. This qualitative study examines “the Talk” occurring between 45 Black American parents and their young school-age children via observational methods. Findings of this study help to illuminate this critically important experience that characterizes Black familial processes and particularly the plight of parents socializing Black children. Implications for parent education and clinical interventions are also provided.
Unscented Kalman-filter to manage the handling-comfort trade-off of quarter-of-vehicle
Authors: Muhammed Alhelou , Gavrilov I Alexander
Published: July 2021

This paper investigates managing the comfort-handling trade-off of a quarter car suspension system using a Kalman filter. Using the unscented Kalman filter, the adapted feedback input signal is extracted based on the vertical acceleration signals of the chassis and wheel. Considering the chassis acceleration signal as the primary feedback to maintain a required comfort level, it is continuously adapted to keep an acceptable level of road handling. Compared with the traditional methods, which rely on the combination of the two modes of comfort and handling through an intermediate variable to manage the contradiction, this method focuses on comfort and improves the process of the road handling automatically. The proposed strategy is evaluated using simulation in MATLAB and the results show the feasibility of this method in managing the handling-comfort trade-off. In addition, mathematical relationships that allow this control strategy to be derived were shown. Moreover, the effects of road disturbances amplitudes and road quality on the performance of the proposed control strategy were investigated. Furthermore, the performance of the proposed method is compared with that of the hybrid-hook and the results show the superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Integrative physiological assessment of cerebral hemodynamics and metabolism in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Fan Jui-Lin , Nogueira Ricardo C , Brassard Patrice , Rickards Caroline A , Page Matthew , Nasr Nathalie , Tzeng Yu-Chieh
Published: July 2021

Restoring perfusion to ischemic tissue is the primary goal of acute ischemic stroke care, yet only a small portion of patients receive reperfusion treatment. Since blood pressure (BP) is an important determinant of cerebral perfusion, effective BP management could facilitate reperfusion. But how BP should be managed in very early phase of ischemic stroke remains a contentious issue, due to the lack of clear evidence. Given the complex relationship between BP and cerebral blood flow (CBF)—termed cerebral autoregulation (CA)—bedside monitoring of cerebral perfusion and oxygenation could help guide BP management, thereby improve stroke patient outcome. The aim of INFOMATAS is to ‘ identify novel therapeutic targets for treatment and management in acute ischemic stroke’. In this review, we identify novel physiological parameters which could be used to guide BP management in acute stroke, and explore methodologies for monitoring them at the bedside. We outline the challenges in translating these potential prognostic markers into clinical use.
Usefulness of oxidative stress marker evaluation at admission to the intensive care unit in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Daskaya Hayrettin , Yilmaz Sinan , Uysal Harun , Calim Muhittin , Sümbül Bilge , Yurtsever Ismail , Karaaslan Kazım
Published: July 2021

Objective

Two critical processes in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic involve assessing patients’ intensive care needs and predicting disease progression during patients’ intensive care unit (ICU) stay. We aimed to evaluate oxidative stress marker status at ICU admission and ICU discharge status in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

We included patients in a tertiary referral center ICU during June–December 2020. Scores of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), and clinical severity, radiologic scores, and healthy discharge status were noted. We collected peripheral blood samples at ICU admission to evaluate total antioxidants, total oxidants, catalase, and myeloperoxidase levels.

Results

Thirty-one (24 male, 7 female) patients were included. At ICU admission, patients’ mean APACHE II score at ICU admission was 17.61 ± 8.9; the mean SOFA score was 6.29 ± 3.16. There was no significant relationship between clinical severity and oxidative stress (OS) markers nor between radiological imaging and COVID-19 data classification and OS levels. Differences in OS levels between patients with healthy and exitus discharge status were not significant.

Conclusions

We found no significant relationship between oxidative stress marker status in patients with COVID-19 at ICU admission and patients’ ICU discharge status.
Comparison of clinical efficacy and safety between dexmedetomidine and propofol among patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy: a meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Weihua , Yu Wenli , Yu Hongli , Sheng Mingwei
Published: July 2021

Objective

To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of dexmedetomidine and propofol in patients who underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Methods

Relevant studies comparing dexmedetomidine and propofol among patients who underwent gastrointestinal endoscopy were retrieved from databases such as PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library.

Results

Seven relevant studies (dexmedetomidine group, n = 238; propofol group, n = 239) met the inclusion criteria. There were no significant differences in the induction time (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 3.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.95–7.88, I2 = 99%) and recovery time (WMD = 2.74, 95% CI = −2.72–8.19, I2 = 98%). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant differences in the risks of hypotension (risk ratio [RR] = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.25–1.22) and nausea and vomiting (RR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.46–2.22) between the drugs, whereas dexmedetomidine carried a lower risk of hypoxia (RR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.11–0.63) and higher risk of bradycardia (RR = 3.01, 95% CI = 1.38–6.54).

Conclusions

Dexmedetomidine had similar efficacy and safety profiles as propofol in patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Perspectives of strengthened cooperation between cross-border regions: The European Commission’s proposal of a regulation on the mechanism to resolve legal and administrative obstacles in the cross-border context
Authors: Rosanò Alessandro
Published: July 2021

According to some recent data, cooperation between cross-border regions may prove key to support the economic development not only of those regions, but also of the European Union as a whole. However, the very existence of the border may have a negative impact in that regard. The purpose of this article is to provide an analysis of the European Commission’s proposal of a regulation on the mechanism to resolve legal and administrative obstacles in the cross-border context. This instrument, should it come into force, may play a decisive role in promoting the economic development of those areas and the Union, but, most importantly, may be regarded as a way to introduce a cryptofederal element to the European integration process.
Influencers, Amplifiers, and Icons: A Systematic Approach to Understanding the Roles of Islamophobic Actors on Twitter
Authors: Pintak Lawrence , Bowe Brian J. , Albright Jonathan
Published: July 2021

In the 2018 U.S. midterm elections, an unprecedented number of American Muslims ran for public office, including the first two Muslim women elected to Congress. This study analyzes the anti-Muslim/anti-immigrant Twitter discourse surrounding Ilhan Omar, one of these two successful candidates. The results identify three categories of accounts that linked Omar to clusters of accounts that shaped the Islamophobia/xenophobic narrative: Influencers, Amplifiers, and Icons. This cadre of accounts played a synergistic and disproportionate role in raising the level of hate speech as a vast network containing a high proportion of apparently inauthentic accounts magnified the messages generated by a handful of provocateurs.