bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UNI-Health, Programa Europeo de Innovación Educativa para la Salud Urbana
Authors: Pozo Menéndez Elisa , Gallego Gamazo Cristina , Román López Emilia , Higueras García Ester
Published: December 2019

UNI-Health (2019) es un Programa Europeo de Innovación Educativa para la Salud Urbana dentro de la red EITHealth. El programa establece las recomendaciones de diseño para el espacio público desde la perspectiva de la salud. El principal objetivo es formar a profesionales, investigadores y diseñadores de distintas disciplinas. Este proyecto innova en la creación de sinergias entre universidades, investigadores, ciudadanía, empresas y administraciones locales, trabajando conjuntamente en el reto de las ciudades amigables con las personas mayores. El resultado es una metodología de diagnosis urbana para identificar los principales retos de los barrios y definir medidas que permitan la mejora de los entornos urbanos a través de ordenanzas y proyectos de diseño urbano. Este enfoque multidisciplinar resulta en una mayor concienciación sobre el impacto del entorno urbano en la salud y en proyectos más inclusivos que promuevan el envejecimiento activo.

UNI-Health (2019) consists on an European Innovative Education Program for Urban Health in the EIT Health European framework. It establishes the design guidelines for public spaces from the perspective of health. The main objective is to provide a set of analysis skills and knowledge for professionals, researchers and designers from different disciplines. This education project innovates in the creation of synergies between university, researchers, citizens, companies, local administrations and policy-makers, to work together towards age-friendly cities.The result is a urban diagnosis methodology to identify main disfunctionalities and potentials of neighborhoods, in order to set measures and decisions to improve urban environments through policies and design for active ageing. An innovative proposal is presented by a multidisciplinary approach on increasing awareness about the impact of urban environment on health and the design of more inclusive projects creating high-quality environments towards the promotion of active ageing.
Living in the climate crisis: Exploring situated perspectives and openings for change through everyday life stories
Authors: Bennetsen Nina Moesby
Published: December 2019

Stories and narratives have been used in social scientific research for decades, to entail perspectives of the lived experiences in different contexts. In this article, I argue that everyday life stories of situated experiences can contribute with rich understandings of different experiences, possibilities for change, or abilities to respond to the climate crisis. The article is based on theories from within urban studies, everyday life sociology, feminist theory and scholars engaged with stories in in social sciences.
Modelando con 3D MAX
Authors: Vázquez Carla
Published: December 2019

La propuesta de la práctica era muy abierta, ya que se trataba de realizar una escena con objetos modelados a partir de diferentes técnicas, aplicar las texturas e iluminarla. Para resolverla, la autora decidió empezar por objetos sencillos, con algunas partes más complejas y recrear una escena de un momento. El resultado: un momento de su infancia. Un rincón de una habitación donde estaba jugando un niño, la luz todavía encendida...
La aventura de Pedro
Authors: Gómez Albertí Jordi
Published: December 2019

El objetivo de esta práctica es continuar con el desarrollo del guion secuencial que se empezó a crear en las PACS anteriores: PAC3 PAC4. Para esto hemos de imaginar cómo queremos continuar la historia que anteriormente iniciamos, tenemos de desarrollar todas las partes de esta etapa: la descripción del producto que queremos obtener, como interactúa el usuario con la aplicación, las diferentes opciones de navegación...
Mundos virtuales y entornos educativos complejos
Authors: Adell Ferran
Published: December 2019

La revolución digital ha puesto en crisis la mayoría de los pilares sobre los que se sustenta nuestra civilización; e implica en sí misma una reflexión con tendencia al cambio de lo que entendemos por comunidad. La educación, como uno de los pilares básicos del estado del bienestar, se encuentra ante una etapa de transición en la que se están forjando las nuevas formas de educar.
Lucas Cepeda
Authors: Córcoles César
Published: December 2019

Lucas Cepeda es desarrollador Front End en marketyou, una plataforma de desarrollo profesional online que ayuda a las personas a descubrir cuál es su valor real en un mercado laboral, siempre teniendo en cuenta cuál es el contexto actual, focalizándose en el candidato y ayudándole a hacerse visible y único.
Había una vez una nube…
Authors: Blasco Laia
Published: December 2019

Una de las conclusiones del Foro Internacional de Contenidos Digitales (FICOD) 2010 fue que el profesional multimedia debe situarse de forma clara en la posición de creador y gestor de historias. Historias creadas para y por usuarios ya que, como nos cuenta Laia Blasco, a diferencia de otros medios, Internet es de los usuarios.
Eduard Rojo
Authors: Casado Martínez Carlos
Published: December 2019

Eduard Rojo es el ganador del concurso de felicitaciones de Navidad de la UOC del 2010, propuesta que recibió 13.119 visitas. En esta entrevista, Rojo nos descubre su proceso de creación y las claves para convertir el espíritu navideño en una premiada felicitación virtual.
Modelling survival
Authors: Zimmers Teresa A , Koniaris Leonidas G
Published: December 2019

A new mouse model of sepsis can reproduce the long-term muscle weakness seen in patients who survive this life-threatening illness.
The Precariatization of Zimbabwean Engineers in South Africa
Authors: Chikarara Splagchna Ngoni
Published: December 2019

This paper discusses how occupational closure of the engineering profession in South Africa left Zimbabwean migrant engineers amongst the precariat ranks. It aims to answer the following research question: what is the nature of precariousness experienced by immigrant engineers in South Africa. An exploratory study of the experiences of Zimbabwean engineers is used test out Standing’s (2011) notion of the precariat as an emerging social class. Semi-structured and group interviews were used as data collection tools. The findings reveal that bureaucratic challenges in obtaining relevant work permits from the department of Home Affairs, South African universities’ reluctance to acknowledge Zimbabwean qualifications at par with local qualifications as well as a host of insecurities in the workplace left migrant engineers in precariat ranks.
Recuperación de bacterias aerobias y anaerobias de pacientes con apendicitis aguda mediante botellas de hemocultivo
Authors: Jiménez Adriana , Sánchez Andrés , Rey Andrés , Fajardo Claudia
Published: December 2019

Introduccción. La apendicitis aguda es la primera causa de abdomen agudo; sin embargo, poco se conoce sobre las bacterias asociadas y su perfil de sensibilidad.Objetivo. Identificar y determinar el patrón de resistencia de las bacterias aerobias y anaerobias aisladas en cultivo de líquido periapendicular tomado de los pacientes con apendicitis aguda, y establecer la proporción de bacterias según la fase clínica. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo y prospectivo en el Hospital Universitario de San José de Bogotá (Colombia), en pacientes mayores de 16 años sometidos a apendicectomía abierta. Se tomaron muestras de líquido periapendicular, las cuales se sembraron directamente en botellas de hemocultivos para aerobios y anaerobios.Resultados. Se incluyeron 154 pacientes. Del total de cultivos, el 87 % (n=134) fueron positivos: 77 % (n=118) para aerobios y 51 % (n=79) para anaerobios. La proporción de cultivos positivos fue inferior en los casos de apendicitis no complicada, en comparación con aquellos de apendicitis complicada (80 % (66/83) Vs. 95 % (67/71); p=0,003). Los microorganismos aislados con mayor frecuencia fueron: Escherichia coli (53 %) (n=84), Bacteroides sp. (25 %) (n=25), Propionibacterium acnes (21 %) (n=21), Staphylococci coagulasa negativo (17 %) (n=27), Enterococcus sp. (10 %) (n=15) y Fusobacterium sp. (11 %) (n=11). La sensibilidad de E. coli a la amplicilina sulbactam fue de 30 %. La sensibilidad de Bacteroides spp. a la clindamicina y la ampicilina sulbactam fue de 91 %. El 100 % de los anaerobios fueron sensibles a piperacilina tazobactam, ertapenem, meropenem y metronidazol.Conclusiones. Los cultivos intraoperatorios son pertinentes en la apendicitis para determinar el patrón epidemiológico local, y establecer los antibióticos profilácticos y terapéuticos para esta enfermedad. Su siembra directa en botellas de hemocultivo permite una gran recuperación de microorganismos.
Characterization of Neocarya Macrophylla Seed Oil using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) Techniques
Authors: Ahmad Warra Aliyu , Gusau Hassan Lawal , Jonathan Babatola Leye , Adejoju Omodolapo Adedara , Ukpanukpong Richard Undigweundeye , Ayebaitari Berena Godwin
Published: December 2019

Aim: Modern researches described incorporating gingerbread plum (Neocarya macrophylla) kernel oils into food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products by exploiting its physicochemical properties.

Study Design: Experimental and instrumental study was done to determine the general and the saturated fatty acids present in the seed oil and its suitability for industrial applications. This study examined the fatty acids by qualitative determination from hexane extracts of Neocarya macrophylla seed using GC-MS.

Materials and Methods: Indigenous Neocarya macrophylla   seeds obtained from Gingerbread plum tree were collected in the Month of August from Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria. soxhlet extraction method was used for the oil extraction. The GC-MS analysis was by coupling system of Shimadzu QP2010 series gas chromatography with Shimadzu QP2010 plus mass spectroscopy detector (GCMS).  For the FT-IR analysis, software of OMNIC operating system (Version 7.0 Thermo Nicolet) was connected to Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer Nicolet 8400S equipped with a detector of deuterated triglycine sulphate (DTGS).

Conclusion: These results showed the potential of this oil in cosmetic industry.
Effect of Processed Cassava Peel Meal on Blood Chemistry Characteristics of Pullets
Authors: Okechukwu Ezihe Christian , Nwaocha Uchendu Chukwuka
Published: December 2019

A 37-week feeding trial was conducted using 108 Dominant black strain of pullets to evaluate the effect of feeding diets containing retted cassava peel meal (RCPM) on their blood chemistry characteristics. The research was carried using a completely randomized design, from June 2009 to May 2010 at a private farm in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. The RCPM used in this study was prepared and included at rates of 0%, 10% and 20% to replace maize of the control diet. The birds were randomly allotted to the three dietary groups. On 12th week, the birds in group T2 and T3 had a significant decline (P =.05) in total protein values when compared to the birds on the control diet. In the 24thweek, the cholesterol values increased significantly (P =.05) with increasing RCPM inclusions, also at the 24th week, the serum Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values at 20% (T3) RCPM inclusion was significantly (P =.05) higher than values recorded in diets T1 and T2; but at the 37th week, values at the 10% (T2) inclusion rate was significantly lower (P =.05) than values recorded at the 0% (T1) and 20% (T3)RCPM inclusions respectively. The serum albumin values in the 37th week significantly increased (P =.05) in the treatment diets (T1 and T2) compared to the control diet (T1). The RCPM inclusions led to a significant decline (P =.05) in Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) values in the 24th week. It can be concluded that up to 20% RCPM can be used in pullet diets to replace maize without adverse effect on the blood chemistry characteristics of the birds.
Exchange Bias Effect in Epitaxial LaMnO3+δ Film Induced by Electron Beam Irradiation
Authors: Xue Mingzhu , Ding Shilei , Lai Youfang , Li Xin , Zha Liang , Peng Yuxuan , Liang Zhongyu , Yang Wenyun , Men Yong , Kong Xiangdong , Han Li , Chen Xuegang , Yang Jinbo
Published: December 2019

Phase separation in the perovskite manganites of R1‐xAxMnO3 (R = trivalent lanthanide cation and A = divalent alkaline‐earth cation) can induce novel phenomena associated with the interfacial interactions. Here, the occurrence of phase separation and unexpected exchange bias induced by electron beam irradiation (EBI) in the epitaxial LaMnO3+δ (LMO) thin films is reported. The transformation from Mn4+ ion to Mn3+ ion originating from the electron's reducibility, enhances the Mn3+–Mn3+ antiferromagnetic superexchange interaction, resulting in phase separation, namely, the coexistence of ferromagnetic matrix and antiferromagnetic clusters. The formation of the antiferromagnetic phase in the LMO film is closely related to the increase of the out‐of‐plane lattice constant and the decrease of Curie temperature after EBI. The unexpected exchange bias effect results from the interfacial interaction between the ferromagnetic matrix and antiferromagnetic clusters, triggered by EBI in LMO film. The discovery of exchange bias induced by EBI shed promising light on achieving the tunable exchange bias effect in spintronic devices for single‐phase films.
Sitting/lying time is associated with waist‐to‐hip increase but not with body weight increase or blood cardiovascular risk factors changes in adult women living in social vulnerability: A 2‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Vieira Nathalia F. L. , Bueno Nassib B. , Silva Sirley M. , Lins Isabela L. , Albuquerque Fabiana C. , Macêna Mateus L. , Silva‐Júnior André E. , Pureza Isabele M. , Clemente Ana G. , Florêncio Telma T.
Published: December 2019

Objective

The present study aimed to determine whether physical activity and energy intake are associated with the anthropometric and blood cardiovascular risk factors alterations in women living in social vulnerability for a period of 2 years.

Methods

The study was carried out with women residing in the outskirts of Maceió‐AL, aged between 19 and 45 years. We characterized the socioeconomic and biochemical profile (glucose, insulin, and blood lipids) at the beginning and at the end of the study. Anthropometric evaluation was performed in three moments: at the beginning, and after 1 and 2 years of follow‐up. Energy expenditure, measured by doubly labeled water, physical activity, measured by 7‐day triaxial accelerometry, and energy intake, measured by 3‐day 24‐hour food recall, were collected at baseline.

Results

After 2 years, 34 women were completely assessed, with a mean age of 33.7 years. Women spent around 16 hours of the day sitting/lying down. There was an increase in body weight (from 64.61 ± 11.69 to 66.37 ± 13.26 kg, P < .01), which was not associated with any of the predictors. There was also an increase in waist/hip ratio (WHR) (from 0.84 ± 0.07 to 0.87 ± 0.05, P < .01), which was positively associated with the amount of sitting/lying time per day. There were no significant alterations in blood cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusion

Energy intake did not predict anthropometrical changes. Sitting/lying time was associated with an increase in WHR, but not in body weight or blood cardiovascular risk factors in low‐income women.
A robust in vitro Anticancer, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Agents Based on New Metal‐Azomethine Chelates Incorporating Ag(I), Pd (II) and VO (II) Cations: Probing the Aspects of DNA Interaction
Authors: Abu‐Dief Ahmed M. , Abdel‐Rahman Laila H. , Abdel‐Mawgoud Azza A. Hassan
Published: December 2019

A novel azomethine ligand (HNAP) [HNAP = 1‐(Pyridin‐3‐yliminomethyl)‐naphthalen‐2‐ol] and its Ag(I), Pd (II) and VO (II) chelates have been synthesized and structurally inspected using a wide range of spectroscopic and analytical tools, including infra‐red (IR), ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) and 1H NMR spectroscopy techniques, CHN analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility, and thermogravimetric analysis. The molar conductance measurements reveal that the chelates are non‐electrolytes. The thermal behavior of the investigated metal chelates shows that the hydrated, coordinated water molecules and the anions are removed in successive steps followed immediately by decomposition of the ligand in the subsequent steps. The activation thermodynamic parameters are calculated from the TG curves and discussed. Complexes formation study via continuous variation m molar ratio has been investigated, and results were consistent to those found in the solid complexes with a ratio of (M:L) as (1:1) or 1:2 (M:L) molar ratio for all the monolithic and bi‐valent metal complexes with square planar for Pd (II), and Ag(I) cations while, square pyramidal geometry for VO (II) cation. DFT calculations for the titled different metal‐chelates have been studied and showed a good correlation with the experimental data. The prepared compounds had been checked In vitro towards numerous sorts of plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria to evaluate their antimicrobial properties and compared with some known antibiotics. Significantly, all the complexes show excellent antimicrobial activity against various strains of bacteria and fungi, including both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria. Besides, the complexes exhibited high cytotoxicity against various carcinoma cell lines, including HCT‐116, MCF‐7, and HepG‐2. Moreover, the effect of the new synthesized compounds as antioxidants was determined by reduction of 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and compared with that of Vitamin C. Furthermore, the binding interactions of the complexes with CT‐DNA were explored using UV‐Vis spectroscopy, viscosity and gel electrophoreses measurements. They cooperatively bind to DNA possibly through intercalations. The binding ability of the complexes was shown as HNAPAg > HNAPPd > HNAPVO complex.
In vivo formation of spherical and rod lead nanoparticles in root cells of water velvet (Azolla pinnata)
Authors: Chumpol Jiraporn , Siri Sineenat
Published: December 2019

Several plant species survive in the metal‐contaminated environment by minimization of detrimental effects of metal exposure and cellular accumulation, but little is known about their capability to transform the uptake metal ions into nanoparticles, especially in nonspherical shapes. This work firstly reported the in vivo formation of spherical and rod‐shaped lead nanoparticles (PbNPs) from the uptake lead ions in root cells of water velvet (Azolla pinnata). The energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence analysis revealed the high level of lead (67.21 ± 0.70%) and the modulated levels of sulfur, potassium, and calcium in the treated roots. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy spectral analysis suggested the changes of biochemical constituents in Pb‐treated roots, including carbohydrates, organic compounds, proteins, and nucleic acids. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images revealed the formation of spherical, short rod, and long rod PbNPs dominantly in epidermal, cortical, and vascular cells in the plant roots, respectively. The analyses of energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, high‐resolution TEM, and selected area diffraction TEM indicated the body‐centered tetragonal lattice of lead oxide nanoparticles (PbONPs) in the root cells.
3D Printing of Electrochemical Energy Storage Devices: A Review of Printing Techniques and Electrode/Electrolyte Architectures
Authors: Cheng Meng , Deivanayagam Ramasubramonian , Shahbazian‐Yassar Reza
Published: December 2019

Recently, the fabrication of electrochemical energy storage (EES) devices via three‐dimensional (3D) printing has drawn considerable interest due to the enhanced electrochemical performances that arise from well‐designed EES device architectures as compared to the conventionally fabricated ones. This work summarizes the developments in electrochemical devices fabricated by 3D printing techniques. We have categorized this review based on the architectural design of 3D printed EES devices: interdigitated structures, 3D scaffolds, and fibers. The printing techniques, processes, printing materials, advantages, and disadvantages of 3D printed architectures are systematically discussed in this review. Enhanced power density and energy density values were obtained using interdigitated structures and 3D scaffolds, in comparison with the conventional planar structure. The reasons for better electrochemical performances can be attributed to the presence of higher loading active materials, larger footprint area, and shorter ion transport route. The 3D printing techniques have also enabled the EES devices to be fabricated into lightweight, flexible fibers, and to be integrated into wearable electronics. At the end, the challenges and outlooks on the fabrication of 3D structured EES devices are outlined.
Application of a kNN‐based similarity method to biopharmaceutical manufacturing
Authors: Ren Jun , Zhou Roland , Farrow Michael , Peiris Ramila , Alosi Tim , Guenard Rob , Romero‐Torres Saly
Published: December 2019

Machine learning‐based similarity analysis is commonly found in many artificial intelligence applications like the one utilized in e‐commerce and digital marketing. In this study, a kNN‐based (k‐nearest neighbors) similarity method is proposed for rapid biopharmaceutical process diagnosis and process performance monitoring. Our proposed application measures the spatial distance between batches, identifies the most similar historical batches, and ranks them in order of similarity. The proposed method considers the similarity in both multivariate and univariate feature spaces and measures batch deviations to a benchmarking batch. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method are tested on a drug manufacturing process at Biogen.
Preemptive Anti–Stress Response Effects of Oxycodone Versus Sufentanil for Patients Undergoing Cardiac Valve Replacement—A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zhang Jian , Tu Qing , Gan Jianhui , Miao Shuai , Zhou Ying , Li Qiang , Zheng Chuandong
Published: December 2019

Patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement may experience cardiovascular adverse events during the preoperative period before anesthesia. The study was to compare the preemptive anti–stress response effects of oxycodone versus sufentanil for patients undergoing cardiac valve replacement. Ninety‐four patients were enrolled and assigned to group Oxy, group Suf and group NS. Patients in group Oxy were administrated with oxycodone 0.1 mg/kg, group Suf received sufentanil 0.1 μg/kg and group NS were given equivalent volume of normal saline. The primary outcomes included serum levels of cortisol, norepinephrine, and adrenaline. The secondary outcomes involved bispectral index value and the observer's assessment of awareness/sedation grade, levels of mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and the adverse reactions. Compared to group NS, the serum levels of cortisol at T1 to T5 (P < .05), and levels of norepinephrine and adrenaline at T3 to T5 (P < .05) in group Oxy and Suf were lower. The bispectral index value and observer's assessment of awareness/sedation grade T1 to T2 (P < .05) in group Suf were lower than those in group Oxy and NS. Compared with group NS, the levels of mean arterial pressure and heart rate in group Oxy and Suf at T3 to T5 (P < .05) were lower. The incidence of coughing was significantly higher in group Suf (23.3%), but not in group NS (6.7%), than that in group Oxy (3.3%). The preemptive analgesia of oxycodone may be used to inhibit the stress response, without leading to excessive sedation and respiratory depression, which may also help to stabilize hemodynamics during preoperative period.
Unveiling RNA‐Binding Properties of Verapamil and Preparation of New Derivatives as Inhibitors of HIV‐1 Tat‐TAR Interaction
Authors: Martin Céline , De Piccoli Serena , Gaysinski Marc , Becquart Cécile , Azoulay Stéphane , Di Giorgio Audrey , Duca Maria
Published: December 2019

Targeting RNA using small molecules is now established as a very promising strategy for many therapeutic applications since coding and non‐coding RNAs bear a pivotal role both in viral and bacterial infections as well as in diseases such as cancer. Here, we focused on HIV‐1 TAR RNA as a promising target for the development of new anti‐HIV therapies but also as an ideal model to validate the discovery of original RNA ligands. First, we performed an initial screening of a library of compounds against TAR that led to the discovery of verapamil, a marketed calcium‐channel blocker, as a promising chemical structure for the development of new RNA ligands. The synthesis of a series of analogs of verapamil led to promising structure activity relationships and to the discovery of a conjugate between verapamil and an indole fragment, as an efficient and selective TAR binder able to inhibit Tat/TAR interaction with an IC50 of 18.8 μM. This work supports the potential of library screening for the discovery of original and selective RNA ligands and illustrates how existing drugs directed against protein targets still need to be studied for RNA binding as a promising strategy in the field of RNA targeting by small molecules.
An area‐efficient, large time‐constant log‐domain filter for low‐frequency applications
Authors: G. Hanumantha Rao , S. Rekha
Published: December 2019

This paper proposes a simple technique to increase the time constant of a log‐domain filter. By using the proposed technique, the capacitor value can be reduced considerably; hence, overall area of the circuit can be reduced. A second‐order log‐domain low‐pass filter (LPF) is implemented in UMC 65‐nm complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology to validate the proposed technique. It occupies an area as low as 0.005 mm2 and operates with a 0.5‐V supply. For a cutoff frequency of 100 Hz, the filter consumes a power of 4 nW. By adjusting the bias current, the cutoff frequency can be linearly tuned from 10 to 500 Hz. The filter has the figure of merit (FoM) of 0.68×10−13 J, which is on par with many designs listed in the literature. The filter uses the lowest capacitance/pole (0.92 pF) among the similar designs given in the literature, which shows that the present design is area efficient.
Front Cover: Highly hydrophilic cationic gold nanorods stabilized by novel quaternary ammonium surfactant with negligible cytotoxicity (J. Biophotonics 12/2019)
Authors: Salajkova Sarka , Sramek Michal , Malinak David , Havel Filip , Musilek Kamil , Benkova Marketa , Soukup Ondrej , Vasicova Pavla , Prchal Lukas , Dolezal Rafael , Hodny Zdenek , Bartek Jiri , Zarska Monika , Kuca Kamil
Published: December 2019

Cationic gold nanorods stabilized by quaternary ammonium salts (QAS) are a promising tool for photothermal destruction of cancer cells. However, cytotoxicity of the alkanethiol‐QAS limits their medical applications. A novel design of cationic surfactant composed of the quaternary ammonium group and ethylene glycol chain significantly reduces the compound cytotoxicity in the free state while allowing the preparation of stable nanorods with high cellular uptake and lysosomal localization.

Further details can be found in the article by Sarka Salajkova, Michal Sramek, David Malinak, et al. (e201900024).

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Inside Cover: Three‐dimensional intravital imaging in bone research (J. Biophotonics 12/2019)
Authors: Liu Yuhao , Yuan Quan , Zhang Shiwen
Published: December 2019

This review is aimed at interpreting development and advantages of intravital imaging as an emerging invaluable methodology and summarizing related representative discoveries in bone physiologies and pathologies. It also indicates current limitations, further refinement, and extended application of intravital imaging in bone research.

Further details can be found in the article by Yuhao Liu, Quan Yuan, and Shiwen Zhanget (e201960075).

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Dissolution of collagen fibers from tannery solid wastes in salt aqueous solutions: Hofmeister series evaluation
Authors: Zhang Luan , Li Zhijie , Xiao Yuelong , Liu Zhijing , Pei Ying , Wang Guozhen , Tang Keyong
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

Collagen fibers from tannery solid wastes were treated with aqueous solutions of inorganic salts. The effect of the inorganic salts on the dissolution of collagen fibers and degradation of collagen were investigated. Tests of reduced viscosity and sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) were applied to evaluate the degree of degradation during the dissolution process. The specific ionic effects of the Hofmeister series on the dissolution of collagen fibers in salt aqueous solutions were demonstrated.

RESULTS

According to all the results, the dissolution abilities of inorganic salts were in the order of Br− > Cl− > SCN− > CH3COO− > H2PO4− > CO32− as well as Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > NH4+ > K+ > Li+. The results indicated that NaBr aqueous solution could have potential ability as a solvent to dissolve collagen fibers without excessive degradation of collagen.

CONCLUSIONS

NaBr aqueous solution could have potential ability as a solvent to dissolve collagen fibers without excessive degradation of collagen. By analyzing the results of the reduced viscosity tests, SDS‐PAGE and amino analysis, proper dissolution conditions were evaluated with the conditions of NaBr aqueous solution concentration of 1 mol L−1, contacting time of 4 h and temperature of 60 °C. From amino analysis and in situ optical microscopy observation, a possible process of collagen fiber dissolution in NaBr solution was demonstrated. This work provides a method for treating and recycling tannery solid wastes with some information for the investigation of collagen‐based materials. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Survival time after marked reduction in oral intake in terminally ill noncancer patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Hosoi Takahiro , Ozone Sachiko , Hamano Jun
Published: December 2019

Background

The prediction of short‐term survival is important for noncancer patients and their families. Although a markedly reduced oral intake by cancer patients suggests a poor prognosis, the survival times of noncancer patients after its onset remain unclear. We herein investigated the time from a marked reduction in oral intake to death in noncancer patients as well as factors associated with their subsequent survival.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective medical record review of noncancer patients who died in our hospital between April 2017 and April 2018. We recorded the day when oral intake markedly decreased and the date of death. We extracted data on age, gender, the Charlson Comorbidities Index, mean daily fluid volume, laboratory test results, and vital signs converted to the Shock Index (SI). We used Cox's proportional hazards models to assess relationships between these factors and survival times after the onset of a markedly reduced oral intake.

Results

We analyzed data from 44 noncancer patients. The median time from the onset of a markedly reduced oral intake to death was 16.5 days. Based on Cox's proportional hazards models, only SI ≧ 1.0 at the onset of a markedly reduced oral intake correlated with survival times (hazard ratio: 5.89, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.71‐20.1, P = .005).

Conclusion

Noncancer patients died a median of 16.5 days after the onset of a markedly reduced oral intake, and SI ≧1.0 correlated with subsequent survival times. These results will provide novel insights into the prognosis of noncancer patients at the end of life.
Synthesis, reactions, and spectral characterization of some new biologically active compounds derived from thieno[2,3‐c]pyrazole‐5‐carboxamide
Authors: Saber Ahmed F. , Zaki Remon M. , Kamal El‐Dean Adel M. , Radwan Shaban M.
Published: December 2019

The starting compound 4‐amino‐3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐thieno[2,3‐c]pyrazole‐5‐carboxamide (1), that has been previously synthesized according to the literature procedure, underwent a reaction with the anhydride of phthalic acid either in AcOH or DMF to give isoindolinylpyrazole‐5‐carboxamide 3 and pyrazolothienopyrimidoisoindoledione 4, respectively. Also, it was subjected to react with diethylmalonate followed by hydrazinolysis by hydrazine hydrate to yield the pyrazolothienopyrimidinyl acetohydrazide 5. The carbohydrazide derivative 5 was used as a key intermediate for the preparation of other new heterocyclic systems containing pyrazolylacetyl pyrazolothienopyrimidines and pyrazolothieno‐pyrimidotriazepine compounds 6–11. The structures of these new heterocycles have been characterized by using analytical and spectroscopic analyses (IR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR and MS). Some derivatives of the synthesized compounds exhibited remarkable antibacterial and antifungal activities against many bacterial and fungal strains.
A simple route to morpholine derivatives via copper‐acetylide addition to carbodiimide in the presence of oxiranes
Authors: Samzadeh‐Kermani Alireza
Published: December 2019

A novel catalytic multicomponent reaction for the synthesis of morpholine derivatives has been reported. The reactions involve terminal alkynes, carbodiimides, and oxiranes using [Cu (CH3CN)4]PF6, tBuOLi, and TBPAc in anhydrous NMP. Aryl and heteroaromatic terminal alkynes were tolerated. Carbodiimides could be symmetrical and unsymmetrical substrates with aryl or alkyl substituents. The reaction exhibited a good regioselectivity when unsymmetrical carbodiimides were employed.
Highlights on the synthesis of novel phenothiazine‐based azines scaffold as antioxidant agents
Authors: Hamama Wafaa S. , Gouda Moustafa A. , Kamal El‐din Hadwah A. , Zoorob Hanafi H.
Published: December 2019

Azines derivatives of phenothiazines were synthetically constructed from one‐pot multicomponent reactions of 1‐(4a,10a‐dihydro‐10H‐phenothiazin‐2‐yl)ethan‐1‐one with various reagents. The obtained novel target compounds were evaluated as antioxidant agents using ABTS+• scavenging assay. Antioxidant results revealed that the incorporation of azines to phenothiazine ring system enhanced the activity. In addition, compound 18 prevent the damage of DNA due to the formation of bleomycin‐iron complex more than the standard compound.
Effect of postoperative steroids on clinical outcomes and radiographic findings of horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation: A retrospective study
Authors: Golob Deeb Janina , Farris Emily , Reichert Amy , Carrico Caroline K. , Deeb George R.
Published: December 2019

Background

The purpose of the study was to investigate if the prescription of oral postoperative steroids has an effect on clinical outcomes of horizontal ridge augmentation including implant placement and characteristics of the grafted bone.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of 73 horizontal ridge augmentation cases was completed to assess the clinical outcomes, 53 of those cases were further assessed radiographically. Information was gathered regarding surgical technique, grafting materials, postoperative healing, medications used postoperatively, bone growth, and density changes as quantified on a cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. Statistical analysis was completed to identify whether the use of postoperative oral steroids altered outcomes.

Results

Steroids were used postoperatively following various horizontal ridge augmentation procedures. The use of tenting screws and resorbable membranes with a combination of osseous allograft and xenograft was used in 73 cases, 53 of which had preoperative and postoperative CBCT scans. Graft exposure occurred in five of the cases (9%), with the majority (n = 4) among those with postoperative steroids, but this was not statistically significant (P‐value = 0.6510). Use of steroids was also not significantly associated with the number of courses of antibiotics (P‐value > 0.05), but it was significantly associated with increased number of postoperative visits (P‐value < 0.05). Among the subset for radiographic analysis (n = 53), there were significant clinical and radiographic dimensional changes in alveolar ridge width with an average horizontal bone gain of 3.6 mm. There were no statistically significant differences found in radiographic linear bone gain or clinical outcomes with the addition of steroids. A marginally statistically significant in the density of grafted bone was found with the addition of steroids (P‐value > 0.05).

Conclusion

The prescription of postoperative steroids did not make a significant difference in clinical outcomes, success of implant placement or on radiographic assessment of grafted sites following horizontal alveolar ridge augmentation.
Surgical treatment of otosclerosis leading to changes in postural control and quality of life
Authors: Alessandrini Marco , Viziano Andrea , Roselli Lucrezia , Micarelli Alessandro
Published: December 2019

Objective

Evaluating postural function in patients with otosclerosis by assessing otoneurological function and balance‐related quality of life before and 6 weeks after surgical treatment. Correlations between and clinical features were investigated.

Methods

Thirty‐three patients affected by otosclerosis underwent otoneurological examination, video Head Impulse Test (vHIT), and static posturography before and after stapedotomy. Quality of life and dizziness‐related handicap were screened by means of validated questionnaires. Correlation analysis was performed in order to discover possible relations with audiological pre‐ and postoperative parameters.

Results

A significant improvement in posturographic parameters was found. Correlation analysis yielded a negative correlation between preoperative bone conduction auditory threshold and both vHIT scores and postural performance improvement, evaluated by spectral analysis. Moreover, a positive correlation was also found between improvements in posturographic scores and quality‐of‐life questionnaires.

Conclusion

The study results demonstrated an improvement in postural function and self‐reported measures in a cohort of patients with otosclerosis 6 weeks after stapedotomy. The inverse correlation with preoperative auditory levels may reflect lesser chance for balance restoration in cases with worse sensorineural function. Possible implications for daily activities and overall quality of life were suggested by improved self‐report questionnaire results.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:2448–2454, 2020
The Role of the Cerebellum in Degenerative Ataxias and Essential Tremor: Insights From Noninvasive Modulation of Cerebellar Activity
Authors: Maas Roderick P.P.W.M. , Helmich Rick C.G. , van de Warrenburg Bart P.C.
Published: December 2019

Over the last three decades, measuring and modulating cerebellar activity and its connectivity with other brain regions has become an emerging research topic in clinical neuroscience. The most important connection is the cerebellothalamocortical pathway, which can be functionally interrogated using a paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation paradigm. Cerebellar brain inhibition reflects the magnitude of suppression of motor cortex excitability after stimulating the contralateral cerebellar hemisphere and therefore represents a neurophysiological marker of the integrity of the efferent cerebellar tract. Observations that cerebellar noninvasive stimulation techniques enhanced performance of certain motor and cognitive tasks in healthy individuals have inspired attempts to modulate cerebellar activity and connectivity in patients with cerebellar diseases in order to achieve clinical benefit. We here comprehensively explore the therapeutic potential of these techniques in two movement disorders characterized by prominent cerebellar involvement, namely the degenerative ataxias and essential tremor. The article aims to illustrate the (patho)physiological insights obtained from these studies and how these translate into clinical practice, where possible by addressing the association with cerebellar brain inhibition. Finally, possible explanations for some discordant interstudy findings, shortcomings in our current understanding, and recommendations for future research will be provided. © 2019 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Time‐periodic Stokes equations with inhomogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions in a half‐space
Authors: Celik Aday , Kyed Mads
Published: December 2019

The time‐periodic Stokes problem in a half‐space with fully inhomogeneous right‐hand side is investigated. Maximal regularity in a time‐periodic Lp setting is established. A method based on Fourier multipliers is employed that leads to a decomposition of the solution into a steady‐state and a purely oscillatory part in order to identify the suitable function spaces.
Capturing Bonding, Bridging, and Linking Social Capital through Publicly Available Data
Authors: Kyne Dean , Aldrich Daniel P.
Published: December 2019

A growing body of research has illuminated the powerful role played by social capital in influencing disaster and resilience outcomes. Popular vulnerability mapping frameworks, while well suited for capturing demographic characteristics such as age, race, and wealth, do not include sufficient proxies for social capital. This article proposes a concrete way to measure bonding, bridging, and linking social capital using widely available information. Our social capital index (SoCI) uses 19 indicators from publicly available U.S. census and Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) data for all counties across the contiguous United States. We demonstrate broad variations in the SoCI Index by mapping counties across the continental North America. Validity tests indicate outcomes similar or superior to other approaches such as the Baseline Resilience Indicators for Communities (BRIC) and the Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI). Our new mapping framework provides a more focused way for disaster managers, scholars, and local residents to understand how communities could cope with future disasters based on levels of social ties and cohesion.
The non-Abelian T-dual of Klebanov-Witten background and its Penrose limits
Authors: Roychowdhury Sourav , Tripathy Prasanta K.
Published: December 2019

Abstract

In this paper we consider both Abelian as well as non-Abelian T-duals of the Klebanov-Witten background and inspect their various Penrose limits. We show that these backgrounds admit pp-wave solutions in the neighbourhood of appropriate null geodesics. We study the quantization of closed string propagating on some of the resulting pp-wave backgrounds and comment on the probable field theory duals.
Breaking mirror twin hypercharge
Authors: Batell Brian , Verhaaren Christopher B.
Published: December 2019

Abstract

The Twin Higgs scenario stabilizes the Higgs mass through an approximate global symmetry and has remained natural in the face of increasingly stringent LHC bounds on colored top partners. Two basic structural questions in this framework concern the nature of the twin hypercharge gauge symmetry and the origin of the ℤ2 symmetry breaking needed to achieve the correct vacuum alignment. Both questions are addressed in a simple extension of the Mirror Twin Higgs model with an exact ℤ2 symmetry and a scalar field that spontaneously breaks both twin hypercharge and ℤ2. Due to the ℤ2 symmetry and an approximate U(2) symmetry in the potential, a new hypercharge scalar appears in the visible sector and, like the Higgs, is a pseudo-Nambu-Goldstone boson with a weak-scale mass. Couplings between the hypercharge scalar and matter provide a new dynamical source of twin sector fermion masses. Depending on the nature and size of these couplings, a variety of experimental signatures may arise, including quark and lepton flavor violation, neutrino masses and mixings as well as direct collider probes of the hypercharged scalar. These signals are correlated with the twin matter spectrum, which can differ dramatically from the visible one, including dynamical realizations of fraternal-like scenarios.
NLO QCD predictions for t$$ \overline{t} $$b$$ \overline{b} $$ production in association with a light jet at the LHC
Authors: Buccioni Federico , Kallweit Stefan , Pozzorini Stefano , Zoller Max F.
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Theoretical predictions for t

$$ \overline{t} $$

t
¯

b

$$ \overline{b} $$

b
¯

production are of crucial importance for t

$$ \overline{t} $$

t
¯

H measurements in the H → b

$$ \overline{b} $$

b
¯

channel at the LHC. To address the large uncertainties associated with the modelling of extra QCD radiation in t

$$ \overline{t} $$

t
¯

b

$$ \overline{b} $$

b
¯

events, in this paper we present a calculation of pp → t

$$ \overline{t} $$

t
¯

b

$$ \overline{b} $$

b
¯

j at NLO QCD. The behaviour of NLO corrections is analysed in a variety of observables, and to assess theoretical uncertainties we use factor- two rescalings as well as different dynamic scales. In this context, we propose a systematic alignment of dynamic scales that makes it possible to disentangle normalisation and shape uncertainties in a transparent way. Scale uncertainties at NLO are typically at the level of 20–30% in integrated cross sections, and below 10% for the shapes of distributions. The kinematics of QCD radiation is investigated in detail, including the effects of its recoil on the objects of the t

$$ \overline{t} $$

t
¯

b

$$ \overline{b} $$

b
¯

system. In particular, we discuss various azimuthal correlations that allow one to characterise the QCD recoil pattern in a precise and transparent way. In general, the calculation at hand provides a variety of precise benchmarks that can be used to validate the modelling of QCD radiation in t

$$ \overline{t} $$

t
¯

b

$$ \overline{b} $$

b
¯

generators. Moreover, as we will argue, pp → t

$$ \overline{t} $$

t
¯

b

$$ \overline{b} $$

b
¯

j at NLO entails information that can be used to gain insights into the perturbative convergence of the inclusive t

$$ \overline{t} $$

t
¯

b

$$ \overline{b} $$

b
¯

cross section beyond NLO. Based on this idea, we address the issue of the large NLO K-factor observed in

$$ {\sigma}_{t\overline{t}b\overline{b}} $$

σ

t

t
¯

b

b
¯

, and we provide evidence that supports the reduction of this K-factor through a mild adjustment of the QCD scales that are conventionally used for this process. The presented 2 → 5 NLO calculations have been carried out using OpenLoops 2 in combination with Sherpa and Munich.
Heterotic-F-theory duality with Wilson line symmetry-breaking
Authors: Clemens Herbert , Raby Stuart
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We begin with an E
8 x E
8 Heterotic model broken to an SU(5)gauge and a mirror SU(5)gauge, where one SU(5) and its spectrum is identified as the visible sector while the other can be identified as a hidden mirror world. In both cases we obtain the minimal supersymmetric standard model spectrum after Wilson-line symmetry-breaking enhanced by a low energy R-parity enforced by a local (or global) U(1)
x
-symmetry. Using Heterotic/F-theory duality, we show how to eliminate the vector-like exotics which were obtained in previous constructions. In these constructions, the Calabi-Yau [CY] four-fold was defined by an elliptic fibration with section over a base B
3 and a GUT surface given by K3/ℤ2 = Enriques surface. In the present paper we construct a quotient CY four-fold fibered by tori with two elliptic structures given by a pair of sections fibered over the Enriques surface. Using Heterotic/F-theory duality we are able to define the cohomologies used to derive the massless spectrum. Our model for the 'correct' F-theory dual of a Heterotic model with Wilson-line symmetry-breaking builds on prior literature but employs the stack-theoretic version of the dictionary between the Heterotic semi-stable Es-bundles with Yang-Mills connection and the dP9-fibrations used to construct the F-theory dual.