bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abundancy of polymorphic CGG repeats in the human genome suggest a broad involvement in neurological disease
Authors: Annear Dale J. , Vandeweyer Geert , Elinck Ellen , Sanchis-Juan Alba , French Courtney E. , Raymond Lucy , Kooy R. Frank
Published: January 2021

Expanded CGG-repeats have been linked to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, including the fragile X syndrome and fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). We hypothesized that as of yet uncharacterised CGG-repeat expansions within the genome contribute to human disease. To catalogue the CGG-repeats, 544 human whole genomes were analyzed. In total, 6101 unique CGG-repeats were detected of which more than 93% were highly variable in repeat length. Repeats with a median size of 12 repeat units or more were always polymorphic but shorter repeats were often polymorphic, suggesting a potential intergenerational instability of the CGG region even for repeats units with a median length of four or less. 410 of the CGG repeats were associated with known neurodevelopmental disease genes or with strong candidate genes. Based on their frequency and genomic location, CGG repeats may thus be a currently overlooked cause of human disease.
Prevalence and characteristics of cutaneous allodynia in probable migraine
Authors: Han Seung Min , Kim Kyung Min , Cho Soo-Jin , Yang Kwang Ik , Kim Daeyoung , Yun Chang-Ho , Chu Min Kyung
Published: January 2021

Cutaneous allodynia (CA) is a pain in response to non-nociceptive stimulation and a marker of central sensitisation. Probable migraine (PM) is a migraine subtype that fulfils all but one criterion of migraine. Headache intensity and the disability of individuals with PM are similar or lower than individuals with migraine. This study compared CA prevalence and characteristics of PM and migraine using a nationally representative sample in Korea. The Allodynia Symptom Checklist-12 (ASC-12) was used to assess CA (ASC-12 score ≥ 3). PM and migraine prevalence were 11.6% and 5.0%, respectively. CA prevalence did not significantly differ between PM and migraine (14.5% vs. 16.0%, p = 0.701). Participants with PM with CA reported a higher monthly headache frequency (3.3 ± 4.3 vs. 1.8 ± 3.6, p = 0.044), more severe headache intensity (Visuals Analogue Scale, 6.0 [4.0–7.0] vs. 5.0 [3.0–6.0], p = 0.002), and higher impact of headache (Headache Impact Test-6, 56.3 ± 7.2 vs. 48.3 ± 8.0, p < 0.001) than those without CA. Multiple regression analyses revealed that headache frequency and intensity, anxiety, and depression were significant factors for CA in participants with PM. In conclusion, CA prevalence among participants with PM and migraine were comparable. Anxiety, depression, and headache frequency and intensity were significant factors for CA in participants with PM.
Geometric morphometric investigation of craniofacial morphological change in domesticated silver foxes
Authors: Kistner Timothy M. , Zink Katherine D. , Worthington Steven , Lieberman Daniel E.
Published: January 2021

To test the effects of domestication on craniofacial skeletal morphology, we used three-dimensional geometric morphometrics (GM) along with linear and endocranial measurements to compare selected (domesticated) and unselected foxes from the Russian Farm-Fox Experiment to wild foxes from the progenitor population from which the farmed foxes are derived. Contrary to previous findings, we find that domesticated and unselected foxes show minimal differences in craniofacial shape and size compared to the more substantial differences between the wild foxes and both populations of farmed foxes. GM analyses and linear measurements demonstrate that wild foxes differ from farmed foxes largely in terms of less cranial base flexion, relatively expanded cranial vaults, and increased endocranial volumes. These results challenge the assumption that the unselected population of foxes kept as part of the Russian Farm-Fox experiment are an appropriate proxy for ‘wild’ foxes in terms of craniofacial morphology and highlight the need to include wild populations in further studies of domestication syndrome to disentangle the phenotypic effects of multiple selection pressures. These findings also suggest that marked increases in docility cannot be reliably diagnosed from shape differences in craniofacial skeletal morphology.
Transforming early pharmaceutical assessment of genotoxicity: applying statistical learning to a high throughput, multi end point in vitro micronucleus assay
Authors: Wilson Amy , Grabowski Piotr , Elloway Joanne , Ling Stephanie , Stott Jonathan , Doherty Ann
Published: January 2021

To provide a comprehensive analysis of small molecule genotoxic potential we have developed and validated an automated, high-content, high throughput, image-based in vitro Micronucleus (IVM) assay. This assay simultaneously assesses micronuclei and multiple additional cellular markers associated with genotoxicity. Acoustic dosing (≤ 2 mg) of compound is followed by a 24-h treatment and a 24-h recovery period. Confocal images are captured [Cell Voyager CV7000 (Yokogawa, Japan)] and analysed using Columbus software (PerkinElmer). As standard the assay detects micronuclei (MN), cytotoxicity and cell-cycle profiles from Hoechst phenotypes. Mode of action information is primarily determined by kinetochore labelling in MN (aneugencity) and γH2AX foci analysis (a marker of DNA damage). Applying computational approaches and implementing machine learning models alongside Bayesian classifiers allows the identification of, with 95% accuracy, the aneugenic, clastogenic and negative compounds within the data set (Matthews correlation coefficient: 0.9), reducing analysis time by 80% whilst concurrently minimising human bias. Combining high throughput screening, multiparametric image analysis and machine learning approaches has provided the opportunity to revolutionise early Genetic Toxicology assessment within AstraZeneca. By multiplexing assay endpoints and minimising data generation and analysis time this assay enables complex genotoxicity safety assessments to be made sooner aiding the development of safer drug candidates.
Minor allele of GJA1 gene polymorphism is associated with higher heart rate during atrial fibrillation
Authors: Okamura Sho , Onohara Yuko , Ochi Hidenori , Tokuyama Takehito , Hironobe Naoya , Okubo Yosaku , Ikeuchi Yoshihiro , Miyauchi Shunsuke , Chayama Kazuaki , Kihara Yasuki , Nakano Yukiko
Published: January 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF) tachycardia causes heart failure and requires more attention. The genetic background of individual heart rate (HR) variations during AF are unclear. We hypothesized that HR-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reported in Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) are also associated with HR during AF. We enrolled patients with persistent AF (311 for screening and 146 for replication) who underwent AF ablation and were genotyped for the 21 h-associated SNPs reported in GWAS. The patients underwent 24-h Holter monitoring before AF ablation and electrophysiological study after AF ablation during sinus rhythm. Only the GJA1 SNP rs1015451 (T>C) was significantly associated with total HR (TT 110,643 ± 17,542 beats/day, TC 116,350 ± 19,060 beats/day, CC 122,163 ± 25,684 beats/day, P = 8.5 × 10−4). We also confirmed this significant association in the replication set. The intra-atrial conduction was faster in AF patients with the GJA1 minor allele than in those without it. Multivariate analysis revealed the presence of a GJA1 SNP rs1015451 additive model, female gender, lower left ventricular ejection fraction, and higher 1:1 atrioventricular nodal conduction were independently associated with higher HR during AF. The GJA1 SNP might be a new genetic marker for AF tachycardia.
Social media reveal ecoregional variation in how weather influences visitor behavior in U.S. National Park Service units
Authors: Wilkins Emily J. , Howe Peter D. , Smith Jordan W.
Published: January 2021

Daily weather affects total visitation to parks and protected areas, as well as visitors’ experiences. However, it is unknown if and how visitors change their spatial behavior within a park due to daily weather conditions. We investigated the impact of daily maximum temperature and precipitation on summer visitation patterns within 110 U.S. National Park Service units. We connected 489,061 geotagged Flickr photos to daily weather, as well as visitors’ elevation and distance to amenities (i.e., roads, waterbodies, parking areas, and buildings). We compared visitor behavior on cold, average, and hot days, and on days with precipitation compared to days without precipitation, across fourteen ecoregions within the continental U.S. Our results suggest daily weather impacts where visitors go within parks, and the effect of weather differs substantially by ecoregion. In most ecoregions, visitors stayed closer to infrastructure on rainy days. Temperature also affects visitors’ spatial behavior within parks, but there was not a consistent trend across ecoregions. Importantly, parks in some ecoregions contain more microclimates than others, which may allow visitors to adapt to unfavorable conditions. These findings suggest visitors’ spatial behavior in parks may change in the future due to the increasing frequency of hot summer days.
Lower values of a novel index of Vagal-Neuroimmunomodulation are associated to higher all-cause mortality in two large general population samples with 18 year follow up
Authors: Jarczok Marc N. , Koenig Julian , Thayer Julian F.
Published: January 2021

In recent clinical practice, a biomarker of vagal neuroimmunomodulation (NIM), namely the ratio of vagally-mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) and CRP, was proposed to index the functionality of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. This study aims to transfer and extend the previous findings to two general population-based samples to explore the hypothesis that NIM-ratio is associated with all-cause mortality. Two large population studies (MIDUS 2: N = 1255 and Whitehall II wave 5: N = 7870) with complete data from a total of N = 3860 participants (36.1% females; average age = 56.3 years; 11.1% deaths, last exit 18.1 years post inclusion) were available. NIM indices were calculated using the vagally-mediated HRV measure RMSSD divided by measures of CRP (NIMCRP) or IL-6 (NIMIL6). The NIM-ratios were quartiled and entered into age, ethnicity and body mass index adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. For NIMIL6 the lowest quartile was 45% more likely to die during the observed period (max. 18 years follow-up) compared to the highest quartile (HR = 0.55 CI 0.41–0.73; p < .0001). NIMCRP parallel these results. Here we show that an easily computable index of IL-6 inhibition is associated with all-cause mortality in two large general population samples. These results suggest that this index might be useful for risk stratification and warrant further examination.
A nationwide population-based study of incidence and mortality of lung cancer in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Song Myung Jin , Kim Song Yee , Park Moo Suk , Kang Min Jin , Lee Sang Hoon , Park Seon Cheol
Published: January 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an independent risk factor for lung cancer (LC) development; however, there are currently no clinical guidelines for LC surveillance in IPF. This study aimed to investigate the cumulative incidence and survival outcomes of LC in IPF. Using the National Health Insurance Service database, including medical information on people aged ≥ 40 years between 2011 and 2016, we identified IPF patients and confirmed the presence of comorbid LC. Patients diagnosed with IPF in 2011 were washed out, and mortality data were analyzed from 2012 to 2018. A total of 7277 newly diagnosed IPF patients were identified among Korean citizens aged ≥ 40 years (about 50 million people) between 2011 and 2016. Their average age was 71.5 years and 72.8% of them were male. The prevalence of LC in the IPF cases was 6.4%. The cumulative incidence rates of LC in IPF patients who did not have LC at the time of IPF diagnosis were 1.7%, 4.7%, and 7.0%, at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The median time from IPF diagnosis to LC development was 16.3 (Interquartile range, 8.2–28.8) months. The survival rate was significantly lower in the IPF with LC group than the IPF without LC group (P < 0.001). We concluded that IPF increases LC risk, and LC weakens survival outcomes in IPF. Close surveillance for LC development is mandatory for patients with IPF.
Trueness of ten intraoral scanners in determining the positions of simulated implant scan bodies
Authors: Kim Ryan Jin Young , Benic Goran I. , Park Ji-Man
Published: January 2021

Few investigations have evaluated the 3-dimensional (3D) accuracy of digital implant scans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of 10 intraoral scanners (IOSs) (CEREC Omnicam, CEREC Primescan, CS 3600, DWIO, i500, iTero Element, PlanScan, Trios 2, Trios 3, and True Definition) in obtaining the accurate positions of 6 cylinders simulating implant scan bodies. Digital scans of each IOS were compared with the reference dataset obtained by means of a coordinate measuring machine. Deviation from the actual positions of the 6 cylinders along the XYZ axes and the overall 3D deviation of the digital scan were calculated. The type of IOSs and position of simulated cylindrical scan bodies affected the magnitude and direction of deviations on trueness. The lowest amount of deviation was found at the cylinder next to the reference origin, while the highest deviation was evident at the contralateral side for all IOSs (p < 0.001). Among the tested IOSs, the CEREC Primescan and Trios 3 had the highest trueness followed by i500, Trios 2, and iTero Element, albeit not statistically significant (p > 0.05), and the DWIO and PlasScan had the lowest trueness in partially edentulous mandible digital implant scans (p < 0.001).
Ultrasound mediated delivery of quantum dots from a proof of concept capsule endoscope to the gastrointestinal wall
Authors: Stewart Fraser , Cummins Gerard , Turcanu Mihnea V. , Cox Benjamin F. , Prescott Alan , Clutton Eddie , Newton Ian P. , Desmulliez Marc P. Y. , Thanou Maya , Mulvana Helen , Cochran Sandy , Näthke Inke
Published: January 2021

Biologic drugs, defined as therapeutic agents produced from or containing components of a living organism, are of growing importance to the pharmaceutical industry. Though oral delivery of medicine is convenient, biologics require invasive injections because of their poor bioavailability via oral routes. Delivery of biologics to the small intestine using electronic delivery with devices that are similar to capsule endoscopes is a promising means of overcoming this limitation and does not require reformulation of the therapeutic agent. The efficacy of such capsule devices for drug delivery could be further improved by increasing the permeability of the intestinal tract lining with an integrated ultrasound transducer to increase uptake. This paper describes a novel proof of concept capsule device capable of electronic application of focused ultrasound and delivery of therapeutic agents. Fluorescent markers, which were chosen as a model drug, were used to demonstrate in vivo delivery in the porcine small intestine with this capsule. We show that the fluorescent markers can penetrate the mucus layer of the small intestine at low acoustic powers when combining microbubbles with focused ultrasound during in vivo experiments using porcine models. This study illustrates how such a device could be potentially used for gastrointestinal drug delivery and the challenges to be overcome before focused ultrasound and microbubbles could be used with this device for the oral delivery of biologic therapeutics.
Concentration profiles of ions and particles under hydrodynamic focusing in Y-shaped square microchannel
Authors: Sato Norikazu , Kawashima Daisuke , Takei Masahiro
Published: January 2021

Three-dimensional ion and particle concentrations under hydrodynamic focusing in a Y-shaped square microchannel are numerically simulated to clarify the decrease of the ion concentration along the flow direction within the focused particle stream. The simulation model is theoretically governed by the laminar flow and advection–diffusion equations. The governing equations are solved by the finite volume method. The ion and particle concentration distributions at five cross sections after the confluence of the branch channels are analyzed in 30 cases in which the sheath to sample flow rate ratio Qsh/Qsam and the Reynolds number Re are varied as parameters. The results show that the decrease of the cross-sectional average ion concentration along the flow direction within the particle stream $$\overline{c}_{i}$$

c
¯

i

is described by the diffusion length during the residence time with a characteristic velocity scale. In addition, the deformation of the particle stream due to inertial effects is described by a scaled Reynolds number that is a function of the flow rate ratio. The simulated particle stream thicknesses are validated by theory and a simple experiment. This paper reveals the relationship between the ion and particle concentrations and the dimensionless parameters for hydrodynamic focusing in the Y-shaped square microchannel under typical conditions.
Multiplexed CRISPR-Cas9 system in a single adeno-associated virus to simultaneously knock out redundant clock genes
Authors: Kim Boil , Kim Jihoon , Chun Minjeong , Park Inah , Kwak Damhyeon , Choi Mijung , Kim Kyungjin , Choe Han Kyoung
Published: January 2021

The mammalian molecular clock is based on a transcription-translation feedback loop (TTFL) comprising the Period1, 2 (Per1, 2), Cryptochrome1, 2 (Cry1, 2), and Brain and Muscle ARNT-Like 1 (Bmal1) genes. The robustness of the TTFL is attributed to genetic redundancy among some essential clock genes, deterring genetic studies on molecular clocks using genome editing targeting single genes. To manipulate multiple clock genes in a streamlined and efficient manner, we developed a CRISPR-Cas9-based single adeno-associated viral (AAV) system targeting the circadian clock (CSAC) for essential clock genes including Pers, Crys, or Bmal1. First, we tested several single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) targeting individual clock genes in silico and validated their efficiency in Neuro2a cells. To target multiple genes, multiplex sgRNA plasmids were constructed using Golden Gate assembly and packaged into AAVs. CSAC efficiency was evident through protein downregulation in vitro and ablated molecular oscillation ex vivo. We also measured the efficiency of CSAC in vivo by assessing circadian rhythms after injecting CSAC into the suprachiasmatic nuclei of Cas9-expressing knock-in mice. Circadian locomotor activity and body temperature rhythms were severely disrupted in these mice, indicating that our CSAC is a simple yet powerful tool for investigating the molecular clock in vivo.
Meta-analysis of SNP-environment interaction with heterogeneity for overlapping data
Authors: Jin Qinqin , Shi Gang
Published: January 2021

Meta-analysis is a popular method used in genome-wide association studies, by which the results of multiple studies are combined to identify associations. This process generates heterogeneity. Recently, we proposed a random effect model meta-regression method (MR) to study the effect of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-environment interactions. This method takes heterogeneity into account and produces high power. We also proposed a fixed effect model overlapping MR in which the overlapping data is taken into account. In the present study, a random effect model overlapping MR that simultaneously considers heterogeneity and overlapping data is proposed. This method is based on the random effect model MR and the fixed effect model overlapping MR. A new way of solving the logarithm of the determinant of covariance matrices in likelihood functions is also provided. Tests for the likelihood ratio statistic of the SNP-environment interaction effect and the SNP and SNP-environment joint effects are given. In our simulations, null distributions and type I error rates were proposed to verify the suitability of our method, and powers were applied to evaluate the superiority of our method. Our findings indicate that this method is effective in cases of overlapping data with a high heterogeneity.
Spatio-temporal evaluation of the emergency capacity of the cross-regional rain-flood disaster in the Yangtze River Economic Belt in China
Authors: Wang Qian , Chen Junfei
Published: January 2021

This paper assesses the emergency capacity of rain-flood disaster in provinces along the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB), China, from 2013 to 2017. In this study, the evaluation index system of emergency capacity on rain-flood disaster was built from the economic-social and environmental-natural aspects, and spatial auto-correlation analysis was used to analyze spatial differentiation characteristics of the emergency capacity. Then, the Spatial Durbin Model (SDM) was used to analyze the influence mechanism of the development level of economic-social factors (ESF) subsystem, environmental-natural factors (ENF) subsystem and the coupling level of these two subsystems on the emergency capacity of rain-flood disaster in provinces. The findings show that the emergency capacity distribution of rain-flood disaster in the YREB presented a “decreasing” spatial pattern of eastern, central and western regions. The development of two subsystems has produced spatial spillover effect and diffusion effect on the neighboring areas. There was a high coupling degree between these two subsystems in the YREB. Although spillover effect existed in space, the spillover did not depend on economic distance.
Mechanistic insights into the dominant reaction route and catalyst deactivation in biogas reforming usingab initiomicrokinetic modeling
Authors: Jalid Fatima , Haider M. Ali , Alam Md. Imteyaz , Khan Tuhin S.
Published: January 2021

Co and Ru are proposed as two possible catalyst candidates for the biogas reforming process as these convert most of the CH4to CO and yield less coke.
Enhanced degradation of triclosan using UV–Fe2+synergistic activation of peracetic acid
Authors: Wang Shixiang , Chen Zhuo , Wang Zhenran , Fu Yongsheng , Liu Yiqing
Published: January 2021

UV/Fe2+/peracetic acid (PAA) as an efficient and novel advanced oxidation system was reported to produce reactive species (i.e., hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) and organic radicals) for triclosan (TCS) degradation.
Living electrodes based on green algae in hydrogels
Authors: Al-Mossawi Mohammed , Warren Holly , Molino Paul J. , Calvert Paul , in het Panhuis Marc
Published: January 2021

We report living electrode materials from green algae “Chlorella vulgaris” embedded within alginate hydrogel and cross-linked at different calcium chloride concentrations.
Comment on “investigation of dielectric constants of water in a nano-confined pore” by H. Zhu, F. Yang, Y. Zhu, A. Li, W. He, J. Huang and G. Li, RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 8628
Authors: Mondal Sayantan , Bagchi Biman
Published: January 2021

Neglects of inherent anisotropy and distinct dielectric boundaries may lead to completely erroneous results. We demonstrate that such mistakes can give rise to gross underestimation of the static dielectric constant of cylindrically nanoconfined water.
Fluorescence activation, patterning and enhancement with photogenerated radicals, a prefluorescent probe and silver nanostructures
Authors: Golian Karol P. , Akari Aviya S. , Hodgson Gregory K. , Impellizzeri Stefania
Published: January 2021

We designed a switchable fluorophore activated by UVA light and a radical initiator, for optical lithography with concomitant metal-enhanced fluorescence by silver nanoparticles.
South African physical sciences teachers’ use of formulae and proportion when answering reaction-based stoichiometry calculation questions
Authors: Stott Angela Elisabeth
Published: January 2021

Stoichiometry calculation competence tends to be particularly poor in the developing world, even among teachers. Various methods, including the unit factor method, have the potential to be effective in developing such competence. To evaluate the likelihood of such a generic proportion method, which downplays traditional formula usage, succeeding in a particular context, it is necessary first to understand teachers’ existing competence with proportion and the extent to which their calculation success relies on the explicit provision of and substitution into formulae in their written solutions. This quantitative survey study of 171 South African Physical Sciences teachers’ use of formulae and proportion found that most teachers failed to recognise the need to use proportion for some of the four reaction-based stoichiometry calculation questions used. Provision of and substitution into a formula in the written solution was found to be valuable in helping participants who underutilised proportion to obtain process marks, but to be largely irrelevant to obtaining the correct answer. The findings suggest that professional development interventions in similar contexts should focus on proportion within stoichiometry, particularly on recognition of its relevance to reaction-based questions. While a generic proportion method is well suited to this purpose, questions are raised concerning the likelihood that teachers would accept such a method in a context where process marks favour traditional formats of formula provision and substitution and where process mark attainment is highly valued. The findings also point to the need for teacher education to address competencies other than proportion.
High-performance and thermostable wire supercapacitors using mesoporous activated graphene deposited on continuous multilayer graphene
Authors: Lim TaeGyeong , Ho Ba Trung , Suk Ji Won
Published: January 2021

Highly porous activated graphene coated on CVD-graphene/Cu wires enables high-performance wire supercapacitors with enhanced thermal and chemical stability.
Performance improvement of MXene-based perovskite solar cells upon property transition from metallic to semiconductive by oxidation of Ti3C2Txin air
Authors: Yang Lin , Kan Dongxiao , Dall'Agnese Chunxiang , Dall'Agnese Yohan , Wang Baoning , Jena Ajay Kumar , Wei Yingjin , Chen Gang , Wang Xiao-Feng , Gogotsi Yury , Miyasaka Tsutomu
Published: January 2021

Oxidization of Ti3C2Txhydrocolloid is carried out to tune its properties desirable for an electron transport layer in low-temperature processed perovskite solar cells, rendering a champion power conversion efficiency of 18.29%.
Tailoring the structure and properties of epoxy–polyurea vitrimers via controllable network reconfiguration
Authors: Ji Fance , Zhou Yiming , Yang Yuming
Published: January 2021

Novel epoxy–polyurea based vitrimers with tailorable structure and thermomechanical properties enabled by controllable network reconfiguration.
Multifunctional organic ammonium salt-modified SnO2nanoparticles toward efficient and stable planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Bi Huan , Zuo Xin , Liu Baibai , He Dongmei , Bai Le , Wang Wenqi , Li Xiong , Xiao Zeyun , Sun Kuan , Song Qunliang , Zang Zhigang , Chen Jiangzhao
Published: January 2021

A novel and effective multifunctional modification strategy through the incorporation of Girard's Reagent T molecules to modify SnO2nanoparticles, which simultaneously enhances the efficiency and stability is reported.
A pH/redox-dual responsive, nanoemulsion-embedded hydrogel for efficient oral delivery and controlled intestinal release of magnesium ions
Authors: Huang Yu , Wang Zewei , Zhang Guiju , Ren Jie , Yu Li , Liu Xuhan , Yang Yuanxi , Ravindran Abirami , Wong Chloe , Chen Rongjun
Published: January 2021

A pH/redox-dual responsive, nanoemulsion-embedded composite hydrogel was proposed to well retain magnesium ions in the highly acidic gastric environment, but efficiently release them in the neutral and reducing intestinal environment.
2D CoOOH nanosheets as oxidase mimic for the colorimetric assay of sulfite in food
Authors: Mei Tianxiao , Zhang Sheng , Sun Jie , Hu Yihui
Published: January 2021

Here, we report a rapid, sensitive and selective colorimetric assay for sulfite (SO32−) based on the intrinsic oxidase-like activity of 2D cobalt oxyhydroxide nanosheets (CoOOH NSs).
Single-atom metal–N4site molecular electrocatalysts for ambient nitrogen reduction
Authors: Sun Sai , Yang Xiaoxuan , Li Siqi , Chen Xinyu , Li Ke , Lv Jiaqi , Wang Wenwen , Cheng Dongming , Wang Yong-Hui , Zang Hong-Ying
Published: January 2021

A defined-structure metal tetraphenylporphyrin is an efficient molecular electrocatalyst for N2reduction reaction. The indophenol blue method and isotope labeling experiment were used to determine the ammonia yield.
Rational designing of glyco-nanovehicles to target cellular heterogeneity
Authors: Jain Prashant , Shanthamurthy Chethan D. , Chaudhary Preeti Madhukar , Kikkeri Raghavendra
Published: January 2021

Heparan sulfate oligosaccharide based nanovehicle greatly enhance the selective targeting of cancer cells in tumor microenvironment.
Application Possibilities of a New Preloaded Nasolacrimal Duct Intubation System
Authors: Mihailovic Natasa , Grenzebach Ulrike H. , Eter Nicole , Merté Ralph-Laurent
Published: January 2021

Introduction The LacriJet (FCI S. A. S. – France Chirurgie Instrumentation, Paris, France) represents a novel, simplified and preloaded system for monocanalicular or monocanaliculonasal nasolacrimal duct intubation. It is a further development of the Masterka and shall reduce the intubation time during the surgical procedure. The aim of the present study was to present first experiences with this system for different indications.

Material and Methods All patients who underwent nasolacrimal duct intubation with the LacriJet at the University of Muenster Medical Center in the period from March to November 2019 were included. The postoperative outcome was evaluated 3 to 6 months later.

Results In total, 12 nasolacrimal duct intubations with the LacriJet were performed at our center in the above-mentioned period. The main indication for intubation was congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO). In addition, intubation was performed in cases with eye lid tumors involving the nasolacrimal duct, in a case of canalicular laceration and in a case of canaliculitis. In 3 cases, there was an early dislocation or a complete loss of intubation. Of these, 2 were cases with CNLDO and the third dislocation was due to manipulation by the patient. All in all, the functional results were satisfying.

Summary The use of the LacriJet is highly suitable for the treatment of CNLDO, stenting in canalicular laceration or lid tumours involving the lacrimal drainage system. However, the known disadvantages of monocanalicular intubation (dislocation, early loss of intubation) also occur with this type of system and a system briefing seems useful. The LacriJet therefore represents a modern and simple method for nasolacrimal duct intubation and can be used for various indications.
Serum Oxytocin Levels in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Non-Radiographic Axial Spondyloarthritis and their Association with Disease Activity
Authors: Yukselmis Ozkan , Oktayoğlu Pelin , Caglayan Mehmet , Mete Nuriye
Published: January 2021

Objectives Spondyloarthritis refers to a group of chronic inflammatory diseases that particularly involve the sacroiliac joints and spine but may also have an influence on extra-articular involvement in some patients. Oxytocin is a peptide hormone released from the hypothalamus and stored in the pituitary gland. It is known to have anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels of oxytocin and their potential association with disease activity and spinal mobility in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nrAxSpA).

Material and Methods Seventy-one patients with nrAxSpA, 38 patients with AS and 67 healthy control subjects were included in this study. Disease activity was assessed by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, and spinal mobility by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrologic Index. Laboratory examinations included complete blood count, ESR, CRP and oxytocin tests.

Results There was no significant difference in serum levels of oxytocin among the 3 groups (p=0.973). However, serum levels of oxytocin correlated negatively with both ESR (r=− 0.359, p=0.027), CRP (r=− 0.316, p=0.056) and BASDAI scores (r=− 0,448, p=0.005) in patients with AS. On the other hand, serum levels of oxytocin had a negative correlation only with ESR in patients with nrAxSpA (r=− 0.321 p=0.009).Conclusion This study lays the foundation for further studies that may aim to investigate how addition of oxytocin to the treatment regimen impacts on disease activity in patients with AS who exhibit particularly low levels of oxytocin during the active disease period.
Watching without Judging—Genius Awareness Techniques in Homeopathy
Authors: de Laporte Claudia
Published: January 2021

Homeopathy is a holistic healing method for diseases of body and mind.

Homeopathy and awareness-based healing methods have a lot in common. The important aspects of a mental healing process on the part of the treating person are empathic receptiveness, watching without judging and reflecting of the observed contents. On the part of the patient it is non-judgemental watching, catharsis and integration.

The subtle watching of body, emotions and thoughts, applied in homeopathy, is closely related to meditative awareness techniques which nowadays are also used in psychotherapy.

The reflection of the observed is done in homeopathy more by the resonant remedy than by words. With this individual remedy we ‘recognise’ our patients and we catalyse a cathartic awareness process. The primary objective of this awareness process is to help the patient understand and to accept himself, as he is, and subsequently to relax.

While it is known that many mental disorders improve by becoming aware, this is less known for somatic diseases, although there are many studies which show a mental connection for a great part of physical diseases, and therefore similar techniques should work.

The most important link between body and soul is the moderation of stressful and sympathetic states.

Only in a relaxed parasympathetic state self-healing and repairing mechanisms and the immune system can work effectively and locomotor tensions get relief.

Homoeopaths often deny the awareness-based effects of their healing method, because they fear homeopathy to be reduced to placebo medicine, in a time where homeopathy is attacked from many sides. As everywhere in medicine, the placebo effect is invited to ADD itself to the direct impact of our well-chosen remedies. Let us invite also the awareness effects described above, which are far more than only suggestive, by applying them more specifically.

Homoeopaths should be proud of their genius and really holistic art of healing, which bundles substantial, psychic and energetic effects in an economical way and with very low side effects.
Influence of EPs 7630 on Antipyretic Comedication and Recovery from Acute Tonsillopharyngitis in Children: A Meta-analysis of Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trials
Authors: Seifert Georg , Funk Petra , Reineke Thorsten , Lehmacher Walter
Published: January 2021

Objective Acute tonsillopharyngitis (ATP) is a common, seasonal infection of predominantly viral origin. Management is aimed at shortening the course of the disease and restoring the comfort of the patient. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate whether treatment with the Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs 7630 reduces the use of antipyretic comedication (i.e., acetaminophen) in children suffering from ATP.

Methods Studies were identified from clinical trial registries and medical literature. Randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trials investigating EPs 7630 in children with ATP and reporting the coadministration of paracetamol were eligible. Based on the raw data of eligible trials, we analyzed cumulative paracetamol use, as well as the ability to attend school at the end of treatment. Three trials including a total of 345 children aged 6 to 10 years and suffering from non-β-hemolytic streptococcal ATP were identified and eligible. Children were administered EPs 7630 or placebo for 6 days.

Results Compared with placebo, EPs 7630 reduced the cumulative paracetamol dose by an average of 449 mg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 252–646 mg; p < 0.001). A total of 19.1% (EPs 7630) and 71.5% (placebo) of children were still unable to attend school at the end of the treatment (risk ratio = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.16–0.48; p < 0.001).

Conclusion Our meta-analysis demonstrates that EPs 7630 reduced the use of antipyretic comedication and accelerated recovery.
Growth of Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombaça as affected by grazing strategies and environmental seasonality. I. Tillering dynamics and population stability
Authors: Carneiro da Silva Sila , Uebele Marina Castro , de Souza Congio Guilhermo Francklin , Carnevalli Roberta Aparecida , Sbrissia André Fischer
Published: January 2021

In rotationally grazed pastures, the canopy light environment can be modulated through both grazing frequency and severity, and the magnitude of sward responses may differ according to forage species and its ability to use available resources. We hypothesised that the tall, tufted, fast-growing, tussock-forming species Mombaça guineagrass (Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K.Simon & S.W.L.Jacobs cv. Mombaça) can modulate its tillering dynamics and change its persistence pathway according to grazing strategy and the availability of growth factors. Treatments corresponded to all combinations of two levels of pre-grazing canopy light interception during regrowth (95% and maximum) and two post-grazing heights (30 and 50 cm), and were allocated to experimental units according to a randomised complete block design with four replications. Measurements were performed throughout contrasting climatic conditions during four seasons from January 2001 to February 2002. A quite stable tiller population density presented regardless of the range of grazing frequency and severity used in the study. However, tiller appearance and death were strongly influenced (P < 0.001) by season of the year, with highest rates recorded during the two summers and lowest during autumn–winter. There was no conclusive evidence that the persistence pathway of Mombaça guineagrass changes within the grazing management strategies studied.
Severe convection-related winds in Australia and their associated environments
Authors: Brown Andrew , Dowdy Andrew
Published: January 2021

Severe surface wind gusts produced by thunderstorms have the potential to damage infrastructure and are a major hazard for society. Wind gust data are examined from 35 observing stations around Australia, with lightning observations used to indicate the occurrence of deep convective processes in the vicinity of the observed wind gusts. A collation of severe thunderstorm reports is also used to complement the station wind gust data. Atmospheric reanalysis data are used to systematically examine large-scale environmental measures associated with severe convective winds. We find that methods based on environmental measures provide a better indication of the observed severe convective winds than the simulated model wind gusts from the reanalysis data, noting that the spatial scales on which these events occur are typically smaller than the reanalysis grid cells. Consistent with previous studies in other regions and idealised modelling, the majority of severe convective wind events are found to occur in environments with steep mid-level tropospheric lapse rates, moderate convective instability and strong background wind speeds. A large proportion of events from measured station data occur with relatively dry environmental air at low levels, although it is unknown to what extent this type of environment is representative of other severe wind-producing convective modes in Australia. The occurrence of severe convective winds is found to be well represented by a number of indices used previously for forecasting applications, such as the weighted product of convective available potential energy (CAPE) and vertical wind shear, the derecho composite parameter and the total totals index, as well as by logistic regression methods applied to environmental variables. Based on the systematic approach used in this study, our findings provide new insight on spatio-temporal variations in the risk of damaging winds occurring, including the environmental factors associated with their occurrence.
Soilless culture systems.
Authors: Morgan Lynette
Published: January 2021

Soilless cultivation involves growing plants in containers, beds, trays, chambers or channels of a liquid or solid soilless medium. Soilless culture encompasses a wide range of horticultural production methods. These range from potted nursery crops in solid substrates or drip-irrigated greenhouse vegetable crops, to water culture methods. The latter is true 'hydroponics'. In modern times, hydroponics has become the term used to cover many forms of soilless production, both where a solid medium is used to support the plant and where only solution culture is employed.
Seed and seedling delivery systems.
Authors: Morgan Lynette
Published: January 2021

Crop establishment is a fundamental process in horticultural production. Seed and seedling delivery systems vary considerably between different types of crops, growing situations, and with level of mechanisation available. Large scale commercial crops are largely reliant on fully automated methods of both seeding and transplanting, but smaller scale operations may only use manual labour, or in combination with low technology automation.
Transcranial direct current stimulation and repeated sprint ability: No effect on sprint performance or ratings of perceived exertion
Authors: Alix‐Fages Carlos , Romero‐Arenas Salvador , Calderón‐Nadal Giancarlo , Jerez‐Martínez Agustín , Pareja‐Blanco Fernando , Colomer‐Poveda David , Márquez Gonzalo , Garcia‐Ramos Amador
Published: January 2021

The role of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) as an ergogenic aid is receiving attention from scientists to optimize sport performance. Most studies have examined the effects of tDCS on endurance performance during continuous tasks, while the effect of tDCS on high‐intensity intermittent tasks has been less investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the acute effects of tDCS on sprint performance and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during a repeated sprint ability (RSA) task. Twenty‐five healthy males (age: 22.0 ± 2.5 years) participated in a randomized crossover study consisting of three experimental sessions (anodal, cathodal or sham tDCS) separated by 1 week. Each session consisted of (I) tDCS protocol (15 min at 2 mA applied over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [DLPFC]), (II) warm‐up and (III) RSA task (ten 30‐m running sprints separated by 30 s). Total time and RPE values were recorded for each sprint. The two‐way ANOVA applied on sprint time did not reveal a significant main effect of tDCS condition (p = .200) neither a significant tDCS condition × number of sprint interaction (p = .716). Similarly, no significant differences were observed for the fatigue index (p = .449), RSAmean (p = .200) or RPE after each sprint (p range = .116–.890). The magnitude of the differences between the tDCS conditions ranged from negligible to small (effect sizes ≤ 0.33). These results suggest that the application of tDCS over the DLPFC is not effective to increase sprint performance or reduce RPE during a RSA task.

HIGHLIGHTS

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non‐invasive brain stimulation technique that could modulate neuromuscular performance.

This study aimed to explore the short‐term effects of tDCS on sprint performance and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) during a repeated sprint ability (RSA) task.

The application of either ANODAL or CATHODAL tDCS over the DLPFC for 15 minutes did not affect the sprint time of single repeated sprints or the overall metrics of RSA performance (RSAmean and fatigue index).

The application of either ANODAL or CATHODAL tDCS over the DLPFC for 15 minutes did not affect the ratings of perceived exertion measured during the repeated sprints task.
Isotropic Thermal Cloaks with Thermal Manipulation Function
Authors: Hou Quan-Wen , Li Jia-Chi , Zhao Xiao-Peng
Published: January 2021

By extending the conventional scattering canceling theory, we propose a new design method for thermal cloaks based on isotropic materials. When the objects are covered by the designed cloaks, they will not disturb the temperature profile in the background zone. In addition, if different inhomogeneity coefficients are selected in the thermal cloak design process, these cloaks can manipulate the temperature gradient of the objects, i.e., make the temperature gradients higher, lower, or equal to the thermal gradient in the background zone. Therefore, thermal transparency, heat concentration or heat shield effects can be realized under a unified framework.
Bidirectional and Unidirectional Negative Differential Thermal Resistance Effect in a Modified Lorentz Gas Model
Authors: Yang Yu , Li XiuLing , Zhang Lifa
Published: January 2021

Recently, the negative differential thermal resistance effect was discovered in a homojunction made of a negative thermal expansion material, which is very promising for realizing macroscopic thermal transistors. Similar to the Monte Carlo phonon simulation to deal with grain boundaries, we introduce positive temperature-dependent interface thermal resistance in the modified Lorentz gas model and find negative differential thermal resistance effect. In the homojunction, we reproduce a pair of equivalent negative differential thermal resistance effects in different temperature gradient directions. In the heterojunction, we realize the unidirectional negative differential thermal resistance effect, and it is accompanied by the super thermal rectification effect. Using this new way to achieve high-performance thermal devices is a new direction, and will provide extensive reference and guidance for designing thermal devices.
Strain Tunable Berry Curvature Dipole, Orbital Magnetization and Nonlinear Hall Effect in WSe2 Monolayer*
Authors: Qin Mao-Sen , Zhu Peng-Fei , Ye Xing-Guo , Xu Wen-Zheng , Song Zhen-Hao , Liang Jing , Liu Kaihui , Liao Zhi-Min
Published: January 2021

The electronic topology is generally related to the Berry curvature, which can induce the anomalous Hall effect in time-reversal symmetry breaking systems. Intrinsic monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides possesses two nonequivalent K and K′ valleys, having Berry curvatures with opposite signs, and thus vanishing anomalous Hall effect in this system. Here we report the experimental realization of asymmetrical distribution of Berry curvature in a single valley in monolayer WSe2 via applying uniaxial strain to break C
3v
symmetry. As a result, although the Berry curvature itself is still opposite in K and K′ valleys, the two valleys would contribute equally to nonzero Berry curvature dipole. Upon applying electric field
E
, the emergent Berry curvature dipole
D
would lead to an out-of-plane orbital magnetization M ∝
D
⋅
E
, which further induces an anomalous Hall effect with a linear response to E
2, known as nonlinear Hall effect. We show the strain modulated transport properties of nonlinear Hall effect in monolayer WSe2 with moderate hole-doping by gating. The second-harmonic Hall signals show quadratic dependence on electric field, and the corresponding orbital magnetization per current density M/J can reach as large as 60. In contrast to the conventional Rashba–Edelstein effect with in-plane spin polarization, such current-induced orbital magnetization is along the out-of-plane direction, thus promising for high-efficient electrical switching of perpendicular magnetization.