bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seamless multi-reticle photonics
Authors: Jin Warren , Feshali Avi , Paniccia Mario , Bowers John E.
Published: May 2021

While Moore’s law predicted shrinking transistors would enable exponential scaling of electronic circuits, the footprint of photonic components is limited by the wavelength of light. Thus, future high-complexity photonic integrated circuits (PICs) such as petabit-per-second transceivers, thousand-channel switches, and photonic quantum computers will require more area than a single reticle provides. In our novel approach, we overlay and widen waveguides in adjacent reticles to stitch a smooth transition between misaligned exposures. In SiN waveguides, we measure ultralow loss of 0.0004 dB per stitch, and produce a stitched delay line 23 m in length. We extend the design to silicon channel waveguides, and predict 50-fold lower loss or 50-fold smaller footprint versus a multimode-waveguide-based method. Our approach enables large-scale PICs to scale seamlessly beyond the single-reticle limit.
Jitter-free terahertz pulses from LiNbO3
Authors: Kuttruff J. , Tsarev M. V. , Baum P.
Published: May 2021

Intense terahertz pulses are indispensable for modern science and technology, but time-critical applications require ultimate stability of the field cycles with respect to a reference clock. Here we report the nonlinear optical generation of terahertz single-cycle fields by femtosecond laser pulses under passive compensation of timing jitter. The converter is based on optical rectification in a

L
i
N
b
O

3

slab with two silicon prisms for extracting and combining the emitted Cherenkov radiation from both sides into a single beam. In this way, we achieve suppression of timing jitter to

<

200

as/µm of beam displacement, a factor of

>

70

better than in conventional non-collinear geometries.
Positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in experimental human malaria to identify organ-specific changes in morphology and glucose metabolism: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Woodford John , Gillman Ashley , Jenvey Peter , Roberts Jennie , Woolley Stephen , Barber Bridget E. , Fernandez Melissa , Rose Stephen , Thomas Paul , Anstey Nicholas M. , McCarthy James S.
Published: May 2021

Background

Plasmodium vivax has been proposed to infect and replicate in the human spleen and bone marrow. Compared to Plasmodium falciparum, which is known to undergo microvascular tissue sequestration, little is known about the behavior of P. vivax outside of the circulating compartment. This may be due in part to difficulties in studying parasite location and activity in life.

Methods and findings

To identify organ-specific changes during the early stages of P. vivax infection, we performed 18-F fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) at baseline and just prior to onset of clinical illness in P. vivax experimentally induced blood-stage malaria (IBSM) and compared findings to P. falciparum IBSM. Seven healthy, malaria-naive participants were enrolled from 3 IBSM trials: NCT02867059, ACTRN12616000174482, and ACTRN12619001085167. Imaging took place between 2016 and 2019 at the Herston Imaging Research Facility, Australia. Postinoculation imaging was performed after a median of 9 days in both species (n = 3 P. vivax; n = 4 P. falciparum). All participants were aged between 19 and 23 years, and 6/7 were male. Splenic volume (P. vivax: +28.8% [confidence interval (CI) +10.3% to +57.3%], P. falciparum: +22.9 [CI −15.3% to +61.1%]) and radiotracer uptake (P. vivax: +15.5% [CI −0.7% to +31.7%], P. falciparum: +5.5% [CI +1.4% to +9.6%]) increased following infection with each species, but more so in P. vivax infection (volume: p = 0.72, radiotracer uptake: p = 0.036). There was no change in FDG uptake in the bone marrow (P. vivax: +4.6% [CI −15.9% to +25.0%], P. falciparum: +3.2% [CI −3.2% to +9.6%]) or liver (P. vivax: +6.2% [CI −8.7% to +21.1%], P. falciparum: −1.4% [CI −4.6% to +1.8%]) following infection with either species. In participants with P. vivax, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count decreased from baseline at the time of postinoculation imaging. Decrements in hemoglobin and hematocrit were significantly greater in participants with P. vivax infection compared to P. falciparum. The main limitations of this study are the small sample size and the inability of this tracer to differentiate between host and parasite metabolic activity.

Conclusions

PET/MRI indicated greater splenic tropism and metabolic activity in early P. vivax infection compared to P. falciparum, supporting the hypothesis of splenic accumulation of P. vivax very early in infection. The absence of uptake in the bone marrow and liver suggests that, at least in early infection, these tissues do not harbor a large parasite biomass or do not provoke a prominent metabolic response. PET/MRI is a safe and noninvasive method to evaluate infection-associated organ changes in morphology and glucose metabolism.
Mycobacterium leprae transmission characteristics during the declining stages of leprosy incidence: A systematic review
Authors: Hambridge Thomas , Nanjan Chandran Shri Lak , Geluk Annemieke , Saunderson Paul , Richardus Jan Hendrik
Published: May 2021

Background

Leprosy is an infectious disease caused byMycobacterium leprae. As incidence begins to decline, the characteristics of new cases shifts away from those observed in highly endemic areas, revealing potentially important insights into possible ongoing sources of transmission. We aimed to investigate whether transmission is driven mainly by undiagnosed and untreated new leprosy cases in the community, or by incompletely treated or relapsing cases.

Methodology/Principal findings

A literature search of major electronic databases was conducted in January, 2020 with 134 articles retained out of a total 4318 records identified (PROSPERO ID: CRD42020178923). We presented quantitative data from leprosy case records with supporting evidence describing the decline in incidence across several contexts. BCG vaccination, active case finding, adherence to multidrug therapy and continued surveillance following treatment were the main strategies shared by countries who achieved a substantial reduction in incidence. From 3950 leprosy case records collected across 22 low endemic countries, 48.3% were suspected to be imported, originating from transmission outside of the country. Most cases were multibacillary (64.4%) and regularly confirmed through skin biopsy, with 122 cases of suspected relapse from previous leprosy treatment. Family history was reported in 18.7% of cases, while other suspected sources included travel to high endemic areas and direct contact with armadillos. None of the countries included in the analysis reported a distinct increase in leprosy incidence in recent years.

Conclusions/Significance

Together with socioeconomic improvement over time, several successful leprosy control programmes have been implemented in recent decades that led to a substantial decline in incidence. Most cases described in these contexts were multibacillary and numerous cases of suspected relapse were reported. Despite these observations, there was no indication that these cases led to a rise in new secondary cases, suggesting that they do not represent a large ongoing source of human-to-human transmission.
The nanoscale organization of the Wnt signaling integrator Dishevelled in the vegetal cortex domain of an egg and early embryo
Authors: Henson John H. , Samasa Bakary , Shuster Charles B. , Wikramanayake Athula H.
Published: May 2021

Canonical Wnt/β-catenin (cWnt) signaling is a crucial regulator of development and Dishevelled (Dsh/Dvl) functions as an integral part of this pathway by linking Wnt binding to the Frizzled:LRP5/6 receptor complex with β-catenin-stimulated gene expression. In many cell types Dsh has been localized to ill-defined cytoplasmic puncta, however in sea urchin eggs and embryos confocal fluorescence microscopy has shown that Dsh is localized to puncta present in a novel and development-essential vegetal cortex domain (VCD). In the present study, we used super-resolution light microscopy and platinum replica transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to provide the first views of the ultrastructural organization of Dsh within the sea urchin VCD. 3D structured illumination microscopy (SIM) imaging of isolated egg cortices demonstrated the graded distribution of Dsh in the VCD, whereas higher resolution stimulated emission depletion (STED) imaging revealed that some individual Dsh puncta consisted of more than one fluorescent source. Platinum replica immuno-TEM localization showed that Dsh puncta on the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane consisted of aggregates of pedestal-like structures each individually labeled with the C-terminus specific Dsh antibody. These aggregates were resistant to detergent extraction and treatment with drugs that disrupt actin filaments or inhibit myosin II contraction, and coexisted with the first cleavage actomyosin contractile ring. These results confirm and extend previous studies and reveal, for the first time in any cell type, the nanoscale organization of plasma membrane tethered Dsh. Our current working hypothesis is that these Dsh pedestals represent a prepositioned scaffold organization that is important for the localized activation of the cWnt pathway at the sea urchin vegetal pole. These observations in sea urchins may also be relevant to the submembranous Dsh puncta present in other eggs and embryos.
A standardised classification scheme for the Mid-Holocene Toalean artefacts of South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Perston Yinika L. , Moore Mark , Suryatman  , Langley Michelle , Hakim Budianto , Oktaviana Adhi Agus , Brumm Adam
Published: May 2021

The archaeology of Sulawesi is important for developing an understanding of human dispersal and occupation of central Island Southeast Asia. Through over a century of archaeological work, multiple human populations in the southwestern region of Sulawesi have been identified, the most well-documented being that of the Mid- to Late Holocene ‘Toalean’ technological period. Archaeological models for this period describe a population with a strong cultural identity, subdivided into groups living on the coastal plains around Maros as well as dispersed upland forest dwellers, hunting endemic wildlife with bow-and-arrow technology. It has been proposed that the Toaleans were capable of vast water-crossings, with possible cultural exchange with northern Australia, Java, and Japan. This Toalean paradigm is built almost exclusively on existing interpretations of distinctive Toalean stone and bone artefact technologies, constructed on out-dated 19thand 20thcentury theory. Moreover, current definitions of Toalean artefact types are inconsistently applied and unsystematic, and the manufacturing sequence has historically been poorly understood. To address these problems in existing artefact models and typologies, we present a clarified typology of the Toalean artefacts of South Sulawesi, and describe the technical aspects of artefact production. This typology provides a tool for standardising research and will facilitate more meaningful assessments of material culture repertoires and more reliable assessment of spatial and temporal changes for the region.
Sepsis in two hospitals in Rwanda: A retrospective cohort study of presentation, management, outcomes, and predictors of mortality
Authors: Hopkinson Dennis A. , Mvukiyehe Jean Paul , Jayaraman Sudha P. , Syed Aamer A. , Dworkin Myles S. , Mucyo Willy , Cyuzuzo Thierry , Tuyizere Anne , Mukwesi Christian , Nyirigira Gaston , Banguti Paulin R. , Riviello Elisabeth D.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Few studies have assessed the presentation, management, and outcomes of sepsis in low-income countries (LICs). We sought to characterize these aspects of sepsis and to assess mortality predictors in sepsis in two referral hospitals in Rwanda.

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective cohort study in two public academic referral hospitals in Rwanda. Data was abstracted from paper medical records of adult patients who met our criteria for sepsis.

Results

Of the 181 subjects who met eligibility criteria, 111 (61.3%) met our criteria for sepsis without shock and 70 (38.7%) met our criteria for septic shock. Thirty-five subjects (19.3%) were known to be HIV positive. The vast majority of septic patients (92.7%) received intravenous fluid therapy (median = 1.0 L within 8 hours), and 94.0% received antimicrobials. Vasopressors were administered to 32.0% of the cohort and 46.4% received mechanical ventilation. In-hospital mortality for all patients with sepsis was 51.4%, and it was 82.9% for those with septic shock. Baseline characteristic mortality predictors were respiratory rate, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and known HIV seropositivity.

Conclusions

Septic patients in two public tertiary referral hospitals in Rwanda are young (median age = 40, IQR = 29, 59) and experience high rates of mortality. Predictors of mortality included baseline clinical characteristics and HIV seropositivity status. The majority of subjects were treated with intravenous fluids and antimicrobials. Further work is needed to understand clinical and management factors that may help improve mortality in septic patients in LICs.
Ethyl ferulate contributes to the inhibition of the inflammatory responses in murine RAW 264.7 macrophage cells and acute lung injury in mice
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhang Xuan , Li Linger , Zhang Zhao , Wei Chengxi , Gong Guohua
Published: May 2021

Background

Ethyl ferulate (EF) is a derivative of ferulic acid (FA), which is a monomeric component purified from the traditional medicinal herb Ferula, but its effects have not been clear yet. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether EF can reduce inflammation levels in macrophages by regulating the Nrf2-HO-1 and NF-кB pathway.

Methods

The LPS-induced raw 264.7 macrophage cells model was used to determine the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects of EF. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and PGE2 were analyzed by ELISA. The mRNA and protein of COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, HO-1 and Nrf2 were identified by RT-PCR analysis and western blotting. Intracellular ROS levels were assessed with DCFH oxidation staining. The expressions of NF-кB p-p65 and Nrf2 were analyzed by immunofluorescence assay. The inhibitory effect of Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 (2μM) on mediatation of antioxidant activity by raw 264.7 macrophage cells was evaluated. The effect of EF was confirmed in acute lung injury mice model.

Results

In our research, EF reduced the expression of iNOS, COX2 and the production of PGE2. EF could inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated macrophages and decreased expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in LPS stimulated macrophages. Furthermore, EF inhibited NF-кB p65 from transporting to the nucleus, decreased the expression of p-IкBα, significantly decreased the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activated Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. EF could attenuate the degree of leukocyte infiltration, reduced MPO activity, mRNA levels and secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 in vivo. EF exhibited potent protective effects against LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice.

Conclusions

Collectively, our data showed that EF relieved LPS-induced inflammatory responses by inhibiting NF-κB pathway and activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, known to be involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses by Nrf2.
Is this time really different? Flight-to-safety and the COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Löwen Celina , Kchouri Bilal , Lehnert Thorsten
Published: May 2021

During periods of market stress, risk-averse investors reallocate their investments from stocks to gold in a bid to hedge risks. Market participants interpret the induced gold price increase as an indication of safe-haven purchases and a signal of increased uncertainty in the general economic and financial conditions, thereby causing higher gold price volatility. The aim of this paper is to analyze whether this flight to safety effect can be observed during the COVID-19 crisis, which is considered to be a one-of-a-kind crisis and obviously of different origin compared to previous (financial) crises. By examining the interactions between the (option-implied) volatilities of the stock market (VIX) and of the gold (GVZ) and oil (OVX) markets, the main findings indicate that there is a granger causality in general between the equity market and the gold as well as the oil market. During the COVID-19 crisis, a stronger influence of the equity market on the oil market can be observed. Based on symmetric causality tests that are typically employed in the literature, this cannot be observed for the gold market. However, once we control for asymmetric causal interactions, we find that positive shocks in VIX cause positive shocks in GVZ. Hence, the typical flight to safety effect, similar to the one observed during other (financial) crises can also be identified for the COVID-19 crisis. The causality between the equity and oil market is triggered by political factors as well as the economic impact of the crisis which induces a sharp drop in demand for oil.
Ten-years cardiovascular risk among Bangladeshi population using non-laboratory-based risk chart of the World Health Organization: Findings from a nationally representative survey
Authors: Hanif Abu Abdullah Mohammad , Hasan Mehedi , Khan Md Showkat Ali , Hossain Md. Mokbul , Shamim Abu Ahmed , Hossaine Moyazzam , Ullah Mohammad Aman , Sarker Samir Kanti , Rahman S. M Mustafizur , Bulbul Md Mofijul Islam , Mitra Dipak Kumar , Mridha Malay Kanti
Published: May 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently developed a non-laboratory based cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk chart considering the parameters age, sex, current smoking status, systolic blood pressure, and body mass index. Using the chart, we estimated the 10-years CVD risk among the Bangladeshi population aged 40–74 years. We analyzed data from a nationally representative survey conducted in 2018–19. The survey enrolled participants from 82 clusters (57 rural, 15 non-slum urban, and 10 slums) selected by multistage cluster sampling. Using the non-laboratory-based CVD risk chart of the World Health Organization (WHO), we categorized the participants into 5 risk groups: very low (<5%), low (5% to <10%), moderate (10% to <20%), high (20% to <30%) and very high (> = 30%) risk. We performed descriptive analyses to report the distribution of CVD risk and carried out univariable and multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with elevated CVD risk (> = 10% CVD risk). Of the 7,381 participants, 46.0% were female. The median age (IQR) was 59.0 (48.0–64.7) years. Overall, the prevalence of very low, low, moderate, high, and very high CVD risk was 34.7%, 37.8%, 25.9%, 1.6%, and 0.1%, respectively. Elevated CVD risk (> = 10%) was associated with poor education, currently unmarried, insufficient physical inactivity, smokeless tobacco use, and self-reported diabetes in both sexes, higher household income, and higher sedentary time among males, and slum-dwelling and non-Muslim religions among females. One in every four Bangladeshi adults had elevated levels of CVD risk, and males are at higher risk of occurring CVD events. Non-laboratory-based risk prediction charts can be effectively used in low resource settings. The government of Bangladesh and other developing countries should train the primary health care workers on the use of WHO non-laboratory-based CVD risk charts, especially in settings where laboratory tests are not available.
High MMP-11 expression associated with low CD8+ T cells decreases the survival rate in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Kim Hyung Suk , Kim Min Gyu , Min Kyueng-Whan , Jung Un Suk , Kim Dong-Hoon
Published: May 2021

Matrix metalloproteinase-11 (MMP-11) promote cancer invasion and metastasis through degrading the extracellular matrix. Protein degradation by MMP-11 in tumor cells may progressively suppress cancer surveillance activities with blocking immune response in breast cancer. The aim of study is to analyze clinicopathological parameters, molecular interactions and anticancer immune response in patients with MMP-11 expression and to provide candidate target drugs. We investigated the clinicopathologic parameters, specific gene sets, tumor antigenicity, and immunologic relevance according to MMP-11 expression in 226 and 776 breast cancer patients from the Hanyang University Guri Hospital (HUGH) cohort and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, respectively. We analyzed pathway networks and in vitro drug response. High MMP-11 expression was associated with worse survival rate in breast cancer from HUGH cohort and TCGA data (all p < 0.05). In analysis of immunologic gene sets, high MMP-11 expression was related to low immune response such as CD8+T cell, CD4+T cell and B cell. In silico cytometry, there was a decrease of cancer testis antigen and low tumor infiltrating lymphocyte in patient with high MMP-11 expression: activated dendritic cell, CD8+T cell, CD4+ memory T cell, and memory B cell. In pathway networks, MMP-11 was linked to the pathways including low immune response, response to growth hormone and catabolic process. We found that pictilisib and AZ960 effectively inhibited the breast cancer cell lines with high MMP-11 expression. Strategies making use of MMP-11-related hub genes could contribute to better clinical management/research for patients with breast cancer.
Impacts of hydrogeological characters of fractured rock on thermodynamic performance of ground-coupled heat pump
Authors: Zou Hang , Pei Peng , Zhang Jin
Published: May 2021

Ground-coupled heat pump (GCHP) is used to recovery shallow geothermal energy, a widely distributed green energy source. Due to the imbalance between heat rejection and extraction, heat buildup underground is commonly associated with the long-term operation of GCHPs, which undermine system performance. Heat buildup intrinsically results the irreversibilities (entropy production) in subsurface heat sink, in which thermodynamic and transport properties are largely influenced by hydrogeologic properties, especially the existence of fractures and groundwater. This study investigates the influence of water flow in fractures on the thermodynamic performance of a single borehole heat exchanger (BHX) and heat buildup in the underground heat exchange zone (UHXZ). Potential influence factors were screened out, and new terms were proposed to quantify the scale of fractures and available heat and cold in the heat sink. Governing equations were established to calculate the impacts of vertical and horizontal fractures on the heat exchange rate in BHX as well as on the heat flow across the UHXZ. The analysis results show that water flow in fractures can significantly enhance heat transfer, reduce required number of boreholes, mitigate heat buildup and reduce irreversibilities underground. The results also suggest that the role of fracture scales and water velocity in GCHP operation should be carefully evaluated. Therefore, detailed hydrogeological survey is necessary. The study results provide a guide on more accurately evaluating the risk of heat buildup and how to take advantage of hydrogeological characters to improve the performance of GCHPs.
Survival, health care resource utilization and expenditures of first-line treatments for multiple myeloma patients ineligible for transplant in Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Chih-Ning , Huang Shang-Yi , Lien Pei-Wen , Huang Shih-Ting , Lin Fang-Ju
Published: May 2021

Background

We aimed to provide real-world information on survival, health care resource utilization (HCRU), and expenditures related to various first lines of therapy (1LOTs) in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients who were transplant ineligible (TI).

Patients and methods

From the Taiwan National Health Insurance Database (2008–2016), we identified 1,511 NDMM-TI patients who had received 1LOT since June 2012. We categorized 1LOT regimens into four groups: bortezomib (V)+thalidomide (T), V, T, and non-V/T. Patients’ characteristics were collected. The overall survival (OS), event-free survival (EFS), frequencies of HCRU (hospitalization, visiting outpatient and emergency departments), and related expenditures within one year after commencement of the 1LOT were evaluated and compared.

Results

The mean age of the included patients was 71.3 (SD 10.7) years, and 40.4% of patients had a CCI score ≥3. Most patients (747; 49.4%) were in the V+T group and, after adjusting for covariates, had a significantly longer OS (median, 22.2 months) and EFS (9.1 months) than those in the T group (12.6 and 4.5 months, respectively) and the non-V/T group (12.2 and 3.2 months, respectively), but they were mostly comparable with patients in the V group (23.8 and 6.6 months, respectively). Compared to those in the V+T group, patients in the T and non-V/T groups had 29% and 39% fewer outpatient visits and 15% and 24% lower total expenditure, respectively.

Conclusion

Our real-world data consolidate evidence for the effectiveness of bortezomib-containing regimens as the 1LOT in NDMM-TI patients at the expense of more outpatient visits and higher total costs.
The characteristics of spatial expansion and driving forces of land urbanization in counties in central China: A case study of Feixi county in Hefei city
Authors: Jiao Huafu , Zhang Xiangxiang , Yang Chao , Cao Xianzhong
Published: May 2021

Urbanization in Central and Western China has attracted increasing attention in the advent of new-type urbanization in China and the age of ‘Global Urbanism’. Although land urbanization is at the epicenter of Chinese urbanization, its process and driving forces in counties beyond the Eastern coastal areas are less known. This paper therefore seeks to investigate the spatial expansion and driving forces of land urbanization in Feixi county, a relatively advanced county neighboring Hefei city proper in Anhui province in Central China. Based on the land-use change survey data, remote sensing interpretation data, and statistical yearbook data of Feixi county from 2002 to 2016, it is revealed that the overall scale of urban land in Feixi county increased remarkably, though with obvious temporal and geographical variants. The year 2009 appears to be the cutting line between quantity-based land urbanization and quality-based land urbanization. Land urbanization rate is sensitive to both geographical distance and traffic accessibility to Hefei city proper. Driving forces of land urbanization in Feixi county are summarized as: (1) central city expansion, (2) government-led industrial park construction, and (3) large industrial projects along traffic corridors. A better understanding of urbanization in Feixi county cannot be fulfilled without taking into account the wider spatial process in Hefei city and the Yangtze River Delta city-region.
A typology of social change agendas in Australian arts organizations and NGOs
Authors: Bartleet Brydie-Leigh , Howell Gillian
Published: May 2021

An increasing number of creative artists, arts organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are working on socially-engaged initiatives that aim to bring about positive change in communities. Examples of outstanding arts practices can be found throughout the world; however, there are major gaps in our understanding about how this work operates. Drawing on insights from 100 Australian arts organizations and NGOs working in this field, this article aims to address some of these gaps. It outlines a typology of change agendas in these organizations, in order to advance a deeper understanding of this field and inform future research, practice and policy.
Visualizing the discourse in Material Thinking: Conversations between China and South Africa, Chen Qingqing, Feng Jiali, Gu Lin, Liu Liguo, Qi Zhilong, Qing Taimao, Wang Xiaojin and Zhong Biao (China); William Kentridge, Diane Victor, Colbert Mashile, Kristin NG-Yang and Rory Klopper (South Africa), curated by Zhang Siyong
Authors: Morgan Trevor
Published: May 2021

Visualizing the discourse in Material Thinking: Conversations between China and South Africa, Chen Qingqing, Feng Jiali, Gu Lin, Liu Liguo, Qi Zhilong, Qing Taimao, Wang Xiaojin and Zhong Biao (China); William Kentridge, Diane Victor, Colbert Mashile, Kristin NG-Yang and Rory Klopper (South Africa), curated by Zhang Siyong

Durban Art Gallery, South Africa, 12 September–10 November 2019
Cyclosporine-Induced Kaposi Sarcoma in a Patient With Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Clarke Lindsay M. , Chawla Karan , Tabbara Nadeem , Szvarca Daniel , Stachura Anna , Theisen Brian , Chandler Matthew , Borum Marie L.
Published: May 2021

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an angioproliferative neoplasm associated with human herpesvirus-8. Gastrointestinal KS has been well documented in immunosuppressed solid organ transplant patients, with only 26 iatrogenic cases published in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. We report a 24-year-old patient with ulcerative colitis, maintained on cyclosporine for 2 years, who presented with watery, nonbloody diarrhea and weight loss. Colonoscopy revealed human herpesvirus-8-positive hemorrhagic nodules throughout the colon and terminal ileum, with diffuse lymphadenopathy on computed tomography consistent with KS. As gastrointestinal KS may present with symptoms that mimic inflammatory bowel disease, it is critical to maintain suspicion in patients on prolonged immunosuppression to reduce complications.
TeleInGEstion Remote Video Capsule Endoscope
Authors: Sreenivasan Aditya , She Tianyu , Gross Seth , Storch Ian
Published: May 2021

We describe 2 cases in which video capsule endoscopy was performed remotely using TeleInGEstion Remote Video Capsule Endoscopy (TIGER VCE), given limited access to endoscopy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The patients ingested the CapsoCam capsule during a televisit, and the video was subsequently reviewed remotely by the physician. TIGER VCE was used to diagnose a benign etiology of melena and used to confirm a diagnosis of Crohn's disease before the initiation of biologic therapy. These cases demonstrate the safety and efficacy of TIGER VCE. We feel that this technique may be considered as a standard ingestion technique in the future.
Research through Design under Systematic Quality Criteria: Methodology and Teaching Research
Authors: Schöbel Sören , Schäfer Julian , Hausladen Georg
Published: May 2021

Editorial Summary: In their contribution, Sören Schöbel, Julian Schäfer and Georg Hausladen ask how architectural design can be used as a method of gaining scientific knowledge. They state that this is only possible if architectural design, which is generally characterized by a specific, creative, subjective and case-by-case process, is embedded into a methodical framework that enables general, i.e. transferable and verifiable knowledge. By stating that qualitative research in the disciplines in which it was developed is essentially based on a creative but nevertheless systematic interpretation of data in search of new, previously unknown structures the authors see a proximity to design in architecture, and therefore suggest transfering the quality criteria of qualitative research to research-based design. They describe three basic principles - regularity, relevance, and universality - and illustrate how research through design can be carried out using these principles with the example of different teaching formats. [Ferdinand Ludwig]
Corporeality of Architecture Experience
Authors: Voigt Katharina
Published: May 2021

Editorial Summary: In »Corporeality of Architecture Experience« Katharina Voigt examines the embodied knowledge in the perception and the exploration of architectural spaces. She highlights embodiment, experience, and sensation as primary fields of investigation. The interrelation of architecture and the human body is described as dependent on bodily ways of knowing and movement as access to sensory encounters with architecture. Relating to the practice of contemporary dance and particularly the work of Sasha Waltz, she regards the body as an archive, generator, and medium of pre-reflexive knowledge, emphasizing its resonance with the space. She exploits the potential which an investigation of the body-based, sensory experience holds when being explicitly addressed and regarded as an integrated part of both, the perception and the design of architecture. [Uta Graff]
Existence for singular critical exponential (𝑝, 𝑄) equations in the Heisenberg group
Authors: Pucci Patrizia , Temperini Letizia
Published: May 2021

The paper deals with the existence of nontrivial solutions for(p,Q)(p,Q)equations in the Heisenberg groupHn\mathbb{H}^{n}with critical exponential growth at infinity and a singular behavior at the origin. The main features and novelty of the paper are the above generality on the right-hand side of the equation, the(p,Q)(p,Q)growth of the elliptic operator and the fact that the equation is studied in the entire Heisenberg group.
Individual variation in attitudes towards Chinese-English code-switching
Authors: Liu Hong
Published: May 2021

This paper aims to improve our understanding of the social psychology of code-switching by investigating societal attitudes towards two types of Chinese-English code-switching, insertions of English words in Chinese sentences and switching to English at clausal boundaries in Chinese. It examines how subjects’ evaluation of code-switching is influenced by their general language attitudes and language use associated with network exposure. The subjects were recruited from four different cities in mainland China. They participated in an online perception experiment and completed a socio-biographical questionnaire. Quantitative analyses show that clausal switching was rated as the least likable CS mode, but at the same time was considered as having high status as an indication of high English proficiency. Their evaluation was mainly influenced by their general attitudes towards English language and culture. Network exposure also played a marginal role, affecting their judgement of the speaker’s English proficiency.
The effect of abdominal massage (I Love You method) on the gastric function of preterm infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care units: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Moghadam Azadeh , Nematollahi Monirsadat , OstadEbrahimi Hamid , Mehdipour-Rabori Roghayeh
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Preterm infants often suffer from nutritional problems because of gastrointestinal problems. Massage could make the infants feel more peace and comfort, but limited studies have focused on the effects of massage on the gastric function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of abdominal massage on the gastric function of preterm infants.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial compared gastric function of preterm infants with and without massage therapy. The preterm infants were randomly allocated to control and massage groups. The massage group received the abdominal massage before feeding, twice a day, for 15 min, over 5 days. Furthermore, the gastric function was compared between the control and experimental groups. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (Version 15.0).

Results

The average weight in both groups had no significant (p>0.05) changes before and after the study, and both groups showed a negative trend in the weight gain. The abdominal circumference, the frequency of vomiting episodes, the residual volume, and defecation frequency were significantly (p<0.05) different between the two groups after the intervention.

Conclusions

The abdominal massage could be an effective nonmedicinal method to reduce the gastrointestinal problems in the preterm infants. The abdominal massage could be offered to the preterm infants as an inexpensive, available, and feasible method to alleviate gastrointestinal problems as well as improve the gastric function.
Complexation of Cm(III) with blood serum proteins: recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA)
Authors: Adam Nicole , Reitz Cédric Y. , Ditter Anna-Lena , Panak Petra J.
Published: May 2021

The complexation of Cm(III) with the recombinant human serum albumin (rHSA) (characterized by single deletion of residue Asp-1), is studied in dependence of pH and rHSA concentration using time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS). A Cm(III) rHSA species is formed between pH 6.4 and 10.0 with the conditional stability constant being logK = 6.47 at pH = 7.4. Competition titration experiments with Cu(II) and Zn(II) confirm complexation at the N-terminal binding site (NTS) of rHSA and exclude the involvement of the Multi-Metal Binding Site (MBS). Comparison with a previous study on Cm(III) interaction with native albumin, HSA, points out, that residue Asp-1 is involved in Cm(III) binding to HSA but is not crucial for Cm(III) complexation at the NTS. The results are of major importance for a better understanding of fundamental actinide-protein interaction mechanisms which are highly required for the identification and characterization of relevant distribution pathways of incorporated radionuclides.
To which extent are per-and poly-fluorinated substances associated to metabolic syndrome?
Authors: Zare Jeddi Maryam , Soltanmohammadi Rozita , Barbieri Giulia , Fabricio Aline S. C. , Pitter Gisella , Dalla Zuanna Teresa , Canova Cristina
Published: May 2021

Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ubiquitous persistent environmental contaminants, has led to substantial global concern due to their potential environmental and human health effects. Several epidemiological studies have assessed the possible association between PFAS exposure and risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), however, the results are ambiguous. The aim of this study was to assess the current human epidemiologic evidence on the association between exposure to PFAS and MetS. We performed a systematic search strategy using three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) for relevant studies concerning the associations of PFAS with MetS and its clinical relevance from inception until January 2021. We undertook meta-analyses where there were five or more studies with exposure and outcomes assessments that were reasonably comparable. The pooled odd ratios (ORs) were calculated using random effects models and heterogeneity among studies was assessed by I2 index and Q test. A total of 12 cross-sectional studies (10 studies on the general population and two studies in the occupational settings) investigated the association between PFAS exposure and MetS. We pooled data from seven studies on the general population for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and five studies for perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA). Predominately, most studies reported no statistically significant association between concentrations of PFAS and MetS. In the meta-analysis, the overall measure of effect was not statistically significant, showing no evidence of an association between concentrations of PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and PFHxS and the risk of MetS. Based on the results of the meta-analysis, current small body of evidence does not support association between PFAS and MetS. However, due to limited number of studies and substantial heterogeneity, results should be interpreted with caution. Further scrutinizing cohort studies are needed to evaluate the association between various and less well-known PFAS substances and their mixture with MetS and its components in both adults and children in different settings.
Oxidative stress and cyto-genotoxicity induced by poly-d-glucosamine in human blood cells in vitro
Authors: Cerig Salim , Geyikoglu Fatime
Published: May 2021

Poly-N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (CH; chitin) is the main component of the insect skeleton, fungal cell wall, and many crustaceans, including crab and shrimp. CH is the most abundant in nature after cellulose, and it has a complex and hardly soluble structure. Poly-d-glucosamine (CHO; chitosan) is a soluble derivative of CH produced by deacetylation used in many fields, including human health. This study carried out the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and oxidative effects of CHO on human whole blood (hWB) and lymphocytes (LYMs) in dose ranges 6.25–2000 μg/mL, in vitro. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) analyzes were performed on plasma to appreciate oxidative stress. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays were applied to understand the cytotoxicity. Chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) methods were practiced to evaluate genotoxicity. 6.25–150 μg/mL doses increased TAC and decreased TOS. A decreasing and increasing curve from 200 to 2000 μg/mL on TAC and TOS values were determined, respectively. 0–250 μg/mL doses did not provide any cytotoxic data. However, 500–2000 μg/mL doses showed increasing cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. The study results showed that CHO does not pose a toxic risk to human health at low doses but may pose a threat at high doses.
A Keynesian Revolution or Austerity? The IMF and the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Metinsoy Saliha
Published: May 2021

This commentary for the “Political Economy Section COVID-19 Collection’’ discusses ideational continuity and change at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It argues that, despite an initial advice to increase the government spending, the Fund has later reverted back to the market orthodoxy recommending fiscal discipline and balanced government budget in the longer-term. The piece argues that, although a global crisis and increased government spending by influential member states such as the United States might have prompted an ideational shift at the Fund, a lack of clear theorization of longer-term Keynesian policies in academic circles and in the economics profession, prevented a paradigmatic change at the Fund.
Application of plant essential oils in controlling wood mold and stain fungi
Authors: Hu La , Qin Lizhe , Xie Junkang , Xu Huilan , Yang Zhangqi
Published: May 2021

The antifungal activities of 19 plant essential oils against six wood mold and stain fungi (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium citrinum, Trichoderma viride, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Fusarium moniliforme, and Alternaria alternata) were investigated with the in vitro medium method. The chemical compositions and volatilization rates of the essential oils were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and oven heating, respectively. Antifungal effects of the essential oils on fresh Pinus massoniana wood were evaluated by dipping treatment. The average antifungal efficacies of the essential oils varied from 0.1 to 1.0, and oils of Cinnamomum cassia, Syzygium aromaticum, and Thymus mongolicus showed the greatest antifungal activities and completely inhibited the growth of all six fungi. The essential oils presented great differences in their main chemical components, and a significant negative linear correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient = -0.627, p < 0.01) was found between antifungal efficacy and volatilization rate, indicating that both chemical composition and volatilization rate are important factors influencing the antifungal activities of essential oils. Eight essential oils effectively inhibited the growth of fungi in Pinus massoniana wood with an absorption of 65.51 g/m2 ± 13.78 g/m2, and they have the potential to be environmentally friendly anti-mildew agents.
Phosphate adsorption onto bagasse iron oxide biochar: Parameter optimization, kinetic analysis, and study of mechanism
Authors: Zhang Qing , Ding Yan-mei , Lu Lin , Li Jing-xi , Liang Mei-na , Zhu Yi-nian
Published: May 2021

This study combined chemical ultrasonic modifications and microwave oven heating to prepare a novel adsorbent, bagasse iron oxide biochar, (BIBC) to remove phosphate from aqueous solutions. The characterization of BIBC was made by energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses, and the mechanism of phosphorus adsorption on BIBC was researched by adsorption batch experiments with emphasis on pH, dosages of BIBC, initial phosphorus concentration, and adsorption time. The BIBC’s BET specific surface area and pore volumes were 81.94 m2 g−1 and 26.74 cm3 g−1, respectively. The pH for the optimal phosphorus adsorption by BIBC ranged from 5.0 to 7.0. The maximum adsorption capacities of phosphorus (according to the Langmuir model) were 3.62, 4.06, and 4.32 mg g-1 at temperatures of 25, 35, and 45 °C, respectively. Electrostatic interaction, surface adsorption of phosphorus on BIBC, and ion exchange were the main mechanisms of phosphorus adsorption. According to XPS results, Fe2p was involved in the adsorption reaction. The adsorption of phosphorus by BIBC is considered to be mainly chemical adsorption. The BIBC was stable under a pH range from 4.0 to 10.0 and secondary pollution did not result.
THE ROLE OF THYROID HORMONES IN THE FORMATION OF SPATIAL MEMORY OF RATS IN EARLY ONTOGENESIS
Authors:   Dnipro State Medical University, Dnipro, Ukraine, Demchenko O.M. , Rodynskyi O.G. ,   Dnipro State Medical University, Dnipro, Ukraine, Kondratieva O.Yu. ,   Dnipro State Medical University, Dnipro, Ukraine, Zaychenko O.Yu. ,   Dnipro State Medical University, Dnipro, Ukraine
Published: May 2021

Changes in behavioral and mnestic activity, as well as their neurochemical support in thyroid dysfunction were determined in juvenile Wistar rats. Behavioral activity was studied in an elevated cruciform labyrinth, the study of spatial memory was performed by the development of protective avoidance reaction in the Morris water labyrinth, and by the production of food reactions in the 8-beam labyrinth. The content of free amino acids of the neurotransmitter spectrum and serotonin was determined by thin layer chromatography followed by spectrophotometry. It was found that thyroid dysfunction in early ontogenesis was accompanied by significant impairments of emotional and cognitive activity depending on the thyroid status of rats; differences in the mechanisms of the formation of spatial memory with negative and positive reinforcement were also found. At the same time, the anxiolytic type of behavior and formation of spatial memory in juvenile animals with experimental hyperthyroidism are possibly provided by an increase in GABA content in the neocortex by 40% and a decrease in serotonin level in the hippocampus by 32%. Experimental hypothyroidism caused an anxiogenic effect and cognitive impairment, which were accompanied by an excessive increase by 51% in the neocortical serotonin content.