bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phonological Awareness of L1 Systemic Segmental Contrasts among Advanced ESL Speakers with Varied L1 Backgrounds
Authors: Buczek-Zawiła Anita
Published: October 2021

The paper explores the phonological awareness of L1 among advanced adult speakers of EFL in the context of L2 pronunciation training. The subjects are students of English with Polish, Spanish, Turkish and Russian L1 background. All subjects have participated in intensive English pronunciation instruction as part of their degree training, in the English Department at the Pedagogical University in Kraków. Two aspects are tar- geted for examination: perception of sound contrasts and awareness of contextual variants in L1, mostly those pertaining to the consonantal and vocalic inventories, all related to their L2 (English) production goals. The material is based on longitudinal examination of course test results over the span of 3 years. The analysis reveals low sound discrimination skills in the subjects’ L1, largely based on letter-to-sound correspondences and inability to see beyond print. Through explicit training in their L2 they become more sensitive to the inventory and the details of their L1 sound system, the awareness they can use to the advantage when targeting L2 sound production.
The Influence of Consumer Innovatively, Company Reputation, and E-Trust on E-Loyalty of E-Commerce Customers in Aceh
Authors: Chalirafi . , Matriadi Faisal , Munandar . , Sutriani . , Mariana .
Published: October 2021

Aims: This study aims to examine the effect of consumer innovation, corporate reputation, and e-trust on e-loyalty and the ability of e-trust to mediate the effect of consumer innovation and corporate reputation on e-loyalty on e-commerce customers in Aceh.

Study Design: A quantitative research.

Place and Duration of Study: The population in this study is the people of Aceh as users of e-commerce marketplace services from 2017 to 2021. Sampling covers the Banda Aceh Lhokseumawe area. While the sampling technique used is Non-Probability Sampling with accidental sampling approach, with a sample of 200 respondents.

Methodology: The data analysis method used is multiple linear regression. Data analysis begins with descriptive statistics of variables, normality test then joint testing and partial test and path analysis.

Results: Consumer innovation has a significant effect on e-loyalty to e-commerce customers in Aceh with the magnitude of the significant value of consumer innovation for e-loyalty is 0.020 and the t-value is 2.348. The company's reputation has a significant effect on e-loyalty to e-commerce customers in Aceh, the results of this study indicate that the significance obtained by the company's reputation for e-loyalty is 0.037 with a t value of 2.097. E-Trust has a significant effect on e-loyalty for e-commerce customers in Aceh, this is because the significance value of e-trust on e-loyalty is 0.000 with a t-value of 19,539. E-trust mediates the effect of consumer innovation and corporate reputation on e-loyalty on e-commerce consumers in Aceh. This can be seen from the value before mediation of 0.618 or 61.8% and in the second model after mediation (2) of 0.870 or 87%. This indicates a change in the value from 0.618 before mediation to 0.870 after mediation.

Conclusion: The results showed that consumer innovatively has a significant effect on e-loyalty to e-commerce customers in Aceh. Company reputation has a significant effect on e-loyalty in e-commerce customers in Aceh. E-trust has a significant effect on e-loyalty to e-commerce customers in Aceh and e-trust mediates the effect of consumer innovatively and company reputation on e-loyalty to e-commerce customers in Aceh.
In Silico Drug Discovery of 4-Hyroxypanduratin A, 6-Gingerol and Luteolin Targeting Nipah Virus
Authors: Verma Anurag , Mittal Piyush , S. Pande Milind , Trivedi Neelanchal
Published: October 2021

Nipah Virus is a zoo tonic virus and has re-emerged again with more deadliness. NiV has infected many animals and humans worldwide and a huge loss to life has been faced. NiV contains a Fusion protein on its outer membrane which helps in the virus entry into the host cell. This fusion protein is a virulent factor and is a major anti-viral target. Many medicinal plants have been used against viral diseases, current research aims towards the potential of three daily dietary food elements that can be used as an anti-viral agent. In-silico studies are performed with 4-hyroxypanduratin A, 6-gingerol and Luteolin against the NiV-F and binding energies were calculated. It was reported that these phyto-compounds have good negative binding energies and they have the promising potential against Nipah Virus. Further in-vitro research can be performed with these phyto-compounds to design a specific drug against Nipah Virus.
Health Issues and Impact of Waste on Municipal Waste Handlers: A Review
Authors: Wankhede Pratibha , Wanjari Mayur
Published: October 2021

Municipal solid waste (MSW) is hazardous to human health and the environment if not properly handled throughout all management processes, beginning with collection, separation, transfer, treatment, disposal, or recycling and reuse. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised awareness of the dangers of improper solid waste disposal in terms of soil, water, and air pollution, as well as the health consequences for the people living in the surrounding areas. MSW production is predicted to reach 3.40 billion tonnes globally by 2050.  Inadequate waste management is one of the causes of the rise of infectious diseases. Most viruses, bacteria, and parasites that cause illness are found in blood, bodily fluids, and bodily secretions, which are components of bio-medical waste. This spreads through several human contacts, each of whom is a possible "receiver" of the illness. The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and hepatitis viruses are at the forefront of a long list of illnesses and disorders that have been linked to biomedical waste. Other prevalent diseases spread owing to poor waste management include tuberculosis, pneumonia, diarrhea, tetanus, whooping cough, and others.
Lesbocídio: o estudo dos crimes de ódio contra lésbicas no Brasil
Authors: Peres Milena Cristina Carneiro , Soares Suane Felippe , Dias Maria Clara Marques
Published: October 2021

Resumo: O lesbocídio é uma expressão da lesbofobia que atinge seu nível letal. Compreender de que forma a lesbofobia leva ao lesbocídio é fundamental para vislumbrar como e quanto o ódio contra as lésbicas, em suas mais diversas expressões, é um mecanismo sistemático de opressão. Neste artigo buscamos apresentar diversas maneiras pelas quais os lesbocídios conectam-se aos contextos sociopolítico, cultural, religioso, misógino, lesbofóbico etc. em que eles ocorrem mostrando a importância do respaldo patriarcal para tais mortes. Por fim, defende-se que o aprofundamento dos estudos sobre lesbocídio podem colaborar com subsídios para a garantia dos direitos lésbicos e da existência e resistência lésbicas. Palavras-chave: lesbocídio; invisibilidade lésbica; crimes de ódio; direitos lésbicos.
Ensaio sobre o conceito de transfobia
Authors: Podestá Lucas Lima de
Published: October 2021

O termo transfobia, através de sua tradução do termo original anglo-saxão transphobia, é um conceito em ascensão para designar e analisar as múltiplas violências contra pessoas trans – pessoas que vivem a transgeneridade. Normalmente, o termo pode ser evocado para representar um grupo heterogêneo de violências específicas que atingem mulheres transexuais, travestis, homens trans, pessoas não binárias, entre outras. Conceitualmente, a transfobia – sanção social naturalizada e normalizadora contra as pessoas trans - tem uma relação com a abjeção e a estigmatização desdobradas do fenômeno da transgeneridade, no contexto de uma norma de gênero dependente da cisgeneridade. A importância do conceito pode ser analisada em relação à crescente autonomização do movimento trans no Brasil contemporâneo e a emergência do campo dos estudos transgêneros. O conceito, por sua vez, pode referir-se a outros conceitos para tratamento teórico da violência, como homofobia e genocídio.
Corpos aliadxs e lutas políticas em tempos de regimes de exceção
Authors: Veras Elias Ferreira , Simões Kleber , Albuquerque Junior Durval Muniz de
Published: October 2021

Inspirado por Judith Butler, Michel Foucault, Giorgio Agamben, Paul B. Preciado, Angela Davis, Jasbir Puar, Achille Mbembe, Lélia Gonzalez, dentre outrxs, o presente dossiê problematiza como se articularam/articulam sexualidade, gênero e política nos contextos históricos (brasileiro e internacional) marcados pelos regimes de exceção. Corpos-vivos; corpos-mortos; Corpos alijadxs; corpos aliadxs; Corpos em luto; Corpos em luta
Co‐occurrence of BAP1 and SF3B1 mutations in uveal melanoma induces cellular senescence
Authors: Yu Le , Zhou Dan , Zhang Guiming , Ren Zhonglu , Luo Xin , Liu Peng , Plouffe Steven W. , Meng Zhipeng , Moroishi Toshiro , Li Yilei , Zhang Yiyue , Brown Joan Heller , Liu Shuwen , Guan Kun‐Liang
Published: October 2021

Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular tumor in adults. Recurrent mutations in BRCA1‐associated protein 1 (BAP1) and splicing factor 3B subunit 1 (SF3B1) display a mutually exclusive pattern in UM, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. We show that combined BAP1 deficiency and SF3B1 hotspot mutation lead to senescence and growth arrest in human UM cells. Although p53 protein expression is induced, deletion of TP53 (encoding p53) only modestly rescues the observed senescent phenotype. UM cells with BAP1 loss or SF3B1 mutation are more sensitive to chemotherapeutic drugs compared with their isogenic parental cells. Transcriptome analysis shows that DNA‐repair genes are downregulated upon co‐occurrence of BAP1 deletion and SF3B1 mutation, thus leading to impaired DNA damage response and the induction of senescence. The co‐occurrence of these two mutations reduces invasion of UM cells in zebrafish xenograft models and suppresses growth of melanoma xenografts in nude mice. Our findings provide a mechanistic explanation for the mutual exclusivity of BAP1 and SF3B1 mutations in human UM.
Instrumentation for Electrosynthetic Screening and Preparative Electrolysis
Authors: Pollok Dennis , Stenglein Andreas , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: October 2021

In order to get electro‐organic synthesis on prep scale started and optimized, a rather specific setup is required. The article addresses this particular issue. The electrosynthetic screening is an efficient and useful tool to identify the electrolytic suitable regime and optimize such a preparative transformation in terms of yield, etc. Ranging from mg to kg scale, simple batch‐type cells can be employed. Flow cells usually require more optimization efforts since many parameters are highly interlocked. However, the unlimited scale in prep electrosynthesis is rewarded.
Carbon Nanostructures as Electrocatalyst Supports for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Sebastián David , Alegre Cinthia , Pérez‐Rodríguez Sara , Lázaro María J.
Published: October 2021

Polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) are undoubtedly an important part in the energy scenario of the future hydrogen economy as they efficiently convert chemical energy into electrical energy with almost zero environmental impact during operation. The major barriers to overcome for widespread commercialization of PEFCs are cost and durability issues, with the development of electrocatalysts as an important challenge. Carbon nanostructures are playing a relevant role in the latest advances of electrocatalyst formulations, acting as either catalyst support or catalyst itself when combined with other elements. Graphene, carbon nanofilaments, carbon gels, mesoporous carbons, and other typologies of carbon nanostructures have shown to be determinant in the activity and durability of the electrodes at fuel cells. In this article, the current situation of fuel cells is briefly revised, with emphasis on PEFCs and the role of carbon materials at different levels and components. Then, a practical guide is provided for the evaluation of the main properties of carbon nanostructures with implications on the development of supports and electrocatalysts, describing the most useful techniques to determine porosity, surface area, chemical composition, nanostructure, capacitance, and oxidation rate. The recent investigations are finally reviewed on graphene, carbon nanofilaments, carbon gels, and ordered mesoporous carbon in the field of fuel cells, mainly as carbon supports or catalytic structures for the reduction of oxygen or the oxidation of alcohols.
Research productivity of radiation therapy physics faculty in the United States
Authors: Meeks Sanford L. , Shang Michael H. , Willoughby Twyla R. , Kelly Patrick , Shah Amish P.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Research productivity metrics are important for decisions regarding hiring, retention, and promotion in academic medicine, and these metrics can vary widely among different disciplines. This article examines productivity metrics for radiation therapy physicists (RTP) in the United States.

Methods and materials

Database searches were performed for RTP faculty at US institutions that have RTP residencies accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP). Demographics, academic rank, number of publications, academic career length, Hirsch index (h‐index), m‐quotient, and history of National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding as a principal investigator (PI) were collected for each RTP. Logistic regression was performed to determine the probability of academic rank as a function of h‐index and m‐quotient. Statistical tests used included the Wilcoxon ranked sum test and the Pearson χ2 test.

Results

A total of 1038 faculty and staff were identified at 78 institutions with CAMPEP‐accredited residencies. The average RTP academic career duration is 13.5 years, with 46.7 total publications, h‐index of 10.7, and m‐quotient of 0.66. Additionally, 10.5% of RTP have a history of NIH funding as a PI. Large disparities were found in academic productivity of doctoral‐prepared physicists compared to those with a terminal master's degree. For differences in junior and senior faculty, statistical tests yielded significance in career duration, number of publications, h‐index, and m‐quotient. Gender disparities were identified in the overall distribution of RTP consistent with the membership of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine. Further gender disparities were found in the number of doctoral‐prepared RTP and physicists in senior faculty roles.

Conclusions

This manuscript provides objective benchmark data regarding research productivity of academic RTP. These data may be of interest to faculty preparing for promotion, and also to institutional leadership.
Determination of geometric information and radiation field overlaps on the skin in percutaneous coronary interventions with computer‐aided design‐based X‐ray beam modeling
Authors: Fukuda Atsushi , Lin Pei‐Jan P. , Ichikawa Nao , Matsubara Kosuke
Published: October 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to develop a method for the determination of the source‐to‐surface distance (SSD), the X‐ray beam area in a plane perpendicular to the beam axis at the entrance skin surface (Ap), and the X‐ray beam area on the actual skin surface (As) during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Materials and Methods

Male and female anthropomorphic phantoms were scanned on a computed tomography scanner, and the data were transferred to a commercially available computer‐aided design (CAD) software. A cardiovascular angiography system with a 200 × 200 mm flat‐panel detector with a field‐of‐view of 175 × 175 mm was modeled with the CAD software. Both phantoms were independently placed on 40 mm thick pads, and the examination tabletop at the patient entrance reference point. Upon panning, the heart center was aligned to the central beam axis. The SSD, Ap, and As were determined with the measurement tool and Boolean intersection operations at 10 gantry angulations.

Results

The means and standard deviations of the SSD, Ap, and As for the male and female phantoms were 573 ± 15 and 580 ± 15 mm, 8799 ± 1009 and 9661 ± 1152 mm2, 10495 ± 602 and 11913 ± 600 mm2, respectively. The number of As overlaps for the male and female phantoms were 15/45 and 21/45 view combinations, respectively.

Conclusions

CAD‐based X‐ray beam modeling is useful for the determination of the SSD, Ap, and As. Furthermore, the knowledge of the As distribution helps to reduce the As overlap in PCI.
When Pigs Do Fly: An Uplifting Experience
Authors: Powell Aubrey
Published: October 2021

Aubrey Powell started his creative life as the photographer and graphic designer for Hipgnosis, the acclaimed design studio he co‐founded in 1967 with Storm Thorgerson. They were instrumental in defining Pink Floyd's graphic identity. Powell and Hipgnosis began working with Mark Fisher on the Pink Floyd ‘Animals’ world tour and album cover. It was a natural progression for Powell to move into filmmaking some 15 years later, when music video started. Here he describes some of his design collaborations with STUFISH.
Metal–Organic Framework (MOF)‐Based Ultrasound‐Responsive Dual‐Sonosensitizer Nanoplatform for Hypoxic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zhang Cong , Xin Lei , Li Jia , Cao Jing , Sun Yu , Wang Xue , Luo Jiali , Zeng Yiqing , Li Qunying , Zhang Ying , Zhang Tao , Huang Pintong
Published: October 2021

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT), which uses reactive oxygen species to target tumors, has shown promise in the management of unresectable cancers. However, the hypoxic tumor environment limits SDT efficiency, making complete tumor destruction challenging. Here, a dual‐sonosensitizer nanoplatform is developed by loading an alkyl radical generator (2,2‐azobis[2‐(2‐imidazolin‐2‐yl)propane] dihydrochloride, AIPH) onto a zirconium metal–organic framework (Zr‐MOF). The Zr‐MOF@AIPH nanoparticles (NPs) can produce singlet oxygen, which can kill tumor cells under normoxic conditions, as well as alkyl radicals, which can kill tumor cells under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The combination of these free radicals further enhances SDT efficiency. Meanwhile, the nitrogen generated owing to AIPH decomposition can reduce the cavitation threshold and enhance the acoustic cavitation effect, thereby promoting NP penetration at the tumor site. Moreover, Zr‐MOF@AIPH NPs exhibit good photoacoustic, fluorescence, and ultrasound imaging abilities due to their porphyrin‐based structure and the nitrogen generated, which can remotely control NP delivery and determine the optimal therapeutic time window, ensuring the maximization of SDT efficiency. In vitro and in vivo examinations prove the superior antitumor efficacy, excellent biocompatibility, and favorable imaging ability of Zr‐MOF@AIPH. This study spearheads the charge toward improving SDT efficacy in hypoxic environments via a combination of complementary sonosensitizers.
Ultrathin Porous Hexagonal Zn3V3O8/ZnO@N‐C Nanoplates Synthesized via a Temperature‐Controlled Phase Separation Method as High‐Performance Anode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lu Siwen , Jing Fengyang , Zhu Chang , Kong Yi , Pei Jian , Chen Gang
Published: October 2021

Transition metal vanadates (TMVs) have long been seen as promising anodes for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). To improve the electrochemical performance of them, designing rational nanostructures and utilizing the synergetic effect of multiple components are usually regarded as two effective strategies. Herein, ultrathin porous hexagonal Zn3V3O8/ZnO@N‐C (ZnVO@N‐C) nanoplates are synthesized via a phase separation method which is achieved by changing annealing temperatures. Under the annealing temperature of 650 °C, the obtained ZnVO‐650 nanoplates exhibit the best electrochemical performance. When used as LIB anodes, ZnVO‐650 nanoplates show high reversible rate capacity (393.9 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1), excellent cycling performance (855.1 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 120 cycles), and superior long‐term cycling stability (489.2 mA h g−1 at 3 A g−1 after 500 cycles). The outstanding electrochemical performance of ZnVO‐650 nanoplates can be explained by their special morphology, abundant phase boundaries, synergetic effect of the components, and the N‐doped carbon layers.
Droplet Ejection and Liquid Jetting by Visible Laser Irradiation in Pyro‐Photovoltaic Fe‐Doped LiNbO3 Platforms
Authors: Puerto Andrés , Coppola Sara , Miccio Lisa , Vespini Veronica , García‐Cabañes Ángel , Carrascosa Mercedes , Ferraro Pietro
Published: October 2021

Controlling liquid dispensing and jetting from a reservoir drop or a liquid film require strong electric fields. One efficient method proposed some years ago is based on the high pyroelectric‐electrohydrodynamic (EHD) effect presented by lithium niobate when it undergoes a high temperature change. Additionally, first experiments generating droplets using the photovoltaic effect of Fe‐doped lithium niobate crystal (LiNbO3:Fe) have been recently reported. Here, it is shown how the excitation of the photovoltaic and pyroelectric effects of LiNbO3:Fe by visible light irradiation allows droplet dispensing and jetting. A basic characterization of the process, including the important role of the excitation light intensity, is reported. The experimental investigation demonstrates that efficient droplet ejection and liquid jetting can be easily achieved in different optical configurations and with various liquid solutions (water, alcohol, aqueous suspension of particles or polymers). This new explored method is analyzed by discussing some of its intrinsic and attractive advantages, namely the flexible and versatile control offered by light excitation and the activation of the photovoltaic and pyroelectric effects. The results let us to foresee that this strategy will have very good chances to become a viable inkjet printing method for addressing new challenges in directed liquid dispensing and patterning.
Multifunctional CuO‐Coated Mesh for Wastewater Treatment: Effective Oil/Water Separation, Organic Contaminants Photodegradation, and Bacterial Photodynamic Inactivation
Authors: Meng Tingting , Zhang Jianhong , Wang Huichao , Fu Nuo , Wang Mengpei , Li Weishang , Shi Ruixin , Peng Bo , Li Peng , Deng Ziwei
Published: October 2021

The complex pollutants in wastewater including insoluble oils, organic dyes, and bacteria, have caused severe environmental problems, which are harmful to ecosystems and human health and are complex and difficult to achieve wastewater purification with one material or single procedure. Herein, a facile, yet environmentally benign strategy is proposed to fabricate a superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic CuO‐coated mesh for all‐in‐one wastewater treatment. In this strategy, the hierarchical micro/nanostructured CuO‐coated mesh is fabricated via an oxidation–dehydration process, which simultaneously endows the mesh with superwetting ability, remarkable photocatalytic degradation ability, and excellent photodynamic antibacterial activity. This CuO‐coated mesh first exhibits the special underwater superoleophobicity, superior durability, reusability, and high antifouling capability, which ensures its high separation efficiency for oil/water mixtures. Then, this CuO‐coated mesh is underwater superoleophobic, possessing the remarkable photocatalytic degradation performance of organic dye contaminates in water and excellent photodynamic antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus under visible‐light irradiation. As such, it plays a multi‐role in wastewater remedy, significantly simplifying the implementation and saving the cost in practice. This work suggests a promising approach for the design of multi‐functional materials in environmental remedies.
Oxygen permeation simulation of La0.8Ca0.2Fe0.95O3−δ‐Ag hollow fiber membrane at different modes and flow configurations
Authors: Zhang Shude , Yeo Jason Yi Juang , Li Claudia , Meng Xiuxia , Yang Naitao , Sunarso Jaka , Liu Shaomin
Published: October 2021

Mixed ionic‐electronic conducting La0.8Ca0.2Fe0.95O3−δ‐Ag (LCF‐Ag) ceramic hollow fiber membranes possess high structural stability and up to 2.24‐fold higher oxygen permeation fluxes relative to LCF hollow fibers. In this work, the oxygen permeation of LCF‐Ag hollow fiber membrane module is simulated under sweep gas and vacuum operation modes, whereas the kinetic parameters were obtained by fitting the experimental data with the simplified Tan–Li model. The good correlation obtained from the data regression confirmed the compatibility of the selected model on the LCF‐Ag hollow fiber membrane. The simulated results revealed that the countercurrent flow configuration is generally favored in sweep gas operation given its potential of complete oxygen separation under optimized conditions. For vacuum operation, the oxygen yield is practically the same for both flow configurations at a moderate vacuum setting. At a very low vacuum pressure setting, however, cocurrent flow is preferred over countercurrent flow for maximizing the oxygen yield.
Interpreting error in the estimation of skeletal growth profiles from past populations: An example demonstrating skeletal growth in historic African American communities
Authors: Wolfe Christopher A. , Herrmann Nicholas P.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The study of growth in the past is a critical component of bioarcheological analyses. However, our understanding of growth in the past is subject to a number of methodological challenges. This study aims to model the skeletal growth of past populations by considering the challenges associated with the data collection process and the challenges associated with the age estimation procedures.

Materials and methods

We use skeletal remains from two historic African American cemeteries in the American South to model femoral diaphyseal length‐for‐age. We estimate the age of each individual using dental development techniques and present growth curves as both a product of the maximum likelihood (MLE) age estimate and the estimated posterior age distribution. Growth was compared against a reference sample from the University of Colorado Child Research Council Study.

Results

The results of our analyses showed that femoral diaphyseal length in two historic African American communities is small‐for‐estimated age as compared to a modern reference sample. However, the magnitude and characterization of this difference is variable when taking into account the broader posterior age distribution.

Discussion

Both samples may be small‐for‐age due to physiological stress associated with racism, inequality, and the compounding effects of early urbanization. However, the interpretation of growth in the past is muddled when considering the relationship between the study sample and the reference sample, when accounting for uncertainty in the age estimation procedure, and the error‐inducing steps taken during the data collection process. Future interpretation of skeletal growth in the past must include a full account of the possible sources of error in order to present an accurate representation of growth.
Experimental evidence that physical activity inhibits osteoarthritis: Implications for inferring activity patterns from osteoarthritis in archeological human skeletons
Authors: Wallace Ian J. , Riew Grant J. , Landau Rebecca , Bendele Alison M. , Holowka Nicholas B. , Hedrick Tyson L. , Konow Nicolai , Brooks Daniel J. , Lieberman Daniel E.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease whose causes are not fully understood, but a longstanding hypothesis is that OA stems primarily from the cumulative effects of joint mechanical loading throughout life. Based on this wear and tear hypothesis, anthropologists have assumed that the presence of OA in archeological human skeletons can be interpreted as evidence of a highly physically active lifestyle. Here, we use guinea pigs to experimentally test the hypothesis that higher levels of routine physical activity result in greater OA degeneration.

Materials and methods

Guinea pigs are a useful model for OA research because they spontaneously develop the disease in a manner similar to humans. One group of growing animals was housed for 22 weeks in a large room that promoted voluntary physical activity (4.8 km of movement per day, on average), while animals in another group were housed in small cages that restricted their mobility (n = 15/group). After the experiment, histological and microcomputed tomographic analyses were conducted focusing on the knees.

Results

Rather than causing greater OA degeneration, elevated levels of routine physical activity resulted in significantly less knee cartilage deterioration, less synovial inflammation, smaller osteophytes, and maintenance of greater epiphyseal trabecular bone quantity.

Discussion

These results are inconsistent with the hypothesis that high levels of routine physical activity drive the pathogenesis of OA and call into question typical interpretations of OA in studies of archeological human skeletons.
Electrocatalytic oxygen evolution and antiproliferative activity of Co(III) complexes stabilized by in situ generated bis(5‐furan/phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazole)‐3‐sulfinamide
Authors: Bharty Manoj Kumar , Singh Aarti , Bharati Pooja , Pandey Shivendra Kumar , Singh Devesh Kumar , Ganesan Vellaichamy , Verma Praveen Kumar , Acharya Arvind , Bharti Akhilesh , Butcher Ray J.
Published: October 2021

Electrocatalytic water oxidation by transition metal complexes is an emerging area of research. Here, two cobalt(III) complexes [Co(ftsm)NH3(o‐phen)]·H2O (1) {ftsm = bis(5‐furan‐1,2,4‐triazole)‐3‐sulfinamide} and [Co(ptsm)NH3(o‐phen)]·CH3OH (2) {ptsm = bis(5‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazole)‐3‐sulfinamide} were synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic and X‐ray crystallography techniques. Complexes 1 and 2 were found to have admirable electrocatalytic activity towards oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The Tafel slope values for GC/Nf‐Complex‐2 and GC/RuO2 were 53 and 60 mV/dec, respectively. Consequently, complex 2 possesses a better water oxidation response than standard material RuO2. The ligands Haftt, Haptt, o‐phen, and complexes 1 and 2 were also tested for their cytotoxicity against Dalton's lymphoma (DL) cells employing MTT assay and found to have significant cytotoxicity. The IC50 values of Haftt, Haptt, mixed ligands Haftt + o‐phen and Haptt + o‐phen, and complexes 1 and 2 against DL cells were found to be 150, 400, 200, 450, 80, and 5 μM, respectively. The complexes were found to have minimal effect on normal cells. The remarkable IC50 value for complex 2 shows that it can be utilized as a potential anticancer agent against DL cells.
Investigation of the thermomechanical performance of hybrid polymer composite using micro bamboo powder and graphite flakes
Authors: Gouda Krushna , Paul Rajdeep , Bhowmik Sumit , Das Biplab
Published: October 2021

The current research project is dedicated to tackling the issue of fiber alignment and composite material delamination. Alkali treatment is performed to enhance the bamboo filler reinforced composite's mechanical performance as well as interfacial bonding strength. The hybrid composite is developed with varied bamboo powder content from 2.5 to 12.5 wt% and graphite nanoplatelets (GN) are reinforced in the polymer matrix. The hybrid composite is manufactured with bamboo powder approximately 65 μm sized and GN for electrical and electronics packaging, heat sink, conductive paste, light back cover for thermal management, automobile parts, and packaging goods. The developed material is investigated experimentally through the tensile test, modulus of elasticity, storage modulus, thermal conductivity, corrosion and tribological analysis. Results revealed that 5 and 7.5 wt% bamboo filler with 1 wt% GN gives the best property among others.
Effect of protective atmosphere and secondary treatment on filament fusion of polylactic acid composites prepared by fused deposition modeling
Authors: Ding Qingjun , Fan Jiacheng , Zhao Gai
Published: October 2021

It is well known that poor interlayer adhesion from limited diffusion and entanglement of chains across the interlayer interface is the main reason for anisotropy of mechanical properties of 3D printed parts prepared by fused deposition modeling (FDM). The present study demonstrates the effects of a protective atmosphere and secondary treatment to improve fusion between filaments. The experimental results demonstrate that the mechanical properties of the parts with nitrogen protection increase by about 100% in the direction of filament accumulation while the oxidation degree of the surface of the filament drops by 9%, which indicates that the bond strength between the filaments is improved. And tensile strength is increased by about 10%–20% in the direction of filament accumulation after heat treatment and microwave treatment.
Dissecting the heterogeneous subcortical brain volume of autism spectrum disorder using community detection
Authors: Li Ting , Hoogman Martine , Roth Mota Nina , Buitelaar Jan K. ,   The ENIGMA‐ASD working group, Vasquez Alejandro Arias , Franke Barbara , van Rooij Daan
Published: October 2021

Structural brain alterations in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are heterogeneous, with limited effect sizes overall. In this study, we aimed to identify subgroups in ASD, based on neuroanatomical profiles; we hypothesized that the effect sizes for case/control differences would be increased in the newly defined subgroups. Analyzing a large data set from the ENIGMA‐ASD working group (n = 2661), we applied exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to seven subcortical volumes of individuals with and without ASD to uncover the underlying organization of subcortical structures. Based on earlier findings and data availability, we focused on three age groups: boys (<=14 years), male adolescents (15–22 years), and adult men (> = 22 years). The resulting factor scores were used in a community detection (CD) analysis to cluster participants into subgroups. Three factors were found in each subsample; the factor structure in adult men differed from that in boys and male adolescents. From these factors, CD uncovered four distinct communities in boys and three communities in adolescents and adult men, irrespective of ASD diagnosis. The effect sizes for case/control comparisons were more pronounced than in the combined sample, for some communities. A significant group difference in ADOS scores between communities was observed in boys and male adolescents with ASD. We succeeded in stratifying participants into more homogeneous subgroups based on subcortical brain volumes. This stratification enhanced our ability to observe case/control differences in subcortical brain volumes in ASD, and may help to explain the heterogeneity of previous findings in ASD.

Lay summary

Structural brain alterations in ASD are heterogeneous, with overall limited effect sizes. Here we aimed to identify subgroups in ASD based on neuroimaging measures. We tested whether the effect sizes for case/control differences would be increased in the newly defined subgroups.

Based on neuroanatomical profiles, we succeeded in stratifying our participants into more homogeneous subgroups. The effect sizes of case/control differences were more pronounced in some subgroups than those in the whole sample.
Definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy with paclitaxel plus carboplatin is superior to cisplatin plus 5‐fluorouracil in patients with inoperable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma using retrospective, real‐world evidence
Authors: Hsieh Jason Chia‐Hsun , Chiang Pin‐Chun , Hung Tsung‐Min , Chao Yin‐Kai , Kuo Yung‐Chia , Wen Chih‐Tsung , Su Po‐Jung , Peng Meng‐Ting , Chen Huan‐Wu , Liu Hui‐Ling , Chang Hsien‐Kun , Wu Min‐Hsien , Wang Hung‐Ming
Published: October 2021

Background

The optimal definitive chemotherapy regimen during concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for patients with advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear because of conflicting evidence. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of taxane‐based chemotherapy with that of conventional cisplatin plus 5‐fluorouracil (PF) as the chemotherapy regimen in definitive CRT for ESCC.

Patients and Methods

This retrospective study included patients with ESCC who received paclitaxel plus carboplatin (PC) or PF during definitive CRT between May 2012 and February 2015 in a medical center in Taiwan. Survival outcomes were compared after adjustment for risk factors.

Results

Overall, 229 patients were evaluated. Patients in the PC group had an objective response rate of 71.1% compared with the 51.4% of the PF group (p = 0.016). The PC group showed a significantly longer progression‐free survival (PFS, p = 0.002) and overall survival (OS, p = 0.019) than the PF group. Salvage surgery also helped prolong both the PFS and OS (p < 0001). Sex (male vs. female, HR, 1.831; 95% CI, 1.016–3.303), clinical stage (HR, 1.282; 95% CI, 1.069–1.537), accumulative radiation dose (≥41.4 Gy vs. <41.4 Gy; HR, 0.640; 95% CI, 0.413–0.993), salvage surgery (yes vs. no, HR: 0.412, 95% CI: 0.298–0.570), and regimen (PF vs. PC; HR, 1.514; 95% CI, 1.109–2.067) were independent prognostic factors for cancer mortality.

Conclusion

Compared with the PF regimen, the PC regimen for definitive CRT yielded significantly increased response rates and longer survival times; therefore, the PC regimen may be preferable for chemotherapy for definitive CRT in patients with advanced ESCC.
Pituitary function following peptide receptor radionuclide therapy for neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Elston Marianne S. , Love Amanda , Kevat Dev , Carroll Richard , Siow Zhen Rong , Pattison Sharon , Boyle Veronica , Segelov Eva , Strickland Andrew H. , Wyld David , Gauci Richard , Kennedy Kim , Ransom David ,   the Commonwealth Neuroendocrine Tumour Collaboration (CommNETs)
Published: October 2021

Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is an increasingly used treatment for unresectable neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) that express somatostatin receptors. Normal pituitary tissue expresses somatostatin receptors so patients receiving PRRT may be at risk of developing hypopituitarism. The aim was to assess the prevalence of clinically significant hypopituitarism a minimum of 2 years following radioisotope therapy for metastatic NET. This was a multicentre study (Australia and New Zealand). Sixty‐six patients with unresectable NETs were included–34 had received PRRT and 32 comparison patients. Median follow‐up after PRRT was 68 months. Male hypogonadism was the most common hormonal abnormality (16 of 38 men [42%]) from the total cohort. Of these, seven men had primary hypogonadism (five from PRRT group) and nine had secondary hypogonadism (six in PRRT group). There was no difference in either male hypogonadism or other hormonal dysfunction between patients who had received PRRT and those that had not. Patients who have received PRRT out to 68 months following treatment do not show concerning hypopituitarism although there may be the suggestion of growth hormone deficiency developing. However, hypogonadism is common in men with NETs so the gonadal axis should be assessed in men with suggestive symptoms as the treatment of testosterone deficiency may improve the quality of life.
Performance of a Degassing Cyclone with Main and Subsidiary Chambers
Authors: Xu Xiao , Wang Shuo , Yang Qiang
Published: October 2021

Based on the premise that large bubbles are removed in larger cyclones and small bubbles in smaller cyclones, a combined degassing cyclone with main and subsidiary chambers was designed to enhance liquid degassing. The pressure loss, liquid flow rate at the gas outlet, split ratio, gas flow rate at the liquid outlet, and degassing efficiency of the degassing cyclone were measured and calculated. Pressure loss correlations were established which relates the Euler number to the gas and liquid Reynolds numbers in the main chamber. Most cases exhibit a degassing efficiency greater than 0.998 when the liquid flow rate is more than 0.7 m3h−1. The contours of pressure loss, split ratio, and degassing efficiency provide an effective guidance for designing a degassing cyclone.
Humidity Considerations in Filter Testing Based on Analysis of Filters from Gas Turbine Applications
Authors: Schwarz Almuth D. , Dutzi Julian , Weber Patrick , Sattler Carsten , Schulz Karsten , Caesar Thomas , Meyer Jörg , Dittler Achim
Published: October 2021

Depth filters used in multistage filter systems adeptly clean the intake air of gas turbines, preventing damage and increasing performance. However, estimation of their service life is based on empirical data and/or standardized testing procedures, e.g., ISO 16890. By applying standardized synthetic test dusts at constant reference humidity, these testing procedures do not reflect application‐typical loading conditions. Based on a direct comparison with field data, the influence of temporary exposure to high relative humidity on differential pressure and particle deposit structure is investigated. The results indicate that simulating humidity variations of the ambient atmosphere during filter tests leads to particle deposits, which more accurately reflect the actual behavior during operation.
1,7‐Di‐tert‐butyl‐Substituted aza‐BODIPYs by Low‐Barrier Rotation to Enhance a Photothermal‐Photodynamic Effect
Authors: Su Yajun , Hu Qiao , Zhang Dongxiang , Shen Yue , Li Sicheng , Li Ran , Jiang Xin‐Dong , Du Jianjun
Published: October 2021

1,7‐Di‐tert‐butyl‐substituted aza‐BODIPYs (tBu‐azaBDP) were successfully obtained for the first time. The structures of tBu‐azaBDP and Ph‐azaBDP were confirmed by X‐ray crystal analysis, and tBu‐azaBDP 2 is more twisted than Ph‐azaBDP 5. tBu‐azaBDPs have significant photo‐stability and enhanced water solubility. tBu‐azaBDPs possess excellent optical properties, such as high molar extinction coefficients, broad full width half maxima, and large Stokes shifts, which is comparable to those of the parent dye Ph‐azaBDP. Although the low‐barrier rotation of the distal ‐tBu groups in tBu‐azaBDPs results in low quantum yield, photothermal conversion efficiency and singlet oxygen generation ability of tBu‐azaBDPs are more effective than those of Ph‐azaBDP, which is highly desirable for a photothermal‐photodynamic therapy agent.
Refractory myositis in a patient of Sjögren’s syndrome having only anti‐SS‐A (60 kDa) antibody
Authors: Kokubu Hiraku , Hamaguchi Yasuhito , Kato Takeshi , Tanaka Toshihiro , Fujimoto Noriki
Published: October 2021

We present a very rare case of primary Sjögren’s syndrome with refractory myositis. She had only anti‐Ro60 antibody of anti‐SS‐A, which is extremely rare in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome and polymyositis/dermatomyositis. We suggest a possibility that not only anti‐SS‐A/Ro52 but also anti‐SS‐A/Ro60 may contribute to the resistance in the same way.
Association mapping to detect Phytophthora infestans resistance in tetraploid potato
Authors: Deperi Sofía Irene , Tagliotti Martín Enrique , Bedogni María Cecilia , Huarte Marcelo Atilio
Published: October 2021

Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Baryis found in all areas of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production in Argentine. Association mapping uses the existing diversity in a a population to identify loci responsible of phenotypic variation of a character. The studied population was formed by 159 genotypes of the germplasm collection of the Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA) Estación Experimental Agropecuaria (EEA) Balcarce potato breeding program. These genotypes are part of a larger population that was previously analyzed using single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Phenotypic assessment was carried out in two locations over 3 yr. Environmental conditions allowed the presence of the disease in all year × location combination. Phenotypic variability was found for relative area under disease progress curve (RAUDPC) and yield parameters as, Total weight and Seed weight. Association mapping was carried out on 159 genotypes. Eight significant associations were found using Bonferroni methodology, with values of −log(p) ranging between 4.61 and 5.42 located at chromosomes 3 (solcap_snp_c2_16679), 4 (solcap_snp_c1_6126 and solcap_snp_c2_38243, solcap_snp_c2_54077), 5 (solcap_snp_c2_42374), 6 (solcap_snp_c2_33228), 7 (solcap_snp_c1_7407), and 10 (solcap_snp_c2_63) and eleven significant associations using permutation tests with values of −log(p) between 4.5 and 6.42 located at chromosomes 1(solcap_snp_c1_5150), 2 (solcap_snp_c1_13923), 4 (solcap_snp_c1_4178, and solcap_snp_c2_50004), 5 (solcap_snp_c2_11829 and solcap_snp_c2_50532), 7 (solcap_snp_c2_35057 and solcap_snp_c1_10011), and 9 (solcap_snp_c2_1915). Some of the SNPs detected are adjacent to genes that encode enzymes that participate in metabolic pathways that are activated in response to interaction with pathogens. Those markers might be included in breeding programs related to improve late blight resistance in potato cultivars.
Research on the equivalent complex impedance of multiparameter 2 × n LC network
Authors: Luo LiJin , Luo FengHua
Published: October 2021

The multiparameter 2 × n LC complex impedance network is one of the difficult problems of the resistor network problem. In this study, the equivalent complex impedance problem of the four‐parameter 2 × n LC network model has been considered, where the network model contains four arbitrary L and C parameters. Our study involves four main steps: Firstly, a general difference equation model with current parameters has been established by utilizing Kirchhoff's law. Secondly, the general solution of the difference equation model has been obtained by matrix transformation. Thirdly, a matrix equation with boundary current parameters has been established, and the special solution of the boundary current has been obtained by substituting the general solution in the previous step. Finally, based on Ohm's law, the equivalent complex impedance formula has been obtained by using the special solution of the boundary current. The analysis of the derived equivalent complex impedances, Zab(n) and Zac(n), shows that they have different characteristics in different frequency ranges, and their variation is related to the mesh number n. The results of this study offer a theoretical basis for the related applied research.
Influence of deep‐freezing and MGG staining on DNA and RNA quality in different types of lung adenocarcinoma cytological smears
Authors: Harabajsa Suzana , Begić Valerija , Gršković Paula , Šimić Vesna , Branica Božica Vrabec , Badovinac Sonja , Smojver‐Ježek Silvana , Korać Petra
Published: October 2021

Background

Preserving the optimal quality of DNA and RNA is mandatory for molecular testing in lung adenocarcinoma cytological smears (LACSs).

Methods

DNA and RNA were isolated from 90 frozen unstained and 46 May Grünwald Giemsa (MGG) stained LACSs prepared from bronchial washing (BW), bronchial brushing (BB), and pleural effusion (PE) samples during 3 years. Concentrations of nucleic acids in all LACSs were assessed by spectrophotometric analysis. Fragmentation of DNA and RNA was determined by PCR amplification of selected genes. Amplicons of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 600 bp were used for DNA and 108 bp‐long HPRT1 transcript fragment for RNA fragmentation analysis.

Results

Among 90 frozen LACSs, significantly lower DNA concentrations of BB and RNA concentrations of BW samples frozen for 6–10 months were observed in comparison with samples frozen for longer periods (p < .05). Among 46 paired LACSs, 44 (95.7%) frozen and 15 (32.6%) MGG‐stained samples showed 600 bp‐long DNA amplicons. Statistically significant difference (p < .05) in the fragmentation of DNA between frozen and MGG‐stained LACSs was observed (p < .05), with DNA being less fragmented in frozen LACSs. In addition, 33 (71.7%) frozen and 36 (78.2%) MGG‐stained LASCs showed HPRT1 gene amplicon of 108 bp. RNA was less fragmented in 3‐year old MGG‐stained samples than in LACSs frozen for 3 years.

Conclusion

DNA and RNA extracted from frozen and MGG‐stained LACSs showed different results depending on the time of storage and/or type of samples, but in general all samples had adequate quantity and quality for downstream molecular testing.