bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the interaction of hyperoside and human serum albumin in VC and VC‐free environments by spectroscopic and molecular docking techniques
Authors: Xin Xiulan , Chen Liang , Li Ye , Yu Ran , Fan Haitao , Yan Zheng , Li Shuangshi , Feng Hui
Published: November 2020

The interaction between hyperoside and human serum albumin was studied in vitamin C (VC) and VC‐free environments using ultraviolet (UV)–vis absorption, fluorescence, circular dichroism spectra, and molecular docking techniques under simulated physiological conditions. The two environments had different influences on the secondary structure of human serum albumin (HSA). The α‐helix content was slightly increased from 50% to 51% in the VC environment and increased from 50% to 55% in the VC‐free environment. The thermodynamic parameters were ΔH° = −30.7 kJ⋅mol−1 and ΔS° = −23.4 mol−1⋅K−1 in the VC environment and ΔH° = −25.4 kJ⋅mol−1 and ΔS° = −11.4 J⋅mol−1⋅K−1 in the VC‐free environment. Through thermodynamics parameters, hydrophobic force played a dominant role in the whole environment. The binding constants were calculated to be 7.25 × 105 mol⋅L−1 and 9.76 × 105 mol⋅L−1 at 298 K and they declined with the rise in temperature. The two binding distances were 2.6 nm and 2.5 nm respectively at 298 K, indicating that fluorescence energy transfer occurred. The UV–vis spectra indicated that fluorescence quenching of the HSA–hyperoside complex was a static quenching process. Hyperoside could spontaneously bind to HSA at site I (subdomain IIA). Molecular docking elucidated the way to binding basically through hydrophobic and van der Waals force interactions. Moreover, molecular docking showed that the VC environment could influence binding of HSA and hyperoside by more H‐binding and less hydrophobic forces.
Keep your eye on…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2020

Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome

Parental attitudes on depression screening

Moderators in PTSD treatment

The utility of mindfulness with emotional regulation in ASD
Severe nonbacterial preseptal cellulitis from adenovirus detected via pooled meta‐genomic testing
Authors: Bansal Saurabh , Nimmatoori Divya P. , Singhania Namrata , Lin Rone Chun , Nukala Chandra Mouli , Singh Anil K. , Singhania Girish
Published: November 2020

Preseptal cellulitis is a serious diagnosis that can progress to postseptal cellulitis leading to grave consequences. Clinically, viral and bacterial cellulitis can be indistinguishable from each other. Using rapid DNA/RNA sequencing can be helpful.
Extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma in an 11‐year‐old child
Authors: Ninchoji Takeshi , Fujimura Junya , Uemura Suguru , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Nozu Kandai , Iijima Kazumoto
Published: November 2020

Extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is difficult to identify and diagnose appropriately. Positron emission tomography imaging is a crucial method that leads to precise diagnosis. A proper regimen including stem cell transplantation would possibly improve prognosis of advanced ENKTL.
Experimental characterization of bond fatigue of carbon reinforced concrete
Authors: Wagner Juliane , Curbach Manfred
Published: November 2020

Due to the construction of more and more bridges out of textile respectively carbon reinforced concrete (CRC) or strengthening with it, the fatigue behavior of the material becomes more important and has to be investigated. However, next to the tensile load‐bearing behavior, the bond behavior is crucial as well. As for the carbon textiles used nowadays, concrete splitting gaines in importance as failure mode, a suitable test setup has to be found which allows representing realistic conditions. Therefore, in this paper, two different test setups—the double‐sided textile pull‐out (DPO) and the overlap test—are compared regarding their results in quasi‐static reference and residual strength tests as well as in fatigue tests with different bond lengths. In the end, it will be clear that one of the test setups clearly creates the more realistic results.
Evaluation of the oral administration of α‐l‐guluronic acid on COX‐1 and COX‐2 gene expression profile in ankylosing spondylitis patients
Authors: Sadoughi Arezoo , Mansouri Reza , Nazeri Sepideh , Mirshafiey Abbas
Published: November 2020

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune arthritis disease with a genetic background, affecting the skeletal axis, sacroiliac, and peripheral joints. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the first‐line treatment for AS to alleviate the inflammation and pain. Despite the beneficial effect, their use is accompanied by a wide variety of possible side effects in the gastrointestinal and kidneys. The α‐l‐guluronic acid (G2013) is a new nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory patented (PCT/EP2017/067920) drug, which has shown its anti‐inflammatory properties in the previous investigations. The present study revealed the oral administration effect of G2013 on COX‐1 and COX‐2 gene expression in AS patients. The blood samples of twelve 18–45 years old patients suffering AS and BASDAI >4, and BASFI >4, before and after 12 weeks of treatment with G2013 and 12 blood samples of healthy volunteers were collected and the effect of G2013 on the gene expression of COX‐1 and COX‐2 enzymes were assessed by Real‐Time PCR. The results indicate that G2013 is able to reduce the gene expression level of COX‐1 and COX‐2 enzymes in treated AS patients compared to healthy control. Statistically significant differences were not observed between the treatment and the healthy control groups. According to the findings, G2013 might be categorized and introduced as a novel NSAID for the treatment of AS.
New qualitative analysis strategy for illicit drugs using Raman spectroscopy and characteristic peaks method
Authors: Liu Cui‐Mei , He Hong‐Yuan , Xu Lin , Hua Zhen‐Dong
Published: November 2020

Performing fast qualitative identification of seized illegal drugs by Raman spectroscopy is challenging due to fluorescence interference as well as chemical complexity. Spectrometers with 785‐nm excitation, 1,064‐nm excitation, and sequentially shifted excitation (SSE) were compared for their effect on fluorescence reduction. The characteristic peaks method, which is independent of cutting agents, was tested as a new strategy to broaden the application of the Raman technique. The suitability of the characteristic peaks method was fully examined by analyzing a large amount of seized illegal drugs, including 72 methamphetamine hydrochloride (concentration range of 13.9%–99.4%), 68 ketamine hydrochloride (17.7%–99.8%), 176 heroin hydrochloride (5.2%–79.5%), 51 cocaine hydrochloride (21.1%–94.5%), and 33 cocaine base (30.9%–92.5%) samples. The results showed that seized methamphetamine, ketamine, and cocaine samples had no or little fluorescence. Hence, in regard to detection of these samples, the advantage of using 1,064‐nm excitation and SSE compared with 785‐nm excitation was quite limited. Regarding the heroin samples, a significant improvement of the “high” confident positive detected rate was evident for 1,064 nm excitation (60.8%) and SSE (61.4%), compared with 785‐nm excitation (13.1%). However, it was also seen that even if 1,064‐nm excitation and SSE were applied, the fluorescence of heroin samples was still unable to be fully overcome. By using the characteristic peaks method, low LOD results of 5%–20% were acquired for 40 types of drug mixtures, and lower LODs were obtained for the 60% of the drug mixtures compared with library searching method. Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with the characteristic peaks method was shown to be fast, simple, accurate, and sensitive in the qualitative analysis of seized drug samples.
Effects of snake fungal disease on short‐term survival, behavior, and movement in free‐ranging snakes
Authors: McKenzie Jennifer M. , Price Steven J. , Connette Grant M. , Bonner Simon J. , Lorch Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2020

Pathogenic fungi are increasingly associated with epidemics in wildlife populations. Snake fungal disease (SFD, also referred to as Ophidiomycosis) is an emerging threat to snakes, taxa that are elusive and difficult to sample. Thus, assessments of the effects of SFD on populations have rarely occurred. We used a field technique to enhance detection, Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) telemetry, and a multi‐state capture–mark–recapture model to assess SFD effects on short‐term (within‐season) survival, movement, and surface activity of two wild snake species,Regina septemvittata(Queensnake) andNerodia sipedon(Common Watersnake). We were unable to detect an effect of disease state on short‐term survival for either species. However, we estimated Bayesian posterior probabilities of >0.99 thatR. septemvittatawith SFD spent more time surface‐active and were less likely to permanently emigrate from the study area. We also estimated probabilities of 0.98 and 0.87 that temporary immigration and temporary emigration rates, respectively, were lower in diseasedR. septemvittata. We found evidence of elevated surface activity and lower temporary immigration rates in diseasedN. sipedon, with estimated probabilities of 0.89, and found considerably less support for differences in permanent or temporary emigration rates. This study is the first to yield estimates for key demographic and behavioral parameters (survival, emigration, surface activity) of snakes in wild populations afflicted with SFD. Given the increase in surface activity of diseased snakes, future surveys of snake populations could benefit from exploring longer‐term demographic consequences of SFD and recognize that disease prevalence in surface‐active animals may exceed that of the population as a whole.
Genomic analysis of Asian honeybee populations in China reveals evolutionary relationships and adaptation to abiotic stress
Authors: Shi Peng , Zhou Jun , Song Huali , Wu Yujuan , Lan Lan , Tang Xiangyou , Ma Zhengang , Vossbrinck Charles R. , Vossbrinck Bettina , Zhou Zeyang , Xu Jinshan
Published: November 2020

The geographic and biological diversity of China has resulted in the differential adaptation of the eastern honeybee, Apis cerana, to these varied habitats. A. cerana were collected from 14 locations in China. Their genomes were sequenced, and nucleotide polymorphisms were identified at more than 9 million sites. Both STRUCTURE and principal component analysis placed the bees into seven groups. Phylogenomic analysis groups the honeybees into many of the same clusters with high bootstrap values (91%–100%). Populations from Tibet and South Yunnan are sister taxa and together represent the earliest diverging lineage included in this study. We propose that the evolutionary origin of A. cerana in China was in the southern region of Yunnan Province and expanded from there into the southeastern regions and into the northeastern mountain regions. The Cold‐Temperate West Sichuan Plateau and Tropical Diannan populations were compared to identify genes under adaptive selection in these two habitats. Pathway enrichment analysis showing genes under selection, including the Hippo signaling pathway, GABAergic pathway, and trehalose‐phosphate synthase, indicates that most genes under selection pressure are involved in the process of signal transduction and energy metabolism. qRT‐PCR analysis reveals that one gene under selection, the AcVIAAT gene, involved in the GABAergic pathway, is responding to cold temperature stress. Through homologous recombination, we show that the AcVIAAT gene is able to replace the CNAG_01904 gene in the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans and that it makes the fungus less sensitive to conditions of oxidative stress and variations in temperature. Our results contribute to our understanding of the evolutionary origin of A. cerana in China and the molecular basis of environmental adaptation.
Design and development of a low‐cost solar parabolic dish concentrator system with manual dual‐axis tracking
Authors: Sahu Susant Kumar , K Arjun Singh , Natarajan Sendhil Kumar
Published: November 2020

Solar parabolic dish attracts most of the researchers with its higher concentration ratio and its modular ability. Parabolic dish concentration can be employed in many applications which falls under solar thermal and solar electricity production. This article presents a novel approach of designing and development of a low‐cost solar parabolic dish concentrator of 12.6 m2 aperture area with dual‐axis manual tracking, which can be utilized for process heating and electrical power generation simultaneously. The same set up has been fabricated in National Institute of Technology, Puducherry and ready for investigation and analysis on different prospective. The design concept of solar parabolic dish concentrator and dual‐axis tracking system and its economic analysis are elaborately discussed in this article. The complete procedure followed for the fabrication of the entire system is also highlighted. Based on the economic analysis it was found to be more economical than the other existing dish concentrators in the literature, which costs ₹6877.00 per square meter.
Effects of the mycotoxin metabolite de‐epoxy‐deoxynivalenol (DOM‐1) on embryo development and sperm motility in cattle
Authors: Guerrero‐Netro Hilda M. , Barreta Marcos H. , Costa Eduardo , Goetten Andre , Dupras Raynald , Mills Louis , Koch Julia , Portela Valério M. , Price Christopher A. , Chorfi Younes
Published: November 2020

Contamination of animal feed with Fusarium spp results in accumulation of mycotoxins including deoxynivalenol. In animals, deoxynivalenol is metabolized to de‐epoxy deoxynivalenol (DOM‐1), which is generally considered to be a non‐toxic metabolite; however, recent studies demonstrated that DOM‐1 can reduce steroid production and induce apoptosis in the bovine ovary. The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of DOM‐1 on applied aspects of reproductive function in cattle, specifically sperm function and embryo development in vitro and follicle growth and superovulatory responses in vivo. The effect of naturally contaminated feed on superovulatory responses was assessed; a dose of 6 ppm deoxynivalenol increased blood DOM‐1 concentrations to 20 ng/ml, but this did not alter the number of viable embryos recovered on day 7. However, intrafollicular injection of DOM‐1 (100 ng/ml) directly into the growing dominant follicle resulted in cessation of follicular growth over the subsequent 3 days. Treatment with DOM‐1 reduced motility of bull spermatozoa over a 10‐h period in vitro. Addition of DOM‐1 to oocytes in vitro during IVM did not alter rates of cumulus expansion and nuclear maturation, but treatment during IVF reduced the rate of blastocyst formation. These data illustrate that DOM‐1 is more biologically active than previously thought and negatively impacted reproductive outcomes in cattle.
Structure‐based discovery and redesign of TGF‐β1 Elbow epitope recognition by its type‐II receptor in hypertrophic scarring biotherapy
Authors: Chen Xiaoting , Wang Huixiong , Yang Songlin , Zheng Jianghong , Liu Xiangdong , Mao Guangyu
Published: November 2020

Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) signaling pathway has been implicated in the fibroblast activation of hypertrophic scarring (HS). Previously, we proposed a new biotherapeutic strategy to combat HS by disrupting the intermolecular interaction of TGF‐β1 with its cognate type‐II receptor (TβR‐II). Here, we further demonstrate that the binding site of TGF‐β1 to TβR‐II is not overlapped with the conformational wrist epitope and linear knuckle epitope that are traditionally recognized as the functional binding sites of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) to its type‐II receptor (BMPR‐II), which can thus be regarded as a new functional site we called elbow epitope. Structural, energetic, and dynamic investigations reveal that the elbow epitope consists of two sequentially discontinuous, spatially vicinal segments Loop30‐34 and Turn90‐95; they cannot work effectively to independently interact with TβR‐II. Rational redesign of the epitope is performed using an integrated in silio‐in vitro method based on crystal and modeled structure data. In the procedure, the two epitope segments are split from the interface of TGF‐β1‐TβR‐II complex and then connected with each other in a head‐to‐tail manner by adding a flexible poly‐(Gly)n linker between them, thus resulting in a series of combined peptides. We found that the peptide affinity reaches maximum at n = 2, which shares a consistent binding mode with the elbow epitope at native complex interface. The linker of either too long (n > 2) or too short (n < 2) cannot properly place the gap space between the two segments, thus impairing the binding compatibility of designed peptides with TβR‐II active site.
Consensus‐Based Technical Recommendations for Clinical Translation of Renal Phase Contrast MRI
Authors: de Boer Anneloes , Villa Giulia , Bane Octavia , Bock Michael , Cox Eleanor F. , Dekkers Ilona A. , Eckerbom Per , Fernández‐Seara Maria A. , Francis Susan T. , Haddock Bryan , Hall Michael E. , Hall Barrientos Pauline , Hermann Ingo , Hockings Paul D. , Lamb Hildo J. , Laustsen Christoffer , Lim Ruth P. , Morris David M. , Ringgaard Steffen , Serai Suraj D. , Sharma Kanishka , Sourbron Steven , Takehara Yasuo , Wentland Andrew L. , Wolf Marcos , Zöllner Frank G. , Nery Fabio , Caroli Anna
Published: November 2020

Background

Phase‐contrast (PC) MRI is a feasible and valid noninvasive technique to measure renal artery blood flow, showing potential to support diagnosis and monitoring of renal diseases. However, the variability in measured renal blood flow values across studies is large, most likely due to differences in PC‐MRI acquisition and processing. Standardized acquisition and processing protocols are therefore needed to minimize this variability and maximize the potential of renal PC‐MRI as a clinically useful tool.

Purpose

To build technical recommendations for the acquisition, processing, and analysis of renal 2D PC‐MRI data in human subjects to promote standardization of renal blood flow measurements and facilitate the comparability of results across scanners and in multicenter clinical studies.

Study Type

Systematic consensus process using a modified Delphi method.

Population

Not applicable.

Sequence Field/Strength

Renal fast gradient echo‐based 2D PC‐MRI.

Assessment

An international panel of 27 experts from Europe, the USA, Australia, and Japan with 6 (interquartile range 4–10) years of experience in 2D PC‐MRI formulated consensus statements on renal 2D PC‐MRI in two rounds of surveys. Starting from a recently published systematic review article, literature‐based and data‐driven statements regarding patient preparation, hardware, acquisition protocol, analysis steps, and data reporting were formulated.

Statistical Tests

Consensus was defined as ≥75% unanimity in response, and a clear preference was defined as 60–74% agreement among the experts.

Results

Among 60 statements, 57 (95%) achieved consensus after the second‐round survey, while the remaining three showed a clear preference. Consensus statements resulted in specific recommendations for subject preparation, 2D renal PC‐MRI data acquisition, processing, and reporting.

Data Conclusion

These recommendations might promote a widespread adoption of renal PC‐MRI, and may help foster the set‐up of multicenter studies aimed at defining reference values and building larger and more definitive evidence, and will facilitate clinical translation of PC‐MRI.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Healing of donor sites of connective tissue grafts harvested by the single incision technique: A randomized clinical trial evaluating the use of collagen hemostatic sponge with or without sutures
Authors: Schinini Guillermo , Sales Diego , Gómez Mariel V. , Romanelli Hugo J. , Chambrone Leandro
Published: November 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of suturing on the early wound healing of donor sites of subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTG), harvested by the single incision technique (SIT), following the application of a collagen sponge.

Methods

Thirty‐six patients were randomized to receive a collagen sponge with or without sutures in the palatal donor sites following connective tissue grafting via the SIT. Outcome variables were early healing index (EHI) at 7, 14, and 30 days, self‐reported pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS) recorded on the 0 to 100 scale at 7 and 14 days, and immediate and delayed bleeding.

Results

No significant differences were found between groups at baseline. EHI index showed no differences between groups in all‐time intervals. Eight subjects from suture group (SG) and 10 from no suture group (nSG) showed complete wound closure at day 14 (P >0.05) and at 30 days, complete closure was observed in 35 out of 36 patients. Four subjects from the SG and three from the nSG had immediate bleeding (P >0.05), while delayed bleeding was observed in two subjects from the SG and three from the nSG during the first week of healing (P >0.05). No differences were found in VAS scale between groups (SG, 36.2 ± 24.8; nSG, 21.5 ± 24.2, P >0.05).

Conclusion

It can be concluded that when a collagen sponge is placed in palatal donor areas of SCTG harvest by means of the SIT (incision length of ≈15 mm), sutured and non‐sutured sites display similar early wound healing outcomes and patient‐reported outcomes.
Surface‐enhanced resonance Raman detection of 1,1‐diamino‐2,2‐dinitroethylene (FOX‐7) on metal‐doped Au12 and Ag12 clusters
Authors: Sun Yuanze , Du Qiuying , Li Quanjiang , Su Yan , Zhao Jijun
Published: November 2020

Detection of explosive molecules is an important challenge due to the aggravating of global terrorism. It is known that surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) is a promising analysis technique for detecting various analytes in complex samples due to its high signal enhancement. Using density functional theory, the enhancement effect of SERRS for FOX‐7 adsorbed on M@Au12 and M@Ag12 (M  V−, Nb−, Cr, Mo, W, and Mn+) clusters is explored. It is found that the electronic excitations can strongly enhance the SERRS of FOX‐7 in the visible and infrared regions. The intensity of SERRS spectra of FOX‐7–M@Au12/Ag12 is strongly enhanced by up to 6 × 104 compared with the static Raman intensity of FOX‐7, and the enhancement factor of FOX‐7 on Ag clusters is better than that of FOX‐7 on Au clusters. In addition, the enhanced vibration modes of FOX‐7 molecule are governed, to a large extent, by the charge state of the metal clusters and the energy of the incident light. The anionic Ag and Au complexes excited near 900 nm provide the strongest enhancement by about 104. Our results provide valuable guidance for the improvement of the explosives detection with high accuracy and also serve as a useful guidance to explore the experimental synthesis of multicomponent SERRS substrates.
Cholesteatoma Localization Using Fused Diffusion‐Weighted Images and Thin‐Slice T2 Weighted Images
Authors: Benson John C. , Carlson Matthew L. , Yin Linda , Lane John I.
Published: November 2020

Background

Fusion of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) to computed tomography (CT) has been touted as a possible technique to improve cholesteatomas localization. This study set out to assess the ability of DWI images fused with thin‐slice heavily T2‐weighted images to similarly localize surgically‐confirmed cholesteatomas.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review was completed of consecutive patients that underwent MR temporal bone imaging (9/2011–3/2020) with both DWI and thin‐slice T2‐weighted imaging. Included patients underwent surgical resection of primary or recidivistic cholesteatoma after preoperative MR imaging. A neuroradiologist, who was blinded to operative and clinical notes, localized each lesion on both DWI and fused DWI‐T2 images in 11 anatomic subdivisions of the temporal bone. Surgical confirmation of cholesteatoma location was used as the gold standard for comparison.

Results

Of 24 included examinations, the average age at time of MR was 48.2 ± 24.7 years; 12/24 (50.0%) were female. Five of 24 had primary cholesteatoma, while the remainder had recidivistic disease. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of unfused DWI images were 52.1%, 88.9%, and 75.8%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of fused DWI‐T2 images were 57.1%, 94.8%, and 81.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

Fused DWI‐T2 images outperformed unfused DWI images in the anatomic localization of temporal bone cholesteatomas. This method represents a potential alternative to MR‐CT fusion for pre‐operative cholesteatoma evaluation, and warrants future investigations. Opposed to MR‐CT fusion, this method only necessitates MR sequences and removes the need for additional CT acquisition.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E1662–E1667, 2021
A longitudinal study of the Swedish MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory in patients with oral cancer
Authors: Tuomi Lisa , Fransson Per , Wennerberg Johan , Finizia Caterina
Published: November 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the Swedish MD. Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) is able to detect changes in dysphagia symptoms over time for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC).

Methods

One hundred and forty‐two patients with resectable tumors of the oral cavity were included prior to treatment. The patients filled out the MDADI, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ‐C30) and the HNC module (H&N35) at baseline and at least one follow‐up at 6 and/or 12 months after oncologic treatment. A control group without dysphagia (n = 115) was included.

Results

Self‐perceived swallowing function decreased in all domains at 6 months, and improved between 6 and 12 months. The changes were similar to the changes of the EORTC domains, indicating a sensitivity to change. However, even if improvements were seen at 12 months, the values were still inferior compared to baseline values, and the values of a control group without dysphagia. Convergent validity was found with values of the MDADI and EORTC domains producing similar results, and moderate correlations as hypothesized. Patients with moderate‐severe dysphagia according to the MDADI (<60 points) demonstrated inferior values of the EORTC domains compared to patients with scores above 60 points.

Conclusion

The Swedish MDADI was found to be sensitive to change, and showed convergent results when compared to other established instruments. The threshold value for the MDADI (<60 points) indicating moderate‐severe dysphagia may be a valuable addition in the clinical use.

Level of Evidence

1.
Structural, electrical, and nonlinear optical performance of PVAL embedded with Li+‐ions for multifunctional devices
Authors: Elhosiny Ali H. , Abdel‐Aziz M.M. , Nawar Ahmed M. , Algarni H. , Zahran H.Y. , Yahia I.S. , Khairy Yasmin
Published: November 2020

In this paper, pure and 0.04%, 0.19%, 0.4%, 1.9%, and 4% LiNO3‐doped PVAL (polyvinyl alcohol) electrolyte were fabricated in the form of solid films by the casting process. The influence of Li+‐ions on PVAL was identified by some characterization tools such as X‐ray diffraction, FT‐IR (Fourier transform infrared), scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), UV‐visible‐NIR spectroscopy, dielectric, and conductivity measurements. X‐ray diffraction studies indicate that the semicrystalline of PVAL and the calculated crystallize size from Gaussian fitting were decreased with Li+‐ions concentration. FT‐IR results indicate that there is strong interaction among doping ions and the matrix. The surface morphology of the electrolyte films was studied via SEM. The optical studies demonstrate that the transmittance of films decreased with the rising of Li+‐ions. Urbach's energy and bandgap are also reduced with adding more ions. Different empirical equations were used to study the relation between the energy gap and the refractive index. The index of refraction of the films has average values in 2.024 to 2.078 range. Li+‐ion concentrations critically influenced the factors of nonlinearity. The calculated values of nonlinear optical susceptibility χ(3) and refractive index n2 were increased from 8.6 × 10−13 esu and 1.55 × 10−11 to 20.56 × 10−10 esu and 2.05 × 10−11, respectively. The dielectric constant and loss measurements of the PVAL embedded with 4% of LiNO3 (SPL‐5) were decreased exponentially with increasing the incident frequency. The AC electrical conductivity (σAC) and nonlinear I‐V curves are enhanced by increasing the Li+‐ion contents. The electrical current was increased with small resistivity for SPL‐5 film. The studied films have an inimitable result in various fields, such as nonlinear optical and varistor devices.
Theoretical analysis of blade coating process using simplifiedPhan‐Thien‐Tannerfluid model: An analytical study
Authors: Khaliq Sabeeh , Abbas Zaheer
Published: November 2020

A mathematical model of blade coating is developed to study the rheological and viscoelastic effects of a Simplified Phan‐Thien‐Tanner fluid passing through the narrow gap between the blade and moving substrate. First, a dimensionless analysis is conducted on the governing system and simplified by utilizing the lubrication approximation theory. The perturbation method is adopted to solve the resulting non‐linear system. The impact of parametersWi(Weissenberg number),ε, andγ(normalized coating thickness) on the velocity and pressure profiles are elaborated through graphs, while coating thickness and load are shown in tabular form. The results exhibit that the viscoelastic effects have a significant influence on the pressure and load on the blade as they lead to the thickness and better coating quality and improves the life of the moving substrate.
Transnational divorce and remarriage between Pakistan and Britain: Intersectionality, harmful immigration rules and internal racism
Authors: Qureshi Kaveri
Published: November 2020

This paper examines marital instabilities in the transnational social field connecting Pakistan and Britain, distinguishing between first marriages and remarriages. In British Pakistani families, national statistics show transnational marriage to be the dominant practice, although there is significant differentiation in its popularity. I show that in their remarriages, participants reevaluate the merits of transnational marriage, based on their experience of their unsuccessful first marriage. Despite considerable ambivalence towards cross‐border marriage, remarriage continues to be a channel for marriage migration because British nationality, citizenship and permanent settlement status can raise a participant's marital capital in a transnational social field, mitigating the devalued identity associated with divorce. Overall, the material raises concerns about internal racial discrimination and the harmful immigration policies that enable and support such processes. I show the necessity of adopting a combined intersectional and transnational approach to the study of transnational divorce.
Fast analysis of selected compounds in inhaled and exhaled vapor phase of cigarette smoke to evaluate components retained in the upper respiratory tract
Authors: Wang Jian , Peng Xiaomeng , Xie Yingsong , Hu Lizhong , Lei Zhen , Ge Shaolin
Published: November 2020

Rationale

The aim of this work is to use a new design of online sampling photoionization mass spectrometer to analyze chemical ingredients in inhaled and exhaled cigarette smoke directly without separation.

Methods

Based on vacuum ultraviolet photoionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (VUV‐PI‐TOFMS) and a sampling system, a newly developed rapid online sampling design approach was used for the upper respiratory tract retention study of gaseous mainstream cigarette smoke components during smoking. The cigarette smoke inhaled or exhaled by seven subjects who displayed three different smoking patterns was directly sampled into a vacuum chamber, photoionized, and analyzed using TOFMS.

Results

Fourteen species, comprising aldehydes, ketones, phenol, methanethiol, nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds and unsaturated hydrocarbons, were identified in the cigarette smoke obtained from Virginia‐type cigarettes. The upper respiratory tract results for these compounds were similar for smokers with the three different smoking patterns: aldehyde and ketone constituents had a high retention level of more than 60%; phenol, methanethiol, and nitrogen‐containing heterocyclic compounds were retained at between 30% and 70%; and the retention of unsaturated hydrocarbons was about 20%–60%. The retention trend of the same smoke components in Virginia‐type cigarettes by subjects from the three smoking patterns (A, B, and C) was consistent, and the retentions all increased with increased smoking age (A < B < C).

Conclusions

This is the first report of a new online sampling design approach to the study of cigarette smoke components in inhaled and exhaled breath, to evaluate components retained in the upper respiratory tract by subjects with different smoking patterns. This method has good repeatability, and the results indicated that this is a very promising tool for the study of the retention of cigarette smoke constituents.
DNA Walking and Rolling Nanomachine for Electrochemical Detection of miRNA
Authors: Miao Peng , Tang Yuguo
Published: November 2020

miRNAs, a class of endogenous noncoding RNAs, are involved in many crucial biological processes, which have emerged as a new set of biomarkers for disease theranostics. Exploring efficient signal amplification strategy is highly desired to pursue a highly sensitive miRNA biosensing platform. DNA nanotechnology shows great promise in the fabrication of amplified miRNA biosensors. In this work, a novel DNA walking and rolling nanomachine is developed for highly sensitive and selective detection of miRNA. Particularly, this approach programs two forms of dynamic DNA nanomachines powered by corresponding enzymes, which are well integrated. It is able to achieve a limit of detection as low as 39 × 10−18 m, along with excellent anti‐interfering performance and clinical applications. In addition, by designing pH‐controlled detachable intermolecular DNA triplex, the main sensing elements can be conveniently reset, which fulfills the requirements of point‐of‐care profiling of miRNA. The high consistency between the proposed approach and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction validates the robustness and reliability. Therefore, it is anticipated that the DNA walking and rolling nanomachine has attractive application prospects in miRNA assay for biological researches and clinical diagnosis.
A Giant 3d‐4f Polyoxometalate Super‐Tetrahedron with High Proton Conductivity
Authors: Li Shu‐Rong , Wang Hai‐Ying , Su Hai‐Feng , Chen Hui‐Jun , Du Ming‐Hao , Long La‐Sheng , Kong Xiang‐Jian , Zheng Lan‐Sun
Published: November 2020

The assembly of gigantic heterometallic metal clusters remains a great challenge for synthetic chemistry. Herein, based on the slow release strategy of lanthanide ions and in situ formation of lacunary polyoxometalates, two giant 3d‐4f polyoxometalate inorganic clusters [LaNi12W35Sb3P3O139(OH)6]23− (LaNi12) and [La10Ni48W140Sb16P12O568(OH)24(H2O)20]86− (La10Ni48) are obtained. The nanoscopic inorganic cluster La10Ni48 possesses a super tetrahedron structure, which can be viewed as assembly from four LaNi12 molecules encapsulating a central [La6(SbO3)4(H2O)20]6+ octahedron core. This giant aesthetic La10Ni48 tetrahedron containing 214 metal ions is the largest 3d‐4f cluster reported thus far in polyoxometalate system. More interestingly, the LaNi12 and La10Ni48 display high stability in solution and La10Ni48 displays excellent proton conductivity.
IoT‐fog‐cloud based architecture for smart systems: Prototypes of autism and COVID‐19 monitoring systems
Authors: Kallel Ameni , Rekik Molka , Khemakhem Mahdi
Published: November 2020

Making resources closer to the user might facilitate the integration of new technologies such as edge, fog, cloud computing, and big data. However, this brings many challenges shall be overridden when distributing a real‐time stream processing, executing multiapplication in a safe multitenant environment, and orchestrating and managing the services and resources into a hybrid fog/cloud federation. In this article, first, we propose a business process model and notation (BPMN) extension to enable the Internet of Things (IoT)‐aware business process (BP) modeling. The proposed extension takes into consideration the heterogeneous IoT and non‐IoT resources, resource capacities, quality of service constraints, and so forth. Second, we present a new IoT‐fog‐cloud based architecture, which (i) supports the distributed inter and intralayer communication as well as the real‐time stream processing in order to treat immediately IoT data and improve the entire system reliability, (ii) enables the multiapplication execution within a multitenancy architecture using the single sign‐on technique to guarantee the data integrity within a multitenancy environment, and (iii) relies on the orchestration and federation management services for deploying BP into the appropriate fog and/or cloud resources. Third, we model, by using the proposed BPMN 2.0 extension, smart autistic child and coronavirus disease 2019 monitoring systems. Then we propose the prototypes for these two smart systems in order to carry out a set of extensive experiments illustrating the efficiency and effectiveness of our work.
The C‐terminal fragment of the heavy chain of the tetanus toxin (Hc‐TeTx) improves motor activity and neuronal morphology in the limbic system of aged mice
Authors: Vazquez‐Roque Ruben , Pacheco‐Flores Mariana , Penagos‐Corzo Julio Cesar , Flores Gonzalo , Aguilera José , Treviño Samuel , Guevara Jorge , Diaz Alfonso , Venegas Berenice
Published: November 2020

In the aging process, the brain presents biochemical and morphological alterations. The neurons of the limbic system show reduced size dendrites, in addition to the loss of dendritic spines. These disturbances trigger a decrease in motor and cognitive function. Likewise, it is reported that during aging, in the brain, there is a significant decrease in neurotrophic factors, which are essential in promoting the survival and plasticity of neurons. The carboxyl‐terminal fragment of the heavy chain of the tetanus toxin (Hc‐TeTx) acts similarly to neurotrophic factors, inducing neuroprotection in different models of neuronal damage. The aim here, was to evaluate the effect of Hc‐TeTx on the motor processes of elderly mice (18 months old), and its impact on the dendritic morphology and density of dendritic spines of neurons in the limbic system. The morphological analysis in the dendrites was evaluated employing Golgi‐Cox staining. Hc‐TeTx was administered (0.5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for three days in 18‐month‐old mice. Locomotor activity was evaluated in a novel environment 30 days after the last administration of Hc‐TeTx. Mice treated with Hc‐TeTx showed significant changes in their motor behavior, and an increased dendritic spine density of pyramidal neurons in layers 3 and 5 of the prefrontal cortex in the hippocampus, and medium spiny neurons of the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). In conclusion, the Hc‐TeTx improves the plasticity of the brain regions of the limbic system of aged mice. Therefore, it is proposed as a pharmacological alternative to prevent or delay brain damage during aging.
An integrated topology optimization framework for three‐dimensional domains using shell elements
Authors: Angelucci Giulia , Spence Seymour M.J. , Mollaioli Fabrizio
Published: November 2020

In the last decades, topology optimization has been widely investigated as a preliminary design tool to minimize the use of material in a structure. Despite this, applications to realistic three‐dimensional engineering problems are still limited. This study provides the instruments for the definition of a versatile and integrated framework in order to apply topology optimization to large‐scale 3‐D domains for the design of efficient and high‐performing structures. The paper proposes a novel topology optimization strategy to identify the optimal layout of lateral resisting systems for tall buildings through the adoption of Mindlin–Reissner shell elements for the discretization of the continuum design domain. The framework is based on the practical interoperability between MATLAB, Ansys, and computer‐aided design (CAD) environments to incorporate optimization routines in the conceptual design phase of structural systems. Finally, the paper examines a three‐dimensional tall building case study in order to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed procedure to realistic Civil Engineering design problems and its robustness in finding optimal layouts free from mesh‐dependency instabilities.
Comparison of the formulas from the current form of traditional Japanese pediatrics and those described in Yoyokasoku (in‐house methods of pediatrics): A representative pediatric classic
Authors: Kawashima Nozomu
Published: November 2020

Aim

There may exist a gap between the current form of traditional Japanese Kampo pediatrics and Kampo pediatrics in the nineteenth century. This study aimed to elucidate changes in clinical practice by comparing the formulas used then and now.

Methods

All formulas described in Yoyokasoku (In‐house Methods of Pediatrics [IMP], a Kampo classic published in 1885) and formulas used in a contemporary pediatric Kampo guideline were extracted. Then, a database with annotations to formulas was compiled.

Results

In all, 387 formulas (274 excluding duplications) and 10 methods of moxibustion/surgical treatments were extracted from IMP. The total number of classical formulas described was 72. The proportion of classical formulas was significantly different among disease clusters (P < 0.0001). Overall, the contemporary Kampo guideline used classical formulas in any type of disease, and the proportion of this usage was significantly higher than that in IMP (59% vs. 19%, P < 0.0001). IMP described 95 Japanese original formulas (25%) including 45 in‐house formulas. However, none of them have been implemented in the contemporary guideline.

Conclusion

Current Kampo pediatrics may have developed less under the influence of a pediatric classic in the nineteenth century; however, a thorough investigation of pediatric books is needed to understand the history of Kampo pediatrics.
Comprehensive evaluation of genetic variants using chromosomal microarray analysis and exome sequencing in fetuses with congenital heart defect
Authors: Qiao F. , Wang Y. , Zhang C. , Zhou R. , Wu Y. , Wang C. , Meng L. , Mao P. , Cheng Q. , Luo C. , Hu P. , Xu Z.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To evaluate comprehensively, using chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and exome sequencing (ES), the prevalence of chromosomal abnormalities and sequence variants in unselected fetuses with congenital heart defect (CHD) and to evaluate the potential diagnostic yields of CMA and ES for different CHD subgroups.

Methods

This was a study of 360 unselected singleton fetuses with CHD detected by echocardiography, referred to our department for genetic testing between February 2018 and December 2019. We performed CMA, as a routine test for aneuploidy and copy number variations (CNV), and then, in cases without aneuploidy or pathogenic CNV on CMA, we performed ES.

Results

Overall, positive genetic diagnoses were made in 84 (23.3%) fetuses: chromosomal abnormalities were detected by CMA in 60 (16.7%) and sequence variants were detected by ES in a further 24 (6.7%) cases. The detection rate of pathogenic and likely pathogenic genetic variants in fetuses with non‐isolated CHD (32/83, 38.6%) was significantly higher than that in fetuses with isolated CHD (52/277, 18.8%) (P < 0.001), this difference being due mainly to the difference in frequency of aneuploidy between the two groups. The prevalence of a genetic defect was highest in fetuses with an atrioventricular septal defect (36.8%), ventricular septal defect with or without atrial septal defect (28.4%), conotruncal defect (22.2%) or right ventricular outflow tract obstruction (20.0%). We also identified two novel missense mutations (c.2447G>C, p.Arg816Pro; c.1171C>T, p.Arg391Cys) and a new phenotype caused by variants in PLD1.

Conclusions

Chromosomal abnormalities were identified in 16.7% and sequence variants in a further 6.7% of fetuses with CHD. ES should be offered to all pregnant women with a CHD fetus without chromosomal abnormality or pathogenic CNV identified by CMA, regardless of whether the CHD is isolated. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
On New Staudinger Type Reactions of Phosphorus Centered Biradicaloids, [P(μ‐NR)]2 (R = Ter, Hyp), with Ionic and Covalent Azides
Authors: Schulz Axel , Hinz Alexander , Rölke Anne , Villinger Alexander , Wustrack Ronald
Published: November 2020

Phosphorus centered biradicaloids of the type [P(μ‐NTer)]2 [R = Ter = terphenyl = 2,6‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)phenyl, Hyp = tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl] were treated with covalent (R‐N3) and ionic azides (AgN3 and Hg(N3)2). While the reaction with the ionic azides led exclusively to the formation of diazides, [N3P(μ‐NTer)]2, triaza‐diphospha‐pentadienes, RN=P–N(R')–P=NR, were observed in the reaction with covalent azides featuring a Staudinger type reaction followed by PN bond rearrangement reactions. This new Staudinger type mechanism as well as the structure, bonding and thermodynamics along different reaction paths are discussed based on DFT computations.
Weyl’s Raum-Zeit-Materie and the Philosophy of Science
Authors: De Bianchi Silvia
Published: November 2020

In this contribution I explore  the philosophical underpinning of Weyl’s interpretation of Relativity as emerging from Raum-Zeit-Materie.  I emphasize the important distinction between the philosophical and the mathematical methods, as well as the dichotomy and relationship between time and consciousness. Weyl identified the latter as the conceptual engine moving the whole history of Western philosophy. and the revolutionary relevance of relativity for its representation is investigated together with the conceptual underpinning of Weyl’s philosophy of science. In identifying the main traits of Weyl’s philosophy of science in 1918, I also offer a philosophical analysis of some underlying concepts of unified field theory.
Kismet: Hollywood, Orientalism and the Design Language of Padraic Colum’s Mogu of the Desert
Authors: Sisson Elaine
Published: November 2020

The lure of the exotic ‘other’ was implicit from the early years of the Gate’s repertoire. In 1931 the Gate produced Padraic Colum’s Mogu of the Desert, designed by Micheál mac Liammóir and featuring a young Orson Welles. Exploring Mogu uncovers a broader engagement with ‘exotic’ or oriental narratives at the Gate generally. The history and subject matter of Mogu contextualizes mac Liammóir’s fascination with oriental and Middle-Eastern culture within contemporary film. Archival photos illustrate how production stills copied the iconographic styling of film publicity using ‘film-star’ portraiture to promote the Gate. Orientalist narratives require the display of the body through the eroticization of costume – legitimizing the costumed body as a to-be-looked-at space. The Gate’s fascination with oriental settings enables the visibility of ‘transgressive’ sexualities as well as understanding the tastes and appeal of popular culture.
‘We Belong to the World’: Christine Longford’s War Plays During Irish Neutrality
Authors: Grogan Erin
Published: November 2020

Regrettably, Christine Longford is at present remembered mostly for her marriage to Lord Edward and her administrative work at the Gate Theatre. However, she was also a successful and prolific playwright. This chapter focuses on three history plays written during World War II: Lord Edward (1941), The United Brothers (1942) and Patrick Sarsfield (1943). In these works, Longford used the stage to voice strong critique of the increased state control and censorship practices during ‘the Emergency’ in Ireland. Through the female characters, Longford comments, in particular, on the static roles Irish women had while women around the world found new opportunity.