bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban‐induced modifications to the diurnal cycle of rainfall over a tropical city
Authors: Doan Quang‐Van , Dipankar Anurag , Simón‐Moral Andrés , Sanchez Claudio , Prasanna Venkatraman , Roth Matthias , Huang Xiang‐Yu
Published: December 2020

There is still no consensus on the mechanisms that modify precipitation over and around cities, especially for those located in the tropics where convective processes primarily drive rainfall. Here we contribute to the ongoing discussion about the urban‐associated precipitation by investigating the urban effect on the diurnal cycle of rainfall over Singapore. We use the urban version of the numerical weather prediction system of the Meteorological Service Singapore (hereafter called uSINGV) at a 300 m horizontal resolution to simulate the rainfall conditions over Singapore and its surroundings during the inter‐monsoon period between 2010 and 2014. Two simulations with different land surface conditions are conducted: one with urban areas (i.e. present conditions) and one without urban areas. uSINGV is shown to perform well for rainfall when compared to observations. Comparison between simulations reveals that the urban area is responsible for the formation of a rainfall “hot spot” over Singapore and Johor Bahru, located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, and the urban effect is accountable for 20–30% of total rainfall during late afternoons and evenings, highlighting a strong urban effect on localized rainfall over a tropical city. Enhancement of convection due to the urban heat island effect, increased frictional convergence due to buildings' drag, the seaward shift of the sea‐breeze front, and the increased inflow of boundary‐layer moisture by the stronger sea breeze are suggested as most probable reasons for the increased rainfall in the urban area.
Recent advances and application in whole‐genome multiple displacement amplification
Authors: Long Naiyun , Qiao Yi , Xu Zheyun , Tu Jing , Lu Zuhong
Published: December 2020

Background

The extremely small amount of DNA in a cell makes it difficult to study the whole genome of single cells, so whole‐genome amplification (WGA) is necessary to increase the DNA amount and enable downstream analyses. Multiple displacement amplification (MDA) is the most widely used WGA technique.

Results

Compared with amplification methods based on PCR and other methods, MDA renders high‐quality DNA products and better genome coverage by using phi29 DNA polymerase. Moreover, recently developed advanced MDA technologies such as microreactor MDA, emulsion MDA, and micro‐channel MDA have improved amplification uniformity. Additionally, the development of other novel methods such as TruePrime WGA allows for amplification without primers.

Conclusion

Here, we reviewed a selection of recently developed MDA methods, their advantages over other WGA methods, and improved MDA‐based technologies, followed by a discussion of future perspectives. With the continuous development of MDA and the successive update of detection technologies, MDA will be applied in increasingly more fields and provide a solid foundation for scientific research.
Identifying patient‐specific flow of signal transduction perturbed by multiple single‐nucleotide alterations
Authors: Kholod Olha , Shyu Chi‐Ren , Mitchem Jonathan , Kaifi Jussuf , Shin Dmitriy
Published: December 2020

Background

Identifying patient‐specific flow of signal transduction perturbed by multiple single‐nucleotide alterations is critical for improving patient outcomes in cancer cases. However, accurate estimation of mutational effects at the pathway level for such patients remains an open problem. While probabilistic pathway topology methods are gaining interest among the scientific community, the overwhelming majority do not account for network perturbation effects from multiple single‐nucleotide alterations.

Methods

Here we present an improvement of the mutational forks formalism to infer the patient‐specific flow of signal transduction based on multiple single‐nucleotide alterations, including non‐synonymous and synonymous mutations. The lung adenocarcinoma and skin cutaneous melanoma datasets from TCGA Pan‐Cancer Atlas have been employed to show the utility of the proposed method.

Results

We have comprehensively characterized six mutational forks. The number of mutated nodes ranged from one to four depending on the topological characteristics of a fork. Transitional confidences (TCs) have been computed for every possible combination of single‐nucleotide alterations in the fork. The performed analysis demonstrated the capacity of the mutational forks formalism to follow a biologically explainable logic in the identification of high‐likelihood signaling routes in lung adenocarcinoma and skin cutaneous melanoma patients. The findings have been largely supported by the evidence from the biomedical literature.

Conclusion

We conclude that the formalism has a great chance to enable an assessment of patient‐specific flow by leveraging information from multiple single‐nucleotide alterations to adjust the transitional likelihoods that are solely based on the canonical view of a disease.
Altered cortical bone strength and lean mass in young women with long-duration (19 years) type 1 diabetes
Authors: Novak Daniel , Forsander Gun , Kristiansen Eva , Svedlund Anna , Magnusson Per , Swolin-Eide Diana
Published: December 2020

To investigate bone health and body composition in young women with long-duration type 1 diabetes (T1D) in relation to matched controls. Twenty-three Swedish women, age 19.2–27.9 years, with a T1D duration of 10 years or more were recruited from the Swedish National Diabetes Registry (NDR). An age-, gender- and geography-matched control group was recruited. Bone mass and body composition were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Data was retrieved from the NDR and SWEDIABKIDS registries. T1D individuals had a mean diabetes duration of 19 years. T1D individuals had reduced lean mass (40.0 ± 6.1 kg vs. 43.9 ± 4.9 kg) and were shorter (1.66 ± 0.06 m vs. 1.71 ± 0.06 m) although comparable BMI. Subjects with T1D had lower muscle area (P = 0.0045). No differences were observed for fractures; physical activity; total, lumbar spine or femur areal bone mineral density. The cortical bone strength strain index was lower for TD1 patients (1875 ± 399 mm3vs. 2277 ± 332 mm3). In conclusion, young women with long-term diabetes duration showed reduced cortical bone strength, decreased periosteal circumference, endosteal circumference and altered body composition. These factors contribute to the health burden of TD1, which warrants further attention for advancing bone health in women with T1D.
Formation of arsenic clusters in InAs nanowires with an Al2O3 shell
Authors: Kim In , Choi Suji , Kwon Ji-Hwan , Ahn Sang Jung , Yeom Min Sun , Lee Ho Seong , Yi Seong-Hoon , Kim Young Heon
Published: December 2020

InAs nanowires were broken into pieces after the quenching process; some of the pieces were composed only of As.
Powering the next industrial revolution: transitioning from nonrenewable energy to solar fuelsviaCO2reduction
Authors: Batrice Rami J. , Gordon John C.
Published: December 2020

Solar energy has been used for decades for the direct production of electricity in various industries and devices. However, harnessing and storing this energy in the form of chemical bonds has emerged as a promising alternative to fossil fuels.
Mild hydrothermally treated brewer's spent grain for efficient removal of uranyl and rare earth metal ions
Authors: Su Yi , Böhm Wendelin , Wenzel Marco , Paasch Silvia , Acker Margret , Doert Thomas , Brunner Eike , Henle Thomas , Weigand Jan J.
Published: December 2020

Effective biosorbent ABSG is obtained via hydrothermal treatment of BSG at low temperature without activation, minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact.
A novel donor–π–acceptor halochromic 2,6-distyrylnaphthalene chromophore: synthesis, photophysical properties and DFT studies
Authors: Panahi Farhad , Mahmoodi Ali , Ghodrati Sajjad , Eshghi Fazlolah
Published: December 2020

A new pH-responsive fluorescence chromophore with white light emission at pH = 3 was synthesized which has high potential application in the preparation of high-performance lighting devices.
Simple primary β-amino alcohols as organocatalysts for the asymmetric Michael addition of β-keto esters to nitroalkenes
Authors: Begum Zubeda , Sannabe Haruka , Seki Chigusa , Okuyama Yuko , Kwon Eunsang , Uwai Koji , Tokiwa Michio , Tokiwa Suguru , Takeshita Mitsuhiro , Nakano Hiroto
Published: December 2020

Simple primary β-amino alcohols X act as an efficient organocatalysts in the asymmetric Michael addition of β-keto esters A with nitroalkenes B affording highly pure chiral Michael adducts C.
Synthesis of free-standing ternary Rh–Pt–SnO2-carbon nanotube nanostructures as a highly active and robust catalyst for ethanol oxidation
Authors: Wang Haixia , Sun Shuhui , Mohamedi Mohamed
Published: December 2020

Free-standing organized tri-layered catalyst Rh–Pt–SnO2-carbon nanotubes for electrochemical energy conversion application. The electrode exhibits an enhanced electrocatalytic activity and durability towards ethanol oxidation.
The meaning and functions of French je pense
(que)
Authors: Angot Juliette , Hansen Maj-Britt Mosegaard
Published: December 2020

This paper examines the meanings of the French construction je pense (que) (‘I think (that)’, henceforth JP), as well as its uses in social interaction. We propose an account of JP as a micro-construction with two basic elements of coded meaning, either one of which may be pragmatically foregrounded in a given context of use. As a direct result of its constructional meaning, which we argue is situated at the context level rather than at the content level of discourse, the expression frequently functions as a pragmatic marker in conversation. We show that uses of JP may fulfil both interpersonal, face-related functions and discourse-organizational ones. Our analysis has implications for the way JP and similar expressions in French and other languages are categorized and how their pragmatic functions may be seen to have developed. It also raises interesting questions with regard to the psycholinguistic processing of such constructions.
On how the distinction between reciprocal and collective verbs
affects (anti-)control
Authors: Snarska Anna
Published: December 2020

The phenomenon of Partial Control (henceforth
PC), allegedly generating a non-exhaustive referential relation
between a matrix argument and a silent subject, has enjoyed the
status of a fully-fledged type of control since Landau (2000). The present
paper aims to question its existence. Drawing upon the data from
both English and Polish, I show how important it is for the theory
of PC to properly distinguish between collective predicates and
reciprocal verbs. I argue that both types of verbs invariably
exhibit Exhaustive Control and the ostensible ‘PC-effect’ stems from
the fact that the reciprocal verbs may co-occur with non-lexical
‘with NP’ phrase (discontinuous phrase). The data
concerning Polish anti-control constructions supports the proposed
analysis.
Advancing diet reconstruction in fish eye lenses
Authors: Bell‐Tilcock Miranda , Jeffres Carson A. , Rypel Andrew L. , Sommer Ted R. , Katz Jacob V. E. , Whitman George , Johnson Rachel C.
Published: December 2020

Tracking habitat use and dietary shifts in migratory species is vital to conservation and management. Yet, conventional animal tracking often precludes tracking small juveniles at critical life stages where recruitment bottlenecks often manifest.

Stable isotope analysis (SIA) in consecutive laminae in eye lenses, a protein‐rich depositional tissue, has emerged as a promising tool in fishes to develop long‐term interpretive records of dietary histories using a single archival tissue. Currently, studies using fish eye lenses to study SIA in diets have primarily been conducted in marine environments using δ13C and δ15N to identify resource partitioning, ontogenetic shifts and lifelong trophic histories. To date, no studies have examined freshwater taxa nor used δ34S isotopes.

We placed juvenile (Chinook Salmon) Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in experimental enclosures in three different freshwater habitats (hatchery, river and seasonal floodplain), each with isotopically distinct and well‐characterized food webs. This experimental approach allowed us to directly measure diets and quantify tissue turnover rates in eye lenses as well as the isotopic fractionation among fish tissues (fin and muscle tissue) in distinct habitat types using stable isotopes δ13C, δ15N and δ34S.

Bulk eye‐lens stable isotope measurements were analysed for juvenile salmon lenses and were found to be consistent with the isotopic values of rearing habitats. Slight additional isotopic fractionation was only found in δ13C. We then successfully applied the method to a larger, reproductively mature adult salmon captured in freshwater and inferred juvenile habitat use.

SIA in eye lenses using three dietary isotopes (δ13C, δ15N and δ34S) has significant potential for answering critical questions about migration, diet, foraging ecology and life history of migratory aquatic animals on Earth. Such information would have immediate application towards conservation management of diverse species and habitats at multiple scales.
CILIP's Health Libraries Group—Shane Godbolt, lifelong member and supporter
Authors: Gorring Hélène
Published: December 2020

This paper from CILIP’s Health Libraries Group (HLG) committee is written by the previous International Officer who worked in partnership with Shane Godbolt. It outlines Shane’s contribution to the Health Libraries Group over several decades and focuses on the collaborative work on international visits.
Maternal caregiving capabilities are associated with child linear growth in rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Tome Joice , Mbuya Mduduzi N. N. , Makasi Rachel R. , Ntozini Robert , Prendergast Andrew J. , Dickin Katherine L. , Pelto Gretel H. , Constas Mark A. , Moulton Lawrence H. , Stoltzfus Rebecca J. , Humphrey Jean H. , Matare Cynthia R. ,   for the Sanitation Hygiene Infant Nutrition Efficacy (SHINE) Trial Team
Published: December 2020

Between birth and 2 years, children's well‐being depends on the quality of care they receive from caregivers, primarily their mothers. We developed a quantitative survey instrument to assess seven psychosocial characteristics of women that determine their caregiving ability (‘maternal capabilities’: physical health, mental health, decision‐making autonomy, social support, mothering self‐efficacy, workload and time stress, and gender norm attitudes). We measured maternal capabilities in 4,025 mothers and growth in their 4,073 children participating in the Sanitation Hygiene Infant Nutrition Efficacy (SHINE) trial in rural Zimbabwe. We used generalized estimating equation models with exchangeable correlation structure to test the association between each maternal capability during pregnancy, and infant length‐for‐age Z (LAZ) at 18 months, accounting only for within‐cluster correlation and intervention arms in unadjusted analyses and for potential confounders in adjusted analyses to examine the association between each capability, assessed during pregnancy, with child LAZ at 18 months of age. In adjusted models, each unit increase in gender norm attitudes score (reflecting more equitable gender norm attitudes) was associated with +0.09 LAZ (95% CI: 0.02, 0.16) and a decreased odds of stunting (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.74, 1.01); each unit increase in social support score was associated with +0.11 LAZ (95% CI: 0.05, 0.17, p < 0.010) and decreased odds of stunting (AOR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.96). Each unit increase in decision‐making autonomy was associated with a 6% reduced odds of stunting (AOR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.89, 0.996, p = 0.04). Interventions and social programming that strengthen these maternal capabilities may improve child nutritional status.
Revisiting the Warburg effect: historical dogma versus current understanding
Authors: Vaupel Peter , Multhoff Gabriele
Published: December 2020

Contrary to Warburg's original thesis, accelerated aerobic glycolysis is not a primary, permanent and universal consequence of dysfunctional or impaired mitochondria compensating for poor ATP yield per mole of glucose. Instead, in most tumours the Warburg effect is an essential part of a ‘selfish’ metabolic reprogramming, which results from the interplay between (normoxic/hypoxic) hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) overexpression, oncogene activation (cMyc, Ras), loss of function of tumour suppressors (mutant p53, mutant phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN), microRNAs and sirtuins with suppressor functions), activated (PI3K–Akt–mTORC1, Ras–Raf–MEK–ERK–cMyc, Jak–Stat3) or deactivated (LKB1–AMPK) signalling pathways, components of the tumour microenvironment, and HIF‐1 cooperation with epigenetic mechanisms. Molecular and functional processes of the Warburg effect include: (a) considerable acceleration of glycolytic fluxes; (b) adequate ATP generation per unit time to maintain energy homeostasis and electrochemical gradients; (c) backup and diversion of glycolytic intermediates facilitating the biosynthesis of nucleotides, non‐essential amino acids, lipids and hexosamines; (d) inhibition of pyruvate entry into mitochondria; (e) excessive formation and accumulation of lactate, which stimulates tumour growth and suppression of anti‐tumour immunity – in addition, lactate can serve as an energy source for normoxic cancer cells and drives malignant progression and resistances to conventional therapies; (f) cytosolic lactate being mainly exported through upregulated lactate–proton symporters (MCT4), working together with other H+ transporters, and carbonic anhydrases (CAII, CAIX), which hydrate CO2 from oxidative metabolism to form H+ and bicarbonate; (g) these proton export mechanisms, in concert with poor vascular drainage, being responsible for extracellular acidification, driving malignant progression and resistance to conventional therapies; (h) maintenance of the cellular redox homeostasis and low reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation; and (i) HIF‐1 overexpression, mutant p53 and mutant PTEN, which inhibit mitochondrial biogenesis and functions, negatively impacting cellular respiration rate. The glycolytic switch is an early event in oncogenesis and primarily supports cell survival. All in all, the Warburg effect, i.e. aerobic glycolysis in the presence of oxygen and – in principle – functioning mitochondria, constitutes a major driver of the cancer progression machinery, resistance to conventional therapies, and poor patient outcome. However, as evidenced during the last two decades, in a minority of tumours primary mitochondrial defects can play a key role promoting the Warburg effect and tumour progression due to mutations in some Krebs cycle enzymes and mitochondrial ROS overproduction.

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Thermal Characterization of Building Walls Under Random Boundary Conditions
Authors: Sassine Emilio , Cherif Yassine , Antczak Emmanuel , Dgheim Joseph
Published: December 2020

This work aims to improve the knowledge on dynamic thermophysical characterization of building envelopes by comparing three numerical methods applied on an experimental wall made of masonry brick. The thermal conductivity λ and the thermal capacity ρCp are determined by performing a data fitting optimization between the experimental measurements of the heat flux and the heat flux resulting from these numerical models. The experimental device consists of a thermal box with a controlled ambiance through a radiator linked to a thermostatic bath and placed inside the thermal box, on the opposite side facing the wall. Three different methods were examined: the heat transfer matrix (HTM) analytical method using the HTM, the finite element method (FEM) using comsol multiphysics® software, and the building simulation model (BSM) method using trnsys® Type 56 coupled with Genopt® optimization tool. The reproducibility of the methods was also validated through two other datasets (one random and one harmonic). The obtained results were satisfactory for both λ and for ρCp and for the three studied methods with deviations less than 5% between the results of the different methods. The data logging duration for random boundary conditions was found to be around five days while in harmonic boundary conditions two days were sufficient for the solution to converge.
Malignant bowel obstruction: effectiveness and safety of systemic chemotherapy
Authors: Caparica Rafael , Amorim Larissa , Amaral Paulo , Uratani Lucas , Muniz David , Hendlisz Alain , de Azambuja Evandro , Glasberg João , Takahashi Tiago Kenji , Filho Elias Abdo , Canellas Rodrigo , Saragiotto Daniel , Sabbaga Jorge , Mak Milena
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Although systemic chemotherapy is often administered to patients with malignant bowel obstruction (MBO), its benefit remains unknown. This study assessed the outcomes of patients who received systemic chemotherapy as part of MBO treatment.

Methods

For this retrospective cohort study, data were extracted from records of patients hospitalised due to MBO in a tertiary cancer centre from 2008 to 2020. Eligible patients were not candidates for surgery and received systemic chemotherapy targeting the underlying malignancy causing MBO. Primary objective was to assess patient outcomes after chemotherapy; secondary objectives were rates of intestinal function recovery, hospital discharge and grade ≥3 toxicities. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 167 patients were included: median age was 55 (18–81) years, 91% had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≥2, 75.5% had gastrointestinal tumours and 70% were treatment-naive. The median OS after chemotherapy was 4.4 weeks (95% CI 3.4 to 5.5) in the overall population. No OS difference was observed according to treatment line (p=0.24) or primary tumour (p=0.13). Intestinal function recovery occurred in 87 patients (52%), out of whom 21 (24.1%) had a reobstruction. Hospital discharge was possible in 74 patients (44.3%). Grade≥3 adverse events occurred in 26.9% of the patients, and a total of 12 deaths (7%) attributed to toxicities were observed after chemotherapy.

Conclusions

MBO was associated with a dismal prognosis in this mostly treatment-naive population. The administration of chemotherapy yielded a significant risk of toxicities, whereas it did not appear to provide any relevant survival benefit in this scenario.
Hospital memorial service bereavement support
Authors: Harper Andrew , Willis Karen
Published: December 2020

Background

Pastoral care in an acute hospital setting necessarily includes some bereavement support for families of patients who die. Termed universal bereavement support, an important component of such support is provision of educational information to assist bereaved people struggling with grief. This project aimed to understand, from the perspective of those attending, the value of providing a memorial service for remembering a loved one and whether the education provided at the service successfully met the requirement of a universal bereavement support strategy.

Methods

A qualitative study, comprising a semistructured telephone interview with memorial service attendees was undertaken. Data were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results

Twenty-nine attendees participated. Three themes provided insights into attendees’ perceptions. The first theme encapsulated the value of remembering and celebrating the life of the deceased; the second theme focused on ‘finding our way through the grief process’ including the value of the educational materials ; and the third theme identified appreciation for the hospital in providing care to those bereaved.

Conclusion

The memorial service provides a valued universal bereavement support strategy and such support strategies are an important part in the process of grieving for many attendees.
Gender Differences in Stress‐ and Burnout‐Related Factors of University Professors
Authors: Redondo-Flórez Laura , Tornero-Aguilera José Francisco , Ramos-Campo Domingo Jesús , Clemente-Suárez Vicente Javier
Published: December 2020

The aim of the present study was to analyse the gender differences in stress‐related factors of university professors. A cross‐sectional study was carried out, where gender differences in psychological, nutrition, physical activity, and oral health stress‐related factors were analysed in 470 Spanish university professors (58.7% male and 41.3% female, 42.1 ± 9.2 years) through a compendium of questionnaires. The results showed how females presented significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher scores than males in perceived stress (females: 22.15 ± 4.40 vs. males: 19.69 ± 3.61), emotional exhaustion (females: 20.86 ± 9.51 vs. males: 16.44 ± 9.12), and neuroticism (females: 5.53 ± 1.97 vs. males: 4.77 ± 1.96). These results may be related to higher probabilities to suffer the burnout syndrome, showing possible physical symptoms of this psychological disorder such as dry mouth and gastritis or heartburn. We concluded that female professors presented higher burnout perceived stress, emotional exhaustion, and neuroticism levels than males. Females also presented higher dry mouth, gastritis, and heartburn than males. Female professors showed healthier nutritional habits than males, presenting higher consumption of milk products and fruit per day, a higher number of meals, and less eating between hours and fried food consumption. Nevertheless, females consumed fewer water glasses and practised less weekly sport than male professors.
Systematic Analysis of the Expression and Prognostic Significance of P4HA1 in Pancreatic Cancer and Construction of a lncRNA‐miRNA‐P4HA1 Regulatory Axis
Authors: Hu Zhili , Song Fang , Hu Yangzhi , Liao Tianyou
Published: December 2020

Objectives. Prolyl 4‐hydroxylase subunit alpha 1 (P4HA1) plays a crucial role in modulating extracellular matrix component and promoting tumor progression by changing tumor adhesion, migration, and other biological behaviors in some cancers. However, its expression pattern, biological function, and underlying mechanism in pancreatic cancer remain largely unclear. Materials and Methods. In this study, a set of bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the expression of P4HA1 and its prognostic value in pancreatic cancer. In addition, the mechanism through which P4HA1 promotes the progression of pancreatic cancer was explored by constructing a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory axis. Results. It was found that the mRNA and protein expression of P4HA1 was significantly higher in pancreatic cancer tissues than in normal tissues. Its high P4HA1 expression correlated with poor clinicopathological features (T stage: P = 0.0078; N stage: P = 0.0124; TNM stage: P = 0.0013; pathological grade: P = 0.0108) and poor prognosis [OS: HR = 1, 95% CI (1‐1.01), P = 0.00028; DSS: HR = 1, 95% CI (1‐1.01), P = 0.00049; PFI: HR = 1.01, 95% CI (1.01‐1.02), P = 0.0057; and DFI: HR = 1, 95% CI (1‐1.01), P = 0.0034]. The LINC01503/miR‐335‐5p/P4HA1 axis might mediate the effects of P4HA1 in promoting the progression on pancreatic cancer. Conclusions. Collectively, our findings suggest that high expression of P4HA1 may be used as a promising prognostic biomarker and could be considered for the development of a novel therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer in the future.
Rheological and Morphological Characterization of Styrene‐Isoprene‐Styrene (SIS) Modified Asphalt Binder
Authors: Mazumder Mithil , Siddique Anwar , Ahmed Raju , Lee Soon-Jae , Lee Moon-Sup
Published: December 2020

The demand of strong polymer modified asphalt (PMA) binder is growing due to the increase of traffic and necessity to reduce the early deterioration of pavement due to cracking. In this study, physical and rheological properties of asphalt binder modified with a potential new polymer named styrene‐isoprene‐styrene (SIS) were investigated through the rotational viscometer (RV), the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and the bending beam rheometer (BBR). In order to have a depth understanding on the SIS binder at micro level, micro‐morphological observations were conducted using optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), and ellipsometry. The result of this study showed that (1) the addition of SIS modifiers increased the viscosity and had a positive effect on rutting resistance of the binder; (2) the addition of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% SIS content increased the rutting resistance by 600%, 3000%, 5600%, and 6400%, respectively; (3) the higher the SIS content, the better the cracking resistance of the binder and it is observed to have improved the stiffness by 26% and 51% with the addition of 5% and 10% content of SIS, respectively; (4) AFM images showed the significant correlation between the stiffness and microstructural properties of the binder; (5) the dominance of new oval phase over network structure was evident in ESEM images and observed to have significant correlation to the high stiffness of the binder; and (6) with the percentage increase of SIS modifier, the binder is found to have higher absorption at UV wavelength.
Immediate Postoperative Insulin Requirements May Predict Metabolic Outcome after Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Autotransplantation
Authors: Verma Neha , Rajab Amer , Buss Jill , Lara Luis , Porter Kyle , Hart Philip , Conwell Darwin , Washburn W. Kenneth , Black Sylvester , Kuntz Kristin , Meng Shumei
Published: December 2020

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive disease that leads to eventual loss of endocrine and exocrine function. Total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation (TPIAT) is a treatment option for patients with CP; however, predicting postoperative metabolic outcomes remains elusive. In this single-center retrospective study, we report pre-TPIAT characteristics, beta cell function indices, islet yield, and post-TPIAT glucose management data to further understand their relationship. Islet yield, glucose level, and insulin requirement for 72 hours postoperatively were collected for a total of 13 TPIAT recipients between 9-2013 and 9-2018. In addition, their glucose control and basal insulin requirements at 3, 6, and 12 months post-TPIAT were analyzed. All 13 subjects had normal baseline fasting glucose levels. Median islet yield was 4882 IEq/kg (interquartile range 3412 to 8987). Median postoperative total insulin requirement on day 3 was 0.43 units/kg. Pre-TPIAT baseline glucose, insulin, or c-peptide level did not have a significant correlation with the islet yield. Similarly, there was no correlation between islet yield and insulin requirement at 72-hour postoperatively. However, there was an inverse correlation between the absolute islet yield (IEq) and insulin requirement at 6 months and 12 months following post-TPIAT. Further analysis of the relationship between 72-hour post-op insulin requirement and insulin requirement at discharge, 3, 6, and 12 months showed a positive correlation. Despite the finding of inverse correlation of islet yield with long-term basal insulin requirement, this study was not able to detect a correlation between the preoperative parameters to postoperative short-term or long-term outcome as noted in other studies. The 72-hour postoperative insulin requirement is a helpful postoperative predictor of patients needing long-term insulin management following TPIAT. This observation may identify a high-risk group of patients in need of more intensive diabetes education and insulin treatment prior to hospital discharge.
Assessment of Risk Indicators for Targeted Cytomegalovirus Screening in Neonates
Authors: Levit Yael , Dym Lianne , Yochpaz Sivan , Manor Yaara , Adler Amos , Halutz Ora , Grisaru-Soen Galia , Herzlich Jacky , Marom Ronella
Published: December 2020

Background: In the absence of universal screening for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection, the aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of a targeted screening protocol based on maternal and neonatal risk indicators. Methods: The medical records of 2,623 neonates born in our maternal hospital between June 2016 and December 2018 and screened for cCMV infection were reviewed. Among those of the included neonates, the records of 380 CMV-negative and 19 CMV-positive neonates were randomly assigned to obtain additional comparative data. Results: During the study period, a total of 63 neonates were identified as positive for cCMV, comprising 0.2% of the total birth cohort (63/28,982) and 2.4% of all neonates screened for cCMV (63/2,623). The comparative data analysis showed that suspected or confirmed CMV infection during pregnancy, maternal age, and maternal diabetes mellitus were found to be significantly associated with a positive cCMV diagnosis. Although symmetric small for gestational age and hearing screening failure contributed to the detection of some of the CMV-positive infants, these factors were not specific to this group. The results of the logistic regression model showed that the only factor that was significantly associated with an increased risk for a cCMV diagnosis was maternal serology suspected of CMV infection during pregnancy, with a regression coefficient estimate of 2.657 (adjusted p < 0.001). Conclusions: A targeted neonatal screening protocol based on multiple maternal and neonatal risk indicators is feasible but provides limited information. Our study emphasizes the importance of universal neonatal screening for the detection of neonates with cCMV.
Does Terrorism Scare Tourism Away from South Asia and Africa?
Authors: Mehmood Bilal , Ilyas Saddam , Aleem Muhammad
Published: December 2020

During times when terrorism is eroding almost all industries of victim economies, tourism industry is thought to be much prone to it. This paper investigates the long run relationship between terrorism and tourism for South Asian and African countries separately, allowing us to compare the results of the two regions. Long run relationship is analyzed via dynamic panel techniques (PMG, MG and DFE) on data for 22 African and 6 South Asian countries from 1991 to 2013. These panel cointegration techniques quantify the long-run relationship between terrorism and tourism. Terrorism has been found detrimental for tourism industry both in Africa and South Asia. Empirical findings affirm that terrorism has a long-run negative impact on tourism in both regions. Recommendations, on the basis of findings are proposed at the end.
Rheum telianum (Polygonaceae), a new species from Southeastern Anatolia (Turkey)

Authors: İLÇİM AHMET , KARAHAN FARUK
Published: December 2020

Rheum telianum is described as a new species from Kayatepe village (south-eastern Anatolia, Turkey). It is morphologically related to the west-central Asiatic R. ribes and R. rhizostachyum from which can be easily distinguish by its stem surface (slightly verrucose), leaf number, shape, and size (usually 1-basal leaf or rarely with a small one at base, reniform-rotate, 6.5–100 × 4.5–56 cm), achene shape and size (cordate-triangular, 8–15 × 8–16 mm). The distribution, notes on ecology, and conservation status of the new species are also provided.
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome induced by food poisoning in a pediatric patient: a case report
Authors: Wu Xue-mei , Wang Guang-liang , Kou Chang-gui , Wang Jiang-tao , Liang Jian-min , Yu Ya-qin
Published: December 2020

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) can develop in patients following exposure to multiple triggers, including blood pressure fluctuations, kidney diseases, immunosuppressive agents, chemotherapy, or autoimmune disorders. However, to the best of our knowledge, the development of PRES secondary to food poisoning has not been previously reported, especially in a pediatric patient. Here, we report a 13-year-old boy who presented with PRES following the consumption of palmatum (a chicken feet dish). The patient presented with headache, vomiting, and altered consciousness. Neuroimaging findings revealed white matter hyperintensities in a bilateral, symmetrical, and parieto-occipital pattern. The patient was diagnosed with PRES and was managed with fluid expansion and a short-term mannitol regimen (1 g/kg every 12 hours for 3 days). Neuroimaging findings returned to normal at 8 days after admission. Food poisoning may therefore be a new possible trigger for PRES. A timely PRES diagnosis is recommended to prevent possible central nervous system complications.
Critical Reorientation of Bureaucratic Reform and Good Governance in Public Sector Administration in Indonesia
Authors: Wahyurudhanto Albertus
Published: December 2020

Good governance today in Indonesia has become a key word in every formulation of the policy objectives of government bureaucratic reform within the framework of the change and utilization of the state administration system. In this context, this study seeks to critically evaluate the development and dynamics of good governance and its relation to the New Public Management in Indonesia. The idea of good governance in the public sector requires changes and presentations of government actors and state apparatus. This study reviews the development of bureaucratic reform in Indonesia that has been running for the last two decades. The results of the investigation indicate the need for further emphasis on aspects of the performance of government human resources at all levels in Indonesia, active involvement of the community in policy making, and public sector administration accountability.
Crystal structure of tetrakis[(Z)-(2-(1-(furan-2-yl)-2-methylpropylidene)-1-phenylhydrazin-1-ido-κ2
N,N′)] zirconium(IV), C56H60N8O4Zr
Authors: Duan Xin-E. , Wang Yu-Hang , Bai Sheng-Di , Tong Hong-Bo , Liu Bin-Shen
Published: December 2020

C56H60N8O4Zr, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 24.665(4) Å, b = 18.836(3) Å, c = 25.425(6) Å, β = 114.364(4)°, V = 10760(4) Å3, Z = 8, Rgt
(F) = 0.0550, wRref
(F
2) = 0.1239, T = 296(2) K.
The crystal structure of 2-(naphthalen-2-yloxy)-4-phenyl-6-(prop-2-yn-1-yloxy)-1,3,5-triazine, C22H15N3O2
Authors: Li Jin , Zuo Zhenyu , Chen Yan , Liu Yali , Yin Dachuan
Published: December 2020

C22H15N3O2, triclinic,

P

1
‾

$P‾{1}$

(no. 2), a = 5.7613(4) Å, b = 12.3545(7) Å, c = 13.3427(8) Å, α = 110.002(2)°, β = 98.837(2)°, γ = 94.263(2)°, V = 873.55(9) Å3, Z = 2, Rgt
(F) = 0.0471, wRref
(F
2) = 0.1376, T = 293 K.
Effect of cinnamon essential oil on morphological, flammability and thermal properties of nanocellulose fibre–reinforced starch biopolymer composites
Authors: M. O. Syafiq Razali , Sapuan Salit M. , Zuhri Mohd R. M.
Published: December 2020

The effect of different cinnamon essential oil (CEO) contents on flammability, thermal stability and morphological characteristics of nanocellulose fibre–reinforced starch biopolymer composites was studied. This sugar palm nanocellulose reinforced with sugar palm starch, containing 0–2% CEO, was prepared through solution casting technique. From scanning electron microscopy analysis, the cross-sections of the CEO-containing films showed appearance of micro-porous spots as micro-porous holes because of the occurrence of partial evaporation on the cryo-fractured surface as a result of the vacuum condition. Increment in CEO concentration resulted in increasing trend of the number and size of the micro-porous holes. Significant increase was observed in the thermal stability with the CEO loading when compared with neat composites. Besides that, increasing CEO loading also resulted in decrement of linear burning rate of the composites.
Multimodal Event Construals: The Role of Co-Speech Gestures in English vs. Czech Interactions
Authors: Jehlička Jakub , Lehečková Eva
Published: December 2020

Aspectuality of events has been shown to be construed through various means in typologically diverse languages, ranging from mainly grammatical devices to conventionalized lexical means. The rise of multimodal studies in linguistics allows incorporating yet another semiotic layer into the description. In this context, we present a cross-linguistic study of multimodal event construals in Czech and English spontaneous conversations, based on multimodal corpora. We follow Croft’s (2012) cognitive model of aspectual types, in order to take into account multiple parameters (out of which the features of(un)boundednessanddirectednessare the most prominent) determining a particular aspectual contour of a verb in a given context. We investigate which feature combinations are associated with (un)boundedness of corresponding co-speech gestures. The multivariate analysis revealed that in English, gesture boundedness is predicted by the predicate’s general aspectual type, whereas in Czech, the more fine-grained features ofdirectednessandincrementalityare stronger predictors.
Geomorphological analysis of Tinto-B Vallis on Mars
Authors: Steinmann Vilmos , Kereszturi Ákos , Mari László
Published: December 2020

This work analysis an 81 km long 1.85 km wide fluvial valley on Mars (at 2°55’ South and 111°53’ East) for the first time, located near to the so-called Palos carter and Tinto Vallis, called Tinto-B hereafter. The length of the valley is approximately 81 km, and the average width is ~1.85 km, depth ~250 m. The hypsometric curves were created in 5 different buffer sizes on the main valley and the biggest tributary valley. The tributary valley shows a youth stage in the geomorphological evolution opposite to the main valley, which shows a mature stage. The crater statistical analysis based age of the main valley (2.9 Ga) poorly correlates with the early wet period of the red planet, thus, formed somehow later than most Martian valleys. Using the model SIMWE (SIMulated Water Erosion), for the to identify the small-scaled tributary valley systems and the small-scaled erosional landforms showed area elevated drainage density. The highest density of the tributary sections is 29.02 km/km2 , and the average is 3.09 km/km2. Considering only the main valley 0.017 km/km2 would have been measured, suggesting dozen(s) early tributaries were heavily eroded.
ANÁLISIS DE LAS ACCIONES TÉCNICO-TÁCTICAS DEL PORTERO DE FÚTBOL EN COMPETICIÓN
Authors: López-Gajardo M.A. , González-Ponce I. , Pulido J.J. , García-Calvo T. , Leo F.M.
Published: December 2020

El objetivo del presente estudio fue analizar las diferencias en el número y tipo de acciones técnico-tácticas de los porteros en competición en función de la división y de si juegan como local o visitante. Para ello, se han analizado 80 partidos con un total de 160 porteros de 1ª, 2ª, 2ªB y 3ª división española. Los resultados mostraron que no existen diferencias significativas entre el número de acciones medias realizadas por partido en cada división, pero sí se encontraron diferencias significativas en 9 de los 48 gestos técnico-tácticos específicos estudiados. Además, se encontraron pequeñas diferencias en cuanto al número de acciones en función de si los porteros juegan como local o visitante. Por tanto, la principal conclusión de este estudio es la importancia de analizar los tipos de acciones técnico-tácticas de los porteros ya que nos pueden ofrecer información relevante para el entrenamiento y la competición.
Effect of Sodium Valproate on Cardiac Function in Epileptic Children by Tissue Doppler Echocardiography
Authors: Kamani Ali , Omidi Hadis , Dorreh Fatemeh , Shariatmadari Fakhredin , Ghandi Yazdan
Published: December 2020

The antiepileptic Valproic acid (VPA) changes the oxidative/ anti-oxidative balance that results in oxidative stress and maybe an increased risk of cardiac dysfunction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of VPA on ventricular function in epileptic children. We designed a study to evaluate ventricular function in epileptic children who had received VPA for at least one year. All subjects were evaluated using standard echocardiography, pulsed wave Doppler (PWD), and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI). This study consisted of 60 patients with epilepsy (mean age 10.30±3.21 years) and 60 healthy subjects in the control group (mean age 10.28±3.18 years). The duration of antiepilepsy medication ranged from 1.4 to 10 years, and the dose of VPA was 5-30 mg/kg. The ejection fraction and fractional shortening (P=0.841 and 0.064, respectively) were not significantly different between the two groups. The present study reports subclinical right and left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction along with longitudinal ventricular motion disorder. It is recommended the evaluation of subclinical cardiac dysfunction in children treated by VPA.
The association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and subclinical atherosclerosis in healthy population
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Vida , Mehrpour Masoud , Ghoreishi Abdoreza , Kamali Koorosh , Zamani Babak
Published: December 2020

Background: Subclinical atherosclerosis is the asymptomatic phase of carotid atherosclerosis, and its early diagnosis is important to prevent cerebrovascular diseases. Although the vitamin D plays a role in the structure of vessels, the association between the serum level of vitamin D and subclinical atherosclerosis has not been well-studied. We aimed to investigate the association between serum vitamin D level and carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) in Iranian population.
Methods: One hundred individuals with the age range from 20 to 50 years with no history of cardiovascular risk factors were selected for the analysis. Measurements of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH) D3] concentration and CIMT were made. Confounding factors such as diabetes, hypertension (HTN), smoking, alcohol, tobacco, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease (CVD), high body mass index (BMI), history of drug intake especially calcium, vitamin D, statins, and anti-hypertensive drugs were considered and then excluded from our study.
Results: The mean serum vitamin D level was  15.55 ± 0.42 ng/ml, whereas in the increased intima-media thickness (IMT), it was 12.50 ± 9.50 ng/ml. 55% of the subjects were diagnosed with subclinical atherosclerosis (IMT ≥ 0.75 mm). Mean IMT was  0.74 ± 0.12 mm; however, it was higher (0.86 ± 0.30) in severe vitamin D deficiency group. The analysis showed an association between serum 25(OH) D3 level and CIMT (P = 0.002). 44% of those participants with subclinical atherosclerosis had also a severe vitamin D deficiency, while only 13% of normal people had a severe vitamin D deficiency. Also, a correlation was observed between severe vitamin D deficiency and the presence of plaque or higher IMT.
Conclusion: Serum 25(OH) D3 level was inversely correlated with CIMT in our investigated subjects with no cardiovascular risk factor.
MicroRNAs as the Important Regulators of T Helper 17 Cells: A Narrative Review
Authors: Atabaki Mahdi , Shariati-Sarabi Zhaleh , Barati Mehdi , Tavakkol-Afshari Jalil , Mohammadi Mojgan
Published: December 2020

T helper (Th)-17 cells are a distinct and important subset of Th cells and their functions are due to the ability of production and secretion of key cytokines in the immune system such as interleukin (IL)-17, IL-22, IL-21, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). According to these cytokines, these cells have vital roles in the pathogenesis of the disease such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Nowadays, microRNAs (miRNAs) are defined as essential regulators of cell function by targeting transcription factors and other elements that act in cells to control gene expression. The purpose of this study was to detect and investigate articles evaluating the function of miRNA in Th-17 cell performance. The language was restricted to English and the search was done in PubMed, Web of Science and Embase. In this review, we first explain the role of effective factors in the function of Th17 lymphocytes, and then, we summarize the performance of several miRNAs involved in the activation and appropriate functions of Th17 cells in the immune system.