bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Anticholinergic Effects in Older Adults
Authors: M. Lisi Donna
Published: November 2020

Anticholinergic medications are widely used in older adults and are a common source of adverse events in this population. Common drug classes include antiarrhythmics, antidepressants, antiemetics, first generation antihistamines, urinary incontinence antimuscarinic agents, antiparkinsonian agents, antipsychotics, antispasmodics, and skeletal muscle relaxants. These drugs have been associated with delirium, cognitive impairment, sedation, dizziness, falls, fracture, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, tachycardia and dry mouth. If possible, these drugs should be avoided in older adults or less toxic agents within the class should be utilized. This chapter will explore the mechanism of action of anticholinergic drugs at both the cellular and organ system level; discuss how to assess for anticholinergic drug burden; list medications with anticholinergic effects as identified in the Beer’s criteria on potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults; review anticholinergic drug–drug interactions; describe contraindications to the use of anticholinergic agents; and explore practical considerations such as the availability of these substances in nonprescription medications, their use at end of life and deprescribing.
Development of a Novel Electromagnetic Rewarming Technology for the Cryopreservation of Stem Cells with Large Volume
Authors: Ren Shen , Shu Zhiquan , Pan Jiaji , Peng Ji , Wang Junlan , Zhao Chunhua , Gao Dayong
Published: November 2020

Applications of stem cells have been playing significant roles in scientific and clinical settings in the last few decades. The foundation of these approaches is successful cryopreservation of stem cells for future use. However, so far we can only cryopreserve stem cell suspension of small volumes in the order of 1 mL mostly due to the lack of an effective rewarming technique. Rapid and uniform rewarming has been approved to be beneficial, and sometimes, indispensable for the survival of cryopreserved stem cells, inhibiting ice recrystallization or devitrification. Unfortunately, the conventional water bath thawing method failed in providing the rapid and uniform rewarming. The conversion of electromagnetic (EM) energy into heat provides a possible solution to this problem. This chapter will focus on (1) analysis of the combined EM and heat transfer phenomenon in the rewarming of a biospecimen, (2) numerical investigation of the rewarming system, (3) practical setup of an EM resonance system, and (4) test of heating performance with large volume of cells.
Gendered Failures in Extrinsic Emotional Regulation; Or, Why Telling a Woman to “Relax” or a Young Boy to “Stop Crying Like a Girl” Is Not a Good Idea
Authors: Cherry Myisha ,   University of Arkansas Press
Published: November 2020

I argue that gendered stereotypes, gendered emotions and attitudes, and display rules can influence extrinsic regulation stages, making failure points likely to occur in gendered-context and for reasons that the emotion regulation literature has not given adequate attention to. As a result, I argue for ‘feminist emotional intelligence’ as a way to help escape these failures. Feminist emotional intelligence, on my view, is a nonideal ability-based approach that equips a person to effectively reason about emotions through an intersectional lens and use emotions to inform how we think and react to the world. This includes being attuned to the ways in which the world and our emotional lives are structured by and favors men. It stresses the need to be attuned to, as well as resist and challenge gender-based stereotypes and attitudes around emotions, paying close attention to the ways those stereotypes, norms, and attitudes differ across race, class, ethnicity, et cetera.
Against Online Public Shaming
Authors: Aitchison Guy , Meckled-Garcia Saladin ,   Department of Philosophy, Florida State University
Published: November 2020

Online Public Shaming (OPS) is a form of norm enforcement that involves collectively imposing reputational costs on a person for having a certain kind of moral character. OPS actions aim to disqualify her from public discussion and certain normal human relations. We argue that this constitutes an informal collective punishment that it is presumptively wrong to impose (or seek to impose) on others. OPS functions as a form of ostracism that fails to show equal basic respect to its targets. Additionally, in seeking to mobilise unconstrained collective power with potentially serious punitive consequences, OPS is incompatible with due process values.
No Mere Culinary Curiosities: Using Historical Cookbooks in the Library Classroom
Authors: Matheny Kathryn
Published: November 2020

Cookbooks are neglected as information sources and teaching tools in academic libraries, especially for undergraduate learners. Approachable but complex primary sources, they can be examined as a records of people’s food habits, as a window on the authors or their societies and cultures, or as texts with rhetorical aims involving more than just cooking and eating. This study surveys the literature on the use of cookbooks in scholarship and pedagogy, especially in the context of interdisciplinary food studies. It also explains their relevance for the library or archives classroom, both as potential research sources and as tools for teaching primary source literacy skills, and the common barriers to their collection and discovery. Finally, it outlines uses for and approaches to teaching with cookbooks and offers examples of the author’s experience doing so in a special collections setting.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Advanced Practice Management From Presentation to Cure
Authors: Beaton, RN, MSN, AG-ACNP Meredith , J. Peterson, RN, DNP, ACNP Glen , O'Brien, RN, MSN, ANP-C, ACNP-BC Kelly
Published: November 2020

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults, diagnosed in approximately 21,450 individuals annually in the US with nearly 11,000 deaths attributable to this disease (National Cancer Institute, 2020). Acute myeloid leukemia is a disease of the elderly, with the average age of diagnosis being 68 years old (Kouchkovsky & Abdul-Hay, 2016). It is a heterogeneous disease with widely varying presentations but universally carries a poor prognosis in the majority of those affected. Unfortunately, the 5-year overall survival rate remains poor, at less than 5% in patients over 65 years of age (Thein, Ershler, Jemal, Yates, & Baer, 2013). The landscape of AML is beginning to change, however, as new and improved treatments are emerging. Advanced practitioners (APs) are often involved in the care of these complex patients from the time of initial symptoms through diagnosis, treatment, and potentially curative therapy. It is vitally important for APs to understand and be aware of the various presentations, initial management strategies, diagnostic workup, and treatment options for patients with AML, especially in the elderly population, which until recently had few treatment options. This Grand Rounds article highlights the common presenting signs and symptoms of patients with AML in the hospital, including a discussion of the upfront clinical stability issues, oncologic emergencies, diagnostic evaluation, and current treatment options for elderly patients and those with poor performance status.
Posterior intraorbital bullet
Authors: Bašković Marko , Striber Neda , Gjurašin Miroslav
Published: November 2020

Indeed, nowadays there is no clear agreement about the ideal treatment (conservative or surgical) of posterior intraorbital bullet in view of possible serious damage to vital structures such as the possibility of compromising the optic nerve. The decision to remove an orbital foreign body should always be made on an individual basis, with due consideration of the benefits and dangers of surgery.
Ocena stopnje reprodukcije okužbe in deleža okuženih z virusom SARS-CoV-2 v Sloveniji
Authors: Manevski Damjan , Pohar Perme, PhD Maja , Blagus Rok
Published: November 2020

Izhodišče: v članku ocenjujemo vpliv uveljavljenih ukrepov za obvladovanje epidemije okužbe z virusom SARS-CoV-2 na stopnjo reprodukcije okužbe z virusom in delež okuženih za Slovenijo.

Metode: uporabimo Bayesov model, ki predpostavlja enako učinkovitost ukrepov v različnih državah in je zgrajen na podlagi podatkov o številu umrlih za 12 (model A) oz. 10 evropskih držav (izločeni Španija in Italija, model B).

Rezultati: ocenjena stopnja reprodukcije v Sloveniji po sprejetih ukrepih je 0,6; pod 1 je celoten 95 % kredibilni interval [0,3 - 0,9]. Če pri gradnji modela izločimo Italijo in Španijo (model B), je ocenjena stopnja reprodukcije v Sloveniji po sprejetih ukrepih 0,8 (95 % kredibilni interval [0,5 - 1,2]). Ocenjeni delež okuženih v Sloveniji je manjši od enega odstotka (0,53 [0,23 - 1,01] % pri modelu A in 0,66 [0,26 - 1,45] % pri modelu B), uradno število potrjenih primerov pa podcenjuje dejansko število za približno faktor 10.

Zaključek: dosedanji sprejeti ukrepi so bili uspešni, saj menimo, da je trenutna stopnja reprodukcije virusa SARS-CoV-2 pod 1. Pri sproščanju ukrepov je smiselno počakati vsaj 2 tedna, saj ocenjujemo, da to pomeni vsaj dodatnih 5 tednov zamika do ponovnih zaostritev.
Deuil compliqué selon les cultures : défis diagnostiques et limites des classifications internationales
Authors: Ben-Cheikh Imen , Rachédi Lilyane , Rousseau Cécile
Published: November 2020

Le deuil compliqué demeure un sujet à controverse. Bien que ce concept se retrouve dans de nombreuses cultures, peu d’études scientifiques abordent les complications du deuil dans une perspective transculturelle. Cet article, qui repose sur la présentation d’un cas clinique et une revue de la littérature, décrit les particularités du deuil selon les cultures et en contexte d’immigration. Il offre un regard transculturel sur le deuil dit compliqué et discute les limites des classifications internationales pour diagnostiquer les complications d’un deuil selon les cultures. En influençant le processus même du deuil, ses manifestations cliniques et ses complications éventuelles, la culture et la religion peuvent rendre complexe la distinction entre un deuil normal et un deuil compliqué en contexte interculturel. Le concept de deuil compliqué est discuté en mettant en avant l’importance d’une approche culturellement sensible pour en permettre une évaluation clinique appropriée. Nous soulignons la question centrale du sens donné à la mort et aux symptômes vécus en période de deuil, et la pertinence d’un regard critique sur le risque de médicalisation du deuil et les limites des classifications internationales, DSM-5 et CIM-11. Les nouvelles nosographies devraient bénéficier d’une plus grande précision concernant les complications du deuil selon les cultures non occidentales, en incluant des déterminants spécifiques liés à la culture, comme les systèmes de croyances entourant une « mauvaise mort » et les interprétations culturelles des rêves où figure une personne défunte.
Le risque de contagion suicidaire lié à l’identification aux personnages de films et de séries
Authors: Gauld Christophe , Notredame Charles-Edouard
Published: November 2020

La représentation cinématographique (incluant les séries télévisées) d’un suicide pourrait influencer le taux de suicide par le biais d’un phénomène d’identification au personnage visualisé à l’écran. Lorsqu’elle conduit à l’imitation du geste suicidaire, cette projection identificatoire, par contagion suicidaire, est nommée « effet Werther » (EW); son corollaire, pour prévenir le phénomène suicidaire, est « l’effet Papageno » (EP). Le présent article analyse le rôle de l’identification au cinéma dans l’appropriation émotionnelle et cognitive des scènes de suicide, et son implication dans les EW et EP. Pour ce faire, nous nous sommes appuyés sur une bibliographie scientifique couvrant trois domaines : la contagion suicidaire, les études en communication et les études sur le cinéma.
De l’importance du sens donné à la mort assistée : l’accompagnement de fin de vie et le processus de deuil en contexte d’aide médicale à mourir
Authors: Ummel Deborah
Published: November 2020

Les pays occidentaux qui disposent de législations permettant aux personnes en fin de vie de mettre fin à leurs jours par mort assistée, soit par le biais de l’euthanasie, du suicide assisté ou de l’aide médicale à mourir, sont de plus en en nombreux. Or, le choix du type de décès a également un impact sur les proches aidants. Qu’en est-il alors de l’accompagnement de fin de vie et du processus de deuil dans ce contexte particulier? Le présent article propose une réflexion sur la mort assistée en abordant la présence ou non de proches au moment du décès, ainsi que les conséquences de ce type de décès, dans son potentiel à faciliter ou à complexifier l’accompagnement de fin de vie et la trajectoire de deuil.
PORTRAIT DE LA MÈRE EN RABAT-JOIE
Authors: Boisclair Isabelle
Published: November 2020

Le temps d’un été, celui marquant son passage du primaire au secondaire, à la fin des années soixante, la narratrice de La soeur de Judith de Lise Tremblay observe le monde autour d’elle, dans un quartier de Chicoutimi. Les « explosions » de la mère ont beau être tempérées par le père, elles sont source de honte pour la jeune fille. Mais qu’est-ce qui les suscite ? En se penchant sur les motifs qui provoquent les colères de la mère, il apparaît que celles-ci sont toutes liées au statut des femmes, subordonnées dans le mariage. Le roman figure ainsi la mère en « rabat-joie féministe » (Ahmed) qui s’élève contre la mystique féminine (Friedan) dont sont nourries les femmes de cette époque qui s’éveille à la modernité. Au seuil de cette nouvelle temporalité, de nouveaux possibles féminins se dressent devant la jeune fille.
Littératie universitaire en milieu francophone minoritaire : vers une amélioration des habiletés scripturales
Authors: Lamoureux Sylvie A. , Vignola Marie-Josée , Bourdages Johanne S.
Published: November 2020

Au cours des dernières décennies, l’expérience étudiante en milieu universitaire est apparue comme un élément essentiel quant au maintien et à la réussite des études postsecondaires. La recherche, dans ce domaine, montre l’importance de bien maîtriser la rédaction de textes universitaires pour assurer le maintien aux études en français des étudiants francophones. Dans ce contexte, la littératie universitaire émerge comme un paramètre fondamental. Peu de recherches portent sur la transition vers les études postsecondaires des francophones en milieu minoritaire et leur appropriation de la littératie universitaire. Cet article présente l’analyse de données provenant d’un projet pilote mené en contexte universitaire avec des francophones de milieux minoritaires portant sur le besoin d’appuis pédagogiques en matière de littératie universitaire. Le corpus de notre étude est constitué d’écrits d’étudiants ayant suivi un cours qui visait à s’approprier les pratiques sous-jacentes à la littératie universitaire. Les résultats ont montré que la participation au cours mène généralement à une amélioration des habiletés scripturales requises en milieu universitaire.
Endovascular management of intracranial pseudoaneurysm: an institutional experience
Authors: Phogat Vivek , Gandhi Ashok , Srivastava Trilochan , Mishva Keshav
Published: November 2020

Objective: Pseudoaneurysms (PSAs) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and vertebral artery are rare entities but with varied treatment options. PSAs can be spontaneous or secondary to trauma, infections, malignancies or iatrogenic. To find out the efficacy of various endovascular interventions in the management of ICA and vertebral PSAs.Methods: The study included 14 patients diagnosed with intracranial PSAs who underwent endovascular interventions in SMS Medical College, Jaipur (Rajasthan) between June 2015 to January 2019. The clinical and radiological findings (computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography) were reviewed and the consequent endovascular intervention carried out and their results were analyzed.Results: Total 14 patients were studied out of which 8 (57.1%) were anterior circulation PSAs and 6 (42.9%) were posterior circulation PSAs There were 10 (71.4%) females and 4 (28.5%) males between the age of 9 to 65 years. Only 2 patients with PSA had past history of trauma. Coiling was done in 8 patients (57.1%), stenting in 2 patients (14.2%), parent artery occlusion in 1 patient (7.1%), glue embolization in 1 patient (7.1%) while coiling with glue in 1 patient (7.1%) and flow diverter in 2 patients (14.2%). Immediate and complete occlusion was achieved in 11 (78.6%) patients while 3 (21.4%) patients had subtotal occlusion. 11 patients under follow up till June 2019 did not report recurrence or new neurological deficit.Conclusions: Endovascular interventions is minimally invasive and safe treatment strategy for intracranial PSAs. The ultimate choice of technique depends on clinical and imaging characteristics.
PHOTO-ELECTRIC DIRECT-READING ATTACHMENT TO A MEDIUM QUARTZ SPECTROGRAPH AND ANALYSIS OF COPPER IN Al-ALLOY
Authors:   复旦大学物理系
Published: November 2020

Two movable photo-multiplier tubes are set in the position of the plate holder of a medium quartz spectrograph. The photo-current of each is amplified by an AC amplifier, and, after rectification, is used to charge a condenser. A thyratron is connected parallel to the condenser for the internal standard line (Al 2660?). At a present value of the voltage of this condenser, the thyratron operates so as to switch off the reading instrument which is connected with the other condenser for the analysis line (Cu 2247?). The final reading on the meter is proved to be proportional to the ratio of intensities of the two spectral lines.With the help of a set of standard samples, calibration curve for analysis of copper in Al-alloy is obtained. It is a straight lino in the concentration interval 2.3-6.7%. Beproducibility of the whole instrument including the light source is measured by repeating ten times the calibration process, each time determining the content of Cu in a given sample. The mean relative error of those ten determinations is 4%. The results of spectroscopic determination and chemical analysis have a deviation of 1%.
ON THE BINDING ENERGIES OF THE ATOMIC NUCLEI 2H, 3H, 3He and 4He——Part Ⅲ
Authors: CHANG CHI-HENG  , H. W. PENG  ,   中国科学院近代物理研究所
Published: November 2020

The binding energies of the atomic nuclei 2H, 3H, 3He and 4He are examined here with a nuclear potential based on the meson theory where the hypothesis of charge independence is given up. Preliminary calculation indicates that the interaction of mucleons with the neutral meson field does not contain the factor r3 and that the mass of the neutral meson is some what larger than that of the charged meson.
ON THE BINDING ENERGIES OF THE ATOMIC NUCLEI 2H, 3H, 3He and 4He——PART I.
Authors: H. W. PENG  , M. Y. TANG  ,   昆明国立云南大学物理学系
Published: November 2020

The binding energies of the atomic nuclei 2H, 3H, 3He and 4He are obtained by means of the varialional method, using as a basis the Mφller-Rosenfeld nuclear potential. A simple choice of the wave function renders the calculation elementary. Agreement with experimental results is good, except that the binding energy obtained for 4He is excessive, which indicates the necessity of further improving upon the nuclear potential.
雙余隔平方式波束天線
Authors: Pao  Chia-Shan
Published: November 2020

A method based upon simple diffraction theory is described for the calculation of modified paraboloid reflectors to produce from a point source a shaped beam of arbitrary shape in one plane and uniformly narrow in the perpendicular planes. A specific application of the shaped beam antennas is in connection with radar antennas designed for height finding. In this case the antenna must have a sharp elevation beam for obtaining precise elevation information and a rapid elevation scan. The beam must be relatively broad in azimuth in order that the target will be held in the beam long enough to obtain height information. If a fixed minimum of illumination is to be achieved at a given linear distance on both sides of the center line of the azimuth beam, the amplitude pattern must have the so-called “double cosecant” or “beavertail' shape.
ICT for Innovation in Advanced Banking
Authors: Terzieva Milvina , Karastoyanov Dimitar
Published: November 2020

The article presents the process of entering ICT and digital innovations in modern banking. Statistics on the use of public clouds by various companies are cited. Types of regulations in European Union on the entry of cloud services in the banking sector are considered. The requirements of the EU Payment Service Directives are analysed. New banking functions and open banking are described. Existing models of open banking and the interaction between large digital companies and large money providers are discussed. Keywords: Cloud, fintech, ICT, open banking.
Plasma proteomic biomarker signature of age predicts health and life span
Authors: Tanaka Toshiko , Basisty Nathan , Fantoni Giovanna , Candia Julián , Moore Ann Z , Biancotto Angelique , Schilling Birgit , Bandinelli Stefania , Ferrucci Luigi
Published: November 2020

Older age is a strong shared risk factor for many chronic diseases, and there is increasing interest in identifying aging biomarkers. Here, a proteomic analysis of 1301 plasma proteins was conducted in 997 individuals between 21 and 102 years of age. We identified 651 proteins associated with age (506 over-represented, 145 underrepresented with age). Mediation analysis suggested a role for partialcis-epigenetic control of protein expression with age. Of the age-associated proteins, 33.5% and 45.3%, were associated with mortality and multimorbidity, respectively. There was enrichment of proteins associated with inflammation and extracellular matrix as well as senescence-associated secretory proteins. A 76-protein proteomic age signature predicted accumulation of chronic diseases and all-cause mortality. These data support the use of proteomic biomarkers to monitor aging trajectories and to identify individuals at higher risk of disease to be targeted for in depth diagnostic procedures and early interventions.
Freeze-like responses to pain in humans and its modulation by social context
Authors: Karos Kai , Meulders Ann , Leyssen Tine , Vlaeyen Johan W.
Published: November 2020

Background

Maladaptive defensive responses such as excessive avoidance behavior have received increasing attention as a main mechanism for the development and maintenance of chronic pain complaints. However, another defensive response which is commonly studied in animals as a proxy for fear is freezing behavior. No research to date has investigated human freezing behavior in the context of pain. In addition, there is an increasing realization that social context can affect pain-relevant processes such as pain experience and pain behavior but less is known about the effects of social context on defensive responses to pain. Hence, this study investigated freezing behavior and facial pain expression in the context of pain, and their modulation by social context.

Methods

Healthy, pain-free participants (N = 39) stood on a stabilometric force platform in a threatening or safe social context, which was manipulated using angry or happy facial stimuli. In some trials, an auditory cue (conditioned stimulus; CS) predicted the occurrence of painful electrocutaneous stimulus (unconditioned stimulus; pain-US). We assessed body sway (an index of freezing), heart rate, facial pain expression, self-reported pain intensity, unpleasantness, and pain-US expectancy during the CS and the context alone (no CS).

Results

The results were mixed. Neither the anticipation of pain, nor social context affected body sway. Heart rate and painful facial expression were reduced in the threatening social context at high anxiety levels. A threatening social context also elicited higher pain-US expectancy ratings. In sum, a threatening social context increases the expectation of pain, but reduces the facial expression of pain and lowers heart rate in highly anxious individuals.
Wake‐Up Effect in HfO2‐Based Ferroelectric Films
Authors: Jiang Pengfei , Luo Qing , Xu Xiaoxin , Gong Tiancheng , Yuan Peng , Wang Yuan , Gao Zhaomeng , Wei Wei , Tai Lu , Lv Hangbing
Published: November 2020

HfO2‐based ferroelectric materials are promising candidates for next‐generation nonvolatile memories. Since the first report on Si‐doped HfO2 ferroelectric thin film in 2011, it has been confirmed that various dopants can induce ferroelectricity in HfO2‐based films, and the “wake‐up” effect in HfO2 films with different dopants deposited by different processes has been studied extensively. Recent developments in the wake‐up effect of doped HfO2‐based films are presented. Aside from the differences between the various ferroelectric materials and their deposition methods, the electrodes used in a ferroelectric capacitor, which determine the nature of the interface between the electrode and the ferroelectric layer, can strongly influence the characteristics of the wake‐up effect. The rate of variation of the remanent polarization shows certain trends with different dopants. Based on the wake‐up mechanisms, many methods to optimize and control this effect are presented in this letter. Until now, the reported mechanism explanations of the wake‐up effect all aimed at one type of specific dopant or deposition technique, but can't systematically interpret why the root causes might be different with different dopants and deposition processes. There is also a lack of in‐depth research on the effects of interfacial layer with respect to different electrode material.
Millimeter‐Scale Soft Continuum Robots for Large‐Angle and High‐Precision Manipulation by Hybrid Actuation
Authors: Zhang Tieshan , Yang Liu , Yang Xiong , Tan Rong , Lu Haojian , Shen Yajing
Published: November 2020

Developing small‐scale soft continuum robots with large‐angle steering capacity and high‐precision manipulation offers broad opportunities in various biomedical settings. However, existing continuum robots reach the bottleneck in actuation on account of the contradiction among small size, compliance actuation, large tender range, high precision, and small dynamic error. Herein, a 3D‐printed millimeter‐scale soft continuum robot with an ultrathin hollow skeleton wall (300 μm) and a large inner‐to‐outer ratio (0.8) is reported. After coating a thin ferromagnetic elastomer layer (≈100–150 μm), the proposed soft continuum robot equipped with hybrid actuation (tendon‐ and magnetic‐driven mode) achieves large‐angle (up to 100°) steering and high‐precision (low to 2 μm for static positioning) micromanipulation simultaneously. Specifically, the robot implements an ultralow dynamic tracking error of ≈10 μm, which is ≈30‐fold improved than the state of art. Combined with a microneedle/knife or nasopharyngeal swab, the robot reveals the potential for versatile biomedical applications, such as drug injection on the target tissue, diseased tissue ablation, and COVID‐19 nasopharyngeal sampling. The proposed millimeter‐scale soft continuum robot presents remarkable advances in large‐range and high‐precise actuation, which provides a new method for miniature continuum robot design and finds broad applications in biomedical engineering.
Preparation of conductive polylactic acid/high density polyethylene/carbon black composites with low percolation threshold by locating the carbon black at the Interface of co‐continuous blends
Authors: Luo Yue , Xiong Su‐Ya , Zhang Feng , He Xiao‐Xiang , Lu Xiang , Peng Rui‐Tao
Published: November 2020

In the current study, polylactic acid/high density polyethylene/carbon black (PLA/HDPE/CB) composites are prepared via a two‐step method. A double percolation network with co‐continuous structure and filler distribution at the interface is constructed to design conductive polymer composites with low percolation threshold. The controllable distribution of CB at the interface is achieved by appropriate processing procedures involved mixing sequence and mixing time by taking advantage of the migration of CB from the unfavorable PLA phase to the favorable HDPE phase. Morphology characterization reveals that when the mixing time of the added HDPE is 3 min, the formation of co‐continuous structure of PLA/HDPE (60/40, w/w) is observed, and CB particles migrate to the co‐continuous interface. The electrical conductivity measurement shows that such double percolation conductive network reduces the percolation threshold of PLA/HDPE/CB to 2.42 wt%. The rheological property proves the establishment of particle percolation network, and the rheological percolation threshold is determined as 1.20 wt%. The prepared PLA/HDPE/CB composite by the two‐step method displays a notably low percolation threshold than that prepared by one‐step simultaneous mixing. Moreover, this strategy presents a high potential application in the fabrication of conductive polymer composites involving other miscible multiphase systems.
Thin wall injection‐overmoulding of polyamide 6/polypropylene multilayer parts: PA6/PP‐g‐ma interfacial adhesion investigations
Authors: Lafranche Eric , Macedo Sandra , Ferreira Pedro , Martins Carla I.
Published: November 2020

This work investigates the interfacial adhesion of PA6/PP‐g‐MA in a thin‐walled multilayer part obtained by injection overmoulding. This process is a good solution to the need of weight reduction for the sustainable and economic growth of food packaging. A rigid plastic food package is a complex multilayer structure obtained from the association of polymers with different properties to achieve good barrier, environment, or thermo‐mechanical performance. The present study aims to obtain a complete understanding of the interfacial adhesion of PA6/PP‐g‐MA interface in a three‐layer PA6/sealant/PP assembly through microscopy analysis, mechanical characterization, and inter‐diffusion models. Optical microscopy, XPS, and AFM analyses showed the presence of a copolymer interphase. This layer is greatly dependent on the holding pressure applied, which revealed to be the key parameter to obtain the best results in terms of failure strength. A better interface wettability improves the inter‐diffusion distance and thus chemical grafting efficiency. Other interface improvements were achieved by the addition of EVA in the PP‐g‐MA layer. The lowest viscosity of the EVA dispersed phase has led to a fully cohesive failure due to an interface diffusion efficiency. The presence of EVA increased more than 80% of the peeling performance of the assemblies.
Transmissible cancers in mammals and bivalves: How many examples are there?
Authors: Dujon Antoine M. , Bramwell Georgina , Roche Benjamin , Thomas Frédéric , Ujvari Beata
Published: November 2020

Transmissible cancers are elusive and understudied parasitic life forms caused by malignant clonal cells (nine lineages are known so far). They emerge by completing sequential steps that include breaking cell cooperation, evade anti‐cancer defences and shedding cells to infect new hosts. Transmissible cancers impair host fitness, and their importance as selective force is likely largely underestimated. It is, therefore, crucial to determine how common they might be in the wild. Here, we draw a parallel between the steps required for a transmissible cancer to emerge and the steps required for an intelligent civilisation to emerge in the Milky Way using a modified Drake equation. Using numerical analyses, we estimate the potential number of extant marine and bivalve species in which transmissible cancers might exist. Our results suggest that transmissible cancers are more common than expected, and that new lineages can be found by screening a large number of species.
Molecular dynamic simulations of diacridine binding to DNA: Indications that C6 diacridine can bisintercalate spanning two base pairs
Authors: Rowell Keiran N. , Thomas Donald S. , Ball Graham E. , Wakelin Laurence P. G.
Published: November 2020

Dimers of 9‐aminoacridine linked via the 9‐amino group with polymethylene chains, termed diacridines, are known to bisintercalate into DNA when the linker comprises 6 or more methylene units. There are no literature reports of crystal or NMR solution structures for bisintercalated diacridine‐DNA complexes, and the issue of the structure of the C6 ([CH2]n linker where n = 6) diacridine complex remains unresolved. Previously, based on simple geometric considerations, it was proposed that C6 diacridine could only span a single base pair, which requires that its bifunctional reaction violates the widely‐observed “neighbor exclusion principle” where bound intercalators are separated by at least 2 base pairs. Here we have explored the structure of diacridine‐DNA complexes using unrestrained molecular dynamics in explicit solvent using the parmbsc0 forcefield in AMBER14. We studied the C4 to C8 dimers, intercalated via both the minor and major DNA grooves, to a variety of nucleotide sequences. We find that C6, C7, and C8 diacridine are able to form 2 base pair bisintercalated complexes from either groove, whereas the C4 and C5 homologues cannot. We conclude that C6 diacridine does have the capacity to bisintercalate without violating neighbor exclusion, and that the previous proposed binding model needs revision.
Simultaneous occurrence of Pyoderma Gangrenosum and Palmoplantar Pustular Psoriasis: Is it an association or coincidental findings?
Authors: Pukar Chapagain , Sudha Agrawal , Punam Paudyal
Published: November 2020

Pyoderma Gangrenosum and Palmoplantar Pustular Psoriasis share the common pathogenesis, histological features, age group, and female preponderance that suggests a common etiological link.
Transient spontaneous chylothorax presented with neck pain and swelling in a patient with latent TB: Case report
Authors: Almasri Hussam , Hammamy Riyadh , Alamami Ans , Khalid Shariff Mohamed
Published: November 2020

The aim of this case report is to raise awareness about self‐limited spontaneous chylothorax. Extensive workup for small nontraumatic chylothorax may not be justified.
Hypocalcemia as an important differential diagnosis in patients suffering from stridor following thyroidectomy
Authors: Nitschke Christine , Ghadban Tarek , Izbicki Jakob , Grotelüschen Rainer
Published: November 2020

It is essential to consider hypocalcemia as a cause of stridor, especially following postoperative thyroidectomy, as hypocalcemia secondary to hypoparathyroidism is an important differential diagnosis. Advances in intraoperative technology to optimize the vascularization of the parathyroid glands can help to predict and prevent patients from a postoperative hypoparathyroidism.
Promoting Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Activity of Graphitic Carbon Nitride with Hole‐Transfer Agents
Authors: Indra Arindam , Beltrán‐Suito Rodrigo , Müller Marco , Sivasankaran Ramesh P. , Schwarze Michael , Acharjya Amitava , Pradhan Bapi , Hofkens Johan , Brückner Angelika , Thomas Arne , Menezes Prashanth W. , Driess Matthias
Published: November 2020

Visible light‐driven photocatalytic reduction of protons to H2 is considered a promising way of solar‐to‐chemical energy conversion. Effective transfer of the photogenerated electrons and holes to the surface of the photocatalyst by minimizing their recombination is essential for achieving a high photocatalytic activity. In general, a sacrificial electron donor is used as a hole scavenger to remove photogenerated holes from the valence band for the continuation of the photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) evolution process. Here, for the first time, the hole‐transfer dynamics from Pt‐loaded sol−gel‐prepared graphitic carbon nitride (Pt‐sg‐CN) photocatalyst were investigated using different adsorbed hole acceptors along with a sacrificial agent (ascorbic acid). A significant increment (4.84 times) in H2 production was achieved by employing phenothiazine (PTZ) as the hole acceptor with continuous H2 production for 3 days. A detailed charge‐transfer dynamic of the photocatalytic process in the presence of the hole acceptors was examined by time‐resolved photoluminescence and in situ electron paramagnetic resonance studies.
Fixation of CO2 into Cyclic Carbonates by Halogen‐Bonding Catalysis
Authors: Yan Rui , Chen Kai , Li Zhenjiang , Qu Yuanyuan , Gao Luoyu , Tong Haoying , Li Yongqiang , Li Jie , Hu Yongzhu , Guo Kai
Published: November 2020

Halogen bonding, parallel to hydrogen bonding, was introduced into the catalytic cycloaddition of carbon dioxide into epoxide (CCE) reactions. A series of halogen‐bond donor (XBD) catalysts of N‐iodopyridinium halide featured with N−I bond were synthesized and evaluated in CCE reactions. The optimal XBD catalyst, 4‐(dimethylamino)‐N‐iodopyridinium bromide ([DMAPI]Br), under screened conditions at 100 °C, ambient pressure, and 1 mol % catalyst loading, realized 93 % conversion of styrene oxide into cyclic carbonate in 6 h. The substrate scope was successfully extended with excellent yields (mostly ≥93 %) and quantitative selectivity (more than 99 %). 1H NMR spectroscopy of the catalyst [DMAPI]Br on substrate epoxide certified that the N−I bond directly coordinated with the epoxide oxygen. A plausible mechanism of halogen‐bonding catalysis was proposed, in which the DMAPI cation functioned as halogen‐bond donor to activate the epoxide, and the counter anion bromide attacked the methylene carbon to initiate the ring‐opening of the epoxide. CCE reactions promoted by N‐iodopyridinium halide, exemplify a first case of halogen‐bonding catalysis in epoxide activation and CO2 transformation.
Campus officials express dissatisfaction with COVID‐19 safety precautions on campus
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: November 2020

More than 60% of campus officials surveyed have given their institution a C grade or lower for their reopening plans, including safety precautions, in the midst of COVID‐19. That finding comes from a recent Kaplan survey, which collected responses from 300 college admissions officers to grade the efforts made by their institution to reopen safely and effectively during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
A new tale of lost tails: Correlates of tail breakage in the worm lizard Amphisbaena vermicularis
Authors: Guedes Jhonny J. M. , Costa Henrique C. , Moura Mario R.
Published: November 2020

Predator–prey interactions are important evolutionary drivers of defensive behaviors, but they are usually difficult to record. This lack of data on natural history and ecological interactions of species can be overcome through museum specimens, at least for some reptiles. When facing aggressive interactions, reptile species may exhibit the defensive behavior of autotomy by losing the tail, which is also known as “urotomy”. The inspection of preserved specimens for scars of tail breakage can reveal possible ecological and biological correlates of urotomy. Herein, we investigated how the probability of urotomy in the worm lizard Amphisbaena vermicularis is affected by sex, body size, temperature, and precipitation. We found higher chances of urotomy for specimens with larger body size and from localities with warmer temperatures or lower precipitation. There was no difference in urotomy frequency between sexes. Older specimens likely faced – and survived – more predation attempts through their lifetime than smaller ones. Specimens from warmer regions might be more active both below‐ and aboveground, increasing the odds to encounter predators and hence urotomy. Probability of urotomy decreased with increased precipitation. Possibly, in places with heavier rainfall worm lizards come more frequently to the surface when galleries are filled with rainwater, remaining more exposed to efficient predators, which could result in less survival rates and fewer tailless specimens. This interesting defensive behavior is widespread in squamates, but yet little understood among amphisbaenians. The novel data presented here improve our understanding on the correlates of tail breakage and help us to interpret more tales of lost tails.
Supplementation with Docosahexaenoic Acid and Vitamin E Improves Hepatic Triglyceride Accumulation Induced by High‐Fat Diet in Mice
Authors: Yuan Gaofeng , Xu Mengmeng , Tan Meijuan , Dong Jian , Chen Xiaoe
Published: November 2020

The study aims to investigate the effect of combined supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n‐3, DHA) and vitamin E (VE) on the oxidative stress and liver triglycerides (TG) accumulation induced by high‐fat diet (HFD) in mice. C57BL/6J mice are fed either a control diet or an HFD for 8 weeks. Animals are supplemented with DHA, VE, or DHA + VE, respectively. Supplementation with DHA alone shows significant improvement in oxidative stress and hepatic steatosis in mice. Supplementation with DHA significantly reduces the liver TG and total cholesterol contents, and the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, compared with the HFD. Supplementation with DHA also significantly decreases the mRNA expression level of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1C. However, supplementation with VE alone does not show improvement in oxidative stress and hepatic steatosis. DHA + VE supply obtains a superior effect in alleviation of hepatic steatosis than DHA supplementation alone in mice fed by HFD. The efficacy of DHA potentiated by VE can be due to that VE enhances the effect of DHA in decrease of ALT and AST levels and increase of antioxidant enzyme activity and glutathione level in mice fed by HFD.

Practical Applications: Supplementation with DHA significantly improves the oxidative stress and hepatic steatosis induced by HFD in mice. The efficacy of DHA in the alleviation of hepatic steatosis induced by HFD is potentiated by VE. These findings may provide a rational basis for the use of DHA and VE co‐supplementation in patients with liver steatosis.
The evolution of European economic institutions during the COVID‐19 crisis
Authors: Camous Antoine , Claeys Grégory
Published: November 2020

This article argues that the incomplete economic and institutional integration of the euro area has exposed the monetary union to increasing economic divergence, which could be deepened by the COVID‐19 crisis. We discuss how monetary and fiscal measures implemented at the onset of the pandemic have contributed to mitigate the economic consequences of lockdowns, but provided limited insurance to narrow economic gaps across member countries. However, EU countries agreed on July 21, 2020 to develop, for the first time, countercyclical fiscal transfers financed by common debt issuance. We discuss the potential of this instrument to contribute to improve the resilience of the eurozone.
Effect of astragaloside on diaphragm cell apoptosis in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Wang Li , Tan Yan , Gao Lin , Lei Jing , Chen Chen , Shi Yi
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to discuss the effects and relative mechanisms of astragaloside (AST) on diaphragm cell apoptosis in mice with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Materials and methods

The mouse models of COPD were established by passive smoking. The pathological changes in lung and diaphragm tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and evaluating the number of apoptotic cells of the diaphragm via a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labeling assay. The relative protein expression levels of AKT, p‐AKT, caspase‐3, and caspase‐9 were measured through immunohistochemistry and Western blot assay.

Results

In comparison with the normal control mice, the pathological change and number of apoptotic cells deteriorated in the lung and diaphragm tissues of COPD model mice. With AST supplement, the pathological change and the number of apoptotic cells significantly improved (p < .05). With AKT inhibitor intervention, the effects of AST treatment disappeared. p‐AKT, caspase‐3, and caspase‐9 protein expression was stimulated in the model group but was depressed in the AST‐treated groups.

Conclusion

Our in vivo study revealed that AST improved COPD‐induced diaphragm apoptosis by regulating and depressing AKT activities.
Meaningfulness of work and supervisory‐rated job performance: A moderated‐mediation model
Authors: Fürstenberg Nils , Alfes Kerstin , Shantz Amanda
Published: November 2020

Meaningfulness of work has been heralded as one of the most important drivers of individual and organizational outcomes. However, the extent to which this critical psychological state manifests itself in the workplace and contributes to positive job performance is not yet fully understood. In this article, we draw from broaden‐and‐build theory to suggest that meaningfulness enhances employees' promotive voice behaviors, which in turn are positively related to job performance ratings by their leaders. We also suggest that leader–member relationships strengthen this mediational process. An analysis of survey data of 249 employees with matched lagged performance appraisal data supported our hypotheses. This study is important because it demonstrates that meaningfulness is not only associated with positive attitudinal responses and individual well‐being, but also holds value for organizations in that it fosters desirable workplace behaviors such as job performance.
Estimating Sustainable Fish Production: Effect on Fish Consumption Rates Used to Develop Remediation Goals at Contaminated Sediment Sites
Authors: Pfeiffer Danielle , Anderson Paul D
Published: November 2020

The long-term fish consumption rate (also referred to as the “usual fish consumption rate” [UFCR]) is a critical assumption in the derivation of human health remedial goals for contaminated sediments. At many sites, remedial goals are established using fish consumption rates based on information available from surveys of the general population or of specific highly exposed populations. To be protective of human health, remedial goals are often established using those high-end fish consumption rates. However, high-end fish consumption rates may overestimate the amount of fish that can be sustainably harvested and consumed and, thus, lead to remedial goals that may not be representative of long-term consumption from the contaminated portion of a water body. This paper presents a methodology to estimate the amount of edible fish that can be harvested sustainably from a contaminated sediment site. The methodology requires 1) estimating the total fish productivity of the area of contaminated sediments, 2) estimating the portion of total productivity that can be harvested sustainably, and 3) determining the portion of the sustainable harvest that is edible fish tissue. Estimates of total fish production rate (TFPR) and the proportion of such harvest that can be harvested sustainably rely primarily on available compilations of TFPR and harvest measurements across a range of water bodies throughout the world. Estimates of the fraction of whole fresh fish that is consumed rely on information available from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The methodology is used to develop sustainable UFCRs for 4 hypothetical water bodies with distinct characteristics and to compare the UFCRs to commonly used default fish consumption rates. Estimates of sustainable production provide risk managers valuable perspective about the benefits realized by cleanup of contaminated sediment sites. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:584–596. © 2020 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Risk assessments that consider fish consumption exposures at contaminated sites do not generally consider whether the fish consumption rate used to estimate risk can be sustained for the long term. This paper presents a method to estimate site-specific sustainable long-term fish consumption rates for contaminated sites. The methodology incorporates the long established and accepted concept that fish production is limited and that only a fraction of that production can be sustainably harvested, thus limiting the amount of fish that can be produced, affected by, and consumed from a contaminated site. Application of this methodology showed that small contaminated sites are unlikely to sustain even a single person eating fish at a high-end consumption rate, whereas consumption rates at larger contaminated sites may be limited by the total number of people eating fish from that water body.