bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of physical parameters and temperature on the piezo-electric jetting behaviour of UV-curable photochromic inks
Authors: Seipel Sina , Yu Junchun , Nierstrasz Vincent A.
Published: November 2020

Although resource-efficient processes like inkjet printing have a large potential to foster the development of smart and functional textiles, one bottleneck still is the development of functional inks. To make inkjet printing and UV curing given production techniques for smart and functional specialty products, e.g. photochromic textiles, deepened knowledge about the development, rheological behavior and jetting behavior of functional ink is needed. This paper focuses on the formulation and performance of UV-responsive and UV-curable inkjet inks, which are based on photochromic dyes and their application to produce UV-responsive textiles. Two commercial photochromic dyes—Reversacol Ruby Red (RR) and Sea Green (SG), which represent dyes of the naphthopyran and spirooxazine class, respectively, have been used to develop the inks. The photochromic inks are characterized according to their physical–chemical and rheological properties in respect to temperature. The influence of temperature on the drop formation of the inks in an industrial print head is analyzed using a high-speed camera, which reveals important information regarding challenges in ink jettability. It was found that the dye structure and type used in the ink can influence the jetting behavior of photochromic UV-curable ink. More pronounced temperature sensitivity of dyes can increase the temperature-related effects of drop formation as was observed for SG ink. The printability of the RR and SG inks is framed and underpinned by theoretical calculations of theZnumber. Discrepancies are observed and discussed between existing theory of ink jettability and visual evaluation of the photochromic ink.
Probiotic supplementation in marathonists and its impact on lymphocyte population and function after a marathon: a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study
Authors: Batatinha Helena , Tavares-Silva Edgar , Leite Geovana S. F. , Resende Ayane S. , Albuquerque José A. T. , Arslanian Christina , Fock Ricardo A. , Lancha Antônio H. , Lira Fabio S. , Krüger Karsten , Thomatieli-Santos Ronaldo , Rosa-Neto José C.
Published: November 2020

Probiotic supplementation arises as playing an immune-stimulatory role. High-intensity and -volume exercise can inhibit immune cell function, which threatens athletic performance and recovery. We hypothesized that 30 days of probiotic supplementation could stabilize the immune system of athletes preventing immune suppression after a marathon race. Twenty-seven male marathonists were double-blinded randomly into probiotic (Bifidobacterium-animalis-subsp.-Lactis (10 × 109) and Lactobacillus-Acidophilus (10 × 109) + 5 g of maltodextrin) and placebo (5 g of maltodextrin) group. They received 30 sachets and supplemented 1 portion/day during 30 days before the race. Blood were collected 30 days before (rest), 1 day before (pre), 1 h after (post) and 5 days after the race (recovery). Both chronic and acute exercise modulated a different T lymphocyte population (CD3+CD4−CD8− T-cells), increasing pre-race, decreasing post and returning to rest values at the recovery. The total number of CD8 T cell and the memory subsets statistically decreased only in the placebo group post-race. Pro-inflammatory cytokine production by stimulated lymphocytes decreased in the probiotic group after the supplementation period. 30 days of probiotic supplementation maintained CD8 T cell and effector memory cell population and played an immunomodulatory role in stimulated lymphocytes. Both, training and marathon modulated a non-classical lymphocyte population regardless of probiotic supplementation.
Effect of dissolved-gas concentration on bulk nanobubbles generation using ultrasonication
Authors: Lee Jeong Il , Yim Byung-Seung , Kim Jong-Min
Published: November 2020

In this study, the effects of dissolved-gas concentration in liquid water on the nucleation and growth of bubbles and nanobubble (NB) generation were investigated by measuring the concentration and size distribution of NBs. Three types of liquids with different dissolved-gas concentrations—undersaturated, saturated, and supersaturated deionized (DI) water—were prepared, and NBs were generated via ultrasonic irradiation. As the dissolved-gas concentration increased, a large number of bubbles with relatively large diameters (several tens of micrometers or more) were generated, but the NB concentration decreased. The surface tension decreased with an increase in the dissolved gas concentration, and thus, the tensile strength which required for bubble growth became lower. Therefore, there were barely any NBs in supersaturated conditions because of the accelerated nucleation and bubble growth.
Subacute exposure to di-isononyl phthalate alters the morphology, endocrine function, and immune system in the colon of adult female mice
Authors: Chiu Karen , Bashir Shah Tauseef , Nowak Romana A. , Mei Wenyan , Flaws Jodi A.
Published: November 2020

Di-isononyl phthalate (DiNP), a common plasticizer used in polyvinyl chloride products, exhibits endocrine-disrupting capabilities. It is also toxic to the brain, reproductive system, liver, and kidney. However, little is known about how DiNP impacts the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). It is crucial to understand how DiNP exposure affects the GIT because humans are primarily exposed to DiNP through the GIT. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that subacute exposure to DiNP dysregulates cellular, endocrine, and immunological aspects in the colon of adult female mice. To test this hypothesis, adult female mice were dosed with vehicle control or DiNP doses ranging from 0.02 to 200 mg/kg for 10–14 days. After the treatment period, mice were euthanized during diestrus, and colon tissue samples were subjected to morphological, biochemical, and hormone assays. DiNP exposure significantly increased histological damage in the colon compared to control. Exposure to DiNP also significantly decreased sICAM-1 levels, increased Tnf expression, decreased a cell cycle regulator (Ccnb1), and increased apoptotic factors (Aifm1 and Bcl2l10) in the colon compared to control. Colon-extracted lipids revealed that DiNP exposure significantly decreased estradiol levels compared to control. Collectively, these data indicate that subacute exposure to DiNP alters colon morphology and physiology in adult female mice.
Numerical analysis of thermal conductive hybrid nanofluid flow over the surface of a wavy spinning disk
Authors: Ahmadian Ali , Bilal Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Altaf , Asjad Muhammad Imran
Published: November 2020

A three dimensional (3D) numerical solution of unsteady, Ag-MgO hybrid nanoliquid flow with heat and mass transmission caused by upward/downward moving of wavy spinning disk has been scrutinized. The magnetic field has been also considered. The hybrid nanoliquid has been synthesized in the presence of Ag-MgO nanoparticles. The purpose of the study is to improve the rate of thermal energy transmission for several industrial purposes. The wavy rotating surface increases the heat transmission rate up to 15%, comparatively to the flat surface. The subsequent arrangement of modeled equations is diminished into dimensionless differential equation. The obtained system of equations is further analytically expounded via Homotopy analysis method HAM and the numerical Parametric continuation method (PCM) method has been used for the comparison of the outcomes. The results are graphically presented and discussed. It has been presumed that the geometry of spinning disk positively affects the velocity and thermal energy transmission. The addition of hybrid nanoparticles (silver and magnesium-oxide) significantly improved thermal property of carrier fluid. It uses is more efficacious to overcome low energy transmission. Such as, it provides improvement in thermal performance of carrier fluid, which play important role in power generation, hyperthermia, micro fabrication, air conditioning and metallurgical field.
Signatures of natural selection and ethnic-specific prevalence of NPC1 pathogenic mutations contributing to obesity and Niemann–Pick disease type C1
Authors: Chiorean Andreea , Garver William S. , Meyre David
Published: November 2020

While homozygous pathogenic mutations in the NPC1 gene cause Niemann-Pick type C1 disease, heterozygous mutations cause highly-penetrant obesity. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of NPC1 mutations and their signatures of natural selection in 122,678 exome sequenced participants from six ethnic groups in the Genome Aggregation Database. Pathogenic missense coding mutations were identified by in silico tools and the ClinVar database. Signatures of natural selection were assessed by the probability of NPC1 being loss-of-function mutation intolerant and Z-scores of observed/expected synonymous and non-synonymous mutation ratios. There was no evidence of negative selection observed for synonymous, non-synonymous and loss-of-function mutations. However, there were significant ethnic differences in the prevalence of heterozygous pathogenic NPC1 mutations ranging from 0.56% in Ashkenazi Jewish to 3.26% in African/African Americans (5.8-fold difference). Four homozygous carriers of pathogenic NPC1 mutations were also identified, belonging to the South Asian population. In conclusion, NPC1 mutations are consistent with a model of balanced selection, where heterozygotes and homozygotes have higher and lower reproductive fitness, respectively. Therefore, NPC1 heterozygous mutations may account for a substantial and ethnic-dependent percentage of obesity in the general population, while NPC1 homozygous mutations may be frequent in the South Asian populations and warrants more investigation.
Mass spectrometric quantitation of AGEs and enzymatic crosslinks in human cancellous bone
Authors: Arakawa Shoutaro , Suzuki Ryusuke , Kurosaka Daisaburo , Ikeda Ryo , Hayashi Hiroteru , Kayama Tomohiro , Ohno Rei-ichi , Nagai Ryoji , Marumo Keishi , Saito Mitsuru
Published: November 2020

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) deteriorate bone strength. Among over 40 species identified in vivo, AGEs other than pentosidine were roughly estimated as total fluorescent AGEs (tfAGEs) due to technical difficulties. Using LC-QqTOF-MS, we established a system that enabled the quantitation of five AGEs (CML, CEL, MG-H1, CMA and pentosidine) as well as two mature and three immature enzymatic crosslinks. Human bone samples were collected from 149 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty. Their clinical parameters were collected to investigate parameters that may be predictive of AGE accumulation. All the analytes were quantitated and showed significant linearity with high sensitivity and precision. The results showed that MG-H1 was the most abundant AGE, whereas pentosidine was 1/200–1/20-fold less abundant than the other four AGEs. The AGEs were significantly and strongly correlated with pentosidine, while showing moderate correlation with tfAGEs. Interestingly, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that gender contributed most to the accumulation of all the AGEs, followed by age, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b and HbA1c. Furthermore, the AGEs were negatively correlated with immature crosslinks. Mass spectrometric quantitation of AGEs and enzymatic crosslinks is crucial to a better understanding of ageing- and disease-related deterioration of bone strength.
The magnitude and extent of edge effects on vascular epiphytes across the Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Parra-Sanchez Edicson , Banks-Leite Cristina
Published: November 2020

Edge effects are ubiquitous landscape processes influencing over 70% of forest cover worldwide. However, little is known about how edge effects influence the vertical stratification of communities in forest fragments. We combined a spatially implicit and a spatially explicit approach to quantify the magnitude and extent of edge effects on canopy and understorey epiphytic plants in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Within the human-modified landscape, species richness, species abundance and community composition remained practically unchanged along the interior-edge gradient, pointing to severe biotic homogenisation at all strata. This is because the extent of edge effects reached at least 500 m, potentially leaving just 0.24% of the studied landscape unaffected by edges. We extrapolated our findings to the entire Atlantic Forest and found that just 19.4% of the total existing area is likely unaffected by edge effects and provide suitable habitat conditions for forest-dependent epiphytes. Our results suggest that the resources provided by the current forest cover might be insufficient to support the future of epiphyte communities. Preserving large continuous ‘intact’ forests is probably the only effective conservation strategy for vascular epiphytes.
Efficient charge separation and visible-light response of two-dimensional Janus group-III monochalcogenide multilayers
Authors: Bai Yujie , Guan Rongfeng , Zhang Haiyang , Zhang Qinfang , Xu Ning
Published: November 2020

The Janus group-III monochalcogenide multilayers with enhanced built-in electric field exhibit excellent performance in harvesting sunlight and efficient separation of electron–hole pairs.
Mechanistic insights of selective syngas conversion over Zn grafted on ZSM-5 zeolite
Authors: Chen Wei , Acharya Dinesh , Liu Zhiqiang , Yi Xianfeng , Xiao Yao , Tang Xiaomin , Peng Wenli , Zheng Anmin
Published: November 2020

On the basis of syngas conversion mechanism over Zn2+-ion exchanged ZSM-5 zeolite, the reaction pathways, reaction intermediates and transition states were determined clearly.
Conversion of syngas into light olefins over bifunctional ZnCeZrO/SAPO-34 catalysts: regulation of the surface oxygen vacancy concentration and its relation to the catalytic performance
Authors: Luo Yaoya , Wang Sen , Guo Shujia , Yuan Kai , Wang Hao , Dong Mei , Qin Zhangfeng , Fan Weibin , Wang Jianguo
Published: November 2020

Surface oxygen vacancies can improve the formation of methanol intermediates and promote their evolution into olefin products for syngas-to-olefins over Zn0.5CeZrOx/SAPO-34.
Dinuclear uranium(vi) salen coordination compound: an efficient visible-light-active catalyst for selective reduction of CO2 to methanol
Authors: Azam Mohammad , Kumar Umesh , Olowoyo Joshua O. , Al-Resayes Saud I. , Trzesowska-Kruszynska Agata , Kruszynski Rafal , Islam Mohammad Shahidul , Khan Mohammad Rizwan , Adil S. F. , Siddiqui Mohammad Rafique , Al-Harthi Fahad Ahmed , Alinzi Abdul Karim , Wabaidur Saikh Mohammad , Siddiqui Masoom Raza , Shaik Mohammed Rafi , Jain Suman L. , Farkhondehfal M. Amin , Hernàndez Simelys
Published: November 2020

The newly synthesized dinuclear uranyl salen coordination compound showed excellent photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to methanol.
IntroducingN-,P-, andS-donor leaving groups: an investigation of the chemical and biological properties of ruthenium, rhodium and iridium thiopyridone piano stool complexes
Authors: Harringer Sophia , Wernitznig Debora , Gajic Natalie , Diridl Andreas , Wenisch Dominik , Hejl Michaela , Jakupec Michael A. , Theiner Sarah , Koellensperger Gunda , Kandioller Wolfgang , Keppler Bernhard K.
Published: November 2020

The impact of different leaving groups on stability and anticancer properties of 15 thiopyridone-based RuII, RhIIIor IrIIIorganometallics has been investigated.
Tuning of the phase transition between site selective SCO and intermetallic ET in trimetallic magnetic cyanido-bridged clusters
Authors: Kobylarczyk Jedrzej , Liberka Michal , Stanek Jan J. , Sieklucka Barbara , Podgajny Robert
Published: November 2020

[Re(CN)8]3− and [W(CN)8]3− compete in shaping the phase transition and magnetic interactions in trimetallic {Fe9[Re(CN)8]6−x[W(CN)8]x} clusters via tuning of the valence electron distribution and mobility.
Protective effects of tryptophan-catabolizing Lactobacillus plantarum KLDS 1.0386 against dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice
Authors: Shi Jialu , Du Peng , Xie Qinggang , Wang Nana , Li Huizhen , Smith Etareri Evivie , Li Chun , Liu Fei , Huo Guicheng , Li Bailiang
Published: November 2020

L. plantarum KLDS 1.0386 combined with tryptophan alleviates ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) by increasing the level of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), stimulating the AHR/IL-22/STAT3 signaling pathway and regulating gut microbiota in mice.
Tailored N-doped porous carbons via a MOF assembly process for high-performance CO2 uptake
Authors: Gai Fangyuan , Zhu Dongying , Wu Yunhuan , Zhao Xiaogang , Liang Changhai , Liu Zhenguo , Liu Yunling , Wang Tonghua
Published: November 2020

By assembling MOF with biomass as a co-carbonization precursor, the porosity and pyrrolic-N content of N-doped porous carbons have been precisely regulated for high-performance CO2 uptake.
Identification of LASSBio-1945 as an inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (MPRO) through in silico screening supported by molecular docking and a fragment-based pharmacophore model
Authors: Franco Lucas S. , Maia Rodolfo C. , Barreiro Eliezer J.
Published: November 2020

A SARS-CoV-2 main protease (MPRO) inhibitor was discovered employing molecular docking and a fragment-based pharmacophore model as virtual screening strategies.
Scalable colloidal synthesis of Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 plate-like particles give access to a high-performing n-type thermoelectric material for low temperature application
Authors: Chauhan Nagendra S. , Lebedev Oleg I. , Kovnir Kirill , Pyrlin Sergey V. , Marques Luis S. A. , Ramos Marta M. D. , Korgel Brian A. , Kolen'ko Yury V.
Published: November 2020

High average ZT in bulk nanostructured Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 alloys synthesized from colloidal nanoplatelets for low temperature thermoelectric application.
Computational investigation of Zn-doped and undoped SrEu2Fe2O7 as potential mixed electron and proton conductors
Authors: Jin Zongzi , Peng Ranran , Xia Yunpeng , Wang Zhenbin , Liu Wei
Published: November 2020

Density functional theory calculations are employed to investigate the formation and conducting behaviors of oxygen vacancies and proton defects in Ruddlesden–Popper oxide SrEu2Fe2O7.
Operando soft X-ray absorption spectroscopic study on microporous carbon-supported sulfur cathodes
Authors: Xiao Yao , Yamamoto Kentaro , Matsui Yukiko , Watanabe Toshiki , Nakanishi Koji , Uchiyama Tomoki , Shingubara Shoso , Ishikawa Masashi , Watanabe Masayoshi , Uchimoto Yoshiharu
Published: November 2020

The reaction mechanism of the sulfur cathode in the microporous carbon during discharge was observed by operando XAS.
Fast microflow kinetics and acid catalyst deactivation in glucose conversion to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Chen Tai-Ying , Cheng Ziwei , Desir Pierre , Saha Basudeb , Vlachos Dionisios G.
Published: November 2020

Continuous flow microreactors operating at short residence times and high temperatures can give high HMF productivity and contribute to process intensification of biorefineries.
Density-functional tight-binding for phosphine-stabilized nanoscale gold clusters
Authors: Vuong Van Quan , Madridejos Jenica Marie L. , Aradi Bálint , Sumpter Bobby G. , Metha Gregory F. , Irle Stephan
Published: November 2020

We report a parameterization of the density-functional tight-binding (DFTB) method for the accurate prediction of molecular, electronic and vibrational structure of phosphine-ligated nanoscale gold clusters, metalloids, and gold surfaces.
Biomimetic hydrogen-bonding cascade for chemical activation: telling a nucleophile from a base
Authors: Park Hyunchang , Lee Dongwhan
Published: November 2020

Biomimetic cascade hydrogen bonds promote covalent capture of a nucleophile by polarizing the electrophilic reaction site, while suppressing non-productive acid–base chemistry as the competing reaction pathway.
Cross dehydrogenative C–O coupling catalysed by a catenane-coordinated copper(i)
Authors: Zhu Lihui , Li Jiasheng , Yang Jun , Au-Yeung Ho Yu
Published: November 2020

The use of a catenane-supported copper(i) complex for the cross dehydrogenative C–O coupling of phenols and bromodicarbonyls is described.
Atomistic fibrillar architectures of polar prion-inspired heptapeptides
Authors: Peccati Francesca , Díaz-Caballero Marta , Navarro Susanna , Rodríguez-Santiago Luis , Ventura Salvador , Sodupe Mariona
Published: November 2020

This article provides the computational prediction of the atomistic architectures resulting from self-assembly of the polar heptapeptide sequences NYNYNYN, SYSYSYS and GYGYGYG.
Responsive drop method: quantitativein situdetermination of surfactant effectiveness using reconfigurable Janus emulsions
Authors: Djalali Saveh , Frank Bradley D. , Zeininger Lukas
Published: November 2020

A time- and sample-saving ‘responsive drop method’ for thein situquantification of interfacial tension and the determination of critical micelle concentrations of classical and stimuli-responsive surfactants is reported.
Vanadium oxynitrides as stable catalysts for electrochemical reduction of nitrogen to ammonia: the role of oxygen
Authors: Pan Jaysree , Hansen Heine Anton , Vegge Tejs
Published: November 2020

The computational study of vanadium oxynitride (VON) establishes the nitrogen reduction pathway in oxynitrides and the mixed anions' role, leading to improved stability of the active surface-states, activity, and selectivity over hydrogen evolution.
Nucleosynthesis imprints from different Type Ia supernova explosion scenarios and implications for galactic chemical evolution
Authors: Lach F. , Röpke F. K. , Seitenzahl I. R. , Coté B. , Gronow S. , Ruiter A. J.
Published: November 2020

We analyze the nucleosynthesis yields of various Type Ia supernova explosion simulations including pure detonations in sub-Chandrasekhar mass white dwarfs; double detonations and pure helium detonations of sub-Chandrasekhar mass white dwarfs with an accreted helium envelope; a violent merger model of two white dwarfs; and deflagrations and delayed detonations in Chandrasekhar mass white dwarfs. We focus on the iron peak elements Mn, Zn, and Cu. To this end, we also briefly review the different burning regimes and production sites of these elements, as well as the results of abundance measurements and several galactic chemical evolution studies. We find that super-solar values of [Mn/Fe] are not restricted to Chandrasekhar mass explosion models. Scenarios including a helium detonation can significantly contribute to the production of Mn, in particular the models proposed for calcium-rich transients. Although Type Ia supernovae are often not accounted for as production sites of Zn and Cu, our models involving helium shell detonations can produce these elements in super-solar ratios relative to Fe. Our results suggest a re-consideration of Type Ia supernova yields in galactic chemical evolution models. A detailed comparison with observations can provide new insight into the progenitor and explosion channels of these events.
Experimental investigation of the low-frequency impact sound transfer function of lightweight wooden floors via heel drops
Authors: Qin Yi , Tan Jin Jack , Hornikx Maarten
Published: November 2020

The lightweight floor is a popular construction choice in buildings despite its poor low-frequency impact sound performance. This is exacerbated by common human activities, such as walking and jumping, that have high input force levels at low frequencies. Therefore, experimental evaluations of the low-frequency impact sound performance of a wooden lightweight floor are of interest to designers and researchers. The aim of this paper is to explore the use of heel drop for impact sound transfer measurement. An impact force plate has been built to accurately measure the heel-drop forces up to 200 Hz and the performances on two types of floors are evaluated. The heel drop has a higher energy level at low frequencies, resulting in higher coherence and signal-to-noise ratio and hence superior performance in characterizing the floors in the frequency range of below 40 Hz when compared to the impact hammer. Interestingly, in the case of a heel-drop excitation, the first natural frequencies of the floor decrease. It is in contrast to when a human is simply standing on it, which resulted in an increase of the natural frequencies upon impact hammer excitation.
Regard clinique sur l’étude des symptômes dépressifs et des pensées suicidaires chez des adolescents canadiens
Authors: Labelle Réal , Tisseyre Lalou , Lacourse Éric , Paquin Stéphane , Herba Catherine M.
Published: November 2020

Cette réflexion vise à dégager un sens clinique aux résultats obtenus d’une étude empirique réalisée à partir d’un vaste échantillon d’adolescents canadiens de l’Enquête longitudinale nationale sur les enfants et les jeunes (ELNEJ). La réflexion débouche sur des interprétations voulant que les jeunes les plus vulnérables aux symptômes dépressifs finissent par présenter soit des problèmes extériorisés, soit des problèmes mixtes (extériorisé/intériorisé) avec dévalorisation de soi. Une faible estime de soi semble une variable cardinale associée à l’apparition des pensées suicidaires. Pour aider ces jeunes et leur entourage, les auteurs proposent d’orienter les efforts vers une prévention individualisée axée sur l’apprentissage de compétences psychosociales visant l’adolescent dans son milieu de vie.
Améliorer le coping des jeunes pour prévenir le suicide
Authors: Mishara Brian L.
Published: November 2020

Le comportement suicidaire peut être perçu comme une stratégie de coping utilisée pour composer avec des situations très souffrantes, incontournables et inévitables. Les recherches indiquent que les jeunes qui ont fait une tentative de suicide, en comparaison avec des jeunes qui ont vécu des situations difficiles semblables, et qui n’ont pas fait une tentative de suicide, peuvent imaginer moins de stratégies de coping dans des situations négatives hypothétiques, et font preuve d’un moins grand répertoire de stratégies de coping. Il existe actuellement des programmes scolaires pour apprendre aux enfants les stratégies de coping. À titre d’exemple, le programme Les amis de Zippy enseigne aux enfants âgés de cinq à sept ans à élargir leur répertoire de stratégies de coping. Actuellement, plus de 1,8 million d’enfants dans 30 pays ont participé à ce programme et des recherches dans cinq pays montrent que la participation au programme entraîne une amélioration des stratégies de coping. Un nouveau programme nommé Passeport : S’équiper pour la vie et s’adressant aux enfants de 4e et 5e années de l’école primaire (9 à 11 ans), renforce l’utilisation des stratégies de coping. Bref, l’auteur avance que si tous les enfants ont l’occasion d’apprendre à améliorer leur répertoire de stratégies de coping, l’incidence des comportements suicidaires à l’adolescence et à l’âge adulte diminuera significativement.
Retour d’expérience comme doctorante et post-doctorante en recherche et clinique. Colloque de Montréal, deux jours inspirants
Authors: Boudjerida Assia , Rassy Jessica
Published: November 2020

En 2019 s’est déroulé le colloque franco-canadien réunissant des chercheurs et des professionnels de la santé mentales des deux continents. Plusieurs études ont été présentées menant à des réflexions stimulantes. Dans ce texte, une doctorante et post-doctorante décrivent leur expérience et présentent les impacts positifs de leur participation sur leur parcours académique et professionnel. Ce fut un privilège pour la relève de côtoyer ces experts dans le cadre de cet événement.
Nonoperative Management for T2 Low Rectal Cancer: A Western Approach
Authors: Fernandez Laura Melina , São Julião Guilherme Pagin , Vailati Bruna Borba , Habr-Gama Angelita , Perez Rodrigo Oliva
Published: November 2020

The possibility of organ preservation in early rectal cancer has gained popularity during recent years. Patients with early tumor stage and low risk for local recurrence do not usually require neoadjuvant chemoradiation for oncological reasons. However, these patients may be considered for chemoradiation exclusively for the purpose of achieving a complete clinical response and avoid total mesorectal excision. In addition, cT2 tumors may be more likely to develop complete response to neoadjuvant therapy and may constitute ideal candidates for organ-preserving strategies. In the setting where the use of chemoradiation is exclusively used to avoid major surgery, one should consider maximizing tumor response. In this article, we will focus on the rationale, indications, and outcomes of patients with early rectal cancer being treated by neoadjuvant chemoradiation to achieve organ preservation by avoiding total mesorectal excision.
Magnetic field–boosted superconductivity
Authors: de Visser Anne
Published: November 2020

Although a magnetic field gradually destroys the superconducting state in most materials, a small family of uranium compounds bucks the trend.
Soft electronics with liquid-metal veins
Authors: Fortais Adam
Published: November 2020

Deformable circuits whose resistance changes when stretched could set the stage for bio-inspired robots and soft tactile logic devices.
A New Strategy for the Synthesis of Organosilicon Compounds of Cyclopropane Derivatives
Authors: Gholizadeh Saeed , Safa Kazem D. , Noroozi Pesyan Nader
Published: November 2020

The one-pot reaction of tetra-substituted cyclopropyl benzyl bromide with tris(trimethylsilyl)methyllithium (TsiLi) and carbon disulfide resulted in 3-(4-((((trimethylsilyl)ethynyl)thio)methyl)phenyl)cyclopropane-1,1,2,2-tetracarbonitrile (3) and 3-(4-((trimethylsilyl)methyl)phenyl)cyclopropane-1,2-dicarbonitrile (4) in excellent yield. The reaction in the absence of carbon disulfide yielded 3-(4-(2,2,2-tris(trimethylsilyl)ethyl)phenyl)cyclopropane-1,1,2,2-tetracarbonitrile (5) in excellent yield at 0°C to room temperature. All structures were characterised by IR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopies. The reaction mechanisms are discussed.
Genome-wide mutational signatures revealed distinct developmental paths for human B cell lymphomas
Authors: Ye Xiaofei , Ren Weicheng , Liu Dongbing , Li Xiaobo , Li Wei , Wang Xianhuo , Meng Fei-Long , Yeap Leng-Siew , Hou Yong , Zhu Shida , Casellas Rafael , Zhang Huilai , Wu Kui , Pan-Hammarström Qiang
Published: November 2020

Both somatic hypermutation (SHM) and class switch recombination (CSR) are initiated by activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID). Dysregulation of these processes has been linked to B cell lymphomagenesis. Here we performed an in-depth analysis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL) genomes. We characterized seven genomic mutational signatures, including two B cell tumor-specific signatures, one of which is novel and associated with aberrant SHM. We further identified two major mutational signatures (K1 and K2) of clustered mutations (kataegis) resulting from the activities of AID or error-prone DNA polymerase η, respectively. K1 was associated with the immunoglobulin (Ig) switch region mutations/translocations and the ABC subtype of DLBCL, whereas K2 was related to the Ig variable region mutations and the GCB subtype of DLBCL and FL. Similar patterns were also observed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia subtypes. Thus, alterations associated with aberrant CSR and SHM activities can be linked to distinct developmental paths for different subtypes of B cell lymphomas.
Accurate and efficient calculation of photoionization in streamer discharges using fast multipole method
Authors: Lin Bo , Zhuang Chijie , Cai Zhenning , Zeng Rong , Bao Weizhu
Published: November 2020

This paper focuses on the three-dimensional simulation of the photoionization in streamer discharges, and provides a general framework to efficiently and accurately calculate the photoionization model using the integral form. The simulation is based on the kernel-independent fast multipole method (FMM). The accuracy of this method is studied quantitatively for different domains and various pressures in comparison with other existing models based on partial differential equations (PDEs). The comparison indicates the numerical error of the FMM is much smaller than those of other PDE-based methods, with the reference solution given by direct numerical integration. Such accuracy can be achieved with affordable computational cost, and its performance in both efficiency and accuracy is quite stable for different domains and pressures. Meanwhile, the simulation accelerated by the FMM exhibits good scalability using up to 1280 cores, which shows its capability of three-dimensional simulations using parallel (distributed) computing. The difference of the proposed method and other efficient approximations are also studied in a three-dimensional dynamic problem where two streamers interact.
Monitoring oxidative metabolism while modeling pancreatic ischemia in mice using a multimodal spectroscopy technique
Authors: Dremin Viktor , Potapova Elena , Mamoshin Andrian , Dunaev Andrey , Rafailov Edik
Published: November 2020

This paper describes the experimental monitoring of pancreatic oxidative metabolism in laboratory mice that combines the methods of fluorescence and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and laser speckle contrast imaging with a pancreatic ischemia model. The combined measurements show a close dependence of tissue metabolism on blood and oxygen supply. We show that deactivation of complex I and complex II occurs in mouse pancreatic tissue during prolonged hypoxia. We conclude that complex I can potentially undergo more intensive deactivation when oxygen is lacking than complex II. We have demonstrated that the methods described can be applied in minimally invasive surgery of the pancreas to assess its viability.
3D microscopy reveals how human sperm swim
Authors: Jarman Sam
Published: November 2020

Human sperm swim in corkscrew motions to compensate for the asymmetry in their tails. That is according to researchers in the UK and Mexico who have used high-speed 3D microscopy to determine how sperm maintain their forward swimming direction.
Grenoble synchrotron reopens following €150m upgrade
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: November 2020

Officials at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, have announced the completion of a major upgrade to one of Europe’s premier X-ray facilities.
A quantum revolution
Authors: Banks Michael
Published: November 2020

Chaoyang Lu from the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei talks to Michael Banks about planning Quantum 2020 – a major online conference – and the future of quantum technologies
First-hand insights
Authors: McKenzie James
Published: November 2020

With so much spin, jargon and fake news, it can be hard to know what businesses are really up to. James McKenzie finds that hearing a company’s vision first hand is key to understanding its potential
Security questions over today’s cars
Authors: Philpot Julian
Published: November 2020

In response to Stephen Ornes’ feature “How to hack a self-driving car” (August 2020) in which he looks into the hardware and software behind cars that drive themselves, and the potential opportunities they create for hackers.
A matter of space
Authors: Firbank Michael
Published: November 2020

In response to Susan Curtis’ feature article “Charging ahead” (August 2020) in which she investigates the new charging solutions that will be needed to power a large number of electric cars, as they become more mainstream over the next few years
Has the COVID-19 lockdown changed Earth’s climate?
Authors: Ravilious Kate
Published: November 2020

The lockdown measures imposed by many nations due to the COVID-19 pandemic have led to air pollution falling dramatically, thereby offering scientists a rare opportunity to study its links with climate and weather. But as Kate Ravillious discovers, it’s a complicated connection
Closing the skills gap
Authors: Ryan Sean , Benson Veronica
Published: November 2020

Why do many science graduates lack the skills that industry is looking for? Sean Ryan and Veronica Benson of the South-East Physics Network explore the problem and discover that there is one straightforward way for universities and businesses to address this
Heat Stress and Cardiac Strain in French Vineyard Workers
Authors: Grimbuhler Sonia , Viel Jean-François
Published: November 2020

Agricultural workers often produce considerable excess heat due to the physically demanding nature of their activities, increasing their risk of thermal stress in even moderately warm conditions. Few studies have examined the physiological responses to heat load in agriculture. We aimed to assess the heat strain experienced by vineyard workers during canopy management in dry field conditions, and to disentangle the effects of the heat produced by the body and the thermal environment. Thirty workers from five Bordeaux vineyards of southern France were monitored during vine-lifting and trellising (June 2012). The mean heart rate, net cardiac cost, relative cardiac cost, and cardiac workload score were assessed during field activity. As the workers were nested within vineyards, multilevel linear regression models were used for correct inference. Skin temperature increased by an average of 1.0°C. Cardiac indices showed marked differences between individuals. The workload was evaluated as ‘heavy’ or ‘very heavy’ for more than one-third of the workers, of whom one experienced heat exhaustion. Above some individual characteristics, we highlighted a contextual effect (air temperature) for the mean heart rate (P = 0.03), the relative cardiac cost (P = 0.01) and, to a lesser extent, a cardiac workload score (P = 0.07). Canopy management by hand in vineyards causes considerable cardiac and thermoregulatory strain. Appropriate instruments should be developed to simultaneously evaluate work intensity, work quality, and productivity at the vineyard level to raise the awareness of both managers and employees about taking preventive measures.
Occupational Exposure to Blood-Borne Pathogens among Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care Center in Lebanon
Authors: Sakr Carine J , Alameddine Reina , Hoteit Reem , Daou Carla , Doudakian Rita , Kreidieh Khalil , Musharrafieh Umayya , Rahme Diana V
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Despite numerous initiatives, occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens (BBP) caused by percutaneous injuries or mucosal contamination remain common among healthcare workers (HCWs). These exposures were decreasing at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC) in the previous decades. Recently, the medical center activity has been increasing with higher number of interventions performed and shorter hospital stay. Our aim was to determine the trend of incidents resulting from BBP exposures at AUBMC from 2014 till 2018 and identify whether the increase in hospital activity affected the rate of these exposures. We also aimed to assess the risk factors associated with needle stick injuries (NSIs).

Methods

A retrospective observational descriptive study of all exposures to BBPs among HCWs reported to the Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management department at the AUBMC between 2014 and 2018 was performed.

Results

There were 967 exposures reported among which 84% were due to needlesticks. Residents (40%), followed by nurses (30%), and then by attending physicians (16%) were the top three most exposed occupational groups. Half of the participants injured themselves using either a syringe or a suture needle; and mostly during or after use. Occupation and incident location were associated with NSIs. The mean BBP exposure incidence rate was 5.4 per 100 full-time employees, 65.6 per 100 bed-years, and 0.48 admission-years. The BBP exposure rate per 100 occupied beds per year decreased between 2014 and 2017 then increased in 2018 (P < 0.001). The number of BBP exposures showed a strong, though non-significant negative correlation with the average length of hospital stay (Spearman correlation coefficient = −0.9, P = 0.083).

Conclusions

BBP exposure remains a serious occupational hazard. Our study shows that the BBP exposure rate per 100 occupied beds per year started decreasing during the study period before increasing again in 2018. Only the nursing department showed a consistent decrease of exposures. The occupation and incident location were found to be risk factors associated with NSIs. In addition to providing education and training, additional steps such as providing safety equipment and future interventions directed towards adjusting to higher workload should be all considered.
Mutant p53 oncogenicity: dominant-negative or gain-of-function?
Authors: Stein Yan , Aloni-Grinstein Ronit , Rotter Varda
Published: November 2020

The p53 protein is mutated in about 50% of human cancers. Aside from losing its tumor-suppressive activities, mutant p53 may acquire pro-oncogenic activity, which is facilitated by two underlying mechanisms. The first mechanism is the inhibition of co-expressed wild-type p53 (WTp53) activity, dubbed the dominant-negative effect (DNE). The second mechanism is a neomorphic pro-oncogenic activity that does not involve the inhibition of WTp53, termed gain-of-function (GOF). Throughout the years, both mechanisms were demonstrated in a plethora of in vitro and in vivo models. However, whether both account for protumorigenic activities of mutant p53 and in which contexts is still a matter of ongoing debate. Here, we discuss evidence for both DNE and GOF in a variety of models. These models suggest that both GOF and DNE can be relevant, but are highly dependent on the specific mutation type, genetic and cellular context and even the phenotype that is being assessed. In addition, we discuss how mutant and WTp53 might not exist as two separate entities, but rather as a continuum that may involve a balance between the two forms in the same cells, which could be tilted by various factors and drugs. Further elucidation of the factors that dictate the balance between the WT and mutant p53 states, as well as the factors that govern the impact of DNE and GOF in different cancer types, may lead to the development of more effective treatment regimens for cancer patients.
Beyond the 405 and the 5: Geographic Variations and Factors Associated With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Positivity Rates in Los Angeles County
Authors: Vijayan Tara , Shin Michael , Adamson Paul C , Harris Christina , Seeman Teresa , Norris Keith C , Goodman-Meza David
Published: November 2020

Background

To highlight geographic differences and the socio-structural determinants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) test positivity within Los Angeles County (LAC).

Methods

A geographic information system was used to integrate, map, and analyze SARS-CoV-2 testing data reported by the LAC Department of Public Health and data from the American Community Survey. Structural determinants included race/ethnicity, poverty, insurance status, education, and population and household density. We examined which factors were associated with positivity rates, using a 5% test positivity threshold, with spatial analysis and spatial regression.

Results

Between 1 March and 30 June 2020 there were 843 440 SARS-CoV-2 tests and 86 383 diagnoses reported, for an overall positivity rate of 10.2% within the study area. Communities with high proportions of Latino/a residents, those living below the federal poverty line, and with high household densities had higher crude positivity rates. Age- adjusted diagnosis rates were significantly associated with the proportion of Latino/as, individuals living below the poverty line, and population and household density.

Conclusions

There are significant local variations in test positivity within LAC and several socio-structural determinants contribute to ongoing disparities. Public health interventions, beyond shelter in place, are needed to address and target such disparities.
Neural Antibody Testing in Patients with Suspected Autoimmune Encephalitis
Authors: Budhram Adrian , Dubey Divyanshu , Sechi Elia , Flanagan Eoin P , Yang Liju , Bhayana Vipin , McKeon Andrew , Pittock Sean J , Mills John R
Published: November 2020

Background

Autoimmunity is an increasingly recognized cause of encephalitis with a similar prevalence to that of infectious etiologies. Over the past decade there has been a rapidly expanding list of antibody biomarker discoveries that have aided in the identification and characterization of autoimmune encephalitis. As the number of antibody biomarkers transitioning from the research setting into clinical laboratories has accelerated, so has the demand and complexity of panel-based testing. Clinical laboratories are increasingly involved in discussions related to test utilization and providing guidance on which testing methodologies provide the best clinical performance.

Content

To ensure optimal clinical sensitivity and specificity, comprehensive panel-based reflexive testing based on the predominant neurological phenotypic presentation (e.g., encephalopathy) is ideal in the workup of cases of suspected autoimmune neurological disease. Predictive scores based on the clinical workup can aid in deciding when to order a test. Testing of both CSF and serum is recommended with few exceptions. Appropriate test ordering and interpretation requires an understanding of both testing methodologies and performance of antibody testing in different specimen types.

This review discusses important considerations in the design and selection of neural antibody testing methodologies and panels. Increased collaboration between pathologists, laboratorians, and neurologists will lead to improved utilization of complex autoimmune neurology antibody testing panels.
Warmer temperatures interact with salinity to weaken physiological facilitation to stress in freshwater fishes
Authors: Walker Richard H , Smith Geoffrey D , Hudson Spencer B , French Susannah S , Walters Annika W
Published: November 2020

Management of stressors requires an understanding of how multiple stressors interact, how different species respond to those interactions and the underlying mechanisms driving observed patterns in species’ responses. Salinization and rising temperatures are two pertinent stressors predicted to intensify in freshwater ecosystems, posing concern for how susceptible organisms achieve and maintain homeostasis (i.e. allostasis). Here, glucocorticoid hormones (e.g. cortisol), responsible for mobilizing energy (e.g. glucose) to relevant physiological processes for the duration of stressors, are liable to vary in response to the duration and severity of salinization and temperature rises. With field and laboratory studies, we evaluated how both salinity and temperature influence basal and stress-reactive cortisol and glucose levels in age 1+ mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdii), mountain sucker (Catostomus platyrhynchus) and Colorado River cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki pleuriticus). We found that temperature generally had the greatest effect on cortisol and glucose concentrations and the effect of salinity was often temperature dependent. We also found that when individuals were chronically exposed to higher salinities, baseline concentrations of cortisol and glucose usually declined as salinity increased. Reductions in baseline concentrations facilitated stronger stress reactivity for cortisol and glucose when exposed to additional stressors, which weakened as temperatures increased. Controlled temperatures near the species’ thermal maxima became the overriding factor regulating fish physiology, resulting in inhibitory responses. With projected increases in freshwater salinization and temperatures, efforts to reduce the negative effects of increasing temperatures (i.e. increased refuge habitats and riparian cover) could moderate the inhibitory effects of temperature-dependent effects of salinization for freshwater fishes.