bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lower Secondary Students’ Arabic Speaking Anxiety: A Foreign Language Literacy Perspective
Authors: Mohamed Mokhtar Mohd Ieruwan
Published: November 2020

Speaking in a foreign language classroom can be extremely anxiety-provoking for some students. There are many studies on foreign language anxiety (FLA). The studies show that anxiety influences achievement and performance in speaking. However, most of the previous studies have investigated FLA in English-speaking contexts. Hence, this study aims to investigate speaking anxiety among Arabic Language learners in secondary schools from the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The students (n=40) were selected following the random sampling method. The established questionnaire of Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) developed by Horwitz et al. (1986) was used for collecting the data. This questionnaire consists of four factors namely test anxiety, communication apprehension, anxiety in the classroom and fear of negative evaluation. The researcher followed descriptive statistical methods including means and standard deviation values to address the research questions. The study shows that the process of learning the Arabic Language has significant impact on students in learning a foreign language, especially in daily secondary schools. The findings show several concerns exist among the students while speaking Arabic in the classroom. The results can help Arabic Language teachers to understand students’ anxiety in the process of teaching the language in the daily/non-boarding secondary schools which will contribute to literacy of Arabic Language at large.
The Relationship between Teachers’ Political Skills and Work Engagement
Authors: Bostanci Aynur B.
Published: November 2020

The purpose of the present study is to ascertain the relationship between teachers’ political skills and work engagement. Correlational design is employed to complete the process of this research. The population of this study is composed of 4494 teachers working in Usak Province of Turkey. Convenience sampling was used in this study. The sample size of the study was made up 297 teachers. The data were collected through ‘Political Skill Inventory’ and ‘Work Engagement Scale.’ The data analysis was conducted via arithmetic mean, standard deviation, Pearson Moment Correlation Analysis and path analysis. According to the results, the levels of teachers’ political skills and work engagement were high. Another finding of the study revealed that there was a moderate, positive and significant relationship between the dimensions of social astuteness, interpersonal influence skill, networking ability and sincerity and the level of work engagement. The research has also showed that the fact that teachers’ political skills had the dimensions of interpersonal influence skill and sincerity had a positive, high level and significant effect on their work engagement. In addition, it was concluded that teachers’ level of social astuteness and networking ability did not predict their levels of work engagement. In light of those results, it is recommended that certain activities to improve teachers’ political skills must be organized in schools.
Real-time quintic Hermite interpolation for robot trajectory execution
Authors: Lind Morten
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a real-time joint trajectory interpolation system for the purpose of frequency scaling the low cycle time of a robot controller, allowing a Python application to real-time control the robot at a moderate cycle time. Interpolation is based on quintic Hermite piece-wise splines. The splines are calculated in real-time, in a piecewise manner between the high-level, long cycle time trajectory points, while sampling of these splines at an appropriate, shorter cycle time for the real-time requirement of the lower-level system. The principle is usable in general, and the specific implementation presented is for control of the Panda robot from Franka Emika. Tracking delay analysis is presented based on a cosine trajectory. A simple test application has been implemented, demonstrating real-time feeding of a pre-calculated trajectory for cutting with a knife. Estimated forces on the robot wrist are recorded during cutting and presented in the paper.
Competency Improvement Needs of Farmers in Afforestation for Preventing and Controlling Soil Erosion in Kogi State, Nigeria
Authors: Mohammed Abu , Elom Ogbonnaya , Onah Ogechukwu , Monwuba Nnennaya Sinachi
Published: November 2020

Farmers’ lack of awareness of agricultural activities that contribute to soil erosion and competencies needed to prevent or control the menace through afforestation contributed to unprecedented hardship, the farmers, stakeholders and individuals in Kogi state. The purpose of this study was to determine competency improvement needs farmers in pre-planting, planting and post-planting operations in afforestation and recommend for a way forward in containing the challenges. Three research question and three hypotheses guided the study. The study made use of survey research design; it was carried out in Kogi state. The population for the study was 1,244 made up of 834 registered crop farmers and 410 Agricultural Extension Agents. The sample of the study was 540. A random sampling technique (Balloting) was used to select 330 registered crop farmers out of 834 and 210 Agricultural Extension Agent out of 410 respectively. The instrument for data collection was a 49 items questionnaire titled: Competency Improvement Needs of farmers Questionnaire (CINFQ). The instrument was validated by three experts. Cronbach Alpha method was used to determine the internal consistency of the instrument and a reliability coefficient of 0.82was obtained. Five hundred and forty (540) copies of the questionnaire were administered to the respondents for data collection, but 534 copies were retrieved and analyzed. Weighted mean and Improvement Needed Index (INI) were used to answer the research questions while t-test statistics was used and test hypotheses of no significant difference at the probability of 0.05 level of significance at 532 degree of freedom. It was found out that farmers needed improvement in all the competencies in pre-planting, planting and post-planting operations for enhancing their skills in afforestation practices on their farms and that of their neighbours as a means of reducing the impact of soil erosion in the area of the study. It was recommended that the identified competencies should be used by the extension agents to re-train farmers on the practice of afforestation along with crop production and soil conservation to reduce soil erosion menace in the State.
A Strategic and Adaptive Plan for Resurgence of Food-Tech Delivery Service Sector During and Beyond Public Health Pandemic Crisis
Authors: Munshi Angad , Singla Ashim Raj
Published: November 2020

Purpose: India’s highly competitive online food delivery space is at the forefront of pandemic distress due to unprecedented challenges posed by the global pandemic COVID-19.  The thrust of this paper is to focus on, how can Indian online food-tech aggregator landscape operate and sustain business ventures amidst this pandemic disaster. This article examines, investigates and delves into various issues regarding logistics, customer care and penchants coupled with related issues and elucidates various challenges and opportunities there-in. The authors while doing so endeavoured to assess and analyse the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on customer behaviour with reference to online food delivery sector in India.

Design/ Methodology/Approach: The paper is a mix of theoretical study along with author’s viewpoint. The data was also gleaned from the latest updates from various organizational and government sites. A survey involving a representative sample of randomly identified 106 food lovers patronizing online food delivery platforms was conducted using online interview method via CISCO Webex platform.

Findings: Elucidation of evidence-based avenues to work upon to overcome COVID-19 slowdown for the present and beyond is the only riposte. The survey revealed that around 98% of the respondents agreed to higher consumption of food and persons living alone have invariably placed order via online food delivery platforms. The quality and hygiene of the food endorsed by 99% was a highly significant and imperative factor. The need for more stringent safety & hygiene norms for checks and balances required emerged as a primary concern.

Research Limitations/Implications: This being a rapid turnout study, due to pandemic lockdown reaching the customer base, even identifying them, restricted the survey population.  The use of evidence-based outcomes of changing customer perceptions and behaviour in this new norm of pandemic, together with logistic avenues using a larger sample size would have further complemented and augmented the viewpoints expressed in this study thereby aided in working out a robust roadmap. 

Practical Implications: The authors suggest that business leaders in food-tech delivery firms need to have a dynamic and proactive approach towards the challenges which are evolving on a daily basis, since the impact of COVID-19 is continuous and ever-changing.

Originality/Value: The study presents a strategic and adaptive plan for resurgence of food-tech delivery service Sector using ICT tools and techniques during public health pandemic crisis and beyond.
Bacteriological and Physicochemical Profiles of Soils in Selected Oil-Contaminated Sites in Yorla, Ogoni Land
Authors: Uzor Onyinyechi Stainless , Okpokwasili Gideon Chijioke , Agbagwa Ejiro Obakpororo
Published: November 2020

Bacteriological and physicochemical properties of oil–polluted sites in Yorla, Ogoniland was studied. Soil samples were collected from three different points and analyzed for bacteriological and physicochemical characterization using standard methods. The total culturable heterotrophic bacteria (THC) counts from the polluted sites ranged from 7.2. *107to9.5*107cfu/g while the THC of the unpolluted sites ranged from 11.9 *107 to 12.9 *107cfu/g. Hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial (HUB) counts from the polluted sites ranged from 2.8 *106 to 3.3 * 106cfu/g while the hydrocarbon utilizing bacterial (HUB) counts of the unpolluted sites ranged from 1.1 *106to 1.5 *106.Bacteria obtained from the various sites were isolated using standard microbiological methods. Identification of isolates was carried out using 16S rRNA (Ribonucleic acid) gene amplification and sequencing. Electropherograms of generated sequences were inspected with Chromas Lite 2.0.1 software. Sequence identification was carried out using GenBank’s Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) algorithm of National Centre for Biotechnology and Information (NCBI). Sequence analysis revealed the presence of Acinetobacter venetianus , Bacillus cereus, Bacillus flexus, Bacillus thuringiensis, Acinetobacter junii, Shewanella sp., Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus and Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes,  The physicochemical properties of the soil samples analyzed showed that the pH values of the polluted sites ranged from 7.86 to 9.16 while those of  the unpolluted sites were 6.19 and 7.10. Total organic carbon (TOC) contents of the polluted sites ranged from 3.18% to 3.96% while the unpolluted sites TOC ranged from 3.00% -3.06%. Statistical analyses of the results were carried out using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and t-test analysis. This work revealed the presence of reasonable population of indigenous hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria in oil-polluted sites in Yorla community which can be monitored and enhanced to improve their bioremediation abilities in the oil-polluted sites.
Stage Left, Stage Right – The Heavens & Hell: Embodied Meaning & Memory in Performance
Authors: Boyd Michael
Published: November 2020

Former Artistic Director of the Royal Shakespeare Company Michael Boyd proposes an analogy between the ‘thrust’ stage and the human brain. On the thrust stage, he suggests, the actor holds the centre of the auditorium, in creative tension with the complex ‘mind’ of a four‐dimensional space that demands and allows communication with, and between, a thousand different points of view.
Disembodied Worlds – Body, Brain and Architecture in the Digital Age: A Conversation with Psychobiologist Vittorio Gallese
Authors: Ritchie Ian
Published: November 2020

Guest‐Editor Ian Ritchie has a conversation with Vittorio Gallese, Professor of Psychobiology at the University of Parma, Italy, whose research focuses on neurophysiology, cognitive neuroscience, social neuroscience and philosophy of mind. Gallese is one of the discoverers of mirror neurons. Here he describes how they relate to empathy and our understanding of ourselves and others.
Tension Causes Unfolding of Intracellular Vimentin Intermediate Filaments
Authors: Fleissner Frederik , Kumar Sachin , Klein Noreen , Wirth Daniel , Dhiman Ravi , Schneider Dirk , Bonn Mischa , Parekh Sapun H.
Published: November 2020

Intermediate filament (IF) proteins are a class of proteins that constitute different filamentous structures in mammalian cells. As such, IF proteins are part of the load‐bearing cytoskeleton and support the nuclear envelope. Molecular dynamics simulations show that IF proteins undergo secondary structural changes to compensate mechanical loads, which is confirmed by experimental in vitro studies on IF hydrogels. However, the structural response of intracellular IF to mechanical load is yet to be elucidated in cellulo. Here, in situ nonlinear Raman imaging combined with multivariate data analysis is used to quantify the intracellular secondary structure of the IF cytoskeletal protein vimentin under different states of cellular tension. It is found that cells under native cellular tension contain more unfolded vimentin than chemically or physically relaxed specimens. This indicates that the unfolding of IF proteins occurs intracellularly when sufficient forces are applied, suggesting that IF structures act as local force sensors in the cell to mark locations under large mechanical tension.
Surface‐Functionalized Self‐Standing Microdevices Exhibit Predictive Localization and Seamless Integration in 3D Neural Spheroids
Authors: Lecomte Aziliz , Giantomasi Lidia , Rancati Silvia , Boi Fabio , Angotzi Gian Nicola , Berdondini Luca
Published: November 2020

Brain organoids is an exciting technology proposed to advance studies on human brain development, diseases, and possible therapies. Establishing and applying such models, however, is hindered by the lack of technologies to chronically monitor neural activity. A promising new approach comprising self‐standing biosensing microdevices capable of achieving seamless tissue integration during cell aggregation and culture. To date, there is little information on how to control the aggregation of such bioartificial 3D neural assemblies. Here, the growth of hybrid neurospheroids obtained by the aggregation of silicon sham microchips (100 × 100 × 50 μm3) with primary cortical cells is investigated. Results obtained via protein‐binding microchips with different molecules reveal that surface functionalization can tune the integration and final 3D location of self‐standing microdevices into neurospheroids. Morphological and functional characterization suggests that the presence of an integrated microdevice does not alter spheroid growth, cellular composition, nor functional development. Ultimately, cells and microdevices constituting such hybrid neurospheroids can be disaggregated for further single‐cell analysis, and quantifications confirm an unaltered ratio of neurons and glia. These results uncover the potential of surface‐engineered self‐standing microdevices to grow untethered 3D brain tissue models with inbuilt bioelectronic sensors at predefined sites.
Engineering Biofunctional Enzyme‐Mimics for Catalytic Therapeutics and Diagnostics
Authors: Tang Qing , Cao Sujiao , Ma Tian , Xiang Xi , Luo Hongrong , Borovskikh Pavel , Rodriguez Raul D. , Guo Quanyi , Qiu Li , Cheng Chong
Published: November 2020

The applications of nanomaterial‐based enzyme‐mimics (Enz‐Ms) in biocatalytically therapeutic and diagnostic fields have attracted extensive attention. The regulation of the biocatalytic performances and biofunctionalities of Enz‐Ms are essential research objectives, including the rational design and synthesis of Enz‐Ms with desired biofunctional molecules and nanostructures, especially at the level of molecules and even single atoms. Here, this timely progress report provides pivotal advances and comments on recent researches on engineering biofunctional Enz‐Ms (BF/Enz‐Ms), particularly chemical synthesis, functionalization strategies, and integration of diverse enzyme‐mimetic catalytic activities of BF/Enz‐Ms. First, the definitions and catalogs of BF/Enz‐Ms are briefly introduced. Then, detailed comments and discussions are provided on the fabrication protocols, biocatalytic properties, and therapeutic/diagnostic applications of engineered BF/Enz‐Ms via hydrogels, nanogels, metal–organic frameworks, metal–polyphenol networks, covalent–organic frameworks, functional cell membranes, bioactive molecules and polymers, and composites. Finally, the future perspectives and challenges on BF/Enz‐Ms are outlined and thoroughly discussed. It is believed that this progress report will give a chemical and material overview on the state‐of‐the‐art designing principles of BF/Enz‐Ms, thus further promoting their future developments and prosperities for a wide range of applications.
Engineering Materials for Electrochemical Sweat Sensing
Authors: Wang Zhengyun , Shin Jihoon , Park Jin‐Ho , Lee Hakho , Kim Dong‐Hwan , Liu Hongfang
Published: November 2020

Human sweat contains vast physiological information, which has been a promising resource for on‐body and real‐time health monitoring. Wearable sweat sensors have recently attracted an ever‐increasing interest due to their promising capabilities for continuously tracking changes in health status. However, the commercialization of sweat sensors is seriously hindered by drawbacks of materials including high manufacturing and consumables costs, complex integration technology, as well as limited electrochemical signal transduction. In this review, sweat sensing principles are elaborately interpreted, and the latest advances in functional materials for biomarkers sensing in sweat are systematically summarized. Subsequently, the complex structure–activity relationships between various functional materials and sensing capabilities are further elucidated by coupling chemical structures, geometrics, electrochemical properties, and approaches for materials manufacturing. Furthermore, the integration of each component into sensing device for sweat detection and analysis is also discussed. Finally, challenges and opportunities for wearable sweat sensors are delineated in the development of future personalized and predictive healthcare.
Preferred Growth Direction by PbS Nanoplatelets Preserves Perovskite Infrared Light Harvesting for Stable, Reproducible, and Efficient Solar Cells
Authors: Sánchez‐Godoy Humberto Emmanuel , Erazo Eider Ansisar , Gualdrón‐Reyes Andrés Fabián , Khan Ali Hossain , Agouram Said , Barea Eva Maria , Rodriguez Rubén Arturo , Zarazúa Isaac , Ortiz Pablo , Cortés María Teresa , Muñoz‐Sanjosé Vicente , Moreels Iwan , Masi Sofia , Mora‐Seró Iván
Published: November 2020

Formamidinium‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) present the maximum theoretical efficiency of the lead perovskite family. However, formamidinium perovskite exhibits significant degradation in air. The surface chemistry of PbS has been used to improve the formamidinium black phase stability. Here, the use of PbS nanoplatelets with (100) preferential crystal orientation is reported, to potentiate the repercussion on the crystal growth of perovskite grains and to improve the stability of the material and consequently of the solar cells. As a result, a vertical growth of perovskite grains, a stable current density of 23 mA cm−2, and a stable incident photon to current efficiency in the infrared region of the spectrum for 4 months is obtained, one of the best stability achievements for planar PSCs. Moreover, a better reproducibility than the control device, by optimizing the PbS concentration in the perovskite matrix, is achieved. These outcomes validate the synergistic use of PbS nanoplatelets to improve formamidinium long‐term stability and performance reproducibility, and pave the way for using metastable perovskite active phases preserving their light harvesting capability.
Plant‐to‐plant biomass and yield variability in corn–soybean rotations under three tillage regimes
Authors: O'Brien Peter L. , Hatfield Jerry L.
Published: November 2020

Agronomic management practices have the potential to affect plant‐to‐plant variability of biomass accumulation and grain production. However, the relationship between the variability of crop production per plant (i.e., grain weight) and crop production per unit area (i.e., grain yield) is inconsistent because high variability in grain weight has been linked with lower yields in some instances but not others. The objective of this experiment was to investigate plant‐to‐plant variability of biomass accumulation and grain production at three developmental stages in corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean (Glycine max [Merr.] L.) rotations under conventional tillage, strip tillage, and no tillage. Plant‐to‐plant biomass variability, as measured by the coefficient of variation (CV) of crop biomass at three phenological stages, decreased throughout the growing season in corn but increased in soybean; these trends did not differ among tillage systems but did change among the 4 yr of the experiment. The CV of grain weight per corn plant was higher in no‐till for two of the study years, suggesting an interaction between tillage and weather patterns that affects variability. Overall, mean grain weight per plant increased as CV of grain weight decreased in corn but not in soybean. This finding suggests that corn yields were maximized when all individual plants were producing relatively similar amounts of grain, whereas this relationship was not present in soybean. The findings of this study indicate that tillage practices do not consistently affect plant‐to‐plant variability of biomass or grain production and must be understood in context of weather conditions and other agronomic management practices.
Stepped enhancement of CO2 adsorption and separation in IL‐ZIF‐IL composites with shell‐interlayer‐core structure
Authors: Han Guopeng , Yu Na , Liu Dahuan , Yu Guangren , Chen Xiaochun , Zhong Chongli
Published: November 2020

Development of materials with excellent separation performance remains an ongoing challenge in separation science and technology. Herein, a novel strategy was proposed to gradually enhance gas separation performance in micro/nano‐materials, by constructing a shell‐interlayer‐core structure using ionic liquid (triethylenetetramine lactate, [TETA]L) and zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF‐8). Such structure includes outer [TETA]L shell, interlayer of ZIF‐8, and inner [TETA]L core, endowing the composite with more evident molecular sieving separation for CO2 mixtures than the reported materials. A high CO2 adsorption amount (1.53 mmol/g at 298 K and 1.0 bar) is maintained, while the uptakes for CH4 and N2 are very low. Corresponding ideal adsorbed solution theory selectivities are 260–1,990 and 1,688–5,572 for CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 mixtures at the range of tested pressures. In addition, the separation performance can be controlled by varying the shell‐interlayer‐core structure with IL inside, outside or on both sides of ZIF‐8 and the thickness of outer shell.
COVID‐19 complications on the digestive system and liver: A current clinical and pathophysiological approach
Authors: Abdel‐Moneim Adel
Published: November 2020

The coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic is a public health threat impacting people all over the world. Although severe acute respiratory coronavirus syndrome (SARS‐CoV‐2) was identified as a virus for the respiratory system, it might be responsible for the digestive symptoms associated with COVID‐19. Common gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID‐19 patients are anorexia, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, in addition to abnormal levels of liver enzymes. While the diagnosis of SARS‐CoV‐2 based essentially on respiratory samples, fecal SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA‐analysis can be used as a diagnostic test. In the current COVID‐19 pandemic, 10% to 50% of patients reported hepatic‐gastrointestinal manifestations, especially those with severe illness. Although the gastrointestinal infection is not completely understood, the tissue injury may be due to the direct cytopathic effect of SARS‐CoV‐2, which can invade through the angiotensin conversion enzyme‐2 (ACE2) receptor. Notably, ACE2 receptor expression has been identified in the gastrointestinal tract and cholangiocytes of the liver. Also, COVID‐19 gastrointestinal influence may be multifactorial and related to the cytokine storm, drug‐induced liver injury, and ischemic hypoxic reperfusion that cause multi‐organ injury. This brief review summarizes the available data on the liver and gastrointestinal complications induced by SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, focusing mainly on the mechanisms of pathogenicity.
Janus‐faced race: Is race biological, social, or mythical?
Authors: Hochman Adam
Published: November 2020

As belief in the reality of race as a biological category among U.S. anthropologists has fallen, belief in the reality of race as a social category has risen in its place. The view that race simply does not exist—that it is a myth—is treated with suspicion. While racial classification is linked to many of the worst evils of recent history, it is now widely believed to be necessary to fight back against racism. In this article, I argue that race is indeed a biological fiction, but I critique the claim that race is socially real. I defend a form of anti‐realist reconstructionism about race, which says that there are no races, only racialized groups—groups mistakenly believed to be races. I argue that this is the most attractive position about race from a metaphysical perspective, and that it is also the position most conductive to public understanding and social justice.
Failure to demonstrate efficacy of aducanumab: An analysis of the EMERGE and ENGAGE trials as reported by Biogen, December 2019
Authors: Knopman David S. , Jones David T. , Greicius Michael D.
Published: November 2020

Aducanumab recently underwent two large phase III clinical trials that were stopped prematurely by the sponsor Biogen. One trial was trending positive while the other showed no benefits from aducanumab. Post hoc analyses led the sponsor to assert that there was a sufficient efficacy signal to justify a new drug application as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease. The sponsor claimed that subsets of participants receiving sufficiently high doses of aducanumab demonstrated benefits in both trials. In contrast, we identified alternative accounts for the apparent drug benefits in post hoc subgroups that are unrelated to dose effects. Biomarker data were consistent with target engagement, but no evidence was presented to correlate biomarker changes to cognitive benefits. Our analysis supports the conduct of a third, phase III trial with high‐dose aducanumab. Aducanumab's efficacy as a treatment for the cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease cannot be proven by clinical trials with divergent outcomes.
Phase Diagrams of Periodically Driven Spin–Orbit Coupled 87Rb and 23Na Bose–Einstein Condensates
Authors: Lin Zhi
Published: November 2020

The phase boundaries of periodically driven spin–orbit coupled BECs with effective two‐body interactions are analytically calculated by using variational method. The phase diagrams of periodically driven and systems present distinguished features from undriven systems, respectively. For the BECs, the critical density (density at quantum tricritical point) will be dramatically reduced in some parameter regions, and the prospect of observing this intriguing quantum tricritical point is greatly enlarged. Moreover, a series of quantum tricritical points emerge quasi‐periodically when increasing the Raman coupling strength with fixed density. In the BECs, two hyperfine states of atoms can be miscible within the suitable regions of driving parameter space. As a result, systems will stay in the stripe phase with small Raman frequency at typical density, which expands the region of stripe phase in the phase diagram. In addition, an absence of quantum tricritical point in such system is observed, which is very unlike  systems.
A modified oil‐soluble polyether used as multifunctional ashless additives with enhanced lubricating and corrosion protection performance
Authors: Zhou Chen , Tan Li , Hu Wenjing , Li Jiusheng
Published: November 2020

A novel oil soluble polyether derivative (OSPSA) was synthesized by the mono‐esterification of oil soluble polyether (OSP) with succinic anhydride (SA). The product was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetry, and acid value. The friction test results indicate that OSPSA exhibited obvious improvement on the friction reduction (by 35.7%) and anti‐wear performance (by 50.3%) comparing with the base oil. Additionally, OSPSA was also found to display excellent anticorrosion properties. OSPSA can be used as multifunctional ashless additive to provide excellent lubricity and corrosion protection properties. It can be speculated from the electrochemical experiments that the corrosion inhibition performance of OSPSA is mainly controlled by anode and the corrosion inhibition efficiency can reach 82.9%.
Behavior of epoxy resin filled with nano‐SiO2 treated with a Eugenol epoxy silane
Authors: Zheng Jieyuan , Zhang Xianwei , Cao Jun , Chen Rui , Aziz Tariq , Fan Hong , Bittencourt Carla
Published: November 2020

Harvesting biobased silane coupling agent to enhance the connection between fillers and epoxy matrix is vital to achieve sustainable and environmentally friendly products. In this work, a eugenol based epoxy silane‐coupling agent with high purity was prepared and used for the surface modification of nano‐sized silica particles. The surface structure composition and physical properties of the modified nano‐SiO2 were characterized through nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transferred infrared spectrometer, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermal gravimetric analyzer. An epoxy nanocomposite was subsequently prepared by incorporating the resulting modified nano‐SiO2 as an enhancing filler. The nanocomposites glass transition temperature, the morphology of fracture surface, dynamic mechanical properties, and thermostability were investigated. Results showed that the eugenol epoxy silane‐coupling agent bearing a long chain structure of benzene ring in the molecular structure could improve the compatibility of silica fillers with epoxy resin and contribute to a better dispersion state in the matrix, thus enhancing the overall performance of epoxy‐cured products.
Single‐stage optical formation of planar light‐guides in a layer of photopolymerizable composition
Authors: Mensov Sergey N. , Polushtaytsev Yuri V.
Published: November 2020

The possibility of one‐stage formation of planar light‐guiding structures from photopolymerizable compositions with a neutral component by the photolithographic method is investigated. It is shown that the required profile of the refractive index in the light‐guide, which is a polymeric core surrounded by a low‐refracting damper of the same material with a higher concentration of the neutral component, can be formed due to diffusion processes stimulated by nonuniform distribution of actinic radiation intensity. The results of numerical modeling and experiments on the optical formation of stable light‐guiding 2D‐structures with a volume distribution of the refractive index in the polymer layer are presented.
Cribra orbitalia is a vascular phenomenon unrelated to marrow hyperplasia or anemia: Paradigm shift for cribra orbitalia
Authors: Rothschild Bruce M. , Zdilla Matthew J. , Jellema Lyman M. , Lambert H. Wayne
Published: November 2020

The orbital phenomenon, cribra orbitalia, has long been a source of controversy, especially with regard to its nature, derivation, and relationship to anemia. Therefore, the external surfaces of orbital roofs were systematically examined microscopically in human skulls from historical collections. Superior orbital surfaces of 278 individual crania within the Hamann‐Todd collection were assessed at various magnifications using epi‐illumination microscopy to identify the presence of cribra orbitalia and characterize its nature. Also, 12 additional individuals with diagnosed anemia in the Hamann‐Todd collection were evaluated. Orbital roof alterations, present in one‐third of examined crania, had two discrete appearances: Vascular grooves (45%) and application of new bone in a vascular branching pattern on the orbit surface (55%). Porosity of the orbit was not observed. Evaluation of the orbits of 12 individuals with diagnosed anemia revealed one with a single deep defect, suggesting a space‐occupying phenomenon, but no evidence of bone accretion, vascular grooves, or porosity. Cribra orbitalia has often been lumped indiscriminately as an indicator of organismal stress, rather than identified as a indicating a specific etiology. Neither that perspective nor porosity are supported by high resolution examination of orbital roof changes. Recognition of the blood vessel imprint pattern falsifies previous speculations and provides a new paradigm. The actual character of cribra orbitalia is documented and new hypotheses generated. While population prevalence of cribra orbitalia seems excessive for explanation on the basis of these hypotheses, the imprints are clearly vascular in origin.
Maternal Vitamin D Levels During Pregnancy in Association With Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) or Intellectual Disability (ID) in Offspring; Exploring Non‐linear Patterns and Demographic Sub‐groups
Authors: Windham Gayle C. , Pearl Michelle , Poon Victor , Berger Kimberly , Soriano Jasmine W. , Eyles Darryl , Lyall Kristen , Kharrazi Martin , Croen Lisa A.
Published: November 2020

Increasing vitamin D deficiency and evidence for vitamin D's role in brain and immune function have recently led to studies of neurodevelopment; however, few are specific to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and vitamin D in pregnancy, a likely susceptibility period. We examined this in a case–control study of 2000–2003 Southern Californian births; ASD and intellectual disability (ID) were identified through the Department of Developmental Services and controls from birth certificates (N = 534, 181, and 421, respectively, in this analysis). Total 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured in mid‐pregnancy serum, categorized as deficient (<50 nmol/L), insufficient (50‐74 nmol/L), or sufficient (≥75 nmol/L, referent category), and examined continuously (per 25 nmol/L). Crude and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Non‐linearity was examined with cubic splines. AORs (95% CI) for ASD were 0.79 (0.49–1.3) for maternal deficiency (9.5%), 0.93 (0.68–1.3) for insufficiency (25.6%), and 0.95 (0.86, 1.05) for linear continuous 25(OH)D. Results were similarly null for ASD with or without ID, and ID only. Interactions were observed; non‐Hispanic whites (NHW) (AOR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.69–0.98) and males (AOR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.80–0.99) had protective associations for ASD with continuous 25(OH)D. A positive association with ASD was observed in females (AOR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.06–1.85). With splines, a non‐linear inverted j‐shaped pattern was seen overall (P = 0.009 for non‐linearity), with the peak around 100 nmol/L; a non‐linear pattern was not observed among NHW, females, nor for ID. Our findings from a large study of ASD and prenatal vitamin D levels indicate that further research is needed to investigate non‐linear patterns and potentially vulnerable sub‐groups.

Lay Summary

We studied whether mothers' vitamin D levels during pregnancy were related to their children having autism (or low IQ) later. Low vitamin D levels were not related to greater risk of autism or low IQ in children overall. With higher levels of mothers' vitamin D, risk of autism went down in boys, but went up in girls. Risk of autism also went down in children of non‐Hispanic white mothers with higher vitamin D levels, but we did not find a relation in other race/ethnic groups.
Anion‐regulated binding selectivity of Cr(III) in collagen
Authors: Zhang Yi , Mehta Megha , Mansel Bradley W. , Ng Hon Wei , Liu Yang , Holmes Geoff , Le Ru Eric C. , Prabakar Sujay
Published: November 2020

We present a mechanism for the selectivity of covalent/electrostatic binding of the Cr(III) ion to collagen, mediated by the kosmotropicity of the anions. Although a change in the long‐range ordered structure of collagen is observed after covalent binding (Cr(III)‐OOC) in the presence of SO42− at pH 4.5, the νsym(COO−) band remains intense, suggesting a relatively lower propensity for the Cr(III) to bind covalently instead of electrostatically through Cr(H2O)63+. Replacing SO42− with Cl− reduces the kosmotropic effect which further favors the electrostatic binding of Cr(III) to collagen. Our findings allow a greater understanding of mechanism‐specific metal binding in the collagen molecule. We also report for the first time, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy to analyze binding mechanisms in collagen, suggesting a novel way to study chemical modifications in collagen‐based biomaterials.
Cost-effectiveness of gallbladder histopathology after cholecystectomy for benign disease
Authors: Lundgren L , Henriksson M , Andersson B , Sandström P
Published: November 2020

Background

The prevalence of incidental gallbladder cancer is low when performing cholecystectomy for benign disease. The performance of routine or selective histological examination of the gallbladder is still a subject for discussion. The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of these different approaches.

Methods

Four management strategies were evaluated using decision-analytical modelling: no histology, current selective histology as practised in Sweden, macroscopic selective histology, and routine histology. Healthcare costs and life-years were estimated for a lifetime perspective and combined into incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) to assess the additional cost of achieving an additional life-year for each management strategy.

Results

In the analysis of the four strategies, current selective histology was ruled out due to a higher ICER compared with macroscopic selective histology, which showed better health outcomes (extended dominance). Comparison of routine histology with macroscopic selective histology resulted in a gain of 12 life-years and an incremental healthcare cost of approximately €1 000 000 in a cohort of 10 000 patients, yielding an estimated ICER of €76 508. When comparing a macroscopic selective strategy with no histological assessment, 50 life-years would be saved and the ICER was estimated to be €20 708 in a cohort of 10 000 patients undergoing cholecystectomy.

Conclusion

A macroscopic selective strategy appears to be the most cost-effective approach.
Evolutionary History of Bioessential Elements Can Guide the Search for Life in the Universe
Authors: Kacar Betul , Garcia Amanda K. , Anbar Ariel D.
Published: November 2020

Our understanding of life in the universe comes from one sample, life on Earth. Current and next‐generation space missions will target exoplanets as well as planets and moons in our own solar system with the primary goal of detecting, interpreting and characterizing indications of possible biological activity. Thus, understanding life's fundamental characteristics is increasingly critical for detecting and interpreting potential biological signatures elsewhere in the universe. Astrobiologists have outlined the essential roles of carbon and water for life, but we have yet to decipher the rules governing the evolution of how living organisms use bioessential elements. Does the suite of life's essential chemical elements on Earth constitute only one possible evolutionary outcome? Are some elements so essential for biological functions that evolution will select for them despite low availability? How would this play out on other worlds that have different relative element abundances? When we look for life in the universe, or the conditions that could give rise to life, we must learn how to recognize it in extremely different chemical and environmental conditions from those on Earth. We argue that by exposing self‐organizing biotic chemistries to different combinations of abiotic materials, and by mapping the evolutionary history of metalloenzyme biochemistry onto geological availabilities of metals, alternative element choices that are very different from life's present‐day molecular structure might result. A greater understanding of the paleomolecular evolutionary history of life on Earth will create a predictive capacity for detecting and assessing life's existence on worlds where alternate evolutionary paths might have been taken.
Not‐So‐Innocent Anions Determine the Mechanism of Cationic Alkylators
Authors: Taimoory S. Maryamdokht , Cataldo Vincenzo Alessandro , Schäfer Andreas , Trant John F. , Guterman Ryan
Published: November 2020

Alkylating reagents based on thioimidazolium ionic liquids were synthesized and the influence of the anion on the alkylation reaction mechanism explored in detail using both experimental and computational methods. Thioimidazolium cations transfer alkyl substituents to nucleophiles, however the reaction rate was highly dependent on anion identity, demonstrating that the anion is not innocent in the mechanism. Detailed analysis of the computationally‐derived potential energy surfaces associated with possible mechanisms indicated that this dependence arises from a combination of anion induced electronic, steric and coordinating effects, with highly nucleophilic anions catalyzing a 2‐step process while highly non‐nucleophilic, delocalized anions favor a 1‐step reaction. This work also confirms the presence of ion‐pairs and aggregates in solution thus supporting anion‐induced control over the reaction rate and mechanism. These findings provide new insight into an old reaction allowing for better design of cationic alkylators in synthesis, gene expression, polymer science, and protein chemistry applications.
Core‐Modified Coelenterazine Luciferin Analogues: Synthesis and Chemiluminescence Properties
Authors: Gagnot Glwadys , Hervin Vincent , Coutant Eloi P. , Goyard Sophie , Jacob Yves , Rose Thierry , Hibti Fatima Ezzahra , Quatela Alessia , Janin Yves L.
Published: November 2020

In this work on the design and studies of luciferins related to the blue‐hued coelenterazine, the synthesis of heterocyclic analogues susceptible to produce a photon, possibly at a different wavelength, is undertaken. Here, the synthesis of O‐acetylated derivatives of imidazo[1,2‐b]pyridazin‐3(5 H)‐one, imidazo[2,1‐f][1,2,4]triazin‐7(1 H)‐one, imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridin‐3‐ol, imidazo[1,2‐a]quinoxalin‐1(5 H)‐one, benzo[f]imidazo[1,2‐a]quinoxalin‐3(11 H)‐one, imidazo[1′,2′:1,6]pyrazino[2,3‐c]quinolin‐3(11 H)‐one, and 5,11‐dihydro‐3 H‐chromeno[4,3‐e]imidazo[1,2‐a]pyrazin‐3‐one is described thanks to extensive use of the Buchwald–Hartwig N‐arylation reaction. The acidic hydrolysis of these derivatives then gave solutions of the corresponding luciferin analogues, which were studied. Not too unexpectedly, even if these were “dressed” with substituents found in actual substrates of the nanoKAZ/NanoLuc luciferase, no bioluminescence was observed with these compounds. However, in a phosphate buffer, all produced a light signal, by chemiluminescence, with extensive variations in their respective intensity and this could be increased by adding a quaternary ammonium salt in the buffer. This aspect was actually instrumental to determine the emission spectra of many of these luciferin analogues.
Stability of w/o emulsions for MgSO4 and Na2CO3 solutions under dynamic and static conditions
Authors: Palizdan Sepideh , Riazi Masoud , Malayeri Mohammad Reza , Torabi Farshid
Published: November 2020

Emulsions are widely used in various sectors of the oil industry. They can spontaneously be formed during drilling, production, transportation, and oil separation processes. The stability of these emulsions is closely related to species such as asphaltene and resin at the water/oil interface. In this study, emulsion stability was studied at static and dynamic conditions where w/o emulsions were prepared using different concentrations of MgSO4 and Na2CO3 solutions. The optimum concentration of MgSO4 and Na2CO3 solutions was then obtained by microscopic imaging of the samples and analyzing through the ImageJ software. Once the optimum concentrations was established, the stability of emulsions were examined in a 10‐day time period. Emulsion stability at dynamic condition was also examined through injecting the optimum aqueous solutions into a micromodel. Based on these findings, 50 000 ppm and 60 000 ppm were identified as optimum concentrations for the formation of stable w/o emulsions for MgSO4 and Na2O3, respectively. Asphaltene also showed distinct behaviour with pH in which higher polarization was observed for basic solutions. According to this finding, more stable emulsions have been observed in the optimum solution of MgSO4 (in comparison with the Na2O3 solution) under static and dynamic conditions.
Acinar cell induced autolysis is a frequent occurrence in CytoLyt‐fixed pancreatic fine needle aspiration specimens: An analysis of 157 cytology samples
Authors: Alwelaie Yazeed , Point du Jour Kimberly S. , Pandya Sonal , Goodman Abigail L. , Centeno Barbara A. , Adsay Volkan , Reid Michelle D.
Published: November 2020

Background

Although 10% formalin is a standard preservative in pancreatic FNAs, the effect of CytoLyt on pancreatic tissue preservation has not been systematically explored.

Methods

Smears and cell blocks from CytoLyt‐fixed (CF‐CBs) and formalin‐fixed (FF‐CBs) pancreatic FNAs were blindly reviewed without knowledge of the fixative used, and the presence of tissue/tumor autolysis was noted. Controls included FF‐CBs from pancreatic FNAs, CF‐CBs from nonpancreatic FNAs, and 4 pancreatic FNAs with matched CF‐CBs and FF‐CBs.

Results

We found that 62 of 85 (73%) pancreatic FNAs with CF‐CBs showed significant autolysis, which was most pronounced in acinar cells and/or tumor cells with benign acinar cells in the background, compared with 2 of 46 (4%) FF‐CBs (P < .0001) and 3 of 26 (12%) CF‐CBs from nonpancreatic FNAs (73% vs 12%; P < .0001). Of the 4 pancreatic FNAs with matched CF‐CBs and FF‐CBs, all 4 CF‐CBs showed marked autolysis versus none of the matched FF‐CBs. Of the 23 (27%) pancreatic FNAs with CF‐CBs that did not show autolysis, 10 had no acinar cells, and 7 had only minute tissue fragments on CB.

Conclusion

While CytoLyt is a useful fixative for nonpancreatic FNAs it is a suboptimal fixative for pancreatic FNAs and is associated with tissue/tumor autolysis in the majority of cases, influencing morphologic evaluation, and potentially immunocytochemical staining. Autolysis appears to be due to acinar enzymes whose effect is likely interrupted/inhibited by formalin fixation. Cytopathologists and cytotechnologists should be mindful of this pitfall and should avoid using CytoLyt as a fixative for pancreatic FNAs.