bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The electronic states and vibronic absorption spectrum of berberine in aqueous solution
Authors: Kostjukova Lyudmila O. , Kostjukov Victor V.
Published: November 2020

The time‐dependent density functional theory was used to calculate the vibronic absorption spectrum of berberine (BER) in an aqueous solution. The best agreement with the experimental spectrum gives the O3LYP functional. Functionals with long‐range correction showed poor agreement with experiment. The molecular orbitals of BER involved in the electronic transition during light absorption in the visible spectral region have been obtained. The dipole moments and atomic charges of the ground and excited states of the BER molecule have been calculated. Maps of BER electron density and electrostatic potential have been drawn. A significant photoinduced electron transfer from the outer di‐oxygen five‐membered heterocycle to the center of the BER chromophore has been found. According to our calculations, vibronic coupling and Boltzmann distribution play a significant role in the absorption spectrum of BER.
Type B coxsackieviruses and central nervous system disorders: critical review of reported associations
Authors: Jmii Habib , Fisson Sylvain , Aouni Mahjoub , Jaidane Hela
Published: November 2020

Type B coxsackieviruses (CV‐B) frequently infect the central nervous system (CNS) causing neurological diseases notably meningitis and encephalitis. These infections occur principally among newborns and children. Epidemiological studies of patients with nervous system disorders demonstrate the presence of infectious virus, its components, or anti‐CV‐B antibodies. Some experimental studies conducted in vitro and in vivo support the potential association between CV‐B and idiopathic neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and psychiatric illness such as schizophrenia. However, mechanisms explaining how CV‐B infections may contribute to the genesis of CNS disorders remain unclear. The proposed mechanisms focus on the immune response following the viral infection as a contributor to pathogenesis. This review describes these epidemiological and experimental studies, the modes of transmission of CV‐B with an emphasis on congenital transmission, the routes used by CV‐B to reach the brain parenchyma, and plausible mechanisms by which CV‐B may induce CNS diseases, with a focus on potential immunopathogenesis.
Tuning the Work Function of the Metal Back Contact toward Efficient Cu2ZnSnSe4 Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Dongxiao , Wu Jianyu , Guo Hongling , Wu Moqing , Wu Li , Zhang Shengli , Ao Jianping , Wang Hai , Zhang Yi
Published: November 2020

Carrier collection is crucial for thin film photoelectronic devices. As photoelectronic devices, the undesirable energy band structure between the metal contact and p‐type absorber is a serious limitation to boost the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of thin film solar cells. Herein, the carrier collection near the back contact of a kesterite solar cell is promoted by tailoring the work function of the back contact. By diffusing P into Mo back contact of the kesterite solar cell, the work function of the Mo back contact is increased from 4.68 to 5.62 eV and the diffused P bonds with Mo as anions, thus resulting in the energy band bending upward at the back interface and enabling the fluent transmission of holes. The efficiency of Cu2ZnSnSe4 solar cells increases from 6.8% to 11.28%. The results expand the path to improving carrier collection in solar cells and electronic devices utilizing metal film contacts.
AutoToolVCC: Variable consistency check tool for automotive software projects
Authors: Xie Pingfu , Wang Yunlong , He Bo , Xie Guoqi
Published: November 2020

Automotive software systems have become increasingly complex and huge, leading to long development cycle and increased development difficulty. When a complete automotive software project has reached a scale of several gigabytes, the complicated development process is prone to produce the following two irregular problems: (1) variable inconsistency problem and (2) code coexistence problem. These irregular problems may eventually lead to serious consequences, such as car crashes. In response to the above irregular problems, we develop a variable consistency check tool called AutoToolVCC for automotive software projects. AutoToolVCC divides the variable consistency check process into two stages: (1) extracting all variable information from the automotive software project and (2) checking the consistency of the variables through the variable preprocessing technique and the variable attribute check technique. After an actual check of multiple automotive software projects (approximately 500–1000 MB in size) provided by an automotive manufacturer, the accuracy of variable consistency check is as high as 100%, and the check time only takes about 10–30 s, whereas the pervious plain method needs 100–600 s.
Ten‐year experience of protocol‐based management of small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses: perinatal outcome in late‐pregnancy cases diagnosed after 32 weeks
Authors: Meler E. , Mazarico E. , Eixarch E. , Gonzalez A. , Peguero A. , Martinez J. , Boada D. , Vellvé K. , Gomez‐Roig M. D. , Gratacós E. , Figueras F.
Published: November 2020

Objective

To report our 10‐year experience of protocol‐based management of small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) fetuses, based on standardized clinical and Doppler criteria, in late‐pregnancy cases.

Methods

A retrospective cohort was constructed of consecutive singleton pregnancies referred for late‐onset (> 32 weeks) SGA (defined as estimated fetal weight (EFW) < 10th centile) that were classified as fetal growth restriction (FGR) or low‐risk SGA, based on the severity of smallness (EFW < 3rd centile) and the presence of Doppler abnormalities (uterine artery pulsatility index (UtA‐PI) ≥ 95th centile or cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) < 5th centile). Low‐risk SGA pregnancies were followed at 2‐week intervals and delivered electively at 40 weeks. FGR pregnancies were followed at 1‐week intervals, or more frequently if there were signs of fetal deterioration, and were delivered electively after 37 + 0 weeks' gestation. The occurrence of stillbirth and composite adverse outcome (CAO; defined as neonatal death, metabolic acidosis, need for endotracheal intubation or need for admission to the neonatal intensive care unit) was analyzed in low‐risk SGA and FGR pregnancies.

Results

A total of 1197 pregnancies with EFW < 10th centile were identified and classified at diagnosis as low‐risk SGA (n = 619; 51.7%) or FGR (n = 578; 48.3%). Of these, 160 were delivered before 37 weeks' gestation; for obstetric reasons in 93 (58.1%) cases, severe pre‐eclampsia in 33 (20.6%), FGR with severe hypoxia in 47 (29.4%) and stillbirth in four (2.5%) (indications are non‐exclusive). During follow‐up, 52/574 (9.1%) low‐risk SGA pregnancies were reclassified as FGR, whereas 22/463 (4.8%) FGR pregnancies were reclassified as low‐risk SGA. Overall, there were no stillbirths in the low‐risk SGA group and four in the FGR group, all of which occurred before 37 weeks. There were no instances of neonatal death in pregnancies delivered ≥ 37 weeks. The risk of CAO was higher in those meeting antenatal criteria for FGR at 37 weeks than in those classified as low‐risk SGA (32/493 (6.5%) vs 15/544 (2.8%); odds ratio, 2.5 (95% CI, 1.3–4.6)). In FGR pregnancies, the adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) for CAO was 6.3 (1.8–21.1) in those with EFW < 3rd centile, while it was 3.2 (1.5–6.8) and 4.2 (1.9–8.9) in those with UtA‐PI ≥ 95th centile and CPR < 5th centile, respectively, as compared to FGR pregnancies without each of these criteria.

Conclusion

Protocol‐based risk stratification with different management and monitoring schemes for late pregnancy with a suspected SGA baby, based on clinical and Doppler criteria, enables identification and tailored assessment of high‐risk FGR, while allowing expectant management with safe perinatal outcome for low‐risk SGA fetuses. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Global Evolution of the U(1) Higgs Boson: Nonlinear Stability and Uniform Energy Bounds
Authors: Dong Shijie , LeFloch Philippe G. , Wyatt Zoe
Published: November 2020

Relying on the hyperboloidal foliation method, we establish the nonlinear stability of the ground state of the U(1) standard model of electroweak interactions. This amounts to establishing a global-in-time theory for the initial value problem for a nonlinear wave–Klein–Gordon system that couples (Dirac, scalar, gauge) massive equations together. In particular, we investigate here the Dirac equation and study a new energy functional defined with respect to the hyperboloidal foliation of Minkowski spacetime. We provide a decay result for the Dirac equation which is uniform in the mass coefficient and thus allows for the Dirac mass coefficient to be arbitrarily small. Furthermore, we establish energy bounds for the Higgs fields and gauge bosons that are uniform with respect to the hyperboloidal time variable.
Chronic treatment with the (iso-)glutaminyl cyclase inhibitor PQ529 is a novel and effective approach for glomerulonephritis in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kanemitsu Naotoshi , Kiyonaga Fumiko , Mizukami Kazuhiko , Maeno Kyoichi , Nishikubo Takashi , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Ito Hiroyuki
Published: November 2020

Glomeruli and renal tubule injury in chronic kidney disease (CKD) is reported to involve induction of macrophage activation through the CCL2/CCR2 axis. The effects of inhibitors of the CCL2/CCR2 axis, such as anti-CCL2 antibody and CCR2 antagonist, on kidney function in animal models or humans with kidney dysfunction have been demonstrated. The N-terminal glutamine on immature CCL2 is replaced with pyroglutamate (pE) by glutaminyl cyclase (QC) and isoQC. pE-CCL2 is stable and resistant to peptidases. We hypothesized that inhibiting QC/isoQC activity would lead to the degradation of CCL2, thereby ameliorating CKD and reducing kidney inflammation. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the renoprotective properties of the QC/isoQC inhibitor PQ529 in anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibody–induced glomerulonephritis Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. Three-week repeated administration of PQ529 (30 and 100 mg/kg, twice daily) significantly reduced the serum and urine CCL2 and urinary protein excretion in a dose-dependent manner. Correlations between the urinary protein level and serum or urinary CCL2 levels were confirmed in tested animals. Repeated administration of PQ529 significantly reduced the expression of CD68, a macrophage marker, in the kidney cortex and mononuclear infiltration into the tubulointerstitium. In addition, decreased levels of urinary KIM-1, β2 microglobulin, and clusterin were detected, suggesting the inhibition of inflammation in both the proximal and distal tubules. These results suggest that PQ529 suppresses the progression of inflammation-induced renal dysfunction by inhibiting the CCL2/CCR2 axis. Inhibition of QC/isoQC may thus be a viable alternative therapeutic approach for treating glomerulonephritis and CKD patients.
COVID-19 in cancer patients: clinical characteristics and outcome—an analysis of the LEOSS registry
Authors:   on behalf of the LEOSS Study Group, Rüthrich Maria Madeleine , Giessen-Jung C. , Borgmann S. , Classen A. Y. , Dolff S. , Grüner B. , Hanses F. , Isberner N. , Köhler P. , Lanznaster J. , Merle U. , Nadalin S. , Piepel C. , Schneider J. , Schons M. , Strauss R. , Tometten L. , Vehreschild J. J. , von Lilienfeld-Toal M. , Beutel G. , Wille K.
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Since the early SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, cancer patients have been assumed to be at higher risk for severe COVID-19. Here, we present an analysis of cancer patients from the LEOSS (Lean European Open Survey on SARS-CoV-2 Infected Patients) registry to determine whether cancer patients are at higher risk.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 435 cancer patients and 2636 non-cancer patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, enrolled between March 16 and August 31, 2020. Data on socio-demographics, comorbidities, cancer-related features and infection course were collected. Age-, sex- and comorbidity-adjusted analysis was performed. Primary endpoint was COVID-19-related mortality.

Results

In total, 435 cancer patients were included in our analysis. Commonest age category was 76–85 years (36.5%), and 40.5% were female. Solid tumors were seen in 59% and lymphoma and leukemia in 17.5% and 11% of patients. Of these, 54% had an active malignancy, and 22% had recently received anti-cancer treatments. At detection of SARS-CoV-2, the majority (62.5%) presented with mild symptoms. Progression to severe COVID-19 was seen in 55% and ICU admission in 27.5%. COVID-19-related mortality rate was 22.5%. Male sex, advanced age, and active malignancy were associated with higher death rates. Comparing cancer and non-cancer patients, age distribution and comorbidity differed significantly, as did mortality (14% vs 22.5%,pvalue < 0.001). After adjustments for other risk factors, mortality was comparable.

Conclusion

Comparing cancer and non-cancer patients, outcome of COVID-19 was comparable after adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidity. However, our results emphasize that cancer patients as a group are at higher risk due to advanced age and pre-existing conditions.
Enhanced adsorption capacity of porous titanium dioxide nanoparticles synthetized in alkaline sol
Authors: Scrimieri Luigi , Velardi Luciano , Serra Antonio , Manno Daniela , Ferrari Francesca , Cantarella Maria , Calcagnile Lucio
Published: November 2020

In recent years, the exploitation of natural resources and industrial development have led to the production of harmful pollutants. Much of these contaminants end up in water resources, reducing the availability of drinking water. Therefore, it is necessary to find remedies to this situation. Solutions could be the adsorption or the degradation through photocatalysis of these compounds. A good candidate for this task is titanium dioxide (TiO2), due to its non-toxicity, stability and low cost. In this work, we propose a novel synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs), with high adsorption capacity, produced at low temperature in alkaline environment. Adsorption tests were conducted using methylene blue and diclofenac as model pollutants. Moreover, the obtained NPs have been characterized through Raman spectroscopy, Scanning and Transmission electron microscopies and with thermogravimetric analysis. The results showed a porous structure with a high surface area, able to efficiently adsorb large amounts of dye from the aqueous solution. These properties make the obtained TiO2 powders suitable for applications devoted to the adsorption and recovery of harmful compounds.

Graphic abstract
Metapopulation dynamics over 25 years of a beetle, Osmoderma eremita, inhabiting hollow oaks
Authors: Lindman Ly , Larsson Mattias C. , Mellbrand Kajsa , Svensson Glenn P. , Hedin Jonas , Tranberg Olov , Ranius Thomas
Published: November 2020

Osmoderma eremitais a species of beetle that inhabits hollows in ancient trees, which is a habitat that has decreased significantly during the last century. In southeastern Sweden, we studied the metapopulation dynamics of this beetle over a 25 year period, using capture-mark-recapture. The metapopulation size had been rather stable over time, but in most of the individual trees there had been a positive or negative trend in population development. The probability of colonisation was higher in well-connected trees with characteristics reflecting earlier successional stages, and the probability of extinction higher in trees with larger diameter (i.e. in later successional stages), which is expected from a habitat-tracking metapopulation. The annual tree mortality and fall rates (1.1% and 0.4%, respectively) are lower than the colonisation and extinction rates (5–7%), indicating that some of the metapopulation dynamics are due to the habitat dynamics, but many colonisations and extinctions take place for other reasons, such as stochastic events in small populations. The studied metapopulation occurs in an area with a high density of hollow oaks and where the oak pastures are still managed by grazing. In stands with fewer than ten suitable trees, the long-term extinction risk may be considerable, since only a small proportion of all hollow trees harbours large populations, and the population size in trees may change considerably during a decade.
Skin disorder management in oral anticancer drugs by collaboration of hospital pharmacists and community pharmacists
Authors: Urakawa Ryuta , Hashimoto Sanae , Hirohata Hideki , Sakai Katsunori , Matsuura Kayo , Ito Yumiko , Tarutani Masahito , Kubota Kazumi , Ueda Mikiko , Uejima Etsuko
Published: November 2020

Background

In Japan, the multidisciplinary team approach in cancer chemotherapy has become quite widespread. However, patients treated with oral anticancer drugs in outpatient clinics usually receive short medical examinations from doctors without any intervention of pharmacists. To improve this medical circumstance, we made a skin disorder manual for community pharmacists and evaluated its feasibility.

Methods

Patients who underwent oral skin toxic chemotherapy from May 1, 2017, to October 31, 2017, were enrolled. The severity of skin toxicities was evaluated based on NCI-CTCAE ver4.0. Skin care and skin disorders were assessed by community pharmacists based on the assessment document arranged by the investigator. Numbers of patients who replied to the assessment, numbers of replies, numbers of assessments and instructions for skin care, and numbers of prescription proposals were evaluated to assess the value of intervention of community pharmacists.

Results

Sixty-two patients were enrolled in this study. Community pharmacy responded to 55 patients (88.7%), for a total of 335 replies. The data described in the replies were as follows: 317 assessments of skin disorders (94.6%), 307 assessments of skin care (91.6%), 248 instructions for skin care (74%), and 19 prescription proposals (5.7%).

Conclusions

Community pharmacists have high motivation for prevention and early detection of skin disorders. Although the number of prescription proposals is small, some proposals have contributed to improving side effects. Collaboration of hospital pharmacists and community pharmacists is important for prevention, early detection, and treatment of skin disorders caused by oral anticancer drugs.
Social justice-oriented narratives in European urban food strategies: Bringing forward redistribution, recognition and representation
Authors: Smaal Sara A. L. , Dessein Joost , Wind Barend J. , Rogge Elke
Published: November 2020

More and more cities develop urban food strategies (UFSs) to guide their efforts and practices towards more sustainable food systems. An emerging theme shaping these food policy endeavours, especially prominent in North and South America, concerns the enhancement of social justice within food systems. To operationalise this theme in a European urban food governance context we adopt Nancy Fraser’s three-dimensional theory of justice: economic redistribution, cultural recognition and political representation. In this paper, we discuss the findings of an exploratory document analysis of the social justice-oriented ambitions, motivations, current practices and policy trajectories articulated in sixteen European UFSs. We reflect on the food-related resource allocations, value patterns and decision rules these cities propose to alter and the target groups they propose to support, empower or include. Overall, we find that UFSs make little explicit reference to social justice and justice-oriented food concepts, such as food security, food justice, food democracy and food sovereignty. Nevertheless, the identified resources, services and target groups indicate that the three dimensions of Fraser are at the heart of many of the measures described. We argue that implicit, fragmentary and unspecified adoption of social justice in European UFSs is problematic, as it may hold back public consciousness, debate and collective action regarding food system inequalities and may be easily disregarded in policy budgeting, implementation and evaluation trajectories. As a path forward, we present our plans for the RE-ADJUSTool that would enable UFS stakeholders to reflect on how their UFS can incorporate social justice and who to involve in this pursuit.
Stable mixed finite elements for linear elasticity with thin inclusions
Authors: Boon W. M. , Nordbotten J. M.
Published: November 2020

We consider mechanics of composite materials in which thin inclusions are modeled by lower-dimensional manifolds. By successively applying the dimensional reduction to junctions and intersections within the material, a geometry of hierarchically connected manifolds is formed which we refer to as mixed-dimensional. The governing equations with respect to linear elasticity are then defined on this mixed-dimensional geometry. The resulting system of partial differential equations is also referred to as mixed-dimensional, since functions defined on domains of multiple dimensionalities are considered in a fully coupled manner. With the use of a semi-discrete differential operator, we obtain the variational formulation of this system in terms of both displacements and stresses. The system is then analyzed and shown to be well-posed with respect to appropriately weighted norms. Numerical discretization schemes are proposed using well-known mixed finite elements in all dimensions. The schemes conserve linear momentum locally while relaxing the symmetry condition on the stress tensor. Stability and convergence are shown using a priori error estimates and confirmed numerically.
Autophagy modulating agents as chemosensitizers for cisplatin therapy in cancer
Authors: Gąsiorkiewicz Bartosz Mateusz , Koczurkiewicz-Adamczyk Paulina , Piska Kamil , Pękala Elżbieta
Published: November 2020

Although cisplatin is one of the most common antineoplastic drug, its successful utilisation in cancer treatment is limited by the drug resistance. Multiple attempts have been made to find potential cisplatin chemosensitisers which would overcome cancer cells resistance thus improving antineoplastic efficacy. Autophagy modulation has become an important area of interest regarding the aforementioned topic. Autophagy is a highly conservative cellular self-digestive process implicated in response to multiple environmental stressors. The high basal level of autophagy is a common phenomenon in cisplatin-resistant cancer cells which is thought to grant survival benefit. However current evidence supports the role of autophagy in either promoting or limiting carcinogenesis depending on the context. This encourages the search of substances modulating the process to alleviate cisplatin resistance. Such a strategy encompasses not only simple autophagy inhibition but also harnessing the process to induce autophagy-dependent cell death. In this paper, we briefly describe the mechanism of cisplatin resistance with a special emphasis on autophagy and we give an extensive literature review of potential substances with cisplatin chemosensitising properties related to autophagy modulation.
Forged in Conflict: Francis Buckley, the First World War, and British Prehistory
Authors: Griffiths Seren , Saunders Nicholas J.
Published: November 2020

Francis Buckley was extraordinary; an officer responsible for arming grenades, excavating trenches, surveying, sketch-mapping, and military intelligence, his actions were a roll-call of the First World War’s bloodiest battles. The psychological toll was significant. War remade the man and created the archaeologist. Under fire, Buckley recorded prehistoric lithics on the Somme, a rich archaeological landscape, and a deadly battlefield. After the war, “tramping” the Yorkshire moors, Buckley applied military skills to excavate and record a key, but still understudied lithic collection. This paper explores Francis Buckley’s war, its implications for the history of archaeological thought, and reasserts his under-acknowledged legacy.
New way of anionic ring-opening copolymerization of β-butyrolactone and ε-caprolactone: determination of the reaction course
Authors: Grobelny Zbigniew , Jurek-Suliga Justyna , Golba Sylwia
Published: November 2020

Poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(β-butyrolactone) copolymers were prepared in two-step synthesis. Firstly, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) was obtained by anionic ring-opening polymerization of CL initiated with anhydrous KOH activated 12-crown-4 cation complexing agent. Reaction was carried out in tetrahydrofuran solution and argon atmosphere at room temperature. Then, β-butyrolactone (BL) and 18-crown-6 were added to the system, resulting in PCL-block-PBL copolymer, which contains after methylation hydroxyl starting group and methyl ester end group. The main product was contaminated with PCL and PBL homopolymers formed in a side reactions. 13C NMR technique was used for determination of chemical structure of polymers obtained. The course of the studied processes was proposed. MALDI-TOF technique was used to reveal the macromolecules’ architecture where several series were found. The identified series shown that mainly copolymeric macromolecules were formed with scare contribution of homopolymeric polybutyrolactone with trans-crotonate starting groups and polycaprolactone, which is congruent with the proposed reaction mechanism. Moreover, critical approach concerning previously reported PCL-block-PBL copolymer synthesis by use of NaH as initiator was also presented.
Pattern theory of self and situating moral aspects: the need to include authenticity, autonomy and responsibility in understanding the effects of deep brain stimulation
Authors: Zawadzki Przemysław
Published: November 2020

The aims of this paper are to: (1) identify the best framework for comprehending multidimensional impact of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on the self; (2) identify weaknesses of this framework; (3) propose refinements to it; (4) in pursuing (3), show why and how this framework should be extended with additional moral aspects and demonstrate their interrelations; (5) define how moral aspects relate to the framework; (6) show the potential consequences of including moral aspects on evaluating DBS’s impact on patients’ selves. Regarding (1), I argue that the pattern theory of self (PTS) can be regarded as such a framework. In realizing (2) and (3), I indicate that most relevant issues concerning PTS that require resolutions are ontological issues, including the persistence question, the “specificity problem”, and finding lacking relevant aspects of the self. In realizing (4), I identify aspects of the self not included in PTS which are desperately needed to investigate the full range of potentially relevant DBS-induced changes—authenticity, autonomy, and responsibility, and conclude that how we define authenticity will have implications for our concept of autonomy, which in turn will determine how we think about responsibility. Concerning (5), I discuss a complex relation between moral aspects and PTS—on one hand, they serve as the lens through which a particular self-pattern can be evaluated; on the other, they are, themselves, products of dynamical interactions of various self-aspects. Finally, I discuss (6), demonstrating novel way of understanding the effects of DBS on patients’ selves.
Science and Religious Education Teachers’ Views of Argumentation and Its Teaching
Authors: Erduran Sibel , Guilfoyle Liam , Park Wonyong
Published: November 2020

Argumentation, the justification of claims with reasons and/or evidence, has emerged as a significant educational goal in science education in recent years. It has also been noted as an important pedagogical approach in numerous school subjects. Yet, there is limited understanding of how teachers’ views of argumentation and its teaching compare in different school subjects. In order to ensure coherence in the implementation of the school curriculum, it is important to understand such views particularly in the context of subjects that are often positioned to be in conflict with each other, for example in the context of science versus religious education. In this paper, we present an empirical study on how science and religious education teachers view argumentation and its teaching. The data are drawn from a survey of secondary school teachers of 11–16-year-old students in England. Twenty-nine teachers were presented with an online survey in order to collect data on various aspects of their views including pedagogical strategies that support argumentation. Qualitative and quantitative results suggest that teachers of both subjects consider argumentation to be a significant aspect of their subject although particular nuances exist in how the teachers interpret argumentation. Furthermore, the data suggest that there are statistically significant differences in terms of the perceived frequency of pedagogical strategies used to support argumentation in lessons.
Fluid Leakage in Metallic Seals
Authors: Fischer F. J. , Schmitz K. , Tiwari A. , Persson B. N. J.
Published: November 2020

Metallic seals are crucial machine elements in many important applications, e.g., in ultrahigh vacuum systems. Due to the high elastic modulus of metals, and the surface roughness which exists on all solid surfaces, if no plastic deformation would occur one expects in most cases large fluid flow channels between the contacting metallic bodies, and large fluid leakage. However, in most applications plastic deformation occurs, at least at the asperity level, which allows the surfaces to approach each other to such an extent that fluid leakage often can be neglected. In this study, we present an experimental set-up for studying the fluid leakage in metallic seals. We study the water leakage between a steel sphere and a steel body (seat) with a conical surface. The experimental results are found to be in good quantitative agreement with a (fitting-parameter-free) theoretical model. The theory predicts that the plastic deformations reduce the leak-rate by a factor$$\approx 8$$≈8.
Are we ignoring a black elephant in the Anthropocene? Climate change and global pandemic as the crisis in health and equality
Authors: Asayama Shinichiro , Emori Seita , Sugiyama Masahiro , Kasuga Fumiko , Watanabe Chiho
Published: November 2020

Climate change and coronavirus pandemic are the twin crises in the Anthropocene, the era in which unsustainable growth of human activities has led to a significant change in the global environment. The two crises have also exposed a chronic social illness of our time—a deep, widespread inequality in society. Whilst the circumstances are unfortunate, the pandemic can provide an opportunity for sustainability scientists to focus more on human society and its inequalities, rather than a sole focus on the natural environment. It opens the way for a new normative commitment of science in a time of crises. We suggest three agendas for future climate and sustainability research after the pandemic: (1) focus on health and well-being, (2) moral engagement through empathy, and (3) science of loss for managing grief.
Bariatric Surgery Is Protective Against Renal Function Decline in Severely Obese Patients in the Long-Term
Authors: Lautenbach Anne , Wienecke Jan-Wilhelm , Stoll Fabian , Riedel Nina , Mann Oliver , Huber Tobias B. , Busch Philipp , Aberle Jens
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to assess the long-term renal effects of bariatric surgery (BS) in severely obese patients over a follow-up period of up to 11 years.

Materials and Methods

In a retrospective cohort study including 102 patients, patients were stratified by eGFR at baseline and divided into three groups: (1) reduced, (2) normal, and (3) increased filtration rate. Adjustments for age- and sex-related decline in eGFR were performed. We used uni- and multivariate regression analysis to identify variables that were thought to determine change in eGFR.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 8.5 years (interquartile range 2.7), eGFR declined from 96.1 ± 20.7 to 84.9 ± 21.0 ml/min (p < 0.001). Among patients with (1), eGFR remained stable (69.1 ± 19.3 ml/min). Among patients with (2), eGFR declined from 99.7 ± 13.3 ml/min to 88.7 ± 19.4 ml/min (p < 0.001). Among patients with (3), eGFR decreased to normal levels (94.2 ± 17.7 ml/min, p < 0.001). Age- and sex-adjusted eGFR increased (6.4 ± 14.4 ml/min; p < 0.05) among patients with reduced filtration rate. Among patients with normal filtration rate, adjusted eGFR remained stable during follow-up (−1.3 ± 15.2 ml/min; n.s.). Among patients with increased filtration rate, adjusted eGFR decreased and remained within the normal range (−13.2 ± 12.2 ml/min; p < 0.001). Change in eGFR showed a negative correlation with eGFR at baseline (B = −0.31; p < 0.001), change in LDL-cholesterol (B = -0.09; p < 0.05), and a negative correlation with treatment requiring hypertension (B = -9.36; p = 0.001).

Conclusion

BS is protective against renal function decline in severely obese patients in the long term.
Interactive freehand sketching as the means for online communication of design intent in conceptual design conducted by Brainwriting
Authors: Rizzuti Sergio , De Napoli Luigi
Published: November 2020

Sketching is becoming an irrelevant activity of engineering studies. The availability of many software that aids designers in all phases of design, not only analytic but synthetic, push technicians, designers to use such tools, giving up the employment of a simple pencil and eraser on a sheet of paper. The productivity of software tools is obliged to speed and manage the whole design process; even freehand sketching remains the fundamental means to communicate the first ideas immediately. During Brainwriting sessions, the ability to explain by sketches first elaborations of a possible solution, that must be understood by co-designers, is the first step that allows more fruitful discussion and immediate adjustment towards a quick embodiment of valid proposals. The paper describes how such techniques has been introduced in the mechanical engineering curriculum. The case of study reports the experience of the Brainwriting online, which has been tested during lockdown due to the pandemic disease of COVID-19. Further in the paper it is suggested a new interpretation of the de Saussure general linguistic studies, in term of a communication that is associated to a drawing.
1H, 13C, and 15N backbone chemical shift assignments of coronavirus-2 non-structural protein Nsp10
Authors: Kubatova N. , Qureshi N. S. , Altincekic N. , Abele R. , Bains J. K. , Ceylan B. , Ferner J. , Fuks C. , Hargittay B. , Hutchison M. T. , de Jesus V. , Kutz F. , Wirtz Martin M. A. , Meiser N. , Linhard V. , Pyper D. J. , Trucks S. , Fürtig B. , Hengesbach M. , Löhr F. , Richter C. , Saxena K. , Schlundt A. , Schwalbe H. , Sreeramulu S. , Wacker A. , Weigand J. E. , Wirmer-Bartoschek J. , Wöhnert J.
Published: November 2020

The international Covid19-NMR consortium aims at the comprehensive spectroscopic characterization of SARS-CoV-2 RNA elements and proteins and will provide NMR chemical shift assignments of the molecular components of this virus. The SARS-CoV-2 genome encodes approximately 30 different proteins. Four of these proteins are involved in forming the viral envelope or in the packaging of the RNA genome and are therefore called structural proteins. The other proteins fulfill a variety of functions during the viral life cycle and comprise the so-called non-structural proteins (nsps). Here, we report the near-complete NMR resonance assignment for the backbone chemical shifts of the non-structural protein 10 (nsp10). Nsp10 is part of the viral replication-transcription complex (RTC). It aids in synthesizing and modifying the genomic and subgenomic RNAs. Via its interaction with nsp14, it ensures transcriptional fidelity of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and through its stimulation of the methyltransferase activity of nsp16, it aids in synthesizing the RNA cap structures which protect the viral RNAs from being recognized by the innate immune system. Both of these functions can be potentially targeted by drugs. Our data will aid in performing additional NMR-based characterizations, and provide a basis for the identification of possible small molecule ligands interfering with nsp10 exerting its essential role in viral replication.
A groundwater potential zone mapping approach for semi-arid environments using remote sensing (RS), geographic information system (GIS), and analytical hierarchical process (AHP) techniques: a case study of Buffalo catchment, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Owolabi Solomon Temidayo , Madi Kakaba , Kalumba Ahmed Mulakazi , Orimoloye Israel Ropo
Published: November 2020

Theme unsuitability is noted to have inhibited the accuracy of groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) mapping approach, especially in a semi-arid environment where surface water supply is inadequate. This work, therefore presents a geoscience approach for mapping high-precision GWPZs peculiar to the semi-arid area, using Buffalo catchment, Eastern Cape, South Africa, as a case study. Maps of surficial-lithology, lineament-density, drainage-density, rainfall-distribution, normalized-difference-vegetation-index, topographic-wetness-index, land use/land cover, and land-surface-temperature were produced. These were overlaid based on analytical hierarchical process weightage prioritization at a constituency ratio of 0.087. The model categorizes GWPZs into the good (187 km2), moderate (338 km2), fair (406 km2), poor (185 km2), and very poor (121 km2) zones. The model validation using borehole yield through on the coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.901) and correlation (R = 0.949) indicates a significant replication of ground situation (p value < 0.001). The analysis corroboration shows that the groundwater is mainly hosted by a fractured aquifer where the GWPZs is either good (9.3 l/s) or moderate (5.5 l/s). The overall result indicates that the model approach is reliable and can be adopted for a reliable characterization of GWPZs in any semi-arid/arid environment.
Evaluation of the drainage system of Zagros Basin (Greater Zab River, northern Iraq) and insights into tectonic geomorphology
Authors: Elias Ziyad , Sissakian Varoujan K. , Al-Ansari Nadhir
Published: November 2020

Geomorphological evaluation was carried out for three drainage basins named Hareer, Dwaine, and Hijran, which are tributaries of the Greater Zab River in the northern part of Erbil Governorate, the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, north Iraq. The exposed rocks in the three basins are mainly clastic rocks (sandstone, claystone, and conglomerate, with subordinate gypsum and limestone beds). However, in the uppermost parts of the basins, thick and massive carbonate rocks are exposed. Tectonically, the three basins are located in the Low Folded and High Folded Zones, which belong to the Zagros Fold–Thrust Belt. The main aim of the current study is to deduce the tectonic activity of the area occupied by the studied three basins. We have used and interpreted Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data to perform the geomorphological evaluation. Different geomorphological indices and forms were used to deduce the tectonic activity of the area occupied by the three basins. Accordingly, seven orders of streams were identified in the three basins. The number of the streams with low order (i.e., 1) joining with higher order (i.e., 6 and 7) is considerably higher in the three basins. The Hat values of the three basins are 12,971, 10,479, and 7014 in Hareer, Dwaine, and Hijran basins, respectively. The values of hierarchical anomaly index (Δa) of the three basins are 1.87, 1.35, and 2.37 in Hareer, Hijran, and Dwaine basins, respectively. It was observed that the shape of Hareer and Shakrook anticlines has a significant impact on the main trunk of the channel. Therefore, when an anticline and syncline are close to each other (due to thrust faulting), then the hierarchical anomaly increases because the river trunk receives a lot of first-order streams, e.g., in Dwaine and Hijran basins. The lateral growth in the eastern part of Safin anticline had caused increasing of the Δa. The increased hierarchical anomaly index is attributed to the existence of faults and lineaments, which represent weakness zones. The hypsometric curves of the three basins have a typical shape of old stage with rejuvenation in their central and terminal portions which is changed into mature stage, most probably due to the local uplift which is caused by normal, thrust, and strike–slip (oblique) faults which exist in the study area and the near surroundings. The Bs and Hat values in Hareer, Dwaine, and Hijran basins indicate that the basins exhibit low, medium, and high tectonic activity, respectively.
Mixture Kernel Density Estimation and Remedied Correlation Matrix on the EEG-Based Copula Model for the Assessment of Visual Discomfort
Authors: Zheng Yawen , Zhao Xiaojie , Yao Li
Published: November 2020

Since electroencephalogram (EEG) signals can directly provide information on changes in brain activity due to behaviour changes, how to assess visual discomfort through EEG signals attracts researchers’ attention. However, previous assessments based on time-domain EEG features lack sufficient consideration of the dependence among EEG signals, which may affect the discrimination to visual discomfort. Although the copula model can explore the dependence among variables, the EEG-based copula models still have the following deficiencies: (1) the methods ignoring the fine-grained information hidden in EEG signals could make the estimated marginal density function improper, and (2) the approaches neglecting the pseudo-correlation among data may inappropriately estimate the correlation matrix parameter of the copula density function. The mixture kernel density estimation (MKDE) and remedied correlation matrix (RCM) on the EEG-based copula model are proposed to mitigate the mentioned shortcomings. The simulation experiments show that MKDE can not only better estimate the marginal density function but also explore fine-grained information. The RCM can be closer to the real correlation matrix parameter. With the favourable quality of the proposed EEG-based model, it is used to extract time-domain EEG features to assess visual discomfort further. To our best knowledge, the extracted features present better discrimination to visual discomfort compared with the features extracted by the state-of-the-art method.
Anticancer Properties of Lobetyolin, an Essential Component of Radix Codonopsis (Dangshen)
Authors: Bailly Christian
Published: November 2020

Lobetyolin (LBT) is a polyacetylene glycoside found in diverse medicinal plants but mainly isolated from the roots of Codonopsis pilosula, known as Radix Codonopsis or Dangshen. Twelve traditional Chinese medicinal preparations containing Radix Codonopsis were identified; they are generally used to tonify spleen and lung Qi and occasionally to treat cancer. Here we have reviewed the anticancer properties of Codonopsis extracts, LBT and structural analogs. Lobetyolin and lobetyolinin are the mono- and bis-glucosylated forms of the polyacetylenic compound lobetyol. Lobetyol and LBT have shown activities against several types of cancer (notably gastric cancer) and we examined the molecular basis of their activity. A down-regulation of glutamine metabolism by LBT has been evidenced, contributing to drug-induced apoptosis and tumor growth inhibition. LBT markedly reduces both mRNA and protein expression of the amino acid transporter Alanine-Serine-Cysteine Transporter 2 (ASCT2). Other potential targets are proposed here, based on the structural analogy with other anticancer compounds. LBT and related polyacetylene glycosides should be further considered as potential anticancer agents, but more work is needed to evaluate their efficacy, toxicity, and risk–benefit ratio.
Abdominal Wall Transplantation: Indications and Outcomes
Authors: Honeyman Calum , Dolan Roisin , Stark Helen , Fries Charles Anton , Reddy Srikanth , Allan Philip , Vrakas Giorgios , Vaidya Anil , Dijkstra Gerard , Hofker Sijbrand , Tempelman Tallechien , Werker Paul , Erdmann Detlev , Ravindra Kadiyala , Sudan Debra , Friend Peter , Giele Henk
Published: November 2020

Purpose of Review

This article aims to review published outcomes associated with full-thickness vascularized abdominal wall transplantation, with particular emphasis on advances in the field in the last 3 years.

Recent Findings

Forty-six full-thickness vascularized abdominal wall transplants have been performed in 44 patients worldwide. Approximately 35% of abdominal wall transplant recipients will experience at least one episode of acute rejection in the first year after transplant, compared with rejection rates of 87.8% and 72.7% for hand and face transplant respectively. Recent evidence suggests that combining a skin containing abdominal wall transplant with an intestinal transplant does not appear to increase sensitization or de novo donor-specific antibody formation.

Published data suggests that abdominal wall transplantation is an effective safe solution to achieve primary closure of the abdomen after intestinal or multivisceral transplant. However, better data is needed to confirm observations made and to determine long-term outcomes, requiring standardized data collection and reporting and collaboration between the small number of active transplant centres around the world.
Clinical Longevity of Zirconia Implants with the Focus on Biomechanical and Biological Outcome
Authors: Kohal Ralf-Joachim , Dennison David K.
Published: November 2020

Purpose of Review

The goal of the present review is to update the reader on the scientific background of zirconia ceramic implants. Clinical investigations using zirconia ceramic implants over the last couple of years have brought up some new developments and questions. Can we be confident in placing zirconia ceramic implants given the recently published data? Is there a difference in the application of one- and two-piece implants?

Recent Findings

Systematic reviews on preclinical investigations of zirconia implants revealed that one-piece zirconia implants (> 4 mm) are sufficiently stable for clinical use. The same is true for some clinically available two-piece implant systems. Osseointegration and soft tissue integration are, according to the reviews, similar between titanium and zirconia implants with similar surface topographies. Regarding the clinical outcome, a meta-review exists evaluating systematic reviews. The findings of the systematic reviews and the meta-review are that there are good short-term clinical results for one-piece zirconia implants. However, the data for two-piece implants is not robust.

In certain applications (single tooth restorations and small bridges), the results of zirconia implants are comparable with titanium implants in short-term studies. Some mid-term investigations support the short-term results. However, according to the current scientific data available, zirconia implants cannot yet be considered an alternative to titanium implants because there are many areas where there is a lack of clinical studies on zirconia implants. Currently, they are an addendum to the titanium implant armamentarium for situations where they are useful (patient request, known hypersensitivity to titanium, or questions of esthetics when titanium might appear inappropriate for a certain situation/condition), but long-term studies are needed. Without a doubt, there is a need for two-piece zirconia implants, but limited research exists to support their clinical use at the moment.