bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Awareness of financial institutions’ employees towards Islamic finance principles in Russia
Authors: Hidayat Sutan Emir , Rafiki Ahmad , Svyatoslav Suvorov
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the awareness level of Islamic finance principles among employees of financial institutions in Moscow, Russia.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative method is used with a Likert scale questionnaire. A survey was conducted to 310 financial institutions’ employees to determine the level of their awareness of major Islamic finance principles. The sample population is selected using the judgment sampling technique. A descriptive analysis with frequency, percentage and weighted mean are used to analyze the data.

Findings

The study finds that the level of awareness of financial institutions’ employees towards Islamic finance is low. This is probably due to the minority of the Muslim population and geographically far from to the countries where Islamic finance is being implemented. All respondents have a good education background, thus implementing some training sessions for its employees or hiring some outside specialists could transfer the knowledge and widespread the adoption of Islamic finance instruments.

Originality/value

The academic institutions such as universities in Russia could play a pivotal role to offer Islamic finance-related subjects, while the government as a regulatory body, should support the Islamic finance initiatives.
Bone marrow transplant recipients and their compliance with sun‐protection measures in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Biswas Neela , Deen Jacqueline , Teare Holly , Robertson Ivan
Published: February 2020

There is no current published work on the sun‐protection practices of bone marrow transplant recipients. The burden of post‐transplant skin malignancy is a growing public health concern. This paper evaluates the compliance of bone marrow transplant recipients with advice about sun protection through a cross‐sectional observational study involving participants completing a questionnaire regarding sun protection. Whilst most bone marrow transplant patients recalled receiving education (94%) and understood why they required additional precautions (84%), half did not practice adequate photoprotection. Future research should explore barriers to non‐compliance with sun‐protection measures in bone marrow transplant patients so additional interventions can be more targeted within this population.
Neoliberal Urban Planning Through Social Government: Notes on the Demographic Re‐engineering of Malmö
Authors: Pries Johan
Published: February 2020

Neoliberal urban governance is often framed as a break with the social statecraft of the postwar period. If we approach social government as a specific mode of biopolitical population politics, neoliberal reforms can instead be understood as re‐articulating the welfarist version of postwar social planning. In this article, I analyze how social urban government can become the basis of neoliberal planning through a study of the Swedish city of Malmö, which has shifted its approach from emblematic Scandinavian social democratic welfare urbanism to a particular kind of neoliberal planning. Malmö is a city where distinctions between desirable and unwanted populations are produced by municipal social planning that concerns itself with accumulating human resources. Postwar social planning technologies are thus re‐articulated as the basis for making space competitive for certain residents. This mode of planning is described as a type of ‘social neoliberalism’, which, instead of circumscribing neoliberal economics, extends the reach of neoliberalism into social government. This study suggests that calls for a return to social planning need to be complicated by accounts of how social government itself has been remade by neoliberal reforms. It also points out how the divisions produced by social neoliberalism expose powerful fault lines that reveal a terrain of political struggle.
The role of smart packaging system in food supply chain
Authors: Chen Shoue , Brahma Sandrayee , Mackay Jonathon , Cao Changyong , Aliakbarian Bahar
Published: February 2020

Food supply chain is a rapidly growing integrated sector and covers all the aspects from farm to fork, including manufacturing, packaging, distribution, storing, as well as further processing or cooking for consumption. Along this chain, smart packaging could impact the quality, safety, and sustainability of food. Packaging systems have evolved to be smarter with integration of emerging electronics and wireless communication and cloud data solutions. Although there are many factors causing the loss and waste issues for foods throughout the whole supply chain of food and there have been several articles showing the recent advances and breakthroughs in developing smart packaging systems, this review integrates these conceptual frameworks and technological applications and focuses on how innovative smart packaging solutions are beneficial to the overall quality and safety of food supply by enhancing product traceability and reducing the amount of food loss and waste. We start by introducing the concept of the management for the integrated food supply chain, which is critical in tactical and operational components that can enhance product traceability within the entire chain. Then we highlight the impact of smart packaging in reducing food loss and waste. We summarize the basic information of the common printing techniques for smart packaging system (sensor and indicator). Then, we discuss the potential challenges in the manufacturing and deployment of smart packaging systems, as well as their cost‐related drawbacks and further steps in food supply chain.
Association between preeclampsia and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder: a population‐based and sibling‐matched cohort study
Authors: Maher G. M. , Dalman C. , O’Keeffe G. W. , Kearney P. M. , McCarthy F. P. , Kenny L. C. , Khashan A. S.
Published: February 2020

Objective

To examine the association between preeclampsia and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), using a large Swedish‐based registry cohort.

Methods

This study comprised 2 047 619 children, with 114 934 (5.6%) cases of ADHD. Preeclampsia was based on two alternate definitions: (i) preeclampsia (using ICD‐9/ICD‐10) and (ii) preeclampsia and small for gestational age (SGA) combined. ADHD was determined in one of two ways: (i) if a diagnosis of ADHD was present in the National Patient Register or (ii) if an individual was in receipt of ADHD medication in the Prescribed Drug Register. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis allowed adjustment for several perinatal/sociodemographic factors. Sibling‐matched analysis further controlled for shared genetic and familial confounding.

Results

In the adjusted Cox model, preeclampsia was associated with an increase in likelihood of ADHD (HR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.19). The HR for preeclampsia and those born SGA was 1.43 (95% CI: 1.31, 1.55) in the adjusted model, compared to those unexposed to preeclampsia/SGA. The sibling‐matched analysis did not materially change these associations (HR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.22) and 1.55 (95% CI: 1.28, 1.88).

Conclusions

Exposure to preeclampsia or preeclampsia/SGA was associated with ADHD, independent of genetic/familial factors shared by siblings. However, it is important to note that sibling‐matched analysis can only adjust for factors that are constant between pregnancies; therefore, residual confounding cannot be ruled out. Further research is needed to explore modifiable risk factors and identify those most‐at‐risk babies following delivery.
Effects of winning cues and relative payout on choice between simulated slot machines
Authors: Spetch Marcia L. , Madan Christopher R. , Liu Yang S. , Ludvig Elliot A.
Published: February 2020

Background and aims

Cues associated with winning may encourage gambling. We assessed the effects on risky choice of slot machine of: (1) neutral sounds paired with winning, (2) casino‐related cues (such as the sound of coins dropping and pictures of dollar signs) and (3) relative payouts.

Design

Experimental studies in which participants repeatedly chose between safer and riskier simulated slot machines. Safer slot machines paid the same amount regardless of which symbols lined up. Risky machines paid different amounts depending on which symbols lined up. Effects of initially neutral sounds paired with the best payout were assessed between‐groups (experiment 1a) and within‐participants (experiment 1b). In experiment 2, pairing of casino‐related audiovisual cues with payout was assessed within participants, and cue timing was assessed between groups.

Setting

A university research laboratory in Edmonton, Canada.

Participants

Undergraduate students (n = 630 across three experiments).

Measurements

Preference for riskier over safer machines, preference between machines that differed in cues, payout recall and frequency estimates for payouts. Risky choice was calculated as the proportion of choices of the risky machine when presented with a fixed machine of the same expected value.

Findings

In experiment 1a, risky choice was slightly increased by pairing a sound with the best payout compared with pairing the sound with a lower payout (P = 0.04, d = 0.28) but not compared with no sound [P = 0.36, d = 0.13, Bayes factors (BF)10 = 0.22]. In experiment 1b, people did not prefer a machine with a best‐payout sound over one with a lower‐payout sound (P = 0.67, d = 0.03, BF10 = 0.11). Relative payout affected choice: risky choices were higher for high‐ than low‐payout decisions (P < 0.001, d = 0.53). In experiment 2, people preferred machines with casino‐related cues paired with winning (P < 0.001, r2 = 0.11) and cue timing (at choice or concurrently with the win) had no effect (P = 0.95, r2 = 0.0, BF10 = 0.05). Casino‐related cues also enhanced payout memory (P = 0.013 and 0.006). Cue effects were not specific to risk: people also preferred fixed‐payout machines with casino‐related cues (P < 0.001, r2 = 0.16).

Conclusions

In a gambling simulation, student participants chose more risky slot machines when payouts were relatively higher and when casino‐related cues were associated with payouts. Pairing a neutral sound with the best payout did not consistently affect slot machine choice, and the effect of casino cues did not depend on their timing. Casino‐related cues enhanced payout memory.
Ultrastructural morphology of lymphocytes of the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx)
Authors: Johnson Eugene H. , Al‐Amri Ahmed Saif Hilal , Al‐ Abri Mohammed , Al‐Marzooqi Waleed
Published: February 2020

An ultrastructural study on the lymphocytes from peripheral blood samples from 20 healthy adult Arabian oryx (Oryx leucocoryx) was undertaken. Small lymphocytes ranged in size from 2–3.5 µm and exhibited the typical repertoire of organelles found in small lymphocytes of other animals but showed no evidence of azurophilic granules. Medium‐sized lymphocytes were 5–6.5 µm in diameter and occasionally demonstrated azurophilic granules. Microvilli were a common finding of lymphocytes. Of particular interest was the presence of multivesicular bodies, which have previously only been described in human lymphocytes. Both small‐ and medium‐sized lymphocytes of the Arabian oryx were smaller than those reported for other animals. Small lymphocytes exhibited short, thick microvilli, whereas medium‐sized lymphocytes had long thin microvilli, a single nucleolus and occasionally azurophilic granules and multivesicular bodies.
Efficacy of indoor air purification in the treatment of Artemisia pollen‐allergic rhinitis: A randomised, double‐blind, clinical controlled trial
Authors: Li Li , Zhang Li , Mo Jin‐Han , Li Yun‐Ying , Xia Ji‐Yan , Bai Xiao‐Bing , Xie Pei‐Fang , Liang Jing‐Yi , Yang Zi‐Feng , Chen Qiao‐Yan
Published: February 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a high‐efficiency air purifier in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Design

We conducted a randomised, double‐blind, clinical controlled trial with active and inactive versions of an air purifier. Our study included patients with allergic rhinitis who were sensitive to Artemisia pollen and treatment of the indoor environment using air filtration at night. We evaluated the clinical efficacy of indoor air filtration during the Artemisia pollen scattering season in Yulin City in Shanxi Province, China.

Setting

The First Hospital of Yulin (Yulin City, Shanxi Province, China).

Participants

A total of 90 patients with allergic rhinitis who were sensitive to allergens of Artemisia pollen were randomly assigned to one of two groups in equal numbers.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was the difference in visual analogue scale scores from baseline. Secondary outcomes were changes from baseline in nasal symptoms, allergy symptom scores, responses to the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores and tolerability scores for the air purifier.

Results

Based on the allergy symptom score, we found significant differences in rhinitis symptoms between the groups who used the active versus the inactive air purifier.

Conclusions

The results of our investigation demonstrated the health benefits of particle filtration.
Knowledge and attitudes of water polo coaches about sports‐related dental injuries and dental emergency procedures
Authors: Bazina Ana Maria , Peričić Tina Poklepović , Galić Ivan , Mihanović Frane , Kovačević Neven , Galić Tea
Published: February 2020

Background/Aims

With the growing popularity of water polo across the world, there has been rising awareness of the risks for orofacial injures in water polo. The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge and attitudes of water polo coaches regarding dental trauma, dental emergency procedures and awareness about prevention of such injuries.

Materials and Methods

A specific questionnaire comprising 25 questions regarding knowledge, experiences, and behaviors following dental trauma was distributed to 62 water polo coaches during the license renewal seminar held by the Croatian Water Polo Federation, in February 2018 in Split, Croatia. Chi‐square with Yates correction when necessary, and Fisher's exact tests were used in statistical analysis, and the results were considered statistically significant whenP < .05.

Results

There were 51 water polo coaches who participated in this study. Their ages ranged from 19 to 60 years. Most of the coaches (90.2%) have seen a dental injury in their players during their coaching careers. Concerning the procedure with handling an avulsed tooth, there were 68.6% coaches who would maintain the avulsed tooth in a handkerchief or gauze along with four coaches (7.8%) who would rinse the avulsed tooth under water and wrap it in a handkerchief or gauze afterward. Only one participant (2%) would maintain the avulsed tooth in saline solution before its replantation. None of the coaches would use milk for maintaining the avulsed tooth. Only seven coaches (13.7%) have previously had education about sports‐related dental injuries, dental emergency procedures, and prevention of such injuries.

Conclusions

The results of this study demonstrated poor level of knowledge of water polo coaches about dental injuries and dental emergency procedures. Their knowledge and attitudes could be improved by educational programs on dental injuries and dental emergency procedures, as well as sports‐related dental injuries management.
Sex and gender differences in Alzheimer’s disease: current challenges and implications for clinical practice
Authors: Ferretti M. T. , Martinkova J. , Biskup E. , Benke T. , Gialdini G. , Nedelska Z. , Rauen K. , Mantua V. , Religa D. , Hort J. , Santuccione Chadha A. , Schmidt R.
Published: February 2020

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by high heterogeneity in disease manifestation, progression and risk factors. High phenotypic variability is currently regarded as one of the largest hurdles in early diagnosis and in the design of clinical trials; there is therefore great interest in identifying factors driving variability that can be used for patient stratification. In addition to genetic and lifestyle factors, the individual’s sex and gender are emerging as crucial drivers of phenotypic variability. Evidence exists on sex and gender differences in the rate of cognitive deterioration and brain atrophy, and in the effect of risk factors as well as in the patterns of diagnostic biomarkers. Such evidence might be of high relevance and requires attention in clinical practice and clinical trials. However, sex and gender differences are currently seldom appreciated; importantly, consideration of sex and gender differences is not currently a focus in the design and analysis of clinical trials for AD. The objective of this position paper is (i) to provide an overview of known sex and gender differences that might have implications for clinical practice, (ii) to identify the most important knowledge gaps in the field (with a special regard to clinical trials) and (iii) to provide conclusions for future studies. This scientific statement is endorsed by the European Academy of Neurology.
Weather underground: Subsurface hydrologic processes mediate tree vulnerability to extreme climatic drought
Authors: McLaughlin Blair C. , Blakey Rachel , Weitz Andrew P. , Feng Xue , Brown Brittni J. , Ackerly David D. , Dawson Todd E. , Thompson Sally E.
Published: February 2020

Drought extent and severity have increased and are predicted to continue to increase in many parts of the world. Understanding tree vulnerability to drought at both individual and species levels is key to ongoing forest management and preparation for future transitions in community composition. The influence of subsurface hydrologic processes is particularly important in water‐limited ecosystems, and is an under‐studied aspect of tree drought vulnerability. With California's 2013–2016 extraordinary drought as a natural experiment, we studied four co‐occurring woodland tree species, blue oak (Quercus douglasii), valley oak (Quercus lobata), gray pine (Pinus sabiniana), and California juniper (Juniperus californica), examining drought vulnerability as a function of climate, lithology and hydrology using regional aerial dieback surveys and site‐scale field surveys. We found that in addition to climatic drought severity (i.e., rainfall), subsurface processes explained variation in drought vulnerability within and across species at both scales. Regionally for blue oak, severity of dieback was related to the bedrock lithology, with higher mortality on igneous and metamorphic substrates, and to regional reductions in groundwater. At the site scale, access to deep subsurface water, evidenced by stem water stable isotope composition, was related to canopy condition across all species. Along hillslope gradients, channel locations supported similar environments in terms of water stress across a wide climatic gradient, indicating that subsurface hydrology mediates species’ experience of drought, and that areas associated with persistent access to subsurface hydrologic resources may provide important refugia at species’ xeric range edges. Despite this persistent overall influence of the subsurface environment, individual species showed markedly different response patterns. We argue that hydrologic niche segregation can be a useful lens through which to interpret these differences in vulnerability to climatic drought and climate change.
Diagnostic reliability of nested PCR depends on the primer design and threshold abundance ofHelicobacter pyloriin biopsy, stool, and saliva samples
Authors: Šeligová Barbora , Lukáč Ľudovít , Bábelová Michaela , Vávrová Silvia , Sulo Pavol
Published: February 2020

Background

The aim of this work was to find a reliable nested PCR for the detection ofHelicobacter pyloriin biopsy, stool, and saliva specimens.

Materials and Methods

Novel nested PCR was elaborated and validated on 81 clinical biopsy, stool, and saliva samples from the same individual and compared to availableH pyloriassays: histology, rapid urease test (RUT), stool antigen test (SAT),13C‐urea breath test (UBT).

Results

The efficiency and selectivity of 17 published nested polymerase chain reactions (PCR) available forHelicobacter pyloridetection were re‐evaluated. Most of them had serious limitations and mistakes in primer design. Hence, we elaborated a nested PCR for the unambiguous identification ofH pyloriin biopsy, stool, and saliva, using primers targeted to variable regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. Moreover, we determined the detection limit by adding a known number of cells. This number was as low as 0.5 cells in a PCR vial, but due to the DNA isolation procedures, it required 1‐5 × 103cells/g or ml of specimen. The sensitivity for nested PCR from stomach biopsies was on the same scale as13C‐UBT (93.8%), but it was much lower in amplifications from stool (31.3%). Sequencing of all obtained PCR products exclusively confirmedH pylori‐specific DNA sequences.

Conclusions

Elaborated nested PCR assay can serve as an auxiliary method for controversial samples (patients with bleeding or taking proton‐pump inhibitor) in laboratories with basic equipment. The sensitivity and specificity for the amplification from gastric biopsies was almost like13C‐UBT. Despite the good sensitivity, the threshold occurrence and the ability to survive in the oral cavity aside from and independent of the stomach is the reason whyH pyloriDNA cannot be reliably detected in saliva, stool, and some biopsy samples.
In situ synthesis of fluorapatite‐ZnO nanocomposite powder via mechanical alloying for biomedical applications
Authors: Salehi Shadi , Kharaziha Mahshid , Salehi Mehdi , Saidi Vahideh
Published: February 2020

This research aimed to synthesize of fluorapatite(FA)–ZnO (FAZ) nanocomposite powder using a one‐step mechanical alloying process without any post‐calcification process. Furthermore, the role of various concentrations of ZnO (0, 4, 8, 11, and 15 wt.%) on the chemical and biological characteristics of FA was examined. Our research confirmed the successful synthesize of FAZ nanopowders with irregular‐shaped particles and particle size of 38‐52 nm. The crystallinity, crystallite size, and c‐axes parameter of FA decreased with increasing ZnO content. Moreover, while all FAZ powders revealed superior bioactivity than FA, FA‐8 wt.% ZnO nanopowder significantly enhanced MG63 cell proliferation. Besides, between various samples, FA‐11 wt.% ZnO nanopowder revealed drastically greater antibacterial activity. It could be concluded that the in‐situ synthesis of FAZ powder meaningfully improved the biological activity of FA making it a promising coating for orthopedic and dental implants.
Photosynthetic and respiratory response of potato leaves of different ages during and after an episode of high temperature
Authors: Obiero Charles Otieno , Milroy Stephen Paul , Bell Richard W.
Published: February 2020

Little is known about net photosynthetic rates (Pn) of potato during and after the end of a high‐temperature episode. We investigated Pn of potato leaves exposed to a high‐temperature episode. Plants were grown in the greenhouse at 22°C. Shortly after tuber initiation, plants were transferred to 30°C for 9 days and then returned to 22°C. High temperatures reduced Pn of older leaves but not of the youngest leaves. Effects were transitory; Pn of leaf 7 initially fell, but then increased to be higher than the control plants. High temperature increased respiration per unit area during the night and morning relative to the control plants. Leaves that emerged during the 30°C episode had higher Pn than the control plants when returned to 22°C. Results emphasise that it is not possible to use single‐leaf measurements to infer effects on photosynthesis throughout the canopy. Similarly, the diurnal variation in effects on respiration means that Pn measurements made only at midday are inadequate. Finally, the dynamic response of Pn to the high temperature and the persistent effects after the end of the episode mean that the impact of high‐temperature episodes cannot be extrapolated from experiments using constant temperature treatments.
Relevance of local scale factors in winter host‐plant selection by the rice pest Tibraca limbativentris (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Fuentes‐Rodríguez Daniela , Gervazoni Paula , López Gabriela , Franceschini Celeste
Published: February 2020

Tibraca limbativentris is a major stink bug pest in paddies of the Neotropics. In Argentina, its populations overwinter in twelve host‐plant species that occur inside rice fields. However, it's unknown if there are local scale variations in the abundance of T. limbativentris. Likewise, the role of host‐plant community composition (HpCC) as a factor involved in the winter host‐plant selection by the insects is poorly understood. The aims of this work were (a) to assess variations at local scale on the abundance of T. limbativentris in the context of winter HpCC and incidence of entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs) and (b) to assess the abundance of T. limbativentris considering the relationship between the height of plants of rice cultivars present in target sites during summer, and the height of the hosts selected by T. limbativentris during winter in grassland adjoining rice plots. Sampling was carried out during summer–winter in different commercial rice fields, to assess winter abundance of T. limbativentris, HpCC in grasslands adjacent to rice plots and incidence of EPFs. Height measurements of winter hosts and summer rice plants in target plots were taken. Our results show that HpCC differed at the local scale, with significant differences in stink bug abundance between winter hosts in each site. Also, we found differences in the action of EPFs species recorded on the insects and variations in plant height between host species. A positive correlation was obtained between the height of the different rice cultivars used during spring–summer in target sites and the height of the hosts selected by T. limbativentris near to these plots during winter. This shows that the height of the rice cultivar could be a factor related to the local selection of winter hosts by T. limbativentris. These results serve as a framework for future research, contributing to integrated pest management for target sites.
Rheological and physico‐chemical properties of a reduced‐sugar sapodilla (Manilkara zapota L.) jam processed under high‐hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Shinwari Kaunsar J. , Rao Pavuluri S.
Published: February 2020

A huge loss of bioactive compounds occurs during thermal processing of food products mainly jam and jellies because of the long cooking process. Moreover, the original color and aroma of the fruit are also lost, which necessitate the external addition of coloring and flavoring compounds. Therefore, high pressure processing (HPP) was used to prepare jam and the target was to reduce its sugar content. Since there is no possibility for water evaporation in this process, a fruit with high fiber content, to hold extra water, was selected, that is, sapodilla (Manilkara zapota), which is also an antioxidant‐rich fruit with a short shelf life. The formulation with 45% total soluble solids (TSS), 4% pectin, and 1% acid content was similar to a full calorie (>65% TSS) jam in terms of rheological and functional properties. In addition, the HPP jam showed better retention of bioactive compounds and stability as compared to thermal‐processed jam.

Practical applications

The conventionally processed jam is generally added with external coloring and flavoring agents as the original fruit color and flavor are destroyed during thermal processing of jam because of the longer duration. Moreover, antioxidants are also lost during jam processing. However, high pressure processing preserves the original fruit quality in jam. Usually, a pretreatment is applied for high pressure processed jam, as reported in the literature, to remove extra water. The pretreatment was avoided in this study by using a fiber‐rich fruit since fiber has a good water‐holding capacity. Also, the sugar content was reduced by about 25% from the normal concentration used in full‐calorie jam. The results from this study can be employed to develop new HPP products rich in fiber and low in calories.
Combinatorial treatment for spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Poletti Angelo , Fischbeck Kenneth H.
Published: February 2020

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a severe autosomal recessive motor neuron disease caused by the loss of SMN1, which encodes a protein essential for motor neuron survival. SMA patients have one or more copies of an alternate SMN gene, SMN2, which is nearly identical to SMN1. SMN2 differs at a single nucleotide from SMN1 which results in the skipping of exon 7 in the mRNA and produces an unstable protein (SMNΔ7). Therapeutic approaches that have been undertaken include (1) replacement of SMN1 by gene delivery mediated by adeno‐associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) (Zolgensma), (2) correction of the aberrant SMN2 splicing using an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) or small molecule (nusinersin, risdiplam), and (3) increased expression of SMN2 mediated by histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. Two of these three approaches have given rise to successful treatments for SMA, but they are very expensive, and their long‐term safety is not well known. In addition, the ability of ASOs and viral vectors to reach their targets in the CNS with peripheral administration is limited. Small molecules may cross the brain–blood barrier when orally delivered and can be discontinued if needed to mitigate adverse effects. This Editorial highlights this study by Pagliarni et al. in which they used combined treatment of cell models of SMA with an ASO and an orally delivered HDAC inhibitor (panobinostat) to overcome the limitations of a single‐therapeutic approach. Panobinostat enhanced the expression of SMN2, increasing the amount of SMN2 mRNA available for splicing correction mediated by the ASO. In addition, panobinostat increased exon 7 retention in the SMN2 mRNA. This combinatorial treatment might allow lower or less frequent ASO doses, reducing the need for repeated intrathecal administration. The combined effects of panobinostat and nusinersen can now be tested in SMA animal models to determine whether this approach will be translatable to patients.

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Evodiamine attenuates adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats by inhibiting synovial inflammation and restoring the Th17/Treg balance
Authors: Zhang Hui , Yin Li , Lu Ming , Wang Jun , Li Ye-tian , Gao Wei Lu , Yin Zong-sheng
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Evodiamine (Evo) possesses strong anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, we determine the antiarthritic effect of Evo.

Methods

Evo was administered to rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA). We evaluated arthritis symptoms & histopathological changes and measured inflammatory cell infiltration, pro-inflammatory cytokine production and Th17 & Treg percentages in arthritic rats.

Key findings

Evo significantly improved the clinical signs of AA in rats, including decreases in paw swelling, the polyarthritis index and the number of swollen paw joints. Based on the histopathological analysis, Evo improved synovial inflammation and bone injury by inhibiting inflammatory cell infiltration, synoviocyte proliferation, pannus formation and cartilage erosion. Furthermore, the numbers of synovial CD3+ or CD68+ inflammatory cells were reduced, and the elevated levels of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 were restored to control levels by the Evo treatment. In addition, Evo therapy regulated the abnormal differentiation of Treg and Th17 cells, decreasing IL-17 production and increasing IL-10 levels. Finally, Evo inhibited Stat3 phosphorylation and induced Stat5 phosphorylation in rats with AA.

Conclusions

Based on our results, Evo is a promising antiarthritic agent, potentially due to its inhibitory effect on synovial inflammation and regulatory effects on Treg and Th17 differentiation.
Amiodarone‐Induced Neuropathy with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy‐like presentation
Authors: Okhovat Ali Asghar , Saffar Hiva , Fatehi Farzad
Published: February 2020

Long‐term administration of amiodarone may have various neurological complications and systemic involvement. Herein, we report a 46‐year‐old male patient who was admitted as a result of paresthesia and progressive four‐limb weakness started six months before. Spiral chest CT scan showed bilateral hyper‐dense consolidations predominately seen in peripheral and lower lobes. We checked the serum level of amiodarone that was 3.1 mg/L (therapeutic range: 1.5 and 2.5 µg/mL). According to the characteristic pulmonary findings in lung CT scan, demyelinating polyneuropathy, and lack of response to treatment, with the suspicion of amiodarone toxicity, CT‐guided percutaneous core needle biopsy was performed. The pathological assessment revealed chronic interstitial inflammation and fibrosis, and exudation of macrophages with finely cytoplasmic vacuolization associated with hyperplasia of type II pneumocytes in alveoli with necrosis. These findings are consistent with amiodarone‐induced pulmonary toxicity. Chronic use of amiodarone may present as a CIDP‐like presentation, which may be overlooked if clinical suspicion is not high upon presentation.
The multicomponent medication Spascupreel attenuates stress‐induced gut dysfunction in rats
Authors: Theodorou Vassilia , Beaufrand Catherine , Yvon Sophie , Laforge Guylaine , Burmeister Yvonne , Müller Andrea , Seilheimer Bernd , Bueno Lionel , Eutamene Helene
Published: February 2020

Background

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder worldwide. It is characterized by abdominal pain/discomfort and changes in bowel habits. Due to the multifactorial pathophysiology and the heterogeneity of IBS patients, appropriate treatment of IBS is still a challenge. Spascupreel (SP‐11), as a multicomponent medication, has the potential to modulate multiple pathophysiological pathways simultaneously. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of oral SP‐11 treatment on stress‐induced changes of peripheral and central functions in a rat model mimicking human IBS.

Methods

Naïve Wistar rats were treated with SP‐11 (0.9 tab/kg) or NaCl 0.9% by oral gavage for 4 days before 2‐hour partial restraint stress (PRS) procedure. Twenty minutes after PRS, central and peripheral stress‐induced changes affecting IBS were assessed. These include the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis response through plasma ACTH and corticosterone measurements, visceral pain in response to colorectal distension, gut permeability, colonic mast cell number, and sensitization as well as gut transit time.

Results

Treatment with SP‐11 reduced the HPA axis activation in response to PRS. At the gut level, a reduction in colonic hypersensitivity to colorectal distension, a normalization of gut transit time acceleration, a reduced mast cell sensitization, and a trend toward reduced gut hyperpermeability were observed.

Conclusions

These data suggest that stress‐induced IBS signs can be reduced using SP‐11 in rats. The observed effects and the good tolerability of the drug make SP‐11 an innovative candidate in the management of IBS.
Social Influence, Risk and Benefit Perceptions, and the Acceptability of Risky Energy Technologies: An Explanatory Model of Nuclear Power Versus Shale Gas
Authors: de Groot Judith I. M. , Schweiger Elisa , Schubert Iljana
Published: February 2020

Risky energy technologies are often controversial and debates around them are polarized; in such debates public acceptability is key. Research on public acceptability has emphasized the importance of intrapersonal factors but has largely neglected the influence of interpersonal factors. In an online survey (N = 948) with a representative sample of the United Kingdom, we therefore integrate interpersonal factors (i.e., social influence as measured by social networks) with two risky energy technologies that differ in familiarity (nuclear power vs. shale gas) to examine how these factors explain risk and benefit perceptions and public acceptability. Findings show that benefit perceptions are key in explaining acceptability judgments. However, risk perceptions are more important when people are less familiar with the energy technology. Social network factors affect perceived risks and benefits associated with risky energy technology, hereby indirectly helping to form one's acceptability judgment toward the technology. This effect seems to be present regardless of the perceived familiarity with the energy technology. By integrating interpersonal with intrapersonal factors in an explanatory model, we show how the current “risk–benefit acceptability” model used in risk research can be further developed to advance the current understanding of acceptability formation.
Shape-Morphing Using Bistable Triangles With Dwell-Enhanced Stability
Authors: Alfattani Rami , Lusk Craig
Published: February 2020

This paper presents a new design concept for a morphing triangle-shaped compliant mechanism. The novel design is a bistable mechanism that has one changeable side. These morphing triangles may be arrayed to create shape-morphing structures. The mechanism design was based on a six-bar dwell mechanism that can fit in a triangle shape and has stable positions at the motion-limit (dead-center) positions. An example of the triangle-shaped compliant mechanism was designed and prototyped: an isosceles triangle with a vertex that changes from 120 deg to 90 deg and vice versa. Three of these in the 120-deg configuration lie flat and when actuated to the 90-deg configuration become a cube corner. This design may be of use for folding and packaging assistance. The mechanism was designed using geometric constraint programming. Force and potential energy analyses characterize the triangle mechanism’s stability. Because of its dead-center motion limits, the vertex angle of the triangle cannot be extended past the range of 90–120 deg, in spite of the mechanism’s compliant joints. Furthermore, because it is a dwell mechanism, the vertex angle is almost immobile near its stable configurations, although other links in the mechanism move. This makes the stable positions of the vertex angle robust against stress relaxation and manufacturing errors. We believe this is the first demonstration of this kind of robustness in bistable mechanisms.
Multi-octave, CEP-stable source for high-energy field synthesis
Authors: Alismail Ayman , Wang Haochuan , Barbiero Gaia , Altwaijry Najd , Hussain Syed Ali , Pervak Volodymyr , Schweinberger Wolfgang , Azzeer Abdallah M. , Krausz Ferenc , Fattahi Hanieh
Published: February 2020

We report on a novel source for generating high-energy, subcycle pulses based on a Yb thin-disk laser.
Generation and characterization of focused helical x-ray beams
Authors: Loetgering Lars , Baluktsian Margarita , Keskinbora Kahraman , Horstmeyer Roarke , Wilhein Thomas , Schütz Gisela , Eikema Kjeld S. E. , Witte Stefan
Published: February 2020

Binary zone plates can be engineered to generate helical x-ray beams with large orbital angular momentum.
Universal SMP gripper with massive and selective capabilities for multiscaled, arbitrarily shaped objects
Authors: Linghu Changhong , Zhang Shun , Wang Chengjun , Yu Kaixin , Li Chenglong , Zeng Yinjia , Zhu Haodong , Jin Xiaohui , You Zhenyu , Song Jizhou
Published: February 2020

Shape memory polymer blocks are used as universal grippers to manipulate multiscaled, arbitrarily shaped objects.
Proof of the elusive high-temperature incommensurate phase in CuO by spherical neutron polarimetry
Authors: Qureshi Navid , Ressouche Eric , Mukhin Alexander , Gospodinov Marin , Skumryev Vassil
Published: February 2020

After three decades of research on CuO, the AF3 phase is proven by neutrons, which clears up the mystery of symmetry-broken phases.
Vortex phase diagram and the normal state of cuprates with charge and spin orders
Authors: Shi Zhenzhong , Baity P. G. , Sasagawa T. , Popović Dragana
Published: February 2020

Study on striped cuprates reveals a robust phase diagram for superconducting vortices and a novel high-field ground state.
Pascal conductance series in ballistic one-dimensional LaAlO
3
/SrTiO
3
channels
Authors: Briggeman Megan , Tomczyk Michelle , Tian Binbin , Lee Hyungwoo , Lee Jung-Woo , He Yuchi , Tylan-Tyler Anthony , Huang Mengchen , Eom Chang-Beom , Pekker David , Mong Roger S. K. , Irvin Patrick , Levy Jeremy
Published: February 2020

An unusual conductance sequence

Effects of correlations between electrons are enhanced in systems of reduced dimensions. The two-dimensional interface between two oxide materials, lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO
3
) and strontium titanate (SrTiO
3
), exhibits magnetism and superconductivity. In even lower-dimensional systems fabricated in similar heterostructures, electrons can pair without going superconducting. Briggeman
et al.
have now observed another exotic effect in LaAlO
3
/SrTiO
3
waveguides: At certain magnetic fields, the conductance in these one-dimensional systems exhibits steps of an unconventional sequence. To understand the experimental data, the researchers used a model that accounted for interactions between electrons and found that the phenomenology was consistent with the formation of a series of correlated phases characterized by bound states of three or more electrons.

Science
, this issue p.
769
Dry reforming of methane by stable Ni–Mo nanocatalysts on single-crystalline MgO
Authors: Song Youngdong , Ozdemir Ercan , Ramesh Sreerangappa , Adishev Aldiar , Subramanian Saravanan , Harale Aadesh , Albuali Mohammed , Fadhel Bandar Abdullah , Jamal Aqil , Moon Dohyun , Choi Sun Hee , Yavuz Cafer T.
Published: February 2020

Overcoming surface defects

Dry reforming of methane with carbon dioxide creates a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide—synthesis gas—which can be converted into liquid fuels. However, heterogeneous catalysts for this reaction are prone to deactivation through unwanted carbon deposition (coking) and loss of surface area of adsorbed metal nanoparticles through agglomeration (sintering). Y. Song
et al.
used highly crystalline fumed magnesium oxide to support molybdenumdoped nickel nanoparticle catalysts (see the Perspective by Chen and Xu). On heating, the nanoparticles migrated on the oxide surface to step edges to form larger, highly stable nanoparticles. This process also passivated sites for coking on the oxide to produce a catalyst with high activity and longevity at 800°C.

Science
, this issue p.
777
; see also p.
737
The pan-genome effector-triggered immunity landscape of a host-pathogen interaction
Authors: Laflamme Bradley , Dillon Marcus M. , Martel Alexandre , Almeida Renan N. D. , Desveaux Darrell , Guttman David S.
Published: February 2020

A plant pan-genome immunity landscape

Plant pathogens elicit an immune response through effector proteins. In turn, plant genomes encode genes that determine species-specific recognition of these effectors by a process known collectively as effector-triggered immunity (ETI). By examining a range of strains of the pathogen
Pseudomonas syringae
that infect the model plant
Arabidopsis thaliana
, Laflamme
et al.
generated a
P. syringae
Type III Effector Compendium (PsyTEC) and in turn identified the genes responsible for ETI in
Arabidopsis.
This pan-genome analysis revealed that relatively few
A. thaliana
genes are responsible for recognizing the majority of
P. syringae
effectors. These results provide insight into why most pathogenic microbes only infect specific plant species.

Science
, this issue p.
763
Helical quantum Hall phase in graphene on SrTiO
3
Authors: Veyrat Louis , Déprez Corentin , Coissard Alexis , Li Xiaoxi , Gay Frédéric , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Han Zheng , Piot Benjamin A. , Sellier Hermann , Sacépé Benjamin
Published: February 2020

Controlling the interactions

Near charge neutrality and subject to perpendicular magnetic fields, graphene is expected to become a ferromagnet with edge states not unlike those in two-dimensional topological insulators. Observing this effect experimentally has proven tricky because very large magnetic fields are needed to overcome the effect of electron-electron interactions, which drive the system to competing states. Instead of amping up the field, Veyrat
et al.
placed their graphene samples on a substrate made out of strontium titanate, which effectively screened the interactions. Transport measurements confirmed the formation of the characteristic edge states.

Science
, this issue p.
781
Color, composition, and thermal environment of Kuiper Belt object (486958) Arrokoth
Authors: Grundy W. M. , Bird M. K. , Britt D. T. , Cook J. C. , Cruikshank D. P. , Howett C. J. A. , Krijt S. , Linscott I. R. , Olkin C. B. , Parker A. H. , Protopapa S. , Ruaud M. , Umurhan O. M. , Young L. A. , Dalle Ore C. M. , Kavelaars J. J. , Keane J. T. , Pendleton Y. J. , Porter S. B. , Scipioni F. , Spencer J. R. , Stern S. A. , Verbiscer A. J. , Weaver H. A. , Binzel R. P. , Buie M. W. , Buratti B. J. , Cheng A. , Earle A. M. , Elliott H. A. , Gabasova L. , Gladstone G. R. , Hill M. E. , Horanyi M. , Jennings D. E. , Lunsford A. W. , McComas D. J. , McKinnon W. B. , McNutt R. L. , Moore J. M. , Parker J. W. , Quirico E. , Reuter D. C. , Schenk P. M. , Schmitt B. , Showalter M. R. , Singer K. N. , Weigle G. E. , Zangari A. M.
Published: February 2020

Examining Arrokoth

The New Horizons spacecraft flew past the Kuiper Belt object (486958) Arrokoth (also known as 2014 MU
69
) in January 2019. Because of the great distance to the outer Solar System and limited bandwidth, it will take until late 2020 to downlink all the spacecraft's observations back to Earth. Three papers in this issue analyze recently downlinked data, including the highest-resolution images taken during the encounter (see the Perspective by Jewitt). Spencer
et al.
examined Arrokoth's geology and geophysics using stereo imaging, dated the surface using impact craters, and produced a geomorphological map. Grundy
et al.
investigated the composition of the surface using color imaging and spectroscopic data and assessed Arrokoth's thermal emission using microwave radiometry. McKinnon
et al.
used simulations to determine how Arrokoth formed: Two gravitationally bound objects gently spiraled together during the formation of the Solar System. Together, these papers determine the age, composition, and formation process of the most pristine object yet visited by a spacecraft.

Science
, this issue p.
eaay3999
, p.
eaay3705
, p.
eaay6620
; see also p.
980
Tropical snake diversity collapses after widespread amphibian loss
Authors: Zipkin Elise F. , DiRenzo Graziella V. , Ray Julie M. , Rossman Sam , Lips Karen R.
Published: February 2020

Cascading impacts of prey loss

The global pandemic caused by the amphibian fungal pathogen
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
has decimated frog populations around the world. This decline has been called out as a potential catastrophe for amphibian species. What has been less explored are the impacts of amphibian declines on other members of their ecological communities. Using survey data collected over 13 years, Zipkin
et al.
looked at diversity and body condition of a tropical snake community after amphibians were decimated by chytridiomycosis. They found that the snake community was less diverse and most species were in decline, except for a few “winning” species.

Science
, this issue p.
814