bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The halogenation of natural flavonoids, baicalein and chrysin, enhances their affinity to human protein kinase CK2
Authors: Marzec Ewa , Świtalska Marta , Winiewska‐Szajewska Maria , Wójcik Jacek , Wietrzyk Joanna , Maciejewska Agnieszka M. , Poznański Jarosław , Mieczkowski Adam
Published: May 2020

A series of halogenated derivatives of natural flavonoids: baicalein and chrysin were designed and investigated as possible ligands for the catalytic subunit of tumor‐associated human kinase CK2. Thermal shift assay method, in silico modeling, and high‐performance liquid chromatography‐derived hydrophobicity together with IC50 values determined in biochemical assay were used to explain the ligand affinity to the catalytic subunit of human protein kinase CK2. Obtained results revealed that substitution of baicalein and chrysin with halogen atom increases their binding affinity to hCK2α, and for 8‐chlorochrysin the observed effect is even stronger than for the reference CK2 inhibitor—4,5,6,7‐tetrabromo‐1H‐benzotriazole. The cytotoxic activities of the baicalein and chrysin derivatives in the in vitro model have been evaluated for MV4‐11 (human biphenotypic B myelomonocytic leukemia), A549 (human lung adenocarcinoma), LoVo (human colon cancer), and MCF‐7 (human breast cancer) as well as on the nontumorigenic human breast epithelial MCF‐10A cell lines. Among the baicalein derivatives, the strongest cytotoxic effect was observed for 8‐bromobaicalein, which exhibited the highest activity against breast cancer cell line MCF‐7 (IC50 10 ± 3 μM). In the chrysin series, the strongest cytotoxic effect was observed for unsubstituted chrysin, which exhibited the highest activity against leukemic cell line MV4‐11 (IC50 10 ± 4 μM).
Three‐dimensional printing of extracellular matrix (ECM)‐mimicking scaffolds: A critical review of the currentECMmaterials
Authors: Da Silva Kate , Kumar Pradeep , Choonara Yahya E. , du Toit Lisa C. , Pillay Viness
Published: May 2020

The loss of tissues and organs through injury and disease has stimulated the development of therapeutics that have the potential to regenerate and replace the affected tissue. Such therapeutics have the benefit of reducing the reliance and demand for life‐saving organ transplants. Of the several regenerative strategies, 3D printing has emerged as the forerunner in regenerative attempts due to the fact that biologically and anatomically correct 3D structures can be fabricated according to the specified need. Despite the progress in this field, improvement is still limited by the difficulty in fabricating scaffolds that adequately mimic the native cellular microenvironment. In response, despite the complexities of the native extracellular matrix (ECM), the inclusion of ECM components into bioinks has emerged as a cutting‐edge research area in terms of providing possible ECM‐mimicking abilities of the 3D printed constructs. Furthermore, the development of ECM‐mimicking scaffolds can potentially assist in improving personalized patient treatments. This review provides a critical analysis of selected naturally occurring ECM components as well as synthetic self‐assembling peptides in their ability to provide the required ECM microenvironment for tissue regeneration. The success and possible short comings of each material, as well as the specific characteristics of each bioink, are evaluated.
Exosomal lncRNAs NONMMUT000375.2 and NONMMUT071578.2 derived from titanium particle treated RAW264.7 cells regulate osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells
Authors: Xu Jie , Li Deng , Cai Zhiqing , Sun Hao , Su Baohua , Qiu Meiling , Ma Ruofan
Published: May 2020

Periprosthetic osteolysis and the subsequent aseptic loosening can lead to the failure of joint replacement. Wear particles are well known to be the initiative cause inducing osteolysis through enhancing osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption and reducing osteogenic differentiation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of osteoclast‐secreted exosomal long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) on osteogenesis in the process of particle‐induced osteolysis. RAW264.7 cells were treated by titanium particles (TI). The inflammatory cytokines were increased, and expression of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor‐κB and Nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 were also increased, indicating osteoclast differentiation occurred. The purified exosomes from RAW264.7 cells induced with TI inhibited osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells. RNA sequencing generated lncRNAs expression profiles (458 up‐regulated and 1641 down‐regulated) of the exosomes derived from RAW264.7 cells treated with TI. Based on the results of gene ontology/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction validation, we confirmed two candidate lncRNAs, NONMMUT000375.2 and NONMMUT071578.2. The regulation network presented that some vital genes involved in osteoclast differentiation, such as Bcl2, Wnt11, TGF‐β, and Pdk1, were under the regulation of NONMMUT000375.2 and NONMMUT071578.2. Taken together, exosomes derived from TI treated RAW264.7 cells inhibit the osteogenic activity of MC3T3‐E1 cells. Exosomal lncRNAs, NONMMUT000375.2 and NONMMUT071578.2 may potentially play their roles in promoting osteoclast differentiation and suppressing osteogenesis, which aggravates the osteoclastogenesis/osteogenesis imbalance.
Ag2Cr2O7 nanoparticles: An eco‐friendly and reusable catalyst for synthesis of pyrano[c]chromenediones and [1,3]dioxolo[g]chromeneones in aqueous media at ambient temperature
Authors: Ebrahimi Mitra , Abdolmohammadi Shahrzad , Kia‐Kojoori Reza
Published: May 2020

An efficient and green protocol for the synthesis of 4‐aryl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H,5H‐pyrano[3,2‐c]chromene‐2,5‐diones and 8‐aryl‐7,8‐dihydro‐6H‐[1,3]dioxolo[4,5‐g]chromene‐6‐ones through the Ag2Cr2O7 nanoparticles catalyzed cyclocondensation reaction of active methylene compounds including 4‐hydroxycoumarin or 3,4‐methylenedioxyphenol, aromatic aldehydes, and meldrum's acid in water at ambient temperature was described. This method demonstrates several advantages compared with methods that are currently employed such as a mild reaction conditions, simple work‐up, good to excellent yields, avoiding toxic catalyst and hazardous solvent, and recovery and reuse of the catalyst.
Exploration of financial stress indicators in a developing economy
Authors: Utkarsh  , Pandey Asheesh , Ashta Arvind , Spiegelman Eli , Sutan Angela
Published: May 2020

Financial stress scales need to be incorporated into the borrower selection procedure before providing a loan. The three financial stress scales that we examined have strong correlations, but the two involving at least eight questions are better for discriminating between poor and rich. The financial stress indicator that separates male and female students the most is whether financial problems interfere with relationships with other people (interference is more for men). Older students are less satisfied with their financial position and seem to think that their parents worry more about disappointing them for materialistic reasons.
Determining the attributes of gastronomic tourism experience: Applying impact‐range performance and asymmetry analyses
Authors: Pratt Stephen , Suntikul Wantanee , Agyeiwaah Elizabeth
Published: May 2020

Cooking classes are a good example of third‐generation gastronomic tourism experiences. It is important to determine which cooking class experience attributes are important to participants and assess the performance of these experiences. We assess the importance and performance of cooking class experiences and their impact on overall satisfaction. We first apply the conventional importance‐performance analysis approach, critically assessing the shortcomings of this approach. Next, we use three‐factor customer satisfaction theory with the alternative approaches of impact range‐performance analysis and impact‐asymmetry analysis to determine these impacts. The findings have marketing and operational implications by identifying which cooking class experience attributes to highlight and deliver.
DJ‐1 plays a neuroprotective role in SH‐SY5Y cells by modulating Nrf2 signaling in response to lidocaine‐mediated oxidative stress and apoptosis
Authors: Xue Ying , Wang Ai‐Zhong
Published: May 2020

To investigate the effects of DJ‐1 on lidocaine‐induced cytotoxicity in neurons and the link with Nrf2 signaling, SH‐SY5Y cells were treated with 1, 4, 8, and 16 mM lidocaine. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay, and apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry analysis. The mitochondrial membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, lipid peroxidation (MDA), and GSH/GSSG ratio were determined with specific kits. Expression of DJ‐1, Nrf2, and Nrf2 downstream signaling proteins (glutathione peroxidase [GPx], heme oxygenase‐1 [HO‐1], catalase [CAT], and glutathione reductase [GR]), was determined by western blot and qRT‐PCR. The cell viability was dramatically decreased, while levels of apoptosis, ROS and Cys106‐oxidized DJ‐1 were significantly enhanced following treatment with lidocaine (concentration 4‐16 mM), and increases were observed in a dose‐dependent manner. After treatment with 8 mM lidocaine, DJ‐1, and nuclear Nrf2, as well as antioxidative stress‐related proteins, GPx, GR, HO‐1, and CAT, were all significantly inhibited. Overexpression of DJ‐1 suppressed lidocaine‐induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in SH‐SY5Y cells and activated Nrf2 signalling at the same time, and these effects were reversed by the inhibition of Nrf2. DJ‐1 could protect SH‐SY5Y cells from lidocaine‐induced apoptosis through inhibition of oxidative stress via Nrf2 signaling.
Assimilation and short‐term processing of microphytobenthos nitrogen in intertidal sediments
Authors: Oakes Joanne M. , Riekenberg Philip M. , Eyre Bradley D.
Published: May 2020

Microphytobenthos (MPB) are an important nitrogen (N) sink in coastal systems, but little is known about the fate of N assimilated by MPB. We used an in situ 15N pulse‐chase experiment in intertidal, nonpermeable, sandy mud to trace the assimilation, transformation, and loss from the sediment of MPB‐N over 31 d. Following assimilation, 15N was tightly retained in surface sediments, with only up to 8.1% transported to 2–10 cm sediments over 31 d. MPB accounted for a considerable portion of the 15N in surface sediments throughout the study (59% ± 13%). Bacteria rapidly assimilated 15N but accounted for only up to 17% of the 15N within surface sediments. Of the assimilated 15N, 78.9% was lost from the sediment over 31 d. Resuspension was the dominant loss pathway (74.4%) and was primarily associated with minor flooding following a rainfall event at 8 d. Biological pathways for N export were far less important. Denitrification, during both sediment exposure and inundation, was the main biological pathway for 15N loss (2.6% total), whereas there was little loss through ammonification and nitrification (NH4+ or NOx efflux; 1.4% combined) and dissolved organic nitrogen efflux (0.5%). It was estimated that the N incorporated by MPB within one emersion period would take ~ 40 d to be entirely removed from the sediment. This study highlights the potential importance of MPB and intertidal sediments for the uptake and longer‐term storage of coastal N, and the need to better quantify the impact of episodic flooding on coastal N budgets.
Errors associated with compound‐specific δ15N analysis of amino acids in preserved fish samples purified by high‐pressure liquid chromatography
Authors: Swalethorp Rasmus , Aluwihare Lihini , Thompson Andrew R. , Ohman Mark D. , Landry Michael R.
Published: May 2020

Compound‐specific isotopic analysis of amino acids (CSIA‐AA) is increasingly used in ecological and biogeochemical studies tracking the origin and fate of nitrogen (N). Its advantages include the potential for resolving finer‐scale trophic dynamics than possible with standard bulk SIA and for reconstructing historical changes in the food webs of consumers from analyses of specimens in preserved sample archives. For the latter, assessing the effects of chemical preservatives on δ15NAA has been inconclusive because the conventional CSIA approach for derivatized AAs by gas chromatography‐combustion‐isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‐C‐IRMS) has analytical errors (0.4–1.0‰) in the range expected from chemical preservation. Here, we show improved analytical precision (0.15 ± 0.08‰) for 11 underivatized AA standards analyzed by high‐pressure liquid chromatography followed by offline elemental analysis‐IRMS (HPLC/EA‐IRMS). Using this method, we report the first high‐precision tests of preservation effects on δ15NAA in Northern Anchovy (Engraulis mordax) kept 1.5‐yr in ethanol and up to 27‐yr in formaldehyde. We found minimal methodological induced fractionation for eight AAs, and preservation effects on δ15N were similar regardless of duration and preservative used. Although some of the AAs differed significantly from frozen control samples (AA average +1.0 ± 0.8‰), changes in δ15N in the source AA phenylalanine and trophic position estimates were statistically insignificant. Our results are encouraging for resolving fine‐scale natural variability using HPLC/EA‐IRMS on chemically preserved specimens and for ultimately reconstructing biogeochemical records and trophic dynamics over long time scales.
Liver Transplantation for Acute‐on‐Chronic Liver Failure: Science or Fiction?
Authors: Trebicka Jonel , Sundaram Vinay , Moreau Richard , Jalan Rajiv , Arroyo Vicente
Published: May 2020

Acute clinical deterioration of a patient with chronic liver disease remains a decisive time point both in terms of medical management and prognosis. This condition, also known as acute decompensation (AD), is an important event determining a crossroad in the trajectory of patients. A significant number of patients with AD may develop hepatic or extrahepatic organ failure, or both, which defines the syndrome acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF), and ACLF is associated with a high morbidity and short‐term mortality. ACLF may occur at any phase during chronic liver disease and is pathogenetically defined by systemic inflammation and immune metabolic dysfunction. When organ failures develop in the presence of cirrhosis, especially extrahepatic organ failures, liver transplantation (LT) may be the only curative treatment. This review outlines the evidence supporting LT in ACLF patients, highlighting the role of timing, bridging to LT, and possible indicators of futility. Importantly, prospective studies on ACLF and transplantation are urgently needed.
The interplay between cancer associated fibroblasts and immune cells in the context of radiation therapy
Authors: Piper Miles , Mueller Adam C. , Karam Sana D.
Published: May 2020

Fibroblasts are a key component of the tumor microenvironment (TME) that can serve as a scaffold for tumor cell migration and augment the tumor's ability to withstand harsh conditions. When activated by external or endogenous stimuli, normal fibroblasts become cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a heterogeneous group of stromal cells in the tumor that are phenotypically and epigenetically different from normal fibroblasts. Dynamic crosstalk between cancer cells, immune cells, and CAFs through chemokines and surface signaling makes the TME conducive to tumor growth. When activated, CAFs promote tumorigenesis and metastasis through several phenomena including regulation of tumor immunity, metabolic reprogramming of the TME, extracellular matrix remodeling and contraction, and induction of therapeutic resistance. Ionizing radiation (radiation theraphy [RT]) is a potent immunological stimulant that has been shown to increase cytotoxic Teff infiltration and IFN‐I stimulated genes. RT, however, is unable to overcome the infiltration and activation of immunosuppressive cells which can contribute to tumor progression. Another paradox of RT is that, while very effective at killing cancer cells, it can contribute to the formation of CAFs. This review examines how the interplay between CAFs and immune cells during RT contributes to organ fibrosis, immunosuppression, and tumor growth. We focus on targeting mechanistic pathways of CAF formation as a potentially effective strategy not only for preventing organ fibrosis, but also in hampering tumor progression in response to RT.
Global polynomial stabilization and global asymptotic stabilization of coupled neural networks with multi‐proportional delays
Authors: Zhou Rui , Zhou Liqun
Published: May 2020

This paper first puts forward the concept of global polynomial stabilization (GPS) of coupled neural networks (CNNs) with multi‐proportional delays. First, the existence and uniqueness of the equilibrium point of the proposed CNNs are proved by using homeomorphic mapping theorem. Second, by taking discrete controller, based on Lyapunov functionals and linear matrix inequality (LMI) skills, we gain several delay‐dependent GPS and global asymptotic stabilization (GAS) criteria for the proposed system, and these criteria can be validated by Matlab. The relationship among GPS, global exponential stabilization (GES), and GAS is also revealed. In the end, our results are confirmed by examples.
Features of inclined magnetohydrodynamics on a second‐grade fluid impinging on vertical stretching cylinder with suction and Newtonian heating
Authors: Mabood Fazle , Tlili Iskander , Shafiq Anum
Published: May 2020

The present work concentrates on two‐dimensional steady incompressible mixed convection flow of a second‐grade fluid past a vertical cylinder with the inclined magnetic field. The Newtonian heating with suction is incorporated into this study. Simulation is conducted via Runge–Kutta‐4 with a shooting method for the transformed system of nonlinear equations. The influence of the governing parameters on the dimensionless velocity, temperature, skin friction, heat transfer rate, and finally streamlines and isotherms is incorporated. The significant outcomes of the current investigation are that increment in suction parameter uplifts temperature while it peters out the velocity field. Another important outcome of the present analysis is that velocity augments due to an increment in the second‐grade parameter while it reduces the temperature. The fluid temperature is grown due to the strengthening of Biot number, magnetic parameter, and Eckert number while that peter out due to incremental mixed convection parameter. Furthermore, it is also noticed that the Nusselt number escalated with the enhancement of the second‐grade parameter.
An electronically switchable UWB to narrow band antenna for cognitive radio applications
Authors: Jacob Naveen , Kulkarni Muralidhar , K. Krishnamoorthy
Published: May 2020

Cognitive radio (CR) is designed to achieve intelligent spectrum sensing and sharing, in order to solve spectrum underutilization problem. Conventional CR uses multiple/multiport antenna to switch between UWB and narrow band (NB) frequencies for primary and secondary users. In this article, we propose a compact frequency reconfigurable single port antenna using PIN diodes, to switch between UWB and NB frequencies. A circular disc monopole antenna with partial ground plane is designed to deliver UWB response. Three interdigital capacitors (IDC) are electrically connected to a partial ground plane and feed line using PIN diodes. OFF condition of all PIN diodes will provide the UWB response of 2.8 to 10.6 GHz and ON condition of the diodes will result in 36 different NB frequencies, completely covering the UWB spectrum. A simulation study carried out by incorporating a varactor diode into IDC, clearly shows that, the antenna resonance can be switched using PIN diodes and each resonant frequency can be fine‐tuned independently, with in the band of interest. This is the unique feature of proposed antenna, which facilitates the technology for CR based internet of things applications in 5G wireless communication networks.
Lead‐207 NMR spectroscopy at 1.4 T: Application of benchtop instrumentation to a challenging I = ½ nucleus
Authors: Bernard Guy M. , Michaelis Vladimir K.
Published: May 2020

The practicality of obtaining liquid‐ and solid‐state 207Pb nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra with a low permanent‐field magnet is investigated. Obtaining 207Pb NMR spectra of salts in solution is shown to be viable for samples as dilute as 0.05 M. The concentration dependence of the 207Pb chemical shifts for lead nitrate was investigated; the results are comparable with those obtained with high‐field instruments. Likewise, the isotope effect of substituting D2O for H2O as the solvent was investigated and found to be comparable with those reported previously. Obtaining solid‐state 207Pb NMR spectra is challenging, but we demonstrate the ability to obtain such spectra for three unique solid samples. An axially symmetric 207Pb powder pattern for lead nitrate and the powder pattern expected for lead chloride reveal linewidths dominated by shielding anisotropy, while 207Pb‐35/37Cl J‐coupling dominates in the methylammonium lead chloride perovskite material. Finally, recent innovations and the future potential of the instruments are considered.
Myopathic changes associated with psychomotor delay and seizures caused by a novel homozygous mutation in TBCK
Authors: Saredi Simona , Cauley Edmund S. , Ruggieri Alessandra , Spivey Tyler M. , Ardissone Anna , Mora Marina , Moroni Isabella , Manzini M. Chiara
Published: May 2020

Background

Biallelic mutations in TBC1‐domain containing kinase (TBCK) lead to hypotonia, global developmental delay with severe cognitive and motor deficits, and variable presentation of dysmorphic facial features and brain malformations. It remains unclear whether hypotonia in these individuals is purely neurogenic, or also caused by progressive muscle disease.

Methods

Whole exome sequencing was performed on a family diagnosed with nonspecific myopathic changes by means of histological analysis and immunohistochemistry of muscle biopsy samples.

Results

A novel homozygous truncation in TBCK was found in two sisters diagnosed with muscle disease and severe psychomotor delay. TBCK was completely absent in these patients.

Conclusions

Our findings identify a novel early truncating variant in TBCK associated with a severe presentation and add muscle disease to the variability of phenotypes associated with TBCK mutations. Inconsistent genotype/phenotype correlation could be ascribed to the multiple roles of TBCK in intracellular signaling and endolysosomal function in different tissues.
Spectral analysis of Pk Finite Element matrices in the case of Friedrichs–Keller triangulations via Generalized Locally Toeplitz technology
Authors: Rahla Ryma Imene , Serra‐Capizzano Stefano , Tablino‐Possio Cristina
Published: May 2020

In the present article, we consider a class of elliptic partial differential equations with Dirichlet boundary conditions and where the operator is
div(−a(x)∇·), with a continuous and positive over , Ω being an open and bounded subset of , d≥1. For the numerical approximation, we consider the classical Finite Elements, in the case of Friedrichs–Keller triangulations, leading, as usual, to sequences of matrices of increasing size. The new results concern the spectral analysis of the resulting matrix‐sequences in the direction of the global distribution in the Weyl sense, with a concise overview on localization, clustering, extremal eigenvalues, and asymptotic conditioning. We study in detail the case of constant coefficients on Ω=(0,1)2 and we give a brief account in the more involved case of variable coefficients and more general domains. Tools are drawn from the Toeplitz technology and from the rather new theory of Generalized Locally Toeplitz sequences. Numerical results are shown for a practical evidence of the theoretical findings.
Liquid‐Phase Quasi‐Epitaxial Growth of Highly Stable, Monolithic UiO‐66‐NH2 MOF thin Films on Solid Substrates
Authors: Hashem Tawheed , Valadez Sánchez Elvia P. , Weidler Peter G. , Gliemann Hartmut , Alkordi Mohamed H. , Wöll Christof
Published: May 2020

Invited for this month's cover is the group of Dr. Tawheed Hashem from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. The cover picture shows a successful synthesis of high quality, monolithic UiO‐66‐NH2 MOF thin films on diverse solid substrates via a low‐temperature liquid phase epitaxy method. The achievement of continuous MOF‐coatings with low defect densities and pronounced stability against high temperatures and hot water was proven. The new type of coatings clearly outperforms other reported types of MOF thin films. Read the full text of their Communication at 10.1002/open.201900324.
Medication persistence of targeted immunomodulators for plaque psoriasis: A retrospective analysis using a U.S. claims database
Authors: Hendrix Nathaniel , Marcum Zachary A. , Veenstra David L.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Studies of medication persistence in plaque psoriasis have shown inconsistent results, likely due to differing definitions of nonpersistence and of the permissible gap between refills. Also, medication persistence information for two recently approved drugs, apremilast and ixekizumab, is limited.

Methods

We use the Truven Health MarketScan claims database to assess persistence for six drugs: adalimumab, apremilast, etanercept, ixekizumab, secukinumab, and ustekinumab. We define the permissible gap in three ways: 150 days for ustekinumab and 90 days for all other drugs (150/90 model); 120 days for all drugs (120 model); and twice the days' supply for all drugs (days' supply model). To estimate unadjusted persistence, we use Kaplan‐Meier curves, and a proportional hazards model to estimate the adjusted risk of non‐persistence.

Results

Ustekinumab is most sensitive to changes in the definition of permissible gap, likely because of its longer maintenance dosing interval. Among targeted drug‐experienced patients using ustekinumab, median persistence is 358 days (95% confidence interval: 343‐371) in the 150/90 model and 189 days (179‐199) in the days' supply model. Among targeted drug‐experienced patients, median persistence in the days' supply model is longest for ixekizumab and secukinumab at 252 (217‐301) and 222 (210‐244) days, respectively. We also find that adjusted risk of nonpersistence increases by approximately 1% per year at treatment start.

Conclusion

The definition of permissible gap meaningfully changes both absolute and ordinal estimates of medication persistence. Each definition has unique limitations, which should be considered when interpreting persistence data.
Doppeltes Drehspiel
Authors: Ucke Christian , Schlichting Hans Joachim
Published: May 2020

Beim Karussellkreisel‐Spielzeug hängen zwei magnetisch gehaltene Kreisel symmetrisch an einer Haltestange, die mit den Kreiseln um eine Lagerung in der Mitte rotieren kann. Die in gleicher Richtung angedrehten Kreisel üben ein kleines Reibdrehmoment bezüglich der Drehachse in der Mitte aus. So versetzen sie die Haltestange ebenfalls zunehmend in Drehung. Das ungewöhnliche Spielzeug verleitet zu weiteren Experimenten.
Hermann Broch: Die unbekannte Größe
Authors: Heydenreich Aura
Published: May 2020

Hermann Broch thematisiert in „Die unbekannte Größe“ die Frage, ob für die Beschreibung der ästhetischen Faszination, die von der mathematischen Physik ausgeht, nicht nur der Begriff des Schönen, sondern auch der des Erhabenen zutrifft.
Young adult cancer caregivers' use of social media for social support
Authors: Warner Echo L. , Kirchhoff Anne C. , Ellington Lee , Waters Austin R. , Sun Ye , Wilson Andrew , Cloyes Kristin G.
Published: May 2020

Objective

To describe how young adult cancer caregivers (YACC) use social media for social support during a cancer experience.

Methods

Eligible YACC were 18 to 39 years, used Facebook and/or Instagram at least once per week, and cared for an adult cancer patient diagnosed 6 months to 5 years prior (N = 34). Recruitment of a cross‐sectional sample occurred through oncology clinics in Utah and online advertising by caregiving and cancer organizations from September 2017 to June 2018. Semi‐structured telephone interviews were recorded, transcribed, iteratively coded, and qualitatively analyzed, yielding four categories concerning how YACC use social media.

Results

Caregivers were most commonly spouses aged 29 years on average (range 21‐38); cancer patients were 37 years (range 19‐76). Analysis yielded four distinct yet related categories: Category 1: Posting about cancer on social media often begins as a strategy for YACC to efficiently provide updates about the cancer patient. Category 2: Caregivers who actively post on social media experience a variety of different functional social supports to which they otherwise would not have access. Category 3: Posting about cancer online presents an opportunity for negative consequences. Category 4: Potential for negative consequences influences how some caregivers use social media.

Conclusions

Supportive services, including social media‐based supports, are needed for YACC in formats that are convenient for them as they balance their caretaking duties with their daily lives.
Clinical features and accompanying findings of Pseudo‐Bartter Syndrome in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Sismanlar Eyuboglu Tugba , Dogru Deniz , Çakır Erkan , Cobanoglu Nazan , Pekcan Sevgi , Cinel Guzin , Yalçın Ebru , Kiper Nural , Sen Velat , Selimoglu Sen Hadice , Ercan Omur , Keskin Ozlem , Bilgic Eltan Sevgi , Alshadfan Lina , Yazan Hakan , Altıntas Derya Ufuk , Sasihuseyinoglu Ayse Senay , Sapan Nihat , Cekic Sükrü , Cokugraş Haluk , Kılınc Ayşe Ayzıt , Ramaslı Gursoy Tugba , Aslan Ayse Tana , Bingol Aysen , Başaran Abdurrahman Erdem , Ozdemir Ali , Kose Mehmet , Hangul Melih , Emiralioglu Nagehan , Tugcu Gokçen , Yuksel Hasan , Yılmaz Ozge , Orhan Fazıl , Gayretli Aydın Zeynep Gokce , Topal Erdem , Tamay Zeynep , Suleyman Ayse , Can Demet , Bal Cem Murat , Caltepe Gönül , Ozcelik Uğur
Published: May 2020

Background

Pseudo‐Bartter syndrome (PBS) is a rare complication of cystic fibrosis (CF) and there are limited data in the literature about it. We aimed to compare clinical features and accompanying findings of patients with PBS in a large patient population.

Methods

The data were collected from the Cystic Fibrosis Registry of Turkey where 1170 CF patients were recorded in 2017. Clinical features, diagnostic test results, colonization status, complications, and genetic test results were compared in patients with and without PBS.

Results

Totally 1170 patients were recorded into the registry in 2017 and 120 (10%) of them had PBS. The mean age of diagnosis and current age of patients were significantly younger and newborn screening positivity was lower in patients with PBS (P < .001). There were no differences between the groups in terms of colonization status, mean z‐scores of weight, height, BMI, and mean FEV1 percentage. Types of genetic mutations did not differ between the two groups. Accompanying complications were more frequent in patients without PBS.

Conclusion

PBS was detected as the most common complication in the registry. It could be due to warm weather conditions of our country. It is usually seen in younger ages regardless of mutation phenotype and it could be a clue for early diagnosis of CF.
Hyperbolic Bismuth–Dielectric Structure for Terahertz Photonics
Authors: Zaitsev Anton , Demchenko Petr , Makarova Elena , Tukmakova Anastasiia , Kablukova Natallya , Asach Aleksei , Novotelnova Anna , Khodzitsky Mikhail
Published: May 2020

Hyperbolic medium is a special class of strongly anisotropic materials described by diagonal permittivity tensor with the principal components being of the opposite signs, which results in a hyperbolic shape of isofrequency contours. These media support propagating electromagnetic waves with extremely large wave vectors exhibiting unique optical properties and applications such as negative refraction, subwavelength imaging, radiative heat transfer manipulation, enhancing spontaneous emission rate (Purcell factor), biosensing, and nanoscale light confinement. Hyperbolic metamaterials have been experimentally realized for optical, infrared, and microwave frequency ranges. For the terahertz (THz) frequency range, graphene‐based and bismuth‐based media are only theoretically predicted to have a hyperbolic dispersion relation. Herein, the experimental evidence of such dispersion in bismuth–dielectric materials at THz frequencies is shown. THz waveforms transmitted through ultrathin bismuth film/dielectric substrate structures are measured and the negative time delay caused by transition between the elliptic and hyperbolic dispersion at bismuth thickness increase is revealed. In the hyperbolic regime, the switching between effective near‐zero and negative refractive index regime is demonstrated, which depends on the bismuth film thickness and dielectric substrate optical properties. The outcomes demonstrate the possibility for realizing easy planar hyperbolic media for THz photonics, sensing, imaging, and communication systems.
Comparing wavelet and Fourier perspectives on the decomposition of meridional energy transport into synoptic and planetary components
Authors: Heiskanen Tuomas , Graversen Rune Grand , Rydsaa Johanne Hope , Isachsen Pål Erik
Published: May 2020

The Arctic region shows some of the world's most significant signs of climate change; for instance, a negative trend in summer sea‐ice cover of around 15% per decade and Arctic amplified surface‐air warming that is three times the global average. The atmospheric energy transport plays an important role in the Arctic climate. Recently a Fourier‐based method for studying the atmospheric energy transport contribution by planetary‐ and synoptic‐scale waves has been proposed. Recent studies based on this method show that planetary waves contribute more than synoptic waves to the atmospheric energy transport into the Arctic. However, this Fourier method suffers from being incapable of resolving spatially localized systems such as cyclones. Here an attempt to evaluate this problem is presented by applying the method on synthetic and reanalysis data. In addition, an alternative method based on a wavelet decomposition is proposed and compared with the Fourier‐based method. The wavelet method is based on localized basis functions which should be capable of resolving these localized systems. The wavelet method shows an impact of synoptic‐scale transport on Arctic temperatures which is not captured by the Fourier method, whilst the planetary‐scale effect of both methods appears similar.
Group testing in mediation analysis
Authors: Derkach Andriy , Moore Steven C. , Boca Simina M. , Sampson Joshua N.
Published: May 2020

We consider the scenario where there is an exposure, multiple biologically defined sets of biomarkers, and an outcome. We propose a new two‐step procedure that tests if any of the sets of biomarkers mediate the exposure/outcome relationship, while maintaining a prespecified familywise error rate. The first step of the proposed procedure is a screening step that removes all groups that are unlikely to be strongly associated with both the exposure and the outcome. The second step adapts recent advances in postselection inference to test if there are true mediators in each of the remaining candidate sets. We use simulation to show that this simple two‐step procedure has higher statistical power to detect true mediating sets when compared with existing procedures. We then use our two‐step procedure to identify a set of Lysine‐related metabolites that potentially mediate the known relationship between increased body mass index and the increased risk of estrogen‐receptor positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women.
C−C and C−S Coupling Catalyzed by Supported Cu(II) on Nano CoFe2O4
Authors: Tamoradi Taiebeh , Masoumeh Mousavi Seyedeh , Mohammadi Masoud
Published: May 2020

A new magnetically recoverable copper nanocatalyst was readily prepared and structurally characterized by FT‐IR, SEM, EDX, X‐ray map and XRD techniques. The prepared nanocatalyst exhibited efficient catalytic activity in C−C and C−S coupling reactions. The catalyst can be magnetically recovered after the reaction and can be reused for five times without appreciable decrease in activity.
Enhancement in Photovoltaic Properties of N,N‐diethylaniline based Donor Materials by Bridging Core Modifications for Efficient Solar Cells
Authors: Hussain Riaz , Khan Muhammad Usman , Mehboob Muhammad Yasir , Khalid Muhammad , Iqbal Javed , Ayub Khurshid , Adnan Muhammad , Ahmed Mahmood , Atiq Kainat , Mahmood Khalid
Published: May 2020

The increasing demand of energy expedited the development of efficient photovoltaic materials.Herein, five push‐pull donor materials (D1‐D5) having N,N‐diethylaniline as donor moiety and rhodanine‐3‐acetic as acceptor group are designed to be used as donor molecules in organic solar cells (OSCs). The bridging core modification of recently synthesized MR3 molecule (reference R) has been made with different π‐spacers namely thiazole (B1), thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene (B2), thiazolo[5,4‐d] thiazole (B3), 2‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)thiophene (B4) and 5‐(thiazol‐5yl)thiazole (B5). The structure–property relationship is studied and influence of bridging core modifications on photovoltaic, photophysical and electronic properties of D1‐D5 are calculated and compared with reference R.The DFT and TDDFT calculations have been performed for the estimation of frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis, density of states (DOS) graphs, reorganization energies of electron and hole, open circuit voltage, photophysical characteristics, transition density matrix (TDM) surfaces and charge transfer analysis.Designed molecules exhibit better and comparable optoelectronic properties than synthesized reference molecules. Among all investigated molecules, D5 is proven as best candidate for OSCs application due to its promising photovoltaic properties including lowest band gap (2.24 eV), small electron mobility (λe=0.0056 eV), small hole mobility (λh=0.0046 eV), low binding energy (Eb=0.21 eV), highest λmax values 610.76 nm (in gas) 670.22 nm (in acetonitrile) and high open circuit voltage (Voc=1.17 V) with respect to HOMOdonor–LUMOPC61BM. This theoretical framework demonstrates that bridging core modification is a simple and effective alternative strategy to achieve the desirable optoelectronic properties. Furthermore, conceptualized molecules are superior and thus are recommended to experimentalist for out‐looking future developments of highly efficient solar cells.
High Virus Removal by Self‐Organized Nanostructured 2D Liquid‐Crystalline Smectic Membranes for Water Treatment
Authors: Kuo Daniel , Liu Miaomiao , Kumar K. R. Sunil , Hamaguchi Kazuma , Gan Kian Ping , Sakamoto Takeshi , Ogawa Takafumi , Kato Riki , Miyamoto Nobuyoshi , Nada Hiroki , Kimura Masahiro , Henmi Masahiro , Katayama Hiroyuki , Kato Takashi
Published: May 2020

To obtain high quality of drinking water free from biocontaminants is especially important issue. A new strategy employing smectic liquid‐crystalline ionic membranes exhibiting 2D structures of layered nanochannels for water treatment is proposed for efficient virus removal and sufficient water flux. The smectic A (SmA) liquid‐crystalline membranes obtained by in situ polymerization of an ionic mesogenic monomer are examined for removal of three distinct viruses with small size: Qβ bacteriophage, MS2 bacteriophage, and Aichi virus. The semi‐bilayer structure of the SmA significantly obstructs the virus penetration with an average log reduction value of 7.3 log10 or the equivalent of reducing 18 million viruses down to 1. Furthermore, the layered nanochannels of the SmA liquid crystal allow efficient water permeation compared to other types of liquid‐crystalline membrane consisting of nanopores.
Quality by design with design of experiments approach for the development of a stability‐indicating LC method for benzonatate and its impurities in liquid oral dosage form
Authors: Katakam Lakshmi Narasimha Rao , Dongala Thirupathi
Published: May 2020

A quality by design based simple and stability‐indicating liquid chromatography method has been developed successfully for benzonatate and its related impurities. The optimized high‐performance liquid chromatography method can be used to detect and quantify the benzonatate impurities in its finished liquid oral dosage forms. For the quantification of impurities demands more comprehensive way of analytical method development. Quality by design approach allows the assessment of various analytical parameters and their effects with minimum number of experiments. The current method has been separated five specified known impurities of benzonatate along with unspecified degradation products with adequate chromatographic resolution. The separation was acquired by using Zorbax SB CN, (4.6 × 250 mm), 5 μm column at a flow rate of 0.9 mL/min with a gradient elution mode. Mobile phase A consisting of 15 mM monobasic potassium phosphate (pH of 2.7) and tetrahydrofuran (90:10 v/v) and mobile phase B was mixture of acetonitrile and tetrahydrofuran (90:10 v/v). Detection of compounds was carried out at 310 nm and column temperature was maintained at 35°C. The drug product and drug substance were subjected to the stress conditions such as acid, base, oxidation, heat, and photolysis as per the recommendations of International Conference on Harmonization (Q2) methodology. The method was validated to be precise, specific, robust, rugged, and stability indicating.
In ovo inoculation of duck embryos with different strains of Bacillus cereus to analyse their synergistic post‐hatch anti‐allergic potentialities
Authors: Al Azad Salauddin , Moazzem Hossain Khondoker , Rahman Sana Mohammad Mahbubur , Al Mazid Mohammad Faysal , Barai Pallob , Gazi Mohammad Shamim
Published: May 2020

Background

Bacillus cereus is a Gram‐positive, facultative anaerobic bacteria with few strains reported to be used as probiotics for animals and birds in recent times if the doses are formulated properly.

Objectives

To analyse the synergistic anti‐allergic potentiality of different Bacillus cereus strains on experimental in ovo and in vitro duck model, as probiotic immune stimulant.

Materials and methods

Different strains of Bacillus cereus from 29 isolates were identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing from the milk samples of buffalo breeds of South Asia. The probiotic properties were tested in aspects of gram staining, catalase test, coagulase, test, bile salt tolerance, pH tolerance and phenol tolerance test. MIC50 and MIC90 levels were profiled using nine different antibiotics, and antimicrobial activity against eight different enteric pathogens was assessed. Finally, the test strains of Bacillus cereus (Colony Forming Unit [CFU] 30X1011) were combined‐infused at different concentrations in embryonated duck eggs to assess the post‐hatch anti‐allergic effects against histamine‐induced allergic reaction and their immunoglobulin E (IgE) level was tested.

Results

Molecular identification confirmed the test strains as B. cereus HKS 1–1, B. cereus LOCK 1,002 and B. cereus BF2, which were all motile, spore‐forming, catalase‐positive and rod‐shaped. All were 0.3% bile salt, 0.4% phenol and pH tolerant. Two‐way ANOVA test P values revealed that B. cereus BF2 was statistically significant (p < .0014) in bile salt tolerance test. B. cereus HKS 1–1 was significant in phenol and pH tolerance at p < .0002 and p < .0489, respectively. Besides, the test strains showed antibiotic sensitivity and antimicrobial activity to different enteric pathogens. In vivo model referred the test strains as effective in partial allergy reduction at same CFU but at different concentrations with p < .0001 among the groups.

Conclusion

The isolated and characterized strains of B. cereus showed partial immune‐stimulating potentiality against experimentally induced allergic reaction.
Rational CFT with three characters: the quasi-character approach
Authors: Mukhi Sunil , Poddar Rahul , Singh Palash
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Quasi-characters are vector-valued modular functions having an integral, but not necessarily positive, q-expansion. Using modular differential equations, a complete classification has been provided in arXiv:1810.09472 for the case of two characters. These in turn generate all possible admissible characters, of arbitrary Wronskian index, in order two. Here we initiate a study of the three-character case. We conjecture several infinite families of quasi-characters and show in examples that their linear combinations can generate admissible characters with arbitrarily large Wronskian index. The structure is completely different from the order two case, and the novel coset construction of arXiv:1602.01022 plays a key role in discovering the appropriate families. Using even unimodular lattices, we construct some explicit three-character CFT corresponding to the new admissible characters.
A graphic approach to identities induced from multi-trace Einstein-Yang-Mills amplitudes
Authors: Du Yi-Jian , Hou Linghui
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Symmetries of Einstein-Yang-Mills (EYM) amplitudes, together with the recursive expansions, induce nontrivial identities for pure Yang-Mills amplitudes. In the previous work [1], we have already proven that the identities induced from tree level single-trace EYM amplitudes can be precisely expanded in terms of BCJ relations. In this paper, we extend the discussions to those identities induced from all tree level multi-trace EYM amplitudes. Particularly, we establish a refined graphic rule for multi-trace EYM amplitudes and then show that the induced identities can be fully decomposed in terms of BCJ relations.
Quadriceps tendon autograft for primary ACL reconstruction: a Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Eschweiler Jörg , Mansy Yasser El , Quack Valentin , Tingart Markus , Driessen Arne
Published: May 2020

Background

The purpose of the current study was to clarify the role of the quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft for primary ACL reconstruction. Thus, a Bayesian network meta-analysis comparing patients undergoing a primary ACL reconstruction with QT versus patellar tendon (PT) and hamstring tendon (HT) autografts was conducted.

Material and methods

This Bayesian network meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA extension statement for reporting systematic reviews incorporating network meta-analyses of health care interventions. In January 2020, the main databases were accessed. Articles comparing the outcomes of the QT autograft versus HT autograft and/or PT autograft for primary ACL reconstruction were included in the present study. The statistical analysis was performed with STATA Software/MP, through a Bayesian hierarchical random-effect model analysis.

Results

Data from a total of 2603 knees were analysed. The overall mean follow-up was 35.0 months. Among the different grafts were evidenced comparable values of IKDC, Tegner and Lysholm score. The QT autograft detected comparable rate of Lachman test > 3 mm, Pivot shift test > 3 m and instrumental laxity > 3 mm. The QT autograft showed a lower rate of autograft failure above all. The QT autograft detected the reduced rate of AKP than the PT.

Conclusion

Quadriceps tendon autograft may represent a feasible option for primary ACL reconstruction. These results must be interpret within the limitations of the present network meta-anlaysis.