bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Parkinson's Disease Genome‐Wide Association Study Locus Browser
Authors: Grenn Francis P. , Kim Jonggeol J. , Makarious Mary B. , Iwaki Hirotaka , Illarionova Anastasia , Brolin Kajsa , Kluss Jillian H. , Schumacher‐Schuh Artur F. , Leonard Hampton , Faghri Faraz , Billingsley Kimberley , Krohn Lynne , Hall Ashley , Diez‐Fairen Monica , Periñán Maria Teresa , Foo Jia Nee , Sandor Cynthia , Webber Caleb , Fiske Brian K. , Gibbs J. Raphael , Nalls Mike A. , Singleton Andrew B. , Bandres‐Ciga Sara , Reed Xylena , Blauwendraat Cornelis ,   the International Parkinson's Disease Genomics Consortium (IPDGC)
Published: August 2020

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with an often complex component identifiable by genome‐wide association studies. The most recent large‐scale PD genome‐wide association studies have identified more than 90 independent risk variants for PD risk and progression across more than 80 genomic regions. One major challenge in current genomics is the identification of the causal gene(s) and variant(s) at each genome‐wide association study locus. The objective of the current study was to create a tool that would display data for relevant PD risk loci and provide guidance with the prioritization of causal genes and potential mechanisms at each locus.

Methods

We included all significant genome‐wide signals from multiple recent PD genome‐wide association studies including themost recent PD risk genome‐wide association study, age‐at‐onset genome‐wide association study, progression genome‐wide association study, and Asian population PD risk genome‐wide association study. We gathered data for all genes 1 Mb up and downstream of each variant to allow users to assess which gene(s) are most associated with the variant of interest based on a set of self‐ranked criteria. Multiple databases were queried for each gene to collect additional causal data.

Results

We created a PD genome‐wide association study browser tool (https://pdgenetics.shinyapps.io/GWASBrowser/) to assist the PD research community with the prioritization of genes for follow‐up functional studies to identify potential therapeutic targets.

Conclusions

Our PD genome‐wide association study browser tool provides users with a useful method of identifying potential causal genes at all known PD risk loci from large‐scale PD genome‐wide association studies. We plan to update this tool with new relevant data as sample sizes increase and new PD risk loci are discovered. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Bilberry Supplementation after Myocardial Infarction Decreases Microvesicles in Blood and Affects Endothelial Vesiculation
Authors: Bryl‐Górecka Paulina , Sathanoori Ramasri , Arevström Lilith , Landberg Rikard , Bergh Cecilia , Evander Mikael , Olde Björn , Laurell Thomas , Fröbert Ole , Erlinge David
Published: August 2020

Scope

Diet rich in bilberries is considered cardioprotective, but the mechanisms of action are poorly understood. Cardiovascular disease is characterized by increased proatherogenic status and high levels of circulating microvesicles (MVs). In an open‐label study patients with myocardial infarction receive an 8 week dietary supplementation with bilberry extract (BE). The effect of BE on patient MV levels and its influence on endothelial vesiculation in vitro is investigated.

Methods and results

MVs are captured with acoustic trapping and platelet‐derived MVs (PMVs), as well as endothelial‐derived MVs (EMVs) are quantified with flow cytometry. The in vitro effect of BE on endothelial extracellular vesicle (EV) release is examined using endothelial cells and calcein staining. The mechanisms of BE influence on vesiculation pathways are studied by Western blot and qRT‐PCR. Supplementation with BE decreased both PMVs and EMVs. Furthermore, BE reduced endothelial EV release, Akt phosphorylation, and vesiculation‐related gene transcription. It also protects the cells from P2X7‐induced EV release and increase in vesiculation‐related gene expression.

Conclusion

BE supplementation improves the MV profile in patient blood and reduces endothelial vesiculation through several molecular mechanisms related to the P2X7 receptor. The findings provide new insight into the cardioprotective effects of bilberries.
Death depression in Egyptian clinical and non‐clinical groups
Authors: Abdel‐Khalek Ahmed M. , Dadfar Mahboubeh , Lester David
Published: August 2020

Aim

The main aims of this study were to explore the differences between seven Egyptian clinical and non‐clinical samples in death depression, as well as to estimate gender‐related differences.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

The Death Depression Scale (DDS) was administered to seven groups (N = 765) of Egyptian normal (non‐clinical) patients, anxiety outpatients, schizophrenic inpatients (men and women) and addicts (men only) in individual sessions.

Results

Anxiety outpatients of both sexes obtained significantly and greatly higher death depression scores than did the other five groups, whereas the male schizophrenics, the male addicts, and the male and female non‐clinical groups had the lowest death depression scores. Female schizophrenics obtained a significantly higher death depression scores than did male schizophrenics, addicts and non‐clinical participants. Female anxiety outpatients and schizophrenics had higher death depression mean scores than did their male counterparts.

Discussion

The present finding is consistent, in general, with previous studies on death anxiety and death obsession. What applied to death anxiety was consistent also with death depression and death obsession. That is, the death distress concept.
Predictors of maternal attachment among breastfeeding mothers in Jordan
Authors: Abuhammad Sawsan
Published: August 2020

Aim

This study aims to investigate the difference in maternal attachment in different scenarios, that is among mothers who breastfed their infants and mothers who combined breastfeeding with other types of feeding and determine the predictors of maternal attachment in breastfeeding mothers.

Design

A survey was used to collect data from 222 mothers from Jordan University of Science and Technology in Jordan.

Method

Who used breastfeeding or mixed methods and had healthy infants aged from 3 to 12 months and who did not have postpartum complications. The survey was conducted in three healthcare centres in Irbid city, Jordan.

Results

Mothers only breastfeed their infants did not differ in their attachment compared with those who used mixed feeding methods (using breastfeeding with formula feeding). Many factors showed significant impact on maternal attachment, which includes the mother's education, if they have assistance in caring for their infant, marital relationship quality, the infant's gender and the planning for pregnancy.
Working with national quality registries in older people care: A qualitative study of perceived impact on assistant nurses’ work situation
Authors: Westerlund Anna , Sparring Vibeke , Hasson Henna , Weinehall Lars , Nyström Monica E.
Published: August 2020

Aim

The aim was to investigate assistant nurses’ perceptions of how working with national quality registries affected their work situation in care of older people.

Design

Qualitative interview study.

Methods

Sixteen semi‐structured interviews were conducted at four special housing units in Sweden, and a conventional content analysis, with elements of thematic analysis, was applied.

Results

The introduction of national quality registries contributed to role clarifications and the development of new formal work procedures in terms of documentation and arenas and routines for communication. The increased systematics and effectiveness gained from these changes had a perceived positive effect on the work situation, workload, work satisfaction, staff interactions and learning and reflection.
Investigation of toughening effect of biomass‐derived SiCB on basalt fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester composites
Authors: Yu Kaifeng , He Xiaoling , Li Yi , Liang Ce
Published: August 2020

Fiber‐reinforced polymer composites are outstanding lightweight structural materials, so that they are widely used in automotive, marine, medical, defense, and aerospace fields. However, when subjected to structural loads, they are prone to failure due to their inherent brittleness and the susceptibility to delamination, which can lead to the loss of the load‐bearing capacity of composite materials. This article proposes an effective solution of innovatively using the silicon carbon black, a kind of sustainable green biomass material derived from rice husks, to toughen the composites. When the content of silicon carbon black (SiCB) added to the composites is 1.5 wt%, the maximum values of flexural strength, bending energy absorption, and the mode II interlaminar fracture toughness values are 333 MPa, 6.10 J, and 1591 J/m2, respectively, corresponding to the improvement percentage of 138%, 120%, and 216%. The addition of SiCB significantly improved the bending properties and the mode II interlaminar fracture toughness of composites. The toughening mechanisms of SiCB were studied based on the fracture surface morphologies of the composites.
Treprostinil Attains Clinically Therapeutic Concentrations in Neonates with Pulmonary Hypertension on Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support
Authors: De Bie Felix R. , Allegaert Karel , Hedrick Holly L. , Rintoul Natalie E. , Davidson Alexander
Published: August 2020

Background: Treprostinil is a prostacyclin analog used for treatment of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in adults and children, currently awaiting clinical assessment for use in neonates.

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the use of treprostinil in neonates with PH on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support and measure plasma concentrations of the drug.

Methods: This is a retrospective case‐series with prospectively collected blood samples, conducted in a quaternary care neonatal intensive care unit. Brain natriuretic peptide, cardiac function on Doppler echocardiography, and the occurrence of adverse effects was monitored. Plasma concentrations were measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry.

Results: Four patients with PH requiring ECMO therapy were studied. Treprostinil doses of 20–58 ng/kg/min reached concentrations of 0.99–4.39 ng/ml and induced clinical improvement. Infusion of treprostinil was associated with improved right ventricular function, reversed right‐to‐left shunting through the ductus arteriosus, and stable or decreasing need for vasopressor support. No adverse effects were observed.

Conclusions: This is the first study to report clinically therapeutic treprostinil concentrations in circulating plasma after treprostinil administration in neonates on ECMO, with associated clinical improvement of PH and no signs of hemodynamic instability.
DeepRescore: Leveraging Deep Learning to Improve Peptide Identification in Immunopeptidomics
Authors: Li Kai , Jain Antrix , Malovannaya Anna , Wen Bo , Zhang Bing
Published: August 2020

The identification of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐binding peptides in mass spectrometry (MS)‐based immunopeptideomics relies largely on database search engines developed for proteomics data analysis. However, because immunopeptidomics experiments do not involve enzymatic digestion at specific residues, an inflated search space leads to a high false positive rate and low sensitivity in peptide identification. In order to improve the sensitivity and reliability of peptide identification, a post‐processing tool named DeepRescore is developed. DeepRescore combines peptide features derived from deep learning predictions, namely accurate retention timeand MS/MS spectra predictions, with previously used features to rescore peptide‐spectrum matches. Using two public immunopeptidomics datasets, it is shown that rescoring by DeepRescore increases both the sensitivity and reliability of MHC‐binding peptide and neoantigen identifications compared to existing methods. It is also shown that the performance improvement is, to a large extent, driven by the deep learning‐derived features. DeepRescore is developed using NextFlow and Docker and is available at https://github.com/bzhanglab/DeepRescore.
Global Lysine Crotonylation Profiling of Mouse Liver
Authors: Liu Jiang‐Feng , Wu Song‐Feng , Liu Shu , Sun Xin , Wang Xiao‐Man , Xu Ping , Chen Hou‐Zao , Yang Jun‐Tao
Published: August 2020

Lysine crotonylation (Kcr) is a recently discovered post‐translational modification that potentially regulates multiple biological processes. With an objective to expand the available crotonylation datasets, LC‐MS/MS is performed using mouse liver samples under normal physiological conditions to obtain in vivo crotonylome. A label‐free strategy is used and 10 034 Class I (localization probabilities > 0.75) crotonylated sites are identified in 2245 proteins. The KcrE, KcrD, and EKcr motifs are significantly enriched in the crotonylated peptides. The identified crotonylated proteins are mostly enzymes and primarily located in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Functional enrichment analysis based on Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes shows that the crotonylated proteins are closely related to the purine‐containing compound metabolic process, ribose phosphate metabolic process, carbon metabolism pathway, ribosome pathway, and a series of metabolism‐associated biological processes. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this research provides the first report on the mouse liver crotonylome. Furthermore, it offers additional evidence that crotonylation exists in non‐histone proteins, and is likely involved in various biological processes. The mass spectrometry proteomics data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange Consortium with the dataset identifiers PXD019145.
Short proofs of some extremal results III
Authors: Conlon David , Fox Jacob , Sudakov Benny
Published: August 2020

We prove a selection of results from different areas of extremal combinatorics, including complete or partial solutions to a number of open problems. These results, coming mainly from extremal graph theory and Ramsey theory, have been collected together because in each case the relevant proofs are reasonably short.
Two phase I/II clinical trials for the treatment of urinary incontinence with autologous mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Garcia-Arranz Mariano , Alonso-Gregorio Sergio , Fontana-Portella Pamela , Bravo Elena , Diez Sebastian Jesus , Fernandez-Santos María Eugenia , Garcia-Olmo Damian
Published: August 2020

We evaluated the safety and feasibility of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells to treat endoscopically urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy in men or female stress urinary. We designed two prospective, nonrandomized phase I-IIa clinical trials of urinary incontinence involving 9 men (8 treated) and 10 women to test the feasibility and safety of autologous mesenchymal stem cells for this use. Cells were obtained from liposuction containing 150 to 200 g of fat performed on every patient. After 4 to 6 weeks and under sedation, endoscopic intraurethral injection of the cells was performed. On each visit (baseline, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months), clinical parameters were measured, and blood samples, urine culture, and uroflowmetry were performed. Every patient underwent an urethrocystoscopy and urodynamic studies on the first and last visit. Data from pad test, quality-of-life and incontinence questionnaires, and pads used per day were collected at every visit. Statistical analysis was done by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. No adverse effects were observed. Three men (37.5%) and five women (50%) showed an objective improvement of >50% (P < .05) and a subjective improvement of 70% to 80% from baseline. In conclusion, intraurethral application of stem cells derived from adipose tissue is a safe and feasible procedure to treat urinary incontinence after radical prostatectomy or in female stress urinary incontinence. A statistically significant difference was obtained for pad-test improvement in 3/8 men and 5/10 women. Our results encourage studies to confirm safety and to analyze efficacy.

Lessons learned • This safety clinical trial made use of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of urinary incontinence.• Intraurethral application of stem cells derived from adipose tissue is a safe and feasible procedure to treat urinary incontinence.  Significance statementThis article reports the results of two clinical trials that studied safety of the treatment of urinary incontinence in men and women through the use of mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue obtained from the patient or cultured ex vivo.
Supramolecular Self‐Assembly Properties of Metallo‐Ionic Phthalocyanines Constituting Regioisomers
Authors: Inchara Seegepalli Anandamurthy , Veerabhadraswamy Bhyranalyar Nagarajappa , Paul Bishwajit , Hegde Gurumurthy , Yelamaggad Channabasaveshwar Veerappa , Shanker Govindaswamy
Published: August 2020

We describe the synthesis and properties of metallo‐ionic phthalocyanines (MIPCs), obtained upon interacting metalled phthalocyaninetetracarboxylic acid with 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium chloride in a methanolic sodium hydroxide (NaOH) condition. Two MIPCs analyzed by 1H‐NMR and MALDI‐TOF, additionally, the four positional regioisomers (Cs, C4h, D2hand C2v) confirm by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis indicate the purity of the sample. The UV‐visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy used to characterize the effects of peripheral substituents on the absorption and emission spectroscopy that featured the distinctive J(Jelly) and H(hypsochromic) aggregates of MIPCs in a polar solvent. Electrochemical characteristics evaluated through cyclic voltammetry (CV) confirms the redox properties and the electron transfer mechanism studied by DFT calculations. Gelation experiment demonstrated on zinc‐ionic phthalocyanine shows the entangled network as evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images. We also studied the chromonic liquid crystalline behavior of MIPCs.
Heteroatom Promoted Ni/Al2O3 Catalysts for Highly Efficient Hydrogenation of 1,4‐Butynediol to 1,4‐Butenediol
Authors: Wu Hongli , Ma Fengyun , Wang Yuelan , Zeng Yan , Wu Hao , Yin Shuangjie , Mian Inamullah , Tsubaki Noritatsu
Published: August 2020

A series of nickel‐based catalysts were prepared by solution combustion synthesis (SCS), using Ce, Ag, Mo, Fe, or Co as a promoter, and applied for efficient and selective hydrogenation of 1,4‐butynediol (BYD) to 1,4‐butenediol (BED). It was found that each catalyst containing promoter had higher conversion of BYD and higher selectivity of BED than that of pristine Ni/Al2O3 catalyst. Among as‐prepared catalysts, Ni−Fe/Al2O3 exhibited the highest activity and stability toward selective hydrogenation of BYD to BED. Results revealed that the improved catalytic performance of Ni−Fe/Al2O3 over those of Ni/Al2O3 could be ascribed to the varied metal‐support interaction and active site dispersion, as well as the formation of Ni−Fe taenite. DFT calculations further demonstrated that the introduction of Fe regulated the adsorption strength of BYD and H on the surface of the catalyst, thus improving the catalytic hydrogenation activity of BYD.
Adenine Derivatives for Regenerable Antibacterial Surface Applications Based on A−T Base Pairing
Authors: Kinali‐Demirci Selin , Idil Onder , Disli Ali , Demirci Serkan
Published: August 2020

Surface contamination is a major concern in the design, fabrication, and application of biomaterials. In this work, a series of new adenine derivatives were synthesized in a three‐step method with the goal of protecting the functional materials against microbial adhesion. Initially, 9‐(chloroalkyl)‐9H‐purin‐6‐amine compounds were synthesized from adenine. Then, these compounds were reacted with potassium thiocyanate or potassium selenocyanate. In the last step, adenine derivatives incorporating a tetrazole ring were synthesized via the cycloaddition of sodium azide with thiocyano or selenocyano derivatives. The antimicrobial activity of the compounds was evaluated by using the minimal inhibitory concentration method. Furthermore, the effect of the compounds on pBR322 plasmid DNA was studied using gel electrophoretic mobility measurements. The antimicrobial assay showed that some of the synthesized compounds exerted vigorous antibacterial and antifungal activities. Further experiments indicated that seleno‐adenine derivatives have higher antimicrobial and DNA effect than other derivatives. The surfaces activated by the adenine derivative demonstrated antibacterial activity resisting bacterial attachment in order to remove dead bacteria from the surface. All results showed that some of these adenine derivatives have an antibacterial activity and the potential for further applications, for example as a smart surface coating that prevents bacterial adhesion to biomaterials.
Improving the Performance of PANI‐SA⋅TiO2Supercapacitor Active Electrode MaterialviaEmulsion Polymerization of Aniline with MWCNT
Authors: Gottam Ramesh , Srinivasan Palaniappan , Keloth Basavaiah
Published: August 2020

Flexible electrode with high electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance are desirable today to meet the energy demand in portable electronics. Here we designed a flexible electrode, polyaniline‐sulfate‐titanium dioxide‐multiwalled carbon nanotubes (PANI‐SA⋅TiO2⋅MWCNT) to improve the electrochemical performance. This is achieved by following a synthetic strategy via the synthesis of PANI‐SA⋅TiO2⋅MWCNT by a two‐step process; initially, PANI‐SA⋅TiO2synthesized by aqueous polymerization using two oxidants, namely peroxotitanium acid (PTiA) and ammonium persulfate (APS). Wherein, PTiA acts both as oxidant and source of TiO2. In the second step, emulsion polymerization of PANI‐SA⋅TiO2with a small amount of MWCNT by benzoyl peroxide as oxidant. Formed PANI‐SA⋅TiO2⋅MWCNT was coated on a stainless steel foil without using any binder. Electrochemical performances of the electrodes of both PANI‐SA⋅TiO2and PANI‐SA⋅TiO2⋅MWCNT were carried in symmetric cell supercapacitor configuration in aq. 1 M sulfuric acid electrolyte by cyclic voltammetry and charge‐discharge measurements. This composite exhibits an excellent rate capability, and no degradation was observed in specific capacitance over 5,000 charge‐discharge cycles carried even at a higher current density of 1.6 A g−1. The electrochemical performance of PANI‐SA⋅TiO2,including cycle life, is enhanced with the use of MWCNT.
Copper‐Catalyzed [2+2+1+1] Annulation for the Regioselective Synthesis of 2,6‐Diarylpyridines via C1‐Insertion and Subsequent Cyclization
Authors: Vodnala Nagaraju , Gujjarappa Raghuram , Satheesh Vanaparthi , Gupta Richa , Kaldhi Dhananjaya , Kabi Arup K. , Malakar Chandi C.
Published: August 2020

Copper‐catalyzed [2+2+1+1] annulation strategy has been investigated for the regioselective synthesis of symmetrical and unsymmetrical 2,6‐diarylpyridines using aliphatic amines as nitrogen source and DMSO as C1‐synthon. The developed protocol was successful for the transformation of non‐activated aromatic ketones and non‐activated aliphatic amines into 2,6‐diarylpyridines via an “easy to access” approach. This protocol has been verified on wide range of substrates having various functional groups.
Toward the Bath Flow Interaction of a 250 t Combined Top and Bottom Blowing Converter Based on a Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Zhou Xiaobin , Liu Yong , Ni Peiyuan , Peng Shiheng
Published: August 2020

Herein, the fluid mechanical aspects involving flow interactions between flows formed by the top impinging jet and bottom blowing bubbles in a combined blowing converter bath are focused on. The effects of different operation conditions on the flow field and the kinetic energy of the bath are investigated to examine different roles of the blowing operations with the help of numerical model. It is found that the stirring intensity in the region near the bath wall is decreased even though the flow is more active in the vicinity of the impact cavity when the top lance declines. For the combined blowing converter, the bottom blowing plumes normally dominate the bath flow. However, the bath stirring intensity is increased slightly when the bottom blowing flowrate is higher than a critical value (0.08 Nm3 min−1 t−1). In addition, the results of energy dissipation demonstrate that higher flowrate of bottom blowing causes more intensive interaction between flows formed by the top and the bottom blowing, which, in turn, causes more energy dissipation.
A curricular Delphi study to improve the science education of secondary school students in Spain
Authors: Charro Elena
Published: August 2020

A curricular Delphi study was carried out to help improve and develop scientific training for secondary school students in Spain. Using the Delphi method, the authors analyzed the degree of consensus among more than 100 stakeholders' answers to the question, “What aspects of science education are considered desirable for a (Spanish) citizen?” From their answers, the authors identified a set of five “concepts.” Of these, the most relevant was “Science education related to environmental issues and human health, through the use of strategies based on discussion/debate and inquiry‐based science learning.” This study compares these results with those of previous studies and makes proposals for educational reform based on the implications of its findings.
Supporting middle school students’ science talk: A comparison of physical and virtual labs
Authors: Puntambekar Sadhana , Gnesdilow Dana , Dornfeld Tissenbaum Catherine , Narayanan N. Hari , Rebello N. Sanjay
Published: August 2020

Research exploring students’ learning from physical and virtual labs has suggested that on the whole, students learn science content just as well, if not better from virtual labs as they do from physical labs. However, the affordances of physical labs might support the learning of specific skills and competencies that are just as crucial for learning science. In this study, we examined students’ discussions as they worked on physical and virtual labs to better understand how they learned from each, and the kinds of learning that each type of lab supported. One hundred and fifteen 6th grade students from three science teachers’ classes participated in this study. We examined audio data from all available groups as they engaged in physical and virtual labs (n = 14 groups; physical, n = 8 groups; virtual, n = 6 groups). We found that students conducting physical labs engaged in a significantly higher proportion of talk related to setting up apparatus and taking measurements and calculating outputs. Students who performed virtual labs, on the other hand, engaged in significantly more discussions about making predictions and understanding patterns of relationships between variables, and interpreting science phenomena. While students in the Virtual condition engaged in discussions that were more focused on the relationships between science ideas, students in the Physical condition learned science practices related to planning and carrying out investigations that are equally valuable. Our findings suggest that learning from one experimental modality may complement and supplement the relative weaknesses of the other, indicating a need for strategically combining the two. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Lessons for teachers: A wordless picturebook in the hands of one Mexican immigrant family
Authors: Paulick Judy , Quinn Alexa Miller , Kibler Amanda K. , Palacios Natalia , Hill Tatiana
Published: August 2020

Wordless picturebooks provide opportunities for both families and teachers to engage with narrative texts beyond the confines of a particular language. In this ethnographic study, the researchers examined how one multilingual family interacted with a wordless picturebook across time. They observed shifts in who engaged with the reading; evidence of sense‐making as the mother, older sister, and younger sister engaged with the book; scaffolding the mother and older sister provided for the younger sister as her telling of the story became more sophisticated; and intimacy and humor. These observations may have implications for classroom teachers who are interested in using wordless picturebooks to support culturally and linguistically diverse learners. The authors conclude with suggestions for incorporating wordless picturebooks into classroom practice in ways that may be welcoming and productive for students from diverse backgrounds.
Ehrlich ascites carcinoma as model for studying the cardiac protective effects of curcumin nanoparticles against cardiac damage in female mice
Authors: Alotaibi Badriyah , Tousson Ehab , El‐Masry Thanaa A. , Altwaijry Najla , Saleh Asmaa
Published: August 2020

While clinical innovation has improved, cancer or malignant growth stays a genuine medical issue and has been perceived as a significant factor in mortality and morbidity. Current work aimed to define the cardiac defensive effects of curcumin nanoparticles (Cur Nps) against EAC induced cardiac toxicity, injury, and alterations in apoptosis, proliferation, and cytokines immunoreactivity. Forty female mice were aimlessly and equally divided into four groups [Gp1, Control; Gp2, Cur NPs; Gp3, Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC); Gp4, Co‐treatment of EAC with Cur NPs (Cur NPs + EAC)]. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), phosphocreatine kinase (CPK), creatine kinase myoglobin (CK‐MB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), cholesterol, triglycerides, potassium ions, cardiac injury, P53, vascular endothelial growth factor protein (VEGF), Bax, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) expressions were significantly elevated while sodium ions levels were significantly depleted in EAC when compared to control. Co‐treatment of EAC with Cur NPs (Cur NPs + EAC) improved these parameters as compared with EAC group. So, our results indicate that; Cur NPs induced protection to the blood and heart tissue during Ehrlich ascites carcinoma.
Early laser surgery is not associated with very preterm delivery or reduced neonatal survival in TTTS
Authors: Espinoza J. , Belfort M. A. , Shamshirsaz A. A. , Nassr A. A. , Sanz Cortes M. , Donepudi R. , Espinoza A. F. , Ostovar‐Kermani T. G. , Johnson R. , Harman C. , Turan O.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To evaluate the association of laser photocoagulation of placental anastomoses (LPA) prior to 18 weeks' gestation (early LPA) with very preterm delivery and neonatal survival in pregnancies with twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancies with TTTS undergoing LPA between 2002 and 2018 at two institutions. The rates of delivery < 28, < 30 and < 32 weeks' gestation, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) and 30‐day survival of one or both infants were compared between pregnancies undergoing early LPA and those undergoing LPA ≥ 18 weeks' gestation. Regression analysis was performed to determine the association of early LPA with very preterm delivery and 30‐day survival, adjusted for Quintero stage, study phase, selective fetal growth restriction, gestational age at delivery, maternal age ≥ 35 years, body mass index > 35 kg/m2, placental location, use of Seldinger method to place the operative trocar, size of the trocar, participating center, use of Solomon technique, cerclage and PPROM. Survival analysis using the Cox proportional hazard model was applied to examine the LPA‐to‐delivery interval according to the timing of surgery, adjusted for confounding variables.

Results

A total of 414 TTTS pregnancies were included in the study, of which 68 (16.4%) underwent early LPA. In the total cohort, the incidence of delivery at < 28, < 30 and < 32 weeks' gestation was 22.7%, 39.6% and 53.4%, respectively. Survival of both twins and survival of at least one twin at 30 days were 67.5% and 90.8%, respectively. No significant difference was noted between pregnancies that underwent early LPA and those that had LPA ≥ 18 weeks in the rate of delivery < 28 weeks (19.1% vs 23.4%; P = 0.4), < 30 weeks (38.2% vs 39.9%; P = 0.8) and < 32 weeks (44.1% vs 55.2%; P = 0.1) and PPROM (29.0% vs 24.1%; P = 0.4), or in the incidence of double‐twin survival (63.9% vs 68.1%; P = 0.5) and survival of at least one infant (91.8% vs 90.6%; P = 0.7) at 30 days. Early LPA was not associated with very preterm delivery or neonatal survival in the regression analyses. Early LPA was associated with a longer LPA‐to‐delivery interval compared with LPA performed ≥ 18 weeks (median, 106.9 days (range, 2–164 days) vs median, 69.3 days (range, 0–146 days); P < 0.001) when adjusted for confounding variables (hazard ratio, 2.56 (95% CI, 1.76–3.73); P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Laser surgery before 18 weeks is not associated with an increased rate of very preterm delivery and PPROM or with reduced neonatal survival when compared with LPA after 18 weeks. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Performance of higher poly(alkyl lactate acrylate)s as viscosity modifiers in vegetable oils
Authors: Manju P. , Santhana Gopala Krishnan P. , Nayak S. K.
Published: August 2020

Recently, bio‐derived materials such as vegetable oils are significantly employed in lubricating oil formulations due to its high flash point, high lubricity, low evaporation loss, renewability, biodegradability, and eco‐friendliness when compared to mineral oil. We investigated the performance of seven poly(alkyl lactate acrylate)s as viscosity modifiers in two vegetable oils, namely, coconut oil and sunflower oil, which differ in the percentage of polar compounds and degree of unsaturation. Poly(alkyl lactate acrylate)s having alkyl as hexyl to dodecyl group in different concentrations between 1 and 2 wt% were added to coconut and sunflower oil and parameters such as thickening power or Q factor, kinematic viscosity (μ), and viscosity index (VI) were calculated. The μ values at 40°C and 100°C of vegetable oils studied were lower than commercially available SAE20W40 engine oil, but the VI of coconut and sunflower oil was higher by about 22%. Value of Q factor higher than 1, indicated that these poly(alkyl lactate acrylate)s were VI improvers. VI increased with increase in the polymer concentration in both the vegetable oils. The length of the alkyl side chain of these polymers and the polarity of vegetable oil had predominant effect in determining the values of VI of vegetable oils. By using these polymer additives, VI was improved by 85.5% in coconut oil and by 61.7% in sunflower oil. Varying the concentration and alkyl group of these additives, one can largely modify the viscosity ranges enabling them to be used in different lubricating applications.
Effect of a floating elastic membrane for stabilizing the film flow down a porous inclined plane
Authors: Sani Muhammad , Ghosh Sukhendu , Behera Harekrushna
Published: August 2020

The effect of a floating elastic membrane on a gravity‐driven flow down an inclined porous plane is examined. The present work extends the earlier work of Anjalaiah et al. [Phys. Fluid, Vol. 25, 022101 (2013)] by including the thin membrane and excluding the insoluble surfactant at the top surface of the flow. The membrane tension emergence from the elasticity, is used to monitoring the surface tension on the top surface of the fluid layer. The fluid flow below the elastic membrane is governed by the Navier–Stokes equations and flow through the porous medium is governed by the Darcy–Brickmann equations. Using the normal mode analysis, two Orr–Sommerfeld systems are derived for each layers and solved by using the spectral collocation method to capture the linear instability. Further, the temporal growth rate and marginal stability curve are analyzed for different set of structural parameters. In general, the instability of free surface flow is more due to the presence of the unstable Yih mode. Both, the membrane tension and the uniform mass distribution rate along the length of the membrane assure to stabilize the surface waves by lowering the temporal growth rate of the disturbances. Consequently, the floating elastic membrane and the porosity of the inclined substrate pretend to suppress the unstable Yih mode and stabilize the flow anatomy. Hence, the floating elastic membrane can be disposed for the lethargic control of the free‐surface flows' instability.
Security and Safety Culture—Dual or Distinct Phenomena?
Authors: Jore Sissel H.
Published: August 2020

The commission that investigated the terrorist attacks against the Algerian oil facility In Amenas concluded that the Norwegian petroleum company Statoil should establish a security culture distinct from its safety culture. Both are elements of organizational culture, so how should organizations relate to this new concept of security culture? This chapter explores the adequacy of the concept of security culture and explores whether these phenomena should be considered as a duality or separately. The adequacy of security culture is discussed in terms of how the concept is used in the In Amenas investigation report. Despite the lack of demarcation and operationalization of the security culture concept, we conclude, there is a need to further develop security culture as a theoretical and practical element. Security and safety culture should be understood separately, but in practical reality should not be treated as distinct.
User Safety and Security Experience: Innovation Through Design-Inspired Methods in Airports
Authors: Bongiovanni Ivano
Published: August 2020

An inextricable organizational dilemma characterizes risk management: when effective, risk management utilizes organizational resources to avoid superior damage. When not effective, it adds costs to unmanaged risks. This clashes with growing pressures on delivery of tangible value for end-users. Safety and security management aim at mitigating risks of safety or security nature. This chapter establishes a design-based framework to re-imagine the future of safety and security in an airport security environment. The chapter proposes a method for tangible, positive end-user value delivery. Our focus is on airport security where external users live a safety and security experience.
Divergence of Safety and Security
Authors: Brooks David J. , Coole Michael
Published: August 2020

Safety and security have similar goals, to provide social wellness through risk control. Such similarity has led to views of professional convergence; however, the professions of safety and security are distinct. Distinction arises from variances in concept definition, risk drivers, body of knowledge, and professional practice. This chapter explored the professional synergies and tensions between safety and security professionals, using task-related bodies of knowledge. Findings suggest that safety and security only have commonalities at the overarching abstract level. Common knowledge does exist with categories of risk management and control; however, differences are explicit. In safety, risk management focuses on hazards management, whereas security focuses on threat mitigation. Safety theories consider health impacts and accidents, whereas security crime and crime prevention. Therefore, safety and security are diverging as distinct professions.
Surface defects from fractional branes. Part II
Authors: Ashok S.K. , Billò M. , Frau M. , Lerda A. , Mahato S.
Published: August 2020

Abstract

A generic half-BPS surface defect of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetric U(N ) Yang- Mills theory is described by a partition of N = n1 + . . . + nM and a set of 4M continuous parameters. We show that such a defect can be realized by nI stacks of fractional D3-branes in Type II B string theory on a ℤM orbifold background in which the brane world-volume is partially extended along the orbifold directions. In this set up we show that the 4M continuous parameters correspond to constant background values of certain twisted closed string scalars of the orbifold. These results extend and generalize what we have presented for the simple defects in a previous paper.
Operations of power in autonomous weapon systems: ethical conditions and socio-political prospects
Authors: Hynek Nik , Solovyeva Anzhelika
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this article is to provide a multi-perspective examination of one of the most important contemporary security issues: weaponized, and especially lethal, artificial intelligence. This technology is increasingly associated with the approaching dramatic change in the nature of warfare. What becomes particularly important and evermore intensely contested is how it becomes embedded with and concurrently impacts two social structures: ethics and law. While there has not been a global regime banning this technology, regulatory attempts at establishing a ban have intensified along with acts of resistance and blocking coalitions. This article aims to reflect on the prospects and limitations, as well as the ethical and legal intensity, of the emerging regulatory framework. To allow for such an investigation, a power-analytical approach to studying international security regimes is utilized.
Thyroglobulin doubling time offers a better threshold than thyroglobulin level for selecting optimal candidates to undergo localizing [18F]FDG PET/CT in non-iodine avid differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Albano Domenico , Tulchinsky Mark , Dondi Francesco , Mazzoletti Angelica , Lombardi Davide , Bertagna Francesco , Giubbini Raffaele
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To investigate the potential role of serum thyroglobulin doubling time (TgDT) in predicting 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose ([18F]FDG) PET/CT results in patients affected by differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) who demonstrated a combination of positive Tg but a negative [131I] whole-body scan ([131I]-WBS).

Materials and methods

Inclusion criteria were (1) prior [131I] treatment for DTC, (2) negative subsequent [131I]-WBS, (3) no interfering anti-Tg antibodies, (4) three consecutive Tg measurements under the thyroid hormone replacement therapy to calculate TgDT before 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT, and (5) at least 6 months of clinical and/or imaging follow-up to ascertain the diagnosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to identify the optimal cutoff point for the last stimulated Tg and TgDT prior to [18F]FDG PET/CT.

Results

One hundred and thirteen patients were included. Seventy-four (65%) patients had positive [18F]FDG PET/CT for DTC recurrence, while the remaining 39 (35%) negative. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of [18F]FDG PET/CT were 92%, 94%, 97%, 87%, and 93%. Patients with positive [18F]FDG PET/CT had higher Tg and TgDT than those with negative PET/CT. ROC curve analysis revealed an optimal Tg cutoff of 19 ng/mL (sensitivity 78%, specificity 85%, AUC = 0.844) and TgDT of 2.5 years (sensitivity 93%, specificity 87%, AUC = 0.911). TgDT threshold of 2.5 years predicted significantly (p = 0.023) better than Tg level PET/CT results.

Conclusions

The diagnostic performance of [18F]FDG PET/CT could be significantly improved when TgDT is less than or equal to 2.5 years, as compared with using the absolute Tg level.
Negligible transcriptome and metabolome alterations in RNAi insecticidal maize against Monolepta hieroglyphica
Authors: Zhang Xiaolei , Zhang Ruiying , Li Liang , Yang Yang , Ding Yijia , Guan Haitao , Wang Xiaoqin , Zhang Aihong , Wen Hongtao
Published: August 2020

Key message

RNAi-based genetically modified maize resistant to Monolepta hieroglyphica (Motschulsky) was demonstrated with negligible transcriptome and metabolome alterations compared to its unmodified equivalent.

As one of the most prevalent insect pests afflicting various crops, Monolepta hieroglyphica (Motschulsky) causes severe loss of agricultural and economic productivity for many years in China. In an effort to reduce damages, in this study, an RNA interference (RNAi)-based genetically modified (GM) maize was developed. It was engineered to produce MhSnf7 double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs), which can suppress the Snf7 gene expression and then lead M. hieroglyphica to death. Field trail analysis confirmed the robustly insecticidal ability of the MhSnf7 GM maize to resist damages by M. hieroglyphica. RNA sequencing analysis identified that only one gene was differentially expressed in the MhSnf7 GM maize compared to non-GM maize, indicating that the transcriptome in MhSnf7 GM maize is principally unaffected by the introduction of the MhSnf7 dsRNA expression vector. Likewise, metabolomics analysis identified that only 8 out of 5787 metabolites were significantly changed. Hence, the integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics demonstrates that there are negligible differences between MhSnf7 GM maize and its unmodified equivalent. This study not only presents a comprehensive assessment of cellular alteration in terms of gene transcription and metabolite abundance in RNAi-based GM maize, but also could be used as a reference for evaluating the unintended effect of GM crops.
Effects of a novel variant of the yeast γ-glutamyl kinase Pro1 on its enzymatic activity and sake brewing
Authors: Murakami Naoyuki , Kotaka Atsushi , Isogai Shota , Ashida Keiko , Nishimura Akira , Matsumura Kengo , Hata Yoji , Ishida Hiroki , Takagi Hiroshi
Published: August 2020

Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage brewed with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Sake taste is affected by sugars, organic acids, and amino acids. We previously isolated mutants resistant to the proline analogue azetidine-2-carboxylate derived from a diploid sake yeast strain. Some of the mutants produced a greater amount of proline in the brewed sake. One of them (strain K-9-AZC) carried a novel mutation in the PRO1 gene encoding the Gln79His variant of the γ-glutamyl kinase Pro1, a key enzyme in proline biosynthesis in S. cerevisiae. This mutation resulted in extreme desensitization to feedback inhibition by proline, leading to proline overproduction. Interestingly, sake brewed with K-9-AZC contained 3.7-fold more proline, but only 25% less succinate than sake brewed with the parent strain. Metabolome analysis suggests that the decrease in succinate was attributable to a lower level of 2-oxoglutarate, which is converted into glutamate. The approach here could be a practical method for breeding of yeast strains involved in the diversity of sake taste.
Dynamic character graph via online face clustering for movie analysis
Authors: Kulshreshtha Prakhar , Guha Tanaya
Published: August 2020

An effective approach to automated movie content analysis involves building a network (graph) of its characters. Existing work usually builds a static character graph to summarize the content using metadata, scripts or manual annotations. We propose an unsupervised approach to building a dynamic character graph that captures the temporal evolution of character interaction. We refer to this as the character interaction graph (CIG). Our approach has two components: (i) an online face clustering algorithm that discovers the characters in the video stream as they appear, and (ii) simultaneous creation of a CIG using the temporal dynamics of the resulting clusters. We demonstrate the usefulness of the CIG for two movie analysis tasks: narrative structure (acts) segmentation and major character retrieval. Our evaluation on full-length movies containing more than 5000 face tracks shows that the proposed approach achieves superior performance for both the tasks.