bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Identification: A Review on Autosomal Single Nucleotide Polymorphism’s as Diagnostic Tool for Identifying Human
Authors: Kahtoon Fahmida , Ahmed Ruba Mustafa Elsaid , Iqbal Naveed , Balouch Zahid , Alenazi Fahad Saleh
Published: February 2021

Single Nucleotide polymorphisms are biological markers, helping researchers  to locate genes that are associated with various  diseases. When SNPs occur within a gene or in a regulatory region near a gene, they may play a more direct role in disease by affecting the gene's function. Most SNPs have no effect on health or development.Advancement in the field of genetics has resulted in the application of several techniques of molecular genetics in Pharmacogenomics. Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) holds the key in defining the risk of an individual’s susceptibility to various illnesses and response to drugs The body of human beings is composed of DNA which is a chemical molecule responsible for imparting phenotypic and genotypic characteristics to the individuals. The most recent advancement of molecular genetics, which has found application in forensic science, is the use of autosomal SNPs because they can provide information about the ancestral genetics of human beings.The primary aim of this research is to explore the significance of autosomal SNPs in forensic science through the identification of humans at a crime scene.

A secondary qualitative research design has been selected for conducting this study. This secondary research is based on a systematic review of the studies which have provided an insight in the significance of autosomal SNPs in forensic sciences by using various Data search Engine. SNPs can be used in the forensic investigation for the identification of individuals present at the crime scene.
Desertion and Love in Novel Gizzara (Kutunggu Kau Di Tapal Batas Kuldezen) by Fanny J.Poyk
Authors: Sulistiyani Yeni
Published: February 2021

Aims: Describe the desertion and love of characters in the novel Gizzara (I am Waiting for You at the Boundary of Kuldenzen) by Fanny J. Poyk: a critical hermeneutic study of Jurgen Habermas.

Study Design: Multidisciplinary

Place and Duration of Study: Graduate Program of Indonesian Bahasa and Literature Education University of Lampung, August 2019 until now

Methodology: Qualitative research is some scientific activity procedures that can be used to solve problems according to different perspectives and approaches. The process of parsing and understanding the meaning of literary works is the focus of hermeneutics. Data collection techniques in this study used reading, note-taking, and literature techniques. Content analysis is used to explore the ideas expressed by writers (authors) in the form of statements, questions, and character dialogues. This technique is to understand the message of literary works.

Result: Based on the discussion, Fanny has made her work as an integral part of the problems that are happening today even though it is packaged in a past dimension with dozens of characters. Desertion may occur due to the opposing group which gives a feeling of peace, comfort, and even affection and love for him. Desertion is used to escape from psychological pressure. It is different from the material pressure, Psychology requires comfort in order to live a happier and more normal life. Although, other pressures (work, family, economic, or finance) affects a person's psychology and its culmination becomes psychological pressure too. Gizzara (I am Waiting for You at the Boundary of Kuldenzen) appeared as a literary work which is not just a representation of social or cultural, but also the alienation of the people that was shown in the past. Textually and contextually, this novel displays an awareness of human unhappiness for dealing with a world as not we desire.
Management of Accidentally Injected Ivermectin Overdose Inflicted Toxicity in German Shepherd Dog
Authors: Singh Rajendra , Kuldeep Shantanu Kumar , Das Jagdish , Chetiwal Jitesh Kumar
Published: February 2021

An owner complaint about adverse reaction half an hour after accidental injection of ivermectin to a dog. The dog showed hyperthermia, bradycardia, dyspnoea, hypersalivation and frothy discharge, dilated pupil and ataxia. The dog was symptomatically treated with normal saline, dexamethasone, tribivet-M and atropine sulphate. Adverse symptoms were abolished after two hours. Instant reporting by the owner and prompt treatment in the present study helps to avoid further deterioration in the dog's condition and made possible fast recovery.
Does Value Addition Pay? Evidence from Roasted Meat Processors in Mubi North Local Government Area of Adamawa State
Authors: Awoyemi Abiodun Emmanuel , Munkaila Lambongang , Abigail Amaokowaa
Published: February 2021

Aim: To determine the profitability of adding value to roasted meat by the processors in Mubi-north Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

Methodology: Cross sectional data was taken from 70 roasted meat processors through semi-structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and value addition model.

Results: Result of the study revealed that majority (88.57 %) of the roasted meat processors were male who were within the age range of 26 and 55, with most (84.28 %) having formal education. Also, it was found that chicken (720) processing had the highest margin of value addition among five different type of meat captured. More also, processors perceived value addition on roasted meat (suya) to be profitable. The processors reported poor storage facilities and inadequacy of finance for the purchase of input as the most worrisome.

Conclusion: It was therefore concluded from the result that, amidst the stated constraints, value addition activity was said to be profitable. However, encouraging the teeming youth to engage in the business of value addition to meat products, provision of cold rooms together with constant power supply and policies that ensure easy access to loans and credit facilities were measures recommended for encouraging processors and improving profitability on suya processing.
The Influence of Metal Loading Amount on Ni/Mesoporous Silica Extracted from Lapindo Mud Templated by CTAB for Conversion of Waste Cooking Oil into Biofuel
Authors: Paramesti Cahyarani , Trisunaryanti Wega , Larasati Savitri , Santoso Nugroho Raka , Sudiono Sri , Triyono Triyono , Fatmawati Dyah Ayu
Published: February 2021

The synthesis and characterization of Ni/mesoporous silica (Ni/MS) catalysts from Lapindo mud with various metal loading for the hydrocracking of waste cooking oil into biofuel has been conducted. The MS was synthesized by the hydrothermal method using CTAB as a template. The nickel-metal of 4, 6, and 8 wt% was loaded into the MS using salt precursors of Ni(NO3)2.6H2O via wet impregnation, produced the Ni(4)/MS, Ni(6)/MS, and Ni(8)/MS catalysts, respectively. The materials produced were then characterized by X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Surface Area Analyzer (SAA), and Absorption Atomic Spectrophotometry (AAS). The catalytic activity test was carried out for hydrocracking of waste cooking oil and the resulted liquid product was analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that the specific surface area of Ni(4)/MS, Ni(6)/MS, and Ni(8)/MS catalysts are 63.08, 91.45, and 120.45 m2/g, respectively. The liquid products of the hydrocracking using Ni(4)/MS, Ni(6)/MS, and Ni(8)/MS catalysts were 80.57, 74.63, and 75.77 wt%, where the total biofuel produced was 55.46, 50.93, and 54.05 wt%, respectively. Based on these results, Ni(4)/MS material was successfully used as the most potent catalyst in the hydrocracking of waste cooking oil into the biofuel. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
REPENSANDO O ESPAÇO PÚBLICO EM TEMPOS DE PANDEMIA: Hannah Arendt, 60 anos depois de A condição humana
Authors: Nagamine Renata , Vitale Denise
Published: February 2021

Este ensaio reflete sobre a ideia de espaço público no pensamento de Hannah Arendt, tal como apresentada em A condição humana, elaborando sobre a pandemia de Covid-19, ocorrida no ano de 2020. O artigo a toma como uma experiência que nos convida a pensar as reconfigurações do espaço (e do tempo) olhando para o esvaziamento das cidades, a paralisação da economia, a circulação de notícias falsas e o revigoramento de certas formas de interação. Entendemos que Arendt nos fornece elementos para pensar os desafios postos pela pandemia.

Palavras-Chave: Vida Ativa; Espaço Público; Pluralidade; Pandemia; Teoria Política

RETHINKING THE PUBLIC SPACE IN PANDEMIC TIMES: Hannah Arendt, 60 years after the publication of The human condition

ABSTRACT

This paper analysis Hannah Arendt´s concept of public space, as presented on The human condition, drawing on the COVID-19 pandemic. The paper focuses on this experience, which invites us to think about the reconfigurations on space (and time), looking at the emptiness of the cities, the haltof economy, the circulation of fake news and the strength of certain kinds of interactions. Arendt offers good arguments to think the pandemic challenges.

Key words: Vita Activa; Public Space; Plurality; Pandemic; Political Theory

REPENSER L’ESPACE PUBLIC EN TEMPS PANDÉMIQUE: Hannah Arendt, 60 ans après La condition humaine

ABSTRACT

Cet essai réfléchit sur l’idée d’espace public dans la pensée d’Hannah Arendt telle que présentée dans La condition de l’homme moderne. Nous allons reprendre les concepts d’Arendt en élaborant sur La pandémie de Covid-19, 2020. L’essai prend la pandémie comme une experience qui invite à réfléchir aux reconfigurations de l’espace (et du temps) enregardant le vidage des villes, la paralysie de l’économie, la circulation de fake news et la redynamisation de certaines formes d’interaction. Nous comprenons que Arendt fournit des elements pour réfléchir aux défis posés par lapandémie et pour imaginer le passage du monde qu’il n’est plus au monde qui n’est pas encore.

Key words: Vita activa; Space public; Pluralité; Pandémie; Theorie politique

  
A CIRCULAÇÃO DAS IDEIAS (FRANÇA-BRASIL) ENTREVISTA COM HÉLÈNE RIVIÈRE D´ARC
Authors: B. L. Ivo Anete
Published: February 2021

Essa entrevista explicita a trajetória de mais de quarenta anos de investigação da geógrafa e pesquisadora emérita do CNPq, Hélène Rivière d´Arc, no Brasil, e constitui-se numa pequena contribuição à memória das ciências sociais brasileiras, especialmente das universidades no Nordeste. Resgata caminhos e identifica contextos de internacionalização do conhecimento, nas décadas de 1970 a1990 e recompõe núcleos temáticos de pesquisa e modalidades de colaboração bilateral entre pesquisadores franceses e brasileiros, no campo de estudos sobre o Tiers Monde (Terceiro Mundo) na França, especialmente dedicados à dinâmica regional e urbana.

 
O grande ausente da educação matemática e a alienação na educação escolar
Authors: Wagner Guilherme , Silveira Everaldo
Published: February 2021

A alienação por muito tempo foi considerada uma temática revisionista no campo marxista sendo pouco explorada em Educação Matemática (EM). Partindo da alienação como categoria marxista analisamos a Teoria da Objetivação chegando à conclusão de que esta se equivoca ao ignorar a luta de classes como categoria analítica na educação escolar desembocando numa postura pedagógica idealista. Por fim defendemos duas tarefas para a TO na perspectiva da revolução socialista: tomar a luta de classes como central na análise concreta da realidade da sala de aula de matemática e articular suas estratégias pedagógicas de superação da alienação com as lutas mais amplas da classe trabalhadora.
Homenagem a Friedrich Engels pelos seus 200 anos de nascimento
Authors: Rodrigues Pereira Maria De Fátima , Costa Neto Pedro Leão da , Castelo Rodrigo
Published: February 2021

Apresenta-se a Edição dedicada a homengear Engels pelos seus 200 anos de nascimento. São destacadas as obras dedicadas a homenagear Engels em 2020 no Brasil e em Portugal, e presume-se o perfil deste V. 12, N. 3 de Germinal: Marxismo e Educação em Debate.
Telemedicine in Adult Rheumatology: In Practice and in Training
Authors: Lockwood Megan M. , Wallwork Rachel S. , Lima Kaitlin , Dua Anisha B. , Seo Philip , Bolster Marcy B.
Published: February 2021

Many rheumatology providers, including fellows‐in‐training, responded to the immediate need for maintaining patient access to care via telerheumatology during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The rapidity of this transition did not permit an intentional approach to integrating fellow education and training into virtual patient care. Virtual patient care has since become an integrated, and perhaps, an embedded part of rheumatology practice that will likely endure beyond the COVID‐19 pandemic. Thus, the development of best practices in telerheumatology, including those for fellow education and training as these new entrants prepare to enter our workforce, will benefit the entire specialty. In this work, we seek to describe current models for training learners in virtual patient care, characterize existing barriers to virtual care models, and offer strategies to integrate telerheumatology into curriculum development and training.
Distinct DNA Methylation Patterns of Rheumatoid Arthritis Peripheral Blood and Synovial Tissue T Cells
Authors: Ai Rizi , Boyle David L. , Wang Wei , Firestein Gary S.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To study epigenetic patterns in T lymphocytes that accumulate in the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium, we characterized DNA methylation of CD3+ T cells in peripheral blood and synovial tissue in patients with RA and osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Genomic DNA of CD3+ T cells was isolated from patients with RA (n = 8) and OA (n = 5) from blood or the synovium at the time of an arthroplasty using antibodies and magnetic beads. Methylation was measured by using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC Kit. Differentially methylated loci (DML) and differentially methylated genes (DMGs) were identified by using Welch’s t‐test. Principal component analysis, hierarchical clustering, and pathway analysis were used to determine relationships among groups.

Results

When we compared DNA methylation of CD3+ T cells between peripheral blood and synovial tissue within each disease, 4615 and 164 DML were identified in RA and OA samples, respectively, resulting in 832 and 36 DMGs. A principal component analysis showed that methylation differences in T cells were greater on the basis of on location (blood vs synovium) rather than disease (RA vs OA). Differentially modified pathways were significantly enriched between RA blood and synovial T cells, especially in genes related to complement, integrin cell surface interactions, and the P53 pathway. The limited number of DMGs identified between OA blood and synovial T cells did not conform to biologic pathways.

Conclusion

The patterns of DNA methylation in RA show location‐specific differences related to immune pathways, whereas methylation differences in OA are limited. The RA joint‐specific signatures could be due to selective accumulation of T‐cell populations or expansion of differentially marked adaptive immune cells. Understanding epigenetic patterns could provide clues to the types of T cells that accumulate in the RA joint and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Newly appointed ONDCP and SAMHSA officials on harm reduction, recovery
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2021

Last week, Tom Coderre, acting assistant secretary for mental health and substance use at the Department of Health and Human Services, and Tom Hill, incoming senior policy advisor at the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) starting Feb. 11, shared their plans for addiction treatment, prevention, recovery and harm reduction going forward.
Prominent researchers argue against more of the same in treatment funding
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: February 2021

An over‐reliance on federal block grants and “one‐off” funding initiatives has left the addiction treatment system under‐resourced to respond to an addiction crisis that stands to be at least as deadly as COVID‐19 during the span of the Biden administration, a trio of prominent researchers argue in a newly released policy paper. The authors suggest that the new administration and Congress should prioritize efforts to build on what they consider the most impactful developments in improving access and quality in addiction treatment, such as Medicaid expansion and parity mandates.
Injection of ROS‐Responsive Hydrogel Loaded with Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor into the Pericardial Cavity for Heart Repair
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Zhu Dashuai , Hui Qi , Bi Jianing , Yu Bingjie , Huang Zhen , Hu Shiqi , Wang Zhenzhen , Caranasos Thomas , Rossi Joseph , Li Xiaokun , Cheng Ke , Wang Xiaojie
Published: February 2021

Myocardial infarction, among other ischemic heart diseases, is the major cause of mortality and morbidity for patients who have heart diseases. Timely reperfusion of the ischemic myocardium is the most effective way to treat myocardial infarction. However, blood reperfusion to the ischemic tissues leads to an overproduction of toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can further exacerbate myocardial damage on top of ischemic injury. ROS has been used as a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury and as an environmental stimulus to trigger drug release. In this study, a ROS‐sensitive cross‐linked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel is synthesized to deliver basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) for myocardial repair. The therapeutic gel is injected into the pericardial cavity. Upon delivery, the hydrogel spread on the surface of the heart and form an epicardiac patch in situ. In a rat model of I/R injury, bFGF released from the gel could penetrate the myocardium. Such intervention protects cardiac function and reduces fibrosis in the post‐I/R heart, with enhanced angiomyogenesis. Furthermore, the safety and feasibility of minimally invasive injection and access into the pericardial cavity in both pigs and human patients are demonstrated.
Fe2+‐Induced In Situ Intercalation and Cation Exsolution of Co80Fe20(OH)(OCH3) with Rich Vacancies for Boosting Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: He Junying , Liu Yanbo , Huang Yucheng , Li Hao , Zou Yuqin , Dong Chung‐Li , Wang Shuangyin
Published: February 2021

The efficiency of water splitting is largely hindered by the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction. Cobalt‐based (oxy)hydroxides are promising electrocatalysts, but their performance is still under the expected goal due to the restricted active sites and intrinsic activity. Herein, Co80Fe20(OH)(OCH3) (CoFeMe) is synthesized with intercalation and rich vacancies by a cation exsolution process in a one‐step solve‐thermal reaction. With the help of the Fe incorporation, the specific surface area of CoFeMe increases to 101.6 m2 g−1, which is six times that of Co(OH)(OCH3) (CoMe) (16.5 m2 g−1). Also, the induced rich vacancies are traced in the X‐ray absorption spectra of CoFeMe. Because of the synergistic effect between the intercalation, Fe incorporation and vacancies, the overpotential of CoFeMe is only 240 mV to drive the current density to 10 mA cm−2, which is reduced 110 mV compared with that of pristine CoMe (350 mV).
Hydrogen‐Powered Microswimmers for Precise and Active Hydrogen Therapy Towards Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Wang Shuanghu , Liu Kun , Zhou Quan , Xu Cong , Gao Junbin , Wang Zhen , Wang Fei , Chen Bin , Ye Yicheng , Ou Juanfeng , Jiang Jiamiao , Wilson Daniela A. , Liu Shuwen , Peng Fei , Tu Yingfeng
Published: February 2021

Biodegradable microswimmers offer great potential for minimally invasive targeted therapy due to their tiny scale, multifunctionality, and versatility. However, most of the reported systems focused on the proof‐of‐concept on the in vitro level. Here, the successful fabrication of facile hydrogen‐powered microswimmers (HPMs) for precise and active therapy of acute ischemic stroke is demonstrated. The hydrogen (H2) generated locally from the designed magnesium (Mg) microswimmer functions not only as a propellant for motion, but also as an active ingredient for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation scavenging. Due to the continuous detachment of the produced H2, the motion of the microswimmers results in active H2 delivery that allows for enhanced extracellular and intracellular reducibility. With the help of a stereotaxic apparatus device, HPMs were injected precisely into the lateral ventricle of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats. By scavenging ROS and inflammation via active H2, MCAO rats exhibit significant decrease in infarct volume, improved spatial learning and memory capability with minimal adverse effects, demonstrating efficient efficacy on anti‐ischemic stroke. The as‐developed HPMs with excellent biocompatibility and ROS scavenging capability holds great promise for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke or other oxidative stress induced diseases in clinic in the near future.
Modifying Surface Termination of CsPbI3 Grain Boundaries by 2D Perovskite Layer for Efficient and Stable Photovoltaics
Authors: Liu Tiantian , Zhang Jie , Qin Minchao , Wu Xin , Li Fengzhu , Lu Xinhui , Zhu Zonglong , Jen Alex K.‐Y.
Published: February 2021

It is highly desirable for all‐inorganic perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) to have reduced nonideal interfacial charge recombination in order to improve the performance. Although the construction of a 2D capping layer on 3D perovskite is an effective way to suppress interfacial nonradiative recombination, it is difficult to apply it to all‐inorganic perovskites because of the resistance of Cs+ cesium ions in cation exchange reactions. To alleviate this problem, a simple approach using an ultra‐thin 2D perovskite to terminate CsPbI3 grain boundaries (GBs) without damaging the original 3D perovskite is developed. The 2D perovskite at the GBs not only enhances the charge‐carrier extraction and transport but also effectively suppresses nonradiative recombination. In addition, because the 2D perovskite can prevent the moisture and oxygen from penetrating into the GBs and at the same time suppress the ion migration, the 2D terminated CsPbI3 films exhibit significantly improved stability against humidity. Moreover, the devices without encapsulation can retain ≈81% of its initial power conversion efficiency (PCE) after being stored at 40 ± 5% relative humidity for 84 h. The 2D‐based champion device exhibits a high PCE of 18.82% with a high open‐circuit voltage of 1.16 V.
Tensegrity Metamaterials: Toward Failure‐Resistant Engineering Systems through Delocalized Deformation
Authors: Bauer Jens , Kraus Julie A. , Crook Cameron , Rimoli Julian J. , Valdevit Lorenzo
Published: February 2021

Failure of materials and structures is inherently linked to localized mechanisms, from shear banding in metals, to crack propagation in ceramics and collapse of space‐trusses after buckling of individual struts. In lightweight structures, localized deformation causes catastrophic failure, limiting their application to small strain regimes. To ensure robustness under real‐world nonlinear loading scenarios, overdesigned linear‐elastic constructions are adopted. Here, the concept of delocalized deformation as a pathway to failure‐resistant structures and materials is introduced. Space‐tileable tensegrity metamaterials achieving delocalized deformation via the discontinuity of their compression members are presented. Unprecedented failure resistance is shown, with up to 25‐fold enhancement in deformability and orders of magnitude increased energy absorption capability without failure over same‐strength state‐of‐the‐art lattice architectures. This study provides important groundwork for design of superior engineering systems, from reusable impact protection systems to adaptive load‐bearing structures.
Stabilizing Fullerene for Burn‐in‐Free and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells under Ultraviolet Preconditioning and Light Soaking
Authors: Hang Pengjie , Xie Jiangsheng , Kan Chenxia , Li Biao , Zhang Yiqiang , Gao Pingqi , Yang Deren , Yu Xuegong
Published: February 2021

It is crucial to make perovskite solar cells sustainable and have a stable operation under natural light soaking before they become commercially acceptable. Herein, a small amount of the small molecule bathophenanthroline (Bphen) is introduced into [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester and it is found that Bphen can stabilize the C60‐cage well through formation of much more thermodynamically stable charge‐transfer complexes. Such a strengthened complex is used as an interlayer at the in‐light perovskite/SnO2 side to achieve a champion device with efficiency of 23.09% (certified 22.85%). Most importantly, the stability of the resulting devices can be close to meeting the requirements of the International Electrotechnical Commission 61215 standard under simulated UV preconditioning and light‐soaking testing. They can retain over 95% and 92% of their initial efficiencies after 1100 h UV irradiation and 1000 h continuous illumination of maximum power point tracking at 60 °C, respectively.
Increased Efficiency of Current‐Induced Motion of Chiral Domain Walls by Interface Engineering
Authors: Guan Yicheng , Zhou Xilin , Ma Tianping , Bläsing Robin , Deniz Hakan , Yang See‐Hun , Parkin Stuart S. P.
Published: February 2021

Magnetic racetrack devices are promising candidates for next‐generation memories. These spintronic shift‐register devices are formed from perpendicularly magnetized ferromagnet/heavy metal thin‐film systems. Data are encoded in domain wall magnetic bits that have a chiral Néel structure that is stabilized by an interfacial Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction. The bits are manipulated by spin currents generated from electrical currents that are passed through the heavy metal layers. Increased efficiency of the current‐induced domain wall motion is a prerequisite for commercially viable racetrack devices. Here, significantly increased efficiency with substantially lower threshold current densities and enhanced domain wall velocities is demonstrated by the introduction of atomically thin 4d and 5d metal “dusting” layers at the interface between the lower magnetic layer of the racetrack (here cobalt) and platinum. The greatest efficiency is found for dusting layers of palladium and rhodium, just one monolayer thick, for which the domain wall's velocity is increased by up to a factor of 3.5. Remarkably, when the heavy metal layer is formed from the dusting layer material alone, the efficiency is rather reduced by an order of magnitude. The results point to the critical role of interface engineering for the development of efficient racetrack memory devices.
Spray‐Painted Hydrogel Coating for Marine Antifouling
Authors: Yang Jiapeng , Xue Bin , Zhou Yanyan , Qin Meng , Wang Wei , Cao Yi
Published: February 2021

Biofouling is a longstanding problem for biomedical devices, food storage, and marine equipment. Traditional antifouling strategies involve the use of biocidal agents, low surface‐energy surface, and nanopatterned coatings. Recent studies show that hydrophilic surfaces are also promising for antifouling by directly reducing the adhesion of proteins and polysaccharides. However, it remains challenging to stably and conveniently coat nonadhesive hydrophilic polymers to various surfaces in high density. Especially, for marine antifouling, large‐area painting of hydrophilic polymer coatings is susceptible to low adhesion strength, inhomogeneous surface coverage, and short durability. Here, a paintable antifouling hydrogel coating is proposed to overcome these limitations. An epoxy midcoat layer is introduced to provide both strong noncovalent adhesion to various surfaces and covalent linkages to hydrogel layers. The 3D hydrogel layers provide homogenous, relatively low Young's modulus and dense surface coverage and therefore shows outstanding antifouling properties toward various proteins, polysaccharides, seaweeds, and oil. Moreover, this hydrogel coating degrades slowly in sea water and facilitates the release of fouling biomolecules and organisms. Considering the great antifouling and fouling release properties, convenient coating processes, and high adhesion strength, this novel paintable antifouling hydrogel coating is anticipated to be broadly applicable for marine antifouling and other relevant fields.
Drug Delivery (Nano)Platforms for Oral and Dental Applications: Tissue Regeneration, Infection Control, and Cancer Management
Authors: Makvandi Pooyan , Josic Uros , Delfi Masoud , Pinelli Filippo , Jahed Vahid , Kaya Emine , Ashrafizadeh Milad , Zarepour Atefeh , Rossi Filippo , Zarrabi Ali , Agarwal Tarun , Zare Ehsan Nazarzadeh , Ghomi Matineh , Kumar Maiti Tapas , Breschi Lorenzo , Tay Franklin R
Published: February 2021

The oral cavity and oropharynx are complex environments that are susceptible to physical, chemical, and microbiological insults. They are also common sites for pathological and cancerous changes. The effectiveness of conventional locally‐administered medications against diseases affecting these oral milieus may be compromised by constant salivary flow. For systemically‐administered medications, drug resistance and adverse side‐effects are issues that need to be resolved. New strategies for drug delivery have been investigated over the last decade to overcome these obstacles. Synthesis of nanoparticle‐containing agents that promote healing represents a quantum leap in ensuring safe, efficient drug delivery to the affected tissues. Micro/nanoencapsulants with unique structures and properties function as more favorable drug‐release platforms than conventional treatment approaches. The present review provides an overview of newly‐developed nanocarriers and discusses their potential applications and limitations in various fields of dentistry and oral medicine.
Quantum Disordered State of Magnetic Charges in Nanoengineered Honeycomb Lattice
Authors: Yumnam George , Chen Yiyao , Guo Jiasen , Keum Jong , Lauter Valeria , Singh Deepak Kumar
Published: February 2021

A quantum magnetic state due to magnetic charges is never observed, even though they are treated as quantum mechanical variables in theoretical calculations. Here, the occurrence of a novel quantum disordered state of magnetic charges in a nanoengineered magnetic honeycomb lattice of ultra‐small connecting elements is demonstrated. The experimental research, performed using spin resolved neutron scattering, reveals a massively degenerate ground state, comprised of low integer and energetically forbidden high integer magnetic charges, that manifests cooperative paramagnetism at low temperature. The system tends to preserve the degenerate configuration even under large magnetic field application. It exemplifies the robustness of disordered correlation of magnetic charges in a 2D honeycomb lattice. The realization of quantum disordered ground state elucidates the dominance of exchange energy, which is enabled due to the nanoscopic magnetic element size in nanoengineered honeycomb. Consequently, an archetypal platform is envisaged to study quantum mechanical phenomena due to emergent magnetic charges.
Earthworm density differences among tallgrass prairies over time in the Ozark Highlands
Authors: Hensley Carlee , Brye Kristofor R. , Savin Mary C. , Gbur Edward E. , Wood Lisa S.
Published: February 2021

To mitigate the loss of tallgrass prairies through fragmentation and conversion to other land uses, prairie restoration efforts have been undertaken to reclaim areas that have been previously used for agricultural production. Earthworms are a key component of the soil ecology of natural, undisturbed ecosystems. However, limited research exists on earthworm populations in prairie restorations and how earthworm densities may change over time. The objectives of this study were (a) to evaluate earthworm densities in the upper 20 cm of soil over time (i.e., May 2007 and May 2019) in a native prairie and chronosequence of three prairie restorations (i.e., established in 1979, 2000, and 2002), and (b) to identify relationships between earthworm (i.e., juvenile, adult, and total) density and soil physical and chemical properties. Juvenile (P = .03) earthworm density decreased 25 and 35% and total (P = .03) earthworm density decreased by 33 and 42% in the 2000 and 2002 restorations, respectively, from May 2007 to May 2019. Adult earthworm density did not change over time (P > .05) in any prairie ecosystem. Combined across prairie sites, adult earthworm density was positively correlated (P < .05) with sand content (r = .49) and pH (r = .49) and negatively correlated (P < .05) with silt (r = –.56) and sulfur content (r = –.47). To promote earthworm densities similar to native prairies, consideration should be given to numerous soil properties for a successful restoration.
Is starter phosphorus fertilizer necessary for corn grown on Atlantic Coastal Plain soils?
Authors: Fiorellino Nicole M. , Kratochvil Robert J. , Shober Amy L. , Coale Frank J.
Published: February 2021

Producers managing Coastal Plain soils in Maryland have reported visual symptoms of P deficiency in corn (Zea mays L.) grown on soils with P concentrations above the agronomic optimum range (e.g., 40–84 mg kg–1 Mehlich 3‐extractable phosphorus [M3P]). Yet, corn yield response to starter P fertilizer on soils with M3P concentrations above this range has not been consistently demonstrated in the literature. The objective of this study was to evaluate corn yield response to application of starter P fertilizer to soils with varying M3P concentrations. This study was conducted at three locations in Maryland where, following 14 yr of phytoremediation by continuous cropping and no P applications, M3P concentrations ranged from 34 to 237 mg kg–1 in soil samples collected from plots prior to study commencement. Beginning in 2015, half of each main plot received inorganic P application prior to corn planting in 3 yr, with corn yield measured in each split plot in each year. We observed no interaction effect of starter P fertilizer and soil P category on corn yield at any location. When the data were analyzed by site‐year, we observed no interaction effect, an effect of soil P category in 5 of 9 site‐years, and a yield response to starter fertilizer in 2 of 9 site‐years, with a positive yield response in 1 site‐year and a negative yield response in the other. Based on these results, we do not recommend Mid‐Atlantic farmers invest in starter P fertilization for corn grown on Coastal Plain soils when not recommended by soil testing.
Short‐term biochar effects on greenhouse gas emissions and phosphorus availability for maize
Authors: Zenero M. D. O. , Novais S. V. , Balboni B. , Barrili G. F. C. , Andreote F. D. , Cerri C. E. P.
Published: February 2021

Due to environmental issues, many methods of exploiting renewable natural resources are alternatives to reduce the dependence on non‐renewable agricultural inputs. Phosphate fertilization on weathered tropical soil and waste reuse, for example, requires better management strategies. Thus, biochar from organic residues can be a strategy to reduce pressure on natural resources, in addition to having the potential to mitigate climate change. This study aimed to evaluate the availability of P in tropical soils from the interaction of biochar and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the aboveground and root systems of the plant and its impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The results indicated that the addition of biochar was an alternative for C sequestration and GHG mitigation, causing no damage to the plant. The applied biochar amount had, for the most part, emission equal to or less than the control treatment (soil only). The sugarcane straw biochar (BCS) showed higher emissions, mainly in the presence of P and AMF. Biologically speaking, there was no significant effect in the presence of mycorrhizae. However, with regard to plant production, treatments where mycorrhizae were inoculated, longer and wider leaves were found. In the production of maize (Zea mays L.) plant material (aboveground and root), the upper and lower values were related to the poultry manure biochar (BPM) , and the presence of P, the values were lower, indicating that, for the good development of the plant, only the presence of the biochar is sufficient, without requiring the addition of phosphate fertilizer.
An AIE‐based enzyme‐activatable fluorescence indicator for Western blot assay: Quantitative expression of proteins with reproducible stable signal and wide linear range
Authors: Zhou Tijian , Wang Qi , Liu Ming , Liu Zhenxing , Zhu Zhirong , Zhao Xiaolei , Zhu Wei‐Hong
Published: February 2021

Western blot is a commonly used experimental method to analyze the protein expression. However, the most commonly used chromogenic indicator based on chemiluminescence is limited by narrow linear range and unstable quantitative reproducibility, whereas the recently developed fluorescent indicator suffers from poor detection limit. Herein, we report an enzyme‐activatable fluorescence indicator to quantify proteins with reproducible stable signal and wide linear range, through introducing the hydrophilic alkaline phosphatase (ALP)‐triggered phosphoric acid moiety into our established aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) building block of quinoline‐malononitrile (QM). In this strategy, the indicator DQM‐ALP disperses well in both aqueous and lipid environments to exhibit initial “off” fluorescence, but when exposing to the ALP‐coupled secondary antibody on the PVDF membrane, the specific enzymatic turnover would liberate hydrophobic AIE luminogen (AIEgen) QM‐OH to emit strong luminescence, thereby achieving an ideal “off‐on” state for sensitively imaging proteins with high signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratio. Moreover, benefiting from the excellent signal stability of AIE fluorophore, DQM‐ALP indicator exhibits superior quantitative analysis of protein expression with high reproducibility. Upon taking advantage of the AIEgens to reduce high concentration‐induced luminance quenching, the linear quantification range is extremely expanded. In contrast with the traditional chemiluminescent indicator, the AIE‐based enzyme‐activatable indicator DQM‐ALP not only greatly improves the signal stability for quantitative reproducibility, but also expands the linear quantification range, and further provides a practical alternative reagent for fluorescence Western blot assay.
Recent Progress in Transistor‐Based Optoelectronic Synapses: From Neuromorphic Computing to Artificial Sensory System
Authors: Cho Sung Woon , Kwon Sung Min , Kim Yong-Hoon , Park Sung Kyu
Published: February 2021

Neuromorphic electronics draw attention as innovative approaches that facilitate hardware implementation of next‐generation artificial intelligent system including neuromorphic in‐memory computing, artificial sensory perception, and humanoid robotics. Among the various neuromorphic devices, optoelectronic synapses are promising neuromorphic devices that use optical means to mimic synaptic plasticity and related functions. Compared with classical neuromorphic chip based on electronic synapses using electrical means, photonic neuromorphic chip using light as input spike signal can be attractive alternative approach for next‐generation artificial intelligent system capable of high density, low power consumption, and low crosstalk. Thus, various optoelectronic synaptic electronics have been developed to overcome the drawback of conventional artificial intelligent system based on electrical synapses. Herein, the recent progresses in transistor‐based optoelectronic synapses for artificial intelligent system and review their device architecture, neuromorphic operational mechanisms, manufacturing methodologies, and advanced applications for artificial intelligent computing and visual perception systems are focused. Finally, the future challenges and research direction in the optoelectronic synaptic research are discussed.
Precarious work, job stress, and health‐related quality of life
Authors: Bhattacharya Anasua , Ray Tapas
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Recent technological and work organization changes have resulted in an increased prevalence of nonstandard work arrangement types. One of the consequences has been an increased prevalence of precarious work. Our objective was to generate a scale to measure work precariousness in the United States and examine the associations between this study precariousness scale with job stress, unhealthy days, and days with activity limitations among US workers from 2002 to 2014, to determine if precarious work adversely affects worker health.

Methods

Our scale was inspired by the Employment Precariousness Scale that measures work precariousness reported by salaried workers and developed for the US workforce. We used pooled cross‐sectional data from 22 representative items from the General Social Survey, Quality of Work Life survey for the years 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014. These data included 4534 observations for analysis. We used regression models to examine associations between work precariousness and job stress, unhealthy days, and days with activity limitations.

Results

Statistically significant positive association existed between job stress and work precariousness. Workers reporting work precariousness were more likely to experience more days in poor physical and mental health and more days with activity limitations due to health problems.

Conclusions

The results of our study provide support for our precariousness scale and its suitability for assessing the health‐related quality of life of workers in different work arrangements.
Smoking, occupational exposures, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis among Swedish construction workers
Authors: Andersson Martin , Blanc Paul D. , Torén Kjell , Järvholm Bengt
Published: February 2021

Background

Cigarette smoking and occupational exposures each have been reported to increase the risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a disease previously considered of unknown origin. We investigated the risk of IPF mortality associated with combined smoking and occupational exposures.

Methods

A registry study of Swedish construction workers (N = 389,132), linked baseline smoking and occupational data with registry data on cause of death and hospital care diagnoses. Occupation was classified by the likelihood of exposure to vapors, gases, dusts, or fumes using a job‐exposure matrix. Those likely exposed to asbestos or silica were excluded from the analysis. Age‐adjusted relative risks [RRs] were calculated using Poisson regression. Follow‐up observation began at age 40 and ended at age 89.

Results

Heavy smokers at baseline who were exposed to inorganic dusts during their working life had an increased risk of IPF mortality (RR 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–2.60), while there was no statistically increased risk in the other exposure groups. There were dose–response relationships between smoking at baseline and IPF mortality among both unexposed and dust exposed workers, with similar risk for dust exposed and unexposed, except among baseline heavy smokers, where workers exposed to inorganic dust manifested the highest risk (RR 4.22; 95% CI 2.69–6.60). Excluding workers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema did not affect the results substantively.

Conclusion

A clear dose–response relationship was seen between smoking at baseline and IPF, supporting a causal relationship. Occupational exposure to inorganic dusts, excluding silica and asbestos, was associated with increased risk of IPF in baseline heavy current smokers.
Long‐term weight control in adults with Prader‐Willi syndrome living in residential hostels
Authors: Hirsch Harry J. , Benarroch Fortu , Genstil Larry , Pollak Yehuda , Derei Dvorit , Forer Dorit , Mastey Ben‐Yehuda Hadassa , Gross‐Tsur Varda
Published: February 2021

Hyperphagia leading to severe obesity with increased morbidity and mortality is the major manifestation of Prader‐Willi syndrome. Caring for these individuals in a home environment is challenging and stressful for caregivers and families. Residential hostels specifically for PWS adults offer programs of diet, exercise, and vocational opportunities, but long‐term effects of PWS hostel living have not been reported. We studied long‐term changes in body mass index (BMI) for PWS adults living in residential hostels compared with age‐matched controls living with families at home. The study included all 34 individuals (18 men) aged >17 years with genetically confirmed PWS living in residential hostels. BMI was recorded at the time of yearly clinic visits and compared to 23 PWS adults (10 men) living at home. BMI on entering the hostel was 36.3 ± 11.0 kg/m2 and decreased to 27.0 ± 5.6 kg/m2 (p < 0.001) after 6.9 ± 3.9 years. For 21 residents, a slight rise of BMI to 28.8 kg/m2 was observed 5.1 ± 2.5 years after the lowest value was achieved. BMI of 23 PWS adults at home was 36.8 ± 12.7 kg/m2 versus 27.9 ± 7.1 kg/m2 for hostel residents in the same age range (p = 0.008). From 2008 to 2019, there were five deaths among PWS individuals aged 18–40 years living at home, compared with one death (a 43‐year‐old man) among hostel residents. Adults with PWS living in hostels lose weight, maintain BMI values in a normal to mildly overweight range, and have lower mortality in contrast to individuals in a family home environment.
Apolipoprotein E4 Reduction with Antisense Oligonucleotides Decreases Neurodegeneration in a Tauopathy Model
Authors: Litvinchuk Alexandra , Huynh Tien‐Phat V. , Shi Yang , Jackson Rosemary J. , Finn Mary B. , Manis Melissa , Francis Caroline M. , Tran Ainsley C. , Sullivan Patrick M. , Ulrich Jason D. , Hyman Bradley T. , Cole Tracy , Holtzman David M.
Published: February 2021

Objective

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype is the strongest genetic risk factor for late‐onset Alzheimer's disease, with the ε4 allele increasing risk in a dose‐dependent fashion. In addition to ApoE4 playing a crucial role in amyloid‐β deposition, recent evidence suggests that it also plays an important role in tau pathology and tau‐mediated neurodegeneration. It is not known, however, whether therapeutic reduction of ApoE4 would exert protective effects on tau‐mediated neurodegeneration.

Methods

Herein, we used antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) against human APOE to reduce ApoE4 levels in the P301S/ApoE4 mouse model of tauopathy. We treated P301S/ApoE4 mice with ApoE or control ASOs via intracerebroventricular injection at 6 and 7.5 months of age and performed brain pathological assessments at 9 months of age.

Results

Our results indicate that treatment with ApoE ASOs reduced ApoE4 protein levels by ~50%, significantly protected against tau pathology and associated neurodegeneration, decreased neuroinflammation, and preserved synaptic density. These data were also corroborated by a significant reduction in levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL) protein in plasma of ASO‐treated mice.

Interpretation

We conclude that reducing ApoE4 levels should be explored further as a therapeutic approach for APOE4 carriers with tauopathy including Alzheimer's disease. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:952–966