bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibiting the proteasome reduces molecular and biological impacts of the natural product insecticide, spinosad
Authors: Nguyen Joseph , Ghazali Razi , Batterham Philip , Perry Trent
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Insecticide targets are often identified by mutations that confer resistance, but the intricacies of insecticide binding and downstream processes leading to insect death often remain obscure. Mutations in α6‐like nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit genes have been associated with high levels of resistance to spinosad in many insect species, including Drosophila melanogaster. Here, we aimed to expand our understanding of the effects of the natural product insecticide spinosad on its protein target, the α6 subunit, using genetic tools available in D. melanogaster.

RESULTS

Functional, fluorescently tagged Dα6 subunits (Dα6YFP) were developed to allow observation of the protein in vivo. Larvae expressing Dα6YFP were exposed to a sub‐lethal concentration of spinosyn A (0.025 ppm) for 6 days, leading to a 64% reduction in fluorescence relative to unexposed larvae. Direct application of high doses of spinosyn A to dissected larval brains resulted in a visible 38.25% decrease in Dα6YFP within 20 min, indicating that degradation of the Dα6 protein occurred in response to spinosyn A exposure. Chemical inhibition of the proteasome system using the multiple myeloma treatment drug, PS‐341 reduced loss of Dα6YFP in response to spinosyn A at the 20‐min time point to 6.35%. In addition, in vivo administration of PS‐341 prior to spinosad exposure reduced the effect of spinosad on larval activity.

CONCLUSION

Based on these data, we propose that exposure to spinosad leads to degradation of the α6‐like target protein, a potentially novel element in the mode of action of spinosyns that may contribute to their toxicity towards insects. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Stories of conflict: Ethnicity, social class, and difference in transnational divorce narratives
Authors: Sportel Iris
Published: January 2021

Based on a study of transnational divorce in Dutch–Moroccan and Dutch–Egyptian families, this paper will analyse the role of ethnicity, social class and difference in transnational divorce narratives. It will show how public narratives on marriage migration, fraudulent marriages and cultural difference influence the stories people tell about their marriage and subsequent divorce and how they make sense of their experiences. These public narratives are not limited to a national context but move across borders, circulating in transnational social fields. By studying at both intra‐ethnic and inter‐ethnic relationships, this paper also aims to further complicate notions of ethnicity in transnational relationships. By studying these two categories of transnational marriage together, it becomes clear how ethnicity intersects with other social inequalities such as social class as well as how differences ascribed to regional origin can produce ethnic differences even within inter‐ethnic marriages.
Structural and Magnetic Properties of (Mg0.8Fe2+0.2)(Al0.4CrxFe3+1.6−x)O4 Spinel Solid Solution Obtained by Molten Salt Synthesis
Authors: Wu Xingrong , Pan Tiantian , Shen Xingmei , Cao Fabin , Wu Zhaojin
Published: January 2021

(Mg0.8Fe2+0.2)(Al0.4CrxFe3+1.6−x)O4 (x = 0.0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6) spinel particles are prepared by molten salt method at 1050 °C for 5 h. The solid solution structure is determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) as cubic spinel with Fd‐3m space group. The lattice parameter and crystalline size decrease with increasing Cr content. Cr3+ ions occupy the octahedral sites, as shown by combined Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and XRD analysis. The magnetization as a function of field (±4.52 T) and field‐cooled (FC) and zero‐field‐cooled (ZFC) magnetization measurements under a field of 100 Oe is measured for temperatures ranging from 1.5 to 300 K. It is found from M(T) curves that the interparticle interactions are suppressed below 28.1–40.8 K, and the curves also shows the ferromagnetic from M(H) hysteresis for the samples with x = 0.0, 0.4, and 0.8. However, for x = 1.2 and 1.6, the samples show superparamagnetic, as also supported by the obtained electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Mössbauer spectra.
Calycosin modulates inflammation via suppressing TLR4/NF‐κB pathway and promotes bone formation to ameliorate glucocorticoid‐induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rat
Authors: Zhu Daoyu , Yu Hongping , Liu Pei , Yang Qianhao , Chen Yixuan , Luo Pengbo , Zhang Changqing , Gao Youshui
Published: January 2021

Glucocorticoid (GC) administration is one of the main causes of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Inflammation, especially the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway, has been demonstrated to play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of GC‐induced ONFH. Calycosin, the main bioactive extract of Astragali Radix, could substantially regulate the TLR4/NF‐κB pathway. Therefore, in this study, we hypothesized that calycosin could exert beneficial effects in GC‐induced ONFH. In vitro, effects of calycosin on the osteogenic differentiation of human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) were determined using Alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase activity examination, and osteogenic‐related gene assay. Meanwhile, inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In vivo, 60 male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly separated into three groups: the control group, the methylprednisolone (MPS) group, and the MPS + calycosin group. The results showed that calycosin could significantly promote dynamic bone formation and retard TLR4/NF‐κB pathway. in vivo investigations indicated that calycosin could decrease the morbidity of ONFH and alleviate pathological manifestations within the femoral head. Meanwhile, calycosin could protect osseous blood supply and facilitate dynamic bone formation. The findings collectively demonstrated that calycosin could ameliorate GC‐induced ONFH in rat and might become a potential candidate for pharmaceutical prevention of this intractable disease.
Self‐Anti‐Stacking 2D Metal Phosphide Loop‐Sheet Heterostructures by Edge‐Topological Regulation for Highly Efficient Water Oxidation
Authors: Quan Quan , Lai Zhengxun , Bao Yan , Bu Xiuming , Meng You , Wang Wei , Takahashi Tsunaki , Hosomi Takuro , Nagashima Kazuki , Yanagida Takeshi , Liu Chuntai , Lu Jian , Ho Johnny C.
Published: January 2021

2D metal phosphide loop‐sheet heterostructures are controllably synthesized by edge‐topological regulation, where Ni2P nanosheets are edge‐confined by the N‐doped carbon loop, containing ultrafine NiFeP nanocrystals (denoted as NiFeP@NC/Ni2P). This loop‐sheet feature with lifted‐edges prevents the stacking of nanosheets and induces accessible open channels for catalytic site exposure and gas bubble release. Importantly, these NiFeP@NC/Ni2P hybrids exhibit a remarkable oxygen evolution activity with an overpotential of 223 mV at 20 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 46.1 mV dec−1, constituting the record‐high performance among reported metal phosphide electrocatalysts. The NiFeP@NC/Ni2P hybrids are also employed as both anode and cathode to achieve an alkaline electrolyzer for overall water splitting, delivering a current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a voltage of 1.57 V, comparable to that of the commercial Pt/C||RuO2 couple (1.56 V). Moreover, a photovoltaic–electrolysis coupling system can as well be effectively established for robust overall water splitting. Evidently, this ingenious protocol would expand the toolbox for designing efficient 2D nanomaterials for practical applications.
Photonic Plasticines with Uniform Structural Colors, High Processability, and Self‐Healing Properties
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhang Jingjing , Ou Yangteng , Qin Yipeng , Wen Huilin , Dong Weiliang , Wang Rui , Chen Su , Yu Ziyi
Published: January 2021

Despite the vast variety of colloidal superstructures available in soft matter photonics, it remains challenging to balance the trade‐off between their optical microstructures and material processability. By synergizing colloidal photonics and dynamic chemistry, a type of photonic “plasticine” with characteristics of uniform structural colors, high processability, and self‐healing is demonstrated. Specifically, a boronate ester bond‐based macromonomer is first prepared through complexation between the diols of polyvinyl alcohol and the boronic acid group of 3‐(acrylamido) phenylboronic acid in the presence of concentrated silica colloids. Upon photopolymerization, the dynamic photonic plasticine is formed in situ as the result of the crosslinking of the boronate ester bonded networks. The randomly packed colloids inside the plasticine compose the amorphous photonic crystals, giving rise to angle‐independent structural colors that would not compromise during subsequent processing steps; the reversible nature of the boronate ester bonds endows the plasticine with self‐adaptable and self‐healing properties. Further, the plasticine is also compatible with common shaping methods, that is, cutting, molding, and carving, and thus can be facilely processed into 3D structural colored objects, holding great potentials in fields such as bio‐encoding, optical filters, anti‐counterfeiting, etc.
Optimizing the Charge Carrier and Light Management of Nonfullerene Acceptors for Efficient Organic Solar Cells with Small Nonradiative Energy Losses
Authors: Shi Yanan , Pan Junxiu , Yu Jianwei , Zhang Jianqi , Gao Feng , Lu Kun , Wei Zhixiang
Published: January 2021

The photovoltaic properties and energy losses of organic solar cells (OSCs) based on nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) are highly dependent on their molecular structures and aggregation morphologies. Charge carrier and light managements are important to optimize NFA molecules. Herein, four NFAs with different alkyl substituents and end groups, named BTP‐C11‐N2F, BTP‐C9‐N2F, BTP‐C9‐IC4F, and BTP‐C9‐N4F, are designed and synthesized by side‐chain shortening, end‐acceptor π‐extension, and fluorination. As a result, a favorable morphology is achieved in BTP‐C9‐N4F‐based OSCs by using typical high bandgap polymer PM6 as a donor, and this system obtains the highest power conversion efficiency of 17.0% with a short circuit current (Jsc) of 26.3 mA cm−2, an open circuit current (Voc) of 0.85 V, and a fill factor (FF) of 75.7%. In addition, its light (Jsc) and charge carrier (Voc × FF) managements relative to the Shockley–Queisser limit are also increased. Extending the conjugation of the end groups increased the energy levels of NFAs and enabled an Eloss of 0.50 eV with a nonradiative recombination loss of as low as 0.20 eV in BTP‐C11‐N2F‐based OSCs. This work provides an efficient strategy to optimize the molecular structures of nonfullerene acceptors and further improve the properties of OSCs.
Perspective on High‐Concentration Electrolytes for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Jiang Gaoxue , Li Fang , Wang Huaping , Wu Mingguang , Qi Shihan , Liu Xinhua , Yang Shichun , Ma Jianmin
Published: January 2021

Nonaqueous electrolytes play important roles in determining the performance of lithium‐ion batteries. However, the high flammability, poor thermal stability, narrow electrochemical window, and slow electrode reaction kinetics seriously hinder the application of batteries. Compared with traditional electrolytes, high‐concentration electrolytes (HCEs) have a higher ion transfer number, wider electrochemical window, higher thermal stability, low volatility, good flame resistance, and passivation of Al current collector at high potential. The HCEs can effectively overcome the shortcomings of traditional electrolytes, and provide a new direction for the development of next‐generation batteries. Therefore, it is very timely to write a perspective on HCEs for directing future research. Herein, the recent development of HCEs is described.
Exploring the Formation of Calcium Orthophosphate‐Pyrophosphate Chemical Gardens
Authors: Hughes Erik A. B. , Jones‐Salkey Owen , Forey Prescillia , Chipara Miruna , Grover Liam M.
Published: January 2021

Chemical gardens are characterised by the self‐assembly of mineralised abiotic architectures. Utilising the fundamental building blocks of bone mineral, namely calcium and orthophosphate ions, chemical gardens that recapitulate microstructural and compositional features of hard tissue can be grown. Interplay between orthophosphate and pyrophosphate species is highly relevant to natural mineral deposition processes, though this has yet to be explored in the context of generating biologically relevant chemical gardens. Here, tubular calcium orthophosphate‐pyrophosphate chemical gardens were grown from the interface between calcium loaded hydrogels ([Ca2+]=1 M) layered with different orthophosphate‐pyrophosphate solutions ([Pi]+[PPi]=0.7 M). We determine the effect of solution pyrophosphate content on chemical garden morphology and growth rate. Extracted structures were analysed by means of powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), revealing orthophosphate‐pyrophosphate solution dependent differences in precipitated mineral crystallinity, composition and microstructure, respectively. Lastly, the potential application of the structures is discussed in the context of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Effect of different types of anthropogenic pollution on the bacterial community of urban rivers
Authors: Zhang Lei , Cheng Yu , Zhou Yi , Lu Wenxuan , Li Jing
Published: January 2021

The health of urban rivers is threatened by multiple anthropogenic stressors. Bacterial communities in rivers can quickly respond to different types of polluted environments, making them useful for water quality assessments and predictive insights. However, research on river bacterial communities has largely ignored interactions between these communities. Here, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analysis is used to comprehensively analyze the bacterial communities in the water and sediments in different types of anthropogenically impacted urban river. The results show that distinct differences occur in the bacterial communities in the river sediment and water with different pollution types. The changes in the bacterial communities in sediments were more pronounced than those in the water. A modular analysis further showed that the microbial co‐occurrence network under different types of pollution had a nonrandom modular structure, and this structure was mainly driven by classification correlation and bacterial function. Genes identified for nitrogen cycling in all the river water and sediment samples included major functional genes for nitrogen fixation, assimilatory nitrogen reduction, nitrification, denitrification, and ammonification. Carbon degradation genes were mainly observed in the carbon cycle. Taken together, the above findings provide further insights into microbial communities in urban river ecosystems under anthropogenic contamination.

Practitioner points

The physical and chemical indicators of the four types of pollution drive bacterial community structure.

Bacterial community has C, N, P metabolic genes indicating its ecological effect.

River bacteria were connected more frequently in the same or similar type of pollution in the co‐occurrence network.

Microbe–environment correlations and microbe–microbe interactions were combined to determine crucial indicators.
Union rates and functional outcome of double plating of the femur: systematic review of the literature
Authors: Lodde M. F. , Raschke M. J. , Stolberg-Stolberg J. , Everding J. , Rosslenbroich S. , Katthagen J. C.
Published: January 2021

Background

The optimal treatment strategy for the surgical management of femur fractures and non-unions remains unknown. The aim of this study is to assess union rates, complications and outcome after femoral double plating. Treatment of shaft, distal, periprosthetic fractures and pathological proximal femur fractures as well as femoral non-unions with double plating were evaluated.

Methods

A systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was conducted. Published literature reporting on the treatment and clinical outcome of femoral fractures and non-unions with double plating was identified. In total, 24 studies with 436 cases of double plating, 64 cases of single plating, 84 cases of intramedullary nailing (IM), and 1 interfragmentary screw treatment met the inclusion criteria of this systematic review. The evaluated literature was published between 1991 and 2020.

Results

Double plating of femoral fractures achieved high healing rates and few complications were reported. It displayed significantly less intraoperative haemorrhage, shorter surgery time reduced risk of malunion in polytraumatised patients when compared to IM. Fracture healing rate of double-plating distal femoral fractures was 88.0%. However, there were no significant differences regarding fracture healing, complication or functional outcome when compared to single plating. Treatment of periprosthetic fractures with double plating displayed high healing rates (88.5%). Double plating of non-unions achieved excellent osseous union rates (98.5%).

Conclusions

The literature provides evidence for superior outcomes when using double plating in distal femoral fractures, periprosthetic fractures and femoral non-unions. Some evidence suggests that the use of double plating of femoral fractures in polytraumatised patients may be beneficial over other types of fracture fixation.

Level of evidence

IV.
Robust and Fast UV–HPLC Method for Biotransformation Analysis of Azecines
Authors: Zergiebel Stephanie , Seeling Andreas
Published: January 2021

Dibenzoazecines are a new class of drug candidates for the treatment of schizophrenia. Compared to the drugs currently used in therapy, the azecines have a novel mechanism of action. Thus, they have the potential to cause fewer side effects compared to the standard therapy with a constant high neuroleptic potency. This theory was substantiated by comparative in vivo tests with haloperidol and risperidone. Seventeen new azecine derivatives have already been tested furthermore of stability, physicochemical parameters, pharmacokinetics including esterase cleavage, stability in simulated gastrointestinal fluid, stability at different pH values and determination of octanol/water-partition coefficients. For these substances, class is still a lack of information concerning the metabolism. Therefore, the present study investigated and developed a reliable and reproducible gradient reversed-phase HPLC–UV method to determinate the lead structure LE404 alongside emerging metabolites in compliance with international requirements like ICH guidelines and the European Pharmacopoeia. Up to now, there is no innovative method suitable for such a determination. Chromatographic separations were achieved with a phenomenex™ Gemini column (5 µm C18 110 Å, 250 × 4.60 mm) using a mixture of acetonitrile/potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer (4 mmol L−1, pH 2.5) as mobile phase. The gradient method flow rate was 1.0 mL min−1, and UV detection was made at 220 nm. The optimized HPLC method was found to be specific, accurate, reproducible and robust for determination of LE404.
A novel lymphatic pattern promotes metastasis of cervical cancer in a hypoxic tumour-associated macrophage-dependent manner
Authors: Chen Xiao-Jing , Wei Wen-Fei , Wang Zi-Ci , Wang Nisha , Guo Chu-Hong , Zhou Chen-Fei , Liang Luo-Jiao , Wu Sha , Liang Li , Wang Wei
Published: January 2021

Lymphatic remodelling in the hypoxic tumour microenvironment (TME) is critically involved in the metastasis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC); however, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we uncovered a novel lymphatic pattern in the hypoxic TME, wherein lymphatic vessels (LVs) are encapsulated by tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) to form an interconnected network. We describe these aggregates as LVEM (LVs encapsulated by TAMs) considering their advantageous metastatic capacity and active involvement in early lymph node metastasis (LNM). Mechanistic investigations revealed that interleukin-10 (IL-10) derived from hypoxic TAMs adjacent to LVs was a prerequisite for lymphangiogenesis and LVEM formation through its induction of Sp1 upregulation in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). Interestingly, Sp1high LECs promoted the transactivation of C–C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CCL1) to facilitate TAM and tumour cell recruitment, thereby forming a positive feedback loop to strengthen the LVEM formation. Knockdown of Sp1 or blockage of CCL1 abrogated LVEM and consequently attenuated LNM. Notably, CSCCnon-LNM is largely devoid of hypoxic TAMs and the resultant LVEM, which might explain its metastatic delay. These findings identify a novel and efficient metastasis-promoting lymphatic pattern in the hypoxic TME, which might provide new targets for anti-metastasis therapy and prognostic assessment.
Chronic kidney disease impairs prognosis in electrical storm
Authors: Weidner Kathrin , Behnes Michael , Schupp Tobias , Hoppner Jorge , Ansari Uzair , Mueller Julian , Lindner Simon , Borggrefe Martin , Kim Seung-hyun , Huseyinov Aydin , Ellguth Dominik , Akin Muharrem , Meininghaus Dirk Große , Bertsch Thomas , Taton Gabriel , Bollow Armin , Reichelt Thomas , Engelke Niko , Reiser Linda , Akin Ibrahim
Published: January 2021

Background

The study sought to assess the prognostic impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with electrical storm (ES). ES represents a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder. In particular, CKD patients are at risk of suffering from ES. However, data regarding the prognostic impact of CKD on long-term mortality in ES patients is limited.

Methods

All consecutive ES patients with an implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) were included retrospectively from 2002 to 2016. Patients with CKD (MDRD-GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2) were compared to patients without CKD. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 3 years. Secondary endpoints were in-hospital mortality, cardiac rehospitalization, recurrences of electrical storm (ES-R), and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 3 years.

Results

A total of 70 consecutive ES patients were included. CKD was present in 43% of ES patients with a median glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 43.3 ml/min/1.73 m2. CKD was associated with increased all-cause mortality at 3 years (63% vs. 20%; p = 0.001; HR = 4.293; 95% CI 1.874–9.836; p = 0.001) and MACE (57% vs. 30%; p = 0.025; HR = 3.597; 95% CI 1.679–7.708; p = 0.001). In contrast, first cardiac rehospitalization (43% vs. 45%; log-rank p = 0.889) and ES-R (30% vs. 20%; log-rank p = 0.334) were not affected by CKD. Even after multivariable adjustment, CKD was still associated with increased long-term mortality (HR = 2.397; 95% CI 1.012–5.697; p = 0.047), as well as with the secondary endpoint MACE (HR = 2.520; 95% CI 1.109–5.727; p = 0.027).

Conclusions

In patients with ES, the presence of CKD was associated with increased long-term mortality and MACE.
The ideological use and abuse of Freiburg’s ordoliberalism
Authors: Dold Malte , Krieger Tim
Published: January 2021

In the aftermath of the Eurozone crisis, a battle of ideas emerged over whether ordoliberalism is part of the cause or the solution of economic problems in Europe. While German ordoliberals argued that their policy proposals were largely ignored before, during and after the crisis, critics saw too much ordoliberal influence, especially in form of austerity policies. We argue that neither view is entirely correct. Instead, we observe that the battle of ideas is largely independent of the countries’ actual responses to the Eurozone crisis: pragmatic self-interest on behalf of governments rather than their ideological convictions played a crucial role in political reactions. We explain this dynamic game-theoretically and highlight a number of reasons for the decoupling of the political-pragmatic debate from the ideological-academic discourse. In addition, we argue that ordoliberals themselves contributed to the ideological misuse of their own program: the ordoliberal Freiburg School ceased to be an active research program and instead grew to resemble a tradition which all too often disregarded the international academic discourse, in particular in macroeconomics. As a result, ordoliberal thinking was abused by its proponents and critics alike to emphasize their preconceived Weltanschauung (worldview). We end our paper with some thoughts on how a contemporary ordoliberalism can be constructively used to react to some of the challenges of the ongoing Eurozone crisis.
Microplastic abundance in beach sediments of the Kiel Fjord, Western Baltic Sea
Authors: Schröder Kevin , Kossel Elke , Lenz Mark
Published: January 2021

We assessed the abundance of microplastics (0.2–5 mm) in drift line sediments from three sites in Kiel Fjord, Western Baltic Sea. The first site is intensively used by beach visitors, the second is in close proximity to a sewage plant and the third is polluted with large-sized plastic litter. Samples were split into three grain size classes (0.2–0.5, 0.5–1, 1–5 mm), washed with calcium chloride solution, and filtered at 0.2 mm. Filters were then visually inspected, and a total of 180 fragments was classified as microplastics, of which 39% were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy. At the site that is close to a sewage plant as well as at the site with intense beach use, 1.8 and 4.5 particles (fibers plus fragments) per kg of dry sediment were found, respectively, while particle abundances reached 30.2 per kg of dry sediment at the site with high litter loads. Our data suggest that the fragmentation of large plastic debris at site seems to be a relevant source for microplastics in Western Baltic Sea beach sediments.
In Defense of the Lenient View
Authors: Schaber Peter
Published: January 2021

This paper deals with the wrongness of having sex with someone without her valid consent. There are good reasons to think that deception about deal-breakers invalidate consent to sex and that acting without valid consent wrongs the consenter. Tom Dougherty argues that it is always seriously wrong to deceive another person into sex by deceiving her. We should on his view therefore reject the view that doing so is in certain cases only a minor wrong (this is what he calls “the lenient view”). It will be argued here that we should accept this view. I will argue against Dougherty that the lenient view does not presuppose an unacceptably moralistic view of sexuality. In addition, the lenient view can be defended by what I call the harm view of the wrongness of having sex without valid consent. If no or only mild harm is caused deceiving someone into sex is only a minor wrong.
A Survey of Traffic Prediction: from Spatio-Temporal Data to Intelligent Transportation
Authors: Yuan Haitao , Li Guoliang
Published: January 2021

Intelligent transportation (e.g., intelligent traffic light) makes our travel more convenient and efficient. With the development of mobile Internet and position technologies, it is reasonable to collect spatio-temporal data and then leverage these data to achieve the goal of intelligent transportation, and here, traffic prediction plays an important role. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive survey on traffic prediction, which is from the spatio-temporal data layer to the intelligent transportation application layer. At first, we split the whole research scope into four parts from bottom to up, where the four parts are, respectively, spatio-temporal data, preprocessing, traffic prediction and traffic application. Later, we review existing work on the four parts. First, we summarize traffic data into five types according to their difference on spatial and temporal dimensions. Second, we focus on four significant data preprocessing techniques: map-matching, data cleaning, data storage and data compression. Third, we focus on three kinds of traffic prediction problems (i.e., classification, generation and estimation/forecasting). In particular, we summarize the challenges and discuss how existing methods address these challenges. Fourth, we list five typical traffic applications. Lastly, we provide emerging research challenges and opportunities. We believe that the survey can help the partitioners to understand existing traffic prediction problems and methods, which can further encourage them to solve their intelligent transportation applications.
Development of in-situ adaptive controller for end milling based on vibration feedback
Authors: Reddy L. Vamsi Krishna , Prasad Balla Srinivasa , Raghuram N. Harsha , Rajasekhar M.
Published: January 2021

This study establishes a tool condition monitoring methodology builds on the vibration signal attained via data acquisition system which is integrated with the in house developed adaptive controller for an end milling. As the quality of the products and the machine tool performance are the key parameters in maintaining machine stability. Proposed Adaptive control optimization system is validated with the experimentation trials and data analysis on 3 axis CNC milling machine. The rotational speed of the spindle and vibration signals is found to be reactive to milling cutter condition and therefore capable of sustaining the set-out methodology. A novel hybrid transformation, coupled with FFT and HHT is proposed to distinguish between a source of variation for adaptive control optimization, cutting region with the non-cutting region. In this study, decisions are made to evaluate the tool condition by combining all related information into a rule base. The investigation trajectories unveil the established system be able to accomplish the mechanism properly as anticipated.
The Rayleigh–Taylor instability in a porous medium
Authors: Forbes Lawrence K. , Browne Catherine A. , Walters Stephen J.
Published: January 2021

The classical Rayleigh–Taylor instability occurs when a heavy fluid overlies a lighter one, and the two fluids are separated by a horizontal interface. The configuration is unstable, and a small perturbation to the interface grows with time. Here, we consider such an arrangement for planar flow, but in a porous medium governed by Darcy’s law. First, the fully saturated situation is considered, where the two horizontal fluids are separated by a sharp interface. A classical linearized theory is reviewed, and the nonlinear model is solved numerically. It is shown that the solution is ultimately limited in time by the formation of a curvature singularity at the interface. A partially saturated Boussinesq theory is then presented, and its linearized approximation predicts a stable interface that merely diffuses. Nonlinear Boussinesq theory, however, allows the growth of drips and bubbles at the interface. These structures develop with no apparent overturning at their heads, unlike the corresponding flow for two free fluids.
Evaluation of nutritional characteristics and consumers’ acceptance of gluten-free sweet biscuits made from rice-based pregelatinized composite flours containing orange pomace and soy protein isolate
Authors: Cayres Caroline Alves , Ascheri José Luis Ramírez , Couto Maria Antonieta Peixoto Gimenes
Published: January 2021

Gluten-free bakery products are usually deficient in dietary fiber and inferior sources of protein. Studies that have assessed sensory characterization of products prepared with orange pomace are scarce. This study evaluated the employment of 30% of rice-based pregelatinized composite flours (containing 15, 25 or 35% orange pomace blended with 5% soy protein isolate) on gluten-free biscuits. The target was the investigation of the nutritional profile and consumer’s acceptance of three short dough sweet biscuit samples. Thermoplastic extrusion was an efficient unit operation for the elaboration of a new gluten-free ingredient in which a by-product rich in total dietary fiber and a component with a high level of protein were employed. All pregelatinized composite flours in this study can be labeled as protein sources and can be claimed as high in total dietary fiber content, as well as two biscuit samples that can be labeled as total dietary fiber source. Also, all pregelatinized composite flours and biscuits presented low moisture and water activity, being microbiologically stable to room temperature (25 ± 2 °C). Complementarily, the results of the microbiological evaluations [(coagulase-positiveStaphylococcus, thermotolerant coliform (45 °C) andSalmonellasp. (absence in 25 g)] of the biscuits and their comparison with the Brazilian microbiological standards legislation attested their safety. Concerning the sensory analysis, adults’ results showed that the flavor attribute might be responsible for increasing the overall impression score of a sample. In contrast, children’s results showed that they did not distinguish (p ≥ 0.05) two of three samples of biscuits analyzed.
Stereoscopic Law
Authors: Lian Alexander
Published: January 2021

In this unique book, Alexander Lian, a practicing commercial litigator, advances the thesis that the most famous article in American jurisprudence, Oliver Wendell Holmes's “The Path of the Law,” presents Holmes's leading ideas on legal education. Through meticulous analysis, Lian explores Holmes's fundamental ideas on law and its study. He puts “The Path of the Law” within the trajectory of Holmes's jurisprudence, from earliest scholarship to The Common Law to the occasional pieces Holmes wrote or delivered after joining the U.S. Supreme Court. Lian takes a close look at the reactions “The Path of the Law” has evoked, both positive and negative, and restates the essay's core teachings for today's legal educators. Lian convincingly shows that Holmes's “theory of legal study” broke down artificial barriers between theory and practice. For contemporary legal educators, Stereoscopic Law reformulates Holmes's fundamental message that the law must been seen and taught three-dimensionally.
Information Metamaterials
Authors: Cui Tie Jun , Liu Shuo
Published: January 2021

Metamaterials have attracted enormous interests from both physics and engineering communities in the past 20 years, owing to their powerful ability in manipulating electromagnetic waves. However, the functionalities of traditional metamaterials are fixed at the time of fabrication. To control the EM waves dynamically, active components are introduced to the meta-atoms, yielding active metamaterials. Recently, a special kind of active metamaterials, digital coding and programmable metamaterials, are proposed, which can achieve dynamically controllable functionalities using field programmable gate array (FPGA). Most importantly, the digital coding representations of metamaterials set up a bridge between the digital world and physical world, and allow metamaterials to process digital information directly, leading to information metamaterials. In this Element, we review the evolution of information metamaterials, mainly focusing on their basic concepts, design principles, fabrication techniques, experimental measurement and potential applications. Future developments of information metamaterials are also envisioned.
Why Are Artists Poor?
Authors: Abbing Hans
Published: January 2021

Most artists earn very little. Nevertheless, there is no shortage of aspiring young artists. Do they give to the arts willingly or unknowingly? Governments and other institutions also give to the arts, to raise the low incomes. But their support is ineffective: subsidies only increase the artists' poverty.

The economy of the arts is exceptional. Although the arts operate successfully in the marketplace, their natural affinity is with gift-giving, rather than with commercial exchange. People believe that artists are selflessly dedicated to art, that price does not reflect quality, and that the arts are free. But is it true?

This unconventional multidisciplinary analysis explains the exceptional economy of the arts. Insightful illustrations from the practice of a visual artist support the analysis.
The Role of Islam in the Public Square
Authors: Sachedina Abdulaziz
Published: January 2021

The Role of Islam in the Public Square tackles the critical role of religion in the development of democratic institutions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Constitutional debates, Abdulaziz Sachedina asserts, have yet to address the role of religious convictions alongside their citizens' basic freedoms and rights. Sachedina argues that the way in which religious values are defined in Afghanistan and Iraq remains a major stumbling block, and that an inclusive sense of citizenship-one that transcends doctrinal and theological uniformity-is needed if democracy is to succeed in both countries.
Researchers Unearth Bedrock Carbon and Water Dynamics
Authors: Thompson Elizabeth
Published: January 2021

Deep tree roots bring respiring microbes into broken bedrock, generating carbon that’s released into the environment. New research explores this oft-overlooked carbon source.
Hydrothermal synthesis of a novel nanolayered tin phosphate for removing Cr(iii)
Authors: Li Wei-Qi , Liu Duan , Qu Ji-Yan , Luo Jian-Hong
Published: January 2021

In this work, an outstanding nanolayered tin phosphate with 15.0 Å interlayer spacing, Sn (HPO4)2·3H2O (SnP–H+), has been synthesized by conventional hydrothermal method and first used in the adsorptive removal of Cr(iii) from aqueous solution.
A comparative electrochemical study of non-enzymatic glucose, ascorbic acid, and albumin detection by using a ternary mesoporous metal oxide (ZrO2, SiO2and In2O3) modified graphene composite based biosensor
Authors: Fatema Kamrun Nahar , Oh Won-Chun
Published: January 2021

In this study, we present an electrochemical investigation of a ternary mesoporous metal oxide (ZrO2, SiO2and In2O3) modified graphene composite for non-enzymatic glucose, ascorbic acid, and albumin detection in urine at physiological pH.
Narrow band-gap materials with overlapping absorption simultaneously increase the open circuit voltage and average visible transmittance of semitransparent organic solar cells
Authors: Huang Xuexiang , Oh Jiyeon , Cheng Yujun , Huang Bin , Ding Shanshan , He Qiannan , Wu FeiYan , Yang Changduk , Chen Lie , Chen Yiwang
Published: January 2021

Overlapping near-infrared absorption not only does not reduce short-circuit current density (JSC), but also can ensure a high average visible transmittance (AVT) and get a high open-circuit voltage (VOC) and power conversion efficiency (PCE) at the same time.
Phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine regulate the structure and function of FVIIa and its interaction with soluble tissue factor
Authors: Sengupta Tanusree , Koklic Tilen , Lentz Barry R. , Majumder Rinku
Published: January 2021

Cell membranes have important functions in many steps of the blood coagulation cascade, including the activation of factor X (FX) by the factor VIIa (FVIIa)-tissue factor (TF) complex (extrinsic Xase). FVIIa shares structural similarity with factor IXa (FIXa) and FXa. FIXa and FXa are regulated by binding to phosphatidylserine (PS)-containing membranes via their γ-carboxyglutamic acid-rich domain (Gla) and epidermal growth-factor (EGF) domains. Although FVIIa also has a Gla-rich region, its affinity for PS-containing membranes is much lower compared with that of FIXa and FXa. Research suggests that a more common endothelial cell lipid, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), might augment the contribution of PS in FVIIa membrane-binding and proteolytic activity. We used soluble forms of PS and PE (1,2-dicaproyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-l-serine (C6PS), 1,2-dicaproyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-ethanolamine (C6PE)) to test the hypothesis that the two lipids bind to FVIIa jointly to promote FVIIa membrane binding and proteolytic activity. By equilibrium dialysis and tryptophan fluorescence, we found two sites on FVIIa that bound equally to C6PE and C6PS with Kd of ∼ 150–160 μM, however, deletion of Gla domain reduced the binding affinity. Binding of lipids occurred with greater affinity (Kd∼70–80 μM) when monitored by FVIIa proteolytic activity. Global fitting of all datasets indicated independent binding of two molecules of each lipid. The proteolytic activity of FVIIa increased by ∼50–100-fold in the presence of soluble TF (sTF) plus C6PS/C6PE. However, the proteolytic activity of Gla-deleted FVIIa in the presence of sTF was reduced drastically, suggesting the importance of Gla domain to maintain full proteolytic activity.
Therapieoptionen bei postoperativen Seromen
Authors: Wigbers Franziska M. , Woitalla-Bruning Jasmin
Published: January 2021

Postoperative Serome können im chirurgischen Alltag immer wieder eine Herausforderung darstellen. Die Therapiemöglichkeiten sind vielfältig. Oftmals erfolgt zunächst die sterile Punktion mit anschließender Aspiration der Seromflüssigkeit und Anlage eines Druckverbandes. Eine alternative Therapiemöglichkeit bietet der zusätzliche Einsatz von Polidocanol oder Antibiotika, wie z. B. Erythromycin oder Doxycyclin. Bei besonders hartnäckigen, punktionsresistenten Seromen sollte eine perkutane Durchstichdrainage oder eine offene Revision als Therapiealternative in Betracht gezogen werden.
Muscle Strength Deficit though Intact Proprioception after Lateral Ankle Sprain without Persistent Instability
Authors: Madkhali Adel M. , Nuhmani Shibili
Published: January 2021

Background Lateral ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries in competitive sports. Previous studies which investigated muscle strength and proprioception (joint position sense) focused on subjects who sustained ankle sprain with instability. It is also important to investigate strength deficits and proprioception in subjects with a history of ankle sprain without instability. Therefore the aim of the study is to investigate proprioception and muscle strength deficits in athletes with lateral ankle sprain.

Methods Twenty-four male athletes with a history of lateral ankle sprain and 24 age-matched controls (mean age of 22.42±4.13 years, mean height of 173±5.73 cm, and mean weight of 71.20±7.55 Kg) participated in this cross-sectional study. Peak torque and peak torque ratio at speeds of 30 and 120°/s for concentric and eccentric ankle inversion/eversion were evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer. The joint position sense of the ankle joint was evaluated using an active angle reproduction test.

Result Peak torque produced was significantly less in subjects with history of ankle sprain in concentric inversion 30°/s(t(47)=4.11; p=0.000, Cohen’s d=1.29), concentric inversion 120°/s (t(47)=3.01; p=0.006, Cohen’s d=1.13), concentric eversion 30°/s (t(47)=3.85; p=0.001, Cohen’s d=1.24) and concentric eversion 120°/s (t(47)=3.15; p=0.005, Cohen’s d=1.09). At the same time there was no significant difference observed in eccentric eversion peak torque in both speed (eccentric eversion 30°/s p=0.079; eccentric eversion 120°/s p=0.867) between experimental and control group. No significant difference was found in the joint position sense in the maximal active inversion −5° position (p=0.312) and the 15° inversion position (P=0.386) between both group.

Conclusion The study’s results reported a significantly less peak torque of invertors and evertors during concentric movements in athletes with history of ankle sprain. At the same time, no significant difference reported in the evertor/invertor peak torque ratio, and active joint position sense between the 2 groups.
Allergische Reaktionen auf COVID-19-Impfungen – Was HNO-Ärzte wissen sollten – Teil 1: Allgemeine Aspekte von Allergien auf Impfstoffe, immunologische Grundlagen von Allergien auf Impfstoffe, Immunmechanismen von allergischen und pseudoallergischen Reaktionen, Teil 2: Charakteristiken der mRNA-Impfstoffe BNT162b2 und mRNA-1273 zur Prophylaxe von COVID-19 und assoziierte Immunphänomene, Teil 3: Praktische Aspekte der Prophylaxe, Diagnostik und Therapie von Allergien auf COVID-19-Impfstoffe
Authors: Klimek L. , Chaker A. M , Cuevas M.
Published: January 2021

Mit BNT162b2 (zugelassen am 27.12.2020) und mRNA-1273 (zugelassen am 06.01.2021) wurden erstmalig RNA-Impfstoffe zur breiten Anwendung in einem beschleunigten Verfahren in der EU bedingt zugelassen und stehen nun zur effektiven Bekämpfung der durch SARS-CoV-2 verursachten Pandemie in der EU zur Verfügung. Einzelne Berichte über Anaphylaxien nach Impfung zunächst in Großbritannien sowie die Identifikation von PEGs (Polyethylenglykole) als mögliche Auslöser der Reaktionen als bisher wenig im allergologischen Fokus stehende Gruppe von Zusatzstoffen führten zur Verunsicherung von Ärzten und Patienten. Ziel dieser Artikelserie ist die Zusammenfassung bisher bekannter pathophysiologischer und klinischer Erkenntnisse (Teil 1), der Charakteristiken der Impfstoffe (Teil 2) sowie praktische Aspekte zur Erkennung und Therapie möglicher Allergien gegen Bestandteile der mRNA-COVID-19-Impfstoffe (Teil 3).
Protective Effects of Statins Administration in European and North American Patients Infected with COVID-19: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pucci Mairi , Onorato Diletta , Carpene Giovanni , Henry Brandon Michael , Sanchis-Gomar Fabian , Lippi Giuseppe
Published: January 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has spread rapidly throughout the world, becoming an overwhelming global health emergency. The array of injuries caused by this virus is broad and not limited to the respiratory system, but encompassing also extensive endothelial and systemic tissue damage. Since statins effectively improve endothelial function, these drugs may have beneficial effects in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, this investigation aimed to provide an updated overview on the interplay between statins and COVID-19, with particular focus on their potentially protective role against progression toward severe or critical illness and death. A systematic electronic search was performed in Scopus and PubMed up to present time. Data on statins use and COVID-19 outcomes especially in studies performed in Europe and North America were extracted and pooled. A total of seven studies met our inclusion criteria, totaling 2,398 patients (1,075 taking statins, i.e., 44.8%). Overall, statin usage in Western patients hospitalized with COVID-19 was associated with nearly 40% lower odds of progressing toward severe illness or death (odds ratio: 0.59; 95% confidence interval: 0.35–0.99). After excluding studies in which statin therapy was started during hospital admission, the beneficial effect of these drugs was magnified (odds ratio: 0.51; 95% confidence interval: 0.41–0.64). In conclusion, although randomized trials would be necessary to confirm these preliminary findings, current evidence would support a favorable effect of statins as adjuvant therapy in patients with COVID-19. Irrespective of these considerations, suspension of statin therapy seems highly unadvisable in COVID-19 patients.
Ode to the Anesthesiologist Profectus
Authors: Magoon Rohan , Shri Iti
Published: January 2021

As the Corona pandemic continues to challenge the medical fraternity, the anesthesiologists have emerged as an integral part of the system, right from elucidating the pathophysiology of the Coronavirus to the treatment and resilience in the face of all the challenges thrown. This personal perspective is a tribute to the anesthesiologist’s progress from behind the scenes to an epidemiologist, intensivist, and Corona warrior.
Ascariasis and Cardiac Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Singh Ajmer , Mahavar Ravi K , Mehta Yatin
Published: January 2021

Ascariasis is a common helminthic infection, particularly in the tropical countries. We describe a case of eosinophilia who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Postoperatively, he was found to have ascaris lumbricoides in the oral cavity. Timely detection and removal of the worm prevented the possible complications such as airway obstruction, bronchospasm, lung collapse, or intestinal obstruction. The case emphasizes the importance of considering parasitic infection as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with eosinophilia for elective surgery.