bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interplay of southern, western, and northern sources during deposition of North Wales Carboniferous sandstones, determined from heavy minerals, mineral chemistry, and detrital zircon ages
Authors: Waters Colin N. , Morton Andrew , Frei Dirk
Published: December 2020

A study of heavy mineral assemblages, rutile compositions, and detrital zircon age populations in Namurian to Westphalian sandstones in North Wales, deposited in the southwestern part of the Pennine Basin of the United Kingdom, has revealed considerable complexity in their provenance history. The Pendleian to Marsdenian Cefn‐y‐fedw Sandstone Formation, which is known to have been derived from the Wales–Brabant Massif (WBM) to the south on the basis of palaeocurrent and petrographic information, has a heavy mineral assemblage characteristic of this southerly provenance, and includes Late Neoproterozoic zircons apparently of local WBM origin. However, the formation is dominated by zircons that were most probably recycled from sandstones of northern origin from the Caledonian Belt that had been previously deposited over the massif during Late Devonian times, and, as such, has a comparable history to the sedimentologically‐equivalent Morridge Formation of the English Midlands. Heavy mineral analysis shows that sandstones in the Brigantian Minera Formation and Yeadonian part of the Bowland Shale Formation are of similar southern provenance. The Yeadonian Gwespyr Sandstone, previously interpreted as having a northern origin, similar to the time‐equivalent Rough Rock, has variations in heavy mineral analysis and zircon spectrum that suggest a complex provenance history and includes sand bodies with northern, western, and southern origins.
Quantitatively monitoring acute ischemic stroke patients post recombinant tissue plasminogen activator treatment
Authors: Liu Yonge , Ma Jingting , Shi Qiyang , Xin Shimeng , Yu Haojia , Liu Zilong , Pang Chunsong , Dong Feng , Wang Jinghan
Published: December 2020

Background and aims

Thrombolytic therapy is widely used to treat acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. As intracerebral hemorrhage is a life‐threatening complication of this therapy, monitoring the fibrinolytic and coagulation systems is imperative. However, existing studies on plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC) and thrombin‐antithrombin III complex (TAT) mostly apply the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The aim of this study is to establish the baseline of thrombolytic treatment for AIS patients; to monitor the fibrinolytic and coagulation system following alteplase administration; to ascertain the proper time point to predict intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods

The method used to assess a patient's intravascular situation, namely chemiluminescence, was used to quantitatively assess the PIC, TAT, and thrombomodulin (TM). Immuno‐turbidimetric was used to assess the concentration of D‐dimer, fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products (FDP), and the Von Willebrand factor (vWF). The Clauss clotting method was used to assay the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT) and FIB.

Results

PIC increased to its peak concentration at 3 hours post intravenous (IV) alteplase infusion and decreased by nearly 50% every 3 hours thereafter. After 24 hours, PIC returned to its normal range, while D‐dimer and FDP decreased 3 hours later compared to PIC. PT and APTT exhibited no obvious change during the 24‐hour period. TM also exhibited no changes during the treatment.

Conclusion

PIC decreased 3 hours earlier than D‐dimer and FDP. The combined test of PIC, D‐dimer, and fibrinogen can be used to monitor the fibrinolytic system after the IV alteplase infusion. The use of IV alteplase had no impact on the endothelium. Creating a patient's individual data curve could assist in the prediction of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) and a stroke occurring.
Emerging market debt and the COVID‐19 pandemic: A time–frequency analysis of spreads and total returns dynamics
Authors: Gubareva Mariya , Umar Zaghum
Published: December 2020

We apply wavelet analyses to study the impact of COVID‐19 pandemic on the performance of emerging market bonds, in both investment grade and high yield ranges of creditworthiness. Our results show varying level of coherence ranging from low, medium and high between the Coronavirus Media Coverage index and the price moves of the emerging market USD‐denominated debt. We attribute the intervals of low coherence levels to the diversification potential during a systemic pandemic such as COVID‐19 of investments in bonds issued by developing economies. We document differences in patterns exhibited by various indices describing behaviour of option‐adjusted spreads and total returns as a function of credit quality of issuers form emerging market economies. We report well‐defined zones of the regime switching between the lead and lag roles of the emerging market bonds vis‐à‐vis the media coverage.
3D QSAR studies on amphiphilic indoles for antimycobacterial activity
Authors: Bahuguna Aparna , Bharatam Prasad V. , Rawat Diwan S.
Published: December 2020

A persistent infection prolongs treatment duration and also enhances the chance of resistance development against antibiotics. Recently, a class of amphiphilic indole derivatives was discovered exhibiting bactericidal activity against both growing and nongrowing Mycobacterium bovis BCG (M. bovis BCG). These antibacterials are suggested to disturb the integrity and functioning of the cell membrane, a property that can help eradicate persistent organisms. This study article describes field‐based three‐dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D‐QSAR) studies of 79 amphiphilic indole derivatives. The aim of this QSAR study is to optimize this class of compounds for the development of more potent antimycobacterial agents. The results obtained indicate that steric interactions are crucial for antimycobacterial activity, while hydrogen bond donor groups participate negligibly in activity. The derived 3D‐QSAR models showed acceptable r2 (0.91) and q2 (0.91) with a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.08. The models were cross‐validated using the leave‐one‐out method. Applying the same QSAR model to another congeneric series of amphiphilic indoles externally validated the QSAR model. The model could appreciably predict the activity (pMIC50) of this congeneric series of amphiphilic indoles, with an RMSE of 0.49, indicating the robustness of the model and its efficiency in predicting the potentially active compounds.
Effect of consumption of whole egg and egg fractions on cardiovascular disease factors in adult rats
Authors: Chairuk Pilaipan , Zaman Raihan Uz , Naphatthalung Jomkarn , Jansakul Chaweewan
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

While eggs are a low‐cost source of protein, rich in macro‐ and micronutrients, the association of egg intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains controversial. This study investigated the effect of egg consumption on CVD parameters. Eggs were boiled, separated into four fractions (whole egg, 50% yolk‐reduced whole egg, egg yolk and egg white) and then freeze‐dried. The different egg fractions or distilled water (control) were orally gavaged to adult male Wistar rats at 1 g kg−1 rat body weight, each day for 8 weeks, following which basal blood pressure, heart rate, complete blood cell count, blood biochemistry, body fat and liver cell lipid accumulation were determined. The vascular functions of isolated thoracic aorta were studied using classical pharmacological techniques.

RESULTS

In comparison to the control group, none of the egg fractions affected body weight, food intake, plasma glucose or lipid profile. The yolk group experienced increased plasma alkaline phosphatase and creatinine levels, while egg white caused decreased plasma cholesterol and blood urea nitrogen. Whole egg and egg yolk increased blood pressure and mean hemoglobin concentration and the yolk increased liver lipid accumulation. Egg white decreased the white blood cell count and body fat lipids. No changes were found in basal heart rate or vascular functions in any of the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumption of whole egg or egg yolk at the dosage given caused hypertension, with impairment of liver and kidney functions following the intake of yolk alone. However, egg white is beneficial for the cardiovascular system as it decreased plasma cholesterol and body fat accumulation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Brewing rich 2‐phenylethanol beer from cassava and its producing metabolisms in yeast
Authors: Li Can , Dong Geyu , Bian Meng , Liu Xinli , Gong Jing , Hao Jingxin , Wang Wenquan , Li Kaimian , Ou Wenjun , Xia Tao
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Cassava is rich in nutrition and has high edible value, but the development of the cassava industry is limited by the traditional low added value processing and utilization mode. In this study, cassava tuber was used as beer adjunct to develop a complete set of fermentation technology for manufacturing cassava beer.

RESULTS

The activities of transaminase, phenylpyruvate decarboxylase and dehydrogenase in 2‐phenylethanol Ehrlich biosynthesis pathway of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were higher in cassava beer than that of malt beer. Aminotransferase ARO9 gene and phenylpyruvate decarboxylase ARO10 gene were up‐regulated in the late stage of fermentation, which indicated that they were the main regulated genes of 2‐phenylethanol Ehrlich pathway with phenylalanine as substrate in cassava beer preparation.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with traditional wheat beer, cassava beer was similar in the content of nutrition elements, diacetyl, total acid, alcohol and carbon dioxide, but has the characteristics of fresh fragrance and better taste. The hydrocyanic acid contained in cassava root tubes was catabolized during fermentation and compliant with the safety standard of beverage. Further study found that the content of 2‐phenylethanol in cassava beer increased significantly, which gave cassava beer a unique elegant and delicate rose flavor. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Solution of the multipoint control problem for a dynamic system in partial derivatives
Authors: Zubova Svetlana P. , Raetskaya Elena V.
Published: December 2020

The linear dynamical system in partial derivatives is considered. The system must be transferred from an arbitrary initial state to an arbitrary final state through an arbitrary number of control points. The problem is to find the control for this system. The criterion for the complete controllability of such a system is derived using the method of cascade decomposition. Control and state functions in analytical form are constructed (with any given degree of smoothness), using the method of cascade decomposition.
Exponential stability of implicit numerical solution for nonlinear neutral stochastic differential equations with time‐varying delay and poisson jumps
Authors: Mo Haoyi , Liu Linna , Xing Mali , Deng Feiqi , Zhang Bo
Published: December 2020

The aim of this work is to investigate the exponential mean‐square stability for neutral stochastic differential equations with time‐varying delay and Poisson jumps. When all the drift, diffusion, and jumps coefficients are allowed to be nonlinear, the exponential mean‐square stability of the analytic solution to the equation is obtained. It is revealed that the implicit backward Euler–Maruyama numerical solution can reproduce the corresponding stability of the analytic solution under some given nonlinear conditions. It is different from the explicit Euler–Maruyama numerical solution whose stability depends on the linear growth condition. With some requirements related to the delayed function and the property of compensated Poisson process, we deal with time‐varying delay and Poisson jumps. One highly nonlinear example is given to confirm the effectiveness of our theory.
Real‐time device tracking under MRI using an acousto‐optic active marker
Authors: Yaras Yusuf S. , Yildirim Dursun Korel , Herzka Daniel A. , Rogers Toby , Campbell‐Washburn Adrienne E. , Lederman Robert J. , Degertekin F. Levent , Kocaturk Ozgur
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This work aims to demonstrate the use of an “active” acousto‐optic marker with enhanced visibility and reduced radiofrequency (RF) ‐induced heating for interventional MRI.

Methods

The acousto‐optic marker was fabricated using bulk piezoelectric crystal and π‐phase shifted fiber Bragg grating (FBGs) and coupled to a distal receiver coil on an 8F catheter. The received MR signal is transmitted over an optical fiber to mitigate RF‐induced heating. A photodetector converts the optical signal into electrical signal, which is used as the input signal to the MRI receiver plug. Acousto‐optic markers were characterized in phantom studies. RF‐induced heating risk was evaluated according to ASTM 2182 standard. In vivo real‐time tracking capability was tested in an animal model under a 0.55T scanner.

Results

Signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) levels suitable for real‐time tracking were obtained by using high sensitivity FBG and piezoelectric transducer with resonance matched to Larmor frequency. Single and multiple marker coils integrated to 8F catheters were readout for position and orientation tracking by a single acousto‐optic sensor. RF‐induced heating was significantly reduced compared to a coax cable connected reference marker. Real‐time distal tip tracking of an active device was demonstrated in an animal model with a standard real‐time cardiac MR sequence.

Conclusion

Acousto‐optic markers provide sufficient SNR with a simple structure for real‐time device tracking. RF‐induced heating is significantly reduced compared to conventional active markers. Also, multiple RF receiver coils connected on an acousto‐optic modulator can be used on a single catheter for determining catheter orientation and shape.
Muscle fiber size in healthy children and adults in relation to sex and fiber types
Authors: Esbjörnsson Mona E. , Dahlström Monica S. , Gierup Jan W. , Jansson Eva Ch.
Published: December 2020

Background

In adult males, cross‐sectional area (CSA) for type II muscle fibers is generally larger than for type I fibers. In this cross‐sectional study the aim was to compare sex‐related CSAs of various muscle fiber types during childhood‐to‐adulthood transition.

Methods

Percutaneous biopsy samples were obtained from vastus lateralis in 10‐y‐old children (10 males and 5 females) and in young adults (9 males and 7 females). Fiber types were classified by myofibrillar ATPase and CSAs from NADH‐dehydrogenase staining.

Results

Type IIA were larger than type I fibers in adult males, but not in adult females or children (age x sex x fiber type, P < .002). When including all participants, body weight and sex explained 78% of the variation in type IIA CSA but only body weight contributed for type I.

Conclusions

Sex‐specific patterns in CSA of the muscle fiber types appears to develop during the transition from childhood to adulthood.
Morphometric analysis of nerve fibers in neural leprosy
Authors: Antunes Sérgio Luiz Gomes , Fazan Valéria Paula Sassoli , Jardim Márcia Rodrigues , dos Santos Pereira Mário José , da Costa Eduardo Alves Freire , Pascarelli Bernardo Oliveira , Hacker Mariana Andrea Vilasboas , Sarno Euzenir Nunes , Barreira Amilton Antunes
Published: December 2020

Background

The present study assesses the contributions of axonal degeneration and demyelination in leprosy nerve damage. New clinical strategies can emerge from an in‐depth understanding of the pathogenesis of neural leprosy (NL).

Methods

Morphometric analysis of myelinated nerve fibers was performed on 44 nerve biopsy samples collected from leprosy patients. Measures of density, diameter distribution, g‐ratios, and the counting of axonal ovoids on the myelinated fibers were taken and compared to those in the control group.

Results

The proportion of small myelinated fibers increased in the leprosy group while large fiber frequency decreased. Indicative of axonal atrophy, the g‐ratio was lower in the leprosy group. The frequency of axonal ovoids was identical to that found in the non‐leprosy neuropathies.

Conclusions

Axonal atrophy, Wallerian degeneration, and demyelination coexist in NL. Axonal degeneration predominates over demyelination in the chronic course of the disease; however, this may change during leprosy reactive episodes. This study regards demyelination and axon degeneration as concurrent mechanisms of damage to nerve fibers in leprosy. It also calls into question the view that demyelination is the primary and predominant mechanism in the complex pathogeny of NL.
The Effect of Inland Saline Groundwater on Growth, Maturation, and Osmoregulation of Common Carp
Authors: Iffat Jahan , Tiwari V. K. , Pavan-Kumar A. , Verma A. K. , Harikrishna V. , Babitha Rani A. M. , Chadha N. K. , Anand Garima
Published: December 2020

A 90-day experiment was conducted on Common Carp Cyprinus carpio in eight rectangular earthen ponds (21 × 10 × 1.50 m) for testing the effect of four groundwater salinities (0, 5, 10, and 15‰). At the end of the experiment, 100% survival was observed in all of the treatment groups. Somatic growth and reproductive performance were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by salinity. Both males and females showed a significantly higher gonadosomatic index (24.46 ± 4.11% [mean ± SE]) at 5‰ (P < 0.05) compared with the fish that were kept in freshwater (15.92 ± 2.43%). The gonadal osmolality and osmolytes of the seminal and ovarian fluids increased in proportion to salinity. Ova diameter was inversely related to salinity. The incidence of spawning at 5‰ was significantly higher than at 0, 10, and 15‰. The gonadosomatic index was also significantly higher (30.15 ± 3.44%) at 5‰ followed by 0, 10, and 15‰, respectively. We concluded that the optimum salinity for the maturation of Common Carp is 5‰.
Coding Variants are Relevant to the Expression of Obesity‐Related Genes for Pediatric Adiposity
Authors: Mao Ke , Zhang Meixian , Cao Jinshuai , Zhao Xiaoyuan , Gao Liwang , Fu Liwan , Cheng Hong , Yan Chun , Xu Xiaopeng , Shi Xiaofeng , Jiang Zhuoyuan , Wang Bingqing , Zhang Yong‐Biao , Mi Jie
Published: December 2020

Objective

Heredity has a remarkable effect on obesity in an obesogenic environment. Despite the numerous genetic variants that contribute to obesity‐related traits, none has been identified in Chinese children. This study aimed to identify novel variants associated with childhood obesity in China.

Methods

Promising single‐nucleotide variants were obtained using whole‐exome sequencing from 76 children who had obesity and 74 children with normal weight, and their associations with obesity‐related traits in an additional 6,334‐child cohort were investigated. The effects of the genome‐wide significant (P < 5E‐8) variants on the expression of the implicated genes in blood and adipose tissue were then depicted using transcriptome sequencing.

Results

Two coding variants associated with obesity with genome‐wide significance were identified: rs1059491 (P = 2.57E‐28) in SULT1A2 and rs189326455 (P = 8.98E‐12) in MAP3K21. In addition, rs1059491 was also significantly associated with several obesity traits. Transcriptome sequencing demonstrated that rs1059491 and rs189326455 were expression quantitative trait loci relevant to the expression levels of several obesity‐related genes, such as SULT1A2, ATXN2L, TUFM, and MAP3K21.

Conclusions

This work identified two coding variants that were significantly associated with pediatric adiposity and were expression quantitative trait loci for obesity‐related genes. This study provides new insights into the pathophysiology of Chinese childhood obesity.
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis: mind the airway
Authors: Oqueka Tim , Klose Hans , Iking‐Konert Christof , Schnoor Ulrike , Kluge Stefan , Simon Marcel
Published: December 2020

Key message

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a potentially life‐threatening disease that affects all ages. As the disease may be rapidly progressive, the undelayed recognition of its inflammatory activity is critical. This is especially important in central airway involvement, which contributes to morbidity and mortality.
Impact measurement based on repeated randomized control trials: The case of a training program to encourage social entrepreneurship
Authors: Åstebro Thomas , Hoos Florian
Published: December 2020

Research Summary

Designing effective entrepreneurship training programs is still a challenge despite the investments in training made by governments and private institutions, and its importance for economic growth. We report a case of impact measurement of a social entrepreneurship program based on repeated randomized controlled trials (RCTs), discuss challenges of conducting repeated RCTs, and implications for policy evaluation. Impact measures from the first edition of the program showed no detectable treatment effects. The second edition was adjusted by reducing leadership training and increasing traditional entrepreneurial skills training, and had strong treatment effects on entrepreneurial activities, the creation of a new venture during the program, and subsequent start‐up activity. Employing sequential field experiments can improve entrepreneurship training programs despite the challenges of executing RCTs in the field.

Managerial Summary

Governments, institutions, and businesses increasingly invest in innovative entrepreneurship training programs that tackle societal problems. However, we know very little about the effectiveness of such trainings. To measure the causal impact of a social entrepreneurship training program we use an experiment where we assign one group of applicants randomly to training. A comparable group is selected randomly to not obtain the training. There were no detectable differences between the two groups the first time the program was run. After substantial changes were made, where analytical skills training was boosted at the expense of a reduction in social leadership skills training and social entrepreneurial identity development, and individualized coaching intensified, we find a large impact on entrepreneurial activities, both during the program and 3 years later.
Kutane Muzinose der Kindheit
Authors: Eholzer Lisa , Oschlies Ilske , Berneburg Mark , Karrer Sigrid
Published: December 2020

Die kutane Muzinose der Kindheit ist eine sehr seltene Hauterkrankung mit nur wenigen beschriebenen Fällen in der Literatur. Wir berichten über einen 11-jährigen Jungen mit seit 9 Monaten bestehenden, asymptomatischen, hautfarbenen Papeln und Plaques am rechten Arm. Histologisch zeigten sich dermal und tief dermal zwischen den Kollagenbändern ausgeprägte Muzinablagerungen und Fibroblastenproliferationen. Da es sich bei der kutanen Muzinose der Kindheit um eine benigne Erkrankung mit guter Prognose handelt, ist eine Therapie nicht notwendig.
Complications in TLIF spondylodesis–do they influence the outcome for patients? A prospective two-center study
Authors: Poppenborg Philipp , Liljenqvist Ulf , Gosheger Georg , Schulze Boevingloh Albert , Lampe Lukas , Schmeil Sebastian , Schulte Tobias L , Lange Tobias
Published: December 2020

Purpose

 Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a widely accepted surgical procedure for degenerative disk disease. While numerous studies have analyzed complication rates and risk factors this study investigates the extent to which complications after TLIF spondylodesis alter the clinical outcome regarding pain and physical function.

Methods

 A prospective clinical two-center study was conducted, including 157 patients undergoing TLIF spondylodesis with 12-month follow-up (FU). Our study classified complications into three subgroups: none (I), minor (IIa), and major complications (IIb). Complications were considered “major” if revision surgery was required or new permanent physical impairment ensued. Clinical outcome was assessed using visual analog scales for back (VAS-B) and leg pain (VAS-L), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

Results

 Thirty-nine of 157 patients (24.8%) had at least one complication during follow-up. At FU, significant improvement was seen for group I (n = 118) in VAS-B (–50%), VAS-L (–54%), and ODI (–48%) and for group IIa (n = 27) in VAS-B (–40%), VAS-L (–64%), and ODI (–47%). In group IIb (n = 12), VAS-B (–22%, P = 0.089) and ODI (–33%, P = 0.056) improved not significantly, while VAS-L dropped significantly less (–32%, P = 0.013) compared to both other groups.

Conclusion

 Our results suggest that major complications with need of revision surgery after TLIF spondylodesis lead to a significantly worse clinical outcome (VAS-B, VAS-L, and ODI) compared to no or minor complications. It is therefore vitally important to raise the surgeon´s awareness of consequences of major complications, and the topic should be given high priority in clinical work.
Men with adult-onset epilepsy: Their experiences of health care provider relationship qualities following neurosurgery
Authors: Raffaele Martin , Tinofirei Charity
Published: December 2020

The success of a lobectomy procedure for adult-onset epileptic seizure (AOES) would depend on the quality of the patient’s relationship with the health care provider. This ethnographic multiple case study explored patient and health professional relationship contexts following surgery for seizure activity reduction treatment. We interviewed five Australian men (aged 34–59) with a history of AOES and neurosurgery regarding the quality of their relationship with health care providers. Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) of the data yielded three interrelated relationship themes of Timeliness (promptness of necessary care), Support (availability, understanding, and empathy), and Responsibility (adaptive communication, self-care, and decision-making ownership). Self-directed relationship resourcing enhanced subjective well-being in the patients.
Structural brain network differences in bipolar disorder using with similarity-based approach
Authors: Ota Miho , Noda Takamasa , Sato Noriko , Hidese Shinsuke , Teraishi Toshiya , Matsuda Hiroshi , Kunugi Hiroshi
Published: December 2020

Objective: Previous studies have shown differences in the regional brain structure and function between patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and healthy subjects, but little is known about the structural connectivity between BD patients and healthy subjects. In this study, we evaluated the disease-related changes in regional structural connectivity derived from gray matter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Methods: The subjects were 73 patients with BD and 80 healthy volunteers who underwent 3-Tesla MRI. Network metrics, such as the small world properties, were computed. We also performed rendering of the network metric images such as the degree, betweenness centrality, and clustering coefficient, on individual brain image. Then, we estimated the differences between them, and evaluate the relationships between the clinical symptoms and the network metrics in the patients with BD. Results: BD patients showed a lower clustering coefficient in the right parietal region and left occipital region, compared with healthy subjects. A weak negative correlation between Young mania rating scale and clustering coefficient was found in left anterior cingulate cortex. Conclusions: We found differences in gray matter structural connectivity between BD patients and healthy subjects by a similarity-based approach. These points may provide objective biological information as an adjunct to the clinical diagnosis of BD.
Longer-term impacts of sugar-sweetened beverage taxes on fast-food beverage prices: evidence from Oakland, California, 2-year post-tax
Authors: Marinello Samantha , Pipito Andrea A , Leider Julien , Pugach Oksana , Powell Lisa M
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of a sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) tax implemented in Oakland, California, in July 2017, on prices of beverages sold in fast-food restaurants 2-year post-tax.

Design:

Using a difference-in-differences (DID) approach, we analysed beverage price data collected from fast-food restaurants 1-month pre-tax and 2-year post-tax in Oakland (intervention site) and Sacramento, California (comparison site). Separate linear regression models were used to estimate the impact of the tax on prices of bottled regular soda, bottled diet soda, bottled unsweetened beverages and fountain drinks.

Setting:

Oakland and Sacramento, California, USA.

Participants:

Chain and non-chain fast-food restaurants (n 85).

Results:

DID estimates indicate that in fast-food restaurants, on average, the price of bottled regular soda increased by 1·44 cents/oz (95 % CI 0·50, 2·73) (tax pass-through rate of 144 %) and the price of bottled diet soda increased by 1·17 cents/oz (95 % CI 0·07, 2·13). No statistically significant differences were found between bottled regular and diet soda price increases. Price effects for unsweetened beverages and fountain drinks were not statistically significant. Further, the estimated price change for fountain drinks was nearly zero.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest that the effectiveness of SSB taxes in discouraging SSB consumption may be limited in fast-food restaurants in Oakland, California, because there were similar price increases in taxed and untaxed bottled soda and no changes in fountain drink prices.
Crustal Clockwise Rotation of the Southeastern Edge of the Tibetan Plateau Since the Late Oligocene
Authors: Tong Yabo , Yang Zhenyu , Pei Junling , Wang Heng , Wu Zhonghai , Li Jianfeng
Published: December 2020

The ambiguous temporal relationship between the crustal clockwise rotation and the activity of block boundary strike‐slip faults of the southeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau has led to an incomplete understanding of the Cenozoic tectonic evolution of Southeast Asia. Based on the Pleistocene paleomagnetic data of the present work and previous Paleogene and Pliocene paleomagnetic data form the south side of the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis (EHS), we confirmed that the southern edge of the EHS experienced strong clockwise rotation with an average rotational rate of 3.20‐3.02°/Myr since the late Oligocene, indicating that the crustal clockwise rotation of the southeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau was commenced no earlier than ∼25.7 ± 2.5 Ma. The block boundary strike‐slip faults of the southeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau began their major activity phase since ∼28 Ma, which was significantly synchronous with the northward indentation of the Indian Plate and the West Burma Block into the Eurasia to form the EHS, but was earlier than the initial clockwise rotation of the southeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. These temporal relationships probably indicate that the northward indentation of the Indian Plate and West Burma Block into the Eastern Himalayan orogenic belt to form the EHS since ∼28 Ma should be the paramount inducement to the crustal clockwise rotation and promote the major activity of block boundary strike‐slip faults of the southeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.
Dirac points and the transition towards Weyl points in three-dimensional sonic crystals
Authors: Xie Boyang , Liu Hui , Cheng Hua , Liu Zhengyou , Tian Jianguo , Chen Shuqi
Published: December 2020

A four-fold-degenerate three-dimensional (3D) Dirac point, represents a degenerate pair of Weyl points carrying opposite chiralities. Moreover, 3D Dirac crystals have shown many exotic features different from those of Weyl crystals. How these features evolve from 3D Dirac to Weyl crystals is important in research on 3D topological matter. Here, we realized a pair of 3D acoustic Dirac points from band inversion in a hexagonal sonic crystal and observed the surface states and helical interface states connecting the Dirac points. Furthermore, each Dirac point can transition into a pair of Weyl points with the introduction of chiral hopping. The exotic features of the surface states and interface states are inherited by the resulting Weyl crystal. Our work may serve as an ideal platform for exploring exotic physical phenomena in 3D topological semimetals.
TBPL2/TFIIA complex establishes the maternal transcriptome through oocyte-specific promoter usage
Authors: Yu Changwei , Cvetesic Nevena , Hisler Vincent , Gupta Kapil , Ye Tao , Gazdag Emese , Negroni Luc , Hajkova Petra , Berger Imre , Lenhard Boris , Müller Ferenc , Vincent Stéphane D. , Tora László
Published: December 2020

During oocyte growth, transcription is required to create RNA and protein reserves to achieve maternal competence. During this period, the general transcription factor TATA binding protein (TBP) is replaced by its paralogue, TBPL2 (TBP2 or TRF3), which is essential for RNA polymerase II transcription. We show that in oocytes TBPL2 does not assemble into a canonical TFIID complex. Our transcript analyses demonstrate that TBPL2 mediates transcription of oocyte-expressed genes, including mRNA survey genes, as well as specific endogenous retroviral elements. Transcription start site (TSS) mapping indicates that TBPL2 has a strong preference for TATA-like motif in core promoters driving sharp TSS selection, in contrast with canonical TBP/TFIID-driven TATA-less promoters that have broader TSS architecture. Thus, we show a role for the TBPL2/TFIIA complex in the establishment of the oocyte transcriptome by using a specific TSS recognition code.
A least microenvironmental uncertainty principle (LEUP) as a generative model of collective cell migration mechanisms
Authors: Barua Arnab , Nava-Sedeño Josue M. , Meyer-Hermann Michael , Hatzikirou Haralampos
Published: December 2020

Collective migration is commonly observed in groups of migrating cells, in the form of swarms or aggregates. Mechanistic models have proven very useful in understanding collective cell migration. Such models, either explicitly consider the forces involved in the interaction and movement of individuals or phenomenologically define rules which mimic the observed behavior of cells. However, mechanisms leading to collective migration are varied and specific to the type of cells involved. Additionally, the precise and complete dynamics of many important chemomechanical factors influencing cell movement, from signalling pathways to substrate sensing, are typically either too complex or largely unknown. The question is how to make quantitative/qualitative predictions of collective behavior without exact mechanistic knowledge. Here we propose the least microenvironmental uncertainty principle (LEUP) that may serve as a generative model of collective migration without precise incorporation of full mechanistic details. Using statistical physics tools, we show that the famous Vicsek model is a special case of LEUP. Finally, to test the biological applicability of our theory, we apply LEUP to construct a model of the collective behavior of spherical Serratia marcescens bacteria, where the underlying migration mechanisms remain elusive.
GaInP nanowire arrays for color conversion applications
Authors: Visser Dennis , Désières Yohan , Swillo Marcin , De Luca Eleonora , Anand Srinivasan
Published: December 2020

Color conversion by (tapered) nanowire arrays fabricated in GaInP with bandgap emission in the red spectral region are investigated with blue and green source light LEDs in perspective. GaInP nano- and microstructures, fabricated using top-down pattern transfer methods, are derived from epitaxial Ga0.51In0.49P/GaAs stacks with pre-determined layer thicknesses. Substrate-free GaInP micro- and nanostructures obtained by selectively etching the GaAs sacrificial layers are then embedded in a transparent film to generate stand-alone color converting films for spectrophotometry and photoluminescence experiments. Finite-difference time-domain simulations and spectrophotometry measurements are used to design and validate the GaInP structures embedded in (stand-alone) transparent films for maximum light absorption and color conversion from blue (450 nm) and green (532 nm) to red (~ 660 nm) light, respectively. It is shown that (embedded) 1 μm-high GaInP nanowire arrays can be designed to absorb ~ 100% of 450 nm and 532 nm wavelength incident light. Room-temperature photoluminescence measurements with 405 nm and 532 nm laser excitation are used for proof-of-principle demonstration of color conversion from the embedded GaInP structures. The (tapered) GaInP nanowire arrays, despite very low fill factors (~ 24%), can out-perform the micro-arrays and bulk-like slabs due to a better in- and out-coupling of source and emitted light, respectively.
Tunable selectivity of phenol hydrogenation to cyclohexane or cyclohexanol by a solvent-driven effect over a bifunctional Pd/NaY catalyst
Authors: Xia Heng , Tan Hongzi , Cui Hongyou , Song Feng , Zhang Yuan , Zhao Rongrong , Chen Zhe-Ning , Yi Weiming , Li Zhihe
Published: December 2020

Hydrogenation of phenol is an important strategy to produce cyclohexane or cyclohexanol as both of them are raw materials for the synthesis of nylon-6 and nylon-66.
Early-stage formation of (hydr)oxo bridges in transition-metal catalysts for photosynthetic processes
Authors: Nakamura Shin , Capone Matteo , Mattioli Giuseppe , Guidoni Leonardo
Published: December 2020

Ab initio simulations have been used to assess reaction pathways for the formation of M–(hydr)oxo–M (M = Co, Mn, Ni) bridges from M(ii) aqueous solutions, as early-stage building blocks of transition-metal catalysts for oxygen evolution.
Insoluble dietary fiber derived from brown seaweed Laminaria japonica ameliorate obesity-related features via modulating gut microbiota dysbiosis in high-fat diet–fed mice
Authors: Zhang Yiping , Zhao Nannan , Yang Longhe , Hong Zhuan , Cai Bing , Le Qingqing , Yang Ting , Shi Lijun , He Jianlin , Cui Cheng-Bin
Published: December 2020

Insoluble dietary fibers derived from Laminaria japonica attenuate high-fat diet-induced obesity associated with restoration of Akkermansia to the normal level.
In silico-determined compound from the root of Pueraria lobate alleviates synaptic plasticity injury induced by Alzheimer's disease via the p38MAPK-CREB signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Song , Zhou Tong , Chen Dan , Liu Rong , Qin Huan-Huan , Min Zhen-Li , Liu Guang-Qi , Cao Xiao-Lu
Published: December 2020

In silico-methods were used to screen out the anti-AD active ingredient via p38MAPK-CREB from the Pueraria lobate, and verified by an in vivo study.
Heparin length in the coating of extremely small iron oxide nanoparticles regulates in vivo theranostic applications
Authors: Groult Hugo , Carregal-Romero Susana , Castejón David , Azkargorta Mikel , Miguel-Coello Ana-Beatriz , Pulagam Krishna Reddy , Gómez-Vallejo Vanessa , Cousin Rémi , Muñoz-Caffarel María , Lawrie Charles H. , Llop Jordi , Piot Jean-Marie , Elortza Felix , Maugard Thierry , Ruiz-Cabello Jesús , Fruitier-Arnaudin Ingrid
Published: December 2020

The length of heparin oligosaccharides in the coating of extremely small iron oxide nanoparticles can control core size during synthesis for optimal positive MRI contrast, endow probes with specific bioactivities and majorly impact the in vivo pharmacokinetic properties.
Injectable, self-healing mesoporous silica nanocomposite hydrogels with improved mechanical properties
Authors: Zengin A. , Castro J. P. O. , Habibovic P. , van Rijt S. H.
Published: December 2020

Nanocomposites created by dynamic crosslinking of mesoporous silica nanoparticles to PEG hydrogels represents a promising strategy to confer mechanical strength and rapid self-healing capabilities to hydrogels.
Predicting the bulk modulus of single-layer covalent organic frameworks with square-lattice topology from molecular building-block properties
Authors: Raptakis Antonios , Dianat Arezoo , Croy Alexander , Cuniberti Gianaurelio
Published: December 2020

This computational study establishes a correlation between the elastic properties of COFs and their building-blocks towards the rational design of new materials with tailored properties.
Construction of self-supporting, hierarchically structured caterpillar-like NiCo2S4 arrays as an efficient trifunctional electrocatalyst for water and urea electrolysis
Authors: Song Wenjiao , Xu Mingze , Teng Xue , Niu Yanli , Gong Shuaiqi , Liu Xuan , He Xiaoming , Chen Zuofeng
Published: December 2020

In this study, self-supporting, hierarchically structured caterpillar-like NiCo2S4 arrays are constructed as an efficient trifunctional electrocatalyst for water and urea electrolysis.
A novel near-infrared fluorescent probe based on isophorone for the bioassay of endogenous cysteine
Authors: Liu Hong-Bo , Xu Hai , Guo Xin , Xiao Jian , Cai Zheng-Hong , Wang Ya-Wen , Peng Yu
Published: December 2020

A near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe with a large Stokes shift (143 nm) for the rapid identification of Cys over Hcy and GSH in aqueous solution was developed.
cheML.io: an online database of ML-generated molecules
Authors: Zhumagambetov Rustam , Kazbek Daniyar , Shakipov Mansur , Maksut Daulet , Peshkov Vsevolod A. , Fazli Siamac
Published: December 2020

Several recent ML algorithms for de novo molecule generation have been utilized to create an open-access database of virtual molecules.
Effects of nanopatterned-surface dishes on chondrocyte growth and cell cycle progression
Authors: Han Sang-Soo , Cho Myung-Ok , Huh Kang Moo , Kang Sun-Woong
Published: December 2020

The nanopatterned dish regulated the proliferation rate and cell cycle of chondrocytes.
Hydrogen sulfide sensing using an aurone-based fluorescent probe
Authors: Kafle Arjun , Bhattarai Shrijana , Miller Justin M. , Handy Scott T.
Published: December 2020

Hydrogen sulfide detection and sensing is an area of interest from both an environmental and a biological perspective.
Organic-photoredox-catalyzed three-component sulfonylative pyridylation of styrenes
Authors: Wang Fang , Qin Jian , Zhu Shengqing , Chu Lingling
Published: December 2020

An efficient, metal-free protocol for the three-component sulfonylative pyridylation of alkenes via organic-photoredox catalysis is described.
Regio-selectivity prediction with a machine-learned reaction representation and on-the-fly quantum mechanical descriptors
Authors: Guan Yanfei , Coley Connor W. , Wu Haoyang , Ranasinghe Duminda , Heid Esther , Struble Thomas J. , Pattanaik Lagnajit , Green William H. , Jensen Klavs F.
Published: December 2020

Integrating feature learning and on-the-fly feather engineering enables fast and accurate reacitvity predictions using large or small dataset.
A rapid and sensitive method for chiroptical sensing of α-amino acids via click-like labeling with o-phthalaldehyde and p-toluenethiol
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Jie , Li Li , Chen Gong
Published: December 2020

A highly practical method for comprehensive chiroptical sensing of free α amino acids with streamlined operation and high sensitivity via dual CD/UV measurements is developed.
Activation of ammonia and hydrazine by electron rich Fe(ii) complexes supported by a dianionic pentadentate ligand platform through a common terminal Fe(iii) amido intermediate
Authors: Nurdin Lucie , Yang Yan , Neate Peter G. N. , Piers Warren E. , Maron Laurent , Neidig Michael L. , Lin Jian-Bin , Gelfand Benjamin S.
Published: December 2020

Synopsis: a highly reactive Fe(iii)–NH2 complex is generated via activation of ammonia or hydrazine in reactions of relevance to fundamental steps in ammonia oxidation processes mediated by an abundant, first row transition metal.
Effect of internal friction on the coil–stretch transition in turbulent flows
Authors: Vincenzi Dario
Published: December 2020

In turbulent flows, internal friction renders the distribution of polymer extensions steeper and thus makes the coil–stretch transition sharper.
Consumer Wi‐Fi device based action quality recognition: An illustrative example of seated dumbbell press action
Authors: Qin Yuxi , Pan Su , Zhou Weiwei , Pan Duowei , Li Zibo
Published: December 2020

A system called WiSDP, which is based on Wi‐Fi signals, to detect whether a Seated Dumbbell Press action is standard by using inexpensive consumer Wi‐Fi devices is proposed. Compared with the scheme based on high speed cameras and wearable sensors, Wi‐Fi devices are insensitive to light and colour, do not need wear any device, and decrease the risk of disclosing privacy. WiSDP senses environment changes through the Channel State Information which is fine‐grained physical layer information comparing to frequently used Received Signal Strength Indicator. Compared to the action recognition, action quality recognition depends on slight differences between a non‐standard action and standard actions, which makes it challenging. The authors propose an improved sliding window algorithm calculating action energy to extract Seated Dumbbell Press actions from the Channel State Information streams, estimate action quality by choosing an appropriate classifier and use Principal Component Analysis and Butterworth low‐pass filter to remove noise. The authors conduct experiments in two different scenarios and the average true positive rate of WiSDP are 94.66% and 95.11%, respectively.
Improving synchronization stability of grid connected converters by virtual impedance
Authors: Abdoli Omid , Gholipour Mehdi , Hooshmand Rahmat‐allah
Published: December 2020

With the increasing penetration of inverter based distributed generation, recent grid codes do not permit the disconnection of converters as soon as fault happens. Considering the fact that electrical grids are not purely inductive, the grid connected converters face instability issues by fault occurrence. Converters applying Phase Lock Loop (PLL) are not able to synchronize with the weak grid during deep low voltage faults. This paper proposes a novel control strategy based on virtual impedance to maintain the synchronization of grid connected converters during heavy decrease of the grid voltage. Utilizing a virtual impedance and the measured current at the point of common coupling, the inverter can be virtually synchronized to a point which has a stronger connection. The virtual impedance can be a rough estimation of the line impedance or resistance from point of common coupling to the fault point. Furthermore, to avoid the need for impedance estimation, a simple technique is also proposed. Simulation results with MATLAB confirms the competence of the proposed method in improving the synchronization stability of the grid connected converters.
Resilience‐oriented service restoration modelling interdependent critical loads in distribution systems with integrated distributed generators
Authors: Bajwa Abdullah Akram , Mokhlis Hazlie , Mekhlief Saad , Mubin Marizan , Azam Munir Muhammad , Sarwar Sohail
Published: December 2020

The exponential increase in the frequency and intensity of high impact low probability weather‐related events have pivoted the paradigm of research pertaining to power systems towards resilience. Power system is considered as a critical infrastructure, directly linked to the nation's economy, security and health. Therefore, recent researchers have proposed several techniques to enhance the resilience of power systems. In those techniques, critical loads have been considered independent in nature and different metrics have been proposed to evaluate the resilience of the network. To enhance the resiliency, this paper incorporated distributed generators in the distribution network and critical loads are modelled interdependently. Furthermore, a novel resilience metric is proposed in this paper to evaluate the resilience of a distribution system. The proposed model is formulated as a mixed integer second‐order cone programming problem and the efficacy of the proposed model is evaluated on IEEE 33‐ and 69‐bus systems. The competence of the proposed resilience metric is evaluated after comparison with existing resilience metrics.