bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct insulin granule subpopulations implicated in the secretory pathology of diabetes types 1 and 2
Authors: Kreutzberger Alex J B , Kiessling Volker , Doyle Catherine A , Schenk Noah , Upchurch Clint M , Elmer-Dixon Margaret , Ward Amanda E , Preobraschenski Julia , Hussein Syed S , Tomaka Weronika , Seelheim Patrick , Kattan Iman , Harris Megan , Liang Binyong , Kenworthy Anne K , Desai Bimal N , Leitinger Norbert , Anantharam Arun , Castle J David , Tamm Lukas K
Published: November 2020

Insulin secretion from β-cells is reduced at the onset of type-1 and during type-2 diabetes. Although inflammation and metabolic dysfunction of β-cells elicit secretory defects associated with type-1 or type-2 diabetes, accompanying changes to insulin granules have not been established. To address this, we performed detailed functional analyses of insulin granules purified from cells subjected to model treatments that mimic type-1 and type-2 diabetic conditions and discovered striking shifts in calcium affinities and fusion characteristics. We show that this behavior is correlated with two subpopulations of insulin granules whose relative abundance is differentially shifted depending on diabetic model condition. The two types of granules have different release characteristics, distinct lipid and protein compositions, and package different secretory contents alongside insulin. This complexity of β-cell secretory physiology establishes a direct link between granule subpopulation and type of diabetes and leads to a revised model of secretory changes in the diabetogenic process.
The land flatworm Amaga expatria (Geoplanidae) in Guadeloupe and Martinique: new reports and molecular characterization including complete mitogenome
Authors: Justine Jean-Lou , Gey Delphine , Thévenot Jessica , Gastineau Romain , Jones Hugh D.
Published: November 2020

Background

The land flatworm Amaga expatria Jones & Sterrer, 2005 (Geoplanidae) was described from two specimens collected in Bermuda in 1963 and 1988 and not recorded since.

Methods

On the basis of a citizen science project, we received observations in the field, photographs and specimens from non-professionals and local scientists in Martinique and Guadeloupe. We barcoded (COI) specimens from both islands and studied the histology of the reproductive organs of one specimen. Based on Next Generation Sequencing, we obtained the complete mitogenome of A. expatria and some information on its prey from contaminating DNA.

Results

We add records from 2006 to 2019 in two French islands of the Caribbean arc, Guadeloupe (six records) and Martinique (14 records), based on photographs obtained from citizen science and specimens examined. A specimen from Martinique was studied for histology of the copulatory organs and barcoded for the COI gene; its anatomy was similar to the holotype, therefore confirming species identification. The COI gene was identical for several specimens from Martinique and Guadeloupe and differed from the closest species by more than 10%; molecular characterisation of the species is thus possible by standard molecular barcoding techniques. The mitogenome is 14,962 bp in length and contains 12 protein coding genes, two rRNA genes and 22 tRNA genes; for two protein genes it was not possible to determine the start codon. The mitogenome was compared with the few available mitogenomes from geoplanids and the most similar was Obama nungara, a species from South America. An analysis of contaminating DNA in the digestive system suggests that A. expatria preys on terrestrial molluscs, and citizen science observations in the field suggest that prey include molluscs and earthworms; the species thus could be a threat to biodiversity of soil animals in the Caribbean.
Loading history changes the morphology and compressive force-induced expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand/osteoprotegerin in MLO-Y4 osteocytes
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Weng Yao , Ishihara Yoshihito , Odagaki Naoya , Ei Hsu Hlaing Ei , Izawa Takashi , Okamura Hirohiko , Kamioka Hiroshi
Published: November 2020

Background

In this study, we investigated the effect of the mechanical loading history on the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in MLO-Y4 osteocyte-like cells.

Methods

Three hours after MLO-Y4 osteocytes were seeded, a continuous compressive force (CCF) of 31 dynes/cm2 with or without additional CCF (32 dynes/cm2) was loaded onto the osteocytes. After 36 h, the additional CCF (loading history) was removed for a recovery period of 10 h. The expression of RANKL, OPG, RANKL/OPG ratio, cell numbers, viability and morphology were time-dependently examined at 0, 3, 6 and 10 h. Then, the same additional CCF was applied again for 1 h to all osteocytes with or without the gap junction inhibitor to examine the expression of RANKL, OPG, the RANKL/OPG ratio and other genes that essential to characterize the phenotype of MLO-Y4 cells. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching technique was also applied to test the differences of gap-junctional intercellular communications (GJIC) among MLO-Y4 cells.

Results

The expression of RANKL and OPG by MLO-Y4 osteocytes without a loading history was dramatically decreased and increased, respectively, in response to the 1-h loading of additional weight. However, the expression of RANKL, OPG and the RANKL/OPG ratio were maintained at the same level as in the control group in the MLO-Y4 osteocytes with a loading history but without gap junction inhibitor treatment. Treatment of loading history significantly changed the capacity of GJIC and protein expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) but not the mRNA expression of Cx43. No significant difference was observed in the cell number or viability between the MLO-Y4 osteocyte-like cells with and without a loading history or among different time checkpoints during the recovery period. The cell morphology showed significant changes and was correlated with the expression of OPG, Gja1 and Dmp1 during the recovery period.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that the compressive force-induced changes in the RANKL/OPG expression could be habituated within at least 11 h by 36-h CCF exposure. GJIC and cell morphology may play roles in response to loading history in MLO-Y4 osteocyte-like cells.
COVID-19 infection: Disease detection and mobile technology
Authors: Verma Jaya , Mishra Amar Shankar
Published: November 2020

Background

A pneumonia outbreak of unknown etiology took place in Wuhan, Hubei province, China and spread quickly worldwide in December 2019. Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention identified a novel beta-coronavirus called 2019-nCoV, now officially known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) that is responsible for the pandemic. The coronavirus COVID-19 affected 215 countries and territories around the world and more than 99 hundred thousand people at present (Nature Nanotechnology, 2020). At present, there are no specific vaccines or treatments available for COVID-19. However, there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments. At this time the experts recommend precautions such as social distancing, hand washing, and wearing face masks to reduce disease transmission. This review article aims to improve the readers’ awareness towards the important role of mobile technology for SARS-CoV-2.

Methodology

To achieve this objective, we performed a COVID-19 literature review from various sources that include data from the published articles as well as World Health Organization reports on coronavirus disease and how mobile technology is useful to fight against this disease.

Results

Mobile technology can be helpful in mapping disease spread and provides an easy way to provide awareness that promotes safety and adoption of necessary precautions to mitigate and stop community transmission.

Conclusion

The spread rate of COVID-19 is very high and until now no vaccines are available to control this disease. To this end we should leverage other avenues such as digital technologies to protect ourselves from this disease. Mobile technology such as smartphones are playing an important role in this pandemic, by launching apps to track coronavirus infected people. These apps are very easy to use and provide self-isolation guidelines as well as other safety tips.
Agronomic Practices to Enhance Nutrient Acquisition, Grain Quality, Resource-Use Efficiency in Direct- Seeded Aerobic Rice in Eastern India
Authors: Singh Arjun , Dass Anchal , Dhar Shiva , Singh C. V. , Sudhishri S. , Choudhary Anil K. , Rajanna G. A. , Choudhary Saroj , Pal Ajay , Singh Raj
Published: November 2020

Aim: Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is mainly grown in the rainy season in eastern India on rainfed uplands with a low average productivity of 1.0-1.4 t ha-1. Erratic rainfall leading to moisture stress and poor cultivation practices are the key reasons for low yields and rice grain quality in the area. Hence, the current study was designed to investigate the effects of irrigation scheduling, soil adjuvant and sowing methods on yield, grain quality and resource-use efficiency in aerobic rice.

Methodology: The experiment was conducted in a three-time replicated split-plot design during rainy-season of 2016 on a sandy loam soil in Eastern India. Treatments included 8 combinations of 4-irrigation schedules, viz., irrigation at IW/CPE 0.9, 1.2, 1.5 and no-irrigation (rainfed) and 2-soil adjutants (soil adjuvant applied and no-soil adjuvant) assigned to main-plots, and 2-planting methods (conventional dry seeding at 20 cm row spacing and spot-sowing (dibbling of 4-seeds hill-1 at 20×15 cm interval) assigned to sub-plots.

Results: Irrigation at IW/CPE 1.5 increased grain yield by 37.3% over rainfed crop, 23% over crop irrigated at IW/CPE 0.9 and 13.5% over IW/CPE 1.2. Grain quality parameters were also best, in crop watered at IW/CPE 1.5. Net return, B: C ratio, net energy output, production efficiency (PE) and monetary efficiency (ME) were significantly greater with irrigation at IW/CPE 1.5 compared to other irrigation schedules. Spot-sowing proved superior to conventional drilling of seeds exhibiting about 7% improvement in grain yield and water-use efficiency (WUE). Effect of soil adjuvant application was not significant.

Interpretation: This study emphatically demonstrated that aerobic rice should be spot-sown and irrigated at IW/CPE 1.5, for obtaining higher yield with better grain quality. The findings are useful for aerobic rice production in eastern India and adjoining sub-humid regions.
Modeling Coronavirus Spread Rate Utilizing Dimensional Analysis via an Irredundant Set of Fundamental Quantities
Authors: Rushdi Mostafa Ali , Rushdi Ali Muhammad
Published: November 2020

The phenomenon of spread of a (pathogenic) virus involves many physical variables, and is not amenable to satisfactory analysis via conventional methods. Dimensional Analysis (DA) is singled out as a simple and accessible way that can determine (at least qualitatively) how virus spread is related to seven physical quantities that are thought to influence it. However, classical DA deduces four dimensionless products only, none of which incorporates temperature and humidity, despite the obvious relevance of these two meteorological factors. This paper proposes an alternative version of dimensional analysis using a novel irredundant set of three fundamental quantities only. This new DA version produces five dimensionless products, four of which are essentially a replication of the old ones, while the fifth is a novel product that relates both humidity and temperature to other influencing factors. Our novel DA solution is a significant contribution, since it provides a more realistic model for virus spread rate, and it does not ignore any of the essential influencing factors. Such a model might lead to a better understanding of the determinants of spread for the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that causes the ongoing COVID-19 fatal pandemic.
Comparative Physicochemical Evaluation of Selective Brands of Diclofenac Potassium Tablets Available in Pakistan
Authors: Abbas Jabbar , Ahmer Arslan , Yousuf Muhammad , Muhammad Shaib , Malik Durr-e-Shahwar , Laghari Sadaf Hayat , Siyal Fahad Jibran , Qureshi Yasmeen , Kumar Hetesh , Hussain Naveed , Hyder Naseem
Published: November 2020

The purpose of present effort was to conduct physiochemical evaluation of miscellaneous commercially available diclofenac potassium 75 mg tablets in the local market of Sindh, Pakistan. Further comparison was made among their different parameters. In study seven brands tagged as RB1 to RB7 were evaluated for diameter, thickness, disintegration time, and assay content and dissolution profile. Obtained results of all brands conformed to the official standard specification for disintegration test, Assay Content. The attained release rate profile during dissolution study revealed that all brands achieved more than 80% in sixty minutes. The spectrophotometric analysis for assay content of all brands was within 90%-110% which in good agreement with specified in the Unites States Pharmacopoeia. In the current study all the assessed products could be regarded as being chemically similar, while no product is found as a false product, these all brands can be used alternatively. The used spectrophotometric evaluation is very simple, reasonable, and easy to adopt for analysis and could be used in routine analysis of diclofenac potassium tablets, particularly in the unavailability of advanced equipment’s just like HPLC, LCMS & GC etc. which is not easily available and accusable in many institutions.
An Assessment of Azithromycin Prescribed Interactions’ at the Outpatient Setting
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J. , Mangi Altaf Ali , Menshawy Menshawy A. , Almalki Ziyad S. , Alhajri Mohammed A.
Published: November 2020

Aims: The present study was designed to identify and assess the severity of azithromycin interactions with other drugs in the outpatient setting in Alkharj.

Methodology: A retrospective analysis was performed of azithromycin prescriptions in the outpatient setting in a public hospital in Alkharj in order to determine the incidence of interactions between azithromycin and other medications.

Results: There were 182 prescriptions included in the study. There was a major interaction in only 1 prescription (0.55%) and moderate interactions in 15.30% of the prescriptions. So the percentage of overall interactions was about 20.88%. The most common drug interactions in the present study were between azithromycin and salbutamol.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that the interactions between azithromycin with other medications were common, but these interactions could lead to irregular heart rhythm and lead to muscle pain and weakness. Adoption of international standard and locally conformable guidelines of antibiotic use can help in avoiding such problems.
Study on the Flexoelectricity of BST Film Multilayer Structure
Authors: Chen Chong
Published: November 2020

Single layer and bilayer Y3+-doped Ba0.65Sr0.35TiO3 (BST) thin-film cantilever beam, of which the single BST film thickness is 500 nm, was prepared on a composite silicon substrate. The flexoelectric coefficients of both types of BSTs were measured using a low frequency vibration method. The flexoelectric coefficient of the bilayer BST film multilayer structure is 1.66 μC/m, which doubles the effective flexoelectric coefficient comparing to the single layer BST. In addition, we discussed the effective piezoelectric coefficient of the BST film multilayer structure, which can reach as much as 2.08×10-10C/N due to the scaling effect.
Physicochemical Properties in 3D Hydrogel Modulate Cellular Reprogramming into Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Kim Deogil , Cha Byung‐Hyun , Ahn Jinsung , Arai Yoshie , Choi Bogyu , Lee Soo‐Hong
Published: November 2020

Understanding the biophysical relationships between stem cells and applied biomaterials can facilitate the ability to control the functions and behaviors of stem cells. However, the role of 3D microenvironment in stem cell biology remains largely unexplored, compared with that of 2D cell‐culture environment. Here, a new strategy that improves the efficacy of Yamanaka's four‐factor‐induced cellular reprogramming into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by incorporating cues derived from the 3D microenvironment and biophysical ligands is reported. Among the various 3D hydrogel systems tested, methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel significantly improves cellular reprogramming into iPSCs. Additionally, the initial upregulation of CD44 in encapsulated cells in low‐level methacrylated soft HA hydrogel accelerates the reprogramming. In conclusion, the reported HA hydrogel with low modulus accelerates reprogramming into iPSCs and thus offers potential advantages for translational applications.
A Living Biotic–Abiotic Composite that can Switch Function Between Current Generation and Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Su Yude , McCuskey Samantha R. , Leifert Dirk , Moreland Alex S. , Zhou Lingyun , Llanes Luana C. , Vazquez Ricardo J. , Sepunaru Lior , Bazan Guillermo C.
Published: November 2020

Power generation and charge storage devices are commonly uncoupled when it comes to the design of materials relevant for their fabrication. Here, it is demonstrated that the biotic–abiotic composite comprising the self‐doped conjugated polyelectrolyte CPE‐K and electrogenic bacteria Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1 can reversibly switch its function between electrical current generation in chronoamperometry mode (≈150 mA m−2) and electrochemical energy storage as a pseudocapacitor with a specific capacitance of up to 80 F g−1. Interconversion of desirable properties for the different functions is achieved by the simple addition and removal of Mg2+ in the bulk electrolyte. Potentiostatic, galvanostatic, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy characterization, accompanied by imaging and cell viability tests, indicate that the modulation of properties is a result of reversible changes in CPE‐K macrostructures and in the number of living bacteria within the composite. The results show the possibility to realize an “on‐demand” switch between current generation and charge storage by one integrated “living” material.
Structure Code for Advanced Polymer Electrolyte in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Jirong , Li Shaoqiao , Zhao Qiang , Song Changsik , Xue Zhigang
Published: November 2020

Over the past decade, lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have been widely applied in consumer electronics and electric vehicles. Polymer electrolytes (PEs) play an essential role in LIBs and have attracted great interest for the development of next‐generation rechargeable batteries with high energy density. Due to the several practical applications of LIBs and high demands for LIBs performance, many state‐of‐the‐art PEs with different structures and functionalities have been developed to regulate the LIBs performance, especially their rate capability, cycling durability, and lifespan. In this review, the recent advances in high‐performance LIBs prepared using well‐defined PEs are summarized. The ion‐transport mechanisms and preparation techniques of various well‐defined PE classes compared to conventional PEs are also discussed. The aim is to elucidate the structure code for advanced PEs with optimized properties, including ionic conductivity, mechanical properties, processability, accessibility, etc. The existing challenges and future perspectives are also discussed, setting the basis for designing novel PEs for energy conversion applications.
Pseudo‐Hermitian Systems Constructed by Transformation Optics with Robustly Balanced Loss and Gain
Authors: Luo Liyou , Luo Jie , Chu Hongchen , Lai Yun
Published: November 2020

Non‐Hermitian systems with parity‐time symmetry are found to exhibit real spectra of eigenvalues, indicating a balance between the loss and gain. However, such a balance is not only dependent on the magnitude of loss and gain but also easily broken due to external disturbance. Herein, a transformation‐optics approach is proposed to construct a unique class of non‐Hermitian systems with robustly balanced loss and gain, irrespective of the magnitude of loss/gain and the environmental disturbance. Through transformation‐optics operators such as space folding and stretching, loss and gain can be generated and separated in the real space. However, in the virtual space, the loss and gain are still combined to each other, rendering a balance of energy that is far more robust than other non‐Hermitian systems. This amazing feature is verified by finite‐element simulations. This work reveals a class of non‐Hermitian systems in which loss and gain are balanced robustly, thereby denoted as pseudo‐Hermitian systems.
Switchable Spin Filters in Magnetic Molecular Junctions Based on Quantum Interference
Authors: Huang Lin , Chen Shi‐Zhang , Zeng Yu‐Jia , Wu Dan , Li Bo‐Lin , Feng Ye‐Xin , Fan Zhi‐Qiang , Tang Li‐Ming , Chen Ke‐Qiu
Published: November 2020

The ability to control the degree of spin in molecular junctions (MJs) is attractive for their applications in spintronics. Here, it is demonstrated that spin‐resolved quantum interference (SQI) can effectively improve spin‐filtering behavior of MJs. By first‐principle calculations in combination with nonequilibrium Green's function investigations, spin‐resolved charge transport in graphene/Cr‐porphyrin/graphene MJs shows that, due to the SQI, the tunable spin filtering behaviors can be achieved by changing the length of molecule. The SQI related phase coherence/decoherence in these MJs is revealed by considering the effects of temperature and electron–phonon interactions. Furthermore, a higher spin filtering efficiency in low bias region can be obtained by Cr‐doped in single‐porphyrin junction, due to the Cr‐enhanced SQI. These results show great potential for the application of MJs with SQI in the molecular intergrated circuit and provide a promising way for designing spin molecular devices by using quantum interference.
Peanut response to co‐inoculation of Bradyrhizobium spp. and Azospirillum brasilense and molybdenum application in sandy soil of the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Steiner Fábio , de Queiroz Ludmila Freitas Marques , Zuffo Alan Mario , da Silva Kátia Cristina , Lima Isabela Machado de Oliveira
Published: November 2020

The use of plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) associated with rhizobia may improve biological N fixation, nutrient acquisition, and grain yield of the peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). However, few studies have reported the effect of inoculation of rhizobia and PGPR in association with Mo in tropical soil conditions. This study examined the effectiveness of (co)inoculation with Bradyrhizobium spp. and/or Azospirillum brasilense and Mo application in improving the yield response of creeping peanut crop (‘RUNNER IAC 886’). The effects of rhizobacteria and Mo on nodulation, crop growth, chlorophyll content, and yield of peanut were investigated in a moderately acidic sandy soil (pH 5.0) from the Brazilian Cerrado during the 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 growing seasons. Four seed inoculation treatments (control [uninoculated seeds], inoculation with Bradyrhizobium spp. strains SEMIA 5079 and SEMIA 5080, inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense strains Ab‐V5 and Ab‐V6, and co‐inoculation of Bradyrhizobium spp. and Azospirillum brasilense) and two Mo levels (0 and 200 mg Mo kg−1 of seed) were studied. Results showed that the effects of the interaction between rhizobacteria and Mo application were not significant (p > .05) for all crop traits. Root nodulation, dry matter accumulation, and chlorophyll content were significantly greater in Mo‐treated peanut plants than control plants in both seasons. However, the response of crop grain yield was significantly greater (17.7%) in Mo‐treated plants only in the 2017–2018 season. Therefore, the improved root nodulation, crop growth, and chlorophyll content resulting from Mo application can lead to increased pod and grain yield in peanut. Inoculation with Bradyrhizobium spp. alone or combined with A. brasilense enhanced root nodulation, chlorophyll content, and peanut grain yield. Over two harvests, average peanut grain yield increased by 25.3 and 24.0% with inoculation of Bradyrhizobium spp. alone and combined with A. brasilense, respectively, compared with noninoculated plants. Due to lower cost and higher profitability, inoculation of Bradyrhizobium spp. alone is the most efficient practice for peanut cropping in sandy soils of the Brazilian Cerrado. Together with Mo application, these agricultural practices can be recommended for Brazilian peanut farmers.
Probing Local Electrostatics of Glycine in Aqueous Solution by THz Spectroscopy
Authors: Sebastiani Federico , Ma Chun Yu , Funke Sarah , Bäumer Alexander , Decka Dominique , Hoberg Claudius , Esser Alexander , Forbert Harald , Schwaab Gerhard , Marx Dominik , Havenith Martina
Published: November 2020

Based upon precise terahertz (THz) measurements of the solvated amino acid glycine and accompanying ab‐initio molecular‐dynamics simulations, we show that the N‐C‐C‐O open/close mode at 315 cm−1 serves as a sensitive, label‐free probe for the local protonation of the amide group. Experimentally, we can show that this holds not only for glycine but also for diglycine and valine. The approach is more general, since the changes due to protonation result in intensity changes which can be probed by THz time domain (0–50 cm−1) as well as by precise THz‐FT spectroscopy (50–400 cm−1). A detailed analysis allows us to directly correlate the titration spectra with pKa values. This demonstrates the potential of THz spectroscopy to probe the charge state of a natural amino acid in water in a label‐free manner.
Large‐Amplitude Conformational Changes in Self‐Assembled Multi‐Stranded Aromatic Sheets
Authors: Atcher Joan , Mateus Pedro , Kauffmann Brice , Rosu Frédéric , Maurizot Victor , Huc Ivan
Published: November 2020

The orchestration of ever larger conformational changes is made possible by the development of increasingly complex foldamers. Aromatic sheets, a rare motif in synthetic foldamer structures, have been designed so as to form discrete stacks of intercalated aromatic strands through the self‐assembly of two identical subunits. Ion‐mobility ESI‐MS confirms the formation of compact dimers. X‐ray crystallography reveals the existence of two distinct conformational dimeric states that require large changes to interconvert. Molecular dynamics simulation validates the stability of the two conformations and the possibility of their interconversion.
Synthesis of functionalized pyrimidouracils by ruthenium‐catalyzed oxidative insertion of (hetero)aryl methanols into N‐uracil amidines
Authors: Debnath Pradip , Sahu Gouranga , De Utpal C.
Published: November 2020

A dehydrogenative coupling of N‐uracil amidines with (hetero)aryl methanols has been developed, allowing for the facile synthesis of a broad range of structurally diverse pyrimidouracils. By applying [RuCl2(p‐cymene)]2/Cs2CO3 as an efficient catalytic system, the easily available, cheap (hetero)aryl methanols were firstly employed for oxidative insertion/CH amination into the N‐uracil amidines, providing highly functionalized pyrimido[4,5‐d]pyrimidine‐2,4‐diones. Due to the better stability of alcohols than aldehydes, this synthetic protocol is applicable to a broad range of alcoholic substrates and does not required any protection during the whole preparation process. The presented protocol has the potential to prepare valuable products which cannot be accessed presently or extremely arduous to procure by following regular procedure. Hence, this is a remarkably improved protocol compared with the existing methodologies. The overall reaction sequence is an effective oxidation‐imination‐cyclization tandem process catalyzed by ruthenium catalyst.
Mechanical and tribological behaviors ofPVA/PAAmdouble network hydrogels under varied strains as cartilage replacement
Authors: Shi Yan , Li Jianliang , Xiong Dangsheng , Li Long , Liu Qibin
Published: November 2020

The strain change of double network (DN) hydrogels during compressive mechanical and frictional tests is crucial for their performances. The positive effect of the sacrificed network for prohibiting crack in DN hydrogel is likely to be initiated by large strain. In this study, the mechanical and tribological properties of polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylamide (PVA/PAAm) DN hydrogels are investigated from the viewpoint of strain. The compressive tangent modulus of PVA/PAAm DN hydrogel with 15 wt% AAm shows a sudden increase in the strain of 60% due to the sacrificed PAAm network. The optimized friction behavior is obtained from PVA/PAAm hydrogel with 5 wt% of AAm content, which is not consistent with the optimal compressive modulus at 15 wt% of AAm content. The variation of frictional coefficient of PVA/PAAm DN hydrogels with load is quite different for migrating and stationary contact configurations. The biphasic lubrication mechanism transited to solid–solid contact dominant mechanism is also induced by the high strain at heavy load.
Bone regeneration via skeletal cell lineage plasticity: All hands mobilized for emergencies
Authors: Matsushita Yuki , Ono Wanida , Ono Noriaki
Published: November 2020

An emerging concept is that quiescent mature skeletal cells provide an important cellular source for bone regeneration. It has long been considered that a small number of resident skeletal stem cells are solely responsible for the remarkable regenerative capacity of adult bones. However, recent in vivo lineage‐tracing studies suggest that all stages of skeletal lineage cells, including dormant pre‐adipocyte‐like stromal cells in the marrow, osteoblast precursor cells on the bone surface and other stem and progenitor cells, are concomitantly recruited to the injury site and collectively participate in regeneration of the damaged skeletal structure. Lineage plasticity appears to play an important role in this process, by which mature skeletal cells can transform their identities into skeletal stem cell‐like cells in response to injury. These highly malleable, long‐living mature skeletal cells, readily available throughout postnatal life, might represent an ideal cellular resource that can be exploited for regenerative medicine.
The impact of expertise on hedonic escalation: A moderating role of regulatory focus
Authors: Chang Chia‐Jung , Lan Shin , Chiang Wei‐Ting
Published: November 2020

This research conducted two experiments to examine the effects of expertise and the regulatory focus on hedonic escalation when consuming various products within a brand. Study 1 showed that expertise results in different levels of hedonic escalation. Novice consumers experienced higher hedonic escalation than expert consumers did, considering their knowledge of products. Study 2 verified the moderating role of regulatory focus on the relationship between expertise and hedonic escalation. It revealed that promotion‐focused experts exhibited greater hedonic escalation, buying various products in a brand than prevention‐focused experts did. Conversely, promotion‐focused novices showed lower hedonic escalation, buying products in a brand than prevention‐focused novices did.
Primary invasive lobular carcinoma arising in mammary‐like glands of the vulva managed with neoadjuvant trastuzumab‐based chemotherapy, excision, and sentinel lymph node biopsy
Authors: Niakan Shiva , Love Heather , Cao Qing , Kawar Nada
Published: November 2020

A rare case of Her2/neu‐positive mammary‐like gland adenocarcinoma of the vulva treated with neoadjuvant therapy, trastuzumab, and achieved complete pathological response on excision, adjuvant radiation, complicated by brain metastasis recurrence.
A woman with adult‐onset Still's disease and acute intestinal pseudo‐obstruction
Authors: Hori Hiroshi , Yabe Hiroki , Fukuchi Takahiko , Sugawara Hitoshi
Published: November 2020

Adult‐onset Still's disease may cause intestinal pseudo‐obstruction via a cytokine storm. Early diagnosis and treatment are the key for patient survival before the development of serious complications such as macrophage activation syndrome.
Selective Formation of Polyaniline Confined in the Nanopores of a Metal–Organic Framework for Supercapacitors
Authors: Song Yi‐Da , Ho Wei Huan , Chen Yu‐Chuan , Li Jun‐Hong , Wang Yi‐Sen , Gu Yu‐Juan , Chuang Cheng‐Hsun , Kung Chung‐Wei
Published: November 2020

In this study, a strategy that can result in the polyaniline (PANI) solely confined within the nanopores of a metal–organic framework (MOF) without forming obvious bulk PANI between MOF crystals is developed. A water‐stable zirconium‐based MOF, UiO‐66‐NH2, is selected as the MOF material. The polymerization of aniline is initiated in the acidic suspension of UiO‐66‐NH2 nanocrystals in the presence of excess poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate) (PSS). Since the pore size of UiO‐66‐NH2 is too small to enable the insertion of the bulky PSS, the quick formation of pore‐confined solid PANI and the slower formation of well dispersed PANI:PSS occur within the MOF crystals and in the bulk solution, respectively. By taking advantage of the resulting homogeneous PANI:PSS polymer solution, the bulk PANI:PSS can be removed from the PANI/UiO‐66‐NH2 solid by successive washing the sample with fresh acidic solutions through centrifugation. As this is the first time reporting the PANI solely confined in the pores of a MOF, as a demonstration, the obtained PANI/UiO‐66‐NH2 composite material is applied as the electrode material for supercapacitors. The PANI/UiO‐66‐NH2 thin films exhibit a pseudocapacitive electrochemical characteristic, and their resulting electrochemical activity and charge‐storage capacities are remarkably higher than those of the bulk PANI thin films.
Retraction of invasiveSpartina alternifloraand its effect on the habitat loss of endangered migratory bird species and their decline in YNNR using remote sensing technology
Authors: Okoye Onyedikachi Kingsley , Li Huan , Gong Zheng
Published: November 2020

Wetland environment and habitat loss increase the rate of biodiversity decline and affect our ecosystems. Yancheng National Nature Reserve (YNNR) is a protected area dedicated to endangered migratory bird species to overwinter. However, it currently has a record low influx of migrating birds and might therefore be losing its founding purpose. We used remote sensing technology to assess and quantify the impacts and effects of invasive halophytesSpartina alterniflorain the habitat loss and shrinkage of endangered bird wintering habitat from 2003 to 2018. We also attempted to ascertain the causes and triggers of avian population decline and its relationship with habitat loss, as these phenomena threaten and endanger species both locally and globally. Our study shows how YNNR has lost about 80% of migratory bird habitat to invasiveS. alternifloraandPhragmites australis, a native halophyte plant in the reserve. Furthermore, shoreline erosion triggered the retraction ofS. alternifloraand its backward growth towardSuaeda Salsa, the preferred foraging habitat for migratory birds in the zone, which is a possible cause of their decline.
RETRACTED: Biochemical profile of milk thistle (Silybum Marianum L.) with special reference to silymarin content
Authors: Aziz Maryam , Saeed Farhan , Ahmad Nazir , Ahmad Aftab , Afzaal Muhammad , Hussain Shahzad , Mohamed Abdellatif A. , Alamri Mohamed S. , Anjum Faqir Muhammad
Published: November 2020

The main objective of current study was to evaluate the antioxidant potential and nutritional composition of milk thistle with special reference to silymarin. For the purpose, different varieties of milk thistle were procured from three different cities of Pakistan. The study was comprised of three different phases. In 1st phase, nutritional composition, that is, moisture, fat, protein, fiber, and nitrogen free extract, was determined according to their respective methods. Moreover, antioxidant potential and quantification of silymarin content were explored in 2nd phase. Furthermore, in last phase, milk thistle seeds tea was developed and evaluated for nutritional and sensorial characteristics. At last, data obtained from each parameter was subjected to appropriate statistical design to determine the level of significance. Results showed significant difference in the nutritional and chemical composition of different milk thistle varieties as well as locations. Moreover, moisture content, ash content, fat content, fiber content, protein content, and NFE varied from 6.27% to 5.01%, 2.37 to 1.25%, 23.19 to 19.74%, 7.4 to 4.39%, 30.09 to 20.74%, and 45.42 to 34.13%, respectively. Furthermore, silymarin content quantified though HPLC ranged from 1669.5 mg/g to 1607.6 mg/g for soxhlet extract whereas, 1,840.6 mg/g to 1765.9 mg/g for microwave‐assisted extraction extract. Conclusively, it was depicted from the results that in case of variety, Blue was the best than White whereas, Islamabad was best in case of location.
A Pleistocene deposit preserved in deep karst at Coolough, County Galway, western Ireland
Authors: Dolan Megan J. , McCabe Bryan A. , Molloy Karen , Murray John , Henry Tiernan , Daly Eve , O'Leary David
Published: November 2020

Buried karst features result from a complex interplay between carbonate bedrock and structural geology. The enhancement of carbonate aquifers through this interplay creates hydrogeologically complex subsurface drainage networks and highly variable surface topographies. This article reports on the sediment fill and fossil pollen record from a large enclosed negative karst landform at Coolough, near Galway City in the west of Ireland. The landform was discovered during the preliminary site investigation for the proposed N6 Galway City Ring Road. Major joint sets developed in the Carboniferous (Mississippian) Limestone bedrock govern the local hydrogeology and structural evidence suggests that a local fault has controlled the east–west propagation of the deep enclosed depression. Fluvial and lacustrine palaeoenvironments are interpreted from the sediments infilling the enclosed depression, within which three discrete diamicts are identified, potentially representing distinct phases of glaciation. Pollen assemblages, which reflect palaeoenvironments of open woods and grasslands, have been correlated with other deposits in Ireland and Europe and suggest a minimum date of the Early Pleistocene for the oldest of the diamicts, and thus an upper age limit on the development of the karst depression. Fluvial disturbance to the deposit is evident and is likely to be responsible for the chronological discrepancy between the Early Pleistocene and Middle Pleistocene sediments both recorded from the deposit infill. The findings of this multidisciplinary study contribute to an understanding of Quaternary landscape evolution in western Ireland.
Anxieties and apprehensions among women waiting for fertility treatments during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Gupta Monica , Jaiswal Parul , Bansiwal Reeta , Sethi Ankita , Vanamail Perumal , Kachhawa Garima , Kumari Rajesh , Mahey Reeta
Published: November 2020

Synopsis

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, delays to fertility treatments and advancing age remain a major stressor for infertile women seeking treatment, thus necessitating the need to triage these patients.
AML poor prognosis factor, TPD52, is associated with the maintenance of haematopoietic stem cells through regulation of cell proliferation
Authors: Kang Ji Wan , Kim Youngjoo , Lee Yoonsung , Myung Kyungjae , Kim Yun Hak , Oh Chang‐Kyu
Published: November 2020

Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is a blood cancer where undifferentiated myeloid cells are increased in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. As AML is dangerous and shows poor prognosis, many researchers categorised the relevant cytogenetic factors according to risk and prognosis. However, the specific reasons for poor cytogenetic factors remain unknown. We analysed a large data set from AML patients and found that TPD52 expression is elevated in patient groups with poor cytogenetic factors. As the amino acid sequence of TPD52 is evolutionally conserved in vertebrates, zebrafish embryos were used to investigate the function of TPD52. Since myeloid‐biased haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are relevant to AML, the function of TPD52 in the development of HSCs was investigated. We determined that the zebrafish paralog, tpd52, is important for the maintenance of HSCs through regulation of cell proliferation. As tpd52 is linked to cell proliferation in zebrafish embryos, the proliferation‐related gene, CD59, was correlated to TPD52 in every AML cohort with a high correlation coefficient. We suggest that TPD52 can be a novel therapeutic target for AML patients with poor cytogenetic factors. Additionally, more studies between TPD52 and CD59 will further increase the value of TPD52 as a novel target.
Murray Sidman: fostering progress through foundational choices
Authors: Law Stu , Hayes Steven C.
Published: November 2020

The contributions of Murray Sidman to the field of behavior analysis have helped to put the field on a progressive path. In this paper we describe three areas as examples, drawn from the larger set of his notable contributions: the analysis of stimulus equivalence in a way that has fostered a behavior‐analytic approach to derived stimulus relations and symbolic meaning; the observation and measurement of individual behavior through time; and his stance against punitive applied methods. In each of these areas Sidman was a dedicated behaviorist, avoiding appeals to mentalistic or transcendental forces, opposing hypothetical mediational accounts, and taking a functional and contextual approach. Clarity of assumptions was at the heart of Sidman's effective scientific practices and there is no reason to think that those same assumptions will not carry us further, as evidence mounts in support of these views on psychological research and practice.
Pancreatitis, panniculitis, and polyarthritis syndrome complicated with terminal pancreatic adenocarcinoma managed with intra‐articular knee aspiration, intra‐articular lidocaine and corticosteroid injection, and decompression of panniculitis: A case report
Authors: Takeuchi Yuki
Published: November 2020

Pancreatitis, panniculitis, and polyarthritis (PPP) syndrome is a rare triad of hyperlipasemia, erythematous cutaneous nodules, and oligo‐ or mono‐arthritis and a rare complication of pancreatic diseases. The treatment for PPP syndrome complicated by untreatable pancreatic diseases can be challenging because the causal treatment may not be available. Herein, I report a case of a 72‐year‐old man presenting with PPP syndrome, complicated by untreatable terminal pancreatic adenocarcinoma, who was successfully managed with intra‐articular knee aspiration, intra‐articular injection of lidocaine and corticosteroid, and decompression of panniculitis.
Pulmonary thromboembolism: A rare complication of amoebic liver abscess in a child
Authors: Aneja Aradhana , Meena Shamsunder , Venkatesh Vybhav , Lal Sadhna B
Published: November 2020

Amoebic liver abscess is common in children in developing countries due to lack of hygiene and sanitary conditions. Inferior vena cava thrombosis is a rare complication of this disease, with only a few cases reported in the literature, where this thrombus led to pulmonary thromboembolism. We report the case of a 7‐year‐old child with amoebic liver abscess who developed pulmonary thromboembolism and was promptly diagnosed and managed.
COVID‐19 prevalence among health‐care workers of Gastroenterology department: An audit from a tertiary‐care hospital in India
Authors: Kumar Goenka Mahesh , Bharat Shah Bhavik , Goenka Usha , Das Sudipto S , Afzalpurkar Shivaraj , Mukherjee Mohuya , Patil Vikram U , Jajodia Surabhi , Rodge Gajanan A. , Khan Ujjaini , Bandopadhyay Syamasis
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim

In the present coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) era, health‐care workers (HCWs) warrant special attention because of their higher risk and potential to transmit the disease. Gastroenterology services include emergency and critical care along with the endoscopy procedures, which have aerosol‐generating potential. This study was aimed at auditing the COVID‐19 impact on HCWs working in the Gastroenterology department of our hospital.

Methods

The COVID‐19 status of 117 HCWs was collected using either polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or Immunoglobulin G (IgG) seroassay. COVID‐19 positivity was correlated with demographic characteristics, job profile, area of work, and medical history.

Results

Thirty‐eight HCWs (32.48%) showed evidence of COVID‐19 using PCR (23.93%) or only IgG assay (8.55%). Endoscopy technicians (68.75%) exhibited significantly higher (P = 0.003) COVID‐19 incidence compared to doctors (20.69%). Those working in the critical care units exhibited a trend toward higher COVID‐19 incidence (42.86%). None of the six HCWs who received adequate hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis developed evidence of COVID‐19. All the HCWs with COVID‐19 disease recovered. However, there was a considerable loss of “man‐days.”

Conclusions

In our setting, we observed a high COVID‐19 risk for HCWs working in the Gastroenterology department, with the highest risk among the endoscopy technicians. A more stringent triaging and pretesting of patients, as well as HCWs, might decrease the risk of COVID‐19. Further multicenter studies are needed to evaluate the risk and related parameters.
Modulation of seasonal precipitation in Argentina by the South Pacific high
Authors: Garbarini Eugenia María , González Marcela Hebe , Rolla Alfredo Luis
Published: November 2020

The aim of this work is to quantify the influence of the position and intensity of the South Pacific High (SPH) over seasonal rainfall in Argentina. Some indices were defined to measure the position and intensity of the SPH, and they were correlated with seasonal precipitation to study the relationship between them. Results indicate that the intensity of the SPH affects precipitation mainly in northern Argentina during spring and in the southern region in autumn and winter. The latitudinal shift of the SPH has proved to have a relevant impact on precipitation in the northeast in summer and winter, and in some regions of southern and central Argentina during winter and spring. When studying the possibility to foresee precipitation behaviour with a one‐month lag, these metrics were not able to predict precipitation effectively in the northwest. On the contrary, the SPH intensity showed significant lagged correlations with rainfall mainly in the northeast, central‐east and south during spring and summer while the position of the SPH is mostly significantly correlated with summer and winter precipitation in the northeast and central Argentina. Results suggest that the situation of SPH can provide some rainfall predictability.
Nanoshock wave enhancement on stimulated Raman scattering of liquid water in dilute ethanol–water solutions
Authors: Wang Ying , Li Fabing , Wang Chong , Shen Pengfei , Sun Chenglin , Fang Wenhui , Men Zhiwei
Published: November 2020

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) of OH stretching vibrations in pure water and dilute ethanol–water solutions under different pump laser energies has been investigated using Nd:YAG laser. Two characteristic peaks at about 3252 and 3390 cm−1 are observed in mixture solutions, indicating the formation of strong and weak hydrogen bonds in water. A new shoulder peak at 3350 cm−1 appears in the mixture solutions at high laser energy due to the enhancement of hydrogen bond structure of water molecules. Simultaneously, the normalized SRS intensity of mixture solutions is higher than that of pure water at the same laser energy. These results indicate that SRS of water molecules is enhanced in dilute ethanol–water solutions. We propose that the mechanism is the reduction of the laser breakdown threshold of liquid water via ethanol, resulting in a strong nanoshock wave, thereby enhancing the SRS of water.