bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Citric Acid Treatment and Fermentation on the Chemical Composition of African Yam Bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) and Sensory Evaluation of Its Gruel
Authors: Aburime Lilian C. , Ene-Obong Henrietta, N. , David-Oku Essien
Published: May 2020

Aims: Legumes, (especially indigenous/ underutilized legumes), have been found to make substantial contributions to nutrient intakes of the populace especially in low resources environments. The African yam bean (AYB) is one of such indigenous legumes with utilization constraints such as hard-to-cook phenomenon, beany flavour, bitter taste and some anti- nutritional factors that limit its utilization. The aims of this study were to determine effect of citric acid treatment and fermentation on the chemical composition of African yam bean (Sphenostylisstenocarpa) and sensory evaluation of its gruel.

Methodology: Cream coloured AYB seeds were purchased in Enugu, Enugu State Nigeria. Sorted AYB seeds were washed and fermented in citric acid medium (0.25%, 0.5% and 1%) for 24 h 48 h and 72 h at room temperature (28°C) in a seed water ratio of 1:4 (w/v). The control seeds were fermented without citric acid for 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. After fermentation, each batch of the fermented seeds was divided into two. The first half was dehulled and the other half was left as whole. The fermented seeds were separately dried and milled into flour for further use. Standard methods were used for proximate, mineral and anti-nutrient analyses. Gruels were produced from all the flours and subjected to sensory evaluations using a nine-point hedonic scale. Data obtained were analyzed using a Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compute the mean and standard deviations. Means were compared using the least significant difference (LSD) and significance accepted at P<.05.

Results: Chemical compositions of AYB flour fermented in 0.5% citric acid solution showed that protein contents increased by 50%, dietary fibre decreased by 0.02%. Raffinose, stachyose, lectins, trypsin inhibitors, tannins, oxalates, phytates and saponins were all significantly reduced to safe levels. Gruels made from raw and dehulled AYB seeds fermented for 24 h with 0.5% citric acid had higher scores for aroma (7.30 & 7.35, respectively) and general acceptability (7.32 & 7.22, respectively). Dehulled AYB fermented for 24 h in 1% citric acid had the highest score (7.99) for colour. Based on the sensory evaluation results, gruels made from the AYB seeds fermented in 0.5% citric acid compared with the gruels made from AYB seeds that were fermented in tap water. The results showed that gruels made from the AYB seeds that were fermented in 0.5% citric acid for 24 h had higher score for aroma (7.70), colour (7.10) and overall acceptability (7.52). Utilization of AYB in food formulation could be improved by fermenting in 0.5% citric acid solution for 24 h.
Antibacterial Activity of Honey on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pyogenes Isolated from Wounds
Authors: Usanga V. U. , Elom M. O. , Umoh N. O. , Nworie A. , Ukwah B. N. , Kalu M. E. , Azi S. O.
Published: May 2020

Aim: To assess the antibacterial activity of crude honey obtained from Ishielu Local Government of Ebonyi State on pathogenic bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus pyogenes) isolated from wounds.

Study Design: An experimental study which involved a random selection of patients with wound

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria, between February 2019 and November 2019.

Methodology: A total of 50 samples of wound swabs collected from different sites of open wounds were cultured on blood agar, chocolate agar and MacConkey agar. The crude honey was diluted to concentrations ranging from 20% to 100% and the antibacterial activity was carried out by well diffusion method with augmentin used as a control.

Result: Out of the 50 samples, 43 showed growth of bacterial species isolated, identified and confirmed using standard bacteriological techniques. Staphylococcus aureus (60.5%) was the most frequent isolates, followed by Escherichia coli (27.9%) and Streptococcus pyogenes (11.6%). All the tested bacterial isolates were susceptible to the honey and the number of isolates as well as the diameter of zone of inhibition was positively linearly correlated with increasing concentration of the honey (p= 0.00). At 100% honey, 22 (22.25±0.46 mm) out of 26 Staphylococcus aureus were susceptible as against 8 (4.62±0.31 mm) at 20% honey.  The number of Escherichia coli inhibited at 20% honey was 2 (1.96±0.04 mm) out of 12 isolated and at 100%, 7 (19.17±0.31 mm) were inhibited. At 20% honey, no Streptococcus pyogenes was inhibited and at 100%, 4 (21.84±0.15 mm) out of 5 isolated were inhibited.

Conclusion: Locally produced crude honey may be used as a source of an effective antibacterial agent for wound management.
Association between Demographic Profile, Type of School and Dental Appearance Affecting Choice of Spouse among Undergraduates in Enugu, Nigeria
Authors: Okeke Azubuike C. , Onyejaka Nneka K. , Folaranmi Nkiruka
Published: May 2020

Background: Aspects of life such as social interactions and choice of partners can be influenced by human appearance. This study identified the effect of dental appearance on the choice of spouse among undergraduate students in Enugu.

Study Design: This was a descriptive cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was at Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy and Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria. The study lasted for 3 months.

Methodology: 402 final year students were recruited for the study but 4(1.0%) submitted incompletely filled questionnaires while 398(99.0%) submitted completely filled questionnaires. The mean age was 22.0± 2.24 years. More females 235(59.0%) than males 163(41.0%) participated in the study. Many were attending dental school 253(63.6%) while 145(36.4%) were attending non dental schools. All 379(95.2%) students who wished to get married believed that dental appearance can influence the choice of spouse. There was significant association between sex (P<0.001) and wish to get married and type of school (P=0.001) and dental appearance affecting choice of spouse.

Conclusion: Many of the study participants wished to get married. Those attending dental school will consider dental appearance when making choice of a spouse and scattered teeth will affect the choice of spouse most negatively.
Targeting Oligosaccharides and Glycoconjugates Using Superselective Binding Scaffolds
Authors: Tommasone Stefano , Tagger Yazmin K. , Mendes Paula M.
Published: May 2020

Recognition of oligosaccharides is associated with very limited specificity due to their strong solvation in water and the high degree of subtle structural variations between them. Here, oligosaccharide recognition sites are created on material surfaces with unmatched, binary on–off binding behavior, sharply discriminating a target oligosaccharide over closely related carbohydrate structures. The basis for the superselective binding behavior relies on the highly efficient generation of a pure, high order complex of the oligosaccharide target with synthetic carbohydrate receptor sites, in which the spatial arrangement of the multiple receptors in the complex is preserved upon material surface incorporation. The synthetic binding scaffolds can easily be tailored to recognize different oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates, opening up a realm of possibilities for their use in a wide field of applications, ranging from life sciences to diagnostics.
Evaluation of the expression of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells and cancer‐associated fibroblasts in the stroma of gastric cancer tissue
Authors: Minami Taizan , Aoyagi Keishiro , Kawahara Akihiko , Murakami Naotaka , Isobe Taro , Tanaka Yuya , Kaku Hideaki , Fujita Fumihiko , Akagi Yoshito
Published: May 2020

Aim

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) generated by bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) play an important role in cancer progression. In this study, we investigated the relationships of BM‐MSCs and CAFs in resected gastric cancers with the clinicopathological factors of patients.

Methods

We analyzed 120 gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy. Immunostaining was performed with an anti‐CD271 antibody (BM‐MSCs) and anti‐α‐smooth muscle actin (αSMA) antibody (CAFs). Staining intensity was used to divide patients into low and high expression groups. Observation sites in cancer tissues were invasive, central, and whole portions.

Results

Expression of αSMA was significantly related to depth of tumor invasion (T), lymph node metastasis (N), lymphatic invasion (ly), venous invasion (v), and stage. Expression of CD271 was significantly related to v, stage, stromal volume, and tumor infiltration pattern (INF). Overall survival (OS) of the high expression group was significantly lower than that of the low expression group for both αSMA and CD271. Multivariate analysis showed that N, αSMA (whole), and CD271 (invasive) were independent prognostic factors.

Conclusions

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts and BM‐MSCs are related to the progression, invasion, and prognosis of gastric cancer and may be therapeutic targets of gastric cancer.
Reoperative aortic valve replacement in the era of valve‐in‐valve procedures
Authors: Kaneyuki Daisuke , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Otsu Masayoshi , Yamamoto Hiroaki
Published: May 2020

Current evidence suggests that the choice between valve‐in‐valve transcatheter aortic valve implantation and reoperative aortic valve replacement should be based on multiple factors.
PROTOCOL: When and how to replicate systematic reviews
Authors: Karunananthan Sathya , Maxwell Lara J. , Welch Vivian , Petkovic Jennifer , Pardo Jordi Pardo , Rader Tamara , Avey Marc T. , Baptiste‐Ngobi John , Batista Ricardo , Curran Janet A. , Ghogomu Elizabeth Tanjong , Graham Ian D. , Grimshaw Jeremy M. , Ioannidis John PA. , Jordan Zoe , Jull Janet , Lyddiatt Anne , Moher David , Petticrew Mark , Pottie Kevin , Rada Gabriel , Shamseer Larissa , Shea Beverley , Siontis Konstantinos C. , Tschirhart Naomi , Vachon Brigitte , Wells George A. , White Howard , Tugwell Peter
Published: May 2020

This is a protocol for a co‐registered Cochrane and Campbell Review (Methodology). The objectives are as follows: To identify, describe and assess methods for: when to replicate a systematic review; how to replicate a systematic review.
Comparative analysis of programmed death ligand 1 expression in paired cytologic and histologic specimens of non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Daverio Matteo , Patrucco Filippo , Gavelli Francesco , Airoldi Chiara , Sciortino Giusy , Chiaramonte Claudia , Rena Ottavio , Balbo Piero E. , Boldorini Renzo L.
Published: May 2020

Background

In advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), cytologic specimens from transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) or transthoracic needle aspiration are often the only cancer tissue material available for the analysis of programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression. This study was aimed at assessing the concordance of PD‐L1 expression in histologic and cytologic samples and at evaluating interobserver agreement on specimens in this setting.

Methods

One hundred and thirty‐eight specimens from 60 patients with NSCLC were analyzed. Histologic specimens were represented by endoscopic samples obtained with forceps (biopsies), whereas cytologic specimens were from TBNA and bronchial lavage (BL). PD‐L1 expression was quantified with the immunohistochemistry (IHC)‐based Ventana SP263 assay. For cytologic specimens, IHC was performed on cell block sections. Two independent pathologists who were blinded to the clinical data evaluated partial or complete membrane IHC staining. Concordance between 2 methods and between 2 pathologists was evaluated with normal and weighted Cohen's κ coefficients, overall agreement, and Bland‐Altman plots.

Results

PD‐L1 expression was quantified in 138 specimens from 60 patients. Concordance between cytologic and histologic approaches was moderate (κ = 0.56; weighted κ = 0.55). Also, concordance in the biopsy‐TBNA and biopsy‐BL subgroups was moderate (κ = 0.43 and κ = 0.47, respectively), whereas interobserver agreement was substantial (weighted κ = 0.72). A Bland‐Altman plot showed an underestimation in PD‐L1 values from cytologic samples in comparison with histologic ones.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that in the absence of available histologic specimens, PD‐L1 positivity in cytologic samples could be a reliable data for the oncologist to consider immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. However, a comparison of cytologic and histologic samples has shown an underestimation of PD‐L1 values in cytologic samples.
Interdisciplinary knowledge‐based implicit emotion recognition
Authors: Jiang Jialin , Wang Xinzhi , Luo Xiangfeng
Published: May 2020

Detecting different emotions is a key step toward intelligent recommendation and affective computing, which plays an increasingly important role in guiding decisions. There have been a large number of previous work of machine learning in this topic. However, most existing methods neglect the help of long‐term accumulated and precious interdisciplinary knowledge, which cover both computer science and psychology. In this work, we distill part of the psychological knowledge as following: (i) The emotions with the same polarity co‐occur frequently, while emotions with contrary polarity co‐exist hardly; (ii) The relations between emotions are variable and complicated; (iii) The number of emotions that can be aroused in the same moment is limited. In this paper, we propose two novel modules to execute above prior knowledge, by adding external constraints to our proposed model Double Attention Convolutional Neural Network. In the first module, the emotion relationships are captured by an automatically extracted emotion template. In the second module, uncertainty punishment is applied to limit the too frequent emotions. Our proposed model, which employs interdisciplinary knowledge, performs potentially and get state‐of‐the‐art result when compared with models without above constraints.
Lignin‐Based Micro‐ and Nanomaterials and their Composites in Biomedical Applications
Authors: Liu Rui , Dai Lin , Xu Chunlin , Wang Kai , Zheng Chunyang , Si Chuanling
Published: May 2020

Lignin, as the most abundant aromatic renewable biopolymer in nature, has long been regarded as waste and simply discarded from the pulp and paper industry. In recent years, with many breakthroughs in lignin chemistry, pretreatment, and processing techniques, a lot of the inherent bioactivities of lignin, including antioxidant activities, antimicrobial activities, biocompatibilities, optical properties, and metal‐ion chelating and redox activities, have been discovered and this has opened a new field not only for lignin‐based materials but also for biomaterials. In this Review, the biological activities of lignin and drug/gene delivery and bioimaging applications of various types of lignin‐based material are summarized. In addition, the challenges and limitations of lignin‐based materials encountered during the development of biomedical applications are also discussed.
Smoke development and movement during ventilation‐limited fires in a multi‐storey house
Authors: Forrest Bronwyn , Weckman Elizabeth , DiDomizio Matt , Senez Peter , Ryder Noah
Published: May 2020

Modern energy efficient homes in Canada are well‐sealed, having less air leakage and moisture propagation through the building envelope compared with older homes. From a fire safety perspective, it is unclear how this change influences the dynamics of house fires, including: heat release rate, flame spread, species production and smoke transport. Although previous studies have determined that better sealed structures tend to lead to ventilation‐limited fires, there is a dearth of research on this topic. Yet, it is important to understand the evolution of fires in energy efficient buildings to assess both physical and safety implications associated with this type of construction. This article presents results of species concentrations and smoke evolution during nine instrumented, large‐scale, ventilation‐limited and two‐storey residential furniture fire experiments. As the smoke layer descended, it impacted heat release rate of the fires. Oxygen concentrations on the main floor of the structure sequentially decreased to around 5%. Measurements of gas transport at the stairwell connecting the floors of the structure provided new information about how oxygen was drawn from different areas of the structure during growth of the fire. These results provide novel insight into the growth and impact of fires in modern energy efficient homes.
Technical Note: Development of an ischemic defect model insert attachable to a commercially available myocardial phantom
Authors: Matsutomo Norikazu , Seki Harumi , Hishikawa Mizuho , Motegi Kazuki , Yamamoto Tomoaki
Published: May 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study was to develop a novel myocardial phantom insert model that attaches to commercially available myocardial phantoms and simulates an ischemic area, using three‐dimensional printing technology.

Methods

Ischemic inserts were designed to give four levels of absolute percent contrast (Low; 10%, Medium; 20%, High; 35%, and Defect; 100%) using CT images and computer‐aided design software. The ischemic insert was composed of multiple slit structures to replicate myocardial ischemia. Myocardial phantom images with developed ischemic inserts were acquired using a SPECT/CT system and were then reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction (IR) with various cutoff frequencies of a Butterworth filter. The performance and utility of ischemic inserts were evaluated according to percent contrast and 5‐point scoring.

Results

The percent contrast and scoring results changed according to the ischemic insert type, cutoff frequency, and reconstruction method. The percent contrast of each insert obtained by FBP with 0.4 cycles/cm was 4.1% (Low), 15.7% (Medium), 17.4% (High), and 36.1% (Defect). Similarly, the percent contrast of each insert obtained by IR with 0.4 cycles/cm was 5.0% (Low), 17.0% (Medium), 21.9% (High), and 47.7% (Defect).

Conclusions

We successfully developed an ischemic insert that attaches to a commercially available myocardial phantom by using CT imaging and 3D printing technology. Our proposed ischemic insert provided several abnormal perfusion patterns on myocardial SPECT images and may be useful for evaluating SPECT image quality.
PET technology for drug development in psychiatry
Authors: Arakawa Ryosuke , Takano Akihiro , Halldin Christer
Published: May 2020

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non‐invasive imaging method to measure the molecule in vivo. PET imaging can evaluate the central nervous system drugs as target engagement in the human brain. For antipsychotic drugs, adequate dopamine D2 receptor occupancy (“therapeutic window”) is reported to be from 65%‐70% to 80% to achieve the antipsychotic effect without extrapyramidal symptoms. For antidepressants, the clinical threshold of serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) occupancy is reported to be 70%‐80% although the relation between the side effect and 5‐HTT occupancy has not yet been established. Evaluation of norepinephrine transporter (NET) occupancy for antidepressant is ongoing as adequate PET radioligands for NET were developed recently. Measurement of the target occupancy has been a key element to evaluate the in vivo target engagement of the drugs. In order to evaluate new drug targets for disease conditions such as negative symptoms/cognitive impairment of schizophrenia and treatment‐resistant depression, new PET radioligands need to be developed concurrently with the drug development.
Phosphorus‐containing polyamide Mg(OH)2 nanocomposite coating on surface of poly(vinyl chloride) thin film: Study on thermal stability, flammability, and mechanical properties
Authors: Hajibeygi Mohsen , Habibnejad Navid , Shabanian Meisam , Khonakdar Hossein Ali
Published: May 2020

Surface of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) thin films was coated using DOPO‐based polyamide (DBPA) coating and DBPA/Mg(OH)2 nanocomposites (DBPN) coating by dip‐coating process. For this purpose, a new DOPO‐based dicarboxylic acid (DBDA) was synthesized and used for preparation of DBPA and organically surface modification of Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles. The effects of DBPA and DBPN coatings on the morphology, thermal stability, combustion, and mechanical properties of PVC were investigated. The uniform dispersion of Mg(OH)2 nanoparticles (nano‐MDH) and organically coating manner on the surface of the PVC films were confirmed by ATR‐IR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray, and elemental mapping. From thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA) results, the 10 mass% loss temperature (T10) increased from 268°C to 272°C in PVC coated with DBPA‐containing 10 mass% of modified Mg(OH)2 (MMH). Also the char residue, first and second mass loss temperatures of all PVC coated were increased compared with the neat PVC film. According to microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) results, the peak of heat release rate (pHHR) and total heat release (THR) were decreased from 128 ± 2 to 69 W/g and 12 ± 1 to 4 ± 2 KJ/g for PVC film coated with DBPA‐containing 10 mass% of MMH, compared with the neat PVC. From tensile test results, tensile strength was increased from 31.78 ± 0.8 to 39.64 ± 0.9 MPa for PVC coated with polyamide‐containing 5 mass% of MMH compared with the neat PVC.
Resonant Waveguide Gratings – Versatile Devices for Laser Engineering
Authors: Rumpel Martin , Dietrich Tom , Beirow Frieder , Graf Thomas , Ahmed Marwan Abdou
Published: May 2020

Resonant waveguide gratings (RWGs) have been developed by various international groups for over 35 years now and have been successfully implemented in many different laser sources (gas, disk, fiber, rod, microchip, or diode lasers). These devices offer high versatility in their application and high efficiency in reflection, transmission or diffraction. RWGs can withstand power and energy levels as required in modern laser sources and applications.
Advanced Process Monitoring in Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Tyralla Dieter , Seefeld Thomas
Published: May 2020

Laser‐based additive manufacturing processes like laser metal deposition (LMD) and laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) are becoming more and more popular in industry. In demanding applications, however, every part has to be tested non‐destructively in a subsequent step. Online process monitoring can provide detailed documentation for each part and has the potential to reduce the post‐process inspection costs. BIAS has developed an advanced monitoring approach for in‐process temperature field measurement using a coaxial two‐channel pyrometric camera.
Mechanical Behaviour of a NTO and RDX‐Based Melt Cast Explosive
Authors: Drouet David , Hanus Jean‐Luc , Pavier Julien , Eches Nicolas , Lamy Peggy , Bailly Patrice
Published: May 2020

Constitutive equationsThe XF explosive family from NEXTER Munitions relies on a melt cast formulation with a TNT matrix. Melt cast formulations provide a high‐volume ratio of energetic filler material to matrix. This might affect the mechanical response of the material and its damage process. Therefore, a laboratory study has been launched to improve the knowledge of the mechanical behavior of this family of energetic materials. To mimic the conditions observed by the material inside ammunition, we chose to adapt a passive confinement method to the pyrotechnic conditions of the XF‐11585. This relies on an elastic‐perfectly plastic ring that gives us access to the shear behavior for different loadings in quasi‐static regime. This setup allowed us to investigate the physical phenomena involved under both pressure and shear. Then, based on the results obtained, we built an isotropic elastic damage model. This macroscopic modeling of damage is meant to be simple but complex enough to provide an assessment of the material degradation.
Non‐Newtonian Thermosensitive Nanofluid Based on Carbon Dots Functionalized with Ionic Liquids
Authors: Gonçalves Helena M. R. , Pereira Rui F. P. , Lepleux Emmanuel , Pacheco Louis , Valente Artur J. M. , Duarte Abel J. , de Zea Bermudez Verónica
Published: May 2020

Non‐Newtonian nanofluids present outstanding features in terms of energy transfer and conductivity with high application in numerous areas. In this work, non‐Newtonian nanofluids based on carbon dots (Cdots) functionalized with ionic liquids (ILs) are developed. The nanofluids are produced using a simple, single‐step method where the raw materials for the Cdots synthesis are glucose and waste biomass (chitin from crab shells). The use of ILs as both reaction media and functionalization molecules allows for the development of a new class of nanofluids, where the ILs on the Cdots surface represent the base‐fluid. Here, the well‐known benign IL 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) and a novel home‐made IL (1‐tosylate‐3‐methyl‐imidazolium triflate) [Tmi][Trif] are used. The nanofluids obtained from both substrates show, apart from high conductivity and viscosity, light absorption, and good wettability, an appealing thermal sensitivity behavior. This thermal sensitivity is preserved even when applied as thin films on glass slides and can be boosted using the surface plasmon resonance effect. The results reported demonstrate that the new Cdots/IL‐based nanofluids constitute a versatile and cost‐effective route for achieving high‐performance thermosensitive non‐Newtonian sustainable nanofluids with tremendous potential for the energy coatings sector and heat transfer film systems.
Hydronumerische Modellierung mittels frei verfügbarer Software: ein kurzer Überblick
Authors: Gegenleithner Sebastian , Dorfmann Clemens , Schneider Josef
Published: May 2020

In diesem Beitrag wird auf die hydrodynamische Modellierung mit frei verfügbaren Softwarepaketen eingegangen. Besonderes Augenmerk liegt hierbei auf den Rollen von Personen in der Entwicklung und Anwendung sowie auf deren Stellenwert im Laufe der Zeit. Charakteristiken von frei verfügbarer und kommerzieller Software werden vorgestellt und die jeweiligen Vor- und Nachteile diskutiert. Mittels vier Anwendungsbeispielen werden die Möglichkeiten der Adaptierung von frei verfügbarer Software für neue Entwicklungen bzw. für die Lösung von projektspezifischen Aufgabenstellungen vorgestellt: (i) Berücksichtigung von hydraulischen Verlusten in einem 2D tiefengemittelten Modell, (ii) Implementierung von internen Randbedingungen, (iii) Serielle Kopplung von Modellen, (iv) Auswertung von Zeitreihen mittels Python. Die vorgestellten Überlegungen werden zum Schluss diskutiert und zusammengefasst.
From Ultraslow to Extremely Fast Dynamics in Sodium Nitrate: an 17O NMR Study
Authors: Beerwerth J. , Siegel R. , Hoffmann L. , Plaga L. S. , Storek M. , Bojer B. , Senker J. , Hiller W. , Böhmer R.
Published: May 2020

Increasing dynamics in solids featuring nuclei subjected to second-order quadrupolar interactions lead to central-transition spectra that undergo two consecutive line-shaped transitions. Conventional motional narrowing occurs when the molecular exchange rate is on the order of the strength of the dominant interaction. In a second step, the resulting intermediately narrowed spectra change further when the motion becomes faster than the Larmor precession rate, leading to terminally narrowed spectra that can display a residual quadrupolar shift. We derive analytic expressions for this shift and analyze the quadrupolar central-transition spectra in terms of CNsymmetrical cone models. Increasing the number of sites toN ≥ 3, the terminally narrowed spectra remain unaltered, while the intermediately narrowed spectra remain unaltered only forN ≥ 5. This finding relates to the different (cubic vs. icosahedral) symmetries that are required to average out the spatial second- and fourth-rank terms in the second-order quadrupolar interaction. Following recent work (Hung et al., Solid State Nucl Magn Reson 84:14–19, 2017),17O NMR is applied to examine the three-site rotation of the nitrate group in NaNO3. Line shapes are measured and analyzed, and in addition to prior work, satellite-transition and stimulated-echo experiments are carried out. The final-state amplitudes extracted from the latter are reproduced using model calculations. It is shown how two-dimensional exchange spectra relating toN-site cone motions can be decomposed in terms of effective two-site-jump spectra. This latter approach is successfully tested for NaNO3.
Does ozone exposure affect herbivore-induced plant volatile emissions differently in wild and cultivated plants?
Authors: Brosset Agnès , Saunier Amélie , Kivimäenpää Minna , Blande James D.
Published: May 2020

Concentrations of tropospheric ozone have more than doubled in the Northern Hemisphere since pre-industrial times. Plant responses to single abiotic or biotic stresses, such as ozone exposure and herbivore-feeding, have received substantial attention, especially for cultivated plants. Modern cultivated plants have been subjected to selective breeding that has altered plant chemical defences. To understand how ozone might affect plant responses to herbivore-feeding in wild and cultivated plants, we studied the volatile emissions of brassicaceous plants after exposure to ambient (~ 15 ppb) or elevated ozone (80 ppb), with and without Plutella xylostella larvae-feeding. Results indicated that most of the wild and cultivated plants increased volatile emissions in response to herbivore-feeding. Ozone alone had a weaker and less consistent effect on volatile emissions, but appeared to have a greater effect on wild plants than cultivated plants. This study highlights that closely related species of the Brassicaceae have variable responses to ozone and herbivore-feeding stresses and indicates that the effect of ozone may be stronger in wild than cultivated plants. Further studies should investigate the mechanisms by which elevated ozone modulates plant volatile emissions in conjunction with biotic stressors.
Hippocampal Metabolite Profiles in Two Rat Models of Autism: NMR-Based Metabolomics Studies
Authors: Toczylowska B. , Zieminska E. , Senator P. , Lazarewicz J. W.
Published: May 2020

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are increasingly being diagnosed. Hypotheses link ASD to genetic, epigenetic, or environmental factors. The role of oxidative stress and the imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in the pathogenesis of ASD has been suggested. Rats in which ASD symptoms are induced by valproate (VPA) or thalidomide (THAL) application in utero are useful models in ASD studies. Our study investigated whether rats in ASD models show changes in metabolite levels in the brain consistent with the hypothetical pathomechanisms of ASD. Female rats were fed one dose of 800 mg/kg VPA or 500 mg/kg THAL orally on the 11th day of gestation, and 1-month offspring were used for the experiments. Metabolic profiles from proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of hydrophilic and hydrophobic extracts of rat hippocampi were subjected to OPLS-DA statistical analysis. Large differences between both models in the content of several metabolites in the rat hippocampus were noticed. The following metabolic pathways were identified as being disturbed in both ASD models: steroid hormone biosynthesis; fatty acid biosynthesis; the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies; glycerophospholipid metabolism; cholesterol metabolism; purine metabolism; arginine and proline metabolism; valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis and degradation. These results indicate disorders of energy metabolism, altered structure of cell membranes, changes in neurotransmission, and the induction of oxidative stress in the hippocampus. Our data, consistent with hypotheses of ASD pathomechanisms, may be useful in future ASD studies, especially for the interpretation of the results of metabolomics analysis of body fluids in rat ASD models.
Association between Graduate Degrees and Publication Productivity in Academic Neurosurgery
Authors: Keough Michael B. , Newell Christopher , Rheaume Alan R. , Sankar Tejas
Published: May 2020

Object:

Many neurosurgeons pursue graduate degrees as part of their training. In some jurisdictions, graduate degrees are considered a necessary condition of employment in academic neurosurgery. However, the relationship between possession of a graduate degree and eventual research productivity is not well established. We used bibliometric methods to analyze publications from academic Canadian neurosurgeons, with an emphasis on level of graduate training.

Methods:

All neurosurgeons holding academic appointments at Canadian institutions from 2012–2016 were included. Over that time frame, Scopus was used to quantify the number of papers, number of citations, 5-year h-index and 5-year r-index, CiteScore, authorship position, and paper type (clinical or basic science). Publication output was compared between neurosurgeons grouped as MD-only, MD-Masters, or MD-PhD.

Results:

In total, 2557 abstracts from 131 Canadian neurosurgeons were analyzed. We found that MD-Masters neurosurgeons published significantly more total papers, clinical papers, and first/last author papers than MD-only neurosurgeons. MD-PhD neurosurgeons had the same findings, in addition to more basic science papers, in journals with a higher CiteScore, 5-year h-index, and 5-year r-index than both other groups. These results were preserved even with significant outliers removed. There was no difference if graduate degrees were obtained before or after starting residency. There was no correlation with career length and number of recent papers published.

Conclusion:

The attainment of a graduate degree has an important association with future publication productivity for academic neurosurgeons. These data should be useful for hiring committees considering the value of graduate degrees from applicants for positions in academic neurosurgery.
A CLASS OF NONHOLOMORPHIC MODULAR FORMS II: EQUIVARIANT ITERATED EISENSTEIN INTEGRALS
Authors: BROWN FRANCIS
Published: May 2020

We introduce a new family of real-analytic modular forms on the upper-half plane. They are arguably the simplest class of ‘mixed’ versions of modular forms of level one and are constructed out of real and imaginary parts of iterated integrals of holomorphic Eisenstein series. They form an algebra of functions satisfying many properties analogous to classical holomorphic modular forms. In particular, they admit expansions in

$q,\overline{q}$

and

$\log |q|$

involving only rational numbers and single-valued multiple zeta values. The first nontrivial functions in this class are real-analytic Eisenstein series.
Importance of the “thinking through other minds” process explored through motor correlates of motivated social interactions
Authors: Mouras Harold
Published: May 2020

We wanted to gather recent results supporting the idea of the central role of sharing agency in socioaffective and motivational information processing. Here, we want to support the idea that this process is quite arbitrary, early in the temporal chain of processes and not only influence the psychological, but also the motor correlates of socioaffective information processes.
Integrating models of cognition and culture will require a bit more math
Authors: Zefferman Matthew R. , Smaldino Paul E.
Published: May 2020

We support the goal to integrate models of culture and cognition. However, we are not convinced that the free energy principle and Thinking Through Other Minds will be useful in achieving it. There are long traditions of modeling both cultural evolution and cognition. Demonstrating that FEP or TTOM can integrate these models will require a bit more math.
Explaining or redefining mindreading?
Authors: Dołęga Krzysztof , Schlicht Tobias , Dennett Daniel C.
Published: May 2020

Veissière et al. disrupt current debates over the nature of mindreading by bringing multiple positions under the umbrella of free-energy. However, it is not clear whether integrating the opposing sides under a common formal framework will yield new insights into how mindreading is achieved, rather than offering a mere redescription of the target phenomenon.
The dark side of thinking through other minds
Authors: Van de Cruys Sander , Heylighen Francis
Published: May 2020

We show that TTOM has a lot to offer for the study of the evolution of cultures, but that this also brings to the fore the dark implications of TTOM, unexposed in Veissière et al. Those implications lead us to move beyond meme-centered or an organism-centered concept of fitness based on free-energy minimization, toward a social system-centered view.
Climate change via CO2 drawdown from astrophysically initiated atmospheric ionization?
Authors: Melott Adrian L. , Thomas Brian C. , Fields Brian D.
Published: May 2020

Motivated by the occurrence of a moderately nearby supernova near the beginning of the Pleistocene, possibly as part of a long-term series beginning in the Miocene, we investigated whether nitrate rainout resulting from the atmospheric ionization of enhanced cosmic ray flux could have, through its fertilizer effect, initiated carbon dioxide drawdown. Such a drawdown could possibly reduce the greenhouse effect and induce the climate change that led to the Pleistocene glaciations. We estimate that the nitrogen flux enhancement onto the surface from an event at 50 pc would be of order 10%, probably too small for dramatic changes. We estimate deposition of iron (another potential fertilizer) and find it is also too small to be significant. There are also competing effects of opposite sign, including muon irradiation and reduction in photosynthetic yield caused by UV increase from stratospheric ozone layer depletion, leading to an ambiguous result. However, if the atmospheric ionization induces a large increase in the frequency of lightning, as argued elsewhere, the amount of nitrate synthesis should be much larger, dominate over the other effects and induce the climate change. More work needs to be done to clarify the effects on lightning frequency.
Does Social Content Influence the Subjective Evaluation of Affective Pictures?
Authors: Kosonogov Vladimir , Martínez-Selva José M. , Torrente Ginesa , Carrillo-Verdejo Eduvigis , Sánchez-Navarro Juan
Published: May 2020

This study explored the effect of the perceived social content of affective pictures on the subjective evaluation of affective valence and arousal. For this purpose, we established three categories of social content (pictures without people, with one person and with two or more people). A sample of 161 subjects rated 200 pictures varying in affective valence (unpleasant, neutral, and pleasant), arousal and social content. Results of two-factor analysis of variance, F(4, 157) = 71.7, p < .001, η
p
2
= .31, showed that perceived social content influenced the ratings of affective valence, specially for unpleasant pictures, with the greatest social content (two or more people) leading subjects to rate unpleasant pictures with the lowest ratings (all pairwise comparisons’ p < .001). Regarding arousal, F(4, 157) = 64.0, p < .001, η
p
2
= .29), the higher the social content, the higher the arousal ratings, but only for pleasant (all pairwise comparisons’ p < .007) and unpleasant (all pairwise comparisons’ p < .001) pictures. Overall, this study demonstrated an effect of the perceived social content on the subjective evaluation of affective valence and arousal of emotional stimuli.
Two‐Year Observations of the Jupiter Polar Regions by JIRAM on Board Juno
Authors: Adriani A. , Bracco A. , Grassi D. , Moriconi M. L. , Mura A. , Orton G. , Altieri F. , Ingersoll A. , Atreya S. K. , Lunine J. I. , Migliorini A. , Noschese R. , Cicchetti A. , Sordini R. , Tosi F. , Sindoni G. , Plainaki C. , Dinelli B. M. , Turrini D. , Filacchione G. , Piccioni G. , Bolton S. J.
Published: May 2020

We observed the evolution of Jupiter's polar cyclonic structures over two years between February 2017 and February 2019, using polar observations by the Jovian InfraRed Auroral Mapper, JIRAM, on the Juno mission. Images and spectra were collected by the instrument in the 5‐μm wavelength range. The images were used to monitor the development of the cyclonic and anticyclonic structures at latitudes higher than 80° both in the northern and the southern hemispheres. Spectroscopic measurements were then used to monitor the abundances of the minor atmospheric constituents water vapor, ammonia, phosphine, and germane in the polar regions, where the atmospheric optical depth is less than 1. Finally, we performed a comparative analysis with oceanic cyclones on Earth in an attempt to explain the spectral characteristics of the cyclonic structures we observe in Jupiter's polar atmosphere.
The future of cancer immunotherapy: microenvironment-targeting combinations
Authors: Murciano-Goroff Yonina R. , Warner Allison Betof , Wolchok Jedd D.
Published: May 2020

Immunotherapy holds the potential to induce durable responses, but only a minority of patients currently respond. The etiologies of primary and secondary resistance to immunotherapy are multifaceted, deriving not only from tumor intrinsic factors, but also from the complex interplay between cancer and its microenvironment. In addressing frontiers in clinical immunotherapy, we describe two categories of approaches to the design of novel drugs and combination therapies: the first involves direct modification of the tumor, while the second indirectly enhances immunogenicity through alteration of the microenvironment. By systematically addressing the factors that mediate resistance, we are able to identify mechanistically-driven novel approaches to improve immunotherapy outcomes.
One-step preparation of sulfur-doped porous g-C3N4 for enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance
Authors: Xiao Xin , Wang Yihui , Bo Qiu , Xu Xingyou , Zhang Dongen
Published: May 2020

Nonmetal doping is a convenient method to adjust the visible light photocatalytic activity of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4).
Y-doped CaZrO3/Co3O4 as novel dense diffusion barrier materials for a limiting current oxygen sensor
Authors: Shan Ke , Yi Zhong-Zhou , Yin Xi-Tao , Dastan Davoud , Garmestani Hamid
Published: May 2020

Herein, we illustrate a feasible strategy to strengthen the gas sensing of Y-doped CaZrO3 (YxCa1−xZr0.7O3−δ (x = 0.05, 0.06, and 0.07))/0.1Co3O4 used as sensing materials.
Synthesis and characterization of heterometallic complexes involving coinage metals and isoelectronic Fe(CO)5, [Mn(CO)5]−and [Fe(CO)4CN]−ligands
Authors: Ponduru Tharun Teja , Wang Guocang , Manoj Sai , Pan Sudip , Zhao Lili , Frenking Gernot , Dias H. V. Rasika
Published: May 2020

Metallo adducts involving Cu(i), Ag(i) and Au(i) Lewis acids and iron and manganese centered organometallic Lewis bases have been investigated using phosphine andN-heterocyclic carbene supporting ligands.
In situ embedding of Mo2C/MoO3−x nanoparticles within a carbonized wood membrane as a self-supported pH-compatible cathode for efficient electrocatalytic H2 evolution
Authors: Wang Fang , Deng Wanan , Li Yanan , Min Shixiong , Zhang Zhengguo
Published: May 2020

A porous carbon membrane with embedded Mo2C/MoO3−x nanoparticles is developed as a self-supported and pH-compatible electrocatalyst for H2 evolution reactions.
Selenium-deficient diet induces necroptosis in the pig brain by activating TNFR1 via mir-29a-3p
Authors: Cui Jiawen , Liu Honggui , Xu Shiwen
Published: May 2020

Selenium (Se) deficiency is one of the crucial factors related to nervous system disease and necroptosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in regulating necroptosis. However, the mechanism of Se deficiency-induced necroptosis in the pig brain tissue and the role that miRNAs play in this process are unclear. Therefore, in this study, in vitro and pig models of Se deficiency were replicated, and electron microscopy, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot assays were performed. The results showed that brain cells typically undergo necrotic changes, and that Se deficiency suppresses mir-29a-3p, which increases the levels of TNFRSF1A (TNFR1). Subsequently, a distinct increase in the necroptosis markers (RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL) and an evident decrease in caspase 8 was observed. And the expression of 10 selenoproteins was decreased. Moreover, the in vitro experiments showed that the expression of mir-29a-3p decreased as the Se content in the medium decreased and the application of an mir-29a-3p inhibitor increased the number of necrotic cells and the accumulation of ROS, and these effects were inhibited by necrostatin-1 (Nec-1) and N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), respectively. Taken together, we proved that Se deficiency induced necroptosis both in vitro and in vivo through the targeted regulation of TNFR1 by mir-29a-3p in the pig brain.
First-passage fingerprints of water diffusion near glutamine surfaces
Authors: Belousov Roman , Qaisrani Muhammad Nawaz , Hassanali Ali , Roldán Édgar
Published: May 2020

First-passage time statistics of water molecules carries information about their interaction with proteins. This information allows reconstruction of water’s space-dependent mobility near protein surfaces.