bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The molecular effect of 1,4,7‐triazacyclononane on oxidative stress parameters in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells
Authors: Mcoyi Simphiwe , Amoako Daniel G. , Somboro Anou M. , Khumalo Hezekiel M. , Khan Rene B.
Published: September 2020

Antibiotic resistance poses a great threat to human, animal and environmental health. β‐Lactam antibiotics have been successful in combating bacterial infections. However, the overuse, inappropriate prescribing, unavailability of new antibiotics and regulation barriers have exacerbated bacterial resistance to these antibiotics. 1,4,7‐Triazacyclononane (TACN) is a cyclic organic tridentate inhibitor with strong metal‐chelating abilities that has been shown to inhibit β‐lactamase enzymes and may represent an important breakthrough in the treatment of drug‐resistant bacterial strains. However, its cytotoxicity in the liver is unknown. This study aimed to determine the effect of TACN on oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. The HepG2 cells were treated with 0 to 500 µM TACN for 24 hours to obtain an IC50 for use in subsequent assays. Free radicals were measured using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and nitric oxide synthase assays, respectively, while antioxidant levels were assessed using luminometry (glutathione [GSH] and adenosine triphosphate [ATP]) and Western blot analysis (SOD, catalase, GPx‐1, HSP70 and Nrf2). Percentage survival fluctuated as TACN concentration increased with a calculated IC50 of 545 µM. A slight increase in HSP70 and Nrf2 expression indicated the presence of stress and a response against it, respectively. However, free radical production was not increased as indicated by decreased malondialdehyde levels and reactive nitrogen species. Glutathione levels increased slightly, while ATP levels were marginally altered. The results suggest that TACN does not induce oxidative stress in HepG2 cells and can be exploited as a potential inhibitor.
Caffeic acid improves glucose utilization and maintains tissue ultrastructural morphology while modulating metabolic activities implicated in neurodegenerative disorders in isolated rat brains
Authors: Salau Veronica F. , Erukainure Ochuko L. , Bharuth Vishal , Islam Md. Shahidul
Published: September 2020

Impaired glucose utilization has been implicated in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. The neuroprotective effect of caffeic acid (CA) was investigated in the isolated rat brain by determining its ability to promote glucose uptake, mitigate redox imbalance, modulate purinergic and cholinergic activities, elemental distribution, and maintain tissue morphology. Isolated rat brains were incubated for 2 hours with glucose, CA and glucose, and metformin and glucose. There was an increased glucose uptake, glutathione level, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities in brain tissues incubated with CA compared to the controls. Incubation with CA also led to significantly decreased levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and ATPase activities. Electron microscopy (scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy) analysis portrayed a maintenance of tissue ultrastructural morphology in 2CA‐incubated tissues as indicated by the intact synaptic vesicles, blood vessels, dendritic and neuronal network, mitochondria, and presynaptic membrane. CA also restored altered elemental levels in brain tissues. These results indicate the stimulatory potential of CA on brain glucose utilization with simultaneous neuroprotective activities.
Phospholipase D1 is upregulated by vorinostat and confers resistance to vorinostat in glioblastoma
Authors: Kang Dong Woo , Hwang Won Chan , Noh Yu Na , Kang Youra , Jang Younghoon , Kim Jung‐Ae , Min Do Sik
Published: September 2020

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive brain tumor and drug resistance remains a major barrier for therapeutics. Epigenetic alterations are implicated in GBM pathogenesis, and epigenetic modulators including histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are exploited as promising anticancer therapies. Here, we demonstrate that phospholipase D1 (PLD1) is a transcriptional target of HDAC inhibitors and confers resistance to HDAC inhibitor in GBM. Treatment of vorinostat upregulates PLD1 through PKCζ‐Sp1 axis. Vorinostat induces dynamic changes in the chromatin structure and transcriptional machinery associated with PLD1 promoter region. Cotreatment of vorinostat with PLD1 inhibitor further attenuates invasion, angiogenesis, colony‐forming capacity, and self‐renewal capacity, compared with those of either treatment. PLD1 inhibitor overcomes resistance to vorinostat in GBM cells intracranial GBM tumors. Our finding provides new insight into the role of PLD1 as a target of resistance to vorinostat, and PLD1 inhibitor might provide the basis for therapeutic combinations with improved efficacy of HDAC inhibitor.
Light and scanning electron microscopic characterization of thirty endemic Fabaceae species of district Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Shaheen Shabnum , Fateh Rozina , Younis Sidra , Harun Nidaa , Jaffer Mehwish , Hussain Khadim , Ashfaq Muhammad , Siddique Riffat , Mukhtar Hanan , Khan Farah
Published: September 2020

In the present study anatomical characterization of 30 species of Fabaceae endemic to Lahore, Pakistan were done under light and scanning electron microscopy. Variety of qualitative and quantitative anatomical characters like epidermal cells shapes and size, stomata types, length, and width of guard cells, subsidiary cells, trichomes, silica bodies, shapes, and their numbers were studied. Overall polygonal, irregular smooth, thick walled epidermal cells were observed at both abaxial and adaxial surfaces except Dalbergia sisso Roxb in which hexagonal epidermal cells were reported. Milletia ovelifolia Kurz. possessed the largest length of epidermal cell i.e., 273.1 μm whereas Calliandra bella Benth. showed the smallest length i.e., 76.5 μm. Average width of epidermal cells ranged from 44 to 265.5 μm. M. ovelifolia Kurz had largest width while Acacia nilotica L. had the smallest width respectively. In adaxial surface epidermal cells length ranged 317 to 46.4 μm, Glycyrriza glabra L. showed the smallest length whereas Prosopis juliflora DC. had largest length. In adaxial numbers of stomata is high as compare to the abaxial surface, mostly paracytic, anisocytic, and anomocytic stomata were observed. There is not much variations observed in trichomes of studied members. Generally non glandular, unbranched, uniserate, mulicellular bulbous base with pointed tips were reported . Oval, rounded, triangular shaped silica bodies were observed in some species. It is concluded that qualitative and quantitative anatomical variations in epidermal cells, stomata and trichomes are of good taxonomic value for the studied Fabaceae species.
Is HIV index testing and partner notification safe for adolescent girls and young women in low‐ and middle‐income countries?
Authors: Stangl Anne L , Sebany Meroji , Kapungu Chisina , Jessee Cassandra , Ricker Chelsea L , Chard Eliza
Published: September 2020

Introduction

While HIV index testing and partner notification (PN) services have the potential to reach adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15 to 24 and their sexual partners in need of HIV testing services, the potential social harms have not yet been studied. This commentary highlights the risks of this approach, including intimate partner violence (IPV), stigma and discrimination, and outlines an urgent research agenda to fully understand the potential harms of PN for AGYW, calling for the development of mitigation strategies.

Discussion

A substantial evidence base exists demonstrating the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of index testing and partner notification for adults aged 18 years and older in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs), particularly for men, and for adults who are married/cohabiting and referring a current sexual partner. AGYW who are most vulnerable to HIV infection in LMICs do not reflect these demographics. Instead, they are often in age‐disparate partnerships, have limited negotiating power within relationships, experience high rates of violence and face economic challenges that necessitate transactional sex. PN services may be particularly difficult for adolescent girls under 18 who face restrictions on their decision making and are at increased risk of rape. Adolescent girls may also face coercion to notify partners due to unequal power dynamics in the provider–adolescent client relationship, as well as judgemental attitudes towards adolescent sexual activity among providers.

Conclusions

As index testing and PN with AGYW is already being rolled out in some LMICs, research is urgently needed to assess its feasibility and acceptability. Implementation science studies should assess the availability, accessibility, acceptability and quality of HIV PN services for AGYW. Qualitative studies and routine monitoring with age‐disaggregated data are critical to capture potential social harms, PN preferences and support needs for AGYW aged 15 to 17, 18 to 20 and 21 to 24. To mitigate potential harms, PN methods should prioritize confidentiality and avoidance of adverse outcomes. Healthcare providers should be trained to conduct routine enquiry for IPV and provide first‐line support. Support services for AGYW living with HIV and survivors of violence should be implemented alongside HIV PN.
Youth‐friendly services and a mobile phone application to promote adherence to pre‐exposure prophylaxis among adolescent men who have sex with men and transgender women at‐risk for HIV in Thailand: a randomized control trial
Authors: Songtaweesin Wipaporn Natalie , Kawichai Surinda , Phanuphak Nittaya , Cressey Tim R , Wongharn Prissana , Saisaengjan Chutima , Chinbunchorn Tanat , Janyam Surang , Linjongrat Danai , Puthanakit Thanyawee ,   the CE‐PID – TRC Adolescent Study Team
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Strategies are needed to curb the increasing HIV incidence in young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and transgender women (YTGW) worldwide. We assessed the impact of youth‐friendly services (YFS) and a mobile phone application (app) on adherence to pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in YMSM and YTGW in Thailand.

Methods

A randomized control trial was conducted in YMSM and YTGW aged 15 to 19 years. Participants were provided daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumerate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC), condoms and randomized to receive either YFS or YFS plus a PrEP app (YFS + APP), whose features included self‐assessment of HIV acquisition risk, point rewards and reminders for PrEP and clinic appointments. Clinic visits occurred at zero, one, three and six months and telephone contact at two, four and five months. HIV testing was performed at every clinic visit. PrEP adherence was evaluated with intracellular tenofovir diphosphate (TFV‐DP) concentrations in dried blood spot (DBS) samples at months 3 and 6. The primary endpoint assessed was “PrEP adherence” defined as TFV‐DP DBS concentrations ≥700 fmol/punch (equivalent to ≥4 doses of TDF/week).

Results

Between March 2018 and June 2019, 489 adolescents were screened at three centres in Bangkok. Twenty‐seven (6%) adolescents tested positive for HIV and 200 (41%) adolescents participated in the study. Of these, 147 were YMSM (74%) and 53 YTGW (26%). At baseline, median age was 18 years (IQR 17 to 19), 66% reported inconsistent condom use in the past month. Sexually transmitted infection prevalence was 23%. Retention at six months was 73%. In the YFS + APP arm, median app use duration was three months (IQR 1 to 5). PrEP adherence at month 3 was 51% in YFS and 54% in YFS + APP (p‐value 0.64) and at month 6 was 44% in YFS and 49% in YFS + APP (p‐value 0.54). No HIV seroconversions occurred during 75 person years of follow‐up.

Conclusions

Youth‐friendly PrEP services enabled good adherence among half of adolescent PrEP users. However, the mobile phone application tested did not provide additional PrEP adherence benefit in this randomized trial. Adolescent risk behaviours are dynamic and require adaptive programmes that focus on “prevention‐effective adherence.”
Ultrasound morphological patterns of testicular tumours, correlation with histopathology
Authors: Necas Martin , Muthupalaniappaan Muthappan , Barnard Cecilia
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Ultrasound (US) plays a key role in the detection of testicular tumours. However, reliable characterisation of testicular tumours with US is difficult. The purpose of this study was to investigate the morphological patterns of testicular tumours as seen on modern US imaging and correlate these with histology.

Methods

The imaging features of 50 testicular tumours were analysed and compared with histology. The US appearance was categorized into 15 distinct morphological patterns.

Results

Patient’s age ranged from 0.5 to 85 years. Of the 50 tumours in our series, 49 were malignant. Nearly half of the malignancies were seminomatous germ cell tumours (SGCTs). Tumours ranged in size from 10 to 130 mm with considerable overlap of size between tumours of different histological type. Even small (10 mm) tumours in our cohort were malignant. SGCTs demonstrated a narrower range of morphological appearances than non‐seminomatous germ cell tumours (NSGCTs). Calcification was common in both SGCT and NSGCTs. Multicomponent cystic‐solid appearance was only seen in NSGCTs.

Conclusion

The differentiation of testicular tumours with US continues to be challenging. In this paper, we have demonstrated the diverse morphological patterns of testicular neoplasms and have proposed the study of tumour morphological features as a promising research direction.
Accuracy of cone‐beam computed tomography is limited at implant sites with a thin buccal bone: A laboratory study
Authors: Domic Danijel , Bertl Kristina , Ahmad Salman , Schropp Lars , Hellén‐Halme Kristina , Stavropoulos Andreas
Published: September 2020

Background

To evaluate whether buccal bone thickness (BBT), implant diameter, and abutment/crown material influence the accuracy of cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) to determine the buccal bone level at titanium implants.

Methods

Two implant beds (i.e., narrow and standard diameter) were prepared in each of 36 porcine bone blocks. The implant beds were positioned at a variable distance from the buccal bone surface; thus, resulting in three BBT groups (i.e., >0.5 to 1.0; >1.0 to 1.5; >1.5 to 2.0 mm). In half of the blocks, a buccal bone dehiscence of random extent (“depth”) was created and implants were mounted with different abutment/crown material (i.e., titanium abutments with a metal‐ceramic crown and zirconia abutments with an all‐ceramic zirconia crown). The distance from the implant shoulder to the buccal bone crest was measured on cross‐sectional CBCT images and compared with the direct measurements at the bone blocks.

Results

While abutment/crown material and implant diameter had no effect on the detection accuracy of the buccal bone level at dental implants in CBCT scans, BBT had a significant effect. Specifically, when BBT was ≤1.0 mm, a dehiscence was often diagnosed although not present, that is, the sensitivity was high (95.8%), but the specificity (12.5%) and the detection accuracy (54.2%) were low. Further, the average measurement error of the distance from the implant shoulder to the buccal bone crest was 1.6 mm.

Conclusions

Based on the present laboratory study, BBT has a major impact on the correct diagnosis of the buccal bone level at dental titanium implants in CBCT images; in cases where the buccal bone is ≤1 mm thick, detection of the buccal bone level is largely inaccurate.
Safety and Efficacy of a Novel 730 nm Picosecond Titanium Sapphire Laser for the Treatment of Benign Pigmented Lesions
Authors: Lipp Michael B. , Angra Kunal , Wu Douglas C.
Published: September 2020

Background and Objectives

Picosecond lasers in dermatology were originally focused on optimizing the removal of unwanted tattoos. Subsequent advances in this technology have expanded its clinical indications to include treatment of benign pigmented lesions, photodamage, melasma, and scar revision. In this retrospective review, we evaluate a novel 730 nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser in treating benign pigmented lesions.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective review of all patients who presented to our institution between December 2019 and March 2020 for treatment of their benign pigmented lesions with a 730 nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser. All Fitzpatrick skin types (I–VI) were included. Absolute and relative evaluations were conducted by two blinded board‐certified dermatologists using high‐resolution photographic images.

Results

Twenty‐two of 64 patients satisfied inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients received 1.1 ± 0.3 treatment sessions. The absolute average pigmentation score prior to treatment was 2.04 ± 0.7 versus 1.39 ± 0.6 after treatment (P < 0.05). Improvement in pigmentation was observed in 86% of the patients, while 3% had no improvement and 11% had worsening of pigmentation. No other adverse events were observed. Downtime consisted of 1–2 days of mild edema and erythema followed by 3–5 days of mild pigment darkening and superficial crust.

Conclusion

The novel 730 nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser is a safe and effective treatment for benign pigmented lesions. Future prospective randomized control studies would be beneficial to further clarify its role in the treatment of benign pigmentation. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Time to Conversion to an Everolimus‐Based Regimen: Renal Outcomes in Liver Transplant Recipients From the EVEROLIVER Registry
Authors: Saliba Faouzi , Dharancy Sébastien , Salamé Ephrem , Conti Filoména , Eyraud Daniel , Radenne Sylvie , Antonini Térésa , Guillaud Olivier , Guguenheim Jean , Neau‐Cransac Martine , Demartin Eléonora , Lasailly Guillaume , Duvoux Christophe , Sobesky Rodolphe , Coilly Audrey , Tresson Sylvie , Cailliez Valérie , Boillot Olivier , Pageaux Georges Philippe , Samuel Didier , Calmus Yvon , Dumortier Jérôme
Published: September 2020

Longterm use of a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)–based regimen is one of the major reasons for chronic renal failure in liver transplantation recipients (LTRs). The Everolimus Liver registry (EVEROLIVER) evaluated renal function in LTRs who were converted to everolimus (EVR). This observational registry included all LTRs receiving EVR across 9 centers from France. Data are being collected in an electronic database over 10 years (12 visits/patient) to evaluate efficacy, renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]), and safety of EVR use in clinical practice, and the current analysis is reporting up to 60 months of findings. Until September 2017, 1045 patients received EVR after a mean time of 3.6 ± 5.1 years. CNI withdrawal was feasible in 57.7% of patients as of month 60. Mean eGFR improved in patients with baseline eGFR <60 mL/minute/1.73 m2 and was maintained in those with baseline eGFR ≥60 mL/minute/1.73 m2. Among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD; baseline eGFR <60 mL/minute/1.73 m2), 55% converted to EVR within 3 months (early conversion) and 39.4% converted between 4 and 12 months after transplantation (mid‐conversion) experienced improvement in eGFR (≥60 mL/minute/1.73 m2) at month 36. Only 20.9% and 17.4% among those converted beyond 12 months (late conversion) experienced improvement respectively at month 36 and 60. A logistic regression analysis in patients with CKD stage ≥3 demonstrated that late conversion, age, and female sex were associated with nonimprovement of eGFR (≥60 mL/minute/1.73 m2). Data from this real‐life use of EVR indicate that renal function was maintained from the preconversion period until month 36 even in patients with advanced CKD. However, early rather than late conversion appears to be a safe approach to preserve longterm renal function in LTRs.
A New Day: The Role of Telemedicine in Reshaping Care for Persons With Movement Disorders
Authors: Dorsey E. Ray , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Okun Michael S.
Published: September 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has demonstrated the fragility of clinic‐based care for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. In response to the virus, many clinics across the world abruptly closed their doors to persons with Parkinson's disease. Fortunately, a niche care model, telemedicine—first described in this journal a generation ago—emerged as the dominant means of providing care. As we adjust to a new normal, we should focus future care not on clinics but on patients. Their needs, guided by clinicians, should determine how care is delivered, whether in the clinic, at home, remotely, or by some combination. Within this patient‐centered approach, telemedicine is an attractive care option but not a complete replacement for in‐person consultations, which are valuable for specific problems and for those who have access. Now that many clinicians and patients have gained exposure to telemedicine, we can better appreciate its advantages (eg, convenience) and disadvantages (eg, restricted examination). We can also create a new future that utilizes the Internet, video conferencing, smartphones, and sensors. This future will bring many clinicians to one patient, connect individual experts to countless patients, use widely available devices to facilitate diagnosis, and apply novel technologies to measure the disease in new ways. These approaches, which extend to education and research, enable a future where we can care for anyone anywhere and will help us stem the tide of Parkinson's disease. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Genetic variants in GHR and PLCE1 genes are associated with susceptibility to esophageal cancer
Authors: Wang Rong , Si Lining , Zhu Derui , Shen Guoping , Long Qifu , Zhao Yanli
Published: September 2020

Background

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the leading cause of cancer‐related mortality worldwide. The underlying genetic risk factors remain unclear. The association between gene growth hormone receptor (GHR) and phospholipase C epsilon 1 (PLCE1) polymorphisms and the EC risk were identified in this study.

Methods

A total of 506 EC cases and 507 controls were included in this research. Two SNPs (rs6898743 of GHR and rs2274223 of PLCE1) were selected and genotyped. The associations between gene polymorphisms and the EC risk were assessed by logistic regression analysis. The databases RegulomeDB, GTEx, and UALCAN were used for functional annotations.

Results

In the allelic frequencies analysis, the rs6898743 of GHR was associated with decreased susceptibility of EC (OR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.70–1.00, p = 0.049), while rs2274223 of PLCE1 was associated with increased 0.25‐fold EC risk (OR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.02–1.53, p = 0.037). The “GC” genotype of rs6898743 was associated with a 0.24‐fold decreased risk of EC under co‐dominant model (OR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.58–0.99, p = 0.046), and the “GA” genotype of rs2274223 was associated with increased EC risk under co‐dominant model (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.04–1.77, p = 0.023). Using GTEx database, rs2274223 was found to be significant associated with increased PLCE1 expression (p = 4.1 × 10−7) in esophagus muscularis. The UALCAN database demonstrated that the GHR gene was under‐expressed in esophageal cancer tissues (p = 0.017).

Conclusion

The gene GHR and PLCE1 polymorphisms are associated with EC in the general population and the results need to be verified in future.
Fecundity is impaired in a mouse model of osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Oestreich Arin K. , DeCata Jenna A. , Akers Janae D. , Phillips Charlotte L. , Schulz Laura. C.
Published: September 2020

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), or brittle bone disease, is most often caused by mutations in genes encoding type I collagen or proteins that process it. Women with OI have a small, but significant increase in risk of serious pregnancy complications including uterine rupture. Here, the OI mouse, Col1a2oim/oim, was used to examine the effects of collagen mutation on establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Picrosirius birefringence was faint in Col1a2oim/oim uteri, indicating diminished collagen in the myometrium and endometrium. There was some evidence of increased uterine gland number (p = .055) and size (p = .12) in (p = .055) virgin uteri, though the they were not significantly different than controls. There were no differences in the number of corpora lutea, or the time from pairing to delivery of pups between Col1a2oim/oim and control dams, suggesting that ovulation and conception occur normally. However, when examined at Gestation Day 6.5 (postimplantation), gestation Day 10.5 (midpregnancy), and Postnatal Days 1–2, Col1a2oim/oim dams had significantly fewer viable pups than controls overall. In pairwise comparisons, the loss was only significant in the postnatal group, suggesting the gradual loss of pups over time. Overall, the Col1a2oim/oim mouse data suggest that OI impairs uterine function in pregnancy in a way that affects a small but significant number of fetuses.
Comparative study on sensing abilities of polyaniline and graphene polyaniline composite sensors toward methylamine and ammonia
Authors: Farooqi Bilal Ahmad , Ashraf Ayesha , Farooq Umar , Ayub Khurshid
Published: September 2020

Graphene composite of polyaniline (PANI) emeraldine salt is systematically studied to explain its experimentally observed enhanced sensitivity for methylamine and ammonia as compared with simple PANI emeraldine salt conducting polymer sensor. The interaction behavior is studied with M062X method of density functional theory. Optimization of geometries, calculation of interaction energies, and natural bond orbital charge analyses are performed to study and explain the sensing behavior. Charge analysis is performed to know the magnitude and direction of electronic charge flow during sensing phenomenon. Frontier orbitals interaction theory is used to compare the strength of interaction of analytes with simple and composite sensors. The selectivity of both sensors toward analytes is also verified using the same theory. Absorption behavior of simple and composite sensors against incident electromagnetic radiations is also studied before and after sensing. Non‐covalent interaction analysis is performed to identify and distinguish different types of attractive and repulsive forces present within addition products. It is concluded that graphene composited PANI sensor shows greater sensitivity toward considered analytes as compared with PANI emeraldine salt sensor and this outcome is in agreement with reported results based on experimental observations. The better efficiency of composite sensor is due to direct interaction of analytes with graphene in addition to their interaction with PANI conducting polymer.
Evaluation of Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer based insulation against Nitrile rubber based insulation for large Composite Rocket Motor Casing
Authors: Jabez I Kingstone Lesley , Das Urmila , Ramalingam Manivannan , Anne Saratbabu
Published: September 2020

Even though literature available on EPDM is abundant, the data on physical, mechanical, thermal, interface properties and ablative performance as specifically required for the design and acceptance of internal insulation of large Composite Rocket Motor Casing is scant in the plethora of literature available in the subject of EPDM insulation. This gave the impetus to take up this experimental work wherein most promising formulation of EPDM with Kevlar and silica as reinforcing fillers and with only silica as reinforcing filler were thoroughly characterized for the insulation requirements of large Composite Rocket Motor Casing and compared with the performance of proven Nitrile rubber based insulation. The significant findings which are unique, are discussed in this paper.
A long‐lasting biological larvicide against the dengue vector mosquito Aedes albopictus
Authors: Liu Tong , Xie Yu‐Gu , Lin Feng , Xie Li‐Hua , Yang Wen‐Qiang , Su Xing‐Hua , Ou Chun‐Quan , Luo Lei , Xiao Qi , Gan Lu , Chen Xiao‐Guang
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Aedes albopictus is the primary vector of mosquito‐borne diseases, including dengue and chikungunya, in China. The management of vector mosquitoes is the primary strategy for the control of such infectious diseases. The gravid Ae. albopictus prefers to skip‐oviposit its eggs into different small water containers, and the management of these breeding places is critical for mosquito control. Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies Israelensis (Bti) is a useful biological larvicide, but the effective period of the currently available commercial product is relatively short. This study aimed to develop a long‐lasting formulation of Bti to control the dengue vector mosquito Ae. albopictus.

RESULTS

Water‐soluble polyethylene glycols and water‐insoluble hexadecanol were mixed with Bti to develop the long‐lasting formulation Bti‐BLOCK, based on the solid dispersion technique. The controlled release of Bti‐BLOCK and its effect on Ae. albopictus were assayed in the laboratory and in the field. The results showed that Bti toxins were slowly released from Bti‐BLOCK into the water and maintained at an effective dose for at least 6 months. Bti‐BLOCK caused high mortality during the immature stage (>90%) and achieved full inhibition during pupation (100%). The efficacy lasted at least 12 weeks in the laboratory and 6 weeks in the field. Furthermore, we confirmed an 89% reduction in Ae. albopictus density and a reduction in the R0 of dengue to a low‐risk level after 6 months of open‐field interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a long‐lasting biological larvicide, Bti‐BLOCK, which displayed very good efficacy in the control of the dengue vector mosquito Ae. albopictus.
A pragmatic adaptive enrichment design for selecting the right target population for cancer immunotherapies
Authors: Nguyen Duc Anh , Heinzmann Dominik , Berge Claude , Wolbers Marcel
Published: September 2020

One of the challenges in the design of confirmatory trials is to deal with uncertainties regarding the optimal target population for a novel drug. Adaptive enrichment designs (AED) which allow for a data‐driven selection of one or more prespecified biomarker subpopulations at an interim analysis have been proposed in this setting but practical case studies of AEDs are still relatively rare. We present the design of an AED with a binary endpoint in the highly dynamic setting of cancer immunotherapy. The trial was initiated as a conventional trial in early triple‐negative breast cancer but amended to an AED based on emerging data external to the trial suggesting that PD‐L1 status could be a predictive biomarker. Operating characteristics are discussed including the concept of a minimal detectable difference, that is, the smallest observed treatment effect that would lead to a statistically significant result in at least one of the target populations at the interim or the final analysis, respectively, in the setting of AED.
Expanding the Knowledge Base in Literacy Instruction and Assessment: Biliteracy and Translanguaging Perspectives From Families, Communities, and Classrooms
Authors: Noguerón‐Liu Silvia
Published: September 2020

This article is a response to claims made by proponents of “science of reading” and “structured literacy” reading instruction approaches, in regard to their effectiveness with emergent bilingual students. The author argues that the strong knowledge base generated from studies examining the dynamic literacy practices of emergent bilingual students should also be included in reading curriculum, assessment, and teacher education decisions. First, the author provides an overview of the contributions and limitations of the knowledge base associated with the science of reading, in relation to bilingual learners. The author explains that the complexity of the instructional, demographic, and sociocultural realities of emergent bilinguals in the United States requires solutions informed by various vantage points and perspectives. Second, the author summarizes family literacy research in households of Latinx bilingual children, documenting parents’ and children’s advocacy efforts, emergent biliteracy practices, and tensions in grappling with English‐dominant instruction in schools. Finally, the author summarizes research extending oral reading assessment procedures to analyze emergent bilingual students’ miscues and retellings. The author cautions against the implications of critiques of the three‐cueing systems and miscue analysis, by explaining how language‐related perspectives, including translanguaging, can help expand miscue analytic approaches. This expansion can help teachers and families understand how emergent bilinguals draw from their multiple language and literacy resources in decoding and retelling. Implications for teacher preparation and professional development are included throughout.
Discrete‐time survival data with longitudinal covariates
Authors: Wen Chi‐Chung , Chen Yi‐Hau
Published: September 2020

Survival analysis has been conventionally performed on a continuous time scale. In practice, the survival time is often recorded or handled on a discrete scale; when this is the case, the discrete‐time survival analysis would provide analysis results more relevant to the actual data scale. Besides, data on time‐dependent covariates in the survival analysis are usually collected through intermittent follow‐ups, resulting in the missing and mismeasured covariate data. In this work, we propose the sufficient discrete hazard (SDH) approach to discrete‐time survival analysis with longitudinal covariates that are subject to missingness and mismeasurement. The SDH method employs the conditional score idea available for dealing with mismeasured covariates, and the penalized least squares for estimating the missing covariate value using the regression spline basis. The SDH method is developed for the single event analysis with the logistic discrete hazard model, and for the competing risks analysis with the multinomial logit model. Simulation results revel good finite‐sample performances of the proposed estimator and the associated asymptotic theory. The proposed SDH method is applied to the scleroderma lung study data, where the time to medication withdrawal and time to death were recorded discretely in months, for illustration.
Graphene Oxide Functionalized Zn(II) Salen Complex: An Efficient and New Route for the Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Triazole Derivatives
Authors: Ghadamyari Zohreh , Khojastehnezhad Amir , Seyedi Seyed Mohammad , Taghavi Faezeh , Shiri Ali
Published: September 2020

In this study, for the first time, the functionalized organometallic graphene oxide (GO) catalyst was prepared by covalently grafting of the Schiff base zinc complex on the surface of GO. The chemical and physical structures of the catalyst were completely characterized by different analyses such as FT‐IR, TEM, EDX, TGA, XRD, SEM and ICP. Then, the applications of nano heterogeneous catalyst have been investigated for the synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazolesviaazide‐alkyne cycloaddition reaction. Although, synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazoles derivatives has been reported by a wide variety of copper catalysts, this is the first report for the synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazoles derivatives catalyzed by heterogeneous Schiff base zinc complex.
Conversion Reaction Mechanism for Yolk‐Shell‐Structured Iron Telluride‐C Nanospheres and Exploration of Their Electrochemical Performance as an Anode Material for Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Park Gi Dae , Kang Yun Chan
Published: September 2020

Various metal chalcogenide materials have been investigated as novel candidate anode materials for K‐ion batteries (KIBs). This pioneering study explores the electrochemical reaction between K‐ions and iron telluride. A detailed analysis is performed using in situ and ex situ methods, including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and cyclic voltammetry (CV), following the initial discharging and charging processes. The reversible reaction mechanism, from the second cycle of the reaction of FeTe2 with K‐ions, is 2Fe + K5Te3 + K2Te ↔ 2FeTe1.1 + 1.8Te + 7K+ + 7e‐. Hollow carbon nanospheres housing iron telluride nanocrystals (FeTe2‐C) are synthesized via facile infiltration and a one‐step tellurization process to compensate for the substantial volume change of nanocrystals during the potassiation and depotassiation processes. Excellent electrochemical properties arise from the synergistic effect of the heterointerfaced FeTe1.1 and metalloid Te formed after one cycle and the yolk‐shell architecture with uniformly distributed nanocrystals are embedded in a carbon shell. FeTe2‐C electrode demonstrates remarkable long‐term cycle performance (171 mA h g‐1 for the 500th cycle at a high current density of 0.5 A g‐1) and an excellent rate capability (126 mA h g‐1), even at a high current density of 10 A g‐1.
Ternary All‐Small‐Molecule Solar Cells with Two Small‐Molecule Donors and Y6 Nonfullerene Acceptor with a Power Conversion Efficiency over Above 14% Processed from a Nonhalogenated Solvent
Authors: Guijarro Fernando G. , Caballero Rubén , de la Cruz Pilar , Singhal Rahul , Langa Fernando , Sharma Ganesh D.
Published: September 2020

An efficient organic solar cell (OSC) based on a ternary active layer consisting of two conjugated small‐molecule (SM) donors (FG3 and FG4) and a well‐known nonfullerene SM acceptor (Y6) is fabricated using a nonhalogenated solvent. An overall power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.31% is achieved, higher than that for the binary counterparts, i.e., 10.75% and 11.07% for FG3:Y6 and FG4:Y6, respectively. The short‐circuit current density (JSC) of the ternary active layer organ is related to the broader absorption spectra when compared with the binary active layers. The open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of the ternary active layer‐based OSCs falls between those of the OSCs based on FG3:Y6 and FG4:Y6, a situation that is consistent with the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) level of both SM donors (FG3 and FG4), and forms the alloy between the two donors. The overlap of the absorption spectra of FG4 with the photoluminescence of FG3 confirms the energy transfer from FG3 to FG4 and this leads to improvement in JSC. The balanced charge transport, reduced charge recombination, and the fast charge extraction in the ternary active layer leads to the higher fill factor (FF) value. A combination of all of these effects affords a high PCE value.
Cotton textile waste valorization for removal of tetracycline and paracetamol alone and in mixtures from aqueous solutions: Effects of H3PO4 as an oxidizing agent
Authors: Akkouche Fadila , Boudrahem Farouk , Yahiaoui Idris , Vial Christophe , Audonnet Fabrice , Aissani‐Benissad Farida
Published: September 2020

The use of waste and by‐products locally available in large quantities and at low cost as adsorbents can be considered an appropriate approach for improving waste management and protecting the environment. Cotton textile waste was used to prepare adsorbents (MC) via pyrolysis followed by a chemical modification with H3PO4. MC samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherm. The results revealed that MC treated with 1 M H3PO4 (MC1) showed an excellent adsorption performance. The single and binary adsorption of tetracycline (TC) and paracetamol (Pa) onto MC1 were studied. In a single system, TC was better adsorbed than Pa and maximum adsorption capacities qm are 87.7 mg/g and 62 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption follows the Langmuir and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models. For a binary system, the experimental data indicate that Pa (44.04 mg/g) is better adsorbed than TC (24.13 mg/g). Adsorption equilibrium data of TC and Pa evaluated by the selectivity extended‐Langmuir model in which selectivity factor was introduced provided good correlation results with the binary adsorption data. Cotton textile waste is potentially promising for the preparation of effective adsorbents for the removal of pharmaceutical residues in aqueous solutions.

Practitioner points

Valorization of cotton textile waste into adsorbents.

Adsorbents were prepared by pyrolysis at 600°C followed by chemical modification in the presence of H3PO4.

Removal of tetracycline (TC) and paracetamol (Pa) alone or in mixtures by adsorption.

Adsorbent showed high‐capacity adsorption of the TC and Pa even in a mixture from solutions at low concentrations.

The Langmuir and selectivity extended‐Langmuir models describe the adsorption of TC and Pa alone and in mixtures, respectively.
The Future of Particle Physics: The LHC and Beyond
Authors: Peach Ken
Published: September 2020

I have been asked to submit a revised version of this chapter, published almost a decade ago. However, I think that it is better to leave the historical record as it was—this was an article written in its time and for its time. If I was writing this article today, I would call it “The Future of Particle Physics—Beyond the LHC”, in recognition of the fact that, when originally written, the LHC was still under construction and now it has been operating for several years. The other key event which informed the original article was the recently-developed European Strategy for Particle Physics, adopted by the CERN Council in July 2006; the strategy was updated in 2013 and formally adopted in May of that year [1]; as I write, the process of updating the strategy is under way.
QCD: The Theory of Strong Interactions
Authors: Altarelli Guido , Forte Stefano
Published: September 2020

This Chapter is devoted to a concise introduction to Quantum Chromo-Dynamics (QCD), the theory of strong interactions. We start with a general introduction where a broad overview of the strong interactions is presented.
The Discovery of the Higgs Boson at the LHC
Authors: Jenni Peter , Virdee Tejinder S.
Published: September 2020

In July 2012 the ATLAS and CMS experiments announced the discovery of a Higgs boson, confirming the conjecture put forward in the 1960’s. This article briefly traces the history of the Brout-Englert-Higgs mechanism, its impact on the elucidation of the standard model, the design and construction of the ATLAS and CMS experiments, and finally the discovery of the Higgs boson. The article outlines some of the challenges faced during the construction of the Large Hadron Collider and its experiments, and their operation and performance. In particular, recent results relating to the properties and couplings of the Higgs boson will be discussed as well future prospects at the LHC.
Pflegebedürftigkeit in Deutschland
Authors: Matzk Sören , Tsiasioti Chrysanthi , Behrendt Susann , Jürchott Kathrin , Schwinger Antje
Published: September 2020

Der Beitrag liefert ein ausführliches Bild zum Stand der Pflegebedürftigkeit und der gesundheitlichen Versorgung der Pflegebedürftigen in Deutschland. Die Analysen basieren auf GKV-standardisierten AOK-Daten. Sie zeigen Prävalenz, Verläufe und Versorgungsformen der Pflege sowie Kennzahlen zur gesundheitlichen Versorgung der Pflegebedürftigen. Im Fokus stehen die Inanspruchnahme von ärztlichen und stationären Leistungen, Polymedikation und Verordnungen von PRISCUS-Wirkstoffen und Psychopharmaka. Die Ergebnisse werden der Versorgung der Nicht-Pflegebedürftigen gleichen Alters gegenübergestellt und differenziert nach Schwere der Pflegebedürftigkeit und Versorgungssetting ausgewiesen.

The article provides empirical insights on the scope and state of long-term care services in Germany. This includes health service provision for persons in need of care. The article lays out key figures regarding the prevalence, pathways and forms of care based on standardised AOK statutory health insurance data. An additional focus lies on the use of out- and inpatient health care services as well as on polypharmacy and prescriptions of PRISCUS medication and psychotropic drugs. Findings are contrasted with data on members of the same age group who are not in need of care and discussed in relation to the severity of the need of care and the care provision setting.
Zur Organisations- und Finanzierungszuständigkeit von häuslicher Krankenpflege (SGB V) und medizinischer Behandlungspflege (SGB XI)
Authors: Schwinger Antje , Tsiasioti Chrysanthi
Published: September 2020

Während ein ambulant Pflegebedürftiger heute Behandlungspflege als Sachleistung der Krankenversicherung erhält, zahlen vollstationär Versorgte, für welche die Pflegeversicherung Finanzierungsträger ist, die gleichen Leistungen anteilig selbst. Diese seit nunmehr 25 Jahren fortwährende Ungleichbehandlung bedarf einer Lösung. Hinzu kommt ein Auseinanderdriften der Rahmenbedingungen auch innerhalb der durch die Pflegeversicherung finanzierten ambulanten und vollstationären Pflege, welches eine generelle Neuordnung des Leistungsgeschehens unabhängig vom Ort der Leistungserbringung erforderlich macht. Oberstes Ziel aller Reformanstrengungen muss es sein, die medizinische Behandlungspflege sektorübergreifend einheitlich bei der GKV oder der SPV anzusiedeln. Eine automatische Gleichsetzung der medizinischen Behandlungspflege als GKV-Leistung ist aber zu hinterfragen, da diese auch in der SPV als „Vollleistung“ implementiert werden kann. Wünschenswert wäre, dass Fragen nach den Steuerungsmöglichkeiten und der besseren Wirtschaftlichkeit der Leistungserbringung in der Reformdiskussion einen höheren Stellenwert erhalten, als dies heute der Fall ist. Mit Blick auf das Finanzvolumen, welches bei einer Aufhebung der gesplitteten Finanzierungsverantwortung jeweils verlagert würde, ist ferner eine verbesserte Empirie angeraten.
Von der Schwarzarbeit zum „grauen Markt“ – und darüber hinaus? Neuere und künftig notwendige Entwicklungen der sog. 24-Stunden-Pflege
Authors: Emunds Bernhard , Habel Simone
Published: September 2020

In der häuslichen Pflege durch migrantische Live-in-Pflegekräfte hat sich in den beiden letzten Jahrzehnten neben einem Schwarzmarkt auch ein „grauer Markt“ mit verschiedenen Formen der partiellen rechtlichen Formalisierung etabliert. Hierbei erweisen sich in allen derzeit bestehenden Modellen die extrem ausgedehnten Arbeitszeiten in rechtlicher und ethischer Hinsicht als größte Herausforderung. Daher bedarf es einer Weiterentwicklung hin zu einer arbeits- und sozialrechtlichen Gleichstellung dieser Erwerbstätigkeit. Einer solchen Entwicklung stehen jedoch gesellschaftliche Faktoren – wie die Naturalisierung weiblicher Sorgearbeit – entgegen.
A conformal dispersion relation: correlations from absorption
Authors: Carmi Dean , Caron-Huot Simon
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We introduce the analog of Kramers-Kronig dispersion relations for correlators of four scalar operators in an arbitrary conformal field theory. The correlator is expressed as an integral over its “absorptive part”, defined as a double discontinuity, times a theory-independent kernel which we compute explicitly. The kernel is found by resumming the data obtained by the Lorentzian inversion formula. For scalars of equal scaling dimensions, it is a remarkably simple function (elliptic integral function) of two pairs of cross-ratios. We perform various checks of the dispersion relation (generalized free fields, holographic theories at tree-level, 3D Ising model), and get perfect matching. Finally, we derive an integral relation that relates the “inverted” conformal block with the ordinary conformal block.
A Variant of the Mountain Pass Theorem and Variational Gluing
Authors: Montecchiari Piero , Rabinowitz Paul H.
Published: September 2020

This paper surveys some recent work on a variant of the Mountain
Pass Theorem that is applicable to some classes of differential equations involving
unbounded spatial or temporal domains. In particular its application to a system
of semilinear elliptic PDEs on $$R^n$$

R
n

and to a family of Hamiltonian systems involving
double well potentials will also be discussed.
$$L^p$$-theory for a fluid–structure interaction model
Authors: Denk Robert , Saal Jürgen
Published: September 2020

We consider a fluid–structure interaction model for an incompressible fluid where the elastic response of the free boundary is given by a damped Kirchhoff plate model. Utilizing the Newton polygon approach, we first prove maximal regularity in$$L^p$$Lp-Sobolev spaces for a linearized version. Based on this, we show existence and uniqueness of the strong solution of the nonlinear system for small data.