bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trachytic magmatism and Nb–rare earth element mineralization in the Pingli area, North Daba Mountain: Insights from geochronology and geochemistry
Authors: Xiao Nie , Zongqi Wang , Lei Chen , Jingwu Yin , Haiming Xu , Li Fan , Gang Wang , Bobo An
Published: August 2020

Trachytic rocks widely occur to the north of the Hongchunba–Zengjiaba Fault in the North Daba Mountain of South Qinling. These trachytic rocks contain relatively large quantities of Nb‐ and rare earth element (REE)‐bearing minerals. This study presents the zircon U–Pb ages, REE content, Hf isotope data, and whole‐rock compositions of the Nb‐REE mineralized trachytes from the Pingli area. U–Pb geochronological data reveal the ages of zircon grains can be divided into three groups: 431–395, 270–255, and 241–240 Ma. Cathodoluminescence images and REE compositions confirm a magmatic origin for the zircons with age of 431–395 and 270–255 Ma. Zircon grains with ages of 431–395 Ma have the characteristics similar to relict zircons. The 270–255 Ma age group is interpreted to represent the diagenetic age of the trachyte. Zircon grains with a younger age (241–240 Ma) are distinguishable from magmatic zircons with regards to their cathodoluminescence patterns and REE signatures, indicating a hydrothermal origin. The 241–240 Ma age group reflects the Nb–REE mineralization age in the trachyte. Geochemically, the trachytes have high SiO2 contents but low MgO contents and Mg# values. They can be classified as alkaline‐series and belong to the metaluminous–peraluminous rocks, with A/CNK ratios between 0.81 and 1.11. The trachytes are characterized by enrichments in the light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large‐ion lithophile elements (LILEs), but are depleted in the heavy REEs (HREEs), Ti, Sr, and P, with negligible Eu. These geochemical features, together with the highly negative εHf(t) (−8.25 to −11.25) values of the zircon grains, indicate that the primary magma associated with these trachytes likely originated from the partial melting of ancient lower crust. The presence of a positive εHf(t) (4.12) value suggests that this process may have involved a small amount of juvenile basaltic crust material. This is different from other rare metal‐hosting trachytes worldwide, whose parental magmas are mantle‐derived, analogous to basalts generated in an intraplate setting. Nevertheless, trachytes are specifically Nb‐REE mineralized by primary enrichment processes (fractional crystallization) or secondary upgrading processes (hydrothermal alteration). The Nb‐REE mineralization is closely related to Early Triassic alkaline activity, such that the identification of highly fractionated Early Triassic trachyte is important for targeting regional Nb–REE deposits. The transport and facilitation of the precipitation of Nb and the REEs require volatile F components, where the provenance of fluorite can be determined and used during geochemical exploration.
Distinct early symptoms in neuropathologically proven frontotemporal lobar degeneration
Authors: Kawakami Ito , Arai Tetsuaki , Shinagawa Shunichiro , Niizato Kazuhiro , Oshima Kenichi , Ikeda Manabu
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is associated with accumulation of neurodegeneration‐related protein, such as tau, TAR DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43), or fused in sarcoma protein (FUS). There have been very few systematic studies of the early symptoms of clinical phenotypes: behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA). Clinical subtypes and the patterns of atrophy reflect protein‐accumulation patterns, but the relationship between early symptoms and pathological findings remains unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated the clinical records and examined the neuropathology of 39 bvFTD and 6 svPPA patients to identify symptoms appearing within 2 years of the first clinically apparent changes.

Results

The bvFTD group consisted of 13 FTLD‐tau, 18 FTLD‐TDP, and 8 FTLD‐FUS, and the svPPA group consisted of 6 FTLD‐TDP. Age at death is significantly younger in FTLD‐FUS (52.8 ± 12.6; P = 0.0104 < 0.05). Over 50% of bvFTD patients show apathy or inertia, and distinct language features appear early in svPPA. Interestingly, bvFTD and svPPA frequently present additional symptoms, not included in the diagnostic criteria, such as physical signs, reticence, dazed condition, and delusions. Stereotyped behaviors, hyperorality and dietary changes are prominent in FTLD‐FUS, while linguistic deficits are greater in FTLD‐TDP.

Conclusions

Specific symptoms tend to appear in the early stage of FTLD in each pathological background. They might reflect the morphological features and pathological progression, and should be helpful in the stratification of patients for future therapeutic trials based on the proteinopathies.
Reaching at‐risk rural men: An evaluation of a health promotion activity targeting men at a large agricultural event
Authors: Seaman Claire Ellen , Green Elyce , Smith Brent
Published: August 2020

Issue addressed

This paper evaluates the effectiveness of an Australian Men's Shed Association's ‘Spanner in the Works?’ health promotion tent in reaching at‐risk rural men during a large agricultural event in rural Australia.

Methods

Men who self‐presented to the health promotion tent had basic health measurements and risk scores recorded. These were linked to a short survey asking about their primary health care engagement. To determine the ‘reach’ afforded to health professionals through their presence at the agricultural event, the mean systolic blood pressure and waist circumference measures of participants were compared to those of rural men nationally using the ABS' National Health Survey 2017‐2018 Basic Confidentialised Unit Record File (CURF).

Results

Of the 401 men who visited the health promotion tent, 346 (86.3%) consented to participate in the study. The median age of participating men was 56 years. The majority (94.0%) were from rural areas. Of participating men, 58.9% had high blood pressure, and their mean systolic blood pressure was significantly higher than that of rural men nationally: both overall (Mean difference = 15.37 mm Hg), and at all age groups. Participants also had significantly higher waist circumference overall (Mean difference = 2.06 cm), but this was only significantly different for the 45‐54 age group.

Conclusions

The ‘Spanner in the Works?’ initiative was effective in reaching both healthy and at‐risk rural men from a range of ages.

So what?

Aligned with the National Men's Heath Strategy 2020‐2030, this evidences that agricultural events are an effective social setting for the provision of health promotion to ‘at risk’ rural men.
A value‐at‐risk computation based on heavy‐tailed distribution for dynamic conditional score models
Authors: El Ghourabi Mohamed , Nani Asma , Gammoudi Imed
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the estimating ability of GAS models in the computation of the value‐at‐risk by applying the extreme‐value theory. Our approach is the limiting result of an infinity shift of location. In this work, we use the generalized pareto distribution since it plays a central role in modelling heavy tail phenomena in many applications. A simulation study is performed to assess the estimated value‐at‐risk. Moreover, we examine the performance of the proposed method with daily returns of three stock market indices. The results prove that the presented approach gives good predictions for all indices.
National culture, corporate governance and corruption: A cross‐country analysis
Authors: Boateng Agyenim , Wang Yan , Ntim Collins , Glaister Keith W.
Published: August 2020

Drawing on institutional theory, we examine the impact of corporate governance (CG) on corruption. The interaction effects of national culture and CG on corruption are also examined. By employing a dataset of 149 countries, our baseline findings indicate that the quality of CG practices reduces the level of corruption. Findings also show that three cultural dimensions, namely, power distance, individualism and indulgence moderate the CG‐corruption nexus. Our findings indicate that CG and national culture explain the level of corruption among societies, with national culture appearing to matter more than the quality of CG. Our findings remain unchanged after controlling for endogeneities, country‐level factors, CG and corruption proxies.
Theory of mind and loneliness: Effects of a conversation‐based training at school
Authors: Caputi Marcella , Cugnata Federica , Brombin Chiara
Published: August 2020

Conversation‐based training programmes are known to be effective in enhancing theory of mind (ToM). The possible consequences of such training programmes on the understanding of other constructs have rarely been investigated. The present research aimed to evaluate the effects of two different types of conversation‐based training on ToM and loneliness. Two hundred and ten fourth and fifth graders (52% boys; Mage = 9.66 years, SD = 0.85), randomly divided into two groups (ToM and no‐ToM training condition), were administered at a 5‐week intervention. ToM and loneliness were measured before and twice after the intervention (1 week and 2 months later). Linear mixed‐effects models showed that, soon after the intervention, children in the ToM training condition obtained significantly higher ToM scores and significantly lower loneliness scores compared to children in the no‐ToM training condition. Nonetheless, at the follow‐up, ToM and loneliness scores were not significantly different for the two training conditions. These findings suggest that a relatively short intervention based on group discussion of mental states is sufficient to improve mentalizing abilities and to tackle feelings of loneliness among fourth and fifth graders in the short but not in the long term.
Comparison of Vertebral and Femoral Strength Between White and Asian Adults Using Finite Element Analysis of Computed Tomography Scans
Authors: Hong Namki , Lee David C , Khosla Sundeep , Keaveny Tony M , Rhee Yumie
Published: August 2020

Given non-optimal testing rates for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the high use of computed tomography (CT) in some Asian countries, biomechanical computed tomography analysis (BCT)-based bone strength testing, which utilizes previously taken clinical CT scans, may improve osteoporosis testing rates. However, an understanding of ethnic differences in such bone strength measurements between Whites and Asians is lacking, which is an obstacle to clinical interpretation. Using previously taken CT and DXA scans, we analyzed bone strength and bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip and spine in two sex- and age-matched community-based cohorts, aged 40 to 80 years: Whites (Rochester, MN, USA) and Koreans (Seoul, South Korea). For both the spine and femur, the age dependence of bone strength was similar for both groups, White (n = 371; women n = 202, 54.5%) and Korean (n = 396; women n = 199, 50.3%). For both sexes, mean spine strength did not differ between groups, but femur strength was 9% to 14% higher in Whites (p ≤ 0.001), an effect that became non-significant after weight adjustment (p = 0.375). For Koreans of both sexes, the fragile bone strength thresholds for classifying osteoporosis, when derived from regional DXA BMD T-score references, equaled the clinically validated thresholds for Whites (in women and men, femoral strength, 3000 N and 3500 N; vertebral strength 4500 N and 6500 N, respectively). Using these thresholds, classifications for osteoporosis for Koreans based on bone strength versus based on DXA BMD T-scores were consistent (89.1% to 94.4% agreement) at both the hip and spine and for both sexes. The BCT-based, clinically validated bone strength thresholds for Whites also applied to Koreans, which may facilitate clinical interpretation of CT-based bone strength measurements for Koreans. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Increased expression of plasma hsa‐miR‐181a in male patients with heroin addiction use disorder
Authors: Xu Wenjin , Zhao Ming , Lin Zi , Liu Haixiong , Ma Hong , Hong Qingxiao , Gui Donghui , Feng Jiying , Liu Yue , Zhou Wenhua , Liu Huifen
Published: August 2020

Background

Drug addiction is an uncontrolled, chronic, and recurrent encephalopathy that presently lacks specific and characteristic biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. As regulators of gene expression, microRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly used for diagnostic and prognostic purposes in various disease states. Previous studies indicated that miRNAs play important roles in the development and progression of drug addictions, including addiction to methamphetamine, cocaine, alcohol, and heroin.

Methods

We identified significant miRNAs using the microarray method and then validated the hsa‐miR‐181a expression levels in 53 heroin addiction patients and 49 normal controls using quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Finally, the potential associations between transcriptional levels in heroin addiction patients and their clinicopathological features were analyzed.

Results

A total of 2006 miRNAs were differentially expressed between heroin addiction patients and normal controls. The top 10 up‐regulated miRNAs in patients were hsa‐miR‐21a, hsa‐miR‐181a, hsa‐miR‐4459, hsa‐miR‐4430, hsa‐miR‐4306, hsa‐miR‐22‐3P, hsa‐miR‐486‐5P, hsa‐miR‐371b‐5P, hsa‐miR‐92a‐3P, and hsa‐miR‐5001‐5P. The top 10 down‐regulated miRNAs in patients were hsa‐miR‐3195, hsa‐miR‐4767, hsa‐miR‐3135b, hsa‐miR‐6087, hsa‐miR‐1181, hsa‐miR‐4785, hsa‐miR‐718, hsa‐miR‐3141, hsa‐miR‐652‐5P, and hsa‐miR‐6126. The expression level of hsa‐miR‐181a in heroin addiction patients was significantly increased compared with that in normal controls (P < .001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of hsa‐miR‐181a was 0.783, the sensitivity was 0.867, and the specificity was 0.551.

Conclusions

The increased expression of hsa‐miR‐181a in the plasma of heroin patients may be a consequence of the pathological process of heroin abuse. This study highlights the potential of hsa‐miR‐181a as a novel biomarker for the diagnosis of heroin addiction.
Roles of BATF/JUN/IRF4 complex in tacrolimus mediated immunosuppression on Tfh cells in acute rejection after liver transplantation
Authors: Tang Tengqian , Xu Tao , Liu Xiangde , Yang Tongkun , Zhang Leida , Yang Zhanyu
Published: August 2020

Rejection injury is a serious complication after liver transplantation (LTx). Tacrolimus (Tac) is a key immunosuppressive agent in the prevention of liver rejection after transplantation. The basic leucine zipper ATF‐like transcription factor (BATF)/JUN/interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) complex serves critical functions in the immune response. This study aimed to explore the role of the BATF/JUN/IRF4 complex in rejection after LTx by treatment with Tac. Herein, DA and Lewis (LEW) rats were used to construct the LTx animal model. The recipient LEW rats were treated with Tac or saline, subcutaneously. Splenic mononuclear cells were treated with Tac at 1 and 10 nM after stimulation with interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and the expression of factors associated with the nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)‐BATF/JUN/IRF4 and IL‐21 were detected. The results demonstrated that Tac prolonged the allografts survival and attenuated inflammation injury, and decreased the percentage frequencies of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and inhibited B‐cell lymphoma 6 (Bcl‐6) and IL‐6 expression in Tfh cells. In addition, Tac inhibited the expression of the BATF/JUN/IRF4 complex, Bcl‐6 and IL‐21 NFATc1 and NFATc2 were inhibited by Tac, and interacted with the promoter of BATF and IRF4. In conclusion, the attenuation of rejection injury may be dependent on the NFAT‐BATF/JUN/IRF4‐IL‐21 axis, and the BATF/JUN/IRF4 complex participates in the inhibition of IL‐21‐producing Tfh cells after treatment with Tac. These findings suggest that the BATF/JUN/IRF4 complex–IL‐21 axis may be used as a potential target for attenuating rejection injury after LTx.
Hepatic steatosis as an independent risk factor for severe disease in patients with COVID‐19: A computed tomography study
Authors: Palomar‐Lever Andres , Barraza Gustavo , Galicia‐Alba Julieta , Echeverri‐Bolaños Melissa , Escarria‐Panesso Robert , Padua‐Barrios Jorge , Halabe‐Cherem Jose , Hernandez‐Molina Gabriela , Chargoy‐Loustaunau Talia Nila , Kimura‐Hayama Eric
Published: August 2020

Background and Aim

Hepatic steatosis (HS) is associated with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, comorbidities recently related to COVID‐19 severity. Here, we assessed if tomographic HS is also a risk factor for severe COVID‐19 pneumonia.

Methods

We included 213 patients with a positive real time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) test and chest computed tomography (CT) from an out‐hospital facility and a hospital. We obtained information on demographics; weight; height; smoking history; diabetes; hypertension; and cardiovascular, lung, and renal disease. Two radiologists scored the CO‐RADs system (COVID‐19 Reporting and Data System) (1 = normal, 2 = inconsistent, 3–4 = indeterminate, and 5 = typical findings) and the chest CT severity index (≥20 of 40 was considered severe disease). They evaluated the liver‐to‐spleen ratio (CTL/S) and defined tomographic steatosis as a CTL/S index ≤0.9. We used descriptive statistics, χ2 and t student tests, logistic regression, and reported odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Of the patients, 61% were men, with a mean age of 51.2 years, 48.3% were CO‐RADs 1 and 51.7% CO‐RADs 2–5. Severe tomographic disease was present in 103 patients (48.4%), all CO‐RADs 5. This group was older; mostly men; and with a higher prevalence of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and HS (69.9 vs 29%). On multivariate analysis, age (OR 1.058, 95% CI 1.03–1.086, P < 0.0001), male gender (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.03–3.8, P = 0.04), and HS (OR 4.9, 95% CI 2.4–9.7, P < 0.0001) remained associated.

Conclusion

HS was independently associated with severe COVID pneumonia. The physiopathological explanation of this finding remains to be elucidated. CTL/S should be routinely measured in thoracic CT scans in patients with COVID‐19 pneumonia.
Uses of ethyl benzoyl acetate for the synthesis of thiophene, pyran, and pyridine derivatives with antitumor activities
Authors: Ibrahim Bishoy A. , Mohareb Rafat M.
Published: August 2020

The N‐(arly)propanamide derivatives 3a,b were used for a series of heterocyclization reactions to give thiophene, pyran, and pyridine derivatives. Thus, these compounds underwent the Gewald's thiophene synthesis through their reactions with either malononitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate and elemental sulfur to afford compounds 6a‐f, respectively. In addition, they were subjected through a series of multicomponent reactions (MCRs) to give pyran and fused derivatives. The reactions of 3a,b with either malononitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate gave pyridine derivatives 14a‐d, respectively. The latter compounds afforded arylhydrazone derivatives 15a‐m through their reactions with any of the aromatic diazonium salts 15a‐c. The antitumor of the synthesized compounds against A549 (nonsmall cell lung cancer), H460 (human lung cancer), HT‐29 (human colon cancer), and MKN‐45 (human gastric cancer cancer) cancer cell lines together with foretinib as the positive control by a MTT assay was measured, and the results obtained showed that many compounds exhibited high potency against the six cancer cell lines.
Natural history of multiple sulfatase deficiency: Retrospective phenotyping and functional variant analysis to characterize an ultra‐rare disease
Authors: Adang Laura A. , Schlotawa Lars , Groeschel Samuel , Kehrer Christiane , Harzer Klaus , Staretz‐Chacham Orna , Silva Thiago Oliveira , Schwartz Ida Vanessa D. , Gärtner Jutta , De Castro Mauricio , Costin Carrie , Montgomery Esperanza Font , Dierks Thomas , Radhakrishnan Karthikeyan , Ahrens‐Nicklas Rebecca C.
Published: August 2020

Multiple sulfatase deficiency (MSD) is an ultra‐rare neurodegenerative disorder caused by pathogenic variants inSUMF1. This gene encodes formylglycine‐generating enzyme (FGE), a protein required for sulfatase activation. The clinical course of MSD results from additive effect of each sulfatase deficiency, including metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), several mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS II, IIIA, IIID, IIIE, IVA, VI), chondrodysplasia punctata, and X‐linked ichthyosis. While it is known that affected individuals demonstrate a complex and severe phenotype, the genotype‐phenotype relationship and detailed clinical course is unknown. We report on 35 cases enrolled in our retrospective natural history study, n = 32 with detailed histories. Neurologic function was longitudinally assessed with retrospective scales. Biochemical and computational modeling of novelSUMF1variants was performed. Genotypes were classified based on predicted functional change, and each individual was assigned a genotype severity score. The median age at symptom onset was 0.25 years; median age at diagnosis was 2.7 years; and median age at death was 13 years. All individuals demonstrated developmental delay, and only a subset of individuals attained ambulation and verbal communication. All subjects experienced an accumulating systemic symptom burden. Earlier age at symptom onset and severe variant pathogenicity correlated with poor neurologic outcomes. Using retrospective deep phenotyping and detailed variant analysis, we defined the natural history of MSD. We found that attenuated cases can be distinguished from severe cases by age of onset, attainment of ambulation, and genotype. Results from this study can help inform prognosis and facilitate future study design.
Mitigation effects of phlorizin immersion on acrylamide formation in fried potato strips
Authors: Yang Yali , Shen Hailiang , Liu Ting , Wen Yaoyao , Wang Furong , Guo Yurong
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Several researches reported that natural polyphenols affected acrylamide formation of fried products. However, the effects of different variety of polyphenols on acrylamide formation were distinct. In this study, we isolated and purified phlorizin from apples and identified the influence of phlorizin immersion on acrylamide formation and sensory properties of fried potato strips with regard to the immersion concentration, time and temperature.

RESULTS

The acrylamide formation of fried samples decreased as the phlorizin concentration increased from 0 to 0.3 g kg−1, and 0.14 g kg−1 could be selected as the suitable immersion concentration to dramatically inhibit acrylamide formation with considering the cost of industrial production. Additionally, the acrylamide formation significantly reduced from 8.71 × 10−3 to 2.13 × 10−3 g kg−1 lyophilized weight (LW) with immersion time from 0 to 120 min, and 60 min could be selected to significantly reduce acrylamide formation in consideration of efficiency of the large‐scale industrial processing. However, the effect of phlorizin immersion temperature on acrylamide formation of fried samples was not significant. Compared to the fried samples without immersion, the phlorizin immersion improved the color properties and the change of texture parameters was slight.

CONCLUSION

The fresh potato strips immersed in the phlorizin solution of 0.14 g kg−1 at 40 °C for 60 min before frying could significantly decrease acrylamide formation of fried samples and retain the majority of fresh sensorial properties. The significant correlations obtained between sensory properties and acrylamide content indicated the sensory properties could be used as the indicator of acrylamide levels during industrial processing. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Growth, water use, yield and quality parameters in oregano affected by reduced irrigation regimes
Authors: Hancioglu Nurten E , Kurunc Ahmet , Tontul Ismail , Topuz Ayhan
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Determining plant tolerance to water stress is necessary in irrigation scheduling, decisions concerning supplementary irrigation, planning and operation and, more importantly, the rational use of water resources. In the present study, effects of the irrigation regime on oregano growth, water use, yield and quality parameters were investigated using reduced irrigation regime treatments.

RESULTS

Increased water stresses caused a decrease in all growth and yield parameters. Plant water use efficiency was not significantly different among the control, low and medium stress treatments, although it was the lowest for the extreme water stress treatment. Total essential oil yield was the only quality parameter demonstrating significant differences among treatments. Yield response factors were determined as 1.13, 1.12, 1.06 and 1.10 for total fresh, total dry, dry leaf and total essential oil yields, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Yield response factors indicate that oregano plant is slightly sensitive to water stress. Although the yield parameters were affected by water stress, Origanum onites, under cultivation in recent years, might have developed a resistance mechanism for quality parameters because it has grown in very dry conditions under a natural environment for many years. However, the negative relationships between crop evapotranspiration versus essential oil, total phenolic and flavonoid contents and extract yield indicates that the quality parameters of oregano under low plant water consumption may be increased. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of different cooking methods on sea lettuce (Ulva rigida) volatile compounds and sensory properties
Authors: Sánchez‐García Fini , Mirzayeva Aytan , Roldán Ana , Castro Remedios , Palacios Víctor , G Barroso Carmelo , Durán‐Guerrero Enrique
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The effect of different cooking methods (boiling, vacuum and steamed cooking) on the volatile compound content and sensory properties of sea lettuce (Ulva rigida) seaweed was assessed. Sea lettuce was cooked at three different temperatures (50, 70 and 100 °C) for three different lengths of time (5, 10 and 15 min). Various statistical techniques were employed in order to establish any possible changes.

RESULTS

The different cooking methods modified significantly both the volatile compound content and the sensory properties of sea lettuce seaweed. In general, the cooked samples had lower concentrations of several volatile compounds than the control sample, mainly aldehydes. Regarding sensory analysis, the cooked samples exhibited lower values for various aroma descriptors such as seaside and seaweed, whereas descriptor scores such as cooked fish, salty dry fish and crustacean increased. No clear statistical differences were found between different cooking lengths of time and temperature levels with regard to both volatile compounds and sensory properties.

CONCLUSIONS

In the cooking of sea lettuce seaweeds, the main sensory changes and modifications in their volatile content took place during the first minutes of cooking and at medium cooking temperatures. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Behavioural change or “business as usual”? Characterising the reaction behaviour of winter (sport) tourists to climate change in two German destinations
Authors: Witting Maximilian , Bischof Michael , Schmude Jürgen
Published: August 2020

Climate change affects both the supply and the demand side of winter tourism. So far, few demand‐side studies exist in the field of climate change impact research. Those investigating the tourists' behavioural response to climate change concentrated exclusively on ski tourists in various countries, except for the highly vulnerable German market. This study conducted a survey (n = 751) in two German destinations to investigate the reaction behaviour of winter tourists to climate change, differentiated according to day and overnight guests. Findings show that not only weather, snow and operating conditions determine the reaction behaviour, but also lifestyle or sociodemographic aspects.
Formation of phenanthrene via H‐assisted isomerization of 2‐ethynylbiphenyl produced in the reaction of phenyl with phenylacetylene
Authors: Tuli Lotefa Binta , Mebel Alexander M.
Published: August 2020

Model chemistry G3(MP2,CC)//B3LYP/6‐311G(d,p) calculations of the potential energy surface for the reaction of phenyl radical (C6H5) with phenylacetylene (C8H6) have been carried out and combined with Rice‐Ramsperger‐Kassel‐Marcus/Master Equation calculations of temperature‐ and pressure‐dependent rate constants. The results showed that the reaction can serve as a viable source for the formation of phenanthrene via an indirect route involving a primary reaction of phenyl addition to the ortho carbon in the ring of phenylacetylene and H elimination producing 2‐ethynylbiphenyl followed by secondary H‐assisted isomerization of 2‐ethynylbiphenyl to phenanthrene. In the secondary reaction, the H atom adds to the α carbon of the ethynyl side chain, then a six‐member ring closure takes place followed by aromatization via an H loss. The channel of H addition to the side chain of 2‐ethynylbiphenyl appears to be much faster than H addition to the ortho carbon in the ethynyl‐substituted ring leading back to the initial C6H5 + C8H6 reactants. Rate constants for the primary C6H5 + C8H62‐ethynylbiphenyl (p1) + H and secondary p1 + Hphenanthrene (p2) + H reactions have been computed in the temperature range of 500‐2500 K at pressures of 30 Torr, 1, 10, and 100 atm and fitted to modified Arrhenius expressions. The suggested kinetic scheme and rate constants are proposed as a prototype for the modeling of the growth of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons via the phenyl addition‐dehydrocyclization (PAC) mechanism involving an addition of a PAH radical to an ethynyl‐substituted PAH molecule.
Automatic assessment of bone age in Taiwanese children: A comparison of the Greulich and Pyle method and the Tanner and Whitehouse 3 method
Authors: Wang Yi‐Ming , Tsai Tzu‐Hsueh , Hsu Jui‐Sheng , Chao Min‐Fang , Wang Yu‐Tsang , Jaw Twei‐Shiun
Published: August 2020

Proper bone age assessment is crucial for the clinical diagnosis and evaluation of treatment responses. We investigated the applicability of Greulich and Pyle (GP), and Tanner and Whitehouse 3 (TW3) methods for children in modern Taiwan, using computer‐aided diagnosis. Hand and wrist radiographs were obtained from 611 children (3‐17 years) who came to our emergency department due to trauma. Ages 0 to 2 years old were excluded because of a limited number of cases. Skeletal maturation was assessed using the BoneXpert (version 2.5.4.1 automated software), which determines GP and TW3 bone age. The two scoring systems were evaluated for comparing the chronological ages in each subgroup. In boys, mean GP bone age vs mean chronological ages were delayed for ages 3 to 11 and advanced for age 12 to 17. In girls, mean GP bone age vs mean chronological ages was delayed for ages 4 to 8 and 17, and advanced for ages 3 and 9 to 17. In boys, the mean TW3 bone ages vs mean chronological ages were delayed for ages 5 to 10 except age 8, and advanced for ages 3 to 4, 8, and 11 to 15. In girls, the mean TW3 bone ages vs mean chronological ages were delayed for ages 4 to 12, and advanced for ages 3 and 13 to 14. By using the BoneXpert automatic software, we established bone age reference standards for children in Taiwan. Clinical application of GP and TW3 scoring methods can be adjusted according to our results to better assess bone age.
Blue Light Laser Results in Less Vocal Fold Scarring Compared to KTP Laser in Normal Rat Vocal Folds
Authors: Lin R. Jun , Iakovlev Vladimir , Streutker Catherine , Lee Daniel , Al‐Ali Mohammed , Anderson Jennifer
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Preliminary investigations suggest that a novel blue light (BL) laser with a wavelength of 445 nm is comparable to the commonly utilized potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser (532 nm) for treatment of various laryngeal pathologies. The objective of the current study is to make a direct histological comparison of the degree of vocal fold scarring after either BL or KTP laser treatment in an animal model.

Study Design

This was a randomized controlled study using rats.

Methods

Twenty‐four Sprague–Dawley rats were randomized to BL or KTP laser treatment. Laser was delivered in non‐overlapping pulses to normal rat vocal folds. Larynges in each group were harvested at three time points: post‐operative day 1, 30, and 90. Three animals served as negative controls. The excised whole larynges were sectioned transversely and stained with hematoxylin/eosin and trichrome. Presence of subepithelial inflammation and protein deposition/fibrosis indicative of scarring were scored semi‐quantitatively (from grade 1–3) by two pathologists blinded to treatment groups.

Results

Between‐group comparison showed that both laser treatments resulted in significantly elevated subepithelial protein deposition/fibrosis 90 days after treatment compared to negative controls (BL: 2 ± 0; KTP: 2.67 ± 0.29; control: 1.17 ± 0.29; P < .05). However, the degree of protein deposition/fibrosis was significantly higher in the KTP group compared to the BL group (P = .016). Within‐group comparison showed that the KTP group showed evidence of fibrosis as early as 30 days after treatment, which was not observed in the BL group.

Conclusions

The current study suggests that the degree of scarring is significantly less after BL laser treatment compared to KTP in normal rat vocal fold tissue.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:853–858, 2021
An Open‐Source Three‐Dimensionally Printed Laryngeal Model for Injection Laryngoplasty Training
Authors: Lee Mark , Ang Chelston , Andreadis Katerina , Shin James , Rameau Anaïs
Published: August 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

A limited number of three‐dimensionally (3D)‐printed laryngeal simulators have been described in the literature, only one of which is specifically designed for percutaneous injection laryngoplasty (PIL) training and is currently of limited availability. This study describes the development and evaluation of a high‐fidelity, open‐source, low‐cost 3D‐printed simulator for PIL training, improving on existing models.

Study Design

Simulator design and survey evaluation.

Methods

Computed tomography scans of the upper airways were processed with 3D Slicer to generate a computer model of the endolarynx. Blender and Fusion 360 were used to refine the mucosal model and develop casts for silicone injection molding. The casted endolaryngeal structures were inserted into a modified version of a publicly available laryngeal cartilage model. The final models were evaluated by 10 expert laryngologists using a customized version of the Michigan Standard Simulation Experience Scale. Internal consistency and interrater reliability of the survey were evaluated using Cronbach's α and intraclass correlation, respectively.

Results

Expert laryngologists highly rated the model for measures of fidelity, educational value, and overall quality (mean = 4.8, standard deviation = 0.5; 1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree). All reviewers rated the model as ready for use as is or with slight modifications. The filament needed for one cartilage model costs $0.96, whereas the silicone needed for one soft‐tissue model costs $1.89.

Conclusions

Using 3D‐printing technology, we successfully created the first open‐source, low‐cost, and anatomically accurate laryngeal model for injection laryngoplasty training. Our simulator is made freely available for download on Wikifactory with step‐by‐step tutorials for 3D printing, silicone molding, assembly, and use.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 131:E890–E895, 2021
Patient‐Perceived Nasal Appearance After Septorhinoplasty With Spreader Versus Extended Spreader Graft
Authors: Weitzman Rachel E. , Gadkaree Shekhar K. , Justicz Natalie S. , Lindsay Robin W.
Published: August 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

Standard spreader grafts (SSGs) are commonly used in septorhinoplasty to treat internal nasal valve narrowing and have been shown to improve nasal airway obstruction. Extended spreader grafts (ESGs) have also been proven effective for correcting nasal deviation. To date, the effectiveness of ESGs using patient‐reported outcome measures has not been demonstrated, and results of ESGs have not been compared to SSGs. This study aims to assess satisfaction and nasal appearance in patients who have undergone septorhinoplasty with SSG versus ESG.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Five hundred sixty‐eight patients who underwent septorhinoplasty with SSGs and 126 patients who underwent septorhinoplasty with ESGs between 2012 and 2018 were administered the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale and FACE‐Q Satisfaction With Nose, FACE‐Q Satisfaction With Nostrils, and FACE‐Q Social Functioning scales pre‐ and postoperatively. Pre‐ and postoperative NOSE and FACE‐Q scores, negative inspiratory force (NIF), and changes in these values were compared between groups.

Results

Results demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvement at follow‐up for both groups. There was no significant difference between the SSG and ESG groups in mean improvement of NOSE scores, FACE‐Q scores, and NIF at follow‐up of 6 months and at 12 months.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that SSGs and ESGs both provide clinically and statistically significant improvement, and no significant difference in functional outcome. Both techniques can be effective. The etiology of the nasal obstruction and/or deformity should be considered when deciding which type of spreader graft to use.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:765–772, 2021
Insights on 3D Structures of Potential Drug‐targeting Proteins of SARS‐CoV‐2: Application of Cavity Search and Molecular Docking
Authors: Fernandes Mariana S. , da Silva Francielly S. , Freitas Ana Carolina S. G. , de Melo Eduardo B. , Trossini Gustavo H. G. , Paula Fávero R.
Published: August 2020

The emergence of the COVID‐19 has caused public health problems worldwide and there is no effective pharmacological treatment for this disease. Research on 3D models of proteins and the search for active molecular sites are important tools to assist in the discovery of effective antiviral drugs to combat COVID‐19. To address this problem, the 3D protein structures of SARS‐CoV 2 were analyzed and submitted to cavities research, evaluation of their druggabillity and liganbility, and applied to molecular docking studies with potential ligand candidates actually assayed against COVID‐19. Eight druggable potential cavity sites were determined in model structures’ PDB code, 6W4B, 6VWW, 6W01, 6M3M, and 6VYO, and these are the good alternatives to be characterized as targets for antiviral compounds. The good cavity model of the protease 3D structure was used in molecular docking, and this allowed verifying the theoric interactions of this protein and lopinavir and ritonavir antiviral drugs. These results may assist in the use of 3D protein models in drug design studies aiming to develop drugs against the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Dielectric spectroscopy signature for cancer diagnosis: A review
Authors: Fahmy Heba Mohamed , Hamad Amany Mohamed , Sayed Fatma Al‐zahraa , Abdelaziz Youssef S. , Abu Serea Esraa Samy , Mustafa Amany Bahaa El‐Din , Mohammed Maha Amir , Saadeldin Ayat M.
Published: August 2020

The effective clinical management of cancer is entirely dependent on the detection at a suitable early time as well as on the proper diagnosis. The main aim of this review is to survey the applications of dielectric spectroscopy in the clinical cancer diagnosis and distinguishing between normal and tumor tissues. This review focuses on the recognition of the biophysical properties of normal and malignant tissues and also of biophysical changes elicited by cancers comprising (breast, liver, thyroid gland, lung, skin, bladder, uterine and ovarian, lung, and prostate) tumors. These biophysical changes are often produced because of the difference in tissue composition, blood flow, and architecture between normal and malignant cells. From the literature, it has been observed that dielectric spectroscopy method can be applied before, during or after tumor surgery; and most of the results are confirmed by conventional analysis such as histopathology. Moreover, by dielectric spectroscopy technique, dielectric parameters, especially conductivity, and permittivity were suggested to be biomarkers for the densification of cancerous patients of the previously mentioned cancer types. It could be concluded that dielectric spectroscopy rapidly provides the biophysical status of normal tissues and cancerous ones and thus can be applied effectively for the early diagnosis and detection of cancers. It could be a promising diagnostic tool in the future.
Preparation and evaluation of physicochemical properties of novel alkaline calcium alginate hydrogels with carbonated water
Authors: Teshima Ryota , Kawano Yayoi , Hanawa Takehisa , Kikuchi Akihiko
Published: August 2020

Hydrogels are highly biocompatible materials, and alginate is utilized for wound dressing. Contrary to traditional beliefs, alkaline conditions (ie, pH of approximately 8.5) are favorable for healing wounds. However, existing wound dressing materials are employed under neutral or weakly acidic (pH 5.5‐6.5) conditions. To address this issue, in this study, we successfully prepared alkaline calcium alginate hydrogels using carbonic acid and evaluated their physicochemical properties. Using inversion tube tests, we determined that the gelation time of the hydrogels was less than 5 minutes. Furthermore, the pH measurements demonstrated that the prepared gels were alkaline (pH of 8.38‐8.57) due to the volatilization of carbon dioxide from the hydrogel surface. Due to the short gelation time of the hydrogels, they can be prepared immediately before use under medical settings, and the pH of the hydrogels may facilitate the proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. In addition, the physicochemical properties of the prepared hydrogels were determined to be excellent with respect to transparency, the ability to absorb physiological saline, and possessing a high water content (approximately 99%). The hydrogel prepared in this study may have applications in wound dressings.
Preparation and characterization of new hybrid polymer composites from Phoenix pusilla fibers/E‐glass/carbon fabrics on potential engineering applications: Effect of stacking sequence
Authors: Puttegowda Madhu , M. Rangappa Sanjay , Khan Anish , Al‐Zahrani Salma Ahmed , Al Otaibi Ahmed , Shivanna Pradeep , Moure Marta M. , Siengchin Suchart
Published: August 2020

The use of bio‐fiber‐based hybrid composites in various commercial engineering applications is increasing day by day due to their biodegradability and versatile characteristics. Hence, in the present research investigation, an attempt has been made to scrutinize the mongrelizing possessions under different laminate stacking arrangement concerning Phoenix pusilla fibers (PPFs)/E‐glass woven/carbon woven fabric‐reinforced epoxy composite laminates through the studies of density, void fraction, and different mechanical strength behavior evaluation of five resulting diverse hybrid composite laminates. The hybrid laminates were prepared by manual hand lay‐up technique. The scrutinization of physical and mechanical properties and the study of fractured surfaces specify noteworthy improvement in density, void fraction, tensile properties, flexural properties, and microhardness properties of PPFs/E‐glass/carbon fabrics‐reinforced hybrid epoxy composites. The overall results conferred that the composite laminates fabricated in the present study could be potentially used in medium load structural applications.
Biosynthesis of cyanogenic glucosides in Phaseolus lunatus and the evolution of oxime‐based defenses
Authors: Lai Daniela , Maimann Alexandra B. , Macea Eliana , Ocampo César H. , Cardona Gustavo , Pičmanová Martina , Darbani Behrooz , Olsen Carl Erik , Debouck Daniel , Raatz Bodo , Møller Birger Lindberg , Rook Fred
Published: August 2020

Lima bean, Phaseolus lunatus, is a crop legume that produces the cyanogenic glucosides linamarin and lotaustralin. In the legumes Lotus japonicus and Trifolium repens, the biosynthesis of these two α‐hydroxynitrile glucosides involves cytochrome P450 enzymes of the CYP79 and CYP736 families and a UDP‐glucosyltransferase. Here, we identify CYP79D71 as the first enzyme of the pathway in P. lunatus, producing oximes from valine and isoleucine. A second CYP79 family member, CYP79D72, was shown to catalyze the formation of leucine‐derived oximes, which act as volatile defense compounds in Phaseolus spp. The organization of the biosynthetic genes for cyanogenic glucosides in a gene cluster aided their identification in L. japonicus. In the available genome sequence of P. vulgaris, the gene orthologous to CYP79D71 is adjacent to a member of the CYP83 family. Although P. vulgaris is not cyanogenic, it does produce oximes as volatile defense compounds. We cloned the genes encoding two CYP83s (CYP83E46 and CYP83E47) and a UDP‐glucosyltransferase (UGT85K31) from P. lunatus, and these genes combined form a complete biosynthetic pathway for linamarin and lotaustralin in Lima bean. Within the genus Phaseolus, the occurrence of linamarin and lotaustralin as functional chemical defense compounds appears restricted to species belonging to the closely related Polystachios and Lunatus groups. A preexisting ability to produce volatile oximes and nitriles likely facilitated evolution of cyanogenesis within the Phaseolus genus.
Investigation on the Thermal Behavior of Ammonium Dinitramide with Different Copper‐Based Catalysts
Authors: Li Yajin , Xie Wuxi , Wang Haiyang , Yang Hongtao , Huang Haitao , Liu Yunfei , Fan Xuezhong
Published: August 2020

A systematic investigation of the effects of different copper catalysts on the thermal behavior for ammonium dinitramide (ADN) was performed. ADN/copper catalyst mixtures were prepared in the ratio of 100/5 by grinding, and all samples were subjected to TG‐DSC studies using thermo‐gravimetric analysis coupled to Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectrometry (TGA‐FTIR) and Mass Spectrometry, which obtained the detailed information of evolved gas products on pyrolysis and oxidative degradations. Four copper‐series catalysts including copper chromate (CuCrO4), copper chromite (Cu2Cr2O5), copper 2,4‐dihydroxybenzoate (β‐Cu) and metal‐organic framework copper (MOF−Cu) were employed to research the appearance morphology and thermal behavior of the samples. TG‐DSC analysis of the decomposition for ADN/catalyst revealed that copper chromite and β‐Cu exhibit higher catalytic activity than copper chromate due to their greater acceleration of thermal decomposition for ADN. Besides, though MOF−Cu slightly promote the thermal decomposition of ADN, the ADN/MOF−Cu system release more heat during exothermic reaction owing to the high energy of MOF−Cu.
Theoretical Study of the Local Vibrational Modes at Shock Wave Front for Energetic Material
Authors: Long Yao , Chen Jun
Published: August 2020

We evaluate the shock wave profile of β‐octahydro‐1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazocine (β‐HMX) by steady flow theory and calculate the force constants by density functional theory. Based on these results, a method to calculate the local phonon states at shock front is developed. We find that the phonon density of states (PDOS) of shock front is non‐intersect with the PDOS of crystal, and obtain four important vibrational modes for shock wave: N−NO2 stretch, NO wagging, CH2 wagging, and N‐NC2 stretch. According to the vibrational modes, the initial decomposition reactions of β‐HMX at shocked state are denitrification, hydrogen transfer, and ring‐opening reactions.