bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The humanization of birth experience at the University of Santa Catarina maternity hospital
Authors: Santos O.M.B , Siebert E.R.C
Published: July 2002

The Federal University of Santa Catarina (FUSC) Maternity Hospital (UH) initiated its activities on October 24, 1995, after several years of interdisciplinary committee work. The Committee based its work on the principles of humanization and interdisciplinarity. In this report we describe the process by which these services were implemented in this hospital, emphasizing the difficulties and possibilities of such an interdisciplinary project, the philosophical principles which guided the process, the work being carried out and the opinion of the clients on the care that they received. The work carried out at the UH generated a number of changes in the care and teaching of obstetrics at different professional levels. The maintenance of the basic principals of this work has, however, proved to be a continuous challenge with a constant struggle to ensure that the philosophy is adhered to by professionals and students, which strongly depends upon a continual educational process.
Regulation of c‐Fos mRNA and fos protein expression in olfactory bulbs from unilaterally odor‐deprived adult mice
Authors: Jin B.K. , Franzen L. , Baker H.
Published: July 2002

Odorant deprivation, produced by unilateral naris closure, profoundly reduces tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression within intrinsic olfactory bulb dopamine neurons. The TH gene contains an AP‐1 site, which interacts with the product of the immediate early gene, c‐fos. c‐Fos exhibits activity dependent regulation in the CNS. The hypothesis that odorant stimulation and deprivation might modify c‐fos expression in TH neurons was tested in adult CD‐1 mice, subjected to unilateral naris closure. After 2 months, naris closed and control mice were exposed to either clean air for 60 min or clean air for 60 min followed by 30 min of alternating exposure to 10% isoamyl acetate (1 min) and air (4 min). A parallel reduction occurred in TH and fos expression (both c‐fos mRNA and fos‐like immunoreactivity) in the glomerular layer of the odorant‐deprived olfactory bulb. Odor stimulation induced a short‐lived increase in c‐fos mRNA and fos‐like immunoreactivity in olfactory bulbs contralateral to naris closure. The increase in fos expression was region‐specific in the glomerular layer but more diffuse in mitral and granule cell layers. In olfactory bulbs ipsilateral to naris closure, odor stimulation also induced c‐fos mRNA expression in the mitral and granule cell layers and sparsely within limited periglomerular regions. Odor induced expression in mitral and granule cell layers may represent increased centrifugal activity acting on as yet unknown genes. These results suggest a correlation between c‐fos mRNA expression and increased neuronal activity in the olfactory bulb which, in turn, acts to regulate TH expression in periglomerular neurons.
Valpromide increases amplitude of heart rate circadian rhythm in remitted bipolar and unipolar disorders.A placebo-controlled study
Authors: Lemoine P , Fondarai J , Faivre T
Published: July 2002

The aim of this study was to investigate for the effects of valpromide on heart rate circadian rhythm in remitted recurrent unipolar and bipolar disorders (DSM-III-R). It consisted of a comparative, randomized, double-blind, repeated cross-over study of valpromide versus placebo over four four-week periods. The primary evaluation criteria was heart rate (HR). Secondary criteria comprised motor activity (MA) and the Bech and Rafaelsen mania assessment scale, Horne and Ostberg questionnaire, Montgomery and Asberg depression rating scale, Spiegel questionnaire, a sleep diary, and Clinical Global Impression. Fifteen patients were included, giving 60 one-month periods (30 valpromide periods and 30 placebo periods).

Cosinor analysis of HR and MA data revealed a difference in amplitude (P = 0.037, analysis of variance, one-tailed test).

The clinical sleep study shows that the duration of sleep was greater with valpromide than with placebo (P = 0.007, one-tailed test). Similarly, evaluation of the quality of sleep by patients themselves showed valpromide to be superior to placebo (P = 0.045, one-tailed test). The results of analysis of the Spiegel questionnaire also confirm the superiority of valpromide over placebo. Safety and compliance were comparable for the active drug and the placebo.

In conclusion, the relatively small sample size requires cautious interpretation of this study. Nevertheless, these initial results show a definite effect of valpromide on a biological rhythm that leads one to suppose that it may be effective through a ‘synchronizing’ effect.
Burnout and metabolic syndrome among different departments of medical center nurses in Taiwan-Cross-sectional study and biomarker research
Authors: Tsou Meng-Ting , Pai Tsung-Ping , Chiang Te-Ming , Huang Wei-Hsin , Lin Hsiu-Mei , Lee Shu-Chen
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the association between burnout, work-related factors, and metabolic syndrome (Mets) in nurses from several departments of a tertiary hospital in Taiwan. Exploring biomarkers could provide for prevention.

Methods

Demographic data were obtained through a written questionnaire and include the following information: gender, age, education level, psychosocial and work situations, such as departments, working hours, work shift, depression, and sleep time. Burnout was evaluated according to the Chinese Burnout inventory, Mets was evaluated according to the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program of Taiwan—Treatment Panel for Adults III (NCEP-ATP III).

Results

A total of 1758 nurses participated with a median age of 35.2 years. The prevalence of burnout and Mets was 6.4% and 13.84%, respectively. The results showed that burnout induced higher risk of Mets, odds ratio (OR) 1.70 (95% confidence interval, 1.04-3.05). Other factors, such as out-patient nurses, seniority (4-10 and >10 years), working hours (51-59 h/wk), nigh shift, Brief Symptom Rating Scale-5 (score 10-14 and ≧15), poor self-rated health status, and inadequate sleep time, led to higher risk of Mets. Biomarkers research showed that Glycated hemoglobin (Hba1c) was significantly associated with burnout nurses (OR = 24.72, P < .001), but thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxin were not.

Conclusions

Results suggested positive associations between burnout and Mets in nurses. For nurses with higher seniority, long hours of work, night shifts, poor physical and mental conditions, and poor lifestyle habits in different departments, strategies are needed to prevent burnout and Mets.
Hypermethylation of the PZP gene is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation, invasion and migration
Authors: Wu Minhua , Lan Hui , Ye Zhongwei , Wang Yonghui
Published: January 2021

Pregnancy zone protein (PZP), a member of the proteinase inhibitor I39 (‐2‐macroglobulin) family of proteins, is involved in the initiation and development of various tumors. The gene encoding PZP is hypermethylated and expressed at low levels in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue and cells, but the function of PZP in HCC cells remains unclear. Here, we analyzed DNA methylation and mRNA expression of HCC in The Cancer Genome Atlas Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma dataset. We identified 10 methylation‐driven genes, of which PZP was significantly hypermethylated and poorly expressed in tumor tissue. We confirmed that PZP is highly methylated and poorly expressed in HCC cell lines via quantitative real‐time PCR experiment and methylation‐specific PCR. Furthermore, PZP markedly inhibited the proliferation, invasion and migration of HCC cells. These findings may provide a basis for exploring novel therapeutic targets for HCC.
Artificial intelligence against hate: Intervention reducing verbal aggression in the social network environment
Authors: Bilewicz Michał , Tempska Patrycja , Leliwa Gniewosz , Dowgiałło Maria , Tańska Michalina , Urbaniak Rafał , Wroczyński Michał
Published: January 2021

This article presents a quasi‐experimental intervention study designed to reduce the level of verbal aggression on a social networking service (Reddit). The interventions were based on three psychological mechanisms: induction of a descriptive norm, induction of a prescriptive norm, and empathy induction. Each intervention was generated using a communicating bot. Participants exposed to these interventions were compared with a control group that received no intervention. The bot‐generated normative communications (both the ones priming descriptive and the ones priming prescriptive norms), as well as the empathizing intervention, reduced the proportion of verbal aggression posted by Reddit accounts. All three interventions proved effective in reducing verbal violence when compared with the control condition.
Direct Bonding of Polymer and Metal with an Ultrahigh Strength: Laser Treatment and Mechanical Interlocking
Authors: Xu Rui , Xie Yi , Li Ruilong , Zhang Jihai , Zhou Tao
Published: January 2021

Herein, an efficient strategy is proposed to prepare the ultrahigh‐strength polymer–metal hybrids (PMHs) using direct molding bonding. The key to this strategy is the 355 nm ultraviolet (UV) laser treatment on the metal surface. Compared with traditional chemical or electrochemical treatments, laser treatment is much more efficient and environmentally friendly, and it is no doubt more promising. A square grid scanning of laser beam is designed. The bonding strength of PMHs, which is strongly related to the line spacing of laser scanning, can achieve up to 22.4 MPa when the line spacing is 30 μm. The super depth of field 3D microscope shows that the depth of the laser‐etched grooves is 22–29 μm, and the average width is 17 μm. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirms that the polymer and the metal's actual bonding points are exactly the position of the grooves etched by laser. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveals that the laser just destroys the Al2O3 film on the Al alloy surface and exposes a portion of the metallic Al. The mechanism to obtain a direct bonding with ultrahigh strength is that grid‐shaped micron‐level rivets are formed as a whole frame at the bonding interface, providing the large‐area mechanical interlocking between the polymer and metal.
Large Damping Enhancement in Dirac‐Semimetal–Ferromagnetic‐Metal Layered Structures Caused by Topological Surface States
Authors: Ding Jinjun , Liu Chuanpu , Zhang Yuejie , Kalappattil Vijaysankar , Yu Rui , Erugu Uppalaiah , Tang Jinke , Ding Haifeng , Chen Hua , Wu Mingzhong
Published: January 2021

This article reports damping enhancement in a ferromagnetic NiFe thin film due to an adjacent α‐Sn thin film. Ferromagnetic resonance studies show that an α‐Sn film separated from a NiFe film by an ultrathin Ag spacer can cause an extra damping in the NiFe film that is three times bigger than the intrinsic damping of the NiFe film. Such an extra damping is absent in structures where the α‐Sn film interfaces directly with a NiFe film, or is replaced by a β‐Sn film. The data suggest that the extra damping is associated with topologically nontrivial surface states in the topological Dirac semimetal phase of the α‐Sn film. This work suggests that, like topological insulators, topological Dirac semimetal α‐Sn may have promising applications in spintronics.
Green InP/ZnSeS/ZnS Core Multi‐Shelled Quantum Dots Synthesized with Aminophosphine for Effective Display Applications
Authors: Liu Pai , Lou Yajun , Ding Shihao , Zhang Wenda , Wu Zhenghui , Yang Hongcheng , Xu Bing , Wang Kai , Sun Xiao Wei
Published: January 2021

InP quantum dots (QDs) are emerging as promising materials for replacing cadmium‐based QDs in view of their heavy metal‐free and tunable luminescence. However, the development of InP QD materials still lags due to the expensive and flammable phosphorus precursors, and also the unsatisfactory repeatability caused by the fast nucleation rate. Adopting lowly reactive P precursor aminophosphine can overcome this issue, but their low photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and widening line widths do not apply to the practical application. Through engineering, the core‐shell structure of QD, significantly promoted green emissions of QDs were obtained with PLQY of 95% and full width and half maximum (FWHM) of 45 nm, which demonstrated the highest PLQY record obtained from the aminophosphine system. Moreover, due to the residue halogen atoms on the QD surface as inorganic ligands to prevent further oxidization, these InP QDs demonstrated the ultra‐long operational lifetime (over 1000 h) for QDs based color enhancement film. By optimizing the device structure, an inverted green InP quantum dot light‐emitting diode (QLED) with external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 7.06% was also demonstrated, which showed a significant promise of these InP QDs in highly effective optoelectronic devices.
Direction‐Controllable Plasmonic Color Scanning by Using Laser‐Induced Bubbles
Authors: Li Guozhou , Jia Shangtong , Yang Hong , Chen Jianjun
Published: January 2021

Because of the subwavelength pixel resolution, long‐term stability, and radiation resistance, plasmonic colors show great potential applications in high‐resolution color display, high‐density information storage, and stable color printing. Herein, laser‐induced bubbles are used to realize time‐ and direction‐controllable plasmonic color scanning in a metallic nanohole array, which can give rise to plasmonic colors. When the environment is changed from air to water, the peak wavelength of the metallic nanohole array is redshifted by ≈146 nm, and the color of the metallic nanohole array is changed from purple to yellow. Experimentally, these color changes are demonstrated when the water gradually covers the metallic nanohole array. More importantly, by using laser‐induced bubbles, time‐ and direction‐controllable plasmonic color scanning is achieved by controlling the movement speeds and positions of a control laser. Compared to the current state‐of‐the‐art plasmonic color scanning technology, the scanning time by using laser‐induced bubbles decreases by four orders of magnitude for the same scanning length. The time‐ and direction‐controllable color scanning provides additional degrees of freedom (scanning time and scanning direction), and it may have potential applications in information display, security, storage, and encoding.
Reactive Oxygenated Species Generated on Iodide‐Doped BiVO4/BaTiO3 Heterostructures with Ag/Cu Nanoparticles by Coupled Piezophototronic Effect and Plasmonic Excitation
Authors: Zhou Xiaofeng , Shen Bo , Zhai Jiwei , Hedin Niklas
Published: January 2021

An effective generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is of interest from the perspective of environmental technology and industrial chemistry, and here piezocatalysis and photocatalysis using heterostructures based on iodide‐doped BiVO4/BaTiO3 with photodeposited Ag or Cu nanoparticles (BiVO4:I/BTO‐Ag or BiVO4:I/BTO‐Cu) is studied. The generation rates of •OH and •O2− radicals over BiVO4:I/BTO‐Ag during piezophotocatalysis are 371 and 292 µmol g−1 h−1, respectively, and significantly higher than those of sole piezocatalysis and photocatalysis. These rates are among the highest reported for the production of free radicals with the piezophototronic effect. Among the catalysts, BiVO4:I/BTO shows the highest reactivity for the production of H2O2 in piezocatalysis (with a concentration of 468 µm after 100 min of irradiation, and still constantly increasing). On BiVO4:I/BTO‐Ag and BiVO4:I/BTO‐Cu, it seems that redundant electrons and holes had reacted effectively with the generated H2O2 and in turn had reduced their activities; however, the amounts of H2O2 that are formed on BiVO4:I/BTO‐Ag or BiVO4:I/BTO‐Cu under piezophotocatalysis are superior to those of individual piezocatalysis and photocatalysis. A piezophototronic coupling via an ultrasound‐mediated and piezoelectric‐based polarization field and photoexcitation accounting for the enhanced photocatalytic activity of the iodine‐doped heterostructures with plasmonically sized Ag or Cu nanoparticles is suggested.
Photoreversible Loading and Unloading of Q–Silsesquioxane Dynamic Network Sponges
Authors: Hu Nai–hsuan , Furgal Joseph Coy
Published: January 2021

The synthesis and mechanical properties of photoswitchable silsesquioxane/azobenzene hybrid 3D‐polymers (“dynamic sponges”) are presented and discussed. The hybrid is capable of extensive macroscopic movement, and overcomes previously problematic crosslink locking issues. A hydride‐functionalized Q‐type silsesquioxane (Q8M8H) is reacted with di‐allyloxyazobenzene using hydrosilylation methods. The properties of the resulting materials are controlled via careful choice of starting material ratios and solvent, leading to gels or films. Both morphologies show pronounced photoresponsive behavior in and on the surfaces of different solvents. Photoactuation is tracked by microscopy, dynamic mechanic analysis, and UV–vis spectroscopy. The gel system has a porous structure similar to a sponge. It undergoes shrinkage in volume by 18.3% in toluene under UV irradiation, and shows excellent recovery to the swollen state after irradiation with visible light. These novel photodynamic materials offer reversible modulus switching from 160 kPa in the swollen state to 500 kPa in the “wrung‐out” sponge. The sponges can engage in uptake and release of a range of substances (i.e., reversible hydrophobic sponging), with overall performance determined by solvent specific quantities such as polarity and size. Such behavior gives these materials high potential for soft robotics applications and great promise as reusable environmental remediators.
Cathode Design for Aqueous Rechargeable Multivalent Ion Batteries: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Liu Yiyang , He Guanjie , Jiang Hao , Parkin Ivan P. , Shearing Paul R. , Brett Dan J. L.
Published: January 2021

With the rapid growth in energy consumption, renewable energy is a promising solution. However, renewable energy (e.g., wind, solar, and tidal) is discontinuous and irregular by nature, which poses new challenges to the new generation of large‐scale energy storage devices. Rechargeable batteries using aqueous electrolyte and multivalent ion charge are considered more suitable candidates compared to lithium‐ion and lead‐acid batteries, owing to their low cost, ease of manufacture, good safety, and environmentally benign characteristics. However, some substantial challenges hinder the development of aqueous rechargeable multivalent ion batteries (AMVIBs), including the narrow stable electrochemical window of water (≈1.23 V), sluggish ion diffusion kinetics, and stability issues of electrode materials. To address these challenges, a range of encouraging strategies has been developed in recent years, in the aspects of electrolyte optimization, material structure engineering and theoretical investigations. To inspire new research directions, this review focuses on the latest advances in cathode materials for aqueous batteries based on the multivalent ions (Zn2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Al3+), their common challenges, and promising strategies for improvement. In addition, further suggestions for development directions and a comparison of the different AMVIBs are covered.
An Air‐Stable and Li‐Metal‐Compatible Glass‐Ceramic Electrolyte enabling High‐Performance All‐Solid‐State Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhao Feipeng , Alahakoon Sandamini H. , Adair Keegan , Zhang Shumin , Xia Wei , Li Weihan , Yu Chuang , Feng Renfei , Hu Yongfeng , Liang Jianwen , Lin Xiaoting , Zhao Yang , Yang Xiaofei , Sham Tsun‐Kong , Huang Huan , Zhang Li , Zhao Shangqian , Lu Shigang , Huang Yining , Sun Xueliang
Published: January 2021

The development of all‐solid‐state Li metal batteries (ASSLMBs) has attracted significant attention due to their potential to maximize energy density and improved safety compared to the conventional liquid‐electrolyte‐based Li‐ion batteries. However, it is very challenging to fabricate an ideal solid‐state electrolyte (SSE) that simultaneously possesses high ionic conductivity, excellent air‐stability, and good Li metal compatibility. Herein, a new glass‐ceramic Li3.2P0.8Sn0.2S4 (gc‐Li3.2P0.8Sn0.2S4) SSE is synthesized to satisfy the aforementioned requirements, enabling high‐performance ASSLMBs at room temperature (RT). Compared with the conventional Li3PS4 glass‐ceramics, the present gc‐Li3.2P0.8Sn0.2S4 SSE with 12% amorphous content has an enlarged unit cell and a high Li+ ion concentration, which leads to 6.2‐times higher ionic conductivity (1.21 × 10−3 S cm−1 at RT) after a simple cold sintering process. The (P/Sn)S4 tetrahedron inside the gc‐Li3.2P0.8Sn0.2S4 SSE is verified to show a strong resistance toward reaction with H2O in 5%‐humidity air, demonstrating excellent air‐stability. Moreover, the gc‐Li3.2P0.8Sn0.2S4 SSE triggers the formation of Li–Sn alloys at the Li/SSE interface, serving as an essential component to stabilize the interface and deliver good electrochemical performance in both symmetric and full cells. The discovery of this gc‐Li3.2P0.8Sn0.2S4 superionic conductor enriches the choice of advanced SSEs and accelerates the commercialization of ASSLMBs.
Recent Developments in Z‐Selective Olefin Metathesis Reactions by Molybdenum, Tungsten, Ruthenium, and Vanadium Catalysts
Authors: Dawood Kamal M. , Nomura Kotohiro
Published: January 2021

This review article summarizes reports for Z‐selective olefin metathesis reactions by molybdenum, tungsten, ruthenium, and vanadium catalysts. It is clearly demonstrated that the ligand modifications play essential roles in achieving the stereospecific olefin metathesis reactions. In particular, Mo‐ and W‐alkylidene based complex catalysts having pyrrolide‐aryloxide [or bis(aryloxide)] were highly effective in the efficient enantioselective ring opening/cross‐metathesis (EROCM), cross metathesis (CM), homodimerization, ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), and in ring closing metathesis (RCM) with high Z‐ selectivities (∼>98%). Ruthenium‐carbene catalysts having cycloadamantyl, catechothiolate, phenolate and thiophenolate ligands display pronounced Z‐selectivity (>98%) in efficient CM, ROCM, AROCM, RCM, ROMP reactions. Halogenated (arylimido)‐alkoxo vanadium‐alkylidenes were thermally robust and effective for efficient highly cis‐specific ROMP of cyclic olefins to afford end‐functionalized ring‐opened polymers.

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Current trends and key considerations in the clinical translation of targeted fluorescent probes for intraoperative navigation
Authors: Liu Renfa , Xu Yunxue , Xu Kun , Dai Zhifei
Published: January 2021

The rapid development of fluorescence imaging for intraoperative navigation has spurred further development of targeted fluorescent probes in the past decade. Only a few nontargeted dyes, including indocyanine green and methylene blue, are currently applied for fluorescence guided surgery in the clinic. While no targeted fluorescent probes have been approved for the clinic, a number of them have entered clinical trials. These probes have emission wavelengths in the visible and near infrared (NIR)‐I (700‐900 nm) range. Among them, activatable probes and nanoprobes have generated special interest. Compared with NIR‐I fluorescent probes, NIR‐II (1000‐1700 nm) fluorescent probes exhibit better intravital performance in terms of increased penetration depths, reduced tissue autofluorescence, and higher signal‐to‐background ratios. However, more challenges are expected before the successful translation of NIR‐II probes from bench to bedside. This review provides a brief overview of targeted fluorescent probes under clinical evaluation and recent achievements in the field of NIR‐II fluorescence imaging. In addition, we outline key considerations concerning the design of fluorescent probes for clinical translation.
Synthesis and characterization of photopolymerizable hydrogels based on poly (ethylene glycol) for biomedical applications
Authors: Joshi Prutha , Breaux Steven , Naro Joseph , Wang Yuyang , Ahmed Md Shakir Uddin , Vig Komal , Auad Maria L.
Published: January 2021

Hydrogels are polymeric materials widely used in medicine due to their similarity with the biological components of the body. Hydrogels are biocompatible materials that have the potential to promote cell proliferation and tissue support because of their hydrophilic nature, porous structure, and elastic mechanical properties. In this work, we demonstrate the microwave‐assisted synthesis of three molecular weight varieties of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) with different mechanical and thermal properties and the rapid photo of them using 1‐hydroxy‐cyclohexyl‐phenyl‐ketone (Irgacure 184) as UV photoinitiator. The effects of the poly(ethylene glycol) molecular weight and degree of acrylation on swelling, mechanical, and rheological properties of hydrogels were investigated. The biodegradability of the PEGDMA hydrogels, as well as the ability to grow and proliferate cells, was examined for its viability as a scaffold in tissue engineering. Altogether, the biomaterial hydrogel properties open the way for applications in the field of regenerative medicine for functional scaffolds and tissues.
Integration of 2D/3D ground penetrating radar and electrical resistivity tomography surveys as enhanced imaging of archaeological ruins: A case study in San El‐Hager (Tanis) site, northeastern Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Gaber Ahmed , Gemail Khaled S. , Kamel Adel , Atia Hafsa M. , Ibrahim Amin
Published: January 2021

In archaeo‐geophysical investigations, the accuracy and resolution of the generated geophysical models are crucial parameters for excavation decision. Therefore, the combined use of different geophysical data sets is necessary to improve the interpretability of archaeological ruins, particularly in case of low physical contrast objects. The present study's objective is to validate the outputs of integrated ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys in Tanis, which is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the Nile Delta, Egypt. The GPR survey was carried out along an area of 24 × 31.5 m with profile interval of 0.5 m in two orthogonal directions using 100, 200 and 600 MHz shielded antenna. Moreover, nine ERT profiles were performed along the same GPR lines for comparison and integration using Wenner‐beta (WB) and dipole–dipole (DD) arrays with 1 m electrode spacing and 3 m profile spacing. In addition, the ERT measurements were executed by implementing two tie lines of the same length, electrode spacing and electrode arrays to reduce the effect of banding or directional bias. The processed 2D GPR and ERT profiles have illustrated series of mud‐brick walls within the top 2 m in silt–clay background which is underlined by the turtle‐back of Sand Island. In such conditions, the mud‐brick walls in conductive soils with complex spatial distributions have produced tricky and difficult anomalies to be interpreted using only 2D data sets. To overcome this challenging case, the GPR orthogonal profiles were collated in 3D domain, while the ERT profiles were gathered and inverted using 3D robust inversion algorithm and validated with an identified mud‐brick wall. Therefore, the created 3D visualizations demonstrated the efficiency of the joint use of the ERT and GPR surveys as an enhanced mapping tool for buried archaeological ruins and can be used at similar archaeological sites all over the world.
High‐degree cubature Kalman filter for nonlinear state estimation with missing measurements
Authors: Zhang Xing , Yan Zhibin , Chen Yunqi
Published: January 2021

This paper proposes high‐degree cubature Kalman filter for nonlinear systems with missing measurements. We derive out the explicit formulas for the prediction and update in the filtering. To fulfill the numerical computation, especially the numerical integrals, of these formulas, the fifth‐degree spherical‐radial cubature rule is adopted to give a high‐degree cubature Kalman filtering algorithm. Through numerical example, it is shown that the fifth‐degree cubature Kalman filter has better precision and stability than the extended Kalman filter, the unscented Kalman filter, and the fifth‐degree unscented Kalman filter.
The impact of a prior malignancy on outcomes in gastric cancer patients
Authors: Bian Xiaoyuan , Wang Kaicen , Wang Qiangqiang , Yang Liya , Xia Jiafeng , Wu Wenrui , Li Lanjuan
Published: January 2021

Background

The number of cancer survivors has increased rapidly, and there is a higher risk of developing a second cancer. Whether a prior malignancy could affect survival outcomes is unknown. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and prognostic outcomes of prior malignancies in patients with gastric cancer.

Methods

Patient data were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We used the Kaplan–Meier method, competing risk models, and Cox regression models to evaluate the impact of prior malignancy on survival outcomes.

Results

Among 71,809 patients with primary gastric cancer, 6667 (9.3%) patients had a pre‐existing cancer. Prostate (31.86%), breast (14.34%), and colon and rectum (10.32%) cancer were the most common types. A significant difference was observed in the overall survival rates between patients with and without prior cancer (log‐rank=139.73, p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, patients with prostate, uterine corpus, lung and bronchus, colon and rectum, esophagus, urinary bladder, leukemia, brain and other nervous system, oral cavity and pharynx, and breast cancer faced inferior survival than those without prior cancer.

Conclusions

A history of prior cancer was associated with worse overall survival in patients with gastric cancer, and the effects varied by different initial cancer types. The exclusion and inclusion of patients who had previous malignancies should be reconsidered according to the specific malignancy types.
‘Rarely discussed but always present’: Exploring therapists’ accounts of the relationship between social class, mental health and therapy
Authors: McEvoy Charlotte , Clarke Victoria , Thomas Zoe
Published: January 2021

With a few exceptions, the subject of social class has rarely been addressed in counselling and psychotherapy research. This study seeks to contribute to redressing this omission by exploring therapists’ accounts of how social class operates within therapy, its impact on the therapeutic relationship, and the relationship between social class and mental health. Eighty‐seven practicing psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists, from trainees to experienced practitioners, completed an online qualitative survey about social class in therapy. Critical thematic analysis was used to analyse the data and explore the therapists’ sense‐making around social class. One (smaller) group of therapists located individuals’ mental health difficulties within the wider socio‐political context and positioned class differences in therapy as something that cannot be transcended by the therapeutic relationship. Another (larger) group of therapists framed psychological distress in individual and psychological terms and as separate from the wider socio‐political context and constructed class differences as something that can be transcended in therapy. We take a political stance in interpreting this analysis and argue that the dominance of ‘oppression‐blind’ sense‐making arguably points to a need for a change in class‐consciousness at the heart of counselling, psychotherapy and psychology, so that therapists are more cognisant of the relationship between mental health and clients’ socio‐political context, and their own social power in the therapeutic relationship.
MiR‐370‐3p inhibits the development of human endometriosis by downregulating EDN1 expression in endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Zhou Shun , Huang Chengyi , Wang Wei , Liu Juan
Published: January 2021

MiR‐370‐3p has been demonstrated to be downregulated in patients with endometriosis (EM). However, its role and molecular mechanisms in the progression of EM remain unclear. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression of miR‐370‐3p and endothelin‐1 (EDN1) in patients with or without EM. After miR‐370‐3p overexpression or knockdown in ectopic endometrial hEM15A cells, the changes in the proliferation, apoptosis, and migration and invasion capacities were detected by using cell counting kit‐8, flow cytometry, and transwell methods. The interplay between miR‐370‐3p and EDN1 was confirmed by a luciferase reporter assay. Patients with EM showed adverse expression of EDN1 and miR‐370‐3p, especially in eutopic endometrium and ectopic endometrium. MiR‐370‐3p inhibited the proliferation, metastasis, and invasion capacities of hEM15A cells and promoted apoptosis. Investigation of its molecular mechanism revealed that miR‐370‐3p targeted EDN1 to influence the biological functions of hEM15A cells. MiR‐370‐3p represented as a therapeutic target for EM treatment.
Ileocolic intussusception due to intestinal lipoma in an adult patient
Authors: Sharma Abhishek , Thakur Amitabh
Published: January 2021

Intestinal obstruction due to intussusception caused by intestinal lipomas is a rare condition in adults that needs urgent treatment. CT (Computerised Tomography) is the radiologic modality of choice for diagnosis. Surgery is the treatment of choice and has excellent outcome.
Dispersed‐Phase Holdup and Characteristic Velocity in an Agitated‐Pulsed Solvent Extraction Column
Authors: Tan Boren , Li Longxiang , Lan Minle , Wang Yong , Qi Tao
Published: January 2021

The agitated‐pulsed column (APC) is expected to exhibit good transfer. The dispersed‐phase holdup and characteristic velocity were measured using a 25‐mm diameter APC. The holdup declined at first and then escalated with the increase of pulsation intensity which was in contrary to the trend of the characteristic velocity change. The pulsation intensity corresponding to minimum holdup was found, and it increased with higher agitation speed. The interfacial area was also calculated. Correlations were developed for the holdup and characteristic velocity prediction within 5.34 % and 9.54 % deviation, respectively. Flooding lines were calculated by the characteristic velocity method and operating regimes were determined by the experimental results.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Difunctionalization of 1,3‐Diene with Amine and Disilane under a Mild Re‐oxidation System
Authors: Torii Kazuyuki , Kawakubo Atsushi , Lin Xianjin , Fujihara Tetsuaki , Yajima Tatsuo , Obora Yasushi
Published: January 2021

A highly regioselective and stereoselective difunctionalization reaction of 1,3‐diene with amine and disilane to form C−N and C−Si bonds via a one‐step Pd/Cu/O2 system is disclosed. The difunctionalization reaction affords allylic silanes, including the allylic amine moiety, in up to 92 % yield in the absence of any acid, base, or external ligand. The developed synthetic methodology can be scaled to 100 g in high yield with high Z‐selectivity, which demonstrates the feasibility of the reaction for industrial applications.
Independent scientific experimentation in distance learning chemistry with the help of instructional videos and experimental homework – the colorimetric analysis of juice spritzers with the “smartphone photometer”
Authors: Czubatinski Lars , Hornung Gabriele , Resmann Eugen
Published: January 2021

Der Artikel beschreibt eine Sequenz zum selbstständigen Experimentieren zu Hause. Mit Hilfe von Smartphones oder Tablets wird der Fruchtsaftgehalt von Saftschorlen kolorimetrisch ermittelt. Die Gehaltsbestimmung wird über die Problematik des Zuckerkonsums in einen lebensweltlichen Kontext integriert. Sie führt inhaltlich zur Anwendung von Gehaltangaben und Bezugsgrößen und damit zu einer ersten Näherung in Richtung des Konzentrationsbegriffs. Das experimentelle Vorgehen ist so gestaltet, dass Schülerinnen und Schüler das Experiment ohne eine synchrone Anleitung durch Lehrkräfte zu Hause mit Haushaltsutensilien durchführen können. Zu diesem Zweck wurde ein Experimentiervideo mit passendem Begleitmaterial gestaltet, das sowohl die praktische Anleitung als auch die inhaltliche Begleitung im Chemie‐Fernunterricht leistet.
Fluorescence Polarization‐Based Measurement of Protein‐Ligand Interaction in Fungal Cell Lysates
Authors: LeBlanc Emmanuelle V. , Shekhar‐Guturja Tanvi , Whitesell Luke , Cowen Leah E.
Published: January 2021

Fungi infect over a billion people worldwide and contribute substantially to human morbidity and mortality despite all available therapies. New antifungal drugs are urgently needed. Decades of study have revealed numerous protein targets of potential therapeutic interest for which potent, fungal‐selective ligands remain to be discovered and developed. To measure the binding of diverse small molecule ligands to their larger protein targets, fluorescence polarization (FP) can provide a robust, inexpensive approach. The protocols in this article provide detailed guidance for developing FP‐based assays capable of measuring binding affinity in whole cell lysates without the need for purification of the target protein. Applications include screening of libraries to identify novel ligands and the definition of structure‐activity relationships to aid development of compounds with improved target affinity and fungal selectivity. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 18 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: Use of saturation binding curves to optimize tracer and lysate protein concentrations

Basic Protocol 2: Establishment of competition binding experiments

Support Protocol 1: Preparation of fungal cell lysates

Support Protocol 2: Preparation of human HepG2 cell lysate
Differentiation of Brain Pericyte‐Like Cells from Human Pluripotent Stem Cell−Derived Neural Crest
Authors: Gastfriend Benjamin D. , Stebbins Matthew J. , Du Feifan , Shusta Eric V. , Palecek Sean P.
Published: January 2021

Brain pericytes regulate diverse aspects of neurovascular development and function, including blood‐brain barrier (BBB) induction and maintenance. Primary brain pericytes have been widely employed in coculture‐based in vitro models of the BBB, and a method to generate brain pericytes from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) could provide a renewable, genetically tractable source of cells for BBB modeling and studying pericyte roles in development and disease. Here, we describe a protocol to differentiate hPSCs to NG2+PDGFRβ+αSMAlow brain pericyte‐like cells in 22‐25 days through a p75‐NGFR+HNK‐1+ neural crest intermediate, which mimics the developmental origin of forebrain pericytes. The resulting brain pericyte‐like cells have molecular and functional attributes of brain pericytes. We also provide protocols for maintenance, cryopreservation, and recovery of the neural crest intermediate, and for molecular and functional characterization of the resulting cells. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 18 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: Differentiation of hPSCs to neural crest

Basic Protocol 2: Differentiation of neural crest to brain pericyte‐like cells

Support Protocol 1: Flow cytometry analysis of neural crest cells

Support Protocol 2: Maintenance, cryopreservation, and recovery of neural crest cells

Support Protocol 3: Molecular characterization of brain pericyte‐like cells

Support Protocol 4: Cord formation assay with endothelial cells and brain pericyte‐like cells
Visualization and Documentation of Capsule and Melanin Production in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Nichols Connie B.
Published: January 2021

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen primarily targeting immunosuppressed populations in both resource‐rich and resource‐limited nations. Successful treatment is limited to a few antifungals that have become compromised by cryptococcal resistance, leading to intensive research seeking new drug candidates. Two distinguishing hallmarks of this species are the ability to develop a polysaccharide capsule and melanization of the fungal cells. These also act as virulence factors, protecting this pathogen in the host as well as in the environment. Here we describe two classic methods to document capsule and melanin. Although initially described and documented several decades ago, these methods remain relevant in spite of the advent of more sophisticated methodology, due in part to their simplicity and cost efficiency. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 18 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: Capsule visualization by India ink counterstaining

Basic Protocol 2: Assessment of melanin on solid media

Alternative Protocol: Quantification of melanin production in liquid medium
Observation of Z‐DNA Structure via the Synthesis of Oligonucleotide DNA Containing 8‐Trifluoromethyl‐2‐Deoxyguanosine
Authors: Bao Hong‐Liang , Xu Yan
Published: January 2021

This article contains detailed synthetic protocols for the preparation of DNA oligonucleotides containing 8‐trifluoromethyl‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (CF3dG) and their application to observe Z‐DNA structure in vitro and in living HeLa cells. First, using a catalytic system consisting of FeSO4, H2SO4, and H2O2 in DMSO, we achieved a one‐step synthesis of CF3dG through a radical reaction between deoxyguanosine (dG) and CF3I, with a yield of 45%. We then obtained the 3′‐phosphoramidite of CF3dG through a routine three‐step procedure. Next, we employed the CF3dG phosphoramidite monomer in the synthesis of oligonucleotides on a solid‐phase DNA synthesizer. Finally, we used the CF3dG‐modified DNA oligonucleotides to observe Z‐DNA structure in vitro and in living HeLa cells through 19F NMR spectroscopy. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 18 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.

Basic Protocol 1: Synthesis of CF3dG phosphoramidites

Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of CF3dG‐modified DNA oligonucleotides

Basic Protocol 3: Evaluation of CF3dG stabilization of Z‐DNA structure by CD spectroscopy

Basic Protocol 4: Investigation of Z‐DNA structure in vitro and in HeLa cells with CF3dG‐modified DNA oligonucleotides and 19F NMR spectroscopy
A low‐power 10‐bit CCP‐based pipelined ADC using a multi‐level variable current source MDAC and an ultra‐low‐power double‐tail dynamic latch
Authors: Firouzkouhi Hossein , Ashraf Mohammadreza
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a low‐power 10‐bit 15‐MS/s opamp‐less pipelined analog‐to‐digital converter (ADC) has been proposed. The circuit is comprised of eight 1.5‐bit/stage MDACs and a 2‐bit backend flash ADC. Each 1.5‐bit/stage structure comprises a CCP‐based MDAC which uses a modified multilevel variable‐current‐source (ML‐VCS) scheme. The modified ML‐VCS CCP structure facilitates its usage in a pipeline ADC structure. Also, the proposed ML‐VCS structure improves the speed behavior as well as the power consumption of a 1.5‐bit/stage CCP‐based MDAC structure. In order to further reduce power consumption, an ultra‐low‐power low‐delay double‐tail dynamic latch has been offered which features high‐speed operation. The suggested ADC is simulated using 180‐nm scaled CMOS technology with a 2‐Vp‐p differential full‐scale input voltage. Hspice simulation results show that the ADC exhibits an SNDR of 60‐dB, an ENOB of 9.67 bits, and the FOM of 0.546 PJ/Conv.step at a Nyquist‐rate input frequency. According to the results, the proposed 10‐bit ADC consumes only 6.7‐mW under a 1.8‐V supply voltage.
Association between metabolic syndrome and incident chronic kidney disease among Chinese: A nation‐wide cohort study and updated meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Nianwei , Qin Yao , Chen Sen , Yu Chuan , Xu Ying , Zhao Jian , Yang Xue , Li Ningxiu , Pan Xiong‐Fei
Published: January 2021

Aims

We prospectively examined the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) among middle‐aged and elderly Chinese, and conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of all cohort studies on this topic.

Materials and Methods

Our research data were derived from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Participants (n=5752, age ≥45 years) without CKD (defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73m2) at baseline were followed up for 4 years. We applied logistic regressions to examine the association of MetS with incident CKD. In addition, we pooled our effect estimates and those from previous cohort studies in the meta‐analysis.

Results

In a 4‐years follow‐up, 61 (4.27%) developed CKD in participants with MetS versus 102 (2.36%) in participants without MetS. After adjustment for potential confounders, odds ratio for incident CKD was 1.82 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.19–2.78] comparing participants with MetS with those without MetS. There was a linear positive association between the number of MetS components and incident CKD (p for trend <0.001). In the updated meta‐analysis of 25 studies among 350,655 participants with 29,368 incident cases of CKD, the pooled relative risk of developing CKD in participants with MetS was 1.34 (95% CI: 1.28–1.39), compared with those without MetS.

Conclusions

Individuals with MetS had higher risk of incident CKD in middle‐aged and elderly Chinese adults, which was supported by a comprehensive review of cohort studies from multiple populations. It may be advisable to routinely monitor renal functions among individuals with MetS.
Pumas’ fear of humans precipitates changes in plant architecture
Authors: Yovovich Veronica , Thomsen Meredith , Wilmers Christopher C.
Published: January 2021

Fear of predation can elicit strong behavioral responses from prey, with impacts that cascade through food chains. While this indirect effect of natural predators on ecosystems is becoming better understood, far less is known about how humans—the world’s most ubiquitous super‐predator—influence subsequent trophic levels through changes in carnivore habitat use and behavior. Here, we combined puma GPS tracking data with field experiments to understand the extent to which anthropogenic development has cascading impacts from pumas to plants. We examined spatial patterns in puma feeding sites and found that pumas preferentially kill deer away (>340 m) from human development. This aversion appears to create refugia for deer, as deer more than doubled their relative activity near (<70 m) human development. In addition, deer more than quadrupled their consumption of woody vegetation at low‐risk sites close to humans relative to comparable high‐risk sites far from humans and consumed a greater percent of the forage available in sites near humans than in comparable sites farther away. Increased browsing by deer in near human, or low‐risk, sites induced woody plants to become bushier (by removing apical dominance) than those away from humans, or high‐risk sites. The cascading interactions from pumas avoiding people to changes in plant architecture appear to have increased available food to deer (i.e., bushier plants have more available branch ends providing potential bites of food than less bushy individuals) and may have other, as yet undocumented, ecological effects.