bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for Graves' Orbitopathy in surgical patients—Results of a 10‐year retrospective study with review of the literature
Authors: Tabriz Navid , Gruben Arved , Uslar Verena , Weyhe Dirk
Published: December 2020

Introduction

We investigated known (eg age, smoking, thyrotropin receptor autoantibody (TRAb)) and new risk factors (eg thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies (TPO‐Ab), thyroid size, or BMI) for Graves' disease (GD) and Graves' orbitopathy (GO), especially in combination with each other, to determine which factors play the most important role in the development of GO.

Methods

From 2008 to 2018,n = 500 patients with GD were included in this retrospective single‐centre case‐control study.N = 231 (46%) had a GO andn = 269 (54%) showed no GO. Differences in risk factors were determined by Mann‐Whitney U and chi‐square test. Combined influences of factors were examined by multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Age at first diagnosis of GD (OR = 1.043,p < .006), smoking status (OR = 2.64,p < .026) and TRAb (OR = 1.046,p < .01) had a significant impact on GO. The factors gender, TPO‐Ab titre, BMI, TSH titre, T3 and T4 were not significant.

Conclusion

As it has been shown in univariate analyses, smoking, age and TRAb levels have a negative impact on the onset and course of GD and GO. Via multivariable regression, we could additionally show that smoking is the most important factor out of those analysed. TRAb might be a helpful surrogate parameter in the assessment of the progress of GO and therefore might be one factor in the decision‐making process for potential early operative surgery. With regard to the hitherto unclear role of BMI, thyroid size and TPO‐Ab in the course of GO, this study could not find any clinically relevant influence.
Heart failure in the last year: progress and perspective
Authors: Tomasoni Daniela , Adamo Marianna , Anker Markus S. , von Haehling Stephan , Coats Andrew J. S. , Metra Marco
Published: December 2020

Research about heart failure (HF) has made major progress in the last years. We give here an update on the most recent findings. Landmark trials have established new treatments for HF with reduced ejection fraction. Sacubitril/valsartan was superior to enalapril in PARADIGM‐HF trial, and its initiation during hospitalization for acute HF or early after discharge can now be considered. More recently, new therapeutic pathways have been developed. In the DAPA‐HF and EMPEROR‐Reduced trials, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite endpoint, compared with placebo [hazard ratio (HR) 0.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65–0.85; P < 0.001 and HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.65–0.86; P < 0.001, respectively]. Second, vericiguat, an oral soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, reduced the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization vs. placebo (HR 0.90; 95% CI 0.82–0.98; P = 0.02). On the other hand, both the diagnosis and treatment of HF with preserved ejection fraction, as well as management of advanced HF and acute HF, remain challenging. A better phenotyping of patients with HF would be helpful for prognostic stratification and treatment selection. Further aspects, such as the use of devices, treatment of arrhythmias, and percutaneous treatment of valvular heart disease in patients with HF, are also discussed and reviewed in this article.
The Insights of Lithium Metal Plating/Stripping in Porous Hosts: Progress and Perspectives
Authors: Zhan Ying-Xin , Shi Peng , Zhang Xue-Qiang , Ding Fei , Huang Jia-Qi , Jin Zhehui , Xiang Rong , Liu Xingjiang , Zhang Qiang
Published: December 2020

Lithium (Li) metal is strongly regarded as a promising anode for next‐generation secondary batteries. However, the nonuniform plating/stripping and volume fluctuation of the Li metal anode give rise to low Coulombic efficiency and short lifespan of Li metal batteries, which hinder practical applications of the Li metal anode. A composite Li metal anode that employs a stable porous host has been proposed as a promising strategy to regulate the behaviors of Li plating/stripping and relieve volume fluctuation. In a porous host, the basic building block is a pore. The pore structure affects the distribution of electric and Li‐ion concentration fields during Li plating/stripping, thus regulating Li plating/stripping and the lifespan of the composite Li metal anode. Therefore, herein, the recent progress in investigating the behavior of Li plating/stripping in a pore based on liquid electrolytes is summarized from the aspects of pore diameter, depth, and tortuosity. Furthermore, the perspectives of rational design of the pore structure for a composite Li metal anode are presented to promote the development of Li metal anodes.
Evidence for long memory in focal seizure duration
Authors: Fan Joline M. , Chiang Sharon , Rao Vikram R.
Published: December 2020

Objective

A major source of disability for people with epilepsy involves uncertainty surrounding seizure timing and severity. Although patients often report that long seizure‐free intervals are followed by more severe seizures, there is little experimental evidence supporting this observation. Optimal characterization of seizure severity is debated; however, seizure duration is associated with seizure type and can be quantified in electrographic recordings as a limited proxy of clinical seizure severity. Here, using chronic intracranial electroencephalography (cEEG), we investigate the relationship between interseizure interval (ISI) and duration of the subsequent seizure.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 14 subjects implanted with a responsive neurostimulation device (RNS System) that provides cEEG, including timestamps of electrographic seizures. We determined seizure durations for isolated seizures and for representative seizures from clusters determined through unsupervised methods. For each subject, the median ISI preceding long‐duration seizures, defined as the top quintile of seizure durations, was compared with the median ISI preceding seizures with durations in the residual quintiles. In a group analysis, the mean seizure duration and the proportion of long‐duration seizures were compared across ISI categories representing different lengths.

Results

For 5 out of 14 subjects (36%), the median ISI preceding long‐duration seizures was significantly greater than the median ISI preceding shorter‐duration seizures. In the group analysis, when ISI was categorized by length, the proportion of long‐duration seizures within the high ISI category was significantly higher than that of the low ISI category (P < 0.001).

Significance

By leveraging cEEG and accounting for seizure clusters, we found that the likelihood of long‐duration seizures positively correlates with ISI length, in a subset of individuals. These findings corroborate anecdotal clinical observations and support the existence of capacitor‐like long memory processes governing the dynamics of focal seizures.
Seismic fragility assessment of masonry building aggregates: A case study in the old city Centre of Seixal, Portugal
Authors: Battaglia Lidia , Ferreira Tiago Miguel , Lourenço Paulo B.
Published: December 2020

Aggregates made of old masonry structures represent a very common structural typology in many cities of the world. The structural units along the aggregates are characterized frequently by structural and geometrical heterogeneities. But urban growth led to the formation of many historic centres with similar structural typologies. The present study aims to assess the seismic fragility of masonry building aggregates using the old city centre of Seixal as a case study. The analysis involved the assessment of the most prevalent structural typology in the study area, considering the variability of a set of structural and geometrical parameters. The variation of such parameters has allowed the definition of 36 different structural configurations, whose seismic performance behaviours were studied employing non‐linear static analyses. Based on the analyses, the peak ground accelerations (PGAC) corresponding to the attainment of the life safety limit state were obtained and the fragility curves were plotted. Furthermore, the behaviour of the structural configurations, analysed as isolated structural units, is also compared with their aggregate structural performance. Significant differences in the vulnerability of the buildings when isolated or in the aggregate are obtained, demonstrating that the seismic interactions between adjacent buildings should not be neglected. It was further possible to observe that the variation of the considered parameters significantly affects the seismic response of the building, particularly when the characteristics of the internal slabs are changed.
Mathematical modeling of weight loss and crust temperature of toast bread containing guar gum during baking process
Authors: Mohammadi Golchin Farnaz , Movahhed Sara , Eshaghi Mohammadreza , Ahmadi Chenarbon Hossein
Published: December 2020

Baking is a combined process in which several interconnected chemical, biochemical, and physical phenomena such as starch gelatinization and formation of porous structures occur. These changes affect the ultimate quality of the product such as taste. In this study, effects of guar gum (at 1% level) and baking temperature (at 190, 200, 210, 220, and 230°C) on crust temperature and weight loss of toast bread samples during 40 min exposure were investigated. According to the results, raising the oven's temperature from 190°C to 230°C will rise the crust's temperature of toast bread samples both in the control group (from 128.5°C to 190.2°C) and test group (from 120.18°C to 164.8°C), as well as the percentage of weight loss in toast bread samples both in the control group (from 35.11% to 47.23%) and test group (from 20.37% to 29.57%). We also worked with polynomial functions, exponential functions, fractional functions, Gaussian functions, and MATLAB to model the percentage of weight loss and an increase in the crust temperature of toast bread samples during the baking process. And ultimately, the correlation coefficients of the models were calculated and compared to analyze the results of predictor functions.
Bidirectional astrocytic GLUT1 activation by elevated extracellular K+
Authors: Fernández‐Moncada Ignacio , Robles‐Maldonado Daniel , Castro Pablo , Alegría Karin , Epp Robert , Ruminot Iván , Barros Luis Felipe
Published: December 2020

The acute rise in interstitial K+ that accompanies neural activity couples the energy demand of neurons to the metabolism of astrocytes. The effects of elevated K+ on astrocytes include activation of aerobic glycolysis, inhibition of mitochondrial respiration and the release of lactate. Using a genetically encoded FRET glucose sensor and a novel protocol based on 3‐O‐methylglucose trans‐acceleration and numerical simulation of glucose dynamics, we report that extracellular K+ is also a potent and reversible modulator of the astrocytic glucose transporter GLUT1. In cultured mouse astrocytes, the stimulatory effect developed within seconds, engaged both the influx and efflux modes of the transporter, and was detected even at 1 mM incremental K+. The modulation of GLUT1 explains how astrocytes are able to maintain their glucose pool in the face of strong glycolysis stimulation. We propose that the stimulation of GLUT1 by K+ supports the production of lactate by astrocytes and the timely delivery of glucose to active neurons.
Climate change and other trends in streamflow observations in Australian forested catchments since 1970
Authors: Vervoort R. Willem , Dolk Michaela M. , van Ogtrop Floris F.
Published: December 2020

The effect of climate change on water resources has been an area of continued research, especially in Australia. Previous studies have suggested significant trends in rainfall, and these are amplified causing larger changes in streamflow. However, most of the previous analysis was based on annual time scales or modelled data and did not account for changes in land cover, which could interact with changes in climate. Climate data and streamflow data between 1970 and 2010 from 13 mostly forested small catchments (<250 km2) in Australia were analysed for trends. Non‐parametric Mann‐Kendall trend analysis, generalized additive mixed modelling and rainfall‐runoff modelling were combined for the analysis. This indicates consistent increases in maximum temperature and varied decreases in rainfall. The streamflow in the studied catchments indicated small decreases in streamflow, which amplified observed trends in the rainfall. In general, overall decreases are much smaller than suggested in earlier research.
Association of a four‐gene model with allergic diseases: Two‐year follow‐up of a birth cohort study
Authors: Hua Li , Yang Fen , Chen Qian , Liu Quanhua , Ji Ruoxu , Liu Haipei , Ye Jianmin , Zhang Jun , Zhang Jianhua , Bao Yixiao
Published: December 2020

Background

Our previous study has developed a four‐gene model involving IL13 rs20541, IL4 rs2243250, ADRB2 rs1042713, and FCER1B rs569108 associated with asthma and atopy in Chinese Han children. However, whether the gene model is associated with allergies in early life has yet to be determined. This study aimed to apply the gene model in a birth cohort to investigate its associations with the development of allergic diseases in Chinese Han toddlers.

Methods

Five hundred and ninety‐seven children from a birth cohort completing 2‐year follow‐up were included. Epidemiologic information and cord blood were collected. Children were genotyped for the above polymorphisms and divided into high or low genetic risk groups based on the genotypes. Subjects were followed at 6, 12, and 24 months, with information on allergic diseases collected via standard questionnaires and assessed by specialists.

Results

Two hundred and eighty‐four children were divided into a high‐risk group and 313 into a low‐risk group. Between the two groups, a significant difference was only found in delivery mode among all the subject characteristics (p = .025). After stratification for delivery mode, children at high risk were more likely to develop eczema (relative risk [RR] = 1.46, p = .040) over 2 years of follow‐up compared with those at low risk. No significant associations were found between genetic risk and food allergy, wheezing and allergic rhinitis (p > .05).

Conclusion

The gene model was significantly associated with the development of eczema in Chinese Han toddlers. Long‐term follow‐up along with functional and replication studies on the gene model are still needed in future.
Defining groups of companies under the European Insolvency Regulation (recast): On the scope of EU group insolvency law
Authors: Pepels Sid
Published: December 2020

This article examines the general scope of application of the provisions on insolvency regarding members of a “group of companies”, as included in Chapter V of the European Insolvency Regulation (recast) (“Recast EIR”), in order to review whether that scope is appropriate to deal with the different group structures in which business may be conducted. With the definition for a “group of companies” playing a paramount role in determining the scope of these provisions, the article includes a thorough analysis of the current definition for a “group of companies” as included in the Recast EIR. Based upon a teleological approach, the article argues in favour of an independent, broad and flexible interpretation of “group of companies”, in order to include a large number of groups within the scope of the Recast EIR's provisions regarding group insolvencies.
Factors associated with risk of preterm delivery in Tanzania: A case‐control study at Muhimbili National Hospital
Authors: Rugumisa Bernadether T. , Bongcam‐Rudloff Erik , Lukumay Murate S. , Lyantagaye Sylvester L.
Published: December 2020

Objective

To determine factors associated with risk of preterm delivery among pregnant women delivering at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania.

Methods

A 1:1 case‐control study was conducted to assess maternal sociodemographic, lifestyle, and current and previous obstetric factors associated with risk of preterm delivery. Mothers of preterm infants were regarded as cases and those of term infants were controls. Chi‐square test and logistic regression were used to assess association between the factors and risk of preterm delivery.

Results

A total of 222 case‐control pairs were studied. Maternal type of employment (P = 0.039), previous preterm delivery (P = 0.002), previous spontaneous abortion (P = 0.004), uterine scar (P < 0.001), parity (P = 0.034), number of prenatal care visits (P = 0.032), premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (P < 0.001), placenta previa (P = 0.002), bleeding during second trimester (P = 0.004), pre‐eclampsia (P < 0.001), and maternal anemia (P = 0.033) were associated with risk of preterm delivery. The main risk factors associated with preterm delivery included previous preterm delivery (odds ratio [OR] 13.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.72–101.95), placenta previa (OR 12.63, 95% CI 1.63–97.98), and PROM (OR 8.77, 95% CI 1.33–4.60).

Conclusion

Close monitoring of pregnant women who present any of the risk factors is important to prevent or reduce the risk of preterm delivery in Tanzania.
Sustaining Disciplinary Literacy in Science: A Transformative, Just Model for Teaching the Language of Science
Authors: Patterson Williams Alexis D.
Published: December 2020

This department explores the concept of disciplinary literacy—the conceptual understandings and ways of reading, thinking, and writing involved in critiquing and constructing knowledge in a discipline—and its intersections with aspects of culturally sustaining pedagogy. Columns highlight high‐quality disciplinary literacy learning opportunities across subject areas that engage students in critically examining the world around them, interrogating accepted knowledge, contributing their own perspectives to shape that knowledge, and sustaining and developing the literacies needed to do this work.
Lubricin Contributes to Homeostasis of Articular Cartilage by Modulating Differentiation of Superficial Zone Cells
Authors: Maenohara Yuji , Chijimatsu Ryota , Tachibana Naohiro , Uehara Kosuke , Xuan Fengjun , Mori Daisuke , Murahashi Yasutaka , Nakamoto Hideki , Oichi Takeshi , Chang Song Ho , Matsumoto Takumi , Omata Yasunori , Yano Fumiko , Tanaka Sakae , Saito Taku
Published: December 2020

Lubricin encoded by the proteoglycan 4 (Prg4) gene is produced from superficial zone (SFZ) cells of articular cartilage and synoviocytes, which is indispensable for lubrication of joint surfaces. Loss-of-function of human and mouse Prg4 results in early-onset arthropathy accompanied by lost SFZ cells and hyperplastic synovium. Here, we focused on increases in the thickness of articular cartilage in Prg4-knockout joints and analyzed the underlying mechanisms. In the late stage of articular cartilage development, the articular cartilage was thickened at 2 to 4 weeks and the SFZ disappeared at 8 weeks in Prg4-knockout mice. Similar changes were observed in cultured Prg4-knockout femoral heads. Cell tracking showed that Prg4-knockout SFZ cells at 1 week of age expanded to deep layers after 1 week. In in vitro experiments, overexpression of Prg4 lacking a mucin-like domain suppressed differentiation of ATDC5 cells markedly, whereas pellets of Prg4-knockout SFZ cells showed enhanced differentiation. RNA sequencing identified matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Mmp9) as the top upregulated gene by Prg4 knockout. Mmp9 expressed in the SFZ was further induced in Prg4-knockout mice. The increased expression of Mmp9 by Prg4 knockout was canceled by IκB kinase (IKK) inhibitor treatment. Phosphorylation of Smad2 was also enhanced in Prg4-knockout cell pellets, which was canceled by the IKK inhibitor. Expression of Mmp9 and phosphorylated Smad2 during articular cartilage development was enhanced in Prg4-knockout joints. Lubricin contributes to homeostasis of articular cartilage by suppressing differentiation of SFZ cells, and the nuclear factor-kappa B-Mmp9-TGF-β pathway is probably responsible for the downstream action of lubricin. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Overexpressed miR‐335‐5p reduces atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque formation in acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Sun Dingjun , Ma Tianyi , Zhang Yixue , Zhang Fuwei , Cui Bo
Published: December 2020

Background

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may induce cardiovascular death. The correlation of mast cells related microRNAs (miRs) with risk of ACS has been investigated. We explored regulatory mechanism of miR‐335‐5p on macrophage innate immune response, atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque formation, and revascularization in ACS in relation to Notch signaling.

Methods

ACS‐related gene microarray was collected from Gene Expression Omnibus database. After different agomir or antagomir, or inhibitor of Notch signaling treatment, IL‐6, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, MCP‐1, ICAM‐1, and VCAM‐1 levels were tested in ACS mice. Additionally, Notch signaling‐related genes and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were measured after miR‐335‐5p interference. Finally, mouse atherosclerosis, lipid accumulation, and the collagen/vessel area ratio of plaque were determined.

Results

miR‐335‐5p targeted JAG1 and mediated Notch signaling in ACS. miR‐335‐5p up‐regulation and Notch signaling inhibition reduced expression of JAG1, Notch pathway‐related genes, IL‐6, IL‐1β, TNF‐α, MCP‐1, ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1, and MMPs, but promote TIMP1 and TIMP2 expression. Additionally, vulnerable plaques were decreased and collagen fiber contents were observed to increase after miR‐335‐5p overexpression and Notch signaling inhibition.

Conclusions

Overexpression of miR‐335‐5p inhibited innate immune response of macrophage, reduced atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque formation, and promoted revascularization in ACS mice targeting JAG1 through Notch signaling.
On Not Confusing the Tree of Trustworthy Statistics with the Greater Forest of Good Science: A Comment on Simmons et al.’s Perspective on Pre‐registration
Authors: Pham Michel Tuan , Oh Travis Tae
Published: December 2020

In this commentary on Simmons, Nelson, and Simonsohn (this issue), we examine their rationale for pre‐registration within the broader perspective of what good science is. We agree that there is potential benefit in a system of pre‐registration if implemented selectively. However, we believe that other tools of open science such as the full sharing of study materials and open access to underlying data, provide most of the same benefits—and more (i.e., the prevention of outright fraud)—without risking the potential adverse consequences of a system of pre‐registration. This is why we favor these other means of controlling type I error and fostering transparency. Direct replication, as opposed to conceptual replication, should be encouraged as well.
Seed morphology: An addition to the taxonomy ofAstragaleaeandTrifolieae(Leguminosae: Papilionoidae) from Pakistan
Authors: Rashid Neelam , Zafar Muhammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Memon Rabia Asma , Akhter Muhammad Salim , Malik Khafsa , Malik Nafeesa Zahid , Sultana Shazia , Shah Syed Nasar
Published: December 2020

Seed morphology was described in detail for 12 species belonging to 5 genera of tribesAstragaleaeandTrifolieae(Leguminosae; Papilionoideae) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the taxonomic relevance of macromorphological and micromorphological seed characters. The study aims to search for diagnostic seed ultrastructural features that may help to elucidate species identification. For SEM analysis, seed morphological characters including seed form and shape, color and size, ornamentation, epidermal cell shape, and anticlinal wall pattern were investigated. As a result of the study, species‐specific characters have been determined. Based on seed exomorphology, three characteristic cell patterns; irregular, round, and flat were observed. In majority of studied taxa, species may be further differentiated based on seed shape, size, and surface ornamentation. The inconsistency in testa cell pattern, shape, and distribution of papillae or protuberances may probably give further insight and significant morphological features at specific and generic level within the tribe. This study illustrated that considerable taxonomic knowledge can be obtained by examining the seed characters ofAstragaleaeandTrifolieae, particularly at the species level. The results demonstrated that the use of SEM in seed morphology could play a role in the identification of taxa particularly at genus and species level. Twelve species ofAstragaleaeandTrifolieaewere studied in order to describe and investigate the seed morphology and to evaluate the diagnostic value of this character using a SEM. A broader taxon sampling is required for classification at generic and tribal level, besides molecular and phylogenetic studies.
Transition to telephone genetic counseling services during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Shannon Kristen M. , Emmet Margaret M. , Rodgers Linda H. , Wooters Mackenzie , Seidel Meredith L.
Published: December 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the delivery of healthcare services, including oncology. To ensure continuity of cancer genetic counseling at a large academic medical center while also promoting the safety of patients and staff, our team transitioned to fully remote telephone genetic counseling and testing services within 48 hr. We compare differences in the six weeks following the shift to telephone genetic counseling (post‐COVID) to the six weeks preceding the pandemic (pre‐COVID). We maintained 99% of our total visit capacity and saw a decrease in patient no‐show rate from 9.5% to 7.3%. Of all patients who received telephone genetic counseling, fewer consented to genetic testing as compared to patients seen in‐person prior to the pandemic (79% pre‐COVID v. 72% post‐COVID; p = .012). Four weeks after this cohort was closed for analysis, 96 out of 303 samples (32%) had not been received by the genetic testing laboratory, despite at least one reminder phone call to the patient. In 13 reported instances, a second sample was required (quality not sufficient, lost or mislabeled sample), thus delaying test results. We conclude that a rapid transition to remote genetic counseling and testing allowed uninterrupted access to cancer genetics services during to the COVID‐19 pandemic. Patient compliance with sample return and higher rates of sample failure emerge as potential barriers to timely genetic testing under this service delivery model.
Unnatural trend of global land long‐term surface air temperature change
Authors: Wang Yu , Yan Pengcheng , Ji Fei , Tang Shankai , Yang Liu , Hu Shujuan , Feng Guolin
Published: December 2020

In the context of global warming, determining to what extent natural variability and external forcing have an impact on climate change is crucial for formulating mitigation policies and adaptation plans. We quantifiably and effectively separate unnatural trends from the global land surface air temperature (SAT) changes during 1951–2015 by calculating the long‐term correlation exponent through detrended fluctuation analysis and applying mainly probability statistics methods. We provide effective discriminated evidence for whether the observed SAT change exceeds its natural internal variability. Furthermore, we search the range of SAT changes caused by unnatural trends, and identify their corresponding minimum contributions to warming relative trends in different regions. The unnatural warming of the mid‐ to high latitude inland areas of Eurasia and North America is basically high, and the warming responses to unnatural forcing are most intense in these areas. Compared to earlier detection, we find the minimum unnatural trend contributes more than 80% to the observed SAT change in North America, northern Greenland, eastern Africa, and the mid‐ to high latitudes of Eurasia. In addition, the temporal evolutions of unnatural trends in key areas are determined. In North Africa, Western Australia, the United States and Mexico, the unnatural impact became significant at the earliest. Meanwhile, the overall unnatural trend in North Africa is the most significant, followed by western Brazil, and grows most rapidly over time in the two key areas.
SERS and the scientific career of Richard P. Van Duyne (1945–2019)
Authors: Schatz George C.
Published: December 2020

This article describes the scientific career of our dear friend Richard P. Van Duyne. Rick was the discoverer of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and over the period from the mid‐1970s until his death in 2019, he served as both the intellectual leader of the field, and the technical genius who pushed the field forward through his numerous inventions and discoveries. Rick's work went through many phases, and even involved a significant period of inactivity that Rick was able to break out of, but especially after 2000, there was a period of incredible creativity that ultimately led to a detailed understanding of what the SERS enhancement factor is all about and also led to fabrication techniques for making optimum SERS substrates such that applications of SERS to a wide variety of real‐world problems in sensing became possible. In addition, Rick's SERS work spawned numerous related technologies, including index of refraction sensing based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) measurements, and the extension of SERS to its tip‐enhanced cousin TERS, to electrochemical versions of SERS and TERS, and to ultrafast nonlinear techniques. The practical applications he pursued included diagnostics for diseases such as cancer, hand‐held glucose sensing, and SERS studies related to art conservation. However, Rick's legacy will probably be best known through the numerous students, postdocs, and collaborators that passed through his lab and who are now active researchers in areas related to SERS at universities and industrial labs around the world.
Enrichment of fermented cassava meal ‘mchuchume’ with micronutrient ingredients from soya bean flour and Moringa oleifera leaves powder
Authors: Alphonce Severino , Kaale Lilian Daniel , Millinga Francis , Rweyemamu Leonard MP
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

‘Mchuchume’ is a ready to eat fermented cassava food used for breakfast, lunch, and/or snack purposes. Its diverse consumption modes attract many studies, including regarding its fortification with inexpensive food materials rich in beneficial nutritional qualities. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of soya bean flour and Moringa oleifera leaves powder on the micronutrient composition of mchuchume.

RESULTS

Enrichment significantly increased iron (0.001 g kg−1 in control to 0.03 g kg−1 in cassava–soya, 0.06 g kg−1 in cassava–moringa and 0.09 g kg−1 in cassava–soya–moringa) and potassium (1.01 g kg−1 in control to 5.14 g kg−1 in cassava–soya, 3.45 g kg−1 in cassava–moringa and 7.43 g kg−1 in cassava–soya–moringa). Compared with the control (0.10 g kg−1 sodium), sodium content either decreased significantly (to 0.09 g kg−1 in cassava–soya) or increased significantly (to 0.37 g k g−1 in cassava–moringa and 0.36 g kg−1 in cassava–soya–moringa). β‐Carotene was below the instrument's limit of detection (<0.2 × 10−6 g mL−1) in the control and cassava–soya blends but was detected in cassava–moringa (0.01–0.02 g kg−1) and cassava–soya–moringa blends (0.01–0.02 g kg−1).

CONCLUSION

Mchuchume fortified with both M. oleifera leaves powder and soya bean flour has micronutrients at recommended dietary allowances. The food is recommended for use in management of iron and vitamin A deficiencies, which are endemic not only to inhabitants and refugees of the Kigoma region in Tanzania but also to people in most African countries and other cassava‐consuming developing nations. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Interannual climate variability determines the efficiency of functional recovery in dry Mediterranean abandoned vineyards
Authors: Quintana José Ramón , Molina José Antonio , Diéguez‐Antón Ana , Valverde‐Asenjo Inmaculada
Published: December 2020

European abandoned lands have been increasing in recent decades, and this is occurring in a climate change scenario in which the consequences of their interactions are still little known. We tested the hypothesis that the functionality of abandoned lands responds differently to year‐to‐year climate variations depending on the time since the cessation of agricultural activity. We constructed a chronosequence in Mediterranean abandoned vineyards at six different years of abandonment in 2016 (1, 3, 7, 11, 25, 40), in a current vineyard and in land not dedicated to vineyards. Soil total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) and available nutrients, enzyme activities relating to the main macronutrient cycles and plant‐community attributes were studied at 24 sites over three consecutive years. A total of 144 samplings were performed. TOC, TN, most enzyme activities and plant species density increased throughout the chronosequence, although interannual climate variability also had a significant influence. The extreme drought event increased the activity of enzymes related to the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycle, as well as the stock of TOC after a subsequent decrease in TOC when environmental conditions became favourable. In contrast, plant species density and the cover of certain plant functional traits such as mycorrhizal symbiotic plants (Cistaceae) and N‐fixers (Fabaceae) decreased significantly. Our results also demonstrated that extreme drought events had a higher negative impact on lands that had been abandoned for longer. We therefore conclude that extreme drought events damage the functionality of Mediterranean abandoned agrosystems, thus affecting all its compartments and jeopardising its functionality.
Cascading effects of freshwater salinization on plankton communities in the Sierra Nevada
Authors: Moffett Emma R. , Baker Henry K. , Bonadonna Christine C. , Shurin Jonathan B. , Symons Celia C.
Published: December 2020

Runoff containing road salt (sodium chloride, NaCl) causes the salinization of inland freshwaters, with potentially severe impacts on aquatic species. We performed a mesocosm experiment to test the effects of salinization on plankton community structure in an oligotrophic mountain lake with a limited history of elevated salt concentrations. We exposed plankton communities to a gradient of 30 salt concentrations ranging from 1 to 2900 Cl− mg L−1 for 6 weeks. Adding salt increased zooplankton biomass at concentrations < 500 mg Cl− L−1 while reducing phytoplankton biomass. Zooplankton biomass declined precipitously at higher concentrations, with phytoplankton biomass showing a mirror image increase. The initial increase in zooplankton biomass with salt addition suggests that zooplankton are salt‐limited at low ionic concentrations. Additionally, the inverse response of zooplankton and phytoplankton suggests that salinity mainly affects phytoplankton biomass via changes in top‐down regulation by grazers.
Simulation of coupled multiphase flow and geomechanics in porous media with embedded discrete fractures
Authors: Cusini Matteo , White Joshua A. , Castelletto Nicola , Settgast Randolph R.
Published: December 2020

In fractured natural formations, the equations governing fluid flow and geomechanics are strongly coupled. Hydrodynamical properties depend on the mechanical configuration, and they are therefore difficult to accurately resolve using uncoupled methods. In recent years, significant research has focused on discretization strategies for these coupled systems, particularly in the presence of complicated fracture network geometries. In this work, we explore a finite‐volume discretization for the multiphase flow equations coupled with a finite‐element scheme for the mechanical equations. Fractures are treated as lower dimensional surfaces embedded in a background grid. Interactions are captured using the embedded discrete fracture model (EDFM) and the embedded finite element method (EFEM) for the flow and the mechanics, respectively. This nonconforming approach significantly alleviates meshing challenges. EDFM considers fractures as lower dimension finite volumes that exchange fluxes with the rock matrix cells. The EFEM method provides, instead, a local enrichment of the finite‐element space inside each matrix cell cut by a fracture element. Both the use of piecewise constant and piecewise linear enrichments are investigated. They are also compared to an extended finite element approach. One key advantage of EFEM is the element‐based nature of the enrichment, which reduces the geometric complexity of the implementation and leads to linear systems with advantageous properties. Synthetic numerical tests are presented to study the convergence and accuracy of the proposed method. It is also applied to a realistic scenario, involving a heterogeneous reservoir with a complex fracture distribution, to demonstrate its relevance for field applications.
Design of flexible multi‐level topography for enhancing mechanical property
Authors: Li Peiliu , Wang Lei , Zhao Feng , Feng Shile , Zhang Qingzhu , Zhao Hongbin , Hou Yongping , Zheng Yongmei , Liu Jing
Published: December 2020

Robust mechanical property is fundamentally significant for applications of nano‐materials, such as micro‐fluidic, sensor, superhydrophobic/ icephobic, and crush‐resistant functions. However, the nano‐materials used in the applications are always easily ruined due to the poor adhesion and weak mechanical properties. To enhance the nano‐materials’ duration in hash environment, a strategy of robust nano‐topography protection is studied in this paper. In our experiment, a series of multi‐level sub‐mm topography with nano‐materials are fabricated by integrating the methods of soft lithography, and crystal growth. The mechanical properties of nano‐materials are quantitatively studied, and the nano‐material can be protected by the designed flexible multi‐level topography, which significantly decreases the strain and stress of the nano‐structure. To investigate the mechanism of this performance, a series of simulations are performed, and a mechanical model is established to explain this phenomenon. This work uncovers the multi‐level principles for nano‐materials protection and gives a guideline to design the nano‐materials’ surfaces.
Unimodal eccentricity in trees
Authors: Gylfason Jökull S. , Hilmarsson Bernhard L. , Tonoyan Tigran
Published: December 2020

Jordan's classic theorem states that the center of every tree (the set of minimum eccentricity vertices) forms a complete subgraph. This property, which we refer to as the “Jordan property,” has been established for various definitions of eccentricity, the most popular being the maximum and average distances of a vertex to the others. In this note, we consider unimodal eccentricity functions, such that in every tree, the eccentricity strictly increases along every center‐to‐leaf path (whose second vertex is not in the center). Unimodal eccentricity implies the Jordan property. We prove that every function of distances with appropriate convexity and monotonicity is a unimodal eccentricity function. This covers many functions of distances that have been known to satisfy the Jordan property, and many others for which the Jordan property was not known prior to this work. Most of our results hold for trees with arbitrary positive weights on edges.
Investigation of thermal comfort properties of electrospun thermoplastic polyurethane fiber coated knitted fabrics for wind‐resistant clothing
Authors: Oğlakcıoğlu Nida , Akduman Cigdem , Sarı Burak
Published: December 2020

The integration of nanofibers into conventional fabrics may open up new opportunities such as improving the comfort performance and thermal management properties of outdoor clothing. Nanofibers are able to form a highly porous mesh and their large surface‐to‐volume ratio improves performance for many applications. This study shows the possible utility of the nanofiber coating on conventional knitted fabrics for improving the wind‐resistance and breathability properties. It was seen that nanofiber coating did not cause a significant effect on water vapor and thermal resistance of electrospun thermoplastic polyurethane nanofiber coated cotton (CO), modal (CMD), viscose (CV), and lyocell (CLY) single jersey fabrics, while resistance to air permeability was increased with the increased nanofiber coating. High level of air resistance was achieved with 30 min of coating. In terms of comfort properties, the nanofiber coating proved to be advantageous due to its lower air permeability with its water vapor permeable structure. However, thermal insulation level of these fabrics was still low and fragile nanofiber layer needed to be protected. Therefore, a multi‐layered fabric form was derived from combination of cotton and lyocell fabrics with a nanofiber layer. The results showed that nanofibers could be used to improve the wind‐resistance and comfort properties of multi‐layered knitted structures.
Emerging therapies for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: A systematic review
Authors: Guirguis Erenie , Grace Yasmin , Bolson Anthony , DellaVecchia Matthew J. , Ruble Melissa
Published: December 2020

To describe the mechanism, efficacy, and safety of novel agents that have reached phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of biopsy‐proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). A literature search was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines of MEDLINE databases (1990 to October 2020) with the following MeSH terms: NASH, nonalcoholic liver disease, fatty liver, liver diseases, steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis; combined with obeticholic acid, FXR agonist, cenicriviroc, CCR5 receptor antagonist, elafibranor, PPAR, selonsertib, ASK‐1 inhibitor, resmetirom, THR‐β receptor, arachidyl amido cholanoic acid (Aramchol™), and SCD‐1 modulator. Results were verified via clinicaltrials.gov, Google Scholar, and Google. Articles were included if the medications of interest had ongoing or completed phase 3 trials in biopsy‐proven NASH with outcomes directly related to NASH resolution. Eleven studies were identified involving obeticholic acid (OCA), elafibranor, cenicriviroc, Aramchol, and resmetirom. Two agents have reported data from phase 3 trials: OCA and elafibranor. OCA demonstrated safety and efficacy in NASH with a primary end point of improvement or NASH resolution; a new drug approval has been submitted. Elafibranor failed to show efficacy in NASH in the preliminary report from the RESOLVE‐IT trial; however, the study is being extended to reassess outcomes. The remaining agents demonstrated positive results in phase 2b studies and have initiated phase 3 trials. With projections for increased prevalence of patients with NASH and the current lack of treatment options, novel agents with targeted mechanisms could potentially change the treatment landscape. The manufacturer of OCA is first to submit a new drug application for the treatment of NASH. These novel agents may fill a pharmacotherapy gap in patients with NASH and possibly prevent progression to advanced liver disease.
Insulin binding to the analytical antibody sandwich pair OXI‐005 and HUI‐018: Epitope mapping and binding properties
Authors: Johansson Eva , Wu Xiaoai , Yu Bingke , Yang Zhiru , Cao Zheng , Wiberg Charlotte , Jeppesen Claus B. , Poulsen Fritz
Published: December 2020

The insulin epitopes for two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), OXI‐005 and HUI‐018, commonly used in combination for insulin concentration determination in sandwich assays, were determined using X‐ray crystallography. The crystal structure of the HUI‐018 Fab in complex with human insulin (HI) was determined and OXI‐005 Fab crystal structures were determined in complex with HI and porcine insulin (PI) as well as on its own. The OXI‐005 epitope comprises insulin residues 1,3,4,19–21 (A‐chain) and 25–30 (B‐chain) and for HUI‐018 residues 7,8,10–14,17 (A‐chain) and 5–7, 10, 14 (B‐chain). The areas of insulin involved in interactions with the mAb are 20% (OXI‐005) and 24% (HUI‐018) of the total insulin surface. Based on the Fab complex crystal structures with the insulins a molecular model for simultaneous binding of the Fabs to PI was built and this model was validated by small angle X‐ray scattering measurements for the ternary complex. The epitopes for the mAbs on insulin were found well separated from each other as expected from luminiscent oxygen channeling immunoassay results for different insulins (HI, PI, bovine insulin, DesB30 HI, insulin glargine, insulin lispro). The affinities of the OXI‐005 and HUI‐018 Fabs for HI, PI, and DesB30 HI were determined using surface plasmon resonance. The KDs were found to be in the range of 1–4 nM for the HUI‐018 Fab, while more different for the OXI‐005 Fab (50 nM for HI, 20 nM for PI and 400 nM for DesB30 HI) supporting the importance of residue B30 for binding to OXI‐005.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) as a nutraceutical: Focus on the metabolic, analgesic, and antiinflammatory effects
Authors: Pagano Ester , Souto Eliana B. , Durazzo Alessandra , Sharifi‐Rad Javad , Lucarini Massimo , Souto Selma B. , Salehi Bahare , Zam Wissam , Montanaro Vittorino , Lucariello Giuseppe , Izzo Angelo A. , Santini Antonello , Romano Barbara
Published: December 2020

Ginger (from the rizhome of Zingiber officinale Roscoe) has been widely used in ethnomedicine for the cure of several ailments. Main active ingredients include phenolic compounds named gingerols. In modern phytotherapy, ginger preparations are predominantly used to counteract nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. However, a number of other pharmacological actions of potential therapeutic interest, which might broaden the spectrum of its clinical use, have been reported. This focused review aims at giving a shot on the antinflammatory, analgesic, and metabolic actions of Zingiber officinale preparations, with a discussion on the clinical applications in knee osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhea, type‐2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, overweight, and obesity.
Nanoconfined Crystallization for High‐Efficiency Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Jiang Xiao , Wang Kai , Wang Hui , Duan Lianjie , Du Minyong , Wang Likun , Cao Yuexian , Liu Lu , Pang Shuping , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: December 2020

Given that thermal stability is of considerable importance in the field of photovoltaics, inorganic perovskites have attracted numerous attempts to overcome instability caused by volatile cations in organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites. As always, crystallization optimization is a paramount strategy to enhance the performance of inorganic perovskite‐based solar cells. Recently, nanoconfined crystallization is regarded as a novel and effective strategy due to the absence of chemical reactions. Herein, 1D ordered mesoporous silica is introduced into inorganic perovskite precursors to facilely induce the nanoconfined crystallization. Both theoretical and experimental analyses verify that the nanoconfined crystallization is successfully triggered by the ordered mesoporous silica, fostering the formation of 1D perovskite monocrystal. In addition, the crystallization and morphology of inorganic perovskite are effectively facilitated. As a result, the nonradiative recombination is suppressed along with the distinctly reduced trap‐state density and remarkably enhanced charge transport in perovskite. Finally, the power conversion efficiencies of CsPbIBr2‐ and CsPbI3‐based solar cells are boosted from 8.67% to 10.04% and from 14.10% to 14.69%, respectively. Meanwhile, stability tests of solar cells also show enhancement using the nanoconfined crystallization. This work provides a facile, effective, and flexible crystallization modulating strategy for fabricating efficient and stable inorganic perovskite solar cells.