bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of relationship between farmer’s syndrome and neurotoxic symptoms in farming couples
Authors: Choi Jihee , Moon Sun-In , Roh Sangchul
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between farmer’s syndrome and neurotoxic symptoms in farming couples. The study was conducted on 348 farmers (174 couples) in Chungnam Province of South Korea. We obtained information on general and agricultural characteristics, farmer’s syndrome, and neurotoxic symptoms through face-to-face surveys from 2014 to 2019. The Korean version of the diagnostic standard scale was used for farmer’s syndrome, and the Swedish Q16 questionnaire was used for neurotoxic symptoms. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify neurotoxic symptoms affected by farmer’s syndrome. The prevalence of ‘positive’ neurotoxic symptoms was higher in wives (72.4%) than in husbands (56.9%). Compared with husbands with ‘negative and probable’ farmer’s syndrome (reference), husbands with ‘positive’ farmer’s syndrome were more likely to have ‘positive’ neurotoxic symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 5.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.01-14.30). Compared with wives with ‘negative and probable’ farmer’s syndrome (reference), wives with ‘positive’ farmer’s syndrome were more likely to have ‘positive’ neurotoxic symptoms (OR = 7.07, 95% CI = 2.58-19.38). Therefore, neurotoxic symptoms in both husbands and wives were significantly associated with farmer’s syndrome. However, wives had a higher risk of neurotoxic symptoms than husbands. The findings of this study might be useful as important data for establishing and training agricultural safety and health policy.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Clinical and Therapeutic Aspects
Authors: Mesina Cristian , Mesina-Botoran Mihaela-Iustina , Viorel Dumitrescu Theodor , Calin Ciorbagiu Mihai , Vasile Obleaga Cosmin
Published: September 2020

Mesothelioma is a very rare malignant disease that originates from mesothelial cells that line the serosa: pleura, peritoneum, pericardium, or testicular vaginal tunic. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for 7–10% of all mesotheliomas diagnosed, and ranks second after pleural localization of mesothelioma. The incidence of peritoneal mesothelioma is 0.5–3 cases per million in men and 0.2–2 cases per million in women. Diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult due to nonspecific symptoms and because of this patients present in advanced stages of the disease. Histologically there are three major categories of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic. The differential diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is made with peritoneal pseudomyxoma, ovarian tumors, and peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer. An important role in differential diagnosis, in addition to immunohistochemistry, is played by various tumor markers and genetic tests. The treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma is performed by cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), with good results for patients in the early stages of the disease. For patients with advanced disease, a new treatment has been proposed: pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC). For patients who cannot use CRS and HIPEC, the only therapeutic option remains chemotherapy (systemic + intraperitoneal).
Reseña de la obra "Kant´s Doctrine of Right in the Twenty-first Century"
Authors: Vázquez Peñas Aarón
Published: September 2020

Reseña de / Book review of: Krasnoff, Larry; Sánchez Madrid, Nuria; Satne, Paula (eds.) (2018). Kant´s Doctrine of Right in the Twenty-first Century. Cardiff: University of Wales Press, 244 pp.
Nuevos datos sobre los orígenes de la cofradía del Santo Sepulcro de Lebrija (1603-1752).
Authors: Romero Vera Diego
Published: September 2020

Resumen: En este trabajo estudiamos la primera fase de existencia de la Cofradía del Santo Sepulcro de Lebrija (Sevilla). En concreto, a partir del análisis de escuetas referencias documentales, se ha podido registrar el año de su fundación, la composición de su primitiva junta de gobierno, la concesión de bulas papales y ciertas particularidades, tales como su carácter de cofradía de sangre.Abstract: In this paper we study the first phase of existence of the Confraternity of the Holy Sepulchre from Lebrija (Seville). Namely, from an analysis of brief documentary references, it has been possible to establish the year it was founded, the composition of its governing board, the granting of papal bulls and certain peculiarities, such as its nature of blood fraternity.
Chassis Ajardinados
Authors: Tutida Nara Milioli
Published: September 2020

Este artigo descreve as experiências de produção de imagem poética em que está expresso um pensamento acerca da paisagem, mais especificamente o jardim, aqui concebido como ambiente privilegiado para a problematização da ação determinista que projetos de ocupação espacial concebidos a priori exercem sobre a paisagem. A decorrente modelização e padronização sofrida pelos espaços ajardinados é ressaltada por meio de operações poéticas que fraturam da superfície desse estilo de paisagem. Neste sentido, o foco recaí sobre a paisagem clichê respondendo ao problema dos processos culturais hegemônicos homogeneizantes, e, por conseqüência dos modos de constituição da subjetividade que essa paisagem forja, ao mesmo tempo em que é por ela forjada.
Expediente
Authors: Sant'Anna Mara Rúbia
Published: September 2020

Contém conselho de pareceristas e demais responsáveis pela edição.Ficha bibliográfica
O encontro poético do eu e o outro: Entrevista com Elisa Castro por Ynaê Cortez
Authors: Morais Ynaê Cortez de
Published: September 2020

Essa entrevista objetiva refletir sobre questões acerca da Arte e o Outro e suas emanações na obra da artista contemporânea Elisa Castro. Esse dialogo problematiza a posição do artista como criador e analisa as proposições de experiências interpessoais e coletivas. As propostas artísticas que serão abordadas nessa entrevista são proposições, questionando a passividade dos expectadores e os convocam a participar da criação e ativação das obras. A entrevista investiga a potencialização do diálogo e da escuta do outro, nos encontros poéticos propostos pela artista.
Aspectos epidemiológicos da sífilis gestacional em uma maternidade filantrópica e os desafios para seu controle
Authors: Cardoso Juliana Maria Dos Santos , Alves Marina Maria Santos , Lopes Izailza Matos Dantas , Carvalho Israel Azevedo Siqueira de , França Alex Vianey Callado
Published: September 2020

Analisar o perfil epidemiológico das puérperas acometidas pela sífilis em uma Maternidade Filantrópica de Aracaju (Sergipe) no período de outubro de 2018 a outubro de 2019. Trata-se de um estudo de caráter retrospectivo, transversal e descritivo, a partir de dados obtidos por meio de entrevistas realizadas pelos autores. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa da Universidade Tiradentes sob o parecer de número 2.922.433. Um total de 93 puérperas com VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory) positivo participaram do seguinte estudo. A idade média delas foi de 23,8 anos, 47 apresentavam ensino fundamental incompleto, 66 se autodeclaram cor parda, 62 eram donas de casa, 87 assintomáticas, 87 realizaram o pré-natal, 55 iniciaram no primeiro trimestre e 52 fizeram mais de 6 consultas. Houveram 65 puérperas que foram tratadas com Penicilina Benzatina, porém de forma inadequada. Foram encontradas 27 puérperas que já haviam tido pelo menos 1 aborto, 12 com feto morto, 92 só tiveram um parceiro sexual, 56 conviviam com eles e 42 foram tratados ao mesmo tempo das puérperas. São necessárias medidas de saúde pública mais eficazes em relação a assistência ao pré-natal e educação da população capazes de reduzir a alta incidência da Sífilis.
Diagnóstico de hanseníase em Porto Nacional/TO no período de 2013 a 2017
Authors: Almeida Felipe Alior Fernandes Louzada de , Milan George
Published: September 2020

A hanseníase é uma doença crônica e insidiosa cujo agente etiológico é a bactéria Mycobacterium leprae, de elevada infectividade, porém de baixa patogenicidade. Sua transmissão ocorre pelo ar, liberado por indivíduos contaminados e infectando indivíduos susceptíveis. As manifestações clínicas, geralmente, demoram a aparecer, levando a um diagnóstico tardio sendo que, nesse período, o infectado é o transmissor da doença. O tratamento se faz por meio de poliquimioterapia, por um tempo prolongado, que ocorre, principalmente, na unidade básica de saúde. O objetivo do presente trabalho é avaliar os dados estatísticos de diagnóstico de hanseníase no município de Porto Nacional/TO entre o período de 2013 a 2017. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo de investigação epidemiológica e revisão de literatura de dados presentes no SINAN (Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação) juntamente à Secretaria de Vigilância em Saúde, dados do banco de informações do DataSUS e levantamentos bibliográficos eletrônicos de bibliotecas virtuais. Foi observado grande variação de diagnóstico de hanseníase entre o período de estudo, prevalência da forma multibacilar, prevalência de diagnóstico de hanseníase sem acometimento do tronco nervoso e predisposição ao sexo masculino. Os níveis de diagnósticos permaneceram variáveis, com maioria masculino, de forma multibacilar, sendo 12 recidivas
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva mutant ACVR1 signals by multiple modalities in the developing zebrafish
Authors: Allen Robyn S , Tajer Benjamin , Shore Eileen M , Mullins Mary C
Published: September 2020

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare human genetic disorder characterized by altered skeletal development and extraskeletal ossification. All cases of FOP are caused by activating mutations in the type I BMP/TGFβ cell surface receptor ACVR1, which over-activates signaling through phospho-Smad1/5 (pSmad1/5). To investigate the mechanism by which FOP-ACVR1 enhances pSmad1/5 activation, we used zebrafish embryonic dorsoventral (DV) patterning as an assay for BMP signaling. We determined that the FOP mutants ACVR1-R206H and -G328R do not require their ligand binding domain to over-activate BMP signaling in DV patterning. However, intact ACVR1-R206H has the ability to respond to both Bmp7 and Activin A ligands. Additionally, BMPR1, a type I BMP receptor normally required for BMP-mediated patterning of the embryo, is dispensable for both ligand-independent signaling pathway activation and ligand-responsive signaling hyperactivation by ACVR1-R206H. These results demonstrate that FOP-ACVR1 is not constrained by the same receptor/ligand partner requirements as WT-ACVR1.
Non-thalamic origin of zebrafish sensory nuclei implies convergent evolution of visual pathways in amniotes and teleosts
Authors: Bloch Solal , Hagio Hanako , Thomas Manon , Heuzé Aurélie , Hermel Jean-Michel , Lasserre Elodie , Colin Ingrid , Saka Kimiko , Affaticati Pierre , Jenett Arnim , Kawakami Koichi , Yamamoto Naoyuki , Yamamoto Kei
Published: September 2020

Ascending visual projections similar to the mammalian thalamocortical pathway are found in a wide range of vertebrate species, but their homology is debated. To get better insights into their evolutionary origin, we examined the developmental origin of a thalamic-like sensory structure of teleosts, the preglomerular complex (PG), focusing on the visual projection neurons. Similarly to the tectofugal thalamic nuclei in amniotes, the lateral nucleus of PG receives tectal information and projects to the pallium. However, our cell lineage study in zebrafish reveals that the majority of PG cells are derived from the midbrain, unlike the amniote thalamus. We also demonstrate that the PG projection neurons develop gradually until late juvenile stages. Our data suggest that teleost PG, as a whole, is not homologous to the amniote thalamus. Thus, the thalamocortical-like projections evolved from a non-forebrain cell population, which indicates a surprising degree of variation in the vertebrate sensory systems.
Genome duplication in Leishmania major relies on persistent subtelomeric DNA replication
Authors: Damasceno Jeziel Dener , Marques Catarina A , Beraldi Dario , Crouch Kathryn , Lapsley Craig , Obonaga Ricardo , Tosi Luiz RO , McCulloch Richard
Published: September 2020

DNA replication is needed to duplicate a cell’s genome in S phase and segregate it during cell division. Previous work inLeishmaniadetected DNA replication initiation at just a single region in each chromosome, an organisation predicted to be insufficient for complete genome duplication within S phase. Here, we show that acetylated histone H3 (AcH3), base J and a kinetochore factor co-localise in each chromosome at only a single locus, which corresponds with previously mapped DNA replication initiation regions and is demarcated by localised G/T skew and G4 patterns. In addition, we describe previously undetected subtelomeric DNA replication in G2/M and G1-phase-enriched cells. Finally, we show that subtelomeric DNA replication, unlike chromosome-internal DNA replication, is sensitive to hydroxyurea and dependent on 9-1-1 activity. These findings indicate thatLeishmania’s genome duplication programme employs subtelomeric DNA replication initiation, possibly extending beyond S phase, to support predominantly chromosome-internal DNA replication initiation within S phase.
Cropland heterogeneity changes on the Northeast China Plain in the last three decades (1980s–2010s)
Authors: Liu Xiaoxuan , Yu Le , Dong Qinghan , Peng Dailiang , Wu Wenbin , Yu Qiangyi , Cheng Yuqi , Xu Yidi , Huang Xiaomeng , Zhou Zheng , Wang Dong , Fang Lei , Gong Peng
Published: September 2020

The Northeast China Plain is one of the major grain-producing areas of China because of its fertile black soil and large fields adapted for agricultural machinery. It has experienced some land-use changes, such as urbanization, deforestation, and wetland reclamation in recent decades. A comprehensive understanding of these changes in terms of the total cropping land and its heterogeneity during this period is important for policymakers. In this study, we used a series of cropland products at the 30-m resolution for the period 1980–2015. The heterogeneity for dominant cropland decreased slowly over the three decades, especially for the large pieces of cropland, showing a general trend of increased cropland homogeneity. The spatial patterns of the averaged heterogeneity index were nearly the same, varying from 0.5 to 0.6, and the most heterogeneous areas were mainly located in some separate counties. Cropland expansion occurred across most of Northeast China, while cropland shrinking occurred only in the northern and eastern sections of Northeast China and around the capital cities, in the flat areas. Also, changes in land use away from cropland mainly occurred in areas with low elevation (50–200 m) and a gentle slope (less than 1 degree). The predominant changes in cropland were gross gain and homogeneity, occurring across most of the area except capital cities and boundary areas. Possible reasons for the total cropland heterogeneity changes were urbanization, restoration of cropland to forest, and some government land-use policies. Moreover, this study evaluates the effectiveness of cropland policies influencing in Northeast China.
Predictors of Heart Failure in Nigerian Children with Ostium Secundum Atrial Septal Defects and Associated Structural Defects
Authors: Duru Chika O. , Chinawa Josephat M.
Published: September 2020

Background: Atrial septal defects are common congenital heart defects which could be discovered incidentally during cardiac screening of a child in heart failure. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of heart failure in children with ostium secundum Atrial Septal Defects (os-sec ASD) and other associated structural lesions.

Methods: Seventy-five children with os-sec ASD seen in two tertiary centres in Southern Nigeria were recruited prospectively. Details of age, gender, anthropometric parameters and echocardiographic findings were entered into a proforma. The sizes of the ASDs were categorized into 3 groups; small size=<5 mm, moderate size=5-9mm and large size=≥10 mm. The modified Ross Classification was used to determine the presence of heart failure. Data were analyzed using SPSS v 25.0 software.

Results: The ages of the children ranged from 0.25 months to 242 months with a mean age of 3.2±1.7 months and a male: female ratio of 1.5:1. Forty (53.3%) children had isolated os-sec ASD while 35 (46.7%) children had os-sec ASD with other structural defects. Thirty-eight (50.7%) of the children had features of heart failure at presentation out of which 50% were infants and 88.0% were mildly wasted. There was no significant association between the presence of heart failure in the study subjects and age, gender or nutritional status (p> 0.05). There was however a significant association between the presence of heart failure and other structural defects co-existing with ASD (p = 0.038) and Large sized os-sec ASD of greater than 10mm (p = 0.0001) in those with isolated os-sec ASD.

Conclusion: Children with ostium secundum Atrial septal defects could present with heart failure, which is more likely if the defect is >10mm or associated with other structural heart lesions.
Prevalence and Characterization of Moulds Associated with Fish Feeds Sold in Kisii County, Kenya
Authors: Nyamwaka Irene Seila , Monda Ethel , Ombori Richard Omwoyo , Kwach Johnson
Published: September 2020

There is an increase in aquaculture in Kenya due to increased demand for fish as a source of white meat and increased population growth. Most fish farmers use plant-based ingredients such as peanuts, cottonseed, soybeans, maize bran and wheat as sources of protein for the fish feeds. These ingredients are very susceptible to attack by aflatoxigenic fungi. In humid climatic conditions like those found in Kisii County, growth of such fungi on fish feeds is accelerated due to absorption of moisture from the environment as a result of poor storage and sometimes improper drying. This study was conducted to determine the moulds associated with fish feeds sold in Kisii. Commercial fish feeds from five main outlets in Kisii County were sampled and analysed. Home-made fish feeds were obtained from three groups. Fungi were isolated using various media and percentage isolation determined. The results show that fifteen fungal species were associated with fish feeds sold in Kisii County. They include Mucor spp, Penicillium glabrum, Fusarium oxysporium, Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Alternaria spp, Penicillium citrinum, Stachybotrys spp, Cladosporium spp, Aureobasibium spp, Eurotium spp, Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger. The aflatoxigenic fungi comprising of A. flavus, A. parasiticus and A. niger were most prevalent in fish feeds obtained from Egetuki outlet (29 %) and least prevalent in Dombetty (16.6 %). The mean differences of fungal species were statistically significant (P<0.05) in four outlets. This shows that fish feeds sold in Kisii county are contaminated with aflatoxigenic fungi.
Ranitidine Prescription Pattern of Outpatient in a Public Hospital in Al-Kharj
Authors: Ahmed Nehad J.
Published: September 2020

Aim: The study of prescribing pattern is essential since it gives an idea to physicians about the process of monitoring and assessment of the drugs and endorses the required modifications. This study aimed to assess the outpatient prescribing pattern of ranitidine in a public hospital in Alkharj.

Methodology: This is a retrospective study was conducted at the outpatient setting in a public hospital in Alkharj. The outpatient electronic prescriptions were reviewed to evaluate the prescription patterns of ranitidine drug by the help of pharmacy department in the hospital.

Results: Throughout the study, 697 patients received ranitidine. About 51.65 % of the patients were females. Most of the patients who were included in the study were in the age level between 20-49 (61.68%). Moreover, most of the prescriptions were prescribed by emergency department (70.30%).

Conclusion: Prescribing of ranitidine drug is indeed popular among outpatients in the study. This study investigated the frequency of ranitidine use but further studies are warranted to investigate the appropriateness of its prescriptions.
Pharmacists’ Knowledge, Perception and Attitude towards Certain Medication Administration Time
Authors: Albassam Ahmed A. , Al-Saikhan Fahad I.
Published: September 2020

Objective: To assess the pharmacists’ perception and knowledge regarding the use of some chronic medication and appropriate administration timing.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was developed and randomly distributed to local retail pharmacies in the western region of Saudi Arabi between February 2019 to May 2019. We randomly selected 500 pharmacists at different shifts.

Results: The response was 86% of the sample we have selected. 90.7% responded that patients' daily routine plays a major role in their disease statuse such as diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia. More than 76.3% of respondents did not know that blood pressure peaks in the mid-morning and in the evening but goes lower early in the morning. Only 40.9% knew that calcium channel blockers will be more effective if given in the late evening than in the morning.

Conclusion: The findings here suggest that more training, education and/or workshops will be beneficial in understanding medication time to produce an optimal effect.
An Intelligent AIEgen with Nonmonotonic Multiresponses to Multistimuli
Authors: Tu Yujie , Yu Yeqing , Xiao Diwen , Liu Junkai , Zhao Zheng , Liu Zhiyang , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: September 2020

Intelligent stimulus–response (S/R) systems are the basis of natural process and machine control, which are intensively explored in biomimetic design and analytical/biological applications. However, nonmonotonic multi‐S/R systems are still rarely studied so far. In this work, a rational design strategy is proposed to achieve such a unique S/R system by integrating opposite luminescence behaviors in one molecule. When solvent polarity increases, many heterocyclic or carbonyl‐containing compounds often become more emissive due to the suppression of the proximity effect, whereas molecules with donor–acceptor (D–A) structures tend to be less emissive because of the twisted intramolecular charge transfer. Meanwhile, protonation on D/A moieties will weaken/strengthen the D–A interaction to result in blue/redshifted emissions. By combining a protonatable heterocyclic acceptor and a protonatable donor together in one molecule, nonmonotonic brightness responses to polarity stimuli and nonmonotonic color responses to pH stimuli can be achieved. The design strategy is successfully verified by a simple molecule named 4‐(dimethylamino)styryl)quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐one (ASQ). ASQ exhibits nonmonotonic responses to polarity and pH stimuli, and aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) with a nonmonotonic AIE curve. Meanwhile, ASQ can be adjusted to emit white light in an acidic environment, and it shows multivalent functionalities including albumin protein sensing, ratiometric pH sensing, and amine gas sensing.
What kind of hominin first left Africa?
Authors: Scardia Giancarlo , Neves Walter A. , Tattersall Ian , Blumrich Lukas
Published: September 2020

Recent discoveries of stone tools from Jordan (2.5 Ma) and China (2.1 Ma) document hominin presence in Asia at the beginning of the Pleistocene, well before the conventional Dmanisi datum at 1.8 Ma. Although no fossil hominins documenting this earliest Out of Africa phase have been found, on chronological grounds a pre‐Homo erectus hominin must be considered the most likely maker of those artifacts. If so, this sheds new light on at least two disputed subjects in paleoanthropology, namely the remarkable variation among the five Dmanisi skulls, and the ancestry of Homo floresiensis.
Hydrosoluble phosphonic acid functionalized poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) chelating polymers for the sorption of metallic cations
Authors: Benkhaled Belkacem Tarek , Montheil Titouan , Lapinte Vincent , Monge Sophie
Published: September 2020

In the present contribution, the synthesis of well‐defined water‐soluble phosphonic‐acid based poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) and the preliminary study of their sorption properties were reported. For such purpose, poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) (POx) was first prepared. Then, controlled hydrolysis allowed the obtaining of statistical poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline)‐stat‐poly(ethyleneimine) (POx‐st‐PEI) with 20% of ethyleneimine units, which allowed maintaining water solubility of the copolymers. The latter were successfully functionalized with either dimethyl(acryloyloxymethyl) phosphonate (APC1) or diethyl‐2‐(acrylamido)ethylphosphonate (DAAmEP) using Michael reaction. Phosphonated esters were hydrolyzed to produce phosphonic acid groups, thus, leading to hPOx‐st‐PEI‐APC1 and hPOx‐st‐PEI‐DAAmEP copolymers. Finally, functionalized statistical copolymers were successfully used for the sorption of divalent or trivalent metallic cations. The reported work aims at reporting the synthesis of original polyoxazoline materials functionalized with phosphonic acid groups that could be further employed for water treatment in polymer enhanced ultrafiltration processes.
A comprehensive study: Theoretical and experimental investigation of heteroatom and substituent effects on frontier orbitals and polymer solar cell performances
Authors: Cevher Sevki Can , Hizalan Gonul , Alemdar Yilmaz Eda , Cevher Duygu , Udum Arslan Yasemin , Toppare Levent , Yıldırım Erol , Cirpan Ali
Published: September 2020

Benzochalcogendiazole derivatives are incorporated with thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione (TPD) acceptor and 4,8‐diethoxybenzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene donor to synthesize tree‐component random copolymers. Four different copolymers are synthesized and their electronic, optical and photovoltaic properties are compared. Comparisons are aligned in the course of two different strategies, which are the replacement of benzochalcogendiazole moiety and the modification of side group on benzothiadiazole. Theoretical calculations by comparing the HOMO‐LUMO levels, band gaps and other electronic descriptors of pristine and 2 + 2 two acceptor‐based copolymers are investigated. Random copolymer bearing benzoxadiazole moiety, PO exhibits the highest photovoltaic performance of 8.29% with a Jsc of 14.96 mA cm−2, Voc of 0.87 V, fill factor (FF) of 63.70%. PF possesses the highest Voc with a value of 0.88 V, Jsc of 14.40 mA cm−2, power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.32% with 58% FF. PS exhibits average feature with Jsc 11.82 mA cm−2, Voc 0.80 V, FF 50%, and 4.72% PCE. Lowest performing selenadiazole containing random copolymer (PSe) copolymer exhibits maximum PCE as 3.65%. These results demonstrate the promising effectiveness of benzoxadiazole selection as an alternative acceptor unit and F atom substitution for the design of (A1‐D)‐(A2‐D) type random copolymers for organic solar cells.
Ultrathin Near‐Infrared Light Activated Nano‐Hotplate Catalyst
Authors: Wu Xiangyang , Yeow Edwin K. L.
Published: September 2020

A combined photothermal‐catalytic system that contains a single active element, without using different entities for separate roles (catalytic vs photothermal), is designed here for efficient catalytic reactions. Herein, ultrathin (sub‐6 nm) rectangular‐like KNdF4 nanoplates consisting of 3–4 unit cell layers are prepared where the Nd3+ ions act as a Lewis acid catalyst. In addition, the nanoplates undergo light‐to‐heat conversion when irradiated with NIR light due to cross‐relaxation and nonradiative relaxation processes from excited Nd3+. The cyanosilylation of a series of ketones is performed using the nano‐hotplate catalysts to give near quantitative yields of the cyanohydrin trimethylsilyl ethers. This is because of the high surface area‐to‐volume ratio of the thin nanoplates that provides a large number of surface Nd3+ catalytic sites for reaction. The reaction kinetics are enhanced by the photothermal effect, leading to the observed > 10‐fold increase in product yields.
Substrate oxidation in primary human skeletal muscle cells is influenced by donor age
Authors: Aas Vigdis , Thoresen G. Hege , Rustan Arild C. , Lund Jenny
Published: September 2020

Primary human myotubes represent an alternative system to intact skeletal muscle for the study of human diseases related to changes in muscle energy metabolism. This work aimed to study if fatty acid and glucose metabolism in human myotubes in vitro were related to muscle of origin, donor gender, age, or body mass index (BMI). Myotubes from a total of 82 donors were established from three different skeletal muscles, i.e., musculus vastus lateralis, musculus obliquus internus abdominis, and musculi interspinales, and cellular energy metabolism was evaluated. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that donor age had a significant effect on glucose and oleic acid oxidation after correcting for gender, BMI, and muscle of origin. Donor BMI was the only significant contributor to cellular oleic acid uptake, whereas cellular glucose uptake did not rely on any of the variables examined. Despite the effect of age on substrate oxidation, cellular mRNA expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PPARGC1A) did not correlate with donor age. In conclusion, donor age significantly impacts substrate oxidation in cultured human myotubes, whereas donor BMI affects cellular oleic acid uptake.
GDNF synthesis, signaling, and retrograde transport in motor neurons
Authors: Cintrón-Colón Alberto F. , Almeida-Alves Gabriel , Boynton Alicia M. , Spitsbergen John M.
Published: September 2020

Glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a 134 amino acid protein belonging in the GDNF family ligands (GFLs). GDNF was originally isolated from rat glial cell lines and identified as a neurotrophic factor with the ability to promote dopamine uptake within midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Since its discovery, the potential neuroprotective effects of GDNF have been researched extensively, and the effect of GDNF on motor neurons will be discussed herein. Similar to other members of the TGF-β superfamily, GDNF is first synthesized as a precursor protein (pro-GDNF). After a series of protein cleavage and processing, the 211 amino acid pro-GDNF is finally converted into the active and mature form of GDNF. GDNF has the ability to trigger receptor tyrosine kinase RET phosphorylation, whose downstream effects have been found to promote neuronal health and survival. The binding of GDNF to its receptors triggers several intracellular signaling pathways which play roles in promoting the development, survival, and maintenance of neuron-neuron and neuron-target tissue interactions. The synthesis and regulation of GDNF have been shown to be altered in many diseases, aging, exercise, and addiction. The neuroprotective effects of GDNF may be used to develop treatments and therapies to ameliorate neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this review, we provide a detailed discussion of the general roles of GDNF and its production, delivery, secretion, and neuroprotective effects on motor neurons within the mammalian neuromuscular system.
Elliptic classes, McKay correspondence and theta identities
Authors: Mikosz Małgorzata , Weber Andrzej
Published: September 2020

We revisit the construction of elliptic class given by Borisov and Libgober for singular algebraic varieties. Assuming torus action we adjust the theory to the equivariant local situation. We study theta function identities having a geometric origin. In the case of quotient singularities $${\mathbb {C}}^n/G$$

C

n

/
G

, where G is a finite group the theta identities arise from McKay correspondence. The symplectic singularities are of special interest. The Du Val surface singularity $$A_n$$

A
n

leads to a remarkable formula.
Large-scale stochastic flood hazard analysis applied to the Po River
Authors: Curran A. , De Bruijn Karin , Domeneghetti Alessio , Bianchi Federica , Kok M. , Vorogushyn Sergiy , Castellarin Attilio
Published: September 2020

Reliable hazard analysis is crucial in the flood risk management of river basins. For the floodplains of large, developed rivers, flood hazard analysis often needs to account for the complex hydrology of multiple tributaries and the potential failure of dikes. Estimating this hazard using deterministic methods ignores two major aspects of large-scale risk analysis: the spatial–temporal variability of extreme events caused by tributaries, and the uncertainty of dike breach development. Innovative stochastic methods are here developed to account for these uncertainties and are applied to the Po River in Italy. The effects of using these stochastic methods are compared against deterministic equivalents, and the methods are combined to demonstrate applications for an overall stochastic hazard analysis. The results show these uncertainties can impact extreme event water levels by more than 2 m at certain channel locations, and also affect inundation and breaching patterns. The combined hazard analysis allows for probability distributions of flood hazard and dike failure to be developed, which can be used to assess future flood risk management measures.
Fast prediction for multi-parameters (concentration, temperature and humidity) of indoor environment towards the online control of HVAC system
Authors: Zhu Hao-Cheng , Ren Chen , Cao Shi-Jie
Published: September 2020

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are the most energy-consuming building implements for the improvement of indoor environmental quality (IEQ). We have developed the optimal control strategies for HVAC system to respectively achieve the optimal selections of ventilation rate and supplied air temperature with consideration of energy conservation, through the fast prediction methods by using low-dimensional linear ventilation model (LLVM) based artificial neural network (ANN) and low-dimensional linear temperature model (LLTM) based contribution ratio of indoor climate (CRI(T)). To be continued for integrated control of multi-parameters, we further developed the fast prediction model for indoor humidity by using low-dimensional linear humidity model (LLHM) and contribution ratio of indoor humidity (CRI(H)), and thermal sensation index (TS) for assessment. CFD was used to construct the prediction database for CO2, temperature and humidity. Low-dimensional linear models (LLM), including LLVM, LLTM and LLHM, were adopted to expand database for the sake of data storage reduction. Then, coupling with ANN, CRI(T) and CRI(H), the distributions of indoor CO2 concentration, temperature, and humidity were rapidly predicted on the basis of LLVM-based ANN, LLTM-based CRI(T) and LLHM-based CRI(H), respectively. Finally, according to the self-defined indices (i.e., EV, ET, EH), the optimal balancing between IEQ (indicated by CO2 concentration, PMV and TS) and energy consumption (indicated by ventilation rate, supplied air temperature and humidity) were synthetically evaluated. The total HVAC energy consumption could be reduced by 35% on the strength of current control strategies. This work can further contribute to development of the intelligent online control for HVAC systems.
Tribocorrosion properties of AISI 1045 and AISI 2205 steels in seawater: Synergistic interactions of wear and corrosion
Authors: Zhang Beibei , Wang Jianzhang , Liu Hao , Yan Yunfeng , Jiang Pengfei , Yan Fengyuan
Published: September 2020

Tribocorrosion denotes an irreversible material degradation for several metallic components used in corrosive environments, and it arises from the interplay between chemical, mechanical, and electrochemical processes. In this study, some investigation has been performed to compare the tribocorrosion behavior of AISI 1045 steel and AISI 2205 duplex stainless steel sliding against an alumina pin in seawater. The lowering in the open circuit potential (OCP) of AISI 2205 during the tribocorrosion demonstrates that its protective passive film was damaged by wear and resulted in a wear-accelerated corrosion in the wear track. However, sliding was found to accelerate the corrosion of the unworn areas for AISI 1045, leading to an anodic shift of the OCP. Moreover, the total material loss increased with an increase in the applied potential for both materials. It was revealed that AISI 1045 was more sensitive to corrosion under sliding than AISI 2205. Therefore, pure corrosion loss and corrosion-induced wear constituted the primary reasons for the degradation of AISI 1045 at applied anodic potentials.
Sexual Health and Dysfunction in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-sectional Single-Center Study
Authors: Bay Laila Twisttmann , Graugaard Christian , Nielsen Dorthe S. , Möller Sören , Ellingsen Torkell , Giraldi Annamaria
Published: September 2020

Introduction

An increased risk of sexual health problems is seen among patients with chronic illnesses. The background is likely to be multifactorial, but it remains poorly understood.

Aim

To investigate the sexual health and functioning of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to examine gender differences, general population comparisons, and possible somatic, psychological, and disease-specific determinants.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using a digital questionnaire distributed among 380 patients diagnosed with RA in a Danish university hospital outpatient setting.

Main Outcome Measure

A range of patient-reported outcomes were obtained, including scores from the validated rating scale Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire. Furthermore, individual medical record information was collected.

Results

A total of 329 patients (250 women and 79 men) were included (age range: 25–73 years; mean age: 57.2 years). The Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire scoring indicated an overall sexual dysfunction in 33.8% of men and 58.1% of women.More than one-third (37.6%) of patients felt that RA had made their sex life more complicated, and 32.4% feared that this might someday be the case. In total, 29.2% patients had experienced sexual problems due to their RA treatment. Of the respondents who experienced RA-related fatigue, 46.5% reported that this impacted negatively on their sexual activity. The risk of one or more sexual health adversities was significantly correlated with female gender, older age, moderate or severe depression, moderate to moderately high loneliness, more than 2 comorbidities, and a fatigue score above 75 out of 100 on a visual analogue scale. Compared to the general population, significantly fewer patients with RA considered their sex life important, and significantly fewer patients appraised their current sex life as good or very good. Moreover, significantly more women with RA (32.1%) than women from the general population (15.7%) had not had any sex life during the past year. A vast majority of patients with RA (93.5% of women and 85.5% of men) had not discussed sexual issues with a health-care professional during the last 5 years. Of all, 32.5% would like health-care professionals to address sexual topics in the consultation occasionally.

Conclusion

Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in patients with RA, but the problems are not regularly addressed in consultations provided by the rheumatology department.
Endogenous cannabinoids may regulate chronic inflammation in aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease
Authors: Levy Joshua M.
Published: September 2020

Aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is characterized by the triad of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, adult‐onset asthma and non‐IgE mediated reactions to aspirin and other cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1) inhibitors. Patients with AERD are dependent on COX‐1 activity to maintain production of prostaglandin (PG) species, such as PGE2, which maintain physiologic levels of inflammation and limit the production of pro‐inflammatory cysteinyl leukotrienes. The endogenous cannabinoid system is a family of immunomodulatory lipids and their innate g‐protein coupled receptors that are closely related to arachidonic acid and may modulate inflammation via several pathways, including the direct production of metabolically active prostaglandin glycerol‐esters. A recent pilot study has identified the significant up‐regulation of the peripherally expressed, type‐2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2) in AERD nasal polyps versus control tissues from patients with either allergic fungal rhinosinusitis or no history of chronic sinonasal inflammation. These early findings suggest the involvement of increased endogenous cannabinoid activity in prostaglandin deficient states such as AERD. Future study is needed to explore the significance of these findings, with specific investigation of the impact of CB2 activation on markers of airway inflammation, as well as the potential to measure CB2 expression as a screening biomarker for the evaluation of unrecognized disease.
Predation behaviour of millimetre-sized hydrozoan polyps on early ivory shell juveniles
Authors: Huang Yulin , Fu Jingqiang , Shi Yutong , Wang Yunan , Cui Qi , Song Xikun
Published: September 2020

Marine hydroids, the polyp stage of hydrozoans, are assumed to be carnivores and play an important role in benthic-pelagic coupling processes by regulating zooplankton populations and transferring energy. The known hydroid diets mainly consist of zooplankton as well as some benthic diatoms and metazoans, almost all of which have smaller dimensions than the polyp. In the present study, a large-scale breeding failure of the early juveniles of the ivory shell Babylonia areolata (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Babyloniidae) was found in a local aquaculture farm in Fujian, China in July 2018. About 640,000 out of 800,000 early juveniles (80%) died due to predation by a millimetre-sized colonial hydroid species that was initially overlooked. The hydrozoan species was identified as Eirene sp. (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa: Eirenidae) via the integration of morphological and molecular data. A laboratory feeding experiment showed that the hydroid predation led to an overall mortality of ivory shell juveniles of up to 92.6% after 48 h. The predation process was observed in the laboratory and a video showing the entire process was prepared. This is the first report of hydroids preying on gastropod juveniles, revealing a previously unknown threat to mollusc aquaculture including ivory shells. Several management practices are suggested to mitigate this newly recognized threat.
Multimorbidity and fit note receipt in working-age adults with long-term health conditions
Authors: Dorrington Sarah , Carr Ewan , Stevelink Sharon A.M. , Dregan Alex , Woodhead Charlotte , Das-Munshi Jayati , Ashworth Mark , Broadbent Matthew , Madan Ira , Hatch Stephani L , Hotopf Matthew
Published: September 2020

Background

Research on sickness absence has typically focussed on single diagnoses, despite increasing recognition that long-term health conditions are highly multimorbid and clusters comprising coexisting mental and physical conditions are associated with poorer clinical and functional outcomes. The digitisation of sickness certification in the UK offers an opportunity to address sickness absence in a large primary care population.

Methods

Lambeth Datanet is a primary care database which collects individual-level data on general practitioner consultations, prescriptions, Quality and Outcomes Framework diagnostic data, sickness certification (fit note receipt) and demographic information (including age, gender, self-identified ethnicity, and truncated postcode). We analysed 326 415 people's records covering a 40-month period from January 2014 to April 2017.

Results

We found significant variation in multimorbidity by demographic variables, most notably by self-defined ethnicity. Multimorbid health conditions were associated with increased fit note receipt. Comorbid depression had the largest impact on first fit note receipt, more than any other comorbid diagnoses. Highest rates of first fit note receipt after adjustment for demographics were for comorbid epilepsy and rheumatoid arthritis (HR 4.69; 95% CI 1.73–12.68), followed by epilepsy and depression (HR 4.19; 95% CI 3.60–4.87), chronic pain and depression (HR 4.14; 95% CI 3.69–4.65), cardiac condition and depression (HR 4.08; 95% CI 3.36–4.95).

Conclusions

Our results show striking variation in multimorbid conditions by gender, deprivation and ethnicity, and highlight the importance of multimorbidity, in particular comorbid depression, as a leading cause of disability among working-age adults.
Design, Construction, and Control for an Underwater Vehicle Type Sepiida
Authors: Garcia M. , Castillo P. , Campos E. , Lozano R.
Published: September 2020

A novel underwater vehicle configuration with an operating principle as the Sepiida animal is presented and developed in this paper. The mathematical equations describing the movements of the vehicle are obtained using the Newton–Euler approach. An analysis of the dynamic model is done for control purposes. A prototype and its embedded system are developed for validating analytically and experimentally the proposed mathematical representation. A real-time characterization of one mass is done to relate the pitch angle with the radio of displacement of the mass. In addition, first validation of the closed-loop system is done using a linear controller.
Category-free complement selection in causal adjunct phrases
Authors: OKADA SADAYUKI
Published: September 2020

In English there are a variety of causal adjunct phrases such asbecause of,as a result of,on account ofandin spite of.It was reported recently that a new structurebecause Xis thriving in colloquial registers including conversations and blogs. The complementXis not only restricted to nominals but also includes other lexical categories such as adjectives, adverbs and even verbs. This article delves into the history of this usage and its reasoning, and conducts a survey on other causal adjuncts to determine whether the same kind of innovation is observed with other adjunct phrases. The survey shows that the new usage started from NP complements and has been extended to include complements of other lexical categories, and that the new usage attested inbecause Xis also observed within case X. The truncation of the final preposition is verified with all the adjunct phrases in the survey, but the category of the complement is basically restricted to nominals in the case of other phrases. We will look into the factors segregating the two groups of adjuncts, namelybecause/in case X, and other causal adjuncts.