bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel UBE3A sequence variant identified in eight related individuals with neurodevelopmental delay, results in a phenotype which does not match the clinical criteria of Angelman syndrome
Authors: Geerts‐Haages Amber , Bossuyt Stijn N. V. , den Besten Inge , Bruggenwirth Hennie , van der Burgt Ineke , Yntema Helger G. , Punt A. Mattijs , Brooks Alice , Elgersma Ype , Distel Ben , Valstar Marlies
Published: September 2020

Background

Loss of functional UBE3A, an E3 protein ubiquitin ligase, causes Angelman syndrome (AS), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe developmental delay, speech impairment, epilepsy, movement or balance disorder, and a characteristic behavioral pattern. We identified a novel UBE3A sequence variant in a large family with eight affected individuals, who did not meet the clinical AS criteria.

Methods

Detailed clinical examination and genetic analysis was performed to establish the phenotypic diversity and the genetic cause. The function of the mutant UBE3A protein was assessed with respect to its subcellular localization, stability, and E3 ubiquitin ligase activity.

Results

All eight affected individuals showed the presence of a novel maternally inherited UBE3A sequence variant (NM_130838.4(UBE3A):c.1018‐1020del, p.(Asn340del), which is in line with a genetic AS diagnosis. Although they presented with moderate to severe intellectual disability, the phenotype did not match the clinical criteria for AS. In line with this, functional analysis of the UBE3A p.Asn340del mutant protein revealed no major deficits in UBE3A protein localization, stability, or E3 ubiquitin ligase activity.

Conclusion

The p.(Asn340del) mutant protein behaves distinctly different from previously described AS‐linked missense mutations in UBE3A, and causes a phenotype that is markedly different from AS. This study further extends the range of phenotypes that are associated with UBE3A loss, duplication, or mutation.
Two‐ and Three‐dimensional Quantitative Structure‐activity Relationship Models Based on Conformer Structures
Authors: Nitta Fumika , Kaneko Hiromasa
Published: September 2020

In three‐dimensional (3D)‐quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) analysis, the chemical structure of a studied molecule is typically optimized assuming its presence in a vacuum environment. However, in practical scenarios, the environment of even the most stable molecules contains water, proteins, and other species; therefore, their actual structures significantly differ from those in vacuum and have multiple structures. Herein, both two‐dimensional and 3D molecular descriptors, which accepted the existence of multiple conformers, were calculated, and a conformer‐based 3D‐QSAR model (C3D‐QSAR) that considered the chemical structures of conformers was developed. The prediction accuracy of the C3D‐QSAR method determined by analyzing the data sets obtained for the angiotensin‐converting enzyme and dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors was found to be higher than those of the existing QSAR models.
Simultaneous inversion of two initial values for a time‐fractional diffusion‐wave equation
Authors: Zhang Yun , Wei Ting , Zhang Yuan‐Xiang
Published: September 2020

This study is devoted to recovering two initial values for a time‐fractional diffusion‐wave equation from boundary Cauchy data. We provide the uniqueness result for recovering two initial values simultaneously by the method of Laplace transformation and analytic continuation. And then we use a nonstationary iterative Tikhonov regularization method to solve the inverse problem and propose a finite dimensional approximation algorithm to find good approximations to the initial values. Numerical examples in one‐ and two‐dimensional cases are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Synthesis, characterization and chemical sensor applications of pyrene side‐functional polylactide copolymers
Authors: Doganci Erdinc
Published: September 2020

A novel polylactide (PLA) polymer containing pyrene side groups (P2) was synthesized and employed as a nitroaromatic compound (NAC) and heavy metal ion (HMI) sensing chemical probe. P2 was prepared in a four‐step reaction sequence, including azidification, esterification, ring opening polymerization and click reactions. First, an azido functional cyclic carbonate monomer (ADTC) was synthesized and then a copolymer of l‐lactide and ADTC monomers was synthesized to obtain PLA with azido functional groups (P(LA‐co‐ADTC), P1). Finally, P1 was modified with pyrene groups using ‘click chemistry’ which is a highly effective modification method (P2). The chemical structures and molecular characteristics of the obtained polymers were clearly verified via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography and 1H NMR analysis techniques and the fluorescence properties were examined via UV–visible and fluorescence spectrometry. The prepared P2 polymers were employed as a fluorescent probe towards certain HMI (Zn2+, Hg2+, Mn2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, Co2+) compounds and NACs (1,2‐dinitrobenzene, 2,4‐dinitrotoluene, 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (picric acid, PA), 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP), 2,4‐dinitrophenol (2,4‐DNP), 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene, 4‐nitrotoluene). The fluorescence intensity of the P2 polymers was gradually reduced upon the addition of NACs and HMIs. For all compounds, the highest quenching efficiencies were attained in the presence of PA (94.03%), 4‐NP (91.11%) and 2,4‐DNP (89.08%). Because of its simplicity and sensitivity, the proposed P2 polymers can be especially considered as potential chemical probes to detect NACs. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Synthesis of a two‐dimensional porphyrin framework connected by 1,3‐diyne linkages via in situ deprotection of trimethylsilicon at a water/oil interface
Authors: Tan Xianyang , Li Chan , Li Ming
Published: September 2020

Developing two‐dimensional (2D) porphyrin frameworks is a hot topic in the research of 2D materials. Glaser reaction between terminal alkyne monomers at an interface is promising for creating 2D polymers, such as graphdiyne. However, the coupling reaction between terminal alkyne–porphyrin monomers is impossible due to insolubility in low‐polarity solvents. Herein we used a trimethylsilicon (TMS)‐protected precursor as monomer directly and the above problem was solved by in situ deprotection of TMS at a water/toluene interface. The obtained 2D porphyrin framework connected by 1,3‐diyne linkages exhibits nanometer thickness and can be free‐standing under ambient conditions. This method not only reduces the workload of monomer synthesis, but also overcomes the limitation of Glaser reaction for producing 2D polymer films at an interface when the terminal alkyne monomer is insoluble in nonpolar solvents. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
SUPER STARCHY1/ONAC025 participates in rice grain filling
Authors: Mathew Iny Elizebeth , Priyadarshini Richa , Mahto Arunima , Jaiswal Priya , Parida Swarup K. , Agarwal Pinky
Published: September 2020

NAC transcription factors (TFs) are known for their role in development and stress. This article attempts to functionally validate the role of rice SS1/ ONAC025 (LOC_Os11g31330) during seed development. The gene is seed‐specific and its promoter directs reporter expression in the developing endosperm and embryo in rice transgenic plants. Furthermore, rice transgenic plants ectopically expressing SS1/ ONAC025 have a plantlet lethal phenotype with hampered vegetative growth, but increased tillers and an altered shoot apical meristem structure. The vegetative cells of these plantlets are filled with distinct starch granules. RNAseq analysis of two independent plantlets reveals the differential expression of reproductive and photosynthetic genes. A comparison with seed development transcriptome indicates differential regulation of many seed‐related genes by SS1/ ONAC025. Genes involved in starch biosynthesis, especially amylopectin and those encoding seed storage proteins, and regulating seed size are also differentially expressed. In conjunction, SS1/ ONAC025 shows highest expression in japonica rice. As a TF, SS1/ ONAC025 is a transcriptional repressor localized to endoplasmic reticulum and nucleus. The article shows that SS1/ ONAC025 is a seed‐specific gene promoting grain filling in rice, and negatively affecting vegetative growth.
β2‐adrenergic receptor signaling drives prostate cancer progression by targeting the Sonic hedgehog‐Gli1 signaling activation
Authors: Zhang Mi , Wang Qianhui , Sun Xueqing , Yin Qingqing , Chen Jinying , Xu Linhui , Xu Chen
Published: September 2020

Background

Considerable evidence suggests that the sympathetic nervous system, mainly via adrenergic signaling, contributes to prostate cancer (PCa) progression. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown.

Methods

The expression level of β2‐adrenergic receptor (β2‐AR) in tissue microarray was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The effects of isoproterenol (ISO) or Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling inhibitor on tumor growth were analyzed in proliferation and colony formation assays. The apoptosis of cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Small hairpin RNA‐based knockdown of β2‐AR or Gli1 was validated by Western blot analysis and real‐time PCR. Effects of β2‐AR on prostate carcinogenesis in vivo were observed in a mouse xenograft model. The expression levels of the indicated proteins in xenograft tissues were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Expression levels of Shh signaling components and downstream proteins were assessed by immunoblotting.

Results

We determined that β2‐AR was expressed at significantly higher levels in carcinoma than in normal prostate tissues. β2‐AR signaling also played an essential role in sustaining PCa cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro. We also found that inhibition of Shh signaling or knockdown of Gli1 expression significantly restrained ISO‐induced cell proliferation in vitro. ISO alleviated the apoptosis induced by suppressing or knocking down of Gli1. The β2‐AR agonist ISO upregulated the transcription and protein expression of target genes of Shh signaling, including c‐Myc, Cyclin D1, and VEGFA. Conversely, knocking down β2‐AR markedly suppressed the expression of Shh components in vivo and in vitro. In Gli1 knockdown cells, ISO failed to increase the expression of target genes of Shh signaling.

Conclusions

In this study, we uncovered an important role of β2‐AR signaling in regulating the Shh pathway activity in PCa tumorigenesis and provide further insight into the mechanism of the involvement of the Hh signaling pathway. Furthermore, given the efficacy of β2‐adrenergic modulation on PCa, our study might also add evidence for potential therapeutic options of β‐blockers for PCa.
Interactive effect of TLR SNPs and exposure to sexually transmitted infections on prostate cancer risk in Jamaican men
Authors: Dubey Bhawna , Jackson Maria , Zeigler‐Johnson Charnita , Devarajan Karthik , Flores‐Obando Rafael E , McFarlane‐Anderson Norma , Tulloch‐Reid Marshall , Aiken William , Kimbro Kevin , Reed Dominique , Kidd LaCreis R. , Gibbs Denise , Kumar Sudhir , Ragin Camille
Published: September 2020

Background

Prostate cancer (PC) risk increases with African ancestry and a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Also, single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in toll‐like receptor (TLR) genes influence PC risk. This pilot study explores interactions between STIs and TLR‐related SNPs in relation to PC risk among Jamaican men.

Methods

This case‐control study evaluates two TLR related SNPs in 356 Jamaican men (194 controls and 162 cases) with or without history of STIs using stepwise penalized logistic regression in multivariable analyses.

Results

Age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1>.12; p < .001) and IRF3_rs2304206 GG genotype (OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.29–0<.78; p = .003) modulated PC risk in people with history of STIs. In the population with no history of STIs, resulting interactions between risk factors did not survive correction for multiple hypothesis testing.

Conclusion

Overall, an interaction between the IFR3_rs2304206 variant and a history of exposure to STIs leads to greater decrease of PC risk than the presence of polymorphic genotype alone. These findings are suggestive and require further validation. Identification of gene variants along with detection of lifestyle behaviors may contribute to identification of men at a greater risk of PC development in the population.
Augmented reality in neurosurgical navigation: A survey
Authors: Liu Tao , Tai Yonghang , Zhao Chengming , Wei Lei , Zhang Jun , Pan Junjun , Shi Junsheng
Published: September 2020

Background

Neurosurgery has exceptionally high requirements for minimally invasive and safety. This survey attempts to analyse the practical application of AR in neurosurgical navigation. Also, this survey describes future trends in augmented reality neurosurgical navigation systems.

Methods

In this survey, we searched related keywords ‘augmented reality’, ‘virtual reality’, ‘neurosurgery’, ‘surgical simulation’, ‘brain tumour surgery’, ‘neurovascular surgery’, ‘temporal bone surgery’ and ‘spinal surgery’ through Google Scholar, World Neurosurgery, PubMed and Science Direct. We collected 85 articles published over the past 5 years in areas related to this survey.

Results

Detailed study has been conducted on the application of AR in neurosurgery and found that AR is constantly improving the overall efficiency of doctor training and treatment, which can help neurosurgeons learn and practice surgical procedures with zero risks.

Conclusions

Neurosurgical navigation is essential in neurosurgery. Despite certain technical limitations, it is still a necessary tool for the pursuit of maximum security and minimal intrusiveness.
Disrupting Racism and Whiteness in Researching a Science of Reading
Authors: Milner H. Richard
Published: September 2020

The author poses racialized questions and issues about the science of reading to address and disrupt implicit and overt racist practices in producing and disseminating knowledge. Roles, complexities, nuances, and challenges related to racial identity, special education lenses, and motivation are explored to reimagine how we conceptualize, construct, and build knowledge about the science of reading. Drawing from critical theories in education, the multicultural education movement, and a developing conceptual framework that the author calls disruptive movement to advance a racial justice agenda in the science of reading, the author questions who builds knowledge, what counts as knowledge, and why knowledge is constructed in the science of reading.
Chromatic design and application of restoration mortars on smooth surfaces of white and GRAY concrete
Authors: Miranda Judite , Valença Jónatas , Costa Hugo , Júlio Eduardo
Published: September 2020

Although the recognized importance of color match both in white and gray Concrete Heritage interventions, the production and application of restoration mortars are often performed without an accurate color matching between the concrete surface and the repaired area. This paper presents the Gray Concrete Restoration Method (GCR‐method), developed to define and apply restoration mortars to smooth white and gray concrete surfaces. The GCR‐method comprises: (i) production of restoration mortars (from white to different gray levels) by adding black pigment to reference mortars; (ii) chromatic characterization by image processing; (iii) production and application of restoration mortar; (iv) chromatic evaluation of the restoration; and (v) chromatic reintegration in the transition zone and/or in the restoration, by applying pointillism and glaze techniques depending on whether are white or gray surfaces. The GCR‐method was experimentally calibrated in color spaces HSV and CIELAB, respectively for brightness (V) and color differences (ΔE00) evaluation; then, it was applied and validated to the restoration of white and gray concrete panels with smooth surfaces. The results show the desired chromatic compatibility between the original surface and the restoration, not noticeable to the naked eye. Further, the chromatic reintegration procedures demonstrate that color analysis is fundamental for the decision‐making of restoration interventions in Concrete Heritage.
Mangiferin induces immune responses and evaluates the survival rate in WEHI‐3 cell generated mouse leukemia in vivo
Authors: Shang Hung‐Sheng , Chen Chiung‐Ju , Shih Yung‐Luen , Peng Shu‐Fen , Chen Yung‐Liang , Liu Kuo‐Ching , Huang Hsieh‐Chou , Hsueh Shu‐Ching , Chen Kuo‐Wei , Lu Hsu‐Feng , Lee Mei‐Hui , Lee Ming‐Zhe , Lu Kung‐Wen
Published: September 2020

Mangiferin is a naturally occurring polyphenol, widely distributed in Thymeraceae families, and presents pharmacological activity, including anti‐cancer activities in many human cancer cell lines. Mangiferin has also been reported to affect immune responses; however, no available information concerning the effects of mangiferin on immune reactions in leukemia mice in vivo. In the present study, we investigated the effects of mangiferin on leukemia WEHI‐3 cell generated leukemia BLAB/c mice. Overall, the experiments were divided into two parts, one part was immune responses experiment and the other was the survival rate experiment. The immune responses and survival rate study, 40 mice for each part, were randomly separated into five groups (N = 8): Group I was normal animals and groups II‐V WEHI‐3 cell generated leukemia mice. Group II mice were fed normal diet as a positive control; group III, IV, and V mice received mangiferin at 40, 80, and 120 mg/kg, respectively, by intraperitoneal injection every 2 days for 20 days. Leukocytes cell population, macrophage phagocytosis, and NK cell activities were analyzed by flow cytometry. Isolated splenocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and concanavalin A (Con A) were used to determine the proliferation of B and T cells, respectively, and subsequently were analyzed by flow cytometry. Results indicated that mangiferin significantly increased body weight, decreased the liver and spleen weights of leukemia mice. Mangiferin also increased CD3 T‐cell and CD19 B cell population but decreased Mac‐3 macrophage and CD11b monocyte. Furthermore, mangiferin decreased phagocytosis of macrophages from PBMC and peritoneal cavity at 40, 80, and 120 mg/kg treatment. However, it also increased NK cell activity at 40 and 120 mg/kg treatment. There were no effects on T and B cell proliferation at three examined doses. In survival rate studies, mangiferin significantly elevated survival rate at 40 and 120 mg/kg treatment of leukemia mice in vivo.
Camera Trap Feasibility for Ecological Studies of Elusive Forest Deer
Authors: Grotta‐Neto Francisco , Peres Pedro H. F. , Piovezan Ubiratan , Passos Fernando C. , Duarte José M. B.
Published: September 2020

The difficulty in observing and capturing elusive species in the wild is one of the main reasons for the limited number of studies on such species. This knowledge gap affects the development of conservation and management plans. Hence, testing the feasibility of research tools is essential for the future use and reliability of such tools. Camera traps increasingly are used as an alternative to capturing animals for wildlife research, and to generate important data for the management and conservation of many species. We identified individual free‐ranging gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) from the Brazilian Pantanal by their natural markings. From October 2011 through September 2012, we investigated the feasibility of using camera traps for home range, habitat use, and activity period studies based on individuals with natural marks compared with the concurrent data collected from Global Positioning System (GPS) collars. Home range studies based on camera traps have limitations related to the quantity of individuals with natural marks and need for population premonitoring to detect them. The irregular performance of camera traps and lower detection probability in open habitats restricted its application in the habitat use study, especially among highly heterogeneous habitats. However, the positive correlation (r = 0.98, P < 0.001) between the frequency of photographic records and distances travelled by deer with GPS locations indicated reliable use of camera traps for research into activity periods. Camera traps can be used as an alternative to telemetry, potentially expanding the perspective and scope of noninvasive ecological studies for elusive and cryptic species. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Quantum Ostrogradsky theorem
Authors: Motohashi Hayato , Suyama Teruaki
Published: September 2020

Abstract

The Ostrogradsky theorem states that any classical Lagrangian that contains time derivatives higher than the first order and is nondegenerate with respect to the highest-order derivatives leads to an unbounded Hamiltonian which linearly depends on the canonical momenta. Recently, the original theorem has been generalized to nondegeneracy with respect to non-highest-order derivatives. These theorems have been playing a central role in construction of sensible higher-derivative theories. We explore quantization of such non-degenerate theories, and prove that Hamiltonian is still unbounded at the level of quantum field theory.
Complete leading-order standard model corrections to quantum leptogenesis
Authors: Depta Paul Frederik , Halsch Andreas , Hütig Janine , Mendizabal Sebastian , Philipsen Owe
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Thermal leptogenesis, in the framework of the standard model with three additional heavy Majorana neutrinos, provides an attractive scenario to explain the observed baryon asymmetry in the universe. It is based on the out-of-equilibrium decay of Majorana neutrinos in a thermal bath of standard model particles, which in a fully quantum field theoretical formalism is obtained by solving Kadanoff-Baym equations. So far, the leading two-loop contributions from leptons and Higgs particles are included, but not yet gauge corrections. These enter at three-loop level but, in certain kinematical regimes, require a resummation to infinite loop order for a result to leading order in the gauge coupling. In this work, we apply such a resummation to the calculation of the lepton number density. The full result for the simplest “vanilla leptogenesis” scenario is by $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(1) increased compared to that of quantum Boltzmann equations, and for the first time permits an estimate of all theoretical uncertainties. This step completes the quantum theory of leptogenesis and forms the basis for quantitative evaluations, as well as extensions to other scenarios.
Fermion mass hierarchies from modular symmetry
Authors: King Simon J.D. , King Stephen F.
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We show how quark and lepton mass hierarchies can be reproduced in the framework of modular symmetry. The mechanism is analogous to the Froggatt-Nielsen (FN) mechanism, but without requiring any Abelian symmetry to be introduced, nor any Standard Model (SM) singlet flavon to break it. The modular weights of fermion fields play the role of FN charges, and SM singlet fields with non-zero modular weight called weightons play the role of flavons. We illustrate the mechanism by analysing A4 (modular level 3) models of quark and lepton (including neutrino) masses and mixing, with a single modulus field. We discuss two examples in some detail, both numerically and analytically, showing how both fermion mass and mixing hierarchies emerge from different aspects of the modular symmetry.
Power expansion for heavy quarkonium production at next-to-leading order in e+e− annihilation
Authors: Lee Kyle , Sterman George
Published: September 2020

Abstract

We study heavy quarkonium production associated with gluons in e+e− annihilation as an illustration of the perturbative QCD (pQCD) factorization approach, which incorporates the first nonleading power in the energy of the produced heavy quark pair. We show how the renormalization of the four-quark operators that define the heavy quark pair fragmentation functions using dimensional regularization induces “evanescent” operators that are absent in four dimensions. We derive closed forms for short-distance coefficients for quark pair production to next-to-leading order ($$ {\alpha}_s^2 $$

α
s
2

) in the relevant color singlet and octet channels. Using non-relativistic QCD (NRQCD) to calculate the heavy quark pair fragmentation functions up to v4 in the velocity expansion, we derive analytical results for the differential energy fraction distribution of the heavy quarkonium. Calculations for $$ {}^3{S}_1^{\left[1\right]} $$

3

S
1

1

and $$ {}^1{S}_0^{\left[8\right]} $$

1

S
0

8

channels agree with analogous NRQCD analytical results available in the literature, while several color-octet calculations of energy fraction distributions are new. We show that the remaining corrections due to the heavy quark mass fall off rapidly in the energy of the produced state. To explore the importance of evolution at energies much larger than the mass of the heavy quark, we solve the renormalization group equation perturbatively to two-loop order for the $$ {}^1{S}_0^{\left[8\right]} $$

1

S
0

8

case.
Optimal design of fixture layouts for compliant sheet metal assemblies
Authors: Rezaei Aderiani Abolfazl , Wärmefjord Kristina , Söderberg Rikard , Lindkvist Lars , Lindau Björn
Published: September 2020

A preeminent factor in the geometrical quality of a compliant sheet metal assembly is the fixture layout that is utilized to perform the assembly procedure. Despite the presence of a great number of studies about the optimization of assembly fixture layouts, there is not a comprehensive algorithm to optimize all design parameters of fixture layouts for compliant sheet metal assemblies. These parameters are the location and type of hole and slot in each part, the slot orientation, and the number and location of additional clamps. This paper presents a novel optimization method that optimizes all these parameters simultaneously to maximize the geometrical quality of the assemblies. To attain this goal, compliant variation simulations of the assemblies are utilized along with evolutionary optimization algorithms. The assembly springback and contacts between parts are considered in the simulations. After determining the optimal design parameters, the optimal positions of locators are fine-tuned in another stage of optimization. Besides, a top-down design procedure is proposed for applying this method to multi-station compliant assemblies. The presented method is applied to two industrial sample cases from the automotive industry. The results evidence a significant improvement of geometrical quality by utilizing the determined fixture layout from the presented method compared with the original fixture layouts of the sample cases.
Impact of Randomized Controlled Trials in the Social Media: Does Science Trend As Much As Everyday Events?
Authors: Lorenzon Laura , Grossman Rebecca C. , Soreide Kjetil
Published: September 2020

Background

The approach to the scientific literature is evolving. Currently, dissemination of articles happens in real time through social media (SoMe) channels, and little is known about its impact in medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate if SoMe dissemination followed trends independent from articles type and content.

Methods

First, the SoMe engagement of a popular theme (#BlackFriday) and a relevant theme (#ClimateChange) was compared using a SoMe analytic tool to test if the popular theme would reach more engagement. In a second analysis, themes in colorectal surgery in the SoMe community were explored. Altmetric Explorer was searched for the term “colorectal surgery” and the outputs were categorized into ‘randomized controlled trials’ (RCTs) and ‘other studies’. Subgroups were compared for the Altmetric scores using statistical analyses.

Results

The analytic tool documented that #BlackFriday outnumbered #ClimateChange in mentions and engagement (1.6 million vs 127.000 mentions). Following, Altmetric Explorer identified 1381 articles, including 92 RCTs (7.1%). Overall, 25,554 mentions were documented from 1205 outputs (97.0% by Twitter). A greater percentage of “other studies” ranked in the lower Altmetric score categories (p = 0.0007). Similarly, the median Altmetric score was higher in the RCT subgroup comparing with “other studies” (6.5 vs. 2.0, Mann–Whitney p = 0.0001).

Conclusions

In this study, RCTs represented just the 7.1% of the studies and produced 11% of Twitter outputs. The median Altmetric scores obtained by RCTs were higher than those of other studies.
What is the Role of Over 100 Excipients in Over the Counter (OTC) Cough Medicines?
Authors: Eccles Ronald
Published: September 2020

Most medicines are white bitter powders that are formulated as tablets and capsules but cough medicines are an exception where the taste and appearance of the medicine are more important to the patient than the pharmacology of the active ingredient. Excipients are generally defined as any ingredient in a medicine other than the active ingredient. In most medicines excipients play a supportive role in delivering the medicine, but in the case of cough medicines, excipients have more important and complex roles and they can also be the main active ingredient of the cough medicine as menthol, glycerol, and sugars, which are declared as active ingredients. This review searched the United Kingdom electronic medicines compendium (emc) and found over 100 excipients in 60 different liquid formulations of over the counter cough medicines. The excipients were divided into functional groups: sweeteners, thickeners, flavors, colors, antimicrobials, and buffers, and the incidence and function of the different excipients is discussed. When considering the efficacy of a cough medicine, clinicians and pharmacists tend to think of the pharmacology of antitussives such as dextromethorphan or expectorants such as guaifenesin, and they rarely consider the role of excipients in the efficacy of the medicine. This review discusses the functions and importance of excipients in cough medicines and provides some new information for clinicians, pharmacists, and all interested in the treatment of cough when considering the composition and efficacy of a cough medicine.
Force enhancement in the human vastus lateralis is muscle-length-dependent following stretch but not during stretch
Authors: Bakenecker Patrick , Raiteri Brent J. , Hahn Daniel
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Force enhancement is the phenomenon of increased forces during (transient force enhancement; tFE) and after (residual force enhancement; rFE) eccentric muscle actions compared with fixed-end contractions. Although tFE and rFE have been observed at short and long muscle lengths, whether both are length-dependent remains unclear in vivo.

Methods

We determined maximal-effort vastus lateralis (VL) force-angle relationships of eleven healthy males and selected one knee joint angle at a short and long muscle lengths where VL produced approximately the same force (85% of maximum). We then examined tFE and rFE at these two lengths during and following the same amount of knee joint rotation.

Results

We found tFE at both short (11.7%, P = 0.017) and long (15.2%, P = 0.001) muscle lengths. rFE was only observed at the long (10.6%, P < 0.001; short: 1.3%, P = 0.439) muscle length. Ultrasound imaging revealed that VL muscle fascicle stretch magnitude was greater at long compared with short muscle lengths (mean difference: (tFE) 1.7 mm, (rFE) 1.9 mm, P ≤ 0.046), despite similar isometric VL forces across lengths (P ≥ 0.923). Greater fascicle stretch magnitude was likely to be due to greater preload forces at the long compared with short muscle length (P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusion

At a similar isometric VL force capacity, tFE was not muscle-length-dependent at the lengths we tested, whereas rFE was greater at longer muscle length. We speculate that the in vivo mechanical factors affecting tFE and rFE are different and that greater stretch of a passive component is likely contributing more to rFE at longer muscle lengths.
Nonlinear flag manifolds as coadjoint orbits
Authors: Haller Stefan , Vizman Cornelia
Published: September 2020

A nonlinear flag is a finite sequence of nested closed submanifolds. We study the geometry of Fréchet manifolds of nonlinear flags, in this way generalizing the nonlinear Grassmannians. As an application, we describe a class of coadjoint orbits of the group of Hamiltonian diffeomorphisms that consist of nested symplectic submanifolds, i.e., symplectic nonlinear flags.
Management of the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, using silica-based acaricides
Authors: Ulrichs Christian , Han Young Jong , Abdelhamid Magdi T. , Mewis Inga
Published: September 2020

Four silica-based acaricides were examined in laboratory tests for their effectiveness against poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae. All acaricides resulted in 100% mite mortality. Two groups of active ingredients could be differentiated. The products Silicosec® and Ewazid®, based on naturally occurring diatomaceous earth (DE), killed 100% of adult D. gallinae within 48 h exposure time. The time to kill 50% of the mites (LT50) was calculated to be 31.7 and 34.9 h, respectively. The other two products, containing aggregates and agglomerates of pyrogenic synthetic amorphous silicon dioxide as active ingredients, killed the mites in a significantly shorter time: LT50 was 6.3 h for the liquid product Fossil Shield® Instant White and 11.8 h for the powdery product Fossil Shield 90.0 White. This is more remarkable as the quantities of active ingredients used for the DE treatments were several folds higher. The effectiveness of all tested products was also shown in practical tests. A professional company treated five chicken houses on one farm in the Berlin–Brandenburg region with the test products, three houses with Fossil Shield Instant White and one each with Ewazid and Silicosec. Over a period of 46 weeks after stocking, the mite development in the houses was assessed. Only in one of the houses, treated with Fossil Shield Instant White, the mite population remained permanently low. In two houses treated with Fossil Shield Instant White, small mite colonies appeared in week 36, which were controlled by a follow-up spot treatment in week 41. In the houses treated with DE, the first mite colonies appeared 12 weeks after stocking. The number increased continuously over the experimental period and in week 31 after stocking there were clearly visible colonies (2–3 cm diameter) and the first mites could also be detected on the chicken eggs. At this time both houses were treated again with a follow-up spot-treatment, which only led to a slight improvement in one house and to a stabilization of the infestation in the other house. In week 41, large mite colonies were detected in both houses. A spot treatment at this point was ineffective in reducing the infestation. The tests showed faster acaricidal action of the products with the synthetic active ingredients compared to the natural DE-based products. This matches the shorter killing times under laboratory conditions. The experiments in a commercial chicken farm showed that it is possible to control the mite population for a period of 46 weeks by using physically effective SiO2-based products. These products are therefore an effective alternative to the use of chemical acaricides.
Zoocentrism in the weeds? Cultivating plant models for cognitive yield
Authors: Linson Adam , Calvo Paco
Published: September 2020

It remains at best controversial to claim, non-figuratively, that plants are cognitive agents. At the same time, it is taken as trivially true that many (if not all) animals are cognitive agents, arguably through an implicit or explicit appeal to natural science. Yet, any given definition of cognition implicates at least some further processes, such as perception, action, memory, and learning, which must be observed either behaviorally, psychologically, neuronally, or otherwise physiologically. Crucially, however, for such observations to be intelligible, they must be counted as evidence for some model. These models in turn point to homologies of physiology and behavior that facilitate the attribution of cognition to some non-human animals. But, if one is dealing with a model of animal cognition, it is tautological that only animals can provide evidence, and absurd to claim that plants can. The more substantive claim that, given a general model of cognition, only animals but not plants can provide evidence, must be evaluated on its merits. As evidence mounts that plants meet established criteria of cognition, from physiology to behavior, they continue to be denied entry into the cognitive club. We trace this exclusionary tendency back to Aristotle, and attempt to counter it by drawing on the philosophy of modelling and a range of findings from plant science. Our argument illustrates how a difference in degree between plant and animals is typically mistaken for a difference in kind.
Mental Health Service Users’ Perceptions of Stigma, From the General Population and From Mental Health Professionals in Mexico: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Lagunes-Cordoba Emmeline , Davalos Alan , Fresan-Orellana Ana , Jarrett Manuela , Gonzalez-Olvera Jorge , Thornicroft Graham , Henderson Claire
Published: September 2020

Negative attitudes towards people with mental health disorders have been widely studied and identified in the general population, and even within health care professionals. Moreover, studies focused on service users have also identified mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, as a source of stigma. However, in Mexico and Latin America few studies have been conducted addressing this issue. To explore mental health service users’ perceptions of stigma by members of the general population and by psychiatrists in Mexico, service users at a psychiatric hospital in Mexico were invited to participate in either focus groups or individual interviews, which were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. A total of 47 service users participated in this study. The results suggested that participants were not only aware of the possible consequences of mental health related stigma, but they have also experienced stigmatisation for having a mental illness. Participants also considered psychiatrists can hold negative attitudes towards people with mental illness, something that can represent a barrier for them to have optimal quality of care. Therefore, participants agreed that these attitudes should be addressed to improve the care they received from these professionals. This study suggests that, like members of the general population, psychiatrists are also considered as a source of stigma by people with mental illness in Mexico. These findings not only add to previous work conducted in Mexico and other countries, they also confirm the importance of addressing negative attitudes in this group of health professionals.
A machine learning approximation of the 2015 Portuguese high school student grades: A hybrid approach
Authors: Costa-Mendes Ricardo , Oliveira Tiago , Castelli Mauro , Cruz-Jesus Frederico
Published: September 2020

This article uses an anonymous 2014–15 school year dataset from the Directorate-General for Statistics of Education and Science (DGEEC) of the Portuguese Ministry of Education as a means to carry out a predictive power comparison between the classic multilinear regression model and a chosen set of machine learning algorithms. A multilinear regression model is used in parallel with random forest, support vector machine, artificial neural network and extreme gradient boosting machine stacking ensemble implementations. Designing a hybrid analysis is intended where classical statistical analysis and artificial intelligence algorithms are blended to augment the ability to retain valuable conclusions and well-supported results. The machine learning algorithms attain a higher level of predictive ability. In addition, the stacking appropriateness increases as the base learner output correlation matrix determinant increases and the random forest feature importance empirical distributions are correlated with the structure of p-values and the statistical significance test ascertains of the multiple linear model. An information system that supports the nationwide education system should be designed and further structured to collect meaningful and precise data about the full range of academic achievement antecedents. The article concludes that no evidence is found in favour of smaller classes.
Epistemic Injustice and the Attention Economy
Authors: Smith Leonie , Archer Alfred
Published: September 2020

In recent years, a significant body of literature has emerged on the subject of epistemic injustice: wrongful harms done to people in their capacities as knowers (Fricker 2007). Up to now this literature has ignored the role that attention has to play in epistemic injustice. This paper makes a first step towards addressing this gap. We argue that giving someone less attention than they are due, which we call an epistemic attention deficit, is a distinct form of epistemic injustice. We begin by outlining what we mean by epistemic attention deficits, which we understand as a failure to pay someone the attention they are due in their role as an epistemic agent. We argue that these deficits constitute epistemic injustices for two reasons. First, they affect someone’s ability to influence what others believe. Second, they affect one’s ability to influence the shared common ground in which testimonial exchanges take place. We then outline the various ways in which epistemic attention deficits harm those who are subject to them. We argue that epistemic attention deficits are harms in and of themselves because they deprive people of an essential component of epistemic agency. Moreover, epistemic attention deficits reduce an agent’s ability to participate in valuable epistemic practices. These two forms of harm have important impacts on educational performance and the distribution of resources. Finally, we argue that epistemic attention deficits both hinder and shape the development of epistemic agency. We finish by exploring some practical implications arising from our discussion.
Genetic diversity and population structure of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) accessions using phenotypic traits and SSR markers: implications for rust resistance breeding
Authors: Daudi Happy , Shimelis Hussein , Mathew Isack , Oteng‐Frimpong Richard , Ojiewo Chris , Varshney Rajeev K.
Published: September 2020

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) is a multi-purpose legume serving millions of farmers and their value chain actors globally. Use of old poor-performing cultivars contributes to low yields (< 1 t/ha) of groundnut in sub-Saharan Africa including Tanzania. The objectives of this study were to determine the extent of genetic variation among diverse groundnut collections using phenotypic traits and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to select distinct and complementary genotypes for breeding. One hundred and nineteen genotypes were evaluated under field conditions for agronomic traits and susceptibility to rust and leaf spot diseases. The study was conducted in two locations across two seasons. In addition, the 119 accessions were profiled with 13 selected SSR markers. Genotype and genotype by environment interaction effects were significant (p < 0.05) for days to flowering (DTF), late leaf spot score at 85 and 100 days after planting, pod yield (PDY), kernel yield (KY), hundred seed weight (HSW) and shelling percentage (SP). Principal components analysis revealed that plant stand, KY, SP, NPP (number of pods per plant), late leaf spot and rust disease scores accounted for the largest proportion of the total variation (71.9%) among the tested genotypes. Genotypes ICGV-SM 08587 and ICGV-SM 16579 had the most stable yields across the test environments. Moderate genetic variation was recorded with mean polymorphic information content of 0.34 and gene diversity of 0.63 using the SSR markers. The majority (74%) of genotypes showed high membership coefficients to their respective sub-populations, while 26% were admixtures after structure analysis. Much of the variation (69%) was found within populations due to genotypic differences. The present study identified genotypes ICGV-SM 06737, ICGV-SM 16575, ICG 12725 and ICGV-SM 16608 to be used for development of mapping population, which will be useful for groundnut improvement. This study provided a baseline information on characterization and selection of a large sample of groundnut genotypes in Tanzania for effective breeding and systematic conservation.
miR-30c-5p Alleviated Pyroptosis During Sepsis-Induced Acute Kidney Injury via Targeting TXNIP
Authors: Li Xiang , Yao Linya , Zeng Xueming , Hu Bing , Zhang Xi , Wang Jun , Zhu Runyu , Yu Qiwei
Published: September 2020

Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (SAKI) is a common complication of hospitalized patients, often leading to unacceptable mortality. Limited effective treatment or diagnosis biomarkers are available and the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The miR-30c-5p is considered as a critical mediator of kidney diseases and aberrantly decreased in patients with SAKI, while the mechanism is still unclear. For this purpose, the role of miR-30c-5p in SAKI has been investigated in this study. Here, we first confirmed that miR-30c-5p expression decreased in our septic models and was associated with the activation of NLRP3/caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis. Overexpression of miR-30c-5p alleviated the kidney injury via suppressing HK-2 cell pyroptosis. Furthermore, we identified that TXNIP was a direct target of miR-30c-5p. Upregulation of miR-30c-5p repressed the expression of TXNIP, which inhibited NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 expression, as well as secretion of inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, our data suggested that miR-30c-5p negatively controlled the NLRP3 signal pathway-related pyroptosis and sepsis-induced injury via TXNIP, indicating that this axis might be a positive therapeutic target for the patient with SAKI.
Carbon nanofibers addition on transport and superconducting properties of bulk YBa2Cu3O7−δ material prepared via co-precipitation
Authors: Khalid Nurul Auni , Awang Kechik Mohd Mustafa , Baharuddin Nur Atikah , Kien Chen Soo , Baqiah Hussein , Pah Lim Kean , Shaari Abdul Halim , Talib Zainal Abidin , Hashim Azhan , Murakami Masato , Miryala Muralidhar
Published: September 2020

The effects of carbon nanofibers addition on transport and superconducting properties of YBa2Cu3O7−δ (Y-123) superconductor were studied. Y-123 was prepared using co-precipitation method for good quality bulk of high temperature superconducting material. Carbon nanofibers with 0.2–0.8 wt% were added into Y-123 superconductors. The samples were characterized using electrical resistance measurement for critical temperature (Tc) and critical current density (Jc), powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Most of the samples indicated a dominant Y-123 phase of an orthorhombic structure with a minor phase of BaCO3 and Y-124. Onset critical temperature was found to decrease from 90.5 to 80 K with increasing of carbon nanofibers concentration. The Jc for pure sample is 11 A/cm2 at 30 K while the Jc of sample with 0.4 wt% carbon nanofibers is 830 A/cm2 at 30 K. Introduction of carbon nanofibers enhanced Jc significantly. However, further addition of carbon nanofibers in Y-123 superconductor caused degradation in Jc.