bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distributions of HLA‐A, ‐B, and ‐DRB1 alleles typed by amplicon‐based next generation sequencing in Korean volunteer donors for unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Baek In‐Cheol , Choi Eun‐Jeong , Shin Dong‐Hwan , Kim Hyoung‐Jae , Choi Haeyoun , Kim Tai‐Gyu
Published: November 2020

HLA genes play a pivotal role for successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). There is an increasing need for sophisticated screening of donor HLA genotypes for unrelated HSCT. Next generation sequencing (NGS) has emerged as an alternative for classical Sanger sequence for HLA typing. In this study, HLA‐A, ‐B, and ‐DRB1 alleles were genotyped at the allelic (6‐digit) level using MiSeqDx in 26,202 volunteers from the Korean Network for Organ Sharing. Exon 2 and 3 of HLA‐A and ‐B and exon 2 of HLA‐DRB1 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and each allele was determined by matching the targeted exons and the reference sequence consisting of the IPD‐IMGT/HLA Database. Seventy alleles of HLA‐A, 102 alleles of HLA‐B, and 69 alleles of HLA‐DRB1 were identified. According to common and well‐documented catalogs, 34 alleles in HLA‐A, 61 in HLA‐B, and 45 in HLA‐DRB1 locus were common alleles, and 12, 14, and 11 kinds, were well‐documented alleles, respectively. Thirteen novel alleles including 3 alleles in HLA‐A, 8 alleles in HLA‐B, and 2 alleles in HLA‐DRB1 loci were found. Ten haplotypes with a frequency of more than 1.0% accounted for 22.4% of the total haplotype frequencies. Cis/trans ambiguities of HLA‐A and ‐B loci by combination of exons 2 and 3 were analyzed to be 0.17% of 3 and 3.95% of 22 genotypes, respectively. This information on rare and novel alleles found by accurate HLA typing with NGS may be helpful for unrelated HSCT among Koreans.
PKCε stimulation of TRPV1 orchestrates carotid body responses to asthmakines
Authors: Jendzjowsky Nicholas G. , Roy Arijit , Iftinca Mircea , Barioni Nicole O. , Kelly Margaret M. , Herrington Brittney A. , Visser Frank , Altier Christophe , Wilson Richard J.A.
Published: November 2020

Key points

We have previously shown that carotid body stimulation by lysophosphatidic acid elicits a reflex stimulation of vagal efferent activity sufficient to cause bronchoconstriction in asthmatic rats.

Here, we show that pathophysiological concentrations of asthma‐associated prototypical Th2 cytokines also stimulate the carotid bodies.

Stimulation of the carotid bodies by these asthmakines involves a PKCε–transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) signalling mechanism likely dependent on TRPV1 S502 and T704 phosphorylation sites.

As the carotid bodies’ oxygen sensitivity is independent of PKCε–TRPV1 signalling, systemic blockade of PKCε may provide a novel therapeutic target to reduce allergen‐induced asthmatic bronchoconstriction.

Consistent with the therapeutic potential of blocking the PKCε–TRPV1 pathway, systemic delivery of a PKCε‐blocking peptide suppresses asthmatic respiratory distress in response to allergen and reduces airway hyperresponsiveness to bradykinin.

The autonomic nervous system orchestrates organ‐specific, systemic and behavioural responses to inflammation. Recently, we demonstrated a vital role for lysophosphatidic acid in stimulating the primary autonomic oxygen chemoreceptors, the carotid bodies, in parasympathetic‐mediated asthmatic airway hyperresponsiveness. However, the cacophony of stimulatory factors and cellular mechanisms of carotid body activation are unknown. Therefore, we set out to determine the intracellular signalling involved in carotid body‐mediated sensing of asthmatic blood‐borne inflammatory mediators. We employed a range of in vitro and rat in situ preparations, site‐directed mutagenesis, patch‐clamp, nerve recordings and pharmacological inhibition to assess cellular signalling. We show that the carotid bodies are also sensitive to asthma‐associated prototypical Th2 cytokines which elicit sensory nerve excitation. This provides additional asthmatic ligands contributing to the previously established reflex arc resulting in efferent vagal activity and asthmatic bronchoconstriction. This novel sensing role for the carotid body is mediated by a PKCε‐dependent stimulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), likely via TRPV1 phosphorylation at sites T704 and S502. Importantly, carotid body oxygen sensing was unaffected by blocking either PKCε or TRPV1. Further, we demonstrate that systemic PKCε blockade reduces asthmatic respiratory distress in response to allergen and airway hyperresponsiveness. These discoveries support an inflammation‐dependent, oxygen‐independent function for the carotid body and suggest that targeting PKCε provides a novel therapeutic option to abate allergic airway disease without altering life‐saving autonomic hypoxic reflexes.
Effect of Die Clearance on Peak Punching Force During Cryogenic Micropunching of Polycaprolactone
Authors: Sagar Amrit , Nehme Christopher , Saigal Anil , James Thomas P.
Published: November 2020

Microscale holes were punched at cryogenic conditions in polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes to create synthetic three-dimensional (3D) tissue scaffolds through multilayer stacking of two-dimensional (2D) porous membranes. Punching forces were experimentally measured, and finite element modeling of the punching process was validated by comparing punching force results. Holes of nominal diameter of 200 μm were punched in PCL films of two different thicknesses: 40 μm and 70 μm. Die clearances used for holes in 40 μm thick films were 15.0%, 30.0%, and 45.0%. Die clearances used for holes in 70 μm films were 8.6%, 17.1%, and 25.7%. All holes were punched while the PCL film was in thermal equilibrium with a bath of boiling liquid nitrogen. Punching forces were analyzed to study the effect of die clearance and film thickness. A 3D finite element simulation of the punching process was done using deform 3d software. Cryogenic material properties of PCL used in the simulation were determined experimentally. It was concluded that finite element simulation for the cryogenic micropunching process can be used to predict peak punching forces with reasonable accuracy, which is a key factor to be considered while designing the punching dies. The finite element simulations did not predict an optimal die clearance to minimize peak punching force. However, the measured peak punching forces for 70 μm thick film seem to favor the smallest die clearance to minimize peak punching force.
Superhydrophobic SnO2 nanowire/graphene heterostructure-based ultraviolet detectors
Authors: Kang Youngsoo , Ju Sanghyun
Published: November 2020

As ultraviolet (UV) sensors are often employed in external environments, they should be able to function efficiently outdoors while remaining unaffected by liquids or changes in humidity. In this study, we developed a tin (IV) oxide nanowire (SnO2 NW)/graphene heterostructure-based UV detector that can accurately detect UV light without being affected by exposure to liquids. A (3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,9,9,10,10,10-heptadecafluorodecyl) phosphonic acid (HDF–PA) passivation layer was self-assembled on an SnO2 NW/graphene heterostructure sensing channel to make its surface superhydrophobic (contact angle of ∼154°). This configuration prevents UV sensing distortion due to current leakage in case the sensor is exposed to various liquids. HDF–PA, which is less than 1.5 nm thick, slightly reduces UV transmission, rendering it a suitable passivation material to repel external liquids. In addition, the heterostructure of SnO2 NWs and graphene, as a UV sensing channel, can provide higher UV sensitivity than that of pristine graphene. The proposed method can be applied to fabricate stable, sensitive, and robust optical sensors that can withstand various environmental conditions.
Mapping bilayer thickness in the ER membrane
Authors: Prasad Rupali , Sliwa-Gonzalez Andrzej , Barral Yves
Published: November 2020

Ceramide locally thickens the ER-bilayer to compartmentalize diffusion in the ER-membrane and structure ER-TGN-contact sites.
Persistent epigenetic reprogramming of sweet taste by diet
Authors: Vaziri Anoumid , Khabiri Morteza , Genaw Brendan T. , May Christina E. , Freddolino Peter L. , Dus Monica
Published: November 2020

Diets high in sugar persistently alter sensory responses to sweetness through the actions of the PRC2 complex to promote obesity.
Redox-responsive nanoplatform for codelivery of miR-519c and gemcitabine for pancreatic cancer therapy
Authors: Xin Xiaofei , Kumar Virender , Lin Feng , Kumar Vinod , Bhattarai Rajan , Bhatt Vijaya R. , Tan Chalet , Mahato Ram I.
Published: November 2020

Redox-responsive nanomedicine of miR-519c and gemcitabine effectively inhibits pancreatic tumor growth in mice.
Imaginary demons and scientific discoveries
Bedeviled: A Shadow History of Demons in Science
Jimena Canales
Princeton University Press, 2020. 416 pp.
Authors: Michel Jan G.
Published: November 2020

A new history acts as a field guide to the fictional imps invoked by scientific thinkers
New refrigerants and system configurations for vapor-compression refrigeration
Authors: McLinden Mark O. , Seeton Christopher J. , Pearson Andy
Published: November 2020

The high global warming potential of current refrigerants in cooling equipment based on the vapor-compression cycle has triggered a major effort to find and implement more environmentally benign alternatives. Here, we review the basics of the vapor-compression cycle together with the safety, environmental, and thermodynamic constraints that have led to the current and next generation of refrigerants. The development of new fluids has focused on fluorinated olefins, known as hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), and blends that contain HFOs. Many of these are slightly flammable, presenting trade-offs between safety and environmental considerations. Engineers also have options with a resurgence of the “natural refrigerants” (ammonia, carbon dioxide, propane, and isobutane). Innovative system designs that reduce the required quantity of refrigerant may allow a wider choice of refrigerants.
Differential Effects of Homologous Transcriptional Regulators NicR2A, NicR2B1, and NicR2B2 and Endogenous Ectopic Strong Promoters on Nicotine Metabolism in
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain JY-Q
Authors: Huang Chaochao , Shan Lihui , Chen Zeyu , He Ziliang , Li Jun , Yang Yang , Shu Ming , Pan Fanda , Jiao Yang , Zhang Fuming , Linhardt Robert J. , Zhong Weihong
Published: November 2020

This study evaluated the differential effects of homologous NicR2A and NicR2Bs and endogenous ectopic strong promoters on nicotine metabolism in
Pseudomonas
sp. strain JY-Q. Based on our differential analysis, a feasible strategy is presented to modify wild-type (WT) strain JY-Q by removing repressing regulatory proteins NicR2A and NicR2Bs and replacing the target promoter with strong endogenous ectopic promoters.
Setting the Stage: Genes Controlling Mechanosensation and Ca
2+
Signaling in Escherichia coli
Authors: Sawers R. Gary
Published: November 2020

Although mechanistic understanding of calcium signaling in bacteria remains inchoate, current evidence clearly links Ca
2+
signaling with membrane potential and mechanosensation. Adopting a radically new approach, Luder et al. scanned the Keio collection of
Escherichia coli
gene knockouts (R.
Prohibitin-1 Contributes to Cell-to-Cell Transmission of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 via the MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Watanabe Mizuki , Arii Jun , Takeshima Kosuke , Fukui Ayano , Shimojima Masayuki , Kozuka-Hata Hiroko , Oyama Masaaki , Minamitani Takeharu , Yasui Teruhito , Kubota Yuji , Takekawa Mutsuhiro , Kosugi Isao , Maruzuru Yuhei , Koyanagi Naoto , Kato Akihisa , Mori Yasuko , Kawaguchi Yasushi
Published: November 2020

Herpesviruses are ubiquitous pathogens of various animals, including humans. These viruses primarily pass through cell junctions to spread to uninfected cells.
Supplemental Material: A 3 b.y. record of a biotic influence on terrestrial weathering
Authors: Beaty Brian , Planavsky Noah J.
Published: November 2020

Major-element geochemical data and mass balance calculations used in this study.
Overview of retrospective data harmonisation in the MINDMAP project: process and results
Authors: Wey Tina W , Doiron Dany , Wissa Rita , Fabre Guillaume , Motoc Irina , Noordzij J Mark , Ruiz Milagros , Timmermans Erik , van Lenthe Frank J , Bobak Martin , Chaix Basile , Krokstad Steinar , Raina Parminder , Sund Erik Reidar , Beenackers Marielle A , Fortier Isabel
Published: November 2020

Background

The MINDMAP project implemented a multinational data infrastructure to investigate the direct and interactive effects of urban environments and individual determinants of mental well-being and cognitive function in ageing populations. Using a rigorous process involving multiple teams of experts, longitudinal data from six cohort studies were harmonised to serve MINDMAP objectives. This article documents the retrospective data harmonisation process achieved based on the Maelstrom Research approach and provides a descriptive analysis of the harmonised data generated.

Methods

A list of core variables (the DataSchema) to be generated across cohorts was first defined, and the potential for cohort-specific data sets to generate the DataSchema variables was assessed. Where relevant, algorithms were developed to process cohort-specific data into DataSchema format, and information to be provided to data users was documented. Procedures and harmonisation decisions were thoroughly documented.

Results

The MINDMAP DataSchema (v2.0, April 2020) comprised a total of 2841 variables (993 on individual determinants and outcomes, 1848 on environmental exposures) distributed across up to seven data collection events. The harmonised data set included 220 621 participants from six cohorts (10 subpopulations). Harmonisation potential, participant distributions and missing values varied across data sets and variable domains.

Conclusion

The MINDMAP project implemented a collaborative and transparent process to generate a rich integrated data set for research in ageing, mental well-being and the urban environment. The harmonised data set supports a range of research activities and will continue to be updated to serve ongoing and future MINDMAP research needs.
Complex regional pain syndrome: an evolving perspective
Authors: Cutts Steven , Gangoo Shafat , Srinivasan Sriram Harish , Modi Nitin , Pasapula Chandra , Power Dominic
Published: November 2020

Background

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a heterogenous and poorly understood condition that can be provoked by quite minor injuries. The symptoms and signs of CRPS persist, long after the patient has recovered from the inciting event. In some cases, there is a clear association with a peripheral nerve injury. The degree of disability produced by CRPS is often out of proportion to the scale of the original insult and the condition is associated with protracted recovery times and frequent litigation.

Methods

We have performed a PubMed literature search, referenced landmark papers in the field and included a national expert in peripheral nerve injury and repair in our team of authors.

Results and Conclusions

The diagnostic criteria for CRPS have changed repeatedly over the last two centuries and much of the historical literature is difficult to compare with more recent research. In this review article, we consider how our understanding of the condition has evolved and discuss its pathogenesis, its apparent heterogenicity and the various investigations and treatments available to the clinician.
Postgraduate medical education quality metrics panels can be enhanced by including learner outcomes
Authors: Pinnell Jonathan , Tranter Andrew , Cooper Sarah , Whallett Andrew
Published: November 2020

Postgraduate medical education (PME) quality assurance at Health Education England (HEE) currently relies upon survey data. As no one metric can reflect all aspects of training, and each has its limitations, additional metrics should be explored. At HEE (West Midlands), we explored the use of learner outcomes, speciality examination pass rates and Annual Review of Competence Progression (ARCP) outcomes, as quality metrics. Feedback received from our local Quality Forum of 40 senior educators frames the discussion through this paper. Overall, learner outcomes are useful quality metrics that add to survey data to provide a more comprehensive picture of PME quality. However, the utility of ARCP outcomes as quality metrics is currently limited by concerns regarding variations in ARCP practice between regions. To address these concerns, ARCPs need the same processes, rigour, scrutiny and investment as other high-stakes assessments. This will improve the reliability and validity of the ARCP as an assessment and improve the usefulness of ARCP outcomes as quality metrics. Research is required to determine the optimal combination of metrics to use in PME quality assurance and to appraise the validity and reliability of the ARCP as an assessment.
COVID-19 associated variations in liver function parameters: a retrospective study
Authors: Saini Ram Krishan , Saini Neha , Ram Sant , Soni Shiv Lal , Suri Vikas , Malhotra Pankaj , Kaur Jyotdeep , Verma Indu , Sharma Sadhna , Zohmangaihi Deepy
Published: November 2020

Background

Characteristics of laboratory findings of COVID-19 patients are of great significance for diagnosis and treatment. Studies that have analysed the variations in hepatic profile in correlation with the inflammatory markers in SARS-CoV-2 are limited.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed liver function tests and inflammatory markers of 170 admitted patients with confirmed COVID-19 in the tertiary care centre, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), India, using Roche Cobas Autoanalyzer.

Results

Number of patients with normal liver enzyme levels were 63 (41.5%), while with raised levels of any of the liver enzymes were 89 (58.5%), out of which 43 (48.31%) had liver injury which manifested as increased severity in terms of intensive care unit (ICU) requirement (p=0.0005). Significantly raised levels of liver enzymes and liver injury were observed with age (p<0.0001) and in males (p=0.004). Significantly decreased levels of albumin and total proteins and increased levels of total bilirubin (p<0.0001) were seen in patients with abnormal liver enzyme levels and liver injury as compared to patients with normal levels. Significant increase in the levels of alanine transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transferase was seen on the 7th day, CRP and ferritin (p<0.0001) peaks were observed on 2nd and 3rd day respectively. A significant positive correlation was found between the levels of these inflammatory markers and liver function parameters.

Conclusions

More than half of patients admitted to the hospital with SARS-CoV-2 infection had an abnormal liver function which was found to be associated with raised levels of inflammatory markers. Significantly higher proportions of patients with abnormal liver function were elderly and males and were at higher risk of progressing to severe disease.
Short term, high-dose vitamin D supplementation for COVID-19 disease: a randomised, placebo-controlled, study (SHADE study)
Authors: Rastogi Ashu , Bhansali Anil , Khare Niranjan , Suri Vikas , Yaddanapudi Narayana , Sachdeva Naresh , Puri G D , Malhotra Pankaj
Published: November 2020

Background

Vitamin D has an immunomodulatory role but the effect of therapeutic vitamin D supplementation in SARS-CoV-2 infection is not known.

Aim

Effect of high dose, oral cholecalciferol supplementation on SARS-CoV-2 viral clearance.

Design

Randomised, placebo-controlled.

Participants

Asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D<20 ng/ml) individuals.

Intervention

Participants were randomised to receive daily 60 000 IU of cholecalciferol (oral nano-liquid droplets) for 7 days with therapeutic target 25(OH)D>50 ng/ml (intervention group) or placebo (control group). Patients requiring invasive ventilation or with significant comorbidities were excluded. 25(OH)D levels were assessed at day 7, and cholecalciferol supplementation was continued for those with 25(OH)D <50 ng/ml in the intervention arm. SARS-CoV-2 RNA and inflammatory markers fibrinogen, D-dimer, procalcitonin and (CRP), ferritin were measured periodically.

Outcome measure

Proportion of patients with SARS-CoV-2 RNA negative before day-21 and change in inflammatory markers.

Results

Forty SARS-CoV-2 RNA positive individuals were randomised to intervention (n=16) or control (n=24) group. Baseline serum 25(OH)D was 8.6 (7.1 to 13.1) and 9.54 (8.1 to 12.5) ng/ml (p=0.730), in the intervention and control group, respectively. 10 out of 16 patients could achieve 25(OH)D>50 ng/ml by day-7 and another two by day-14 [day-14 25(OH)D levels 51.7 (48.9 to 59.5) ng/ml and 15.2 (12.7 to 19.5) ng/ml (p<0.001) in intervention and control group, respectively]. 10 (62.5%) participants in the intervention group and 5 (20.8%) participants in the control arm (p<0.018) became SARS-CoV-2 RNA negative. Fibrinogen levels significantly decreased with cholecalciferol supplementation (intergroup difference 0.70 ng/ml; P=0.007) unlike other inflammatory biomarkers.

Conclusion

Greater proportion of vitamin D-deficient individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection turned SARS-CoV-2 RNA negative with a significant decrease in fibrinogen on high-dose cholecalciferol supplementation.

Trial register number

NCT04459247.
Detection of Chlamydiaceae in Swiss wild birds sampled at a bird rehabilitation centre
Authors: Stalder Sandro , Marti Hanna , Borel Nicole , Mattmann Prisca , Vogler Barbara , Wolfrum Nina , Albini Sarah
Published: November 2020

Background

Annually, 800–1500 wild birds are admitted to the rehabilitation centre of the Swiss Ornithological Institute, Sempach, Lucerne, Switzerland. The workers of the centre come in close contact with the avian patients and might therefore be exposed to zoonotic agents shed by these birds, such as Chlamydia psittaci.

Methods

In the present study, 91 choanal, 91 cloacal and 267 faecal swabs from 339 wild birds of 42 species were investigated using a stepwise diagnostic approach.

Results

Chlamydiaceae were detected in 0.9 per cent (0.3–2.6 per cent) of birds (n=3), all of them members of the Columbidae family. The Chlamydiaceae species of two of these birds (one Eurasian collared dove, one fancy pigeon) were identified as C psittaci types B and E by PCR and outer membrane protein A genotyping.

Conclusion

The findings of the current study suggest that zoonotic transmission of Chlamydiaceae is very unlikely for songbird and waterfowl species tested herein, while pigeons might pose a risk to workers at rehabilitation centres.
Endophytic bacterial communities and spatiotemporal variations in cotton roots in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Shi YingWu , Yang HongMei , Chu Ming , Niu XinXiang , Huo XiangDong , Gao Yan , Lin Qing , Zeng Jun , Zhang Tao , Lou Kai
Published: November 2020

Endogenous bacteria are important for maintaining the health and other ecologically relevant functions of cotton plants. However, little is known about the community structures and diversity of endophytic bacteria in cotton plants. In our study, we used the Illumina amplicon sequencing technology to study the endophytic bacteria found in cotton root tissue in Xinjiang, China. A total of 60.84 × 106 effective sequences of the 16S rRNA gene in the V5–V6 variable region revealed a large number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs), namely 81–338 OTUs, at a cut-off level of 3% and a sequencing depth of 50 000 sequences. Among the 23 classes identified, Gammaproteobacteria was the dominant group, followed by Alphaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacillus. The diversity of endogenous bacteria differed at different growth periods, with the most OTUs detected in seedlings (654), followed by the budding stage (381), flowering stage (350), and flocking stage (351). A total of 217 OTUs were common to all four stages. Pantoea tags were more common to the Shihezi region, whereas Erwinia labels were more common to the Hami region. These results suggest that the dynamics of endophytic bacterial communities are affected by plant growth stage. This highlights the relevance of microbial diversity studies in improving our understanding of endophyte communities.
Flow features of three side-by-side rectangular cylinders under the effect of aspect ratios and Reynolds numbers
Authors: Rahman Hamid , Abbasi Waqas Sarwar , Shams-ul-Islam  , Khan Raees , Khan Muhammad Uzair
Published: November 2020

This study focuses on the characteristics of flow past three side-by-side rectangular cylinders under the effect of aspect ratios (AR) and Reynolds numbers (Re) at two different gap ratios ([Formula: see text]) using the lattice Boltzmann method. For this purpose, AR is varied in the range of 0.25–4, the Re values are 100, 140 and 180 and the two different values of [Formula: see text] taken into account are [Formula: see text] and 3. The results are presented in the form of vorticity contours, temporal histories of drag and lift coefficients and power spectrum of lift coefficients. Also, the variation of physical parameters like mean drag coefficient, Strouhal number and the root-mean-square values of drag and lift coefficients with Re and AR is presented for [Formula: see text] and 3. The current numerical computations yield that for both gap ratios and all Re, there exist four different flow regimes depending on AR: (a) steady flow, (b) modulated flow, (c) symmetric flow and (d) periodic flow. At narrow gap ratios, the jet flow emerging within the gaps of cylinders altered the flow structures and fluid forces abruptly. The aspect ratio is found to have more influence on the flow characteristics of cylinders as compared to the Reynolds numbers at large gap ratios.
ANTI-CORROSION PERFORMANCE OF 2-ISONICOTINOYL-N-PHENYLHYDRAZINECARBOTHIOAMIDE FOR MILD STEEL HYDROCHLORIC ACID SOLUTION: INSIGHTS FROM EXPERIMENTAL MEASUREMENTS AND QUANTUM CHEMICAL CALCULATIONS
Authors: AL-AMIERY AHMED A.
Published: November 2020

The corrosion inhibition performance of novel synthesized thiosemicarbazide derivative namely, 2-isonicotinoyl-N-phenylhydrazinecarbothioamide (IPC) on the mild steel coupon surface in 1[Formula: see text]M hydrochloric acid solution is investigated by weight loss measurements. The adsorption parameters of the IPC on the mild steel coupon surface have been evaluated and the surface morphology of the tested mild steel is studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) technique. The results of this study demonstrate a significant inhibitor (IPC) for mild steel and showed the highest inhibitive efficiency of 96.3% at 5[Formula: see text]mM as optimum studied inhibitor concentration. The adsorption of IPC molecules on a mild steel coupon surface is obeyed completely by the model of Langmuir adsorption isotherms. SEM has been applied to analyse the layer of IPC molecules which formed on a mild steel coupon surface as a protective layer. The inhibition efficiency (IE) of IPC from weight loss techniques and SEM analysis was harmonic with each other. The Density Functional Theory (DFT) computations have been applied to evaluate the adsorption sites of the IPC molecules and the quantum chemical calculations correlation of IPC molecules with methodological results are discussed. The energy of the highest occupied molecular orbital (EHOMO) shows a significant tendency of the IPC molecules to donate pairs of electrons to the iron atoms on the surface of mild steel. The energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (ELUMO) for IPS molecules reveals a high tendency to accept electrons from iron atoms on the surface of mild steel.
DO VARIOUS LENGTHS OF PROXIMAL FEMORAL NAIL HAVE ANY EFFECT ON FRACTURE UNION IN A TROCHANTERIC FRACTURE IN ELDERLY?
Authors: Rai Sanjay , Gupta Tej Pratap , Kashid Manoj , Nath S. K. , Shaki Omna
Published: November 2020

Background: A comparative analysis of the role of various proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) lengths in the union of trochanteric fracture in elderly patients treated with long and short PFNA. Objective: To investigate the significance of PFNA length in trochanteric fracture union in elderly patient. Materials and methods: A retrospective review study was conducted in elderly patients with trochanteric fractures treated between March 2010 and December 2017 in a tertiary care hospital. Hospital records of 517 patients who were treated for trochanteric fracture with various sizes of PFNA, were analyzed as per inclusion criteria and finally 503 patients records were included in the study, of which 261 were treated with short PFNA and 242 with long PFNA. The patients were allocated to two groups: those treated with long nail ([Formula: see text]) and short nail ([Formula: see text]). Demographic data were comparatively analyzed regarding the time of fracture union and complications. Results: In this study, no remarkable differences were noted between two groups with regards to types of fracture, time from injury to surgery and duration of hospital stay. The duration of surgery in a short PFNA was significantly less (60.5[Formula: see text]min) compared to that of a long PFNA (82.2[Formula: see text]min). However, the time taken for fracture to unite was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The variation in the length of the nail whether short or long does not affect union in trochanteric fracture in the elderly however surgical duration for short nail was much less than the long nail.
U-Net Model-Based Classification and Description of Brain Tumor in MRI Images
Authors: Tunga P. Prakash , Singh Vipula , Aditya V. Sri , Subramanya N.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we discuss the classification of the brain tumor in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images using the U-Net model, then evaluate parameters that indicate the performance of the model. We also discuss the extraction of the tumor region from brain image and description of the tumor regarding its position and size. Here, we consider the case of Gliomas, one of the types of brain tumors, which occur in common and can be fatal depending on their position and growth. U-Net is a model of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) which has U-shaped architecture. MRI employs a non-invasive technique and can very well provide soft-tissue contrast and hence, for the detection and description of the brain tumor, this imaging method can be beneficial. Manual delineation of tumors from brain MRI is laborious, time-consuming and can vary from expert to expert. Our work forms a computer aided technique which is relatively faster and reproducible, and the accuracy is very much on par with ground truth. The results of the work can be used for treatment planning and further processing related to storage or transmission of images.
Synthesis of unsymmetrically substituted expanded hemiporphyrazines: A monoiodo functionalized hemihexaphyrazine
Authors: Philippova Yana E. , Islyaikin Mikhail K. , Torres Tomás
Published: November 2020

A monoiododi(tert-butyl)substituted macroheterocyclic compound of ABAB′AB′-type 4 was obtained, as a mixture of regioisomers, by statistical condensation of 4-iodophthalonitrile, 4-tert-butylphthalonitrile and 2,5-diamino-1,3,4-thiadiazole in a molar ratio 1:2:3 respectively. The structure of the functionalized hemihexaphyrazine was confirmed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy.
Aggregation of protein complexes with porphyrins under light irradiation
Authors: Lebedeva Natalia Sh. , Yurina Elena S. , Gubarev Yury A. , Syrbu Sergey A. , Koifman Oskar I.
Published: November 2020

The interaction of meso-tetra-([Formula: see text]-methyl-3-pyridyl)bacteriochlorin tetra 4-methylbenzenesulfonate, meso-tetra-([Formula: see text]-methyl-4-pyridyl)porphine tetraiodide and meso-tetra-([Formula: see text]-methyl-3-pyridyl)porphine tetraiodide with protein was studied. The localization of macrocycles in the protein and their influence on the processes of protein aggregation were established. The aggregation process is initiated by the transition of alpha structures into beta folds, caused by the binding of porphyrins at the sites of protein IB and IIA. The complexes were irradiated with blue and green light. The data obtained showed that by varying the intensity of the light exposure, one can influence the shift of the aggregation equilibrium, obtaining predominantly monomeric or aggregated structures. Thus, photoexposure can be used as an alternative method of treating diseases caused by amyloidosis and for regulating the state of the protein in the pharmacological preparations.
Surface and Interface Engineering Enhanced Photodetector Based on Mo2C-C/Sb2S3 Composites
Authors: Jiang T. , Meng X.
Published: November 2020

Surface and interface engineering have shown broad application prospect in energy conversion. Mo2C-C/Sb2S3 composites have been synthesized by coupling Mo2C-C composites and Sb2S3 nanowires with coupling agent. The performance of the devices has been investigated. Under irradiation by light source, the device showed better electrical contact, fast response speed (rise time 0.135[Formula: see text]s, decay time 0.132[Formula: see text]s) and larger on/off ratio ([Formula: see text]) than the device which assembled by mechanical mixing ([Formula: see text]) and pure Sb2S3 nanowires (47), respectively. The performance has been enhanced by modifying the surface and interface of materials. This approach provides a new idea to enhance the high-performance photodetectors and other inventive optoelectronic devices.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Cascade Refrigeration System Using the Concept of Modified and Advanced Exergy, Risk Level and Thermal Inventory
Authors: Jain Vaibhav , Rawat Rajiv , Sachdeva Gulshan , Kumar Vikas
Published: November 2020

This work conceives the performance of vapor compression cascaded refrigeration system (CRS) from the exergy, safety and thermal inventory points of view employing the theory of effective temperature ([Formula: see text] than environment temperature ([Formula: see text] in Gouy–Stodola equation. Comparative results show that the actual irreversible loss in CRS is 8.1% higher. Further, advanced exergy analysis results showed that 17.985[Formula: see text]kW irreversible loss (out of 33.737[Formula: see text]kW irreversible loss) in the system is evadable with improvement in the system design. Besides, the vulnerability of toxic fluid R717 is reported in terms of the total risk level. Moreover, the economy matter is expressed in terms of its total thermal inventory. At the base case, total risk level and total thermal inventory are determined to be 454.3 US$ and 48.86[Formula: see text]kW/K, respectively. First, sensitivity analysis is carried out to evaluate the variation in irreversible loss, total risk level and thermal inventory at different evaporator and condenser temperatures with different degrees of overlap (decision variables). A total of nine simulations are designed using the Taguchi technique. Later, multi-objective optimization is employed. The optimization process reduced the total irreversibility and annual risk level of CRS by 10.2% and 8.9%, respectively, with 6.8% increase in thermal inventory.
Effect of exercise on myosteatosis in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ramírez-Vélez Robinson , Ezzatvar Yasmin , Izquierdo Mikel , García-Hermoso Antonio
Published: November 2020

Muscle tissue typically contains only small amounts of adipose tissue, and the excess deposition of adiposity is considered a pathological phenomenon termed myosteatosis. The volume of lipid infiltration tissue was decreased in the exercise group compared with the control group, and muscle attenuation coefficient was increased. Based on the meta-regression analyses, the mean age at baseline and intervention duration did not affect the effect size estimates for lipid infiltration tissue and muscle radiation attenuation.
Clinical Differences between Eosinophilic and Noneosinophilic Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dai Guangming , Ran Yajuan , Wang Jiajia , Chen Xingru , Peng Junnan , Li Xinglong , Deng Huojin , Xiao Min , Zhu Tao
Published: November 2020

Rationale. Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is highly heterogeneous with a plethora of different etiologic factors and inflammatory presentations. COPD with higher blood eosinophil count is associated with increased readmission rates and better corticosteroid responses. However, the clinical features of eosinophilic AECOPD are not well explored. Thus, this study was aimed at exploring the clinical differences between eosinophilic and noneosinophilic AECOPD. Methods. A total of 643 AECOPD patients were enrolled in this multicenter cross-sectional study. Finally, 455 were included, 214 in the normal-eosinophil AECOPD (NEOS-AECOPD) group, 63 in the mild increased-eosinophil AECOPD (MEOS-AECOPD) group, and 138 in the severe increased-eosinophil AECOPD (SEOS-AECOPD) group. Demographic data, underlying diseases, symptoms, and laboratory findings were collected. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent factors associated with blood eosinophils (EOS). Correlations between blood EOS and its associated independent factors were evaluated. Results. The significant differences in 19 factors, including underlying diseases, clinical symptoms, and laboratory parameters, were identified by univariate analysis. Subsequently, multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that lymphocyte%, neutrophil% (NS%), procalcitonin (PCT), and anion gap (AG) were independently associated with blood EOS in AECOPD. Both blood EOS counts and EOS% were significantly correlated with lymphocyte%, NS%, PCT, and AG. Conclusions. Collectively, blood EOS was independently associated with lymphocyte%, NS%, PCT, and AG in AECOPD patients. Lymphocyte% was lower, and NS%, PCT, and AG were higher in eosinophilic AECOPD. Our results indicate that viral-dominant infections are the probable major etiologies of eosinophilic AECOPD. Noneosinophilic AECOPD is more likely associated with bacterial-dominant infections. The systemic inflammation in noneosinophilic AECOPD was more severe.
Multipopulation Ensemble Particle Swarm Optimizer for Engineering Design Problems
Authors: Liu Ziang , Nishi Tatsushi
Published: November 2020

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is an efficient optimization algorithm and has been applied to solve various real-world problems. However, the performance of PSO on a specific problem highly depends on the velocity updating strategy. For a real-world engineering problem, the function landscapes are usually very complex and problem-specific knowledge is sometimes unavailable. To respond to this challenge, we propose a multipopulation ensemble particle swarm optimizer (MPEPSO). The proposed algorithm consists of three existing efficient and simple PSO searching strategies. The particles are divided into four subpopulations including three indicator subpopulations and one reward subpopulation. Particles in the three indicator subpopulations update their velocities by different strategies. During every learning period, the improved function values of the three strategies are recorded. At the end of a learning period, the reward subpopulation is allocated to the best-performed strategy. Therefore, the appropriate PSO searching strategy can have more computational expense. The performance of MPEPSO is evaluated by the CEC 2014 test suite and compared with six other efficient PSO variants. These results suggest that MPEPSO ranks the first among these algorithms. Moreover, MPEPSO is applied to solve four engineering design problems. The results show the advantages of MPEPSO. The MATLAB source codes of MPEPSO are available at https://github.com/zi-ang-liu/MPEPSO.
Antifungal Activity of the Essential Oil of Echinops kebericho Mesfin: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Beressa Tamirat Bekele , Deyno Serawit , Alele Paul E.
Published: November 2020

Background. Echinops kebericho is an endemic medicinal plant in Ethiopia widely used in the treatment of infectious and noninfectious diseases. Essential oils are known for their antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of essential oil from E. kebericho against four common pathogenic fungi and two standard strains. Methods. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation. The antifungal screening was done by agar well diffusion method. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by broth microdilution. Minimal fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) were determined by subculturing fungal strains with no visible growth onto a Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) plate. Results. Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neoformans were highly sensitive while Aspergillus flavus did not show sensitivity up to 1 mg/ml of essential oil; MICs ranged from 0.083 mg/ml to 0.208 mg/ml. Concentration and fungal species showed significant dose‐dependent associations (p < 0.0001) with antifungal activity. The MICs of essential oil were comparable to those of the standard drug (fluconazole) against C. glabrata and C. krusei. The lowest MFC of the essential oil was observed against Candida parapsilosis (0.145 mg/ml) while the highest MFC was against Candida krusei (0.667 mg/ml). Conclusion. Echinops kebericho essential oil showed noteworthy antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata and could be a potential candidate for further antifungal drug development.
The Composition of Gut Microbiota in Patients Bearing Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis with Euthyroidism and Hypothyroidism
Authors: Liu Simo , An Yaxin , Cao Bin , Sun Rongxin , Ke Jing , Zhao Dong
Published: November 2020

Aims. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), a type of autoimmune disease, occurs due to genetic predisposition and environmental factors. It is well known that thyroid function may affect the gut microbiota. However, the composition of gut microbiota in HT patients with different thyroid function status has been less highlighted. Therefore, we focused on the alterations in the composition of gut microbiota in HT patients with euthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Methods. We performed a cross-sectional study, including 45 HT patients with euthyroidism, 18 HT patients with hypothyroidism, and 34 healthy controls. Fecal samples were collected, and microbiota was examined by using 16S RNA ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Then, we analyzed the possible pathways in relation to the enriched bacteria by linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size (LEfSe). Results. Compared with the controls, bacterial richness and diversity were significantly lower in patients with HT, especially in hypothyroidism. Moreover, Lachnospiraceae_incertae_sedis, Lactonifactor, Alistipes, and Subdoligranulum were more enriched in HT patients with euthyroidism, while Phascolarctobacterium was more abundant in those with hypothyroidism. Further analysis suggested that Phascolarctobacterium was negatively related to several pathways, including environmental information processing and metabolism. Conclusion. In summary, our study demonstrated the altered composition of gut microbiota in HT patients with different thyroid function status. Moreover, Phascolarctobacterium may be involved in the development of HT.
A Sociocultural Perspective on Second Language Writing: The Effect of Symmetrical versus Asymmetrical Scaffolding on Intermediate EFL Learners’ Writing Accuracy, Fluency, and Complexity and Their Attitudes
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Aysheh , Ahour Touran , Saeidi Mahnaz
Published: November 2020

This study investigated the effect of different patterns of scaffolding (symmetrical and asymmetrical) on Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students’ writing accuracy, fluency, and complexity. For this purpose, 90 intermediate female EFL learners took a Preliminary English Test (PET), based on which those whose scores fell one standard deviation below the mean were considered as low intermediate and those whose score was one standard deviation above the mean were considered as high intermediate learners. So, the participants were grouped into three symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns in terms of their language proficiency level: one asymmetrical group with High Intermediate-Low Intermediate learners (H-L), two symmetrical groups with High Intermediate learners (H-H), and another with Low Intermediate learners (L-L). There were 30 students in each group who were, then, divided into smaller groups to interact with each other to develop their essays during a treatment. To evaluate participants’ writing skill, they were made to take a pretest and a post-test. The results of one-way ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis H tests showed that there were significant differences between the three scaffolding patterns in the writing accuracy and complexity of the EFL students, but not their writing fluency. The findings of the content analysis for the interview further showed that the students had positive attitudes towards the use of the collaborative writing method as they found it enjoyable and beneficial. The results have implications for teachers and learners.
Heat Transfer Studies of Arrays of Prolate Particles in Gas-Solid Flows
Authors: Basit Romana , Li Xinyang , Huang Zheqing , Zhou Qiang
Published: November 2020

Numerical study of forced convection heat transfer from arrays of prolate particles is performed using the second-order Immersed Boundary-Lattice Boltzmann Method (IB-LBM). Prolate particle is studied with aspect ratio of 2.5 with solid volume fraction variation from 0.1 to 0.3. For each solid volume fraction, arrays of prolate particles are generated and simulations have been performed to calculate Nusselt number for four different Hermans orientation factors and various Reynolds numbers. From the simulation results, it has been observed that, for any specific value of Hermans orientation factor, Nusselt number increases with the increase of the Reynolds number and solid volume fraction. More importantly, it is found that the effect of orientations on Nusselt number is significant. Nusselt number correlation is developed for ellipsoidal particles as function of Reynolds number, Prandtl number, solid volume fraction, and orientation factors. This correlation is valid for

0.1
≤
c
≤
0.3

and

0
<
Re
≤
100

.
A Rare Case of Glycogen Storage Disease Type 1a Presenting with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)
Authors: Saneifard Hedyeh , Shamsian Bibishahin , Shakiba Marjan , Karizi Zarea Simin , Sheikhy Ali
Published: November 2020

Background. Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome characterized by fever, respiratory distress, massive hepatomegaly, and bicytopenia. It is classified into primary (congenital) and secondary (acquired) types. There are many diseases associated with secondary HLH, but glycogen storage disease is a novel cause of secondary HLH. Case Presentation. In this case, we present a five-month-old female infant with recurrent fever, poor feeding, pallor, and prolonged diarrhea for two months. With a diagnosis of HLH, the patient was treated with IVIG and prednisolone. After treatment was initiated, the patient’s general condition improved. All metabolic workup was normal. We did whole-exome sequencing that confirmed glycogen storage disease (GSD) type 1. Conclusion. Metabolic diseases are one of the severe causes of secondary HLH in infants; hence, complete metabolic assessment is mandatory in these patients, and GSD must be included in the differential diagnosis of HLH metabolic causes.