bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving quality of refined canola oil byliquid–liquidextraction on pilot scale apparatus
Authors: Tiritan Maria Gabriela , Tonial Ivane Benedetti , Dalmolin Irede Angela Lucini , Machado‐Lunkes Alessandra
Published: September 2020

The aim of this work was to refine expeller‐pressed crude canola oil by pilot scale liquid–liquid extraction with hydrated ethanol as solvent. Quality indices were determined, and shelf life was estimated in the accelerated test. The scale projection was performed based on the results of the pilot scale. The experimental device operates in a batch process with 89.6% yield deacidification and an average of 4.4 contacts per assay. In this process, without bleaching and deodorization steps, physicochemical parameters were according to theCodex Alimentariusstandards, except moisture. In this way, it will be necessary to apply nonthermal techniques to remove water. The major fatty acids identified were oleic and linoleic acid and the absence of trans fatty acids. For the shelf life, the refined oil presented free fatty acids 0.28% and peroxide value 12.65 meq O2kg−1after 24 hr at 65°C. The pilot scale results showed that the technique is suitable to produce edible oils. A liquid–liquid extractor was designed for industrial scale with the total volume will be 12,000 L. To process 6 tons of crude canola oil per day, the unit will be able to produce 1.3 thousand tons per year of refined canola oil.

Practical applications

After acid degumming, canola oil was submitted to liquid–liquid extraction, using ethanol as solvent. As a result, two traditional steps of refining vegetable oils have been eliminated: bleaching and deodorization. This fact directly impacts on physical space of industry, maintenance of equipment and need for operators.Transfats were not detected in canola oil, pointing that the technique is efficient in the production of healthier oils, with less environmental impact.
The use of botulinum toxin A in upper lip augmentation
Authors: Li Yunzhu , Chong Yuming , Yu Nanze , Dong Ruijia , Long Xiao
Published: September 2020

Background

Full lips are beauty standards. Botulinum toxin A (BTA) paralyzes the orbicularis oris muscle to achieve the eversion of the lip, and thus makes the lip look plump.

Aims

This study presents three cases of BTA injection to the lip and evaluates the possible changes in the labial morphology and the lip surface area.

Methods

Three patients received a total of 4U BTA injection at the vermilion border of the upper lip. Vectra® H1 3D imaging system was used to capture 3D photographs of the lips before injection and two weeks after injection. Eight linear distances and the upper lip surface area were measured. Anthropometric measurements before and after injection were compared.

Results

Patients displayed a larger upper vermillion height (P = .038) and a smaller cutaneous upper lip height (P = .024). There was a trend for a larger upper lip surface area, but not statistically significant (P = .109). Symptoms of slight perioral muscular palsy and mouth incompetence lasted about one month in three patients.

Conclusion

BTA helps to enlarge the upper lip and shorten the philtrum. The BTA injection can be an option for lip enhancement with caution.
The Capitalization of Consumer Financing into Durable Goods Prices
Authors: ARGYLE BRONSON , NADAULD TAYLOR , PALMER CHRISTOPHER , PRATT RYAN
Published: September 2020

Using loan‐level data on millions of used‐car transactions across hundreds of lenders, we study the consumer response to exogenous variation in credit terms. Borrowers offered shorter maturity decrease expenditures enough to offset 60% to 90% of the monthly payment increase. Most of this is driven by shifting toward lower‐quality cars, but affected borrowers offset 20% to 30% of a monthly payment shock by negotiating lower prices for equivalent cars. Our results suggest that durable goods prices adjust to reflect credit terms even at the individual level, with one year of additional loan maturity increasing a car's price by 2.8%.
Low risk of hepatitis B reactivation in patients with severe COVID‐19 who receive immunosuppressive therapy
Authors: Rodríguez‐Tajes Sergio , Miralpeix Anna , Costa Josep , López‐Suñé Ester , Laguno Montserrat , Pocurull Anna , Lens Sabela , Mariño Zoe , Forns Xavier
Published: September 2020

A significant proportion of patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 develop severe respiratory symptoms due to an excessive immune response. Treatment of this condition may include immunosuppressive therapies, such as IL‐6 receptor antagonists and corticosteroids, which pose a risk for patients with active or past hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. In this prospective cohort study, we analysed the risk of HBV reactivation in patients with severe COVID‐19 and resolved HBV infection undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. From 15th March to 30th April 2020, 600 patients with severe COVID‐19 were admitted to our hospital and treated with immune modulators. Data regarding HBV infection were available in 484, of whom 69 (14%) were HBsAg negative/anti‐HBc positive. For these patients, HBV reactivation prophylaxis with entecavir was strongly recommended. Complete follow‐up was available in 61 patients: 72% were male, median age was 67 years, and anti‐HBs was >10 IU/mL in 72%. The immunosuppressive drug most used was tocilizumab (72%). Despite HBV prophylaxis recommendation, 38 (62%) patients received entecavir and 23 (38%) did not. Baseline features of both groups were similar. At follow‐up, we found no cases of HBsAg seroreversion and only 2 (3%) patients (no prophylaxis group) had detectable serum HBV‐DNA (<15 IU/mL). Both were anti‐HBs negative and had normal aminotransferase levels. Our data show that the risk of HBV reactivation in patients with severe COVID‐19 and resolved HBV infection undergoing immunosuppressive treatment is low. However, if a systematic follow‐up after hospital discharge is unfeasible in patients without anti‐HBs, a short course of antiviral prophylaxis may be a safe option.
Genome‐wide screen and functional analysis in Xanthomonas reveal a large number of mRNA‐derived sRNAs, including the novel RsmA‐sequester RsmU
Authors: Tang Dong‐Jie , Chen Xiao‐Lin , Jia Yu , Liang Yu‐Wei , He Yuan‐Ping , Lu Ting‐Ting , Zhu Chuan‐Rang , Han Bin , An Shi‐Qi , Tang Ji‐Liang
Published: September 2020

Although bacterial small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) are known to play a critical role in various cellular processes, including pathogenesis, the identity and action of such sRNAs are still poorly understood in many organisms. Here we have performed a genome‐wide screen and functional analysis of the sRNAs in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), an important phytopathogen. The 50–500‐nt RNA fragments isolated from the wild‐type strain grown in a virulence gene‐inducing condition were sequenced and a total of 612 sRNA candidates (SRCs) were identified. The majority (82%) of the SRCs were derived from mRNA, rather than specific sRNA genes. A representative panel of 121 SRCs were analysed by northern blotting; 117 SRCs were detected, supporting the contention that the overwhelming majority of the 612 SRCs identified are indeed sRNAs. Phenotypic analysis of strains overexpressing different candidates showed that a particular sRNA, RsmU, acts as a negative regulator of virulence, the hypersensitive response, and cell motility in Xcc. In vitro electrophoretic mobility shift assay and in vivo coimmunoprecipitation analyses indicated that RsmU interacted with the global posttranscriptional regulator RsmA, although sequence analysis displayed that RsmU is not a member of the sRNAs families known to antagonize RsmA. Northern blotting analyses demonstrated that RsmU has two isoforms that are processed from the 3′‐untranslated region of the mRNA of XC1332 predicted to encode ComEA, a periplasmic protein required for DNA uptake in bacteria. This work uncovers an unexpected major sRNA biogenesis strategy in bacteria and a hidden layer of sRNA‐mediated virulence regulation in Xcc.
Epidemiology of Cryptococcus and cryptococcosis in Western Africa
Authors: Akaihe Chidinma Lynda , Nweze Emeka Innocent
Published: September 2020

Cryptococcosis is a serious and sometimes fatal fungal disease caused by Cryptococcus species. Worldwide, it is estimated to kill over 180 000 annually, with 75% of deaths occurring in sub‐Saharan Africa. Though cryptococcal infections are rare in otherwise healthy individuals, there have been reported cases in immunocompetent persons. Most cases occur in individuals who have weakened immune systems, particularly those with advanced HIV/AIDS, thus making West Africa a potential hotspot of the disease. Despite this, there is no recent review article with a focus on published findings on cryptococcosis in Western Africa. Common clinical symptoms include chest pain, dry cough, headache, nausea, confusion, fever, fatigue and stiffness of the neck/neurological impairment. The CNS and the lung remain its preferred target even though rare cases of attack on other parts of the body were reported in this review. Cryptococcal antigen screening and India ink preparation were the most commonly used diagnostic methods. Repeated isolation from environmental samples was observed. Overall, data on the clinical prevalence of Cryptococcus are scarce and variable in the region. The environmental prevalence ranges from 2.3% to 22%. This review covers all published research findings on cryptococcosis in West Africa till date. The epidemiological data will likely be of interest to clinicians within and outside the continent. The nations covered in this review include the following: Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cote d'ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea‐ Bissau, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal and Sierra Leone. More studies are warranted to fill the observed gaps on the epidemiology of Cryptococcus in the region.
Supernatants of intestinal luminal contents from mice fed high‐fat diet impair intestinal motility by injuring enteric neurons and smooth muscle cells
Authors: Nyavor Yvonne , Brands Catherine R. , Nicholson Jessica , Kuther Sydney , Cox Kortni K. , May George , Miller Christopher , Yasuda Allysha , Potter Forrest , Cady Joshua , Heyman Heino M. , Metz Thomas O. , Stark Timo D. , Hofmann Thomas , Balemba Onesmo B.
Published: September 2020

Background

Damage to enteric neurons and impaired gastrointestinal muscle contractions cause motility disorders in 70% of diabetic patients. It is thought that enteric neuropathy and dysmotility occur before overt diabetes, but triggers of these abnormalities are not fully known. We tested the hypothesis that intestinal contents of mice with and without high‐fat diet‐ (HFD‐) induced diabetic conditions contain molecules that impair gastrointestinal movements by damaging neurons and disrupting muscle contractions.

Methods

Small and large intestinal segments were collected from healthy, standard chow diet (SCD) fed mice. Filtrates of ileocecal contents (ileocecal supernatants; ICS) from HFD or SCD mice were perfused through them. Cultured intact intestinal muscularis externa preparations were used to determine whether ICS and their fractions obtained by solid‐phase extraction (SPE) and SPE subfractions collected by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) disrupt muscle contractions by injuring neurons and smooth muscle cells.

Key Results

ICS from HFD mice reduced intestinal motility, but those from SCD mice had no effect. ICS, aqueous SPE fractions and two out of twenty HPLC subfractions of aqueous SPE fractions from HFD mice blocked muscle contractions, caused a loss of nitrergic myenteric neurons through inflammation, and reduced smooth muscle excitability. Lipopolysaccharide and palmitate caused a loss of nitrergic myenteric neurons but did not affect muscle contractions.

Conclusions & Inferences

Unknown molecules in intestinal contents of HFD mice trigger enteric neuropathy and dysmotility. Further studies are required to identify the toxic molecules and their mechanisms of action.
Investigation of calcium silicate as a natural clay‐based sunblock: Formulation and characterization
Authors: Abbas Naseem , Manzoor Suryyia , Saeed Saira , Husnain Syed Muhammad , Tariq Muhammad , Akhtar Zeeshan , Saira Naveeda , Yasmin Ghazala
Published: September 2020

Background

Sunlight exposure causes several types of health issues to humans, and in particular, it affects especially the skin. Among the most common harmful issues developed by UV exposure are erythema, pigmentation, and lesions in DNA, which may lead to cancer. These long‐term effects can be minimized with the use of sunscreen.

Objective

The use of commercial UV filters causes severe side effects such as skin allergy and whitening of the skin. Therefore, in this study the effectiveness of Ca2SiO4, a compound abundantly present in the soils of certain South Asian regions, has been the first time explored as UV filter. This compound leaves a low amount of white residue on the skin and is highly stable.

Method

The comparative study of a cosmetic formulation having 5% Ca2SiO4, and other formulations containing 5% TiO2 and 5% ZnO as inorganic UV filters, was performed to evaluate the physical and chemical stability.

Result

The zeta potential and chemical stability of formulations containing these different UV filters were investigated by using UV‐Vis spectroscopy, FTIR‐ATR, and X‐ray diffraction. Results indicated Ca2SiO4 as a promising innovative UV filter with an SPF value of 37.94. One of the reasons is its low interaction with organic filter, that is, PABA, as compared to commercial ZnO and TiO2 inorganic UV filters. Biological absorption in organs was studied by ICP‐MS on model mice.

Conclusion

It also has a low photocatalytic activity; thus, formation of radicals is minimum. Moreover, Ca2SiO4 showed a recognized ability to leave a low amount of white residue on the skin combined with great stability.
Sporadic anovulation is not an important determinant of becoming pregnant and time to pregnancy among eumenorrheic women: A simulation study
Authors: DeVilbiss Elizabeth A. , Stanford Joseph B. , Mumford Sunni L. , Sjaarda Lindsey A. , Kim Keewan , Zolton Jessica R. , Perkins Neil J. , Schisterman Enrique F.
Published: September 2020

Background

Attaining pregnancy is conditional upon a series of complex processes, including adequately timed intercourse, ovulation, fertilisation, and implantation. Anovulation is a first‐line treatment target for couples with difficulty conceiving and is frequently examined in studies of fecundability.

Objectives

To identify whether sporadic anovulation is an important determinant of cumulative pregnancy rates and time to pregnancy among fertile women with regular menstrual cycles.

Methods

We simulated cumulative pregnancy rates and time to pregnancy for 12 consecutive menstrual cycles among 100 000 women based on data‐driven probabilities of implantation, fertilisation, ovulation, and intercourse occurring in the fertile window. We assumed anovulation probabilities of 1%, 8%, or 14.5% and intercourse averaging once per week, every other day, or daily. The model incorporated reductions in implantation and fertilisation rates for successive cycles of non‐pregnancy.

Results

After 12 cycles, a reduction in the per cycle incidence of anovulation from 14.5% to 1% resulted in a 4.0% higher cumulative pregnancy rate (86.7% vs 90.7%) and similar time to pregnancy (1‐cycle median difference). In contrast, increasing mean unscheduled sexual intercourse frequency from weekly to every other day was associated with a 5‐cycle median reduction in time to pregnancy (weekly: 7 cycles; every other day or daily: 2 cycles) and a 28.9% increase in the cumulative pregnancy rate (weekly: 59.9%, every other day: 88.8%; daily: 91.6%).

Conclusions

In presumed fertile women with regular menstrual cycles, routine investigation of anovulation may not be an informative outcome in studies of fecundability, and routine testing to ensure ovulation and treatment of anovulation are unlikely to be medically necessary. While biomarkers or cervical fluid may help time intercourse to the fertile window, time to pregnancy can also be improved through increasing the frequency of unscheduled intercourse. These findings need corroboration in large preconception time to pregnancy studies.
Cause of mortality and sarcopenia in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis receiving antifibrotic therapy
Authors: Suzuki Yuzo , Aono Yuya , Kono Masato , Hasegawa Hirotsugu , Yokomura Koushi , Naoi Hyogo , Hozumi Hironao , Karayama Masato , Furuhashi Kazuki , Enomoto Noriyuki , Fujisawa Tomoyuki , Nakamura Yutaro , Inui Naoki , Nakamura Hidenori , Suda Takafumi
Published: September 2020

Background and objective

Recent research has highlighted the fundamental role of sarcopenia, characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, with a risk of poor outcomes. AFT preserves lung function by preventing the annual decline in FVC and is associated with improved outcomes in patients with IPF. However, altered cause of death and prognostic implications of sarcopenia in patients with IPF receiving AFT remain unknown.

Methods

This study comprised two cohorts of patients with IPF receiving AFT, historical cohort of IPF patients without AFT and controls. The cause of mortality was compared with a historical cohort. Sarcopenia was assessed by measuring the ESMCSA and ESMMA via CT.

Results

Patients with IPF had smaller ESMCSA and lower ESMMA but similar BMI than controls, suggesting patients with IPF had skeletal muscle loss without any obvious body weight loss. The most common cause of mortality in patients receiving AFT was chronic respiratory failure, accounting for approximately 60%, and decreased proportions of LC were found. Subsequently, low ESMCSA was an independent prognostic factor associated with worse survival rates. Furthermore, combined assessment of ESMCSA, %FVC predicted and BMI values provided clear prognostic distinction.

Conclusion

Patients with IPF receiving AFT showed skeletal muscle loss without obvious weight loss. These patients mostly died by chronic respiratory failure, and skeletal muscle wasting has prognostic significance, suggesting that preventing sarcopenia as well as preserving lung function are important for managing these patients.
Initial impact of COVID‐19 on dialysis provision; review of international guidelines and adaptation of a hub unit's service
Authors: Simons Terry , MacGlashan Andrew , Goldsmith Christopher , Wodeyar Harsha , Abraham Kottarathil A.
Published: September 2020

The COVID‐19 pandemic has put a strain on many aspects of health care including the provision of dialysis. Two categories of patients have had the greatest impact on dialysis capacity. Those with COVID‐19‐related acute kidney injury and those chronic dialysis patients who required isolation or cohort dialysis because of the pandemic. Limited information on incidence hampers capacity planning and the rapid change in demand provides further challenges. In the 4 weeks after our first patient, the incidence of confirmed infection in our dialysis population has been 5.1%. By the third week, hemodialysis had to be provided in critical care as the in‐house capacity for hemofiltration had been overwhelmed. The interventions that enabled these needs to be met are detailed in this paper alongside a review of international recommendations and how they have been adapted to meet local pressures.
Changes in suicide and non‐suicidal self‐injury ideation and the moderating role of specific emotions over the course of dialectical behavior therapy
Authors: Rizvi Shireen L. , Fitzpatrick Skye
Published: September 2020

Objective

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) targets suicidal behavior and non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) as well as urges/ideation to engage in these behaviors. However, it remains unclear which specific suicidal ideation (SI) and NSSI ideation domains (i.e., frequency, worst intensity, average intensity, perceived likelihood of future ideation, and duration of ideation), if any, are impacted, and whether specific emotions moderate these effects.

Method

73 individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), enrolled in six months of DBT, completed interviews of suicide and NSSI ideation and self‐report measures of specific emotions at baseline, mid‐treatment, and post‐treatment.

Results

Generalized estimation equations revealed that all domains of suicidal ideation decreased over the course of DBT, but for NSSI domains, only ideation intensity decreased. Higher levels of shame/guilt predicted less, and higher fear predicted more, reduction in SI and NSSI ideation frequency. Higher shame/guilt also predicted more reduction in worst SI intensity. Higher sadness predicted greater reductions in SI intensity and duration, but less reductions in the perceived likelihood of future NSSI ideation.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that DBT effectively reduces several facets of SI, but more work is required to target NSSI ideation. Results also suggest that targeting shame/guilt may be important to reducing SI and NSSI ideation.
Peer victimization and sympathy development in childhood: The moderating role of emotion regulation
Authors: Jambon Marc , Colasante Tyler , Ngo Hazel , Dys Sebastian , Malti Tina
Published: September 2020

Although peer victimization is widely considered to be detrimental to children's well‐being, knowing what it feels like to be harmed is also thought to contribute to children's sense of concern for others. However, research has yet to establish a clear link between peer victimization and sympathy during childhood. Across two samples of Canadian 4‐ and 8‐year‐olds (total N = 504), we examined whether children's emotion regulation capacities (ER) moderated the victimization–sympathy link. Study 1 (n = 300; 33% European origin; 73% of caregivers held bachelor's degree or higher) examined the interactive effects of victimization and child‐ and caregiver‐reported ER on children's self‐reported sympathy assessed concurrently and 1 year later. Concurrently, victimization was positively associated with sympathy for children higher in self‐reported ER and for boys higher in caregiver‐reported ER. Longitudinally, victimization positively predicted changes in sympathy from 4 to 5 years of age for children higher in self‐reported ER. No longitudinal interaction effects emerged for caregiver‐reported ER or in older children. Using the same caregiver‐reported ER measure, Study 2 (n = 204; 30% European origin; 65% of caregivers held bachelor's degree or higher) replicated this pattern in a different cross‐sectional sample of 4‐ and 8‐year‐olds. These results provide initial support for the hypothesis that victimization experiences may facilitate other‐oriented concern in children who can effectively regulate their emotions.
Tropes, Universals and Visual Phenomenology
Authors: Skrzypulec Błażej
Published: September 2020

Both philosophers of perception and analytic metaphysicians apply the tropes/universals distinction when considering the ontological status of visual properties. One way of arguing in favour of the trope interpretation of visual properties is to claim that the way in which we visually experience properties makes it plausible to characterize them as tropes. In this article, I argue for a different position, namely that the way in which we visually experience properties provides a serious challenge for the trope interpretation, but not for an interpretation in terms of universals. More specifically, I claim that the trope interpretations of visual properties have problems accounting for the fact that ordinary, veridical visual experiences can present the properties of two objects as strictly similar.
Regulatory barriers to trade in services: A new database and composite indices
Authors: Benz Sebastian , Ferencz Janos , Nordås Hildegunn K.
Published: September 2020

This paper presents new data on services trade regulation for 46 countries in 22 services sectors over 6 years (2014–2019). The data consist of qualitative information which is scored and weighted to produce composite indices. They cover market access and national treatment restrictions with respect to all GATS modes of supply, but also behind the border domestic regulation such as licensing, non‐transparent regulatory procedures and competition policy. The database is updated annually. The trade restrictiveness indices (STRIs) are significantly correlated with services trade flows, but also with the performance of the sectors subject to the restrictions including logistics performance indicators, interest spreads, density of ATMs and secure servers, broadband penetration and outcomes such as legal rights and the time to resolve insolvency.
Carbonic anhydrases enhance activity of endogenous Na‐H exchangers and not the electrogenic Na/HCO3 cotransporter NBCe1‐A, expressed in Xenopus oocytes
Authors: Moss Fraser J. , Boron Walter F.
Published: September 2020

Key points

According to the metabolon hypothesis, direct association of cytosolic carbonic anhydrases (CAs) with the electrogenic Na/HCO3 cotransporter NBCe1‐A speeds transport by regenerating/consuming . The present work addresses published discrepancies as to whether cytosolic CAs stimulate NBCe1‐A, heterologously expressed in Xenopus oocytes.

We confirm the essential elements of the previous experimental observations, taken as support for the metabolon hypothesis.

However, using our own experimental protocols or those of others, we find that NBCe1‐A function is unaffected by cytosolic CAs.

Previous conclusions that cytosolic CAs do stimulate NBCe1‐A can be explained by an unanticipated stimulatory effect of the CAs on an endogenous Na‐H exchanger.

Theoretical analyses show that, although CAs could stimulate non‐ transporters (e.g. Na‐H exchangers) by accelerating CO2/‐mediated buffering of acid‐base equivalents, they could not appreciably affect transport rates of NBCe1 or other transporters carrying , , or ion pairs.

The metabolon hypothesis predicts that cytosolic carbonic anhydrase (CA) binds to NBCe1‐A, promotes replenishment/consumption, and enhances transport. Using a short step‐duration current‐voltage (I–V) protocol with Xenopus oocytes expressing eGFP‐tagged NBCe1‐A, our group reported that neither injecting human CA II (hCA II) nor fusing hCA II to the NBCe1‐A carboxy terminus affects background‐subtracted NBCe1 slope conductance (GNBC), which is a direct measure of NBCe1‐A activity. Others – using bovine CA (bCA), untagged NBCe1‐A, and protocols keeping holding potential (Vh) far from NBCe1‐A's reversal potential (Erev) for prolonged periods – found that bCA increases total membrane current (ΔIm), which apparently supports the metabolon hypothesis. We systematically investigated differences in the two protocols. In oocytes expressing untagged NBCe1‐A, injected with bCA and clamped to −40 mV, CO2/ exposures markedly decrease Erev, producing large transient outward currents persisting for >10 min and rapid increases in [Na+]i. Although the CA inhibitor ethoxzolamide (EZA) reduces both ΔIm and d[Na+]i/dt, it does not reduce GNBC. In oocytes not expressing NBCe1‐A, CO2/ triggers rapid increases in [Na+]i that both hCA II and bCA enhance in concentration‐dependent manners. These d[Na+]i/dt increases are inhibited by EZA and blocked by EIPA, a Na‐H exchanger (NHE) inhibitor. In oocytes expressing untagged NBCe1‐A and injected with bCA, EIPA abolishes the EZA‐dependent decreases in ΔIm and d[Na+]i/dt. Thus, CAs/EZA produce their ΔIm and d[Na+]i/dt effects not through NBCe1‐A, but endogenous NHEs. Theoretical considerations argue against a CA stimulation of transport, supporting the conclusion that an NBCe1‐A– metabolon does not exist in oocytes.
Effect of Buoyancy and Inertia on Viscoplastic Fluid–Fluid Displacements in a Regular and an Irregular Eccentric Annulus
Authors: Skadsem Hans Joakim , Kragset Steinar
Published: September 2020

Casing strings and liners are important subsurface structural components in petroleum and in geothermal wells. After the casing string has been run in hole, it is cemented to the formation by pumping a sequence of spacer fluids and cement slurry into the annulus outside the string. Spacer fluids are usually pumped ahead of the cement slurry to displace the drilling fluid from the annulus that is to be cemented and thereby avoid contamination of the cement slurry. Fluid displacements are governed by inertia, buoyancy, and viscosity effects, in addition to being strongly influenced by the annular geometry. Poor centralization of the casing or irregularities such as washouts can influence the displacement flows both locally and over long axial distances. We present three-dimensional numerical simulations of the displacement flow involving two viscoplastic fluids in the vicinity of a symmetric local hole enlargement. We focus on laminar flow regimes in the regular part of the annulus and investigate how the volumetric flowrate and the mass density difference between the fluids affect the displacement efficiency in the regular and the irregular parts of the annulus. This study considers viscoplastic displacement flows in a near-vertical, irregular annulus and is an extension of a previous publication that focused on a near-horizontal annulus. We contextualize our simulations by comparison to industry guidelines for effective and steady laminar displacements in the regular, near-vertical annulus. Here, eccentricity favors flow in the wider sector of the annulus, while a positive density difference between the fluids generates secondary, azimuthal flow toward the narrow side of the annulus. In the enlarged and irregular section, both the axial bulk velocity and casing eccentricity decrease sharply and buoyancy becomes more pronounced compared to in the regular annulus. We quantify and discuss the effects of local hole enlargements on displacement efficiencies. Simulations of cementing flows can aid in optimizing fluid properties and pump rates, including when the wellbore has suspected or confirmed zones of irregular geometries.
Proposals to Improve Load and Cavitation Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis With Moving Reference Frame of a Conventional Propeller
Authors: Machado Lucas do Vale , Fernandes Antonio Carlos
Published: September 2020

A very interesting topic in naval architecture is propeller's choice. The engineering team must pay attention to several characteristics of the vessel to properly choose the most effective propeller for that specific application. At the beginning of the Second World War, the diagrams of a well-known propeller, the B-Series propeller, were published. They were tested at the Netherlands Ship Model Basin in Wageningen, and this led to the development of multiple polynomial regression analysis to predict propeller characteristics. Until today this propeller is studied because it possesses satisfactory efficiency and adequate cavitation properties. In addition, its open-water characteristics (KT, KQ, and η0) are easy to obtain. The main goal is to evaluate the usefulness of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to gather the open-water characteristics, from the design of the propeller on prototype scale, considering cavitation to data analysis and verification and validation of the characteristic curves. A Microsoft Excel tool was developed to draw any B-Series propeller. For this work, the B3.80 was used. CFD results were verified using Richardson Extrapolation and then validated. To this end, the open-water characteristics were used and the numerical results showed a fairly good agreement with the experimental data. The cavitation results were in agreement with the Burrill diagram in most of the cases. The characteristic curves of the cases where cavitation occurred were similar to those shown in the Principles of Naval Architecture (PNA) (Lewis, E. V., 1988, Principles of Naval Architecture, The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers). Other interesting results of this propeller are also shown, e.g., pressure distribution, streamlines.
Tribological Performances of Graphite and Hexagonal Boron Nitride Particles in the Presence of Liquid
Authors: Nomede-Martyr Nadiege , Bilas Philippe , Thomas Philippe , Minatchy Georges , Romana Laurence
Published: September 2020

This article focused on the effects of the presence of liquid on tribological performances of graphite and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) particles at ambient atmosphere. Two tribological tests conditions have been evaluated with AISI 52100 steel materials. In dry conditions for lubrication tests with pure particles and liquid conditions a drop of liquid is added before or during the friction tests. In dry conditions, graphite and hBN have two different tribological performances, while whatever was the type of liquid in liquid conditions, they are similar: μpure graphite ≈ 0.09 and μpure hBN ≈ 0.42, while μgraphite+liquid ≈ μhBN+liquid ≈ 0.06. Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations bring out weak influence of sliding mechanical constraints for tribofilms built in the presence of the liquid. Different hypotheses have been investigated; tribo-intercalation, influence of adsorption, lubrication by hydrogen, and action of the liquid. The simultaneous presence of liquid and particles induces friction mechanism inside the tribofilm reducing friction due to its nanostructuration.
Acoustic Vibration of Hexagonal Nanoparticles With Damping and Imperfect Interface Effects
Authors: Zhu Feng , Pan Ernian , Qian Zhenghua
Published: September 2020

In this paper, acoustic vibration of hexagonal nanoparticles is investigated. In terms of the spherical system of vector functions, the first-order differential equation with constant coefficients for a layered sphere is obtained via variable transformation and mass conservation. The propagation matrix method is then used to obtain the vibration equation in the multilayered system. Further utilizing a new root-searching algorithm, the present solution is first compared to the existing solution for a uniform and isotropic sphere. It is shown that, by increasing the sublayer number, the present solution approaches the exact one. After validating the formulation and program, we investigate the acoustic vibration characteristics in nanoparticles. These include the effects of material anisotropy, damping, and core–shell imperfect interface on the vibration frequency and modal shapes of the displacements and tractions.
A Test Rig for the Experimental Investigation on the Nonlinear Dynamics in the Presence of Large Contact Interfaces and Numerical Models Validation
Authors: Firrone Christian Maria , Battiato Giuseppe
Published: September 2020

The simulation of the coupling between components modeled by finite elements (FEs) plays an important role for the prediction of the forced response of the assembly in terms of resonant frequencies, vibration amplitudes, and damping. This is particularly critical when the time-varying stress distribution must be limited for vibrating components with thin thickness coupled with large contacts. Typical examples can be found in aeronautical structures (plates, panels, and bladed disk components) assembled with bolted flanges, riveted lap joints, or joints without hole discontinuities like rail-hook joints, lace wire sealings, and strip dampers. In this paper, a new test rig is introduced for the experimental validation of a reduced-order model (ROM) based on the Gram–Schmidt Interface (GSI) modes applied to a friction contact whose dimensions are not negligible with respect to the size of the substructures. In this case, classical approaches like Craig–Bampton technique might be not effective in reducing the size of the problem when many contact nodes subjected to nonlinear contact loads cannot be omitted. The technique is implemented in a solution scheme in the frequency domain using penalty contact elements and the harmonic balance method. The preload on the joint is produced by permanent magnets to enhance the friction contact without introducing uncertainties due to bolting. Measurements are compared with the ROM simulations and with standard time-domain integration of the full FE model. The advantage of using the GSI technique is shown in terms of time computation and accuracy of the simulation.
Pairing Directional Solar Inputs From Ray Tracing to Solar Receiver/Reactor Heat Transfer Models on Unstructured Meshes: Development and Case Studies
Authors: Bush H. Evan , Schrader Andrew J. , Loutzenhiser Peter G.
Published: September 2020

A novel method for pairing surface irradiation and volumetric absorption from Monte Carlo ray tracing to computational heat transfer models is presented. The method is well-suited to directionally and spatially complex concentrated radiative inputs (e.g., solar receivers and reactors). The method employs a generalized algorithm for directly mapping absorbed rays from a Monte Carlo ray tracing model to boundary or volumetric source terms in the computational mesh. The algorithm is compatible with unstructured, two and three-dimensional meshes with varying element shapes. Four case studies were performed on a directly irradiated, windowed solar thermochemical reactor model to validate the method. The method was shown to conserve energy and preserve spatial variation when mapping rays from a Monte Carlo ray tracing model to a computational heat transfer model in ansys fluent.
Comparing Motor Competence of Sex- and Age-Matched Youth With Intellectual Disability From Brazil and the United States
Authors: Bertapelli Fabio , Pitetti Ken , Miller Ruth A. , Jaeger Adam , Loovis Michael , do Amaral-Junior Wilson D. , de Barros-Filho Marcos M. , Guerra-Junior Gil
Published: September 2020

Youth with intellectual disabilities (IDs) demonstrate below-criteria motor competence (MC) compared with typically developing (TD) youth. Whether differences in MC exist for youth with ID from different countries is unknown. This study examined the MC of youth with ID from Brazil (BR) and the United States (US) and compared it with norms for TD youth as established by the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2). The authors measured 19 BOT-2 test items for bilateral coordination, balance, and upper limb coordination of 502 youth (BR = 252, US = 250) with ID (6–21 years). Raw scores were converted to %ceiling (percentile of highest expected scores). For all test items, no significant differences were seen between BR and US participants in %ceiling scores. Participants from both countries demonstrated equivalent to slightly below BOT-2 norms in 14 of the 19 test items, with lowest scores seen in contralateral synchronizing bilateral coordination, balancing on one leg, and ball handling.
Ultrastrong low-carbon nanosteel produced by heterostructure and interstitial mediated warm rolling
Authors: Gao Bo , Lai Qingquan , Cao Yang , Hu Rong , Xiao Lirong , Pan Zhiyi , Liang Ningning , Li Yusheng , Sha Gang , Liu Manping , Zhou Hao , Wu Xiaolei , Zhu Yuntian
Published: September 2020

We break the limit of grain refinement and strength of low-carbon steel by tuning deformation compatibility of heterostructure.
Chromatin arranges in chains of mesoscale domains with nanoscale functional topography independent of cohesin
Authors: Miron Ezequiel , Oldenkamp Roel , Brown Jill M. , Pinto David M. S. , Xu C. Shan , Faria Ana R. , Shaban Haitham A. , Rhodes James D. P. , Innocent Cassandravictoria , de Ornellas Sara , Hess Harald F. , Buckle Veronica , Schermelleh Lothar
Published: September 2020

Advanced FIB-SEM and 3D-SIM imaging uncover cohesin-independent chromatin arrangement into structural and functional modules.
Moiré potential impedes interlayer exciton diffusion in van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Choi Junho , Hsu Wei-Ting , Lu Li-Syuan , Sun Liuyang , Cheng Hui-Yu , Lee Ming-Hao , Quan Jiamin , Tran Kha , Wang Chun-Yuan , Staab Matthew , Jones Kayleigh , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Chu Ming-Wen , Gwo Shangjr , Kim Suenne , Shih Chih-Kang , Li Xiaoqin , Chang Wen-Hao
Published: September 2020

Interlayer exciton diffusion in transition metal dichalcogenide heterostructures is controlled by the moiré potential.
The role of ultrafast magnon generation in the magnetization dynamics of rare-earth metals
Authors: Frietsch B. , Donges A. , Carley R. , Teichmann M. , Bowlan J. , Döbrich K. , Carva K. , Legut D. , Oppeneer P. M. , Nowak U. , Weinelt M.
Published: September 2020

4f spin to phonon coupling is crucial for ultrafast spin-wave generation and magnetization dynamics in rare-earth metals.
Recycled selenium in hot spot–influenced lavas records ocean-atmosphere oxygenation
Authors: Yierpan Aierken , König Stephan , Labidi Jabrane , Schoenberg Ronny
Published: September 2020

Oceanic lavas erupting today trace ocean-atmosphere oxygenation in Earth’s middle ages.
Achieving room-temperature brittle-to-ductile transition in ultrafine layered Fe-Al alloys
Authors: Li Lu-Lu , Su Yanqing , Beyerlein Irene J. , Han Wei-Zhong
Published: September 2020

Engineered interfaces break old tradeoffs in lightweight and ductility in a popular class of Fe-Al alloy.
Mechanical stimulation of single cells by reversible host-guest interactions in 3D microscaffolds
Authors: Hippler Marc , Weißenbruch Kai , Richler Kai , Lemma Enrico D. , Nakahata Masaki , Richter Benjamin , Barner-Kowollik Christopher , Takashima Yoshinori , Harada Akira , Blasco Eva , Wegener Martin , Tanaka Motomu , Bastmeyer Martin
Published: September 2020

Using stimuli-responsive hydrogels, we 3D print composite microscaffolds to analyze mechanobiology on the single-cell level.
Ultrapotent human antibodies protect against SARS-CoV-2 challenge via multiple mechanisms
Authors: Tortorici M. Alejandra , Beltramello Martina , Lempp Florian A. , Pinto Dora , Dang Ha V. , Rosen Laura E. , McCallum Matthew , Bowen John , Minola Andrea , Jaconi Stefano , Zatta Fabrizia , De Marco Anna , Guarino Barbara , Bianchi Siro , Lauron Elvin J. , Tucker Heather , Zhou Jiayi , Peter Alessia , Havenar-Daughton Colin , Wojcechowskyj Jason A. , Case James Brett , Chen Rita E. , Kaiser Hannah , Montiel-Ruiz Martin , Meury Marcel , Czudnochowski Nadine , Spreafico Roberto , Dillen Josh , Ng Cindy , Sprugasci Nicole , Culap Katja , Benigni Fabio , Abdelnabi Rana , Foo Shi-Yan Caroline , Schmid Michael A. , Cameroni Elisabetta , Riva Agostino , Gabrieli Arianna , Galli Massimo , Pizzuto Matteo S. , Neyts Johan , Diamond Michael S. , Virgin Herbert W. , Snell Gyorgy , Corti Davide , Fink Katja , Veesler David
Published: September 2020

A strong cocktail against SARS-CoV-2

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is initiated by the trimeric spike protein that decorates the virus and binds the ACE2 receptor. Antibodies against the spike that neutralize viral infection have potential as therapeutics. Tortorici
et al.
describe two very potent antibodies, S2E12 and S2M11. Electron microscopy structures characterized the binding and showed that S2E12 traps the spike in a conformation that cannot bind ACE2. Both antibodies protected hamsters against SARS-CoV-2 challenge and may be useful in antibody cocktails to combat the virus and prevent the development of resistance.

Science
, this issue p.
950
Muse cell spheroids have therapeutic effect on corneal scarring wound in mice and tree shrews
Authors: Guo Yonglong , Xue Yunxia , Wang Peiyuan , Cui Zekai , Cao Jixing , Liu Shiwei , Yu Quan , Zeng Qiaolang , Zhu Deliang , Xie Mengyuan , Zhang Jun , Li Zhijie , Liu Hongwei , Zhong Jingxiang , Chen Jiansu
Published: September 2020

Corneal stromal cells differentiated from Muse spheroids had therapeutic effects on wounded corneas in mice and tree shrews.
Tissue Tropisms of Avian Influenza A Viruses Affect Their Spillovers from Wild Birds to Pigs
Authors: Zhang Xiaojian , Cunningham Fred L. , Li Lei , Hanson-Dorr Katie , Liu Liyuan , Waters Kaitlyn , Guan Minhui , Olivier Alicia K. , Schmit Brandon S. , Nolting Jacqueline M. , Bowman Andrew S. , Torchetti Mia Kim , DeLiberto Thomas J. , Wan Xiu-Feng
Published: September 2020

Swine serve as a mixing vessel for generating pandemic strains of human influenza virus. All hemagglutinin subtypes of IAVs can infect swine; however, only sporadic cases of infection with avian IAVs are reported in domestic swine. The molecular mechanisms affecting the ability of avian IAVs to infect swine are still not fully understood. From the findings of phenotypic analyses, this study suggests that the tissue tropisms (i.e., in swine upper respiratory tracts) of avian IAVs affect their spillovers from wild birds to pigs. It was found that this phenotype is determined not by receptor binding preference but is determined by other markers across genomic segments, such as those in the ribonucleoprotein complex. In addition, our results show that such a phenotypic trait was sporadically and randomly distributed among IAVs across multiple avian species and geographic and temporal orders. This study suggests an efficient way for assessment of the risk posed by avian IAVs, such as in evaluating their potentials to be transmitted from birds to pigs.
Factors affecting central corneal thickness measurement agreement between Scheimpflug imaging and ultrasound pachymetry in keratoconus
Authors: Sorkin Nir , Ohri Anamika , Jung Hyejung , Haines Lacey , Sorbara Luigina , Mimouni Michael , Singal Neera , Hatch Wendy ,   KEI CXL Working Group
Published: September 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the agreement of central corneal thickness (CCT) measurement between Scheimpflug imaging and ultrasound (U/S) pachymetry in keratoconic eyes, and investigate factors that affect the agreement.

Methods

This post hoc analysis within a prospective, observational non-randomised study preformed at the Kensington Eye Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, included crosslinking candidates with progressive keratoconus (KC). Main outcome measures were the agreement of CCT measurement between Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) and U/S pachymetry (PachPen 24–5100, Accutome Inc., Malvern, Pennsylvania, USA), and factors that affect the agreement.

Results

A total of 794 keratoconic eyes of 456 subjects with a mean age of 27.6±8.0 years (69.7% males and 49.6% right eyes) were included. Agreement between devices was moderate (intraclass correlation coefficient: 74.9%, Bland–Altman limits
of agreement: −48.5 μm to +62.5 μm). In a multivariable analysis, cone decentration (p<0.001, coefficient +10.13 [+6.73 to +13.53 95% CIs]) and Kmax (p<0.001, coefficient +0.68 [+0.46 to +0.90 95% CIs]) were significantly associated (both clinically and statistically) with the level of agreement between the devices; the discrepancy in CCT between the devices increased on average by 10.13 μm for every mm of cone decentration, and by 6.8 μm for every 10D of Kmax. Age, corneal astigmatism and spherical equivalent were statistically but not clinically significant factors affecting agreement.

Conclusion

The agreement of CCT measurement between Scheimpflug imaging and U/S pachymetry in KC was moderate. To ensure the safety of crosslinking in keratoconic corneas, Scheimpflug and U/S CCT measurements should not be used interchangeably, especially in steep corneas and corneas with decentred cones.