bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Market Efficiency of Indian Capital Market: An Event Study Around the Announcement of Results of Lok Sabha Election 2019
Authors: Ali Nazreen Parveen , Saha Ashit
Published: December 2020

Market efficiency categorizes a stock market into three sections based on the reaction of share prices to private and public information. This paper mainly deals with reactions of stock market dynamics to information in political events considering the impact of result announcement of the Lok Sabha Elections 2019 on the Indian Stock market as reflected in the behaviour of share prices. Taking BSE 100 as the proxy market, daily closing stock prices of the 30 companies listed in BSE SENSEX was used. An estimation window of 120 trading days was taken prior to the event window. The standard Market model was applied to calculate the AAR and CAAR during the event window of 21 days. Further the Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) Test for unit root is applied to measure the stationary of the variables and the presence of ARCH/GARCH effect is tested to understand the volatility during the study period. The Runs Test was used to test the randomness of AAR and the paired sample t test was applied to check the impact of the event on the volume of trading. Consistent negative returns were observed following the event. But the absence of volatility and the insignificant results indicated that market efficiency Indian Stock Market is in a semi strong form.
Financial Tips on the Need to Identify Active Degassing Structures When Planning Territory Development Using the Functional Zoning Method
Authors: Rudenko Arina Vyacheslavovna , Shaimardanova Valeriia Valerevna
Published: December 2020

The article demonstrates financial instructions and ring degassing structures decoded by the author's technique in the northeast and southeast of Kazan. The structures of various types were identified in areas of the territories of the Volga and Soviet districts of the city and mapped on the functional zones of Kazan of these areas. Residential areas Nagorny, Aki, Quarry of the Sovetsky district, and Mirny, Ferma-2 of the Volga district of Kazan were selected as the research territories. This matter overly helps visually identify areas of the city that are in potential jeopardy of non-human impact. The article indicates the hypothesis about the need to consider the active structures of hydrogen degassing during the development of the territory from analyzing the functional zoning scheme of the studied territory, and provides a detailed comparative analysis of the distribution of ring structures in residential and green functional zones.
To the question of the breaking depressional tectonics Azerbaijan's zone according to seismic exploration data
Authors:   Oil and Gas Institute of ANAS, Baku, Azerbaijan, Yusubov N.P.
Published: December 2020

There are very few tectonic maps of oil and gas areas of the Republic and explanatory notes to them. They contain, in large numbers, factual material and important theoretical and applied conclusions. However, the results of seismic surveys carried out over the past 25 years indicate some shortcomings in these maps. The paper provides specific examples that prove the correctness of this conclusion and recommendations for their elimi nation.
Qualitative analysis of time series geodata to prevent complications and emergencies during drilling of oil and gas wells
Authors:   Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (National Research University), Moscow, Russia, Dmitrievsky A.N. ,   Oil and Gas Research Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, Eremin N.A. ,   Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (National Research University), Moscow, Russia,   Oil and Gas Research Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, Safarova E.A. ,   Oil and Gas Research Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, Filippova D.S. ,   Oil and Gas Research Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, Borozdin S.O. ,   Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (National Research University), Moscow, Russia
Published: December 2020

The purpose of the article is a systematic analysis of drilling data obtained from geological and technological measurement stations in real time, taking into account the geological characteristics of the area being drilled for further forecasting the possibility of complications and accidents during drilling and construction of oil and gas wells. Comprehensive analysis showed the lack of basic software for the recognition and prevention of complications and emergencies based on data obtained in real time. An equally important problem is the lack of reliable lithological and stratigraphic information on the description of sludge during geological and technological measurements. The list of geological and geophysical data required to solve the problem of preventing complications and accidents during the drilling of oil and gas wells has been determined. Geological and technological parameters along the wellbore depth obtained in real time were classified according to the degree of their applicability in machine learning methods.
Acid-based cement slurry with controllable properties
Authors:   «OilGasScientificResearchProject» Institute, SOCAR, Baku, Azerbaijan, Kazimov Sh.P. , Mehdiyev K.K. ,   SOCAR, Baku, Azerbaijan
Published: December 2020

Intensive occurrence of sand related problems in wells diminishes oil flow rate and leads to heavy expenses on production and equipment maintenance. Hard geological factors on field bedding, heterogeneity of reservoir porosity and permeability, strict constraints on physicochemical property of oil and produced water restrict the efficient application of several available methods and technologies for sand control. The increasing densification of sand related problems at late stages of development gives rise to implementation of different type of workover. There exist several backfilling compositions with a number of draw-backs to control sand influx from the reservoir into the well. With the purpose to work out more effective technology to ensure the consolidation of reservoir there was developed a new grouting mortar. This slurry contains cement, hydrated aluminum silicate and 7-8% hydrochloric acid solution. Barrier of grouting mortar has high resistance and adhesive characteristics and penetrates much deeper into pores increasing consolidation efficiency.
Water shut off gel
Authors:   Halliburton International GmbH, Moscow, Russia, Shovgenov A.D.
Published: December 2020

Injection of Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide gels using inorganic crosslinking agents has proven to be one of the best methods for isolating water and enhancing oil recovery. Partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide forms a gel structure in the presence of trivalent metal ions such as Cr3+, Al3+, which act as a crosslinker. In this case, a sequential injection of a polymer solution and a crosslinking agent is carried out into the formation and the gel is formed directly in the formation. Numerous successful examples of the implementation of this technology to reduce the water cut of the produced products were the basis for the development of a new gel composition, taking into account the disadvantages of the existing ones. The paper presents the results of laboratory studies on core material using the proposed gel composition based on a partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide polymer and various crosslinking agents (note: thiourea / K2Cr2O7).
Comparative study of the operational properties of deviated and straight gas-lift wells and sensitivity analysis of pressure gradient
Authors:   «OilGasScientificResearchProject» Institute, SOCAR, Baku, Azerbaijan, Abdullaev V.J.
Published: December 2020

The article presents a benchmarking analysis of the complex well body structure effect on the hydraulic parameters of the liquid-gas flow pattern in deviated wells. The difference between the consumption of the working agent (gas) required to lift the same amount of liquid from the same depth in vertical and inclined gas-lift wells is shown. Considering the complexity of the hydrodynamic flow properties in deviated wells, the impossibility of analytical flow simulation, the article provides the problem study using statistical methods and gives its practical solution. The article presents a mathematical expression to determine the dynamic pressure gradient using this method, that is, by group calculation of indicators of gas-lift wells with an deviated body, and its numerical value was found.
Selective insulation of water flows in a well based on the use of production waste
Authors:   «OilGasScientificResearchProject» Institute, SOCAR, Baku, Azerbaijan, Rzayeva S.J.
Published: December 2020

A method for isolating water inflows into the well by blocking high permeability zones with a gel-forming composition based on sodium silicate, including biologically active additives has been developed. Whey is used as a biologically active supplement. As a result of isolation of the watering intervals by the gel-forming composition, low-permeability oil-saturated areas are involved in the development. The gelation process can be adjusted depending on the concentrations of sodium silicate and whey, as well as the temperature at a certain depth of the reservoir, necessary for isolation. In order to prevent a premature coagulation process when the formation is saturated with hard formation water, fresh or softened water is pumped in front of the gel-forming composition. This technology is used to reach the residual resistance factor to the value 3.88, an increase in oil production will be 18.5%.
Migration issues of SCADA systems to the cloud computing environment (review)
Authors:   Institute of Information Technology of ANAS, Baku, Azerbaijan, Alakbarov R.G. , Hashimov M.A. ,   Institute of Information Technology of ANAS, Baku, Azerbaijan
Published: December 2020

The paper deals with the migration of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems widely used in the monitoring and management of the oil and gas industry to the cloud computing environment. There arise various problems in data collection, transmission, and processing because of traditional SCADA systems being very expensive, inflexible, and complicated scalability. The transferring of the SCADA system's applications to the cloud environment reduces costs and improves scalability. The purchase of hardware and software is carried out at a lower cost than its installation and maintenance. In the article, the usage of cloud-based SCADA systems has been proposed for easy, safe, reliable and quick collection and processing of data from facilities installed in the oil and gas industry.
The improvement of physical and mechanical properties of sealers based on nitrile-butadiene rubber and combination of nano-metal oxides
Authors:   Institute of Radiation Problems, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Baku, Azerbaijan, Khankishiyeva R.F. , Akhundzada H.N. ,   Institute of Radiation Problems, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Baku, Azerbaijan
Published: December 2020

The chemical interaction of disulphochloride aromatic compounds with nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) in the presence of combined nanosized powders of metal oxides (ZnO and Al2O3) was studied for the first time. Vulcanization of the prepared blends has been induced with two methods: by irradiation of gamma rays (D=300 kGy) and by pre-heating in the hydraulicpress and then subsequent irradiation (150 oC x 5', 300 kGy). In order to activate the crosslinking process, a combination of nano-oxides ZnO and Al2O3 were used. The surface of the nanocomposite was studied by using scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of modified blends were studied and then compared with controlling sample (vulcanized with sulphur) and analyzed by the mechanical tests in aggressive environments after thermal aging. The study found that the use of 1,3-disulphochloride benzene with nano oxides produces cured materials with good resistance to aging and provides high service properties in air, seawater, and oil-bearing solution.
Assessment of quality and viability of primed maize seed
Authors: Tamindžić Gordana , Ignjatov Maja , Milošević Dragana , Nikolić Zorica , Nastasić Aleksandra , Jovičić Dušica , Savić Jasna
Published: December 2020

Good crop establishment is essential for achieving high yield and constraints to good establishment include untimely sowing and low seed quality combined with various adverse growing conditions after sowing. Seed priming is a pre-sowing technique used for the improvement of germination, reduction of the time from sowing to emergence and improvement of emergence uniformity. Various seed priming techniques, such as hydropriming and priming with zinc, are used nowadays to improve crop establishment. The importance of seed priming with zinc for better germination, improved stand establishment, and higher maize yield are well documented. However, there is still a lack of results on the effects of seed priming with water and zinc on seed quality and viability, given that maize seed can be kept in storage for many years without a significant reduction in germination. The study was aimed to evaluate the effects of seed priming with water and Zn on the quality and viability of the maize seed. In order to evaluate the response of four maize hybrids to priming with water (hydropriming) and 4 mM zinc sulphate, primed seeds were subjected to laboratory tests, namely to the germination test, the cold test, and the accelerated aging test. Both priming treatments increased the seed quality, but the beneficial effect of Zn-priming maintained to a larger extent than hydropriming in cold-treated and aged seeds. The negative effects of hydropriming on the viability o f the aged seed of hybrid NS 4023 imply a possible limitation to deferred sowing of primed maize seed.
A contract law for future generations
Authors: Poncibò Cristina
Published: December 2020

While attention for the social and environmental impacts of international business is certainly not new, the past years have seen renewed interest due pressing global problems such as climate change, poverty, and human rights violations. Multinational enterprises (MNEs) are increasingly called upon to play an active role and thus contribute to a more sustainable development. Interestingly, legal scholars are studying how MNEs are adopting codes of conduct advancing sustainable development goals to rule their commercial relationships with their suppliers in global supply chains. Some of these goals are incorporated in contractual terms when the company insert sustainability contractual clauses in international supply agreements. These contractual provisions dealing with public values represent "irritant clauses" for contract theory and pose some challenging questions to contract law scholars. The article considers, in particular, the following research questions: firstly, are these contractual provisions binding and enforceable by the parties or by a third party to the contract? Secondly, are they really "part of the contract" or do they play many functions? Thirdly, do they have an impact in advancing sustainability goals? Finally, the case of sustainability contractual clauses confirms that a new, specifically intergenerational, contract theory is needed.
First-principles investigations on gas adsorption properties of V-doped monolayer MoS2
Authors: Liang Ting , Wang Yang-Yang , Liu Guo-Hong , Fu Wang-Yang , Wang Huai-Zhang , Chen Jing-Fei ,   PLA Army Chemical Defense Academy, Beijing 102205, China
Published: December 2020

With their high toxicity and fast diffusion, toxic agents such as mustard gas and sarin are chemical warfare agents that are of high lethality and difficult to protect against. Therefore the high-sensitivity detection of toxic agents has become a focus in research on chemical detection in the world. Two-dimensional (2D) MoS2 is at the forefront of research because of its unique structure and promising sensing performance. In this study, theoretical calculations based on the first-principles method are carried out to investigate the structural stability, electronic properties, and gas adsorption of 2D MoS2 before and after V doping in order to explain the gas-sensing mechanism of V-doped 2D MoS2. The binding energy of V atom at the S-vacancy is –6.85 eV, indicating that the V atom can be stably doped into the S vacancy of the 2D MoS2 supercell structure at room temperature due to the strong interaction between the doped V atom and S vacancy of monolayer MoS2. The V atom doped into the 2D MoS2 system gives out electrons to surrounding Mo atoms as a donor center, thus enhancing the electric conductivity of the material. The calculation of adsorption energy indicates that the adsorption process of NO2, NH3, sarin, and mustard gas on the surface of 2D MoS2 are all spontaneous exothermic reactions. The doping of V increases the adsorption capacity of 2D MoS2 for the 4 aforesaid gases, and strengthens the interaction between the electrons of the absorbate molecules and those of substrate surface, thus effectively enhancing the gas-sensitive property of 2D MoS2. This effect occurs due to the strong overlap between the V 3d orbitals and gas molecule orbitals, which promotes the activation of the adsorbed gas molecules. The analysis of Bader charge shows that the charge transfer occurs from V-doped monolayer MoS2 to the oxidizing gas molecules (NO2, sarin, and mustard gas) acting as acceptors. Whereas the direction of charge transfers is reversed for the adsorption of the reducing gas (NH3) behaving as donors, in which 0.11e transfer from adsorbed gas to metal V-doped monolayer MoS2. Our results suggest that V-doped monolayer MoS2 is an ideal candidate for low-cost, highly active, and stable gas sensors, which provides an avenue to the design of high active 2D MoS2-based gas sensors.
Un semestre en cuarentena
Authors: Binns Niall
Published: December 2020

El domingo 8 de marzo de este año tuvo lugar en Madrid una multitudinaria manifestación para celebrar el Día Internacional de la Mujer. La marcha, que partió de la Estación de Atocha para acabar en la Plaza de España, fue encabezada por varias ministras, dos de las cuales, al igual que la mujer del presidente (que las acompañó en primera fila), se enfermarían del Covid-19 durante la semana siguiente. Según la crónica de la pandemia narrada por la oposición, la “agenda” feminista del gobierno le impidió prohibir el acto, aun sabiendo que ponía en riesgo la salud de los ciudadanos, y fue ahí donde se originó el mal. Se olvidan de que nadie podía imaginar aún la magnitud del virus, se olvidan de que en esa fecha seguía muy bajo el nivel de contagio, se olvidan de que tampoco se impidieron, ese fin de semana, otros actos multitudinarios como, por ejemplo, el partido de fútbol entre el Betis y el Real Madrid. Nunca en mi vida he visto tanta mezquindad, tanta hipocresía política como en estos últimos meses en España.
El aislamiento: Jenaro Prieto ante la crítica
Authors: Faúndez Morán Pablo
Published: December 2020

Mediante una revisión de distintos textos que documentan la recepción crítica de la obra del novelista Jenaro Prieto (1888-1946), este artículo demuestra cómo es que el aislamiento se ha impuesto como descriptor y explicación tanto del éxito de su obra, como de sus particularidades de estilo y contenido. El argumento sostenido para dar cuenta de este diagnóstico señala que el aislamiento es el resultado de dos fenómenos: la desafiliación genérica de Jenaro Prieto respecto del resto de la literatura escrita en Chile en ese momento y la construcción de una voz irónica para participar del debate público.
Discussion on Biotechnology and Food Policy: Taking China’s Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Authors: Ashrafuzzaman Md. , Rahman Md. Sayedur
Published: December 2020

This article presents the context of food system in China, and discusses how genetic modification policy of the country is affected by the change in the food system which is reflected in the debate on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). An overview of the development of biotechnology in China followed by an analysis of the theoretical framework of food system is given to analyze the transformation of China's genetic modification policy. This article concludes with a brief review of the Chinese government's framework and contemporary propositions based on the major research questions and the debate about biotechnology as reflected in China's food policy.
(φ, ψ)-Contractıon Condition for Multivalued Mappings in Complete Modular Metric Spaces
Authors: Turkoglu Duran , Kilinc Emine
Published: December 2020

In this paper we investigated (φ, ψ)-contractıon condition for multivalued type mappings in complete modular metric spaces. Our results are more general than metric versions of these type mappings.
Distinctive facial features in Andersen–Tawil syndrome: A three‐dimensional stereophotogrammetric analysis
Authors: Dolci Claudia , Sansone Valeria A. , Gibelli Daniele , Cappella Annalisa , Sforza Chiarella
Published: December 2020

Andersen–Tawil syndrome (ATS) is a rare potassium channelopathy causing periodic paralysis, cardiac arrhythmias, and dysmorphic features. A detailed analysis of the face could facilitate diagnosis of ATS, as approximately 30% of patients do not show variants in KCNJ2 gene, and diagnosis is established by clinical findings. We aimed to characterize the face in ATS through a quantitative approach, as facial anomalies may be unnoticed on visual inspection. Facial images of 12 subjects with genetically confirmed ATS (six males, six females, age 5–67 years) were acquired through stereophotogrammetry. Using 38 soft‐tissue landmarks, linear distances, angles, and ratios were calculated and expressed as z‐score values, with reference to 477 healthy subjects matched for sex and age. All patients showed decreased lower facial height with shortening of philtrum (mean z‐score ± SD: −1.5 ± 0.9), smaller mid and lower facial depths (−1.9 ± 0.7; −2.3 ± 0.9), short palpebral fissures (right −1.2 ± 0.4; left −1.6 ± 0.6), smaller mandibular ramus length (−2.1 ± 0.4), and increased nasal width/length ratio (1.4 ± 0.5) with smaller nostril axis length (right −1.8 ± 0.8, left −1.6 ± 0.7). Hypertelorism and low‐set ears were detected in two‐thirds of patients. The study quantified facial dysmorphysm in ATS, extending information about known features, and detecting unrecorded philtrum and nostril characteristics, which may be distinctive traits of the disorder.
Stargardt misdiagnosis: How ocular genetics helps
Authors: Ibanez Manuel Benjamin , de Guimarães Thales Antonio Cabral , Capasso Jenina , Bello Nicholas , Levin Alex V.
Published: December 2020

Ocular Genetics at Wills Eye Hospital sees a wide range of rare disorders for accurate diagnosis. To demonstrate how focused consultation and genetic testing results in precise diagnoses, we investigated false diagnosis rates for patients referred with a diagnosis of Stargardt disease. This is a retrospective review of patients over a 3 year period referred to our Ocular Genetics clinic for possible Stargardt disease, or already holding a diagnosis of Stargardt disease. Results of diagnostic and genetic testing were compared to standard definition of Stargardt. Of 40 patients, 14 (35%) had been misdiagnosed. Four had non‐Stargardt phenotype of which three had ABCA4 pathogenic variants with phenotypes inconsistent with Stargardt disease. Two of those with pathogenic ABCA4 variants were related. Nine had pathogenic variants in other different genes with overlapping features of Stargardt disease. One had Thioridazine maculopathy. Our study highlights the essential role of the subspecialty field of ocular genetics in obtaining accurate diagnoses for the delivery of correct counseling and interventional trial eligibility assessment.
Biological evaluation, molecular docking, DNA interaction and thermal studies of new bioactive metal complexes of 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde and fluorobenzamine Schiff base ligand
Authors: Bengi Kavitha , Maddikayala Sravanthi , Pulimamidi Saritha Reddy
Published: December 2020

Schiff base ligand named 2‐((E)‐(2‐fluorophenylimino)methyl)phenol (HL) was prepared by the condensation of 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde and 2‐fluorobenzamine in 1:1 molar ratio. The coordination behaviour of a series of transition metal ions with the synthesized HL ligand, [Cr(HL)2] (1), [Fe(HL)2] (2), [Co(HL)2] (3) and [Cu(HL)2] (4) is reported. The structure and bonding of the metal complexes have been deduced by analytical and spectral studies. Based on the above studies, the metal centres were found to be octahedral for all the complexes. The activation thermodynamic properties were calculated using the Coats–Redfern method. Thermal decomposition processes of complexes 1, 2, 3 and 4 are non‐spontaneous; that is, the complexes are thermally stable. The positive value of Gibbs free energy of decomposition (ΔG*) for all the complexes is non‐spontaneous processes. DNA binding properties of these metal complexes, investigated using UV–visible absorption, fluorescence and viscosity measurement studies, imply that the complexes bind to DNA by intercalation. The intrinsic binding constant Kb from the electronic absorption studies are 3.12 × 104 M−1, 1.86 × 104 M−1, 3.96 × 104 M−1 and 5.89 × 104 M−1, and the Stern–Volmer quenching constant Ksv values from fluorescence studies are 2.29 × 104 M−1, 1.92 × 104 M−1, 5.62 × 104 M−1 and 8.91 × 104 M−1, for the complexes 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. DNA photo cleavage activities of these complexes were studied with supercoiled pUC19 DNA, in the presence of H2O2. GOLD 3.1 program was used to evaluate binding affinities of complexes with human DNA topoisomerase I protein. in vitro cytotoxic and antimicrobial studies revealed higher activity of metal complexes, compared with the ligand.
Preparation and curing behavior of latent 2‐PhIm‐PS microcapsule curing agent for epoxy resin
Authors: Yan Yi , Guo Xu , Li Jinhuan , Zhang Jiaojiao , Li Andong , Ren Linlin , Yu Hongyan
Published: December 2020

A core–shell microcapsule latent epoxy curing agent (2‐PhIm‐PS) is obtained by solvent evaporation method with 2‐phenyl imidazole (2‐PhIm) as the core material and polystyrene (PS) as the wall material. The microcapsule parameters, morphology, structure, curing behavior, and the mechanic properties of cured epoxy resin with this microcapsule latent curing agent were characterized through comparing with 2‐PhIm. The particle size distribution of the microcapsule is narrow, the average particle size is about 10.56 μm, and the core material content is 23%. The prepared 2‐PhIm‐PS microcapsule curing agent has excellent latent curing properties. It can completely cure epoxy resin E‐51 within 10 min at 130°C, and its latent period can be more than 40 days at room temperature. In addition, the curing kinetics of one‐component epoxy resin curing system (E‐51/2‐PhIm‐PS) composed of 2‐PhIm‐PS microcapsules and epoxy resin E‐51 is also studied by using Kissinger equation, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa and Crane formula. The results provide an outline for the evaluation on the applicability of the microcapsule curing agent of 2‐PhIm‐PS for epoxy resin.
FRET‐MC: A fluorescence melting competition assay for studying G4 structures in vitro
Authors: Luo Yu , Granzhan Anton , Verga Daniela , Mergny Jean‐Louis
Published: December 2020

G‐quadruplexes (G4) play crucial roles in biology, analytical chemistry and nanotechnology. The stability of G4 structures is impacted by the number of G‐quartets, the length and positions of loops, flanking motifs, as well as additional structural elements such as bulges, capping base pairs, or triads. Algorithms such as G4Hunter or Quadparser may predict if a given sequence is G4‐prone by calculating a quadruplex propensity score; however, experimental validation is still required. We previously demonstrated that this validation is not always straightforward, and that a combination of techniques is often required to unambiguously establish whether a sequence forms a G‐quadruplex or not. In this article, we adapted the well‐known FRET‐melting assay to characterize G4 in batch, where the sequence to be tested is added, as an unlabeled competitor, to a system composed of a dual‐labeled probe (F21T) and a specific quadruplex ligand. PhenDC3 was preferred over TMPyP4 because of its better selectivity for G‐quadruplexes. In this so‐called FRET‐MC (melting competition) assay, G4‐forming competitors lead to a marked decrease of the ligand‐induced stabilization effect (∆Tm), while non‐specific competitors (e.g., single‐ or double‐stranded sequences) have little effect. Sixty‐five known sequences with different typical secondary structures were used to validate the assay, which was subsequently employed to assess eight novel sequences that were not previously characterized.
Rational Design of Metal–Organic Framework‐Based Materials for Advanced LiS Batteries
Authors: Park Jae Seo , Kim Jae Ho , Yang Seung Jae
Published: December 2020

Metal–organic framework (MOF) and their derivatives have been considered a promising material in the field of energy storage and conversion systems. Their distinct properties, including high porosity, tunable composition, and structure, enable the design of materials with tailored properties for achieving high performance. Lithiumsulfur (LiS) batteries have several issues that prevent their broad application, including the low conductivity of sulfur, presence of soluble intermediates, and slow redox kinetics. MOF‐based materials are a synthetic platform that is well positioned to mitigate these issues. This review highlights three essential function of LiS batteries and classifies recently developed MOF‐based materials with respect to these functions. The design principles identified by such function‐based classification provide guidance and perspective to rationally design MOF‐based materials for advanced LiS batteries.
Amplatzer device closure of femoral pseudoaneurysm after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: An alternative to surgical repair
Authors: Tanseco Kristoffer Vincent , Alsanjari Osama , Cockburn James , Hildick‐Smith David
Published: December 2020

Iatrogenic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm is an infrequent but troublesome complication of vascular access during transcatheter aortic valve implantation. There are non‐invasive, percutaneous and surgical treatment options for management of this complication. This case series report demonstrates a novel technique using an Amplatzer Duct Occluder II closure device to successfully treat iatrogenic common femoral pseudoaneurysm following transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
In vitro estrogenic activity of cereal‐based products: Reliability and relevance considerations
Authors: Fussell Karma C. , Marin‐Kuan Maricel , Scholz Gabriele , Badoud Flavia , Bessaire Thomas , Christinat Nicolas , Ernest Marion , Montoya Parra Gina , Morin‐Rivron Delphine , Poquet Laure , Stroheker Thomas , Schilter Benoît
Published: December 2020

Background and objectives

The presence of endocrine disruptors in food is creating concern, and consequently, efficient methods for their identification are needed. In vitro bioassays have been developed to study endocrine properties of pure chemicals as well as mixtures. Because of their relative ease of execution and low cost, application of such techniques to whole foods is tempting. This raises a number of technical challenges. To address them, a study was commissioned in a contract laboratory offering in vitro estrogenicity testing of food products.

Findings

Four different commercial and regulatory compliant cereal products were sent in blinded triplicates. Some samples were reported to be active by the laboratory. However, the results were not reproducible and very close to the 0% measurable activity. Furthermore, a statistical analysis of the raw data indicated an absence of activity. This was surprising since these products were expected to naturally contain estrogenic compounds such as the phytoestrogens lignans and flavones. However, phytoestrogens in cereals are known to occur mainly in bound, inactive, forms, suggesting that the sample preparation used in the present study was not suitable to release active estrogenic substances. This hypothesis was supported by preliminary data using a high‐resolution mass spectrometry method which did not detect any significant levels of phytoestrogens in the tested cereal extracts.

Conclusions

Using a yeast‐based method, no estrogenic activity was found in breakfast cereals. However, benchmarking the bioassay data against quality criteria raised the question of the qualification of the sample preparation and bioassay used to adequately address estrogenic activity of whole foods.

Significance and novelty

The quality requirements for testing whole food samples were formally addressed. The application of validated and harmonized methods for both sample preparation and bioassay testing is strongly advocated.
Biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate microplastics by bacterial communities from activated sludge
Authors: Torena Patricia , Alvarez‐Cuenca Manuel , Reza Maryam
Published: December 2020

The emerging accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in global waters is of increasing concern and it is posing great health risks to both humans and aquatic species, yet suitable technologies to remove MPs are lacking. The objective of this study was to investigate activated sludge as a source of promising biocatalysts for the removal of MPs in water. Bacterial communities in activated sludge were first screened for their potential to degrade hydrolyzable plastics from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pre‐treated at 100°C for 1 hour. The consortium grew on a mineral medium with PET MPs as the sole carbon and energy source. To further assess its degrading potential, the consortium was put through a standardized CO2 evolution test at a temperature of 30°C, pH 7‐7.5, reactor residence time 168 days, and PET concentration of 2.63 g/L. The biodegradation extent was further validated through assessment of morphological/structural changes on the PET by means of SEM, DSC, FTIR, and viscometry analyses. Upon incubation, the consortium degraded 17% of PET. The molecular weight remained unchanged, reflecting a degradation via surface erosion. Furthermore, the biodegradation was significantly enhanced at high oxygen flow rates. Two bacterial strains within the consortium were isolated and identified as Bacillus cereus SEHD031MH and Agromyces mediolanus PNP3. Both strains thrived when individually cultured with PET while only B. cereus showed enzymatic activity during a clear‐zone test. The examined bacterial strains possess a promising PET‐degrading activity that can be further investigated and applied to the elimination of MPs water/wastewater through innovative and effective technologies.
The impact of smoking on radical cystectomy complications increases in elderly patients
Authors: Haeuser Lorine , Marchese Maya , Schrag Deborah , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Chang Steven L. , Kibel Adam S. , Gore John L. , Noldus Joachim , Mossanen Matthew
Published: December 2020

Background

Smoking, the most common risk factor for bladder cancer (BC), is associated with increased complications after radical cystectomy (RC), poorer oncologic outcomes, and higher mortality. The authors hypothesized that the effect of smoking on the probability of major complications increases with increasing age among patients who undergo RC.

Methods

The authors analyzed the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2011‐2017), identified all patients undergoing RC using Current Procedural Terminology codes, and formed two groups according to smoking status (active smoker and nonsmoker [included former and never‐smokers]). Patient characteristics and 30‐day postoperative complications using the Clavien‐Dindo Classification (CDC) were assessed. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed that included age, sex, race, body mass index, operative time, comorbidities, chemotherapy status, and type of diversion with major complications (CDC ≥III) as the outcome variable, and explored the interaction between age and smoking status.

Results

A total of 10,528 patients underwent RC, including 22.8% who were active smokers. The authors identified an interaction between age and smoking status (P = .045). Older patients were found to experience a stronger smoking effect than younger patients with regard to the probability of major complications. The risk of a major complication was the same for 50‐year‐old nonsmokers and smokers, but it increased from 17.8% to 21.7% for 70‐year‐old nonsmokers and smokers, respectively (P < .001).

Conclusions

Up to 20% of patients who undergo RC are active smokers, and these individuals have an increased risk of major complications. The effect of smoking is stronger with increasing age; the difference with regard to complications for smokers versus nonsmokers was found to increase substantially, wherein older smokers are at an especially high risk of complications.
ESCCA/ISCCA protocol for the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid by multiparametric flow‐cytometry in hematological malignancies
Authors: Del Principe Maria Ilaria , Gatti Arianna , Johansson Ulrika , Buccisano Francesco , Brando Bruno
Published: December 2020

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is a serious but often underdiagnosed complication of hematological malignancies. Currently, the gold standard to detect CNS involvement is conventional cytology (CC) whose sensitivity though is lower than 50%. Multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) demonstrated a superior sensitivity over CC, particularly when low levels of CNS infiltrating cells are present. Although prospective studies are few, a positive finding by MFC appears to anticipate an adverse outcome even if CC shows no infiltration. However, the use of MFC to diagnose CNS involvement presents some pitfalls, due to the typical hypocellularity of cerebrospinal fluids (CSF), and low cell vitality. Furthermore, the threshold to be used for defining the MFC positivity is not universally defined. In this paper, a working group of the European Society for Clinical Cell Analysis—ESCCA—and the Italian Society for Clinical Cell Analysis—ISCCA—will discuss the critical aspects of CSF processing, highlighting difficulties in storage and processing of samples, interpretation and reporting of data.
The Drosophila E78 nuclear receptor regulates dietary triglyceride uptake and systemic lipid levels
Authors: Praggastis Sophia A. , Lam Geanette , Horner Michael A. , Nam Hyuck‐Jin , Thummel Carl S.
Published: December 2020

Background

Lipid levels are maintained by balancing lipid uptake, synthesis, and mobilization. Although many studies have focused on the control of lipid synthesis and mobilization, less is known about the regulation of lipid digestion and uptake.

Results

Here we show that the Drosophila E78A nuclear receptor plays a central role in intestinal lipid homeostasis through regulation of the CG17192 digestive lipase. E78A mutant adults fail to maintain proper systemic lipid levels following eclosion, with this effect largely restricted to the intestine. Transcriptional profiling by RNA‐seq revealed a candidate gene for mediating this effect, encoding the predicted adult intestinal lipase CG17192. Intestine‐specific disruption of CG17192 results in reduced lipid levels similar to that seen in E78A mutants. In addition, dietary supplementation with free fatty acids, or intestine‐specific expression of either E78A or CG17192, is sufficient to restore lipid levels in E78A mutant adults.

Conclusion

These studies support the model that E78A is a central regulator of adult lipid homeostasis through its effects on CG17192 expression and lipid digestion. This work also provides new insights into the control of intestinal lipid uptake and demonstrate that nuclear receptors can play an important role in these pathways.
Long‐term dynamics of a cladoceran community from an early stage of lake formation in Lake Fukami‐ike, Japan
Authors: Otake Yurie , Ohtsuki Hajime , Urabe Jotaro , Kimura Shigeko , Yamada Kazuyoshi , Yoshida Takehito
Published: December 2020

An increase in nutrient levels due to eutrophication has considerable effects on lake ecosystems. Cladocerans are intermediate consumers in lake ecosystems; thus, they are influenced by both the bottom‐up and top‐down effects that occur as eutrophication progresses. The long‐term community succession of cladocerans and the effects cladocerans experience through the various eutrophication stages have rarely been investigated from the perspective of the early‐stage cladoceran community assemblage during lake formation. In our research, long‐term cladoceran community succession was examined via paleolimnological analysis in the currently eutrophic Lake Fukami‐ike, Japan. We measured the concentration of total phosphorus and phytoplankton pigments and counted cladoceran and other invertebrate subfossils in all layers of collected sediment cores, and then assessed changes in the factors controlling the cladoceran community over a 354‐year period from lake formation to the present. The cladoceran community consisted only of benthic taxa at the time of lake formation. When rapid eutrophication occurred and phytoplankton increased, the benthic community was replaced by a pelagic community. After further eutrophication, large Daphnia and high‐order consumers became established. The statistical analysis suggested that bottom‐up effects mainly controlled the cladoceran community in the lake's early stages, and the importance of top‐down effects increased after eutrophication occurred. Total phosphorus and phytoplankton pigments had positive effects on pelagic Bosmina, leading to the replacement of the benthic cladoceran community by the pelagic one. In contrast, the taxa established posteutrophication were affected more by predators than by nutrient levels. A decrease in planktivorous fish possibly allowed large Daphnia to establish, and the subsequent increase in planktivorous fish reduced the body size of the cladoceran community.
Body mass data set for 1,317 bird and 270 mammal species from Colombia
Authors: Ocampo David , Borja‐Acosta Kevin G. , Lozano‐Flórez Julián , Cifuentes‐Acevedo Sebastián , Arbeláez‐Cortés Enrique , Bayly Nicholas J. , Caguazango Ángela , Coral‐Jaramillo Brayan , Cueva Diego , Forero Fernando , Gómez Juan P. , Gómez Camila , Loaiza‐Muñoz Mario A. , Londoño Gustavo A. , Losada‐Prado Sergio , Pérez‐Peña Sebastián , Ramírez‐Chaves Héctor E. , Rodríguez‐Posada Miguel E. , Sanabria‐Mejía Jeyson , Sánchez‐Martínez Manuel , Serrano‐Cardozo Víctor Hugo , Sierra‐Buitrago M. Socorro , Soto‐Patiño Juliana , Acevedo‐Charry Orlando
Published: December 2020

Body mass is one of the most important phenotypic attributes in animal ecology and life history. This trait is widely used in the fields of ecology and macroevolution, since it influences physiology, morphological functions, and a myriad of ecological and social interactions. In this data set, our aim was to gather a comprehensive bird and mammal body mass data set from northern South America. We report body mass, discriminated by sex, for 42,022 individual birds and 7,441 mammals representing 1,317 bird species (69% of Colombia’s avifauna) and 270 mammal species (51% of Colombian mammals) from the Neotropics. The data were sourced from vouchers collected between 1942 and 2020 and from individuals captured and released at banding stations over the last two decades for birds (2000–2020) and the last decade for mammals (2010–2020), by 10 research groups and institutions in Colombia. This data set fills gaps identified in other similar databases, as it focuses on northern South America, a highly diverse Neotropical region often underrepresented in morphological data sets. We provide wide taxonomic coverage for studies interested in information both at regional and local scales. There are no copyright restrictions; the present data paper should be appropriately cited when data are used for publication. The authors would appreciate learning about research projects, teaching exercises, and other uses given to this data set and are open to contribute in further collaborations using these data.
Nutritional composition and antinutrient content of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham. & Schltdl. leaves: An underutilized wild vegetable
Authors: Abifarin Taiwo Oluwafunmilola , Otunola Gloria Aderonke , Afolayan Anthony Jide
Published: December 2020

The nutritional and antinutrient composition of Heteromorpha arborescens (Spreng.) Cham. & Schltdl. leaves was reported in this study. Proximate analysis revealed the presence of 8.5% total ash, 4.92% crude fat, 8.41% moisture, 15.74% crude protein, 21.48% crude fiber, 40.95% carbohydrates, and 271.04 kcal/100 g energy value. Mineral analysis showed that H. arborescens leaves are very rich in K, Ca, and Fe. Considerable amounts of Mg, Mn, Na, P, Cu, and Zn were also present. Vitamin analysis showed that the plant has a high content of vitamins A, C, and E. The antinutrients evaluated were phytate, oxalate, saponin, and alkaloids, all of which were below toxic levels except for saponin which was observed at moderately high level. The results credibly indicate that H. arborescens leaves are nutrient‐rich and can contribute effectively to the daily nutrient requirements alongside its therapeutic properties.
Effect of Plantago ovata Forsk seed mucilage on survivability of Lactobacillus acidophilus, physicochemical and sensory attributes of produced low‐fat set yoghurt
Authors: Mehrinejad Choobari Seyedeh Zahra , Sari Abbas Ali , Daraei Garmakhany Amir
Published: December 2020

Nowadays, consumers’ attention to the functional foods has increased significantly. In this study, the effect of different concentration (0.5, 1, and 2%) of P.ovata Forsk seed mucilage (PFM) on survivability of L.acidophilus, physicochemical, and sensory attributes of produced low‐fat yoghurt were investigated in 0, 7, 14, and 21 days of storage period. Results showed that at the beginning of the storage period, the number of L.acidophilus in yoghurt samples containing PFM was significantly higher than control sample. The highest number of L.Acidophilus was observed in yoghurt sample contain 2% PFM (6.68 log CFU/g) on the first day of storage period. The lowest decrease of L.Acidophilus (0.2 log CFU/g) was observed in the sample contain 2% PFM. Treatments containing PFM had lower pH and higher acidity than the control sample. Addition of PFM to the yoghurt samples increased water holding capacity (WHC) during storage period significantly while syneresis decreased. The highest WHC (89%) and the lowest syneresis (6%) were observed in yoghurt sample containing 2% PFM. Sensory evaluation results showed that the treatments containing PFM were not significantly different in taste, but the probiotic yogurt containing 1% PFM had the highest acceptability in terms of total appearance and texture. Evaluation of L, a, and b values indicated that yoghurt sample containing 2% PFM was significantly lower in L and b values and higher in a value than the control sample. Therefore, using P.ovata Forsk seed mucilage in yoghurt sample formulation improved the physicochemical attributes and probiotic survivability of produced yoghurt sample.