bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eligible Non-participation in Canadian Social Welfare Programs
Authors: Ben-Ishai Stephanie , Robson Jennifer , Schwartz Saul
Published: October 2020

To be effective in meeting their policy or political goals, social programs must reach the intended target groups. Many social programs, however, have low take-up rates. We examine three illustrative federal programs targeted to lower income Canadians and note that efforts by government agencies to serve all they intend to serve vary considerably.

In this paper we discuss the sources of eligible non-participation and present estimates of its extent. We point out that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) plays a critical role in all three Canadian social welfare programs. We find that the legislative framework governing the CRA may be at odds with the mandate given to the Minister of National Revenue to improve access to federal benefits. While automatic enrolment emerges as the preferred approach to improving take-up of benefits, we also consider alternate approaches, including information campaigns, the use of technology, and a role for third party intermediaries.
Existence results for a sublinear second order Dirichlet boundary value problem on the half-line
Authors: Bouafia Dahmane , Moussaoui Toufik
Published: October 2020

In this paper we study the existence of nontrivial solutions for a boundary value problem on the half-line, where the nonlinear term is sublinear, by using Ekeland's variational principle and critical point theory.
On 2-rainbow domination number of functigraph and its complement
Authors: Shaminezhad Athena , Vatandoost Ebrahim
Published: October 2020

Let \(G\) be a graph and \(f:V (G)\rightarrow P(\{1,2\})\) be a function where for every vertex \(v\in V(G)\), with \(f(v)=\emptyset\) we have \(\bigcup_{u\in N_{G}(v)} f(u)=\{1,2\}\). Then \(f\) is a \(2\)-rainbow dominating function or a \(2RDF\) of \(G\). The weight of \(f\) is \(\omega(f)=\sum_{v\in V(G)} |f(v)|\). The minimum weight of all \(2\)-rainbow dominating functions is \(2\)-rainbow domination number of \(G\), denoted by \(\gamma_{r2}(G)\). Let \(G_1\) and \(G_2\) be two copies of a graph G with disjoint vertex sets \(V(G_1)\) and \(V(G_2)\), and let \(\sigma\) be a function from \(V(G_1)\) to \(V(G_2)\). We define the functigraph \(C(G,\sigma)\) to be the graph that has the vertex set \(V(C(G,\sigma)) = V(G_1)\cup V(G_2)\), and the edge set \(E(C(G,\sigma)) = E(G_1)\cup E(G_2 \cup \{uv ; u\in V(G_1), v\in V(G_2), v =\sigma(u)\}\). In this paper, \(2\)-rainbow domination number of the functigraph of \(C(G,\sigma)\) and its complement are investigated. We obtain a general bound for \(\gamma_{r2}(C(G,\sigma))\) and we show that this bound is sharp.
Social dominance mediates behavioral adaptation to chronic stress in a sex-specific manner
Authors: Karamihalev Stoyo , Brivio Elena , Flachskamm Cornelia , Stoffel Rainer , Schmidt Mathias V , Chen Alon
Published: October 2020

Sex differences and social context independently contribute to the development of stress-related disorders. However, less is known about how their interplay might influence behavior and physiology. Here we focused on social hierarchy status, a major component of the social environment in mice, and whether it influences behavioral adaptation to chronic stress in a sex-specific manner. We used a high-throughput automated behavioral monitoring system to assess social dominance in same-sex, group-living mice. We found that position in the social hierarchy at baseline was a significant predictor of multiple behavioral outcomes following exposure to chronic stress. Crucially, this association carried opposite consequences for the two sexes. This work demonstrates the importance of recognizing the interplay between sex and social factors and enhances our understating of how individual differences shape the stress response.
More-than-human perspectives in understanding embodied learning
Authors: Fredriksen Biljana Culibrk
Published: October 2020

Abilities to learn through embodied interactions with environments are biologically imprinted in both humans and many other species in order to preserve survival of the species. By combining data from studies with young children’s and a foal’s (a newborn horse’s) experiential learning, the author shows how both humans and other-than-human learn thought self-initiated actions, embodied intra-action with their environments and considerate choices of action. The article suggests that a justification of embodied learning as crucial for survival across species could motivate deconstruction of dualisms between embodied and verbal, between human and other-than-human, and promote more holistic understanding of learning. In the times of emerging ecological challenges, embodied forms learning can cultivate ecological awareness and provide conditions for education for ecological sustainability.
Editorial
Authors: Groth Camilla , Riis Kirstine , Sørebø Gulliksen Marte
Published: October 2020

This special issue on embodied making and learning is dedicated to aspects of embodied cognition that goes on in the field of art, craft and design. The contributors to this issue were invited from the Embodied Making and Learning (EMAL) research group at the University of South-Eastern Norway, where aspects of learning in creative practices have been studied from many different angles throughout the institutions nearly 80 years existence, and amplified since the formation of the group in 2014. With its 50 members, divided into five thematic clusters related to embodied making and learning, this research group is one of the largest in the field. It involves both experienced and early career researchers, as well as experienced university teachers, from several disciplines.
The Dingo as a management tool on a beef cattle enterprise in western Queensland
Authors: Emmott Angus
Published: October 2020

The advantages of maintaining Dingoes as a management tool on a beef cattle enterprise in western Queensland are discussed. As elsewhere Dingoes reduce kangaroo and feral pig populations and eradicate feral goats. This is of significant economic importance to our family business. As a cattle producer interested in sustainability nationally, I am concerned that the current research and public debate fail to discuss the economic and environmental benefits of maintaining Dingo populations.
Association of serum Apolipoprotein B with cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of Alzheimer’s pathology
Authors: Hu Hao , Tan Lan , Bi Yan‐Lin , Xu Wei , Tan Lin , Shen Xue‐Ning , Hou Xiao‐He , Ma Ya‐Hui , Dong Qiang , Yu Jin‐Tai
Published: October 2020

Objective

To examine whether apolipoprotein B (ApoB), apolipoprotein A‐1 (ApoA1), or their ratio (ApoB/A1) were associated with early changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology in elderly adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD).

Methods

This study included 507 objective cognitive normal participants from the Chinese Alzheimer’s Biomarker and LifestylE (CABLE) database including 288 cognitive normal participants (CN) and 219 SCD. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the associations of apolipoproteins with CSF AD biomarkers.

Results

Compared with control group, SCD participants with significant AD biological characteristics had lower ApoB levels (P = 0.0461). In total participants, lower level of serum ApoB was associated with decreases in CSF Aβ42 (P = 0.0015) and Aβ42/40 (P = 0.0081) as well as increases in CSF p‐tau/Aβ42 (P < 0.0001) and t‐tau/Aβ42 (P = 0.0013), independent of APOEɛ4 status. In further subgroup analysis, these associations were more significant in SCD participants (ApoB × Diagnose: P < 0.05). In addition, lower levels of ApoB were also found associated with increases in p‐tau in the SCD subgroup (P = 0.0263). Furthermore, these protective associations were more significant in the overweight participants (ApoB × weight: P < 0.05). Results showed no association between ApoA1 and CSF biomarkers.

Interpretation

This study is the first to find protective associations of serum ApoB with CSF AD core biomarkers, especially in SCD individuals. It indicated that ApoB may be a potential biomarker for preclinical AD and may play different roles in different stages of AD.
Synergistic Effect of Excited State Property and Aggregation Characteristic of Organic Semiconductor on Efficient Hole‐Transportation in Perovskite Device
Authors: Jo Bonghyun , Park Hansol , Kamaraj Eswaran , Lee Sewook , Jung Bumho , Somasundaram Sivaraman , Jeon Gyeong G. , Lee Kyu‐Tae , Kim Namdoo , Kim Jong H. , Kim Bong‐Gi , Ahn Tae Kyu , Park Sanghyuk , Park Hui Joon
Published: October 2020

Intrinsic characteristics of organic semiconductor‐based hole transport materials (HTMs) such as facile synthesizability, energy level tunability, and charge transport capability have been highlighted as crucial factors determining the performances of perovskite photovoltaic (PV) cells. However, their properties in the excited state have not been actively studied, although PVs are operated under solar illumination. Here, the characteristics of organic HTMs in their excited state such as transition dipole moment can be a decisive factor that can improve built‐in potential of PVs, consequently enhancing their charge extraction property as well as reducing carrier recombination. Moreover, the aggregation property of organic semiconductors, which has been an essential factor for high‐performance organic HTMs to improve their carrier transport property, can induce a synergistic effect with their excited state property for the high‐efficiency perovskite PVs. Additionally, it is also confirmed that their optical bandgaps, manipulated to have their absorption in the UV region, are beneficial to block UV light that degrades the quality of perovskite, consequently improving the stability of perovskite PV in p–i–n configuration. As a proof‐of‐concept, a model system, composed of triarylamine and imidazole‐based organic HTMs, is designed, and it is believed that this strategy paves a way toward high‐performance and stable perovskite PV devices.
Historical Analysis of High‐Efficiency, Large‐Area Solar Cells: Toward Upscaling of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lee Sang‐Won , Bae Soohyun , Kim Donghwan , Lee Hae‐Seok
Published: October 2020

The status and problems of upscaling research on perovskite solar cells, which must be addressed for commercialization efforts to be successful, are investigated. An 804 cm2 perovskite solar module has been reported with 17.9% efficiency, which is significantly lower than the champion perovskite solar cell efficiency of 25.2% reported for a 0.09 cm2 aperture area. For the realization of upscaling high‐quality perovskite solar cells, the upscaling and development history of conventional silicon, copper indium gallium sulfur/selenide and CdTe solar cells, which are already commercialized with modules of sizes up to ≈25 000 cm2, are reviewed. GaAs, organic, dye‐sensitized solar cells and perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells are also reviewed. The similarities of the operating mechanisms between the various solar cells and the origin of different development pathway are investigated, and the ideal upscaling direction of perovskite solar cells is subsequently proposed. It is believed that lessons learned from the historical analysis of various solar cells provide a fundamental diagnosis of relative and absolute development status of perovskite solar cells. The unique perspective proposed here can pave the way toward the upscaling of perovskite solar cells.
Organic Semiconductor–DNA Hybrid Assemblies
Authors: Cui Chunzhi , Park Dong Hyuk , Ahn Dong June
Published: October 2020

Organic semiconductors are photonic and electronic materials with high luminescence, quantum efficiency, color tunability, and size‐dependent optoelectronic properties. The self‐assembly of organic molecules enables the establishment of a fabrication technique for organic micro‐ and nano‐architectures with well‐defined shapes, tunable sizes, and defect‐free structures. DNAs, a class of biomacromolecules, have recently been used as an engineering material capable of intricate nanoscale structuring while simultaneously storing biological genetic information. Here, the up‐to‐date research on hybrid materials made from organic semiconductors and DNAs is presented. The trends in photonic and electronic phenomena discovered in DNA‐functionalized and DNA‐driven organic semiconductor hybrids, comprising small molecules and polymers, are observed. Various hybrid forms of solutions, arrayed chips, nanowires, and crystalline particles are discussed, focusing on the role of DNA in the hybrids. Furthermore, the recent technical advances achieved in the integration of DNAs in light‐emitting devices, transistors, waveguides, sensors, and biological assays are presented. DNAs not only serve as a recognizing element in organic‐semiconductor‐based sensors, but also as an active charge‐control material in high‐performance optoelectronic devices.
Highly Ordered BN⊥–BN⊥ Stacking Structure for Improved Thermally Conductive Polymer Composites
Authors: Ghosh Barun , Xu Fang , Grant David M. , Giangrande Paolo , Gerada Chris , George Michael W. , Hou Xianghui
Published: October 2020

The substantial heat generation in modern electronic devices is one of the major issues requiring efficient thermal management. This work demonstrates a novel concept for the design of thermally conducting networks inside a polymer matrix for the development of highly thermally conductive composites. Highly ordered hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) structures are obtained utilizing a freeze‐casting method. These structures are then thermally sintered to get a continuous network of BN⊥–BN⊥ of high thermal conductivity in which a polymer matrix can be impregnated, enabling a directional and thermally conducting composite. The highest achieved thermal conductivity (K) is 4.38 W m−1 K−1 with a BN loading of 32 vol%. The effect of sintering temperatures on the K of the composite is investigated to optimize connectivity and thermal pathways while maintaining an open structure (porosity ≈ 2.7%). The composites also maintain good electrical insulation (volume resistivity ≈ 1014 Ω cm). This new approach of thermally sintering BN⊥–BN⊥ aligned structures opens up a new avenue for the design and preparation of filler alignment in polymer‐based composites for improving the thermal conductivity while maintaining high electrical resistance, which is a topic of interest in electronic packaging and power electronics applications.
Coupled Agricultural Subsidies in the EU Undermine Climate Efforts
Authors: Jansson Torbjörn , Nordin Ida , Wilhelmsson Fredrik , Witzke Peter , Manevska‐Tasevska Gordana , Weiss Franz , Gocht Alexander
Published: October 2020

Subsidizing polluting industries generally leads to increased pollution locally. However, given the diversity of production technologies across countries and international trade, the global impact of unilateral policies is not a priori clear. We use the agricultural sector model CAPRI to simulate the impact of removing the voluntary coupled support for ruminants, presently permitted under the EU Common Agricultural Policy. We find that this reduces greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. However, emissions leakage significantly diminishes the global mitigation effect since about 3/4 of the reduction in the EU is offset by increased emissions in the rest of the world.
JAAM nationwide survey on the response to the first wave of COVID‐19 in Japan. Part II: how did medical institutions overcome the first wave and how should they prepare for the future?
Authors: Oda Jun , Muguruma Takashi , Matsuyama Shigenari , Tanabe Seizan , Nishimura Tetsuro , Sugawara Yoko , Ogura Shinji
Published: October 2020

Aim

To investigate and clarify the surge capacity of staff/equipment/space, and patient outcome in the first wave of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) in Japan.

Methods

We analyzed questionnaire data from the end of May 2020 from 180 hospitals (total of 102,578 beds) with acute medical centers.

Results

A total of 4,938 hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 were confirmed. Of 1,100 severe COVID‐19 inpatients, 112 remained hospitalized and 138 died. There were 4,852 patients presumed to be severe COVID‐19 patients who were confirmed later to be not infected. Twenty‐seven hospitals (15% of 180 hospitals) converted their intensive care unit (ICU) to a unit for COVID‐19 patients only, and 107 (59%) had to manage both severe COVID‐19 patients and others in the same ICU. Restriction of ICU admission occurred in one of the former 27 hospitals and 21 of the latter 107 hospitals. Shortage of N95 masks was the most serious concern regarding personal protective equipment. As for issues that raised ICU bed occupancy, difficulty undertaking or progressing rehabilitation for severe patients (42%), and the improved patients (28%), long‐lasting severely ill patients (36%), and unclear isolation criteria (34%) were mentioned. Many acute medicine physicians assisted regional governmental agencies, functioning as advisors and volunteer coordinators.

Conclusion

The mortality rate of COVID‐19 in this study was 4.1% of all hospitalized patients and 12.5% (one in eight) severe patients. The hospitals with dedicated COVID‐19 ICUs accepted more patients with severe COVID‐19 and had lower ICU admission restrictions, which could be helpful as a strategy in the next pandemic.
Light‐Controlled Cell‐Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis
Authors: Uhl Edgar , Wolff Friederike , Mangal Sriyash , Dube Henry , Zanin Esther
Published: October 2020

Cell‐cycle interference by small molecules has widely been used to study fundamental biological mechanisms and to treat a great variety of diseases, most notably cancer. However, at present only limited possibilities exist for spatio‐temporal control of the cell cycle. Here we report on a photocaging strategy to reversibly arrest the cell cycle at metaphase or induce apoptosis using blue‐light irradiation. The versatile proteasome inhibitor MG132 is photocaged directly at the reactive aldehyde function effectively masking its biological activity. Upon irradiation reversible cell‐cycle arrest in the metaphase is demonstrated to take place in vivo. Similarly, apoptosis can efficiently be induced by irradiation of human cancer cells. With the developed photopharmacological approach spatio‐temporal control of the cell cycle is thus enabled with very high modulation, as caged MG132 shows no effect on proliferation in the dark. In addition, full compatibility of photo‐controlled uncaging with dynamic microscopy techniques in vivo is demonstrated. This visible‐light responsive tool should be of great value for biological as well as medicinal approaches in need of high‐precision targeting of the proteasome and thereby the cell cycle and apoptosis.
The high biodiversity and vulnerability of two Mediterranean bathyal seamounts support the need for creating offshore protected areas
Authors: Bo Marzia , Coppari Martina , Betti Federico , Enrichetti Francesco , Bertolino Marco , Massa Francesco , Bava Simone , Gay Guido , Cattaneo‐Vietti Riccardo , Bavestrello Giorgio
Published: October 2020

Seamounts host some of the most important deep‐sea ecosystems. The unique environmental characteristics of seamounts sustain rich biological hot spots, which, in recent times, have suffered the effects of intense fishing pressure.

Biodiversity and vulnerability data are extremely scarce for Mediterranean seamounts, and this, in addition to the complex socio‐economic and juridical status of offshore sites, results in difficulty in identifying the best management strategies.

An extensive remotely operated vehicle (ROV) survey was used to characterize the megabenthic assemblages of the summits of two upper bathyal seamounts, Ulisse and Penelope (Ligurian Sea, north‐west Mediterranean Sea). The biogeographic implications of these findings and the possible environmental factors favouring the occurrence of these communities are discussed.

High densities of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear (mainly longlines) and a reduction in the average size of the fragile and slow‐growing habitat‐forming gorgonian Callogorgia verticillata indicate the occurrence of high levels of anthropogenic impacts on the summit regions, which are fishing grounds for artisanal and recreational fishers.

The recovery of fishing data describing the first catches in the 1970s proved to be useful in inferring the short‐ and long‐term effects of fishing practices in these previously unexploited offshore areas. In particular, the local extinction of demersal top predators, subjected to exceptional catches nearly 50 years ago, highlights the slow recovery rate of such species.

Criteria defining vulnerability are discussed for the two study areas, and specific conservation actions, including the creation of regulated protected areas, are proposed.
Changes in histidine decarboxylase expression influence extramedullary hematopoiesis in postnatal mice
Authors: Otsuka Hirotada , Endo Yasuo , Ohtsu Hiroshi , Inoue Satoshi , Kuraoka Mutsuki , Koh Miki , Yagi Hideki , Nakamura Masanori , Soeta Satoshi
Published: October 2020

Histidine decarboxylase (HDC), histamine synthase, is expressed in hematopoietic stem cells and in lineage‐committed progenitors in the bone marrow (BM). However, the role of histamine in hematopoiesis is not well described. To evaluate the role of histamine in hematopoiesis, we analyzed the changes in HDC expression at hematopoietic sites, the BM, spleen, and liver of 2‐, 3‐, and 6‐week‐old wild‐type mice. We also performed morphological analyses of the hematopoietic sites using HDC‐deficient (HDC‐KO) mice. In wild‐type adults, HDC expression in the BM was higher than that in the spleen and liver and showed an age‐dependent increase. Histological analysis showed no significant change in the adult BM and spleen of HDC‐KO mice compared to wild‐type mice. In the liver, HDC expression was temporarily increased at 3 weeks and decreased at 6 weeks of age. Morphological analysis of the liver revealed more numerous hematopoietic colonies and megakaryocytes in HDC‐KO mice compared to wild‐type mice at 2 and 3 weeks of age, whereas no changes were observed in adults. Most of these hematopoietic colonies consisted of B220‐positive B‐lymphocytes and TER119‐positive erythroblasts and were positive for the cell proliferation marker PCNA. Notably, these hematopoietic colonies declined in HDC‐KO mice upon N‐acetyl histamine treatment. A significant increase in the expression of hematopoiesis‐related cytokines, Il3, Il7, Epo, Gcsf, and Cxcl12 mRNA was observed in the liver of 3‐week‐old HDC‐KO mice compared to wild‐type mice. These results suggest that histamine‐deficiency may maintain an microenvironment suitable for hematopoiesis by regulating hematopoiesis‐related cytokine expression in the liver of postnatal mice.
MicroRNA‐34a‐5p Promotes Joint Destruction During Osteoarthritis
Authors: Endisha Helal , Datta Poulami , Sharma Anirudh , Nakamura Sayaka , Rossomacha Evgeny , Younan Carolen , Ali Shabana A. , Tavallaee Ghazaleh , Lively Starlee , Potla Pratibha , Shestopaloff Konstantin , Rockel Jason S. , Krawetz Roman , Mahomed Nizar N. , Jurisica Igor , Gandhi Rajiv , Kapoor Mohit
Published: October 2020

Objective

MicroRNA‐34a‐5p (miR‐34a‐5p) expression is elevated in the synovial fluid of patients with late‐stage knee osteoarthritis (OA); however, its exact role and therapeutic potential in OA remain to be fully elucidated. This study was undertaken to examine the role of miR‐34a‐5p in OA pathogenesis.

Methods

Expression of miR‐34a‐5p was determined in joint tissues and human plasma (n = 71). Experiments using miR‐34a‐5p mimic or antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) treatment were performed in human OA chondrocytes, fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) (n = 7–9), and mouse OA models, including destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM; n = 22) and the accelerated, more severe model of mice fed a high‐fat diet and subjected to DMM (n = 11). Wild‐type (WT) mice (n = 9) and miR‐34a–knockout (KO) mice (n = 11) were subjected to DMM. Results were expressed as the mean ± SEM and analyzed by t‐test or analysis of variance, with appropriate post hoc tests. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. RNA sequencing was performed on WT and KO mouse chondrocytes.

Results

Expression of miR‐34a‐5p was significantly increased in the plasma, cartilage, and synovium of patients with late‐stage OA and in the cartilage and synovium of mice subjected to DMM. Plasma miR‐34a‐5p expression was significantly increased in obese patients with late‐stage OA, and in the plasma and knee joints of mice fed a high‐fat diet. In human OA chondrocytes and FLS, miR‐34a‐5p mimic increased key OA pathology markers, while miR‐34a‐5p ASO improved cellular gene expression. Intraarticular miR‐34a‐5p mimic injection induced an OA‐like phenotype. Conversely, miR‐34a‐5p ASO injection imparted cartilage‐protective effects in the DMM and high‐fat diet/DMM models. The miR‐34a–KO mice exhibited protection against DMM‐induced cartilage damage. RNA sequencing of WT and KO chondrocytes revealed a putative miR‐34a‐5p signaling network.

Conclusion

Our findings provide comprehensive evidence of the role and therapeutic potential of miR‐34a‐5p in OA.
Activatable Off‐on Near‐Infrared QCy7‐based Fluorogenic Probes for Bioimaging
Authors: Chen Xueqian , Bian Yongning , Li Mingrui , Zhang Yong , Gao Xueyun , Su Dongdong
Published: October 2020

The activatable off‐on near‐infrared QCy7‐based fluorogenic probes have emerged as powerful modalities for detecting and monitoring biological analytes and understanding their biological processes in cells and organisms. The use of biomarker‐activated QCy7‐based probes enables simple synthesis, minimum photo‐damage to biological samples, and minimum background interference from biological systems. In this minireview, we aim to provide a rigorous but concise overview of activatable QCy7‐based fluorogenic probes by reporting the significant progress made in recent years. The design strategies and the main applications of accurate detection and imaging of disease‐related biomarkers (including ROS/RSS, enzymes, metal ions, and other related species) were reasonably analyzed and discussed. The potential challenges and prospects of activatable QCy7‐based fluorogenic probes are also emphasized to further advance the development of new methods for biomarker detection and bioimaging.
Isotope Labeling of N‐linked Glycans by Transglycosylation of Endo‐M and Isotopic Glucose for Quantitative Glycomics
Authors: Jeong Su‐Hee , Lim Jae‐Min
Published: October 2020

To understand the biological relevance of glycans, many mass spectrometry (MS)‐based methods have been developed for the relative quantification of N‐linked glycans using stable isotopic labeling. The increasing demand for the simultaneous comparative quantification of N‐linked glycans for samples of various biological conditions is a new challenge for MS. We proposed a novel relative quantitative glycomics that enzymatically incorporates isotope‐labeled glucose into N‐linked glycans through transglycosylation of endo‐β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase M (Endo‐M) and isotope‐labeled glucose. Newly incorporated normal (light) and isotope‐labeled (heavy) N‐linked glycans were synthesized using the same known concentration of sialyglycopeptide, and their relative quantitative properties were realized from the duplex mass spectrum. In addition, the dynamic range and accuracy of the relative quantification were shown with light and heavy N‐linked glycans for sialyglycopeptide at a constant concentration ratio.
Continuous Multistep Encapsulation Process for the Generation of Multiple Emulsions
Authors: Luhede Laura , Besser Benjamin , Schumacher Daniel , Wilhelm Michaela , Fritsching Udo
Published: October 2020

Multiple emulsions (ME) are of interest as carrier of active ingredients that can be released in a controlled way. ME are thermodynamically unstable with a strong tendency to coalesce or flocculate, resulting in a complex emulsion generation and stabilization process. Typical encapsulation procedures utilize individual batch operation steps for the ME production. In this work, a multistep membrane encapsulation process is proposed to allow the generation of ME in a continuous shear‐sensitive processing through different membrane stages. The stages combine the premix generation, followed by the internal phase production, and the final ME encapsulation step. For each step, a tailored membrane with different surface properties is used and combined into the continuous process.
Extraction of Oxidative Enzymes from Green Tea Leaves and Optimization of Extraction Conditions
Authors: Koohi Saleh , Nasernejad Bahram , Zare Masoud Habibi , Elahifard Maryam , Shirazian Saeed , Ghadiri Mahdi
Published: October 2020

Oxidative enzymes, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD), were extracted from tea leaves and their activities were assessed. The Taguchi approach was used for the design, optimization, and statistical analysis of PPO and POD extraction. It was found that PPO and POD have the highest activity at an extraction temperature of 50 °C, at pH = 9 and 5 for PPO and POD, respectively, a buffer solution concentration of 0.05 M, a buffer solution/tea leaves ratio of 3, a contact time of 2 min, and in the presence of 6 % polyvinylpyrrolidone and 5 % Tween® 80. The highest activities were 0.380 and 0.022 U mL−1 for PPO and POD, respectively. Furthermore, PPO was completely inactivated after 30 min at 40 and 60 °C. In contrast, POD lost only 40 % of its activity after 30 min at 40 and 60 °C.
Single‐Electron Transfer Reactions Enabled by N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Organocatalysis
Authors: Li Qing‐Zhu , Zeng Rong , Han Bo , Li Jun‐Long
Published: October 2020

Over the past decades, N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalysis has undergone a flourish of development on the basis of closed‐shell reaction paths. By contrast, the emerging area of single‐electron transfer (SET) reactions enabled by NHC catalysis still remain underdeveloped, but offer plenty of opportunities to develop new catalytic modes and useful synthetic methods. A number of interesting transformations were triggered by the SET process from the electron‐rich Breslow intermediates to various single‐electron acceptors. In additions, recent studies revealed that the Breslow radical cations could also be generated by single‐electron reduction of the electron‐deficient acyl azolium intermediates. These discoveries open a new avenue for NHC organocatalysis to harness radical reactions. The present review will focus on the exciting advancements in the dynamic area of radical NHC organocatalysis.
All‐in‐one
Authors: Silva Susanne
Published: October 2020

Der Ventilus Pilot ist eine All‐in‐one‐Lösung sowohl für Labor und kleinere Chargengrößen. Sie erleichtert mit nur einer Sprühdüse die Durchführung von Scale‐up‐Prozessen.
Energiesparer
Authors: Rockmann Ina
Published: October 2020

Leckagen im Druckluftsystem sorgen für ungewollten Druckluftverlust außerhalb der Betriebszeiten eines Werks. Das Energiesparsystem Boge leak stop setzt dem ein Ende.
Numerical study of mixing of cavitating flows in a Venturi tube
Authors: Shi Hongbo , Liu Qingxia , Nikrityuk Petr
Published: October 2020

This work is devoted to a computational investigation of the cavitation and mixing characteristics of two miscible (Schmidt number Sc = 103) turbulent water flows with different viscosity ratios in a Venturi tube. The 2D axis‐symmetric RANS and 3D LES turbulence models are used for the prediction of flow characteristics. The numerical results reveal that the RANS solutions underpredict the rate of vapour production and overestimate the mixing rate of two miscible fluids in comparison to LES simulations for the inlet Reynolds number of 19 738 (Case‐1) and 19 286 (Case‐2). In particular, there is a larger cavitation zone in the Venturi tube with LES in comparison to RANS calculations.
Reconciling outcomes for Black men with prostate cancer within and outside the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Deville Curtiland , Lee W. Robert
Published: October 2020

An analysis of men who receive radiation therapy for prostate cancer within the Veteran's Health Administration indicates that Black men and White men have similar outcomes. The majority of Black men in the United States do not have equal access to care or receive equal treatment, and large disparities remain.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of BMS‐986166, a Novel Selective Sphingosine‐1‐Phosphate‐1 Receptor Modulator, and Exposure‐Response Assessment of Lymphocyte Counts and Heart Rate in Healthy Participants
Authors: Bihorel Sébastien , Singhal Shalabh , Shevell Diane , Sun Huadong , Xie Jenny , Basdeo Shenita , Liu Ang , Dutta Santanu , Ludwig Elizabeth , Huang Hannah , Lin Kuan‐ju , Fura Aberra , Throup John , Girgis Ihab G.
Published: October 2020

Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) binding to the S1P‐1 receptor (S1P1R) controls the egress of lymphocytes from lymphoid organs and targets modulation of immune responses in autoimmune diseases. Pharmacologic modulation of S1P receptors has been linked to heart rate reduction. BMS‐986166, a prodrug of the active phosphorylated metabolite BMS‐986166‐P, presents an improved cardiac safety profile in preclinical studies compared to other S1P1R modulators. The pharmacokinetics, safety, and pharmacodynamics of BMS‐986166 versus placebo after single (0.75–5.0 mg) and repeated (0.25–1.5 mg/day) oral administration were assessed in healthy participants after a 1‐day lead‐in placebo period. A population model was developed to jointly describe BMS‐986166 and BMS‐986166‐P pharmacokinetics and predict individual exposures. Inhibitory sigmoid models described the relationships between average daily BMS‐986166‐P concentrations and nadir of time‐matched (day –1) placebo‐corrected heart rate on day 1 (nDDHR, where DD represents ∆∆) and nadir of absolute lymphocyte count (nALC). Predicted decreases in nDDHR and nALC were 9 bpm and 20% following placebo, with maximum decreases of 10 bpm in nDDHR due to drug effect, and approximately 80% in nALC due to drug and placebo. A 0.5‐mg/day dose regimen achieves the target 65% reduction in nALC associated with a 2‐bpm decrease in nDDHR over placebo.
Toward a multilevel scalable parallel Zielonka's algorithm for solving parity games
Authors: D'Amore Luisa , Murano Aniello , Sorrentino Loredana , Arcucci Rossella , Laccetti Giuliano
Published: October 2020

In this work, we perform the feasibility analysis of a multi‐grained parallel version of the Zielonka Recursive (ZR) algorithm exploiting the coarse‐ and fine‐ grained concurrency. Coarse‐grained parallelism relies on a suitable splitting of the problem, that is, a graph decomposition based on its Strongly Connected Components (SCC) or a splitting of the formula generating the game, while fine‐grained parallelism is introduced inside the Attractor which is the most intensive computational kernel. This configuration is new and addressed for the first time in this article. Innovation goes from the introduction of properly defined metrics for the strong and weak scaling of the algorithm. These metrics conduct to an analysis of the values of these metrics for the fine grained algorithm, we can infer the expected performance of the multi‐grained parallel algorithm running in a distributed and hybrid computing environment. Results confirm that while a fine‐grained parallelism have a clear performance limitation, the performance gain we can expect to get by employing a multilevel parallelism is significant.
Improved publicly verifiable auditing protocol for cloud storage
Authors: Zhang Jindan , Lin Chuan , Ogiela Urszula , Nedjah Nadia , Sangaiah Arun K. , Wang Xuan
Published: October 2020

Outsourcing data to cloud servers is a popular service for data owners, however, how to check the integrity and freshness of the outsourced data is very challenge. Recently, Jin et al. proposed a cloud auditing protocol with full integrity and freshness support for cloud data, unfortunately in this article, we show their proposal is not secure. Concretely, the cloud servers can forge the authentication tag and thus has the ability to forge proof of data possession, which obviously invalidates their cloud auditing protocol. We also give a new cloud auditing protocol and analysis its security and performance. The results show our protocol is more efficient and secure.
Target Adverse Event Profiles for Predictive Safety in the Postmarket Setting
Authors: Schotland Peter , Racz Rebecca , Jackson David B. , Soldatos Theodoros G. , Levin Robert , Strauss David G. , Burkhart Keith
Published: October 2020

We improved a previous pharmacological target adverse‐event (TAE) profile model to predict adverse events (AEs) on US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug labels at the time of approval. The new model uses more drugs and features for learning as well as a new algorithm. Comparator drugs sharing similar target activities to a drug of interest were evaluated by aggregating AEs from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), FDA drug labels, and medical literature. An ensemble machine learning model was used to evaluate FAERS case count, disproportionality scores, percent of comparator drug labels with a specific AE, and percent of comparator drugs with the reports of the event in the literature. Overall classifier performance was F1 of 0.71, area under the precision‐recall curve of 0.78, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.87. TAE analysis continues to show promise as a method to predict adverse events at the time of approval.
Inferences of individual differences in response to tripterysium glycosides across patients with Rheumatoid arthritis using a novel ceRNA regulatory axis
Authors: Zhang Yanqiong , Wang Xiaoyue , Li Weijie , Wang Hailong , Yin Xiaoli , Jiang Funeng , Su Xiaohui , Chen Wenjia , Li Taixian , Mao Xia , Guo Minqun , Jiang Quan , Lin Na
Published: October 2020

Background

To identify biomarkers for guiding therapy and predicting clinical response of Tripterysium Glycosides Tablets (TGT) treatment is an urgent task due to individual differences in TGT response across rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory system may influence drug response with involvement in diverse biological processes. Herein, we aimed to identify a TGT response‐related ceRNA axis.

Methods

A TGT response‐related ceRNA axis was screened according to clinical cohort‐based RNA expression profiling, lncRNA‐mRNA coexpression, and ceRNA network analyses. Its clinical relevance was evaluated by computational modeling. Regulatory mechanisms of ceRNA axis were also experimentally investigated.

Results

The ceRNA regulatory axis combined with lncRNA ENST00000494760, miR‐654‐5p, and C1QC was identified as a candidate biomarker for RA patients' response to TGT. Both ENST00000494760 and C1QC mRNA expression were significantly lower, while miR‐654‐5p expression was dramatically higher in TGT responders than nonresponders. Its clinical relevance was verified by computational modeling based on both independent clinical validation cohort and collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) mice. Mechanistically, miR‐654‐5p directly bound to the 3′‐untranslated region of both ENST00000494760 and C1QC mRNA to inhibit their expression. Moreover, miR‐654‐5p suppressed C1QC mRNA expression, but ENST00000494760 bound to miR‐654‐5p and relieved its repression on C1QC mRNA, leading to RA aggressive progression and weak TGT response.

Conclusions

LncRNA ENST00000494760 overexpression may sponge miR‐654‐5p to promote C1QC expression in RA patients. This novel ceRNA axis may serve as a biomarker for screening the responsive RA patients to TGT treatment, which will allow improved personalized healthcare.
UC System may not use SAT/ACT tests for admissions and scholarship decisions
Authors: Charmatz Marc
Published: October 2020

Admissions criteria during the pandemic have left colleges and universities in a difficult position. Schools have traditionally used SAT/ACT scores in the admissions process. But some schools are no longer using these tests. In California, students with disabilities sought to enjoin the regents of the University of California from considering the results of the SAT/ACT tests in admissions and scholarship decisions, and a California state court agreed, holding that high school students with disabilities are denied meaningful access to admission and scholarship opportunities, “in large part because they have not taken these tests and will not be able to take them with appropriate accommodations during this Covid‐19 pandemic” (Smith, et al. v. Regents of the University of California, et al., No. RG19046222 (Cal. Super. Ct. 08/31/20)).
Predictive ability of a process‐based versus a correlative species distribution model
Authors: Higgins Steven I. , Larcombe Matthew J. , Beeton Nicholas J. , Conradi Timo , Nottebrock Henning
Published: October 2020

Species distribution modeling is a widely used tool in many branches of ecology and evolution. Evaluations of the transferability of species distribution models—their ability to predict the distribution of species in independent data domains—are, however, rare. In this study, we contrast the transferability of a process‐based and a correlative species distribution model. Our case study uses 664 Australian eucalypt and acacia species. We estimate models for these species using data from their native Australia and then assess whether these models can predict the adventive range of these species. We find that the correlative model—MaxEnt—has a superior ability to describe the data in the training data domain (Australia) and that the process‐based model—TTR‐SDM—has a superior ability to predict the distribution of the study species outside of Australia. The implication of this analysis, that process‐based models may be more appropriate than correlative models when making projections outside of the domain of the training data, needs to be tested in other case studies.
Epithelioid hemangioma of bone harboring FOS and FOSB gene rearrangements: A clinicopathologic and molecular study
Authors: Tsuda Yusuke , Suurmeijer Albert J. H. , Sung Yun‐Shao , Zhang Lei , Healey John H. , Antonescu Cristina R.
Published: October 2020

The diagnosis of epithelioid hemangioma (EH) remains challenging due to its rarity, worrisome histologic features, and locally aggressive clinical and radiographic presentation. Especially in the bone, EH can be misdiagnosed as a malignant vascular neoplasm due its lytic, often destructive or multifocal growth, as well as atypical morphology. The discovery of recurrent FOS and FOSB gene fusions in the pathogenesis of most EH has strengthened its stand‐alone classification, distinct from other malignant epithelioid vascular lesions, such as epithelioid hemangioendothelioma or angiosarcoma. In this study we investigate a group of molecularly confirmed skeletal EH by the presence of FOS or FOSB gene rearrangements to better define its clinical and pathologic characteristics within a homogenous molecular subset. The cohort included 38 patients (25 males, 13 females), with a mean age at diagnosis of 38 years (range, 4‐75). Regional, multifocal presentation was noted in 10 cases. Only six cases were correctly recognized as EH by the referring institutions, while most were misdiagnosed as other vascular tumors. Of the 17 patients with follow‐up data available, five patients (29%) developed local recurrence after marginal en bloc excision (n = 3) or curettage (n = 2). Local recurrence‐free survival rates were 84% at 3 years and 38% at 5 years. No metastasis or disease‐related death was identified. Imaging studies exhibited no specific features, showing cortical bone destruction and soft‐tissue extension in 14 (38%) cases. FOS gene rearrangements were detected in 28 (74%) of cases, while FOSB rearrangements in 10 (26%) cases. Our results highlight the significant challenges encountered in establishing a correct diagnosis exclusive of the molecular testing, mainly due to its overlap to other malignant epithelioid vascular tumors. Skeletal EH emerges as a genetically defined locally aggressive vascular neoplasm, with a high rate of local recurrence, but lacking the propensity for distant spread.
Adverse events of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in older adults with depression, a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Overvliet Geke M. , Jansen Rebecca A. C. , van Balkom Anton J. L. M. , van Campen Dilene C. , Oudega Mardien L. , van der Werf Ysbrand D. , van Exel Eric , van den Heuvel Odile A. , Dols Annemiek
Published: October 2020

Objective

In the last decade, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been introduced as a non‐invasive neuromodulation therapy for depression. Little is known, however, about (serious) adverse events (AE) of rTMS in older adults with a depression. In this article, we want to study what is known about (serious) AE of rTMS in older adults (>60 years) with late‐life depression (LLD).

Methods

A systematic search has been performed according to the PRISMA guidelines in PubMed, EMBase and PsycInfo. We have screened 622 articles for eligibility. Eleven studies, evaluating 353 patients in total, were included in this review.

Results

AE were reported in 12.4% of the older adults with a LLD treated with rTMS, serious AE in 1.5%. Headache (6.9%) and discomfort at the stimulation site (2.7%) are the most commonly reported AE. Serious AE reported are: psychiatric hospitalization (three times), a combination of posterior vitreous detachment and retinal tear, and increased suicide ideation (both once).

Conclusions

rTMS in older adults with LLD was concluded overall to be safe due to the low frequency of AE reported in trials and observational studies. In case‐reports, however, more serious AE have been described. To tailor use of rTMS in older adults with LLD, more research is needed in larger samples to optimize tolerance.
Measuring the Olefin‐to‐Pd(0) Bond Strength: A Kinetic Study Involving Olefin Exchange Reactions on Palladium(0) Complexes Bearing Isocyanide Ligands
Authors: Scattolin Thomas , Canovese Luciano , Santo Claudio , Visentin Fabiano
Published: October 2020

In this article, the synthesis and characterization of new palladium(η2‐olefin) complexes bearing isocyanides as spectator ligands are described. These derivatives have been tested on olefin exchange reactions, allowing to define a scale of strength of the palladium(0)‐olefin bond. In this way we have proved that dimethyl fumarate can be released by the metal center much more easily than the other olefins and that (Z)‐1,2‐ditosylethene is by far the most firmly anchored to palladium.

When the sterically encumbered tetramethylethene‐1,1,2,2‐tetracarboxylate (tmetc) is involved in the olefin exchange, the reaction kinetics can be monitored by UV‐Vis spectrophotometry, showing that the process follows a second‐order rate law. This response indicates that the reaction mechanism is associative, as is also confirmed by a DFT study.