bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proposed Amendments to the Constitution of the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature
Authors: Nomenclature International Commission On Zoological
Published: April 2020

The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN) proposes amendments to its Constitution and solicits constructive feedback from the zoological community. In compliance with the Constitution, the proposed amendments are made broadly available, and there will be a one-year period for submission of comments starting on 30 April 2020. The amendments may be modified in the light of the comments, before the final version is voted on by the Commissioners.
Distribution and Conservation Status of the Crayfish Fauna of South Carolina, USA
Authors: Brown Bryan L. , Turnbull Matthew , Skelton James , Creed Robert P.
Published: April 2020

Recent studies have revealed integral and complex relationships between hosts and their symbionts. Some of these findings demonstrate that symbionts can affect the gene expression of their hosts. We used a model cleaning symbiosis system of crayfish and their branchiobdellidan symbionts to examine whether symbionts could affect host gene expression through indirect means, by changing the interaction of the host crayfish with the environment. Previous research has shown this symbiosis to be a complex, context dependent relationship in which outcomes can shift between mutualism, when branchiobdellidans act as cleaners of their hosts, and parasitism, when damage to hosts’ gills through branchiobdellidan feeding produces negative effects. These shifts are known to occur with changes in symbiont densities and environmental conditions. We manipulated densities of branchiobdellidans on host crayfish and examined the effect on expression of 3 candidate immune genes. We had 2 competing working hypotheses: 1) That branchiobdellidans would cause an increase expression in immune genes because of damage to the hosts’ gills; 2) That branchiobdellidans would decrease expression of immune genes by acting as cleaners and thus alleviating environmental stress. We found that the second hypothesis was strongly supported when branchiobdellidan activity decreased expression in 2 of the 3 candidate genes. One of these genes (astacidin) was related to generalized immune defense, while the other (prophenoloxidase) is a key part of the melanization cascade that provides defense in the case of physical damage and intrusion of microbes or foreign bodies. Given that there is no known mechanism through which branchiobdellidans can directly affect host physiology through chemical or genetic interactions, we concluded that this alteration in gene expression occurred through alleviation of environmental stress by the symbionts. Such indirect effects may be common in nature and continued study using easily manipulated systems like the crayfish-branchiobdellidan symbiosis may continue to produce insights regarding the importance of symbioses in ecological systems.
Optimism and happiness in undergraduate students: Cognitive flexibility and adjustment to university life as mediators
Authors: Demirtaş Ayşe Sibel
Published: April 2020

De acuerdo con el objetivo del enfoque de psicología positiva, este estudio fue diseñado para construir un modelo de mediación múltiple que permita comprender mejor las relaciones entre optimismo, flexibilidad cognitiva, ajuste a la vida universitaria y felicidad. Un total de 386 estudiantes universitarios (64% mujeres y 36% hombres) entre 18-22 años participaron en el estudio. Los participantes fueron reclutados de una pequeña universidad en Turquía. El Test de Orientación de Vida, el Inventario de Flexibilidad Cognitiva, la Escala de Vida Universitaria y el Formulario Corto del Cuestionario de Felicidad de Oxford fueron utilizados como medidas. Los resultados mostraron que el optimismo, la flexibilidad cognitiva, el ajuste a la vida universitaria y la felicidad correlacionan positivamente. Los resultados de los análisis mediacionales también indicaron que la mediación múltiple en serie de la flexibilidad cognitiva y el ajuste a la vida universitaria en el modelo hipotético fue estadísticamente significativa y explicó aproximadamente el 50% de la varianza de la felicidad.

In accordance with the goal of the positive psychology approach, this study was designed to build an understanding of the relationships among optimism, cognitive flexibility, adjustment to university life and happiness by proposing a multiple mediation model. A total of 386 undergraduates (64% female and 36% male) between 18-22 years participated in the study. The participants were recruited from a small university in Turkey. The Life Orientation Test, Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, University Life Scale, and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire Short Form were utilized as measures. The results showed that optimism, cognitive flexibility, adjustment to university life, and happiness positively correlated. The findings from the mediational analyses also indicated that the serial multiple mediation of cognitive flexibility and adjustment to university life in the hypothetical model was statistically significant and explained approximately 50% of the variance in happiness.
STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISATION AND NUMERICAL ASSESSMENT OF SEISMIC DAMAGE OF THE CORTIJO DEL FRAILE FARMHOUSE IN NÍJAR (ALMERÍA, SPAIN)
Authors: SAEZ PEREZ MARI PAZ , GARCIA RUIZ LUISA  MARIA
Published: April 2020

Research is focused on Cortijo del Fraile farmhouse, a Bien de Interés Cultural of great architectonic, historic and social values, located in Níjar (Almería, España), geographic location of high seismic risk. Analysis is an approach to gravitational loads it bear, if they would produce stability failure and, if so, its location. Furthermore, it studies structure behaviour during an earthquake. Its complexity makes neccessary working with a digital model which and applying Finite Elements Method.Importance of this study is the neccessity of recovering our built heritage and interest in performing fully guaranteed intervetions. That is why use of new technologies that insure a accurate assessment, as its structural validation, are required. Results determine the most sensitive areas to suffer mechanical failure, what assure digital tools use allows to know structural behaviour attending to stability and areas were intervention is more urgent
MODERATE-STRENGTH CONCRETE REINFORCED WITH POLYOLEFIN FIBRES: CONSIDERATIONS AND DESIGN OF A COMPETITIVE STRUCTURAL CONCRETE
Authors: GARCIA ALBERTI MARCOS , ENFEDAQUE DIAZ ALEJANDRO , GALVEZ RUIZ JAIME , ALVAREZ CARLOS , PICAZO IRANZO ALVARO
Published: April 2020

Polyolefin fibre reinforced concrete (PFRC) has become an attractive alternative to steel fibre reinforced concrete for structural applications. Although PFRC has shown capacity for meeting the structural requirements set in the regulations sometimes, complying with the residual strength value at 0,5mm of crack opening (fR1) might be a challenge. That value is aimed at avoiding brittleness of the concrete element and in certain occasions require fibre dosages close to 6kg/m³. Most of the previous studies have been performed with normal or high quality concretes and consequently their strength at the end of the limit of proportionality (fLOP) is also remarkable. Given that the residual strength at fR1 is proportional to fLOP, manufacturing of a concrete with inferior mechanical properties would allow production of one that encountered fewer issues related with brittleness and offered improvement in tensile and flexural strength at a reduced cost. In this study, several concretes with reduced mechanical properties and with 6 and 7,5kg/m³ of polyolefin fibres were manufactured. Their mechanical response was analysed in order to determine if they were apt for their use in low responsibility structural concrete members. Moreover, the influence of the method used to add the fibres was studied by adding the fibres in two different ways adding them individually from sacks or using pucks (50g each one).

Keywords: Polyolefin fibre reinforced concrete, regulation requirements, moderate strength concrete.
Exploring Spatial Patterns at “Nørholm”, a Metal-rich Site by the Limfjord, Northern Denmark
Authors: Christiansen Torben Trier
Published: April 2020

Private metal detecting currently has a massive impact on North European archaeology. However, due to the poor contextual data of the finds, the unsystematic search methods and not least insufficient excavations at detected sites, the spatial understanding of the sites and the knowledge potentially to be gained from metal finds from the plough layer is still limited. This paper presents a programme of investigations at the most productive detector site in Jutland, “Nørholm”, which offers a framework for interpretation of distribution patterns of the metal finds recovered over more than two decades by private detectorists. It is argued that overall changes in settlement patterns as well as changes in the associated field systems are major dynamics behind the spread of metal detector finds. A detailed, chronological mapping of the distribution of finds thus allow a reconstruction of the history of settlement and land use during the Late Iron Age and the Middle Ages.
Este es el fin de la escuela tal y como la conocemos. Unas reflexiones en tiempo de confinamiento.
Authors: Feito Alonso Rafael
Published: April 2020

La crisis provocada por la COVID-19 ha situado a la escuela en un escenario inédito. De un día para otro, la enseñanza –cuando esto ha sido posible- ha pasado de ser presencial a serlo virtual. Se desconoce tanto el porcentaje de profesores como de alumnos que pueden estar enseñando y aprendiendo telemáticamente y a qué estrategias están recurriendo. En este escenario, las diferencias en términos de capital económico y cultural se agravan. Si no se adoptan medidas radicales, es posible que este periodo sin docencia presencial pueda pasar factura a toda una generación. Profesores, alumnos y padres y madres están accediendo a contenidos didácticos –del tipo de la academia Khan- que ponen de manifiesto que es posible aprender de otra manera, de un modo más autónomo. Esto puede traducirse en una redefinición creativa e innovadora del papel del profesor. Es posible que, a partir de la vuelta a la docencia presencial, no sea preciso pasar tantas horas en la escuela y, muy especialmente, en el aula. La universidad, igualmente, debería aprovechar la ventaja de contar con más medios y con un estudiantado más conectado a la red que el del resto de los niveles educativos, para acometer una transformación profunda de su docencia.
Entrevistas a estudiantes
Authors: Team RASE Editorial
Published: April 2020

Entrevistas a estudiantes para tratar el trabajo escolar en tiempos de confinamiento.
Entrevistas a familias
Authors: Team RASE Editorial
Published: April 2020

Entrevistas a familias de alumnado durante el confinamiento y el trabajo escolar
Entrevistas a profesorado
Authors: Team RASE Editorial
Published: April 2020

Entrevistas a profesorado sobre la organización de su trabajo docente no presencial.
Entrevista a un Centro Rural Agrupado
Authors: Team RASE Editorial
Published: April 2020

Entrevista al CRA Los Olivos.
Potential Impacts of Climate Change on UK Potato Production
Authors: Adesina Olufemi Samson , Thomas Brian
Published: May 2020

This study assessed the potential impacts of climate change on potato production in the United Kingdom. Climate change actions are becoming a nightmare for growers worldwide, and the British potato industry is not an exception. Extreme weather conditions were experienced in 2006, 2012, and 2018, respectively. Thus, this study identified the future climate risk associated with major potato producing regions in the UK using the recent climate projection weather data (UKCP18) based on RCP 8.5. In total, the study considered seven (7) regions with a minimum average of 3000 hectares of potato planted area in the past five years. Findings showed that drought, high temperatures, and prolonged precipitation caused significant yield and quality loss in the past, with a likelihood of causing a more harmful impact in the future. The analysis revealed a hotter (Tmax ≥ 25°C, Tmin ≥ 15°C) and drier (1-1.5 mm day-1) summer most especially in the EE, EM, SW, WM, and YH as well as a warmer (Tmax& Tmin 6-10°C) and wetter winter (5 mm day-1 on average) in Scotland and North West England respectively. Future climate is predicted to hinder land preparation and harvesting operation in the Northern regions while the EE, EM, SW, WM, and YH would be faced with drought, with irrigation and water demand increasing by 20-30% as evapotranspiration also increases by 20-30% in 2050-2080. Irrigated potatoes are predicted to double its current spatial coverage in the future. The study identified suitable adaptation measures and strategies required to reduce the impacts of climate change on the British potato industry.
Impact of Application of Fertilizer and Lime on Yield of Banana (Grand Naine) and Soil Parameters in Acidic Soil of Arunachal Pradesh
Authors: Kumar Jitendra , Kalita H. , Angami Thejangulie , Ramajayam D. , Sen Amit , Shukla Kshtiz
Published: May 2020

The present study was aimed at standardizing fertilizer and lime requirement for tissue banana (Grand Naine) cultivation in acidic soil of mid hill of Arunachal Pradesh The experiment was conducted at ICAR RC farm Gori, ICAR RC for NEH Region, AP centre, Basar. The effect of twelve different treatments of combination of fertilizers and Lime was studied on growth parameters of banana plant, post harvest fruit quality parameters and on the soil chemical and physical parameter their availability & uptake of major nutrients were also studied. The results revealed. Plant growth parameters like pseudo stem circumference (36.96 cm) and Plant height (92.85 cm) was highest in the treatment receiving L1F2. Similarly, treatment L2F2 recorded highest number of leaves (5.96), suckers (1.41) and leaf area (3586 cm2). Treatment L2F1 recorded lowest stem circumference (22.3 cm), number of leaves (3.52) and leaf area (1420 cm2). Similarly, treatment having L3F1 recorded lowest number of suckers (0.41). The plants treated with (50% lime + 100% RDF) performed best in terms of both yield and quality attributes. The effects of lime application significantly improve pH of soil that resulted in the improved the availability of phosphorous. Application of 125% fertilizer was not found to significantly enhance the yield of Banana. The lime application significantly improve the soil nutrient concentration Viz  Available N, P K, Ca pH and reduced Al concentration that resulted into enhance banana production compare to the control.
Impact of interfractional anatomical variation and setup correction methods on interfractional dose variation in IMPT and VMAT plans for pancreatic cancer patients: A planning study
Authors: Ashida Ryo , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Yoshimura Michio , Mizowaki Takashi
Published: April 2020

Purpose

To investigate the impact of interfractional anatomical changes and setup correction methods on dose distributions in pancreatic cancer patients under breath‐hold conditions.

Methods

Three intensity‐modulated proton therapy (IMPT) plans with different beam arrangements and one volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plan prescribing 54 Gy in 30 fractions were created for 10 patients who underwent three additional CT scans performed at an interval of 1–2 weeks. The additional CT sets were rigidly registered to the simulation CT set using both bone‐matching (BM) and organ‐matching (OM) methods in each patient. Recalculated dose distributions and dose–volume indices on the additional CT sets using either the BM or the OM method were compared with the simulation values.

Results

Differences in the gross tumor volume D98% value from the simulation sets ranged from −0.8 to −5.9% on average. In addition, the variations were larger with OM compared with BM for two IMPT plans. Meanwhile, differences in the D98% value in the region isotropically enlarged by 5 mm from the gross tumor volume were significantly improved with OM on two IMPT plans and the VMAT plan. Among the organs at risk, the dose–volume indices were significantly improved with OM only in the duodenum on all plans.

Conclusion

Organ‐matching may be a better setup correction technique than BM for both photon therapy and IMPT plans. However, in some beam arrangements of IMPT, the dose distribution may be somewhat worse using OM, due to interfractional anatomical variation. Therefore, it is important to choose beam angles that are less likely to be influenced by changes in the gastrointestinal gas volume, especially in IMPT plans.
Analysis of factors associated with brittle response in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yan Yayun , Li Yanyan , Liu Xiufeng , Zhang Liyao , Wang Lu , Chang Ying
Published: April 2020

Introduction

The brittle response (BR) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) refers to a special type of levodopa‐induced dyskinesia (LID). This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of BR patients and to analyze the associated risk factors.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the data of 97 patients with PD. Patients were divided into a BR group and a non‐brittle response (NBR) group. Demographic and clinical data, motor symptoms, and non‐motor symptoms of the two groups were assessed.

Results

Among 97 PD patients, 11 were in the BR group and 86 were in the NBR group. The proportion of female patients was 72.7% and 38.3%, respectively, in the BR and NBR groups (P < 0.05). Compared to NBR patients, BR patients had relatively low body weight, low BMI, long disease duration, high levodopa equivalent daily dosage (LEDD), and high levodopa dose per weight (P < 0.05). The BR group had significantly higher scores of UPDRS (II, III, and IV) (P < 0.05). But no difference was found in the UPDRS I, emotional state, cognitive status, and accompanied by REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) (P> 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BR patients had lower body weight and higher levodopa dose per weight.

Conclusion

BR is associated with being female, low body weight, low BMI, long disease duration, high LEDD, and high levodopa dose per weight. Body weight and levodopa dose per body weight are independent risk factors for BR.
Medical Cannabis Use by Rheumatology Patients Following Recreational Legalization: A Prospective Observational Study of 1000 Patients in Canada
Authors: Fitzcharles Mary‐Ann , Rampakakis Emmanouil , Sampalis John , Shir Yoram , Cohen Martin , Starr Michael , Häuser Winfried
Published: April 2020

Objective

Recreational legalization of cannabis may influence the medical use by patients. When only medical access was legally available in Canada, 4.3% of rheumatology patients reported use. With the current recreational legalization, we have reexamined the prevalence and characteristics of medical cannabis use in this same rheumatology setting.

Methods

Consecutively attending rheumatology patients participated in an onsite survey comprising the following two questionnaires: 1) demographic and disease information completed by the rheumatologist and 2) patient anonymous questionnaire of health status, cannabis use (recreational and/or medicinal), and characteristics of cannabis use.

Results

Of 1047 attendees from June to August 2019, with 1000 participating, medical cannabis had been used by 12.6% of patients (95% confidence interval 10.7%‐14.8%), with half continuing use for mostly pain relief. Discontinuation was due to lack of effect in 57% of patients and side effects in 28% of patients. Ever medical users were younger (61.2 vs. 64.9 years; P = 0.006), more likely unemployed/disabled (16.7% vs. 5.9%; P < 0.001), and had more previous (47.6% vs. 25.5%; P < 0.001) and current recreational cannabis use (17.5% vs. 3.1%; P < 0.001) than nonusers. Most patients used multiple methods of administration, including smoking, vaporizing, and using oral oil preparations, but were poorly knowledgeable of product content, which was bought solely via the legal medical route by only 20%, and only one‐third disclosed their use to the rheumatologist.

Conclusion

Medical cannabis use has tripled for rheumatology patients since recreational legalization, with users being younger, not working, and having recreational cannabis experience. Concerning issues are the poor knowledge of the product being used, access via the nonmedical route, and nondisclosure to the physician.
Incidence of Uveitis in Secukinumab‐treated Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis: Pooled Data Analysis From Three Phase 3 Studies
Authors: Deodhar Atul A. , Miceli‐Richard Corine , Baraliakos Xenofon , Marzo‐Ortega Helena , Gladman Dafna D. , Blanco Ricardo , Das Gupta Ayan , Martin Ruvie , Safi Jorge , Porter Brian , Shete Abhijit , Rosenbaum James T.
Published: April 2020

Objective

The objective of this study was to report the incidence of uveitis in secukinumab‐treated patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in a pooled analysis of three phase 3 trials (MEASURE 1‐3 [ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers NCT01358175, NCT01649375, NCT02008916]).

Methods

Analysis included pooled patient‐level data from all patients (N = 794) who received any dose (one or more) of secukinumab up to the last patient attending the week 156 study visit in MEASURE 1 and up to the week 156 visit in MEASURE 2 and the week 104 visit in MEASURE 3 for each patient. Postmarketing data were from the periodic safety update report. Incidence of uveitis is reported as the exposure‐adjusted incidence rate (EAIR) per 100 patient‐years of secukinumab exposure.

Results

Overall, 135 (17%) patients reported preexisting (but not active or ongoing) uveitis at baseline, and 589 (74.2%) patients were HLA antigen B27 positive. The EAIR for uveitis was 1.4 per 100 patient‐years over the entire treatment period. Among all cases of uveitis (n = 26), 14 (54%) were flares. The exposure‐adjusted reporting rate of uveitis in the postmarketing data (which included patients across the three approved indications of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and AS) was 0.03 per 100 patient‐years based on cumulative secukinumab exposure of 96 054 patient‐years.

Conclusion

The incidence rate of uveitis in secukinumab‐treated patients with active AS does not suggest an increased risk with secukinumab treatment.
Integrated Dual‐Mode Chromatography to Enrich Extracellular Vesicles from Plasma
Authors: Van Deun Jan , Jo Ala , Li Huiyan , Lin Hsing‐Ying , Weissleder Ralph , Im Hyungsoon , Lee Hakho
Published: April 2020

Purifying extracellular vesicles (EVs) from complex biological fluids is a critical step in analyzing EVs molecularly. Plasma lipoprotein particles (LPPs) are a significant confounding factor as they outnumber EVs >104‐fold. Given their overlap in size, LPPs cannot be completely removed using standard size‐exclusion chromatography. Density‐based separation of LPPs can be applied but is impractical for routine use in clinical research and practice. Here a new separation approach, known as dual‐mode chromatography (DMC), capable of enriching plasma EVs, and depleting LPPs is reported. DMC conveniently integrates two orthogonal separation steps in a single column device: i) size exclusion to remove high‐density lipoproteins (HDLs) that are smaller than EVs; and ii) cation exchange to clear positively charged ApoB100‐containing LPPs, mostly (very) low‐density lipoproteins (V)LDLs, from negatively charged EVs. The strategy enables DMC to deplete most LPPs (>97% of HDLs and >99% of (V)LDLs) from human plasma, while retaining EVs (>30% of input). Furthermore, the two‐in‐one operation is fast (15 min per sample) and equipment‐free. With abundant LPPs removed, DMC‐prepared samples facilitate EV identification in imaging analyses and improve the accuracy for EV protein analysis.
Simple and Scalable Mechanochemical Synthesis of Noble Metal Catalysts with Single Atoms toward Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Jin Haiyan , Sultan Siraj , Ha Miran , Tiwari Jitendra N. , Kim Min Gyu , Kim Kwang S.
Published: April 2020

Designing a facile strategy to access active and atomically dispersed metallic catalysts are highly challenging for single atom catalysts (SACs). Herein, a simple and fast approach is demonstrated to construct Pt catalysts with single atoms in large quantity via ball milling Pt precursor and N‐doped carbon support (K2PtCl4@NC‐M; M denotes ball‐milling). The as‐prepared K2PtCl4@NC‐M only requires a low overpotential of 11 mV and exhibits 17‐fold enhanced mass activity for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution compared to commercial 20 wt% Pt/C. The superior hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalytic activity of K2PtCl4@NC‐M can be attributed to the generation of Pt single atoms, which improves the utilization efficiency of Pt atoms and the introduction of Pt‐N2C2 active sites with near‐zero hydrogen adsorption energy. This viable ball milling method is found to be universally applicable to the fabrication of other single metal atoms, for example, rhodium and ruthenium (such as Mt‐N2C2, where Mt denotes single metal atom). This strategy also provides a promising and practical avenue toward large‐scale energy storage and conversion application.
Layered Oxide Cathodes Promoted by Structure Modulation Technology for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xiao Yao , Abbasi Nasir Mahmood , Zhu Yan‐Fang , Li Shi , Tan Shuang‐Jie , Ling Wei , Peng Ling , Yang Tingqiang , Wang Lude , Guo Xiao‐Dong , Yin Ya‐Xia , Zhang Han , Guo Yu‐Guo
Published: April 2020

Considering the ever‐growing climatic degeneration, sustainable and renewable energy sources are needed to be effectively integrated into the grid through large‐scale electrochemical energy storage and conversion (EESC) technologies. With regard to their competent benefit in cost and sustainable supply of resource, room‐temperature sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) have shown great promise in EESC, triumphing over other battery systems on the market. As one of the most fascinating cathode materials due to the simple synthesis process, large specific capacity, and high ionic conductivity, Na‐based layered transition metal oxide cathodes commonly suffer from the sluggish kinetics, multiphase evolution, poor air stability, and insufficient comprehensive performance, restricting their commercialization application. Here, this review summarizes the recent advances in layered oxide cathode materials for SIBs through different optimal structure modulation technologies, with an emphasis placed on strategies to boost Na+ kinetics and reduce the irreversible phase transition as well as enhance the store stability. Meanwhile, a thorough and in‐depth systematical investigation of the structure–function–property relationship is also discussed, and the challenges as well as opportunities for practical application electrode materials are sketched. The insights brought forward in this review can be considered as a guide for SIBs in next‐generation EESC.
Entrapping Digestive Enzymes with Engineered Mesoporous Silica Particles Reduces Metabolic Risk Factors in Humans
Authors: Waara Erik R. , Iqbal Muhammad N. , Robert‐Nicoud Ghislaine , Benziane Boubacar , Vallhov Helen , Wasik Agata M. , Lindgren Maria , Hagman Emilia , Rinde Mia , Kupferschmidt Natalia , Berlin Roger , Johnston Eric V. , Danielsson Pernilla , Bengtsson Tore
Published: April 2020

Engineered mesoporous silica particles (MSP) are thermally and chemically stable porous materials composed of pure silica and have attracted attention for their potential biomedical applications. Oral intake of engineered MSP is shown to reduce body weight and adipose tissue in mice. Here, clinical data from a first‐in‐humans study in ten healthy individuals with obesity are reported, demonstrating a reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, which are well‐established metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors. In vitro investigations demonstrate sequestration of pancreatic  α‐amylase and lipase in an MSP pore‐size dependent manner. Subsequent ex vivo experiments in conditions mimicking intestinal conditions and in vivo experiments in mice show a decrease in enzyme activity upon exposure to the engineered MSP, presumably by the same mechanism. Therefore, it is suggested that tailored MSP act by lowering the digestive enzyme availability in the small intestine, resulting in decreased digestion of macronutrient and leading to reduced caloric uptake. This novel MSP based mechanism‐of‐action, combined with its excellent safety in man, makes it a promising future agent for prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.
An Ultrastrong and Highly Stretchable Polyurethane Elastomer Enabled by a Zipper‐Like Ring‐Sliding Effect
Authors: Shi Chen‐Yu , Zhang Qi , Yu Cheng‐Yuan , Rao Si‐Jia , Yang Shun , Tian He , Qu Da‐Hui
Published: April 2020

Elastomers with excellent mechanical properties are in substantial demand for various applications, but there is always a tradeoff between their mechanical strength and stretchability. For example, partially replacing strong covalent crosslinking by weak sacrificial bonds can enhance the stretchability but also usually decreases the mechanical strength. To surmount this inherent tradeoff, a supramolecular strategy of introducing a zipper‐like sliding‐ring mechanism in a hydrogen‐bond‐crosslinked polyurethane network is proposed. A very small amount (0.5 mol%) of an external additive (pseudo[2]rotaxane crosslinker) can dramatically increase both the mechanical strength and elongation of this polyurethane network by nearly one order of magnitude. Based on the investigation of the relationship between molecular structure and mechanical properties, this enhancement is attributable to a unique molecular‐level zipper‐like ring‐sliding motion, which efficiently dissipates mechanical work in the solvent‐free network. This research not only provides a distinct and general strategy for the construction of high‐performance elastomers but also paves the way for the practical application of artificial molecular machines toward solvent‐free polyurethane networks.
Facile Synthesis of Efficient Luminogens with AIE Features for Three‐Photon Fluorescence Imaging of the Brain through the Intact Skull
Authors: Qin Wei , Alifu Nuernisha , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Cui Yuhan , Su Huifang , Liang Guodong , Qian Jun , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: April 2020

Visualization of the brain in its native environment is important for understanding common brain diseases. Herein, bright luminogens with remarkable aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics and high quantum yields of up to 42.6% in the solid state are synthesized through facile reaction routes. The synthesized molecule, namely BTF, shows ultrabright far‐red/near‐infrared emission and can be fabricated into AIE dots by a simple nanoprecipitation procedure. Due to their high brightness, large Stokes shift, good biocompatibility, satisfactory photostability, and large three‐photon absorption cross section, the AIE dots can be utilized as efficient fluorescent nanoprobes for in vivo brain vascular imaging through the intact skull by a three‐photon fluorescence microscopy imaging technique. This is the first example of using AIE dots for the visualization of the cerebral stroke process through the intact skull of a mouse with high penetration depth and good image contrast. Such good results are anticipated to open up a new venue in the development of efficient emitters with strong nonlinear optical effects for noninvasive bioimaging of living brain.
Phosphonium Modification Leads to Ultrapermeable Antibacterial Polyamide Composite Membranes with Unreduced Thickness
Authors: Peng Huawen , Zhang Wen‐Hai , Hung Wei‐Song , Wang Naixin , Sun Jian , Lee Kueir‐Rarn , An Quan‐Fu , Liu Cheng‐Mei , Zhao Qiang
Published: April 2020

Water transport rate in network membranes is inversely correlated to thickness, thus superior permeance is achievable with ultrathin membranes prepared by complicated methods circumventing nanofilm weakness and defects. Conferring ultrahigh permeance to easily prepared thicker membranes remains challenging. Here, a tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride (THPC) monomer is discovered that enables straightforward modification of polyamide composite membranes. Water permeance of the modified membrane is ≈6 times improved, give rising to permeability (permeance × thickness) one magnitude higher than state‐of‐the‐art polymer nanofiltration membranes. Meanwhile, the membrane exhibits good rejection (RNa2SO4 = 98%) and antibacterial properties under crossflow conditions. THPC modification not only improves membrane hydrophilicity, but also creates additional angstrom‐scale channels in polyamide membranes for unimpeded transport of water. This unique mechanism provides a paradigm shift in facile preparation of ultrapermeable membranes with unreduced thickness for clean water and desalination.
All Dry Bottom‐Up Assembly of Omniphobic Interfaces
Authors: Ghaleni Mahdi Mohammadi , Kaviani Shayan , Rajwade Kimya , Bavarian Mona , Perreault François , Nejati Siamak
Published: April 2020

Creating reentrant structures on flexible and porous substrates is a significant challenge for the scalable fabrication of omniphobic membranes. The design of such membranes requires control over the surface topography and chemistry of the interfacial domains. Here, a continuous bottom‐up method, based on initiated chemical vapor deposition, is developed to enable the fabrication of flexible omniphobic membranes. The developed membranes hinder the intrusion of droplets of low surface energy liquids (e.g., ethanol) colliding with the surface at a velocity of about 2 m s−1. The stable wetting resistance of the membranes allows for the desalination of low surface energy synthetic and municipal wastewater streams.
Simultaneously Enhancing Photoluminescence Quantum Efficiency and Optical Gain of Polyfluorene via Backbone Intercalation of 2,5‐Dimethyl‐1,4‐Phenylene
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wu Yinan , Lian Shaoshan , Gao Jinxin , Zhang Sihao , Hai Gang , Sun Chen , Li Xiangchun , Xia Ruidong , Cabanillas‐Gonzalez Juan , Mo Yueqi
Published: April 2020

Simultaneous enhancement of photoluminescence quantum efficiency (PLQE) and optical gain in semiconducting polymer films is desirable for optically‐ or electrically‐pumped organic solid‐state lasers. In this work, a simple self‐dilution effect is achieved by introducing a small amount (≈10% by weight) of 2,5‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene (DP) units in the backbone of poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene) (PFO). The resulting copolymers, compared with PFO (PLQE 39%), exhibit a significantly increased PLQE (66%) while keeping similar absorption and photoluminescence profile, concomitant with an enhancement in optical gain properties. The radiative decay rate increases sharply along with a sustaining reduction in the non‐radiative decay rate in these copolymers, following similar principle of physical dilution of a luminescent compound in solution or in a polymer matrix. Among all the copolymers, the one containing 10% DP units exhibits the lowest amplified spontaneous emission/distributed feedback laser threshold (10.9 nJ/1.4 nJ, eightfold reduction), and the highest gain coefficient (54.4 cm−1). The results demonstrate that a moderate DP/fluorene ratio can maximize the beneficial self‐dilution effects. These investigations shed light on new design strategies to achieve conjugated polymers with concurrent high PLQE and large optical gain properties.
Interface Coassembly and Polymerization on Magnetic Colloids: Toward Core–Shell Functional Mesoporous Polymer Microspheres and Their Carbon Derivatives
Authors: Pan Panpan , Zhang Tong , Yue Qin , Elzatahry Ahmed A. , Alghamdi Abdulaziz , Cheng Xiaowei , Deng Yonghui
Published: April 2020

Core–shell structured magnetic mesoporous polymer or carbon‐based microspheres not only possess the combined merits of magnetic particles and stable mesoporous shell but also provide various organic functional groups for further modification and immobilization of active sites, thus opening up more possibility for various applications. Herein, a bottom‐up soft‐templating strategy is developed to controllably synthesize core–shell magnetic mesoporous polydopamine microspheres (MMP) and their derivative magnetic mesoporous carbon (MMC) microspheres via an amphiphilic block copolymer‐directed interface assembly and polymerization (denoted as abc‐DIAP) approach. The obtained uniform MMP microspheres have a well‐defined structure consisting of magnetic core, silica middle layer and mesoporous PDA shell, uniform mesopores of 11.9 nm, high specific surface areas (235.6 m2 g−1) and rich functional groups. They show fast magnetic separation speed and superior performance in selective adsorption of Cyt.C from complex biosample solutions. Moreover, they can be in situ converted into core–shell magnetic mesoporous carbon (MMC) for efficient in‐pore immobilization of ultrafine Au nanoparticles for high‐efficiency catalytic epoxidation of styrene with high conversion (88.6%) and selectivity (90.1%) toward styrene oxide.
Molecular Basis of Ubiquitination Catalyzed by the Bacterial Transglutaminase MavC
Authors: Guan Hongxin , Fu Jiaqi , Yu Ting , Wang Zhao‐Xi , Gan Ninghai , Huang Yini , Perčulija Vanja , Li Yu , Luo Zhao‐Qing , Ouyang Songying
Published: April 2020

The Legionella pneumophila effector MavC is a transglutaminase that carries out atypical ubiquitination of the host ubiquitin (Ub)‐conjugation enzyme UBE2N by catalyzing the formation of an isopeptide bond between Gln40Ub and Lys92UBE2N, which leads to inhibition of signaling in the NF‐κB pathway. In the absence of UBE2N, MavC deamidates Ub at Gln40 or catalyzes self‐ubiquitination. However, the mechanisms underlying these enzymatic activities of MavC are poorly understood at the molecular level. This study reports the structure of the MavC–UBE2N–Ub ternary complex representing a snapshot of MavC‐catalyzed crosslinking of UBE2N and Ub, which reveals the way by which UBE2N–Ub binds to the Insertion and Tail domains of MavC. Based on the structural and experimental data, the catalytic mechanism for the deamidase and transglutaminase activities of MavC is proposed. Finally, by comparing the structures of MavC and MvcA, the homologous protein that reverses MavC‐induced UBE2N ubiquitination, several essential regions and two key residues (Trp255MavC and Phe268MvcA) responsible for their respective enzymatic activities are identified. The results provide insights into the mechanisms for substrate recognition and ubiquitination mediated by MavC as well as explanations for the opposite activity of MavC and MvcA in terms of regulation of UBE2N ubiquitination.
Metal‐Ion Coupled Electron Transfer Kinetics in Intercalation‐Based Transition Metal Oxides
Authors: Nikitina Victoria A. , Vassiliev Sergey Y. , Stevenson Keith J.
Published: April 2020

Electrochemical metal‐ion intercalation systems are acknowledged to be a critical energy storage technology. The kinetics of the intercalation processes in transition‐metal based oxides determine the practical characteristics of metal‐ion batteries, such as the energy density, power, and cyclability. With the emergence of post lithium‐ion batteries, such as sodium‐ion and potassium‐ion batteries, which function predominately in nonaqueous electrolytes of special formulation and exhibit quite varied material stability with regard to their surface chemistries and reactivity with electrolytes, the practical routes for the optimization of metal‐ion battery performance become essential. Electrochemical methods offer a variety of means to quantitatively study the diffusional, charge transfer, and phase transformation rates in complex systems, which are, however, rather rarely fully adopted by the metal‐ion battery community, which slows down the progress in rationalizing the rate‐controlling factors in complex intercalation systems. Herein, several practical approaches for diagnosing the origin of the rate limitations in intercalation materials based on phenomenological models are summarized, focusing on the specifics of charge transfer, diffusion, and nucleation phenomena in redox‐active solid electrodes. It is demonstrated that information regarding rate‐determining factors can be deduced from relatively simple analysis of experimental methods including cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and impedance spectroscopy.
Alloy Anode Materials for Rechargeable Mg Ion Batteries
Authors: Niu Jiazheng , Zhang Zhonghua , Aurbach Doron
Published: April 2020

Rechargeable magnesium ion batteries are interesting as one of the alternative metal ion battery systems to lithium ion batteries due to the wide availability and accessibility of magnesium in the earth's crust. On the one hand, electrolyte solutions in which Mg metal anodes are fully reversible are not suitable for the use of high voltage/high capacity transition metal oxide cathodes due to complex surface phenomena. On the other hand, Mg metal anodes cannot work reversibly in conventional electrolyte solutions in which high voltage/high capacity Mg insertion cathodes can work because of passivation phenomena that fully block them. Replacing Mg metal with alternative anodes that can work reversibly in conventional electrolyte solutions could provide a promising route to elaborate high voltage and high capacity rechargeable Mg battery systems. Herein, the recent progress in alloy anodes based on group IIIA, IVA, VA elements is summarized. The theoretical evaluations, achievable capacities, synthetic strategies, battery test configurations, electrochemical properties, and underlying reaction mechanisms are systematically summarized and discussed. The key issues and challenges impeding their current use are identified and some valuable suggestions for their future development as practical reversible anodes for Mg batteries are provided.
The US Market for Agricultural Labor: Evidence from the National Agricultural Workers Survey
Authors: Li An , Reimer Jeffrey J.
Published: April 2020

Recent changes in agricultural labor supply have created renewed interest in the market for farm labor. This study estimates the supply of farm labor using 1989–2016 data from the National Agricultural Workers Survey. In the preferred specification a $1 rise in wage is associated with workers supplying 0.538 more hours, all else held constant. This estimate masks changes in this relationship over time, however, as workers responded positively to wages before 2001, and reversed this relationship after 2001. Other results highlight the role of illegality, education, experience, gender, and other characteristics with respect to labor supply.
Low levels of ADAMTS‐13 with high anti‐ADAMTS‐13 antibodies during remission of immune‐mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura highly predict for disease relapse: A multi‐institutional study
Authors: Schieppati Francesca , Russo Laura , Marchetti Marina , Barcella Luca , Cefis Maurizio , Gomez‐Rosas Patricia , Caldara Gloria , Carpenedo Monica , D'Adda Mariella , Rambaldi Alessandro , Savignano Chiara , Billio Atto , Bruno Franco Massimiliano , Toschi Vincenzo , Falanga Anna
Published: April 2020

Immune‐mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is a life‐threatening immune‐mediated thrombotic microangiopathy. Daily therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and the optimized use of rituximab have strikingly improved the outcome of this disease, however the rate of disease recurrence remains high. Specific predictors of relapse in patients in remission can be relevant for an optimal patient management. In this study, we aimed to identify predictive variables of disease relapse in a multicenter cohort of 74 out of 153 iTTP patients. They were tested at different time points during remission for the levels of ADAMTS‐13 activity and autoantibody, and did not receive pre‐emptive treatment for ADAMTS‐13 activity deficiency during remission. The results showed that the association of ADAMTS13 activity ≤20% with a high anti‐ADAMTS‐13 titer at remission, and the time to response to first line treatment ≥13 days, were independent predictive factors of disease relapse. In addition, the use of rituximab in patients with exacerbation or refractoriness to TPE was significantly associated with reduced relapse rate. By Cox regression analysis, patients with ADAMTS‐13 activity ≤20% plus anti‐ADAMTS13 antibody titer ≥15 U/mL at remission had an increased risk of relapse (HR 1.98, CI 95% 1.087‐3.614; P < .02). These findings may help to outline more personalized therapeutic strategies in order to provide faster and sustained responses to first‐line iTTP treatment and prevent relapses in these patients.
Ecarin based coagulation testing
Authors: Gosselin Robert C. , Douxfils Jonathan
Published: April 2020

Ecarin is derived from venom of Echis carinatus, and will activate prothrombin into meizothrombin which will then cleave fibrinogen to result in clot formation. Ecarin based testing has been described for decades, but these assays were typically restricted to reference or speciality coagulation laboratories. This test was initially described for the assessment of direct thrombin inhibitors (eg, bivalirudin lepirudin, or argatroban) and was not affected by heparins or heparinoids. Ecarin based assays were rarely used for anticoagulation monitoring until the emergence of the direct oral thrombin inhibitor dabigatran etexilate in 2010. As this test was mentioned in the prescribing information for dabigatran etexilate, there was increased interest for use by clinical laboratories as the preferred method for assessing the anticoagulant effect of this drug. The purpose of this document is to review the current status of ecarin based assays for assessing dabigatran. This is with the understanding that these methods can also be exploited for determining the anticoagulation effect of parenteral direct thrombin inhibitors, such as argatroban and bivalirudin.
Aortic arch geometry predicts outcome in patients with Loeys–Dietz syndrome independent of the causative gene
Authors: Mariucci Elisabetta , Spinardi Luca , Stagni Silvia , Graziano Claudio , Lovato Luigi , Pacini Davide , Di Marco Luca , Careddu Lucio , Angeli Emanuela , Ciuca Cristina , Wischmeijer Anita , Gargiulo Gaetano , Donti Andrea
Published: April 2020

This study aimed to investigate the potential association between imaging features and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with Loeys–Dietz syndrome (LDS). We performed a retrospective cohort study of 36 patients with LDS and described cardiovascular events and imaging data. We observed different clinical courses in patients with LDS, irrespective of the causative gene. Angular or elongated aortic arch geometry correlated with aortic dissection (R = .39, p = .02), occurrence of the first cardiovascular event before 45 years of age (R = .36, p = .03), and the number of operations (R = 0.47, p = .004), but not with age (R = −.05, p = .79) or the causative gene (R = −0.04, p = .79). Relative absences of cardiovascular events at ages 20, 40, and 60 were 100, 75, and 56%, respectively, in patients with “romanesque” aortic arches, and 74, 39, and 21%, respectively, in patients with “gothic” and “elongated” aortic arches (p = .03). Angular or elongated aortic arch geometry is associated with early‐onset of disease and a worse cardiovascular outcome in LDS patients. Large multicenter studies are warranted to elucidate the impact of aortic arch morphology evaluation in clinical practice.
Chloro‐ and Trifluoromethyl Derivatives of Fullerene C82, C82Cl14 and C82(CF3)14
Authors: Tamm Nadezhda B. , Fritz Maria A. , Troyanov Sergey I.
Published: April 2020

High‐temperature chlorination of a HPLC fraction containing fullerene C82 resulted in the isolation and X‐ray structure elucidation of the first chloro derivative of IPR C82, C82(3)Cl14. High‐temperature trifluoromethylatiion of a higher fullerene mixture followed by HPLC separation allowed the isolation and structural characterization of a new CF3 derivative, C82(3)(CF3)14. The addition patterns of C82(3)Cl14 and C82(3)(CF3)12–18 are discussed in terms of the formation of stabilizing substructures on a fullerene cage such as isolated C=C bonds and benzenoid rings.