bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of disaccharide isomers via a combination of IR and UV photodissociation mass spectrometry
Authors: Du Mengying , Zhang Kailin , Jiao Luyang , Xu Yicheng , Kong Xianglei
Published: November 2021

Rationale

The challenge of glycan identification due to their structural complexity and diversity has profited enormously from recent developments in mass spectrometry (MS)‐related methods. For photodissociation MS, infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) lasers can generate complementary fragment ions, so an effective combination of the two methods may provide rich and valuable fragmentation patterns for glycan analysis.

Methods

A 7.0 T Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometer equipped with a double‐beam laser system was applied for the experiments. 3,5‐Diiodo‐L‐tyrosine was selected as the assistant molecule to form complex ions with ten isomeric disaccharides through electrospray ionization. The complex ions were further isolated and irradiated by IR and UV lasers separately or continuously in the FTICR cell.

Results

By combining the two complementary fragment spectra generated from the IR and UV lasers, a clear identification of all the ten isomers was achieved using their binary codes based on their fragmentation patterns. The double‐beam method simplifies the experiment by introducing the two lasers sequentially in one experiment, providing richer fragmentation patterns and making the full discrimination easier.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the capabilities of the combination of IR and UV photodissociation MS in the identification of diverse glycan isomers. The double‐beam photodissociation method described here distinguished compositional, configurational and connectivity disaccharide isomers successfully. Compared with the data accumulation method based on separate IR and UV experiments, this method is simpler, faster, more flexible and also characterized by richer fragmentation patterns.
Oxygen Vacancy Engineering Synergistic with Surface Hydrophilicity Modification of Hollow Ru Doped CoNi‐LDH Nanotube Arrays for Boosting Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Li Qianqian , Huang Fangzhi , Li Shikuo , Zhang Hui , Yu Xin‐Yao
Published: November 2021

With the development of clean hydrogen energy, the cost effective and high‐performance hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts are urgently required. Herein, a green, facile, and time‐efficient Ru doping synergistic with air‐plasma treatment strategy is reported to boost the HER performance of CoNi‐layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanotube arrays (NTAs) derived from zeolitic imidazolate framework nanorods. The Ru doping and air‐plasma treatment not only regulate the oxygen vacancy to optimize the electron structure but also increase the surface roughness to improve the hydrophilicity and hydrogen spillover efficiency. Therefore, the air plasma treated Ru doped CoNi‐LDH (P‐Ru‐CoNi‐LDH) nanotube arrays display superior HER performance with an overpotential of 29 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Furthermore, by assembling P‐Ru‐CoNi‐LDH as both cathode and anode for two‐electrode urea‐assisted water electrolysis, a small cell voltage of 1.36 V is needed at 10 mA cm−2 and can last for 100 h without any obvious activity attenuation that showing outstanding durability. In general, the P‐Ru‐CoNi‐LDH can improve the HER performance from intrinsic electronic structure regulation cooperated with extrinsic surface wettability modification. These findings provide an effective intrinsic and extrinsic synergistic effect avenue to develop high performance HER electrocatalysts, which is potential to be applied to other research fields.
3D Printing for Solid‐State Energy Storage
Authors: Tian Xiaocong , Xu Bingang
Published: November 2021

Ever‐growing demand to develop satisfactory electrochemical devices has driven cutting‐edge research in designing and manufacturing reliable solid‐state electrochemical energy storage devices (EESDs). 3D printing, a precise and programmable layer‐by‐layer manufacturing technology, has drawn substantial attention to build advanced solid‐state EESDs and unveil intrinsic charge storage mechanisms. It provides brand‐new opportunities as well as some challenges in the field of solid‐state energy storage. This review focuses on the topic of 3D printing for solid‐state energy storage, which bridges the gap between advanced manufacturing and future EESDs. It starts from a brief introduction followed by an emphasis on 3D printing principles, where basic features of 3D printing and key issues for solid‐state energy storage are both reviewed. Recent advances in 3D printed solid‐state EESDs including solid‐state batteries and solid‐state supercapacitors are then summarized. Conclusions and perspectives are also provided regarding the further development of 3D printed solid‐state EESDs. It can be expected that advanced 3D printing will significantly promote future evolution of solid‐state EESDs.
Sodium Cholate‐Based Active Delipidation for Rapid and Efficient Clearing and Immunostaining of Deep Biological Samples
Authors: Na Myeongsu , Kim Kitae , Oh Kyoungjoon , Choi Hyung Jin , Ha ChangMan , Chang Sunghoe
Published: November 2021

Recent surges of optical clearing provided anatomical maps to understand structure‐function relationships at organ scale. Detergent‐mediated lipid removal enhances optical clearing and allows efficient penetration of antibodies inside tissues, and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is the most common choice for this purpose. SDS, however, forms large micelles and has a low critical micelle concentration (CMC). Theoretically, detergents that form smaller micelles and higher CMC should perform better but these have remained mostly unexplored. Here, SCARF, a sodium cholate (SC)‐based active delipidation method, is developed for better clearing and immunolabeling of thick tissues or whole organs. It is found that SC has superior properties to SDS as a detergent but has serious problems; precipitation and browning. These limitations are overcome by using the ion‐conductive film to confine SC while enabling high conductivity. SCARF renders orders of magnitude faster tissue transparency than the SDS‐based method, while excellently preserving the endogenous fluorescence, and enables much efficient penetration of a range of antibodies, thus revealing structural details of various organs including sturdy post‐mortem human brain tissues at the cellular resolution. Thus, SCARF represents a robust and superior alternative to the SDS‐based clearing methods and is expected to facilitate the 3D morphological mapping of various organs.
Can too many cooks spoil the broth? Coordination costs, fatigue, and performance in high‐intensity tasks
Authors: Kordyaka Bastian , Lackner Mario , Sonnabend Hendrik
Published: November 2021

Workplace flexibility in the context of collaborative tasks offers many benefits but also carries several risks. While more collaborators can reduce fatigue and enhance performance (we call this the ‘fatigue effect’), coordination costs also increase (we call this the ‘coordination costs effect’). We investigate this trade‐off in a complex team task with high effort costs in a natural setting. We use an instrumental variables approach combined with an extensive sensitivity analysis to identify the effect of in‐game substitutions on performance in professional basketball. Results indicate that an increased number of collaborators (players) has a negative effect on team performance. We also find that the most successful teams are able to optimally trade off both effects.
Study of Cold Rolling on the Transformation Mechanism, Microstructure, and Properties of 304 Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Li Junchen , Pei Weiyang , Zhao Mengyu , Zhao Dejiang , Shi Xulin
Published: November 2021

The work hardening mechanism and microstructure properties of 304 austenitic stainless steel (304 ASS) during cold rolling are studied by means of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), a transmission electron microscope (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), hardness test, and permeability measurement. Meanwhile, the mechanical properties and permeability properties of 304 ASS with different cold rolling reductions are investigated. The results show that when the cold rolling reduction is in the range of 5−20%, there are two kinds of phase transformations (γ → ϵ → α′ and γ → α′) in the 304 ASS. With increase in cold rolling reduction (cold rolling reduction ≥ 23%), γ → α′ became the main phase transformation. It is known that α′‐martensite significantly affects the permeability of 304 ASS. To obtain the weak magnetic property that meets the needs of end users, the cold rolling reduction should be controlled at 5−10%.
Influence of Process Parameters on the Formability of Zn‐Coated Hot Stamping Steel
Authors: Ma Wenyu , Li Xuetao , Rong Qi , Yin Lixin , Zheng Xuebin , Zhang Yongqiang
Published: November 2021

Herein, the effect of process parameters on the formability of Zn‐coated stamping steel is analyzed, including heating temperature, soaking time, forming temperature, deformation level, and strain rate. The studied heating temperature ranges from 850 to 930 °C; the soaking time ranges from 3 to 7 min; the deformation level ranges from 10% to the break; and the strain rate ranges from 0.1 to 10 s−1. The thermal mechanical property is analyzed and fitted using the power model of allometric equation. The length of microcrack is measured using scanning electron microscope (SEM). It can be concluded that the true stress decreases with the increase of the heating temperature and soaking time. The decrease of the forming temperature and the increase of the strain rate lead to the increase of the true stress. The critical strain in the thermal tension process is about 0.35. The length of microcrack is below 10 μm for most of the cases. The optimal process parameters are proposed. The heat temperature should be at the range of 850−900 °C. The soaking time should not be larger than 5 min. The fracture is typical ductile fracture with dimples, resulting from the growth and emerging of microvoids.
Highly Stretchable Starch Hydrogel Wearable Patch for Electrooculographic Signal Detection and Human–Machine Interaction
Authors: Wan Shu , Wu Nan , Ye Yizhou , Li Shunbo , Huang Haizhou , Chen Li , Bi Hengchang , Sun Litao
Published: November 2021

It is crucial to prepare wearable devices with high stretchability to reduce the mechanical mismatch when attached to the skin. Recently, pure polysaccharide‐based hydrogels have been intensively focused on due to the living matter‐like softness, abundance, inherent biocompatibility, complete biodegradability, and renewability. However, it remains a significant challenge to achieve pure polysaccharide‐based hydrogels with high stretchability. Herein, a facile strategy is presented to synthesize a highly stretchable hydrogel wearable patch by integrating the starch (from lotus rhizome) as skeleton and sodium chloride as the electrolyte, exhibiting several advantages such as low modulus (≈4.4 kPa), broad stretching range (0≈790%), high ionic conductivity (10 S m−1), high linearity (0.996, 0≈300%), and good reproducibility (>1000 cycles). Surprisingly, both stretchability and softness have surpassed those of other pure polysaccharide‐based hydrogels reported in the literature. Furthermore, the combination of the adhesion, the low modulus, and stretchability can realize conformal attachment to different kinds of uneven objects, including the skin. Based on these properties, an electrooculographic (EOG) signal acquisition system and a relevant prototype video game using starch hydrogel patches are designed, exhibiting great potential in EOG signals monitoring as well as human–machine interaction. Moreover, other functions such as biocompatibility and biodegradability are demonstrated.
Exploring the zoonotic potential of animal viruses
Authors: Mills Georgina
Published: November 2021

Georgina Mills reports on new research that uses the genome of animal viruses to predict their potential to cross over to people
Temporal variations in rainfall patterns in Kilembe, Uganda
Authors: Tibara Yayiru , Wahab Bolanle , Aremu Ademola Kabir
Published: November 2021

This study investigated rainfall variabilities in Kilembe. Secondary (monthly rainfall) data for the study were obtained from the Uganda National Meteorological Authority in Kampala, Uganda, for the period 1986–2016. To determine the temporal variation of rainfall, a Mann–Kendall method and Sen's slope estimator test were used. The results showed that March, April, May, October, and November represented the smallest coefficient of variation indicating modest variability of rainfall in these months, whereas June and July had the largest coefficient of variation. The month of July recorded an overall lowest average rainfall and a decreasing trend in rainfall. The study further revealed a historical general upward trend in rainfall between 1986 and 2016 in Kilembe. The trend in the monthly and annual rainfall is partly attributed to the Intertropical Convergence Zone, influx of moisture from Congo Forest, and climate change. The area recorded also two peaks of rainfall in the year, one in April and another in September, revealing a bimodal pattern of rainfall. The findings indicate that the government should adopt policy measures in the form of an adaptive strategy in order to save the people in the impacted areas.
A Zr‐Based MOF with N‐heterocycle and its pH‐controlled drug release behavior
Authors: He Qing , Shen Jie , Guan Xinghua , Han Yuanbo , Jiang Xiaoying , Shen Xiaoan , Huang Xiajuan , Chen Yufeng , Lei Chen , Xiao Xiaoyan , Lin Wenxin
Published: November 2021

A Zr‐based metal‐organic framework was synthesized by solvothermal method. It was designated as UiO‐67(bpy) since its structure matched well with UiO‐67 according to the X‐ray diffraction results. The cytotoxicity assay of UiO‐67(bpy) was measured and it revealed that UiO‐67(bpy) had excellent biocompatibility. UiO‐67(bpy) was used to load anti‐inflammatory drugs, and the loading capacity of diclofenac sodium (DS) of UiO‐67(bpy) reached 30.08 wt %. Furthermore, the DS@UiO‐67(bpy) exhibited a pH‐controlled drug deliver behavior. The DS released in simulated intestinal environment (pH 7.4) was about 20 times of that in simulated gastric environment (pH 2.0) after 12 h. UiO‐67(bpy) showed potential application prospects as an oral drug carrier.
NEAT in der Schweiz – Versprechungen gehalten? Lehren aus einer über 30-jährigen Geschichte
Authors: Ehrbar Heinz
Published: November 2021

Mit der Inbetriebnahme des Ceneri-Basistunnels per Ende 2020 ging die erste Etappe des Baus der Neuen Eisenbahn-Alpentransversale (NEAT) in der Schweiz nach beinahe 30 Jahren zu Ende. Im Jahr 1992 wurde mit der Volksabstimmung über den Alpentransit-Beschluss des schweizerischen Parlaments der Grundstein zum Bau der zwei Achsen am Lötschberg und am Gotthard geschaffen. Die Arbeiten an einem für schweizerische Verhältnisse gigantischen Ausbauschritt des Eisenbahnsystems begannen und sollten gemäss Zielvorgabe aus dem Jahr 1992 den überwiegenden Teil des alpenquerenden Gütertransitverkehrs durch die Schweiz von der Strasse auf die Schiene verlagern. Die Fahrzeiten zwischen Nord und Südschweiz sollten massiv verkürzt werden. Mit der NEAT war zudem beabsichtigt die Schweiz im Norden und im Süden an das künftige moderne Schienennetz Europas anzuschliessen. Die dafür zu tätigenden Investitionen in die neuen Eisenbahnlinien am Lötschberg und am Gotthard sollten aber auch der der Umwelt und der Wirtschaft dienen. Es wird in diesem Beitrag gezeigt, woe gut die Ziele erreicht wurden.
Die „Neue Dolomitenbahn“. Das Herzstück der Vision einer alpinen Eisenbahnlinie von Genf nach Venedig.
Authors: Perathoner Christoph , Moroder Helmuth
Published: November 2021

Mit der Eröffnung des Brenner-Basistunnels (BBT) und der Fertigstellung wichtiger Eisenbahnverbindungen vor allem in Deutschland, Österreich und Frankreich – aber auch in Italien – wird Bozen, als Landeshauptstadt der Autonomen Provinz Bozen-Südtirol, sicherlich in der Nord-Süd-Verbindung ganz neue verkehrstechnische Potenziale ausschöpfen können. Von Bozen aus werden Dank des BBT innerhalb weniger Stunden wichtige Städte und Handelszentren wie München, Berlin, Paris, Prag oder Frankfurt erreichbar sein. Diesen Meilenstein der Mobilität macht die Politik des Transeuropäischen Verkehrsnetzes (TEN-V) der Europäischen Union möglich.
Individuelle Mobilität hat Grenzen: Luftreinhaltung (erst) durch Verkehrsverbote?
Authors: Raschauer Nicolas , Dworschak Marco , Friedrich Magdalena
Published: November 2021

Der Themenkomplex der Luftreinhaltung präsentiert sich – ungeachtet der aktuellen politisch brisanten Diskussionen – als juristische Querschnittsmaterie. Im öffentlichen Recht vorrangig im Bereich des Klimaschutz- und Umweltschutzrechts beheimatet, weisen staatliche Luftreinhaltemaßnahmen vielfach verkehrsrechtliche Anknüpfungspunkte auf bzw bedingen verkehrspolitische Lenkungs- und Planungsakte. Als solche werden nachfolgend sogenannte Verkehrs- oder Fahrverbote und -beschränkungen behandelt, die ein Spannungsfeld zwischen individueller Mobilität und Luftreinhaltung eröffnen.
Rechtsklarheit tut not für Mobilität und Transport in Europa! Der Fall der Verordnung 169/2009
Authors: Staebe Erik
Published: November 2021

Mobilität und Transport in Europa unterliegen vielfältigen rechtlichen Anforderungen. Dies gilt nicht nur für sämtliche Verkehrsträger, sondern es bezieht sich auch auf zahlreiche Materien des nationalen und des europäischen Rechts. Dieser Befund ist weder überraschend noch beklagenswert. Die historische Entwicklung des Verkehrswesens, seine Sicherheitsrelevanz sowie die volkswirtschaftliche und politische Bedeutung funktionierender Verkehrsinfrastruktur haben nicht zuletzt deshalb in Rechtssetzung, Rechtsanwendung und Rechtsprechung ihre Spuren hinterlassen, weil allgemeine Regelungen in vielen Fällen nicht ohne Weiteres auf den Verkehrssektor übertragen werden konnten. Die Besonderheiten des Verkehrs und die weiter gehenden Besonderheiten der einzelnen Verkehrsträger haben immer wieder zu sektorspezifischen Regelungen Anlass gegeben, die zu allgemeinen Vorschriften in ein Spannungsverhältnis treten.
Discrete gravity
Authors: Chamseddine Ali H. , Mukhanov Viatcheslav
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We assume that the points in volumes smaller than an elementary volume (which may have a Planck size) are indistinguishable in any physical experiment. This naturally leads to a picture of a discrete space with a finite number of degrees of freedom per elementary volume. In such discrete spaces, each elementary cell is completely characterized by displacement operators connecting a cell to the neighboring cells and by the spin connection. We define the torsion and curvature of the discrete spaces and show that in the limiting case of vanishing elementary volume the standard results for the continuous curved differentiable manifolds are completely reproduced.
CP violation in mixing and oscillations for leptogenesis. Part II. The highly degenerate case
Authors: Racker J.
Published: November 2021

Abstract

We extend to the highly degenerate case a recent approach for analyzing the sources of CP violation in baryogenesis models with quasi-degenerate neutrinos. In this approach an expansion of the resummed propagator around the poles is plugged into a quantum field theory model of neutrino oscillations and a source term for the time evolution of the lepton asymmetry is built directly from the probabilities of lepton number violating processes involving only stable particles. This allows for a transparent consideration of unitarity requirements. The source term has contributions that can be identified with CP violation from mixing, oscillations and interference between both. For the highly degenerate case, i.e. when the mass difference between two neutrinos is similar or smaller than their decay widths, we find that in general the mixing and oscillation terms contribute with opposite signs to the generation of lepton asymmetry and the contribution of the interference term is typically very relevant and crucial to ensure unitarity is satisfied. Moreover, the expressions we obtain are finite in the double degenerate limit of equal masses and couplings. The calculations are done in a simple scalar toy model.
Investigation of future climate change over the British Isles using weather patterns
Authors: Pope James O. , Brown Kate , Fung Fai , Hanlon Helen M. , Neal Robert , Palin Erika J. , Reid Anne
Published: November 2021

For those involved in planning for regional and local scale changes in future climate, there is a requirement for climate information to be available in a context more usually associated with meteorological timescales. Here we combine a tool used in numerical weather prediction, the 30 weather patterns produced by the Met Office, which are already applied operationally to numerical weather prediction models, to assess changes in the UK Climate Projections (UKCP) Global ensemble. Through assessing projected changes in the frequency of the weather patterns at the end of the 21st Century, we determine that future changes in large-scale circulation tend towards an increase in winter of weather patterns associated with cyclonic and westerly wind conditions at the expense of more anticyclonic, settled/blocked weather patterns. In summer, the results indicate a shift towards an increase in dry settled weather types with a corresponding reduction in the wet and windy weather types. Climatologically this suggests a shift towards warmer, wetter winters and warmer, drier summers; which is consistent with the headline findings from the UK Climate Projections 2018. This paper represents the first evaluation of weather patterns analysis within UKCP Global. It provides a detailed assessment of the changes in these weather patterns through the 21st Century and how uncertainty in emissions, structural and perturbed parameters affects these results. We show that the use of these weather patterns in tandem with the UKCP projections is useful for future work investigating changes in a range of weather-related climate features such as extreme precipitation.
Evidence for differences in DNA methylation between Germans and Japanese
Authors: Becker J. , Böhme P. , Reckert A. , Eickhoff S. B. , Koop B. E. , Blum J. , Gündüz T. , Takayama M. , Wagner W. , Ritz-Timme S.
Published: November 2021

As a contribution to the discussion about the possible effects of ethnicity/ancestry on age estimation based on DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns, we directly compared age-associated DNAm in German and Japanese donors in one laboratory under identical conditions. DNAm was analyzed by pyrosequencing for 22 CpG sites (CpGs) in the genes PDE4C, RPA2, ELOVL2, DDO, and EDARADD in buccal mucosa samples from German and Japanese donors (N = 368 and N = 89, respectively).

Twenty of these CpGs revealed a very high correlation with age and were subsequently tested for differences between German and Japanese donors aged between 10 and 65 years (N = 287 and N = 83, respectively). ANCOVA was performed by testing the Japanese samples against age- and sex-matched German subsamples (N = 83 each; extracted 500 times from the German total sample). The median p values suggest a strong evidence for significant differences (p < 0.05) at least for two CpGs (EDARADD, CpG 2, and PDE4C, CpG 2) and no differences for 11 CpGs (p > 0.3).

Age prediction models based on DNAm data from all 20 CpGs from German training data did not reveal relevant differences between the Japanese test samples and German subsamples. Obviously, the high number of included “robust CpGs” prevented relevant effects of differences in DNAm at two CpGs.

Nevertheless, the presented data demonstrates the need for further research regarding the impact of confounding factors on DNAm in the context of ethnicity/ancestry to ensure a high quality of age estimation. One approach may be the search for “robust” CpG markers—which requires the targeted investigation of different populations, at best by collaborative research with coordinated research strategies.
Comparing the concentration levels of allergens and endotoxins in employees’ homes and offices
Authors: Sander Ingrid , Lotz Anne , Liebers Verena , Zahradnik Eva , Sauke-Gensow Ulrich , Petersen Jens , Raulf Monika
Published: November 2021

Objective

The aim of the study was to find out whether allergen and endotoxin concentrations in offices differ from those measured at the homes of employees, and identify the parameters that influence exposure.

Methods

Electrostatic dust collectors (EDCs) were placed in five office buildings (68 rooms, 436 EDCs), as well as the homes of the office workers (145 rooms, 405 EDCs) for 14 days, four times a year. In addition, surface samples were collected from the offices four times a year by vacuuming the carpeted floors. Domestic mite (DM), and the major cat and dog allergens (Fel d 1 and Can f 1) were quantified in all samples using fluorescence enzyme immunoassays. Endotoxin was measured in the EDC samples, using the Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay. The allergen and endotoxin concentrations were log transformed and analysed with multilevel models.

Results

Endotoxin concentrations were significantly higher in personal homes compared to levels measured in the offices, and depended on the number of persons living in each household, as well as the presence of a dog. DM allergens were significantly higher in households than in offices, and were significantly higher in bedrooms compared to living rooms. Offices occupied by cat owners had significantly higher Fel d 1 concentrations than offices or homes without. Additionally, Can f 1 concentrations were significantly higher in offices occupied by dog owners compared to those without.

Conclusions

Pet owners appear to transfer cat and dog allergens to their offices. Therefore, in case of allergy complaints at the office, employers and physicians might consider possible contamination by cat and dog allergens.
Risk evaluation of denosumab and zoledronic acid for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with bone metastases: a propensity score–matched analysis
Authors: Ikesue Hiroaki , Doi Kohei , Morimoto Mayu , Hirabatake Masaki , Muroi Nobuyuki , Yamamoto Shinsuke , Takenobu Toshihiko , Hashida Tohru
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study evaluated the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in patients with cancer who received denosumab or zoledronic acid (ZA) for treating bone metastasis.

Methods

The medical records of patients were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who did not undergo a dental examination at baseline were excluded. The primary endpoint was a comparison of the risk of developing MRONJ between the denosumab and ZA groups. Propensity score matching was used to control for baseline differences between patient characteristics and compare outcomes for both groups.

Results

Among the 799 patients enrolled, 58 (7.3%) developed MRONJ. The incidence of MRONJ was significantly higher in the denosumab group than in the ZA group (9.6% [39/406] vs. 4.8% [19/393], p = 0.009). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that denosumab treatment (hazard ratio [HR], 2.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65–5.25; p < 0.001) and tooth extraction after starting ZA or denosumab (HR, 4.26; 95% CI, 2.38–7.44; p < 0.001) were significant risk factors for MRONJ. Propensity score–matched analysis confirmed that the risk of developing MRONJ was significantly higher in the denosumab group than in the ZA group (HR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.17–5.01; p = 0.016).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that denosumab poses a significant risk for developing MRONJ in patients treated for bone metastasis, and thus these patients require close monitoring.
Evaluation of antibody response to BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in patients affected by immune-mediated inflammatory diseases up to 5 months after vaccination
Authors: Firinu Davide , Perra Andrea , Campagna Marcello , Littera Roberto , Fenu Giuseppe , Meloni Federico , Cipri Selene , Sedda Francesca , Conti Maria , Miglianti Michela , Costanzo Giulia , Secci Marta , Usai Gianmario , Carta Mauro Giovanni , Cappai Riccardo , Orrù Germano , Del Giacco Stefano , Coghe Ferdinando , Chessa Luchino
Published: November 2021

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination with mRNA product BNT162b2 elicited high immunogenicity in healthy subjects in trials. This study aims to better understand the factors that influence the humoral immune response to vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs). We enrolled patients and healthy healthcare workers control group (HCW) that underwent mRNA BNT162b2 vaccination and measured the serum IgG anti-S-RBD response at booster dose (T1), one month after booster dose (T2) and up to 5 months (T3). Demographic, disease-specific and vaccination data were recorded. Vaccination response of 551 participants naïve to SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in HCW and 102 in the IMID group, analyzing separately those on anti-CD20. At T2 all naïve HCW developed anti-S-RBD-IgG, while 94% of IMID responded (p < 0.001). IMID patients had a significantly different level of IgG than HCW at both T1 (p = 0.031), T2 (p < 0.001), while there was no significant difference at T3. There were no statistically significant differences according to the IMID type or to ongoing treatment with immunosuppressants, corticosteroids or biological drugs other than anti-CD20. The proportion and magnitude of response was significantly lower in IMID treated with anti-CD20 drugs. There was a correlation with age at T1 and at T2 but not at T3, stronger in patients than in HCW. Immune response close after BNT162b2 vaccination is reduced in patients with IMID, but there is no significant difference at 5 months. The measured reduction is related to age and the disease itself rather than treatments, with the exception of anti-CD20 drugs.
Organizing Safe Spaces: #MeToo Activism in Sweden
Authors: Hansson Karin , Sveningsson Malin , Ganetz Hillevi
Published: November 2021

Networked online environments can effectively support political activism. In Sweden, the #metoo movement resulted in over 100,000 people participating in activities challenging sexual harassment and abuse, including collecting testimonies via social media and drafting and discussing petitions published in print news media. Participation involved many risks, such as social stigma, losing one’s job, or misogynist terrorism, which meant that participation required a high level of trust among peers. Human-computer interaction (HCI) research on trust generally focuses on technical systems or user-generated data, less focus has been given to trust among peers in vulnerable communities. This study, based on semi-structured interviews and surveys of participants and organizers of 47 petitions representing different sectors in society, found that trust was aggregated over networks of people, practices, institutions, shared values, and technical systems. Although a supportive culture based on a feeling of solidarity and shared feminist values was central for safe spaces for participation, when activism was scaled up, social interaction had to be limited due to increased risk. HCI research views trust as a process of crossing distances, increasing over time; however, our results reveal that trust decreased over time as the movement grew and public exposure increased, a trend most evident when the participants actually came from a tightly knit community. Therefore, this study points out the significance to balance the need for transparency and community with the need for anonymity and distance in the development of tools to support large-scale deliberative processes that involve conflicts and risks.
Potent Ant Deterrents Emitted from Nematode-Infected Insect Cadavers
Authors: Jaffuel Geoffrey , Krishnamani Sribala , Machado Ricardo A. R. , Campos-Herrera Raquel , Turlings Ted C. J.
Published: November 2021

Most known species of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are generalist obligate parasites of insects. They kill their hosts within days after infection and mortality is mainly caused by toxins produced by bacteria that co-infect the hosts and serve as food for the nematodes. EPNs can infect a very broad spectrum of insects and these insects can therefore be expected to have evolved strategies to avoid infection. Indeed, ants are known to avoid feeding on EPN-infected insect cadavers, most likely because they are repelled by semiochemicals that emanate from the cadavers. The source and nature of these repellents are so far unknown. In a series of behavioral and chemical analytical experiments we identified hexadecanal and 2-heptadecanone as two compounds that are emitted by insect larva that are infected by the EPN Steinernema feltiae, but not by uninfected larvae. When spiking honey water with the two semiochemicals, they were confirmed to be highly deterrent to the ant Lasius niger. The environmentally benign hexadecanal and 2-heptadecanone could be employed to ward off ants and possibly other pests. Additional experiments are needed to fully determine their application potential.
Smart schools on the way: How school principals from Catalonia approach the future of education within the fourth industrial revolution
Authors: Mogas Jordi , Palau Ramon , Fuentes Marta , Cebrián Gisela
Published: November 2021

The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is introducing developments in Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, and other technologies in different sectors of our society, including education. This reality leads to a paradigm shift in which web-based cyber-physical environments will shape future learning environments. Thus, learning becomes ubiquitous, and schools assume new roles with systemic changes in communication, administration and management, becoming learning organisations. The use of technologies aligned with pedagogical strategies and new methodologies must lead to more-personalised systems. In this article, a comprehensive definition of smart schools is proposed. Smart schools must be endowed with integral management systems, inclusive, sustainable, and adopt new learning methodologies and advances from Industry 4.0 in an efficient way. Despite this conception and because research, government policies and business projects are not always in line with research, there is a need for deeper knowledge of how schools are approaching their upcoming transformation. To illuminate this purpose, in this study 37 principals from primary and secondary schools in Catalonia were interviewed. Thematic analysis focusing on technological and pedagogical innovations, management systems, inclusion, and sustainability identified some analogies with related research, pointing out that schools are far from implementing advanced technologies. Inclusion is the most-respected element thanks to the existing government regulation. Sustainability is hardly considered because of a lack of economic resources, but several schools consider themselves green schools and exhibit environmental practices. Conclusions are drawn to show that, although schools are not yet prepared to cope with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, its impact relies on the technology’s level of maturity and ease of use, as well as stakeholders as policymakers.
Calibration of a finite element model of Prescale film for wheel-rail normal contact area measurements
Authors: Lekue Jagoba , Dörner Florian , Schindler Christian
Published: November 2021

This article presents the latest of a series of research activities aimed to determine the deviation originated when Prescale pressure measurement film is used to measure the size and shape of the wheel-rail contact area. Despite being an attractive solution due to the simplicity of the measurement procedure, it is well known that the contact interaction is altered by the presence of the film. Consequently, characterizing and filtering out the systematic measurement error is a fundamental requirement for accurate quantitative assessments. Nevertheless, the complexity of the wheel-rail contact problem, which lacks an analytical solution, hinders the direct determination of correction values. The approach presented here builds on error corrections for simpler Hertzian geometries to calibrate a film model for further use in the wheel-rail contact scenario. The results highlight the marked dependency of the measurement error on wheel and rail roughness and underline the importance of including the film into finite element models that are validated by comparison with experimental observations.
Caffeic acid, a dietary polyphenol, as a promising candidate for combination therapy
Authors: Maity Swastika , Kinra Manas , Nampoothiri Madhavan , Arora Devinder , Pai K. Sreedhara Ranganath , Mudgal Jayesh
Published: November 2021

Increased effectiveness and decreasing toxicity are prime objectives in drug research. Overwhelming evidence suggests the use of appropriate combination therapy for the better efficacy of drugs owing to their synergistic profile. Dietary active constituents play a major role in health outcomes. Therefore, it is possible to increase the effectiveness of the drug by combining contemporary medication with active natural/semi-synthetic constituents. One such dietary constituent, caffeic acid (CA), is a by-product of the shikimate pathway in plants and is a polyphenol of hydroxycinnamic acid class. Extensive research on CA has proposed its efficacy against inflammatory, neurodegenerative, oncologic, and metabolic disorders. The synergistic/additive effects of CA in combination with drugs like caffeine, metformin, pioglitazone, and quercetin have been reported in several experimental models and thus the present review is an attempt to consolidate outcomes of this research. Multi-target-based mechanistic studies will facilitate the development of effective combination regimens of CA.
COVID-19 and Selenium Deficiency: a Systematic Review
Authors: Fakhrolmobasheri Mohammad , Mazaheri-Tehrani Sadegh , Kieliszek Marek , Zeinalian Mehrdad , Abbasi Mehdi , Karimi Fateme , Mozafari Amir Mohamad
Published: November 2021

Several studies have indicated that selenium deficiency may be detrimental in the context of various viral disorders, and in the case of COVID-19, several studies have reported heterogeneous results concerning the association of selenium deficiency with the severity of disease. To summarize the available data surrounding the association of body selenium levels with the outcomes of COVID-19, a systematic search was performed in the Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science using keywords including “SARS-CoV-2,” “COVID-19,” and “selenium,” Studies evaluating the association of COVID-19 with body selenium levels were included. Among 1,862 articles viewed in the database search, 10 articles were included after title, abstract, and full-text review. One study was further included after searching the literature again for any newly published articles. Out of 11 included studies, 10 studies measured serum selenium level, and one study investigated urinary selenium level. Three of 10 studies measured serum SELENOP level as well as selenium level. Glutathione peroxidase-3 level in serum was also assessed in one study. The reported outcomes were severity, mortality, and risk of COVID-19. Nine studies indicated that a lower serum selenium level is associated with worse outcomes. Two studies reported no significant association between serum selenium level and COVID-19. In one study, urinary selenium level was reported to be higher in severe and fatal cases compared to non-severe and recovered patients, respectively. In most cases, selenium deficiency was associated with worse outcomes, and selenium levels in COVID-19 patients were lower than in healthy individuals. Thus, it could be concluded that cautious selenium supplementation in COVID-19 patients may be helpful to prevent disease progression. However, randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm this.
Molecular investigation and description of Iberozospeum n. gen., including the description of one new species (Eupulmonata, Ellobioidea, Carychiidae)
Authors: Kneubühler Jeannette , Jochum Adrienne , Prieto Carlos E. , Neubert Eike
Published: November 2021

The subterranean realm of the Cantabrian-Pyrenean region of northern Spain harbours a rich diversity of Zospeum. Due to their tiny size and the difficulty of finding them alive, scarce animal material has been available for scientific investigation. Recent investigations of Zospeum shells have provided valuable, but limited insights towards our understanding of the evolutionary processes occurring within this taxon in northern Spain. In an integrative study, we investigate 57 populations of Zospeum from northern Spanish caves using two mitochondrial (COI and 16S) and two nuclear markers (H3 and 5.8 S rRNA + ITS2). Revealed is a separate radiation of the northern Spanish species for which the new genus, Iberozospeum, is proposed. The independent radiation of Dinaric Zospeum from that of northern Spain justifies the designation of Iberozospeum n. gen. Morphological evidence is provided via histological analysis of Iberozospeum vasconicum and SEM analyses of radulae of eastern Alpine, Dinaric and Iberian species. Important differences in morphological structure and character states are presented, including the first view of the sexually mature female and the presence of the giant albumen gland in an individual of the subterranean, troglobitic Carychiidae. Significant differences are revealed in superficial crystallographic structure of the columellar lamellae, the morphology of the columellar muscle and in the radula. Radular ribbon length, ribbon broadness, straightness of the ribbon base and cusp configuration are distinctive in the Iberian species. One new species is described corroborated by genetic and morphological characters.
Bridging the ‘Valley of Death’: Can Agile Principles Be Applied in Industry-Academia Research and Innovation Projects?
Authors: Hansen Irina-Emily , Mork Ola Jon , Welo Torgeir , Ringen Geir
Published: November 2021

Government funding supports industry-academia research and innovation projects in Norway, sharing the risk of the research component in innovation. However, funding alone may not be sufficient to overcome potential differences in collaborative agendas and ways of working. As a result, positive research outcomes often get stuck in the valley of death, instead of ending up as successful innovations that create value. To contribute to bridging the valley of death, we investigated the importance of six agile principles for collaborative industry-academia research and innovation projects, abbreviated IPN in Norway. The study was limited to the manufacturing sector. We surveyed 124 IPN project leaders (70 from industry; 54 from academia) to evaluate the importance of the knowledge management practices associated with the six agile principles across the three project stages. The statistical analyses indicate the consistency of the agile principles throughout the project stages. This means that agile principles are relevant for IPN projects and can be used as guidelines for improvement of the knowledge management practices. Moreover, the study identifies the agile principles that are perceived as most important to use in different stages of a project. It also identifies the different perceptions of the importance of agile principles of the project leaders from industry and academia. These findings can support project leaders who are implementing agile principles to industry-academia research and innovation projects. The results from the study can also support national and federal research/innovation councils in decision-making when assessing industrial research applications.
Religion and Intergroup Boundaries: Positive and Negative Ties among Youth in Ethnically and Religiously Diverse School Classes in Western Europe
Authors: Simsek Müge , van Tubergen Frank , Fleischmann Fenella
Published: November 2021

Background

In the past decades, Western European countries have become increasingly religiously diverse; furthermore, a growing share of their population is now youth with a migration background. Little is known about the role religion plays in social ties among children of native and immigrant origins.

Purpose

This study examines religious group boundaries among youth in secondary schools in England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. To this end, it describes to what extent youth's positive and negative ties in the classroom are segregated along religious lines. Furthermore, it analyzes the role of structural opportunities and religious in-group preferences in the formation of religious boundaries in the social networks of youth.

Methods

The data come from the first wave of the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Survey in Four European Countries (CILS4EU), which contains more than 18,000 adolescents (aged 14–15) in England, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden. First, we describe overall religious segregation in the social ties of youth by using the full survey data. Second, we test our hypotheses by analyzing the complete social networks of 5236 students in 247 classes.

Results

The analysis reveals that friendships are more likely between classmates with similar religious affiliations than classmates with different religious affiliations. In particular, in terms of friendships, there is clear segregation between non-religious and Christian youth on the one hand and Muslim youth on the other. This segregation is partly driven by structural forces that constrain intergroup meeting opportunities. However, group segregation goes beyond the patterns expected from opportunities alone. The results show strong preferences for intrareligious friendships and a tendency to avoid ties between Muslim and non-Muslim youth.

Conclusion and Implications

There are religious boundaries in the social relationships of youth in ethnically and religiously diverse school classes in Western Europe. In particular, social boundaries between Muslim and non-Muslim youth are the strongest. Creating opportunities for positive intergroup contact, such as the promotion of religiously diverse schools, apparently is not sufficient to avoid religious boundaries among youth. To reduce segregation along religious lines, interventions would also need to address the factors that shape youth's preferences for intrareligious friendships.
Considerations on the Construction of Future Financial Regulations in the Field of Initial Coin Offering
Authors: Szwajdler Paweł
Published: November 2021

Legal issues of ICOs are significant in the contemporary financial world because this method of capital formation is becoming widespread. In spite of the significance of ICOs, there are no financial regulations in this field in the most important legal systems. Therefore, research concerning future legal provisions in the area of ICOs is needed. This paper concerns issues related to the scope and structure of future financial regulations applicable to ICOs. The author focuses on principles on which legal provisions in the field of ICOs should be based. National, European and international matters are discussed separately in this work. Matters regarding a future international organisation competent in issues of crypto-assets are elaborated. Furthermore, the author proposes to create a model convention on cryptocurrencies and bilateral agreements on the exchange of information in crypto-asset matters. Disclosure obligations, anti-manipulation provisions and anti-money laundering principles are also set out. Moreover, the author discusses issues regarding audit requirements, special methods of registration and innovative payment rules for crypto-asset purposes. Finally, recommendations concerning ICOs are made separately for national, European and international purposes. The author believes that the conclusions in this paper can be useful not only for legislators but also for international actors, European institutions and legal researchers.