bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progress in the Regulation of Electrode/Electrolyte Interfacial Reactions toward High‐voltage Aqueous Hybrid Capacitors
Authors: Hu Tianzhao , Wang Yuzuo , Li Juan , Chen Shaorui , Shi Ying , Li Zhuangnan , Ruan Dianbo , Xu Qun , Li Feng
Published: January 2021

Aqueous energy storage devices have drawn an increasing attention benefiting from their improved safety and reduced cost against the conventional organic systems. Hybrid capacitors that combine the advantages of both secondary batteries and electric double‐layer capacitors are considered to be a promising next‐generation electrical energy storage device. However, the nature of water decomposition at relatively low potential (usually ∼1.23 V) limits the voltage window of aqueous hybrid capacitors and thereby hinders their application. For this reason, it is vital to develop the aqueous hybrid capacitors that can operate in larger voltage window by means of the electrode and electrolyte engineering. This review summarizes the design of both electrodes and electrolytes, as well as the regulating strategies at their interfaces, to expand voltage window of aqueous hybrid capacitors. Furthermore, suggestions and future vision of the high‐voltage aqueous hybrid capacitors are provided to pave the way for their practical application.
Assessing the validity of three tasks of risk‐taking propensity
Authors: Zhou Ran , Myung Jay I. , Mathews Carol A. , Pitt Mark A.
Published: January 2021

Risk‐taking propensity is a general personality disposition that has been studied using survey, behavioral, and cognitive modeling approaches, but the consistency and informativeness of the data across these approaches is rarely compared. To address this issue, we compared three behavioral tasks (BART, C‐ART, and S‐ART) designed to measure risk‐taking propensity by correlating measures from both the behavioral and modeling approaches with responses on scales assumed to relate to risk‐taking (impulsivity, sensation seeking, and drug abuse), and risk aversion (OCD symptoms and hoarding behavior). Results show that both the behavioral measure and the model parameter in the C‐ART and the S‐ART positively correlated with impulsivity and sensation seeking, with the behavioral measure showing a slight advantage. We also found discrepancies between the behavioral measure and the model parameter: the behavioral measures in the BART and the S‐ART negatively correlated with hoarding behavior, whereas the model parameter positively correlated with impulsivity and OCD symptoms. Our findings indicate that these tasks, all of which claim to measure risk‐taking propensity, vary in their abilities to measure different aspects of risk‐taking propensity. Current computational models do not yet suffice as an additional index of risk‐taking propensity.
Partners’ engagement in surveillance among survivors of colorectal cancer: A qualitative study
Authors: Veenstra Christine M. , Acosta Jennifer , Sharar Rebecca , Hawley Sarah T. , Morris Arden M.
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Following treatment of Stage III colorectal cancer, guidelines recommend 3–5 years of surveillance for recurrence. However, over half of the 1.2 million U.S. survivors of colorectal cancer fail to receive guideline‐concordant surveillance. In light of growing recognition that members of couples are interdependent and influence each other's health behaviors, we sought to describe, in their own words, the perspectives of spouses/partners on their engagement in patients’ surveillance.

Methods

We conducted in‐person, semi‐structured interviews with 10 survivors of stage III colorectal cancer and their partners, together and separately. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, iteratively coded, and analyzed to identify emergent themes pertaining to partner engagement. Findings were validated through triangulation between study team members and triangulation between dyadic and individual interviews, and through an extensive search of transcripts for disconfirming evidence.

Results

We identified three overarching domains of partner engagement in surveillance. First, psychosocial engagement included promoting patient participation in surveillance, showing care and concern, and attending to partner self‐care. Second, information‐seeking and dyadic communication focused on gathering information, staying informed about test results, and communicating about surveillance. Third, instrumental engagement referred to any explicit, objective activities such as scheduling appointments, attending appointments, and managing responsibilities at home. Participants shared strategies, examples, and in some cases unmet needs.

Conclusions

This study generated new, clinically meaningful knowledge about the ways in which partners engage in patients’ surveillance. Opportunities to leverage partners as informal resources in surveillance include development of dyadic interventions to help partners engage most effectively.
Sports serve as platform for social justice activism
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: January 2021

Although COVID‐19 certainly impacted Akilah R. Carter‐Francique, Ph.D., in her first year as the Executive Director of the Institute for the Study of Sport, Society and Social Change at San Jose State University, the former student‐athlete has thrived as a scholar, activist, and advocate for equity.
Chemical Composition and Cytotoxic Evaluation of the Essential Oil of Phyllogonium viride (Phyllogoniaceae, Bryophyta)
Authors: Klegin Christchellyn , de Moura Neusa Fernandes , Oliveira de Sousa Matheus Henrique , Frassini Rafaele , Roesch‐Ely Mariana , Bruno Alessandra Nejar , Bitencourt Thais Cardoso , Flach Adriana , Bordin Juçara
Published: January 2021

The present study aimed to determine the chemical composition and biological activity of the essential oil obtained from Phyllogonium viride Brid. (Phyllogoniaceae, Bryophyta), whose samples were collected in southern Brazil. For the first time, the cytotoxic activity of the essential oil of P. viride in breast and colorectal tumor cells (MCF‐7 and HCT‐116) was evaluated, as well as the cytotoxic potential of this oil in non‐tumoral cells of human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT) via MTT assay. The compounds majorly found in P. viride essential oil were β‐bazzanene (20.30 %), β‐caryophyllene (17.06 %), β‐chamigrene (14.02), and germacrene B (11.72 %). Treatment with P. viride essential oil in the different tested cell lines did not induce any toxicity in most of the tested concentrations. These data contribute to generating new scientific information about this understudied plant species. Furthermore, the chemical characterization of the compounds present in the essential oil of P. viride can lead to greater elucidation of its biotechnological potential.
Impact of Surface Properties of Porous SiOC‐Based Materials on the Performance of Geobacter Biofilm Anodes
Authors: da Rosa Braun Pedro Henrique , Canuto de Almeida e Silva Thamires , Rodrigo Quejigo Jose , Kuchenbuch Anne , Rezwan Kurosch , Harnisch Falk , Wilhelm Michaela
Published: January 2021

Porous SiOC tapes were studied as anodes for bioelectrochemical system (BES) using Geobacter spp. as an electroactive microorganism (EAM). The ceramic anodes were produced by tape‐casting of poly(silsesquioxanes), tailoring the surface properties by incorporating graphite and carbon black, and changing the pyrolysis temperature. By varying these parameters, the specific surface area, the hydrophilicity, and the roughness were adjusted, with the pyrolysis temperature playing a major role. When used as anodes at 0.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl sat. KCl in the BES, maximum current densities relative to the geometric surface area (jGSA) up to 5.8 A m−2 were achieved. Microbial community analysis of the biofilm shows the dominant presence of Geobacter spp. as the EAM. Benchmarking the performance of the anodes of this study with anodes using the same EAM demonstrates that porous SiOC anodes are a promising class of materials, as they show jGSA comparable to carbon‐based anodes.
All‐MXene Cotton‐Based Supercapacitor‐Powered Human Body Thermal Management System
Authors: Li Jianmin , Chen Jianmei , Wang Hao , Xiao Xu
Published: January 2021

Invited for this month's cover picture is the group of Prof. Xu Xiao at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China. The cover picture shows a little boy who is celebrating Chinese New Year outdoors with his dog. To keep warm, he is wearing a MXene‐cotton‐based human body thermal management textile, which is also powered by MXene‐cotton‐based supercapacitors. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.202001536.
Magnesium Polysulfides: Synthesis, Disproportionation, and Impedance Response in Symmetrical Carbon Electrode Cells
Authors: Drvarič Talian Sara , Vizintin Alen , Bitenc Jan , Aquilanti Giuliana , Randon‐Vitanova Anna , Gaberšček Miran , Dominko Robert
Published: January 2021

Magnesium polysulfides have a key role during the redox reaction in magnesium‐sulfur batteries. However, kinetics of the Mg polysulfide disproportionation, transport, and solubility in electrolytes are rarely studied. To fill this gap, we here report the synthesis of different chain‐length Mg polysulfides and their characterization with 1H NMR, ATR‐IR, and XANES spectroscopies. The tendency of polysulfides to disproportionate in solutions is confirmed with UV/Vis spectroscopy. To probe their reactivity and diffusivity, impedance spectroscopy is performed in symmetrical cells consisting of two planar glassy carbon or porous carbon electrodes containing Mg polysulfide catholyte. Several transport‐reaction parameters are obtained, such as exchange current densities, chemical diffusion coefficients, transference numbers of polysulfides, and conductivities. Moreover, we show that the solubility of Mg polysulfides in Mg(TFSI)2, MgCl2 ether‐based electrolyte is affected at rather moderate concentration of polysulfides, thereby having an impact on the cell performance.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of Ferrocenyl and Ruthenocenyl Analogues of Etoposide: Discovery of a Novel Dual Inhibitor of Topoisomerase II Activity and Tubulin Polymerization
Authors: Chrabąszcz Karolina , Błauż Andrzej , Gruchała Martyna , Wachulec Marcin , Rychlik Błażej , Plażuk Damian
Published: January 2021

Two series of the ferrocenyl and ruthenocenyl analogues of etoposide bearing 1,2,3‐triazolyl or aminoalkyl linker were synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxic properties, influence on the cell cycle, ability to induce tubulin polymerization, and inhibition of topoisomerase II activity. We found that the replacement of the etoposide carbohydrate moiety with a metallocenyl group led to organometallic conjugates exhibiting differentiated antiproliferative activity. Biological studies demonstrated that two ferrocenylalkylamino conjugates were notably more active than etoposide, with submicromolar or low‐micromolar IC50 values towards SW620, etoposide‐resistant SW620E, and methotrexate‐resistant SW620M cancer cell lines. Moreover, the simplest ferrocenylmethylamino conjugate exerted dual inhibitory action against tubulin polymerization and topoisomerase II activity while other studied compounds affected only topoisomerase II activity.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of Functionalized 5‐Amino‐3,4‐Dihydro‐2H‐Pyrrole‐2‐Carboxylic Acid Esters: One‐Pot Approach Using Commercially Available Compounds and Benign Solvents
Authors: Meninno Sara , Carratù Mario , Overgaard Jacob , Lattanzi Alessandra
Published: January 2021

A novel three‐step four‐transformation approach to highly functionalized 5‐amino‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrrole‐2‐carboxylic acid esters, starting from commercially available phenylsulfonylacetonitrile, aldehydes, and N‐(diphenylmethylene)glycine tert‐butyl ester, was developed. The one‐pot strategy delivered this class of amidines bearing, for the first time, three contiguous stereocenters, in good to high yield and diastereoselectivity. The entire sequence was carried out using diethyl carbonate and 2‐methyl tetrahydrofuran as benign solvents, operating under metal‐free conditions. The process could be conveniently scaled‐up, and the synthetic utility of the products was demonstrated.
On the relevance of boundary conditions and viscosity models in blood flow simulations in patient‐specific aorto‐coronary bypass models
Authors: Jonášová Alena , Vimmr Jan
Published: January 2021

Physiologically realistic results are the aim of every blood flow simulation. This is not different in aorto‐coronary bypasses where the properties of the coronary circulation may significantly affect the relevance of the performed simulations. By considering three patient‐specific bypass geometries, the present article focuses on two aspects of the coronary blood flow – its phasic flow pattern and its behaviour affected by blood rheology. For the phasic flow property, a multiscale modelling approach is chosen as a means to assess the ability of five different types of coronary boundary conditions (mean arterial pressure, Windkessel model and three lumped parameter models) to attain realistic coronary haemodynamics. From the analysed variants of boundary conditions, the best option in terms of physiological characteristics and its potential for use in patient‐based simulations, is utilised to account for the effect of shear‐dependent viscosity on the resulting haemodynamics and wall shear stress stimulation. Aside from the Newtonian model, the blood rheology is approximated by two non‐Newtonian models in order to determine whether the choice of a viscosity model is important in simulations involving coronary circulation. A comprehensive analysis of obtained results demonstrated notable superiority of all lumped parameter models, especially in comparison to the constant outlet pressure, which regardless of bypass type gave overestimated and physiologically misleading results. In terms of rheology, it was noted that blood in undamaged coronary arteries behaves as a Newtonian fluid, whereas in vessels with atypical lumen geometry, such as that of anastomosis or stenosis, its shear‐thinning behaviour should not be ignored.
Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of Trazpiroben (TAK‐906), a Novel Selective D2/D3 Receptor Antagonist: A Phase 1 Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Single‐ and Multiple‐Dose Escalation Study in Healthy Participants
Authors: Whiting Roger L. , Darpo Borje , Chen Chunlin , Fletcher Margaret , Combs Dan , Xue Hongqi , Stoltz Randall R.
Published: January 2021

Gastroparesis is a chronic neuromuscular disorder of the upper gastrointestinal tract in which episodic exacerbation can lead to frequent hospitalizations and severe disability. Dopamine D2/D3 receptor antagonists have been used to treat patients with gastroparesis with some efficacy; however, their chronic use is limited owing to associated central nervous system (CNS) or cardiovascular safety concerns. Trazpiroben (TAK‐906) is a dopamine D2/D3 receptor antagonist under development for the long‐term treatment of gastroparesis. Preclinical studies in rat and dog have shown trazpiroben to have minimal brain penetration and low affinity for the human ether‐à‐go‐go‐related gene (hERG) potassium channel (IC50,  15.6 µM), thereby reducing the risk of the CNS and cardiovascular adverse effects seen with other dopamine D2/D3 receptor antagonists. This phase 1 trial evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of trazpiroben in healthy participants. Trazpiroben was rapidly absorbed and eliminated (Tmax, ∼1.1 hours; t1/2, 4–11 hours) after administration of single (5–300 mg) and multiple (50 or 100 mg) doses. Receptor target engagement was confirmed for all doses, as indicated by an increase in serum prolactin levels compared with placebo (mean prolactin Cmax, 134.3 ng/mL after administration of trazpiroben 10 mg vs 16.1 ng/mL with placebo). Therapeutically relevant single and multiple doses of trazpiroben were well tolerated in healthy participants, and no clinically meaningful cardiovascular adverse effects were observed across the whole dose range. These data support the further development of trazpiroben for the treatment of gastroparesis.
A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled, Multiple Dose Escalation Study to Evaluate the Safety and Pharmacokinetics of ELX‐02 in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Leubitz Andi , Vanhoutte Frederic , Hu Ming‐yi , Porter Kaela , Gordon Efrat , Tencer Kathleen , Campbell Kathleen , Banks Kate , Haverty Tom
Published: January 2021

ELX‐02 is an investigational compound being developed as a therapy for genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations such as cystic fibrosis. Structurally, ELX‐02 is an aminoglycoside analogue that induces read‐through of nonsense mutations through interaction with the ribosome, resulting in the production of full‐length functional proteins. This phase 1 multiple‐ascending‐dose trial evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetics of ELX‐02 in 62 healthy volunteers. ELX‐02 plasma exposure was dose proportional, with no apparent accumulation, and followed by renal elimination. The most reported adverse event was injection site reactions that were mild to moderate in severity. At the top dose of 5.0 mg/kg, 1 of 6 subjects experienced auditory threshold changes in which ototoxicity could not be clearly ruled out, and 2 of 6 had hearing threshold changes consistent with possible ototoxicity. Two of 3 subjects receiving placebo in the 5.0 mg/kg group also had significant hearing threshold changes. All observed hearing threshold changes resolved or were trending toward resolution after withdrawal of the study drug. No severe or serious adverse events were reported.The results of this study support the evaluation of ELX‐02 in phase 2 clinical trials with patients that have genetic diseases caused by nonsense mutations.
Pivotal Dose of Pembrolizumab: A Dose‐Finding Strategy for Immuno‐Oncology
Authors: Li Tommy R. , Chatterjee Manash , Lala Mallika , Abraham Anson K. , Freshwater Tomoko , Jain Lokesh , Sinha Vikram , de Alwis Dinesh P. , Mayawala Kapil
Published: January 2021

Despite numerous publications emphasizing the value of dose finding, drug development in oncology is dominated by the mindset that higher dose provides higher efficacy. Examples of dose finding implemented by biopharmaceutical firms can change this mindset. The purpose of this article is to outline a pragmatic dose selection strategy for immuno‐oncology (IO) and other targeted monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). The approach was implemented for pembrolizumab. Selecting a recommended phase II dose (RP2D) with a novel mechanism of action is often challenging due to uncertain relationships between pharmacodynamics measurements and clinical end points. Additionally, phase I efficacy and safety data are generally inadequate for RP2D selection for IO mAbs. Here, the RP2D was estimated based on phase I (clinical study KN001 A and A2) pharmacokinetics data as the dose required for target saturation, which represents a surrogate for maximal pharmacological effect for antagonist mAbs. Due to limitations associated with collecting and analyzing tumor biopsies, characterizing intratumoral target engagement (TE) is challenging. To overcome this gap, a physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic model was implemented to predict intratumoral TE. As tumors are spatially heterogeneous, TE was predicted in well‐vascularized and poorly vascularized tumor regions. Additionally, impact of differences in target expression, for example, due to interindividual variability and cancer type, was simulated. Simulations showed that 200 mg every 3 weeks can achieve ≥ 90% TE in clinically relevant scenarios, resulting in the recommendation of 200 mg every 3 weeks as the RP2D. Randomized dose comparison studies (KN001 B2 and D) showing similar efficacy over a fivefold dose/exposure range confirmed the RP2D as the pivotal dose.
Pathological and immunological differences of arterial thrombi and wall caused by three different periodontal bacterial injections in rat models and proposals on the pathogeneses of vascular diseases
Authors: Iwai Takehisa , Matsui Yoshiki , Homma Kaori , Takemura Tamiko , Fujiwara Mutsunori , Aoyama Norio , Furukawa Asuka , Sato Hiroki , Izumi Yuichi
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Periodontal bacteria that have been studied show a strong connection to various vascular diseases. Among the many kinds of periodontal bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) is well examined in the general aspects and in a rat model. However, whether other periodontal bacteria work or react differently is not studied well.

Material and methods

We chose Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and Prevotella intermedia (Pi) as different types of periodontal bacteria. Low‐density and high‐density bacterial solutions were injected in the small artery of rats' groins using our rat model. Eighteen limbs of 9 SD male rats (500–650 g) were used. After 7 days, 14–18 days, and 28 days, the rats were sacrificed. A pathological and an immuno‐histochemical study was conducted and reported on the low‐density group with 12 limbs because the Pi group lacked a high‐density study. Immuno‐histochemical staining of live Pg was performed on three limbs of three rats at 1 h, 3 h, and 1 week after injection.

Results

The appearances from the acute, at 7 days, to chronic phases, at 28 days, were observed. The differences of the species were certainly observed in the internal elastic lamina (IEL), and immuno‐histochemical reactions. The inflammatory reactions, such as cellular distribution or intra‐thrombus materials, were similar in all. One week later, we could not see any living bacteria in the specimen or immunological observation.

Conclusions

The three species were essentially the same, except for Aa's stronger disruption of IEL, and more CD3 (Pan T cell) in Pi and more CD79a (Pan B cell) in Pg. We propose a new concept of a possible mechanism of vascular diseases, in which the work of LPS (lipopolysaccharides) and a toll‐like receptor (TLR) is emphasized.
Sustainable human resources management in crisis contexts: Interaction of socially responsible labour practices for the wellbeing of employees
Authors: Sorribes Joan , Celma Dolors , Martínez‐Garcia Esther
Published: January 2021

Periods of recession and economic crisis pose great challenges to companies committed to quality of work and by extension to their human resources (HR) departments. The need for adjustments can be a great opportunity for the implementation of socially responsible labour practices for the wellbeing of employees and in line with sustainable development and sustainable development goals. This study analyses the effects of the interaction between different socially responsible human resource management labour practices on three variables of employee wellbeing: job satisfaction, job stress and trust in management. Prior to the application of various statistical models, a correlation analysis of labour practices is carried out. Two types of statistical models are used depending on the type of variable to be explained. The ordinal logit has been applied to variables ‘trust in management’ and ‘level of job stress,’ which are not continuous. And the linear regression model for the variable ‘job satisfaction,’ which is continuous. Based on the analysis of data from 1346 workers from the 2010 Quality of Life at Work Survey in Catalonia, the results show the effectiveness of the combination of applied practices related to personal quality of life aspects, such as work‐life balance, non‐discrimination or environmental workplace conditions, as a determining factor for generally increasing the wellbeing of employees in times of crisis. However, practices aimed at achieving greater employee involvement, are more effective when applied individually. The importance of job stability to increase employee wellbeing in times of crisis is to be highlighted.
Whether an innovation act as a catalytic moderator between corporate social responsibility performance and stated owned and non‐state owned enterprises' performance or not? An evidence from Pakistani listed firms
Authors: Tang Yingkai , Akram Aswad , Cioca Lucian‐Ionel , Shah Syed Ghulam Meran , Qureshi Muhammad Asim Ali
Published: January 2021

The objective of the study is to signify the impact of corporate social responsibility performance on state‐owned and non‐state‐owned enterprises' performance. The contributive concept of CSR performance has been formulated while contemplating total tax, staff expenditure, public welfare expenditure, social cost and total equity. To contemplate with deep insight, the moderating role of innovation input and output has been substantiated through empirical results. The data of 502 listed companies on Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has been endorsed for years 2009–2018. Empirical underpinnings reveal that corporate social responsibility performance boosts the non‐state‐owned enterprises' performance vehemently while state‐owned enterprises have proclaimed insignificant results. Comprehensively, innovation input has decelerated the Non‐state owned Enterprises' performance while innovation output has remained insignificant. Specifically, leverage has been signified as the most deterrent vehicle for declining the Non‐State Owned Enterprises' performance. Intuitively, the theoretical contribution is manifested while deducing the implicative aspect of legitimacy theory which emphasizes on the adoption of corporate social responsibility. Implicatively, the study recommends to ameliorate the corporate structure of state‐owned enterprises comprehensively so that advantage of corporate social responsibility may be attained vigorously. Doubtlessly, empirical results are reliable and authenticated due to the execution of GMM and 2SLS instrumental regressions.
The Competing Demands of Patient Privacy and Clinical Research
Authors: Ulrich Connie M. , Grady Christine , Demiris George , Richmond Therese S.
Published: January 2021

Privacy and confidentiality of personal medical information are cornerstones of ethical clinical care and ethical research. But real‐world research has challenged traditional ways of thinking about privacy and confidentiality of information. In today's world of “big data” and learning health care systems, researchers and others are combining multiple sources of information to address complex problems. We present a case study that highlights the ethical concerns that arise when a patient who is employed by an academic medical center learns through a research invitational letter that her private information was accessed at this center without her consent. We discuss the ethical challenges of balancing patient privacy with advancing clinical research and ask, what level of privacy and confidentiality can and should patients expect from their clinician providers, fellow research colleagues, and institutions?
Identification of novel bacterial biomarkers to detect bird scavenging by invasive rats
Authors: Muletz‐Wolz Carly R. , Wilson Rankin Erin , McGrath‐Blaser Sarah , Venkatraman Madhvi , Maldonado Jesús E. , Gruner Daniel S. , Fleischer Robert C.
Published: January 2021

Rapid advances in genomic tools for use in ecological contexts and non‐model systems allow unprecedented insight into interactions that occur beyond direct observation. We developed an approach that couples microbial forensics with molecular dietary analysis to identify species interactions and scavenging by invasive rats on native and introduced birds in Hawaii. First, we characterized bacterial signatures of bird carcass decay by conducting 16S rRNA high‐throughput sequencing on chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) tissues collected over an 11‐day decomposition study in natural Hawaiian habitats. Second, we determined if field‐collected invasive black rats (Rattus rattus; n = 51, stomach and fecal samples) had consumed birds using molecular diet analysis with two independent PCR assays (mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I and Cytochrome b genes) and Sanger sequencing. Third, we characterized the gut microbiome of the same rats using 16S rRNA high‐throughput sequencing and identified 15 bacterial taxa that were (a) detected only in rats that consumed birds (n = 20/51) and (b) were indicative of decaying tissue in the chicken decomposition experiment. We found that 18% of rats (n = 9/51) likely consumed birds as carrion by the presence of bacterial biomarkers of decayed tissue in their gut microbiome. One species of native bird (Myadestes obscurus) and three introduced bird species (Lophura leucomelanos, Meleagris gallopavo, Zosterops japonicus) were detected in the rats’ diets, with individuals from these species (except L. nycthemera) likely consumed through scavenging. Bacterial biomarkers of bird carcass decay can persist through rat digestion and may serve as biomarkers of scavenging. Our approach can be used to reveal trophic interactions that are challenging to measure through direct observation.
Energetic efficiency of foraging mediates bee niche partitioning
Authors: Balfour Nicholas J. , Shackleton Kyle , Arscott Natalie A. , Roll‐Baldwin Kimberley , Bracuti Anthony , Toselli Gioelle , Ratnieks Francis L.W.
Published: January 2021

Revitalizing our understanding of species distributions and assembly in community ecology requires greater use of functional (physiological) approaches based on quantifiable factors such as energetics. Here, we explore niche partitioning between bumble and honey bees by comparing a measure of within‐patch foraging efficiency, the ratio of flower visitation rate (proportional to energy gain) to body mass (energy cost). This explained a remarkable 74% of the variation in the proportions of bumble to honey bees across 22 plant species and was confirmed using detailed energy calculations. Bumble bees visited flowers at a greater rate (realizing greater energy benefits) than honey bees, but were heavier (incurring greater energy costs) and predominated only on plant species where their benefit : cost ratio was higher than for honey bees. Importantly, the competition between honey bees and bumble bees had no consistent winner, thus highlighting the importance of plant diversity to the coexistence of competing bees. By contrast, tongue : corolla‐tube‐length ratio explained only 7% of the variation (non‐significant). Our results confirm the importance of energetics in understanding community ecology and bee foraging niche and highlight the energetic tightrope navigated by foraging bees, since approximately half the nectar energy gained was expended in its collection.
Pleiotropic activity of nerve growth factor in regulating cardiac functions and counteracting pathogenesis
Authors: Pius‐Sadowska Ewa , Machaliński Bogusław
Published: January 2021

Cardiac innervation density generally reflects the levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) produced by the heart—changes in NGF expression within the heart and vasculature contribute to neuronal remodelling (e.g. sympathetic hyperinnervation or denervation). Its synthesis and release are altered under different pathological conditions. Although NGF is well known for its survival effects on neurons, it is clear that these effects are more wide ranging. Recent studies reported both in vitro and in vivo evidence for beneficial actions of NGF on cardiomyocytes in normal and pathological hearts, including prosurvival and antiapoptotic effects. NGF also plays an important role in the crosstalk between the nervous and cardiovascular systems. It was the first neurotrophin to be implicated in postnatal angiogenesis and vasculogenesis by autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. In connection with these unique cardiovascular properties of NGF, we have provided comprehensive insight into its function and potential effect of NGF underlying heart sustainable/failure conditions. This review aims to summarize the recent data on the effects of NGF on various cardiovascular neuronal and non‐neuronal functions. Understanding these mechanisms with respect to the diversity of NGF functions may be crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies, including NGF action mechanism‐guided therapies.
Nurse‐led ambulatory care supported by non‐invasive haemodynamic assessment after acute heart failure decompensation
Authors: Krzesiński Paweł , Siebert Janusz , Jankowska Ewa Anita , Galas Agata , Piotrowicz Katarzyna , Stańczyk Adam , Siwołowski Paweł , Gutknecht Piotr , Chrom Paweł , Murawski Piotr , Walczak Andrzej , Szalewska Dominika , Banasiak Waldemar , Ponikowski Piotr , Gielerak Grzegorz
Published: January 2021

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by frequent decompensation and an unpredictable trajectory. To prevent early hospital readmission, coordinated discharge planning and individual therapeutic approach are recommended.

Aims

We aimed to assess the effect of 1 month of ambulatory care, led by nurses and supported by non‐invasive haemodynamic assessment, on the functional status, well‐being, and haemodynamic status of patients post‐acute HF decompensation.

Methods and results

This study had a multicentre, prospective, and observational design and included patients with at least one hospitalization due to acute HF decompensation within 6 months prior to enrolment. The 1 month ambulatory care included three visits led by a nurse when the haemodynamic state of each patient was assessed non‐invasively by impedance cardiography, including thoracic fluid content assessment. The pharmacotherapy was modified basing on haemodynamic assessment. Sixty eight of 73 recruited patients (median age = 67 years; median left ventricular ejection fraction = 30%) finished 1 month follow‐up. A significant improvement was observed in both the patients' functional status as defined by New York Heart Association class (P = 0.013) and sense of well‐being as evaluated by a visual analogue score (P = 0.002). The detailed patients' assessment on subsequent visits resulted in changes of pharmacotherapy in a significant percentage of patients (Visit 2 = 39% and Visit 3 = 44%).

Conclusions

The proposed model of nurse‐led ambulatory care for patients after acute HF decompensation, with consequent assessment of the haemodynamic profile, resulted in: (i) improvement in the functional status, (ii) improvement in the well‐being, and (iii) high rate of pharmacotherapy modifications.
Single Potential Scan Methods for Nanoporous Gold Formation on Ultramicroelectrode Surfaces
Authors: Lee Siyeon , Kim Jongwon
Published: January 2021

Nanoporous gold (NPG) has been extensively investigated because of their applications. Here, we report a straightforward method for the preparation of NPG on micrometer‐scale electrodes. Well‐defined NPG structures were formed on Au surfaces by a single potential scan within 100 seconds. This method is applied to Au surfaces with small dimensions regardless of the electrode geometry, whereas it is not applicable to conventional millimeter‐scale electrodes. The effects of electrode sizes and scan rates on NPG formation were systematically examined, and the amperometric glucose detection with 20‐μL sample volumes using an ultramicroelectrode (UME) with NPG surfaces was demonstrated.
Transient simulation of electrochemical machining processes for manufacturing of surface structures in high‐strength materials
Authors: Loebel Sascha , Zinecker Mike , Steinert Philipp , Schubert Andreas
Published: January 2021

Electrochemical machining (ECM) is a method for removing metal by anodic dissolution. At the interface between the workpiece surface and an electrically conductive fluid (electrolyte), the material is dissolved locally without direct physical contact to the cathodic tool. Due to the force‐free nature of the process, ECM is used for machining high‐strength or hard materials, such as titanium aluminides, Inconel, Waspaloy, and high nickel, cobalt, and rhenium alloys. However, determining suitable process parameters remains challenging due to their interacting effects on working distances during the machining process. Therefore a simulation‐based approach to process design substantially reduces resource and time investment to achieve the desired geometry of the finished part. This methodology requires data about the materials electrochemical properties, such as removal velocity and current efficiency, which have to be obtained experimentally. In this study, a methodology for acquiring and processing this data as well as the development of multiphysics simulation models is presented exemplarily for manufacturing a centrifugal impeller with a diameter of 14 mm consisting of the nickel alloy Inconel 713C for use in turbomachinery.
Understanding Structure–Property Relationships under Experimental Conditions for the Optimization of Lithium‐Ion Capacitor Anodes based on All‐Carbon‐Composite Materials
Authors: Hwang Jinyeon , Zhang Wuyong , Youk Sol , Schutjajew Konstantin , Oschatz Martin
Published: January 2021

The nanoscale combination of a conductive carbon and a carbon‐based material with abundant heteroatoms for battery electrodes is a method to overcome the limitation that the latter has high affinity to alkali metal ions but low electronic conductivity. The synthetic protocol and the individual ratios and structures are important aspects influencing the properties of such multifunctional compounds. Their interplay is, herein, investigated by infiltration of a porous ZnO‐templated carbon (ZTC) with nitrogen‐rich carbon obtained by condensation of hexaazatriphenylene‐hexacarbonitrile (HAT‐CN) at 550–1000 °C. The density of lithiophilic sites can be controlled by HAT‐CN content and condensation temperature. Lithium storage properties are significantly improved in comparison with those of the individual compounds and their physical mixtures. Depending on the uniformity of the formed composite, loading ratio and condensation temperature have different influence. Most stable operation at high capacity per used monomer is achieved with a slowly dried composite with an HAT‐CN:ZTC mass ratio of 4:1, condensed at 550 °C, providing more than 400 mAh g−1 discharge capacity at 0.1 A g−1 and a capacity retention of 72% after 100 cycles of operation at 0.5 A g−1 due to the homogeneity of the composite and high content of lithiophilic sites.
Assessing the Toxicity of Individual Aromatic Compounds and Mixtures to American Lobster (Homarus americanus) Larvae Using a Passive Dosing System
Authors: Philibert Danielle , Parkerton Thomas , Marteinson Sarah , de Jourdan Benjamin
Published: January 2021

Aquatic exposures to aromatic compounds (ACs) may be important contributors to biological effects of oil spills. The present study examined the acute toxicity of 11 ACs and 3 binary AC mixtures on stage 1 American lobster larvae using a passive dosing test design. The ACs investigated covered a range of classes and log octanol–water partition coefficient values (KOW; 2.5–5.5). Silicone O-rings were used to partition ACs into seawater and maintain stable exposures. Exposed lobster larvae were assessed for mobility and survival at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Fluorometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry measurements confirmed well-defined substance exposures. Expressing lethality in terms of chemical activities yielded values between 0.01 and 0.1, consistent with a baseline mode of action. Analysis of time-dependent median lethal/effect concentration (L/EC50) values were used to determine incipient values. An expected linear relationship between the incipient log L/EC50 and log KOW was fit to the empirical toxicity data to derive critical target lipid body burdens for immobilization and lethality endpoints. These values indicate that American lobster larvae fall on the sensitive end of the acute species sensitivity distribution. We used AC toxicity data to successfully predict toxicity of binary mixtures assuming additive toxicity. The observed time-dependent toxicity was inversely related to log KOW and occurred more quickly than reported previously. The results contribute to improving models for predicting oil spill impacts on American lobster larvae populations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1379–1388. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Jurisdictional approaches to sustainable resource use
Authors: von Essen Marius , Lambin Eric F
Published: January 2021

Tropical forests are under increasing pressure, but conservation interventions have had only limited success in mitigating deforestation and ecosystem degradation. Over the past decade, however, jurisdictional approaches to sustainable resource use have attracted increasing attention as a potential alternative to traditional conservation strategies. These approaches operate within formal administrative boundaries and seek to establish policies and practices that apply to all stakeholders. We compiled a global database of conservation initiatives and developed a definition and typology for jurisdictional approaches; of the 80 initiatives included in our database, 25 met this definition. We categorized these jurisdictional approaches according to two criteria: the focus of the intervention and the degree of government involvement. These jurisdictions encompassed approximately 40% of global tropical forests, with most experiencing higher‐than‐average deforestation rates. Although jurisdictional approaches harbor the potential to overcome the limitations of previous approaches, numerous challenges for implementation and operation remain. In addition, because most jurisdictional initiatives currently in operation are still early in their lifecycles, the long‐term effectiveness of this strategy has yet to be proven.
Intermediary capital risk and commodity futures volatility
Authors: Yin Libo , Nie Jing , Han Liyan
Published: January 2021

This paper explores the degree and structure of the dependence of commodity futures volatility on intermediary capital risk (ICR) and investigates the economic source of this association. The overall effect of ICR is negative and more significant for the post‐2008 period, although positive and negative ICR play asymmetric roles. Furthermore, we identify a heterogeneous structure of dependence across the volatility distribution as ICR strengthens toward upper volatility percentiles, whereas financialization in commodities flattens this dynamic trace. Finally, the ability of ICR to convey economic news is the most economically important source of the dependence.
On the computation of hedging strategies in affine GARCH models
Authors: Augustyniak Maciej , Badescu Alexandru
Published: January 2021

This paper discusses the computation of hedging strategies under affine Gaussian GARCH dynamics. The risk‐minimization hedging strategy is derived in closed‐form and related to minimum variance delta hedging. Several numerical experiments are conducted to investigate the accuracy and properties of the proposed hedging formula, as well as the convergence to its continuous‐time counterpart based on the GARCH diffusion limit process. An empirical analysis with S&P 500 option data over 2001–2015 indicates that risk‐minimization hedging with the affine Gaussian GARCH model outperforms benchmark delta hedges. Our study also reveals that the variance‐dependent pricing kernel contributes to improving the hedging performance.
COVID‐19 and dementia: experience from six European countries
Authors: Burns Alistair , Lobo Antonio , Olde Rikkert Marcel , Robert Philippe , Sartorius Norman , Semrau Maya , Stoppe Gabriela
Published: January 2021

The effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) have been well documented across the world with an appreciation that older people and in particular those with dementia have been disproportionately and negatively affected by the pandemic. This is both in terms of their health outcomes (mortality and morbidity), care decisions made by health systems and the longer‐term effects such as neurological damage. The International Dementia Alliance is a group of dementia specialists from six European countries and this paper is a summary of our experience of the effects of COVID‐19 on our populations. Experience from England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland highlight the differential response from health and social care systems and the measures taken to maximise support for older people and those with dementia. The common themes include recognition of the atypical presentation of COVID‐19 in older people (and those with dementia) need to pay particular attention to the care of people with dementia in care homes; the recognition of the toll that isolation can bring on older people and the complexity of the response by health and social services to minimise the negative impact of the pandemic. Potential new ways of working identified during the pandemic could serve as a positive legacy from the crisis.
Living Donors and the Issue of “Informed Consent”
Authors: Lederer Susan E.
Published: January 2021

This essay considers the issue of informed consent as it arose in the context of 1960s living kidney donors. In one of the earliest empirical inquiries into informed consent, psychiatrists Carl H. Fellner and John R. Marshall interviewed donors about their decision‐making process and their experience and reflections on donorship. In their much‐cited 1970 paper, the physicians reported that living donors, rather than reaching a reasoned, intellectual, and unemotional decision about donating a kidney (as stipulated in the Ethical Guidelines for Organ Transplantation issued by the American Medical Association's Judicial Council), instead made instantaneous and “irrational” decisions about participation. Fellner and Marshall's studies contributed to the public debate and professional discussion about the moral and ethical dimensions of donorship, even as they challenged the developing consensus on informed consent.
Non‐overt disseminated intravascular coagulopathy associated with the first obinutuzumab administration in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Fresa Alberto , Autore Francesco , Innocenti Idanna , Piciocchi Alfonso , Tomasso Annamaria , Morelli Francesca , Sorà Federica , Sica Simona , De Stefano Valerio , Laurenti Luca
Published: January 2021

Infusion‐related reactions are among the worst complications of obinutuzumab (G) administration and occur predominantly during the first infusion. We reported another adverse event related to the first G infusion, a subclinical coagulopathy. We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 13 pts with chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with a frontline G‐chlorambucil regimen. Six pts developed non‐overt disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) (46%) after the first administration of G. The coagulopathy was subclinical and self‐limited in all pts, not requiring any intervention apart from the suspension of anticoagulant therapy in one pt. We observed a drop in the platelet count, an elevation of D‐dimer levels, and an elongation of activated partial thromboplastin time. We found a significant difference in the platelet count between the pts with DIC and those withouts; in fact, all the six pts with non‐overt DIC had a platelet count greater than 100 × 109/L, while in the other group only one (p = 0.019). A trend towards a lower lymphocyte count and a higher CD20 expression was found in the pts with DIC. No other correlation between the DIC complication and the clinical or laboratory characteristics of the patients was found. The pathogenesis of the G‐related non‐overt DIC could be related to the consumption of the platelets after the lysis of lymphocytes, probably triggered by the damage associated molecular patterns. Despite its limitations, this study describes a new adverse event and identifies a specific subgroup of patients whose clinical management at the time of the infusion of G may need to be refined.