bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perception des parents d’enfants ayant un retard global de développement au Québec concernant la trajectoire de services
Authors: Grenier-Martin Justine , Rivard Mélina
Published: July 2020

Chez les familles d’enfants ayant des particularités développementales telles qu’un retard global de développement (RGD) ou une déficience intellectuelle (DI), les principaux défis rencontrés durant l’enfance sont multipliés par les conséquences découlant du diagnostic de leur enfant. L’expérience vécue par les familles au coeur du processus d’évaluation diagnostique et des services d’intervention précoce peut avoir d’importantes répercussions sur la qualité de vie de la famille et sur le développement de l’enfant. Afin de mieux comprendre la situation des familles québécoises dont l’enfant présente un RGD ou une DI, cette étude documente la perception de 61 parents quant à leur expérience dans la trajectoire de services d’évaluation diagnostique et d’intervention précoce spécialisée offerts au Québec. Les données ont été recueillies à partir d’un sondage en ligne constitué de choix de réponses et de questions ouvertes. Les résultats montrent que le déterminant de l’évaluation de la qualité de la trajectoire perçu le plus négativement par les familles est l’accessibilité aux services. De plus, les familles évaluent positivement les services offerts à l’enfant alors que ceux offerts en périphérie à la famille entourant l’enfant sont évalués plus négativement. Une vision orientée sur la famille entière est proposée afin de maximiser le soutien reçu par chacun des membres tant par rapport à l’orientation dans les services que dans l’offre de soutien psychologique pour la famille.
Évaluation de l’implantation initiale d’un protocole d’évaluation des troubles du comportement à l’école primaire pour les psychoéducateurs
Authors: Bégin Jean-Yves , Couture Caroline , Massé Line , Renaud Isabelle , Bernier Laurence
Published: July 2020

Occupant une place de plus en plus grande parmi les professionnels qui oeuvrent dans les écoles primaires au Québec, les psychoéducateurs sont souvent mandatés pour évaluer les élèves qui présentent des difficultés d’adaptation d’ordre comportemental. À l’heure actuelle, peu de pratiques rigoureuses d’évaluation ont été développées pour ces psychoéducateurs. Cette étude vise à évaluer l’implantation initiale d’un protocole d’évaluation d’élèves ayant des troubles du comportement proposé à des psychoéducateurs d’école primaire. Au total, 22 psychoéducateurs ainsi que cinq acteurs clefs de commission scolaire ont participé à une entrevue téléphonique visant à recueillir l’appréciation de cette pratique novatrice. Les résultats ont permis de faire ressortir les forces, les limites, les contraintes liées à son utilisation ainsi que les retombées du protocole sur la pratique des psychoéducateurs.
Earliest infections predict the age distribution of seasonal influenza A cases
Authors: Arevalo Philip , McLean Huong Q , Belongia Edward A , Cobey Sarah
Published: July 2020

Seasonal variation in the age distribution of influenza A cases suggests that factors other than age shape susceptibility to medically attended infection. We ask whether these differences can be partly explained by protection conferred by childhood influenza infection, which has lasting impacts on immune responses to influenza and protection against new influenza A subtypes (phenomena known as original antigenic sin and immune imprinting). Fitting a statistical model to data from studies of influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE), we find that primary infection appears to reduce the risk of medically attended infection with that subtype throughout life. This effect is stronger for H1N1 compared to H3N2. Additionally, we find evidence that VE varies with both age and birth year, suggesting that VE is sensitive to early exposures. Our findings may improve estimates of age-specific risk and VE in similarly vaccinated populations and thus improve forecasting and vaccination strategies to combat seasonal influenza.
Dopamine role in learning and action inference
Authors: Bogacz Rafal
Published: July 2020

This paper describes a framework for modelling dopamine function in the mammalian brain. It proposes that both learning and action planning involve processes minimizing prediction errors encoded by dopaminergic neurons. In this framework, dopaminergic neurons projecting to different parts of the striatum encode errors in predictions made by the corresponding systems within the basal ganglia. The dopaminergic neurons encode differences between rewards and expectations in the goal-directed system, and differences between the chosen and habitual actions in the habit system. These prediction errors trigger learning about rewards and habit formation, respectively. Additionally, dopaminergic neurons in the goal-directed system play a key role in action planning: They compute the difference between a desired reward and the reward expected from the current motor plan, and they facilitate action planning until this difference diminishes. Presented models account for dopaminergic responses during movements, effects of dopamine depletion on behaviour, and make several experimental predictions.
Tumor control via targeting PD-L1 with chimeric antigen receptor modified NK cells
Authors: Robbins Yvette , Greene Sarah , Friedman Jay , Clavijo Paul E , Van Waes Carter , Fabian Kellsye P , Padget Michelle R , Abdul Sater Houssein , Lee John H , Soon-Shiong Patrick , Gulley James , Schlom Jeffrey , Hodge James W , Allen Clint T
Published: July 2020

Failed T cell-based immunotherapies in the presence of genomic alterations in antigen presentations pathways may be overcome by NK cell-based immunotherapy. This approach may still be limited by the presence of immunosuppressive myeloid populations. Here, we demonstrate that NK cells (haNKs) engineered to express a PD-L1 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) haNKs killed a panel of human and murine head and neck cancer cells at low effector-to-target ratios in a PD-L1-dependent fashion. Treatment of syngeneic tumors resulted in CD8 and PD-L1-dependent tumor rejection or growth inhibition and a reduction in myeloid cells endogenously expressing high levels of PD-L1. Treatment of xenograft tumors resulted in PD-L1-dependent tumor growth inhibition. PD-L1 CAR haNKs reduced levels of macrophages and other myeloid cells endogenously expressing high PD-L1 in peripheral blood from patients with head and neck cancer. The clinical study of PD-L1 CAR haNKs is warranted.
Very few sites can reshape the inferred phylogenetic tree
Authors: Francis Warren R. , Canfield Donald E.
Published: July 2020

The history of animal evolution, and the relative placement of extant animal phyla in this history is, in principle, testable from phylogenies derived from molecular sequence data. Though datasets have increased in size and quality in the past years, the contribution of individual genes (and ultimately amino acid sites) to the final phylogeny is unequal across genes. Here we demonstrate that removing a small fraction of sites strongly favoring one topology can produce a highly-supported tree of an alternate topology. We explore this approach using a dataset for animal phylogeny, and create a highly-supported tree with a monophyletic group of sponges and ctenophores, a topology not usually recovered. Because of the high sensitivity of such an analysis to gene selection, and because most gene sets are neither standardized nor representative of the entire genome, researchers should be diligent about making intermediate analyses available with their phylogenetic studies. Effort is needed to ensure these datasets are maximally informative, by ensuring all genes are systematically sampled across relevant species. From there, it could be determined whether any gene or gene sets introduce bias, and then deal with those biases appropriately.
Reliability and validity of an equanimity questionnaire: the two-factor equanimity scale (EQUA-S)
Authors: Juneau Catherine , Pellerin Nicolas , Trives Elliott , Ricard Matthieu , Shankland Rébecca , Dambrun Michael
Published: July 2020

Background

Many studies have revealed the positive impact of mindfulness training on mental health and proposed equanimity as a general outcome in contemplative research. Despite recent interest, relatively few studies have empirically examined equanimity and measurement instruments are still lacking. The main goal of this study was to develop an Equanimity Scale (the EQUA-S) in a Western population with or without meditation experience, based on previous definitions of equanimity, in order to investigate its relations with the relevant psychological constructs and health outcomes.

Methods

Adults from the general population (N= 265;Mage= 34.81) completed various measures: the EQUA-S, mindfulness, hyper-sensitivity, avoidance and fusion, impulsivity, personality, alexithymia, sensitivity to punishment and reward and frequency of problematic addictive behaviors. The dimensionality of the EQUA-S was examined using Factor Analyses. The convergent validity of this new scale was investigated using Pearson’s Correlations.

Results

The results of a factor analysis revealed two dimensions of equanimity: an even-minded state of mind (E-MSM) and a hedonic independence (HI) component. While the E-MSM was positively related to emotional stability, adaptive emotional regulation and several mindfulness-related abilities, HI was found to correlate negatively with addictive issues.

Discussion

The relations with personality constructs and possible related cognitive processes are discussed.
Exceptionally preserved ‘skin’ in an Early Cretaceous fish from Colombia
Authors: Alfonso-Rojas Andrés , Cadena Edwin-Alberto
Published: July 2020

Studies of soft tissue, cells and original biomolecular constituents preserved in fossil vertebrates have increased greatly in recent years. Here we report preservation of ‘skin’ with chemical and molecular characterization from a three-dimensionally preserved caudal portion of an aspidorhynchid Cretaceous fish from the equatorial Barremian of Colombia, increasing the number of localities for which exceptional preservation is known. We applied several analytical techniques including SEM-EDS, FTIR and ToF-SIMS to characterize the micromorphology and molecular and elemental composition of this fossil. Here, we show that the fossilized ‘skin’ exhibits similarities with those from extant fish, including the wrinkles after suffering compression stress and flexibility, as well as architectural and tissue aspects of the two main layers (epidermis and dermis). This similarity extends also to the molecular level, with the demonstrated preservation of potential residues of original proteins not consistent with a bacterial source. Our results show a potential preservation mechanism where scales may have acted as an external barrier and together with an internal phosphate layer resulting from the degradation of the dermis itself creating an encapsulated environment for the integument.
The Image of Politicians of Prospective Governor and Deputy Governor of North Maluku in 2018 in a Local Media Frame
Authors: Syarif Nurlaela , Rusadi Udi , Dua Mikhael
Published: July 2020

The fact of reality in the local election process in looking for regional leaders is always colored by "image of conflict" in the national escalation labelled as the "conflict provinces". The reality of local political actors in North Maluku eventually became a commodity of mass media institutions as a material for political coverage. This study uses an interpretive paradigm of the reality of the image of political actors in the frame of local mass media in the simultaneous elections at North Maluku in 2018, through a qualitative approach to framing analysis. Data collection methods is done by using text analysis, observation, in-depth interviews, FGDs and document searches found the results of how the mass media frame in the context of political communication and how the framing process occurs in the construction of local media against the meaning of the image of the candidates for governor and deputy governor.
The Rate of Hospitalizations and Intensive Care Admissions in Boston Children Hospital
Authors: Nagpal Rajeev , Seltser Stanislav , Goyal Nitender
Published: July 2020

Much remains unknown about the overall impact of COVID-19 on the pediatric population because of the relative low incidence of symptomatic pediatric cases compared to other age groups. Recent anecdotal reports of rare and unique illnesses related to COVID-19 in this population calls for a more robust analysis. A time series analysis from open source Center for Disease Control (CDC) data on Boston Children’s Hospital over a three-week period from April 21, 2020 thru May 9, 2020 was completed. An overall downward trend of both COVID-19 hospitalizations and patients requiring Intensive Care Unit (ICU) care was found. Moreover, the ratio of patients hospitalized requiring ICU treatment decreased. These findings suggest that pediatric patients were seen earlier in the course of illness as reports emerged linking COVID-19 to symptomatic and life-threatening illness in children. This data is intended to raise this general issue to the broad readership of The Asian Journal of Pediatric Research.
The Effect of Ginger on the Invasion and Migration of Glioma Cells
Authors: Zraikat Manar , Gharaibeh Munir , Alshelleh Tasneem
Published: July 2020

Background: This work studies the effect of different concentrations of soaked ginger on the ability of the U87 glioma cells to invade collagen in a three dimension (3 D) invasion model and compare it with its effect on the ability of the same cell line to migrate in two-dimension (2 D) scratch assay.

Methods: The hanging drop spheroids in 3D invasion assay were used to investigate the in invasion of the U87 cells. The 2D scratch assay was used to investigate the migration of the same cell line.

Results: Gradual effect of the soaked ginger was noticed on the inhibition of the invasion of U87 in collagen and on the inhibition of the migration of the same cell line in scratch assay.

Conclusion: The results in this article are promising and encourage further studies to investigate the effect of ginger active ingredients on tumour progression.
Effect of Bajra (Pennisetum glaucum) Based Supplementary Food on Anthropometric Parameters of School Children (5-6 Year Old)
Authors: Arokiamary S. , Senthilkumar R. , Kanchana S.
Published: July 2020

Aims: To study the effect of bajra (Pennisetum glaucum) based supplementary food on anthropometric parameters of school going girl children.

Methodology: Two groups of 30 girl children in the age group of five to six year each were selected. Total number of children participated in the present study was 60. First group constituted non supplemented (control); the second group of children (experimental) was supplemented 100 g of bajra based supplementary food mix in the form of biscuits along with their home diet for a period of 100 days. The anthropometric parameters like height, weight, mid-upper arm circumference and waist hip ratio were measured before and after the administration of supplementary food. The data obtained from the study subjects were quantified, classified, tabulated and expressed in percentages. The paired ‘t’ test was used for pre and post treatments comparison.

Results: Among the two groups studied, highest increment in weight was recorded by the children on experimental group (0.7 kg) followed by an increment of 0.62 kg in control. After the supplementation for a period of 100 days, the mean height of the experimental group children increased slightly by 0.34 cm, whereas in the control group the mean height increase was only 0.12 cm for the same period. The mean increment in mid upper arm circumference of the selected children was 0.1 cm (control group) and 0.21 cm (experimental group). The presence of moderate malnutrition grade was decreased from 63 to 53 per cent and 44 to 40 per cent in control and experimental group, respectively. Normal children in control and experimental group increased after intervention from 3.0 per cent to 7.0 per cent and 20 to 23 per cent, respectively.

Conclusion: Supplementation with bajra based supplementary food mix has improved the anthropometric and clinical symptoms of the selected children. Long term feeding trials with supplementary food mix could improve the nutritional status of the children.
Soil Persistence of Diuron Applied to Cotton Cultivation in Red and Black Soils
Authors: Faizullah Md. Mifta , Ramprakash T. , Anjaiah T. , Madhavi M.
Published: July 2020

Persistence of diuron applied to cotton as preemergence spray at varied rates of application (0.5, 0.75, 1.0 kg ha-1) was studied in field experiments conducted simultaneously in red and black soils at Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar during kharif, 2018. In both red and black soils, persistence of diuron was observed beyond 120 days after application and the concentration of diuron in the top soil (0-15 cm) was higher in black soils compared to red soils from 0 Days to 120 Days. Higher dose of diuron showed greater soil persistence in both red and black soil. Diuron dissipation in soil followed first order kinetics in both the soils. Field half life of diuron was higher in black soil was 53.3-77.0 days at different rates of application than in red soil (53.3-69.3 days).
Principal Component Analysis on Soil Fertility Parameters of Vegetable Growing Panchayats/ Locations in Ernakulam District of Kerala
Authors: Muhsina A. , Joseph Brigit , Kumar Vijayaraghava
Published: July 2020

The present paper used Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on 13 soil fertility parameters including soil pH and electrical conductivity of 17 vegetable growing panchyat/locations in Ernakulam district of Kerala based on 583 soil samples. Soil pH of panchayats varied from 4.2- 5.8 with a coefficient of variation 3.16-12.23 per cent and it was inferred that most of the panchayats in the district had very strongly acidic (pH: 4.2-5) and strongly acidic soils (pH: 5-5.5). High level of organic carbon content was noticed in most of the panchayats except in four panchayats. The results of PCA revealed that five PC’s together explained a total variability of 80 per cent and the remaining PCs accounted for 20 per cent of the variability in the data which has been discarded from further analysis. First principal component accounted for 25 per cent variance followed by PC 2(21%), PC 3(14%), PC 4(10%) and PC 5(10%). Factor analysis generated five factors and they explained 85 per cent of variability. Score plot drawn as part of PCA showed that Chengamanadu, Manjapra and Thirumaradi panchayats had high content of soil available S and B. EC was also found to be higher in these panchayats. Amount of OC, Fe and Mn were more in Kalady, Keerampara and Mudakkuzha of Ernakulam district whereas Thuravur, Piravom and Pothanikkad had highly acidic and Mg rich soils. Amount of Zn was more in Vengoor panchayat. Available K, Ca, P and Cu were found to be higher in Kakkad, Nedumbassery, Vengola and Kadungalloor. Based on the fertility status of each panchayats, they could be classified into different groups.
Antioxidant Activity of nHexane Extract of Caryota no Seed Using Drosophila melanogaster Model
Authors: Maduagwuna Chinonye A. , Omale Simeon , Etuh Monday A. , Gyang Steven S.
Published: July 2020

Aims: To investigate the anti-oxidant activity of the nhexane extracts of Caryota no seeds in D. melanogaster.

Study Design: Experimental design.

Place and Duration: Sample: African Centre of Excellence for Phytomedicine Research and Development, University of Jos, Jos Plateau State Nigeria between June 2018 and February 2019.

Methodology: Total protein assays were carried out by exposing 50 flies in each vial to the following concentrations: 300 mg, 350 mg, 400 mg, 500 mg and 600 mg of nhexane extracts in 5 replicates for 7 days with daily recording of mortality. In vivo antioxidant activity study was conducted by measuring levels of Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST), catalase (CAT) and total thiol (TT) from supernatants of whole fly homogenates using a spectrophotometer at specific wavelenghts. The values were derived as part of the total protein value. The statistical difference among test groups was presumed at P <0.05.                                   

Results: The nhexane extract of CN caused nonsignificant (P = .52) changes in total protein levels compared to the control. The antioxidant activity showed nonsignificant (P = .64) higher total thiol contents and GST (P = .76) activity in nhexane extract-treated flies and lower catalase (P = .30) activity was recorded in the nhexane extract-treated flies compared to the controls.

Conclusion: It can therefore be concluded that the nhexane extract of Caryota no possess appreciable concentrations of different types of antioxidants.
Dworkin, Ronald
Authors: Parr Tom
Published: July 2020

Ronald Dworkin was one of the twentieth century's leading legal and political philosophers, having published extensively on justice, rights, the nature of the law, abortion and euthanasia, freedom of speech, and democracy. This entry focuses on the core aspect of Dworkin's contribution to debates about social justice, specifically his account ofequality of resources.
The longitudinal relationship between angry rumination and reactive–proactive aggression and the moderation effect of consideration of future consequences‐immediate
Authors: Wang Yueyue , Cao Shen , Zhang Qin , Xia Ling‐Xiang
Published: July 2020

The idea that influential factors for two subtypes of aggression (reactive and proactive aggression) should be different is popular, but the common influential factors have not been examined. Such an examination could help understand the influential factors of aggression from the perspective of multiple motivations affecting the development of aggressive motivations over time. The present study argued that angry rumination would be a common influential factor for both reactive and proactive aggression. In addition, consideration of future consequences (CFC) may moderate the longitudinal effect of angry rumination on proactive aggression. Two studies were conducted to test these hypotheses. In Study 1, a cross‐lagged analysis with a 6‐month interval was employed. A total of 505 undergraduate students (46% males) completed the questionnaires twice. Results indicated that after a 6‐month period, angry rumination predicted reactive aggression but not proactive aggression. Furthermore, reactive aggression predicted angry rumination over time. In Study 2, a moderation analysis was performed with another 437 participants (130 males). The results partly supported our hypotheses, indicating that CFC‐immediate (CFC‐I) moderated the longitudinal effect of angry rumination on proactive aggression. The present results extended prior research regarding the predictors of proactive and reactive aggression and may contribute to a greater understanding of the development of aggressive motivation. In addition, our research suggested that high CFC‐I may be an important factor for the motivation change from reactive aggression to proactive aggression.
Consumer willingness to pay for sustainability attributes in beer: A choice experiment using eco‐labels
Authors: Staples Aaron J. , Reeling Carson J. , Widmar Nicole J. Olynk , Lusk Jayson L.
Published: July 2020

Commercial and regional brewers are increasingly investing in environmental sustainability equipment that reduces input use, operating costs, and environmental impacts. These technologies often require prohibitively high upfront costs. One potential solution for these brewers is to market their product as sustainable and charge a premium to offset some of the costs. We undertake a stated preference choice experiment targeting a nationally representative sample of beer buyers and elicit preferences for multiple attributes related to environmental sustainability in beer. We find that, on average, beer buyers are willing to pay $0.70/six‐pack for beer produced using water and wastewater reduction technologies, $0.85 for carbon reduction practices, and $0.98 for landfill diversion practices, though water sustainability practices appeal to a largest share of beer buyers. We also find that preferences for sustainability attributes are widely distributed among beer drinkers, largely irrespective of sociodemographic characteristics. The positive price premiums across sustainability attributes suggest beer buyers value sustainable brewing, and brewers could attract new consumers by simultaneously communicating their commitment to sustainability and differentiating their product [EconLit Citations: D12, L66, M31].
Electrode Materials in Modern Organic Electrochemistry
Authors: Heard David M. , Lennox Alastair J. J.
Published: July 2020

The choice of electrode material is critical for achieving optimal yields and selectivity in synthetic organic electrochemistry. The material imparts significant influence on the kinetics and thermodynamics of electron transfer, and frequently defines the success or failure of a transformation. Electrode processes are complex and so the choice of a material is often empirical and the underlying mechanisms and rationale for success are unknown. In this review, we aim to highlight recent instances of electrode choice where rationale is offered, which should aid future reaction development.
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Coordination to Surface Copper Sites in Selective Semihydrogenation Catalysts from Solid‐State NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Kaeffer Nicolas , Mance Deni , Copéret Christophe
Published: July 2020

Supported metal nanoparticles are a very large class of heterogeneous catalysts. While detailed structure–activity relationships require a molecular‐level description of the interactions between the metal surfaces and ligands/substrates, this description is rarely accessible. Thus, most insights are derived from models based on single crystals. With the goal to understand alkyne semihydrogenation catalysts based on Cu functionalized with N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC), we cross this gap by investigating NHC‐stabilized molecular complexes, supported single sites and nanoparticles by solid‐state NMR combined with computations. We show that in silica‐supported Cu single sites, Cu retains the coordination geometry observed in molecular compounds, while, for supported Cu nanoparticles, which are active and selective for the semihydrogenation of alkynes, NHC binding is favored at Cu adatoms atop of copper surface, thus paralleling conclusions of surface science studies on single crystals.
Selective 1,2‐Aryl‐Aminoalkylation of Alkenes Enabled by Metallaphotoredox Catalysis
Authors: Zheng Songlin , Chen Zimin , Hu Yuanyuan , Xi Xiaoxiang , Liao Zixuan , Li Weirong , Yuan Weiming
Published: July 2020

A highly chemo‐ and regioselective intermolecular 1,2‐aryl‐aminoalkylation of alkenes by photoredox/nickel dual catalysis is described here. This three‐component conjunctive cross‐coupling is highlighted by its first application of primary alkyl radicals, which were not compatible in previous reports. The readily prepared α‐silyl amines could be transferred to α‐amino radicals by photo‐induced single electron transfer step. The radical addition/cross‐coupling cascade reaction proceeds under mild, base‐free and redox‐neutral conditions with good functional group tolerance, and importantly, provides an efficient and concise method for the synthesis of structurally valuable α‐aryl substituted γ‐amino acid derivatives motifs.
Electric Field‐Controlled Synthesis and Characterisation of Single Metal–Organic‐Framework (MOF) Nanoparticles
Authors: Morris Peter D. , McPherson Ian J. , Edwards Martin A. , Kashtiban Reza J. , Walton Richard I. , Unwin Patrick R.
Published: July 2020

Achieving control over the size distribution of metal–organic‐framework (MOF) nanoparticles is key to biomedical applications and seeding techniques. Electrochemical control over the nanoparticle synthesis of the MOF, HKUST‐1, is achieved using a nanopipette injection method to locally mix Cu2+ salt precursor and benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylate (BTC3−) ligand reagents, to form MOF nanocrystals, and collect and characterise them on a TEM grid. In situ analysis of the size and translocation frequency of HKUST‐1 nanoparticles is demonstrated, using the nanopipette to detect resistive pulses as nanoparticles form. Complementary modelling of mass transport in the electric field, enables particle size to be estimated and explains the feasibility of particular reaction conditions, including inhibitory effects of excess BTC3−. These new methods should be applicable to a variety of MOFs, and scaling up synthesis possible via arrays of nanoscale reaction centres, for example using nanopore membranes.
Stereoselective Oxidative Bioconjugation of Amino Acids and Oligopeptides to Aldehydes
Authors: Tobiesen Henriette N. , Leth Lars A. , Iversen Marc V. , Næsborg Line , Bertelsen Søren , Jørgensen Karl Anker
Published: July 2020

The first stereoselective, near‐equimolar, and metal‐free oxidative bioconjugation of amino acids and oligopeptides to aldehydes is presented. Based on a newly developed organocatalytic oxidative concept, the C‐terminal and side‐chain carboxylic acid functionalities of amino acids and oligopeptides are shown to couple in a stereoselective manner to α‐branched aldehydes catalyzed by a chiral primary amine and a quinone as oxidizing agent. The oxidative coupling generally proceeds in high yield. For aspartic acid, selective coupling of the side‐chain, or the C‐terminal carboxylic acid, is demonstrated depending on the protection strategy. The stereoselective, oxidative bioconjugation concept is extended to a series of oligopeptides where coupling to carboxylic acid functionalities is presented. Bioorthogonal linker molecules for further functionalization are obtained by merging the oxidative coupling strategy with the click concept. It is demonstrated that the configuration of the new stereocenter is determined exclusively by the organocatalyst.
Recoding the Cancer Epigenome by Intervening in Metabolism and Iron Homeostasis with Mitochondria‐Targeted Rhenium(I) Complexes
Authors: Pan Zheng‐Yin , Tan Cai‐Ping , Rao Lu‐Si , Zhang Hang , Zheng Yue , Hao Liang , Ji Liang‐Nian , Mao Zong‐Wan
Published: July 2020

The development and malignancy of cancer cells are closely related to the changes of the epigenome. In this work, a mitochondria‐targeted rhenium(I) complex (DFX‐Re3), integrating the clinical iron chelating agent deferasirox (DFX), has been designed. By relocating iron to the mitochondria and changing the key metabolic species related to epigenetic modifications, DFX‐Re3 can elevate the methylation levels of histone, DNA, and RNA. As a consequence, DFX‐Re3 affects the events related to apoptosis, RNA polymerases, and T‐cell receptor signaling pathways. Finally, it is shown that DFX‐Re3 induces immunogenic apoptotic cell death and exhibits potent antitumor activity in vivo. This study provides a new approach for the design of novel epigenetic drugs that can recode the cancer epigenome by intervening in mitochondrial metabolism and iron homeostasis.
Multiexcitonic Triplet Pair Generation in Oligoacene Dendrimers as Amorphous Solid‐State Miniatures
Authors: Kim Juno , Teo Hao Ting , Hong Yongseok , Oh Juwon , Kim Hyungjun , Chi Chunyan , Kim Dongho
Published: July 2020

Singlet fission in organic semiconducting materials has attracted great attention for the potential application in photovoltaic devices. Research interests have been concentrated on identifying working mechanisms of coherent SF processes in crystalline solids as ultrafast SF is hailed for efficient multiexciton generation. However, as long lifetime of multiexcitonic triplet pair in amorphous solids facilitates the decorrelation process for triplet exciton extractions, a precise examination of incoherent SF processes is demanded in delicate model systems to represent heterogeneous structures. Heterogeneous coupling and energetics for SF were developed in our oligoacene dendrimers, which mimic complicated SF dynamics in amorphous solids. SF dynamics in dendritic structures was thoroughly investigated by time‐resolved spectroscopic techniques and quantum chemical calculations in respect of the relative orientation/distance between chromophores and though‐bond/‐space interactions.
Design, preparation, and characterization of Fe3O4 nanoparticles encapsulating β‐cyclodextrin‐bearing guanidine as a highly efficient and reusable heterogeneous base catalyst for synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyrano[3,2‐c]chromenes
Authors: Rahmatinejad Soraya , Naeimi Hossein
Published: July 2020

Chromene substructure is an important structural motif present in a variety of medicines, natural products, and materials showing biological activities. Here, a simple and convenient procedure for the synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyrano[3,2‐c]chromene derivatives is described. For this purpose, Fe3O4 nanoparticles supported on β‐cyclodextrin‐guanidine were successfully prepared and used as catalyst. The structure of this catalyst was assigned by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometer techniques. The prepared nanocomposites were used as a highly active, heterogeneous, and reusable nanocatalyst for the one‐pot, three‐component reaction of 4‐hydroxycoumarin, aromatic aldehydes, and ethyl cyanoacetate. This method has advantages such as mild conditions, high yields, easy workup and simple purification of products, little catalyst loading, cost efficiency, and reusability of the catalyst.
Water‐based poly(2‐ethylhexyl acrylate‐itaconic acid) removable adhesives with frost resistance for digital inkjet printing
Authors: Zhang Lei , Bai Yongping , Yin Bin , Peng Hongxia , Ji Changyan , Zhang Wang
Published: July 2020

Adhesives are nonmetallic materials used to bond each layer in many applications for its flexibility. For digital inkjet printing, the requirements of adhesives performance are demanding as they must be able to adhere well to adherend, be removable without leaving adhesive residue, or even causing any damage. Water‐based polyacrylates have been widely used for backing adhesive layer in application of digital inkjet printing, due to their various advantages. While the application has been limited on account of the weak frost resistance of common polyacrylates, which could not be used directly under low temperature storage. To improve the weak frost resistance, water‐based poly(2‐ethylhexyl acrylate‐itaconic acid) was synthesized. Itaconic acid (ITA) could be greatly beneficial to improve the frost resistance. The polyacrylates could still be used directly, even after being frozen below at −18°C for 16 hr. The adhesion properties of polyacrylates could also be enhanced by moderate ITA. The results show that the optimal amount of ITA was 2 mass%. The overall properties of the resulting polyacrylates with the 180° peel strength of 2.73 N/25 mm, the tack of 23 #, and the shear holding power of more than 24 hr are suitable for practical applications on removable adhesives for digital inkjet printing.
More than plain text: Censorship deletion in the Chinese social media
Authors: Liu Jun , Zhao Jingyi
Published: July 2020

Although the Internet allows people to circulate messages using different media, most censorship studies discuss the removal of text content. This article presents a systematic study regarding the censorship of both plain text and multimedia content on the Chinese Internet. By analyzing both censored and surviving posts on the Chinese social media platform Weibo during the 2014 Hong Kong Umbrella Movement, we find that multimedia posts suffered more intensive censorship deletion than plain text posts, with censorship programs being oriented more toward multimedia content like images than the text content of multimedia posts. Our analysis has significant implications for censorship studies, information control, and politics in the “post‐text” era.
Modulation of Crystal Packing via the Tuning of Peripheral Functionality for a Family of Dinuclear Mesocates
Authors: Wilson Benjamin H. , Kruger Paul E.
Published: July 2020

A family of four novel pyrazinyl‐hydrazone based ligands have been synthesized with differing functionality at the 5‐position of the central aromatic ring. Previous work has shown such ligands to form dinuclear triple mesocates which pack to form hexagonal channels capable of gas sorption. The effect of the peripheral functionality of the ligand on the crystal packing was investigated by synthesizing complexes 1 to 4 which feature amino, bromo, iodo and methoxy substituents respectively. Complexes 1 to 3 crystallized in the same hexagonal space group P63/m and featured 1D channels. However, on closer inspection while the packing of 1 is mediated by hydrogen bonding interactions, the packing of complexes 2 and 3 are not, due to a subtlety different π–π stacking interaction enforced by the halogen substituent. The more bulky nature of the methoxy substituent of 4 results in the complex crystallizing in the triclinic space group P‐1, featuring an entirely different crystal packing.
Corticomotor reorganization during short‐term visuomotor training in the lower back: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Cavaleri Rocco , Chipchase Lucy S. , Massé‐Alarie Hugo , Schabrun Siobhan M. , Shraim Muath A. , Hodges Paul W.
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Accumulating evidence suggests that motor skill training is associated with structural and functional reorganization of the primary motor cortex. However, previous studies have focussed primarily upon the upper limb, and it is unclear whether comparable reorganization occurs following training of other regions, such as the lower back. Although this holds important implications for rehabilitation, no studies have examined corticomotor adaptations following short‐term motor training in the lower back.

Method

The aims of this study were to (a) determine whether a short‐term lumbopelvic tilt visuomotor task induced reorganization of the corticomotor representations of lower back muscles, (b) quantify the variability of corticomotor responses to motor training, and (c) determine whether any improvements in task performance were correlated with corticomotor reorganization. Participants were allocated randomly to perform a lumbopelvic tilt motor training task (n = 15) or a finger abduction control task involving no lumbopelvic movement (n = 15). Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to map corticomotor representations of the lumbar erector spinae before, during, and after repeated performance of the allocated task.

Results

No relationship between corticomotor reorganization and improved task performance was identified. Substantial variability was observed in terms of corticomotor responses to motor training, with approximately 50% of participants showing no corticomotor reorganization despite significant improvements in task performance.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that short‐term improvements in lower back visuomotor task performance may be driven by changes in remote subcortical and/or spinal networks rather than adaptations in corticomotor pathways. However, further research using tasks of varying complexities and durations is required to confirm this hypothesis.
Risk, resilience, psychological distress, and anxiety at the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Germany
Authors: Petzold Moritz Bruno , Bendau Antonia , Plag Jens , Pyrkosch Lena , Mascarell Maricic Lea , Betzler Felix , Rogoll Janina , Große Julia , Ströhle Andreas
Published: July 2020

Background

The current COVID‐19 pandemic comes with multiple psychological stressors due to health‐related, social, economic, and individual consequences and may cause psychological distress. The aim of this study was to screen the population in Germany for negative impact on mental health in the current COVID‐19 pandemic and to analyze possible risk and protective factors.

Methods

A total of 6,509 people took part in an online survey in Germany from 27 March to 6 April. The questionnaire included demographic information and ascertained psychological distress, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and risk and protective factors.

Results

In our sample, over 50% expressed suffering from anxiety and psychological distress regarding the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants spent several hours per day thinking about COVID‐19 (M = 4.45). Psychological and social determinants showed stronger associations with anxiety regarding COVID‐19 than experiences with the disease.

Conclusions

The current COVID‐19 pandemic does cause psychological distress, anxiety, and depression for large proportions of the general population. Strategies such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle and social contacts, acceptance of anxiety and negative emotions, fostering self‐efficacy, and information on where to get medical treatment if needed, seem of help, while substance abuse and suppression of anxiety and negative emotions seem to be associated with more psychological burden.
Revealing the synergy of Sn insertion in hematite for next‐generation solar water splitting nanoceramics
Authors: Bedin Karen C. , Freitas Andre L. M. , Tofanello Aryane , Rodríguez‐Gutiérrez Ingrid , Souza Flavio L.
Published: July 2020

Hematite nanoceramics is considered as one of the most promised materials for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting due to its remarkable characteristics such as low band gap, earth abundant composition and stability. In general, the hematite design over fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrate involve high thermal treatment to promote its surface activation. As consequence, Sn from FTO substrate is commonly found migrating through the hematite layer. This unintentional Sn species diffusion is often associated with improvements on the photoelectrochemical response. The role played by Sn migrating from FTO against intentionally incorporated during the synthesis process into hematite to boost its performance remain unclear. In this perspective, the complexity of these matters was discussed to reveal the contribution and limiting aspects of each effect on the hematite manufacture. Indeed, a deep comprehension and latest advances on Sn diffusion and incorporation role on hematite led us to find synergistic characteristics between them, indicating economically viable alternatives to design active hematite nanoceramics. Regardless of its morphology, the key direction is based on external modifications which reduce energetic barriers on interfaces to favor electron carrier dynamics.
Advances in Electrochemical Decarboxylative Transformation Reactions
Authors: Ramadoss Velayudham , Zheng Yue , Shao Xiaoqing , Tian Lifang , Wang Yahui
Published: July 2020

Owing to their non‐toxic, stable, inexpensive properties, carboxylic acids are considered as environmentally benign alternatives as coupling partners in various organic transformations. Electrochemical mediated decarboxylation of carboxylic acid has emerged as a new and efficient methodology for the construction of carbon‐carbon or carbon‐heteroatom bonds. Compared with transition‐metal catalysis and photoredox catalysis, electro‐organic decarboxylative transformations are considered as a green and sustainable protocol due to the absence of chemical oxidants and strong bases. Further, it exhibits good tolerance with various functional groups. In this Minireview, we summarize the recent advances and discoveries on the electrochemical decarboxylative transformations on C−C and C−heteroatoms bond formations.
Dicarba[26]hexaporphyrinoids(1.1.1.1.1.1) with an Embedded Cyclopentene Moiety—Conformational Switching
Authors: Berlicka Anna , Stanowska Justyna , Białek Michał J. , Ślepokura Katarzyna , Latos‐Grażyński Lechosław
Published: July 2020

Incorporation of cyclopentene fragments into a skeleton of parental [26]hexaphyrin(1.1.1.1.1.1) afforded extended carbaporphyrinoids: 31,34‐dicarbahexa[26]chlorin and its derivatives: the first externally substituted by ethoxy and 2,4,6‐trimethylbenzylidene groups and the second one formed by selective oxidation of one cyclopentene ring. Macrocycles adopt dumbbell‐shaped conformations with two meso hydrogen atoms located inside the macrocyclic cavity. Protonation of 31,34‐dicarba[26]hexachlorins provided dications existing in dumbbell‐shaped and rectangular conformations.
Effect of Site‐Specific O‐Glycosylation on the Structural Behavior of NOTCH1 Receptor Extracellular EGF‐like Domains 11 and 10
Authors: Yokoi Yasuhiro , Nishimura Shin‐Ichiro
Published: July 2020

Human NOTCH1 receptor contains 36 epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐like repeating domains, in which O‐glycosylation status of EGF12 domain regulates the interaction with Notch ligands. Our interest is focused on the effect of specific O‐glycosylation states on the structural behavior of EGF11 and EGF10, because they appeared to affect molecular mechanism in receptor–ligand interactions by inducing some conformational alterations in these domains and/or the regions connecting two domains. To understand the structural impact of various O‐glycosylation patterns on the pivotal EGF‐like repeats 10, 11, and 12, we performed chemical synthesis and NMR studies of site‐specifically O‐glycosylated EGF11 and EGF10. Our strategy enabled us to synthesize four EGF11 and five EGF10 modules. The specific O‐glycosylation states affected in vitro folding of EGF10 more than EGF11, while calcium ion had a larger effect on EGF11 folding. Comprehensive NMR studies shed light on the new type “sugar bridges” crosslinking Thr‐O‐GlcNAc in the consensus sequence C5‐X‐X‐G‐X‐(T/S)‐G‐X‐X‐C6 and an amino acid in the hinge region between the domains, 445Thr‐O‐GlcNAc—IIe451 in domain 11 and 405Thr‐O‐GlcNAc—Gln411 in domain 10, respectively.
In Situ Growth of Ultrafine Pt Nanoparticles onto Hierarchical Co3O4 Nanosheet‐Assembled Microflowers for Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Gu Minyi , Jia Qingyang , Zhu Yanbo , Xu Lin , Tang Yawen
Published: July 2020

The development of Pt‐based electrocatalysts with high Pt utilization efficiency toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is of great significance for the future sustainable hydrogen economy. For rational design of high‐performance HER electrocatalyst, the simultaneous consideration of both thermodynamic and kinetic aspects remains greatly challenging. Herein, a simple template‐derived strategy is demonstrated for the in situ growth of ultrafine Pt nanoparticles onto Co3O4 nanosheet‐assembled microflowers (abbreviated as Pt/Co3O4 microflowers hereafter) by using the pre‐fabricated PtCo‐based Hofmann coordination polymer as reactive templates. The elaborate preparation of such intriguing hierarchical architecture with well‐dispersed tiny Pt nanoparticles, abundant metal/oxide heterointerfaces and open configuration endows the formed Pt/Co3O4 microflowers with high Pt utilization efficiency, rich active sites, lowered energy barrier for water dissociation and expedited reaction kinetics. Consequently, the Pt/Co3O4 microflowers exhibit superior HER activity with a relatively low overpotential of 34 mV to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2, small Tafel slope (34 mV dec−1) and outstanding electrochemical stability, representing an attractive electrocatalyst for practical water splitting. What's more, our concept of in situ construction of metal/oxide heterointerfaces may provide a new opportunity to design high‐performance electrocatalysts for a variety of applications.
Esterase‐Activatable Synthetic M+/Cl− Channel Induces Apoptosis and Disrupts Autophagy in Cancer Cells
Authors: Malla Javid Ahmad , Sharma Virender Kumar , Lahiri Mayurika , Talukdar Pinaki
Published: July 2020

The formation of a supramolecular synthetic M+/Cl− channel in the membrane phospholipid bilayer has been reported upon activation of a methyl pivalate‐linked N1,N3‐dialkyl‐2‐hydroxyisophthalamide by esterases. The channel formation induces apoptosis in cancer cells via the intrinsic pathway. Interestingly, the supramolecular channel was also shown to disrupt autophagy in cancer cells by causing alkalization of lysosomes – a feature that has been confirmed at the cellular and protein level.