bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boldine treatment protects acetaminophen‐induced liver inflammation and acute hepatic necrosis in mice
Authors: Ezhilarasan Devaraj , Raghunandhakumar Subramanian
Published: January 2021

Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is a frequent cause responsible for acute liver failure (ALF). Acetaminophen (APAP) is a known hepatotoxin predictably causing intrinsic DILI. At high doses, APAP causes acute liver necrosis and responsible for ALF and liver transplant cases in 50% and 20% of patients, respectively, in the United States alone. Oxidative stress and glutathione depletion are implicated in APAP‐induced liver necrosis. Boldine, a plant‐derived compound is shown to have promising antioxidant potential. Therefore, this study investigates the protective effect of boldine against APAP‐induced acute hepatic necrosis in mice. A single toxic dose of APAP (300 mg/kg b.w. p.o.) was administered in overnight‐fasted mice to induce acute liver necrosis. Separately, APAP + boldine and APAP + N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) simultaneous treatments were also given. Serum transaminases and reduced glutathione, enzymic antioxidants, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and, IL‐6 were evaluated in liver tissue. Acute APAP intoxication significantly elevated serum marker enzymes of hepatotoxicity. APAP administration increased lipid peroxidation, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 protein expressions. The enzymic antioxidants and reduced glutathione levels were decreased in liver tissue of APAP intoxicated mice. Boldine and NAC simultaneous treatments prevented APAP‐induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and necrosis. The results of this study suggest the crucial role of boldine to protect against APAP induced hepatotoxicity by virtue of its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties.
Mangiferin prevents the impairment of mitochondrial dynamics and an increase in oxidative stress caused by excessive fluoride in SH‐SY5Y cells
Authors: Tang Zhi , Lai Chen‐Cen , Luo Jun , Ding Yuan‐Ting , Chen Qian , Guan Zhi‐Zhong
Published: January 2021

Previous studies both invivo and in vitro have revealed that high levels of fluoride cause neurotoxicity. Mangiferin has been reported to possess antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti‐inflammatory properties. The present study was designed to characterize the mechanisms by which mangiferin protects against NaF‐induced neurotoxicity. Increased levels of proapoptotic Bax, Caspase‐3, Caspase‐9, and cleaved‐caspase 3, as well as a decreased level of antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 induced by fluoride in human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells, these effects were prevented by pretreatment of mangiferin. In addition, mangiferin attenuated the enhancement of p‐JNK, reductions of Nrf2 and HO‐1, and increased level of the mitochondrial fission proteins Drp1 caused by fluoride. Moreover, oxidative stress, as reflected in the levels of reactive oxygen species, 8‐hydroxy‐2'‐deoxyguanosine, and 4‐hydroxynonenal, was elevated by fluoride and these effects were again ameliorated by mangiferin. In conclusion, protection by mangiferin against fluoride‐induced neurotoxicity involves normalizing the impaired mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and dynamics and reducing oxidative stress via inactivation of the JNK and activation of the Nrf2/HO‐1 pathways.
Existence of strong difference families and constructions for eight new 2‐designs
Authors: Wang Xiaomiao , Feng Tao , Wang Shixin
Published: January 2021

Using group rings and characters as in the theory of abelian difference sets, some nonexistence results for strong difference families are provided. Existences of strong difference families with base block size are discussed. Via strong difference families, eight 2‐ designs whose existences were unknown are constructed for .
Do Our Choices Tell Us Who We Are? It Depends on How Easy or Difficult They Were to Make
Authors: Steffel Mary , Williams Elanor F.
Published: January 2021

The notion that people’s choices reveal something about who they are is fundamental to theories of self‐perception, self‐signaling, and preference construction, and yet, much is still unknown about the impact of the metacognitive experiences that accompany those choices. The present research explores how the relative ease or difficulty of choosing influences the extent to which consumers infer that they will make similar choices in other situations. Two experiments show that people perceive themselves to be more likely to make similar choices in other situations when their choices feel relatively easy rather than difficult to make. This is because people perceive choices to be more diagnostic of who they are when they feel relatively easy. Moreover, people consider their choices to be especially self‐diagnostic when their own choice ease or difficulty differs from the ease or difficulty they expected most other people to experience. Together, these findings suggest that consumers come to understand their preferences not just from what they choose, but also from how easy or difficult those choices were to make.
Tumor promoting long non‐coding RNA CASC15 affects HMGB2 expression by sponging miR‐582‐5p in colorectal cancer
Authors: Liang Chao , Wang Jun , Liu Aihua , Wu Yunqiang
Published: January 2021

Background

The importance of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the regulation of tumorigenesis has been gradually recognized. The roles of lncRNA cancer susceptibility candidate 15 (CASC15) in cancers have been validated by several independent groups; however, its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains to be explored.

Methods

Levels of CASC15 in CRC cells and normal cells were measured using a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction method. In vitro functional assays were performed to detect the effects of CASC15 on cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis. Bioinformatic analyses and luciferase activity assays were conducted to investigate the targets for CASC15. Animal experiments were conducted to analyze the effect of CASC15 on tumor growth in vivo.

Results

The CASC15 level is revealed to be significantly elevated in CRC cells compared to that in normal cells. In vitro assays revealed that CASC15 overexpression stimulates cell growth and invasion, whereas its down‐expression has opposite effects. Furthermore, CASC15 can bind with microRNA‐582‐5p (miR‐582‐5p) to modulate high mobility group box 2 (HMGB2) expression. We also showed that silencing of CASC15 inhibits tumor growth.

Conclusions

In summary, CASC15 overexpression could promote CRC carcinogenesis, indicating that knockdown of CASC15 might be a possible therapeutic measure to hinder carcinogenesis. The results of the present study could help us to understand the mechanisms behind CRC progression.
The Influence of Family and Community Factors on Ethnic Identity
Authors: Eng Shu M. , Tram Jane M.
Published: January 2021

Ethnic identity (EI) is influenced by many factors, but few studies have examined the relative contribution of parenting style and other factors to EI. We addressed this gap by examining the effects of family and community factors on the EI of ethnic minority students enrolled in graduate psychology programs in the United States. The results suggest that family, peers, and experiences of discrimination significantly influence EI. Familial cultural socialization was the strongest contributor to EI.

La identidad étnica (EI, por sus siglas en inglés) recibe influencia de muchos factores, pero pocos estudios han examinado la contribución relativa del estilo parental y otros factores a la EI. Abordamos este vacío examinando los efectos de los factores de familia y comunidad en la EI de estudiantes de minorías étnicas matriculados en programas de psicología de posgrado en los Estados Unidos. Los resultados sugieren que la familia, los compañeros y las experiencias de discriminación influyen en la EI de forma significativa. La socialización cultural familiar fue el factor que ejerció la mayor influencia sobre la EI.
The summer precipitation response of latewood tree‐ring chronologies in the southwestern United States
Authors: Howard Ian M. , Stahle David W. , Torbenson Max C. A. , Griffin Daniel
Published: January 2021

Latewood width tree‐ring chronologies from arid‐site conifers in the southwestern United States are correlated with precipitation during portions of the summer monsoon season. The onset date and length of the monsoon season varies across the region, and these regional differences in summer rainfall climatology may impact the strength and timing of the warm season precipitation response of latewood chronologies. The optimal latewood response to summer precipitation is computed on a daily basis using 67 adjusted latewood chronologies (LWa) from the southwestern United States, adjusted to remove correlation with preceding earlywood growth. Most LWa chronologies are significantly correlated with precipitation summed over a period of approximately 4 weeks (29 days) in early summer. This early summer precipitation signal is present in most ponderosa pine chronologies across the study area. It is also evident in Douglas‐fir chronologies, but only from southern Arizona and New Mexico. The Julian date of summer precipitation onset increases from south to north in the instrumental precipitation data for the southwestern United States. The timing of the early summer season precipitation response in most LWa chronologies also tends to occur later in the summer from southeastern Arizona into northern New Mexico and eastern Colorado. Principal components analysis of the LWa chronologies reproduces two of the three most important spatial modes of early summer precipitation covariability seen in the instrumental data. The first PC of LWa is related to the same atmospheric circulation features associated with PC1 of instrumental early summer precipitation, including cyclonic circulation over the southwestern United States and moisture advection from the eastern Pacific. Correlation analyses between antecedent cool season precipitation and early summer rainfall using instrumental and tree‐ring reconstructed precipitation indicates that the tree‐ring data reproduce the multi‐decadal variability in correlation between seasons seen in the instrumental data.
Evidence of nonlinear Walker circulation feedbacks on extreme El Niño Pacific diversity: Observations and CMIP5 models
Authors: Sulca Juan
Published: January 2021

The Walker circulation (WC) is essential for the formation and diversity of El Niño events. However, the nonlinear WC feedback during extreme Central and Eastern El Niño episodes (C and E episodes, respectively) has received little attention. This study used observational datasets and the Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) and historical simulations from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5). Eight out of 21 historical models that simulate the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) nonlinearity also simulate the nonlinear Bjerknes feedback in C and E episodes. The opposite does not necessarily occur. However, the underestimation of E might limit the empirical determination. Moreover, few historical models simulate the shallow conditional instability of the second kind (CISK) mechanism. Positive C episodes feature an eastward shift in the ascending branch of the Pacific Walker cell (PWC), while shallow convection prevails over the far‐eastern Pacific (FEP). Positive E events feature two anomalous ascending branches located over the central‐western Pacific (170°W) and FEP (80°W). Positive anomalies in sea surface temperature over the FEP induce the second ascending branch. The positive stratification anomaly in the central Pacific Ocean, which is associated with overestimated Ekman feedback, limits the eastward displacement of the first ascending branch of the PWC. The net surface heat flux determines the duration of growth of the two ascending branches of the PWC during C and E events. Because of their coarse resolution, the historical models underestimate the positive stratification anomaly in the FEP, causing the quick demise of the second ascending branch.
Factors Associated with Lymph Node Count in Mucosal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Neck Dissection
Authors: Bhalli Hamza , Chen Shuqing , Day Andrew , Tillman Brittny , Gordin Eli , Truelson John , Sher David , Myers Larry , Gao Jinming , Sumer Baran D.
Published: January 2021

Objective/Hypothesis

Decreased lymph node count (LNC) from neck dissection (ND) for mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients is correlated with decreased survival. Advanced age and low BMI due to undernutrition from dysphagia from advanced T‐stage tumors are common in patients with HNSCC. We studied the relationship between these two well‐described causes for immune dysfunction and LNC in patients undergoing neck dissection.

Study Design

We conducted a retrospective review at a single tertiary care institution of patients with HNSCC that underwent neck dissection from 2006 to 2017.

Methods

Stepwise linear and logistic regression analyses were performed on 247 subjects to identify independent significant factors associated with 1) the LNC per neck level dissected; 2) advanced T‐stage. One‐way ANOVA was utilized to demonstrate differences between the p16 positive and negative subgroups.

Results

Low BMI (<23 vs. ≥23) (P = .03), extra nodal extension (ENE) (P = .0178), and advanced age (P = .005) were associated with decreased LNC per neck level dissected on multivariable analysis. Higher T‐stage (P = .0005) was correlated with low BMI (<23) after controlling for the effects of tobacco, smoking, sex, ECE, and p16 status. p16+ patients, on average had higher BMI, were younger and produced a higher nodal yield (P < .0001, .007, and .035).

Conclusions

Patient intrinsic factors known to correlate with decreased immune function and worse outcomes, including p16 negative status, advanced age, and low BMI from undernutrition and ENE are associated with low nodal yield in neck dissections. LNC may be a metric for anti‐tumor immune function that correlates with prognosis and T‐stage.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:1516–1521, 2021
Recent advancements in glycoproteomic studies: Glycopeptide enrichment and derivatization, characterization of glycosylation in SARS CoV2, and interacting glycoproteins
Authors: Pujić Ivona , Perreault Hélène
Published: January 2021

Proteomics studies allow for the determination of the identity, amount, and interactions of proteins under specific conditions that allow the biological state of an organism to ultimately change. These conditions can be either beneficial or detrimental. Diseases are due to detrimental changes caused by either protein overexpression or underexpression caused by as a result of a mutation or posttranslational modifications (PTM), among other factors. Identification of disease biomarkers through proteomics can be potentially used as clinical information for diagnostics. Common biomarkers to look for include PTM. For example, aberrant glycosylation of proteins is a common marker and will be a focus of interest in this review. A common way to analyze glycoproteins is by glycoproteomics involving mass spectrometry. Due to factors such as micro‐ and macroheterogeneity which result in a lower abundance of each version of a glycoprotein, it is difficult to obtain meaningful results unless rigorous sample preparation procedures are in place. Microheterogeneity represents the diversity of glycans at a single site, whereas macroheterogeneity depicts glycosylation levels at each site of a protein. Enrichment and derivatization of glycopeptides help to overcome these limitations. Over the time range of 2016 to 2020, several methods have been proposed in the literature and have contributed to drastically improve the outcome of glycosylation analysis, as presented in the sampling surveyed in this review. As a current topic in 2020, glycoproteins carried by pathogens can also cause disease and this is seen with SARS CoV2, causing the COVID‐19 pandemic. This review will discuss glycoproteomic studies of the spike glycoprotein and interacting proteins such as the ACE2 receptor.
Multiple model unfalsified adaptive generalized predictive control based on the quadratic inverse optimal control concept
Authors: Sadeghi Forouz Bahman , Nouri Manzar Mojtaba , Khaki‐Sedigh Ali
Published: January 2021

Unfalsified adaptive control (UAC) is a class of switching control systems which deals with the control of uncertain systems. The UAC includes a bank of controllers, a supervisor, and a system in which the supervisor selects a stabilizing controller based on the system input and output data. Feasibility is the only assumption required in the UAC strategy, which guarantees that there is at least one stabilizing controller in the controller bank. UAC uses the cost detectability definition to prove closed‐loop stability. The combination of UAC and multiple model supervisory adaptive control (MMASC) results in the proposed unfalsified multi‐model control methodology that enjoys appropriate transient performance and stability proof with required minimum assumptions. In practical controller implementations, the effect of actuator constraints on the control signals is crucial. Despite the significance of constrained systems analysis in real applications, the input constraints in the structures of unfalsified control are not generally considered. Also, the stability analysis of constrained unfalsified control is key to its practical applications. In this article, the input constrained systems are considered using the constrained generalized predictive control (GPC) as the main controllers. Subsequently, to handle virtual signal generation for the GPCs in the UAC context, the inverse optimal control strategy is engaged and formulated to solve the signal generation problem. Simulation results are employed to show the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
A Phase II Study of Apatinib in Patients with Chemotherapy-Refractory Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESO-Shanghai 11)
Authors: Chu Li , Chen Yun , Liu Qi , Liang Fei , Wang Shengping , Liu Quan , Yu Hui , Wu Xianghua , Zhang Junhua , Deng Jiaying , Ai Dashan , Zhu Zhengfei , Nie Yongzhan , Zhao Kuaile
Published: January 2021

Lessons Learned

Apatinib has potential as an effective and safe second-line or higher treatment for patients with chemotherapy-refractory esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Clinical safety is of potential concern when administering apatinib to patients with uncontrolled esophageal lesions or severe invasion of trachea, bronchi, or major blood vessels. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first prospective phase II study to investigate apatinib for patients with chemotherapy-refractory ESCC. Apatinib could provide an alternative option for ESCC after first-line or higher therapy in carefully selected patients.

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of the oral vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) tyrosine kinase inhibitor apatinib in patients with chemotherapy-refractory esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

We enrolled patients with chemotherapy-refractory ESCC. All patients received continuous apatinib 500 mg once daily.

Results

Between July 2017 and August 2018, 40 patients were recruited, of whom 5 (12.5%) had uncontrolled primary tumors. Additionally, three patients with partial response (PR) and 23 with stable disease (SD) were observed for overall response rate (ORR) of 7.5% and disease control rate (DCR) of 65.0%. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 3.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2–5.4); median overall survival (OS) was 5.8 months (95% CI, 3.2–8.4). Common adverse effects were fatigue (15%), hypertension (12.5%), and palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome (10%). Two cases of death from massive bronchopulmonary hemorrhage were observed, and esophageal fistula occurred in another two patients. Notably, both patients with esophageal fistula and one patient with massive fatal bronchopulmonary hemorrhage were individuals with uncontrolled primary tumors (3/5, 60%). Fatal bronchopulmonary hemorrhage in a second patient was associated with major blood vessel invasion.

Conclusion

Apatinib has potential as an effective and safe treatment for patients with chemotherapy-refractory ESCC whose primary tumors are controlled and without severe invasion of trachea, bronchi, or major blood vessels.
Wie ein Photon ein Wasserstoffmolekül durchquert
Authors: Grundmann Sven , Jahnke Till , Dörner Reinhard
Published: January 2021

Ein gebundenes Elektron im Wasserstoffmolekül ist über die Bindung verschmiert. Reagiert es daher auch zu unterschiedlichen Zeitpunkten auf ein eintreffendes Photon? Dieser Frage hat sich unsere Forschungsgruppe an der Universität Frankfurt in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Fritz‐Haber‐Institut (Berlin) und dem DESY (Hamburg) gewidmet. Um sie beantworten zu können, mussten wir Zeiten im Bereich von Zeptosekunden (10–21 Sekunden) messen.
Ein Stein für Einstein
Authors: Hollricher Karin
Published: January 2021

In Ulm soll ein Discovery Center entstehen, welches das Interesse für Physik weckt und den berühmtesten Sohn der Stadt ehrt: Albert Einstein.
Auf der Suche nach dem verlorenen Humor
Authors: Loos Andreas
Published: January 2021

„In Budapest gab es viele Cafés von einer Art, die in den USA kaum überleben würden. Dort durfte man nicht nur mit seinem Kaffee herumlungern, man war regelrecht dazu angehalten, um intelligent über Wissenschaft, Kunst und Literatur zu reden.“
Risk of major adverse cardiovascular events among second‐line hormonal therapy for metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer: A real‐world evidence study
Authors: Liu Jui‐Ming , Lin Cheng‐Chia , Chen Miao‐Fen , Liu Kuan‐Lin , Lin Cheng‐Feng , Chen Tien‐Hsing , Wu Chun‐Te
Published: January 2021

Background

To evaluate the possible major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) associated with second‐line hormonal therapy in patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Methods

We performed a population‐based real‐world cohort study of 4962 prostate cancer patients between 2014 and 2017 utilizing the Chang Gung Research Database of Taiwan. The second‐line hormonal therapies included enzalutamide and abiraterone acetate. The outcomes of interest were MACE, including acute coronary syndrome (ACS), ischemic stroke (IS), and heart failure (HF) events that resulted in hospitalization. Cox proportional‐hazards models with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) with propensity scores were used.

Results

After IPTW, 288 patients were prescribed second‐line hormonal therapy and 1575 received first‐line androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT). Of all patients diagnosed with MACE, the event rates were 2.92% in the second‐line hormonal group and 2.22% in the first‐line ADT group. The mean follow‐up period was 9.52 months for the second‐line hormonal group. Patients who received second‐line hormonal therapy exhibited a significantly increased risk for MACE (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.03–4.89), ACS (HR: 4.94; 95% CI: 2.36–10.33), and HF (HR: 2.83; 95% CI: 1.53–5.25), compared with the first‐line ADT group, but a similar risk for IS was observed in both groups (HR: 1.70; 95% CI: 0.95–3.04).

Conclusions

The real‐world evidence study revealed increased risks for MACE in mCRPC patients receiving second‐line hormonal therapy.
Prostate and testicular growth analysis in human fetuses during the second gestational trimester
Authors: Logsdon Natasha T. , Gallo Carla M. , Pires Rodrigo S. , Sampaio Francisco J. , Favorito Luciano A.
Published: January 2021

Background

The second gestational trimester is a very important period for male genital development. We analyzed the testicular and prostatic volume growth and compared them to the biometric parameters in human fetuses.

Methods

We studied 64 testes and 32 prostates from 32 fetuses, aged 10–22 weeks postconception. Fetuses were evaluated regarding total length, crown‐rump length, and bodyweight. The same observer performed all the measurements. After testicular and prostatic dissection, the prostate and testicular length, width and thickness were recorded with the aid of computer programs (Image Pro and ImageJ software, version 1.46r). Testicular volume (TV) and prostatic volume (PV) were calculated using the ellipsoid formula. Statistical analysis was performed with the GraphPad Prism program (version 6.01).

Results

The fetuses presented PV between 6.1 and 297.18 mm2 (mean = 77.98 mm3). Linear regression analysis indicated that the PV in these fetuses increased significantly and positively with fetal age (r2 = .3120; p < .0001). We did not observe significant differences between the TV (right testis: 0.39–63.94 mm3; mean = 19.84 mm3; left testis: ​​​​​​0.52–55.37 mm3, mean = 17.25 mm3). Linear regression analysis also indicated that the right and left TV (right: r2 = .6649; p < .0001 and left: r2 = .6792; p < .001) increased significantly and positively with fetal age.

Conclusion

The prostatic growth was slower during the second gestational trimester, with significant correlations with fetal biometric parameters. The testicular growth was moderate and showed a significant correlation with fetal parameters during the studied period in human fetuses.
Understanding barriers of telemedicine adoption: A study in North India
Authors: Bakshi Sonika , Tandon Urvashi
Published: January 2021

The study develops a theoretical framework that highlights facets of perceived risk and their relationship with behavioural intention. Previous literature highlights that the higher the risk perceived by doctors, the more prospects that they will not adopt telemedicine. Therefore, addressing these risks will help doctors to overcome their apprehensions about telemedicine. The data were collected through field as well as an online survey. An online survey link was shared with doctors of various hospitals in North India. The final sample consisted of 215 observations. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to validate the hypothesized relationships among constructs. The results confirmed that social risk, time risk, technology risk and security risk had a negative impact on behavioural intention. Surprisingly, financial risk emerged as an insignificant construct. This study contributes to literature by presenting and validating a theory‐driven framework that unveils the facets of perceived risk as barriers to telemedicine adoption.
Dissipative structures and the relation between individual and collective aspects of social behavior
Authors: Weber Thomas , Louçã Jorge , Gerrits Lasse
Published: January 2021

We describe the transfer of dissipative structure theory from thermodynamics to the social sciences. In our opinion, this transfer can contribute to a theory of social evolution where the relation between individual actions and social structures is a focal point. Central to the argument is the idea that dissipative structures emerge in social systems like they do in other open systems with inflows triggered by constraints. The transfer delivers a complexity‐informed model for the different phases of social evolution. While there are average periods where the prevailing ‘norms’ of social behaviour do not change in a significant way, there are also bifurcation periods where the ‘norm’ of behaviour may change due to the amplification of deviating individual behaviour.
Discovery of Functional Luminescence Properties Based on Flexible and Bendable Boron‐Fused Azomethine/Azobenzene Complexes with O,N,O‐Type Tridentate Ligands
Authors: Gon Masayuki , Tanaka Kazuo , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: January 2021

Azomethine (C=N) and azo (N=N) scaffolds are a part of structural units in poly(p‐phenylene azomethine) (PAM) and poly(p‐phenylene azo) (PAZ), respectively. Poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) (PPV) is known to be one of luminescent π‐conjugated polymers, meanwhile PAM and PAZ, which are the aza‐substituted PPV analogues, are regarded as weak or no emissive materials. However, by the boron complexation, intense emission can be induced. Furthermore, environment‐sensitivity and stimuli‐responsivity were also observed. In this review, we demonstrate unique and versatile luminescent properties based on “flexible and bendable” π‐conjugated systems composed of the boron‐fused azomethine and azobenzene complexes (BAm and BAz) with the O,N,O‐type tridentate ligands. The “flexible and bendable” luminophores showed intriguing optical behaviors, such as thermosalient effect, aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) and crystallized‐induced emission (CIE). Moreover, highly efficient emissions both in solution and film states were observed from the polymers. We illustrate the results and mechanisms on these luminescent properties from the series of our recent studies with BAm and BAz complexes and polymers.
Syntheses and Characterization of two cyclo‐pentazolate salts
Authors: Wang Xieyang , Dong Zhen , Yang Rui , Zhou Shengren , Ye Zhiwen
Published: January 2021

Two energetic salts of cyclo‐N5−, O‐methylisoure pentazolate (1) and guanidinoacetic acid pentazolate (2), were synthesized by metathesis reaction. All the energetic cyclo‐N5− salts were characterized by single‐crystal XRD, IR spectroscopy, 1H and 13C multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, thermal analysis (DSC) and elemental analysis. They exhibit good thermal stability with decomposition temperatures of more than 100 °C and they are in excellent agreement with those reported non‐metallic salts. Salt 1 also exhibits strong π‐π interactions. The standard enthalpies of formation and detonation performances of these salts were calculated using Gaussian 09 and EXPLO5 v6.01 programs. The detonation velocities of compound 1 and 2 are both about 7400 m s−1 and these two salts exhibit low mechanical sensitivity (IS>23 J, FS>220 N). Therefore, in this work, the synthesis of the new pentazolate salts enriches the cyclo‐pentazolate salts system, which is conducive to the exploration of more heat‐resistant and higher detonation velocities pentazolate salts.
Temporal variation in macroalgal removal: insights from an impacted equatorial coral reef system
Authors: Seah Jovena C. L. , Bauman Andrew G. , Todd Peter A.
Published: January 2021

Macroalgal removal is a critical ecosystem function yet few studies have considered its temporal variability, especially on impacted reefs with limited herbivorous fish biodiversity. To address this, we quantified macroalgal removal and mass-standardised bite rates of herbivorous fishes monthly from July 2016 to June 2017 using a series of transplanted Sargassum ilicifolium assays and underwater video cameras on three degraded coral reefs in Singapore: Pulau Satumu, Kusu Island, and Terumbu Pempang Tengah. Our results revealed a distinct temporal pattern in macroalgal herbivory (proportion of biomass removed and mass-standardised bite rates) rates across all sites, increasing from July and decreasing from January, with the highest rates recorded in December (28.10 ± 3.05 g 3.5 h−1; 208.24 ± 29.99 mass-standardised bites 3.5 h−1) and the lowest in May (0.86 ± 0.17 g 3.5 h−1; 9.55 ± 3.19 mass-standardised bites 3.5 h−1). These coincided with the S. ilicifolium growth cycle, confirming previous evidence that herbivory rates are closely linked to macroalgal condition. Video analyses revealed nine species feeding over a year (31,839 bites; 8702.89 mass-standardised bites), with Siganus virgatus responsible for $$\sim $$
∼
80% of the total mass-standardised bites. Siganus virgatus took the largest proportion of bites monthly, except between April and June, when Scarus rivulatus was dominant, suggesting temporal constraints in functional roles.
CAS-ESM2.0 Model Datasets for the CMIP6 Flux-Anomaly-Forced Model Intercomparison Project (FAFMIP)
Authors: Jin Jiangbo , Zhang He , Dong Xiao , Liu Hailong , Zhang Minghua , Gao Xin , He Juanxiong , Chai Zhaoyang , Zeng Qingcun , Zhou Guangqing , Lin Zhaohui , Yu Yi , Lin Pengfei , Lian Ruxu , Yu Yongqiang , Song Mirong , Zhang Dongling
Published: January 2021

The second version of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Earth System Model (CAS-ESM2.0) is participating in the Flux-Anomaly-Forced Model Intercomparison Project (FAFMIP) experiments in phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6). The purpose of FAFMIP is to understand and reduce the uncertainty of ocean climate changes in response to increased CO2 forcing in atmosphere-ocean general circulation models (AOGCMs), including the simulations of ocean heat content (OHC) change, ocean circulation change, and sea level rise due to thermal expansion. FAFMIP experiments (including faf-heat, faf-stress, faf-water, faf-all, faf-passiveheat, faf-heat-NA50pct and faf-heat-NA0ct) have been conducted. All of the experiments were integrated over a 70-year period and the corresponding data have been uploaded to the Earth System Grid Federation data server for CMIP6 users to download. This paper describes the experimental design and model datasets and evaluates the preliminary results of CAS-ESM2.0 simulations of ocean climate changes in the FAFMIP experiments. The simulations of the changes in global ocean temperature, Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), OHC., and dynamic sea level (DSL), are all reasonably reproduced.
Comparative RNA-Seq analysis reveals genes associated with masculinization in female Cannabis sativa
Authors: Adal Ayelign M. , Doshi Ketan , Holbrook Larry , Mahmoud Soheil S.
Published: January 2021

Main conclusion

Using RNA profiling, we identified several silver thiosulfate-induced genes that potentially control the masculinization of femaleCannabis sativaplants.

Genetically femaleCannabis sativaplants normally bear female flowers, but can develop male flowers in response to environmental and developmental cues. In an attempt to elucidate the molecular elements responsible for sex expression inC. sativaplants, we developed genetically female lines producing both female and chemically-induced male flowers. Furthermore, we carried out RNA-Seq assays aimed at identifying differentially expressed genes responsible for male flower development in female plants. The results revealed over 10,500 differentially expressed genes, of which around 200 potentially control masculinization of female cannabis plants. These genes include transcription factors and other genes involved in male organ (i.e., anther and pollen) development, as well as genes involved in phytohormone signalling and male-biased phenotypes. The expressions of 15 of these genes were further validated by qPCR assay confirming similar expression patterns to that of RNA-Seq data. These genes would be useful for understanding predisposed plants producing flowers of both sex types in the same plant, and help breeders to regulate the masculinization of female plants through targeted breeding and plant biotechnology.
The minimally important difference of the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index for symptomatic gallstone surgery
Authors: Sutherland Jason M. , Albanese Carmela Melina , Crump Trafford , Liu Guiping , Karimuddin Ahmer
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GQLI) is used to measure domains of health and symptoms among people with gastrointestinal disorders. The objective of this study is to calculate the smallest change in the GQLI that is perceived by patients as meaningful among a sample of English-speaking adult patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for treatment of symptomatic gallbladder disease.

Materials and methods

The study is based on retrospective analyses of a sample of participants completing the GQLI and the EQ-5D(3L) preoperatively and six months postoperatively in Vancouver, Canada. Patients are excluded if they are less than 19 years of age, cannot communicate in English, or reside in a long-term care facility. The MID is calculated for the GQLI’s domains using distribution and anchor-based methods.

Results

Among eligible patients, the participation rate was 51%. The estimated MID for the overall GQLI value ranged between 4.32 and 11.44. There were no statistically significant differences in the GQLI’s MID values between sexes or age subgroups. There were statistically significant differences in the GQLI’s MID values by baseline health status.

Discussion

This study should provide some comfort that the MID values used in discussing change in health and symptoms with elective cholecystectomy patients are robust to sex. Although the sample size may have been inadequate for age-based analyses, the study found large differences in MID values between age subgroups. Statistically significant differences in MID values based on preoperative health supports reporting MID values separately by baseline value. Further research should explore whether age-based differences in MID values exist using larger samples.
Venture capital project selection based on interval number grey target decision model
Authors: Fu Sha , Xiao Ye-zhi , Zhou Hang-jun , Liu Sheng-zong
Published: January 2021

In this study, aiming at the multi-attribute decision-making problem with incomplete and uncertain attribute weight information and attribute value of interval numbers, a grey target decision-making model of interval numbers based on positive and negative clouts is proposed. Firstly, in this model, the linear transformation operator of interval number is used to normalize the original decision information, and the positive and negative clouts of interval number are designed. Secondly, after the space projection distance between each scheme and the positive and negative clouts is considered comprehensively, the off-target distance is taken as the basis of vector analysis in space to obtain a new comprehensive off-target distance. The existing interval number grey target decision-making model ignores the important influence of interval distribution and the correlation between the attributes in scheme evaluation, and there are some fuzzy errors when setting the weight of attributes. In order to solve the above problems, this paper combined with the uncertainty analysis of the attribute weights, a goal programming is constructed for the objective function based on the comprehensive off-target distance minimization to solve the attribute weight vector, and finally determine the order of the scheme. Finally, the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed grey target decision model are verified by an example of venture capital projects. Compared with traditional models, the improved model fully considers the characteristics of interval data and the correlation between the attributes.
Vision before and after scharioth macular lens implantation in patients with AMD: an electrophysiological study
Authors: Kremláček Jan , Nekolová Jana , Středová Markéta , Langrová Jana , Szanyi Jana , Kuba Miroslav , Kubová Zuzana , Vít František , Voda Petr , Veselá Martina , Jirásková Naďa
Published: January 2021

Background

For patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a special intraocular lens implantation partially compensates for the loss in the central part of the visual field. For six months, we evaluated changes in neurophysiological parameters in patients implanted with a “Scharioth macula lens” (SML; a center near high add + 10 D and peripheral plano carrier bifocal lens designed to be located between the iris and an artificial lens).

Methods

Fourteen patients (5 M, 9 F, 63–87 years) with dry AMD were examined prior to and at 3 days after, as well as 1, 2, and 6 months after, implantation using pattern-reversal, motion-onset, and cognitive evoked potentials, psychophysical tests evaluating distant and near visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity.

Results

Near visual acuity without an external aid was significantly better six months after implantation than before implantation (Jaeger table median (lower; upper quartile): 4 (1; 6) vs. 15 (13; 17)). Distant visual acuity was significantly altered between the pre- (0.7 (0.5; 0.8) logMAR) and last postimplantation visits (0.8 (0.7; 0.8) logMAR), which matched prolongation of the P100 peak time (147 (135; 151) ms vs. 161 (141; 166) ms) of 15 arc min pattern-reversal VEPs and N2 peak time (191.5 (186.5; 214.5) ms vs. 205 (187; 218) ms) of peripheral motion-onset VEPs.

Conclusion

SML implantation significantly improved near vision. We also observed a slight but significant decrease in distant and peripheral vision. The most efficient electrophysiological approach to test patients with SML was the peripheral motion-onset stimulation, which evoked repeatable and readable VEPs.
Barriers and Facilitators of Disclosing Domestic Violence to the UK Health Service
Authors: Heron Rebecca L. , Eisma Maarten C. , Browne Kevin
Published: January 2021

Domestic violence victims frequently visit health care facilities yet rarely disclose, so it is important to understand what factors are barriers and facilitators of disclosure. UK-based qualitative investigations into barriers and facilitators of disclosure in health care settings have suffered from a limited focus on ethnic minority women. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore victims’ perceptions and experiences of disclosing to health care services and to identify barriers and facilitators of disclosure within an ethnically diverse UK sample. Semi-structured interviews were administered among 29 British (8 ethnic minority) female victims. Content analysis demonstrated that barriers to disclosure were; emotional (e.g., fear, embarrassment/shame and self-blame), physical (e.g., partner’s physical presence, controlling behavior, and manipulation of professionals) and organizational (e.g., appropriateness of setting and time for disclosure). Additional problems for ethnic minority women were language difficulties and religious practices. Facilitators to disclosure were interpersonal relations, safety, and validation from health care professionals. Barriers and facilitators of disclosure in health care services are diverse and some are specific to minority ethnic groups. Health care professionals should receive awareness and skills training to establish a positive, validating, and safe environment for victim disclosure.
Armed, Prohibited and Violent at Home: Implementation and Enforcement of Restrictions on Gun Possession by Domestic Violence Offenders in Four U.S. Localities
Authors: Frattaroli Shannon , Zeoli April M. , Webster Daniel W.
Published: January 2021

Firearms increase the risk of lethality in violent intimate relationships. Policies that restrict access to firearms by respondents to civil domestic violence protective orders (DVROs) are associated with reductions in intimate partner homicide, yet there is scant literature about how such prohibitions are implemented. We document how four localities are implementing gun possession prohibitions that result from civil and criminal restraining orders and domestic violence misdemeanor convictions; and assess the findings in the context of Kingdon’s agenda setting framework. We identified four jurisdictions where gun dispossession of prohibited domestic violence offenders was underway and collected data through in-depth interviews, site visits, and documents. We coded the data, identified explanatory themes, and compared the findings to Kingdon’s framework. The four jurisdictions have policies ranging from no state laws restricting domestic violence offenders’ access to guns to comprehensive state laws. We describe implementation initiatives to dispossess prohibited people of their guns in the four jurisdictions, two distinct implementation models through which gun dispossession occurs, and an expanded application of Kingdon’s model. In each jurisdiction, we identified one or more individuals who championed implementation. Policies that prohibit domestic violence offenders from possessing guns are promising, and possible in diverse settings and jurisdictions. Here we provide insight into implementation efforts in four jurisdictions, emphasize the role of individuals in prioritizing implementation, and highlight the potential to realize these restrictions across states with different laws. Focusing on implementation is a much-needed paradigm shift that complements the traditional focus on passing domestic violence prevention laws.
243Am certified reference material for mass spectrometry
Authors: Jakopič Rožle , Fankhauser Adelheid , Aregbe Yetunde , Richter Stephan , Crozet Marielle , Maillard Christophe , Rivier Cédric , Roudil Danièle , Marouli Maria , Tzika Faidra , Altzitzoglou Timotheos , Pommé Stefaan
Published: January 2021

The Joint Research Centre, in cooperation with the Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, produced a novel243Am spike reference material for mass spectrometry. Americium solution with an isotopic composition of 88%243Am and 12%241Am was used as the source for the preparation of the spike material. The certified value of 5.696 (11) nmol g−1for the amount content of243Am and 0.136138 (54) for then(241Am)/n(243Am) amount ratio were assigned. The assigned values from mass spectrometry were confirmed by alpha-particle spectrometry, alpha-particle counting at a defined solid angle, and high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. Furthermore, an external validation of the certified values was obtained from the results of an interlaboratory comparison exercise, using this americium reference solution as the test sample.
Aging and Gender Health Gap: A Multilevel Analysis for 17 European Countries
Authors: Gómez-Costilla Patricia , García-Prieto Carmen , Somarriba-Arechavala Noelia
Published: January 2021

The European population is aging and their declining capacity makes older Europeans more dependent on the availability of care. Male and female health needs at older ages are different, yet there are contradictory results on the study of gender inequalities in health among the older European population. The aim of this article is twofold: first, we study whether there is a general gender health gap at older ages across Europe. Secondly, we analyze the existence of an increasing or decreasing universal association between the gender health gap and age among the older European population or whether, by contrast, this depends on the type of welfare state. To achieve these goals, we use data from the Survey on Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) for respondents aged 50 and over in 2015, and we carry out several multilevel random intercept logistic regressions for European countries. Our results show that when we split European countries into groups according to the type of welfare state, we only find a significant gender health gap in older people in Southern and Social Democratic countries. Some differences have been found in the links between the gender health gap and age among European countries. Old women report worse health than men at all ages in Southern countries while in Social Democratic states it is only true for women aged 80 and over. In Bismarckian states there are barely any gender differences, while the gender health gap has no clearly defined bias. Between the ages of 60 and 79, men from Eastern European countries report poorer health, while after 80 it is women who report poorer health. In general, we found the widest gender inequalities in health for the oldest population group, especially in Southern and Eastern European countries.