bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive and Affective Well-Being Differences in Subjective and Objective Socioeconomic Status Groups
Authors: Diržyte Aiste , Patapas Aleksandras
Published: October 2020

Objective: This study aimed at identifying the relationship between socioeconomic status and psychological well being in the Lithuanian population.
Background: Socioeconomic status implies that not all individuals have equal opportunities to achieve their goals, because not everyone has equal access to education, health, even business support services, and the psychological well-being of some may be significantly reduced solely by lack of material resources.
Method: The main method of research in the article is an interview method at the respondent's home. Also, various assessment tools were used in the Lithuanian population survey. In this survey, the authors applied the following scales: Flourishing Scale; The Satisfaction with Life Scale; The Cantril Self-Anchoring Striving Scale and The Positive and Negative Emotional Experience Scale.
Results: The results of the study showed statistically significant differences in psychological well-being (psychological flourishing, life satisfaction, happiness, positive and negative emotional experiences) between different income quintile groups, with average psychological well-being constructs in the lowest income quintile being about twice lower than in the highest income quintile. The study showed that the mean ranks of the happiness score in the most deprived group were almost seven times lower than in the middle class.
Conclusion: The research has established that strong and lasting negative emotional experiences are related to diminished well-being and can cause direct and indirect public damages. Authors indicate that additional research is needed.
Assessment of Three Therapeutic Procedures in the Prevention of Diabetic Macular Oedema after Phacoemulsification through Intraocular Lens Implementation
Authors: Panahi-Bazaz Mahmoud-Reza , Feghhi Mostafa , Ahmadi Mohammad Malek , Jafary Aram Mohamad , Mirdehghan Mohammad Sadegh
Published: October 2020

A cataract is an ocular complication of diabetes mellitus, and the risk of developing diabetic macular oedema (DME) increases in cataract surgery. This randomized, single-blind clinical trial study was conducted on 45 eyes (39 patients) with stable diabetic retinopathy with cataract to compare the efficacy of three therapeutic procedures in the prevention of DME after phacoemulsification through intraocular lens implantation. After cataract surgery by phacoemulsification, the patients were randomly assigned into three groups. The group A received 1.25 mg of intravitreal bevacizumab, and group B received a sub-tenon injection of 40 mg triamcinolone at the end of the surgery. The group C received topical diclofenac drops every 8h for four weeks after the surgery. Results showed there was no significant difference in the demographics and clinical features, central macular thickness, and systemic condition of the three groups at the beginning of the study. There was a significant difference between the preoperative and postoperative periods (i.e., three months after surgery) in the three groups regarding mean macular thickness; however, the difference among the three groups was not significant in the post-operative periods. The DME after cataract surgery occurred in 4 eyes (26.67%) in the diclofenac group and three eyes (20.00%) in the intravitreal bevacizumab and three eyes (20.00%) in sub-tenon triamcinolone groups. According to results, the administration of these three therapeutic procedures can be beneficial in the prevention of DME in patients with cataract and diabetic retinopathy.
Enhancing Adolescent's Emotion Regulation with Dialectical Behavior Therapy's Skill Training: The Applications across Borderline, Mild, and Moderate Intellectual Disability
Authors: Safitri Shahnaz
Published: October 2020

Intellectual disability (ID) is characterized by significant limitations in intellectual and adaptive functioning emerging before the age of eighteen-years-old. Known as a pervasive developmental disorder, the disability disturbs the individual's functioning on a wide range of cognitive and social realms, which further result in failure at school and interpersonal relationships. Nonetheless, the capacity for emotion regulation (ER) serves as a key role in supporting the individual's adaptation despite having a disability. Researches have found that ER can be taught as a skill for those with ID, specifically using Dialectical Behavior Therapy’s (DBT) skill training as the basis for the program. Therefore, this study aims to examine further the application of this DBT program and its effectiveness in enhancing ER skills. The programs were delivered to three participants of adolescent aged (9-17 years old) in Indonesia, each having a moderate ID, mild ID, and borderline intellectual functioning (BIF). Using a single case study design (A-B-A procedure) where participants' ER skills were measured before and after the program, these studies showed the program was effective. However, in terms of application, it is noteworthy to highlight the adjustments needed during the program's delivery, considering the degree of disability. These adjustments are found in the program sequences, modality used for the program, the evaluation method used to record the participants' improvements, and the degree of skills developed. This paper examines these variations in depth to shed light on the applicability of DBT's program as in improving ER for individuals with ID and BIF.
Desa Mawacara, Negara Mawatata: Bali’s Customary Village-Based State Policies in the Time of the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Suryawan I Ngurah
Published: October 2020

Balinese customary villages are at the center of the state’s strategy for mitigation of Covid-19. Relations between customary villages and the state predate colonial times. The historical dynamics have shown that the traditions and cultures of customary villages (desa mawacara) will always exist within the shadow of the state (negara mawatata). The symbolic narrative of desa mawacara, negara mawatata illustrates the governmentality that the state exercises over the villages. Regional Regulation No. 4/2019 on Customary Villages in Bali and the formation of the customary village-based task force were rational choices made by the Governor of Bali to place the villages at the forefront of the province’s strategy against the pandemic. This article employs Li’s (2012) adaptation of Foucault’s concept of governmentality in its analysis. Discourse analysis was conducted with regards to information extracted from mass media, in-depth interviews, and participatory observation. This article argues that the state’s policies for Balinese customary villages are deeply entrenched in its long history of intervention and cooptation. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the state has been well aware of the extensive influence that customary villages hold over their communities. The state utilizes this reality to exert its authority.
Gli3 utilizes Hand2 to synergistically regulate tissue-specific transcriptional networks
Authors: Elliott Kelsey H , Chen Xiaoting , Salomone Joseph , Chaturvedi Praneet , Schultz Preston A , Balchand Sai K , Servetas Jeffrey D , Zuniga Aimée , Zeller Rolf , Gebelein Brian , Weirauch Matthew T , Peterson Kevin A , Brugmann Samantha A
Published: October 2020

Despite a common understanding that Gli TFs are utilized to convey a Hh morphogen gradient, genetic analyses suggest craniofacial development does not completely fit this paradigm. Using the mouse model (Mus musculus), we demonstrated that rather than being driven by a Hh threshold, robust Gli3 transcriptional activity during skeletal and glossal development required interaction with the basic helix-loop-helix TF Hand2. Not only did genetic and expression data support a co-factorial relationship, but genomic analysis revealed that Gli3 and Hand2 were enriched at regulatory elements for genes essential for mandibular patterning and development. Interestingly, motif analysis at sites co-occupied by Gli3 and Hand2 uncovered mandibular-specific, low-affinity, ‘divergent’ Gli-binding motifs (dGBMs). Functional validation revealed thesedGBMs conveyed synergistic activation of Gli targets essential for mandibular patterning and development. In summary, this work elucidates a novel, sequence-dependent mechanism for Gli transcriptional activity within the craniofacial complex that is independent of a graded Hh signal.
A new species of alien terrestrial planarian in Spain:Caenoplana decolorata
Authors: Mateos Eduardo , Jones Hugh D. , Riutort Marta , Álvarez-Presas Marta
Published: October 2020

Terrestrial planarians found in a plant nursery in Spain in 2012 are described as a new species,Caenoplana decolorata. Dorsally they are mahogany brown with a cream median line. Ventrally they are pastel turquoise fading to brown laterally. Molecular data indicate that they are a member of the genusCaenoplana, but that they differ from otherCaenoplanaspecies found in Europe. One mature specimen has been partially sectioned, and the musculature and copulatory apparatus is described, confirming the generic placement but distinguishing the species from other members of the genus. It is probable that the species originates from Australia.
Acarbose-metformin is more effective in glycemic variability control than repaglinide-metformin in T2DM patients inadequately controlled with metformin: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Du Guoli , Xie Wanrun , Su Yinxia , Ma Yao , Gao Xiaoming , Jiang Sheng , Liang Huazheng
Published: October 2020

Background

Acarbose and repaglinide are widely used either by themselves or in combination with other medications. However, their efficacy in diabetes control has not been compared when used in combination with metformin.

Methods

The present study aimed to compare their effects on glycemic variability (GV) control when taken with metformin for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled with metformin alone. In this retrospective cohort study, T2DM patients who were treated with either acarbose-metformin or repaglinide-metformin combination were recruited. Either acarbose 100 mg or repaglinide 2 mg triple daily was taken for the subsequent 12 weeks in combination with metformin. Demographic data, biochemical data and 7-point glycemic self-monitoring conducted with capillary blood (SMBG) data were reviewed after one week and 12 weeks. The primary outcome including glucose control and changes in GV as well as other factors affecting GV and the incidence of hypoglycemia were also analyzed.

Results

Of the 305 T2DM patients enrolled, data from 273 subjects, 136 in the acarbose-metformin group (M+A) and 137 in the repaglinide-metformin group (M+R) were analyzed. Both regimens improved glycemic control at 12 weeks post commencement of new medications. GV, expressed as the mean amplitude of plasma glycemic excursions (MAGE, 5.0 ± 2.6 vs. 2.8 ± 1.6 mmol/L, p < 0.001 in M+A; 5.1 ± 2.5 vs. 2.9 ± 1.3 mmol/L, p < 0.001 in M+R), standard deviation of blood glucose (SDBG, 3.6 ± 1.3 vs. 2.0 ± 0.9 mmol/L, p < 0.001 in M+A; 3.7 ± 1.3 vs. 2.4 ± 1.3 p < 0.001 in M+R), coefficient of variation of blood glucose (CVBG, (0.30 ± 0.09 vs. 0.21 ± 0.1, p < 0.001 in M+A; 0.31 ± 0.09 vs. 0.24 ± 0.12, p < 0.001 in M+R), postprandial amplitude of glycemic excursions (PPGE, 5.2 ± 2.6 vs. 2.8 ± 1.6 mmol/L, p < 0.001 in M+A; 5.3 ± 2.5 vs. 2.9 ± 1.3 mmol/L, p < 0.001 in M+R) or largest amplitude of glycemic excursions (LAGE, 9.8 ± 3.6 vs. 5.4 ± 2.4 mmol/L, p < 0.001 in M+A; 10.1 ± 3.4 vs. 6.3 ± 3.2 mmol/L, p < 0.001 in M+R) decreased significantly after the addition of acarbose or repaglinide (p < 0.05 respectively). Compared with repaglinide-metformin, acarbose-metformin was more effective in GV control at 12 weeks post commencement of new medications (p < 0.05). This study indicates that both acarbose-metformin and repaglinide-metformin combinations could effectively reduce GV and the acarbose-metformin combination seems to be more effective than the repaglinide-metformin combination. However, this conclusion should be confirmed by future large-scaled and more comprehensive studies due to the limitations of the present study.
The relationship between protein domains and homopeptides in the Plasmodium falciparum proteome
Authors: Wang Yue , Yang Hsin Jou , Harrison Paul M.
Published: October 2020

The proteome of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is notable for the pervasive occurrence of homopeptides or low-complexity regions (i.e., regions that are made from a small subset of amino-acid residue types). The most prevalent of these are made from residues encoded by adenine/thymidine (AT)-rich codons, in particular asparagine. We examined homopeptide occurrences within protein domains in P. falciparum. Homopeptide enrichments occur for hydrophobic (e.g., valine), or small residues (alanine or glycine) in short spans (<5 residues), but these enrichments disappear for longer lengths. We observe that short asparagine homopeptides (<10 residues long) have a dramatic relative depletion inside protein domains, indicating some selective constraint to keep them from forming. We surmise that this is possibly linked to co-translational protein folding, although there are specific protein domains that are enriched in longer asparagine homopeptides (≥10 residues) indicating a functional linkage for specific poly-asparagine tracts. Top gene ontology functional category enrichments for homopeptides associated with diverse protein domains include “vesicle-mediated transport”, and “DNA-directed 5′-3′ RNA polymerase activity”, with various categories linked to “binding” evidencing significant homopeptide depletions. Also, in general homopeptides are substantially enriched in the parts of protein domains that are near/in IDRs. The implications of these findings are discussed.
MISTURA DE HERBICIDAS E MOLIBDÊNIO APLICADOS EM PÓS-EMERGÊNCIA NA CULTURA DO FEIJÃO-CAUPI
Authors: Cruz Dayana Cardoso , Jakelaitis Adriano , Pereira Leandro Spíndola , De Oliveira Gustavo Silva , Costa Estevam Matheus , Silva Higor Ferreira da
Published: October 2020

A mistura de tanque entre herbicidas e fertilizantes foliares pode promover efeitos adversos nas culturas em função do antagonismo entre produtos. Assim, objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de molibdênio (Mo) em mistura de tanque com herbicidas sobre a produtividade da cultura do feijão-caupi e o controle de plantas daninhas. O delineamento experimental usado foi de blocos casualizados com quatro repetições, em arranjo fatorial 6 x 2. O primeiro fator foi constituído por: testemunha capinada, testemunha não capinada e a aplicação dos herbicidas bentazon, imazethapyr e as misturas bentazon + imazamox e bentazon + imazethapyr e o segundo fator pela ausência e aplicação de 80 g ha-1 de Mo. Foram avaliados a densidade e a massa seca de plantas daninhas, a fitointoxicação, comprimento da haste principal, diâmetro da haste, teores de clorofila a e b e os componentes de produção da cultura do feijão-caupi. A aplicação de Mo associado aos herbicidas bentazon, imazethapyr, bentazon + imazamox, bentazon + imazethapyr não afeta a eficiência de controle de plantas daninhas e nem a seletividade dos herbicidas para o feijão-caupi BRS Guariba. A fitointoxicação promovida pelos herbicidas foi leve (<5%) aos 7 dias após a aplicação dos tratamentos, com desaparecimento dos sintomas aos 14 DAA. A aplicação de Mo aumenta os teores de clorofila a e b no florescimento, o comprimento da haste principal e o número de vagens por planta na ocasião da colheita da cultura. As plantas daninhas reduzem o rendimento de grãos do feijão-caupi, independente da aplicação foliar de Mo.
Analysis of Profit Efficiency of Sesame Production in Yobe State, Nigeria: A Stochastic Translog Profit Function Approach
Authors: Jonah S. E. , Shettima B. G. , Umar A. S. S. , Timothy E.
Published: October 2020

Aims: Sesame productions are constantly bedeviled with menace because of inadequate supply of quality seed, extension services, credit facilities, presence of inefficiencies among others. The capacity of sesame producers to accept new innovation and achieve sustained production relies upon the level of profit efficiency, generally dictated by variable input and output prices including the cost of fixed factors of production. Physical profitability contemplations such technical, allocative and economic efficiency are significant in improving production proficiency but profit efficiency will result to higher profit to sesame farmers. This paper examined the profit efficiency of sesame production in Yobe State, Nigeria.

Research Methods: Multistage sampling procedure is utilized to choose the farmers. A structured questionnaire is administered to 180 respondents spread across 12 Local Government Areas to acquired essential information. Descriptive statistics used includes mean, frequency and percentage. The inferential statistic used is stochastic translog profit function.

Findings: The result of levels of profit efficiency shows the mean profit efficiency of 0.8828. The result of the translog profit function indicates the sigma square to be 0.249 and variance of 0.909. All the cost variables has negative coefficients and significant at one percent level except for cost of farmlands. The inefficiency variables levels of education, Access to Extension Services, Access to credits among others reduce inefficiency while off-farm income and access to market information increase inefficiency.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that inefficiency exist in the utilization of resources. All the input cost variable decreases profit efficiency and all the socioeconomic characteristics decreases profit inefficiency with the exception of, off-farm income and access to market information which were found to increase profit inefficiency.
Application of Hazard Quotient (HQ) for the Assessment of Potential Health Risk of Groundwater Users around Uyo Main Dumpsite
Authors: Nta S. A. , Ayotamuno M. J. , Igoni A. H. , Okparanma R. N. , Udom I. J.
Published: October 2020

The present work aims at assessing the hazard quotient (HQ) in the groundwater samples collected around Uyo main refuse dumpsite. For calculating the HQ, 17 parameters, namely, temperature, pH, TDS, TSS, BOD, COD, nitrate, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cl, total phosphate, sulfate, EC, DO and turbidity were considered. The HQ for pH (1.0 – 1.1), temperature (1.2), TDS (0.0), TSS (0.4 – 0.5), BOD (0.5 – 1.0), COD (0.1), nitrate (0.0 – 0.6), Cu (0.7 – 0.8), Ni (0.2), Pb (5 – 16), Cd (3.0 – 10), Cl (0.3 – 0.4), phosphate (1.4 – 1.9), sulfate (0.0), EC (0.1), DO (1.6 – 1.9) and turbidity (0.2). The HQ of temperature, pH, DO, phosphate, Pb, and Cd in water samples were all greater than unity and thus posed a potential health risk for human oral consumption. The present study revealed that groundwater around Uyo village road waste dumpsite poses a health risk to groundwater resource users due to groundwater contamination by the leachate. Monitoring of this site is recommended as well as research by biomedical experts to reveal the rigorous adverse impacts that physio-chemical, and heavy metal contamination of groundwater might induce in humans, particularly among individuals in vulnerable populations. Also, the local authorities should be made aware of such health risks and provide potable water facilities either by treating the water or find alternative sources for drinking.
Endocrine Markers of Fertility Potential in Reproductive Age Women with Idiopathic Hyperprolactinemia
Authors: Atalyan Alina Valerievna , Shelokhov Leonid Fedorovich , Kolesnikova Lyubov Ilinichna
Published: October 2020

Background: Hyperprolactinemia (HP) is a common endocrine gynecological disorder in women of reproductive age manifested with menstrual irregularity and sterility subfertility among the majority of women with this disorder.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the endocrinal markers of inferility in premenopausal women with idiopathic hyperprolactinemia.

Materials and Metahodology: The study included 82 women: 27 healthy women, 22 fertile women with idiopathic HP and 33 patients with endocrine sub fertility with idiopathic HP.  All women underwent a standard history taking, clinical examinations.  Lab tests were performed in all women and included the detection of the concentrations of prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, cortisol, gonadotrophic hormones, testosterone, and estradiol by ELISA method.

 

Results: The study results demonstrated that subfertile women with HP are characterized by an increase of follicle-stimulating hormone and free triiodothyronine and a decrease of estradiol and cortisol when compared with fertile patients with HP and Healthy patients.

Conclusion: The better glucocorticoid and ovarian function of fertile women with HP supposed to be an essential issue in their reproductive ability.
Adaptive prescribed performance tracking control for uncertain strict‐feedback Multiple Inputs and Multiple Outputs nonlinear systems based on generalized fuzzy hyperbolic model
Authors: Yang Zhong‐Jun , Zong Xue‐Jun , Wang Guo‐Gang
Published: October 2020

This article proposes an adaptive prescribed performance tracking control methodology for a class of strict‐feedback Multiple Inputs and Multiple Outputs nonlinear systems. A combination of backstepping technique and the generalized fuzzy hyperbolic model was used in recursive design of adaptive controller. A novel performance constraint function guarantees the tracking control performance. Lyapunov stability analysis proves that the designed controller can ensure the predefined transient and all signals within the closed‐loop systems are semiglobally uniformly ultimately bounded. In the end, simulation results illustrate the validity of the proposed approach.
A 3D Cu‐Naphthalene‐Phosphonate Metal–Organic Framework with Ultra‐High Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Peeples Craig A. , Kober Delf , Schmitt Franz‐Josef , Tholen Patrik , Siemensmeyer Konrad , Halldorson Quinn , Çoşut Bünyemin , Gurlo Aleksander , Yazaydin Ahmet Ozgur , Hanna Gabriel , Yücesan Gündoğ
Published: October 2020

A conductive phosphonate metal–organic framework (MOF), [{Cu(H2O)}(2,6‐NDPA)0.5] (NDPA = naphthalenediphosphonic acid), which contains a 2D inorganic building unit (IBU) comprised of a continuous edge‐sharing sheet of copper phosphonate polyhedra is reported. The 2D IBUs are connected to each other via polyaromatic 2,6‐NDPA's, forming a 3D pillared‐layered MOF structure. This MOF, known as TUB40, has a narrow band gap of 1.42 eV, a record high average electrical conductance of 2 × 102 S m−1 at room temperature based on single‐crystal conductivity measurements, and an electrical conductance of 142 S m−1 based on a pellet measurement. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the conductivity is due to an excitation from the highest occupied molecular orbital on the naphthalene‐building unit to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital on the copper atoms. Temperature‐dependent magnetization measurements show that the copper atoms are antiferromagnetically coupled at very low temperatures, which is also confirmed by the DFT calculations. Due to its high conductance and thermal/chemical stability, TUB40 may prove useful as an electrode material in supercapacitors.
Emerging Memristive Artificial Synapses and Neurons for Energy‐Efficient Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Choi Sanghyeon , Yang Jehyeon , Wang Gunuk
Published: October 2020

Memristors have recently attracted significant interest due to their applicability as promising building blocks of neuromorphic computing and electronic systems. The dynamic reconfiguration of memristors, which is based on the history of applied electrical stimuli, can mimic both essential analog synaptic and neuronal functionalities. These can be utilized as the node and terminal devices in an artificial neural network. Consequently, the ability to understand, control, and utilize fundamental switching principles and various types of device architectures of the memristor is necessary for achieving memristor‐based neuromorphic hardware systems. Herein, a wide range of memristors and memristive‐related devices for artificial synapses and neurons is highlighted. The device structures, switching principles, and the applications of essential synaptic and neuronal functionalities are sequentially presented. Moreover, recent advances in memristive artificial neural networks and their hardware implementations are introduced along with an overview of the various learning algorithms. Finally, the main challenges of the memristive synapses and neurons toward high‐performance and energy‐efficient neuromorphic computing are briefly discussed. This progress report aims to be an insightful guide for the research on memristors and neuromorphic‐based computing.
In Situ Monitoring of Alkanethiol Self‐Assembly onto Zinc Selenide: The Role of Substrate Pretreatment and Its Implication in Bacterial Attachment
Authors: Yunda Elena , Quilès Fabienne , Horwat David , Gago Raúl , Ghanbaja Jaafar , Alem Halima
Published: October 2020

The interface between pioneer sessile bacteria and a supporting substrate can be probed in situ and at the molecular scale by infrared spectroscopy in the attenuated total reflection mode (ATR‐FTIR). Here, a self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) of amino‐terminated alkanethiol is formed on the internal reflection element (IRE) composed of zinc selenide, and the attachment of model bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is subsequently studied. The impact of the beforehand surface preparation of the IRE on the SAM is studied on ZnSe substrates (i) cleaned by exposure to ozone/UV, (ii) acid cleaned, or (iii) coated with a thin gold film. The surface properties of the obtained substrates are analyzed by atomic force and electron microscopies, and elastic ion backscattering spectrometry. The kinetics of the formation and the organization of the formed SAMs are strongly surface dependent, as evidenced with ATR‐FTIR. Acid‐cleaned and gold‐coated IREs are the least and most favorable substrates for alkanethiol SAM formation, respectively. Regardless of differences in SAM properties, the average degree of LGG attachment is similar on all functionalized substrates. The molecular organization of LGG cells, however, is substrate‐dependent suggesting a possible effect of SAM organization on the bacteria–substrate interface.
An Antigen‐Delivery Protein Nanoparticle Combined with Anti‐PD‐1 Checkpoint Inhibitor Has Curative Efficacy in an Aggressive Melanoma Model
Authors: Neek Medea , Tucker Jo Anne , Butkovich Nina , Nelson Edward L. , Wang Szu‐Wen
Published: October 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibition is a promising alternative treatment to standard chemotherapies; however, it fails to achieve long‐term remission in a significant portion of patients. A previously developed protein nanoparticle‐based platform (E2 nanoparticle) delivers cancer antigens to increase antigen‐specific tumor responses. While prior work has focussed on prophylactic conditions, the objectives in this study are therapeutic. It is hypothesized that immune checkpoint inhibition, when augmented by antigen delivery using E2 nanoparticles containing CpG oligonucleotide 1826 (CpG) and a glycoprotein 100 (gp100) melanoma antigen epitope (CpG‐gp‐E2), would synergistically elicit antitumor responses. To identify a regimen primed for obtaining effective treatment results, immune benchmarks in the spleen and tumor are examined. Conditions that lead to significant immune activation, including increases in gp100‐specific interferon gamma (IFN‐γ), CD8 T cells in the spleen, tumor‐infiltrating CD8 T cells, and survival time are identified. Based on the findings, the resulting combination of CpG‐gp‐E2 and anti‐programmed cell death protein 1 (anti‐PD‐1) treatment in tumor‐challenged mice yield significantly increased long‐term survival; more than 50% of the mice treated with combination therapy were tumor‐free, compared with 0% and ≈5% for CpG‐gp‐E2 and anti‐PD‐1 alone, respectively. Evidence of a durable antitumor response is also observed upon tumor rechallenge, pointing to long‐lasting immune memory.
Solvent‐Dependent Singlet Fission in Diketopyrrolopyrrole Dimers: A Mediating Charge Transfer versus a Trapping Symmetry‐Breaking Charge Separation
Authors: Papadopoulos Ilias , Álvaro‐Martins Maria João , Molina Desiré , McCosker Patrick M. , Keller Paul A. , Clark Timothy , Sastre‐Santos Ángela , Guldi Dirk M.
Published: October 2020

Three diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) dimers, linked via different dithienylphenylene spacers, ortho‐DPP (o‐DPP), meta‐DPP (m‐DPP), and para‐DPP (p‐DPP), are synthesized, characterized, and probed in light of intramolecular singlet fission (i‐SF). Importantly, the corresponding DPP reference (DPP‐Ref) singlet and triplet excited state energies of 2.22 and 1.04 eV, respectively, suggest that i‐SF is thermodynamically feasible. The investigations focus on the impact of the relative positioning of the DPPs, and give compelling evidence that solvent polarity and/or spatial overlap govern i‐SF dynamics and efficiencies. Polar solvents make the involvement of an intermediate charge transfer (CT) state possible, followed by the population of 1(T1T1) and subsequently (T1 + T1), while spatial overlap drives the mutual interactions between the DPPs. In o‐DPP, the correct balance between polar solvents and spatial overlap leads to the highest triplet quantum yield (TQY) of 40%. Notable is the superimposition of CT and triplet excited states, preventing an accurate TQY determination. For m‐DPP, poorer spatial overlap correlates with weaker CT character and manifests in a TQY of 11%. Strong CT character acts as a trap and prevents i‐SF, as found with p‐DPP. The DPP separation is decisive, enabling a symmetry‐breaking charge‐separated state rather than CT formation, shutting down the formation 1(T1T1).
Biotriboelectric Nanogenerators: Materials, Structures, and Applications
Authors: Li Xunjia , Jiang Chengmei , Ying Yibin , Ping Jianfeng
Published: October 2020

In recent years, as the rising contradiction between the increase of energy demand and intensifying of depleting fossil resources, the development of new energy sources has received more and more attention. Among them, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with the characteristics of low‐cost, high durability, and high processability are becoming the new star in the field of energy sources. In particular, the addition of biomaterials as triboelectric materials makes TENGs more environmentally friendly, giving biomaterial‐based TENGs (bio‐TENGs) great potential in the field of Internet of Things (IoT), wearable devices, and implantable devices. This review covers the latest advances in bio‐TENGs, including the special properties of biomaterials, the innovative structure, and application scenarios of bio‐TENGs, and explores the future and limitations of bio‐TENGs.
Surface Reconstruction and Phase Transition on Vanadium–Cobalt–Iron Trimetal Nitrides to Form Active Oxyhydroxide for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation
Authors: Liu Dong , Ai Haoqiang , Li Jielei , Fang Mingliang , Chen Mingpeng , Liu Di , Du Xinyu , Zhou Pengfei , Li Feifei , Lo Kin Ho , Tang Yuxin , Chen Shi , Wang Lei , Xing Guichuan , Pan Hui
Published: October 2020

The sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a pivotal process for renewable energy technologies, such as water splitting. The discovery of efficient, durable, and earth‐abundant electrocatalysts for water oxidation is highly desirable. Here, a novel trimetallic nitride compound grown on nickel foam (CoVFeN @ NF) is demonstrated, which is an ultra‐highly active OER electrocatalyst that outperforms the benchmark catalyst, RuO2, and most of the state‐of‐the‐art 3D transition metals and their compounds. CoVFeN @ NF exhibits ultralow OER overpotentials of 212 and 264 mV at 10 and 100 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH, respectively, together with a small Tafel slop of 34.8 mV dec−1. Structural characterization reveals that the excellent catalytic activity mainly originates from: 1) formation of oxyhydroxide species on the surface of the catalyst due to surface reconstruction and phase transition, 2) promoted oxygen evolution possibly activated by peroxo‐like (O22−) species through a combined lattice‐oxygen‐oxidation and adsorbate escape mechanism, 3) an optimized electronic structure and local coordination environment owing to the synergistic effect of the multimetal system, and 4) greatly accelerated electron transfer as a result of nitridation. This study provides a simple approach to rationally design cost‐efficient and highly catalytic multimetal compound systems as OER catalysts for electrochemical energy devices.
Octahedral Coordinated Trivalent Cobalt Enriched Multimetal Oxygen‐Evolution Catalysts
Authors: Chen Junsheng , Li Hao , Yu Zixun , Liu Chang , Yuan Ziwen , Wang Chaojun , Zhao Shenlong , Henkelman Graeme , Li Shuzhou , Wei Li , Chen Yuan
Published: October 2020

Octahedral coordinated trivalent cobalt cations (CoOh3+) in metal oxyhydroxides are highly active catalytic sites for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), a critical bottleneck for efficient water splitting; however, previous synthetic methods have limited control over these sites. Herein, a scalable electrodeposition method coupled with in situ oxidation to produce amorphous Co–Fe–W trimetallic oxyhydroxides enriched with CoOh3+ is developed. X‐ray absorption, in operando spectroscopic analysis, and computational studies reveal that 72% of the Co atoms are present in CoOh3+ sites. Fe and W synergistically affect the electronic structure of Co and provide a favorable coordination environment. The Co–Fe–W oxyhydroxide exhibits superior OER catalytic performance with an impressive turnover frequency of 1.96 s−1 at an overpotential of 300 mV, a low Tafel slope of 32 mV dec−1, and small activation energy of 53 kJ mol−1 in alkaline electrolyte. The catalyst directly deposited on Ni foams can serve as a robust OER electrode in two‐electrode water electrolyzers; they deliver a current density of 100 mA cm−2 at a small overpotential of 234 mV in alkaline electrolyte with excellent durability under 100 mA cm−2 over 120 h. These catalysts are excellent for practical water splitting applications.
Tips for scientists writing about race and genetics for the general public
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: October 2020

Special Issue: Race reconciled II: Interpreting and communicating biological variation and race in 2021
Et3B/Et2AlCl/O2‐Mediated Radical Coupling Reaction between α‐Alkoxyacyl Tellurides and 2‐Hydroxybenzaldehyde Derivatives
Authors: Nagatomo Masanori , Zhang Keshu , Fujino Haruka , Inoue Masayuki
Published: October 2020

A newly devised radical‐based strategy enabled coupling between multiply oxygenated α‐alkoxyacyl tellurides and 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde derivatives. A reagent combination of Et3B, Et2AlCl, and O2 promoted the formation of the α‐alkoxy carbon radical from the α‐alkoxyacyl telluride and the addition of the radical to the carbonyl group of 2‐hydroxybenzaldehyde. The reaction chemo‐ and stereoselectively forged the hindered C−C bond between two oxygen‐functionalized carbons at ambient temperature. The method was applied to the preparation of 12 coupling adducts with three to six contiguous stereocenters and to the concise synthesis of an antitumor compound, LLY‐283.
Young Autism Spectrum Disorder Children in Special and Mainstream Education Settings Have Similar Behavioral Characteristics
Authors: Ilan Michal , Meiri Gal , Manelis‐Baram Liora , Faroy Michal , Michaelovski Analya , Flusser Hagit , Binoun‐Chaki Hagar , Segev‐Cojocaru Ronit , Dotan Orly , Schtaierman Hen , Menashe Idan , Dinstein Ilan
Published: October 2020

In many countries, parents can place autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children in either mainstream or special education settings, which differ in their ability to provide structured early intervention programs. There are no clear guidelines for how to make initial placement decisions and ongoing debate about the benefits and drawbacks of each educational setting. Previous studies have mostly examined placement of school‐age children and reported that those with poorer cognitive abilities and more severe ASD symptoms tend to be placed in special education. The placement of younger children has rarely been studied. Here, we utilized the database at the National Autism Research Center of Israel to examine whether ASD severity, cognitive abilities, and parent education influenced the placement of 242 children. We performed the analyses separately for 1–3‐year‐old children who were placed in daycare centers and 3–5‐year‐old children who were placed in pre‐school kindergartens. Our analyses revealed surprisingly small differences across special and mainstream education settings, particularly in daycare centers. Cognitive scores and parent education were significantly higher in ASD children placed in mainstream education, but these differences were of moderate effect size and explained a relatively small percentage of the variability in placement choices (<15%). Indeed, we found considerable overlap in the characteristics of ASD children across educational settings, which suggests that initial placement decisions are performed with little regard to the children's abilities. Given the importance of optimal early intervention, further studies are warranted to determine whether children with specific abilities and needs benefit more from placement in either educational setting.

Lay Summary

Currently, there are no clear recommendations for placing young children with ASD in special versus mainstream education settings. We examined the influence of ASD severity, cognitive abilities, and parent education on the initial placement of 242 children. While we found significantly higher cognitive scores and parental education in children placed in mainstream education, there was a remarkable overlap in the characteristics of children across both settings, suggesting that initial placement is performed with limited regard to the children's abilities. Autism Res 2021, 14: 699–708. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC
A joint frailty‐copula model for meta‐analytic validation of failure time surrogate endpoints in clinical trials
Authors: Sofeu Casimir L. , Emura Takeshi , Rondeau Virginie
Published: October 2020

In a meta‐analysis framework, the classical approach for the validation of time‐to‐event surrogate endpoint is based on a two‐step analysis. This approach often raises estimation issues. Recently, we proposed a one‐step validation approach based on a joint frailty model. This approach was quite time consuming, despite parallel computing, due to individual‐level frailties used to take into account heterogeneity in the data at the individual level. We now propose an alternative one‐step approach for evaluating surrogacy, using a joint frailty‐copula model. The model includes two correlated random effects treatment‐by‐trial interaction and a shared random effect associated with the baseline risks. At the individual level, the joint survivor functions of time‐to‐event endpoints are linked using copula functions. We used splines for the baseline hazard functions. We estimated parameters and hazard function using a semiparametric penalized marginal likelihood method, considering various numerical integration methods. Both individual‐level and trial‐level surrogacy were evaluated using Kendall's tau and coefficient of determination. The performance of the estimators was evaluated using simulation studies. The model was applied to individual patient data meta‐analyses in advanced ovarian cancer to assess progression‐free survival as a surrogate for overall survival, as part of the evaluation of new therapy. The model showed good performance and was quite robust regarding the integration methods and data variation, regardless of the surrogacy evaluation criteria. Kendall's Tau was better estimated using the Clayton copula model compared to the joint frailty model. The proposed model reduces the convergence and model estimation issues encountered in the two‐step approach.
Heparosan Chain Characterization: Sequential Depolymerization of E. Coli K5 Heparosan by a Bacterial Eliminase Heparin Lyase III and a Bacterial Hydrolase Heparanase Bp to Prepare Defined Oligomers
Authors: Datta Payel , Yan LuFeng , Awofiranye Adeola , Dordick Jonathan S. , Linhardt Robert J.
Published: October 2020

Heparosan is a non‐sulfated polysaccharide and potential applications include, chemoenzymatic synthesis of heparin and heparan sulfates. Heparosan is produced using microbial cells (natural producers or engineered cells). The characterization of heparosan isolated from both natural producers and engineered‐cells are critical steps towards the potential applications of heparosan. Heparosan is characterized using 1) analysis of intact chain size and polydispersity, and 2) disaccharide composition. The current paper describes a novel method for heparosan chain characterization, using heparin lyase III (Hep‐3, an eliminase from Flavobacterium heparinum) and heparanase Bp (Hep‐Bp, a hydrolase from Burkholderia pseudomallei). The partial digestion of E. coli K5 heparosan with purified His‐tagged Hep‐3 results in oligomers of defined sizes. The oligomers (degree of polymerization from 2 to 8, DP2‐DP8) are completely digested with purified GST‐tagged Hep‐Bp and analyzed using gel permeation chromatography. Hep‐Bp specifically cleaves the linkage between d‐glucuronic acid (GlcA) and N‐acetyl‐d‐glucosamine (GlcNAc) but not the linkage between 4‐deoxy‐α‐L‐threo‐hex‐4‐enopyranosyluronic acid (deltaUA) and GlcNAc, and results in the presence of a minor resistant trisaccharide (GlcNAc‐GlcA‐GlcNAc). This method successfully demonstrated the substrate selectivity of Hep‐BP on heparosan oligomers. This analytical tool could be applied towards heparosan chain mapping and analysis of unnatural sugar moieties in the heparosan chain.
Protective Effects of Nucleosides‐Rich Extract from Cordyceps cicadae against Cisplatin Induced Testicular Damage.
Authors: Wang Ling , He Yigang , Li Yudi , Pei Chengbin , Olatunji Opeyemi Joshua , Tang Jian , Famurewa Ademola C. , Wang Hongyan , Yan Bei
Published: October 2020

Cisplatin (CISP) is an efficacious anticancer agent used in chemotherapy, however, the constraint to its clinical utility is the stray organ toxicity including testicular damage linked to oxidative and inflammatory cascades. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of nucleosides‐rich extract from Cordyceps cicadae (NRCE) against CISP‐induced testicular damage in rats. Rats were subjected to prophylactic oral administration of NRCE (50, 100 and 400 mg/kg body weight/day) for 7 days prior to testicular toxicity induced by CISP (10 mg/kg, ip) and were sacrificed after 72 h post‐CISP injection. Cisplatin caused significant deficits in sperm count, viability and motility, testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) compared to normal control. It depressed testicular activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant content (TAC), whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) increased remarkably. CISP considerably increased tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐one beta (IL‐1β) with alterations in testis histology compared to normal control. Interestingly, NRCE pretreatment inhibited the CISP‐induced alterations in reproductive indices, restored the antioxidant activities in testes as well as inflammatory mediators and histology comparable to control. Our findings demonstrate that NRCE could prevent CISP testicular damage via inhibition of oxidative stress and pro‐inflammation in rats.
Regulatory expression of uncoupling protein 1 and its related genes by endogenous activity of the transforming growth factor‐β family in bovine myogenic cells
Authors: Abd Eldaim Mabrouk A. , Zhao Kangning , Murakami Masaru , Yoshioka Hidetugu , Itoyama Erina , Kitamura Shoko , Nagase Hiroshi , Matsui Tohru , Funaba Masayuki
Published: October 2020

Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is responsible for non‐shivering thermogenesis, with restricted expression in brown/beige adipocytes in humans and rodents. We have previously shown an unexpected expression of UCP1 in bovine skeletal muscles. This study evaluated factors affecting Ucp1 gene expression in cultured bovine myogenic cells. Myosatellite cells, which were isolated from the bovine musculus longissimus cervicis, were induced to differentiate into myotubes in the presence of 2% horse serum. Previous studies using murine brown/beige adipocytes revealed that Ucp1 expression levels are directly increased by forskolin and all‐trans retinoic acid (RA). The transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β)/activin pathway negatively regulated Ucp1 expression, whereas activation of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway indirectly increases Ucp1 expression through the stimulation of brown/beige adipogenesis. Neither forskolin nor RA significantly affected Ucp1 mRNA levels in bovine myogenic cells. A‐83‐01, an inhibitor of the TGF‐β/activin pathway, stimulated myogenesis in these cells. A‐83‐01 significantly increased the expression of some brown fat signature genes such as Pgc‐1α, Cox7a1, and Dio2, with a quantitative but not significant increase in the expression of Ucp1. Treatment with LDN‐193189, an inhibitor of the BMP pathway, did not affect the differentiation of bovine myosatellite cells. Rather, LDN‐193189 increased Ucp1 mRNA levels without modulating the levels of other brown/beige adipocyte‐related genes. The current results indicate that the regulation of Ucp1 expression in bovine myogenic cells is distinct from that in murine brown/beige adipocytes, which has been more intensely characterized.

Significance of the study

We previously reported unexpected expression of Ucp1 in bovine muscle tissues; Ucp1 expression has been known to be detected predominantly in brown/beige adipocytes. This study examined regulatory expression of bovine Ucp1 in myogenic cells. Consistent with the changes in expression levels of brown/beige adipocyte‐selective genes, Ucp1 expression tended to be increased by inhibition of endogenous TGF‐β activity. In contrast, inhibition of endogenous BMP significantly increased Ucp1 expression without affecting brown/beige adipocyte‐selective gene expression. The current results indicate that regulatory expression of Ucp1 in bovine myogenic cells is distinct from that in murine brown/beige adipocytes that is more intensely characterized.