bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene Expression Profile and Acute Gene Expression Response to Sclerostin Inhibition in Osteogenesis Imperfecta Bone
Authors: Surowiec Rachel K , Battle Lauren F , Schlecht Stephen H , Wojtys Edward M , Caird Michelle S , Kozloff Kenneth M
Published: May 2020

Sclerostin antibody (SclAb) therapy has been suggested as a novel therapeutic approach toward addressing the fragility phenotypic of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Observations of cellular and transcriptional responses to SclAb in OI have been limited to mouse models of the disorder, leaving a paucity of data on the human OI osteoblastic cellular response to the treatment. Here, we explore factors associated with response to SclAb therapy in vitro and in a novel xenograft model using OI bone tissue derived from pediatric patients. Bone isolates (approximately 2 mm3) from OI patients (OI type III, type III/IV, and type IV, n = 7; non‐OI control, n = 5) were collected to media, randomly assigned to an untreated (UN), low‐dose SclAb (TRL, 2.5 μg/mL), or high‐dose SclAb (TRH, 25 μg/mL) group, and maintained in vitro at 37°C. Treatment occurred on days 2 and 4 and was removed on day 5 for TaqMan qPCR analysis of genes related to the Wnt pathway. A subset of bone was implanted s.c. into an athymic mouse, representing our xenograft model, and treated (25 mg/kg s.c. 2×/week for 2/4 weeks). Implanted OI bone was evaluated using μCT and histomorphometry. Expression of Wnt/Wnt‐related targets varied among untreated OI bone isolates. When treated with SclAb, OI bone showed an upregulation in osteoblast and osteoblast progenitor markers, which was heterogeneous across tissue. Interestingly, the greatest magnitude of response generally corresponded to samples with low untreated expression of progenitor markers. Conversely, samples with high untreated expression of these markers showed a lower response to treatment. in vivo implanted OI bone showed a bone‐forming response to SclAb via μCT, which was corroborated by histomorphometry. SclAb induced downstream Wnt targets WISP1 and TWIST1, and elicited a compensatory response in Wnt inhibitors SOST and DKK1 in OI bone with the greatest magnitude from OI cortical bone. Understanding patients' genetic, cellular, and morphological bone phenotypes may play an important role in predicting treatment response. This information may aid in clinical decision‐making for pharmacological interventions designed to address fragility in OI. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Demand and supply of invasive and noninvasive ventilators at the peak of the COVID‐19 outbreak in Okinawa
Authors: Kuniya Toshikazu , Nakama Yasunori , Tokuda Yasuharu
Published: May 2020

While Okinawa has been facing outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, healthcare collapse should be prevented by sufficient supply of ventilators for caring the rapidly growing number of critically ill patients with COVID‐19. We estimated the number of invasive and noninvasive ventilators that would be required in Okinawa at the peak of the COVID‐19 outbreak based on recent data of COVID‐19 cases in Okinawa and data on the proportion of patients with COVID‐19 in the ICU requiring ventilation. Based on our results using the current supply of all ventilators, demand for ventilators could be prepared for patients with COVID‐19 who would require it and demand for noninvasive ventilators could also be prepared for those with COVID‐19 who would require it. The higher supply over the demand would be achieved by flattening the epidemic curve by implementing public health interventions to delay and suppress the epidemic peak in Okinawa.
PD1 expression on bone marrow T‐cells in newly diagnosed Egyptian AML patients: Correlation with hematological parameters, aberrant antigens expression, and response to induction therapy
Authors: Bassiouny Noha , El‐Hoda Nour , Khalifa Ibtesam M , Ibrahim Sara , Salem Lamyaa , Annaka Layla
Published: May 2020

Background

Programed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) is a key mediator for the development of T cell exhaustion that develops in response to persistent antigen stimulation.

Aim

In this study, we measured PD1 expression on CD3 positive bone marrow T‐lymphocytes in newly diagnosis AML patients and its relation to clinical/ prognostic outcomes in addition to response to induction therapy (day 28).

Methods

This study was conducted on 59 newly diagnosed AML patients and 20 healthy controls. Complete blood counts, flow cytometry using acute leukemia panel in addition to PD1 monoclonal antibodies were performed on bone marrow lymphocytes (CD3+), whereas cytogenetic/molecular studies were used to determine risk group. The patients’ remission status following induction therapy was determined.

Results

PD1 was brightly expressed in 91.5% of the cases than control sample with highly significant difference (P = .001). A cutoff of 3.5 for mean fluorescence intensity was used to divide patients into two groups (higher vs normal PD1 expression). A significant difference between the two groups regarding platelet count and aberrant CD7 expression (P = .007 and .023, respectively) was found. Those normally expressed PD1 respond better to induction therapy.

Conclusion

PD1 expression on BM T‐cells had a predictive value and providing an immunotherapeutic target for AML.
Quantification of heparin's antimetastatic effect by single‐cell force spectroscopy
Authors: Liebsch Aaron G. , Schillers Hermann
Published: May 2020

In circulation, cancer cells induce platelet activation, leading to the formation of a cancer cell‐encircling platelet cloak which facilitates each step of the metastatic cascade. Since cancer patients treated with the anticoagulant heparin showed reduced metastasis rates and improved survival, it is supposed that heparin suppresses the cloak's formation by inhibiting the interaction between platelet's adhesion molecule P‐selectin with its ligands on cancer cells. To quantify this heparin effect, we developed a single‐cell force spectroscopy approach and quantified the adhesion (maximum adhesion force [FA] and detachment work [WD]) between platelets and human non‐small cell lung cancer cells (A549). A configuration was used in which A549 cells were glued to tipless cantilevers and force‐distance (F‐D) curves were recorded on a layer of activated platelets. The concentration‐response relationship was determined for heparin at concentrations between 1 and 100 U/mL. Sigmoid dose‐response fit revealed half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 8.01 U/mL (FA) and 6.46 U/mL (WD) and a maximum decrease of the adhesion by 37.5% (FA) and 38.42% (WD). The effect of heparin on P‐selectin was tested using anti‐P‐selectin antibodies alone and in combination with heparin. Adding heparin after antibody treatment resulted in an additional reduction of 9.52% (FA) and 7.12% (WD). Together, we quantified heparin's antimetastatic effect and proved that it predominantly is related to the blockage of P‐selectin. Our approach represents a valuable method to investigate the adhesion of platelets to cancer cells and the efficiency of substances to block this interaction.
Gas‐phase studies of copper(I)‐mediated CO2 extrusion followed by insertion of the heterocumulenes CS2 or phenylisocyanate
Authors: Yang Yang , Canty Allan J. , O'Hair Richard A.J.
Published: May 2020

The gas‐phase extrusion–insertion reactions of the copper complex [bathophenanthroline (Bphen)CuI(O2CC6H5)]2−, generated via electrospray ionization, was studied in a linear ion trap mass spectrometer with the combination of collision‐induced dissociation (CID) and ion‐molecule reaction (IMR) events. Multistage mass spectrometry (MSn) experiments and density functional theory (DFT) demonstrated that extrusion of carbon dioxide from [(Bphen)Cu(O2CC6H5)]2− (CID) gives the organometallic intermediate [(Bphen)Cu(C6H5)]2−, which subsequently reacts with carbon disulfide (IMR) via insertion to yield [(Bphen)Cu (SC(S)C6H5)]2−. The fragmentation of the product ion resulted in the formation of [Bphen]2−, [(Bphen)Cu]− and C6H5CS2− under CID conditions. The formation of the latter two charge separation products thus provides evidence of C–C bond formation in the IMR step. Although analogous studies with isocyanate, which is isoelectronic with CS2, showed a poor reactivity in the gas phase, the mechanistic understanding obtained from these model studies encourages future development of a solution phase protocol for the synthesis of amides from carboxylic acids and isocyanates mediated by copper(I) complexes.
Active matrix QD‐LED with top emission structure by UV lithography for RGB patterning
Authors: Nakanishi Yohei , Takeshita Tomohiro , Qu Yang , Imabayashi Hiroki , Okamoto Shota , Utsumi Hisayuki , Kanehiro Masayuki , Angioni Enrico , Boardman Edward A. , Hamilton Iain , Zampetti Andrea , Berryman‐Bousquet Valerie , Smeeton Tim M. , Ishida Takeshi
Published: May 2020

We have developed full colour top emitting quantum dot light‐emitting diode (QD‐LED) display driven by a 176‐ppi active matrix of metal oxide thin‐film transistors. Red, green and blue (RGB) QD‐LED subpixel emission layers are patterned by our original UV photolithography process and materials. We also demonstrate the potential to achieve high resolution such as 528 ppi using this process.
Nutrient retention by the littoral vegetation of a large lake: Can Lake Ohrid cope with current and future loading?
Authors: Vermaat Jan E. , Matzinger Andreas , Trajanovska Sonja , Talevska Marina , Schneider Susanne C.
Published: May 2020

Nitrogen and phosphorus budgets were compiled for the littoral (29 km2) and pelagic (329 km2) of ancient, deep, clear, and hard water Lake Ohrid (Albania and North Macedonia), to assess the importance of the littoral in nutrient retention. P originates mainly from domestic point sources (73%), for N this is karst seepage (50%). Total littoral loads are estimated at 1700 kg P and 23,200 kg N km−2 (area of littoral) yr−1; net littoral retention is 31% ± 13% for P and 40% ± 16% for N, largely in the dense charophyte belt. P retention is mainly due to detritus burial, but also due to coprecipitation; N retention is due to both detritus burial and denitrification. A Monte‐Carlo plausibility analysis balanced the budget by increasing nonconnected domestic household inputs (from 20% to 27% of external load), and decreasing pelagic sediment P burial by 27% and littoral denitrification by 25%. Scenario projections for 2100 corresponding to SRES A2 and B1 were linked to an AQUASIM lake ecosystem model. Under B1, the changes were small compared to the present. A2, however, led to a major reduction in precipitation, an increase in evapotranspiration, a reduction in river outflow (to ∼ 20%), a doubling in P‐loading, a drop in lake level of ∼ 1.5 m, and a decline in the extent of the charophyte belt. Areal loading of the littoral would increase accordingly, but water transparency would not decline much. Also, the littoral vegetation will witness a shift in species composition, and an increase in filamentous Cladophora cover.
Microsteatosis in Livers From Donation After Circulatory Death Donors Is Associated With Inferior Outcomes Following Liver Transplantation
Authors: Bath Natalie M. , Leverson Glen , Al‐Adra David P. , D’Alessandro Anthony M. , Mezrich Joshua D. , Foley David P.
Published: May 2020

The acceptable threshold remains unknown for the percentage of macrosteatosis (MaS) and microsteatosis (MiS) to yield optimal outcomes after donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver transplantation (LT). The purpose of this analysis was to determine the impact of donor liver MaS and MiS on DCD LT outcomes. Using the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database, we analyzed pretransplant biopsy results from adult, solitary, DCD livers transplanted between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2017. Kaplan‐Meier analysis was used to assess graft and patient survival based on MaS and MiS severity. MiS was divided into the groups MiS ≤10% and >10%. MaS was divided into the groups MaS ≤15% and >15%. Of 7757 recovered DCD livers, 11.4% (n = 885) were biopsied and transplanted. Patients who received DCD livers with MaS >15% had significantly worse patient survival (P < 0.04), and those with MiS >10% demonstrated inferior graft and patient survival (P < 0.02). In multivariate analyses including known risk factors, both MaS >15% and MiS >10% were associated with increased risk of graft failure and patient mortality (P < 0.03). Recipient and donor age >60 years were also associated with increased risk of graft failure and patient death. This analysis demonstrates that MaS >15% and MiS >10% are additional risk factors for graft loss and patient mortality in DCD LT.
DPD Simulations of Homopolymer–Copolymer–Homopolymer Mixtures: Effects of Copolymer Structure and Concentration
Authors: Lemos Tiago , Abreu Charlles , Pinto José Carlos
Published: May 2020

Blends prepared by mixing incompatible homopolymers with a compatibilizing copolymer attract high technological interest due to their self‐assembling behavior. In the present work, 281 dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations are performed in order to evaluate the influence of copolymer microstructure and concentration on properties of these systems. The results show that alternate copolymers are arranged between the homopolymeric phases while nanodomains rich in each of the components are formed in the copolymeric matrix. Dispersion in block lengths increases the size of these nanodomains, so that they can properly allocate homopolymer chains. Besides, dispersions in chain lengths and chemical compositions of diblock copolymers, which can form self‐assembled mesostructures, also lead to development of larger mesophase domains. Larger dispersions of chain lengths and chemical compositions cause the increase of the amount of copolymers necessary to bring about changes in the mixing behavior, when compared to non‐dispersed copolymers. It can be concluded that microstructural properties of the copolymer exert a decisive impact on molecular interactions and, consequently, on the characteristics of the mesophases generated during the blending process. Therefore, microstructure control methods, stemming from both polymer‐reaction engineering and polymer‐purification techniques, are important for the design and resulting performance of the analyzed blends.
Hyperpolarized [1‐13C] alanine production: A novel imaging biomarker of renal fibrosis
Authors: Nielsen Per Mose , Mariager Christian Østergaard , Mølmer Maria , Sparding Nadja , Genovese Federica , Karsdal Morten Asser , Nørregaard Rikke , Bertelsen Lotte Bonde , Laustsen Christoffer
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is strongly linked to the progressive decline of renal function seen in chronic kidney disease. State‐of‐the‐art noninvasive diagnostic modalities are currently unable to detect the earliest changes associated with the onset of fibrosis. This study was undertaken to evaluate the potential for detecting the earliest alterations in fibrogenesis using a biofluid‐based method and metabolic hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate imaging.

Methods

We evaluated renal fibrosis in a combined ischemia reperfusion–induced and streptozotocin‐induced diabetic nephropathy rodent model by hyperpolarized [1‐13C]pyruvate MRI and correlated the metabolic MRI parameters with biomarkers of fibrosis measured on renal tissue and plasma/urine.

Results

The hyperglycemic rats experienced maladaptive injury repair after the ischemic insults, as shown by the elevation in the injury markers kidney injury molecule‐1 and neutrophil gelatinase–associated lipocalin. Renal function was significantly impaired in the ischemic hyperglycemic kidney, as seen in the reduced perfusion and single‐kidney glomerular filtration rate. A deranged energy metabolism was detected in the ischemic hyperglycemic kidney, as seen in the reduced fractional perfusion of lactate. Renal fibrosis biomarkers correlated significantly with the alanine production.

Conclusion

Hyperpolarized carbon‐13 MRI provides a promising approach to assess renal fibrosis in an animal model of fibrotic chronic kidney disease. In particular, the metabolic supply of amino acids for fibrogenesis (alanine production) correlates well with biomarkers of fibrosis. Thus, [1‐13C]pyruvate‐to‐[1‐13C]alanine conversion might be a candidate for noninvasive assessment of renal fibrogenesis.
An extended stochastic pseudo‐spectral Galerkin finite element method (XS‐PS‐GFEM) for elliptic equations with hybrid uncertainties
Authors: Varghese Mathew Tittu , Rebbagondla Jayamanideep , Natarajan Sundararajan
Published: May 2020

Nouy and Clement introduced the stochastic extended finite element method to solve linear elasticity problem defined on random domain. The material properties and boundary conditions were assumed to be deterministic. In this work, we extend this framework to account for multiple independent input uncertainties, namely, material, geometry, and external force uncertainties. The stochastic field is represented using the polynomial chaos expansion. The challenge in numerical integration over multidimensional probabilistic space is addressed using the pseudo‐spectral Galerkin method. Thereafter, a sensitivity analysis based on Sobol indices using the derived stochastic extended Finite Element Method solution is presented. The efficiency and accuracy of the proposed novel framework against conventional Monte Carlo methods is elucidated in detail for a few one and two dimensional problems.
A new hybrid reliability‐based design optimization method under random and interval uncertainties
Authors: Zhang Jinhao , Gao Liang , Xiao Mi
Published: May 2020

This article proposes a new method for hybrid reliability‐based design optimization under random and interval uncertainties (HRBDO‐RI). In this method, Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is employed to estimate the upper bound of failure probability, and stochastic sensitivity analysis (SSA) is extended to calculate the sensitivity information of failure probability in HRBDO‐RI. Due to a large number of samples involved in MCS and SSA, Kriging metamodels are constructed to substitute true constraints. To avoid unnecessary computational cost on Kriging metamodel construction, a new screening criterion based on the coefficient of variation of failure probability is developed to judge active constraints in HRBDO‐RI. Then a projection‐outline‐based active learning Kriging is achieved by sequentially select update points around the projection outlines on the limit‐state surfaces of active constraints. Furthermore, the prediction uncertainty of Kriging metamodel is quantified and considered in the termination of Kriging update. Several examples, including a piezoelectric energy harvester design, are presented to test the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method for HRBDO‐RI.
Parent recommendation to bank sperm among at‐risk adolescent and young adult males with cancer
Authors: Flynn Jessica S. , Russell Kathryn M. , Lehmann Vicky , Schenck Lauren A.‐M. , Klosky James L.
Published: May 2020

Background

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) males newly diagnosed with cancer are often faced with making quick decisions about whether to cryopreserve (“bank”) sperm prior to treatment initiation. Given that parental influence is crucial among young patients, the present study examines the prevalence of and factors associated with parent recommendation to bank sperm.

Procedure

Parents of 13‐ to 21‐year‐old males newly diagnosed with cancer and at risk for infertility secondary to impending gonadotoxic treatment completed questionnaires typically within one week of treatment initiation. Medical and sociodemographic data, communication factors, and psychological factors were considered in a logistic regression model of parent report of parental recommendation to bank sperm (yes/no).

Results

Surveys from 138 parents (70.3% female) of 117 AYA males (mean age = 16.1 years, SD = 2.0) were analyzed. Over half of parents recommended banking to their sons (N = 82; 59.4%). Parents who received a provider recommendation to bank sperm (odds ratio [OR] = 18.44, 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.20‐81.01, P < 0.001) or who believed in the benefits of banking (OR = 1.22, 95% CI, 1.02‐1.47, P = 0.03) were significantly more likely to recommend sperm banking.

Conclusions

Given parents’ role in influencing sperm banking outcomes, provider recommendation and promotion of banking benefits may influence parents and empower initiation of these sensitive discussions with their sons. Utilization of this approach should yield beneficial outcomes regardless of the banking decision.
Influence of process parameters on thermal and mechanical properties of polylactic acid fabricated by fused filament fabrication
Authors: Vanaei Hamidreza , Shirinbayan Mohammadali , Deligant Michael , Raissi Kaddour , Fitoussi Joseph , Khelladi Sofiane , Tcharkhtchi Abbas
Published: May 2020

Fused filament fabrication is considered one of the most used processes in additive manufacturing rapid prototypes out of polymeric material. Poor strength of the deposited layers is still one of the main critical problems in this process, which affects the mechanical properties of the final parts. To improve the mechanical strength, investigation into various process parameters must be considered. In this article, the influence of different process parameters has been experimentally investigated by means of physicochemical and mechanical characterizations. Special attention was given to the thermal aspect. In that respect, the in situ measurement of temperature profile during deposition indicated that several parameters affect the cooling rate of material and consequently have an influence on the final parts. It was found that the influence of increasing the extruder temperature is more significant in comparison with other process parameters.
Effect of molecular structure of curing agents on cyclic creep in highly cross‐linked epoxy polymers
Authors: Park Hyungbum , Chung Ingyun , Cho Maenghyo
Published: May 2020

Ratcheting behavior of highly–cross‐linked epoxy polymers was investigated considering the effect of molecular structure of curing agents by molecular dynamics simulations. Cyclic loading–unloading simulations at two different frequencies were conducted using atomistic models for epoxies cured by aliphatic and aromatic curing agents, triethylenetetramine (TETA) and diethyltoluenediamine (DETDA), respectively. Different ratcheting strain evolutions, dihedral angle stress accumulations, and stiffness variations were observed during the cyclic deformation simulations depending on the molecular structure of curing agents. The epoxy cured by DETDA exhibited a more rapid increase of ratcheting strain and a decrease of the stiffness toward the loading direction. Structural analyses were carried out by observing the orientation order parameter of the monomers, radius of gyration, and free volume evolution to understand the ratcheting strain behaviors and stiffness variations at atomistic scale. The structural analyses revealed that irreversible dihedral angle transitions near the benzene ring of the curing agent DETDA were responsible for low ratcheting resistance and stiffness degradation during the cyclic deformations. Whereas, the aliphatic curing agent TETA, which does not exhibit any stress possession by the irreversible dihedral angle change, was revealed to be advantageous for the ratcheting resistance and stiffness variation of the epoxy polymers.
Effects of Superimposed Pressure on the Mechanical Properties of HTPB Propellant in a Wide Temperature Range
Authors: Zhang Liang , Shen Zhi‐bin , Li Hai‐yang
Published: May 2020

Considering the propellant of solid rocket motor with tube grain is in the state of superimposed pressure after ignition, the effect of pressures, temperatures, and tensile rates on the mechanical properties of solid propellant were investigated together. A test system with wide temperature‐ambient pressure range was developed to investigate the effects of superimposed pressure on the performance of propellant. The uniaxial constant tensile rate tests for a certain HTPB propellants under different superimposed pressures and temperatures were performed at different tensile rates. Research shows that there are no apparent dewetting points in the propellant stress‐strain curves under superimposed pressures. Moreover, the performance of propellant under superimposed pressure related to propellant itself such as composition of the propellant was evaluated by comparing to another propellant. Relevant methods and conclusions can provide a reference for structural analysis and storage life prediction of solid rocket motors.
Importance of Stability Analysis When Using Nonlinear Semimechanistic Models to Describe Drug‐Induced Hematotoxicity
Authors: Fornari Chiara , Pin Carmen , Yates James W.T. , Mettetal Jerome T. , Collins Teresa A.
Published: May 2020

Stability analysis, often overlooked in pharmacometrics, is essential to explore dynamical systems. The model developed by Friberg et al.1 to describe drug‐induced hematotoxicity is widely used to support decisions across drug development, and parameter values are often identified from observed blood counts. We use stability analysis to study the parametric dependence of stable and unstable solutions of several Friberg‐type models and highlight the risks associated with system instability in the context of nonlinear mixed effects modeling. We emphasize the consequences of unstable solutions on prediction performance by demonstrating nonbiological system behaviors in a real case study of drug‐induced thrombocytopenia. Ultimately, we provide simple criteria for identifying parameters associated with stable solutions of Friberg‐type models. For instance, in the original Friberg model, we find that stability depends only on the parameter that governs the feedback from peripheral cells to progenitors and provide the exact range of values that results in stable solutions.
From Molecular Reconstruction of Mesoscopic Functional Conductive Silk Fibrous Materials to Remote Respiration Monitoring
Authors: Ma Liyun , Liu Qiang , Wu Ronghui , Meng Zhaohui , Patil Aniruddha , Yu Rui , Yang Yun , Zhu Shuihong , Fan Xuwei , Hou Chen , Li Yanran , Qiu Wu , Huang Lianfen , Wang Jun , Lin Naibo , Wan Yizao , Hu Jian , Liu Xiang Yang
Published: May 2020

Turning insulating silk fibroin materials into conductive ones turns out to be the essential step toward achieving active silk flexible electronics. This work aims to acquire electrically conductive biocompatible fibers of regenerated Bombyx mori silk fibroin (SF) materials based on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) templated nucleation reconstruction of silk fibroin networks. The electronical conductivity of the reconstructed mesoscopic functional fibers can be tuned by the density of the incorporated CNTs. It follows that the hybrid fibers experience an abrupt increase in conductivity when exceeding the percolation threshold of CNTs >35 wt%, which leads to the highest conductivity of 638.9 S m−1 among organic‐carbon‐based hybrid fibers, and 8 times higher than the best available materials of the similar types. In addition, the silk‐CNT mesoscopic hybrid materials achieve some new functionalities, i.e., humidity‐responsive conductivity, which is attributed to the coupling of the humidity inducing cyclic contraction of SFs and the conductivity of CNTs. The silk‐CNT materials, as a type of biocompatible electronic functional fibrous material for pressure and electric response humidity sensing, are further fabricated into a smart facial mask to implement respiration condition monitoring for remote diagnosis and medication.
Slower Removing Ligands of Metal Organic Frameworks Enables Higher Electrocatalytic Performance of Derived Nanomaterials
Authors: Hu Qi , Huang Xiaowan , Wang Ziyu , Li Guomin , Han Zhen , Yang Hengpan , Liao Peng , Ren XiangZhong , Zhang Qianling , Liu Jianhong , He Chuanxin
Published: May 2020

The widely used route of high‐temperature pyrolysis for transformation of Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) to functional nanomaterials leads to the fast removal of CN− ligands, and thus the formation of large metal aggregates and the loss of porous structures inside PBAs. Here, a controllable pyrolysis route at low temperature is reported for retaining the confined effect of CN− ligands to metal cations during the whole pyrolysis process, thereby preparing high‐surface‐area cubes comprising disordered bimetallic oxides (i.e., Co3O4 and Fe2O3) nanoparticles. The disordered structure of Co3O4 enables the exposure of abundant oxygen vacancies. Notably, for the first time, it is found that the in situ generated CoOOH during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) can inherit the oxygen vacancies of pristine Co3O4 (i.e., before OER), and such CoOOH with abundant oxygen vacancies adsorbs two −OH in the following Co3+ to Co4+ for markedly promoting OER. However, during the similar step, the ordered Co3O4 with less oxygen vacancies only involves one −OH, resulting in the additional overpotentials for adsorbing −OH. Consequently, with high surface area and disordered Co3O4, the as‐synthesized electrocatalysts have a low potential of 237 mV at 10 mA cm−2, surpassing most of reported electrocatalysts.
Morphological, Structural, and Functional Evaluation of Rice Starch Acylated in a System Catalyzed by the B‐Lipase of Candida antarctica
Authors: Montoya Diego , Barbosa Luis Oveimar , Méndez Jonh , Murillo Walter
Published: May 2020

Starch modification by acylation induces significant changes in the mechanical and thermal properties of this polymer, widening the scope of its applicability to many different industries. In this work, the B‐lipase of Candida antarctica is used as a catalyzer for the acylation of F60 variety rice starch, using linoleic and stearic acids as acyl donors in a homogeneous reaction system. Esterification is validated by infrared spectroscopy of the 1650–1750 cm−1 band, attributes to the carbonyl group (C═O). Amylose and crystallinity analysis reveales a reduction in the amylose content and a direct correlation with the crystalline configuration of the polymer. The modification increases the solubility, water absorption, and swelling, which is attributed to the crystallinity loss. Following the modification, the granules increase in size and lose their hexagonal shape. These variations in the physicochemical, morphological, and functional properties may directly affect the production chain, enabling entrance to growing markets worldwide.
Water quality of runoff from flat panel display glass concrete during modified accelerated aging plus leaching tests
Authors: Mathews Grady F. , Clark Shirley E. , Nash Harry A. , Bylone Robert J.
Published: May 2020

Flat panel display glass (FPDG) from plasma televisions is difficult to recycle due to their heavy metal composition. When crushed, flat panel display glass has similar physical properties to sand and could be used as a recycled aggregate in concrete, if the potentially harmful metals in FPDG can be encapsulated. To replicate leaching from environmental exposure, at periodic points during freeze–thaw tests, samples of concrete with 0%, 10%, and 20% FPDG were exposed to simulated rainwater and the runoff water was analyzed. For the metals detected (arsenic, barium, chromium, and lead), lead concentrations in the leachate/runoff from 20% FPDG samples exceeded the acute ambient water quality criteria after approximately 50–60 cycles; however, no samples exceeded the toxic characteristic leaching procedure limits at any point during freeze–thaw testing. Increases in lead and chromium concentrations over time indicate a need for stabilization, especially since lead exceeded the acute water quality criteria.

Practitioner points

TCLP results indicate flat panel display glass is not expected to release RCRA‐8 metals at or above regulatory limits.

Accelerated aging–leaching tests indicate lead might be released at levels approaching or exceeding the acute ambient water quality criteria.

With additional lead stabilization, this study shows flat panel display glass has the potential to be used in concrete.
Mobility and Migrations in the Rural Areas of Mediterranean EU Countries
Authors: Nori Michele , Farinella Domenica
Published: May 2020

This chapter focuses on the ambivalent nature of contemporary migrations in European rural areas. The growing presence of immigrants in these areas is a direct result of the restructuring of agriculture and global agri-food chains. Evidence indicates that while agricultural work and rural settings are decreasingly attractive to local populations, they represent a favourable environment to international newcomers, due to the higher chances to access livelihood resources. The non-visibility and informality that characterise rural settings and agricultural work arrangements provide on the one side opportunities for employment, while also fostering illegal labour practices and situations of harsh exploitation.
It Is What It Is
Authors: Lu Qiangyu
Published: May 2020

ZZ, female, born in 1984. The only child in the family. Grade IV intellectual disability. Graduated from a mainstream school in January 2009. Started working at Shanghai Papa John’s in July 2009.
I Am Capable, So I Will Do More
Authors: Liao Mei
Published: May 2020

QZ, male, born in 1988. The only child in the family. Grade IV intellectual disability. Graduated from a special education school. Started working at Shanghai Papa John’s in 2009.
Sign flip triangulations of the amplituhedron
Authors: Kojima Ryota , Langer Cameron
Published: May 2020

Abstract

We present new triangulations of the m = 4 amplituhedron relevant for scattering amplitudes in planar

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 super-Yang-Mills, obtained directly from the combinatorial definition of the geometry. Using the “sign flip” characterization of the amplituhedron, we reproduce the canonical forms for the all-multiplicity next-to-maximally helicity violating (NMHV) and next-to-next-to-maximally helicity violating (N2MHV) tree-level as well as the NMHV one-loop cases, without using any input from traditional amplitudes methods. Our results provide strong evidence for the equivalence of the original definition of the amplituhedron [1] and the topological one [2], and suggest a new path forward for computing higher loop amplitudes geometrically. In particular, we realize the NMHV one-loop amplituhedron as the intersection of two amplituhedra of lower dimensionality, which is reflected in the novel structure of the corresponding canonical form.
Finite element error estimates in non-energy norms for the two-dimensional scalar Signorini problem
Authors: Christof Constantin , Haubner Christof
Published: May 2020

This paper is concerned with error estimates for the piecewise linear finite element approximation of the two-dimensional scalar Signorini problem on a convex polygonal domain $$\varOmega $$
Ω
. Using a Céa-type lemma, a supercloseness result, and a non-standard duality argument, we prove $$W^{1,p}(\varOmega )$$

W

1
,
p

(
Ω
)

-, $$L^\infty (\varOmega )$$

L
∞

(
Ω
)

-, $$W^{1,\infty }(\varOmega )$$

W

1
,
∞

(
Ω
)

-, and $$H^{1/2}(\partial \varOmega )$$

H

1
/
2

(
∂
Ω
)

-error estimates under reasonable assumptions on the regularity of the exact solution and $$L^p(\varOmega )$$

L
p

(
Ω
)

-error estimates under comparatively mild assumptions on the involved contact sets. The obtained orders of convergence turn out to be optimal for problems with essentially bounded right-hand sides. Our results are accompanied by numerical experiments which confirm the theoretical findings.
Beyond the Bakushinkii veto: regularising linear inverse problems without knowing the noise distribution
Authors: Harrach Bastian , Jahn Tim , Potthast Roland
Published: May 2020

This article deals with the solution of linear ill-posed equations in Hilbert spaces. Often, one only has a corrupted measurement of the right hand side at hand and the Bakushinskii veto tells us, that we are not able to solve the equation if we do not know the noise level. But in applications it is ad hoc unrealistic to know the error of a measurement. In practice, the error of a measurement may often be estimated through averaging of multiple measurements. We integrated that in our anlaysis and obtained convergence to the true solution, with the only assumption that the measurements are unbiased, independent and identically distributed according to an unknown distribution.
Gute Elternschaft. Zum normativen Gehalt der Indikation in der Reproduktionsmedizin
Authors: Rubeis Giovanni
Published: May 2020

Die Möglichkeiten der Reproduktionsmedizin erweitern sich ständig. Bei einigen Maßnahmen assistierter Reproduktion ist es oft unklar, ob eine Indikation vorliegt oder ob diese Maßnahmen als wunscherfüllend anzusehen sind. Die Unterscheidung zwischen medizinisch indizierter Maßnahme und wunscherfüllender Behandlung hängt von dem hier verwendeten Konzept der Indikation ab. Daher kommt dem Konzept der Indikation auf dem Gebiet der Reproduktionsmedizin ein besonderer Stellenwert zu. Dabei fällt auf, dass die Abgrenzung zwischen medizinisch indizierter Behandlung und Wunschbehandlung nicht allein klinisch begründet ist, sondern implizit oder explizit normative Urteile enthält. Der sprachlich-kommunikative Aspekt spielt hierbei eine zentrale Rolle. Der übliche Sprachgebrauch von „indiziert“ suggeriert ein Urteil, das allein auf empirisch-klinischen Fakten basiert, und verdeckt die normativen Urteile, die in das Konzept der Indikation einfließen. Ziel des vorliegenden Beitrags ist es, den normativen Gehalt der Indikation in der Reproduktionsmedizin zu analysieren. Grundlage ist die eingehende Betrachtung des Konzepts der Indikation und der besonderen Stellung der Indikation in der Reproduktionsmedizin. Aus dieser Betrachtung ergibt sich, dass der normative Gehalt der Indikation von einem soziokulturellen Skript bezüglich Elternschaft geprägt ist, das sich v. a. im Leistungsrecht niederschlägt. Dieses Skript enthält gesellschaftliche Anschauungen, Normen und Rollenbilder und kann als „gute Elternschaft“ bezeichnet werden. Das Skript der guten Elternschaft wirkt als Regulativ, das durch leistungsrechtliche Vorgaben über den Zugang zu reproduktionsmedizinischen Maßnahmen bestimmt. Es basiert auf traditionellen heteronormativen Ehe- und Familienkonzepten und sieht Elternschaft für heterosexuelle, verheiratete Paare vor. Somit ergibt sich der Widerspruch, dass Verfahren der Reproduktionsmedizin, die den Raum für die Fortpflanzung jenseits traditionell-heteronormativer Konzepte öffnen, von ebenjenen Konzepten legitimiert und limitiert werden.
Shipping and a “Great Transformation”—some remarks for a new sustainability paradigm
Authors: Stemmler Lars
Published: May 2020

Shipping contributed significantly to facilitating global trade over the last decades. However, there is growing concern that the global economic model, in which shipping is integrated, or rather shipping contributes to, pushes the Earth towards its sustainable physical limits. There is also concern that it leads economics to dominate a majority of human interaction. Addressing global environmental and social sustainability requires shipping to discuss its underlying economic paradigm. Both, environmental and social consequences cannot be mitigated through ever more efficiencies in shipping. On the contrary, demands for higher efficiency as the domineering element of the prevailing economic paradigm create rebound effects and provide false reassurances of “carry-on-as-usual”. Calls for increased ecological as well as social sustainability ensue. These culminate in a “great transformation” scenario in Polanyi’s interpretation, which questions humankind’s core economic values and mental models of growth and prosperity. These considerations result in a call to review the economic paradigm under which shipping also operates. Such attempt outlines four elements to effect eco-social transformations.
Caveolin-1 function at the plasma membrane and in intracellular compartments in cancer
Authors: Simón L. , Campos A. , Leyton L. , Quest A. F. G.
Published: May 2020

Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is commonly considered to function as a cell surface protein, for instance in the genesis of caveolae. Nonetheless, it is also present in many intracellular organelles and compartments. The contributions of these intracellular pools to CAV1 function are generally less well understood, and this is also the case in the context of cancer. This review will summarize literature available on the role of CAV1 in cancer, highlighting particularly our understanding of the canonical (CAV1 in the plasma membrane) and non-canonical pathways (CAV1 in organelles and exosomes) linked to the dual role of the protein as a tumor suppressor and promoter of metastasis. With this in mind, we will focus on recently emerging concepts linking CAV1 function to the regulation of intracellular organelle communication within the same cell where CAV1 is expressed. However, we now know that CAV1 can be released from cells in exosomes and generate systemic effects. Thus, we will also elaborate on how CAV1 participates in intracellular communication between organelles as well as signaling between cells (non-canonical pathways) in cancer.
Promoting the underestimated: A vignette study on the importance of the need for affiliation to successful leadership
Authors: Steinmann Barbara , Kleinert Anne , Maier Günter W.
Published: May 2020

Research on the relationship of implicit motives and effective leadership emphasises the importance of a socialised need for power, whereas high levels of the need for affiliation are assumed to thwart a leader’s success. In our study, we experimentally analysed the impact of leaders’ socialised need for power and their need for affiliation on perceptions of transformational leadership and various success indicators. Using paper-people vignettes, we contrasted leaders characterised by either motive with those concerned with personalised power or achievement. Results based onN = 80 employees show that leaders high in socialised power were rated more successful and elicited more identification and organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) in followers, and that in most cases this effect was mediated by perceptions of transformational leadership. For all outcomes but OCB, findings remained unchanged when affiliation-motivated leaders were considered. Exploratory analyses contrasting socialised power-motivated and affiliation-motivated leaders show that with regard to attitudinal outcomes affiliation-motivated leaders were, on average, as effective as socialised power-motivated ones.
From δ-aminolevulinic acid to chlorophylls and every step in between: in memory of Constantin (Tino) A. Rebeiz, 1936–2019
Authors: Govindjee Govindjee , Briskin Donald P. , Benning Christoph , Daniell Henry , Kolossov Vladimir , Scheer Hugo , Rebeiz Mark
Published: May 2020

Constantin A. (Tino) Rebeiz, a pioneer in the field of chlorophyll biosynthesis, and a longtime member of the University of Illinois community of plant biologists, passed away on July 25, 2019. He came to the USA at a time that was difficult for members of minority groups to be in academia. However, his passion for the complexity of the biochemical origin of chlorophylls drove a career in basic sciences which extended into applied areas of environmentally friendly pesticides and treatment for skin cancer. He was a philanthropist; in retirement, he founded the Rebeiz Foundation for Basic Research which recognized excellence and lifetime achievements of selected top scientists in the general area of photosynthesis research. His life history, scientific breakthroughs, and community service hold important lessons for the field.
Open peer review: promoting transparency in open science
Authors: Wolfram Dietmar , Wang Peiling , Hembree Adam , Park Hyoungjoo
Published: May 2020

Open peer review (OPR), where review reports and reviewers’ identities are published alongside the articles, represents one of the last aspects of the open science movement to be widely embraced, although its adoption has been growing since the turn of the century. This study provides the first comprehensive investigation of OPR adoption, its early adopters and the implementation approaches used. Current bibliographic databases do not systematically index OPR journals, nor do the OPR journals clearly state their policies on open identities and open reports. Using various methods, we identified 617 OPR journals that published at least one article with open identities or open reports as of 2019 and analyzed their wide-ranging implementations to derive emerging OPR practices. The findings suggest that: (1) there has been a steady growth in OPR adoption since 2001, when 38 journals initially adopted OPR, with more rapid growth since 2017; (2) OPR adoption is most prevalent in medical and scientific disciplines (79.9%); (3) five publishers are responsible for 81% of the identified OPR journals; (4) early adopter publishers have implemented OPR in different ways, resulting in different levels of transparency. Across the variations in OPR implementations, two important factors define the degree of transparency: open identities and open reports. Open identities may include reviewer names and affiliation as well as credentials; open reports may include timestamped review histories consisting of referee reports and author rebuttals or a letter from the editor integrating reviewers’ comments. When and where open reports can be accessed are also important factors indicating the OPR transparency level. Publishers of optional OPR journals should add metric data in their annual status reports.
Point-wise weighted solution for the similarity transformation parameters
Authors: Ligas Marcin
Published: May 2020

In the paper, we consider solutions to the similarity transformation under different adjustment scenarios. We consider asymmetric cases, i.e., random errors included either in a target system (Gauss–Markov model, the most common case) or in a source system and a symmetric case when both systems are considered to be contaminated by random errors (Gauss–Helmert or errors-in-variables model). The presented solutions are based on Procrustes approach and all cases use point-wise weighting scheme. The asymmetric cases have closed-form solutions but the symmetric one, in the most general case considered herein, does not. In the latter case, weight matrices for a source and target systems are combined into one equivalent weight matrix which depends on a scale factor. This case is solved through a simple iterative process but there are some special instances which lead to closed-form solutions. The paper discusses the behavior of transformation parameters (rotations, translations, and a scale) under different adjustment scenarios.
Abortion Reporting in the United States: An Assessment of Three National Fertility Surveys
Authors: Lindberg Laura , Kost Kathryn , Maddow-Zimet Isaac , Desai Sheila , Zolna Mia
Published: May 2020

Despite its frequency, abortion remains a highly sensitive, stigmatized, and difficult-to-measure behavior. We present estimates of abortion underreporting for three of the most commonly used national fertility surveys in the United States: the National Survey of Family Growth, the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, and the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Numbers of abortions reported in each survey were compared with external abortion counts obtained from a census of all U.S. abortion providers, with adjustments for comparable respondent ages and periods of each data source. We examined the influence of survey design factors, including survey mode, sampling frame, and length of recall, on abortion underreporting. We used Monte Carlo simulations to estimate potential measurement biases in relationships between abortion and other variables. Underreporting of abortion in the United States compromises the ability to study abortion—and, consequently, almost any pregnancy-related experience—using national fertility surveys.