bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The New Evil Devil Problem and Deontological Internalism
Authors: Khort Mikhail G. ,   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: December 2021

The article defends an internalist version of the virtue epistemology. This point contradicts many contemporary theories of epistemic virtues, as they are mostly externalistic. This is partly due to the fact that externalism is more consistent with cognitive science, situationism and the social epistemology. Another reason is that it was the externalists who revived interest in the aretic approach within the framework of modern epistemology. Nevertheless, the author shows that it is internalism that offers the best answer to the question about the essence of epistemic virtues. In the introductory part of the article, the classical definitions of internalism and externalism are given. It is explained that the author use an extended definition of internalism, which is characterized by the inclusion epistemic virtues in the structure of justification. The second part is devoted to critic of externalism. The New Evil Demon Problem is the instrument of analysis. The author shows that there are scenarios in which the function of justification as a reliable “guide” to truth cannot serve as a criterion for epistemic evaluation. Situations are possible in which the subject has a false but justified belief. Externalism cannot explain such scenarios, which motivates to abandon this approach. The third part of the article discusses internalism as a possible response to The New Evil Demon Problem. The author believes that justification should be considered as a deontological concept. The condition of reliability, which is an important element of externalism, must be replaced by the condition of correct motivation and epistemic debt. This means that the assessment of beliefs and subjects should be based on what motives they have and how they manifest them in cognition.
Surveys of Afrotemperate forests yields two new freshwater crabs (Decapoda: Potamonautidae: Potamonautes MacLeay, 1838) from South Africa
Authors: Daniels Savel R , Barnes Aaron , Marais Hannes , Gouws Gavin
Published: December 2021

Sampling of remote inland aquatic habitats in South Africa has constantly been yielding novel endemic freshwater crab species (Potamonautes MacLeay,1838). During the present study, we report on the discovery and description of two new freshwater crab species (Potamonautes baziya sp. nov., and P. mariepskoppie sp. nov.) from Afrotemperate forested mountain regions in the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa, respectively. Phylogenetic evidence derived from DNA sequence data of three partial mitochondrial loci (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA and cytochrome oxidase subunit one, COI) corroborates the evolutionary distinction of the two novel species. In addition, morphological and ecological data for the two new species further delineate their evolutionary distinction from congeneric sister species. A comparison of the taxonomically important gonopods 1 and 2 and carapace features among the sister species and other known freshwater crabs of South Africa was further used to provide evidence for the distinction of the two novel species. The discovery of two new species suggest that remote mountainous areas or unsampled regions in South Africa likely harbor several novel species, reiterating a call to document aquatic inland biodiversity in forested and mountainous regions of the country.
Hitting the Right Spot: Advances in the Treatment of NSCLC With Uncommon EGFR Mutations
Authors: Sabari Joshua K. , Heymach John V. , Sandy Beth
Published: December 2021

An understanding of the biology of uncommon epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is evolving. These mutations are important for the selection of targeted therapy and the development of resistance. The advent of genomic profiling has led to guideline-recommended molecular testing to identify patients with NSCLC who carry uncommonEGFRmutations to aid in the selection of appropriate targeted therapy. This article discusses the efficacy and safety of current and emerging targeted therapies for the treatment of uncommonEGFRmutations in NSCLC to aid in developing patient-specific treatment plans.
TEKNOSOCIALE SAMMENFILTRINGER
Authors: Adrian Stine Willum , Barrett Barbara Ann , Bruun Birgitte , Møhl Perle , Sørensen Bo Wagner
Published: December 2021

Redaktionelt forord
MINI-PUBLIC SOM METODISK EKSPERIMENT I STUDIER AF FREMTIDSTEKNOLOGIER OG SOCIALE ROBOTTER
Authors: Mathiasen Mia Krogager , Vestergaard Christina
Published: December 2021

Denne artikel udspringer af spørgsmålet om, hvordan man som antropolog kan arbejde med fremtiden som forskningsobjekt, når det, som man ønsker at undersøge, endnu ikke er og derfor ej heller kan observeres med klassiske antropologiske metoder. Artiklens formål er at præsentere mini-public som en alternativ metode til kvalitativ dataindsamling og vidensformidling i antropologisk forskning af fremtidsscenarier. Dette sker ved en beskrivelse af et mini-public-event, der blev afviklet for frivillige repræsentanter fra forskellige samfundsgrupper i Aarhus i efteråret 2018 som led i et større tværfagligt forskningsprojekt på Aarhus Universitet om udviklingen og brugen af sociale robotter.

Søgeord: metodediskussion, fremtidsteknologier, eksperimenterende metoder, sociale robotter, „foreign entanglements“
REDAKTIONEN HAR MODTAGET
Authors: Tidsskriftet Antropologi
Published: December 2021

Redaktionen har modtaget
ATT GESTALTA CHTHULUCENEN
Authors: Atehortúa Juan Velásquez
Published: December 2021

Denne artikel undersøger, hvordan kvinders omsorgsroller i den nicaraguanske fiskerby Padre Ramos udvides til også at omfatte skildpadder. Ifølge Donna Haraway er chthulucen den æra, hvor mennesker styrker deres slægtskab med alle andre livsformer for at kunne leve og dø bedre sammen på jorden. Padre Ramos besøges hvert år af skildpadder, der lægger deres æg. Da arten er truet af udryddelse, besluttede landsbyen, at skildpadderne skulle være deres flagskibsart, og overgik derfor fra jagt på til pleje af skildpadderne. Selv om landsbyboerne således er det vigtigste led i at redde skildpadderne, lever de konstant med truslen om at blive udvist af naturreservatet og uddø som samfund. Gennem 10 dage følger forfatteren kvinderne med et kamera, alt imens de besætter et stykke jord i landsbyen for at bygge en legeplads med skildpadder som tematisk omdrejningspunkt. Gennem denne handling viser kvinderne sig som Harawayske „små væsener“, der komposterer myndighedernes rådne praksis, går ind i konflikter, genbruger gamle bildæk, træstammer og paller og skaber et monument over landsbyens nye slægtskab med skildpadderne.

Søgeord: chthulucenen, civil ulydighed, kvinder, flagship species, rhizovokalitet, Padre Ramos
DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES IN THE WORLD AND EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Karabegović Isak , Doleček Vlatko
Published: December 2021

Energy stability and security have become one of the most important issues in recent years on planet Earth. Nowadays, worldwide economic, industrial and social development is related to the energy and energy-system that provided great benefits to a society, but the society is paying a high price because of the production and emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. There are numerous climate changes, which pose a threat to each continent, disorder in agriculture, disorder in food production, floods and fires, as well as changes in the ecosystem. Energy stability and security have become one of the most important issues in recent years. Energy is essential for development of any country, notably when it comes to its industry and economy. Without adequate policy operations of the energy sector, it is not possible to achieve industrial or economic progress. Nevertheless, no matter how important energy is for the development, it is only a mechanism for achieving the ultimate goals – sustainable economy, clean environment, high standard of living, prosperity and health of the population. This paper elaborates on and outlines a strategy for energy development of renewable energy sources in the world, as well as in the European Union. It presents in great details the application of new technologies that have led to the development of renewable energy sources: wind-power, solar energy, small hydro power plants, biomass, and their increase in the overall participation of energy production and reduction of fossil fuels in energy production. Investing in new technologies which use renewable energy sources have led to the increase in employment in the world, so that about 6.5 million people in the world have been employed until today. This paper outlines the trend of increasing energy production from RES (renewable energy sources) by investing in any of the abovementioned energy sources, as well as employment for each energy source in the world and the EU-28. Also, the development of renewable energy sources in the future has been presented.
THE RISKS IN THE USE OF BIOGAS AND BIOMASS IN PLANTS FOR GENERATING HEAT AND ELECTRICITY
Authors: Simendić Borislav , Milanko Verica , Marinković Vesna , Vukić Nevena , Teofilović Vesna
Published: December 2021

The use of biomass in the world is significant not only in terms of immediate solving of the problem of the lack of energy and its high prices, but also in terms of solving the problem of environment protection. Biogas is especially convenient when it comes to using biomass as a renewable energy source. Biogas digesters use degradable organic matter, from which two useful products, fermented biogas and fertilizer can be obtained. The paper analyzes the data of the combustion products of a cogeneration biogas plant and of a boiler plant for generating thermal energy. The analysis showed thatduring the use of biomass containing lignin, the products of combustion and thermal decomposition release benzenes, which are dangerous substances for human health. In case of thermal decomposition of biogas, combustion products are significantly less dangerous for human health.
The many states of STIM1
Authors: Fahrner Marc , Romanin Christoph
Published: December 2021

Harnessing single-molecule FRET illuminates the structural changes necessary for a protein to fine-tune the influx of calcium when reserves inside a cell run low.
Ei saa me läbi “Pragmaatika” korpuseta. Korpuspragmaatika ja pragmaatikakorpus
Authors:   Institute of Estonian and General Linguistics, University of Tartu, Estonia, Prillop Külli , Hennoste Tiit ,   Institute of Estonian and General Linguistics, University of Tartu, Estonia, Habicht Külli ,   Institute of Estonian and General Linguistics, University of Tartu, Estonia, Metslang Helle ,   Institute of Estonian and General Linguistics, University of Tartu, Estonia
Published: December 2021

Within the project “Pragmatics above grammar: Subjectivity and intersubjectivity in Estonian registers and text types” (PRG341) we are studying the expression of subjectivity and intersubjectivity in different written and spoken registers of modern Estonian. We focus on adverbs that function as discourse markers (e.g. vist ‘maybe, probably’, ilmselt ‘apparently, obviously’, tegelikult ‘actually’), markers that develop from main clauses containing cognition verbs that take sentence complements (e.g. (ma) arvan ‘I think’, usun ‘I believe’, (mulle) tundub ‘it seems (to me), it appears (that)’) as well as modal and performative verbs (e.g. võib (juhtuda) ‘can (happen’, peaks (tulema) ‘should (come)’; kinnitan/väidan (olevat) ‘I affirm/claim’). The analysis combines quantitative corpus-linguistic and qualitative pragmatic approaches, thus belonging to the field of corpus pragmatics. Unlike previous studies of related topics, the project systematically compares the usage of markers in different registers (spoken, online communication, print texts) and text types. The pilot studies performed thus far have revealed several problems with the existing Estonian corpora, important in the study of pragmatics. Firstly, some text types are underrepresented or not represented at all, the text types cannot always be distinguished, and the particular text may not always correspond to the nominal text type (e.g. an academic text may contain quotes from texts of other types). All of this makes it difficult to do comparative statistical analysis of different text types. Secondly, the markers under examination are multifunctional and identifying their (inter)subjective function requires consideration of context broader than a single sentence. However, the public search systems for the existing corpora do not provide this context. For instance, the discourse marker function of cognition verbs is indicated primarily by the fact that the topic of the conversation or text follows through the subordinate clause, not the main clause. Since the available search systems do not provide context larger than a single sentence, the identification of the topic of the discourse, and therefore of the potential discourse-marker function of the verb, is made more difficult. To avoid these problems, the project working group is developing a new “Pragmatics” corpus, being created in the SketchEngine environment. The corpus is made up of 10 subcorpora representing different text types and registers. Each subcorpus contains roughly 500,000 words.
Gastroduodenal Artery Pseudoaneurysm as a Complication of Pancreatitis Presenting with Lower Gastrointestinal Bleed
Authors: Nayyar Gursimran , Behera Ashish
Published: December 2021

Chronic pancreatitis is associated with an uncommon but important complication, the formation of the pseudoaneurysm with an incidence of 10%. The splenic artery is the most common artery affected by pseudoaneurysm. A 55-year-old male patient with pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery, an unusual complication of chronic pancreatitis. He presented with haematemesisf and was managed with transfusion of blood and blood products and coil embolisation with the help of digital subtraction angiography. Pseudoaneurysms are one of the rare but important complications of chronic pancreatitis which requires treatment even if they are asymptomatic and incidentally diagnosed on imaging. A history suggestive of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a case of pancreatitis requires adequate evaluation for source of the bleeding.
Co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 with Dengue Fever-A Case Report
Authors: Singireddy Shreya Reddy , Miryala Swamy , Boddu Srikrishna Raghavendra , Inugurthi Suresh
Published: December 2021

The current pandemic circulation of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) along with Dengue Virus (DENV) in disease endemic countries may produce unfavourable circumstances with co-infection, delays in emergency mitigation measures and management of the disease as both the viral diseases have many similar close characteristics and presentations. This is a case report of a 50-year-old diabetic and hypertensive female admitted with complaints of fever with chills for one week duration. On initial evaluation due to the ongoing pandemic as per the protocol, the patient was found negative with rapid antigen testing for SARS-CoV-2, Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test along with negative High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) of the chest. Basic initial investigations suggested decreased platelet count and elevated acute phase proteins. Two days after admission, the patient was found to be Dengue IgM and IgG positive and the patient’s symptoms were managed accordingly. Later, the patient suddenly showed decrease in oxygen saturations and warranted a ventilator immediately. The CT pulmonary angiogram was done to rule out suspected pulmonary thromboembolism, which was showing infective lesions with Coronavirus disease 2019 Reporting and Data System grade 4 (CO-RADS 4). Repeat RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 was positive. The Patient was immediately shifted to high isolation Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and treated according to the Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The overlapping clinical presentations of SARS-CoV-2 infection and DENV in resource- constrained settings and the complexities of interpreting results make identification of SARS-CoV-2 in the dengue endemic areas difficult. Therefore, a high degree of alertness should be maintained for SARS-CoV-2 infection in DENV endemic areas.
Hyponatremic Unconsciousness as a Presenting Symptom of COVID-19: A Case Series
Authors: Chauhan Ajay , Gupta Asmita , Suguna Kari , Shukla Shashikant , Goyal Parul
Published: December 2021

The novel Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can present with a multitude of clinical symptoms. The virus, disease symptomatology, pathogenesis and complications are being studied and new concepts are evolving rapidly. The current worldwide situation caused by the disease makes it exceedingly important to recognise varied presentations of the disease. Three cases are being discussed hereby, wherein the patients presented with altered sensorium secondary to hyponatremia as the initial and only presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infection, in the absence of fever or any respiratory involvement. Acute symptomatic hyponatremia is an under-recognised presentation with only a few cases reported till date and needs further awareness and understanding.
Detection of gene mutations and gene–gene fusions in circulating cell‐free DNA of glioblastoma patients: an avenue for clinically relevant diagnostic analysis
Authors: Palande Vikrant , Siegal Tali , Detroja Rajesh , Gorohovski Alessandro , Glass Rainer , Flueh Charlotte , Kanner Andrew A. , Laviv Yoseph , Har‐Nof Sagi , Levy‐Barda Adva , Viviana Karpuj Marcela , Kurtz Marina , Perez Shira , Raviv Shay Dorith , Frenkel‐Morgenstern Milana
Published: December 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common type of glioma and is uniformly fatal. Currently, tumour heterogeneity and mutation acquisition are major impedances for tailoring personalized therapy. We collected blood and tumour tissue samples from 25 GBM patients and 25 blood samples from healthy controls. Cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) was extracted from the plasma of GBM patients and from healthy controls. Tumour DNA was extracted from fresh tumour samples. Extracted DNA was sequenced using a whole‐genome sequencing procedure. We also collected 180 tumour DNA datasets from GBM patients publicly available at the TCGA/PANCANCER project. These data were analysed for mutations and gene–gene fusions that could be potential druggable targets. We found that plasma cfDNA concentrations in GBM patients were significantly elevated (22.6 ± 5 ng·mL−1), as compared to healthy controls (1.4 ± 0.4 ng·mL−1) of the same average age. We identified unique mutations in the cfDNA and tumour DNA of each GBM patient, including some of the most frequently mutated genes in GBM according to the COSMIC database (TP53, 18.75%; EGFR, 37.5%; NF1, 12.5%; LRP1B, 25%; IRS4, 25%). Using our gene–gene fusion database, ChiTaRS 5.0, we identified gene–gene fusions in cfDNA and tumour DNA, such as KDR–PDGFRA and NCDN–PDGFRA, which correspond to previously reported alterations of PDGFRA in GBM (44% of all samples). Interestingly, the PDGFRA protein fusions can be targeted by tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as imatinib, sunitinib, and sorafenib. Moreover, we identified BCR–ABL1 (in 8% of patients), COL1A1–PDGFB (8%), NIN–PDGFRB (8%), and FGFR1–BCR (4%) in cfDNA of patients, which can be targeted by analogues of imatinib. ROS1 fusions (CEP85L–ROS1 and GOPC–ROS1), identified in 8% of patient cfDNA, might be targeted by crizotinib, entrectinib, or larotrectinib. Thus, our study suggests that integrated analysis of cfDNA plasma concentration, gene mutations, and gene–gene fusions can serve as a diagnostic modality for distinguishing GBM patients who may benefit from targeted therapy. These results open new avenues for precision medicine in GBM, using noninvasive liquid biopsy diagnostics to assess personalized patient profiles. Moreover, repeated detection of druggable targets over the course of the disease may provide real‐time information on the evolving molecular landscape of the tumour.
4,5,7‐Trisubstituted indeno[1,2‐b]indole inhibits CK2 activity in tumor cells equivalent to CX‐4945 and shows strong anti‐migratory effects
Authors: Birus Robin , El‐Awaad Ehab , Ballentin Laurens , Alchab Faten , Aichele Dagmar , Ettouati Laurent , Götz Claudia , Le Borgne Marc , Jose Joachim
Published: December 2021

Highly pleiotropic and constitutively active protein kinase CK2 is a key target in cancer therapy, but only one small‐molecule inhibitor has reached clinical trials—CX‐4945. In this study, we present the indeno[1,2‐b]indole derivative 5‐isopropyl‐4‐methoxy‐7‐methyl‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydroindeno[1,2‐b]indole‐9,10‐dione (5a‐2) that decreased the intracellular CK2 activity in A431, A549, and LNCaP tumor cell lines analogous to CX‐4945 (> 75% inhibition at 20 µm) and similarly blocked CK2‐specific Akt phosphorylation in LNCaP cells. Cellular uptake analysis demonstrated higher intracellular concentrations of 5a‐2 (408.3 nm) compared with CX‐4945 (119.3 nm). This finding clarifies the comparable effects of both compounds on the intracellular CK2 activity despite their different inhibitory potency in vitro [IC50 = 25 nm (5a‐2) and 3.7 nm (CX‐4945)]. Examination of the effects of both CK2 inhibitors on cancer cells using live‐cell imaging revealed notable differences. Whereas CX‐4945 showed a stronger pro‐apoptotic effect on tumor cells, 5a‐2 was more effective in inhibiting tumor cell migration. Our results showed that 49% of intracellular CX‐4945 was localized in the nuclear fraction, whereas 71% of 5a‐2 was detectable in the cytoplasm. The different subcellular distribution, and thus the site of CK2 inhibition, provides a possible explanation for the different cellular effects. Our study indicates that investigating CK2 inhibition‐mediated cellular effects in relation to the subcellular sites of CK2 inhibition may help to improve our understanding of the preferential roles of CK2 within different cancer cell compartments.
Interface Engineering Between Multi‐Elemental Alloy Nanoparticles and a Carbon Support Toward Stable Catalysts
Authors: Li Tangyuan , Dong Qi , Huang Zhennan , Wu Lianping , Yao Yonggang , Gao Jinlong , Wang Xizheng , Zhang Haochuan , Wang Dunwei , Li Teng , Shahbazian‐Yassar Reza , Hu Liangbing
Published: December 2021

Multi‐elemental alloy (MEA) nanoparticles have recently received notable attention owing to their high activity and superior phase stability. Previous syntheses of MEA nanoparticles mainly used carbon as the support, owing to its high surface area, good electrical conductivity, and tunable defective sites. However, the interfacial stability issue, such as nanoparticle agglomeration, remains outstanding due to poor interfacial binding between MEA and carbon. Such a problem often causes performance decay when MEA nanoparticles are used as catalysts, hindering their practical applications. Herein, an interface engineering strategy is developed to synthesize MEA–oxide–carbon hierarchical catalysts, where the oxide on carbon helps disperse and stabilize the MEA nanoparticles toward superior thermal and electrochemical stability. Using several MEA compositions (PdRuRh, PtPdIrRuRh, and PdRuRhFeCoNi) and oxides (TiO2 and Cr2O3) as model systems, it is shown that adding the oxide renders superior interfacial stability and therefore excellent catalytic performance. Excellent thermal stability is demonstrated under transmission electron microscopy with in situ heating up to 1023 K, as well as via long‐term cycling (>370 hours) of a Li–O2 battery as a harsh electrochemical condition to challenge the catalyst stability. This work offers a new route toward constructing efficient and stable catalysts for various applications.
Arbitrary and Dynamic Poincaré Sphere Polarization Converter with a Time‐Varying Metasurface
Authors: Hu Qi , Chen Ke , Zhang Na , Zhao Jianming , Jiang Tian , Zhao Junming , Feng Yijun
Published: December 2021

Polarization control is paramount in tailoring light‐matter interactions; hence, its versatile manipulation plays an important role in science and technology. Metasurfaces have recently enacted diverse electromagnetic manipulations in polarization optics. However, they only support one or a few polarization functions in a single design. Here, an arbitrary and dynamic Poincaré sphere polarization converter to implement full‐polarization optics with a single time‐varying metasurface is demonstrated. As an exemplary demonstration, a metasurface loaded with electric‐driven components is experimentally realized. By applying two independent time‐varying sequences of bias voltages onto the metasurface, its reflection anisotropy can be altered at will, leading to the generation of arbitrary polarization located on the Poincaré sphere for both the fundamental and harmonic frequencies. This study proposes a novel approach to achieve versatile polarization optics and may find applications in quantum information, intelligent communication, and miniaturized optical systems.
Classification and Inverse Design of Metasurface Absorber in Visible Band
Authors: Lu Xuehua , Li Wenbin , Zhu Zhihui , Hu Yongqiang , Tang Ziyi , Zhang Wenpeng , Liu Ke , Su Yarong , Zheng Jie , Chen Weidong , Tang Mingjun , Xie Zhengwei , Huang Yijia , Li Ling
Published: December 2021

Metasurface absorber (MA) has been a research hotspot in the field of artificial electromagnetic structural material due to its dual advantages of high performance and compact design. Usually, the design of MA depends on the designer's professional knowledge, experience and physical inspiration. The desired optical response can be obtained by using electromagnetic simulation software to carry out hundreds or thousands of numerical calculations. Thus, it is still a challenge to quickly retrieve the optimal structure according to the desired optical response and realize the on‐demand inverse design. Besides, limited by the inner physics of the MA, it is not always possible to find the structural parameters corresponding to the desired spectrum. This paper not only takes the planar geometry and thickness of the structures into account but also realizes the probability classification of the desired spectra through the classification network. According to the classification results, the prediction network of the corresponding is selected to realize the on‐demand inverse design of MA. The proposed network model can design MA rapidly and accurately in a data‐driven way and can be flexibly applied to the design of other data‐enabled photonic devices, which is promising to become a comprehensive and effective design tool.
Impacts of Export Restrictions on the Global Personal Protective Equipment Trade Network During COVID‐19
Authors: Ye Yang , Zhang Qingpeng , Cao Zhidong , Chen Frank Youhua , Yan Houmin , Stanley H. Eugene , Zeng Daniel Dajun
Published: December 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has caused a dramatic surge in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) worldwide. Many countries have imposed export restrictions on PPE to ensure the sufficient domestic supply. The surging demand and export restrictions cause shortage contagions on the global PPE trade network. Here, an integrated network model is developed, which integrates a metapopulation model and a threshold model, to investigate the shortage contagion patterns. The metapopulation model captures disease contagion across countries. The threshold model captures the shortage contagion on the global PPE trade network. Due to the Pareto distribution in global exports, the shortage contagion pattern is mainly determined by the export restriction policies of the top exporters. Export restrictions exacerbate the shortages of PPE and cause the shortage contagion to transmit even faster than the disease contagion. To some extent, export restrictions can provide benefits for self‐sufficient countries, at the sacrifice of immediate economic shocks at not‐self‐sufficient countries. With export restrictions, a large amount of PPE is hoarded instead of being distributed to where it is most needed, particularly at the early stage. Cooperation between countries plays an essential role in preventing global shortages of PPE regardless of the production level. Except for promoting global cooperation, governments and international organizations should take actions to reduce supply chain barriers and work together to increase global PPE production.
Synthesis of 1‐Trifluoromethylated Propargyl Alcohols by Two Successive Reactions of Cyclopentylmagnesium Bromide in a One‐Pot Manner
Authors: Kani Ryunosuke , Inuzuka Toshiyasu , Kubota Yasuhiro , Funabiki Kazumasa
Published: December 2021

We have developed a functional‐group‐tolerant one‐pot route to various 3‐substituted 1‐trifluoromethylpropargyl alcohols utilizing two reactions of cyclopentylmagnesium bromide with trifluoroacetic acid esters and terminal alkynes. This new synthetic method involves three successive reactions in a one‐pot process: 1) deprotonation of terminal alkynes with cyclopentylmagnesium bromide, 2) reduction of 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl trifluoroacetate with cyclopentylmagnesium bromide, and 3) nucleophilic addition of in‐situ‐generated alkynyl Grignard reagents to in‐situ‐formed trifluoroacetaldehyde, leading to the corresponding 3‐substituted 1‐trifluoromethylated propargyl alcohols. This method can be applied to various fluorine‐containing esters as well as terminal alkynes bearing alkyl and aryl groups to give 1‐polyfluoroalkylated propargyl alcohols. The obtained 1‐trifluoromethylpropargyl alcohols with aromatic groups can be converted in good to excellent yields to 1,5‐diaryl‐3‐trifluoromethyl‐dihydropyrazoles, some of the most important motifs in medicine for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis in dogs.
Differential expression of tau species and the association with cognitive decline and synaptic loss in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Saroja Sivaprakasam R. , Sharma Abhijeet , Hof Patrick R. , Pereira Ana C.
Published: December 2021

Pathological tau proteins in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) mainly accumulate in the form of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and neuritic plaques (NPs). However, the molecular properties of tau species present in NFTs and NPs are not known. We tested the hypothesis that tau species within NFT‐predominant tissue (NFT_AD) are distinct and more toxic than those in NP‐predominant tissue (NP_AD). We analyzed the tau species from post mortem prefrontal cortical brains of NFT_AD and NP_AD. Compared to NP_AD, NFT_AD displayed highly phosphorylated tau oligomers, possessed tau oligomers in extracellular vesicles, and the 3‐repeat (3R) and 4‐repeat (4R) isoforms were differentially expressed between the groups. Comparison of tau proteins isolated from NFT‐ versus NP‐AD subjects demonstrated higher tau seeding activity in NFT subjects and a greater degree of inducing synaptic loss in cultured neurons. We propose that tau species from NFT‐predominant tissues possess greater levels of degenerative properties, thereby causing synaptic loss and cognitive decline.
Novel rat model of multiple mitochondrial dysfunction syndromes (MMDS) complicated with cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ling Yahao , Ma Jiaxin , Qi Xiaolong , Zhang Xu , Kong Qi , Guan Feifei , Dong Wei , Chen Wei , Gao Shan , Gao Xiang , Pan Shuo , Ma Yuanwu , Lu Dan , Zhang Lianfeng
Published: December 2021

Background

Multiple mitochondrial dysfunction syndromes (MMDS) presents as complex mitochondrial damage, thus impairing a variety of metabolic pathways. Heart dysplasia has been reported in MMDS patients; however, the specific clinical symptoms and pathogenesis remain unclear. More urgently, there is a lack of an animal model to aid research. Therefore, we selected a reported MMDS causal gene, Isca1, and established an animal model of MMDS complicated with cardiac dysplasia.

Methods

The myocardium‐specific Isca1 knockout heterozygote (Isca1 HET) rat was obtained by crossing the Isca1 conditional knockout (Isca1 cKO) rat with the α myosin heavy chain Cre (α‐MHC‐Cre) rat. Cardiac development characteristics were determined by ECG, blood pressure measurement, echocardiography and histopathological analysis. The responsiveness to pathological stimuli were observed through adriamycin treatment. Mitochondria and metabolism disorder were determined by activity analysis of mitochondrial respiratory chain complex and ATP production in myocardium.

Results

ISCA1 expression in myocardium exhibited a semizygous effect. Isca1 HET rats exhibited dilated cardiomyopathy characteristics, including thin‐walled ventricles, larger chambers, cardiac dysfunction and myocardium fibrosis. Downregulated ISCA1 led to deteriorating cardiac pathological processes at the global and organizational levels. Meanwhile, HET rats exhibited typical MMDS characteristics, including damaged mitochondrial morphology and enzyme activity for mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅳ, and impaired ATP production.

Conclusion

We have established a rat model of MMDS complicated with cardiomyopathy, it can also be used as model of myocardial energy metabolism dysfunction and mitochondrial cardiomyopathy. This model can be applied to the study of the mechanism of energy metabolism in cardiovascular diseases, as well as research and development of drugs.
Kunming mouse strain is less susceptible to elastase‐induced abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Liu Haole , Tian Kangli , Xia Congcong , Wei Panpan , Xu Boyu , Fu Weilai , Li Yankui , Li Yafeng , Bai Liang , Wang Rong , Wang Weirong , Xu Baohui , Liu Enqi , Zhao Sihai
Published: December 2021

Background

Porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) is successfully used to induce abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in mice. However, differences between mouse strains in susceptibility to PPE induction have been reported. Kunming mouse is one of the most frequently used strains in China but whether it is suitable for induction of AAA by PPE application remains unclear.

Methods

PPE infusion (1.5 units/ml) in temporary controlled aorta was performed to induce AAAs in both C57BL/6J and Kunming mice. Phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) application was used as vehicle control. The aorta diameters of all mice were measured at days 0 and 14 after surgery to evaluate the AAA formation.

Results

After 14 days of PPE or PBS infusion, all mice were sacrificed and aorta tissues were collected for histological staining analysis. At the 14th day after infusion, PPE successfully induced aortic dilation in Kunming mice and typical AAA in C57BL/6J mice. The aorta diameter increased by 0.23 mm in Kunming mice after PPE infusion, while it was 0.72 mm in the C57BL/6J strain. PPE induced mild elastin degradation, smooth muscle cell (SMC) depletion and mural leucocyte infiltration in Kunming mice, but in PPE‐sensitive C57BL/6J mice, it induced total loss of SMCs, elastin disappearance and diffused infiltrated leucocytes in aortic aneurysmal segments. The effects of PPE in inducing angiogenesis and upregulating matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 expression in Kunming mice were also weaker than that in C57BL/6J mice.

Conclusion

At the reported dose of PPE, Kunming mouse is not as susceptible to AAA formation as C57BL/6J mice. The failure of PPE to induce AAA formation in Kunming mice may be associated to its inability to boost a strong inflammatory response.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Dithia[5]helicenes and their Postsynthetic Functionalization to Access Dithia[9]helicenes
Authors: Pelliccioli Valentina , Hartung Thierry , Simon Martin , Golz Christopher , Licandro Emanuela , Cauteruccio Silvia , Alcarazo Manuel
Published: December 2021

A highly enantioselective synthesis of 5,13‐disubstituted dibenzo[d,d′]benzo[1,2‐b:4,3‐b′]dithiophenes is reported. Key for the successful assembly of these helical architectures is the last two successive Au‐catalyzed intramolecular alkyne hydroarylation events. Specifically, the second cyclization is the enantiodetermining step of the whole process and provides the desired helicenes with excellent ee values when a TADDOL‐derived 1,2,3‐(triazolium)phosphonite moiety (TADDOL: α,α,α′,α′‐tetraaryl‐1,3‐dioxolane‐4,5‐dimethanol) is employed as an ancillary ligand. The absolute stereochemistry of the newly prepared structures has been determined by X‐ray crystallography to be P; the optical properties of these heterohelicenes are also reported. A three‐step procedure was subsequently developed that allows the transformation of the initially obtained dithia[5]helicenes into dithia[9]helicenes without erosion of the enantiopurity.
Bildung und Reaktivität eines Hydridosilikats [SiH6]2−, koordiniert an einem durch einen Makrozyklus stabilisierten Strontiumkation
Authors: Höllerhage Thomas , Ghana Priyabrata , Spaniol Thomas P. , Carpentier Ambre , Maron Laurent , Englert Ulli , Okuda Jun
Published: December 2021

Der kationische Benzylkomplex [(Me4TACD)Sr(CH2Ph)][A] (Me4TACD (Me4TACD=1,4,7,10‐Tetramethyltetraazacyclododecan); A=B(C6H3‐3,5‐Me2)4) reagierte mit zwei Äquivalenten Phenylsilan zum verbrückenden Hexahydridosilikat‐Komplex [(Me4TACD)2Sr2(thf)4(μ‐κ3 : κ3‐SiH6)][B(C6H3‐3,5‐Me2)4]2 (3 a). Angenommen wird, dass ein schneller Phenyl‐Austausch zwischen Phenylsilanen das Monosilan SiH4 bildet, das von zwei Strontiumhydrid‐Kationen [(Me4TACD)SrH(thf)x]+ abgefangen wird. Verbindung 3 a zersetzte sich in THF bei Raumtemperatur unter Freisetzung von H2 zum terminalen Silanid‐Komplex [(Me4TACD)Sr(SiH3)(thf)2][A]. In Reaktionen von 3 a mit einer schwachen Brønsted‐Säure, CO2 und 1,3,5,7‐Cyclooctatetraen wurde SiH4 freigesetzt. Aus einer 1 : 2‐Mischung eines kationischen Benzylkomplexes und einem neutralen Dibenzylkomplex bildete sich mit Phenylsilan der dreikernige Komplex [(Me4TACD)3Sr3(μ2‐H)3(μ3‐SiH3)][A], während nOctSiH3 zum dreikernigen (n‐Octyl)pentahydridosilikat‐Komplex [(Me4TACD)3Sr3(μ2‐H)3(μ3‐SiH5nOct)][A] führte.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Nitric Acid from Nitrogen Oxidation
Authors: Wang Yuting , Li Tieliang , Yu Yifu , Zhang Bin
Published: December 2021

Nitric acid is widely applied in agriculture and industry. The present manufacturing process via a combination of the Haber–Bosch process and the Ostwald oxidation process is accompanied by massive energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The direct electrocatalytic nitrogen oxidation reaction (NOR) to nitric acid is a promising alternative, especially when it is driven by renewable energy sources. The standardization of performance evaluation is the prerequisite for the design and synthesis of efficient electrocatalysts for NOR. In this context, this Minireview first discusses the history of the development of HNO3manufacturing and the possible reaction mechanisms for electrocatalytic NOR. Then, a strict protocol for electrochemical NOR experiments is recommended. Finally, general research targets associated with techno‐economic analysis, challenges, and prospects for NOR are summarized for future studies.
Formation and Reactivity of a Hexahydridosilicate [SiH6]2− Coordinated by a Macrocycle‐Supported Strontium Cation
Authors: Höllerhage Thomas , Ghana Priyabrata , Spaniol Thomas P. , Carpentier Ambre , Maron Laurent , Englert Ulli , Okuda Jun
Published: December 2021

The cationic benzyl complex [(Me4TACD)Sr(CH2Ph)][A] (Me4TACD=1,4,7,10‐tetramethyltetraazacyclododecane; A=B(C6H3‐3,5‐Me2)4) reacted with two equivalents of phenylsilane to give the bridging hexahydridosilicate complex [(Me4TACD)2Sr2(thf)4(μ‐κ3 : κ3‐SiH6)][A]2 (3 a). Rapid phenyl exchange between phenylsilane molecules is assumed to generate monosilane SiH4 that is trapped by two strontium hydride cations [(Me4TACD)SrH(thf)x]+. Complex 3 a decomposed in THF at room temperature to give the terminal silanide complex [(Me4TACD)Sr(SiH3)(thf)2][A], with release of H2. Upon reaction with a weak Brønsted acid, CO2, and 1,3,5,7‐cyclooctatetraene SiH4 was released. The reaction of a 1 : 2 mixture of cationic benzyl and neutral dibenzyl complex with phenylsilane gave the trinuclear silanide complex [(Me4TACD)3Sr3(μ2‐H)3(μ3‐SiH3)2][A], while nOctSiH3 led to the trinuclear (n‐octyl)pentahydridosilicate complex [(Me4TACD)3Sr3(μ2‐H)3(μ3‐SiH5nOct)][A].
A dormant resource for genome size estimation in ferns: C‐value inference of the Ophioglossaceae using herbarium specimen spores
Authors: Kuo Li‐Yaung , Tang Sheng Kai , Kao Tzu‐Tong , Ebihara Atsushi , Fawcett Susan , Hsiao Min‐Chien , Shinohara Wataru , Dauphin Benjamin
Published: December 2021

Premise

The great variation of genome size (C‐value) across land plants is linked to various adaptative features. Flow cytometry (FCM), the standard approach to estimating C‐values, relies mostly on fresh materials, performing poorly when used with herbarium materials. No fern C‐value reports have been derived from herbarium specimens; however, the herbarium spores of some ferns remain highly viable for decades and are thus promising for further investigation. To explore this possibility, we evaluated herbarium spore collections of Ophioglossaceae ferns using FCM.

Methods

Flow cytometry was conducted on 24 spore samples, representing eight of the 12 genera of the Ophioglossaceae, using specimens ranging in age from 2.6 to 111 years obtained from five herbaria.

Results

Regardless of the genus or the source herbarium, high‐quality C‐value data were generated from 17 samples, with the oldest being 26 years old. Estimates of the C‐values from sporophytic tissues of known ploidy did not reveal any evidence of apomixis for the species surveyed here. We also detected a pronounced genome downsizing in Sceptridium polyploids.

Discussion

The recent success of FCM for C‐value estimation using spores provides a much more convenient method of utilizing “dry” refrigerated materials. We demonstrate here that herbarium spores of some ferns are also promising for this use, even for older specimens.
Morphological and ultrastructural characterization of neurospheres spontaneously generated in the culture from sheep ovarian cortical cells
Authors: Rojo Salvador Concepción , Galicia Guerrero María de Lourdes , Sánchez Maldonado Belén , González‐Gil Alfredo , Picazo González Rosa Ana
Published: December 2021

Neurospheres (NS) derived from adult stem cells of non‐neural tissues represent a promising source of neural stem cells (NSCs) and neural progenitor cells (NPCs) for autologous cell therapy. Knowing the fine structure of NS cells is essential for characterizing them during differentiation or oncogenic transformation. NS are generated by culturing ovarian cortical cells (OCCs) under specific conditions. To establish whether these OCCs exhibited a similar morphophenotype as those from the central nervous system (CNS) reported in the literature, sheep OCCs were cultured for 21 days to generate NS. Expression levels of pluripotency (Nanog, octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 [Oct4], and SRY‐box transcription factor 2 [Sox2]) and NSCs/NPCs (nestin, paired box 6 [Pax6], and p75 neurotrophin receptor [P75NTR]) transcripts were analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), the NSC/NPC antigens were immunolocalized, and structural and ultrastructural analyses were performed in OCC‐NS on Days 10, 15, and 21 in culture. Spheroids expressed transcripts and antigens of pluripotency as well as NSCs/NPCs. Cells were arranged into an inner core, with frequent apoptotic and degenerative events, and a peripheral epithelial‐like cover with abundant cytoplasmic organelles, apical microvilli, and filament bundles of cytoskeleton elements. Adherens junctions and apical tight and lateral loose interdigitations were found in peripheral cells that eventually lost apical–basal polarization, which might indicate their disengaging/aggregating from/to the NS. We can conclude that OCC‐NS shares the most structural and ultrastructural characteristics with CNS‐NS.
Longitudinal assessment of point‐of‐use carbon filters for removal of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances from private well water
Authors: Mulhern Riley , Bynum Nichole , Liyanapatirana Chamindu , DeStefano Noelle J. , Knappe Detlef R. U. , MacDonald Gibson Jacqueline
Published: December 2021

Eighteen private well users in North Carolina were recruited to test the performance of under‐sink, activated carbon block water filters to remove per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Monthly sampling was conducted for 8 months. Filters were certified for removal of perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid under NSF International certification P473, but not for additional short‐chain perfluoroalkyl acids or perfluoroalkyl ether acids (PFEAs) evaluated in this study. Out of 47 targeted analytes, 17 PFAS were detected in filter influent samples (influent ∑PFAS 4.7–131 ng/L). Mixed‐effects Tobit regression models showed that the filters effectively removed 97%–99% of all influent PFAS, including short‐chain PFEAs, for the entire manufacturer‐recommended lifetime of the device. The prevalence of PFAS above the minimum reporting limits was reduced by 99.5%, and the prevalence of any PFAS above the method detection limits was reduced by 92%. The results provide increased confidence in NSF P473‐certified filters for the removal of PFAS from private well water.
The economic value of genetically engineered mosquitoes as a malaria control strategy depends on local transmission rates
Authors: Lacy Katherine , Schaefer K. Aleks , Scheitrum Daniel P. , Klein Eili Y.
Published: December 2021

This paper assesses the economic value of genetically engineered (GE) Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes as a malaria control strategy. We use an epidemiological‐economic model of malaria transmission to evaluate this technology for a range of village‐level transmission settings. In each setting, we evaluate public health outcomes following introduction of GE mosquitoes relative to a “status quo” baseline scenario. We also assess results both in contrast to—and in combination with—a Mass Drug Administration (MDA) strategy. We find that—in low transmission settings—the present value (PV) public health benefits of GE mosquito release are substantial, both relative to status quo dynamics and MDA. In contrast, in high transmission settings, the release of GE mosquitoes may increase steady‐state infection rates. Our results indicate that there are substantial policy complementarities when GE mosquito release is combined with local MDA—the combined control strategy can lead to local eradication.
“Keep your distance for me”: A field experiment on empathy prompts to promote distancing during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: de Ridder Denise , Aarts Henk , Benjamins Jeroen , Glebbeek Marie‐Louise , Leplaa Hidde , Leseman Paul , Potgieter Renske , Tummers Lars , Zondervan‐Zwijnenburg Mariëlle
Published: December 2021

The outbreak of COVID‐19 has turned out to be a major challenge to societies all over the globe. Curbing the pandemic requires rapid and extensive behavioural change to limit social interaction, including physical distancing. In this study, we tested the notion that inducing empathy for people vulnerable to the virus may result in actual distancing behaviour beyond the mere motivation to do so. In a large field experiment with a sequential case–control design, we found that (a) empathy prompts may increase distancing as assessed by camera recordings and (b) effectiveness of prompts depends on the dynamics of the pandemic and associated public health policies. In sum, the present study demonstrates the potential of empathy‐generating interventions to promote pro‐social behaviour and emphasizes the necessity of field experiments to assess the role of context before advising policy makers to implement measures derived from behavioural science. Please refer to Supplementary Material to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement