bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Government Policies and International Students on UK University Economic Stability
Authors: Scott Timothy , Mhunpiew Nathara
Published: April 2021

Numerous UK universities are experiencing financial instability; with an increasingly competitive and maturing market, reliance has grown on international students to offset institutional shortfalls. Dependency on international student tuition revenue has over-exposed the market to dramatic shifts in political policies, both domestic and internationally, that could significantly impact operational success. UK higher education institutions (HEIs) ability to promote their institutions as they are intertwined with the UK government; thus, controversial policies create a backlash, drawing HEIs into disputes as unwanted participants yet recipients of significant economic disruption. Government policies on domestic tuition caps, Brexit, and increasing geopolitical disputes with China have had a considerable impact on institutional operations. This paper recommends HEIs, principally lower-tabled universities, take a more aggressive strategic realignment to best adapt to the marketplace’s uncertainty. By reemphasising institutional specialisation, variable tuition rates for under-represented growth markets, financial support for EU students, increased distance education presence, and intense market-wide lobbying of government MPs, this paper seeks to open a discussion on how to identify existing problems and target opportunities for growth. The complexity of market conditions and the decreasing solvency of many institutions will not be solved by a single recommendation or a short-term policy but by a complete realignment and robust industry-wide initiatives. If universities cease operations or collapse under market conditions’ financial strain, it will impact the overall market’s reputation, reducing UK institutions’ overall desirability as a major exporter of education.
Relationship of School Leadership with School Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis Study
Authors: Ertem Hasan Yücel
Published: April 2021

Administration and governance of schools in Turkey have a complex structure and process. Within the centralized structure, the procedures in educational activities are managed by school principals. In the Turkish literature, there are studies showing leadership styles of school leaders based on the leadership theories borrowed from different contexts. Furthermore, these leadership styles are linked to school outcomes like academic achievement and teacher motivation. Thus, catching compatible sides of leadership theories may serve to improve this kind of school outcomes. In these respects, the current study aimed to investigate which leadership styles have more effect on academic achievement and teacher motivation. Exclusion and inclusion criteria were determined in order to identify the studies to be analyzed. A meta-analysis study including 21 studies in Turkish context was conducted to achieve the purpose of the study. The meta-analysis results showed that the leadership styles were highly related with the school outcomes. Overall, laissez-faire, transactional, instructional, and transformational leadership styles had a high and positive relation with the school outcomes. The laissez-faire and spiritual leadership styles showed more effect on the teacher motivation while the positive and transformational style had more effect on the academic achievement. Considering the conclusions of the study, it is recommended that future studies develop a leadership theory specific to the educational settings in Turkey.
Preservice Teachers’ Views Regarding Out-of-Class Teaching Processes: A Case Study
Authors: GÖKMEN Ahmet
Published: April 2021

Out-of-class learning environments are important learning environments because they improve students’ mental and physical health as well as providing them with cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills. However, it is necessary to make a plan, implement and evaluate the teaching processes appropriately to efficient benefit from out-of-class teaching environments. The present study aimed to determine preservice teachers’ views regarding out-of-class teaching processes. The study utilized the case study design, a qualitative research approach, to make an in-depth analysis of preservice teachers’ views. 58 preservice teachers from the educational faculty of a state university in Turkey were the participants of the study. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher of the present study. For the analysis of data obtained, content analysis was carried out using NVivo9 software, and themes and codes were determined. Findings were presented with frequencies, percentages, excerpts of preservice teachers’ views, and models that indicate the relationship between themes and codes. Findings revealed six different themes for the preservice teachers’ views: out-of-class learning places; advantages of out-of-class teaching; limitations of out-of-class teaching; planning of out-of-class teaching; implementation of out-of-class teaching; and assessment of out-of-class teaching. The study findings were discussed in line with the related literature and suggestions were made regarding the findings.
Compound Archimedean Copulas
Authors: Kelner Moshe , Landsman Zinoviy , Makov Udi E.
Published: April 2021

The copula function is an effective and elegant tool useful for modeling dependence between random variables. Among the many families of this function, one of the most prominent family of copula is the Archimedean family, which has its unique structure and features. Most of the copula functions in this family have only a single dependence parameter which limits the scope of the dependence structure. In this paper we modify the generator of Archimedean copulas in a way which maintains membership in the family while increasing the number of dependence parameters and, consequently, creating new copulas having more flexible dependence structure.
Some Less Familiar Properties of Randić Index
Authors: Gutman Ivan
Published: April 2021

Several mathematically relevant properties of the Randić connectivity index, that may be less familiar to the chemical community, are outlined and commented.
Closing Perspective on the Special Issue on JUUL
Authors: Fagerström Karl O.
Published: April 2021

Objective: This article provides an overview of this theme issue of the American Journal of Health Behavior dedicated to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), with a special focus on JUUL. Methods: The author summarizes key findings from included papers and
offers an evaluative perspective on ENDS as tools for smoking cessation versus the prospect of their appeal to previous non-smokers. Results: Delineation of certain metrics (eg, defining who is a smoker) and clarification about an acceptable level of unintended consequences weighed
against harm reduction confound conclusions about the public health role of ENDS/JUUL. Conclusion: Until agreement on key definitions and performance of well-controlled studies, a system that promotes ENDS/JUUL use among smokers but discourages their use by never-smokers is a regulatory
challenge.
Dual Use of Cigarettes and JUUL: Trajectory and Cigarette Consumption
Authors: Selya Arielle S. , Shiffman Saul , Greenberg Marisa , Augustson Erik M.
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Many smokers who start using ENDS engage in dual use of cigarettes and ENDS. This paper examines time trends in dual use after a JUUL Starter Kit purchase, and changes in cigarette consumption among those remaining dual users. Methods: In the ADJUSST study,
a cohort of adult smokers who purchased a JUUL Starter Kit were followed naturalistically 6 times over 12 months. Trends in dual use and reported complete switching away from cigarettes (ie, no past 30-day smoking), and changes in daily average cigarettes per day from baseline at 6 and 12
months were examined. Results: Dual use declined over time as complete switching increased. By 12 months, 43.2% reported dual using, and 51.2% reported switching away from cigarettes. Among dual users, approximately 60% reduced their cigarette consumption substantially (by ≥ 50%);
average reductions in cigarette consumption were > 80%. Only a small minority (3%-10%) substantially increased cigarette consumption. Conclusions: Dual use of smoking and JUUL declines over time as switching away from smoking increases. This suggests that, for most smokers, dual
use is a transitional state leading to switching completely away from cigarettes. Furthermore, dual use is often marked by substantial reductions in cigarette consumption.
Copper binding and reactivity at the histidine brace motif: insights from mutational analysis of the Pseudomonas fluorescens copper chaperone CopC
Authors: Ipsen Johan Ø. , Hernández‐Rollán Cristina , Muderspach Sebastian J. , Brander Søren , Bertelsen Andreas B. , Jensen Poul Erik , Nørholm Morten H. H. , Lo Leggio Leila , Johansen Katja S.
Published: April 2021

The histidine brace (His‐brace) is a copper‐binding motif that is associated with both oxidative enzymes and proteinaceous copper chaperones. Here, we used biochemical and structural methods to characterize mutants of a His‐brace‐containing copper chaperone from Pseudomonas fluorescens (PfCopC). A total of 15 amino acid variants in primary and second‐sphere residues were produced and characterized in terms of their copper binding and redox properties. PfCopC has a very high affinity for Cu(II) and also binds Cu(I). A high reorganization barrier likely prevents redox cycling and, thus, catalysis. In contrast, mutations in the conserved second‐sphere Glu27 enable slow oxidation of ascorbate. The crystal structure of the variant E27A confirmed copper binding at the His‐brace. Unexpectedly, Asp83 at the equatorial position was shown to be indispensable for Cu(II) binding in the His‐brace of PfCopC. A PfCopC mutant that was designed to mimic the His‐brace from lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase‐like family X325 did not bind Cu(II), but was still able to bind Cu(I). These results highlight the importance of the proteinaceous environment around the copper His‐brace for reactivity and, thus, the difference between enzyme and chaperone.
Paper‐Based Microfluidic Devices
Authors: Gao Bingbing
Published: April 2021

With many merits such as low cost, porosity, flexibility, and self‐infiltration, paper has become one of the widely‐used substrates, especially in building microfluidic chips for point‐of‐care testing (POCT). This article introduces microfluidic devices built with traditional papers, including fabrication, detection methods, and applications.
Poly(catecholamine) Coated CsPbBr3 Perovskite Microlasers: Lasing in Water and Biofunctionalization
Authors: Cho Sangyeon , Yun Seok Hyun
Published: April 2021

Lead halide perovskite (LHP) is a promising material for various optoelectronic applications. Surface coating on particles is a common strategy to improve their functionality and environmental stability, but LHP is not amenable to most coating chemistries because of its intrinsic weakness against polar solvents. Here, a novel method of synthesizing LHP microlasers in a super‐saturated polar solvent using sonochemistry and applying various functional coatings on individual microlasers in situ is described. Cesium lead bromine perovskite (CsPbBr3) microcrystals, capped with organic poly‐norepinephrine (pNE) layers, are synthesized. The catechol group of pNE coordinates to bromine‐deficient lead atoms, forming a defect‐passivating and diffusion‐blocking shell. The pNE layer enhances the material lifetime of CsPbBr3 in water by 2000‐fold, enabling bright luminescence and lasing from single microcrystals in water. Furthermore, the pNE shell permits biofunctionalization with proteins, small molecules, and lipid bilayers. Luminescence from CsPbBr3 microcrystals is sustained in water over 1 h and observed in live cells. The functionalization method may enable new applications of LHP laser particles in water‐rich environments.
An Ultrafast Nonvolatile Memory with Low Operation Voltage for High‐Speed and Low‐Power Applications
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Cheng , Li Yuan , Li Jiaqiang , Chen Xu‐Dong , Yao Bei‐Wei , Yu Mei‐Xi , Lu Tong‐Bu , Zhang Jin
Published: April 2021

Memory plays a vital role in modern information society. High‐speed and low‐power nonvolatile memory is urgently demanded in the era of big data. However, ultrafast nonvolatile memory with nanosecond‐timescale operation speed and long‐term retention is still unavailable. Herein, an ultrafast nonvolatile memory based on van der Waals heterostructure is proposed, where a charge‐trapping material, graphdiyne (GDY), serves as the charge‐trapping layer. With the band‐engineered heterostructure and excellent charge‐trapping capability of GDY, charges are directly injected into the GDY layer and are persistently captured by the trapping sites in GDY, which result in an ultrafast writing speed (8 ns), a low operation voltage (30 mV), and a long retention time (over 104 s). Moreover, a high on/off ratio of 106 is demonstrated by this memory, which enables the achievement of multibit storage with 6 discrete storage levels. This device fills the blank of ultrafast nonvolatile memory technology, which makes it a promising candidate for next‐generation high‐speed and low‐power‐consumption nonvolatile memory.
Effect of Hydrogen Bonding on a Value of an Open Circuit Potential of Poly‐(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) as a Beneficial Mode for Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Ivanko Iryna , Tomšík Elena
Published: April 2021

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) is one of the semiconducting polymers that has attracted attention as electroactive materials for many different applications such as electrochromic devices, light‐emitting diodes, biosensors, and supercapacitors. The fundamental understanding of the origin of its energy storage ability will lead to the proper design of such devices. Generally, the charge storage in supercapacitors is due to the formation of an electrical double layer and/or redox reactions. Recently, it is shown that the formation of cation radicals in PEDOT is induced by the hydrogen‐bond formation between formic acid and polymer during electrochemical polymerization. The induced cation radicals play a major role in the charge storage ability of PEDOT, as studied in the current work. Furthermore, the presence of hydrogen bonds in PEDOT leads to the stable in time open circuit potential of 900 mV. This new knowledge leads to the designing of a symmetrical supercapacitor based on PEDOT as active material where hydrogen‐bonds play a crucial role in the improved performance of the device.
A unified framework to experiment with algorithm optimality and efficiency
Authors: Velázquez‐Iturbide J. Ángel
Published: April 2021

It is common in algorithm courses to assess the correctness of algorithms via testing as well as conducting experiments to measure their run‐time performance. However, two severe problems must be addressed: both activities are conducted using different procedures and tools, and algorithm assessment systems do not support well optimization problems due to their unique characteristics. Given the relevant role of optimization algorithms in computing, we present a unified framework to support experimentation with both criteria, that is, optimality and efficiency. The contributions of the article are twofold. First, we present a unified framework to experiment with both criteria, by using explicit principles and by presenting its instantiation in the AlgorEx system. The homogeneous treatment of optimality and time efficiency contributes to smoother integration of experimentation into a course syllabus and to easier adoption of the system. Second, we present our experience in several academic years in an algorithm course. Initially, it was noticed that students had severe difficulties dealing with experimentation, but their academic performance sharply increased by fully integrating experimentation along the complete course. The article also identifies some opportunities for extension in AlgorEx.
Formation and stability of oil‐laden foam: Effect of surfactant and hydrocarbon solvent
Authors: Lin Feng , Ng Jason K. , Huang Yueying , Huang Charley , Zeng Hongbo
Published: April 2021

Oil‐laden (OL) foams could serve an important role in various processes, particularly in enhanced oil recovery; however, OL foams are less studied than aqueous foams. In this work, the formation and stability of OL foam, by either sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) or Triton X‐100 (TX‐100) in water‐pentane mixture, was evaluated. We first constructed a diagram of good and poor foaminess against pentane content in the mixture and aqueous surfactant concentration. It was shown that surfactant onset concentration for good foaming was increased with increasing pentane content. The result was fitted using a mathematical model that considers the surfactant dilution and adsorption effects by pentane. Foam height decay profiles were also monitored. Results indicated that SDS resulted in a more stable foam than TX‐100 at the same critical micelle concentration (CMC). Depending on surfactant concentration, OL foams exhibited strikingly different stability behaviours. Pentane acted as an anti‐foamer at surfactant concentrations at the CMC or lower. However, very high foam stability was displayed at high surfactant concentration (e.g., 3× CMC) and medium to high pentane contents; this is a result contradictory to the predication of entering, spreading, and bridging coefficients in the classic theory. The stable OL foams of this study could be attractive to potential foam applications.
Gene and transgenics nomenclature for the laboratory axolotl—Ambystoma mexicanum
Authors: Nowoshilow Sergej , Fei Ji‐Feng , Voss S. Randal , Tanaka Elly M. , Murawala Prayag
Published: April 2021

The laboratory axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum) is widely used in biological research. Recent advancements in genetic and molecular toolkits are greatly accelerating the work using axolotl, especially in the area of tissue regeneration. At this juncture, there is a critical need to establish gene and transgenic nomenclature to ensure uniformity in axolotl research. Here, we propose guidelines for genetic nomenclature when working with the axolotl.
Drebrin, an actin‐binding protein, is required for lens morphogenesis and growth
Authors: Karnam Shruthi , Maddala Rupalatha , Stiber Jonathan A. , Rao Ponugoti V.
Published: April 2021

Background

Lens morphogenesis, architecture, and clarity are known to be critically dependent on actin cytoskeleton organization and cell adhesive interactions. There is limited knowledge, however regarding the identity and role of key proteins regulating actin cytoskeletal organization in the lens. This study investigated the role of drebrin, a developmentally regulated actin‐binding protein, in mouse lens development by generating and characterizing a conditional knockout (cKO) mouse model using the Cre‐LoxP recombination approach.

Results

Drebrin E, a splice variant of DBN1 is a predominant isoform expressed in the mouse lens and exhibits a maturation‐dependent downregulation. Drebrin co‐distributes with actin in both epithelium and fibers. Conditional deficiency (both haploinsufficiency and complete absence) of drebrin results in disrupted lens morphogenesis leading to cataract and microphthalmia. The drebrin cKO lens reveals a dramatic decrease in epithelial height and width, E‐cadherin, and proliferation, and increased apoptotic cell death and expression of α‐smooth muscle actin, together with severely impaired fiber cell organization, polarity, and cell‐cell adhesion.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the requirement of drebrin in lens development and growth, with drebrin deficiency leading to impaired lens morphogenesis and microphthalmia.
Myelocytomatosis‐Protein Arginine N‐Methyltransferase 5 Axis Defines the Tumorigenesis and Immune Response in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Luo Yuhong , Gao Yuqing , Liu Weiwei , Yang Yuan , Jiang Jie , Wang Ying , Tang Wei , Yang Shoumei , Sun Lulu , Cai Jie , Guo Xiaozhen , Takahashi Shogo , Krausz Kristopher W. , Qu Aijuan , Chen Lei , Xie Cen , Gonzalez Frank J.
Published: April 2021

Background and Aims

HCC is a leading cause of cancer‐related deaths globally with poor outcome and limited therapeutic options. Although the myelocytomatosis (MYC) oncogene is frequently dysregulated in HCC, it is thought to be undruggable. Thus, the current study aimed to identify the critical downstream metabolic network of MYC and develop therapies for MYC‐driven HCC.

Approach and Results

Liver cancer was induced in mice with hepatocyte‐specific disruption of Myc and control mice by administration of diethylnitrosamine. Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry‐based metabolomic analyses revealed that urinary dimethylarginine, especially symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), was increased in the HCC mouse model in an MYC‐dependent manner. Analyses of human samples demonstrated a similar induction of SDMA in the urines from patients with HCC. Mechanistically, Prmt5, encoding protein arginine N‐methyltransferase 5, which catalyzes SDMA formation from arginine, was highly induced in HCC and identified as a direct MYC target gene. Moreover, GSK3326595, a PRMT5 inhibitor, suppressed the growth of liver tumors in human MYC‐overexpressing transgenic mice that spontaneously develop HCC. Inhibition of PRMT5 exhibited antiproliferative activity through up‐regulation of the tumor suppressor gene Cdkn1b
/p27, encoding cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor 1B. In addition, GSK3326595 induced lymphocyte infiltration and major histocompatibility complex class II expression, which might contribute to the enhanced antitumor immune response. Combination of GSK3326595 with anti–programed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) immune checkpoint therapy (ICT) improved therapeutic efficacy in HCC.

Conclusions

This study reveals that PRMT5 is an epigenetic executer of MYC, leading to repression of the transcriptional regulation of downstream genes that promote hepatocellular carcinogenesis, highlights a mechanism‐based therapeutic strategy for MYC‐driven HCC by PRMT5 inhibition through synergistically suppressed proliferation and enhanced antitumor immunity, and finally provides an opportunity to mitigate the resistance of “immune‐cold” tumor to ICT.
Reading School: Critical Literacies of the Youth Equity Agents
Authors: Hendrix-Soto Aimee
Published: April 2021

In this article, I focus on the critical literacies of Black and Latinx youth participating in a youth participatory action research project, as well as the pedagogies that engaged those literacies. Critical ethnographic study of the Youth Equity Agents’ literacy practices revealed that they enacted a practice of reading school, wherein they investigated and acted on racial injustices in their local school worlds. Although youth had clearly been investigating injustice as a part of their daily navigations of urban schooling, this practice was engaged and extended in the youth participatory action research project. A pedagogical approach that positioned youth as knowledge producers and centered their social interests facilitated this, as did specific teaching practices such as engaging social theory and exploring the material environments of school. Youth applied this learning to produce digital photo counternarratives with the potential to transform inequity in schooling.
Thioredoxin‐interacting protein is a favored target of miR‐125b, promoting metastasis and progression of pancreatic cancer via the HIF1α pathway
Authors: Wang Pengli , Zheng Dan , Qi Hongyang , Gao Qi
Published: April 2021

MicroRNAs (miRs) are vital in the development of pancreatic cancer (PC) targeting several cellular processes. This study was aimed at evaluating the function of miR‐125b and the mechanism involved in PC. Cell migration, 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT), and Bromodeoxyuridine/5‐bromo‐2'‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) study was done to establish the migration capability, cell viability, and cell proliferation, respectively. Binding sites for miR‐125b were recognized by luciferase assay, and the expression of protein by Western blot and immunofluorescence assay. In vivo study was done by BALB/c nude xenograft mice for evaluating the function of miR‐125b. The study showed that expression of miR‐125b was elevated in PC cells and tissues and was correlated to proliferation and migration of cells. Also, overexpression of miR‐125b encouraged migration, metastasis, and proliferation of BxPC‐3 cells, and suppression reversed it. We also noticed that thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP) was the potential target of miR‐125b. The outcomes also suggested that miR‐125b governed the expression of TXNIP inversely via directly attaching to the three prime untranslated region (3′‐UTR) activating hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF1α). Looking into the relation between HIF1α and TXNIP, we discovered that TXNIP caused the degradation and export of HIF1α by making a complex with it. The miR‐125b‐TXNIP‐HIF1α pathway may serve as a useful strategy for diagnosing and treating PC.
Spatio‐temporal variability of summer monsoon surface air temperature over India and its regions using Regional Climate Model
Authors: Verma Shruti , Bhatla Rajeev , Ghosh Soumik , Sinha Palash , Kumar Mall Rajesh , Pant Manas
Published: April 2021

In this study, a dynamically downscaled regional climate model (RegCM4.3) is used to study the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) surface air temperature over the South‐Asia CORDEX domain using six convection schemes during 1986–2010. The spatial and temporal variability of mean surface air temperature has been analysed with reference to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) analysis data using various statistical scores. The sensitivity experiments in selecting the best convective parameterized schemes have been performed in simulating the surface air temperature during the summer monsoon season (June–September) over India and its five sub‐regions such as Northwest India, Northcentral India, West Peninsular India, Eastern Peninsular India, and Southern Peninsular India. The model results show the tendency of overestimation of surface air temperature mainly in four cumulus parameterization schemes (CPSs) that is, Tiedtke, Emanuel, Mix98, and Mix99 of RegCM4.3 during the JJAS, where Grell and Kuo CPSs show better agreement with the IMD data. Overall, Grell CPS has a close resemblance to the observation data with a minimum root mean square error, mean absolute error, lowest mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and higher correlation coefficient. The model simulated results have also been investigated further using modified Nash Sutcliffe efficiency and modified Willmott's degree of index. These analyses confirm the potentiality of the Grell CPS followed by the Kuo CPS in simulating interannual variability of the surface air temperature over Indian and its five sub‐regions. The MAPE in Grell and Kuo CPSs are 0.004 and 0.013°C during monsoon season over India, respectively. The inter‐scheme difference in simulating surface air temperature is linked with the generation of low cloud convection and warming‐induced atmospheric moisture advection in the schemes. Therefore, Emanuel, Tiedtke, and Mix98 CPSs have shown a persistent nature of overestimation in surface air temperature variability during JJAS. It is also inferred that after removing the systematic mean bias from the RegCM4.3 model simulated outputs; the skill of Emanuel, Mix98, and Mix99 could be useful over the Indian subcontinent except for the southern peninsular region.
Hepatitis B X‐interacting protein, involved in increasing proliferation and cell migration, is a prognostic marker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Meng Xue , Mori Taisuke , Matsumoto Fumihiko , Miura Nami , Onidani Kaoru , Kobayashi Kenya , Matsuzaki Yusuke , Yoshimoto Seiichi , Ikeda Katsuhisa , Honda Kazufumi
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Factors associated with prognosis and molecular mechanisms leading to a malignant phenotype in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) need to be identified. The focus was on the biological function and clinical impact of hepatitis B X‐interacting protein (HBXIP) in HNSCC.

Methods

mRNA expression profiles of HBXIP were compared between tumor and normal tissues in head and neck cancer cases from an online database. The protein expressions of candidate genes were verified by immunohistochemistry (IHC) with tissue microarray blocks designed with 221 cases. Prognostic significance was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression analysis. The molecular function of malignant phenotypes was investigated by generating knockdown cell lines of HNSCC with RNA interference.

Results

Analysis of the online database showed that the mRNA of HBXIP was significantly higher in the HNSCC group than in normal specimens. IHC analysis showed significant differences in the protein expression of HBXIP by clinical stage, T status, and recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed that, in HBXIP IHC‐positive patients, N status, T status, and neural invasion were significantly associated with overall survival. In addition, downregulation of the HBXIP gene in SAS, a tongue squamous cancer cell line, inhibited proliferation and the invasion phenotype.

Conclusions

By increasing the malignant phenotypes of cell proliferation and invasion, upregulation of HBXIP was a prognostic factor in HNSCC.
Imidazolium zwitterion‐based protic ionic liquids: from monomers to polymer membranes
Authors: Fadeeva Yuliya A , Shmukler Liudmila E , Gruzdev Matvey S , Safonova Liubov P
Published: April 2021

We present the results of synthesis and investigation of the thermal behavior, ion transport properties and electrochemical stability of polymerized imidazolium‐based protic ionic liquids (poly(ILs)) as materials with potential applications in electrochemical devices. The phase behavior of both poly(ILs) and the corresponding IL monomers (MILs) was studied using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The temperature dependences of the conductivity and electrochemical window of all the MILs and poly(ILs) are discussed. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
A useful epitope tag derived from maltose binding protein
Authors: Lénon Marine , Ke Na , Ren Guoping , Meuser Megan E. , Loll Patrick J. , Riggs Paul , Berkmen Mehmet
Published: April 2021

Maltose binding protein (MBP) is used in recombinant protein expression as an affinity and solubility tag. The monoclonal antibody B48 binds MBP tightly and has no cross‐reactivity to other proteins in an Escherichia coli lysate. This high level of specificity suggested that MBP contains an epitope that could prove useful as a purification and visualization tag for proteins expressed in E. coli. To discover the MBP epitope, a co‐crystal structure was determined for MBP bound to its antibody and four amino acids of MBP were identified as critical for the binding interaction. Fusions of various fragments of MBP to the glutathione S‐transferase protein were engineered in order to identify the smallest fragment still recognized by the α‐MBP antibody. Stabilization of the epitope via mutational engineering resulted in a minimized 14 amino‐acid tag.
Isolation, fermentation, and formulation of entomopathogenic fungi virulent against adults of Diaphorina citri
Authors: Awan Umar Anwar , Meng Lixue , Xia Shuang , Raza Muhammad Fahim , Zhang Zhenyu , Zhang Hongyu
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Mycopesticides are important for integrated management of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri. However, there are few reports on the fermentation and formulation for mycopesticides with high virulence against D. citri.

RESULTS

From four different locations in South China, 12 fungal strains were isolated and classified into Beauveria bassiana (two isolates), Fusarium fujikuroi (five isolates), and Cordyceps javanica (five isolates) based on the phylogenetic analysis of ITS1‐5.8S rDNA‐ITS4 and morphology of colonies and conidia. Based on the highest initial virulence (86.52 ± 2.35%) and best growth characteristics, F‐HY002‐ACPHali was further optimized for biphasic fermentation (7.85 ± 2.62 × 109 g–1 dry substrate) with soybean meal + cottonseed flour (1:1) as the solid substrate and full light as the light/dark cycle. Furthermore, the oil‐based conidial formulation was optimized with sesame oil as an effective carrier, which significantly enhanced conidial shelf life up to 16 weeks at 26 °C and 4 °C, thermo‐stress (50 °C) and UV‐B stress resistance, and virulence against adults of D. citri with increased mortalities and decreased LT50 in comparison to that of unformulated conidia.

CONCLUSION

Our results not only provide a valuable native strain with high virulence against adults of D. citri, but also imply the soybean meal + cottonseed flour as valuable solid substrate, full‐light exposure as environmental stimuli for solid‐state fermentation, and the sesame oil as an effective carrier for the formulation of the C. javanica. These findings will facilitate the development of a potential mycopesticide for the biological control of Asian citrus psyllid.
NIR‐II Absorbing Semiconducting Polymer‐Triggered Gene‐Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Zhang Xun , Yang Yanqing , Kang Tianyi , Wang Jun , Yang Guang , Yang Yuming , Lin Xiangwei , Wang Lidai , Li Kai , Liu Jie , Ni Jen‐Shyang
Published: April 2021

Exploration of facile strategies for precise regulation of target gene expression remains highly challenging in the development of gene therapies. Especially, a stimuli‐responsive nanocarrier integrated with ability of noninvasive remote control for treating wide types of cancers is rarely developed. Herein, a NIR‐II absorbing semiconducting polymer (PBDTQ) is employed to remotely activate the heat‐inducible heat‐shock protein 70 (HSP70) promoter under laser irradiation, further realizing regulation of gene‐directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT) for cancer treatment in mild hyperthermia. In this multifunctional nanocomposite, the PBDTQ and double suicide gene plasmid (pSG) based on HSP70 promoter are incorporated into a lipid complex. Upon NIR‐II laser excitation, the mild photothermal effect (≈43 °C) generated from PBDTQ can cause the release of pSG and activation of HSP70 promoter, and then upregulate suicide gene expression triggered by the HSP70 promoter which can further convert the nontoxic prodrug into its cytotoxic metabolites. Therefore, this work demonstrates a universal NIR‐II laser‐triggered GDEPT using semiconducting polymers as the photothermal generator for cancer treatment with minimized collateral damage and nontargeted side effects.
Precise Synthesis of Fused Decacyclic Electron Acceptor Isomers for Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Lu Bing , Zhang Zhecheng , Jia Boyu , Cai Guilong , Zhu Jingshuai , Lu Xinhui , Zhan Xiaowei , Yao Yong
Published: April 2021

Two intermediates (dimethyl 3,7‐dibromonaphthalene‐2,6‐dicarboxylate and dimethyl 1,5‐dibromonaphthalene‐2,6‐dicarboxylate) are synthesized to realize the isomerization of naphthalene‐based decacyclic fused‐ring electron acceptors FTIC1 and FTIC2. The linear‐shaped FTIC1 and nonlinear‐shaped FTIC2 share the same terminal groups and side chains but different isomeric central cores. They share similar light absorption spectra in the 500–850 nm region and energy bandgaps, although FTIC2 shows a higher maximum molar absorptivity and electron mobility than FTIC1. Compared with the blend film of PM6/FTIC1, the active layer film of PM6/FTIC2 exhibits higher and more balanced hole and electron mobilities due to the influence of the nanoscale morphology. In terms of the photovoltaic performance of the organic solar cells, the FTIC2‐based devices afford a higher efficiency of 11.7% with short‐circuit current density (JSC) of 17.2 mA cm−2 than FTIC1‐based devices (8.98%).
Anthropology at Work
Authors: Koch-Weser Maritta
Published: April 2021

This is a personal record. I describe my work at the World Bank for over 20 years, telling you how we began a new and continuously evolving professional practice four decades ago, and to what effect. I hope to transmit to students of a next generation the causes that development anthropology stands for, and to pass on my passionate conviction that it must remain a mainstream discipline in the twenty-first century.
The Need for Social Research and the Broadening of CGIAR’s Paradigm
Authors: Kassam Amir
Published: April 2021

This article first presents reflections on the joint work carried out by Michael Cernea and this chapter’s author over 8–9 years for gaining “room, recognition and resources” within the CGIAR for sociological and socio-anthropological research on farmers, their practices and needs. The status of social research inside the CGIAR has gone through ups and downs in the uphill battle for expanding social research and feeding its findings into the Centers’ biophysical and genetic improvement research has been a constant in CGIAR’s history. The chapter then documents the contribution of Michael Cernea, the first sociologist who acceded to CGIAR’s top science and policy bodies, to strengthening the presence and influence of sociological and anthropological knowledge within the CGIAR’s institutional architecture and scientific products and outcomes.
The Risks and Reconstruction Model for Resettling Displaced Populations
Authors: Cernea Michael M.
Published: April 2021

Impoverishment of displaced people is the fundamental risk in development-caused involuntary population resettlement. To counter this central risk, protecting and reconstructing displaced peoples’ livelihoods is the central requirement for equitable resettlement programs.
Muddy Waters: Inside the World Bank as It Struggled with the Narmada Irrigation and Resettlement Projects, Western India
Authors: Wade Robert H.
Published: April 2021

The period since the Second World War has witnessed three global power shifts: one, from sovereign states relating to each other through balances of power, to inter-state organizations which pool some sovereignty and enact collective preferences; two, from states to non-state organizations, including NGOs, enormously facilitated by the internet; and three, from West to East. The World Bank has been a microcosm of these shifts. This chapter describes the interplay between some of the agents: World Bank staff; World Bank top management; World Bank Executive Directors (representatives of member governments, who formally govern the Bank); Government of India and governments of states; Indian and international (mainly UK, US, Japanese) NGOs; and the US Congress. The context is the Narmada irrigation and resettlement projects in western India from the 1970s to the 1990s. The first of the projects (Sardar Sarovar) became the subject of a large-scale opposition movement, Indian and international, which ended up forcing the World Bank to take serious responsibility for resettlement and environmental sustainability in its projects world-wide, and to create an independent inspection facility to which people who consider their welfare net harmed by a World Bank-supported project can bring complaints direct to the Bank by-passing their national government.
Social Assessment and Resettlement Policies and Practice in China: Contributions by Michael M Cernea to Development in China
Authors: Shi Guoqing , Yu Fangmei , Wang Chaogang
Published: April 2021

We are very pleased to contribute to this volume to express our appreciation for the collaboration with the community of social scientists, sociologists and anthropologists, working at the World Bank. Chinese social scientists joined forces with them on essential activities: development projects, research programs, academic conferences, training courses, and joint books. One of us, Guoqing Shi, has participated in the international symposium in Bieberstein, Germany, where this volume has originated.
Working Together at the World Bank for Broadening the Development Paradigm
Authors: Wolfensohn James
Published: April 2021

I accepted with great pleasure the invitation to contribute to this volume intended to honor Michael Cernea, one of the most outstanding colleagues that I had the good fortune to work with during my years at the World Bank. Michael was the leader and spokesperson of the Bank’s initially small but continually growing community of sociologists and anthropologists, a community that was on the front line of my efforts to broaden and strengthen the Bank’s focus on effective poverty reduction.
Social Analysis in Project Lending: Writing New Rules and Changing Old Practices
Authors: Price Susanna
Published: April 2021

In 1984 the World Bank placed social analysis formally into the rulebook. For the first time amongst multilateral development banks, the Bank’s rulebook integrated social analysis into a key operational checkpoint before project approval. This chapter examines the way which social analysis pioneers in the World Bank and Asian Development Bank took complementary paths to make new subjects visible, engage them in planning projects, and to codify these approaches in social “rules”. They envisaged continued cooperation among social development specialists, reaching beyond institutional and country borders; and encompassing local partners. In examining these pioneering roles in social analysis the chapter explores the longstanding challenge of addressing the critical relationship of social equity to economic growth in a lending environment.
Late-time dark matter oscillations and the core-cusp problem
Authors: Cline James M. , Gambini Guillermo , McDermott Samuel D. , Puel Matteo
Published: April 2021

Abstract

The core-cusp problem persists as an unresolved tension between the pre- dictions of ΛCDM cosmology and observations of dark matter (DM) profiles in dwarf spheroidal and other galaxies. We present a novel scenario for converting cusps into cores through reactivation of DM annihilation in galaxies at late times. This can happen in asymmetric DM models when there is a very small DM-number violating mass term that causes oscillations between DM and its antiparticle. Using analytic methods as well as gravitational N-body simulations, we show that this mechanism can robustly eliminate cusps from galactic DM profiles for light fermionic DM of mass mχ ∼ (0.1 − 1) GeV and a lighter mediator into which the DM can annihilate. We identify regions of parameter space where annihilation of DM particles is more efficient than elastic scattering at reducing the inner density of the DM profile. Dark matter annihilation is therefore a qualitatively distinct alternative to the mechanism of elastic self-interacting dark matter for addressing the cusp-core problem.
Constraining momentum space correlators using slightly broken higher spin symmetry
Authors: Jain Sachin , John Renjan Rajan , Malvimat Vinay
Published: April 2021

Abstract

In this work, building up on [1] we present momentum space Ward identities related to broken higher spin symmetry as an alternate approach to computing correlators of spinning operators in interacting theories such as the quasi-fermionic and quasi-bosonic theories. The direct Feynman diagram approach to computing correlation functions is intricate and in general has been performed only in specific kinematic regimes. We use higher spin equations to obtain the parity even and parity odd contributions to two-, three- and four-point correlators involving spinning and scalar operators in a general kinematic regime, and match our results with existing results in the literature for cases where they are available.

One of the interesting facts about higher spin equations is that one can use them away from the conformal fixed point. We illustrate this by considering mass deformed free boson theory and solving for two-point functions of spinning operators using higher spin equations.
Fusion of interfaces in Landau-Ginzburg models: a functorial approach
Authors: Behr Nicolas , Fredenhagen Stefan
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We investigate the fusion of B-type interfaces in two-dimensional supersymmetric Landau-Ginzburg models. In particular, we propose to describe the fusion of an interface in terms of a fusion functor that acts on the category of modules of the underlying polynomial rings of chiral superfields. This uplift of a functor on the category of matrix factorisations simplifies the actual computation of interface fusion. Besides a brief discussion of minimal models, we illustrate the power of this approach in the SU(3)/U(2) Kazama-Suzuki model where we find fusion functors for a set of elementary topological defects from which all rational B-type topological defects can be generated.
De Branges Type Lemma and Approximation in Weighted Spaces
Authors: Bucur I. , Paltineanu G.
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this paper is to give some generalizations of de Branges Lemma for weighted spaces to obtain different approximation theorems in weighted spaces for algebras, vector subspaces or convex cones. We recall that the (original) de Branges Lemma (Proc Am Math Soc 10(5):822–824, 1959) was demonstrated for continuous scalar function on a compact space while, the weighted spaces are classes of continuous scalar functions on a locally compact space (e.g. the space of function with compact support, the space of bounded functions, the space of functions vanishing at infinity, the space of functions rapidly decreasing at infinity).
Residual finiteness and related properties in monounary algebras and their direct products
Authors: de Witt Bill
Published: April 2021

In this paper we discuss the relationship between direct products of monounary algebras and their components, with respect to the properties of residual finiteness, strong/weak subalgebra separability, and complete separability. For each of these properties $${\mathcal {P}}$$
P
, we give a criterion $$\mathcal {C_P}$$

C
P

such that a monounary algebra $$A$$
A
has property $${\mathcal {P}}$$
P
if and only if it satisfies $$\mathcal {C_P}$$

C
P

. We also show that for a direct product $$A\times B$$

A
×
B

of monounary algebras, $$A\times B$$

A
×
B

has property $${\mathcal {P}}$$
P
if and only if one of the following is true: either both $$A$$
A
and $$B$$
B
have property $${\mathcal {P}}$$
P
, or at least one of $$A$$
A
or $$B$$
B
are backwards-bounded, a special property which dominates direct products and which guarantees all $${\mathcal {P}}$$
P
hold.
Functionalisation of wheat and oat bran using single-strain fermentation and its impact on techno-functional and nutritional properties of biscuits
Authors: Sahin Aylin W. , Coffey Aidan , Zannini Emanuele
Published: April 2021

The adequate intake of dietary fibre is linked to several health benefits, for example, reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. However, the population’s intake of dietary fibre is below the dosage recommended by the World Health Organisation. The incorporation of fibre ingredients, such as bran, in cereal based products affects the techno-functional and sensory properties, resulting in inferior product quality. To compensate quality loss, wheat bran (WB) and oat bran (OB) were fermented using the lactic acid bacterium strain Leuconostoc citreum TR116 prior to the application in a biscuit system. Two types of fermentation, one without any addition of sugars (FB) and one with the supplementation of 5% fructose and 5% sucrose to trigger the production of mannitol (FB +), were conducted and sugar and acid profiles as well as pH and total titratable acids (TTA) were evaluated. Fermented WB showed a higher TTA (+ 58%) compared to fermented OB. Furthermore, FOB + resulted in higher microbial cell count and higher residual sugars after 48 h of fermentation. The application of fermented brans in a biscuit system showed a decrease in dough stickiness (− 41.7%) and an increase in dough hardness (+ 32%). The type of bran (WB and OB) as well as the type of fermentation (FB or FB +) influenced the results of biscuit dough and biscuit quality (p < 0.005). Fermentation increased biscuit spreading, influenced biscuit snap force, enhanced crunchiness and colour formation, and lowered the predicted glycaemic index. Fermented OB (FOB +) resulted in a sensory profile comparable to the control.