bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Cloud Seeding Experiment by Aircraft: A Case Study of an International Joint Experiment in 2019
Authors: Ku Jung Mo , Ko A-Reum , Chae Sanghee , Hwang Hyun Jun , Ro Yonghun , Jung Woonseon
Published: January 2021

In this study, an international joint cloud seeding experiment (International Joint Cloud Observation and Weather Control Experiment 2019, IJCO-WCE 2019) by aircraft was analyzed using numerical simulations, ground observation data, and aircraft observation data. As a result of numerical simulations, it was found that the seeding material was diffused in a direction consistent with the wind direction observed by the aircraft. Further, aircraft observation data showed an increase in average water concentration of clouds and precipitation particles after seeding rather than during seeding. The average water concentration of clouds observed by the Cloud Droplet Probe (CDP) increased by about 59% after seeding than during seeding, and that observed by the Cloud Imaging Probe (CIP) increased by about 82%. In addition, precipitation particles observed by the Precipitation Imaging Probe (PIP) were hardly noticed during seeding, but appeared after seeding.
The average copy number variation (CNVA) of chromosome fragments is a potential surrogate for tumor mutational burden in predicting responses to immunotherapy in non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Lei Yuanyuan , Zhang Guochao , Zhang Chaoqi , Xue Liyan , Yang Zhenlin , Lu Zhiliang , Huang Jianbing , Zang Ruochuan , Che Yun , Mao Shuangshuang , Fang Lingling , Liu Chengming , Wang Xinfeng , Zheng Sufei , Sun Nan , He Jie
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The tumor mutational burden (TMB) is closely related to immunotherapy outcome. However, the cost of TMB detection is extremely high, which limits its use in clinical practice. A new indicator of genomic instability, the average copy number variation (CNVA), calculates the changes of 0.5‐Mb chromosomal fragments and requires extremely low sequencing depth.

Methods

In this study, 50 samples (23 of which were from patients who received immunotherapy) were subjected to low‐depth (10X) chromosome sequencing on the MGI platform. CNVA was calculated by the formula avg (abs (copy number‐2)). In addition, CNVA and TMB were compared with regard to their ability to predict immune infiltration in 509 patients from TCGA.

Results

The high‐CNVA group had higher expression levels of PD‐L1, CD39 and CD19 and a higher degree of infiltration of CD8+ T cells and CD3 + T cells. Among the 23 patients treated with immunotherapy, the average CNVA value of the stable disease/partial response group was higher than that of the progressive disease group (P < 0.05). Whole‐genome sequencing data of 509 patients from TCGA and RT‐PCR results of 22 frozen specimens showed that CNVA is more effective than TMB in indicating infiltration of CD8+ T cells and expression of PD‐L1, and CNVA also showed a specific positive correlation with TMB (r = 0.2728, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Copy number variation can be a good indicator of immune infiltration and immunotherapy efficacy, and with its low cost, it is expected to become a substitute for TMB.
Design, synthesis, molecular docking, anti‐quorum sensing, and anti‐biofilm activity of pyochelin‐zingerone conjugate
Authors: Nosran Anu , Kaur Parleen , Randhawa Vinay , Chhibber Sanjay , Singh Vasundhara , Harjai Kusum
Published: January 2021

In this article, we report the chemical synthesis of pyochelin‐zingerone conjugate via a hydrolysable ester linkage for drug delivery as a “Trojan Horse Strategy.” It is a new therapeutic approach to combat microbial infection and to address the issue of multi drug resistance in Gram‐negative, nosocomial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pyochelin (Pch) is a catecholate type of phenolate siderophore produced and utilized by the pathogen P. aeruginosa to assimilate iron when colonizing the vertebrate host. Zingerone, is active component present in ginger, a dietary herb known for its anti‐virulent approach against P. aeruginosa. In the present study, zingerone was exploited to act as a good substitute for existing antibiotics, known to have developed resistance by most pathogens. Encouraging results were obtained by docking analysis of pyochelin‐zingerone conjugate with FptA, the outer membrane receptor of pyochelin. Conjugate also showed anti‐quorum sensing activity and also inhibited swimming, swarming, and twitching motilities as well as biofilm formation in vitro.
The fragmentation of international banking regulation
Authors: Jabbour Ravel Sami
Published: January 2021

As in many areas of international law, the virus of fragmentation has now permeated the zeitgeist of international banking regulation. As a result, one of the largest pieces of regulation, the Basel III framework, hangs in the balance as it awaits implementation. This study assesses the financial sectors of both developed and emerging economies with an aim to determine which countries are more likely to spread the virus so that it can be stopped before becoming a pandemic. We find that a specific set of countries are most likely to do just that.
Effect of augmented reality on school journalism: A tool for developing communication competencies in virtual environments
Authors: Fernández‐García Carlos
Published: January 2021

Augmented reality combines virtual and real elements within the same visual environment. It is urgently necessary that augmented reality be incorporated into public education in developing countries. This challenge requires governments to be committed to education. Nevertheless, within our nations, there exists an emerging body of expertise concerning the innovation of educational material utilizing Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The objective of this study is to explain how the use of augmented reality in school journalism affects the development of communication skills in virtual environments within the context of public secondary education in Latin America. This quasi‐experimental research study was conducted on two separate groups: an experimental group and a control group. The approach was a mix of qualitative and quantitative methodology. The results differed markedly between the two groups. The students in the experimental group developed the four communication skills in virtual environments at an average level of 95%, and they created an augmented reality magazine. Meanwhile, the control group did not even create a printed publication. It is concluded that the use of augmented reality makes a significant pedagogical contribution to the teaching/learning process of school journalism and that with the help of educational policies, this pedagogical contribution can be replicated in other schools.
Computational investigation of the substituent effect in the [2 + 4] Diels–Alder cycloaddition reactions of HSi≡Si(para‐C6H4X) with benzene
Authors: Ahraminejad Mina , Ghiasi Reza , Mohtat Bita , Ahmadi Roya
Published: January 2021

In this paper, the DFT method was applied at the B3LYP/6–311+G (d,p) level of theory to investigate the [2 + 4] Diels−Alder cycloaddition reactions of HSi≡Si(para‐C6H4X); X = NH2, OH, Me, H, F, CCH, OCF3 with benzene. It was attempted to show how the substituent affects the barrier height and thermodynamic parameters of these reactions. To illustrate the interaction between two fragments at transition states Activation Strain Model (ASM) and Energy Decomposition Analysis (EDA) were utilized. The Wiberg bond indices were used to check the progress of the reactions. The rate constant of the reaction was computed at 300 K, in the gas phase. Also, the synchronicity values of this reaction were determined.
Hydrogen detection properties of palladium sputtered polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous layers
Authors: Ahmadi Mahsa , Tavanai Hossein , Ranjbar Mehdi , Goodarzi Mehdi Torabi
Published: January 2021

In this research, electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibrous layers are investigated as substrate for palladium‐based resistive type hydrogen sensors. The fabricated sensors showed sensitivity to hydrogen with a concentration as low as 12 ppm at room temperature. Up to 50 ppm hydrogen concentration, hydrogen induced lattice expansion (HILE) constituted the mechanism, whereas, with concentrations of 125 ppm and higher, palladium hydride formation (PdHx) mechanism ruled. For equal palladium thickness, the response of the sensors increased with increasing nanofiber diameter. With constant diameter of nanofibers, response and response time increased with thicker palladium layer. The sensor with 104 nm nanofibers and 4 nm palladium layer showed the best behavior. The sensor with nanofibrous substrate showed a higher response and lower response time in comparison to glass, PAN film, and PAN fibrous (fiber diameter: 16 μm, non‐nanofiber) substrate.
An unusual presentation of a hepatic ductal malformation in a Boxer dog
Authors: Kaniok Heidi , Gonzalez‐Gasch Esteban , Alloway Elizabeth , Suarez‐Bonnet Alejandro
Published: January 2021

An 11‐year‐old male neutered Boxer presented for evaluation of an external ear canal mass, postoperatively diagnosed as a benign inflammatory lesion. Preoperative staging of the ear mass identified a 10‐cm mass affecting the majority of the left lateral hepatic lobe, with inconclusive cytology. A left lateral liver lobectomy was performed. Histopathology revealed the hepatic parenchyma was largely effaced and replaced by a myriad of small calibre tubules lined by well‐differentiated biliary epithelium (cytokeratin19 and cytokeratin7 positive (CK19+, CK7+) supported by abundant fibrosis. Small cords and islands of hepatocytes (hepatocyte paraffin1 positive) (HepPar1+) were entrapped throughout these bile ducts. Analysis of the proliferation index via antigen KI‐67 (Ki67) immunohistochemistry confirmed lack of proliferative activity. Histological and immunohistochemical features were consistent with a ductal plate malformation (DPM). This is the first time a DPM of this size has been described on a computed tomography (CT) scan.
Access to Biomedical Research Material and the Right to Data Protection in Finland
Authors: Southerington Tom
Published: January 2021

This chapter describes the Finnish regulatory landscape concerning primarily non-interventional biomedical research and in particular the rights of study subjects from the data protection point of view. The GDPR is just one of many pieces of legislation affecting the rights of individuals, and it allows for significant variation between the EU Member States. Finnish law relating to biomedical research has materially changed in recent years and some changes are still pending. Overall, the legislator has aimed at enhancing opportunities for responsible research and enabling research-related innovation ecosystems, but also implemented quite strict limitations for data processing in balance. It is yet too early to evaluate the effects of the legislatory changes. The chapter is therefore mainly descriptive.
Mapping the Biobank Landscape in Greece
Authors: Tzortzatou Olga , Siapka Anastasia
Published: January 2021

The biobank landscape in Greece is mainly defined by tissue and data collections created in the course of clinical practice whose samples are subsequently repurposed for research. Given that there is no specific Greek biobank law, these collections have been so far governed through provisions drawn from the domestic civil and constitutional legal armamentarium concerning (biomedical) research as well as soft and hard EU and international laws. This chapter provides an empirical overview of the biobank landscape in Greece, describing existing biobanks and tissue collections potentially used for research in a non-exhaustive manner. Next, it explores how the Greek Law on the Protection of Personal Data envisages individuals’ rights in the context of biobanking research and how these rights are weighted against the public interest. Finally, it evaluates the potential impact of the GDPR on biobanking in Greece.
The Impact of the GDPR on the Governance of Biobank Research
Authors: Shabani Mahsa , Chassang Gauthier , Marelli Luca
Published: January 2021

Governance of health and genomic data access in the context of biobanking is of salient importance in implementing the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Various components of data access governance could be considered as ‘organizational measures’ which are stressed in the Article 89(1) GDPR together with technical measures that should be used in order to safeguard rights of the data subjects when processing data under research exemption rules. In this chapter, we address the core elements regarding governance of biobanks in the view of GDPR, including conditions for processing personal data, data access models, oversight bodies and data access agreements. We conclude by highlighting the importance of guidelines and policy documents in helping the biobanks in improving the data access governance. In addition, we stress that it is important to ensure the existing and emerging oversight bodies are equipped with adequate expertise regarding using and sharing health and genomic data and are aware of the associated informational risks.
Competencies, Culture, and Change: A Model for Digital Transformation in K-12 Educational Contexts
Authors: Elkordy Angela , Iovinelli Jessica
Published: January 2021

On the surface, adopting technology presents itself as a technical issue. Yet, the real challenge of digital transformation in educational contexts necessitates a second-order change to disrupt and realign interconnected systems. A significant component of digital transformation in K-12 schools is an understanding of the unique affordances of digital tools and technologies and how these can be leveraged to align with learning goals and targets to impact teaching and learning in new ways. While there are several models for innovation diffusion and technology adoption in K-12 contexts, they fall short, particularly in describing the nature and interactions of these interconnected systems. These aspects of technology implementation remain a mystery. As a result, efforts to enact change in K-12 organizations often fall short due to a lack of understanding of context, inadequate goal-setting, insufficient professional development and personalized supports to build capacity, and a failure to evaluate progress. In K-12 educational settings, the people, the competencies, and the culture, alongside the strong leadership, resources, and organizational context, are all essential to effect sustainable change. We propose a model for digital transformation that considers all of these factors and interconnected systems.
Multi-Stakeholder Dialogues as Instrument for Design and Qualitative Research in Educational Organisations
Authors: Helbig Christian , Hofhues Sandra , Lukács Bence
Published: January 2021

The article focuses on the value of group discussions both as a method of organisational development and as a method of empirical social research. These two perspectives are discussed as a “double meaning”, which often occurs simultaneously in different forms. The concept of “multi-stakeholder dialogues” takes up this challenge. Following on from this, dimensions of the design and research of group discussions will be discussed. The contribution relates to the subproject “Multi-stakeholder Dialogues and Qualitative Evaluation” of the joint project “#ko.vernetzt”. The subproject had the task of accompanying, structuring and researching organisational development in a networked educational institution with dialogue formats. A total of nine dialogues were conducted with different groups of participants, six of which were analysed using qualitative methods. The research perspective is based on a concept of organisations from a praxeological perspective and an understanding of organisational culture as collective conjunctive experience. Thus, the object of qualitative research is the reconstruction of typical modus operandi of the processing of requirements. The results show that structural deficits in educational organisations are reproduced and reinforced by digitisation.
Tracing Digital Transformation in Educational Organizations
Authors: Egloffstein Marc , Ifenthaler Dirk
Published: January 2021

This chapter describes the quantitative approaches for assessing various aspects of digital transformation from the joint research and development project #ko.vernetzt. In an application-oriented case study approach, the operationalization of a maturity model of digital transformation for educational organizations (MMEO) and the design and implementation of a multi-perspective evaluation concept are outlined. While the MMEO provides a state perspective on the digital transformation of an educational organization and its employees, the evaluation concept aims at tracing developments of media-related professional competencies. MMEO has been implemented in a study with N = 222 participants, while N = 59 learners were subject to the evaluation polls. The results provide the necessary evidence for implementing and continuously improving a qualification program in the regarded research context. However, the methodology can also be transferred to other organizations in the education sector and beyond.
Responsible Digital Transformation of Social Welfare Organizations
Authors: Schiffhauer Birte , Seelmeyer Udo
Published: January 2021

Digitalization will extensively change what kind of social services social welfare states will provide in the future and how these services are delivered. In addition, organization and financing will alter fundamentally. In Germany, a greater part of social services is organized by social welfare organizations. Digitalization will not only change social services, but also social welfare organizations. Until now, systematic concepts about responsible digital transformation for social welfare organizations are missing and there are no models for social welfare organizations to initiate, design and implement social innovation processes. This chapter gives an overview about organizational development and innovation in the context of social services. Further, ideas for a responsible digital transformation of social welfare organizations are provided and illustrated by an example of the social welfare organization: Workers’ Samaritan Federation North Rhine-Westphalia registered association (ASB NRW e.V.).
The Assessment of Judicial Independence Following the CJEU Ruling in C-216/18 LM
Authors: Biernat Stanisław , Filipek Paweł
Published: January 2021

In the LM ruling, the Court of Justice developed the Aranyosi and Căldăraru test and indicated it as the one to be applied for the assessment of judicial independence and fair trial guarantees in the context of executing European Arrest Warrants. Although serious threats to the rule of law and judicial independence in some EU countries, like Poland, have been documented over recent years, no warrant has so far been definitely rejected as a consequence of the application of the LM test, although there are cases in which the execution of warrants to Poland has been suspended. This naturally raises questions as to whether the mechanism proposed by the Court responds to the need of protecting the right to a fair trial and safeguarding judicial independence. In this contribution we evaluate the mechanism devised by the Court, taking into account the available judicial practice after the LM ruling. We point out that the almost automatic transfer of a mechanism proposed to evaluate the functioning of a prison system to that evaluating a fair trial and judicial independence has not been fully successful. The mechanism proposed by the Court reveals a number of problematic issues and proves to be insufficient and not entirely adequate to assess judicial independence and guarantees of a fair trial.
The Rule of Law, Fair Trial and Human Dignity: The Protection of EU Values After LM
Authors: Dupré Catherine
Published: January 2021

The 2018 CJEU ruling in LM highlighted the importance of judicial independence for the rule of law and protection of the right to fair trial. In so doing, the judgment raised problematic questions about the relationship between Article 2 values and the EU Charter rights, and their connection with mutual trust. This chapter considers these issues through the lens of human dignity, which is both the first foundational value under Article 2 and the first right in the EU Charter. By discussing how the LM judgment raises the constitutional status of the right to a fair trial, this chapter argues that a focus on human dignity could effectively link Article 2 values with EU Charter rights and facilitate assessment of their respective breach.
The Rule of Law As a Value in the Sense of Article 2 TEU: What Does It Mean and Imply?
Authors: Schroeder Werner
Published: January 2021

The rule of law is a value on which the European Union is founded, and which shall be respected and observed by its Member States. This value is not merely an ethical standard but a binding legal principle that is applicable to legal disputes under Union law. The treaties, however, do not provide a definition of this principle. From a Union law perspective, it is therefore indispensable to determine the rule of law more precisely; not only is it referred to in treaty law (Article 2 TEU), but understood by Union courts as a constitutional meta-principle that informs other constitutional norms and may justify review proceedings and sanctions against Member States. The Commission Framework to strengthen the Rule of Law of 2014 does not suffice to shape a ‘Union rule of law’. It relies primarily on the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union. Yet, this judicial concept of the rule of law is somehow restricted as it focuses almost exclusively on the role of the judicial branch in the Union’s constitutional system. Common European constitutional traditions, however, show that the core concern of the rule of law is the containment of public authority by institutional arrangements. In view of these traditions and the practice of the Union institutions, including the CJEU, consensus at the Union level might be achieved on the fact that the rule of law comprises not only strictly formal standards, but also material criteria of justice related to the juridical shaping of decision-making processes. These elements of the rule of law are intrinsically linked to fundamental rights and shall ensure that within the scope of Union law any public power is exercised in a non-arbitrary and legitimate way. To this end, the Union rule of law may not only be understood as a formal set of objective norms, but as ensuring the protection of individual rights as well.
Ascertaining the ‘Guarantee of Guarantees’: Recent Developments Regarding the Infringement Procedure in the EU’s Rule of Law Crisis
Authors: Schmidt Matthias , Bogdanowicz Piotr
Published: January 2021

This chapter builds on an assessment of infringement proceedings in the EU rule of law crisis that we previously published in the Common Market Law Review. We offer a close reading of two recent prominent infringement cases by the European Commission against Poland (cases C-619/18 and C-192/18). Noteworthy advancements in EU law made with them are in particular a clarification on the parallel use of Articles 7 TEU and 258 TFEU, the use of both interim relief and an expedited procedure prior to the judgment, and, as regards the merits, further substance for the functioning of Articles 19 TEU and 47 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights regarding the operationalisation of the rule of law in EU law. We offer a critical assessment of the Court’s findings and contextualise in light of two Commission communications on the rule of law published in 2019.
Bones and Rheumatology
Authors: Abdulkhaliq Altaf
Published: January 2021

Bone is a target tissue in many inflammatory diseases including rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and psoriatic arthritis.
Diagnostic Approach to Proximal Myopathy
Authors: Almoallim Hani , Albar Hadiel , Mehdawi Fahtima
Published: January 2021

Patients with muscle disorders are a diagnostic challenge to physicians, because of the various ways of presentation. A comprehensive approach should be followed systematically in order to reach the correct diagnosis. Weakness is a common symptom among patients including those with central or peripheral nervous systems diseases and those with muscular and/or neuromuscular diseases. Muscle weakness is not only a regular finding in rheumatologic diseases, but in inflammatory myopathies as well. This chapter focuses on skills needed to approach any patient that presents with weakness, specifically proximal myopathy.
Broadband Rotary Joint Concept for High-Power Radar Applications
Authors: Haas Daniel , Thumm Manfred , Jelonnek John
Published: January 2021

To allow antenna movements in azimuth and elevation in high-power radar applications, rotary joints are essential. They allow the rotation of a transmission line and therefore are important transmission line components. In the present paper, a broadband rotary joint concept for high-power W-band radar applications is proposed. To avoid a twist of the polarization plane of a linearly polarized mode, like HE11, a combination of two broadband polarizer is used. A cross polarization of Xpol ≤ − 20 dB can be achieved within the considered frequency range from 90 GHz to 100 GHz. This corresponds to a suitable value for radar applications.
Monoclonal Gammopathies of ‘Neurological Significance’: Paraproteinemic Neuropathies
Authors: Mani Arun Mathai , Devasia Anup Joseph , Nair Aditya , Benjamin Rohit Ninan , Prabhakar Appaswamy Thirumal , Sivadasan Ajith , Mathew Vivek , Aaron Sanjith , George Biju , Alexander Mathew
Published: January 2021

Objectives:

To study the clinical profile and outcomes of patients with paraproteinemic neuropathy (PPN) and to explore the utility of nerve conduction studies (NCSs) to differentiate between the demyelinating subtypes.

Methods:

We did a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with PPN between January 2010 and December 2019 in an inpatient setting. The study population consisted of patients above 16 years of age presenting with clinical features suggestive of chronic peripheral neuropathy and on evaluation was found to have PPN.

Results:

A total of 74 patients were identified. The patients were predominantly in the 6th decade, and the majority were males. The subtypes of PPN were monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) (45.9%), POEMS syndrome (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal plasma cell disorder, and skin changes) (24.3%), solitary plasmacytoma (17.6%), multiple myeloma (8.1%), and AL amyloidosis (4.1%). There are specific features on NCS which can help in identifying POEMS syndrome and IgM MGUS. The majority of patients with PPN tend to stabilize or improve with treatment; however, many have a severe residual disability. New terminology and classification of these entities as ‘monoclonal gammopathies of neurological significance’ can aid in early diagnosis and the development of effective treatment, to prevent residual disability.

Conclusion:

PPN has a heterogeneous spectrum of clinical, biochemical, and electrophysiological features. NCS can help distinguish POEMS syndrome and IgM MGUS from other demyelinating subtypes.
Order Book Dynamics of Fine Wine Exchange
Authors: Czupryna Marcin , Jakubczyk Michał , Oleksy Paweł
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we explore the order book dynamics on the Liv-ex fine wine exchange. More specifically, by using the order book data, we examine new buy and sell order submissions and cancellations and various factors that may have an effect on the intensity of the trade process on both sides of the market. Our findings indicate the existence of significant relationships between the expected number of bids, offers, or order withdrawals and wine producers, contract type, bottle format, case size, weekday, and age. In particular, the wine age positively affects the buy and sell order submissions, but only up to a certain point, after which the number of orders starts to decrease. (JEL Classifications: D40, G12, G14, L66)
China–India Studies: Emergence, Development, and State of the Field
Authors: Sen Tansen
Published: January 2021

This essay traces the development of China–India studies from the mid-nineteenth century to the present in order to take stock of the field, which has witnessed a surge in publication over the past two decades. The assessment presented here weaves the main shifts in China–India political relations with the emergence of various strands of China–India scholarship, since the two aspects often intersect. The major lacuna in the field, this essay argues, is a framework needed to analyze the complex connections and the pertinent comparisons between China and India. It contends that research on China–India topics should ideally attempt to combine comparative and connective frameworks with analyses that transcend geographic, temporal, and disciplinary boundaries to address this lacuna.
AN IMPROVEMENT OF MARKOVIAN INTEGRATION BY PARTS FORMULA AND APPLICATION TO SENSITIVITY COMPUTATION
Authors: Liu Yue , Shi Zhiyan , Tang Ying , Yao Jingjing , Zhu Xincheng
Published: January 2021

This paper establishes a new version of integration by parts formula of Markov chains for sensitivity computation, under much lower restrictions than the existing researches. Our approach is more fundamental and applicable without using Girsanov theorem or Malliavin calculus as did by past papers. Numerically, we apply this formula to compute sensitivity regarding the transition rate matrix and compare with a recent research by an IPA (infinitesimal perturbation analysis) method and other approaches.
A CLOSED-FORM PRICING FORMULA FOR EUROPEAN EXCHANGE OPTIONS WITH STOCHASTIC VOLATILITY
Authors: Pasricha Puneet , Goel Anubha
Published: January 2021

This article derives a closed-form pricing formula for the European exchange option in a stochastic volatility framework. Firstly, with the Feynman–Kac theorem's application, we obtain a relation between the price of the European exchange option and a European vanilla call option with unit strike price under a doubly stochastic volatility model. Then, we obtain the closed-form solution for the vanilla option using the characteristic function. A key distinguishing feature of the proposed simplified approach is that it does not require a change of numeraire in contrast with the usual methods to price exchange options. Finally, through numerical experiments, the accuracy of the newly derived formula is verified by comparing with the results obtained using Monte Carlo simulations.
Biodiversity revisited through systems thinking
Authors: Davila Federico , Plant Roel , Jacobs Brent
Published: January 2021

Systems thinking provides a comprehensive range of theories and methods that are useful for understanding and managing sustainability challenges. Biodiversity conservation is riddled with complex interactions between science, society and myriad interacting systems through temporal and spatial scales. This article presents a synthetic analysis of the history of systems thinking from a genealogical perspective, drawing from hard and soft systems thinking, and resilience and social-ecological systems. Using the anchor point of system leverage points and system characteristics (parameters, feedbacks, design and intent), we employ a diversity of examples to illustrate their relevance to multiple biodiversity related problems. We conclude by illustrating the opportunities for systems thinking to bridge epistemic divides with multiple biodiversity actors working towards conservation outcomes. Systems thinking can support more integrative biodiversity interventions, as they provide a pluralistic set of tools for bridging knowledges and disciplines, which can be useful to create new shared understandings of how to conserve biodiversity.
Pain Relief, Prescription Drugs, and Prosecution: A Four-State Survey of Chief Prosecutors
Authors: Ziegler Stephen J. , Lovrich Nicholas P.
Published: January 2021

A recurring theme in the debate over adequate pain management is the extent to which physicians’ fear of criminal investigation and prosecution has set up barriers to appropriate dispensing of pain relief to patients. While there have been several studies looking at the regulatory environment and its effect on physicians’ prescribing practices and the treatment of pain, there has been scant research on the probability of investigation or prosecution of physicians who aggressively prescribe opioids for pain management.

To understand whether physicians’ fear of investigation or prosecution is based on a realistic assessment of risk, the authors surveyed chief prosecutors in four states (Maryland, Connecticut, Oregon, and Washington), all of which have varying degrees of focus, prosecutorial culture, and regulatory attitudes toward this issue.
Patient Confidentiality: Hospital’s Release of Alcohol Treatment Data Does Not Violate Regs
Authors: Sayeed Hassen A.
Published: January 2021

In M.A.K. v. Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed the appellate court and held that the phrase any physician, medical practitioner, hospital, clinic, health care facility or other medical or medically related facility, in a patient's signed consent form met the general designation requirement of the Code of Federal Regulations for the release of alcohol and drug abuse treatment records. Thus, the Illinois Supreme Court held that the medical center's release of a patient's records did not violate the federal Confidentiality of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Patient Records regulations.
On the Mend: The Ninth Circuit Gives San Francisco’s Health Care Security Ordinance the Green Light (For Now)
Authors: Jacobs Sharon
Published: January 2021

If Justice Louis Brandeis were alive to witness San Francisco’s recent experiment with universal health care legislation, he might amend his famous characterization of the states as “laboratories of democracy” to include municipalities as well. In San Francisco, where ten percent of residents have no health insurance and where fifteen percent of businesses provide no health coverage for their employees, the Board of Supervisors recently passed the San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance (Ordinance), which funds a network of primary care services for uninsured residents. While the Ordinance has, in the main, met with general approval, its provision mandating contributions from local businesses that do not meet minimum health spending requirements is the subject of ongoing litigation. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled in the city’s favor, thereby allowing the spending provision to go forward pending a full appeal on the merits of the case.
Recent Developments in Health Law
Authors: Clark Stacy
Published: January 2021

In the past several years, the Office of Inspector General (OIG), the branch of the Department of Health and Human Services that combats fraud and abuse, has begun enforcing a little-used provision that allows the government to exclude owners and managers of sanctioned entities based on their position in the company. The OIG's exclusion authority under 42 USC § 1320a-7(b)(15) is not unique in applying strict liability to individual executives as a tool to halt corporate misconduct, but it represents a startling change for health care executives who could now face exclusion for their company's misdeeds. While the OIG has expanded its use of this statute, it has indicated some hesitancy in exercising the full scope of its statutory power.

Pursuant to §1128 and §1156 of the Social Security Act, the OIG can exclude individuals and entities from participating in federal healthcare programs. The OIG has both mandatory and permissive exclusion power, based on the circumstances of the offense.
Improvement of hand functions of spinal cord injury patients with electromyography-driven hand exoskeleton: A feasibility study
Authors: Yun Youngmok , Na Youngjin , Esmatloo Paria , Dancausse Sarah , Serrato Alfredo , Merring Curtis A. , Agarwal Priyanshu , Deshpande Ashish D.
Published: January 2021

We have developed a one-of-a-kind hand exoskeleton, called Maestro, which can power finger movements of those surviving severe disabilities to complete daily tasks using compliant joints. In this paper, we present results from an electromyography (EMG) control strategy conducted with spinal cord injury (SCI) patients (C5, C6, and C7) in which the subjects completed daily tasks controlling Maestro with EMG signals from their forearm muscles. With its compliant actuation and its degrees of freedom that match the natural finger movements, Maestro is capable of helping the subjects grasp and manipulate a variety of daily objects (more than 15 from a standardized set). To generate control commands for Maestro, an artificial neural network algorithm was implemented along with a probabilistic control approach to classify and deliver four hand poses robustly with three EMG signals measured from the forearm and palm. Increase in the scores of a standardized test, called the Sollerman hand function test, and enhancement in different aspects of grasping such as strength shows feasibility that Maestro can be capable of improving the hand function of SCI subjects.
Seesaw conformations of Npl4 in the human p97 complex and the inhibitory mechanism of a disulfiram derivative
Authors: Pan Man , Zheng Qingyun , Yu Yuanyuan , Ai Huasong , Xie Yuan , Zeng Xin , Wang Chu , Liu Lei , Zhao Minglei
Published: January 2021

p97, also known as valosin-containing protein (VCP) or Cdc48, plays a central role in cellular protein homeostasis. Human p97 mutations are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting p97 and its cofactors is a strategy for cancer drug development. Despite significant structural insights into the fungal homolog Cdc48, little is known about how human p97 interacts with its cofactors. Recently, the anti-alcohol abuse drug disulfiram was found to target cancer through Npl4, a cofactor of p97, but the molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, using single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), we uncovered three Npl4 conformational states in complex with human p97 before ATP hydrolysis. The motion of Npl4 results from its zinc finger motifs interacting with the N domain of p97, which is essential for the unfolding activity of p97. In vitro and cell-based assays showed that the disulfiram derivative bis-(diethyldithiocarbamate)-copper (CuET) can bypass the copper transporter system and inhibit the function of p97 in the cytoplasm by releasing cupric ions under oxidative conditions, which disrupt the zinc finger motifs of Npl4, locking the essential conformational switch of the complex.
Finding of a new cycle route in Ni/Mo2C catalyzed CH4–CO2 reforming
Authors: Zhang Lin , Yang Ying , Yao Zhiwei , Yan Shi , Kang Xiaoxue
Published: January 2021

A new cycle route of Ni/Mo2C ↔ MoNi4 is firstly confirmed in a Ni/Mo2C catalyzed CH4–CO2 reforming reaction.
Recent advances in femtosecond laser-structured Janus membranes with asymmetric surface wettability
Authors: Wu Zhipeng , Yin Kai , Wu Junrui , Zhu Zhuo , Duan Ji-An , He Jun
Published: January 2021

This review covers recent advances in femtosecond laser-structured Janus membranes with asymmetric surface wettability.
Direct realization of an Operando Systems Chemistry Algorithm (OSCAL) for powering nanomotors
Authors: Mallick Apabrita , Paul Shounik , Ben Teng , Qiu Shilun , Verpoort Francis , Roy Soumyajit
Published: January 2021

An algorithm developed utilizing Systems Chemistry which helps devising autonomously moving nanocarpets with inputs of assembly/disassembly of SOMs, their release from pores of the nanocarpet, and catalytic reaction triggered by a chemical fuel.
Epitaxial growth of large-grain-size ferromagnetic monolayer CrI3 for valley Zeeman splitting enhancement
Authors: Gong Lipeng , Zhang Cheng , Nie Anmin , Lin Changqing , Zhang Hao , Gao Chaofeng , Wang Meng , Zhang Xi , Han Nannan , Su Huimin , Lin Chen , Jin Yizheng , Zhang Chenhui , Zhang Xixiang , Dai Jun-Feng , Cheng Yingchun , Huang Wei
Published: January 2021

The mass production of flower-like CrI3 monolayer on mica is achieved by a confined vapor epitaxy method.
Multimesophase transitions of main-chain liquid crystalline copolymers with strictly alternating fluorocarbon chains
Authors: He Enjie , Tu Kai , Cheng Jiannan , Lu Huanjun , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: January 2021

Main-chain liquid crystalline perfluoroalkyl-containing alternating copolymers present rare reversible phase transitions from a hexagonal columnar phase to a rectangular columnar phase and finally to a smectic phase with the temperature increasing.
Compositional and operational impacts on the thermochemical reduction of CO2 to CO by iron oxide/yttria-stabilized zirconia
Authors: Coker Eric N. , Ambrosini Andrea , Miller James E.
Published: January 2021

The versatile redox chemistry of ferrites makes them useful as active materials for the solar-thermochemical production of synthetic fuels. Optimization of the distribution of iron in a YSZ matrix allows the performance of ferrites to be enhanced.
Synthesis, characterisation and functionalisation of BAB-type dual-responsive nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery: evolution of nanoparticles based on 2-vinylpyridine and diethyl vinylphosphonate
Authors: Saurwein Andreas , Schaffer Andreas , Wieser Christina , Rieger Bernhard
Published: January 2021

Defined, stable nanoparticles were synthesised from block copolymers generatedviaREM-GTP and functionalised with folic acid.
Degradation of polycarbonate to produce bisphenol A catalyzed by imidazolium-based DESs under metal-and solvent-free conditions
Authors: Huang Wenwen , Wang Hui , Hu Weiyue , Yang Daoshan , Yu Shitao , Liu Fusheng , Song Xiuyan
Published: January 2021

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an important chemical raw material, but the traditional preparation process of BPA is costly and complicated, so it is necessary to find an efficient and environmentally friendly method for the production of BPA.
Fullerene–porphyrin hybrid nanoparticles that generate activated oxygen by photoirradiation
Authors: Sugikawa Kouta , Masuda Kosuke , Kozawa Kentaro , Kawasaki Riku , Ikeda Atsushi
Published: January 2021

Hybrid nanoparticles comprising fullerene and porphyrin are formed via guest exchange reaction of cyclodextrin complexes. The hybrid nanoparticles exhibit singlet oxygen generation ability under photoirradiation.
β-Cyclodextrin: a supramolecular catalyst for metal-free approach towards the synthesis of 2-amino-4,6-diphenylnicotinonitriles and 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one
Authors: Mitra Bijeta , Chandra Pariyar Gyan , Ghosh Pranab
Published: January 2021

A vast range of 2-amino-4,6-diphenylnicotinonitrile and 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one were synthesized through a metal-free one-pot multi-component synthesis using β-cyclodextrin as an efficient supramolecular organocatalyst.
Physical insights into protection effect of conjugated polymers by natural antioxidants
Authors: Xie Mingcai , Hua Yan , Hong Daocheng , Wan Sushu , Tian Yuxi
Published: January 2021

Single-molecule spectroscopy reveals photostability and fluorescence intensity enhancement of P3HT with addition of VE. VE as natural antioxidants play roles of a molecular triplet quencher, singlet oxygen scavenger and photooxidized defect healer.
Enhanced insect-resistance, UV protection, and antibacterial and antistatic properties exhibited by wool fabric treated with polyphenols extracted from mango seed kernel and feijoa peel
Authors: Hassan Mohammad Mahbubul
Published: January 2021

Wool fabrics were treated with mango kernel and feijoa peel derived polyphenols, which considerably enhanced the antibacterial, insect resistant, antioxidant, UV radiation protection, and antistatic properties of the fabric.
Simultaneous phase transformation and doping via a unique photochemical–electrochemical strategy to achieve a highly active Fe-doped Ni oxyhydroxide oxygen evolution catalyst
Authors: Yi Lingya , Niu Yanli , Feng Bomin , Zhao Ming , Hu Weihua
Published: January 2021

A photochemical–electrochemical strategy is reported to fabricate an active Fe-doped Ni oxyhydroxide OER electrocatalyst. There are rich Fe dopants as active sites on the surface of the NiOOH matrix, and NiOOH itself remains highly crystalline.
Improved operational lifetime of deep-red phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes using a benzothienobenzothiophene (BTBT)-based p-type host material
Authors: Saito Daiki , Sasabe Hisahiro , Kikuchi Takayoshi , Ito Takashi , Tsuneyama Hisaki , Kido Junji
Published: January 2021

Highly efficient and stable deep red OLED is successfully developed by using a BTBT-based p-type host material. This OLED exhibits higher efficiency, and over ×5 longer lifetime than that based on the conventional p-type host material, NPD.
Pollux: A weak dynamo-driven dipolar magnetic field and implications for its probable planet
Authors: Aurière M. , Petit P. , Mathias P. , Konstantinova-Antova R. , Charbonnel C. , Donati J.-F. , Espagnet O. , Folsom C. P. , Roudier T. , Wade G. A.
Published: January 2021

Context.Pollux is considered as an archetype of a giant star hosting a planet since its radial velocity (RV) presents very stable sinusoidal variations with a period of about 590 d. We then discovered a weak magnetic field at its surface using spectropolarimetry, questioning the planetary hypothesis.

Aims.We followed up our investigations on Pollux to characterize its magnetic field and to infer the effects of magnetic activity on the RV variations.

Methods.We first used ESPaDOnS at CFHT and then Narval at TBL to obtain StokesIand StokesVspectra of Pollux to study their variations for a duration of 4.25 years, that is, for more than two periods of the RV variations. We used the least-squares deconvolution profiles to measure the longitudinal magnetic field and to perform a Zeeman Doppler imaging (ZDI) investigation.

Results.The longitudinal magnetic field of Pollux is found to vary with a sinusoidal behavior and a period similar to that of the RV variations. From the ZDI investigation a rotation period of Pollux is determined to be equal to 660 ± 15 days and possibly different than the period of variations of the RV. As to the magnetic topology, the poloidal component is dominant and almost purely dipolar with an inclination of 10.5° of the dipole with respect to the rotation axis. The mean strength of the surface magnetic field is 0.44 G. Pollux is found approximately as active as the Sun observed as a star and this activity could induce moderate RV variations.

Conclusions.As to the origin of the magnetic field of Pollux, we favor the hypothesis that it is maintained through contemporaneous dynamo action. Pollux appears as the representative of a class of slowly rotating and weakly magnetic G-K red giants. To explain the sinusoidal RV variations of Pollux, two scenarios are proposed. If the RV period is different from the rotation period, the observed periodic RV variations are due to the hosted planet and the contribution of Pollux magnetic activity is not significantly detected. In the peculiar case in which the two periods are equal, we cannot discard the possibility that the activity of Pollux could explain the total RV variations and that the planet hypothesis would appear unnecessary. In any case magnetic activity could contribute significantly to RV variations in some intermediate mass G-K red giants hosting planets, particularly those with small amplitude RV variations.