bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three Attacks on the Mediated Semi‐Quantum Key Distribution without Invoking Quantum Measurement
Authors: Zou Xiangfu , Rong Zhenbang , Zhou Nan‐Run
Published: July 2020

Semi‐quantum key distribution is a very interesting new branch of quantum key distribution. It can be implemented when one or more participants are restricted to operate quantum states only on the quantum computational basis. Very recently, a mediated semi‐quantum key distribution protocol without invoking two participants' quantum measurement has been proposed. The protocol allows two “classical” participants without sophisticated quantum capability to establish a shared secret key under an untrusted third party. It is claimed that the protocol is secure against several well‐known attacks. However, in this paper, it is first pointed out that there exist three attacks “Measurement Attack, Modification Attack, and Collective Attack” on the mediated semi‐quantum key distribution protocol without invoking quantum measurement. By proposed attacks, a malicious third party can obtain the secret key without being noticed by legitimated participants.
Teratogen update: Topical use and third‐generation retinoids
Authors: Williams Amy Lavin , Pace Nelson D. , DeSesso John M.
Published: July 2020

The first pharmaceutical retinoids approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration were given black‐box warnings against their use in pregnancy due to potential teratogenic effects. These first‐ and second‐generation retinoids were initially formulated for oral dosing and are structurally very similar to vitamin A, which has beneficial effects on skin as well as plays a vital role in driving healthy embryogenesis. Some of these early retinoids have since been reformulated for topical application, which has resulted in their diminished potential for systemic exposures. Additionally, rational drug design has been applied to create today's third‐generation retinoids (adapalene, tazarotene, and bexarotene). These compounds include aromatic rings within their molecular cores to provide structural rigidity that contrasts with the flexible aliphatic backbone of vitamin A and the earlier generations of retinoids, and thus limits their off‐target activity. As a result of these design features, the teratogenic potential in animals of the third‐generation retinoids and those reformulated for topical use is generally less than seen with oral administration of earlier generations of retinoids. The available, but limited, epidemiologic data further show little‐to‐no teratogenic potential associated with real‐life use of these compounds in humans. Given the paucity of epidemiologic data available at this time, however, it is recommended that the use of topical retinoids during pregnancy be avoided. However, in circumstances when inadvertent exposure in pregnancy may occur, the available data provide some reassurance that adverse pregnancy outcomes are unlikely.
Chemical Shift and Second‐Order Quadrupolar Effects in the Solid‐State 133Cs NMR Spectra of [Cs+(Cryptand[2.2.2])]X (X = I−, SCN−·H2O)
Authors: Moon Cheol Joo , Park Juhyeon , Im Hansu , Ryu Hakseung , Choi Myong Yong , Kim Tae Ho , Kim Jineun
Published: July 2020

[Cs+(Cryptand[2.2.2])]I− (1; Cryptand[2.2.2] = C222) was characterized via single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and was shown to crystallize in the monoclinic space group I2/c system with a = 8.9605 (2), b = 23.5073 (5), c = 11.7563 (3) Å, and β = 93.792 (2)°. Stationary and magic angle spinning (MAS) experiments under different magnetic fields allowed for the separation of the chemical shift and quadrupole coupling tensor parameters. Remarkably, MAS spectra showing pure second‐order quadrupole powder patterns at 4.23 T were observed for 133Cs nuclei with small quadrupole moments owing to the large electric field gradients (EFGs) caused by short CsO and CsN bond distances in the [Cs+(C222)] ions. Stationary NMR powder patterns with a combination of the chemical shifts and second‐order quadrupolar interactions were observed. The EFG and chemical shift tensor components calculated using the atomic coordinate files and Gaussian 09 were reasonably consistent with the experimental values.
Strategic Planning as a Leadership Development Tool for Midlevel Leaders
Authors: McPhail Irving Pressley , McPhail Christine Johnson
Published: July 2020

Midlevel leaders are key players in institutional change, yet many often feel disconnected from the framing and execution of academic strategy. Actively engaging midlevel leaders in the institutional strategic planning process creates an opportunity for professional development and accountability for the success of the strategic plan.
Midlevel Leadership in Student Affairs
Authors: Márquez Lizbeth V. , Hernández Ignacio
Published: July 2020

In this chapter, the authors highlight the importance of student affairs in community colleges, define the role and responsibilities of midlevel leaders, and highlight their potential impact with respect to student success at community colleges. Best practices for supporting student affairs midlevel leaders and recommendations are offered.
THz wireless communication system based on wavelet transform
Authors: Zhao Yingxin , Huang Yingjie , Wu Hong , Zhang Yuting , Xu Xiyan , Yang Menghuan , Liu Zhiyang , Ding Shuxue
Published: July 2020

With a very wide frequency band not allocated at present, THz waves have many optimal characteristics such as high transmission rate, large capacity, and high security. The research of THz communication technology has become a hotspot in wireless communication. For THz wireless communications, it is crucial to study advanced electrical signal processing techniques. In this paper, in view of the shortcomings of traditional orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology, we propose wavelet transform orthogonal multicarrier modulation method in THz system. In addition, we study THz channel coding technology to ensure that the THz wireless communication baseband system has better bit error rate (BER) performance and low computational complexity. Based on above, a THz wireless communication baseband system is conceived.
Diphtheria toxin‐mediated transposon‐driven poly (A)‐trapping efficiently disrupts transcriptionally silent genes in embryonic stem cells
Authors: Bai Jie , Kondo Ryohei , Mayasari N. Ika , Shigeoka Toshiaki , Isotani Ayako , Ikawa Masahito , Sashida Goro , Kawaichi Masashi , Ishida Yasumasa
Published: July 2020

Random gene trapping is the application of insertional mutagenesis techniques that are conventionally used to inactivate protein‐coding genes in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Transcriptionally silent genes are not effectively targeted by conventional random gene trapping techniques, thus we herein developed an unbiased poly (A) trap (UPATrap) method using a Tol2 transposon, which preferentially integrated into active genes rather than silent genes in ES cells. To achieve efficient trapping at transcriptionally silent genes using random insertional mutagenesis in ES cells, we generated a new diphtheria toxin (DT)‐mediated trapping vector, DTrap that removed cells, through the expression of DT that was induced by the promoter activity of the trapped genes, and selected trapped clones using the neomycin‐resistance gene of the vector. We found that a double‐DT, the dDT vector, dominantly induced the disruption of silent genes, but not active genes, and showed more stable integration in ES cells than the UPATrap vector. The dDT vector disrupted differentiated cell lineage genes, which were silent in ES cells, and labeled trapped clone cells by the expression of EGFP upon differentiation. Thus, the dDT vector provides a systematic approach to disrupt silent genes and examine the cellular functions of trapped genes in the differentiation of target cells and development.
Scale‐dependent effects of neighborhood biodiversity on individual tree productivity in a coniferous and broad‐leaved mixed forest in China
Authors: Fan Chunyu , Tan Lingzhao , Zhang Chunyu , Zhao Xiuhai , Gao Lushuang , von Gadow Klaus
Published: July 2020

The relationship between biodiversity and productivity has stimulated an increasing body of research over the past decades, and this topic still occupies a central place in ecology. While most studies have focused on biomass production in quadrats or plots, few have investigated the scale‐dependent relationship from an individual plant perspective. We present an analysis of the effects of biodiversity (species diversity and functional diversity) on individual tree growth with a data set of 16,060 growth records from a 30‐ha temperate forest plot using spatially explicit individual tree‐based methods. A significant relationship between species diversity and tree growth was found at the individual tree level in our study. The magnitude and direction of biodiversity effects varies with the spatial scale. We found positive effects of species diversity on tree growth at scales exceeding 9 m. Individual tree growth rates increased when there was a greater diversity of species in the neighborhood of the focal tree, which provides evidence of a niche complementarity effect. At small scales (3–5 m), species diversity had negative effects on tree growth, suggesting that competition is more prevalent than complementarity or facilitation in these close neighborhoods. The results also revealed many confounding factors which influence tree growth, such as elevation and available sun light. We conclude that the use of individual tree‐based methods may lead to a better understanding of the biodiversity‐productivity relationship in forest communities.
NCoR1 fine‐tunes type‐I IFN response in cDC1 dendritic cells by directly regulating Myd88‐IRF7 axis under TLR9
Authors: Ahad Abdul , Smita Shuchi , Mishra Gyan Prakash , Biswas Viplov Kumar , Sen Kaushik , Gupta Bhawna , Garcin Dominique , Acha‐Orbea Hans , Raghav Sunil K.
Published: July 2020

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (DCs) are reported to induce robust type‐I interferon (IFN) response, whereas cDC1 DCs develop moderate type‐I IFN response upon TLR9 stimulation. It is very interesting to understand how this signaling under TLR9 is tightly regulated for the induction of type‐I IFNs. Here, we report co‐repressor protein NCoR1 as the major factor fine‐tuning the signaling pathways regulating IFN‐β expression under TLR9 in cDC1 DCs. We found that NCoR1 knockdown induced a robust IFN‐β‐mediated antiviral response upon TLR9 activation in cDC1 DCs. At the molecular level, we showed that NCoR1 directly repressed MyD88‐IRF7 signaling axis in cDC1 cells. Therefore, NCoR1 depletion enhanced pIRF7 levels, IFN‐β secretion, and downstream pSTAT1‐pSTAT2 signaling, leading to sustained induction of IFN stimulatory genes. Integrative genomic analysis depicted strong enrichment of an antiviral gene‐module in CpG‐activated NCoR1 knockdown DCs upon TLR9 activation. Moreover, we confirmed our findings in primary DCs derived from splenocytes of WT and NCoR1 DC−/− animals, which showed protection from Sendai and Vesicular Stomatitis viruses upon CpG activation. Ultimately, we identified that NCoR1–HDAC3 complex is involved in repressing the type‐I IFN response in cDC1 DCs.
High‐Performance Aqueous Supercapacitors Based on Biomass‐Derived Multiheteroatom Self‐Doped Porous Carbon Membranes
Authors: Liu Jianwei , Min Shixiong , Wang Fang , Zhang Zhengguo
Published: July 2020

Porous carbons derived from widely accessible, renewable, and low‐cost biomass are being extensively pursued as biocompatible electrode materials for next‐generation supercapacitors (SCs), but their practical application is being largely restricted by insufficient performance related to their powdery status. Herein, a porous carbon membrane (denoted as lettuce‐derived carbon membrane [LCM]) is developed by direct and controllable carbonization of biomass lettuce. By taking the advantages of the inherent microstructure and composition of the lettuce, the as‐fabricated LCM electrode is endowed with a large specific surface area, interconnected hierarchical pores, and multiheteroatom (N, P, and S) doping. The benefits originating from the structure synergy provide this LCM electrode excellent electrochemical performance in an aqueous symmetric SC, exhibiting a high specific capacitance of 213.4 F g−1 at 0.2 A g−1, outstanding rate capability (78.6% capacitance retention at 10 A g−1), and superior cycling stability (96.9% capacitance retention after 100 000 cycles at 5 A g−1) and unit Coulombic efficiency. Notably, the LCM‐based SC delivers the highest energy density of 7.41 Wh kg−1 with a power density of 50.4 W kg−1 at 0.2 A g−1. This device‐compatible porous carbon membrane can be applied to other advanced energy‐storage and conversion devices with a high electrochemical performance.
Impact of Surface Functionalization on the Intrinsic Properties of the Resulting Fe–N–C Catalysts for Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Kübler Markus , Wagner Stephan , Jurzinsky Tilman , Paul Stephen , Weidler Natascha , Gomez Villa Eduardo D. , Cremers Carsten , Kramm Ulrike I.
Published: July 2020

Herein, Fe–N–C catalysts are prepared from surface functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in combination with iron acetate and phenanthroline. An improved performance and structural composition is obtained by surface functionalization of the CNTs with indazole or pyridine. Catalyst composition and morphology are characterized by transmission electron microscopy, N2 sorption, photoelectron spectroscopy, and 57Fe transmission Mössbauer spectroscopy. However, activity and selectivity toward oxygen reduction reaction are determined from rotating ring disc electrode (RRDE) experiments. The durability and stability are evaluated by accelerated stress tests (0.0–1.2 V) and differential electrochemical mass spectroscopy (DEMS), respectively. It is shown that surface functionalization with indazole enables the direct attachment of FeN4 centers to CNTs so that no impurity species are detected and a high activity is achieved, that can be attributed to an improved turnover frequency and higher mass‐based site density. Even more striking is the excellent durability and stability of the realized catalyst. While these trends are well pronounced in RRDE and DEMS, challenges in the preparation of membrane electrode assemblies make the trend not as obvious in fuel cells (FCs).
Thermodynamic feasibility analysis of a newly modified absorption power cycle running with LiBr‐water
Authors: Tozlu Alperen , Yosaf Salem A. , Özcan Hasan
Published: July 2020

This study thermodynamically evaluates a newly modified absorption power cycle (APC) working with Lithium Bromide–Water (LiBr‐H2O) solution and compares it with the conventional Rankine, one‐stage, and three‐stage APC systems. An additional steam condenser is integrated to the conventional APC and part of pure water is extracted and pumped back to the high‐pressure side without passing through the absorber of the cycle. In order to specify the best system parameters, parametric optimization of all configurations is evaluated. The Rankine cycle and the modified APC have better thermodynamic performances than those of the conventional and the three‐stage APC at generator temperatures. The conventional APC is found to improve the cycle performance at low generator pressure. However, the efficiencies of this cycle start to decrease when generator pressure increases. In contrast, the Rankine cycle and the modified APC have larger working ranges of generator pressure.
Nutrition and aroma challenges of green tea product as affected by emerging superfine grinding and traditional extraction
Authors: Peng Pai , Wang Linlin , Shu Guowei , Li Jianke , Chen Li
Published: July 2020

Green tea, superfine green tea powder (SGTP), and tea extract were prepared to determine their chemical components and antioxidant activity. The nutrition and aroma challenges of green tea during traditional extract technique and superfine grinding were profiled in this study. The traditional extract technique took advantage over superfine grinding in L‐theanine and glutamic acid (Glu) preservation, but not in other 16 essential amino acids. SGTP preserved a maximum of elements from green tea, whereas tea extract greatly changed the elements ratio. Tea extract contained higher VB2 and VC contents and doubled the tea polyphenol (TP) content in comparison with green tea and SGTP. Additionally, tea extract contained more favorable aroma compounds and maintained stronger antioxidant activity in comparison with green tea and SGTP. This study profiled an important basis for the comprehensive utilization of green tea resources by consumers and manufacturers.
Nonlinear biomarker interactions in conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Popescu Sebastian G. , Whittington Alex , Gunn Roger N. , Matthews Paul M. , Glocker Ben , Sharp David J , Cole James H ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2020

Multiple biomarkers can capture different facets of Alzheimer's disease. However, statistical models of biomarkers to predict outcomes in Alzheimer's rarely model nonlinear interactions between these measures. Here, we used Gaussian Processes to address this, modelling nonlinear interactions to predict progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's over 3 years, using Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) data. Measures included: demographics, APOE4 genotype, CSF (amyloid‐β42, total tau, phosphorylated tau), [18F]florbetapir, hippocampal volume and brain‐age. We examined: (a) the independent value of each biomarker; and (b) whether modelling nonlinear interactions between biomarkers improved predictions. Each measured added complementary information when predicting conversion to Alzheimer's. A linear model classifying stable from progressive MCI explained over half the variance (R2= 0.51,p < .001); the strongest independently contributing biomarker was hippocampal volume (R2= 0.13). When comparing sensitivity of different models to progressive MCI (independent biomarker models, additive models, nonlinear interaction models), we observed a significant improvement (p < .001) for various two‐way interaction models. The best performing model included an interaction between amyloid‐β‐PET and P‐tau, while accounting for hippocampal volume (sensitivity = 0.77, AUC = 0.826). Closely related biomarkers contributed uniquely to predict conversion to Alzheimer's. Nonlinear biomarker interactions were also implicated, and results showed that although for some patients adding additional biomarkers may add little value (i.e., when hippocampal volume is high), for others (i.e., with low hippocampal volume) further invasive and expensive examination may be warranted. Our framework enables visualisation of these interactions, in individual patient biomarker ‘space', providing information for personalised or stratified healthcare or clinical trial design.
Convalescent plasma therapy in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Yiğenoğlu Tuğçe Nur , Hacıbekiroğlu Tuba , Berber İlhami , Dal Mehmet Sinan , Baştürk Abdülkadir , Namdaroğlu Sinem , Korkmaz Serdal , Ulas Turgay , Dal Tuba , Erkurt Mehmet Ali , Turgut Burhan , Altuntaş Fevzi
Published: July 2020

There are currently no licensed vaccines or therapeutics for COVID‐19. Anti‐SARS CoV‐2 antibody‐containing plasmas, obtained from the recovered individuals who had confirmed COVID‐19, have been started to be collected using apheresis devices and stored in blood banks in some countries in order to administer to the patients with COVID‐19 for reducing the need of intensive care and the mortality rates. Therefore, in this review, we aim to point out some important issues related to convalescent plasma (CP) and its use in COVID‐19. CP may be an adjunctive treatment option to the anti‐viral therapy. The protective effect of CP may continue for weeks and months. After the assessment of the donor, 200‐600 mL plasma can be collected with apheresis devices. The donation interval may vary between countries. Even though limited published studies are not prospective or randomized, until the development of vaccines or therapeutics, CP seems to be a safe and probably effective treatment for critically ill patients with COVID‐19. It could also be used for prophylactic purposes but the safety and effectiveness of this approach should be tested in randomized prospective clinical trials.
Statistically downscaled precipitation sensitivity to gridded observation data and downscaling technique
Authors: Wootten Adrienne M. , Dixon Keith W. , Adams‐Smith Dennis J. , McPherson Renee A.
Published: July 2020

Future climate projections illuminate our understanding of the climate system and generate data products often used in climate impact assessments. Statistical downscaling (SD) is commonly used to address biases in global climate models (GCM) and to translate large‐scale projected changes to the higher spatial resolutions desired for regional and local scale studies. However, downscaled climate projections are sensitive to method configuration and input data source choices made during the downscaling process that can affect a projection's ultimate suitability for particular impact assessments. Quantifying how changes in inputs or parameters affect SD‐generated projections of precipitation is critical for improving these datasets and their use by impacts researchers. Through analysis of a systematically designed set of 18 statistically downscaled future daily precipitation projections for the south‐central United States, this study aims to improve the guidance available to impacts researchers. Two statistical processing techniques are examined: a ratio delta downscaling technique and an equi‐ratio quantile mapping method. The projections are generated using as input results from three GCMs forced with representative concentration pathway (RCP) 8.5 and three gridded observation‐based data products. Sensitivity analyses identify differences in the values of precipitation variables among the projections and the underlying reasons for the differences.Results indicate that differences in how observational station data are converted to gridded daily observational products can markedly affect statistically downscaled future projections of wet‐day frequency, intensity of precipitation extremes, and the length of multi‐day wet and dry periods. The choice of downscaling technique also can affect the climate change signal for variables of interest, in some cases causing change signals to reverse sign. Hence, this study provides illustrations and explanations for some downscaled precipitation projection differences that users may encounter, as well as evidence of symptoms that can affect user decisions.
Identification of paternal germline mosaicism by MicroSeq and targeted next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Dai Congling , Cheng Dehua , Li Weina , Zeng Sicong , Lu Guangxiu , Zhang Qianjun
Published: July 2020

Background

Prezygotic de novo mutations may be inherited from parents with germline mosaicism and are often overlooked when the resulting phenotype affects only one child. We aimed to identify paternal germline mosaicism in an index family and provide a strategy to determine germline mosaicism.‘

Methods

Whole‐exome sequencing was performed on an Alport syndrome‐affected child. Variants were validated using Sanger sequencing in the pedigree analysis. An apparent de novo mutation was tested by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) following chromosome microdissection of the mutant region (MicroSeq) to clarify its homologous chromosome source. Mosaic mutation in sperm samples was detected using targeted next‐generation sequencing (TNGS). Self‐prepared mosaic DNA samples of the 3% and 0.1% mutant fractions were used to evaluate the TNGS detection sensitivity.

Results

Two novel heterozygous variants, maternally inherited c.1322delT (p.Ile441Thrfs*17) and the de novo mutation c.2939T>A (p.Leu980Ter), in the COL4A3 gene were discovered in the propositus. MicroSeq identified c.2939T>A in the paternal chromosome, which was in trans with c.1322delT. The frequency of c.2937A was 2.65% in the father's sperm sample. We also showed that a 500X depth coverage may detect a mosaic mutation with an allele frequency as low as 2%–3% using TNGS.

Conclusion

MicroSeq is a valuable tool to identify the allele source of de novo mutations in a single patient. TNGS can be used to assess the mosaic ratios of known sites. We provided a systematic algorithm to detect germinal mosaicism in a single patient. This algorithm may have implications for genetic and reproductive counseling on germline mosaicism.
The problem of starting control with two intermediate moments of observation in the boundary value problem for the hyperbolic equation
Authors: Mardanov M. J. , Guliyev H. F. , Safarova Z. R.
Published: July 2020

In this article, a starting control problem with two intermediate moments of observation in the mixed linear problem for the second‐order hyperbolic equation with quadratic functional is studied. The necessary and sufficient optimality conditions are obtained in the form of variational inequality.
COVID‐19 Clinical Diagnostics and Testing Technology
Authors: Chau Cindy H. , Strope Jonathan D. , Figg William D.
Published: July 2020

Given the global nature of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, the need for disease detection and expanding testing capacity remains critical priorities. This review discusses the technological advances in testing capability and methodology that are currently used or in development for detecting the novel coronavirus. We describe the current clinical diagnostics and technology, including molecular and serological testing approaches, for severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) testing as well as address their advantages and limitations. Nucleic acid amplification technology for molecular diagnostics remains the gold standard for virus detection. We highlight alternative molecular detection techniques used for developing novel COVID‐19 diagnostics on the horizon. Antibody response against SARS‐CoV‐2 remains poorly understood and proper validation of serology tests is necessary to demonstrate their accuracy and clinical utility. In order to bring the pandemic under control, we must speed up the development of rapid and widespread testing through improvements in clinical diagnostics and testing technology as well as access to these tools.
MMS2plot: An R Package for Visualizing Multiple MS/MS Spectra for Groups of Modified and Non‐Modified Peptides
Authors: Ming Liya , Zou Yang , Zhao Yiming , Zhang Luna , He Ningning , Chen Zhen , Li Shawn S.‐C. , Li Lei
Published: July 2020

A large number of post‐translational modifications (PTMs) in proteins are buried in the unassigned mass spectrometric (MS) spectra in shot‐gun proteomics datasets. Because the modified peptide fragments are low in abundance relative to the corresponding non‐modified versions, it is critical to develop tools that allow facile evaluation of assignment of PTMs based on the MS/MS spectra. Such tools will preferably have the ability to allow comparison of fragment ion spectra and retention time between the modified and unmodified peptide pairs or group. Herein, MMS2plot, an R package for visualizing peptide‐spectrum matches (PSMs) for multiple peptides, is described. MMS2plot features a batch mode and generates the output images in vector graphics file format that facilitate evaluation and publication of the PSM assignment. MMS2plot is expected to play an important role in PTM discovery from large‐scale proteomics datasets generated by liquid chromatography‐MS/MS. The MMS2plot package is freely available at https://github.com/lileir/MMS2plot under the GPL‐3 license.
Gradient copolymers of ε‐caprolactone and δ‐valerolactone via solvent‐free ring‐opening copolymerization with a pyridyl‐urea/MTBD system
Authors: Feng Rui , Jie Suyun , Braunstein Pierre , Li Bo‐Geng
Published: July 2020

The ring‐opening copolymerization of ε‐caprolactone and δ‐valerolactone was carried out under solvent‐free conditions with a pyridyl‐urea (6C‐PU)/7‐methyl‐1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene catalytic system by premixing two monomers, yielding gradient copolyesters with cyclic and linear structures in the absence or presence of an initiator, respectively. The random and block copolyesters of these two monomers were also prepared for comparison. The results of 1H and 13C NMR spectra determined the linear and cyclic structure of copolymers. The kinetic experiment was used to determine the consuming rates of two monomers during the polymerization. The topologies and thermal properties of all the copolymers were characterized and compared by NMR and DSC.
Turning chemistry into information for heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Pablo‐García Sergio , Álvarez‐Moreno Moises , López Núria
Published: July 2020

The growing generation of data and their wide availability has led to the development of tools to produce, analyze, and store this information. Computational chemistry studies, especially catalytic applications, often yield a vast amount of chemical information that can be analyzed and stored using these tools. In this manuscript, we present a framework that automatically performs a fully automated procedure consisting of the transfer of an adsorbate from a known metal slab to a new metal slab with similar packing. Our method generates the new geometry and also performs the required calculations and analysis to finally upload the processed data to an online database (ioChem‐BD). Two different implementations have been built, one to relocate minimum energy point structures and the second to transfer transition states. Our framework shows good performance for the minimum point location and a decent performance for the transition state identification. Most of the failures occurred during the transition state searches and needed additional steps to fully complete the process. Further improvements of our framework are required to increase the performance of both implementations. These results point to the avoidhuman path as a feasible solution for studies on very large systems that require a significant amount of human resources and, in consequence, are prone to human errors.
Current pharmacological modalities for management of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and the rationale for their utilization: A review
Authors: Giovane Richard A. , Rezai Shadi , Cleland Ellen , Henderson Cassandra E.
Published: July 2020

SARS‐CoV‐2 has caused a pandemic which is putting strain on the health‐care system and global economy. There is much pressure to develop both preventative and curative therapies for SARS‐CoV‐2 as there is no evidence to support therapies to improve outcomes in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2. Medications that inhibit certain steps of virus life cycle that are currently used to treat other illnesses such as Malaria, Ebola, HIV and Hepatitis C are being studied for use against SARS‐CoV‐2. To date, data is limited for medications that facilitate clinical improvement of COVID‐19 infections.
Copper(II) Complex of a Urea‐functionalized Pyridyl Ligand: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Acetate Binding Properties
Authors: Yang Zaiwen , Li Chun , Liu Xiangrong , Zhao Shunsheng , Qu Mengnan , Sun Shasha , Zhang Zhen , Yang Zheng , Chen Xinjuan
Published: July 2020

A copper(II) acetate complex with a urea‐functionalized pyridyl ligand, [CuL(OAc)2]2·2AcOH (1) [L = N‐(3‐chlorophenyl)‐N'‐(3‐pyridyl) urea], was synthesized by the reaction of L with Cu(OAc)2 in methanol. A zigzag‐shaped hydrogen bond chain of L is obtained via urea N–H···Npyridyl interactions, and a two‐dimensional hydrogen bond network structure is further formed through the C–H···O interaction. In the complex 1, a paddle‐wheel structure is generated by Cu···Oacetate interactions and Cu···Npyridyl interactions. Furthermore, hydrogen bonding chain structure is extended through weak C–H···O hydrogen bond interactions. Through ultraviolet‐visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy, the acetate binding properties of L in solution were also evaluated. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurement indicates that the metal complex 1 displays antiferromagnetic coupling property.
Halido‐bridged Copper(II) Complexes with 1‐tert‐Butyl‐1H‐tetrazole: Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Voitekhovich Sergei V. , Degtyarik Mikhail M. , Lyakhov Alexander S. , Ivashkevich Ludmila S. , Klose Jennifer , Kersting Berthold , Ivashkevich Oleg A.
Published: July 2020

Complex [Cu(tbt)Cl2]n (tbt = 1‐tert‐butyl‐1H‐tetrazole) was prepared by reaction of tbt with copper(II) chloride in solution. According to single‐crystal X‐ray analysis, this complex presents 1D coordination polymer, formed at the expense of double chlorido bridges between neighboring pentacoordinate copper(II) cations. 1‐tert‐Butyl‐1H‐tetrazole acts as monodentate ligand coordinated by CuII cations via the heteroring N4 atoms. The temperature‐dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements of novel complex [Cu(tbt)Cl2]n as well as described previously 1D coordination polymer [Cu(tbt)2Cl2]n, and linear trinuclear complex [Cu3(tbt)6Br6], were carried out. Magnetic studies revealed that the copper(II) ions were weakly ferromagnetically coupled in polymeric copper(II) chloride complexes, whereas complex [Cu3(tbt)6Br6] showed antiferromagnetic coupling.
Superlinear Perturbations of the Eigenvalue Problem for the Robin Laplacian Plus an Indefinite and Unbounded Potential
Authors: Papageorgiou Nikolaos S. , Rădulescu Vicenţiu D. , Repovš Dušan D.
Published: July 2020

We consider a superlinear perturbation of the eigenvalue problem for the Robin Laplacian plus an indefinite and unbounded potential. Using variational tools and critical groups, we show that when $$\lambda $$
λ
is close to a nonprincipal eigenvalue, then the problem has seven nontrivial solutions. We provide sign information for six of them.
Technical success, resection status, and procedural complication rate of colonoscopic full-wall resection: a pooled analysis from 7 hospitals of different care levels
Authors: Krutzenbichler Irmengard , Dollhopf Markus , Diepolder Helmut , Eigler Andreas , Fuchs Martin , Herrmann Simon , Kleber Gerhard , Lewerenz Björn , Kaiser Christoph , Lilje Tilman , Rath Timo , Agha Ayman , Vitali Francesco , Schäfer Claus , Schepp Wolfgang , Gundling Felix
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (eFTR) using the full-thickness resection device (FTRD®) is a novel minimally invasive procedure that allows the resection of various lesions in the gastrointestinal tract including the colorectum. Real-world data outside of published studies are limited. The aim of this study was a detailed analysis of the outcomes of colonoscopic eFTR in different hospitals from different care levels in correlation with the number of endoscopists performing eFTR.

Material and methods

In this case series, the data of all patients who underwent eFTR between November 2014 and June 2019 (performed by a total of 22 endoscopists) in 7 hospitals were analyzed retrospectively regarding rates of technical success, R0 resection, and procedure-related complications.

Results

Colonoscopic eFTR was performed in 229 patients (64.6% men; average age 69.3 ± 10.3 years) mainly on the basis of the following indication: 69.9% difficult adenomas, 21.0% gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas, and 7.9% subepithelial tumors. The average size of the lesions was 16.3 mm. Technical success rate of eFTR was achieved in 83.8% (binominal confidence interval 78.4–88.4%). Overall, histologically complete resection (R0) was achieved in 77.2% (CI 69.8–83.6%) while histologically proven full-wall excidate was confirmed in 90.0% (CI 85.1–93.7%). Of the resectates obtained (n = 210), 190 were resected en bloc (90.5%). We did not observe a clear improvement of technical success and R0 resection rate over time by the performing endoscopists. Altogether, procedure-related complications were observed in 17.5% (mostly moderate) including 2 cases of acute gangrenous appendicitis requiring operation.

Discussion

In this pooled analysis, eFTR represents a feasible, effective, and safe minimally invasive endoscopic technique.
Präferenzen zu unterschiedlichen Reformoptionen des Wahlsystems für Bundestagswahlen
Authors: Bytzek Evelyn
Published: July 2020

In diesem Beitrag werden Präferenzen der BürgerInnen zu unterschiedlichen Reformoptionen des Wahlsystems für Bundestagswahlen untersucht. Präferenzen für eine Wahlsystemreform sind schwierig zu messen, da die Zielkonflikte zwischen unterschiedlichen Anforderungen an Wahlsysteme vielen BürgerInnen nicht bewusst sind. Daher wurde ein Online-Umfrageexperiment durchgeführt, in dem die Einstellungen zu den widersprüchlichen Anforderungen Konzentration vs. Repräsentation und Beteiligung vs. Einfachheit sowie die Rolle von parteilichen Hinweisen bei der Bewertung von Reformoptionen untersucht wurden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die BürgerInnen keine starken Präferenzen hinsichtlich Konzentration, Repräsentation, Partizipation und Einfachheit haben. Es gibt jedoch einen Effekt der Parteizugehörigkeit: UnterstützerInnen einer großen Partei befürworten konzentrierende Effekte von Wahlsystemen stärker als AnhängerInnen kleiner Parteien. Darüber hinaus unterstützen AnhängerInnen einer Partei die Reform stärker als NichtanhängerInnen, wenn die Reformoption von dieser Partei vorgeschlagen wird.
Electrolytic cell engineering and device optimization for electrosynthesis of e-biofuels via co-valorisation of bio-feedstocks and captured CO2
Authors: Montazersadgh Faraz , Zhang Hao , Alkayal Anas , Buckley Benjamin , Kolosz Ben W. , Xu Bing , Xuan Jin
Published: July 2020

Utilizing CO2in an electro-chemical process and synthesizing value-added chemicals are amongst the few viable and scalable pathways in carbon capture and utilization technologies. CO2electro-reduction is also counted as one of the main options entailing less fossil fuel consumption and as a future electrical energy storage strategy. The current study aims at developing a new electrochemical platform to produce low-carbon e-biofuel through multifunctional electrosynthesis and integrated co-valorisation of biomass feedstocks with captured CO2. In this approach, CO2is reduced at the cathode to produce drop-in fuels (e.g., methanol) while value-added chemicals (e.g., selective oxidation of alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and amines/amides) are produced at the anode. In this work, a numerical model of a continuous-flow design considering various anodic and cathodic reactions was built to determine the most techno-economically feasible configurations from the aspects of energy efficiency, environment impact and economical values. The reactor design was then optimized via parametric analysis.
Effect of Age and Morphology on Live Birth Rate After Cleavage Stage Embryo Transfer
Authors: Awadalla Michael , Vestal Nicole , McGinnis Lynda , Ahmady Ali
Published: July 2020

Accurate knowledge of the live birth rate for cleavage stage embryos is essential to determine an appropriate number of embryos to transfer at once. Results from previous studies lack details needed for practical use. This is a mathematical analysis and model building study of day 3 cleavage stage embryo transfers. A total of 996 embryos were transferred in 274 fresh and 83 frozen embryo transfers. Embryo morphology was divided into 4 groups based on number of cells and fragmentation percentage. Each embryo transfer was modeled as an equation equating the sum of the live birth rates of the transferred embryos to the number of live births that resulted. The least squares solution to the system of embryo transfer equations was determined using linear algebra. This analysis was repeated for ages 35 to 42 years old at oocyte retrieval. The best fit live birth rates per embryo in the age group centered on 35 years old were 29%, 13%, 10%, and 9% for embryos in the 8-cell with ≤ 5% fragmentation, 8-cell with > 5% fragmentation, 9–12 cell, and 6–7 cell groups, respectively. Cleavage stage embryos with fewer than 6 cells on day 3 had very low best fit live birth rates close to 0% at age 39 years and were excluded from the primary analysis to prevent overfitting. These live birth rates can be used with a simple embryo transfer model to predict rates of single and multiple gestation prior to a planned cleavage stage embryo transfer.
Measurement of peer and friend relational and physical victimization among early adolescents
Authors: Kawabata Yoshito
Published: July 2020

Introduction

Peer victimization has been widely examined among children and adolescents; however, the majority of studies in the area of research have been conducted in Western cultures. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the utility of measures that assess different forms of victimization (physical and relational victimization; a two‐factor model) against a global form of victimization (combined victimization; a one‐factor model) in the peer groups and friendships among Japanese adolescents. It was hypothesized that peer and friend relational victimization would be conceptually distinct from peer and friend physical victimization in Japan.

Methods

The participants were fourth and fifth graders (n = 222, 50% females, age 9–11) and their classroom teachers in Japanese elementary schools. The data were drawn from a short‐term longitudinal study.

Results

Results showed, as hypothesized, that peer and friend relational victimization was conceptually and empirically different from peer and friend physical victimization.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that children and teachers view peer and friend relational victimization and peer and friend physical victimization differently. Examining forms of victimization separately is promising for future peer relations research in Japan.
Success at scale: six suggestions from implementation and policy sciences
Authors: HO TECK-HUA , LEONG CHING , YEUNG CATHERINE
Published: July 2020

Very often, significantly smaller benefits are observed in final policy outcomes than are indicated by initial research discoveries. Al-Ubaydli et al. have identified a poor understanding of the ‘science of scaling’ as the underlying cause of this discrepancy. They propose a framework to increase our understanding of the science of scaling. We build on this framework by making six specific suggestions capturing three key ideas. First, researchers need to move away from their preoccupation with general theoretical models and focus on subject-specific theories of intervention, leading to individualized treatments. Second, there should be greater collaboration between researchers and policymakers, as well as more transparency in reporting findings, to ensure that the research environment is more representative of the policy environment. Third, researchers should recognize that policymakers do not always maximize social welfare; policymakers may have their own short-term incentives. Therefore, researchers must consider policymakers’ short-term incentives in designing interventions in order to increase the chances of a research intervention becoming a policy.
Global Banks and Latin American Dictators, 1974–1982
Authors: Altamura Carlo Edoardo
Published: July 2020

This article examines the relationship between international commercial banks and military regimes in South America. The focus is on how military regimes in the Southern Cone of Latin America and Brazil in the 1970s became heavily dependent on foreign capital provided by international banks based in Britain and France. It makes use of previously unavailable archival evidence to examine the interactions between international banks and South American governments, showing how these interactions intensified once military rule was established. It shows that international capital was used for a wide variety of purposes, including arms imports. When global banks cut loans once the debt crisis erupted in 1982, they aggravated the economic crisis but also fostered democratic change.
Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccination and clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 in Rhode Island, United States: a cohort study
Authors: Weng C-H. , Saal A. , Butt W. W-W. , Bica N. , Fisher J. Q. , Tao J. , Chan P. A.
Published: July 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in a global pandemic, and there is limited data on effective therapies. Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine, a live-attenuated strain derived from an isolate of Mycobacterium bovis and originally designed to prevent tuberculosis, has shown some efficacy against infection with unrelated pathogens. In this study, we reviewed 120 consecutive adult patients (≥18 years old) with COVID-19 at a major federally qualified health centre in Rhode Island, United States from 19 March to 29 April 2020. Median age was 39.5 years (interquartile range, 27.0–50.0), 30% were male and 87.5% were Latino/Hispanics. Eighty-two (68.3%) patients had BCG vaccination. Individuals with BCG vaccination were less likely to require hospital admission during the disease course (3.7% vs. 15.8%, P = 0.019). This association remained unchanged after adjusting for demographics and comorbidities (P = 0.017) using multivariate regression analysis. The finding from our study suggests the potential of BCG in preventing more severe COVID-19.
French subject island? Empirical studies ofdontandde qui
Authors: Abeillé Anne , Winckel Elodie
Published: July 2020

Donthas been claimed to be an exception to the ‘subject island’ constraint (Tellier, 1991; Sportiche and Bellier, 1989; Heck, 2009) and to contrast with true relative pronouns such asde qui. We provide corpus data from a literary corpus (Frantext), which show that relativizing out of the subject is possible withdontandde quiin French relative clauses, and is even the most frequent use of both relative clauses. We show that it is not a recent innovation by comparing subcorpora from the beginning of the twentieth century and from the beginning of the twenty-first century. We also show, with an acceptability judgement task, that extraction out of the subject withde quiis well accepted. Why has this possibility been overlooked? We suggest that it may be becausede quirelatives in general are less frequent thandontrelatives (about 60 times less in our corpus). Turning tode quiinterrogatives, we show that extraction out of the subject is not attested, and propose an explanation of the contrast with relative clauses. We conclude that in this respect, French does not seem to differ from other Romance languages.
Can I Be Myself Around Natives?
Authors: Bauer Christina Anna , Hannover Bettina
Published: July 2020

Abstract. The social integration of the ever-growing number of refugees in receiving societies is of major importance. Perceived discrimination has been found to predict fewer friendships with natives over time. But what short-term mechanisms explain this effect? In a sample of 115 refugees living in Germany we (i) replicated the long-term discrimination-social-integration relationship, (ii) found short-term associations between discrimination and affective, motivational, and behavioral tendencies not to befriend natives, and (iii) showed authenticity to mediate this short-term relationship: with increasing discrimination, refugees felt less like they could show their authentic selves around natives, which in turn impaired tendencies to befriend natives. Discrimination may impede the formation of interethnic friendships by instilling feelings of inauthenticity. Implications for prevention measures are discussed.