bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The promising novel biomarkers and candidate small molecule drugs in lower‐grade glioma: Evidence from bioinformatics analysis of high‐throughput data
Authors: Zhang Bo , Wu Qiong , Xu Ran , Hu Xinyi , Sun Yidan , Wang Qiuhong , Ju Fei , Ren Shiqi , Zhang Chenlin , Qi Fuwei , Ma Qianqian , Wang Ziheng , Zhou You Lang
Published: April 2019

Overall survival of patients with low‐grade glioma (LGG) has shown no significant improvement over the past 30 years, with survival averaging approximately 7 years. This study aimed to identify novel promising biomarkers of LGG and reveal its potential molecular mechanisms by integrated bioinformatics analysis. The microarray datasets of GSE68848 and GSE4290 were selected from GEO database for integrated analysis. In total, 293 overlapping differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected using the limma package. One hundred and eighty‐eight nodes with 603 interactions were obtained from the establishment of protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network. Functional and signaling pathway enriched were significantly correlated with the synapse and calcium signaling pathway, respectively. Module analysis revealed eight hub genes with high connectivity, which included CHRM1, DLG2, GABRD, GRIN1, HTR2A, KCNJ3, KCNJ9, and NUSAP1, and they were markedly correlated with patients’ prognosis. The mining of the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database and qPCR further confirmed the abnormal expression of these key genes with their prognostic value in LGG. We eventually predicted the 20 most vital small molecule drugs, which potentially reverse the carcinogenic state of LGG, as per the CMap (connectivity map) database and these DEGs, and MS‐275 (enrichment score = −0.939) was considered as the most promising small molecule to treat LGG. In conclusion, our study provided eight reliable novel molecular biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis prediction, and treatment targets for LGG. These conclusions will contribute to a better comprehension of molecular mechanisms fundamental to LGG occurrence and progression, and providing new insights for future development of genomic individualized treatment in LGG.
Leptin −2548 G/A polymorphisms are associated to clinical progression of oral cancer and sensitive to oral tumorization in nonsmoking population
Authors: Hung Wei‐Chen , Tsai Chiung‐Man , Lin Chiao‐Wen , Chuang Chun‐Yi , Yang Shun‐Fa , Weng Chia‐Jui
Published: April 2019

Oral cancer is causally associated with environmental carcinogens, and the susceptibility to carcinogen‐mediated tumorigenesis is proposed to be genotype‐dependent. Leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR) both play a crucial role in the mediation of physiological reactions and carcinogenesis and may serve as a candidate biomarker of oral cancer. The current case‐control study aimed to examine the effects of LEP −2548 G/A (rs7799039), LEPR K109R (rs1137100), and LEPR Q223R (rs1137101) single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with or without interacting to environmental carcinogens on the risk for oral squamous cell carcinoma. The SNPs of three genetic allele, from 567 patients with oral cancer and 560 healthy controls in Taiwan were analyzed. The results shown that the patients with polymorphic allele of LEP −2548 have a significant low risk for the development of clinical stage (A/G: adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.670, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.454‐0.988, P < 0.05; A/G + G/G: AOR = 0.676, 95% CI = 0.467‐0.978, P < 0.05) compared to patients with ancestral homozygous A/A genotype. In addition, an interesting result was found that the impact of LEP −2548 G/A SNP on oral carcinogenesis in subjects without tobacco consumption is higher than subjects with tobacco consumption. These results suggest that the genetic polymorphism of LEP −2548 G/A (rs7799039), LEPR K109R (rs1137100), and LEPR Q223R (rs1137101) were not associated to the susceptibility of oral cancer; SNP in LEP −2548 G/A showed a poor clinicopathological development of oral cancer; population without tobacco consumption and with polymorphic LEP −2548 G/A gene may significantly increase the risk to have oral cancer.
“I've had to bury a lot of kids over the years…”: Violence prevention streetworkers' exposure to trauma
Authors: Free Janese L. , MacDonald Helen Z.
Published: April 2019

Aims

Streetworkers are front‐line workers employed to engage at‐risk youth and prevent, intervene, and respond to incidents of community youth violence. Streetworkers are often exposed to violence and its aftermath, though little is known about the specific types of trauma to which streetworkers are exposed.

Methods

This study seeks to explore this question via in‐depth, semistructured interviews with 37 streetworkers from a large city in the United States.

Results

The qualitative results revealed that the streetworkers in this sample experienced a range of types of trauma. Streetworkers were less likely to be directly exposed to traumatic events in the context of their jobs, yet were more likely to witness, learn about, or experience repeated exposure to aversive details of traumatic events.

Conclusions

Despite their exposure to trauma, very few participants described seeking psychological treatment, self‐care, or new vocation. We discuss our findings and make recommendations to bolster support for streetworkers.
Retracted: GABARAP promotes bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells‐based the osteoarthritis cartilage regeneration through the inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Zhengyuan , Lu Huiping , Yao Jun , Zhang Xiaohan , Huang Yimei , Ma Shiting , Zou Kai , Wei Yan , Yang Zhengyi , Li Jia , Zhao Jinmin
Published: April 2019

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease of the cartilage prevalent in the middle‐aged and elderly demographic. Direct transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) or stem cell‐derived chondrocytes into the damaged cartilage is a promising therapeutic strategy for OA, but is limited by the poor survival and in situ stability of the chondrocytes. Autophagy is a unique catabolic pathway conserved across eukaryotes that maintains cellular homeostasis, recycles damaged proteins and organelles, and promotes survival. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the proautophagic γ‐aminobutyric acid receptor‐associated protein (GABARAP) on the therapeutic effects of BMSCs‐derived chondrocytes in a rat model of OA, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) was performed in Sprague–Dawley rats to simulate OA, and the animals were injected weekly with recombinant human His6‐GABARAP protein, BMSCs‐derived differentiated chondrocytes (DCs) or their combination directly into the knee cartilage. The regenerative effects of GABARAP and/or DCs were determined in term of International Cartilage Repair Society scores and cartilage thickness. The combination treatment of DCs and GABARAP significantly increased the levels of the ECM proteins Col II and SOX9, indicating formation of hyaline‐like cartilage, and decreased chondrocyte apoptosis and inflammation. DCs + GABARAP treatment also upregulated the mediators of the autophagy pathway and suppressed the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, indicating a mechanistic basis of its therapeutic action.
Histaminergic transmission slows progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Apolloni Savina , Amadio Susanna , Fabbrizio Paola , Morello Giovanna , Spampinato Antonio Gianmaria , Latagliata Emanuele Claudio , Salvatori Illari , Proietti Daisy , Ferri Alberto , Madaro Luca , Puglisi‐Allegra Stefano , Cavallaro Sebastiano , Volonté Cinzia
Published: April 2019

Background

Histamine is an immune modulator, neuroprotective, and remyelinating agent, beneficially acting on skeletal muscles and promoting anti‐inflammatory features in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) microglia. Drugs potentiating the endogenous release of histamine are in trial for neurological diseases, with a role not systematically investigated in ALS. Here, we examine histamine pathway associations in ALS patients and the efficacy of a histamine‐mediated therapeutic strategy in ALS mice.

Methods

We adopted an integrative multi‐omics approach combining gene expression profiles, copy number variants, and single nucleotide polymorphisms of ALS patients. We treated superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)‐G93A mice that recapitulate key ALS features, with the brain‐permeable histamine precursor histidine in the symptomatic phase of the disease and analysed the rescue from disease pathological signs. We examined the action of histamine in cultured SOD1‐G93A motor neuron‐like cells.

Results

We identified 13 histamine‐related genes deregulated in the spinal cord of two ALS patient subgroups, among which genes involved in histamine metabolism, receptors, transport, and secretion. Some histamine‐related genes overlapped with genomic regions disrupted by DNA copy number and with ALS‐linked pathogenic variants. Histidine treatment in SOD1‐G93A mice proved broad efficacy in ameliorating ALS features, among which most importantly lifespan, motor performance, microgliosis, muscle atrophy, and motor neurons survival in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusions

Our gene set/pathway enrichment analyses and preclinical studies started at the onset of symptoms establish that histamine‐related genes are modifiers in ALS, supporting their role as candidate biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We disclose a novel important role for histamine in the characterization of the multi‐gene network responsible for ALS and, furthermore, in the drug development process.
Self‐leadership in the context of part‐time teleworking
Authors: Müller Teresa , Niessen Cornelia
Published: April 2019

Employees who work periodically in both a traditional office and home office (part‐time teleworkers) face opportunities and risks related to both working locations. As self‐leadership might play a crucial role in this context, we examined within‐person variations in self‐leadership (self‐reward, self‐punishment, self‐cueing, self‐goal setting, imagining successful performance, and evaluation of beliefs and assumptions) on home days and office days. In a typical workweek, 195 part‐time teleworkers filled out daily surveys (729 days), and we examined the relationship between working location (office and home) and self‐leading behavior as well as the mediating role of autonomy. Finally, we investigated whether self‐leading behavior relates to ego depletion and work satisfaction at the end of the working day. Multilevel analyses revealed that part‐time teleworkers reported higher use of self‐reward, self‐goal setting, and visualization of successful performance on home days than on office days. The association between working location and self‐reward, self‐goal setting, visualization of successful performance, and evaluation of beliefs and assumptions was mediated by autonomy. There were no indirect effects of working location on ego depletion through self‐leadership. However, we found that on home days, part‐time teleworkers were more satisfied with their job at the end of the workday through self‐goal setting.
Impact of connective tissue graft thickness on surgical outcomes: A pilot randomized clinical trial
Authors: Moisa David H. , Connolly Julie A. , Cheng Bin , Lalla Evanthia
Published: April 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to compare thick versus thin connective tissue grafts (CTG) for the treatment of gingival recession, over a 3‐month period.

Methods

Forty‐two CTG procedures were performed on single tooth Miller Class I or II recession defects at either premolar or anterior sites in 30 individuals. Procedures were randomized (1:1 ratio) to CTG thickness of 1 or 2 mm (parallel group design). Primary outcomes were the change in the width of the zone of keratinized tissue and the amount of root coverage achieved 3 months postoperatively at the recipient site. Secondary outcomes included change in the thickness of keratinized tissue at 3 months and patient‐reported outcomes, such as pain, bleeding, and swelling at both the recipient and donor sites at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months.

Results

No significant differences were found between the two groups for any of the primary or secondary outcomes. Mean root coverage achieved was 2.1 ± 0.2 mm in the 1‐mm thick group and 2.5 ± 0.2 mm in the 2‐mm thick group (P = 0.33). Keratinized tissue width was increased by 2.2 ± 0.2 mm in the 1‐mm thick group and by 2.7 ± 0.3 mm in the 2‐mm thick group (P = 0.18). Keratinized tissue thickness was increased by 1.0 ± 0.1 mm and by 1.2 ± 0.1 mm in the 1‐ and 2‐mm thick groups, respectively (P = 0.09).

Conclusion

Within the current study limitations, our results suggest that similar root coverage and increase in the width and thickness of keratinized tissue can be achieved at 3 months whether a 1‐ or 2‐mm thick CTG is used.
A randomized controlled trial of adjuvant mitomycin‐c in endoscopic surgery for laryngotracheal stenosis
Authors: Yung Katherine C. , Chang Joseph , Courey Mark S.
Published: April 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

Topical mitomycin‐C (MMC) application is a commonly accepted adjuvant therapy in the surgical treatment for laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS). However, the efficacy of MMC has not been examined in a prospective, randomized clinical trial in humans. We aimed to examine the efficacy of MMC in the treatment of LTS patients as compared to a placebo‐controlled group.

Study Design

Prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial.

Methods

Fifteen patients with LTS were enrolled in a 24‐month trial and randomized into one of two groups: 1) endoscopic surgical treatment with topical application of MMC or 2) endoscopic surgical treatment with topical application of saline. Postoperatively, patients were evaluated at standardized intervals with a symptom questionnaire and spirometry. Subsequent surgery was performed as needed based on relapse of stenosis on exam and patient‐reported symptom severity.

Results

The average interval between surgical treatments was 17.9 months in the placebo group and 17.4 months in the MMC group (P = .95). There was no difference in magnitude of peak inspiratory flow (PIF) improvement between groups. The average magnitude of PIF change was 1.3 L/sec and 1.1 L/sec for the placebo and MMC groups, respectively (P = .64). Similarly, there was no difference in magnitude of symptom improvement or duration of symptom improvement between the two groups.

Conclusions

This prospective, randomized. double‐blind. placebo‐controlled trial suggests that the use of MMC as a topical adjuvant therapy has no additional benefit in the endoscopic surgical management of LTS. Further study is needed.

Level of Evidence

1b

Laryngoscope, 130:706–711, 2020
Improving estimates of coral reef construction and erosion with in situ measurements
Authors: Kuffner Ilsa B. , Toth Lauren T. , Hudson J. Harold , Goodwin William B. , Stathakopoulos Anastasios , Bartlett Lucy A. , Whitcher Elizabeth M.
Published: April 2019

The decline in living coral since the 1970s has conspicuously slowed reef construction on a global scale, but the related process of reef erosion is less visible and not often quantified. Here, we present new data on the constructional and deconstructional sides of the carbonate‐budget equation in the Florida Keys, U.S.A. We documented Orbicella spp. calcification rates at four offshore reefs and quantified decadal‐scale rates of Orbicella‐reef erosion at a mid‐shore patch reef. Using Orbicella coral heads fitted with permanent markers in 1998, we measured reef‐elevation loss at 28 stations over 17.3 yr to estimate a mean erosion rate of −5.5 (± 3.2, SD) mm yr−1. This loss equates to an erosion rate of −8.2 (± 4.8, SD) kg m−2 yr−1 on dead Orbicella colonies, or −6.6 kg m−2 yr−1 when adjusted reef‐wide. Calculating net carbonate production using a census‐based approach on the same patch reef in 2017, we estimated a reef‐wide bioerosion rate of −1.9 (± 2.0, SD) kg m−2 yr−1, and a net carbonate production rate of 0.5 (± 0.3, SD) kg m−2 yr−1. Substituting the erosion rate we estimated with the markers would suggest that net carbonate production at this patch reef was lower and negative, −4.2 kg m−2 yr−1. This divergence could be a function of high erosion rates measured on the tops of Orbicella colonies, which may be preferentially targeted by parrotfish. Nonetheless, our study suggests the need for new field data to improve estimates of reef‐structure persistence as coral reefs continue to degrade.
Macroscopic Scaffold Control for Lipase‐Catalyzed Dendritic Polyol‐Polyesters
Authors: Rao Zi‐Kun , Ni Hai‐Liang , Li Yang , Zhu Hong‐Yu , Liu Yu , Hao Jian‐Yuan
Published: April 2019

Herein, structurally regular dendritic trimethylolethane (TME) polyester is robustly obtained by polymerizing with suberic acid. Through properly modeled chain growth behaviors, differences of scaffolds forming between TME and glycerol polyesters are thoroughly discussed. The scaffolds of polyol‐polyesters can be easily controlled by adjusting feed ratio and temperature. However, to achieve regular dendritic scaffolds, apart from the monomer feed ratio of 1/1 and high temperature(80 °C), selection of proper polyols is much more important. TME with three equal primary hydroxyls tends to undergo pure dendritic growth, forming into regular scaffolds while glycerol with secondary hydroxyls is inclined to have linear and grafted growth successively, which results in irregular dendritic scaffolds. However, glycerol polyesters tend to have linear growth under mild temperature (40 °C), hence, regular linear scaffolds can be obtained. Besides, a scaffold determination and control system are built up, giving general guidance of obtaining polol‐polyesters with targeted topologies.
Mechanical Properties of PMMA‐Sepiolite Nanocellular Materials with a Bimodal Cellular Structure
Authors: Bernardo Victoria , Van Loock Frederik , Martin‐de Leon Judith , Fleck Norman A. , Rodriguez‐Perez Miguel Angel
Published: April 2019

Bimodal cellular poly(methyl methacrylate) with micro‐ and nano‐sized (300–500 nm) cells with up to 5 wt% of sepiolite nanoparticles and porosity from 50% to 75% are produced by solid‐state foaming. Uniaxial compression tests are performed to measure the effect of sepiolite concentration on the elastic modulus and the yield strength of the solid and cellular nanocomposites. Single edge notch bend tests are conducted to relate the fracture toughness of the solid and cellular nanocomposites to sepiolite concentration. The relative modulus is independent of sepiolite content to within material scatter when considering the complete porosity range. In contrast, a mild enhancement of the relative modulus is observed by the addition of sepiolite particles for the foamed nanocomposites with a porosity close to 50%. The relative compressive strength of the cellular nanocomposites mildly decreases as a function of sepiolite concentration. A strong enhancement of the relative fracture toughness by the addition of sepiolites is observed. The enhancement of the relative fracture toughness and the relative modulus (at 50% porosity) can be attributed to an improved dispersion of the particles due to foaming and the migration of micro‐sized aggregates from the solid phase to the microcellular pores during foaming.
Lifting double linear vector fields to Weil like functors on double vector bundles
Authors: Mikulski Włodzimierz M.
Published: April 2019

The complete description is given of the product preserving gauge bundle functors F on the category of double vector bundles in terms of the ‐bilinear maps , where are Weil algebras and are finite dimensional (over ) ‐modules. Then the so‐called “iteration” problem is solved (i.e. by means of and is computed). That any two product preserving gauge bundle functors on commute is derived. All gauge natural operators lifting double linear vector fields to product preserving gauge bundle functors F are completely described.
Pleotropic role of RNA binding protein CELF2 in autophagy induction
Authors: New Jacob , Subramaniam Dharmalingam , Ramalingam Satish , Enders Jonathan , Sayed Afreen Asif Ali , Ponnurangam Sivapriya , Standing David , Ramamoorthy Prabhu , O'Neil Maura , Dixon Dan A. , Saha Subhrajit , Umar Shahid , Gunewardena Sumedha , Jensen Roy A. , Thomas Sufi Mary , Anant Shrikant
Published: April 2019

We previously reported that ionizing radiation (IR) mediates cell death through the induction of CUGBP elav‐like family member 2 (CELF2), a tumor suppressor. CELF2 is an RNA binding protein that modulates mRNA stability and translation. Since IR induces autophagy, we hypothesized that CELF2 regulates autophagy‐mediated colorectal cancer (CRC) cell death. For clinical relevance, we determined CELF2 levels in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Role of CELF2 in radiation response was carried out in CRC cell lines by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, autophagic vacuole analyses, RNA stability assay, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and electron microscopy. In vivo studies were performed in a xenograft tumor model. TCGA analyses demonstrated that compared to normal tissue, CELF2 is expressed at significantly lower levels in CRC, and is associated with better overall 5‐year survival in patients receiving radiation. Mechanistically, CELF2 increased levels of critical components of the autophagy cascade including Beclin‐1, ATG5, and ATG12 by modulating mRNA stability. CELF2 also increased autophagic flux in CRC. IR significantly induced autophagy in CRC which correlates with increased levels of CELF2 and autophagy associated proteins. Silencing CELF2 with siRNA, mitigated IR induced autophagy. Moreover, knockdown of CELF2 in vivo conferred tumor resistance to IR. These studies elucidate an unrecognized role for CELF2 in inducing autophagy and potentiating the effects of radiotherapy in CRC.
Use of Manual Therapy for Posterior Pelvic Girdle Pain
Authors: Miles Derek , Bishop Mark
Published: April 2019

Use of manual therapies in the treatment of posterior pelvic pain is a common practice. The rationale for use of manual therapies is often associated with the structural movement of the sacroiliac joint. Increasing evidence has shown this not to be the case, as manual therapy's effect is more neurophysiological in nature. This article seeks to clarify the difference between the two explanations as well as to expand upon outside influences such as expectations, therapeutic alliance, and equipoise that may influence the outcome of treatment. Treatment effects may be maximized with manual therapy if clinicians have an understanding of the role of each of these variables in their treatment approach.
AbRSA: A robust tool for antibody numbering
Authors: Li Lei , Chen Shuang , Miao Zhichao , Liu Yang , Liu Xu , Xiao Zhi‐Xiong , Cao Yang
Published: April 2019

The remarkable progress in cancer immunotherapy in recent years has led to the heat of great development for therapeutic antibodies. Antibody numbering, which standardizes a residue index at each position of an antibody variable domain, is an important step in immunoinformatic analysis. It provides an equivalent index for the comparison of sequences or structures, which is particularly valuable for antibody modeling and engineering. However, due to the extremely high diversity of antibody sequences, antibody‐numbering tools cannot work in all cases. This article introduces a new antibody‐numbering tool named AbRSA, which integrates heuristic knowledge of region‐specific features into sequence mapping to enhance the robustness. The benchmarks demonstrate that, AbRSA exhibits robust performance in numbering sequences with diverse lengths and patterns compared with the state‐of‐the‐art tools. AbRSA offers a user‐friendly interface for antibody numbering, complementarity‐determining region delimitation, and 3D structure rendering. It is freely available at http://cao.labshare.cn/AbRSA.
One‐Pot Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Arylpropenone Aminochalcone Conjugates as Potential Apoptotic Inducers
Authors: Khan Irfan , Ganapathi Thipparapu , Shareef Mohd Adil , Shaik Anver Basha , Akbar Syed , Rajanna Ajumeera , Kamal Ahmed , Kumar Chityal Ganesh
Published: April 2019

A facile single pot strategy was developed to synthesize a library of 17 arylpropenone aminochalcone conjugates involving two consecutive reactions, namely Michael addition and Claisen‐Schmidt condensation. These conjugates were screened for their in vitro anti‐proliferative potential against selected human cancer cell lines such as breast (MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231), pancreatic (PANC‐1) and colorectal (CaCO2) adenocarcinoma cells. Among them, the conjugates 6 l and 6p exhibited good to moderate cytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging from 6.7 μM and 9.8 μM, respectively, against MCF‐7. Furthermore, these conjugates were found to exhibit G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Moreover, Annexin‐FITC assay revealed that they induced apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner which probably is responsible for their Cytotoxicity
Synthesis of Enantiomerically Enriched Non‐Proteinogenic α‐Amino Acids Using the Suzuki Reaction
Authors: Saghyan Ashot S. , Mkrtchyan Anna F. , Mardiyan Zorayr Z. , Hayriyan Liana A. , Belokon Yuri N. , Langer Peter
Published: April 2019

Herein we report the synthesis of a variety of new enantiomerically enriched non‐protein (S)‐α‐amino acids based on the reaction of generating new carbon‐carbon bonds in the side chain group of the amino acid moiety with high chemical yields and optical purity using the reaction of Suzuki. As the initial synthon, the Schiff base Ni(II) complex of the chiral auxiliary (S)‐BPB (N‐benzyl proline benzophenone) and 4‐bromo‐L‐phenylalanine amino acid was used. The final Ni(II) complexes were decomposed with aqueous HCl and the amino acids were isolated with excellent enantioselectivities (>99% ee). The chiral auxiliary ligand (S)‐BPB can be recycled and reused for the synthesis of starting Ni(II) complex.
3D Sulfur and Nitrogen Codoped Carbon Nanofiber Aerogels with Optimized Electronic Structure and Enlarged Interlayer Spacing Boost Potassium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Lv Chunxiao , Xu Wenjia , Liu Hongli , Zhang Lixue , Chen Shuai , Yang Xianfeng , Xu Xijin , Yang Dongjiang
Published: April 2019

Carbonaceous materials are promising anodes for potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs). However, it is hard for large K ions (1.38 Å) to achieve long‐distance diffusion in pristine carbonaceous materials. In this work, the following are synthesized: S/N codoped carbon nanofiber aerogels (S/N‐CNFAs) with optimized electronic structure by S/N codoping, enhanced interlayer spacing by S doping, and a 3D interconnected porous structure of aerogel, through a pyrolysis sustainable seaweed (Fe‐alginate) aerogel strategy. Specifically, the S/N‐CNFAs electrode delivers high reversible capacities of 356 and 112 mA h g−1 at 100 and 5000 mA g−1, respectively. The capacity reaches 168 mA h g−1 at 2000 mA g−1 after 1000 cycles. A full cell with a S/N‐CNFAs anode and potassium prussian blue cathode displays a specific capacity of 198 mA h g−1 at 200 mA g−1. Density functional theory calculations indicate that S/N codoping is beneficial to synergistically improve K ions storage of S/N‐CNFAs by enhancing the adsorption of K ions and reducing the diffusion barrier of K ions. This work offers a facile heteroatom doping paradigm for designing new carbonaceous anodes for high‐performance PIBs.
Formation of a Monolayer Protein Corona around Polystyrene Nanoparticles and Implications for Nanoparticle Agglomeration
Authors: Wang Haixia , Ma Rui , Nienhaus Karin , Nienhaus Gerd Ulrich
Published: April 2019

Nanoparticle (NP) interactions with cells and organisms are mediated by a biomolecular adsorption layer, the so‐called “protein corona.” An in‐depth understanding of the corona is a prerequisite to successful and safe application of NPs in biology and medicine. In this work, earlier in situ investigations on small NPs are extended to large polystyrene (PS) NPs of up to 100 nm diameter, using human transferrin (Tf) and human serum albumin (HSA) as model proteins. Direct NP sizing experiments reveal a reversibly bound monolayer protein shell (under saturating conditions) on hydrophilic, carboxyl‐functionalized (PS‐COOH) NPs, as was earlier observed for much smaller NPs. In contrast, protein binding on hydrophobic, sulfated (PS‐OSO3H) NPs in solvent of low ionic strength is completely irreversible; nevertheless, the thickness of the observed protein corona again corresponds to a protein monolayer. Under conditions of reduced charge repulsion (higher ionic strength), the NPs are colloidally unstable and form large clusters below a certain protein–NP stoichiometric ratio, indicating that the adsorbed proteins induce NP agglomeration. This comprehensive characterization of the persistent protein corona on PS‐OSO3H NPs by nanoparticle sizing and quantitative fluorescence microscopy/nanoscopy reveals mechanistic aspects of molecular interactions occurring during exposure of NPs to biofluids.
Ecologies of Boundaries: Modes of Boundary Work in Professional Proto‐Jurisdictions
Authors: Blok Anders , Lindstrøm Maria D. , Meilvang Marie L. , Pedersen Inge K.
Published: April 2019

Ecological approaches to professional work, authority, and regulation have seen a resurgence in the sociology of professions, as epitomized in the linked ecologies framework of Andrew Abbott. Alongside this resurgence comes a renewed attention to the way symbolic and material boundaries within and between professions, as well as between professional, university, and political institutions, come to be defined, negotiated, and changed as part of ongoing professional projects. Building on and comparing case studies set in Denmark into three emerging professional “proto‐jurisdictions”—of water‐related climate adaptation, lifestyle disease prevention, and innovation management—this article identifies three key modes of interprofessional boundary work important for such projects. In doing so, it grounds Abbott's meso‐level framework of linked ecologies in more situated accounts of workplace‐level boundary interaction, by reconnecting to a wider tradition of symbolic interactionist studies of professions.
View from practice: Stock market reaction to sukuk credit rating changes in Malaysia
Authors: Muhamad Sori Zulkarnain , Mohamad Shamsher , Al Homsi Mahmoud
Published: April 2019

Documented evidence on conventional bond markets shows negative market reaction to bond credit rating downgrade and no reaction to credit rating upgrade. Despite the fact that sukuk issuances make up more than 58.8% of the value of outstanding bonds in the country and Malaysia issues at least half of the world's sukuk and is widely recognized as a leader in the sukuk space, there is no documented evidence on the stock market reaction to sukuk credit rating changes. This study analyzed the wealth effect of sukuk credit rating changes in Malaysia using 16 sukuk upgrades and 20 sukuk downgrades for the period 2000–2014. The evidence shows negative market reaction to downgrades and positive significant reaction to sukuk rating upgrade. This symmetrical market reaction to sukuk credit rating changes implies the market was indifferent between bonds and sukuk from the credit rating perspective. This finding supports the notion that the credit rating agencies are Shariah‐neutral when rating these capital market instruments.
How important are aerosol–fog interactions for the successful modelling of nocturnal radiation fog?
Authors: Poku C. , Ross A. N. , Blyth A. M. , Hill A. A. , Price J. D.
Published: April 2019

Forecasting and modelling fog formation, development, and dissipation is a significant challenge. Fog dynamics involve subtle interactions between small‐scale turbulence, radiative transfer and microphysics. Recent studies have highlighted the role of aerosol and related cloud microphysical properties in the evolution of fog. In this article, we investigate this role using very high‐resolution large eddy simulations coupled with a newly developed multi‐moment cloud microphysics scheme (CASIM), which has been designed to model aerosol–cloud interactions. The simulation results demonstrate the sensitivity of the fog structure to the properties of the aerosol population (e.g. number concentration). This study also demonstrates the importance of the treatment of aerosol activation in fog formation and discusses future work required to improve the representation of aerosol–fog interactions for simulations of fog.
Preparation and Reactivity of Mixed‐Ligands Hydride Complexes [RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)2{P(OR)3}]
Authors: Albertin Gabriele , Antoniutti Stefano , Castro Jesús
Published: April 2019

Mixed‐ligands hydride complexes [RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)2{P(OR)3}] (2) (R = Me, Et) were prepared by allowing [RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)3] (1) to react with an excess of phosphites P(OR)3 in refluxing benzene. Treatment of hydrides 2 first with triflic acid and next with an excess of hydrazine afforded hydrazine complexes [RuCl(CO)(κ1‐NH2NHR1)(PPh3)2{P(OR)3}]BPh4 (3, 4) (R1 = H, CH3). Diethylcyanamide derivatives [RuCl(CO)(N≡CNEt2)(PPh3)2{P(OR)3}]BPh4 (5) were also prepared by reacting 2 first with HOTf and then with N≡CNEt2. The complexes were characterized spectroscopically and by X‐ray crystal structure determination of [RuHCl(CO)(PPh3)2{P(OEt)3}] (2b).
Relaxing the cosmological moduli problem by low-scale inflation
Authors: Ho Shu-Yu , Takahashi Fuminobu , Yin Wen
Published: April 2019

Abstract

We show that the cosmological abundance of string axions is much smaller than naive estimates if the Hubble scale of inflation, H
inf , is sufficiently low (but can still be much higher than the axion masses) and if the inflation lasts sufficiently long. The reason is that the initial misalignment angles of the string axions follow the Bunch-Davies distribution peaked at the potential minima. As a result, the cosmological moduli problem induced by the string axions can be significantly relaxed by low-scale inflation, and astrophysical and cosmological bounds are satisfied over a wide range of the mass without any fine-tuning of the initial misalignment angles. Specifically, the axion with its decay constant f

ϕ
= 1016 GeV satisfies the bounds over 10−18 eV ≲ m

ϕ
≲ 10 TeV for H
inf ≲ 10 keV-106 GeV. We also discuss cases with multiple axions and the QCD axion.
Variational analysis of low-lying states in supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Ali Sajid , Bergner Georg , Gerber Henning , Kuberski Simon , Montvay Istvan , Münster Gernot , Piemonte Stefano , Scior Philipp
Published: April 2019

Abstract

We have calculated the masses of bound states numerically in

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 1 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory with gauge group SU(2). Using the suitably optimised variational method with an operator basis consisting of smeared Wilson loops and mesonic operators, we are able to obtain the masses of the ground states and first excited states in the scalar, pseudoscalar and spin-

$$ \frac{1}{2} $$

1
2

sectors. Extrapolated to the continuum limit, the corresponding particles appear to be approximately mass degenerate and to fit into the predicted chiral supermultiplets. The extended operator basis including both glueball-like and mesonic operators leads to improved results compared to earlier studies, and moreover allows us to investigate the mixing content of the physical states, which we compare to predictions in the literature.
How Do Small and Medium-Sized Game Companies Use Analytics? An Attention-Based View of Game Analytics
Authors: Mäntymäki Matti , Hyrynsalmi Sami , Koskenvoima Antti
Published: April 2019

The widespread adoption of the freemium business model together with the introduction of cost-efficient analytics tools have made the use of analytics pervasive in the game industry. While big data and analytics have drawn extensive scholarly attention, the research focusing particularly on game analytics is scant and largely descriptive. Thus, there is a need for research focusing on how game companies employ analytics. In this study, we analyze data collected through a set of in-depth interviews of small and medium-sized freemium game developers. We identify four main roles of game analytics: 1) sense-making device, 2) decision-support system, 3) communication tool, and 4) hygiene factor. We employ the attention-based view of the firm to discuss how these roles diverge and converge in terms of organizational attention. The study advances the research on the roles and business value of analytics in the game and software industry.
Effects of Proton Pump Inhibitors on the Gastrointestinal Microbiota in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Shi Yi-Chao , Cai Shun-Tian , Tian Ya-Ping , Zhao Hui-Jun , Zhang Yan-Bing , Chen Jing , Ren Rong-Rong , Luo Xi , Peng Li-Hua , Sun Gang , Yang Yun-Sheng
Published: April 2019

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly used to lessen symptoms in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the effects of PPI therapy on the gastrointestinal microbiota in GERD patients remain unclear. We examined the association between the PPI usage and the microbiota present in gastric mucosal and fecal samples from GERD patients and healthy controls (HCs) using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. GERD patients taking PPIs were further divided into short-term and long-term PPI user groups. We showed that PPI administration lowered the relative bacterial diversity of the gastric microbiota in GERD patients. Compared to the non-PPI-user and HC groups, higher abundances of Planococcaceae, Oxalobacteraceae, and Sphingomonadaceae were found in the gastric microbiota from the PPI-user group. In addition, the Methylophilus genus was more highly abundant in the long-term PPI user group than in the short-term PPI-user group. Despite the absence of differences in alpha diversity, there were significant differences in the fecal bacterial composition of between GERD patients taking PPIs and those not taking PPIs. There was a higher abundance of Streptococcaceae, Veillonellaceae, Acidaminococcaceae, Micrococcaceae, and Flavobacteriaceae present in the fecal microbiota from the PPI-user group than those from the non-PPI-user and HC groups. Additionally, a significantly higher abundance of Ruminococcus was found in GERD patients on long-term PPI medication than that on short-term PPI medication. Our study indicates that PPI administration in patients with GERD has a significant effect on the abundance and structure of the gastric mucosal microbiota but only on the composition of the fecal microbiota.
Comparison of elastic moduli from seismic diving-wave and ice-core microstructure analysis in Antarctic polar firn
Authors: Schlegel Rebecca , Diez Anja , Löwe Henning , Mayer Christoph , Lambrecht Astrid , Freitag Johannes , Miller Heinrich , Hofstede Coen , Eisen Olaf
Published: April 2019

We compared elastic moduli in polar firn derived from diving wave refraction seismic velocity analysis, firn-core density measurements and microstructure modelling based on firn-core data. The seismic data were obtained with a small electrodynamic vibrator source near Kohnen Station, East Antarctica. The analysis of diving waves resulted in velocity–depth profiles for different wave types (P-, SH- and SV-waves). Dynamic elastic moduli of firn were derived by combining P- and S-wave velocities and densities obtained from firn-core measurements. The structural finite-element method (FEM) was used to calculate the components of the elastic tensor from firn microstructure derived from X-ray tomography of firn-core samples at depths of 10, 42, 71 and 99 m, providing static elastic moduli. Shear and bulk moduli range from 0.39 to 2.42 GPa and 0.68 to 2.42 GPa, respectively. The elastic moduli from seismic observations and the structural FEM agree within 8.5% for the deepest achieved values at a depth of 71 m, and are within the uncertainty range. Our observations demonstrate that the elastic moduli of the firn can be consistently obtained from two independent methods which are based on dynamic (seismic) and static (tomography and FEM) observations, respectively, for deeper layers in the firn below ~10 m depth.
Regional human rights institutions struggling against populism: The case of Venezuela
Authors: Candia Gonzalo
Published: April 2019

Latin American history is full of populist experiments. The result of this history is a political culture across the continent characterized by conflict and polarization. The most recent wave of Latin American populism is represented by neo-populism. Neo-populism identifies itself as the “socialism of the 21st century.” Its most representative expression is the Chavista regime, which was led first by Hugo Chávez, and then by Nicolás Maduro. This Article, after examining what populism is, considers how regional human rights institutions of the Americas have dealt with the Chavista regime. In doing so, this Article describes the efforts deployed by both the Inter-American Commission and the Inter-American Court of Human Rights to keep Chávez under control. This Article concludes that regional human rights supervision, being relevant in the context of the Venezuelan experience, was finally incapable of either preventing or stopping the authoritarian path adopted by Chávez. This was because: (a) early supervision over the Chavista regime did not avert its leaders from abusing human rights afterwards; and (b) intensifying regional supervision over the regime became paradoxically self-defeating after it took full control of the State apparatus.
Imagined ideologies: Populist figures, liberalist projections, and the horizons of constitutionalism
Authors: Oklopcic Zoran
Published: April 2019

Most contemporary constitutionalists exhibit a highly critical attitude toward populism, seeing it as one of the main reasons for the “erosion” of liberal democratic institutions in a growing number of countries around the world. Other constitutional theorists, who are less hostile to the populist phenomenon, remain open to the prospect of a genuinely populist constitution. Irrespective of their differences, both camps take the existence of populism—itself a highly contested concept—for granted. In challenging this implicit consensus in constitutional theory about the actual existence of some observer-independent “populism,” this essay proceeds from two assumptions. One: like all political concepts, populism is a concept which, irrespective of the intentions of those who articulate it, has polemical implications. Two: like all polemical concepts, populism is a concept that must be “staged”. What that means are, again, two things. First, populism is staged because its meaning emerges against the backdrop of dramatized scenes that confront us with concrete political actors, impersonal technological tendencies, important historical events, elusive cultural atmospheres and broader socioeconomic landscapes. In most constitutionally relevant depictions of those scenes, populism emerges as a grave, if not yet existential, threat to liberal democracy. Which brings us to the second sense in which populism ought to be understood as “staged”: not just as an abstract concept propped up by concrete imaginings of protagonists, events, tendencies, and challeneges, but as a stage-prop: a polemical device whose function is itself dramatizing. Portrayed as a “regime,” painted in dark colours, and situated in opposition to liberal democracy, populism is a figure whose role is to make the face of liberal democracy look more appealing. If so, there is no reason not to look at populism as a rhetorical distraction from other, potentially more fruitful questions such as: What are the actual institutional features of liberal democracy—not as some abstract template of legitimate government —but as a specific, historically mutable, socio-economic and psycho-social regulatory regime? In what sense do such regimes have a “constitution”? In whose interest are constitutional theories that remain indifferent to those regimes’ realities? Offering a fresh look at how liberalist critics of populism project this “ideology” or “regime” on a stage on which it appears as a threat to liberal democracy, this article offers a vantage point from which to begin systematically confronting these questions.
Introduction: Populist constitutionalism: Varieties, complexities, and contradictions
Authors: Blokker Paul , Bugaric Bojan , Halmai Gábor
Published: April 2019

The intense engagement of populists with constitutionalism—a phenomenon originally related to experiences in Latin America—is increasingly evident in some of the new European Union member states. But the populist phenomenon is clearly not confined to more recently established democracies. Populist constitutionalism stands for a number of distinctive tendencies in constitutional politics and practices which frequently are in tension with—and may even threaten—fundamental values, human rights, representative democracy, and the rule of law. The relation between populism and constitutionalism is, however, not necessarily one of anti-thesis, but rather manifests itself in distinctive ways, depending on specific contexts and variations. In this special issue, we argue that populist constitutionalism is best analyzed in a comparative, and historically and contextually attuned manner. The special issue wants to contribute to understandings of populist constitutionalism, which are both theoretically more robust and able to comparatively reflect on a diversity of “really existing” cases. The various contributions discuss central dimensions to the populist phenomenon. These pertain in particular to: (a) The varieties of populist engagement with constitutionalism; (b) a deeper understanding of the populist mindset; (c) the position-taking and reaction of constitutional scholars to populism; (d) the complex relation and overlap of populism with illiberalism and authoritarianism; and (e) the central nature of constituent power in populist projects.