bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replication study of plasma proteins relating to Alzheimer's pathology
Authors: Shi Liu , Winchester Laura M. , Westwood Sarah , Baird Alison L. , Anand Sneha N. , Buckley Noel J , Hye Abdul , Ashton Nicholas J. , Bos Isabelle , Vos Stephanie J. B. , Kate Mara ten , Scheltens Philip , Teunissen Charlotte E. , Vandenberghe Rik , Gabel Silvy , Meersmans Karen , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , De Roeck Ellen E. , Sleegers Kristel , Frisoni Giovanni B. , Blin Olivier , Richardson Jill C. , Bordet Régis , Molinuevo José L. , Rami Lorena , Wallin Anders , Kettunen Petronella , Tsolaki Magda , Verhey Frans , Lléo Alberto , Sala Isabel , Popp Julius , Peyratout Gwendoline , Martinez‐Lage Pablo , Tainta Mikel , Johannsen Peter , Freund‐Levi Yvonne , Frölich Lutz , Dobricic Valerija , Legido‐Quigley Cristina , Barkhof Frederik , Andreasson Ulf , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Streffer Johannes , Lill Christina M. , Bertram Lars , Visser Pieter Jelle , Kolb Hartmuth C. , Narayan Vaibhav A. , Lovestone Simon , Nevado‐Holgado Alejo J.
Published: April 2021

Introduction

This study sought to discover and replicate plasma proteomic biomarkers relating to Alzheimer's disease (AD) including both the “ATN” (amyloid/tau/neurodegeneration) diagnostic framework and clinical diagnosis.

Methods

Plasma proteins from 972 subjects (372 controls, 409 mild cognitive impairment [MCI], and 191 AD) were measured using both SOMAscan and targeted assays, including 4001 and 25 proteins, respectively.

Results

Protein co‐expression network analysis of SOMAscan data revealed the relation between proteins and “N” varied across different neurodegeneration markers, indicating that the ATN variants are not interchangeable. Using hub proteins, age, and apolipoprotein E ε4 genotype discriminated AD from controls with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.81 and MCI convertors from non‐convertors with an AUC of 0.74. Targeted assays replicated the relation of four proteins with the ATN framework and clinical diagnosis.

Discussion

Our study suggests that blood proteins can predict the presence of AD pathology as measured in the ATN framework as well as clinical diagnosis.
Carbon Dot‐Based Biosensors
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zhao Yuan , Zhu Xuecheng , Liu Huilin , Sun Baoguo
Published: April 2021

0D fluorescent carbon dots (CDs), consisting of sp2/sp3 carbon skeletons with functional groups, have the advantages of good chemical stability, high biocompatibility, excellent dispersibility in water, and low photobleaching, as well as low toxicity and low cost. These interesting features allow CDs to be applicable in the field of biological imaging, optoelectronic, and energy devices, especially in the application of biosensors, which are rapidly gaining attention. Herein, CD synthesis methods are summarized in detail, and the basic scientific issues of top‐down and bottom‐up approaches to CDs photoluminescence mechanisms are comprehensively discussed and analyzed. Then, valuable insights into the current status of CD research for biosensor applications are provided and the basic photoluminescence properties of CDs, focusing on the CD photoluminescence mechanism from the aspects of optical absorption, up‐conversion glow, static and dynamic quenching, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) quenching, photoinduced electron transfer (PET) quenching, and inner filter effect (IFE) quenching, are explained. Finally, a brief outlook is given to stimulate new ideas and promote further research on the potential use of CDs in various biosensor fields.
Synthesis and characterization of novel tricyanofuran hydrazone probe: solvatochromism, density‐functional theory calculation and selective fluorescence, and colorimetric determination of iron (III)
Authors: Al‐Azmi Amal , John Elizabeth
Published: April 2021

A tricyanofuran hydrazone (TCFH) spectroscopic probe was produced to visually recognize Fe(III) ions in aqueous environments. The synthesis was started by reacting tricyanofuran with 4‐aminophenol diazonium chloride. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by spectroscopic analyses. TCFH showed distinctive solvatochromic behaviour in various organic polar solvents due to intramolecular charge transfer. Its behaviour towards sensing Fe(III) was studied using ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry. The sensing behaviours of the proposed probe for other metal ions, namely Co(II), Cr(III), Mg(II), Pb(II), Cd(II), Ba(II), Hg(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Ca(II), Al(III), Na(I) and K(I), were also investigated, but no spectral changes were observed, indicating the probe's potential use as a highly selective and Fe(III)‐sensitive colorimetric and fluorescent chemical sensor. The TCFH probe using EtOH/H2O (5:1; v/v) served as a colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensor for identification of Fe(III) by the naked eye owing to both its high sensitivity and selectivity towards Fe(III) compared with the other examined metal ions. The proposed TCFH probe can therefore be utilized as an effective spectroscopic sensor for Fe(III). Both colorimetric and fluorescence recognition of the analyte depended on the concentration of Fe(III) ions and was accomplished at a pH of 7. A rapid colour change from yellow to red occurred when an aqueous solution of Fe(III) ions was added. The intensity of the colour increased at higher Fe(III) concentrations. Cyclic voltammetry measurements in the dimethylformamide solvent indicated a nonreversible redox potential. This study also explained the possible mechanisms for both solvatochromism and the detection of Fe(III) through TCFH–Fe(III) complex formation. The binding constant of the generated TCFH–Fe(III) complex was explored. Computational modelling was conducted to explain the deprotonation‐triggered changes that occur in the photophysical properties of TCFH dyes.
SAXS structure of homodimeric oxyHemoglobin III from bivalve Lucina pectinata
Authors: Marchany‐Rivera Darya , Estremera‐Andújar Rafael A. , Nieves‐Marrero Carlos , Ruiz‐Martínez Carlos R. , Bauer William , López‐Garriga Juan
Published: April 2021

Hemoglobin III (HbIII) is one of the two oxygen reactive hemoproteins present in the bivalve, Lucina pectinata. The clam inhabits a sulfur‐rich environment and HbIII is the only hemoprotein present in the system which does not yet have a structure described elsewhere. It is known that HbIII exists as a heterodimer with hemoglobin II (HbII) to generate the stable Oxy(HbII‐HbIII) complex but it remains unknown if HbIII can form a homodimeric species. Here, a new chromatographic methodology to separate OxyHbIII from the HbII‐HbIII dimer has been developed, employing a fast performance liquid chromatography and ionic exchange chromatography column. The nature of OxyHbIII in solution at concentrations from 1.6 mg/mL to 20.4 mg/mL was studied using small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). The results show that at all concentrations, the Oxy(HbIII‐HbIII) dimer dominates in solution. However, as the concentration increases to nonphysiological values, 20.4 mg/mL, HbIII forms a 30% tetrameric fraction. Thus, there is a direct relationship between the Oxy(HbIII‐HbIII) oligomeric form and hemoglobin concentration. We suggest it is likely that the OxyHbIII dimer contributes to active oxygen transport in tissues of L pectinata, where the Oxy(HbII‐HbIII) complex is not present.
Preschoolers' request behaviour and family conflict: The role of family communication and advertising mediation styles
Authors: Watkins Leah , Robertson Kirsten , Aitken Rob
Published: April 2021

Managing pre‐school children's purchase requests, and dealing with the conflict that often arises when they are denied, can be a major challenge for parents as they negotiate their children's growing brand exposure and their socialisation as consumers. This study focuses on the communication and mediation styles adopted by parents of pre‐school children to understand the relationship with children's brand exposure, request behaviour and family conflict. The study employed a mixed methods interview approach with 73 parent/child dyads, children participated in one‐on‐one activities with the interviewer, while parents answered closed and open ended survey questions. Results suggest that socio‐oriented communication styles (stressing obedience and parental control), and restricting advertising exposure, may reduce children's brand exposure and frequency of purchase requests. However, a focus on actively managed advertising exposure, and engaging children in open and critical discussion (concept‐oriented communication), are the most important variables in reducing family conflict. The study contributes to our understanding of successful parental consumer socialisation styles by examining outcomes for children in the perceptual stage of consumer development, and the strategies likely to lead to their development as competent consumers. The paper concludes with suggestions for resources to support active mediation and communication styles for families.
The Efficient K Ion Storage of M2P2O7/C (M=Fe, Co, Ni) Anode Derived from Organic‐Inorganic Phosphate Precursors
Authors: Zhang Yibo , Zheng Yuying , Geng Hongbo , Yang Yang , Ye Minghui , Zhang Yufei , Chao Li Cheng
Published: April 2021

Metal phosphates have been widely explored in lithium ion batteries and sodium ion batteries owing to high theoretical capacities, mild toxicity and low cost. However, their potassium ion battery applications are less reported due to the limited conductivity and the slow diffusion kinetics. Considering these drawbacks, novel structured M2P2O7/C (M=Fe, Co, Ni) nanoflake composites are prepared through an organic‐phosphors precursor‐assisted solvothermal method and a subsequent high temperature annealing process. The designed Co2P2O7/C composite exhibits the highest rate capacity with 502 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and good cyclability for 900 cycles at 1 A g−1 and 2 A g−1 when compared with Ni and Fe based composites. The superior electrochemical performance can be attributed to their unique nanoparticle‐assembled nanoflake structure, which can afford enough active sites for K+ intercalation. In addition, the robust pyrophosphate crystal structure and the in situ formed carbon composition also have positive effects on enhancing the long‐term cycling performance and the electrode's conductivity. Finally, this organic‐phosphors precursor induced simple approach can be applied for easy fabrication of other pyrophosphate/carbon hybrids as advanced electrodes.
Rational Construction of a N, F Co‐doped Mesoporous Cobalt Phosphate with Rich‐Oxygen Vacancies for Oxygen Evolution Reaction and Supercapacitors
Authors: Pan Dong‐Sheng , Guo Zheng‐Han , Li Jin‐Kun , Huang Sai , Zhou Ling‐Li , Song Jun‐Ling
Published: April 2021

Transition‐metal phosphates have been widely applied as promising candidates for electrochemical energy storage and conversion. In this study, we report a simple method to prepare a N, F co‐doped mesoporous cobalt phosphate with rich‐oxygen vacancies by in‐situ pyrolysis of a Co‐phosphate precursor with NH4+ cations and F− anions. Due to this heteroatom doping, it could achieve a current density of 10 mA/cm2 at lower overpotential of 276 mV and smaller Tafel slope of 57.11 mV dec−1 on glassy carbon. Moreover, it could keep 92 % of initial current density for 35 h, indicating it has an excellent stability and durability. Furthermore, the optimal material applied in supercapacitor displays specific capacitance of 206.3 F g−1 at 1 A ⋅ g−1 and maintains cycling stability with 80 % after 3000 cycles. The excellent electrochemical properties should be attributed to N, F co‐doping into this Co‐based phosphate, which effectively modulates its electronic structure. In addition, its amorphous structure provides more active sites; moreover, its mesoporous structure should be beneficial to mass transfer and electrolyte diffusion.
Glycerol as a Substrate and Inactivator of Coenzyme B12‐Dependent Diol Dehydratase
Authors: Bilić Luka , Barić Danijela , Sandala Gregory M. , Smith David Mathew , Kovačević Borislav
Published: April 2021

Diol dehydratase, dependent on coenzyme B12 (B12‐dDDH), displays a peculiar feature of being inactivated by its native substrate glycerol (GOL). Surprisingly, the isofunctional enzyme, B12‐independent glycerol dehydratase (B12‐iGDH), does not undergo suicide inactivation by GOL. Herein we present a series of QM/MM and MD calculations aimed at understanding the mechanisms of substrate‐induced suicide inactivation in B12‐dDDH and that of resistance of B12‐iGDH to inactivation. We show that the first step in the enzymatic transformation of GOL, hydrogen abstraction, can occur from both ends of the substrate (either C1 or C3 of GOL). Whereas C1 abstraction in both enzymes leads to product formation, C3 abstraction in B12‐dDDH results in the formation of a low energy radical intermediate, which is effectively trapped within a deep well on the potential energy surface. The long lifetime of this radical intermediate likely enables its side reactions, leading to inactivation. In B12‐iGDH, by comparison, C3 abstraction is an endothermic step; consequently, the resultant radical intermediate is not of low energy, and the reverse process of reforming the reactant is possible.
Mechanochemical Formation, Solution Rearrangements, and Catalytic Behavior of a Polymorphic Ca/K Allyl Complex
Authors: Koby Ross F. , Doerr Alicia M. , Rightmire Nicholas R. , Schley Nathan D. , Brennessel William W. , Long Brian K. , Hanusa Timothy P.
Published: April 2021

Without solvents present, the often far‐from‐equilibrium environment in a mechanochemically driven synthesis can generate high‐energy, non‐stoichiometric products not observed from the same ratio of reagents used in solution. Ball milling 2 equiv. K[A’] (A’=[1,3‐(SiMe3)2C3H3]−) with CaI2 yields a non‐stoichiometric calciate, K[CaA’3], which initially forms a structure (1) likely containing a mixture of pi‐ and sigma‐bound allyl ligands. Dissolved in arenes, the compound rearranges over the course of several days to a structure (2) with only η3‐bound allyl ligands, and that can be crystallized as a coordination polymer. If dissolved in alkanes, however, the rearrangement of 1 to 2 occurs within minutes. The structures of 1 and 2 have been modeled with DFT calculations, and 2 initiates the anionic polymerization of methyl methacrylate and isoprene; for the latter, under the mildest conditions yet reported for a heavy Group 2 species (one‐atm pressure and room temperature).
Polydopamine‐Encapsulated Dendritic Organosilica Nanoparticles as Amphiphilic Platforms for Highly Efficient Heterogeneous Catalysis in Water
Authors: Liu Yunting , Wang Zihan , Guo Na , Liu Pengbo , Liu Guanhua , Gao Jing , Zhang Lei , Jiang Yanjun
Published: April 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Aqueous heterogeneous catalysis is a green, sustainable catalytic process that attracts increasing attention, but it often suffers from poor mass transfer, substrate adsorption and catalyst dispersion. Herein, we synthesized a type of amphiphilic core‐shell catalysts with a hydrophilic polydopamine (PDA) shell and a hydrophobic dendritic organosilica nanoparticle (DON) core for heterogeneous catalysis in water. The hydrophilic shell allowed the catalyst dispersing well in water, and the hydrophobic core facilitated the absorption of organic reactants. The hierarchical core‐shell structure facilitated rational arrangement of the location of catalytic species to match the reaction sequence. The obtained metal, enzyme and metal‐enzyme amphiphilic catalysts demonstrated improved stability, selectivity and activity in aqueous reactions, including Pd‐catalyzed cross‐couplings (Suzuki, Liebeskind‐Srogl, Heck and Sonogashira), enzymatic enantioselective reduction, chemoenzymatic cascade synthesis of chiral compounds and chemoenzymatic cascade degradation of organophosphates. The amphiphilic catalysts could be easily in situ recovered, and their high catalytic performance was sustained for five cycles.
The avoidable casualties in America's war on cancer
Authors: Brawley Otis W. , Grabinski Victoria F.
Published: April 2021

The United States is taking unnecessary casualties; the war is being lost because lessons learned are not being applied equitably. The provision of adequate health care to all Americans is a moral imperative.
Analysis and review of main characteristics of Colpitts oscillators
Authors: Hemmati Mohammad Jafar , Dehghani Rasoul
Published: April 2021

In this review, different topologies of CMOS Colpitts oscillators including single‐ended and differential configurations are studied, and the main specifications of them are presented. The studied LC tank Colpitts oscillators operating at gigahertz frequencies are categorized in several main structures to have more insight into their comparison. Also, the main characteristics of the Colpitts voltage‐controlled oscillators (VCOs) are compared and analyzed according to their configurations and calculated results of their transconductances. Besides, the Colpitts quadrature voltage‐controlled oscillators (QVCOs) realized by the mentioned VCOs are studied and categorized. Also, the various coupling techniques adopted in each QVCO to generate output signals with 90° phase differences are highlighted.
Trends in ecology and conservation over eight decades
Authors: Anderson Sean C , Elsen Paul R , Hughes Brent B , Tonietto Rebecca K , Bletz Molly C , Gill David A , Holgerson Meredith A , Kuebbing Sara E , McDonough MacKenzie Caitlin , Meek Mariah H , Veríssimo Diogo
Published: April 2021

The fields of ecology and conservation have evolved rapidly over the past century. Synthesizing larger trends in these disciplines remains a challenge yet is critical to bridging subdisciplines, guiding research, and informing educational frameworks. Here, we provide what we believe is the largest full‐text culturomic analysis of ecology and conservation journals, covering 80 years, 52 journals, and half a billion words. Our analysis illuminates the boom‐and‐bust of ecological hypotheses and theories; the adoption of statistical, genetic, and social‐science approaches; and the domination of terms that have emerged in recent decades (eg climate change, invasive species, ecosystem services, meta‐analysis, and supplementary material, which largely replaced unpublished data). We track the evolution of ecology from a largely descriptive field focused on natural history and observational studies to a more data‐driven, multidisciplinary field focused on applied environmental issues. Overall, our analysis highlights the increasing breadth of the field, illustrating that there is room for more diversity of ecologists and conservationists today than ever before.
Phase‐field formulation of a fictitious domain method for particulate flows interacting with complex and evolving geometries
Authors: Reder Martin , Schneider Daniel , Wang Fei , Daubner Simon , Nestler Britta
Published: April 2021

A distributed Lagrange multiplier/fictitious domain method in a phase‐field formulation for the simulation of rigid bodies in incompressible fluid flow is presented. The phase‐field method yields an implicit representation of geometries and thus rigid body particulate flows within arbitrary geometries can be simulated based on a fixed Cartesian grid. Therefore, a phase‐field based collision model is introduced in order to address contact of particles with arbitrary solid structures as boundaries. In addition, grain growth within the boundary geometry can be considered leading to changes in its shape during the simulation. The method is validated on benchmark problems and a convergence study is performed. Multiple numerical experiments are carried out in order to show the methods' capability to simulate problems with differently shaped rigid bodies and particulate flows involving complex boundary geometries like foam structures.
‘Wish to die’ is independently associated with cardiovascular mortality in later life. Data from TILDA
Authors: Ragab Inas , Ward Mark , Moloney David , Kenny Rose Anne , Briggs Robert
Published: April 2021

Background

There is an established bidirectional relationship between mental and heart health in later life but the link between wish to die (WTD) and cardiovascular mortality is less well‐defined.

Methods

This is a longitudinal study examining the association between WTD and mortality over 9‐year follow‐up in a large population‐representative sample of older adults. Individual‐level survey data was linked to official death registration data, divided into cardiovascular and noncardiovascular causes. WTD was defined as answering affirmatively when asked ‘In the last month, have you felt that you would rather be dead?’ Regression models were used to obtain hazard ratios for the association between WTD at Wave 1 and mortality. Kaplan–Meier plots were used to compare survival across groups.

Results

Just over 3% (275/8124) of participants reported WTD. Mortality data was available for 9% of participants (755/8124). WTD was significantly associated with all‐cause mortality, with a hazard ratio of 1.41 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00–1.99). Findings were attenuated and no longer significant after excluding participants with heart disease or depression/anxiety/other psychiatric illness. WTD was significantly associated with cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio: 2.14 [95% CI: 1.21–3.78]), even after excluding participants with depression/anxiety/other illnesses but not heart disease. WTD was not associated with an increased risk of death due to non‐cardiovascular causes.

Conclusions

Older people who report a wish to die have double the risk of death from cardiovascular disease in the following 9 years, even when those with depression, anxiety or other mental health problems are excluded.
Appraising the revamped performance management system in Indian IT multinational enterprises: The employees' perspective
Authors: Tripathi Ritu , Thite Mohan , Varma Arup , Mahapatra Gopal
Published: April 2021

In recent times, leading information technology (IT) multinational enterprises claim to have abandoned many traditional features of their performance management systems (PMSs), including the bell curve. However, there is no published empirical study on how employees are perceiving the change. Using an inductive approach and an employee‐centric theoretical lens, we investigated employees' (n = 426) perceptions and satisfaction levels with the revamped PMS in three Indian IT services and business solutions multinational enterprises. Employees perceived the present purposes of PMS marginally more favorably than those in the past; however, the gap between the present and future aspirational perceived purposes of PMS was significantly much higher. Satisfaction levels with different dimensions of PMS and alignment of PMS with other human resource functions and leader‐member exchange were only modest. Employees mentioned goal setting and continuous feedback as the most positive features of the current PMSs, and transparency, 360° feedback, and adherence to timelines—as improvement areas. The results are indicative of a positive, but the only modest trend in employee satisfaction and perceptions. We discuss the implications of the findings for the employee‐centric theory and practice of PMS in the IT industry.
IL‐13 modulates ∆Np63 levels causing altered expression of barrier‐ and inflammation‐related molecules in human keratinocytes: A possible explanation for chronicity of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Kubo Terufumi , Sato Sayuri , Hida Tokimasa , Minowa Tomoyuki , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Tsukahara Tomohide , Kanaseki Takayuki , Murata Kenji , Uhara Hisashi , Torigoe Toshihiko
Published: April 2021

Background

Barrier disruption and an excessive immune response in keratinocytes are now considered to have important roles in the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis (AD). Furthermore, disturbed keratinocyte differentiation is considered to underlie AD. ΔNp63, a p53‐like transcription factor, is a major regulator of keratinocyte differentiation. However, the functional significance of ΔNp63 in AD has not been clarified.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of the type 2 inflammatory environment on ΔNp63 expression and AD‐associated molecules regulated by ΔNp63 in keratinocytes.

Methods

The immunohistochemical expression profiles of ΔNp63 and AD‐related molecules were evaluated in human skin tissue. The function of ΔNp63 in the regulation of AD‐related molecules and the influence of the type 2 inflammatory environment on ΔNp63 expression were investigated using human primary keratinocytes. Expression of ΔNp63 was manipulated using the RNA interfering method.

Results

In healthy skin tissue, we observed an inverse expression pattern between ∆Np63 and some barrier‐related proteins including filaggrin, caspase‐14, claudin‐1, and claudin‐4. ΔNp63 regulated expression of these genes and proteins. In addition, production of IL‐1β and IL‐33, pro‐inflammatory cytokines, was modulated by ΔNp63. Furthermore, prolonged IL‐13 exposure increased the thickness of the three‐dimensional culture of keratinocytes. IL‐13 interfered with ΔNp63 downregulation during calcium‐induced keratinocyte differentiation. IL‐13 modulated some barrier‐related and inflammation‐related molecules, which were regulated by ΔNp63.

Conclusions

We have shown that ΔNp63 modulated AD‐related barrier and inflammatory molecules. In addition, ΔNp63 expression was affected by IL‐4/IL‐13. IL‐13–ΔNp63 axis would integrate two major factors of AD pathogenesis: dysregulated barrier and inflammation.
Rethinking the legitimacy of expectations: Speculative crossclaims, fraudulent transactions, and the immunity rules of the European Insolvency Regulation: Finnish (and some Swedish) perspectives
Authors: Hupli Tuomas
Published: April 2021

As a general principle of the law of the European Union, legitimate expectations should be respected as much as possible. The EU Regulation on Insolvency Proceedings (recast) (EIR) aims to achieve this goal by providing a comprehensive set of rules governing the choice of law in cross‐border insolvency cases. Despite the academic criticism targeted at these rules, they remained intact in the recast EIR. The basic problem discussed in this article is that according to the prevailing regime created by the EIR, the expectations of the general body of creditors might be ignored, regardless of whether the expectations of the counter party—the favored creditor or any other contracting party of the debtor—are actually illegitimate. The purpose of this article is to evaluate this discrepancy and to propose means that might allow for its rejection at both the theoretical and practical levels. It will also be argued that the CJEU's judgment in Vinyls Italia (C‐54/16) is insufficient to tackle the basic problem, even though the abuse of the freedom of the choice of law was clearly rejected by the CJEU. The problem discussed in this article is not the abusive choice of the applicable law, but the fraudulent character of the transaction concluded under said law. Furthermore, it seems highly unlikely that the public policy exception (ordre public) would resolve the basic problem, as immunity protection, provided by the various leges causae, is adopted as an integral part of the EIR, with no exceptions for fraudulent or otherwise inappropriate transactions or arrangements. Therefore, immunity protection is part of the public policy of the EU itself. To conclude this article, it is suggested that immunity protection not be revoked but limited only to crossclaims and transactions with no speculative, fraudulent, or otherwise inappropriate motives. This would most likely require a new preliminary ruling of the CJEU. To concretize the problems discussed in this article, the choice of law rules of the EIR regarding creditors' right to set‐off and transaction avoidance are evaluated and applied in the context of the insolvency law of Finland, and, to the extent the basic principles of the national laws are similar, the insolvency law of Sweden.
Economic and legal necessity of personal bankruptcy legislation in China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Ou Fuyong
Published: April 2021

With more domestic pilot explorations launched in China, alternative debt adjustment regulations and bills relating to personal bankruptcy are thriving. This article aims to familiarize the readers with both the economic and legal necessity of a personal bankruptcy system as well as the feasibility of future legislation in China by examining publicized reports and present regulations. Past decades have witnessed the take‐off of China's economy along with prevailing trends in higher debt ratio, more credit loans, and pan‐commercialization. The proliferation of over‐indebtedness propels the need for personal bankruptcy regime. Given the status quo, some alternative legal methods are implemented. By deconstructing the existing regional regulations, this work identifies both progress and drawbacks of current debt adjustment rules from three angles: creditors' benefits, debtors' benefits, and social benefits. After identifying the need for personal bankruptcy legislation, this contribution focuses on the feasibility of a personal bankruptcy system in China. Several salient issues are discussed in three aspects, including political implications, cultural resistance, and social conditions. These unique factors should be considered in forthcoming legislation in China in order to secure a more suitable system.
BSSE‐corrected consistent Gaussian basis sets of triple‐zeta valence with polarization quality of the sixth period for solid‐state calculations
Authors: Laun Joachim , Bredow Thomas
Published: April 2021

Consistent basis sets of triple‐zeta valence with polarization quality for the elements Cs‐Po were derived for periodic quantum‐chemical solid‐state calculations. They are an extension of the pob‐TZVP‐rev2 [Vilela Oliveira, D.; Laun, J.; Peintinger, M. F. and Bredow, T., J. Comput. Chem., 2019, 40 (27), 2364–2376] basis sets and are based on the fully relativistic effective core potentials (ECPs) of the Stuttgart/Cologne group and on the def2‐TZVP valence basis of the Ahlrichs group. The basis sets are constructed to minimize the basis set superposition error (BSSE) in crystalline systems. The contraction scheme, the orbital exponents, and contraction coefficients were optimized in order to ensure robust and stable self‐consistent‐field (SCF) convergence for a set of compounds and metals. For the applied PW1PW hybrid functional, the average deviations of the calculated lattice constants from experimental references are smaller with pob‐TZVP‐rev2 than with standard basis sets available from the CRYSTAL basis set database.
Stability and validity of intact parathyroid hormone levels in different sample types and storage conditions
Authors: Khalil Haitham , Borai Anwar , Dakhakhni Mohammed , Bahijri Suhad , Faizo Hala , Bokhari Fawzi F. , Ferns Gordon , Mirza Ahmed A.
Published: April 2021

Background

Several pre‐analytical factors can affect the measurement of intact Parathyroid Hormone (IPTH). In this study, we have investigated the effects of using different types of tubes, time elapsed before separation, and storage conditions over time on the measured values of IPTH.

Method

Blood samples from 30 subjects were collected into plain, SST, and EDTA tubes. All serum and plasma were separated immediately (first set) and after 2 hrs delay (second set). The first set of samples were aliquoted and stored at RT (25°C), at fridge (4°C), and freezer (−20°C). IPTH was measured in all the stored aliquots at 2,4, and 8 days after collection using Architect analyzer.

Results

Paired T test and ANOVA repeated measures showed no significant difference between IPTH levels in all tubes. The second set of serum and plasma were significantly lower (3.8% and 7.4%, p < 0.001, respectively) when compared to samples measured initially. Serum samples stored at RT were significantly lower (by 45%,59%, and 77%) on days 2,4, and 8 when compared to the initial time (p < 0.001 in all cases). Plasma samples stored at RT, were significantly lower on day 8 after collection, by 30.8% (p < 0.001). These differences would be clinically important.

Conclusion

Plasma IPTH can be stored at RT for up to four days. Both plasma and serum IPTH are not affected by a delay in the separation of up to two h and they can be stored for up to 8 days in a fridge or freezer without any clinically significant changes in their values.
A question of intent: Application of the Knobe effect in teaching ethics
Authors: Bertolami Charles N. , Opazo Cristián , Janal Malvin N.
Published: April 2021

Purpose/objectives

The Knobe effect refers to a measurable tendency among people to believe that undesirable side effects are brought about intentionally while desirable side effects are brought about unintentionally. People blame decision‐makers for bad outcomes but do not credit them for good outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine if the same is true for dental students and whether, as health care practitioners, students might mistakenly expect a benefit‐of‐the‐doubt entitlement for themselves that the public is unwilling to bestow when an outcome is bad.

Methods

Over three years, roughly 500 first‐year dental students were posed two previously published standardized Knobe cases requiring a yes/no response. The survey was conducted as part of a classroom exercise with aggregated responses recorded digitally, anonymously, in real time.

Results

The Knobe phenomenon was confirmed among dental students but the effect was muted in comparison to that of the public. Dental students aligned with the general public in declining credit for a good outcome but not in attributing blame for a bad outcome. Overall, dental students' negative responses exceeded their positive responses for both questions—confirming the Knobe effect but also revealing that dental students were less willing to take a stance by positively assigning either praise or blame.

Conclusion

Using an in‐class survey instrument to demonstrate the Knobe effect among dental students may be one way of making more concrete an unjustified benefit‐of‐the‐doubt entitlement these future professionals may otherwise expect for themselves.
Assessment of blended learning for teaching dental anatomy to dentistry students
Authors: Ullah Rizwan , Siddiqui Faraz , Adnan Samira , Afzal Azam S. , Sohail Zafar Muhammad
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Blended learning (BL) combines conventional face to face (F2F) sessions with online educational resources. This method includes the advantages of online course delivery without the omission of conventional F2F interaction. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate students' satisfaction and educational outcomes in a BL course compared to traditionally administered dental anatomy course.

Methods

A prospective non‐randomized study was conducted to compare the outcomes and perception of BL for teaching dental anatomy to dental students. First year dental anatomy students (n = 98) were included (48 in the conventional F2F learning and 50 in the BL group). Multiple choice questions were used to assess the achievement of learning outcomes and the Dundee Ready Education Environment Measure (DREEM) to determine the educational environment during the course.

Results

There was no significant difference in the pre‐test scores of both groups; however the mean post‐test score for the BL group (31.5 ± 4.5) was significantly higher than the F2F group (27.2 ± 4.9). The post‐test scores were comparable across both genders in the BL group while females secured significantly higher scores than males in the F2F group. The DREEM scores were also significantly higher in the BL group (147.3 ± 15.5) than the F2F group (134.5 ± 15.1) (p < 0.002). A similar pattern was observed in DREEM subscales.

Conclusions

The BL course is associated with improved students’ satisfaction and learner achievement compared to a conventionally administered dental anatomy course. In addition, BL enhanced students’ accessibility, self‐assessment, and higher level of engagement compared to F2F delivery of the course.
Metabolomics analysis reveals the responses of tea plants to excessive calcium
Authors: Liang Li‐Li , Song Ya‐kang , Qian Wen‐jun , Ruan Jian‐yun , Ding Zhao‐Tang , Zhang Qun‐feng , Hu Jian‐hui
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

The proper growth and development of tea plants requires moderately acidic soils and relatively low calcium levels, and excessive calcium at high pH can damage tea plant roots. To reveal the effects of calcium on the responses of tea plant to three pH levels (3.5, 5.0 and 6.5), a repeated test of two factors was designed.

RESULTS

Root growth and elemental analysis indicated that excessive calcium improved the growth of tea roots at low pH conditions, whereas it did not harm the growth of tea roots under normal and high pH conditions, especially at pH 6.5. Excessive calcium antagonized the absorption and utilization of magnesium by tea plants. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry results showed that the addition of Ca2+ resulted in the primary metabolism in roots being more active at a low pH level. By contrast, it had obvious adverse effects on the accumulation of root metabolites with high calcium treatment at normal or high pH. Differential metabolites identified using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry indicated that flavonoids demonstrated the largest number of changes, and their biosynthesis was partially enriched with excessive calcium at low and high pH conditions, whereas it was down‐regulated under normal pH conditions. Kaempferol 3‐(2′‐rhamnosyl‐6′‐acetylgalactoside) 7‐rhamnoside, quercetin 3‐(6′‐sinapoylsophorotrioside) and delphinidin 3‐(3′‐p‐coumaroylglucoside) showed the greatest increase. The results of gene expression related to root growth and calcium regulation were consistent with root growth and root metabolism.

CONCLUSION

The overall results demonstrated that high Ca concentrations further aggravate the detrimental effects of high pH to tea roots. However, it is interesting that excessive calcium reduced the harm of a low pH on tea root growth to some extent. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Fermentation performance and nutritional assessment of physically processed lentil and green pea flour
Authors: Byanju Bibek , Hojilla‐Evangelista Milagros P , Lamsal Buddhi P
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Significant amounts of nutrients, including dietary fibers, proteins, minerals, and vitamins are present in legumes, but the presence of anti‐nutritional factors (ANFs) like phytic acid, tannins, and enzyme inhibitors impact the consumption of legumes and nutrient availability. In this research, the effect of a physical process (sonication or precooking) and fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici on the ANFs of some legumes was evaluated.

RESULTS

Total phenolic content was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced for modified and fermented substrates compared with non‐fermented controls. Trypsin inhibitory activity (TIA) was reduced significantly for all substrates except for unsonicated soybean and lentils fermented with L. plantarum and P. acidilactici. When physical processing was done, there was a decrease in TIA for all the substrate. Phytic acid content decreased for physically modified soybean and lentil but not significantly for green pea. Even though there was a decrease in ANFs, there was no significant change in in vitro protein digestibility for all substrates except for unsonicated L. plantarum fermented soybean flour and precooked L. plantarum fermented lentil. Similarly, there was a change in amino acid content when physically modified and fermented.

CONCLUSION

Both modified and unmodified soybean flour, green pea flour, and lentil flour supported the growth of L. plantarum and P. acidilactici. The fermentation of this physically processed legume and pulse flours influenced the non‐nutritive compounds, thereby potentially improving nutritional quality and usage. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Current Knowledge on the Evolution of Care Partner Burden, Needs, and Coping in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Hulshoff Max J. , Book Elaine , Dahodwala Nabila , Tanner Caroline M. , Robertson Christina , Marras Connie
Published: April 2021

Background

Care partners support people with Parkinson's disease through a long journey ranging from independence to dependence for many daily tasks. Longitudinal studies are important to understand the evolution of this process and predictors of future needs of care partners.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted, searching PubMed for longitudinal studies examining care partner burden, needs or coping in Parkinson's disease published through May 2020.

Results

Eight observational studies and 19 interventional studies met the eligibility criteria. Longitudinal observation ranged from 7 weeks to 10 years, involving between six and 8515 care partners. All studies addressed care partner burden, while two and three studies respectively addressed needs and coping. Only one study related burden to specific stages or duration of disease. Results from identified studies show that care partners in Parkinson's disease are at risk for increasing burden over time. Multiple predictors of future burden have been identified related to the person with Parkinson's disease, the care partner, or an intervention. No studies examined the evolution of needs and coping in caregiving in Parkinson's disease.

Conclusion

The scarcity of longer term, observational research on the temporal evolution of burden and particularly needs and coping in caregiving for someone with PD is a main identified gap. Even within these observational studies, the impact of caregiving is not often reported. Longitudinal studies on these topics are needed to help understand their change over time and relation to each other, which can inform support planning for care partners.
Constraint minimizers of inhomogeneous mass subcritical minimization problems
Authors: Gao Yongshuai , Li Shuai
Published: April 2021

This paper considers minimizers of the following inhomogeneous L2‐subcritical energy functional

under the mass constraint
. Here, N ≥ 1,
, M > 0 and the inhomogeneous term m(x) satisfies 0 < m(x) ≤ 1. Applying the concentration‐compactness principle, we prove that this minimization problem admits minimizers for any M ∈ (0, ∞). Further more, we also present a detail analysis on the influence of m(x) on the limit behavior of minimizers as M → ∞.
Assessment of quality in urodynamics: Cough versus valsalva
Authors: Lee Su‐Min , Gammie Andrew , Abrams Paul
Published: April 2021

Introduction

To ensure quality, the International Continence Society recommends asking the patient to cough every minute or 50 ml of infused volume. However, on occasions, it was noticed that if cough transmission was poor, Valsalva maneuvers could show pressure transmission was satisfactory. Hence, a study was designed to compare the two methods.

Methods

Cough and Valsalva maneuver pressures were compared in 40 patients, 20 consecutive men and 20 consecutive women, undergoing urodynamics at three time points: baseline (20 ml filling), prevoid and postvoid.

Results

At baseline, the percentage difference between pabd and pves was significantly lower for Valsalva maneuvres compared with coughs for all patients (median 5.1% vs. 10.2%). This association was consistent in male patients, but not for female. At prevoid, this was reversed with coughs providing more consistent pressure spikes than Valsalva maneuvers (median 7.0% vs. 24.1%), for all patients. Postvoid, no difference was noted in either men or women.

Conclusions

Quality control during urodynamics is important to ensure diagnostic accuracy. This is the first study to compare two methods of quality control, coughs, and Valsalva maneuvers. Coughs are a useful indicator of pressure transmission quality at all time points throughout urodynamic studies. However, at low volumes, Valsalva maneuvers give a better indication of quality, with lower variability, whereas at cystometric capacity coughs performed better. Therefore, if poor pressure transmission occurs with cough during urodynamics, particularly at low volumes, it is recommended that a Valsalva maneuver is used to further assess whether pressure transmission and thus urodynamic quality is satisfactory.
Prevalence of chronic pain following suburethral mesh sling implantation for post‐prostatectomy incontinence
Authors: MacAskill Findlay , Sheimar Kieran , Toia Bogdan , Sri Denosshan , Seth Jai , Sharma Davendra , Hamid Rizwan , Greenwell Tamsin , Ockrim Jeremy , Taylor Claire , Malde Sachin , Sahai Arun
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To evaluate postoperative pain and complications following AdVance™/AdVance™ XP male sling implantation.

Materials and Methods

A multi‐center retrospective medical notes review of patients implanted for bothersome post‐prostatectomy incontinence was conducted. All patients were telephoned to provide further information on pain or further complications related to their surgery. Statistical evaluation utilized logistical regression analysis. Additionally, a literature review was conducted reviewing pain outcomes following AdVance™/AdVance™ XP implantation.

Results

One‐hundred and twenty‐seven men were reviewed over an 8‐year period. The mean age was 70 years, with mean follow up 52 months. Of those with mild stress urinary incontinence, 45 (79%) had a successful outcome compared to 42 (72%) in the moderate group. Twenty‐nine (23%) men reported postoperative pain, with a mean maximal pain score of 6 (range: 0–10). The majority of pain resolved within 4 weeks (19/29 men). A further seven patients resolved by 3 months. Only three men (2.3%) had chronic pain greater than 3 months, which all resolved by 1 year. Men less than 65 years were more likely to suffer pain (p = 0.009). Acute urinary retention occurred in 23 (18%) men and correlated significantly with postoperative pain (p = 0.04). Overactive bladder symptoms, severity of incontinence or radiotherapy were not correlated with postoperative pain. In our cohort, there were no extrusions, divisions, or explantations.

Conclusion

Approximately a quarter of men experience pain in the early postoperative period. However, the severity and rates of chronic pain (>3 months) are low (2.3%) but all settle within a year.
Two‐sided guaranteed bounds to individual eigenvalues of preconditioned finite element and finite difference problems
Authors: Pultarová Ivana , Ladecký Martin
Published: April 2021

Numerical methods for elliptic partial differential equations usually lead to systems of linear equations with sparse, symmetric, and positive definite matrices. In many methods, these matrices can be obtained as sums of local symmetric positive semidefinite matrices. In this article, we use this assumption and introduce a method that provides guaranteed lower and upper bounds to all individual eigenvalues of the preconditioned matrices. We apply the method for preconditioners arising from the same discretization problem but with simplified coefficients. The method uses solely the data over the solution domain and local connections between the degrees of freedom defined by the discretization.