bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Special subsets of the generalized Cantor space and generalized Baire space
Authors: Korch Michał , Weiss Tomasz
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we are interested in parallels to the classical notions of special subsets in defined in the generalized Cantor and Baire spaces (2κ and ). We consider generalizations of the well‐known classes of special subsets, like Lusin sets, strongly null sets, concentrated sets, perfectly meagre sets, σ‐sets, γ‐sets, sets with the Menger, the Rothberger, or the Hurewicz property, but also of some less‐know classes like X‐small sets, meagre additive sets, Ramsey null sets, Marczewski, Silver, Miller, and Laver‐null sets. We notice that many classical theorems regarding these classes can be relatively easy generalized to higher cardinals although sometimes with some additional assumptions. This paper serves as a catalogue of such results along with some other generalizations and open problems.
Striatal Dopamine Induced ERK Phosphorylation Is Altered in Mouse Models of Monogenic Dystonia
Authors: Melis Chiara , Beauvais Genevieve , Muntean Brian S. , Cirnaru Maria‐Daniela , Otrimski Garrett , Creus‐Muncunill Jordi , Martemyanov Kirill A. , Gonzalez‐Alegre Pedro , Ehrlich Michelle E.
Published: January 2021

Background

Similar to some monogenic forms of dystonia, levodopa‐induced dyskinesia is a hyperkinetic movement disorder with abnormal nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurotransmission. Molecularly, it is characterized by hyper‐induction of phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐related kinase in response to dopamine in medium spiny neurons of the direct pathway.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine if mouse models of monogenic dystonia exhibit molecular features of levodopa‐induced dyskinesia.

Methods

Western blotting and quantitative immunofluorescence was used to assay baseline and/or dopamine‐induced levels of the phosphorylated kinase in the striatum in mouse models of DYT1, DYT6, and DYT25 expressing a reporter in dopamine D1 receptor‐expressing projection neurons. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) immunoassay and adenylyl cyclase activity assays were also performed.

Results

In DYT1 and DYT6 models, blocking dopamine reuptake with cocaine leads to enhanced extracellular signal‐related kinase phosphorylation in dorsomedial striatal medium spiny neurons in the direct pathway, which is abolished by pretreatment with the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate antagonist MK‐801. Phosphorylation is decreased in a model of DYT25. Levels of basal and stimulated cAMP and adenylyl cyclase activity were normal in the DYT1 and DYT6 mice and decreased in the DYT25 mice. Oxotremorine induced increased abnormal movements in the DYT1 knock‐in mice.

Conclusions

The increased dopamine induction of extracellular signal‐related kinase phosphorylation in 2 genetic types of dystonia, similar to what occurs in levodopa‐induced dyskinesia, and its decrease in a third, suggests that abnormal signal transduction in response to dopamine in the postsynaptic nigrostriatal pathway might be a point of convergence for dystonia and other hyperkinetic movement disorders, potentially offering common therapeutic targets. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Involvement of Autophagy in Levodopa‐Induced Dyskinesia
Authors: Feyder Michael , Plewnia Carina , Lieberman Ori J. , Spigolon Giada , Piccin Alessandro , Urbina Lidia , Dehay Benjamin , Li Qin , Nilsson Per , Altun Mikael , Santini Emanuela , Sulzer David , Bezard Erwan , Borgkvist Anders , Fisone Gilberto
Published: January 2021

Background

Autophagy is intensively studied in cancer, metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases, but little is known about its role in pathological conditions linked to altered neurotransmission. We examined the involvement of autophagy in levodopa (l‐dopa)‐induced dyskinesia, a frequent motor complication developed in response to standard dopamine replacement therapy in parkinsonian patients.

Methods

We used mouse and non‐human primate models of Parkinson's disease to examine changes in autophagy associated with chronic l‐dopa administration and to establish a causative link between impaired autophagy and dyskinesia.

Results

We found that l‐dopa‐induced dyskinesia is associated with accumulation of the autophagy‐specific substrate p62, a marker of autophagy deficiency. Increased p62 was observed in a subset of projection neurons located in the striatum and depended on l‐dopa‐mediated activation of dopamine D1 receptors, and mammalian target of rapamycin. Inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 with rapamycin counteracted the impairment of autophagy produced by l‐dopa, and reduced dyskinesia. The anti‐dyskinetic effect of rapamycin was lost when autophagy was constitutively suppressed in D1 receptor‐expressing striatal neurons, through inactivation of the autophagy‐related gene protein 7.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that augmented responsiveness at D1 receptors leads to dysregulated autophagy, and results in the emergence of l‐dopa‐induced dyskinesia. They further suggest the enhancement of autophagy as a therapeutic strategy against dyskinesia. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Analysis and modeling of magnetic dipole for the radiative flow of non‐Newtonian nanomaterial with Arrhenius activation energy
Authors: Kumar Amit , Singh Ramayan , Sheremet Mikhail A.
Published: January 2021

The present investigation deliberates the impact of the magnetic dipole for the flow of non‐Newtonian Williamson nanoliquid by considering the thermal radiation and chemical reaction defined by the Arrhenius model. The flow model is established by incorporating the well‐known Buongiorno's nanofluid model, and as a result, Brownian motion and thermophoretic diffusion are assimilated in mathematical modeling. The heat transportation process is accomplished by thermal radiation, heat generation owing to internal energy generation/absorption of the fluid, and viscous dissipation. The coupled nonlinear mathematically formulated partial differential equations (PDEs) are metamorphosed into the ordinary differential equations (ODEs) through the transformation. The bvp4c method is utilized to obtain the solution of formulated ODEs together with the additional conditions at the boundary. The impact of pertinent flow characteristics on temperature, velocity, and concentration profiles is outlined graphically. Also, the strength of energy, surface drag force, and mass transport are calculated and formed in the tabular form. The outcomes show that a rise in activation energy causes fluid concentration to increase. Velocity gets reduced with the increment in either ferrohydrodynamic interaction factor or Weissenberg number.
Existence and uniqueness of analytical solution of time‐fractional Black‐Scholes type equation involving hyper‐Bessel operator
Authors: Zhang Kangqun
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we consider direct problem and inverse source problem of time‐fractional Black‐Scholes type model involving hyper‐Bessel operator. Analytical solutions to these problems are constructed based on appropriate eigenfunction expansion and Erdélyi‐Kober fractional integrals whose kernel has double singularities; then, existence and uniqueness are established. At last, the results are demonstrated by explicit solutions of some examples using appropriate choice of the given data.
Recent progress toward highly efficient tin‐based perovskite (ASnX3) solar cells
Authors: Zhu Mingzhe , Cao Guorui , Zhou Zhongmin
Published: January 2021

Recently, lead halide perovskites have attracted great attention in photovoltaic field because of high power conversion efficiency. However, the toxicity of lead in perovskite can result in environment issues, which are the major challenge for commercial application. In this context, environmentally friendly lead‐free perovskite alternatives are highly desired. Bearing excellent photophysical and electronic properties, tin‐perovskites (ASnX3) are the most promising alternative. In reality, extensive efforts have been committed to the development of Sn‐based perovskite solar cells. In this review, we summarized the theoretical fundamentals of Sn‐based perovskites, including lattice, phases, molecular orbital, redox property, and defects. Then varieties of tactics to improve devices performance were detailed reviewed. Finally, perspectives on further research directions in improving Sn‐based solar cells performance are presented.
Serum metabolic signature of binge‐like palatable food consumption in female rats by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Cifani Carlo , Alboni Silvia , Mucci Adele , Benatti Cristina , Botticelli Luca , Brunello Nicoletta , Micioni Di Bonaventura Maria Vittoria , Righi Valeria
Published: January 2021

Maladaptive eating behavior is a growing public health problem and compulsively eating excessive food in a short time, or binge eating, is a key symptom of many eating disorders. In order to investigate the binge‐like eating behavior in female rats, induced by intermittent food restrictions/refeeding and frustration stress, we analyzed for the first time the metabolic profile obtained from serum of rats, through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. In this experimental protocol, rats were exposed to chow food restricting/refeeding and frustration stress manipulation. This stress procedure consists of 15 min exposure to the odor and sight of a familiar chocolate paste, without access to it, just before offering the palatable food. In this model, a “binge‐eating episode” was considered the significantly higher palatable food consumption within 2 h in restricted and stressed rats (R + S) than in the other three experimental groups: rats with no food restriction and no stress (NR + NS), only stressed rats (NR + S) or only restricted rats (R + NS). Serum samples from these four different rat groups were collected. The statistical analysis of the 1H NMR spectral profiles of the four sets of samples pointed to O‐ and N‐acetyl glycoproteins as the main biomarkers for the discrimination of restriction effects. Other metabolites, such as threonine, glycine, glutamine, acetate, pyruvate and lactate, showed trends that may be useful to understand metabolic pathways involved in eating disorders. This study suggested that NMR‐based metabolomics is a suitable approach to detect biomarkers related to binge‐eating behavior.
Hyperpolarized magnetic resonance shows that the anti‐ischemic drug meldonium leads to increased flux through pyruvate dehydrogenase in vivo resulting in improved post‐ischemic function in the diabetic heart
Authors: Savic Dragana , Ball Vicky , Holzner Lorenz , Hauton David , Timm Kerstin N. , Curtis M. Kate , Heather Lisa C. , Tyler Damian J.
Published: January 2021

The diabetic heart has a decreased ability to metabolize glucose. The anti‐ischemic drug meldonium may provide a route to counteract this by reducing l‐carnitine levels, resulting in improved cardiac glucose utilization. Therefore, the aim of this study was to use the novel technique of hyperpolarized magnetic resonance to investigate the in vivo effects of treatment with meldonium on cardiac metabolism and function in control and diabetic rats. Thirty‐six male Wistar rats were injected either with vehicle, or with streptozotocin (55 mg/kg) to induce a model of type 1 diabetes. Daily treatment with either saline or meldonium (100 mg/kg/day) was undertaken for three weeks. in vivo cardiac function and metabolism were assessed with CINE MRI and hyperpolarized magnetic resonance respectively. Isolated perfused hearts were challenged with low‐flow ischemia/reperfusion to assess the impact of meldonium on post‐ischemic recovery. Meldonium had no significant effect on blood glucose concentrations or on baseline cardiac function. However, hyperpolarized magnetic resonance revealed that meldonium treatment elevated pyruvate dehydrogenase flux by 3.1‐fold and 1.2‐fold in diabetic and control animals, respectively, suggesting an increase in cardiac glucose oxidation. Hyperpolarized magnetic resonance further demonstrated that meldonium reduced the normalized acetylcarnitine signal by 2.1‐fold in both diabetic and control animals. The increase in pyruvate dehydrogenase flux in vivo was accompanied by an improvement in post‐ischemic function ex vivo, as meldonium elevated the rate pressure product by 1.3‐fold and 1.5‐fold in the control and diabetic animals, respectively. In conclusion, meldonium improves in vivo pyruvate dehydrogenase flux in the diabetic heart, contributing to improved cardiac recovery after ischemia.
Electroelastic analysis of two‐dimensional ultrathin layered piezoelectric films by an advanced boundary element method
Authors: Gu Yan , Sun Linlin
Published: January 2021

The aim of the present study is to present an effect boundary element method (BEM) for electroelastic analysis of ultrathin piezoelectric films/coatings. The troublesome nearly singular integrals, which are crucial in applying the BEM for thin‐structural problems, are calculated accurately by using a nonlinear coordinate transformation method. The advanced BEM presented requires no remeshing procedure regardless of the thickness of the thin structure. Promising BEM results with only a small number of boundary elements can be achieved with the relative thickness of the thin piezoelectric film is as small as 10−8, which is sufficient for modeling many ultrathin piezoelectric films as used in smart materials and micro‐electro‐mechanical systems. The present BEM procedure with thin‐body capabilities is also extended to general multidomain problems and used to model ultrathin coating/substrate piezoelectric structures. The influence of relative layer‐to‐substrate thickness and the bimaterial mismatch parameters are carefully investigated. Excellent agreement between numerical and theoretical solutions has been demonstrated.
Can Some Anticancer Treatments Preserve the Ovarian Reserve?
Authors: Vallet Nicolas , Boissel Nicolas , Elefant Elisabeth , Chevillon Florian , Pasquer Hélène , Calvo Charlotte , Dhedin Nathalie , Poirot Catherine
Published: January 2021

Background

Preventing premature ovarian failure (POF) is a major challenge in oncology. With conventional regimens, cytotoxicity-associated POF involves primordial follicles (PF) pool depletion by apoptosis or overactivation mechanisms, notably mediated by the ABL/TAp63 and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways. New anticancer treatments have been designed to target pathways implicated in tumor growth. Although concerns regarding fertility arise with these targeted therapies, we hypothesized that targeted therapies may exert off-tumor effects on PF that might delay POF. We provide an overview of evidence concerning these off-tumor effects on PF. Limitations and future potential implications of these findings are discussed.

Design

PubMed was searched by combining Boolean operators with the following keywords: fertility, ovarian, follicle, anti-tumoral, cancer, targeted, cytotoxic, and chemotherapy.

Results

Cisplatin-related PF apoptosis via the ABL/TAp63 pathway was targeted with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, imatinib, in mice, but effects were recently challenged by findings on human ovarian xenografts in mice. In cyclophosphamide-treated mice, PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibition with mTOR inhibitors and AS101 preserved the PF pool. Proteasome and GSK3 inhibitors were evaluated for direct and indirect follicle DNA damage prevention. Surprisingly, evidence for cytotoxic drug association with PF pool preservation was found. We also describe selected non-anticancer molecules that may minimize gonadotoxicity.

Conclusion

Not all anticancer treatments are associated with POF, particularly since the advent of targeted therapies. The feasibility of associating a protective drug targeting PF exhaustion mechanisms with cytotoxic treatments should be evaluated, as a way of decreasing the need for conventional fertility preservation techniques. Further evaluations are required for transfer into clinical practice.

Implications for Practice

Anticancer therapies are associated with infertility in 10%–70% of patients, which is the result of primordial follicles pool depletion. Alone or associated with gonadotoxic treatments, some targeted therapies may exert favorable off-targets effects on the primordial follicle pool by slowing down their exhaustion. Current evidence of these effects relies on murine models or human in vitro models. Evaluation of these protective strategies in humans is challenging; however, if these results are confirmed with clinical and biological data, it not only could be a new approach to female fertility preservation but also would change standard fertility strategies.
Factors associated with the use of the prescription monitoring program by prescribers and pharmacists in Texas
Authors: Thornton James Douglas , Varisco Tyler J. , Downs Callie G.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To describe Texas Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) use and identify predictors of PMP query for opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions by prescribers and pharmacists.

Methods

Dispensation and query records from the Texas PMP for opioid and benzodiazepine medications dispensed between October 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018 were linked using common patient identifiers. Autoregressive linear regression was used to assess trends in utilization. Hierarchical logistic models were specified to identify factors associated with provider and pharmacist query of opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions.

Results

Despite a significant increase in the total number of pharmacists (β = 169.85, p < 0.0001) and prescribers (β = 301.59, p < 0.0001) who used the PMP every month, the ratio of active to registered pharmacists (β = −0.0001, p = 0.75) and prescribers (β = −0.0015, p = 0.10) did not change. Pharmacists and prescribers were significantly more likely to query opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions of 14 days or more, and those issued to patients new to their practice. Pharmacists were most likely to query opioid prescriptions for oxycodone (aOR = 4.51, 95%CI = 4.42–4.60) and prescribers were most likely to query prescriptions for buprenorphine (aOR = 2.24, 95%CI = 2.15–2.35) compared to codeine.

Conclusion

Changes in PMP utilization between October 2016 and December 2018 were driven by increasing registration, not increasing frequency of use among registered users. Use of the PMP is inconsistent and dependent upon patient characteristics thus limiting the utility of the PMP as a decision support tool. These results support the need for policy mandating PMP use in Texas and provide a useful baseline and framework to evaluate the effectiveness of mandate implementation.
Treatment Recommendations for Phantom Limb Pain in People with Amputations: An Expert Consensus Delphi Study
Authors: Limakatso Katleho , Parker Romy
Published: January 2021

Background

Phantom limb pain (PLP) is common and often accompanied by serious suffering. Current systematic‐review evidence suggests that recommended treatments are no more effective than placebo for reducing PLP. Given the difficulty in conducting a meta‐analysis for nonpharmacological treatments and the weak evidence for pharmacological treatments for PLP, consensus on the first‐line management of PLP needs to be reached using alternative methods.

Objective

To reach expert consensus and make recommendations on the effective management of PLP.

Design

A three‐round Delphi design was used.

Setting

The study was conducted using e‐mail and Google survey tool as the main methods of communication and providing feedback.

Participants

The study included 27 clinicians and researchers from various health disciplines who are experts in PLP management.

Method

Data were collected using three sequential rounds of anonymous online questionnaires where experts proposed and ranked the treatments for PLP. A consensus was reached on the treatments that were endorsed by 50% or more of the experts.

Results

Thirty‐seven treatments were proposed for the management of PLP at the beginning of the study. Consensus was reached on seven treatments that were considered effective for managing PLP and on two treatments that were considered ineffective. Graded motor imagery, mirror therapy, amitriptyline, sensory discrimination training, and use of a functional prosthesis were endorsed by most experts because of the available backing scientific evidence and their reported efficacy in clinical practice. Cognitive behavioral therapy and virtual reality training were endorsed by most experts because of their reported efficacy in clinical practice despite indicating a dearth of scientific evidence to support their ranking. Citalopram and dorsal root ganglion pulsed radiofrequency were rejected owing to a lack of relevant scientific evidence.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that the nonpharmacological treatments endorsed in this study may have an important role in the management of PLP.
Novel low‐dielectric constant and soluble polyimides from diamines containing fluorene and pyridine unit
Authors: Hu Mengjie , Chen Haiquan , Wang Mengxia , Liu Gang , Chen Chunhai , Qian Guangtao , Yu Youhai
Published: January 2021

Polyimides (PI's) with low‐dielectric constant and excellent organic solubility have broad application prospects in the electronic field. Herein, this study designed a series of novel, low dielectric, organic soluble PI films by creatively introducing fluorene and pyridine ring into diamine monomers. Because of the noncoplanar structure of fluorenyl and the polarization of pyridine ring, PI films achieved a low‐dielectric constant (2.22–3.09 at 10 MHz) and excellent organic solubility. Even in some organic solvents with low‐boiling points, these PI films still exhibited outstanding solubility. In addition, all the films possessed high‐tensile strength (≈120 MPa) and excellent optical transparency (>70%, 450 nm). It was worth noting that the glass transition temperature of films was all above 280°C and 5% weight loss temperature (T5%) was at 486–553°C. In general, the novel high‐performance low‐dielectric PI films are expected to be used in the field of microelectronics.
Multivalent dextran hybrids for efficient cytosolic delivery of biomolecular cargoes
Authors: Becker Bastian , Englert Simon , Schneider Hendrik , Yanakieva Desislava , Hofmann Sarah , Dombrowsky Carolin , Macarrón Palacios Arturo , Bitsch Sebastian , Elter Adrian , Meckel Tobias , Kugler Benedikt , Schirmacher Anastasyia , Avrutina Olga , Diederichsen Ulf , Kolmar Harald
Published: January 2021

The development of novel biotherapeutics based on peptides and proteins is often limited to extracellular targets, because these molecules are not able to reach the cytosol. In recent years, several approaches were proposed to overcome this limitation. A plethora of cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) was developed for cytoplasmic delivery of cell‐impermeable cargo molecules. For many CPPs, multimerization or multicopy arrangement on a scaffold resulted in improved delivery but also higher cytotoxicity. Recently, we introduced dextran as multivalent, hydrophilic polysaccharide scaffold for multimerization of cell‐targeting cargoes. Here, we investigated covalent conjugation of a CPP to dextran in multiple copies and assessed the ability of resulted molecular hybrid to enter the cytoplasm of mammalian cells without largely compromising cell viability. As a CPP, we used a novel, low‐toxic cationic amphiphilic peptide L17E derived from M‐lycotoxin. Here, we show that cell‐penetrating properties of L17E are retained upon multivalent covalent linkage to dextran. Dextran‐L17E efficiently mediated cytoplasmic translocation of an attached functional peptide and a peptide nucleic acid (PNA). Moreover, a synthetic route was established to mask the lysine side chains of L17E with a photolabile protecting group thus opening avenues for light‐triggered activation of cellular uptake.
Nanometal Thermocatalysts: Transformations, Deactivation, and Mitigation
Authors: Zhang Hanlei , Pan Jing , Zhou Qitao , Xia Fan
Published: January 2021

Nanometals have been proven to be efficient thermocatalysts in the last decades. Their enhanced catalytic activity and tunable functionalities make them intriguing candidates for a wide range of catalytic applications, such as gaseous reactions and compound synthesis/decomposition. On the other hand, the enhanced specific surface energy and reactivity of nanometals can lead to configuration transformation and thus catalytic deactivation during the synthesis and catalysis, which largely undermines the activity and service time, thereby calling for urgent research effort to understand the deactivating mechanisms and develop efficient mitigating methods. Herein, the recent progress in understanding the configuration transformation‐induced catalytic deactivation within nanometals is reviewed. The major pathways of configuration transformations, and their kinetics controlled by the environmental factors are presented. The approaches toward mitigating the transformation‐induced deactivation are also presented. Finally, a perspective on the future academic approaches toward in‐depth understanding of the kinetics of the deactivation of nanometals is proposed.
Recent Progress in Flexible Microstructural Pressure Sensors toward Human–Machine Interaction and Healthcare Applications
Authors: He Faliang , You Xingyan , Wang Weiguo , Bai Tian , Xue Gaofei , Ye Meidan
Published: January 2021

With the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, wearable electronic devices have caught intensive research interest recently. Flexible sensors, as the significant part of them, have become the focus of research. Particularly, flexible microstructural pressure sensors (FMPSs) have attracted extensive attention because of their controllable shape, small size, and high sensitivity. Microstructures are of great significance to improve the sensitivity and response time of FMPSs. The FMPSs present great application prospects in medical health, human–machine interaction, electronic products, and so on. In this review, a series of microstructures (e.g., wave, pillar, and pyramid shapes) which have been elaborately designed to effectively enhance the sensing performance of FMPSs are introduced in detail. Various fabrication strategies of these FMPSs are comprehensively summarized, including template (e.g., silica, anodic aluminum oxide, and bionic patterns), pre‐stressing, and magnetic field regulation methods. In addition, the materials (e.g., carbon, polymer, and piezoelectric materials) used to prepare FMPSs are also discussed. Moreover, the potential applications of FMPSs in human–machine interaction and healthcare fields are emphasized as well. Finally, the advantages and latest development of FMPSs are further highlighted, and the challenges and potential prospects of high‐performance FMPSs are outlined.
RNA m6A Modification Alteration by Black Phosphorus Quantum Dots Regulates Cell Ferroptosis: Implications for Nanotoxicological Assessment
Authors: Ruan Fengkai , Zeng Jie , Yin Hanying , Jiang Shengwei , Cao Xisen , Zheng Naying , Han Changshun , Zhang Chuchu , Zuo Zhenghong , He Chengyong
Published: January 2021

Nanosafety is a major concern for nanotechnology development. Evaluation of the transcriptome and the DNA methylome is proposed for nanosafety assessments. RNA m6A modification plays a crucial role in development, disease, and cell fate determination through regulating RNA stability and decay. Here, since black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs), among many other types of QDs, increase the global m6A level and decrease the demethylase ALKBH5 level in lung cells, the epitranscriptome is taken into consideration for the first time to evaluate nanosafety. Both the transcriptome and m6A epitranscriptome analyses show that BPQDs alter many biological processes, such as the response to selenium ions and the lipoxygenase pathway, indicating possible ferroptosis activation. The results further show that BPQDs cause lipid peroxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and iron overload. Recognition of these modified mRNAs by YTHDF2 leads to mRNAs’ decay and eventually ferroptosis. This study shows that RNA m6A modification not only is a more sophisticated indicator for nanosafety assessment but also provides novel insight into the role of RNA m6A in regulating BPQD‐induced ferroptosis, which may be broadly applicable to understanding the functions of RNA m6A under stress.
3D Ag@C Cloth for Stable Anode Free Sodium Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Hui , Wu Yan , Liu Shihao , Jiang Yang , Shen Dong , Kang Tianxing , Tong Zhongqiu , Wu Di , Li Xinjian , Lee Chun‐Sing
Published: January 2021

While sodium metal anodes (SMAs) feature many performance advantages in sodium ion batteries (SIBs), severe safety concerns remain for using bulk sodium electrodes. Herein, a 3D Ag@C natrophilic substrate prepared by a facile thermal evaporation deposition method, which can be employed as a much safer “anode‐free” SMA, is reported. Initially, there is no bulk sodium on the Ag@C substrate in the assembled SIBs. Upon charging, sodium will be uniformly deposited onto the Ag@C substrate and afterwards functions as a real SMA, thus inheriting the intrinsic merits of SMA and enhancing safety simultaneously. While cycling, the as‐synthesized substrate demonstrates superior sodium plating/stripping cycling stability at 1, 2 and 3 mA cm−2 with a capacity of 2 mAh cm−2. Theoretical simulations reveal that Na ions prefer to bind with Ag and form a Na‐Ag network, thus clearly revealing uniform sodium deposition on the Ag@C substrate. More importantly, a full battery based on Ag@C and Prussian white with impressive Coulomb efficiency (CE), high rate capability (from 0.1 C to 5 C) and long‐term cycling life is illustrated for the first time, thus making Ag@C feasible for the establishment of “anode‐free” SIBs with reduced cost, high gravimetric/volumetric energy density and enhanced safety.
Co‐curricular record gives students tool to understand, share learning
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2021

Learning takes place outside the classroom as well as within it. And while the traditional transcript documents what happens in the classroom, most institutions don't have a process to record co‐curricular learning.
Review Solomon Amendment requirements and how to comply, part 1
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: January 2021

It's been almost 10 years since I wrote a column on the Solomon Amendment. At that time, Solomon had been in existence for 14 years. During those 14 somewhat stormy years, Solomon was disputed, regulated, clarified, litigated, patriotically praised and demeaned, and finally, held constitutional by the Supreme Court.
Review these lessons learned for a successful virtual commencement
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: January 2021

A diploma mailing assembly line. That was one of the ways that The Ohio State University's commencement activities looked different in spring 2020.
Stochastic branching at the edge: individual-based modeling of tumor cell proliferation
Authors: Kozitsky Yuri
Published: January 2021

An individual-based model of stochastic branching is proposed and studied, in which point particles drift in$$\bar{\mathbb {R}}_{+}:=[0,+\infty )$$R¯+:=[0,+∞)toward the origin (edge) with unit speed, where each of them splits into two particles that instantly appear in$$\bar{\mathbb {R}}_{+}$$R¯+at random positions. During their drift, the particles are subject to a random disappearance (death). The model is intended to capture the main features of the proliferation of tumor cells, in which trait$$x\in \bar{\mathbb {R}}_{+}$$x∈R¯+of a given cell is time to its division and the death is caused by therapeutic factors. The main result of the paper is proving the existence of an honest evolution of this kind and finding a condition that involves the death rate and cell cycle distribution parameters, under which the mean size of the population remains bounded in time.
Correction to: Increased and unjustified CT usage in paediatric C‑spine clearance in a level 2 trauma centre
Authors: ten Brinke Joost G. , Slinger Geertruida , Slaar Annelie , Saltzherr Teun Peter , Hogervorst Mike , Goslings J. Carel
Published: January 2021

The original version of this article unfortunately contained mistakes.
Cloud FEA of hot stamping processes using a software agnostic platform
Authors: Zhu Mingqing , Lim Yixian C. , Cai Zhaoheng , Liu Xiaochuan , Dhawan Saksham , Liu Jun , Politis Denis J.
Published: January 2021

Finite element analysis (FEA) of a hot stamping process demands the implementation of accurate material properties and boundary conditions to precisely predict and evaluate the post-form quality of a component. A software agnostic platform was developed to provide cloud FEA of a hot stamping process in three stages, namely, pre-FE modelling, FE simulation and post-FE evaluation. When the desired materials and process window were uploaded on the platform, the flow stress, material properties, interfacial heat transfer coefficient (IHTC) and friction coefficient were predicted by the model-driven functional modules and then generated in the form of compatible packages that could be implemented into the desired FE software. Subsequently, the FE simulation was performed either locally or remotely on the developed platform. When the simulated evolutionary thermomechanical characteristics of the formed component were uploaded, the formability, quenching efficiency and post-form strength could be predicted and then demonstrated on a dedicated visualiser on the developed platform. Cloud FEA of two different hot stamping technologies was conducted to demonstrate the function of the developed platform, showing an error of less than 10%.
Performance of the Emprint and Amica Microwave Ablation Systems in ex vivo Porcine Livers: Sphericity and Reproducibility Versus Size
Authors: Hendriks P. , Berkhout W. E. M. , Kaanen C. I. , Sluijter J. H. , Visser I. J. , van den Dobbelsteen J. J. , de Geus-Oei L. F. , Webb A. G. , Burgmans M. C.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To investigate the performance of two microwave ablation (MWA) systems regarding ablation volume, ablation shape and variability.

Materials and Methods

In this ex vivo study, the Emprint and Amica MWA systems were used to ablate porcine livers at 4 different settings of time and power (3 and 5 minutes at 60 and 80 Watt). In total, 48 ablations were analysed for ablation size and shape using Vitrea Advanced Visualization software after acquisition of a 7T MRI scan.

Results

Emprint ablations were smaller (11,1 vs. 21,1 mL p < 0.001), more spherical (sphericity index of 0.89 vs. 0.59 p < 0.001) and showed less variability than Amica ablations. In both systems, longer ablation time and higher power resulted in significantly larger ablation volumes.

Conclusion

Emprint ablations were more spherical, and the results showed a lower variability than those of Amica ablations. This comes at the price of smaller ablation volumes.
The association of comorbidity measures and mortality in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients by cancer status: RESORT
Authors: Chan Cheuk Huen , Maddison Claire , Reijnierse Esmee M. , Lim Wen Kwang , Maier Andrea B.
Published: January 2021

Background

Multimorbidity is highly prevalent in older adults, both those with and without cancer, and is associated with an increased risk of mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate if multimorbidity measures in geriatric rehabilitation inpatients differ in their association with mortality, dependent on a diagnosis of cancer.

Methods

REStORing health of acutely unwell adulTs (RESORT) is an ongoing longitudinal inception cohort of geriatric rehabilitation inpatients. Comorbidity was measured at admission using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), age-adjusted CCI (CCI-A), Cumulative Illness Rating Scale–Geriatrics (CIRS-G) and the CIRS-G severity index. Patients were allocated to a cancer status group (no cancer, history of cancer, or active cancer). The association of comorbidity indices with mortality was analyzed using Cox regression analyses.

Results

Of the 693 patients (mean age 82.2 ± 7.5 years), 523 (75.4%) had no history of cancer, 96 (13.9%) past cancer, and 74 (10.7%) active cancer. Three months post-discharge, patients with active cancer had a higher mortality risk compared to patients with no cancer (HR = 3.57, 95% CI 2.03–6.23). CCI and CCI-A scores were significantly associated with higher mortality risk in all cancer status groups.

Conclusion

In geriatric rehabilitation patients, incremental CCI and CCI-A scores were associated with higher mortality in all three cancer status groups. However, patients with active cancer had a significantly higher 3-month mortality compared to those with no or past cancer, and this is likely determined by the advanced nature of the malignancies in this group.
Boundary value problems for a special Helfrich functional for surfaces of revolution: existence and asymptotic behaviour
Authors: Deckelnick Klaus , Doemeland Marco , Grunau Hans-Christoph
Published: January 2021

The central object of this article is (a special version of) the Helfrich functional which is the sum of the Willmore functional and the area functional times a weight factor$$\varepsilon \ge 0$$ε≥0. We collect several results concerning the existence of solutions to a Dirichlet boundary value problem for Helfrich surfaces of revolution and cover some specific regimes of boundary conditions and weight factors$$\varepsilon \ge 0$$ε≥0. These results are obtained with the help of different techniques like an energy method, gluing techniques and the use of the implicit function theorem close to Helfrich cylinders. In particular, concerning the regime of boundary values, where a catenoid exists as a global minimiser of the area functional, existence of minimisers of the Helfrich functional is established forallweight factors$$\varepsilon \ge 0$$ε≥0. For the singular limit of weight factors$$ \varepsilon \nearrow \infty $$ε↗∞they converge uniformly to the catenoid which minimises the surface area in the class of surfaces of revolution.
SNR of the coded aperture imaging system
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Zhao Yan
Published: January 2021

In this paper, the expression for the SNR has been developed through the imaging model. It is concluded that the image SNR decreases with the increase of the number of light-emitting points of the target under the same hardware conditions and experimental parameters. Using uniform bright squares of different sizes as the target, the SNR of the reconstructed image is calculated. Simulation and prototype experiments have proved the correctness of the conclusion. Based on this conclusion, a method of segmented area imaging is proposed to improve the reconstructed image quality. The quality of all the images using this method with Wiener inverse filtering, R-Lucy deconvolution, and ADMM is better than the image quality obtained by full-area imaging.
Foundations of information technology based on Bunge’s systemist philosophy of reality
Authors: Lukyanenko Roman , Storey Veda C. , Pastor Oscar
Published: January 2021

General ontology is a prominent theoretical foundation for information technology analysis, design, and development. Ontology is a branch of philosophy which studies what exists in reality. A widely used ontology in information systems, especially for conceptual modeling, is the BWW (Bunge–Wand–Weber), which is based on ideas of the philosopher and physicist Mario Bunge, as synthesized by Wand and Weber. The ontology was founded on an early subset of Bunge’s philosophy; however, many of Bunge’s ideas have evolved since then. An important question, therefore, is: do the more recent ideas expressed by Bunge call for a new ontology? In this paper, we conduct an analysis of Bunge’s earlier and more recent works to address this question. We present a new ontology based on Bunge’s later and broader works, which we refer to as Bunge’s Systemist Ontology (BSO). We then compare BSO to the constructs of BWW. The comparison reveals both considerable overlap between BSO and BWW, as well as substantial differences. From this comparison and the initial exposition of BSO, we provide suggestions for further ontology studies and identify research questions that could provide a fruitful agenda for future scholarship in conceptual modeling and other areas of information technology.
The ambiguities of Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil certification: internal incoherence, governance rescaling and state transformation
Authors: Choiruzzad Shofwan Al Banna , Tyson Adam , Varkkey Helena
Published: January 2021

There are persistent tensions of both a technical and political nature between Southeast Asia’s two major palm oil producers, Indonesia and Malaysia, and the sustainability governance mechanisms shaping global environmental and trade standards emerging from Europe. The establishment of the national Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil (ISPO) certification standard in 2011 is a sign of discontent with the transnational Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) regime, sparking debate about the legitimacy of private governance models initiated by non-governmental organizations and companies in Europe. This article questions whether the adoption of sustainability norms by Indonesia signals normative convergence or the emergence of rival governance structures that challenge the state. Evidence suggests that elements of norm adoption and rival governance coexist in Indonesia and that ISPO certification is an ambiguous policy with degrees of internal incoherence. The ambiguous nature of ISPO certification gives rise to unresolved disputes over power and authority between various actors. This article shows how these disputes came into being by framing these dynamics as part of a long historical process. Novel insights are gained by employing the state transformation framework and the concept of governance rescaling. Within this framework, we argue that the ambiguous nature of the ISPO results from complex interrelated processes of fragmentation, decentralization and the internationalization of the Indonesian state.
How Corporate Charitable Giving Reduces the Costs of Formal Controls
Authors: Reichert Bernhard E. , Sohn Matthias
Published: January 2021

Formal control systems are a common instrument to align employees’ interests with those of managers and companies. However, research shows that employees perceive formal controls as a sign of distrust and restraint, which can lead to costs of control in the form of lower employee cooperation and effort (e.g., Falk and Kosfeld 2006; Christ 2013). We propose that charitable giving reduces these costs of control. We draw on the halo effect and propose that corporate charitable giving alters employees’ perception of and reaction to formal controls. In a laboratory experiment, we find that charitable giving by a company creates a higher level of employee trust in a manager who decides to implement a control and a more positive assessment of formal control. These positive effects of charitable giving lead to lower costs of control compared to the absence of charitable giving. We thereby provide an example of how charitable giving as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity yields positive benefits by altering the behavior of internal company stakeholders.
Are Changes in Beliefs About Rumination and in Emotion Regulation Skills Mediators of the Effects of Internet-Delivered Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Depression and Anxiety? Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Enrique Angel , Eilert Nora , Wogan Rebecca , Earley Caroline , Duffy Daniel , Palacios Jorge , Timulak Ladislav , Richards Derek
Published: January 2021

Background

Internet-delivered cognitive behavior therapy (iCBT) is effective in treating anxiety and depression. Research on how these interventions operate is scarce. This study explored whether emotion regulation skills and positive beliefs about rumination were affected by iCBT and if these constructs mediated changes in depression and anxiety.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of a pragmatic randomized waitlist-controlled trial testing the effectiveness of supported iCBT. Adults with at least mild symptoms of depression or anxiety were included. Depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), positive beliefs about rumination (PBRS-A) and two emotion regulation skills: cognitive reappraisal (ERQ-A) and expressive suppression (ERQ-S), were measured at baseline and 8-weeks post-treatment.

Results

The analyses included 358 participants, 71% were female. Median age was 29. Linear mixed models showed statistically significant differences along ERQ-A in favor of the iCBT group (b = 1.83, SE = 0.82, p = .026). Mediation analyses showed reductions in depression (b = 0.31, SE = 0.15, p = 0.043) and anxiety symptoms (b = 0.27, SE = 0.14, p = 0.057) were partially mediated by gains in ERQ-A. No effects were observed for PBRS-A and ERQ-S.

Conclusions

These results align with findings from face-to-face therapy and add to the scarce literature on mediators of effects of iCBT, contributing to the understanding of how these interventions operate. Since mediator and outcome variables were measured at the same time, partial mediation results should be interpreted with caution since the study design did not account for temporality and therefore causality effects cannot be confirmed.

Trial Registration

ISRCTN91967124.
Environmental and economic sustainability in public contexts: the impact of hand-drying options on waste management, carbon emissions and operating costs
Authors: Coller Graziano , Schiavon Marco , Ragazzi Marco
Published: January 2021

Due to the high density of users hosted everyday, public buildings are important producers of waste and emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Public restrooms play an underrated role in waste generation and GHG emissions, especially if paper towels are used as the hand-drying method. The choice of the hand-drying method (i.e., paper towels vs. electrical hand dryers) also affects the economic balance of a public institution, involving costs for the purchase of hand-drying materials/apparatuses, energy and waste disposal. The present paper aims at evaluating the economic and environmental impact of the introduction of electrical hand dryers (alternative scenario) in place of paper towels (reference scenario) in a public building. The paper presents a solid methodology, based on a numerical experiment approach, to identify a decision criterion for establishing the economical convenience of adopting the alternative scenario in public restrooms. Key factors affecting the choice between the proposed alternatives are presented and discussed in a dedicated sensitivity analysis. From the environmental point of view, this study evaluates the impact of each scenario in terms of GHG emissions, related to multiple waste treatment options and different electric grid mixes. Based on the experimental assumptions, the method allowed concluding that the alternative scenario becomes economically convenient when the number of daily usages (N) is > 57 ± 4. The environmental convenience of the alternative scenario is visible even atN < 10. The method here described can be successfully used to support strategic decisions for cost optimization and environmental mitigation in institutional buildings.