bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marginal Players? The Third Sector and Employability Services for Migrants, Refugees and Asylum Seekers in the UK
Authors: Calò Francesca , Montgomery Tom , Baglioni Simone
Published: January 2021

Literature in the field of employability and the third sector has focused upon the impact of marketisation on third sector providers, elaborating how commissioning processes have led to a contraction of (smaller) third sector organisations (TSOs) and an expansion of larger private sector bodies. Extant research does not however explore the role of third sector organisations in the employability of migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Therefore, our paper explores this gap by adopting a qualitative approach via a total of 36 interviews involving migrants, refugees, asylum seekers and managers of third sector organisations, alongside a categorisation of TSOs. Our findings reveal that TSOs are the primary (and for asylum seekers perhaps the only) providers of integration support services and training or education services. We found that only a limited number of organisations provide formal employability services or skills development services which seem to be only residual in terms of the range of activities that TSOs can organise. Thus, perhaps the main function that TSOs perform that enables integration into the UK labour market is providing a safe and trusted environment that people can use to increase their confidence, improve their well-being, broaden their social circle, learn the language or increase their work experience.
Persulfate mediated solar photo-Fenton aiming at wastewater treatment plant effluent improvement at neutral PH: emerging contaminant removal, disinfection, and elimination of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
Authors: V. M. Starling Maria Clara , Costa Elizângela P. , Souza Felipe A. , Machado Elayne C. , de Araujo Juliana Calábria , Amorim Camila C.
Published: January 2021

This work investigated an innovative alternative to improve municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent (MWWTP effluent) quality aiming at the removal of contaminants of emerging concern (caffeine, carbendazim, and losartan potassium), and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB), as well as disinfection (E. coli). Persulfate was used as an alternative oxidant in the solar photo-Fenton process (solar/Fe/S2O82−) due to its greater stability in the presence of matrix components. The efficiency of solar/Fe/S2O82− at neutral pH using intermittent iron additions is unprecedented in the literature. At first, solar/Fe/S2O82− was performed in a solar simulator (30 W m−2) leading to more than 60% removal of CECs, and the intermittent iron addition strategy was proved effective. Then, solar/Fe/S2O82− and solar/Fe/H2O2 were compared in semi-pilot scale in a raceway pond reactor (RPR) and a cost analysis was performed. Solar/Fe/S2O82− showed higher efficiencies of removal of target CECs (55%), E. coli (3 log units), and ARB (3 to 4 log units) within 1.9 kJ L−1 of accumulated irradiation compared to solar/Fe/H2O2 (CECs, 49%; E. coli, 2 log units; ARB, 1 to 3 log units in 2.5 kJ L−1). None of the treatments generated acute toxicity upon Allivibrio fischeri. Lower total cost was obtained using S2O82− (0.6 € m−3) compared to H2O2 (1.2 € m−3). Therefore, the iron intermittent addition aligned to the use of persulfate is suitable for MWWTP effluent quality improvement at neutral pH.
Pharmacokinetic study of traditional Japanese Kampo medicine shimotsuto used to treat gynecological diseases in rats
Authors: Takiyama Mikina , Matsumoto Takashi , Sanechika Sho , Watanabe Junko
Published: January 2021

Shimotsuto is a traditional Japanese Kampo medicine used to treat gynecological diseases, such as irregular menstruation, in addition to oversensitivity to cold and chilblains. Part of the pharmacological actions of shimotsuto is traditionally considered to be exerted by an improvement effect of the blood and the circulatory system. Multiple ingredients (e.g., catalpol and paeoniflorin) contained in shimotsuto have been reported to have pharmacological activities on the blood and circulatory system, and thus been considered to contribute to the pharmacological actions of shimotsuto. However, it remains unclear whether the ingredients can be absorbed into the body following oral administration of shimotsuto. The aim in the present study was to specify shimotsuto ingredient absorbed into the systemic circulation in rats. Seven candidate active ingredients (catalpol, paeoniflorin, albiflorin, ligustilide, senkyunolide A, butylphthalide, and ferulic acid) in plasma after oral administration of shimotsuto were quantified by targeted liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis. This study also performed nontargeted LC–MS/MS analysis of plasma following administration of constituent crude drugs of shimotsuto to find extensively blood-absorbed ingredients of shimotsuto. Among detected peaks in the nontargeted analysis, two peaks could be identified as bergapten and 8-debenzoylpaeoniflorin, subsequently their concentrations in shimotsuto-treated rat plasma were quantified. These pharmacokinetic studies indicated that catalpol showed the highest plasma concentration following administration of shimotsuto, followed by 8-debenzoylpaeoniflorin. This study suggests that all nine ingredients are absorbed into the blood following oral administration of shimotsuto and possibly contribute to its pharmacological action.

Graphic abstract
EMT simulation and effect of TTI anisotropic media in EMT signal
Authors: Di Qing-Yun , Fayemi Olalekan , Zhen Qi-Hui , Fei Tian
Published: January 2021

An axisymmetric finite difference method is employed for the simulations of electromagnetic telemetry in the homogeneous and layered underground formation. In this method, we defined the anisotropy property using extensive 2D conductivity tensor and solved it in the transverse magnetic mode. Significant simplification arises in the decoupling of the anisotropic parameter. The developed method is cost-efficient, more straightforward in modeling anisotropic media, and easy to be implemented. In addition, we solved the integral operation in the estimation of measured surface voltage using Gaussian quadrature technique. We performed a series of numerical modeling of EM telemetry signals in both isotropic and anisotropic models. Experiment with 2D tilt transverse isotropic media characterized by the tilt axis and anisotropy parameters shows an increase in the EMT signal with an increase in the angle of tilt of the principal axis for a moderate coefficient of anisotropy. We show that the effect of the tilt of the subsurface medium can be observed with sufficient accuracy and that it is an order of magnitude of 5 over the tilt of 90 degrees. Lastly, consistent results with existing field data were obtained by employing the Gaussian quadrature rule for the computation of surface measured signal.
Multi-objective optimization and experiment of nylon cord rubber in expandable packer
Authors: Zhang Yan-Wen , Wang Han-Xiang , Che Jia-Qi , Du Ming-Chao , Zhang Hong-Jie
Published: January 2021

Nylon cord rubber has the advantages of small residual deformation and is easy to lift and lower the tubing string in low-permeability oil and gas reservoirs. However, it is associated with low-pressure resistance and poor sealing performance. To enhance the performance of nylon cord rubber, a three-dimensional numerical model of the nylon cord rubber was established and its accuracy experimentally determined. The Plackett–Burman test, the Steepest climbing test and the Response surface method were used to acquire the polynomial response surface model connecting structural parameters with bearing and sealing pressure. Using genetic algorithms, optimal structural parameters of nylon cord rubber were determined depending on field operation. The reliability of the optimized results was verified by laboratory tests. It was shown that after optimization, the bearing capacity of the expandable packer increased by 25% while the sealing performance increased by 66%. In addition, the bearing pressure was 70 MPa while the sealing pressure was 50 MPa. These measurements effectively met the on-site requirements of high-pressure and fine fracturing in low-permeability oil and gas reservoirs.
Fachkultur(en) in der Schule
Authors: Poweleit André
Published: January 2021

Ausgangspunkt der im Beitrag verwendeten Daten bildet eine längsschnittlich angelegte Evaluationsstudie zur Implementierung eines (innovativen) Lehrplans in Luxemburg. In den Fokus rücken dabei fachkulturelle Wahrnehmungs‑, Denk- und Handlungsmuster von Sportlehrkräften, um zu untersuchen, welche spezifischen Ausprägungen die Umsetzung des im Lehrplankonzept verankerten erziehenden Sportunterrichts eher begünstigen oder hemmen. Die Theorien der Schul- und Fachkulturforschung werden überblicksartig aufgeführt und im Anschluss als Reflexionsfolien herangezogen, um abgebildete fachkulturelle Strukturen zu erklären. In der Fragebogenerhebung des Lehrplanevaluationsprojekts wurden sowohl didaktische Unterrichtsverständnisse („pädagogische Denkmuster“) als auch präferierte Leistungsbewertungskriterien und Unterrichtsarrangements („Unterrichtspraktiken“) von Sportlehrkräften eruiert, die weiterführend typisiert wurden. Über eine Diskriminanzanalyse lassen sich drei Gruppen klassifizieren, die typenspezifische Denk- und Handlungsmuster bzw. hybride schulische Fachkulturen widerspiegeln und eine unterschiedliche Nähe zum Lehrplankonzept aufweisen. Damit ergeben sich Rückschlüsse auf kollektive Denk- und Handlungsstrukturen einer Population, die theoretisch eingeordnet und im Blick auf ihre fachdidaktische Bedeutung diskutiert werden.
The Effect of Acute Physical Exercise on NK-Cell Cytolytic Activity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Rumpf Christopher , Proschinger Sebastian , Schenk Alexander , Bloch Wilhelm , Lampit Amit , Javelle Florian , Zimmer Philipp
Published: January 2021

Background

Data on changes in natural killer cell cytolytic activity (NKCA) in response to acute physical exercise are contradictory.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression is to (1) examine the effect of acute physical exercise on NKCA, (2) shed more light on the moderating factors, and (3) test the assumption of NKCA suppression subsequent to performing sports.

Methods

Two comparisons of NKCA were performed: (1) pre- versus post-exercise and (2) pre-exercise versus recovery. Data were acquired through a systematic search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and SportDiscus. Studies were eligible for inclusion if the effect of acute physical exercise was assessed including a passive control group and reporting NKCA prior to and immediately after the trial, and during the first 2 h of recovery. To better explain between-study heterogeneity, a moderator analysis was conducted.

Results

Pooled estimate from 12 studies reporting 18 effect sizes show that NKCA is largely elevated by acute physical exercise (Hedges’ g = 1.02, 95% CI 0.59–1.46, p < 0.01). Meta-regressions reveal that this effect is larger for endurance versus resistance exercise and increases with the intensity of exercise (both p < 0.01), whereas the blood material used in the assay (p = 0.71), and the quantitative change in NK-cell count (R2 = 0%, p = 0.55) do not play a significant role. Physical exercise does not affect the level of NKCA after the recovery period (g = 0.06, 95% CI − 0.37 to 0.50, p < 0.76).

Conclusions

This work provides solid evidence for elevated NKCA through performing sports which returns to baseline during the first 1–2 h of recovery, but not below the pre-exercise values providing counterevidence to the assumption of temporarily reduced NKCA. Remarkably, the functional change in NKCA exists independently from the quantitative change in NK-cell count.

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020134257.
Studying the performance of fully encapsulated rock bolts with modified structural elements
Authors: Chen Jianhang , Zhao Hongbao , He Fulian , Zhang Junwen , Tao Kangming
Published: January 2021

Numerical simulation is a useful tool in investigating the loading performance of rock bolts. The cable structural elements (cableSELs) in FLAC3D are commonly adopted to simulate rock bolts to solve geotechnical issues. In this study, the bonding performance of the interface between the rock bolt and the grout material was simulated with a two-stage shearing coupling model. Furthermore, the FISH language was used to incorporate this two-stage shear coupling model into FLAC3D to modify the current cableSELs. Comparison was performed between numerical and experimental results to confirm that the numerical approach can properly simulate the loading performance of rock bolts. Based on the modified cableSELs, the influence of the bolt diameter on the performance of rock bolts and the shear stress propagation along the interface between the bolt and the grout were studied. The simulation results indicated that the load transfer capacity of rock bolts rose with the rock bolt diameter apparently. With the bolt diameter increasing, the performance of the rock bolting system was likely to change from the ductile behaviour to the brittle behaviour. Moreover, after the rock bolt was loaded, the position where the maximum shear stress occurred was variable. Specifically, with the continuous loading, it shifted from the rock bolt loaded end to the other end.
Nb2C MXene-Functionalized Scaffolds Enables Osteosarcoma Phototherapy and Angiogenesis/Osteogenesis of Bone Defects
Authors: Yin Junhui , Pan Shanshan , Guo Xiang , Gao Youshui , Zhu Daoyu , Yang Qianhao , Gao Junjie , Zhang Changqing , Chen Yu
Published: January 2021

Early surgical resection and chemotherapy of bone cancer are commonly used in the treatment of bone tumor, but it is still highly challenging to prevent recurrence and fill the bone defect caused by the resection site. In this work, we report a rational integration of photonic-responsive two-dimensional (2D) ultrathin niobium carbide (Nb2C) MXene nanosheets (NSs) into the 3D-printed bone-mimetic scaffolds (NBGS) for osteosarcoma treatment. The integrated 2D Nb2C-MXene NSs feature specific photonic response in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) biowindow with high tissue-penetrating depth, making it highly efficient in killing bone cancer cells. Importantly, Nb-based species released by the biodegradation of Nb2C MXene can obviously promote the neogenesis and migration of blood vessels in the defect site, which can transport more oxygen, vitamins and energy around the bone defect for the reparative process, and gather more immune cells around the defect site to accelerate the degradation of NBGS. The degradation of NBGS provides sufficient space for the bone remodeling. Besides, calcium and phosphate released during the degradation of the scaffold can promote the mineralization of new bone tissue. The intrinsic multifunctionality of killing bone tumor cell and promoting angiogenesis and bone regeneration makes the engineered Nb2C MXene-integrated composite scaffolds a distinctive implanting biomaterial on the efficient treatment of bone tumor.
TRENT'ANNI DI SCIENZA POLITICA: TEMI E LIBRI
Authors: Pasquino Gianfranco
Published: January 2021

Introduzione

Qualsiasi bilancio è sempre problematico, soprattutto quando è il bilancio di una disciplina nella quale la ricerca continua e per la quale gli oggetti cambiano anche grazie alla ricerca, alle risultanze, agli interventi che ne derivano. Tuttavia, esistono occasioni nelle quali la necessità di un bilancio si impone. Trent'anni di vita, per una rivista accademica, non sono pochi. Meritano di essere analizzati e collocati nel più ampio territorio della scienza politica. Il primo fascicolo della «Rivista Italiana di Scienza Politica» fu pubblicato nell'aprile del 1971. Dal punto di vista della nascita e della professionalizzazione della scienza politica in Italia, la nascita della Risp costituì il logico sviluppo dell'attività di un piccolo gruppo di studiosi che pochi mesi prima sotto la guida di Giovanni Sartori aveva collaborato allaAntologia di Scienza Politicacon sezioni curate nell'ordine da Giuliano Urbani (Metodi, approcci e teorie); Stefano Passigli (Potere ed élites politiche); Giacomo Sani (Cultura politica e comportamento politico); Domenico Fisichella (Partiti politici e gruppi di pressione); Vittorio Mortara (La pubblica amministrazione) e Gianfranco Pasquino (Lo sviluppo politico). Quanto alla Rivista, quel primo fascicolo era deliberatamente e opportunamente dedicato alla politica comparata per segnalare l'importanza di quella prospettiva e del metodo che vi era sotteso. Sulla comparazione conteneva articoli di Sartori,La politica comparata: premesse e problemi, di Arend Lijphart,Il metodo della comparazionee di George J. Graham Jr.,Consenso e opposizione: una tipologia, conteneva anche un articolo di Fisichella,Conseguenze politiche della legge elettorale regionale in Italiae uno di Pasquino,Le crisi di sviluppo nell'esperienza giapponese.In entrambi i casi, quegli articoli erano la prosecuzione di un interesse scientifico che si era già tradotto nella pubblicazione di due volumi, rispettivamente Fisichella (1970, e poi 1982) e Pasquino (1970). Tuttavia, mentre nel caso dei sistemi elettorali stava per aprirsi una intensa, ma tuttora incompiuta, stagione di dibattito e di riforme, che la Rivista ha monitorato standone a opportuna distanza (ad esempio, AA.VV. 1984 e 1987), nel caso dello sviluppo politico, il tema stava giungendo ad esaurimento. A riprova, sulla Rivista, se ne scrisse in seguito relativamente, forse troppo, poco. Peraltro, l'analisi dello sviluppo politico si era incrociata spesso, opportunamente e fruttuosamente con la politica comparata. Proprio per questo «incrocio», mi sembra che qualsiasi ricognizione su quanto è avvenuto, in termini di temi e di libri, in questi trent'anni debba ripartire congiuntamente dagli studi di politica comparata e di sviluppo politico.
INTERESSE PER LA POLITICA, APPARTENENZA DI COALIZIONE E GIUDIZIO SUI
LEADER: GLI EFFETTI DELLA CAMPAGNA ELETTORALE
Authors: Barisione Mauro
Published: January 2021

Introduzione

Si sa che ogni elezione ha una storia a sé, fatta di un groviglio di
fattori che concorrono a definirne l'esito. Così, i fattori di lungo periodo
legati per esempio alla geografia elettorale o alle appartenenze sociali si
attorcigliano con i fattori congiunturali, quali la strategia comunicativa
di una coalizione o l'immagine di un leader politico. Di elezione in
elezione, uno degli interrogativi più appassionanti che il ricercatore si
possa porre riguarda proprio i rapporti di forza fra i fattori di lungo e di
breve periodo, fra «struttura» e «congiuntura», fra continuità e cambiamento
nella spiegazione del voto.
IL SISTEMA PARTITICO ITALIANO FRA BIPOLARISMO E DESTRUTTURAZIONE
Authors: Pappalardo Adriano
Published: January 2021

Introduzione

Dal 1994, la transizione italiana ha dato luogo a due interpretazioni. Con varie sfumature, alcuni hanno posto il cambiamento in un contesto di continuità: più o meno come sempre, elettori stabili e ideologizzati sarebbero stati «trainati», dentro e fuori dai principali schieramenti, da partiti precocemente riconsolidati dopo i traumi dei primi anni novanta; a questi partiti, e ai loro eredi, rimangono sostanzialmente affidate le sorti delle coalizioni, incentivate dal sistema elettorale, ma cronicamente fragili perché troppo frammentate e/o eterogenee; dato il fenomeno delle «estreme vincenti», robuste controspinte centrifughe bilanciano la pur riconosciuta tendenza alla convergenza sull'elettorato mediano, rendendo assai problematico il requisito fondamentale dell'equilibrio bipolare; più che sull'asse sinistra/destra, l'equilibrio è minacciato dalla vitalità delcleavagecentro-periferia, così brillantemente mobilitato dalla Lega nel 1996 per formare una credibile alternativa ai maggiori schieramenti; e poiché la probabilità di successo dell'alternativa è massimizzata dal maggioritario, la prognosi è per un sistema cronicamente instabile, piuttosto esposto a ritornare al passato (cioè, a un assetto «tripolare polarizzato»), che a entrare a pieno titolo fra i pluralismi moderati d'Europa.
Correction to: Alzheimer’s genetic risk factor FERMT2 (Kindlin-2) controls axonal growth and synaptic plasticity in an APP-dependent manner
Authors: Eysert Fanny , Coulon Audrey , Boscher Emmanuelle , Vreulx Anaїs-Camille , Flaig Amandine , Mendes Tiago , Hughes Sandrine , Grenier-Boley Benjamin , Hanoulle Xavier , Demiautte Florie , Bauer Charlotte , Marttinen Mikael , Takalo Mari , Amouyel Philippe , Desai Shruti , Pike Ian , Hiltunen Mikko , Chécler Frédéric , Farinelli Mélissa , Delay Charlotte , Malmanche Nicolas , Hébert Sébastien S. , Dumont Julie , Kilinc Devrim , Lambert Jean-Charles , Chapuis Julien
Published: January 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Sequential fate-switches in stem-like cells drive the tumorigenic trajectory from human neural stem cells to malignant glioma
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Zhou Ran , Xiong Yanzhen , Zhou Lingling , Yan Xiang , Wang Manli , Li Fan , Xie Chuanxing , Zhang Yiming , Huang Zongyao , Ding Chaoqiong , Shi Kaidou , Li Weida , Liu Yu , Cao Zhongwei , Zhang Zhen-Ning , Zhou Shengtao , Chen Chong , Zhang Yan , Chen Lu , Wang Yuan
Published: January 2021

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an incurable and highly heterogeneous brain tumor, originating from human neural stem/progenitor cells (hNSCs/hNPCs) years ahead of diagnosis. Despite extensive efforts to characterize hNSCs and end-stage GBM at bulk and single-cell levels, the de novo gliomagenic path from hNSCs is largely unknown due to technical difficulties in early-stage sampling and preclinical modeling. Here, we established two highly penetrant hNSC-derived malignant glioma models, which resemble the histopathology and transcriptional heterogeneity of human GBM. Integrating time-series analyses of whole-exome sequencing, bulk and single-cell RNA-seq, we reconstructed gliomagenic trajectories, and identified a persistent NSC-like population at all stages of tumorigenesis. Through trajectory analyses and lineage tracing, we showed that tumor progression is primarily driven by multi-step transcriptional reprogramming and fate-switches in the NSC-like cells, which sequentially generate malignant heterogeneity and induce tumor phenotype transitions. We further uncovered stage-specific oncogenic cascades, and among the candidate genes we functionally validated C1QL1 as a new glioma-promoting factor. Importantly, the neurogenic-to-gliogenic switch in NSC-like cells marks an early stage characterized by a burst of oncogenic alterations, during which transient AP-1 inhibition is sufficient to inhibit gliomagenesis. Together, our results reveal previously undercharacterized molecular dynamics and fate choices driving de novo gliomagenesis from hNSCs, and provide a blueprint for potential early-stage treatment/diagnosis for GBM.
Author Correction: De novo emergence of adaptive membrane proteins from thymine-rich genomic sequences
Authors: Vakirlis Nikolaos , Acar Omer , Hsu Brian , Coelho Nelson Castilho , Van Oss S. Branden , Wacholder Aaron , Medetgul-Ernar Kate , Bowman Ray W. , Hines Cameron P. , Iannotta John , Parikh Saurin Bipin , McLysaght Aoife , Camacho Carlos J. , O’Donnell Allyson F. , Ideker Trey , Carvunis Anne-Ruxandra
Published: January 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-20609-y.
Differential transcript usage unravels gene expression alterations in Alzheimer’s disease human brains
Authors: Marques-Coelho Diego , Iohan Lukas da Cruz Carvalho , Melo de Farias Ana Raquel , Flaig Amandine ,   The Brainbank Neuro–CEB Neuropathology Network, Letournel Franck , Martin-Négrier Marie-Laure , Chapon Françoise , Faisant Maxime , Godfraind Catherine , Maurage Claude-Alain , Deramecourt Vincent , Duchesne Mathilde , Meyronnet David , Streichenberger Nathalie , de Paula André Mauès , Rigau Valérie , Vandenbos-Burel Fanny , Duyckaerts Charles , Seilhean Danielle , Milin Serge , Chiforeanu Dan Christian , Laquerrière Annie , Marguet Florent , Lannes Béatrice , Lambert Jean-Charles , Costa Marcos Romualdo
Published: January 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in aging individuals. Yet, the pathophysiological processes involved in AD onset and progression are still poorly understood. Among numerous strategies, a comprehensive overview of gene expression alterations in the diseased brain could contribute for a better understanding of the AD pathology. In this work, we probed the differential expression of genes in different brain regions of healthy and AD adult subjects using data from three large transcriptomic studies: Mayo Clinic, Mount Sinai Brain Bank (MSBB), and ROSMAP. Using a combination of differential expression of gene and isoform switch analyses, we provide a detailed landscape of gene expression alterations in the temporal and frontal lobes, harboring brain areas affected at early and late stages of the AD pathology, respectively. Next, we took advantage of an indirect approach to assign the complex gene expression changes revealed in bulk RNAseq to individual cell types/subtypes of the adult brain. This strategy allowed us to identify previously overlooked gene expression changes in the brain of AD patients. Among these alterations, we show isoform switches in the AD causal gene amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP) and the risk gene bridging integrator 1 (BIN1), which could have important functional consequences in neuronal cells. Altogether, our work proposes a novel integrative strategy to analyze RNAseq data in AD and other neurodegenerative diseases based on both gene/transcript expression and regional/cell-type specificities.
Potential of ultra-high-resolution photon-counting CT of bone metastases: initial experiences in breast cancer patients
Authors: Wehrse E. , Sawall S. , Klein L. , Glemser P. , Delorme S. , Schlemmer H.-P. , Kachelrieß M. , Uhrig M. , Ziener C. H. , Rotkopf L. T.
Published: January 2021

Conventional CT scanners use energy-integrating detectors (EIDs). Photon-counting detector (PCD) computed tomography (CT) utilizes a CT detector technology based on smaller detector pixels capable of counting single photons and in addition discriminating their energy. Goal of this study was to explore the potential of higher spatial resolution for imaging of bone metastases. Four female patients with histologically confirmed breast cancer and bone metastases were included between July and October 2019. All patients underwent conventional EID CT scans followed by a high resolution non-contrast experimental PCD CT scan. Ultra-high resolution (UHR) reconstruction kernels were used to reconstruct axial slices with voxel sizes of 0.3 mm × 0.3 mm (inplane) × 1 mm (z-direction). Four radiologists blinded for patient identity assessed the images and compared the quality to conventional CT using a qualitative Likert scale. In this case series, we present images of bone metastases in breast cancer patients using an experimental PCD CT scanner and ultra-high-resolution kernels. A tendency to both a smaller inter-reader variability in the structural assessment of lesion sizes and in the readers’ opinion to an improved visualization of lesion margins and content was observed. In conclusion, while further studies are warranted, PCD CT has a high potential for therapy monitoring in breast cancer.
MCM3 upregulation confers endocrine resistance in breast cancer and is a predictive marker of diminished tamoxifen benefit
Authors: Løkkegaard Sanne , Elias Daniel , Alves Carla L. , Bennetzen Martin V. , Lænkholm Anne-Vibeke , Bak Martin , Gjerstorff Morten F. , Johansen Lene E. , Vever Henriette , Bjerre Christina , Kirkegaard Tove , Nordenskjöld Bo , Fornander Tommy , Stål Olle , Lindström Linda S. , Esserman Laura J. , Lykkesfeldt Anne E. , Andersen Jens S. , Leth-Larsen Rikke , Ditzel Henrik J.
Published: January 2021

Resistance to endocrine therapy in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer is a major clinical problem with poorly understood mechanisms. There is an unmet need for prognostic and predictive biomarkers to allow appropriate therapeutic targeting. We evaluated the mechanism by which minichromosome maintenance protein 3 (MCM3) influences endocrine resistance and its predictive/prognostic potential in ER+ breast cancer. We discovered that ER+ breast cancer cells survive tamoxifen and letrozole treatments through upregulation of minichromosome maintenance proteins (MCMs), including MCM3, which are key molecules in the cell cycle and DNA replication. Lowering MCM3 expression in endocrine-resistant cells restored drug sensitivity and altered phosphorylation of cell cycle regulators, including p53(Ser315,33), CHK1(Ser317), and cdc25b(Ser323), suggesting that the interaction of MCM3 with cell cycle proteins is an important mechanism of overcoming replicative stress and anti-proliferative effects of endocrine treatments. Interestingly, the MCM3 levels did not affect the efficacy of growth inhibitory by CDK4/6 inhibitors. Evaluation of MCM3 levels in primary tumors from four independent cohorts of breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant tamoxifen mono-therapy or no adjuvant treatment, including the Stockholm tamoxifen (STO-3) trial, showed MCM3 to be an independent prognostic marker adding information beyond Ki67. In addition, MCM3 was shown to be a predictive marker of response to endocrine treatment. Our study reveals a coordinated signaling network centered around MCM3 that limits response to endocrine therapy in ER+ breast cancer and identifies MCM3 as a clinically useful prognostic and predictive biomarker that allows personalized treatment of ER+ breast cancer patients.
High-throughput reaction engineering to assess the oxidation stability of MAX phases
Authors: Sauceda D. , Singh P. , Falkowski A. R. , Chen Y. , Doung T. , Vazquez G. , Radovic M. , Arroyave R.
Published: January 2021

The resistance to oxidizing environments exhibited by some Mn+1AXn (MAX) phases stems from the formation of stable and protective oxide layers at high operating temperatures. The MAX phases are hexagonally arranged layered nitrides or carbides with general formula Mn+1AXn, n = 1, 2, 3, where M is early transition elements, A is A block elements, and X is C/N. Previous attempts to model and assess oxide phase stability in these systems has been limited in scope due to higher computational costs. To address the issue, we developed a machine-learning driven high-throughput framework for the fast assessment of phase stability and oxygen reactivity of 211 chemistry MAX phase M2AX. The proposed scheme combines a sure independence screening sparsifying operator-based machine-learning model in combination with grand-canonical linear programming to assess temperature-dependent Gibbs free energies, reaction products, and elemental chemical activity during the oxidation of MAX phases. The thermodynamic stability, and chemical activity of constituent elements of Ti2AlC with respect to oxygen were fully assessed to understand the high-temperature oxidation behavior. The predictions are in good agreement with oxidation experiments performed on Ti2AlC. We were also able to explain the metastability of Ti2SiC, which could not be synthesized experimentally due to higher stability of competing phases. For generality of the proposed approach, we discuss the oxidation mechanism of Cr2AlC. The insights of oxidation behavior will enable more efficient design and accelerated discovery of MAX phases with maintained performance in oxidizing environments at high temperatures.
Multiple machine learning approach to characterize two-dimensional nanoelectronic devices via featurization of charge fluctuation
Authors: Lee Kookjin , Nam Sangjin , Ji Hyunjin , Choi Junhee , Jin Jun-Eon , Kim Yeonsu , Na Junhong , Ryu Min-Yeul , Cho Young-Hoon , Lee Hyebin , Lee Jaewoo , Joo Min-Kyu , Kim Gyu-Tae
Published: January 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) layered materials such as graphene, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), tungsten disulfide (WSe2), and black phosphorus (BP) provide unique opportunities to identify the origin of current fluctuation, mainly arising from their large surface areas compared with those of their bulk counterparts. Among numerous material characterization techniques, nondestructive low-frequency (LF) noise measurement has received significant attention as an ideal tool to identify a dominant scattering origin such as imperfect crystallinity, phonon vibration, interlayer resistance, the Schottky barrier inhomogeneity, and traps and/or defects inside the materials and dielectrics. Despite the benefits of LF noise analysis, however, the large amount of time-resolved current data and the subsequent data fitting process required generally cause difficulty in interpreting LF noise data, thereby limiting its availability and feasibility, particularly for 2D layered van der Waals hetero-structures. Here, we present several model algorithms, which enables the classification of important device information such as the type of channel materials, gate dielectrics, contact metals, and the presence of chemical and electron beam doping using more than 100 LF noise data sets under 32 conditions. Furthermore, we provide insights about the device performance by quantifying the interface trap density and Coulomb scattering parameters. Consequently, the pre-processed 2D array of Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients, converted from the LF noise data of devices undergoing the test, leads to superior efficiency and accuracy compared with that of previous approaches.
A dopamine metabolite stabilizes neurotoxic amyloid-β oligomers
Authors: Cataldi Rodrigo , Chia Sean , Pisani Katarina , Ruggeri Francesco S. , Xu Catherine K. , Šneideris Tomas , Perni Michele , Sarwat Sunehera , Joshi Priyanka , Kumita Janet R. , Linse Sara , Habchi Johnny , Knowles Tuomas P. J. , Mannini Benedetta , Dobson Christopher M. , Vendruscolo Michele
Published: January 2021

Aberrant soluble oligomers formed by the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) are major pathogenic agents in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. A variety of biomolecules can influence the formation of these oligomers in the brain, although their mechanisms of action are still largely unknown. Here, we studied the effects on Aβ aggregation of DOPAL, a reactive catecholaldehyde intermediate of dopamine metabolism. We found that DOPAL is able to stabilize Aβ oligomeric species, including dimers and trimers, that exert toxic effects on human neuroblastoma cells, in particular increasing cytosolic calcium levels and promoting the generation of reactive oxygen species. These results reveal an interplay between Aβ aggregation and key biochemical processes regulating cellular homeostasis in the brain.
Open-air Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)
Authors: Malegiannaki I. , Anglos D.
Published: January 2021

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a versatile spectrochemical technique that probes the elemental composition of materials, exploiting the light emitted by a transient plasma generated as a result of the interaction between a short laser pulse and the sample or object being examined. It has been increasingly employed in the analysis of archaeological and historical objects, monuments and works of art for assessing the qualitative, semiquantitative and quantitative elemental content of diverse materials such as pigments, pottery, glass, stone, metals, minerals, biomaterials and fossils. In this chapter, the basic physical background of LIBS is briefly outlined and technical details are presented concerning the instrumentation and how analysis is performed and data are interpreted and used. Case studies are presented to illustrate how LIBS has been employed in support of archaeological science, art history and conservation studies.
Spectroscopic Study of Pigments and Binders in Works of Art
Authors: Centeno Silvia A.
Published: January 2021

The spectroscopic study of pigments and binders in works of art is described, focusing not only on the characterization of artists' materials, but also the presence of degradation. Several examples have been selected to cover the most important issues that a young chemist with some knowledge of conservation practices must take into account in the development of their career. The chapter is written in such a way that the most important issues of the analytical research around a project of diagnostics prior to conservation/restoration restoration works are described at the level of master's studies.
Albumin protein coronas render nanoparticles surface active: consonant interactions at air–water and at lipid monolayer interfaces
Authors: Ganji Nasim , Bothun Geoffrey D.
Published: January 2021

Albumin restructuring yields an additional driving force for protein corona-modified nanoparticles to adhere to biological interfaces that can be revealed a priori by modeling adsorption kinetics.
Manipulating the interactions between the lipid bilayer and triblock Janus nanoparticles: insight from dissipative particle dynamics
Authors: Li Jiawei , Wang Junfeng , Yan Youguo , Li Zhen , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2021

The interplay between triblock Janus nanoparticles and the lipid bilayer can be controlled by regulating the arrangement of hydrophobic–hydrophilic patches in triblock Janus nanoparticles.
Nanopores in two-dimensional materials: accurate fabrication
Authors: Su Shihao , Wang Xinwei , Xue Jianming
Published: January 2021

This comprehensive and critical review covers the recent important progress of the fabrication of nanopores in two-dimensional materials.
Correction: Mild deprotection of the N-tert-butyloxycarbonyl (N-Boc) group using oxalyl chloride
Authors: George Nathaniel , Ofori Samuel , Parkin Sean , Awuah Samuel G.
Published: January 2021

Correction for ‘Mild deprotection of the N-tert-butyloxycarbonyl (N-Boc) group using oxalyl chloride’ by Nathaniel George et al., RSC Adv., 2020, 10, 24017–24026, DOI: 10.1039/D0RA04110F.
Efficient Ni-based catalysts for the hydrotreatment of lignin dimer model compounds to cycloalkanes/cycloalkanols
Authors: Chen Changzhou , Wu Dichao , Liu Peng , Xia Haihong , Zhou Minghao , Hou Xinglong , Jiang Jianchun
Published: January 2021

The noble-metal catalytic cleavage of ether bonds in lignin to obtain aromatic chemicals has achieved great success, and the development of a low-cost efficient catalyst is crucial.
Deep‐reinforcement learning for fair distributed dynamic spectrum access in priority buffered heterogeneous wireless networks
Authors: Barqi Janiar Siavash , Pourahmadi Vahid
Published: January 2021

In this paper, distributed heterogeneous wireless networks are studied and a spectrum access scheme that fairly allocates channels among users based on their request levels is investigated. To be closer to what happens in practice, users' request levels to have different priorities are also considered, i.e. some packets are more important for the user to be transmitted than the others. Due to the distributed nature of the problem and since users are not able to coordinate with each other before transmission, a scheme based on reinforcement learning is proposed in which the network state is estimated based on the previous successful transmissions of packets in the network. The reinforcement learning method's adaptive nature lets our method work in heterogeneous settings where there exist users with other medium access control protocols. The performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated in different network settings, and it is shown that it tries to implement a fair spectrum access policy (considering the packets' priorities) while maximising the total throughput of the network.
Compensation for the non‐uniformity correction of multi‐channel TDI CCD under variable gain
Authors: Li Yun‐Hui , Wang Xiao‐Dong , Wang Zhi
Published: January 2021

The compensation for non‐uniformity correction of multi‐channel time delay integration charge coupled device (TDI CCD) under variable gain is presented. The mathematical model of photoelectric conversion is established first, and, then, a two‐step non‐uniformity correction method for multi‐channel TDI CCD is proposed. Based on this method, a compensation algorithm for non‐uniformity correction under variable gain is elaborated in detail. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can always maintain the photo response non‐uniformity (PRNU) of the corrected images better than 1.14% when the programmable gain amplification (PGA) gain varies within the range of 1–3, compared to the conventional method of degrading to 2.91%. Meanwhile, a compression method for correction coefficients under multiple integral stages is proposed, which can reduce the storage space requirement by 50% at the cost of the PRNU being degraded by a maximum of 0.19% at all integral stages.
Effect of polarity‐reversal voltage on charge accumulation and carrier mobility in silicone rubber/silicon carbide composites
Authors: Du Boxue , Han Chong , Li Zhonglei , Han Chenlei , Li Jin , Xiao Meng , Yang Zhuoran
Published: January 2021

Polarity‐reversal voltage in high‐voltage direct current transmission system would cause serious electric field distortion, accelerating charge injection. The effect of polarity reversal on charge transport characteristics in silicone rubber (SiR)/silicon carbide (SiC) composites with nonlinear conductivity at different temperatures is studied. The charge transport characteristics of silicone rubber/silicon carbide composites under unipolarity voltage and polarity‐reversal voltage at 30°C, 70°C and 90°C are obtained by the isothermal surface potential decay method, and the carrier mobility and trap characteristics of the composites are further calculated. Studies have shown that a large amount of hetero‐charge remains in silicone rubber materials under polarity‐reversal voltage, which in turn leads to intensive charge neutralisation and severe electric field distortion. The silicon carbide doped composites exhibit excellent performance in suppressing the accumulation of residual charges and weakening the charge neutralisation under polarity‐reversal voltage. In addition, high temperature enhances the conductivity of silicone rubber/silicon carbide composites and reduces the accumulation of residual charges, which restrains the distortion of the local electric field under polarity‐reversal voltage. This research shows that the application of non‐linear conductivity material is an effective measure to solve the problem of cable insulation under polarity‐reversal voltage.
Average-distance problem with curvature penalization for data parameterization: regularity of minimizers
Authors: Lu Xin Yang , Slepčev Dejan
Published: January 2021

We propose a model for finding one-dimensional structure in a given measure. Our approach is based on minimizing an objective functional which combines the average-distance functional to measure the quality of the approximation and penalizes the curvature, similarly to the elastica functional. Introducing the curvature penalization overcomes some of the shortcomings of the average-distance functional, in particular the lack of regularity of minimizers. We establish existence, uniqueness and regularity of minimizers of the proposed functional. In particular we establish C1,1 estimates on the minimizers.
Zusammen letzte Ziele erreichen – Ein Ergotherapeut in der Palliative Care
Authors: Raß Lisa
Published: January 2021

Carsten Schulze hat eine besondere Mission: Als Ergotherapeut setzt er sich für eine bessere Versorgung von palliativ versorgten Personen ein. Dafür engagiert er sich in seinem Berufsverband und reist für Vorträge durch ganz Deutschland – denn er ist überzeugt, dass Ergotherapie in der letzten Lebensphase eine wichtige Rolle spielen kann.
Gesundes Altern – Occupational Well-Being im Alter
Authors: Kranz Florence
Published: January 2021

Zum gesunden und aktiven Altern gehört untrennbar dazu, dass Senioren Betätigungen durchführen können, die sie als bedeutsam und wohltuend erleben. Deshalb untersuchte Simone Gritsch in ihrer qualitativen Studie, wie ältere Menschen in Deutschland ihr „Occupational Well-Being“ erleben.
Widerstandsfähig in belastenden Zeiten – Human-Balance-Kompass
Authors: Holtmeier Lisa
Published: January 2021

Die aktuelle Situation ist privat und beruflich besonders belastend. Arbeitende, Lernende, Eltern und Privatpersonen sind auf verschiedene Weisen von der Pandemie betroffen und auf eine besondere Art gefordert. Was ist in diesen Zeiten mit unserer Gesundheit? Mit unserer Selbstfürsorge? Und wie funktioniert erfolgreiche Stressprävention? Ist das überhaupt möglich?
Dem gefühlten Geschlecht näherkommen – Ergotherapie mit Trans-Menschen
Authors: Pott Ulla , Merklein de Freitas Claudia
Published: January 2021

Die ergotherapeutische Arbeit mit transidenten Personen ist ein facettenreiches Tätigkeitsfeld. Es geht zum Beispiel um Unterstützung bei der Antragstellung einer geschlechtsmodifizierenden Maßnahme oder darum, einen weiblichen Gang in High Heels zu erlernen. Zwei Ergotherapeutinnen berichten von ihren Erfahrungen.
Diversity-Oriented Synthesis of Novel Trihalomethyl-Containing Spirochromeno[3,4-a](thia)pyrrolizidines and Spirochromeno-[3,4-a]indolizidines by One-Pot, Three-Component [3+2]-Cyclo­addition Reaction
Authors: Korotaev Vladislav Y. , Kutyashev Igor B. , Sannikov Maxim S. , Kochnev Ivan A. , Barkov Alexey Y. , Zimnitskiy Nikolay S. , Sosnovskikh Vyacheslav Y.
Published: January 2021

Regio- and stereoselective methods for the synthesis of 6′-trifluoro(trichloro)methyl substituted spiro[acenaphthylene-1,11′-chromeno[3,4-a](thia)pyrrolizidin]-2-ones and spiro[acenaphthylene-1,12′-chromeno[3,4-a]indolizidin]-2-ones have been developed based on the three-component reaction of 3-nitro-2-trifluoro(trichloro)methyl-2H-chromenes with azomethine ylides generated in situ from acenaphthenequinone and cyclic α-amino acids. The cycloaddition proceeds under mild conditions in ethanol or DMSO, and only endo-isomers of the products with cis-arrangement of nitro and trifluoromethyl groups are formed. The relative configuration of cycloadducts is reliably confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis and by 2D NOESY spectroscopy.
Convective amplification of stimulated Raman rescattering in a picosecond laser plasma interaction regime
Authors: Ji Yu , Lian Chang-Wang , Yan Rui , Ren Chuang , Yang Dong , Wan Zhen-Hua , Zhao Bin , Wang Chen , Fang Zhi-Heng , Zheng Jian
Published: January 2021

We present particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations of laser plasma instabilities (LPIs) with a laser pulse duration of a few picoseconds. The simulation parameters are appropriate to the planar-target LPI experimental conditions on SG-II. In this regime, the plasmas are characterized by a long electron density scale length and a large electron density range. It is found that when the incident laser intensity is well above its backward stimulated Raman scattering (backward SRS, BSRS) threshold, the backscattered light via the primary BSRS is intense enough to excite secondary SRS (Re-SRS) in the region below one-ninth of the critical density of the incident laser. The daughter light wave via the secondary BSRS (Re-BSRS) is amplified as it propagates toward the higher-density region in the bath of broadband light generated through the primary BSRS process. A higher intensity of the incident laser not only increases the amplitude of the BSRS light but also increases the convective amplification lengths of the Re-BSRS modes by broadening the spectrum of the BSRS light. Convective amplification of Re-BSRS causes pump depletion of the primary BSRS light and may lead to an underestimate of the primary BSRS level in SP-LPI experiments. A significant fraction of the generation of energetic electrons is strongly correlated with the Re-BSRS modes and should be considered as a significant energy loss.