bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Guarda Compartilhada no Ordenamento Jurídico Brasileiro
Authors: Martins Laressa Carvalho
Published: September 2020

O presente estudo trata da guarda compartilhada no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro, por meio da análise de leis, jurisprudência, doutrinas e artigos científicos que abordam diferentes e importantes aspectos pertencentes a tal modalidade de guarda. Assim, objetiva-se analisar, refletir e esclarecer sobre o processo e a aplicação da guarda compartilhada no Direito brasileiro, abordando conceitos e institutos diretamente relacionados e ressaltando características positivas e negativas. De tal maneira, quando se atinge os objetivos propostos pela pesquisa, percebe-se quão relevante tratar acerca de tal instituto, tendo em vista que a separação ou divórcio dos pais pode provocar nos filhos um grande comprometimento emocional, por não saberem lidar com a situação. Além disso, os pais devem entender que compartilhar a guarda de um filho não é simplesmente dividir a responsabilidade e a convivência, mas conjuntamente orientar a educação e criação do filho sob os aspectos de assistência material, moral, emocional e de convivência, em todos os momentos visando à felicidade dos filhos, estabelecendo o que será melhor para a criança ou adolescente, amenizando as consequências resultantes da dissolução da união estável ou do rompimento da relação matrimonial. Caso os genitores não possuam essa conscientização, torna-se importante a utilização de métodos terapêuticos, como a constelação familiar. Portanto, é fundamental que a aplicação da lei de guarda compartilhada seja eficaz, minimizando vários problemas que os filhos enfrentam, sendo cumpridos os princípios de proteção e melhor interesse do menor.
A Tributação e os Bitcoins
Authors: Mendonça Ana Flávia Ribeiro de
Published: September 2020

Com o surgimento das Criptomoedas os debates sobre sua regulamentação jurídica e sua confiabilidade vêm se destacando no âmbito jurídico. Este presente trabalho tem o objetivo de contribuir, sobre o que são Criptomoedas, como funcionam e a possibilidade ou impossibilidade de sua regulamentação. Com base em diversas obras de autores em várias áreas de conhecimento, explora-se a Criptomoeda em um âmbito mais geral, além do principal foco, que e a viabilidade de incidência desse ativo no imposto de renda. Ademais, a questão da natureza tributária da Criptomoeda. O desenvolvimento deste trabalho inicia conceituando com o contexto histórico da moeda, conceituando Criptomoedas assim como a mais conhecida delas, chamada Bitcoin e seus desdobramentos, com uma analise jurídica do tema, estudando a necessidade/possibilidade de sua regulamentação.
People in the News
Authors: Galloway Ann-Christe
Published: September 2020

Meaghan AlstonEmily BrassellRachael ElrodRebecca JeffersonJohn NemmersFlo TurcotteRichard W. ClementBarbara Van Deventer
Features of the legal regulation of harvesting wild plants as a type of entrepreneurial activity
Authors: Stepanova Anastasiya Aleksandrovna
Published: September 2020

In addition to timber harvesting, Russian laws also provide for other types of forest management that have a less harmful impact on forest ecosystems. The forests of our country have a high potential for wild forest resources. The demand for this type of product is growing every year. Berries and nuts exported from Russia have gained popularity in foreign markets. This industry is economically and socially significant, and its development will contribute to employment and income growth, regional development, and the creation of an organic market in our country. The legislator considers it necessary to develop and support entrepreneurs engaged in harvesting wild plants. But, to date, this industry is still poorly developed. This is facilitated by an insufficiently developed legislative framework that does not take into account the nuances of this industry, confusion in the powers of state authorities that are responsible for this area of business, the unavailability of state support measures for people engaged in harvesting non-wood forest resources, the complexity of assessing the potential of wild forest food and medicinal resources in the forest area, the complexity of legalizing activities for harvesting and processing wild plants, the lack of funds for deep processing of wild plants, as well as a number of environmental issues, economic and social factors. The article analyzes the problems that are an obstacle to the development of this branch of business in the harvesting of forest food resources and medicinal plants and suggests possible ways to solve them.
Recent reforms in French and German family policies: similar challenges, different responses
Authors: Fagnani Jeanne , Math Antoine
Published: September 2020

This article investigates whether the recent reforms introduced in the family policies of both France and Germany are leading the two countries towards some measure of convergence. Germany has favoured dramatic changes, especially a new parental leave allowance, while France, for its part, has chosen a more gradual approach that has translated into an enhancement of its promotion of work-family reconciliation policies along with steady increases in spending related to childcare provision over the last decade. Despite a rise in its overall supply of childcare Germany still lags far behind France in this domain, a phenomenon that can be partially explained by a combination of institutional obstacles, the persistence of social norms governing childcare for under-3s, and excessive demand. We argue that the main drivers for paradigmatic change in Germany have been concerns over the consequences of declining fertility; a shortfall of qualified workers; and, the shattering of certitudes following an OECD study on childhood education. In France reforms in parental leave policies have been more incremental with, for example, mothers being encouraged to retain their links to the workforce even while on leave. But while the reforms adopted by Germany represent a radical departure from the former ‘male-breadwinner model’, mothers’ employment rates remain lower than in France and German mothers work part-time with much greater frequency than their French counterparts.
Review: Institutions and Politics [José Manuel Leite Viegas, Helena Carreiras and Andrés Malamud (editors), 2009, Portugal in the European Context, vol.I, Lisbon, CIES, ISCTE-IUL, Celta Editora]
Authors: Petrovic Nikola
Published: September 2020

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Land management grounded in social soil: Galician land banking in context
Authors: Coimbra Elsa
Published: September 2020

Land banking is a well established land management tool that has been used to tackle a variety of issues, most typically, land fragmentation. In 2007, an innovative approach to land banking was released in Galicia, northern Spain. Drawing from a monitoring project conducted on this initiative, this paper offers a description of the characteristics of the Galician Land Bank by grounding it in its specific social milieu. Articulating policy with context allows us to analyze how land banking simultaneously answers and is being challenged by its social conditions. Results reveal how land banking the Galician way is, to some degree, a creative answer to its contextual circumstances but that further steps might be taken to reinforce this dialogue. These include envisioning agriculture as a more integrated and multipurpose activity together with the need to incorporate more participatory approaches to mobilize stakeholders.
Review: Welfare and Everyday Life [Maria das Dores Guerreiro, Anália Torres, and Luís Capucha (editors), 2009, Portugal in the European Context, vol. III, Lisbon, CIES, ISCTE-IUL, Celta Editora]
Authors: Zlatar Jelena
Published: September 2020

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Globalisation, diversity and “new” creative classes in Lisbon: the ethnocultural economy and the rise of an ethnocultural production system
Authors: Costa Francisco Lima
Published: September 2020

Globalisation and the intensification of migratory flows have favoured an increase in new forms of cultural expression, which represent an asset of significant economic and cultural value for the city of Lisbon. In the light of this process, and on the basis of our analytical proposal of an ethnocultural production system (EPS), it was possible to study how the articulation of various processes (economic, cultural and political) that occur and interact in the EPS help to support the appearance of new ethnically oriented markets (EOMs). Making comparisons with the empirical studies carried out (two questionnaires, one each onethnocultural supply and demand, and two ethnographical case studies, one in the area of Martim Moniz in Lisbon, and the other in the Cova da Moura neighbourhood in the Municipality of Amadora), we show, on the one hand, how an ethnocultural economy (EE) emerges in connection with the migratory flows mentioned and, on the other hand, what the important processes and actors are.
Review: Medicamentos e Pluralismo Terapêutico. Práticas e Lógicas Sociais em Mudança [Noémia Lopes (org.), 2010, Porto, Afrontamento]
Authors: Tavares David
Published: September 2020

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Behavioral Insights
Authors: Hallsworth Michael , Kirkman Elspeth
Published: September 2020

The definitive introduction to the behavioral insights approach, which applies evidence about human behavior to practical problems.

Our behavior is strongly influenced by factors that lie outside our conscious awareness, although we tend to underestimate the power of this “automatic” side of our behavior. As a result, governments make ineffective policies, businesses create bad products, and individuals make unrealistic plans. In contrast, the behavioral insights approach applies evidence about actual human behavior—rather than assumptions about it—to practical problems. This volume in the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, written by two leading experts in the field, offers an accessible introduction to behavioral insights, describing core features, origins, and practical examples.

Since 2010, these insights have opened up new ways of addressing some of the biggest challenges faced by societies, changing the way that governments, businesses, and nonprofits work in the process. This book shows how the approach is grounded in a concern with practical problems, the use of evidence about human behavior to address those problems, and experimentation to evaluate the impact of the solutions. It gives an overview of the approach's origins in psychology and behavioral economics, its early adoption by the UK's pioneering “nudge unit,” and its recent expansion into new areas. The book also provides examples from across different policy areas and guidance on how to run a behavioral insights project. Finally, the book outlines the limitations and ethical implications of the approach, and what the future holds for this fast-moving area.
Generalized Linear Models outperform commonly used canonical analysis in estimating spatial structure of presence/absence data
Authors: Carlos-Júnior Lélis A. , Creed Joel C. , Marrs Rob , Lewis Rob J. , Moulton Timothy P. , Feijó-Lima Rafael , Spencer Matthew
Published: September 2020

Background

Ecological communities tend to be spatially structured due to environmental gradients and/or spatially contagious processes such as growth, dispersion and species interactions. Data transformation followed by usage of algorithms such as Redundancy Analysis (RDA) is a fairly common approach in studies searching for spatial structure in ecological communities, despite recent suggestions advocating the use of Generalized Linear Models (GLMs). Here, we compared the performance of GLMs and RDA in describing spatial structure in ecological community composition data. We simulated realistic presence/absence data typical of many β-diversity studies. For model selection we used standard methods commonly used in most studies involving RDA and GLMs.

Methods

We simulated communities with known spatial structure, based on three real spatial community presence/absence datasets (one terrestrial, one marine and one freshwater). We used spatial eigenvectors as explanatory variables. We varied the number of non-zero coefficients of the spatial variables, and the spatial scales with which these coefficients were associated and then compared the performance of GLMs and RDA frameworks to correctly retrieve the spatial patterns contained in the simulated communities. We used two different methods for model selection, Forward Selection (FW) for RDA and the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) for GLMs. The performance of each method was assessed by scoring overall accuracy as the proportion of variables whose inclusion/exclusion status was correct, and by distinguishing which kind of error was observed for each method. We also assessed whether errors in variable selection could affect the interpretation of spatial structure.

Results

Overall GLM with AIC-based model selection (GLM/AIC) performed better than RDA/FW in selecting spatial explanatory variables, although under some simulations the methods performed similarly. In general, RDA/FW performed unpredictably, often retaining too many explanatory variables and selecting variables associated with incorrect spatial scales. The spatial scale of the pattern had a negligible effect on GLM/AIC performance but consistently affected RDA’s error rates under almost all scenarios.

Conclusion

We encourage the use of GLM/AIC for studies searching for spatial drivers of species presence/absence patterns, since this framework outperformed RDA/FW in situations most likely to be found in natural communities. It is likely that such recommendations might extend to other types of explanatory variables.
Comparing the gastrointestinal barrier function between growth-retarded and normal yaks on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Ma Jian , Shah Ali Mujtaba , Wang Zhisheng , Hu Rui , Zou Huawei , Wang Xueying , Cao Guang , Peng Quanhui , Xue Bai , Wang Lizhi , Zhao Suonan , Kong Xiangying
Published: September 2020

Background

Yak (Bos grunniens) is an ancient bovine species on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Due to extremely harsh condition in the plateau, the growth retardation of yaks commonly exist, which can reduce the incomes of herdsman. The gastrointestinal barrier function plays a vital role in the absorption of nutrients and healthy growth. Functional deficiencies of the gastrointestinal barrier may be one of the contributors for yaks with growth retardation.

Methods

To this end, we compared the growth performance and gastrointestinal barrier function of growth-retarded (GRY) and normal yaks (GNY) based on average daily gain (ADG), serum parameters, tissue slice, real-time PCR, and western blotting, with eight yaks in each group.

Results

GRY exhibited lower (P < 0.05) average daily gain as compared to GNY. The diamine oxidase, D-lactic acid, and lipopolysaccharide concentrations in the serum of GRY were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of GNY. Compared to GNY, the papillae height in the rumen of GRY exhibited lower (P = 0.004). In jejunum, with the exception of higher villus height, width, and surface area in GNY, numerical difference (P = 0.61) was detected between two groups for crypt depth. Both in rumen and jejunum, the mRNA expression of interleukin-1beta in GRY was markedly higher (P < 0.05) than that in GNY, but an opposite trend was found in interleukin-10 expression. Moreover, GRY showed a higher (P < 0.05) tumor necrosis factor-alpha mRNA expression in the rumen. The claudin-1 (CLDN1), occludin (OCLN), and zonula occludens-1 (ZO1) expressions of GRY in rumen and jejunum were significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05) as compared to GNY. The correlation analysis identified that in rumen and jejunum, there was a positive correlation between interleukin-10 and CLDN1, OCLN, and ZO1 mRNA expressions, but the tumor necrosis factor-alpha was negatively correlated with CLDN1, OCLN, and ZO1. In the rumen, the ADG was positively correlated with papillae surface area, and a same relationship between ADG and CLDN1, OCLN, and ZO1 expressions was found.

Conclusion

The results indicated that the ruminal and jejunal barrier functions of GRY are disrupted as compared to GNY. In addition, our study provides a potential solution for promoting the growth of GRY by enhancing the gastrointestinal barrier function.
Association of Pain Sensitization and Conditioned Pain Modulation to Pain Patterns in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Carlesso Lisa C. , Law Laura Frey , Wang Na , Nevitt Michael , Lewis Cora E. , Neogi Tuhina ,   for the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study Group
Published: September 2020

Objective

To examine the cross‐sectional association of ascending pain mechanisms, implicated in pain sensitization, and descending pain modulation with pain patterns and unpredictability of pain.

Methods

The Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study is a longitudinal cohort of older adults with or at risk of knee osteoarthritis. Peripheral and central ascending pain mechanisms were assessed using quantitative sensory tests, pressure pain thresholds using a handheld pressure algometer (knee/peripheral and wrist/central), and temporal summation using weighted probes (wrist/central). Descending modulation was assessed by conditioned pain modulation using pressure pain thresholds and a forearm ischemia test. Pain patterns were characterized based on responses to the Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain questionnaire: 1) no intermittent or constant pain, 2) intermittent pain only, 3) constant pain only, and 4) combined constant and intermittent pain. A question regarding frequency assessed unpredictable pain. We assessed the association of quantitative sensory test measures to pain patterns using regression models with generalized estimating equations.

Results

There were 2,794 participants (mean age 63.9 years, body mass index 29.5 kg/m2, and 57% female). Lower pain sensitization by wrist pressure pain threshold (odds ratio [OR] 0.80 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.68, 0.93]) and adequate conditioned pain modulation (OR 1.45 [95% CI 1.10, 1.92]) were associated with having constant ± intermittent pain compared with intermittent pain only. Higher pain sensitization (by pressure pain thresholds and temporal summation) was associated with a higher likelihood of unpredictable pain.

Conclusion

Knee pain patterns appear to be related to peripheral ± central facilitated ascending pain mechanisms and descending modulatory mechanisms. These findings highlight the need for a broader approach to understanding pain mechanisms by symptomatic disease progression.
Binder‐Free High‐Performance MXene Supercapacitors Fabricated by a Simple Electrospray Deposition Technique
Authors: Cho Sangwon , Kim Dong Young , Seo Yongsok
Published: September 2020

In this work, an electrospray deposition (ESD) technique is applied to fabricate binder‐free porous 2D MXene (Ti3C2Tx) electrodes for supercapacitor applications. As a result of the crumpling of MXene flakes induced by the capillary force during drying, a porous structure is formed between MXene flakes within the electrode which leads to the formation of channels for rapid ion‐diffusion. Together with binder‐free networks of highly electrical conductive MXene sheets, these ion diffusion channels greatly improve the rate capability of the electrospray MXene electrode. Cyclic voltammetry measurements show that micron‐thickness electrodes retain their capacitive rectangular‐shaped curves even at a very high scan rate of 10 000 mV s−1 in KOH electrolyte. A specific capacitance as high as 400 F g−1 is also recorded in H2SO4 electrolyte and this high specific capacitance maintains 85% of its value when the scan rate is increased to 1000 mV s−1. Furthermore, the electrospray MXene electrode shows good cycle stability in H2SO4 without a binder. About 90% of the capacitance is maintained after 10 000 charge–discharge cycles at a current density of 15 A g−1. All of these results show that the ESD MXene electrodes are a promising candidate for supercapacitor applications that require both high capacitance and enhanced rate capability.
Role of Spontaneous Orientational Polarization in Organic Donor–Acceptor Blends for Exciton Binding
Authors: Ueda Yuuhi , Nakanotani Hajime , Hosokai Takuya , Tanaka Yuya , Hamada Hokuto , Ishii Hisao , Santo Shuhei , Adachi Chihaya
Published: September 2020

Electron–hole pairs at the interface between electron‐donating and electron‐accepting molecules form charge‐transfer excitons (CTEs) via Coulomb attraction. Generally, the attraction energy of the CTE is weaker than that of the Frenkel exciton because of spatial separation of the charge pair; thus, the binding of the CTE is expected to be sensitive to an electric field. Here, the shielding of the binding energy of the CTEs by an internal electric field induced by spontaneous orientation polarization (SOP) of the solid‐state donor–acceptor blend film is reported. When the blend film forms a large SOP, the photogenerated CTEs spontaneously dissociate without an external electric field, resulting in carrier diffusion and carrier lifetimes that are in the milliseconds or longer. In the absence of a large SOP, the CTEs preferentially form exciplexes that quickly release their energy as light rather than dissociation. Hence, the control of SOP in the donor–acceptor blend films can provide new insights into exciton binding and facilitate the development of tailored high‐performance organic semiconductor devices.
Self‐Organized Gold Network–Vanadium Dioxide Hybrid Film for Dynamic Modulation of Visible‐to‐Near‐Infrared Light
Authors: In Sungjun , Cho Jinchul , Park Jusung , Kim So Yeun , Kim Hyun-Tak , Noh Tae Won , Park Namkyoo
Published: September 2020

Composites of phase change material (PCM) and structured metal (SM) are promising templates for photonic applications combining advantages of both insulator–metal transition (IMT) hysteresis and strong light–matter interactions. While significant progress has been made for applications including active modulators, photonic memories, and thermal emitters in the THz‐microwave regime, the fabrication and application of PCM–SM for the visible–near‐infrared (vis–NIR) waves are still limited by the difficulties associated with fabricating nanostructures in a controllable and scalable manner. Herein, a self‐organized gold network–vanadium dioxide hybrid film fabricated by a simple spin‐coating process following the metal deposition, as a litho‐free PCM–SM template in a vis–NIR regime, is demonstrated. Using Fabry–Perot‐type interference, which enhances IMT‐induced refractive index changes, resonance shift of as much as 260 nm and reflection modulation depth of ≈49% in vis–NIR range are then demonstrated. Tuning of the resonance peak from 575 to 950 nm with the control of VO2 thickness, in addition to the manipulation of hysteresis characteristics with the control of self‐organized gold network is also demonstrated. As application examples, thermoactive color film and electrically controlled photonic logic gates in vis–NIR are presented.
Controlled Deposition of 3D Matrices to Direct Single Cell Functions
Authors: Wong Sing Wan , Lenzini Stephen , Bargi Raymond , Feng Zhe , Macaraniag Celine , Lee James C. , Peng Zhangli , Shin Jae‐Won
Published: September 2020

Advances in engineered hydrogels reveal how cells sense and respond to 3D biophysical cues. However, most studies rely on interfacing a population of cells in a tissue‐scale bulk hydrogel, an approach that overlooks the heterogeneity of local matrix deposition around individual cells. A droplet microfluidic technique to deposit a defined amount of 3D hydrogel matrices around single cells independently of material composition, elasticity, and stress relaxation times is developed. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) undergo isotropic volume expansion more rapidly in thinner gels that present an Arg‐Gly‐Asp integrin ligand. Mathematical modeling and experiments show that MSCs experience higher membrane tension as they expand in thinner gels. Furthermore, thinner gels facilitate osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. By modulating ion channels, it is shown that isotropic volume expansion of single cells predicts intracellular tension and stem cell fate. The results suggest the utility of precise microscale gel deposition to control single cell functions.
Nitrogen response functions targeted to technology extrapolation domains in Ethiopia using CERES‐maize
Authors: Liben F. M. , Wortmann C. S. , Yang H. , Tadesse T. , Stewart Z. P. , Wegary D. , Mupangwa W.
Published: September 2020

The profitability of fertilizer‐N use can be optimized using N response functions specific to climate‐based technology extrapolation domains (TED). Crop growth simulation can complement field research for targeting of response functions. The objective of this study was to target maize (Zea mays L.) N response functions to seven TED in Ethiopia through CERES‐Maize simulation of continuous maize over 30 yr. The complete factorial set of treatments included seven levels of N in 25 kg ha−1 increments under no‐till (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) systems. The CERES‐Maize simulated experiments were done for two or three sites per TED. Nitrogen response functions were generated for each TED with tillage‐specific functions for three TED with tillage × N interactions. The N rate responses for all TED fit curvilinear to plateau functions but with differing magnitudes and shapes of response. The mean yield with NT was 6% less than with CT, but the difference declined with increased N rate. The economically optimum N rate (EONR) ranged from 65 to 179 and 103 to 243 kg ha−1 for high and low‐cost fertilizer‐N, respectively. The EONR was 6% less and the profit cost ratio was 11% higher with CT compared to NT, indicating greater fertilizer‐N need with NT than with CT. The application of N for maize was highly profitable for all TED. The EONR from CERES‐Maize were higher than past field research results. This suggests that the CERES‐Maize N response functions were most appropriate for well‐managed crop production situations in Ethiopia.
FAU zeolite membranes for dewatering of amine‐based post‐combustion CO2 capture solutions
Authors: Zhu Feng , Landon James , Liu Kunlei
Published: September 2020

In amine‐based CO2 capture processes, aqueous amine solvent is circulated between absorber (CO2 absorption) and stripping (solvent regeneration) columns. To reduce solvent regeneration energy demand, a selective membrane can dewater and enrich the CO2 concentration in solution prior to the stripper, lowering steam requirements for solution heating. In this work, a facile synthesis strategy was developed to prepare faujasite (FAU) zeolite membranes built upon polydopamine (PDA) modified α‐Al2O3 substrates. PDA facilitated the attachment of zeolite phases onto the substrate surface to form a 3 μm membrane layer. Membrane permeation flux of 4.45 kg m−2 h−1 and 95% rejection rate calculated by either CO2 loading or total alkalinity was achieved in dewatering of CO2 loaded 30 wt% monoethanolamine (MEA) solution. The effects of temperature on membrane dewatering performance and stability were investigated. This study highlights the potential for process integration of membrane technology in amine‐based post‐combustion CO2 capture operations.
The APOE ε4 exerts differential effects on familial and other subtypes of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jia Longfei , Xu Hui , Chen Shuoqi , Wang Xiu , Yang Jianwei , Gong Min , Wei Cuibai , Tang Yi , Qu Qiumin , Chu Lan , Shen Lu , Zhou Chunkui , Wang Qi , Zhao Tan , Zhou Aihong , Li Ying , Li Fangyu , Li Yan , Jin Hongmei , Qin Qi , Jiao Haishan , Li Yan , Zhang Heng , Lyu Diyang , Shi Yuqing , Song Yang , Jia Jianping
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The genetic risk effects of apolipoprotein E (APOE) on familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) with or without gene mutations, sporadic AD (SAD), and normal controls (NC) remain unclear in the Chinese population.

Methods

In total, 15 119 subjects, including 311 FAD patients without PSEN1, PSEN2, APP, TREM2, and SORL1 pathogenic mutations (FAD [unknown]); 126 FAD patients with PSENs/APP mutations (FAD [PSENs/APP]); 7234 SAD patients; and 7448 NC were enrolled. The risk effects of APOE ε4 were analyzed across groups.

Results

The prevalence of the APOE ε4 genotype in FAD (unknown), FAD (PSENs/APP), SAD, and NC groups was 56.27%, 26.19%, 36.23%, and 19.54%, respectively. Further, the APOE ε4 positive genotype had predictive power for FAD (unknown) risk (odds ratio: 4.51, 95% confidence interval: 3.57–5.45, P < .001).

Discussion

APOE ε4 positive genotype may cause familial aggregation, and the investigation of multiple interventions targeting APOE pathological function to reduce the risk for this disease warrants attention.
Effects of bilingualism on age at onset in two clinical Alzheimer's disease variants
Authors: de Leon Jessica , Grasso Stephanie M. , Welch Ariane , Miller Zachary , Shwe Wendy , Rabinovici Gil D. , Miller Bruce L. , Henry Maya L. , Gorno‐Tempini Maria Luisa
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The effect of bilingualism on age at onset has yet to be examined within different clinical variants of Alzheimer's disease.

Methods

We reviewed the research charts of 287 well‐characterized participants with either amnestic Alzheimer's dementia or logopenic variant primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA) and identified bilingual speakers based on regular use of two or more languages and/or ability to communicate with native speakers in two or more languages. We evaluated whether bilingual speakers demonstrated a delay in age of symptom onset relative to monolingual speakers while controlling for other variables known to influence cognitive reserve.

Results

A 5‐year delay in age at symptom onset was observed for bilingual relative to monolingual speakers with lvPPA. This delay in onset was not observed in the amnestic Alzheimer's dementia cohort.

Discussion

Bilingualism may serve as a unique cognitive reserve variable in lvPPA, but not in amnestic Alzheimer's dementia.
Molekulare Vanadiumoxide für Energiewandlung und Energiespeicherung: Derzeitige Trends und zukünftige Möglichkeiten
Authors: Anjass Montaha , Lowe Grace A. , Streb Carsten
Published: September 2020

Molekulare Vanadiumoxide, Polyoxovanadate (POVs), wurden vor kurzem als eine neue Klasse molekularer Materialien zur Energiewandlung/‐speicherung entdeckt. Sie kombinieren vielseitige, chemisch einstellbare Redoxaktivität mit reversibler Mehrelektronen‐Speicherfähigkeit. Dieser Aufsatz erörtert gegenwärtige Herausforderungen, signifikante Durchbrüche und zukünftige Möglichkeiten für die Verwendung von POVs zur Energiewandlung und ‐speicherung. Die Reaktivität, Vorteile und Limitationen von POVs werden diskutiert, mit Schwerpunkt auf ihrem Einsatz in Lithium‐ und Post‐Lithium‐Ionenbatterien, Redoxflussbatterien und der lichtgetriebenen Energiewandlung. Neu entstandene Themen und neuartige Forschungsrichtungen werden kritisch beurteilt, um Inspiration für den Einsatz dieser vielversprechenden Materialklasse zur Weiterentwicklung nachhaltiger Energietechnologien zu liefern.
Sex Differences in Social Participation of High School Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: DaWalt Leann Smith , Taylor Julie Lounds , Bishop Somer , Hall Laura J. , Steinbrenner Jessica Dykstra , Kraemer Bonnie , Hume Kara A. , Odom Samuel L.
Published: September 2020

There is lack of consensus in the literature regarding sex differences in social outcomes for individuals on the autism spectrum. Furthermore, little research has focused on the social experiences of high school students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the school day. Using a large racially/ethnically diverse sample of high school students with ASD receiving special education services (n = 547; 76 females, 471 males), we examined sex differences in social interactions of youth both during and after school. We also tested for sex differences in background and phenotypic characteristics including autism severity, IQ, adaptive behavior, and mental health. Results indicated few statistically significant differences between males and females in social interactions and phenotypic characteristics (including raw scores of autism symptom severity). However, analysis of standardized scores of autism symptoms suggested that symptom scores for females with ASD diverged more from same‐sex peers in the normed sample than scores of males with ASD. Lack of sex difference in social participation for youth with ASD in this study stands in contrast to patterns of sex differences in the general population. Findings suggest that few differences between males and females with ASD, both in social participation and autism symptom severity, might result in females with ASD being more dissimilar to their same‐sex peers than males with ASD. Implications of findings for understanding sex differences in ASD across the life course are discussed.

Lay Summary

The present study examined sex differences in social participation in a large, diverse sample of high school students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Males and females were very similar in their social interactions both at school and outside of school, based on reports by teachers and parents. Level of autism symptoms was also similar for males and females. However, standardized scores of autism symptoms, which take into account age and sex specific norms, suggested that females with ASD may have behaviors that are more divergent from their same‐sex peers than males with ASD.
Individuals With Autism Have No Detectable Deficit in Neural Markers of Prediction Error When Presented With Auditory Rhythms of Varied Temporal Complexity
Authors: Knight Emily J. , Oakes Leona , Hyman Susan L. , Freedman Edward G. , Foxe John J.
Published: September 2020

The brain's ability to encode temporal patterns and predict upcoming events is critical for speech perception and other aspects of social communication. Deficits in predictive coding may contribute to difficulties with social communication and overreliance on repetitive predictable environments in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Using a mismatch negativity (MMN) task involving rhythmic tone sequences of varying complexity, we tested the hypotheses that (1) individuals with ASD have reduced MMN response to auditory stimuli that deviate in presentation timing from expected patterns, particularly as pattern complexity increases and (2) amplitude of MMN signal is inversely correlated with level of impairment in social communication and repetitive behaviors. Electroencephalography was acquired as individuals (age 6–21 years) listened to repeated five‐rhythm tones that varied in the Shannon entropy of the rhythm across three conditions (zero, medium‐1 bit, and high‐2 bit entropy). The majority of the tones conformed to the established rhythm (standard tones); occasionally the fourth tone was temporally shifted relative to its expected time of occurrence (deviant tones). Social communication and repetitive behaviors were measured using the Social Responsiveness Scale and Repetitive Behavior Scale‐Revised. Both neurotypical controls (n = 19) and individuals with ASD (n = 21) show stepwise decreases in MMN as a function of increasing entropy. Contrary to the result forecasted by a predictive coding hypothesis, individuals with ASD do not differ from controls in these neural mechanisms of prediction error to auditory rhythms of varied temporal complexity, and there is no relationship between these signals and social communication or repetitive behavior measures.

Lay summary

We tested the idea that the brain's ability to use previous experience to influence processing of sounds is weaker in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than in neurotypical individuals. We found no difference between individuals with ASD and neurotypical controls in brain wave responses to sounds that occurred earlier than expected in either simple or complex rhythms. There was also no relationship between these brain waves and social communication or repetitive behavior scores.
Atypical Perception of Sounds in Minimally and Low Verbal Children and Adolescents With Autism as Revealed by Behavioral and Neural Measures
Authors: Schwartz Sophie , Wang Le , Shinn‐Cunningham Barbara G. , Tager‐Flusberg Helen
Published: September 2020

The common display of atypical behavioral responses to sounds by individuals with autism (ASD) suggests that they process sounds differently. Within ASD, individuals who are minimally or low verbal (ASD‐MLV) are suspected to have greater auditory processing impairments. However, it is unknown whether atypical auditory behaviors are related to receptive language and/or neural processing of sounds in ASD‐MLV. In Experiment 1, we compared the percentage of time 47 ASD‐MLV and 36 verbally fluent (ASD‐V) participants, aged 5–21, displayed atypical auditory or visual sensory behaviors during the administration of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). In Experiment 2, we tested whether atypical auditory behaviors were more frequent in ASD‐MLV participants with receptive language deficits. In Experiment 3, we tested whether atypical auditory behaviors correlated with neural indices of sensitivity to perceptual sound differences as measured by the amplitude of neural responses to nonspeech intensity deviants. We found that ASD‐MLV participants engaged in atypical auditory behaviors more often than ASD‐V participants; in contrast, the incidence of atypical visual behaviors did not differ between the groups. Lower receptive language skills in the ASD‐MLV group were predicted by greater incidence of atypical auditory behaviors. Exploratory analyses revealed a significant negative correlation between the amount of atypical auditory behaviors and the amplitude of neural response to deviants. Future work is needed to elucidate whether the relationship between atypical auditory behaviors and receptive language impairments in ASD‐MLV individuals results from disruptions in the brain mechanisms involved in auditory processing.

Lay Summary

Minimally and low verbal children and adolescents with autism (ASD‐MLV) displayed more atypical auditory behaviors (e.g., ear covering and humming) than verbally fluent participants with ASD. In ASD‐MLV participants, time spent exhibiting such behaviors was associated with receptive vocabulary deficits and weaker neural responses to changes in sound loudness. Findings suggest that individuals with ASD with both severe expressive and receptive language impairments process sounds differently. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1718–1729. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC
Relationship Between the Performance of Self‐Care and Visual Perception Among Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typical Developing Children
Authors: Chi I‐Jou , Lin Ling‐Yi
Published: September 2020

Studies investigating the performance of self‐care and visual perception in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are limited. The relationship between self‐care performance and visual perception ability in young children with ASD is not yet clearly understood. Here, self‐care performance was evaluated by the caregivers and therapists of children with ASD. The differences in self‐care performance and visual perception ability were investigated in 66 children with ASD and 66 typically developing (TD) children between the ages of 48–83 months. The relationships between self‐care and visual perception were tested in both two groups. The Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) and the Chinese version of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI‐C) were used to assess the children's self‐care performance. The Test of Visual Perceptual Skills‐Third Edition (TVPS‐3) and the Developmental Test of Visual Perception‐Third Edition (DTVP‐3) were used to evaluate visual perception ability. Young children with ASD obtained significantly lower scores for self‐care performance (AMPS and PEDI‐C) and visual perception ability (TVPS‐3 and DTVP) compared with TD children. Additionally, positive correlations were found between self‐care performance and visual perception ability in young children with ASD. The results provide a valuable contribution to our understanding about self‐care and visual perception performance of young children with ASD. The findings of this research highlight the need for pediatric practitioners to include self‐care and visual‐motor integration evaluations for young children with ASD.

Lay Summary

Young children with ASD obtained significantly lower scores for self‐care performance and visual perception ability compared with TD children. Positive correlations were found between self‐care performance and visual perception ability in young children with ASD. The results provide a valuable contribution to our understanding about self‐care and visual perception performance of young children with ASD.
Regulation of the Central Dogma through Bioinorganic Events with Metal Coordination for Specific Interactions
Authors: Yoon Chungwoon , Lee Dong‐Heon , Lee Seung Jae
Published: September 2020

The central dogma is the core aspect of biological system regulation, receiving much attention from the field of biological chemistry. One of the main regulators of transcription and translation processes is the zinc finger (ZF) proteins, one or more domains of which coordinate with a zinc ion to interact with their binding partner. ZFs are modular domains that function independently in the presence of Zn2+ through the generation of short secondary structures via zinc ion coordination, which generate hydrogen bonds, despite being considered structural domains. In this review, structural and functional characteristics of ZF domains will be presented from the perspective of inorganic biochemistry. The major role of ZF domains in the central dogma involves transcriptional regulation through interactions with DNA and translational regulation through the generation of complexes with RNA. These findings indicate that the triggering many biological events can be explained by the coordination and biophysical chemistry of ZFs.
Tergal Gland Secretion of the Rove Beetle Aleochara pseudochrysorrhoa (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae): Chemical Composition and Biological Roles
Authors: da Silva Maycon R. , Vidal Diogo M. , Figueiredo Leonardo , Bandeira Pamela T. , Bergmann Jan , Zarbin Paulo H. G.
Published: September 2020

Aleochara pseudochrysorrhoa has a glandular complex known as the tergal gland. Generally, the tergal gland secretion (TGS) has been described to have defensive function, but some reports point to a possible secondary function of this complex. For example, the TGS of the related species A. curtula has been demonstrated to possess an important role in intraspecies communication. In this work, we describe the chemical composition of the TGS of A. pseudochrysorrhoa males and females. Eleven compounds were identified based on GC/MS and GC‐FT‐IR analyses, retention indexes and derivatization products. Furthermore, a brief study regarding the biological function of the TGS in mating behavior is provided, in which the stimulation of male grasping response reaction by female TGS proved to be dependent on concentration.
Association between distance from the radiation source and radiation exposure: A phantom‐based study
Authors: Pancholy Samir B. , Payne Michael , Pancholy Pariseema S. , Patel Gaurav A. , Patel Saurabh , Shah Sanjay C. , Kaul Prashant , Pancholy Shivam A. , Patel Tejas M.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The study evaluated the association between distance from radiation source and radiation exposure.

Background

Radiation exposure during medical procedures is associated with increased risk of cancer and other adverse effects.

Methods

An American National Standards Institute phantom was used to study the relationship between measured entrance surface exposure (MESE) and distance from the X‐ray source in postero‐anterior, left anterior oblique, and right anterior oblique projections. Three distance settings for table height were evaluated with “low” defined as 52 cm, “mid” 66 cm, and “high” 80 cm from the focal point of the X‐ray source. Air‐kerma and dose‐area product measurements were recorded. Operator exposure with each of these conditions was measured, in a short operator (150 cm) as well as in a tall operator (190 cm).

Results

Aggregate results for the three projections were as follows. MESE (μGy/frame) significantly decreased as table‐height increases (median, interquartile range, p‐value) (low table‐height 192.5 [122.4–201.2], mid table‐height 105.8 [82.7–115.8], and high table‐height 71.7 [58.4–75], p < .0005). The operator exposure (μGy/frame), significantly increased as the table‐height increased (low table‐height 0.0943 [0.0598–0.1157], medium table‐height 0.1128 [0.0919–0.1397], and high table‐height 0.158 [0.1339–0.2165], p < .0005). A shorter operator received higher radiation exposure compared to a taller operator (short operator 0.1405 [0.1155–0.1758] and tall operator 0.0995 [0.0798–0.1212], p < .0005).

Conclusions

Increasing table‐height is associated with a significant decrease in MESE. Operator radiation exposure increases with increasing table‐height and shorter operators receive greater radiation exposure compared to taller operators.
EFMC, Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology in Europe
Authors: Auberson Yves P.
Published: September 2020

This article is a reflection on the development of medicinal chemistry and chemical biology in Europe, and how the European Federation for Medicinal Chemistry (EFMC) helps the scientific community address its changing scope in a proactive manner. Networking, knowledge exchange and representation, as well as the acceptance and integration of novel scientific developments, are keys to a healthy and dynamic scientific community. This article also reviews some of the forces that shape the medicinal chemistry and chemical biology continuum, including cross‐fertilization, digitalization, and the outsourcing of synthetic and characterization work to focus on productivity and scientific excellence.
The European Federation for Medicinal Chemistry (EFMC) Best Practice Initiative: Validating Chemical Probes
Authors: Quancard Jean , Cox Brian , Finsinger Dirk , Guéret Stéphanie M. , Hartung Ingo V. , Koolman Hannes F. , Messinger Josef , Sbardella Gianluca , Laufer Stefan
Published: September 2020

As part of an initiative aimed to share best practices in Medicinal Chemistry, the European Federation for Medicinal Chemistry (EFMC) is preparing a series of webinars and slide sets focused on the early phase of drug discovery. This educational material is freely accessible through the EFMC. The main target audiences are students or early career scientists and we also believe it will be valuable for experienced practitioners. The first of the series is focused on the generation and validation of high‐quality chemical probes, which are critical for drug discovery and more broadly to further our understanding of human biology and disease.