bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD73 expression is critical to therapeutic effects of human endometrial regenerative cells in inhibition of cardiac allograft rejection in mice
Authors: Hu Yonghao , Kong Dejun , Qin Yafei , Yu Dingding , Jin Wang , Li Xiang , Zhao Yiming , Wang Hongda , Li Guangming , Hao Jingpeng , Zhang Baoren , Pang Zhaoyan , Wang Hao
Published: October 2020

The newly found mesenchymal-like endometrial regenerative cells (ERCs) have been proved to induce immune tolerance in cardiac allograft transplantation. However, the therapeutic mechanism is not clear. The present study was undertaken to investigate whether ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73) expression on ERCs is critical to cardiac allograft protection. C57BL/6 mouse recipients receiving BALB/c mouse cardiac allografts were treated with unmodified ERCs or anti-CD73 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) pretreated ERCs, respectively. It has been found that CD73 expression was critical to ERC-induced attenuation of graft pathology. The blockage of CD73 expression on ERCs was related to the percentage decline of tolerogenic dendritic cells (Tol-DCs), macrophages type 2 (M2), and regulatory T cells (Tregs). As compared with anti-CD73 mAb pretreated ERCs group, CD73 expressing ERCs significantly increased the level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 but decreased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IFN-γ and TNF-α. In addition, CD73 expressing ERCs showed tissue protective function via the regulation of adenosine receptor expression which was related to the infiltration of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the allografts. Furthermore, significant increase of A2B receptors in the cardiac allograft was also associated with CD73 expressing ERC-induced prolongation of cardiac allograft survival.
Ultrasound‐Assisted Green Synthesis of Ag‐Decorated ZnO Nanoparticles UsingExcoecaria agallochaLeaf Extract and Evaluation of Their Photocatalytic and Biological Activity
Authors: Khan Mujahid S. , Dhavan Pratik P. , Jadhav Bhaskar L. , Shimpi Navinchandra G.
Published: October 2020

The present study deals with the synthesis of ZnO and Ag‐ZnO nanoparticles using Excoecaria agallocha leaf extract under a controlled ultrasound cavitation technique. The characterization of the as‐synthesized ZnO and Ag‐ZnO nanoparticles (different molar concentration of Ag) were subjected to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), UV‐Visible Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV‐Vis DRS), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherm (BET), scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The photocatalytic performance of ZnO and Ag‐ZnO nanoparticles as catalysts were studied for hazardous organic dyes such as methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine‐B (Rh−B) under solar light irradiation. The degradation study follows pseudo‐first‐order kinetics. The effective degradation of MB was found to be 56.44 % (ZnO nanoparticles) and 98.44 % Ag‐ZnO nanoparticles, respectively at 100 min at the molar ratio (0.25 : 1). Whereas, Rh−B shows 27.50 % (ZnO nanoparticles) and 98.83 % at the same molar ratio of Ag‐ZnO nanoparticles at 80 min. Among the as‐synthesized nanoparticles, Ag‐ZnO at molar ratio 0.25 : 1 shows effective photocatalytic activity. Besides these as‐synthesized nanoparticles exhibited good antimicrobial activity with an increase in Ag nanoparticles decorated into ZnO. A similar trend was observed in antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activity.
Understanding the Influence of the Trifluoromethyl Group on the Selectivities of the [3+2] Cycloadditions of ThiocarbonylS‐methanides with α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones. A MEDT study
Authors: Benhamed Lakhdar , Mekelleche Sidi Mohamed , Benchouk Wafaa , Charif Imad Eddine , Ríos‐Gutiérrez Mar , Domingo Luis Ramon
Published: October 2020

Experimentally (G. Mlostoń et al.,J. Fluor. Chem.2016,190, 56–60), it has been found that the type of the obtained cycloadduct of the [3+2] cycloaddition (32CA) reaction of thiocarbonylS‐methanides with α,β‐unsaturated ketones depends strongly on the location of the trifluoromethyl group. In the case of enones containing the CF3CH=CH moiety, the 32CA reaction occurs chemo‐ and regioselectively onto the C=C double bond giving trifluoromethylated tetrahydrothiophene derivatives. On the other hand, enones containing the CF3−C=O fragment react as carbonyl heteroethylenes leading to trifluoromethylated 1,3‐oxathiolanes also in a chemo‐ and regioselective manner. Our aim in the present work is to perform a theoretical study of the all chemo‐, regio‐, and stereo‐isomeric reaction paths of these 32CA reactions within the Molecular Electron Density Theory. Activation Gibbs free energies, calculated at the B3LYP/6‐311G(d,p) level in tetrahydrofurane at −40 °C, show that theortho/endoreaction path giving the trifluoromethylated tetrahydrothiophene is more favoured, while themeta/endoreaction path leading to trifluoromethylated 1,3‐oxathiolanes is more preferred in total agreement with experimental findings. The low activation barriers in combination of the Electron Localization Function topological analysis of the most relevant points along the Intrinsic Reaction Coordinate reveals thepseudomonoradicalcharacter of the studied 32CA reactions.
In Vitro, Molecular Docking, and In Silico Binding Mode Analysis of Organic Compounds for Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activity against Jurkat, HCT116, and A549 Cell Lines.
Authors: Naha Sanay , Govindaiah Shivaraja , Sreenivasa Swamy , Prakash Jeevan Kallur , Velmathi Sivan
Published: October 2020

A set of four novel organic molecules bearing hydrazide, azomethine, and sulfonamide linkages were synthesized by a condensation reaction, and characterized using ubiquitous spectroscopic techniques. The synthesized molecules were screened against Jurkat, HCT116, and A549 cell lines for their in‐vitro cytotoxic activity, antimicrobial activity and were found to be promising as anticancer and antimicrobial agents. Among four molecules, pyridine‐hydroxynaphalene based molecule (R3) showed comprehensive anticancer activity towards all three cancer cell lines. On the other hand, R1, R2, and R4 were found to be moderate antimicrobial agents. The mode of action for anticancer activity and antimicrobial activity was further supported by molecular docking studies of the potent compounds against the enzyme Methinonyl‐TRNA Synthetase (PDB ID:1PG2), bacterial DNA Gyrase B (PDB ID:3G75), and yeast GTPase (PDB ID:3 A58). Further, Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations studies were analyzed to study the stability of the ligand‐protein complex.
Organic‐Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Nanomaterials: Synthesis and Application
Authors: Zhang Anni , Lv Qianrui
Published: October 2020

In recent years, organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskite materials have drawn immense attention in the application of optoelectronic devices due to their superior semiconductor characteristics. Among them, organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskite nanomaterials with advantages such as long charge carrier diffusion lengths, high charge carrier mobilities, low trap‐state‐density, high photoluminescence quantum efficiency and low‐cost solution processability have shown great development potential in the field of semiconductor devices. In this review, we firstly summarize several synthesis strategies for organic‐inorganic hybrid perovskite nanomaterials, including template method, hot injection method, ligand‐assistant reprecipitation strategy, chemical vapor deposition method, microfluidic reactor method, ultrasound synthesis and mechanical ball milling method and analyze their own advantages and limitations. Subsequently, the research progress in applications in the field of light emitting diodes, solar cells, lasers and photodetectors are reviewed. At the end of this review, current challenges and future developments are discussed.
The Anion–Cation Relay Battery Prototype
Authors: Song Huawei , Su Jian , Wang Chengxin
Published: October 2020

Relay insertion/extraction chemistry of both anions and cations on the cathode is disclosed for non‐aqueous rechargeable batteries, different from previous metal‐ion batteries (MIBs) and dual‐ion batteries (DIBs) of only positively or negatively charged ions. The “anion–cation relay battery (ACRB)” fully uses both negative and positive ions and offers bright prospects for high‐specific‐energy and large‐rate grid scale energy storage. Proof‐of‐concept ACRBs with commercial Li/Na/K plate as anodes and free‐standing few‐layered graphitic carbon (FLGC) membrane as cathodes demonstrate impressive overall cell performance (a reversible capacity of ≈300 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1, service life >23 000 cycles with a retention decay of ≈0.0013% per cycle, and a cathode energy density of ≈370 Wh kg−1 at ≈27 kW kg−1), comparable to the highest level counterparts. The work may set a promising strategy to break the predicament facing by various MIBs and DIBs, and also a direction to forward cost cutting in commercial lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs).
Recent Advances of Ceria‐Based Materials in the Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Dong Chenxi , Zong Xupeng , Jiang Wenshuai , Niu Lijuan , Liu Ziwen , Qu Dan , Wang Xiayan , Sun Zaicheng
Published: October 2020

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a toxic and harmful gas pollutant. The realization of low‐temperature CO oxidation has been the focus of research. Also, CO oxidation as a typical model reaction is conducive to the in‐depth study of the catalytic reaction mechanism. Due to its unique oxygen storage/release capacity (OSC) and the easy transition between Ce3+ and Ce4+, CeO2 is widely used as a catalyst and catalyst support in many important reactions, especially the low‐temperature CO oxidation reaction. Herein, the application of cerium‐based materials in low‐temperature CO oxidation and CeO2 activity enhancement strategies in recent years are elaborated upon, including metal loading, adjustment of exposed facets of CeO2, and metal doping, through metal‐support interaction and the generation of oxygen vacancies on the CeO2 surface to improve the CO oxidation activity of cerium‐based catalysts. At the end of the review, the synthesis of Ce‐based materials and their applications and challenges in the field of CO oxidation are looked at.
Selective eradication of pluripotent stem cells by inhibiting DHODH activity
Authors: Kondo Toru
Published: October 2020

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), such as embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, give rise to all kinds of functional cells, making them promising for successful application in regenerative medicine. However, there is concern that a PSC-derived differentiated cell population may form teratomas when used for cell therapy if the population contains undifferentiated PSCs. Therefore, for the success of regenerative medicine, it is crucial to establish methods that induce complete PSC differentiation and eliminate the contamination of PSCs. Here, I show that the dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibitor brequinar (BRQ) induced cell cycle arrest, cell death, and stemness loss in mouse PSCs (mPSCs), whereas it was less toxic against normal tissue-specific stem cells and differentiating cells. I demonstrate that BRQ-pretreated mPSCs did not form teratomas after being transplanted into NOD/SCID mice. Moreover, BRQ administration to teratoma-bearing mice prevented tumor growth and decreased PSC marker levels in the tumor without any visible effects in the differentiated germ layer cells and the mice. Collectively, these data suggested that DHODH inhibitors such as BRQ can be indispensable in the fundamental methods of PSC-based therapy.
Tackling the issues of self‐compacting concrete containing high volume of waste glass aggregate by zeolite
Authors: Khalooee Saeed , Ahmadi Babak , Askarinejad Azadeh , Nekooei Masoud
Published: October 2020

The use of waste glass in concrete can bring significant economic and environmental benefits due to reduction of landfills and demand for natural aggregates. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation on the feasibility of using high volume of waste glass as fine aggregate in self‐compacting concrete (SCC). A detailed investigation on fresh behavior of mixtures was performed by evaluating filling ability, stability, passing ability, and viscosity of SCC mixtures. Compressive strength and electrical resistivity experiments and scanning electron microscope analysis were also performed to investigate the strength and durability of the concrete mixtures. Furthermore, alkali silica reaction (ASR) potential of different size ranges of the used glass was assessed. The obtained results revealed that excessive bleeding and segregation and deleterious ASR expansion are possible challenges of incorporating fine glass aggregates in SCC. Interestingly, there was no evidence that glass has a considerable impact on the mechanical performance of concrete whereas it increased the electrical resistivity of concrete. Utilizing high volume of waste glass in SCC up to 600 kg/m3 became feasible when a part of portland cement was substituted with zeolite.
Application of xylitol on nitrogen removal from saline wastewater through “Candidatus Brocadia sinica”‐dominated anammox process under low temperature
Authors: Guo Ziting , Bai Lijing , Li Ronggui , Wang Jingchao , Li Jin
Published: October 2020

Xylitol was first applied to enhance nitrogen removal from saline wastewater through “Candidatus Brocadia sinica”‐dominated anammox process under low temperature. The reactor was maintained at 15°C, and the salinity of wastewater was 35 g/L. Ammonium removal rate (ARR) and nitrite removal rate (NRR) were stable at around 0.27 kg/(m3 d) without xylitol addition. As an osmotic pressure regulator and cryoprotective agent, optimal ARR and NRR were 0.51 kg/(m3 d) and 0.63 kg/(m3 d) at 0.3 mM xylitol. At the addition of 1 mM high‐dosage xylitol, there existed dissimilatory reduction in nitrate to ammonium nitrogen and heterotrophic denitrification in the reactor. Remodified logistic model was suitable to simulate removal process with xylitol addition. As a result, xylitol dose should be controlled within 0.3 mM, which greatly promoted the nitrogen removal from saline wastewater under low temperature.

Practitioner points

Xylitol could be used as osmotic pressure regulator and cryoprotective agent to enhance nitrogen removal.

The optimal dose was achieved at 0.3 mM xylitol for “Candidatus Brocadia sinica” in low‐temperature saline wastewater.

High‐dosage xylitol could interfere with nitrogen removal efficiency due to the presence of DNAR and HB.

Remodified logistic model was suitable for the analysis and prediction of nitrogen removal process with xylitol addition.
Green Synthesis of Magnetic Zeolite LTA using NaOH Activated Fly Ash
Authors: Cao Jun , Wang Peng , Sun Qi
Published: October 2020

The magnetic zeolite LTA was successfully synthesized using NaOH activated fly ash. The properties of the magnetic zeolite LTA were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, BET, and VSM. We can be concluded that the synthesized composite consists of zeolite LTA and magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticle. The nitrogen adsorption technique confirmed that the magnetic zeolite LTA exhibits a specifific surface area of 10.0183 m2·g–1, which is much larger than that of the fly ash. VSM result confirms that the magnetization saturation value of the magnetic zeolite LTA is 10.06 emu·g–1. Therefore, the magnetic zeolite LTA could be easily separated from the liquid phase using a magnet.
Research Data in Chemistry – Results of the first NFDI4Chem Community Survey
Authors: Herres‐Pawlis Sonja , Liermann Johannes C. , Koepler Oliver
Published: October 2020

Good research data management (RDM) requires a constant endeavour of the researchers but – first and foremost – user‐friendly infrastructure and well accepted standards need to be developed for the researchers. The national research data infrastructure initiative for chemistry in Germany NFDI4Chem sets out to embrace the challenge of creating a general research data management portal and hereby connecting already existing infrastructure as well as to foster the cultural change in chemistry towards digitalization by developing general minimum information standards for all methods used and teaching RDM principles to the community. In order to serve the needs of the chemical community at its best, NFDI4Chem accomplishes regular community surveys. The first survey has been performed in 2019 and the results were condensed into the NFDI4Chem proposal. This article summarizes the design of the study and its results. With regard to the project development, this first national survey serves as zero‐point of all upcoming efforts in research data management.
3d‐metal (Cr to Zn) Nitrilotris(Methylenephosphonate)s with different coordination symmetries: Electronic Structure and Chemical Bond
Authors: Chausov Feodor Feodorovich , Lomova Natalya Valentinovna , Somov Nikolay Viktorovich , Kholzakov Aleksandr Vladimirovich , Maratkanova Alyona Nikolaevna
Published: October 2020

In this study, we present a comparative study of two parallel isostructural series of the 3d‐metal coordination complexes with nitrilotris(methylenephosphonic acid) H6{N(CH2PO3)3} (NTP, H6L) as a ligand. The series were analyzed by comparing their complexes in the spatial distribution of electron density and electron‐energy spectrum extracted from the XRD and XPS data, respectively. The first isostructural series (M=CrII, MnII, FeII, CoII, NiII, CuII, ZnII) contains a fourfold (four‐times) protonated ligand (H4L2−) and has a slightly distorted octahedral coordination of 3d‐metal atom by three O atoms of PO3 groups and three water molecules. The second isostructural series (M=MnII, CoII, CuII, ZnII) with the fully deprotonated ligand (L6−) has a distorted trigonal‐bipyramidal coordination of 3d‐metal atom with four O atoms of PO3 groups and N atom in the vertex. The complex of L6− with NiII, which is structurally close to the second series complexes, has a slightly distorted octahedral coordination of Ni atom with four O atoms of PO3 groups, N atom and an additional water molecule. For fully deprotonated PO3 groups, considerable shift of electron density is observed away from the center of the phosphorus atom to all the three P−O bonds. The protonation of only one of the oxygen atoms causes the shift of electron density from all the three P−O bonds to the center of the phosphorus atom and localization of P3s electron pair.
BeStSel: From Secondary Structure Analysis to Protein Fold Prediction by Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy
Authors: Micsonai András , Bulyáki Éva , Kardos József
Published: October 2020

Far-UV circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy is a classical method for the study of the secondary structure of polypeptides in solution. It has been the general view that the α-helix content can be estimated accurately from the CD spectra. However, the technique was less reliable to estimate the β-sheet contents as a consequence of the structural variety of the β-sheets, which is reflected in a large spectral diversity of the CD spectra of proteins containing this secondary structure component. By taking into account the parallel or antiparallel orientation and the twist of the β-sheets, the Beta Structure Selection (BeStSel) method provides an improved β-structure determination and its performance is more accurate for any of the secondary structure types compared to previous CD spectrum analysis algorithms. Moreover, BeStSel provides extra information on the orientation and twist of the β-sheets which is sufficient for the prediction of the protein fold.

The advantage of CD spectroscopy is that it is a fast and inexpensive technique with easy data processing which can be used in a wide protein concentration range and under various buffer conditions. It is especially useful when the atomic resolution structure is not available, such as the case of protein aggregates, membrane proteins or natively disordered chains, for studying conformational transitions, testing the effect of the environmental conditions on the protein structure, for verifying the correct fold of recombinant proteins in every scientific fields working on proteins from basic protein science to biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry. Here, we provide a brief step-by-step guide to record the CD spectra of proteins and their analysis with the BeStSel method.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Germany
Authors: Schnabel Reinhold
Published: October 2020

Migration patterns in Germany have changed considerably during the post-war period. The active recruitment of “guest workers” stopped during the 1970s and was replaced by family reunification. Two big crisis-driven immigration waves swept Germany, following the collapse of Yugoslavia and the crises in the countries from Syria to Afghanistan. These immigration waves triggered legislation aimed at reducing immigration incentives, especially in the asylum law. From the early 2000s on, German policy turned more liberal following the EU Directives on freedom of movement and for highly qualified persons from non-EEA countries. Migration patterns changed dramatically, with EEA countries becoming the leading source of German immigration. EEA countries replaced the Anglo-Saxon immigration countries as the leading sources and destinations of migration. It is reassuring for economic policy that EU migrants, notably from Bulgaria and Romania, display high levels of employment and have boosted German employment, while unemployment rates reached historic lows. During the past decades, migration obstacles for EEA citizens have been lowered or abolished. Main obstacles to immigration of non-EEA citizens persist due to the restrictive law on residence permits. As a result, student visas, academic credentials, or family reunification are the main legal pathways to Germany. Given the difficulty to proof the equivalence of a foreign non-academic degree, it is far more promising for persons from third countries to apply for asylum with the chance to get a permanent residence permit after several years as a tolerated migrant.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Luxembourg
Authors: Kerschen Nicole
Published: October 2020

For over 100 years, Luxembourg has been an immigration country. In 2019, 93% of the resident population are European citizens. Luxembourg nationals represent 53% of the entire population, nationals from other European Union (EU) Member States 40% and non-EU foreigners 7%. These three groups have different rights regarding residence and access to work in Luxembourg. All persons engaged in a professional activity in Luxembourg, whatever their nationality or residence, are covered by a compulsory social security system. The essence of the Welfare State, whose origins date back to the Customs Union with Germany, is Bismarckian. It protects workers against the following social risks: unemployment, sickness and maternity, long-term care needs, family, invalidity and old age. Family members are entitled to derived rights. Regarding health-care and old age pensions, it is possible to subscribe a voluntary insurance under specific conditions. A guaranteed minimum income, recently reformed, is accessible to everybody residing legally in Luxembourg under specific conditions. For non-EU foreigners, a residence for at least 5 years during the last 20 years or the possession of a long-term resident status is required.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Malta
Authors: Vella Sue
Published: October 2020

This chapter analyses social security benefits for migrants in Malta. Since the early years of the millennium, levels of immigration to Malta have increased sharply among both European Union (EU) nationals and third-country nationals. Malta’s accession to the EU, and its booming economy in recent years, has attracted a steadily rising number of EU nationals, while numbers of asylum seekers and other third-country nationals meeting labour shortages in Malta have also risen steadily. The chapter considers the conditions of migrants’ access to unemployment, healthcare, family benefits, pensions and guaranteed minimum resources. In the case of EU nationals, since 2004 they have been entitled to benefits on the same terms as Maltese nationals, except for social assistance which they cannot claim, at least in the first three months of their stay and the subsequent job search period. The case is more complex for third-country nationals whose eligibility differs according to whether they are long-term residents, refugees, asylum-seekers or in Malta on the basis of an employment licence. It is hoped that the recently introduced Integration Strategy may help provide a pathway to equal treatment of migrants who make Malta their home.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Poland
Authors: Chłoń-Domińczak Agnieszka
Published: October 2020

Poland was traditionally an “emigration country”, but the available data indicates that the migration patterns in Poland changed significantly after the EU accession. While in the course of the 1990s, after economic transition, the international mobility of Poles declined, it accelerated after the EU accession in May 2004. The large scale of emigration also led to labour market shortages in Poland. In recent years, Poland observed a high inflow of migrant workers, particularly from Ukraine. The increasing share of foreigners residing in Poland creates a challenge for the social protection system, which has quite complex eligibility rules. Furthermore, many non-EU nationals are working in the informal economy with no access to social protection.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Sweden
Authors: Ahlén Anton , Palme Joakim
Published: October 2020

While the Swedish welfare state has undergone an intensified market orientation and a number of cutbacks since 1990, it has maintained many of its universal characteristics. It still provides all residents with a rather extensive system of benefits from the cradle to the grave. This chapter contributes to a systematic and detailed analysis of eligibility criteria and conditions for accessing social benefits in five core policy areas of the Swedish social security system. As universalism continues to be a cornerstone of the Swedish welfare state, nationality or the immigration status of a person does not condition his/her entitlement to social security benefits. More recently, however, a political debate has emerged regarding immigration and the welfare system, both in terms of the benefit system being a magnet that attracts migrants and concerning the capacity of the system to cope with large-scale immigration. By discussing the main features of the Swedish welfare regime and key patterns and policy developments in the field of migration, the chapter seeks to account for recent developments, trends and directions in the access to social protection for residents, non-national residents and non-resident nationals.
Migrants’ Access to Social Protection in Cyprus
Authors: Koutsampelas Christos
Published: October 2020

Cyprus has been an attractive destination for labour migration the last decades. The needs of the growing migrant population are catered by an evolving and continuously adapting welfare system. The chapter analyses the main features of the current welfare system in Cyprus with brief references to recent migration patterns and the wider economic context to analyse how differences in statutory provisions affect the access of nationals and migrants to social protection. The overall conclusion is that there are few statutory provisions differentiating conditions of access among the two groups. These differences are observed in regard to means-tested non-contributory benefits and mostly affect non-EU foreign citizens, while there are not specific social protection schemes targeting national citizens residing abroad.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Italian Citizens Abroad
Authors: Caldarini Carlo
Published: October 2020

According to some estimates, about 60 million people of Italian origin live outside of Italy today. To manage and, at first, encourage emigration, Italy has historically built a composite diaspora infrastructure. As discussed in the first part of this chapter, instruments to consult and represent politically citizens abroad have been core features of Italy’s diaspora engagement policies. The second part of the chapter examines the social protection dimension of diaspora more closely and highlights the central role played by the Patronati (welfare advice centers). As explained, the Patronati are to this day a unique institution at the international level, by which Italians abroad can be helped, free of charge, to gain access to social protection in Italy and abroad.
Difficult Diseases: Tuberculosis and Other Infections
Authors: Hilton Claire
Published: October 2020

The pre-war annual asylum death rate of under ten per cent rose to 12 per cent in 1915–1916, and 20 per cent in 1918. There was little alarm, because causes of death were the same as pre-war, often infectious diseases, so it did not indicate staff failing in their duty of care, such as if the rise been attributed to “accidents” or suicide. Little was done to stem the rising death rate. A parallel rise did not occur in community dwelling civilians. Numerous practices, known to be unhygienic, risked spreading infection. They included: treating healthy and infectious patients together in open wards; lack of hand washing by laundry and kitchen workers and by patients after using the lavatory; lack of measures to prevent inhalation of mycobacterium tuberculosis; and drying soiled underclothing in the ward to be worn again without washing. Overcrowding, understaffing and war time austerity aggravated the situation.
Solving the EMI Equations using Finite Element Methods
Authors: Kuchta Miroslav , Mardal Kent-André , Rognes Marie E.
Published: October 2020

This chapter discusses 2 X 2 symmetric variational formulations and associated finite element methods for the EMI equations. We demonstrate that the presented methods converge at expected rates, and compare the approaches in terms of approximation of the transmembrane potential. Overall, the choice of which formulation to employ for solving EMI models becomes largely a matter of desired accuracy and available computational resources.
Improving Neural Simulations with the EMI Model
Authors: Buccino Alessio Paolo , Kuchta Miroslav , Schreiner Jakob , Mardal Kent-André
Published: October 2020

Mathematical modeling of neurons is an essential tool to investigate neuronal activity alongside with experimental approaches. However, the conventional modeling framework to simulate neuronal dynamics and extracellular potentials makes several assumptions that might need to be revisited for some applications. In this chapter we apply the EMI model to investigate the ephaptic effect and the effect of the extracellular probes on the measured potential. Finally, we introduce reduced EMI models, which provide a more computationally efficient framework for simulating neurons with complex morphologies.
Perturbative linearization of supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory
Authors: Ananth Sudarshan , Lechtenfeld Olaf , Malcha Hannes , Nicolai Hermann , Pandey Chetan , Pant Saurabh
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Supersymmetric gauge theories are characterized by the existence of a transformation of the bosonic fields (Nicolai map) such that the Jacobi determinant of the transformation equals the product of the Matthews-Salam-Seiler and Faddeev-Popov determinants. This transformation had been worked out to second order in the coupling constant. In this paper, we extend this result (and the framework itself ) to third order in the coupling constant. A diagrammatic approach in terms of tree diagrams, aiming to extend this map to arbitrary orders, is outlined. This formalism bypasses entirely the use of anti-commuting variables, as well as issues concerning the (non-)existence of off-shell formulations for these theories. It thus offers a fresh perspective on supersymmetric gauge theories and, in particular, the ubiquitous $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 theory.
The topological symmetric orbifold
Authors: Li Songyuan , Troost Jan
Published: October 2020

Abstract

We analyze topological orbifold conformal field theories on the symmetric product of a complex surface M. By exploiting the mathematics literature we show that a canonical quotient of the operator ring has structure constants given by Hurwitz numbers. This proves a conjecture in the physics literature on extremal correlators. Moreover, it allows to leverage results on the combinatorics of the symmetric group to compute more structure constants explicitly. We recall that the full orbifold chiral ring is given by a symmetric orbifold Frobenius algebra. This construction enables the computation of topological genus zero and genus one correlators, and to prove the vanishing of higher genus contributions. The efficient description of all topological correlators sets the stage for a proof of a topological AdS/CFT correspondence. Indeed, we propose a concrete mathematical incarnation of the proof, relating Gromow-Witten theory in the bulk to the cohomology of the Hilbert scheme on the boundary.
Dielectric loss and extended voltage response measurements for low-voltage power cables used in nuclear power plant: potential methods for aging detection due to thermal stress
Authors: Mustafa Ehtasham , Afia Ramy S. A. , Tamus Zoltán Ádám
Published: October 2020

This paper discusses the effect of thermal stress on the electrical properties, conduction and polarization, of low-voltage CSPE/XLPE-based power cables used in a nuclear power plant. The cables were subjected to an accelerated thermal stress at 120°C for an equivalent service period of 20, 40, 60 and 80 years. The capacitance, tanδ, resistivity at different frequencies and extended voltage response were the methods used for the investigation. A significant variation in the values of tanδ at low frequency, i.e., at 100 Hz, was observed. For the extended voltage response measurement, the decay voltage slope increased, showing the increase in the conduction particles inside the insulation material. While the decrease in return voltage slope showed that the slow polarization processes occurring at very low frequencies were decreased with aging. A strong correlation between the tanδ and decay voltage slope was also observed, which increased as the insulation aging increased. The results showed that the methods could be used for the in situ measurement of conduction and polarization phenomenon in the low-voltage cables, and hence helping in the assessment of the condition of cable insulation.
Safety, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacokinetic characterization of vericiguat: results from six phase I studies in healthy subjects
Authors: Boettcher Michael , Thomas Dirk , Mueck Wolfgang , Loewen Stephanie , Arens Erich , Yoshikawa Kenichi , Becker Corina
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To characterize the safety, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of vericiguat in healthy males.

Methods

Six phase I studies were conducted in European, Chinese, and Japanese males. Subjects received oral vericiguat as a single dose (0.5–15.0 mg solution [for first-in-human study] or 1.25–10.0 mg immediate release [IR tablets]) or multiple doses (1.25–10.0 mg IR tablets once daily [QD] or 5.0 mg IR tablets twice daily for 7 consecutive days). Bioavailability and food effects on vericiguat PK (IR tablets) were also studied in European subjects.

Results

Overall, 255 of 265 randomized subjects completed their respective studies. There were no deaths or serious adverse events. Vericiguat was generally well tolerated at doses ≤ 10.0 mg. In the first-in-human study, the most frequent drug-related adverse events were headache and postural dizziness (experienced by five subjects each [7.2%]). Three of four subjects who received vericiguat 15.0 mg (oral solution, fasted) experienced orthostatic reactions. Vericiguat (≤ 10.0 mg, IR tablets) was rapidly absorbed (median time to reach maximum plasma concentration ≤ 2.5 h [fasted]) with a mean half-life of about 22.0 h (range 17.9–27.0 h for single and multiple doses). No evidence for deviation from dose proportionality or unexpected accumulation was observed. Administration of vericiguat 5.0 mg IR tablets with food increased bioavailability by 19% (estimated ratio 119% [90% confidence interval]: 108; 131]), reduced PK variability, and prolonged vericiguat absorption relative to the fasted state.

Conclusion

In general, vericiguat was well tolerated. These results supported further clinical evaluation of vericiguat QD in patients with heart failure.

Registry numbers

EudraCT: 2011-001627-21; EudraCT: 2012-000953-30
Prediction of response and survival after standardized treatment with 7400 MBq 177Lu-PSMA-617 every 4 weeks in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Rasul Sazan , Hartenbach Markus , Wollenweber Tim , Kretschmer-Chott Elisabeth , Grubmüller Bernhard , Kramer Gero , Shariat Shahrokh , Wadsak Wolfgang , Mitterhauser Markus , Pichler Verena , Vraka Chrysoula , Hacker Marcus , Haug Alexander R.
Published: October 2020

Background and aims

[177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 radioligand therapy (PSMA-RLT) is a new therapy for patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, identification of reliable prognostic factors is hampered by heterogeneous treatment regimens applied in previous studies. Hence, we sought clinical factors able to predict response and survival to PSMA-RLT in a homogenous group of patients, all receiving 7400 MBq every 4 weeks.

Patients and methods

Data of 61 patients (mean age 71.6 ± 6.9 years, median basal PSA 70.7 [range 1.0–4890 μg/L]), pretreated with abiraterone/enzalutamide (75.4%) and docetaxel/cabazitaxel (68.9%), received three cycles of PSMA-RLT (mean 7321 ± 592 MBq) at four weekly intervals and were analyzed retrospectively. General medical conditions and laboratory parameters of every patients were regularly assessed. Response to therapy was based on PSA levels 1 month after the 3rd cycle. Binary logistic regression test and Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to evaluate predictors and overall survival (OS).

Results

Forty-nine (80.3%) patients demonstrated a therapy response in terms of any PSA decline, while 21 (19.7%) patients showed increase or no changes in their PSA levels. Baseline hemoglobin (Hb) significantly predicted PSA reductions of ≥ 50% 4 weeks after receiving the 3rd PSMA-RLT (P = 0.01, 95% CI: 1.09–2.09) with an AUC of 0.68 (95% CI: 0.54–0.81). The levels of basal Hb and basal PSA were able to predict survival of patients, both P < 0.05 (relative risk 1.51 and 0.79, 95% CI: 1.09–2.09 and 0.43–1.46), respectively. In comparison to patients with reduced basal Hb, patients with normal basal Hb levels lived significantly longer (median survival not reached vs. 89 weeks, P = 0.016). Also, patients with basal PSA levels ≤ 650 μg/L had a significantly longer survival than patients with basal PSA levels > 650 μg/L (median survival not reached vs. 97 weeks, P = 0.031). Neither pretreatments with abiraterone/enzalutamide or docetaxel/cabazitaxel nor distribution of metastasis affected survival and rate of response to PSMA-RLT.

Conclusion

Basal Hb level is an independent predictor for therapy response and survival in patients receiving PSMA-RLT every 4 weeks. Both baseline PSA ≤ 650 μg/L and normal Hb levels were associated with longer survival.
Computed tomography semi-automated lung volume quantification in SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia
Authors: Ippolito Davide , Ragusi Maria , Gandola Davide , Maino Cesare , Pecorelli Anna , Terrani Simone , Peroni Marta , Giandola Teresa , Porta Marco , Talei Franzesi Cammillo , Sironi Sandro
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To evaluate a semi-automated segmentation and ventilated lung quantification on chest computed tomography (CT) to assess lung involvement in patients affected by SARS-CoV-2. Results were compared with clinical and functional parameters and outcomes.

Methods

All images underwent quantitative analyses with a dedicated workstation using a semi-automatic lung segmentation software to compute ventilated lung volume (VLV), Ground-glass opacity (GGO) volume (GGO-V), and consolidation volume (CONS-V) as absolute volume and as a percentage of total lung volume (TLV). The ratio between CONS-V, GGO-V, and VLV (CONS-V/VLV and GGO-V/VLV, respectively), TLV (CONS-V/TLV, GGO-V/TLV, and GGO-V + CONS-V/TLV respectively), and the ratio between VLV and TLV (VLV/TLV) were calculated.

Results

A total of 108 patients were enrolled. GGO-V/TLV significantly correlated with WBC (r = 0.369), neutrophils (r = 0.446), platelets (r = 0.182), CRP (r = 0.190), PaCO2(r = 0.176), HCO3−(r = 0.284), and PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) values (r = − 0.344). CONS-V/TLV significantly correlated with WBC (r = 0.294), neutrophils (r = 0.300), lymphocytes (r = −0.225), CRP (r = 0.306), PaCO2(r = 0.227), pH (r = 0.162), HCO3−(r = 0.394), andP/F(r = − 0.419) values. Statistically significant differences between CONS-V, GGO-V, GGO-V/TLV, CONS-V/TLV, GGO-V/VLV, CONS-V/VLV, GGO-V + CONS-V/TLV, VLV/TLV, CT score, and invasive ventilation by ET were found (allp < 0.05).

Conclusion

The use of quantitative semi-automated algorithm for lung CT elaboration effectively correlates the severity of SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia with laboratory parameters and the need for invasive ventilation.

Key Points

• Pathological lung volumes, expressed both as GGO-V and as CONS-V, can be considered a useful tool in SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia.

• All lung volumes, expressed themselves and as ratio with TLV and VLV, correlate with laboratory data, in particular C-reactive protein and white blood cell count.

• All lung volumes correlate with patient’s outcome, in particular concerning invasive ventilation.
Architecture distortion score (ADS) in malignancy risk stratification of architecture distortion on contrast-enhanced digital mammography
Authors: Goh Yonggeng , Chan Ching Wan , Pillay Premilla , Lee Herng-Sheng , Pan Huay-Ben , Hung Bao-Hui , Quek Swee Tian , Chou Chen-Pin
Published: October 2020

Objective

To develop a risk predictor model in evaluation of tomosynthesis-detected architectural distortion (AD) based on characteristics of contrast-enhanced digital mammography (CEDM).

Methods

Ninety-four AD lesions on CEDM in combination with tomosynthesis were retrospectively reviewed from 92 consecutive women (mean age, 52.4 years ± 7.9) with abnormal diagnostic or screening mammography. CEDM results were correlated with histology of ADs using cross-tabulation for statistical analysis. Predictors for risk of malignancy from CEDM characteristics (background parenchyma enhancement, degree of AD enhancement, enhancing morphology, size of enhancement, and enhancing spiculations) and patient’s age were evaluated using logistic regression. We propose a sum score, termed AD score (ADS), for risk stratification and corresponding suggested BI-RADS category.

Results

Thirty-three of ninety-four (35.1%) of detected AD lesions were malignant. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of CEDM in evaluation of malignant AD are 100%, 42.6%, 48.5%, and 100%, respectively. Absence of AD enhancement on CEDM is highly indicative of no underlying malignancy. On multivariate analysis, the predictors on CEDM with statistical significance are (1) marked intensity of AD enhancement (OR, 22.6; 95%CI 3.1, 166.6; p = .002); and (2) presence of enhancing spiculations (OR, 9.1; 95%CI 2.2, 36.5; p = .002). A prediction model whose scores (ADS) given by ranking of OR of all predictors with AUC of 0.934 and Brier score of 0.0956 was developed.

Conclusion

ADS-based lesion characterization on CEDM enables risk assessment of tomosynthesis-detected AD lesions.

Key Points

• Architecture distortions presenting with marked enhancement intensity and presence of enhancing spiculations are highly associated with risk of malignancy.

• Absence of architecture distortion enhancement in minimal or mild background parenchyma enhancement on CEDM indicates low risk of breast malignancy (NPV = 100%).
Crustal reworking and hydration: insights from element zoning and oxygen isotopes of garnet in high-pressure rocks (Sesia Zone, Western Alps)
Authors: Alice Vho , Daniela Rubatto , Pierre Lanari , Francesco Giuntoli , Daniele Regis , Jörg Hermann
Published: October 2020

Subduction zones represent one of the most critical settings for fluid recycling as a consequence of dehydration of the subducting lithosphere. A better understanding of fluid flows within and out of the subducting slab is fundamental to unravel the role of fluids during burial. In this study, major and trace element geochemistry combined with oxygen isotopes were used to investigate metasediments and eclogites from the Sesia Zone in order to reconstruct the effect of internal and external fluid pulses in a subducted continental margin. Garnet shows a variety of textures requiring dissolution–precipitation processes in presence of fluids. In polycyclic metasediments, garnet preserves a partly resorbed core, related to pre-Alpine high-temperature/low-pressure metamorphism, and one or multiple rim generations, associated with Alpine subduction metamorphism. In eclogites, garnet chemical zoning indicates monocyclic growth with no shift in oxygen isotopes from core to rim. In metasediments, pre-Alpine garnet relics show δ18O values up to 5.3 ‰ higher than the Alpine rims, while no significant variation is observed among different Alpine garnet generations within each sample. This suggests that an extensive re-equilibration with an externally-derived fluid of distinct lower δ18O occurred before, or in correspondence to, the first Alpine garnet growth, while subsequent influxes of fluid had δ18O close to equilibrium. The observed shift in garnet δ18O is attributed to a possible combination of (1) interaction with sea-water derived fluids during pre-Alpine crustal extension and (2) fluids from dehydration reactions occurring during subduction of previously hydrated rocks, such as the serpentinised lithospheric mantle or hydrated portions of the basement.
Multiplicative Up-Drift
Authors: Doerr Benjamin , Kötzing Timo
Published: October 2020

Drift analysis aims at translating the expected progress of an evolutionary algorithm (or more generally, a random process) into a probabilistic guarantee on its run time (hitting time). So far, drift arguments have been successfully employed in the rigorous analysis of evolutionary algorithms, however, only for the situation that the progress is constant or becomes weaker when approaching the target. Motivated by questions like how fast fit individuals take over a population, we analyze random processes exhibiting a $$(1+\delta )$$

(
1
+
δ
)

-multiplicative growth in expectation. We prove a drift theorem translating this expected progress into a hitting time. This drift theorem gives a simple and insightful proof of the level-based theorem first proposed by Lehre (2011). Our version of this theorem has, for the first time, the best-possible near-linear dependence on $$1/\delta$$

1
/
δ

(the previous results had an at least near-quadratic dependence), and it only requires a population size near-linear in $$\delta$$
δ
(this was super-quadratic in previous results). These improvements immediately lead to stronger run time guarantees for a number of applications. We also discuss the case of large $$\delta$$
δ
and show stronger results for this setting.