bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aspirin Use Is Associated with a Reduced Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Memel Zoe N. , Arvind Ashwini , Moninuola Oluwatoba , Philpotts Lisa , Chung Raymond T. , Corey Kathleen E. , Simon Tracey G.
Published: November 2020

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third-leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with a growing incidence and poor prognosis. While some recent studies suggest an inverse association between aspirin use and reduced HCC incidence, other data are conflicting. To date, the precise magnitude of risk reduction—and whether there are dose-dependent and duration-dependent associations—remains unclear. To provide an updated and comprehensive assessment of the association between aspirin use and incident HCC risk, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all observational studies published through September 2020. Using random-effects meta-analysis, we calculated the pooled relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between aspirin use and incident HCC risk. Where data were available, we evaluated HCC risk according to the defined daily dose of aspirin use. Among 2,389,019 participants, and 20,479 cases of incident HCC, aspirin use was associated with significantly lower HCC risk (adjusted RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.51-0.73; P ≤ 0.001; I2 = 90.4%). In subgroup analyses, the magnitude of benefit associated with aspirin was significantly stronger in studies that adjusted for concurrent statin and/or metformin use (RR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.28-0.64) versus those that did not (P
heterogeneity = 0.02), studies that accounted for cirrhosis (RR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.45-0.52) versus those that did not (P
heterogeneity = 0.02), and studies that confirmed HCC through imaging/biopsy (RR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.15-0.58) compared with billing codes (P
heterogeneity < 0.001). In four studies, each defined daily dose was associated with significantly lower HCC risk (RR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.98), corresponding to an 8.4% risk reduction per year of aspirin use. Conclusion: In this comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis, aspirin use was associated with a significant reduction in HCC risk. These benefits appeared to increase with increasing dose and duration of aspirin use.
“Registries are not only a tool for data collection, they are for action”: Cancer registration and gaps in data for health equity in six population‐based registries in India
Authors: Bhatia Amiya , Victora Cesar Gomes , Beckfield Jason , Budukh Atul , Krieger Nancy
Published: November 2020

In India, population‐based cancer registries (PBCRs) cover less than 15% of the urban and 1% of the rural population. Our study examines practices of registration in PBCRs in India to understand efforts to include rural populations in registries and efforts to measure social inequalities in cancer incidence. We selected a purposive sample of six PBCRs in Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab and Mizoram and conducted semistructured interviews with staff to understand approaches and challenges to cancer registration, and the sociodemographic information collected by PBCRs. We also conducted a review of peer‐reviewed literature utilizing data from PBCRs in India. Findings show that in a context of poor access to cancer diagnosis and treatment and weak death registration, PBCRs have developed additional approaches to cancer registration, including conducting village and home visits to interview cancer patients in rural areas. Challenges included PBCR funding and staff retention, abstraction of data in medical records, address verification and responding to cancer stigma and patient migration. Most PBCRs published estimates of cancer outcomes disaggregated by age, sex and geography. Data on education, marital status, mother tongue and religion were collected, but rarely reported. Two PBCRs collected information on income and occupation and none collected information on caste. Most peer‐reviewed studies using PBCR data did not publish estimates of social inequalities in cancer outcomes. Results indicate that collecting and reporting sociodemographic data collected by PBCRs is feasible. Improved PBCR coverage and data will enable India's cancer prevention and control programs to be guided by data on cancer inequities.
DNA polymerase eta: A potential pharmacological target for cancer therapy
Authors: Saha Priyanka , Mandal Tanima , Talukdar Anupam D. , Kumar Deepak , Kumar Sanjay , Tripathi Prem P. , Wang Qi‐En , Srivastava Amit K.
Published: November 2020

In the last two decades, intensive research has been carried out to improve the survival rates of cancer patients. However, the development of chemoresistance that ultimately leads to tumor relapse poses a critical challenge for the successful treatment of cancer patients. Many cancer patients experience tumor relapse and ultimately die because of treatment failure associated with acquired drug resistance. Cancer cells utilize multiple lines of self‐defense mechanisms to bypass chemotherapy and radiotherapy. One such mechanism employed by cancer cells is translesion DNA synthesis (TLS), in which specialized TLS polymerases bypass the DNA lesion with the help of monoubiquitinated proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Among all TLS polymerases (Pol η, Pol ι, Pol κ, REV1, Pol ζ, Pol μ, Pol λ, Pol ν, and Pol θ), DNA polymerase eta (Pol η) is well studied and majorly responsible for the bypass of cisplatin and UV‐induced DNA damage. TLS polymerases contribute to chemotherapeutic drug‐induced mutations as well as therapy resistance. Therefore, targeting these polymerases presents a novel therapeutic strategy to combat chemoresistance. Mounting evidence suggests that inhibition of Pol η may have multiple impacts on cancer therapy such as sensitizing cancer cells to chemotherapeutics, suppressing drug‐induced mutagenesis, and inhibiting the development of secondary tumors. Herein, we provide a general introduction of Pol η and its clinical implications in blocking acquired drug resistance. In addition; this review addresses the existing gaps and challenges of Pol η mediated TLS mechanisms in human cells. A better understanding of the Pol η mediated TLS mechanism will not merely establish it as a potential pharmacological target but also open possibilities to identify novel drug targets for future therapy.
IGF family effects on development, stability, and treatment of hematological malignancies
Authors: Moonesi Mohammadreza , Zaka Khosravi Saeed , Molaei Ramshe Samira , Allahbakhshian Farsani Mehdi , Solali Saeed , Mohammadi Mohammad Hossein , Farshdousti Hagh Majid , Mehdizadeh Hanie
Published: November 2020

Multiple factors, including growth factors, are shown to be culprits of cancer outset and persistence. Among growth factors, insulin‐like growth factors (IGFs) family are of more importance in the prognosis of blood malignancies. After binding to their corresponding receptor, IGFs initiate PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and increase the translation of intracellular proteins, such as cell division‐related proteins. They also stimulate the transcription of cell division‐related genes using the Ras‐GTP pathway. In addition to organs such as the liver, IGFs are secreted by tumor cells and can cause growth and proliferation of self or tumor cells via autocrine and paracrine methods. Current studies indicate that decreasing the effects of IGF by blocking them, their receptors, or PI3K/AKT pathway using various drugs could help to suppress the division of tumor cells. Here, we delineate the role of the IGF family in hematologic malignancies and their potential mechanisms.
Interleukin‐33 alleviates diabetic cardiomyopathy through regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy via insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 3
Authors: Wu Mao‐Xiong , Wang Shao‐Hua , Xie Yong , Chen Zhi‐Teng , Guo Qi , Yuan Wo‐Liang , Guan Chang , Xu Cheng‐Zhang , Huang Yu‐Na , Wang Jing‐Feng , Zhang Hai‐Feng , Chen Yang‐Xin
Published: November 2020

Prolonged endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is the key driving force behind diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Autophagy is extensively implicated in adaptive mechanisms for cell survival. Interleukin‐33 (IL‐33) is known to be a potent cardiac protector, but its roles in DCM, ER stress, and autophagy are currently unknown. We aimed to explore the effects of IL‐33 on DCM and characterize the roles that ER stress and autophagy play in DCM. The effects of IL‐33 on DCM, ER stress, and autophagy were characterized both in db/db mice and in palmitic acid (PA)‐treated cardiomyocytes. The manipulators of ER stress and autophagy were used to clarify their roles in DCM remittance conferred by IL‐33. Gene expression analysis was used to identify IL‐33‐dependent regulators of ER stress and autophagy. Both db/db mice and PA‐treated cells presented with enhanced levels of ER stress, apoptosis, and lipid deposition, as well as impaired autophagy, all of which could be reversed by IL‐33. Treatment with IL‐33 improved the cardiac diastolic function of diabetic mice. Nonselective autophagy inhibitors, such as 3‐methyladenine (3‐MA) or wortmannin, abolished the protective effects of IL‐33, resulting in an increase in both ER stress and apoptosis. Strikingly, insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) was identified as the gene most significantly differentially expressed between IL‐33 and control groups. Knockdown of IGFBP3 expression, similar to the effect of nonselective autophagy inhibitors, resulted in high levels of ER stress, impaired autophagy, and apoptosis that were not rescued upon treatment with IL‐33. IL‐33 abates DCM by alleviating ER stress and promoting autophagy. IGFBP3 is essential for IL‐33‐induced ER stress resolution and autophagic enhancement during DCM.
ERK‐mediated transcriptional activation of Dicer is involved in gemcitabine resistance of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Su Yen‐Hao , Hsu Tung‐Wei , Chen Hsin‐An , Su Chih‐Ming , Huang Ming‐Te , Chuang Ta‐Hsien , Leo Su J. , Hsieh Chia‐Ling , Chiu Ching‐Feng
Published: November 2020

Gemcitabine has been a commonly used therapeutic agent for treatment of pancreatic cancer. In the clinic, a growing resistance to gemcitabine has been observed in patients with pancreatic cancer, and investigation of the underlying mechanism of gemcitabine resistance is urgently required. The microRNA (miRNA)‐producing enzyme, Dicer, is crucial for the maturation of miRNAs, and is involved in clinical aggressiveness, poor prognosis, and survival outcomes in various cancers, however, the role of Dicer in acquired gemcitabine resistance of pancreatic cancer is still not clear. Here, we found that Dicer expression was significantly increased in gemcitabine‐resistant PANC‐1 (PANC‐1/GEM) cells compared with parental PANC‐1 cells and observed a high level of Dicer correlated with increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Suppression of Dicer obviously decreased gemcitabine resistance in PANC‐1/GEM cells; consistently, overexpression of Dicer in PANC‐1 cells increased gemcitabine resistance. Moreover, we identified that transcriptional factor Sp1 targeted the promoter region of Dicer and found ERK/Sp1 signaling regulated Dicer expression in PANC‐1/GEM cells, as well as positively correlated with pancreatic cancer progression and suggest that targeting the ERK/Sp1/Dicer pathway has potential therapeutic value for pancreatic cancer with acquired resistance to gemcitabine.
Application of aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with valence electron energy loss spectroscopy for the nanoscale mapping of the elastic properties of Al–Li–Cu alloys
Authors: Khushaim Muna S. , Anjum Dalaver H.
Published: November 2020

The stress and strain play an important role in strengthening of the precipitation‐hardened Aluminum (Al) alloys. Despite the determination of relationship between the mechanical properties and the precipitation existing in the microstructure of these alloys, a quantitative analysis of the local stress and the strain fields at the hardening‐precipitates level has been seldom reported. In this paper, the microstructure of a T8 temper AA2195 Al alloy is investigated using aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (AC‐STEM). The strain fields in Al matrix in the vicinity of observed precipitates, namely T1 and β′, are determined using geometric phase analysis (GPA). Young's modulus (Ym) mapping of the corresponding areas is determined from the valence electron energy loss spectroscopy (VEELS) measured bulk Plasmon energy (Ep) of the alloys. The GPA‐determined strains were then combined with VEELS‐determined Ym under the linear theory of elasticity to give rise the local stresses in the alloy. The obtained results show that the local stresses in Al matrix having no precipitates were in the range of 138 ± 2 MPa. Whereas, in the vicinity of thin and thick T1 platelet shape precipitates, the stresses were found to be about 202 ± 3 MPa and 195 ±3 MPa, respectively. The stresses measured in the vicinity of β′ spherical shape precipitates found out to be 140 ± 3 MPa which was near to the local stress value in Al matrix. Our findings suggest that the precipitate hardening in T8 temper AA2195 Al alloy predominantly stems from thin T1 precipitates.
Molecular mechanisms of Cl− transport in fishes: New insights and their evolutionary context
Authors: Shaughnessy Ciaran A. , Breves Jason P.
Published: November 2020

With remarkably few exceptions, aquatic vertebrates maintain internal Cl− homeostasis despite strong and sometimes fluctuating Cl− concentration gradients between extracellular fluids and external environments. In this “Perspective,” we discuss recent advances in the understanding of epithelial Cl− transport at the molecular level within key osmoregulatory organs in fishes. New insights into mechanisms for epithelial Cl− transport in basal lineages are highlighted to provide an evolutionary context. We describe Cl− transport processes that employ: cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, cation‐chloride cotransporters, voltage‐gated chloride channels, and chloride‐anion exchangers. As the collective understanding of Cl− transport processes continues to expand, investigators are equipped to more precisely characterize how endocrine factors promote hydromineral balance. We, therefore, conclude our discussion by paying special attention to recently defined roles for prolactin and corticosteroids in the regulation of Cl− transport in basal and derived clades.
Diagnostic potential of peri‐implant crevicular fluid microRNA‐21‐3p and microRNA‐150‐5p and extracellular vesicles in peri‐implant diseases
Authors: Chaparro Alejandra , Atria Pablo , Realini Ornella , Monteiro Lara J. , Betancur Daniel , Acuña‐Gallardo Stephanie , Ramírez Valeria , Bendek María José , Pascual Andrés , Nart José , Beltrán Victor , Sanz Antonio
Published: November 2020

Background

To explore the diagnostic usefulness of extracellular vesicles (EVs), and their subpopulations (micro‐vesicles and exosomes), and microRNAs (miRNA‐21‐3p, miRNA‐150‐5p, and miRNA‐26a‐5p) in peri‐implant crevicular fluid (PICF) of subjects with healthy, peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis implants.

Methods

A total of 54 patients were enrolled into healthy, peri‐implant mucositis, and peri‐implantitis groups. PICF samples were collected, EVs subpopulations (MVs and Exo) were isolated and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy. The expression of miRNA‐21‐3p, miRNA‐150‐5p and miRNA‐26a‐5p was quantified by qRT‐PCR. Logistic regression models and accuracy performance tests were estimated.

Results

PICF samples show the presence of EVs delimited by a bi‐layered membrane, in accordance with the morphology and size (< 200 nm). The concentration of PICF‐EVs, micro‐vesicles and exosomes was significantly increased in peri‐implantitis implants compared to healthy implants (P = 0.023, P = 0.002, P = 0.036, respectively). miRNA‐21‐3p and miRNA‐150‐5p expression were significantly downregulated in patients with peri‐implantitis in comparison with peri‐implant mucositis sites (P = 0.011, P = 0.020, respectively). The reduced expression of miRNA‐21‐3p and miRNA‐150‐5p was associated with peri‐implantitis diagnosis (OR:0.23, CI 0.08‐0.66, P = 0.007 and OR:0.07, CI 0.01‐0.78, P = 0.031, respectively). The model which included the miRNA‐21‐3p and miRNA‐150‐5p expression had a sensitivity of 93.3%, a specificity of 76.5%, a positive predictive value of 77.8%, and a negative predictive value of 92.9%. The positive and negative likelihood ratios were 3.97 and 0.09, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve for the model was 0.84.

Conclusions

An increase concentration of EVs with a downregulation expression of miRNA‐21‐3p and miRNA‐150‐5p could be related with the peri‐implantitis development.
Determinants of Chinese households' tourism consumption: Evidence from China Family Panel Studies
Authors: Lin Vera Shanshan , Qin Yuan , Li Gang , Wu Jinsong
Published: November 2020

Using survey data from the China Family Panel Studies project, this study explores factors influencing Chinese households' tourism consumption. The Heckman model is employed to decompose households' travel decision‐making process into two stages: first deciding whether to engage in travel and tourism and then determining the level of tourism consumption. We find that sociodemographic, economic, and psychological factors shape Chinese households' tourism consumption. Our results paint a vivid picture of Chinese households as travel consumers and offer valuable insight for governmental policymaking, tourism marketing strategy design, and business organizations' development planning.
Residual Lung Injury in Patients Recovering From COVID‐19 Critical Illness
Authors: Alharthy Abdulrahman , Abuhamdah Mohamed , Balhamar Abdullah , Faqihi Fahad , Nasim Nasir , Ahmad Shahzad , Noor Alfateh , Tamim Hani , Alqahtani Saleh A. , Abdulaziz Al Saud Ahad Alhassan Al Saud Bin , Kutsogiannis Demetrios J. , Brindley Peter G. , Memish Ziad A. , Karakitsos Dimitrios , Blaivas Michael
Published: November 2020

Scarce data exist regarding the natural history of lung lesions detected on ultrasound in those who survive severe COVID‐19 pneumonia.

Objective

We performed a prospective analysis of point‐of‐care ultrasound (POCUS) findings in critically ill COVID‐19 patients during and after hospitalization.

Methods

We enrolled 171 COVID‐19 intensive care unit patients. POCUS of the lungs was performed with phased array (2–4 MHz), convex (2–6 MHz) and linear (10–15 MHz) transducers, scanning 12 lung areas. Chest computed tomography angiography was performed to exclude suspected pulmonary embolism. Survivors were clinically and sonographically evaluated during a 4 month period for evidence of residual lung injury. Chest computed tomography angiography and echocardiography were used to exclude pulmonary hypertension (PH) and chest high‐resolution‐computed‐tomography to exclude interstitial lung disease (ILD) in symptomatic survivors.

Results

Cox regression analysis showed that lymphocytopenia (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.88, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.68–0.96, p = .048), increased lactate (HR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.94–1.46, p = 0.049), and D‐dimers (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.03–1.44, p = .03) were mortality predictors. Non‐survivors had increased incidence of pulmonary abnormalities (B‐lines, pleural line irregularities, and consolidations) compared to survivors (p < .05). During follow‐up, POCUS with clinical and laboratory parameters integrated in the semi‐quantitative Riyadh‐Residual‐Lung‐Injury scale had sensitivity of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.76–0.89) and specificity of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.94–0.95) in predicting ILD. The prevalence of PH and ILD (non‐specific‐interstitial‐pneumonia) was 7% and 11.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

POCUS showed ability to monitor the evolution of severe COVID‐19 pneumonia after hospital discharge, supporting its integration in clinical predictive models of residual lung injury.
The important role of soil moisture in controlling autumn phenology of herbaceous plants in the Inner Mongolian steppe
Authors: Tao Zexing , Ge Quansheng , Wang Huanjiong , Dai Junhu
Published: November 2020

Autumn phenology variation in temperate grassland is a direct indicator of land degradation, and a phenology‐based model has been used to simulate human‐induced land degradation. It is important to reveal how environmental factors influence autumn phenology of herbaceous plants. In this study, we examined the effects of temperature, photoperiod, and soil moisture on the leaf withering date (LWD) of four herbaceous species (Xanthium sibiricum, Plantago asiatica, Iris lactea, and Taraxacum mongolicum) at 15 sites in the Inner Mongolian steppe from 1981 to 2012. Then, we developed two process‐based models coupling the effects of the three factors based on an existing cold degree–days (CDD)‐based model for predicting the LWD of the four species. The new models showed better accuracy than CDD model during validation. The model structure and parameters suggested that soil moisture likely influenced LWD nonlinearly and presented a multiplicative interaction with temperature and photoperiod. In addition, photoperiod had divergent effects on the accumulation of cold temperature for different species and sites. For X. sibiricum, the photoperiod only determined the start of cold temperature accumulation. Considering the carryover effect of spring phenology did not improve model performance. Our study also showed that local adaptation of plants was commonly ignored when using same parameters in model calibration with observation data from multiple sites; however, model calibrations using site‐specific data were less stable, and the parameters could not be extrapolated across space. It will be necessary to establish a generalized regional model driven by both climatic and genotypic factors in future research.
Optical Coherence Tomography‐Assisted Evaluation of Fractional Er:YAG Laser Versus Fractional Microneedling Radiofrequency in Treating Striae Alba
Authors: Nada Hesham A. , Sallam Moataz A. , Mohamed Marwa N. , Elsaie Mohamed L.
Published: November 2020

Background and Objectives

Striae distensae (SD) is a challenging skin condition. Striae alba (SA) represents the chronic late atrophic stage of SD. Fractional laser technology is among the modalities used for treating SD. Lately, fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) is gaining increased popularity in treating SD. The aim of our study was to assess and compare the efficacy of FMR and fractional Er:YAG laser in the treatment of SA.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Twenty female patients were enrolled in the study fulfilling all inclusion and exclusion criteria. On a randomly selected half side of the body, the patients were treated with 2940 nm fractional Er:YAG laser while the other half side was treated with the FMR.

Results

Both modalities showed a significant reduction in the width of the widest striae (P < 0.005); however, there was no significant difference between them. Using optical coherence tomography, all patients demonstrated a mean significant increase in epidermal thickness; however, the FMR‐treated sites showed significantly better results when compared with the ER:YAG‐treated sides (P = 0.029). Scar improvements in both modalities did not correlate to skin type, duration, or site of the striae.

Conclusion

Er:YAG and FMR represent two safe, effective, tolerable modalities for treating SA and are associated with minimal side effects. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Good Riddance 2020 and Get Ready 2021
Authors: Wich Scott
Published: November 2020

No one could have thought a year ago we would be where we are now. It is an understatement to say that our workplaces and personal lives have changed significantly. Around the globe, few if any businesses have not suffered some level of impact … and that impact has had varying levels of effect on employees.
SARS‐CoV‐2‐mediated immune system activation and potential application in immunotherapy
Authors: Tan Yuan , Tang Faqin
Published: November 2020

Although novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2)‐mediated pulmonary inflammation has recently attracted great attention, its pathology and pathogenesis are not clear. Notably, due to both its high infective and pathogenicity, SARS‐CoV‐2 infection may cause a severe sometimes fatal respiratory disease. A specific vaccine, which relies on the analysis of SARS‐CoV‐2 structural protein‐derived antigenic peptides, is indispensable for restraining the spread and reducing the mortality of SARS‐CoV‐2. SARS‐CoV‐2 infections activate cytototxic, myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, as well as natural killer, B, helper T, and regulatory T cells, thus further stimulating innate and antigen‐specific immune responses. Nevertheless, many immune effector cells cause hyperinflammation and pulmonary immunopathology by releasing proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including interferon (IFN)‐α, IFN‐β, IFN‐γ, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)‐1A, MIP1B, interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐7, IL‐8, IL‐9, IL‐12, IL‐17, and IL‐18, platelet‐derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and induced protein 10. Interestingly, related products derived from SARS‐CoV‐2 are likely to trigger immune evasion. Therefore, investigating SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific vaccines, blocking immunopathology, and prohibiting immune evasion are urgently required for treating SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. In this review, we emphatically illuminated the development of a SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific vaccine based on the analysis of epitopes, also expounding the molecular mechanisms of SARS‐CoV‐2‐mediated cytokine release syndrome. Furthermore, we comprehensively discussed SARS‐CoV‐2‐associated immune evasion and lung immunopathology. Lastly, potential therapeutic strategies against SARS‐CoV‐2 were explored.
Direct estimation of SIR model parameters through second‐order finite differences
Authors: Medvedeva Marina , Simos Theodore E. , Tsitouras Charalampos , Katsikis Vasilios
Published: November 2020

SIR model is widely used for modeling the infectious diseases. This is a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The numbers of susceptible, infectious, or immunized individuals are the compartments in these equations and change in time. Two parameters are the factor of differentiating these models. Here, we are not interested in solving the ODEs describing a certain SIR model. Given the observed data, we try to estimate the parameters that determine the model. For this, we propose a least squares approach using second‐order centered differences for replacing the derivatives appeared in the ODEs. Then we arrive at a simple linear system that can be solved explicitly and furnish the approximations of the parameters. Numerical results over various artificial data verify the simplicity and accuracy of the new method.
Symmetry‐breaking bifurcations of a free boundary problem modeling tumor growth with angiogenesis by Stokes equation
Authors: Song Huijuan , Wang Zejia , Hu Baihui
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we consider bifurcation solutions of a free boundary problem modeling tumor growth with angiogenesis by Stokes equation. In which, the vasculature supplies nutrients to the tumor at a rate α, so that
holds on the boundary. For each α, we first establish the existence and uniqueness of radially symmetric stationary solutions, then prove that there exist a positive integer n∗∗ and a sequence (μ/γ )n such that symmetry‐breaking stationary solutions bifurcate from the radially symmetric one for every (μ/γ )n (even n ≥ n∗∗), where μ and γ denote the proliferation rate and the cell‐to‐cell adhesiveness, respectively. Particularly, for small α, we show that (μ/γ )2, (μ/γ )4, (μ/γ )6, (μ/γ )8, … are all bifurcation points, which includes the smallest bifurcation point that is the most significant one biologically; moreover, (μ/γ )n is monotone decreasing with respect to α for every n ≥ 2, which implies that inhibiting angiogenesis has a positive impact in limiting the ability of the invasion of tumors, at least during very early stages of angiogenesis.
Sirtuins in female meiosis and in reproductive longevity
Authors: Vazquez Berta N. , Vaquero Alejandro , Schindler Karen
Published: November 2020

Transmission of genetic material through high‐quality gametes to progeny requires accurate homologous chromosome recombination and segregation during meiosis. A failure to accomplish these processes can have major consequences in reproductive health, including infertility, and development disorders in offspring. Sirtuins, a family of NAD+‐dependent protein deacetylases and ADP‐ribosyltransferases, play key roles in genome maintenance, metabolism, and aging. In recent years, Sirtuins have emerged as regulators of several reproductive processes and interventions aiming to target Sirtuin activity are of great interest in the reproductive biology field. Sirtuins are pivotal to protect germ cells against oxidative stress, a major determinant influencing ovarian aging and the quality of gametes. Sirtuins also safeguard the integrity of the genome through epigenetic programs required for regulating gene repression, DNA repair, and chromosome segregation, among others. Although these functions are relatively well characterized in many somatic tissues, how they contribute to reproductive functions is not well understood. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the role of Sirtuins in female reproductive systems and discusses the underlying molecular pathways. In addition, we highlight the importance of Sirtuins as antiaging factors in the ovary and summarize current preclinical efforts to identify treatments to extend female reproductive longevity.
Dark Energy and the Time Dependence of Fundamental Particle Constants
Authors: Lampe Bodo
Published: November 2020

The cosmic time dependencies of G, α, ℏ and of Standard Model parameters like the Higgs vev and elementary particle masses are studied in the framework of a new dark energy interpretation. Due to the associated time variation of rulers, many effects turn out to be invisible. However, a rather large time dependence is claimed to arise in association with dark energy measurements, and smaller ones in connection with the Standard Model.
Surface Preconditioning and Postmetallization Anneal Improving Interface Properties and Vth Stability under Positive Gate Bias Stress in AlGaN/GaN MIS‐HEMTs
Authors: Calzolaro Anthony , Szabó Nadine , Großer Andreas , Gärtner Jan , Mikolajick Thomas , Wachowiak Andre
Published: November 2020

Trap states at the dielectric/GaN interface of AlGaN/GaN‐based metal–insulator–semiconductor high electron mobility transistors (MIS‐HEMTs) can cause threshold voltage (Vth) instability especially under positive gate bias stress. Herein, the influence of O2 plasma surface preconditioning (SPC) before the atomic layer deposition of the Al2O3 gate dielectric and of N2 postmetallization anneal (PMA) after gate metallization on the Al2O3/GaN interface quality is investigated. The interface is characterized by multifrequency capacitance–voltage measurements which show a smaller frequency dispersion after the employment of SPC and PMA treatments with a reduction of the interface trap density Dit to a value in the order of 2 × 1012 cm−2 eV−1 near the conduction band edge. The effectiveness of SPC and PMA is demonstrated in Al2O3/AlGaN/GaN MIS‐HEMTs by pulsed current–voltage measurements which reveal improved Vth stability.
Robotic elective colectomy for diverticular disease: short‐term outcomes of 80 patients
Authors: Formisano Giampaolo , Giuliani Giuseppe , Salaj Adelona , Salvischiani Lucia , Ferraro Luca , Luca Martina De , Bianchi Paolo Pietro
Published: November 2020

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the robotic approach on the minimally invasive elective treatment of diverticular disease.

Methods

Data from patients who underwent elective robotic colectomy for diverticular disease from January 2015 to February 2020 were prospectively collected and retrospectively analysed. Intraoperative and 30‐day postoperative outcomes were the variables assessed.

Results

A total of 80 patients (71% with prior complicated diverticulitis) met the inclusion criteria. Mean operative time was 241 min, one intraoperative complication (1.2%) was observed, the conversion rate was 2.5%. Mean hospital stay was 6.4 days and overall 30‐day complication rate was 22.5%. Fourteen patients (17.5%) had minor complications, while major postoperative complications occurred in four patients (5%). Anastomotic leak rate was 3.9% and the 30‐day readmission rate was 3.7%.

Conclusions

Robotic colectomy for diverticular disease has proven to be feasible and safe, with low intraoperative complications, conversion, and anastomotic leak rates.
Posttraumatic growth and burnout in pediatric nurses: The mediating role of secondary traumatization and the moderating role of meaning in work
Authors: Hamama‐Raz Yaira , Hamama Liat , Pat‐Horenczyk Ruth , Stokar Yaffa Naomi , Zilberstein Tal , Bron‐Harlev Efrat
Published: November 2020

The current study focused on pediatric nurses. It explored the direct link between posttraumatic growth as a coping resource and burnout and the indirect link between posttraumatic growth and burnout via secondary traumatic stress (mediating effect). Moreover, meaning in work was examined as a moderator variable in relation to the direct link and the indirect link. One hundred and thirty‐eight nurses working at a pediatric medical center filled out self‐report questionnaires regarding personal and professional data, burnout, posttraumatic growth, secondary traumatic stress, and meaning in work. Posttraumatic growth was found to be a coping resource that linked to pediatric nurses' burnout directly and indirectly. Directly, there was an inverse correlation between the two; indirectly, posttraumatic growth linked negatively to secondary traumatic stress, and secondary traumatic stress linked positively to burnout. Moreover, meaning in work played a dual moderating role. First, it moderated the relationship between posttraumatic growth and secondary traumatization. Second, it moderated the direct relationship between posttraumatic growth and burnout, namely, the negative link between posttraumatic growth and burnout became stronger as meaning in work increased. As such, we recommend enhancing personal and professional posttraumatic growth, as well as designing interventions that promote meaningful work among pediatric nurses.
2D Hybrid Halide Perovskites: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Wong Joseph , Yang Kesong
Published: November 2020

Hybrid organic–inorganic halide perovskites have experienced a surge of attention in the past decade because of their promising applications in next‐generation solar cells, with a remarkable improvement of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 3.8% to 25.2%. As next‐generation hybrid halide perovskites, 2D hybrid perovskites (2DHPs) expand the connotation of hybrid materials and demonstrate potential to offer higher tunability and more excellent material properties than 3D hybrid perovskites as a result of the reduced dimensionality. Herein, a review on the current research progress on 2DHPs, including structural characterization, materials synthesis approaches, optoelectronic and multiferroic properties, defect states, moisture stability, and related devices applications is presented along with their related computational and theoretical studies. The review is concluded with a discussion of the current challenges and future directions in the field.
Bridging Functional Groups Governing the Charge Transfer Dynamic in an Amorphous Carbon Nitride Allotropic Heterojunction toward Efficient Solar Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Huang Kuan-Hsiang , Hou Sheng-Shu , Wu Jih-Jen
Published: November 2020

Modulation of the charge transfer dynamic in amorphous carbon nitride allotropic heterojunctions by an alternation in bridging functional groups for the heptazine‐ and triazine‐based fragments is demonstrated to boost the photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution. Pyrimidine‐bridged and NH‐bridged amorphous carbon nitride allotropic heterojunctions are synthesized by thermal polycondensation of a supramolecular complex. Due to the improved charge separation efficiency and visible‐light harvesting ability, both allotropic heterojunctions present more than tenfold enhanced photocatalytic activities for hydrogen evolution compared to the conventional heptazine‐based carbon nitride under visible‐light illumination. Moreover, the photocatalytic activity of the NH‐bridged carbon nitride allotropic heterojunction with type‐II charge transfer dynamic is superior to the pyrimidine‐bridged one with a Z‐scheme characteristic. The findings in this study emphasize that the electronic structure at the heterojunction interface governed by the bridging group greatly influences the charge transfer dynamic and therefore is a crucial factor driving the photocatalytic activity of carbon nitride allotropic heterojunctions.
Using big data analytics to synthesize research domains and identify emerging fields in urban climatology
Authors: Huo Fei , Xu Li , Li Yanping , Famiglietti James S. , Li Zhenhua , Kajikawa Yuya , Chen Fei
Published: November 2020

The growing concerns over urbanization and climate change have resulted in an exponential growth in publications on urban climatology in recent decades. However, an advanced synthesis that characterizes the existing studies is lacking. In this review, we used citation network analysis and a text mining approach to identify research trends and extract common research topics and the emerging domains in urban climatology. Based on the clustered networks, we found that aerosols and ozone, and urban heat island are the most popular topics. Together with other clusters, four emerging topical fields were identified: secondary organic aerosols, urban precipitation, flood risk and adaptation, and greenhouse gas emissions. The city case studies' geographical information was analyzed to explore the spatial–temporal patterns, especially in the emerging topical fields. Interdisciplinary research grew in recent years as the field of urban climatology expanded to interact with urban hydrology, health, energy issues, and social sciences. A few knowledge gaps were proposed: the lack of long‐term high‐temporal‐resolution observational data of organic aerosols for model validation and improvements, the need for predictions of urban effects on precipitation and extreme flooding events under climate change, and the lack of a framework for cooperation between physical sciences and social sciences under urban settings. To fill these gaps, we call for more observational data with high spatial and temporal resolution, using high‐resolution models that adequately represent urban processes to conduct scenario analyses for urban planning, and the development of intellectual frameworks for better integration of urban climatology and social‐economical systems in cities.

This article is categorized under:

Climate, History, Society, Culture > Disciplinary Perspectives
Acid‐Base Interactions of Pyrazine, Ethyl Acetate, Di‐alcohols, and Lysine with the cyclic Alumosiloxane (Ph2SiO)8[Al(O)OH]4 in View of Mimicking Al2O3(H2O) Surface Reactions
Authors: Veith Michael , Kolano David , Huch Volker
Published: November 2020

The etherate of (Ph2SiO)8[Al(O)OH]4 can be transformed into the pyrazine adduct (Ph2SiO)8[Al(O)OH]4·3N(C2H2)2N (1), the ethyl acetate adduct (Ph2SiO)8[Al(O)OH]4·3H3C‐C(O)OC2H5 (2), the 1,6‐hexane diol adduct (Ph2SiO)8[Al(O)OH]4·2HO–CH2(CH2)4CH2–OH (3) and the 1,4‐cyclohexane diol adduct (Ph2SiO)8[Al(O)OH]4·4HO–CH(CH2CH2)2CH–OH (4). In all compounds the OH groups of the starting material bind to the bases through O–H···N (1) or O–H···O hydrogen bonds (2, 3, 4) as found from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses. Whereas in 1 only three of the central OH groups bind to the pyrazines, in 2 two of them bind to the same carbonyl oxygen atom of the ethyl acetate resulting in an unprecedented O–H···O···H–O double hydrogen bridge. The hexane diol adduct 3 in the crystal forms a one‐dimensional coordination polymer with an intramolecularly to two OH groups grafted hexane diol loop, while the second hexane diol is connecting intermolecularly. In the cyclohexane diol adduct 4 all OH groups of the central Al4(OH)4 ring bind to different diols, leaving one alcohol group per diol uncoordinated. These “free” OH groups form an (O‐H···)4 assembly creating a three‐dimensional overall structure. When reacting with (Ph2SiO)8[Al(O)OH]4 lysine loses water, turns into the cyclic 3‐amino‐2‐azepanone, and transforms through chelation of one of the aluminum atoms the starting material into a new polycycle. The isolated compound has the composition (Ph2SiO)12[Al(O)OH]4[Al2O3]2·4 C6H12N2O·6(CH2)4O (5).
Theoretical-Methodological Elements for Comparative Analysis of Social Inequalities in Life Courses
Authors: Muñiz Leticia , Verd Joan Miquel
Published: November 2020

Social inequalities are one of the structural problem areas of Western capitalist societies, and are of particular relevance both in Europe and in Latin America. Sociological studies on the issue account for the complexity of the phenomenon by presenting their constitution and consolidation based on the analysis of institutional and subjective aspects, which include the particularities, on the one hand, of the socio-economic systems of countries and regions; and, on the other hand, the representations, dispositions and actions deployed by individuals in order to deal with and live in an unequal world.

This chapter forms part of these discussions on social inequalities by developing a theoretical-methodological analysis that helps to generate critical views of the phenomenon in a context in which there is a need to design public policies that will foster equality. In particular, social inequalities are studied from the perspective of life courses, which involves multidimensional analyses over time; and a theoretical-methodological model that deepens our current knowledge of the Comparative Biographical Perspective is developed. In order to show how this approach can be used empirically, we then present an analysis of the career paths of workers with different levels of education in Argentina and Spain.
Pension Systems Compared: A Polarised Perspective, a Diverse Reality
Authors: Scarponetti Patricia , Sepúlveda Leandro , Martín-Artiles Antonio
Published: November 2020

Globalisation and international competition have a spillover effect on the reforms of pension systems that imposes a similar pattern of dismantling, hardening access to pensions, reducing expenditure and retrenchment in said reforms. The comparative analysis of four countries with different pension systems: two liberal (United Kingdom and Chile) and another two with contributory-proportional systems (Spain and Argentina) serves to determine the details of the reform processes, which discursively seem to have a shared pattern recommended by the international financial and economic institutions.

But the reality of the four case studies shows considerable differences in the implementation of the pension reform policies. The reforms depend on the societal context, institutions, history, the role of unions, the government in power, demographic factors and economic perspectives, among other matters. Many countries need to sustain pension systems because they are associated with many pensioners’ political vote. Therefore, the spillover effect of globalisation and the convergence in certain uniform patterns of reforms is far from reality in the four countries, and as such, the measures adopted are specific for each country.
Education and Inequality in Finland, Spain and Brazil
Authors: Martínez García José Saturnino , Oinonen Eriikka , Merino Rafael , Perosa Graziela
Published: November 2020

Finland, Spain and Brazil are three very internally complex and heterogeneous realities, with contradictions and permanent reforms to their education systems. In a first quantitative approach each country can be placed in a continuum of the education system that goes from most successful in terms of reaching a high level of education all across the population, in conditions of equity and facilitating youths’ incorporation into the labour market, to least successful, with Finland and Brazil occupying either end of the spectrum respectively and Spain occupying an intermediate situation. Although there are differences, they share certain tensions in their respective education systems. On the one hand, about the conception of education, ranging from more utilitarian, human capital theories, to the more humanist and civic-minded perspective. On the other hand, the challenge of comprehensiveness between an academic and a vocational path. In addition, there is also the challenge of improving the education level of the population while also improving equality. The tensions differ from country to country, since their education traditions and cooperation and conflict strategies between the education agents, with varying levels of resources and different alliances with political actors vary, as does the social consensus.
AI-Enhanced Business Models for Digital Entrepreneurship
Authors: Pfau Wolfgang , Rimpp Philipp
Published: November 2020

The world of AI offers new opportunities for companies and is therefore of particular interest to entrepreneurs at potentially every level impacting their business. The following article therefore tries to classify the roles of artificial intelligence (AI) applications on the strategic level and their influence on business models. By means of case studies, current business practice will be examined to give entrepreneurs and researchers an understanding of this technology, by providing practical examples so that they can pursue their own AI path. The analysis is based on case studies that examine the role of AI in a company’s business model, both for new market participants in the form of start-ups and incumbents such as the tech giants. By means of case studies, both sides of the extremes are covered in order to provide a picture of the scope of the applications. Insights from these case studies are processed to develop a classification scheme of the influence of AI on business models. Furthermore, the interaction of the different innovation possibilities of AI is compared and with that the importance for the innovative power of companies. Additionally, strategy types are developed on the basis of the presented classification scheme, but give entrepreneurs a suggestion for their own AI path in terms of AI applications to consider. Further, research could consider the influence of the presented AI roles in business models, especially the AI-driven business model is of interest here.
Wirtschaft neu lehren – eine Einleitung
Authors: Bäuerle Lukas , Hantke Harald , Schröder Lisa-Marie , Urban Janina
Published: November 2020

Der vorliegende Sammelband unternimmt in einer Zusammenführung von didaktisch reflektierten Erfahrungsberichten erste Schritte in Richtung einer pluralen, sozioökonomischen Hochschullehre. In der Einleitung führen die Herausgebenden die zentralen Begründungskontexte für dieses Vorhaben zusammen: die evidenzbasierte Problematisierung standardökonomischer Hochschullehre steht dabei studentischen Forderungen und konkreten Alternativen gegenüber, die von ökonomischen Fachwissenschaftler*innen und Fachdidaktiker*innen gleichermaßen entwickelt wurden. Die Vorstellung und Einordnung aller 18 im Band versammelten Beiträge beschließt die Einleitung.