bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paradoxical cognitive reserve: Cognitive trajectories from earlier to later adulthood
Authors: Eglit Graham M.L. , Elman Jeremy A , Panizzon Matthew S. , Sanderson‐Cimino Mark E. , Williams McKenna E. , Dale Anders M. , Eyler Lisa T. , Fennema‐Notestine Christine , Gillespie Nathan A. , Gustavson Daniel E. , Hatton Sean N. , Hauger Richard L. , Jak Amy J. , Logue Mark W. , McEvoy Linda K. , McKenzie Ruth , Neale Michael C. , Puckett Olivia K. , Reynolds Chandra A. , Toomey Rosemary , Tu Xin M. , Whitsell Nathan , Xian Hong , Lyons Michael J. , Franz Carol E. , Kremen William S.
Published: December 2020

Background

Longitudinal studies of aging are central to identifying early predictors of and mechanisms underlying late‐life cognitive decline and dementia. However, these studies typically lack cognitive data from earlier ages. It is therefore unclear how peak young adult general cognitive ability (GCA) and maintenance of GCA from young adulthood impact subsequent cognitive trajectories. To further understand GCA change from young adulthood, we evaluated whether poor GCA maintenance coincided with accelerated brain aging and was associated with key contributors to cognitive decline in later life, namely, aggregate vascular risk and Alzheimer’s disease polygenic risk (AD‐PRS).

Method

In the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging (VETSA), 1173 individuals were administered the same measure of GCA at average age 20 and at three VETSA waves beginning at average age 56. GCA maintenance scores were created by residualizing VETSA baseline GCA on age 20 GCA. Thus, good GCA maintenance was based on observed relative to expected scores. VETSA baseline GCA and GCA maintenance scores were entered into mixed effects models to predict specific cognitive abilities across three VETSA waves (∼6 years apart). Associations between GCA maintenance scores and indices of accelerated brain aging, aggregate vascular risk, and AD‐PRS were evaluated.

Result

Better GCA maintenance was associated with better VETSA baseline memory, semantic fluency, general fluency, processing speed, executive function, and working memory. However, given equivalent age 56 GCA, those who declined in GCA from age 20 outperformed those with stable GCA in memory, verbal fluency, executive function, and working memory at age 56. Thus, despite poor cognitive maintenance, some element of high peak cognitive reserve in early adulthood still confers benefit. All specific cognitive abilities declined over time, but neither VETSA baseline GCA nor GCA maintenance predicted extent of decline. Poor GCA maintenance from young adulthood was associated with accelerated brain aging and aggregate vascular risk, but not AD‐PRS.

Conclusion

Both peak young adult GCA and GCA maintenance are important contributors to late midlife cognitive ability. Poor maintenance of GCA from young adulthood being associated with worse vascular health and coinciding with accelerated brain aging argues against a simple regression to the mean explanation.
Recollection and consistency of intrusions for normal, MCI and impaired adults on a word list recall task
Authors: Kruczek Katherine , Voccia Pamela
Published: December 2020

Background

A word list recall test was administered to subjects ages 48‐100 for the purposes of prescreening for Alzheimer’s research. The test involved the presentation of 10 words with an immediate recall task, a reviewed recall task, and a delayed recall task.

Method

The test was administered to 3612 subjects who were divided into three groups based on cognitive scores: Healthy Memory (n=2341), MCI (n=1066), and Impaired (n=205). Number of intrusions were analyzed for each of the immediate recall task (Healthy=125, MCI=83, Impaired=25), reviewed recall task (Healthy=68, MCI=81, Impaired=28), and delayed recall task (Healthy=114, MCI=117, Impaired=25). Repetition of intrusions were compared in the delayed recall task.

Results

The MCI group was more statistically likely to have intrusions than the healthy group (tcrit=1.65,tstat=6.70) and the impaired group was more likely to have intrusions than the MCI group (tcrit=1.65, tstat=1.70). On the delayed task, 31.68% of the healthy subjects repeated intrusions from their immediate or reviewed recall trials, while 40.17% of the MCI subjects repeated intrusions from their earlier recall trials. In the Impaired group, 44% of the intrusions were novel words that were not recalled during the immediate or review sessions. Rate of intrusions was also analyzed between the immediate and reviewed recall, with the finding that intrusions drop from 5.33% to 2.90% in the Healthy group, while rate of intrusions remains constant with the MCI group (7.79% and 7.60%) and the Impaired group (12.20% and 13.66%).

Conclusion

These findings indicate that subjects with healthy memory have a lower instance of repeating intrusions after the second presentation (review) of the word list than subjects with mild cognitive impairment. It may be inferred that subjects with healthy memory are better able to recognize, after review, that their initial intrusion was not accurate and to store this information for the delayed trial. MCI subjects not only had a higher incidence of including intrusions following the review, they also had a higher instance of repeating earlier intrusions during delayed recall than the healthy memory or the impaired groups.
Memory cafe in the Brazilian context and in a pandemic scenario
Authors: Bram Jessyka Maria de França , Carvalho Claudia Lopes
Published: December 2020

Background

The WHO estimates by 2050 the proportion of people over 60 will be 22% of the world’s population. This scenario does not differ in Brazil. The elderly represent the fastest growing population segment, with estimates of average increase over the next ten years of more than 1 million elderly per year, which is worrying because epidemiological data show that one third of elderly Brazilians are affected by neuropsychiatric disorders. It is important to consider some conditions can represent risk factors for the development of cognitive decline. Therefore, attention to these disorders is necessary as they bring important social and economic impacts. Thus, the development of projects in this area may provide not only a reduction in public spending, but also more years of life with autonomy and independence. Based on all of these data and on our knowledge about gerontology and dementia, we decided to bring the Memory Cafe philosophy to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Methods

We initiated the Memory Café Brasil (MCBr) in December 2019 and realized three face‐to‐face meetings (FFM) until February and four online meetings (OM) until 23rd May 2020, due to COVID‐19. All of them were guided according Memory Cafe Directory guidelines. Cognitive stimulation was performed during all meetings.

Results

30 people have participated in the meetings so far, 14 of whom answered the online questionnaire with open‐ended questions to evaluate the MCBr. Of the 14 participants (mean 56 years old; 19SD), 78.6% were women. Ten of them participated more than once in the meetings and five participated in both types of meetings. The FFM were attended by 6 people (70yo; SD9), while the OM were attended by 13 people (57yo; 19,6DS). Most of them reported that OM helped in a positive way to alleviate loneliness during social isolation as well as making it possible to improve cognitive functions. Subjective complaints of cognitive decline was reported by 4 participants.

Conclusions

MCBr is recent in Brazil and is looking for ways to increasingly include people with congenital and/or acquired cognitive decline in society, as well as their caregivers, by promoting well‐being and cognitive stimulation.
Base rates of errors made by healthy older adults on the clock drawing and verbal fluency tests
Authors: Lin Shayne S‐H , Gurnani Ashita S. , Gavett Brandon E.
Published: December 2020

Background

In the realm of neuropsychological assessment, the Boston Process Approach is a method to analyze the errors made along the process that individuals take to the solution. Considering the clinical utility of base rates in estimating the probability of an individual being cognitively normal or impaired, the present study aimed at reporting the base rates of errors on the verbal fluency test and the Clock Drawing Test.

Method

Data of 88 cognitively normal elder participants performing the Animal Fluency, the Letter Fluency, the Clock Command, and the Clock Copy were pulled from a larger data set and coded based on the Boston Process Approach.

Result

As shown on table 1, it was found that, on verbal fluency test, repetition error was frequently made among cognitively healthy older adults while perseverative error and set‐loss error was relatively rare. On the Clock Drawing test, on the other hand, as shown on table 2, conceptual error was quite common whereas stimulus‐bound error was quite rare.

Conclusion

As illustrated in Gavett (2015), base rate data regarding errors made on neuropsychological tests from cognitively healthy older adults are crucial to construct and estimate the probability of an individual being cognitively impaired when number of errors made on a test is known. Therefore, the current data provides valuable information for the purpose of dementia diagnosis.
Dementia care at a distance: The balance between health and safety and human rights
Authors: Troxel David A , Anzelmo Nancy A Schier , Bell Virginia M
Published: December 2020

Background

Health practices to fight the transmission of Covid‐19 in long‐term care settings are now well established with staff being continually reminded to wash hands and sanitize surfaces. Seeking to reduce risk, long term care communities are also: ending group dining and group activities, prohibiting family visits, turning to dedicated staffing for the memory care neighborhood, and assuring that staff wear PPE even as residents typically won’t keep masks on or necessarily respect social distancing. The CDC has issued its recommendations relating to safety in memory care settings related to Covid‐19 here and supports many of these practices, but that also calls for ongoing activity programming. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019‐ncov/hcp/memory‐care.html.While health and safety concerns are of great urgency, “dementia care at a distance” raises concerns for the emotional well‐being of people living with dementia. Sam Fazio and his colleagues write eloquently about the importance of person centered care and therapeutic environments (including meaningful engagement and caring relationships) in The Fundamentals of Person‐Centered Care, Gerontologist, 2018, Vol. 58, No. S1, S10–S19 https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnx122. Without disease modifying medication, this presentation will argue that socialization, in many ways, is the “treatment” for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia. With innovative thinking, “social distancing” can become “sociable distancing.” This session will offer strategies for maintaining person centered approaches in long‐term care settings during this challenging time. Innovations include: staff training focused on caring approaches and the benefits of short moments of engagement throughout the day; the importance of unplugging from negative news in order to support positive emotion; activities that can be safely conducted in small groups (6 feet apart) and one‐on‐one; ways to make personal care more of a social experience; strategies to utilize the resident’s social history or life story to make connection and provide needed clues and cues; and innovative uses of technology to keep the resident connected with friends and family. The presentation will end with some further techniques for resident care during the Covid‐19 pandemic and argue that the medical model and social model must both be present to provide quality of life for persons living with dementia.
Functional study and transcriptomic signatures confirm an application of induced microglia cellular model for studying Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Banerjee Atoshi , Lu Yimei , Do Kenny , Wu Xiaogang , Mize Travis , Chen Jingchun
Published: December 2020

Background

Microglia are specialized immune cells of the brain that maintains brain homeostasis. Amyloid protein accumulation due to inefficient microglial phagocytosis or neuroinflammation due to microglia polarization has been linked to Alzheimers disease (AD) progression. However, the lack of human microglia or microglial cellular model makes it difficult to understand the exact microglial functions underlying the disease.

Method

We established in vitro cellular model of induced microglia‐like cells (iMGLCs) from human peripheral blood monocytes. The iMGLCs were first characterized by morphology and microglial markers. Functional study specific to microglia was established by phagocytic capacity and polarization properties. Further RNA‐Seq was performed to determine the consistency of microglia signatures with brain‐resident microglia.

Result

iMGLCs exhibited ramified morphology (a typical shape of resting microglia from brain) and expressed unique microglial markers such as TMEM119 and P2RY12. Functional study showed that iMGLCs could phagocytose amyloid beta protein and polarized to M1 (proinflammation) or M2 (anti‐inflammation) state upon specific stimulation. RNA‐Seq analysis indicated that iMGLCs were distinguished from monocytes but closely clustered with induced macrophages and brain‐resident microglia. TREM2 and APOE were two genes among the most differentially regulated genes in iMGLCs that participate in pathways related to immune response and cholesterol metabolism.

Conclusion

Our data highlights the functions and transcriptomic signatures of iMGLC model which can be further delineated for studying neuroinflammation in AD and discovery of new targets for treatments.
From genes to cognition: Octodon degus, an animal model for AD translational research
Authors: Mugnaini Matias , Deacon Robert , Sampieri Guido , Vanderklish Peter , Angione Claudio , Kropff Emilio , Cogram Patricia
Published: December 2020

Background

Octodon degus (O. degus), a long‐lived rodent, provides us with a unique opportunity to search for molecular pathways that are associated with enhanced longevity in mammals. This rodent from Chile spontaneously develops an analog of sporadic AD at behavioral and neurobiological levels. It is a diurnal rodent that makes wide use of spatial memory to find and hide food. This cognitive ability is thought to be rooted in what is commonly known as the GPS of the mammalian brain, a collection of structures centred around the hippocampus and neighbouring cortical areas. A fraction of the aged O. degus population not only exhibits amyloid‐beta oligomers, tau hyperphosphorylation, neurofibrillary tangle formation, cell death and cognitive decline but also several other conditions comorbid to AD like diabetes mellitus type 2, macular and retinal degeneration and atherosclerosis.

Method

In this study, we used the Octodon degus.
Behavioural assessment of a population (N = 150) of degu was performed using the tests of daily living (burrowing test, marble burying and nesting), Novel Object Recognition and the Open Field. All Degus were chronically implanted with a four‐tetrode microdrive, which was originally developed for mice (Versadrive‐4, Neuralynx, USA).

Result

These model features call for research efforts to be put on studying the degu GPS from both the basic and applied science perspectives, with a multilaboratory and multidisciplinary perspective. In response to this, we here present the first multidisciplinary study including i) Recording 69 CA1 principal cells while O. degus explored a 1 m wide square environment, finding that O. degus exhibited extreme place cell behaviour. ii)We performed a genome‐wide association study in O. degus and report the identification of SNVs in genes associated with AD (APP, BACE1, MAPT, Psen1 and Psen2, grn and SORL1. iii) Some of the variants identified in AD associated genes showed significant association with behavioural performance in Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium.

Conclusion

All together these findings provide an important path toward the understanding how AD related mutations in the O. degus prove this model to be an important translational tool for aging and Alzheimer’s research.
Efficacy and safety of AXS‐05, a novel oral NMDA receptor antagonist with multimodal activity in agitation associated with Alzheimer’s disease: Results from ADVANCE‐1 — A phase 2/3, double‐blind, active and placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: O'Gorman Cedric , Jones Amanda , Cummings Jeffrey L. , Tabuteau Herriot
Published: December 2020

Background

AXS‐05 (dextromethorphan/bupropion modulated delivery tablet) is a novel, oral, non‐competitive NMDA receptor antagonist with activity on other neurotransmitter systems (sigma‐1, serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) which have been implicated in the cognitive and behavioral abnormalities of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Up to 70% of patients with AD experience agitation. AD agitation is associated with accelerated cognitive decline, early institutionalization, increased mortality, and increased caregiver burden. There are no approved pharmacological treatments for AD agitation.

Method

The ADVANCE‐1 trial was a Phase 2/3, randomized, double‐blind, controlled, 5‐week study of AXS‐05 in AD agitation. Patients were randomized to treatment with AXS‐05, placebo, or bupropion. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in the Cohen Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI). The modified Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study‐Clinical Global Impression of Change for Agitation (mADCS‐CGIC) was a key secondary endpoint.

Result

366 AD patients with clinically significant agitation were randomized to AXS‐05 (n=159), bupropion (n=49), and placebo (n=158). On the primary endpoint, AXS‐05 significantly relieved agitation, demonstrating a change from baseline in the CMAI total score of 15.4 compared to 11.5 for placebo (p=0.010) and 10.0 for bupropion (p<0.001). These results represent a mean percentage reduction from baseline of 48% for AXS‐05 versus 38% for placebo. AXS‐05 was numerically superior to placebo starting at Week 2, achieving statistical significance at Week 3 (p=0.007) only one week after full dosing with AXS‐05. AXS‐05 demonstrated clinical response (≥30% improvement on the CMAI) in 73% of patients compared to 57% for placebo (p=0.005). AXS‐05 demonstrated statistically significant improvements in agitation as compared to placebo on the mADCS‐CGIC (p=0.036). The most commonly reported AEs with AXS‐05 were somnolence (8.2% AXS‐05, 4.1% bupropion, 3.2% placebo), dizziness (6.3%, 10.2%, 3.2%, respectively), and diarrhea (4.4%, 6.1%, 4.4%, respectively). There was no evidence of cognitive decline or sedation with AXS‐05.

Conclusion

In the ADVANCE‐1 Phase 2/3 trial, AXS‐05 rapidly, substantially, and significantly improved agitation in patients with AD as compared to placebo. AXS‐05 was well tolerated and not associated with cognitive decline or sedation.
A General Organocatalytic System for Enantioselective Radical Conjugate Additions to Enals
Authors: Le Saux Emilien , Ma Dengke , Bonilla Pablo , Holden Catherine M. , Lustosa Danilo , Melchiorre Paolo
Published: December 2020

Herein, we report a general iminium ion‐based catalytic method for the enantioselective conjugate addition of carbon‐centered radicals to aliphatic and aromatic enals. The process uses an organic photoredox catalyst, which absorbs blue light to generate radicals from stable precursors, in combination with a chiral amine catalyst, which secures a consistently high level of stereoselectivity. The generality of this catalytic platform is demonstrated by the stereoselective interception of a wide variety of radicals, including non‐stabilized primary ones which are generally difficult to engage in asymmetric processes. The system also served to develop organocatalytic cascade reactions that combine an iminium‐ion‐based radical trap with an enamine‐mediated step, affording stereochemically dense chiral products in one‐step.
Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Spirooxindoles by Oxidative Rearrangement of Indoles
Authors: Qian Chenxiao , Li Pengfei , Sun Jianwei
Published: December 2020

Oxidative rearrangement of indoles to access oxindoles has been used as a key step in complex molecule synthesis. We report a catalytic enantioselective variant of this transformation by chiral phosphoric acid catalysis, providing rapid access to a range of enantioenriched spirooxindoles. The high enantioselectivity is controlled by dynamic kinetic resolution.
Embedment of Quantum Dots and Biomolecules in a Dipeptide Hydrogel Formed In Situ Using Microfluidics
Authors: Li Yue , Männel Max J. , Hauck Nicolas , Patel Himanshu P. , Auernhammer Günter K. , Chae Soosang , Fery Andreas , Li Junbai , Thiele Julian
Published: December 2020

As low‐molecular‐weight hydrogelators, dipeptide hydrogel materials are suited for embedding multiple organic molecules and inorganic nanoparticles. Herein, a simple but precisely controllable method is presented that enables the fabrication of dipeptide‐based hydrogels by supramolecular assembly inside microfluidic channels. Water‐soluble quantum dots (QDs) as well as premixed porphyrins and a dipeptide in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were injected into a Y‐shaped microfluidic junction. At the DMSO/water interface, the confined fabrication of a dipeptide‐based hydrogel was initiated. Thereafter, the as‐formed hydrogel flowed along a meandering microchannel in a continuous fashion, gradually completing gelation and QD entrapment. In contrast to hydrogelation in conventional test tubes, microfluidically controlled hydrogelation led to a tailored dipeptide hydrogel regarding material morphology and nanoparticle distribution.
Artificial hair filaments with improved flame retardancy
Authors: Youn Chulmin , Gong Da Jeong , Yeo Sang Young
Published: December 2020

In recent decades, the flame retardancy of wigs has improved by combining polymer fibers and flame retardants. Halogen‐based retardants suppress combustion through a radical trap; however, they are harmful to humans and to the environment. Thus, in this study, black wigs were prepared by polysulfone (PSU)‐based fibers through melt spinning process and were compared to that prepared by poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)‐based fibers. Different types and amounts of carbon black added during the melt spinning process to produce its color were also investigated to assess its effects on the manufactured wig. The flame retardancy of PSU and PET fibers was evaluated using limited oxygen index (LOI) measurement. The LOI of PET fiber was 24%, while that of PSU fiber was 29%, confirming its highly flame‐retardant behavior. Based on its mechanical properties (tenacity and elongation), PSU fibers (1.5 g/den) are more suitable for artificial human hair due to its higher tenacity than PET fibers (0.8 g/den). The addition of a small amount of carbon black (<0.5 wt%) did not negatively affect the produced wig; thus, a highly flame‐retardant black wig with superior mechanical properties was obtained.
Multi stimuli‐responsive HPC‐PAA/Eu(AA)3Phen complex nanogels and their decoration with 3‐APBA for detecting glucose
Authors: Liu Ben , Song Qiusheng , Wang Zirui , Ma Haihong , Zhao Chengyan
Published: December 2020

In this paper, novel multi stimuli‐responsive complex nanogels of hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC)‐PAA/Eu(acrylic acid [AA])3Phen were synthesized by radical polymerization method with HPC, rare earth complex (Eu(AA)3Phen) and AA as raw materials, and the 3‐aminophenylboronic acid (3‐APBA) decorated nanogels (HPC‐PAAPBA/Eu(AA)3Phen) were fabricated via condensation of 1‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl)‐3‐ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride with 3‐APBA. The microstructure, morphology and diameter of the nanogel were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, UV–Visible spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscope, dynamic light scattering. Moreover, the fluorescence responsive performance of complex nanogels to temperature, pH value and glucose concentration was investigated by photoluminescence spectroscopy. The results showed that both of the as‐prepared nanogels were uniform in size and had good monodispersity. The temperature and pH value had significant effects on the particle size and the fluorescence emission intensity of the HPC‐PAA/Eu(AA)3Phen complex nanogels; after decoration with 3‐APBA, the obtained HPC‐PAAPBA/Eu(AA)3Phen nanogels showed excellent stimulus‐response to glucose concentration.
Multiple survey methods reveal greater abundance of endangered pupfish in restored habitats
Authors: Acre Matthew R. , Perkin Joshuah S. , Bean Megan G.
Published: December 2020

Freshwater organisms inhabiting arid ecosystems are imperilled by human alterations to water‐limited landscapes. This is especially true among desert‐dwelling cyprinodontid fishes, 90% of which are imperilled by habitat destruction within limited or shrinking ranges. Constructing habitats that mimic natural habitat form and function may provide a tool for species conservation, especially within freshwater protected areas. However, pupfish population assessments within degraded compared with restored habitats are infrequent, and few comparisons among survey methods exist.

Density estimates were developed for Endangered Comanche Springs pupfish Cyprinodon elegans throughout altered and restored habitats in a freshwater protected area by using mark–recapture and N‐mixture models fitted to data collected using minnow trap and visual count survey methods. This allowed comparison of habitats, survey methods, and statistical methods commonly used to generate population size estimates for imperilled pupfish.

Population estimates varied across major habitat types and were largest among habitats constructed to mimic naturally occurring ciénegas. Estimates using visual counts were higher than estimates from minnow traps where water was deeper and where macroalgae cover was highest. N‐mixture models generally estimated higher abundances than mark–recapture and were not limited by recapture ability.

The results provide strong evidence that restored habitats house greater abundances of pupfish, but survey and statistical methods commonly used to detect these differences have trade‐offs in performance according to the habitats surveyed. This work benefits the field of conservation biology by providing guidance for existing and emerging monitoring programmes assessing abundance‐based fish responses to habitat improvements.
Derivatives of nitrogen mustard anticancer agents with improved cytotoxicity
Authors: Antoni Frauke , Bernhardt Günther
Published: December 2020

In previous studies, we demonstrated that esters of bendamustine containing a basic moiety are far more cytotoxic anticancer agents than their parent compound and that the substitution of the labile ester moiety by a branched ester or an amide markedly increases stability in the blood plasma. In the current study, we showed that this substitution was bioisosteric. Aiming at increased cytotoxicity, we introduced the same modification to related nitrogen mustards: 6‐isobendamustine, chlorambucil, and melphalan. The synthesis was accomplished using the coupling reagents N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide or 2‐(1H‐benzotriazole‐1‐yl)‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethylaminium tetrafluoroborate. Cytotoxicity against a panel of diverse cancer cells (carcinoma, sarcoma, and malignant melanoma) was assessed in a kinetic chemosensitivity assay. The target compounds showed cytotoxic or cytocidal effects at concentrations above 1 µM: a striking enhancement over bendamustine and 6‐isobendamustine, both ineffective against the selected cancer cells at concentrations up to 50 µM, and a considerable improvement over chlorambucil, showing some potency only against the sarcoma cells. Melphalan was almost as effective as the target compounds—derivatization only provided a small improvement. The novel cytostatics are of interest as model compounds for analyzing a correlation between cytotoxicity and membrane transport and for the treatment of malignancies.
Synthesis and in vitro carbonic anhydrases and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of novel imidazolinone‐based benzenesulfonamides
Authors: Tugrak Mehtap , Gul Halise Inci , Demir Yeliz , Levent Serkan , Gulcin Ilhami
Published: December 2020

New imidazolinone‐based benzenesulfonamides 3a–e and 4a–e were synthesized in three steps and their chemical structures were confirmed by 1H NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance), 13C NMR, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The benzenesulfonamides used were sulfacetamide (3a, 4a), sulfaguanidine (3b, 4b), sulfanilamide (3c, 4c), sulfadiazine (3d, 4d), sulfamerazine (3e), and sulfathiazole (4e). The compounds were evaluated against carbonic anhydrase (CA) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzymes to obtain possible drug candidate/s. The lead compounds of the series were 3a and 4a against human CA (hCA) I, whereas 3d and 4a were leads against hCA II in terms of Ki values. Series 4 includes more effective CAs inhibitors than series 3 (except 3d). Series 4 compounds having a nitro group (except 4d) were 3.3–4.8 times more selective inhibitors than their corresponding analogues 3a–d in series 3, in which hydrogen was located in place of the nitro group, by considering Ki values against hCA II. Compounds 3c and 4c, where the sulfanilamide moiety is available, were the leads in terms of AChE inhibition with the lowest Ki values. The use of secondary sulfonamides was a more effective modification on CA inhibition, whereas the primary sulfonamide was the effective substitution in terms of AChE inhibitory potency.
Linear flow‐velocity gradient chromatography—An efficient method for increasing the process efficiency of batch and continuous capture chromatography of proteins
Authors: Chen Chyi‐Shin , Ando Kosei , Yoshimoto Noriko , Yamamoto Shuichi
Published: December 2020

A new method was proposed for increasing the capture chromatography process efficiency, linear flow‐velocity gradient (LFG). The method uses a linear decreasing flow‐velocity gradient with time during the sample loading. The initial flow velocity, the final flow velocity and the gradient time are the parameters to be tuned. We have developed a method for determining these parameters by using the total column capacity and the total loaded amount as a function of time. The capacity can be calculated by using the relationships between dynamic binding capacity (DBC) and residence time. By leveraging the capacity, loading amount, and the required conditions, the optimum LFG can be designed. The method was verified by ion‐exchange and protein A chromatography of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). A two‐fold increase in the productivity during the sample loading was possible by LFG compared with the constant flow‐velocity (CF) operation. LFG was also applied to a 4‐column continuous process. The simulation showed that the cost of resin per unit amount of processed mAbs can be reduced by 13% while 1.4 times enhancement in productivity was preserved after optimization by LFG compared to CF. The process efficiency improvement is more pronounced when the isotherm is highly favorable and the loading volume is large.
Leben und Überleben im Boden
Authors: Volz Carsten , Krug Daniel , Müller Rolf
Published: December 2020

Myxobakterien wie Myxococcus xanthus sind ungewöhnliche Bodenbakterien, die sich auszeichnen durch ihre schwärmende Art der Fortbewegung auf Oberflächen, durch ein räuberisches Auftreten gegenüber Beutebakterien sowie durch ihre Fähigkeit, unter Stressbedingungen multizelluläre Fruchtkörper zu bilden. Bioinformatische Untersuchungen der ungewöhnlich großen Genome von Myxobakterien ermöglichen detaillierte Einblicke in die molekularen Grundlagen der komplexen Biosynthesewege, welche der Bildung von myxobakteriellen Naturstoffen zugrunde liegen, und eröffnen zugleich neue Chancen für die Charakterisierung bisher unentdeckter Sekundärstoffe. Intensiv erforschte Myxobakterien wie M. xanthus spielen zudem eine immer wichtigere Rolle als biotechnologische Produktionsplattform für die Herstellung von komplexen Naturstoffmolekülen mit Methoden der synthetischen Biologie.
Klonierung als Schulexperiment
Authors: Scherr Dietmar , Scherr Michaela
Published: December 2020

Mitte bis Ende der 90er Jahre des letzten Jahrhunderts wurden mit Unterstützung des Verbands der chemischen Industrie (VCI) bzw. des Fonds der chemischen Industrie (FCI) eine Folienserie „Biotechnologie“ von Hochschullehrern und Experten aus der Industrie entwickelt, um dieses anwendungsbezogene Thema auch in Schulen in den Lehrplan zu integrieren und zur Diskussion zu stellen. Daneben entstand das Experimentier‐Kit „Blue Genes“, dessen Inhalt gentechnisches Arbeiten erlaubte. Vor etwa 15 Jahren wurde das Kit von der Firma Roche optimiert, wird nun aber schon seit geraumer Zeit nicht mehr bereitgestellt. Damit der blaue Koffer wieder sinnvoll eingesetzt werden kann, beschreiben wir hier für die experimentierfreudigeren Kollegen ein schnelles, gutes und kostengünstiges Experiment, das in der Max‐Beckmann‐Schule in Frankfurt am Main von Schüler*innen durchgeführt wurde.
Bürzeldrüse – Truthahn im Fokus
Authors: Irsch Wilhelm
Published: December 2020

In Amerika hat er Kultstatus („Thanksgiving“) und auch hierzulande ist er ein beliebtes Nutztier. Die Männchen machen nicht nur durch auffällige Farbmuster, sondern auch durch ihre Stimme (ein häufig wiederholtes „Gobbel‐obbel‐obbel“) auf sich aufmerksam. Dass sie durchaus wehrhaft sein können, merken diejenigen, die sich ihnen unvermittelt nähern, aber auch sonst zeigen sie sich durchaus abwehrbereit, beispielsweise gegenüber Mikroben, die ihnen das Gefieder zerfleddern könnten.
Gold Plating
Authors: Hauk Andrea
Published: December 2020

Fehlentscheidungen sind menschlich. Wir aber lassen in unserer neuen Serie „Management‐Fallstricke“ einmal die Tiere zu Wort kommen. In Form von Fabeln vermittelt unsere Autorin Andrea Hauk in anschaulicher Weise typische Denkfehler, die auf allen Managementebenen zu Hause sind. Vielleicht sind Sie ja selbst auch schon einmal in die eine oder andere Falle getappt?
Robotics application for the advanced integration of design and technology in architecture
Authors: Yi Hwang
Published: December 2020

This study reports and analyzes the first architectural robotics class regularly organized in a professional college in South Korea. The course consists of two modules: (i) design experimentation with kinetic (responsive) building prototyping and (ii) construction automation of a complex building form using an industrial robot arm. Both modules are structured to provide undergraduates with applied knowledge of kinematics and mechanisms. Along with introducing tools and content of robotics learning in architecture, the course development and students' perception of learning progress and intellectual achievement have been systematically assessed by adapting theoretical course analysis models (of Richards and of Kirkpatrick). The results reveal that learning motivation affects self‐satisfaction and achievement. This suggests that the background, goals, and methods of teaching robotics engineering need to be carefully coordinated over the entire curricular context of building design education.
Racial/Ethnic Minority Community College Students' Critical Consciousness and Social Cognitive Career Outcomes
Authors: Cadenas Germán A. , Lynn Nathalie , Li Katherine Melo , Liu Lian , Cantú Elizabeth Angélica , Ruth Alissa , Carroll Sabrina , Kulp Simeon , Spence Tameka
Published: December 2020

A need exists to better understand how racial/ethnic minority students' critical consciousness development in response to marginalization may be involved in their educational and career development. We therefore examined the link between critical consciousness development and career decision self‐efficacy and career outcome expectations among racial/ethnic minority community college students. Following social cognitive career theory's conceptual pillars, we developed a testable model integrating critical consciousness and social cognitive variables. This model was tested with 135 racially and ethnically diverse community college students. Data analysis included path analyses and tests of model fit using structural equation modeling. Results suggested that (a) higher critical agency is linked to higher career decision self‐efficacy and outcome expectations and (b) critical action and reflection have a bidirectional link and predict higher critical agency. Implications for research and practice aiming to close educational and career gaps among racial/ethnic minorities are discussed.
Perceived Career Barriers and Career Decidedness of First‐Generation College Students
Authors: Toyokawa Teru , DeWald Chelsie
Published: December 2020

We examined the effects of perceived career barriers on career decidedness among first‐generation college (FGC) students (n = 149) and non‐FGC students (n = 182) at a 4‐year university (mean age = 19.3 years). Participants responded online to measures of perceived career barriers and career decidedness. Results indicated that FGC students scored higher on lack of support and lack of time and financial resources than non‐FGC students. For both groups, higher levels of perceived lack of skills were related to lower levels of career decidedness, whereas greater levels of family‐related responsibilities predicted higher levels of career decidedness. FGC student status moderated the association between perceived lack of time/financial resources and career decidedness. Further research is needed to investigate the differential effects of various domains of career barriers. Career counselors are advised to consider FGC students' perceived career barriers in guiding students' career exploration and decision‐making.
Student Veterans: Meaning in Life, Negative Career Thoughts, and Depression
Authors: Buzzetta Mary E. , Lenz Janet G. , Hayden Seth C. W. , Osborn Debra S.
Published: December 2020

Student veterans may experience challenges as they transition from military to student life, including adjusting to the academic environment, coping with mental health concerns, and redefining their identities. Research indicates that veterans may have difficulty finding meaning and purpose outside of the military (Brenner et al., 2008; Doenges, 2011). This study explored variables that may affect meaning and purpose in student veterans' lives, specifically negative career thoughts and depression. One hundred thirty‐two student veterans at U.S. institutions were surveyed. The results revealed that both negative career thoughts and depression were statistically significant predictors (p < .001) of the presence of meaning in life, with 46% of the variance in the presence of meaning in life scores accounted for by participants' negative career thinking and depression levels. Pearson correlations indicated that all variables were statistically significant (p < .01). Future research could explore how other career readiness and self‐assessment constructs are related to meaning and purpose in student veterans' lives, as well as the intersection of mental health and career factors. Interventions that focus both on the presence of negative career thoughts and depressive symptomatology may positively influence student veterans' report of meaning and purpose in life.
Online Teaching and Self‐Efficacy to Work With Suicidal Clients
Authors: Elliott Gregory M. , Henninger Janessa
Published: December 2020

We used an experimental design to evaluate the impact of three online teaching strategies on students' self‐efficacy to work with suicidal clients. Results showed that the three strategies, informed by adult learning and social learning theory, were equally effective. Implications for programs preparing students for suicide intervention roles are discussed.
Solid Flow in Rotary Drums with Sectional Internals: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Priessen Joscha , Kreutzer Thomas , Irgat Gizem , Behrens Malte , Schultz Heyko Juergen
Published: December 2020

The influence of different internal geometries on the solid flow in rotary drums under variation of the operational parameters feed rate, slope, and rotational speed is investigated. Four different configurations of a fully optically accessible lab‐scale rotary drum are analyzed. The internals are built as sectional compartments of the cross section, referring to industrial applications. The axial dispersion model is used to calculate the mean residence times and axial dispersion coefficients. It can clearly be shown that the sectional internal geometries significantly increase mean residence times and holdups in dependence on the set of operational variables. The axial dispersion coefficients were in a comparable range with literature data.
Promoting the Electrocatalytic Activity of Ti3C2Tx MXene by Modulating CO2 Adsorption through Oxygen Vacancies for High‐Performance Lithium‐Carbon Dioxide Batteries
Authors: Wang Hao , Zheng Ruixin , Shu Chaozhu , Long Jianping
Published: December 2020

Lithium‐carbon dioxide (Li‐CO2) batteries are considered as a most auspicious energy storage systems owing to their high capacity and the ability of capturing CO2. However, there are still some critical issues needed to be addressed before their practical application, such as high charge potential and poor cyclability. Herein, oxygen vacancy‐enriched TiO2 nanoparticles grown in situ on Ti3C2Tx MXene (OV‐TiO2/MXene) are synthesized as catalysts for Li‐CO2 batteries by facile one‐step ethanol heat treatment of the MXene nanosheets. The thermodynamically metastable Ti atom on the surface of MXenes serves as nucleating sites, which play a critical role in generating the relatively stable vacancy‐rich TiO2 nanoparticles. The spontaneously generated oxygen vacancies can enhance CO2 adsorption, which is beneficial to CO2 involved electrode reactions. The Li‐CO2 batteries with OV‐TiO2/MXene electrodes deliver noteworthily reduced charge voltage of 3.37 V at 100 mA g−1, and a superb cycling performance of 158 cycles. This work highlights the significant role of oxygen vacancies in activating CO2 in Li‐CO2 batteries, instrumental to the development of high‐performance electrocatalysts for Li‐CO2 batteries and beyond.
Personalized Reusable Face Masks with Smart Nano‐Assisted Destruction of Pathogens for COVID‐19: A Visionary Road
Authors: De Sio Luciano , Ding Bin , Focsan Monica , Kogermann Karin , Pascoal‐Faria Paula , Petronela Francesca , Mitchell Geoffrey , Zussman Eyal , Pierini Filippo
Published: December 2020

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) emergency has demonstrated that the utilization of face masks plays a critical role in limiting the outbreak. Healthcare professionals utilize masks all day long without replacing them very frequently, thus representing a source of cross‐infection for patients and themselves. Nanotechnology is a powerful tool with the capability to produce nanomaterials with unique physicochemical and antipathogen properties. Here, how to realize non‐disposable and highly comfortable respirators with light‐triggered self‐disinfection ability by bridging bioactive nanofiber properties and stimuli‐responsive nanomaterials is outlined. The visionary road highlighted in this Concept is based on the possibility of developing a new generation of masks based on multifunctional membranes where the presence of nanoclusters and plasmonic nanoparticles arranged in a hierarchical structure enables the realization of a chemically driven and on‐demand antipathogen activities. Multilayer electrospun membranes have the ability to dissipate humidity present within the mask, enhancing the wearability and usability. The photothermal disinfected membrane is the core of these 3D printed and reusable masks with moisture pump capability. Personalized face masks with smart nano‐assisted destruction of pathogens will bring enormous advantages to the entire global community, especially for front‐line personnel, and will open up great opportunities for innovative medical applications.
Synthesis of Ajoene Analogues by Novel Synthetic Strategies
Authors: Yamamoto Raynbird Marina , Khokhar Shaista S. , Neef Daniel , Evans Gareth J. S. , Wirth Thomas
Published: December 2020

Ajoene is a compound found in garlic extracts exhibiting a large range of biological activity. Novel ajoene analogues have been prepared in the search of compounds with superior bioactivity. Modifications include the alteration of the sulfoxide, the central alkene and the terminal allyl groups.
Confidence in one‐self and confidence in one's own body: The revival of an old paradigm for anorexia nervosa
Authors: Monteleone Alessio Maria , Cascino Giammarco , Martini Matteo , Patriciello Giuseppina , Ruzzi Valeria , Delsedime Nadia , Abbate‐Daga Giovanni , Marzola Enrica
Published: December 2020

Impaired interoceptive function represents an important variable in the psychopathology of anorexia nervosa (AN) and is thought to be influenced by maladaptive schemas grounded on early intimate interactions. However, the role of the different psychological processes involved in the interoceptive function has been poorly assessed in AN. We aimed to investigate the associations between adult insecure attachment, interoceptive processes, and psychopathology. One hundred and fifty participants with AN completed self‐report questionnaires: the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness, which measures interoception dimensions; the Attachment Style Questionnaire, assessing adult attachment styles, and the Eating Disorder Inventory‐2, exploring eating‐related core symptoms. Pearson's correlations were employed to assess the relationships between MAIA and EDI‐2 subscores. Structural equation models (SEM) were performed to investigate the relationships between insecure attachment dimensions, interoception, and AN core symptoms as latent variables. Body listening, self‐regulating, and trusting were interoceptive dimensions associated with eating psychopathology. As confirmed by an exploratory factor analysis, these interoceptive dimensions are included in a latent variable which points to “confidence” in body sensations. SEM showed that insecure, in particular anxious, attachment predicts body “confidence” and, in turn, AN core symptoms. Confidence in body sensations as a trustworthy source of knowledge represents the specific interoceptive dimension associated with psychopathology in AN. In accordance with Bruch's model of AN, insecure attachment patterns may promote a need to validate inner experiences by external sources conferring vulnerability to symptomatology. These psychopathological pathways could be addressed in clinical interventions.
Peering behind the mask: The roles of reactance and gender in the relationship between self‐esteem and interpersonal problems
Authors: Seidler Zac E. , Rosenberg Jodie , Rice Simon M. , Kealy David , Oliffe John L. , Ogrodniczuk John S.
Published: December 2020

Objective

When a client feels a threat to their freedom or autonomy as a result of external feedback, they can act out and respond in maladaptive ways. This state—referred to as reactance—has potential ramifications on interpersonal functioning. However, the underlying factors exacerbating this response including self‐esteem and gender are yet to be extensively explored in a clinical sample. The present study examined whether verbal and/or behavioural reactance mediate the relationship between self‐esteem and interpersonal problems and if this mediational relationship differs between men and women.

Method

Patients with personality dysfunction (N = 136) completed pretreatment assessments of reactance, self‐esteem, and interpersonal problems, and a conditional process model using these constructs was tested.

Results

Findings indicated that the moderated mediation model was significant, pointing to behavioural reactance as a significant mediator in the association between self‐esteem and interpersonal problems. Furthermore, the findings revealed that gender moderated the relationship between self‐esteem and behavioural reactance, indicating that this association may apply specifically to men low in self‐esteem.

Discussion

These results shed light on how behavioural reactance may be an important manifestation of low self‐esteem for men and a key contributor to their interpersonal problems. The findings draw attention to the importance of considering different factors at play when working with reactant individuals in therapy.