bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
North Korean Military Proliferation in the Middle East and Africa
Authors: Bechtol Jr. Bruce E.
Published: January 2019

This book analyzes what and to whom North Korea provides arms, how it skirts sanctions, and how its activities can be best contained. For many years, North Korean proliferation to both state and nonstate actors has gone largely unnoticed in both policy and academic circles. The book examines how North Korean proliferation presents an international security dilemma that policy makers in many nations should address—and take efforts to contain. It details that, whether it is in the Middle East, Africa, or even as far away as Cuba, North Korea continues to change its tactics, techniques, and procedures in order to bring in money for the regime and support the elite as well as the military and its programs. In addition to contributing to the evidence chain on how North Korea actually disseminates its weapons systems, it also provides clear, concise, and unambiguous policy recommendations that will appeal to those with an interest in national security policy, international studies, US foreign and defense policy, foreign military studies, and Korean security issues.
North Korean Proliferation on the African Continent
Authors: Bechtol Bruce E.
Published: January 2019

There are so many countries in Africa that North Korea provides goods and services to that space does not permit the listing of all its activities there. In this chapter, the focus will be on the military proliferation activities that have occurred since the beginning of the Kim Jong-un era (with a focus on how many of these activities began long before Kim Jong-un became the North Korean leader). African countries to which North Korea continues to sell military weapons, refurbishment, and training include (but are not limited to) Ethiopia, Eritrea, Congo (Brazzaville), Congo (DRC), Zimbabwe, Uganda, and even Egypt.
The ABMC Story Goes On, 1960–Present
Authors: Conner Thomas H.
Published: January 2019

This chapter looks at the work the ABMC has been doing since World War II ended. The chairmanships of Generals Jacob Devers and Mark Clark are explored in some detail. Maintenance of the memorials is a mission of remembrance that the ABMC is strongly upholding. Some additional sites have been created since 1960, and “interpretive centers” continue to be added to the World War I and II memorials. Presidential visits to some of the cemeteries since the Carter years have expanded public awareness of these places of memory. The commission directed the construction of the WWII Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., that was dedicated in 2004. This chapter concludes with an assessment of the enduring importance of the work of the ABMC. The WWI veterans have all passed away, and WWII veterans are becoming fewer. The ABMC’s efforts to maintain the beautiful memorials, monuments, and cemeteries keep the many stories, examples learned, and sacrifices continually fresh in the public mind.
Začetna obravnava bolnice z uroginekološkimi težavami
Authors: Serdinšek Tamara , But Igor
Published: January 2019

Uroginekologija se ukvarja z diagnosticiranjem in zdravljenjem motenj v funkciji medeničnega dna. Gre za pogost pojav, s katerim se srečuje vsaj polovica vseh žensk. Simptomi, ki kažejo na disfunkcijo medeničnega dna, so številni. Najpogosteje pa se srečujemo s tistimi, ki jih povzročata urinska inkontinenca in zdrs medeničnih organov (ZMO).

Začetna obravnava bolnice z motnjami v funkciji medeničnega dna zajema uroginekološko anamnezo z analizo dnevnika uriniranja, analizo urina ter klinični pregled. Cilj usmerjene uroginekološke anamneze je opredelitev bolničinih glavnih simptomov, njihovega trajanja, značilnosti in vpliva na bolničino kakovost življenja. Nadalje bolnico povprašamo o jakosti teh simptomov, sprožilnih dejavnikih in njihovem začetku. Pomembno je opredeliti količino in vrsto tekočine, ki jo bolnica zaužije čez dan. Prav tako pridobimo celotno ginekološko anamnezo, podatke o spremljajočih boleznih, operacijah in možnih alergijah. Skupaj z anamnezo lahko analiziramo tudi dnevnik uriniranja, ki nam poda pomembne podatke glede frekvence, inkontinenčih epizod, uporabe vložkov, vnosa tekočin in stopnje urgence ter inkontinence v določenem obdobju.

Anamnezi sledi klinični pregled, ki je sestavljen iz splošnega statusa, pregleda trebuha in vaginalnega pregleda z oceno stopnje ZMO ter moči mišic medeničnega dna (MMD). Priporočamo, da se za oceno ZMO uporablja Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System (sistem POP-Q) in da se moč MMD ocenjuje z digitalno palpacijo, pri čemer se za opredelitev moči krčenja uporablja bodisi šeststopenjsko oxfordsko lestvico bodisi štiristopenjsko lestvico moči MMD. Zaradi visoke prevalence okužb sečil pri ženskah s simptomi v spodnjih sečilih sta nepogrešljiv del obravnave teh bolnic tudi analiza urina in urinokultura.
Marx’s Economy and Beyond
Authors: Harvey Mark , Geras Norman
Published: January 2019

This chapter presents the central argument of the book, jointly written by Mark Harvey and Norman Geras. It develops a systematic critique of Marx’s foundational theory of class division and inequality, the Labour Theory of Value. It presents an alternative, neo-Polanyian, framework for analysing inequalities and how they are generated at different times in different societies. It argues for a broader concept of just distribution to include both market and public goods.
The Long Road to Democratic Egalitarianism
Authors: Harvey Mark
Published: January 2019

Abstract and Keywords to be supplied.
Introduction
Authors: Hammersley Martyn
Published: January 2019

The history of ethnomethodology is outlined, along with the context in which it arose. Responses to it from conventional sociologists are noted. The character of ethnomethodology is sketched, and the question of whether or not it constitutes a methodology is addressed. Summaries of later chapters in the book are provided.
Medical people
Authors: King Steven
Published: January 2019

This chapter focuses on one aspect of spending, that on ‘medical people’. In particular it looks at doctors, nurses and so-called irregular healers on a spectrum from bonesetters, lay healers and to quacks. Three core findings stand out: that doctors came to occupy an increasingly distinctive and expensive place in medical welfare in most places by the 1820s; that there were distinct regional cultures of nursing, with Norfolk employing few of them and paying them badly while in Berkshire nursing was integral to parish responses when faced by sick claimants; and that irregular providers did not die out as doctors extended their reach.
Dying, being buried and leaving people behind
Authors: King Steven
Published: January 2019

This chapter focuses on the attitudes of parishes to those whose treatment failed and who thus spiralled into a last illness and death. It suggests that officials responded positively and even generously to last illnesses and that they erred on the side of caution when alerted to serious sickness. Where their efforts failed, the chapter explodes the myth that pauper funerals were miserable and punishing affairs. Rather they happened across a rich spectrum and were probably little different to those afforded to the independent labouring classes.
Making sense of diversity
Authors: King Steven
Published: January 2019

This chapter brings together the arguments which are core to the book. It argues that the sick poor became the totemic group of paupers in the last decades of the Old Poor Law and that medical welfare became the most insistent part of poor law spending. By 1834, the Old Poor Law was well on the way to becoming a proto medical service. This and the fact that the poor and officials expected the sick to negotiate their relief, has fundamental consequences for the stability and purpose of the post-1834 New Poor Law.
Convergent origin of the narrowly lanceolate leaf in the genus Aster—with special reference to an unexpected discovery of a new Aster species from East China
Authors: Zhang Guo-Jin , Hu Hai-Hua , Gao Tian-Gang , Gilbert Michael G. , Jin Xiao-Feng
Published: January 2019

Narrowly lanceolate leaves occur frequently in the genus Aster. It was often employed as a distinguishing character in the taxonomy of this genus. The origin of this particular leaf shape, however, has never been investigated using comparative methods. In this study, we reconstructed a comprehensive phylogeny that includes most species of Aster with narrowly lanceolate leaf. We then gathered data on riparian habitats and the presence or absence of narrowly lanceolate leaves, and investigated the evolutionary association between them in a phylogenetic context. Our analysis indicated that the species with narrowly lanceolate leaves are nested in unrelated lineages of the genus Aster, implying that they originated independently several times. Using Pagel’s comparative method of discrete data, we demonstrated a significant correlation between riparian habitats and narrowly lanceolate leaves. We further inferred the sequence of transition of the two characters. This analysis indicated that the sequence of evolution of riparian habitat and narrowly lanceolate leaf form was usually uncertain, but some positive results showed that the occurrence of riparian habitats may not precede the evolution of narrowly lanceolate leaf form. This study provided new insights into the adaptive evolution in a mega-diverse family. In addition, Aster tonglingensis, an unexpected new species with narrowly lanceolate leaves, was discovered and established based on the evidence from morphology, micromorphology and molecular phylogeny.
New material of the ‘microsaur’Llistrofusfrom the cave deposits of Richards Spur, Oklahoma and the paleoecology of the Hapsidopareiidae
Authors: Gee Bryan M. , Bevitt Joseph J. , Garbe Ulf , Reisz Robert R.
Published: January 2019

The Hapsidopareiidae is a group of “microsaurs” characterized by a substantial reduction of several elements in the cheek region that results in a prominent, enlarged temporal emargination. The clade comprises two markedly similar taxa from the early Permian of Oklahoma,Hapsidopareion leptonandLlistrofus pricei, which have been suggested to be synonymous by past workers.Llistrofuswas previously known solely from the holotype found near Richards Spur, which consists of a dorsoventrally compressed skull in which the internal structures are difficult to characterize. Here, we present data from two new specimens ofLlistrofus. This includes data collected through the use of neutron tomography, which revealed important new details of the palate and the neurocranium. Important questions within “Microsauria” related to the evolutionary transformations that likely occurred as part of the acquisition of the highly modified recumbirostran morphology for a fossorial ecology justify detailed reexamination of less well-studied taxa, such asLlistrofus. Although this study eliminates all but one of the previous features that differentiatedLlistrofusandHapsidopareion, the new data and redescription identify new features that justify the maintained separation of the two hapsidopareiids.Llistrofuspossesses some of the adaptations for a fossorial lifestyle that have been identified in recumbirostrans but with a lesser degree of modification (e.g., reduced neurocranial ossification and mandibular modification). Incorporating the new data forLlistrofusinto an existing phylogenetic matrix maintains the Hapsidopareiidae’s (Llistrofus+Hapsidopareion) position as the sister group to Recumbirostra. Given its phylogenetic position, we contextualizeLlistrofuswithin the broader “microsaur” framework. Specifically, we propose thatLlistrofusmay have been fossorial but was probably incapable of active burrowing in the fashion of recumbirostrans, which had more consolidated and reinforced skulls.Llistrofusmay represent an earlier stage in the step-wise acquisition of the derived recumbirostran morphology and paleoecology, furthering our understanding of the evolutionary history of “microsaurs.”
As HIPAA changes loom, patients demand continued confidentiality for SUD records
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2019

In last week's issue, we wrote about the plans by the federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to weaken the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), citing regulatory burdens and the need for information‐sharing (see ADAW, Jan. 21). The plans, detailed in a request for information (RFI) issued Dec. 12, throw a wrench into the plans by the “make 42 CFR Part 2 like HIPAA” movement, which would erase the federal confidentiality regulation protecting substance use disorder (SUD) treatment records by watering it down to HIPAA standards. Now, with even HIPAA seeming too burdensome, the need is even greater to protect the consent provision of 42 CFR Part 2 — which is basically all that's left after the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) allowed information‐sharing for the vague “health care operations” without consent last year (see ADAW, Jan. 8, 2018). Last week, H. Westley Clark, M.D., J.D., dean's executive professor at Santa Clara University and former director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, made this abundantly clear in his comments to ADAW.
Data on opioid marketing could fuel efforts to restrict drug companies
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: January 2019

As some states and localities respond to the opioid epidemic in part by debating restrictions on marketing by the drug companies seen as helping to create the crisis, newly published data linking marketing of opioids to overdose mortality rates offer some quantifiable evidence to bolster the argument for such controls.
High‐potency cannabis more than quadruples risk for use disorder
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2019

Higher‐potency cannabis increases the risk for the onset of the first cannabis use disorder (CUD) symptom, researchers have found. Therefore, guidelines for potency are critical for reducing negative health outcomes, they concluded, in their study published in the December issue of Drug and Alcohol Dependence.
NJ governor approves medical cannabis for OUD
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2019

Last week, Gov. Phil Murphy announced that New Jersey would remove prior authorization for Medicaid for medication‐assisted treatment (MAT) and would approve opioid use disorder as an eligible indication for medical marijuana. The moves, among several announced Jan. 23 in the state's efforts to combat the opioid epidemic, would increase access to treatment. Last year, more than 3,000 individuals in the state died from overdoses. “The opioid epidemic continues to devastate families and communities across our state,” said Gov. Murphy. “As we combat this crisis, it is critical that we use data‐driven, evidence‐based strategies to support individuals suffering from addiction and help them get on the path to recovery.”
Aetna fined for parity violations in Pennsylvania
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: January 2019

This month, Aetna was fined $190,000 for not complying with the federal Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Specifically, the health insurer did not cover substance use disorder (SUD) and autism spectrum disorder as it was required to, according to a review by the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance. Aetna used “confusing policy language which could have led consumers to inaccurately believe they did not have coverage for certain substance use disorder services,” according to the insurance department. “While the department reviewed many priority areas through this examination, a significant focus was on the company's compliance with laws requiring parity of coverage for substance use disorders and mental health, which must be offered at the same level of benefits as medical or surgical treatment,” Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman said in a statement. She added, “Violations included incorrect application of copays, coinsurance and visit limits, as well as violations involving prior authorization for treatment and step therapy.”
Selectively Potentiating Hypoxia Levels by Combretastatin A4 Nanomedicine: Toward Highly Enhanced Hypoxia‐Activated Prodrug Tirapazamine Therapy for Metastatic Tumors
Authors: Yang Shengcai , Tang Zhaohui , Hu Chenyang , Zhang Dawei , Shen Na , Yu Haiyang , Chen Xuesi
Published: January 2019

Hypoxia‐activated prodrugs (HAPs) have the potential to selectively kill hypoxic cells and convert tumor hypoxia from a problem to a selective treatment advantage. However, HAPs are unsuccessful in most clinical trials owing to inadequate hypoxia within the treated tumors, as implied by a further substudy of a phase II clinical trial. Here, a novel strategy for the combination of HAPs plus vascular disrupting agent (VDA) nanomedicine for efficacious solid tumor therapy is developed. An effective VDA nanomedicine of poly(l‐glutamic acid)‐graft‐methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)/combretastatin A4 (CA4‐NPs) is prepared and can selectively enhance tumor hypoxia and boost a typical HAP tirapazamine (TPZ) therapy against metastatic 4T1 breast tumors. After treatment with the combination of TPZ plus CA4‐NPs, complete tumor reduction is observed in 4T1 xenograft mice (initial tumor volume is 180 mm3), and significant tumor shrinkage and antimetastatic effects are observed in challenging large tumors with initial volume of 500 mm3. The report here highlights the potential of using a combination of HAPs plus VDA nanomedicine in solid tumor therapy.
A Highly Efficient Tumor‐Targeting Nanoprobe with a Novel Cell Membrane Permeability Mechanism
Authors: Lei Zhendong , Ding Lin , Yao Chenjie , Mo Fengfeng , Li Chenchen , Huang Yanan , Yin Xuelian , Li Min , Liu Jinliang , Zhang Yong , Ling Changquan , Wang Yanli
Published: January 2019

Efficient tumor targeting has been a great challenge in the clinic for a very long time. The traditional targeting methods based on enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects show only an ≈5% targeting rate. To solve this problem, a new graphene‐based tumor cell nuclear targeting fluorescent nanoprobe (GTTN), with a new tumor‐targeting mechanism, is developed. GTTN is a graphene‐like single‐crystalline structure amphiphilic fluorescent probe with a periphery that is functionalized by sulfonic and hydroxyl groups. This probe has the characteristic of specific tumor cell targeting, as it can directly cross the cell membrane and specifically target to the tumor cell nucleus by the changed permeability of the tumor cell membranes in the tumor tissue. This new targeting mechanism is named the cell membrane permeability targeting (CMPT) mechanism, which is very different from the EPR effect. These probes can recognize tumor tissue at a very early stage and track the invasion and metastasis of tumor cells at the single cell level. The tumor‐targeting rate is improved from less than 5% to more than 50%. This achievement in efficient and accurate tumor cell targeting will speed up the arrival of a new era of tumor diagnosis and treatment.
Mastering Surface Reconstruction of Metastable Spinel Oxides for Better Water Oxidation
Authors: Duan Yan , Sun Shengnan , Sun Yuanmiao , Xi Shibo , Chi Xiao , Zhang Qinghua , Ren Xiao , Wang Jingxian , Ong Samuel Jun Hoong , Du Yonghua , Gu Lin , Grimaud Alexis , Xu Zhichuan J.
Published: January 2019

Developing highly active electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is critical for the effectiveness of water splitting. Low‐cost spinel oxides have attracted increasing interest as alternatives to noble metal–based OER catalysts. A rational design of spinel catalysts can be guided by studying the structural/elemental properties that determine the reaction mechanism and activity. Here, using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, it is found that the relative position of O p‐band and MOh (Co and Ni in octahedron) d‐band center in ZnCo2−xNixO4 (x = 0–2) correlates with its stability as well as the possibility for lattice oxygen to participate in OER. Therefore, it is testified by synthesizing ZnCo2−xNixO4 spinel oxides, investigating their OER performance and surface evolution. Stable ZnCo2−xNixO4 (x = 0–0.4) follows adsorbate evolving mechanism under OER conditions. Lattice oxygen participates in the OER of metastable ZnCo2−xNixO4 (x = 0.6, 0.8) which gives rise to continuously formed oxyhydroxide as surface‐active species and consequently enhances activity. ZnCo1.2Ni0.8O4 exhibits performance superior to the benchmarked IrO2. This work illuminates the design of highly active metastable spinel electrocatalysts through the prediction of the reaction mechanism and OER activity by determining the relative positions of the O p‐band and the MOh d‐band center.
Rhodium(III)‐catalyzed Intermolecular Unactivated Secondary C(sp3)−H Bond Amidation Directed by 3,5‐dimethylpyrazole
Authors: Wang Yanwei , Liu Hongxin , Li Bin , Wang Baiquan
Published: January 2019

A Rh(III)‐catalyzed intermolecular unactivated secondary C(sp3)−H bond amidation via nitrene insertion directed by 3,5‐dimethylpyrazole is reported. This procedure tolerates a broad substrate scope including chain and cyclic N‐alklyamides. Notably, the directing group 3,5‐dimethylpyrazole of chain N‐alkylamide substrates could be easily removed via cascade intermolecular amidation and intramolecular cyclization in one‐pot affording the sulfonylureas by increasing the reaction temperature.

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Direct C(sp2)−H Amination to Synthesize Primary 3‐aminoquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones under Simple and Mild Conditions
Authors: Yang Qiming , Yang Zibing , Tan Yushi , Zhao Jiquan , Sun Qian , Zhang Hong‐Yu , Zhang Yuecheng
Published: January 2019

A convenient C−H amination of quinoxalin‐2‐ones has been developed. This transformation provides concise access to 3‐aminoquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones with a broad tolerance of functional groups, utilizing TMSN3 as an amino source under simple and mild conditions. The target 3‐aminoquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones are important intermediates for the synthesis of biologically active 3‐N‐substituted quinoxalin‐2‐one derivatives.

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Unraveling the Factors Behind the Efficiency of Hydrogen Evolution in Endohedrally Doped C60 Structures via Ab Initio Calculations and Insights from Machine Learning Models
Authors: Tahini Hassan A. , Tan Xin , Smith Sean C.
Published: January 2019

Understanding the origins of catalytic activity (or inactivity) in nanostructures allows for the rational design of cheap and durable catalysts. Here, consistent and comprehensive ab initio screening of endohedrally doped fullerenes as potential catalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions is performed. By examining variations in the electronic structure of the carbon atoms in the presence of the dopant, and by relying on machine learning algorithms, the origin of enhanced activity in fullerenes can be underpinned. The effect is attributed to the formation of free radicals by weakening the C─C double bonds. A number of electronic descriptors are discussed which can be fed into machine learning models to efficiently and reliably predict catalytic activities. This allows for a generalization of trends and a predictive ability that could be applied to other fullerene structures.
CARs of the future
Authors: Daniyan Anthony F. , Brentjens Renier J.
Published: January 2019

CAR T cells have revolutionized the treatment of relapsed and refractory CD19‐positive leukemia and lymphoma. Unfortunately, the majority of patients treated will not achieve durable remissions. Reasons for these suboptimal clinical outcomes can be tied back to intrinsic CAR T cell design and manufacturing processes, factors that are highly amenable to modification and improvement. As CAR T cell therapy is being deployed in spaces outside of CD19‐positive disease, these limitations, complications, and setbacks need to be overcome, allowing for the full potential of this novel therapy to be realized. Preclinical work has begun tackling these major roadblocks, paving the way for potentially off‐the‐shelf products that are safer and more potent. In time, a number of these advances will be translated to the clinic and usher in an era of CARs of the future.
Minimal residual disease status determined by multiparametric flow cytometry pretransplantation predicts the outcome of patients with ALL receiving unmanipulated haploidentical allografts
Authors: Zhao Xiao‐Su , Liu Yan‐Rong , Xu Lan‐Ping , Wang Yu , Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Chen Huan , Chen Yu‐Hong , Han Wei , Sun Yu‐Qian , Yan Chen‐Hua , Mo Xiao‐Dong , Wang Ya‐Zhe , Fan Qiao‐Zhen , Wang Xin‐Yu , Liu Kai‐Yan , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Chang Ying‐Jun
Published: January 2019

This study evaluated the effects of pretransplantation minimal residual disease (pre‐MRD) on outcomes of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who underwent unmanipulated haploidentical stem cell transplantation (haplo‐SCT). A retrospective study including 543 patients with ALL was performed. MRD was determined using multiparametric flow cytometry. Both in the entire cohort of patients and in subgroup cases with T‐ALL or B‐ALL, patients with positive pre‐MRD had a higher incidence of relapse (CIR) than those with negative pre‐MRD in MSDT settings (P < 0.01 for all). Landmark analysis at 6 months showed that MRD positivity was significantly and independently associated with inferior rates of relapse (HR, 1.908; P = 0.007), leukemia‐free survival (LFS) (HR, 1.559; P = 0.038), and OS (HR, 1.545; P = 0.049). The levels of pre‐MRD according to a logarithmic scale were also associated with leukemia relapse, LFS, and OS, except that cases with MRD <0.01% experienced comparable CIR and LFS to those with negative pre‐MRD. A risk score for CIR was developed using the variables pre‐MRD, disease status, and immunophenotype of ALL. The CIR was 14%, 26%, and 59% for subjects with scores of 0, 1, and 2‐3, respectively (P < 0.001). Three‐year LFS was 75%, 64%, and 42%, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed the association of the risk score with CIR and LFS. The results indicate that positive pre‐MRD, except for low level one (MRD < 0.01%), is associated with poor outcomes in patients with ALL who underwent unmanipulated haplo‐SCT.
Variations in exposure to carcinogens among shift workers and non‐shift workers
Authors: El‐Zaemey Sonia , Carey Renee N.
Published: January 2019

Background

There is limited information on whether the prevalence of exposure to workplace carcinogens varies among shift workers and non‐shift workers.

Methods

This analysis used data from the Australian Work Exposures Study‐Cancer, a telephone survey which examined exposure to carcinogens in the workplace. Workers were classified as shift workers if they indicated that their usual roster ever included work between the hours of midnight and 5 am. Modified Poisson regression was used to estimate the adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence internals (CIs).

Results

Among the 5425 workers, 6.88% reported being exposed to shift work. Overall, shift workers were more likely to be exposed to any carcinogen (aPR = 1.16; 95% 1.06‐1.26) and to specific carcinogens such as asbestos (aPR = 1.93; 95% 1.33‐2.83) than non‐shift workers.

Conclusions

Our study shows that there are differences in exposure to carcinogenic agents among shift and non‐shift workers, and so there is a need for prevention programs in order to reduce these discrepancies.
Variational Inference for Stochastic Differential Equations
Authors: Opper Manfred
Published: January 2019

The statistical inference of the state variable and the drift function of stochastic differential equations (SDE) from sparsely sampled observations are discussed herein. A variational approach is used to approximate the distribution over the unknown path of the SDE conditioned on the observations. This approach also provides approximations for the intractable likelihood of the drift. The method is combined with a nonparametric Bayesian approach which is based on a Gaussian process prior over drift functions.
Frequency‐shifting‐based algebraic approach to stable on‐line parameter identification and state estimation of multirotor UAV
Authors: Kasac Josip , Kotarski Denis , Piljek Petar
Published: January 2019

In this paper, a frequency‐shifting‐based (FSB) algebraic approach to stable on‐line parameter identification and state estimation is proposed. The proposed simultaneous parameter identification and state estimation algebraic approach are applied to multirotor adaptive‐like tracking control assuming that only position measurement is available. The proposed algebraic approach provides very fast convergence towards true values of system parameters and states, without transients that depend on initial conditions and without peaking phenomenon which is characteristics of high‐gain observers. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm is illustrated by a simulation example.
Statistical analysis of Algol‐type eclipsing binaries with stable mass transfer
Authors: Negu S. H. , Tessema S. B.
Published: January 2019

In this study, we have investigated the stellar parameters of Algol‐type eclipsing binaries in the range of primary and secondary masses between 0.2 and 8 M⊙, which were obtained from the catalog of approximate photometric and absolute elements of eclipsing variable stars. We examined those parameters for classical Algols and hot semidetached binaries. We have made a statistical analysis of Algol‐type eclipsing binaries' stellar parameters and constructed the mass–luminosity and mass–radius relations for the primary and secondary components of classical Algols and hot semidetached binaries.
Oral probiotic administration during pregnancy prevents autism‐related behaviors in offspring induced by maternal immune activation via anti‐inflammation in mice
Authors: Wang Xiao , Yang Junhua , Zhang Hongyang , Yu Jing , Yao Zhibin
Published: January 2019

Maternal immune activation (MIA) is associated with an increased risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in offspring. Animal experiments have found that interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and IL‐17a are key cytokines in the induction of ASD by MIA. Moreover, probiotics were verified to inhibit the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Therefore, we investigated whether the administration of oral probiotics during pregnancy might protect the offspring that have suffered MIA from developing ASD. Probiotics were orally administered to pregnant mice with/without the simultaneous administration of Poly(I:C). We found that oral probiotics prevented the ASD‐like behaviors induced by MIA in offspring. Furthermore, oral probiotics prevented the MIA‐induced increases in the IL‐6 and IL‐17a levels in both maternal serum and fetal brains, parvalbumin positive (PV+) neuron loss, and the decrease in the γ‐aminobutyric acid levels in the prefrontal cortex of adult offspring. This work suggests that administering oral probiotics during pregnancy may help decrease the risk of ASD following MIA during pregnancy. Autism Res 2019, 12: 576–588. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and IL‐17a are key cytokines in the maternal immune activation (MIA)‐induced autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Based on emerging evidence that probiotics can inhibit the production of proinflammatory cytokines, we found that oral probiotics prevented MIA‐induced ASD‐like behaviors in offspring. This work suggested that oral probiotics during pregnancy may be an effective means for decreasing the incidence of ASD in offspring.
An undergraduate laboratory on RNA sequencing analysis of bacterial gene expression
Authors: Militello Kevin T. , Reinhardt Josephine A.
Published: January 2019

Next generation sequencing has revolutionized molecular biology and has provided a mechanism for rapid DNA and RNA sequence analysis. Yet, there are few resources to introduce next generation sequencing into the undergraduate biochemistry and molecular biology curriculum. Herein, we describe the design, execution, and assessment of a four‐week laboratory for junior and senior undergraduate students that focuses on bacterial gene expression changes detected by RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq). In the laboratory, students analyze a bacterial RNA‐seq dataset in detail and answer questions relating to the impact of DNA methylation on bacterial gene expression. In addition, students confirm key results from the RNA‐seq dataset using qRT‐PCR and compare their results to similar experiments in the literature. A major strength of the laboratory is the ability of students to analyze raw RNA‐seq data. In addition, another strength of the laboratory is the utilization of both dry approaches (informatics and statistics) and wet approaches (RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, and qRT‐PCR) to answer bacterial gene expression questions. Assessment of the laboratory indicates that significant learning gains were achieved with respect to next generation sequencing and RNA‐seq. We expect that the laboratory will be a valuable resource as is, or via modification with other datasets and projects. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(2): 161–167, 2019.
It Is Time for a New Direction in Biotechnology Education Research
Authors: Nordqvist Ola , Aronsson Henrik
Published: January 2019

This manuscript presents a scoping review of Biotechnology Education Research (BTER) over the last 20 years. BTER during this period primarily focused on attitudes and knowledge, typically using research design methods suitable for addressing questions about frequencies, central tendencies, correlations, and so on. However, to guide the development of educational practices that will increase and sustain students' motivation and interest in science in general and biotechnology in particular, BTER will need to adopt research design methods that support the inference of causal relationships from observations. Research will need to focus on students' interest and motivation, and its relationship with effective teaching and learning of biotechnology in the context of socio‐scientific issues (SSIs). Such a shift will increase interest and motivation in teaching and learning biotechnology and will also help establish and maintain students' interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) because biotechnology is an important STEM subject. This in turn may encourage students to choose educational and professional careers in science, helping to meet society's current and future needs. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(2): 189–200, 2019.
Understand ‘legitimate educational interest’ under FERPA
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: January 2019

There are only three sections of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regulations where the term legitimate educational interest is found. The first is 34 CFR §99.31(a)(2) — the school official/legitimate educational interest section. That section permits school officials to disclose a student's education records, without the student's written consent, to another school official if a legitimate educational interest exists. This is the most commonly used exception to disclose without the student's written consent. How could we, as school officials, get all of our work done if we had to get written consent before we disclosed, or discussed, any education records with other school officials?
Prevent legal, PR damage triggered by public comments
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: January 2019

It's been a common occurrence for a very long time — the confrontations that too frequently occur at the end of a hotly contested athletics competition. One or more fans taunt a player, coach, staff member, or administrator, which often incites an emotional response in the heat of the moment. Frustration, disappointment, and anger about the outcome of the competition and the nature of the insult inevitably fuel an acidic and pointed retort.
Was university's sexual harassment policy biased against males?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: January 2019

The plaintiff, a Drexel University student, reported to a university staff member that he had been sexually assaulted by female student J.K. in August 2015, and that she also stalked and abused him to keep quiet about the assault.
Promising Techniques for Depolymerization of Lignin into Value‐added Chemicals
Authors: Ren Tianyu , Qi Wei , Su Rongxin , He Zhimin
Published: January 2019

The front cover artwork for issue 2/2019 is provided by the research groups of Wei Qi at Tianjin University (China). The image shows five different chemicals coming out of a tree or, in other words, from sustainable plant resources. See the Full Paper itself at https://doi.org/10.1002/cctc.201801428.
Rectangular Tunnel‐Structured Na0.4MnO2 as a Promising Cathode Material Withstanding a High Cutoff Voltage for Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yue , Liu Zhixiao , Deng Huiqiu , Xie Jianjun , Xia Jing , Nie Su , Liu Wen , Liu Li , Wang Xianyou
Published: January 2019

The structural characteristics and electrochemical properties of Na0.4MnO2 (Na2Mn5O10) as a cathode material in sodium‐ion batteries are systematically investigated. Na0.4MnO2 possesses a unique (2×3) rectangular tunnel structure and the barrier for Na diffusion along the rectangular channel is only 18 meV, based on density functional theory calculations. Na0.4MnO2 nanorods show good rate capability and cycle performance with coulombic efficiencies near 100 % in the voltage range of 2.0–4.0 V as well as 2.0–4.5 V. It delivers an initial discharge capacity of 83.7 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and maintains 84.7 % after 50 cycles and 74.5 % after 100 cycles with a voltage range of 2.0–4.0 V. It is interesting that the Na0.4MnO2 nanorod cathode shows a much better electrochemical performance when adjusting the high cutoff voltage to 4.5 V. The discharge capacity of 98.3 mAh g−1 can be obtained after 50 cycles with a capacity retention as high as 89.1 % at 0.1 C and a capacity retention of 86.6 % can be maintained after 100 cycles in a voltage range of 2.0–4.5 V. Even at 4  C, a high discharge capacity of 79.3 mAh g−1 can be obtained. These data strongly suggest that Na0.4MnO2 with a (2×3) rectangular tunnel structure is a promising cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries.
On the Possibility of Using the Jellium Model as a Guide To Design Bimetallic Superalkali Cations
Authors: Sun Wei‐Ming , Zhang Xiao‐Ling , Pan Kai‐Yun , Chen Jing‐Hua , Wu Di , Li Chun‐Yan , Li Ying , Li Zhi‐Ru
Published: January 2019

The potential application of the jellium model as guidance in the rational design of bimetallic superalkali cations is examined under gradient‐corrected density functional theory for the first time. By using Li, Mg, and Al as atomic building blocks, a series of bimetallic cationic clusters with 2, 8, 20, and 40 valence electrons are obtained and investigated. As the corresponding neutral clusters tend to lose one valence electron to achieve closed‐shell states in the jellium model, these studied cations exhibit much lower vertical electron affinities (EAvert, 3.42–4.95 eV) than the ionization energies (IEs) of alkali metal atoms, indicating their superalkali identities. The high stability of these cationic clusters is guaranteed by their considerable HOMO–LUMO gaps and binding energies per atom. Moreover, the feasibility of using the designed superalkalis as efficient reductants to activate CO2 and N2 molecules and as stable building blocks to assemble ionic superatom compounds is explored. Therefore, this study may provide an effective method for obtaining various metallic superatoms with extensive applications on the basis of the simple jellium rule.
Host–Guest Complexation Using Pillar[5]arene Crystals: Crystal‐Structure Dependent Uptake, Release, and Molecular Dynamics of an Alkane Guest
Authors: Ogoshi Tomoki , Hamada Yukie , Sueto Ryuta , Sakata Yoko , Akine Shigehisa , Moeljadi Adhitya Mangala Putra , Hirao Hajime , Kakuta Takahiro , Yamagishi Tada‐aki , Mizuno Motohiro
Published: January 2019

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Tomoki Ogoshi at Kanazawa University. The image depicts the crystal‐state host–guest complexation, with guest molecules encapsulated in crystals. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201805733.
Microwave‐Assisted Modification of Nanoalumina with Vitamin B3 as an Eco‐Friendly Nanosorbent for Trace Metals
Authors: Mahmoud Mohamed E. , Rashad Amal R. , Ragab Shymaa H. , Abdel‐Fattah Tarek M.
Published: January 2019

Vitamin B3 (nicotinic acid, NA) is selected as an example of a promising environmental eco‐friendly metal sequestering reagent to functionalize the surface of nanoalumina‐loaded sodium dodecyl sulfate (nano‐Al2O3‐SDS) sorbent. This reaction is accomplished via microwave‐assisted heating using a solvent‐free approach for the formation of a novel nano‐Al2O3‐SDS‐NA sorbent. The functionalized nanomaterials are characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. A comparative study is performed to explore and evaluate the sorption behaviors of nano‐Al2O3, nano‐Al2O3‐SDS, and nano‐Al2O3‐SDS‐NA sorbents for removal of Cu(II), Zn(II), and Pb(II) from aqueous solutions by the batch adsorption technique. The desired selectivity characteristics in the evaluated nanosorbents are confirmed from the determined maximum metal sorption capacity values of Cu(ΙΙ), Zn(II), and Pb(II) as 5700, 900, and 700 µmol g−1 by nano‐Al2O3‐SDS‐NA sorbent, respectively, using a 5 mg dosage. The optimum contact pH, time, initial metal ion concentration and competing species are also investigated. The Langmuir, Brunauer‐Emmet‐Teller and Dubinin–Radushkevich adsorption isotherm models are applied to evaluate the interaction processes of Cu(II), Zn(II), and Pb(II) by nano‐Al2O3, nano‐Al2O3‐SDS, and nano‐Al2O3‐SDS‐NA sorbents. The potential applications of these nanosorbents for adsorptive removal of metal cations from real samples are successfully optimized via a micro‐column technique.
Enhanced Oxidation Stability of Transparent Copper Films Using a Hybrid Organic‐Inorganic Nucleation Layer
Authors: Bellchambers Philip , Walker Marc , Huband Steven , Dirvanauskas Aivaras , Hatton Ross A.
Published: January 2019

A novel seed layer for the formation of slab‐like transparent copper films on glass and plastic substrates is reported, based on a mixed molecular monolayer and an ultra‐thin (0.8 nm) aluminium layer both deposited from the vapour phase, which substantially outperforms the best nucleation layer for optically thin copper films reported to date. Using this hybrid layer, the metal percolation threshold is reduced to <4 nm nominal thickness and the long‐term stability of sub‐10 nm films towards oxidation in air is comparable to that of silver films of the same thickness fabricated using the best reported seed layer for optically thin silver films to date. The underlying reason for the remarkable effectiveness of this hybrid nucleation is elucidated using a combination of photoelectron spectroscopy, small angle X‐ray studies, atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.
Synthesis of Open‐Cage [60]Fullerenes with Five Carbonyl Groups on the Rim of the 15‐Membered Orifice
Authors: Xu Dan , Yang Dazhi , Su Jie , Gan Liangbing
Published: January 2019

A new type of open‐cage [60]fullerene was prepared starting from our previously reported open‐cage [60]fullerenes containing hydroxy and tert‐butylperoxo groups, and an iminofuranone moiety on the rim of the orifice. The key reactions are alcoholysis with MeOH/PCl5 and reductive aromatization with SnCl2 or HI (aq). The resulting open‐cage compound contains two ketone carbonyls, two amide carbonyls, and one ester carbonyl group. The X‐ray crystal structure of the precursor compound shows that the 18‐membered orifice is almost completely blocked because of the presence of the amide group directly above the orifice.
Structure–activity study of fluorine or chlorine‐substituted cinnamic acid derivatives with tertiary amine side chain in acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition
Authors: Gao Xiao‐Hui , Tang Jing‐Jing , Liu Hao‐Ran , Liu Lin‐Bo , Liu Ying‐Zi
Published: January 2019

In this study, a series of new fluorine or chlorine‐substituted cinnamic acid derivatives that contain tertiary amine side chain were designed, synthesized, and evaluated in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibition. The results show that almost all the derivatives containing tertiary amine side chain (compounds 4a–9d) exhibit moderate or potent activity in AChE inhibition. By contrast, their parent compounds (compounds 3a–3f) in the absence of tertiary amine moitery exhibit poor inhibitory activity against AChE. For the compounds containing pyrroline or piperidine side chain, the bioactivity in AChE inhibition is much intense than those containing N,N‐diethylamino side chain. The chlorine or fluorine substituted position produces a significant effect on the bioactivity and selectivity in AChE inhibition. Most of the compounds that contain para‐substituted fluorine or chlorine exhibit potent activity against AChE and poor activity against BChE, while ortho‐substituted analogs show the opposite effect. It is worth noticing that the compounds containing N,N‐diethylamino side chain are exceptions to this pattern. Among the newly synthesized compounds, compounds 6d are the most potent in AChE inhibition (IC50 = 1.11 ± 0.08 μmol/L) with high selectivity for AChE over BChE (selectivity ratio: 46.58). An enzyme kinetic study of compounds 6d suggests it produces a mixed‐type inhibitory effect in AChE.
Soil microbial restoration strategies for promoting climate‐ready prairie ecosystems
Authors: Docherty Kathryn M. , Gutknecht Jessica L. M.
Published: January 2019

Tractable practices for soil microbial restoration in tallgrass prairies reclaimed from agriculture are a critical gap in traditional ecological restoration. Long‐term fertilization and tilling permanently alter soil bacterial and fungal communities, requiring microbe‐targeted restoration methods to improve belowground ecosystem services and carbon storage in newly restored prairies. These techniques are particularly important when restoring for climate‐ready ecosystems, adapted to altered temperature regimes. To approach these issues, we conducted a multi‐factorial greenhouse experiment to test the effects of plant species richness, soil amendment and elevated temperature on soil microbial diversity, growth, and function. Treatments consisted of three seedlings of one plant species (Andropogon gerardii) or one seedling each of three plant species (A. gerardii, Echinacea pallida, Coreopsis lanceolata). Soil amendments included cellulose addition, inoculation with a microbial community collected from an undisturbed remnant prairie, and a control. We assessed microbial communities using extracellular enzyme assays, Illumina sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene, predicted bacterial metabolic pathways from sequence data and phospholipid fatty acid analysis (PLFA), which includes both bacterial and fungal lipid abundances. Our results indicate that addition of cellulose selects for slow‐growing bacterial taxa (Verrucomicrobia) and fungi at ambient temperature. However, at elevated temperature, selection for slow‐growing bacterial taxa is enhanced, while selection for fungi is lost, indicating temperature sensitivity among fungi. Cellulose addition was a more effective means of altering soil community composition than addition of microbial communities harvested from a remnant prairie. Soil water content was typically higher in the A. gerardii treatment alone, regardless of temperature, but at ambient temperature only, predicted metagenomics pathways for bacterial carbon metabolism were more abundant with A. gerardii. In summary, these results from a mesocosm test case indicate that adding cellulose to newly restored soil and increasing the abundance of C4 grasses, such as A. gerardii, can select for microbial communities adapted for slow growth and carbon storage. Further testing is required to determine if these approaches yield the same results in a field‐level experiment.