bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnic Disparities in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Incidence and Prevalence Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients in the United States: a Systematic Review
Authors: Daniel Christina M. , Davila Lesley , Makris Una E. , Mayo Helen , Caplan Liron , Davis Lisa , Solow E. Blair
Published: September 2020

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). General population cohorts have shown African American individuals to have greater and Hispanic Americans to have lower cardiovascular disease prevalence when compared with non‐Hispanic white individuals; however, the reasons for these findings are not clear. This systematic review seeks to describe the incidence and prevalence of ASCVD stratified by race/ethnicity within the US RA population.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies that reported incidence or prevalence of ASCVD (including, but not limited to, fatal and nonfatal stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death) in those with RA. Abstracts and full texts were screened separately for inclusion by two reviewers, with a third reviewer to resolve discrepancies.

Results

We screened 2625 abstracts and fully reviewed 138 manuscripts. Twenty‐one were included that cited at a minimum the percentage of non‐Hispanic whites in their population. No publication meeting entry criteria initially stratified ASCVD by race/ethnicity. The average prevalent ASCVD in RA is 46.9% (95% CI: 46.8–47) (range of prevalent ASCVD: 30%‐47%). The average incident ASCVD is 8.2% (95% CI: 8.14–8.25) (range of incident ASCVD 1%–46%).

Conclusion

In this systematic review, we found a paucity of data on racially/ethnically diverse RA patients and ASCVD outcomes. Future studies should report the prevalence of ASCVD in various races/ethnicities with RA in the United States. These data would help inform clinicians on how best to manage cardiovascular disease risk in RA.
Manipulating the Electrical Properties of Sb2(S,Se)3 Film for High‐Efficiency Solar Cell
Authors: Wang Xiaomin , Tang Rongfeng , Jiang Chenhui , Lian Weitao , Ju Huanxin , Jiang Guoshun , Li Zhiqiang , Zhu Changfei , Chen Tao
Published: September 2020

Sb2(S,Se)3 is identified as a promising light‐harvesting material due to its excellent light‐harvesting capability, abundant elemental storage, and excellent stability. Here a hydrothermal method is demonstrated for the direct deposition of Sb2(S,Se)3 film, in which it is found that ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a strong coordination additive is able to control the nucleation and deposition process for obtaining high‐quality Sb2(S,Se)3 films. With that, a milestone performance of 10.5% efficiency is achieved. This efficiency achievement indicates the great potential of Sb2(S,Se)3 as an alternative next‐generation solar cell material.
The Italian market of sparkling wines: Latent variable models for brand positioning, customer loyalty, and transitions across brands' preferences
Authors: Bassi Francesca , Pennoni Fulvia , Rossetto Luca
Published: September 2020

The Italian market of sparkling wines has undergone a strong expansion driven by what can be defined as the “Prosecco phenomenon.” It has extended consumption reaching new and more complex segments with a wide offer of appellations, brands, and prices. We aim to evaluate the Italian market of sparkling wines to figure out the competitive associations among the major brands. We propose two different analyses to disentangle distinctive groups of brands. First, using the information on scanner purchases of sparkling wines recorded by a consumer panel over a 2‐year period, and appropriate specifications of the latent class model, we cluster homogeneous groups of winery brands for the product attributes they propose to the market. Then, we analyze consumers' brand preferences from a dynamic perspective by employing a hidden Markov model to identify segments of brands perceived as similar. These results shed light on loyalty behavior and its evolution over time in the market.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Decarbonylative Thioetherification of 2‐Pyridyl Thioesters
Authors: Wang Shih‐Fang , Li Chao‐En , Liu You‐Chen , Mallikarjuna Reddy Daggula , Sidick Basha R. , Park Jin Kyu , Lee Sunwoo , Lee Chin‐Fa
Published: September 2020

An efficient palladium‐catalyzed intramolecular decarbonylative thioetherification of 2‐pyridyl thioesters to furnish 2‐pyridyl aryl or alkyl thioethers is reported. Notably, PdCl2/PPh3 is found to be an effective catalytic system for decarbonylative thioetherification of 2‐pyridyl thioesters and is compatible under elevated temperature and strong basic conditions. This unique strategy is simple in operation and practice, uses a cheap metal‐ligand catalytic system, affords the products in high yields, and has high functional group tolerance. In addition, other heterocyclic thioesters such as fur‐2‐yl, thiophene‐2‐yl, quinolin‐2‐yl and isoquinolin‐1‐yl thioesters are also consistent under the optimized reaction conditions.
Divergent bitter and sweet taste perception intensity in chronic rhinosinusitis patients
Authors: Lin Cailu , Civantos Alyssa M. , Arnold Monique , Stevens Elizabeth M. , Cowart Beverly J. , Colquitt Lauren R. , Mansfield Corrine , Kennedy David W. , Brooks Steven G. , Workman Alan D. , Blasetti Mariel T. , Kohanski Michael A. , Doghramji Laurel , Douglas Jennifer E. , Maina Ivy W. , Palmer James N. , Adappa Nithin D. , Reed Danielle R. , Cohen Noam A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Bitter and sweet taste receptors are present in the human upper airway, where they have roles in innate immunity. Previous studies have shown that 1 of the 25 bitter receptors, TAS2R38, responds to specific bacterial signaling molecules and evokes 1 type of a defense response in the upper airway, whereas ligands of sweet receptors suppress other types of defense responses.

Methods

We examined whether other bitter taste receptors might also be involved in innate immunity by using sensory responses to bitter compounds that are not ligands of TAS2R38 (quinine and denatonium benzoate) to assess the sensitivity of other bitter receptors in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients. CRS patients with (n = 426) and without (n = 226) nasal polyps and controls (n = 356) rated the intensity of quinine, denatonium benzoate, phenylthiocarbamide (PTC; a ligand for TAS2R38), sucrose, and salt.

Results

CRS patients rated the bitter compounds denatonium benzoate and quinine as less intense and sucrose as more intense than did controls (false discovery rate [FDR] <0.05) and CRS patients and controls did not differ in their ratings of salt (FDR >0.05). PTC bitter taste intensity differed between patient and control groups but were less marked than those previously reported. Though differences were statistically significant, overall effect sizes were small.

Conclusion

CRS patients report bitter stimuli as less intense but sweet stimuli as more intense than do control subjects. We speculate that taste responses may reflect the competence of sinonasal innate immunity mediated by taste receptor function, and thus a taste test may have potential for clinical utility in CRS patients.
Sequential Solid‐State Transformations Involving Consecutive Rearrangements of Secondary Building Units in a Metal–Organic Framework (MOF)
Authors: Dai Fangna , Wang Xiaokang , Wang Yutong , Liu Zhanning , Sun Daofeng
Published: September 2020

Solid‐state transformations in metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are important and have led to the creation of new MOF structures. Solid‐state transformations from interpenetrated to non‐interpenetrated networks involving rearrangement of secondary building units (SBUs) in a single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SCSC) fashion have not been explored to date. Herein, we report the sequential, thermally stimulated solid‐state transformations in a barium‐organic framework (UPC‐600). The two‐fold interpenetrated framework of UPC‐600 is converted at 373 K into UPC‐601, a non‐interpenetrated framework. This proceeds in a SCSC fashion and involves the rearrangement of two proximate rod‐shaped SBUs in different nets to generate a new rod‐shaped SBU. At 473 K, a continuous solid‐state transformation involving a second rearrangement occurred, UPC‐601 converted into UPC‐602 by the rearrangement of the 1D rod‐shaped SBU to a 2D layer SBU. This is the first example of such a thermally driven stepwise transformation involving simultaneous cleavage and regeneration of multiple bonds.
Scalable, Durable, and Recyclable Metal‐Free Catalysts for Highly Efficient Conversion of CO2 to Cyclic Carbonates
Authors: Zhang Yao‐Yao , Yang Guan‐Wen , Xie Rui , Yang Li , Li Bo , Wu Guang‐Peng
Published: September 2020

A series of highly active organoboron catalysts for the coupling of CO2 and epoxides with the advantages of scalable preparation, thermostability, and recyclability is reported. The metal‐free catalysts show high reactivity towards a wide scope of cyclic carbonates (14 examples) and can withstand a high temperature up to 150 °C. Compared with the current metal‐free catalytic systems that use mol % catalyst loading, the catalytic capacity of the catalyst described herein can be enhanced by three orders of magnitude (epoxide/cat.=200 000/1, mole ratio) in the presence of a cocatalyst. This feature greatly narrows the gap between metal‐free catalysts and state‐of‐the‐art metallic systems. An intramolecular cooperative mechanism is proposed and certified on the basis of investigations on crystal structures, structure–performance relationships, kinetic studies, and key reaction intermediates.
Asymmetric Transformation Driven by Confinement and Self‐Release in Single‐Layered Porous Nanosheets
Authors: Sun Bo , Shen Bowen , Urushima Akio , Liu Xin , Feng Xiaopeng , Yashima Eiji , Lee Myongsoo
Published: September 2020

Reported here is the use of single‐layered, chiral porous sheets with induced pore chirality for repeatable asymmetric transformations and self‐separation without the need for chiral catalysts or chiral auxiliaries. The asymmetric induction is driven by chiral fixation of absorbed achiral substrates inside the chiral pores for transformation into enantiopure products with enantioselectivities of greater than 99 % ee. When the conversion is completed, the products are spontaneously separated out of the pores, enabling the porous sheets to perform repeated cycles of converting achiral substrates into chiral products for release without compromising pore performance. Confinement of achiral substrates into two‐dimensional chiral porous materials provides access to a highly efficient alternative to current asymmetric synthesis methodologies.
Morphological evidence for early dog domestication in the European Pleistocene: New evidence from a randomization approach to group differences
Authors: Galeta Patrik , Lázničková‐Galetová Martina , Sablin Mikhail , Germonpré Mietje
Published: September 2020

The antiquity of the wolf/dog domestication has been recently pushed back in time from the Late Upper Paleolithic (~14,000 years ago) to the Early Upper Paleolithic (EUP; ~36,000 years ago). Some authors questioned this early dog domestication claiming that the putative (EUP) Paleolithic dogs fall within the morphological range of recent wolves. In this study, we reanalyzed a data set of large canid skulls using unbalanced‐ and balanced‐randomized discriminant analyses to assess whether the putative Paleolithic dogs are morphologically unique or whether they represent a subsample of the wolf morpho‐population. We evaluated morphological differences between 96 specimens of the 4 a priori reference groups (8 putative Paleolithic dogs, 41 recent northern dogs, 7 Pleistocene wolves, and 40 recent northern wolves) using discriminant analysis based on 5 ln‐transformed raw and allometrically size‐adjusted cranial measurements. Putative Paleolithic dogs are classified with high accuracies (87.5 and 100.0%, cross‐validated) and randomization experiment suggests that these classification rates cannot be exclusively explained by the small and uneven sample sizes of reference groups. It indicates that putative Upper Paleolithic dogs may represent a discrete canid group with morphological signs of domestication (a relatively shorter skull and wider palate and braincase) that distinguish them from sympatric Pleistocene wolves. The present results add evidence to the view that these specimens could represent incipient Paleolithic dogs that were involved in daily activities of European Upper Paleolithic forager groups.
Participatory mapping and UAV photogrammetry as complementary techniques for landscape archaeology studies: an example from north‐western Argentina
Authors: Álvarez Larrain Alina , Greco Catriel , Tarragó Myriam
Published: September 2020

In this article we highlight the relevance of a combination of a participatory mapping approach and unmanned aerial vehicle photogrammetry as complementary techniques for landscape archaeology studies. We exemplify this approach with the discovery and mapping of the Cerro Quemado site, located in the Yocavil valley in north‐western Argentina. The site presents a local Inka architecture pattern corresponding to an administrative centre type settlement of the southern provinces of the empire and is placed closely to one of the main routes of the Inka road that runs through the bottom of the valley. The implications of this finding are substantive in terms of a more complete understanding of the expansion of the Inkas in this region. The finding of Cerro Quemado has been possible thanks to the local spatial knowledge registered by the implementation of a participatory mapping approach with students and teachers of a local high school. Its expedited registration and the preliminary map of the structures presented here was facilitated by drone technology and spatial photogrammetry that helped to define in a cost efficient and quick way its architectural pattern.
Phase coherence and phase jumps in the Schwabe cycle
Authors: Stefani Frank , Beer Jürg , Giesecke André , Gloaguen Timo , Seilmayer Martin , Stepanov Rodion , Weier Tom
Published: September 2020

Guided by the working hypothesis that the Schwabe cycle of solar activity is synchronized by the 11.07‐year alignment cycle of the tidally dominant planets Venus, Earth, and Jupiter, we reconsider the phase diagrams of sediment accumulation rates in Lake Holzmaar and of methanesulfonate data in the Greenland ice core Greenland Ice Sheet Project 2 (GISP2), which are available for the period 10000–9000 cal. BP. As some half‐cycle phase jumps appearing in the output signals are, very likely, artifacts of applying a biologically substantiated transfer function, the underlying solar input signal with a dominant 11.04‐year periodicity can be considered to be mainly phase‐coherent over the 1,000‐year period in the early Holocene. For more recent times, we show that the reintroduction of a hypothesized “lost cycle” at the beginning of the Dalton minimum would lead to a real phase jump. Similarly, by analyzing various series of 14C and 10Be data and comparing them with Schove's historical cycle maxima, we support the existence of another “lost cycle” around 1565, also connected with a real phase jump. Viewed synoptically, our results lend greater plausibility to the starting hypothesis of a tidally synchronized solar cycle, which at times can undergo phase jumps, although the competing explanation in terms of a nonlinear solar dynamo with increased coherence cannot be completely ruled out.
Deep Neural Network Reveals the World of Autism From a First‐Person Perspective
Authors: Ruan Mindi , Webster Paula J. , Li Xin , Wang Shuo
Published: September 2020

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show atypical attention to social stimuli and aberrant gaze when viewing images of the physical world. However, it is unknown how they perceive the world from a first‐person perspective. In this study, we used machine learning to classify photos taken in three different categories (people, indoors, and outdoors) as either having been taken by individuals with ASD or by peers without ASD. Our classifier effectively discriminated photos from all three categories, but was particularly successful at classifying photos of people with >80% accuracy. Importantly, visualization of our model revealed critical features that led to successful discrimination and showed that our model adopted a strategy similar to that of ASD experts. Furthermore, for the first time we showed that photos taken by individuals with ASD contained less salient objects, especially in the central visual field. Notably, our model outperformed classification of these photos by ASD experts. Together, we demonstrate an effective and novel method that is capable of discerning photos taken by individuals with ASD and revealing aberrant visual attention in ASD from a unique first‐person perspective. Our method may in turn provide an objective measure for evaluations of individuals with ASD.

Lay Summary

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) demonstrate atypical visual attention to social stimuli. However, it remains largely unclear how they perceive the world from a first‐person perspective. In this study, we employed a deep learning approach to analyze a unique dataset of photos taken by people with and without ASD. Our computer modeling was not only able to discern which photos were taken by individuals with ASD, outperforming ASD experts, but importantly, it revealed critical features that led to successful discrimination, revealing aspects of atypical visual attention in ASD from their first‐person perspective.
Prevalence and risk factors of mental distress in China during the outbreak of COVID‐19: A national cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Wu Mindan , Han Huanqin , Lin Tingkui , Chen Min , Wu Jun , Du Xufei , Su Guomei , Wu Dong , Chen Fagui , Zhang Qichuan , Zhou Hailin , Huang Dan , Wu Bin , Wu Jiayuan , Lai Tianwen
Published: September 2020

Objective

As a result of the pandemic of COVID‐19, the public have been experiencing psychological distress. However, the prevalence of psychological distress during the COVID‐19 pandemic remains unknown. Our objective was to evaluate the prevalence of psychological distress during COVID‐19 outbreak and their risk factors, especially their internal paths and causality.

Methods

A nationwide cross‐sectional survey of the prevalence of mental disorders was conducted. We used Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) to estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depression. The internal paths and the causality of the psychological health were analyzed using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach.

Results

A total of 24,789 respondents completed the survey. We found that the overall prevalence of anxiety, depression, combination of anxiety, and depression were 51.6% (95% CI: 51.0–52.2), 47.5% (95% CI: 46.9–48.1), and 24.5% (95% CI: 24.0–25.0), respectively. The risk of psychological disorders in men was higher than that in women. The status of psychological health was different across different age groups, education levels, occupations, and income levels. The SEM analysis revealed that inadequate material supplies, low income, low education, lack of knowledge or confidence of the epidemic, and lack of exercise are major risk factors for psychological distress.

Conclusions

The evidence from this survey poses serious challenges related to the high prevalence of psychological distress, but also offers strategies to deal with the mental health problems caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Epidemiology of Myasthenia Gravis in Sweden 2006–2016
Authors: Westerberg Elisabet , Punga Anna Rostedt
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Reported incidence and prevalence rates of Myasthenia Gravis (MG) vary widely and are assumed to have increased over the last few decades. We conducted a nationwide register‐based study on the current incidence and prevalence of MG and MG subgroups in Sweden.

Methods

Data were acquired from four Swedish Health Registers in order to identify patients with MG. Incidence and prevalence rates were calculated for the years 2006–2016, using population numbers provided by Statistics Sweden.

Results

In 2016, the incidence of MG in Sweden was 2.9 per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI: 2.5–3.2/100,000) and the crude prevalence was 36.1 per 100,000 inhabitants (95% CI: 34.9–37.3). There was a significant increase in Myasthenia Gravis prevalence from 2006 to 2016. Prevalence rates of all MG subgroups but thymoma‐associated MG increased over the same period of time.

Conclusions

The incidence and prevalence of Myasthenia Gravis have increased over time in Sweden, and the rates are high in comparison with other countries.
Local staging and treatment in extremity rhabdomyosarcoma. A report from the EpSSG‐RMS2005 study
Authors: Terwisscha van Scheltinga Sheila E. J. , Wijnen Marc H. W. A. , Martelli Hélène , Rogers Timothy , Mandeville Henry , Gaze Mark N. , McHugh Keiran , Corradini Nadege , Orbach Daniel , Jenney Meriel , Kelsey Anna , Chisholm Julia , Gallego Soledad , Glosli Heidi , Ferrari Andrea , Zanetti Ilaria , De Salvo Gian Luca , Minard‐Colin Veronique , Bisogno Giani , van Noesel Max M. , Merks Hans H. M.
Published: September 2020

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the extremities present with two main challenges: correct evaluation of initial regional nodal involvement and define adequate local treatment.

Methods

Pediatric patients with localized rhabdomyosarcoma of the extremity included in the EpSSG‐RMS2005 study between 2005 and 2014 were evaluated for staging, treatment, and survival. The outcome was compared to the preceding European SIOP‐MMT studies.

Results

Of the 162 patients included, histology was unfavorable in 113 (70%), 124 (77%) were younger than 10 years, 128 (79%) were IRS III, and 47 (29%) were node‐positive. A regional node biopsy was performed in 97 patients (60%) and modified the lymph node stage in 15/97 (16%). Primary and delayed surgery was performed in 155 (96%) and radiotherapy delivered in 118 (73%) patients. Relapse occurred in 61 cases (38%), local in 14 (23%), regional in 13 (21%), distant in 22 (36%), and combined relapse in 12 (20%) with five progressive diseases (8%) and four secondary tumors (7%). Five‐year event free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 58.4% (95%CI, 50.3‐65.7) and 71.7% (63.6‐78.4), respectively. In the previous studies MMT89 and MMT95, tumor surgery was performed in 32/53 (60%) and 74/82(90%), respectively, and radiotherapy delivered in 13/53 (25%) and 26/82 (30%), respectively. Five‐year EFS and OS were 35.6%, and 50.3% in MMT89 and 54.3% and 68.2% in the MMT95 study.

Conclusions

Even if the lymph node staging was not always complete according to the RMS2005 protocol, node sampling changed lymph node status in a significant number of patients. Despite the higher rate of patients treated with locoregional radiotherapy, survival in RMS2005 did not improve compared to the previous European SIOP‐MMT95 study.
Efficacy of immune‐checkpoint inhibitors in metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma by patient subgroups: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kundel Yulia , Sternschuss Michal , Moore Assaf , Perl Gali , Brenner Baruch , Goldvaser Hadar
Published: September 2020

Background

Efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in metastatic gastric/gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma is inconsistent. Whether the efficacy of ICIs is comparable across different subgroups remains unknown.

Methods

We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared standard treatment for metastatic gastric/GEJ adenocarcinoma to ICIs. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for overall survival (OS) were extracted and pooled in a meta‐analysis. Prespecified subgroups were included as follows: age at randomization (</≤65 vs ≥/>65 years), gender (female vs male), ethnicity (Asians vs non‐Asians), performance‐status (0 vs 1), tumor location (gastric vs GEJ), and histological subtype (diffuse vs others). OS in patients with programmed death ligand (PD‐L1) positive and with microsatellite instability‐high (MSI‐H) were also extracted and pooled in a meta‐analysis.

Results

Five RCTs comprising 2,264 patients were analyzed. Compared to standard therapy, ICIs did not improve OS (HR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.71‐1.03, P = .10) and the effect of ICIs on OS was similar in all subgroups. Nonsignificantly greater effect sizes were seen in older patients (HR = 0.85 vs 0.88, P = .81), male (HR = 0.82 vs 0.99, P = .16), Asians (HR = 0.86 vs 0.96, P = .55), performance‐status 0 (HR = 0.84 vs 0.88, P = .81), GEJ tumors (HR = 0.78 vs 0.90, P = .37), and nondiffuse subtype (HR = 0.71 vs 0.79, P = .62). ICIs were associated with significantly improved OS in patients with MSI‐H (HR = 0.33, P = .001), but not in PD‐L1 positive disease (HR = 0.86, P = .06).

Conclusions

Compared to standard treatment, ICIs in metastatic gastric/GEJ adenocarcinoma did not improve OS. None of the evaluated subgroups has shown increased magnitude of effect to ICIs, aside of the small group with MSI‐H tumors.
Unveiling the Hidden Theatre of Microbes
Authors: Böttcher Thomas
Published: September 2020

The chemical interactions of microbes shape and structure their communities and have important effects on the health and diseases of multicellular hosts. This special collection on Microbial Biosynthesis and Interactions sheds light on some of these interactions and takes a closer look at the molecules involved in them.
microRNA‐199a counteracts glucocorticoid inhibition of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell osteogenic differentiation through regulation of Klotho expression in vitro
Authors: Tang Jinshan , Yu Huaixi , Wang Yunqing , Duan Gang , Wang Bin , Li Wenbo , Zhu Ziqiang
Published: September 2020

Osteogenic differentiation (OD) of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is critically important for mitigation of osteoporosis. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are extensively used for treating chronic inflammation, although long‐term exposure to GCs is capable of triggering osteoporosis. microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play a critical role in bone diseases. In the present study, we treated BMSCs with dexamethasone (DEX) during OD to stimulate GC‐mediated osteoporosis. Microarray and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q‐PCR) assays demonstrated that miR‐199a was upregulated during OD of BMSCs, while DEX treatment caused a significant reduction in miR‐199a. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin red (AR) staining, and Q‐PCR were applied to assess the role of miRNA‐199a overexpression in DEX‐triggered OD inhibition. miR‐199a was able to rescue OD and ALP activity, which were inhibited by DEX. Additionally, we observed that ALP, BMP2, COL1A1, and Runx2 were increased after transfection of miRNA‐199a mimics. Furthermore, we confirmed that miRNA‐199a facilitates OD of BMSCs through direct inhibition of Klotho protein and messenger RNA expression affecting the downstream fibroblast growth factor receptor 1/extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase and Janus kinase 1/signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 pathways. This study indicates that miR‐199a plays a critical role in preventing GC‐mediated osteoblast differentiation and may function as a promising miRNA biomarker for osteoporosis.
Determination of Rate Constants and Reaction Orders of Vanadium‐Ion Kinetics on Carbon Fiber Electrodes.
Authors: Kroner Isabelle , Becker Maik , Turek Thomas
Published: September 2020

Abstract: In the present work, the kinetic behavior of vanadium‐ion reactions on novel single carbon‐fiber electrodes is investigated. The theory of reaction orders and charge‐transfer coefficients is reviewed and typical sources of error due to incorrectly determined electrochemically active surface area, inhomogeneous current density distributions, mass transfer resistances, and aging are highlighted. The measured rate constants are in a range of 2.5 ⋅ 10−7–1.1 ⋅ 10−5 s−1 for the positive and 7.0 ⋅ 10−8–2.6 ⋅ 10−6 s−1 for the negative electrolyte. Despite these different activities of individual fibers, the reaction orders of V2+, V3+, VO2+ and VO2+ species are precisely determined as a function of the concentration and the state of charge. Moreover, charge‐transfer coefficients are calculated with two different approaches based on Tafel slopes and through adjustment of the Butler‐Volmer equation.
Vanadium‐Substituted Tungstosulfate Polyoxometalates as Peroxidase Mimetics and Their Potential Application in Biosensing
Authors: Saeed Ayad , Umer Muhammad , Yamasaki Naoki , Azuma Shinya , Ueda Tadaharu , Shiddiky Muhammad J. A.
Published: September 2020

Invited for this month's cover picture are the group of Dr. Muhammad J. A. Shiddiky, Griffith University (Australia) and co‐workers from Kochi University (Japan). The cover picture shows vanadium‐substituted tungstosulfate polyoxometalate molecules and illustrates their broad potential as peroxidase mimetics for the sensing of a variety of biomolecules. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.202000544.
Synthesis, Structure, and Complexation of an S‐Shaped Double Azahelicene with Inner‐Edge Nitrogen Atoms
Authors: Kawashima Takahiro , Matsumoto Yuki , Sato Takuma , Yamada Yoichi M. A. , Kono Choji , Tsurusaki Akihiro , Kamikawa Ken
Published: September 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue is Ken Kamikawa and co‐workers at Osaka Prefecture University and RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science. The image depicts an S‐shaped double azahelicene capturing the palladium in a trans‐chelating fashion. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202002405.
Brønsted Base‐Catalyzed Formal Reductive [3+2] Annulation of 4,4,4‐Trifluorocrotonate and α‐Iminoketones
Authors: Kondoh Azusa , Terada Masahiro
Published: September 2020

A formal reductive [3+2] annulation of 4,4,4‐trifluorocrotonate and α‐iminoketones was developed under Brønsted base catalysis. A single phosphazene base efficiently catalyzes the one‐pot tandem reaction involving two mechanistically different elementary processes, namely the chemoselective reduction of an imine moiety of α‐iminoketones with thiols as the reductant and the subsequent intermolecular Michael addition of an enolate of α‐aminoketones concomitant with lactam formation. This operationally simple method provides β‐trifluoromethyl‐substituted γ‐lactams with a tetrasubstituted carbon as a single diastereomer.
Carbon Origami via an Alumina‐Assisted Cyclodehydrofluorination Strategy
Authors: Steiner Ann‐Kristin , Sharapa Dmitry I. , Troyanov Sergey I. , Nuss Jürgen , Amsharov Konstantin
Published: September 2020

The synthesis of pristine non‐planar nanographenes (NGs) via a cyclodehydrofluorination strategy is reported and the creation of highly strained systems via alumina‐assisted C−F bond activation is shown. Steric hindrance could execute an alternative coupling program leading to rare octagon formation offering access to elusive non‐classical NGs. The combination of two alternative ways of folding could lead to the formation of various 3D NG objects, resembling the Japanese art of origami. The power of the presented “origami” approach is proved by the assembly of 12 challenging nanographenes that are π‐isoelectronic to planar hexabenzocoronene but forced out of planarity.
Progression of basal ganglia pathology in heterozygous Q175 knock‐in Huntington's disease mice
Authors: Deng Yunping , Wang Hongbing , Joni Marion , Sekhri Radhika , Reiner Anton
Published: September 2020

We used behavioral testing and morphological methods to detail the progression of basal ganglia neuron type‐specific pathology and the deficits stemming from them in male heterozygous Q175 mice, compared to age‐matched WT males. A rotarod deficit was not present in Q175 mice until 18 months, but increased open field turn rate (reflecting hyperkinesia) and open field anxiety were evident at 6 months. No loss of striatal neurons was seen out to 18 months, but ENK+ and DARPP32+ striatal perikarya were fewer by 6 months, due to diminished expression, with further decline by 18 months. No reduction in SP+ striatal perikarya or striatal interneurons was seen in Q175 mice at 18 months, but cholinergic interneurons showed dendrite attenuation by 6 months. Despite reduced ENK expression in indirect pathway striatal perikarya, ENK‐immunostained terminals in globus pallidus externus (GPe) were more abundant at 6 months and remained so out to 18 months. Similarly, SP‐immunostained terminals from striatal direct pathway neurons were more abundant in globus pallidus internus and substantia nigra at 6 months and remained so at 18 months. FoxP2+ arkypallidal GPe neurons and subthalamic nucleus neurons were lost by 18 months but not prototypical PARV+ GPe neurons or dopaminergic nigral neurons. Our results show that striatal projection neuron abnormalities and behavioral abnormalities reflecting them develop between 2 and 6 months of age in Q175 male heterozygotes, indicating early effects of the HD mutation. The striatal pathologies resemble those in human HD, but are less severe at 18 months than even in premanifest HD.
Single‐atom Automobile Exhaust Catalysts
Authors: Lu Yubing , Zhang Zihao , Lin Fan , Wang Huamin , Wang Yong
Published: September 2020

Single‐atom catalysts (SACs) with isolated metal centers are attracting great research interest because of their maximized metal utilization rates and unique structures. In the last decade, significant efforts have been made to design highly efficient and cost‐effective SACs with applications in automobile exhaust aftertreatment. SACs have not only demonstrated their high potential for improving the catalytic performance of current automobile exhaust catalysts but also provided an ideal platform for understanding the origins of catalyst reactivity. In this review, we summarize the general strategies for promoting the reactivity of metal SACs while maintaining their thermal stability during exhaust‐abatement‐related reactions. Highlights are provided on well‐performed SACs for CO oxidation, unburnt hydrocarbon (HC) oxidation, and the selective catalytic reduction of NOx. The reaction mechanism and structure‐performance relationship of SAC during these reactions are also discussed. Finally, perspectives are given on the trending research fields for designing more efficient single‐atom automobile exhaust catalysts in the future.
Magic Clusters PtMg2,3H5− Facilitated by Local σ‐Aromaticity
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Jie , Gong Chu , Zhu Zhaoguo , Bowen Kit H. , Zhang Xinxing
Published: September 2020

The concept of local aromaticity has been successfully utilized in understanding the stability of certain atomic clusters. However, all the skeleton atoms in these clusters are covered by at least one local aromatic feature, collectively making the multiple local aromaticities coexist globally. Herein we show the robustness of local aromaticity as a tool for the discovery of novel magic clusters: not all of the skeleton atoms need to be covered by an aromatic feature to make the cluster magic. In this study, the PtMg2,3H5− cluster anions are generated by a unique high‐current pulsed discharge ion source and found to be magic numbers using mass spectrometry. Photoelectron spectroscopy and calculations confirm that only the PtH42− kernels in these clusters are locally aromatic. Based on these results, we propose that local aromaticity can be gainfully utilized as a new potential magic rule in the search for magic numbers.
Different glycaemia‐related risk factors for incident Alzheimer's disease in men and women with type 2 diabetes—A sex‐specific analysis of the Hong Kong diabetes database
Authors: Lee Chi‐Ho , Lui David T. W. , Cheung Chloe Y. Y. , Woo Yu‐Cho , Fong Carol H. Y. , Yuen Michele M. A. , Shea Yat‐Fung , Siu David C. W. , Chan Koon‐Ho , Chow Wing‐Sun , Lam Karen S. L.
Published: September 2020

Aims

Sexual dimorphism has been reported in the epidemiology, neurobiologic susceptibility and clinical presentation of Alzheimer's disease (AD). As poor glycaemic control is associated with increased risks of AD, we aimed to investigate whether glycaemia‐related risk factors also differ between men and women, using a retrospective, sex‐specific analysis of a large Chinese cohort with diabetes.

Materials & Methods

A total of 85,514 Chinese individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D; 46,783 women and 38,731 men), aged ≥60 years, were identified from electronic health records and observed for incident AD. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations with incident AD of several glycaemia‐related risk factors, including severe hypoglycaemia, mean HbA1c and indices of HbA1c variability, in men and women separately.

Results

Over a median follow‐up of 6 years, women had a higher incidence of AD than men (2.3% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.001). Both men and women shared the same independent non‐glycaemic clinical predictors, which included older age, lower body mass index and longer duration of diabetes. However, for glycaemia‐related risk factors, we observed that severe hypoglycaemia and indices of HbA1c variability were independent predictors of incident AD in women but not in men, and the associations were irrespective of their baseline glycaemic control and duration of diabetes.

Conclusions

Our findings highlighted that glycaemia‐related risk factors for incident AD differ between men and women with T2D. Strategies to maintain glycaemic stability and avoid severe hypoglycaemia might be especially important to preserve healthy cognition in older women with diabetes.
Improving the visibility of nighttime images for pedestrian recognition using in‐vehicle camera
Authors: Ogura Ryota , Nagasaki Takeshi , Matsubara Hitoshi
Published: September 2020

There is a need for methods to recognize night pedestrian to reduce pedestrian traffic accidents at night. In this paper, we proposed the method that converts images using continuous nighttime images from in‐vehicle camera. The proposed method performs feature extraction that does not depend on one's own vehicle speed because inputting continuous nighttime images, and the function of convolution layer that performs dimensionality reduction. In order to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method, we prepared the images of simulation and camera. The nighttime images were conversed with the proposed method. After conversion, we calculated the recognition performance by applying object detection which is an object recognition method. We showed the proposed method is more robust against the own vehicle speed change.
Outgroup prejudice and perceptions of prosocial intergroup behaviors
Authors: Borinca Islam , Falomir‐Pichastor Juan M. , Andrighetto Luca , Durante Federica
Published: September 2020

How people perceive outgroup prosocial behaviors is an important but under‐researched aspect of intergroup relations. In three experiments conducted in two cultural contexts (Italy and Kosovo) and with two different populations (adolescents and adults; N = 586), we asked participants to imagine being offered help by an outgroup versus ingroup member. Participants attributed fewer prosocial motives to and were less willing to accept help from the outgroup (vs. ingroup) member. This was particularly true for highly prejudiced participants and when the outgroup was described negatively. Participants' perceptions of the outgroup helper's prosocial motives and expected quality of the interaction with the helper mediated the effect of helper's group membership on willingness to accept the help (Experiment 3). We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings for intergroup relations.
Modeling and optimization of finless and finned tube heat recovery steam generators for cogeneration plants
Authors: Ghaffari Ali , Ahmadi Rouhollah , Eyvazkhani Mina
Published: September 2020

This article aims to model and optimize the fire tube Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) used in a gas microturbine cogeneration of heat and power system. Here, six cases including a finless and finned tube (solid and serrated) HRSGs with the inline and staggered arrangements are optimized and compared using techno‐economic assessment. Optimization of HRSG was carried out by applying two objective functions of minimizing the total annual cost as well as maximizing the exergy efficiency. Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II is used to find out the optimal values of design variables. The TOPSIS decision‐making process is employed to choose the optimum point of the Pareto front. A 600 kW gas microturbine cogeneration plant is considered as a case study. The results revealed that the finless tube HRSG with an inline arrangement has the lower pinch and approach temperatures (3.5°C and 3.1°C, respectively), the higher steam mass flow rate (12.7%), the lower total annual cost (64 096$/year), and the higher exergy efficiency (60.6%). It is also found that using the staggered arrangement tube banks along with the solid fins in HRSG leads the total annual cost, the steam mass flow rate, and exergy efficiency increase up to 41.6%, 100%, and 12.6%, respectively. This means that the thermodynamic performance improvement will compensate the total annual cost increment. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that HRSG with solid fins and staggered arrangement with total annual costs of (90 810$/year), exergy efficiency of (73.2%), and steam mass flow rate of (4680 kg/h) has the best performance in comparison with other finned tube cases.
Incentive mechanism design for edge‐cloud collaboration in mobile crowd sensing
Authors: Li Zhuo , Zhang Lihan , Chen Xin
Published: September 2020

In this article, we propose a pricing‐based incentive mechanism for edge‐cloud collaboration (PIM‐EC) in mobile crowd sensing. In PIM‐EC, data can be exchanged among different regions with the support of edge‐cloud servers, which improves the data efficiency. For the utility conflicts between mobile sensing users and cloud servers in the traditional one‐stage game, we design a two‐stage game which includes the bargaining game between users and edge‐cloud servers, as well as a data trading game among different edge‐cloud servers deployed in different regions. For the first stage game, based on Stackelberg game model and Rubinstein bargaining model, we design a finite‐period dynamic bargaining algorithm. For the second stage game, based on the optimal auction mechanism and using the augmented Lagrange multiplier method, a quasi‐Newton iterative pricing algorithm is proposed. We investigate the performance of PIM‐EC through simulations. Compared with SWMA and IMC‐SS, the social welfare of PIM‐EC is increased by 41% and 29%, respectively.
The search for sexually antagonistic genes: Practical insights from studies of local adaptation and statistical genomics
Authors: Ruzicka Filip , Dutoit Ludovic , Czuppon Peter , Jordan Crispin Y. , Li Xiang-Yi , Olito Colin , Runemark Anna , Svensson Erik I. , Yazdi Homa Papoli , Connallon Tim
Published: September 2020

Sexually antagonistic (SA) genetic variation—in which alleles favored in one sex are disfavored in the other—is predicted to be common and has been documented in several animal and plant populations, yet we currently know little about its pervasiveness among species or its population genetic basis. Recent applications of genomics in studies of SA genetic variation have highlighted considerable methodological challenges to the identification and characterization of SA genes, raising questions about the feasibility of genomic approaches for inferring SA selection. The related fields of local adaptation and statistical genomics have previously dealt with similar challenges, and lessons from these disciplines can therefore help overcome current difficulties in applying genomics to study SA genetic variation. Here, we integrate theoretical and analytical concepts from local adaptation and statistical genomics research—including FST and FIS statistics, genome-wide association studies, pedigree analyses, reciprocal transplant studies, and evolve-and-resequence experiments—to evaluate methods for identifying SA genes and genome-wide signals of SA genetic variation. We begin by developing theoretical models for between-sex FST and FIS, including explicit null distributions for each statistic, and using them to critically evaluate putative multilocus signals of sex-specific selection in previously published datasets. We then highlight new statistics that address some of the limitations of FST and FIS, along with applications of more direct approaches for characterizing SA genetic variation, which incorporate explicit fitness measurements. We finish by presenting practical guidelines for the validation and evolutionary analysis of candidate SA genes and discussing promising empirical systems for future work.
Effects of high hydrostatic pressure on the rheological properties and foams/emulsions stability of Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum
Authors: Ghaderi Sajad , Hesarinejad Mohammad Ali , Shekarforoush Elhamalsadat , Mirzababaee Seyyed Mahdi , Karimpour Farzad
Published: September 2020

The ability to modify food and increase the shelf life by enhanced stability using nonthermal process is of interest to many food companies. Here, we investigate the effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), as a nonthermal process, at various pressure levels (200, 400, and 600 MPa for 30 min) on the functional properties of aqueous dispersions of Alyssum homolocarpum seed gum (AHSG). In this regard, the rheological properties, foam stability, and emulsion stability of the HHP‐treated gums were analyzed and compared. Dynamic oscillatory test indicated that the HHP‐treated gums had more gel‐like behavior than viscous‐like behavior (storage modulus > loss modulus) at designated pressures. When AHSG was treated by HHP, both elastic (G′) and viscous (G″) moduli were increased compared to the native AHSG. The native‐ and HHP‐treated gums exhibited a shear‐thinning (pseudoplastic) behavior. Furthermore, the pressure levels have a significant effect on consistency coefficient, flow behavior index, and yield stress (p < .05) of AHSG. The results showed that the HHP‐treated gums lead to improve the foam and emulsion stability of AHSG. Finally, we assume that HHP‐treated AHSG improves texture in the food materials.
Can commodity futures risk factors predict economic growth?
Authors: Kang Jangkoo , Kwon Kyung Yoon
Published: September 2020

This paper examines whether commodity futures risk factors can predict future economic growth. We test risk factors capturing various spot or term premia and find that only three factors capturing term premia on the basis‐momentum, basis, and change in slope are robust predictors for future economic growth, especially for long horizons. Our findings highlight the importance of the term premia, rather than the spot premia on which the literature has mainly focused. Moreover, we find that possible explanations for predictability of commodity factors—the intertemporal asset pricing model and information diffusion explanation—are all inconsistent with our empirical results.
Decomposing scale and technique effects of economic growth on energy consumption: Fresh evidence from developing economies
Authors: Shahbaz Muhammad , Sinha Avik , Kontoleon Andreas
Published: September 2020

This study contributes by investigating the association between scale, technique, and composition effects on energy consumption by considering financial development, oil prices and globalization as potential determinants of economic growth and energy consumption. We have applied recent cointegration considering cross‐sectional dependence and structural breaks introduced by Westerlund and Edgerton, Oxford Bulletin of Economics and Statistics, 2008, 70, 665–704. Furthermore, FMOLS, DOLS and Cup‐FMOLS are applied to examine impact of scale effect, technique effect, composition effect, financial development, oil prices and economic globalization on energy consumption. The empirical results show that variables are cointegrated for long run relationship. Scale effect and technique effect are negatively and positively linked with energy consumption. Composition effect and economic globalization stimulate energy consumption. Contrarily, financial development and oil prices decline energy consumption. This empirical analysis helps policy makers of developing economies in designing their comprehensive environmental policy for sustainable economic development in long‐run.