bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designating appointing authorities in UNCITRAL arbitration: Wrong and imperfect designations
Authors: Stanivuković Maja
Published: March 2021

In an international arbitration, the parties have a right to designate an appointing authority that will select and appoint the arbitrators in case the parties cannot agree on their appointment, and decide on challenges to arbitrators. However, if the parties lack experience, knowledge or are simply not careful enough, they can make wrong designations which result in appointing authorities that are not neutral. Sometimes, also, errors in drafting clauses that designate the appointing authority lead to imperfections and incoherence, which may frustrate the parties' choice of the appointing authority and adversely affect the entire arbitration. This paper examines the operation of arbitration clauses designating appointing authorities on two relatively recent examples from the combined UNCITRAL-ICC practice, with the aim to identify potential problems arising from wrong and imperfect designations and to suggest solutions.
Security management in the field of critical infrastructure protection in the Republic of Serbia: State and perspectives
Authors: Stajić Ljubomir , Mirković Vladan , Radivojević Nenad
Published: March 2021

Term "critical infrastructure" became part of the post-Cold War security discourse when the first legal and political acts, containing this term, emerged. The Law on Critical Infrastructure in the Republic of Serbia was adopted in 2018, and some of the most important issues regulated by the Law are the competences and responsibilities of entities in the critical infrastructure protection system. The subject of our research was security management in the field of critical infrastructure protection. As a result of the research in the paper: 1. Levels, types and competencies of security management in the field of critical infrastructure protection have been identified; 2. Their mutual relationship has been determined and 3. Recommendations of measures and solutions that need to be taken in order to establish an integrated protection system in this area have been given.
El valor oculto de los documentos: razones de su gestión
Authors: Garcia Alsina Montserrat
Published: March 2021

Las organizaciones en su actividad diaria generan o modifican documentos que constituyen evidencias de dicha actividad, son los documentos de oficina. Además de este valor probatorio, los documentos de oficina tienen valor por la información que contienen susceptible de generar conocimiento. Ambos valores emergen y pueden ser explotados siempre y cuando la organización disponga de un buen sistema de gestión documental eficiente que permita garantizar determinadas características de los documentos (autenticidad, fiabilidad, integridad y disponibilidad).
Y tú, ¿a quién sigues?
Authors: Martínez Martínez Silvia
Published: March 2021

Uno de los impactos más importantes derivados de la irrupción de Internet ha sido la apertura de la comunicación pública al ciudadano. De manera específica, el desarrollo de la Web 2.0, centrada en el usuario, ha permitido la multiplicación de actores y sujetos activos en el intercambio de informaciones y opiniones. Las redes y los medios sociales cobran especial protagonismo por las posibilidades participativas que ofrecen y la opción de establecer conversación. En este contexto, individuos y medios se reparten la atención del ciudadano y compiten por alcanzar unos altos índices de popularidad (fácilmente medible en el entorno digital en términos de “amigos” o “seguidores”) y de influencia.
El marujeo digital de nuestros jóvenes
Authors: Aranda Dani
Published: March 2021

La mayoría de los estudios e investigaciones constatan que el uso de las tecnologías digitales por parte de los y las adolescentes se realiza de acuerdo con sus necesidades (principalmente psicológicas y culturales) e intereses cotidianos.

La participación en la sociedad contemporánea significa algo más que la capacidad de tener acceso a información online seria o a referencias y aspectos culturales propios de los espacios educativos formales e institucionalizados. Para jóvenes y adolescentes, la habilidad para socializarse con sus iguales y hacer amistades es un componente clave de su crecimiento como seres humanos competentes. Desde este punto de vista, los espacios online ofrecen oportunidades para mostrar cuestiones relacionadas con la moda y el gusto, el cotilleo, el flirteo…
VoD: ¿la esperanza del audiovisual europeo?
Authors: Clares Gavilán Judith
Published: March 2021

En relación directa al sector televisivo se calcula que los europeos destinan cerca de cuatro horas diarias a ver la televisión. Si a este dato añadimos el progresivo aumento de posibilidades que están ofreciendo los servicios de comunicación bajo demanda para diversificar la oferta audiovisual en el hogar, se nos presenta un nuevo escenario que ha sido considerado y empieza también a ser recogido por legisladores como nueva vía de impulso del sector.

Diferentes iniciativas se han adoptado ya a nivel Europeo para incentivar y regular el sector a través de estos nuevos medios y han empezado a ser transpuestas a los distintos Estados miembros.
E-KİTAP ENDÜSTRİSİNİN EKONOMİ POLİTİĞİ
Authors: KARA Tolga
Published: March 2021

Bu çalışma, gittikçe yoğunlaşan e-kitap endüstrisinin kapsamının eleştirel bir politik ekonomik incelemesini amaçlamaktadır. E-kitap endüstrisi günümüz teknolojik dönüşümünden hem en çok etkilenen hem de olanaklarından en çok faydalanan bir endüstri alanıdır. Yazarlar, değişen üretim ve dağıtım yöntemleri, küreselleşme, vergi ve yeni nesil e-kitap okuyucu cihazlar bu endüstriyel alanın bileşenleri olarak incelenmeye çalışılmıştır.
Culturalist to Interculturalist Orientations in Language Education: One Professional and Personal Journey from Student, to Teacher, to Teacher Educator
Authors: Meadows Bryan
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this paper is to chronicle the shift in how language educators are thinking about culture teaching between culturalist and interculturalist orientations. This transformation is intertwined with my own personal and professional journey from language student
to language teacher and to teacher educator. I detail specific classroom practices consistent with the interculturalist orientation. In reading this journey, junior educators can reflect on how one’s ideology of teaching is closely linked with one’s personal and professional
trajectory. That is, life experiences outside of language teaching intersect with our teacher formation to make us the teachers we are at present.
The Case Study of a Multicultural Classroom Environment: Syrian and Iraqi Refugees
Authors: Taş İlkay Doğan
Published: March 2021

This study aims to determine the positive and/or negative situations and the reactions of the students and teachers to these situations emerged during the education process carried out in a multicultural class with Syrian and Iraqi refugee students. This study is a case study in which
the data were collected from classroom observations and teacher interviews. The findings of the study show that the integration of Syrian and Iraqi refugees into Turkish education system is affected both positively and negatively by teachers’ multicultural classroom experiences, students'
being in the first grade, learning Turkish as a second language, and the socio-cultural environment.
Segmental analysis by speckle-tracking echocardiography of the left ventricle response to isoproterenol in male and female mice
Authors: Walsh-Wilkinson Elisabeth , Arsenault Marie , Couet Jacques
Published: March 2021

We studied by conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography, the response of the left ventricle (LV) to a three-week continuous infusion of isoproterenol (Iso), a non-specific beta-adrenergic receptor agonist in male and female C57Bl6/J mice. Before and after Iso (30 mg/kg/day), we characterized LV morphology and function as well as global and segmental strain. We observed that Iso reduced LV ejection in both male (−8.7%) and female (−14.7%) mice. Several diastolic function parameters were negatively regulated in males and females such as E/A, E/E′, isovolumetric relaxation time. Global longitudinal (GLS) and circumferential (GCS) strains were reduced by Iso in both sexes, GLS by 31% and GCS by about 20%. For the segmental LV analysis, we measured strain, strain rate, reverse strain rate, peak speckle displacement and peak speckle velocity in the parasternal long axis. We observed that radial strain of the LV posterior segments were more severely modulated by Iso than those of the anterior wall in males. In females, on the other hand, both posterior and anterior wall segments were negatively impacted by Iso. Longitudinal strain showed similar results to the radial strain for both sexes. Strain rate, on the other hand, was only moderately changed by Iso. Reverse strain rate measurements (an index of diastolic function) showed that posterior LV segments were negatively regulated by Iso. We then studied the animals 5 and 17 weeks after Iso treatment. Compared to control mice, LV dilation was still present in males. Ejection fraction was decreased in mice of both sex compared to control animals. Diastolic function parameters, on the other hand, were back to normal. Taken together, our study indicates that segmental strain analysis can identify LV regions that are more negatively affected by a cardiotoxic agent such as Iso. In addition, cessation of Iso was not accompanied with a complete restoration of cardiac function after four months.
Positive Mental Health in Youth with ADHD: Exploring the Role of Social Support
Authors: Harris-Lane Laura , Hesson Jacqueline , Fowler Ken , Harris Nicholas
Published: March 2021

Positive mental health in youth has important implications for overall well-being. This study examined the extent to which different types of social support are associated with positive mental health among individuals, ages 15–24, diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Compared to respondents without a diagnosis of ADHD, those with a diagnosis had significantly lower scores on measures of positive mental health and on four of five types of social support. Among the five types of social support, social integration and reassurance of worth were found to be significant predictors of positive mental health in respondents diagnosed with ADHD.
A Study of Improvement of Left Ventricle Ejection Fraction in Heart Failure Patients with Reduced Ejection Fraction with Coronary Artery Diseases after Revascularization by Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
Authors: Elbahnasy Mostafa Hamed Mostafa , Ibrahim Ibtsam Khairat , Gendy Ehab Abdel Latef El , Hamdy Ehab Abdel Wahab
Published: March 2021

Background: Left ventricular dysfunction is the single strongest predictor of mortality and one of the most frequent and deadly complication following coronary artery diseases.

Aim: This   work   aims   to   study   and  explore  the  left  ventricle  ejection  fraction  improvement  after revascularization  with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and the predictive factors for left ventricle ejection fraction improvement.

Methods: One hundred patients with ischemic (HFrEF) who had complete revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), had survived at least 90 days and had undergone echocardiography review. The study duration was 1 year from April 2019 to May 2020.

Result: We focused on a group of the common possible predictive factors affecting left ventricular improvement. Gender (male), CKD, DM, number of affected vessel(single vessel disease), CTO lesion, heart rate, ECG findings, presence of anginal pain, presence of dyspnea , usage of medications ( ACEI and Clopidogrel),hyper urecemia and the time between presentation of complaints and PCI were correlated with improvement of left ventricular function after revascularization by PCI.

Conclusion: Time between appearance of symptoms and PCI was found to be independent predictor of LV EF improvement after revascularization. Other predictors were Male gender, DM, CKD, normal ECG finding ,absence of hyper urecemia, slower heart rate ,presence of chest pain and dyspnea , absence of CTO lesion , single vessel affection and administration of ACEI and Clopidogrel.
Thymus Extracellular Matrix‐Derived Scaffolds Support Graft‐Resident Thymopoiesis and Long‐Term In Vitro Culture of Adult Thymic Epithelial Cells
Authors: Asnaghi M. Adelaide , Barthlott Thomas , Gullotta Fabiana , Strusi Valentina , Amovilli Anna , Hafen Katrin , Srivastava Gitika , Oertle Philipp , Toni Roberto , Wendt David , Holländer Georg A. , Martin Ivan
Published: March 2021

The thymus provides the physiological microenvironment critical for the development of T lymphocytes, the cells that orchestrate the adaptive immune system to generate an antigen‐specific response. A diverse population of stroma cells provides surface‐bound and soluble molecules that orchestrate the intrathymic maturation and selection of developing T cells. Forming an intricate 3D architecture, thymic epithelial cells (TEC) represent the most abundant and important constituent of the thymic stroma. Effective models for in and ex vivo use of adult TEC are still wanting, limiting the engineering of functional thymic organoids and the understanding of the development of a competent immune system. Here a 3D scaffold is developed based on decellularized thymic tissue capable of supporting in vitro and in vivo thymopoiesis by both fetal and adult TEC. For the first time, direct evidences of feasibility for sustained graft‐resident T‐cell development using adult TEC as input are provided. Moreover, the scaffold supports prolonged in vitro culture of adult TEC, with a retained expression of the master regulator Foxn1. The success of engineering a thymic scaffold that sustains adult TEC function provides unprecedented opportunities to investigate thymus development and physiology and to design and implement novel strategies for thymus replacement therapies.
In Vitro Mineralization of Collagen
Authors: Oosterlaken Bernette Maria , Vena Maria Paula , de With Gijsbertus
Published: March 2021

Collagen mineralization is a biological process in many skeletal elements in the animal kingdom. Examples of these collagen‐based skeletons are the siliceous spicules of glass sponges or the intrafibrillar hydroxyapatite platelets in vertebrates. The mineralization of collagen in vitro has gained interest for two reasons: understanding the processes behind bone formation and the synthesis of scaffolds for tissue engineering. In this paper, the efforts toward collagen mineralization in vitro are reviewed. First, general introduction toward collagen type I, the main component of the extracellular matrix in animals, is provided, followed by a brief overview of collagenous skeletons. Then, the in vitro mineralization of collagen is critically reviewed. Due to their biological abundance, hydroxyapatite and silica are the focus of this review. To a much lesser extent, also some efforts with other minerals are outlined. Combining all minerals and the suggested mechanisms for each mineral, a general mechanism for the intrafibrillar mineralization of collagen is proposed. This review concludes with an outlook for further improvement of collagen‐based tissue engineering scaffolds.
Spatial Control of Probiotic Bacteria in the Gastrointestinal Tract Assisted by Magnetic Particles
Authors: Buss Marjorie T. , Ramesh Pradeep , English Max Atticus , Lee‐Gosselin Audrey , Shapiro Mikhail G.
Published: March 2021

Engineered probiotics have the potential to diagnose and treat a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. However, these exogenous bacterial agents have limited ability to effectively colonize specific regions of the GI tract due to a lack of external control over their localization and persistence. Magnetic fields are well suited to providing such control, since they freely penetrate biological tissues. However, they are difficult to apply with sufficient strength to directly manipulate magnetically labeled cells in deep tissue such as the GI tract. Here, it is demonstrated that a composite biomagnetic material consisting of microscale magnetic particles and probiotic bacteria, when orally administered and combined with an externally applied magnetic field, enables the trapping and retention of probiotic bacteria within the GI tract of mice. This technology improves the ability of these probiotic agents to accumulate at specific locations and stably colonize without antibiotic treatment. By enhancing the ability of GI‐targeted probiotics to be at the right place at the right time, cellular localization assisted by magnetic particles (CLAMP) adds external physical control to an important emerging class of microbial theranostics.
Recent Advances of Cocrystals with Room Temperature Phosphorescence
Authors: Singh Manjeet , Liu Kun , Qu Shuli , Ma Huili , Shi Huifang , An Zhongfu , Huang Wei
Published: March 2021

Organic phosphorescent materials have attracted wide attention in recent years owing to their opportunities in various functional applications. Through appropriate molecular design strategies and synthetic perspectives to modulate their weak spin–orbit coupling, highly active triplet excitons, and ultrafast deactivation, the organic phosphors can be endowed with long‐lived room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) characteristics. Organic cocrystals constructed by noncovalent intermolecular interactions (hydrogen and halogen bonding, π–π stacking and so on) are provoking wide interest due to their unexpected and multifaceted phosphorescence properties and their applications. In this review, research on organic cocrystals with RTP based on their interactions is described, revealing their structure–property relationships. Furthermore, current accomplishments, restrictions, and viewpoints along with some guidance for their further study are discussed.
Nanochannel‐Based Interfacial Memristor: Electrokinetic Analysis of the Frequency Characteristics
Authors: Chen Kexin , Tsutsui Makusu , Zhuge Fuwei , Zhou Yue , Fu Yaoyao , He Yuhui , Miao Xiangshui
Published: March 2021

As a novel class of memristors, nanochannel‐based interfacial memristors in polydimethylsiloxane offer great flexibility and low cost. With practical attributes of novel transport phenomenon in nanofluidics, analysis of the physical properties and operational mechanisms in such memristor devices is possible. Made of pure soft‐matter materials, this type of device exhibits facile tuning of device conductance via the modification of solution interface positions. Under continuous sweep voltage, a typical hysteresis loop for a memristor can be observed. In this article, the dynamic frequency characteristics of this device is measured, which is regarded as a typical memristor characteristic as previously predicted. However, the physical mechanism behind such memristive behaviors and frequency characteristics is seldomly reported. Generalizing conventional physical models, here a comprehensive model including continuous voltage changes and surface tension modifications is proposed, which is able to predict the interface position changes and explain the conductance switching and frequency property experimentally observed in the device. Provided with a probable explanation of the physical mechanism behind this class of device, the model can serve as a candidate method in designing new nanochannel‐based structures or materials, aiming at more novel functionalities in neuromorphic computation.
Functional Applications of Future Data Storage Devices
Authors: Yang Jia‐Qin , Zhou Ye , Han Su‐Ting
Published: March 2021

The development of artificial intelligence and big data analytics is driving a revolution in methods for data processing and storage. Confronting speed and energy consumption issues, these fields require new computing systems to parallelly retrieve, process, and store massive amounts of data. Beyond CMOS devices and technology, advances in data storage technology such as static random‐access memory, dynamic random‐access memory, flash memories, resistive memories, phase change memories, and magnetic memories have made functional computing possible. In this article, a broad overview of current memory systems and their development history spanning fundamental operating schemes, prevailing applications and required figure of merits for applications such as in‐memory computing and some critical issues that need to be addressed in the future development of this emerging technique are provided.
Multivariate statistical data analysis of cell‐free protein synthesis toward monitoring and control
Authors: Duran‐Villalobos Carlos A. , Ogonah Olotu , Melinek Beatrice , Bracewell Daniel G. , Hallam Trevor , Lennox Barry
Published: March 2021

The optimization and control of cell free protein synthesis (CFPS) presents an ongoing challenge due to the complex synergies and nonlinearities that cannot be fully explained in first principle models. This article explores the use of multivariate statistical tools for analyzing data sets collected from the CFPS of Cereulide monoclonal antibodies. During the collection of these data sets, several of the process parameters were modified to investigate their effect on the end‐point product (yield). Through the application of principal component analysis and partial least squares (PLS), important correlations in the process could be identified. For example, yield had a positive correlation with pH and NH3 and a negative correlation with CO2 and dissolved oxygen. It was also found that PLS was able to provide a long‐term prediction of product yield. The presented work illustrates that multivariate statistical techniques provide important insights that can help support the operation and control of CFPS processes.
Surveillance guidelines for children with trisomy 13
Authors: Kepple Jeffrey W. , Fishler Kristen P. , Peeples Eric S.
Published: March 2021

Trisomy 13 is one of the three most common aneuploidy syndromes in live‐born infants. It is associated with mortality rates as high as 90% within the first year of life, in large part, due to the high prevalence of severe congenital abnormalities that increase mortality and morbidity. However, life‐saving and life‐prolonging medical interventions are being performed at a higher rate for these infants, resulting in increased rates of survival. Although cardiac complications have been well described in infants with trisomy 13, these patients also experience other complications such as respiratory, neurological, genitourinary, abdominal, otolaryngologic, and orthopedic complications that can impact their quality of life. The goal of this review is to present a comprehensive description of complications in children with trisomy 13 to aid in the development of monitoring and treatment guidelines for the increasing number of providers who will be caring for these patients throughout their lives. Where the evidence is available, this review presents screening recommendations to allow for more rapid detection and documentation of these complications.
Cardiovascular risk and midlife cognitive decline in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation
Authors: Derby Carol A. , Hutchins Franya , Greendale Gail A. , Matthews Karen A. , Sternfeld Barbara , Everson‐Rose Susan A. , Kazlauskaite Rasa , Whitmer Rachel A. , Brooks Maria M.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Cardiovascular risk factors in midlife have been linked to late life risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). The relation of vascular risk factors on cognitive decline within midlife has been less studied.

Methods

Using data from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation, we examined associations of midlife hypertension, elevated lipid levels, diabetes, fasting glucose, central adiposity, and Framingham heart age with rates of cognitive decline in women who completed multiple cognitive assessments of processing speed, and working and verbal memory during midlife.

Results

Diabetes, elevated fasting glucose, central obesity, and heart age greater than chronological age were associated with rate of decline in processing speed during midlife. Vascular risk factors were not related to rate of decline in working or verbal memory.

Discussion

Midlife may be a critical period for intervening on cardiovascular risk factors to prevent or delay later life cognitive impairment and ADRD.
Structure Sensitivity of Au‐TiO2 Strong Metal–Support Interactions
Authors: Zhang Yunshang , Liu Jin‐Xun , Qian Kun , Jia Aiping , Li Dan , Shi Lei , Hu Jun , Zhu Junfa , Huang Weixin
Published: March 2021

Strong metal–support interactions (SMSI) is an important concept in heterogeneous catalysis. Herein, we demonstrate that the Au‐TiO2 SMSI of Au/TiO2 catalysts sensitively depends on both Au nanoparticle (NP) sizes and TiO2 facets. Au NPs of ca. 5 nm are more facile undergo Au‐TiO2 SMSI than those of ca. 2 nm, while TiO2 {001} and {100} facets are more facile than TiO2{101} facets. The resulting capsulating TiO2−x overlayers on Au NPs exhibit an average oxidation state between +3 and +4 and a Au‐to‐TiO2−x charge transfer, which, combined with calculations, determines the Ti:O ratio as ca. 6:11. Both TiO2−x overlayers and TiO2−x‐Au interface exhibit easier lattice oxygen activation and higher intrinsic activity in catalyzing low‐temperature CO oxidation than the starting Au‐TiO2 interface. These results advance fundamental understanding of SMSI and demonstrate engineering of metal NP size and oxide facet as an effective strategy to tune the SMSI for efficient catalysis.
Effect of chain extender on the morphology, thermal, viscoelastic, and dielectric behavior of soybean polyurethane
Authors: Favero Diana , Marcon Victória , Figueroa Carlos A. , Gómez Clara M. , Cros Ana , Garro Nuria , Sanchis Maria J. , Carsí Marta , Bianchi Otávio
Published: March 2021

The objective of this work was to determine the influence of different chain extenders (CEs) on the morphology, thermal, viscoelastic, and dielectric properties of soybean polyurethane (PU). The PU with ethane‐1.2‐diol showed a more organized structure, which was attributed to the smaller amount of methylene groups (CH2) and the shorter distance between the hydrogen bonds. While, PUs with dipropylene glycol, the free volume increased due to the less effective interactions formed between the hard and soft domains. The α, β, and γ transitions dipolar by conductive process, are probably associated with (a) local motions of the main chain, (b) the smaller groups rotation motions in the fatty acid chains in the soft phase, and (c) the CH2 group rotation motion in the amorphous region. The phase‐separated morphology is most evident at high temperatures due to the Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars interfacial polarization process.
Chiral Detection with Coordination Polymers
Authors: Thoonen Shannon , Hua Carol
Published: March 2021

Coordination polymers and metal‐organic frameworks are prime candidates for general chemical sensing, but the use of these porous materials as chiral probes is still an emerging field. In the last decade, they have found application in a range of chiral analysis methods, including liquid‐ and gas‐phase chromatography, circular dichroism spectroscopy, fluorescence sensing, and NMR spectroscopy. In this minireview, we examine recent works on coordination polymers as chiral sensors and their enantioselective host‐guest chemistry, while highlighting their potential for application in different settings.
Population‐based analysis of perioperative chemotherapy use, interventions requiring hospitalization and atheroembolic events among patients with non‐metastatic muscle‐invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Benidir Tarik , Herrera‐Caceres Jaime , Wallis Christopher , Lajkosz Katherine , Fleshner Neil
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Utilization of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NC) in muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is increasingly recognized as standard of care but trends of use in Ontario remain unknown. Currently, there remains knowledge gaps regarding the effects of perioperative chemotherapy on the rates of interventions requiring hospitalization (IRH) and atheroembolic events (ATEs).

Methods

We conducted a population‐based retrospective study within the province of Ontario over 16 years. Patients with non‐metastatic MIBC receiving surgery only or planned for perioperative chemotherapy were included. Primary outcomes included 2‐year IRH and ATE rates. Univariate/multivariate analysis was used to identify predictors associated with IRHs and ATEs. Cochrane‐Armitage was used to assess treatment trends over time.

Results

Our study included 3281 patients. RC alone occurred in 2030 (60.9%), NC in 974 (29.6%) and adjuvant chemotherapy in 8.4% (n = 277). A total of 490/974 (50.3%) patients whom initiated NC with RC intent failed to undergo RC. This improved to 20.5% by 2015 (p < 0.001). Use of NC increased by an absolute value of 33% (p < 0.001). Overall, 4.2% of patients experienced IRHs and 11.5% ATEs. On multivariate analysis, advanced age and Charlson index score (CI) were strong predictors of outcomes, not timing of perioperative chemotherapy (p < 0.05.)

Conclusion

A total of 29.6% of MIBC patients are planned for NC with 20.5% not progressing to their surgery. Use of NC has substantially increased over time. IRHs and ATEs remain stubbornly high at 4.2% and 11.5% respectively. Older age and higher CI scores are the strongest predictors of IRHs and ATEs (p < 0.05), not perioperative chemotherapy.
Longibramides A–E, Peptaibols Isolated from a Mushroom Derived Fungus Trichoderma longibrachiatum Rifai DMG‐3‐1‐1
Authors: Zhang Shu‐Hua , Yang Jiewei , Ma Hao , Yang Yu , Zhou Guo‐Feng , Zhao Xue , Xu Rui , Nie Dan , Zhang Guo‐Gang , Shan Jun‐Jie , Cui Cheng‐Bin , Li Chang‐Wei
Published: March 2021

Five new peptaibols, longibramides A–E (1–5) with 11 amino acid residues, were isolated from a fungus Trichoderma longibrachiatum Rifai DMG‐3‐1‐1, which was isolated from a mushroom Clitocybe nebularis (Batsch) P. Kumm collected from coniferous forest in the subboreal area of northeast China. The structures of longibramides A–E were determined by their spectroscopic data (NMR and MS‐MS spectra), their absolute configurations were determined by X‐ray diffractions and Marfey's analyses. The X‐ray diffractions of longibramides A, B, and the similar CD spectra of A–E showed that they all had α‐helix conformations. Longibramides B and E showed moderate cytotoxicities against BV2 and MCF‐7 cells and also showed some inhibitory effects against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA T144. L‐trans‐Hyp was not commonly found in natural peptaibols, which was the 6th or 10th amino acid residue in longibramides C–E. The X‐ray diffractions of longibramides A and B afforded the accuracy conformations of their secondary structures, which maybe help to interpret the structure‐activity relationships of the family of peptaibols in the future.
High‐Performance Ytterbium‐Doped V2O5 ⋅ H2O Binder‐Free Thin‐Film Electrodes for Supercapacitors
Authors: Yang Shu , Cen Yuan , Hu Bingbing , Xu Chuanlan , Li Yan , Yu Jingjing , Hu Bihao , Meng Jiazhi , Yu Danmei , Chen Changguo
Published: March 2021

In this work, honeycomb‐like Yb‐doped V2O5 ⋅ nH2O binder‐free thin film electrodes are synthesized via a simple and convenient sol‐gel method. Benefiting from the synergy of V2O5 ⋅ nH2O and rare‐earth metal ion Yb3+, thin‐layer honeycomb‐like morphology formed upon the introduction of Yb3+ into the V2O5 ⋅ nH2O, which markedly promotes the electrochemical performance of the V2O5 ⋅ H2O thin‐film electrode. After the condition optimization, 8 % Yb−V2O5 ⋅ H2O exhibits superior electrochemical performance with a specific capacitance of 703 F g−1 (at 1 A g−1) and outstanding cycling stability. Besides, owing to the ultra‐high conductivity of oxide super‐P (OSP) nanoparticles, the V2O5 ⋅ H2O@OSP‐4 binder‐free film electrode shows a high specific capacitance of 627 F g−1, which was prepared by the same simple sol‐gel strategy. The assembled 8 % Yb−V2O5 ⋅ nH2O//V2O5 ⋅ nH2O@OSP‐4 device delivers a high specific energy density and excellent cycling stability. This study may have certain inspirations for the fabrication of thin‐film electrodes for high‐efficiency energy storage systems.
Chiral Biobased Ionic Liquids with Cations or Anions including Bile Acid Building Blocks as Chiral Selectors in Voltammetry
Authors: Grecchi Sara , Ferdeghini Claudio , Longhi Mariangela , Mezzetta Andrea , Guazzelli Lorenzo , Khawthong Siriwat , Arduini Fabiana , Chiappe Cinzia , Iuliano Anna , Mussini Patrizia Romana
Published: March 2021

Chiral ionic liquids (CILs), or ionic liquids (ILs) with chiral additives, are very attractive chiral media for enantioselective electroanalysis, on account of their high chiral structural order at the electrochemical interphase. A family of molecular salts with CIL properties is now introduced, based on the chiral steroid building block of deoxycholic acid implemented either in the anion or cation. Testing them as chiral additives in a commercial achiral IL, they enable voltammetric discrimination of the enantiomers of a model chiral probe on disposable screen‐printed electrodes in terms of peak potential differences, which is the most desirable transduction mode of the enantiorecognition event. The probe enantiomer sequence is the same for all selectors, consistent with their sharing the same chiral building block configuration. This proof‐of‐concept widens the application fields of bile acid derivatives as chiral selectors, while also enriching the still very few CIL families so far explored for applications in chiral electroanalysis.
Electrochemically Induced Generation of Extraneous Nitrite and Ammonia in Organic Electrolyte Solutions During Nitrogen Reduction Experiments
Authors: Hodgetts Rebecca Y. , Du Hoang‐Long , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Simonov Alexandr N.
Published: March 2021

Oxidised nitrogen species (NOx) are recognised as a major source of false‐positive nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) results. Even when addressed, NOx are commonly eradicated at the initial stages of the experiment only. The present work demonstrates the shortcomings of this approach through a scrutiny of the evolution of NH3, NO2− and NO3− during the reduction of N2‐saturated acetonitrile solutions with an Fe‐modified electrode. Notwithstanding, thorough purification of the experimental setup, persistent evolution of NO2− during electroreduction was detected in solution and attributed to the pH increase at the electrode surface inducing the release of strongly adsorbed adventitious nitrite. This species could be then reduced to NH3, while the rate of the NRR was unmeasurably low, as confirmed by 15N2 reduction experiments. This effect of the electrochemically induced changes in pH has not been previously discussed in nonaqueous NRR, which is arguably the only effective means for the N2 electroreduction to NH3. This work also demonstrates that CH3CN might present a suitable solvent for the NRR if a genuinely active catalyst that operates at reasonable overpotentials becomes available.
Development of Single‐Stranded DNA Bisintercalating Inhibitors of Primase DnaG as Antibiotics
Authors: Green Keith D. , Punetha Ankita , Chandrika Nishad Thamban , Hou Caixia , Garneau‐Tsodikova Sylvie , Tsodikov Oleg V.
Published: March 2021

Many essential enzymes in bacteria remain promising potential targets of antibacterial agents. In this study, we discovered that dequalinium, a topical antibacterial agent, is an inhibitor of Staphylococcus aureus primase DnaG (SaDnaG) with low‐micromolar minimum inhibitory concentrations against several S. aureus strains, including methicillin‐resistant bacteria. Mechanistic studies of dequalinium and a series of nine of its synthesized analogues revealed that these compounds are single‐stranded DNA bisintercalators that penetrate a bacterium by compromising its membrane. The best compound of this series likely interacts with DnaG directly, inhibits both staphylococcal cell growth and biofilm formation, and displays no significant hemolytic activity or toxicity to mammalian cells. This compound is an excellent lead for further development of a novel anti‐staphylococcal therapeutic.
Careful Placement Allows Manure to Replace Starter Phosphorus in Corn
Authors: Sever Megan
Published: March 2021

Most crops in northern climates benefit from a boost from phosphorus to get started. Previous studies have looked into whether manure could replace mineral phosphorus starter fertilizer in corn, but results have been iffy on how exactly to do this. Some research has even indicated manure can be detrimental to corn roots and growth. A new article published in Agronomy Journal confirms that manure can replace starter phosphorus fertilizer in corn, but farmers must be careful in where and how it’s applied. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/944.
Roles of Fast‐Ion Conductor LiTaO3 Modifying Ni‐rich Cathode Material for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Su Yuefeng , Chen Gang , Chen Lai , Shi Qi , Lv Zhao , Lu Yun , Bao Liying , Li Ning , Chen Shi , Wu Feng
Published: March 2021

Limited cycling stability hampers the commercial application of Ni‐rich materials, which are regarded as one of the most promising cathode materials for Li‐ion batteries. Ni‐rich LiNi0.9Co0.06Mn0.04O2 layered cathode was modified with different amounts of LiTaO3, and the influences of fast‐ion conductor material on cathode materials were explored. Detailed analysis of the materials revealed the formation of a uniformly epitaxial LiTaO3 coating layer and a little Ta5+ doping into the lattice structure of Ni‐rich materials. The coating‐layer thickness increased with the amount of LiTaO3 added, protecting the electrode from erosion by electrolyte and suppressing undesired parasitic reactions on the cathode‐electrolyte interface. Meanwhile, the doped Ta5+ increased the interplanar spacing of materials, accelerating Li+ transfer. Using the positive synergistic effects of LiTaO3‐coating and Ta5+‐doping, improved capacity retentions of the modified materials, especially for 0.25 and 0.5 wt%‐coated Ni‐rich materials, were obtained after long‐term cycling, showing the potential applications of LiTaO3 modification. Further, the relations between one excessively thick coating layer and transfer of Li+/electron between the cathode and electrolyte was established, proving that very thick coating layers, even layers containing Li ions, have adverse effects on electrochemical performances. This finding may help to understand the roles of the coating layer better.
Alopecia areata—New updates with long‐term use of JAK inhibitors
Authors: Nguyen Cristina , Atanaskova Mesinkovska Natasha
Published: March 2021

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune condition of multifactorial etiology that affects about 2% of the general population. It is a disease leading to significant emotional and psychosocial distress. There are very limited treatment options available for AA with no therapy demonstrating sustained remission long term. Understanding the genetic and molecular mechanisms of AA have led to the development of novel molecularly targeted treatments such as the Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors. Evidence suggests that JAK inhibitors may be broadly useful in dermatology with promising developments in open‐label clinical trials for AA. Here, the results of long‐term use of JAK inhibitors are reviewed and discussed for moderate‐to‐severe AA.
Physical exercise‐related endophenotypes in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Di Lodovico Laura , Hatteea Hanna , Couton Céline , Duriez Philibert , Treasure Janet , Gorwood Philip
Published: March 2021

Background

The persistence of physical exercise in anorexia nervosa (AN) despite underweight and its maintaining factors are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore the attitudes toward physical exercise and its effects on emotions, cognitive functioning, and body image perception in patients with AN, and to search for exercise‐related endophenotypes of the pathology.

Methods

Physical exercise dependence, quantity, and dysregulation were assessed by the Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS), the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ) and a standardized effort test in 88 patients with AN, 30 unaffected relatives and 89 healthy controls. Changes in positive and negative affect, cognitive rigidity, and body image distortion were measured before and after the effort test in the three groups.

Results

Patients with AN had higher scores on the EDS and the GLTEQ and used more effort in the standardized effort test. These three measures of physical exercise correlated with negative emotions at baseline. After the effort test, patients with AN had marked emotional improvement, a moderate increase in body image distortion and a small increase in cognitive rigidity compared to HC. Unaffected relatives also had a significant postexercise increase of positive emotion.

Discussion

The mood‐related drive for physical exercise has the characteristics of an endophenotype of the disorder. Excessive and driven physical exercise may be state‐associated features of AN, driven by the positive effect on emotional wellbeing.
Environmental conditions but not nest composition affect reproductive success in an urban bird
Authors: Capilla‐Lasheras Pablo , Bondía Blanca , Aguirre José I.
Published: March 2021

Adjusting the composition of their nests, breeding birds can influence the environmental conditions that eggs and offspring experience. Birds often use feathers to build nests, presumably due to their insulating properties. The amount of feathers in nests is often associated with increased nestling survival and body condition. However, it is unclear whether these putative beneficial effects of adding feathers to nests are relevant in a wide range of environmental conditions. Here, we combine data on weather conditions and feathers in nests (i.e., nest composition) to investigate their relative contribution to reproductive success in the Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus). Specifically, we investigate whether the effect of weather conditions on breeding success is modulated by the amount of feathers added to the nest. We found a strong negative effect of rainfall on the number of nestlings that successfully fledged per breeding attempt, but this negative effect was not mitigated by the amount of feathers in nests. We also found that the amount of feathers in nests varied along the breeding season, with nests containing more feathers early in the breeding season, when temperatures were lower. Despite considerable variation in nest composition, our results do not suggest an important role of feathers in nests protecting eggs or nestling tree sparrows against fluctuations in environmental conditions.
Seasonal upwelling reduces herbivore control of tropical rocky intertidal algal communities
Authors: Sellers Andrew J. , Leung Brian , Altieri Andrew H. , Glanz Jess , Turner Benjamin L. , Torchin Mark E.
Published: March 2021

Communities are shaped by a variety of ecological and environmental processes, each acting at different spatial scales. Seminal research on rocky shores highlighted the effects of consumers as local determinants of primary productivity and community assembly. However, it is now clear that the species interactions shaping communities at local scales are themselves regulated by large‐scale oceanographic processes that generate regional variation in resource availability. Upwelling events deliver nutrient‐rich water to coastal ecosystems, influencing primary productivity and algae–herbivore interactions. Despite the potential for upwelling to alter top‐down control by herbivores, we know relatively little about the coupling between oceanographic processes and herbivory on tropical rocky shores, where herbivore effects on producers are considered to be strong and nutrient levels are considered to be limiting. By replicating seasonal molluscan herbivore exclusion experiments across three regions exposed to varying intensity of seasonal upwelling, separated by hundreds of kilometers along Panama’s Pacific coast, we examine large‐scale environmental determinants of consumer effects and community structure on tropical rocky shores. At sites experiencing seasonal upwelling, grazers strongly limited macroalgal cover when upwelling was absent, leading to dominance by crustose algae. As nutrients increased and surface water cooled during upwelling events, increases in primary productivity temporarily weakened herbivory, allowing foliose, turf and filamentous algae to replace crusts. Meanwhile, grazer effects were persistently strong at sites without seasonal upwelling. Our results confirm that herbivores are key determinants of tropical algal cover, and that the mollusk grazing guild can control initial stages of macroalgal succession. However, our focus on regional oceanographic conditions revealed that bottom‐up processes regulate top‐down control on tropical shorelines. This study expands on the extensive body of work highlighting the influence of upwelling on local ecological processes by demonstrating that nutrient subsidies delivered by upwelling events can weaken herbivory in tropical rocky shores.
A practical guide to selecting models for exploration, inference, and prediction in ecology
Authors: Tredennick Andrew T. , Hooker Giles , Ellner Stephen P. , Adler Peter B.
Published: March 2021

Selecting among competing statistical models is a core challenge in science. However, the many possible approaches and techniques for model selection, and the conflicting recommendations for their use, can be confusing. We contend that much confusion surrounding statistical model selection results from failing to first clearly specify the purpose of the analysis. We argue that there are three distinct goals for statistical modeling in ecology: data exploration, inference, and prediction. Once the modeling goal is clearly articulated, an appropriate model selection procedure is easier to identify. We review model selection approaches and highlight their strengths and weaknesses relative to each of the three modeling goals. We then present examples of modeling for exploration, inference, and prediction using a time series of butterfly population counts. These show how a model selection approach flows naturally from the modeling goal, leading to different models selected for different purposes, even with exactly the same data set. This review illustrates best practices for ecologists and should serve as a reminder that statistical recipes cannot substitute for critical thinking or for the use of independent data to test hypotheses and validate predictions.