bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A T‐cell reporter platform for high‐throughput and reliable investigation of TCR function and biology
Authors: Müller Thomas R , Schuler Corinna , Hammel Monika , Köhler Amelie , Jutz Sabrina , Leitner Judith , Schober Kilian , Busch Dirk H , Steinberger Peter
Published: November 2020

Objective

Transgenic re‐expression enables unbiased investigation of T‐cell receptor (TCR)‐intrinsic characteristics detached from its original cellular context. Recent advancements in TCR repertoire sequencing and development of protocols for direct cloning of full TCRαβ constructs now facilitate large‐scale transgenic TCR re‐expression. Together, this offers unprecedented opportunities for the screening of TCRs for basic research as well as clinical use. However, the functional characterisation of re‐expressed TCRs is still a complicated and laborious matter. Here, we propose a Jurkat‐based triple parameter TCR signalling reporter endogenous TCR knockout cellular platform (TPRKO) that offers an unbiased, easy read‐out of TCR functionality and facilitates high‐throughput screening approaches.

Methods

As a proof‐of‐concept, we transgenically re‐expressed 59 human cytomegalovirus‐specific TCRs and systematically investigated and compared TCR function in TPRKO cells versus primary human T cells.

Results

We demonstrate that the TPRKO cell line facilitates antigen‐HLA specificity screening via sensitive peptide‐MHC‐multimer staining, which was highly comparable to primary T cells. Also, TCR functional avidity in TPRKO cells was strongly correlating to primary T cells, especially in the absence of CD8αβ co‐receptor.

Conclusion

Overall, our data show that the TPRKO cell lines can serve as a surrogate of primary human T cells for standardised and high‐throughput investigation of TCR biology.
In the shadows of snow leopards and the Himalayas: density and habitat selection of blue sheep in Manang, Nepal
Authors: Filla Marc , Lama Rinzin Phunjok , Ghale Tashi Rapte , Signer Johannes , Filla Tim , Aryal Raja Ram , Heurich Marco , Waltert Matthias , Balkenhol Niko , Khorozyan Igor
Published: November 2020

There is a growing agreement that conservation needs to be proactive and pay increased attention to common species and to the threats they face. The blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur) plays a key ecological role in sensitive high‐altitude ecosystems of Central Asia and is among the main prey species for the globally vulnerable snow leopard (Panthera uncia). As the blue sheep has been increasingly exposed to human pressures, it is vital to estimate its population dynamics, protect the key populations, identify important habitats, and secure a balance between conservation and local livelihoods. We conducted a study in Manang, Annapurna Conservation Area (Nepal), to survey blue sheep on 60 transects in spring (127.9 km) and 61 transects in autumn (134.7 km) of 2019, estimate their minimum densities from total counts, compare these densities with previous estimates, and assess blue sheep habitat selection by the application of generalized additive models (GAMs). Total counts yielded minimum density estimates of 6.0–7.7 and 6.9–7.8 individuals/km2 in spring and autumn, respectively, which are relatively high compared to other areas. Elevation and, to a lesser extent, land cover indicated by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) strongly affected habitat selection by blue sheep, whereas the effects of anthropogenic variables were insignificant. Animals were found mainly in habitats associated with grasslands and shrublands at elevations between 4,200 and 4,700 m. We show that the blue sheep population size in Manang has been largely maintained over the past three decades, indicating the success of the integrated conservation and development efforts in this area. Considering a strong dependence of snow leopards on blue sheep, these findings give hope for the long‐term conservation of this big cat in Manang. We suggest that long‐term population monitoring and a better understanding of blue sheep–livestock interactions are crucial to maintain healthy populations of blue sheep and, as a consequence, of snow leopards.
Resource‐driven colonization by cod in a high Arctic food web
Authors: Johannesen Edda , Yoccoz Nigel G. , Tveraa Torkild , Shackell Nancy L. , Ellingsen Kari E. , Dolgov Andrey V. , Frank Kenneth T.
Published: November 2020

Climate change is commonly associated with many species redistributions and the influence of other factors may be marginalized, especially in the rapidly warming Arctic.

The Barents Sea, a high latitude large marine ecosystem in the Northeast Atlantic has experienced above‐average temperatures since the mid‐2000s with divergent bottom temperature trends at subregional scales.

Concurrently, the Barents Sea stock of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua, one of the most important commercial fish stocks in the world, increased following a large reduction in fishing pressure and expanded north of 80°N.

We examined the influence of food availability and temperature on cod expansion using a comprehensive data set on cod stomach fullness stratified by subregions characterized by divergent temperature trends. We then tested whether food availability, as indexed by cod stomach fullness, played a role in cod expansion in subregions that were warming, cooling, or showed no trend.

The greatest increase in cod occupancy occurred in three northern subregions with contrasting temperature trends. Cod apparently benefited from initial high food availability in these regions that previously had few large‐bodied fish predators.

The stomach fullness in the northern subregions declined rapidly after a few years of high cod abundance, suggesting that the arrival of cod caused a top‐down effect on the prey base. Prolonged cod residency in the northern Barents Sea is, therefore, not a certainty.
Territoriality, environment and hybrid governance tensions in alternative food networks: Cases of small‐scale viticulture in Chile
Authors: Letelier Eduardo , Aguayo Beatriz Cid , Saravia Pablo , Carroza Nelson , Vanhulst Julien
Published: November 2020

Viticulture and wine making are a key part of the socio‐ecological landscape of central and south‐central Chile. The sector is comprised of both dominant export‐oriented companies (oriented to monoculture and agribusiness) and traditional small‐scale production (more‐or‐less locally embedded and community oriented). Since the 1990s, different small‐scale viticulture organizations emerged to deal with different challenges imposed by globalisation in a neoliberal institutional setting which favours extractive forms of productions (environmental resource intensive). In this article, we use the Alternative Food Network (AFN) theoretical framework and hybrid governance approach to analyse the governance tensions in five small‐scale viticulture organisations from Marga‐Marga, Lontué and Itata valleys. Using interviews and social cartography as methods, the study shows how the territorial strategies of AFNs shape governance tensions on three dimensions: geographic space, environmental resources and human relations. Finally, the article proposes a conceptual framework to understand the relationship between scalar dynamics and the socio‐environmental core values, strategic objectives and societal missions of AFNs.
Inpatient treatment of anorexia nervosa in adolescents: A 1‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Meule Adrian , Schrambke Dominic , Furst Loredo Artur , Schlegl Sandra , Naab Silke , Voderholzer Ulrich
Published: November 2020

Objective

Inpatient treatment effectively increases body weight and decreases eating disorder symptoms in adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN). However, there is a high risk of relapse within the first year after discharge, which calls for investigating long‐term treatment success and its moderators.

Method

Female adolescent inpatients with AN (N = 142) were assessed, of which 85% participated at 1‐year follow‐up. Dependent variables were body mass index percentiles, eating disorder symptoms, depressive symptoms, compulsive exercise and life satisfaction.

Results

On average, body weight increased and eating disorder symptoms and depressive symptoms decreased from admission to discharge and remained stable at follow‐up. Compulsive exercise decreased and life satisfaction increased from admission to discharge and even improved further at follow‐up. Age, duration of illness, previous inpatient treatments, length of stay and readmission after discharge moderated changes in several outcome variables.

Conclusions

This study confirms the high effectiveness of inpatient treatment for adolescents with AN and demonstrates that treatment effects remain stable or even improve further within the first year after discharge. However, subgroups of patients (e.g., those with an older age, longer duration of illness, and previous inpatient treatments) require special attention during inpatient treatment and aftercare to prevent relapse.
Optimization of fermentation conditions for production of l‐arabinose isomerase of Lactobacillus plantarum WU14
Authors: Sun Zhijun , Miao Tingting , Yin Aiguo , Qiu Hulin , Xiao Yunyi , Li Ying , Hai Jinping , Xu Bo
Published: November 2020

As a substitute sweetener for sucrose, d‐tagatose is widely used in products, such as health drinks, yogurt, fruit juices, baked goods, confectionery, and pharmaceutical preparations. In the fermentation process of l‐AI produced by Lactobacillus plantarum, d‐tagatose is produced through biotransformation and this study was based on the fermentation process of Lactobacillus plantarum WU14 producing l‐AI to further research the biotransformation and separation process of d‐tagatose. The kinetics of cell growth, substrate consumption, and l‐arabinose isomerase formation were established by nonlinear fitting, and the fitting degrees were 0.996, 0.994, and 0.991, respectively, which could better reflect the change rule of d‐tagatose biotransformation in the fermentation process of L. plantarum WU14. The separation process of d‐tagatose was identified by decolorization, protein removal, desalination, and freeze drying, initially. Finally, the volume ratio of whole cell catalysts, d‐galactose, and borate was 5:1:2 at 60°C, pH 7.17 through borate complexation; then, after 24 hr of conversion, the yield of d‐tagatose was 58 g/L.
Childhood circumstances and young adulthood outcomes: The role of mothers' financial problems
Authors: Clark Andrew E. , D'Ambrosio Conchita , Barazzetta Marta
Published: November 2020

We here consider the cognitive and noncognitive consequences on young adults of growing up with a mother who reported experiencing major financial problems. We use UK data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children to show that early childhood financial problems are associated with worse adolescent cognitive and noncognitive outcomes, controlling for both income and a set of standard variables, and in value‐added models controlling for children's earlier age‐5 outcomes. The estimated effect of financial problems is almost always larger in size than that of income. Around one‐quarter to one‐half of the effect of financial problems on the noncognitive outcomes seems to transit through mother's mental health.
Significance of the ratio interferon‐γ/interleukin‐4 in early diagnosis and immune mechanism of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion
Authors: Peng Yizhi , Yin Sheng , Wang Min
Published: November 2020

Objective

To investigate the significance of T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th2 cytokines in the pathogenesis of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA), and reveal the value of single cytokines and their proportions in early diagnosis.

Methods

A total of 44 URSA patients (URSA group), 51 patients with adverse pregnancy history (ad‐pregnancy group), and 42 healthy volunteers with normal pregnancy (pregnancy group) were recruited for a cross‐sectional study from July 2018 to April 2019 in the Second Xiangya Hospital. Pregnancies involving chromosomal abnormalities, infection, autoimmune diseases, and anatomical abnormalities were excluded. Flow cytometry was used to determine the level of Th1/Th2 cytokines in peripheral blood.

Results

The level of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in the peripheral blood of the ad‐pregnancy group was significantly higher than in the other two groups. The ratio of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ)/IL‐4 in the URSA group was significantly higher than that of the pregnancy group. The area under the curve for IFN‐γ/IL‐4 was 0.821, with high diagnostic efficiency, and sensitivity as high as 84.09%.

Conclusion

Laboratory testing for IL‐6 is not recommended for the diagnosis or monitoring of URSA. The variable IFN‐γ/IL‐4 can be used for the initial diagnosis of URSA to reduce the rate of missed diagnosis. This ratio was more important than the expression of a single cytokine in the Th1/Th2 immune response.
Turning a blind eye: Meritocracy moderates the impacts of social status on corruption perception
Authors: Tan Xuyun , Zhang Yue , Liu Li , Dou Xuejiao , Gu Zibei , Liang Yuan , Dang Jianning
Published: November 2020

Findings on the effect of social status on corruption perception are mixed. To make sense of the mixed results, three studies were conducted to examine whether meritocracy moderates this effect. In Study 1, we measured all variables using a questionnaire‐based correlational design. In the preregistered Study 2, we adopted an experimental design in which we manipulated social status using a false feedback paradigm and measured corruption perception and meritocracy. In Study 3, we manipulated meritocracy using a scrambled sentence task and measured its effect on the relationship between social status and corruption perception. The results consistently demonstrated that meritocracy could moderate the influence of social status on corruption perception. Specifically, social status was negatively associated with corruption perception when meritocracy was weak, whereas the association was not significant when meritocracy was strong. Our results suggest that meritocracy critically affects acknowledgment of the pervasiveness of social injustice and even deters the disadvantaged from fighting against corruption.
An integrated feature frame work for automated segmentation of COVID‐19 infection from lung CT images
Authors: Selvaraj Deepika , Venkatesan Arunachalam , Mahesh Vijayalakshmi G. V. , Joseph Raj Alex Noel
Published: November 2020

The novel coronavirus disease (SARS‐CoV‐2 or COVID‐19) is spreading across the world and is affecting public health and the world economy. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can play a key role in enhancing COVID‐19 detection. However, lung infection by COVID‐19 is not quantifiable due to a lack of studies and the difficulty involved in the collection of large datasets. Segmentation is a preferred technique to quantify and contour the COVID‐19 region on the lungs using computed tomography (CT) scan images. To address the dataset problem, we propose a deep neural network (DNN) model trained on a limited dataset where features are selected using a region‐specific approach. Specifically, we apply the Zernike moment (ZM) and gray level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) to extract the unique shape and texture features. The feature vectors computed from these techniques enable segmentation that illustrates the severity of the COVID‐19 infection. The proposed algorithm was compared with other existing state‐of‐the‐art deep neural networks using the Radiopedia and COVID‐19 CT Segmentation datasets presented specificity, sensitivity, sensitivity, mean absolute error (MAE), enhance‐alignment measure (EMφ), and structure measure (Sm) of 0.942, 0.701, 0.082, 0.867, and 0.783, respectively. The metrics demonstrate the performance of the model in quantifying the COVID‐19 infection with limited datasets.
Reevaluating the prudence of economic forecasts in the EU: The role of instrument persistence
Authors: Demetrescu Matei , Roling Christoph , Titova Anna
Published: November 2020

Christodoulakis and Mamatzakis (2009, Journal of Applied Econometrics 24, pp. 583–606) estimate the EU Commission loss preferences for selected economic forecasts of 12 EU Member States. They employ the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimation procedure proposed by Elliott et al. (2005, Review of Economic Studies 72, pp. 1107–1125) and find the forecasts to be somewhat optimistic on average. However, this note shows the GMM estimator to possess nonstandard limiting distributions when some of the instruments are highly persistent, which is the case with one of the instruments employed by Christodoulakis and Mamatzakis. Standard distributions are recovered in some interesting particular cases which are relevant in practice. A reexamination of the EU Commission loss preferences using methods robust to persistence and a dataset extended to 2017 reveals that, while the conclusions of the original study are, by and large, still justified, the EU Commission loss preferences have become more symmetric over the whole studied period.
Voltage‐dependent conformational changes of Kv1.3 channels activate cell proliferation
Authors: Cidad Pilar , Alonso Esperanza , Arévalo‐Martínez Marycarmen , Calvo Enrique , de la Fuente Miguel A. , Pérez‐García M. Teresa , López‐López José R.
Published: November 2020

The voltage‐dependent potassium channel Kv1.3 has been implicated in proliferation in many cell types, based on the observation that Kv1.3 blockers inhibited proliferation. By modulating membrane potential, cell volume, and/or Ca2+ influx, K+ channels can influence cell cycle progression. Also, noncanonical channel functions could contribute to modulate cell proliferation independent of K+ efflux. The specificity of the requirement of Kv1.3 channels for proliferation suggests the involvement of molecule‐specific interactions, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly identified. Heterologous expression of Kv1.3 channels in HEK cells has been shown to increase proliferation independently of K+ fluxes. Likewise, some of the molecular determinants of Kv1.3‐induced proliferation have been located in the C‐terminus region, where individual point mutations of putative phosphorylation sites (Y447A and S459A) abolished Kv1.3‐induced proliferation. Here, we investigated the mechanisms linking Kv1.3 channels to proliferation exploring the correlation between Kv1.3 voltage‐dependent molecular dynamics and cell cycle progression. Using transfected HEK cells, we analyzed both the effect of changes in resting membrane potential on Kv1.3‐induced proliferation and the effect of mutated Kv1.3 channels with altered voltage dependence of gating. We conclude that voltage‐dependent transitions of Kv1.3 channels enable the activation of proliferative pathways. We also found that Kv1.3 associated with IQGAP3, a scaffold protein involved in proliferation, and that membrane depolarization facilitates their interaction. The functional contribution of Kv1.3‐IQGAP3 interplay to cell proliferation was demonstrated both in HEK cells and in vascular smooth muscle cells. Our data indicate that voltage‐dependent conformational changes of Kv1.3 are an essential element in Kv1.3‐induced proliferation.
Titanium dioxide doped hydroxyapatite incorporated photocatalytic membranes for the degradation of chloramphenicol antibiotic in water
Authors: Singh Anirudh , Ramachandran Sathish Kumar , Gumpu Manju Bhargavi , Zsuzsanna Laszlo , Veréb Gábor , Kertész Szabolcs , Gangasalam Arthanareeswaran
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

In the recent years, photocatalytic membrane process has gained interest in wastewater treatment applications. In this study, the ability of advanced oxidation technology coupled membrane process was evaluated during chloramphenicol (CAP) filtration. Titanium dioxide doped hydroxyapatite (TiO2‐HAP) based photocatalytic membrane for chloramphenicol (CAP) degradation was investigated. The TiO2‐HAP photocatalyst was synthesized by a facile hydrothermal technique and characterized by the transmission electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, and FTIR spectroscopy. Varying concentrations of TiO2‐HAP photocatalyst incorporated polysulfone (PSf) membranes were fabricated to enhance the photocatalytic activity and antifouling propensity. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2‐HAP incorporated PSf membranes was evaluated by a low‐pressure cross‐flow lab‐scale photocatalytic membrane reactor (PMR) for degradation of chloramphenicol in water. These results were compared with pristine PSf membrane.

RESULTS

The degradation of chloramphenicol was measured by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The photocatalytic degradation experiments revealed that the highest degradation of 61.59% was observed for the PSf/4 wt% TiO2‐HAP nanocomposite membrane.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the advantages of applying the photocatalytic TiO2‐HAP incorporated PSf composite membranes for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Operationalizing an Internal Compass Toward True North in the Development of Authentic Leadership: A Coaching Approach
Authors: Wulffers Tineke , Carmichael Teresa
Published: November 2020

Authentic leadership (AL) has been classified as one of the foundational forms of positive leadership and is less a style than a mental model. The literature draws on the analogy of a compass by which leaders may continuously navigate toward their “True North” or optimal state. The current research, which forms part of a much larger mixed methods study on AL development, explored ways for leaders to build their own internal AL compass against which to regulate their behavior. The study centered on an executive leadership team which was coached through an AL development program. Data for the paper were collected via individual semi‐structured interviews, then thematically analyzed to identify the internal and external factors influencing participants’ AL development. The findings illustrate how leaders can identify the current state of their internal selves through facilitated examination of their internal identity, purpose, values, beliefs, and psychological states, which are collectively referred to as AL levels. By deliberately refining their AL levels, they were able to adjust their visible behaviors to greater effectiveness. Leaders were then able to take steps toward constructing their internal compass to maintain their “True North” trajectory toward AL. A framework is proposed for the development of an internal AL compass.
The inhibition of enterovirus 71 induced apoptosis by Durvillaea antarctica through P53 and STAT1 signaling pathway
Authors: Xu Tiantian , Li Yinghua , Wu Hua‐lian , Chen Haiyang , Wu Houbo , Guo Min , Zhao Mingqi , Wang Changbing , Lin Tao , Lin Zhengfang , Chen Danyang , Xiang Wenzhou , Zhu Bing
Published: November 2020

The infection of enterovirus 71 (EV71) resulted in hand, foot, and mouth disease and may lead to severe nervous system damage and even fatalities. There are no effective drugs to treat the EV71 virus and it is crucial to find novel drugs against it. Polysaccharide isolated from Durvillaea antarctica green algae has an antiviral effect. In this study, D. antarctica polysaccharide (DAPP) inhibited the infection of EV71 was demonstrated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, flow cytometry, and western blot. MTT assay showed that DAPP had no toxicity on Vero cells at the concentration 250 μg/ml. Furthermore, DAPP significantly reduced the RNA level of EV71 in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, DAPP inhibited the Vero cells apoptosis induced by EV71 via the P53 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the expression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and mammalian target of rapamycin were increased and the proinflammatory cytokines were significantly inhibited by DAPP. Taken together, these results suggested that DAPP could be a potential pharmaceutical against the infection of EV71 virus.
Optimal potassium management strategy to enhance crop yield and soil potassium fertility under paddy‐upland rotation
Authors: Zhu Dandan , Zhang Jianglin , Lu Jianwei , Cong Rihuan , Ren Tao , Li Xiaokun
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

An unbalanced application of potassium (K) fertilizer usually destabilizes crop yield and affects soil K fertility. Developing a sustainable K management strategy requires improvements in crop yield without reducing soil K supply capacity over the long term. A combination of field experiments of K fertilization and straw return using rice (Oryza sativa L.)–oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) rotation was designed to develop an optimal K management strategy.

RESULTS

The results showed the best strategy to maintain yield was KG+S (input equivalent K removed by seed treatment and straw return), KS+KG (input equivalent K removed by straw and seed) and KC+S (conventional K fertilization and straw return) treatments, and the yield gap among different treatments expanded with the extension of planting years. There were significant differences present in rice and rape K uptake, although no differences in seed K uptake were observed under different K management strategies. The K balance was approximately maintained under KG+S and KS+KG treatments, and negative K balances were present for KN (no K application), KC (conventional fertilization), +S (straw return) and KS treatments (input equivalent K that removed by straw treatment). A positive balance was observed under KC+S treatment. Slight changes in soil exchangeable and nonexchangeable K were observed under KG+S and +S treatments. However, high inputs of K fertilizer prevented the improvement of agronomic efficiency and recovery efficiency of K.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the optimal K management strategy was KG+S, which stabilizes the crop yield, maintains soil K fertility and maximizes K use efficiency. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
High luminance and high see‐through head‐mounted displays with beam‐splitter‐array waveguides
Authors: Ukai Ryuji , Kuno Takuma , Nakamura Toshiteru , Uchiyama Masahito , Ouchi Satoshi
Published: November 2020

We have developed head‐mounted displays with high transmittance and luminance, which could be utilized outside safely without dimming glasses. We first specified required optical performance specifications by considering user's safety and usability. In order to ensure that the user is able to recognize both surrounding environment and the image of the head‐mounted display, we set the target specification that the transmittance is higher than or equal to 85%, and the luminance contrast ratio is larger than or equal to 1.15 with display image of white solid pattern. We then developed the beam‐splitter‐array waveguide to achieve the requirements. It has advantages in high efficiency and high see‐through property. In order to determine configuration of the waveguide, we have performed optical ray trace simulation. We also established versatile waveguide measurement method applicable to different‐type waveguides. By utilizing the waveguide we have developed, we made a prototype of a head‐mounted display (HMD) with high transmittance 94% and high luminance 4.8 × 103 cd/m2 and thus luminance contrast ratio 1.25 under the sun. With these advantages, our HMD is suitable for usage outside including applications of work support systems where dimming effect is not preferred, and the HMD is used under the sun.
New liquid chromatography assays for simultaneous quantification of antihypertensives atenolol and valsartan in their dosage forms
Authors: Peleshok Kateryna , Piponski Marjan , Kovalenko Sergiy , Ahmed Hytham , Abdel‐Megied Ahmed , Ezike Obianuju Florence , Logoyda Liliya
Published: November 2020

Nowadays, various single‐pill combinations are used as the best choice in hypertension management. However, these pills made a high challenge to analysts in terms of quality control assays. We have developed three sensitive, selective, fast, simple, green, accurate, precise, and robust isocratic high‐performance liquid chromatography methods for simultaneous determination of valsartan and atenolol in dosage forms. To find the appropriate high‐performance liquid chromatography conditions for the separation of the examined drugs, various columns, isocratic mobile phase systems were tried, and successful attempts were performed. The used columns proved to be indispensably applicable and gave a shorter analysis time and peak symmetries. This reduction in total run time leads to low solvent consumption and makes all methods more economical. The linearity, accuracy, and precision remained within the acceptable limits. Therefore, all developed methods are suitable for the routine quality control analysis of any pharmaceutical preparation containing the two tested drugs with the proposed chromatographic methods advantages for checking quality during stability studies of their pharmaceutical preparations.
Peer‐to‐peer accommodation: A meta‐analysis of factors affecting customer satisfaction and loyalty
Authors: Shin Hhye Won , Fan Alei , Lehto Xinran
Published: November 2020

The current research synthesizes a decade of peer‐to‐peer accommodation studies published in the hospitality and tourism field, and provides a meta‐analytic review of this topic since its emergence. Following the push versus pull motivation framework, this research investigates how the major factors affect customers' satisfaction and their loyalty in the P2P accommodation setting. Utilizing the Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis Program (CMA), a quantitative meta‐analysis of twenty‐four articles published in the hospitality and tourism journals was conducted to determine the effect sizes of the relationships between the push and pull factors, customer satisfaction and loyalty in the peer‐to‐peer context. The results show that all four push factors have strong positive relationships with satisfaction, whereas the seven pull factors' effect sizes on satisfaction vary. Regarding the relationships with loyalty, both push and pull factors show medium to large effect sizes. In addition, the positive impact of customers' satisfaction on their loyalty in the peer‐to‐peer accommodation context is confirmed. This is the first meta‐analysis effort to provide a collective insight regarding the major factors affecting customer satisfaction and loyalty toward peer‐to‐peer accommodations. It offers a new perspective of “push and pull factors” for future research. Moreover, this research provides guidelines to the operators and marketers about what the most important factors are for customers in using and selecting peer‐to‐peer accommodations.
Corrosion resistance of a cast steel overpack for high‐level radioactive waste disposal in Japan
Authors: Ogawa Yusuke , Suzuki Satoru , Taniguchi Naoki , Kawasaki Manabu , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Takahashi Rieko
Published: November 2020

The corrosion rate and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) susceptibility of a cast steel are studied for its application to metal containers (namely overpacks) for geological disposal of high‐level radioactive waste. Specimens for corrosion tests are cut from a prototype overpack manufactured by full‐scale casting. Casting defects are widely distributed in the prototype overpack; however, the flat‐bottom hole equivalent diameters for all defects detected by an ultrasonic test are 3.6 mm or less, which is relatively small. Forged steels and rolled steels are also tested for comparison of their corrosion properties with the cast steel. The corrosion rates are obtained by immersion tests in bentonite saturated with synthetic seawater under anaerobic conditions at 80°C for up to 1 year. The corrosion rate for the cast steel calculated by the weight loss during the experiments is close to that for the forged steels and rolled steels. The SCC susceptibility is examined using slow strain rate tests in a 1.5‐mol L−1 carbonate–bicarbonate solution, in which the occurrence of high‐pH SCC is often reported for carbon steels. The SCC susceptibility increased with the increase in the carbon content of the products; however, there are no clear differences between casting and forging.
Assessment of cathodic protection effect on long‐distance gas transportation pipelines based on buried steel specimens
Authors: He Guoxi , Peng Hao , Liao Kexi , Wang Minan , Zhao Shuai , Leng Jihui
Published: November 2020

Different severe corrosions are found at the damaged point of anticorrosive coating on natural gas pipelines, even though the cathodic protection (CP) potential is between −0.85 and −1.15 V. Therefore, there are totally 168 buried steel specimens (BSSs) and 28 soil samples at 28 buried points that are taken out in situ and then analyzed in the lab to assess the CP effectiveness. First, the CP status is simulated by BSSs at the damaged points, and the corrosion products on BSSs are analyzed microscopically. Second, the corrosion rates of the testing BSSs are calculated by the weight‐loss method to perform the quantitative assessment. Third, the specific reasons for external corrosion are explored via analyzing the CP potential attenuation tendency and the corrosiveness of soil. The corrosion growth trend is also investigated by comparing the test results among three test cycles within 8 years. Finally, the control measures for external corrosion of pipelines are put forward. The study is beneficial to evaluate the CP system and determine the causes of external corrosion of pipelines, thereby formulating corresponding protective measures.
What you touch, touches you: The influence of haptic attributes on consumer product impressions
Authors: Ranaweera Achini T. , Martin Brett A. S. , Jin Hyun Seung
Published: November 2020

The present research builds upon the touch literature to show that the salience of haptic product attributes related to product surface texture (smooth, rough) and weight (light weight, heavy weight) influence consumer product impressions. We propose that haptic cue congruity across texture and weight drive consumer product impressions depending on a consumer's need for touch (NFT). We show that high autotelic‐NFT consumers who touch for sensory pleasure enjoyed the incongruity between smooth texture and heavy weight haptic cues, and consequently showed favorable evaluations towards exciting brands. In contrast, low autotelic‐NFT consumers prefer the anticipated match between smooth texture and light weight haptic cues, which conformed to their expectation about the nature of a sophisticated brand personality. Further, we show how the interactive effect of haptic attributes and a consumer's autotelic‐NFT on willingness to purchase is mediated by product personality. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
A second order convergent difference scheme for the initial‐boundary value problem of Korteweg–de Vires equation
Authors: Wang Xuping , Sun Zhi‐zhong
Published: November 2020

In this article, we present a two‐level implicit difference scheme for Korteweg–de Vires equation with the initial and boundary conditions by the method of order reduction. The truncation error of the difference scheme is analyzed in detail. In the practical computation, the introduced intermediate variable is decoupled in order to reduce the computational cost. It is proved that the difference scheme is solvable by the Browder theorem. The conservation, boundedness, and the unconditional convergence of the numerical solution are also analyzed at length. The convergence order is two both in space and in time in L2‐norm. The numerical solution is proved to be unique under the optimal step ratio condition. Numerical examples demonstrate that the theoretical analysis is correct.
Influence of Weight Loss on Obesity‐Associated Complications After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in Adolescents
Authors: Derderian S. Christopher , Patten Luke , Kaizer Alexander M. , Moore Jaime M. , Ogle Sarah , Jenkins Todd M. , Michalsky Marc P. , Mitchell James E. , Bjornstad Petter , Dixon John B. , Inge Thomas H.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Following metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), most adolescents experience weight loss and improvement of many obesity‐associated complications (OACs). The relationship between weight loss and remission of OACs after MBS in adolescents has not been well described.

Methods

The Teen Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery (Teen‐LABS) is a multi‐institutional prospective observational study of adolescents who underwent MBS between 2007 and 2012. Lower‐weight‐loss responders (LWLRs) were defined as having <20% total body weight loss (TBWL) and higher‐weight‐loss responders (HWLRs) were defined as having ≥20% TBWL at 5 years after MBS. The prevalence of OACs was compared at baseline and 5 years after MBS.

Results

Both LWLRs (n = 114) and HWLRs (n = 78) lost significant weight within the first year following MBS; however, the TBWL at 5 years for the LWLRs was 8.6% ± 9.5% compared with 33.8% ± 9.2% for the HWLRs. Those in the HWLR group were more likely to experience durable remission of composite dyslipidemia at 5 years, whereas there were no differences between groups in remission rates of all other OACs.

Conclusions

Greater weight loss after MBS in adolescents was associated with greater remission of composite dyslipidemia; however, remission of other OACs was not dependent on major sustained weight loss.
Hydrophobic nanocomposites of PBAT with Cl‐fn‐POSS nanofiller as compostable food packaging films
Authors: Balaji Sadhasivam , Venkatesan Raja , Mugeeth Loganathan , Dhamodharan Raghavachari
Published: November 2020

Antibacterial nanocomposite films of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) incorporated with different weight percentage of octakis(3‐chloropropyl)octasilsesquioxane (chloropropyl functionalized POSS [Cl‐fn‐POSS]) nanofiller were prepared. The mechanical, thermal, morphological, barrier, and antimicrobial properties were examined. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films were enhanced by the addition of Cl‐fn‐POSS nanofiller. An optimum filler loading of 3 wt% is identified to be best suited for maximum enhancement in tensile strength (24 MPa for 3 wt% filled PBAT vs 11 MPa for neat PBAT) while a 1 wt% filler loading was adequate to double the tensile strength. The barrier properties (WVTR and oxygen transmission rate) of PBAT was improved by the presence of Cl‐fn‐POSS. A volume of 3 wt% filler loading results in 50% reduction of water permeation and 10% reduction in oxygen transmission. The thermogravimetric analyses of the nanocomposites indicated that the filler enabled the enhancement of thermal stability of PBAT. The nanocomposite films revealed antimicrobial activity with this activity increasing with increasing filler content. PBAT is compostable under suitable conditions and with a low weight percentage of filler that is largely made of silicon dioxide these nanocomposite films can find application as biodegradable food packaging material given their flexibility.
A quest for meaning: A qualitative exploration among children with advanced cancer and their parents
Authors: Schaefer Megan R. , Kenney Ansley E. , Himelhoch Alexandra C. , Howard Sharp Katianne M. , Humphrey Lisa , Olshefski Randal , Young‐Saleme Tammi , Gerhardt Cynthia A.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Meaning‐making may assist individuals in adaptation to stressful life events, particularly bereavement. However, few studies have examined meaning‐making among pediatric populations with advanced illness to understand how this process unfolds before the child's death. This study explores meaning‐making pre‐bereavement among children with advanced cancer and their parents.

Methods

As part of a larger study examining shared decision‐making near the end of life, 24 children with advanced cancer and/or high‐risk cancer, 26 mothers, and 11 fathers participated in individual, semi‐structured interviews. Analyses focused on questions regarding meaning‐making. Four coders analyzed the data via directed content analysis.

Results

Three major meaning‐making themes emerged: (1) sense‐making (i.e., unknown, no sense/meaning, religious/spiritual explanations, scientific explanations), (2) benefit‐finding, and (3) purpose/legacy. Some stated they were unable to make sense of the diagnosis, because there was no reason, they were not there yet, or they were dealing with the situation and moving forward. Others reported finding meaning through spiritual and scientific explanations. Many identified benefits related to the child's illness, such as personal growth and stronger relationships. Some parents expressed their purpose in life was to live for their children, while others shared their child's legacy as a way to find meaning.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the struggle children and parents often face when attempting to make sense of the child's advanced or high‐risk illness. Clinicians might consider if meaning‐centered interventions designed for use in adults at the end of life and bereaved parents may be helpful for children with advanced or high‐risk cancer and their parents.
Phase Diagram of In–Pb Alloy in Condensed Films
Authors: Dukarov Sergei V. , Petrushenko Sergei I. , Samsonik Alexander L. , Sukhov Vladimir N.
Published: November 2020

Two‐layer In–Pb films with a thickness from 50 to 200 nm, which are obtained by the method of sequential vacuum condensation, are used to study the phase diagram in this binary system. In–Pb films with a smooth composition change (0–100%) and annealing temperature (20–400 °C) are obtained within a single experimental cycle. The original method of variable composition and variable state is used. With this method of obtaining, the boundaries are observed on the substrate separating different regions of the film. X‐ray diffraction studies show that these areas correspond to different phase states of the sample and visualize the phase diagram of a binary system. The In–Pb phase diagram observed in the films generally corresponds to that for bulk samples. With an increase in the annealing temperature, the dispergation of the films intensifies. Below the liquidus temperature, the films consist of inhomogeneous in composition particles of irregular shape. Above the liquidus line, the films consist of homogeneous islands in the form of a spherical segment. Their size distribution is unimodal with a maximum; the position of which in a wide range does not depend on the concentration of the components.
Deficit irrigation drives maize root distribution and soil microbial communities with implications for soil carbon dynamics
Authors: Flynn Nora E. , Comas Louise H. , Stewart Catherine E. , Fonte Steven J.
Published: November 2020

Increased food demand and water scarcity require the efficient use of agricultural water. Deficit irrigation (DI) can reduce water use with relatively small impacts to crop yield. However, the effects of DI‐associated water stress on root and soil properties remain poorly understood. We examined the impact of water stress via DI on maize (Zea mays L.) root growth, soil microbial community composition, soil aggregation, and soil organic C (SOC) concentrations at two depths (0–20 and 40–60 cm) after 4 yr of treatment implementation. Water stress during the late vegetative stage increased root growth at both soil depths in all stress treatments (significantly at 40–60 cm) but led to lower microbial biomass, assessed using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. Moreover, water stress led to a lower abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi markers in the drier treatments. After 4 yr of treatment, we did not find significant differences in SOC. However, a trend towards higher SOC and greater root biomass in the driest treatment indicated the potential to build soil C in deeper soil layers with larger root C inputs. Soil aggregation was generally greater in deeper soils (average increase of 24%). Overall, the observations in this study indicate that DI alters root growth and soil microbial community structure with the potential to impact SOC storage and overall agroecosystem function beyond the 4‐yr timeframe considered in this study.
Furazan‐Fused Azacyclic Nitramines: Influence of Structural Features on the Combustion and the Thermolysis
Authors: Sinditskii Valery P. , Smirnova Anastasia D. , Serushkin Valery V. , Aleksandrova Natali S. , Sheremetev Aleksei B.
Published: November 2020

The combustion behavior and thermal stability of 4,6,8‐trinitro‐4,5,7,8‐tetrahydro‐6H‐furazano[3,4‐f]‐1,3,5‐triazepine (FRDX) and 1,4,5,8‐tetranitrodifurazano[3,4‐c][3,4‐h]tetraazadecaline (FTNAD) were investigated and compared with analogs, where the furazan ring is substituted with CH2 or C=O units. It has been shown that the furazan‐fused unit reduces the thermal stability of azacyclic nitramines, probably due to the weakening of the N−NO2 bond. The burning rates of FRDX and FTNAD are determined by the kinetics of heat release in the melt. There is the peculiar effect of the furazan unit on the burning rate: according to thermocouple measurements, the unit increases the volatility of cyclic nitramines and reduces the temperature of the burning surface, which should lead to a decrease in the burning rate, but on the other hand, it simultaneously increases the rate of heat release in the melt, and as a result, the burning rate increases rather than falls.
Elucidating Influence of Mg‐ and Cu‐Doping on Electrochemical Properties of O3‐Nax[Fe,Mn]O2 for Na‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yoda Yusuke , Kubota Kei , Kuroki Kazutoshi , Suzuki Shinya , Yamanaka Keisuke , Yaji Toyonari , Amagasa Shota , Yamada Yasuhiro , Ohta Toshiaki , Komaba Shinichi
Published: November 2020

Although O3‐NaFe1/2Mn1/2O2 delivers a large capacity of over 150 mAh g−1 in an aprotic Na cell, its moist‐air stability and cycle stability are unsatisfactory for practical use. Slightly Na‐deficient O3‐Na5/6Fe1/2Mn1/2O2 (O3‐Na5/6FeMn) and O3‐Na5/6Fe1/3Mn1/2Me1/6O2 (Me = Mg or Cu, O3‐FeMnMe) are newly synthesized. The Cu and Mg doping provides higher moist‐air stability. O3‐Na5/6FeMn, O3‐FeMnCu, and O3‐FeMnMg deliver first discharge capacities of 193, 176, and 196 mAh g−1, respectively. Despite partial replacement of Fe with redox inactive Mg, oxide ions in O3‐FeMnMg participate in the redox reaction more apparently than O3‐Na5/6FeMn. X‐ray diffraction studies unveil the formation of a P‐O intergrowth phase during charging up to >4.0 V.
Flexible conductive polymer composites for smart wearable strain sensors
Authors: Zhou Kangkang , Dai Kun , Liu Chuntai , Shen Changyu
Published: November 2020

Wearable strain sensors based on flexible conductive polymer composites (FCPCs) have attracted great attention due to their applications in the fields of human–machine interaction, disease diagnostics, human motion detection, and soft robotic skin. In recent decades, FCPC‐based strain sensors with high stretchability and sensitivity, short response time, and excellent stability have been developed, which are expected to be more versatile and intelligent. Smart strain sensors are required to provide wearable comfort, such as breathability, self‐cooling ability, and so forth. To adapt to the harsh environment, wearable strain sensors should also be highly adaptive to protect the skin and the sensor itself. In addition, portable power supply system, multisite sensing capability, and multifunctionality are crucial for the next generation of FCPC‐based strain sensor.