bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the monetary policy transmission on the manufacturing output: Evidence from the fastest growing Indian economy
Authors: Sankaran Arumugam , K Arjun , Vadivel Arjunan
Published: September 2020

The existing literature portrays that the instruments of monetary policy, such as interest rate, money supply, and price have a direct bearing on economic growth and social welfare. Against this background, the present study investigates the monetary policy transmission on manufacturing output in one of the fastest‐growing economies—India. Highlighting how the Central Bank works in a political–economic context, the precise research question used entails—how does monetary policy affect the manufacturing output in India? And what is the transmission channel and level of magnitude? To address these questions, we employed autoregressive distributed lag bounds testing for co‐integration on the time series data collected from World Development Indicators and International Finance Statistics for the period from 1980 to 2018. The model estimation affirms the presence of a co‐integrating relationship among the variables. In the short run, we have a mixed result of relationship among determining variables and manufacturing output, while in the long run, the lending rate has positive and the exchange rate has significant relationships among the variables. The variables such as consumption and gross capital formation have insignificant influence even though negative. The causality test reveals unidirectional short‐run causality stemming from lending rate to industrial output testifying lending rate‐driven growth. In a nutshell, the lending rate has long‐term positive relationship with that of industrial output, and the functional independence of the Central Bank has long‐term consequences on output and this requires a right chord of balance to be struck between political motives and the RBI's autonomy.
Oxygen barrier properties of organic montmorillonite modified polyamide 11/Poly (vinyl alcohol) films
Authors: Dai Dan‐dan , Huang Ya‐qiong , Sun Lei , Yeh Jen‐taut
Published: September 2020

Organic montmorillonite (OMMT) nano‐platelets were exfoliated and well dispersed in fully bio‐based polyamide 11/Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PA11/PVA) blends. Significantly lower oxygen permeation rates (OTR) were detected for the PA1172.5PVA27.5OMMTx films than those of PA11 and PA1172.5PVA27.5 films. An extremely low OTR of 0.218 cm3/m2·day·atm was found for PA1172.5PVA27.5OMMT1 film modified with 1 PHR optimum concentration of well dispersed OMMT nano‐platelets. Similarly, the free volume characteristics evaluated for PA1172.5PVA27.5OMMTx film series reduced to a minimum as the OMMT concentration reached the optimum value. As revealed by dynamic mechanical and differential scanning calorimetric analyses of PA1172.5PVA27.5OMMTx film series, all dynamic glass transition temperature (Tg), melting temperature (Tm) and percentage crystallinity (Wc) values of PA1172.5PVA27.5OMMTx films were noticeably higher than those of PA1172.5PVA27.5 film without addition of OMMT. In fact, Tgs, Tms and Wcs evaluated for PA1172.5PVA27.5OMMTx films increased to a maximum, as their OMMT reached the optimum concentration. The considerably enhanced oxygen barrier resistance found for PA1172.5PVA27.5OMMTx films was ascribed to the considerably reduced free volume characteristics and much longer permeation path caused by impermeably OMMT nano‐platelets well dispersed in PA1172.5PVA27.5OMMTx films.
Systemic viral infection in children receiving chemotherapy for acute leukemia
Authors: Buus‐Gehrig Constanze , Bochennek Konrad , Hennies Marc T. , Klingebiel Thomas , Groll Andreas H. , Lehrnbecher Thomas
Published: September 2020

Systemic viral diseases frequently occur in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, but data in children receiving chemotherapy for acute leukemia are scarce. We therefore collected and analyzed the published data on symptomatic infection from cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus, parvovirus B19, or adenovirus in pediatric acute leukemia. Reports on 68 children were identified, of whom 16 patients have died from the infection. Further studies have to (1) evaluate the true incidence of these infections in pediatric acute leukemia, (2) their impact on outcome, and (3) whether a subpopulation of patients could benefit from screening and prophylactic strategies.
Neuropsychological impact of trametinib in pediatric low‐grade glioma: A case series
Authors: Peterson Rachel K. , McKeown Tara , Tabori Uri , Bartels Ute , Bouffet Eric , Janzen Laura
Published: September 2020

Clinical trials of MEK inhibitors are underway in pediatric low‐grade glioma (PLGG) with BRAF oncogene mutations and recurrent/refractory disease. Cognitive and behavioral impacts of MEK inhibitors, such as trametinib, are unknown as these outcomes have not yet been studied. This case series compared cognition and behavior in eight PLGG cases prior to and while on treatment with trametinib compared to four PLGG controls. Intelligence in the trametinib cases was mainly unchanged while on treatment, with mild decline in one of seven cases with complete data. Parent‐reported depression symptoms increased in five of eight trametinib cases relative to one of four controls.
Bortezomib treatment of steroid‐refractory Evans syndrome in children
Authors: Beydoun Serina B. , Persaud Yogindra , Lafferty Jennifer , Callaghan Michael U. , Savaşan Süreyya
Published: September 2020

Treatment of refractory Evans syndrome (ES) remains a challenge in hematology practice. Due to rarity of this condition, evidence‐based approaches are limited and often treatment choices stem from small case series or anecdotal experiences. There is mounting evidence that some patients have genetic defects that could be targeted with promising preliminary results. Here, we describe three very refractory pediatric ES cases treated on bortezomib without adverse effects. Two of the three patients had dramatic and long‐lasting recovery that started following the initial doses of the drug. Clinical trials to assess the role of bortezomib in ES treatment are warranted.
Preparation and properties of nylon 11/ethylene‐vinyl alcohol/montmorillonite ternary composites
Authors: Yu Ren , Liu Yan , Gao Zijian , Liu Meng , Zhang TongLu , Zhang Haixin , Wang Bai , Hu Jianshe
Published: September 2020

It is known that polyamide 11 (PA11) is widely used in aviation, automobile, oil pipeline, gas engineering and other fields because of its excellent performance. However, pure PA11 as a carrier material of gas or liquid, its mechanical properties and barrier performance can not fully meet the application requirements in some circumstances, such as in narrow confined space or transporting flammable liquids. In this work, ternary blends were prepared by twin‐screw extruder with PA11, ethylene‐vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and modifier montmorillonite (MMT). The mechanical property, barrier functions, flame retardant performance and rheology of composites were studied. In comparison with those of the pure PA11, the impact properties, barrier properties and combustion intensity of ternary composites were significantly improved. Among them, the impact strength of the ternary composites (PA11/EVOH/MMT = 67.5/22.5/10 wt%) was increased by 58% and the oil absorption value and peak heat release rate (PHRR) at this ratio were 0.190 and 164.124 w•g−1, which were 23% and 43% of pure PA11, respectively. The addition of MMT had no obvious effect on ignition performance. All ternary composites were pseudo‐plastic fluids and exhibited shear‐thinning. SEM observation confirmed that composite materials changed from exfoliated composites to intercalated composites with an increase of the MMT content. The work offered the possibility of exploiting a high barrier performance low‐cost polymer.
Synthesis of C‐terminal glycine‐rich o‐aminoanilide peptides without overacylation for use in benzotriazole‐mediated native chemical ligation
Authors: Ferrer‐Gago Fernando J. , Koh Li Quan
Published: September 2020

Native chemical ligation (NCL) requires the constant development of methods that facilitate the efficient synthesis of C‐terminal peptide thioesters, which are key intermediates in NCL. After testing several resins and linkers, we have developed a solid support on the Rink and chlorotrityl chloride resins based on the attachment of o‐phenylenediamine (PheDA), with and without an electron withdrawing group. These linkers enable the synthesis of C‐terminus o‐aminoanilide peptides without overacylation when the glycine is the first amino acid in the synthesis or when we have a glycine‐rich sequence. Upon treatment with NaNO2, the glycine o‐aminoanilide peptides produce C‐terminus benzotriazole (Bt) peptides. The C‐terminus‐Bt peptides undergo thiol exchange, yielding thioester peptides, which can then be used in an NCL reaction. The linkers attached to the Rink and CT resins efficiently avoid overacylation in the synthesis of glycine‐rich sequences, increasing the yield and purity of these sequences.
Frequency and Severity of Phantom Limb Pain in Veterans with Major Upper Limb Amputation: Results of a National Survey
Authors: Balakhanlou Ellie , Webster Joseph , Borgia Matthew , Resnik Linda
Published: September 2020

Objective

To describe the frequency and severity of phantom limb pain (PLP) in veterans with major upper limb amputation and determine the association between PLP and person, amputation, and prosthesis characteristics.

Design

Cross‐sectional design.

Setting

National survey of veterans living in the community.

Participants

U.S. military veterans (N = 776) with major upper limb amputations.

Main Outcome Measures

Frequency and intensity of PLP, person characteristics such as age and gender, amputation characteristics such as level and etiology, and prosthesis characteristics such as type and intensity of prosthesis use.

Results

Respondents were 97% male with a mean age of 63 years and a mean time since amputation of 31 years. The most common amputation level was transradial (36%) and 62% reported accident as the amputation etiology. 73% of amputees reported PLP with a mean intensity score of 4.2 (standard deviation 3.4). PLP frequency in the daily to always category was reported in 42% of amputees. Weekly and more frequent residual limb pain was associated with having any PLP. Amputation at the shoulder (odds ratio [OR] 3.78 [1.93, 7.39]), amputation at the transhumeral level (OR 1.76 [1.10,2.81]), and amputation due to cancer (OR 5.33 [1.15, 24.81]) were also associated with any PLP. Moderate (β = 1.34, P = < .001) and severe (β = 3.31, P < .001) residual limb pain intensity was associated with higher PLP intensity among those with pain. Amputation at the shoulder level was associated with a 1.5 points higher average pain intensity score (P < .001) compared to the transradial level. Multivariable models failed to show an association between PLP prevalence and amputation of the dominant limb (P = .08) and PLP was not associated with intensity of daily prosthesis use in bivariate analyses.

Conclusion

This study of a large cohort of veterans with major upper limb amputation highlights the long‐term persistence of moderate frequency and intensity PLP.
Knee Flexion Contractures Are Associated with Worse Pain, Stiffness, and Function in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Campbell T Mark , Ramsay Tim , Trudel Guy
Published: September 2020

Background

Patients with or at risk of developing knee osteoarthritis (OA) can acquire a knee flexion contracture (FC). The prevalence, severity, and association of knee FC on OA outcomes such as pain, stiffness, and function are not well described and clinical scales may omit measuring joint range of motion.

Objective

(1) To determine if the presence and severity of a knee FC was associated with worse joint pain, stiffness and/or function and (2) to determine if this association was present in participants with or at risk of knee OA.

Methods

Following a detailed standardized protocol, maximum knee extension was obtained from the baseline physical examination data using a goniometer with the fulcrum over the knee joint line, the upper arm directed towards the greater trochanter and the lower arm directed towards the lateral malleolus.

Design

Cross‐sectional, using the Osteoarthritis Initiative database.

Setting and Participants

Baseline cross‐sectional data collected from a prospective outpatient cohort study, recruiting from four academic health care centers in the United States. Three subcohorts were included: those at‐risk of OA (n = 5995 knees), those with radiographic OA (n = 2610 knees), and controls (n = 62 knees).

Main Outcome Measures

We categorized knee FCs as none, mild, moderate, or severe. Pain scales included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale and numeric pain rating scale; stiffness, the WOMAC stiffness subscale; and function, the WOMAC function subscale and 400‐m walk time.

Results

Participants with FC reported overall worse pain, stiffness, and function compared to those without FC in a severity‐dependent manner. OA participants' scores showed between 1.8‐ and 11.0‐fold mean relative worsening versus at‐risk participants (P < .05 for all). Knee FC was independently associated in a severity‐dependent manner with all outcomes (P < .01).

Conclusions

Knee FCs were associated with worse pain, stiffness, and function in a severity‐dependent manner in a population with or at risk of knee OA. There was an interaction between OA subcohort and FC severity (P‐for‐interaction <.01 for all WOMAC outcomes). Evaluation of the longitudinal effects of contracture on OA and at‐risk patient outcomes is necessary.
Impact of bottlebrush chain architecture on Tg‐confinement and fragility‐confinement effects enabled by thermo‐cleavable bottlebrush polymers synthesized by radical coupling and atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Li Lingqiao , Qiang Zhe , Chen Xi , Jin Kailong , Wang Muzhou , Torkelson John M.
Published: September 2020

Thermo‐cleavable bottlebrush polymers were synthesized by a facile grafting‐to method via radical coupling and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) without small‐molecule synthesis involved. Bottlebrushes were achieved by coupling backbones of poly(4‐methacryloyloxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl), which contain nitroxide radicals, and ATRP‐synthesized side chains, which can be halogen‐abstracted to generate carbon‐centered radicals. Bottlebrushes were prepared using homopolymer or block copolymer side chains. Alkoxyamine covalent bonds resulting from radical coupling are thermo‐reversible at high temperature, and grafting density may be tuned by annealing of post‐synthesis bottlebrush, with the bottlebrush regime going from loose bottlebrush to dense comb and loose comb. The effects of confinement on the Tg and fragility of films of polystyrene bottlebrush were studied by ellipsometry; comparisons were made to thermally cleaved linear components obtained directly after annealing. Relative to linear polymer, bottlebrush topology reduces bulk fragility and suppresses Tg‐ and fragility‐confinement effects. The correlation between the strengths of the confinement effects is consistent with other film studies of linear and non‐linear polymers and supports the notion that fragility is a fundamental property underlying perturbations to Tg. Besides providing a platform for advancing fundamental scientific understanding, our synthetic strategy may afford novel applications of bottlebrushes via incorporated dynamic chemistry.
Initial invasion of glyphosate‐resistant Amaranthus palmeri around grain‐import ports in Japan
Authors: Shimono Ayako , Kanbe Hiroki , Nakamura Shunta , Ueno Saneyoshi , Yamashita Jun , Asai Motoaki
Published: September 2020

Societal Impact Statement

The dispersal of alien species is tightly coupled to human activities such as trade and transport. Trade is known to spread troublesome weeds from countries exporting, to those importing, grain. Glyphosate resistant (GR) Amaranthus palmeri is one of the most problematic weeds in the US, which is the largest grain exporter to Japan. We demonstrate that GR A. palmeri has become established in a Japanese port in less than 10 years from the first report of GR A. palmeri in the US. The initial detection of alien species is critical to enable effective control measures to be undertaken, before problematic species are able to spread more widely.

The US is the largest source to Japan of crops genetically modified to be glyphosate resistant (GR). The intensive use of glyphosate in the US has led to the evolution of GR Amaranthus palmeri, one of the most problematic weeds in the US. Here, we investigated the initial invasion and establishment of GR A. palmeri at grain‐importing ports in Japan.

The primary glyphosate resistance mechanism is a copy‐number amplification of the 297‐kb region containing the herbicide target site gene 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS). We used quantitative PCR to measure the EPSPS genomic copy number and used PCR to confirm the presence of the other amplified region. We used microsatellite marker analysis to compare the genetic similarities between Japanese populations and US accessions.

We detected GR A. palmeri at three ports: although present as a casual plant at two of the three ports, GR populations were established at one of the ports investigated. The port populations were found to be genetically similar to the US accessions and showed no geographical genetic structure.

This study shows that GR A. palmeri has naturalized in Japan in less than 10 years from the first report of GR A. palmeri in the US.
In Vitro Studies of Fe3O4‐ZIF‐8 Core–Shell Nanoparticles Designed as Potential Theragnostics
Authors: Ettlinger Romy , Moreno Natalia , Ziółkowska Natalia , Ullrich Aladin , Krug von Nidda Hans‐Albrecht , Jirák Daniel , Kerl Kornelius , Bunzen Hana
Published: September 2020

Theragnostics represent a combination of therapy and diagnosis within one system. Herein, Fe3O4‐ZIF‐8 core–shell nanoparticles are developed and suggested as candidates for theragnostic applications in cancer treatment. A drug loaded metal–organic framework ZIF‐8 (zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8) represents the therapeutic tool, while the Fe3O4 core is included to enable the material visualization by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A reliable synthesis of Fe3O4‐ZIF‐8 core–shell nanoparticles of an average size below 100 nm is reported. The nanoparticles are characterized by FT‐IR, TGA, XRPD, TEM, STEM‐EDS, DLS, ICP‐OES, CHN‐elemental analysis, SQUID measurements, and MRI. Moreover, their chemical stability and in vitro cytotoxicity against fibroblast and selected cancer cell lines are evaluated. As a model drug, arsenic trioxide—a promising anticancer drug—is used. The drug release can be triggered by a pH change from 7.4 to 6.0 and the nanoparticles can be visualized by MRI in vitro, thus a potential theragnostic agent for cancer treatment is developed.
Oral antibiotic prescribing patterns for treatment of pulmonary exacerbations in two large pediatric CF centers
Authors: Hoppe Jordana E. , Hinds Daniel M. , Colborg Adrianne , Wagner Brandie D. , Morgan Wayne J. , Rosenfeld Margaret , Zemanick Edith T. , Sanders Don B.
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Oral antibiotics are frequently prescribed for outpatient pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). This study aimed to characterize oral antibiotic use for PEx and treatment outcomes at two large US CF centers.

Methods

Retrospective, descriptive study of oral antibiotic prescribing practices among children with CF ages 6–17 years over 1 year. The care setting for antibiotic initiation (clinic or phone encounter) was determined and outcomes were compared.

Results

A total of 763 oral antibiotic courses were prescribed to 312 patients aged 6–17 years (77% of 403 eligible patients) with a median of two courses per year (range: 1–10). Fifty‐eight percent of prescriptions were provided over the phone. Penicillin was the most commonly prescribed antibiotic class (36% of prescriptions) but differences in antibiotic class prescriptions were noted between the two centers. Hospitalizations occurred within 3 months following 19% of oral antibiotic courses. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) recovered to within 90% of prior baseline within 6 months in 87% of encounters; the mean (SD) % recovery was 99.6% (12.1%) of baseline. Outcomes did not differ between phone and clinic prescriptions.

Conclusions

Phone prescriptions, commonly excluded in studies of PEx, made up more than half of all oral antibiotic courses. Heterogeneity in prescribing patterns was observed between the two centers. Most patients had improvement in FEV1 returning to near their prior baseline, but hospitalizations occurred in one‐fifth following oral antibiotic treatment. Efforts to optimize PEx treatment must consider care that occurs over the phone; this is particularly important as the use of telemedicine increases.
Quantitative Proteome of Infant Stenotic Ureters Reveals Extracellular Matrix Organization and Oxidative Stress Dysregulation Underlying Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction
Authors: Li Yueyan , Chen Zhoutong , Zhang Junqi , Zhang Qimin , He Lei , Xu Maosheng , Xu Guofeng , Geng Hongquan , Fang Xiaoliang
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is the most frequent cause of congenital hydronephrosis in child. To better investigate the molecular mechanisms of this pathological process, the stenotic ureter proteome of UPJO in infants is compared with their own normal pre‐stenotic segments.

Experimental Design

Data independent acquisition‐based proteomics are performed to compare proteome between pre‐stenotic and stenotic ureter from nine UPJO infants. Gene ontology analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and network interaction are performed to characterize biological functions of significantly altered proteins. Selected significantly altered proteins are validated by western blot on another three UPJO infants.

Results

15 proteins are up‐regulated and 33 proteins are down‐regulated during stenotic pathology. Significantly altered proteins are involved in decreased extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton organization, increased regulation of oxidative activity, and altered inflammatory associated exocytosis. Significant expression of biglycan, fibulin‐1, myosin‐10, cytochrome b5 are validated providing possible mechanism in UPJO which could be associated impaired smooth muscle cell, epithelial integrity, and increased oxidative stress.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

This study provides molecular evidence of dysregulated extracellular matrix organization, impaired smooth muscle cell, and oxidative stress during UPJO pathology, indicating that biglycan, fibulin‐1, myosin‐10, cytochrome b5 might reflect the pathology of UPJO.
Association between PSA density and pathologically significant prostate cancer: The impact of prostate volume
Authors: Omri Nativ , Kamil Malshy , Alexander Kastin , Alexander Kravtzov , Edmond Sabo , Ariel Zisman , David Kakiashvili , Gilad Amiel E. , Azik Hoffman
Published: September 2020

Background

The early diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) is mainly based on prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) blood levels and digital rectal examination. However, this approach may result in a high rate of negative biopsies and increased detection of clinically insignificant PCa (CS‐PCa). An important prognostic biomarker, PSA density (PSA‐D) demonstrated improved performance in PCa detection compared to PSA. The relationship between prostate volume and the prognostic accuracy of PSA‐D remains mostly unclear. The aim of our study is to investigate the PSA‐D predictive value of CS‐PCa detection at different prostate volumes.

Methods

Using our local radical prostatectomy registry, patients were divided into three prostate size subgroups based on preoperative sonographic prostate volume assessment: less than 50, 50–75, and more than 75 cc. Patients' and PCa characteristics were recorded, including age, body mass index, PSA at diagnosis, prostate volume, PSA‐D, D'Amico risk classification, Gleason grade group, and pathological staging following surgery.

Results

The study cohort included 364 patients who underwent Robotic Radical prostatectomy for biopsy‐proven clinically localized PCa. 221 (61%) and 143 (39%) patients had PSA‐D less than 0.15 and PSA‐D more than 0.15, respectively. ISUP GG 1–2 PCa (CS‐PCa) was observed in 220 patients (60%), while 144 (40%) had ISUP GG 3–5 PCa at final pathology. PSA‐D correlated with CS‐PCa only in small and medium‐size prostates, but not in large glands (p = .03, p = .01, and p = .36, respectively). The highest sensitivity (72.7%) was observed in small prostates, compared to 3.2% in large prostates. The highest specificity (89.4%) was noted in large prostates. Positive predictive value in small and medium‐size prostates was similar (~50%), compared to 20% in large glands. The negative predictive value was slightly better for small and medium‐size prostates compared with large glands (68.9%, 73.7%, and 53.1%, respectively). An association between PSA‐D and harboring CS‐PCa was detected only in small and medium‐size glands (72.7% and 43%, respectively).

Conclusion

PSA‐D is associated with CS‐PCa detection in radical prostatectomy specimens in small and medium‐size prostates. The level of PSA‐D is directly associated with the ISUP PCa grade group. Therefore, PSA‐D is a beneficial, available, and cost‐effective tool during decision‐making in patients with small and medium‐size prostate when considering treatment for PCa.
High‐Quality Si‐Doped β‐Ga2O3 Films on Sapphire Fabricated by Pulsed Laser Deposition
Authors: Khartsev Sergiy , Nordell Nils , Hammar Mattias , Purans Juris , Hallén Anders
Published: September 2020

Pulsed laser ablation is used to form high‐quality silicon‐doped β‐Ga2O3 films on sapphire by alternatively depositing Ga2O3 and Si from two separate sources. X‐ray analysis reveals a single crystallinity with a full width at half maximum for the rocking curve around the (−201) reflection peak of 1.6°. Silicon doping concentration is determined by elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA), and the best electrical performance is reached at a Si concentration of about 1 × 1020 cm−3, using optimized deposition parameters. It is found that a high crystalline quality and a mobility of about 2.9 cm2 (V s)−1 can be achieved by depositing Si and Ga2O3 from two separate sources. Two types of Schottky contacts are fabricated: one with a pure Pt and one with a PtOx composition. Electrical results from these structures are also presented.
Evaluation of green tea extract and epigallocatechin gallate effects on bisphenol A‐induced vascular toxicity in isolated rat aorta and cytotoxicity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Mohsenzadeh Mahdieh Sadat , Razavi Bibi Marjan , Imenshahidi Mohsen , Mohajeri Seyed Ahmad , Rameshrad Maryam , Hosseinzadeh Hossein
Published: September 2020

This study was designed to assess bisphenol A (BPA)‐induced vascular toxicity, the effectiveness of green tea extract and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) against BPA toxicity, and possible underlying mechanisms. In isolated rat aorta, contractile and relaxant responses as well as malondialdehyde levels were evaluated. Cell viability and effects on the protein levels of apoptotic (bax, bcl2, and caspase‐3), autophagic (LC3), and cell adhesion molecules were calculated using the MTT method and western blotting in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). BPA increased aorta MDA levels (p < .0001) and decreased vascular responses to KCl [20 and 40 mM (p < .0001), 80 mM (p < .001)], phenylephrine [10−8, 10−6, and 10−5 M (p < .001), 10−7 and 10−4 M (p < .0001)], and acetylcholine [10−6 M (p < .01), 10−5 and 10−4 M (p < .0001)]. In HUVECs, BPA enhanced the levels of LC3A/B, bax/bcl2 ratio, cleaved caspase‐3, and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1. Green tea extract, EGCG, and vitamin E co‐treatment with BPA diminished the toxic effects of BPA. These findings provide evidence that green tea extract and EGCG possess beneficial effects in preventing BPA‐induced vascular toxicity through increasing the antioxidant activities and the regulation of signaling pathways.
Simultaneous monitoring of origin and scale of a shifted exponential process with unknown and estimated parameters
Authors: Chong Zhi Lin , Mukherjee Amitava , Marozzi Marco
Published: September 2020

The distribution of consumer lifetimes, high‐voltage of current in semiconductor transistors, and the risk associated with monitoring health care often come with a threshold. A two‐parameter (or shifted) exponential distribution is, in general, regarded as a better statistical model in such situations compared with a traditional (one‐parameter) exponential model. Research on inferential problems associated with two‐parameter exponential distributions, including monitoring schemes for the parameters of this model, is active. Currently, all existing monitoring schemes for origin and scale parameters of a shifted exponential distribution assume that the process parameters are known (Case‐K). The actual values of the process parameters are, however, rarely known in practice. The traditional method of estimating parameters from a set of a (Phase‐I) reference sample and plug them in for Phase‐II monitoring affects the performance of a monitoring scheme. Skewed processes, like the two‐parameter exponential process, exacerbate this problem. The present article shows that even a reference sample of size 50,000 cannot guarantee nominal in‐control performances of monitoring schemes when the actual process parameters are unknown (Case‐U). To address this problem, we develop monitoring schemes based on max and distance statistics for simultaneously monitoring the two parameters of a shifted exponential process in Case‐U. We show that the proposed schemes perform well. We illustrate the practical application of the proposed procedures by analyzing data about the production of an electronic component.
Structural, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of TiO2/organic clusters: performance of DFTB method with different parameter sets
Authors: Naumov Vladimir S. , Loginova Anastasiia S. , Avdoshin Alexander A. , Ignatov Stanislav K. , Mayorov Alexey V. , Aradi Bálint , Frauenheim Thomas
Published: September 2020

The clusters of bare TiO2 and TiO2 with linked organic ligands modeling polyorganic composites used as photocatalytic materials were studied using the density functional based tight binding (DFTB) electronic structure method with three parameter sets (trans3d, tiorg, and matsci) in comparison with results of B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) calculations, semiempirical methods PM6 and PM7, and available experimental data. It was found that the highly scalable DFTB method shows results that are close to the B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) level of theory. The corrected version of the tiorg DFTB parameter set (tiorg‐smooth) has better performance for the estimations of structural parameters, whereas the trans3d set better reproduces energies of the composite material formation in polycondensation reactions. Performance of the matsci set is somehow in the middle of the tiorg‐smooth and trans3d sets. The tiorg‐smooth and matsci sets can be used for the studies of adsorption complexes of bare TiO2 clusters. All three DFTB parameter sets well estimate the electronic parameters of clusters (HOMO‐LUMO gap, ionization potential, and dipole moment). DFTB results are closer to the estimates made with DFT (B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p)) than the results of PM6 and PM7 methods. DFTB calculations of large (up to 448 atoms) bare TiO2 and TiO2/organic clusters (72 structures in total) confirm the robustness and computational efficiency of the method.
Ovarian reserve after three‐step laparoscopic surgery for endometriomas utilizing dienogest: A pilot study
Authors: Kitajima Michio , Matsumoto Kanako , Murakami Naoko , Harada Ayumi , Kitajima Yuriko , Masuzaki Hideaki , Miura Kiyonori
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Surgery for endometriomas may cause detrimental effects on ovarian reserve. We evaluated the safety of three‐step laparoscopic surgery for endometriomas utilizing dienogest in terms of post‐surgical ovarian reserve.

Methods

Twelve women received first look laparoscopy (FLL) with fenestration and drainage. Immediately after the surgery, they took oral dienogest 2 mg for three months; then, they received second look laparoscopy (SLL) with cystectomy. We compared serum AMH levels between women had three‐step management with dienogest, and another twelve women had conventional one‐step surgery without medications. In women had three‐step procedures, the changes in concentration of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in peritoneal fluids were evaluated.

Results

Serum AMH levels were significantly decreased after three months of dienogest following FLL. AMH levels were also significantly decreased 3‐6 months both after SLL and after one‐step surgery; however, recovery of serum AMH levels at 9‐12 months after surgery was evident in women had three‐step surgery comparing to those of one‐step surgery. Proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in peritoneal fluids were downregulated at the time of SLL comparing to those of FLL.

Conclusions

Three‐step surgery with dienogest may be a beneficial approach to protect ovarian reserve. Dienogest may exert its effects in part by lowering proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines.
Potential water withdrawal reduction to mitigate riverine ecosystem degradation under hydropower development: A computable general equilibrium model analysis
Authors: Sun Yuanyuan , Mao Xianqiang , Gao Ting , Liu Hongrui , Zhao Yanwei
Published: September 2020

Hydropower development can lead to riverine ecosystem degradation due to flow regime alteration, but also offers an opportunity to reduce water withdrawal from rivers for better maintenance of environmental flows, because hydropower could substitute for water to promote economic development, to some extent. Seizing this opportunity, this research proposes to adjust the water withdrawal volume at the national scale by reducing withdrawal from rivers with environmental flow deficits, and seeks to determine the volume of water withdrawal that could be reduced under the increase of hydropower generation. A computable general equilibrium model (CGE) is established to analyse the balance of water and hydropower from the perspective of economic development. China is adopted as a case study to demonstrate the effectiveness of the method. The results show that the water‐hydropower equivalent decreases with the hydropower yield. When the hydropower yield increases by 10%, 30%, 100% and 150%, the water‐hydropower equivalents are 0.73, 0.54, 0.22 and 0.13 m3/kWh, respectively, and the water compensation rate for hydropower increase is determined accordingly.
Weathering the storm: Improving the availability and stability of artificial shelters for hellbender salamanders
Authors: Button Sky T. , Hallagan John J. , Bodinof Jachowski Catherine M. , Case Brian F. , Groffen Jordy , Hopkins William A.
Published: September 2020

Artificial shelters show considerable promise as tools for studying imperiled hellbender salamanders. Their full utility has not yet been fully reached in practice, however, because during initial trials shelters often became blocked by sediment or dislodged during high stream discharge events. To determine whether these challenges could be overcome, we deployed 438 artificial shelters of two different designs across 10 stream reaches and three rivers in the upper Tennessee River Drainage in 2013–2018. We recorded shelter entrance availability during surveys, and recorded which shelters became dislodged following high discharge events. We evaluated two hypotheses: (a) shelter availability was driven by shelter placement and maintenance frequency and (b) shelter stability was driven by shelter design and shelter placement. Shelters were available 78.6% of the time on average (range = 0–100%), and 88.6% (388 of 438) of shelters were stable across all high discharge events. Shelter availability was maximized by clearing sediment from shelter entrances at least once every 40 days (more often in impaired reaches with high siltation) and after large storm events, situating the shelter within 1 m of ≥5 boulders, and orienting shelters such that their entrances do not face directly downstream. Shelter stability with our initial shelter design was 77.5% (169 of 218), but approached 100% (219 of 220) for heavier (~40 kg vs. ~25 kg) shelters with recessed lids, and in reaches with abundant large boulders. Our findings demonstrate that with an improved design and careful placement, artificial shelters can serve as valuable tools for monitoring hellbenders in reaches with modest siltation.
Continuous riverine biodiversity changes in a 10‐years‐post‐restoration‐study—Impacts and pitfalls
Authors: Lorenz Armin W.
Published: September 2020

Evaluating river restoration effects over several years is the exception rather than the rule. The benthic invertebrate fauna of three small mountain streams was investigated yearly from 2010 to 2019 following remeandering measures. Additionally, upstream near‐natural reaches were studied following a Before‐After‐Control‐Impact (BACI) design. Species richness and Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera richness decreased strongly immediately after restoration but had positive effect sizes in the following 6 years. Abundances increased in all sites after restoration. These patterns were consistent also in the upstream near‐natural reaches, except for the decrease in richness in the second year, indicating that other factors beside the restoration affected the sites. A large flood event coincided with the implementation of the restoration measures depleting also the near‐natural sites. The similarity between paired reaches showed a sharp decline in the first year after restoration, followed by a direct increase, which indicates fast recolonization from the upstream reaches. Community composition analysis showed a shift of all communities with the time axis, underlining a substantial effect of external factors. Generalized linear mixed effects models exhibited that the percentage of tree cover and riparian vegetation had significant effects on changes in richness and abundance. Clear‐cut logging in the floodplains to restore natural floodplain forest supposedly increased water temperatures because many cold‐adapted upstream species were replaced by species naturally inhabiting more downstream reaches. The results emphasize that multiannual samples and a BACI design are necessary to understand restored systems. Furthermore, floodplain restoration and natural hydrology often shape benthic invertebrate communities more than pure instream restoration measures.
Structural power, corporate strategy, and performance
Authors: Zhu David H. , Westphal James D.
Published: September 2020

Research Summary

We develop a structural theory of power to explain how an organization is indirectly influenced by others through intermediaries. Our theory begins by explaining why an organization can improve its power position by acquiring partners that have direct advantages over it. We then propose the construct of indirect disadvantage to explain why an organization is motivated to acquire other partners that have advantages over its powerful partners. We further predict that the organization is motivated to acquire non‐partners to gain two‐step leverage over powerful partners. Finally, we theorize that the total indirect disadvantage of an organization relative to all partners negatively influences its performance. Using an extensive dataset on American businesses (1997–2007), we find strong support for our theory at both industry‐industry and firm‐industry levels.

Managerial Summary

Powerful buyers and suppliers are major influencers of the bottom line. This study develops a new theory to explain how to deal with them effectively, especially through mergers and acquisitions. In addition to considering powerful exchange partners as acquisition targets, firms can seek to exercise indirect influence over them through others. Acquiring other partners or non‐partners that have control over powerful buyers and suppliers is often feasible and effective in dealing with those organizations and improving the firm's financial position. Our analysis of a very large sample of American businesses over a decade not only provides clear evidence that supports our theory but also highlights the substantial competitive advantages enjoyed by firms that exercise indirect sources of influence over major exchange partners.
Combined Effects of Electric Stimulation and Microgrooves in Cardiac Tissue‐on‐a‐Chip for Drug Screening
Authors: Ren Li , Zhou Xingwu , Nasiri Rohollah , Fang Jun , Jiang Xing , Wang Canran , Qu Moyuan , Ling Haonan , Chen Yihang , Xue Yumeng , Hartel Martin C. , Tebon Peyton , Zhang Shiming , Kim Han‐Jun , Yuan Xichen , Shamloo Amir , Dokmeci Mehmet Remzi , Li Song , Khademhosseini Ali , Ahadian Samad , Sun Wujin
Published: September 2020

Animal models and traditional cell cultures are essential tools for drug development. However, these platforms can show striking discrepancies in efficacy and side effects when compared to human trials. These differences can lengthen the drug development process and even lead to drug withdrawal from the market. The establishment of preclinical drug screening platforms that have higher relevancy to physiological conditions is desirable to facilitate drug development. Here, a heart‐on‐a‐chip platform, incorporating microgrooves and electrical pulse stimulations to recapitulate the well‐aligned structure and synchronous beating of cardiomyocytes (CMs) for drug screening, is reported. Each chip is made with facile lithographic and laser‐cutting processes that can be easily scaled up to high‐throughput format. The maturation and phenotypic changes of CMs cultured on the heart‐on‐a‐chip is validated and it can be treated with various drugs to evaluate cardiotoxicity and cardioprotective efficacy. The heart‐on‐a‐chip can provide a high‐throughput drug screening platform in preclinical drug development.
The effect of universal pre‐kindergarten policy on female labor force participation—A synthetic control approach
Authors: Li Hao
Published: September 2020

This paper examines the effect of universal pre‐kindergarten (pre‐k) on the labor force participation of mothers with pre‐k‐aged children in Oklahoma and Georgia. I apply the synthetic control method (SCM) to Current Population Survey (CPS) data to identify the causal relationship between universal pre‐k and female labor market outcomes. I find that the universal pre‐k policy has a positive impact on the intensive margin of the labor supply of mothers with pre‐k‐aged children in Georgia, which provides full‐day child care services for all pre‐k programs. However, Oklahoma's universal pre‐k policy has little effect on the labor outcomes of mothers with 4‐year‐old children. The empirical results also suggest that universal pre‐k has heterogeneous impacts on subsamples stratified by education level, marital status, poverty status, and the age structure of children in the household.
Over 10% Efficient Wide Bandgap CIGSe Solar Cells on Transparent Substrate with Na Predeposition Treatment
Authors: Ould Salem Mohamed , Fonoll Robert , Giraldo Sergio , Sanchez Yudania , Placidi Marcel , Izquierdo-Roca Victor , Malerba Claudia , Valentini Matteo , Sylla Diouldé , Thomere Angelica , Ahmedou Dah Ould , Saucedo Edgardo , Pérez-Rodríguez Alejandro , Jehl Li-Kao Zacharie
Published: September 2020

With the recent rise of new photovoltaic applications, it has become necessary to develop specific optoelectronic properties for thin‐film technologies such as Cu(In,Ga)Se2 and to take advantage of their high degree of tunability. The feasibility of efficient wide bandgap absorbers on transparent conductive oxide substrates is, in that context, of critical importance. Using an original approach based on a predeposition sodium treatment, Cu(In,Ga)Se2 absorbers fabricated by sputtering and reactive annealing with a Ga to (Ga + In) content over 0.7 and an optical bandgap above 1.4 eV are deposited on transparent fluorine‐doped tin oxide films, with the insertion of an ultrathin MoSe2 layer preserving the contact's ohmicity. Different material characterizations are carried out, and a thorough Raman analysis of the absorber reveals that the sodium pretreatment significantly enhances the Ga incorporation into the chalcopyrite matrix, along with markedly improving the film's morphology and crystalline quality. This translates to a spectacular boost of the photovoltaic performance for the resulting solar cell as compared with a reference device without Na, specifically in the voltage and fill factor. Eventually, an efficiency exceeding 10% is obtained without antireflection coating, a record value bridging the gap with the state of the art on nontransparent substrates.
Efficient Production of Reactive Oxygen Species from Fe3O4/ZnPC Coloaded Nanoreactor for Cancer Therapeutics In Vivo
Authors: Ong Wee Kong , Yao Xuemei , Jana Deblin , Li Menghuan , Zhao Yanli , Luo Zhong
Published: September 2020

While Fe3O4 nanoparticles are frequently exploited for the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cancer treatment, its therapeutic performance within a yolk–shell nanostructure for Fenton reaction remains unexplored. To investigate the therapeutic potential, a nanoreactor (YSN@ZnPc@HA) is fabricated by loading zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) into a yolk–shell nanocomposite (YSN) consisting of Fe3O4 nanoparticles encapsulated by MgSiO3, followed by modifying the silica surface with hyaluronic acid (HA). ZnPc is a typical photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy; Fe3O4 nanoparticles are responsible for Fenton reaction‐based generation of toxic ·OH radicals and also enable magnetic resonance imaging; and HA serves as tumor‐targeting ligand. The obtained YSN@ZnPc@HA is fully characterized by several techniques. Its therapeutic performance is studied both in vitro and in vivo. The experimental results indicate that Fe3O4 nanoparticles in YSN@ZnPc@HA can successfully enhance the therapeutic efficiency of ZnPc by selectively producing ROS in cancer cells. In addition, YSN@ZnPc@HA shows potent T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging capacity. These results collectively demonstrate that the YSN@ZnPc@HA nanoparticles can be used as a robust delivery platform for cancer theranostics.
Numerische Simulation von Vorspannkraftverlusten in Ringflanschverbindungen
Authors: Wegener Filip , Seidel Marc , Glienke Ralf , Marten Frithjof , Schwarz Mathias
Published: September 2020

Die Betriebsbeanspruchung von Schrauben in Ringflanschverbindungen zur Verbindung von Tragstruktursektionen von Windenergieanlagen wird maßgeblich durch die vorhandene Pressung in der Flanschkontaktfuge beeinflusst, welche durch die eingebrachte Schraubenvorspannkraft erzielt wird. Unter den vorliegenden Belastungen im laufenden Betrieb der Anlage besteht die Möglichkeit, dass durch Plastifizierung im Flansch oder in der Schraube Vorspannkraft verloren geht. In diesem Beitrag wird anhand eines praxisnahen Beispiels gezeigt, ob und – wenn ja – in welcher Größenordnung Vorspannkraftverluste zu erwarten sind und durch welche Einflussfaktoren diese maßgeblich bestimmt werden. Hierzu werden verschiedene Last‐ und Vorspannkraftniveaus sowie unterschiedliche Imperfektionen in Form von Parallelklaffungen untersucht. Auf Basis der durchgeführten numerischen Untersuchungen kann festgehalten werden, dass Vorspannkraftverluste nur in geringer Höhe auftreten und eine hohe Vorspannkraft sich stets positiv auswirkt, auch wenn sich dadurch erste Plastifizierungseffekte schon auf einem niedrigeren Lastniveau einstellen.
Typification of three Linnaean names in the genus Rheum (Polygonaceae)
Authors: Ferrer‐Gallego P. Pablo
Published: September 2020

Three Linnaean names in the genus Rheum are lectotypified: R. compactum, R. palmatum and R. undulatum.