bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DIGITAL MANAGEMENT IN LARGER MUNICIPALITIES IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Authors: Mameledzija Demir Ismeta
Published: October 2019

Numerous studies and research conducted in the world’sdeveloped countries have unambiguously confirmedthat the development and implementation of electronicmanagement and other electronic services have a directimpact on economic, social and political development.The global study “Digital Governance in MunicipalitiesWorldwide Survey“ (2014) explored digital managementin larger municipalities around the world. The researchassessed the performance of official municipalwebsites in the area of privacy and security, usefulness,content, service and civic and social engagement.This longitudinal study, conducted since 2003, is a constanteffort to evaluate the electronic management in themunicipality and to identify the best world practices. InBosnia and Herzegovina, the larger municipalities havebeen selected for the research, that is, those with morethan 30,000 inhabitants. Where there is no lower administrativeunit than the city (for example, Banja Luka),or where the city performs administrative affairs of themunicipality, the website of the city was surveyed. Thescoring system of the web sites in the work was takenfrom the mentioned study. The main goal is to providean insight into the state of electronic management in themajor municipalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
SITUATION EFFICIENCY INDICATORS RELATIONS DEPENDING ON THE OUTCOME OF WATER POLO MATCHES
Authors: Trivun Milomir , Gardasevic Novica , Janjic Boris
Published: October 2019

The aim of the research was to determine the differences in the parameters of the situational efficiency between the winning and the defeated teams in the regular part of the A1 Regional Water polo competition in the season 2018/19. The sample includes the analysis of 82 water polo matches played within 18 rounds of the regular part of the league. Differences were found in 12 variables of team situational efficiency obtained based on official statistical reports from the games played. Using Man-Whitney U test, statistically significant differences were found in 8 out of 12 analyzed variables. The teams that ended the match as the winner were more dominant in almost all variables related to the efficiency of the shot, had more efficient goalkeeper, more efficient effect in the blockade of the shot, better use of the player more, and more efficient swimmers during swimming for the ball. The statistically significant differences in variables were not found; lost balls, won balls, an estimated 5 meter shots and the total number of fouls in the match.
UTICAJ VJEŽBANJA NA FUNKCIONALNE SPOSOBNOSTI UČENIKA SREDNJIH ŠKOLA
Authors: Guzina Bojan , Marković Miroslav
Published: October 2019

Cilj istraživanja je proučavanje efekata modela vježbanja na funkcionalne sposobnosti učenika srednjih. Uzorak ispitanika odnosio se na učenika srednjih škola u Kruševcu, uzrasta 15 i 16 godina, obuhvaćenih redovnom nastavom fizičkog vaspitanja i trenažnim procesom u dodatnoj nastavi fizičkog vaspitanja. Ukupan uzorak od 112 ispitanika bio je podeljen je na dva subuzorka: Prvi subuzorak od 56 ispitanika obuhvaćen redovnom nastavom fizičkog vaspitanja i trenažnim radom tri puta nedeljno za realizaciju modela motoričkih vežbi (fleksibilnosti) u procesu kondicione pripreme u dodatnoj nastavi fizičkog vaspitanja čini eksperimentalnu grupu. Drugi subuzorak od 56 ispitanika obuhvaćen samo redovnom nastavom fizičkog vaspitanja čini kontrolnu grupu ispitanika. Uzorak varijabli činili su; vitalni kapacitet pluća,, frekvencija pulsa posle opterećenja, anaerobna sposobnost margarija testom. Analizom rezultate T-testa funkcionalne sposobnosti između inicijalnog i finalnog merenja ispitanika. Nakon analize dobijenih rezultata zaključuje se da postoji statistički značajna razlika u frekvenciji pulsa posle opterećenja (FPPOP .000) i Margarija testu (FMARG .000).
Onychoplasty with 1064-nm Laser: Matrixectomy for Treatment of Ingrown Toenails
Authors: Sánchez Lluís Castillo , Zalacaín-Vicuña Antonio Jesús
Published: October 2019

Onychocryptosis is a common pathology treated by podiatry medical services, and in a considerable percentage, surgical procedures are required to achieve a solution. There are multiple surgical approaches for ingrown toenails, both incisional procedures and nonincisional procedures, such as chemical matrixectomies and physical matrixectomies using carbon dioxide laser. This study presents a surgical procedure for onychocryptosis using a physical matrixectomy with a 1064-nm laser applied by means of a 400-μm optical fiber and surgical removal of the posterior cauterized tissue to achieve healing by primary intention. This technique was performed on 30 patients with onychocryptosis affecting the great toe (Mozena stages I and IIa), and all of the patients were followed up postoperatively for 12 months. The patients reported minimal postoperative pain, quicker surgical postoperative healing, rapid return to activities of daily living, and minor postoperative recurrence compared with previous studies using incisional procedures and chemical matrixectomies.
A Stealthy Fungal Attack Requires an Equally Clandestine Approach to Onychomycosis Treatment
Authors: Gupta Aditya K. , Carviel Jessie , Shear Neil H.
Published: October 2019

Onychomycosis is a chronic fungal infection of the nail that is recalcitrant to treatment. It is unclear why normally effective antifungal therapy results in low cure rates. Evidence suggests that there may be a plethora of reasons that include the limited immune presence in the nail, reduced circulation, presence of commensal microbes, and fungal influence on immune signaling. Therefore, treatment should be designed to address these possibilities and work synergistically with both the innate and adaptive immune responses.
Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation of the French Version of the Diabetic Foot Self-care Questionnaire of the University of Malaga
Authors: Garcia-Paya Irene , Lescure Yves , Delacroix Sebastian , Gijon-Nogueron Gabriel
Published: October 2019

Background:

Diabetic foot care management is directed at patients with a history of complications, especially those with rising levels of hemoglobin A1c, and those who have had diabetes for several years. The aim of this study was to cross-culturally adapt a French-language version of the Diabetic Foot Self-care Questionnaire of the University of Malaga (DFSQ-UMA) for use in France.

Methods:

Cross-cultural adaptation was performed according to relevant international guidelines (International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research), and the factor structure was determined. Internal consistency was measured using the Cronbach α. Item-total and inter-item correlations were assessed.

Results:

The French data set comprised 146 patients. The mean ± SD patient age was 62.60 ± 15.47 years. There were 47 women and 99 men. The structure matrix (with three factors) was tested by confirmatory factor analysis. The 16-item questionnaire had a Cronbach α of 0.92. The mean value for inter-item correlations was 0.48 (range, 0.17–0.86). The rotated solution revealed a three-factor structure that accounted for 48.10% of the variance observed. A significant inverse correlation was observed between questionnaire scores and hemoglobin A1c levels (r = –0.17; P < .01).

Conclusions:

This study validates the French-language version of the DFSQ-UMA, which can be used as a self-reported outcome measure for French-speaking patients in France.
Solid-Cystic Hidradenoma: A Dorsal Foot Presentation
Authors: Sprinkle Robert L. B. , Sangueza Omar P. , Wells Ashleigh Elizabeth
Published: October 2019

Solid-cystic hidradenoma is a benign cutaneous tumor with eccrine sweat gland origins that is most commonly found in the head, neck, trunk, and upper extremity regions of patients in the middle to older age groups. These lesions are generally asymptomatic, slow-growing, solitary, and nonulcerative in presentation. Degenerative malignant transformation of this tumor is very rare. In this case report, the authors describe the marginal surgical excision and subsequent microscopic pathologic diagnosis of a moderate sized solid-cystic hidradenoma of the dorsolateral forefoot in a middle-aged male patient.
The Relationship Between Angular Osteologic and Radiographic Measurements of the Human Talus and Calcaneus
Authors: Agoada David , Kramer Patricia Ann
Published: October 2019

Background:

Radiographic imaging of the foot is commonly performed when medical evaluation is indicated. Angular measurements between bones may be assessed as part of the examination for trauma and foot biomechanics. However, angular relationships between surfaces of the physical bone as they compare with the bone's radiographic image has had limited investigation.

Methods:

For this study, 54 human feet from amputated limbs were imaged in standard radiographic views and skeletonized. Selected angular measurements were taken on each skeletonized talus and calcaneus and were compared with those taken from radiographic images using paired Student t tests and linear regression analysis.

Results:

Transverse plane measurements of the talus were not significantly different (P ≥ .05), associating strongly (r2 = 0.67–0.75; all P < .001). Most transverse and sagittal plane measurements of the calcaneus were not significantly different (P ≥ .05), with transverse plane measurements more strongly associated (r2 = 0.70–0.77; all P < .001) than sagittal plane measurements (r2 = 0.35–0.78; all P < .001).

Conclusions:

Selected angular measurements of the talus and calcaneus taken from radiographic images can be compared quantitatively with the physical bone, demonstrating that angular measurements from radiographic images provide useful information concerning both of these bones. This knowledge can be applied to the understanding of the morphology of the calcaneus and talus as it relates to human foot biomechanics and should also be of use in the interpretation of the human fossil pedal record.
Fly palaeo-evo-devo: immature stages of bibionomorphan dipterans in Baltic and Bitterfeld amber
Authors: Baranov Viktor A. , Schädel Mario , Haug Joachim T.
Published: October 2019

Larvae of flies and gnats (Diptera) form a crucial component of many terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems in the extant biosphere. Larvae of Diptera play a central role in water purification, matter and energy transfer in riparian ecosystems in rivers, carbon cycling in lakes and forests as well as being major decomposers of dead organic matter. Despite all these important roles, dipteran larvae are most often ignored in palaeoecological studies, due to the difficulty of the taxonomic identification of fossil larvae, but also due to the perceived importance of adult dipterans in palaeoentomological and taxonomic studies. Despite that, much information on palaeoecosystems can be gained from studying fossil dipteran larvae, in particular for well preserved specimens from fossil resins (ambers and copals). Since ambers are selectively preserving fauna of trunks and leaf litter, it allows us to learn a lot about xylophages and saprophages of amber forests, such as Eocene Baltic amber forest. Here we present immature stages (larvae and pupae) of the dipteran ingroup Bibionomorpha, from Baltic and Bitterfeld amber forests. We have recorded at least four different larval morphotypes, one with four distinct instars, and at least three pupal morphotypes. One larva is recognised as a new species and can be interpreted either as a representative of a highly derived ingroup of Bibionidae or as a sister species to Bibionidae. Also represented by single larval specimens are the groups Pachyneura (Pachyneuridae) and Sylvicola (Anisopodidae). The majority of the recorded specimens are representatives of the group Mycetobia (Anisopodidae). Due to the abundance of immature stages of Mycetobia, we have been able to reconstruct the number of larval stages (4) and relative growth rate of these fossil dipterans. We discuss implications of these finds.
POTENCIALIDADE DO USO DE CINZA DE CASCA DE ARROZ EM BLOCOS DE CONCRETO PARA ALVENARIA ESTRUTURAL: DE ACORDO COM AS NORMAS BRASILEIRAS
Authors: Padilha Stael Amaral , Paliga Charlei Marcelo , Torres Ariela Silva
Published: October 2019

A agroindústria gera, anualmente, uma quantidade significativa de produtos de consumo alimentício, com destaque para a soja, arroz, trigo e milho. Durante o processamento e industrialização são gerados resíduos, que no caso do arroz é sua casca. A casca de arroz quando incinerada em ambiente fechado resulta em cinzas altamente poluentes. Buscando contribuir com a utilização deste resíduo, cinza de casca de arroz (CCA), este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a potencialidade do seu uso, em parcial substituição do aglomerante, em blocos de concreto. Os requisitos avaliados foram: resistência à compressão simples e absorção de água. O programa experimental baseou-se na produção dos blocos com dois tipos de cimentos (CPIV e CPV-ARI) e três teores de substituição dos mesmos por CCA: 5; 10 e 15% e o referência. Os resultados demonstraram que o aumento da quantidade de CCA proporcionou aumento da absorção de água e diminuição da resistência à compressão, independentemente do tipo de cimento. Entretanto, os resultados encontrados indicaram que a substituição parcial de diferentes aglomerantes por CCA resultou em um material que atende as exigências das normas brasileiras, o que possibilita seu uso, dando um viés sustentável ao resíduo.
Impact of Off-seasonal Migration of Hilly Tribes in Tiruvannamalai District of Tamilnadu
Authors: Vasanthapriya S. , Asokhan M.
Published: October 2019

Aim: The present study was designed to study the impact of off-seasonal migration of hilly tribes in Tirvannamalai district of Tamilnadu. 

Study design: Ex-post facto research design.

Place and Duration of the study: Tiruvannamalai district was purposively selected for this study since it is one among the districts where hilly tribes’ population is high.  This study was confined with seven villages namely Kovilur, Nammiyampattu, Kanamali, Veerappanur, Melsilambai, Palamarathur and Kuttakarai of Jamunamarathur (Jawadhu hills) block during April 2017 to November 2017.

Methodology: The sample size entailed of 240 respondents selected from these villages with proportionate random sampling method.  The respondents were interviewed personally by a well-structured and pre-tested interview schedule.  The collected data were analysed with percentage analysis statistical method.  The findings on the results were interpreted with relevant conclusion. 

Results: In this context, the impact of off-seasonal migration of hilly tribes in Tiruvannamalai district were thoroughly analysed and discussed with nine sub-headings.  The overall impact of migration revealed that majority of the migrant hilly tribes had no changes in agriculture (91.25%), healthcare and sanitation (95.00%), urban contact (91.25%), savings and investment (88.64%), standard of living (66.00%), social status (64.08%), consumption pattern (52.17%) and purchasing power (52.17%).  Increased change observed with the employment status (80.20%) of the migrant hilly tribes. 

Conclusion: Since, the income obtained from the off-seasonal migration activities, but it is mostly spent on debt borrowed by the hilly tribes for the seasonal activities and further improvement can’t be obtained and hence necessary credit facilities have been provided for the migrant hilly tribes.
Determination of Some Heavy Metals in Soils and Vegetables Samples from Kericho West Sub-county, Kenya
Authors: Bett Leonard , Gilbert Ongera , Phanice Wangila , Mule Shadrack
Published: October 2019

The present study was carried out to investigated the presence of heavy metals (essential and non- essential); Pb, Fe, Cu, Mn and Cd in soils and vegetables such as Brassica oleracea, Brassica oleracea Acephala and Amaranthus palmeri. These soils and vegetables were collected randomly from local farms in Kericho West Sub-County. The samples were analysed for heavy metal by Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrophotometer (ICPE 9000) to determine the levels of the heavy metals. The mean concentrations of the heavy metals ranged in vegetables:- Manganese (86.33-113.00 mg/kg), Copper (15.67-36.00 mg/kg), Iron (319.33-977.67 mg/kg), Cadmium (10.33-29.00 mg/kg) and Lead (31.67-53.67 mg/kg) as well as in the soils; Mn (172.33-201.00 mg/kg), Cu (1.33-3.33 mg/kg), Fe (63.67-98.00 mg/kg), Cd (3.67-5.33 mg/kg) and Pb (5.00-5.67 mg/kg). The data obtained was analysed by using SPSS version 20.0 for descriptive statistics and one- way ANOVA. From the analysis of heavy metals in vegetables, from Sosiot the concentration of Manganese and copper were significantly different at p-value < 0.05, while Iron, Cadmium, Lead and Manganese were not significantly different at p-value > 0.05; from Kabianga Division, Manganese and Iron were significantly different at p-value < 0.05. Copper, Lead and Cadmium were not significantly different at p-value > 0.05; from Kiptere Division, Manganese, Iron and Copper had no significant difference at p-value < 0.05. Cadmium and lead were significantly different at p-value > 0.05. Manganese had the lowest transfer factor between 0.42 and 1.15. The highest ratios were observed from copper ranging from 15.67 to 36.00 in all vegetables.
Biochemical Changes in the Malnourished Rats Serum and Liver Exposed to Dietary Monosodium Glutamate
Authors: Origbemisoye Babawande A. , Akinbode Badiu A. , Oparemi Ganiyat A.
Published: October 2019

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer. Its toxicity in a malnourished state appears not to have been fully investigated. This study was carried out to determine the effects of MSG on malnourished rats. Rats were randomly assigned into four groups of five rats/group. Group 1 rats were fed with malnourished feed; Group 2 rats received malnourished feed with dosed 1.6 mg/g MSG per body weight; Group 3 rats were fed with normal feed and dosed 1.6 mg/g MSG per body weight and Group 4 rats served as the control group (normal healthy rats) and were fed with normal feed for 28 days. After 28 days, the rats were sacrificed with the liver harvested and blood samples collected. Results from the study showed that malnourished rats had significantly lower levels of oxidative stress biomarkers including, anti-oxidants compared with the control. The levels of malondialldehyde concentration and xanthine oxidase activity were high in malnourished fed rats. Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase levels of malnourished and normal rats administered MSG were significantly low compared to the normal healthy suggesting that labialization occurs in liver leading to leakage of these enzymes from the liver to the serum. Malnourished rats showed significant decrease in body weight losing 48 grams after 28 days compared to malnourished and normal rats fed with MSG which recorded significant increase in body weight after 28 days adding 26 g and 42 g respectively.
Effect of Public Spending on Economic Growth in Kenya
Authors: Mukui Gideon , Awiti Japheth , Onjala Joseph
Published: October 2019

This study aimed at examining the relationship between public spending and economic growth and how the composition of government expenditure affects economic growth in Kenya using time series data from 1980 to 2014. To achieve the objectives, modified Granger causality and Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (ARDL) were used. The results revealed both short term and long term causality from economic growth to government expenditure but only short run causality from government expenditure to economic growth. Based on the economic classification, the long run ARDL regression results showed development expenditure promotes economic growth while government purchases have no significant effect on GDP. Other control variables such as inflation and unemployment had negative effect on economic growth. In terms of functional classification, the regression results showed that expenditure on education and infrastructure are important drivers of economic growth. The positive effect of health expenditure was not significant.  Further, the regression results indicated that domestic savings and trade openness had significant positive effect on economic growth. Based on the empirical findings this study therefore recommends resources to be directed towards financing public infrastructure investment to improve economic performance. The study also recommends increasing resource allocation in the education sector to improve efficiency and support skills and human capital development that are important in promoting economic growth through increases in labor productivity. The study also recommends policymakers to enhance domestic resource mobilization and pursue favorable trade policies aimed at fostering robust economic growth.
Me, Myself and Us? The Relationship between Ethnic Identity and Hope, Resilience and Family Relationships among Different Ethnic Groups
Authors: Zaretsky Lisa , Clark Mitchell
Published: October 2019

For ethnic minority populations, ethnic identity is associated with an increase in psychological well-being while also being recognized as a protective factor against discrimination and family distress. The aim of this study is to determine the association between ethnic identity and resilience, hope, social connectedness, experiences of discrimination and family relations in a diverse group of ethnicities. This study is correlational in nature and took place at Mount Royal University, located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, between January and April 2019. We included 326 introductory psychology students ranging in age from 17 to 48 with participants identifying as White, Asian, South Asian, Mixed, Black, Latino, First Nations, Metis, Inuit, and Middle Eastern. Participants were asked to complete six questionnaires measuring ethnic identity, resilience, hope, social connectedness, experiences of discrimination and family relations. Results revealed a significant relationship between ethnic identity and hope (r = .14, p = .01). Additionally, family relationships were a significant moderator of the relationship between ethnic identity and resilience (F(1, 322) = 4.98, p < .05). Finally, White participants had a significantly weaker ethnic identity when compared to the Asian, South Asian and Black participants (Welch’s F(7,41) = 9.39, p = .001,η 2= .22). Ethnic identity is associated with higher levels of hope, while strong family relationships moderate the relationship between ethnic identity and resilience. Furthermore, individuals who identify as White have a weaker ethnic identity compared to individuals who identify as Asian, South Asian and Black. More research is required to understand ethnic identity in the White population to help bring awareness to the power and privilege associated with Whiteness and to find ways in which this awareness can help reduce systemic racism and discrimination.
Effect of Cyclophosphamide and Its Combination with Metformin on the Survival Rate in Mice
Authors: Alhowail Ahmad , Sajid Sultan , Almogbel Yasser , Rabbani S. I. , Alsharidah Mansour
Published: October 2019

Background: Cyclophosphamide (CYP), an alkylating chemotherapeutic agent, is widely used to treat several types of cancer. Its toxic effects are well-established and include hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and bone marrow suppression. Metformin (MET) is an anti-diabetic medication that is considered a first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of co-administration of MET on CYP-induced toxicity by recording the survival rate in mice.

Methods: Fifty mice (body weight 30–35 gm) were divided into four groups as control and treatments and comprised of 12-13 animals of either sex. The animals in the control group received 4 doses of saline by injection. The animals in the CYP group received 4 doses of CYP (100 mg/kg) (intraperitoneal). The animals in the MET group received lower daily dose (30 mg/kg) in drinking water (3 mg/ml), starting 3 days prior to CYP injection and lasting until the final injection of CYP. The animals in the combination group (CYP and MET) received 4 doses of CYP (100 mg/kg) and a daily dose of MET in drinking water (3 mg/ml). The animals were observed daily to record the mortality and their body weights were recorded every alternate day. The data obtained from the study was statistically analyzed by one-way ANOVA, and p<0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The data obtained from the study indicated that CYP administration increased the rate of mortality significantly (p < 0.01) when compared to the control animals, while MET reduced the rate. When the combination of CYP and MET was tested, the mortality rate was found to be increased. Both CYP and MET significantly reduced the body weight compared to the control animals.

Conclusion: The results indicated that the combination of CYP and MET reduced the survival rate of animals, suggesting that although MET possesses anti-proliferative action, it has the potential to increase the toxic effects of CYP when combined with CYP.
Distinct roles of PIK3CA in the enrichment and maintenance of cancer stem cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Xi , Cao Yu , Sedhom Wafik , Lu Ling , Liu Yanqiu , Wang Haibo , Oka Masako , Bornstein Sophia , Said Sherif , Song John , Lu Shi‐Long
Published: October 2019

Recurrence and metastasis are the major causes of mortality in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). It is suggested that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play pivotal roles in recurrence and metastasis. Thus, a greater understanding of the mechanisms of CSC regulation may provide opportunities to develop novel therapies for improving survival by controlling recurrence or metastasis. Here, we report that overexpression of the gene encoding the catalytic subunit of PI3K (PIK3CA), the most frequently amplified oncogene in HNSCC, promotes epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition and enriches the CSC population. However, PIK3CA is not required to maintain these traits and inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway paradoxically promotes CSC population. Molecular analysis revealed that overexpression of PIK3CA activates multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), in which ephrin receptors (Ephs), tropomyosin receptor kinases (TRK) and mast/stem cell growth factor receptor (c‐Kit) contribute to maintain CSC population. Accordingly, simultaneous inhibition of these RTKs using a multi‐kinase inhibitor ponatinib has a superior effect at eliminating the CSC population and reduces metastasis of PIK3CA‐overexpressing HNSCC cells. Our result suggests that co‐targeting of Ephs, TRKs and the c‐Kit pathway may be effective at eliminating the PI3K‐independent CSC population, thereby providing potential targets for future development of a novel anti‐CSC therapeutic approach for HNSCC patients, particularly for patients with PIK3CA amplification.
α‐Synuclein RT‐QuIC assay in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Bongianni Matilde , Ladogana Anna , Capaldi Stefano , Klotz Sigrid , Baiardi Simone , Cagnin Annachiara , Perra Daniela , Fiorini Michele , Poleggi Anna , Legname Giuseppe , Cattaruzza Tatiana , Janes Francesco , Tabaton Massimo , Ghetti Bernardino , Monaco Salvatore , Kovacs Gabor G. , Parchi Piero , Pocchiari Maurizio , Zanusso Gianluigi
Published: October 2019

We applied RT‐QuIC assay to detect α‐synuclein aggregates in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with suspected Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease who had a neuropathological diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) (n = 7), other neurodegenerative diseases with α‐synuclein mixed pathology (n = 20), or without Lewy‐related pathology (n = 49). The test had a sensitivity of 92.9% and specificity of 95.9% in distinguishing α‐synucleinopathies from non‐α‐synucleinopathies. When performed in the CSF of patients with DLB (n = 36), RT‐QuIC was positive in 17/20 with probable DLB, 0/6 with possible DLB, and 0/10 with Alzheimer disease. These results indicate that RT‐QuIC for α‐synuclein is an accurate test for DLB diagnosis.
Coronary Artery Disease in Adults With a History of Juvenile Arthritis
Authors: Sule Sangeeta , Fontaine Kevin
Published: October 2019

Objective

To define the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) in adults with a history of juvenile arthritis (JA).

Methods

We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination 2007–2014 surveys. Two comparison groups were identified: a random sample of patients without arthritis, and respondents with reported having rheumatoid arthritis (RA). CAD was defined as a “yes” response to the survey question, “Have you ever been told you had congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina/angina pectoris, heart attack, or stroke?” Potential confounders for CAD included age, sex, race, smoking status, and any component of metabolic syndrome.

Results

A total of 232 respondents reported having JA. We randomly selected 1,028 without arthritis and 1,105 who reported having RA. In simple logistic regression, the JA group had a 3‐fold increased odds of CAD compared to those without arthritis (odds ratio [OR] 3.2 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.1–4.8], P < 0.0001). Controlling for confounders, the odds of CAD in JA continued to be increased (OR 4.2 [95% CI 4.7–10.5], P = 0.002). When comparing the JA and RA groups, in simple logistic regression, the JA group had a lower odds of CAD (OR 0.7 [95% CI 0.5–0.9], P = 0.03). Controlling for confounders, there was no significant difference in the odds of CAD between groups (OR 0.8 [95% CI 0.5–1.3], P = 0.4).

Conclusion

Adults with a history of JA have a higher risk of CAD compared to adults without arthritis. Providers should be aware of the increased risk of CAD in adults with JA and aggressively screen these patients for modifiable risk factors.
Interfacial‐Tunneling‐Effect‐Enhanced CsPbBr3 Photodetectors Featuring High Detectivity and Stability
Authors: Zeng Junpeng , Meng Cuifang , Li Xiaoming , Wu Ye , Liu Shuting , Zhou Hai , Wang Hao , Zeng Haibo
Published: October 2019

Inorganic halide perovskite (HP)‐based photodetectors (PDs) have exhibited fast response speed and high responsivity, but with low detectivity due to the high dark current of devices. Additionally, the intrinsic instability of HPs and interface deterioration originating from ion migration inhibit their practical applications severely. A tunneling organic layer is introduced to solve both these problems. Light‐induced charge carriers can flow across the interfacial (poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA) layer with appropriate thickness via the Fowler–Nordheim tunneling effect. Due to the effective control of dark current, the photo‐/dark‐current ratio reaches a giant value of 2.13 × 108, and the peak detectivity is as high as 1.24 × 1013 Jones. With such superiority, light signal as weak as 244 pW is accurately imaged by a PD array. Additionally, the hydrophobic organic layer inhibits the destruction of HPs caused by moisture and ion migration induced interface reaction, and negligible response attenuation is observed during continuous work in a humid environment for 48 h. This heterojunction structure design provides a new strategy to enhance the performance and stability of perovskite‐based photoelectric and photovoltaic devices.
Efficient and Stable Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells Using PDTITT as a New Hole Transporting Layer
Authors: Tavakoli Mohammad Mahdi , Zhao Jiayuan , Po Riccardo , Bianchi Gabriele , Cominetti Alessandra , Carbonera Chiara , Kong Jing
Published: October 2019

Stability is the main challenge in the field of organic–inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Finding low‐cost and stable hole transporting layer (HTL) is an effective strategy to address this issue. Here, a new donor polymer, poly(5,5‐didecyl‐5H‐1,8‐dithia‐as‐indacenone‐alt‐thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene) (PDTITT), is synthesized and employed as an HTL in PSCs, which has a suitable band alignment with respect to the double‐A cation perovskite film. Using PDTITT, the hole extraction in PSCs is greatly improved as compared to commonly used HTLs such as 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis[N,N‐di(4‐methoxyphenyl)amino]‐9,9′‐spirobifluorene (spiro‐OMeTAD), addressing the hysteresis issue. After careful optimization, an efficient PSC is achieved based on mesoscopic TiO2 electron transporting layer with a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.42% based on PDTITT HTL, which is comparable with spiro‐OMeTAD‐based PSC (19.21%). Since spiro‐based PSCs suffer from stability issue, the operational stability in the PSC with PDTITT HTL is studied. It is found that the device with PDTITT retains 88% of its initial PCE value after 200 h under illumination, which is better than the spiro‐based PSC (54%).
Soft Electronics Manufacturing Using Microcontact Printing
Authors: Yalcintas Ezgi Pinar , Ozutemiz Kadri Bugra , Cetinkaya Toygun , Dalloro Livio , Majidi Carmel , Ozdoganlar O. Burak
Published: October 2019

This work describes a microcontact printing (µCP) process for reproducible manufacturing of liquid gallium alloy–based soft and stretchable electronics. One of the leading approaches to create soft and stretchable electronics involves embedding liquid metals (LM) into an elastomer matrix. Although the advantages of liquid metal–based electronics have been well established, their mainstream adoption and commercialization necessitates development of precise and scalable manufacturing methods. To address this need, a scalable µCP process is presented that uses surface‐functionalized, reusable rigid, or deformable stamps to transfer eutectic gallium–indium (EGaIn) patterns onto elastomer substrates. A novel approach is developed to create the surface‐functionalized stamps, enabling selective transfer of LM to desired locations on a substrate without residues or electrical shorts. To address the critical needs of precise and reproducible positioning, alignment, and stamping force application, a high‐precision automated µCP system is designed. After describing the approach, the precision of stamps is evaluated and EGaIn features (as small as 15 µm line width), as well as electrical functionality of printed circuits with and without deformation, are fabricated. The presented process addresses many of the limitations associated with the alternative fabrication processes, and thus provides an effective approach for scalable fabrication of LM‐based soft and stretchable microelectronics.
Central compartment atopic disease: prevalence of allergy and asthma compared with other subtypes of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Marcus Sonya , Schertzer Joseph , Roland Lauren T. , Wise Sarah K. , Levy Joshua M. , DelGaudio John M.
Published: October 2019

Background

Central compartment atopic disease (CCAD) is a recently described variant of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) associated with inhalant allergy. An association with asthma was noted to be uncommon within our clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to determine allergy and asthma prevalence in CCAD and other CRSwNP subtypes.

Methods

A retrospective analysis at a tertiary care institution was performed over the period from 2015 to 2019. CRSwNP was grouped into the following subtypes: allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS); aspirin‐exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD); CCAD; and CRSwNP not otherwise specified (CRSwNP NOS). Patients with sinonasal polyps and concomitant polypoid disease in the central compartment (CRSwNP/CC) were analyzed as a separate cohort for the purpose of this study. Prevalence of allergy and asthma was compared between groups.

Results

Three hundred fifty‐six patients were included. CRSwNP NOS was the most common subtype (37.1%) and CRSwNP/CC was the least common (3.7%), with other CRS subtypes ranging between 11.5% and 24.2%. Asthma prevalence was highest in AERD (100%) and CRSwNP NOS (37.1%), but substantially lower in AFRS (19.0%) and CCAD (17.1%). Asthma was significantly more common in AERD and CRSwNP NOS when compared with CCAD (p < 0.001 and p = 0.039, respectively). Prevalence of allergy was significantly higher in AFRS (100%), CCAD (97.6%), CRSwNP/CC (84.6%), and AERD (82.6%) when compared with CRSwNP NOS (56.1%) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

CCAD represents a clinically distinct phenotype of CRSwNP with a high prevalence of allergy and low prevalence of asthma. Patients with both CCAD and diffuse sinonasal polyps had an allergy prevalence approaching that of CCAD and an asthma prevalence approaching CRSwNP NOS.
Electrical and Thermal Transport Properties of n‐type Bi6Cu2Se4O6 (2BiCuSeO + 2Bi2O2Se)
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxuan , Qiu Yuting , Ren Dudi , Zhao Li‐Dong
Published: October 2019

New thermoelectric materials, n‐type Bi6Cu2Se4O6 oxyselenides, composed of well‐known BiCuSeO and Bi2O2Se oxyselenides, are synthesized with a simple solid‐state reaction. Electrical transport properties, microstructures, and elastic properties are investigated with an emphasis on thermal transport properties. Similar to Bi2O2Se, it is found that the halogen‐doped Bi6Cu2Se4O6 possesses n‐type conducting transports, which can be improved via Br/Cl doping. Compared with BiCuSeO and Bi2O2Se, an extremely low thermal conductivity can be observed in Bi6Cu2Se4O6. To reveal the origin of low thermal conductivity, elastic properties, sound velocity, Grüneisen parameter, and Debye temperature are evaluated. Importantly, the calculated phonon mean free path of Bi6Cu2Se4O6 is comparable to the interlayer distance for BiO─CuSe and BiO─Se layers, which is ascribed to the strong interlayer phonon scattering. Contributing from the outstanding low thermal conductivity and improved electrical transport properties, the maximum ZT ≈0.15 at 823 K and ≈0.11 at 873K are realized in n‐type Bi6Cu2Se3.2Br0.8O6 and Bi6Cu2Se3.6Cl0.4O6, respectively, indicating the promising thermoelectric performance in n‐type Bi6Cu2Se4O6 oxyselenides.
In situ emulsion polymerization and characterization of PVAc nanocomposites including colloidal silica nanoparticles for wood specimens bonding
Authors: Azamian Jazi Mehrdad , Ramezani S.A. Ahmad , Haddadi Seyyed Arash , Ghaderi Saeed , Azamian Fariba
Published: October 2019

Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) nanocomposites for wood adhesives containing different amounts of colloidal silica nanoparticles (CSNs) were synthesized via in situ one‐step emulsion polymerization. The adhesion strength of wood specimens bonded by PVAc nanocomposites was investigated by the tensile test. Thermal properties of PVAc nanocomposites were also characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. Rheological and morphological properties of the PVAc nanocomposites were investigated using rheometric mechanical spectrometry and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), respectively. The obtaining results showed that the shear strength of PVAc nanocomposite including 1 wt. % CSNs has the highest shear and tensile strength about 4.7 and 3.2 MPa, respectively. A small increment of Tg (~3 °C) and considerable increment of the ash content proved the enhancement of PVAc thermal characterization in the presence of CSNs. FESEM results showed uniform dispersion of nanoparticles throughout the PVAc matrix due to using the in situ emulsion polymerization process. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48570.
Strontium ion substituted alginate‐based hydrogel fibers and its coordination binding model
Authors: Zhang Xiaolin , Wang Lanlan , Weng Lin , Deng Bingyao
Published: October 2019

Sr‐alginate and Ca‐alginate hydrogel fibers were fabricated via microfluidic spinning technology, and various analytical methods were adopted to characterize fibers and disclose the coordination model of Sr2+ binding with alginate molecule chain. For both fibers, the more crosslinking sites of Sr2+ with alginate molecule were illustrated in comparison with that of Ca2+. The more robust mechanical performance of Sr‐alginate fibers than Ca‐alginate counterpart was a strong indication of the more strong binding of Sr2+ with alginate molecular chain. FTIR and electric conductivity disclosed the chelation type of Sr2+ with alginate macromolecule being similar to that of Ca2+, which was core‐shell of the analogous “egg‐box” structure. Circular dichroism spectroscopy further certified the extra coordination sites for Sr2+ with alginate molecule than Ca2+. Research on the coordination model will be more beneficial to optimizing the physicochemical properties of alginate fibers. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48571.
Evaluation of monomers derived from resorcinol as eluents of bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate for the formulation of dental composite resins
Authors: Pérez‐Mondragón Alma Antonia , Cuevas‐Suárez Carlos Enrique , Trejo‐Carbajal Nayely , Piva Evandro , Fernandes da Silva Adriana , Herrera‐González Ana María
Published: October 2019

The objective of this work was to synthesize two bio‐based monomers, using the resorcinol as raw material, and its effect as bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate (Bis‐GMA) eluents on different chemical–physical and biological properties of experimental photopolymerizable composite resins. The acrylic 1,3‐phenylen diacrylic (1,3‐FDA) and methacrylic 1,3‐phenylen dimethacrylic (1,3‐FDMA) monomers were synthesized and fully characterized through FTIR and 1H‐NMR spectroscopies. Experimental photopolimerizable composites were formulated using Bis‐GMA/1,3‐FDA or Bis‐GMA/1,3‐FDMA as organic matrix. The materials were compared with a Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA resin‐based composite used as control. Polymerization kinetics was evaluated by means of FTIR spectroscopy. Polymerization stress was directly measured through a polymerization stress tester. The cell viability of the composites was evaluated using the MTT assay. One‐way analysis of variance and Tukey's test were used for statistical analysis. The materials formulated with the 1,3‐FDA monomer showed higher Rpmax values and lower polymerization stress values (p < 0.05), while the flexural strength, water sorption, and solubility remained similar to the TEGDMA composite. Conversely, the materials formulated with the 1,3‐FDMA monomer showed a lower degree of conversion and statistically lower flexural strength (p < 0.05). All materials exhibited a cellular viability close to 100%. Concerning the study conditions, the acrylic 1,3‐FDA monomer could be considered an alternative to TEGDMA in the formulation of photopolymerizable dental composite resins. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48576.
Progressive Nephron Loss in Aging Kidneys: Clinical–Structural Associations Investigated by Two Anatomical Methods
Authors: Hughson Michael D. , Hoy Wendy E. , Bertram John F.
Published: October 2019

Two major studies of structural changes associated with aging in human kidneys are reviewed and new information presented. The studies are the Monash University stereologically analyzed series of 319 autopsy kidneys from the United States in which 44% were white and the Mayo Clinic CT angiogram/biopsy analysis of 1,388 US kidney donors in which 97% were white. Hypertension rates in the Monash series were 48% and included moderate and severe hypertension. In the Mayo Clinic study, 12% had mild hypertension. The studies showed no relationship between glomerular number and hypertension except for a weak relationship with older white women in the Monash series. An inverse relationship was present between glomerular number and glomerular volume, a reciprocity that tended to enhance glomerular mass and by inference filtration capacity with lower nephron numbers. This relationship seemed to be present whether low nephron numbers were intrinsic or acquired. In the Mayo Clinic studies, pretransplant iothalamate clearances demonstrated that single nephron (SN) glomerular filtration rates (GFR) were similar throughout the range of glomerular number in subjects younger than 70 years, but that increased SNGFR correlated with nephron hypertrophy and increased nephrosclerosis particularly at 70 years of age and over. Hypertension at least through middle age cannot be related to a deficiency of glomeruli, but glomeruli are lost with later aging in association with adaptive nephron hypertrophy that can maintain GFR near normal. These studies help define an age‐related nephropathy that overlaps with hypertension as a potential cause of end‐stage renal disease when glomerulosclerosis is advanced.
Relationship between circulating inflammatory factors and glioma risk and prognosis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Feng Yuan , Wang Jia , Tan Dezhong , Cheng Peng , Wu Anhua
Published: October 2019

Background

Inflammatory factors have been considered a significant factor contributing to the development and progression of glioma. However, the relationship between circulating inflammatory factors and glioma risk as well as their prognostic values in glioma patients is still inconclusive. Here, we performed a meta‐analysis to address this issue.

Methods

Relevant articles were identified through PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wanfang database, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) from inception to February 2019. The weighted mean differences (WMDs) or standard mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to describe the predictive ability of the levels of circulating inflammatory factors on glioma risk. To evaluate the prognostic values of the circulating inflammatory factors in glioma, hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were used.

Results

Thirty‐one studies comprising 2587 patients were included. The overall analysis showed that increased circulating interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) [SMD 0.81 (95% CI: 0.21‐1.40; P = .008)], interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) [SMD 1.01 (95% CI: 0.17‐1.84; P = .018)], interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) [SMD 1.12 (95% CI: 0.26‐1.98; P = .011)], tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) [SMD 1.80 (95% CI: 1.03‐2.56; P = .000)], transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) [SMD 10.55 (95% CI: 5.59‐15.51; P = .000)], and C‐reactive protein (CRP) [SMD 0.95 (95% CI: 0.75‐1.15; P = .000)] levels were significantly associated with glioma risk. On the other hand, our results showed that circulating IL‐6 [HR 1.10 (95% CI: 1.05‐1.16; P = .000)] and CRP [HR 2.02 (95% CI: 1.52‐2.68; P = .000)] levels were highly correlated with a poor overall survival (OS) rate in glioma patients.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that increased circulating IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐17, TNF‐α, TGF‐β, and CRP levels are significantly associated with increased glioma risk. Moreover, our meta‐analysis suggests that circulating IL‐6 and CRP may serve as powerful biomarkers for a poor prognosis in glioma patients.
Highly Active Mesoporous Cu−Al2O3 Catalyst for the Hydrodeoxygenation of Furfural to 2‐methylfuran
Authors: Park Seyeon , Kannapu Hari Prasad Reddy , Jeong Cheonwoo , Kim Jinsung , Suh Young‐Woong
Published: October 2019

While furfural has great potential as a platform chemical through diverse conversion pathways, 2‐methylfuran is one of the key components as a fuel additive and a precursor of derived biofuels. However, catalyst design to control reactivity of active species to furfural has been challenging. Herein, we demonstrate that a mesoporous Cu−Al2O3 catalyst prepared by solvent‐deficient precipitation shows the enhancement of furfural hydrodeoxygenation performance. Not only is the unique pore structure provided, but also the synergistic effects of improved Cu accessibility, co‐existence of Cu0/Cu+ states, and strong metal‐support interaction contribute to the superior activity and stability. Additionally, essential parameters for the synthesis and the test reaction are studied to improve the selectivity to 2‐methylfuran. The employed catalyst preparation method opens a new channel for tailoring the bifunctionality of supported Cu catalysts.