bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Assembling of Highly Interconnected and Vertically Aligned Porous Nanosheets of Gd−CoB on TiO2 Nanoflowers for Durable Methanol oxidation Reaction
Authors: ul Haq Tanveer , Bicer Yusuf , Munir Akhtar , Mansour Said A. , Haik Yousef
Published: March 2020

Being a green and carbon‐neutral technology, direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) has attracted much attention while endowing highest mass energy density at low operating temperature. However, the multistep and multielectron process of methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) taking place at the anodic side in DMFC is an energy intense process. In addition, the in situ generated CO can severely deteriorate the catalytic efficiency of electrode material, which can be, however, realized to develop a competent catalytic module. Here, we present a first report on a highly interconnected and facile growth of vertically aligned Gd doped CoB assembled on the surface of rationally developed TiO2 nanoflower (NFs) for MOR. Initially, we developed the TiO2 NFs as support followed by cathodic deposition of Gd−CoO to create an electronic contact with underlying support. After then, finally treated with NaBH4 to further modify the surface of overall hybrid material, characterized with various techniques (UPS, XPS, XRD, SEM, TEM, Raman, and BET analyzer). During electrocatalysis, Gd−CoB@TiO2 was found highly efficient with inherently low charge transfer resistance (Rct) and ability to generate highest current density (400 mA/cm2) with negligible loss in activity even after long term stability (20 h) while using highly concentrated methanol. Meanwhile, the surface modification with B, extended and highly interconnected nature of amorphous and promisingly mesoporous nanosheets in 3D manner further ameliorate the available surface for catalysis. In comparison with analogues samples and literature, it is anticipated that Gd could modify the electronic structure of overall hybrid in such way to energize the redox couple of Co+2/+3 in Gd−CoB against the CO poisoning effect. Further, the XPS and Raman analysis before and after catalysis also indicates that in‐situ generated oxide/hydroxide formation with high inherent polarizability weaken the C−O−H bond of methanol and thus facilitate the dynamic release of involved intermediates.
Extracellular Matrix Proteins Involved in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Ma Jun , Ma Chao , Li Jingjing , Sun Yao , Ye Fangfu , Liu Kai , Zhang Hongjie
Published: March 2020

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases and characterized by cognitive and memory impairments. Emerging evidence suggests that the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the brain plays an important role in the etiology of AD. It has been detected that the levels of ECM proteins have changed in the brains of AD patients and animal models. Some ECM components, for example, elastin and heparan sulfate proteoglycans, are considered to promote the upregulation of extracellular amyloid‐beta (Aβ) proteins. In addition, collagen VI and laminin are shown to have interactions with Aβ peptides, which might lead to the clearance of those peptides. Thus, ECM proteins are involved in both amyloidosis and neuroprotection in the AD process. However, the molecular mechanism of neuronal ECM proteins on the pathophysiology of AD remains elusive. More investigation of ECM proteins with AD pathogenesis is needed, and this may lead to novel therapeutic strategies and biomarkers for AD.
Searching for the perfect combination of drug, disease, genetic alteration, and screening test to maximize FGFR inhibition in urothelial cancer
Authors: Osterman Chelsea K. , Milowsky Matthew I.
Published: March 2020

New targeted therapies to inhibit fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) represent a promising treatment option for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC). Despite significant advances, the optimal combination of drug, disease, genetic alteration, and screening test that together lead to maximal efficacy of FGFR inhibition for patients with mUC remains to be determined.
Investigation of reaction condition effects on photocatalytic methane production over P25‐TiO2/Pt with CO2 and H2O gas. Applied and mechanistic implications
Authors: Molins Francesc , Küpper Karsten , Schweers Elke
Published: March 2020

The photocatalytic activity of P25 TiO2 with 0.36 % (w/w) Pt co‐catalyst towards the formation of methane, in the presence of CO2 and H2O vapor, is investigated in a flow photoreactor under varying reaction conditions of temperature, water molar fraction in the dosed gas and residence time. Within the range of parameters studied, H2O molar fraction is found to be the most sensitive parameter, and its increase leads to larger production rates as well as to a significant slow down of photocatalytic activity loss. This observed activation with water content is in contrast to the effect known in neat P25 and it occurs in a regime of very large adsorbed H2O to CO2 excess, and can be understood in the context of hole extraction being much slower than electron extraction. These results also constrain the possible interpretation of the nature of the photocatalyst deactivation processes.
A Cerium Hexacyanoferrate (III) Nanoparticle‐modified Carbon Paste Electrode: Voltammetric Characterization and Behavior in the Presence of Dopamine
Authors: de Oliveira Denys Ribeiro , Fernandes Daniela Silvestrini , do Carmo Devaney Ribeiro
Published: March 2020

This study describes a fast and simple methodology for the preparation of Cerium (III) Hexacyanoferrate (II) (CeHCF) nanoparticles (NPs). The NPs were characterized by fourier transform infrared (FTIR), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The CeHCF cyclic voltammogram indicate a well‐defined redox pair assigned as Fe2+/Fe3+ in the presence of cerium (III), with a formal potential of Eθ′=0.29 V (v=100 mV s−1, KNO3; 1.0 mol/L, pH 7.0). The carbon paste electrode modified with CeHCF (CeHCF‐CPE) was applied to the catalytic electrooxidation of dopamine applying Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV). DPV showed linear response at two concentration ranges, from 9.0×10−7 to 8.0×10−6 and 9.0×10−6 to 1.0×10−4 mol/L, with an LOD of 1.9×10−7 and 1.0×10−5 mol/L, respectively. The CeHCF‐CPE exhibited selectivity against substances commonly found in biological samples, with redox potentials close to that of dopamine, such as urea and ascorbic acid (AA). Subsequently the CeHCF‐CPE was successfully applied to the detection of dopamine in simulated urine samples, with recovery percentages ranging between 99 and 103%.
Biological activity of cerium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Sarnatskaya Veronika , Shlapa Yuliia , Yushko Larysa , Shton Irina , Solopan Sergii , Ostrovska Galyna , Kalachniuk Liliia , Negelia Anatolii , Garmanchuk Liudmyla , Prokopenko Igor , Khudenko Natalya , Maslenny Vitaly , Bubnovskaya Larysa , Belous Anatolii , Nikolaev Vladimir
Published: March 2020

Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO2NPs) with a high value of ζ‐potential (≥30 mV) have been synthesized in reverse microemulsions and they are able to form the high‐stable aqueous suspension without any additional stabilizers. It has been shown that the interaction of such CeO2 NPs with transport proteins, such as BSA, affects their molecular conformation and biochemical activity. The observed changes in the UV‐absorbance spectrum and intrinsic fluorescence quenching of BSA molecule are indicative of the occurrence of structural changes caused by binding with the surface of CeO2NPs. Low affinity between BSA and CeO2 NPs has been confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Moreover, CeO2NPs can act as regenerative free‐radical scavengers, and their antioxidant activity depends on the concentration. The positive charge of CeO2NPs can be attributed to their low toxicity toward human malignant lymphocytes MT‐4 and breast cancer cells MCF‐7 however, the morphofunctional features of MCF‐7 cells interacting with CeO2NPs are indicative of the decrease in oncogenicity.
LncRNA H19 gene rs2839698 polymorphism is associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer in a Chinese Han population: A case‐control study
Authors: Yu Bingqu , Chen Jiayuan , Hou Chenfeng , Zhang Lei , Jia Jie
Published: March 2020

Background

Long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) H19 is involved in the carcinogenesis, progression, and metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Recently, a few studies explored the relationship between lncRNA H19 gene rs2839698 polymorphism and CRC risk, but with conflicting findings.

Materials and methods

A case‐control study with 315 CRC cases and 441 controls was designed in a Chinese population. Genotyping was performed using PCR‐RFLP.

Results

It was found rs2839698 polymorphism was associated with a decreased risk of CRC (AA vs GG: OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.54‐0.98; P = .037; A vs G: OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.63‐0.96; P = .021). Stratified analyses indicated this positive association was also significant in the non‐smokers (AA vs GG: OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.25‐0.93; P = .029), non‐drinkers, those aged ≥ 60 years, and overweight individuals (BMI ≥ 24). In addition, rs2839698 polymorphism was also related to the lymph node metastasis (AA vs GG: OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.21‐0.88; P = .019) and tumor size (AA vs GG: OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.20‐0.88; P = .020) for patients with CRC.

Conclusion

To sum up, the lncRNA H19 gene rs2839698 polymorphism decreases the risk of CRC in Chinese individuals, especially among the non‐smokers, non‐drinkers, individuals aged ≥ 60 years, and overweight individuals (BMI ≥ 24). Thus, the lncRNA H19 gene rs2839698 polymorphism might be an important biomarker and diagnostic marker for predicting the susceptibility to CRC in Chinese Han population.
The relationships between cognitive function, literacy and HIV status knowledge among older adults in rural South Africa
Authors: Rosenberg Molly , Gómez‐Olivé F. Xavier , Wagner Ryan G. , Rohr Julia , Payne Collin F. , Berkman Lisa , Kahn Kathleen , Tollman Stephen , Bärnighausen Till , Kobayashi Lindsay C.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Although HIV prevalence is exceptionally high in South Africa, HIV testing rates remain below targeted guidelines. Older adults living with HIV are substantially more likely to remain undiagnosed than younger people. Cognitive function and literacy could play key roles in HIV status knowledge due to the decision‐making processes required around weighing the costs and benefits of testing, navigating testing logistics and processing results. We aimed to assess the independent relationships among each of cognitive function, literacy and education with HIV status knowledge in a population‐based sample of older adults living in a rural South African community with high HIV prevalence.

Methods

We analyzed data from a population‐based study of 5059 men and women aged 40 years and older in rural South Africa (Health and Aging in Africa: A Longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH community (HAALSI)). HAALSI surveys, conducted between 2014 and 2015, queried self‐reported literacy, educational attainment and HIV status knowledge. Laboratory tests were conducted to assess true HIV sero‐status. Cognitive function was assessed with a battery of cognitive tests measuring time orientation, immediate and delayed recall, and numeracy and coded using confirmatory factor analysis as a z‐standardized latent variable. We estimated the relationship between the outcome of HIV status knowledge and each of three exposures: (1) latent cognitive z‐score, (2) literacy and (3) education, using confounder‐adjusted modified Poisson regression models in the study population overall and stratified by HIV sero‐status.

Results

We found that HIV status knowledge was higher among those with higher cognitive z‐scores (adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR) (95% CI): 1.18 (1.14, 1.21) per standard deviation unit), and among literate participants (aPR (95% CI): 1.24 (1.16, 1.32) vs. non‐literate participants). Taken together, the associations with literacy and cognitive function completely attenuated the otherwise positive association between educational attainment and HIV status knowledge. The magnitudes of effect were generally similar among laboratory‐confirmed HIV‐negative and HIV‐positive participants.

Conclusions

Campaigns that target older adults in rural South Africa with HIV testing messages should carefully consider the cognitive and literacy levels of the intended audience. Innovations to ease the cognitive load associated with HIV testing could prove fruitful to increase HIV status knowledge.
Super learner analysis of real‐time electronically monitored adherence to antiretroviral therapy under constrained optimization and comparison to non‐differentiated care approaches for persons living with HIV in rural Uganda
Authors: Benitez Alejandra E , Musinguzi Nicholas , Bangsberg David R , Bwana Mwebesa B , Muzoora Conrad , Hunt Peter W , Martin Jeffrey N , Haberer Jessica E , Petersen Maya L
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Real‐time electronic adherence monitoring (EAM) systems could inform on‐going risk assessment for HIV viraemia and be used to personalize viral load testing schedules. We evaluated the potential of real‐time EAM (transferred via cellular signal) and standard EAM (downloaded via USB cable) in rural Uganda to inform individually differentiated viral load testing strategies by applying machine learning approaches.

Methods

We evaluated an observational cohort of persons living with HIV and treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) who were monitored longitudinally with standard EAM from 2005 to 2011 and real‐time EAM from 2011 to 2015. Super learner, an ensemble machine learning method, was used to develop a tool for targeting viral load testing to detect viraemia (>1000 copies/ml) based on clinical (CD4 count, ART regimen), viral load and demographic data, together with EAM‐based adherence. Using sample‐splitting (cross‐validation), we evaluated area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (cvAUC), potential for EAM data to selectively defer viral load tests while minimizing delays in viraemia detection, and performance compared to WHO‐recommended testing schedules.

Results

In total, 443 persons (1801 person‐years) and 485 persons (930 person‐years) contributed to standard and real‐time EAM analyses respectively. In the 2011 to 2015 dataset, addition of real‐time EAM (cvAUC: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.83, 0.93) significantly improved prediction compared to clinical/demographic data alone (cvAUC: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.86; p = 0.03). In the 2005 to 2011 dataset, addition of standard EAM (cvAUC: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.72, 0.81) did not significantly improve prediction compared to clinical/demographic data alone (cvAUC: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.76; p = 0.08). A hypothetical testing strategy using real‐time EAM to guide deferral of viral load tests would have reduced the number of tests by 32% while detecting 87% of viraemia cases without delay. By comparison, the WHO‐recommended testing schedule would have reduced the number of tests by 69%, but resulted in delayed detection of viraemia a mean of 74 days for 84% of individuals with viraemia. Similar rules derived from standard EAM also resulted in potential testing frequency reductions.

Conclusions

Our machine learning approach demonstrates potential for combining EAM data with other clinical measures to develop a selective testing rule that reduces number of viral load tests ordered, while still identifying those at highest risk for viraemia.
An economic analysis of prophylactic lymphovenous anastomosis among breast cancer patients receiving mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection
Authors: Squitieri Lee , Rasmussen Petra W. , Patel Ketan M.
Published: March 2020

Background and Objectives

Prophylactic lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) has been shown to decrease the incidence of postoperative lymphedema among patients receiving mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). However, the economic impact of this intervention on overall healthcare costs has not been adequately studied and insurance reimbursement for lymphedema treatment is limited resulting in substantial out‐of‐pocket patient expenses.

Methods

We performed a cost‐minimization decision analysis from the societal perspective to assess two different patient scenarios: (a) mastectomy with ALND alone, (b) mastectomy with ALND and prophylactic LVA.

Results

The annual cost of lymphedema‐related care is estimated to be $5,691.88 ($3,160.52 direct, $2,531.36 indirect). If all patients undergoing mastectomy with ALND undergo prophylactic LVA, the average expected lifetime cost per patient in the entire population (whether or not they develop lymphedema) is approximately $6,295.61, compared to $13,942.26 if no patients in the same population receive prophylactic LVA.

Conclusions

Prophylactic LVA is economically preferred over mastectomy and ALND alone from a cost minimization perspective, and results in an average of $7,646.65 (45.2%) cost saving per patient over the course of their lifetime.
RNA Sequencing Reveals Cancer‐Associated Changes in Laryngeal Cells Exposed to Non‐Acid Pepsin
Authors: Samuels Tina L. , Zimmermann Michael T. , Zeighami Atefeh , Demos Wendy , Southwood Jessica E. , Blumin Joel H. , Bock Jonathan M. , Johnston Nikki
Published: March 2020

Objective

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is a common affliction that contributes to laryngeal inflammation, symptoms that impact quality of life, and life‐threatening illnesses such as cancer. Effective treatment strategies for LPR are lacking. Pepsin is a proinflammatory and carcinogenic element of refluxate. Investigation of molecular pathways involved in pepsin‐mediated damage may lead to identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for LPR. In this study, RNA sequencing was used to examine changes in human laryngeal epithelial cells following brief pepsin insult. Cells were immortalized to generate a model to aid future study of laryngeal injury and therapeutics.

Study Design

In vitro translational.

Methods

Laryngeal epithelial cells were cultured from a patient without signs or symptoms of LPR or laryngeal cancer. Cells were treated with 0.1 mg/ml pepsin for 1 hour or normal growth media (control) prior to RNA sequencing. Cells were immortalized via HPV E6/7 and characterized by microscopy, immunohistochemistry, G‐banding, and soft agar assay.

Results

Three hundred ninety‐seven genes exhibited differences in expression with pepsin treatment (P < .05). Pathway analysis revealed association with cancer and related signaling processes including dysregulation of cancer‐associated molecules, Metastasis‐Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 and KRT82, and the long‐noncoding RNA, lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 (LRP1)–AS, which regulates the putative pepsin receptor LRP1.

Conclusions

A single, brief exposure to pepsin activated cancer‐associated signaling pathways in laryngeal cells in vitro, revealing novel mechanisms by which chronic reflux may contribute to carcinogenesis. The cell line developed herein represents a novel tool in which to investigate pepsin‐dysregulated pathways identified by RNA sequencing and disparities of tumor proneness of laryngeal subsites.

Level of Evidence

N/A Laryngoscope, 131:121–129, 2021
Drug Delivery and Drug Efficacy from Amorphous Poly(thioether anhydrides)
Authors: Snyder Brittany L. , Mohammed Halimatu S. , Samways Damien S. K. , Shipp Devon A.
Published: March 2020

The correlation between erosion and drug (lidocaine and 6‐mercaptopurine, 6‐MP) release from amorphous poly(thioether anhydrides), which are synthesized using radical‐mediated thiol‐ene polymerization, is reported. Cytotoxicity studies of the polymer toward human fibroblast human dermal fibroblasts adult, melanoma A‐375, and breast cancer MCF‐7 cells are conducted, and drug efficacy of a cancer and autoimmune disease drug (6‐MP) when released from the poly(thioether anhydrides) is examined against two cancerous cell types (A‐375 and MCF‐7). Erosion and drug release studies reveal that lidocaine release is governed by network erosion whereas 6‐MP is released by a combination of erosion and diffusion. The cytotoxicity studies show that all three cell types demonstrate high viability, thus cytocompatibility, to poly(thioether anhydrides). Toxicity to the material is dose dependent and comparable to other polyanhydride systems. The 6‐MP cancer drug is shown to remain bioactive after encapsulation in the poly(thioether anhydride) matrix and the polymer does not appear to modify the efficacy of the drug.
Variation in the microbiota across different developmental stages of Aedes albopictus is affected by ampicillin exposure
Authors: Qing Wan , Zhijing Xue , Guangfu Yu , Fengxia Meng , Qiyong Liu , Zhong Zhang , Ruiling Zhang
Published: March 2020

The microbiota plays an important role in the growth of mosquitoes and the transmission of mosquito‐borne pathogens. The effects of changes in aquatic habitats in which mosquitoes live, as one of the major factors closely associated with the microbial communities of mosquitoes, on the microbiota of different developmental stages remain to be elucidated. Here, we compared the microbiota of larvae and pupae of Aedes albopictus exposed to different ampicillin concentrations and investigated the bacterial composition of adult females. The results demonstrate that the microbial community differed substantially between developmental stages and that samples of the same stages shared similarities, whereas differences were observed between adult females. Based on all observations, we hypothesize that the use of ampicillin caused dysbiosis rather than excluding bacteria from mosquitoes and that the disturbing effect of ampicillin was obvious in adults. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses revealed that most of the bacteria identified in this study were significantly associated with metabolism. Taken together, our results indicate that ampicillin can change the abundance of bacteria, while microbial communities of Ae. albopictus showed obvious stage‐specific characteristics. Further investigations are needed to characterize specific bacterial components that are affected by ampicillin exposure and to quantify their functions, thereby providing a better understanding of the influence of antibiotics on microbial communities at different life stages.
Covarying structural alterations in laterality of the temporal lobe in schizophrenia: A case for source‐based laterality
Authors: DeRamus Thomas P. , Silva Rogers F. , Iraji Armin , Damaraju Eswar , Belger Aysenil , Ford Judith M. , McEwen Sarah C. , Mathalon Daniel H. , Mueller Bryon A. , Pearlson Godfrey D. , Potkin Steven G. , Preda Adrian , Turner Jessica A. , Vaidya Jatin G. , van Erp Theo G. M. , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: March 2020

The human brain is asymmetrically lateralized for certain functions (such as language processing) to regions in one hemisphere relative to the other. Asymmetries are measured with a laterality index (LI). However, traditional LI measures are limited by a lack of consensus on metrics used for its calculation. To address this limitation, source‐based laterality (SBL) leverages an independent component analysis for the identification of laterality‐specific alterations, identifying covarying components between hemispheres across subjects. SBL is successfully implemented with simulated data with inherent differences in laterality. SBL is then compared with a voxel‐wise analysis utilizing structural data from a sample of patients with schizophrenia and controls without schizophrenia. SBL group comparisons identified three distinct temporal regions and one cerebellar region with significantly altered laterality in patients with schizophrenia relative to controls. Previous work highlights reductions in laterality (ie, reduced left gray matter volume) in patients with schizophrenia compared with controls without schizophrenia. Results from this pilot SBL project are the first, to our knowledge, to identify covarying laterality differences within discrete temporal brain regions. The authors argue SBL provides a unique focus to detect covarying laterality differences in patients with schizophrenia, facilitating the discovery of laterality aspects undetected in previous work.
Synthesis of Core‐Shell Magnetic Supramolecular Nanocatalysts based on Amino‐Functionalized Calix[4]arenes for the Synthesis of 4H‐Chromenes by Ultrasonic Waves
Authors: Eivazzadeh‐Keihan Reza , Noruzi Ehsan Bahojb , Radinekiyan Fateme , Salimi Bani Milad , Maleki Ali , Shaabani Behrouz , Haghpanahi Mohammad
Published: March 2020

One of the most common phenol‐formaldehyde cyclic oligomers from hydroxyalkylation reactions that exhibit supramolecular chemistry are calixarenes. These macrocyclic compounds are qualified to act as synthetic catalysts due to their specific features including being able to form host‐guest complexes, having unique structural scaffolds and their relative ease of chemical modifications with a variety of functions on their upper rim and lower rim. Here, a functional magnetic nanocatalyst was designed and synthesized by using a synthetic amino‐functionalized calix[4]arene. Its catalytic activity was evaluated in a one‐pot synthesis of 2‐amino‐4H‐chromene derivatives. Besides, this novel magnetic nanocatalyst was characterized by spectroscopic and analytical techniques such as FT‐IR, EDX, FE‐SEM, TEM VSM, XRD analysis.
Corporate dividend policy, minority shareholders right and equity value of firm: Evidence from Singapore
Authors: Ganguli Santanu K. , Dawar Varun , Arrawatia Rakesh
Published: March 2020

The purpose of the paper is to find out empirically whether an ideal business environment coupled with adequate legal protection provides an enabling mechanism for the minority shareholders to extract dividend from the firms and, as a consequence, whether the equity value of the firms gets impacted by dividend policy.

The study (a) employs Tobit model on a sample of FTSE ST companies of Singapore to show the relation between dividend and minority shareholders base and, then (b) sought to explore the relation between equity value and dividend policy in the backdrop of strong legal protection for minority shareholders through OLS and 2 SLS regression models.

The study empirically demonstrates a positive relation between the dividend payout and minority shareholders base indicating that, in a civil law origin country with strong corporate governance code ensuring investors protection and property right, the minority shareholders can extract dividend from the firms that, in turn, has a favourable impact on equity valuation.

Consistent with the “outcome” and “catering model,” the findings of the study indicate that the overall business environment and legal protection enable minority shareholders to assert their cash flow rights with positive valuation implication.

The paper objectively reveals how superior business environment, good governance and property right impact inter‐play between dividend payout, minority shareholders base and valuation of a civil law country.
Scientific shortcomings in environmental impact statements internationally
Authors: Singh Gerald G. , Lerner Jackie , Mach Megan , Murray Cathryn Clarke , Ranieri Bernardo , St‐Laurent Guillaume Peterson , Wong Janson , Guimaraes Alice , Yunda‐Guarin Gustavo , Satterfield Terre , Chan Kai M. A.
Published: March 2020

Governments around the world rely on environmental impact assessment (EIA) to understand the environmental risks of proposed developments.

To examine the basis for these appraisals, we examine the output of EIA processes in jurisdictions within seven countries, focusing on scope (spatial and temporal), mitigation actions and whether impacts were identified as ‘significant’.

We find that the number of impacts characterized as significant is generally low. While this finding may indicate that EIA is successful at promoting environmentally sustainable development, it may also indicate that the methods used to assess impact are biased against findings of significance. To explore the methods used, we investigate the EIA process leading to significance determination.

We find that EIA reports could be more transparent with regard to the spatial scale they use to assess impacts to wildlife. We also find that few reports on mining projects consider temporal scales that are precautionary with regard to the effects of mines on water resources. Across our sample of reports, we find that few EIAs meaningfully consider the different ways that cumulative impacts can interact.

Across countries, we find that proposed mitigation measures are often characterized as effective without transparent justification, and sometimes are described in ways that render the mitigation measure proposal ambiguous.

Across the reports in our sample, professional judgement is overwhelmingly the determinant of impact significance, with little transparency around the reasoning process involved or input by stakeholders.

We argue that the credibility and accuracy of the EIA process could be improved by adopting more rigorous assessment methodologies and empowering regulators to enforce their use.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Right atrial catheter “ghost” removal by cardiac surgery: A pediatric case series report
Authors: Massardier Claire , Perron Jean , Chetaille Philippe , Côté Jean‐Marc , Drolet Christian , Houde Christine , Vaujois Laurence , Naccache Lamia , Michon Bruno , Jacques Frédéric
Published: March 2020

Fibrin sheath formation around long‐term indwelling central venous catheters is common and usually benign. Fibrin sheath can persist after catheter removal and rarely leads to complications. This is a report of three pediatric oncology patients that required cardiac surgery for cardiac embolization of a “ghost” catheter several years after catheter removal. One case required tricuspid valve replacement for complete tricuspid valve destruction and two had erosion through the atrial wall. The severity of these rare complications mandates follow‐up of “ghost” catheters in pediatric oncology patients.
One‐pot peptide cleavage and macrocyclization through direct amidation using triazabicyclodecene
Authors: Hickey Jennifer L. , Lin Songnian
Published: March 2020

We have developed a novel protocol for a one‐pot cleavage from solid support and subsequent cyclization to form small macrocyclic peptides. Synthesized on a 4‐hydroxymethyl benzamide (HMBA) resin, the peptides are cleaved from the solid support through a 1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene (TBD) assisted acyl transfer reaction. The resulting linear peptides then undergo an intramolecular cyclization, presumably upon in situ attack of the N‐terminal amine on the TBD‐activated ester. This protocol requires catalytic quantities of TBD and eliminates the need for orthogonal side chain deprotection strategies and ether trituration/work‐up steps, streamlining the synthesis of head‐to‐tail macrocyclic peptides.
Liminal movement by digital platform‐based sharing economy ventures: The case of Uber Technologies
Authors: Garud Raghu , Kumaraswamy Arun , Roberts Anna , Xu Le
Published: March 2020

Research Summary

We explore the challenges that digital platform‐based sharing economy ventures confront in establishing legitimacy for their business models by examining the dynamics that ensued when Uber Technologies deployed its ridesharing business model in four U.S. cities. Uber entered each city to jump‐start network effects by establishing cognitive legitimacy while deepening a sociopolitical legitimacy crisis that emerged due to mismatches between its business model and existing regulations. Operating between existing categories, Uber used a series of interrelated market and nonmarket strategies, which we label as liminal movement, to generate cognitive and sociopolitical legitimacy.

Managerial Summary

Sharing economy ventures based on digital platforms confront market and institutional challenges in each context they enter. On entry, these ventures must rapidly build an ecosystem of users and service providers, and engage with local regulators, administrators, and social groups in order to gain acceptance. The key to a venture's survival and success is liminal movement or in other words, its ability to adapt its digital platform and business model to continually leverage opportunities and address concerns as they emerge.
Enhancing Charge Transport of 2D Perovskite Passivation Agent for Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells Beyond 21%
Authors: Ye Jiselle Y. , Tong Jinhui , Hu Jun , Xiao Chuanxiao , Lu Haipeng , Dunfield Sean P. , Kim Dong Hoe , Chen Xihan , Larson Bryon W. , Hao Ji , Wang Kang , Zhao Qian , Chen Zheng , Hu Huamin , You Wei , Berry Joseph J. , Zhang Fei , Zhu Kai
Published: March 2020

The replacement of a small amount of organic cations with bulkier organic spacer cations in the perovskite precursor solution to form a 2D perovskite passivation agent (2D‐PPA) in 3D perovskite thin films has recently become a promising strategy for developing perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with long‐term stability and high efficiency. However, the long, bulky organic cations often form a barrier, hindering charge transport. Herein, for the first time, 2D‐PPA engineering based on wide‐bandgap (≈1.68 eV) perovskites are reported. Pentafluorophenethylammonium (F5PEA+) is introduced to partially replace phenylethylammonium (PEA+) as the 2D‐PPA, forming a strong noncovalent interaction between the two bulky cations. The charge transport across and within the planes of pure 2D perovskites, based on mixed ammoniums, increases by a factor of five and three compared with that of mono‐cation 2D perovskites, respectively. The perovskite films based on mixed‐ammonium (F5PEA+‐PEA+) 2D‐PPA exhibit similar surface morphology and crystal structure, but longer carrier lifetime, lower exciton binding energy, less trap density and higher conductivity, in comparison with those using mono‐cation (PEA+) 2D‐PPA. The performance of PSCs based on mixed‐cation 2D‐PPA is enhanced from 19.58% to 21.10% along with improved stability, which is the highest performance for reported wide‐bandgap PSCs.
Determining the number of change‐point via high‐dimensional cross‐validation
Authors: Jiang Haiyan , Li Jiaqi , Li Zhonghua
Published: March 2020

In multiple change‐point analysis, one of the major challenges is the determination of the number of change points, which is usually cast as a model selection problem. However, for model selection methods based on the Schwarz information criterion (SIC), it is typical that different penalization terms are required for different change‐point problems and the optimal penalization magnitude usually varies with the model and error distributions. In order to estimate the number of change points in high dimension, we develop a high‐dimensional data‐driven cross‐validation selection criterion. First, we define a goodness‐of‐fit measure by incorporating the dimensionality into the quadratic prediction error function. Second, the high‐dimensional cross‐validation (hCV) procedure is applied based on an order‐preserved sample‐splitting strategy. Simulation studies show that the proposed hCV criterion has more robust performance compared with a high‐dimensional SIC criterion tailored for the high‐dimensional change‐point problem. The selection property is also established under some mild conditions.
The in vitro diagnostics industry in China
Authors: Song Haibo , Zhu Yaoyi
Published: March 2020

In vitro diagnosis refers to the diagnosis of diseases or other condition of the human body through the collection, preparation, and testing of human samples with reagents, instruments, and systems. The purpose of in vitro diagnostics is to provide information for the alleviation, treatment, and prevention of diseases and their complications. Enterprises engaged in the production, development, marketing, service, and application of in vitro diagnostic instruments, reagents, standards, consumables, and quality‐control products constitute the in vitro diagnostic industry. China's in vitro diagnostic industry began in the 1980s and has developed rapidly, from simple products to large systems and from single products to complete industrial chains. In vitro diagnostics has become the world's second‐largest sales market and second‐largest production base. Looking to the future, China's in vitro diagnostics industry is projected to maintain a growth rate more than double that of the global market and contribute to the development of Chinese and the global industry.
Local treatment with a polycarbophil-based cream in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome of menopause
Authors: Yodplob Tipatai , Sirisopana Kun , Jongwannasiri Mutita , Sirisreetreerux Pokket , Viseshsindh Wit , Kochakarn Wachira
Published: March 2020

Introduction and hypothesis

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a common problem associated with lower urinary tract and gynecological symptoms due to the decrease in estrogen production in postmenopausal women. Topical estrogen therapy is shown to improve these symptoms; nonetheless, there are limited data on the efficacy of nonhormonal moisturizers in these patients.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted to compare the symptoms of GSM before and after treatment with a polycarbophil-based cream in 42 women. The quality of life (QoL) and sexual scores were obtained from the Thai version of the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire-Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-LUTS) along with uroflow measurements before and 4 and 12 weeks after treatment.

Results

Significant improvements in ICIQ-LUTSqol scores were observed after 4 weeks (9.38 ± 7.47 vs 6.76 ± 5.77; p = 0.017) and 12 weeks (10.03 ± 7.49 vs 5.97 ± 4.02; p = 0.002) when compared with the baseline values before treatment. The ICIQ-LUTS sexual scores were also improved after treatment at 4 weeks (2.29 ± 2.26 vs 0.88 ± 1.34; p < 0.001) and 12 weeks (2.13 ± 2.22 vs 0.42 ± 0.81; p < 0.001) compared with the baseline scores. No differences in ICIQ-LUTSqol and sexual scores were observed between the 4- and 12-week treatment groups.

Conclusion

The polycarbophil-based cream improved the overall LUTS and sexual symptoms in the patients with GSM, thus indicating that the nonhormonal polycarbophil-based cream may prove effective for the treatment for women with this condition.
Cohomological Donaldson–Thomas theory of a quiver with potential and quantum enveloping algebras
Authors: Davison Ben , Meinhardt Sven
Published: March 2020

This paper concerns the cohomological aspects of Donaldson–Thomas theory for Jacobi algebras and the associated cohomological Hall algebra, introduced by Kontsevich and Soibelman. We prove the Hodge-theoretic categorification of the integrality conjecture and the wall crossing formula, and furthermore realise the isomorphism in both of these theorems as Poincaré–Birkhoff–Witt isomorphisms for the associated cohomological Hall algebra. We do this by defining a perverse filtration on the cohomological Hall algebra, a result of the “hidden properness” of the semisimplification map from the moduli stack of semistable representations of the Jacobi algebra to the coarse moduli space of polystable representations. This enables us to construct a degeneration of the cohomological Hall algebra, for generic stability condition and fixed slope, to a free supercommutative algebra generated by a mixed Hodge structure categorifying the BPS invariants. As a corollary of this construction we furthermore obtain a Lie algebra structure on this mixed Hodge structure—the Lie algebra of BPS invariants—for which the entire cohomological Hall algebra can be seen as the positive part of a Yangian-type quantum group.
Kontaktlinsenassoziierte oberflächliche stromale Keratitis durch Paecilomyces lilacinus
Authors: Hübner L. , Tourtas T. , Weller J.
Published: March 2020

Wir sahen 2 Kontaktlinsenträger mit Keratitiden durch Paecilomyces lilacinus. Die Besonderheit der Fälle liegt in der oberflächlichen Lage der Infiltrate im oberen Stroma ohne Infiltration in die Tiefe. Der Erregernachweis erfolgte durch eine Abrasio bzw. Hornhautscraping. Die mykotische Keratitis konnte in beiden Fällen durch eine intensive topische Therapie mit Voriconazol beherrscht werden. Bis auf eine EDTA-Touchierung und Amnionmembrantransplantation in 1 Fall waren keine weiteren chirurgischen Eingriffe erforderlich.
Processes shaping the spatial pattern and seasonality of the surface air temperature response to anthropogenic forcing
Authors: Tian Fangxing , Dong Buwen , Robson Jon , Sutton Rowan , Wilcox Laura
Published: March 2020

In the period 1960–2010, the land surface air temperature (SAT) warmed more rapidly over some regions relative to the global mean. Using a set of time-slice experiments, we highlight how different physical processes shape the regional pattern of SAT warming. The results indicate an essential role of anthropogenic forcing in regional SAT changes from the 1970s to 2000s, and show that both surface–atmosphere interactions and large-scale atmospheric circulation changes can shape regional responses to forcing. Single forcing experiments show that an increase in greenhouse gases can lead to regional changes in land surface warming in winter (DJF) due to snow-albedo feedbacks, and in summer (JJA) due to soil-moisture and cloud feedbacks. Changes in anthropogenic aerosol and precursor (AA) emissions induce large spatial variations in SAT, characterized by warming over western Europe, Eurasia, and Alaska. In western Europe, SAT warming is stronger in JJA than in DJF due to substantial increases in clear sky shortwave radiation over Europe, associated with decreases in local AA emissions since the 1980s. In Alaska, the amplified SAT warming in DJF is due to increased downward longwave radiation, which is related to increased water vapor and cloud cover. In this case, although the model was able to capture the regional pattern of SAT change, and the associated local processes, it did not simulate all processes and anomalies correctly. For the Alaskan warming, the model is seen to achieve the correct regional response in the context of a wider North Pacific anomaly that is not consistent with observations. This demonstrates the importance of model evaluation that goes beyond the target variable in detection and attribution studies.
Correction to: Niacin-mediated rejuvenation of macrophage/microglia enhances remyelination of the aging central nervous system
Authors: Rawji Khalil S. , Young Adam M. H. , Ghosh Tanay , Michaels Nathan J. , Mirzaei Reza , Kappen Janson , Kolehmainen Kathleen L. , Alaeiilkhchi Nima , Lozinski Brian , Mishra Manoj K. , Pu Annie , Tang Weiwen , Zein Salma , Kaushik Deepak K. , Keough Michael B. , Plemel Jason R. , Calvert Fiona , Knights Andrew J. , Gaffney Daniel J. , Tetzlaff Wolfram , Franklin Robin J. M. , Yong V. Wee
Published: March 2020

The article Niacin‑mediated rejuvenation of macrophage/microglia enhances remyelination of the aging central nervous system, written by Khalil S. Rawji, Adam M.H. Young, Tanay Ghosh, Nathan J. Michaels, Reza Mirzaei, Janson Kappen, Kathleen L. Kolehmainen, Nima Alaeiilkhchi, Brian Lozinski, Manoj K. Mishra, Annie Pu, Weiwen Tang, Salma Zein, Deepak K. Kaushik, Michael B. Keough, Jason R. Plemel, Fiona Calvert, Andrew J. Knights, Daniel J. Gaffney, Wolfram Tetzlaff, Robin J. M. Franklin and V. Wee Yong, was originally published electronically on the publisher’s internet.
Involvement of fear, incompleteness, and disgust during symptoms of pediatric obsessive–compulsive disorder
Authors: Cervin Matti , Perrin Sean , Olsson Elin , Claesdotter-Knutsson Emma , Lindvall Magnus
Published: March 2020

Fear has been assigned a central role in models of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), but empirical investigations into the emotions that underpin OCD symptoms are few, especially in pediatric samples. Using validated, clinician-led structured interviews, 124 youth with OCD reported on the presence and severity of symptoms across the main symptom dimensions of OCD (aggressive, symmetry, contamination) and the degree to which fear, incompleteness, and disgust accompanied these symptoms. For comparison purposes, the degree of fear, incompleteness, and disgust during symptoms was obtained also from youth with social anxiety disorder (SAD; n = 27) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; n = 28). Participants with OCD reported that all three emotions were involved in their symptoms; however, fear was most strongly linked to aggressive symptoms, incompleteness to symmetry symptoms, and disgust to contamination symptoms. Incompleteness differentiated youth with OCD from those with SAD and GAD. No differences for these emotions were found for youth with OCD with versus without the tic-disorder subtype or comorbid autism. A positive association between incompleteness and self-reported hoarding emerged among youth with OCD. Further studies of the emotional architecture of pediatric OCD, and its relationship to etiology and treatment, are warranted.
Hazard-driven realization views for Component Fault Trees
Authors: Velasco Moncada David Santiago
Published: March 2020

Traditionally, the preferred means of documentation used by safety engineers have been sheets- and text-based solutions. However, in the last decades, the introduction of model-driven engineering in conjunction with Component-Based Design has been influencing the way safety engineers perform their tasks; especially in the area of fault analysis, model-driven approaches have been developed aimed at coupling fault trees with architecture models. Doing this fosters communication between engineers, may reduce design effort, and makes artifacts easier to maintain and reuse. In this paper, we want to move forward in this direction and take another step in the modeling of Component Fault Trees in combination with the modeling of the architecture design. We propose a hazard-centric approach for the definition of multiple realization views for fault analysis using Component Fault Trees. The approach is composed of a modeling method and a tool solution. We illustrate our approach with a real-life example from the automotive industry.
Correction to: Ratings, rankings, research evaluation: how do schools of education behave strategically within stratified UK higher education?
Authors: Marques Marcelo , Powell Justin J. W.
Published: March 2020

The article Ratings, rankings, research evaluation: how do Schools of Education behave strategically within stratified UK higher education?, written by Marcelo Marques and Justin J. W. Powell, was originally published electronically in SpringerLink on 16 August 2019 without Open Access.
Atypical Multisensory Integration and the Temporal Binding Window in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Kawakami Sayaka , Uono Shota , Otsuka Sadao , Yoshimura Sayaka , Zhao Shuo , Toichi Motomi
Published: March 2020

The present study examined the relationship between multisensory integration and the temporal binding window (TBW) for multisensory processing in adults with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The ASD group was less likely than the typically developing group to perceive an illusory flash induced by multisensory integration during a sound-induced flash illusion (SIFI) task. Although both groups showed comparable TBWs during the multisensory temporal order judgment task, correlation analyses and Bayes factors provided moderate evidence that the reduced SIFI susceptibility was associated with the narrow TBW in the ASD group. These results suggest that the individuals with ASD exhibited atypical multisensory integration and that individual differences in the efficacy of this process might be affected by the temporal processing of multisensory information.