bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐resolution capillary zone electrophoresis and mass spectrometry for distinction of undersialylated and hypoglycosylated transferrin glycoforms in body fluids
Authors: Caslavska Jitka , Schild Christof , Thormann Wolfgang
Published: October 2019

High‐resolution capillary zone electrophoresis is used to distinguish transferrin glycoforms present in human serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and serum treated with neuraminidase and N‐glycosidase F. The obtained data are compared to mass spectrometry data from the literature. The main focus is on the analysis of the various asialo‐transferrin, monosialo‐transferrin, and disialo‐transferrin molecules found in these samples. The features of capillary zone electrophoresis and mass spectrometry are reviewed and highlighted in the context of the analysis of undersialylated and hypoglycosylated transferrin molecules. High‐resolution capillary zone electrophoresis represents an effective tool to assess the diversity of transferrin patterns whereas mass spectrometry is the method of choice to elucidate structural identification about the glycoforms. Hypoglycosylated transferrin glycoforms present in sera of alcohol abusers and normal subjects are structurally identical to those in sera of patients with a congenital disorder of glycosylation type I. Asialo‐transferrin, monosialo‐transferrin and disialo‐transferrin observed in sera of patients with a type II congenital disorder of glycosylation or a hemolytic uremic syndrome, in cerebrospinal fluid and after treatment of serum with neuraminidase are undersialylated transferrin glycoforms with two N‐glycans of varying structure. Undersialylated disialo‐transferrin is also observed in sera with high levels of trisialo‐transferrin.
Large‐eddy simulations of neutrally stratified airflow over the complex terrain around Hong Kong International Airport with a three‐runway system
Authors: Tse Louis K. S. , Hon K. K. , Li Larry K. B.
Published: October 2019

Situated just north of the mountainous Lantau Island, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) can experience terrain‐induced airflow disturbances under certain meteorological conditions, such as during a tropical cyclone. For approaching aircraft, such disturbances can lead to wind shear, jeopardizing flight safety. In this numerical study, large‐eddy simulations of turbulent airflow over Lantau Island are performed under neutrally stratified conditions with a view to understanding how terrain‐induced disturbances affect the headwind and crosswind experienced by aircraft landing at HKIA. Analysis of 1 min output data shows that, consistent with previous studies, high‐speed transient flow disturbances can emerge from gaps in the mountains of Lantau Island, producing spatiotemporal variations in wind speed and direction along the glide paths. An attempt is made to quantify the relative likelihood of wind shear by analysing how frequently wind‐speed fluctuations due to terrain interaction exceed predefined thresholds within a prescribed time window. The results show that wind shear is most likely to occur (1) on the eastern approach to the south runway (25L) in a southerly background wind; and (2) on the western approach to the south runway (07R) in a southeasterly background wind. These findings are consistent with the present operations at HKIA, where the north runway, which has a lower likelihood of wind shear, is used as the predominant landing runway. The simulations also show that the proposed third runway, which is currently under construction, will see an even lower likelihood of wind shear because it is the farthest of the three runways from Lantau Island. The study provides new insight into the unsteady flow behaviour at an airport surrounded by complex terrain, contributing to aviation safety.
Reevaluating Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Essentiality in Hybrid Striped Bass
Authors: Barry Kelli J , Trushenski Jesse T
Published: October 2019

Understanding fatty acid requirements in multiple taxa is necessary to determine the degree to which dietary fish oil can be reduced or replaced with less costly, more abundant lipid sources. The polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) requirements of hybrid Striped Bass (White Bass Morone chrysops × Striped Bass M. saxatilis) are currently reported as 0.5–1.0% eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3) and/or docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3). This requirement does not account for n-3 PUFA essentiality on an individual fatty acid basis and does not address possible requirements for n-6 PUFAs (i.e., linoleic acid [18:2n-6] or arachidonic acid [20:4n-6]). Accordingly, hybrid Striped Bass were fed diets containing selected individual n-3 and n-6 C18 PUFAs, n-3 and n-6 long-chain (LC) PUFAs, or combinations thereof to determine the essentiality or expendability of these nutrients. These experimental feeds were compared to feeds containing only saturated fatty acids (negative control) or menhaden fish oil (positive control). Growth performance and ratios of 22:5n-6 : 22:6n-3 observed in tissue fatty acid profiles suggested that dietary provision of 22:6n-3 was adequate to satisfy physiological demand for LC-PUFAs. However, reductions in feed conversion ratio and numeric improvements in growth suggest that dietary provision of 20:4n-6 is also important. Results of this study indicate that provision of C18 PUFAs alone is insufficient to avoid essential fatty acid deficiency and to support optimal growth of this fish. To ensure that essential fatty acid requirements are met and performance is optimized, diets for hybrid Striped Bass should be formulated to contain 22:6n-3 and 20:4n-6, if not a full complement of n-3 and n-6 LC-PUFAs.
Hypercalcemia Without Hypervitaminosis D During Cholecalciferol Supplementation in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Holmes Whitney L. , Maish George O. , Minard Gayle , Croce Martin A. , Dickerson Roland N.
Published: October 2019

Background

Vitamin D deficiency during critical illness has been associated with worsened outcomes. Because most critically ill patients with severe traumatic injuries are vitamin D deficient, we investigated the efficacy and safety of cholecalciferol therapy for these patients.

Methods

Fifty‐three patients (>17 years of age) admitted to the trauma intensive care unit who had a serum 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25‐OH vit D) concentration <20 ng/mL were given 10,000 IU of cholecalciferol daily. Efficacy was defined as achievement of a 25‐OH vit D of 30–79.9 ng/mL. Safety was evaluated by the presence of hypercalcemia (serum ionized calcium [iCa] >1.32 mmol/L) or hypervitaminosis D (25‐OH vit D >79.9 nmol/L). Patients were monitored for 2 weeks during cholecalciferol therapy. Results: Twenty‐four patients (45%) achieved target 25‐OH vit D. No patients experienced hypervitaminosis D. Hypercalcemia occurred in 40% (n = 21) of patients; 2 patients experienced an iCa >1.49 nmol/L. 25‐OH vit D was significantly greater for those who developed hypercalcemia (37.2 + 11.2 vs 28.4 + 5.6 ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.001) by the second week of cholecalciferol. Of 24 patients who achieved target 25‐OH vit D, 14 (58%) experienced hypercalcemia in contrast to 24% of patients (7 out of 29) who did not achieve target 25‐OH vit D (P = 0.024).

Conclusions

Cholecalciferol normalized serum 25‐OH vit D concentrations in less than half of patients yet was associated with a substantial proportion of patients with hypercalcemia without hypervitaminosis D.
Overexpression of UDP‐glycosyltransferase potentially involved in insecticide resistance in Aphis gossypii Glover collected from Bt cotton fields in China
Authors: Chen Xuewei , Tang Chunyan , Ma Kangsheng , Xia Jin , Song Dunlun , Gao Xi‐Wu
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

The cotton aphid Aphis gossypii Glover is one of the most destructive insect pests. It has evolved resistance to numerous insecticides around the world due to the application of insecticides. Uridine diphosphate (UDP)‐glycosyltransferases (UGTs) have been reported to potentially facilitate the detoxification process of imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in A. gossypii.

RESULTS

In this study, the field populations of A. gossypii developed different levels of resistance to multiple insecticides. A UGT inhibitor, 5‐nitrouracil, dramatically increased the toxicity of acetamiprid in resistant populations, moderately increased the toxicity of sulfoxaflor in the imidacloprid susceptible (IMI_S) population, and populations from Yuncheng in Shanxi Province (SXYC) and Jingzhou in Hubei Province (HBJZ), and increased the toxicity of bifenthrin in the IMI_S and HBJZ populations, but there was no synergism on omethoate or carbosulfan. Quantitative real‐time PCR analysis revealed that UGT344B4 and UGT344C7 were overexpressed in all field populations, and UGT344N4 was overexpressed in the SDBZ and HBZJ populations. Furthermore, the suppression of UGT344B4 or UGT344C7 by RNA interference significantly increased the susceptibility to bifenthrin in the IMI_S population and the susceptibility to sulfoxaflor in the SXYC population.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that UGTs are potentially involved in the detoxification of neonicotinoid, sulfoximine, and pyrethroid insecticides in A. gossypii. Furthermore, the overexpression of UGTs could be associated with insecticide resistance in field populations of A. gossypii. The results might be helpful for the management of insecticide resistance in field populations of A. gossypii. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Study of 14.9 MeV Neutron Irradiation Effects on Ni/GaN Schottky Contacts Using Low‐Frequency Noise Spectroscopy
Authors: Ren Yuan , Zhou Leidang , Zhang Kang , Chen Liang , Ouyang Xiaoping , Chen Zhitao , Zhang Baijun , Lu Xing
Published: October 2019

A thorough study of 14.9 MeV neutron irradiation effects on Ni/GaN Schottky contacts is reported. The electrical characteristics and low‐frequency noise (LFN) spectra of the irradiated devices are measured and analyzed. The fast neutron irradiation shows an obvious carrier removal effect on the n−‐GaN with a carrier removal rate of ≈5.5 cm−1, resulting in significantly decreased forward currents of the irradiated devices. The irradiation also increases the inhomogeneity of the Schottky barrier by creating extra trap states at the Ni/GaN interface, according to the temperature–dependent current–voltage (I–V–T) measurements. The LFN analysis reveals an appearance of Lorentzian noise in the irradiated devices, suggesting that one dominant type of trap states located at around 0.52 eV below the conduction band is generated by the 14.9 MeV fast neutron irradiation in the Ni/GaN Schottky contacts.
P3HT with Zn(C6F5)2as p‐Type Dopant for the Enhanced Performance of Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Hu Qikun , Rezaee Ehsan , Li Minzhang , Chen Qian , Li Chen , Cai Siyuan , Shan Haiquan , Xu Zong-Xiang
Published: October 2019

The molecular organic Lewis acid bis(pentafluorophenyl)zinc [Zn(C6F5)2] is reported as an efficient p‐type dopant for poly(3‐hexylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) (P3HT), to be used as hole‐transporting material (HTM) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) for the first time. To date, the most efficient PSCs use lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium salt (LiTFSI) and 4‐tert‐butylpyridine (tBP) as standard additives for HTMs. However, such dopants can induce deleterious effects on device stability. Herein, the effect of the concentration of Zn(C6F5)2in P3HT HTM on the performance of PSCs is investigated. The P3HT‐based PSCs using a low concentration of the dopant (0.025 mol%) in the HTM layer exhibit the best performance and the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17.49%, which is almost 3.5% higher than the achieved PCE for pristine P3HT‐based PSCs. The origin of the improved performance for PSCs is further investigated, by studying the conductivity and hole mobility of the thin films based on pristine and doped P3HT. Adding a small amount of Zn(C6F5)2to P3HT increases its thin‐film hole mobility and its hole extraction ability.
Phylogeny of the Neotropical legume genera Zygia and Marmaroxylon and close relatives
Authors: Ferm Julia , Korall Petra , Lewis Gwilym P. , Ståhl Bertil
Published: October 2019

The Neotropical legume genera Zygia and Marmaroxylon have traditionally been considered closely related and are sometimes treated as congeners. They have been referred to the mimosoid tribe Ingeae based on their possession of flowers with basally fused stamen filaments. However, their systematic status and position have not been analysed in a phylogenetic context. This study provides the first molecular phylogeny of Zygia and Marmaroxylon and closely related mimosoid legume genera, particularly from the tribe Ingeae. DNA sequence data were derived from the nuclear external transcribed spacer (ETS) and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and from the chloroplast psbA‐trnH and trnL‐trnF regions, and were analysed using Bayesian inference. In all, 29 species of Zygia and 7 species of Marmaroxylon were included in the study along with representative species from the closely related genera Abarema, Acacia s.str., Archidendropsis, Calliandra, Chloroleucon, Cojoba, Faidherbia, Havardia, Hydrochorea, Inga, Leucochloron, Macrosamanea, Pithecellobium, Pseudosamanea, Samanea, Senegalia, Vachellia and Zapoteca. The results show that neither Zygia nor Marmaroxylon are monophyletic as presently circumscribed. Furthermore, these two genera are not monophyletic together. None of the nine presently recognized sections of Zygia that contain more than one species are shown to be monophyletic. Two of the monospecific sections of Zygia, sect. Ingopsis (Z. inundata) and sect. Pseudocojoba (Z. sabatieri), were found in a clade together with species of Inga. Marmaroxylon ocumarense and M. magdalenae, previously treated as synonyms (as Zygia), are not conspecific, and are found in a clade with Macrosamanea and in a clade with species of Abarema and Hydrochorea, respectively. Our results also show the Inga alliance to be non‐monophyletic. In correspondence with the results presented, all species referred to Marmaroxylon, except for M. ocumarense and M. magdalenae, are here included in Zygia, and Z. inundata is treated in Inga, in which genus it was first described.
Consensus diagnostic criteria and monitoring of twin anemia–polycythemia sequence: Delphi procedure
Authors: Khalil A. , Gordijn S. , Ganzevoort W. , Thilaganathan B. , Johnson A. , Baschat A. A. , Hecher K. , Reed K. , Lewi L. , Deprest J. , Oepkes D. , Lopriore E.
Published: October 2019

Objectives

Twin anemia–polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. Inconsistencies in the diagnostic criteria for TAPS exist, which hinder the ability to establish robust evidence‐based management or monitoring protocols. The main aim of this study was to determine, by expert consensus using a Delphi procedure, the key diagnostic features and optimal monitoring approach for TAPS.

Methods

A Delphi process was conducted among an international panel of experts on TAPS. Panel members were provided with a list of literature‐based parameters for diagnosing and monitoring TAPS. They were asked to rate the importance of the parameters on a five‐point Likert scale. Consensus was sought to determine the cut‐off values for accepted parameters, as well as parameters used in the monitoring of and assessment of outcome in twin pregnancy complicated by TAPS.

Results

A total of 132 experts were approached. Fifty experts joined the first round, of whom 33 (66%) completed all three rounds. There was agreement that the monitoring interval for the development of TAPS should be every 2 weeks and that the severity should be assessed antenatally using a classification system based on middle cerebral artery (MCA) peak systolic velocity (PSV), but there was no agreement on the gestational age at which to start monitoring. Once the diagnosis of TAPS is made, monitoring should be scheduled weekly. For the antenatal diagnosis of TAPS, the combination of MCA‐PSV ≥ 1.5 MoM in the anemic twin and ≤ 0.8 MoM in the polycythemic twin was agreed. Alternatively, MCA‐PSV discordance ≥ 1 MoM can be used to diagnose TAPS. Postnatally, hemoglobin difference ≥ 8 g/dL and intertwin reticulocyte ratio ≥ 1.7 were agreed criteria for diagnosis of TAPS. There was no agreement on the cut‐off of MCA‐PSV or its discordance for prenatal intervention. The panel agreed on prioritizing perinatal and long‐term survival outcomes in follow‐up studies.

Conclusions

Consensus‐based diagnostic features of TAPS, as well as cut‐off values for the parameters involved, were agreed upon by a panel of experts. Future studies are needed to validate these diagnostic features before they can be used in clinical trials of interventions. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Does exclusion of subcutaneous external anal sphincter on exoanal imaging matter?
Authors: Subramaniam N. , Dietz H. P.
Published: October 2019

Objective

There is some speculation that an intact distal anal sphincter complex is of decisive importance for continence, although the external anal sphincter (EAS) is considered to be a single functional and anatomical entity. On tomographic translabial ultrasound (TLUS), the caudal slice at the level of the subcutaneous EAS is currently omitted from the diagnostic algorithm due to the prevalence of artifact at that level. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of assessment of the subcutaneous EAS on tomographic TLUS for anal incontinence (AI).

Methods

This was a retrospective study of 463 women seen at our urogynecological service in 2015. All underwent a standardized questionnaire, including determination of St Mark's incontinence score (SMIS), clinical examination and three‐/four‐dimensional TLUS. On tomographic TLUS, EAS defect angles in slices one to seven were measured on maximum pelvic floor muscle contraction. A slice was defined as positive for a defect if the defect angle was ≥ 30°. The association between significant subcutaneous EAS trauma (i.e. defect angle of ≥ 30° in slice seven) and symptoms of AI, symptom bother score and SMIS was assessed. The performances of the standard six‐slice model and the seven‐slice model, including the subcutaneous EAS, in the prediction of AI were compared.

Results

While there was a highly significant association between all measures of AI and significant EAS trauma in slice seven, addition of the seventh slice to the existing six‐slice model did not improve the predictive value for
AI.

Conclusion

As inclusion of the subcutaneous slice of the EAS on tomographic TLUS does not seem to improve the predictive value for AI, the current methodology for assessment of EAS trauma on tomographic TLUS can remain unchanged. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Computerized fetal heart rate analysis in early preterm fetal growth restriction
Authors: Wolf H. , Gordijn S. J. , Onland W. , Vliegenthart R. J. S. , Ganzevoort J. W.
Published: October 2019

Objective

To assess the value of computerized cardiotocography (cCTG) with calculation of fetal heart rate (FHR) short‐term variability (STV) in early preterm fetal growth restriction (FGR) for prevention of fetal death and neonatal asphyxia, neonatal morbidity, and 2‐year neurodevelopmental impairment.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of all women who were admitted to the Amsterdam University Medical Center‐AMC between 2003 and 2015 due to FGR and/or pre‐eclampsia, and who were delivered by prelabor Cesarean section, or had a fetal death, before 32 weeks' gestation. STV of all available cCTG registrations during the 5 days preceding fetal death or delivery was calculated retrospectively, and FHR decelerations were classified visually as absent, 1–2/h or recurrent (> 2/h). Adverse outcome endpoints were defined as fetal death, neonatal asphyxia at birth (including fetal death), neonatal death, major neonatal morbidity and 2‐year neurodevelopmental outcome. A simulation analysis was performed to assess the incidence of adverse outcome using two thresholds for cCTG: (1) highly abnormal (STV < 2.6 ms before 29 weeks and < 3.0 ms thereafter, and/or recurrent FHR decelerations); and (2) moderately abnormal (STV < 3.5 ms before 29 weeks and < 4.0 ms thereafter, and/or recurrent FHR decelerations). Three management strategies were assessed using a strict schedule for the frequency of cCTG recordings: (1) cCTG without use of fetal arterial Doppler; (2) cCTG with additional fetal arterial Doppler after 29 weeks; and (3) cCTG with additional fetal arterial Doppler after 27 weeks.

Results

Included were 367 pregnancies (3295 cCTG recordings), of which 20 resulted in fetal death and 347 were delivered by Cesarean section before the onset of labor. Cesarean delivery was indicated by fetal condition in 94% of cases and by maternal condition in 6%. Median gestational age at delivery was 30 (interquartile range (IQR), 28–31) weeks and median birth weight was 900 (IQR, 740–1090) g. Six cases of fetal death were not anticipated by standard practice using visual assessment of CTG. A last highly abnormal cCTG was associated with fetal death and with neonatal asphyxia (including fetal death; n = 99), but not with major neonatal morbidity and 2‐year neurodevelopmental outcome. Moderately abnormal cCTG had no significant association with any endpoint. Simulation analysis showed that a strategy that combined cCTG results with umbilicocerebral ratio or umbilical absent or reversed end‐diastolic flow could detect all fetal deaths.

Conclusions

Computerized CTG in combination with fetal arterial Doppler, with a strict protocol for the frequency of recordings, is likely to be more effective than visual CTG assessment for preventing fetal death in early preterm FGR. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Spatial analysis of temperature time series over the Upper Indus Basin (UIB) Pakistan
Authors: Latif Yasir , Yaoming Ma , Yaseen Muhammad , Muhammad Sher , Wazir Muhammad Atif
Published: October 2019

Runoff generated from the Upper Indus Basin (UIB) mainly originates in the massifs of the Hindukush–Karakoram–Himalaya (HKH) region of Pakistan. Water supply in early spring depends upon the snow accumulation in the winter and the subsequent temperature. Seasonal temperature variations corroborate the contemporary dynamics of snow and glaciers. Recently, there has been increasing evidence of accelerated warming in high mountain areas, termed as elevation-dependent warming (EDW). We have identified trends, analyzed inconsistencies, and calculated changes in the maximum, minimum, mean and diurnal temperature range (Tmax,Tmin,Tmean, and DTR) at 20 weather stations during four-time series: 1961–2013 (first), 1971–2013 (second), 1981–2013 (third), and 1991–2013 (fourth). We employed the Mann–Kendall test to determine the existence of a trend and Sen’s method for the estimation of prevailing trends, whereas homogeneity analysis was applied before trend identification using three different tests. This study revealed that the largest and smallest magnitudes of trends appeared in the winter and summer, respectively, particularly during the fourth data series.Tmaxrevealed robust warming at ten stations, most remarkably at Gupis, Khunjrab, and Naltar at rates of 0.29, 0.36, and 0.43 °C/decade, respectively, during the fourth series. We observed thatTminexhibits a mixed pattern of warming and cooling during the second and third series, but cooling becomes stronger during the fourth series, exhibiting significant trends at twelve stations. Khunjrab and Naltar showed steady warming during the fourth series (spring), at rates of 0.26 and 0.13 °C/decade in terms ofTmean. The observed decreases in DTR appeared stronger in the fourth series during the summer. These findings tend to partially support the notion of EDW but validate the dominance of cooling spatially and temporally.
Knock, Knock: The Taxman’s at Your Door! Practice Sense, Empathy Games, and Dilemmas in Tax Enforcement
Authors: Wynter Carlene Beth , Oats Lynne
Published: October 2019

Tax administrators are empowered by the state to secure compliance with tax obligations. Enforcing compliance on the ground is complex, and street-level administrators often engage in the “art of the possible,” leading to dilemmas in the field. This paper examines tax administrators’ practices with regard to Jamaican property tax defaulters with outstanding tax liabilities in excess of 3 years. Drawing on interviews with tax administrators and other key agents, we find that tax administrators reposition themselves from objective enforcers to empathizing officials engaging in schemes of action, doing what they can do rather than what they should do. This is a practical-sense approach to securing compliance. We identify two forms of empathy, assimilated and cynical, and conclude that administrators’ empathetic identification with defaulters does not necessarily arise solely from concern for social cohesion, or inter-subjective compassion, but also sometimes from self-interest.
Cytotoxic Effects of Smp24 and Smp43 Scorpion Venom Antimicrobial Peptides on Tumour and Non-tumour Cell Lines
Authors: Elrayess Ranwa A. , Mohallal Mahmoud E. , El-Shahat Yomn M. , Ebaid Hala M. , Miller Keith , Strong Peter N. , Abdel-Rahman Mohamed A.
Published: October 2019

Smp24 and Smp43 are novel cationic AMPs identified from the venom of the Egyptian scorpion Scorpio maurus palmatus, having potent activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. Here we describe cytotoxicity of these peptides towards three non-tumour cell lines (CD34+ (hematopoietic stem progenitor from cord blood), HRECs (human renal epithelial cells) and HACAT (human skin keratinocytes) and two acute leukaemia cell lines (myeloid (KG1a) and lymphoid (CCRF-CEM) leukaemia cell lines) using a combination of biochemical and imaging techniques. Smp24 and Smp43 (4–256 µg/mL) decreased the cell viability (as measured by intracellular ATP) of all cells tested, although keratinocytes were markedly less sensitive. Cell membrane leakage as evidenced by the release of lactate dehydrogenase was evident throughout and was confirmed by scanning electron microscope studies.
The Need for a Code of Conduct for Research Funders
Authors: van Wee Bert
Published: October 2019

In addition to a code of conduct for researchers, it is desirable to implement a code of conduct for funders of research. This is because researchers often behave unethically as a result of direct and/or indirect pressure from funders. The paper provides an expansion of the first proposal for such a code of conduct and includes several elements such as “policy relevant research should not be contracted and supervised by a client with an interest in the outcomes”, and “policy relevant research should always be examined by an independent institute”.
Toward a theory of ethical consumer intention formation: re-extending the theory of planned behavior
Authors: Sun William
Published: October 2019

What drives consumers to purchase or not purchase ethical products remains something of a puzzle for consumer behavior researchers. Existing theory—particularly the widely applied theory of planned behavior (TPB)—cannot fully explain ethical purchase decisions. This article contends that not only is the original TPB limited in its applicability to ethical purchasing contexts but also subsequent modifications to it have been generally unfitting. This study advances the literature by taking a different approach to recharacterize and re-extend the original components of the TPB in order to make it more relevant and effective for explaining and predicting ethical consumer decisions. This new theoretical framework of intention formation features four determinants (attitude, subjective norm, moral identity, and perceived behavior control) and a key moderator (level of confidence), and thereby possesses better explanatory and predictive abilities to understand ethical consumer decisions.
Degree centrality of key brain regions of attention networks in children with primary nocturnal enuresis: A resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Jiang Kaihua , Yi Yang , Ding Li , Li Hongxin , Li Yamin , Yang Mingmei , Zheng Aibin
Published: October 2019

Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE) is always associated with attention impairment, some of which even could develop to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The mechanism of attention impairment is not clear, especially lacking of objective indicators of neuroimaging. The aim of this study is to explore the possible functional imaging mechanism of impaired attention in PNE children. A total of 26 PNE children and 26 age‐matched normal controls were recruited. Resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fMRI) was performed on these children. Degree centrality (DC) of key brain regions of DAN (lFEF, rFEF, lIFG, rIFG, lIPS, rIPS), VAN (TPJ, VFC) and DMN (PCC, aMPFC, lAG, rAG) were calculated and compared between PNE and normal children. And the correlations between DC values and attention behavioral results were measured. Compared with normal controls, PNE children exhibited lower DC value in the right frontal eye field (rFEF), left inferior parietal sulcus (lIPS), right inferior parietal sulcus (rIPS), temporal parietal junction (TPJ) and left angular gyrus (lAG). The correct number of continuous performance test (CPT) in the PNE group was significantly lower than the normal controls and there was no significant difference in the reaction time between the two groups. The correlation between DC values and attention behavioral results in PNE showed that the DC values of PCC and lAG were negatively correlated with the correct number. This work indicates that the damage of the key brain regions of DAN, VAN and DMN might be the possible functional imaging mechanism of impaired attention in children with PNE.
Sensitivity of Ozone Production to NOx and VOC Along the Lake Michigan Coastline
Authors: Vermeuel Michael P. , Novak Gordon A. , Alwe Hariprasad D. , Hughes Dagen D. , Kaleel Rob , Dickens Angela F. , Kenski Donna , Czarnetzki Alan C. , Stone Elizabeth A. , Stanier Charles O. , Pierce R. Bradley , Millet Dylan B. , Bertram Timothy H.
Published: October 2019

We report on the sensitivity of enhanced ozone (O3) production, observed during lake breeze circulation along the coastline of Lake Michigan, to the concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We assess the sensitivity of O3 production to NOx and VOC on a high O3 day during the Lake Michigan Ozone Study 2017 using an observationally constrained chemical box model that implements the Master Chemical Mechanism (MCM v3.3.1) and recent emission inventories for NOx and VOCs. The Master Chemical Mechanism model is coupled to a backward air mass trajectory analysis from a ground supersite in Zion, IL, where an extensive series of measurements of O3 precursors and their oxidation products, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), nitric acid (HNO3), and particulate nitrates (NO3−) serve as model constraints. We evaluate the chemical evolution of the Chicago‐Gary urban plume as it advects over Lake Michigan and demonstrate how modeled indicators of VOC‐ versus NOx‐sensitive regimes can be constrained by measurements at the trajectory endpoint. Using the modeled ratio of the instantaneous H2O2 and HNO3 production rates (PH2O2/PHNO3), we suggest that O3 production over the urban source region is strongly VOC sensitive and progresses towards a more NOx‐sensitive regime as the plume advects north along the Lake Michigan coastline on this day. We also demonstrate that ground‐based measurements of the mean concentration ratio of H2O2 to HNO3 describe the sensitivity of O3 production to VOC and NOx as the integral of chemical production along the plume path.
A Feature‐Based Procedure for Detecting Technical Outliers in Water‐Quality Data From In Situ Sensors
Authors: Talagala Priyanga Dilini , Hyndman Rob J. , Leigh Catherine , Mengersen Kerrie , Smith‐Miles Kate
Published: October 2019

Outliers due to technical errors in water‐quality data from in situ sensors can reduce data quality and have a direct impact on inference drawn from subsequent data analysis. However, outlier detection through manual monitoring is infeasible given the volume and velocity of data the sensors produce. Here we introduce an automated procedure, named oddwater, that provides early detection of outliers in water‐quality data from in situ sensors caused by technical issues. Our oddwater procedure is used to first identify the data features that differentiate outlying instances from typical behaviors. Then, statistical transformations are applied to make the outlying instances stand out in a transformed data space. Unsupervised outlier scoring techniques are applied to the transformed data space, and an approach based on extreme value theory is used to calculate a threshold for each potential outlier. Using two data sets obtained from in situ sensors in rivers flowing into the Great Barrier Reef lagoon, Australia, we show that oddwater successfully identifies outliers involving abrupt changes in turbidity, conductivity, and river level, including sudden spikes, sudden isolated drops, and level shifts, while maintaining very low false detection rates. We have implemented this oddwater procedure in the open source R packageoddwater.
Tetrahedral framework nucleic acids prevent retina ischemia-reperfusion injury from oxidative stress via activating the Akt/Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Qin Xin , Li Ni , Zhang Mei , Lin Shiyu , Zhu Junyao , Xiao Dexuan , Cui Weitong , Zhang Tianyi , Lin Yunfeng , Cai XiaoXiao
Published: October 2019

Retinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injuries are involved in the universal pathological processes of many ophthalmic diseases, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal arterial occlusion.
Transition metal-free aerobic oxidative cleavage of the C–N bonds of α-amino esters
Authors: Tan Shenpeng , Li Feng , Park Soojun , Kim Sanghee
Published: October 2019

A base-mediated aerobic oxidative cleavage of α-amino esters involving a hydroperoxide intermediate was reported, which represents the first example of the cleavage of the α-C–N bonds of amino acid derivatives without the aid of metal catalysts.
Self‐mode‐locked multimode lasers for stabilised RF oscillators
Authors: Sun T. , Daryoush A.S.
Published: October 2019

Low phase noise RF oscillator is very important in modern communication systems and opto‐electronic oscillator techniques have achieved superior phase noise. Development and characterisation of coupled symmetric multimode multi‐section semiconductor laser pairs are reported for building a chip level RF oscillator. The symmetric laser structure operation is adjusted to achieve a self‐mode locking of five modes at 26.4 GHz inter‐modal oscillation frequency with the phase noise performance of −92 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset frequency.
Endoscopic video defogging using luminance blending
Authors: Luo Xiongbiao , Yang Fan , Zeng Hui‐Qing , Du Yan‐Ping
Published: October 2019

Endoscopic video sequences provide surgeons with direct surgical field or visualisation on anatomical targets in the patient during robotic surgery. Unfortunately, these video images are unavoidably hazy or foggy to prevent surgeons from clear surgical vision due to typical surgical operations such as ablation and cauterisation during surgery. This Letter aims at removing fog or smoke on endoscopic video sequences to enhance and maintain a direct and clear visualisation of the operating field during robotic surgery. The authors propose a new luminance blending framework that integrates contrast enhancement with visibility restoration for foggy endoscopic video processing. The proposed method was validated on clinical endoscopic videos that were collected from robotic surgery. The experimental results demonstrate that their method provides a promising means to effectively remove fog or smoke on endoscopic video images. In particular, the visual quality of defogged endoscopic images was improved from 0.5088 to 0.6475.
PTS scheme based on MCAKM for peak‐to‐average power ratio reduction in OFDM systems
Authors: Hadj Ali Tarik , Hamza Abdelkrim
Published: October 2019

This study considers the application of the partial transmit sequence (PTS) technique to reduce the peak‐to‐average power ratio (PAPR) in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems. The conventional PTS approach has proved its high effectiveness in PAPR reduction for OFDM signals where the reduction performance of PAPR depends mainly on phase rotation factors. Finding the optimal phase rotation factors requires an exhaustive computationally task, which is a serious implementation problem in practical systems. To fix this issue of computational complexity and reduce the PAPR at the same time, in the present work, a novel PTS approach based on multi‐population cultural algorithm adopting knowledge migration (MCAKM) has been proposed for optimal phase rotation factors search. Computer simulation results show that the proposed MCAKM–PTS technique leads to a better PAPR reduction and bit error rate performance with a significant reduction in computational complexity compared to the conventional PTS and the previously optimisation algorithms applied to PTS such as particle swarm optimisation, artificial bee colony, and electromagnetism‐like algorithm.
Multi‐input high step‐up inverter with soft‐switching capability, applicable in photovoltaic systems
Authors: Babaei Ebrahim , Tarzamni Hadi , Tahami Farzad , Jahan Hossein Khoun , Sharifian Mohammad Bagher Bannae
Published: October 2019

In this study, a new multi‐input high step‐up inverter, based on isolated soft‐switching DC–DC converter blocks is proposed. Each of these blocks can provide zero‐voltage and zero‐current switching for its semiconductors, which improve power efficiency. The interesting feature of this DC–DC converter is using bidirectional switches to generate both positive and negative output voltage levels in each DC–DC block with an appropriate control scheme. Each DC–DC converter operates by simple pulse width modulation control through fixed frequency and has two degrees of freedom, which provide the capability of output voltage regulation or maximum power point tracking. The proposed inverter consists of the cascaded connection of these DC–DC converters at their output terminal. This inverter can operate with high voltage gain, where the output voltage of each DC–DC converter is regulated. Furthermore, it can generate more output voltage levels with less number of DC–DC blocks. All these advantages make the proposed inverter suitable for photovoltaic power conditioning systems. In this study, the theoretical analysis with steady‐state waveforms, design constraints, resonant tank analysis and comparison study are given. Then, experimental results of both the proposed inverter and its DC–DC blocks are presented.
Interleaved high step‐up zero‐voltage zero‐current switching boost DC–DC converter
Authors: Eskandari Reyhaneh , Babaei Ebrahim , Sabahi Mehran , Ojaghkandi Sirous Ranjbarzadeh
Published: October 2019

In this study, an interleaved soft switching boost converter suitable for high step‐up applications is proposed. Zero voltage switching and zero current switching characteristics could be provided for main switches and main diodes, simultaneously. Also, the auxiliary semiconductors can achieve soft switching. Since all the utilised diodes operate under soft‐switching conditions, the diodes reverse recovery problem is perfectly alleviated. Due to the unique operation of the proposed topology, the converter is controlled by variant switching frequency and high voltage ratios can be achieved. Further, the precise theoretical analyses and design procedure of the converter have been investigated utterly. Finally, according to the designed characteristics, a laboratory prototype with 60 V input voltage and 300 V output voltage is built and tested, which is in agreement with theoretical analyses.
Analytical model for predicting the junction temperature of chips considering the internal electrothermal coupling inside SiC metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistor modules
Authors: Peng Sun , Zhibin Zhao , Yumeng Cai , Junji Ke , Xiang Cui , Bing Ji
Published: October 2019

Owing to their excellent characteristics, silicon carbide (SiC) metal–oxide–semiconductor field‐effect transistor modules are expected to have broad application prospects in various types of power conversion equipment in the future. Accurate prediction of the internal chip junction temperature of SiC module is of great value for the usage of the modules in the power conversion equipment. In this study, taking the electrothermal coupling process, and the thermal characteristics of the chips into consideration, the power loss model under unipolar and bipolar sinusoidal pulse‐width modulation control was developed. A star‐shaped equivalent thermal network model based on virtual temperature was established. Moreover, an analytical junction temperature predicting model was proposed. To obtain the temperature dependence of static and dynamic parameters for the models, power device analyser was used, and the double pulse test bench was established. To validate the effectiveness and accuracy of the above models, the finite element method was used to calculate the junction temperature of a commercial 1200 V/300 A full SiC module under different working conditions. The results show that the relative error is very small and the proposed model is effective.
Maltobionic acid accelerates recovery from iron deficiency-induced anemia in rats
Authors: Suehiro Daiki , Kawase Haruka , Uehara Sumire , Kawase Rio , Fukami Ken , Nakagawa Tomoyuki , Shimada Masaya , Hayakawa Takashi
Published: October 2019

In experiments 1 and 2, effect of ingestion of maltobionic acid calcium salt (MBCa) on recovery of rats from a latent iron deficiency and from iron deficiency anemia was examined, respectively. After grouping rats into control and iron-deficiency groups, a latent iron deficiency or iron-deficiency anemia was induced in the latter group. And recovery from these states by MBCa containing diets (0%, 3%, and 6% MBCa in diet, classified into MBCa-0, MBCa-3, and MBCa-6 groups) was compared for convalescence period in light of iron sufficient control group. In experiment 1, MBCa ingestion significantly increased the iron concentration in the serum and liver, and promoted recovery from a latent iron deficiency. In experiment 2, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels increased significantly with MBCa intake, and recovery from iron-deficiency anemia was promoted. MBCa effectively promoted the recovery of rats from a subclinical iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia.

Abbreviations: ANOVA: analysis of variance; DMT1: divalent metal transporter 1; EDTA-2Na: disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; Fpn: feroportin; Hb: hemoglobin; Ht: hematocrit; ICP-OES: inductivity coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer; MBCa: maltobionic acid calcium salt; nitroso-PSAP: 2-nitroso-5-[N-n-propyl-N-(3-sulfopropyl)amino]phenol; SE: standard error; SI: serum-iron concentration; TSAT: transferrin saturation; TIBC: total iron-binding capacity; UIBC: unsaturated iron-binding capacity.
Examining the use of economic evaluations in health-related humanitarian programmes in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Makhani Lizna A , Moran Valerie , Sadique Zia , Singh Neha S , Revill Paul , Roberts Bayard
Published: October 2019

The costly nature of health sector responses to humanitarian crises and resource constraints means that there is a need to identify methods for priority setting and long-term planning. One method is economic evaluation. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the use of economic evaluations in health-related humanitarian programmes in low- and middle-income countries. This review used peer-reviewed literature published between January 1980 and June 2018 extracted from four main electronic bibliographic databases. The eligibility criteria were full economic evaluations (which compare the costs and outcomes of at least two interventions and provide information on efficiency) of health-related services in humanitarian crises in low- and middle-countries. The quality of eligible studies is appraised using the modified 36-question Drummond checklist. From a total of 8127 total studies, 11 full economic evaluations were identified. All economic evaluations were cost-effectiveness analyses. Three of the 11 studies used a provider perspective, 2 studies used a healthcare system perspective, 3 studies used a societal perspective and 3 studies did not specify the perspective used. The lower quality studies failed to provide 7information on the unit of costs and did not justify the time horizon of costs and discount rates, or conduct a sensitivity analysis. There was limited geographic range of the studies, with 9 of the 11 studies conducted in Africa. Recommendations include greater use of economic evaluation methods and data to enhance the microeconomic understanding of health interventions in humanitarian settings to support greater efficiency and transparency and to strengthen capacity by recruiting economists and providing training in economic methods to humanitarian agencies.
The metalloproteinase ADAMDEC1 maintains a novel growth factor signalling loop in glioblastoma cancer stem cells
Authors: Jimenez-Pascual Ana , Hale James , Kordowski Anja , Pugh Jamie , Rao Shilpa , Silver Daniel , Alban Tyler , Watson Defne , Chen Rui , McIntyre Thomas , Colombo Giorgio , Taraboletti Giulia , Holmberg Karl , Forsberg-Nilsson Karin , Lathia Justin , Siebzehnrubl Florian
Published: October 2019

Glioblastomas (GBM) are lethal brain tumours where poor outcome is attributed to cellular heterogeneity, therapeutic resistance, and a highly infiltrative nature. These characteristics are preferentially linked to GBM cancer stem cells (GSCs), but how GSCs maintain their stemness is incompletely understood and the subject of intense investigation. Here, we identify a novel growth factor signalling loop that induces and maintains GSCs. This loop consists of an atypical metalloproteinase, a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-like protein decysin 1 (ADAMDEC1), secreted by GSCs. ADAMDEC1 solubilizes fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) in the tumour microenvironment. We find that GSCs exclusively express FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1), which upon binding of FGF2 induces upregulation of Zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1). ZEB1 is a regulator of stemness and tumour initiation, and therefore ADAMDEC1-FGF2-FGFR1 signalling promotes malignancy in GBM. We further show that ZEB1 regulates ADAMDEC1 expression, creating a positive feedback loop. Genetic or pharmacological targeting of components of this axis attenuates self-renewal and tumour growth. These findings reveal a new signalling axis for GSC maintenance and highlight ADAMDEC1 and FGFR1 as potential therapeutic targets in GBM.