bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lymphaticovenular anastomosis for lymph vessel injury in the pelvis and groin
Authors: Kadota Hideki , Shimamoto Ryo , Fukushima Seita , Inatomi Yusuke , Ikemura Ko , Miyashita Kayo , Kamizono Kenichi , Hanada Masuo , Yoshida Sei
Published: April 2021

Background

Lymphatic diseases due to lymph vessel injuries in the pelvis and groin require immediate clinical attention when conventional treatments fail. We aimed to clarify the effectiveness of and indications for lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) to treat these lymphatic diseases.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated six patients who underwent LVA for lymphatic diseases due to lymph vessel injuries in the pelvis and groin. Specific pathologies included groin lymphorrhea (N = 3), chylous ascites (N = 2), and retroperitoneal lymphocele (N = 1). The maximum lymphatic fluid leakage volume was 150–2600 mL daily. Conventional treatments (compression, drainage, fasting, somatostatin administration, negative pressure wound therapy, or lymph vessel ligation) had failed to control leakage in all cases. We performed lower extremity LVAs after confirming the site of lymph vessel injury using lymphoscintigraphy. We preferentially placed LVAs in thigh sites that showed a linear pattern by indocyanine green lymphography. Postoperative lymphatic fluid leakage volume reduction was evaluated, and leakage cessation was recorded when the drainage volume approached 0 mL.

Results

LVA was performed at an average of 4.3 sites (range, 3–6 sites) in the thigh and 2.7 sites (range, 0–6 sites) in the lower leg. Lymphatic fluid leakage ceased in all cases after a mean of 6 days (range, 1–11 days) postoperatively. No recurrence of symptoms was observed during an average follow‐up of 2.9 (range, 0.5–5.5) years.

Conclusions

LVA demonstrates excellent and rapid effects. We recommend lower extremity LVA for the treatment of lymphatic diseases due to lymph vessel injuries in the pelvis and groin.
A low‐profile microstrip patch array with broadband and wide‐angle scanning characteristics
Authors: Sun Dan , Yuan Congcong , Su Pei
Published: April 2021

A low‐profile broadband patch array antenna with a wide scanning range is presented at X‐band. The antenna element consists of the stacked patches, the sheet resistances and the metallic posts with a total thickness of 3.27 mm. The stacked patches are excited by a stripline‐fed aperture with four edge patches surrounding the bottom patch. The sheet resistances and the metallic posts provide a solution to ameliorate the matching responses, besides promoting the scanning angle. The simulated active VSWRs are below 2 and 2.6 as scan ranges ± 60° and ± 70°, respectively, over a bandwidth of 40%. As an example, a prototype array with 8 × 8 elements was fabricated to verify the method. Its measured active VSWRs are lower than 2.4 and 2.9 with the maximum losses of 1.6 dB in the scan angles above.
Specific absorption rate and temperature in neonate models resulting from exposure to a 7T head coil
Authors: Malik Shaihan J. , Hand Jeffrey W. , Satnarine Ryan , Price Anthony N. , Hajnal Joseph V.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To investigate safe limits for neonatal imaging using a 7T head coil, including both specific absorption rate (SAR) and temperature predictions.

Methods

Head‐centered neonate models were simulated using finite‐difference time domain–based electromagnetic and thermal solvers. The effects of higher water content of neonatal tissues compared with adults, position shifts, and thermal insulation were also considered. An adult model was simulated for comparison.

Results

Maximum and average SAR are both elevated in the neonate when compared with an adult model. When normalized to , the SAR experienced by a neonate is greater than an adult by approximately a factor of 2; when normalized to net forward power (forward‐reflected), this increases to a factor of 2.5‐3.0; and when normalized to absorbed power, approximately a factor of 4. Use of age‐adjusted dielectric properties significantly increases the predicted SAR, compared with using adult tissue properties for the neonates. Thermal simulations predict that change in core temperature/maximum temperature remain compliant with International Electrotechnical Commission limits when a thermally insulated neonate is exposed at the SAR limit for up to an hour.

Conclusion

This study of two neonate models cannot quantify the variability expected within a larger population. Likewise, the use of age‐adjusted dielectric properties have a significant effect, but while their use is well motivated by literature, there is uncertainty in the true dielectric properties of neonatal tissue. Nevertheless, the main finding is that unlike at lower field strengths, operational limits for 7T neonatal MRI using an adult head coil should be more conservative than limits for use on adults.
Dynamic regulation on innovation and adoption of green technology with information asymmetry
Authors: Rong Lisong , Chen Jian , Wen Zhong
Published: April 2021

This study investigates a regulator's dynamic policy to motivate firms' research on and adoption of green technology. In the proposed model, a firm makes unobservable efforts and can hide the technology's arrival from the regulator to avoid adoption costs. We find that the optimal policy follows a simple structure and induces part‐time efforts, rather than the maximal effort reported in previous studies. In particular, the regulator should offer no subsidy before the arrival of a technology report, provide a one‐time subsidy contingent upon that report, and always set a termination deadline. At the deadline, the firm is forced to select an external option that is associated with social costs. The optimal report‐based subsidy decreases with time. Under the optimal policy, the firm works until an effort deadline, makes no effort thereafter, and reports the technology as soon as it arrives. This study also characterizes the necessary and sufficient conditions under which the optimal policy reduces to one that leads, in terms of throughout time, to effort that is maximal or minimal. Our results indicate that policymakers should implement a policy that compensates firms more in the present and less in the future.
Effect of self‐administration of medication programme on cardiovascular inpatients' medication adherence and nurses' satisfaction: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hajialibeigloo Reza , Mazlum Seyed Reza , Mohajer Samira , Morisky Donald E.
Published: April 2021

Aim

To investigate the effect of self‐administration of medication programme on medication adherence in cardiovascular inpatients and nurse's satisfaction.

Design

Randomized clinical trial with parallel‐group design guided by the CONSORT checklist.

Methods

In this study, sixty cardiovascular inpatients were selected through convenience sampling and then randomly assigned to control and intervention groups, in 2018, Iran.

The intervention group took responsibility for consuming their prescribed medication according to the self‐administration of medication programme and the control group took medications routinely. Medication adherence was measured one and two weeks after the discharge via telephonic follow‐up by Morisky Medication Adherence Scale MMAS‐8‐item and nurses' satisfaction by researcher‐made questioner.

Result

There was a higher medication adherence level in the intervention group rather than the usual care group at the follow‐up. Most nurses in the study environment were very satisfied.

Conclusion

The self‐administration of medication programme can effectively increase patients' medication adherence and nurses' satisfaction.
Ambient temperature and relative humidity–based drift correction in frequency domain electromagnetics using machine learning
Authors: Hanssens Daan , Vijver Ellen Van De , Waegeman Willem , Everett Mark E. , Moffat Ian , Sarris Apostolos , De Smedt Philippe
Published: April 2021

Electromagnetic instrument responses suffer from signal drift that results in a variable response at a given location over time. If left uncorrected, spatiotemporal aliasing can manifest and global trends or abrupt changes might be observed in the data, which are independent of subsurface electromagnetic variations. By performing static ground measurements, we characterized drift patterns of different electromagnetic instruments. Next, we performed static measurements at an elevated height, approximately 4 metre above ground level, to collect a data set that forms the basis of a new absolute calibration methodology. By additionally logging ambient temperature variations, battery voltage and relative humidity, a relation between signal drift and these parameters was modelled using a machine learning (ML) approach. The results show that it was possible to mitigate the effects of signal drift; however, it was not possible to completely eliminate them. The reason is three‐fold: (1) the ML algorithm is not yet sufficiently adapted for accurate prediction; (2) signal instability is not explained sufficiently by ambient temperature, relative humidity and battery voltage; and (3) the black‐box internal (factory) calibration impeded direct access to raw data, which prevents accurate evaluation of the proposed methodology. However, the results suggest that these challenges are not insurmountable and that ML can form a viable approach in tackling the drift problem instrument specific in the near future.
Multiomic Predictors of Short‐Term Weight Loss and Clinical Outcomes During a Behavioral‐Based Weight Loss Intervention
Authors: Siebert Janet C. , Stanislawski Maggie A. , Zaman Adnin , Ostendorf Danielle M. , Konigsberg Iain R. , Jambal Purevsuren , Ir Diana , Bing Kristen , Wayland Liza , Scorsone Jared J. , Lozupone Catherine A. , Görg Carsten , Frank Daniel N. , Bessesen Daniel , MacLean Paul S. , Melanson Edward L. , Catenacci Victoria A. , Borengasser Sarah J.
Published: April 2021

Objective

Identifying predictors of weight loss and clinical outcomes may increase understanding of individual variability in weight loss response. We hypothesized that baseline multiomic features, including DNA methylation (DNAme), metabolomics, and gut microbiome, would be predictive of short‐term changes in body weight and other clinical outcomes within a comprehensive weight loss intervention.

Methods

Healthy adults with overweight or obesity (n = 62, age 18‐55 years, BMI 27‐45 kg/m2, 75.8% female) participated in a 1‐year behavioral weight loss intervention. To identify baseline omic predictors of changes in clinical outcomes at 3 and 6 months, whole‐blood DNAme, plasma metabolites, and gut microbial genera were analyzed.

Results

A network of multiomic relationships informed predictive models for 10 clinical outcomes (body weight, waist circumference, fat mass, hemoglobin A1c, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, total cholesterol, triglycerides, C‐reactive protein, leptin, and ghrelin) that changed significantly (P < 0.05). For eight of these, adjusted R2 ranged from 0.34 to 0.78. Our models identified specific DNAme sites, gut microbes, and metabolites that were predictive of variability in weight loss, waist circumference, and circulating triglycerides and that are biologically relevant to obesity and metabolic pathways.

Conclusions

These data support the feasibility of using baseline multiomic features to provide insight for precision nutrition–based weight loss interventions.

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Low-Dose Olanzapine Plus Granisetron and Dexamethasone for Carboplatin-Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Patients with Thoracic Malignancies: A Prospective Multicenter Phase II Trial
Authors: Sakai Chizuru , Shimokawa Mototsugu , Iihara Hirotoshi , Fujita Yukiyoshi , Ikemura Shinnosuke , Hirose Chiemi , Kotake Mie , Funaguchi Norihiko , Gomyo Takenobu , Imai Hisao , Hakamata Jun , Kaito Daizo , Minato Koichi , Arai Takahiro , Kawazoe Hitoshi , Suzuki Akio , Ohno Yasushi , Okura Hiroyuki
Published: April 2021

Background

Olanzapine is an inexpensive and durable agent for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and is also superior to neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists in the control of nausea. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of a low dose of 5 mg olanzapine plus granisetron and dexamethasone for treatment of carboplatin (CBDCA)-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with thoracic malignancies.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a prospective, open-label, single-arm, multicenter, phase II trial in four centers in Japan. Registered patients were scheduled to receive area under the curve (AUC) ≥5 mg/mL per minute of CBDCA and had never received moderately to highly emetogenic chemotherapy. Patients received olanzapine 5 mg/day orally after supper for 4 days, in combination with granisetron and dexamethasone. Primary endpoint was complete response (CR; no emesis and no use of rescue medication) rate during the overall phase (0–120 hours).

Results

Between February 2018 and June 2020, 51 patients were enrolled, and 50 patients were evaluated. The CR rates in the overall (0–120 hours), acute (0–24 hours), and delayed phases (24–120 hours) were 94.0%, 100%, and 94.0%, respectively. No grade 3 or higher adverse effects of olanzapine were observed.

Conclusion

Prophylactic antiemetic therapy with a low dose of 5 mg olanzapine plus granisetron and dexamethasone showed durable efficacy with an acceptable safety profile. This three-drug combination appears to be a reasonable treatment approach in patients with thoracic malignancies receiving an AUC ≥5 mg/mL per minute of CBDCA-based regimen. Clinical trial identification number: UMIN000031267.

Implications for Practice

The results of this phase II trial indicated that the prophylactic administration of low-dose of 5 mg olanzapine combined with granisetron and dexamethasone has promising activity with acceptable safety profile in patients with thoracic malignancy receiving high-dose carboplatin chemotherapy.
Damping and mechanical properties of carbon nanotube solvent‐free nanofluids‐filled epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Yudeng , Wang Dechao , He Zhongjie , Yao Dongdong , Zheng Yaping
Published: April 2021

Carbon nanotube‐filled epoxy nanocomposite is a promising material that can be used as the structural damping materials. To improve the dispersity of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) and adjust the interface strength, two kinds of MWNT‐based nanofluids were synthesized by surface chemical modification. Then, the nanofluids prepared were added into epoxy matrix to obtain nanocomposites, respectively. The mechanical and damping properties of nanocomposites were investigated. It is found that both the interface strength and dispersion cause significant influence on the mechanical and damping properties. Importantly, the introduction of nanofluids with excellent dispersity and weak interface strength can simultaneously enhance the damping properties and mechanical properties of epoxy. When 0.5 wt% MWNT was added to the epoxy resin matrix, the bending strength, bending modulus and impact strength of nanofluids‐filled epoxy nanocomposites increased by more than 10%, 14%, and 40%, respectively. The loss factor of nanofluids‐filled epoxy nanocomposites is higher than pure epoxy at the glassy state, and it increased with the increasing of the nanofluids content.
Thin polymer films based on poly(vinyl alcohol) containing graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide with functional properties
Authors: Taraghi Iman , Paszkiewicz Sandra , Irska Izabela , Szymczyk Anna , Linares Amelia , Ezquerra Tiberio A. , Kurcz Magdalena , Winkowska‐Struzik Magdalena , Lipińska Ludwika , Kowiorski Krystian , Piesowicz Elżbieta
Published: April 2021

In this article, the effect of the addition of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has been investigated. Different weight percentages of nanofillers ranging from 0.5 to 5 wt% have been combined with PVA. The ultrasonic technique has been applied to disperse nanofillers in the PVA solution. The nanocomposite films have been prepared via solution casting technique and the dispersion of nanofillers into the PVA has been studied through optical microscopy. The microstructure, crystallization behavior, and interfacial interaction were characterized through X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis have been applied to study the thermal properties of the prepared nanocomposites. The DSC results revealed that the crystallization temperature and melting temperature were enhanced in the presence of GO nanofiller. Besides, the tensile strength at break was improved along with the addition of GO; however, elongation at break for PVA/GO and PVA/rGO was diminished. Moreover, all specimens showed insulating behavior and the only sample was electrically conducting, which contain a high amount of rGO (5 wt%).
Effects of the blending time on the properties and non‐isothermal crystallization behavior of PA6/EVOH blends
Authors: Lu Weixin , Lu Chong , Hu Jing , Wu Jingjing , Zhou Qinpeng
Published: April 2021

Both polyamide 6 (PA6) and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) have high fractional crystallinity. Non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics is highly important for the design of processing operations. Furthermore, PA6 and EVOH undergo a chemical reaction to form copolymer when melt blended for a sufficiently long time. Therefore, the effects of the blending time on the mechanical properties, rheological properties, and non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of PA6/EVOH blends were investigated. Non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics were analyzed through the Jeziorny and Mo′s equations, and the Mo′s equation more appropriately described the crystallization behavior of the blends. Mechanical properties, melt viscosity, and storage modulus gradually enhanced with an increase in the blending time, and the elongation at break first increased and then decreased with an increase in the blending time because when the blending time increased, the degree of the reaction between PA6 and EVOH increased, causing adhesion at interfaces and intermolecular interaction to enhance and causing a decrease in molecular chain fluidity. The former leads to an increase in the mechanical properties of the blend, and the latter renders the regular arrangement of chains for crystallization highly difficulty; hence, crystallization fractions in the blend gradually decrease.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of lefamulin after single intravenous dose administration in subjects with impaired‐hepatic function
Authors: Wicha Wolfgang W. , Marbury Thomas C. , Dowell James A. , Crandon Jared L. , Leister Cathie , Ermer James , Gelone Steven P.
Published: April 2021

Study objective

Lefamulin is a novel pleuromutilin recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of community‐acquired bacterial pneumonia. Given that, lefamulin is primarily metabolized by CYP450 Phase‐1 reactions, this study evaluated the pharmacokinetics of IV lefamulin in subjects with various degrees of hepatic impairment as compared with matched healthy subjects.

Design

Open‐label, Phase‐1 clinical pharmacokinetic study.

Setting

Research Study Center.

Patients

Twenty‐seven subjects; comprised of 11 individuals with normal hepatic function and eight each with moderate or severe hepatic impairment were included, as classified by Child‐Pugh scores.

Measurements and main results

Subjects were administered a single dose of IV lefamulin 150 mg over 1 h. Plasma was collected for 48 h and analyzed for lefamulin and its major metabolite, BC‐8041, concentrations in addition to assessing lefamulin plasma protein binding. Pharmacokinetics were evaluated by noncompartmental analysis. Pharmacokinetic parameters were compared using least square geometric mean ratios. Lefamulin was well tolerated in all hepatic function groups. Statistical analyses revealed reductions in Cmax and increases in renal clearance for Moderate and Severe groups, as well as, the increased volume of distribution for the Severe group. Lefamulin plasma AUC mean (SD) was similar across groups at 7615 (1554), 8233 (2286), and 8938 (1640) h.ng/mL for Normal, Moderate, and Severe groups, respectively, despite decreased clearance observed primarily during terminal elimination phases. Decreased plasma‐protein binding was seen in hepatically‐impaired versus normal subjects.

Conclusion

Lefamulin was generally well tolerated. Differences in lefamulin and BC‐8041 pharmacokinetics were small, relative to the overall variability, and any changes appear to be compensated by increases in renal clearance and decreased protein binding.
The effect of botulinum toxin‐A on neural and non‐neural components of wrist hyper‐resistance in adults with stroke or cerebral palsy
Authors: Andringa Aukje , van Wegen Erwin , van de Port Ingrid , Guit Lisette , Polomski Wojtek , Kwakkel Gert , Meskers Carel
Published: April 2021

Background

Botulinum toxin‐A (BoNT) is widely used to manage focal upper limb spasticity and is effective in reducing resistance to passive movement, as measured with the modified Ashworth scale. Discrimination and quantification of the underlying neural and non‐neural components of hyper‐resistance may further improve understanding of the effect of BoNT.

Objective

To explore the effects of BoNT on neural (NC), non‐neural elastic (EC), and viscous (VC) components of resistance to passive wrist extension in adults with stroke or cerebral palsy and the association between the effects on wrist hyper‐resistance components and clinical spasticity, pain and motor function scales.

Design

Pre‐experimental study with pre‐ and post‐intervention measurements at 6 and 12 weeks.

Setting

An outpatient clinic of a hospital.

Participants

Adults with chronic stroke or cerebral palsy indicated for BoNT treatment for hyper‐resistance in the wrist (N = 18).

Interventions

BoNT injections in the wrist and/or finger flexor muscles.

Main Outcome Measures

Wrist hyper‐resistance components, using the NeuroFlexor, and clinical scales (modified Ashworth scale, Tardieu scale, passive wrist extension, pain, Fugl‐Meyer motor assessment of the upper extremity, and action research arm test).

Results

NC was significantly reduced 6 and 12 weeks post‐intervention (median −11.96 Newton, P < .001 and median −9.34 Newton, P = .001, respectively); non‐neural EC and VC showed no change. NC reduction 6 weeks post‐intervention correlated significantly with BoNT dose (Pearson correlation coefficient rp = −0.56). No significant correlations were found between change scores in wrist hyper‐resistance components and clinical scales.

Conclusions

BoNT affected the neural component of resistance to passive wrist extension, while leaving the non‐neural elastic and viscous components unaffected. This instrumented approach to quantify the effects of BoNT in the wrist and finger flexor muscles on the components of wrist hyper‐resistance may have an added value for BoNT treatment evaluation in clinical practice.
PolyChemPrint: A hardware and software framework for benchtop additive manufacturing of functional polymeric materials
Authors: Patel Bijal B. , Chang Yilong , Park Sang Kyu , Wang Siqing , Rosheck John , Patel Kush , Walsh Dylan , Guironnet Damien , Diao Ying
Published: April 2021

Additive manufacturing (AM, 3D Printing) of hierarchical polymer structures for a targeted function represents a grand challenge in the field of polymer science and engineering. Because advanced functional materials often do not possess suitable mechanical and rheological properties for conventional fused deposition modeling, a key challenge that researchers face is in integrating custom deposition tool heads that enable printing of non‐filamentary materials while preserving synchrony with the motion axes. In this article, we demonstrate a highly versatile hardware and software platform for melt and solution‐phase benchtop AM and highlight patterning and post‐deposition processing of a series of non‐filament forming functional polymers, including PS‐b‐PLA bottlebrush block copolymers, semiconducting polymer DPP2T‐TT, conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS [poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate)], and an SiO2‐PE nanoporous polymer matrix composite. We present a free and open‐source Python module, PolyChemPrint, which serves as a research‐optimized AM control software. The cross‐platform (Windows/Linux) software is designed to be extremely flexible in terms the hardware that can be connected and a detailed user manual and developer guide are provided for use by researchers without extensive computer programming experience. Finally, we provide extensive details of the hardware used for operation of low‐ and high‐pressure pneumatic extruders and a laser module as rapidly interchangeable tool heads.
Symptom distress and quality of life among Black Americans with cancer and their family caregivers
Authors: Ellis Katrina R. , Oh Seyoung , Hecht Hillary K. , Northouse Laurel
Published: April 2021

Objective

Black Americans are disproportionately affected by cancer and chronic diseases. Black patients with cancer and their family caregivers may concurrently experience symptoms that influence their wellbeing. This study investigates the influence of mental and physical symptom distress on quality of life (QOL) among Black Americans with cancer and their family caregivers from a dyadic perspective.

Methods

One hundred and fifty‐one dyads comprised of a Black American with breast, colorectal, lung or prostate cancer and a Black family caregiver were included in this secondary analysis of pooled baseline data from three studies. Self‐reports of problems managing 13 symptoms were used to measure mental and physical symptom distress. Descriptive statistics and the actor‐partner interdependence model were used to examine symptom prevalence and the influence of each person's symptom distress on their own and each other's QOL.

Results

Fatigue, sleep problems, pain and mental distress were prevalent. Patients and caregivers reported similar levels of mental distress; however, patients reported higher physical distress. Increased patient mental distress was associated with decreased patient QOL (overall, emotional, social, functional). Increased patient physical distress was associated with decreased patient QOL (overall, physical, emotional, functional) and decreased caregiver emotional wellbeing. Increased caregiver mental distress was associated with decreased caregiver QOL (overall, emotional, social, functional) and decreased patient overall QOL. Increased caregiver physical distress was associated with decreased caregiver QOL (overall, physical, functional), decreased patient emotional wellbeing, and better patient social wellbeing.

Conclusions

Supporting symptom management in Black patient/caregiver dyads may improve their QOL.
Nanomaterials in Cerebrovascular Disease Diagnose and Treatment
Authors: Luo Yin , Wang Yanting , Fu Jie
Published: April 2021

Cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the most serious diseases with high mortality and disability rates. The prevalent diagnosis and treatment methods of CVDs include imaging and interventional therapy. With the development of nanotechnology, large numbers of nanomaterials have been applied to the diagnosis and treatment of CVDs, mainly including carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, fullerenes, and dendrimers. In this review, the applications of nanomaterials in the field of diagnosis and treatment of CVDs, mainly including drug target delivery, imaging, therapy, endovascular treatment, and angiogenesis, are summarized. The applications of nanomaterials in the field of CVD are almost in the laboratory, and more effort is needed for clinical translation. The aim of this review is to provide useful information for future research and equipment development.
In vivo effects of AZD4547, a novel fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor, in a mouse model of endometriosis
Authors: Santorelli Sara , Fischer Deborah P. , Harte Michael K. , Laru Johanna , Marshall Kay M.
Published: April 2021

Endometriosis is a chronic disease, characterized by the growth of endometrial‐like cells outside the uterine cavity. Due to its complex pathophysiology, a totally resolving cure is yet to be found. The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of AZD4547, a novel fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor (FGFRI), with a well‐characterized progestin, etonogestrel (ENG) using a validated in vivo mouse model of endometriosis. Endometriosis was induced by transplanting uterine fragments from donor mice in proestrus into the peritoneal cavity of recipient mice, which then developed into cyst‐like lesions. AZD4547 and ENG were administered systemically either from the day of endometriosis induction or 2‐weeks post‐surgery. After 20 days of treatment, the lesions were harvested; their size and weight were measured and analyzed histologically or by qRT‐PCR. Stage of estrous cycle was monitored throughout. Compared to vehicle, AZD4547 (25 mg/kg) was most effective in counteracting lesion growth when treating from day of surgery and 2 weeks after; ENG (0.8 mg/kg) was similarly effective in reducing lesion growth but only when administered from day of surgery. Each downregulated FGFR gene expression (p < 0.05). AZD4547 at all doses and ENG (0.008 mg/kg) caused no disturbance to the estrous cycle. ENG at 0.08 and 0.8 mg/kg was associated with partial or complete estrous cycle disruption and hyperemia of the uteri. AZD4547 and ENG both attenuated endometriotic lesion size, but only AZD4547 did not disrupt the estrous cycle, suggesting that targeting of FGFR is worthy of further investigation as a novel treatment for endometriosis.
Hierarchy of controls in Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) incident investigations
Authors: Turner Lauren , Amyotte Paul , Rayner Brown Kayleigh
Published: April 2021

Industrial safety ordinance (ISO), implemented in Contra Costa County in 1998, and in the city of Richmond in 2000, expands on the California accidental release program (CalARP) and requires the consideration of inherently safer design (ISD). Identifying ISD‐based corrective actions as part of incident investigations is an opportunity to consider ISD within the existing process safety management framework. The objectives of this work were to analyze corrective actions from ISO incident investigation reports with respect to the hierarchy of controls, to identify additional ISD‐based corrective actions for an incident using the ISD bow tie protocol, and to develop additional ISD example‐based guidance. Thirty incidents from 2001 to 2018 were analyzed, and 227 recommended corrective actions were documented and categorized according to the hierarchy of controls. An incident at the Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery on September 15, 2004 was analyzed, and five additional ISD‐based corrective actions were identified. This work suggests that using the ISD bow tie protocol and example‐based guidance, in addition to ISD checklists and guidewords in incident investigations could help identify more ISD‐based corrective actions.
Adsorption of [BF4]− anion‐based ionic liquids on phosphorene, arsenene, and antimonene: A density functional theory study
Authors: Tang Yingqi , Huai Wenbo , Li Hao , Mao Xiaotong , Xie Ju , Lee Jin Yong , Fu Aiping
Published: April 2021

Density functional theory calculations have been performed to study the adsorption behavior of ionic liquids (ILs) on 15th group nanosheets including phosphorene (BP), arsenene (As), and antimonene (Sb). Three ILs based on 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ([EMIM]+), tetramethylammonium ([TMA]+), and N‐methylpyridinium ([MPI]+) cations paired with tetrafluoroborate ([BF4]−) anion were selected as adsorbates on different 2D nanosheets to explore the interfacial behavior. The calculated structural, energy, charge transfer, and electronic properties of the adsorption systems for ILs/nanosheets exhibit combination by non‐covalent interaction. Adsorption of ILs induces a very small reduction of band gap for BP, As, and Sb nanosheets, and the electronic properties of nanosheets are nearly unchanged. These results increase understanding of the experimental mechanism for IL dispersion 2D materials and suggest that ILs can be used to functionalize elemental 15th group nanosheets for further applications in various fields.
What is different about private equity‐backed acquirers?
Authors: Hammer Benjamin , Hinrichs Heiko , Schweizer Denis
Published: April 2021

This paper investigates whether private equity (PE)‐backed acquirers have a “parenting advantage” in the mergers & acquisitions (M&A) market. We employ a sample of 788 PE‐backed firms and a carefully matched control group of 6,652 non‐PE‐backed peers, for which we observe the entire acquisition history over a 19‐year time span. Difference‐in‐differences estimates suggest that PE backing induces a sizeable but short‐lived boost to acquisition activity, while the type and complexity of acquisitions are similar to those of non‐PE‐backed peers. These results are consistent with the idea that PE backing enhances execution and speed in the M&A market. We find that portfolio firms benefit from this boost through improved valuations and margins. The extent to which this is true, however, depends on the institutional setting of the PE owner. Our results indicate that add‐on acquisitions are detrimental if PE owners are late buyers or suffer from limited attention problems.
Investor horizons and corporate policies under uncertainty
Authors: Dreyer Christian , Schulz Oliver
Published: April 2021

In this study, we examine the differences in Investment, Employment, and Share repurchase sensitivities to uncertainty between firms with varying investor horizons. We test for these effects using two macro‐based uncertainty measures (Baker et al., 2016; Ahir et al., 2018). The results show that in uncertainty times, greater short‐term investor ownership is associated with less investment and hiring, and more net share buybacks. These findings are consistent with the preference of short‐horizon investors of seeking to divest in the near future, thus, wanting to maximize current stock prices.
The impact of CEO power and institutional discretion on CSR investment
Authors: Breuer Wolfgang , Hass Manuel , Rosenbach David Johannes
Published: April 2021

Based on a large international sample, we show how the decision‐making power of CEOs in conjunction with prevailing institutional discretion relates to corporate resources allocated toward CSR strategy. First, especially with greater institutional discretion, powerful CEOs pursue exaggerated CSR strategies aiming at reputational gains for their private benefit, while not necessarily bearing the costs of their decisions. Second, such CEO‐induced CSR enhancements turn out to be defective CSR overinvestment, ultimately entailing a decrease in firm value. By complementing organizational factors with institutional characteristics, we refute previous contradicting empirical evidence regarding a significant CEO effect and show a conditional relation between CEO power and CSR choice. Our results are robust to alternative sample compositions, different variable definitions, and various methodological specifications.
PID and low‐order controller design for guaranteed delay margin and pole placement
Authors: Özbay Hitay , Gündes A. Nazli
Published: April 2021

This article provides a simple low‐order controller design method (including PID controllers as special cases) for a class of unstable systems. First, PID controller design is considered for systems with two unstable poles and pole placement and delay margin issues are discussed. Then, a chain of integrators is considered with arbitrary stable dynamics in cascade. For a given desired minimum delay margin for this class of plants, a PID and low‐order controller design method is obtained in terms of an inequality constraint on the sum of k of the desired closed‐loop poles, where k is number of the integrators in the open‐loop transfer function.
Investigation of patient‐sharing networks using a Bayesian network model selection approach for congruence class models
Authors: Goyal Ravi , De Gruttola Victor
Published: April 2021

A Bayesian approach to conduct network model selection is presented for a general class of network models referred to as the congruence class models (CCMs). CCMs form a broad class that includes as special cases several common network models, such as the Erdős‐Rényi‐Gilbert model, stochastic block model, and many exponential random graph models. Due to the range of models that can be specified as CCMs, our proposed method is better able to select models consistent with generative mechanisms associated with observed networks than are current approaches. In addition, our approach allows for incorporation of prior information. We illustrate the use of this approach to select among several different proposed mechanisms for the structure of patient‐sharing networks; such networks have been found to be associated with the cost and quality of medical care. We found evidence in support of heterogeneity in sociality but not selective mixing by provider type or degree.
A Critical Review on the Impacts of Nanoplastics and Microplastics on Aquatic and Terrestrial Photosynthetic Organisms
Authors: Larue Camille , Sarret Géraldine , Castillo‐Michel Hiram , Pradas del Real Ana Elena
Published: April 2021

Microplastic and nanoplastic contamination is widespread and affects aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Photosynthetic organisms are present in both media, they are primary producers, sink for CO2, and they represent a major point of entry in the food chain. Here, the current knowledge on the fate and impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics in interaction with these organisms is reviewed. As a general trend, plastic characteristics (smaller size and positive charge) play a crucial role in their toxicity toward photosynthetic organisms. Plastic leachates (containing additives) also represent a major source of toxicity, and some harmful compounds such as phthalate esters are shown to accumulate in plants and generate a risk for the consumers. Adsorption of plastic particles is evidenced for each type of photosynthetic organism, and uptake and translocation in terrestrial plants is evidenced for nanoplastics, leading to concerns for trophic chain contamination. The available techniques for the detection of microplastics and nanoplastics and their secondary products in biological samples and media are also listed. Finally, the current gaps of knowledge, specific challenges, and future research directions are also discussed.
Tumor‐Targeted Disruption of Lactate Transport with Reactivity‐Reversible Nanocatalysts to Amplify Oxidative Damage
Authors: Wang Xuan , Zhao Youbo , Shi Lei , Hu Yan , Song Guanbin , Cai Kaiyong , Li Menghuan , Luo Zhong
Published: April 2021

Nanocatalytic tumor therapy is an emerging antitumor option that employs catalytically‐active inorganic nanostructures to produce tumor‐damaging reactive oxygen species. However, initiation of nanocatalytic reactions in the tumor intracellular environment is a challenge due to the reliance on acidic pH. By exploiting the pH‐selective multifaceted catalytic activities of Prussian blue‐based nanomaterials (PBNM) as well as the hyperglycolysis characteristics of tumors, it is demonstrated that blocking the monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4)‐mediated lactate effusion in tumor cells can reverse the pH gradient across the tumor cell membrane and cause rapid intracellular acidification as well as neutralization of the extracellular compartment, thus creating vulnerabilities for PBNM‐based nanocatalytic therapies in situ while suppressing tumor stemness/metastasis in vivo. For this purpose, MCT4‐inhibiting siRNAs are incorporated into reactivity‐switchable PBNM‐based nanocatalysts to initiate hydroxyl radical production. Meanwhile, β‐lapachone, a clinically‐approved drug with H2O2‐generating capabilities, is also integrated to sustain the nanocatalytic process. In contrast, the nanocatalyst shows no apparent toxicity to normal cells due to its catalase‐like activities under neutral pH. This treatment strategy can inhibit tumor growth in mice at optimal safety as well as to suppress the cancer cell stemness and lung metastasis, suggesting the clinical translational potential of the findings.
2D Rare Earth Material (EuOCl) with Ultra‐Narrow Photoluminescence at Room Temperature
Authors: Chen Ping , Li Zexin , Li Dongyan , Pi Lejing , Liu Xitao , Luo Junhua , Zhou Xing , Zhai Tianyou
Published: April 2021

High color purity and color rendition of 2D luminescent materials have long been pursued for applications in low‐dimensional lighting, display, biolabeling, and laser. However, the reported photoluminescence (PL) linewidth of most 2D luminescent materials is about dozens of meV. Herein, a brand‐new luminescent system of 2D rare earth (RE) material EuOCl (1.1 nm) with ultra‐narrow linewidth (1.2 meV) at room temperature is successfully synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The linewidth of EuOCl flakes at room temperature is even narrower than most 2D luminescent materials and heterostructures detected at below 10 K. Impressively, the as‐synthesized EuOCl flakes show abnormal temperature‐dependent photoluminescent properties, which is absolutely different from the relatively stable 4f–4f transitions in RE owing to shielding from outer shell electrons. J‐mixing effect has been successfully applied for this phenomenon. Undoubtedly, luminescent 2D EuOCl flakes will open new territory for the applications of 2D RE materials in the 2D luminescent areas, especially for the applications at room temperature.
Batch Fabrication of High‐Quality Infrared Chalcogenide Microsphere Resonators
Authors: Xie Yu , Cai Dawei , Pan Jing , Zhou Ning , Gao Yixiao , Jin Yingying , Jiang Xiaoshun , Qiu Jianrong , Wang Pan , Guo Xin , Tong Limin
Published: April 2021

Optical microsphere resonators working in the near‐ and mid‐infrared regions are highly required for a variety of applications, such as optical sensors, filters, modulators, and microlasers. Here, a simple and low‐cost approach is reported for batch fabrication of high‐quality chalcogenide glass (ChG) microsphere resonators by melting high‐purity ChG powders in an oil environment. Q factors as high as 1.2 × 106 (7.4 × 105) are observed in As2S3 (As2Se3) microspheres (≈30 µm in diameter) around 1550‐nm wavelength. Smaller microspheres with sizes around 10 µm also show excellent resonant responses (Q ≈ 2.5 × 105). Based on the mode splitting of an azimuthal mode in a microsphere resonator, eccentricities as low as ≈0.13% (≈0.17%) for As2S3 (As2Se3) microspheres are measured. Moreover, by coupling ChG microspheres with a biconical As2S3 fiber taper, Q factors of ≈1.7 × 104 (≈1.6 × 104) are obtained in As2S3 (As2Se3) microspheres in the mid‐infrared region (around 4.5 µm). The high‐quality ChG microspheres demonstrated here are highly attractive for near‐ and mid‐infrared optics, including optical sensing, optical nonlinearity, cavity quantum electrodynamics, microlasers, nanofocusing, and microscopic imaging.
Scheduled Operation of Wind Farm with Battery System Using Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Futakuchi Mamoru , Takayama Satoshi , Ishigame Atsushi
Published: April 2021

With increasing amounts of wind power generation installed, the steep fluctuation of wind power generation output, called ramp events, causes serious problems for power system operation. Controlling fluctuations is an important issue for increasing the amount of wind power generation as a wind farm (WF) in the future. The authors reported the scheduled operation method of WF using a battery energy storage system (BESS) and forecast data of wind power generation output. In this paper, the authors propose a new scheduled operation method of WF. In particular, we propose the application of deep reinforcement learning to decide the output schedule of WF. Moreover, we compare the conventional method, the reinforcement learning method, and the deep reinforcement learning method in terms of the number of ramp events. In addition, we calculate the reducing effect of the storage capacity of BESS. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A Novel Concatenated LWT and WHT Based UFMC Waveform Design for the Next Generation Wireless Communication Systems
Authors: Ayvaz Elif Nur , Maraş Meryem , Gömeç Meltem , Savaşcıhabeş Asuman , Özen Ali
Published: April 2021

A novel concatenated Lifting Wavelet Transform (LWT) and Walsh Hadamard Transform (WHT) with Universal Filtered Multi Carrier (UFMC) waveform is suggested as an alternative to Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) waveform for the next generation wireless telecommunication systems in this paper. The suggested waveform is composed of LWT and WHT with UFMC waveform. Both the elimination the disadvantages of OFDM and the improvement the achievement of UFMC waveform, from the fifth generation waveform candidates, has been aimed with the suggested waveform. In order to verify the performance of the suggested waveform and compare with the traditional OFDM, UFMC, and LWT‐UFMC waveform computer simulation studies are performed in additive white Gaussian noise and flat Rayleigh fading channel environments. The acquired computer simulation results exhibit that the achievement of the suggested waveform has better than the achievement of the traditional OFDM, UFMC, and LWT‐UFMC waveform. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Ownership structure, corruption, and capital investment: Evidence from firms in selected Sub‐Saharan African countries
Authors: Okafor Godwin , Ede Obiajulu , Chijoke‐Mgbame Aruoriwo M. , Ohalehi Paschal , Mgbame Oscar C.
Published: April 2021

In this study, we investigate the relationship between ownership structure, corruption, and capital investments in firms operating in a selected sample of Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) countries. Using a sample of an unbalanced panel of firms over different time periods that ranged from 2003 to 2016, and estimating with the fixed effects technique, we find that foreign ownership and bribery payments have positive and negative effects, respectively, on the capital investment of firms. Furthermore, the marginal effects analysis reveals that the effects of ownership structure and bribery payments differ significantly across our selected sample of countries and across different firm sizes. Policy implications were deduced from the findings.
Facilitative Talk: Shaping a Culture of Professional Learning Over Time
Authors: Fountas Irene C. , Pinnell Gay Su
Published: April 2021

Teaching is a profession that requires ongoing professional development and learning. This ongoing learning can take place in professional learning communities, in structured professional development settings, and in literacy coaching contexts. This department highlights the ongoing professional development of literacy teachers.