bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does competition lead to financial stability or financial fragility for Islamic and conventional banks? Evidence from the GCC countries
Authors: Albaity Mohamed , Mallek Ray Saadaoui , Hassan Al‐Tamimi Hussein A. , Noman Abu Hanifa Md.
Published: September 2020

This paper investigates the nexus between stability and competition in the banking sector of the Gulf Cooperation Council. We examined a sample of 75 banks over the period 2006–2016. We found a U‐shaped relationship between bank stability and competition suggesting competition‐stability and competition‐fragility nexus. Banking concentration was found to affect instability negatively, which supported the “too important to be bailed out” view. Furthermore, we found that Islamic banks were less stable compared to conventional banks. We also found that bank size, profitability and capital regulation increase bank stability. In addition, the stock market return and the level of debt‐to‐GDP increase instability while the growth in oil price increase stability. Our findings are relevant to regulators to impose or release restrictions that boost financial stability.
Tail risk interdependence
Authors: Polanski Arnold , Stoja Evarist , Chiu Ching‐Wai (Jeremy)
Published: September 2020

We present a framework focused on the interdependence of high‐dimensional tail events. This framework allows us to analyse and quantify tail interdependence at different levels of extremity, decompose it into systemic and residual part and to measure the contribution of a constituent to the interdependence of a system. In particular, tail interdependence can capture simultaneous distress of the constituents of a (financial or economic) system and measure its systemic risk. We investigate systemic distress in several financial datasets confirming some known stylized facts and discovering some new findings. Further, we devise statistical tests of interdependence in the tails and outline some additional extensions.
The entrepreneurial ecosystem of inclusive finance and entrepreneurship: A theoretical and empirical test in China
Authors: Cao Guo‐Hua , Zhang Jing
Published: September 2020

From a regional entrepreneurial ecosystem perspective, we theoretically interpret and empirically testify the mutual promotions between inclusive finance, entrepreneurship, and development. To do so, a two‐period overlapping generation model is introduced to interpret the mechanism, and then a panel vector auto‐regression model based on 31 provinces (and municipalities) in China from 2005 to 2016 is constructed. We find that: (a) Due to the development‐promoting ability, self‐reinforcing ability and multiplying effect, it is possible and worthy to construct a sustainable developing system. (b) However, an insufficient human capital endowment might be a critical obstacle, which is revealed as a precondition of this sustainable system. (c) Moreover, it is necessary to promote sustainable development of financial inclusion and entrepreneurship, due to the lack of directly promoting effect from economic development. (d) Thus, governmental complement is indispensable because of polarization led by the endowed wealth gap, and continuous promotion is appealed due to the transforming lag of mutual promoting feedback.
A GARCH approach to model short‐term interest rates: Evidence from Spanish economy
Authors: Sánchez García Javier , Cruz Rambaud Salvador
Published: September 2020

This paper focuses on GARCH modelling of the nominal short‐term interest rates of the Spanish government three‐year bonds. This methodology allows an ex‐ante approximation to this variable which proves to be a valuable alternative against econometric specifications that imply a homoscedastic error term. Then, real short‐term interest rates are estimated by employing the reduced Fisher equation. Eventually, the results obtained are compared with the observed values of the real time‐series in order to measure their accuracy.
Analysis of brain‐facial muscle connection in the static fractal visual stimulation
Authors: Soundirarajan Mirra , Babini Mohammad Hossein , Sim Sue , Nathan Visvamba , Subasi Abdulhamit , Namazi Hamidreza
Published: September 2020

Analysis of the coupling among the brain and various organs activities is an exciting and new research area of biomedical signal analysis. We decode the correlation among the brain and facial muscle activities during rest and visual stimulation. Fractal analysis is utilized to evaluate the alterations of complexity. In this study, we present different images with different complexities to participants and evaluate how complex structures of electromyography (EMG) signals and electroencephalography (EEG) signals are related. The findings indicate that the alteration of EMG signals' complexity was significant (P value = .0001). Besides, more significant alterations in the EMG and EEG signals' complexities in response to the stimuli with higher complexities were observed. We conclude that the brain and facial muscles activities are related. We can analyze other physiological signals using this method to investigate their relationship with the brain.
Septin 7 is a centrosomal protein that ensures S phase entry and microtubule nucleation by maintaining the abundance of p150glued
Authors: Chen Ting‐Yu , Lin Tzu‐Chien , Kuo Pao‐Lin , Chen Zi‐Rong , Cheng Hui‐ling , Chao Yu‐Ying , Syu Jhih‐Siang , Lu Fu‐I , Wang Chia‐Yih
Published: September 2020

Septins play important roles in regulating development and differentiation. Septin 7 (SEPT7) is a crucial component in orchestrating the septin core complex into highly ordered filamentous structures. Here, we showed that genetic depletion of SEPT7 or treatment with forchlorfenuron (FCF; a compound known to affect septin filament assembly) led to reduced the S phase entry in cell models and zebrafish embryos. In addition to colocalizing with actin filaments, SEPT7 resided in the centrosome, and SEPT7 depletion led to aberrant mitotic spindle pole formation. This mitotic defect was rescued in SEPT7‐deficient cells by wild‐type SEPT7, suggesting that SEPT7 maintained mitotic spindle poles. In addition, we observed disorganized microtubule nucleation and reduced cell migration with SEPT7 depletion. Furthermore, SEPT7 formed a complex with and maintained the abundance of p150glued, the component of centriole subdistal appendages. Depletion of p150glued resulted in a phenotype reminiscent of SEPT7‐deficient cells, and overexpression of p150glued reversed the defective phenotypes. Thus, SEPT7 is a centrosomal protein that maintains proper cell proliferation and microtubule array formation via maintaining the abundance of p150glued.
Enhanced biotreatability of petroleum hydrocarbon–contaminated mining waste coupled with the attenuation of acid drainage production
Authors: Jugnia Louis‐B. , Drouin Karine , Thériault Pénéloppe
Published: September 2020

A biostimulation study was conducted on mining waste residue with nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) and/or liming agent (ash or CaCO3) amendment to assess petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) biodegradation efficiency by indigenous microorganisms. Compounds accumulated and/or released by treated samples were also monitored to determine the potential for acid mine drainage production during biostimulation. The potential for natural attenuation (i.e., the biodegradation of PHC contamination) was initially low but increased significantly upon nutrient addition. The best results were obtained when nutrient addition was coupled with the addition of a liming agent, notably CaCO3, which contributed to maintaining near‐neutral pH values. In fact, during treatment without a liming agent, pH decreased due to the oxidation of sulfide minerals, resulting in acid mine drainage production with increased metals released into sample leachates. Sulfur‐ and iron‐oxidizing bacteria were detected primarily in samples not amended with liming agents, and the predominant organisms were affiliated with Acidithiobacillus spp. and Acidiphilium spp. Overall, the results of the present study demonstrated that amendment with a liming agent when treating PHC‐contaminated mining waste residue contributes to maintaining a pH close to neutrality, mitigates sulfate release, and reduces the release of metals without negatively affecting the activity of PHC degraders.
Scaling up peer‐led community‐based differentiated support for adolescents living with HIV: keeping the needs of youth peer supporters in mind to sustain success
Authors: Bernays Sarah , Tshuma Maureen , Willis Nicola , Mvududu Kudzanayi , Chikeya Adrian , Mufuka Juliet , Cowan Frances , Mavhu Webster
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Low rates of viral suppression among adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) indicate that more effective support is urgently required at scale. The provision of peer support has generated considerable enthusiasm because it has the potential to ameliorate the complex social and relational challenges which underpin suboptimal adherence. Little is known about the impact on young peer supporters themselves, which is the focus of this paper.

Methods

We present qualitative findings from the Zvandiri trial investigating the impact of a peer support intervention on the viral load for beneficiaries (ALHIV, aged 13 to 19 years) in Zimbabwe. The Zvandiri peer supporters aged 18 to 24 years, known as community adolescent treatment supporters (CATS), are themselves living with HIV. Individual in‐depth interviews were conducted in late 2018 with 17 CATS exploring their experiences of delivering peer support and their own support needs. Interviews were analysed iteratively using thematic analysis.

Results

The CATS reported that being peer supporters improved their own adherence behaviour and contributed to an improved sense of self‐worth. The social connections between the CATS were a source of comfort and enabled them to develop skills to manage the challenging aspects of their work. Two substantial challenges were identified. First, their work may reveal their HIV status. Second, managing the emotional labour of this caring work; given how commonly the complexity of the beneficiaries’ needs mirrored the circumstances of their own difficult lives. Both challenges were ameliorated by the support the CATS provided to each other and ongoing supervision from the adult mentor. There was variation in whether they felt their roles were appropriately valued through the remuneration they received and within the health system. There was a consensus that their experience meant that they would graduate from being a CATS with transferable skills that could enhance their employability.

Conclusions

Their experiences illustrate the advantages and opportunities of being a CATS. To minimize potential harms, it is vital to ensure that they feel valued in their role, which can be demonstrated by the provision of appropriate remuneration, recognition and respect, and that there is continued investment in ongoing support through ongoing training and mentoring.
Fostering successful and sustainable collaborations to advance implementation science: the adolescent HIV prevention and treatment implementation science alliance
Authors: Sturke Rachel , Vorkoper Susan , Bekker Linda‐Gail , Ameyan Wole , Luo Chewe , Allison Susannah , Walker Damilola , Kapogiannis Bill , Guay Laura
Published: September 2020

Introduction

HIV continues to devastate the adolescent population in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). The complex array of interpersonal, social, structural and system‐level obstacles specific to adolescents have slowed progress in prevention and treatment of HIV in this population. The field of implementation science holds promise for addressing these challenges.

Discussion

There is growing consensus that enhanced interactions between researchers and users of scientific evidence are important and necessary to tackle enduring barriers to implementation. In 2017, the Fogarty International Center launched the Adolescent HIV Prevention and Treatment Implementation Science Alliance (AHISA) to promote communication and catalyse collaboration among implementation scientists and implementers to enhance the cross‐fertilization of insights as research advances and the implementation environment evolves. This network has identified key implementation science questions for adolescent HIV, assessed how members’ research is addressing them, and is currently conducting a concept mapping exercise to more systematically identify implementation research priorities. In addition, AHSA pinpointed common challenges to addressing these questions and discussed their collective capacity to conduct implementation science using the shared learning approach of the network. Specifically, AHISA addresses challenges related to capacity building, developing mentorship, engaging stakeholders, and involving adolescents through support for training efforts and funding region‐/country‐specific networks that respond to local issues and increase implementation science capacity across SSA.

Conclusions

Innovative platforms, like AHISA, that foster collaborations between implementation science researchers, policymakers and community participants to prioritizes research needs and identify and address implementation challenges can speed the translation of effective HIV interventions to benefit adolescent health.
Directed and target focused multi‐sectoral adolescent HIV prevention: Insights from implementation of the ‘DREAMS Partnership’ in rural South Africa
Authors: Chimbindi Natsayi , Birdthistle Isolde , Floyd Sian , Harling Guy , Mthiyane Nondumiso , Zuma Thembelihle , Hargreaves James R , Seeley Janet , Shahmanesh Maryam
Published: September 2020

Introduction

The “DREAMS Partnership” promotes a multi‐sectoral approach to reduce adolescent girls and young women's (AGYW) vulnerability to HIV in sub‐Saharan Africa. Despite widespread calls to combine structural, behavioural and biomedical HIV prevention interventions, this has not been delivered at scale. In this commentary, we reflect on the two‐year rollout of DREAMS in a high HIV incidence, rural and poor community in northern KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa to critically appraise the capacity for a centrally co‐ordinated and AGYW‐focused approach to combination HIV prevention to support sustainable development for adolescents.

Discussion

DREAMS employed a directed target‐focused approach in which local implementing partners were resourced to deliver defined packages to AGYW in selected geographical areas over two years. We argue that this approach, with high‐level oversight by government and funders, enabled the rapid roll‐out of ambitious multi‐sectoral HIV prevention for AGYW. It was most successful at delivering multiple interventions for AGYW when it built on existing infrastructure and competencies, and/or allocated resources to address existing youth development concerns of the community. The approach would have been strengthened if it had included a mechanism to solicit and then respond to the concerns of young women, for example gender‐related norms and how young women experience their sexuality, and if this listening was supported by versatility to adapt to the social context. In a context of high HIV vulnerability across all adolescents and youth, an over‐emphasis on targeting specific groups, whether geographically or by risk profile, may have hampered acceptability and reach of the intervention. Absence of meaningful engagement of AGYW in the development, delivery and leadership of the intervention was a lost opportunity to achieve sustainable development goals among young people and shift gender‐norms.

Conclusions

Centrally directed and target‐focused scale‐up of defined packages of HIV prevention across sectors was largely successful in reaching AGYW in this rural South African setting rapidly. However, to achieve sustainable and successful long‐term youth development and transformation of gender‐norms there is a need for greater adaptability, economic empowerment and meaningful engagement of AGYW in the development and delivery of interventions. Achieving this will require sustained commitment from government and funders.
Molecular interactions and functions of IL-32
Authors: Aass Kristin Roseth , Kastnes Martin H , Standal Therese
Published: September 2020

IL-32 is a multifaceted cytokine associated with several diseases and inflammatory conditions. Its expression is induced in response to cellular stress such as hypoxia, infections, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. IL-32 can be secreted from cells and can induce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines from several cell types but are also described to have anti-inflammatory functions. The intracellular form of IL-32 is shown to play an important role in various cellular processes, including the defense against intracellular bacteria and viruses and in modulation of cell metabolism. In this review, we discuss current literature on molecular interactions of IL-32 with other proteins. We also review data on the role of intracellular IL-32 as a metabolic regulator and its role in antimicrobial host defense.
MRI of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: Recent Advances and Future Directions
Authors: Xiong Xin , Ye Zheng , Tang Hehan , Wei Yi , Nie Lisha , Wei Xiaocheng , Liu Yang , Song Bin
Published: September 2020

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are a prevalent disease covering pain and dysfunction of temporomandibular joints and masticatory muscles, which can be detrimental to quality of life. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful and noninvasive tool for the imaging and understanding of TMD. With the recent technical development of dynamic and quantitative MRI techniques, including diffusion‐weighted imaging, T2 mapping, and ultrashort/zero echo time, it is now feasible in TMD imaging and has been preliminarily investigated with promising results. In this review we will discuss the recent advances of MRI techniques in TMD and its future directions, and hope to highlight the scientific potential and clinical value of novel MRI techniques in diagnosing and treating TMD.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Streptokinase and streptokinase card: questionnaire validation to evaluate knowledge among post‐STEMI patients in a Malaysian Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Ang Wei Chern , Ibrahim Arief , Mohd Puad Norfarazila , Abd Karim Nur Amirah
Published: September 2020

Background

Although recombinant tissue plasminogen activator has become the first‐line thrombolytic agent, streptokinase remains in use in acute ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients in Malaysian public hospitals. In a state hospital in Malaysia, all post‐STEMI patients given streptokinase are counselled and issued with a streptokinase card by pharmacists. Due to its highly antigenic nature, knowledge of streptokinase and the streptokinase card serve as an important alert to healthcare providers. This study aimed to develop a validated questionnaire on evaluating knowledge of streptokinase and streptokinase card among post‐STEMI patients.

Methods

A Malay language questionnaire was developed based on literature review and standard streptokinase counselling checklist. The questionnaire consists of three parts: demographics, knowledge of streptokinase and understanding of streptokinase card. The content of the questionnaire was revised by eight experts (emergency specialists, physicians and pharmacists) and six patients were interviewed via telephone 2 weeks after being issued with a streptokinase card, to test for comprehensibility. Then, a telephone survey was conducted June‐December 2017 involving another 60 patients to test for construct validity and reliability.

Results

The questionnaire was finalised by decreasing the overall number of items from 6 to 5 (Section B) and 6 to 4 (Section C). The overall measurement of sample adequacy (MSA) was 0.758. Bartlett's test was highly significant (<0.001). The Cronbach's alpha values for Sections B and C were 0.747 and 0.841, respectively.

Conclusion

Our nine‐item questionnaire is a valid and reliable instrument to assess knowledge of streptokinase and the streptokinase card among Malaysian post‐STEMI patients.
Usability of soapwort and horse chestnut saponin extracts as foaming agents in foam mat drying of pomegranate juice
Authors: Aktas Rumeysa Nur , Tontul Ismail
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the usability of saponin‐rich extracts (soapwort and horse chestnut) as a foaming agent for foam mat drying of pomegranate juice.

RESULTS

According to the foaming and stabilization studies, the optimum conditions were determined as 0.4% of soapwort extract, 0.03% of carboxymethyl cellulose as a stabilizer, and 3 min of whipping time. The foams produced using these conditions were dried at different spreading thicknesses and drying temperatures. The results showed that the thicker spreading thicknesses provided a higher antioxidant activity. On the other hand, drying temperature had a significant effect on all measured parameters except moisture content and water activity. The higher drying temperature caused a greater colour change and a lower content of total phenolics, total monomeric anthocyanins, cyanidin‐3‐glucoside, and delphinidin‐3‐glucoside. On the other hand, a higher content of ascorbic acid and better antioxidant activity was determined in the samples dried at 70 °C.

CONCLUSION

According to the results obtained, spreading thickness of 2 mm and drying temperature of 70 °C were suggested for pomegranate juice powder production by foam mat drying. Overall, it was demonstrated that saponin‐rich extracts are a good foaming agent alternative that provides foaming at very low concentrations and a product with high quality. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparison of physicochemical and mechanical properties of edible films made from navy bean and corn starches
Authors: Zhang Yue , Li Yang
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Recently, there has been a great interest in developing new applications of edible dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The utilization of starch, comprising the major component of dry bean seeds, for the preparation of edible films has just emerged.

RESULTS

In the present study, we chose navy bean as a model dry bean source, isolated its starch component, prepared edible films with different formulations (35 and 40 g L−1), and compared these with the films made using isolated and commercial corn starches. Sunflower oil at 10 g L−1 was dispersed into film‐forming solution to design composite films. The water vapor barrier property, mechanical properties and microstructure of starch films from navy bean and corn were studied to evaluate their potential for use in food packaging. All of the films had smooth and uniform surface and were transparent.

CONCLUSION

Navy bean starch film showed physicochemical and mechanical properties comparable to corn starch films, and the addition of sunflower oil could further improve the water vapor barrier and mechanical properties of films. The findings obtained in the present study demonstrate the potential of using navy bean starch to prepare edible films. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of expectations on the level of liking of a local coffee in Mexico
Authors: García‐Barrón Sergio Erick , Gutiérrez‐Salomón Ana Luisa , Jaimez‐Ordaz Judith , Villanueva‐Rodríguez Socorro Josefina
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

In Mexico, coffee activity is mainly carried out in indigenous zones, involving almost one million people. However, local national coffee consumption is low. This article focuses on the analysis of the effect of consumers’ expectations as well as some sociodemographic characteristics on the level of liking of Mexican local coffee. Four coffees from three indigenous zones of Hidalgo, Mexico were evaluated using a nine‐point hedonic scale. The samples were evaluated under three conditions: (i) blind, no information given to the consumer; (ii) expected, only information given to the consumer; and (iii) informed, giving information and product to the consumer.

RESULTS

The difference observed between expected and blind condition was significant (P < 0.005) for the three local coffees evaluated, indicating a negative disconfirmation. The local coffees were less appreciated than expected, since the information about the samples created high hedonic expectations among the consumers. The level of education and the place of residence of consumers had a significant influence on their level of liking. Based on demographic characteristics, three segments were found presenting a different pattern of liking.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumers had positive expectations towards the local coffee. The sociodemographic characteristics and aspects related to consumption, particularly the experience with the product, are decisive in the expectations concerning the local product. This investigation can be useful to generate marketing strategies according to the demands and needs of the market, making local products to be valued. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Red Fox Use of Landscapes with Nesting Shorebirds
Authors: Stantial Michelle L. , Cohen Jonathan B. , Darrah Abigail J. , Farrell Shannon , Maslo Brooke
Published: September 2020

Predation of nests and young is one of the limiting factors in the conservation of birds; understanding environmental covariates of predator distribution can assist with decisions regarding the best management strategies to reduce predation risk. The habitat of beach‐nesting birds is often reshaped by storms in ways that may affect nest predation, such as by flattening vegetated dunes where mammals hunt, but human management of beaches tries to prevent the effects of storms on the landscape with unknown implications for predator distributions. Moreover, human development may affect predator distributions by subsidizing food and shelter. To determine the relationship between predator occupancy and landscape features in beach‐nesting bird habitat, we repeated mammalian predator track surveys 8 times/year at 90 plots in southern New Jersey, USA, from 2015–2017. We used dynamic occupancy models to estimate the probability of use by red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and to document changes in habitat use as related to landcover types over the avian breeding season within years. We had 373 red fox detections with years pooled. Detection probability for red foxes varied by year, and probability of use decreased as the distance to the nearest primary dune increased. We found no evidence that red fox habitat use depended on distance to human development. Our results suggest that conserving nesting habitat that includes open areas (i.e., storm overwash [whereby vegetation is scoured by tidal flooding]) may reduce predation risk because beach‐nesting birds would not be forced into nesting close to dunes, which are typically used for hunting by red foxes. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
The role of Cr atom in the early steam oxidation of Fe‐based alloys: An atomistic simulation
Authors: Qi Jing , Xu Hong , Liang Zhiyuan , Lu Ping , Zhou Changsong
Published: September 2020

This study employed the density functional theory to capture the atomic‐level dissociation processes of steam and investigate the ions migration on Fe(001) and FeCr(001) surfaces, revealing the role of Cr atom in the early oxidation. Various coadsorption structures with different steam‐derived species have been systematically examined to find the most energetically favored surface site. The results showed that the steam dissociation on the alloy surface underwent two steps. First, H2O molecule on the top site was dissociated into OH group and H atom, which further combined with metal atoms on the bridge site and hollow site. Second, the OH group was decomposed into O and H atoms, which moved to two adjacent hollow sites and generated an oxide. On further oxidation, the Fe atom migrated outward and formed an outer Fe oxide, whereas the Cr oxide could only grow inward as O atom passed through oxide. It was found that the presence of Cr atom on the surface was thermodynamically beneficial, which could promote steam oxidation. The Cr atom could effectively block ion diffusion across the oxide scale and protect the underlying substrate from further oxidation. These results were in good agreement with experimental observation.
A genetic variant in the promoter of CD46 is associated with the risk and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Fei , Luo Limei , Liu Zhongjian , Wu Sisi , Zhang Wei , Li Qin , Peng Yufu , Wei Yonggang , Li Bo
Published: September 2020

CD46 (also known as membrane cofactor protein), which is a member of the membrane‐bound complement regulatory protein family, has been reported to cause cancer cells to escape complement‐dependent cytotoxicity. However, the association between CD46 polymorphisms and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been investigated. This two‐stage association study was conducted to assess the relationship between the tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tagSNPs) of CD46 and HCC risk and prognosis. A series of functional analyses were performed to study the underlying mechanisms. Among the eight tagSNPs, rs2796267 (P = .003) and rs2796268 (P = .011) were found to modify HCC risk in the discovery set. Only rs2796267 (P < .0001) was confirmed to be associated with HCC susceptibility in the validation set. Compared with the wild‐type AA genotype, the GG genotype significantly increased the HCC risk (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34‐3.08; P = .001). Moreover, subgroups analysis suggested a positive correlation among male and younger patients, especially among drinkers, smokers, and hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive individuals. In functional analyses, we found that the rs2796267 G allele in the promoter region of CD46 could increase the expression of CD46 by affecting the binding affinity of STAT5a. Furthermore, Cox regression analysis revealed that the rs2796267 AG/GG genotype was significantly associated with worse prognosis of resected patients with HCC (hazard ratio = 2.27; 95% CI, 1.27‐4.05; P = .006). These results suggest that the CD46 rs2796267 polymorphism may contribute to susceptibility and prognosis of HCC by altering promoter activity.
Novel compound heterozygous mutations of CLDN16 in a patient with familial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis
Authors: García‐Castaño Alejandro , Perdomo‐Ramirez Ana , Vall‐Palomar Mònica , Ramos‐Trujillo Elena , Madariaga Leire , Ariceta Gema , Claverie‐Martin Felix
Published: September 2020

Background

Familial hypomagnesemia with hypercalciuria and nephrocalcinosis (FHHNC) is an autosomal recessive tubulopathy characterized by excessive urinary wasting of magnesium and calcium, bilateral nephrocalcinosis, and progressive chronic renal failure in childhood or adolescence. FHHNC is caused by mutations in CLDN16 and CLDN19, which encode the tight‐junction proteins claudin‐16 and claudin‐19, respectively. Most of these mutations are missense mutations and large deletions are rare.

Methods

We examined the clinical and biochemical features of a Spanish boy with early onset of FHHNC symptoms. Exons and flanking intronic segments of CLDN16 and CLDN19 were analyzed by direct sequencing. We developed a new assay based on Quantitative Multiplex PCR of Short Fluorescent Fragments (QMPSF) to investigate large CLDN16 deletions.

Results

Genetic analysis revealed two novel compound heterozygous mutations of CLDN16, comprising a missense mutation, c.277G>A; p.(Ala93Thr), in one allele, and a gross deletion that lacked exons 4 and 5,c.(840+25_?)del, in the other allele. The patient inherited these variants from his mother and father, respectively.

Conclusions

Using direct sequencing and our QMPSF assay, we identified the genetic cause of FHHNC in our patient. This QMPSF assay should facilitate the genetic diagnosis of FHHNC. Our study provided additional data on the genotypic spectrum of the CLDN16 gene.
Targeted sequencing of the BDNF gene in young Chinese Han people with major depressive disorder
Authors: Zhang Chenyu , Ran Liuyi , Ai Ming , Wang Wo , Chen Jianmei , Wu Tong , Liu Wei , Jin Jiajia , Wang Suya , Kuang Li
Published: September 2020

Background

Adolescence and young adulthood are considered the peak age for the emergence of many psychiatric disorders, in particular major depressive disorder (MDD). Previous research has shown substantial heritability for MDD. In addition, the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene is known to be associated with MDD. However, there has been no study conducting targeted sequencing of the BDNF gene in young MDD patients so far.

Method

To examine whether the BDNF gene is associated with the occurrence of MDD in young patients, we used targeted sequencing to detect the BDNF gene variants in 259 young Chinese Han people (105 MDD patients and 154 healthy subjects).

Results

The BDNF variant rs4030470 was associated with MDD in young Chinese Han people (uncorrected p = 0.046), but this was no longer significant after applying FDR correction (p = 0.552, after FDR correction). We did not find any significant differences in genotype or haplotype frequencies between the case and control groups, and furthermore discovered no rare mutation variants any of the 259 subjects.

Conclusion

Our results do not support an association of the BDNF gene variants with MDD in young people in the Chinese Han population.
An efficient numerical method for nonlinear fractional differential equations based on the generalized Mittag‐Leffler functions and Lagrange polynomials
Authors: Li Yu , Zhang Yanming
Published: September 2020

In this paper, an efficient numerical method is developed for solving a class of nonlinear fractional differential equations. The main idea is to transform the nonlinear fractional differential equations into a system of integral equations involved the generalized Mittag‐Leffler functions, and then to discretize the integral equations by the technique of exponential integrators and collocation methods with the polynomials of Lagrange basis. The convergence of this method is proven. The linear stability analysis of this method is carried out, and the stability region is derived. Finally, numerical examples are presented to illustrate the theoretical results.
Es braut sich was zusammen
Authors: Lehnhardt Florian , Nobis Arndt
Published: September 2020

Bier ist ein Frischeprodukt, dessen Aroma sich während seiner Alterung dynamisch ändert. Zwar ist die geschlossene Flasche ein scheinbar stabiles Gebinde, aber die ethanolische Lösung mit pH‐Werten von 4,2 bis 4,6 bietet gute Voraussetzungen für chemische Reaktionen, die Geschmack und Geruch des Getränks beeinflussen.
Hybrid equilibrium element with interelement interface for the analysis of delamination and crack propagation problems
Authors: Parrinello Francesco
Published: September 2020

This article proposes a formulation for the analysis of delamination and fracture propagation problems at the interelement interface, with perfect adhesion at the pre‐failure condition and with linear softening at the post‐failure regime. The proposed formulation is based on the hybrid equilibrium element (HEE) model, with stress fields which strongly verify the homogeneous equilibrium equations and interelement equilibrium equations. The HEE can easily model high‐order stress fields and can implicitly model the initially rigid behavior of an extrinsic interface at the element sides. The interface model is defined as a function of the same degrees of freedom of the HEE (generalized stresses) and the pre‐ and post‐failure behavior of the interface can be modeled without any additional degree of freedom. The proposed formulation is developed for a nine‐node triangular HEE with quadratic stress fields. This article also proposes an extrinsic cohesive model, rigorously developed in the damage mechanics framework.
Institutional isomorphism and nonprofit managerialism: For better or worse?
Authors: Hersberger‐Langloh Sophie E. , Stühlinger Sara , von Schnurbein Georg
Published: September 2020

Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) have increasingly adopted business‐like practices as a response to institutional pressures. Some researchers argue that this development leads to mission drift, whereas others find a positive effect on organizational performance. However, the institutional pressures responsible for shaping the nonprofit sector have remained hard to distinguish from each other. This study explores the consequences of mimetic, normative, and coercive pressures, and looks at how they affect managerialism, organizational performance, and mission drift. We link these concepts through a structural equation model based on survey data and find that one aspect of managerialism, strategic behavior, is a key construct in influencing the response to isomorphic pressures and can positively affect organizational performance while holding off‐mission drift. Normative isomorphism even has a direct positive effect on organizational performance. Mission drift can take place when organizations are under coercive pressure without having strategies or internal processes in place. These findings imply that organizations should invest in their strategy and the professional development of their staff to increase organizational performance and avoid mission drift.
Plasma‐enhanced NH3 synthesis over activated carbon‐based catalysts: Effect of active metal phase
Authors: Hu Xueli , Zhu Xinbo , Wu Xiqiang , Cai Yuxiang , Tu Xin
Published: September 2020

In this study, plasma‐enhanced NH3 synthesis over a series of M/AC (M = Ru, Co, Ni, and Fe) catalysts was investigated. The combination of the plasma and activated carbon (AC) enhanced the reaction performance compared with the reaction using plasma alone. The doping of active metal on AC further improved the reaction performance by up to 37.3%. The highest NH3 concentration of 3,026.5 ppm was obtained over Ru/AC at a specific input energy (SIE) of 12.5 kJ/L, followed by Co/AC, Fe/AC, and Ni/AC. The highest energy efficiency of 0.72 g/kWh was achieved at an SIE of 8.0 kJ/L when using the Ru/AC catalyst. Catalyst characterizations showed that the basicity of the M/AC catalysts plays an important role in the plasma‐enhanced catalytic synthesis of NH3. The reaction mechanism in the plasma‐enhanced NH3 synthesis was also discussed.
Use of a two‐sided tolerance interval in the design and evaluation of biosimilarity in clinical studies
Authors: Chiang Chieh , Chen Chi‐Tian , Hsiao Chin‐Fu
Published: September 2020

In assessing biosimilarity between two products, the question to ask is always “How similar is similar?” Traditionally, the equivalence of the means between products is the primary consideration in a clinical trial. This study suggests an alternative assessment for testing a certain percentage of the population of differences lying within a prespecified interval. In doing so, the accuracy and precision are assessed simultaneously by judging whether a two‐sided tolerance interval falls within a prespecified acceptance range. We further derive an asymptotic distribution of the tolerance limits to determine the sample size for achieving a targeted level of power. Our numerical study shows that the proposed two‐sided tolerance interval test controls the type I error rate and provides sufficient power. A real example is presented to illustrate our proposed approach.
Image processing methodology for patient‐specific instrument design
Authors: Mohammad Sadeghi Majid , Kececi Emin Faruk
Published: September 2020

Background

Patient‐specific instrumentation (PSI) improves accuracy of surgical operations. PSI needs software for preoperative planning and instrument design. In this study, we explain the methodology of developing a software tool for PSI guide design and preoperative planning in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA).

Methods

Approaches used to prepare input data, transform them into meaningful features and use of those features to create special guide geometries are explained by describing different algorithms and libraries.

Results

The developed software is tested on three different patients' data. Preoperative planning is performed and guides designed by software and the patients' bones are manufactured and tested for RSA. The method of building a software is presented to do the preoperative planning and designing specific guides for each patient are shown to be properly functional.

Conclusions

This study proves processes in the development of the PSI software and the design of a specific guide for RSA.
Nitrous oxide emissions and nitrogen use efficiency in wheat: Nitrogen fertilization timing and formulation, soil nitrogen, and weather effects
Authors: Thilakarathna Shakila K. , Hernandez‐Ramirez Guillermo , Puurveen Dick , Kryzanowski Len , Lohstraeter Germar , Powers Leigh‐Anne , Quan Ningyu , Tenuta Mario
Published: September 2020

Improving N fertilization in croplands could minimize soil emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) and mitigate climate change. This study investigated the effects of spring vs. fall N applications of conventional vs. enhanced‐efficiency N fertilizers (EENFs) on N2O emissions and N use efficiency in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) over 2.5 yr in Alberta, Canada. Fertilizers were anhydrous ammonia and urea and the EENF formulations included urease and nitrification inhibitors and a polymer coating. We measured a fertilizer N2O emission factor of 0.31 ± 0.04%. Irrespective of N fertilizer and timing options peak N2O emissions were evident following soil thawing and major rainfalls. Because most of the annual N2O emissions were associated with soil thawing, spring‐applied N emitted half the N2O of the fall‐applied N during the second study year (P < .001). Conversely, the opposite was observed for the first study year when overall N2O emissions were 36% larger for spring‐ than fall‐applied N (P = .031) as major rainfalls occurred shortly after the spring N fertilization. Nevertheless, within this first study year, EENFs significantly reduced N2O emissions (by 26% on average; P = .019), with a tendency for 11% higher grain yield across springtime EENFs than for conventional fertilizers. Concomitantly, spring‐applied N doubled the fertilizer N recovery efficiency in the same year (P = .023). The soil at the study site inherently had high N availability (NH4 and NO3) and this probably moderated the beneficial effects of EENFs on N2O emissions and grain yields. Results suggest that spring EENFs can mitigate the risk for N2O emissions while sustaining high yields even under scenarios with high availability of native soil N.
Semimetal 1H‐SnS2 Enables High‐Efficiency Electroreduction of CO2 to CO
Authors: Xu Jie , Lai Shuhua , Hu Min , Ge Shangmeng , Xie Ruicong , Li Fan , Hua Dandan , Xu Heng , Zhou Huang , Wu Rui , Fu Jiantao , Qiu Yuan , He Jia , Li Chao , Liu Haoxuan , Liu Yifan , Sun Jiaqiang , Liu Xijun , Luo Jun
Published: September 2020

Controlling the selectivity of products in CO2 fixation is essential to obtain desired products using phase engineering. In this study, stable semimetal 1H‐SnS2 nanosheets are successfully synthesized by hydrogen‐assisted low‐temperature calcination for the first time. Compared with semiconductor 1T‐SnS2, the 1H‐SnS2 exhibits ultrahigh CO selectivity with a Faradaic efficiency of 98.2% at −0.8 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode) and a partial current density of 10.9 mA cm−2 in the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction. Theoretical calculations indicate that the *COOH intermediate is more stable on 1H‐SnS2 surface than 1T‐SnS2 surface and thus promotes the CO production. This work shows that phase engineering control can be an effective approach to regulate the selectivity of products in CO2RR of transition metal dichalcogenides.
Developing an ontology for representing the domain knowledge specific to non‐pharmacological treatment for agitation in dementia
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Yu Ping , Chang Hui Chen (Rita) , Lau Sim Kim , Tao Cui , Wang Ning , Yin Mengyang , Deng Chao
Published: September 2020

Introduction

A large volume of clinical care data has been generated for managing agitation in dementia. However, the valuable information in these data has not been used effectively to generate insights for improving the quality of care. Application of artificial intelligence technologies offers us enormous opportunities to reuse these data. For health data science to achieve this, this study focuses on using ontology to coding clinical knowledge for non‐pharmacological treatment of agitation in a machine‐readable format.

Methods

The resultant ontology—Dementia‐Related Agitation Non‐Pharmacological Treatment Ontology (DRANPTO)—was developed using a method adopted from the NeOn methodology.

Results

DRANPTO consisted of 569 concepts and 48 object properties. It meets the standards for biomedical ontology.

Discussion

DRANPTO is the first comprehensive semantic representation of non‐pharmacological management for agitation in dementia in the long‐term care setting. As a knowledge base, it will play a vital role to facilitate the development of intelligent systems for managing agitation in dementia.
Introduction
Authors: Schopper Herwig
Published: September 2020

Since old ages it has been one of the noble aspirations of humankind to understand the world in which we are living. In addition to our immediate environment, planet earth, two more remote frontiers have attracted interest: the infinitely small and the infinitely large. A flood of new experimental and theoretical results obtained during the past decades has provided a completely new picture of the micro- and macrocosm and surprisingly intimate relations have been discovered between the two. It turned out that the understanding of elementary particles and the forces acting between them is extremely relevant for our perception of the cosmological development. Quite often scientific research is supported because it is the basis for technical progress and for the material well-being of humans. The exploration of the microcosm and the universe contributes to this goal only indirectly by the development of better instruments and new techniques. However, it tries to answer some fundamental questions which are essential to understand the origins, the environment and the conditions for the existence of humankind and thus is an essential part of the cultural heritage.
Bedarfslagen in der häuslichen Pflege
Authors: Büscher Andreas
Published: September 2020

Ein erklärtes Ziel der Pflegeversicherung besteht in der Priorität der häuslichen gegenüber der stationären Pflege. Um dieses Ziel zu erreichen, sieht die Pflegeversicherung eine Reihe von Leistungen vor, die in Ergänzung der Pflege durch Angehörige den Verbleib des pflegebedürftigen Menschen in der häuslichen Umgebung ermöglichen sollen. Die Betrachtung einiger Charakteristiken häuslicher Pflegearrangements verdeutlicht, dass die Bedarfslagen oftmals komplexer sind als die vorgesehenen Leistungen und diese nur für Teile davon angemessen erscheinen. Veränderungen und Erweiterungen des Leistungsspektrums der Pflegeversicherung im Laufe der Jahre verdeutlichen das Bemühen die Leistungen weiterzuentwickeln. Die Bedarfslagen in häuslichen Pflegearrangements erfordern jedoch weitere Anpassungen, auch durch die Einführung des neuen Pflegebedürftigkeitsbegriffs, die abschließend in diesem Beitrag skizziert werden.