bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socio-economic Impact of Climate Change, Adaptation and Determinants of Willingness to Pay for Crop Insurance in Central Agro-climatic Zone of Afghanistan
Authors: Sarwary Meraj , Senthilnathan S. , Vidhyavathi A. , Kokilavani S.
Published: June 2020

Afghanistan is frequently affected by drought and other climate change related hazards due to increased temperature and reduced precipitation over most parts of the country. The present study was undertaken to analyze the climate change preparedness measures for adaptation and willingness to pay for crop insurance to mitigate the climate change impacts. This study was conducted in central agro-climatic zone of Afghanistan to collect the primary data through the random sampling technique with a total sample of 105 respondents from the seven provinces located in this zone. Likert type responses were used to assess the climate change adaptation and binary log it regression model was used to identify the factors affecting the willingness to pay for crop insurance to mitigate the climate change impacts on agriculture. The results of the study indicated that changing cropping pattern (74%) followed by receiving technical information from experts (70%) and keeping the land as fallow (60%) were rated as very high to high preparedness measures to mitigate the climate change impacts. Logit regression model revealed that the education and technical information received from experts were positively significant and their marginal effects implied that the probabilities of willing to pay for crop insurance were increased by 1.3 and 15.9 percent, respectively. The establishment of crop insurance agencies at province level may help reducing the impact of climate change and increasing the income and livelihood of the farmers.
Crop Weather Relationships of Fodder Sorghum Varieties under Different Sowing Times in Southern Agro Climatic Zone of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Saimaheswari K. , Prathima T. , Subramanyam D. , Latha P.
Published: June 2020

Field experiment was carried out during summer, 2018 at S. V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University to study the crop weather relationship of fodder sorghum varieties under different times of sowing. The experiment was in four dates of sowing (I Fortnight of January, II Fortnight of January, I Fortnight of February and II Fortnight of February) with varieties (CSV 21 F, CSV 30 F and CSV 32 F). Results are revealed that among the four times of sowing, different meteorological indices GDD, HTU, PTU, and TUE varied across the different growth stages. Early sowing (I Fortnight of January) had favorable agro-climatic conditions particularly temperature, day length and sunshine hours interms of required accumulation of GDD, PTU and HTU from sowing to harvest compared to other dates of sowing. Total requirement of accumulated GDD, HTU and PTU showed increasing trend with extension of sowing time from I Fortnight of January to II Fortnight of February. The CSV 32 F variety accumulated maximum GDD from sowing to until harvest.
Effect of Yellow Filters and Corrective Lenses on Academic Performance of Primary School Children with Abnormal Contrast Sensitivity
Authors: Nwokeji C. J. Samuel- , Ikoro N. C. , Esenwah E. C. , Megwas A. U. , Azuamah Y. C. , Ibe N. C. , Ogbonna U. C.
Published: June 2020

Aim: This study compared the effect of yellow filters and corrective lenses on the academic performance of primary school children with abnormal contrast sensitivity.

Study Design: The study employed quantitative study design involving the measurement of variables.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Owerri North, Imo State, Nigeria, from February, 2019 to November, 2019.

Methodology: The study included 34 children between 7-12 years old in private and public schools with abnormal contrast sensitivity comprising 7-9 year-olds (64.7%); 10-12 year-olds (35.3%); Males (52.9%) and Females (47.1%). Using basic optometric procedures and Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity chart, children with abnormal contrast sensitivity were identified for the study. Academic performance was assessed by comparing the previous midterm summative test result (pre-test) with the current midterm summative test result (post-test).

Results: Paired sample t-Test showed no significant difference in academic performance of children using corrective lenses (p = .47), and those using corrective lenses with yellow filters (p = .94) respectively at 95% confidence interval. Also, children using corrective lenses compared with those using corrective lenses with yellow filters showed no significant difference (p =.57) in academic performance. Further, no significant age and gender variation in academic performance was identified (7-9 yrs: p =.38; 10-12 yrs: p =.79; Males: p=.38; Females: p =.79).

Conclusion: Corrective lenses and Corrective lenses with yellow filters had no effect on academic performance of primary school children 7-12 years of age with abnormal contrast sensitivity.
An Experimental Study on Fire Resistance Performance of a Bended Type Cladding Column System
Authors: Yang Seungcho , Kang Kyeongsin , Jung Gyeongsu , Park Jaehyung , Lee Jaesung
Published: June 2020

As buildings are growing higher and larger, more composite structures have been used. However, the steel member used for composite structure tends to rapidly lose its strength at elevated temperatures. For this reason, it is required to apply a fire resistance mechanism, but it is difficult to implement because of the cost and technical limitations in the case of fire-resistant paint. In case of fireproof spray coat, scattering phenomena, poor work conditions for wet application, and construction delay are the main challenges to be addressed. In this study, a full-scale fire resistance test of non-fire resistant cladding column was conducted in accordance with KS F 2257-7. According to the test results, the specimens CC-01, CC-02, and CC-03 failed to meet the requirements for a 3-hour fire resistance rating because of the joint deformation and less cover thickness, while CC-04, CC-05, and CC-06 with increased thickness and reinforced joints satisfied the requirements for a 3-hour fire resistance rating.
Analysis of the Moderating Effect of Disaster Management Organization Type on Resilience Capability and Organizational Effectiveness
Authors: Hong Seong-Ho , Seo Seung-Hyun , Yi Waon-Ho
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study was to verify whether the type of national disaster management organization affects resilience capability and organizational effectiveness. In the present study, we analyzed a previous study conducted by Hollnagel on the inter-relationship between resilience capability and organizational effectiveness. Our results confirmed that public officers who are in charge of disaster management need to increase their resilience capability in order to improve organizational effectiveness. However, we cannot conclude that disaster management efficiency is improved only by increasing public officers' resilience capability. This study suggests that a dedicated organization for disaster management should be created to ensure effective handling of disasters. The influence of the type of organization should be considered, based on the results of this study.
Stiffness and Distance of Lateral Support Member Considering Buckling Strength of Sliding Track Panel
Authors: Park Jongchan , Lim Namhyoung , Lee Chinok
Published: June 2020

Recently, the concept of a Sliding Track Panel (STP) system, which allows the bridge to slide in the longitudinal direction, has been proposed for continuous welded rail method laid on long span non-ballast bridges, such as truss railway bridges. The performance of the STP system is determined based on the ability to prevent the lateral buckling of STP. This study attempts to derive the optimum interval distance and required stiffness of the lateral support member to be installed in the STP system through buckling analysis. According to the analysis, the interval distance of lateral support member, which satisfies the strength of STP, is less than 2.8 m and the rigidity is more than 800 N/mm.
A Study on the Development of Rainfall Risk Information Considering Local Characteristics
Authors: Choi Cheonkyu , Kim Kyungtak
Published: June 2020

Natural disasters caused by climate change frequently occur around the world. In Korea, flood warnings and storm warnings are used to prepare for flood damage. However, flood warnings are specifically issued for rivers while storm warnings use the same criteria throughout the country. Accordingly, there is a limit to effective flood preparation which reflects the regional characteristics of each administrative district. In this study, the flood risk matrix for each administrative district is developed in order to provide flood risk forecast information that reflects upon local characteristics. Moreover, the applicability is evaluated by using dichotomous forecasting. As a result of the forecast's evaluation, the probability of detection was determined to be over 80%. Therefore, it is possible to prepare for a flood through the forecast information of the administrative district using the flood risk matrix. In the future, it will be necessary to study how to improve the utilization of flood risk forecasting information through the continuous investigation of past damage phenomenon along with a review of flood-influencing factors.
Improvement of Regional Clustering Using Flood Control Characteristics and t-SNE of Machine Learning
Authors: Joo Hongjun , Kim Jongseong , Kwak Jaewon , Lee Jongso , Jung Jaewon , Kim Hung Soo
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to perform clear clustering according to regional flood control characteristics in order to promote efficient and collective flood control management, which requires structural and non-structural measures to proactively prevent flooding and protect people and property. This approach requires to understand regional flood control characteristics; in particular, clustering based on flood control characteristics that are similar among regions can represent the right direction in establishing a strategy for managing medium to long-term flood control in Korea. Therefore, clustering was performed in this study for 162 Korean regions according to the similarity of their flood control characteristics, which were evaluated by the indicators of the Potential Flood Damage (PFD) suggested by the National Water Resource Plan; a 19-year database (2000-2018) for the indicators was constructed. The t-distributed Stochastic Neighboring Embedding (t-SNE) technique, which can effectively reduce and classify massive data, was utilized. Then, the flood control characteristics for each region were derived and clustered according to individual and integrated indicators. As a result, it was found that regions of similar size and type generally consisted of the same cluster. However, because some regions were composed of the same cluster regardless of size and type, a more detailed analysis is required for each indicator of flood control characteristics, and further research should be conducted to explore the direct and indirect factors affecting the indicators.
Analysis of Emergency Rescue Responses in Large-Scale Disasters in Japan
Authors: Choi Hyeongho , Lee Euipyeong
Published: June 2020

This study analyzed emergency rescue responses in large-scale disasters in Japan using White Paper on Japan Fire Service, White Paper on Japan Police, Defense of Japan (Annual White Paper), White Paper on Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in Japan, and Annual Health, Labour and Welfare Report published by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA), the National Police Agency (NPA), the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLITT), and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), to contribute to establishing emergency rescue responses during large-scale disasters in Korea. When the resources of disaster areas in Japan are inadequate for emergency response during a disaster due to its large-scale, prefectural governors request to mobilize the Emergency Fire Response Team (EFRT) of FDMA, the Inter-Prefectural Emergency Rescue Unit (IERU) of NPA, the Self-Defense Force of MOD, the Technical Emergency Control Force of MLITT, and the Disaster Medical Assistance Team of MHLW. These teams mobilized from the entire country perform emergency rescue activities through strong connection and collaboration under the command of prefectural governors.
A mouse model of Timothy syndrome exhibits altered social competitive dominance and inhibitory neuron development
Authors: Horigane Shin‐ichiro , Ozawa Yukihiro , Zhang Jun , Todoroki Hiroe , Miao Pan , Haijima Asahi , Yanagawa Yuchio , Ueda Shuhei , Nakamura Shigeo , Kakeyama Masaki , Takemoto‐Kimura Sayaka
Published: June 2020

Multiple genetic factors related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been identified, but the biological mechanisms remain obscure. Timothy syndrome (TS), associated with syndromic ASD, is caused by a gain‐of‐function mutation, G406R, in the pore‐forming subunit of L‐type Ca2+ channels, Cav1.2. In this study, a mouse model of TS, TS2‐neo, was used to enhance behavioral phenotyping and to identify developmental anomalies in inhibitory neurons. Using the IntelliCage, which enables sequential behavioral tasks without human handling and mouse isolation stress, high social competitive dominance was observed in TS2‐neo mice. Furthermore, histological analysis demonstrated inhibitory neuronal abnormalities in the neocortex, including an excess of smaller‐sized inhibitory presynaptic terminals in the somatosensory cortex of young adolescent mice and higher numbers of migrating inhibitory neurons from the medial ganglionic eminence during embryonic development. In contrast, no obvious changes in excitatory synaptic terminals were found. These novel neural abnormalities in inhibitory neurons of TS2‐neo mice may result in a disturbed excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance, a key feature underlying ASD.
Biomarker Organization in Circulating Extracellular Vesicles: New Applications in Detecting Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Lim Carine Z. J. , Natalia Auginia , Sundah Noah R. , Shao Huilin
Published: June 2020

Neurodegenerative diseases are heterogeneous disorders characterized by a progressive loss of function and/or death of nerve cells, leading to severe cognitive and functional decline. Due to the complex pathology, early detection and intervention are critical to the development of successful treatments; however, current diagnostic approaches are limited to subjective, late‐stage clinical findings. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently emerged as a promising circulating biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases. Actively released by diverse cells, EVs are nanoscale membrane vesicles. They abound in blood, readily cross the blood–brain barrier, and carry diverse molecular cargoes in different organizational states: these molecular cargoes are inherited from the parent cells or bound to the EV membrane through surface associations. Specifically, EVs have been found to be associated with several important pathogenic proteins of neurodegenerative diseases, and their involvement could alter disease progression. This article provides an overview of EVs as circulating biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases and introduces new technological advances to characterize the biophysical properties of EV‐associated biomarkers for accurate, blood‐based detection of neurodegenerative diseases.
Enhanced Spin Seebeck Effect in Monolayer Tungsten Diselenide Due to Strong Spin Current Injection at Interface
Authors: Lee Sang‐Kwon , Lee Won‐Yong , Kikkawa Takashi , Le Chinh Tam , Kang Min‐Sung , Kim Gil‐Sung , Nguyen Anh Duc , Kim Yong Soo , Park No‐Won , Saitoh Eiji
Published: June 2020

The spin current is significantly limited by the spin‐orbit interaction strength, material quality, and spin‐mixing conductance at material interfaces. Such limitations lead to spin current decay at the interfaces, which severely hinders potential applications in spin‐current‐generating thermoelectric devices. Thus, methodical studies on the enhancement of spin currents are indispensable. Herein, a novel approach for enhancing the spin current injected into a normal metal, Pt, using interface effects with a ferromagnetic insulator, yttrium iron garnet (YIG), is demonstrated. This is accomplished by inserting atomically thin monolayer (ML), tungsten diselenide (WSe2) between Pt and YIG layers. A comparative study of longitudinal spin Seebeck effect (LSSE) measurements is conducted. Two types of ML WSe2 (continuous and large‐area ML WSe2 and isolated ML WSe2 flakes) are used as intermediate layers on YIG film. Notably, the insertion of ML WSe2 between the Pt and YIG layers significantly enhances the thermopower, VLSSE/ΔT by a factor of approximately 5.6 compared with that of the Pt/YIG reference sample. This enhancement in the measured LSSE voltages in the Pt/ML WSe2/YIG trilayer can be explained by the increased spin‐to‐charge conversion at the interface owing to the large spin‐orbit coupling and improved spin mixing conductance with the ML WSe2 intermediate layer.
A Facile and Scalable Strategy for Fabrication of Superior Bifunctional Freestanding Air Electrodes for Flexible Zinc–Air Batteries
Authors: Liu Ting , Mou Jirong , Wu Ziping , Lv Chao , Huang Jianlin , Liu Meilin
Published: June 2020

The large‐scale fabrication of efficient and inexpensive bifunctional catalysts is highly desirable but very challenging for oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction (ORR–OER) in metal–air batteries. Here, a facile and scalable approach for the fabrication of hierarchically porous air electrode consisting of cobalt nanoparticles embedded in bamboo‐like nitrogen‐rich carbon nanotubes (Co/N@CNTs), which are in situ grown onto the surface of carbon nanotube macrofilm (CNMF) through a catalytic growth of crosslinked carbon nanotubes is reported. The resulting hybrid macrofilm (Co/N@CNTs@CNMF) can be directly used as a freestanding air electrode without adding any binder or addivities. More importantly, when incorporated in a zinc–air battery (ZAB), the Co/N@CNTs@CNMF electrode demonstrates drastically enhanced ORR and OER activity while maintaining excellent durability during cycling. Further, when it is used to assemble an all‐solid‐state ZAB, the cell also displays excellent mechanical flexibility, implying promising perspectives as power sources for wearable electronics.
Nanomedicine Approaches for Advanced Diagnosis and Treatment of Atherosclerosis and Related Ischemic Diseases
Authors: Hu Bin , Boakye‐Yiadom Kofi Oti , Yu Wei , Yuan Zi‐Wei , Ho William , Xu Xiaoyang , Zhang Xue‐Qing
Published: June 2020

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. In response to this and other worldwide health epidemics, nanomedicine has emerged as a rapidly evolving discipline that involves the development of innovative nanomaterials and nanotechnologies and their applications in therapy and diagnosis. Nanomedicine presents unique advantages over conventional medicines due to the superior properties intrinsic to nanoscopic therapies. Once used mainly for cancer therapies, recently, tremendous progress has been made in nanomedicine that has led to an overall improvement in the treatment and diagnosis of CVDs. This review elucidates the pathophysiology and potential targets of atherosclerosis and associated ischemic diseases. It may be fruitful to pursue future work in the nanomedicine‐mediated treatment of CVDs based on these targets. A comprehensive overview is then provided featuring the latest preclinical and clinical outcomes in cardiovascular imaging, biomarker detection, tissue engineering, and nanoscale delivery, with specific emphasis on nanoparticles, nanostructured scaffolds, and nanosensors. Finally, the challenges and opportunities regarding the future development and clinical translation of nanomedicine in related fields are discussed. Overall, this review aims to provide a deep and thorough understanding of the design, application, and future development of nanomedicine for atherosclerosis and related ischemic diseases.
Lead‐Free Perovskite Variant Solid Solutions Cs2Sn1–xTexCl6: Bright Luminescence and High Anti‐Water Stability
Authors: Tan Zhifang , Chu Yanmeng , Chen Jinxi , Li Jinghui , Ji Guoqi , Niu Guangda , Gao Liang , Xiao Zewen , Tang Jiang
Published: June 2020

Underwater lighting is important for the exploration of the underwater world in different areas. It is of great significance for developing underwater emitters with high penetrability, high luminous efficiency, good anti‐water stability, and environmental friendliness. Stable lead‐free perovskite luminescent materials, represented by vacancy‐ordered double perovskites, are worthy of research because they can almost meet the above requirements. Here, lead‐free perovskite variant solid solutions with the formula of Cs2Sn1−xTexCl6 are reported. Upon the exchange of Sn/Te ions, strong Jahn–Teller distortion of octahedra occurs in the lattice structure. The combination of Te luminescent center and Jahn–Teller‐like self‐trapped excitons gives this material yellow‐green luminescence with a wavelength of 580 nm and a high photoluminescence quantum yield of 95.4%. Moreover, these solid solutions can withstand the extreme conditions of immersion in water probably due to the formation of amorphous alteration phase. Such good anti‐water stability is also supported by the molecule dynamics simulation result that no reaction occurs on the water/Cs2SnCl6 interface. The high luminous, suitable wavelength, and good anti‐water stability enable the solid solutions suitable for the application for underwater lighting.
A Beehive Inspired Hydrogen Photocatalytic Device Integrating a Carbo‐Benzene Triptych Material for Efficient Solar Photo‐Reduction of Seawater
Authors: Cure Jérémy , Cocq Kévin , Nicollet Andréa , Tan Kui , Hungria Teresa , Assie‐Souleille Sandrine , Vivies Séverine , Salvagnac Ludovic , Quevedo‐Lopez Manuel , Maraval Valérie , Chauvin Remi , Estève Alain , Rossi Carole
Published: June 2020

The dream to produce green, clean, and sustainable hydrogen from earth‐abundant and free resources such as seawater and sunlight is highly motivating because of the interest for desirable economical and societal applications in energy. However, it remains challenging to develop an efficient and unassisted photocatalytic device to split seawater molecules with just sunlight without any external bias. For the first time, a such novel hierarchical material has been developed, based on thin film technology that integrates TiO2 semiconductor layers, embedded gold nanoparticles, and a photosensitive carbo‐benzene layer. The design of the triptych device placing the photocatalyst in be‐to‐be increases the photoactive surface area by a factor 2. Its stability (>120 successive hours of hydrogen production and >5 days in a day/night representative alternation) and efficiency (Soler‐to‐Hydrogen 0.06%) are measured in NaCl‐salted water. The chloride ions act as hole scavengers and induce an increase of pH increasing in turn the sun‐driven hydrogen production rate.
Atomic Origin of Interface‐Dependent Oxygen Migration by Electrochemical Gating at the LaAlO3–SrTiO3 Heterointerface
Authors: Song Dongsheng , Xue Deqing , Zeng Shengwei , Li Changjian , Venkatesan Thirumalai , Ariando Ariando , Pennycook Stephen J.
Published: June 2020

Electrical control of material properties based on ionic liquids (IL) has seen great development and emerging applications in the field of functional oxides, mainly understood by the electrostatic and electrochemical gating mechanisms. Compared to the fast, flexible, and reproducible electrostatic gating, electrochemical gating is less controllable owing to the complex behaviors of ion migration. Here, the interface‐dependent oxygen migration by electrochemical gating is resolved at the atomic scale in the LaAlO3–SrTiO3 system through ex situ IL gating experiments and on‐site atomic‐resolution characterization. The difference between interface structures leads to the controllable electrochemical oxygen migration by filling oxygen vacancies. The findings not only provide an atomic‐scale insight into the origin of interface‐dependent electrochemical gating but also demonstrate an effective way of engineering interface structure to control the electrochemical gating.
Sexual dimorphism in facial shape of modern Buryats of Southern Siberia
Authors: Rostovtseva Victoria V. , Mezentseva Anna A. , Windhager Sonja , Butovskaya Marina L.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to investigate sexual dimorphism in the full facial shape of modern Buryats—people of Southern Siberia of Mongolian origin.

Methods

For this purpose, we have used geometric morphometrics based on standardized full‐face frontal photographs. This allowed us to assess and visualize differences in facial shapes between Buryat men (n = 98) and women (n = 89). To specify the facial areas, where the differences occurred, we have complemented our analysis with standard anthropometric facial parameters based on approximations to the craniofacial and mandibular landmarks and soft‐tissue morphology of specific facial areas.

Results

Our results revealed that Buryat women have a set of sexually dimorphic features similar to those reported earlier for other Asian populations (a relatively wider and vertically shorter lower face, more round visible areas of the eyes, relatively narrower noses, smaller mouths, larger [in vertical dimension] foreheads, and relatively thinner upper lips, when compared to Buryat males). At the same time, Buryat women had a specific characteristic, distinguishing them from other world populations—a significantly higher upper face width‐to‐height ratio (fWHR) compared to males. This indicates that the high fWHR is not a universally male feature in humans, which raises a question of underlying developmental mechanisms.

Conclusions

Our results clearly demonstrate that some elements of sexually dimorphic facial shapes may differ across populations with different genetic and ecological backgrounds, and suggest that universal mechanisms of sex‐specific facial morphogenesis still need to be clarified in the future.
Unusual pneumoconiosis in two patients with heavy print toner, and paper dust exposure
Authors: Sarwate Mrinal , Vrbenska Adela , Cummings Kristopher , Tazelaar Henry D.
Published: June 2020

Workers in a print shop are exposed to photocopier toner dust and paper dust over a prolonged period of time. However, there are only rare case reports of toner and paper dust induced lung damage in humans. We reviewed our consultation files for a period of 30 years from 1987 to 2018 to look for cases with a diagnosis of giant cell interstitial pneumonia (GIP), printer toner exposure and paper dust exposure resulting in lung disease. There were two cases which met our inclusion criteria. Slides, clinical histories and imaging were reviewed. Both the patients had worked in print shops, and had no history of exposure to hard metals. Patient 1 presented with shortness of breath and cough over several months, while patient 2 was asymptomatic at presentation. Both the patients underwent surgical lung biopsies. Histopathologic examination from both the cases showed a spectrum of pathology, including features of GIP, desquamative interstitial pneumonia, chronic bronchiolitis with lymphoid hyperplasia, and particulate matter consistent with toner. Energy dispersive spectroscopy was performed on one case, and it revealed no cobalt or tungsten particles. The unusual combination of findings is very suggestive that toner particles with or without paper dust exposure were responsible for the pathologic changes in the lungs of these patients. This possibility should be explored further with additional patients who work in print shops where they are exposed to paper dust and paper toner and have signs or symptoms of diffuse lung disease.
A Short‐Lived but Highly Cytotoxic Vanadium(V) Complex as a Potential Drug Lead for Brain Cancer Treatment by Intratumoral Injections
Authors: Levina Aviva , Pires Vieira Adriana , Wijetunga Asanka , Kaur Ravinder , Koehn Jordan T. , Crans Debbie C. , Lay Peter A.
Published: June 2020

The chemistry and short lifetimes of metal‐based anti‐cancer drugs can be turned into an advantage for direct injections into tumors, which then allow the use of highly cytotoxic drugs. The release of their less toxic decomposition products into the blood will lead to decreased toxicity and can even have beneficial effects. We present a ternary VV complex, 1 ([VOL1L2], where L1 is N‐(salicylideneaminato)‐N′‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)ethane‐1,2‐diamine and L2 is 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol), which enters cells intact to induce high cytotoxicity in a range of human cancer cells, including T98g (glioma multiforme), while its decomposition products in cell culture medium were ≈8‐fold less toxic. 1 was 12‐fold more toxic than cisplatin in T98g cells and 6‐fold more toxic in T98g cells than in a non‐cancer human cell line, HFF‐1. Its high toxicity in T98g cells was retained in the presence of physiological concentrations of the two main metal‐binding serum proteins, albumin and transferrin. These properties favor further development of 1 for brain cancer treatment by intratumoral injections.
Methanol‐Assisted Autocatalysis in Catalytic Methanol Synthesis
Authors: Thrane Joachim , Kuld Sebastian , Nielsen Niels D. , Jensen Anker D. , Sehested Jens , Christensen Jakob M.
Published: June 2020

Catalytic methanol synthesis is one of the major processes in the chemical industry and may grow in importance, as methanol produced from CO2 and sustainably derived H2 are envisioned to play an important role as energy carriers in a future low‐CO2‐emission society. However, despite the widespread use, the reaction mechanism and the nature of the active sites are not fully understood. Here we report that methanol synthesis at commercially applied conditions using the industrial Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst is dominated by a methanol‐assisted autocatalytic reaction mechanism. We propose that the presence of methanol enables the hydrogenation of surface formate via methyl formate. Autocatalytic acceleration of the reaction is also observed for Cu supported on SiO2 although with low absolute activity, but not for Cu/Al2O3 catalysts. The results illustrate an important example of autocatalysis in heterogeneous catalysis and pave the way for further understanding, improvements, and process optimization of industrial methanol synthesis.
Potassium Natural Asphalt Sulfonate (K‐NAS): Synthesis and characterization as a new recyclable solid basic nanocatalyst and its application in the formation of carbon–carbon bonds
Authors: Falah Saeid , Soleiman‐Beigi Mohammad , Kohzadi Homa
Published: June 2020

In this research, we synthesized and characterized a new heterogeneous basic nanocatalyst and its catalytic application was studied in the Claisen‐Schmidt and Knoevenagel condensations. In order to prepare this nanocatalyst, first, the Iranian natural asphalt was sulfonated with the concentrated sulfuric acid and then, converted to the potassium natural asphalt sulfonate (K‐NAS). In order to characterization of the nanocatalyst, used of FT‐IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. This new basic heterogeneous nanocatalyst have advantages such as being eco‐friendly, huge specific surface area, high reactivity and recyclability.
A Central Sterile Processing and Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control Collaboration to Ensure Safe Patient Care
Authors: Nack Brenda , Nowakowski Elaine , Nicholson Frances
Published: June 2020

Cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization (CDS) practices and protocols are the cornerstone of infection control and patient safety. Central sterile processing (CSP) leaders are responsible for updating policies and procedures for sterile processing and ensuring CSP staff members process instruments correctly. Monitoring staff member practices can be a demanding and difficult task, but it is critical for safe patient outcomes. The CSP and perioperative leaders at our facility found that regular consultation and collaboration with the Department of Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control (HEIC) is an effective way to ensure that patient safety is at the forefront of CDS practices. These leaders established an oversight committee to address a variety of infection prevention concerns, including environment of care rounds, implementation of manufacturers’ instructions for use, and CDS standardization. This article highlights how CSP and HEIC leaders and staff members partnered to implement and sustain CDS best practices and protocols.
Instrument Manufacturing: Implications for Perioperative Teams
Authors: Moss Rose , Prescott Darin M. , Spear Joan M.
Published: June 2020

The development of surgical instruments began thousands of years ago and continues to evolve. National and international government agencies regulate the manufacturing of instruments in some cases, and the differing regulations can affect instrument quality. Although stainless steel contains an alloy of iron and chromium with other metal and nonmetal materials, its composition can vary; this variation may cause instruments to function differently than expected. The manufacturing process for surgical instruments is complex, and perioperative nurses should understand the process to assist with purchasing decisions. When making these decisions, perioperative nurses should partner with surgeons, sterile processing department personnel, and the manufacturers’ representatives to discuss the scope of use and plans for reprocessing. Surgical instruments’ functionality can affect procedure efficiency, patient outcomes, and surgeon satisfaction. Knowledge about surgical instrument manufacturing should help perioperative teams provide safer care for their patients.
#BlockSidewalk to Barcelona: Technological sovereignty and the social license to operate smart cities
Authors: Mann Monique , Mitchell Peta , Foth Marcus , Anastasiu Irina
Published: June 2020

This article explores technological sovereignty as a way to respond to anxieties of control in digital urban contexts, and argues that this may promise a more meaningful social license to operate smart cities. First, we present an overview of smart city developments with a critical focus on corporatization and platform urbanism. We critique Alphabet's Sidewalk Labs development in Toronto, which faces public backlash from the #BlockSidewalk campaign in response to concerns over not just privacy, but also lack of community consultation, the prospect of the city losing its civic ability to self‐govern, and its repossession of public land and infrastructure. Second, we explore what a more responsible smart city could look like, underpinned by technological sovereignty, which is a way to use technologies to promote individual and collective autonomy and empowerment via ownership, control, and self‐governance of data and technologies. To this end, we juxtapose the Sidewalk Labs development in Toronto with the Barcelona Digital City plan. We illustrate the merits (and limits) of technological sovereignty moving toward a fairer and more equitable digital society.
Evaluating heterogeneity in ASD symptomatology, cognitive ability, and adaptive functioning among 16p11.2 CNV carriers
Authors: Hudac Caitlin M. , Bove Joanna , Barber Shelley , Duyzend Michael , Wallace Ari , Martin Christa Lese , Ledbetter David H. , Hanson Ellen , Goin‐Kochel Robin P. , Green‐Snyder LeeAnne , Chung Wendy K. , Eichler Evan E. , Bernier Raphael A.
Published: June 2020

Individuals with 16p11.2 copy number variant (CNV) show considerable phenotypic heterogeneity. Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is reported in approximately 20–23% of individuals with 16p11.2 CNVs, ASD‐associated symptoms are observed in those without a clinical ASD diagnosis. Previous work has shown that genetic variation and prenatal and perinatal birth complications influence ASD risk and symptom severity. This study examined the impact of genetic and environmental risk factors on phenotypic heterogeneity among 16p11.2 CNV carriers. Participants included individuals with a 16p11.2 deletion (N = 96) or duplication (N = 77) with exome sequencing from the Simons VIP study. The presence of prenatal factors, perinatal events, additional genetic events, and gender was studied. Regression analyses examined the contribution of each risk factor on ASD symptomatology, cognitive functioning, and adaptive abilities. For deletion carriers, perinatal and additional genetic events were associated with increased ASD symptomatology and decrements in cognitive and adaptive functioning. For duplication carriers, secondary genetic events were associated with greater cognitive impairments. Being female sex was a protective factor for both deletion and duplication carriers. Our findings suggest that ASD‐associated risk factors contribute to the variability in symptom presentation in individuals with 16p11.2 CNVs.

Lay Summary

There are a wide range of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms and abilities observed for individuals with genetic changes of the 16p11.2 region. Here, we found perinatal complications contributed to more severe ASD symptoms (deletion carriers) and additional genetic mutations contributed to decreased cognitive abilities (deletion and duplication carriers). A potential protective factor was also observed for females with 16p11.2 variations. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1300–1310. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Timing of descriptions shapes experience‐based risky choice
Authors: Weiss‐Cohen Leonardo , Konstantinidis Emmanouil , Harvey Nigel
Published: June 2020

Risky decisions based on the combination of different sources of information (e.g., decisions from description‐plus‐experience) have mostly been ignored, as research has focused on examining each source separately. Across three experiments, we explore the intricate relationship between experience and description by manipulating when descriptive information about risky options is made available during an experience‐based task. The results show that the amount of prior experience moderates the way that descriptive information is considered and integrated in the decision‐making process: Descriptions affected behavior more when participants had little experience with the task, whereas their effect was less pronounced with extended experience. This relationship reversed when participants had access to foregone payoffs, with descriptions being considered more when participants had more time to interact with the task. Potential mechanisms and theoretical accounts are discussed with an emphasis on how the results and conclusions of the present work can be applied to the effective design of warning labels.
Component network meta‐analysis compared to a matching method in a disconnected network: A case study
Authors: Rücker Gerta , Schmitz Susanne , Schwarzer Guido
Published: June 2020

Network meta‐analysis is a method to combine evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compare a number of different interventions for a given clinical condition. Usually, this requires a connected network. A possible approach to link a disconnected network is to add evidence from nonrandomized comparisons, using propensity score or matching‐adjusted indirect comparisons methods. However, nonrandomized comparisons may be associated with an unclear risk of bias. Schmitz et al. used single‐arm observational studies for bridging the gap between two disconnected networks of treatments for multiple myeloma. We present a reanalysis of these data using component network meta‐analysis (CNMA) models entirely based on RCTs, utilizing the fact that many of the treatments consisted of common treatment components occurring in both networks. We discuss forward and backward strategies for selecting appropriate CNMA models and compare the results to those obtained by Schmitz et al. using their matching method. CNMA models provided a good fit to the data and led to treatment rankings that were similar, though not fully equal to that obtained by Schmitz et al. We conclude that researchers encountering a disconnected network with treatments in different subnets having common components should consider a CNMA model. Such models, exclusively based on evidence from RCTs, are a promising alternative to matching approaches that require additional evidence from observational studies. CNMA models are implemented in the R package netmeta.
A reporter gene assay for measuring the bioactivity of anti‐LAG‐3 therapeutic antibodies
Authors: Wang Lan , Yu Chuanfei , Wang Kaiqin , Wang Junzhi
Published: June 2020

Although enormous success has been achieved with anti‐PD‐1/PD‐L1 and anti‐CTLA‐4 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), their unsatisfactory response rate in cancer patients has been driving the research and development of novel immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Anti‐LAG‐3 mAbs, as one of the most promising candidates, are now being tested for various human cancers at different stages of clinical trials. Here, we describe the development and validation of a reporter gene assay (RGA) to measure the bioactivity of anti‐LAG‐3 mAbs. We established the bioassay based on parental Raji cells and a Jurkat cell line stably transfected with human LAG‐3 gene and luciferase reporter elements controlled by nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) from the IL‐2 promoter. After optimization of key parameters, the established RGA showed excellent precision, specificity, accuracy, and stability. The mechanism of action (MOA) relatedness and the excellent assay performance make the RGA suitable for the characterization, lot release, and stability test of anti‐LAG‐3 mAbs.
Fast Feet Forward: Sports training and running practice to reduce stress and increase positive cognitions in unaccompanied asylum‐seeking minors
Authors: Draper Ana , Marcellino Elisa , Ogbonnaya Comfort
Published: June 2020

Unaccompanied asylum‐seeking children (UASC) are a vulnerable group who are exposed to multiple traumatic events such as persecution, sexual maltreatment, imprisonment, torture, and losses in their home country (Bean, Derluyn, Eurelings‐Bontekoe, Broekaert, & Spinhoven, 2007; Wiese and Burhorst, 2007). They are also subjected to continuous transitions throughout their migration trajectory (Bhugra, 2004). Although many studies have investigated the efficacy of bilateral movement in treatment of one single traumatic event (e.g. Fernandez, 2007), there is limited literature around bilateral movements interventions being used with perpetuated and multiple traumas within this cohort. This paper looks at the evidence for early intervention trauma work based on EMDR principles, the benefits of using running as a form of bilateral movement and the findings of a UASC sport trauma group with children in Kent, UK. It also gives recommendations for future research into early intervention trauma work with unaccompanied asylum‐seeking children. The data showed a significant rise in the Validity of Cognition scores with a reduction in Subjective Units of Disturbance scores of those participating in the programme. This highlights the validity of this protocol and shows promising results for future enquiry.
Environmental Performance of Pseudomonas putida with a Uracylated Genome
Authors: Algar Elena , Al‐Ramahi Yamal , de Lorenzo Víctor , Martínez‐García Esteban
Published: June 2020

A variant of the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida with a genome containing a ∼20 % replacement of the whole of thymine (T) by uracil (U) was made by deleting genes ung (uracil DNA glycosylase) and dut (deoxyuridine 5′‐triphosphate nucleotide hydrolase). Proteomic comparisons revealed that, of 281 up‐regulated and 96 down‐regulated proteins in the Δung Δdut cells, as compared to the wild‐type, many were involved in nucleotide metabolism. Unexpectedly, genome uracylation did not greatly change the gross environmental endurance profile of P. putida, increased spontaneous mutagenesis by only twofold and supported expression of heterologous proteins well. As U‐enriched DNA is potentially degraded by the base excision repair of recipients encoding a uracil DNA glycosylase, we then tested the spread potential of genetic material originating in the Δung Δdut cells either within the same species or in a commonly used Escherichia coli strain. Transformation and conjugation experiments revealed that horizontal gene transfer of U‐containing plasmids fared worse than those made of standard DNA by two orders of magnitude. Although this figure does not guarantee the certainty of containment, it suggests a general strategy for curbing the dispersal of recombinant genetic constructs.
Structure‐Based Design of Fluorogenic Substrates Selective for Human Proteasome Subunits
Authors: Maurits Elmer , Degeling Christian G. , Kisselev Alexei F. , Florea Bogdan I. , Overkleeft Herman S.
Published: June 2020

Proteasomes are established therapeutic targets for hematological cancers and promising targets for autoimmune diseases. In the past, we have designed and synthesized mechanism‐based proteasome inhibitors that are selective for the individual catalytic activities of human constitutive proteasomes and immunoproteasomes: β1c, β1i, β2c, β2i, β5c and β5i. We show here that by taking the oligopeptide recognition element and substituting the electrophile for a fluorogenic leaving group, fluorogenic substrates are obtained that report on the proteasome catalytic activity also targeted by the parent inhibitor. Though not generally applicable (β5c and β2i substrates showing low activity), effective fluorogenic substrates reporting on the individual activity of β1c, β1i, β2c and β5i subunits in Raji (human B cell) lysates and purified 20S proteasome were identified in this manner. Our work thus adds to the expanding proteasome research toolbox through the identification of new and/or more effective subunit‐selective fluorogenic substrates.
Spontaneous eruption of maxillary third molars in the adult patient undergoing orthodontic treatment after first molar extractions
Authors: Jackson Kelly , Ong Desmond , Freer Elissa
Published: June 2020

Class II division 1 malocclusions are common, and first permanent molars are frequently compromised teeth. Removal of compromised maxillary first permanent molars with planned orthodontic treatment can result in favorable treatment outcomes.