bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Over standbeelden, totempalen en de herinnering aan de slavernij
Authors: Balkenhol Markus
Published: July 2019

On statues, totem poles, and the memory of slavery in the Netherlands

Reflection and debate initiates academically inspired discussions on issues that are on the current policy agenda.
De roltrap naar het ondergrondse
Authors: van den Berg Melle
Published: July 2019

The escalator to the underground

In this feature authors review recently published books on subjects of interest to readers of Beleid en Maatschappij.
Evidencebased werken in het sociaal domein
Authors: Fenger Menno
Published: July 2019

Working evidence-based in the Social Domain.

In this feature authors review recently published books on subjects of interest to readers of Beleid en Maatschappij.
Safety of mass sports events
Authors: Socha Robert , Wiśniewski Bernadrd
Published: July 2019

Full assurance of safety during mass events is a complex process, subject to provisions of generally applicable law. These provisions regulate in detail all basic obligations and requirements provided for this particular kind of events. However, in the course of time some of the regulations provided for in the Polish legal system gave rise to doubts about their specificity. In this paper the authors discuss and clarify the areas which are necessary to ensure the highest level of safety of sports events i.e. the circulation of information during the preparation, organization and execution phase of the event, organization of evacuation as well as cooperation of organizers with entities designated for protection. The study is of utilitarian character and it encourages extensive discussion related to the field of provision of safety during sports events.
Metadiscourse in Academic English Texts: A Corpus-driven probe into British Academic Written English Corpus
Authors: Farahani Mehrdad
Published: July 2019

This paper reports on a research performed in the field of corpus linguistics on metadiscourse features in the British Academic Written English Corpus. For this purpose, the British Academic Written English Corpus, which is freely available and contains 6,968,089 words, was selected as the data resource of the study. The taxonomy of metadiscourse features compiled by Hyland was used as the theoretical framework and the R program was used as the statistical software. The whole corpus was analyzed. As the data can show, the interactive metadiscourse features were more prevalent than the interactional metadiscourse features. In the interactive category, transitions and endophoric markers were used more than other ones; whereas, in the interactional category, hedges and boosters were the predominant metadiscourse features. The prevalence nature of interactive metadiscourse features can add support to the idea that writers were more interested in organizing discourse rather than conducting interaction. The findings of this research can have useful implications for researchers in such fields as contrastive analysis, text linguistics and corpus-based studies.
A Place for Kant's Schematism in Glauben und Wissen
Authors: Svoboda Toby J. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: July 2019

In Glauben und Wissen, Hegel criticizes Kant for drawing a deep division between sensibility and understanding. Hegel suggests that Kant’s faculty of productive imagination is a step toward uniting intuition and concept in an original unity out of which the two arise, but this requires him to treat the productive imagination in ways Kant would not approve. I argue that Kant’s doctrine of the schematism offers an advance on the productive imagination when it comes to solving the intuition/concept dualism Hegel critiques, although there remain serious problems with which Hegel would take issue. Although the schematism might answer some of the criticisms Hegel aims at the intuition/concept dualism, it does not solve the related problem Hegel finds in Kant, namely the dualism of cognition and thing-in-itself.
Formación y orientación para el emprendimiento. lo que dicen la bibliometría y los emprendedores noveles
Authors: Moreno-Murcia Juan Antonio , Huéscar Hernández Elisa , Pintado Verdú Román , Marzo Campos Juan Carlos
Published: July 2019

RESUMENEn la actualidad, es una necesidad implementar nuevos modelos para el desarrollo de las competencias docentes así como la consecución de una trasferencia al ámbito profesional futuro del discente. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron dos, en primer lugar, crear y validar la Escala de Apoyo a la Autonomía (EAA) para educación superior. En segundo lugar, se planteó comprobar la relación entre el apoyo a la autonomía del docente y la competencia laboral del discente. Para ello se utilizó una muestra de 233 estudiantes universitarios de nacionalidad española, de tres universidades españolas y con una media de edad de 23 años (DT = 3.1) a los que se le midieron la percepción de apoyo a la autonomía por parte del docente y la competencia laboral. Los resultados del análisis factorial confirmatorio, análisis de consistencia interna y estabilidad temporal fueron adecuados. Además, se observó una correlación positiva y significativa entre el apoyo a la autonomía y la competencia laboral. Como conclusión, este estudio ha permitido proporcionar una escala válida y fiable de 12 ítems y con un único factor que integra las aportaciones teóricas señaladas por Reeve (2009, 2016) y puede ser utilizada para medir el estilointerpersonal que perciben los estudiantes del docente en educación superior. Además, los resultados animan a utilizar y poner a prueba metodologías activas por parte del docente en pro de sus implicaciones competenciales para el futuro laboral del alumnado.ABSTRACTCurrently, it is necessary to implement new models for the development of teaching competencies as well as the achievement of a transfer to the future professional field of the student. The objectives of this study were two, in the first place, to create and validate the Autonomy Support Scale (EAA) for Higher Education. Secondly, it was proposed to verify the relation between the support to the autonomy of the teacher and the labor competence of the student. A sample of 233 Spanish university students from three Spanish universities with a mean age of 23 years (DT = 3.1) were used to measure the perception of support for autonomy by the teacher and the labor competence. The results of confirmatory factor analysis, analysis of internal consistency and temporal stability were adequate. In addition, there was a positive and significant correlation between support for autonomy and labor competency. As a conclusion, this study has allowed us to provide a valid and reliable 12-item scale with a single factor that integrates the theoretical contributions pointed out by Reeve (2009, 2016) and can be used to measure the interpersonal style perceived by teachers in Higher Education. In addition, the results encourage the use and testing of active methodologies by the teacher in favor of their implications for the labor future of students.
Loan Growth, Bank Solvency and Firm Value: A Comparative Study of Nigerian and Malaysian Commercial Banks
Authors: Ebenezer Olalere Oluwaseyi , Islam Md. Aminul , Junoh Mohd Zukime Mat , Yusoff Wan Sallha
Published: July 2019

The study explore the issues relating to credit growth, non-performing credit and bank solvency in the banking industry, recognizing that existing studies are largely sketchy in emerging and developing markets. Panel data estimation technique is employed in the study based on data extracted from 26 commercial banks in Nigeria and Malaysia over the period 2009 to 2017 making up to 234 observations. The results reveal that the NPLs for all banks is only explained by loan growth and inflation, NPLs for Nigerian banks is only explained by loan growth, leverage, efficiency, size and inflations while NPLs for Malaysian banks is only explained by leverage, efficiency, size, GDP and inflation. The bank solvency for all banks is only explained by NPLs, loan growth and leverage. The solvency for Nigerian banks is explained by NPLs, leverage and GDP while loan growth, size and inflation explained bank solvency for Malaysian banks. Firm value for all banks is explained by solvency, NPLs, leverage, efficiency, size and GDP, the value of firm for Nigerian banks is only explained by solvency, loan growth, leverage, efficiency and size. The firm value for Malaysian banks is only explained by solvency, loan growth, leverage, efficiency, size, GDP and inflation. It is observed that bank solvency play an important role in the firm value of commercial banks in the period of study. Hence, this paper contributes to the understanding of the dynamic role of abnormal loan growth and how it can enhance the volume of non-performing credit and suggest that further study can explore the interaction between abnormal loan growth and non-performing loans.
Synthesis and DFT characterisation of 2-arylamino-1,4-benzoquinone derivatives as potential electron transfer mediators
Authors: Voitechovič Edita , Jančienė Regina , Mikulskienė Gema , Vektarienė Aušra , Vektaris Gytis , Razumienė Julija
Published: June 2019

A series of new potential electron transfer mediators, 2-substituted 1,4-benzoquinone derivatives bearing an arylamino group with various substituents in o-, m- and p-positions of an aromatic ring were synthesised by adding a solution of aniline derivatives in aqueous acetic acid to an aqueous solution of 1,4-benzoquinone. The structure and properties of synthesised compounds were investigated by NMR spectroscopy methods in detail. The redox ability of 2-arylamino-1,4-benzoquinone derivatives has been estimated by calculations of quantum chemical structure– activity relationship (QSAR) descriptors within the framework of density functional theory.
Conjecturas entre indivíduo empreendedor e capital psicológico
Authors: De Lima Luciano Gonçalves , Jorge Nassif Vânia Maria
Published: June 2019

As características consideradas para o comportamento empreendedor e as capacidades psicológicas que formam o capital psicológico se imbricam em referências positivas. A área do empreendedorismo traz algumas controvérsias quando busca identificar características do indivíduo empreendedor, discriminando empreendedores de não empreendedores, por meio de atitudes empreendedoras, ações, comportamentos e também algumas competências distintivas, visto que para ser caracterizado como empreendedor é preciso ter algumas qualificações que o diferencie de outros profissionais. A psicologia positiva pode contribuir ao apresentar as capacidades positivas instituídas pelo capital psicológico positivo ou simplesmente pelo capital psicológico (PsyCap), que produz um estado de acréscimo psicológico positivo em que a pessoa predispõe-se a apresentar uma elevada confiança para despender o esforço necessário para ser bem sucedida em tarefas desafiantes, fazer atribuições positivas acerca dos acontecimentos que vão suceder no presente e no futuro, manifestar perseverança em relação aos objetivos definidos, e, quando necessário, mostrar-se capaz de redirecionar os meios para atingir os fins, além de revelar capacidade para recuperar de adversidades. Este artigo tem como objetivo trazer reflexões de possíveis convergências entre as características do individuo empreendedor e o construto do capital psicológico. Dessa forma, apresentamos alguns pontos fundamentais da literatura sobre individuo empreendedor e capital psicológico com o intuito de evidenciar especificidades dessas duas áreas. Ao final são exibidas que as capacidades psicológicas que formam o constructo do capital psicológico, autoeficácia, esperança, otimismo e resiliência apresentam pontos de aproximação com várias características que elegem um indivíduo como empreendedor, e aponta necessidades de estudos empíricos.
A agenda ambiental na administração pública (A3P) versus políticas socioambientais no Brasil: caracterização e desafios
Authors: Almeida Jailson de Arruda , Brandão Suiane Valença , Pedrosa Fábio José de Araújo
Published: June 2019

Em meio à profunda e complexa crise socioambiental que afeta os mais diversos aspectos da vida humana, emerge a necessidade de revisão dos atuais padrões de produção e consumo da sociedade. No âmbito da Administração Pública, a Agenda Ambiental na Administração Pública (A3P) surgiu como uma das principais estratégias do Governo Federal Brasileiro para inserção de critérios de sustentabilidade em suas atividades. Nesta perspectiva, este ensaio teórico tem como objetivo analisar o programa A3P sob a ótica das políticas públicas socioambientais no âmbito Federal Brasileiro. As bases teóricas do manuscrito foram construídas a partir de pesquisas do tipo bibliográfica e documental e os resultados mais relevantes do estudo indicaram que o programa A3P constitui uma importante ferramenta estratégica para a efetivação de políticas públicas socioambientais, embora sejam muitos os desafios para a ampliação de sua usabilidade, a exemplo dos desalinhamentos dos modelos de gestão existes no Brasil.
Un instrument pour apprendre autrement : témoignages d’élèves « raccrochés » et « accrochés » par une option cinéma
Authors: Numa-Bocage Line , Weil Sandrine
Published: July 2019

Cet article examine le décrochage du lycée en France selon une perspective psychopédagogique s’appuyant sur la parole de l’élève. À partir d’une réflexion sur les instruments dans l’éducation et l’utilisation du cinéma dans la prévention du décrochage au lycée, nous analysons en quoi les conditions d’organisation d’une option cinéma constituent un élément pour le raccrochage. Nous proposons une méthodologie croisée pour l’analyse de contenu d’interviews d’élèves permettant de proposer un renversement du paradigme de la prévention du décrochage, et où la parole de l’élève aurait toute sa place pour favoriser l’accrochage scolaire. Les enregistrements vidéographiques d’interviews de 20 élèves de seconde (première année de lycée) et de première (seconde année de lycée) (potentiels décrocheurs ou non), réalisés par eux-mêmes, constituent notre corpus. Les lycéens manifestent tous le besoin d’un enseignement libre et différent de l’enseignement traditionnel, au-delà de l’intérêt instrumental de l’option cinéma. Une distinction entre les élèves de seconde et ceux de première apparaît. La qualité de la relation professeur-élèves est un élément déterminant pour l’accrochage, le raccrochage et la persévérance scolaires, mais nécessite que l’enseignant soit formé à l’écoute des élèves et apte à percevoir celui-ci, surtout dans une perspective d’école et de société inclusives.
Interfaces gestuelles
Authors: Kosyk Katrina Casey , Paré-Beauchemin Sophie , Fournier Robert
Published: July 2019

Des aspects éphémères, tels que le geste et le son, sont généralement négligés dans l’examen des objets matériels archéologiques, en particulier les aérophones. Malgré de vastes collections d’instruments sonores récupérés dans la région archéologique de la Grande Nicoya associée à la période Tempisque (de l’an 500 avant J.-C. à l’an 300 après J.-C.), nous savons peu de choses sur la façon dont les communautés produisaient et expérimentaient le son. Ma recherche comprend une analyse détaillée de la fabrication et de l’utilisation possible d’instruments sonores et met en évidence une gamme d’interfaces gestuelles (ergonomiques, interprétatives et sensorielles). Elle cherche à contribuer à notre compréhension de traditions de longue date en matière de performance et à explorer les interactions potentielles entre les humains et les objets au sein des communautés anciennes de la Grande Nicoya.
Dynamiques foncières, ethnocratie et défi de l’intégration ethnoculturelle au Cameroun
Authors: Balla Ndegue Séraphin Guy
Published: July 2019

Cet article traite, en contexte camerounais, de la marchandisation et des expropriations foncières qui paupérisent les populations autochtones et génèrent des conflits. Ce capitalisme agraire, facilité par la gabegie administrative et judiciaire, profite à la minorité riche constituée des cadres de diverses institutions étatiques et privées et des gens d’affaires. Ces personnes acquièrent généralement les terres en violant les dispositions légales en la matière. Mais il y a aussi des acquéreurs de bonne foi dont les titres de propriété sont contestés par des familles qui ne se reconnaissent plus dans les conditions de vente préalablement consenties pour une diversité de raisons. Cette situation est aujourd’hui l’une des principales sources de confrontations intrafamiliales et entre « les gens d’ici, les autochtones » et les acquéreurs, parfois qualifiés « d’étrangers » et « d’envahisseurs ». Les enjeux fonciers donnent lieu à de la xénophobie et à des replis ethnorégionaux avec comme argument les questions d’autochtonie et de minorité. Les grandes villes, à l’instar de Yaoundé, sont très représentatives de ces problèmes qui sont également liés à la répartition inégale des richesses et à la polarisation ethnique dans la gouvernance étatique.
Les conseils communautaires de développement (COCODE)
Authors: Simon Saskia
Published: July 2019

Les Accords de paix de 1996 et la structure institutionnelle décentralisée promue par le paradigme néolibéral dans lequel ils s’inscrivent ont suscité beaucoup d’espoir au sein de la société civile guatémaltèque et internationale. Toutefois, à partir de l’examen du fonctionnement du COCODE (Conseil communautaire de développement) dans une communauté rurale du nord-est du Guatemala, je voudrais ici démontrer l’échec que constitue en certains lieux l’application indifférenciée du principe de décentralisation. Échouant à prendre en compte les trajectoires politiques des acteurs destinés à prendre en charge les institutions décentralisées, de même que l’héritage profond de la guerre et de la culture clandestine et d’impunité qui s’est modelée au cours des années de régimes militaires, la mise en pratique de ce principe dans cette région nord-orientale est passée à côté de son objectif annoncé. En m’appuyant sur une enquête ethnographique menée entre 2011 et 2013, je montrerai ainsi en quoi la décentralisation constitue une « démocratisation inachevée ».
Metric and non-metric guides for the determination between fore- and hindlimb phalanges of Rangifer tarandus
Authors: Hull Emily H
Published: July 2019

Phalanges are a great untapped resource in the zooarchaeology of Rangifer tarandus. The utilization of this resource, however, is constrained by a current inability to consistently differentiate fore- from hindlimb phalanges in a mixed assemblage. The ability to separate and identify forelimb and hindlimb phalanx 1 (PI) and phalanx 2 (PII), as well as to recognize and identify other small bones of the hoof, leads to great opportunities for archaeologists. In large scale-analysis, this capacity allows a greater ability to determine minimum number of individuals and assess butchery and transport practices. In the examination of individual life histories of Rangifer tarandus, these designations allow a more precise study of pathology and entheseal change, which can shed light on adaptation, foraging strategy, and human-animal interactions. This study presents qualitative and quantitative methods for the differentiation of PI and PII of the fore- and hindlimbs and describes other bones of the hoof. Metric techniques were developed to differentiate fore- from hindlimb phalanges using non-invasive, non-destructive, and simple methods. The efficacy and accuracy of these methods were assessed using blind testing by students and staff. The average success rates of metric analysis yielded 87% accuracy for determinations of fore- versus hindlimb PI and 92% accuracy for determination of fore- versus hindlimb PII. These results show that this method could benefit researchers working with Rangifer tarandus remains.
Modeling the impacts of agricultural best management practices on runoff, sediment, and crop yield in an agriculture-pasture intensive watershed
Authors: Rasoulzadeh Gharibdousti Solmaz , Kharel Gehendra , Stoecker Arthur
Published: July 2019

Best management practices (BMPs) are commonly used to reduce sediment loadings. In this study, we modeled the Fort Cobb Reservoir watershed located in southwestern Oklahoma, USA using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and evaluated the impacts of five agricultural BMP scenarios on surface runoff, sediment yield, and crop yield. The hydrological model, with 43 sub-basins and 15,217 hydrological response units, was calibrated (1991–2000) and validated (2001–2010) against the monthly observations of streamflow, sediment grab samples, and crop-yields. The coefficient of determination (R2), Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NS) and percentage bias (PB) were used to determine model performance with satisfactory values ofR2(0.64 and 0.79) and NS (0.61 and 0.62) in the calibration and validation period respectively for streamflow. We found that contouring practice reduced surface runoff by more than 18% in both conservation tillage and no-till practices for all crops used in this modeling study. In addition, contour farming with either conservation tillage or no-till practice reduced sediment yield by almost half. Compared to the conservation tillage practice, no-till practice decreased sediment yield by 25.3% and 9.0% for cotton and grain sorghum, respectively. Using wheat as cover crop for grain sorghum generated the lowest runoff followed by its rotation with canola and cotton regardless of contouring. Converting all the crops in the watershed into Bermuda grass resulted in significant reduction in sediment yield (72.5–96.3%) and surface runoff (6.8–38.5%). The model can be used to provide useful information for stakeholders to prioritize ecologically sound and feasible BMPs at fields that are capable of reducing sediment yield while increasing crop yield.
Mathematical Model of the Transmission Dynamics of Lassa Fever with Separation of Infected Individual and Treatment as Control Measures
Authors: Nwasuka S. C. , Nwachukwu I. J. , Nwachukwu P. C.
Published: July 2019

A non–linear deterministic mathematical model is formulated and analysed to study the controllability of lassa fever incorporating separation of infected individuals and treatment measures. The model assumes that humans susceptible acquired the Infection via interaction with the infected rodent populations at a constant rate and also the model assumes that treatment is only given to separated human population. The existence, uniqueness and positivity of the model’s solution have been carried out and the results shows that the solution exist and is unique. Again, the disease – free equilibrium state was obtained and analysed. We obtained an important threshold parameter called the effective reproduction number  using the next generation method. If Reff < 1 the disease-free equilibrium exists and is locally and globally asymptotically stable, implying  that Lassa fever can be controlled and eradicated within the population in a finite time and if the  , the disease invade and become endemic in the population.
Gênese, frequência e intensidade das precipitações de granizo nas Mesorregiões Centro Oriental e Sudeste Paranaense, Brasil
Authors: Caldana Nathan Felipe da Silva , Martelócio Alan Carlos
Published: July 2019

A precipitação de granizo, um evento extremo caracterizado por precipitação de água em estado sólido, tem alta capacidade destrutiva nos meios rural e urbano, gerando transtornos e prejuízos frequentes. A Mesorregião Centro Oriental Paranaense (MRCOP) e a Mesorregião Sudeste Paranaense (MRSEP) possuem uma grande área de produção agrícola e aproximadamente 900 mil habitantes, que podem estar vulneráveis a eventos meteorológicos extremos, sendo necessários estudos que auxiliem o planejamento e as tomadas de decisão neste recorte específico. Desta forma, este trabalho teve por objetivo identificar a gênese, a frequência e a intensidade das precipitações de granizo nas Mesorregiões Centro Oriental e Sudeste Paranaense, fornecendo suporte para o planejamento e a adoção de preventivas de combate ao impacto desse fenômeno. Foram utilizadas três fontes distintas de dados: estações agrometeorológicas, imagens de satélite e relatórios de ocorrências, danos e situações de emergência da Defesa Civil. Foram identificados 37 decretos de situação de emergência vinculados a granizo e 372 mil pessoas afetadas nas mesoregiões, em 19 anos de análise. Os sistemas convectivos e as frentes frias foram identificados como os principais sistemas meteorológicos atuantes na formação de granizo nestas mesoregiões. Com ausência de planejamento para redução da vulnerabilidade, a exposição aos eventos extremos meteorológicos permanece frequente.

Abstract

GENESIS, FREQUENCY AND INTENSITY OF HAIL PRECIPITATION IN THE CENTRAL-WESTERN AND SOUTHEAST OF THE PARANÁ STATE, BRAZIL

Hail precipitation, an extreme event characterized by solid state water precipitation, has high destructive capacity in rural and urban environments, generating frequent disturbances and losses. The Central-Western Paraná state Meso-region (MRCOP) and The Southeast Paraná state Meso-region (MRSEP) in southern Brazil has a large agricultural production area and approximately 900 thousand inhabitants, which may be vulnerable to extreme weather events, and studies are needed to assist in decision making in these regions. This work aimed to identify the genesis, frequency and intensity of hail precipitation in The Central-Western Paraná state Meso-region (MRCOP) and The Southeast Paraná state Meso-region (MRSEP), providing support for the planning and adoption of preventive measures to combat the impact of this phenomenon. Three different sources of data were used: agrometeorological stations, satellite images and reports of occurrences, damages and emergency situations issued by the Civil Defense. Thirty-seven emergency decrees related to hail and 372 thousand people affected in the regions were identified in 19 years of analysis. The convective systems and the cold fronts were identified as the main meteorological systems working in the genesis of hail in these regions. In the absence of planning for vulnerability reduction, exposure to extreme weather events remains frequent.
Prediction of clinical effects of infliximab administered for inflammatory bowel disease based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic modeling
Authors: Kimura Koji , Yoshida Atsushi , Katagiri Fumihiko , Takayanagi Risa , Yamada Yasuhiko
Published: June 2019

Infliximab (IFX) is used as a therapeutic agent for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Although the dosage regimen has been established through clinical trial experience, it has yet to be assessed with a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic model. The present study analysed sequential changes of clinical response in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease following repeated administrations of infliximab using the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model. In addition, the dosage regimen presently used for patients with ulcerative colitis was evaluated, as well as the potential efficacy gained by increasing the dose and/or reducing the interval of administration for patients with Crohn's disease. Furthermore, the possibility of evaluating the difference between both diseases with regard to the efficacy of infliximab was investigated. Sequential changes in the clinical response values obtained with our model were in good agreement with the observed values following administration of infliximab in patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The results showed the importance of a loading dose for patients with ulcerative colitis, as well as the efficacy of increasing the dose and reducing the interval for patients with Crohn's disease. Also, the efficacy of infliximab for both diseases is suggested to be similar. In conclusion, our results show a possible modeling scenario that can accommodate the clinical response to infliximab administered for ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Furthermore, it provides confirmation for the present dosage regimens given for these diseases.
LC–MS/MS method with chemical derivatization for quantitation of L‐threonate in human plasma
Authors: Zhang Qibo , Adam Klaus‐Peter
Published: June 2019

An LC–MS/MS‐based bioanalytical method has been developed to measure the concentration of L‐threonate at its endogenous level in human plasma. Following isotope dilution and protein precipitation, the samples were acetylated and chromatographed under reversed‐phase conditions for baseline separation of the derivatized L‐threonate and its stereoisomer D‐erythronate. The method was assessed by a fit‐for‐purpose validation with a calibration range from 100 to 10,000 ng/mL. The intra‐run coefficients of variation (CVs) were <3.6% and the inter‐run CV was 3.2% for the QC samples at endogenous level. At the lower limit of quantitation, the intra‐run CV was 6.1% and the average inaccuracy was −1.4%. This method provides an efficient and reliable quantitation of L‐threonate and could be useful to certain biomarker investigators.
Using the UPLC–ESI–Q‐TOF–MSE method and intestinal bacteria for metabolite identification in the nonpolysaccharide fraction from Bletilla striata
Authors: Yang Chang , Xia Tao , Wang Changquan , Sun Huiyuan , Li Yongjun , Gong Zipeng , Li Yueting , Zheng Lin , Huang Yong
Published: June 2019

Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb. f. (Orchidaceae), also known as Bai‐ji, is a traditional Chinese herb that is widely used in Asia to treat hematemesis, hemoptysis, traumatic bleeding and other similar disorders. Most studies have focused on the pharmacological activities of polysaccharide extracts from B. striata. Our previous studies found that the nonpolysaccharide fraction from B. striata extract also has a hemostatic effect; however, the active constituents responsible for this pharmacological action are unclear. Thus, the metabolic profiles of the nonpolysaccharide fraction were investigated in Sprague–Dawley rats and intestinal bacteria models using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry. Mass data were acquired by the MSE method. Eight components including five prototypes and three metabolites were identified in rat biofluids after oral administration of the nonpolysaccharide fraction. The parent compounds underwent various metabolic processes, including hydrolysis, deglucosylation, glycosylation and sulfate conjugation. The results not only reveal the possible metabolic pathway, but also indicate the potential pharmacological components. Further mechanistic studies using nonpolysaccharide compounds of the B. striata extract are required to obtain potential candidate compounds.
A novel preventive mechanism of gentamicin‐induced nephrotoxicity by atorvastatin
Authors: Lee Mei‐Chun , Cheng Kuei‐Ju , Chen Shih‐Ming , Li Yi‐Chieh , Imai Kazuhiro , Lee Chun‐Ming , Lee Jen‐Ai
Published: June 2019

Atorvastatin (ATO) inhibits the synthesis of nonsteroidal isoprenoid compounds and possesses a pleiotropic effect. However, the detailed mechanism of ATO in preventing gentamicin (GM)‐induced renal injury remains obscure. Although underlying multifaceted mechanisms involving GM‐induced nephrotoxicity were well known, further work on elucidating the essential mechanism was needed. Using a fluorogenic derivatization–liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry proteomic method (FD‐LC–MS/MS method), we investigated the effects and mechanisms of ATO treatment on GM‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Consequently, 49 differentially expressed proteins were identified. The most significant mechanisms of nephrotoxicity caused by GM were mitochondrial dysfunction, fatty acid metabolism and oxidative stress. Their upstream regulator was found to be PPARα. The proteins involved in GM nephrotoxicity were sodium–hydrogen exchanger regulatory factor (SLC9A3R1), cathepsin V (CTSV), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and RhoGDP dissociation inhibitor alpha (ARHGDIA). After ATO intervention, we observed a reversed enrichment pattern of their expression, especially in CTSV and SLC9A3R1 (P‐value<0.05). We predicted that ATO may improve abnormal phospholipid metabolism and phospholipidosis caused by GM and also alleviate cell volume homeostasis and reverse the interference of GM with the transporter. Furthermore, proteomic results also provided clues as to GM‐induced nephrotoxicity biomarkers such as CTSV and transthyretin.
Bioanalytical challenges and strategies for accurately measuring acyl glucuronide metabolites in biological fluids
Authors: Patel Shefali R.
Published: June 2019

Bioanalysis of unstable compounds such as acyl glucuronide metabolites represents a great analytical challenge owing to poor analyte stability in biological matrices. The primary goal for bioanalytical assay development is to minimize the breakdown of acyl glucuronide metabolite into its parent aglycone during sample collection, transportation, storage and analysis. Samples need to be stabilized ex vivo immediately after sample collection to minimize potential breakdown and thus to ensure accurate concentration measurement of both acyl glucuronide metabolite and its parent aglycone. In this review paper, formation of acyl glucuronide metabolites, the importance of establishing acyl glucuronide exposure measurement and safety coverage, optimization of sample pretreatment to stabilize the acyl glucuronide metabolites, current analytical strategy of assaying them as well as considerations for regulatory filings are discussed. It is important to identify acyl glucuronide metabolites that are capable of undergoing hydrolysis and pH‐dependent intra‐molecular migration as well as covalently binding to plasma and tissue proteins which can cause toxicity in vivo in the early stages of drug development. Carefully planning analytical experiments, identifying structures of acyl glucuronides and monitoring their concentrations in early drug development can help assess the risks associated with their exposures and potentially predict their concentrations in human circulation.
Patient‐reported sexual quality of life after different types of radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy: Analysis of a population‐based prospective cohort
Authors: Mullins Brandon T. , Basak Ramsankar , Broughman James R. , Chen Ronald C.
Published: June 2019

Background

Although patients with prostate cancer face many treatment options, to the authors' knowledge the comparative effects of different surgical and radiotherapy (RT) options on sexual function are unclear.

Methods

In the current study, a population‐based cohort of 835 men with newly diagnosed prostate cancer from 2011 through 2013 was recruited throughout North Carolina in collaboration with the Rapid Case Ascertainment system of the North Carolina Central Cancer Registry. All men were enrolled prior to treatment and followed prospectively using the validated Prostate Cancer Symptom Indices (PCSI) instrument. This analysis compares the sexual dysfunction scores of the PCSI among patients who received external‐beam RT (EBRT), EBRT with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), brachytherapy, nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy (RP), and non–nerve‐sparing RP. Propensity scores were used to balance patient characteristics across groups, and multiple imputation was used for missing data.

Results

EBRT and brachytherapy resulted in similar PCSI scores through 24 months. Compared with those receiving EBRT, patients treated with EBRT with ADT and RP with or without nerve sparing were found to have worse PCSI scores at all posttreatment time points. Preservation of useful sexual function at 24 months was associated with treatment type, baseline score, and age. Predicted preservation rates were 14.1% to 70.7% for EBRT, 8.4% to 52.3% for EBRT with ADT, 4.7% to 45.3% for nerve‐sparing RP, and 4.8% to 34.5% for non–nerve‐sparing RP.

Conclusions

The findings of the current study indicate that RT alone results in the best preservation of sexual function, and brachytherapy provides similar outcomes. RT with ADT and nerve‐sparing RP yielded similar outcomes, whereas patients treated with non–nerve‐sparing RP experienced the worst sexual function. These results help patients to make decisions among the specific types of surgery and RT they face based on each individual's diagnosis.
A computational model of open‐irrigated radiofrequency catheter ablation accounting for mechanical properties of the cardiac tissue
Authors: Petras Argyrios , Leoni Massimiliano , Guerra Jose M. , Jansson Johan , Gerardo‐Giorda Luca
Published: June 2019

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is an effective treatment for cardiac arrhythmias. Although generally safe, it is not completely exempt from the risk of complications. The great flexibility of computational models can be a major asset in optimizing interventional strategies if they can produce sufficiently precise estimations of the generated lesion for a given ablation protocol. This requires an accurate description of the catheter tip and the cardiac tissue. In particular, the deformation of the tissue under the catheter pressure during the ablation is an important aspect that is overlooked in the existing literature, which resorts to a sharp insertion of the catheter into an undeformed geometry. As the lesion size depends on the power dissipated in the tissue and the latter depends on the percentage of the electrode surface in contact with the tissue itself, the sharp insertion geometry has the tendency to overestimate the lesion obtained, which is a consequence of the tissue temperature rise overestimation. In this paper, we introduce a full 3D computational model that takes into account the tissue elasticity and is able to capture tissue deformation and realistic power dissipation in the tissue. Numerical results in FEniCS‐HPC are provided to validate the model against experimental data and to compare the lesions obtained with the new model and with the classical ones featuring a sharp electrode insertion in the tissue.
Inorganic CsPbI3 Perovskites toward High‐Efficiency Photovoltaics
Authors: Shi Jielin , Wang Yong , Zhao Yixin
Published: June 2019

The organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have demonstrated their unprecedented high efficiency and potential for commercialization. The volatile organic components in the hybrid perovskite crystal structure are still a big challenge for long‐term stabilities. Recently, inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite has attracted much attention because of its superior chemical stability over the prevailing hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite and the most suitable band gap among all‐inorganic perovskites. Nevertheless, CsPbI3 suffers from phase instability and low photovoltaic (PV) performance due to its undesirable tolerant factor. Much research effort has been devoted into stabilization of CsPbI3. In this perspective, we review the recent progress on chemical engineering processes for the stabilization of inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite for high‐efficiency PVs. We also discuss the importance of understanding mechanism behind stabilization of CsPbI3 perovskite film and the development of inorganic CsPbI3‐based highly efficient and stable PSCs.
Μethylammonium Chloride: A Key Additive for Highly Efficient, Stable, and Up‐Scalable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Odysseas Kosmatos Kyro , Theofylaktos Lazaros , Giannakaki Eleni , Deligiannis Dimitris , Konstantakou Maria , Stergiopoulos Thomas
Published: June 2019

Lead halide perovskites of the type APbX3 (where A = methylammonium MA, formamidinium FA, or cesium and X = iodide and bromide), in a single‐crystal form or more often as polycrystalline films, have already shown unique optoelectronic properties, comparable with those of the best single‐crystal semiconductors. To form a properly crystalline iodide or iodide/bromide, perovskite and achieve high performance in solar cells, sources containing only iodide and bromide salts (PbI2, PbBr2, MAI, FAI, CsI, MABr) are typically used as precursor materials. However, recently, most of the record perovskites contain MACl as additive to control their crystallization, revisiting the importance of methylammonium cation excess and chloride incorporation in perovskites, previously highlighted by Snaith's group back in 2012. Here, we review the background and recent progress in MACl‐mediated crystallization of perovskites, as well as the impact of the additive in solar cells. In particular, we describe the current understanding of the mechanism of perovskite crystallization process and defect passivation at grain boundaries in the presence of MACl. We then discuss the spectacular results (in terms of record efficiencies, stability, and up‐scaling) that have been delivered by solar cells employing MACl‐incorporated perovskites, and give an outlook of future research avenues that might bring perovskite solar cells closer to commercialization.
Scalable Deposition Methods for Large‐area Production of Perovskite Thin Films
Authors: Swartwout Richard , Hoerantner Maximilian T. , Bulović V.
Published: June 2019

The recent steady improvements in the performance of the nascent hybrid perovskite photovoltaic (PV) devices have led to power conversion efficiencies that rival the best‐performing established PV technologies. However, to scale these laboratory demonstrations to PV module‐scale production will require development of scalable deposition methods for perovskite thin films. Every record result for perovskite PVs so far was achieved via spin coating, a technique that is popular in research laboratories for thin‐film coating over relatively small device areas, but not considered to be a method that could be used to scale up the manufacturing of perovskite PVs. Significantly larger thin‐film areas are needed for future commercial PV products. Hence, some researchers have focused their efforts on perovskite deposition techniques that can be considered as scalable for mass production and have achieved notable results even on large areas. Here, we present an overview of the solution‐based and vapor‐based deposition processes; we explain their influence on the molecular crystal growth behavior of perovskite thin films and discuss the morphology as well as other material quality characteristics. By presenting a comprehensive comparison of the deposition techniques and the corresponding performance parameters for different device sizes, we intent to guide the growing research community through the methods that might enable mass production of perovskite solar products.
Perovskites for Laser and Detector Applications
Authors: Das Saunak , Gholipour Somayeh , Saliba Michael
Published: June 2019

Perovskite materials have triggered a renewed interest in photovoltaic research in the recent years. They display crystal forms  with 0D, 1D and 2D, 3D motifs, and several chemical forms, namely inorganic (titanates, rubidiates, nobiates, tantalates etc.), organic/inorganic metal halides with single to multiple cations, and even organic polymer or quantum dot‐infused hybrids. Each crystal type and chemical form are endowed with specific physicochemical, optical, electronic, and morphological properties. These unique properties render them suitable for targeted applications, namely photovoltaics, LEDs, photocatalysis/electrolysis/solar fuels/solar and Li‐ion batteries, gas‐sensors, ferroelectrics, capacitors, transistors and memristors, photodetectors, and lasers, for advanced quantum cryptography and outer space applications. At first, the crystal and material types, and physicochemical, morphological, and optoelectronic properties of perovskite materials are discussed. Particularly, we focus on those properties which cumulatively contribute to their application in the abovementioned fields. Simultaneously, a comprehensive discussion about the advances in each field is presented. Structure/property/application relationships with key advances demonstrate the versatility of perovskites in modern optoelectronic technologies.
Concurrent decreases in the prevalence of wheezing and Ascaris infection among 5‐year‐old children in rural Bangladesh and their regulatory T cell immunity after the implementation of a national deworming program
Authors: Takeuchi Haruko , Khan Md. Alfazal , Ahmad Shaikh Meshbahuddin , Hasan S. M. Tafsir , Alam Md. Jahangir , Takanashi Sayaka , Hore Samar Kumar , Yeasmin Sultana , Jimba Masamine , Iwata Tsutomu
Published: June 2019

Introduction

Epidemiological research on the prevalence of asthma and helminthic infections in various countries has led to the hypothesis that helminthic infections protect against asthma by suppressing the host's immune response. This study was conducted to elucidate whether decreased Ascaris infection following a national deworming program was associated with increased recurrent wheezing among rural Bangladeshi children and to test their anti‐inflammatory immunity.

Methods

This nested case‐control study was conducted from December 2015 to October 2016 in the rural service area of the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh. Of the 1800 5–year old children randomly selected for the study, informed consent was obtained from the guardians of 1658 children. Data were collected using a semistructured questionnaire adopted from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood and blood samples for the analysis of regulatory T (Treg) cell immune responses and the balance between Th1 and Th2 immunity in Ascaris infections.

Results

A total of 145 children were found to have wheezing, yielding a prevalence rate of 8.7%, which was significantly lower than the rate found in 2001 (16.2%, P < .001); Ascaris infection also decreased from 2001 to 2016. The 127 wheezing children who agreed to participate further were compared to 114 randomly selected never‐wheezing children. Wheezing had a significant positive association with antibiotic use, history of pneumonia, parents’ history of asthma, and Ascaris infection; children with Ascaris infection were twice as likely to have wheezing (adjusted odds ratio = 2.31, P = .053). Flow cytometry found no significant differences in the rates of Th1, Th2, and CD4
+CD25
+CD127low cells by the wheezing group.

Conclusions

Ascaris infection had a positive rather than a negative association with wheezing and the rates of wheezing and Ascaris infections both decreased from 2001 to 2016. These findings undermines the hypothesis that such infections provide protection against asthma.
Patient with inguinal hernia containing the urinary bladder complicated by bladder stones
Authors: Inage Kota , Mizusawa Hiroya , Mimura Yuji , Shimizu Fumiaki
Published: June 2019

Introduction

We encountered a patient in whom bladder inguinal hernia complicated by bladder stones was incidentally diagnosed. Bladder inguinal hernia containing stones in the prolapsed bladder is rare and only two cases have been reported.

Case presentation

The patient was an 82‐year‐old male in whom ascending colon cancer and inguinal hernia containing the urinary bladder were diagnosed based on abdominal computed tomography performed to examine anemia. The urinary bladder contained several small stones. Radical surgery for the hernia and lithotripsy of the urinary bladder were concomitantly performed with right colectomy. On stone analysis, the stones were found to be uric acid calculi.

Conclusion

In the three patients with inguinal hernia containing the urinary bladder complicated by stones, including our patient, two‐stage urination, organic lower urinary tract obstruction, and prolapse of the urinary bladder reaching the scrotum were noted in all patients.