bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blockchain and real estate: Dopo di Noi project
Authors: Morena Marzia , Truppi Tommaso , Pavesi Angela Silvia , Cia Genny , Giannelli Jacopo , Tavoni Marco
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims at investigating the possibility of effectively implementing the blockchain technology in the real estate environment, specifically applied to the Trust legal instrument in Dopo di Noi (After Us) project, which is intended to guarantee assistance to persons with severe disabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is focused on how to apply the blockchain to the tool of Trust, analyzing the main features and characteristics of this technology.

Findings

The paper proposes two potential solutions for managing the Trust tool in the real estate sector, specifically within the Dopo di Noi project. The first simpler proposal is based on timestamping application. The second one radically changes the classical Trust model and introduces an automatization level in the process.

Social implications

The paper presents potential applications of the blockchain technology within the framework of Dopo di Noi project, which allows among other features, legal and tax facilitation for the institution of Trusts to benefit persons with severe disabilities.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the potentiality of the combination of the blockchain technology and the real estate environment and applies the blockchain technology to the Dopo di Noi project. Specifically, with the second solution, the paper proposes a platform that gathers, in a single network, various elements of the blockchain technology, such as timestamping, smart property, smart contract, and links them in order to provide services to persons with severe disabilities.
PTPN14, a target gene of miR‐4295, restricts the growth and invasion of osteosarcoma cells through inactivation of YAP1 signalling
Authors: Liang Gaofeng , Duan Chaopeng , He June , Ma Wei , Dai Xing
Published: March 2020

Non‐receptor tyrosine phosphatase 14 (PTPN14) has emerged as a novel tumour‐suppressor in a wide range of human cancer types. However, the role of PTPN14 in osteosarcoma remains undetermined. In the present study, we aimed to explore the expression pattern, biological function, and regulation of PTPN14 in osteosarcoma. Low PTPN14 expression levels were detected in osteosarcoma cells, and PTPN14 overexpression markedly decreased the proliferation, colony formation, and invasive potential of osteosarcoma cells. Bioinformatics analysis predicted PTPN14 as a potential target gene of microRNA‐4295 (miR‐4295), and this prediction was validated by a dual‐luciferase reporter assay. PTPN14 expression was negatively modulated by miR‐4295 in osteosarcoma cells. Moreover, PTPN14 expression was inversely correlated with miR‐4295 expression in osteosarcoma tissues. Notably, miR‐4295 inhibition significantly restricted the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. PTPN14 overexpression or miR‐4295 inhibition increased the phosphorylation of Yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1) and impeded YAP1 nuclear translocation, leading to inhibition of YAP1‐mediated transcriptional activity. However, the miR‐4925‐inhibition‐mediated antitumour effect was partially reversed by PTPN14 knockdown. Overall, these results demonstrate that PTPN14 is a miR‐4295 target gene and it exerts a tumour‐suppressive function in osteosarcoma cells via inactivation of YAP1. Our study uncovers a miR‐4295–PTPN14–YAP1 signalling pathway that may play a crucial role in the progression of osteosarcoma.
Risk factors for second‐line dactinomycin failure after methotrexate treatment for low‐risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: a retrospective study
Authors: Hoeijmakers YM , Sweep FCGJ , Lok CAR , Ottevanger PB
Published: March 2020

Objective

To find risk factors for second‐line dactinomycin failure in patients with low‐risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN).

Design

Retrospective multicentre study.

Setting

Tertiary reference centre.

Population

Patients with low‐risk GTN, treated with dactinomycin after methotrexate (MTX) failure.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 45 patients with low‐risk GTN treated with dactinomycin after MTX failure, registered between 2006 and 2018.

Main outcome measures

Treatment outcome and risk factors for second‐line dactinomycin failure.

Results

Thirty patients (66.7%) were cured and 15 patients (33.3%) required third‐line therapy. Type of antecedent pregnancy and hCG levels pre‐dactinomycin were risk factors for failure in univariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] 19.30, 95% CI 2.04–182.60, P = 0.01 and OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.18–6.50, P = 0.02, respectively). Level of hCG pre‐dactinomycin remained a significant risk factor in multivariate analysis (OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.02–8.40, P = 0.045). Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 83.3% of patients with pre‐dactinomycin hCG levels <10 ng/ml, in 75% with hCG levels between 10 and 20 ng/ml, in 66.7% with hCG levels between 20 and 30 ng/ml, and in 50% with hCG levels between 30 and 40 ng/ml. No patients with hCG levels >40 ng/ml achieved CR. Patients with dactinomycin failure were treated surgically and/or with multi‐chemotherapy; all except one achieved CR.

Conclusions

Treatment with dactinomycin after MTX failure in patients with low‐risk GTN resulted in CR in 66.7%. Chance of curative treatment with dactinomycin is strongly related to the hCG level.

Tweetable abstract

Chance of curative treatment with dactinomycin after MTX failure in GTN patients is strongly related to the level of hCG pre‐dactinomycin.
Drastic healing process after pembrolizumab monotherapy in a case of advanced squamous cell carcinoma with severe bronchial stenosis observed over a two‐year period using continuous bronchoscopy: A case report
Authors: Morikawa Kei , Kida Hirotaka , Handa Hiroshi , Inoue Takeo , Miyazawa Teruomi , Mineshita Masamichi
Published: March 2020

Programmed cell death‐1 immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) antibody has proven to be effective in advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients positive for programmed cell death‐1 ligand‐1. However, there are currently no reports which evaluate drug efficacy by continuous bronchoscopic observation. A 75‐year‐old man with complete right atelectasis was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the right lower lobe (tumor proportion score: TPS 90%, cT4N3M0, stage 3C). For first‐line chemotherapy, carboplatin and nab‐paclitaxel were effective for the primary lesion and the right lung atelectasis improved. However, due to repeated febrile neutropenia with pneumonia, treatment was modified to pembrolizumab monotherapy. Bronchoscopic rebiopsy prior to second‐line treatment revealed high TPS, with a severe stenosis in the right main bronchus. After three courses of pembrolizumab, the right main bronchus opened completely, and no signs of malignancy were observed. Bronchoscopic narrow‐band and autofluorescence imaging also confirmed a complete endobronchial response. Subsequent bronchoscopic observation two years after the initial diagnosis showed a complete and continued response to treatment. ICIs can result in a drastic bronchoscopic response. In this case, the healing process was notable with minimal scarring, and resulted in continued locally bronchoscopic and complete pathological response to treatment compared to previous cytotoxic chemotherapy.
The influence of obesity on coagulation in healthy term pregnancy as assessed by rotational thromboelastometry
Authors: Lee Julie , Eley Victoria A. , Wyssusek Kerstin H. , Kimble Rebecca M.N. , Way Mandy , Cohen Jeremy , van Zundert André A.
Published: March 2020

Background

Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM®) is a point‐of‐care coagulation test which has been used to demonstrate hypercoagulability in pregnant populations and obese populations.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the combined effect of pregnancy and obesity on coagulation using ROTEM® in healthy pregnant women of varying body mass indices (BMIs) presenting for elective caesarean delivery.

Materials and Methods

Ethics approval was granted for recruitment of women presenting for elective caesarean delivery. Women with any condition affecting coagulation were excluded. The ROTEM® parameters of extrinsically activated thromboelastometric test / fibrin polymerisation test (EXTEM/FIBTEM) amplitude at five minutes (A5), coagulation time (CT), maximum clot firmness (MCF) and clot formation time (CFT) were compared between three different groups: normal weight, overweight and obese women.

Results

One hundred and eighty‐five women presenting for elective caesarean delivery met inclusion criteria and were divided into three groups; normal weight (BMI < 25 kg/m2, n = 86), overweight (BMI 25–29.9 kg/m2, n = 54) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, n = 45). They had a mean (SD) age of 32.7 ± 5.0 years and the median (interquartile range) BMI of 21.9 kg/m2 (20.5–23.0), 27.0 kg/m2 (26.0–28.5), 36.0 kg/m2 (32.2–41.8) for the normal weight, overweight and obese groups respectively. Forty‐one (22.2%) women were nulliparous. Across the three groups for FIBTEM A5 (P = 0.018), FIBTEM MCF (P = 0.032), FIBTEM CFT (P = 0.047) and EXTEM MCF (P = 0.015) there was evidence of increasing coagulability with increasing BMI. However, following Bonferroni correction, this was no longer significant.

Conclusions

There is no association between BMI and ROTEM® parameters in pregnant women presenting for elective caesarean delivery at term.
The contribution of EU public procurement law to corporate social responsibility
Authors: Ankersmit Laurens
Published: March 2020

This article argues that while EU public procurement law increasingly allows public authorities to take environmental and social considerations into account in public purchasing decisions, it does impose limits on the possibility for authorities to incentivise corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies through public procurement. These specific limits are the result of the EU legislator's choice to endorse the Court of Justice's ordoliberal approach to public procurement law. This approach is in tension with EU CSR policy, and more broadly, the EU's non‐economic goals such as environmental protection, the fight against climate change, human rights and social policy. It reflects a normative preference for the right of undertakings to compete for a tender over the freedom of government authorities to choose a supplier on public interest grounds even if these choices are based exclusively on a legitimate public interest and should be reconsidered.
Appropriateness of array‐CGH in the ADHD clinics: A comparative study
Authors: Baccarin Marco , Picinelli Chiara , Tomaiuolo Pasquale , Castronovo Paola , Costa Anna , Verdecchia Magda , Cannizzaro Chiara , Barbieri Giusi , Sacco Roberto , Persico Antonio M. , Lintas Carla
Published: March 2020

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorder with a worldwide prevalence of about 5%. The disorder is characterized by inattentive, hyperactive and impulsive behavior and is often comorbid with other neuropsychiatric conditions. Array comparative genomic hybridization (array‐CGH) testing has been proved to be useful to detect chromosomal aberrations in several neuropsychiatric conditions including autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). The usefulness of array‐CGH in the ADHD clinics is still debated and no conclusive evidence has been reached to date. We performed array‐CGH in 98 children and adolescents divided in two similarly sized groups according to the clinical diagnosis: (a) one group diagnosed with ADHD as primary diagnosis; (b) the other group in which ADHD was co‐morbid with ASD and/or ID. We detected pathogenetic and likely pathogenetic copy number variants (CNVs) in 12% subjects in which ADHD was co‐morbid with autism and/or intellectual disability and in 8.5% subjects diagnosed with ADHD as primary diagnosis. Detection of CNVs of unknown clinical significance was similar in the two groups being 27% and 32%, respectively. Benign and likely benign CNVs accounted for 61% and 59.5% in the first and second group, respectively. Differences in the diagnostic yield were not statistically significant between the two groups (P > .05). Our data strongly suggest that array‐CGH (a) is a valuable diagnostic tool to detect clinically significant CNVs in individuals with ADHD even in the absence of comorbidity with ASD and/or ID and (b) should be implemented routinely in the ADHD clinics.
Individualized dialysate sodium prescriptions using sodium gradients for high‐risk hemodialysis patients lowered interdialytic weight gain and achieved target weights
Authors: Ramaswamy Kavitha , Brahmbhatt Yasmin , Xia Jin , Song Yiqing , Zhang Jingjing
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Large interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in chronic hemodialysis patients. Over 50% of patients at our inner city tertiary academic center dialysis unit had IDWG and target weights (TW) above goal. We conducted an open‐label nonrandomized study to explore the effects of an individualized dialysate sodium (DNa) prescription using Na gradients in patients at high risk for large IDWG. Thirty‐three patients receiving chronic hemodialysis received individualized DNa prescriptions with a DNa bath of 0 to −2 meq/L below their serum Na level in the intervention group, while patients in the control group were prescribed the standard dialysate Na at 138 mmol/L. Serum Na level, predialysis SBP, symptomatic hypotensive episodes, and %hemodialysis treatments with large IDWG (%TxAIDWG) and above TW(%TxATW) were recorded before and three months after the intervention. We used student t tests to compare continuous variables and Chi‐square tests to compare binary variables between the groups at baseline and after the intervention. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted linear regression models were also constructed to assess the differences in each continuous outcome between the groups. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted by modeling IDWG decrease and above estimated‐dry‐weight (EDW) decrease as binary dependent variables with adjustment for age, sex, and EDW change.

Findings

Patients with individualized DNa concentrations had 3.6 times greater odds of having lower IDWG than those with standard dialysate Na concentration. This significant association remained after adjustment for age, sex, and changes in EDW (OR: 3.63; 95% CI, 1.03–12.9). There was no difference in predialysis BP or symptomatic hypotensive episodes between the two groups.

Discussion

Individualized DNa prescriptions appeared to be well tolerated and may be effective for optimal fluid management in high‐risk hemodialysis patients.
Prolonged Migraine Stuttering Aura: Structural, Functional, and Video Neuroimaging Study of an Atypical Migraine Aura. A Case Report
Authors: Rodríguez‐Castro Emilio , Lagorio Ariela N. , Bejarano‐García Alejandro , Aguiar Pablo , Cortés Julia , Leira Rogelio
Published: March 2020

Background

Stuttering is a disorder in the rhythm of speech characterized by an involuntary repetition, prolongation, and cessation of sounds. Neurogenic acquired stuttering is a very rare disorder which could result from different conditions with the involvement of several brain locations.

Case Report

A 16‐year‐old male presented to our Hospital with headache associated with blurred vision followed by right‐sided facial and upper limb tingling, clumsiness of right arm, and a complete inability to formulate language which evolved in the next minutes into an intense speech disorder characterized by persistent stuttering. Urgent brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a prominence of venous vasculature in left hemisphere in susceptibility weighted imaging sequence. A fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography revealed a bilateral occipital, temporal, and parietal hypometabolism. With the suspicion of migraine aura, analgesic treatment was administered. Symptoms progressively resolved inside 10 hours. Five months later he experienced a similar episode.

Conclusion

This case report represents a diagnostic challenge and suggests the inclusion of stuttering within the neurological manifestations of higher cortical dysfunction that can be found as a result of migraine aura.
Cancer‐associated prothrombotic pathways: leucocytosis, but not thrombocytosis, correlates with venous thromboembolism in women with ovarian cancer
Authors: López‐Salazar Javier , Ramírez‐Tirado Laura A. , Gómez‐Contreras Nora , Pacheco‐Bravo Irlanda , Cortés Evelyn , Gallardo Dolores , Arrieta Oscar , Cesarman‐Maus Gabriela
Published: March 2020

Risk factors for venous thromboembolism in cancer vary between tumours. Leucocytosis, thrombocytosis, tumour histology and vascular compression may drive thrombosis in ovarian cancer. Thrombosis developed in 13.4% of our patients. Higher median leucocyte, neutrophil and monocyte counts were related to thrombosis. Thrombocytosis >350 × 109/L was frequent (63.8%), but not predictive of thrombosis. Identification of prothrombotic biomarkers may help personalise preventive treatments.
Clinical and economic impact of multipoint left ventricular pacing: A comparative analysis from the Italian registry on multipoint pacing in cardiac resynchronization therapy (IRON‐MPP)
Authors: Forleo Giovanni B. , Santini Luca , Calò Leonardo , Ricciardi Danilo , Curnis Antonio , Pignalberi Carlo , Calzolari Vittorio , Giammaria Massimo , Morani Giovanni , Bertaglia Emanuele , Ribatti Valentina , Biffi Mauro , Potenza Domenico , Piro Agostino , Covino Gregorio , Natale Veronica , Gasperetti Alessio , Notarstefano Pasquale , Lavalle Carlo , Nabutovsky Yelena , Tondo Claudio , Zanon Francesco
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Early evidence suggests that multipoint left ventricular pacing (MPP) may improve response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). It is unknown whether this benefit is sustained and cost‐effective. We used real‐world data to evaluate long‐term impact of MPP‐ON clinical status, heart failure hospitalizations (HFH) and costs.

Methods

The Italian registry on multipoint left ventricular pacing is a prospective, multicenter registry of patients implanted with MPP‐enabled CRT devices. For this analysis, clinical and echocardiographic data were collected through 24 months and compared between patients with (MPP‐ON) or without (MPP‐OFF) early MPP activation at implant. The total cost of each HFH was estimated with national Italian reimbursement rates.

Results

The study included 190 MPP‐OFF and 128 MPP‐ON patients with similar baseline characteristics. At 1 and 2 years, the MPP‐ON group had lower rates of HFH vs MPP‐OFF (1‐year hazard ratio [HR]: 0.14, P = .0014; 2‐year HR: 0.38, P = .009). The finding persisted in a subgroup of patients with consistent MPP activation through follow‐up (1‐year HR: 0.19; P = .0061; 2‐year HR: 0.39, P = .022). Total HFH per‐patient costs were lower in the MPP‐ON vs the MPP‐OFF group at 1 year (€101 ± 50 vs €698 ± 195, P < .001) and 2 years (€366 ± 149 vs €801 ± 203, P = .038). More MPP‐ON patients had ≥5% improvement in ejection fraction (76.8% vs 65.4%, P = .025) and clinical composite score (66.7% vs 47.5%, P = .01).

Conclusions

In this multicenter clinical study, early MPP activation was associated with a significant reduction in cumulative HFH and related costs after 1 and 2 years of follow‐up.
Differential response to hepatic differentiation stimuli of amniotic epithelial cells isolated from four regions of the amniotic membrane
Authors: Passaretta Francesca , Bosco Domenico , Centurione Lucia , Centurione Maria Antonietta , Marongiu Fabio , Di Pietro Roberta
Published: March 2020

Human Amniotic Epithelial Cells (hAEC) isolated from term placenta are a promising source for regenerative medicine. However, it has long been debated whether the hAEC population consists of heterogeneous or homogeneous cells. In a previous study, we investigated the characteristics of hAEC isolated from four different regions of the amniotic membrane finding significant heterogeneity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatic differentiation capability of hAEC isolated from these four regions. Human term placentae were collected after caesarean section and hAEC were isolated from four regions of the amniotic membrane (R1‐R4, according to their relative distance from the umbilical cord) and treated in hepatic differentiation conditions for 14 days. hAEC‐derived hepatocyte‐like cells showed marked differences in the expression of hepatic markers: R4 showed higher levels of Albumin and Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor (HNF) 4α whereas R1 expressed higher Cytochrome P450 enzymes, both at the gene and protein level. These preliminary results suggest that hAEC isolated from R1 and R4 of the amniotic membrane are more prone to hepatic differentiation. Therefore, the use of hAEC from a specific region of the amniotic membrane should be taken into consideration as it could have an impact on the outcome of therapeutic applications.
A Survey: Children’s Rights Post Termination of Parental Rights and Pre‐Adoption
Authors: Pelfrey Theresa M.
Published: March 2020

This survey of the statutory provisions and case law of all 50 states and the District of Columbia includes the rights of children to parental support, inheritance, and familial association remaining upon termination of parental rights. A majority of states terminate all the child’s rights at the time parental rights are severed. However, a number of states by explicit statutes or statutory construction have determined that a child’s rights to parental support survives termination of parental rights. This survey examines the prevailing law in each state and suggests statutory reforms to protect the legal status and rights of children.
Accelerated aging by microwave heating and methods to distinguish aging of rice
Authors: Devraj Lavanya , Natarajan Venkatachalapathy , Ramachandran Sinija Vadakkeppulpara , Manicakam Loganathan , Saravanan Shanmugasundaram
Published: March 2020

Aim

To study the impact of microwave heating (950 and 1,400 W for 72 s) in accelerating the aging process in selected rice varieties, namely IR‐50, Sona masuri, and RNR‐15048 (Rajendranagar variety) stored as brown and polished form.

Methods

The impact was investigated by comparing the efficiencies of two existing chemical methods, namely bromothymol blue indicator (Method‐1) based on the indicator color change with respect to changes in rice pH followed by peroxidase enzyme color reaction (Method‐2) using test tube (spectrophotometer at 470 nm) and single‐grain tests (96‐well plate microplate reader at 386 nm) paralleled with in vitro enzyme assessment for fresh‐aged indices calculation during 6 months of storage.

Results

The results revealed the maximum R2‐value of 0.993 (brown rice) and 0.963 (polished rice) at 1,400 W for 72 s in RNR‐15048 in single grain test (Method‐1) followed by a maximum R2‐value of 0.976 in brown rice of Sona masuri at 950 W for 72 s and 0.941 in polished rice of RNR‐15048 at 1,400 W for 72 s in single‐grain test (Method‐2).

Conclusion

Among the above methods, Method‐1 was found to be more profound in obtaining the consistent results and can be highly recommended for both stake holders and rice processing agencies due to low cost, ease in chemical preparation, and color changes can be easily distinguishable during storage.

Practical Applications

Aging is one of the important and prudent steps in rice grain. Aged rice fetches more price in the market than fresh rice due to improved aroma, texture, and taste after cooking. Accelerated aging requires less storage space and time compared to natural aging. Identification of the aging process in rice grains is a challenging task. Bromothymol blue indicator based on pH change in rice grains due to increase in free fatty acids and peroxidase enzyme color change due to peroxidase enzyme (EC.1.11.1.7) depletion during storage helps to identify the rice aging through fresh‐aged index calculation. Among both the methods, Bromothymol blue indicator is one of the cost‐effective methods for quick identification of rice aging based on indicator color change. This method helps the farmers and other rice processing sectors to distinguish the aged rice from fresh grains as it is cheap, ease in chemical preparation, and affordable.
Pregnancy in a woman with sacral agenesis from prenatal counseling to delivery: A case report
Authors: Salsi Ginevra , Bellussi Federica , Pilu Gianluigi , Della Gatta Anna Nunzia , Youssef Aly
Published: March 2020

Sacral agenesis or CRS (caudal regression syndrome) is a rare congenital condition involving approximately 1 in 25 000 live births (Sharma et al., 2015) and leading to the absence of lower sacral vertebral bodies and severe malformations of the pelvis. This condition is associated with an extreme reduction of the xipho‐pubic distance and of the pelvic dimensions. It is reasonable to think that this might lead to an increased difficulty in obtaining a spontaneous pregnancy and to a consistently increased risk of maternal and perinatal complications. In literature, very little is known about pregnancy in patients with sacral agenesis and therefore on the appropriate way to counsel a patient with this condition who is trying to get pregnant (Greenwell et al., 2013). Although a case of pregnancy in a woman with sacral agenesis is mentioned in a book (J. Rogers, 2006) no cases of women with CRS carrying a pregnancy until a viable age for the fetus are reported in medical literature: as far as we know this is the first case reported in literature of a woman with this condition followed before and throughout the pregnancy with reported pre‐ and perinatal management, leading to a near‐term pregnancy. This case could be useful for clinicians who are requested to counsel female patients with the same condition on the possibility of a pregnancy and possible outcomes.
Discovery and analysis the anti-pseudo-allergic components from Perilla frutescens leaves by overexpressed MRGPRX2 cell membrane chromatography coupled with HPLC-ESI-IT-TOF system
Authors: Yang Liu , Zeng Yingnan , Wang Jue , Zhang Yongjing , Hou Yajing , Qin Qiaohong , Ma Weina , Wang Nan
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Screen and identify the anti-pseudo-allergic activity components of Perilla frutescens leaves that interacted with MRGPRX2 (a new reported pseudo-allergic reaction-related receptor).

Methods

An overexpressed MRGPRX2 cell membrane chromatography (CMC) coupled with HPLC-ESI-IT-TOF system has been established to screen and identify the effective components from P. frutescens leaves. A frontal analysis method was performed to investigate the binding affinity between ligands and MRGPRX2. Their activity of relieving pseudo-allergic reaction was evaluated in vitro by histamine release assay, β-hexosaminidase release assay and intracellular Ca2+ mobilization assay.

Key findings

Extract of P. frutescens leaves was proved to be effective in anti-pseudo-allergic reaction by inhibiting MRGPRX2. Apigenin (API) and rosmarinic acid (ROS) were confirmed to be the potential anti-allergy compounds that could bind with MRGPRX2. The binding affinity (KD) of ROS and API with MRGPRX2 was (8.79 ± 0.13) × 10−8  m and (6.54 ± 1.69) × 10−8  m, respectively. The IC50 of API inhibiting laboratory of allergic disease 2 cells degranulation was also determined to be (51.96 ± 0.18) μm.

Conclusions

A MRGPRX2/CMC coupled with HPLC-ESI-IT-TOF system was successfully established and applied to discover the effective components from P. frutescens leaves.
School‐Based Intervention Program Based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Japanese Students Affected by the Hiroshima Heavy Rain Disaster of July 2018
Authors: Sugiyama Chikaze , Niikawa Yoko , Ono Haruka , Ito Daisuke , Sato Tomoya , Inoue Yuko , Koseki Shunsuke
Published: March 2020

This study examined the effects of a group cognitive behavioral intervention on senior school students affected by the Hiroshima heavy rain disaster and investigated the effects of reducing depression by enhancing resilience. A total of 229 second‐grade senior school students affected by the Hiroshima heavy rain disaster participated in the study. The intervention was performed in the following order: psychological education on daily stress, problem‐solving training for daily stress, psychological education on traumatic reactions derived from traumatic experiences, and instruction on the merits of utilizing information acquired from the intervention in daily life. The results showed that the high‐depression group's depression score was reduced by the intervention. Resilience score was increased both in the high‐ and low‐depression groups as a result of the intervention. Therefore, the intervention program used in this study was proven effective in reducing depression and improving resilience. Prospectively, strategies for psychological support during and after large‐scale disasters should be established by applying the findings obtained in this research.
Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of a New Marine, Sand‐dwelling Dinoflagellate Genus,Pachena(Dinophyceae), with Descriptions of Three New Species
Authors: Hoppenrath Mona , Reñé Albert , Satta Cecilia Teodora , Yamaguchi Aika , Leander Brian S.
Published: March 2020

Marine benthic dinoflagellates are interesting not only because some epiphytic genera can cause harmful algal blooms but also for understanding dinoflagellate evolution and diversification. Our understanding of their biodiversity is far from complete, and many thecate genera have unusual tabulation patterns that are difficult to relate to the diverse known phytoplankton taxa. A new sand‐dwelling genus,Pachenagen. nov., is described based on morphological andDNAsequence data. Three species were discovered in distant locations and are circumscribed, namely,P. leibniziisp. nov. from Canada,P. abriliaesp. nov. from Spain, andP. meriddaesp. nov. from Italy. All species are tiny (about 9–23 μm long) and heterotrophic. Species are characterized by their tabulation (APC4′ 3a 6′′ 5c 5s 5′′′ 2′′′′), an apical hook covering the apical pore, an ascending cingulum, and a sulcus with central list. The first anterior intercalary plate is uniquely “sandwiched” between two plates. The species share these features and differ in the relative sizes and arrangements of their plates, especially on the epitheca. The ornamentation of thecal plates is species‐specific. The new molecular phylogenies based onSSUandLSU rDNAsequences contribute to understanding the evolution of the planktonic relatives ofPachena, the Thoracosphaeraceae.
Levels and determinants of malnutrition among India's urban poor women: An analysis of Demographic Health Surveys 2006 and 2016
Authors: Sethi Vani , de Wagt Arjan , Bhanot Arti , Singh Konsam Dinachandra , Agarwal Praween , Murira Zivai , Bhatia Salima , Baswal Dinesh , Unisa Sayeed , Subramanian S. V.
Published: March 2020

A quarter of 400 million urban Indian residents are poor. Urban poor women are as undernourished as or worse than rural women but urban averages mask this disparity. We present the spectrum of malnutrition and their determinants for more than 26,000 urban women who gave birth within 5 years from the last two rounds of Demographic Health Survey 2006 and 2016. Among urban mothers in the lowest quartile by wealth index (urban poor), 12.8% (95% CI [11.3%, 14.5%]) were short or with height < 145 cm; 20.6% (95% CI [19%, 22.3%]) were thin or with body mass index < 18.5 kg/m2; 57.4% (95% CI [55.5%, 59.3%]) had any anaemia (haemoglobin < 12 g/dL), whereas 32.4% (95% CI [30.5%, 34.3%]) had moderate to severe anaemia; and 21.1% (95% CI [19.3%, 23%]) were obese (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2). Decadal gains were significant for thinness reduction (17p.p.) but obesity increased by 12 p.p. Belonging to a tribal household increased odds of thinness by 1.5 (95% CI [1.06, 2.18]) times among urban poor mothers compared with other socially vulnerable groups. Secondary education reduced odds of thinness (0.61; 95% CI [0.48, 0.77]) and higher education of short stature (0.41; 95% CI [0.18, 0.940]). Consuming milk/milk products, pulses/beans/eggs/meats, and dark green leafy vegetables daily reduced the odds of short stature (0.52; 95% CI [0.35, 0.78]) and thinness (0.72; 95% CI [0.54, 0.98]). Urban poor mothers should be screened for nutritional risks due to the high prevalence of all forms of malnutrition and counselled or treated as per risk.
Elucidating the sustained decline in under‐three child linear growth faltering in Nepal, 1996–2016
Authors: Hanley‐Cook Giles , Argaw Alemayehu , Dahal Pradiumna , Chitekwe Stanley , Rijal Sanjay , Bichha Ram Padarath , Parajuli Kedar Raj , Kolsteren Patrick
Published: March 2020

Childhood linear growth faltering remains a major public health concern in Nepal. Nevertheless, over the past 20 years, Nepal sustained one of the most rapid reductions in the prevalence of stunting worldwide. First, our study analysed the trends in height‐for‐age z‐score (HAZ), stunting prevalence, and available nutrition‐sensitive and nutrition‐specific determinants of linear growth faltering in under‐three children across Nepal's Family Health Survey 1996 and Nepal's Demographic and Health Surveys 2001, 2006, 2011, and 2016. Second, we constructed pooled multivariable linear regression models and decomposed the contributions of our time‐variant determinants on the predicted changes in HAZ and stunting over the past two decades. Our findings indicate substantial improvements in HAZ (38.5%) and reductions in stunting (−42.6%) and severe stunting prevalence (−63.9%) in Nepalese children aged 0–35 months. We also report that the increment in HAZ, across the 1996–2016 period, was significantly associated (confounder‐adjusted p < .05) with household asset index, maternal and paternal years of education, maternal body mass index and height, basic child vaccinations, preceding birth interval, childbirth in a medical facility, and prenatal doctor visits. Furthermore, our quantitative decomposition of HAZ identified advances in utilisation of health care and related services (31.7% of predicted change), household wealth accumulation (25%), parental education (21.7%), and maternal nutrition (8.3%) as key drivers of the long‐term and sustained progress against child linear growth deficits. Our research reiterates the multifactorial nature of chronic child undernutrition and the need for coherent multisectoral nutrition‐sensitive and nutrition‐specific strategies at national scale to further improve linear growth in Nepal. [Correction added on 6 November 2020, after first online publication: in abstract, the citation year in the fourth sentence has been changed from ‘2001’ to ‘2011’.]
A green Lewis development model
Authors: de Oliveira Guilherme , Lima Gilberto Tadeu
Published: March 2020

This paper develops an environmental extension of a Lewis dual economy model, in which the interaction between environmental quality and economic growth, in one of its several dimensions, is explicitly modeled to explore long‐run effects of a pollution abatement rule in developing economies. The government requires the modern sector to dedicate a fraction of its output to pollution abatement, with such profitability‐reducing fraction being endogenous to the level of environmental quality. Meanwhile, the level of environmental quality positively affects labor productivity, profits and, therefore, savings, which has a positive impact on capital accumulation. It is shown that this pollution abatement requirement, by affecting profitability in the modern sector both negatively and positively, makes for the emergence of an ecological development trap from which a developing dual economy, if left to the free play of its structural forces, never escapes. Fortunately, however, this economy can be released from such a trap not only through a standard Big Push, in the spirit of Rosenstein‐Rodan, but also by means of what we call an Environmental Big Push.
Analyzing functional status and its correlates in Chinese centenarians: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Huang Zhaoyong , Chen Yuzhu , Zhou Weiwen , Li Xiaopeng , Qin Qiulan , Fei Yunqing , Dong Xinqi , Yu Fang
Published: March 2020

Factors affecting independence in basic and instrumental activities of daily living have been established in older adults, but not centenarians. The purpose of this study was to examine the state and factors affecting activities of daily living independence in centenarians who resided in Guangxi Province, China. A cross‐sectional design was used. Activities of daily living, physical activity, mobility, and physical performance were measured by the Population Study of ChINese Elderly study instruments, and demographics and cognition were assessed. Of the 228 participants, 57% were independent in basic activities of daily living and 5.7% in instrumental activities of daily living. Stepwise regression showed physical activity, cognition, calf circumference, and self‐reported health were associated with basic activities of daily living. Physical activity, mobility, cognition, and physical performance were correlated with instrumental activities of daily living. In conclusion, the Chinese centenarians showed impaired instrumental activities of daily living but mostly maintained basic functioning. Physical activity and cognition were associated with activities of daily living independence.
On the ground states of the Ostrovskyi equation and their stability
Authors: Posukhovskyi Iurii , Stefanov Atanas
Published: March 2020

The Ostrovskyi (Ostrovskyi‐Vakhnenko/short pulse) equations are ubiquitous models in mathematical physics. They describe water waves under the action of a Coriolis force as well as the amplitude of a “short” pulse in an optical fiber. In this paper, we rigorously construct ground traveling waves for these models as minimizers of the Hamiltonian functional for any fixed L2 norm. The existence argument proceeds via the method of compensated compactness, but it requires surprisingly detailed Fourier analysis arguments to rule out the nonvanishing of the limits of the minimizing sequences. We show that all of these waves are weakly nondegenerate and spectrally stable.
Beyond the spectacle of property windfalls in Singapore: Lefebvrian spaces of home against profit‐making
Authors: Lowe John
Published: March 2020

In Singapore, owners of private housing estates reaping windfalls through collective sales have been subject to the news media's sensational coverage of the topic. While collective sales will give rise to new developments that regenerate the country's landscape to reflect the image and identity of an entrepreneurial city, efforts to resist this wealth generating urbanism are subject to erasure. Instances of minority owners disinterested in profit‐making using the courts to save their homes from the collective sale juggernaut are certainly emblematic of the inherent tension between one's home as housing and home as investment repository. Drawing upon ethnographical experiences from a housing estate built for public officials in Singapore, this article's use of the Lefebvrian theory of spatial production sheds light on how minority owners unmotivated by monetary windfalls (re)produce spaces of their homes that are overtly inimical to the impulses of majority owners to monetize their homes at high premiums.
Understanding the attraction process
Authors: Montoya R. Matthew , Horton Robert S.
Published: March 2020

A comprehensive model of interpersonal attraction is presented in which attraction is an emotion expressed to regulate interpersonal relationships. The model proposes that cognitive appraisals, the subjective experience, and the expression of affiliative behavior are fundamental to understanding how attraction operates. Specifically, we discuss how (a) cognitive appraisals (willingness and ability) are fundamental to the subjective experience of attraction, (b) social dilemma considerations affect when and why the subjective experience aligns with the expression of affiliative behavior, (c) the interplay of the components of attraction explain the panoply of extant attraction phenomena, and (d) the attraction process operates in both initial interactions and enduring relationships. We conclude with a discussion of methodological and theoretical directions to fuel future growth.
The intra‐ and intertester repeatability of radiographic elbow incongruity grading is high in chondrodystrophic dog breeds
Authors: Pulkkinen Hanna S. M. , Reunanen Vilma L. J. , Hyytiäinen Heli K. , Junnila Jouni J. T. , Laitinen‐Vapaavuori Outi M. , Lappalainen Anu K.
Published: March 2020

Elbow incongruity is a form of elbow dysplasia that causes osteoarthritis, pain, and lameness, and it is common in chondrodystrophic dog breeds. The objective of this retrospective secondary analysis study was to evaluate the intra‐ and interobserver repeatability of a novel radiographic incongruity grading system for assessing elbow incongruity in three chondrodystrophic dog breeds—the dachshund, Skye Terrier, and Glen of Imaal Terrier. We conducted an observer agreement study that included 220 mediolateral antebrachial radiographs from 110 dogs with the elbow in 90° flexion. The radiographs were independently assessed by three observers at three time points, using a four‐stepped grading scale. The proportion of agreement and Kappa coefficient were calculated. Both the intra‐ and interobserver proportions of agreement were substantial when three grades were required to be identical (.705‐.777 and .609, respectively), and almost perfect for two identical grades (.991‐1.000 and .991, respectively). Some differences in repeatability between breeds were noted; specifically, the intraobserver repeatability was higher in the dachshund, and the interobserver repeatability was lower in the Glen of Imaal Terrier. Our study showed that the radiographic imaging protocol and incongruity grading system have high repeatability when assessing elbow incongruity in chondrodystrophic dog breeds.
Predictive Model Development and Validation for Raised Floor Plenum Data Center
Authors: Fulpagare Yogesh , Bhargav Atul , Joshi Yogendra
Published: March 2020

With the explosion in digital traffic, the number of data centers as well as demands on each data center, continue to increase. Concomitantly, the cost (and environmental impact) of energy expended in the thermal management of these data centers is of concern to operators in particular, and society in general. In the absence of physics-based control algorithms, computer room air conditioning (CRAC) units are typically operated through conservatively predetermined set points, resulting in suboptimal energy consumption. For a more optimal control algorithm, predictive capabilities are needed. In this paper, we develop a data-informed, experimentally validated and computationally inexpensive system level predictive tool that can forecast data center behavior for a broad range of operating conditions. We have tested this model on experiments as well as on (experimentally) validated transient computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations for two different data center design configurations. The validated model can accurately forecast temperatures and air flows in a data center (including the rack air temperatures) for 10–15 min into the future. Once integrated with control aspects, we expect that this model can form an important building block in a future intelligent, increasingly automated data center environment management systems.
Experimental Description of Information Technology Equipment Reliability Exposed to a Data Center Using Airside Economizer Operating in Recommended and Allowable ASHRAE Envelopes in an ANSI/ISA Classified G2 Environment
Authors: Awe Oluwaseun , Shah Jimil M. , Agonafer Dereje , Singh Prabjit , Kannan Naveen , Kaler Mike
Published: March 2020

Airside economizers lower the operating cost of data centers by reducing or eliminating mechanical cooling. It, however, increases the risk of reliability degradation of information technology (IT) equipment due to contaminants. IT Equipment manufacturers have tested equipment performance and guarantee the reliability of their equipment in environments within ISA 71.04-2013 severity level G1 and the ASHRAE recommended temperature-relative humidity (RH) envelope. IT Equipment manufacturers require data center operators to meet all the specified conditions consistently before fulfilling warranty on equipment failure. To determine the reliability of electronic hardware in higher severity conditions, field data obtained from real data centers are required. In this study, a corrosion classification coupon experiment as per ISA 71.04-2013 was performed to determine the severity level of a research data center (RDC) located in an industrial area of hot and humid Dallas. The temperature-RH excursions were analyzed based on time series and weather data bin analysis using trend data for the duration of operation. After some period, a failure was recorded on two power distribution units (PDUs) located in the hot aisle. The damaged hardware and other hardware were evaluated, and cumulative corrosion damage study was carried out. The hypothetical estimation of the end of life of components is provided to determine free air-cooling hours for the site. There was no failure of even a single server operated with fresh air-cooling shows that using evaporative/free air cooling is not detrimental to IT equipment reliability. This study, however, must be repeated in other geographical locations to determine if the contamination effect is location dependent.
Electrical Joining of Paper-Based Multilayer Magneto-Resistive Sensor Stacks
Authors: Akin Meriem , Blackburn Jennifer , Pratt Autumn , Dietzel Andreas
Published: March 2020

With the increase in the new development of paper electronics, there is a great demand for paper-compatible and reliable electrical joining techniques. In this work, we particularly addressed the interconnecting of multilayers of paper-based magneto-electronics. We deployed three room-temperature electrical joining techniques: (i) through-paper via, (ii) mechanical caulking, and (iii) collapsible daisy chain to fabricate an anisotropic magnetoresistive five-layer thin film sensor stack for planar rotary motion sensing. We studied the interplay between the electrical joining technique and the sensor characteristics such as magnetoresistive sensitivity and asymmetries in the sensor signal within the magnetic field strength domain. Despite process complexity and the precision limitations of manual machining and positioning, deployed in this work, the sensor stacks prepared by the through-paper via technique exhibited the closest uniformity in the magnetization planes across the stack, and hence the highest cumulative magnetoresistive sensitivity and lowest unfavorable asymmetries. Last, using peeling tests, we verified the mechanical reliability of the interconnects prepared by the through-paper via and collapsible daisy chain techniques.