bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond Beer's Law: Revisiting the Lorentz‐Lorenz Equation
Authors: Mayerhöfer Thomas G. , Popp Jürgen
Published: May 2020

In this contribution we show how the Lorentz‐Lorenz and the Clausius‐Mosotti equations are related to Beer's law. Accordingly, the linear concentration dependence of absorbance is a consequence of neglecting the difference between the local and the applied electric field. Additionally, it is necessary to assume that the absorption index and the related refractive index change is small. By connecting the Lorentz‐Lorenz equations with dispersion theory, it becomes obvious that the oscillators are coupled via the local field. We investigate this coupling with numerical examples and show that, as a consequence, the integrated absorbance of a single band is in general no longer linearly depending on the concentration. In practice, the deviations from Beer's law usually do not set in before the density reaches about one tenth of that of condensed matter. For solutions, the Lorentz‐Lorenz equations predict a strong coupling also between the oscillators of solute and solvent. In particular, in the infrared spectral region, the absorption coefficients are prognosticated to be much higher due to this coupling compared to those in the gas phase.
The role of board of directors in intellectual capital disclosure after the advent of integrated reporting
Authors: Vitolla Filippo , Raimo Nicola , Marrone Arcangelo , Rubino Michele
Published: May 2020

Intellectual capital is an important tool for strengthening a firm's competitive advantage and helping it achieve its medium‐ and long‐term financial objectives. Currently accepted accounting principles do not outline strict rules and regulations for intellectual capital disclosure. However, the advent of integrated reporting offer firms an innovative tool to disseminate this information. Although previous research has analysed the intellectual capital found in integrated reports, no studies have analysed the board of directors' role in intellectual capital disclosure policies. This study uses agency theory to analyse the effect of board characteristics on intellectual capital disclosure quality (ICDQ) in the context of integrated reporting. To this end, it develops a new scoring system to measure ICDQ. The results, based on a sample of 130 international firms operating in different sectors, show a positive relationship between board size, independence, diversity and activity with ICDQ.
Persbectifau amlieithog: paratoi ar gyfer dysgu ieithoedd yn y cwricwlwm newydd i Gymru
Authors: Gorrara Claire , Jenkins Lucy , Jepson Eira , Llewelyn Machin Tallulah
Published: May 2020

Bydd yr erthygl hon yn edrych ar y lle ar gyfer dysgu ieithoedd yn y Cwricwlwm i Gymru newydd a’r gwerth sydd mewn dull ac ethos amlieithog. Ar ddechrau’r erthygl, amlinellir y cyd‐destun hanesyddol i addysgu ieithoedd tramor modern yn y Deyrnas Unedig. Wedyn trafodir y cyd‐destun i ddysgu ieithoedd yng Nghymru, gan ganolbwyntio ar strategaeth bum mlynedd Llywodraeth Cymru Dyfodol Byd‐eang ar gyfer ieithoedd tramor modern (2015–2020). Bydd yr erthygl yn gwerthuso llwyddiant y strategaeth ieithoedd hon o ran delio â’r cyfraddau gadael cyn gorffen ar gyfer ieithoedd tramor modern mewn ysgolion yng Nghymru. Bydd yr erthygl wedyn yn dadansoddi’r rhagdybiaethau am ddysgu ieithoedd yn y Cwricwlwm Drafft i Gymru 2022, a welir ym Maes Dysgu a Phrofiad Ieithoedd, Llythrennedd a Chyfathrebu sy’n cynnwys y Gymraeg, Saesneg ac ieithoedd rhyngwladol. Bydd yr erthygl hon yn dadlau bod yr ad‐drefnu hwn yn cynnig man cychwyn unigryw ar gyfer creu partneriaeth barhaus, drwy gydweithio rhwng cymunedau addysgu a dysgu ieithoedd sydd wedi bod ar wahân yn hanesyddol. Yn olaf, bydd yr erthygl hon yn rhoi sylw i brosiect mentora ieithoedd tramor modern sy’n enghraifft o ddull amlieithog o ddysgu ieithoedd. Ar y diwedd, bydd yr erthygl hon yn dadlau o blaid ailfeddwl yn uchelgeisiol am y ffordd rydym yn addysgu ieithoedd, yn synio am hynny ac yn ei drysori yng Nghymru’r unfed ganrif ar hugain.
Cynnydd dysgu yn y dyniaethau: canfod tensiynau wrth gyfleu cynnydd yn y dyniaethau yng Nghymru
Authors: Hughes Sioned , Makara Kara , Stacey Dave
Published: May 2020

Mae’r papur hwn yn edrych ar y tensiynau sy’n codi wrth gyfleu cynnydd mewn dysgu yn nisgyblaethau’r Dyniaethau. Ar sail ein hadolygiad o ymchwil yn nisgyblaethau’r Dyniaethau, cwricwla rhyngwladol ar gynnydd yn y meysydd hyn a myfyrdodau o weithgarwch proffesiynol ym ‘Maes Dysgu a Phrofiad’ y Dyniaethau, sydd newydd gael ei ddiffinio yn y Cwricwlwm i Gymru newydd, mae’r papur hwn yn disgrifio sut mae cynnydd dysgu yn y Dyniaethau wedi’i gysyniadoli yn y cwricwlwm newydd ac wedyn yn amlinellu ac yn adolygu’n feirniadol bedair her a gododd wrth ganfod a disgrifio’r cynnydd dysgu yng nghwricwlwm newydd y Dyniaethau. Mae’r tensiynau’n cynnwys y berthynas rhwng disgyblaethau; y cydbwysedd rhwng gwybodaeth, sgiliau a gwerthoedd; y gwahaniaethau rhwng modelau cynnydd sylfaenol yn y Dyniaethau; a chydbwyso cymhlethdod y dysgu ag ystyriaethau ymarferol ar gyfer cwricwlwm cenedlaethol. Drwy ddefnyddio’r Model Newid Integredd, mae’r papur hwn yn cyfrannu drwy gynnig mewnwelediadau newydd i agweddau eang ar gynnydd dysgu yn y Dyniaethau a thrwy dynnu sylw at y buddion a heriau dichonol o wneud penderfyniadau penodol mewn perthynas â phob un o’r tensiynau hyn. Trafodir goblygiadau sy’n codi mewn perthynas â chynllunio’r cwricwlwm ac ymchwil yn y dyfodol, yn cynnwys y rôl sylfaenol sydd gan ddysgu proffesiynol wrth ddatblygu a gweithredu’r cwricwlwm.
Draft genome of the famous ornamental plant Paeonia suffruticosa
Authors: Lv Shuzuo , Cheng Shu , Wang Zhanying , Li Shiming , Jin Xin , Lan Lei , Yang Bing , Yu Kang , Ni Xuemei , Li Ning , Hou Xiaogai , Huang Gang , Wang Jie , Dong Yang , Wang Erqiang , Huang Jiangtao , Zhang Gengyun , Zhang Canjun
Published: May 2020

Tree peony (Paeonia Sect. Moutan) is a famous ornamental plant, with huge historical, cultural, and economic significance worldwide. In this study, we reported the ~13.79 Gb draft genome of a wide‐grown Paeonia suffruticosa cultivar “Luo shen xiao chun,” representing the largest sequenced genome in dicots to date. Phylogenetic analyses based on genome sequences demonstrated that P. suffruticosa was placed as sister to Vitales, and they together formed a clade that was sister to Rosids, weakly supporting a relationship of ((Saxifragales and Vitales) and Rosids). The identification and expression analysis of MADS‐box genes based on the genome assembly and de novo transcriptome assembly of P. suffruticosa revealed that the function of C class genes was restricted in flower development, which might be responsible for the stamen petalody in tree peony cultivars. Overall, the first sequenced genome in the family Paeoniaceae provides an important resource for the origin, domestication, and evolutionary study as well as cultivar breeding in tree peony.
Altered rainfall patterns reduce plant fitness and disrupt interactions between below‐ and aboveground insect herbivores
Authors: Aguirrebengoa Martin , Menéndez Rosa , Müller Caroline , González‐Megías Adela
Published: May 2020

Evidence is accumulating of the disruptive effects of climate change on species interactions. However, little is known about how changes in climate patterns, such as temporal shifts in rainfall events, will affect multitrophic interactions. Here, we investigated the effects of changes in rainfall patterns on the interactions between root herbivores, a plant, and its associated aboveground insects in a semiarid region by experimentally manipulating in the field rainfall intensity and frequency. We found that a shift in rainfall severely constrained biomass acquisition and flowering of the plantMoricandia moricandioides, resulting in fitness reduction. Importantly, enhanced rainfall affected the interactions between below‐ and some aboveground herbivores, disrupting the positive effects of root herbivores on chewing insects. The shifts in precipitation had also plant‐mediated consequences for planthoppers, the dominant sapsuckers in our study system. A combination of mechanisms involving biomass acquisition and plant defenses seemed to be responsible for the different responses of insects and their interactions with the plant. This study provides evidence that altered rainfall patterns due to climate change affect not only trophic groups differentially but also their interactions.
Water Oxidation Catalyzed by Ruthenium Complexes with 4‐Hydroxypyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylate as a Negatively Charged Tridentate Ligand
Authors: Yang Yang , Yang Jing , Li Fei , Liao Rongzhen , Duan Lele
Published: May 2020

In order to reduce the overpotential for water oxidation, 4‐hydroxypyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylate (hdc2–), was used as a ligand to prepare Ru‐based water oxidation catalysts (WOCs) where the hydroxyl group of hdc2– endows strong electron‐donating ability to the pyridine ring due to the p‐π conjugation. A family of Ru‐hdc complexes, [Ru(hdc)(py‐R)3] (py‐R = 4‐pyridyl ligands; R = OMe, 1; Me, 2; H, 3; COOMe, 4) with electron‐donating and ‐withdrawing groups were prepared and fully characterized. Electrochemical water oxidation experiments demonstrated that (i) the redox potentials of RuIII/II are sensitive to the substituents, and stronger electron‐donating groups give lower oxidation potentials and (ii) the catalytic current for water oxidation correlates well with their electron‐donating ability of pyridyl ligands, 1 > 2 > 3 > 4. A similar trend for the performance of CeIV‐driven water oxidation was also observed. Mechanistic studies revealed that the equatorial pyridyl ligands are prone to ligand exchange with water under acidic conditions, especially upon oxidation, leading to the formation of Ru‐aqua species, for instance [RuIII(hdc)(py)2(OH2)]+. Further oxidation of the Ru‐aqua species gives dimeric Ru species, [(hdc)(py)2RuIII‐(µ‐O)‐RuIV(hdc)(py)2]+, which is proposed to be closely related to the real water oxidation catalyst toward water oxidation.
Chalcogen Bonding Induced Tetraselenides from Twisted Diselenides
Authors: Vaddamanu Moulali , Prabusankar Ganesan
Published: May 2020

The first sterically controlled oxidation of mesoionic selone using copper(II) salt was demonstrated. The present methodology gave access to a rare tetraselenide from dimerized diselenides through chalcogen bonding (ChB). Besides, a similar approach with sterically less crowded mesoionic triazole selone, 1‐(2‐mesitylene)‐3‐methyl‐4‐phenyltriazolin‐5‐selone, gave the classic diselenide salt. In the solid state, these new selenide salts demonstrate a unique structural aggregation with unusual bonding features such as Se···O and Se···F interactions.
Organocatalytic Synthesis of Chiral Spirooxindoles with Quaternary Stereogenic Centers
Authors: Sansinenea Estibaliz , Martínez Edith Fabiola , Ortiz Aurelio
Published: May 2020

The structure of spirooxindoles is present in a large number of natural compounds, with relevant and different biological activities. The organic synthesis of these compounds has been a synthetic challenge due to the fusion of two or more cycles with one or more contiguous stereogenic centers. In this review, it has been described, the feasibility of organocatalytic asymmetric synthesis for the achievement of chiral spirooxindoles through two‐ or three‐component reaction in the presence of a chiral organocatalyst producing the compounds with high yield, high diastereoselectivity and with high enantiomeric purity. This review covers literature from 2010 to 2019. The most explored reactions for this purpose have been 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition, Diels‐Alder and nucleophilic heterocyclic carbenes reactions, where their reaction mechanisms showed in this review are an approach of a possible mechanism.
Current advances and approaches in wind speed and wind power forecasting for improved renewable energy integration: A review
Authors: Santhosh Madasthu , Venkaiah Chintham , Vinod Kumar D. M.
Published: May 2020

Wind power is playing a pivotal part in global energy growth as it is clean and pollution‐free. To maximize profits, economic scheduling, dispatching, and planning the unit commitment, there is a great demand for wind forecasting techniques. This drives the researchers and electric utility planners in the direction of more advanced approaches to forecast over broader time horizons. Key prediction techniques use physical, statistical approaches, artificial intelligence techniques, and hybrid methods. An extensive review of the current forecasting techniques, as well as their performance evaluation, is here presented. The techniques used for improving the prediction accuracy, methods to overcome major forecasting problems, evolving trends, and further advanced applications in future research are explored.
The knowledge, attitude, and practices of food handlers in central South African hospices
Authors: Nkhebenyane Jane Sebolelo , Lues Ryk
Published: May 2020

The escalating number of foodborne diseases and food poisoning outbreaks demand a better call for improved food‐handling practices. Hospices are typically described as nongovernmental organizations that offer palliative care to terminally ill patients. The majority of hospice food handlers are not trained in food safety aspects, and services are offered on a voluntary basis. In this study, a descriptive survey design comprising of semistructured questionnaire was utilized to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the hospice food handlers (n = 100) in hospices around Central South Africa. More than half of the participants (68%) had not taken basic food safety training. The average percentage of the correct answers on the knowledge questionnaire was 66.8%. The participants had a mean age of 35 years (SD = 9.27). Attendance of food safety course had a significant effect on both the practices of using gloves to touch or distribute unwrapped foods (χ2 = 8.411, p‐value = .012), and washing hands after using gloves (χ2 = 12.560, p‐value = .001). The overall KAP mean score was 78.38. A statistically significant difference was found between the trained and untrained food handlers regarding food safety knowledge (p < .001). There was substantial lack of knowledge regarding the correct temperature for a refrigerator including hot ready‐to‐eat food.
Later retirement, job strain, and health: Evidence from the new State Pension age in the United Kingdom
Authors: Carrino Ludovico , Glaser Karen , Avendano Mauricio
Published: May 2020

This paper examines the impact of raising the State Pension age on women's health. Exploiting a UK pension reform that increased women's State Pension age for up to 6 years since 2010, we show that raising the State Pension age leads to an increase of up to 12 percentage points in the probability of depressive symptoms, alongside an increase in self‐reported medically diagnosed depression among women in a lower occupational grade. Our results suggest that these effects are driven by prolonged exposure to high‐strain jobs characterised by high demands and low control. Effects are consistent across multiple subcomponents of the General Health Question and Short‐Form‐12 (SF‐12) scores, and robust to alternative empirical specifications, including “placebo” analyses for women who never worked and for men.
The Role of the Intestine in the Pathogenesis of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Evidence and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Dean Gregory , Hanauer Stephen , Levitsky Josh
Published: May 2020

The pathogenesis of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a progressive biliary tract disease without approved medical therapy, is not well understood. The relationship between PSC and inflammatory bowel disease has inspired theories that intestinal factors may contribute to the development and progression of hepatobiliary fibrosis in PSC. There is evidence from both fecal and mucosa‐associated microbial studies that patients with PSC harbor an abnormal enteric microbiome. These organisms are thought to produce toxic byproducts that stimulate immune‐mediated damage of hepatocytes and the biliary tree. The link between these mechanisms may be related to altered intestinal permeability leading to migration of bacteria or associated toxins to the liver through the portal circulation. In support of these concepts, early trials have demonstrated improved biochemical parameters and symptoms of PSC with oral antibiotics, ostensibly through manipulation of the enteric microbiota. This article reviews the published literature for evidence as well as gaps in knowledge regarding these mechanisms by which intestinal aberrations might drive the development of PSC. We also identify areas of future research that are needed to link and verify these pathways to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
Hepatic Molecular Signatures Highlight the Sexual Dimorphism of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
Authors: Vandel Jimmy , Dubois‐Chevalier Julie , Gheeraert Céline , Derudas Bruno , Raverdy Violetta , Thuillier Dorothée , Gaal Luc , Francque Sven , Pattou François , Staels Bart , Eeckhoute Jérôme , Lefebvre Philippe
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is considered as a pivotal stage in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression, given that it paves the way for severe liver injuries such as fibrosis and cirrhosis. The etiology of human NASH is multifactorial, and identifying reliable molecular players and/or biomarkers has proven difficult. Together with the inappropriate consideration of risk factors revealed by epidemiological studies (altered glucose homeostasis, obesity, ethnicity, sex, etc.), the limited availability of representative NASH cohorts with associated liver biopsies, the gold standard for NASH diagnosis, probably explains the poor overlap between published “omics”‐defined NASH signatures.

Approach and Results

Here, we have explored transcriptomic profiles of livers starting from a 910‐obese‐patient cohort, which was further stratified based on stringent histological characterization, to define “NoNASH” and “NASH” patients. Sex was identified as the main factor for data heterogeneity in this cohort. Using powerful bootstrapping and random forest (RF) approaches, we identified reliably differentially expressed genes participating in distinct biological processes in NASH as a function of sex. RF‐calculated gene signatures identified NASH patients in independent cohorts with high accuracy.

Conclusions

This large‐scale analysis of transcriptomic profiles from human livers emphasized the sexually dimorphic nature of NASH and its link with fibrosis, calling for the integration of sex as a major determinant of liver responses to NASH progression and responses to drugs.
PSIXAS: A Psi4 plugin for efficient simulations of X‐ray absorption spectra based on the transition‐potential and Δ‐Kohn–Sham method
Authors: Ehlert Christopher , Klamroth Tillmann
Published: May 2020

Near edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra and their pump‐probe extension (PP‐NEXAFS) offer insights into valence‐ and core‐excited states. We present PSIXAS, a recent implementation for simulating NEXAFS and PP‐NEXAFS spectra by means of the transition‐potential and the Δ‐Kohn–Sham method. The approach is implemented in form of a software plugin for the Psi4 code, which provides access to a wide selection of basis sets as well as density functionals. We briefly outline the theoretical foundation and the key aspects of the plugin. Then, we use the plugin to simulate PP‐NEXAFS spectra of thymine, a system already investigated by others and us. It is found that larger, extended basis sets are needed to obtain more accurate absolute resonance positions. We further demonstrate that, in contrast to ordinary NEXAFS simulations, where the choice of the density functional plays a minor role for the shape of the spectrum, for PP‐NEXAFS simulations the choice of the density functional is important. Especially hybrid functionals (which could not be used straightforwardly before to simulate PP‐NEXAFS spectra) and their amount of “Hartree‐Fock like” exact exchange affects relative resonance positions in the spectrum.
Clinicopathological and survival characteristic of mismatch repair status in ovarian clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Jun , Ke Guihao , Bi Rui , Wu Xiaohua
Published: May 2020

Background and Objectives

We sought to explore the expression of mismatch repair (MMR) status and its correlation with clinicopathologic and survival characteristics in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC).

Methods

Expression of four MMR proteins (MLH1, PMS, MSH2, and MSH6) were measured using tissue microarray‐based immunohistochemistry in 120 OCCC patients. The associations of clinicopathologic parameters with recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed by the Kaplan‐Meier method, and multivariate analysis was further performed by the Cox regression model.

Results

Overall, 120 OCCC patients met the entry criteria, and their MMR status was detected, consisting of 24 patients with dMMR and 96 patients with proficient MMR (pMMR). Patients with dMMR were strongly associated with platinum‐sensitive disease (P = .006) and large tumor volume (P = .038). Among all the patients who have received surgery, tumors with dMMR had a better RFS and OS than those with pMMR (hazard ratio [HR] for recurrence: 0.459 [95% confidence interval {95% CI} = 0.224‐0.940], P = .029; HR for death: 0.381 [95% CI = 0.170‐0.853], P = .015). In subgroup analysis, dMMR patients experienced a better trend of RFS (HR = 0.273; P = .055) and OS (HR = 0.165; P = .040) than pMMR cases among early stages (I‐II), but this difference was not observed in advanced stage (III‐IV) patients. Meanwhile, pMMR was associated with a more favorable trend of prognosis than dMMR in platinum‐resistant patients (RFS: HR = 0.317, P = .051; OS: HR = 0.370, P = .046). Multivariate analysis revealed that only advanced stages (III‐IV) were adverse independent prognosticators for both RFS (HR = 5.938 [95% CI = 2.804‐12.574]; P < .001) and OS (HR = 6.209 [95% CI = 2.724‐14.156]; P < .001).

Conclusion

Tumors with dMMR were related to better OS in OCCC on univariate analysis. Only the tumor stage was an independent prognosticator for both RFS and OS. MMR status is a potentially valuable prognostic index in OCCC patients, and larger prospective studies are required to validate its prognostic role.
Carotid Plaque Strain Indices Were Correlated With Cognitive Performance in a Cohort With Advanced Atherosclerosis, and Traditional Doppler Measures Showed no Association
Authors: Mitchell Carol C. , Wilbrand Stephanie M. , Cook Thomas D. , Meshram Nirvedh H. , Steffel Catherine N. , Nye Rebecca , Varghese Tomy , Hermann Bruce P. , Dempsey Robert J.
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Traditional Doppler measures have been used to predict cognitive performance in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Novel measures, such as carotid plaque strain indices (CPSIs), have shown associations with cognitive performance. We hypothesized that lower mean middle cerebral artery (MCA) velocities, higher bulb–internal carotid artery (ICA) velocities, the MCA pulsatility index (PI), and CPSIs would be associated with poorer cognitive performance in individuals with advanced atherosclerosis.

Methods

Neurocognitive testing, carotid ultrasound imaging, transcranial Doppler imaging, and carotid strain imaging were performed on 40 patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy. Kendall tau correlations were used to examine relationships between cognitive tests and the surgical‐side maximum peak systolic velocity (PSV; from the bulb, proximal, mid, or distal ICA), mean MCA velocity and PI, and maximum CPSIs (axial, lateral, and shear strain indices used to characterize plaque deformations with arterial pulsation). Cognitive measures included age‐adjusted indices of verbal fluency, verbal and visual learning/memory, psychomotor speed, auditory attention/working memory, visuospatial construction, and mental flexibility.

Results

Participants had a median age of 71.0 (interquartile range, 9.75) years; 26 were male (65%), and 14 were female (35%). Traditional Doppler parameters, PSV, mean MCA velocity, and MCA PI did not predict cognitive performance (all P > .05). Maximum CPSIs were significantly associated with cognitive performance (P < .05).

Conclusions

Traditional velocity measurements of the maximum bulb‐ICA PSV, mean MCA velocity, and PI were not associated with cognitive performance in patients with advanced atherosclerotic disease; however, maximum CPSIs were associated with cognitive performance. These findings suggest that cognition may be associated with unstable plaque rather than blood flow.
Experimental Research on the Evaluation of Left Ventricular Function by Layered Speckle Tracking in a Constrictive Pericarditis Rat Model
Authors: Wang Xin , Qiao Wei , Xiao Yangjie , Sun Lijuan , Ren Weidong
Published: May 2020

Objectives

In animal models with constrictive pericarditis (CP), detecting the function of cardiac systole by conventional noninvasive ultrasound is a challenge. We aimed to detect cardiac dysfunction in rat models with CP in the early stage by layered speckle tracking.

Methods

We compared a rat CP model (n = 23, injected with a solution of 1‐mg/mL lipopolysaccharides [0.5 mL] and a 10% talc suspension [0.5 mL]) with a control group (n = 20, no injection). After 8 weeks, conventional echocardiography and layered speckle tracking were used to assess the left ventricular structures and functions in the groups.

Results

The global circumferential strain (CS) and longitudinal strain (LS) were decreased in the CP group (P < .05). The CS of the epicardial and middle layers in the CP group was decreased (P < .05), but the endocardial layer was not statistically different. The LS of the epicardial layer was decreased (P < .05), but the middle and endocardial layers were not statistically different. The global free‐wall and septal‐wall CS of the CP group was decreased (P < .05), mainly due to the decrease of CS of the epicardial and middle layers. The global free‐wall LS of the CP group was decreased (P < .05), mainly due to the decrease of LS of the epicardial and middle layers. There were no significant differences between the groups in global LS of the septal wall.

Conclusions

In the early stage of CP, subepicardial myocardial damage precedes that of the subendocardial myocardium, and free‐wall damage precedes that of the septal wall.
Secondary soil salinization in urban lawns: Microbial functioning, vegetation state, and implications for carbon balance
Authors: Gavrichkova Olga , Brykova Ramilla A. , Brugnoli Enrico , Calfapietra Carlo , Cheng Zhongqi , Kuzyakov Yakov , Liberati Dario , Moscatelli Maria Cristina , Pallozzi Emanuele , Vasenev Viacheslav I.
Published: May 2020

Deicing agents cause soil salinization and degradation in urban areas. We assessed the capacity of urban lawns to maintain carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling with increasing soil salinity. The sensitivity to soil salinity of the main ecosystem players: plants and microorganisms were assessed considering their complex interactions between each other and environment. The effects of low and moderate soil salinization by common deicing agent (NaCl) were evaluated in mesocosms planted with two urban lawns: Lolium perenne and mixture of grasses. Mesocosm‐, plant‐, and soil‐level gas exchange were assessed on a short‐term (days) and long‐term (months) scales. Microbial response was characterized by analyzing the microbial properties and activities of nine enzymes. Carbon balance remained independent on the salinity due to cancelling effect of lowered gross primary production (GPP, −20%), decreased C input by plants into the soil (−40% for mixture) balanced by slower microbial decomposition of organic matter (−20%) and so, lower soil respiration (−35%). GPP declined as a long‐term response by a combination of stomatal constraint on photosynthesis with leaf respiration increase. Toxic effects of salinization on soil respiration were observed only for temperatures above 15°C. Microbial community with high C:N ratio (common for fungi) was the most sensitive to salinization. The death of microbial biomass (−31% for Lolium) and cell lysis increased soil enzyme activities (+38% for Lolium). We conclude that C balance of urban lawns remain homeostatic at secondary salinization. Temperature effects and plant‐microbial interactions will determine C and nutrients cycling under salinity stress in urban lawns.
Complicated ventricular arrhythmia and hematologic myeloproliferative disorder in RIT1‐associated Noonan syndrome: Expanding the phenotype and review of the literature
Authors: Aly Safwat A. , Boyer Kenneth M. , Muller Brie‐Ann A. , Marini Davide , Jones Carolyn H. , Nguyen Hoang H.
Published: May 2020

Background

Noonan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder secondary to RASopathies, which are caused by germ‐line mutations in genes encoding components of the RAS mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway. RIT1 (OMIM *609591) was recently reported as a disease gene for Noonan syndrome.

Methods and Results

We present a patient with RIT1‐associated Noonan syndrome, who in addition to the congenital heart defect, had monocytosis, myeloproliferative disorder, and accelerated idioventricular rhythm that was associated with severe hemodynamic instability. Noonan syndrome was suspected given the severe pulmonary stenosis, persistent monocytosis, and “left‐shifted” complete blood counts without any evidence of an infectious process. Genetic testing revealed that the patient had a heterozygous c.221 C>G (pAla74Gly) mutation in the RIT1.

Conclusion

We report a case of neonatal Noonan syndrome associated with RIT1 mutation. The clinical suspicion for Noonan syndrome was based only on the congenital heart defect, persistent monocytosis, and myeloproliferative process as the child lacked all other hallmarks characteristics of Noonan syndrome. However, the patient had an unusually malignant ventricular dysrhythmia that lead to his demise. The case highlights the fact that despite its heterogeneous presentation, RIT1‐associated Noonan syndrome can be extremely severe with poor outcome.
Reflectarray antenna design with double cutted ring element for X‐band applications
Authors: Bodur Hande , Çimen Sibel
Published: May 2020

In this study, a single layer reflectarray antenna is proposed with variable patch sized unit cells and suggested for enhancing the bandwidth with small overall dimensions for X‐band applications. The novel unit cell consists of double cutted ring geometry. 13 × 13 unit cells reflectarray is covering an 162.5 × 162.5 mm2 ultrathin square substrate with εr = 6.15 dielectric permittivity and 0.042 × λ0 thickness. In order to obtain larger and smoother phase curve, 2 mm air gap is inserted between substrate and ground plane. The required phase delay is compensated by using variable size unit cell elements. The main beam is directed to the desired direction (θ = 0°). A 169‐elements reflectarray is illuminated by a pyramidal horn antenna which is located at F = 148 mm. The designed reflectarray antenna is simulated and fabricated to validate the design method. The measurements are made in a shielded anechoic chamber. The simulation and measurement results are in agreement with each other. The maximum gain value is 22.93 dBi at 12 GHz, 1‐dB gain bandwidth is 18% between 10 and 12 GHz and 3‐dB gain bandwidth is 24% between 9.4 and 12 GHz.
Feeding Ecology of Age-0 Gar at Texoma Reservoir Inferred from Analysis of Stable Isotopes
Authors: Snow Richard A. , Stewart David R. , Porta Michael J. , Long James M.
Published: May 2020

Conservation and restoration of gar (Lepisosteidae) populations in North America are increasingly of interest to fisheries managers. Alligator Gar Atractosteus spatula are being stocked as age-0 fish in efforts to re-establish extirpated populations. However, gars are known to be highly cannibalistic in hatcheries, suggesting that age-0 Alligator Gar introduced into natural habitats may face predation pressures from other gar species, limiting the likelihood of released fish recruiting to the population. Furthermore, introduced age-0 gar may not have the proper prey resources for rapid growth that would facilitate recruitment to adulthood. Texoma Reservoir, located on the Oklahoma–Texas border, hosts four native gar species, including the Alligator Gar, whose population is supported by supplemental stocking of age-0 fingerlings. We investigated feeding by age-0 gar to obtain a baseline level of trophic ecology for this group of fishes, including the potential for poststocking cannibalism. Food webs were reconstructed via analysis of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes using Bayesian mixing model approaches. Isotopic values for age-0 fish of all four gar species were similar. Invertebrates represented a large fraction of the diet for all gars, followed by Common Carp Cyprinus carpio and Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella. Competitive interactions among Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus, White Bass Morone chrysops, White Crappie Pomoxis annularis, and young gar may occur for invertebrates, shads Dorosoma spp., and Western Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis but are likely short-lived due to the rapid growth of age-0 gar after their transition to piscivory. Trophic position of age-0 Alligator Gar, Longnose Gar Lepisosteus osseus, and Spotted Gar Lepisosteus oculatus was positively related to TL, but this relationship was not observed for Shortnose Gar Lepisosteus platostomus. In Texoma Reservoir, the four native gar species, including stocked Alligator Gar, appear to have adequate food resources for recruitment, with little indication of within-family or interspecific predation. This suggests that stocked Alligator Gar quickly acclimated to their new environment.
Pain reduction realized with extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of symptoms associated with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome—A prospective, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Chuang Yao‐Chi , Meng En , Chancellor Michael , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: May 2020

Aims

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) inhibited bladder inflammation and pain in preclinical studies. We assessed ESWT for the treatment of refractory interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).

Methods

This double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled physician‐initiated study enrolled 54 patients with IC/BPS. The patients were assigned to ESWT (N = 24; 2000 shocks, frequency of 3 Hz, and maximum total energy flow density 0.25 mJ/mm2) once a week for 4 weeks at suprapubic bladder area or placebo (N = 25; shock wave setting without energy transmission). The primary endpoint was the average changes in O'Leary‐Sant symptom scores (OSS) between baseline and 4 weeks after treatment. Secondary endpoints included visual analog scale (VAS, 0‐10) for pain, the average changes of variables in a 3‐day voiding diary, and global response assessment of patient satisfaction.

Results

At 4 weeks posttreatment, both groups were associated with a statistically significant decrease in OSS and VAS pain scale. However, there were no difference in mean change between ESWT vs placebo groups. A significantly higher proportion of patients on ESWT responded as improved in the VAS ≥ 3 vs placebo (P = .035). At 12 weeks posttreatment, improvement in the VAS ≥ 3 was 57.1% vs 19.0% (ESWT vs placebo; P = .011). The finding was associated with an improvement in frequency − 1.0 ± 2.3 vs 0.7 ± 3.2 (ESWT vs placebo; P = .065). No significant adverse events were found in either group.

Conclusions

A reduction in pain was discovered in this trial assessing ESWT in patients with IC/BPS but OSS, which was the primary outcome parameter, was not improved.
The early, long‐term inhibition of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor improves voiding, and storage dysfunctions in mice with spinal cord injury
Authors: Wada Naoki , Yoshimura Naoki , Kurobe Masahiro , Saito Tetsuichi , Tyagi Pradeep , Kakizaki Hidehiro
Published: May 2020

Aims

We examined the time course of urodynamic changes and the effect of the short or long‐term inhibition of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) from the early phase after spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice.

Methods

The spinal cord of female C57BL/6N mice was completely transected. We examined filling cystometry and bladder BDNF levels at 10, 20, and 30 days after SCI, with an additional day‐5 measurement of BDNF. In a separate group of mice, anti‐BDNF antibody (Ab) (10 µg/kg/h) was subcutaneously administered using osmotic pumps from day 3 after SCI, and single‐filling cystometry was performed at 10 and 30 days (7 and 27 days of treatment, respectively) after SCI.

Results

Compared to spinal intact mice, bladder mucosal BDNF was increased at each time point after SCI with the maximal level at day 5 after SCI. Voiding efficiency was lower at each time point after SCI than that of spinal intact mice. The number of non‐voiding contractions (NVC) during bladder filling was gradually increased with time. In both 10‐ and 30‐day SCI groups treated with anti‐BDNF Ab, voiding efficiency was improved, and the duration of notch‐like intravesical pressure reductions during voiding bladder contractions was prolonged. The number of NVC was significantly decreased only in 30‐day SCI mice with 27‐day anti‐BDNF treatment.

Conclusions

Overexpression of BDNF is associated with the deterioration of voiding efficiency after SCI. The early‐started, long‐term inhibition of BDNF improved voiding dysfunction and was also effective to reduce the later‐phase development of detrusor overactivity after SCI.
Valsalva urethral profile (VUP): A urodynamic measure to assess stress urinary incontinence in women
Authors: Dompeyre Philippe , Pizzoferrato Anne‐Cécile , Le Normand Loïc , Bader Georges , Fauconnier Arnaud
Published: May 2020

Aims

We aimed to assess the value of the Valsalva urethral profile (VUP) in case of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

Six hundred and ninety‐four women without pelvic organ prolapse were included in this prospective monocentric study. SUI was diagnosed from symptoms using the International Continence Society definition, and severity using two validated questionnaires (USP and ICIQ‐SF). The urodynamic parameters studied were maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP) and functional length (FL). Both were performed at rest, during a Valsalva maneuver (v‐MUCP and v‐FL) and again at rest. Correlation analyses and ROC curves were used to assess the value of the clinical and urodynamic measurements.

Results

In our population, based on the questionnaires, 172 (24.8%) women were diagnosed with pure SUI on symptoms, 71 (10.2%) with urgency urinary incontinence and 392 (56.5%) with mixed urinary incontinence; 59 (8.5%) women were continent. The v‐MUCP was the most correlated parameter to the severity of SUI (ρ: −0.63) and the most predictive of SUI risk, with a threshold value of 35 cm H2O (Se = 0.82, Sp = 0.86). The v‐FL was significantly shortened in case of SUI.

Conclusions

The v‐MUCP and v‐FL are global measurements of urethral resistance during stress. With a threshold value of 35 cm H2O, the v‐MUCP was the most discriminating parameter for the diagnosis of SUI, with a good reliability.
Fiber‐based shakedown analysis of three‐dimensional frames under multiple load combinations: Mixed finite elements and incremental‐iterative solution
Authors: Magisano D. , Garcea G.
Published: May 2020

This work presents an efficient fiber analysis for evaluating the shakedown safety factor of three‐dimensional frames under multiple load combinations. Mixed finite elements are employed for an accurate discretization. A continuation method, similar to a standard elasto‐plastic analysis, is used at structural level. It evaluates a pseudo‐equilibrium path made of a sequence of safe states with a converging nondecreasing load factor. Each point of the path is obtained by finding kinematic variables corresponding to self‐equilibrated stresses satisfying Melan's condition for the current load factor to be safe. The stress admissible domain is defined at fiber level as a function of the load factor using the maximum and minimum effect due to all loads. An iterative state determination provides finite element stresses corresponding to assigned kinematic variables and load factor. The overall analysis differs from previous proposals for two novelty points. Firstly, a direct application of the Newton method can be employed, without any need for constrained optimization solvers. Moreover, dimension and complexity of the load domain do not affect the computational cost of the nonlinear analysis. Numerical tests show an accurate estimate of the safety factor using a small number of fibers and an efficient solution also for large buildings.
Do Pilot and Demonstration Projects Work? Evidence from a Green Building Program
Authors: Blackburn Christopher J. , Flowers Mallory E. , Matisoff Daniel C. , Moreno‐Cruz Juan
Published: May 2020

Pilot and demonstration (P&D) projects are commonly deployed to catalyze early adoption of technology but are poorly understood in terms of mechanism and impact. We conceptually distinguish unique functions of pilots and demonstrations, then examine whether they accelerate adoption in the case of green building technology. To identify effects on adoption, we develop a difference‐in‐difference‐in‐differences strategy, exploiting variation in timing, location, and technologies of green building P&Ds. Results indicate local quarterly green building adoption rates double following completion of a P&D project. Further analyses examine mechanisms driving this effect. The results suggest green building demonstration projects create learning externalities, proliferating technology diffusion in local markets and through building owner networks. Together, these results suggest that investments in P&D projects by public and private actors can lower costs for subsequent adoption.
Novel triplet silavinylidenes via density functional theory
Authors: Ayoubi‐Chianeh Mojgan , Kassaee Mohamad Z.
Published: May 2020

Following our quest for novel triplet silylenes, we have compared and contrasted electronic effects on 5‐silavinylidenyl‐1,4‐diX‐tetrazoles with XH, CH3, OCH3, NH2, NMe2, OH, CN, Cl, CF3, and F (1–10, respectively), at M06/6‐311++G** level of theory. Six structures with XH (1) and electron‐donating groups (EDGs, 2–6) appear triplet while the other four with electron‐withdrawing groups (EWGs, 7–10) show singlet ground states. The overall trend for triplet stability based on their ΔEs‐t is 1 > 2 > 3 > 4 > 5 > 6 > 7 > 8 > 9 > 10. The EWGs increase electrophilicity (ω) making 7 (7.09 eV) as the most electrophilic species. In contrast, EDGs increase nucleophilicity (N) showing 5 (5.47 eV) and 8 (3.18 eV) as the most and least nucleophilic silylenes, respectively. Moreover, 5 and 8 show the highest and lowest chemical potential (μ = −3.14 and −5.29 eV, respectively). In addition, 5 displays the highest energies of HOMO (EHOMO = −4.02 eV) and LUMO (ELUMO = −2.27 eV) and the lowest ω (2.82 eV) among the scrutinized species.
Pneumonia in Nigeria: The way forward
Authors: Wonodi Chizoba , Obi‐Jeff Chisom , Falade Adegoke , Watkins Kevin , Omokore Oluseyi A.
Published: May 2020

Pneumonia is the leading cause of child deaths in Nigeria. Interventions to combat pneumonia are known and globally available, but not yet deployed effectively in Nigeria. While the under‐five pneumonia deaths dropped globally by 51% during the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) years (2000 to 2015), the rate declined by a mere 8% in Nigeria. In this commentary, we focus on three factors that may have stalled Nigeria's progress on pneumonia control. First, a chronically weak health system failed to deliver the needed services at scale. Second, strong coordination of a multipronged and well‐funded push against pneumonia was absent. Third, sound and timely data on pneumonia intervention coverage were lacking, thus blunting the accountability mechanisms that could have driven quick, targeted action. In response, the Federal Ministry of Health recently developed a National Pneumonia Control Strategy with the support of the “Every Breath Counts Coalition” (EBCC). This strategy, a first of its kind, articulates a common vision for reducing pneumonia‐led morbidity and mortality and provides a unified approach to respond comprehensively to pneumonia within and outside the health sector. Strong political will and sustainable financing are now needed to effectively implement this strategy and accelerate progress on pneumonia control. This will contribute hugely to achieving the government's health goals, the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.2 and the Global Action Plan on Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (GAPPD) targets.
Combined group and home exercise programmes in community‐dwelling falls‐risk older adults: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Teng Bernadine , Gomersall Sjaan R. , Hatton Anna , Brauer Sandra G.
Published: May 2020

Objectives

The objectives of this review were to (a) determine the effectiveness of combined group and home exercise programmes on falls risk factors and falls in community‐dwelling older adults at risk of falling compared to no exercise controls; and (b) explore adherence and the behaviour change techniques employed in delivering these interventions.

Methods

Five databases were selected to identify randomized controlled trials of exercise and/or physical activity interventions to prevent falls or to improve functional performance. PROSPERO CRD42018106111.

Results

Eighteen trials involving 5,960 participants were included. Meta‐analyses showed significant improvements in mobility after combined programmes measured by five times sit to stand (−1.42 times, 95% confidence interval [CI] −2.00 to −0.83), timed up and go (−0.94 s, 95% CI −1.76 to −0.12), and gait speed (0.05 m/s, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.07), but not single leg stance time, compared to controls. Combined programmes reduced injurious falls rate (0.77, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.91, I2 = 0%) but not rate of falls (0.86, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.08, I2 = 66%) compared to controls. There was no change in physical activity. Adherence ranged from 55–96%, with variability in the method of measurement of adherence. There was no clear relationship between adherence and outcomes. Most interventions used the behaviour change techniques of instruction/rehearsal/demonstration and feedback/monitoring.

Conclusion

Group exercise with a home programme resulted in better functional performance and falls‐related outcomes compared with a no exercise control group. Further research is needed to identify behaviour change techniques to improve adherence to exercise in this population.
A numerical strategy to evaluate performance of predictive scores via a copula‐based approach
Authors: Zhang Yilong , Shao Yongzhao
Published: May 2020

Assessing and comparing the performance of correlated predictive scores are of current interest in precision medicine. Given the limitations of available theoretical approaches for assessing and comparing the predictive accuracy, numerical methods are highly desired which, however, have not been systematically developed due to technical challenges. The main challenges include the lack of a general strategy on effectively simulating many kinds of correlated predictive scores each with some given level of predictive accuracy in either concordance index or the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve area under the curves (AUC). To fill in this important knowledge gap, this paper is to provide a general copula‐based numeric framework for assessing and comparing predictive performance of correlated predictive or risk scores. The new algorithms are designed to effectively simulate correlated predictive scores with given levels of predictive accuracy as measured in terms of concordance indices or time‐dependent AUC for predicting survival outcomes. The copula‐based numerical strategy is convenient for numerically evaluating and comparing multiple measures of predictive accuracy of correlated risk scores and for investigating finite‐sample properties of test statistics and confidence intervals as well as assessing for optimism of given performance measures using cross‐validation or bootstrap.