bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicogenetic lessons from 370 patients with autosomal recessive limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy
Authors: Winckler Pablo B. , da Silva André M.S. , Coimbra‐Neto Antônio R. , Carvalho Elmano , Cavalcanti Eduardo B.U. , Sobreira Cláudia F.R. , Marrone Carlo D. , Machado‐Costa Marcela C. , Carvalho Alzira A.S. , Feio Raimunda H.F. , Rodrigues Cleonísio L. , Gonçalves Marcus V.M. , Tenório Renata B. , Mendonça Rodrigo H. , Cotta Ana , Paim Júlia F.O. , Costa e Silva Cynthia , de Aquino Cruz Camila , Bená Marjory I. , Betancur Daniel F.A. , El Husny Antonette S. , de Souza Isabel C.N. , Duarte Regina C.B. , Reed Umbertina C. , Chaves Márcia L.F. , Zanoteli Edmar , França Marcondes C. , Saute Jonas A.
Published: July 2019

Limb‐girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD) are a group of genetically heterogeneous disorders characterized by predominantly proximal muscle weakness. We aimed to characterize epidemiological, clinical and molecular data of patients with autosomal recessive LGMD2/LGMD‐R in Brazil. A multicenter historical cohort study was performed at 13 centers, in which index cases and their affected relatives' data from consecutive families with genetic or pathological diagnosis of LGMD2/LGMD‐R were reviewed from July 2017 to August 2018. Survival curves to major handicap for LGMD2A/LGMD‐R1‐calpain3‐related, LGMD2B/LGMD‐R2‐dysferlin‐related and sarcoglycanopathies were built and progressions according to sex and genotype were estimated. In 370 patients (305 families) with LGMD2/LGMD‐R, most frequent subtypes were LGMD2A/LGMD‐R1‐calpain3‐related and LGMD2B/LGMD‐R2‐dysferlin‐related, each representing around 30% of families. Sarcoglycanopathies were the most frequent childhood‐onset subtype, representing 21% of families. Five percent of families had LGMD2G/LGMD‐R7‐telethonin‐related, an ultra‐rare subtype worldwide. Females with LGMD2B/LGMD‐R2‐dysferlin‐related had less severe progression to handicap than males and LGMD2A/LGMD‐R1‐calpain3‐related patients with truncating variants had earlier disease onset and more severe progression to handicap than patients without truncating variants. We have provided paramount epidemiological data of LGMD2/LGMD‐R in Brazil that might help on differential diagnosis, better patient care and guiding future collaborative clinical trials and natural history studies in the field.
A Modeling Framework to Characterize Cytokine Release upon T‐Cell–Engaging Bispecific Antibody Treatment: Methodology and Opportunities
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Kamperschroer Cris , Wong Gilbert , Xuan Dawei
Published: July 2019

T‐cell–engaging bispecific antibodies (T‐BsAbs) are an important class of antibody therapeutics in immuno‐oncology. T‐BsAbs simultaneously bind to CD3 on T cells and a tumor‐associated antigen on tumor cells, activate T cells, and redirect T cells’ cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a common dose‐limiting adverse event for T‐BsAbs, is associated with T‐cell activation. A “priming” dose strategy (i.e., a lower initial dose followed by a higher maintenance dose) has been implemented in the clinic to mitigate CRS and to achieve efficacious doses with T‐BsAbs. So far, the selection of the optimal priming dosing regimen is largely empirical. A “fit‐for‐purpose” semimechanistic pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model was developed to characterize the cytokine release profiles upon T‐BsAb treatment, including the priming effect observed with repeated dosing. This model can be utilized to simulate cytokine profiles following various dosing regimens and may assist the design of clinical dosing strategies for T‐BsAbs programs.
Climate change amplifies plant invasion hotspots in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Uttam Babu , Shrestha Bharat Babu
Published: July 2019

Aim

Climate change has increased the risk of biological invasions, particularly by increasing the climatically suitable regions for invasive alien species. The distribution of many native and invasive species has been predicted to change under future climate. We performed species distribution modelling of invasive alien plants (IAPs) to identify hotspots under current and future climate scenarios in Nepal, a country ranked among the most vulnerable countries to biological invasions and climate change in the world.

Location

Nepal.

Methods

We predicted climatically suitable niches of 24 out of the total 26 reported IAPs in Nepal under current and future climate (2050 for RCP 6.0) using an ensemble of species distribution models. We also conducted hotspot analysis to highlight the geographic hotspots for IAPs in different climatic zones, land cover, ecoregions, physiography and federal states.

Results

Under future climate, climatically suitable regions for 75% of IAPs will expand in contrast to a contraction of the climatically suitable regions for the remaining 25% of the IAPs. A high proportion of the modelled suitable niches of IAPs occurred on agricultural lands followed by forests. In aggregation, both extent and intensity (invasion hotspots) of the climatically suitable regions for IAPs will increase in Nepal under future climate scenarios. The invasion hotspots will expand towards the high‐elevation mountainous regions. In these regions, land use is rapidly transforming due to the development of infrastructure and expansion of tourism and trade.

Main conclusions

Negative impacts on livelihood, biodiversity and ecosystem services, as well as economic loss caused by IAPs in the future, may be amplified if preventive and control measures are not immediately initiated. Therefore, the management of IAPs in Nepal should account for the vulnerability of climate change‐induced biological invasions into new areas, primarily in the mountains.
Value of three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking imaging in detecting left ventricular systolic function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: He Jionghong , Yang Long
Published: July 2019

Objective

To explore the value of three‐dimensional speckle‐tracking imaging (3DSTI) in detecting left ventricular systolic function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Methods

Totally 31 DCM patients were enrolled in this study. Left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured using the 3DSTI, two‐dimensional echocardiography (2DE), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Left ventricular end‐diastolic mass (EDmass) and left ventricular end‐diastolic mass index (LVEDmass I) were also detected by 3DSTI and MRI. The differences in these measurements were analyzed and compared.

Results

The values of LVESV, LVEDV, and LVEF showed significantly positive correlations among 2DE group, 3DSTI group, and MRI group. The LVEF value showed significant difference among these three groups [(33.3 ± 11.1)%, (30.3 ± 10.6)%, and (26.2 ± 10.7)%; P = 0.04], whereas LVEDV and LVESV values were not significantly different (P > 0.05; respectively). Inter‐group comparison showed the mean of LVEF was significantly lower in MRI group than in 2DE group (P = 0.031), whereas there was no significant difference between 2DE group and 3DSTI group and between 3DSTI group and MRI group (P > 0.05; respectively). The EDmass and EDmassI detected by 3DSTI and MRI were (143.2 ± 40.2) g vs (190.0 ± 58.3) g and (83.2 ± 21.1) g/m2 vs (110.1 ± 29.7) g/m2 (P < 0.001; respectively).

Conclusions

The LVEF value detected by 3DSTI is closer to that detected by MRI in DCM patients.
Greater than the sum of the parts: how the species composition in different forest strata influence ecosystem function
Authors: Luo Ya‐Huang , Cadotte Marc W. , Burgess Kevin S. , Liu Jie , Tan Shao‐Lin , Zou Jia‐Yun , Xu Kun , Li De‐Zhu , Gao Lian‐Ming
Published: July 2019

The mechanisms underpinning forest biodiversity‐ecosystem function relationships remain unresolved. Yet, in heterogeneous forests, ecosystem function of different strata could be associated with traits or evolutionary relationships differently. Here, we integrate phylogenies and traits to evaluate the effects of elevational diversity on above‐ground biomass across forest strata and spatial scales. Community‐weighted means of height and leaf phosphorous concentration and functional diversity in specific leaf area exhibited positive correlations with tree biomass, suggesting that both positive selection effects and complementarity occur. However, high shrub biomass is associated with greater dissimilarity in seed mass and multidimensional trait space, while species richness or phylogenetic diversity is the most important predictor for herbaceous biomass, indicating that species complementarity is especially important for understory function. The strength of diversity‐biomass relationships increases at larger spatial scales. We conclude that strata‐ and scale‐ dependent assessments of community structure and function are needed to fully understand how biodiversity influences ecosystem function.
High air humidity is sufficient for successful egg incubation and early post‐embryonic development in the marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis)
Authors: Guo Wei , Kubec Jan , Veselý Lukáš , Hossain Md Shakhawate , Buřič Miloš , McClain Ray , Kouba Antonín
Published: July 2019

Severe weather events, such as long‐term droughts, are challenging for many freshwater species. To survive drought, freshwater crayfish tend to inhabit shelters or burrows where they can remain in contact with water or high humidity environments. However, it is not known whether embryogenesis or post‐embryonic development can occur without free standing water.

To address this question, three experiments were conducted using artificial burrows with high air humidity and using marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis Lyko, 2017) as a model species. Marbled crayfish are capable of parthenogenetic reproduction, burrow extensively and are able to travel long distances over land. In the first experiment, ovigerous females were transferred to simulated burrows without free water, but with high air humidity. A control group of females were kept in burrows with free water. Successful hatching was achieved in both groups.

In the second experiment, ovigerous females were transferred to simulated burrows with no free water but high air humidity and post‐embryonic development were observed. Following successful hatching, offspring moulted to the second developmental stage (stage 2 juveniles). Stage 2 juveniles remained viable without free water for 20 days, but further development was not observed. However, when some of these stage 2 juveniles were placed back into fully aquatic conditions (experiment 3), they moulted to stage 3 within 4 to 8 days.

These results demonstrated the ability of marbled crayfish to undergo terminal phases of embryogenesis, including hatching, as well as early post‐embryonic development under high air humidity conditions only. Post‐embryonic development was suspended in the absence of free water, and successfully resumed when re‐immersed.

This similar ability to tolerate drought‐like conditions during post‐embryonic development may also occur in other crayfish species, especially primary burrowers. This unprecedented life history trait may be crucial for inhabiting ecosystems with rapidly changing water regimes. In drying climates, it may confer advantages on some crayfish species (including some invasive species) over others.
Factors of post‐stroke dementia: A nationwide cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Li Chien‐Hsun , Chang Yu‐Han , Chou Mei‐Chuan , Chen Chun‐Hung , Ho Bo‐Lin , Hsieh Sheng‐Wen , Yang Yuan‐Han
Published: July 2019

Aim

We investigated the long‐term risk of dementia for up to 10 years in patients with stroke and broadened the correlates.

Methods

We carried out a case–control study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research database in 2000 with a sampled population of 1 million. The study cohort comprised 8236 patients with stroke and no dementia history. We carried out a 1:1 case–control matched analysis on estimated propensity scores. Cox proportional hazards regressions were carried out to estimate the risk of dementia during the 5‐ and 10‐year follow‐up periods. The risk factors were also investigated.

Results

The stroke cohort was significantly at more risk of dementia during the 5‐ and 10‐year follow‐up periods, with adjusted hazard ratios 1.87 and 1.53, respectively. The patients with ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack and intracerebral hemorrhage had a significantly higher risk of dementia after 5 and 10 years, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.81 and 1.49, 1.92 and 1.61, and 2.14 and 1.61, respectively. The significant risk factors of dementia were age ≥60 years, resident in southern and eastern regions, having low insurance range, and antiplatelet use.

Conclusions

Stroke and the subtypes, including ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack and intracerebral hemorrhage, increase the long‐term risk of dementia. The incidence of post‐stroke dementia increases yearly, but the relative risk decreases gradually. Older adults, residents in southern and eastern regions, having low insurance range and antiplatelet use were prominent risk factors of post‐stroke dementia in Taiwan. Careful management of stroke and risk factors of post‐stroke dementia with long‐term follow up of cognition should be reinforced. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 815–822.
An analysis of the homeworker network in Pakistan: a global justice network (GJN) perspective
Authors: ZULFIQAR GHAZAL MIR
Published: July 2019

Using a global justice network (GJN) approach, in this article I examine the localization of a transnational network for homeworker rights. Based on my field research undertaken in Pakistan between January 2015 and December 2017, I compare different organizing approaches to establish how a politics of vulnerability may be transformed into a politics of voice and mobility. I found that, from the vantage point of the homeworker, the process of organizing rather than the results achieved is what really matters. In the case of Pakistan, union‐style organizing by the Home‐worker Federation, which is mindful of gender and class hierarchies, enhances the homeworkers’ voice, agency and mobility, while also building translocal labour solidarities. Conversely, an NGO‐led national network, with its top–down approach, perpetuates the very hierarchies it was mission bound to dismantle, thus forcing the women to stay spatially imprisoned. Without arguing that one institutional form is superior to the other, I demonstrate that for a GJN to articulate diverse local and global struggles it must be mindful of the hierarchies and boundaries that isolate and silence marginalized workers. It must also genuinely include the grassroots in the production and transference of knowledge.
Resource‐based view of city quality: Scales development and validation
Authors: Carvalho João M. S. , Costa Ricardo V. , Marnoto Sandra , Vieira José Carvalho , Sousa Célio A. A.
Published: July 2019

As the urban world population grows steadily, cities have become the main habitat for human beings. Against this backdrop, city quality or the level of development of the city's habitat that ensures the satisfaction of objective and subjective human needs become a matter of growing interest and concern for academics, policy makers, and citizens. Building on a resource‐based view of city quality, the aim of this paper is twofold. First, it proposes and validates scales for six city sub‐habitats: political, economic, social, natural, artificial, and technological. Second, it tests a model and the underlying hypothesis about the ranking of those sub‐habitats and of the perceived controversy regarding decision making upon them. For those purposes, a survey of 768 city inhabitants was conducted in Portugal to measure city quality and their sub‐habitats. Both the predicted ranking of importance of the sub‐habitats and the perceived ranking of controversy were empirically validated. The results constitute a novel and important contribution to understand city quality and its sub‐habitats, whose conceptual power relies on hierarchized factors linked to citizens’ happiness and to the level of controversy of the solutions.
Incidental splenic findings in pancreatosplenectomy specimens resected for primary pancreatic lesions
Authors: Patel Nisha , Evans Andrew G , Rothberg Paul G , Gonzalez Raul S
Published: July 2019

Aims

Little has been written on the frequency and nature of incidental splenic lesions diagnosed on histopathological examination of pancreatosplenectomy specimens.

Methods and results

For 191 such specimens, incidental histological findings after haematopathologist re‐review were tabulated. Cases suspicious for lymphoid malignancy underwent molecular analysis for immunoglobulin heavy and kappa light chain rearrangement. Follow‐up was obtained on selected cases. In five cases (3%), the spleen was sampled but not mentioned in the original microscopic report; all were normal on re‐review. Otherwise, most (171 of 186, 92%) were initially diagnosed as normal, with 160 (94%) remaining so on re‐review. Findings on re‐review not initially described (n = 11, 6%) included four cases with splenic morphology suspicious for possible leukaemia/lymphoma involvement. Additional findings included abscess formation, foamy macrophages, necrotising granulomas and simple cysts. Fifteen spleens were initially diagnosed as abnormal; the histopathological process was confirmed in all, including non‐necrotising granulomas, cysts, Gamna–Gandy bodies, foamy macrophages, involvement by pancreatic neoplasm and involvement by known chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Molecular analysis was performed on the five cases of known/suspected lymphoma and two were positive for monoclonal gene rearrangement, including the known CLL and a previously undiagnosed case with similar immunophenotype.

Conclusions

Incidental splenic findings are not uncommon in pancreatosplenectomy specimens. While most are of limited clinical significance, low‐grade lymphoproliferative disorders may go undetected if the spleen is overlooked. We recommend careful observation of splenic findings in these specimens, with a low threshold for haematopathological consultation when in doubt.
A critical appraisal of studies on cyclic fatigue resistance of engine‐driven endodontic instruments
Authors: Hülsmann M. , Donnermeyer D. , Schäfer E.
Published: July 2019

The endodontic literature contains a plethora of studies on static and dynamic cyclic fatigue resistance tests performed on a large array of rotary or reciprocating nickel–titanium endodontic instruments. It was the aim of this review to summarize the currently available evidence to point out the different outcomes from static versus dynamic tests and to assess whether cyclic fatigue tests provide useful data and information for clinical practice. An electronic literature research in the database PubMed was performed using appropriate search terms, and the titles and abstract were screened for relevance. Language was restricted to English. The review reveals marked differences between the results obtained in static and dynamic tests, and also, the results for the same instruments assessed either under static or dynamic experimental conditions are widely inconsistent. Between the lowest and the highest value for one and the same pathfinding instrument was a factor of about 123 when cyclic fatigue was assessed either under static or dynamic experimental conditions. Moreover, standard deviations of up to 30% have been reported. Environmental temperature has a 500% impact on the lifetime of instruments. In conclusion, fatigue resistance tests conducted under room temperature should be regarded as having little meaning and the scientific and clinical benefits of fatigue resistance tests are very limited. These data should be provided by the manufacturer of the instruments.
Experimental measurement of the bullet trajectory after perforation of a chambered window
Authors: Sielicki Piotr W. , Pludra Adrian , Przybylski Michał
Published: July 2019

The assessment of the failure and final response for glass structures loaded by high‐speed events such as blast or projectile loading are challenging tasks for researchers. For many studies, knowledge about the strain rate effect in brittle materials and well described finite element simulations are not enough to reach a correct outcome. For that reason, only experimental assessments can give credible results. Moreover, the impacting glass fragments or projectiles often change the angle of the trajectory after perforation of a target. In this study, the authors present the change in the 3000 J military bullet trajectory after total penetration of a two‐chambered civil engineering facade window. A series of actual tests were performed for different angles of the soda‐lime float glass specimen that were subjected to bullet impact. The results obtained chambered windows given an understanding of the behavior of the separate glass surfaces under such complex scenarios. Furthermore, the presented tests support the designers and military shooters by the assessment methodology of projectile bullet trajectory change as a function of the incident angle.
Structure and enhanced antimicrobial activity of mechanically activated nano TiO2
Authors: Pavlović Vera P. , Vujančević Jelena D. , Mašković Pavle , Ćirković Jovana , Papan Jelena M. , Kosanović Darko , Dramićanin Miroslav D. , Petrović Predrag B. , Vlahović Branislav , Pavlović Vladimir B.
Published: July 2019

Titanium dioxide is a photocatalyst, known not only for its ability to oxidize organic contaminants, but also for its antimicrobial properties. In this article, significant enhancement of the antimicrobial activity of TiO2 (up to 32 times) was demonstrated after its activation by ball milling. The antimicrobial activity was analyzed for one fungal and 13 bacterial ATCC strains using the microdilution method and recording the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. In order to further investigate the correlation between the mechanical activation of TiO2 and its antimicrobial activity, the structure, morphology and phase composition of the material were studied by means of Electron Microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption‐desorption measurements. UV‐Vis diffuse reflectance spectra were recorded and the Kubelka‐Munk function was applied to convert reflectance into the equivalent band gap energy (Eg) and, consequently, to investigate changes in the Eg value. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to analyze the influence of mechanical activation on the Ti 2p and O 1s spectra. The presented results are expected to enable the development of more sustainable and effective advanced TiO2‐based materials with antimicrobial properties that could be used in numerous green technology applications.
Thermal properties of polymer‐derived ceramic reinforced with boron nitride nanotubes
Authors: Jia Yujun , Ajayi Tosin D. , Morales Justin , Chowdhury Md Atiqur Rahman , Sauti Godfrey , Chu Sang‐Hyon , Park Cheol , Xu Chengying
Published: July 2019

We report the thermal properties of boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) reinforced ceramic composites using the polymer derived ceramic (PDC) processing route. The nano‐composites had a BNNT loading of up to 35.4 vol.%. TGA results showed that nano‐composites have good thermal stability up to 900°C in air. BNNTs in nano‐composites survived in an oxidizing environment up to 900°C, revealing that nano‐composites can be used for high temperature applications. Thermal conductivity of PDC reinforced with 35.4 vol.% BNNT was measured as 4.123 W/(m·K) at room temperature, which is a 2100 % increase compared to that of pristine PDC. The thermal conductivity value increases with the increase of BNNT content. A thermal conductivity percolation phenomenon appeared when the BNNT content increased to 36 ± 5 vol.%. The results of this study showed that BNNTs could effectively improve the thermal conductivity of PDC materials. BNNT reinforced PDC could be used as thermal structural materials in a harsh environment at temperatures up to 900°C.
Fabrication and microstructural characterizations of lasing grade Nd:Y2O3 ceramics
Authors: Yin Danlei , Wang Jun , Liu Peng , Zhu Haiyong , Yao Bingqing , Dong Zhili , Tang Dingyuan
Published: July 2019

Transparent 0.6 at% Nd:Y2O3 ceramics were fabricated by vacuum sintering at 1550°C and hot isostatic pressing (HIP) at 1540°C. The ceramics sintered at such temperatures had good homogeneity with dense microstructures, without any residual pores and secondary phases. The in‐line transmittance reached 81.6% at 1000 nm and remained 81.1% at 650 nm. Continuous wave (CW) laser operation of an uncoated ceramic slab was evaluated. A maximum output power of 3.6 W with slope efficiency of 45.2% at 1.08 μm was obtained.
Crystal structure and temperature dependence of permittivity in barium aluminate based solid solutions
Authors: Li Jie , Lan Xue‐Kai , Du Kang , Song Xiao‐Qiang , Lu Wen‐Zhong , Fan Gui‐Fen , Lei Wen
Published: July 2019

This study systematically investigated the structural, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties of BaAl(2−2x)(Mg0.5Ti0.5)2xO4 ceramics in the 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.04 range. Single‐phase solid solutions in the P63 space group with hexagonal crystal symmetry were confirmed in the composition range of 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.03. The bond lengths of Al1/(Mg,Ti)–O, Al2/(Mg,Ti)–O, and Al3/(Mg,Ti)–O increased with the increase in x, as confirmed through the Rietveld refinement and evolutions of corresponding modes in Raman spectra. The temperature stability of dielectric properties improved at a composition around x = 0.03, and the dielectric constant εr ascended with the increase in x. Ultrabroad temperature stability (−100°C to 700°C) was obtained, and an optimal combination (εr = 18.5, tan δ < 10−3, −22 ppm/°C ≤ TCC ≤ +20 ppm/°C, resistivity ~4.5 × 1014 Ω·cm) was achieved for the x = 0.03 ceramic sintered at 1260°C in air for 6 hours. The increase in stability was ascribed to the variations in axial bonds, and lattice distortions were determined through high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. The x = 0.03 ceramic could be a promising candidate for C0G or NP0 multilayer ceramic capacitors because of its low loss, high reliability, superior insulating properties and comparatively low‐cost raw materials.
Fabrication and laser operation of Yb:Lu2O3 transparent ceramics from co‐precipitated nano‐powders
Authors: Liu Ziyu , Toci Guido , Pirri Angela , Patrizi Barbara , Li Jinbang , Hu Zewang , Wei Jiabei , Pan Hongming , Xie Tengfei , Vannini Matteo , Li Jiang
Published: July 2019

In this article, 5 at.% Yb:Lu2O3 transparent ceramics were fabricated by vacuum sintering combined with hot isostatic pressing (HIP) posttreatment using co‐precipitated nano‐powders. The influence of precipitant molar ratio, ammonium hydrogen carbonate, to metal ions (AHC/M3+, R value) on the properties of Yb:Lu2O3 precursors and calcined powders was investigated systematically. It was found that the powders with different R value calcined at 1100°C for 4 hours were pure cubic Lu2O3 but the morphologies of precursors and powders behaved differently. The opaque samples pre‐sintered at 1500°C for 2 hours grew into transparent ceramics after HIP posttreatment at 1750°C for 1 hour. The final ceramic with R = 4.8 showed the best optical quality with the in‐line transmittance of 79.7% at 1100 nm. The quasi‐CW laser operation was performed at 1034 nm and 1080 nm with a maximum output power up to 8.15 W as well as a corresponding slope efficiency of 58.4%.
Effect of sucrose on foaming and melting behavior of a low‐activity waste melter feed
Authors: Appel Connor J. , Kloužek Jaroslav , Jani Nikhil , Lee Seung Min , Dixon Derek R. , Hrma Pavel , Pokorný Richard , Schweiger Michael J. , Kruger Albert A.
Published: July 2019

Reductants, such as sucrose (C12H22O11), are added to nuclear waste melter feeds containing high fractions of nitrates and nitrites to reduce excessive foaming during feed‐to‐glass conversion, decrease sulfate segregation, and increase technetium retention. The effect of sucrose on foaming and melting reactions during the conversion was examined using the feed volume expansion test, thermogravimetric analysis, evolved gas analysis, x‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x‐ray spectrometry. Different amounts of sucrose were added to vary the carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio in the melter feed. As the C/N ratio increased, the extent of foaming decreased, and the N2/NO ratio increased in the evolved gas. Significant foam suppression, rapid gas release at approximately 250°C, and reduction in transition metal oxides were observed at C/N > 1.1.
Electric field‐induced irreversible relaxor to ferroelectric phase transformations in Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐NaNbO3 ceramics
Authors: Wang Ge , Lu Zhilun , Zhang Zhenbo , Feteira Antonio. , Tang Chiu C. , Hall David A.
Published: July 2019

(1‐x)Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐xNaNbO3 (x = 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08) ceramics were fabricated by solid‐state reaction. High‐resolution synchrotron x‐ray powder diffraction (SXPD) data, coupled with macroscopic electromechanical measurements, reveal the occurrence of an electric field‐induced irreversible crystallographic transformation for x = 0.02 and 0.04, from a pseudo‐cubic non‐ergodic relaxor to a rhombohedral or coexisting rhombohedral‐tetragonal long range‐ordered ferroelectric phase, respectively. The highest unipolar electrostrain, corresponding to an effective longitudinal piezoelectric strain coefficient of approximately 340 pm V−1, was obtained for x = 0.04; this effect is attributed to enhanced domain switching as a result of the co‐existing rhombohedral and tetragonal phases for this composition, which is critical for piezoelectric actuator applications.
Aptiv Becoming a More Sustainable Business
Authors: Clark Kevin P.
Published: July 2019

The President and CEO of Aptiv presents and then discusses his progress in carrying out his ‘long‐term plan’ to transform an automotive parts supplier that was once part of General Motors into a ‘global technology company.’ The company's mission is to maintain and strengthen its current position as ‘a partner of choice’ of the world's largest automakers in designing and manufacturing ‘the brain and the nervous system of the vehicle’—and in so doing, to make vehicle transportation ‘safer, greener, and more connected.’

With 15 major tech centers and 126 manufacturing sites spread across 44 countries, and with over 160,000 employees, including 18,600 engineers and scientists, the company has the scale and resources to carry out that mission. And attesting to the resilience of its business model, in 2018, a year in which the global number of cars sold actually went down, the company increased its revenue by 10% and its operating cash flow by 50%.

In the area of safety, the company is helping its customers build vehicles that move the industry closer to its goal of zero traffic fatalities and accidents by delivering the building blocks of active safety systems—which include perception and vision systems, and the high‐speed and high‐reliability networks that connect them. (And promising even greater gains in safety, the company's advances in fully automated vehicles are helping make self‐driving cars a reality.) In terms of green initiatives, the company is focused on minimizing the vehicles' ‘total lifecycle impact on the environment’ by providing the high‐voltage distribution and connection systems for electric cars, while also using ‘smarter’ vehicle architectures to achieve significant reductions in weight and mass. Finally, the company is helping the industry incorporate the increased connectivity that aims to provide a seamless integration between the passenger, the vehicle, and the Internet of Things.

The company's commitment to corporate social responsibility goes well beyond its products and solutions. As an important part of its disciplined approach to creating sustainable long‐term value for its shareholders, the company tracks a range of key performance indicators designed to ensure that ‘we devote the right amount of time and attention to each of our key stakeholders.’ Along with its stakeholder programs and ongoing investment in human capital, which have helped the company win the designation ‘one of the world's most ethical companies’ in seven consecutive years, the CEO also cites the important roles played by its highly collaborative and engaged board of directors, and by a long‐term incentive pay plan for its senior management team that, along with standard financial measures, uses a ‘strategic results modifier’ that reflects the company's success in meeting ‘non‐financial goals that are related to talent, culture, and product quality.’
Social Capital, Trust, and Corporate Performance: How CSR Helped Companies During the Financial Crisis (and Why It Can Keep Helping Them)
Authors: Lins Karl V. , Servaes Henri , Tamayo Ane
Published: July 2019

The authors summarize the findings of their study, published recently in the Journal of Finance, that shows that CSR investments can help companies when they perhaps need it most—that is, during sharp downturns when overall trust in companies and markets declines.

Companies with high‐CSR rankings experienced stock returns that were five to seven percentage points higher than their low‐CSR counterparts during the 2008–2009 financial crisis, and even larger excess returns during the Enron crisis of 2001–2003. High‐CSR companies during the crisis also reported better operating performance, higher growth, higher employee productivity, and greater access to debt markets—while continuing to generate higher shareholder returns as late as the end of 2013. Many of these operating improvements continued well into the post‐crisis period, though at more modest levels.

As the authors view their findings, the ‘social capital’ built up by corporate CSR programs complements effective financial capital management in increasing shareholder wealth mainly by limiting companies' downside risk. CSR is seen as not only reducing systematic as well as firm‐specific risk, but as also providing protection against overall ‘loss of trust.’ The social capital created by CSR programs is said to provide a kind of insurance policy that pays off when investors and the overall economy face a severe crisis of confidence.
Sustainability and Capital Markets—Are We There Yet?
Authors: Pinney Chris , Lawrence Sophie , Lau Stephanie
Published: July 2019

The High Meadows Institute issued a report in 2016 called ‘Charting the Future of Capital Markets’ that surveyed the mainstream capital market ecosystem by soliciting the views and practices of its key stakeholders around the issue of long‐term value creation. In this follow‐up report, the authors report that much has changed during the past three years. The role of investors in proactively shaping corporate practices is gaining more attention as ESG issues and responsible investment have become mainstream concerns, as new responsible investment regulations and frameworks have been implemented, and as shifting demographics continue to pressure capital market participants and stakeholders to change their practices.

At the same time, the report notes significant remaining challenges. The lack of a standard industry definition and framework for ESG data and reporting on ESG continues to be a significant impediment, as does the shortage of qualified ESG analysts and infrastructure to support true ESG integration. Surveys also suggest most corporate boards have yet to recognize the full significance of ESG integration or its value to the firm.
ESG, Material Credit Events, and Credit Risk
Authors: Henisz Witold J. , McGlinch James
Published: July 2019

A growing body of research has extended the analysis of the materiality of ESG criteria from the perspective of equity investors to creditors. Past research and analysis have demonstrated the link between better management of ESG criteria and better management of risk overall. Despite this growing consensus and consistent evidence that ESG performance is correlated with credit risk, no empirical evidence has yet linked ESG performance to cost or expense variances or revenue shortfalls that could explain these correlations.

The authors attempt to address this lack of mechanism‐based empirical evidence by citing and then building on a number of well‐publicized cases with analysis of two major ESG issues—indigenous land claims and biodiversity—as they affect the global project finance and agriculture sectors. Broadening these single‐sector results, the authors use a novel dataset providing systematic coding of material events reported in the media across a variety of empirical settings to produce the first large‐sample empirical evidence of the mechanisms linking ESG performance to credit risk.
Astrategic Europe
Authors: Cottey Andrew
Published: July 2019

This article argues that the existing literature on EU foreign, security and defence strategy has paid insufficient attention to two basic prior questions: what is strategy? And what constitutes good strategy? Judged against a baseline definition of good strategy, the EU lacks an agreed assessment of its external environment, struggles to prioritize competing foreign policy objectives, avoids difficult foreign policy choices, and often lacks the ways and means necessary to achieve its goals, yet is reluctant to modify its objectives. These problems reflect the EU's character as a polity: differences amongst member states and the primarily intergovernmental nature of EU foreign, security and defence decision‐making fundamentally constrain the Union's ability to develop and implement external strategy. The EU is better understood as an astrategic actor: an actor without a strategy in the proper meaning of the word and one that will continue to find it difficult to develop such a strategy.
Determination of extended spectrum β‐lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae from cheese samples sold in public bazaars
Authors: Husan Omar , Çadirci Özgür
Published: July 2019

In this study, it was aimed to determinate the prevalence of extended spectrum β‐lactamases (ESBL) producing Enterobacteriaceae and genes responsible for resistance formation in cheeses that were sold in local markets in Samsun. A total of 150 cheese samples were collected from the local markets in Samsun center and were used as material. One hundred and forty‐eight ESBL positive isolates were obtained from 34 samples (26.6%). Identification of 148 isolates were as follows; 79 Escherichia coli (54.5%), 39 Klebsiella pneumoniae (26.3%), 16 Klebsiella oxytoca (10.8%), 5 Citrobacter youngae (3.4%), 4 Shigella bodii (2.7%), 2 Klebsiella ozaenae (1.53%), 2 Enterobacter cloacae (1.53%), and 1 Enterobacter aerogenes (0.67%). Polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated that 64 isolates carried the blaCTX‐M gene (43.2%), while 39 isolates carried the blaTEM gene (26.3%), and 16 isolates carried the blaSHV gene (10.8%). It was concluded that cheeses sold in local markets are an important source of enteric bacteria that can produce ESBL. Therefore, cheeses can be considered as a potential source for spread of ESBL genes from foods to human.

Practical Applications

Enterobacteriaceae strains producing ESBL have been isolated from many foods, especially foods of animal origin, form a potential risk to public health due to zoonotic character.
Prospective Associations of Diet Quality With Incident Frailty in Older Adults: The Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study
Authors: Hengeveld Linda M. , Wijnhoven Hanneke A. H. , Olthof Margreet R. , Brouwer Ingeborg A. , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Houston Denise K. , Newman Anne B. , Visser Marjolein
Published: July 2019

OBJECTIVE

To examine associations of diet quality indicators with 4‐year incidence of frailty in community‐dwelling older adults.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study, United States.

PARTICIPANTS

Community‐dwelling men and women, aged 70 to 81 years in 1998 to 1999 (first follow‐up, present study's baseline; n = 2154).

MEASUREMENTS

At first follow‐up, dietary intake over the preceding year was assessed with a food frequency questionnaire. Indicators of diet quality include the Healthy Eating Index (categorized as poor, medium, and good), energy intake, and protein intake (a priori adjusted for energy intake using the nutrient residual model). Frailty status was determined using Fried's five‐component frailty phenotype and categorized into “robust” (0 components present), “pre‐frailty” (1 ‐ 2 components present), or “frail” (3‐5 components present). Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to examine associations of the diet quality indicators with 4‐year incidence of (1) frailty and (2) pre‐frailty or frailty. Competing risk analysis was used to examine associations with frailty by accounting for competing risks of death.

RESULTS

During the 4‐year follow‐up, 277 of the 2154 participants, robust or pre‐frail at baseline, developed frailty, and 629 of the 1020 participants, robust at baseline, developed pre‐frailty or frailty. Among the robust and pre‐frail, after adjustment for confounders including energy intake, those consuming poor‐ and medium‐quality diets had a higher frailty incidence than those consuming good‐quality diets (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.92 [95% confidence interval {CI} = 1.17‐3.17] and HR = 1.40 [95% CI = 0.99‐1.98], respectively). No associations for energy or protein intake were observed. Competing risk analyses yielded similar results. Among the robust, those with lower vegetable protein intake had a higher “pre‐frailty or frailty” incidence (per −10 g/d: HR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.04‐1.39). No other associations were observed.

CONCLUSION

Poorer overall diet quality and lower vegetable protein intake may increase the risk of becoming frail in old age. We found no association for intakes of energy, total protein, or animal protein. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1835–1842, 2019
Developing set‐shifting improvement tasks (SSIT) for children with high‐functioning autism
Authors: Saniee S. , Pouretemad H. R. , Zardkhaneh S. A.
Published: July 2019

Background

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience set‐shifting deficit as a part of executive function, which can lead to cognitive and behavioural flexibility deficits and/or restricted behaviours. Despite the increasing body of research on this cognitive deficit, set‐shifting training has not been exclusively studied in ASD.

Aims

In this study, a training condition [set‐shifting improvement tasks (SSIT)] was developed to improve set‐shifting ability; afterwards, the possible effects of these tasks were investigated.

Methods and Procedures

With the aim of improving set‐shifting ability in children with autism, a training program (SSIT), involving a computer game (Tatka, a puzzle game produced by our research team) with some home‐based tasks (for generalisation purposes), was developed. Then, in a quasi‐experimental design, the effects of SSIT tasks were studied on children (n = 13, 5–7 years old) with high‐functioning autism. Outcome measures (pre‐training, post‐training and a 6‐week follow‐up) were assessed using Modified Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Bender‐Gestalt Test and Behavioural Flexibility Rating Scale.

Results and Outcomes

A significant change was observed in both cognitive (Bender Gestalt,
; WCST;
) and behavioural flexibilities (
) and also in repetitive behaviours (
). Furthermore, the result remained stable to some extent for about 1 month after the training condition.

Conclusions and Implications

Developing the SSIT is just an initial step in the major target of creating cognitive rehabilitation tools to be used by clinicians and parents for children diagnosed with ASD and should be understood as a supplement, rather than an alternative, to the main treatments such as applied behaviour analysis. Future research with larger samples are needed to confirm whether this intervention is effective for children with ASD.
Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase secreted from microglia via exosome during ischemic injury
Authors: Lu Yun‐Bi , Chen Chen‐Xiang , Huang Jing , Tian Yu‐Xin , Xie Xian , Yang Ping , Wu Ming , Tang Chun , Zhang Wei‐Ping
Published: July 2019

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is the key enzyme of the salvage pathway of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide synthesis. NAMPT can also be secreted and functions as a cytokine. We have previously shown that in the brain, NAMPT expression and secretion can be induced in microglia upon neuroinflammation and injury. Yet the mechanism for NAMPT secretion remains unclear. Here we show that NAMPT can be actively secreted from microglia upon the treatment of ischemia‐like injury – oxygen‐glucose deprivation and recovery (OGD/R). We confirmed that classical ER‐Golgi pathway is not involved in NAMPT secretion. NAMPT secretion was further enhanced by ATP, and the secretion was mediated by P2X7 receptor and by intracellular Ca2+. Importantly, we found that phospholipase D inhibitor, n‐butanol, phospholipase D siRNA, and wortmannin significantly decreased OGD/R‐induced and ATP‐enhanced release of NAMPT in microglia. After excluding the mechanisms of involving secretory autophagy, endosomes, and secretory lysosome, we have concluded that microglial NAMPT is secreted mainly via exosome. Immune‐electron microscopy identifies NAMPT in extracellular vesicles with the size and morphology characteristic of exosome. With the vesicles harvested by ultra‐centrifugation, exosomal NAMPT is further confirmed by Western blotting analysis. Intriguingly, the amount of NAMPT relative to exosomal protein markers remains unchanged upon the treatment of OGD/R, suggesting a constant load of exosomal NAMPT in microglia. Taken together, we have identified NAMPT is actively secreted via exosome from microglia during neuroinflammation of ischemic injury.

image
Mindfulness‐based stress reduction for psychological distress among nurses: A systematic review
Authors: Ghawadra Sajed Faisal , Abdullah Khatijah Lim , Choo Wan Yuen , Phang Cheng Kar
Published: July 2019

Aims and objectives

To explore the studies that used interventions based on the Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for decreasing psychological distress among nurses.

Background

Because of the demanding nature of their work, nurses often have significantly high levels of stress, anxiety and depression. MBSR has been reported to be an effective intervention to decrease psychological distress.

Design

Systematic review.

Methods

The databases included were Science Direct, PubMed, EBSCO host, Springer Link and Web of Science from 2002 to 2018. Interventional studies published in English that used MBSR among nurses to reduce their psychological distress were retrieved for review. The PRISMA guideline was used in this systematic review. The included studies were assessed for quality using “The Quality Assessment Tool For Quantitative Studies (QATFQS).”

Results

Nine studies were found to be eligible and included in this review. Many benefits, including reduced stress, anxiety, depression, burnout and better job satisfaction, were reported in these studies.

Conclusion

The adapted/brief versions of MBSR seem promising for reducing psychological distress in nurses. Future research should include randomised controlled trials with a larger sample size and follow‐up studies. There should also be a focus on creative and effective ways of delivering MBSR to nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

The results of this review are substantial for supporting the use of MBSR for nurses’ psychological well‐being.