bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editors’ Position: A Need for Democracy
Authors: Girčienė Jurgita
Published: October 2019

Based on the responses of twenty semi-structured interviews, the paper discusses the position of linguistic editors representing all types of linguistic editors active in Lithuania. It describes the position of this specific part of the linguistic community, the intermediaries between authors and readers, regarding standardisation of a particular type of lexis, the so-called new borrowings, which are so important to the society. The paper aims to identify the impact of the purist tradition (purification of lexis), which is still alive in Lithuania, on the choice of variants and the communicative effectiveness of a text as seen by the editors. It also looks into the editors’ attitude towards the present situation in general: whether they support it or desire changes. A conclusion was reached in the present research that for the majority of editors the present situation in the field of standardisation that limits the choice of lexical variants interferes with their aspirations to produce a communicatively effective text. To summarise the criticism and specific recommendations expressed by many of the respondents towards the general situation in the field of standardisation of new borrowings, the most suitable solutions for the editors would be a change in standardisation practices: linguistic recommendations should suggest variants in an informative rather than prescriptive manner, without rejecting certain borrowings as inappropriate, and allowing to choose a variant or a synonym stylistically most suitable for the text in question and for the targeted addressee. Responses by all the editors interviewed about their approach (introduction of specific borrowings into different texts targeted at different addressees related to linguistic recommendations) suggest a need for diversity and variability. To conclude, the aim sought by linguistic recommendations issued as a consequence of language standardisation, i.e., limiting the number of variants, conflicts with the need for diversity and for the possibility to choose among variants, in other words, the need for democracy as expressed by the editors.
Agroforestry potential of Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Pierre ex Pax in Nigeria
Authors: Onefeli Alfred Ossai , Akinyele Adejoke Olukemi , Fatoba Hezekiah Tunde
Published: October 2019

With the current geometric increase in Nigerian population and the depleted soil nutrients vis-à-vis decreased agricultural outputs. It becomes pertinent to identify important indigenous multiple agroforestry trees that would be compatible with food crops on the same piece of land for multiple outputs. This study aimed at determining the agroforestry potential of Ricinodendron heudelotii with focus on the ex-situ growth rate of the tree, compatibility with maize as a test crop, coppicing ability and its impact on soil nutrients.
The experiment was sited at the Teaching and Research Farm, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, utilizing two alley widths (3 and 6 m) and control (15 × 10 m). Maize plants were intercropped with trees at two different seasons (dry and rain), six months after tree planting, but only the rain season maize survived for further analysis. Data were collected on the height, collar diameter and number of leaves of the trees and maize. Soil analysis was carried out before and after the experiment. The data were subjected to descriptive statistics, ANOVA, t-test, Kruskal Wallis and Mann–Whitney U Test.
The results showed that the effect of alley treatment was significant (p < 0.05) on tree and maize growth with the 6 m alley having the highest values. The effect of planting distance was not significant on maize growth. The alley agroforestry practice significantly (p < 0.05) improved the soil properties of the site, especially for pH, available phosphorus, magnesium and natrium.
The findings from this study indicated that it is possible to incorporate maize into the alley of Ricinodendron heudelotii for multiple productions.
Competitividade das exportações brasileiras e indianas de algodão
Authors: Copetti Leonardo Sangoi , Coronel Daniel Arruda
Published: October 2019

O objetivo deste estudo foi o de analisar a competitividade das exportações brasileiras no mercado mundial do algodão, entre 2000 a 2017, em comparação ao maior produtor e segundo maior exportador mundial, a Índia. Os dados foram coletados no site do USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), do UN COMTRADE (United Nations Comtrade), da FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) e da WTO (World Trade Organization). A metodologia empregada baseou-se no Índice de Vantagem Comparativa Revelada Simétrica (VCRS), na Razão de Concentração (CR), e no Índice de Orientação Regional (IOR). Os resultados revelaram que tanto o Brasil quanto a Índia apresentaram vantagens comparativas para o algodão a partir de 2004. Em relação à CR, o Brasil apresentou concentração e a Índia desconcentração das exportações. O IOR indicou orientação das exportações de algodão do Brasil à Indonésia, ao Vietnã e à Turquia. Já o IOR da Índia apresentou orientação das exportações de algodão para Bangladesh, Vietnã e Paquistão.
A filosofia moral de Alasdair Macintyre na perspectiva dos estudos organizacionais
Authors: Martins Daniel Felipe Victor
Published: October 2019

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar a maneira pela qual a filosofia moral de MacIntyre (1981, 1983, 1984, 1990, 1992, 1998, 2001, 2009, 2010a, 2010b) tem sido adotada no âmbito dos Estudos Organizacionais (EOs). Trata-se, portanto, de um ensaio teórico elaborado a partir dos principais fundamentos ontológicos e epistemológicos que alicerçam a sua filosofia moral, identificados, sobretudo, por meio de uma série de trabalhos publicados em periódicos do campo da administração a nível internacional que discutem a sua filosofia na perspectiva da teoria organizacional. Ademais, com base na análise dos trabalhos este ensaio identificou que a filosofia moral de MacIntyre contribui para os EOs, sobretudo na ampliação dos estudos das práticas sociais no âmbito das organizações, fazendo entender que a moral atua como um elemento balizador das relações sociais comunitárias de aprendizagem organizacional.
Processo de produção e aproveitamento energético do biogás: uma revisão dos sistemas e tecnologias existentes no mercado
Authors: Silva Ana Claudia Guedes , Trevisan Gabriel de Menezes
Published: October 2019

As fontes de energia renováveis contribuem para a melhoria do quadro socioambiental do planeta, ao passo que essas energias possuem um nível de poluição reduzido se comparadas com as fontes de energia fósseis. O biogás, produzido a partir da digestão anaeróbia da matéria orgânica presente em resíduos agropecuários e agroindustriais, representa uma fonte alternativa e renovável de energia cada vez mais utilizada em todo o mundo, havendo um potencial significativo de produção de biogás através destas biomassas. Assim, no presente artigo foi realizada uma revisão de literatura, desenvolvida por meio de legislação, livros e periódicos nacionais e internacionais, visando um detalhamento dos sistemas e técnicas de produção e aproveitamento energético do biogás disponíveis no mercado, desde o momento do pré-tratamento do resíduo até a sua conversão em energia. Diante desse estudo, pode-se observar que o biogás apresenta como alternativa energética no conjunto das renováveis, onde os benefícios gerados pelo aproveitamento, além de econômico, são sociais e ambientais, atendendo, desta maneira, as necessidades de tratamento dos resíduos de diversas origens, criando uma relação positiva entre desenvolvimento econômico e ambiental. Contudo, projetos para a geração de energia por meio do biogás demandam custos de implantação, operação e manutenção, mas ao todo demonstram que o processo de viabilidade do aproveitamento energético depende, substancialmente, da escala dos mesmos, para se tornarem autossustentável. Assim, esses resultados apenas pressupõem uma situação que poderá ser melhor avaliada com base em frequentes estudos, para aprimorar os processos, uma vez que cada situação em particular, é influenciada por características locais próprias.
The Perceived Impact of MBA Degree on Career and Skills Development: An Explanatory Research Comparing French and GCC Students
Authors: Saïd Karim , Alsultanny Yas
Published: October 2019

Relying on two diverse samplings of MBA students – one from an international French business school and the other from a university based in Bahrain that recruits students from the Arabian Gulf countries – our article analyzes the relationship between the MBA students’ career goals and their nationality. Our key findings highlight that nationality has little effect on graduate students' motives for pursuing education, their perception of the expected program outcomes and their career perspectives. Other findings, however, reveal some differences based on nationality, the most significant being program criteria choices in relation to career goals and the expected skills students wished to acquire.
Impact of Banking Competition on the Use of Soft Information
Authors: Bertrand Jérémie , Statnik Jean-Christophe
Published: October 2019

Over the past 20 years, scholars have discussed the impact of banking competition on the choice between transactional and relationship lending technologies extensively, but no resolution has emerged. To address these questions, this article uses a new measure of relationship lending that accounts for the actual level of soft information that banks use in their loan pricing. With this new measure, the analysis reveals that banks prefer to implement relationship lending technology when competition is weak. In addition and in accordance with extant theoretical conclusions, the shape of the relationship between competition and relationship banking is nonlinear and concave.
The Effects of Socially Responsible Dimensions on Risk Dynamics and Risk Predictability: A Value-at-Risk Perspective
Authors: Viviani Jean-Laurent , Fall Malick , Revelli Christophe
Published: October 2019

Using a Value-at-Risk (VaR) approach and a sample of 2082 stocks on the 2004-2015 period, we measure the impact of SR dimensions (measured by Vigeo ratings) on the risk level and the risk dynamic of stock returns and on their risk predictability. We conclude that good overall socially responsible (SR) ratings reduce the downside risk level of stock returns. We find also that high-rated companies in HR (Human Resources), ENV (Environment), BB (Business Behaviour), CIN (Community Involvement), and HRTS (Human Rights at Workplaces) dimensions better absorb volatility shocks.
Business models de l’entreprise et ONG : contributions du portefeuille de partenariats
Authors: Maucuer Raphaël , Renaud Alexandre
Published: October 2019

Les grandes entreprises sont soumises à des enjeux sociétaux qui menacent leur développement. Pour assurer leur pérennité, certaines décident de développer des partenariats diversifiés avec des organisations non-gouvernementales (ONG). A partir d’une étude de cas approfondie, nous identifions différents types de contributions des partenariats ONG-entreprise à la stratégie d’une multinationale. Au niveau corporatif, ils participent au pilotage des activités stratégiques de l’entreprise, et au niveau business, ils contribuent de façon complémentaire au déploiement des différents modèles d’affaires. Ces résultats permettent de repenser la contribution des ONG à la stratégie de l’entreprise à travers le concept de portefeuille de partenariats ONG-entreprise.
Compréhension processuelle des capacités absorptives « responsabilité sociale » d’une multinationale : le cas du dialogue avec les parties prenantes dans un pays émergent
Authors: Aubourg Nathalie , Canel-Depitre Béatrice , Grandval Samuel , Renault-Tesson Corinne
Published: October 2019

Peu d’études processuelles ont montré comment l’entreprise transforme l’information en véritables opportunités. Ainsi, la construction d’un avantage concurrentiel s’appuie notamment sur la capacité de l’entreprise à absorber l’information nouvelle. En observant le dialogue avec les parties prenantes mis en oeuvre par une multinationale dans un pays émergent pour obtenir le droit à opérer, cet article met en lumière les processus critiques de la capacité d’absorption. Cependant, le cas étudié montre aussi que le temps des processus n’est pas celui des parties prenantes externes. Cette différence de temporalité représente un frein à la transformation de la capacité d’absorption potentielle en capacité d’absorption réelle et donc à la construction d’un avantage concurrentiel.
EFFECT OF EXERCISE ON THE FUNCTIONAL ABILITIES OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Guzina Bojan , Markovic Miroslav
Published: October 2019

The aim of the research is to study the effects that exercise models have on the functional abilities of secondary students. The sample consisted of high school students in Krusevac, ages 15 and 16, enrolled in full-time physical education and the training process in additional physical education classes. A total of 112 subjects was divided into two sub-samples: The first sub-sample of 56 subjects comprised the experimental group. Here, students are enrolled in regular physical education classes and training three times a week to realize a model of motor exercises (flexibility) in the process of conditioning in additional physical education classes.The second sub-sample of 56 subjects, included in regular physical education classes only, constitutes the control group of respondents. The sample of variables consisted of: a vital lung capacity, pulse rate after load, Margaria test of anaerobic capacity.We analyzed the results of the T-test of functional ability between initial and final measurement of subjects. After analysis of the obtained results, it is concluded that there is a statistically significant difference in the pulse rate after loading (FPPOP .000) and Margaria test (FMARG .000).
ODNOS POKAZATELJA SITUACIONE EFIKASNOSTI U ZAVISNOSTI OD ISHODA VATERPOLO UTAKMICE
Authors: Trivun Milomir , Gardašević Novica , Janjic Boris
Published: October 2019

Cilj istraživanja bi je utvrditi razlike u parametrima situacione efikasnosti između pobjedničkih i poraženih ekipa u regularnom dijelu takmičenmja A1 Regionalne vaterpolo lige u sezoni 2018./19. Uzorkom je obuhvaćena analiza 82 vaterpolo utakmice odigrane u okviru 18 kola regularnog dijela lige. Utvrđivane su razlike u 12 varijabli ekipne situacione efikasnosti dobijenih na osnovu službenih statističkih izvještaja sa odigranih utakmica. Primjenom Man- Vitnijevog U testa, utvrđene su statistički značajne razlike u 8 od 12 analiziranih varijabli. Ekipe koje su utakmicu završavale kao pobjednik bile su dominantnije u gotovo svim varijablama koje su se odnosile na efikasnost šuta, imale su efikasnijeg golmana, efikasniji učinak u blokadi šuta, bolju iskorišćenost igrača više i i efikasnije plivače prilikom plivanju za loptu. Istaživanjem nijesu utvđene statistički značajne razlike u varijablama; izgubljene lopte, osvojene lopte, procnat šuta sa 5 metara i ukupan broj prekšaja na utakmici.
IDENTIFICAÇÃO, ESTIMATIVA POPULACIONAL E DESLOCAMENTO DE CARACÓIS EM BORBULHEIRAS DE PLANTAS CÍTRICAS
Authors: Hickel Eduardo Rodrigues , Castilho Maro Luana Aparecida , Haro Marcelo Mendes
Published: October 2019

Caracóis têm sido relatados infestando borbulheiras de plantas cítricas em Santa Catarina. Estes moluscos se alimentam das folhas, causando pequenas perfurações no limbo foliar e, principalmente, asco aos trabalhadores rurais. Populações elevadas têm sido observadas, porém sem a real noção das espécies, do número de indivíduos presentes e de sua capacidade de deslocamento no ambiente. Assim o objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar as espécies, estimar a população de caracóis e a velocidade de deslocamento dos indivíduos presentes em borbulheiras de plantas cítricas em ambiente protegido. Um ensaio de marcação e recaptura foi instalado, liberando-se 280 indivíduos marcados de cada espécie, sendo 180 em 18 pontos de liberação para a estimativa populacional e 100, em área central, para mensurar o deslocamento. Os caracóis foram recapturados com armadilhas do solo e por amostragem nas plantas. As espécies de caracóis Bradybaena similaris (Férussac) (Mollusca: Bradybaenidae) e Bulimulus tenuissimus (d’Orbigny) (Mollusca: Bulimulidae) foram identificadas. A população no solo de B. similaris variou de 5,4 a 5,8 indivíduos.m-2, enquanto que a de B. tenuissimus variou de 2,2 a 7,1 indivíduos.m-2. Nas plantas, essas populações foram de 15,0 a 29,6 indivíduos.m-2 e de 5,8 a 11,7 indivíduos.m-2, respectivamente. Não foi possível mensurar o deslocamento dos caracóis B. similaris e B. tenuissimus pelo método empregado.
Formulation, in vitro and Bioavailability Assessments of Ranitidine Rectal Suppositories
Authors: Shalaby Khaled , M. Samy Ahmed , Kassem Alaa , F. Ibrahim Mohamed , K. Alruwaili Nabil , M. Ali Hazim , Elmowafy Mohammed
Published: October 2019

The objective of the current work was to develop and evaluate suppository dosage form in order to improve ranitidine bioavailability as a substitute to the oral administration. Suppocire (different grades), Witepsol W25 and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were used as suppository bases and prepared by molding method. The prepared formulations were examined for hardness, disintegration time, melting point, content uniformity, drug release, stability and bioavailability. The hardness ranged from 3.82 to 12.53 kg and disintegration time from 13.32 to 28.22 min. The melting points of fatty bases had values from 33.94 to 36.82±0.36ºC while PEG based suppositories melting points were directly proportional chain length. Higher content uniformity was observed in PEG based suppositories due to easy incorporation of RT into water soluble base. Release was affected by hydroxyl value and molecular weight (in cases of fatty and PEG bases respectively). All formulations were relatively stable after 12 months. In vivo studies of all formulations exhibited double peak phenomena. PEG based formula (S8) showed significant higher Cmax (10.05±1 μg/ml) and AUC0-12 (58.313±3.9 µg.h/mL) than fatty bases and oral solution. In conclusion, rectal administration of S8 could be prepared as an alternative to the oral dosage form to improve bioavailability and overcome the first-pass metabolism.
Integrin α5 subunit is required for the tumor supportive role of fibroblasts in colorectal adenocarcinoma and serves as a potential stroma prognostic marker
Authors: Lu Ling , Xie Ruting , Wei Rong , Cai Chunmiao , Bi Dexi , Yin Dingzi , Liu Hu , Zheng Jiayi , Zhang Youhua , Song Feifei , Gao Yaohui , Tan Linhua , Wei Qing , Qin Huanlong
Published: October 2019

The tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complicated process, involving interactions between cancer cells and the microenvironment. The role of α5 integrin subunit in CRC remains controversial, and previous studies mainly focused on cancer cells. Herein, we report an important role of α5 in stroma fibroblasts in the tumorigenesis of CRC. The expression of α5 was found to be located in colorectal tumor stroma rather than in epithelia cancer cells. Immunofluorescence colocalization and gene correlation analysis confirmed that α5 was mainly expressed in cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Moreover, experimental evidence showed that α5 expression was required for the tumor‐promoting effect of fibroblast cells. In an in vivo xenograft nude mice model, α5 depletion in fibroblasts dramatically suppressed fibroblast‐induced tumor growth. In an in vitro cell coculture assay, α5 depletion or knockdown reduced the ability of fibroblasts to promote cancer cell migration and invasion compared with wild‐type fibroblasts; moreover, we observed that the expression and assembly of fibronectin were downregulated after α5 depletion or knockdown in fibroblasts. Analysis of the RNA‐Seq data of the Cancer Genome Atlas cohort revealed that high expression of ITGA5 (α5 integrin subunit) was correlated with poor overall survival in colorectal adenocarcinoma, which was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry in an independent cohort of 355 patients. Thus, our study identifies α5 integrin subunit as a novel stroma molecular marker for colorectal adenocarcinoma, offers a fresh insight into colorectal adenocarcinoma progression, and shows that α5 expression in stroma fibroblasts underlies its ability to promote the tumorigenesis of colorectal adenocarcinoma.
Efficacy of Nonsurgical Interventions for Trapeziometacarpal (Thumb Base) Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hamasaki Tokiko , Laprise Sylvain , Harris Patrick G. , Bureau Nathalie J. , Gaudreault Nathaly , Ziegler Daniela , Choinière Manon
Published: October 2019

Objective

To synthesize the literature on the efficacy of existing nonsurgical interventions for trapeziometacarpal (TM) osteoarthritis (TMO).

Methods

A medical librarian conducted an electronic search in 16 databases. Two authors independently carried out study selection, data extraction, and risk‐of‐bias assessment. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality guidance was followed to integrate a valid body of evidence from the existing systematic reviews. Intervention effects were estimated based on the Cochrane Collaboration review methodology.

Results

We identified 17 systematic reviews, 34 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and 6 nonrandomized controlled trials. Most of the studies had unclear or high risk of biases. Evidence of low‐to‐moderate quality supports the superiority of the following interventions for pain and/or physical function: 1) saline over steroid intraarticular injections confirmed by radiography, 2) saline injections over sham (i.e., pressure) in tender subcutaneous areas, 3) custom‐made thermoplastic thumb orthosis over no intervention or a control, 4) custom‐made thermoplastic hand‐based TM joint orthosis over no intervention, 5) radial nerve mobilization over sham ultrasound, and 6) a combination of hand exercises and TM joint and median/radial nerve mobilization over sham ultrasound.

Conclusion

This comprehensive systematic review allowed collating evidence‐based data on the efficacy of nonsurgical interventions for TMO. Steroid intraarticular injections would not be more effective than saline injections. Rehabilitative interventions (orthosis, exercises, nerve mobilization) would be efficacious. However, these findings must be treated with circumspection due to methodologic limitations in many studies.
Perceived Stress and Inflammatory Arthritis: A Prospective Investigation in the Studies of the Etiologies of Rheumatoid Arthritis Cohort
Authors: Polinski Kristen J. , Bemis Elizabeth A. , Feser Marie , Seifert Jennifer , Demoruelle M. Kristen , Striebich Christopher C. , Brake Stacey , O’Dell James R. , Mikuls Ted R. , Weisman Michael H. , Gregersen Peter K. , Keating Richard M. , Buckner Jane , Nicassio Perry , Holers V. Michael , Deane Kevin D. , Norris Jill M.
Published: October 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the association of perceived stress with incident inflammatory arthritis (IA) defined as having at least 1 joint consistent with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)–like synovitis based on examination.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study in the Studies of the Etiologies of Rheumatoid Arthritis cohort. Participants without IA were recruited if they were a first‐degree relative of an RA proband or screened positive for anti–citrullinated protein antibody. Perceived stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale–14 (PSS‐14), in which scores can range from 0 to 56, and a higher score indicates greater perceived stress. The total PSS‐14 score, as well as 2 subscores indicative of perceived distress and self‐efficacy, were averaged across all study visits until development of IA or the last follow‐up. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of IA associated with average PSS‐14 scores were obtained using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

The mean total PSS‐14 score was 20.4. We found that a 1‐point increase in the perceived distress score was significantly associated with a 10‐percent increase in the risk of IA (adjusted HR 1.10 [95% CI 1.02–1.19]). Total PSS‐14 and self‐efficacy were not associated with IA risk (adjusted HR 1.05 [95% CI 0.99–1.10] and 1.04 [95% CI 0.91–1.18], respectively).

Conclusion

An association between perceived distress and incident IA was observed in this at‐risk cohort. Replication of this finding in other preclinical and at‐risk RA populations is needed.
Printed Conformable Liquid Metal e‐Skin‐Enabled Spatiotemporally Controlled Bioelectromagnetics for Wireless Multisite Tumor Therapy
Authors: Wang Xuelin , Fan Linlin , Zhang Jie , Sun Xuyang , Chang Hao , Yuan Bo , Guo Rui , Duan Minghui , Liu Jing
Published: October 2019

With inherent flexibility, high electroconductivity, excellent thermal conductivity, easy printability and biosafety, gallium‐based functional liquid metals (LMs) have been increasingly evaluated for biomedical applications, especially as electronic skin (e‐skin). Extending these versatile materials to more challenging applications is a worthwhile pursuit. To realize precise and spatiotemporal multisite tumor treatment under an alternating magnetic field (AMF), an oxidized GaIn (O‐GaIn) mixture‐based e‐skin is developed and demonstrated to be printable. Compared with the commonly utilized non‐oxidized GaIn, O‐GaIn possesses outstanding adhesion to the skin surface and can be directly and quickly printed into various customized patterns. The LM e‐skin thus constructed as conformable bioelectrodes on tumor‐bearing mice exhibits evident feasibility for administrating non‐invasive wireless multisite tumor therapy under AMF exposure due to its favorable magnetothermal effects. These in vivo experiments reveal remarkable tumor growth inhibition and increased life span in mice, especially in the case of multilesion treatment. A favorable biomedical strategy based on O‐GaIn material for developing future non‐invasive and high‐performance cancer therapy, which is also promising for treating whole‐body diseases in the future, is provided.
Morphology Reshaping Enabling Self‐Densification of Manganese Oxide Hybrid Materials for High‐Density Lithium Storage Anodes
Authors: Su Jian , Song Huawei , Wang Chengxin
Published: October 2019

Morphology reshaping or reconfiguration, a concept widely used in plastic surgery, energy harvesting, and reconfigurable robots, is introduced for the first time to construct densified electrodes and realize compact Li‐ion storage desirable for high specific energy storage field. Hausmannite‐based hybrid materials, as a proof‐of‐concept prototype, engineered by 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone‐soluble surface/interface organic encapsulation, which is crucial in reshaping, exhibit a remarkable increase in the volumetric capacity of more than five times after this process (≈1889 Ah L−1 vs ≈322 Ah L−1). With the simultaneous maintenance of the intrinsic nature, good contact, and no collapsed/agglomerated unit structures of the materials in electrodes, the design affords a maximal increase in the packing compactness and manifests no sacrifice of the reversible ion storage capability (1150 mAh g−1 at 40 mA g−1), stable cycling (≈100% capacity retention), high rate performance (185 mAh g−1 at 10 A g−1), and long lifespan (1000 cycles with 108% capacity retention, ≈455 mAh g−1 at 3 A g−1) for relatively highly loaded electrodes (active materials: 1.20–5.34 mg cm−2). The concept may not only shed new light on fabricating advanced Si‐based and other high capacity–related densified Li storage electrodes but also inject fresh vitality into the field of high‐density power sources.
Scaffold with Micro/Macro‐Architecture for Myocardial Alignment Engineering into Complex 3D Cell Patterns
Authors: Zhang Wanqi , Wang Zuyong , Xie Chao , Wang Xianwei , Luo Fangfang , Hong Minghui , Zhou Rui , Ma Chao , Lin Nan , Zhang Jieyu , Hu Xuefeng , Chan Jerry Kok Yen , Wen Feng , Wang Yunbing
Published: October 2019

Tissue structural anisotropy is an important basis for heart function. Attempts to regenerate the complicated heart‐tissue alignment has rarely featured macroscale 3D constructs required for myocardial tissue engineering. The feasibility of engineered scaffolds with micro/macro‐architecture for guiding spatial cell alignment following complex patterns is reported. The scaffold is composed of stackable dual‐structured layers with linear micro‐ridge/groove patterns and macro‐through‐hole arrays, which enable tailorable anisotropy and interconnective free space. When human mesenchymal stem cells are seeded on the scaffold, well‐organized spreading alignment showing the precise control in cellular orientation is significantly introduced over nonpatterned controls. Moreover, spatial cell distribution in the scaffold and directional changes of the layered linear patterns that made cell alignment orientations turning accordingly are observed, leading to the complex 3D pattern reconstruction of cellular alignment resembling natural myocardial tissue. This work validates the potential of micro/macro‐architecture engineering for spatial cell guidance. Scaffolds with this capability can be potentially used for biomanufacturing of the structural alignment in myocardial tissue engineering.
Mixed Lead Halide Passivation of Quantum Dots
Authors: Fan James Z. , Andersen Nigel T. , Biondi Margherita , Todorović Petar , Sun Bin , Ouellette Olivier , Abed Jehad , Sagar Laxmi K. , Choi Min‐Jae , Hoogland Sjoerd , de Arquer F. Pelayo García , Sargent Edward H.
Published: October 2019

Infrared‐absorbing colloidal quantum dots (IR CQDs) are materials of interest in tandem solar cells to augment perovskite and cSi photovoltaics (PV). Today's best IR CQD solar cells rely on the use of passivation strategies based on lead iodide; however, these fail to passivate the entire surface of IR CQDs. Lead chloride passivated CQDs show improved passivation, but worse charge transport. Lead bromide passivated CQDs have higher charge mobilities, but worse passivation. Here a mixed lead‐halide (MPbX) ligand exchange is introduced that enables thorough surface passivation without compromising transport. MPbX–PbS CQDs exhibit properties that exceed the best features of single lead‐halide PbS CQDs: they show improved passivation (43 ± 5 meV vs 44 ± 4 meV in Stokes shift) together with higher charge transport (4 × 10‐2 ± 3 × 10‐3 cm2 V‐1 s‐1 vs 3 × 10‐2 ± 3 × 10‐3 cm2 V‐1 s‐1 in mobility). This translates into PV devices having a record IR open‐circuit voltage (IR Voc) of 0.46 ± 0.01 V while simultaneously having an external quantum efficiency of 81 ± 1%. They provide a 1.7× improvement in the power conversion efficiency of IR photons (>1.1 µm) relative to the single lead‐halide controls reported herein.
Hybrid Light Emitters and UV Solar‐Blind Avalanche Photodiodes based on III‐Nitride Semiconductors
Authors: Liu Bin , Chen Dunjun , Lu Hai , Tao Tao , Zhuang Zhe , Shao Zhengguang , Xu Weizong , Ge Haixiong , Zhi Ting , Ren Fangfang , Ye Jiandong , Xie Zili , Zhang Rong
Published: October 2019

In the last two decades, remarkable progress has been achieved in the field of optoelectronic devices based on III‐nitride semiconductors. In terms of photonics applications in the visible–UV spectral range, III‐nitrides are one of the most promising materials. For instance, emerging gallium nitride (GaN)‐based micro‐light‐emitting diode (LED) technology for high‐resolution display, and UV photo‐detection for environmental monitoring, health, and medical applications. In this work, hybrid micro/nano‐LEDs with integration of II–VI quantum dots by means of lithography and nano‐imprinting patterning techniques are demonstrated, and high‐performance red/green/blue and white emissions are achieved. Consequently, plasmonic nanolasers are designed and fabricated using a metal‐oxide‐semiconductor structure, where strong surface plasmon polariton coupling leads to the efficient lasing with a low excitation threshold from the visible to UV tunable spectral range. Furthermore, performance‐improved AlGaN UV solar‐blind avalanche photodiodes (APDs) with a separate absorption and multiplication structure by polarization engineering are reported. These APDs deliver a record‐high avalanche gain of up to 1.6 × 105. These newest advances in nano/micro‐LEDs, nanolasers, and APDs can shed light on the emerging capabilities of III‐nitride in cutting‐edge applications.
Current evidence of nutritional therapy in pancreatoduodenectomy: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Takagi Kosei , Domagala Piotr , Hartog Hermien , van Eijck Casper , Groot Koerkamp Bas
Published: October 2019

Aim

Evidence of nutritional therapies in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) has been shown. However, few studies focus on the association between different nutritional therapies and outcomes. The aim of this review was to summarize the current evidence of nutritional therapies such as enteral nutrition (EN), immunonutrition, and synbiotics on postoperative outcomes after PD.

Methods

A systematic literature search of Embase, Medline Ovid, and Cochrane CENTRAL was done to summarize the available evidence, including randomized controlled trials, meta‐analyses and reviews, regarding nutritional therapy in PD.

Results

A total of 20 randomized controlled trials were included in this review. Safety and tolerability of EN in PD was shown. Giving postoperative EN can shorten length of stay compared to parenteral nutrition; however, the effect of EN on postoperative complications remains controversial. Postoperative EN should be given only on selective indications rather than routinely used, and preoperative EN is indicated only in patients with severe malnutrition. Giving preoperative immunonutrition is considered to reduce the incidence of infectious complications; however, evidence level is moderate and recommendation grade is weak. The beneficial effect of perioperative synbiotics on postoperative infectious complications is limited. Furthermore, the effectiveness of other nutritional supplements remains unclear.

Conclusion

Recently, evidence of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in PD has been increasing. Early oral intake with systematic nutritional support is an important aspect of the ERAS concept. Future well‐designed studies should investigate the impact of systematic nutritional therapies on outcomes following PD.
Lightening in a bottle: comparison of ultraviolet light to traditional sterilization in saline irrigations bottles
Authors: Husain Qasim , Banks Catherine , Woodworth Bradford A. , Bleier Benjamin S.
Published: October 2019

Background

Nasal saline irrigations (NSIs) are commonplace in treatment of patients with sinonasal disorders. Contamination of both the water source and delivery bottle remains a challenge with this therapy. The goal of this study was to optimize a disinfection technique with various methods of preparation, disinfection, and delivery of NSIs.

Methods

Distilled and tap water sources in NSI bottles were contaminated by 4 bacterial strains: Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Legionella pneumophila. Contaminated bottles were cleaned with tap water, tap water with detergent, or microwave and swabbed for culture. Water‐source disinfection was performed with reverse osmosis, distillation, activated carbon filtration, boiling, or ultraviolet (UV) light treatment. Test samples from each experimental group (n = 3/group) were cultivated on the appropriate media with colony‐forming units (CFUs) reported.

Results

All methods of bottle cleaning with tap water with/without detergent and microwave significantly reduced bacterial load (CFUs) by >99% (p < 0.05). Distillation and boiling of the contaminated water source eliminated 100% of bacteria, whereas reverse osmosis and activated carbon filtration did not. A single UV treatment of contaminated water within a bottle eliminated 99% of bacteria within the water and 100% in the bottle.

Conclusion

Cleansing of NSI bottles with tap water with/without detergent or microwave produced robust bacterial disinfection. Distillation and boiling of a contaminated water source completely eliminated all bacteria. UV light treatment was capable of simultaneous disinfection of both the water source and bottle, suggesting this may be a convenient, 1‐step method of preparing NSIs for patients.
Eisenvermittelte elektrophile Aminierung von Organozink‐Halogeniden mit organischen Aziden
Authors: Graßl Simon , Singer Johannes , Knochel Paul
Published: October 2019

Ein breites Spektrum von Alkyl‐, Aryl‐ und Heteroarylzink Halogeniden wurden mit hoch funktionalisierten Alkyl‐, Aryl‐ und hetercyclischen organischen Aziden aminiert. Die Reaktion verläuft reibungslos bei 50 °C binnen 1 h in der Gegenwart von FeCl3 (0.5 Äquiv.), um die entsprechenden sekundären Amine in guten Ausbeuten zu erbringen. Diese Methode wurde weiter auf peptidische Azide ausgeweitet, um die arylierten Substrate unter voller Retention der Konfiguration bereitzustellen. Um den Nutzen dieser Reaktion zu demonstrieren, haben wir zwei Amin‐Derivate von pharmazeutischer Relevanz, unter Zuhilfenahme dieser eisenvermittelten elektrophilen Aminierung als Schlüsselschritt, hergestellt.
Pyridinium Salts as Redox‐Active Functional Group Transfer Reagents
Authors: Rössler Simon L. , Jelier Benson J. , Magnier Emmanuel , Dagousset Guillaume , Carreira Erick M. , Togni Antonio
Published: October 2019

In this Review, we highlight recent advances in the understanding and design of N‐functionalized pyridinium scaffolds as redox‐active, single‐electron, functional group transfer reagents. We provide a selection of representative methods that demonstrate reactivity and fundamental advances in this emerging field. The reactivity of these reagents can be divided into two divergent pathways: homolytic fragmentation to liberate the N‐bound substituent as the corresponding radical or an alternative heterolytic fragmentation that liberates an N‐centered pyridinium radical. A short description of the elementary steps involved in fragmentation induced by single‐electron transfer is also critically discussed to guide readers towards fundamental processes thought to occur under these conditions.
Iron‐Mediated Electrophilic Amination of Organozinc Halides using Organic Azides
Authors: Graßl Simon , Singer Johannes , Knochel Paul
Published: October 2019

A wide range of alkyl‐, aryl‐ and heteroarylzinc halides were aminated with highly functionalized alkyl, aryl, and heterocyclic azides. The reaction proceeds smoothly at 50 °C within 1 h in the presence of FeCl3 (0.5 equiv) to furnish the corresponding secondary amines in good yields. This method was extended to peptidic azides and provided the arylated substrates with full retention of configuration. To demonstrate the utility of this reaction, we prepared two amine derivatives of pharmaceutical relevance using this iron‐mediated electrophilic amination as the key step.
High‐temperature degradation of butadiene‐based model elastomers by reactive molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Saha Tuhin , Bhowmick Anil K.
Published: October 2019

Thermal degradation of butadiene‐based model elastomers was analyzed via a novel reactive molecular dynamics simulation (ReaxFF) method. The molecular simulation was carried out on 40 monomer units connected together. Degradation pathways of both homopolymer and copolymer of butadiene‐based model elastomers such as polybutadiene (BR) and poly (styrene‐co‐butadiene) (SBR) were studied. The evolution of different fragmented products was examined as a function of time and heating rate. The formation mechanisms of different degraded fragments were visualized via the simulation method. The major decomposition products obtained from these model compounds were the monomers and comonomers. Pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (py‐GC–MS) analysis was performed on the commercial samples of BR and SBR to verify the simulation results. The results obtained from the reactive simulation were very consistent with the experimental results. The activation energy required for the thermal decomposition of butadiene‐based model elastomers were calculated both from the ReaxFF simulation and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results were also in good agreement. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48592.
Multilayer injection molding of high‐profile convex lens
Authors: Nian Shih‐Chih , Chen Po‐Wen , Huang Ming‐Shyan
Published: October 2019

The use of injection molding to produce a convex lens of a high thickness and a high proportion of the component thickness requires not only a long cooling time but also results in a low production efficiency and a low yield. In particular, the heat concentration in thick regions can create high shrinkage and create poor surface geometry in these lenses. Multilayer injection molding (MIM) has reduced the cycle time and also improved the geometrical accuracy of thick parts, and thus it has drawn attention in recent years. This study evaluated the feasibility of MIM to produce a convex lens having a high thickness and a high thickness ratio, in which a thick optical lens would be made of a plurality of thin layers. In this study, conventional injection molding (CIM), two‐layer IM, and three‐layer IM were evaluated empirically to explore the effects of various molding combinations on surface contours accuracy, cycle time, residual stress, and lens transmittance. In the comparison, the three‐layer IM significantly reduced the surface profile error to 0.015 mm (CIM was 0.1 mm) and reduced the surface profile error to 30%. Moreover, uniformity of the shrinkage distribution and good surface profile accuracy can be obtained. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48600.
Genome‐wide identification and analysis of genes encoding cuticular proteins in the endoparasitoid wasp Pteromalus puparum (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)
Authors: Wang Jiale , Jin Hongxia , Yang Lei , Ye Xinhai , Xiao Shan , Song Qisheng , Stanley David , Ye Gongyin , Fang Qi
Published: October 2019

The multifunctional insect cuticle serves as the exoskeleton, determines body shape, restricts water loss, provides attachment sites for muscles and internal organs and is a formidable barrier to invaders. It is morphologically divided into three layers, including envelope, epicuticle, and procuticle and is composed of chitin and cuticular proteins (CPs). Annotation of CPs and their cognate genes may help understand the structure and functions of insect cuticles. In this paper, we interrogated the genome of Pteromalus puparum, an endoparasitoid wasp that parasitizes Pieris rapae and Papilio xuthus pupae, and identified 82 genes encoding CPs belonging to six CP families, including 62 in the CPR family, 8 in CPAP3, 5 in CPF/CPFL, 2 low complexity proteins, 2 in TWDL, and 3 in Apidermin. We used six RNA‐seq libraries to determine CP gene expression profiles through development and compared the cuticle hydrophobicity between the P. puparum and the ectoparasitoid Nasonia vitripennis based on GRAVY values of CPR sequences. In the Nasonia‐Pteromalus comparison, we found in both N. vitripennis and P. puparum, the peak of their CPR hydrophobicity displayed at their pupal stage, whereas their adult stage showed the lowest level. Except at the adult stage, the CPR hydrophobicity in N. vitripennis is always higher than P. puparum. Finally, we identified three novel Apidermin genes, a family found solely in Hymenoptera and revealed a new sequence feature of this family. This new information contributes to a broader understanding of insect CPs generally.
Immune signaling pathways in the endoparasitoid, Pteromalus puparum
Authors: Yang Lei , Wang Jiale , Jin Hongxia , Fang Qi , Yan Zhichao , Lin Zhe , Zou Zhen , Song Qisheng , Stanley David , Ye Gongyin
Published: October 2019

Parasitoids serve as effective biocontrol agents for agricultural pests. However, they face constant challenges from host immune defense and numerous pathogens and must develop potent immune defense against these threats. Despite the recent advances in innate immunity, little is known about the immunological mechanisms of parasitoids. Here, we identified and characterized potential immune‐related genes of the endoparasitoid, Pteromalus puparum, which act in regulating populations of some members of the Pieridae. We identified 216 immune‐related genes based on interrogating the P. puparum genome and transcriptome databases. We categorized the cognate gene products into recognition molecules, signal moieties and effector proteins operating in four pathways, Toll, IMD, JAK/STAT, and JNK. Comparative analyses of immune‐related genes from seven insect species indicate that recognition molecules and effector proteins are more expanded and diversified than signaling genes in these signal pathways. There are common 1:1 orthologs between the endoparasitoid P. puparum and its relative, the ectoparasitoid Nasonia vitripennis. The developmental expression profiles of immune genes randomly selected from the transcriptome analysis were verified by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Our work provides comprehensive analyses of P. puparum immune genes, some of which may be exploited in advancing parasitoid‐based biocontrol technologies.
Altered Cytotoxicity Profile of CD8+ T Cells in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Gracey Eric , Yao Yuchen , Qaiyum Zoya , Lim Melissa , Tang Michael , Inman Robert D.
Published: October 2019

Objective

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory arthritis in which men have a higher risk of developing progressive axial disease than women. Transcriptomic studies have shown reduced expression of cytotoxic cell genes in the blood of AS patients. HLA–B27 contributes the greatest risk for AS, suggesting a role for CD8+ T cells. This study was undertaken to profile AS patient cytotoxic cells with the hypothesis that an alteration in CD8+ T cells might explain the aberrant cytotoxic profile observed in patients.

Methods

Whole blood was examined for GZM and PRF1 gene expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Serum and synovial fluid (SF) were examined for granzyme and perforin 1 expression by bead array, and blood and SF mononuclear cells were examined for granzyme and perforin 1 expression by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS).

Results

GZM and PRF1 gene expression were both reduced in AS patients compared to healthy controls, especially in men. Perforin 1, but not granzyme, protein levels were reduced in AS patient serum. Granzymes were elevated in AS SF, but not in rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis SF. FACS revealed a reduction in granzyme‐positive and perforin 1–positive lymphocytes, but not an intrinsic defect in CD8+ T cell granzyme or perforin 1 production. CD8+ T cell frequency was reduced in the blood and increased in the SF of AS patients.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that AS patients have an altered cytotoxic T cell profile. These data suggest that CD8+ T cells with a cytotoxic phenotype are recruited to the joints, where they exhibit an activated phenotype. Thus, a central role for CD8+ T cells in AS may have been overlooked and deserves further study.