bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Management Practices of an Apparel Manufacturer in Sri Lanka: A Critique
Authors: Thevanes N.
Published: January 2020

Environmental degradation considered as one of the critical issues in the current world. To respond to this issue, organizations and businesses around the world seriously focus on environmental protection and management nowadays than before. Organizations strongly committed to adapt several sustainable environmental management practices and initiatives to prove their environmental concern. Meanwhile, it should be noticed that some organizations started pacing towards green washing declaration processes. In this sense, there is a need to explore and identify the sustainable environmental management practices which are actually practiced by the organizations.

Hence, this paper aims to report existing sustainable environmental management practices of the organization and to find out the evidence to support the existing sustainable environmental management practices into practice. In order to achieve the study objectives, secondary data were collected mainly from the published sustainability reports of the selected apparel company for the last two years (2013/2014 and 2014/2015). Further, researchers employed the observation method to confirm whether this company is really carrying out the environmental practices which were reported in their sustainability reports or not. The researchers have identified and highlighted several sustainable environmental management practices under the three main categories such as energy conservation-related practices, water conservation-related practices and earth conservation-related practices through the sustainability reports of the company. Moreover, through the observation, researchers have confirmed that this company is really carrying out the energy conservation-related practices, water conservation-related practices and earth conservation-related practices which were reported in their sustainability reports. This study should be useful to the academics and practitioners to understand actual sustainable environmental management practices of the organizations.
Identifying the Empirical Gaps in the Relationships between Student Engagement and Their Academic Achievement; Future Research
Authors: Galappaththi Iruka I. L. , Dissanayake Ravindi , Welgama Thilina W. , Somachandara Udara A. , Weerarathna Ranitha S. , Pathirana Geethma Y.
Published: January 2020

This research paper basically discussed about the empirical gaps when identifying the relationship between student engagement and their academic achievement, which would be useful for the future researches on the topic. Secondary data collection was used. A critical Literature Review was conducted using a sample size of 22 articles. The first gap is about the sample size, where the sample is being limited to just one university/school/institute. The second gap is about the way the researchers have measured the academic achievement, where most have done using a single subject result, which would be impractical. Thirdly, lack of qualitative approaches to measure the relationship between student engagement and academic achievement is identifies as a gap. As the fourth gap, students from all the years and variety of faculties should be taken, as student engagement might vary with them. As the fifth gap, many researchers have identified that most researches have been carried out targeting one country, which might be failed to give an overall result on the relationship. The sixth gap identified was that many of the researchers have paid to the respondents in filling the survey and therefore the researchers have faced restrictions due to unavailability of sufficient financial resources. The last gap which was identified throughout the literature was that information technology nowadays has an influence on student engagement and the fact was not taken into account by most of the researches. At the latter part of the research, the recommendations to the future researchers were given.
Potato response to struvite compared with conventional phosphorus fertilizer in Eastern Canada
Authors: Benjannet Rim , Nyiraneza Judith , Khiari Lotfi , Cambouris Athyna , Fuller Keith , Hann Sheldon , Ziadi Noura
Published: January 2020

In acidic soils with high phosphorus (P) fixing capacity, P application at levels higher than crop requirements is common in crops with high P demands such as potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), which could lead to eutrophication. Recycled sources of P fertilizer, such as struvite, can be efficient in meeting crop P demands while minimizing P losses. The objective of this study—conducted in four provinces over 3 yr (2016–2018, with 12 sites in total) in Eastern Canada—was to assess potato response to P fertilizer as triple superphosphate (TSP) or a mixture of TSP with struvite. Eight P treatments were applied with five increasing P rates as TSP (0, 26, 52, 79, and 105 kg P ha−1) and three treatments as a mixture of TSP and struvite (25, 50, and 75% (w/w) struvite) at a rate of 79 kg P ha−1. Phosphorus availability indices measured multiple times over the growing season were composed of Mehlich‐3 extracted P (PM3), soil P adsorbed on anion exchange membranes (PAEMs), and petiole P‐PO4 (Ppetiole) concentrations. There was a potato yield response to P inputs at all sites, with the control treatment showing lower potato yield at all sites. Potato yield, Ppetiole, PM3, and PAEMs were comparable between 100% TSP and TSP+struvite at the same rate, except at one site where struvite at a higher proportion depressed yield and was associated with lower P uptake. Overall, the use of struvite could be a sustainable mean to address long‐term globally P scarcity.
Assessing the economy‐wide impact of food fraud: A SAM‐based counterfactual approach
Authors: Rocchi Benedetto , Romano Donato , Sadiddin Ahmad , Stefani Gianluca
Published: January 2020

This paper proposes a social accounting matrix (SAM)‐based, counterfactual approach to assess the economy‐wide impact of food fraud in a given country and applies it to the Italian economy. The empirical application uses primary data collected by the authority in charge of the monitoring and repression of fraud in food value chains between the years 2007 and 2015. This is a unique dataset to analyze the issue, although it includes only data on food fraud within the country. The results of the SAM simulations show that the share of economy directly and indirectly linked to the supply of irregular food products accounts for 0.5% of the total value of output and is able to activate up to 156 thousand labor units. The net impact of food fraud on output and employment in the whole economy is negative, with losses averaging up to 1.8 billion euros of output and of 20,000 jobs per year, with a relative impact significantly larger in agriculture than in the food industry. These figures reveal an intrinsic fragility of the agri‐food system, especially in those subsectors featuring relatively large price elasticities such as quality products (e.g., wine, olive oil, cheese). The overall conclusion is that food fraud is not only a source of unfair competition to regular production activities but also has an overall contractionary impact on the whole economy due to its directly unproductive rent‐seeking nature. [EconLit classifications: C67, L66, Q13].
Collaborative Biosynthesis of a Class of Bioactive Azaphilones by Two Separate Gene Clusters Containing Four PKS/NRPSs with Transcriptional Crosstalk in Fungi
Authors: Huang Xuenian , Zhang Wei , Tang Shen , Wei Suhui , Lu Xuefeng
Published: January 2020

Azaphilones are a family of fungal polyketide metabolites with diverse chemical structures and biological activities with a highly oxygenated pyranoquinone bicyclic core. Here, a class of azaphilones possessing a 6/6/6/6 tetracyclic ring system was identified in Aspergillus terreus, and exhibited potential anticancer activities. The gene deletions and biochemical investigations demonstrated that these azaphilones were collaboratively synthesized by two separate clusters containing four core‐enzymes, two nonreducing PKSs, one highly reducing PKS, and one NRPS‐like. More interestingly, we found that the biosynthesis is coordinately regulated by a crosstalk mechanism between these two gene clusters based on three transcriptional factors. This is a meaningful mechanism of fungal secondary metabolism, which allows fungi to synthesize more complex compounds and gain new physiological functions. The results provide a new insight into fungal natural product biosynthesis.
Decarboxylative Conjunctive Cross‐coupling of Vinyl Boronic Esters using Metallaphotoredox Catalysis
Authors: Mega Riccardo S. , Duong Vincent K. , Noble Adam , Aggarwal Varinder K.
Published: January 2020

The synthesis of complex alkyl boronic esters through conjunctive cross‐coupling of vinyl boronic esters with carboxylic acids and aryl iodides is described. The reaction proceeds under mild metallaphotoredox conditions and involves an unprecedented decarboxylative radical addition/cross‐coupling cascade of vinyl boronic esters. Excellent functional‐group tolerance is displayed, and application of a range of carboxylic acids, including secondary α‐amino acids, and aryl iodides provides efficient access to highly functionalized alkyl boronic esters. The decarboxylative conjunctive cross‐coupling was also applied to the synthesis of sedum alkaloids.
Corrosion protection supplied by styrene butadiene latex modified zinc‐rich primer
Authors: Cheng Lihong , Wang Yuming , Sheng Caihong , Guo Weihong
Published: January 2020

Using silica sol and potassium silicate as the raw materials and styrene butadiene emulsion as modifier, a stable high‐modulus potassium silicate composite material was prepared with zinc powder at a ratio of 3:7 in the preparation of high modulus potassium silicate waterborne inorganic zinc‐rich primer. Coatings were applied to steel panels with a composition of 8, 10, 12, and 15 wt % styrene butadiene latex. Scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectrometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical tests were utilized to analyze the anticorrosion properties of the samples. According to the results of electrochemical tests, the addition of styrene butadiene latex improves the corrosion resistance of coatings. The best corrosion performance can be obtained for the sample with 10 wt % styrene butadiene latex. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48918.
Alternating Current Electrolysis for the Electrocatalytic Synthesis of Mixed Disulfide via Sulfur–Sulfur Bond Metathesis towards Dynamic Disulfide Libraries
Authors: Sattler Lars Erik , Otten Chris Josef , Hilt Gerhard
Published: January 2020

A novel approach of electrolysis using alternating current was applied in the sulfur–sulfur bond metathesis of symmetrical disulfides towards unsymmetrical disulfides. As initially expected, a statistical distribution in disulfides was obtained. Furthermore, the influence of electrode polarisation by alternating current was investigated on a two‐disulfide matrix. The highly dynamic nature of this chemistry resulted in the creation of dynamic disulfide libraries by expansion of the matrices, consisting of up to six symmetrical disulfides. In addition, mixing of matrices and stepwise expanding of a matrix by using alternating current electrolysis were realised.
Crystalline Nitridophosphates by Ammonothermal Synthesis
Authors: Mallmann Mathias , Wendl Sebastian , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: January 2020

Nitridophosphates are a well‐studied class of compounds with high structural diversity. However, their synthesis is quite challenging, particularly due to the limited thermal stability of starting materials like P3N5. Typically, it requires even high‐pressure techniques (e.g. multianvil) in most cases. Herein, we establish the ammonothermal method as a versatile synthetic tool to access nitridophosphates with different degrees of condensation. α‐Li10P4N10, β‐Li10P4N10, Li18P6N16, Ca2PN3, SrP8N14, and LiPN2 were synthesized in supercritical NH3 at temperatures and pressures up to 1070 K and 200 MPa employing ammonobasic conditions. The products were analyzed by powder X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy. Moreover, we established red phosphorus as a starting material for nitridophosphate synthesis instead of commonly used and not readily available precursors, such as P3N5. This opens a promising preparative access to the emerging compound class of nitridophosphates.
Reconfigurable Fault‐tolerance mapping of ternary N‐cubes onto chips
Authors: Fan Weibei , He Jing , Han Zhijie , Li Peng , Wang Ruchuan
Published: January 2020

Network‐on‐chip (NoC) is a new design method of system‐on‐chip used in very large scale integrated circuit (VLSI) systems. It is an important issue for choosing the appropriate topology for NoC. Wirelength and layout area are significant parameters affecting NoC due to the restriction of chip area. In this paper, we propose a new interconnection network called the incomplete ternary n‐cube for parallel computing systems. Then, a linear algorithm is proposed to layout incomplete ternary n‐cube network onto torus NoC. Furthermore, the failure of interconnection network is also taken into account, and a fault‐tolerant layout of incomplete ternary n‐cube with faulty edges into torus NoC is verified. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that the proposed algorithm can reduce the network cost and wirelength, which be conducive to estimate the wire length and chip area.
Synthesis of 4‐Cyanoindole Nucleosides, 4‐Cyanoindole‐2ʹ‐Deoxyribonucleoside‐5ʹ‐Triphosphate (4CIN‐TP), and Enzymatic Incorporation of 4CIN‐TP into DNA
Authors: Passow Kellan T. , Antczak Nicole M. , Sturla Shana J. , Harki Daniel A.
Published: January 2020

4‐Cyanoindole‐2ʹ‐deoxyribonucleoside (4CIN) is a fluorescent isomorphic nucleoside analogue with superior spectroscopic properties in terms of Stokes shift and quantum yield in comparison to the widely utilized isomorphic nucleoside analogue, 2‐aminopurine‐2ʹ‐deoxyribonucleoside (2APN). Notably, when inserted into single‐ or double‐stranded DNA, 4CIN experiences substantially less in‐strand fluorescence quenching compared to 2APN. Given the utility of these properties for a spectrum of research applications involving oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide‐protein interactions (e.g., enzymatic processes, DNA hybridization, DNA damage), we envision that additional reagents based on 4‐cyanoindole nucleosides may be widely utilized. This protocol expands on the previously published synthesis of 4CIN to include synthetic routes to both 4‐cyanoindole‐ribonucleoside (4CINr) and 4‐cyanoindole‐2ʹ‐deoxyribonucleoside‐5ʹ‐triphosphate (4CIN‐TP), as well as a method for the enzymatic incorporation of 4CIN‐TP into DNA by a polymerase. These methods are anticipated to further enable the utilization of 4CIN in diverse applications involving DNA and RNA oligonucleotides. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Synthesis of 4‐cyanoindole‐2ʹ‐deoxyribonucleoside (4CIN) and 4CIN phosphoramidite 4

Basic Protocol 2: Synthesis of 4‐cyanoindole‐ribonucleoside (4CINr)

Basic Protocol 3: Synthesis of 4‐cyanoindole‐2ʹ‐deoxyribonucleoside‐5ʹ‐triphosphate (4CIN‐TP)

Basic Protocol 4: Steady state incorporation kinetics of 2AP‐TP and 4CIN‐TP by a DNA polymerase
Improvising packet delivery and reducing delay ratio in mobile ad hoc network using neighbor coverage‐based topology control algorithm
Authors: Rajakumari K. , Punitha P. , Lakshmana Kumar R. , Suresh C.
Published: January 2020

Mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is an infrastructure‐less network. Every Node act as a sender as well as receiver while sending a packet. Neighbor coverage probabilistic rebroadcasting (NCPR) protocol plays a momentous role in MANET for determining a route by helping the transitional nodes to onward a packet when the mobile nodes are not in the transmission space. This protocol minimizes the interference among node and increases the network capacity. There occurs a delay in the network while sending a packet via failure route or channel. Before sending a packet in the network, all the neighbor nodes have to be verified to avert congestion in the network. Quality of service (QoS) plays an important role in the development of MANET. In this research work, delay and neighbor connectivity‐based constrain is focused. The impact of node mobility during interference and delay is examined using network coding‐based topology control algorithm. By using this algorithm, irrelevant links are identified and detached from the topology. The simulation result shows that neighbor coverage established topology control algorithm for delay (NCTCAD) can reduce the delay and upturn the performance in MANETs.
Unrecognized controls on microbial functioning in Blue Carbon ecosystems: The role of mineral enzyme stabilization and allochthonous substrate supply
Authors: Mueller Peter , Granse Dirk , Nolte Stefanie , Weingartner Magdalena , Hoth Stefan , Jensen Kai
Published: January 2020

Tidal wetlands are effective carbon sinks, mitigating climate change through the long‐term removal of atmospheric CO2. Studies along surface‐elevation and thus flooding‐frequency gradients in tidal wetlands are often used to understand the effects of accelerated sea‐level rise on carbon sequestration, a process that is primarily determined by the balance of primary production and microbial decomposition. It has often been hypothesized that rates of microbial decomposition would increase with elevation and associated increases in soil oxygen availability; however, previous studies yield a wide range of outcomes and equivocal results. Our mechanistic understanding of the elevation–decomposition relationship is limited because most effort has been devoted to understanding the terminal steps of the decomposition process. A few studies assessed microbial exo‐enzyme activities (EEAs) as initial and rate‐limiting steps that often reveal important insight into microbial energy and nutrient constraints. The present study assessed EEAs and microbial abundance along a coastal ecotone stretching a flooding gradient from tidal flat to high marsh in the European Wadden Sea. We found that stabilization of exo‐enzymes to mineral sediments leads to high specific EEAs at low substrate concentrations in frequently flooded, sediment‐rich zones of the studied ecotone. We argue that the high background activity of a mineral‐associated enzyme pool provides a stable decomposition matrix in highly dynamic, frequently flooded zones. Furthermore, we demonstrate that microbial communities are less nutrient limited in frequently flooded zones, where inputs of nutrient‐rich marine organic matter are higher. This was reflected in both increasing exo‐enzymatic carbon versus nutrient acquisition and decreasing fungal versus bacterial abundance with increasing flooding frequency. Our findings thereby suggest two previously unrecognized mechanisms that may contribute to stimulated microbial activity despite decreasing oxygen availability in response to accelerated sea‐level rise.
Dinitrogen Activation and Functionalization with Chromium
Authors: Kendall Alexander J. , Mock Michael T.
Published: January 2020

The study of metal‐dinitrogen complexes has lent valuable insight into the nature of dinitrogen (N2) reduction to ammonia (NH3), known as “nitrogen fixation.” Even so, understanding this difficult transformation continues to be an elusive goal for chemists. The N2chemistry of chromium (Cr) is exceptional for its diversity, rarity, and richness of depth. Hans Karsch opined in 1977 that “Almost all transition metals are known to form complexes with molecular nitrogen, but in the case of some metals ‐ notably chromium ‐ the examples are few and far between.” Although that sentiment hasn't changed much in 42 years, recent advances in the field of Cr‐N2chemistry have begun to illuminate that elusive relationship. Herein we cover the theory and experimental basis for chromium's coordination, activation, reduction, and catalysis of N2to NH3. An emphasis will be placed on work towards understanding catalytic systems for chromium mediated dinitrogen reduction.
Selenocystine Peptides Performance in 5‐endo‐dig Reactions
Authors: Lapcinska Sindija , Arsenyan Pavel
Published: January 2020

Herein, we present methods for the generation of selenocysteinyl electrophile by weak Lewis acids or oxidants. The electrophilic selenium species were further utilized in 5‐endo‐dig cyclization reactions with 2‐ethynyl phenols, anisoles, and anilines, yielding substituted benzo[b]furans and indoles bearing short selenocysteine‐containing peptides. Copper(II) bromide promoted 5‐endo‐dig cyclization can be successfully applied for protected and unprotected peptides in high yields. Elaborated protocol allows the construction of phenylindeno[1,2‐c]chromene moiety in 5‐endo‐dig/6‐endo‐dig cascade reactions.
Highly Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor Based on Pt Doped NiO Nanoparticles/MWCNTs Nanocomposite Modified Electrode for Simultaneous Sensing of Piroxicam and Amlodipine
Authors: Dehdashti Aliyeh , Babaei Ali
Published: January 2020

In this paper, a high‐sensitivity electrochemical sensor based on platinum (Pt) doped nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified glassy carbon electrode (Pt−NiO/MWCNTs/GCE) has been developed to determine piroxicam (PIR) and amlodipine (AML) simultaneously. The electrochemical behavior of PIR and AML at the proposed sensor has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and chronoamperometry (CA) methods. Pt doped NiO nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol‐gel procedure and were investigated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) techniques. DPV responses of PIR and AML increased linearly with their concentration in wide linear dynamic ranges of 0.6–320.0 μM and 1.0–250.0 μM, respectively. The limits of detection were 0.061 μM for PIR and 0.092 μM for AML. The excellent analytical figure of merits of the proposed modified electrode leads to application of it promising electrochemical sensor to determine PIR and AML in human serum and urine with satisfactory results.
Description of the Effects of Non‐ion‐exchange Extraction and Intra‐membrane Interactions on the Ion‐selective Electrodes Response within the Interface Equilibria‐triggered Model
Authors: Egorov Vladimir V. , Novakovskii Andrei D. , Salih Faisal A. , Semenov Andrei V. , Akayeu Yauhen B.
Published: January 2020

The recently proposed interface equilibria‐triggered dynamic diffusion model of the boundary potential has proven its high predictive efficiency for quantification of the ion exchange and co‐extraction effects at the interface, as well as of the trans‐membrane transfer effect, on the electrode response. It is applicable for both ion exchanger‐based and neutral carrier‐based electrodes. In this communication, the adaptability of this model to more complex cases, when non‐ion‐exchange extraction processes at the interface (partition of organic acids’ and bases’ molecular forms and extraction of ionic associates) are coupled with protolytic equilibria in the aqueous phase and with self‐solvation process in the membrane phase, is demonstrated. By the example of electrodes reversible to ions of highly lipophilic physiologically active bases and acids (amiodarone, verapamil, vinpocetine, salicylic acid), it is shown that the peculiarities of their functioning, such as a very strong pH effect on the potential of cation‐selective electrodes, non‐monotonic pH dependence of the potential and super‐Nernstian response slope in certain pH region for a salicylate‐selective electrode, are well described within the model.
Diagnostic value of Chorioquick for detecting chorioamnionitis in women with premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Eleje George U. , Ukah Cornelius O. , Onyiaorah Igwebuike V. , Ezugwu Euzebus C. , Ugwu Emmanuel O. , Ohayi Samuel R. , Eleje Lydia I. , Egeonu Richard O. , Ezebialu Ifeanyichukwu U. , Obiora Chukwudi C. , Enebe Joseph T. , Ajah Leonard O. , Okafor Chigozie G. , Okoro Chukwuemeka C. , Asogwa Augustine O. , Ogbuokiri Doris K. , Ikechebelu Joseph I. , Eke Ahizechukwu C.
Published: January 2020

Objective

To determine the accuracy of a semi‐quantitative interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) vaginal secretion rapid test (Chorioquick) for detecting chorioamnionitis in women with premature rupture of membranes (PROM).

Methods

A prospective cohort study in five tertiary hospitals in Nigeria involved women with confirmed PROM at term and preterm PROM with or without suspected chorioamnionitis from August 1, 2017, to October 31, 2018. Cervicovaginal fluid samples were tested for chorioamnionitis using the Chorioquick test. Samples were repeated at decision to deliver. The test was considered positive if at least the indicator ‘IL‐6 low’ of the three Chorioquick biomarkers (low, medium, high) was positive, or negative if none of the biomarkers were positive. Chorioamnionitis was histologically confirmed post‐delivery using three tissue samples. Primary outcome measures were sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.

Results

Of 73 women, on histological confirmation, 39 were true positive and 29 were true negative (for chorioamnionitis) to the Chorioquick test at repeat assessment. Overall, the Chorioquick test had a sensitivity of 97.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 85.3–99.9), specificity 87.9% (70.9–96.0), and accuracy 93.2% (79.5–99.1). Sub‐group analysis of women <37 weeks of pregnancy showed a sensitivity of 100.0% (95% CI 83.4–100.0), specificity of 91.3% (70.5–98.5), and accuracy of 95.8% (82.5–99.5). Triple positive samples were 100.0% specific in all gestations.

Conclusion

Chorioquick showed favorable utility for detecting chorioamnionitis in PROM and could be a reliable, non‐invasive rapid tool in a real‐world clinical setting.
Enhanced hemocompatibility and antibacterial activity on titania nanotubes with tanfloc/heparin polyelectrolyte multilayers
Authors: Sabino Roberta M. , Kauk Kirsten , Madruga Liszt Y. C. , Kipper Matt J. , Martins Alessandro F. , Popat Ketul C.
Published: January 2020

Biomaterial‐associated thrombus formation and bacterial infection remain major challenges for blood‐contacting devices. For decades, titanium‐based implants have been largely used for different medical applications. However, titanium can neither suppress blood coagulation, nor prevent bacterial infections. To address these challenges, tanfloc/heparin polyelectrolyte multilayers on titania nanotubes array surfaces (NT) were developed. The surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and water contact angle measurements. To evaluate the hemocompatibility of the surfaces, fibrinogen adsorption, Factor XII activation, and platelet adhesion and activation were analyzed. The antibacterial activity was investigated against Gram‐negative P. aeruginosa and Gram‐positive S. aureus. Bacterial adhesion and morphology, as well as biofilm formation, were analyzed using fluorescence microscopy and SEM. The anti‐thrombogenic properties of the surfaces were demonstrated by significant decreases in fibrinogen adsorption, Factor XII activation, and platelet adhesion and activation. Modifying NT with tanfloc/heparin also reduces the adhesion and proliferation of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus bacteria after 24 hr of incubation, with no biofilm formation. The modified NT surfaces with tanfloc/heparin polyelectrolyte multilayers are a promising biomaterial for use on implant surfaces because of their enhanced blood biocompatibility and antibacterial properties.
6‐O‐(3″, 4″‐di‐O‐trans‐cinnamoyl)‐α‐l‐rhamnopyranosylcatalpol and verbascoside: Cytotoxicity, cell cycle kinetics, apoptosis, and ROS production evaluation in tumor cells
Authors: Vasincu Alexandru , Neophytou Christiana M. , Luca Simon Vlad , Skalicka‐Woźniak Krystyna , Miron Anca , Constantinou Andreas I.
Published: January 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact that 6‐O‐(3″, 4″‐di‐O‐trans‐cinnamoyl)‐α‐
l‐rhamnopyranosylcatalpol (Dicinn) and verbascoside (Verb), two compounds simultaneously reported in Verbascum ovalifolium, have on tumor cell viability, apoptosis, cell cycle kinetics, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. At 100 µg/mL and 48 hours incubation time, Dicinn and Verb produced good cytotoxic effects in A549, HT‐29, and MCF‐7 cells. Dicinn induced cell‐cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase and apoptosis, whereas Verb increased the population of subG1 cells and cell apoptosis rates. Furthermore, the two compounds exhibited time‐dependent ROS generating effects in tumor cells (1‐24 hours). Importantly, no cytotoxic effects were induced in nontumor MCF‐10A cells by the two compounds up to 100 µg/mL. Overall, the effects exhibited by Verb in tumor cells were more potent, which can be correlated with its structural features, such as the presence of phenolic hydroxyl groups.
LncRNA‐UCA1 inhibits the astrocyte activation in the temporal lobe epilepsy via regulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Hongxin , Yao Guangyan , Li Lei , Ma Zhaoyin , Chen Jing , Chen Wen
Published: January 2020

This article aimed to reveal the mechanism of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) urothelial cancer‐associated 1 (UCA1) regulated astrocyte activation in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) rats via mediating the activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway. A model of TLE was established based on rats via kainic acid (KA) injection. All rats were divided into the Sham group (without any treatments), KA group, normal control (NC; injection with empty vector) + KA group, and UCA1 +  KA group. The Morris water maze was used to test the learning and memory ability of rats, and the expression of UCA1 in the hippocampus was determined by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Surviving neurons were counted by Nissl staining, and expression levels of glial cells glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), p‐JAK1, and p‐STAT3 and glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST) were analyzed by immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. A rat model of TLE was established by intraperitoneal injection of KA. qRT‐PCR and fluorescence analyses showed that UCA1 inhibited astrocyte activation in the hippocampus of epileptic rats. Meanwhile, the Morris water maze analysis indicated that UCA1 improved the learning and memory in epilepsy rats. Moreover, the Nissl staining showed that UCA1 might have a protective effect on neuronal injury induced by KA injection. Furthermore, the immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis revealed that the overexpression of UCA1 inhibited KA‐induced abnormal elevation of GLAST, astrocyte activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, as well as hippocampus of epilepsy rats. UCA1 inhibited hippocampal astrocyte activation and JAK/STAT/GLAST expression in TLE rats and improved the adverse reactions caused by epilepsy.
Microscopic research on the properties of optothermal microactuators with different lever ratios
Authors: Zhang Ziyao , Wang Yingda , You Qingyang , Zhang Haijun
Published: January 2020

This paper presents microscopic research on properties of asymmetric optothermal microactuator (OTMA) with different lever ratios. A theoretical model is established on the basis of thermal flux theorem to describe the increase in temperature induced by laser irradiation and thermal expansion of OTMAs' expansion arms. The increases in temperature of three asymmetric OTMAs with total lengths/lever ratios of 540 μm/7.2, 1,080 μm/7.2, 1,080 μm/14.4 were simulated under irradiation of 2.8 mW laser beam, which revealed that a similar increase in temperature will distribute on three expansion arms, with maximum the temperature increase of 82.73, 87.67, and 88.03°C, respectively. Due to these increases in temperature, the arms expand longitudinally and thus the OTMAs are capable of deflecting laterally with enlarged deflection amplitudes. To obtain optimized deflecting properties, three OTMAs with aforementioned lever ratios are further microfabricated and experimented using an optical microscopic observation and measuring system combined with a charge‐coupled device. The experimental results show that these OTMAs can be directly actuated by laser beam and acquire maximum deflections of 6.8, 7.2, and 11.4 μm when only 2.8 mW laser power is employed. In addition, it is demonstrated that, although doubling the lever ratio of OTMA does not correspondingly generate twofold deflection, the deflection amplitude can significantly increase with the increase in the lever ratio. With their characteristic elegances, the OTMAs are expected to be practically applied in the micro‐electromechanical system and the micro‐opto‐electromechanical system.
How the rate of change and control of a modular product architecture impact firm‐level outcomes
Authors: Galvin Peter , Burton Nicholas , Bach Norbert , Rice John
Published: January 2020

Who controls a product architecture and the rate at which this architecture changes, impacts the type of outcomes a firm can expect to derive from utilizing a modular product architecture? Advantages such as increased levels of innovation, quick determination of consumer preferences and lower production costs have been linked to modular product architectures. However, such architectures have also been linked to detrimental outcomes such as high levels of competition and commoditization along with higher development costs. It is via the introduction of two key moderating variables that we improve our understanding of the impact that a modular product architecture has upon different firm‐level outcomes.
Surgical management of giant juvenile fibroadenoma with skin reducing tumor resection and immediate breast reconstruction: A single‐center experience
Authors: Du Fengzhou , Dong Ruijia , Zeng Ang , Liu Zhifei , Yu Nanze , Wang Xiaojun , Zhu Lin
Published: January 2020

Background and Objectives

Giant juvenile fibroadenoma (GJF) is a rare benign tumor that disfiguring affects the breast shape and quality of life of patients. This study aimed to report the experience of GJF management.

Methods

A Wise‐pattern skin reducing tumor resection followed by immediate breast reconstruction with a dermal flap pocket was used. The long‐term outcomes were assessed retrospectively by BREAST‐Q questionnaire from 2008 to 2018.

Results

The study included eight patients with GJF. All patients achieved satisfactory results without severe complications. The BREAST‐Q revealed that postoperative scores for satisfaction with breasts (69.3 ± 17.6) and sexual wellbeing (62.3 ± 27.6) were higher than the normative scores. The psychosocial wellbeing (69.7 ± 14.6) and physical wellbeing‐chest (86.8 ± 13.0) scores were slightly lower than the normative scores.

Conclusion

Although GJF is a benign tumor, it should be surgically removed. And the Wise‐pattern skin reducing tumor resection with immediate breast reconstruction is a proper way to improve patients’ satisfaction with breast size and shape and quality of life.
Global existence of strong solutions to compressible Navier–Stokes system with degenerate heat conductivity in unbounded domains
Authors: Li Kexin , Shu Xuanlin , Xu Xiaojing
Published: January 2020

In one‐dimensional unbounded domains, we prove the global existence of strong solutions to the compressible Navier–Stokes system for a viscous and heat conducting ideal polytropic gas, when the viscosity is a constant and the heat conductivity is proportional to a positive power of the temperature. Note that the conditions imposed on the initial data are the same as those of the constant heat conductivity case (Kazhikhov, A. V. Siberian Math. J. 23 [1982], 44‐49) and can be arbitrarily large. Therefore, our result generalizes Kazhikhov's result for the constant heat conductivity case to the degenerate and nonlinear one.
Approximation by Gamma type operators
Authors: Nur Deveci Serife , Acar Tuncer , Alagoz Osman
Published: January 2020

In this study, we introduce newly defined Gamma operators which preserve constants and e2μ·, μ>0 functions. In accordance with this purpose, we focus on their approximation properties such as uniform convergence, rate of convergence, asymptotic formula, and saturation results. Superior properties of introduced operators have been tested both theoretically and numerically in certain senses to highlight the performance of the new constructions of Gamma operators.
Expect a Busy Regulatory Agenda This Year
Authors: Carpenter Adam T.
Published: January 2020

It's no secret the regulatory agenda becomes crowded during the last year (known or potential) of any administration. Given the time it takes to craft regulations and set them on a road toward implementation, no administration is going to leave the process to chance if it can be avoided and will seek to advance its policy goals well in advance of the election.
Nafion Ionomer Dispersion in Mixtures of 1‐Propanol and Water Based on the Martini Coarse‐Grained Model
Authors: Mabuchi Takuya , Huang Sheng‐Feng , Tokumasu Takashi
Published: January 2020

The self‐assembly of Nafion ionomer in a mixture of 1‐propanol (NPA) and water was investigated using coarse‐grained molecular dynamics simulations. Ionomer formation into cylindrical bundle‐like aggregates is observed when the ionomer chain size is sufficiently large. The size of ionomer bundles decreases (the diameter decreased from ~2.5 to ~1.9 nm) with increasing NPA content, which indicates that the ionomers tend to be more dispersed at higher NPA content. The results of simulations are in good quantitative agreement with the stable size of an ionomer bundle estimated from our free energy calculations as well as the available experimental data. Furthermore, in contrast to the polarizable NPA model, the standard nonpolarizable NPA model shows the opposite trend that the ionomer size increases with increasing NPA content because of a higher localization of hydronium ions at the bundle surface, revealing that the polarization effect plays a significant role in determining the aggregation behaviors. The present study provides insight into the control of ionomer self‐assembly toward obtaining targeted structures for specific purposes. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 487–499
Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance of Bi2Te2.7Se0.3/Bi2S3 Synthesized by Anion Exchange Method
Authors: Chen Xi , Cai Fanggong , Liu Chuanrong , Dong Rong , Qiu Lanxin , Jiang Lili , Yuan Guocai , Zhang Qinyong
Published: January 2020

Decoupling the electric conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity is a core issue to improve the properties of thermoelectric materials by tuning the electron and phonon transport properties. Herein, Bi2Te2.7Se0.3/Bi2S3 heterostructure is successfully synthesized by a simple anion exchange method with Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 as the starting material. The Bi2Te2.7Se0.3/Bi2S3 heterointerfaces can achieve an effective phonon scattering and significant decrease in thermal conductivity, while maintaining a high power factor, resulting in an enhanced figure of merit (ZT). By controlling the concentration of Bi2Te2.7Se0.3/Bi2S3 heterointerfaces, the carrier‐transporting and phonon‐scattering behaviors can be simultaneously optimized. A maximum ZT of 0.7 is obtained at 473 K, which is 23% higher than that of pure Bi2Te2.7Se0.3. In addition, the average ZT at 300–548 K increases from 0.49 to 0.61, which is 25% higher than that of pure Bi2Te2.7Se0.3.
Statistical inference for constant‐stress accelerated life tests with dependent competing risks from Marshall‐Olkin bivariate exponential distribution
Authors: Bai Xuchao , Shi Yimin , Liu Yiming , Zhang Chunfang
Published: January 2020

This paper considers a constant‐stress accelerated dependent competing risks model under Type‐II censoring. The dependent structure between competing risks is modeled by a Marshall‐Olkin bivariate exponential distribution, and the accelerated model is described by the power rule model. The point and interval estimation of the model parameters and the reliability function under the normal usage condition at mission time are obtained by using the maximum likelihood estimation method and the bootstrap sampling technique. Moreover, the pivotal quantities based estimation are adopted to estimate the model parameters and the generalized confidence intervals. As a comparison, we also consider the Bayes estimation and the highest posterior density credible intervals for the model parameters based on conjugate priors and importance sampling method, respectively. To illustrate the proposed methodology, a Monte Carlo simulation is used to study the performances of different estimation methods. Finally, a dataset is analyzed for illustrative purpose and a comparison with the original results is also given.
An exact test with high power and robustness to unmeasured confounding effects
Authors: Shauly‐Aharonov Michal
Published: January 2020

In observational studies, it is agreed that the sensitivity of the findings to unmeasured confounders needs to be assessed. The issue is that a poor choice of test statistic can result in overstated sensitivity to hidden bias of this kind. In this article, a new adaptive test is proposed, guided by considerations of low sensitivity to hidden bias: it is tailored so that its power is greater than other leading tests, both in finite and infinite samples. One way of defining power in case of possible confounders is as the probability of reporting robustness (ie, insensitivity) of a true discovery to potential bias. In case of finite samples, we compute the power by simulations. When sample size approaches infinity, a meaningful indicator of the power is the design sensitivity, which is computed analytically and found to be better in the new test than in existing tests. Another asymptotic criterion for comparing tests when there is concern for confounders is Bahadur efficiency. The proposed test outperforms commonly used tests in terms of Bahadur efficiency in most sampling situations. The advantages of the new test mainly stem from its adaptivity: it combines two test statistics and consequently achieves the best design sensitivity and the best Bahadur efficiency of the two. As a “real‐world” examination, we compare 441 daily smokers to 441 nonsmokers, to test the effect of smoking on periodontal disease. The new test is more robust to unmeasured confounders than both the Wilcoxon signed rank test and the pairedt‐test.
An experimental investigation into effect of temperature rise on mechanical and visual characteristics of concrete containing recycled metal spring
Authors: Pachideh Ghasem , Gholhaki Majid
Published: January 2020

Recycled fibers can enhance the compressive, tensile, and flexural strength of the concrete exposed to high temperatures. The main effect of these fibers on concrete is to reduce the generation of wide cracks developed by heat and pressure. Their behavioral mechanism is such that by bridging between cement paste and aggregates, the concrete structure is strengthened and as a result, cracks with great widths will not be developed. In this paper, the effect of elevated temperatures on the mechanical properties of concretes containing steel and polypropylene fibers as well as recycled metal springs with bore diameters of 8, 12, 16, and 20 mm, is experimentally studied. The results approve that using metal springs increases the concrete's strength for up to 80%. Among different types of fibers added to the concrete, the springs with a bore diameter of 12 mm and steel fibers could most effectively improve the compressive and tensile strengths, respectively. Furthermore, the threshold temperature at which the strengths will severely decline is measured at 500°C.
Monochorionic twins after in‐vitro fertilization: do they have poorer outcomes?
Authors: Couck I. , Van Nylen L. , Deprest J. , Lewi L.
Published: January 2020

Objective

To compare the outcome of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies conceived by in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with that of spontaneously conceived MCDA twins.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of MCDA twin pregnancies conceived after IVF/ICSI or spontaneously, followed from the first trimester onwards at a single center between January 2002 and September 2018. The primary outcome was survival per fetus from the first trimester until 28 days after birth. Secondary outcome measures were number of survivors, miscarriage, termination of pregnancy, intrauterine and neonatal death, major congenital anomalies, twin–twin transfusion syndrome, selective fetal growth restriction, gestational age at birth, delivery before 32 weeks' gestation, mode of delivery, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit, birth weight and birth‐weight discordance.

Results

Of the 654 MCDA pregnancies included in the analysis, 80 were conceived by IVF/ICSI and 574 spontaneously. Overall fetal and neonatal survival was significantly lower in the IVF/ICSI group than in the spontaneous‐conception group (79% vs 90%; P = 0.001). In the IVF/ICSI group, compared with the spontaneous‐conception group, loss of one or both twins occurred twice as often (29% vs 14%; P = 0.001) and there was a higher risk of second‐trimester miscarriage (8% vs 1%; P = 0.002).

Conclusions

MCDA twins conceived after IVF/ICSI have lower overall survival rates and higher rates of second‐trimester miscarriage than do spontaneously conceived MCDA twins. Copyright © 2020 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Supertwistor description of ambitwistor strings
Authors: Berkovits Nathan , Guillen Max , Mason Lionel
Published: January 2020

Abstract

A new ambitwistor string is constructed based on a ten-dimensional super-twistor model for the massless superparticle. Although covariant quantization is complicated by reducibility issues, a light-cone gauge analysis can be easily performed. We show that with this analysis, this supertwistor ambitwistor string is equivalent to the RNS ambitwistor string in light-cone gauge. In order to make the comparison, we develop the light-cone gauge analysis of the RNS ambitwistor string which has some novel features in terms of its expression of the scattering equations through interaction point operators.
MJO teleconnections to crop growing seasons
Authors: Anderson Weston , Muñoz Ángel G. , Goddard Lisa , Baethgen Walter , Chourio Xandre
Published: January 2020

While many Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) teleconnections are well documented, the significance of these teleconnections to agriculture is not well understood. Here we analyze how the MJO affects the climate during crop flowering seasons, when crops are particularly vulnerable to abiotic stress. Because the MJO is located in the tropics of the summer hemisphere and maize is a tropical, summer-grown crop, the MJO teleconnections to maize flowering seasons are stronger and more coherent than those to wheat, which tends to be grown in midlatitudes and flowers during the spring. The MJO significantly affects not only daily average precipitation and soil moisture, but also the probability of extreme precipitation, soil moisture and maximum temperatures during crop flowering seasons. The average influence on the probability of extreme daily precipitation, soil moisture, and maximum temperature events is roughly equal. On average the MJO modifies the probability of a 5th or 95th, 10th or 90th, and 25th or 75th percentile event by$$\sim $$∼2.5%,$$\sim $$∼4% and$$\sim $$∼7%, respectively. This means that an exceptionally dry (10th percentile) soil moisture value, for example, would become$$\sim $$∼40% more common (happening 14% of the time) during certain MJO phases. That the MJO can simultaneously dry soils and raise maximum air temperatures may be particularly damaging to crops because without available soil water during times of heat stress, plants are unable to transpire to cool leaf-level temperatures as a means of avoiding long-term damage. As a result, even though teleconnections from the MJO last only a few days to a week, they likely affect crop growth.