bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A randomized, crossover trial comparing the efficacy and safety of fesoterodine and extended-release oxybutynin in children with overactive bladder with 12-month extension on fesoterodine: The FOXY study
Authors: Ramsay Sophie , Naud Élizabeth , Simonyan David , Moore Katherine , Bolduc Stéphane
Published: January 2020

Introduction: We sought to assess and compare safety and efficacy of fesoterodine and oxybutynin extended-release in the treatment of pediatric overactive bladder (OAB).

Methods: We conducted a non-inferiority, randomized, double-blind, crossover trial comparing fesoterodine 4–8 mg and oxybutynin 10–20 mg QD in children with OAB aged 5–14 years (2015–2018). Every child received the first medication for eight weeks, followed by crossover to the second antimuscarinic after a three-days washout. Dose up-titration was possible at mid-course. Patients could enter a fesoterodine 12-month extension. Endpoints were assessed through changes on voiding diaries, Patient’s Perception of Bladder Condition score (PPBC), adverse events, vital signs, electrocardiogram, post-void residual, urinalysis, and blood tests. The Wilcoxon rank sum and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results: A total of 62 patients were randomized (two early dropouts). Expected class effects (dry mouth/constipation) were present but no significant difference was observed. There was a 10.1 beats/minute increase in heart rate with fesoterodine (p<0.01) (oxybutynin -1.9 beats/min; p=ns). No life-threatening or serious adverse events occurred. Efficacy was similar for both drugs. Bladder capacity improved over the 16 months of the study; baseline capacity of 125 mL (44.5% expected bladder capacity for age [%EBC]) to 171 mL (53.9%EBC) at the end of the extension phase. No clinical or statistical difference was shown between efficacy measures for fesoterodine or oxybutynin.

Conclusions: The use of fesoterodine or oxybutynin appears as safe and effective for the treatment of OAB in children. Based on our study, long-term treatment to achieve the ultimate goal of urinary continence is needed in this population.
A drug-coated balloon treatment for urethral stricture disease: Interim results from the ROBUST I study
Authors: Virasoro Ramon , DeLong Jessica , Mann Rachel , Estrella Rafael , Pichardo Merycarla , Rodriguez Lay Ramon , Espino Gustavo , Roth Joshua , Elliott Sean
Published: January 2020

Introduction: We aimed to investigate the safety and preliminary efficacy of the OptilumeTM paclitaxel-coated balloon for the treatment of recurrent urethral stricture.

Methods: Men with bulbar urethral strictures ≤2 cm with 1–4 prior endoscopic treatments were enrolled at four study sites after Ethics Committee approvals. All subjects were treated with mechanical balloon dilation or direct visualization internal urethrotomy prior to drug-coated balloon treatment. Patients were evaluated at 2–5 days, 14 days, three, six, and 12-months post-treatment. The primary safety endpoint was serious complications through 90 days post-procedure. The preliminary efficacy endpoint was anatomic success, defined as urethral lumen ≥14 Fr at 12 months.

Results: A total of 53 subjects were enrolled and treated; 46 completed the 12-month followup. Forty-three percent of men had undergone >1 previous dilation; the mean for the overall study population was 1.7 prior dilations. There were no serious adverse events related to the treatment within 90 days. Anatomic success was achieved in 32/46 (70%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 54–82%) at 12 months. The 14 failures included seven cystoscopic recurrences, five retreatments, and two patients who exited the study early due to symptom recurrence.

Conclusions: One-year data indicates the OptilumeTM paclitaxel-coated balloon is safe for the treatment of recurrent bulbar urethral strictures. Early efficacy results are encouraging and support further followup of these men through five years, as well as further investigation with a randomized trial.
The long-term outcomes of Gleason grade groups 2 and 3 prostate cancer managed by active surveillance: Results from a large population-based cohort
Authors: Richard Patrick O. , Timilshina Narhari , Komisarenko Maria , Martin Lisa , Ahmad Ardalan , Alibhai Shabbir M.H. , Hamilton Robert J. , Kulkarni Girish , Finelli Antonio
Published: January 2020

Introduction: Active surveillance (AS) is an accepted management strategy for low-risk prostate cancer (PCa), but its role in the management of favorable intermediate-risk PCa remains controversial. Most reports studying the role of AS for these men generally lack long-term followup and include small numbers of patients. Our objective was to report the outcomes of men diagnosed with Gleason grade groups (GGG) 2 and 3 PCa who were managed expectantly.

Methods: Using administrative datasets and pathology reports, we identified all men who were diagnosed with GGG 2 and 3 PCa and managed expectantly between 2002 and 2011 in Ontario, Canada. Outcomes and associated factors were estimated using cumulative incidence function methods and multivariable Cox regression models, respectively.

Results: We identified 926 men who were managed expectantly (AS [n=374] or watchful waiting [n=552]). The eight-year cancer-specific survival was 94% and 89% for the AS and watchful waiting cohorts, respectively. Among AS men, 266 (71%) received treatment after a followup of approximately eight years. Cumulative AS discontinuation rates at one and five years were 30.5% and 65.1%, respectively.

Conclusions: Expectant management of GGG 2 and 3 PCa may be an option for certain men. Notably for AS patients, the cancer-specific mortality at eight years was 6%, and over 65% of men underwent treatment within five years. Further studies are required to evaluate which patients, based on disease-specific features and competing health risks, would benefit the most from a conservative strategy.
Lingüística: la ciencia del lenguaje
Authors: Balari Sergi
Published: January 2020

En este artículo se presentan los diversos aspectos de una aproximación científica al lenguaje. Una de las principales consecuencias de adoptar los principios metodológicos propios de las ciencias es que la lingüística no puede ser una ciencia de las lenguas, porque, desde esa perspectiva es imposible dar una definición objetiva de lengua. Por ello, el objeto de estudio de la lingüística no puede ser otro que la facultad del lenguaje, entendida como la capacidad propia de todo individuo de la especie humana que nos permite desarrollar y poner en uso conocimientos lingüísticos. Una vez establecidos estos supuestos básicos, el texto esboza la clase de problemas a los que se enfrenta la investigación en este ámbito y reflexiona sobre algunas de las principales aproximaciones metodológicas que se pueden adoptar para buscar respuestas a dichos problemas.
Boca a boca negativo nas mídias sociais e o comportamento do consumidor: estudo com pais de alunos de escolas particulares de Belo Horizonte
Authors: Bastos Alessandra Mesquita , Mesquita Jose Marcos Carvalho de , Botrel Ana Maria Martuscelli , Dias Alexandre Teixeira
Published: January 2020

Objetivo:  avaliar a influência da comunicação boca a boca negativa nas mídias sociais sobre o comportamento de consumo. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa, com abordagem descritiva. A amostra foi composta por pais de alunos de escolas particulares de Belo Horizonte. Os dados foram analisados por meio de modelagem de equações estruturais, método PLS. Originalidade/Relevância: a relevância da pesquisa se baseia no fato de que existem muitos trabalhos abordando comunicação boca a boca, mas poucos especificamente sobre boca a boca negativo, contemplando também os efeitos moderadores dos custos de mudança. Resultados: os resultados confirmam que o boca a boca negativo reduz a intenção de compra e a lealdade atitudinal e apenas os custos de mudança processuais são capazes de reduzir esse efeito. Contribuições teóricas: apesar de parecerem lógicas, as relações precisam ser testadas empiricamente, especialmente devido à cadeia monológica proposta, que incluiu os efeitos moderadores dos custos de mudança, desenho pouco usual em pesquisas de marketing. Portanto, comprovar que o boca a boca negativo reduz tanto a intenção de compra quanto a lealdade atitudinal constitui uma contribuição teórica. Ademais, atestar que os custos de mudança não são capazes de reduzir os efeitos da boca a boca negativo também se traduz em uma contribuição teórica.   Contribuições para a gestão: ressalta-se a importância de as organizações acompanharem de perto os comentários nas mídias sociais feitos por seus clientes. Evitar que falhas aconteçam e, principalmente, que os clientes manifestem publicamente suas insatisfações, torna-se fundamental para as empresas atualmente.
Seeded word-of-mouth marketing strategy: mapping and analysis of a network of political supporters
Authors: Dias Fagner Oliveira , Reyes Jr Edgar , Saab Flávio
Published: January 2020

Objective:   To analyze how a structure-based seeding strategy can improve word-of-mouth marketing efficiency in proportional elections.Methodology:  This study is quantitative and qualitative. In the quantitative phase, an egocentric social network analysis (SNA) of a candidate was conducted. Using Bonacich's degree, intermediation and power centralities, the study identified, then interviewed nine seed actors, which through the snowball technique, led to the identification of 31 other interviewees and the formation of a total network of 232 actors. In the qualitative phase, the reasons for supporting ego and alters as well as their preceding characteristics were analyzed using report content analysis.Originality / Relevance: This is a study of the characteristics of the actors along with their centrality in the strategy of seeding, spreading and maintaining the reputation of the political actor, especially candidates for proportional elections.Results: The characteristics of the most central supporters within the network reflect the bonds of trust built and deposited in the candidate, with ideology and friendship being the most prone to a more effective word-of-mouth marketing. The precedents for commitment and perceived value of word-of-mouth propensity were also verified.Theoretical / Methodological Contributions: This study includes the discussion of proportional elections in electoral marketing, highlighting the power of supporters through analysis of social network marketing.  It also contributes to the analysis of the characteristics of actors in the effectiveness of seeding strategy in word-of-mouth marketing.Contributions to Management: The candidate may adopt a seeding strategy in his campaign, thereby promoting effectiveness in resource allocation, while allowing the supporter to understand the difference of his role as a supporter.
Analiza zintegrowana
portu morskiego w Ustce
w wymiarze obronnym
Authors: Pac Bohdan
Published: January 2020

Opracowanie ma charakter koncepcyjny i dotyczy analizy zintegrowanej Portu Morskiego
Ustka w kontekście jego wykorzystania w wymiarze obronnym. Przeanalizowano
planowaną przebudowę portu. Zasadniczo jest ona ukierunkowana na zapewnienie
funkcji rybackich i nie zawiera elementów planowania cywilnego,
typowego dla krajów NATO. W rozważaniach nad aspektem obronnym portu wzięto
pod uwagę rozwiązania, które mogłyby zwiększyć jego potencjał logistyczny właśnie
w tym obszarze.
W opracowaniu wykorzystano analizę SWOT/TOWS, główny element analizy zintegrowanej,
w celu wskazania pożądanej strategii rozwoju, umożliwiającej zwiększenie
potencjału portu w Ustce w wymiarze obronnym.
Análise bibliométrica da produção científica brasileira sobre Dipteryx odorata no período de 2009 a 2018
Authors: Portela João Gabriel Almeida , Pauletto Daniela
Published: January 2020

A Dipteryx odorata é uma espécie nativa da Amazônia e conhecida popularmente como cumaru. Sua madeira é de alta densidade e é bastante utilizada na construção civil e naval. O fruto do cumaru apresenta uma semente de onde se extrai o óleo da cumarina. O óleo é utilizado como fixador de essências e é largamente utilizada com este propósito na indústria de cosméticos. O presente trabalho realizou uma revisão bibliométrica sobre a espécie Dipteryx odorata nos últimos 10 anos (2009 a 2018) com a finalidade de avaliar a ênfase e dinâmica de publicações a respeito da espécie.  Para a pesquisa foram usadas as seguintes palavras-chaves: 'Dipteryx odorata, cumaru e cumaru-ferro', onde posteriormente foi aplicado a filtragem de busca por anos e por país se obtendo uma amostragem de 60 publicações que citavam alguma das palavras-chaves. Como principais resultados verificou que houve um aumento de publicações com o passar dos anos no período de estudo. A maior quantidade de artigos que citavam o cumaru se encaixava na área de conhecimento de silvicultura e manejo. O Pará é o estado que lidera com o número de publicações sobre o cumaru enquanto que a Embrapa é a instituição de pesquisa que mais publicou a respeito da espécie.
Comportamento de Ficus na arborização urbana do bairro Santa Clara, Santarém/Pará
Authors: Fernandes Tayane Pedroso , Ximenes Lucas Cunha
Published: January 2020

Este trabalho teve como objetivo a realização de um inventário do tipo censo quali-quantitativo no bairro Santa Clara, município de Santarém/PA acerca da espécie Ficus sp. Coletaram-se dados em relação à sua altura, DAP (diâmetro à altura do peito), DC (diâmetro de copa), relação com a fiação, recomendação quanto ao manejo, posição e sanidade da raiz, do fuste e da copa. Foram encontrados 54 indivíduos de Ficus, sendo que a maioria (44%) apresentou porte médio com afloramento na calçada em 83% dos casos. Em relação a sanidade, 57% das raízes estavam com algum nível de podridão e 43% não apresentaram problemas. A sanidade do fuste mostrou-se favorável com 96% de indivíduos sem interferência e 4% com podridão. Na fiação, 56% não estavam em contato com a rede elétrica e 44% se encontravam presentes ou com potencial risco para a fiação. Tendo por base essas condições, a recomendação de manejo indicou para 81% dos casos necessidade de poda, 6% para remoção e 13% para os indivíduos que não apresentaram necessidade de tratos silviculturais. Conclui-se que a utilização de Ficus não é adequada à arborização próximo a fiação e estruturas pavimentadas, sendo aconselhável sua substituição de forma gradativa.
Economía Social y Solidaria: la necesidad de una pedagogía solidaria para contrarrestar la ambigüedad y la incertidumbre económica
Authors: Albuquerque Paulo P. de
Published: January 2020

El artículo reflexiona sobre las ventajas de la asociación/cooperación y de la organización solidaria en un mundo complejo que exige retomar los presupuestos del paradigma asociativo y de la necesidad de una pedagogía política para contrarrestar al escenario societario de ambigüedad e incertidumbre de la contemporaneidad; pensar solidaridad implica en cambiar de matriz analítica de la modernidad y señala que la no-banalización de los principios de la participación y del compromiso necesitan se concretizar en un conjunto de medidas políticas que buscan la democratización y socializar los saberes que de hecho pasa por una pedagogía solidária.

This paper reflects on the advantages of the association/cooperation and the solidarity organization in a complex world. It requires reestablishing the presuppositions of cooperative paradigm and the necessity of a political pedagogy to contradict the society stage of ambiguity and contemporaneity uncertainty because to think solidarity implies changing the analytical base of modernity. It points that the non-trivialization of participation and commitment principles need to be concretized in a set of policy measures that search for the democratization and socialization of knowledge that per pass solidarity pedagogy.
Syntactic ambiguity of (complex) nominal groups in technical English
Authors: Borucinsky Mirjana , Kegalj Jana
Published: January 2020

Complex nominal groups are common in technical English (i.e. English for Specific Purposes, ESP) as they allow lexical items to be tightly packed into a clause. This leads to increased lexical density and syntactic ambiguity.

In this paper we analyze (complex) nominal groups in technical English, assuming that it is not only the context and extralinguistic knowledge (i.e. shared technical background that the ESP teacher does not necessarily possess) that help solve the syntactic ambiguity, but that the structure of the nominal group, or more precisely the position of modifiers within the group can help disambiguate the meaning. Thus, modifiers standing farthest from the head have the least specifying potential and are followed by those which restrict the meaning of the entire nominal group. In the example steam reciprocating engine (vs.*reciprocating steam engine) the participle reciprocating has a more specific meaning and is thus closer to the head of the nominal group.

The results show how the type of modification (linear or non-linear) can help disambiguate complex nominal groups. The main contribution of the paper is to help the ESP teacher, who is not a specialist in the field of (marine) engineering, process, understand and successfully teach complex nominal groups.
The Catalonian Conflict: an Interpretive Structural Model
Authors: Pla López Rafael , Martínez de la Rosa Félix , Parra-Luna Francisco
Published: January 2020

The methodology ISM (Interpretive Structural Modeling) is used to study the conflict in Catalonia, listing a listof factors and the influences between them, building from them the Matrix of Influences and the Matrix of Scope, fromwhich they classify the factors into levels and a flow diagram is drawn up, concluding what the possible paths of evolutionof said conflict would be
Bottom-up and top-down neural signatures of disordered multi-talker speech perception in adults with normal hearing
Authors: Parthasarathy Aravindakshan , Hancock Kenneth E , Bennett Kara , DeGruttola Victor , Polley Daniel B
Published: January 2020

In social settings, speech waveforms from nearby speakers mix together in our ear canals. Normally, the brain unmixes the attended speech stream from the chorus of background speakers using a combination of fast temporal processing and cognitive active listening mechanisms. Of >100,000 patient records,~10% of adults visited our clinic because of reduced hearing, only to learn that their hearing was clinically normal and should not cause communication difficulties. We found that multi-talker speech intelligibility thresholds varied widely in normal hearing adults, but could be predicted from neural phase-locking to frequency modulation (FM) cues measured with ear canal EEG recordings. Combining neural temporal fine structure processing, pupil-indexed listening effort, and behavioral FM thresholds accounted for 78% of the variability in multi-talker speech intelligibility. The disordered bottom-up and top-down markers of poor multi-talker speech perception identified here could inform the design of next-generation clinical tests for hidden hearing disorders.
Emergence of social cluster by collective pairwise encounters in Drosophila
Authors: Jiang Lifen , Cheng Yaxin , Gao Shan , Zhong Yincheng , Ma Chengrui , Wang Tianyu , Zhu Yan
Published: January 2020

Many animals exhibit an astonishing ability to form groups of large numbers of individuals. The dynamic properties of such groups have been the subject of intensive investigation. The actual grouping processes and underlying neural mechanisms, however, remain elusive. Here, we established a social clustering paradigm in Drosophila to investigate the principles governing social group formation. Fruit flies spontaneously assembled into a stable cluster mimicking a distributed network. Social clustering was exhibited as a highly dynamic process including all individuals, which participated in stochastic pair-wise encounters mediated by appendage touches. Depriving sensory inputs resulted in abnormal encounter responses and a high failure rate of cluster formation. Furthermore, the social distance of the emergent network was regulated by ppk-specific neurons, which were activated by contact-dependent social grouping. Taken together, these findings revealed the development of an orderly social structure from initially unorganised individuals via collective actions.
A revised Holocene coral sea-level database from the Florida reef tract, USA
Authors: Stathakopoulos Anastasios , Riegl Bernhard M. , Toth Lauren T.
Published: January 2020

The coral reefs and mangrove habitats of the south Florida region have long been used in sea-level studies for the western Atlantic because of their broad geographic extent and composition of sea-level tracking biota. The data from this region have been used to support several very different Holocene sea-level reconstructions (SLRs) over the years. However, many of these SLRs did not incorporate all available coral-based data, in part because detailed characterizations necessary for inclusion into sea-level databases were lacking. Here, we present an updated database comprised of 303 coral samples from published sources that we extensively characterized for the first time. The data were carefully screened by evaluating and ranking the visual taphonomic characteristics of every dated sample within the database, which resulted in the identification of 134 high-quality coral samples for consideration as suitable sea-level indicators. We show that our database largely agrees with the most recent SLR for south Florida over the last ∼7,000 years; however, the early Holocene remains poorly characterized because there are few high-quality data spanning this period. Suggestions to refine future Holocene SLRs in the region are provided including filling spatial and temporal data gaps of coral samples, particularly from the early Holocene, as well as constructing a more robust peat database to better constrain sea-level variability during the middle to late Holocene. Our database and taphonomic-ranking protocol provide a framework for researchers to evaluate data-selection criteria depending on the robustness of their sea-level models.
Enzyme Functional Screening, Discovery and Engineering; Automation, Metagenomics and High-throughput Approaches
Authors: Ali Sikander , Shahid Hussain Syed
Published: January 2020

Concerned with the construction and design of novel biocatalysts, the enzyme engineering served to overcome the limitations of native enzymes, in order to create biocatalysts with tailored functions, to facilitate industrial applications. The enzymes, being recognized by screening and discovery workflows and further tailored by engineering platforms, are of immense potential as improved biocatalysts. Functional metagenomics is a powerful tool to identify novel enzymes followed by the construction of metagenome-based enzyme libraries. And the subsequent screening of these enzyme libraries is in turn facilitated by ultra-high-throughput-based, for example FACS or microfluidics, enzyme engineering technologies. Relies on the compartmentalization of reaction components, in order to detect and measure assay signal within the reaction compartments, the enzyme engineering platforms are designed which include cell-as-compartment platforms, droplet-based platforms and micro-chamber-based platforms. The metagenomics approach and high-throughput screening by these three prime enzyme engineer platforms are the focus of this review.
The relationship between resting heart rate and aggression in males is racially variant
Authors: Portnoy Jill , Jennings J. Richard , Matthews Karen A. , Pardini Dustin , Raine Adrian
Published: January 2020

Although resting heart rate is thought to be a generalizable risk factor for aggression, very little research has examined whether this relationship varies by race. We addressed this limitation using longitudinal data from the Pittsburgh Youth Study. Current data are from 197 men who participated in a teenage biosocial study (mean age = 15.7 years) and adult follow‐up study (mean age = 32.1 years). Teenage resting heart rate interacted with race to predict teenage and adult aggression. The relationship between heart rate and aggression was significant in White, but not in Black males. To our knowledge, this is the first study to find that the relationship between resting heart rate and aggression is racially variant, suggesting that resting heart rate may not be a generalizable biomarker for conduct problems. At an intervention‐level, findings could contribute to the development of more accurate risk assessment tools that take into account racial variance in risk factors.
Universal Health Literacy Precautions Are Associated With a Significant Increase in Medication Adherence in Vulnerable Rheumatology Patients
Authors: Hirsh Joel , Wood Patrick , Keniston Angela , Boyle Dennis , Quinzanos Itziar , Caplan Liron , Davis Lisa
Published: January 2020

Objective

Our objective was to determine the impact of the Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit, adapted for rheumatology, on medication adherence, patient satisfaction, and feasibility in all patients; its effect on the clinical disease activity index (CDAI) was studied in a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) subpopulation.

Methods

Data collected during a 6‐month prospective quality assurance intervention was compared with data from a prior 6‐month period. Interventions included 1) encouraging questions, 2) teach‐back communication, and 3) brown‐bag medication review. Analysis was performed using linear regression or generalized estimating equation (GEE) regression.

Results

During the intervention period, 46 physicians completed 1737 patient visits. Questions were encouraged, and teach‐back communication was performed in more than 90% of visits. Brown‐bag medication reviews were performed in 47% of visits overall and 69% of visits in a subgroup that received additional reminder calls. Visit duration and patient satisfaction were not significantly increased. Adherence for rheumatology‐related medications that were prescribed both before and during the intervention increased by 22% (P ≤ 0.001; by GEE). Teach‐back communication predicted a statistically significant improvement in medication adherence in this subpopulation (by linear regression). The mean CDAI did not improve; however, African American race and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with a decreased CDAI (by GEE).

Conclusion

Implementation of the Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit, adapted for rheumatology, improved medication adherence in our safety‐net clinic, with particularly strong effects seen with teach‐back communication. In certain populations, use of the toolkit may also improve RA disease activity. This is the first study to document improved medication adherence with this intervention in a real‐world setting.
Exploiting Phonon‐Resonant Near‐Field Interaction for the Nanoscale Investigation of Extended Defects
Authors: Hauer Benedikt , Marvinney Claire E. , Lewin Martin , Mahadik Nadeemullah A. , Hite Jennifer K. , Bassim Nabil , Giles Alexander J. , Stahlbush Robert E. , Caldwell Joshua D. , Taubner Thomas
Published: January 2020

The evolution of wide bandgap semiconductor materials has led to dramatic improvements for electronic applications at high powers and temperatures. However, the propensity of extended defects provides significant challenges for implementing these materials in commercial electronic and optical applications. While a range of spectroscopic and microscopic tools have been developed for identifying and characterizing these defects, such techniques typically offer either technique exclusively, and/or may be destructive. Scattering‐type scanning near‐field optical microscopy (s‐SNOM) is a nondestructive method capable of simultaneously collecting topographic and spectroscopic information with frequency‐independent nanoscale spatial precision (≈20 nm). Here, how extended defects within 4H‐SiC manifest in the infrared phonon response using s‐SNOM is investigated and the response with UV‐photoluminescence, secondary electron and electron channeling contrast imaging, and transmission electron microscopy is correlated. The s‐SNOM technique identifies evidence of step‐bunching, recombination‐induced stacking faults, and threading screw dislocations, and demonstrates interaction of surface phonon polaritons with extended defects. The results demonstrate that phonon‐enhanced infrared nanospectroscopy and spatial mapping via s‐SNOM provide a complementary, nondestructive technique offering significant insights into extended defects within emerging semiconductor materials and devices and thus serves as an important diagnostic tool to help advance material growth efforts for electronic, photonic, phononic, and quantum optical applications.
Advantageous Functional Integration of Adsorption‐Intercalation‐Conversion Hybrid Mechanisms in 3D Flexible Nb2O5@Hard Carbon@MoS2@Soft Carbon Fiber Paper Anodes for Ultrafast and Super‐Stable Sodium Storage
Authors: Deng Qinglin , Chen Feng , Liu Si , Bayaguud Aruuhan , Feng Yuezhan , Zhang Zhibo , Fu Yanpeng , Yu Yan , Zhu Changbao
Published: January 2020

Using synergetic effects of various sodium storage modes and materials to construct high power, high energy, and long cycling flexible sodium anode materials is significant and still challenging. Here, by advantageous functional integration of adsorption‐intercalation‐conversion sodium storage mechanisms, a 3D flexible fiber paper anode with the composition of Nb2O5@hard carbon@MoS2@soft carbon is designed and prepared. Based on the synergetic effects, it exhibits higher specific capacity than pure Nb2O5, with more excellent rate performance (245, 201, 155, 133, and 97 mAh g−1 at the current density of 0.2, 1, 5, 10, and 20 A g−1, respectively) than pure MoS2 as well as admirable long‐term cycling characteristics (≈82% capacity retention after 20 000 cycles at 5 A g−1). Relevant kinetics mechanisms are expounded in detail. This work can be helpful for preparing other types of hybrid and flexible electrodes for energy storage systems.
Controlled Design of Well‐Dispersed Ultrathin MoS2 Nanosheets inside Hollow Carbon Skeleton: Toward Fast Potassium Storage by Constructing Spacious “Houses” for K Ions
Authors: Cui Yongpeng , Liu Wei , Feng Wenting , Zhang Yuan , Du Yongxu , Liu Shuang , Wang Huanlei , Chen Ming , Zhou Junan
Published: January 2020

The large volume expansion induced by K+ intercalation is always a big challenge for designing high‐performance electrode materials in potassium‐ion storage system. Based on the idea that large‐sized ions should accommodate big “houses,” a facile‐induced growth strategy is proposed to achieve the self‐loading of MoS2 clusters inside a hollow tubular carbon skeleton (HTCS). Meantime, a step‐by‐step intercalation technology is employed to tune the interlayer distance and the layer number of MoS2. Based on the above, the ED‐MoS2@CT hybrids are achieved by self‐loading and anchoring the well‐dispersed ultrathin MoS2 nanosheets on the inner surface of HTCSs. This unique compositing model not only alleviates the mechanical strain efficiently, but also provides spacious “roads” (hollow tubular carbon skeleton) and “houses” (interlayer expanded ultrathin MoS2 sheets) for fast K+ transition and storage. As an anode of potassium‐ion batteries, the resultant ED‐MoS2@CT electrode delivers a high specific capacity of 148.5 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1 after 10 000 cycles with only 0.002% fading per cycle. The assembled ED‐MoS2@CT//PC potassium‐ion hybrid supercapacitor device shows a high energy density of 148 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 965 W kg−1, which is comparable to that of lithium‐ion hybrid supercapacitors.
Targeted Tumor Hypoxia Dual‐Mode CT/MR Imaging and Enhanced Radiation Therapy Using Dendrimer‐Based Nanosensitizers
Authors: Fan Yu , Tu Wenzhi , Shen Mingwu , Chen Xuming , Ning Yuesheng , Li Junjun , Chen Tingfeng , Wang Han , Yin Fangfang , Liu Yong , Shi Xiangyang
Published: January 2020

The efficacy of radiation therapy (RT) is often limited by the poor response of hypoxia inside most solid tumors. The development of a theranostic nanoplatform for precision‐imaging‐guided sensitized RT for tumor hypoxia is still challenging. Herein, the creation of hypoxia‐targeted dendrimer‐entrapped gold nanoparticles complexed with gadolinium(III) (Gd‐Au DENPs‐Nit) for dual‐mode CT/MR imaging and sensitized RT of hypoxic tumors is reported. In this work, generation 5 poly(amidoamine) dendrimers are partially conjugated with Gd(III) chelator, entrapped with Au nanoparticles, and conjugated with hypoxia‐targeting agent nitroimidazole via a polyethylene glycol linker, and ending with chelation of Gd(III) and conversion of their leftover amine termini to acetamides. The designed dendrimer‐based nanohybrids with 3.2 nm Au cores exhibit an excellent X‐ray attenuation effect, acceptable r1 relaxivity (1.32 mM−1 s−1), and enhanced cellular uptake in hypoxic cancer cells, affording efficient dual‐mode CT/MR imaging of tumor hypoxia. Under X‐ray irradiation, the Gd‐Au DENPs‐Nit nanohybrids can produce reactive oxygen species, promote DNA damage, and prevent DNA repair, facilitating sensitized RT of hypoxic cancer cells in vitro and tumor hypoxia in vivo. The developed hypoxia‐targeted dendrimer‐based nanohybrids may be employed as both contrast agents and nanosensitizers for precision tumor hypoxia imaging and sensitized tumor RT.
Astrocyte‐Encapsulated Hydrogel Microfibers Enhance Neuronal Circuit Generation
Authors: Kim Beom Jin , Choi Ji Yu , Choi Hyunwoo , Han Sol , Seo Jeongyeon , Kim Jungnam , Joo Sunghoon , Kim Hyo Min , Oh Chungik , Hong Seungbum , Kim Pilnam , Choi Insung S.
Published: January 2020

Astrocytes, the most representative glial cells in the brain, play a multitude of crucial functions for proper neuronal development and synaptic‐network formation, including neuroprotection as well as physical and chemical support. However, little attention has been paid, in the neuroregenerative medicine and related fields, to the cytoprotective incorporation of astrocytes into neuron‐culture scaffolds and full‐fledged functional utilization of encapsulated astrocytes for controlled neuronal development. In this article, a 3D neurosupportive culture system for enhanced induction of neuronal circuit generation is reported, where astrocytes are confined in hydrogel microfibers and protected from the outside. The astrocyte‐encapsulated microfibers significantly accelerate the neurite outgrowth and guide its directionality, and enhance the synaptic formation, without any physical contact with the neurons. This astrocyte‐laden system provides a pivotal culture scaffold for advanced development of cell‐based therapeutics for neural injuries, such as spinal cord injury.
Ultrathin Ni(0)‐Embedded Ni(OH)2 Heterostructured Nanosheets with Enhanced Electrochemical Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Dai Lei , Chen Zhe‐Ning , Li Liuxiao , Yin Peiqun , Liu Zhengqing , Zhang Hua
Published: January 2020

The efficiency of splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen is highly dependent on the catalyst used. Herein, ultrathin Ni(0)‐embedded Ni(OH)2 heterostructured nanosheets, referred to as Ni/Ni(OH)2 nanosheets, with superior water splitting activity are synthesized by a partial reduction strategy. This synthetic strategy confers the heterostructured Ni/Ni(OH)2 nanosheets with abundant Ni(0)‐Ni(II) active interfaces for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and Ni(II) defects as transitional active sites for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The obtained Ni/Ni(OH)2 nanosheets exhibit noble metal‐like electrocatalytic activities toward overall water splitting in alkaline condition, to offer 10 mA cm−2 in HER and OER, the required overpotentials are only 77 and 270 mV, respectively. Based on such an outstanding activity, a water splitting electrolysis cell using the Ni/Ni(OH)2 nanosheets as the cathode and anode electrocatalysts has been successfully built. When the output voltage of the electrolytic cell is 1.59 V, a current density of 10 mA cm−2 can be obtained. Moreover, the durability of Ni/Ni(OH)2 nanosheets in the alkaline electrolyte is much better than that of noble metals. No obvious performance decay is observed after 20 h of catalysis. This facile strategy paves the way for designing highly active non‐precious‐metal catalyst to generate both hydrogen and oxygen by electrolyzing water at room temperature.
Bioinspired PDMS–Phosphor–Silicone Rubber Sandwich‐Structure Coatings for Combating Biofouling
Authors: Jin Huichao , Bing Wei , Jin E. , Tian Limei , Jiang Yonggang
Published: January 2020

Inspired by the antifouling strategies of fluorescent corals and Gulf parrotfish, a novel polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)–phosphor–silicone rubber sandwich‐structure coating is fabricated for combating biofouling. The coatings can emit weak light during night hours and have hydrophilic surfaces. The effectiveness of the coatings against various algae and bacteria, namely, Chlorella, Nitzschia closterium f. minutissima, gram‐negative Paracoccus pantotrophus, and gram‐positive Bacillus subtili is investigated. The results show that the PDMS–phosphor–silicone rubber sandwich‐structure coatings have broad‐spectrum antifouling performances. The results also demonstrate that surface hydrophilicity can effectively reduce adhesion of algae and bacteria, and that fluorescence inhibits only algae. In addition, the effect is revealed of the wavelength of different colored phosphor layers on antifouling capability to resist Chlorella and N. closterium f. minutissima. Blue (427 nm), yellow (663 nm), and red (731 nm) phosphor layers are conducive to combating Chlorella and N. closterium f. minutissima, whereas the green (512 nm) phosphor layer shows no distinct effect on resisting Chlorella and N. closterium f. minutissima. These findings can contribute to the development of new antifouling coatings. In addition, the antifouling capabilities of these coatings have potential for further improvement and development. The sandwich‐structure materials fabricated in this study should prove very useful in practical applications.
Macroscale Superlubricity Enabled by Graphene‐Coated Surfaces
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Du Yuefeng , Huang Siling , Meng Fanning , Chen Leilei , Xie Wenxiang , Chang Keke , Zhang Chenhui , Lu Yao , Lin Cheng‐Te , Li Suzhi , Parkin Ivan P. , Guo Dongming
Published: January 2020

Friction and wear remain the primary modes for energy dissipation in moving mechanical components. Superlubricity is highly desirable for energy saving and environmental benefits. Macroscale superlubricity was previously performed under special environments or on curved nanoscale surfaces. Nevertheless, macroscale superlubricity has not yet been demonstrated under ambient conditions on macroscale surfaces, except in humid air produced by purging water vapor into a tribometer chamber. In this study, a tribological system is fabricated using a graphene‐coated plate (GCP), graphene‐coated microsphere (GCS), and graphene‐coated ball (GCB). The friction coefficient of 0.006 is achieved in air under 35 mN at a sliding speed of 0.2 mm s−1 for 1200 s in the developed GCB/GCS/GCP system. To the best of the knowledge, for the first time, macroscale superlubricity on macroscale surfaces under ambient conditions is reported. The mechanism of macroscale superlubricity is due to the combination of exfoliated graphene flakes and the swinging and sliding of the GCS, which is demonstrated by the experimental measurements, ab initio, and molecular dynamics simulations. These findings help to bridge macroscale superlubricity to real world applications, potentially dramatically contributing to energy savings and reducing the emission of carbon dioxide to the environment.
Prevalence and predictors of falls in a health‐seeking older population: An outpatient‐based study
Authors: Subramanian Manicka Saravanan , Singh Vishwajeet , Chatterjee Prashun , Dwivedi Sada Nand , Dey Aparajit Ballav
Published: January 2020

Background

Falls are one of the major causes of disability in older people. A wide range of risk factors for falls are described according to setting – inpatient, nursing homes and community. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for falls in an outpatient setting.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional observational study, 160 consenting subjects were enrolled randomly, from the Geriatric Medicine outpatient department, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. Non‐ambulatory, seriously ill subjects were excluded. The subjects underwent brief evaluation including falls and geriatric assessment. They were grouped into fallers and non‐fallers. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors associated with falls.

Results

The prevalence of falls was 23.75% (38/160). Women were proportionately higher (26.31%) in the fallers group vis‐à‐vis 19.67% in the non‐fallers group. After multivariate analysis, opioids (odds ratio [OR] 5.24 [95% CI, 2.0 18‐13.611]), vision impairment (OR 2.71 [95% CI, 1.050‐07.011]), fear of falling (OR 3.17 [95% CI, 1.167‐08.629]), instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) impairment (OR 3.41 [95% CI, 1.251‐09.301]), anti‐anginal medications (OR 8.90 [95% CI, 0.997‐79.564]) and self‐employment (OR 5.37 [95% CI, 1.058‐27.329]) were associated with falls. Adequate nutrition (OR 0.82 [95% CI, 0.688‐00.976]) and caregiver support (OR 0.46 [95% CI, 0.275‐00.801]) were protective of falls.

Conclusion

We identified the multi‐factorial etiology of falls. Patients having any of the above risk factors should undergo detailed fall risk assessment and preventive measures afterwards.
Advancing the understanding of treponemal disease in the past and present
Authors: Baker Brenda J. , Crane‐Kramer Gillian , Dee Michael W. , Gregoricka Lesley A. , Henneberg Maciej , Lee Christine , Lukehart Sheila A. , Mabey David C. , Roberts Charlotte A. , Stodder Ann L. W. , Stone Anne C. , Winingear Stevie
Published: January 2020

Syphilis was perceived to be a new disease in Europe in the late 15th century, igniting a debate about its origin that continues today in anthropological, historical, and medical circles. We move beyond this age‐old debate using an interdisciplinary approach that tackles broader questions to advance the understanding of treponemal infection (syphilis, yaws, bejel, and pinta). How did the causative organism(s) and humans co‐evolve? How did the related diseases caused by Treponema pallidum emerge in different parts of the world and affect people across both time and space? How are T. pallidum subspecies related to the treponeme causing pinta? The current state of scholarship in specific areas is reviewed with recommendations made to stimulate future work. Understanding treponemal biology, genetic relationships, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations is crucial for vaccine development today and for investigating the distribution of infection in both modern and past populations. Paleopathologists must improve diagnostic criteria and use a standard approach for recording skeletal lesions on archaeological human remains. Adequate contextualization of cultural and environmental conditions is necessary, including site dating and justification for any corrections made for marine or freshwater reservoir effects. Biogeochemical analyses may assess aquatic contributions to diet, physiological changes arising from treponemal disease and its treatments (e.g., mercury), or residential mobility of those affected. Shifting the focus from point of origin to investigating who is affected (e.g., by age/sex or socioeconomic status) and disease distribution (e.g., coastal/ inland, rural/urban) will advance our understanding of the treponemal disease and its impact on people through time.
Violence in hunters, fishermen, and gatherers of the Chinchorro culture: Archaic societies of the Atacama Desert (10,000–4,000 cal yr BP)
Authors: Standen Vivien G. , Santoro Calogero M. , Arriaza Bernardo , Coleman Drew , Monsalve Susana , Marquet Pablo A.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

This article addresses evidence of violence imbedded in both soft and hard tissues from early populations of hunters, fishermen, and gatherers, known as the Chinchorro culture, who lived between 10,000 and 4,000 cal yr BP, along the coast of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest environments on Earth. Our study is aimed to test two hypotheses (a) that interactions and violent behaviors increased through time as population density and social complexity augmented; and (b) that violence was more prevalent between local Chinchorro groups and groups from other inland locations.

Material and Methods

Two lines of data were analyzed: (1) bioarchaeology, through the quantification of physical traces of interpersonal violence in skeletons and mummies from a sample of 136 adult individuals and, (2) isotopic chemical analysis (strontium) of individuals with traces of trauma in order to determine their local or foreign origin.

Results

Violence among Chinchorro populations was ubiquitous and remained invariant over time, with a remarkable skew to male (about 25% above female across the complete sample). Moreover, the chemical signature of individuals with traces of violence was not of foreign origin.

Discussion

The violence exerted by the Chinchorro groups was not related to increased population size, nor social complexity and was mostly restricted to individuals coming from the same coastal habitat. That is, our data suggest that violence was constant across the Archaic period among the Chinchorro, implying that violent behavior was part of the sociocultural repertory of these populations, likely associated to mechanisms to resolve conflicts and social tensions.
Cation Diffusion Guides Hybrid Halide Perovskite Crystallization during the Gel Stage
Authors: Liu Lang , Bai Yang , Zhang Xiao , Shang Yuequn , Wang Chenyue , Wang Hao , Zhu Cheng , Hu Chen , Wu Jiafeng , Zhou Huanping , Li Yujing , Yang Shihe , Ning Zhijun , Chen Qi
Published: January 2020

Lead halide perovskites with mixed cations/anions often suffer from phase segregation, which is detrimental to device efficiency and their long‐term stability. During perovskite film growth, the gel stage (in between liquid and crystalline) correlates to phase segregation, which has been rarely explored. Herein, cation diffusion kinetics are systematically investigated at the gel stage to develop a diffusion model obeying Fick's second law. Taking 2D layered perovskite as an example, theoretical and experimental results reveal the impact of diffusion coefficient, temperature, and gel duration on the film growth and phase formation. A homogenous 2D perovskite thin film was then fabricated without significant phase segregation. This in‐depth understanding of gel stage and relevant cation diffusion kinetics would further guide the design and processing of halide perovskites with mixed composition to meet requirements for optoelectronic applications.
Whole‐Cell Photoenzymatic Cascades to Synthesize Long‐Chain Aliphatic Amines and Esters from Renewable Fatty Acids
Authors: Cha Hee‐Jeong , Hwang Se‐Yeun , Lee Da‐Som , Kumar Akula Ravi , Kwon Yong‐Uk , Voß Moritz , Schuiten Eva , Bornscheuer Uwe T. , Hollmann Frank , Oh Deok‐Kun , Park Jin‐Byung
Published: January 2020

Long‐chain aliphatic amines such as (S,Z)‐heptadec‐9‐en‐7‐amine and 9‐aminoheptadecane were synthesized from ricinoleic acid and oleic acid, respectively, by whole‐cell cascade reactions using the combination of an alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) from Micrococcus luteus, an engineered amine transaminase from Vibrio fluvialis (Vf‐ATA), and a photoactivated decarboxylase from Chlorella variabilis NC64A (Cv‐FAP) in a one‐pot process. In addition, long chain aliphatic esters such as 10‐(heptanoyloxy)dec‐8‐ene and octylnonanoate were prepared from ricinoleic acid and oleic acid, respectively, by using the combination of the ADH, a Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase variant from Pseudomonas putida KT2440, and the Cv‐FAP. The target compounds were produced at rates of up to 37 U g−1 dry cells with conversions up to 90 %. Therefore, this study contributes to the preparation of industrially relevant long‐chain aliphatic chiral amines and esters from renewable fatty acid resources.