bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The status quo and the investment decisions
Authors: EL Harbi Sana , Toumia Oumeima
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This article investigates the influence of status quo bias (SQB) on venture capital investments.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the dynamic panel probit (respectively logit) model for 24 countries over nine years (from 2007–2015).

Findings

The authors’ regressions reveal that the SQB is meaningful in real decisions. Indeed, the authors find that the choice of investment sectors depends positively on the previous choice. Moreover, the study identifies other factors that were perceived to influence the choice of the investment industry such as added value by activity and the venture capital (VC) country attractiveness index.

Practical implications

By knowing the behavior of VC FIRMS, entrepreneurs would better frame their business plans and better target the VC to whom they should better contact.

Originality/value

No research has dealt with this question, yet status quo is consensually recognized as an omnipresent institutional factor.
A retrospective evaluation of Marketing Intelligence and Planning: 1983–2019
Authors: Donthu Naveen , Kumar Satish , Pandey Nitesh
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to map the development of articles published, citations, and themes of Marketing Intelligence and Planning (MIP) over the 37-year period of 1983–2019.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses the Scopus database to identify the most-cited MIP articles and most-included authors, institutions and countries in MIP. The study uses bibliometric indicators, as well as tools such as bibliographic coupling, performance analysis and science mapping, to analyze the publication and citation structure of MIP. The study provides a temporal analysis of MIP publishing across different time periods.

Findings

MIP has an average publication of 43 articles each year, and the number of citations has grown substantially since it started publication. Although contributors to the journal come from around the globe, they most often are affiliated with the United Kingdom, United States, and Australia. Bibliographic coupling of documents reveals that the journal's primary focus has been on issues such as marketing planning, marketing theory, consumer behavior, global marketing, customer relationship management, customer service and branding. Co-authorship analysis reveals that the journal's collaborative network has grown.

Research limitations/implications

This study uses data from the Scopus database, and any limitations of the database have implications for the findings.

Originality/value

First analysis of this kind of papers published in MIP
NANDA‐I, NOC, and NIC Linkages to SARS‐Cov‐2 (Covid‐19): Part 1. Community Response
Authors: Moorhead Sue , Macieira Tamara Gonçalves Rezende , Lopez Karen Dunn , Mantovani Vanessa Monteiro , Swanson Elizabeth , Wagner Cheryl , Abe Noriko
Published: June 2020

PURPOSE

We developed linkages using interoperable standardized nursing terminologies, NANDA International (NANDA‐I) nursing diagnoses, Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC), and Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC), to present initial guidance for the development of care plans focused on COVID‐19 for nurses practicing in community or public health roles.

METHODS

Seven nurse experts identified the linkages of NANDA‐I, NOC and NIC for our work related to the COVID‐19 pandemic. A model was developed to guide the project. The first step in creating linkages focused on the identification of nursing diagnoses. Then, for each nursing diagnosis, outcomes aligned with all components of the diagnosis were categorized and a list of nursing interventions was selected. The experts used their clinical judgment to make final decisions on the linkages selected in this study.

FINDINGS

Two community level nursing diagnoses were identified as key problems appropriate for a pandemic related to COVID‐19: Deficient Community Health and Ineffective Community Coping. For the nursing diagnosis Deficient Community Health, eight nursing outcomes and 12 nursing interventions were selected. In comparison for the nursing diagnosis, Ineffective Community Coping, nine nursing outcomes and 18 nursing interventions were identified. A total of40 concepts were identified for future development across the three classifications.

CONCLUSIONS

The nursing diagnoses, outcomes and interventions selected during this linkage process provide knowledge to support the community challenged with responding to the COVID‐19 pandemic, provide the opportunity to quantify the impact of nursing care, and enhance nursing practice by promoting the use of three standardized terminologies.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

NANDA‐I, NOC and NIC linkages identified in this manuscript provide resources to support clinical decisions and care plan development for nurses practicing in the community.
Randomized controlled trial of multi‐modular motion‐assisted memory desensitization and reconsolidation (3MDR) for male military veterans with treatment‐resistant post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Bisson J. I. , van Deursen R. , Hannigan B. , Kitchiner N. , Barawi K. , Jones K. , Pickles T. , Skipper J. , Young C. , Abbott L. R. , van Gelderen M. , Nijdam M. J. , Vermetten E.
Published: June 2020

Objective

To explore the potential efficacy of multi‐modular motion‐assisted memory desensitization and reprocessing (3MDR) in British military veterans with treatment‐resistant service‐related PTSD.

Methods

Exploratory single‐blind, randomized, parallel arm, cross‐over controlled trial with nested process evaluation to assess fidelity, adherence and factors that influence outcome.

Results

A total of 42 participants (all male) were randomized with 83% retention at 12 weeks and 86% at 26 weeks. The difference in mean Clinician‐Administered PTSD Scale for DSM‐5 scores between the immediate and delayed 3MDR arms was −9.38 (95% CI −17.33 to −1.44, P = 0.021) at 12 weeks and −3.59 (−14.39 to 7.20, P = 0.513) at 26 weeks when both groups had received 3MDR. The likely effect size of 3MDR was found to be 0.65. Improvements were maintained at 26‐week follow‐up. 3MDR was found to be acceptable to most, but not all, participants. Several factors that may impact efficacy and acceptability of 3MDR were identified.

Conclusion

3MDR is a promising new intervention for treatment‐resistant PTSD with emerging evidence of effect.
Cultural values in Chinese proverbs reported by Chinese college students
Authors: Weng Liping , Zhang Yan Bing , Kulich Steve J. , Zuo Chengli
Published: June 2020

Proverbs listed by Chinese college students, who are often at the leading edge of cultural change, provide a window into the dynamic interplay of traditionality and modernity. Using thematic analysis, Study 1 examined popular proverbs listed frequently by Chinese college students (n = 298) and the embedded values. Study 2, which was a survey, examined Chinese college students’ (n = 240) endorsement of individualism, collectivism, and the values identified in Study 1, and the predictive associations of individualism and collectivism with the values. Findings in Study 1 revealed 103 frequently listed proverbs and eight embedded values (i.e., Learnedness, Diligence, Practical Orientation, Collective Orientation, Social Relationship, Moral Virtue, Free Spirit, and Optimism). Findings in Study 2 indicated participants endorsed Practical Orientation and Learnedness the most, followed by Diligence, Moral Virtue, Social Relationship, Collective Orientation, Optimism, and Free Spirit. Furthermore, although Chinese young adults are more individualistic than collectivistic, collectivism remains a stronger predictor of the values uncovered in the proverbs. The value dynamics in general revealed tensions and harmony between Confucianism and Daoism and the hybridisation of tradition, modernisation, and Western individualism, thus reflecting the complexity of Chinese young adults’ social psychology.
No effects of a 6‐week intervention with a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist on pancreatic volume and oedema in obese men without diabetes
Authors: Svane Maria S. , Johannesen Helle H. , Martinussen Christoffer , Bojsen‐Møller Kirstine N. , Hansen Martin Lundsgaard , Hansen Adam E. , Deacon Carolyn F. , Hartmann Bolette , Keller Sune H. , Klausen Thomas L. , Loft Annika , Kjaer Andreas , Madsbad Sten , Löfgren Johan , Holst Jens J. , Wewer Albrechtsen Nicolai J.
Published: June 2020

Aim

To investigate the effect of a glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist (GLP‐1RA), liraglutide, on pancreatic volume, oedema, cellularity and DNA synthesis in humans.

Materials and Methods

We performed an open‐label study in 14 obese men (age 38 ± 11 years, body mass index 32 ± 4 kg/m2) without diabetes. Subjects were examined at baseline, during titration (week 4) of liraglutide towards 3.0 mg/day, and 2 weeks after steady‐state treatment (week 6) of a final dose of liraglutide. The primary endpoint was pancreatic volume determined by magnetic resonance imaging. Secondary endpoints included pancreatic oedema and cellularity, positron emission tomography‐based [18F]fluorothymidine (FLT) uptake (DNA synthesis) and plasma pancreatic enzymes.

Results

Plasma amylase (+7 U/L [95% confidence intervals 3‐11], P < .01) and lipase (+19 U/L [7‐30], P < .01) increased during liraglutide treatment. Pancreatic volume did not change from baseline to steady state of treatment (+0.2 cm3 [−8‐8], P = .96) and no change in pancreatic cellular infiltration was found (P = .22). During titration of liraglutide, FLT uptake in pancreatic tissue increased numerically (+0.08 [0.00‐0.17], P = .0507).

Conclusions

Six weeks of treatment with liraglutide did not affect pancreatic volume, oedema or cellularity in obese men without diabetes.
Shared ancestral polymorphisms and chromosomal rearrangements as potential drivers of local adaptation in a marine fish
Authors: Cayuela Hugo , Rougemont Quentin , Laporte Martin , Mérot Claire , Normandeau Eric , Dorant Yann , Tørresen Ole K. , Hoff Siv Nam Khang , Jentoft Sissel , Sirois Pascal , Castonguay Martin , Jansen Teunis , Praebel Kim , Clément Marie , Bernatchez Louis
Published: June 2020

Gene flow has tremendous importance for local adaptation, by influencing the fate of de novo mutations, maintaining standing genetic variation and driving adaptive introgression. Furthermore, structural variation as chromosomal rearrangements may facilitate adaptation despite high gene flow. However, our understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms impending or favouring local adaptation in the presence of gene flow is still limited to a restricted number of study systems. In this study, we examined how demographic history, shared ancestral polymorphism, and gene flow among glacial lineages contribute to local adaptation to sea conditions in a marine fish, the capelin (Mallotus villosus). We first assembled a 490‐Mbp draft genome of M. villosus to map our RAD sequence reads. Then, we used a large data set of genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (25,904 filtered SNPs) genotyped in 1,310 individuals collected from 31 spawning sites in the northwest Atlantic. We reconstructed the history of divergence among three glacial lineages and showed that they probably diverged from 3.8 to 1.8 million years ago and experienced secondary contacts. Within each lineage, our analyses provided evidence for large Ne and high gene flow among spawning sites. Within the Northwest Atlantic lineage, we detected a polymorphic chromosomal rearrangement leading to the occurrence of three haplogroups. Genotype–environment associations revealed molecular signatures of local adaptation to environmental conditions prevailing at spawning sites. Our study also suggests that both shared polymorphisms among lineages, resulting from standing genetic variation or introgression, and chromosomal rearrangements may contribute to local adaptation in the presence of high gene flow.
Estigma social hacia la enfermedad mental: factores relacionados y propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de Atribuciones-revisado
Authors: Rodriguez-Meirinhos Ana , Antolín-Suárez Lucía
Published: June 2020

Este estudio persiguió analizar la estructura interna de la versión española del Cuestionario de Atribuciones-revisado (r-AQ-E) para evaluar el estigma social hacia la enfermedad mental en la adolescencia, así como investigar su relación con la edad, la familiaridad y el conocimiento sobre la enfermedad mental. La muestra estuvo constituida por 861 adolescentes de entre 12 y 16 años (M = 13.91; DE = 1.22). Los análisis factoriales exploratorios y confirmatorios no replicaron la estructura original del r-AQ-E, y revelaron una estructura unidimensional con cinco ítems y adecuada consistencia interna. Los resultados evidenciaron que los chicos mostraban más estigma que las chicas. En ambos casos, los niveles de estigma eran similares entre los 12 y 15 años, siendo inferiores a los 16 años. El estigma social se relacionaba con la familiaridad y el conocimiento sobre las características, la prevalencia y las causas de las enfermedades mentales. Estos resultados enfatizan la necesidad de implementar intervenciones para reducir el estigma mediante la mejora del conocimiento sobre la enfermedad mental y las oportunidades de contacto directo.
Genetic Regulation of the Bacterial Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Biosynthesis Pathway
Authors: Allemann Marco N. , Allen Eric E.
Published: June 2020

The production of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) by marine
Gammaproteobacteria
, particularly those from deep-sea environments, has been known for decades. These unique fatty acids are produced by a polyketide-type mechanism and subsequently incorporated into the phospholipid membrane. While much research has focused on the biosynthesis genes, their products, and the phylogenetic distribution of these gene clusters, no prior studies have detailed the genetic regulation of this pathway. This study describes how this pathway is regulated under various culture conditions and has identified and characterized a fatty acid-responsive transcriptional regulator specific to PUFA biosynthesis.
Distinguishing tectonic versus climatic forcing on landscape evolution: An example from SE Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liu Fangbin , Danišík Martin , Zheng Dewen , Gallagher Kerry , Nie Junsheng
Published: June 2020

Distinguishing climate from tectonic forcing in shaping the Earth’s surface has been a long-standing issue in the Earth sciences. Great debate exists regarding when and how the SE Tibetan Plateau achieved its current low-relief topography, and both lateral extrusion and lower crust flow have been proposed as the dominant mechanism. Reconstruction of the exhumation history of the SE Tibetan Plateau is key to understanding these formation processes and resolving the significance of different forcing mechanisms. Here we report zircon and apatite (U-Th)/He ages from steep transects across the Lincang granite belt of the SE Tibetan Plateau. Our results reveal a two-stage exhumation history during the Cenozoic with rapid cooling phases in the late Eocene and the middle Miocene. In the late Eocene, the climate was generally dry and there is plenty of evidence for increased extrusion and upper crustal shortening. We suggest tectonic processes are responsible for the first inferred cooling. In contrast, the Asian summer monsoon precipitation increased during the middle Miocene, and we posit the middle Miocene cooling phase records a phase of rapid river incision triggered by the intensified precipitation and associated fault movements. The results are consistent with recent paleo-altimetry work in this region suggesting that the present-day topography of the SE Tibetan Plateau had been largely constructed by the late Eocene. Together, these data suggest that extrusion and/or upper crustal shortening setup the first order topography of the SE Tibetan Plateau, which was then modified by climate-triggered fluvial incision and feedbacks initiated in the middle Miocene.
Supplemental Material: StraboTools: A Mobile App for Quantifying Fabric in Geology
Authors: Glazner A.F. , Walker J.D.
Published: June 2020

Original photos from figure 1.
Body mass index and treatment survival in patients with RA starting treatment with TNFα-inhibitors: long-term follow-up in the real-life METEOR registry
Authors: Bergstra Sytske Anne , Allaart Cornelia F , Vega-Morales David , De Buck Marieke , Murphy Elizabeth , Salomon Escoto Karen , Huizinga Tom W J
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To study whether there is an association between body mass index (BMI) category and survival of various tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in a real-life longitudinal international registry.

Methods

Data from 5230 patients with RA starting treatment with any TNFi were selected from the METEOR registry. Patients were divided into six BMI categories: 3.7% underweight, BMI<18.5 kg/m2; 46% normal weight, BMI 18.5–25 kg/m2; 32% pre-obesity, BMI 25–30 kg/m2; 13% obesity class I, BMI 30–35 kg/m2; 3.4% obesity class II, BMI 35–40 kg/m2; and 1.6% obesity class III, BMI >40 kg/m2. Time on treatment in the different BMI categories was compared for all TNFi combined and for the infliximab, adalimumab and etanercept separately, using Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox regression analyses. Cox regression analyses were adjusted for potential confounders, with follow-up censored at 5000 days.

Results

Patients in obesity class II (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.54) and III (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.18) and underweight patients (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.58) showed statistically significantly shorter TNFi survival than normal weight patients. The effect in underweight patients was strongest for infliximab (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.20 to 2.76), the effect in overweight patients was strongest for infliximab (category II (HR 1.49, 95% CI 0.98 to 2.26); category III (HR 1.46, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.71)) and etanercept (category II (HR 1.27 95% CI 0.98 to 1.65); category III (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.55)). No significant effect modification from reported pain was found.

Conclusion

Both underweight and overweight patients discontinued TNFi treatment earlier than normal weight patients, without evidence of reported pain as the main determinant. It remains uncertain what determines TNFi survival in individual patients.
SHOCKS AND FRICTIONS IN THAI ECONOMY: THROUGH THE LENS OF BUSINESS CYCLE ACCOUNTING
Authors: VANITCHAREARNTHUM VIMUT
Published: June 2020

This paper applies business cycle accounting methodology to analyze the sources of aggregate fluctuations in Thai economy, especially during the recent severe recessions in 1997–1998 and 2008–2009. This exploration helps researchers uncover possible shocks and frictions that drive business cycle in a small and open economy within a minimal model set-up. Under this methodology, a fluctuation in aggregate output can be accounted for by exogenous time-varying wedges, namely efficiency wedge, investment wedge, labor wedge, government wedge, etc. This study found that the efficiency wedge is essential in accounting for aggregate output, consumption and investment fluctuation, while the bond wedge, which only present in an open economy setting, is a prime factor in accounting for movement in current accounts. I conducted counterfactual experiments to see what accounts for the output drop during recent recessions. I find that the efficiency wedge played a key role in recent recessions in Thailand, while the investment wedge was accounted for slow economic recovery after the recessions.
Flexible electrothermal polymer film based on reduced graphene oxide–water polyurethane
Authors: Wang Ke , Zhou Zhimin , Wang Yuehui
Published: June 2020

In this paper, waterborne polyurethane (WPU) conductive films incorporated with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) as conductive fillers were prepared by solution blending and tape casting method. The electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and microstructures of the composite films were systematically investigated. The experimental results demonstrate that the electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity of the RGO–WPU composite films first increased then decreased with the increase of the RGO content. The resistivity of composite film with 7% RGO reaches to the smallest that is about [Formula: see text], and the thermal conductivity of the composite film with 7% graphene was about 0.29 W.m.K[Formula: see text], which an increase of 70% compared with pure WPU. The electrical conductivity of the composite film decreased with the increase of the original concentration of WPU solution and thickness of the composite film. As film heater, the composite film displayed effective and rapid heating at low input voltages owing to the good conductivity. With an input voltage was in the range of 10–24 V, the film took less than 30s to reach a steady-state temperature, demonstrating the fast response of the composite film heater and suitable for applications in the field of the fast temperature switching with low input voltages as flexible electrothermal heater.
The coalescence behavior of water and ethanol droplets: A molecular dynamic study
Authors: Que Yi , Tian Sen , Li Maoxiang , Dai Xuanyan
Published: June 2020

The droplet coalescence phenomenon extensively exists in the industrial production and application, as well as in nature, which is of great research significance. This paper adopted the molecular dynamics (MDs) simulation method to investigate the behavioral characteristics of water/water, ethanol/ethanol and water/ethanol nanodroplets coalescence. The results suggested that, in water and ethanol nanodroplet coalescence process within the water/ethanol system, ethanol was always wrapped on the outer layer of water droplets. The droplet shrinkage in the water/water system was greater than those in the other two systems; meanwhile, that in the water/ethanol system rapidly increased after the contact of droplets, and subsequently surpassed that in the ethanol/ethanol system.
Component Count Reduced, Filter-Less H-Bridge Multilevel Inverter with Series and Parallel Connected Switches
Authors: Vijayakumar M , Ramesh S. M.
Published: June 2020

This paper introduces a new premium multilevel inverter (MLI) topology with cascaded H-Bridge and series-parallel connected switches to synthesize the fundamental sine wave with various levels of voltage. The component count is decreased by reducing the number of power switching devices, optoisolators, voltage gate drivers, snubber and filter circuits. The combination of two power switches and a separated DC (SDC) source is called an SDC module. Five SDC modules are required for a 63-level MLI and six SDC modules are required for a 127-level MLI. In this paper, both a 63-level and a 127-level filter-less single-phase MLIs are deliberated. The switches are controlled by employing a newer pulse width modulation (PWM) technique called periodic reduced digital carrier level shift PWM (PRDCLSPWM). As the number of levels increases to a greater extent, the total harmonic distortion diminishes without the need of filter circuit and the performance level also increases. Comparative analysis of proposed 63-level and 127-level MLIs topology with the conventional and modern topologies has been presented in terms of power switches, gate driver circuit requirement, DC voltage sources and THD limits. PRDCLSPWM scheme is derived and analyzed for the proposed 63-level and 127-level MLIs to eliminate low-order and high-order harmonics. Moreover, the performance of the proposed modulation scheme is compared with the most commonly used schemes. The modeling and simulation are done with MATLAB/SIMULINK 2016a.
Minimal coloring numbers on minimal diagrams of torus links
Authors: Ichihara Kazuhiro , Ishikawa Katsumi , Matsudo Eri
Published: June 2020

We determine the minimal number of colors for nontrivial [Formula: see text]-colorings on the standard minimal diagrams of [Formula: see text]-colorable torus links. Also included is a complete classification of such [Formula: see text]-colorings, which are shown by using rack colorings on link diagrams.
Coordinate-time lapse function of FLRW accelerated expanding universe in dRGT massive gravity theory
Authors: Alatas Husin , Falah Ahmad K. , Wibowo Trio , Qohhar Muhammad A. , Gunara Bobby E.
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we discuss the behavior of coordinate-time dependent lapse function of FLRW metric of an accelerated expanding universe in the de Rham–Gabadadze–Tolley massive gravity theory. Physically, this function is considered to connect a general observer coordinate-time to the related proper-time and also to another normal observer under specific condition. We find that in the standard dRGT formalism, the corresponding lapse function can exhibit unphysical behavior in the parameter space region with a negative cosmological-constant-like term. To solve this problem, we reconsider the cosmological constant energy density which induces negative pressure. It turns out that this setup could overcome the existence of singular and negative square lapse function in the related parameter space and restore all the parameter space to admit only the accelerated expanding universe model.
Dynamics of cholera epidemic models in fluctuating environments
Authors: Phan Tuan Anh , Tian Jianjun Paul , Wang Bixiang
Published: June 2020

Based on our deterministic models for cholera epidemics, we propose a stochastic model for cholera epidemics to incorporate environmental fluctuations which is a nonlinear system of Itô stochastic differential equations. We conduct an asymptotical analysis of dynamical behaviors for the model. The basic stochastic reproduction value [Formula: see text] is defined in terms of the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] for the corresponding deterministic model and noise intensities. The basic stochastic reproduction value determines the dynamical patterns of the stochastic model. When [Formula: see text], the cholera infection will extinct within finite periods of time almost surely. When [Formula: see text], the cholera infection will persist most of time, and there exists a unique stationary ergodic distribution to which all solutions of the stochastic model will approach almost surely as noise intensities are bounded. When the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] for the corresponding deterministic model is greater than 1, and the noise intensities are large enough such that [Formula: see text], the cholera infection is suppressed by environmental noises. We carry out numerical simulations to illustrate our analysis, and to compare with the corresponding deterministic model. Biological implications are pointed out.
Analysis of cubic gravity through cosmic aspects
Authors: Khan Zoya , Rani Shamaila , Jawad Abdul , Mustafa G.
Published: June 2020

In the context of cubic gravity for flat FRW metric we discuss the behavior of cosmological parameters (equation of state (EoS) parameter and square speed of sound) at Hubble horizon with the four different models of Hubble parameter. We observe the validity of generalized second law of thermodynamics (GSLT) and thermal equilibrium condition. It is found that cosmological parameters lie within the observational constraints. Also, GSLT and thermal equilibrium condition holds in almost all cases of Hubble parameter.
Facile Synthesis of Modified MnO2/Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites and their Application in Supercapacitors
Authors: Chen Lijun , Yin Hongfeng , Zhang Yuchao , Xie Huidong
Published: June 2020

Herein, KH-550 was used as surface modifier to prepare modified MnO2/reduced graphene oxide (M-MnO2/rGO) composite electrode materials by utilizing electrostatic interaction at low temperature and normal pressure. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were adopted to characterize the material’s phase, morphology, and valence state of elements. The electrochemical properties of the material were measured using a three-electrode system. The results indicate a decrease in the size of the modified MnO2 particles, and that they were uniformly distributed on the rGO sheets. The M-MnO2/rGO composite attained a specific capacitance of 326[Formula: see text]F[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text] in a solution of 1[Formula: see text]mol[Formula: see text]L[Formula: see text] Na2SO4 at a current density of 0.5[Formula: see text]A[Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]. The specific capacitance of the material was 92.4% after 1000 cycles. The electrostatic self-assembly method effectively solved the problem of reducing the cycling stability while improving the specific capacitance of the composite materials, and further improved the possibility of applying MnO2/rGO in the field of supercapacitors.
Preparation of All-Trans-Retinoic Acid-Loaded mPEG-PLGA Nanoparticles Using Microfluidic Flow-Focusing Device for Controlled Drug Delivery
Authors: Safari Mojdeh , Amani Amir , Adebileje Tajudeen , Ai Jafar , Rezayat Seyed Mahdi , Ghanbari Hossein , Faridi-Majidi Reza
Published: June 2020

In recent years, microfluidic devices present unique advantages for the development of a new generation of nanoparticle synthesis method compared to bulk methods. In this study, we report a microfluidic flow-focusing method for the production of all trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-loaded methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactide-coglycolide) (mPEG-PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs). Box–Behnken experimental design (BBD) was applied to optimize of formulation ingredients and process conditions with minimum particle size, maximum drug loading% (DL%) and encapsulation efficiency% (EE%). Polymer concentration, drug concentration and flow rates of solvent (S) and antisolvent (AS) were selected as independent variables. Based on optimization strategy, minimum particle size achieved shows average (SD) particle size of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm with DL of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]wt.% and EE of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]wt.%, respectively. While maximum DL has been reported to be [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]wt.% with particle size of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]nm and EE of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]wt.%, respectively. Moreover, the results have shown that the AS/S ratio represents the most significant effect on particle size. Indeed, increasing the AS flow rate directly results in generating smaller particles. The AS/S ratio represents the least significant effect on DL%, such that, at fixed flow rates, higher DL was observed at high concentration of drug and lower concentration of polymer. In conclusion, optimization of the ATRA-loaded mPEG-PLGA NPs by BBD yielded in a favorable drug carrier for ATRA that could provide a new treatment modality for different malignancies.
Captive domination in graphs
Authors: Al-Harere Manal N. , Omran Ahmed A. , Breesam Athraa T.
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a new definition of graph domination called “Captive Domination” is introduced. The proper subset of the vertices of a graph [Formula: see text] is a captive dominating set if it is a total dominating set and each vertex in this set dominates at least one vertex which doesn’t belong to the dominating set. The inverse captive domination is also introduced. The lower and upper bounds for the number of edges of the graph are presented by using the captive domination number. Moreover, the lower and upper bounds for the captive domination number are found by using the number of vertices. The condition when the total domination and captive domination number are equal to two is discussed and obtained results. The captive domination in complement graphs is discussed. Finally, the captive dominating set of paths and cycles are determined.
Right Place, Right Time: An Informal Memoir
Authors: Wunsch Carl
Published: June 2020

My career spanned the revolution in understanding of the large-scale fluid ocean, as modern electronics produced vast new capabilities. I started in the days of almost purely mechanical instruments operated by seagoing scientists, ones not so different from those used more than a century earlier. Elegant theories existed of hypothetical steady-state oceans. Today, we understand that the ocean is a highly turbulent fluid, interacting over global scales, and it is now studied by large teams using spacecraft and diverse sets of self-contained in situ instrumentation. Mine was an accidental career: I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time.
Archaeal DNA Replication
Authors: Greci Mark D. , Bell Stephen D.
Published: June 2020

It is now well recognized that the information processing machineries of archaea are far more closely related to those of eukaryotes than to those of their prokaryotic cousins, the bacteria. Extensive studies have been performed on the structure and function of the archaeal DNA replication origins, the proteins that define them, and the macromolecular assemblies that drive DNA unwinding and nascent strand synthesis. The results from various archaeal organisms across the archaeal domain of life show surprising levels of diversity at many levels—ranging from cell cycle organization to chromosome ploidy to replication mode and nature of the replicative polymerases. In the following, we describe recent advances in the field, highlighting conserved features and lineage-specific innovations.
Structures and Strategies of Anti-CRISPR-Mediated Immune Suppression
Authors: Wiegand Tanner , Karambelkar Shweta , Bondy-Denomy Joseph , Wiedenheft Blake
Published: June 2020

More than 50 protein families have been identified that inhibit CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas-mediated adaptive immune systems. Here, we analyze the available anti-CRISPR (Acr) structures and describe common themes and unique mechanisms of stoichiometric and enzymatic suppressors of CRISPR-Cas. Stoichiometric inhibitors often function as molecular decoys of protein-binding partners or nucleic acid targets, while enzymatic suppressors covalently modify Cas ribonucleoprotein complexes or degrade immune signaling molecules. We review mechanistic insights that have been revealed by structures of Acrs, discuss some of the trade-offs associated with each of these strategies, and highlight how Acrs are regulated and deployed in the race to overcome adaptive immunity.
Cytokine and Chemokine Profile in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Treated with Bortezomib
Authors: Robak Paweł , Węgłowska Edyta , Dróżdż Izabela , Mikulski Damian , Jarych Dariusz , Ferlińska Magdalena , Wawrzyniak Ewa , Misiewicz Małgorzata , Smolewski Piotr , Fendler Wojciech , Szemraj Janusz , Robak Tadeusz
Published: June 2020

The aim of the study was to determine the levels of selected cytokines and chemokines in the serum of multiple myeloma (MM) patients treated with bortezomib-based regimens. A total of 71 MM patients were examined: 41 with primary refractory disease (17) or early relapse (28), and 30 who were bortezomib sensitive with no progression for at least six months. Patients who demonstrated CR or PR after bortezomib-based therapies longer than six months after treatment discontinuation were designated bortezomib sensitive. Serum cytokine levels were assayed with Bio-Rad Bio-Plex Pro Human Cytokine 27-Plex Assay on the MAGPIX Multiplex Reader and the Bio-Plex® 200 System (Bio-Rad). Higher levels of MIP-1α and lower levels of MIP-1β and IL-9 were associated with better responses to bortezomib-based treatment, and higher levels of IL-1ra and IL-8 were associated with bone involvement. MCP-1 was elevated in patients with hemoglobin<10 g/dl compared to those without anemia. The levels of IL-8, MIP-1α, and TNF-α were significantly higher in patients with renal insufficiency. Only MIP-1α was elevated in patients with hypercalcemia compared to patients with normal calcium levels. In conclusion, distinct cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of MM and may play a prominent role in the prediction of treatment response. However, a single measurement of serum cytokines should be interpreted with caution and further studies are needed.
Association between Foot Posture Asymmetry and Static Stability in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Case‐Control Study
Authors: Chen Zehua , Shen Zhen , Ye Xiangling , Wu Jiatao , Wu Huai , Xu Xuemeng
Published: June 2020

Background. Interlimb asymmetries are considered to be closely related to knee osteoarthritis (KOA), but foot posture asymmetries in patients with KOA are scarcely reported. Objectives. We aimed to explore the asymmetrical difference in foot posture between the healthy adults and KOA patients and the relationship between foot posture asymmetry and static stability. Methods. 21 subjects suffering from KOA in the patient group (PG) and 21 healthy adults in the control group (CG) were included in this study. Foot postures on both feet were evaluated by using the foot posture index (FPI); subsequently, asymmetrical FPI scores between two feet were calculated for the two groups. Meanwhile, all the participants were tested with a standing on Dynamic and Static Balancing Instrument (Pro‐kin 254P, TecnoBody Company, Italy) for bilateral stability assessment, and center of pressure (COP) parameters including sway length (SL, mm) and sway area (SA, mm2) were recorded. Results. Compared to CG, a larger percentage of supinated feet was examined in relatively severe legs (5, 23.81%), relatively moderate legs (4, 19.05%), and merged results (9, 21.43%) of PG (P < 0.05), and the percentage of severe asymmetry (38.1%) was higher in the PG (P < 0.05). Moreover, these relationships between the absolute value of asymmetry score and SL or SA were significant in CG and PG, the P values below 0.01. Conclusions. Foot posture asymmetry is significantly associated with static stability both in KOA patients and healthy adults, and more severe asymmetry in foot posture was observed in KOA patients, so it is critical to evaluate foot posture asymmetry for treatment and rehabilitation for patients with KOA.
ACTH Treatment for Management of Nephrotic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Reappraisal
Authors: Chakraborty Ronith , Mehta Arul , Nair Nikhil , Nemer Lena , Jain Rahul , Joshi Hirva , Raina Rupesh
Published: June 2020

Background. In recent years, the use of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) therapy for treatment of proteinuria due to nephrotic syndrome (NS) has been heavily explored. ACTH therapy, which comes in the natural (H. P. Acthar Gel) or synthetic (tetracosactide) form, has resulted in remission in patients with immunosuppressive and steroid-resistant NS. However, the exact efficacy of ACTH therapy in the NS etiologies, such as membranous nephropathy (MN), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), minimal change disease (MCD), lupus nephritis (LN), IgA nephropathy (IgAN), and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), has not been determined. Objective. This systematic review analyzed the published literature on ACTH therapy in various NS etiologies to determine its efficacy. Methods. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was conducted for articles through June 2019. An additional search was performed on clinicaltrials.gov to search for additional trials and cross reference the results of our database search. The literature which studied synthetic or natural ACTH treatment in patients with known etiologies of NS was included. Studies were excluded when they consisted of a single case report or did not analyze the lone effect of ACTH in NS. Results. The initial search yielded a total of 411 papers, and 22 papers were included. In 214 MN patients, there was an overall remission of 40% (85/214) and an overall remission of 43% (42/98) in FSGS patients. In other etiologies, there were overall remissions of 78% (11/14), 31% (5/16), 40% (16/40), and 62% (8/13) in MCD, LN, IgAN, and MPGN patients, respectively. Conclusion. ACTH showed benefits in proteinuria reduction across all etiologies of NS. However, more randomized controlled studies with larger population sets and longer follow-ups are imperative to establish causal benefits. New studies into its efficacy in children are also necessary.
The Delayed Doubly Stochastic Linear Quadratic Optimal Control Problem
Authors: Chen Yan , Xu Jie
Published: June 2020

In this paper, the delayed doubly stochastic linear quadratic optimal control problem is discussed. It deduces the expression of the optimal control for the general delayed doubly stochastic control system which contained time delay both in the state variable and in the control variable at the same time and proves its uniqueness by using the classical parallelogram rule. The paper is concerned with the generalized matrix value Riccati equation for a special delayed doubly stochastic linear quadratic control system and aims to give the expression of optimal control and value function by the solution of the Riccati equation.
The Implicit Midpoint Procedures for Asymptotically Nonexpansive Mappings
Authors: Aibinu M. O. , Thakur S. C. , Moyo S.
Published: June 2020

The concept of asymptotically nonexpansive mappings is an important generalization of the class of nonexpansive mappings. Implicit midpoint procedures are extremely fundamental for solving equations involving nonlinear operators. This paper studies the convergence analysis of the class of asymptotically nonexpansive mappings by the implicit midpoint iterative procedures. The necessary conditions for the convergence of the class of asymptotically nonexpansive mappings are established, by using a well-known iterative algorithm which plays important roles in the computation of fixed points of nonlinear mappings. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the convergence result. Under relaxed conditions on the parameters, some algorithms and strong convergence results were derived to obtain some results in the literature as corollaries.
Structural Characterization of Functional Ingredient Levan Synthesized by Bacillus siamensis Isolated from Traditional Fermented Food in Thailand
Authors: Thakham Nattapong , Thaweesak Supphasin , Teerakulkittipong Nuttinee , Traiosot Natthiwut , Kaikaew Autaipohn , Lirio Gary Antonio , Jangiam Witawat
Published: June 2020

The rising global population continues to threaten the world’s food security. The discovery of new technologies to produce food of nutritional and functional properties is urgently needed. One beneficial food to humans of known nutritional value is the prebiotic levan. To address the problem, the present work is aimed at isolating levansucrase enzyme-producing microorganisms from traditional fermented food in Thailand. Bacterial colony morphology was observed for mucoidal consistency on culture plates. Isolated colonies were characterized morphologically by gram staining methods. Dinitrosalicylic acid (DNS) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC) reported the highest microbial enzyme activity of 8.51 IU/ml at 12 hours via hydrolysis and frutotransferase activities. Structural characterization of levan via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy showed β-(2,6)-fructofuranose linkages. The highest enzyme activity was exhibited by bacterium B-6 identified as Bacillus siamensis NR 11274.1 based on the 16s rDNA gene sequence analyses. Thus, the isolated bacterium from the traditional food was confirmed to produce levansucrase enzyme of high industrial importance for the synthesis of levan as a functional food.
Hypocalcemia with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: The Disparity among Various Reports
Authors: Nalluru Swarna Sri , Piranavan Paramarajan , Ning Ying , Ackula Haritha , Siddiqui Ahmad D. , Trivedi Nitin
Published: June 2020

Immune-related adverse events affecting parathyroid function are rarely reported with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs). Activating calcium-sensing receptor antibodies causing autoimmune hypoparathyroidism with nivolumab was recently reported. KEYNOTE-189 and CHECKMATE-067 trials reported a 21–29% hypocalcemia event rate, but the etiology of hypocalcemia was not reported. A chart review was performed to study patients receiving ICPI from 2015 to 2018 at multiple sites affiliated with Saint Vincent Hospital. The study population was divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of calcium altering conditions or medications. True hypocalcemia incidence was calculated after correcting calcium for albumin from the initiation of ICPI to their last follow-up. Group 1 (n = 83) includes patients with no calcium altering conditions or medications. Group 2 (n = 98) includes patients on calcium supplements (n = 17), vitamin D (n = 44), bisphosphonates (n = 24), >stage IIIB chronic kidney disease (CKD) (n = 5), and bone metastasis (n = 38). Hypocalcemia events in Group 1 vs. Group 2 were 8.4% and 19.3%, respectively. Our entire study demonstrated 26.8% vs. 1.1% of Grade I vs. II hypocalcemia events. However, after correcting the calcium for albumin, hypocalcemia incidence was 0.56% (n = 1). No further workup was done to investigate the etiology as that patient passed away. Our data suggest that the true hypocalcemia incidence after using albumin-corrected calcium values is very low in patients receiving IPCI, even in the presence of calcium altering factors. The percentage of patients with hypocalcemia is much higher and similar to the KEYNOTE-189 and CHECKMATE-067 trials when serum calcium values without albumin correction are used. Thus, the higher reported incidence of hypocalcemia in these trials is likely due to the reporting of serum calcium without albumin correction.
Object Detection through Modified YOLO Neural Network
Authors: Ahmad Tanvir , Ma Yinglong , Yahya Muhammad , Ahmad Belal , Nazir Shah , Haq Amin ul
Published: June 2020

In the field of object detection, recently, tremendous success is achieved, but still it is a very challenging task to detect and identify objects accurately with fast speed. Human beings can detect and recognize multiple objects in images or videos with ease regardless of the object’s appearance, but for computers it is challenging to identify and distinguish between things. In this paper, a modified YOLOv1 based neural network is proposed for object detection. The new neural network model has been improved in the following ways. Firstly, modification is made to the loss function of the YOLOv1 network. The improved model replaces the margin style with proportion style. Compared to the old loss function, the new is more flexible and more reasonable in optimizing the network error. Secondly, a spatial pyramid pooling layer is added; thirdly, an inception model with a convolution kernel of 1 ∗ 1 is added, which reduced the number of weight parameters of the layers. Extensive experiments on Pascal VOC datasets 2007/2012 showed that the proposed method achieved better performance.