bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Time to Retire the CEO‐Board Chair Role?
Authors: Santora Joseph C.
Published: January 2021

Dr. Joseph C. Santora is the founder of TST, Inc., a management consulting company, editor of the International Leadership Journal (internationalleadershipjournal.com), and an executive educator. In this article, he examines the argument for eliminating the dual role of board chair/CEO.
How to Use Social Media & Virtual Meetings to Improve Your Board's Governance
Authors: Dyak Kristin
Published: January 2021

Kristin Dyak is digital marketing director at The Cyphers Agency, an integrated marketing and PR firm based outside of Washington, D.C. In this article, she discusses how board members can leverage social media and other digital tools to enhance governance.
A student centric method for calculation of fatty acid energetics: Integrated formula and web tool
Authors: Jain Paras , Singh Sneha , Arya Aditya
Published: January 2021

Mitochondrial beta‐oxidation is one of the most common modes of fatty acids' oxidation in most organisms, particularly mammals. Biochemistry undergraduate curriculum often contains the description of the process, with emphasis on ATP calculations for various types of fatty acids. During our decade long teaching experience in biochemistry, we observed the difficulty faced by students in calculating energetics of several fatty acids beyond palmitic acid. We developed a canonical formula by mathematical transformations and logical derivation to aid the calculation in a much simpler manner to ease both teaching and learning experience. ATP yield of even‐numbered fatty acids may be calculated using a formula [(7C – 6 – 1.5 D) – 2(D–2)], andadenosine triphosphate (ATP) yield for odd‐numbered fatty acids can be calculated using [(7C – 19 – 1.5 D) – 2(D–2)], where C is the number of carbon atoms in fatty acids, D is the number of double bonds. The unbold part of the formulae is limited to polyunsaturated fatty acids. Moreover, we integrated these formulae into an HTML based web‐interface for handily calculations, which is likely to augment fatty acids oxidation learning‐teaching processes easier. This tool has been recently tested in our classroom programs on biochemistry and received an excellent feedback from the learners. Also, the mathematical formula is ready for being incorporated into standard biochemistry textbooks. The webtool as an opensource biochemical calculator can be effectively used in classrooms by both instructors and students while solving comprehension based questions on lipid metabolism.
Circular business models in high value manufacturing: Five industry cases to bridge theory and practice
Authors: Okorie Okechukwu , Charnley Fiona , Russell Jennifer , Tiwari Ashutosh , Moreno Mariale
Published: January 2021

The transition to a circular economy (CE) requires companies to evaluate their resource flows, supply chains, and business models and to question the ways in which value is created. In the high value manufacturing (HVM) sector, this evaluation is critical, as HVM enables value in nonconventional forms, beyond profit, including unique production processes, brand recognition, rapid delivery times, and highly customized services. We investigate the role of value, cost, and other factors of influence in the selection of a circular business model (CBM) for HVM. Explored through five case studies using a qualitative evaluation of circularity, we then contribute to the emerging field of CBMs by modifying the CBM canvas that can capture the nontraditional value, traditional value, cost, and other influencing factors enabled via CBM adoption in HVM. Finally, the important role of digital technologies for incentivizing and enabling CBM adoption, is clarified.
The mediating role of brand trust in the relationship between brand personality and brand loyalty
Authors: Villagra Nuria , Monfort Abel , Sánchez Herrera Joaquín
Published: January 2021

Despite the efforts of organisations to make their consumers loyal to their brands, numerous studies show how loyalty has been declining in recent years without apparent causes. The aim of this research is to study the relationship between personality, trust and brand loyalty, to help understand the role of each of these variables in consumers' relationships with brands. Through a structural model built from data collected from a representative sample of 1015 individuals in the Spanish market, results put forward evidence of an indirect positive influence of brand personality on consumer loyalty, mediated by brand trust. Surprisingly, the results contrast with previous studies and show that there is no direct relationship between brand personality and brand loyalty. The results of this study have implications for both researchers and managers because previous research has analysed the direct influence of brand personality on trust or loyalty but not the mediating role that trust has on the relationship between personality and loyalty.
Variation in Phytochemical, Morphological, and Ploidy Levels of Iranian Thymus Species
Authors: Tohidi Behnaz , Rahimmalek Mehdi , Arzani Ahmad
Published: January 2021

Thymus is one of the most important genera of the Lamiaceae family. This work was performed to assess inter and intra species variation, which is an indispensable prerequisite for the selection and the exploitation of the germplasm, using yield, secondary metabolites, and ploidy level criteria. Nineteen Iranian populations belonging to 11 Thymus species which includes T. vulgaris were used in this study. The results of cytological observations on the 19 populations revealed the three root‐tip chromosome numbers of 2n=2x=30, 2n=4x=56 or 60 (diploid and tetraploid). This study also presents the results of a two‐year field experiment that evaluates the agronomic and morphology of the 19 populations of Thymus spp. Cluster analysis grouped the populations into six groups and explained the relationships among ploidy levels, morphological traits, and essential oils (EOs). In general, diploid species belonged to the thymol chemotype, whilst carvacrol chemotype consistently dependent on the gene‐dosage effect. Thymus migricus, T. daenensis‐2, T. serpyllum, and T. trautvetteri populations with diverse thymol background were the best selection as the parents to improve thymol in a breeding program. Moreover, dry and fresh weight criteria can be used to improve EO content in thyme. Achieving this goal would be expected by crossing T. migricus and T. daenensis‐2. Finally, providing relevant information on the ploidy level of Thymus species, with emphasis on morphology and EO components variations, may be recommended for the selection of populations or species to improve bioactive components as well as morphological traits in future breeding programs.
The Antimicrobial Peptide Gad‐1 Clears Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms under Cystic Fibrosis Conditions
Authors: Portelinha Jasmin , Angeles‐Boza Alfredo M.
Published: January 2021

Bacterial infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are an emerging health issue and lead to a premature death. CF is a hereditary disease that creates a thick mucus in the lungs that is prone to bacterial biofilm formation, specifically Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms. These biofilms are very difficult to treat because many of them have antibiotic resistance that is worsened by the presence of extracellular DNA (eDNA). eDNA helps to stabilize biofilms and can bind antimicrobial compounds to lessen their effects. The metallo‐antimicrobial peptide Gaduscidin‐1 (Gad‐1) eradicates established P. aeruginosa biofilms through a combination of modes of action that includes nuclease activity that can cleave eDNA in biofilms. In addition, Gad‐1 exhibits synergistic activity when used with the antibiotics kanamycin and ciprofloxacin, thus making Gad‐1 a new lead compound for the potential treatment of bacterial biofilms in CF patients.
SP3‐FAIMS Chemoproteomics for High‐Coverage Profiling of the Human Cysteinome**
Authors: Yan Tianyang , Desai Heta S. , Boatner Lisa M. , Yen Stephanie L. , Cao Jian , Palafox Maria F. , Jami‐Alahmadi Yasaman , Backus Keriann M.
Published: January 2021

Chemoproteomics has enabled the rapid and proteome‐wide discovery of functional, redox‐sensitive, and ligandable cysteine residues. Despite widespread adoption and considerable advances in both sample‐preparation workflows and MS instrumentation, chemoproteomics experiments still typically only identify a small fraction of all cysteines encoded by the human genome. Here, we develop an optimized sample‐preparation workflow that combines enhanced peptide labeling with single‐pot, solid‐phase‐enhanced sample‐preparation (SP3) to improve the recovery of biotinylated peptides, even from small sample sizes. By combining this improved workflow with on‐line high‐field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) separation of labeled peptides, we achieve unprecedented coverage of >14000 unique cysteines in a single‐shot 70 min experiment. Showcasing the wide utility of the SP3‐FAIMS chemoproteomic method, we find that it is also compatible with competitive small‐molecule screening by isotopic tandem orthogonal proteolysis–activity‐based protein profiling (isoTOP‐ABPP). In aggregate, our analysis of 18 samples from seven cell lines identified 34225 unique cysteines using only ∼28 h of instrument time. The comprehensive spectral library and improved coverage provided by the SP3‐FAIMS chemoproteomics method will provide the technical foundation for future studies aimed at deciphering the functions and druggability of the human cysteineome.
Personality traits and male vulnerability to commercial sexual exploitation victimisation
Authors: Reid Joan A. , Fox Bryanna , Bilali Klejdis , Diaz Jennifer
Published: January 2021

Background

There has been little research into whether personality traits increase vulnerability to serious forms of recurring victimisation, such as commercial sexual exploitation of young people.

Aims

To investigate whether impulsivity, emotional dysregulation or high psychopathy scale scores indicative of personality traits increase vulnerability to commercial sexual exploitation.

Methods

Data were used from the longitudinalPathways to Desistance Study1170 justice‐involved men who were aged 14–19 at baseline data collection. Ninety‐eight (8%) reported having been commercially sexually exploited during adolescence or young adulthood. We investigated whether personality traits measured at baseline were related to such victimisation.

Results

Results of binomial logistic regression among the young men in this sample indicated that Factor 1 scores on the Psychopathy Checklist‐Youth Version (PCL‐YV), reflecting affective and interpersonal features, are associated with having been commercially sexually exploited, while impulsivity, emotional dysregulation and Factor 2 PCL‐YV, reflecting antisocial activities, were not. Having been a victim of other violence and being a member of a cultural or ethnic minority group were also independently related to being exploited.

Conclusions and implications for practice

Our findings show that individual differences in personality, such as fearless temperament and boredom susceptibility, could differentially disadvantage young people, and put them at greater risk of commercial sexual exploitation. This knowledge could be beneficial to prevention efforts supporting male adolescents at risk for victimisation by commercial sexual exploitation, and to shed new light on the theoretical understanding of vulnerability to it.
The Influence of the Support Nature and the Metal Precursor in the Activity of Pd‐based Catalysts for the Bromate Reduction Reaction
Authors: Cerrillo Jose L. , Lopes Christian W. , Rey Fernando , Palomares Antonio E.
Published: January 2021

Palladium catalysts supported on different materials (alumina, activated carbon and mixed oxide derived from hydrotalcite) and prepared with different metal precursors (nitrate, chloride and acetate) have been characterized and tested for the bromate reduction reaction. The catalytic behavior depends on the support nature and on the metallic precursor used for the catalyst preparation. Pd catalyst supported on a mixed oxide has a low activity due to the high affinity of the reconstructed support for the Br− formed, preventing the reactants to approximate the active Pd sites. Pd catalyst supported on activated carbon has a surface negative charge and a microporous structure, making difficult the interaction of the active sites with the reactants. The best results are obtained with the catalyst supported on alumina due to its physical‐chemical properties, i. e. mesoporosity, positive surface charge and reversible adsorption of reactants and products. These characteristics make easy bromate and H2 adsorption on the active sites and subsequent reaction, thus resulting in a better activity. The Pd precursor salt also influences the catalytic activity as it has an effect on the Pd nanocrystal size. The best results are obtained with the metal precursor that produces homogeneous and large Pd metallic crystallites.
Merging Whole‐cell Biosynthesis of Styrene and Transition‐metal Catalyzed Derivatization Reactions
Authors: Maaskant Ruben V. , Chordia Shreyans , Roelfes Gerard
Published: January 2021

The approach of combining enzymatic and transition‐metal catalysis has been focused almost exclusively on using purified, isolated enzymes. The use of whole‐cell biocatalysis, instead of isolated enzymes, with transition‐metal catalysis, however, has been investigated only sparsely to date. Herein we present the development of two transition‐metal catalyzed reactions used to derivatize styrene obtained from whole‐cell biosynthesis. Using a biocompatible ruthenium cross‐metathesis catalyst up to 1.5 mM stilbene could be obtained in the presence of E. coli, which simultaneously produced styrene. Using palladium catalysts and arylboronic acids, titers of up to 1 mM of several stilbene derivatives were obtained. These two transition‐metal catalyzed reactions are valuable additions to the toolbox of combined whole‐cell biocatalysis and transition‐metal catalysis, offering the possibility to supplement biosynthetic pathways with the chemical versatility of abiological transition‐metal catalysis.
A Study on the Offset Deactivation Effect of Potassium and Phosphorus on MnEuOx SCR Catalyst
Authors: Guo De‐yu , Guo Rui‐tang , Duan Chao‐peng , Liu Yuan‐zhen , Wu Gui‐lin , Pan Wei‐guo
Published: January 2021

In this study, a remarkable offset deactivation effect of K and P on MnEuOx SCR catalyst has been found. Experimental results showed that the NO conversion over K−P poisoned catalyst was close to 80 % at 250 °C. Several characterization techniques containing NH3‐TPD, XPS, H2‐TPR, XRD and in situ DRIFT were used to reveal the mechanism of the offset effect. The characterization of NH3‐TPD and H2‐TPR suggested that the introduction of P on MnEuOx‐K could improve its surface acidity and redox ability. Moreover, the content of chemisorbed oxygen and Mn4+ were markedly restored under the situation that the toxic elements were coexistent on catalyst surface. The strong interaction between K and P might be the major reason for the offset deactivation effect. More specifically, PO3− species were preferentially bonded with the surface potassium species and released MnO2 active sites poisoned by K. Therefore, the highly active MnO2 sites might be protected and the catalytic activity could be restored.
Three‐Dimensional Graphene Network Decorated with Highly Symmetrical Cuboid Na3V2(PO4)2F3 Particles: High Rate Capability and Cycling Stability for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xu Shuyuan , Li Huijun , Wang Xiaomin
Published: January 2021

Na3V2(PO4)2F3 (NVPF) has captured significant heed for cathode materials of sodium‐ion battery (SIB), owing to its stable three‐dimensional (3D) structure channel that can accommodate Na+ diffusion. However, NVPF is still facing with a major challenge in terms of the electrochemical performance, owing to its uncontrollable morphology. Hence, it was fabricated by using a two‐step hydrothermal method, whereby NVPF cuboid particles of homogenous morphology and highly structural symmetry could anchor on the three‐dimensional graphene network (GN) structure to form NVPF@GN. The affiliation between the morphology and performance of the NVPF@GN was further probed by manipulating the morphology of the NVPF under diverse heat treatment temperatures. When the temperature reaches 480 °C, NVPF@GN manifests prolonged cyclability (the capacity fading rate of 0.01 % cycle−1 at 0.5 C during 300 cycles) and it shows outstanding rate performance (when the rate is reset to 0.5 C, the capacity is 107 mAh g−1 and capacity retention is 99 %), which can be ascribed to the high structural symmetry of NVPF@GN. These results indicate that NVPF@GN cuboids can be used as a prospective cathode material for SIBs.
Proanthocyanin‐Capped Biogenic TiO2 Nanoparticles with Enhanced Penetration, Antibacterial and ROS Mediated Inhibition of Bacteria Proliferation and Biofilm Formation: A Comparative Approach
Authors: Alomary Mohammad N. , Ansari Mohammad Azam
Published: January 2021

Biofunctionalized TiO2 nanoparticles with a size range of 18.42±1.3 nm were synthesized in a single‐step approach employing Grape seed extract (GSE) proanthocyanin (PAC) polyphenols. The effect of PACs rich GSE corona was examined with respect to 1) the stability and dispersity of as‐synthesized GSE‐TiO2‐NPs, 2) their antiproliferative and antibiofilm efficacy, and 3) their propensity for internalization and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in urinary tract infections (UTIs) causing Gram‐negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Gram‐positive Staphylococcus saprophyticus strains. State‐of‐the‐art techniques were used to validate GSE‐TiO2‐NPs formation. Comparative Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectral analysis demonstrated that PACs linked functional ‐OH groups likely play a central role in Ti4+ reduction and nucleation to GSE‐TiO2‐NPs, while forming a thin, soft corona around nascent NPs to attribute significantly enhanced stability and dispersity. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) and inductively coupled plasma mass‐spectroscopy (ICP‐MS) analyses confirmed there was significantly (p<0.05) enhanced intracellular uptake of GSE‐TiO2‐NPs in both Gram‐negative and ‐positive test uropathogens as compared to bare TiO2‐NPs. Correspondingly, compared to bare NPs, GSE‐TiO2‐NPs induced intracellular ROS formation that corresponded well with dose‐dependent inhibitory patterns of cell proliferation and biofilm formation in both the tested strains. Overall, this study demonstrates that ‐OH rich PACs of GSE corona on biogenic TiO2‐NPs maximized the functional stability, dispersity and propensity of penetration into planktonic cells and biofilm matrices. Such unique merits warrant the use of GSE‐TiO2‐NPs as a novel, functionally stable and efficient antibacterial nano‐formulation to combat the menace of UTIs in clinical settings.
Non‐Covalent Postfunctionalization of Dye Layers on TiO2 — A Tool for Enhancing Injection in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Luchs Tobias , Zieleniewska Anna , Kunzmann Andreas , Schol Peter R. , Guldi Dirk M. , Hirsch Andreas
Published: January 2021

We report on newly tailored dye layers, which were employed, on one hand, for covalent deposition and, on the other hand, for non‐covalently post‐functionalizing TiO2 nanoparticle films. Our functionalization concept enabled intermixing a stable covalent attachment of a first layer with a highly versatile and reversible hydrogen bonding through the Hamilton receptor–cyanuric acid binding motif as a second layer. Following this concept, we integrated step‐by‐step a first porphyrin layer and a second porphyrin/BODIPY layer. The individual building blocks and their corresponding combinations were probed with regard to their photophysical properties, and the most promising combinations were implemented in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Relative to the first porphyrin layer adding the second porphyrin/BODIPY layers increased the overall DSSC efficiency by up to 43 %.
Photoswitchable Fluorescent Self‐Assembled Metallacycles with High Photostability
Authors: Chen Shangjun , Chen Lijun , Cai Yunsong , Zhu Wei‐Hong
Published: January 2021

In this study, photoswitchable fluorescent supramolecular metallacycles with high fatigue‐resistance have been constructed by coordination‐driven self‐assembly by using bithienylethene with dipyridyl units (BTE) as a coordination donor and a fluorescent di‐platinum(II) (Pt‐F) as a coordination acceptor. The photo‐triggered reversible transformation between the ring‐open and ring‐closed form of the metallacycles was confirmed by 1H NMR, 31P NMR, and UV/Vis spectroscopy. This unique property enabled a reversible noninvasive “off–on” switching of fluorescence through efficient Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Importantly, the metallacycles remained structurally intact after up to 10 photoswitching cycles. The photoresponsive property and exceptional photostability of the metallacycles posit their potential promising application in optical switching, image storage, and super‐resolution microscopy.
One‐Pot Dual C−C Coupling Reaction via Site Selective Cascade Formation by PdII‐Cryptate of an Amino‐Ether Heteroditopic Macrobicycle
Authors: Sarkar Sayan , Sarkar Piyali , Munshi Sandip , Ghosh Pradyut
Published: January 2021

Selectivity of aryl iodo over ethynyl iodo toward the Suzuki cross coupling reaction is explored by utilizing a palladium complex of amino‐ether heteroditopic macrobicycle. Subsequently, unreacted ethynyl iodide undergoes homocoupling reaction in the same catalytic atmosphere, thereby representing a cascade dual C−C coupling reaction. Furthermore, this approach is extended for novel one‐pot synthesis of unsymmetrical 1,3‐diynes.
Decorating Metal Nitrate with a Coplanar Bipyridine Moiety: A Simple and General Method for Fabricating Photochromic Complexes
Authors: Xu Fei , Liu Ai‐Ju , Han Song‐De , Pan Jie , Wang Guo‐Ming
Published: January 2021

As a significant class of photochromic materials, crystalline hybrid photochromic materials (CHPMs) have attracted widespread attention of researchers because of their possibilities for generating other photoresponsive properties and advantages in understanding the underlying relationship between structure and photoresponsive performance. The predesign of suitable ligands plays a major role in generating desirable CHPMs. Hitherto, most CHPMs have been built from photodeformable or photoresponsive tectons. However, the synthesis of these ligands is usually time‐consuming and expensive, and this greatly restricts their large‐scale preparation and practical application. Therefore, it is necessary to explore new families of CHPMs besides the existing CHPMs. Herein, a simple and general method for constructing CHPMs by decorating metal nitrate with a coplanar bipyridine moiety, namely 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen), is reported. The resulting products exhibit photocoloration in response to Xe‐lamp irradiation. The electron transfer (ET) from the coplanar NO3− species (as π‐electron donors, π‐EDs) to coplanar phen moieties (as π‐electron acceptors, π‐EAs) is responsible for the resulting photochromism. The influence of the coordination environment and central metal ion on the photochromism was also studied. This work demonstrates that the introduction of coplanar organic tectons as π‐EAs to metal nitrates as π‐EDs with the collaboration of ET and coordination‐assembly strategies is a simple and general method to manufacture CHPMs.
Salt effects on dynamic bubble nucleation on hydrophobic surfaces in air super‐saturated water
Authors: Zhou Joe Z.
Published: January 2021

Effect of salts (NaCl and CaCl2) on dynamic bubble nucleation on hydrophobic bitumen and silanated glass in air‐supersaturated water was examined using an autoclave at air saturation pressure of 700 kPa and temperature of 80°C. The results showed that at a low salt concentration, there was virtually no difference in the sizes of bubbles nucleated on the surface (0.06‐0.2 cm in diameter), as compared to the cases without salt addition. At a higher salt concentration (0.2 M CaCl2, or 0.3 M NaCl), the size of bubbles nucleated on the surfaces reduced drastically (more than 10‐fold smaller), with the surface being entirely frosted with small bubbles lined up neatly. The observed sizes of surface bubbles were up to more than 3600 times larger for the cases without salts, and 600 times larger at the high salt concentrations, than the critical equilibrium bubble diameter under given test conditions (~328 nm). Possible reasons for the observed phenomena were briefly discussed.
Impact of mixed convection on flow dynamics and heat transfer through an isotropic porous triangular array of periodic heated/cooled cylinders
Authors: Asif Mohammad , Dhiman Amit
Published: January 2021

The effect of aiding and opposing buoyancy (−1 ≤ Ri ≤ 1) on flow and heat transfer across cylinders specifically arranged in an equilateral triangular array in a heat exchanger has not previously been studied. Periodic boundary condition in the transverse direction is imposed where porosity of the array ranges from 0.7 to 0.99. The influence of buoyancy and Prandtl number (1 and 50) on the flow structure and its effect on the overall heat transfer is thoroughly elucidated in the present work. The impact of aiding/opposing buoyancy on the thermal performance of the array is predominant at higher porosities. The average drag of the array of cylinders increases with an increase in the aiding buoyancy and decreases with an increase in opposing buoyancy with respect to forced convection. The porosity of the triangular array has an inverse relation with the average drag coefficient, barring few exceptions which are explained in detail in the present work. The heat exchange is assertively higher at opposing‐buoyancy cases for all values of porosity and Prandtl number. The present results are in agreement with the available experimental/numerical studies.
Olmutinib in T790M‐positive non–small cell lung cancer after failure of first‐line epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy: A global, phase 2 study
Authors: Park Keunchil , Jӓnne Pasi A. , Kim Dong‐Wan , Han Ji‐Youn , Wu Ming‐Fang , Lee Jong‐Seok , Kang Jin‐Hyoung , Lee Dae Ho , Cho Byoung Chul , Yu Chong‐Jen , Pang Yong Kek , Felip Enriqueta , Kim Hyunjin , Baek Eunhye , Noh Young Su
Published: January 2021

Background

In this open‐label, international phase 2 study, the authors assessed the efficacy and safety of olmutinib in patients with locally advanced or metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who had a confirmed T790M mutation and disease progression on previous epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.

Methods

Patients aged ≥20 years received once‐daily oral olmutinib 800 mg continuously in 21‐day cycles. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (patients who had a confirmed best overall response of a complete or partial response), assessed by central review. Secondary endpoints included the disease control rate, the duration of objective response, progression‐free survival, and overall survival. Adverse events were graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.03).

Results

Overall, 162 patients (median age, 63 years; women, >60%) were enrolled from 68 sites in 9 countries. At the time of database cutoff, 23.5% of enrolled patients remained on treatment. The median treatment duration was 6.5 months (range, 0.03‐21.68 months). Overall, 46.3% of patients (95% CI, 38.4%‐54.3%) had a confirmed objective response (all partial responses). The best overall response (the objective response rate regardless of confirmation) was 51.9% (84 patients; 95% CI, 43.9%‐59.8%). The confirmed disease control rate for all patients was 86.4% (95% CI, 80.2%‐91.3%). The median duration of objective response was 12.7 months (95% CI, 8.3‐15.4 months). Estimated median progression‐free survival was 9.4 months (95% CI, 6.9‐12.3 months), and estimated median overall survival was 19.7 months (95% CI, 15.1 months to not reached). All patients experienced treatment‐emergent adverse events, and 71.6% of patients had grade ≥3 treatment‐emergent adverse events.

Conclusions

Olmutinib has meaningful clinical activity and a manageable safety profile in patients with T790M‐positive non–small cell lung cancer who received previous epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy.
Self‐assembled Micro‐nanorobots: From Assembly Mechanisms to Applications
Authors: Wei Fanan , Zhong Tianliang , Zhan Ziheng , Yao Ligang
Published: January 2021

Due to the extremely tiny size, micro‐nanorobots hold promise in performing tasks at the micro‐nanoscale, which is impossible for macroscale robots. However, the massive fabrication of micro‐nanorobots is of crucial challenge and has been attracting extensive attention among academics. Active colloids can be self‐assembled into ordered structures, and offer a promising solution to this largescale manufacture challenge. Here, we summarize the development and mechanisms of different assembly technologies in the past two decades, and introduce the applications of micro‐nanorobots using self‐assembly strategies in biomedical and physical fields. For clarification, the self‐assembly mechanisms are presented in three categories: chemical, physical and biological. The manufacture of micro‐nanorobots through self‐assembly not only solves the problem of large‐scale manufacturing, but also increases the reconfigurability of structure and improves their adaptability to the environment, which promises further development as microsurgeons and the application of micro‐nanorobots in other fields, such as environmental restoration and micro‐manipulation.
A multidisciplinary approach to triage patients with breast disease during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Experience from a tertiary care center in the developing world
Authors: Sattar Abida K. , Shahzad Hania , Jabbar Adnan Abdul , ValiMohammed Azmina T. , Khan Sadaf , Vellani Yasmin , Idrees Romana , Ali Nasir , Masroor Imrana , Saeed Humera , Lakhani Gulzar , Ayoub Nadia , Waqar Atif , Zia‐ul Islam Muhammad , Kirmani Salman , Latif Asad , Enam Syed Ather
Published: January 2021

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has created a need to prioritize care because of limitation of resources. Owing to the heterogeneity and high prevalence of breast cancers, the need to prioritize care in this vulnerable population is essential. While various medical societies have published recommendations to manage breast disease during the COVID‐19 pandemic, most are focused on the Western world and do not necessarily address the challenges of a resource‐limited setting.

Aim

In this article, we describe our institutional approach for prioritizing care for patients presenting with breast disease.

Methods and results

The breast disease management guidelines were developed and approved with the expertise of the Multidisciplinary Breast Program Leadership Committee (BPLC) of the Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. These guidelines were inspired, adapted, and modified keeping in view the needs of our resource‐limited healthcare system. These recommendations are also congruent with the ethical guidelines developed by the Center of Biomedical Ethics and Culture (CBEC) at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), Karachi.

Our institutional recommendations outline a framework to triage patients based on the urgency of care, scheduling conflicts, and tumor board recommendations, optimizing healthcare workers' schedules, operating room reallocation, and protocols. We also describe the “Virtual Blended Clinics”, a resource‐friendly means of conducting virtual clinics and a comprehensive plan for transitioning back into the post‐COVID routine.

Conclusion

Our institutional experience may be considered as a guide during the COVID‐19 pandemic, particularly for triaging care in a resource‐limited setting; however, these are not meant to be universally applicable, and individual cases must be tailored based on physicians' clinical judgment to provide the best quality care.
Tactical urbanism: Colour interventions with purpose
Authors: O'Connor Zena
Published: January 2021

Evidence‐based colour interventions in the urban landscape are becoming more common in many countries and some have garnered the term “tactical urbanism”, defined as relatively low‐cost changes to the built environment intended to provide a quick solution to an urban environment challenge. This article reports on two proposed small‐scale colour interventions that aim to calm traffic, prioritize pedestrian traffic, support safety initiatives, and enhance the urban environment. Inspired by both larger and small interventions around the world, the rationale for two proposed colour interventions in Sydney is described along with the findings of a two‐stage survey conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed colour intervention designs.
The Data‐Driven Schrödinger Bridge
Authors: Pavon Michele , Trigila Giulio , Tabak Esteban G.
Published: January 2021

Erwin Schrödinger posed—and to a large extent solved—in 1931/32 the problem of finding the most likely random evolution between two continuous probability distributions. This article considers this problem in the case when only samples of the two distributions are available. A novel iterative procedure is proposed, inspired by Fortet‐IPF‐Sinkhorn type algorithms. Since only samples of the marginals are available, the new approach features constrained maximum likelihood estimation in place of the nonlinear boundary couplings, and importance sampling to propagate the functions ϕ and solving the Schrödinger system. This method mitigates the curse of dimensionality, compared to the introduction of grids, which in high dimensions lead to numerically unfeasible methods. The methodology is illustrated in two applications: entropic interpolation of two‐dimensional Gaussian mixtures, and the estimation of integrals through a variation of importance sampling. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A Colon‐Targeted Adsorbent (DAV132) Does Not Affect the Pharmacokinetics of Warfarin or Clonazepam in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Pinquier Jean‐Louis , Varastet Marina , Meyers Dismas , Sayah‐Jeanne Sakina , Féger Céline , Gaumétou Olivia , Corbel Tanguy , de Gunzburg Jean , Mentré France , Ducher Annie
Published: January 2021

DAV132 is a novel colon‐targeted adsorbent that prevents the deleterious impact of antibiotics on gut microbiota without modifying their systemic availability. A randomized, Latin‐square crossover, open‐label trial with 2 substudies in 18 and 24 healthy volunteers evaluated the pharmacokinetic (PK) bioequivalence of warfarin, a drug with a narrow therapeutic index (NTI), and clonazepam, both widely used for the treatment of chronic conditions, with or without coadministration of DAV132 7.5 g. PK parameters observed with single doses of 5 mg warfarin and 1 mg clonazepam when administered alone did not differ with the PK parameters when administered concomitantly with or 1 hour before DAV132. Geometric mean ratios (GMRs) for S‐warfarin, R‐warfarin, and clonazepam Cmax were 102.0, 102.8, and 91.9, respectively, after concomitant administration and 106.5, 107.5, and 95.0, respectively, when administered 1 hour before DAV132. After concomitant administration, GMRs for S‐warfarin, R‐warfarin, and clonazepam AUClast were 100.5, 100.2, and 94.9, respectively, and 101.9, 101.8, and 101.3, respectively, when administered 1 hour before DAV132. All GMR 90% confidence intervals fell within the prespecified 80% to 125% limit for bioequivalence, indicating a lack of drug‐drug interaction. In conclusion, DAV132 did not affect the systemic exposure of 2 NTI drugs absorbed in the proximal intestine.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Ertugliflozin in Healthy Japanese and Western Subjects
Authors: Li Yinhua , Nucci Gianluca , Yamamoto Yuichi , Fediuk Daryl J. , Sahasrabudhe Vaishali
Published: January 2021

Ertugliflozin, a sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, is approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes. This randomized, double‐blind (sponsor‐open) study in healthy Japanese subjects and open‐label study in Western subjects assessed ertugliflozin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Cohort A received 3 ascending single doses of ertugliflozin (1, 5, and 25 mg; n = 6 Japanese, n = 6 Western) or placebo (n = 3 Japanese) under fasted conditions. Cohort B received multiple once‐daily doses of ertugliflozin 25 mg (n = 6 Japanese) or placebo (n = 3 Japanese) for 7 days under fed conditions. For Japanese subjects in Cohort A, maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) were observed 1 to 1.5 hours after dosing, and apparent mean terminal half‐life was 12.4 to 13.6 hours. The ratios of the geometric means (Japanese/Western) for ertugliflozin 1‐, 5‐, and 25‐mg single doses were 95.94%, 99.66%, and 90.32%, respectively, for area under the plasma concentration–time curve and 107.59%, 97.47%, and 80.04%, respectively, for Cmax. Area under the plasma concentration–time curve and Cmax increased in a dose‐proportional manner. For Cohort B, Cmax was observed 2.5 hours after dosing (days 1 and 7), and steady state was reached by day 4. The 24‐hour urinary glucose excretion was dose dependent. Ertugliflozin was generally well tolerated. There were no meaningful differences in exposure, urinary glucose excretion, and safety between Japanese and Western subjects.
Fluorescent Nanocomposites: Hollow Silica Microspheres with Embedded Carbon Dots
Authors: Delic Asmira , Mariussen Espen , Roede Erik Dobloug , Krivokapic Alexander , Erbe Andreas , Lindgren Mikael , Benelmekki Maria , Einarsrud Mari‐Ann
Published: January 2021

Intrinsically fluorescent carbon dots may form the basis for a safer and more accurate sensor technology for digital counting in bioanalytical assays. This work presents a simple and inexpensive synthesis method for producing fluorescent carbon dots embedded in hollow silica particles. Hydrothermal treatment at low temperature (160 °C) of microporous silica particles in presence of urea and citric acid results in fluorescent, microporous and hollow nanocomposites with a surface area of 12 m2/g. High absolute zeta potential (−44 mV) at neutral pH demonstrates the high electrosteric stability of the nanocomposites in aqueous solution. Their fluorescence emission at 445 nm is remarkably stable in aqueous dispersion under a wide pH range (3–12) and in the dried state. The biocompatibility of the composite particles is excellent, as the particles were found to show low genotoxicity at exposures up to 10 μg/cm2.
Probing the Effects of Electron Deficient Aryl Substituents and a π‐System Extended NHC Ring on the Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction Reaction with Re‐pyNHC‐Aryl Complexes**
Authors: Shirley Hunter , Sexton Thomas More , Liyanage Nalaka P. , Perkins Morgan A. , Autry Shane A. , McNamara Louis E. , Hammer Nathan I. , Parkin Sean R. , Tschumper Gregory S. , Delcamp Jared H.
Published: January 2021

The ever‐expanding need for renewable energy can be addressed in part by photocatalytic CO2 reduction to give fuels via an artificial photosynthetic process driven by sunlight. A series of rhenium photocatalysts are evaluated in the photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction and via photophysical, electrochemical, and computational studies. The impact of various electron withdrawing substituents on the aryl group of the pyNHC‐aryl ligand along with the impact of extending conjugation along the backbone of the ligand is analyzed. A strong correlation between excited‐state lifetimes, photocatalytic rates, and computationally determined dissociation energy of the labile ligand of these complexes is observed. Additionally, computed orbital analysis provides an added understanding, which allows for prediction of the potential impact of an electron withdrawing substituent on photocatalysis.
Corporate social responsibility and employees' voluntary pro‐environmental behavior: The role of organizational pride and employee engagement
Authors: Raza Ali , Farrukh Muhammad , Iqbal Muhammad Khalid , Farhan Muhammad , Wu Yihua
Published: January 2021

Despite the growing significance of pro‐environmental behavior in the hospitality industry, empirically derived insights into its predictors and outcomes remain unexplored. Drawing upon the theory of social exchange and social identity theory, this study investigates the impact of hotels' employees' perception of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities on employees' voluntary pro‐environmental behavior (VPEB). The authors also examine the mediating roles of organizational pride and employee engagement (EE). Moreover, the moderating role of empathy is also investigated in the relationship between CSR and VPEB. We investigated our theoretical framework through a survey of 336 employees of selected luxury hotels in Pakistan. Findings reveal that CSR directly affects VPEB. Further, the parallel and sequential mediation of EE and organizational pride is also confirmed between CSR and VPEB. Moreover, empathy moderates the relationship between CSR and VPEB. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed at the end.
The umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomal lncRNA H19 improves osteochondral activity through miR‐29b‐3p/FoxO3 axis
Authors: Yan Litao , Liu Gejun , Wu Xing
Published: January 2021

Background

Our previous study revealed that the exosomal lncRNA H19 derived from umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UMSCs) plays a pivotal role in osteochondral regeneration. In this study, we investigated whether the exosomal lncRNA H19 could act as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to potentiate osteochondral activity in chondrocytes.

Methods

Dual‐luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull‐down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were carried to verify the interaction between miR‐29b‐3p and both lncRNA H19 and the target mRNA FoxO3. Chondrocytes were treated with UMSC‐derived exosomes, which highly expressing lncRNA H19 expression, followed by apoptosis, migration, senescence, and matrix secretion assessments. An in vivo SD rat cartilage defect model was carried out to explore the role and mechanism of lncRNA H19/miR‐29b‐3p.

Results

UMSCs were successfully identified, and exosomes were successfully extracted. Exosomes exhibited the ability to transfer lncRNA H19 to chondrocytes. Mechanistically, exosomal lncRNA H19 potentiated osteochondral activity by acting as a competing endogenous sponge of miR‐29b‐3p, and miR‐29b‐3p directly targeted FoxO3. Intra‐articular injection of exosomes overexpressing lncRNA H19 could promote sustained cartilage repair; however, this effect could be undermined by miR‐29b‐3p agomir.

Conclusions

Our study revealed a significant role in the development of strategies against cartilage defects for UMSC‐derived exosomes that overexpress lncRNA H19. Exosomal H19 was found to promote chondrocyte migration, matrix secretion, apoptosis suppression, as well as senescence suppression, both in vitro and in vivo. The specific mechanism lies in the fact that exosomal H19 acts as a ceRNA against miR‐29b‐3p to upregulate FoxO3 in chondrocytes.
The determination of pathloss model for ultra‐high‐frequency television transmission in Onitsha, Anambra state, Nigeria
Authors: Olatoye Nurudeen Oladapo , Ekoko Erumena Constance , Sani Ogirima Mohammed , Ogungbenro Oluwaseyi
Published: January 2021

This research work on the determination of pathloss model for ultra‐high‐frequency (UHF) television transmission in the city of Onitsha, Anambra state, was carried out along Niksi Road, 33 area, Nkwelle‐Ezunaka to Nkwelle junction. The latitude and longitude parts of the data were measured using a software “GPS Map Mobile” installed on Tecno W3 android phone. The received power was measured at each point using “B&K precision RF signal strength analyzer 2.0‐GHz 2640.” From the analysis made using the root mean square error (RMSE), and also the graphs were plotted using MatLab package; it was discovered that the measured pathloss was interwoven with established Hata and COST‐231 Hata models by RMSE values of 4.90 and 4.74, respectively, which are within the acceptable range of 0–6 dB. These models are therefore suitable for urban center of Onitsha, and they are useful for prediction of transmission coverage in the city.
The Sertoli cell expressed gene secernin‐1 (Scrn1) is dispensable for male fertility in the mouse
Authors: Houston Brendan J. , Nagirnaja Liina , Merriner D. Jo , O'Connor Anne E. , Okuda Hidenobu , Omurtag Kenan , Smith Craig , Aston Kenneth I. , Conrad Donald F. , O'Bryan Moira K.
Published: January 2021

Background

Male infertility is a prevalent clinical presentation for which there is likely a strong genetic component due to the thousands of genes required for spermatogenesis. Within this study we investigated the role of the gene Scrn1 in male fertility. Scrn1 is preferentially expressed in XY gonads during the period of sex determination and in adult Sertoli cells based on single cell RNA sequencing. We investigated the expression of Scrn1 in juvenile and adult tissues and generated a knockout mouse model to test its role in male fertility.

Results

Scrn1 was expressed at all ages examined in the post‐natal testis; however, its expression peaked at postnatal days 7‐14 and SCRN1 protein was clearly localized to Sertoli cells. Scrn1 deletion was achieved via removal of exon 3, and its loss had no effect on male fertility or sex determination. Knockout mice were capable of siring litters of equal size to wild type counterparts and generated equal numbers of sperm with comparable motility and morphology characteristics.

Conclusions

Scrn1 was found to be dispensable for male fertility, but this study identifies SCRN1 as a novel marker of the Sertoli cell cytoplasm.
Linking land use patterns and pest outbreaks in Bt maize
Authors: St. Clair Coy R. , Gassmann Aaron J.
Published: January 2021

Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), is a major pest of maize in the United States and is an invasive pest in Europe. Maize is the only agricultural crop on which western corn rootworm larvae can survive and this insect requires two consecutive years of maize cultivation to complete its life cycle. Transgenic maize producing insecticidal proteins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is often used to manage rootworm populations. The first Bt trait, Cry3Bb1, was introduced in 2003, but larval resistance to this toxin appeared in northeastern Iowa in 2009. Rootworm management occurs on a field‐by‐field basis, but adult rootworm may disperse among fields. It is known that growing consecutive years of Cry3Bb1 maize within a field can lead to resistance, but the relationship of the surrounding landscape to the development of resistance is unknown. Using geospatial tools and publicly available land‐use data, we examined circular areas (buffers) surrounding fields that had previously experienced high levels of rootworm injury to Cry3Bb1 maize and rootworm resistance to Cry3Bb1 maize (problem fields). We calculated the proportion of area inside each buffer planted to maize continuously for 1–9 yr, and compared these values to those for randomly selected control points throughout the state. We also calculated the proportion of the state planted to maize for at least three consecutive years for 2003 through 2018, and its relationship with the annual value of maize. We found that areas surrounding problem fields had significantly more continuous maize compared to controls, with the most continuous maize within 1.6 km of problem fields. We also found that the cultivation of continuous maize in Iowa increased significantly between 2003 and 2018, and this was correlated with average annual price of maize. We hypothesize a scenario in which continuous cultivation of Cry3Bb1 maize in local landscapes, driven in part by the increased value of maize, facilitated selection for Cry3Bb1 resistance. These results suggest that land use in areas surrounding problem fields affect the rate of resistance evolution and approaches for resistance management can be enhanced by taking a landscape‐level perspective.