bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of different diagnostic criteria on the association of sarcopenia with injurious falls in the CLSA
Authors: Mayhew Alexandra J. , Phillips Stuart M. , Sohel Nazmul , Thabane Lehana , McNicholas Paul D. , de Souza Russell J. , Parise Gianni , Raina Parminder
Published: September 2020

Background

Sarcopenia definitions recommend different combinations of variables (lean mass, strength, and physical function) and different methods of adjusting lean mass. The purpose of this paper was to address the gaps in the literature regarding how differences in the operationalization of sarcopenia impact the association between sarcopenia and injurious falls.

Methods

Participants included 9936 individuals from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging aged ≥65 years at baseline (2012–2015), with complete data for sarcopenia‐related variables, injurious falls, and covariates. Sarcopenia was defined using all combinations of muscle variables (lean mass, grip strength, chair rise test, and gait speed) and methods of adjusting lean mass (height2, weight, body mass index (BMI), and regressing on height and fat mass) recommended by the expert group sarcopenia definitions. Multiple cut off values for the measures were explored. The association between sarcopenia and injurious falls (0, 1, or 2+ falls) measured 18 months after baseline data collection were assessed using proportional odds regression models.

Results

In men (n = 5162, 72.9 ± 5.6 years), the odds of having a higher level of injurious falls was between 1.43 and 2.14 greater when sarcopenia was defined as (i) lean mass adjusted for weight only; (ii) grip strength (<30 or <26 kg) only; (iii) lean mass adjusted for weight and grip strength (<30 or <26 kg); (iv) lean mass adjusted for BMI and grip strength (<26 kg); and (v) lean mass adjusted using the regression technique and grip strength (<30 or <26 kg). In women (n = 4774, 72.8 ± 5.6 years), only the combination of lean mass adjusted using regression with gait speed (<0.8 m/s) was associated with a significantly higher odds (1.46, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–2.10,P = 0.04) of having a higher level of injurious falls.

Conclusions

Sarcopenia definitions based on different combinations of muscle variables and methods of adjusting lean mass are not equally associated with injurious falls. In men, definitions including grip strength but not gait speed or the chair rise test, and adjusting lean mass for weight, BMI, or using the residual technique but not height2, tended to be associated with injurious falls. In women, sarcopenia was generally not associated with injurious falls regardless of the definition used.
Replication without repeating ourselves: Addressing the replication crisis in operations and supply chain management research
Authors: Pagell Mark
Published: September 2020

Operations and supply chain management (OSCM) scholars have generally not engaged in the robust discourse over the extent and implications of science's replication crisis, perhaps because replication studies remain exceedingly rare in the discipline. In this manuscript, I encourage more replications. However, I also assume that such studies will remain rare. Therefore, it is argued that the replication crisis in OSCM can be partially addressed by conducting theory testing and refining research in a more systematic fashion that acknowledges researchers' and journals' incentives to publish new knowledge, while also efficiently helping to ensure that the foundations of that new knowledge are generalizable and not based on idiosyncratic, spurious, or questionable findings. Hence, I focus on ways to conduct a replication within a larger theory testing or refining study in a manner that makes it possible to explain the results, even if they differ from past research. This is achieved via enhanced transparency, designing research to include tests of nomological validity and account for the possibility that the results will not replicate, and more careful consideration of controls. The payoff from this investment in designing replication logic into theory testing and refining research would be that in the course of conducting normal science, we would be able to make much stronger claims about the veracity of our theories, facts, and predictions.
Multiparametric MRI characterization of knee articular cartilage and subchondral bone shape in collegiate basketball players
Authors: Gao Kenneth T. , Pedoia Valentina , Young Katherine A. , Kogan Feliks , Koff Matthew F. , Gold Garry E. , Potter Hollis G. , Majumdar Sharmila
Published: September 2020

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to evaluate the morphology of the knee in athletes with high‐knee impact; however, complex repeated loading of the joint can lead to biochemical and structural degeneration that occurs before visible morphological changes. In this study, we utilized multiparametric quantitative MRI to compare morphology and composition of articular cartilage and subchondral bone shape between young athletes with high‐knee impact (basketball players; n = 40) and non‐knee impact (swimmers; n = 25). We implemented voxel‐based relaxometry to register all cases to a single reference space and performed a localized compositional analysis of T
1ρ‐ and T
2‐relaxation times on a voxel‐by‐voxel basis. Additionally, statistical shape modeling was employed to extract differences in subchondral bone shape between the two groups. Evaluation of cartilage composition demonstrated a significant prolongation of relaxation times in the medial femoral and tibial compartments and in the posterolateral femur of basketball players in comparison to relaxation times in the same cartilage compartments of swimmers. The compositional analysis also showed depth‐dependent differences with prolongation of the superficial layer in basketball players. For subchondral bone shape, three total modes were found to be significantly different between groups and related to the relative sizes of the tibial plateaus, intercondylar eminences, and the curvature and concavity of the patellar lateral facet. In summary, this study identified several characteristics associated with a high‐knee impact which may expand our understanding of local degenerative patterns in this population.
Effect of the COVID‐19 Pandemic on Pediatric Intestinal Failure Healthcare Delivery
Authors: Galloway David P. , Mathis Michelle S. , Wilkinson Linda T. , Venick Robert S. , Wendel Danielle , Cole Conrad R. , Martin Colin A.
Published: September 2020

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has influenced how healthcare is being provided, particularly in patients whose diagnoses require multidisciplinary care, such as pediatric intestinal failure (IF). We sought to ascertain the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on healthcare delivery for pediatric patients with IF.

Methods

A 20‐question survey was administered to members of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Intestinal Rehabilitation (IR) Special Interest Group. Input values were “yes” and “no,” along with a free‐text response. Following a 10‐day open survey period, data were divided into cohorts based on patient population size and disease burden by state. Analysis was then performed using the χ2 test application.

Results

Responses from 29 centers were included in analysis. Centers that followed >50 patients on parenteral nutrition (PN) were more likely to have social workers present in telemedicine visits and observed more central line difficulties among families. Centers located in states with <40,000 reported cases of COVID‐19 saw patients less frequently and were more likely to withhold changes to PN prescriptions. Additionally, the survey revealed a significant degree of financial hardship and food insecurity among families.

Conclusion

Many aspects of pediatric IF healthcare delivery have been impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic, both for care providers and caregivers. Despite the availability of telemedicine, IR centers should remain attentive to the global needs of the pediatric IF patient, as well as their families.
Comparison of indocyanine green and methylene blue use for axillary reverse mapping during axillary lymph node dissection
Authors: Wu Jun‐Dong , Wang Zun , Zeng Huan‐Cheng , He Li‐Fang , Zhang Yong‐Qu , Huang Guang‐Sheng , Zhang Fan , Wei Xiao‐Long , Huang Wen‐He , Zhang Guo‐Jun
Published: September 2020

Axillary reverse mapping (ARM) is a technique to identify arm lymphatic drainage during axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). This study compared the feasibility of ARM using indocyanine green (ICG) or methylene blue (MB), and accessed the oncologic safety of the procedure. Overall, 158 patients qualified for ALND were enrolled. The characteristics of ARM‐identified nodes were recorded with ICG (n = 78) or MB (n = 80) visualization. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the nodes were performed and validated by histologic analysis. The nodal identification rate in the ICG group significantly surpassed that of the MB group (87.2% vs 52.5%, P < .05) with fewer complications. Note that 10.9% of the patients had metastatic involvement of the ARM‐identified nodes. Also 80% of the positive nodes were found in areas B and D, while the ARM‐identified nodes mainly located in area A. All the 51 nodes diagnosed as negative of malignancy by FNAC were free of metastasis. Nodal metastasis was significantly correlated with extensive nodel involvement, advanced disease, and the characteristics of identified nodes. In conclusion, ICG appears superior to MB for ARM nodes identification. FNAC, together with the features of primary tumors and ARM nodes, can delineate which nodes could be preserved during ALND.
Study of the solution of a semilinear evolution equation of a prion proliferation model in the presence of chaperone in a product space
Authors: Kumar Rajiv , Choudhary Kapil Kumar , Kumar Rajesh
Published: September 2020

A mathematical model for the dynamics of prion proliferation in the presence of chaperone involving a coupled system consisting of an ordinary differential equation and a partial integro‐differential equation is analyzed. For bounded reaction rates, we prove the existence and uniqueness of positive classical solutions with the help of the theory of evolution system. In the case of unbounded reaction rates, the model is set up into a semilinear evolution equation form in the product Banach space
and the existence of a unique positive local mild solution is established by using C0‐semigroups theory of operators.
Regularity criteria for the 3D magnetic Bénard equations without thermal diffusion in terms of pressure
Authors: Chen Dongxiang , Jian Fangfang , Chen Xiaoli
Published: September 2020

In this paper, the authors obtain some new blow‐up criteria for the smooth solutions to the three‐dimensional magnetic Bénard equations without thermal diffusion in terms of pressure. We prove that if
with 0 < r ≤ 1, then the strong solutions (u, b, θ) to the magnetic Bénard equations can be extended beyond time
. Meanwhile, we also show that provided that
with 0 < r ≤ 1, the solutions (u, b, θ) can also be extended smoothly beyond
. Finally, we also obtain the regularity criteria on Morrey space, multiplier space, BMO space, and Besov space by imposing some growth conditions only on the pressure field.
Global existence and large time behavior of classical solutions to the two‐dimensional micropolar equations with large initial data and vacuum
Authors: Wan Ling , Zhang Lan
Published: September 2020

This paper concerns the global existence and large time behavior of classical, strong, and weak solutions to the two‐dimensional compressible micropolar equations with large initial data and vacuum. We assume that the shear and angular viscosity coefficients are positive constants and the bulk coefficient is , whereρis the density andβ > 3/2. It is crucial to derive an upper bound of the density uniformly in the time such that all the classical, strong, and weak solutions converge to the equilibrium state as the time tends to infinity.
A millimeter‐wave broadband E‐plane out‐of‐phase power divider integrated with rectangular waveguide to substrate integrated waveguide transition
Authors: Jin Huayan , Bu Shunqiu , Luo Guoqing , Chin Kuo‐Sheng
Published: September 2020

A millimeter‐wave broadband E‐plane out‐of‐phase power divider integrated with transition from a rectangular waveguide to substrate integrated waveguides (SIWs), is proposed. Two SIW cavities and two I‐shaped coupling apertures are used to achieve out‐of‐phase or differential signal division with broadband impedance matching. Owing to the symmetrical structure, a pair of differential signals with a phase difference less than 180° ± 0.1° and an amplitude imbalance less than 0.01 dB can be achieved. For measurement, a back‐to‐back test is fabricated and measured in Ka‐band by multilayer PCB fabrication process. The experimental results show that the insertion loss of a single transition is less than 0.65 dB within the 10‐dB impedance bandwidth from 26.9 to 38.6 GHz.
Updated size index valid for both neurogenic and myogenic changes
Authors: Sonoo Masahiro , Ogawa Go , Hokkoku Keiichi , Stålberg Erik
Published: September 2020

Background

Size index (SI) is a motor unit potential (MUP) parameter in concentric needle electromyography calculated from amplitude and area/amplitude, which can sensitively discriminate between control and neurogenic MUPs. In this study, we investigated the application of SI to myogenic MUPs based on expanded data.

Methods

MUPs were collected from the biceps brachii (BB) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles. Muscles showing unequivocal neurogenic or myogenic changes by visual inspection were selected for patients. In addition to the original SI, a revised SI (rSI) was defined using the logarithmic scale for area/amplitude. The coefficient for area/amplitude was varied and that achieving the best sensitivity both for BB and TA was selected.

Results

Analyzed were 1619, 340, and 498 MUPs from the BB of 26, 10, and 14 subjects (control, neurogenic, and myogenic), respectively, and 1245, 536, and 473 MUPs from the TA of 23, 18, and 13 subjects (control, neurogenic, and myogenic), respectively. For neurogenic MUPs, the original SI and the newly defined rSIn were similarly sensitive (82.1% and 81.8% sensitivity for SI and rSIn, respectively, for BB, and 68.1% and 69.6% for TA), and were more sensitive than area (72.6% for BB and 57.6% for TA), the most sensitive parameter among conventional ones. For myogenic MUPs, the sensitivity of rSIm was 9.0% for BB and 24.5% for TA, which was not significantly different from duration (7.4% for BB and 21.8% for TA), the most sensitive parameter among conventional ones.

Conclusions

SI, rSIn, and rSIm are promising as new MUP parameters.
Ethnic Differences in Body Fat Deposition and Liver Fat Content in Two UK‐Based Cohorts
Authors: Alenaini Wareed , Parkinson James R. C. , McCarthy John P. , Goldstone Anthony P. , Wilman Henry R. , Banerjee Rajarshi , Yaghootkar Hanieh , Bell Jimmy D. , Thomas E. Louise
Published: September 2020

Objective

Differences in the content and distribution of body fat and ectopic lipids may be responsible for ethnic variations in metabolic disease susceptibility. The aim of this study was to examine the ethnic distribution of body fat in two separate UK‐based populations.

Methods

Anthropometry and body composition were assessed in two separate UK cohorts: the Hammersmith cohort and the UK Biobank, both comprising individuals of South Asian descent (SA), individuals of Afro‐Caribbean descent (AC), and individuals of European descent (EUR). Regional adipose tissue stores and liver fat were measured by magnetic resonance techniques.

Results

The Hammersmith cohort (n = 747) had a mean (SD) age of 41.1 (14.5) years (EUR: 374 men, 240 women; SA: 68 men, 22 women; AC: 14 men, 29 women), and the UK Biobank (n = 9,533) had a mean (SD) age of 55.5 (7.5) years (EUR: 4,483 men, 4,873 women; SA: 80 men, 43 women, AC: 31 men, 25 women). Following adjustment for age and BMI, no significant differences in visceral adipose tissue or liver fat were observed between SA and EUR individuals in the either cohort.

Conclusions

Our data, consistent across two independent UK‐based cohorts, present a limited number of ethnic differences in the distribution of body fat depots associated with metabolic disease. These results suggest that the ethnic variation in susceptibility to features of the metabolic syndrome may not arise from differences in body fat.
Benchmarking the private sector banks in India using MCDM approach
Authors: Gupta Sanjay , Mathew Manoj , Gupta Swati , Dawar Vinay
Published: September 2020

The study aims to rank the performance of Indian private sector banks on the basis of their financial capability. The study is focussed on those banks which are listed in the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), for the period from 2014–15 to 2018–19. The financial performance of selected Indian private banks is ranked using a hybrid Multi‐Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique, that is, AHP‐TOPSIS. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to determine the weights of 10 financial performance pointers, and further Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is used to provide rankings and benchmarking of the private sector banks. Thereafter, overall ranking is given to the selected banks using interval‐valued TOPSIS (IV‐TOPSIS) for a combined period of 5 years. Sensitivity analysis has been performed to check the robustness of the method and its impact on the final ranking of the banks. Results showed that HDFC bank is the top performer and is ranked first for all the years consecutively during the period 2014–2019 and has set a financial indicator benchmark for other competitor banks. South Indian Bank showed the worst results in each year and stood last in the overall ranking. The IndusInd bank is followed after HDFC bank by improving its performance from 2014–19. With a slight margin, Kotak Mahindra Bank ranked after IndusInd. Through the AHP‐TOPSIS technique, each year the private sector banks ranking differs among themselves depending upon the financial performance pointers. Based on interval‐valued TOPSIS (IV‐TOPSIS), it was found that the overall HDFC was the top‐performing bank and South Indian Bank was the worst‐performing bank among all other banks. The results obtained from sensitivity analysis were found to be consistent with IV‐TOPSIS. The paper used the AHP technique, which is subjective in nature, and the results depend on the opinion of the experts. This study will assist the investors who want to channelize their funds in private banks having shares enlisted in BSE. It will accommodate banks to compare and judge their financial performance along with improving their performance and planning their future strategy. AHP‐TOPSIS utilized by past researchers is unable to bring out the cumulative performance for banks, but in this paper, IV‐TOPSIS is utilized, which can be effectively used to evaluate the cumulative performance of banks. The study tries to fill the gap in the literature by providing the overall ranking to private sector banks in India on the basis of financial indicators.
Synthesis and characterization of folic acid‐modified carboxymethyl chitosan‐ursolic acid targeted nano‐drug carrier for the delivery of ursolic acid and 10‐hydroxycamptothecin
Authors: Jing Fanchen , Li Guiliang , Wang Yingsa , Zhu Shangbin , Liu Rundong , He Jing , Lei Jiandu
Published: September 2020

Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS), as a water‐soluble, biocompatible, and biodegradable polymer, is an excellent carrier for a sustained drug delivery system. In this study, a amphiphilic carboxymethyl chitosan‐ursolic acid nano‐drug carrier modified by folic acid (FPCU) were prepared, and then the nano‐drug carrier wrapped another anticancer drug 10‐hydroxycamptothecin were self‐assembled into nanoparticles (FPCU/HCPT NPs). The FPCU/HCPT NPs had a suitable size, high drug loading efficiency of ursolic acid (6.4%) and 10‐hydroxycamptothecin (14.1%). The drug release study in vitro indicated that the nanoparticles have obviously sustained effect and pH sensitive behaviors, the drug release amount was higher at pH 5.5 than at pH 7.4. in vitro and in vivo study showed that the nanoparticles displayed a high antitumor efficiency to tumor cells compared with free drug. The nano delivery system as a carrier for ursolic acid (UA) and 10‐hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) has good application prospects in cancer treatment.
Controllable length adjustment of polyaniline particle with temperature sensitive block copolymer as template
Authors: Wang Lin , Muslim Arzugul , Turdi Dilhumar , Salam Madina , Tursun Zumratgul
Published: September 2020

Although the diameter of conductive polymer nanoparticles can be controlled effectively, the uniformity of particle length is still very challenging. In this study, with the temperature‐sensitive block copolymer PS111‐b‐PNIPAM114 as the template, the morphology and size of polyaniline (PANI) particles had been controllably adjusted through the change of temperature. Additionally, the electrochemical performance of each sample was investigated. After PS111‐b‐PNIPAM114 was synthesized through the reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer radical polymerization (RAFT), with its vesicular micelle as the “template”, the PANI particles with uniform length distribution were prepared successfully at 40°C. The average length of PANI particles after template removal was 254.07 nm with a short tail distribution, which was closer to the average than the standard normal distribution. Electrochemical results of PANI showed that it had good electrochemical activity with fast charge and discharge ability. And, with the current density of 1 A·g−1, its discharge‐specific capacitance could reach up to 805.61 F·g−1.
Pathological post‐mortem findings in lungs infected with SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Damiani Stefania , Fiorentino Michelangelo , De Palma Alessandra , Foschini Maria Pia , Lazzarotto Tiziana , Gabrielli Liliana , Viale Pier Luigi , Attard Luciano , Riefolo Mattia , D'Errico Antonia
Published: September 2020

Italy was the first European nation to be massively infected by SARS‐CoV‐2. Up to the end of May 2020, more than 33,000 deaths had been recorded in Italy, with a large prevalence among males, those over 75 years of age, and in association with co‐morbidities. We describe the lung pathological and immunohistochemical post‐mortem findings at the autopsy of nine patients who died of SARS‐CoV‐2‐associated disease. We found in the lung tissues of all patients histological changes consistent with diffuse alveolar damage in various evolution phases ranging from acute exudative to acute proliferative to fibrotic phase. Alveolar damage was associated with prominent involvement of the vascular component in both the interstitial capillaries and the mid‐size vessels, with capillary fibrin micro‐thrombi, as well as organized thrombi even in medium‐sized arteries, in most cases not related to sources of embolism. Eosinophilic infiltrate was also seen, probably reactive to pharmacological treatment. Viral RNA of SARS‐CoV‐2 was detected from the lung tissues of all the nine patients. Immunohistochemistry for the receptor of the SARS‐CoV‐2, ACE2, and its priming activator TMPRSS2 revealed that both proteins co‐localize in airway cells. In particular, the ACE2 protein was expressed in both endothelial cells and alveolar type I and II pneumocytes in the areas of histological diffuse alveolar damage (DAD). Pneumocytes, but not endothelial cells, also expressed TMPRSS2. There are no distinctive histological features of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection with respect to SARS‐CoV‐1 and other DAD with different aetiology. The identification of the cause of death in the course of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection is more likely multi‐factorial. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced thermal and dielectric performance of epoxy resin/aluminum nitride nanocomposites at high temperatures
Authors: Chen Xiangrong , Dai Chao , Jiang Tie , Paramane Ashish
Published: September 2020

The effects of nano‐aluminum nitride (nano‐AlN) on the thermal conductivity and dielectric performances of epoxy resin (EP) are investigated. The addition of nanoparticles in the materials is characterized. The trap characteristics of the samples are estimated using the surface potential decay (SPD) measurements at high temperatures. The results show that the nano‐AlN fillers are well dispersed in the nano‐AlN composites. The thermal conductivity consistently increases with an increase of the nano‐AlN content. The DC breakdown strength of the EP is enhanced with the addition of the nanoparticles as well, especially for the 0.5 and 1 wt% EP/AlN composites. The DC conductivity of the EP/AlN composites increases more obviously at the high temperature. The initial surface charge density of the samples with the same content of nano‐filler decreases with the increase of the temperature. Both the addition of nanoparticles and high temperature can improve the apparent carrier mobility of the EP sample. The trap density and trap level of the deep traps decreases with the increase of the temperature. It is postulated that shallow traps influence the voltage decay in the EP samples and increase the activation energy and the apparent carrier mobility of the specimens at the high temperature.
Simultaneous determination of multiple active 2‐(2‐phenylethyl)chromone analogues in agarwood by HPLC, QAMS, and UPLC‐MS
Authors: Gao Mei , Han Xiaomin , Huang Junqing , Sun Ying , Liu Yangyang , Chen Hongjiang , Jin Yue , Yang Yun , Gao Zhihui , Xu Yanhong , Zhang Zheng , He Chunnian
Published: September 2020

Introduction

Chromones are the major constituents of agarwood and are considered to be directly related to its quality. Agarotetrol, a chromone derivative, is a Chinese Pharmacopoeia content detection index. However, comprehensive high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), quantitative analysis of multiple components by a single marker (QAMS), and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS) analyses of this pharmacopeial plant material have never been performed. Moreover, reports regarding the separation and detection of multiple active 2‐(2‐phenylethyl)chromone analogues from this plant material are surprisingly scarce.

Objective

To establish a simple, reliable, and effective HPLC method utilising both diode array and MS detection for the simultaneous determination of multiple active chromone analogues in agarwood.

Methods

Four 2‐(2‐phenylethyl)chromones were isolated from methanol extracts of agarwood. After optimising the extraction, separation, and analytical conditions, validation of the developed analytical method indicated good linearity, satisfactory precision, and good recovery. On this basis, a method for the quantitative analysis of multiple components by a single marker was established. The four 2‐(2‐phenylethyl)chromones were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis and UPLC coupled to electrospray ionisation quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight MS.

Conclusions

The behaviour of the chromones characterised by MS fragmentation indicated a loss of molecular CO and the formation of m/z 121 compounds by the cleavage of CH2‐CH2 bonds between the chromone and phenyl moieties. Three detection methods were successfully used in this study for agarwood detection, and this protocol may potentially be used as a tool for the quality control of agarwood.
Piezoelectric properties reflecting nanostructures of tetrathiafulvalene and chloranil complexes using cyclic peptide nanotube scaffolds
Authors: Ohmura Hiroshi , Tabata Yuki , Kimura Shunsaku , Uji Hirotaka
Published: September 2020

Tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and chloranil were introduced at the side chains of different cyclic tripeptides, which were self‐assembled into peptide nanotubes (PNTs). PNTs were used as scaffolds for alignment of the charge‐transfer complexes between TTF and chloranil, and they were prepared via two methods, one is that mixing a PNT comprising only TTF with a PNT comprising only chloranil (method 1), and the other is that one pot mixing of cyclic tripeptides with TTF and cyclic tripeptides with chloranil to be self‐assembled into PNTs (method 2). These PNTs naturally associated to form PNT bundles. The surface potentials of the PNT bundles became larger for the PNTs carrying charge‐transfer complexes along the PNT (method 2) than those between PNTs (method 1). This bundle of PNT carrying charge‐transfer complexes along the PNT (method 2) showed a hysteresis response in the piezoelectric force curve with varying bias voltages according to piezoelectric force microscope measurements.
Registration of ‘NE10589’ (Husker Genetics Brand Ruth) hard red winter wheat
Authors: Baenziger P. S. , Graybosch R. A. , Rose D. J. , Xu L. , Guttieri M. J. , Regassa T. , Klein R. N. , Kruger G. R. , Santra D. K. , Hergert G. W. , Wegulo S. N. , Jin Y. , Kolmer J. , Hein G. L. , Bradshaw J. , Chen M.‐S. , Bai G. , Bowden R. L. , El‐Basyoni I. , Lorenz A.
Published: September 2020

With climate variation common in the U.S. Great Plains and particularly in Nebraska, wheat growers prefer broadly adapted cultivars. ‘NE10589’ (Reg. no. CV‐1165, PI 675998) hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed cooperatively by the Nebraska Agricultural Experiment Station and the USDA–ARS and released in January 2015 by the developing institutions. NE10589 was released primarily as a broadly adapted semi‐dwarf cultivar for its superior performance under rainfed conditions throughout Nebraska and adjacent areas of the Great Plains. Its broad adaptation ensures that it will perform well under the typical environmental fluctuations that occur in Nebraska. NE10589 was selected from the cross ‘OK98697’/‘Jagalene’//‘Camelot’, where the pedigree of OK98697 is ‘TAM 200’/‘HBB313E’//‘2158’. The F2 to F3 generations were advanced using the bulk breeding method at the Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead, NE, in 2006–2007. In 2007–2008, single F3:4 head rows were grown for selection. There was no further selection within the line thereafter. The F3:5 was evaluated as a single four‐row plot at Lincoln, NE, and a single row at Mead, NE, in 2009. In 2010, it was assigned the experimental line number NE10589. NE10589 was evaluated in replicated trials thereafter. It has excellent winter survival, acceptable disease reactions to many of the common diseases in its target area, and acceptable end‐use quality for bread making.
Deep Learning in Proteomics
Authors: Wen Bo , Zeng Wen‐Feng , Liao Yuxing , Shi Zhiao , Savage Sara R. , Jiang Wen , Zhang Bing
Published: September 2020

Proteomics, the study of all the proteins in biological systems, is becoming a data‐rich science. Protein sequences and structures are comprehensively catalogued in online databases. With recent advancements in tandem mass spectrometry (MS) technology, protein expression and post‐translational modifications (PTMs) can be studied in a variety of biological systems at the global scale. Sophisticated computational algorithms are needed to translate the vast amount of data into novel biological insights. Deep learning automatically extracts data representations at high levels of abstraction from data, and it thrives in data‐rich scientific research domains. Here, a comprehensive overview of deep learning applications in proteomics, including retention time prediction, MS/MS spectrum prediction, de novo peptide sequencing, PTM prediction, major histocompatibility complex‐peptide binding prediction, and protein structure prediction, is provided. Limitations and the future directions of deep learning in proteomics are also discussed. This review will provide readers an overview of deep learning and how it can be used to analyze proteomics data.
Cysteine‐rich antimicrobial peptides from plants: The future of antimicrobial therapy
Authors: Srivastava Shilpi , Dashora Kavya , Ameta Keshav Lalit , Singh Nagendra Pratap , El‐Enshasy Hesham Ali , Pagano Marcela Claudia , Hesham Abd El‐Latif , Sharma Gauri Dutt , Sharma Minaxi , Bhargava Atul
Published: September 2020

There has been a spurt in the spread of microbial resistance to antibiotics due to indiscriminate use of antimicrobial agents in human medicine, agriculture, and animal husbandry. It has been realized that conventional antibiotic therapy would be less effective in the coming decades and more emphasis should be given for the development of novel antiinfective therapies. Cysteine rich peptides (CRPs) are broad‐spectrum antimicrobial agents that modulate the innate immune system of different life forms such as bacteria, protozoans, fungi, plants, insects, and animals. These are also expressed in several plant tissues in response to invasion by pathogens, and play a crucial role in the regulation of plant growth and development. The present work explores the importance of CRPs as potent antimicrobial agents, which can supplement and/or replace the conventional antibiotics. Different plant parts of diverse plant species showed the presence of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which had significant structural and functional diversity. The plant‐derived AMPs exhibited potent activity toward a range of plant and animal pathogens, protozoans, insects, and even against cancer cells. The cysteine‐rich AMPs have opened new avenues for the use of plants as biofactories for the production of antimicrobials and can be considered as promising antimicrobial drugs in biotherapeutics.
The performance of acquisitions of founder CEO firms: The effect of founder firm premium
Authors: Kumar M. V. Shyam , Nagarajan Nandu J. , Schlingemann Frederik P.
Published: September 2020

Research Summary

We study the market performance of acquirers of targets that are public founder CEO firms. Using a switching regression model, we first estimate the unique value embedded in these targets due to founder presence, which we term “Founder Firm Premium.” We find Founder Firm Premium was positively associated with founder CEO departure ex‐post, and was negatively associated with acquirer abnormal returns. Our results suggest that the while acquirers pay for founder human capital upfront, they may not necessarily appropriate the associated value ex‐post, and that this uncertainty significantly influences acquisition performance. Additionally we illustrate the tradeoffs involved in founder CEO acquisitions, while drawing attention to the need for differentiating between professional and entrepreneurial human capital in acquisitions.

Managerial Summary

What risks do acquirers face when buying targets that are founder CEO firms? Founder CEO firms provide access to the human capital of founders and the distinctive organizations these individuals have built over time. However, founder CEOs are also difficult to retain, making it challenging for acquirers to capture the unique value and the associated premium embedded in these firms. We show that founder retention risks play a central role and can result in investors discounting these acquisitions. However, we also find that the non‐founder resources these firms possess in various functional areas can be an important source of value creation in these transactions. Acquirers thus need to be aware of these tradeoffs, while integrating founder CEO firms differently from professional CEO firms.
A simulation‐free approach to assessing the performance of the continual reassessment method
Authors: Braun Thomas M.
Published: September 2020

The continual reassessment method (CRM) is an adaptive design for Phase I trials whose operating characteristics, including appropriate sample size, probability of correctly identifying the maximum tolerated dose, and the expected proportion of participants assigned to each dose, can only be determined via simulation. The actual time to determine a final “best” design can take several hours or days, depending on the number of scenarios that are examined. The computational cost increases as the kernel of the one‐parameter CRM design is expanded to other settings, including additional parameters, monitoring of both toxicity and efficacy, and studies of combinations of two agents. For a given vector of true DLT probabilities, we have developed an approach that replaces a simulation study of thousands of hypothetical trials with a single simulation. Our approach, which is founded on the consistency of the CRM, very accurately reflects the results produced by the simulation study, but does so in a fraction of time required by the simulation study. Relative to traditional simulations, we extensively examine how our method is able to assess the operating characteristics of a CRM design for a hypothetical trial whose characteristics are based upon a previously published Phase I trial. We also provide a metric of nonconsistency and demonstrate that although nonconsistency can impact the operating characteristics of our method, the degree of over‐ or under‐estimation is unpredictable. As a solution, we provide an algorithm for maintaining the consistency of a chosen CRM design so that our method is applicable for any trial.
Facile Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Thieno[2,3‐g]indolizine Derivatives
Authors: Zinoveva Anna D. , Borisova Tatiana N. , Politova Polina A. , Titov Alexander A. , Varlamov Alexey V. , Voskressensky Leonid G. , Nguyen Van Tuyen , Le Tuan Anh
Published: September 2020

An effective approach to the synthesis of thieno[2,3‐g]indolizine derivatives has been developed. A wide variety of reagents such as unsaturated aldehydes, methylvinylketone, esters of acrylic acid, maleic anhydride, methyl propiolate, dimethyl and diethyl acetylenedicarboxylates in the construction of functionally diverse rarely encountered tricyclic system has been used. A high number of structurally various thieno[2,3‐g]indolizines has been obtained in domino reactions with medium and high yields, the influence of solvents on the course of transformations has been studied, and the presence of moderate cytotoxic activity for a number of compounds has been established.
The Features and Progress of Electrolyte for Potassium Ion Batteries
Authors: Liu Yiwei , Gao Cun , Dai Lei , Deng Qibo , Wang Ling , Luo Jiayan , Liu Shan , Hu Ning
Published: September 2020

Nowadays, Li‐ion batteries have achieved great success and are widely used in various fields. However, the scarcity and uneven distribution of lithium resources together with the increasing cost may hamper the sustainable development of Li‐ion batteries in the future. Hence, many researchers have turned to potassium ion batteries due to their abundant raw materials, low price, and high energy density. Although great progress has been made in recent years, there are still existing many challenges, especially the severe side reaction between electrolyte and K metal, which leads to an unstable solid–liquid interface and low coulombic efficiency. Hence, an excellent electrolyte may be the key to development of K‐ion batteries in the future. Unfortunately, no systematic research has been conducted to study the electrolyte and its role on the performance yet. In order to compensate for this limitation, in this paper, the status and progress of electrolytes for K‐ion batteries are reviewed, the issues and challenges existing in the development of electrolyte are clarified, and the future development is prospected.
Ball‐Bearing‐Inspired Polyampholyte‐Modified Microspheres as Bio‐Lubricants Attenuate Osteoarthritis
Authors: Yang Jielai , Han Ying , Lin Jiawei , Zhu Yuan , Wang Fei , Deng Lianfu , Zhang Hongyu , Xu Xiangyang , Cui Wenguo
Published: September 2020

Osteoarthritis, a lubrication dysfunction related disorder in joint, is characterized by articular cartilage degradation and joint capsule inflammation. Enhancing joint lubrication, combined with anti‐inflammatory therapy, is considered as an effective strategy for osteoarthritis treatment. Herein, based on the ball‐bearing‐inspired superlubricity and the mussel‐inspired adhesion, a superlubricated microsphere, i.e., poly (dopamine methacrylamide‐to‐sulfobetaine methacrylate)‐grafted microfluidic gelatin methacrylate sphere (MGS@DMA‐SBMA), is developed by fabricating a monodisperse, size‐uniform microsphere using the microfluidic technology, and then a spontaneously modified microsphere with DMA‐SBMA copolymer by a one‐step biomimetic grafting approach. The microspheres are endowed with enhanced lubrication due to the tenacious hydration layer formed around the charged headgroups (‐N+(CH3)2‐ and ‐SO3−) of the grafted poly sulfobetaine methacrylate (pSBMA), and simultaneously are capable of efficient drug loading and release capability due to their porous structure. Importantly, the grafting of pSBMA enables the microspheres with preferable properties (i.e., enhanced lubrication, reduced degradation, and sustained drug release) that are highly desirable for intraarticular treatment of osteoarthritis. In addition, when loaded with diclofenac sodium, the superlubricated microspheres with excellent biocompatibility can inhibit the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α)‐induced chondrocyte degradation in vitro, and further exert a therapeutic effect toward osteoarthritis in vivo.
Mechanical and durability studies on high‐volume fly‐ash concrete
Authors: Kumar Manish , Sinha Anand Kumar , Kujur Jitu
Published: September 2020

This article presents the experimental results on accelerated carbonation‐induced corrosion and related durability properties such as AC impendence, half‐cell potential, water permeability, and volume of permeable voids test of concrete made with high‐volume Class F fly ash (FA). Concrete specimens were prepared by substituting ordinary portland cement with FA at varying replacement levels (0–70%). High‐volume FA concrete shows the continuous gain in the compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity over a period of 365 days. The durability properties of concrete made with FA up to 50% shows the significant improvement. The scanning electron microscopy photomicrographs also support the findings and shows that the replacement of cement with FA densifies the concrete matrix due to the formation of more calcium silicate hydrate gels.
Post‐hatching growth of the limbs in an altricial bird species
Authors: Yan Jianjian , Zhang Zihui
Published: September 2020

The fore‐ and hindlimbs of birds are specialized to perform different functions. The growth patterns of limb bones and their relationship with the ontogeny of locomotion are critical to our understanding of variation in morphological, physiological and life‐history traits within and among species. Unfortunately, the ontogenetic development of limb bones has not been well explored, especially in altricial birds. In this study, we sampled the entire measurements of the pigeon (Columba livia) of individual skeletons, to investigate the ontogenetic allometry of limb bones by reduced major axis regression. The ulna and humerus were found to be positively allometric in relation to body mass, with the ulna growing more rapidly than the humerus. Together with previous data, this suggests that strong positive allometric growth in forelimb bones could be a common trend among diverse Carinatae groups. Hindlimb was dominated by positive allometry, but was variable in the growth of the tarsometatarsus which included three allometric patterns. A greater dorsoventral diameter in the midsection of the humerus and ulna confers superior bending resistance and is ideal for flapping/gliding flight. Shape variation in the midsection of different hindlimb components reflects different mechanical loading, and the markedly inverse trend between the tibiotarsus and tarsometatarsus before 28 days of age also suggests loading change before fledging. Before fledging, the growth of the leg bones was prior to that of the wing bones. This kind of asynchronous development of the fore‐ and hindlimbs was associated with the establishment and improvement of different functions, and with shifts in the importance of different functions over time.
X‐ray spectrometry applied for characterization of bricks of Brazilian historical sites
Authors: Asfora Viviane Khoury , Bueno Carmen Cecilia , de Barros Vinicius Monteiro , Khoury Helen , Van Grieken René
Published: September 2020

This paper presents the results of X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of bricks sampled from historical places in Pernambuco, a state in the northeastern region of Brazil. In this study, twenty bricks found in historical sites were analyzed. Two bricks made in the 17th century, presumably used as ballast in ships coming from Holland, five locally manufactured bricks: one from 18th century, three from 19th century, and one from 20th century, and thirteen bricks collected from a recent Archeological investigation of Alto da Sé, in the town of Olinda. Qualitative determination of the chemical elements present in the samples was undertaken using a self‐assembled portable XRF system based on a compact X‐ray tube and a thermoelectrically cooled Si‐PIN photodiode system, both commercially available. X‐ray diffraction analysis was also carried out to assess the crystalline mineral phases present in the bricks. The results showed that quartz (SiO2) is the major mineral content in all bricks. Although less expressive in the XRD patterns, mineral phases of illite, kaolinite, anorthite, and rutile are also identified. The trace element distribution patterns of the bricks, determined by the XRF technique, is dominated by Fe and, in decreasing order, by K, Ti, Ca, Mn, Zr, Rb, Sr, Cr, and Y with slight differences among them. Analyses of the chemical compositional features of the bricks, evaluated by principal component analysis of the XRF datasets, allowed the samples to be grouped into five clusters with similar chemical composition. These cluster groups were able to identify both age and manufacturing sites. Dutch bricks prepared with different geological clays compositions were defined.
Introduction: Conceptualising the Demography of Disasters
Authors: Karácsonyi Dávid , Taylor Andrew
Published: September 2020

Understanding and documenting intersects between disasters and human demographic change is an emerging academic field. Both the study of disasters and demographic issues are broad constructs in their own rights. While it may seem obvious to link the two, as we have in this book, disasters can impact on populations and population change in multifarious, obtuse and complex ways. Our aim in this book is to extend the nascent work to improve disaster policy and planning processes through enhancing knowledge about the demography-disaster nexus. In this chapter, we overview contemporary debates and paradigm shifts within the field of disaster studies to provide conceptual links between these and the field of demography. To conclude, we outline the topics and case studies which form the basis for individual chapters in this book.
Compounding Impacts of Lifeline Infrastructure Failure During Natural Hazard Events
Authors: Singh Emma A.
Published: September 2020

Critical infrastructures, such as transportation systems, communication networks, power and water utilities, have become so integrated into our modern and globalised world that they are commonly taken for granted. That is, until their services are disrupted. The failure of these lifeline services during natural hazard events has the potential to impact populations by exacerbating the hazard itself and/or hindering their ability to respond to or recover from the event. The failure of lifeline infrastructure can also propagate outside the reach of the hazard footprint, causing disruption in regions not directly impacted by the event. Understanding the potential flow-on effects from lifeline failure during natural hazard events is vital for future disaster mitigation, response and recovery. The 2009 South-Eastern Australia heatwave and the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption in Iceland are drawn on to highlight and discuss the vulnerability of lifelines to disruption from natural hazard shocks and the compounding impacts of lifeline failure during natural hazard events.