bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 13.56 MHz Rectifier Based on Fully Inkjet Printed Organic Diodes
Authors: Viola Fabrizio A. , Brigante Biagio , Colpani Paolo , Dell’Erba Giorgio , Mattoli Virgilio , Natali Dario , Caironi Mario
Published: July 2020

The increasing diffusion of portable and wearable technologies results in a growing interest in electronic devices having features such as flexibility, lightness‐in‐weight, transparency, and wireless operation. Organic electronics is proposed as a potential candidate to fulfill such needs, in particular targeting pervasive radio‐frequency (RF) applications. Still, limitations in terms of device performances at RF, particularly severe when large‐area and scalable fabrication techniques are employed, have largely precluded the achievement of such an appealing scenario. In this work, the rectification of an electromagnetic wave at 13.56 MHz with a fully inkjet printed polymer diode is demonstrated. The rectifier, a key enabling component of future pervasive wireless systems, is fabricated through scalable large‐area methods on plastic. To provide a proof‐of‐principle demonstration of its future applicability, its adoption in powering a printed integrated polymer circuit is presented. The possibility of harvesting electrical power from RF waves and delivering it to a cheap flexible substrate through a simple printed circuitry paves the way to a plethora of appealing distributed electronic applications.
The influence of decision time on sensitivity for consequences, moral norms, and preferences for inaction: Time, moral judgments, and the CNI model
Authors: Kroneisen Meike , Steghaus Sarah
Published: July 2020

It is often discussed that moral judgments are either consistent with the principle of utilitarianism or with the principle of deontology. Utilitarianism is a moral principle stating that the right act is the one that produces the best overall outcome. Deontology represents an ethical position indicating that the morality of an action depends on the intrinsic nature of the action regardless of the consequences. Criticism on the structure of moral dilemmas includes the problem that these dilemmas confound norms and consequences. Recently, a multinomial model (the CNI model) was developed to disentangle and measure sensitivity to consequences (C), sensitivity to moral norms (N), and general preference for inaction versus action (I), respectively. In Experiment 1, we examined the influence of time pressure on moral judgments using the CNI model. We found that time pressure influenced moral dilemma judgments by decreasing participants' sensitivity for consequences. There were no significant effects of time pressure on participants' sensitivity to norms and general preference for inaction. Furthermore, in Experiment 2, we examined the link of reaction times to moral judgments more closely by fitting a hierarchical Bayesian version of the CNI model. Longer reaction times lead to an increase in parameter N, and there was no influence of reaction times on parameter C or I.
Evolution of Sex Determination and Sex Chromosomes: A Novel Alternative Paradigm
Authors: Meisel Richard P.
Published: July 2020

Sex chromosomes can differ between species as a result of evolutionary turnover, a process that can be driven by evolution of the sex determination pathway. Canonical models of sex chromosome turnover hypothesize that a new master sex determining gene causes an autosome to become a sex chromosome or an XY chromosome pair to switch to a ZW pair (or vice versa). Here, a novel paradigm for the evolution of sex determination and sex chromosomes is presented, in which there is an evolutionary transition in the master sex determiner, but the X chromosome remains unchanged. There are three documented examples of the novel paradigm, and it is hypothesized that a similar process could happen in a ZW sex chromosome system. Three other taxa are also identified where the novel paradigm may have occurred, and how it could be distinguished from canonical trajectories in these and additional taxa is also described.
Building supply chain relational capital: The impact of supplier and customer leveraging on innovation performance
Authors: Onofrei George , Nguyen Hung M. , Zhang Min , Fynes Brian
Published: July 2020

Leveraging suppliers and customers, in order to build closer inter‐organisational ties, is often highlighted as a competitive priority in global supply chains (SCs). The creation of relational capital (RC) within a firm is a well‐researched concept; however, few studies investigated the customer/supplier leveraging mechanisms that build relational capital in SCs. In this study, we propose a model to examine the effects of supplier and customer leveraging on the creation of RC, which impacts innovation performance (IP). The empirical data for this study were drawn from the fifth round of the Global Manufacturing Research Group survey project (data collected from 557 manufacturing plants, in 10 countries). The hypotheses were empirically tested using structural equation modelling. The findings highlight the importance of SC leveraging towards building RC, in order to enhance innovation performance. The results show that supplier and customer leveraging positively impact the RC. In turn, the RC has a significant impact on IP. We found that the effect of SC leveraging directly and indirectly (partial mediated by RC) associates with the innovation performance. These findings are underpinned by the relational view, which argues that the relationships between firms are an important unit of analysis for understanding competitive advantage.
Successful pregnancy outcome in Herlyn‐Werner‐Wunderlich syndrome with pyocolpos: A case report and literature review
Authors: Tangshewinsirikul Chayada , Dulyaphat Wirada , Diawtipsukon Sanpon , Tingthanatikul Yada , Satirapod Chonthicha , Wattanasirichaigoon Duangrurdee
Published: July 2020

The presence of pelvic pain, a pelvic/paravaginal mass, and purulent vaginal discharge in primigravida should raise the possibility of obstructed hemivagina and uterine didelphys. Though conservative management could result in successful pregnancy outcomes, early excision of vaginal septum and adequate drainage offer a shorter course of management and complication avoidance.
Optimization of therapeutic strategy for p16‐positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma: Multi‐institutional observational study based on the national Head and Neck Cancer Registry of Japan
Authors: Saito Yuki , Hayashi Ryuichi , Iida Yoshiyuki , Mizumachi Takatsugu , Fujii Takashi , Matsumoto Fumihiko , Beppu Takeshi , Yoshida Masafumi , Shinomiya Hirotaka , Kamiyama Ryosuke , Kitano Mutsukazu , Yokoshima Kazuhiko , Fujimoto Yasushi , Hama Takanori , Yamashita Taku , Okami Kenji , Miura Kouki , Fujisawa Takuo , Sano Daisuke , Kato Hisayuki , Minami Shujiro , Sugasawa Masashi , Masuda Muneyuki , Ota Ichiro , Iwae Shigemichi , Kawata Ryo , Monden Nobuya , Imai Takayuki , Asakage Takahiro , Okada Masafumi , Yoshikawa Takanori , Tanioka Kensuke , Kitayama Megumi , Doi Mariko , Fujii Satoshi , Fujii Masato , Oridate Nobuhiko , Nakamizo Munenaga , Yoshimoto Seiichi , Homma Akihiro , Nibu Ken‐ichi , Yane Katsunari
Published: July 2020

Background

Although the American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM classification has been amended to include human papillomavirus (HPV)–related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) as an independent entity, to the authors' knowledge the optimized de‐escalating treatment modality has not been established to date.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective, nationwide, observational study in patients with HPV‐related OPSCC who were treated from 2011 to 2014 in Japan to determine the best treatment modality.

Results

A total of 688 patients who were newly diagnosed with HPV‐related OPSCC who were treated with curative intent at 35 institutions and had coherent clinical information and follow‐up data available were included in the current study. In patients with T1‐T2N0 disease (79 patients), both the 3‐year recurrence‐free survival and overall survival (OS) rates were 100% in the group treated with radiotherapy (RT) as well as the group receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). The 3‐year OS rates were 94.4% (for patients with T1N0 disease) and 92.9% (for patients with T2N0 disease) among the patients treated with upfront surgery. In patients with stage I to stage II HPV‐related OPSCC, the 5‐year recurrence‐free survival and OS rates were 91.4% and 92%, respectively, in the patients treated with CCRT with relatively high‐dose cisplatin (≥160 mg/m2; 114 patients) and 74.3% and 69.5%, respectively, in the patients treated with low‐dose cisplatin (<160 mg/m2; 17 patients).

Conclusions

Despite it being a retrospective observational trial with a lack of information regarding toxicity and morbidity, the results of the current study demonstrated that patients with T1‐T2N0 HPV‐related OPSCC could be treated with RT alone because of the equivalent outcomes of RT and CCRT, and patients with stage I to stage II HPV‐related OPSCC other than those with T1‐T2N0 disease could be treated with CCRT with cisplatin at a dose of ≥160 mg/m2.
Global, regional, and national burden of lung cancer and its attributable risk factors, 1990 to 2017
Authors: Wang Ning , Mengersen Kerrie , Tong Shilu , Kimlin Michael , Zhou Maigeng , Hu Wenbiao
Published: July 2020

Background

China's lung cancer (LC) burden plays a pivotal role in the global cancer epidemic. Comparing LC burden and population attributable fractions (PAFs) of risk factors between China and other countries/regions is essential to inform effective intervention. The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study provides a unique opportunity for such comparisons.

Methods

We extracted the number of LC deaths, age‐standardized death rates (ASDRs), age‐standardized disability‐adjusted life‐year (DALY) rates, and PAFs of risk factors for LC deaths between 1990 and 2017 from GBD 2017. The annual percentage change (APC) was used to quantify the trends of LC ASDRs and age‐standardized DALY rates. The relationship between the APC of LC ASDR and Socio‐demographic Index was assessed among China and other countries.

Results

Globally, the ASDR for LC decreased in men (APC, −0.66% [95% CI, −0.69 to −0.62]) but increased in women (APC, 0.31% [95% CI, 0.26 to 0.36]) from 1990 to 2017. The ASDRs in China increased both for men (APC, 1.12% [95% CI, 1.03 to 1.20]) and women (APC, 0.80% [95% CI, 0.70 to 0.89]). The increased LC death numbers among men (312,798) and women (139,115) in China accounted for 59.39% and 43.01% of global increases. LC years of life lost accounted for the majority of LC DALYs globally and in China. The risk factors with the highest PAFs of LC death in China were smoking and ambient particulate matter. The ASDRs for LC associated with ambient particulate matter in China ranked second globally.

Conclusions

The trends of LC ASDRs and age‐standardized DALY rates and the PAFs of risk factors vary markedly by region, indicating a need for tailored measures to reduce LC burden and improve health equality. China's LC ASDRs are among the highest in the world, and the primary intervention priorities in China should be control of ambient particulate matter and tobacco usage.
Lightweight task offloading exploiting MPI wait times for parallel adaptive mesh refinement
Authors: Samfass Philipp , Weinzierl Tobias , Charrier Dominic E. , Bader Michael
Published: July 2020

Balancing the workload of sophisticated simulations is inherently difficult, since we have to balance both computational workload and memory footprint over meshes that can change any time or yield unpredictable cost per mesh entity, while modern supercomputers and their interconnects start to exhibit fluctuating performance. We propose a novel lightweight balancing technique for MPI+X to accompany traditional, prediction‐based load balancing. It is a reactive diffusion approach that uses online measurements of MPI idle time to migrate tasks temporarily from overloaded to underemployed ranks. Tasks are deployed to ranks which otherwise would wait, processed with high priority, and made available to the overloaded ranks again. This migration is nonpersistent. Our approach hijacks idle time to do meaningful work and is totally nonblocking, asynchronous and distributed without a global data view. Tests with a seismic simulation code developed in the ExaHyPE engine uncover the method's potential. We found speed‐ups of up to 2‐3 for ill‐balanced scenarios without logical modifications of the code base and show that the strategy is capable to react quickly to temporarily changing workload or node performance.
Human‐Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Culture Methods Under cGMP Conditions
Authors: Rivera Teresa , Zhao Yuanyuan , Ni Yuhui , Wang Jiwu
Published: July 2020

The discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) revolutionized the approach to cell therapy in regenerative medicine. Reprogramming of somatic cells into an embryonic‐like pluripotent state provides an invaluable resource of patient‐specific cells of any lineage. Implementation of procedures and protocols adapted to current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) requirements is critical to ensure robust and consistent high‐quality iPSC manufacturing. The technology developed at Allele Biotechnology for iPSC generation under cGMP conditions is a powerful platform for derivation of pluripotent stem cells through a footprint‐free, feeder‐free, and xeno‐free reprogramming method. The cGMP process established by Allele Biotechnology entails fully cGMP compliant iPSC lines where the entire manufacturing process, from tissue collection, cell reprogramming, cell expansion, cell banking and quality control testing are adopted. Previously, we described in this series of publications how to create iPSCs using mRNA only, and how to do so under cGMP conditions. In this article, we describe in detail how to culture, examine and storage cGMP‐iPSCs using reagents, materials and equipment compliant with cGMP standards. © 2020 The Authors.

Basic Protocol 1: iPSC Dissociation

Support Protocol 1: Stem cell media

Support Protocol 2: ROCK inhibitor preparation

Support Protocol 3: Vitronectin coating

Basic Protocol 2: iPSC Cryopreservation

Basic Protocol 3: iPSC Thawing
A phylogenetic and trait‐based analysis of community assembly in a subtropical forest in central China
Authors: Zhang Jiaxin , Swenson Nathan G. , Liu Jianming , Liu Mengting , Qiao Xiujuan , Jiang Mingxi
Published: July 2020

Despite several decades of study in community ecology, the relative importance of the ecological processes that determine species co‐occurrence across spatial scales remains uncertain. Some of this uncertainty may be reduced by studying the scale dependency of community assembly in the light of environmental variation. Phylogenetic information and functional trait information are often used to provide potentially valuable insights into the drivers of community assembly. Here, we combined phylogenetic and trait‐based tests to gain insights into community processes at four spatial scales in a large stem‐mapped subtropical forest dynamics plot in central China. We found that all of the six leaf economic traits measured in this study had weak, but significant, phylogenetic signal. Nonrandom phylogenetic and trait‐based patterns associated with topographic variables indicate that deterministic processes tend to dominate community assembly in this plot. Specifically, we found that, on average, co‐occurring species were more phylogenetically and functionally similar than expected throughout the plot at most spatial scales and assemblages of less similar than expected species could only be found on finer spatial scales. In sum, our results suggest that the trait‐based effects on community assembly change with spatial scale in a predictable manner and the association of these patterns with topographic variables, indicates the importance of deterministic processes in community assembly relatively to random processes.
A novel approach for autism spectrum condition patients with eating disorders: Analysis of treatment cost‐savings
Authors: Tchanturia Kate , Dandil Yasemin , Li Zhuo , Smith Katherine , Leslie Monica , Byford Sarah
Published: July 2020

Objective

In the current economic context, it is critical to ensure that eating disorder (ED) treatments are both effective and cost‐effective. We describe the impact of a novel clinical pathway developed to better meet the needs of autistic patients with EDs on the length and cost of hospital admissions.

Method

The pathway was based on the Institute for Healthcare's Model of Improvement methodology, using an iterative Plan, Do, Study, Act format to introduce change and to co‐produce the work with people with lived experience and with healthcare professionals. We explored the change in length and cost of admissions before and after the pathway was introduced.

Results

Preliminary results suggest that the treatment innovations associated with this pathway have led to reduced lengths of admission for patients with the comorbidity, which were not seen for patients without the comorbidity. Estimated cost‐savings were approximately £22,837 per patient and approximately £275,000 per year for the service as a whole.

Conclusion

Going forward, our aim is to continue to evaluate the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of investment in the pathway to determine whether the pathway improves the quality of care for patients with a comorbid ED and autism and is good value for money.
LatCrit Theory as a Framework for Social Justice Evaluation: Considerations for Evaluation and Evaluators
Authors: Guajardo Andrea D. , Robles‐Schrader Grisel M. , Aponte‐Soto Lisa , Neubauer Leah C.
Published: July 2020

This chapter introduces the use of Latino Critical Race Theory (LatCrit) as a framework for inciting change through Social Justice Evaluation (Mertens & Wilson, 2012; Neubauer, 2015, 2017). Informed by the foundational work of Valdes (1997) and Solorzano and Yosso (2001), the authors suggest that LatCrit informed evaluation is a transdisciplinary process that links theory with practice, scholarship with evaluation learnings, and our institutions with community, action, and change. The chapter provides an overview of the theory, synthesizes related literature, and describes a guiding framework anchored in four functions of LatCrit, detailing cultural values and methodological implications. A description of evaluator individual and collective critical reflective process ground the chapter to center the value that coauthors place on ideas developed in community through collaborative inquiry.
New copper(II)‐coordinated epoxy‐amine polymers with flame‐self‐extinguishment properties: Elaboration, combustibility testing, and flame propagation rate measuring
Authors: Lavrenyuk Helen , Mykhalichko Borys , Garanyuk Petro , Mykhalichko Oleg
Published: July 2020

In the DGEBA ‐ pepa ‐ CuSiF6 system (DGEBA is diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A; pepa is polyethylenepolyamine containing ethylenediamine (eda) and diethylenetriamine (deta)), a new flame retardant‐hardener for epoxy resins in the form of a chelate complex [Cu(eda)(deta)]SiF6 was synthesized and incorporated into the DGEBA to obtain a number of CuSiF6‐containing epoxy‐amine polymers with reduced combustibility and flame‐self‐extinguishment properties. The resulting samples of the DGEBA/pepa‐CuSiF6(I‐V) were characterized using FTIR spectra, combustibility, and flammability tests and the smoke formation factor measurements. The combustibility of the polymer samples were investigated using “Ceramic tube” (CT) method. Results of CT measurement reveal that maximal temperature of gaseous products of combustion for modified epoxy‐amine polymers in comparison with the unmodified epoxy appreciably goes down and weight loss lessen. The flammability of the samples was evaluated by means of UL94 BH and UL94 BV methods. The burning rate of the DGEBA/pepa‐CuSiF6(III) and DGEBA/pepa‐CuSiF6(IV) polymers containing 44 and 66 weight fractions of CuSiF6, respectively, is dramatically reduced compared to that for unmodified epoxy (these samples do not support flame propagation). The rburn. Values for the unmodified epoxy‐amine sample (DGEBA/pepa) is 25.13 mm·min−1.
Development of Vietnamese stock market: Influence of domestic macroeconomic environment and regional markets
Authors: Nasir Muhammad Ali , Shahbaz Muhammad , Mai Trinh Thi , Shubita Moade
Published: July 2020

This study has analysed the role of the domestic economic environment and regional markets (Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong and China) in explaining the dynamics of Vietnamese stock market. In so doing, we employed a time‐varying structural vector autoregression framework which accounts for time variations (in coefficients as well as in the variance–covariance matrix of innovations) on the data from July 2000 to December 2016. Our key findings suggested that the easing of monetary and credit conditions, stable and stronger currency and economic growth have played a significant and positive role in the development of the stock market in Vietnam. Inflation shocks did have a negative impact which implied that in policy setting the price stability is very important for the financial stability in Vietnam. The Vietnamese stock market is also heavily influenced by the regional markets, as there is strong evidence of co‐movement. However, it was also witnessed that despite having a similar direction of impact and co‐movement, different markets have an influence of different degrees and intensity on the Vietnamese stock market. Lastly, we also witnessed that as compared to the Global Financial Crisis, the recent periods showed comparatively lesser responsiveness. This could be associated with the intensive reaction during the period of financial turmoil as well as with an increase in the stability of the Vietnamese stock market as it matures.
Capital structure revisited. Do crisis and competition matter in a Keiretsu corporate structure?
Authors: Danso Albert , Fosu Samuel , Owusu‐Agyei Samuel , Ntim Collins G. , Adegbite Emmanuel
Published: July 2020

We investigate firm‐level determinants of capital structure using a large sample of 4,284 Japanese firms over a 19‐year period (i.e., over 61,000 firm‐year observations), a hitherto less examined sample for this purpose. We conduct our analysis and interpret our findings predominantly within the pecking order, the trade‐off and the agency theoretical frameworks. We uncover three new findings. First, our evidence indicates that insights derived from the extant literature on capital structure are cross‐national and are applicable in the context of Japan, despite the unique characteristics of Japanese firms. Second, financial crisis significantly impacts the relationship between leverage and firm‐level determinants, particularly accentuating the effect of asset tangibility and growth. Third, product market competition significantly impacts the observed relationship between firm‐level determinants and leverage. Our results are robust, controlling for the joint effects of competition and crisis.
Cell membrane‐related toxic responses and disruption of intercellular communication in PCB mechanisms of toxicity: A review
Authors: Murati Teuta , Miletić Marina , Pleadin Jelka , Šimić Branimir , Kmetič Ivana
Published: July 2020

An understanding of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener‐specific effects on cell membrane and intercellular communication is important within the studies of PCB absorption, organ‐related PCB accumulation and exertion of toxic responses. Toxic potential of PCBs is linked to various deleterious effects on human health, including neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity and genotoxicity and, recently in 2016 International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has upgraded the classification of PCBs to Group 1 “Carcinogenic to humans.” Proposed mechanisms of aforementioned PCBs adverse effects at cellular membrane level are: (i) downregulation of gap junction intercellular communication and/or connexins; (ii) compromised membrane integrity; and (iii) altered tight junction barrier function. This study, based on an extensive literature survey, shows the progress in scientific research of each of these three levels with the aim of pointing out the earliest toxic events of PCBs, which can result in serious cell/tissue/organ damage.
An ensemble approach of urine sediment image analysis and NMP22 test for detection of bladder cancer cells
Authors: Cho Eun‐Jung , Kwon Bang Chang , Kim Hyunjung , Kyung Lee Hae
Published: July 2020

Background

Bladder cancer is the eighth most common cancer and the second most common urological cancer in Korean males. Current diagnostic tools for bladder cancer include cystoscopy (an upper tract study), urine cytology, and nuclear matrix protein 22 (NMP22) test. In this study, we evaluated the detection rate of atypical/malignant urothelial cells in urinary sediment images when flagged for positive NMP22 test.

Methods

NMP22 was measured by NMP22 BladderChek Test (Abbott Laboratories) and urine chemical and sediment analysis were performed by fully automated cobas 6500 urine analyzer (Roche Diagnostics). Specimens that met the manual microscopic examination (MME) criteria were then subjected to an on‐screen review of images. We subsequently reviewed sediment images and examined under the microscopy for the flagged cases.

Results

Of the 1217 patients, 345 (28.3%) had positive NMP22 results, whereas 872 (71.7%) had negative results. Out of the positive results, 154 (12.7%) were positive and 191 (15.7%) weakly positive for NMP22. Screened review of flagged specimens (ie, positive NMP22 result) with sediment imaging analysis revealed that suspicious urothelial carcinoma cells were detected in only two cases (0.8%). In the NMP22 negative flagged cases, the suspicious neoplastic cells were not found.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the NMP22 test should be added to the flagging criteria for MME to improve diagnostic accuracy. The combination of urine sediment imaging analysis and NMP22 test can significantly assist technicians in the review of specimens.
Early biochemical effects of velmanase alfa in a 7‐month‐old infant with alpha‐mannosidosis
Authors: Santoro Lucia , Zampini Lucia , Padella Lucia , Monachesi Chiara , Zampieri Stefania , Dardis Andrea , Cordiali Rosanna , Galeazzi Tiziana , Catassi Carlo
Published: July 2020

Alpha mannosidosis is an ultrarare pathology with variable phenotypic manifestations, characterized by the deficiency of lysosomal alpha mannosidase which causes accumulation of neutral oligosaccharides. Until recently, the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was the only clinical feasible therapeutic option. Only in 2018, the European Medicines Agency's committee approved the recombinant enzyme velmanase alfa for long‐term treatment of non‐neurological manifestations in mild and moderate forms of alpha‐mannosidosis. In this study, the very early biochemical effects of enzyme replacement therapy in in a 7‐month‐old patient with alpha‐mannosidosis were described. Velmanase alpha was administered as supporting therapy awaiting for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the treatment chosen for the patient because of the early onset form. The results showed that the enzyme replacement therapy was able to reduce the content of three different mannosyl‐oligosaccharides monitored by tandem mass spectrometry after 2 months of treatment. In particular, the mean relative changes from baseline values were −67% in urine and −53% in serum at the latest observation. The study also showed that the enzymatic activity detected in serum 1 week after the first infusion was four times higher than the normal values and constant in the following points of observation. These findings led us to assume that velmanase alfa might be biologically active in this young patient.
Effect of dielectric barrier discharge plasma on the degradation of malathion and chlorpyrifos on lettuce
Authors: Cong Laixin , Huang Mingming , Zhang Jianhao , Yan Wenjing
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Pesticides have been widely used to control pests on agricultural products in China, and large amounts of pesticide residues have caused a serious threat to human health. Thus, developing a high‐efficiency pesticide degradation method for fresh vegetables represents a great challenge. The present study investigated the effects of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma on the degradation of malathion and chlorpyrifos in aqueous solutions and on lettuces.

RESULTS

DBD treatment significantly degraded malathion and chlorpyrifos in water and on lettuce. After cold plasma treatment at 80 kV for 180 s, the degradation efficiency of malathion (0.5 μg mL−1) and chlorpyrifos (1.0 μg mL−1) in aqueous solutions reached 64.6% and 62.7%, respectively. The degradation intermediates were explored by HPLC‐mass spectrometry and the DBD plasma degradation pathways of malathion and chlorpyrifos were proposed. There was no significant damage to the quality of lettuces, including color and chlorophyll content, after plasma treatment. Ascorbic acid decreased significantly during long‐term treatment with DBD plasma. To ensure the quality of lettuces during processing, the treatment time was shortened to 120 s. Under this condition, the degradation efficiency of malathion (0.5 mg kg−1) and chlorpyrifos (1.0 mg kg−1) on lettuces was found to be 53.1% and 51.4%. More importantly, we noted that cold plasma treatment significantly inactivated the microorganisms on lettuces.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study show that cold plasma is an effective and safe method for the degradation of organic pesticide residues on fresh vegetables at the same time as retaining the original quality. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Neuroprotective effects of mango cv. ‘Ataulfo’ peel and pulp against oxidative stress in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Cázares‐Camacho Rosario , Domínguez‐Avila J Abraham , Astiazarán‐García Humberto , Montiel‐Herrera Marcelino , González‐Aguilar Gustavo A
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetes mellitus. Both can damage the brain. Mango and its by‐products are sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties. We hypothesized that mango cv. ‘Ataulfo’ peel and pulp mitigate oxidative stress in the brain of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats.

RESULTS

Twenty‐four male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, untreated diabetic (UD), diabetic treated with a mango‐supplemented diet (MTD), and diabetic pretreated with a mango‐supplemented diet (MPD). The rats were fed the different diets for 4 weeks after diabetes induction (MTD), or 2 weeks before and 4 weeks after induction (MPD). After the intervention, serum and brain (cerebellum and cortex) were collected to evaluate gene expression, enzyme activity, and redox biomarkers. Superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) expression increased in the cortex of the MTD group, whereas glutathione‐S‐transferase p1 (GSTp1) expression was higher in the cortex of the MTD group, and cortex and cerebellum of the MPD group. SOD1 activity was higher in the cerebellum and cortex of all diabetic groups, whereas GST activity increased in the cerebellum and cortex of the MPD group. Lipid peroxidation increased in the cerebellum and cortex of the UD group; however, a mango‐supplemented diet prevented this increase in both regions, while also mitigating polyphagia and weight loss, and maintaining stable glycemia in diabetic rats.

CONCLUSION

We propose that mango exerts potent neuroprotective properties against diabetes‐induced oxidative stress. It can be an alternative to prevent and treat biochemical alterations caused by diabetes. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Umbilical Artery Doppler Patterns and Right Ventricular Outflow Abnormalities in Twin‐Twin Transfusion Syndrome
Authors: Espinoza Jimmy , Furtun Betul Yilmaz , Kailin Joshua A. , Altman Carolyn A. , Seaman Rachel D. , Belfort Michael A. , Shamshirsaz Alireza A. , Nassr Ahmed A. , Sanz Cortes Magdalena , Donepudi Roopali V. , Espinoza Andres F. , Corroenne Romain , Lee Wesley
Published: July 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the association of abnormal Doppler velocimetric patterns in the umbilical arteries (UAs) and right ventricular outflow tract abnormalities (RVOTAs) in twin‐ twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) cases.

Methods

This retrospective study involved women who had laser surgery for TTTS between January 2012 and May 2018 at a single institution. The prevalence of an RVOTA in either twin was compared among TTTS cases in which both twins had positive end‐diastolic flow (EDF) in the UA and those in which either twin had intermittent or persistent absent/reversed UA EDF. Nonparametric tests were used for comparisons. Logistic regression was performed to identify variables associated with an RVOTA in either twin, adjusted for moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation, right ventricular hypertrophy, right ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction, the Quintero stage, and other confounders. P < .05 was considered significant.

Results

A total of 126 consecutive TTTS cases were included. Right ventricular outflow tract abnormalities were seen in 8.7% (11of 126) of cases, all in recipient twins. Significant differences in the rate of RVOTAs in the recipient twin were seen between TTTS cases with intermittent absent/reversed UA EDF and those with positive UA EDF (26.9% [7 of 26] versus 3.7% [3 of 82]; P = .002]. However, no significant differences were noted among the other study groups. Intermittent absent/reversed UA EDF was associated with a significantly increased risk for an RVOTA (adjusted odds ratio, 20.6 [95% confidence interval, 3.1–138]; P = .002) after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions

Intermittent changes in vascular impedance to UA flow may contribute to the pathogenesis of acquired right‐sided cardiac lesions in the recipient twin affected with TTTS.
Application Value of Shear Wave Elastography in the Evaluation of Tumor Downstaging for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Cong Yue , Fan Zhihui , Dai Ying , Zhang Zhongyi , Yan Kun
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the application value of shear wave elastography in the evaluation of tumor downstaging for locally advanced rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated in our hospital who received endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) and shear wave elastographic examinations before and after chemoradiotherapy. The cases were grouped according to the postoperative pathologic tumor‐staging scores. The lesions were divided into 2 groups: 1 showing and the other not showing tumor downstaging. The efficacy of ERUS in diagnosis of tumor downstaging was calculated. The differences in the mean and maximum values of the Young modulus of the lesions before and after chemoradiotherapy between the groups were calculated and compared. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed by using the differences in the 2 kinds of values of the Young modulus.

Results

The mean and maximum values of the Young modulus before and after chemoradiotherapy were significantly different (P < .05). The differences in the mean and maximum values of the Young modulus of rectal lesions between groups were statistically significant (P < .05). The results of the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that a difference in the mean value at 34.7 kPa was the optimal diagnostic threshold. Compared with ERUS, this standard showed a significant difference in diagnosis of tumor downstaging (P < .05).

Conclusions

Shear wave elastography is an effective ultrasound elastographic technique to assist ERUS in evaluating lesions after chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer. It can improve the diagnostic efficacy of tumor downstaging and provide effective imaging conclusions for clinical decision making.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Fire on Eastern Box Turtles
Authors: Harris Katie A. , Clark Joseph D. , Elmore R. Dwayne , Harper Craig A.
Published: July 2020

Prescribed fire is an increasingly important management tool for eastern deciduous forests, but relativity little is known about the direct effects of fire on the eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina). We used very high frequency (VHF) transmitters to monitor mortality, movement, and spatial ecology of 118 box turtles in response to 17 prescribed fires across 4 seasons and 3 sites in east Tennessee, USA, during 2016–2018. Annual survival of box turtles that experienced a prescribed fire event was lower (0.87 ± 0.04 [SE]) than turtles that did not (0.98 ± 0.01) and was negatively correlated with fire intensity, fire temperature the turtle experienced, and litter depth. All prescribed fire‐related mortalities occurred during the early (Apr–May,n = 5) or late growing season (Sep–Oct,n = 1). Fourteen percent of box turtles we captured exhibited damage to their carapace from previous fire events. Box turtles that survived prescribed fires were in microsites that did not burn, moved to unburned areas during the fire, or burrowed following ignition. Home range size was similar before and after burns and sinuosity of movements did not differ in burned or unburned areas. Our results indicate that though box turtles are susceptible to prescribed fire during their active season, they have behavioral and physical traits that reduce the direct effects of prescribed fire. Prescribed fire practitioners should be aware of the risks of fire, particularly during the active season. We suggest managers consider altering prescribed fire intensity, seasonality, and firing pattern to minimize risk of direct effects where box turtles are of concern. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Möbius transformation and a version of Schwarz lemma in octonionic analysis
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Bian Xiaoli , Liu Hua
Published: July 2020

The octonion is a generalization of complex to noncommutative and nonassociative space which has closed relation with exception geometries, wave equation, Yang‐Mills equations, black hole, string theory, and special relativity. In this paper, the Möbius transformation in this manner is first introduced, and some properties are discussed about the transformation in octonionic analysis. Some technique lemmas will be given to solve the problems caused by the weak form of associativity. These versions of Schwarz lemma and Schwarz‐Pick lemma are first studied in octonionic setting which will invoke integral representation formula for harmonic function and Möbius transformations. This will generalize the corresponding results which appear in the classical function theory to nonassociative space and may give new energy for the development of physics.
Copper tetrazolate based metal‐organic frameworks as highly efficient catalysts for artificially chemical and electrochemical CO2 conversion
Authors: Zhong Haixia , Liu Kaihua , Zhang Qi , Meng Fanlu , Bao Di , Zhang Xinbo
Published: July 2020

Development of efficient catalyst for CO2 conversion is highly demanded to alleviate the CO2 related environmental and energy crisis. Here, we develop a series of copper tetrazolate based metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) (Cu−5H, Cu−5M and Cu−5P) to promote the artificial CO2 conversion via chemical and electrochemical route. Featuring with abundant exposed Lewis‐acid Cu centers, nitrogen‐rich sites, and porous architecture, Cu−5M and Cu−5P exhibit high yield (>99%) toward synthesizing cyclic carbonate via the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 to epoxide at ambient condition. In electrochemical CO2 conversion process, Cu−5H shows high electrocatalytic activity with a large Faradaic efficiency (91%) for formate. The ex situ scanning electron microscopy and x‐ray diffraction investigations indicate the in situ generated Cu species in the MOFs structure play vital roles in promoting the high electrocatalytic activity. Our work sheds light on the facile development of metal and nitrogen‐rich MOF based catalysts in chemical and electrochemical conversion CO2 to valuable chemical and fuel.
Incidence rates of and risk factors for opioid overdose in new users of prescription opioids among US Medicaid enrollees: A cohort study
Authors: Nam Young Hee , Bilker Warren B. , DeMayo Francesco J. , Neuman Mark D. , Hennessy Sean
Published: July 2020

Purpose

To measure incidence rates of and risk factors for opioid overdose among new users of prescription opioids in the Medicaid population.

Methods

A cohort study using Medicaid claims from four states (1999‐2012) among adults continuously enrolled in Medicaid for ≥3 years free of opioid prescriptions and opioid overdose before cohort entry. Exposure and outcome of interest were prescription opioid use and apparent incident opioid overdose identified in inpatient and outpatient claims (sensitivity ≈ 97%; positive predictive value ≈ 87%), respectively.

Results

Among new prescription opioid users (1 336 140 persons; 246 466 person‐years), the overall opioid overdose incidence rate per 100 000 person‐years was 247.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 227.5‐266.7), with 251.0 (CI, 188.6‐313.5) in 2002 and 225.5 (CI, 142.0‐309.0) in 2012. A lower hazard for opioid overdose was seen for age 65‐80 years (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.50; CI, 0.37‐0.66) and 80‐100 years (0.35; 0.23‐0.52) vs 18‐35 years; females (0.79; 0.67‐0.93) vs males; and other/unknown race/ethnicity (0.71; 0.54‐0.93) vs whites. A higher hazard was seen for initial opioid dose in morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs), 50‐100 MME/day (1.52; 1.24‐1.86) and >100 MME/day (1.98; 1.55‐2.53), vs <50 MME/day; prior diagnosis of substance use disorders (2.30; 1.91‐2.79) or mental health conditions (1.75; 1.47‐2.08); and prior prescriptions for benzodiazepines (1.43; 1.13‐1.81).

Conclusion

In Medicaid enrollees in four study states during 2002 to 2012, opioid overdose incidence rate per 100 000 person‐years among apparent new users of prescription opioids was 247.1, with 251.0 in 2002 and 225.5 in 2012. Younger ages, white race/ethnicity, higher MME opioid daily doses, prior substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and benzodiazepine prescriptions were associated with a higher risk of opioid overdose incidence.
Controlled radical copolymerization of multivinyl crosslinkers: a robust route to functional branched macromolecules
Authors: Sims Michael B
Published: July 2020

Controlled radical polymerization (CRP) has both revolutionized the synthesis of linear polymers and enabled unprecedented topological complexity. While the synthesis of many polymeric architectures requires careful planning and specialized precursors, branched macromolecules such as segmented hyperbranched polymers (SHPs), knotted polymers, core‐crosslinked stars (CCSs), and more can be synthesized through the copolymerization of vinyl monomers and divinyl crosslinkers in only a few steps. In the nearly two decades since its discovery, this strategy has helped elucidate the fundamental polymerization behavior of crosslinkers and also yielded a variety of functional and stimuli‐responsive materials. The purpose of this mini‐review is to therefore overview critical fundamental aspects of CRP of crosslinkers and materials derived therefrom. The process by which both SHPs and CCS polymers are synthesized, the effect of key reaction parameters and intriguing recent advances are described with the intent of both educating new researchers and inspiring new directions in this area. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Implementation of analytical quality‐by‐design and green analytical chemistry approaches for the development of robust and ecofriendly UHPLC analytical method for quantification of chrysin
Authors: Sharma Teenu , Jain Atul , Saini Sumant , Katare OP , Singh Bhupinder
Published: July 2020

Amalgamation of Quality by Design approach with the concepts of green analytical chemistry was employed for holistic understanding of the method, along with minimal environmental adverse impacts. Thus, the current analytical method was precisely evaluated employing risk assessment studies followed by factor screening studies in order to select the critical method parameters. Optimization for the chosen critical method parameters was carried out employing a 3‐factor‐3‐level‐17‐run Box Behnken Design. Analytical design region marking the optimal method performance was identified using numerical and graphical optimization. Optimal method conditions include use of a C8 column, along with acetonitrile and water in 80:20 v/v as mobile phase flowing at the rate of 0.5 mL/min with an injection volume of 5 µL at λmax of 267 nm. Validation studies established the high efficiency, robustness, and sensitivity of the developed method for quantification of chrysin in working standards as well as in biological matrix, that is, plasma. Optimal method exhibited high sensitivity with 0.028 µg/mL as LOD and 0.075 µg/mL as LOQ. Percent recovery during accuracy testing was found to be between 98.34 and 104.80%, thus, demonstrating method to be highly accurate. Thus, this method finds its utility in qualitative and quantitative analysis of chrysin. The obtained score for the current developed method was found to be 81 on the basis of penalty points of eco scale, indicating it to be a greener analytical method.
Note on quantitative homogenization results for parabolic systems in $${\mathbb {R}}^d$$
Authors: Meshkova Yulia
Published: July 2020

In $$L_2({\mathbb {R}}^d;{\mathbb {C}}^n)$$

L
2

(

R

d

;

C

n

)

, we consider a semigroup $$e^{-tA_\varepsilon }$$

e

-
t

A
ε

, $$t\geqslant 0$$

t
⩾
0

, generated by a matrix elliptic second-order differential operator $$A_\varepsilon \geqslant 0$$

A
ε

⩾
0

. Coefficients of $$A_\varepsilon $$

A
ε

are periodic, depend on $${\mathbf {x}}/\varepsilon $$

x
/
ε

, and oscillate rapidly as $$\varepsilon \rightarrow 0$$

ε
→
0

. Approximations for $$e^{-tA_\varepsilon }$$

e

-
t

A
ε

were obtained by Suslina (Funktsional Analiz i ego Prilozhen 38(4):86–90, 2004) and Suslina (Math Model Nat Phenom 5(4):390–447, 2010) via the spectral method and by Zhikov and Pastukhova (Russ J Math Phys 13(2):224–237, 2006) via the shift method. In the present note, we give another short proof based on the contour integral representation for the semigroup and approximations for the resolvent with two-parametric error estimates obtained by Suslina (2015).