bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collaboration for drug prevention: Is it possible in a “siloed” governmental structure?
Authors: Oldeide Olin , Fosse Elisabeth , Holsen Ingrid
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Norwegian municipalities report that drug misuse is the most important public health challenge. The municipalities play a unique role in drug prevention aimed at youth, since young people rely on several services in their daily lives that are organized by different municipal departments. However, the municipal structure is described as siloed, and the policy areas as differentiated. This situation has led to a need for integration between different policy sectors to prevent drug use and promote health. The following study explores how policymakers describe the structures for integration within local government in practice with regard to drug prevention aimed at youth, contributing to the ongoing debate on collaboration and integration in response to public health challenges.

Methods

A single case study design was used to investigate the accounts of policymakers from different municipal departments in a Norwegian municipality following Axelsson and Axelsson's conceptual scheme of integration.

Findings

Collaboration between departments was viewed as important to successfully address drug prevention; however, the policymakers recognized problems with integration. The participants described confusion regarding ownership between the departments and a perceived lack of a mandate for collaboration.

Conclusions

The findings and discussion illustrate that integration of drug prevention in a siloed structure relies on departments appreciating their respective roles in drug prevention and advisers experiencing a mandate to manage the siloes that exist in the organization. By gaining a better understanding of the siloed structures, we can provide valuable information needed to navigate them.
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase promotes angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma via PI3K/Akt and STAT3
Authors: Zhou Ying , Li Yaoting , Xu Shihao , Lu Jing , Zhu Ziyi , Chen Shaoli , Tan Yuan , He Peng , Xu Jin , Proud Christopher G. , Xie Jianling , Shen Kaikai
Published: July 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive malignancy with increasing mortality in China. Angiogenesis is crucial for tumor formation, development and metastasis in HCC. Previous studies indicated that high expression levels of elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K), a protein kinase that negatively regulates the elongation stage of translation, were associated with poor prognosis of HCC. Here, we show that pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of eEF2K in highly metastatic liver cancer cells inhibits their colony forming and migratory capacities, as well as reducing their invasiveness. Importantly, knocking down eEF2K by lentiviral directed shRNA prevented tumor growth and angiogenesis of HCC in mice. Silencing of eEF2K in endothelial cells (HUVECs) led to a reduction in vascularization, evidenced by a decrease in capillary‐like structures in the matrigel. Notably, knocking down eEF2K reduced the expression of angiogenesis‐related growth factors in liver cancer cells and the expression of growth factor receptors on HUVECs, and thus restricted signaling crosstalk that promotes angiogenesis between HCC cells and endothelial cells. We also showed that silencing of eEF2K effectively reduced protein levels of SP1/KLF5 transcription factors and hence decreased the levels of bound SP1/KLF5 to the VEGF promoter, resulted in a decrease in VEGF mRNA expression. Knocking down eEF2K also led to a striking decrease in the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt and STAT3, indicating inactivation of these tumorigenic pathways. Taken together, our data suggest that eEF2K contributes to angiogenesis and tumor progression in HCC via SP1/KLF5‐mediated VEGF expression, as well as the subsequent stimulation of PI3K/Akt and STAT3 signaling.
The burden of HIV among female sex workers, men who have sex with men and transgender women in Haiti: results from the 2016 Priorities for Local AIDS Control Efforts (PLACE) study
Authors: Zalla Lauren C , Herce Michael E , Edwards Jessie K , Michel Jacob , Weir Sharon S
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Despite the higher risk of HIV among female sex workers (FSWs), men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW), these populations are under‐represented in the literature on HIV in Haiti. Here, we present the first nationally representative estimates of HIV prevalence and the first care and treatment cascade for FSWs, MSM and TGW in Haiti. We also examine the social determinants of HIV prevalence in these groups and estimate FSW and MSM population size in Haiti.

Methods

Data were collected between April 2016 and February 2017 throughout the 10 geographical departments of Haiti. The Priorities for Local AIDS Control Efforts (PLACE) method was used to: (1) recruit participants for a behavioural survey; (2) provide rapid testing, counselling and linkage to care for syphilis and HIV; and (3) measure viral load using dried blood spots for participants testing HIV positive.

Results

Study participants included 990 FSWs, 520 MSM and 109 TGW. HIV prevalence was estimated at 7.7% (95% CI 6.2%, 9.6%) among FSWs, 2.2% (0.9%, 5.3%) among MSM and 27.6% (5.0%, 73.5%) among TGW. Of participants who tested positive for syphilis, 17% of FSWs, 19% of MSM and 74% of TGW were co‐infected with HIV. Economic instability and intimate partner violence (IPV) were significantly associated with HIV among MSM; food insecurity, economic instability and history of rape were significantly associated with HIV among TGW. Fewer than one‐third of participants living with HIV knew their status, and more than a quarter of those who knew their status were not on treatment. While approximately four in five FSW and MSM participants on treatment for HIV were virally suppressed, viral suppression was less common among TGW participants at only 46%.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates a need for targeted interventions to prevent and treat HIV among key populations in Haiti. Potential high‐impact interventions may include venue‐based, peer navigator‐led outreach and testing for HIV and syphilis and improving screening and case management for structural violence and IPV. TGW are in urgent need of such interventions due to our observations of alarmingly high HIV prevalence and low frequency of HIV viral suppression among TGW.
Cost‐per‐diagnosis as a metric for monitoring cost‐effectiveness of HIV testing programmes in low‐income settings in southern Africa: health economic and modelling analysis
Authors: Phillips Andrew N , Cambiano Valentina , Nakagawa Fumiyo , Bansi‐Matharu Loveleen , Wilson David , Jani Ilesh , Apollo Tsitsi , Sculpher Mark , Hallett Timothy , Kerr Cliff , van Oosterhout Joep J , Eaton Jeffrey W , Estill Janne , Williams Brian , Doi Naoko , Cowan Frances , Keiser Olivia , Ford Deborah , Hatzold Karin , Barnabas Ruanne , Ayles Helen , Meyer‐Rath Gesine , Nelson Lisa , Johnson Cheryl , Baggaley Rachel , Fakoya Ade , Jahn Andreas , Revill Paul
Published: July 2019

Introduction

As prevalence of undiagnosed HIV declines, it is unclear whether testing programmes will be cost‐effective. To guide their HIV testing programmes, countries require appropriate metrics that can be measured. The cost‐per‐diagnosis is potentially a useful metric.

Methods

We simulated a series of setting‐scenarios for adult HIV epidemics and ART programmes typical of settings in southern Africa using an individual‐based model and projected forward from 2018 under two policies: (i) a minimum package of “core” testing (i.e. testing in pregnant women, for diagnosis of symptoms, in sex workers, and in men coming forward for circumcision) is conducted, and (ii) core‐testing as above plus additional testing beyond this (“additional‐testing”), for which we specify different rates of testing and various degrees to which those with HIV are more likely to test than those without HIV. We also considered a plausible range of unit test costs. The aim was to assess the relationship between cost‐per‐diagnosis and the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the additional‐testing policy. The discount rate used in the base case was 3% per annum (costs in 2018 U.S. dollars).

Results

There was a strong graded relationship between the cost‐per‐diagnosis and the ICER. Overall, the ICER was below $500 per‐DALY‐averted (the cost‐effectiveness threshold used in primary analysis) so long as the cost‐per‐diagnosis was below $315. This threshold cost‐per‐diagnosis was similar according to epidemic and programmatic features including the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV, the HIV incidence and a measure of HIV programme quality (the proportion of HIV diagnosed people having a viral load <1000 copies/mL). However, restricting to women, additional‐testing did not appear cost‐effective even at a cost‐per‐diagnosis of below $50, while restricting to men additional‐testing was cost‐effective up to a cost‐per‐diagnosis of $585. The threshold cost per diagnosis for testing in men to be cost‐effective fell to $256 when the cost‐effectiveness threshold was $300 instead of $500, and to $81 when considering a discount rate of 10% per annum.

Conclusions

For testing programmes in low‐income settings in southern African there is an extremely strong relationship between the cost‐per‐diagnosis and the cost‐per‐DALY averted, indicating that the cost‐per‐diagnosis can be used to monitor the cost‐effectiveness of testing programmes.
Is knowledge of HIV status associated with sexual behaviours? A fixed effects analysis of a female sex worker cohort in urban Uganda
Authors: Ortblad Katrina F , Musoke Daniel K , Ngabirano Thomson , Salomon Joshua A , Haberer Jessica E , McConnell Margaret , Oldenburg Catherine E , Bärnighausen Till
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Female sex workers (FSWs) have strong economic incentives for sexual risk‐taking behaviour. We test whether knowledge of HIV status affects such behaviours among FSWs.

Methods

We used longitudinal data from a FSW cohort in urban Uganda, which was formed as part of an HIV self‐testing trial with four months of follow‐up. Participants reported perceived knowledge of HIV status, number of clients per average working night, and consistent condom use with clients at baseline, one month, and four months. We measured the association between knowledge of HIV status and FSWs’ sexual behaviours using linear panel regressions with individual fixed effects, controlling for study round and calendar time.

Results

Most of the 960 participants tested for HIV during the observation period (95%) and experienced a change in knowledge of HIV status (71%). Knowledge of HIV status did not affect participants’ number of clients but did affect their consistent condom use. After controlling for individual fixed effects, study round and calendar month, knowledge of HIV‐negative status was associated with a significant increase in consistent condom use by 9.5 percentage points (95% CI 5.2 to 13.5, p < 0.001), while knowledge of HIV‐positive status was not associated with a significant change in consistent condom use (2.5 percentage points, 95% CI −8.0 to 3.1, p = 0.38).

Conclusions

In urban Uganda, FSWs engaged in safer sex with clients when they perceived that they themselves were not living with HIV. Even in communities with very high HIV prevalence, the majority of the population will test HIV‐negative. Our results thus imply that expansion of HIV testing programmes may serve as a behavioural HIV prevention measure among FSWs.
Characterization of heart macrophages in rhesus macaques as a model to study cardiovascular disease in humans
Authors: Petkov Daniel I , Liu David X , Allers Carolina , Didier Peter J , Didier Elizabeth S , Kuroda Marcelo J
Published: July 2019

Rhesus macaques are physiologically similar to humans and, thus, have served as useful animal models of human diseases including cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to characterize the distribution, composition, and phenotype of macrophages in heart tissues of very young (fetus: 0.5 years, n = 6), young adult (2–12 years, n = 12), and older adult (13–24 years, n = 9) rhesus macaques using histopathology and immunofluorescence microscopy. Results demonstrated that macrophages were uniformly distributed throughout the heart in animals of all age groups and were more prevalent than CD3-positve T-cells and CD20-positive B-cells. Macrophages comprised approximately 2% of heart tissue cells in the younger animals and increased to a mean of nearly 4% in the older adults. CD163-positive macrophages predominated over HAM56-positive and CD206-positive macrophages, and were detected at significantly higher percentage in the animals between 13 and 24 years of age, as well as in heart tissues exhibiting severe histopathology or inflammation in animals of all age groups. In vivo dextran labeling and retention indicated that approximately half of the macrophages were longer lived in healthy adult heart tissues and may comprise the tissue-resident population of macrophages. These results provide a basis for continued studies to examine the specific functional roles of macrophage subpopulations in heart tissues during homeostasis and in cardiovascular disease for then developing intervention strategies.
Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance index trajectories in HIV‐infected patients treated with different first‐line antiretroviral regimens
Authors: Gianotti Nicola , Muccini Camilla , Galli Laura , Poli Andrea , Spagnuolo Vincenzo , Andolina Andrea , Galizzi Nadia , Ripa Marco , Messina Emanuela , Piatti Pier Marco , Lazzarin Adriano , Castagna Antonella
Published: July 2019

Objective

To describe the trajectories of the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) index in a cohort of HIV‐1 infected patients during their first‐line antiretroviral (ART) regimen.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of naïve patients who started ART from 2007 at the Infectious Diseases Unit of the San Raffaele Hospital, Milan. We included patients treated with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs, tenofovir, abacavir, lamivudine or emtricitabine), and one anchor drug (ritonavir‐boosted protease inhibitor [PI/r], non‐NRTI [NNRTI], or integrase strand transfer inhibitor [InSTI]), and with HOMA‐IR assessed both before and after the start of ART. Univariate and multivariate mixed linear models estimated HOMA‐IR changes during ART.

Results

Among 618 patients included in the study, 218 received InSTI‐, 210 PI/r‐, and 190 NNRTI‐based regimens. Median follow‐up was 27.4 (16.3‐41.2) months. Adjusted mean change in HOMA‐IR index was significantly higher (P = .041) in patients treated with InSTI‐based regimens [0.160 (95% CI: 0.003‐0.321) units per year] compared with NNRTI‐based regimens [−0.005 (95% CI: −0.184‐0.074) units per year]; no difference was observed between patients treated with NNRTI‐ and PI/r‐based regimens or between INSTI‐based and PI/r‐based regimens.

Conclusion

InSTI‐based first‐line ARTs were independently associated with greater increases in HOMA‐IR index.
Differential Effector Response of Amnion‐ and Adipose‐Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Inflammation; Implications for Intradiscal Therapy
Authors: Borem Ryan , Madeline Allison , Bowman Mackenzie , Gill Sanjitpal , Tokish John , Mercuri Jeremy
Published: July 2019

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a progressive condition marked by tissue destruction and inflammation. The therapeutic effector functions of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) makes them an attractive therapy for patients with IVDD. While several sources of MSCs exist, the optimal choice for use in the inflamed IVD remains a significant question. Adipose (AD)‐ and amnion (AM)‐derived MSCs have several advantages compared with other sources, however, no study has directly compared the impact of IVDD inflammation on their effector functions. Human MSCs were cultured in media with or without supplementation of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumor necrosis factor‐α at concentrations reportedly produced by IVDD cells. MSC proliferation and production of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines were quantified following 24 and 48 h of culture. Additionally, the osteogenic and chondrogenic potential of AD‐ and AM‐MSCs was characterized via histology and biochemical analysis following 28 days of culture. In inflammatory culture, AM‐MSCs produced significantly more anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 (14.47 ± 2.39 pg/ml; p = 0.004) and larger chondrogenic pellets (5.67 ± 0.26 mm2; p = 0.04) with greater percent area staining positively for glycosaminoglycan (82.03 ± 3.26%; p < 0.001) compared with AD‐MSCs (0.00 ± 0.00 pg/ml; 2.76 ± 0.18 mm2; 34.75 ± 2.49%; respectively). Conversely, AD‐MSCs proliferated more resulting in higher cell numbers (221,000 ± 8,021 cells; p = 0.048) and produced higher concentrations of pro‐inflammatory cytokines prostaglandin E2 (1,118.30 ± 115.56 pg/ml; p = 0.030) and IL‐1β (185.40 ± 7.63 pg/ml; p = 0.010) compared with AM‐MSCs (109,667 ± 5,696 cells; 1,291.40 ± 78.47 pg/ml; 144.10 ± 4.57 pg/ml; respectively). AD‐MSCs produced more mineralized extracellular matrix (3.34 ± 0.05 relative absorbance units [RAU]; p < 0.001) compared with AM‐MSCs (1.08 ± 0.06 RAU). Under identical inflammatory conditions, a different effector response was observed with AM‐MSCs producing more anti‐inflammatories and demonstrating enhanced chondrogenesis compared with AD‐MSCs, which produced more pro‐inflammatory cytokines and demonstrated enhanced osteogenesis. These findings may begin to help inform researchers which MSC source may be optimal for IVD regeneration. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2445–2456, 2019
Synthesis, Surface Activity, and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Hydrogenated Cardanol‐Derived Positively Charged Asymmetric Gemini Surfactants
Authors: Huang Mengen , Ma Jingyi , Wu Xunshen , Zhao Min , Wang Limin , Che Fei , Qian Hui
Published: July 2019

Nine different hydrogenated cardanol‐based quaternary ammonium compounds including one conventional single‐tale single‐head surfactant, one bicephalic single‐tale double‐head surfactant, and seven asymmetric Gemini surfactants were synthetized using a simple process with high yields. Their structures were characterized using 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and high‐resolution mass spectral studies. Their surface active properties were evaluated by the wilhelmy plate method at 25 °C and physical parameters like CMC, γCMC, πCMC, C20, τCMC, and Amin were calculated. The Krafft temperature values of C‐BP‐1, C‐BP‐4, and C‐BP‐6 are lower than 0 °C, suggesting high‐potential industrial application. All synthesized compounds but C‐BP‐F exhibit great antimicrobial ability against Gram‐positive bacteria (S. aureus [ATCC 25923] and C. glutamicum [ATCC 13032]) while inadequate antimicrobial ability against Gram negative strains (E. coli [ATCC 25922] and P. aeruginosa [ATCC 27853]).
Landscape‐scale greater prairie‐chicken–habitat relations and the Conservation Reserve Program
Authors: Adkins Kalysta , Roy Charlotte L. , Andersen David E. , Wright Robert G.
Published: July 2019

Both the abundance of greater prairie‐chickens (Tympanuchus cupido pinnatus) and the area of grassland enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) in northwestern Minnesota, USA, have recently declined. Although wildlife conservation is a stated objective of the CRP, the impact of the CRP on greater prairie‐chicken populations has not been quantified. To address that information need, we evaluated the association between greater‐prairie chicken lek density (leks/km2), the number of males at leks (males/lek), and CRP enrollments in the context of landscape structure and composition in northwestern Minnesota. Using data from standardized prairie‐chicken surveys and land cover in 17 41‐km2 survey blocks during 2004–2016, we used a mixed‐effect model and a layered approach in an information‐theoretic framework at multiple spatial scales to identify covariates related to prairie‐chicken abundance. At the landscape scale, lek density was best explained by the amount of CRP grassland and wetland, grassland and wetland with long‐term conservation goals (state, federal, and The Nature Conservancy owned); other wetlands managed with variable or no continuity in conservation goals; the contiguity of grasslands; and the number of patches of grasslands and wetlands in each survey block each year. Increasing the amount of CRP grassland in 41‐km2 survey blocks by 1 km2 (2.4%) resulted in a corresponding increase of 6% in lek density. At the lek scale, the number of males per lek was best explained by the amount of CRP grassland and other grassland, CRP wetland and other wetland, forests, developed areas, shrubland, and the contiguity of CRP grassland. Increasing the amount of CRP grassland in the 2‐km breeding‐cycle habitat radius around a lek by 25% (3 km2) corresponded to a 5% increase in males per lek. Our results suggest that both increasing the quantity of grassland CRP and wetland CRP enrollments and aggregating CRP grassland enrollments may increase greater prairie‐chicken abundance. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.
Spatial‐temporal analysis of the climatic and anthropogenic influences on runoff in the Jucu River Basin, Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Delmonte Oliveira Kenny , Tomasella Javier , Del'Arco Sanches Leda
Published: July 2019

Isolating and quantifying the impacts of climate change and human influences on runoff in basins is one of the main challenges of hydrology due to nonstationarity and nonlinear character of the processes. As a result, new hydrological approaches have been proposed, leading to many assumptions for their implementation. Among these, it is worth mentioning the subjectivity in the choice of causal variables that compose climatic and anthropogenic factors and the definition of breakpoints that allows the conjoint analysis of the contribution of these factors on runoff. In this study, the quantification of the influence of climatic and anthropogenic factors on runoff in the Jucu River basin was performed using a decompositional method based on the Budyko hypothesis with time‐varying parameters. For the parameterization of the equations, we considered a combination of 16 variables of a historical series of 47 years (1970–2017). The runoff at sub‐basins of different scales, climatic types, and soil uses was similarly affected by the influences factors. Changes on runoff were mainly due to anthropogenic factors with −18.6 mm (80.5%), followed by climatic factors with −4.5 mm (19.5%) for the whole period. Among all the land use variables considered, agriculture, forest, and pasture were predominantly responsible for the changes. In addition, graphical analysis of the time‐variation of the variables of the Budyko curve proved to be an efficient and low subjectivity approach to identify breakpoints in the conjoint analysis of hydrological variables.
Oncological outcomes of CO2 laser cordectomies for glottic squamous cell carcinoma with respect to anterior commissure involvement and margin status
Authors: Osuch‐Wójcikiewicz Ewa , Rzepakowska Anna , Sobol Maria , Bruzgielewicz Antoni , Niemczyk Kazimierz
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives

Controversial prognostic factors of primary CO2 laser cordectomy are anterior commissure involvement (ACI) and status of margin.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Retrospective analysis of oncological outcomes in 102 patients with early glottic cancer undergoing laser cordectomy between 2013 and 2015.

Results

The T stages distribution included: 72.6% T1a, 14.7% T1b, and 12.7% T2. The ACI was diagnosed in 26 patients. The primary cordectomy was radical in 72 patients. The 2‐ and 5‐year disease free survival (DFS) for all patients were, respectively, 83.3% and 77.3%.The 2‐year DFS rates for T1a, T1b, T2 were, respectively, 91.7%, 66.7%, and 53.9% and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). The 2‐year DFS rates according to the ACI and free anterior commissure tumors were, respectively, 65.4% and 89.2%, and the ACI indicated worse prognosis (P = 0.057). The 2‐year DFS rates according to margins status were higher for patients with close or positive margins, who had second resection (88.9%) compared with those of negative margins (80.9%) (P = 0.340). Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combined treatment of low‐level laser therapy and phloroglucinol for inhibition of fibrosis
Authors: Lee Yeachan , Kim Hyejin , Hong Namgue , Ahn Jin‐Chul , Kang Hyun Wook
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives

Fibrosis is a highly prevalent disease, which is responsible for 45% of deaths through pathological effects in developed countries. Previous studies have reported that low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) can modulate fibrotic activity, but significant enhancement of therapeutic efficacy is still required for clinical translation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasible effect of LLLT combined with phloroglucinol (PHL) on the inhibition of fibrosis in vitro.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

NIH/3T3 murine embryonic fibroblasts cells were cultured and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) was treated for transition of fibroblasts. After TGF‐β1 treatment, LLLT and PHL were used, respectively, and in combination to suppress fibrosis. 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide and BrdU assays were performed to estimate the cell viability and proliferation. To evaluate the expression of fibrotic markers, we used confocal immunofluorescence and western blot.

Results

When compared with respectively treated groups, the group with the combined treatment of LLLT and PHL significantly reduced cell viability and proliferation. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the combined group minimized more α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and type I collagen than the other groups. Western blot analysis showed that the combined treatment had significant decreases in α‐SMA, TGF‐β1, and type I collagen.

Conclusions

PHL‐assisted LLLT may be an effective treatment to inhibit fibrosis due to its additive effects. The combined treatment has a potential to be an alternative treatment for fibrosis. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of Soft Shape Memory Polymer and Its Application as a Compliant Thermal‐Triggered Gripper
Authors: Li Hongze , Luo Yingwu , Gao Xiang
Published: July 2019

A shape memory polymer always experiences a large modulus change above and below its transition temperature. Cooling down below its transition temperature leads to a sharp modulus increase. That helps the temporary shape fixing, however, it also gives the material noncompliant character, which may be a harmful factor in some applications. In this work, an approach is proposed to prepare a soft shape memory polymer with low modulus even at low temperature. The realization of this polymer depends on the mixing of two raw materials through nano‐latex blending technique. By using styrene, meth acrylate, and n‐butyl acrylate as model monomer, two kinds of core–shell latexes are synthesized, which have a triblock structure as polystyrene‐b‐poly (styrene‐co‐meth acrylate)‐b‐polystyrene and polystyrene‐b‐poly (n‐butyl acrylate)‐b‐polystyrene, respectively. Blending in the unit of nano‐latex particle helps them mixing very homogenously and forms co‐continuous morphology. The blending ratio is tuned to prepare materials with modulus lower than 50 MPa at 20 °C, meanwhile with excellent shape memory performance. Such a soft shape memory polymer shows unique advantage as a compliant thermal‐triggered gripper to stick and place objects.
Identity and integration: The roles of relationship and retention in nonprofit mergers
Authors: Cooper Katherine R. , Maktoufi Reyhaneh
Published: July 2019

Prior research suggests that nonprofits are flexible and possess multiple identities, although we know less about how transformative changes, such as mergers, shape nonprofit identity. This qualitative study draws upon in‐depth interviews from 13 nonprofit merger cases to explore factors that influence postmerger identity and integration. In particular, we focus on the roles of organizational similarity and relationships, program and personnel retention, and rebranding. Ultimately, we derive a typology of postmerger integration in nonprofits and suggest that postmerger identity may be classified in terms of absorption, preservation, or creation. Implications for nonprofit leaders are discussed.
Spectroscopic and multivariate data‐based method to assess the metabolomic fingerprint of Mediterranean plants
Authors: Grauso Laura , Zotti Maurizio , Sun Wen , de Falco Bruna , Lanzotti Virginia , Bonanomi Giuliano
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Most secondary metabolites from plants have a prominent defensive role and repellency against predators and microbial pathogens. These properties largely vary among plant species and offer potential applications as biologically active compounds in medicine as well in agriculture.

Objectives

We propose a new procedure that combine different spectroscopic techniques and multivariate data analysis to determine the chemical composition and the relative amounts of each metabolites and/or each class of organic compounds. The approach was used for a rapid identification of secondary metabolites from leaf and root of eight Mediterranean plants species.

Methodology

The polar and the apolar extracts of two leaves and roots of each plant were analysed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS), respectively. Multivariate data analysis was used for a faster interpretation of data.

Results

The metabolic fingerprint of the Mediterranean plants, Acanthus mollis, Dittrichia viscosa, Festuca drymeja, Fraxinus ornus, Fagus sylvatica, Hedera helix, Quercus ilex, and Typha latifolia, showed a complex chemical composition, being specific for each species and plant tissue. Two alditols, mannitol and quercitol, were found in manna ash (Fraxinus ornus) and holm oak (Q. ilex) polar leaf extracts, respectively. The highest levels of aromatic compounds were found in D. viscosa and T. latifolia. Fatty acids were the predominant class of compounds in all apolar extracts under investigation. Triterpene were almost exclusively found in roots, except for holm oak, where they constitute 58% of total extract. Steroids were widespread in leaf extracts.

Conclusion

The major advantages of the proposed approach are versatility and rapidity, thus making it suitable for a fast comparison among species and plant tissue types.
Exploring Topological Superconductivity in Topological Materials
Authors: Li Yupeng , Xu Zhu‐An
Published: July 2019

The exploration of topological superconductivity and Majorana zero modes has become a rapidly developing field. Many types of proposals to realize topological superconductors have been presented, and significant advances have been recently made. In this review, a survey is conducted on the experimental progress in possible topological superconductors and induced superconductivity in topological insulators or semimetals as well as artificial structures. The approaches to inducing superconductivity in topological materials mainly include high pressure application, the hard‐tip point contact method, chemical doping or intercalation, the use of artificial topological superconductors, and electric field gating. The evidence supporting topological superconductivity and signatures of Majorana zero modes are also discussed and summarized.
High Efficiency (16.37%) of Cesium Bromide—Passivated All‐Inorganic CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Wu Cuncun , Wang Duo , Zhang Zehao , Qi Xin , Zhu Ning , Liu Ganghong , Li Xiangdong , Hu Haozhe , Chen Zhijian , Xiao Lixin , Qu Bo
Published: July 2019

All‐inorganic CsPbI2Br perovskite has attracted increasing attention, owing to its outstanding thermal stability and suitable bandgap for optoelectronic devices. However, the substandard power conversion efficiency (PCE) and large energy loss (Eloss) of CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells (PSCs) caused by the low quality and high trap density of perovskite films still limit the application of devices. Herein, the post‐treatment of evaporating cesium bromide (CsBr) is utilized on top of the perovskite surface to passivate the CsPbI2Br–hole‐transporting layer interface and reduce Eloss. The results of microzone photoluminescence indicate that the evaporated CsBr gathered at the grain boundaries of CsPbI2Br layers and Br‐enriched perovskites (CsPbIxBr3−x, x < 2) are formed, which can provide protection for CsPbI2Br. Therefore, the gaps between crystal grains are filled up, and the recombination loss of the all‐inorganic CsPbI2Br PSCs is reduced accordingly. The champion device exhibits high open‐circuit voltage and a PCE of 1.271 V and 16.37%, respectively. This is the highest reported PCE among all‐inorganic CsPbI2Br PSCs reported so far. In addition, the stability of CsPbI2Br PSCs is effectively improved by CsBr passivation, and the device without encapsulation can retain 86% of its initial PCE after 1368 h of storage, which is beneficial for practical applications.
Review on Practical Interface Engineering of Perovskite Solar Cells: From Efficiency to Stability
Authors: Yang Zhichun , Babu Balaraju Hari , Wu Shaohang , Liu Tianlun , Fang Shaoying , Xiong Zhenzhong , Han Liyuan , Chen Wei
Published: July 2019

Exceptionally high efficiencies for organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been achieved. However, their operational stability still needs to be improved. The intrinsic instability of halide perovskites caused by the presence of volatile organic cations, as well as the degradation of hybrid perovskites induced by the adverse permeation of environmental water (H2O)/oxygen (O2) and the undesired ion diffusion or migration are the major reasons. Beyond strengthening perovskites themselves, interface engineering is now regarded as a valid strategy to prolong device lifetime by preventing the undesired degradation pathways. This comprehensive review highlights the utilization of practical interface engineering for enhancing the efficiency and stability of organic–inorganic lead halide PSCs. First, the impacts of interface design on the energy‐level alignment and carrier dynamics are overviewed. Second, recent progresses on the development of interfacial materials for simultaneously achieving high efficiency and stability of PSCs are summarized. At last, the interfacial layer design principles along with future outlook of this rapidly developing field are discussed.
On confidence intervals centred on bootstrap smoothed estimators
Authors: Kabaila Paul , Wijethunga Christeen
Published: July 2019

Bootstrap smoothed (bagged) estimators have been proposed as an improvement on estimators found after preliminary data‐based model selection. Efron derived a widely applicable formula for a delta method approximation to the standard deviation of the bootstrap smoothed estimator. He also considered a confidence interval centred on the bootstrap smoothed estimator, with width proportional to the estimate of this standard deviation. Recently, Kabaila and Wijethunga assessed the performance of this confidence interval in the scenario of two nested linear regression models, the full model and the simpler model, for the case of known error variance and preliminary model selection using a hypothesis test. They found that the performance of this confidence interval was not substantially better than the usual confidence interval based on the full model, with the same minimum coverage. We extend this assessment to the case of unknown error variance by deriving a computationally convenient exact formula for the ideal (i.e., in the limit as the number of bootstrap replications diverges to infinity) delta method approximation to the standard deviation of the bootstrap smoothed estimator. Our results show that, unlike the known error variance case, there are circumstances in which this confidence interval has attractive properties.
Robust adaptive maneuvering control for an unmanned surface vessel with uncertainties
Authors: Huang Hongyun , Fan Yunsheng
Published: July 2019

This article investigates the path‐following control problem of an unmanned surface vessel in the presence of uncertainties with only two inputs available (surge force and yaw moment). The problem consists of steering a vessel to follow a scheduled path with the desired velocity assignment. The backstepping technique and Lyapunov's direct method are employed as the main framework to design a controller. To ensure the design requirements, an improved integral line‐of‐sight guidance law is utilized first to calculate the desired yaw angle and to make compensation for the ocean currents based on the reduced‐order linear extended state observer. Then, a controller based on the radial basis function neural network is used to accomplish the yaw angle and velocity tracking, which alleviates the effects of model uncertainties and external disturbances. All the tracking error signals of the closed‐loop system are proved to be uniformly ultimately bounded. It demonstrates that the proposed path‐following control approach can deal well with time‐varying ocean currents, model uncertainties, and time‐varying disturbances. Results of the simulations validate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed approach. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Microwave wireless power transfer experiment using GaN and Si hybrid semiconductor integrated rectifier
Authors: Kishikawa Ryoko , Kawasaki Shigeo
Published: July 2019

This article reports a fabrication of a rectifier based on Hybrid Semiconductor Integrated Circuit (HySIC) technology and microwave wireless power transfer experiment using the fabricated rectifier at 5.8 GHz. The purpose of this study is developing all‐wireless sensor network systems in space satellites, reducing the launching costs, and contributing to space technology development. The HySIC rectifier blends the merits of gallium nitride (GaN) Schottky barrier diodes whose resistivity to cosmic rays is high and silicon (Si) matching circuits whose circuit integration process is excellent. The size and RF‐DC conversion efficiency of the fabricated HySIC rectifier were 3.9 mm × 9.5 mm and 10.3% with a load of 150 Ω at 5.8 GHz, respectively. A microwave wireless power transfer experiment was conducted at a distance of 0.2 m. The system conversion efficiency, which includes the effects of the HySIC rectifier, transmitting antenna, receiving antenna, cables, and space of 0.2 m, was 0.014%. The microwave wireless power transfer experiment using the HySIC rectifier was demonstrated for the first time in the world. © 2019 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Pharmacies and the Pharmaceutical Industry in Latin America
Authors: Homedes Nuria , Fugh‐Berman Adriane
Published: July 2019

Latin American community pharmacies treat large segments of the population, especially the poor. Self‐medication rates are high, and prescription‐only medicines are often available without a prescription. Patients rely more on pharmacists’ advice than clinicians’, but conflicts of interest are rampant: companies may offer discounts, extra drugs, or a higher profit margin to pharmacy owners; pharmacy staff recommendations may be compromised by lack of education or financial incentives, including bonuses and commissions for recommending specific drugs. Pharmacists and staff rely on pharmaceutical company education on drugs. Pharmacy chains, which tend to provide poorer service, are replacing family owned pharmacies in most Latin American countries. Pharmacies are a de facto safety net for the poor and uninsured and should be considered part of the health‐care system, not just commercial establishments. Medicine dispensation should be professionalized, and pharmaceutical company‐funded education should be banned to minimize the conflicts of interest that affect medication recommendations.
Smartphones as an Opportunity to Increase Sales in Brick-and-Mortar Stores: Identifying Sales Influencers Based on a Literature Review
Authors: Zimmermann Robert , Auinger Andreas , Riedl René
Published: July 2019

The increasing popularity of smartphones, the constant rise of e-commerce turnover and plungingdepartment storesales have a significant impact on brick-and-mortar stores revenue. Nevertheless, brick-and-mortar revenue still makes up 90% of total retail revenue. This gives rise to the question of how smartphones affect sales in brick-and-mortar stores. In order to investigate the impact of smartphones on brick-and-mortar store sales, this article presents the results of a literature review, summarizing statements about the impact of smartphones on brick-and-mortar store sales into sales influencers. These sales influencerswere categorized into three main types of sales drivers, namely: Utilitarian drivers, cost and time reduction drivers and hedonic drivers. Subsequently, the categorized statements were evaluated according to their potential positive or negative influence on sales. The resulting overview provides information about the current status of research in the field of smartphones as sales influencers in brick-and-mortar stores. It reveals extensively as well as partially researched sales influencers. Hence, the overview also acts as call for future research, encouraging research progression in the field of smartphone influenced sales in brick-and-mortar stores. It can be concluded that, according to the current literature, smartphones have the potential to increase sales in brick-and-mortar stores. However, the variety of sales influencers identified suggests that research is scattered. Hence, future research is needed to analyse how strongly each individual sales influencer affects sales in brick-and-mortar stores.
Induced QCD II: numerical results
Authors: Brandt Bastian B. , Lohmayer Robert , Wettig Tilo
Published: July 2019

Abstract

We numerically explore an alternative discretization of continuum SU(Nc) Yang-Mills theory on a Euclidean spacetime lattice, originally introduced by Budzcies and Zirnbauer for gauge group U(Nc). This discretization can be reformulated such that the self-interactions of the gauge field are induced by a path integral overNbauxiliary bosonic fields, which couple linearly to the gauge field. In the first paper of the series we have shown that the theory reproduces continuum SU(Nc) Yang-Mills theory ind= 2 dimensions ifNbis larger thanNc−$$ \frac{3}{4} $$34and conjectured, following the argument of Budzcies and Zirnbauer, that this remains true ford >2. In the present paper, we test this conjecture by performing lattice simulations of the simplest nontrivial case, i.e., gauge group SU(2) in three dimensions. We show that observables computed in the induced theory, such as the staticq$$ \overline{q} $$q¯potential and the deconfinement transition temperature, agree with the same observables computed from the ordinary plaquette action up to lattice artifacts. We also find evidence that the bound forNbcan be relaxed toNc−$$ \frac{5}{4} $$54as conjectured in our earlier paper. Studies of how the new discretization can be used to change the order of integration in the path integral to arrive at dual formulations of QCD are left for future work.
Local climate change cultures: climate-relevant discursive practices in three emerging economies
Authors: Nash Nick , Whitmarsh Lorraine , Capstick Stuart , Gouveia Valdiney , de Carvalho Rodrigues Araújo Rafaella , dos Santos Monika , Palakatsela Romeo , Liu Yuebai , Harder Marie K. , Wang Xiao
Published: July 2019

In recent decades, greater acknowledgement has been given to climate change as a cultural phenomenon. This paper takes a cultural lens to the topic of climate change, in which climate-relevant understandings are grounded in wider cultural, political and material contexts. We approach climate-relevant accounts at the level of the everyday, understood as a theoretically problematic and politically contested space This is in contrast to simply being the backdrop to mundane, repetitive actions contributing to environmental degradation and the site of mitigative actions. Taking discourse as a form of practice in which fragments of cultural knowledge are drawn on to construct our environmental problems, we investigate citizens’ accounts of climate-relevant issues in three culturally diverse emerging economies: Brazil, South Africa and China. These settings are important because greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are predicted to significantly increase in these countries in the future. We conducted semi-structured interviews with a range of citizens in each country using a narrative approach to contextualise climate-relevant issues as part of people’s lifestyle narratives. Participants overwhelmingly framed their accounts in the context of locally-salient issues, and few accounts explicitly referred to the phenomenon of climate change. Instead, elements of climate changes were conflated with other environmental issues and related to a wide range of cultural assumptions that influenced understandings and implied particular ways of responding to environmental problems. We conclude that climate change scholars should address locally relevant understandings and develop dialogues that can wider meanings that construct climate-relevant issues in vernacular ways at the local level.
Botanical ingredient identification and quality assessment: strengths and limitations of analytical techniques
Authors: Upton Roy , David Bruno , Gafner Stefan , Glasl Sabine
Published: July 2019

Interest in botanical medicines is increasing worldwide with current global market values estimated to be greater than US $72 billion. To ensure ingredients used in botanical preparations are appropriately identified and will deliver the intended benefit while minimizing potential for risk, good manufacturing practices (GMPs) are required. GMPs require that scientifically valid analytical techniques be used. This review discusses a variety of techniques of quality assessment taking into account the different challenges between academicians and manufacturers with the basic premise that all techniques are scientifically valid if used appropriately, and conversely, are limited if not used in a scientifically valid manner. The strengths and limitations, applications and inapplicability, of some of these techniques will be discussed, as will differences between traditional and more modern analytical techniques. A strong emphasis is placed on classical botanical and traditional macromorphological assessment techniques that represent the basis of identification and quality assessment upstream of other techniques such as analytical chemistry and genetics. It will be shown that it is the suite of botanical and chemical techniques that provides the greatest confidence for ensuring the identity and quality of botanical medicines.