bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infertility Among African American Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Compared to Healthy Women: A Pilot Study
Authors: Angley Meghan , Lim S. Sam , Spencer Jessica B. , Howards Penelope P.
Published: July 2019

Objective

Some treatments for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can cause infertility, but the effect of SLE itself on fertility, particularly in African American women, is less clear. We undertook this study to examine infertility experiences in African American women with SLE compared to healthy women.

Methods

We enrolled women ages 22–40 years living in the Atlanta metropolitan area who were diagnosed with SLE after age 17 years. Women who had ever been treated with cyclophosphamide or who had a hysterectomy were excluded. African American women ages 22–40 years who were from the same area and recruited from a marketing list were used for comparison. Women were interviewed about their reproductive histories and goals. Periods of infertility were identified as times when women had regular, unprotected sex for ≥12 months without conceiving after 20 years of age. We separately considered any period of infertility and periods of infertility when attempting pregnancy. We used Cox proportional hazards regression to examine the association between SLE and time to infertility. Models were adjusted for age, nulliparity, and smoking. An age‐matched analysis was also conducted to examine periods of infertility occurring after SLE diagnosis.

Results

Our sample included 75 women with SLE and 154 women without SLE. SLE was associated with any infertility (adjusted hazard ratio [HRadj] 2.08 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.38–3.15]), but less so with infertility when attempting pregnancy (HRadj 1.30 [95% CI 0.62–2.71]). The matched analysis generated similar point estimates.

Conclusion

Women with SLE may be more likely to experience episodes of infertility, but this may not translate to an inability to meet reproductive goals.
Co3O4 Nanoparticles with Ultrasmall Size and Abundant Oxygen Vacancies for Boosting Oxygen Involved Reactions
Authors: Li Zhe , Zhang Yan , Feng Yi , Cheng Chuan‐Qi , Qiu Kang‐Wen , Dong Cun‐Ku , Liu Hui , Du Xi‐Wen
Published: July 2019

Ultrasmall size and abundant defects are two crucial factors for improving the performance of catalysts. However, it is a big challenge to introduce defects into ultrafine catalysts because of the surface tension and self‐purification effect of the nanoparticles. In the present work, physical laser fragmentation with chemical oxidization reaction is combined to synthesize Co3O4 nanoparticles (L‐CO) with ultrasmall size (≈2.1 nm) as well as abundant oxygen vacancies, thus providing an effective solution to the long‐standing contradiction between the size reduction and defect generation. The ultrasmall particle size allows more catalytic sites to be exposed. The surficial oxygen vacancies enhance the intrinsic activity, while the internal oxygen vacancies improve the electron transfer, and all of these benefits make L‐CO an active and durable bifunctional catalyst for oxygen reduction/evolutions. As the air cathode of zinc–air battery, L‐CO displays excellent rechargeable performance with a power density of ≈337 mW cm−2, outperforming the commercial noble metal couple (Pt/C+RuO2).
Plasma Enabled Conformal and Damage Free Encapsulation of Fragile Molecular Matter: from Surface‐Supported to On‐Device Nanostructures
Authors: Alcaire Maria , Aparicio Francisco J. , Obrero José , López‐Santos Carmen , Garcia‐Garcia Francisco J. , Sánchez‐Valencia Juan R. , Frutos Fabián , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Borrás Ana , Barranco Angel
Published: July 2019

Damage‐free encapsulation of molecular structures with functional nanolayers is crucial to protect nanodevices from environmental exposure. With nanoscale electronic, optoelectronic, photonic, sensing, and other nanodevices based on atomically thin and fragile organic matter shrinking in size, it becomes increasingly challenging to develop nanoencapsulation that is simultaneously conformal at atomic scale and does not damage fragile molecular networks, while delivering added device functionality. This work presents an effective, plasma‐enabled, potentially universal approach to produce highly conformal multifunctional organic films to encapsulate atomically thin graphene layers and metalorganic nanowires, without affecting their molecular structure and atomic bonding. Deposition of adamantane precursor and gentle remote plasma chemical vapor deposition are synergized to assemble molecular fragments and cage‐like building blocks and completely encapsulate not only the molecular structures, but also the growth substrates and device elements upon nanowire integration. The films are insulating, transparent, and conformal at sub‐nanometer scale even on near‐tip high‐curvature areas of high‐aspect‐ratio nanowires. The encapsulated structures are multifunctional and provide effective electric isolation, chemical and environmental protection, and transparency in the near‐UV–visible–near‐infrared range. This single‐step, solvent‐free remote‐plasma approach preserves and guides molecular building blocks thus opening new avenues for precise, atomically conformal nanofabrication of fragile nanoscale matter with multiple functionalities.
Highly Stable and Stretchable Conductive Films through Thermal‐Radiation‐Assisted Metal Encapsulation
Authors: Liu Zhiyuan , Wang Hui , Huang Pingao , Huang Jianping , Zhang Yu , Wang Yuanyuan , Yu Mei , Chen Shixiong , Qi Dianpeng , Wang Ting , Jiang Ying , Chen Geng , Hu Guoyu , Li Wenlong , Yu Jiancan , Luo Yifei , Loh Xian Jun , Liedberg Bo , Li Guanglin , Chen Xiaodong
Published: July 2019

Stretchable conductors are the basic units of advanced flexible electronic devices, such as skin‐like sensors, stretchable batteries and soft actuators. Current fabrication strategies are mainly focused on the stretchability of the conductor with less emphasis on the huge mismatch of the conductive material and polymeric substrate, which results in stability issues during long‐term use. Thermal‐radiation‐assisted metal encapsulation is reported to construct an interlocking layer between polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and gold by employing a semipolymerized PDMS substrate to encapsulate the gold clusters/atoms during thermal deposition. The stability of the stretchable conductor is significantly enhanced based on the interlocking effect of metal and polymer, with high interfacial adhesion (>2 MPa) and cyclic stability (>10 000 cycles). Also, the conductor exhibits superior properties such as high stretchability (>130%) and large active surface area (>5:1 effective surface area/geometrical area). It is noted that this method can be easily used to fabricate such a stretchable conductor in a wafer‐scale format through a one‐step process. As a proof of concept, both long‐term implantation in an animal model to monitor intramuscular electric signals and on human skin for detection of biosignals are demonstrated. This design approach brings about a new perspective on the exploration of stretchable conductors for biomedical applications.
Toward a Smart Compliant Robotic Gripper Equipped with 3D‐Designed Cellular Fingers
Authors: Kaur Manpreet , Kim Woo Soo
Published: July 2019

Usual lightweight soft robotic bodies built with elastomer materials show lack of structural stiffness that limits their use in many practical applications. Herein, an architectured robotic body design with deformable cellular structures, which is easy to fabricate, lightweight, mechanically durable, and compliant while maintaining its resilience, is proposed. The cellular body design overcomes not only the stiffness limitation but also other drawbacks of most common soft bodies that may damage from high pressure or impact. An artificial cellular finger is printed together with embedded pressure sensors on the fingertip to form a functional system in a single‐building process with the advantage of multi‐material 3D printing. The integrated architectured grippers, composed of cellular fingers with a repeatable, reliable bending profile, demonstrate maximum gripping force as 16 N on actuation, with gripping capability of various objects. 3D cellular designs open up new possibilities for architectured robotic bodies that can immensely widen their space of applications.
Expanding the phenotypic spectrum of MBOAT7‐related intellectual disability
Authors: Jacher Joseph E. , Roy Nikita , Ghaziuddin Mohammad , Innis Jeffrey W.
Published: July 2019

MBOAT7 gene pathogenic variants are a newly discovered and rare cause for intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), seizures, truncal hypotonia, appendicular hypertonia, and below average head sizes (ranging from −1 to −3 standard deviations). There have been only 16 individuals previously reported who have MBOAT7‐related intellectual disability, all of whom were younger than 10 years old and from consanguineous relationships. Thus, there is a lack of phenotypic information for adolescent and adult individuals with this disorder. Medical genetics and psychiatric evaluations in a 14‐year‐old female patient with a history of global developmental delay, intellectual disability, overgrowth with macrocephaly, metrorrhagia, seizures, basal ganglia hyperintensities, nystagmus, strabismus with amblyopia, ASD, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), aggressive outbursts, and hyperphagia included a karyotype, methylation polymerase chain reaction for Prader‐Willi/Angelman syndrome, chromosome microarray, and whole exome sequencing (WES), ADOS2, and ADI‐R. WES identified a homozygous, likely pathogenic variant in the MBOAT7 gene (c.855‐2A>G). This is the oldest known patient with MBOAT7‐related intellectual disability, whose unique features compared with previously described individuals include overgrowth with macrocephaly, metrorrhagia, ophthalmological abnormalities, basal ganglia hyperintensities, unspecified anxiety disorder, and ADHD; combined type; and hyperphagia with the absence of appendicular hypertonia and cortical atrophy. More individuals need to be identified in order to delineate the full clinical spectrum of this disorder.
Clinical validation of the olfactory detection threshold module of the Snap & Sniff® olfactory test system
Authors: Doty Richard L. , Wylie Crystal , Potter Mark , Beston Rachel , Cope Brooke , Majam Kelsey
Published: July 2019

Background

Quantitative olfactory testing is essential to determine the validity and nature of a patient's complaint, accurately monitor changes in function over time (including influences of pharmacological, surgical, or immunological interventions), detect malingering, and establish disability compensation. This work describes the clinical validation of an advanced rapid odor detection threshold test that standardizes odorant delivery and eliminates unsanitary sniff bottles, the need for blindfolds, and the possibility of touching an odorant stimulus to the nose.

Methods

Snap & Sniff® single‐staircase phenyl ethyl alcohol detection thresholds (S&S‐Ts) were assessed bilaterally in 736 patients with chemosensory complaints; 421 received both bilateral and unilateral testing. The results were correlated with scores from the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) and the Smell Threshold Test (STT), a widely‐used standardized threshold test. Test‐retest reliability data were obtained for 50 patients.

Results

S&S‐Ts were highly reliable (Spearman r = 0.84), correlated with the other olfactory test measures (rs > 0.65, ps < 0.0001), and required significantly shorter administration times than the STT (<10 minutes). Bilateral thresholds were systematically lower than unilateral thresholds, a phenomenon independent of presentation order but dependent upon the better functioning side of the nose. The S&S‐Ts were sensitive to age and sex. No systematic left:right nasal side threshold differences were evident.

Conclusion

The present study validates the use of Snap & Sniff® technology in the clinic setting. High test‐retest reliability and brief administration times were evident. The S&S‐T test allows for a reliable, valid, inexpensive, and rapid clinical means for quantitatively assessing human olfactory sensitivity.
A Density Functional Theory Study of an Exciplex II: Benzene and Tricyanobenzene
Authors: Hong Chan Yoo , Kim Dongwook
Published: July 2019

The exciplex of benzene–tricyanobenzene was theoretically investigated at the levels of density functional theory (DFT) and its time‐dependent variation within Tamm–Dancoff approximation (TDA‐DFT) using ωB97X functional and 6–311++G(d,p) basis set. Unlike the benzene and pyridine system studied previously, the charge transfer (CT) character from benzene, the electron donor to tricyanobenzene, the electron acceptor, is observed to be significant in a few low‐lying singlet excited states. Via the crossing and mixing between the states of the same symmetry, however, we also observe the mixed characters between the CT and local excitation (LE) as the intermolecular distance decreases. In the comparison to the benzene–pyridine complex, the enriched CT characters in the low‐lying singlet states stem from the significant energy offsets between the frontier molecular orbitals of benzene and tricyanobenzene, which suppresses their molecular orbital interactions and hence their delocalization.
Die Gifte‐Skala
Authors: Strey Karsten
Published: July 2019

Es gibt weit über 154 Millionen chemische Verbindungen. Alle Substanzen können theoretisch giftig sein. Wie Paracelsus schon vor fast 500 Jahren festgestellt hat, macht die Dosis das Gift. Tatsächlich unterscheiden sich die Giftpotenziale von Wasser, dem ungiftigsten Stoff, und Botulinum‐Toxin, dem giftigsten bekannten Stoff, in einem astronomischen Ausmaß. Eine einfache logarithmische Darstellung vereinheitlicht und veranschaulicht verschiedene akute Toxizitäten und weist Wasser den Wert 1 und dem Botulinum‐Toxin 13,5 zu.
Rate‐responsive pacing and atrial high rate episodes in cardiac resynchronization therapy patients: Is low heart rate the key?
Authors: Biffi Mauro , D'Onofrio Antonio , Pignalberi Carlo , Pisanò Ennio C. , Iacopino Saverio , Curnis Antonio , Senatore Gaetano , Capucci Alessandro , Della Bella Paolo , Calvi Valeria , Zanotto Gabriele , Caravati Fabrizio , Maglia Giampiero , Manzo Michele , Santamaria Matteo , Ziacchi Matteo , Lissoni Fabio , Giacopelli Daniele , Gargaro Alessio , Solimene Francesco
Published: July 2019

Background

The role of atrial rate‐responsive (RR) pacing in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is unclear due to the favorable effect of rate lowering in systolic heart failure. Atrial high rate episodes (AHREs) in CRT recipients are particularly worrisome since they cause loss of CRT, beyond representing a stroke risk factor.

Hypothesis

The presence of an association between RR and the incidence of AHREs.

Methods

Daily remote transmissions from 836 CRT recipients were analyzed. AHREs were classified by duration: ≥15 minutes, ≥5 hours, and ≥ 24 hours. Variables possibly associated to AHREs were included in time‐dependent proportional‐hazard models, averaging over 30‐day periods and adjusting for main baseline variables.

Results

After a median follow‐up of 23.9 (12.2‐36.0) months, 507 (60.6%) patients experienced at least one 15‐minute AHRE. RR function was programmed in 166 (19.8%) patients and was associated with an increased AHRE occurrence rate with hazard ratio (HR) ranging from 1.45 to 1.78 for the 3 cutoffs of episode duration. The negative effect of RR function was not observed in the subset of patients with low mean heart rate (<68 bpm). Higher mean heart rates increased AHRE risk (HR:1.02, P = .01), while CRT amount decreased it (HR:0.98, P < .01). The extent of atrial pacing did not predict AHRE occurrence.

Conclusions

RR pacing in CRT recipients is associated with increased AHRE occurrence, especially when an average heart rate > 68 bpm is attained.
Systematic review of international guidelines for perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in Head & Neck Surgery. A YO‐IFOS Head & Neck Study Group Position Paper
Authors: Chiesa‐Estomba Carlos Miguel , Lechien Jérome R. , Fakhry Nicolas , Melkane Antoine , Calvo‐Henriquez Christian , de Siati Daniele , Gonzalez‐Garcia Jose Angel , Fagan Johannes Jacobus , Ayad Tareck
Published: July 2019

Background

Surgical site infection (SSI) is defined as an infection that occurs after a surgical incision or organ manipulation during surgery. The frequency reported for clean head and neck surgical procedures without antimicrobial prophylaxis is <1%. In contrast, infection rates in patients undergoing complicated cancer surgery are high, ranging from 24% to 87% of patients without antimicrobial prophylaxis.

Methods

Guidelines and recommendations about the use of antibiotics in head and neck surgery from 2004 to 2019 were reviewed.

Results

Four guidelines from Oceania, 5 from South America, 5 from North America, 2 from the United Kingdom, 11 from Europe, 1 from Africa, 1 from the Middle East, and 3 from Asia were included. A total of 118 papers were included for analysis and recommendation.

Conclusion

Antibiotic prophylaxis can decrease the incidence of SSI. However, the risks associated with antibiotic exposure and the risk of antibiotic resistance need to be taken into consideration.
Immunological implications of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in persistent infections
Authors: Mukherjee Tanushree , Balaji Kithiganahalli Narayanaswamy
Published: July 2019

Infectious diseases account for a large proportion of global health emergencies and are rising more so owing to the paucity of effective vaccination and chemotherapeutic strategies. The severity is compounded by the development of antibiotic resistance among major pathogenic strains, capable of residing in the hostile host microenvironment by hijacking its signaling mechanisms and molecular circuitry. Among such processes, studies on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have revealed specific contributions of this classical oncogenic signaling axis during distinct infection conditions. Here, we review the current status of EGFR family members in the context of host–pathogen interactions and speculate the possible dimensions of exploration and manipulation of the EGFR pathway for host‐directed therapeutic purposes.
Real options with endogenous convenience yield
Authors: Cheng Yiying , Clark Steven P.
Published: July 2019

Traditional real options theory highlights the impact of risk on the timing of investment decisions. However, in practice, corporate projects often involve a preliminary exploratory stage, incurring a running cost and convenience yield. By analogy with commodity futures theories, we model such multistage corporate projects in a feedback‐control framework, with a dynamic aggregate convenience yield/running cost that interacts with the decisions to enter or exit the preliminary stage. We provide a closed‐form solution for this compound options model. The solution provides insight and quantifies of the optimal strategy for prevalent corporate projects with a preliminary exploration stage.
Corrole‐based photodynamic antitumor therapy
Authors: Jiang Xiao , Liu Rui‐Xue , Liu Hai‐Yang , Chang Chi K.
Published: July 2019

Study of photodynamic therapy (PDT) based on corroles has become one of the most important topics in corrole chemistry. Advances in synthetic methodology have made it possible for the preparation of structurally diverse corrole photosensitizers. This review covers the recent progress in the study of corrole as a photosensitizer in the photodynamic antitumor therapy. The content is organized in three sections: cellular uptaking and localization of corrole in tumor cells; morphological changes and cytotoxicity after corrole PDT treatment; and the animal level corrole PDT test. The possible mechanism of corrole‐based PDT antitumor activity is also summarized.
Effect of Itraconazole or Rifampin on Itacitinib Pharmacokinetics When Administered Orally in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Barbour April M. , Punwani Naresh , Epstein Noam , Landman Robert , Cimino Evan , Yuska Brad , Wang Phillip , He Kevin , Chen Xuejun , Yeleswaram Swamy
Published: July 2019

Itacitinib is a potent, selective JAK‐1 inhibitor currently in phase 3 development for the treatment of acute and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) in combination with corticosteroids. Itacitinib is primarily eliminated via metabolism by cytochrome P‐450 (CYP)3A4 with minimal renal elimination. A drug‐drug interaction study was conducted to evaluate the impact of the strong CYP3A inhibitor itraconazole or the strong CYP3A4 inducer rifampin on the pharmacokinetics of itacitinib in healthy volunteers. In cohort 1, subjects received 200 mg sustained release (SR) tablets of itacitinib on days 1 and 6 and 200 mg itraconazole on days 2‐7. In cohort 2, subjects received 200 mg SR itacitinib on days 1 and 9 and 600 mg rifampin on days 2‐9. Thirty‐six subjects were enrolled, 18 in each cohort with 17 completing itacitinib dosing in cohort 1 and 15 completing itacitinib dosing in cohort 2. Coadministration of itraconazole with itacitinib resulted in a nearly 5‐fold increase in area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC0‐∞) (geometric mean ratio [GMR] 4.88, 90%Cl 4.17‐5.72) and an ∼3‐fold increase in peak concentration (Cmax) (GMR 3.15, 90%Cl 2.58‐3.54). Coadministration of rifampin with itacitinib resulted in a nearly 80% decrease in AUC0‐∞ (GMR 0.208, 90%Cl 0.173, 0.249) and Cmax (GMR 0.231, 90%Cl 0.195, 0.274). Results of this study informed the study design of the phase 3 GVHD protocols with regard to coadministration of strong CYP3A inhibitors and CYP3A4 inducers. These data combined with phase 3 data will inform final dosing recommendations.
Fetal tricuspid regurgitation in second trimester of pregnancies at risk for fetal chromosomal defects
Authors: Benchamanon Rutporn , Suwanrath Chitkasaem , Pranpanus Savitree
Published: July 2019

Purpose

To determine the prevalence and screening performance for detection of Down syndrome of fetal tricuspid regurgitation in the second trimester of pregnancies at risk for fetal chromosomal defects.

Methods

A prospective study was carried out on pregnant women at risk for fetal chromosomal defects who had amniocentesis or cordocentesis for fetal karyotyping at 16 to 23 weeks' gestation, between February 2017 and January 2018. An assessment of the fetal tricuspid valve was conducted before any invasive procedure. Tricuspid regurgitation was defined as flow reversal for at least half of systole, with a maximum velocity of ≥100 cm/s.

Results

In the 486 cases studies, fetal tricuspid regurgitation was found in 21 (4.3%), and 10 fetuses had Down syndrome. The tricuspid regurgitation was found in 15 (3.2%) of the 462 euploid fetuses, in 5 (50%) of the Down syndrome fetuses, and in 1 (7.1%) of the fetuses with other chromosome abnormalities. Tricuspid regurgitation was found as an isolated marker in 2 of the 10 Down syndrome fetuses. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value to screen for Down syndrome were 50%, 96.8%, 25%, and 98.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Tricuspid regurgitation showed a high prevalence in fetal Down syndrome at the gestational age of 16 to 23 weeks and was an isolated marker in 20% of them.
Dielectric spectroscopy technique for detection of human respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Cho Young Seek , Tien Trinh Thi Thuy , Yeo Seon‐Ju
Published: July 2019

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can be serious for infants and older adults, though it is considered a common respiratory virus for most people. Rapid and sensitive detection of RSV is important for minimizing infection, and an effective diagnostic method is still in demand. Dielectric spectroscopy is a technique for measuring the complex permittivity spectra of a material‐under‐test (MUT). The spectra can provide a unique fingerprint of the MUT for higher detection accuracy. In this article, a dielectric spectroscopy technique, which uses an open‐ended coaxial probe submerged in aqueous biological materials, is presented for the detection of RSV. From the reflection coefficients at the end of an open‐ended coaxial probe, complex permittivity spectra over the frequency range of 0.1‐26.5 GHz are extracted and used to characterize the three different biological materials: RSV, RSV + an antibody targeting the RSV, and bovine serum albumin (BSA), which is used as a negative control sample in this article. It is shown that the RSV and RSV + antibody can be differentiated from BSA by three distinct features: (a) the real part of the complex permittivity spectra, (b) the ionic loss characteristic below 1 GHz, and (c) the relaxation frequency. These three features enable us to identify the presence of RSV in an aqueous biological material.
Timely exposure of a secret project: Which activities to monitor?
Authors: Hermans Ben , Hamers Herbert , Leus Roel , Lindelauf Roy
Published: July 2019

A defender wants to detect as quickly as possible whether some attacker is secretly conducting a project that could harm the defender. Security services, for example, need to expose a terrorist plot in time to prevent it. The attacker, in turn, schedules his activities so as to remain undiscovered as long as possible. One pressing question for the defender is: which of the project's activities to focus intelligence efforts on? We model the situation as a zero‐sum game, establish that a late‐start schedule defines a dominant attacker strategy, and describe a dynamic program that yields a Nash equilibrium for the zero‐sum game. Through an innovative use of cooperative game theory, we measure the harm reduction thanks to each activity's intelligence effort, obtain insight into what makes intelligence effort more effective, and show how to identify opportunities for further harm reduction. We use a detailed example of a nuclear weapons development project to demonstrate how a careful trade‐off between time and ease of detection can reduce the harm significantly.
Sparse hierarchical solvers with guaranteed convergence
Authors: Yang Kai , Pouransari Hadi , Darve Eric
Published: July 2019

Solving sparse linear systems from discretized partial differential equations is challenging. Direct solvers have, in many cases, quadratic complexity (depending on geometry), while iterative solvers require problem dependent preconditioners to be robust and efficient. Approximate factorization preconditioners such as incomplete LU factorization provide cheap approximations to the system matrix. However, even a highly accurate preconditioner may have deteriorating performance when the condition number of the system matrix increases. By increasing the accuracy on low‐frequency errors, we propose a novel hierarchical solver with improved robustness with respect to the condition number of the linear system. This solver retains the linear computational cost and memory footprint of the original algorithm.
Quetiapine extended‐release vs olanzapine for Japanese patients with bipolar depression: A Bayesian analysis
Authors: Kishi Taro , Ikuta Toshikazu , Matsuda Yuki , Iwata Nakao
Published: July 2019

Objective

It is unknown whether there are differences in efficacy and safety between quetiapine extended‐release, 300 mg/d (QUEXR300), and olanzapine, 5‐20 mg/d (OLA), for Japanese patients with bipolar depression.

Methods

We conducted a Bayesian analysis of data from phase 3 studies in Japan of QUEXR300 and OLA. Outcomes were remission rate (primary), response rate, improvement on the Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and 17‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores, discontinuation rate, and incidence of individual adverse events. We calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) and the risk ratio (RR) and 95% credible interval (95% CrI) for continuous and dichotomous data, respectively.

Results

There were no significant differences between QUEXR300 and OLA for any of the efficacy outcomes. QUEXR300 was associated with a higher incidence of somnolence than OLA (RR = 5.517; 95% CrI = 1.563, 19.787), while OLA was associated with greater increase body weight (SMD = −0.488; 95% CrI = −0.881, −0.089) and blood prolactin levels (SMD = −0.642; 95% CrI = −1.073, −0.213) than QUEXR300, and a greater decrease in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (SMD = −0.408; 95% CrI = −0.785, −0.030) than QUEXR300.

Conclusion

Although the two drugs’ efficacy did not differ, OLA increased the risk of metabolic syndrome and QUEXR300 the risk of somnolence. A large scale, long‐term, head‐to‐head comparison study of QUEXR300 vs OLA for Japanese patients with bipolar depression is needed to confirm the results of the current study.
Direct (hetero)arylation polymerization for the synthesis of donor–acceptor conjugated polymers based on N‐benzoyldithieno [3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]pyrrole and diketopyrrolopyrrole toward organic photovoltaic cell application
Authors: Nguyen Tam H , Nguyen Loc T , Nguyen Huy T , Phan Ngoc‐Lan T , Nguyen Viet Q , Nguyen Le‐Thu T , Hoang Mai Ha , Le Tran Hai , Mai Phong T , Murata Hideyuki , Abdul Aziz Mohd Zaidan bin , Akabori Masashi , Nguyen Ha Tran
Published: July 2019

In this research, new donor–acceptor (D‐A) photovoltaic polymers were synthesized from dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]pyrrole electron donor derivatives, including N‐benzoyldithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]pyrrole and N‐(4‐hexylbenzoyl)dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]pyrrole, in combination with the electron deficient unit 2,5‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐3,6‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐dihydropyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4‐dione via direct (hetero)arylation polymerization. The D‐A conjugated polymers obtained were characterized via 1H NMR, gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, DSC, XRD, photoluminescence and UV–visible methods. In addition, these D‐A polymers were used as activated layers in bilayer and bulk heterojunction structures for the fabrication of organic photovoltaic cells. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
The benefits of trees for livable and sustainable communities
Authors: Turner‐Skoff Jessica B. , Cavender Nicole
Published: July 2019

Societal Impact Statement

Trees play a critical role for people and the planet. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the presence of trees and urban nature can improve people's mental and physical health, children's attention and test scores, the property values in a neighborhood, and beyond. Trees cool our urban centers. Trees are essential for healthy communities and people. The benefits that trees provide can help cities and countries meet 15 of the 17 internationally supported United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This critical review provides a comprehensive argument that trees should be considered an important part of the equation by project managers and civic leaders as we collectively work toward reaching these sustainability goals.

We live in an era influenced by humans to the point that the Earth's systems are now altered. In addition, a majority of the world's population live in cities. To meet the needs of people in a changing world, The United Nations General Assembly created the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) to improve the quality of life for people. These broad goals outline the greatest challenges of our time. An effective strategy to assist in meeting these goals is to plant and protect trees, especially in cities where the majority of people live. This paper serves as a critical review of the benefits of trees. Trees promote health and social well‐being by removing air pollution, reducing stress, encouraging physical activity, and promoting social ties and community. Children with views of trees are more likely to succeed in school. Trees promote a strong economy and can provide numerous resources to the people that need them. While cities are getting hotter, trees can reduce urban temperatures. They provide habitat and food for animals. Finally, trees are valuable green infrastructure to manage stormwater. Money spent on urban forestry has a high return on investment. As we navigate this human‐dominated era, we need skilled people who understand the nuances of the built environment and trees as we strategically plan the cities of the future. The overwhelming evidence from the scientific literature suggests that investing in trees is an investment in meeting the UN SDG, and ultimately an investment for a better world.
Linear theory of shallow convection in deep, vertically sheared atmospheres
Authors: Kirshbaum Daniel J. , Straub David N.
Published: July 2019

The linear theory of vertically sheared convection is extended to deep‐atmosphere flows with arbitrary wind, stability, and diffusion profiles. Consistent with previous findings, reference single‐layer vertical channel flows show fastest growth for shear‐parallel roll circulations and much weaker growth for shear‐transverse circulations, causing the former to dominate. In a more realistic three‐layer setting, where the cloud layer lies between a mixed layer below and a stable free troposphere aloft, shear‐parallel rolls also dominate. However, shear‐transverse rolls grow much faster than before, which degrades the convective organization. An analysis focused on the vertical perturbation phase tilt leads to a novel interpretation of these results. Vertical shear imparts a downshear tilt, which acts to weaken the convective growth driven by dynamic and non‐hydrostatic buoyant vertical perturbation pressure gradients (VPPGs). Whether these VPPGs can maintain growth in the face of the shear depends largely on the Richardson number (Ri), withbecoming a necessary condition for (inviscid) growth of shear‐perpendicular rolls in the short‐wave limit. In deeper, three‐layer atmospheres, longer vertical wavelengths are admitted, which fosters less tilted and faster growing perturbations. This effect, however, is partially offset by differential tilting between kinematic and thermal anomalies. Numerical simulations are used to verify the linear results and to explore the evolution of the convection into the nonlinear regime. As the nonlinearities grow, an initial preference for smaller‐scale, shear‐parallel circulations is ultimately overwhelmed by larger‐scale perturbations with no preferred orientation. Thus, the linear findings are most applicable to the early evolution of cloud layers undergoing turbulent transition.
Investigating the GPM Dual‐frequency Precipitation Radar signatures of low‐level precipitation enhancement
Authors: Porcacchia Leonardo , Kirstetter Pierre‐Emmanuel , Maggioni Viviana , Tanelli Simone
Published: July 2019

High‐intensity precipitation represents a threat for several regions of the world because of the related risk of natural disasters (e.g. floods and landslides). This work focuses on low‐level precipitation enhancement that occurs in the cloud warm layer and has been observed in relation to collision‐coalescence (CC) leading to flash floods and extreme rainfall events in tropical and temperate latitudes. Specifically, signatures of precipitation enhancement (referred to as CC‐dominant precipitation) are investigated in the observations from the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) core mission Dual‐frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) over the central/eastern Contiguous United States (CONUS) during June 2014–May 2018. A classification scheme for CC‐dominant precipitation, developed for dual‐polarization S‐band radar measurements and applied in a previous work to X‐band radar observations in complex terrain, is used as a benchmark. The scheme is here applied to the GPM ground validation dataset that matches ground‐based radar observations across CONUS to space‐borne DPR retrievals. The occurrence of CC‐dominant precipitation is documented and the corresponding signatures of CC‐dominant precipitation at Ku‐ and Ka‐band are studied. CC‐dominant profiles show distinguishing features when compared to profiles not dominated by CC, e.g. characteristic vertical slopes of reflectivity at Ku‐ and Ka‐band in the liquid layer, lower freezing‐level height, and shallower ice layer, which are linked to environmental conditions driving the peculiar CC microphysics. This work aims at improving satellite quantitative precipitation estimation, particularly GPM retrievals, by targeting CC development in precipitation columns.
Fluorescent Sensing Properties of Three Coordination Polymers Constructed by 3,5‐Di(2′,5‐dicarboxylphenyl)pyridine Ligand
Authors: Ting Gao , Li Zhao , Lingling Gao , Jie Zhang , Lijun Zhai , Xiaoyan Niu , Tuoping Hu
Published: July 2019

Three CdII coordination polymers (CPs), named as {[Cd2(DDPP)(DMF)(H2O)]·DMF}n (1), {[Cd2(DDPP)(H2O)2]·DMA·H2O}n (2), [Cd(H2DDPP)]n (3), based on 3,5‐di(2′,5‐dicarboxylphenyl)pyridine) (H4DDPP), were synthesized under solvothermal methods. Structural analysis indicates that the H4DDPP ligand of 1–3 adopt (κ1‐κ1)‐(κ1‐κ1)‐(κ1‐κ2)‐(κ1‐κ1)‐μ8, (κ1‐κ1)‐(κ1‐κ2)‐(κ1‐κ2)‐(κ1‐κ1)‐μ10, and (κ0‐κ0)‐(κ1‐κ2)‐(κ1‐κ2)‐(κ0‐κ0)‐μ6 coordination modes, respectively. CP 1 is a 2‐nodal (4,8)‐c alb‐4,8‐Pbcn network. CP 2 is a 3D 4,8‐c flu/fluorite network. CP 3 displays a 2D layer, which is further connected with hycrogen‐bonding interactions between layers to form supramolecular framework. Moreover, the fluorescent features of 1–3 were studied in aqueous systems and the values of detection limit (DL) are also calculated by 3σ/ksv. The results reveal that 1–3 have good ability on probing CrVI/FeIII ions.
Magnetic Anisotropy vs. Shape Preferred Orientation in Quartzites with Negative Susceptibility – Implications for Analysing Strain Intensity Variations
Authors: Renjith A.R. , Mamtani Manish A. , Abhijith V. , Rana Virendra
Published: July 2019

Through this study the robustness of using anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) data is tested as a gauge of intensity of shape preferred orientation (SPO) in pure quartzites that have a low mean magnetic susceptibility (Km). AMS of eight quartzite samples from the Rengali province (eastern India) is measured, and the degree of magnetic anisotropy Pj, which is a measure of the intensity of magnetic fabric is calculated. Quartz grain size, shape as well as orientation data are obtained based on SEM-EBSD analysis of each sample. Using these microstructural data, intensity of SPO of quartz grains in each sample is quantified by measuring (i) the concentration parameter (κq) and (ii) the azimuthal anisotropy of fractal dimension (AAD). Magnitude of 2D strain (E) is also estimated for each sample. Based on these data the statistical relationship between the various parameters is evaluated viz. Pj vs. κq, Pj vs. AAD, Pj vs. E, κq vs. AAD, κq vs. E, AAD vs. E. A strong linear relationship is established in each case. It is argued that quartz aspect ratio, dominant slip systems/recrystallization mechanisms cannot explain the strong linear correlations between magnetic anisotropy, SPO and strain. To further support findings of the above determined relationships, positive Km quartzites were also investigated. It is found that the latter do not show a strong relationship between the intensity of AMS, SPO and strain. It is therefore, established that whilst the variation in intensity of magnetic fabric can be used to gauge variation in intensities of strain as well as SPO in the investigated negative Km quartzites, the same is not true for positive Km quartzites, where the AMS is controlled the para/ferromagnetic phases present in the rock.
The Morphology and Metallurgical Implications for Extraction of Platinum Group Minerals (PGM’s) in Chromitite
Authors: Sunder Raju P.V.
Published: July 2019

This study was carried out on chromitite bearing samples from Sittampundi anorthosite complex (SAC), Tamil Nadu, to understand the morphology of platinum-group minerals (PGM) and associated silicates using state-of-the-art technology QEMSCAN®. The dominant mineralogy of the samples are chromite (>70 mass percent), plagioclase (An90) and chlorite-actinolite with orthopyroxene (En85). The morphology of PGMs grain sizes are varying from 10 - < 3µm in size. Understanding the morphological characteristics of PGMs is essential for the future beneficiation and metallurgical process involved for the extraction of PGMs associated with the chromitite samples to make viable Sittampundi complex a promising target for future PGE exploration.
Palaeo-weathering Characteristics and Nature of Source Lithology of a Carbonaceous Metasedimentary Unit in the Dalma Volcano-sedimentary Belt, North Singhbhum Mobile Belt, Eastern India
Authors: Khatun Mousoma , Singh Sahendra , Chakravarti Rajarshi
Published: July 2019

The Palaeo to Mesoproterozoic Dalma volcano-sedimentary basin (DVSB) is a typical greenstone belt sequence within the North Singhbhum Mobile Belt (NSMB) of Singhbhum Crustal Province (SCP), eastern India. The volcano-sedimentary belt is situated in the central portion of NSMB and separates the Chaibasa and Dhalbhum formation lying at its south from the Chandil Formation at its north. The metasedimentary unit comprises carbonaceous phyllite, carbonaceous cherty quartzite, quartz mica schist and quartzite. In the present work, the Au-rich carbonaceous metasedimentary rocks were studied to understand the source rocks characteristic, paleoweathering history and possible tectonic set-up. Geochemical classification diagrams based on the major oxide data indicates that these units belong to arkose to wacke field and the protolith underwent moderate to high degree of chemical weathering. Based on critical elemental ratios, it is inferred that the sediments were subjected to moderate degree of physical weathering, associated with sediment sorting and recycling. A fractionated REE pattern coupled with prominent negative Eu anomaly and elevated Th/Sc ratios indicate a felsic provenance for these metasedimentary units. The data further suggests that the sediments were deposited in a passive margin tectonic setting, during a prolonged period of upliftment and erosion of the Archean Singhbhum granite complex.
Geology-aided Geostatistical Modelling of a Ferruginous Bauxite Deposit in Eastern India
Authors: Behera Girija Shankar , Sarkar Bhabesh C. , Singh Rahul Kumar , Singh Sahendra
Published: July 2019

Geostatistical modelling for a part of a ferruginous bauxite deposit in Eastern India has been carried out for estimation of mineral inventory and grade-tonnage relationships. Resource estimation of the bauxite deposit carried out by different agencies previously were on the basis of drill hole spacing employing fundamentally conventional cross-sectional techniques and in a limited way geostatistics. The conventional methods have limitation to specify the confidence limits (+/-) or, in other words, the percent accuracy of the estimated mean. One normally relies on approximation without any mathematical basis. However, no integrated mineral deposit modelling has been carried out combining deposit geology with geostatistics for development of mineral inventory and estimation of grade-tonnage relationships. An understanding of formation of bauxite by the process of residual weathering and lateritization of Archean khondalite and charnokite, when incorporated in population modelling and semi-variography and integrated with appropriate geostatistical evaluation process provided a means to improved geo-characterization of the bauxite deposit. The integrated geostatistical modelling led to the quantification of the individual population characteristics and spatial relationships of the geo-variables. Spatial correlation modelling of the sample values through semi-variography revealed a moderate to high nugget-to-sill ratio with moderate range of influence, characterizing the spatial variability of the ferruginous bauxite deposit. Geostatistical estimation employing 3D block kriging led to the generation of slice-wise block kriged estimates and kriging variances. Resulting block estimates, when stacked slice-wise one below the other, provided a 3D mineral inventory of 29.87 mt of bauxite averaging 42.04% Al2O3 and 2.88% SiO2. Spatial distribution maps of kriging variance aid in reflecting zones of uncertainty of varying magnitude associated with block estimates.
A New Find of Uraniferous Migmatites in Singrauli District, Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Lingamurty E. , Panda Arjuna
Published: July 2019

Presence of uranium mineralisation associated with migmatites is reported from Chhotanagpur granite gneiss complex (CGGC) along Baran and Gabala river section in parts of Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh. Nine radioactive bands along the Baran river and three radioactive bands along Gabala river section near Jhanji hosted by migmatites leucosomes with variable dimensions have been located. The trend of migmatite is E-W to WNW-ESE and dips of 50°-60° N. Grab samples of radioactive migmatite leucosomes from Baran river assay from 93.28 ppm to 534 ppm U and 21.97 ppm to 254 ppm Th, whereas Gabala river migmatites analysed 127.19 ppm to 8564.4 ppm U and 21.97 ppm to 105.48 ppm thorium. Uraninite is the main uranium mineral identified in the leucosome from both the localities. Chemical age of single uraninite grain from Gabala river migmatite is 792Ma age which suggest that uranium mineralisation/uraninite crystallisation in migmatite took place during Neoproterozoic. Euhedral shape of uraninite grain, their high U/Th ratio, high REE content and high unit cell dimension(a0) suggest that uranium mineralisation in migmatite took place at moderate to high temperature hydrothermal fluid. In view of uraniferous nature and their dimension, migmatites of the area warrant detailed exploration to establish migmatite hosted U-mineralisation.
Measurement of Radon Concentration and Evaluation of Total Dose in Drinking Water of Chikmagalur City, Karnataka
Authors: Srinivasa E. , Rangaswamy D. R. , Sannappa J.
Published: July 2019

In the present study, radon concentrations were measured in 31 drinking water samples collected from different locations of the Chikmagalur city, Karnataka state, India, using emanometry technique. The measured radon concentrations ranged from 0.51 ± 0.1 Bq l-1 to 151.98 ± 3.5 Bq l-1 with an average value of 22.72 ± 1.1 Bq l-1. From this study, it is evident that 61 % of drinking water samples have radon levels higher than the maximum contaminant level of 11 Bq l-1 recommended by EPA. The estimated total annual effective dose from three locations of the studied area was found to be higher than the safe limit of 0.1 mSv y-1 recommended by WHO and EU Council.
The Limits to Law: How Intellectual Properties Are Used and Protected in Chinese Industries
Authors: HE Qiaoling
Published: July 2019

Many studies agree that a weak intellectual property right (IPR) legal system likely reduces innovation or creation; they also predict that increasing intellectual properties (IPs) in developing countries will automatically lead to local needs for stronger formal protection. However, the situation is found to be more complex in China. With a focus on the use of IPs and relevant protection mechanisms in China, this study points out that many companies acquire IPs for purposes that do not depend on their enforcement; many companies have informal ways of protecting their IPs without resorting to court enforcement. Both the alternative functions and the alternative enforcement mechanisms are shaped by industrial characteristics, especially in four aspects: technological features, administrative regulation, market characteristics, and network structure. Based on studies of different industrial sectors in China, this article develops a general framework for analyzing the role of IPRs in industrial practice.