bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2‐Bromo‐2‐chloro‐3‐arylpropanenitriles as C‐3 Synthons for the Synthesis of Functionalized 3‐Aminothiophenes
Authors: Batsyts Sviatoslav , Shehedyn Maksym , Goreshnik Evgeny A. , Obushak Mykola D. , Schmidt Andreas , Ostapiuk Yurii V.
Published: November 2019

2‐Bromo‐2‐chloro‐3‐arylpropanenitriles can be prepared by Meerwein reaction from 2‐chloroacrylonitrile and various aryldiazonium salts under copper(II) bromide catalysis. They proved to be stable compounds which form 2‐chlorocinnnamonitriles upon treatment with bases. Reaction of the title compounds with substituted thioglycolates gave substituted 3‐aminothiophenes which have not yet been accessible by other routes. Three‐component reactions with the title compound, sodium sulfide and bromonitromethane, chloroacetonitrile, or ethyl 4‐chloroacetoacetate gave 2‐nitro‐ and 2‐cyano‐substituted 3‐aminothiophenes, and thienopyridinediones in high yields and in one single step, respectively.
Wood‐Derived Carbon Fibers Embedded with SnOx Nanoparticles as Anode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Revathi Janardhanan , Jyothirmayi Adduru , Rao Tata Narasinga , Deshpande Atul Suresh
Published: November 2019

Carbon–SnOx composites are obtained by impregnating acetylacetone‐treated, delignified wood fibers with tin precursor and successively carbonizing at 1000 °C in 95% argon and 5% oxygen. Scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen sorption studies (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller) show that acetylacetone treatment stabilizes the wood fiber structure during carbonization at 1000 °C and preserves the porous structural features. X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies show that the small amount of oxygen introduced in inert atmosphere passivates the surface of tin nanoparticles. The passivation process yields thermally and electrochemically stable SnOx particles embedded in carbon matrix. The resultant carbon–SnOx material with 16 wt% SnOx shows excellent electrochemical performance of rate capability from 0.1 to 10 A g−1 and cycling stability for 1000 cycles with Li‐ion storage capacity of 280 mAh g−1 at a current density of 10 A g−1. The remarkable electrochemical performance of wood‐derived carbon–SnOx composite is attributed to the reproduction of structural featured wood fibers to nanoscale in carbon–SnOx composite and controlled passivation of tin nanoparticles to yield SnOx nanoparticles.
Prediction of Survival Among Patients Receiving Transarterial Chemoembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Response‐Based Approach
Authors: Han Guohong , Berhane Sarah , Toyoda Hidenori , Bettinger Dominik , Elshaarawy Omar , Chan Anthony W. H. , Kirstein Martha , Mosconi Cristina , Hucke Florian , Palmer Daniel , Pinato David J. , Sharma Rohini , Ottaviani Diego , Jang Jeong W. , Labeur Tim A. , van Delden Otto M. , Pirisi Mario , Stern Nick , Sangro Bruno , Meyer Tim , Fateen Waleed , García‐Fiñana Marta , Gomaa Asmaa , Waked Imam , Rewisha Eman , Aithal Guru P. , Travis Simon , Kudo Masatoshi , Cucchetti Alessandro , Peck‐Radosavljevic Markus , Takkenberg R.B. , Chan Stephen L. , Vogel Arndt , Johnson Philip J.
Published: November 2019

Background and Aims

The heterogeneity of intermediate‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the widespread use of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) outside recommended guidelines have encouraged the development of scoring systems that predict patient survival. The aim of this study was to build and validate statistical models that offer individualized patient survival prediction using response to TACE as a variable.

Approach and Results

Clinically relevant baseline parameters were collected for 4,621 patients with HCC treated with TACE at 19 centers in 11 countries. In some of the centers, radiological responses (as assessed by modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [mRECIST]) were also accrued. The data set was divided into a training set, an internal validation set, and two external validation sets. A pre‐TACE model (“Pre‐TACE‐Predict”) and a post‐TACE model (“Post‐TACE‐Predict”) that included response were built. The performance of the models in predicting overall survival (OS) was compared with existing ones. The median OS was 19.9 months. The factors influencing survival were tumor number and size, alpha‐fetoprotein, albumin, bilirubin, vascular invasion, cause, and response as assessed by mRECIST. The proposed models showed superior predictive accuracy compared with existing models (the hepatoma arterial embolization prognostic score and its various modifications) and allowed for patient stratification into four distinct risk categories whose median OS ranged from 7 months to more than 4 years.

Conclusions

A TACE‐specific and extensively validated model based on routinely available clinical features and response after first TACE permitted patient‐level prognostication.
Executive compensation and firm performance: Evidence from cross‐listed AH‐share firms
Authors: Cui Xuegang , Xu Lei , Zhang Huili , Zhang Yuxiao
Published: November 2019

We apply sensitivity of executive compensation to firm performance as an effective measurement of corporate governance to examine the bonding mechanism among the cross‐listed Chinese firms between 2005 and 2017. Our sample covers the nonfinancial firms listed on both China and Hong Kong stock exchanges (AH‐share firms) and firms in China only (A‐share firms). We find that AH‐share firms have much higher sensitivity of executive compensation to firm performance than A‐share firms. However, the bonding effect only exists when executive cash compensation and firm accounting performance are considered. Executive compensation on stock return, chief executive officer turnover on firm accounting performance, or chief executive officer turnover on stock market performance, all demonstrate no bonding effect. The results are attributed to institutional environment in which executive compensation is solely dependent on accounting profits among Chinese firms, and the A‐share market offers weak investor protection. We also find that both legal and reputational bonding effects work on improved governance of AH‐share firms, although such effects are highly dependent on specific market mechanisms including that of firm executives. Our findings may contribute to current bonding literature and have policy implications on future state‐owned enterprise reforms.
Simultaneous detection of cerebral blood perfusion and cerebral edema using swept‐source optical coherence tomography
Authors: Liu Jian , Li Yan , Yu Yao , Yuan Xincheng , Lv Hongyu , Liu Lanxiang , Zhao Yuqian , Wang Yi , Ma Zhenhe
Published: November 2019

The progression of ischemic cerebral edema (CE) is closely related to the level of cerebral blood perfusion (CBP) and affects each other. Simultaneous detection of CBP and CE is helpful in understanding the mechanisms of ischemic CE development. In this article, a wide field of view swept‐source optical coherence tomography system was used to detect CE status and CBP levels simultaneously in middle cerebral artery occlusion rats. Images reflecting these two physiological states can be reconstructed with only one C‐scan. We quantify these two physiological states into four parameters, which contain two vascular parameters (vascular displacement distance and vascular perfusion density) and two edema parameters (optical attenuation coefficient and edema area). The association between the two vascular parameters and the two edema parameters was analyzed. The results show that there is a strong linear relationship between blood flow parameters and edema parameters. This work provides a new option for CE in vivo detection, and is very likely to play an important role in the development of relevant drugs or in selection of treatment options.
Pharmacokinetics of Upadacitinib in Healthy Subjects and Subjects With Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, or Atopic Dermatitis: Population Analyses of Phase 1 and 2 Clinical Trials
Authors: Nader Ahmed , Stodtmann Sven , Friedel Anna , Mohamed Mohamed‐Eslam F. , Othman Ahmed A.
Published: November 2019

Upadacitinib (ABT‐494) is a selective Janus kinase (JAK)1 inhibitor being developed for treatment of several inflammatory disorders. A population pharmacokinetic model was developed for upadacitinib using 11,658 plasma concentrations from 1145 subjects from 4 phase 1 and 5 phase 2 studies in healthy subjects and subjects with rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or atopic dermatitis. A 2‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and lag time for the immediate‐release formulation and mixed zero‐ and first‐order absorption with lag time for the extended‐release formulation, and linear elimination adequately described upadacitinib plasma concentration–time profiles. The oral bioavailability of upadacitinib extended‐release formulation was estimated to be approximately 80% relative to the immediate‐release formulation. Covariates included in the final model were creatinine clearance, subject population (healthy subjects vs subjects with atopic dermatitis, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease vs subjects with rheumatoid arthritis) and sex on apparent oral clearance and sex and body weight on apparent volume of distribution of the central compartment. Female subjects had 21% higher upadacitinib steady‐state area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) compared to male subjects. Compared to healthy subjects, subjects with atopic dermatitis, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease had 21% higher upadacitinib steady‐state AUC, while subjects with rheumatoid arthritis had 35% higher steady‐state AUC. Subjects with mild or moderate renal impairment were estimated to have 10% or 22% higher AUC, respectively, compared to subjects with normal renal function. Based on final model parameter estimates, effects of the tested covariates are not expected to result in clinically relevant changes in upadacitinib steady‐state exposures.
Translating genomic testing results for pediatric critical care: Opportunities for genetic counselors
Authors: Deuitch Natalie , Soo‐Jin Lee Sandra , Char Danton
Published: November 2019

Genomic sequencing (GS), such as whole genome and exome sequencing, is rapidly being integrated into pediatric critical care settings. Results are being used to make high impact decisions including declarations of futility, withdrawal of care, and rationing of scarce resources. In this qualitative study, we conducted interviews with clinicians involved in the care of critically ill children with congenital heart disease (CHD) to investigate their views on implementation of GS into clinical practice. Interviews were transcribed and inductively analyzed for major themes using grounded theory and thematic analysis. Three major themes emerged surrounding the use of genomic information in the high‐stakes, time pressured decision making that characterizes clinical care of critically ill children with CHD: (a) that clinicians felt they did not have sufficient training to accurately assess genetic results despite pressure to incorporate results into clinical decisions; (b), that they desire knowledge support from genetic specialists, such as genetic counselors, who both understand the critical care context and are available within the time constraints of critical care clinical pressures; and (c), that clinicians feel a pressing need for increased genetics education to be able to safely and appropriately incorporate GS results into clinical decisions Our data suggest that genetics specialists may need a stronger presence in the pediatric critical care setting.
Moving off Agrarian Societies: Agricultural Productivity to Facilitate Economic Transformations and Non‐agricultural Employment Growth in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Djoumessi Yannick Fosso , Kamdem Cyrille Bergaly , Ndeffo Nembot Luc
Published: November 2019

The main objectives of this work are two‐fold: we seek first to specify the relationship between agricultural productivity and non‐agricultural employment and second to assess the effect of productivity growth on the employment of the off‐farm sector in the long run. The econometric results of our panel vector autoregressive depict a causal relationship with single direction from agricultural productivity to non‐agricultural employment. Between productivity and inequalities, causality seems to function only from productivity to inequalities. This explains the fact that productivity growth generates significant inequalities in the distribution of income, which is necessary to enhancing investments in the agricultural sector. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accessing surgical care for pancreaticoduodenectomy: Patient variation in travel distance and choice to bypass hospitals to reach higher volume centers
Authors: Diaz Adrian , Burns Sarah , Paredes Anghela Z. , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: November 2019

Background

While better outcomes at high‐volume surgical centers have driven regionalization of complex surgical care, access to high‐volume centers often requires travel over longer distances. We sought to evaluate travel patterns of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic cancer to assess willingness of patients to travel for surgical care.

Methods

The California Office of Statewide Health Planning database was used to identify patients who underwent PD between 2005 and 2016. Total distance traveled, as well as whether a patient bypassed the nearest hospital that performed PD to get to a higher‐volume center was assessed. Multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with bypassing a local hospital for a higher‐volume center.

Results

Among 23 014 patients who underwent PD, individuals traveled a median distance of 18.0 miles to get to a hospital that performed PD. The overwhelming majority (84%) of patients bypassed the nearest providing hospital and traveled a median additional 16.6 miles to their destination hospital. Among patients who bypassed the nearest hospital, 13,269 (68.6%) did so for a high‐volume destination hospital. Specifically, average annual PD volume at the nearest “bypassed” vs final destination hospital was 29.6 vs 56 cases, respectively. Outcomes at bypassed vs destination hospitals varied (incidence of complications: 39.2% vs 32.4%; failure‐to‐rescue: 14.5% vs 9.1%). PD at a high‐volume center was associated with lower mortality (OR = 0.46 95% CI, 0.22‐0.95). High‐volume PD ( > 20 cases) was predictive of hospital bypass (OR = 3.8 95% CI, 3.3‐4.4). Among patients who had surgery at a low‐volume center, nearly 20% bypassed a high‐volume hospital in route. Furthermore, among patients who did not bypass a high‐volume hospital, one‐third would have needed to travel only an additional 30 miles or less to reach the nearest high‐volume hospital.

Conclusion

Most patients undergoing PD bypassed the nearest providing hospital to seek care at a higher‐volume hospital. While these data reflect increased regionalization of complex surgical care, nearly 1 in 5 patients still underwent PD at a low‐volume center.
Abnormalities in the genes that encode Large Amino Acid Transporters increase the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Cascio Lauren , Chen Chin‐Fu , Pauly Rini , Srikanth Sujata , Jones Kelly , Skinner Cindy D. , Stevenson Roger E. , Schwartz Charles E. , Boccuto Luigi
Published: November 2019

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder whose molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Several studies have shown an association between ASD and abnormalities in the metabolism of amino acids, specifically tryptophan and branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs).

Methods

Ninety‐seven patients with ASD were screened by Sanger sequencing the genes encoding the heavy (SLC3A2) and light subunits (SLC7A5 and SLC7A8) of the large amino acid transporters (LAT) 1 and 2. LAT1 and 2 are responsible for the transportation of tryptophan and BCAA across the blood–brain barrier and are expressed both in blood and brain. Functional studies were performed employing the Biolog Phenotype Microarray Mammalian (PM‐M) technology to investigate the metabolic profiling in lymphoblastoid cell lines from 43 patients with ASD and 50 controls with particular focus on the amino acid substrates of LATs.

Results

We detected nine likely pathogenic variants in 11 of 97 patients (11.3%): three in SLC3A2, three in SLC7A5, and three in SLC7A8. Six variants of unknown significance were detected in eight patients, two of which also carrying a likely pathogenic variant.

The functional studies showed a consistently reduced utilization of tryptophan, accompanied by evidence of reduced utilization of other large aromatic amino acids (LAAs), either alone or as part of a dipeptide.

Conclusion

Coding variants in the LAT genes were detected in 17 of 97 patients with ASD (17.5%). Metabolic assays indicate that such abnormalities affect the utilization of certain amino acids, particularly tryptophan and other LAAs, with potential consequences on their transport across the blood barrier and their availability during brain development. Therefore, abnormalities in the LAT1 and two transporters are likely associated with an increased risk of developing ASD.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor promoter polymorphisms are associated with disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients from Southern Mexico
Authors: Santoscoy‐Ascencio Guillermo , Baños‐Hernández Christian Johana , Navarro‐Zarza José Eduardo , Hernández‐Bello Jorge , Bucala Richard , López‐Quintero Andres , Valdés‐Alvarado Emmanuel , Parra‐Rojas Isela , Illades‐Aguiar Berenice , Muñoz‐Valle José Francisco
Published: November 2019

Background

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a cytokine capable of stimulating inflammatory cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase production from macrophages and synovial fibroblasts, which leads to persistent inflammation and bone degradation, two of the major pathological processes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of MIF promoter polymorphisms (−794CATT5‐8 rs5844572 and −173G > C, rs755622), circulating MIF levels, and mRNA expression with RA susceptibility and disease activity.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted in 200 RA patients and 200 control subjects (CS) from Southern Mexico. Genotyping was performed by conventional PCR and PCR‐RFLP methods. MIF mRNA expression was quantified by real‐time PCR and MIF serum levels were determined by an ELISA kit.

Results

The 7,7 (−794CATT5‐8) and −173CC (−173G > C) genotypes were associated with higher disease activity in RA patients. MIF serum levels were increased, and MIF mRNA expression was reduced in RA patients as compared to CS. In addition, RA patients with moderate disease activity had higher MIF levels than those with low disease activity. The −794CATT5‐8 and −173G > C MIF polymorphisms were not associated with RA susceptibility.

Conclusion

These results suggest an important role of MIF polymorphisms and MIF serum levels with disease activity in RA.
A comparative study on Monte Carlo simulations of electron emission from liquid water
Authors: Mehnaz  , Yang L.H. , Zou Y.B. , Da B. , Mao S.F. , Li H.M. , Zhao Y.F. , Ding Z.J.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Liquid water being the major constituent of the human body, is of fundamental importance in radiobiological research. Hence, the knowledge of electron‐water interaction physics and particularly the secondary electron yield is essential. However, to date, only very little is known experimentally on the low energy electron interaction with liquid water because of certain practical limitations. The purpose of this study was to gain some useful information about electron emission from water using a Monte Carlo (MC) simulation technique that can numerically model electron transport trajectories in water.

Methods

In this study, we have performed MC simulations of electron emission from liquid water in the primary energy range of 50 eV–30 keV by using two different codes, i.e., a classical trajectory MC (CMC) code developed in our laboratory and the Geant4‐DNA (G4DNA) code. The calculated secondary electron yield and electron backscattering coefficient are compared with experimental results wherever applicable to verify the validity of physical models for the electron‐water interaction.

Results

The secondary electron yield vs. primary energy curves calculated using the two codes present the same generic curve shape as that of metals but in rather different absolute values. G4DNA underestimates the secondary electron yield due to the application of one step thermalization model by setting a cutoff energy at 10 eV so that the low energy losses due to phonon excitations are omitted. Our CMC code, using a full energy loss spectrum to model electron inelastic scattering, allows the simulation of individual phonon scattering events for very low energy losses down to 10 meV, which then enables the calculated secondary electron yields much closer to the experimental data and also gives quite reasonable energy distribution curve of secondary electrons.

Conclusions

It is concluded that full dielectric function data at low energy loss values below 10 eV are recommended for modeling of low energy electrons in liquid water.
Convergence analysis for parallel‐in‐time solution of hyperbolic systems
Authors: De Sterck Hans , Friedhoff Stephanie , Howse Alexander J. M. , MacLachlan Scott P.
Published: November 2019

Parallel‐in‐time algorithms have been successfully employed for reducing time‐to‐solution of a variety of partial differential equations, especially for diffusive (parabolic‐type) equations. A major failing of parallel‐in‐time approaches to date, however, is that most methods show instabilities or poor convergence for hyperbolic problems. This paper focuses on the analysis of the convergence behavior of multigrid methods for the parallel‐in‐time solution of hyperbolic problems. Three analysis tools are considered that differ, in particular, in the treatment of the time dimension: (a) space–time local Fourier analysis, using a Fourier ansatz in space and time; (b) semi‐algebraic mode analysis, coupling standard local Fourier analysis approaches in space with algebraic computation in time; and (c) a two‐level reduction analysis, considering error propagation only on the coarse time grid. In this paper, we show how insights from reduction analysis can be used to improve feasibility of the semi‐algebraic mode analysis, resulting in a tool that offers the best features of both analysis techniques. Following validating numerical results, we investigate what insights the combined analysis framework can offer for two model hyperbolic problems, the linear advection equation in one space dimension and linear elasticity in two space dimensions.
Hyperpolarization of Pyridyl Fentalogues by Signal Amplification By Reversible Exchange (SABRE)
Authors: Robertson Thomas B. R. , Antonides Lysbeth H. , Gilbert Nicolas , Benjamin Sophie L. , Langley Stuart K. , Munro Lindsey J. , Sutcliffe Oliver B. , Mewis Ryan E.
Published: November 2019

Fentanyl, also known as ‘jackpot’, is a synthetic opiate that is 50–100 times more potent than morphine. Clandestine laboratories produce analogues of fentanyl, known as fentalogues to circumvent legislation regarding its production. Three pyridyl fentalogues were synthesized and then hyperpolarized by signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) to appraise the forensic potential of the technique. A maximum enhancement of ‐168‐fold at 1.4 T was recorded for the ortho pyridyl 1H nuclei. Studies of the activation parameters for the three fentalogues revealed that the ratio of ligand loss trans to hydride and hydride loss in the complex [Ir(IMes)(L)3(H)2]+ (IMes=1,3‐bis(2,4,6‐trimethylphenyl)imidazole‐2‐ylidene) ranged from 0.52 to 1.83. The fentalogue possessing the ratio closest to unity produced the largest enhancement subsequent to performing SABRE at earth's magnetic field. It was possible to hyperpolarize a pyridyl fentalogue selectively from a matrix that consisted largely of heroin (97 : 3 heroin:fentalogue) to validate the use of SABRE as a forensic tool.
An inorganic route to decorate graphene oxide with nanosilica and investigate its effect on anti‐corrosion property of waterborne epoxy
Authors: Song Bojun , Shi Yuanchang , Liu Qingdong
Published: November 2019

This paper reported an inorganic route that uses potassium silicate, which is one type of alkali silicate as an inorganic modifier, taking advantage of its instability and water condensation to decorate graphene oxide (GO) with nano‐SiO2. The ingredients of prepared nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the thermodynamic property was tested by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the morphology of SiO2‐GO nanocomposites. All the analyses above revealed the nano‐SiO2 (<100 nm) was deposited on the surface of GO by chemical bonds. In the meantime, the dispersion test illustrated that nano‐SiO2 played an important role in improving the dispersity of GO. The effect of SiO2‐GO nanocomposites on barrier and corrosion protection performance of SiO2‐GO nanocomposites was tested by immersion experiment and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results indicated that GO was helped to block the corrosion of aggressive medium; moreover, SiO2‐GO nanocomposites had the best anticorrosion performance and the slowest rate of corrosion because of its good dispersity with waterborne epoxy coatings.
Recent progress in the development of immobilized penicillin G acylase for chemical and industrial applications: A mini‐review
Authors: Li Ke , Mohammed Monier Alhadi Abdelrahman , Zhou Yongshan , Tu Hongyi , Zhang Jiachen , Liu Chunli , Chen Zhenbin , Burns Robert , Hu Dongdong , Ruso Juan M. , Tang Zhenghua , Liu Zhen
Published: November 2019

Immobilized penicillin G acylase (PGA) as an important industrial catalyst can catalyze penicillin G potassium (PG) to 6‐aminopenicillanic acid (6‐APA). 6‐APA is an important intermediate for semisynthetic penicillin drugs, which occupies a huge market space in the anti‐inflammatory field; as a result, immobilized PGA occupies a huge market space in the pharmaceutical field. However, at present, there are different degrees of defects in the preparation and production process of immobilized PGAs on the market because of the huge demand; therefore, the performance of immobilized PGA and its productivity will bring huge economic benefits to enterprises. Therefore, research on immobilized PGA has always been a focus. This review first introduces the source, classification, structure, and catalytic mechanism of PGA and then studies the development of immobilization methods, immobilized carriers, reaction media, enzyme activity regeneration, and reactors of immobilized PGA in recent years.
Preparation and properties of enhanced nanocomposites based on PLA/PC blends reinforced with silica nanoparticles
Authors: Hedayati Fatemeh , Moshiri‐Gomchi Nasrin , Assaran‐Ghomi Mahmood , Sabahi Sara , Bahri‐Laleh Naeimeh , Mehdipour‐Ataei Shahram , Mokhtari‐Aliabad Javad , Mirmohammadi Seyed Amin
Published: November 2019

In order to lower brittleness of biobased polylactic acid (PLA), its blending with polycarbonate and nanosilica is aimed. In this line, to increase compatibility of the ingredients, dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and Cobalt (II) acetylacetonate (Co) were used as grafting and transesterification catalysts, respectively. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectra demonstrated high compatibility of the ingredients by broadening of the PLA characteristic peaks and, also, good dispersion of nanosilica particles, especially in PLA/PC/Silica/Co sample. The EDX maps confirmed good nanosilica dispersion, too. The silica nanoparticle size was ranged from 20 to 100 nm in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) pictures. All nanocomposites showed improved thermal stability in thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results demonstrated lower Tg, Tm, and crystallinity values for the fabricated nanocomposites. Notably, the dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) curves confirmed the Tg, Tm, and Tcc trend obtained in DSC; moreover, much higher surface under tan δ peak for PLA/PC/Silica/Co sample was obtained, which implies its higher toughness. The precise tensile study of the samples confirmed significantly higher elongation at break of the nanocomposites, more considerably in PLA/PC/Silica/Co sample, with nearly negligible defect on tensile strength and modulus. In a concise, the obtained results confirmed the higher efficiency of Co catalyst, which leads to the sample with improved characteristics compared with DCP.
Two‐terminal Perovskite silicon tandem solar cells with a high‐Bandgap Perovskite absorber enabling voltages over 1.8 V
Authors: Bett Alexander J. , Schulze Patricia S.C. , Winkler Kristina M. , Kabakli Özde S. , Ketterer Ines , Mundt Laura E. , Reichmuth S. Kasimir , Siefer Gerald , Cojocaru Ludmila , Tutsch Leonard , Bivour Martin , Hermle Martin , Glunz Stefan W. , Goldschmidt Jan Christoph
Published: November 2019

Perovskite silicon tandem solar cells are a promising technology to overcome the efficiency limit of silicon solar cells. Although highest tandem efficiencies have been reported for the inverted p‐i‐n structure, high‐efficiency single junction perovskite solar cells are mostly fabricated in the regular n‐i‐p architecture. In this work, regular n‐i‐p perovskite solar cells with a high‐bandgap mixed cation mixed halide absorber suitable for tandem solar cells are investigated by compositional engineering and the open‐circuit voltage is improved to over 1.12 V using a passivating electron contact. The optimized perovskite solar cell is used as a top cell in a monolithic perovskite silicon tandem device with a silicon heterojunction bottom cell allowing for voltages up to 0.725 V. The tandem solar cells with an active area of 0.25 cm2 achieve record open‐circuit voltages of up to 1.85 V and have efficiencies over 20%. Analyzing the perovskite absorber by spatially resolved photoluminescence measurements shows a homogenous and stable emission at ~ 1.7 eV which is an optimal value for tandem applications with silicon. The tandem solar cells are mainly limited due to a low current. A spectrometric characterization reveals that the perovskite solar cell is current limiting which could be improved by a thicker perovskite absorber.
Cancer‐related communication during sessions of family therapy at the end of life
Authors: Zaider Talia I. , Kissane David W. , Schofield Elizabeth , Li Yuelin , Masterson Melissa
Published: November 2019

Objectives

A goal of family‐focused therapies in oncology is to help families communicate effectively about illness and its management. Yet there has been no examination of whether and how conjoint sessions are conducive to this process. In this study, we (a) described the extent of cancer‐specific communication during family sessions at the end of life; (b) identified characteristics associated with SC; and (c) determined the association between SC and longer‐term family bereavement outcomes.

Methods

Data were collected as part of a randomized controlled trial of Family Focused Grief Therapy (FFGT) for advanced cancer patients and their families. Demographics, depressive symptoms, and family functioning were assessed at baseline. Cancer‐specific communication, perceived responsiveness to communication, and therapeutic alliances were reported after each session. At 13‐month bereavement, surviving families were assessed for symptoms of depression and prolonged grief disorder (PGD).

Results

Participants were 257 advanced cancer patients and family members receiving FFGT at the end of life. On average, participants perceived significantly more cancer‐related communication in session (SC) than at baseline. Both therapist‐family and within‐family alliances were associated with SC, especially for those with more severe depressive symptoms at baseline. Long‐term outcomes were moderated by perceived responsiveness to in‐session communication: for those who perceived high responsiveness, SC was associated with fewer depressive and PGD symptoms in bereavement.

Conclusions

Conjoint family sessions can effectively increase communication about cancer at the end of life. Clinicians should consider key contextual factors in their effort to facilitate this process: perceived responsiveness, family role, alliances with therapist, and within‐family.
Financial Literacy, Cultural Dominance, and Financial Well‐Being of SME Owners in Ghana
Authors: Agyei Samuel K. , Adam Anokye M. , Agyemang Otuo S.
Published: November 2019

The literature on the relationship between financial literacy and financial well‐being is growing but yet to consider whether the social support emanating from cultural settings conditions this relationship. The main objective of this article was to assess the role cultural values (Protestantism and Catholicism) played in explaining the financial well‐being of small‐ and medium‐scale enterprise (SME) owners in a developing economy, Ghana. On the basis of 300 randomly selected SME owners, an ordinary least squares technique was employed to establish this relationship. The results highlight that the level of financial literacy of SME owners tends to influence their financial well‐being. In addition, Protestant ideology weakens financial wealth acquisition process of SME‐Owners. Lastly, the study found little support for the assertion that culture moderates the relationship between financial literacy and financial well‐being. Consequently, the study recommended that policies aimed at promoting financial education for financial well‐being should not neglect the cultural context of beneficiaries.
Enhanced generally weighted moving average variance charts for monitoring process variance with individual observations
Authors: Huang Chi‐Jui , Lu Shin‐Li , Chen Jen‐Hsiang
Published: November 2019

The generally weighted moving average variance (GWMAV) chart is effective in detecting increases in process variance when only individual observations are available. Recently, the combination of exponentially weighted moving average and cumulative sum (CUSUM) charts for the effective detection of small process shifts has emerged. Inspired by the features, we propose the mixed GWMAV‐CUSUM chart and its reverse order CUSUM‐GWMAV to enhance the detection ability of the GWMAV chart and compare with the existing counterparts. Numerical simulation revealed that the mixed GWMAV‐CUSUM and mixed CUSUM‐GWMAV charts are sensitive to small upward shifts in the process variance and efficient structures compared with their prototypes and their separate charts, that is, GWMAV and CUSUM charts. An industrial dataset was used to illustrate the application of the proposed mixed charts.
Quantum Interference Measurements and Their Application to Analysis of Ultrafast Photocarrier Dynamics in Semiconductor Solar Cell Materials
Authors: Tahara Hirokazu , Kanemitsu Yoshihiko
Published: November 2019

Quantum interference measurement is a powerful method to analyze electronic dynamics using phase information of optical fields and electronic states during various types of optical excitation processes. This method is particularly useful for accurate measurements of photocarrier generation processes in semiconductor solar cell materials. Two quantum interference methods, namely photocurrent beat spectroscopy and phase‐locked pulses transient absorption spectroscopy, are recently developed to analyze ultrafast photocarrier generation processes. This review describes how these two techniques can be employed to identify electronic states contributing to photon‐to‐current conversion processes in solar cell materials. Two types of states are highlighted: (i) localized levels within the bandgaps of bulk crystals and thin films leading to photocarrier generation, and (ii) exciton complexes in nanocrystals whose ultrafast dynamics directly influence the efficiency of photoabsorption processes. Since quantum interference measurements provide quantum phase information that is not accessible by other conventional methods, they can also be utilized for advanced evaluation and optimization of optoelectronic materials and devices.
CombX: Design and experimental characterizations of a haptic device for surgical teleoperation
Authors: Zhao Bin , Zhang Shu'an , Wu Zhonghao , Yang Bo , Xu Kai
Published: November 2019

Background

Haptic devices with active translation and orientation outputs are highly preferred in surgical teleoperation. However, commercial products are expensive, while state‐of‐the‐art research prototypes are difficult to reproduce outside the original laboratories.

Methods

This paper presents the design and experimental characterizations of two styluses for the CombX, a haptic device with both force and torque outputs constructed from two TouchX haptic devices, which have only force outputs at their styluses. The arrangement was optimized to improve the specifications. Additional functions for surgical teleoperation were also integrated.

Results

The CombX has a translation workspace larger than 160 × 160 × 160 mm3. After calibration, it can provide force outputs of up to 16.32 N and torque outputs of up to 316 mNm. The CombX has also been successfully used to teleoperate a continuum surgical manipulator for two surgical tasks.

Conclusion

The results show that the CombX is a viable option for surgical teleoperation.
Platforms for the people: Enabling civic crowdfunding through the cultivation of institutional infrastructure
Authors: Logue Danielle , Grimes Matthew
Published: November 2019

Research Summary

Digital platforms offer a promising contemporary means for encouraging social innovation through cross‐sector collaboration. Yet although such “social‐mission platforms” are equipped to facilitate a high number of arms‐length transactions, they are conversely ill‐equipped to provide the necessary consensus which typically characterizes successful examples of cross‐sector collaboration. Employing an in‐depth archival case study of a civic crowdfunding platform, we surface a process model of social‐mission platform creation, which exposes the dilemmas such platforms encounter as they attempt to navigate user growth, and the importance of institutional infrastructure for overcoming these dilemmas. These findings and our emergent model thus contribute new theory regarding the creation of digital platforms for enabling cross‐sector collaboration and social innovation, while bridging the emerging body of research on platforms with institutional theory.

Managerial Summary

Developing a digital platform for social good requires operators to maintain control over their mission as they grow, while working with actors from across sectors. While the economics of the platform may be clear, the social infrastructure to ensure effective and mission‐aligned interaction between different segments of the platform needs to be developed. In our case study of a civic crowdfunding platform, we demonstrate how this platform strategically generates and promotes understandings of its boundaries, creates bridges between diverse stakeholders necessary for participation, and provides blueprints to shape and standardize platform interactions. We also discuss the potential susceptibility of social‐mission platforms to experience mission drift as they grow, the existential threat that such drift poses in this context, and the ways that organizations might overcome this threat.
Bad bets: Nonlinear incentives, risk, and performance
Authors: de Figueiredo Rui J. P. , Rawley Evan , Shelef Orie
Published: November 2019

Research Summary

This article examines the consequences of incentive slope and shape on performance and risk‐taking. It focuses on how slope—incentive intensity—influences risk‐taking, and how shape—nonlinearity—influences performance. We use quasi‐random variation in the context of the hedge‐fund industry to separate slope and shape effects. Our results demonstrate that shape has large and important effects on performance, and that slope affects risk‐taking. The evidence suggests that poor performance in the industry is often due to bad bets—excessive risk‐taking that reduces performance—taken in response to nonlinear incentives. The findings suggest that, although nonlinear incentives are widely used, they can, under certain circumstances, predictably produce pernicious effects on organizational performance.

Managerial Summary

This article examines how nonlinear incentive contracts—such as contracts that reward performance above a threshold substantially more than below it—influence managerial behavior. Using the hedge‐fund industry, in which nonlinear incentives are ubiquitous, as a laboratory, we find that nonlinear incentive schemes cause managers who are “close” to, but below, the performance threshold to take bad bets—excessive risk‐taking that reduces performance. The findings suggest that, although nonlinear incentives are widely used, they can, under certain circumstances, predictably produce pernicious effects on organizational performance.
Room‐Temperature Sustainable Synthesis of Selected Platinum Group Metal (PGM = Ir, Rh, and Ru) Nanocatalysts Well‐Dispersed on Porous Carbon for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution and Oxidation
Authors: Ming Mei , Zhang Yun , He Chao , Zhao Lu , Niu Shuai , Fan Guangyin , Hu Jin‐Song
Published: November 2019

Electroless deposition via a spontaneous redox reaction between the metal precursor and support is believed to be a promising approach for the syntheses of supported metal nanoparticles (SMNPs). However, its widespread applications are significantly prohibited by the low reductivity and high cost of support. To overcome these shortcomings, a porous carbon (PC) is herein developed as a promising matrix for the electroless deposition of metal NPs. Benefiting from abundant oxygen‐based surface functional groups, the PC shows stronger reducibility (low redox potential) than conventional carbon substrate such as carbon nanotubes or graphene oxide, enabling a facile electroless deposition of Ir, Rh, and Ru NPs on its surface. These SMNPs exhibit an impressive electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) or hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR). For example, the Rh NP/PC can deliver an HER current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a small overpotential of 21 mV in 0.5 m H2SO4, while the Ru NP/PC exhibits excellent HOR activity in 0.1 m KOH in terms of high mass and surface specific exchange current density of 263 A g−1Ru and 0.227 mA cm−2Ru. The present strategy may open up opportunities for mass production of efficient supported NPs for diverse applications.
SDN/NFV security framework for fog‐to‐things computing infrastructure
Authors: Krishnan Prabhakar , Duttagupta Subhasri , Achuthan Krishnashree
Published: November 2019

Currently, core networking architectures are facing disruptive developments, due to emergence of paradigms such as Software‐Defined‐Networking (SDN) for control, Network Function Virtualization (NFV) for services, and so on. These are the key enabling technologies for future applications in 5G and locality‐based Internet of things (IoT)/wireless sensor network services. The proliferation of IoT devices at the Edge networks is driving the growth of all‐connected world of Internet traffic. In the Cloud‐to‐Things continuum, processing of information and data at the Edge mandates development of security best practices to arise within a fog computing environment. Service providers are transforming their business using NFV‐based services and SDN‐enabled networks. The SDN paradigm offers an easily programmable model, global view, and control for modern networks, which demand faster response to security incidents and dynamically enforce countermeasures to intrusions and cyberattacks. This article proposes an autonomic multilayer security framework called Distributed Threat Analytics and Response System (DTARS) for a converged architecture of Fog/Edge computing and SDN infrastructures, for emerging applications in IoT and 5G networks. The major detection scheme is deployed within the data plane, consisting of a coarse‐grained behavioral, anti‐spoofing, flow monitoring and fine‐grained traffic multi‐feature entropy‐based algorithms. We developed exemplary defense applications under DTARS framework, on a malware testbed imitating the real‐life DDoS/botnets such as Mirai. The experiments and analysis show that DTARS is capable of detecting attacks in real‐time with accuracy more than 95% under attack intensities up to 50 000 packets/s. The benign traffic forwarding rate remains unaffected with DTARS, while it drops down to 65% with traditional NIDS for advanced DDoS attacks. Further, DTARS achieves this performance without incurring additional latency due to data plane overhead.
Designing Lipase‐Compatible Ionic Liquids as Novel Solvents for Starch Ester Biosynthesis
Authors: Zhan Jinling , Zhang Xiwen , Ma Rongrong , Tian Yaoqi
Published: November 2019

The enzymatic esterification of starch in ionic liquids (ILs) has gained considerable attention in the food industry. However, ILs usually denature enzymes, limiting starch esterification. Herein, two novel ILs that promote starch dissolution and maintained enzyme activity are designed. In the ILs, starch solubility increases from <0.5 wt% to above 10 wt% at 100 °C, and enzyme stability is maintained. To assess the application of the ILs in enzymatic starch esterification, two types of starch esters are synthesized in the ILs with the addition of Novozyme 435. The degree of substitution (DS) value of starch esters is higher in the ILs than in DMSO. The maximum DS value of starch palmitate and starch stearate reach 0.153 and 0.138, under the optimum conditions. Also, the ILs can be easily recycled. These findings suggest that ILs with allyl, alkyloxy groups, and acetate anions could be potential environmentally friendly solvents for enzymatic starch esterification.
Curriculum‐based teacher professional development in middle school science: A comparison of training focused on cognitive science principles versus content knowledge
Authors: Yang Rui , Porter Andrew C. , Massey Christine M. , Merlino Joseph F. , Desimone Laura M.
Published: November 2019

This study investigates, through a cluster‐randomized trial, the effectiveness of two approaches to increasing middle school students’ science learning using a traditional science curriculum. Ninety schools were randomly assigned into one of three arms: (a) a treatment arm in which the textbook curriculum was modified based on four principles of cognitive science coupled with teacher professional development (PD), (b) a second treatment arm in which teachers received PD designed to improve their knowledge of the science content, and (c) a business‐as‐usual control group. The PD was able to change teacher practice but barely improved teacher knowledge. No significant boost in student achievement was observed, except in a few instances, where there were some promising findings. Exploratory analyses were conducted to examine what makes the interventions more effective. Implications for future research were discussed.