bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Run‐off affected by climate and anthropogenic changes in a large semi‐arid river basin
Authors: Yang Xiaonan , Sun Wenyi , Mu Xingmin , Gao Peng , Zhao Guangju
Published: January 2020

A rapid reduction in run‐off has been observed in the middle reaches of the Yellow River basin in recent decades. Understanding the contributions of climate change and human activities, such as vegetation restoration and water consumption, to surface water resource reduction has become urgent and very important for future regional planning. Here, we use attribution approaches to explore the effects of climate change and human activities on run‐off over the past six decades. The results showed that the observed annual run‐off at Tongguan station, which is located within the mainstream of the Yellow River, exhibited a significant decreasing trend of −0.69 mm year−1 (p < .01) and varied from −0.28 to −1.46 mm year−1 (p < .01) in the eight selected tributaries from 1960 to 2015. Two relatively abrupt changes in the double mass curves occurred around 1979 and 1999; compared with Period 1 (P1; 1960–1979), the average catchment run‐off decreased 32% during Period 2 (P2; 1980–1999) and up to 49% during Period 3 (P3; 2000–2015). We calculated that approximately 29% of the reduction in the run‐off during P2 and 18% during P3 were attributed to climate change. Increased surface water consumption resulted in effective run‐off reduction, with relative contributions of approximately 27% and 28% during P2 and P3, respectively. With the implementation of the “Grain‐for‐Green” project, the vegetation coverage rapidly increased from 36% in P1 to 52% in P3 and reduced run‐off by 35% during P3. These findings explain the run‐off reduction and benefit water resource management in the middle reaches of the Yellow River basin.
Collaborative approach in developing regulations for mobile money in Sri Lanka
Authors: Suwandaarachchi Chaminda Methsiri , Bahri Shamshul , Fauzi Ali
Published: January 2020

Mobile money brought bank‐like facilities through low‐cost operations and extensive agent networks to unbanked communities. Regulatory responses and support are essential, requiring significant changes to current regulatory practices. Due to their limited technical knowledge and financial technology resources, regulators worked with industry to overcome these challenges. Such collaborations are scarce. This study proposes a model for mobile money collaborative regulatory development. Actual practices were mapped with negotiated rulemaking theory to derive variations and extensions to the original theory. Regulators appointed a discussion committee with broader representation for objective decisions. Throughout the negotiation process, the central bank maintained close control; participants are motivated to compromise their interests to achieve joint gains. Findings reveal that collaboration gave participants the necessary knowledge and information to develop effective regulation. The central bank composed the executable rule through collaboration. Subsequent revisions are also key to regulatory development. These revisions were developed with stakeholder involvement as suggestions and comments. Mobility regulation also observes collaborative testing and benchmarking. Specialized subcommittees will further improve the negotiation process.
Efficient radiosynthesis and preclinical evaluation of [18F]FOMPyD as a positron emission tomography tracer candidate for TrkB/C receptor imaging
Authors: Singleton Thomas A. , Bdair Hussein , Bailey Justin J. , Choi Sangho , Aliaga Arturo , Rosa‐Neto Pedro , Schirrmacher Ralf , Bernard‐Gauthier Vadim , Kostikov Alexey
Published: January 2020

Herein we report an efficient radiolabeling of a 18F‐fluorinated derivative of dual inhibitor GW2580, with its subsequent evaluation as a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer candidate for imaging of two neuroreceptor targets implicated in the pathophysiology of neurodegeneration: tropomyosin receptor kinases (TrkB/C) and colony stimulating factor receptor (CSF‐1R). [18F]FOMPyD was synthesized from a boronic acid pinacolate precursor via copper‐mediated 18F‐fluorination concerted with thermal deprotection of the four Boc groups on a diaminopyrimidine moiety in an 8.7±2.8% radiochemical yield, a radiochemical purity >99%, and an effective molar activity of 187±93 GBq/μmol. [18F]FOMPyD showed moderate brain permeability in wild‐type rats (SUVmax = 0.75) and a slow washout rate. The brain uptake was partially reduced (ΔAUC40–90 = 11.6%) by administration of the nonradioactive FOMPyD (up to 30 μg/kg). In autoradiography, [18F]FOMPyD exhibits ubiquitous distribution in rat and human brain tissues with relatively high nonspecific binding revealed by self‐blocking experiment. The binding was blocked by TrkB/C inhibitors, but not with a CSF‐1R inhibitor, suggesting selective binding to the former receptor. Although an unfavorable pharmacokinetic profile will likely preclude application of [18F]FOMPyD as a PET tracer for brain imaging, the concomitant one‐pot copper‐mediated 18F‐fluorination/Boc‐deprotection is a practical technique for the automated radiosynthesis of acid‐sensitive PET tracers.
Altered‐specificity mutants of the HIV Rev arginine‐rich motif‐RRE IIB interaction
Authors: Raad Nicole G. , Ghattas Ingrid R. , Amano Ryo , Watanabe Natsuki , Sakamoto Taiichi , Smith Colin A.
Published: January 2020

Arginine‐rich motifs (ARMs) bind RNA structures with high affinity and specificity, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exploits ARM‐RNA interactions to regulate its lifecycle. The expression of HIV structural genes relies on recognition between the ARM of its Rev protein and its primary binding site, an internal loop in the viral RNA, the Rev‐response element region IIB (IIB). Many functional variants of the Rev ARM‐IIB interaction have been discovered, yet how easily it can evolve new specificities is poorly explored. A double mutant of Rev ARM, R35G‐N40 V, uses an unknown strategy to recognize IIB. Here, isothermal titration calorimetry and gel shift assays show that the R35G‐N40V‐IIB interaction has high affinity and specificity in vitro and a larger unfavorable entropy change upon binding than that of wild‐type Rev ARM‐IIB. In stark contrast with the critical dependence of wild‐type Rev on Arg35, Arg39, Asn40, and Arg44, mutational profiling shows R35G‐N40V is highly mutable at positions 40 and 44 and dependent on Gly35, Arg38, Arg39, Arg42, and Arg43. Affinity measurements in vitro and reporter assay measurements in vivo are consistent with the wild‐type Rev ARM and R35G‐N40V maintaining their recognition strategies when binding IIB mutants specific to wild‐type Rev ARM and R35G‐N40V, respectively. Some single amino acid mutants of wild‐type Rev ARM and R35G‐N40V have enhanced specificity, recognizing mutant IIBs yet not wild‐type IIB. These results provide another example of viral ARM‐RNA interactions evolving new specificities with few mutations, consistent with neutral theories of evolution.
Orbital seeding of mesenchymal stromal cells increases osteogenic differentiation and bone‐like tissue formation
Authors: Melke Johanna , Zhao Feihu , Ito Keita , Hofmann Sandra
Published: January 2020

In bone tissue engineering (TE), an efficient seeding and homogenous distribution of cells is needed to avoid cell loss and damage as well as to facilitate tissue development. Dynamic seeding methods seem to be superior to the static ones because they tend to result in a more homogeneous cell distribution by using kinetic forces. However, most dynamic seeding techniques are elaborate or require special equipment and its influence on the final bone tissue‐engineered construct is not clear. In this study, we applied a simple, dynamic seeding method using an orbital shaker to seed human bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs) on silk fibroin scaffolds. Significantly higher cell numbers with a more homogenous cell distribution, increased osteogenic differentiation, and mineral deposition were observed using the dynamic approach both for 4 and 6 hours as compared to the static seeding method. The positive influence of dynamic seeding could be attributed to both cell density and distribution but also nutrient supply during seeding and shear stresses (0.0‐3.0 mPa) as determined by computational simulations. The influence of relevant mechanical stimuli during seeding should be investigated in the future, especially regarding the importance of mechanical cues for bone TE applications. Our results highlight the importance of adequate choice of seeding method and its impact on developing tissue‐engineered constructs. The application of this simple seeding technique is not only recommended for bone TE but can also be used for seeding similar porous scaffolds with hBMSCs in other TE fields.
Prevalence and significance of cranial nerve imaging abnormalities in patients with hereditary neuropathies: Clinical implications at the skull base
Authors: Bartholomew Ryan A. , Zamani Amir A. , Kim Grace S. , Alyono Jennifer C. , Steinert Haley , Fridman Vera , Sadjadi Reza , Jackler Robert K. , Corrales C. Eduardo
Published: January 2020

Objective

To estimate the prevalence and significance of cranial nerve (CN) imaging abnormalities in patients with hereditary neuropathy and discuss clinical implications.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from patients at four tertiary academic medical centers with hereditary neuropathy diagnoses who had undergone gadolinium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain or skull base between 2004 and 2018. MRI scans, as well as computed tomography imaging when available, were reviewed and bivariable analysis was performed to identify predictors of CN abnormalities on imaging.

Results

Among 39 patients meeting study criteria, 11 had clinical CN deficits (28%) and 8 had CN abnormalities on imaging (21%). Of the patients with CN abnormalities on imaging, half had CN deficits (4/8) and only a quarter had imaging abnormalities of the CNs with the deficits (2/8). Imaging abnormalities were found in varied CNs, including CNs III, V, VII, and the VII/VIII complex in the internal auditory canal. MRI obtained for the purpose of evaluating CN deficits had a statistically significant increased likelihood of containing CN imaging abnormalities. However, CN deficits themselves were not predictive of imaging abnormalities.

Conclusion

Thickening and enhancement of CNs on MRI may be found in approximately 1/5 of patients with hereditary neuropathies and are inconsistently associated with clinical deficits. These imaging findings should not be mistaken for neoplastic and infectious processes as they may be manifestations of the patients' underlying genetic neuropathy.

Level of Evidence

4.
Bioriented flags and resolutions of Schubert varieties
Authors: Cibotaru Daniel
Published: January 2020

We use incidence relations running in two directions in order to construct a Kempf–Laksov type resolution for any Schubert variety of the complete flag manifold but also an embedded resolution for any Schubert variety in the Grassmannian. These constructions are alternatives to the celebrated Bott–Samelson resolutions. The second process led to the introduction of W‐flag varieties, algebro‐geometric objects that interpolate between the standard flag manifolds and products of Grassmannians, but which are singular in general. The surprising simple desingularization of a particular such type of variety produces an embedded resolution of the Schubert variety within the Grassmannian.
Vicarious warfare and dynamic efficiency of companies in the aerospace and defence industry
Authors: Nourani Mohammad , Lu Wen‐Min , Ting Irene Wei Kiong
Published: January 2020

This study explores the economic performance that vicarious warfare can bring for the aerospace and defence industry. First, this study measures the performance of 22 companies using a nonradial dynamic data envelopment analysis model from 2011 to 2017. Second, this study evaluates whether vicarious warfare can influence the performance. The efficiency analysis suggests rooms for improvements meanwhile, the projection analysis suggests that market value should be significantly increased, and the number of employees should be reduced significantly. The regression analysis suggests that the number of times a country takes a side in wars would positively affect the efficiency of companies.
Anatomo‐Functional Mapping of the Primate Mesencephalic Locomotor Region Using Stereotactic Lesions
Authors: Gay Marion , Belaid Hayat , Rogers Alister , Pérez‐García Fernando , Roustan Maxime , Bardinet Eric , François Chantal , Karachi Carine
Published: January 2020

Background

Dysfunction of the mesencephalic locomotor region has been implicated in gait disorders. However, the role of its 2 components, the pedunculopontine and the cuneiform nuclei, in locomotion is poorly understood in primates.

Objectives

To analyze the effect of cuneiform lesions on gait and balance in 2 monkeys and to compare them with those obtained after cholinergic pedunculopontine lesions in 4 monkeys and after lesions in both the cuneiform and pedunculopontine nuclei in 1 monkey.

Methods

After each stereotactic lesion, we performed a neurological examination and gait and balance assessments with kinematic measures during a locomotor task. The 3‐dimensional location of each lesion was analyzed on a common brainstem space.

Results

After each cuneiform lesion, we observed a contralateral cervical dystonia including an increased tone in the proximal forelimb and an increase in knee angle, back curvature and walking speed. Conversely, cholinergic pedunculopontine lesions increased tail rigidity and back curvature and an imbalance of the muscle tone between the ipsi‐ and contralateral hindlimb with decreased knee angles. The walking speed was decreased. Moreover, pedunculopontine lesions often resulted in a longer time to waking postsurgery.

Conclusions

The location of the lesions and their behavioral effects revealed a somatotopic organization of muscle tone control, with the neck and forelimb represented within the cuneiform nucleus and hindlimb and tail represented within the pedunculopontine nucleus. Cuneiform lesions increased speed, whereas pedunculopontine lesions decreased it. These findings confirm the complex and specific role of the cuneiform and pedunculopontine nuclei in locomotion and suggest the role of the pedunculopontine in sleep control. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Aberrant Somatosensory–Motor Adaptation in Musicians' Dystonia
Authors: Furuya Shinichi , Lee André , Oku Takanori , Altenmüller Eckart
Published: January 2020

Background

Some forms of movement disorders are characterized by task‐specific manifestations of symptoms. However, its underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we addressed this issue through a novel motor adaptation experimental paradigm.

Methods

Pianists with and without focal task‐specific dystonia learned to play the piano with a key whose weight can be modified by a novel robot system.

Results

The result clearly demonstrated a significantly larger error between the target and produced keystroke velocities in the patients than the controls following a repetition of keystrokes of the weighted key. This adaptation failure was not correlated with the variability of timing and velocity of the keystroke when the patients were playing unloaded piano keys, which suggests distinct effects of focal task‐specific dystonia on motor adaptation and fine motor control. Immediately after a repetition of the strikes of the heavy key with keeping the fingers adducted, the error of the keystroke velocity when striking the key with the fingers more abducted was maintained in both the patients and controls. This generalization of the adaptation across different hand postures suggests that motor memory of dynamics of the piano key is independent of biomechanical properties of the hand. Importantly, a lack of difference in the finger muscular strength between the groups indicated that the adaptation failure was not attributed to deficit of muscular strength in the patients.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that task‐specific manifestation of dystonic movements in focal task‐specific dystonia is associated with malfunctions of internal representation of mechanical properties of a well‐trained tool. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
San Francisco leads the way to offer nation's first universal MH care system
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2020

Observing a need to prioritize serving individuals in crisis, particularly those individuals who are homeless, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors last month unanimously approved overhauling the city's mental health system and guaranteeing mental health care to all San Franciscans who lack insurance, and close care gaps. The program is considered the most comprehensive in the country to address access and service needs for people with mental illness, say officials.
Helix preserving mappings
Authors: Altunkaya Bülent , Kula Levent
Published: January 2020

In this study, we define two types of mappings that preserve the constant angle between the tangent vector field and the axis of a given helix in Euclidean spaces. The first type generates helices in the n‐dimensional Euclidean space from helices in the same space. The second type generates helices in the (n+1)‐dimensional Euclidean space from helices in the n‐dimensional Euclidean space. In addition, we give invariants of these mappings and study polynomial, rational, conical, ellipsoidal, and hyperboloidal helices supported by examples.
Quasilinear elliptic equations with exponential nonlinearity and measure data
Authors: Huang Shuibo
Published: January 2020

Let
be either a bounded domain or the entire space. This paper concerns existence and global pointwise estimates in terms of Wolff potentials of solutions to quasilinear and Hessian equations of Lane‐Emden type:

under minimal assumptions on σ and ω, where σ is an A∞ weight and ω is a nonnegative Borel measure, and
with γ>0, β ≥ 1. Our methods are based on systematic application of Wolff potentials and good‐λ inequality for fractional maximal potential.
Modeling an equivalent b‐value in diffusion‐weighted steady‐state free precession
Authors: Tendler Benjamin C. , Foxley Sean , Cottaar Michiel , Jbabdi Saad , Miller Karla L.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Diffusion‐weighted steady‐state free precession (DW‐SSFP) is shown to provide a means to probe non‐Gaussian diffusion through manipulation of the flip angle. A framework is presented to define an effective b‐value in DW‐SSFP.

Theory

The DW‐SSFP signal is a summation of coherence pathways with different b‐values. The relative contribution of each pathway is dictated by the flip angle. This leads to an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) estimate that depends on the flip angle in non‐Gaussian diffusion regimes. By acquiring DW‐SSFP data at multiple flip angles and modeling the variation in ADC for a given form of non‐Gaussianity, the ADC can be estimated at a well‐defined effective b‐value.

Methods

A gamma distribution is used to model non‐Gaussian diffusion, embedded in the Buxton signal model for DW‐SSFP. Monte‐Carlo simulations of non‐Gaussian diffusion in DW‐SSFP and diffusion‐weighted spin‐echo sequences are used to verify the proposed framework. Dependence of ADC on flip angle in DW‐SSFP is verified with experimental measurements in a whole, human postmortem brain.

Results

Monte‐Carlo simulations reveal excellent agreement between ADCs estimated with diffusion‐weighted spin‐echo and the proposed framework. Experimental ADC estimates vary as a function of flip angle over the corpus callosum of the postmortem brain, estimating the mean and standard deviation of the gamma distribution as  mm2/s and  mm2/s.

Conclusion

DW‐SSFP can be used to investigate non‐Gaussian diffusion by varying the flip angle. By fitting a model of non‐Gaussian diffusion, the ADC in DW‐SSFP can be estimated at an effective b‐value, comparable to more conventional diffusion sequences.
Impacts of logistics information on sales: Evidence from Alibaba
Authors: Luo Jifeng , Rong Ying , Zheng Huan
Published: January 2020

Facing fierce competition from rivals, sellers in online marketplaces are eager to improve their sales by delivering items faster and more reliably. Because logistics quality can be known only after a transaction, sellers must identify effective ways to communicate logistics information to consumers. Drawing on the accessibility‐diagnosticity framework, we theorize that the sales impacts of logistics information depend on its relative diagnostic value. Using data on 1493 items with 505,785 consumer reviews from an online marketplace, we examine how sales are affected by three information sources for logistics services: online word of mouth (WOM) about logistics, self‐reported logistics services, and expected delivery time. We use an instrumental variable method to address the endogeneity issue between sales and WOM. We find that, ceteris paribus, consumers give more weight to WOM about logistics and delivery time when they make purchase decisions but less weight to self‐reported logistics service. The effects of logistics information on sales are asymmetric for large and small sellers.
Inherently decoupled1H antennas and31P loops for metabolic imaging of liver metastasis at 7 T
Authors: Rivera Debra , Kalleveen Irene , de Castro Catalina Arteaga , van Laarhoven Hanneke , Klomp Dennis , van der Kemp Wybe , Stoker Jaap , Nederveen Aart
Published: January 2020

High field 31P spectroscopy has thus far been limited to diffuse liver disease. Unlike lower field‐strength scanners, there is no body coil in the bore of the 7 T and despite inadequate penetration depth (<10 cm), surface coils are the current state‐of‐the‐art for acquiring anatomical images to support multinuclear studies. We present a system of proton antennas and phosphorus loops for 31P spectroscopy and provide the first ultrahigh‐field phosphorus metabolic imaging of a tumor in the abdomen. Herein we characterize the degree to which antennas are isolated from underlying loops. Next, we evaluate the penetration depth of the two antennas available during multinuclear examinations. Finally, we combine phosphorus spectroscopy (two loops) with parallel transmit imaging (eight antennas) in a patient. The loops and antennas are inherently decoupled (no added circuitry, <0.1% power coupling). The penetration depth of two antennas gives twice that of conventional loops. The liver and full axial slice of the abdomen were imaged with eight transmit/receive antennas using parallel transmit B1‐shimming to overcome image voids. Phosphorus spectroscopy from a liver metastasis resolved individual peaks for phosphocholine and phosphoethenalomine. Proton antennas are inherently decoupled from phosphorus loops. By using two proton antennas it is possible to perform region‐of‐interest image‐based shimming in over 80% of the liver volume, thereby enabling phosphorus spectroscopy of localized disease. Shimming of the full extent of the abdominal cross‐section is feasible using a parallel transmit array of eight antennas. A system architecture capable of supporting eight‐channel parallel transmit and multinuclear spectroscopy is optimal for supporting multiparametric body imaging, including metabolic imaging, for monitoring the response of patients with liver metastases to cancer treatments and for patient risk stratification. In the meantime, the existing infrastructure using two antennas is sufficient for preliminary studies in metabolic imaging of tumors in the liver.
Caring from the heart as belonging—The basis for mediating compassion
Authors: Hemberg Jessica , Wiklund Gustin Lena
Published: January 2020

Aim

The aim of this study was to illuminate nurses’ experiences of mediating compassion to patients in the home care context.

Design

A phenomenological–hermeneutical approach was used.

Methods

The data comprised of texts from interviews with 12 nurses in a home care context. Informed consent was sought from participants regarding participation in the study and the storage and handling of data for research purposes.

Results

Four themes were seen: Encountering one another as human beings, Being in the moment, Bearing responsibility for the other and Being in a loving communion. The overall theme was Acting from one's inner ethos, heart of goodness and love. Mediating compassion as belonging can be interpreted as the “component” that holds the caring relationship together and unites the different levels of health as doing, being and becoming in the ontological health model. Further research should focus on revealing compassion from the perspective of patients.
The effect of aggregation of cured rubber particles on rheology of thermoplastic vulcanizates
Authors: Zohrevand Ahmad , Goharpey Fatemeh , Nasrollah Gavgani Jaber , Foudazi Reza
Published: January 2020

In this work, we study the effect of microstructure of rubber particle aggregates on linear and nonlinear viscoelastic properties of olefinic thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) based on ethylene‐propylene‐diene rubber (EPDM) and polypropylene (PP). TPVs samples with identical rubber content and different extent of rubber particle aggregation are prepared through dynamic vulcanization of PP/EPDM blends (conventional method) with different compositions as well as dilution of PP/EPDM 40/60 TPVs. Morphological observations show larger aggregates of cured rubber particles in the diluted samples (D) compared to the ones prepared by conventional method (B). The difference between the microstructures of the two series of samples decreases with increasing rubber content. Linear viscoelastic measurements demonstrate higher elastic modulus and dynamic viscosity at low frequency for D samples compared to B ones, representing the effect of aggregation of the dispersed rubber phase. The higher extent of aggregation in D samples also leads to a lower percolation threshold and smaller linear viscoelastic region. From fitting of a structure‐dependent model on the stress growth results, longer characteristic relaxation times are obtained for D samples due to the presence of rubber aggregates. Additionally, A higher degree of orientation and less contribution of rubber aggregate destruction are found under shear flow in D samples.
Parametric Time‐to‐Event Model for Acute Exacerbations in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Tang Fei , Weber Benjamin , Stowasser Susanne , Korell Julia
Published: January 2020

We describe a parametric time‐to‐event model for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) exacerbations and identify predictors of exacerbation risk using data obtained for the tyrosine‐kinase inhibitor nintedanib in two phase III studies (INPULSIS‐1/2). Parametric survival analysis was performed on time to first exacerbation (censoring on day 372), with univariate analysis to select statistically significant covariates (P = 0.05). Multivariate covariate models were developed using stepwise covariate modeling with forward inclusion (P = 0.05) and backward elimination (P = 0.01). Sixty‐three first exacerbation events were reported across 1,061 subjects in the INPULSIS studies. Baseline and decline of forced vital capacity (FVC)/percent‐predicted FVC (%pFVC), supplemental oxygen use, baseline CO diffusing capacity and age were statistically significant in the univariate analysis. The final covariate model included decline in FVC to week 52, baseline %pFVC, supplemental oxygen use, and age. The developed model may be used to identify patients at high risk of IPF exacerbations and accelerate development of novel treatments.
Inferring atmospheric dynamics from aerosol observations in 4D‐Var
Authors: Zaplotnik Žiga , Žagar Nedjeljka , Benedetti Angela , Semane Noureddine
Published: January 2020

This article explores the potential of aerosol observations to provide wind information in four‐dimensional variational data assimilation (4D‐Var). It is shown that the relative horizontal gradients, crucial for wind extraction from tracers, are on average greater for the aerosol mixing ratio than for the specific humidity, observations of which are known to provide significant information on the wind field. The potential of aerosols to infer atmospheric dynamics is investigated in the Tropics, where the wind information is most critical. An intermediate‐complexity incremental 4D‐Var system, the Moist Atmosphere Dynamics Data Assimilation Model (MADDAM), has been developed, with a forecast model that simulates most dominant processes involving moisture, aerosols, and dynamics: nonlinear advection, condensation, and wet deposition. The results of 4D‐Var experiments reveal a detrimental impact of saturation‐related nonlinearities and aerosol wet deposition on the extraction of wind from aerosol data. Fraternal‐twin experiments show about 30% smaller impact of aerosol data on the wind analysis compared with humidity data, mainly due to the greater aerosol observation error and suboptimal background‐error covariance model. However, the assimilation of aerosol data together with temperature and humidity observations shows significant added value for wind analyses.
Comparison of perioperative outcomes in robot‐assisted radical cystectomy and laparoscopic radical cystectomy
Authors: Zhang Shiwei , Lin Tingsheng , Zhang Qing , Zhang Shengjie , Liu Guangxiang , Ji Changwei , Guo Hongqian
Published: January 2020

Objective

To report perioperative outcomes in robot‐assisted radical cystectomy and laparoscopic radical cystectomy.

Patients and Methods

Between January 2010 and July 2019, 298 patients with bladder cancer underwent robotic‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) (n = 172) and laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) (n = 126) at our institution were enrolled in the retrospective study. The demographic, perioperative, and complication data were collected and analyzed.

Results

The RARC group had less operative duration (P < .001), less blood loss (P < .001), lower transfusion rate (P < .05), and shorter hospital stay (P < .001) than the LRC group. The 90‐day readmission rate between the RARC and LRC group had no significant differences (P = .401). The 90‐day overall complication rates in the RARC group was much lower than the LRC group (P = .009). The 90‐day minor complication rates (Clavien‐Dindo grade ≤ IIA) between the RARC and LRC groups were similar (P = .274). The 90‐day major complication rates (Clavien‐Dindo grade ≥ IIIA) in the LRC group was higher than the RARC group (P = .022).

Conclusions

The RARC approach appears to offer some operative and perioperative benefits compared with the LRC approach. Larger, randomized studies are required to confirm these findings.
Therapeutic vascularization in regenerative medicine
Authors: Gianni-Barrera Roberto , Di Maggio Nunzia , Melly Ludovic , Burger Maximilian G. , Mujagic Edin , Gürke Lorenz , Schaefer Dirk J. , Banfi Andrea
Published: January 2020

Therapeutic angiogenesis, that is, the generation of new vessels by delivery of specific factors, is required both for rapid vascularization of tissue-engineered constructs and to treat ischemic conditions. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the master regulator of angiogenesis. However, uncontrolled expression can lead to aberrant vascular growth and vascular tumors (angiomas). Major challenges to fully exploit VEGF potency for therapy include the need to precisely control in vivo distribution of growth factor dose and duration of expression. In fact, the therapeutic window of VEGF delivery depends on its amount in the microenvironment around each producing cell rather than on the total dose, since VEGF remains tightly bound to extracellular matrix (ECM). On the other hand, short-term expression of less than about 4 weeks leads to unstable vessels, which promptly regress following cessation of the angiogenic stimulus. Here, we will briefly overview some key aspects of the biology of VEGF and angiogenesis and discuss their therapeutic implications with a particular focus on approaches using gene therapy, genetically modified progenitors, and ECM engineering with recombinant factors. Lastly, we will present recent insights into the mechanisms that regulate vessel stabilization and the switch between normal and aberrant vascular growth after VEGF delivery, to identify novel molecular targets that may improve both safety and efficacy of therapeutic angiogenesis.

Significance statement The promotion of blood vessel growth for therapeutic purposes remains a challenge both for the treatment of ischemic conditions and the generation of functional tissue-engineered grafts. Physiological angiogenesis is a complex and highly concerted process. A fine understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of vascular growth needs to provide the biological basis for the design of rational therapeutic approaches.
The Research for Base‐Mediated Aerobic Oxidation of Benzoins to Benzils and Nitrogen Heterocyclic Compounds
Authors: Qiu Shanguang , Lei Yang , Wu Yi , Chen Yuxue , Wu Luyong
Published: January 2020

Base‐mediated aerobic oxidation of benzoin was investigated under air atmosphere with a series of weak inorganic or organic bases. Bases play a key role in this transformation. Several benzils were produced in good yields under this transition metal‐free process, and nitrogen heterocyclic compounds were also obtained via tandem reactions.
Pharmacological Activities of Novel Chromene Derivatives as Calcium/Calmodulin Dependent Protein Kinase IV (CAMKIV) Inhibitors
Authors: Alsharif Meshari A. , Khan Danish , Ahmed Naseem , Mukhtar Sayeed , Khan Parvez , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz , Almalki Abdulraheem S. A. , Obaid Rami J.
Published: January 2020

Calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase IV (CAMKIV) phosphorylates various transcription activators and subsequently regulates cellular activities which triggered by CaMKK‐CAMKIV signalling. However, abnormal expression of CAMKIV is often associated with cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. We have synthesized and characterized a series of 3‐nitro‐2‐phenyl‐2H‐chromenes and tested their inhibition potential and binding affinity with the CAMKIV. Among the synthesised compounds, the IC50 value (50% of ATPase activity) for compounds D19 and D22 was observed as 12.22 ± 1.12 μM and 16.10 ± 1.30 μM respectively. The fluorescence binding and dot‐blot assay further complements inhibitory potential, indicating a better binding affinity. These compounds were tested against human cancerous cells (HepG2) and we observed a significant inhibition of cell viability, induced apoptosis and lowered tau‐phosphorylation. In cell viability studies, the IC50 values for compounds D19 and D22 was 18.33 ± 1.12 and 26.22 ± 1.30 μM respectively. These results suggested that the compounds D19 and D22 are non‐toxic to the normal cells and specifically inhibits the proliferation of cancerous cells.
Lewis Acid Promoted Cyclization of Acyclic Urea Derivatives to Quinazolinediones
Authors: Das Suman , Rawat Nidhi , Panda Tarun K.
Published: January 2020

Quinazolinediones have gained special interest among researchers as they are known to have many pharmacological and medicinal uses. Here, we report an efficient way to synthesize quinazolinediones through the cyclization of acyclic ureido‐benzoate esters, catalyzed by anhydrous zinc chloride under mild conditions. A series of quinazolinediones was synthesized in good yield by reacting the corresponding ureido‐benzoate esters using this protocol. The quinazolinedione products were characterized using NMR, IR, HRMS spectroscopy and single crystal x‐ray diffraction analysis. We also present here a most plausible mechanism for the cyclization reaction.
Employees' perceptions of their own and their supervisor's emotion recognition skills moderate emotional demands on psychological strain
Authors: Tucker Michelle K. , Jimmieson Nerina L. , Bordia Prashant
Published: January 2020

This research builds on prior studies showing the role of employee emotion recognition in the stress process to be mixed and conflicting. As such, it was proposed that the extent to which employees' emotion recognition skills buffer or exacerbate emotional demands depends on the extent to which employees believe their supervisor also is skilled in emotion recognition. Two samples of Australian employees completed cross‐sectional questionnaires. Sample 1 consisted of 149 employees in a medical research institution, and Sample 2 consisted of 161 government employees in an equipment supplies and logistics service. A three‐way interaction among emotional demands, employee emotion recognition, and perceived supervisor emotion recognition was found on psychological strain in both samples and on job dissatisfaction in Sample 1. As predicted, when employee emotion recognition was high, those who perceived their supervisor to be high in emotion recognition were buffered from emotional demands. In contrast, stress‐exacerbating effects were found when employees were high in emotion recognition, but supervisors were perceived to be low in emotion recognition. Overall, these results highlight the importance of emotion recognition in the stress process, and that the same skill set needs to be perceived in one's supervisor, an interpersonal resource, for this intrapersonal resource to be adaptive for employees.
The effect of progressive muscle relaxation on the postpartum depression risk and general comfort levels in primiparas
Authors: Gökşin İlknur , Ayaz‐Alkaya Sultan
Published: January 2020

In the postpartum period, mode of delivery, planned pregnancy, rapid changes in estrogen and progesterone hormone concentrations, quality of care, and environmental conditions affect the postpartum depression and comfort of the women. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) on the postpartum depression risk and general comfort levels in primiparas. A quasi‐experimental design was used with pretest, post‐test, and control group. The intervention and control groups consisted of 35 women each. PMR was applied to intervention group for 8 weeks. There was a statistically significant difference between Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale pretest and third follow‐up scores of the intervention group (p < .05). There was a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups in the mean General Comfort Questionnaire scores at the first, second, and third follow‐ups (p < .05). PMR may be effective on decreasing the postpartum depression risk and increasing general comfort. PMR could be administered through home visits to help women in postpartum period cope with their mental health problems after discharge.
Highly Conductive and Wettable PEDOT:PSS for Simple and Efficient Organic/c‐Si Planar Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Yu Lei-Ming , Chen Tao , Feng Nianjun , Wang Rongfei , Sun Tao , Zhou Yao , Wang Hai , Yang Yu , Lu Zheng-Hong
Published: January 2020

The key for fabricating efficient organic/n‐Si planar heterojunction solar cells is the organic semiconductor layer, which governs key steps in photocarrier harvesting such as charge carrier separation and extraction. Typical organic semiconductors, however, are inadequate to yield good device performance due to their low electrical conductivities and undesirable work functions. Herein, a method is proposed to boost charge carrier concentration in poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) from 1018 to 1022 cm−3 by combining solvent p‐doping and DMF treatment. This high carrier concentration induces significant band bending in the Si substrate and thus leads to an extended inversion zone near an organic/Si heterojunction. It is found that this type of heterojunction creates a broad built‐in electric field and effective interface passivation. The highly conductive PEDOT:PSS enables a simple and efficient organic/n‐Si planar heterojunction solar cell with a power conversion efficiency exceeding 13% without using complex light‐trapping structures. This power efficiency is comparable with the highest value reported to date. Herein, the possibility of making effective organic/n‐Si planar heterojunction solar cells simply by applying a layer of extremely conductive organic coating is demonstrated.
Secure and efficient data transfer using spreading and assimilation in MANET
Authors: Kausar Samina , Habib Muhammad , Shabir Muhammad Yasir , Ullah Ata , Xu Huahu , Mehmood Rashid , Bie Rongfang , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid
Published: January 2020

Mobile ad hoc Network (MANET) is a cluster of moveable devices connected through a wireless medium to design network with rapidly changing topologies due to mobility. MANETs are applicable in variety of innovative application scenarios where smart devices exchange data among each other. In this case, security of data is the major concern to provide dependable solution to users. This article presents a secure mechanism for data transfer where sender splits the data into fragments and receiver gets the actual data by assimilating the data fragments. We have presented an Enhanced Secured Lempel‐Ziv‐Welch (ES‐LZW) algorithm that provides cryptographic operations for secure data transfer. In proposed model, we have utilized the disjoint paths to transfer the data fragments from sender side and assimilate these fragments at receiver to get the original data. The messages containing data fragments are compressed and encrypted as well. Our scheme ensures confidentiality, integrity, efficient memory utilization, and resilience against node compromising attacks. We have validated our work through extensive simulations in NS‐2.35 using TCL and C language. Results prove that our scheme reduces memory consumption along with less encryption and decryption cost as compared to blowfish especially when plaintext has more repetitive data. We have also analyzed the impact of creating data fragments, fraction of communication compromised, and probability to compromise the data fragments by subverting intermediaries.
Reduction of eddy currents in winding by using a magnetic layer on an IPM motor
Authors: Suzuki Tatsuki , Nirei Masami , Yamamoto Tatsuya , Yamanaka Yuichiro , Goto Takumi , Sato Mitsuhide , Bu Yinggang , Mizuno Tsutomu
Published: January 2020

The demand for highly efficient motors has risen because of the increase in the number of hybrid electrical vehicles and electrical vehicles. Eddy current loss in the motors, which is generated by leakage of magnetic flux interlinked with the winding, is one factor that leads to the decrease in efficiency. Therefore, in this paper, by attaching magnetic composite materials to the winding of the interior permanent magnet (IPM) motor, we attempted to reduce the eddy current loss due to the leakage of magnetic flux of the rotor while maintaining the torque. © 2020 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
20‐year follow‐up study of physical morbidity and mortality in relationship to antipsychotic treatment in a nationwide cohort of 62,250 patients with schizophrenia (FIN20)
Authors: Taipale Heidi , Tanskanen Antti , Mehtälä Juha , Vattulainen Pia , Correll Christoph U. , Tiihonen Jari
Published: January 2020

Antipsychotics are effective in preventing relapses of schizophrenia, but it is generally believed that their long‐term use is harmful for patients’ physical well‐being. However, there are no long‐term studies which have verified this view. This nationwide, register‐based cohort study aimed to assess the risk of hospitalization due to physical health problems, as a marker for severe physical morbidity, and the risk of all‐cause mortality, as well as of cardiovascular and suicidal death, associated with antipsychotic use in all patients treated for schizophrenia in inpatient care between 1972 and 2014 in Finland (N=62,250), with up to 20 years of follow‐up (median: 14.1 years). The use of antipsychotic drugs (i.e., use of any antipsychotic compared with non‐use) and the use of specific antipsychotics were investigated, and outcomes were somatic and cardiovascular hospitalization, and all‐cause, cardiovascular and suicide death. Hospitalization‐based outcomes were analyzed by a within‐individual design to eliminate selection bias, comparing use and non‐use periods in the same individual by stratified Cox model. Mortality outcomes were assessed by traditional between‐individual Cox multivariate models. The adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for any somatic hospitalization and cardiovascular hospitalization were 1.00 (95% CI: 0.98‐1.03) and 1.00 (95% CI: 0.92‐1.07) during use of any antipsychotic compared to non‐exposure periods within the same individual. The aHRs were 0.48 (95% CI: 0.46‐0.51) for all‐cause mortality, 0.62 (95% CI: 0.57‐0.67) for cardiovascular mortality, and 0.52 (95% CI: 0.43‐0.62) for suicide mortality during use vs. non‐use of any antipsychotic. The most beneficial mortality outcome was associated with use of clozapine in terms of all‐cause (aHR=0.39, 95% CI: 0.36‐0.43), cardiovascular (aHR=0.55, 95% CI: 0.47‐0.64) and suicide mortality (aHR=0.21, 95% CI: 0.15‐0.29). The cumulative mortality rates during maximum follow‐up of 20 years were 46.2% for no antipsychotic use, 25.7% for any antipsychotic use, and 15.6% for clozapine use. These data suggest that long‐term antipsychotic use does not increase severe physical morbidity leading to hospitalization, and is associated with substantially decreased mortality, especially among patients treated with clozapine.
The interplay among psychopathology, personal resources, context‐related factors and real‐life functioning in schizophrenia: stability in relationships after 4 years and differences in network structure between recovered and non‐recovered patients
Authors: Galderisi Silvana , Rucci Paola , Mucci Armida , Rossi Alessandro , Rocca Paola , Bertolino Alessandro , Aguglia Eugenio , Amore Mario , Bellomo Antonello , Bozzatello Paola , Bucci Paola , Carpiniello Bernardo , Collantoni Enrico , Cuomo Alessandro , Dell'Osso Liliana , Di Fabio Fabio , di Giannantonio Massimo , Gibertoni Dino , Giordano Giulia Maria , Marchesi Carlo , Monteleone Palmiero , Oldani Lucio , Pompili Maurizio , Roncone Rita , Rossi Rodolfo , Siracusano Alberto , Vita Antonio , Zeppegno Patrizia , Maj Mario ,   Italian Network for Research on Psychoses
Published: January 2020

Improving real‐life functioning is the main goal of the most advanced integrated treatment programs in people with schizophrenia. The Italian Network for Research on Psychoses previously explored, by using network analysis, the interplay among illness‐related variables, personal resources, context‐related factors and real‐life functioning in a large sample of patients with schizophrenia. The same research network has now completed a 4‐year follow‐up of the original sample. In the present study, we used network analysis to test whether the pattern of relationships among all variables investigated at baseline was similar at follow‐up. In addition, we compared the network structure of patients who were classified as recovered at follow‐up versus those who did not recover. Six hundred eighteen subjects recruited at baseline could be assessed in the follow‐up study. The network structure did not change significantly from baseline to follow‐up, and the overall strength of the connections among variables increased slightly, but not significantly. Functional capacity and everyday life skills had a high betweenness and closeness in the network at follow‐up, as they had at baseline, while psychopathological variables remained more peripheral. The network structure and connectivity of non‐recovered patients were similar to those observed in the whole sample, but very different from those in recovered subjects, in which we found few connections only. These data strongly suggest that tightly coupled symptoms/dysfunctions tend to maintain each other's activation, contributing to poor outcome in schizophrenia. Early and integrated treatment plans, targeting variables with high centrality, might prevent the emergence of self‐reinforcing networks of symptoms and dysfunctions in people with schizophrenia.