bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying the best regimen for primary eradication of Helicobacter pylori: analysis of 240 cases
Authors: Chen Yao , Liu Qingyi , Hu Fulian , Ma Jizheng
Published: October 2020

The treatment regimen for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori may be best when therapy is susceptibility guided. However, it is unrealistic to use a strategy based on susceptibility testing to prioritize therapy for every patient in China. Empirical therapy of H. pylori is still widely used. The study was designed to discuss the best first‐line treatment regimen depending on empirical therapy. The focal point of the study was the optimal length of the therapy. Also, the selection of antibiotics was discussed in the article. This was a prospective, randomized, non‐inferiority trial. H. pylori‐infected patients who have no previous eradication therapy were randomly assigned to the following: 20 mg of rabeprazole, 1000 mg of amoxicillin, 500 mg of clarithromycin, and 220 mg of bismuth potassium citrate (BACPPI), administered twice a day for 10 or 14 days. The efficacy, side effects, and remission rate of clinical symptoms were determined. A total of 240 subjects were included in the study. The eradication rate with 14 and 10 days was essentially identical in both intention‐to‐treat (90.83% [95% CI, 86%–96%] vs. 87.50% [95% CI, 82%–93%]) and per‐protocol (94.78% [95% CI, 91%–99%] vs. 92.11% [95% CI, 87%–97%]) analyses. Loss of appetite and belching symptoms were significantly better in the BACPPI‐10 group than those in the control group after treatment. Side effects were generally mild and similar between groups. Our results showed that a 10‐day amoxicillin–clarithromycin‐containing bismuth quadruple therapy may be recommended for the primary empirical treatment of H. pylori infection in Beijing, China.
Numerical upper bounds to the ultimate load bearing capacity of three‐dimensional reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Vincent H. , Arquier M. , Bleyer J. , de Buhan P.
Published: October 2020

This contribution is addressing the ultimate limit state design of massive three‐dimensional reinforced concrete structures based on a finite‐element implementation of yield design theory. The strength properties of plain concrete are modeled either by means of a tension cutoff Mohr Coulomb or a Rankine condition, while the contribution of the reinforcing bars is taken into account by means of a homogenization method. This homogenization method can either represent regions of uniformly distributed steel rebars smeared into the concrete domain, but it can also be extended to model single rebars diluted into a larger region, thereby simplifying mesh generation and mesh size requirements in this region. The present paper is mainly focused on the implementation of the upper bound kinematic approach formulated as a convex minimization problem. The retained strength condition for the plain concrete and homogenized reinforced regions are both amenable to a formulation involving positive semidefinite constraints. The resulting semidefinite programming problems can, therefore, be solved using state‐of‐the‐art dedicated solvers. The whole computational procedure is applied to some illustrative examples, where the implementation of both static and kinematic methods produces a relatively accurate bracketing of the exact failure load for this kind of structures.
Progress in electrochemical detection of neurotransmitters using carbon nanotubes/nanocomposite based materials: A chronological review
Authors: Elugoke Saheed E. , Adekunle Abolanle S. , Fayemi Omolola E. , Mamba Bhekie B. , Nkambule Thabo T.I. , Sherif El‐Sayed M. , Ebenso Eno E.
Published: October 2020

Neurotransmitters (NTs) are chemical compounds that play an important physiological role in the functioning of central nervous, renal, hormonal, and cardiovascular systems. Their function is to regulate neural interactions by reducing the permeability of gap junctions between adjacent neurons of the same type. The abnormal level may lead to diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's diseases, and other neurological diseases. The devastating health hazards associated with the abnormal presence of NTs in biological systems coupled with the demerits of most modern detection methods necessitates the continuous development of novel electrochemical sensors. Carbon nanotube (CNT)‐based sensors, as a result of the large surface area, biocompatibility, and chemical stability supplied by CNTs, have proven to offer massive sensitivity and low limit of detection (LOD). Its significance in sensors applications toward the detection of different group of compounds cannot be overemphasized. There are several review articles on NTs and their determination using different chemically modified electrodes and sensor platform. However, this review highlights the significance of notable NTs and the progress made in the last decade in the design of CNT‐based sensors for the detection of common NTs. Secondly, the review intends to highlight some of the challenges associated with the use of CNT‐modified electrodes for NT detection, quantification, and in real‐life application. Lastly, it will evaluate the future perspective in the use of CNT and its composite modified electrode over other surface modification materials used in sensor fabrication for the determination of NTs.
A new study on existence and uniqueness of nonlocal fractional delay differential systems of order 1 < r < 2 in Banach spaces
Authors: Williams W. Kavitha , Vijayakumar V. , Udhayakumar R. , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: October 2020

This article is mainly focusing on the existence and uniqueness of nonlocal fractional delay differential systems of order 1 < r < 2 in Banach spaces. By using the theoretical concepts related to the fractional calculus, cosine, and sine functions of operators and fixed point approach, we prove our main results. By using Kranoselskii's fixed point theorem, we discuss the existence of the mild solution and by applying the Banach contraction principle, we prove the existence and uniqueness of the mild solution of nonlocal fractional delay differential system. Finally, we provide an example to illustrate the obtained theoretical results.
Agriculturalization of the Nomad‐Dominated Empires of the Northern Wei Dynasty in Pingcheng city (398–494 ad): A stable isotopic study on animal and human bones from the Jinmaoyuan cemetery, China
Authors: Zhang Guowen , Hou Xiaogang , Li Shuyun , Zhou Yawei , Richards Michael P.
Published: October 2020

To investigate the agriculturalization of the Nomad‐Dominated Empires of the Northern Wei Dynasty, we analysed the δ13C and δ15N values of animal and human bone/dentine collagen from the Jingmaoyuan cemetery, Datong city, China. The majority of the Jingmaoyuan humans predominately relied on a diet of C4 plants, likely millets and/or domestic animals fed on by‐products of millet. Other individuals had a C3/C4 mixed diet, indicating diets with more protein from domestic animals and/or freshwater fish. The economy of millet‐based agriculture and diversified animal husbandry together with the integration between the nomadic Tuoba Xianbei and Han Chinese in Pingcheng city probably were driving forces behind the agriculturalization and development of the Northern Wei Pingcheng period (398–494 ad).
Evidence of horsemanship in two Szekler noblemen from the Baroque period
Authors: Zejdlik Katie , Nyárádi Zsolt , Gonciar Andre
Published: October 2020

The Szeklers are a biologically and archaeologically understudied Hungarian cultural group who have occupied the Carpathian Basin since at least A.D. 1000. For most of their history, they were an autonomous group given special nontaxed status in exchange for their service to the Kingdom of Hungary as cavalrymen and defenders of the eastern front. Excavation of a church in Harghita County, Romania, has uncovered the remains of two adult males in a brick‐lined crypt beneath the pulpit of the church. The partial name ‘FERE’ was preserved in nails on the coffin lid of one of the interments. The Ferenczy family was the noble family for the area. Macroscopic observation of the skeletal remains showed several non‐normal skeletal characteristics. As a suite of traits, the characteristics suggest long‐term and frequent horseback riding per the clinical and archaeological literature. Skeletal indicators of horsemanship combined with the known responsibilities of Szekler noblemen support an interpretation of horse riding behaviour. This case study is important because it contributes to the growing understanding about skeletal modifications related to horseback riding and adds to the limited biological and archaeological literature regarding Szekler individuals.
A new case of prehistoric trepanation and scalping in the Iberian Peninsula: The tomb of La Saga (Cáseda, Navarre)
Authors: Díaz‐Navarro Sonia
Published: October 2020

Trepanation is considered one of the oldest surgical procedures in the world, of which the earliest evidence goes back to the Mesolithic. Over 130 cases of trepanated crania have been documented in the recent prehistory of the Iberian Peninsula, one of the areas with the highest number of cases. This paper analyses and discusses a new case from northern Spain. The cranium was found in the site of La Saga, Cáseda, Navarre, a small tomb where nine individuals were simultaneously placed at the end of the Bronze Age. It belongs to an adult female and displays a pentagonal hole in the central area of the cranial vault over the sagittal suture. The pentagonal shape of the injury, its regular outline, and the presence of 10 fusiform and two rounded grooves suggest that the bone was intentionally removed by means of cutting and leverage, a technique documented in another example from the Iberian Peninsula. Neither cranial lesions nor pathological evidence have been identified to justify the surgical procedure. Furthermore, the case is exceptional due to the presence of superficial and parallel cut marks in longitudinal and transversal directions across the parietal and temporal bones, unequivocally associated with scalping practice, and which would be performed prior to the trepanation in order to facilitate it. The absence of any kind of healing or bone regeneration points towards the death of the individual during the procedure. Together with the presence of marks of violence and manipulation of the skeletal remains of some individuals buried in the same grave, this leads us to propose that the trepanation was possibly performed to heal a previous trauma resulting from a violent conflict that caused the death of this and eight other individuals from the community.
Method for solving chance constrained optimal control problems using biased kernel density estimators
Authors: Keil Rachel E. , T. Miller Alexander , Kumar Mrinal , Rao Anil V.
Published: October 2020

A method is developed to numerically solve chance constrained optimal control problems. The chance constraints are reformulated as nonlinear constraints that retain the probability properties of the original constraint. The reformulation transforms the chance constrained optimal control problem into a deterministic optimal control problem that can be solved numerically. The new method developed in this paper approximates the chance constraints using Markov Chain Monte Carlo sampling and kernel density estimators whose kernels have integral functions that bound the indicator function. The nonlinear constraints resulting from the application of kernel density estimators are designed with bounds that do not violate the bounds of the original chance constraint. The method is tested on a nontrivial chance constrained modification of a soft lunar landing optimal control problem and the results are compared with results obtained using a conservative deterministic formulation of the optimal control problem. Additionally, the method is tested on a complex chance constrained unmanned aerial vehicle problem. The results show that this new method can be used to reliably solve chance constrained optimal control problems.
Does financial development still a spur to economic growth in India?
Authors: Nayak Jayanti Mala
Published: October 2020

The present study examines the dynamic linkage between financial development and economic growth by taking saving as an intermediary variable in the case of India using annual data from 1970 to 2018. The result indicates the existence of long‐run cointegrating relationship between financial development economic growth. Result from the long run granger causality test reveals unidirectional causal flow from economic growth, savings (both total and private savings) and financial development. On the other hand, financial development also causes economic growth but not through savings. The short‐run causality test results show that economic growth granger causes financial development, but there is no causal flow from financial development to economic growth. Economic growth Granger causes savings (both domestic and private savings) but the savings does not cause economic growth. Bidirectional causalities run from financial development to savings and vice versa. The study concludes that savings can be taken as an important intermediary to run tri‐variate financial‐growth nexus.
Getting to grips with wildlife research by citizen scientists: What role for regulation?
Authors: Palmer Alexandra , Reynolds S. James , Lane Julie , Dickey Roger , Greenhough Beth
Published: October 2020

Wildlife research by citizen scientists, involving the capture and handling of animals, provides clear scientific benefits, but also potential risks to animal welfare. We explore debates about how best to regulate such work to ensure that it is undertaken in an ethical manner.

We focus on the UK as a case study, drawing on qualitative research and stakeholder engagement events. We show that because trapping and marking of certain species requires minimal licensing, training and justification, some argue for increased formal regulation to minimise risks to animal welfare. However, others have reflected on the already complex regulatory landscape affecting wildlife research, and have expressed concern that introducing additional formal regulations could potentially make citizen science working with wildlife more difficult. Informal regulation could therefore offer a preferable alternative.

We set out three steps that could be taken to open up conversations about ethics and regulation of wildlife‐focussed citizen science, in the UK and elsewhere: (a) take stock of wildlife‐focussed citizen science in terms of numbers and harms to animal welfare; (b) assess the state of formal regulations and consider reforms; and (c) consider informal regulations as alternatives or additions to formal regulations.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
L‐leucine improves anemia and growth in patients with transfusion‐dependent Diamond‐Blackfan anemia: Results from a multicenter pilot phase I/II study from the Diamond‐Blackfan Anemia Registry
Authors: Vlachos Adrianna , Atsidaftos Evangelia , Lababidi Mohammad Lutfi , Muir Ellen , Rogers Zora R. , Alhushki Waseem , Bernstein Jonathan , Glader Bertil , Gruner Barbara , Hartung Helge , Knoll Christine , Loew Thomas , Nalepa Grzegorz , Narla Anupama , Panigrahi Arun R. , Sieff Colin A. , Walkovich Kelly , Farrar Jason E. , Lipton Jeffrey M.
Published: October 2020

Background

Diamond‐Blackfan anemia (DBA) is an inherited bone marrow failure syndrome characterized by anemia, short stature, congenital anomalies, and cancer predisposition. Most cases are due to mutations in genes encoding ribosomal proteins (RP) leading to RP haploinsufficiency. Effective treatments for the anemia of DBA include chronic red cell transfusions, long‐term corticosteroid therapy, or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In a small patient series and in animal models, there have been hematologic responses to L‐leucine with amelioration of anemia. The study objectives of this clinical trial were to determine feasibility, safety, and efficacy of L‐leucine in transfusion‐dependent patients with DBA.

Procedure

Patients ≥2 years of age received L‐leucine 700 mg/m2 orally three times daily for nine months to determine a hematologic response and any improvement in growth (NCT01362595).

Results

This multicenter, phase I/II study enrolled 55 subjects; 43 were evaluable. There were 21 males; the median age at enrollment was 10.4 years (range, 2.5‐46.1 years). No significant adverse events were attributable to L‐leucine. Two subjects had a complete erythroid response and five had a partial response. Nine of 25, and 11 of 25, subjects experienced a positive weight and height percentile change, respectively, at the end of therapy.

Conclusions

L‐leucine is safe, resulted in an erythroid response in 16% of subjects with DBA, and led to an increase in weight and linear growth velocity in 36% and 44% of evaluable subjects, respectively. Further studies will be critical to understand the role of L‐leucine in the management of patients with DBA.
Analysis of diffusion characteristics for aromatic solvents through carbon black filled natural rubber/ butadiene rubber blends
Authors: Kaliyathan Abitha Vayyaprontavida , Rane Ajay Vasudeo , Jackson Stefan , Thomas Sabu
Published: October 2020

Knowledge of solvent effect on the polymer is a need, for a large number of industrial and laboratory purposes. It is well known that swelling is a serious drawback for rubber products such as seals and O‐rings. The flexible rubber chains are highly prone to diffusion and allow easy penetration of solvent molecules through it, which causes swelling in rubber products. The flexibility and molecular mobility of rubber chains are reduced by either cross‐linking/blending/ adding inclusions. This reduces the swelling of rubber products. In the present work, blending rubbers and adding inclusions are experimented and reported. Various compositions of natural rubber (NR) / butadiene rubber (BR) i.e., 70NR/30BR, 50NR/50BR,30NR/70BR with and without carbon black (CB) were compounded, cured and characterized for diffusion analysis using benzene, toluene, and xylene. To determine the effect of varying filler concentration, 70NR/30BR blend was filled with 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50phr of CB and analyzed for diffusion characteristics. Loading of CB into rubbers reduces the chain flexibility as a result of rubber/filler interactions and this leads to a dramatic reduction in the diffusion of the solvent into rubber compounds. Diffusion characteristics of CB filled rubber blends were compared with their neat counterparts and CB filled blends showed less solvent uptake. Swelling characteristics for the neat and filled rubbers and their blends were calculated to determine coefficients and index of swelling. The experimental diffusion data obtained were fitted with mathematical models for predicting the diffusion behavior through the rubber vulcanisates to understand the mechanism of transport phenomena.
Cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular outcomes in COVID‐19
Authors: Fisher Miles
Published: October 2020

Patients with cardiovascular disease have an increased risk of severe COVID‐19 disease and an increased mortality. Clinical observations have described cardiovascular complications of COVID‐19 in patients without prior cardiovascular disease, including acute cardiac injury, myocarditis, heart failure, arrhythmias, and acute coronary syndromes. These are also associated with a worse outcome from COVID‐19. Several of the potential treatments for COVID‐19 may also have cardiovascular consequences. Some of the acute cardiovascular complications resolve on recovery from the infection and it is uncertain how many people will suffer permanent cardiovascular damage. During the emergency lockdown that was introduced to deal with the pandemic it has been observed that hospital admissions with other cardiovascular conditions, such as acute coronary syndromes and heart failure, have been greatly reduced. Copyright © 2020 John Wiley & Sons.
A diabetes specialist nurse audit within NHS England
Authors: Hicks Debbie , James June
Published: October 2020

The diabetes specialist nurse (DSN) works wholly in diabetes care and plays an integral part in diabetes multidisciplinary teams; the benefits of the role are well recognised. The post emerged in the 1950s and it was designed to support both people living with diabetes and health care professionals not working in specialist teams. Previous audits of DSNs indicated that the numbers of nurses working in this role were reducing and concerns were raised at national level about how this might impact on the care of an ever expanding population with diabetes. This audit through a ‘Freedom of Information’ request has identified many more DSNs than previous audits. It has also demonstrated a plethora of different job titles, whether most were employed in hospital or in primary care, and their banding. This audit has prompted the need for other information gathering and investigation which will aid workforce development. Copyright © 2020 John Wiley & Sons.
Data processing and quality verification for improved photovoltaic performance and reliability analytics
Authors: Livera Andreas , Theristis Marios , Koumpli Elena , Theocharides Spyros , Makrides George , Sutterlueti Juergen , Stein Joshua S. , Georghiou George E.
Published: October 2020

Data integrity is crucial for the performance and reliability analysis of photovoltaic (PV) systems, since actual in‐field measurements commonly exhibit invalid data caused by outages and component failures. The scope of this paper is to present a complete methodology for PV data processing and quality verification in order to ensure improved PV performance and reliability analyses. Data quality routines (DQRs) were developed to ensure data fidelity by detecting and reconstructing invalid data through a sequence of filtering stages and inference techniques. The obtained results verified that PV performance and reliability analyses are sensitive to the fidelity of data and, therefore, time series reconstruction should be handled appropriately. To mitigate the bias effects of 10% or less invalid data, the listwise deletion technique provided accurate results for performance analytics (exhibited a maximum absolute percentage error of 0.92%). When missing data rates exceed 10%, data inference techniques yield more accurate results. The evaluation of missing power measurements demonstrated that time series reconstruction by applying the Sandia PV Array Performance Model yielded the lowest error among the investigated data inference techniques for PV performance analysis, with an absolute percentage error less than 0.71%, even at 40% missing data rate levels. The verification of the routines was performed on historical datasets from two different locations (desert and steppe climates). The proposed methodology provides a set of standardized analytical procedures to ensure the validity of performance and reliability evaluations that are performed over the lifetime of PV systems.
Distinct Metabolic Features of Pathogenic Escherichia coli and Shigella spp. Determined by Label‐Free Quantitative Proteomics
Authors: Pettersen Veronika Kuchařová , Steinsland Hans , Wiker Harald G.
Published: October 2020

Escherichia coli and Shigella spp. causing illnesses in humans represent a genotypically and phenotypically diverse group of pathogens. Although E. coli diversity has been studied by comparative genomics, the intra‐species variation at the proteome level is currently unknown. The proteomes of 16 pathogenic E. coli, 2 non‐pathogenic E. coli, and 5 Shigella strains originating from 18 phylogenetic lineages are investigated. By applying label‐free quantitative proteomics on trypsin‐digested cell extracts from bacteria grown on blood agar, 4018 proteins are detected, 3285 of which arequantified, and 261 represented virulence factors. Of 753 proteins quantified in all strains, the levels of 153 vary substantially between strains and are functionally associated mostly with stress response and peripheral metabolism. The levels of proteins associated with the central metabolism vary considerably less than the levels of proteins from other metabolic pathways. Hierarchical clustering analysis based on the protein levels results in strains grouping that differ from that obtained by gene‐based phylogenetic analysis. Finally, strains of some E. coli pathotypes have more similar protein profiles even when the strains are not genetically closely related. The results suggest that the degree of genetic relatedness may not necessarily be a good predictor of E. coli phenotypic characteristics.
The Levels of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor in Patients with Myofascial Pain Syndrome and in Healthy Controls
Authors: Grosman‐Rimon Liza , Vadasz Brian , Parkinson William , Clarke Hance , Katz Joel D. , Kumbhare Dinesh
Published: October 2020

Background

Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) plays an important role in muscle maintenance and repair. The role of IGF‐2 in the muscle is less clear.

Objective

To compare the levels of IGF‐1 and IGF‐2 in participants with acute myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) versus healthy controls and to determine whether age, gender, body mass index (BMI), region of pain, and pain intensity are associated with IGF levels.

Design

A case‐control study design included a total of 74 participants.

Setting

Hospital emergency department.

Participants

Participants presenting with acute MPS (n = 43) and non‐MPS controls (n  =  31).

Main Outcome Measures

Serum IGF‐1 and IGF‐2 (pg/mL) were measured in participants with MPS within 24 hours of symptom onset, and in non‐MPS controls. Group and gender differences in serum IGF‐1 and IGF‐2 were assessed, with group and gender as factors, while controlling for age and BMI.

Results

The mean IGF‐1 levels were not significantly different between MPS and controls (88 554.1, confidence interval [CI], 79 724.4‐97 383.7 vs. 97 911.2, CI, 85 322.8‐110 493.6). Significant differences were also not observed in IGF‐1 levels between men and women with MPS nor between men and women in the control group. Mean levels of IGF‐2 were significantly lower in patients with MPS than in controls (226 608.9, CI, 180 057.3‐273 160.5 versus 460 343.9, CI, 387 809.4‐532 878.2, P < .001). There were no significant gender differences in the levels of IGF‐2 in patients with MPS. Mean IGF‐2 levels (pg/mL) of men and women with MPS were lower (253 343.0, CI, 179 891.0‐326 795.0, and 204 524.2, CI, 141 176.4‐267 872.0, respectively) than those of healthy men and women (428 177.2, CI, 368 345.7‐488 008.6, and 511 274.4, 355 178.6‐687 370.1, respectively). Lower BMI and younger age were associated with higher levels of IGF‐2. Pain intensity was associated with IGF‐2 but not with IGF‐1, whereas region of pain was not associated with either IGF‐1 or IGF‐2 levels.

Conclusions

IGF‐2 levels were lower in patients with acute MPS versus healthy controls with no gender differences, and IGF‐1 levels were not different among the groups. Future studies should investigate the role of IGF‐2 in muscle maintenance and repair in MPS.
From plots to policy: How to ensure long‐term forest plot data supports environmental management in intact tropical forest landscapes
Authors: Baker Timothy R. , Vicuña Miñano Edgar , Banda‐R Karina , del Castillo Torres Dennis , Farfan‐Rios William , Lawson Ian T. , Loja Alemán Eva , Pallqui Camacho Nadir , Silman Miles R. , Roucoux Katherine H. , Phillips Oliver L. , Honorio Coronado Euridice N. , Monteagudo Mendoza Abel , Rojas Gonzáles Rocío
Published: October 2020

Societal Impact Statement

The approach that we take to our science is as important as the questions that we address if we would like our research to inform management. Here, we discuss our experience of using networks of permanent forest inventory plots to support sustainable management and conservation of intact tropical forests. A key conclusion is that to maximize the use of data from such large international networks within policymaking, it is crucial that leadership is widely shared among participants. Such an approach helps to address ethical concerns surrounding international collaborations and also achieves greater policy impact.

Long‐term data from permanent forest inventory plots have much to offer the management and conservation of intact tropical forest landscapes. Knowledge of the growth and mortality rates of economically important species, forest carbon balance, and the impact of climate change on forest composition are all central to effective management. However, this information is rarely integrated within the policymaking process. The problem reflects broader issues in using evidence to influence environmental management, and in particular, the need to engage with potential users beyond the collection and publication of high‐quality data. To ensure permanent plot data are used, (a) key “policy windows”—opportunities to integrate data within policy making—need to be identified; (b) long‐term relationships need to be developed between scientists and policy makers and policymaking organizations; and (c) leadership of plot networks needs to be shared among all participants, and particularly between institutions in the global north and those in tropical countries. Addressing these issues will allow permanent plot networks to make tangible contributions to ensuring that intact tropical forest persists over coming decades.
Facile Synthesis and Size Control of 2D Cyclodextrin‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks Nanosheet for Topical Drug Delivery
Authors: Bello Mubarak G. , Yang Yingchao , Wang Caifen , Wu Li , Zhou Panpan , Ding Huanyu , Ge Xiaofei , Guo Tao , Wei Lai , Zhang Jiwen
Published: October 2020

In this work, a 2D nanosheet (NS) of γ‐cyclodextrin (CD)‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) is synthesized through a facile green chemistry approach. NS‐MOF carrier is constructed using a water system in a simple one‐pot reaction involving CD and potassium carbonate. Particle size optimization is achieved by adjusting the reaction temperature and the introduction of crystal growth suppressor (appropriate proportion of acetone). The NS‐MOF stability in aqueous medium is improved by polymerization reaction of crosslinked CD‐MOF (CL‐CD‐MOF) without blocking its cavity for drug loading. The effects of particle geometry and size of nanoporous materials on their pharmacokinetics during drug delivery are compared between the sheet‐like DXM@CL‐NS‐MOF and 3D‐cubic‐shaped DXM@CL‐CD‐MOF loaded with the same quantity of dexamethasone (DXM). The bioefficiency of these carriers in tear fluids and aqueous humors to deliver DXM is investigated in vivo. The results demonstrate that the 2D‐nanosheet particles significantly improve precorneal residence time and intraocular bioavailability over the commercial Maxidex (0.1% dexamethasone) and its 3D‐cubes counterpart of similar chemical composition. It suggests that the geometry of a carrier play a significant role in the biodistribution, and the carrier of CL‐NS‐MOF is a good candidate for ocular drug delivery.
TSNP: A two‐stage nonparametric phase I/II clinical trial design for immunotherapy
Authors: Han Yan , Liu Hao , Cao Sha , Zhang Chi , Zang Yong
Published: October 2020

We develop a transparent and efficient two‐stage nonparametric (TSNP) phase I/II clinical trial design to identify the optimal biological dose (OBD) of immunotherapy. We propose a nonparametric approach to derive the closed‐form estimates of the joint toxicity–efficacy response probabilities under the monotonic increasing constraint for the toxicity outcomes. These estimates are then used to measure the immunotherapy's toxicity–efficacy profiles at each dose and guide the dose finding. The first stage of the design aims to explore the toxicity profile. The second stage aims to find the OBD, which can achieve the optimal therapeutic effect by considering both the toxicity and efficacy outcomes through a utility function. The closed‐form estimates and concise dose‐finding algorithm make the TSNP design appealing in practice. The simulation results show that the TSNP design yields superior operating characteristics than the existing Bayesian parametric designs. User‐friendly computational software is freely available to facilitate the application of the proposed design to real trials. We provide comprehensive illustrations and examples about implementing the proposed design with associated software.
Ficusplants: State of the art from a phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological perspective
Authors: Salehi Bahare , Prakash Mishra Abhay , Nigam Manisha , Karazhan Natallia , Shukla Ila , Kiełtyka‐Dadasiewicz Anna , Sawicka Barbara , Głowacka Aleksandra , Abu‐Darwish Mohammad Sanad , Hussein Tarawneh Amer , Gadetskaya Anastassiya V. , Cabral Célia , Salgueiro Lígia , Victoriano Montserrat , Martorell Miquel , Docea Anca Oana , Abdolshahi Anna , Calina Daniela , Sharifi‐Rad Javad
Published: October 2020

Ficusgenus is typically tropical plants and is among the earliest fruit trees cultivated by humans.Ficus caricaL. is the common fig,Ficus benjaminaL. is the weeping fig, andFicus pumilaL. is the creeping fig. These species are commonly used in traditional medicine for a wide range of diseases and contain rich secondary metabolites that have shown diverse applications. This comprehensive review describes forFicusgenus the phytochemical compounds, traditional uses and contemporary pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiulcer, and anticonvulsant. An extended survey of the current literature (Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed) has been carried out as part of the current work. The trends in the phytochemistry, pharmacological mechanisms and activities ofFicusgenus are overviewed in this manuscript: antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activity, antiseizure and anti‐Parkinson's diseases, cytotoxic and antioxidant. Health‐promoting effects, recent human clinical studies, safety and adverse effects ofFicusplants also are covered. The medical potential and long‐term pharmacotherapeutic use of the genusFicusalong with no serious reported adverse events, suggests that it can be considered as being safe.
The effect of a constraint on the maximum number of controls matched to each treated subject on the performance of full matching on the propensity score when estimating risk differences
Authors: Austin Peter C. , Stuart Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2020

Many observational studies estimate causal effects using methods based on matching on the propensity score. Full matching on the propensity score is an effective and flexible method for utilizing all available data and for creating well‐balanced treatment and control groups. An important component of the full matching algorithm is the decision about whether to impose a restriction on the maximum ratio of controls matched to each treated subject. Despite the possible effect of this restriction on subsequent inferences, this issue has not been examined. We used a series of Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the effect of imposing a restriction on the maximum ratio of controls matched to each treated subject when estimating risk differences. We considered full matching both with and without a caliper restriction. When using full matching with a caliper restriction, the imposition of a subsequent constraint on the maximum ratio of the number of controls matched to each treated subject had no effect on the quality of inferences. However, when using full matching without a caliper restriction, the imposition of a constraint on the maximum ratio of the number of controls matched to each treated subject tended to result in an increase in bias in the estimated risk difference. However, this increase in bias tended to be accompanied by a corresponding decrease in the sampling variability of the estimated risk difference. We illustrate the consequences of these restrictions using observational data to estimate the effect of medication prescribing on survival following hospitalization for a heart attack.
Optimized h‐BN/Sb2WO6 Interface Mediates an Efficient Charge Separation towards Enhanced Photocatalysis
Authors: Rafiq Umer , Wahid Malik , Majid Kowsar
Published: October 2020

The unrestrained charge recombination inherently associated with inorganic semiconductors renders them inefficient for the targeted photocatalytic applications in their pristine state. A variety of compositing strategies have thus become important to mitigate the charge recombinations in this regard. In the present work, we report a modified solvothermal synthesis route to affect the synthesis of appropriately band‐aligned h‐BN/Sb2WO6 nano‐composite. The later offers improved photocatalytic efficiency owing to reduced electron‐hole recombination ensured through the intimate interfacial contact ascribed to the modified synthesis strategy. The most efficient of h‐BN and Sb2WO6 compositions (12‐wt % h‐BN/Sb2WO6) depicted an 80.8 % photo‐catalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) in 90 min under visible light irradiation compared to 42 % for pure Sb2WO6. The photocatalytic degradation of RhB exhibits kapp value of 1.73×10−2 min−1 which is 2.8 times greater than kapp values of pristine Sb2WO6 (6.01×10−3 min−1). The radical scavenger tests reveal that the superoxide radicals (.O2−1) and holes (h+) are the main reactive species. Additionally, composite catalyst revealed a commendable photostability with 77.29 % retention of photocatalytic efficiency after four catalytic cycles.
Association between trajectories of personal growth initiative and post‐traumatic stress after Hurricane Harvey: A latent growth mixture modeling approach
Authors: Shigemoto Yuki
Published: October 2020

Studies examining the association between personal growth initiative (PGI) and post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) have often utilized cross‐sectional research designs, and as a result, the changes in the levels of PGI and its association with the trajectory of PTSS remain unclear. The current study aimed to (1) explore the different trajectories in both PGI and PTSS and (2) examine the associations of the identified trajectories between PGI and PTSS among individuals. The final sample were 419 adults who were physically residing in the area when Hurricane Harvey made landfall on 26 August 2017. The initial data collection occurred approximately 16 months after the Hurricane, and participants were asked to participate again after 1‐ and 3‐month later. A result from the latent growth mixture modeling revealed that for PGI, the 4‐class model was the best‐fitting model, and for PTSS, the 3‐class model was the best‐fitting model. When examining the association between the trajectories of PGI and PSS, individuals classified to higher PGI subgroups were more likely to be associated with the Recovery PTSS subgroup. The current study suggests that disaster survivors with higher PGI were more likely to recover from PTSS, raising an importance of incorporating PGI to alleviate future PTSS.
Electroless Deposition of Ni–Fe Alloys on Scaffolds for 3D Nanomagnetism
Authors: Pip Petai , Donnelly Claire , Döbeli Max , Gunderson Christopher , Heyderman Laura J. , Philippe Laetitia
Published: October 2020

3D magnetic nanostructures are of great interest due to the possibility to design novel properties and the benefits for both technological applications such as high‐density data storage, as well as more fundamental studies. One of the main challenges facing the realization of these three‐dimensional systems is their fabrication, which includes the deposition of magnetic materials on 3D surfaces. In this work, the electroless deposition of Ni–Fe on a 3D‐printed, non‐conductive microstructure is presented. The deposited films exhibit low coercivity, with the saturation magnetization and composition corresponding to the archetypal soft magnetic material permalloy. For fundamental studies of 3D micromagnetism, this new development in fabrication offers the possibility to combine the flexibility of 3D nanofabrication techniques such as two‐photon lithography for the fabrication of 3D scaffolds with a homogeneous soft ferromagnetic thin film, and thus represents an important step toward exploring the rich physics of complex 3D magnetic architectures with tailored properties and the development of advanced applications.
Requirements for Animal Experiments: Problems and Challenges
Authors: Fontana Flavia , Figueiredo Patrícia , Martins João P. , Santos Hélder A.
Published: October 2020

In vivo models remain a principle screening tool in the drug discovery pipeline. Here, the challenges associated with the need for animal experiments, as well as their impact on research, individual/societal, and economic contexts are discussed. A number of alternatives that, with further development, optimization, and investment, may replace animal experiments are also revised.
An exclusion problem for epiphenomenalist dualism
Authors: Saad Bradford ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2020

The chief motivation for epiphenomenalist dualism is its promise to solve dualism's causal exclusion problem without inducing causal overdetermination or violations of the causal closure of the physical. This paper argues that epiphenomenalist dualism is itself susceptible to an exclusion problem. The problem exploits symmetries of determination and influence generated by a wide class of physical theories. Further, I argue that there is an interference effect between solving epiphenomenalist dualism's exclusion problem and using epiphenomenalist dualism as a solution to the causal exclusion problem. What emerges is an overlooked, empirically motivated challenge to epiphenomenalist dualism.
The Center for the Integration of Research, Teaching, and Learning: A National‐Scale Network to Prepare STEM Future Faculty
Authors: Mathieu Robert D. , Austin Ann E. , Barnicle Katherine A. , Campa Henry , McLinn Colleen M.
Published: October 2020

This chapter describes a successful approach for the preparation of future faculty to implement and advance effective teaching practices for diverse learners, currently implemented at nearly 40 graduate universities in the United States and Canada.
The Quest for Innovation: Addressing User Needs and Value Creation
Authors: Campos Hugo
Published: October 2020

In agricultural and agrifood systems, like in many other economic sectors, the main innovation drivers have traditionally been (1) technological advances and (2) research and development. When innovation fails to address the actual needs of clients and end-users, however, satisfaction gaps are created. The result is that investors receive insufficient returns and end-users receive less than expected value. The consequences of failure can be deeper than just financial, however. Successful innovation in agriculture and agrifood systems is critical to secure affordable, nutritious, and safe food for all people. Rapid innovation is needed to address the serious challenge of climate change and to reduce agriculture’s global environmental footprint. The overarching goal of agricultural innovation should be to deliver high value to end-users and improve their quality of life and well-being. To achieve this goal, organizations must first understand the jobs to be done concept for their end-users. They must take into account user satisfaction gaps and frustrations. Understanding user needs is as important as producing technology to finding innovative solutions. This is true around the globe; in industry and public sectors, and in both developed and developing countries. This chapter explains why investing in innovation is very different from succeeding at it. Ultimately, the examples, ideas, and guidelines in this chapter can be brought to bear on agricultural innovation efforts (and any other economic sector), to make them more productive and worthwhile for end-users and investors/funders. The information herein is meant to increase the likelihood of successful innovation efforts at both profit-seeking firms and nonprofit organizations.
Development of Sustainable Business Models for Innovation in the Swedish Agri-sector: Resource-Effective Producer or Stewardship-Based Entrepreneur?
Authors: Ulvenblad Per-Ola
Published: October 2020

This chapter focuses on the development of sustainable business models for innovation in the Swedish agri-sector. This is important for several reasons. Many of society’s challenges are linked to social, environmental and economic aspects of agriculture, and numerous agri-companies have been reduced to subcontractors with little influence, and are struggling with low profitability.

Previous research regarding agri-companies have mainly focused on production and cost-efficiency aspects. Research regarding sustainable innovation and sustainable business models in the agri-sector is limited to date. To fill in this gap, the aim of this chapter is to illustrate and analyse how Swedish agri-companies develop sustainable business models. An integrated theoretical framework combining research regarding sustainability-oriented innovation and sustainable business model archetypes has been developed in order to collect and analyse the eight agri-companies in the study.

Swedish agri-companies focus not only on optimization but also on their organizational transformation and systems building when developing sustainable innovation. They have developed diversified business models. A common, important factor is to adopt stewardship roles. Further, the value intention of agri-entrepreneurs is a relevant factor when developing sustainable business models.
Innovating at Marketing and Distributing Nutritious Foods at the Base of the Pyramid (BoP): Insights from 2SCALE, the Largest Incubator for Inclusive Agribusiness in Africa
Authors: van Dijk Niek , van der Velde Nick , Macharia Janet , Pipim Kwame Ntim , Shimeles Hiwot
Published: October 2020

Toward Sustainable Clusters in Agribusiness through Learning in Entrepreneurship (2SCALE) is the largest incubator for inclusive agribusiness in Africa. Part of this program supports agribusinesses in developing nutritious products that specifically target base of the pyramid (BoP) consumers in local markets. This product development process is complemented with marketing and distribution strategies to ensure these products reach BoP consumers. In an effort to build sustainable and scalable business cases, all strategies are first tested and implemented in short-term pilots. The lessons learned during the implementation of these pilots are presented in this chapter.

The goal of this chapter is to showcase the approach, results, and lessons learned while implementing pilots. Under the 2SCALE program, more than 20 agribusinesses have developed new nutritious products and have run marketing and distribution pilots. The lessons derived from this experience can be useful for both agribusinesses themselves and incubating programs.

The first section of this chapter highlights the opportunity at the BoP and the rationale behind implementing pilots, including the importance of BoP-specific marketing and distribution strategies. The second one runs through the approach and stages of developing and implementing pilots. This section is followed by an overview of tools and strategies being used in pilot development, whereas the final two sections explain lessons learned and the next steps.
Lepton Flavor Violation at muon-electron colliders
Authors: Bossi Fabio , Ciafaloni Paolo
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Lepton Flavor Violating (LFV) processes are clear signals of physics beyond the Standard Model. We investigate the possibility of measuring this kind of processes at present and foreseeable future muon-electron colliders, taking into account present day bounds from existing experiments. As a model of new physics we consider a Z’ boson with a Ut(1) gauge symmetry and generic couplings. Processes that violate lepton flavor by two units seem to be particularly promising.