bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of outcome in men and women after treatment in psychiatric security hospitals in Germany
Authors: Franke Irina , Rothe Philipp , Dudeck Manuela , Bezzel Adelheid , Klein Verena , Ormanns Norbert , Streb Judith
Published: August 2020

Previous research has shown that forensic psychiatric treatment reduces reoffending, rehospitalization and premature mortality. Treatment outcome varies with diagnosis, but little is known about the influence of sex, psychosocial adjustment and aftercare.

To assess these variables, we interviewed male and female patients discharged from three psychiatric security hospitals in Germany in the years 2010–2017. Participants were interviewed at discharge (n = 609) and 1 year later (n = 366) about reoffending, readmissions, substance use and psychosocial adjustment. Among patients with substance use disorder (SUD), 14% reoffended, 20% were re‐hospitalized and 60% maintained abstinence. Among patients with severe mental disorder, 5% reoffended and 13% were re‐hospitalized. Significant sex differences were found in offenders with SUD. The results suggest that sociodemographic and disorder‐related risk factors are associated with treatment success and that female patients with SUD might need a specific treatment approach. Sex‐specific aspects, diagnosis and psychosocial adjustment should be considered in forensic psychiatric treatment and risk assessment.
An immune‐related prognostic signature for predicting breast cancer recurrence
Authors: Tian Zelin , Tang Jianing , Liao Xing , Yang Qian , Wu Yumin , Wu Gaosong
Published: August 2020

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women worldwide and is the second leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in women. Increasing evidence has validated the vital role of the immune system in BC development and recurrence. In this study, we identified an immune‐related prognostic signature of BRCA that could help delineate risk scores of poor outcome for each patient. This prognostic signature comprised information on five danger genes—TSLP, BIRC5, S100B, MDK, and S100P—and three protect genes RARRES3, BLNK, and ACO1. Kaplan‐Meier survival curve showed that patients classified as low‐risk according to optimum cut‐off risk score had better prognosis than those identified within the high‐risk group. ROC analysis indicated that the identified prognostic signature had excellent diagnostic efficiency for predicting 3‐ and 5‐years relapse‐free survival (RFS). Multivariate Cox regression analysis proved that the prognostic signature is independent of other clinical parameters. Stratification analysis demonstrated that the prognostic signature can be used to predict the RFS of BC patients within the same clinical subgroup. We also developed a nomogram to predict the RFS of patients. The calibration plots exhibited outstanding performance. The validation sets (GSE21653, GSE20711, and GSE88770) were used to external validation. More convincingly, the real time RT‐PCR results of clinical samples demonstrated that danger genes were significantly upregulated in BC samples, whereas protect genes were downregulated. In conclusion, we developed and validated an immune‐related prognostic signature, which exhibited excellent diagnostic efficiency in predicting the recurrence of BC, and will help to make personalized treatment decisions for patients at different risk score.
Ionic Liquids with More than One Metal: Optical and Electrochemical Properties versus d‐Block Metal Combinations
Authors: Balischewski Christian , Behrens Karsten , Zehbe Kerstin , Günter Christina , Mies Stefan , Sperlich Eric , Kelling Alexandra , Taubert Andreas
Published: August 2020

Thirteen N‐butylpyridinium salts, including three monometallic [C4Py]2[MCl4], nine bimetallic [C4Py]2[M1−xaMxbCl4] and one trimetallic compound [C4Py]2[M1−y‐zaMybMzcCl4] (M=Co, Cu, Mn; x=0.25, 0.50 or 0.75 and y=z=0.33), were synthesized and their structure and thermal and electrochemical properties were studied. All compounds are ionic liquids (ILs) with melting points between 69 and 93 °C. X‐ray diffraction proves that all ILs are isostructural. The conductivity at room temperature is between 10−4 and 10−8 S cm−1. Some Cu‐based ILs reach conductivities of 10−2 S cm−1, which is, however, probably due to IL dec. This correlates with the optical bandgap measurements indicating the formation of large bandgap semiconductors. At elevated temperatures approaching the melting points, the conductivities reach up to 1.47×10−1 S cm−1 at 70 °C. The electrochemical stability windows of the ILs are between 2.5 and 3.0 V.
Two‐Dimensional NiIr@N‐Doped Carbon Nanocomposites Supported on Ni Foam for Electrocatalytic Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Xu You , Chai Xingjie , Liu Mengying , Ren Tianlun , Yu Shanshan , Wang Ziqiang , Li Xiaonian , Wang Liang , Wang Hongjing
Published: August 2020

Electrochemical water splitting can provide a promising avenue for sustainable hydrogen production. Highly efficient electrocatalysts toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) are extremely important for the practical application of water splitting technology. Herein, a one‐step annealing strategy is reported for the fabrication of a metal–organic framework‐derived bifunctional self‐supported electrocatalyst, which is composed of two‐dimensional N‐doped carbon‐wrapped Ir‐doped Ni nanoparticle composites supported on Ni foam (NiIr@N‐C/NF). The resultant NiIr@N‐C/NF displays excellent electrocatalytic performance in 1.0 m KOH, with low overpotentials of 32 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for the HER and 329 mV at 50 mA cm−2 for the OER. Particularly, the HER‐OER bifunctional NiIr@N‐C/NF needs only 1.50 V to yield 10 mA cm−2 for overall water splitting.
Controlling the Number of Branches and Surface Facets of Pd‐Core Ru‐Branched Nanoparticles to Make Highly Active Oxygen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalysts
Authors: Myekhlai Munkhshur , Benedetti Tania M. , Gloag Lucy , Poerwoprajitno Agus R. , Cheong Soshan , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Gooding J. Justin , Tilley Richard D.
Published: August 2020

Producing stable but active materials is one of the enduring challenges in electrocatalysis and other types of catalysis. Producing branched nanoparticles is one potential solution. Controlling the number of branches and branch size of faceted branched nanoparticles is one of the major synthetic challenges to achieve highly active and stable nanocatalysts. Herein, we use a cubic‐core hexagonal‐branch mechanism to synthesize branched Ru nanoparticles with control over the size and number of branches. This structural control is the key to achieving high exposure of active {10–11} facets and optimum number of Ru branches that enables improved catalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction while maintaining high stability.
Organic Superbases in Recent Synthetic Methodology Research
Authors: Puleo Thomas R. , Sujansky Stephen J. , Wright Shawn E. , Bandar Jeffrey S.
Published: August 2020

Organic superbases are a distinct and increasingly utilized class of Brønsted base that possess properties complementary to common inorganic bases. This Concept article discusses recent applications of commercial organic superbases in modern synthetic methodologies. Examples of the advantages of organic superbases in three areas are highlighted, including the discovery of new base‐catalyzed reactions, the optimization of reactions that require stoichiometric Brønsted base, and in high‐throughput experimentation technology.
Preparation and Characterization of Porous Carbon from Mixed Leaves for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Yang Xiaoxiang , Xu Jie , Chen Xin , Lei Yuli , Wang Lingling , Cheng Siyu , Li Yan , Lu Yuxuan , Zhu Yupeng , Chen Na
Published: August 2020

Main observation and conclusion

With the increasing demand of sustainable and eco‐friendly resources, it is very attractive to use waste leaves for activated carbon (AC) preparation that can be used in supercapacitors. Considering the practically collected leaves are commonly in mixed nature, and extra efforts are needed to sort these mixtures, we here report the first preparation of AC using mixed leaves from different plants, including Platanus acerifolia (PA), Firmiana platanifolia (FP) and Pistia stratiotes (PS), and compared the results with single leaves‐derived AC materials. These leave‐derived AC samples were characterized with FESEM, EDS, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical tests. The AC derived from mixed leaves (PA3FP1PS2AC) showed a good specific capacitance of 246 F·g−1 at 1 A·g−1 in aqueous 3 mol·L–1 KOH. This sample further showed the largest specific capacitance of 201 F·g−1 at 5 A·g−1, as compared with the non‐mixed AC samples, and a good stability of 100.0% capacitance retention over 1000 cycles. Utilizing mixed leaves for AC preparation is not only demonstrated to be a promising approach of low cost and high‐performance AC production for supercapacitor applications, but may also help environmental protection by reducing the invasive species problem.
Design and Application of a Rotatory Device for Detecting Transient Ca2+ Signals in Response to Mechanical Stimulation Using an Aequorin‐Based Ca2+ Imaging System
Authors: Peng Yingtong , Zheng Yu , Zhou Jinrun , Shang‐Guan Keke , Wang Huiquan , Liang Yan
Published: August 2020

Elevation of the cytosolic free calcium ion (Ca2+) concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) is one of the earliest responses to biotic and abiotic stress in plant cells. Among the various Ca2+ detection systems available, aequorin‐based luminescence Ca2+ imaging systems provide a relatively amenable and robust method that facilitates large‐scale genetic‐mutant screening based on [Ca2+]cyt responses. Compared to that mediated by chemical elicitors, mechanical stimulation–induced elevation of [Ca2+]cyt is considerably more rapid, occurring within 10 s following stimulation. Therefore, its assessment using aequorin‐based Ca2+ imaging systems represents a notable challenge, given that a time interval of ≥1 min is required to reduce the background light before operating the photon imaging detector. In this context, we designed a device that can rotate automatically within the confines of an enclosed dark box, and using this, we can record [Ca2+]cyt dynamics immediately after plants had been rotated to induce mechanical stimulation. This tool can facilitate the study of perception and early signal transduction in response to mechanical stimulation on a large scale based on [Ca2+]cyt responses. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Detection of background luminance signals in aequorin‐transformed Arabidopsis seedlings using a photon imaging detector

Basic Protocol 2: Construction of the rotatory device

Basic Protocol 3: Calcium measurement in Arabidopsis seedlings after rotatory stimulation

Basic Protocol 4: Data analysis and processing
Monodisperse Clay Microballs for Tuning the Pseudogaps by Adsorption in Amorphous Photonic Structures
Authors: Okada Tomohiko , Hosoyamada Sho , Takada Chisato , Ohta Chiharu
Published: August 2020

Structural color based on colloidal amorphous arrays has received growing interest in both natural and artificial systems; however few local structures on colloidal particles have been designed to tune the photonic pseudogap. We use an expandable interlayered inorganic nanosheet, a synthetic clay, on monodisperse colloidal silica spheres as constituents in an array. Interlayer expansion of the inorganic nanosheet by a cationic surfactant led to an increase in the size of the colloidal particles, resulting in a spectral redshift of the pseudogap. This phenomenon was related to the change in size of the monodisperse particles, which was induced by changing the defined layered local structure.
Monitoring CAR T‐cells using flow cytometry
Authors: Demaret Julie , Varlet Pauline , Trauet Jacques , Beauvais David , Grossemy Aurélien , Hégo Florent , Yakoub‐Agha Ibrahim , Labalette Myriam
Published: August 2020

Background

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‐cell therapy is considered as a major scientific breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy. The success of adoptive CAR T‐cell therapy for cancer has inspired researchers to expand indications into the area of solid tumors, autoimmune and infectious diseases. The most important factors influencing outcome and durability of the response after infusion of CAR T‐cell are proliferation and persistence of this cell subset. It becomes therefore important to detect easily and monitor circulating CAR T‐cells into blood samples. Approaches such as quantitative PCR (qPCR) or flow cytometry have been developed. The aim of this study was to set up and optimize a reachable flow cytometry technique using labeled CD19 protein for the measurement of CAR T‐cells in infusion bag and patient's blood.

Methods

Patients receiving Yescarta in Cell Therapy Unit (Department of hematology, Lille university hospital, France) between April and October 2019 and healthy volunteers were included to set up the flow cytometry technique.

Results and conclusions

We assessed feasibility in clinic and suitability to routine workload of a flow cytometry technique to follow CAR T‐cells in infusion bag and patient's blood. With only a few manual steps, the present protocol allows the technician to perform this technique among other routine tasks, meaning a time to results of <2 hr after sample reception. We were also able to assess CAR T‐cell heterogenity in terms of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes within the subset. Moreover, this technique allows monitoring of both authority approved CD19 CAR T‐cell.
Fine needle aspiration cytology of cervical lymph nodes: Comparison of liquid based cytology (SurePath) and conventional preparation
Authors: Budhwar Archana , Kataria Sant Prakash , Kumar Sanjay , Singh Gajender , Kaushik Nidhi , Sen Rajeev
Published: August 2020

Background

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the first diagnostic step in patient with cervical lymphadenopathy because of its simplicity, safety and early availability of the results. Liquid‐based cytology (LBC) is an alternative processing method which is used for both gynecological and nongynecological samples. Literature reviewed show few studies comparing LBC with conventional preparation (CP).

Aim

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of LBC and comparison of LBC and CP in cervical lymphadenopathy.

Materials and Methods

In this prospective study, a total of 75 cases of FNAC with cervical lymphadenopathy were included. The first pass was used for CP followed by LBC with the use of SurePath (SP) technique. Both the smears were compared for cellularity, background containing blood, cell debris, lymphoglandular bodies, stromal fragments, cytoarchitectural pattern, etc., by semiquantitative scoring system.

Results

There was no statistical difference in the cellularity, cell architecture, and monolayer cells (P > .05). On the basis of background containing blood, cell debris, lympho‐glandular bodies, stromal fragments (P < .001), nuclear, and cytoplasmic details (P < .05), LBC was found to be superior to CP.

Conclusion

LBC is a relatively simple technique and superior to CP in respect of better nuclear and cytoplasmic details with loss of background blood and debris. It has a diagnostic accuracy equivalent to that of CP. However, use of both LBC and CP can result in better diagnostic accuracy.
Catheter‐based embolectomy prior to right ventricular mechanical circulatory support placement after heart transplantation
Authors: Jagadeesan Vikrant S. , Davidson Laura J. , Churyla Andrei , Benzuly Keith H.
Published: August 2020

Severe acute isolated right ventricular failure has limited dedicated percutaneous temporary mechanical circulatory support options, especially after orthotopic heart transplantation. The advent of the Impella RP device provides a newer option, though an absolute contraindication to device placement is thrombus within the right heart. We present a novel case where catheter‐based embolectomy was used to evacuate right heart thrombus before Impella RP placement in a patient with severe acute right ventricular failure due to primary graft dysfunction after orthotopic heart transplantation.
Ordered Mesoporous Silica Incorporating Platinum Nanoparticles as Electrode Material for Paracetamol Detection
Authors: Hien Ngo Thi Thanh , Fort Ioana Carmen , Pham Thanh Huyen , Turdean Graziella Liana
Published: August 2020

High ordered mesoporous materials (SBA‐15) modified with Al and/or B and Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs) were used for preparing modified graphite paste electrodes (Pt/M−SBA‐15‐GPE, where M=Al−, B− or Al−B−) and applied for paracetamol (PA) detection. The electrodes were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Square wave voltammetry (SWV) technique was used to obtain the analytical parameters for PA detection. The acquired values of electrochemical and analytical parameters recommend the mesoporous compound containing Pt NPs to be used as composite electrode material for PA detection in real samples.
Electrospray: More than just an ionization source
Authors: Tycova Anna , Prikryl Jan , Kotzianova Adela , Datinska Vladimira , Velebny Vladimir , Foret Frantisek
Published: August 2020

Electrospraying (ES) is a potential‐driven process of liquid atomization, which is employed in the field of analytical chemistry, particularly as an ionization technique for mass spectrometric analyses of biomolecules. In this review, we demonstrate the extraordinary versatility of the electrospray by overviewing the specifics and advanced applications of ES‐based processing of low molecular mass compounds, biomolecules, polymers, nanoparticles, and cells. Thus, under suitable experimental conditions, ES can be used as a powerful tool for highly controlled deposition of homogeneous films or various patterns, which may sometimes even be organized into 3D structures. We also emphasize its capacity to produce composite materials including encapsulation systems and polymeric fibers. Further, we present several other, less common ES‐based applications. This review provides an insight into the remarkable potential of ES, which can be very useful in the designing of innovative and unique strategies.
A comparison of patients with anorexia nervosa and women who are constitutionally thin
Authors: Bang Eun Byul , Ko Jeong Kyung , Kwag Kyung Hwa , Lee Gi Young , Kim Youl‐Ri
Published: August 2020

Objective

Many of the clinical features of anorexia nervosa (AN) can be secondary problems associated with malnutrition, which mask the primary features of AN. This study aimed to investigate the intrinsic features of AN by comparing AN patients to women who are constitutionally thin (CT).

Method

Twenty‐six patients with AN and 53 CT women of similar body mass index (AN: 17.13 ± 1.73 kg/m2, CT: 16.62 ± 0.61 kg/m2) participated in the study. We examined medical findings, psychiatric features, and disturbed body image between the two groups.

Results

Patients with AN had earlier menarche but less frequent menstrual periods compared to CT women. They had lower blood pressure, lower triiodothyronine, and fasting glucose levels than CT women. Patients with AN had more disturbed body images and restricted diet patterns and also had higher neuroticism compared to CT women.

Conclusions

The patients with AN viewed their current body shape as fatter and had more restrained eating than the CT women. The results suggest that the disturbed body image may be a salient feature of AN differentiating from CT women, the underlying neural mechanism of which requires further study.
Adaptive user clustering for downlink nonorthogonal multiple access based 5G systems using Brute‐force search
Authors: Prabha Kumaresan S. , Chee Keong Tan , Ching Kwang Lee , Yin Hoe Ng
Published: August 2020

Nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) has been envisaged as a potential candidate for the forthcoming 5G cellular networks and beyond 5G networks. The existing user clustering schemes in NOMA systems exploit the channel heterogeneity and channel diversity to partition the users into different clusters by grouping the same number of users to each cluster. Due to the constraint of having the fixed number of users in each cluster, the channel heterogeneity and diversity cannot be fully explored, which causes the existing user clustering scheme to perform poorly in terms of throughput performance. In this article, an efficient and dynamic clustering method termed adaptive user clustering (AUC), which flexibly group the users to different clusters based on their channel conditions regardless of the cluster size, is proposed. The channel heterogeneity and diversity are fully exploited in user grouping that maximizes the system throughput. The clustering mechanism of the proposed AUC scheme is performed using the Brute‐force search (B‐FS) method by searching through all the possible partitions for the best partition with the highest throughput. Simulation results obtained demonstrate that the proposed AUC scheme using the B‐FS method always outperforms the existing user grouping approaches in various network scenarios in terms of throughput performance.
New insights into Citrus genus: From ancient fruits to new hybrids
Authors: Denaro Marcella , Smeriglio Antonella , Xiao Jianbo , Cornara Laura , Burlando Bruno , Trombetta Domenico
Published: August 2020

Citrus fruits are among the most ancient known and have always attracted the interest of humans, from both a nutritional and a health point of view. Even though there is substantial scientific literature regarding the Citrus genus and associated isolated bioactive compounds, there are still few studies on the botanical features, the phytochemical profiles, and the biological activities for some ancient Citrus fruits as well as for new hybrids that have become part of the international market. We have witnessed both the rediscovery and revaluation of some cultivated ancient fruits in some limited areas and the introduction of new hybrids destined to the food, ornamental, and food design market. This is the first review that sheds light on the botanical and chemical features as well as on the biological properties of Citrus fruits that are under‐investigated, localizing them in an international context. The manuscript focuses in particular on five under‐investigated species: Citrus australasica F. Muell. (Finger lime), Citrus medica L. var. sarcodactylis Swingle (Buddha's hand), Citrus junos Sieb ex Tan. (Yuzu), Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck var. pompia Camarda (Pompia), and Citrus lumia Risso (Lumia).
Recent advances on emerging nanomaterials for controlling the mycotoxin contamination: From detection to elimination
Authors: Zhang Xianlong , Li Guoliang , Wu Di , Liu Jianghua , Wu Yongning
Published: August 2020

Mycotoxins, a toxic secondary metabolite, unpredictably, and unavoidably occur in foods and feeds, leading to adverse health impacts and enormous economic losses in the agriculture industry. Moreover, mycotoxin contamination has been a great threat for the public health and agriculture economy development worldwide. Therefore, the control of the mycotoxin contamination is of great importance and has caused rising concern worldwide. Recently, emerging nanomaterials have been promisingly applied in the control of mycotoxin contamination and have obtained many achievements. In this review, first of all, the type, occurrence, and toxicity of mycotoxins are simply discussed. Then, attentions are focused on the applications of emerging nanomaterials to controlling the mycotoxin contamination, including mycotoxin assay, the inhibition of mycotoxin production, the adsorption of mycotoxins, and mycotoxin elimination. In the end, the future opportunities and challenges on the toxicity, occurrence, and control of mycotoxins are tentatively put forward.
Sichuan paocai fermented by mixed‐starter culture of lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Luo Yuanli , Liu Yuling , Ren Ting , Wang Bin , Peng Yumei , Zeng Sheng , Su Yu
Published: August 2020

To satisfy the demand of industrial production, selecting strains suitable for fermentation initiation is necessary. In this study, the effects of mixed‐starter culture including Leuconostoc, Lactobacillus, and Weissella on the quality of Sichuan pickle were discussed. Results showed that mixed‐starter culture can accelerate fermentation and had the highest efficiency for nitrite degradation, that is, the maximum nitrite concentration was 8.97 g/kg on day 1 and decreased to 1.88 mg/kg after 3 days. The mixed‐starter culture improved the sensory properties of pickles, which easily produced acids but had reduced amounts of total acids. The pickle products fermented by the mixed‐starter culture contained increased lactic acid (17.52 g/kg), mannitol (0.62%), umami (35.85), and sweet (11.36) amino acids on day 4. The strains Weissella paramesenteroides C2‐2 and Lactobacillus brevis ZP11‐2 grew well in the mixed‐starter culture fermentation.
Protohistoric briquetage at Puntone (Tuscany, Italy): principles and processes of an industry based on the leaching of saline lagoonal sediments
Authors: Sevink Jan , de Neef Wieke , Alessandri Luca , van Hall Rutger L. , Ullrich Burkart , Attema Peter A. J.
Published: August 2020

A protohistoric (c.10th–5th c. BC) briquetage site at Puntone (Tuscany, Italy) was studied to unravel the salt production processes and materials involved. Geophysical surveys were used to identify kilns, pits, and dumps. One of these pits and a dump were excavated, followed by detailed chemical and physical analyses of the materials encountered. The pit had been used for holding brine, obtained by leaching of lagoonal sediment over a sieve, that afterwards was discarded to form large dumps. Phases distinguished indicate that the pit filled with fine sediment and was regularly “cleaned.” The presence of ferroan‐magnesian calcite in the pit fill testifies to the prolonged presence of anoxic brine. The production processes could be reconstructed in detail by confronting the analytical results with known changes in composition of a brine upon evaporation. These pertain in particular to the accumulation of “bitterns” and increased B (boron) concentrations in a residual brine. Both could be traced in the materials studied, and were found to be far more indicative than the ubiquitously studied concentrations of Cl and Na.
Reproducibility in the absence of selective reporting: An illustration from large‐scale brain asymmetry research
Authors: Kong Xiang‐Zhen ,   ENIGMA Laterality Working Group, Francks Clyde
Published: August 2020

The problem of poor reproducibility of scientific findings has received much attention over recent years, in a variety of fields including psychology and neuroscience. The problem has been partly attributed to publication bias and unwanted practices such as p‐hacking. Low statistical power in individual studies is also understood to be an important factor. In a recent multisite collaborative study, we mapped brain anatomical left–right asymmetries for regional measures of surface area and cortical thickness, in 99 MRI datasets from around the world, for a total of over 17,000 participants. In the present study, we revisited these hemispheric effects from the perspective of reproducibility. Within each dataset, we considered that an effect had been reproduced when it matched the meta‐analytic effect from the 98 other datasets, in terms of effect direction and significance threshold. In this sense, the results within each dataset were viewed as coming from separate studies in an “ideal publishing environment,” that is, free from selective reporting and p hacking. We found an average reproducibility rate of 63.2% (SD = 22.9%, min = 22.2%, max = 97.0%). As expected, reproducibility was higher for larger effects and in larger datasets. Reproducibility was not obviously related to the age of participants, scanner field strength, FreeSurfer software version, cortical regional measurement reliability, or regional size. These findings constitute an empirical illustration of reproducibility in the absence of publication bias or p hacking, when assessing realistic biological effects in heterogeneous neuroscience data, and given typically‐used sample sizes.
The effects of fiscal governance on fiscal performance in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Nabieu Gladys A. A. , Bokpin Godfred A. , Osei Achampong K. , Asuming Patrick O.
Published: August 2020

Fiscal governance implemented around the globe offer useful information on the potential viable reasons for its increasing dependence and their implication for fiscal performance. This paper investigates the effects of fiscal governance in explaining the fiscal performance of countries in Africa. The paper uses a panel data of 43 countries from worldwide databases spanning from 1985 to 2011. The random effects model approach is used to analyse the data based on the diagnostic tests. Additionally, the panel corrected standard errors and Hausmann and Taylor estimation models are used to test the robustness of our results to further correct for possible errors and endogeneity in the regressors. The empirical analysis shows that fiscal policy rules and institutions have statistically significant effect on fiscal performance. The results from all the methods indicate higher coefficients of the expenditure rule relative to the other rules. This trend suggests the suitability of the adoption of the expenditure rule within the Sub‐Saharan African environment. This could be partly explained by the fact that, the restrictions placed on expenditures with the aim of controlling excessive spending behaviours of fiscal authorities have been very successful in influencing fiscal deficits in Sub‐Saharan Africa. This study contributes to the literature on the implication of the adoption of fiscal governance in African countries. The policy message to stakeholders is that, fiscal governance should be further strengthened to improve fiscal performance.
Appropriate strategies to establish knowledge‐based companies: Evidence from Iran
Authors: Fallah Haghighi Negin , Mirtorabi Mahdieh Sadat , Bijani Masoud , Valizadeh Naser
Published: August 2020

The study aimed to put forward appropriate strategies for establishment of knowledge‐based companies (KBCs) in Iran. The statistical population included faculty members as founders of KBCs at Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST). The strategies were then suggested based on threats, opportunities, weaknesses, and strengths (TOWS) matrix. Priority analysis of strategies revealed that “using technical skills, commercializing technical knowledge, and practicalizing inventions and research results to develop high technologies” was the most prioritized offensive (aggressive) strategy, “practicalizing inventions and research results and commercializing internal technical knowledge as well as brining the IROST's brand together with that of KBCs to improve trust of business environment in domestic products” was of top priority as a competitive (diversification) strategy, “amending or revising rules and regulations, procedures, and executive policies of intellectual property (IP) rights along with commercializing and giving scientific/intellectual value to KBCs to support entrepreneurship and innovative programs aimed at developing high technologies and production of strategic raw materials” was advocated as a priority among conservative (contingent) strategies, and “amending or revising rules and regulations, procedures, and executive policies of IP rights along with commercializing and giving scientific/intellectual value to KBCs to reduce information rents and reproduction of knowledge‐based products” was recognized as the most prioritized defensive strategy. Results of cluster analysis to classify these strategies in terms of time also demonstrated that out of the 14 strategies identified, two of them were of crash type, eight cases were labelled as short‐term, two strategies were mid‐term, and two cases were selected as long‐term ones.
Aggregate insider trading and future market returns in theUnited States, Europe, and Asia
Authors: Malliouris Dennis D. , Vermorken Alphons T. , Vermorken Maximilian A.M.
Published: August 2020

Using a well‐established methodology to measure aggregate insider trading, this exploratory study examines the relation between aggregate insider trading and future stock market returns. Analysing a unique data set of more than 1.3 million individual insider transactions in 16,893 US, European, and Asian firms between 2003 and 2017, we provide novel results for a multitude of countries. We find that the null‐hypothesis (i.e., aggregate insider trading is not related to future stock market returns and thus corporate insiders cannot forecast economy‐wide trends) cannot be unanimously rejected for all 32 countries in the sample. Aggregate insider trading in the United States, Asia, China, Hong Kong, and India is coherently positively associated with future market returns according to two aggregate insider sentiment indicators. For Switzerland, Sweden, Poland, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines we further find limited evidence indicating a positive association between aggregate insider trading and future index returns. On the contrary, there is some evidence that in Germany, Austria, Ireland, and Denmark aggregate insider trading is negatively associated with future market returns. Implications and further research opportunities are discussed.
Encapsulation effect of π‐conjugated quaterthiophene on the radial breathing and tangential modes of semiconducting and metallic single‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Chenouf Jamal , Boutahir Mourad , Fakrach Brahim , Rahmani Abdelhai , Chadli Hassane , Hermet Patrick , Mejía‐López Jose , Rahmani Abdelali
Published: August 2020

We developed a hybrid approach, combining the density functional theory, molecular mechanics, bond polarizability model and the spectral moment's method to compute the nonresonant Raman spectra of a single quaterthiophene (4T) molecule encapsulated into a single‐walled carbon nanotube (metallic or semiconducting). We reported the optimal tube diameter allowing the 4T encapsulation. The influence of the encapsulation on the Raman modes of the 4T molecule and those of the nanotube (radial breathing modes and tangential modes) are analyzed. An eventual charge transfer between the 4T oligomer and the nanotube is discussed.
Communicating our way to engaged volunteers: A mediated process model of volunteer communication, engagement, and commitment
Authors: Trent Sheridan B. , Allen Joseph A. , Prange Kelly A.
Published: August 2020

Retaining productive volunteers is an essential issue nonprofit organizations face, as volunteers help extend nonprofits' services to their target populations. The current study examined two facets of communication, perception of voice (i.e., upward communication) and satisfaction with communication (i.e., downward communication), as well as training, as important volunteer management practices with respect to facilitating volunteer engagement and commitment using both psychological contract and social exchange theories as the framework. One‐hundred and seventy‐one volunteers from two nonprofit organizations were surveyed to assess their satisfaction with the communication processes at their respective agencies, as well as their level of engagement, commitment, and perception of the training they received for their volunteer roles. Volunteer perceptions of both upward and downward communication were found to be indirectly related to organizational commitment through engagement. In addition, results indicated that volunteer training practices moderated the effects of upward and downward communication on engagement and commitment. Findings suggested that upward and downward communication are important predictors of volunteer engagement and commitment. Furthermore, providing training may help to strengthen these indirect effects.
Complex assessment of relationship quality within dyads
Authors: Reblin Maija , Vaughn Allison A. , Birmingham Wendy C. , Smith Timothy W. , Uchino Bert N. , Spahr Chandler M.
Published: August 2020

Higher quality relationships have been linked to improved outcomes; however, the measurement of relationship quality often ignores its complexity and the possibility of co‐occurring positivity and negativity across different contexts. The goal of this study is to test the added benefit of including multiple dimensions, contexts, and perspectives of relationship quality from both individuals in predicting marital functioning. The Social Relationships Index assessed positive and negative dimensions of relationship quality under neutral, positive, and support‐seeking contexts for 183 heterosexual married couples. Models showed that the inclusion of multiple dimensions of relationship quality across all three contexts improved prediction of marital functioning for both women and men. The use of multidimensional multicontextual relationship quality assessments is highly recommended.
Social support as a mediator of occupational stressors and mental health outcomes in first responders
Authors: Kshtriya Sowmya , Kobezak Holly M. , Popok Paula , Lawrence Jacqueline , Lowe Sarah R.
Published: August 2020

This cross‐sectional study aimed to address whether occupational stressors are associated with adverse mental health outcomes in first responders via lower social support. A total of 895 first responders including emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and firefighters from 50 US States and the Virgin Islands (mean = 37.32, standard deviation = 12.09, 59.2% male, and 91.3% White) completed an online survey. Bivariate analyses indicated that occupational stressors were positively correlated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression (MD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms, and negatively correlated with social support, whereas social support was negatively correlated with PTSD, MD, and GAD symptoms. Mediation analyses revealed significant indirect effects of occupational stressors on PTSD, MD, and GAD symptoms via social support, after controlling for covariates. Although longitudinal research is needed for a more robust examination of this pathway, the results highlight the importance of social support in first responders. Efforts to augment the support systems of first responders are recommended.
Targeted mutagenesis of EOD3 gene in Brassica napus L. regulates seed production
Authors: Khan Muhammad H. U. , Hu Limin , Zhu Miaoshan , Zhai Yungu , Khan Shahid U. , Ahmar Sunny , Amoo Olalekan , Zhang Kunpeng , Fan Chuchuan , Zhou Yongming
Published: August 2020

Seed size and number are central to the evolutionary fitness of plants and are also crucial for seed production of crops. However, the molecular mechanisms of seed production control are poorly understood in Brassica crops. Here, we report the gene cloning, expression analysis, and functional characterization of the EOD3/CYP78A6 gene in rapeseed. BnaEOD3 has four copies located in two subgenomes, which exhibited a steady higher expression during seed development with differential expression among copies. The targeted mutations of BnaEOD3 gene were efficiently generated by stable transformation of the CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) vector. These mutations were stably transmitted to T1 and T2 generations and a large collection of homozygous mutants with combined loss‐of‐function alleles across four BnaEOD3 copies were created for phenotyping. All mutant T1 lines had shorter siliques, smaller seeds, and an increased number of seeds per silique, in which the quadrable mutants showed the most significant changes in these traits. Consequently, the seed weight per plant in the quadrable mutants increased by 13.9% on average compared with that of wild type, indicating that these BnaEOD3 copies have redundant functions in seed development in rapeseed. The phenotypes of the different allelic combinations of BnaEOD3 copies also revealed gene functional differentiation among the two subgenomes. Cytological observations indicated that the BnaEOD3 could act maternally to promote cotyledon cell expansion and proliferation to regulate seed growth in rapeseed. Collectively, our findings reveal the quantitative involvement of the different BnaEOD3 copies function in seed development, but also provided valuable resources for rapeseed breeding programs.
Evaluating and modeling biological sulfur production in the treatment of sulfide‐laden streams containing ammonium
Authors: Cueto David , Mora Mabel , Gabriel David
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Biological treatment of effluents containing H2S and ammonium are of great interest as both can trigger serious environmental problems when disposed of. The aim of this study was to optimize the production of biosulfur from the partial oxidation of sulfide in sulfide‐ and ammonium‐containing streams. Biological performance was evaluated under various aerating conditions and key kinetic parameters were adjusted based on an existing mathematical model adapted to this system.

RESULTS

An optimal conversion of sulfide to S0 of 86% (w/w) was found at an oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) of −380 ± 10 mV and at an O2/S2− molar ratio of 0.44. Partial nitrification was observed at ORP higher than −200 mV and in excess of oxygen supply. Sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria (SOB) outcompeted ammonium‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in the competition for dissolved oxygen. In a modeling effort, the maximum specific growth rate for SOB, the sulfur shrinking kinetic constant, the maximum specific growth rate for AOB and the AOB oxygen half‐saturation constant were adjusted to 10.1 day−1, 0.3 mg2/3 VSS mg−2/3 S, 1.75 day−1 and 1.5 mg L−1, respectively, during model calibration.

CONCLUSIONS

Optimal S0 production was found under limiting O2 conditions in which AOB were not able to outcompete SOB. The mathematical model described satisfactorily the experimental profiles for ammonium, nitrite, sulfide and sulfate as a function of the aeration flow rate. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Differences in HIV risk and healthcare engagement factors in Filipinx transgender women and cisgender men who have sex with men who reported being HIV negative, HIV positive or HIV unknown
Authors: Restar Arjee J , Jin Harry , Ogunbajo Adedotun , Adia Alexander , Surace Anthony , Hernandez Laufred , Cu‐Uvin Susan , Operario Don
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Understanding HIV risk and healthcare engagement of at‐risk individuals by HIV status is vital to informing HIV programmes in settings where the HIV epidemic is rapidly expanding like the Philippines. This study examined differences in HIV risk and healthcare engagement factors among Filipinx transgender women and cisgender men who have sex with men (trans‐WSM and cis‐MSM respectively) who self‐reported being HIV negative, HIV positive or HIV unknown.

Methods

Between 2018 and 2019, we conducted Project #ParaSaAtin, an online cross‐sectional survey that examined the structural, social and behavioural factors impacting HIV services among Filipinx trans‐WSM and cis‐MSM (n = 318). We performed multinomial regression procedures to determine factors associated with HIV status (with HIV‐negative referent). Co‐variates included participant demographics, experiences of social marginalization, HIV risk, healthcare engagement and alcohol and substance problems.

Results

Self‐reported HIV status of the sample was as follows: 38% HIV negative, 34% HIV positive and 28% HIV unknown. Relative to HIV‐negative respondents, HIV‐positive respondents were more likely to be older (25‐ to 29‐year‐old adjusted risk ratio [aRRR]=5.08, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] = 1.88 to 13.72; 30‐ to 34‐year‐old aRRR = 4.11, 95% CI = 1.34 to 12.58; and 35 + years old aRRR = 8.13, 95% CI = 2.40 to 27.54, vs. 18 to 25 years old respectively), to live in Manila (aRRR = 5.89, 95% CI = 2.20 to 15.72), exhibit hazardous drinking (aRRR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.37 to 6.00) and problematic drug use (aRRR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.21 to 7.13). HIV‐positive respondents were less likely to identify as straight (aRRR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.72), and were more likely to avoid HIV services due to lack of anti‐lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) discrimination policies (aRRR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.90). Relative to HIV‐negative respondents, HIV‐unknown respondents were less educated (some college aRRR = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.37, beyond college aRRR = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.09 to 0.99, vs. high school or below respectively), had lower HIV knowledge (aRRR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.20 to 0.71), and were less communicative about safer sex (ARR = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.09 to 0.92). Moreover, HIV‐unknown respondents were also more likely to have avoided HIV services due to cost (aRRR = 4.46, 95% CI = 1.73 to 11.52).

Conclusions

This study highlights differences in HIV risks and healthcare engagement by HIV status. These findings show different barriers exist per HIV status group, and underscore the need to address Filipinx trans‐WSM and cis‐MSM’s poor engagement in HIV services in the Philippines.
Preparation and application of yellow fever virus NS1 protein‐specific monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Liu Duoduo , Chen Dongmiao , Zhang Tingting , Yu Nan , Ren Ruiwen , Chen Yue , Wang Congrong
Published: August 2020

Yellow fever is an acute infectious disease that is common in Africa and South America and causes thousands of deaths annually. However, there are very few studies on yellow fever virus (YFV) antigen detection kits. As a detection target, the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) has been successfully used in the early diagnosis of dengue virus (a member of the Flaviviridae family) infection. In this study, we used monoclonal antibody technology to prepare anti‐YFV NS1 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) and identified their immunological properties. Next, we used two mouse MAbs that can recognize different epitopes of YFV NS1 as capture and detection antibodies to establish a YFV NS1 antigen‐capture enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The antigen‐capture ELISA displayed exclusive specificity to YFV without cross‐reaction with other related members of the flavivirus family, including the dengue virus, West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis virus. Additionally, the detection sensitivity towards the YFV culture supernatant was 103 TCID50/mL and the detection positivity rate was 95% compared with reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. In conclusion, this newly developed NS1 antigen‐capture ELISA with high sensitivity and specificity could be used as an efficient method for the early diagnosis of YFV infection in animals or humans.
Asymptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infections in pregnant patients in an Italian city during the complete lockdown
Authors: Massarotti Claudia , Adriano Marco , Cagnacci Angelo , Gorlero Franco , Gustavino Claudio , Vallerino Gabriele , Paolucci Roberta , Di Luca Martina , Anserini Paola , Ferraiolo Antonella
Published: August 2020

Data from both New York and London report a high prevalence of the asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection in pregnant patients admitted for delivery, raising questions on the possible correlated dangers (ie, contacts with healthcare workers; the possible creation of an intrahospital outbreak at birth; and conflicting evidence on vertical transmission). For this study, results from SARS‐CoV‐2 screening via nasopharyngeal swab from maternity wards of the four hospitals of Genoa, Italy, were collected during a month of complete lockdown from 1 April to 30 April 2020. Out of 333 tested women, only 9 were symptomatic. Only one symptomatic patient (0.3%) and six asymptomatic ones (1.8%) tested positive. Out of the six positive asymptomatic patients, five were from the most disadvantaged neighborhood of the city (assessed by postal code). In conclusion, even if Italy was badly affected by coronavirus disease 2019 in the studied month, the reported prevalence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections in asymptomatic pregnant patients at term was lower than the ones reported in the literature.