bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exposure–Response Relationships for Efficacy and Safety of Risankizumab in Phase II and III Trials in Psoriasis Patients
Authors: Khatri Amit , Suleiman Ahmed A. , Polepally Akshanth R. , Othman Ahmed A.
Published: July 2019

Risankizumab has demonstrated efficacy in phase III trials in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis. The exposure–response relationships for risankizumab efficacy (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI)75, PASI90, PASI100, and static Physician's Global Assessment (sPGA)0/1) at week 16 (N = 1,732) and week 52 (N = 598) as well as safety (incidence of any adverse event, serious adverse event, infection and infestation, or serious infection) over up to 52 weeks were characterized using the data from risankizumab phase II and III clinical trials in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis. Impact of clinically relevant covariates was evaluated. Risankizumab phase III regimen (150 mg subcutaneously at weeks 0, 4, and every 12 weeks thereafter) achieved the plateau of the exposure–efficacy relationships with model‐estimated PASI90 and sPGA0/1 response probabilities of 77%, and 87%, respectively, at week 16 and 85%, and 88%, respectively, at week 52. There was no apparent relationship between risankizumab plasma exposure and the evaluated safety variables.
Efficiency improvement for LLC converter based on automatic tuning of blanking time
Authors: Hwu Kuo‐Ing , Guo Yi‐Siang
Published: July 2019

As for the traditional LLC converter, there is a problem in efficiency at light load. In order to keep the output voltage of this converter constant at a given value at light load, the switching frequency will be increased, and hence, the efficiency would be degraded. Consequently, based on the inherent frequency modulation and from the point of view of blanking time tuning, the efficiency at light load will be further improved due to circular current reduction, and at the same time, the efficiencies under other operating conditions are also enhanced. In this paper, the strategy for automatically adjusting the blanking time is described and analyzed. Afterwards, the digital signal processor (DSP) is used as a circuit control kernel, and an experimental setup, with input voltage of 400 ± 10 V, rated output voltage of 12 V, and rated output current of 20 A, is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed strategy.
To burn or not to burn: Comparing reintroducing fire with cutting an encroaching conifer for conservation of an imperiled shrub‐steppe
Authors: Davies Kirk W. , Rios Roxanne C. , Bates Jon D. , Johnson Dustin D. , Kerby Jay , Boyd Chad S.
Published: July 2019

Woody vegetation has increased on rangelands worldwide for the past 100–200 years, often because of reduced fire frequency. However, there is a general aversion to reintroducing fire, and therefore, fire surrogates are often used in its place to reverse woody plant encroachment. Determining the conservation effectiveness of reintroducing fire compared with fire surrogates over different time scales is needed to improve conservation efforts. We evaluated the conservation effectiveness of reintroducing fire with a fire surrogate (cutting) applied over the last ~30 years to control juniper (Juniperus occidentalis Hook.) encroachment on 77 sagebrush‐steppe sites. Critical to conservation of this imperiled ecosystem is to limit juniper, not encourage exotic annual grasses, and promote sagebrush dominance of the overstory. Reintroducing fire was more effective than cutting at reducing juniper abundance and extending the period of time that juniper was not dominating the plant community. Sagebrush was reduced more with burning than cutting. Sagebrush, however, was predicted to be a substantial component of the overstory longer in burned than cut areas because of more effective juniper control. Variation in exotic annual grass cover was explained by environmental variables and perennial grass abundance, but not treatment, with annual grasses being problematic on hotter and drier sites with less perennial grass. This suggests that ecological memory varies along an environmental gradient. Reintroducing fire was more effective than cutting at conserving sagebrush‐steppe encroached by juniper over extended time frames; however, cutting was more effective for short‐term conservation. This suggests fire and fire surrogates both have critical roles in conservation of imperiled ecosystems.
Electrochemical Oxidative C(sp2)–H Bond Selenylation of Activated Arenes
Authors: Meirinho Anne G. , Pereira Vinícius F. , Martins Guilherme M. , Saba Sumbal , Rafique Jamal , Braga Antonio L. , Mendes Samuel R.
Published: July 2019

Herein, we report an electrochemical oxidative C(sp2)–H selenylation of activated arenes. The reaction proceeds in an undivided electrochemical cell at Pt‐electrodes in the presence of KI as the supporting electrolyte, which could suffer oxidation at the anode. Using this benign, atom‐economic protocol, the desired selenylated products were obtained regioselectively in good to excellent yields by using a half molar equiv. of the diselenides.
A high performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous detection of 20 bioactive components in tea extracts
Authors: Nian Bo , Chen Lijiao , Yi Chao , Shi Xingyun , Jiang Bin , Jiao Wenwen , Liu Qianting , Lv Caiyou , Ma Yan , Zhao Ming
Published: July 2019

Tea is the second most widely consumed beverage and contains various bioactive compounds. A simple method to analyze these compounds is of great scientific and commercial interest. In this work, a 30 min HPLC method was developed using a simple gradient elution system, and the mobile phases and elution gradients were optimized. This method separated 17 polyphenols and three alkaloid compounds in tea extracts, including catechins, alkaloids, phenolic acids, flavonols, and flavone, which are responsible for the bioactivity and flavor of tea. Excellent linearity was observed for all standard calibration curves, and correlation coefficients were above 0.9994. Heatmap analysis demonstrated significant separation between green, black, and pu‐erh tea samples. The method described here is accurate and sensitive enough for the determination of active components in tea and could potentially be applied to other food products for the comprehensive investigation of their quality.
A heat recovery unit with phase change material for combi‐boilers
Authors: Balci Ozan M , Ezan Mehmet A , Turhan Kutbettin Z
Published: July 2019

A novel heat exchanger (HEX) with phase change material (PCM) is proposed to recover the waste heat from the flue gas of a combi‐boiler. The thermal energy that is recovered from the flue gas is stored within the PCM‐HEX when the combi‐boiler works in the central heating mode. The stored thermal energy is then released to pre‐heat the domestic water so that the combi‐boiler provides the domestic water at a required temperature more rapidly even in eco‐mode. A mathematical model is developed, and the discharging process of the PCM‐HEX is considered. The transient analyses are conducted to reveal the influences of the mass of PCM, the phase change temperature of the PCM, and the flow rate of the domestic water. It is found that the PCM‐HEX integrated combi‐boiler increases the domestic water temperature in the early period of the hot water demand. Results show that the water temperature increases as much as ΔT = 9.3°C and 19.2°C for the flow rates of 10 L/min and 3 L/min, respectively. Increasing the water temperature with the PCM‐HEX not only helps to reduce the waiting time of the end‐user but also improves the efficiency of the combi‐boiler and reduces the energy consumption.
Self‐adaptive online virtual network migration in network virtualization environments
Authors: Zangiabady Mahboobeh , Garcia‐Robledo Alberto , Gorricho Juan‐Luis , Serrat‐Fernandez Joan , Rubio‐Loyola Javier
Published: July 2019

In Network Virtualization Environments, the capability of operators to allocate resources in the Substrate Network (SN) to support Virtual Networks (VNs) in an optimal manner is known as Virtual Network Embedding (VNE). In the same context, online VN migration is the process meant to reallocate components of a VN, or even an entire VN among elements of the SN in real time and seamlessly to end‐users. Online VNE without VN migration may lead to either over‐ or under‐utilization of the SN resources. However, VN migration is challenging due to its computational cost and the service disruption inherent to VN components reallocation. Online VN migration can reduce migration costs insofar it is triggered proactively, not reactively, at critical times, avoiding the negative effects of both under‐ and over‐triggering. This paper presents a novel online cost‐efficient mechanism that self‐adaptively learns the exact moments when triggering VN migration is likely to be profitable in the long term. We propose a novel self‐adaptive mechanism based on Reinforcement Learning that determines the right trigger online VN migration times, leading to the minimization of migration costs while simultaneously considering the online VNE acceptance ratio.
Finding the polygon hull of a network without conditions on the starting vertex
Authors: Bounceur Ahcène , Bezoui Madani , Hammoudeh Mohammad , Lagadec Loïc , Euler Reinhardt
Published: July 2019

Many real‐life problems arising within the fields of wireless communication, image processing, combinatorial optimization, etc, can be modeled by means of Euclidean graphs. In the case of wireless sensor networks, the overall topology of the graph is not known because sensor nodes are often randomly deployed. One of the significant problems in this field is the search for boundary nodes. This problem is important in cases such as the surveillance of an area of interest, image contour reconstruction, graph matching problems, routing or clustering data, etc. In the literature, many algorithms are proposed to solve this problem, a recent one of which is the least polar‐angle connected node (LPCN) algorithm and its distributed version D‐LPCN, which are both based on the concept of a polar angle visit. An inconvenience of these algorithms is the determination of the starting vertex. In effect, the point with the minimum x‐coordinate is a possible starting point, but it has to be known at the beginning, which considerably increases the algorithms' complexity. In this article, we propose a new method called RRLPCN (reset and restart with least polar‐angle connected node), which is based on the LPCN algorithm to find the boundary vertices of a Euclidean graph. The main idea is to start the LPCN algorithm from an arbitrary vertex, and whenever it finds a vertex with an x‐coordinate smaller than that of the starting one, LPCN is reset and restarted from this new vertex. The algorithm stops as soon as it visits the same edge for the second time in the same direction. In addition to finding the boundary vertices, RRLPCN also finds the vertex with minimum x‐coordinate, which is the last starting point of our algorithm. The distributed version of the proposed algorithm, called D‐RRLPCN, is then applied to boundary node detection in the wireless sensor network. It has been implemented using real sensor nodes (Arduino/XBee and TelosB). The simulation results have shown our algorithm to be very effective in comparison to other algorithms.
Effect of compression on thermal protection of firefighting protective clothing under flame exposure
Authors: Su Yun , Yang Jie , Li Rui , Song Guowen , Li Jun
Published: July 2019

The applied compression on firefighting protective clothing affects the physical properties of the designed system, which in return the thermal protective performance (TPP) could be changed. A modified TPP tester was proposed to investigate the effect of compression on performance of protective clothing. Three stages of heat exchange during firefighting, including heat exposure, heat discharge, and skin cooling, were defined to examine contribution of each stage to skin burn injury. Additionally, the influence of compression on thermal protection was compared under planar and cylindrical configurations. The results demonstrated that the applied compression significantly exacerbated skin burn injuries, while the further increase of the pressure had no significant effect on skin burn injuries. The thermal energy during heat discharge ranged from 42.2% to 64.5% of the maximum thermal energy, highly depending on the fabric properties, the applied compression, the heat discharge time, and the body configuration. The decrease of thermal energy during skin cooling stage only composed a small portion of total absorbed thermal energy, which was increased by the applied compression. The conclusions from this study could contribute to understanding the principle of thermal protection in different firefighting stages for reducing skin burn injury.
A facile method for preparation of PGS@ZB‐N and gas‐sol alternating synergistic effect for fire resistance of EVA
Authors: Wei Hong , Li Li , Ma Ya‐Li , Liu Ru‐Xue , Meng Shuang‐Yan , Niu Li‐Tong , Zhang Zhe , Yang Zhi‐Wang
Published: July 2019

Through the simple precipitation of palygorskite (PGS) by zinc borate (ZB) (to make PGS@ZB) and the decoration of PGS@ZB by dodecylamine (N), a novel organic‐inorganic@inorganic hybrid flame retardant of PGS@ZB‐N was prepared and was incorporated with ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) to improve its flame retardance. The structure and morphology of PGS@ZB‐N were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and it was confirmed that the PGS@ZB‐N hybrid had been successfully prepared. The flame retardancy and burning behavior of EVA/PGS@ZB‐N/EG (EG = expandable graphite) composite were studied through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL‐94 (by the vertical burning test), and cone calorimeter test (CCT) characterizations. The prepared EVA/PGS@ZB‐N/EG composite obtained an LOI value of 41.2% with the addition of 30 wt% PGS@ZB‐N/EG. It was found that EVA/PGS@ZB‐N/EG was protected through a gas phase and condensed phase alternating synergistic effect mechanism.
Petrogenesis and tectonic implications of Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks from the Shanghulin Basin within the north‐western Great Xing'an Range, NE China: Constraints from geochronology and geochemistry
Authors: Mao An‐Qi , Sun De‐You , Yang Dong‐Guang , Tang Zong‐Yuan , Zheng Han
Published: July 2019

This study presents new zircon U–Pb ages, Sr–Nd–Hf isotopic data, and whole‐rock geochemical data obtained from the Early Cretaceous volcanic rocks from the north‐western Great Xing'an Range, Northeast China, to constrain the late Mesozoic magmatism and geodynamic setting of this region, which is located in the eastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). Zircon U–Pb age determinations show that the studied samples formed at 124–114 Ma with an Early Cretaceous magmatic event produced voluminous felsic and minor mafic volcanic rocks. The mafic rocks are dominantly basalt and basaltic andesite, with relatively low SiO2 contents (49.88–56.64 wt.%). These rocks are enriched in Th, U, large‐ion lithophile elements (LILE; e.g., Rb, Ba, and K) and light rare‐earth elements (REEs), and depleted in high‐field‐strength elements (HFSE; e.g., Nb, Ta, and Ti) and heavy REEs (Yb and Lu). The rocks have εNd(t) values of 0.44–0.75 and initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of 0.70499–0.70548. These results indicate that the mafic rocks were derived from the partial melting of enriched lithospheric mantle that had been previously metasomatized by subduction‐related fluids and experienced variable amounts of fractional crystallization and moderate crustal contamination. In contrast to the mafic rocks, the felsic rocks are dominantly peraluminous trachytes, rhyolites, and dacites with high SiO2 contents and low MgO contents. These felsic rocks display enriched and variable concentrations of LILEs and REEs, show negative Eu anomalies, and have εHf(t) values of +2.6 to +8.3 with TDM2 ages of 1,014–655 Ma, indicating they were derived from partial melting of juvenile crustal materials. These Early Cretaceous igneous rock assemblages record a post‐collisional lithospheric extensional setting resulting from the closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean, consistent with the results of previous studies on the contemporaneous tectono‐magmatic activities in NE China.
Diverse oil and gas seeps in the southern Junggar Basin, NW China (piedmont Northern Tian Shan): Origins and links to tectono‐sedimentary evolution
Authors: Wang Yan , Cao Jian , Jin Jun , Zhang Jingkun , Hu Guang , Zhou Ni , Shi Tianming
Published: July 2019

The southern Junggar Basin in NW China is a world‐class location for the study of oil and gas seeps, with widely distributed, highly variable oil and gas seeps including gaseous mud volcanoes, liquid oil seeps, and solid bitumen deposits. However, the sources and origins of these seeps are poorly understood, as there are many potential source sequences of Permian to Paleogene age. The uncertainty surrounding the seeps means that it has not been possible to address their significance for oil and gas exploration in the area, and they are not understood in the context of the tectono‐sedimentary evolution of the basin within the piedmont region of the northern Tian Shan Mountains (in the eastern part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, CAOB). In the present study, these issues were addressed using combined geological and geochemical methods. Results show that there are five main types of seeps in the region from west to east. Type A seeps originate from Jurassic source rocks and are best represented by the A'erqingou mud volcano. Type B seeps originate mainly from Paleogene source rocks but also contain a Jurassic‐sourced component; they are best represented by the Dushanzi mud volcano. Type C seeps originate from a Cretaceous source and are best represented by the South Anjihai and Horgos oil sands. Type D seeps originate mainly from Jurassic source rocks but also contain a Triassic‐sourced component; they are best represented by the Qigu oil seep. Type E seeps originate from Permian source rocks and are best represented by the Dalongkou bituminous deposit. The primary controls on seep distribution are both sedimentological (deposition of source rock) and tectonic (faulting). The position and burial history of sedimentary centres controlled the distribution and maturation of source rocks. Tectonic faults provided migration pathways and traps for the oil and gas. The results of this study will help to reduce uncertainty during exploration for oil and gas in the area. The findings also have general implications for petroleum systems and exploration in the piedmont areas of foreland basins worldwide.
Mode of delivery among nulliparous women with single, cephalic, term pregnancies: The WHO global survey on maternal and perinatal health, 2004–2008
Authors: Harrison Margo S. , Betrán Ana Pilar , Vogel Joshua P. , Goldenberg Robert L. , Gülmezoglu A. Metin
Published: July 2019

Objective

To determine risk factors associated with cesarean delivery among nulliparous women in spontaneous labor with a single, cephalic, term pregnancy (Robson group 1).

Methods

Data were assessed from the WHO Global Survey of Maternal and Perinatal Health conducted in 2004–2008.

Results

Among 82 280 women in Robson group 1, 67 698 (82.3%) had vaginal and 14 578 (17.7%) had cesarean delivery. In adjusted analyses, maternal factors associated with cesarean included age older than 18 years, being overweight or obese, being married or cohabitating, attending four prenatal visits or more, and being medically high risk (P<0.001). Women who were obstetrically high risk, referred during labor, or at 39 gestational weeks or more were also more likely to undergo cesarean (all P<0.001). Facility‐level factors associated with cesarean were availability of an anesthesia service 24/7, being a teaching facility, requirement of fees for cesarean, availability of electronic fetal monitoring, and having providers skilled in operative vaginal delivery (all P<0.01).

Conclusion

The analysis highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy pre‐pregnancy and pregnancy weight, optimizing management of women with medical problems, and ensuring clear referral mechanisms for women with intrapartum complications. The association between fees and cesarean delivery warrants further exploration.
Enhanced contrast acoustic‐resolution photoacoustic microscopy using double‐stage delay‐multiply‐and‐sum beamformer for vasculature imaging
Authors: Mozaffarzadeh Moein , Varnosfaderani Mehdi H. H. , Sharma Arunima , Pramanik Manojit , de Jong Nico , Verweij Martin D.
Published: July 2019

In acoustic‐resolution photoacoustic microscopy (AR‐PAM) systems, the lateral resolution in the focal zone of the ultrasound (US) transducer is determined by the numerical aperture (NA) of the transducer. To have a high lateral resolution, a large NA is used. However, the larger the NA, the smaller the depth of focus [DOF]. As a result, the lateral resolution is deteriorated at depths out of the focal region. The synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) along with a beamformer can be used to improve the resolution outside the focal region. In this work, for image formation in AR‐PAM, we propose the double‐stage delay‐multiply‐and‐sum (DS_DMAS) algorithm to be combined with SAFT. The proposed method is evaluated experimentally using hair targets and in vivo vasculature imaging. It is shown that DS_DMAS provides a higher resolution and contrast compared to other methods. For the B‐mode images obtained using the hair phantom, the proposed method reduces the average noise level for all the depths by about 134%, 57% and 23%, compared to the original low‐ resolution, SAFT+DAS and SAFT+DMAS methods, respectively. All the results indicate that the proposed method can be an appropriate algorithm for image formation in AR‐PAM systems.
High‐charge‐capacity sputtered iridium oxide neural stimulation electrodes deposited using water vapor as a reactive plasma constituent
Authors: Maeng Jimin , Chakraborty Bitan , Geramifard Negar , Kang Tong , Rihani Rashed T. , Joshi‐Imre Alexandra , Cogan Stuart F.
Published: July 2019

The deposition and properties of sputtered iridium oxide films (SIROFs) using water vapor as a reactive gas constituent are investigated for their potential as high‐charge‐capacity neural stimulation electrodes. Systematic investigation through a series of optical and electrochemical measurements reveals that the incorporation of water vapor as a reactive gas constituent, along with oxygen, alters the reduction–oxidation (redox) state of the plasma as well as its morphology and the electrochemical characteristics, including the cathodal charge‐storage capacity (CSCc) and charge‐injection capacity (CIC), of the SIROF. An apparent optimal O2:H2O gas ratio of 1:3 produced SIROF with a CSCc of 182.0 mC cm−2 μm−1 (median, Q1 = 172.5, Q3 = 193.4, n = 15) and a CIC of 3.57 mC cm−2 (median, Q1 = 2.97, Q3 = 4.58, n = 12) for 300‐nm‐thick films. These values are higher than those obtained with SIROFs deposited using no water vapor by a factor of 2.3 and 1.7 for the CSCc and CIC, respectively. Additionally, the SIROF showed minimal changes in electrochemical characteristics over 109 pulses of constant current stimulation and showed no indication of cytotoxicity toward primary cortical neurons in a cell viability assay. These results warrant investigation of the chronic recording and stimulation capabilities of the SIROF for implantable microelectrode arrays.
MiR-146a Deletion Protects From Bone Loss in OVX Mice by Suppressing RANKL/OPG and M-CSF in Bone Microenvironment
Authors: Zhao Jingyu , Huang Mingjian , Zhang Xudong , Xu Jiajia , Hu Guoli , Zhao Xiaoying , Cui Penglei , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: July 2019

MicroRNAs play important roles in osteoporosis and show great potential for diagnosis and therapy of osteoporosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that miR-146a affects osteoblast (OB) and osteoclast (OC) formation. However, these findings have yet to be identified in vivo, and it is unclear whether miR-146a is related to postmenopausal osteoporosis. Here, we demonstrated that miR-146a knockout protects bone loss in mouse model of estrogen-deficient osteoporosis, and miR-146a inhibits OB and OC activities in vitro and in vivo. MiR-146a−/− mice displayed the same bone mass as the wild type (WT) but exhibited a stronger bone turnover than the WT did under normal conditions. Nevertheless, miR-146a−/− mice showed an increase in bone mass after undergoing ovariectomy (OVX) compared with those subjected to sham operation. OC activities were impaired in the miR-146a−/− mice exposed to estrogen deficiency, which was diametrically opposite to the enhanced bone resorption ability of WT. Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) from a bone microenvironment affect this extraordinary phenomenon. Therefore, our results implicate that miR-146a plays a key role in estrogen deficiency–induced osteoporosis, and the inhibition of this molecule provides skeleton protection. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
ssc‐miR‐204 regulates porcine preadipocyte differentiation and apoptosis by targeting TGFBR1 and TGFBR2
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Wang Wei , Liu Jian‐Bo , Wang Ying , Hao Jin‐Dong , Huang Yi‐Jie , Gao Yan , Jiang Hao , Yuan Bao , Zhang Jia‐Bao
Published: July 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) take part in a variety of biological processes by regulating target genes. Transforming growth factor β receptor 1 (TGFBR1) and TGFBR2 are crucial members of the TGF‐β family and are serine/threonine kinase receptors. The aim of this study was to explore the functions of ssc‐miR‐204 in porcine preadipocyte differentiation and apoptosis with regard to the TGFβ/Smad pathway. We identified miRNAs predicted to target TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 using a database and selected ssc‐miR‐204 as a candidate miRNA. ssc‐miR‐204 overexpression dramatically reduced the levels of TGFBR1 and TGFBR2. However, after transfection with ssc‐miR‐204 inhibitor, TGFBR1 and TGFBR2 levels were dramatically increased. ssc‐miR‐204 overexpression dramatically promoted porcine preadipocyte differentiation and apoptosis. After transfection with ssc‐miR‐204 inhibitor, porcine preadipocyte differentiation and apoptosis were dramatically inhibited. After transfection with ssc‐miR‐204 mimics, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, p‐Smad2, and p‐Smad3 protein levels significantly decreased, and adipogenesis was regulated by inhibiting the TGF‐β/Smad3 signaling pathway. Taken together, these results verified that ssc‐miR‐204 regulates porcine preadipocyte differentiation and apoptosis by targeting TGFBR1 and TGFBR2.
CEO Archetype Identity Drives Organization Culture
Authors: Prince Melvin , Forr James , Wardlaw Jim , Plummer Joseph
Published: July 2019

In the current study the relationships between CEO archetypes and organizational climate were examined. Archetypes are historical, mythical, and cultural representations that are shared in our collective unconscious. Data were collected from a CEO and his employees, using a mixed methods research approach which involved the Zaltman Metaphorical Elicitation Technique (ZMET), as well as personality measures and quantitative assessments of organizational climate. The CEO archetype as perceived by employees is that of a benevolent patriarch which mirrors the CEO's self‐concept as caring for the well‐being of employees. Employees ascribed the stress‐free and nurturing organizational climate to the CEO's archetypical leadership style. However, their organizational climate, in principle, leads to excessive employee familistic dependence on the CEO for making important organizational decisions and supplying creative ideation. The present study of a CEO archetype and its bearing on organizational climate is unique, filling an important gap in management knowledge. Implications of the study involve the channeling of its insights about the archetype‐embedded organizational climate, so as to better select administrative managers, improve organizational communication trust and openness, stimulate creative innovation, handle organizational crises, and generally promote employee well‐being.
A rare late progression form of Sly syndrome mucopolysaccharidosis
Authors: Guffon Nathalie , Froissart Roseline , Fouilhoux Alain
Published: July 2019

Mucopolysaccharidoses VII, or Sly syndrome, is linked to mutations in the beta‐glucuronidase encoding gene. Sly syndrome is a rare condition and presentation is highly variable, ranging from a prenatal form with severe, lethal fetal hydrops to more benign adolescent or adult forms with simple thoracic kyphosis. Molecular diagnosis of this adult male patient identified two missense mutations in the GUSB gene that led to a deficiency in beta‐glucuronidase catalytic activity and the resulting accumulation of chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans. During childhood, bilateral inguinal hernia was repaired at 1 year of age and gait abnormalities were noted, leading to a bilateral femoral varization osteotomy due to a bilateral coxa valga with hip subluxation at the age of 7.5. The patient suffered regular upper respiratory infections and required numerous orthopedic surgeries. Despite learning difficulties with visual and hearing deficits, the patient worked full‐time and undertook regular leisure activities. At 33 years of age, the patient's health deteriorated; a hip replacement and glaucoma leading to reductions in his visual field limited his capacity to travel independently. The patient was hospitalized at 51. Although he remained self‐sufficient for taking meals, he needed help with many daily activities. Following a period marked by major asthenia with a general loss of autonomy, the patient died at 52 years of age. With the advent of new enzyme replacement therapies, this medical history of this rare untreated attenuated patient may provide benchmarks to judge the efficacy of treatment in future patients.
The research on 220‐GHz signal detecting system
Authors: Niu Zhongqian , Zhang Bo , Fan Yong
Published: July 2019

This paper presents our investigation into a 220‐GHz signal monitoring system. The detectable frequency band of the proposed system is 220 to 230 GHz with the ability to distinguish mirror frequency. The detectable signal ranging from one tone signal to 1 GHz and the frequency accuracy is 1 KHz. More importantly, the terahertz monitoring system can accurately estimate the center frequencies of monotone signals and common modulation signals. The modulation methods including BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK, 16QAM, 32QAM, and 64QAM. The front end of the receiver consists of a 220‐GHz subharmonic mixer and a 110‐GHz tripler that are based on Schottky diodes. Both the mixer and the tripler show great performance and guarantees the well operation of the monitoring system. In addition, the baseband algorithm is modified to improve efficiency and reduce computation. The experiment of signal detection shows the system can identify the frequency, power, bandwidth, and the modulation mode of the unknown signal during the operation band.
Developmental origins of cortical hyperexcitability in Huntington's disease: Review and new observations
Authors: Cepeda Carlos , Oikonomou Katerina D. , Cummings Damian , Barry Joshua , Yazon Vannah‐Wila , Chen Dickson T. , Asai Janelle , Williams Christopher K. , Vinters Harry V.
Published: July 2019

Huntington's disease (HD), an inherited neurodegenerative disorder that principally affects striatum and cerebral cortex, is generally thought to have an adult onset. However, a small percentage of cases develop symptoms before 20 years of age. This juvenile variant suggests that brain development may be altered in HD. Indeed, recent evidence supports an important role of normal huntingtin during embryonic brain development and mutations in this protein cause cortical abnormalities. Functional studies also demonstrated that the cerebral cortex becomes hyperexcitable with disease progression. In this review, we examine clinical and experimental evidence that cortical development is altered in HD. We also provide preliminary evidence that cortical pyramidal neurons from R6/2 mice, a model of juvenile HD, are hyperexcitable and display dysmorphic processes as early as postnatal day 7. Further, some symptomatic mice present with anatomical abnormalities reminiscent of human focal cortical dysplasia, which could explain the occurrence of epileptic seizures in this genetic mouse model and in children with juvenile HD. Finally, we discuss recent treatments aimed at correcting abnormal brain development.
The relationship between atmospheric blocking and temperature anomalies in Turkey between 1977 and 2016
Authors: Efe Bahtiyar , Sezen İsmail , Lupo Anthony R. , Deniz Ali
Published: July 2019

The relationship between the character of atmospheric blocking and surface temperature has not been studied in depth for Turkey. Here, these relationships are investigated for the period 1977–2016. The seasonal mean temperature anomalies for all stations during blocked days varies between −2.1 and 0.8°C. There are four main patterns representing the mean seasonal temperature anomalies for all stations during blocked and non‐blocked days. The annual cycle for each group is nearly opposite, and this indicates the impact of blocking on observed temperature, as blocked days comprised 30% of the study period. When focusing on the spatial distribution of mean seasonal anomalies, the winter and fall seasons show that, almost all stations have negative temperature anomalies although anomalies are close to zero during warm seasons (spring and summer). The composite analysis shows that the western part of the country is strongly affected by cold air advection during upstream blocking events and the eastern part of the country is affected by warm temperature advection for downstream blocking events. There is a statistically significant (95% confidence level) negative correlation between blocking intensity and temperature anomalies in all seasons except spring. There is no relationship between both blocking duration and longitudinal extent and the seasonal mean temperature anomaly except during winter, which has a significant negative correlation. The temperature anomaly distribution stratified by season shows that strong positive anomalies are rarely observed in all seasons. Only winter and spring were associated with very strong positive anomalies and only at a few stations. Rex‐type atmospheric blocking events are observed during the period of not only the maximum temperature anomaly but also for minimum anomalies. However, the location of the blocking event differed from the typical situation above, with the cold and warm events being located downstream and upstream of Turkey, respectively.
Raman measurements using a field‐widened spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer
Authors: Qiu Jun , Qi Xiangdong , Li Xiaotian , Xu Wenhui , Zhao Meihong , Tang Yuguo , Cheng Yixue , Li Wenhao , Jirigalantu  , Bayinheshig
Published: July 2019

Spatial heterodyne Raman spectroscopy has become a useful spectroscopic detection technique that is particularly suitable for Raman measurements. This method uses the Fourier transform of the interferogram imaged on the detector by stationary diffraction gratings. Spatial heterodyne Raman spectroscopy has the same characteristic of conventional Fourier‐transform spectroscopy, which is that the field of view is limited. We propose a two‐dimensional spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer (SHRS) that uses a field widening prism to effectively increase the throughput or sensitivity without sacrificing the spectral resolution for Raman measurements while broadening the bandpass. The signal‐to‐noise ratio is measured under different integrations or laser powers and shows that the system exhibits good stability and fair repeatability. Raman spectra obtained from the field‐widened SHRS and a commercialized Raman instrument are compared, and the field‐widened SHRS and the SHRS using the same instrumental parameters without field widening are also compared. A higher signal‐to‐noise ratio can be achieved using the field‐widened SHRS. In our measurements, the field‐widened SHRS can be operated under the slightly more complex conditions required for wide‐field measurements with short integration times and low laser power. Raman spectra of a pure inorganic target or a target contained in glass and a plastic bottle are observed. A sulfate is investigated in two states: solid salt and aqueous solution. Several mixture liquids, mixture solids, minerals, and anti‐Stokes Raman shifts are also investigated. The results show that the field‐widened SHRS exhibits a good performance to successfully perform wide‐field Raman measurements.
Reactions of nitronium sulfates: Hunting for dinitro sulfate
Authors: Zelenov Victor P. , Khakimov Dmitry V. , Fedyanin Ivan V. , Troyan Ivan A.
Published: July 2019

Nearly 70 years ago, it was shown that the reaction between equimolar amounts of SO3 and N2O5 results in dinitronium disulfate (NO2)2S2O7 rather than monosulfate (NO2)2SO4. Because SO3 can dimerize, it was believed for long that this feature is the main cause of the formation of nitronium disulfate. Then, it was discovered that the reaction of NOSO3Cl with N2O5 results in dinitronium disulfate, and (NO2)2SO4 was suggested as an intermediate. The development of Raman spectroscopy made it possible for us to solve the fundamental problem of the existence of an elusive dinitro sulfate. The inevitability of dinitro sulfate formation was demonstrated by the transformations of nitronium sulfates (NO2)2S2O7, NO2HSO4, and (NO2)[CF3C(O)OSO3], and the Raman spectroscopy technique has shown the presence of the compound in the solid reaction products. In order to establish the structure of solid dinitro sulfate, quantum chemical calculations of the nitro ester form (O2NOSO3NO2) and of the [OSO3NO2]− anion were performed, but the conclusions about the diionic structure [NO2]+2[SO4]2− were made only due to the synthesis of the related nitronium sulfates K (NO2)SO4 and K (NO2)S2O7 whose Raman spectra were compared with that of dinitro sulfate. The decomposition pathways of all these unstable molecules were established. Reactions of nitronium disulfates, (NO2)2S2O7 or (NO2)[CF3C(O)OS2O6], with CF3COOH showed that, unlike HNO3, the organic acid does not destroy the sulfate chains but can substitute terminal groups including nitronium ion. So the chemistry of nitronium monosulfates was studied for the first time, and the existence of an unstable dinitronium sulfate was proved using Raman spectroscopy.
Vibrational eigenmodes of phospholipid layers in low‐wavenumber Raman spectrum of multilamellar vesicles
Authors: Dmitriev Alexey A. , Surovtsev Nikolay V.
Published: July 2019

Low‐wavenumber Raman spectra of multilamellar vesicles are studied for phospholipids differing in the unsaturation degree, the hydrocarbon chain length, and the temperature of the gel‐fluid transition. For all phospholipids studied, the low‐temperature Raman spectra reveal the peaks attributed to vibrational eigenmodes of the lipid layers. Analysis of the experimental data allows us to identify the lowest eigenmodes of the bilayer, of the monolayer (leaflet), and of the hydrocarbon chain layer. In a continuum approximation, their spectral positions are determined by the ratio of the acoustic velocity and the layer thickness, although their Raman intensities depend on the interleaflet elastic coupling. Temperature dependences of the peak positions, effects of the unsaturation degree, and effects of the saline solution are considered in the work. Parameters of vibrational eigenmodes are determined by mesoscopic properties of bilayers, and the low‐wavenumber Raman spectroscopy becomes a powerful method for their description.
A model for interpreting depth profiles of confocal Raman measurements in reflective and transmitting materials
Authors: Chakraborty Subha , Kahan Tara F.
Published: July 2019

We present a model and experimental evaluation of the depth profiles of total intensity in confocal Raman microscopy. The model assumes a Gaussian‐like beam for excitation and Raman emission to obtain a general description of the depth profile from an arbitrary sample. For samples that emit from the surface (i.e., that do not transmit light at the excitation wavelength), this model simplifies to a Lorenzian depth profile from which Rayleigh range can be extracted by the half‐width at half maxima. We extend the model to the case of transparent samples that offer significant refractive index mismatch across the surface. We show that in these cases, the axial increase of depth of focus can be approximated by two Gaussian foci, one at the paraxial focus and one at an oblique focus. This model accurately describes experimentally observed depth profiles of reflective samples and transparent samples. We further extend the analysis to the case of thin transparent films to demonstrate that the model can be used in conjunction with physical measurements to produce accurate measurements of film thickness.
Photocatalytical decoration of thin titania coatings with silver nanostructures provides a robust and reproducible SERS signal
Authors: Wiercigroch Ewelina , Kisielewska Aneta , Blat Aneta , Wislocka Adrianna , Piwoński Ireneusz , Malek Kamilla
Published: July 2019

Cost‐effective photocatalytic synthesis was used to fabricate silver nanostructures (AgNSs) on TiO2 coatings (AgNSs/TiO2) with plasmonic properties. In this study, the AgNSs growth controlled by variation of the concentration of Ag+ ions, hole scavengers, and ultraviolet illumination was systematically studied in terms of morphological characterization, extinction, and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). These structures with well‐defined and high photocatalytic properties show a plethora of shapes (from spherical to polygonal objects), diameter (8–108 nm), and surface coverage (12–62%). Morphological properties strongly affect nanoplasmonic features as revealed by electronic and SERS spectra. Surface enhancement of Raman signal was probed by using 4‐mercaptobenzoic acid to elucidate the stability and uniformity of the designed substrates. A detailed examination and correlation of geometrical parameters and SERS performance indicate synergistic contribution of the formation of hot spots between AgNSs. Some of the fabricated AgNSs present a very good homogeneity and reproducibility as well as long‐time stability. The highest enhancement factor in SERS was obtained for the Ag–TiO2 hybrids with a diameter and surface coverage of AgNSs less than 30 nm and larger than 50%, respectively.
Synthesis of Triazole‐Based Nonionic Surfactants for Nanostructured Drug Delivery: Investigation of Their Physicochemical and Biological Aspects
Authors: Alam Faima , Khan Momin , Ateeq Muhammad
Published: July 2019

Synthesis of novel nonionic surfactants has attracted attention of synthetic chemists due to the issues of the currently used commercial surfactants. The synthesis of three biocompatible triazole‐based nonionic surfactants is reported for nanovesicular drug loading. The surfactants were synthesized in a three‐step reaction and characterized using 1HNMR and mass spectroscopy techniques. They were investigated for their critical micelle concentration (CMC) using a UV–Visible spectrophotometer. Their biocompatibility was investigated against cell culture and in blood. All the synthesized nonionic surfactants were further explored for their nanovesicular drug loading using clarithromycin as a model hydrophobic drug. Nonionic surfactants revealed lower CMC in 35–45 μM and were less hemolytic and cytotoxic. They were capable of self‐assembling in nanosize niosomal vesicles encapsulating increased amounts of drug. The results suggest the synthesized nonionic surfactants as biocompatible nanotechnology‐based drug‐delivery vehicles.
Screening of live yeast and yeast derivatives for their impact of strain and dose on in vitro ruminal fermentation and microbial profiles with varying media pH levels in high‐forage beef cattle diet
Authors: Jiao Peixin , Wei Chuanzi , Sun Youran , Xie Xiaolai , Zhang Yonggen , Wang Sutian , Hu Guanghui , AlZahal Ousama , Yang Wenzhu
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND

Yeast products showed beneficial effects with respect to stabilizing ruminal pH, stimulating ruminal fermentation and improving production efficiency. Batch cultures were conducted to evaluate the effects of yeast products on gas production (GP), dry matter disappearance (DMD) and fermentation characteristics of high‐forage substrate. The study was a two media pH (5.8 and 6.5) × five yeasts (three live yeasts, LY: LY1, LY2, LY3; two yeast derivatives, YD: YD4, YD5) × four dosages factorial arrangement, with monensin (Mon) assigned as a positive control.

RESULTS

Greater (P < 0.01) GP, DMD, volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, ratio of acetate to propionate (A:P) and copy numbers of Fibrobacter succinogenes and Ruminococcus flavefaciens were observed at pH 6.5 than at pH 5.8. The GP kinetics, DMD, VFA concentration, A:P and NH3‐N concentration differed (P < 0.05) among yeasts but varied with media pH or yeast dosages. Increasing doses of LY3 linearly increased DMD (P < 0.04) and VFA concentration (P < 0.001) at media pH 5.8. The DMD linearly (P < 0.02) increased with increased addition of YD4 (pH 6.5) and YD5 (pH 5.8) and the ratio of A:P linearly decreased (P < 0.01) with the addition of YD4 or YD5 at pH 5.8. Overall greater (P < 0.05) GP, A:P (pH 5.8) and DMD (pH 6.5) were observed with yeast products than with Mon.

CONCLUSION

LY3 appeared to be an interesting candidate for improving rumen digestibility and fermentation efficiency, particularly at low media pH. YD4 or YD5 improved fermentation efficiency and can be potentially fed as an alternative to Mon. © 2019 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Population‐based, nationwide registration of prostatectomies in Sweden
Authors: Cazzaniga Walter , Godtman Rebecka Arnsrud , Carlsson Stefan , Ahlgren Göran , Johansson Eva , Robinson David , Hugosson Jonas , Stattin Pär
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Radical prostatectomy (RP) is a common surgical procedure with a risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. There is a need for data on RP as a basis for quality assurance and benchmarking.

Methods

In 2015, prostatectomies in Sweden (PiS) form was implemented in the National Prostate Cancer Register (NPCR) of Sweden with data on pre‐, peri‐ and post‐operative variables.

Results

Out of all radical prostatectomies performed in 2016 in Sweden, 3096/3881 (80%) were registered in PiS. A total of 2605 (84%) were robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and 491 (16%) were RRP (retropubic radical prostatectomy). RARP was performed by 91 surgeons of whom 47% operated more than 25 RP/year; and RRP was performed by 69 surgeons of whom 10% performed more than 25 RP/year. RARP had a longer operative time (median operating time: RARP 155 minutes [IQR 124‐190]; RRP 129 minutes [IQR 105‐171]; P < .001) but was associated with smaller bleeding (median intraoperative blood loss: RARP 100 mL [IQR 50‐200], RRP 700 mL [IQR 500‐1100]; P < .001).

Conclusions

We report on a nationwide, population‐based register with transparent reporting of data on the performance of radical prostatectomy. These data are needed as a basis for quality assurance with comparisons of results from individual surgeons and hospitals.
Screening and surgical prophylaxis for hereditary cancer syndromes with high risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer
Authors: Bercow Alexandra S. , Eisenhauer Eric L.
Published: July 2019

In the era of advanced cancer genomics, our recognition of hereditary cancer mutations continues to increase. Two of these conditions, which carry an increased risk of female cancers including endometrial, ovarian, breast, are hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome and Lynch syndrome. Risk‐reducing surgery, such as mastectomy, salpingo‐oophorectomy, and hysterectomy may decrease cancer risk for mutation carriers. Background, indications, techniques, and consequences of these surgical procedures are reviewed.