bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive integral type‐terminal sliding mode control for PEMFC air supply system using time delay estimation algorithm
Authors: Abbaker A. M. Omer , Wang Haoping , Tian Yang
Published: October 2020

This paper proposes a new cascaded adaptive integral type‐terminal sliding mode control based on time delay estimation algorithm (cascaded‐AITSMC‐TDE) for the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) system with unknown uncertainties. The proposed cascaded‐AITSMC‐TDE scheme is composed of two components: time delay estimation (TDE) technique and cascaded‐adaptive integral type‐terminal sliding mode control (AITSMC). The TDE is employed to approximate unknown uncertain dynamic. The cascaded‐AITSMC is integrated with TDE to control oxygen excess ratio (stoichiometry) and air flow rate keeping a proper system performance under load disturbance, avoiding the oxygen starvation. The stability of the proposed cascaded‐AITSMC‐TDE via closed‐loop system is verified by Lyapunov approach. In order to validate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed cascaded‐AITSMC‐TDE, a comparative study with a single loop AITSMC, cascaded integral type‐terminal sliding mode control (cascaded‐ITSMC) and cascaded integral sliding mode based‐time delay estimation (cascaded‐ISMC‐TDE) is carried out, and the corresponding simulation results exhibit that the proposed controller provides fast convergence of tracking trajectories with less fluctuations.
Folic acid rescues all‐trans retinoic acid‐induced anorectal malformations in rats
Authors: Wu Fang , Gu Chenchao , Bi Yang , Guo Zhenhua , Wang Yi
Published: October 2020

Background

To investigate whether folic acid (FA) can rescue anorectal malformations (ARMs) induced by all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in rats.

Methods

Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. In the model group, rats were administered ATRA (110 mg/kg) by gavage on the 10th day of gestation (E10.5). Rats in the rescue group were administered FA (40 mg/kg) by gavage 0.5 and 12 hr after treatment with ATRA. All fetuses were harvested on E20.5 using cesarean section and examined for ARMs. We recorded the weight, body length, tail length, and associated malformations of all the embryos. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to analyze the histopathology of the fetuses.

Results

Control rats did not show any abnormalities. ARMs, tail deformities (less than half of normal length), and neural tube defects were found in 97.98% (97/99), 92.93% (92/99), and 32.32% (32/99) of the rats in the model group, respectively. The incidence of ARMs and tail deformities were 48.57% (51/105) and 35.24% (37/105), respectively, in the rescue rats; no neural tube defects were observed in these rats. The weight, body length, and tail length of the fetal rats in the rescue group were more than those in the model group, but less than those in the control group.

Conclusion

Taken together, FA rescued ARMs induced by ATRA in rats. Thus, FA may reduce the incidence of associated malformations and improve the growth and development of fetal rats.
Utilizing loop‐mediated isothermal amplification to detect the presence of Escherichia coli: An inquiry‐driven undergraduate laboratory module
Authors: Roy Brandon G. , Ryndock Eric , Lappas Courtney M.
Published: October 2020

The amplification of nucleic acids is a fundamental tool utilized in various scientific disciplines, including Molecular Biology, Immunology, Microbiology, and Genetics. However, due to the time and technology required for traditional polymerase chain reaction and its derivatives, it is not always possible to include such methodologies in undergraduate laboratory curricula. Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), a technology that has become increasingly utilized in a variety of laboratory and field settings during the past two decades, is an alternate method of nucleic acid amplification that is rapid, sensitive, and performed under isothermal conditions. We describe an adaptable, inquiry‐driven laboratory module that is focused on the detection of Escherichia coli DNA via LAMP amplification. The main objectives of the module are to introduce students to the principles and protocols of LAMP, to help students develop the ability to apply the scientific method to scientific questions, to guide students as they develop the ability to identify the most appropriate methodology to use in the investigation of scientific questions, and to train students to critically evaluate scientific data, theories, and principles and to articulate their evaluations in both written and oral formats.
Prognostic significance of early systolic blood pressure variability after endovascular thrombectomy and intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Qin Jingcui , Zhang Zhijun
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Previous studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the effect of early systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) on functional outcome in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). The systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to determine the effect of early SBPV after EVT and IVT on outcome in AIS.

Materials and Methods

We searched for articles published before February 2020 in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Medline, and Google Scholar. The pooled multivariate odds ratios (ORs) or relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using STATA 13.0 software.

Results

Increased early SBPV after EVT was significantly associated with worse functional outcome in AIS (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.99, I2 = 82.4%, p value of Q test < .001), whereas no significant associations were indicated between SBPV after IVT and functional outcome, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) in AIS [functional outcome: RR = 1.08, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.22, I2 = 0.0%, p value of Q test = 0.793; sICH: RR = 2.40, 95% CI 0.71 to 8.03, I2 = 78.2%, p value of Q test = 0.01].

Conclusions

The present study provided evidence that increased early SBPV after EVT is related to worse longer‐term functional outcome in AIS, but the association is not significant in AIS patients treated with IVT. Furthermore, individualized BP management strategies were essential for AIS patients after EVT or IVT.
TRPM8 channel augments T‐cell activation and proliferation
Authors: Acharya Tusar K. , Tiwari Ankit , Majhi Rakesh K. , Goswami Chandan
Published: October 2020

The transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) is an ion channel that has been widely studied as a cold‐sensitive nociceptor. However, its importance in nonneuronal cells is mostly unexplored. Here, we describe the presence and functional significance of endogenous TRPM8, a nonselective Ca2+‐channel in T cell functions. The major pool of TRPM8 resides at the T cell surface and its surface accumulation significantly increases in activated T cells. TRPM8 activation synergizes with T‐cell receptor (TCR) stimulation to increase CD25, CD69 levels and enhances secretion of proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor. However, TRPM8 inhibition does not restrict TCR stimulation mediated activation of T cells, indicating that unlike the heat‐sensitive TRPV1 and TRPV4 channels, the cold‐sensitive TRPM8 channel may be dispensable during T‐cell activation, at least in mice. In this study, we demonstrate that TRPM8 promotes TCR‐induced intracellular calcium increase. TRPM8 activation is beneficial for T‐cell activation and differentiation into effector cells. TRPM8 inhibition during the T‐cell activation process may lead to altered phenotype and reduced proliferation, without affecting cell viability. These results collectively establish TRPM8 as a functional calcium channel whose activation may be utilized for mounting an effective immune response. The findings of this study will be relevant to the regulation and response of T cells during cell‐mediated immunity. These results will likely further our understanding on the role of ion channels in T‐cell activation.
Sulfidation and selenidation of nickel nanoparticles
Authors: Lynch Brian B. , Kelliher Andrew P. , Anderson Bryan D. , Japit Alexander , Spencer Michael A. , Rizvi Mehedi H. , Sarac Mehmet F. , Augustyn Veronica , Tracy Joseph B.
Published: October 2020

Transition metal chalcogenide nanoparticles (NPs) are of interest for energy applications, including batteries, supercapacitors, and electrocatalysis. Many methods have been established for synthesizing Ni NPs, and conversion chemistry to form Ni oxide and phosphides from template Ni NPs is well‐understood. Sulfidation and selenidation of Ni NPs have been much less explored, however. We report a method for the conversion of Ni template NPs into sulfide and selenide product NPs using elemental sulfur, 1‐hexadecanthiol, thiourea, trioctylphosphine sulfide, elemental selenium, and selenourea. While maintaining mole ratios of 2 mmol sulfur/selenium precursor: mmol Ni, products with phases of Ni3S2, Ni9S8, NiS, NiSO4·6H2O, Ni3S4, Ni3Se2, and NiSe have been obtained. The products have voids that form through the Kirkendall effect during interdiffusion. Trends relating the chemical properties of the precursors to the phases of the products have been identified. While some precursors contained phosphorus, there was no significant incorporation of phosphorus in any of the products. An increase of the NP size during sulfidation and selenidation is consistent with ripening. The application of Ni sulfide and selenide NPs as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction is also demonstrated.
A Chatt‐Type Catalyst with One Coordination Site for Dinitrogen Reduction to Ammonia
Authors: Engesser Tobias A. , Kindjajev Andrei , Junge Jannik , Krahmer Jan , Tuczek Felix
Published: October 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Felix Tuczek at Christian‐Albrechts‐Universität zu Kiel. The image depicts the coordination geometry of the catalyst reported in this work. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202003549.
Limited effect of duration of CMV infection on adaptive immunity and frailty: insights from a 27‐year‐long longitudinal study
Authors: Samson Leonard Daniël , van den Berg Sara PH , Engelfriet Peter , Boots Annemieke MH , Hendriks Marion , de Rond Lia GH , de Zeeuw‐Brouwer Mary‐lène , Verschuren WM Monique , Borghans José AM , Buisman Anne‐Marie , van Baarle Debbie
Published: October 2020

Objectives

Cytomegalovirus infection is thought to affect the immune system and to impact general health during ageing. Higher CMV‐specific antibody levels in the elderly are generally assumed to reflect experienced viral reactivation during life. Furthermore, high levels of terminally differentiated and CMV‐specific T cells are hallmarks of CMV infection, which are thought to expand over time, a process also referred to as memory inflation.

Methods

We studied CMV‐specific antibody levels over ~ 27 years in 268 individuals (aged 60–89 years at study endpoint), and to link duration of CMV infection to T‐cell numbers, CMV‐specific T‐cell functions, frailty and cardiovascular disease at study endpoint.

Results

In our study, 136/268 individuals were long‐term CMV seropositive and 19 seroconverted during follow‐up (seroconversion rate: 0.56%/year). CMV‐specific antibody levels increased slightly over time. However, we did not find an association between duration of CMV infection and CMV‐specific antibody levels at study endpoint. No clear association between duration of CMV infection and the size and function of the memory T‐cell pool was observed. Elevated CMV‐specific antibody levels were associated with the prevalence of cardiovascular disease but not with frailty. Age at CMV seroconversion was positively associated with CMV‐specific antibody levels, memory CD4+T‐cell numbers and frailty.

Conclusion

Cytomegalovirus‐specific memory T cells develop shortly after CMV seroconversion but do not seem to further increase over time. Age‐related effects other than duration of CMV infection seem to contribute to CMV‐induced changes in the immune system. Although CMV‐specific immunity is not evidently linked to frailty, it tends to associate with higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease.
The effects of functional response and host abundance fluctuations on genetic rescue in parasitoids with single‐locus sex determination
Authors: Nonaka Etsuko , Kaitala Veijo
Published: October 2020

Many parasitoids have single‐locus complementary sex determination (sl‐CSD), which produces sterile or inviable males when homozygous at the sex determining locus. A previous study theoretically showed that small populations have elevated risks of extinction due to the positive feedback between inbreeding and small population size, referred to as the diploid male vortex. A few modeling studies have suggested that the diploid male vortex may not be as common because balancing selection at sex determining loci tends to maintain high allelic diversity in spatially structured populations. However, the generality of the conclusion is yet uncertain, as they were drawn either from models developed for particular systems or from a general‐purpose competition model. To attest the conclusion, we study several well‐studied host–parasitoid models that incorporate functional response specifying the number of attacked hosts given a host density and derive the conditions for a diploid male vortex in a single population. Then, we develop spatially structured individual‐based versions of the models to include female behavior, diploid male fertility, and temporal fluctuations. The results show that producing a handful of successful offspring per female parasitoid could enable parasitoid persistence when a typical number of CSD alleles are present. The effect of functional response depends on the levels of fluctuations in host abundance, and inviable or partially fertile diploid males and a small increase in dispersal can alleviate the risk of a diploid male vortex. Our work supports the generality of effective genetic rescue in spatially connected parasitoid populations with sl‐CSD. However, under more variable climate, the efficacy of the CSD mechanism may substantially decline.
Population differentiation from environmental DNA: Investigating the potential of haplotype presence/absence‐based analysis of molecular variance
Authors: Azarian Clara , Foster Scott , Devloo‐Delva Floriaan , Feutry Pierre
Published: October 2020

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is recognized as a promising sampling tool for biodiversity monitoring. It has also been proposed as a tool for performing population genetic analyses on target species, but early applications make questionable assumptions, such as assuming that the amount of DNA in the sample is directly related to the number of individuals in the environment. In this work, the power of a new analytical framework for detecting genetic differences among populations, which does not make this assumption, is investigated. This is done by using an AMOVA test on only the presence/absence of haplotypes. A sampling strategy with the potential to increase power, including replicate samples and relying on mild assumptions, is also evaluated. A simulation experiment was used to evaluate the ability to detect differences between three populations. The simulation generated mitochondrial haplotypes from three populations with varying diversity and levels of differentiation, and different sampling schemes and AMOVA tests were used. The information of presence/absence of haplotypes, not their relative frequencies, proved useful to perform an AMOVA and the use of replicate samples ensured a better chance of finding statistically significant population differentiation when it existed. The risk of type I errors was also assessed by performing a simulation experiment with no genetic differentiation and that risk was found to depend on the independence between replicates. These results will lay a path for the development of eDNA as a tool for population genetics, as well as serving as a guideline to design sampling plans for future studies and the interpretation of their results.
The effect of transfusion of blood products on ventricular assist device support outcomes
Authors: Shore Supriya , Hanff Thomas C. , Mazurek Jeremy A. , Seigerman Matthew , Zhang Robert , Grandin Edward W. , Vorovich Esther , Mather Paul , Olt Caroline , Howard Jessica , Wald Joyce , Acker Michael A. , Goldberg Lee R. , Atluri Pavan , Margulies Kenneth B. , Rame J. Eduardo , Birati Edo Y.
Published: October 2020

Aims

Perioperative blood transfusions are common among patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. The association between blood product transfusion at the time of LVAD implantation and mortality has not been described.

Methods and results

This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients who underwent continuous flow LVAD implantation at a single, large, tertiary care, academic centre, from 2008 to 2014. We assessed used of packed red blood cells (pRBCs), platelets, and fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Outcomes of interest included all‐cause mortality and acute right ventricular (RV) failure. Standard regression techniques were used to examine the association between blood product exposure and outcomes of interest. A total of 170 patients were included in this study (mean age: 56.5 ± 15.5 years, 79.4% men). Over a median follow‐up period of 11.2 months, for every unit of pRBC transfused, the hazard for mortality increased by 4% [hazard ratio (HR) 1.04; 95% CI 1.02–1.07] and odds for acute RV failure increased by 10% (odds ratio 1.10; 95% CI 1.05–1.16). This association persisted for other blood products including platelets (HR for mortality per unit 1.20; 95% CI 1.08–1.32) and FFP (HR for mortality per unit 1.08; 95% CI 1.04–1.12). The most significant predictor of perioperative blood product exposure was a lower pre‐implant haemoglobin.

Conclusions

Perioperative blood transfusions among patients undergoing LVAD implantation were associated with a higher risk for all‐cause mortality and acute RV failure. Of all blood products, FFP use was associated with worst outcomes. Future studies are needed to evaluate whether pre‐implant interventions, such as intravenous iron supplementation, will improve the outcomes of LVAD candidates by decreasing need for transfusions.
A Review on Electrochemical Degradation and Biopolymer Adsorption Treatments for Toxic Compounds in Pharmaceutical Effluents
Authors: Mramba Anita S. , Ndibewu Peter P. , Sibali Linda L. , Makgopa Katlego
Published: October 2020

Pharmaceutical industries generate very large quantities of toxic organic compounds which include volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and/or organic volatile impurities (OVIs). These toxic compounds, amongst which are emerging residual solvents, largely come from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and are being continuously dumped into the environment at an alarming rate. Efficient treatment of pharmaceutical wastewaters (effluents) is currently a major challenge because of not only the enormous quantity to be disposed of but also its complexity, as well as its hazardous nature. Dumping these kinds of polluted wastes into the environment at uncontrolled rates are putting increasing pressure on freshwater ecosystems. This review paper focuses on combined electrochemical degradation and biopolymer adsorption treatment processes and techniques for toxic compounds in pharmaceutical wastewater treatment. These emerging processes such as the combination of electrochemical techniques as a primary treatment method, followed by an adsorption process, is now a topic of intense research as it is proving to very feasible, eco‐friendly, and cost‐effective in the complete recovery of toxic residual solvents from binary aquatic systems. This paper presents major toxic pollutants in pharmaceutical wastewaters and their fate in the aquatic environment, their sources, and origin in pharmaceutical industries. The evaluation of the traditional methods used for the removal of these emerging organic pollutants from aquatic matrices and pharmaceutical effluents is accomplished. New developments in electrochemical treatments for the remediation of toxic compounds in pharmaceutical wastewaters are also discussed.
Environmental and economic sustainability of PVT drying system: A heat transfer approach
Authors: Tiwari Sumit , Sahdev Ravinder Kumar , Kumar Mahesh , Chhabra Deepak , Tiwari Prabhakar , Tiwari G.N.
Published: October 2020

Present communication is an attempt to explore the best PV technology suitable for PVT solar drying system through environmental and economic feasibility. Experimental setup for one of the PV technology (c‐Si) has been taken for experimental validation with theoretical model. Further, the environmental feasibility and environ economic evaluation for drying system having roof with various PV namely, c‐Si, p‐Si or m‐Si, a‐Si, CdTe, and CIGS have been evaluated through energy matrices (EPBT, EPF, and LCCE), CO2 emission, net CO2 mitigation and carbon credit earned which is based on energy and exergy output of the system on yearly basis. The economic analysis has been carried out with experimental data taken on c‐Si PVT drying system by considering grapes as a crop. Cogeneration efficiency has been calculated for different PV technologies and found to be highest for c‐Si PV technology that is, 61.71%, 77.98%, and 12.25% based on energy (electrical and thermal) gain, equivalent (overall) energy gain, and exergy gain, respectively. LCCE on energy basis reveals that for the five‐year system life, c‐Si and CIGS have equal efficiency but after five years, c‐Si is best. Cogeneration efficiency of system on the basis of energy (electrical + thermal) gain, equivalent (overall) energy gain and overall exergy gain found to be maximum with c‐Si PV technology that is, 61.71%, 77.98%, and 12.25%, respectively.
Copper and lanthanum mixed oxides as catalysts for ethanol Guerbet coupling: The role of La3+ on the production of long‐chain alcohols
Authors: Perrone Olavo Micali , Siqueira Marcos Rechi , Metzker Gustavo , de Oliveira Lisboa Daniela Correa , Boscolo Mauricio
Published: October 2020

Mixed oxides derived from the calcination of modified hydrotalcites precursors with copper and lanthanum were synthetized by the co‐precipitation method and characterized and applied as catalysts for ethanol Guerbet coupling reactions. The oxides obtained were used to convert ethanol into 1‐butanol and long‐chain alcohols, mostly 1‐hexanol. The selectivity for 1‐butanol and 1‐hexanol reached 62% and 10% for Cu‐MgAl(O) at 280°C. The addition of 1 mol% of La3+ (CuLa‐MgAl(O)) increased the number of basic sites comparing to Cu‐MgAl(O) changing the selectivity for 1‐butanol and 1‐hexanol reaching 16.70 and 41.7% at 280°C. The addition of lanthanum and consequently the increase on the catalyst basicity was related to the obtainment of long‐chain alcohols due to the enolate formation during the aldol condensation of Guerbet coupling.
Hybridization utility and size optimization of a stand‐alone renewable energy micro‐grid
Authors: Fezai Safa , Cherif Habib , Belhadj Jamel
Published: October 2020

Optimization of the stand‐alone micro‐grid is needed to minimize energy generation cost and environmental impacts. Protect the environment and saving cost can be obtained by choosing renewable energy sources as the power generation, such as photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine. In this paper, authors investigate the hybridization utility and size optimization of a stand‐alone micro‐grid using the genetic algorithm. The considered micro‐grid consists on PV generator, wind turbines and storage batteries. This study is based on a bi‐objective optimization process. The life cycle cost (LCC) and the loss of power supply probability are respectively the economic criterion and the system reliability criterion under constraints. The energy modeling of the system's components enables energy flows simulation and further objective functions evaluation. The meteorological data of the location situated in Tunisia are considered. In order to study the resources randomness impact on systems optimal design, the data relating to December and August are used as references respectively to winter and summer. According to hybridization study, the hybrid PV/wind/battery system is the most appropriate system configuration for the studied location for both seasons compared to PV/battery or wind/battery. Results showed the significant influence of the battery bank design on the systems reliability and LCC.
Preliminary geochemical investigation of a possible CO2 injection in the Ungaran geothermal field, Indonesia: equilibrium and kinetic modeling
Authors: Utomo Gagas Pambudi , Güleç Nilgün
Published: October 2020

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is considered to be an effective method to mitigate anthropogenic carbon emissions that have been the major cause of global warming. One of the possible sites to store CO2 is in geothermal reservoirs. In this study, an attempt to simulate CO2–brine reservoir rock interaction inside a geothermal reservoir is carried out using the PHREEQC program. The study utilizes published rock mineralogy of the assumed reservoir lithology and chemistry of the hot water in the Ungaran geothermal field, Java, Indonesia. The simulation is based on equilibrium and kinetic modeling and assumes a single stage CO2 injection kept at a constant temperature and pressure. The amount of injected CO2 is determined by solubility modeling of CO2 in hot water under estimated reservoir conditions. The modeling predicted (i) the effect of solubility trapping at early stages of CO2–brine rock interaction, (ii) dissolution of Ca‐bearing silicates (plagioclases) coupled with calcite precipitation as a potential chemical processes relevant to a possible CO2 mineralization, (iii) progressive transition from solubility to mineral trapping becoming significant after 30 days following injection, (iv) minor porosity increase (∼0.5%), and (v) achievement of equilibrium between CO2–brine‐rock in 10 years after injection. Sensitivity analysis associated with the uncertainties for altering mineral proportion and rock porosity reveal no significant change in the ability of the modeled reservoir to trap injected CO2 into mineral phases. Concerning the CCS studies so far carried out in geothermal fields in volcanic reservoirs, this modeling comprises one of the first performed for fields with intermediate volcanics. The result from this study can be utilized as foreknowledge for possible future CCS operations in Indonesian geothermal fields. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sovereign bond yield spreads spillovers in the Economic and Monetary Union
Authors: Afonso António , Kazemi Mina
Published: October 2020

We study the sovereign bond market co‐movements and spillovers within 10 EMU countries, the so‐called “periphery” and “core” countries, during the period 1999:01 to 2016:07. Implementing Generalized Methods of Moments (GMM) within a panel setting and bivariate VAR analysis, we find that an increase in the lagged spreads of Italian and Austrian bonds negatively affect the spreads of the whole sample while the increase in the Irish, Portuguese, Belgian and French lagged yields increased the overall spreads. In the VAR analysis we find that spillover effects within the sample are mostly positive.
Matched trade at the firm level and the micro origins of international business‐cycle comovement
Authors: Friberg Richard , Sanctuary Mark
Published: October 2020

This article uses firm × national market export and import data for all Swedish private sector firms for 1997–2014 to examine the firm‐level contribution of trade and foreign ownership to the correlation between Swedish value added growth and partner country gross domestic product (GDP) growth. Export and import links increase the firm‐level correlation but net out for firms that both export to and import from the same market, evidence that this type of ‘natural hedging’ can help reduce a firm's exposure to foreign economic shocks. We proceed to aggregate the firm‐level results to the whole economy and find that severing firm‐level ties with a foreign market is predicted to lower the correlation between Swedish value added growth and foreign GDP growth from 0.72 to 0.64 on average. Gabaix's ‘granularity’ of trade is central to this result: if all firms are given equal weight overall correlations are essentially unaffected by severing firm level ties. Natural hedging is quantitatively important at the firm level and also plays a role in limiting overall comovements.
Unauthorized migrants in Israel: The contribution of threat variables and personal and community resources to the perception of social distance toward migrants from Africa
Authors: Kalnisky Mor , Levy Drorit
Published: October 2020

To examine the contribution of background variables, threat variables, and personal and community resources to participants' perceived social distance toward unauthorized migrants. Study participants were 168 Israeli citizens/longtime residents of three disadvantaged neighborhoods in Israel, who filled out self‐report questionnaires. We applied a hierarchical regression model and also examined the direct and indirect contribution of the abovementioned variables to the social distance of these longtime residents toward unauthorized migrants in Israel. All participants reported high levels of social distance, irrespective of their physical proximity to the migrants. Cultural disparity was perceived as a major threat. Residents who lived in close proximity to migrants particularly expressed concern about harm to their economic well‐being. Although political preference had no statistically significant direct effect on social distance, the mediation analysis revealed a complete indirect mechanism of the effect of political preference on social distance through threat perceptions. The research broadened our understanding of longtime neighborhood residents' perceived social distance toward migrants.It migrants. It also contributes to the development of knowledge, which will form the basis for intervention programs in the community
Pyranine Based Ion‐Paired Complex as a Mechanophore in Polyurethanes
Authors: Aerts Annelore , Lugger Sean J. D. , Heuts Johan P. A. , Sijbesma Rint P.
Published: October 2020

A new mechanophore for polyurethane thermoplastic elastomers based on ion‐paired complexes is developed. 8‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy)pyrene‐1,3,6‐trisulfonate (HEPTS) is incorporated into polyurethanes as an end‐capper and aggregates in apolar media. Aggregation of the ionic HEPTS end groups in solution depends on concentration solvent polarity. The addition of dimethylformamide to a tetrahydrofuran solution of the polymer results in the dissociation of the aggregates and a significant shift in fluorescence emission from yellow to blue. The same shift in fluorescence emission is induced by stretching the solid polymer at strains larger than 1 and stresses above 7.5 MPa, with a clear increase above 12.5 MPa. Strain induced dissociation of HEPTS aggregates not attached to the polymer chain leads to fluorescence changes that are much less reproducible.
Conversations With Dr. Oleh Hornykiewicz, Founding Father of the Dopamine Era in Parkinson's: How Do You Wish to Be Remembered?
Authors: Schlossmacher Michael G. , Graybiel Ann M.
Published: October 2020

On May 26, 2020, Dr. Oleh Hornykiewicz died at the age of 93 years. His twin discoveries in the early 1960s of dopamine deficiency in the brains of subjects with Parkinson's disease and the amelioration of patients' symptoms by levodopa therapy represent milestone events in the history of medicine. These breakthroughs enabled much‐needed relief for millions of patients suffering from neurological disorders every year and have given rise to the field of dopamine signaling in the regulation of complex behaviors in primates. What did Dr. Hornykiewicz, who was actively engaged in research until shortly before his 91st birthday, wish to pass on to younger scientists? What were his thoughts regarding the elusive cause of Parkinson's disease? How did he wish to be remembered? Here, the authors, one a former student and the other an admired colleague, recall messages conveyed by Dr. Hornykiewicz in public lectures; they also share the content of conversations and letters exchanged with him since 2004, as he began to reflect on his legacy. Through Dr. Hornykiewicz's own words and writings, the picture emerges of an extraordinarily committed scientist, who was exemplary in his professional integrity, who knew how to deploy a gallous sense of humor, who displayed little patience for physicians offering advice, and who kept any sense of pride over his monumental contributions private. When asked at the age of 91 years about the secrets of his long and fulfilled career in neuroscience, he identified himself as “a mad scientist.…I am someone who continuously fantasizes. I am someone who chases fantastical ideas and who keeps on dreaming…”, and as a man who was supported by the loving companionship of his wife, Christine. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Invariants of BT[p,q], BT(X)[p,q] and BT(Y)[p,q]
Authors: Huang Yu‐Jie , Virk Abaid ur Rehman , Chu Yu‐Ming
Published: October 2020

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) have been increasingly investigated for use in a wide range of applications due to their unique physicochemical properties including high hydrophobicity, heat and electrical insulation, resistance to oxidation, and hydrogen storage capacity. They are also valued for their possible medical and biomedical applications including drug delivery, use in biomaterials, and neutron capture therapy. Chemical graph theory provides different tools to investigate different properties of nanotubes. Tools like topological invariants are useful to associate an appropriate number with a networks through which we can guess different hidden properties of under consideration network. There are more then 150 topological indices present in history, but no one gives use perfect result in predicting properties of networks. So there is always a room to introduce some new invariants that help us to gain better results. In this paper, we will introduce some new topological indices and polynomials, namely, Maxmin indices and Maxmin polynomials and, calculate results for three different boron nanotubes, boron triangular nanotube BT[p, q], boron‐α nanotube BT(X)[p, q] and boron‐α nanotube BT(Y)[p, q].
Size‐dependent continuum‐based model of a flexoelectric functionally graded cylindrical nanoshells
Authors: Faramarzi Babadi Asghar , Tadi Beni Yaghoub
Published: October 2020

Flexoelectricity is dependent on the strain gradient, which is high in microscale and nanoscale, leading to its considerable effect on the electromechanical behavior of structures in microscale and nanoscale. Using the Love's theory for thin shells and the modified flexoelectricity theory, governing coupled equations of the functionally graded magneto‐electro‐elastic (FGMEE) cylindrical nanoshells were formulated along with their boundary conditions using the Hamilton's principle and variation method. It is worth noting that the governing coupled equations of FGMEE cylindrical nanoshell with an electric potential‐independent polarization parameter, where the polarization is independent of the electric potential, are considered the major novelty of this study. To show the ability and uniqueness of the formulation, free vibrations of the shell were examined in a specific state, regardless of the magnetic field effect under the clamped–clamped boundary condition. The effects of different parameters including geometry, size effect, and external voltage on the vibration frequency of the nanoshell were investigated. According to the results, the vibration behavior of the flexoelectric nanoshell is largely dependent on the size effect. Given the application of this structure in sensors and actuators, the external voltage has a considerable effect on the electromechanical behavior of the structure in the presence of the flexoelectric effect.
The Bedrosian identity for generalized functions
Authors: Wen Zhihong , Deng Guantie
Published: October 2020

The object of this paper is to develop sufficient conditions for the Bedrosian identity of functions in space
. We generalize the result of Zhang for
functions (2014). Meanwhile, the Bedrosian identity for
functions is also discussed and some sufficient and necessary sufficient conditions are obtained, which develop the results given by Xu and Yan. As an application of Bedrosian identity in analytic signals, we characterize all real functions
satisfying
.
S‐Allylcysteine Inhibits PhIP/DSS‐Induced Colon Carcinogenesis through Mitigating Inflammation, Targeting Keap1, and Modulating Microbiota Composition in Mice
Authors: Lin Wei‐Sheng , Lai Ying‐Jang , Kalyanam Nagabhushanam , Ho Chi‐Tang , Pan Min‐Hsiung
Published: October 2020

Scope

The objective of the present study is to investigate whether edible S‐allylcysteine (SAC) has chemoprophylactic effects on inflammation‐associated colon carcinogenesis induced in mice through 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine (PhIP) exposure and promoted by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and whether its cancer‐prevention effects are related to the modulation of gut microbiota composition.

Methods and results

Dietary administration of 0.05% SAC in mice for 18 weeks prevents shortening of the colon length and reduces the number of colon polyps. The SAC supplementation markedly decreases PhIP/DSS‐induced plasma and colon tissue pro‐inflammatory cytokines. These changes are accompanied by the suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, COX‐2, and MMP‐2 protein expression in colon tissue. In addition, the dietary administration of SAC increases heme oxygenase‐1 expression through activation of the NF‐E2‐related factor 2 pathway, thus abating PhIP/DSS‐induced colitis. The 16S rRNA gene sequence data indicate that SAC counteracted the PhIP/DSS‐induced gut dysbiosis, resulting in a microbiota composition similar to the control group.

Conclusion

The results indicate that SAC can suppress PhIP/DSS‐induced colorectal carcinogenesis. Hence, SAC may merit further clinical investigation as a chemoprevention strategy for retarding colitis‐associated colon cancer in humans.
169Yb‐based rotating shield brachytherapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Adams Quentin , Hopfensperger Karolyn M. , Kim Yusung , Wu Xiaodong , Flynn Ryan T.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

To present a system for the treatment of prostate cancer in a single‐fraction regimen using 169Yb‐based rotating shield brachytherapy (RSBT) with a single‐catheter robotic delivery system. The proposed system is innovative because it can deliver RSBT through multiple implanted needles independently, in serial, using flexible catheters, with no inter‐needle shielding effects and without the need to rotate multiple shielded catheters inside the needles simultaneously, resulting in a simple, mechanically robust, delivery approach. RSBT was compared to conventional 192Ir‐based high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (HDR‐BT) in a treatment planning study with dose escalation and urethral sparing goals, representing single‐fraction brachytherapy monotherapy and brachytherapy as a boost to external beam radiotherapy, respectively. A prototype mechanical delivery system was constructed and quantitatively evaluated as a proof of concept.

Methods

Treatment plans for twenty‐six patients with single fraction prescriptions of 20.5 and 15 Gy, were created for dose escalation and urethral sparing, respectively. The RSBT and HDR‐BT delivery systems were modeled with one partially shielded 999 GBq (27 Ci) 169Yb source and one 370 GBq (10 Ci) 192Ir source, respectively. A prototype angular drive system for helical source delivery was constructed. Mechanical accuracy measurements of source translational position and angular orientation in a simulated treatment delivery setup were obtained using the prototype system.

Results

For dose escalation, with equivalent urethra D10%, PTV D90% for RSBT vs HDR‐BT increased from 22.6 ± 0.0 Gy (average ± standard deviation) to 29.3 ± 0.9 Gy, or 29.9 % ± 3.0%, with treatment times of 51.4 ± 6.1 min for RSBT and 15.8 ± 2.3 min for 10 Ci 192Ir‐based HDR‐BT. For urethra sparing, with equivalent PTV D90%, urethra D10% for RSBT vs HDR‐BT decreased for RSBT vs HDR‐BT from 15.6 ± 0.4 Gy to 12.0 ± 0.4 Gy, or 23.1% ± 3.5%, with treatment times of 30.0 ± 3.7 min for RSBT and 12.3 ± 1.8 min for HDR‐BT. Differences between measured vs predicted rotating catheter positions (corresponding to source position) were within 0.18 mm ± 0.12 mm longitudinally and 0.07° ± 0.78°.

Conclusion

169Yb‐based RSBT can increase PTV D90% or decrease urethral D10% relative to HDR‐BT with treatment times of less than 1 h using a single‐source robotic delivery system with treatment delivered in a single fraction. The prototype helical delivery system was able to demonstrate adequate mechanical accuracy.
Reporting of social deprivation in musculoskeletal trials: An analysis of 402 randomised controlled trials
Authors: Smith Toby O. , Kamper Steven J. , Williams Christopher M. , Lee Hopin
Published: October 2020

Background

Social deprivation is broadly defined as the restriction of access an individual has to social or cultural interactions due to poverty, discrimination or other disadvantages. While social deprivation is a widely acknowledged determinant of outcome in musculoskeletal conditions, it remains unclear how this is considered in the conduct and interpretation of musculoskeletal trials.

Aim

To determine the frequently to which measures of social deprivation are reported in trials recruiting people with musculoskeletal diseases.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a Pubmed search of randomised controlled trials published between 01 January 2019 and 01 June 2020. We included full‐text papers of trials recruiting people with musculoskeletal diseases, irrespective of intervention type or origin. We extracted data relating to trial characteristics, setting, trial design, funding source and musculoskeletal disease. We extracted data on any reported social deprivation index or measure of social deprivation based on internationally adopted indicators. We analysed data descriptively to summarise the reporting of each social deprivation index and measure of social deprivation within trials.

Results

From 2133 potentially eligible citations, 402 were eligible. Mean age of participants was 51.7 years; 63% were female. Trials most frequently recruited people with spinal pain (24.6%) or osteoarthritis (10.0%). Two trials (0.5%) reported social deprivation indices/scores. When assessed by discrete measures of social deprivation, 164 trials (40.8%) reported one or more social deprivation measures. The most commonly reported measures were morbidity (20.2%), employment status (17.7%) and educational attainment (15.5%). Race (6.7%), ethnicity (6.2%) and annual salary (1.3%) were infrequently reported. One trial (0.3%) presented subgroup results by social deprivation measures.

Discussion and Conclusion

Social deprivation is inconsistently reported in musculoskeletal trials. Trialists should report baseline measures of social deprivation in trial reports and aid generalisability to target population, and to examine whether social deprivation might modify treatment effects of interventions for musculoskeletal conditions.
Reconnecting with the past and anticipating the future: A review of fisheries‐derived cultural ecosystem services in pre‐Hispanic Peru
Authors: López de la Lama Rocío , de la Puente Santiago , Sueiro Juan Carlos , Chan Kai M. A.
Published: October 2020

Marine ecosystems play a key role in human wellbeing, particularly in the Global South through small‐scale fisheries (SSF). While many have speculated that such activities are central to the provision of cultural benefits (such as cultural identity and heritage values), there are key information gaps regarding SSF cultural contributions to societies and their historical importance.

In this paper, we sought to identify and characterize the historical cultural benefits derived from SSF in Peru and their transformative role for early societies’ development.

We carried out an extensive review of archaeological literature focusing on early coastal Peruvian settlements, cultures and civilizations (i.e. pre‐Hispanic period: 13,000 BCE–1532 CE).

Our results suggest that the interaction between coastal dwellers and marine ecosystems in Peru is ancient, reciprocal and dynamic. These interactions were crucial for social transformation in Peru across millennia. Through fisheries, the first coastal Peruvians enjoyed multiple cultural benefits that entail a range of experiences, identities and beliefs. These benefits were susceptible to social and environmental changes, while the same benefits allowed early dwellers to gain more capabilities to evolve socially and to shape their environment.

Understanding the evolving interaction between environmental spaces and cultural practices may provide valuable insights for improving current and future marine resources and seascape management.

Through this paper, we call for a reflection on the past, present and future of SSF, and their valuable role within society. Based on ample evidence we conclude that SSF are not only a food‐producing activity, but also a highly important cultural practice for coastal Peruvians.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Differentiation of groups of patients with cognitive complaints at breast cancer diagnosis: Results from a sub‐study of the French CANTO cohort
Authors: Hardy‐Leger Isabelle , Charles Cécile , Lange Marie , Joly Florence , Roux Pauline , Capel Aurélie , Petrucci Jean , Rigal Olivier , Le Fel Johan , Vanlemmens Laurence , Everhard Sibille , Martin Anne‐Laure , Vaz Luis Ines , Coutant Charles , Cottu Paul , Levy Christelle , Lerebours Florence , Andre Fabrice , Licaj Idlir , Dauchy Sarah
Published: October 2020

Objective

Cognitive complaints are more frequent in women with breast cancer (BC) than in healthy controls and can be present before any treatment. Findings regarding contributive factors remain inconsistent. This study aimed to identify different groups of patients with cognitive complaints at BC diagnosis and to determine whether these different groups were associated with demographic, medical, or psychological characteristics.

Methods

Cognitive complaints were assessed in a subset of 264 women from the French multicenter prospective CANTO cohort, at baseline before any treatment. Clustering analyzes were performed using the six‐cognitive dimension Costa's scoring of the FACT‐Cog V3. Univariable analyses were used to study how cognitive function (standardized neuropsychological tests, ICCTF), anxiety, depression, fatigue, and quality of life (HADS, FA12, QLQ‐C30) were associated with specific cognitive complaints groups.

Results

Results included 263 women (54±11 years), newly diagnosed with BC (69% stages I–III). Four distinct groups emerged, ranged from “no complaints” (22.8%), “low complaints” (55.1), “mixed complaints” (14.5%), to “consistent complaints” (7.6%). No significant differences were found in terms of demographic and medical factors between the four groups. However, the groups with higher proportions of patients with complaints were found to have more impairment in executive function, higher scores of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and fatigue, and lower quality of life, than the groups with lower proportions of cognitive complaints.

Conclusion

Using complete cognitive assessment prior to BC treatment, we identified four distinct cognitive complaints groups with specific characteristics. This work provides valuable clinical basis to further investigations for a better understanding of cognitive complaints and their associates.