bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementation of a radiation injury management curriculum for health‐care professionals in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Hsiang‐Chin , Hsieh Chih‐Chia , Chi Chih‐Hsien , Shih Hsin‐I
Published: August 2020

Aim

Radiation‐related injury in the general population due to accidents or incidents is a rare but significant event that merits serious study and planning in the health‐care system. Therefore, we developed different levels of training courses targeting medical emergency response and treatment for radiation‐related injury in patients, for different health‐care professionals and medical students.

Methods

The curriculum, teaching instructions, and objectives were based on the working group consensus of first responders of radiation‐related injury. The working group included different specialists from hospitals, medical schools, and government radiation emergency response agencies.

Results

Several different course levels, including lectures, group discussions, case and scenario discussions, hands‐on practice, tabletop drills, and drills were included. The curriculums have shown that developing different levels of courses for medical students and health‐care professionals was feasible.

Conclusion

Through the cooperation of different specialties and different interactive courses, the training programs were able to meet the initial education goals for medical emergency and radiation‐related injury for medical students and health‐care professionals.
Bis(perchlorocatecholato)germane: Hard and Soft Lewis Superacid with Unlimited Water Stability
Authors: Roth Daniel , Wadepohl Hubert , Greb Lutz
Published: August 2020

Previously described Lewis superacids are moisture sensitive and predominantly hard in character—features that severely limit their widespread use in orbital‐controlled reactions and under non‐inert conditions. Described here are adducts of bis(perchlorocatecholato)germane, the first hard and soft Lewis superacid based on germanium. Remarkably, the synthesis of this compound is performed in water, and the obtained H2O adduct constitutes a strong Brønsted acid. If applied as an adduct with aprotic donors, it displays excellent activity in a diverse set of Lewis acid catalyzed transformations, covering hydrosilylation, hydrodefluorination, transfer hydrogenation, and carbonyl–olefin metathesis. Given the very straightforward synthetic access from two commercially available precursors, the unlimited water stability and the soft Lewis acidic character, it promotes the transfer of Lewis superacidity into organic synthesis and materials science.
A Highly Lewis Acidic Strontium ansa‐Arene Complex for Lewis Acid Catalysis and Isobutylene Polymerization
Authors: Dabringhaus Philipp , Schorpp Marcel , Scherer Harald , Krossing Ingo
Published: August 2020

The potential of a dicationic strontium ansa‐arene complex for Lewis acid catalysis has been explored. The key to its synthesis was a simple salt metathesis from SrI2 and 2 Ag[Al(ORF)4], giving the base‐free strontium‐perfluoroalkoxyaluminate Sr[Al(ORF)4]2 (ORF=OC(CF3)3). Addition of an ansa‐arene yielded the highly Lewis acidic, dicationic strontium ansa‐arene complex. In preliminary experiments, the complex was successfully applied as a catalyst in CO2‐reduction to CH4 and a surprisingly controlled isobutylene polymerization reaction.
The Nature of Strong Chalcogen Bonds Involving Chalcogen‐Containing Heterocycles
Authors: Haberhauer Gebhard , Gleiter Rolf
Published: August 2020

Chalcogen bonds are σ hole interactions and have been used in recent years as an alternative to hydrogen bonds. In general, the electrostatic potential at the chalcogen atom and orbital delocalization effects are made responsible for the orientation of the chalcogen bond. Here, we were able to show by means of SAPT calculations that neither the induction (orbital delocalization effects) nor the electrostatic term is causing the spatial orientation of strong chalcogen bonds in tellurium‐containing aromatics. Instead, steric interactions (Pauli repulsion) are responsible for the orientation. Against chemical intuition the dispersion energies of the examined tellurium‐containing aromatics are far less important for the net attractive forces compared to the energies in the corresponding sulfur and selenium compounds. Our results underline the importance of often overlooked steric interactions (Pauli repulsion) in conformational control of σ hole interactions.
New N‐phenylacetamide‐linked 1,2,3‐triazole‐tethered coumarin conjugates: Synthesis, bioevaluation, and molecular docking study
Authors: Akolkar Satish V. , Nagargoje Amol A. , Shaikh Mubarak H. , Warshagha Murad Z. A. , Sangshetti Jaiprakash N. , Damale Manoj G. , Shingate Bapurao B.
Published: August 2020

A series of new 1,2,3‐triazole‐tethered coumarin conjugates linked by N‐phenylacetamide was efficiently synthesized via the click chemistry approach in excellent yields. The synthesized conjugates were evaluated for their in vitro antifungal and antioxidant activities. Antifungal activity determination was carried out against fungal strains such as Candida albicans, Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Cryptococcus neoformans. Compounds 7b, 7d, 7e, 8b and 8e displayed higher potency than the standard drug miconazole, with lower minimum inhibitory concentration values. Also, compound 7a exhibited potential radical scavenging activity as compared with the standard antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene. In addition, a molecular docking study of the newly synthesized compounds was carried out, and the results showed a good binding mode at the active site of the fungal (C. albicans) P450 cytochrome lanosterol 14α‐demethylase enzyme. Furthermore, the synthesized compounds were also tested for ADME properties, and they demonstrated potential as good candidates for oral drugs.
A Contemporary Message from Mendel's Logical Empiricism
Authors: Huminiecki Łukasz
Published: August 2020

The gene is one of the most fundamental concepts in life sciences, having been developed in the mold of the Mendelian paradigm of heredity, which shaped genetics across 150 years. How could Mendel possibly be so prophetic in the middle of 19th century, using only the small garden of the monastery as his experimental breeding field? I believe that we are indebted to Mendel's mastery of the scientific method, which was far ahead of his time. Although his experimental technology was literally garden‐variety, Mendel's excellence in the method of science, algebra, and logical analysis helped him in designing the right experiment and in interpreting the results insightfully. This may be valuable to recall in today's technology‐focused culture, where the center of interest tends to be on the generation and description of high‐throughput datasets from specialized genomics screens. As Mendel's story suggests, progress in 21st century genetics may also depend on the development of robust concepts and generalizations.
Modeling the dynamic linkage between financial development, energy innovation, and environmental quality: Does globalization matter?
Authors: Baloch Muhammad Awais , Ozturk Ilhan , Bekun Festus Victor , Khan Danish
Published: August 2020

In the modern era of the wave of globalization, financial development is leading toward a higher rate of economic expansion and promoting energy innovation around the globe. Nevertheless, environmental impact of financial development has preoccupied government officials to circumvent adverse impact on environmental quality. Thus, this paper examines the nexus between financial development, economic growth, energy innovation, and environmental pollution for the period of 1990–2017 for the panel of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. To obtain robust and unbiased results, this study utilizes Pooled Mean Group Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PMG/ARDL) estimator that counters the issue of heterogeneity and cross‐sectional dependence. Empirical evidence suggests that financial development promotes energy innovation and improves environmental quality. Globalization also has a long‐term relationship with energy innovation and reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Moreover, findings validate the environmental Kuznets curve for OECD countries in the significance of financial development, globalization, and energy innovation.
Effect of shaking speed on immobilization of cephalosporin C acylase: Correlation between protein distribution and properties of the immobilized enzymes
Authors: Liu Jingran , Tong Shuangming , Sun Hongxu , Chang Yanhong , Luo Hui , Yu Huimin , Shen Zhongyao
Published: August 2020

During enzyme immobilization, enzyme activity and protein distribution are affected by various factors such as enzyme load, temperature, and pH. In general, two types of protein distribution patterns (heterogeneous or homogeneous) are observed inside a porous carrier, owing to differences in preparation parameters. During the immobilization of a fusion protein (CCApH) of cephalosporin C acylase (CCA) and pHluorin (a pH‐sensitive mutant of green fluorescent protein), different shaking speeds induced obvious differences in protein distribution on an epoxy carrier, LX‐1000EPC. Enzyme immobilization with a homogeneous distribution pattern was observed at a low shaking speed (120 rpm) with an operational stability of 10 batches at 37°C. The operational stability of an immobilisate with heterogeneous protein distribution prepared at a high shaking speed (200 rpm) was six batches. Given the pH‐sensitive characteristics of pHluorin in the fusion protein, the intraparticle pH of CCApH immobilisates during catalysis was monitored using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The microenvironmental pH of the immobilisate with heterogeneous protein distribution sharply decreased by about 2 units; this decrease in the pH may be detrimental to the life‐span of immobilized CCA. Thus, this work demonstrates the good operational stability of pH‐sensitive proton‐forming immobilized enzymes with homogeneous protein distribution.
Review process for complying with new Title IX regulations
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: August 2020

By August 14, your institution will need to comply with the new Title IX regulations issued by the Department of Education. To help colleges and universities comply with the changes, a webinar panel of education and employment attorneys with McGuireWoods LLP discussed the topic.
From corporate environmental responsibility to purchase intention of Chinese buyers: The mediation role of relationship quality
Authors: Xu Mingze , Lai Ivan Ka Wai , Tang Huajun
Published: August 2020

Deteriorating environmental conditions and frequent environmental incidents have urged corporations' execution on corporate environmental responsibility (CER). For maintaining a positive CER, buyers have considered the performance of their suppliers' CER when the buyers plan to sign or renew a contract with their suppliers. However, it is still under‐examined how the mechanism works between supplier CER and buyer repurchase intention (BRPI). This study explores the mediating effects of relationship quality between supplier CER and BRPI. Based on 209 samples of Chinese buyers, the results show that supplier CER has a significant direct effect on buyer satisfaction and trust (the two components of relationship quality), and the relationship quality mediates the effects of supplier CER on the BRPI. This study provides insights into relationship marketing through crosslink CER with the relationship quality theory to explain the mechanism of how supplier CER benefits buyer purchase intention.
Outcomes following endovascular therapy for acute stroke by interventional cardiologists
Authors: Bob‐Manuel Tamunoinemi , Hornung Marius , Guidera Steven , Prince Marloe , Duran Antonio , Sievert Horst , Bertog Stefan , Grunwald Iris , White Christopher J.
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To summarize the outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) intervention by interventional cardiologists (IC) working on a stroke team.

Background

There is a geographic maldistribution of dedicated neuro‐interventionalists (NI) to treat large vessel occlusion (LVO) AIS.

Methods

Results of 166 consecutive patients who received endovascular therapy (EVT) for AIS due to LVO by IC at three centers between 2009 and 2019 are reported. A modified Rankin score (mRs) of ≤ 2 at 90 days after EVT was used as the primary measurement of a good neurological outcome. Univariate logistic regression was used to evaluate predictors of the mRS > 2 and mortality. Those variables with significance of p < .2 from the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate analysis.

Results

All‐cause mortality at 30 days was 22%. A favorable clinical outcome, mRS ≤ 2 at 90 days, was 49%. After multivariate analysis and controlling for confounders, a higher baseline NIHSS was predictive of 30‐day mortality (OR 1.20 [95% CI 1.09–1.32] p < .001) and unfavorable clinical outcome (mRS > 2) at 90 days (OR 1.16 [95% CI 1.07–1.25] p < .001).

Conclusion

Outcomes for carotid stent capable IC performing EVT for AIS are comparable to those achieved by NI physicians in major randomized clinical trials. Our data supports conducting a clinical trial of carotid stent capable IC working on multidisciplinary stroke teams to perform EVT for AIS due to LVO in communities and hospitals without timely access (<60 min by ground transport) to dedicated NI.
Waxy wheat extrusion: Impacts of twin‐screw extrusion on hard red waxy wheat flour
Authors: Kowalski Ryan J. , Gu Bon‐Jae , Hause Jacob P. , Pietrysiak Ewa , Dhumal Gaurav , Campbell Henry , Ganjyal Girish M.
Published: August 2020

Background and objectives

Two varieties of hard red spring waxy wheat were extruded with varying barrel temperatures, screw speeds, feed moistures, and screw profiles to determine their extrusion processing characteristics. A nonwaxy control wheat was also extruded to examine differences that occur in the extrusion of waxy wheat.

Findings

It was found that radial expansion ratios of waxy wheat were approximately 4.5 with specific conditions and were similar to expansion ratios obtained from nonwaxy wheat. However, specific mechanical energy requirements for nonwaxy wheat far exceeded both of the waxy wheat varieties to produce this expansion. In doing so, the nonwaxy wheat also produced extrusion pressures that were nearly double that of pressures generated from waxy wheat.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that hard red waxy wheat may offer a low‐energy extrusion alternative to conventional wheat flour extrusion.

Significance and novelty

This study highlights the differences in the processing energy consumption between hard red waxy wheat and nonwaxy wheat. The results demonstrate that waxy wheat may offer lower operational costs for extrusion and presents excellent potential in the development of new consumer food products.
Superior gluteal nerve injury following landmark‐guided corticosteroid injection for greater trochanteric pain: A case report
Authors: Thompson Austin R. , Ensrud Erik R.
Published: August 2020

This report describes an isolated superior gluteal nerve injection injury following a corticosteroid injection for greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Ultrasound‐guided injections may be beneficial to target multiple pain‐producing regions of the hip while avoiding nerves and tendons.
White lung with milky effusion
Authors: Zaalouk Tamer Mohamed , Bitar Zouheir Ibrahim , Maadarani Ossama Sajeh , El‐shably ALAsmar Mohammed
Published: August 2020

Thoracic duct injury is a rare complication of dorsal spine operations. Ultrasound chest plays an important tool for rapid diagnosis of acute dyspnea, drainage of massive effusion, and daily follow‐up. Conservative treatment of postoperative chylous with measures to decrease chylous formation can lead to a resolution of chylothorax.
Evisceration of umbilical content with extensive adhesion: A surgical approach
Authors: Mishra Pravin , Yadav Vivek Kumar , Hasan Moinul
Published: August 2020

With timely recognition and surgical intervention along with administration of an antibiotic, antihistaminic, and anti‐inflammatory drugs, evisceration of umbilical content with extensive adhesion can be treated, and the outcome is also good.
Trimethoprim‐induced drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) associated with reactivation of human herpes virus‐6 (HHV‐6) leading to acute liver failure
Authors: Subhani Mohsan , Dong Victor , Connolly Aveen , Salisbury Jonathan , Miquel Rosa , Walsh Sarah , Pirani Tasneem
Published: August 2020

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome can have insidious symptoms which may lead to acute liver failure and death. Prompt recognition, stopping offending drug, and initiating corticosteroid are the mainstay of treatment. Early involvement of a specialist liver unit is vital.
Application of Biomass‐Derived Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Aerogels in Electrocatalysis and Supercapacitors
Authors: Kobina Sam Daniel , Kobina Sam Ebenezer , Lv Xiaomeng
Published: August 2020

Biomass‐derived carbon aerogels refer to carbon aerogels prepared using biomass as the precursor. They are environmentally friendly, cheap and have abundant precursors, which have aroused widespread interest and exhibit excellent performance in the fields of electrocatalysis (e. g. for the hydrogen evolution, oxygen evolution and oxygen reduction reactions) and energy storage (i. e. as electrode materials for supercapacitors). Furthermore, metal species can be incorporated into the porous carbon matrix without destroying the original 3D structure whilst improving its conductivity and electrochemical performance. Above all, most biomass materials contain nitrogen functionalities, and can be doped in situ (self‐doping) with heteroatoms, such as N, without any additives, thereby creating additional defects and active centers with augmented electron density and electron‐contributing attributes. Herein, the electrochemical applications of biomass‐derived carbon aerogels reported during the last decade, especially in the field of water electrolysis, metal‐air batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors, are summarized. Current research challenges and future directions are briefly highlighted.
A Remarkable Fluorescence Quenching Based Amplification in ATP Detection through Signal Transduction in Self‐Assembled Multivalent Aggregates
Authors: Biswas Rakesh , Naskar Sumit , Ghosh Surya , Das Mousumi , Banerjee Supratim
Published: August 2020

Signal transduction is essential for the survival of living organisms, because it allows them to respond to the changes in external environments. In artificial systems, signal transduction has been exploited for the highly sensitive detection of analytes. Herein, a remarkable signal transduction, upon ATP binding, in the multivalent fibrillar nanoaggregates of anthracene conjugated imidazolium receptors is reported. The aggregates of one particular amphiphilic receptor sensed ATP in high pm concentrations with one ATP molecule essentially quenching the emission of thousands of receptors. A cooperative merging of the multivalent binding and signal transduction led to this superquenching and translated to an outstanding enhancement of more than a millionfold in the sensitivity of ATP detection by the nanoaggregates; in comparison to the “molecular” imidazolium receptors. Furthermore, an exceptional selectivity to ATP over other nucleotides was demonstrated.
Esterification of Tertiary Amides: Remarkable Additive Effects of Potassium Alkoxides for Generating Hetero Manganese–Potassium Dinuclear Active Species
Authors: Hirai Takahiro , Kato Daiki , Mai Binh Khanh , Katayama Shoichiro , Akiyama Shoko , Nagae Haruki , Himo Fahmi , Mashima Kazushi
Published: August 2020

Invited for the cover of this issue are the groups of Fahmi Himo and Kazushi Mashima at Stockholm University and Osaka University. The image depicts a Mn–K scissor, which is able to break a C−N bond, represented by a tree branch. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202001447.
Fundamental Properties and Applications of Dielectric Barrier Discharges in Plasma‐Catalytic Processes at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Ollegott Kevin , Wirth Philipp , Oberste‐Beulmann Christian , Awakowicz Peter , Muhler Martin
Published: August 2020

The combination of a nonthermal plasma and a heterogeneous catalyst provides unique opportunities for chemical transformations. High densities of reactive species, such as ions, radicals or vibrationally excited molecules, are generated by electron collisions and initiate a multitude of chemical reactions in the gas phase. By shifting the reaction site from the gas phase to the surface of the catalyst, the selectivity of these reactions can be significantly enhanced. Dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) are a promising plasma source for these kinds of applications due to their non‐equilibrium conditions and their simple construction. This review provides a brief introduction to the breakdown mechanism and the various geometries of DBDs and presents several plasma‐catalytic DBD applications.
Preparation of Extracellular Matrix Paper and Construction of Multi‐Layered 3D Tissue Model
Authors: Nakatsuji Hirotaka , Kitano Shiro , Irie Shinji , Matsusaki Michiya
Published: August 2020

Construction of organized three‐dimensional (3D) tissue with extracellular matrix (ECM) and multiple types of cells is important for tissue engineering to enable tissue function and enhance cellular function. However, the concentration of ECM and the thickness of the 3D tissue have been limited in previous methods due to a lack of permeability to nutrients and oxygen. Besides, it is difficult to use matured natural ECM as a cell scaffold without chemical modification due to its insolubility. In this article, we focus on multi‐layered structure, which is commonly found in living tissue such as skin, blood vessels, and other organs. Here, we describe the preparation of a paper‐like scaffold (ECM paper) from micro‐fibered natural ECM and the construction of 3D multi‐layered tissue composed of cell layers and ECM layers by stacking cell‐seeded ECM papers. The thickness and components of the ECM layers are easily controllable by changing the composition of the ECM papers, and the fibrous structure of ECM paper shows high permeability and permits cell migration. Additionally, the ECM microfiber, which is physically defiberized from natural ECM, has a high ECM concentration equal to that of living tissue and high stability under physiological conditions. Therefore, this set of protocols enables construction of multi‐layered 3D tissue composed of precisely controlled ECM layers and cell layers that may contribute to the assembly of tissue models. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of extracellular matrix paper

Basic Protocol 2: Evaluation of cellular function of cells on extracellular matrix paper

Basic Protocol 3: Construction of multi‐layered 3D tissue
Oral health indices predict individualised recall interval
Authors: Haukka Anna , Heikkinen Anna Maria , Haukka Jari , Kaila Minna
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The individualised recall interval (IRI) is part of the oral health examination. This observational, register‐based study aimed to explore how oral health indices DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth), DT (decayed teeth), CPI (Community Periodontal Index, maximum value of individual was used) and number of teeth are associated with IRI for adults.

Methods

Oral health examination includes an assessment of all oral tissues, diagnosis, a treatment plan and assessment and a determination of the interval before the next assessment. It is called the IRI. This cross‐sectional study population included 42,533 adults (age range 18–89 years), who had visited for an oral health examination during 2009, provided by the Helsinki City Social Services and Health Care. The recall interval was categorised into an ordinal scale (0–12, 13–24, 25–36 and 37–60 months) and was modelled using a proportional odds model. ORs less than one indicated a shorter recall interval.

Results

Recall interval categories in the study population were 0–12 months (n = 4,569; 11%), 13–24 months (n = 23,732; 56%), 25–36 months (n = 12,049; 28%), and 37–60 months (n = 2,183; 5%). The results of statistical models clearly showed an association between the length of recall intervals and oral health indices. In all models, higher values of DMFT, DT and CPI indicated a shorter recall interval. The number of teeth were not so relevant. The association was not influenced when different combinations of other predictors (age, gender, socioeconomic status, chronic diseases) were included in the model. The severity of periodontitis predicted a short recall interval, for example, in the Model 1, CPI maximum value 4 was OR = 0.35 (95% confidence interval 0.31–0.40).

Conclusions

The oral health indices showed a clear association with the length of the IRI. Poor oral health reduced IRI. The indices provide information about the amount of oral health prevention required and are useful to health organisations.
Effects of elevated carbon dioxide on drought tolerance and post‐drought recovery involving rhizome growth in Kentucky bluegrass
Authors: Chapman Cathryn , Burgess Patrick , Huang Bingru
Published: August 2020

Drought tolerance and rapid post‐stress recovery are critical survival strategies for turfgrass management in areas with limited rainfall and irrigation. This study sought to determine whether elevated CO2 could improve drought tolerance in rhizomatous Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) by protecting rhizomes from stress damage and promote regrowth and regeneration of daughter plants from rhizomes upon rewatering. Plants (cv. ‘Baron’) were grown at elevated CO2 concentration (800 μl L−1) or ambient CO2 concentration (400 μl L−1) for 28 d and then exposed to well‐irrigated conditions (control) or drought stress by withholding irrigation for an additional 28 d, followed by rewatering in growth chambers. Elevated CO2–treated plants had significantly higher leaf relative water content, visual quality, and membrane stability during drought compared with ambient CO2–treated plants. Rhizome nodes of elevated CO2–treated plants maintained significantly higher viability and lower content of abscisic acid and auxin under drought stress. In response to rewatering, plants previously exposed to drought stress under elevated CO2 exhibited increased growth of new shoots measured as total shoot biomass and daughter‐plant biomass, and an increased number of rhizomes, as well as greater canopy density compared with plants at ambient CO2. This study suggested that elevated CO2 concentration was able to protect rhizomes from drought damage and reactivate rhizomes for regeneration of new plants when drought was relieved by irrigation.
Minimizing data access latency in data grids by neighborhood‐based data replication and job scheduling
Authors: Beigrezaei Mahsa , Toroghi Haghighat Abolfazl , Leili Mirtaheri Seyedeh
Published: August 2020

In Data Grid systems, quick data access is a challenging issue due to the high latency. The failure of requests is one of the most common matters in these systems that has an impact on performance and access delay. Job scheduling and data replication are two main techniques in reducing access latency. In this paper, we propose two new neighborhood‐based job scheduling strategies and a novel neighborhood‐based dynamic data replication algorithm (NDDR). The proposed algorithms reduce the access latency by considering a variety of practical parameters for decision making and the access delay by considering the failure probability of a node in job scheduling, replica selection, and replica placement. The proposed neighborhood concept in job scheduling includes all the nodes with low data transmission costs. Therefore, we can select the best computational node and reduce the search time by running a hierarchical and parallel search. NDDR reduces the access latency through selecting the best replica by performing a hierarchical search established based on the access time, storage queue workload, storage speed, and failure probability. NDDR improves the load balancing and data locality by selecting the best replication place considering the workload, temporal locality, geographical locality, and spatial locality. We evaluate our proposed algorithms by using Optorsim Simulator in two scenarios. The simulations confirm that the proposed algorithms improve the results compared with similar existing algorithms by 11%, 15%, 12%, and 10% in terms of mean job time, replication frequency, mean data access latency, and effective network usage, respectively.
Experimentelle und analytische Untersuchung des out‐of‐plane‐Verhaltens von unbewehrten Mauerwerkswänden unter Erdbebenbelastung
Authors: Lönhoff Moritz , Helm Lukas , Sadegh‐Azar Hamid
Published: August 2020

Mauerwerk muss neben dem vertikalen und horizontalen Abtrag von Lasten in der Ebene auch Lasten rechtwinklig zur Ebene (out‐of‐plane), z. B. infolge Erdbeben, standhalten. Das out‐of‐plane‐Verhalten von unbewehrten Mauerwerkswänden ist von einer Vielzahl an Einflussfaktoren abhängig und aufgrund der starken Nichtlinearität sehr komplex. Aktuelle Bemessungsverfahren in der deutschen Normung sind nicht explizit für das out‐of‐plane‐Verhalten entwickelt und enthalten zum Teil erhebliche Konservativitäten.

In diesem Beitrag werden Rütteltisch‐Versuche mit wärmedämmendem Ziegelmauerwerk zur Untersuchung des out‐of‐plane‐Verhaltens von einachsig spannenden unbewehrten Mauerwerkswänden vorgestellt. Wie in vorangegangenen numerischen Untersuchungen bereits gezeigt wurde, werden in vorhandenen Bemessungsansätzen und Modellen wesentliche Einflussfaktoren vernachlässigt und die Tragfähigkeit damit stark unterschätzt. In den dargestellten Versuchen werden diese numerischen Untersuchungen und deren Resultate experimentell verifiziert. Weiterhin wird die Entwicklung eines analytischen Ingenieurmodells zur Bestimmung der Kraftverformungsbeziehung und der out‐of‐plane‐Tragfähigkeit unter Berücksichtigung der maßgebenden Parameter vorgestellt.
Alnatura Campus – Neubau der Alnatura Arbeitswelt
Authors: Haas Martin , Mayer Lynn
Published: August 2020

Für den 55 000 m2 großen Alnatura Campus wurde das ehemalige Kasernengelände im Südwesten von Darmstadt umfassend renaturiert. Versiegelte Flächen wurden aufgebrochen und das anfallende Material in den Freiflächen verbaut.

Herzstück des Campus ist die Alnatura Arbeitswelt, eine lichte, offene Bürolandschaft für bis zu 500 Mitarbeiter. Mit einer Bruttogeschossfläche von 13 500 m2 ist es das europaweit größte Bürogebäude aus Lehm. Lehm reguliert das Raumklima auf natürliche Weise und wirkt sich positiv auf die Raumakustik aus. Lichte Räume, flexible Arbeitsplätze, ein Erdkanal, der das klimaneutrale Gebäude mit Frischluft aus dem angrenzenden Wald versorgt, eine Regenwasserzisterne sowie Fotovoltaik‐ und Geothermieanlagen erfüllen höchste ökologische Anforderungen.

Das gesamte Erdgeschoss funktioniert als Treffpunkt, als Raum für Kommunikation, der die unkomplizierte Begegnung von Besuchern und Mitarbeitern ermöglicht. Treppen, Brücken und Stege bieten Verbindungen zu und zwischen den geschwungenen Büroebenen und schaffen horizontale und vertikale Nachbarschaften. Der Alnatura Campus dient auch als Lern‐ und Begegnungsort für die Menschen der Region mit einem öffentlichen Restaurant im Erdgeschoss sowie öffentlichen Nutz‐ und Lehrgärten.

„Die Alnatura Arbeitswelt gibt Antworten, wie man Gebäude heute planen und bauen kann: einfach und ressourcenneutral”, sagt Martin Haas, Gründer und Partner von haascookzemmrich STUDIO2050. „Es gibt den Werten und den offenen Strukturen des Unternehmens Alnatura eine architektonische Entsprechung, die Identität stiftet und Menschen verbindet.”
Primordial germ cell‐specific expression of eGFP in transgenic chickens
Authors: Hagihara Yota , Okuzaki Yuya , Matsubayashi Kazuma , Kaneoka Hidenori , Suzuki Takayuki , Iijima Shinji , Nishijima Ken‐ichi
Published: August 2020

PR domain zinc finger protein 14 (PRDM14) plays an essential role in the development of primordial germ cells (PGCs) in mice. However, its functions in avian species remain unclear. In the present study, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to edit the PRDM14 locus in chickens in order to demonstrate its importance in development. The eGFP gene was introduced into the PRDM14 locus of cultured chicken PGCs to knockout PRDM14 and label PGCs. Chimeric chickens were established by a direct injection of eGFP knocked‐in (gene‐trapped) PGCs into the blood vessels of Hamburger–Hamilton stages (HH‐stages) 13–16 chicken embryos. Gene‐trapped chickens were established by crossing a chimeric chicken with a wild‐type hen with very high efficiency. Heterozygous gene‐trapped chickens grew normally and SSEA‐1‐positive cells expressed eGFP during HH‐stages 13–30. These results indicated the specific expression of eGFP within circulating PGCs and gonadal PGCs. At the blastodermal stage, the ratio of homozygous gene‐trapped embryos obtained by crossing heterozygous gene‐trapped roosters and hens was almost normal; however, all embryos died soon afterward, suggesting the important roles of PRDM14 in chicken early development.
Mechanism and Regioselectivity of Intramolecular [2+2] Cycloaddition of Ene–Ketenes: A DFT Study
Authors: Fan Xing , Zhang Pan , Wang Yi , Yu Zhi‐Xiang
Published: August 2020

Intramolecular [2+2] cycloaddition of ene–ketenes gives either fused‐ring (via normal [2+2] cycloaddition) or bridged‐ring (via cross‐[2+2] cycloaddition) cyclobutanones. For example, terminal ene–ketenes give the fused‐ring cycloadducts, whereas dimethyl‐substituted ene–ketenes furnish bridged‐ring cycloadducts. For monomethyl‐substituted ene–ketenes, both [2+2] cycloadducts are generated. However, there are no systematic theoretical studies on such regiochemistry in the literature. Herein, we report our DFT study on the mechanism and regioselectivity of these intramolecular [2+2] cycloadditions. DFT calculations reveal that both normal and cross‐[2+2] cycloadditions are concerted processes. The normal [2+2] cycloaddition transition state is forming an internal carbocation while the cross‐[2+2] cycloaddition transition state is generating an external carbocation (see Scheme 1 of the paper). On the basis of the relative stability of these carbocations, which is affected by both the tether and the substituent(s) on the alkene, a regiochemistry prediction model is proposed to understand and predict the reaction outcome.
A Novel Electrochemical Sensor Based on FeNi3/CuS/ BiOCl Modified Carbon Paste Electrode for Determination of Bisphenol A
Authors: Malakootian Mohammad , Hamzeh Sanaz , Mahmoudi‐Moghaddam Hadi
Published: August 2020

In this study, we used voltammetric method in order to examine the electrochemical behavior of BPA. Hence, we constructed a new electrochemical sensor to detect BPA on the basis of the modified carbon paste electrode using FeNi3/CuS/BiOCl as a novel nanocomposite. Results showed that when using optimized conditions, the new BPA sensor has a wide linear range between 0.1 μM and 300 μM, lower limit of detection of 0.05 μM, and good reproducibility and stability. Based on the findings, it could be concluded that our sensor can be substantially utilized for detecting BPA in the food samples with reasonable outputs.
miRNA‐216 knockdown has effects to suppress osteosarcoma via stimulating PTEN
Authors: Jiang Ping , Yang Xin , Li Yuanli , Chen Juan
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study is to explain the effects and mechanism of miRNA‐216 in osteosarcoma. We firstly evaluated the PTEN expression in 30 pairs of tumor and adjacent tissues which were from the 30 osteosarcoma patients. In the following cell experiments, we measured the cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell invasion, and migration abilities of NC (normal control) group, BL (blank) group, siRNA (miRNA‐216 inhibitor) group, and siRNA+PTEN inhibitor group. Furthermore, we measured the relative protein expression of difference groups by WB to explain the mechanism of miRNA‐216 in osteosarcoma. The PTEN was confirmed the target gene of miRNA‐216 by double luciferase target test. In conclusion, miRNA‐216 was an oncogene in osteosarcoma. miRNA‐216 knockdown had effects to suppress cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration and improve cell apoptosis by keeping in G1 phase via PTEN.
PBI‐type Polymers and Acidic Proton Conducting Ionic Liquids – Conductivity and Molecular Interactions
Authors: Lin J. , Korte C.
Published: August 2020

Proton conducting ionic liquids (PILs) are discussed as new electrolytes for the use as non‐aqueous electrolytes at operation temperatures above 100 °C. During fuel cell operation the presence of significant amounts of residual water is unavoidable. The highly Brønsted‐acidic PIL 2‐Sulfoethylmethylammonum triflate [2‐Sema][TfO] is able to perform fast proton exchange processes with H2O, resulting from 1H‐NMR and pulsed field gradient (PFG)/diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) self‐diffusion measurements. Proton conduction takes place by a vehicle mechanism via PIL cations or H3O+, but also by a cooperative mechanism involving both species. Thus, highly Brønsted‐acidic PILs are promising candidates for the use as non‐aqueous electrolytes. To use [2‐Sema][TfO] as electrolyte in a proton electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) it has to be immobilized in a host polymer. There is a (slow) uptake of the PIL by polybenzimidazole (PBI) up to a weight increase of ∼130%, due to a swelling process. A protonation of the basic imidazole moieties takes place. NMR analysis was applied to elucidate the molecular interactions between PBI, PIL, and residual water. Proton exchange, respectively an interaction between the polar groups and water can be observed in spectra, indicating a network of H‐bonds in doped PBI. Therefore, highly acidic PILs are promising candidates for the use as non‐aqueous electrolytes.
Long‐term outcomes in patients with recurrent human papillomavirus‐positive oropharyngeal cancer after upfront transoral robotic surgery
Authors: Su William , Rajeev‐Kumar Greeshma , Kang Martin , Posner Marshall , Liu Jerry T. , Westra William , Miles Brett A. , Gupta Vishal , Sharma Sonam , Misiukiewicz Krzysztof , Genden Eric , Bakst Richard L.
Published: August 2020

Background

Clinical course following failure of human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive oropharyngeal cancers (HPV + OPC) is poorly understood. This study aims to characterize disease course following failure after transoral robotic surgery (TORS).

Methods

We identified patients with HPV + OPC‐treated upfront with TORS at our institution from 2007 to 2017. HPV status was confirmed with immunohistochemistry or HPV DNA polymerase chain reaction. Patient characteristics, treatment modalities, and post‐recurrence outcomes were analyzed for the recurrent cohort.

Results

Of the 317 HPV + OPC patients, 28 (8.8%) experienced recurrence, all of HPV 16/18 subtypes. Median post‐recurrence survival was 19.8 months (range 2.3‐195.8 months) in the 12 locoregional and 16 months (range 2.4‐79.5 months) in the 14 distant failures. Sixteen are alive with a median of 39.8 months (range 5.5‐209.4 months) after retreatment.

Conclusion

This is one of the largest series evaluating survival following TORS failure in HPV + OPC. Despite failure, long‐term survival and durable remission are possible with single‐modal or multiple‐modal salvage treatment.
Dynamic dependence and extreme risk comovement: The case of oil prices and exchange rates
Authors: Liu Bing‐Yue , Ji Qiang , Nguyen Duc Khuong , Fan Ying
Published: August 2020

This article aims at investigating the dynamic dependence and extreme risk comovement of oil price and exchange rates in seven oil‐importing and seven oil‐exporting countries. For this purpose, we use six representative time‐varying copula models and four kinds of tail dependences to assess the downside and upside conditional value‐at‐risk measures (CoVaRs). Our findings indicate that the dependence of crude oil returns and exchange rates is negative for most pairs, that is, the rise (fall) in oil prices was accompanied by the appreciation (depreciation) of foreign currency against the US dollar. The oil price–exchange rate dependences in oil exporters is slightly larger than in oil importers, even though the dependence is weak in general. More interestingly, we find strong evidence of significant risk comovement between crude oil returns and exchange rates through the analysis of lower–upper and upper–lower tail dependence as well as downside and upside CoVaRs. This comovement particularly showed asymmetric effects. Finally, we sum up some implications for investors, policymakers and exchange rate regulators from a holistic perspective of empirical findings.
The relationship between working capital management and corporate returns of cement industry of emerging market
Authors: Nwude E. Chuke , Allison Patricia Ukachi , Nwude Comfort Amaka
Published: August 2020

This study examines the influence of working capital cycles on financial performance of cement industry of Nigeria with a sample of all the listed cement companies in the Nigerian Stock Exchange for the period 2007 to 2018. Correlation and regression analysis were used tools of analysis. Financial performance was proxy by return on assets and return on equity. The study show that a shorter inventory conversion period, account payable period and a longer account collection period enhances the return on asset while a shorter inventory conversion, account collection and account payable periods enhances the return on equity.
Does lobbying of firms complement executive networks in determining executive compensation?
Authors: Nandy Monomita , Lodh Suman , Wang Jin , Kaur Jaskaran
Published: August 2020

In this paper we predict and find that the lobbying activities of firms can complement executive networks in determining executive compensation. Firms of all sizes, after considering market competition as a governance mechanism, prefer to consider lobbying as a means of networking along with executive level networking to determine executive compensation. The empirical implication of the study provides guidance to scholars who should consider lobbying along with executive networks in determining executive compensation. The composite theoretical underpinning and the importance of information flow through lobbying activities of firms will be an important insight for policy makers involved in determining executive compensation.
A pH‐responsive polymer linked with immunomodulatory drugs: synthesis, characteristics and in vitro biocompatibility
Authors: Li Zhaocheng , Gao Jiyuan , Xiang Zexing , Zhang Honglei , Wang Yibei , Zhang Xuefei
Published: August 2020

Cancer immunotherapy is a promising method for cancer therapy. Imiquimod (R837) is a molecule that could activate immune systems for cancer immunotherapy, but an easily manufactured biocompatible carrier to deliver R837 may be needed to overcome the disadvantages of R837. Micelles formed by biocompatible copolymers have been widely used to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs but not immunotherapeutic drugs. In this study, R837 was linked to an amphiphilic biodegradable copolymer mPEG‐b‐PLA via acid‐sensitive Schiff bases. The molecular structures were investigated by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The product could be self‐assembled into micelles with R837 content as high as 22.4%. Owing to acid‐cleavable Schiff bases, the release of R837 from micelles was markedly accelerated under acidic media. Consequently, the micelles linked with R837 stimulated the expression of major histocompatibility complex II‐stimulating molecules on the surface of RAW 264.7 macrophages at pH 6.5 but not pH 7.4. By using human umbilical vein endothelial cells as the in vitro model, it was shown that the polymer carriers and R837‐linked micelles were minimally cytotoxic and did not induce the activation of endothelial cells under physiological pH, which suggested the relatively high biocompatibility. In conclusion, this study successfully developed pH‐responsive immunotherapeutic drug‐loaded micelles that could activate macrophages at acidic pH in vitro. The high biocompatibility of the micelles to endothelial cells also indicated the potential uses under in vivo conditions.
Functions and applications of metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles in orthopedic implants and scaffolds
Authors: Wang Niyou , Fuh Jerry Ying Hsi , Dheen S Thameem , Senthil Kumar A
Published: August 2020

Bone defects and diseases are devastating, and can lead to severe functional deficits or even permanent disability. Nevertheless, orthopedic implants and scaffolds can facilitate the growth of incipient bone and help us to treat bone defects and diseases. Currently, a wide range of biomaterials with distinct biocompatibility, biodegradability, porosity, and mechanical strength is used in bone‐related research. However, most orthopedic implants and scaffolds have certain limitations and diverse complications, such as limited corrosion resistance, low cell proliferation, and bacterial adhesion. With recent advancements in materials science and nanotechnology, metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles have become the subject of significant interest as they offer an ample variety of options to resolve the existing problems in the orthopedic industry. More importantly, these nanoparticles possess unique physicochemical and mechanical properties not found in conventional materials, and can be incorporated into orthopedic implants and scaffolds to enhance their antimicrobial ability, bioactive molecular delivery, mechanical strength, osteointegration, and cell labeling and imaging. However, many metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles can also be toxic to nearby cells and tissues. This review article will discuss the applications and functions of metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles in orthopedic implants and bone tissue engineering.
Board tenure: A review
Authors: Sun Xuan Sean , Bhuiyan Md. Borhan Uddin
Published: August 2020

This article reviews the existing academic research on the determinants and consequences of board tenure. Primarily, this article focuses specifically on international empirical studies. We find that different corporate governance characteristics determine board tenure. In addition, our review summarizes the influence of board tenure on corporate outcomes, such as accounting performance, financial reporting quality, and business strategy. This review contributes to an understanding of the implications, benefits, and limitations of board tenure. In the absence of any specific guidelines on current corporate governance best practice codes in different jurisdictions, this article would benefit regulators and professionals wishing to understand the importance and consequences of board tenure. We also suggest future research needed to fill the gaps in the existing board tenure literature.