bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dividends behaviour of the Jordanian companies listed in Amman Stock Exchange: Three essays
Authors: Alrabadi Dima W. H. , Al‐Hallaq Said S. , Abu‐Alkhair Abdullah S.
Published: August 2020

This study investigates the dividend behaviour of the Jordanian companies listed in Amman Stock Exchange. In specific, it examines whether dividends policy differs according to firm size, whether it differs for diverse sectors and whether it is stable over time. The sample of the study consists of 90 Jordanian companies listed in Amman Stock Exchange (ASE), 30 companies from each sector: financial, services and industrial, with 990 observations of dividends per share (DPS), earnings per share (EPS) and market capitalization (MC) over the period (2006–2016).

The study uses non‐parametric tests in addition to regression analysis. Results show that there are statistically significant differences between DPS in the three sectors (financial, industrial and services). Statistically significant differences in DPS between different sized companies in the three sectors (financial, industrial and services) in ASE are also found. The dividends are stable over time.
Social engagement, self‐efficacy, and posttraumatic stress symptoms across 6 months of psychotherapy
Authors: Shoji Kotaro , Smith Andrew J. , Sano Riko , Samuelson Kristin W. , Benight Charles C.
Published: August 2020

Objective

The current study was conducted in a naturalistic treatment setting to examine whether and how perceptions about social engagement, trauma coping self‐efficacy, and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTS) influence one another across 6 months of psychotherapy for trauma survivors.

Method

The sample included 183 clients who reported exposure to traumatic events and significant PTS (PCL‐5 ≥ 33). Participants (Mage = 37.8, 53.6% female) completed surveys at intake, 3 months, and 6 months into treatment. A cross‐lagged panel analysis was used to test the relationships among perceived social engagement, coping self‐efficacy, and PTS across three assessment points.

Results

PTS at 3‐months was a mediator in the relationship between intake perceived social engagement and 6‐month coping self‐efficacy and between intake perceived social engagement and 6‐month perceived social engagement.

Conclusions

PTS several months into treatment may serve as a mechanism between intake perceived social engagement and functional outcomes such as coping self‐efficacy.
Designing a biocatalytic process involving deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Panić Manuela , Cvjetko Bubalo Marina , Radojčić Redovniković Ivana
Published: August 2020

During the last decade, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional organic solvents, from both environmental and technological perspectives. The number of structural combinations encompassed by DESs is tremendous; thus, it is possible to design an optimal DES for each specific enzymatic reaction system. In (bio)catalytic processes, a DES can serve as solvent/co‐solvent, as an extractive reagent for an enzymatic product, and as a pretreatment solvent of enzymatic biomass. To date, hydrolases are the most studied enzymes in DESs, which is not surprising given that lipases are the most important industrial enzymes. At the same time, there are a limited number of papers dealing with synthetic reactions in DESs involving other hydrolytic enzymes (epoxide hydrolases, phospholipase, proteases and haloalkane dehalogenases), lyases, and dehydrogenases (as a part of the whole Saccharomyces cerevisae and Escherichia coli cell biocatalysis). When designing efficient biocatalytic processes involving DESs, independent of the reaction type and enzyme used, the following steps should be included: (i) preparation and characterisation of the DES, (ii) screening of the DES for optimal enzyme performance, (iii) selection and optimisation of the biocatalytic protocol, and (iv) recovery of the product/DES and DES recycling with possible scale‐up. In this paper, we will present some practical aspects that we experienced while working with these solvents, together with some major observations that are available in the literature. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Design, synthesis, and bioactivities of novel pyridazinone derivatives containing 2‐phenylthiazole or oxazole skeletons
Authors: Dang Mingming , Liu Minhua , Huang Lu , Ou Xiaoming , Long Chuyun , Liu Xingping , Ren Yeguo , Zhang Ping , Huang Mingzhi , Liu Aiping
Published: August 2020

A series of novel pyridazinone derivatives were designed and synthesized by replacing 4‐(tert‐butyl)phenyl moiety of pyridaben with 2‐phenylthiazole or oxazole fragments via activity substructure connecting approach. The structures of all target compounds were characterized through NMR, MS, and elemental analysis. Bioassay results exhibit that most compounds showed potent bioactivities against Aphis fabae, Tetranychus urticae, Erysiphe graminis, and/or Puccinia polysora. Among the newly synthesized compounds, 2‐(tert‐butyl)‐4‐chloro‐5‐(((2‐phenylthiazol‐4‐yl)methyl)thio)pyridazin‐3(2H)‐one (12b) displays remarkable insecticidal activity against A fabae. Its LC50 value (2.73 mg/L) is better than that of pyridaben (5.46 mg/L), although inferior to that of imidacloprid (0.51 mg/L). In addition to its extraordinary insecticidal activity, compound 12b also exerts 96.9% fungicidal activities against P polysora at 500 mg/L in vivo, significantly superior to that of pyridaben (50.0%), while slightly lower than that of tebuconazole (100%). This article discusses the synthesis, bioassay results, and structure‐activity relationship of this series of novel pyridazinone derivatives.
Mannose phosphate isomerase deficiency‐congenital disorder of glycosylation (MPI‐CDG) with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis as first and only presenting symptom: A rare but treatable cause of thrombophilia
Authors: Mühlhausen Chris , Henneke Lisa , Schlotawa Lars , Behme Daniel , Grüneberg Marianne , Gärtner Jutta , Marquardt Thorsten
Published: August 2020

Mannose phosphate isomerase deficiency‐congenital disorder of glycosylation (MPI‐CDG; formerly named CDG type 1b) is characterized by the clinical triad of hepatopathy, protein‐losing enteropathy, and hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in combination with coagulation disorder (thrombophilia, depletion of antithrombin, proteins C and S, factor XI). In the majority of patients, MPI‐CDG manifests during early infancy or childhood. Here, we present a 15‐year‐old female patient with unremarkable medical history suffering from acute cerebral venous sinus thrombosis necessitating interventional thrombectomy and neurosurgical decompression. Diagnostic work‐up of thrombophilia revealed deficiency of antithrombin (AT), proteins C and S, and factor XI. Detailed evaluation identified MPI‐CDG as the underlying cause of disease. After initiation of mannose therapy, coagulation parameters normalized. The girl fully recovered without any neurologic sequelae, and remains free of further thrombotic events or any other clinical and laboratory abnormalities on follow‐up 1 year after start of mannose treatment. In conclusion, we here present the significant case of MPI‐CDG with a severe cerebral venous sinus thrombosis as the first and only symptom of the disease. In light of the high frequency of AT deficiency on one hand, and the excellent treatability of MPI‐CDG on the other hand, CDG screening should be included as a routine analysis in all patients presenting with unexplained coagulation disorder, especially when comprising AT deficiency.
Multiexponential Analysis of the Water T2‐Relaxation in the Skeletal Muscle Provides Distinct Markers of Disease Activity Between Inflammatory and Dystrophic Myopathies
Authors: Araujo Ericky C. A. , Marty Benjamin , Carlier Pierre G. , Baudin Pierre‐Yves , Reyngoudt Harmen
Published: August 2020

Background

The monoexponential water T2 (T2‐mono) is a proven biomarker of disease activity in neuromuscular disorders (NMDs). However, it lacks specificity, being elevated in the presence of several pathological processes and pathomorphological alterations in the muscle tissue.

Purpose

To investigate the multiexponential behavior of the water T2‐relaxation in the skeletal muscle of NMD patients, aiming to identify more sensitive and specific biomarkers of disease activity.

Study Type

Retrospective case–control.

Population

Thirty Duchenne muscular dystrophy and 114 inclusion body myositis patients and 55 control subjects.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T/Single‐voxel proton spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) and multispin‐echo (MSE) imaging.

Assessment

Water T2‐decay curves generated from 1H‐MRS data acquired at 14 echo‐times were fitted to mono‐ and biexponential models and the adjusted R2 of each fit was computed. Additionally, T2 spectra were generated from a regularized inverse Laplace transform. For comparison, water T2 maps were generated from the MSE data. The performances of the different variables at identifying patients were assessed via receiver operating characteristic (ROC)‐curve analysis.

Statistical Tests

Chi‐square, Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann–Whitney with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons.

Results

T2‐mono was elevated in patients (P<0.05), but could not distinguish inclusion body myositis (IBM) from Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). While 79% of IBM data presented a biexponential behavior, this was only 16% and 10% for DMD and control data, respectively (P<0.05). All T2 spectra presented an intermediate‐T2 peak characterized by an elevated T2 in patients (P<0.05) and by a relative fraction that was abnormally smaller in IBM patients (P<0.05). Also, a long‐T2 peak was exclusively observed in IBM patients. A combination of T2‐spectrum variables performed best at identifying patients.

Data Conclusion

T2 spectra not only provided more sensitive and specific markers of disease presence than the T2‐mono, but also allowed distinguishing IBM from DMD patients. This must reflect distinct predominant pathological alterations between these diseases, suggesting that these markers provide additional pathophysiological/histopathological information that are missing from T2‐mono.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Dynamics of meteorological time series on the base of ground measurements and retrospective data from MERRA‐2 for Poland
Authors: Gos Magdalena , Baranowski Piotr , Krzyszczak Jaromir , Kieliszek Adam , Siwek Krzysztof
Published: August 2020

A comparison study has been performed to assess the dynamics of meteorological processes in Poland on the basis of meteorological time series of air pressure, air temperature and wind speed coming from 35 synoptic stations belonging to the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management—National Research Institute (IMGW‐PIB) and from the nearest grid points of the Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA‐2) produced at NASA's Global Modelling and Assimilation Office from January 1, 2007 to October 31, 2016. Apart from comparative statistics, the differences in the multifractal properties of the time series were evaluated with the use of MultiFractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MFDFA), both for hourly and daily data, showing a high degree of similarity between the MERRA‐2 and IMGW‐PIB series. For the air pressure and air temperature, not only were high determination coefficients (close to .99) between the time series coming from the two sources noticed, but there were also similarities with the MFDFA parameters. Lower correlations between the time series of the wind speed obtained from the two studied databases were observed, which was related to differences in the data structure and methodology of the measurements for specific IMGW‐PIB stations. Additionally, to verify data similarities coming from the IMGW‐PIB and MERRA‐2 databases, the correlations between specific multifractal parameters and the orography were estimated and compared. For the air pressure and temperature, a remarkably high correlation was found between the multifractal parameter α0 and the height above sea level of the measurement site. An analysis of the source of multifractality was performed, indicating that, for all studied meteorological elements and both data sources, the long‐range correlations prevail.
The “sufficient cause” model framework applied to the periodontitis‐systemic diseases link
Authors: Akinkugbe Aderonke A. , Papapanou Panos N.
Published: August 2020

The premise for the oral‐systemic diseases relationship dates to the early 20th century with the introduction of the focal infection theory that posited that oral disease affects overall health and wellbeing. While the biological plausibility for the link has been supported by experimental animal models and observational studies in humans, findings from interventional studies in which periodontal therapy failed to alleviate systemic health outcomes have often been interpreted as evidence against periodontitis contribution to the etiology of systemic health conditions. One concept of causation assumes a one‐to‐one correspondence between cause and effect. Nevertheless, common chronic diseases to which periodontitis is associated have multifactorial etiologies. This commentary provides an overview of Rothman's “sufficient cause” model as a framework for consideration of the oral‐systemic diseases link.
Topical phenytoin effects on palatal wound healing
Authors: Doshi Anuja , McAuley James W. , Tatakis Dimitris N.
Published: August 2020

Background

The clinical benefits of autogenous soft tissue grafts are countered by donor site morbidity. The aim of this prospective split‐mouth clinical trial is to assess clinical, histological and patient outcomes following topical phenytoin (PHT) treatment of experimental palatal wounds.

Methods

Systemically healthy adults were recruited. One 6 mm diameter wound (posterior) and one 4 mm diameter wound (anterior), each 1‐1.5 mm deep, were created on both sides of the palate. Wounds on one randomly chosen side received 10% phenytoin USP and contralateral wounds received carrier alone. Biopsies were harvested from anterior wounds (Day 1 or Day 5) and were routinely processed for histology. Posterior wounds were left undisturbed to clinically evaluate healing (using photographs and Healing Score Index) on Days 1, 5, 14, and 21. Questionnaires were used to assess patient‐centered outcomes. Data analysis was performed using generalized logistic and generalized linear mixed models.

Results

Twenty participants completed all visits. 30% of participants reported more pain on control side than the PHT side at Day 1 (P = 0.014). PHT treated sites were more likely to not exhibit swelling (OR = 9.35; P = 0.009) and to not experience pain on palpation (OR = 6.278; P = 0.007). PHT significantly and time‐dependently affected granulation tissue appearance (P = 0.004). Histologically, there were no significant differences between control and PHT, at any time point (P ≥ 0.853).

Conclusions

The results of the present study, the first one to report on topical PHT as palatal wound treatment, suggest that PHT application on palatal wounds could result in improved healing outcomes.
Chinese girlfriend getaway tourism in Buddhist destinations: Towards the construction of a gendered spirituality dimension
Authors: Zhang Yang , Shi Kai‐Xin , Lee Timothy J.
Published: August 2020

This study identifies the multidimensional scale of spiritual tourism among Chinese girlfriend getaway (GGA) tourists. The 379 questionnaires were distributed using convenience sampling at Wutai Mountain, one of the most important Buddhist sites in China. Through factor analysis and structural modeling, a six‐factor model that includes escapism, leisureliness, happiness, personal enrichment, nothingness, and sense of connection (27 items) is developed and validated. Using Buddhist destinations, the study discusses GGA tourism from the spiritual point of view and reveals the significance of this experience. Implications and limitations for theory and practice as well as directions for future research are discussed.
Hexyl gallate for the control of citrus canker caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp citri
Authors: Cavalca Lúcia B. , Zamuner Caio F. C. , Saldanha Luiz L. , Polaquini Carlos R. , Regasini Luis O. , Behlau Franklin , Ferreira Henrique
Published: August 2020

Brazil is the biggest producer of sweet oranges and the main exporter of concentrated orange juice in the world. Among the diseases that affect citriculture, Asiatic citrus canker, caused by the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas citri, represents one of the most significant threats. The current Brazilian legislation regulating the control of citrus canker no longer requires the eradication of affected trees in states where the incidence of the disease is high. Instead, control involves disease control measures, including periodic preventative spraying of copper compounds. The long‐term use of copper for plant disease control has raised concerns about environmental accumulation and toxicity, as well as the selective pressure it exerts leading to the emergence of copper‐resistant X. citri strains. Here, we evaluated hexyl gallate (G6) as an alternative to copper compounds for citrus plant protection. G6 was able to protect citrus nursery trees against X. citri infection. Thirty days after inoculation, the trees treated with G6 developed 0.5 lesions/cm2 leaf area compared with the 2.84 lesions/cm2 observed in the untreated control trees. Also, G6 did not interfere with germination and root development of tomato, lettuce, and arugula, which is consistent with our previous data showing that G6 is safe for tissue culture cell lines. Membrane permeability tests showed that the primary target of G6 is the bacterial outer membrane. Finally, we could not isolate spontaneous X. citri mutants resistant to G6 nor induce resistance to G6 after long‐term exposures to increasing concentrations of the compound, which suggests that G6 may have multiple cellular targets. This study demonstrated that G6 is a promising candidate for the development and use in citrus canker management.
On the basic reproduction number in continuously structured populations
Authors: Barril Carles , Calsina Àngel , Cuadrado Sílvia , Ripoll Jordi
Published: August 2020

In the framework of population dynamics, the basic reproduction number
is, by definition, the expected number of offspring that an individual has during its lifetime. In constant and time periodic environments, it is calculated as the spectral radius of the so‐called next‐generation operator. In continuously structured populations defined in a Banach lattice X with concentrated states at birth, one cannot define the next‐generation operator in X. In the present paper, we present an approach to compute the basic reproduction number of such models as the limit of the basic reproduction number of a sequence of models for which
can be computed as the spectral radius of the next‐generation operator. We apply these results to some examples: the (classical) size‐dependent model, a size‐structured cell population model, a size‐structured model with diffusion in structure space (under some particular assumptions), and a (physiological) age‐structured model with diffusion in structure space.
Controlled release of the insect repellent picaridin from electrospun nylon‐6,6 nanofibers
Authors: Ryan Justin J. , Casalini Riccardo , Orlicki Joshua A. , Lundin Jeffrey G.
Published: August 2020

Conventional insect repellent treatments for fibers, fabrics, and garments suffer from limited durability to repeated laundering and, depending on the insecticide, potential irritation, or toxicity. In this work, electrospinning was employed to control the composition of hierarchically structured functional microscale to nanoscale fibers for tunable insect repellent release by physically incorporating picaridin into nylon‐6,6 nanofibers. The size and morphology of nylon fibers were unaffected by picaridin incorporation, even at loading concentrations up to 50 wt%. Picaridin release kinetics were largely dependent on loading concentration and temperature, as picaridin‐nylon intermolecular interactions were minimal affording diffusion based release. Coaxial nanofibers, in which the sheath component has potential to protect additives in the core for more durable fabrics and act as a diffusion barrier for extended release applications, were also developed and demonstrated altered release kinetics compared to monofilament analogues, indicating the capability to further tune release behavior.
Aneurysmal bone cyst inadvertently treated with chemotherapy—A series of three cases
Authors: Deventer Niklas , Deventer Nils , Gosheger Georg , Budny Tymoteusz , de Vaal Marieke , Riegel Arne , Heitkoetter Birthe , Kessler Torsten , Poeppelmann Monika , Rossig Claudia , Juergens Heribert , Luebben Timo
Published: August 2020

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign locally aggressive tumor that occurs in childhood and early adulthood. Most relevant differential diagnoses are the telangiectatic osteosarcoma and the giant cell tumor. In the present case series chemotherapy following the EURAMOS or the Euro‐Ewing 99 protocol was externally applied in three patients with the misdiagnosis of ABC as malignant bone tumor. In all three cases, a significant reduction of the volume of the ABC was achieved. This is the first report about the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in ABC. Chemotherapy reduces the size of an ABC and leads to progressive sclerosis.
Investigation of surface‐pegylated nanocellulose as reinforcing agent on PBAT biodegradable nanocomposites
Authors: de Souza Alana Gabrieli , de Lima Giovanni Floriano , Rangari Vijaya Kumar , dos Santos Rosa Derval
Published: August 2020

In the present work, nanocellulose (NC) has been surface‐pegylated and further employed as reinforcement in poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) through the melting process. The nanocomposites showed a significant stiffness increase, especially the 2% pegylated‐NC, due to the good interaction between the modified NC and the matrix. Also the pegylation improved the filler‐PBAT adhesion, which resulted in higher thermal stability and low crystallinity. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the strong interaction between the 2% pegylated‐NC, morphological analysis confirmed the filler adhesion. The water absorption indicated that the pegylated‐NC has a low tendency to absorb water, which improves its applicability, for example, as a packaging material. This unique study is of great value for the future design of pegylated‐NC biodegradable nanocomposites with tailored properties.
The quality of wild Salvia miltiorrhiza from Dao Di area in China and its correlation with soil parameters and climate factors
Authors: Liang Hongyan , Kong Yuhua , Chen Wei , Wang Xiaoguo , Jia Zhenfang , Dai Yuhua , Yang Xitian
Published: August 2020

Introduction

Salvia miltiorrhiza is a frequently used herb in traditional Chinese medicine, and tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) and salvianolic acid B (Sal Acid B) are two major extracts obtained from its dried root. The quality of herbal ingredients can be affected by environmental factors.

Objective

To evaluate the quality of wild S. miltiorrhiza and investigate the influence of soil constituents and parameters as well as climatic conditions and factors on the content of Tan IIA and Sal Acid B.

Methodology

We collected samples in 12 natural locations in the Dao Di area in China, the area in which S. miltiorrhiza grows, that results in a distinctive higher quality of medicinal materials from the harvested plant. The concentrations of Tan IIA and Sal Acid B were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Soil total carbon, total nitrogen, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, and particle size distribution were determined. We also collected climate data using ArcGIS from the WorldClim database, and correlation tests, redundancy, and regression analyses were conducted to analyse the relationship and cluster the samples according to their chemical profile.

Results

The content of Tan IIA and Sal Acid B in most of the samples was significantly different (P < 0.05). Soil available phosphorus was considered as a key factor that influenced the quality of wild S. miltiorrhiza, and we found a significant negative association between the concentration of Tan IIA in roots and soil available phosphorus. Moreover, the accumulation of Tan IIA in S. miltiorrhiza was also significantly associated with precipitation in April, May, and October, maximum temperature in January, and standard deviation of temperature seasonality. There was no significant correlation between the content of Sal Acid B and ecological factors. In addition, samples collected from Mengshan, Hexian, and Lushi locations were rich in Tan IIA and tended to cluster together, whereas samples collected from Longquan and Huoshan locations tended to cluster and were poor in Tan IIA.

Conclusion

The Tan IIA content in samples collected from southern Anhui was significantly lower than that in other Dao Di locations. The content of Tan IIA was related more to the soil than the temperature. Compared with Tan IIA, Sal Acid B was less influenced by soil and climate factors. The findings of this study may provide helpful references for quality control of medicinal plants that exert pharmacological effects in humans.
Ultrastable and Versatile Layer‐by‐Layer Coating Based on Kinetically Trapped Host–Guest Complexation for Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Libai , Lan Shang , Ma Da
Published: August 2020

A highly stable, versatile, and stimuli‐responsive layer‐by‐layer coating is constructed for mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) using kinetically trapped host–guest complexation. The ultraslow dissociation kinetics of host–guest complexation ascertains the stability of supramolecular polymeric coating under the complex physiological condition of blood serum. The coating serves as the gatekeeper for nanovalve with zero premature release and the substrate for surface modification with polyethylene glycol or fluorescent dye via host–guest interaction. Under redox stimuli (glutathione), the nanovalve is opened to release the cargo (doxorubicin). The release rate is tunable depending on coating thickness. Polymer coated MSNs are used for the encapsulation and controlled release of doxorubicin in vitro.
A hemi‐spleen injection model of liver metastasis for prostate cancer
Authors: Simons Brian W. , Dalrymple Susan , Rosen Marc , Zheng Lei , Brennen W. Nathaniel
Published: August 2020

Background

Liver metastasis is not uncommon in men with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), estimated at ~20% to 60% of advanced late‐stage patients. Liver and other visceral metastases are associated with worse overall survival. Recent evidence suggests the frequency of visceral metastases may be increasing for reasons that are unclear but may be related to selective pressures induced by modern therapies, including second‐generation antiandrogen receptor signaling inhibitors such as enzalutamide and abiraterone. Consequently, robust models to study the pathobiology of prostate cancer liver metastases and their response to therapy are urgently needed.

Methods

Hemi‐spleen injection of human (LN95, PC3, VCaP, and MDA‐PCa‐2b) or syngeneic (Myc‐CaP) prostate cancer cells (1 × 106) was performed to seed liver metastases via the splenic vessels. Plasma levels of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) were monitored longitudinally in human androgen receptor‐positive (AR+) models. Immunohistochemical staining of AR and HoxB13 was performed to document the prostatic origin of hepatic lesions.

Results

LN95, PC3, and Myc‐CaP produced distinct liver micrometastases that progressed to macrometastases by ~2 to 4 weeks postinoculation, while inoculation of MDA‐PCa‐2b and VCaP only produced occasional micrometastases and seeding of individual cells adjacent to blood vessels, respectively, at the time points analyzed. All lesions are characterized by positive staining for nuclear AR and/or the prostate‐specific differentiation marker HoxB13 depending on the model. Circulating PSA levels are strongly correlated with overall tumor burden in mice seeded with LN95. Histologic micrometastases and low levels of circulating PSA are detected in mice seeded with MDA‐PCa‐2b at ~60 days postinoculation, but no circulating PSA was detected in animals inoculated with VCaP up to ~75 days despite the presence of rare AR+ cells in the liver.

Conclusion

The studies reported herein establish intrasplenic injection as a robust model of mCRPC liver metastasis. In addition, circulating PSA was validated as a noninvasive biomarker to longitudinally monitor overall tumor burden when using PSA+ models. Therefore, this model can be used to interrogate the pathophysiology of prostate cancer liver metastases, the microenvironmental factors permissive to such growth, immunologic variables, and the response of hepatic lesions to therapy.
Schisandra chinensis ameliorates depressive‐like behaviors by regulating microbiota‐gut‐brain axis via its anti‐inflammation activity
Authors: Yan Tingxu , Wang Nizhi , Liu Bing , Wu Bo , Xiao Feng , He Bosai , Jia Ying
Published: August 2020

The present study aimed to examine the antidepressant actions of the composition fractions of Schisandra chinensis using LPS‐induced mice. Animals were treated with total extracts (SCE), lignans (SCL), polysaccharides (SCPS), and essential oil (SCVO), and then subjected to behavioral tests. The forced swimming test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) were used as predictive animal models of antidepressant activity. Total extracts and lignans significantly decreased the duration of immobility in FST and TST. We found that treatment with SCE and SCL could significantly decrease the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines both in the periphery and central nervous system (CNS). This was confirmed by the histopathological examination of the colon. The RT‐PCR results demonstrated that SCE and SCL could greatly inhibit the TLR4/NF‐κB/IKKα signaling pathway. In addition, the concentrations of Butyric acid and Propionic acid were upregulated by the administration, and the decreased diversity of intestinal microbiota and alterations of the relative proportions of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes phylum members, Barnesiella and Lactobacillus genus members in LPS‐induced mice were restored as well. All results suggested that lignans is the effective fraction of S.chinensis to ameliorating depressive disorders, which its anti‐inflammation activity possibly involved in the bidirectional connection between gut microbiota and brain.
Totally minimally invasive radical gastrectomy with the da Vinci Xi® robotic system versus straight laparoscopy for gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Aktas Aydin , Aytac Erman , Bas Mustafa , Gunes Orgun , Tarcan Serim Hande , Esen Eren , Gokler Cihan , Aghayeva Afag , Uylas Ufuk , Ozben Volkan , Zengin Akile , Sumer Fatih , Baca Bilgi , Hamzaoglu Ismail , Kayaalp Cuneyt , Karahasanoglu Tayfun
Published: August 2020

Background

Data regarding the outcomes of pure minimally invasive techniques of radical gastrectomy are scarce. We aimed to compare short‐term post‐operative outcomes in patients undergoing totally minimally invasive radical gastrectomy with the da Vinci Xi® robotic system versus straight laparoscopy for gastric adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Between December 2013 and March 2018, robotic and laparoscopic radical gastrectomy performed in two centres were included. Both groups were compared with respect to perioperative short‐term outcomes.

Results

Ninety‐four patients were included in the study. Anticoagulant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy use were higher in the robotic group (p = 0.02, p = 0.02). There were conversions in the laparoscopy group whereas no conversions occurred in the robotic group (p = 0.052). Operating time in the robotic group was longer (p = 0.001). The number of harvested lymph nodes in the laparoscopic group was higher (p = 0.047).

Conclusion

Totally robotic technique with the da Vinci Xi® robotic system provides similar short‐term results compared to laparoscopic surgery in radical gastrectomy.
Resilient consensus‐based distributed optimization under deception attacks
Authors: Fu Weiming , Ma Qichao , Qin Jiahu , Kang Yu
Published: August 2020

This article considers distributed optimization problems of complex cyber‐physical networks, whose goal is to minimize a global function consisting of a sum of local functions possessed by each node, when the communication network is suffering L‐local deception attacks. After showing that merely 1‐local deception attacks can arbitrarily affect the outcome of any distributed optimization algorithms without being detected, we propose a resilient consensus‐based distributed optimization algorithm, where the estimation for the optimizer of each node is updated according to its subgradient and its partial neighbors' estimation. Then, we provide the conditions for the proposed algorithm to ensure that all the nodes can make an agreement and converge to the convex hull of the local optimizer of their functions in the presence of L‐local deception attacks. Finally, some simulation examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Less efficient residue‐derived soil organic carbon formation under no‐till irrigated corn
Authors: Leichty Sarah , Cotrufo M. Francesca , Stewart Catherine E.
Published: August 2020

Soil organic carbon (SOC) stores a large portion of terrestrial C, yet the mechanisms that affect its formation efficiency under different residue management in irrigated systems are still not well understood. No‐till (NT) increases SOC concentrations in topsoil compared with conventional tillage (CT) but there is uncertainty surrounding the stability of these gains in irrigated systems. We investigated the effect of NT and CT residue management on CO2 loss and SOC formation by applying isotopically (13C) labeled residues on the surface or incorporated in the mineral soil of disturbed (i.e., CT) or undisturbed (i.e., NT) soil in a semiarid, NT, sprinkler‐irrigated, continuous corn (Zea mays L.) field. We measured residue‐derived C in CO2, bulk soil, dissolved organic C, particulate organic matter (POM), and silt‐ and clay‐sized mineral‐associated organic matter (MAOM) fractions. Twelve months after residue addition, soils with surface‐applied residue produced 19% more CO2 and formed 41% less SOC than residue‐incorporated soils. Across all treatments, 62% of residue‐derived C was recovered in POM, and 38% in the MAOM fractions. Residue‐derived bulk soil C formation was more efficient when the residue was incorporated (0.60) rather than surface‐applied (0.42), suggesting that mixing and burial of residue within the soil matrix is a key pathway of SOC formation. During the growing season, surface residue under NT management in irrigated systems is particularly vulnerable to decomposition and will require additional conservation strategies to generate long‐term C sequestration.
A lifestyle intervention randomized controlled trial in obese women with infertility improved body composition among those who experienced childhood adversity
Authors: van Dammen Lotte , Bush Nicole R. , de Rooij Susanne , Mol Ben Willem , Mutsaerts Meike , van Oers Anne , Groen Henk , Hoek Annemieke , Roseboom Tessa
Published: August 2020

Previous research indicates that tailoring lifestyle interventions to participant characteristics optimizes intervention effectiveness. Our objective was to assess whether the effects of a preconception lifestyle intervention in obese infertile women depended on women's exposure to adversity in childhood. A follow‐up of a preconception lifestyle intervention randomized controlled trial (the LIFEstyle study) was conducted in the Netherlands among 577 infertile women (age 18–39 years) with a body mass index (BMI) ≥29 kg/m2 at time of randomization; N = 110 (19%) consented to the follow‐up assessment, 6 years later. A 6‐month preconception lifestyle intervention aimed weight loss through improving diet and increasing physical activity. The control group received care as usual. Outcome measures included weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference, body fat percentage, blood pressure and metabolic syndrome. The potential moderator, childhood adversity, was assessed with the Life Events Checklist‐5 questionnaire. Among the 110 women in our follow‐up study, n = 65 (59%) reported no childhood adverse events, n = 28 (25.5%) reported 1 type of childhood adverse events and n = 17 (15.5%) reported ≥2 types of childhood adverse events. Regression models showed significant interactions between childhood adversity and effects of lifestyle intervention at the 6‐year follow‐up. Among women who experienced childhood adversity, the intervention significantly reduced weight (−10.0 [95% CI −18.5 to −1.5] kg, p = 0.02), BMI (−3.2 [−6.1 to −0.2] kg/m2, p = 0.04) and body fat percentage (−4.5 [95% CI −7.2 to −1.9] p < 0.01). Among women without childhood adversity, the intervention did not affect these outcomes (2.7 [−3.9 to 9.4] kg, p = 0.42), (0.9 [−1.4 to 3.3] kg/m2, p = 0.42) and (1.7 [95% CI −0.3 to 3.7] p = 0.10), respectively. Having a history of childhood adversity modified the effect of a preconception lifestyle intervention on women's body composition. If replicated, it may be important to consider childhood adversity as a determinant of lifestyle intervention effectiveness.
Synergistic Coupling of Ni Nanoparticles with Ni3C Nanosheets for Highly Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Pengyan , Qin Rui , Ji Pengxia , Pu Zonghua , Zhu Jiawei , Lin Can , Zhao Yufeng , Tang Haolin , Li Wenqiang , Mu Shichun
Published: August 2020

Exploring earth‐abundant bifunctional electrocatalysts with high efficiency for water electrolysis is extremely demanding and challenging. Herein, density functional theory (DFT) predictions reveal that coupling Ni with Ni3C can not only facilitate the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics, but also optimize the hydrogen adsorption and water adsorption energies. Experimentally, a facile strategy is designed to in situ fabricate Ni3C nanosheets on carbon cloth (CC), and simultaneously couple with Ni nanoparticles, resulting in the formation of an integrated heterostructure catalyst (Ni–Ni3C/CC). Benefiting from the superior intrinsic activity as well as the abundant active sites, the Ni–Ni3C/CC electrode demonstrates excellent bifunctional electrocatalytic activities toward the OER and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which are superior to all the documented Ni3C‐based electrocatalysts in alkaline electrolytes. Specifically, the Ni–Ni3C/CC catalyst exhibits the low overpotentials of only 299 mV at the current density of 20 mA cm−2 for the OER and 98 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for the HER in 1 m KOH. Furthermore, the bifunctional Ni–Ni3C/CC catalyst can propel water electrolysis with excellent activity and nearly 100% faradic efficiency. This work highlights an easy approach for designing and constructing advanced nickel carbide‐based catalysts with high activity based on the theoretical predictions.
A Novel Concept of Hybrid Treatment for High‐Hardenability Steels: Concomitant Hardening and Paraequilibrium Thermochemical Treatment to Produce Interstitially Hardened/Stabilized Austenite Surfaces
Authors: Toscano Tarciana D. , Cardoso Rodrigo P. , Brunatto Silvio F.
Published: August 2020

A novel concept of hybrid treatment for steels is presented. The goal is to produce a hard interstitially hardened/stabilized austenite layer, with an expected improved wear and corrosion resistance, in the surface of high‐hardenability steels. The novelty is in the fact that the thermochemical treatment is performed in the steel metastable austenite field, above the martensite start temperature, during the isothermal step of the martempering or austempering hardening treatment. As a proof of concept, CA6NM martensitic stainless steel samples are subjected to the novel hybrid treatment. The whole treatment is plasma assisted and the chosen thermochemical treatment is nitriding. In the presented case, the produced hard layer is constituted of N‐stabilized austenite. During the paraequilibrium thermochemical treatment step, the metastable austenite surface is converted into a hard interstitially hardened/N‐stabilized austenite. Once concluded the whole treatment, as the component is cooled down to the room temperature, surface does not undergo phase transformation, whereas the nonchemically altered substrate bulk undergoes metastable austenite to martensite phase transformation. So, by means of this case study, the feasibility and potentiality of this novel concept of hybrid treatment is proved.
Physioxia enhances T-cell development ex vivo from human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Shin Dong-Yeop , Huang Xinxin , Gil Chang-Hyun , Aljoufi Arafat , Ropa James , Broxmeyer Hal E.
Published: August 2020

Understanding physiologic T-cell development from hematopoietic stem (HSCs) and progenitor cells (HPCs) is essential for development of improved hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and emerging T-cell therapies. Factors in the thymic niche, including Notch 1 receptor ligand, guide HSCs and HPCs through T-cell development in vitro. We report that physiologically relevant oxygen concentration (5% O2, physioxia), an important environmental thymic factor, promotes differentiation of cord blood CD34+ cells into progenitor T (proT) cells in serum-free and feeder-free culture system. This effect is enhanced by a potent reducing and antioxidant agent, ascorbic acid. Human CD34+ cell-derived proT cells in suspension cultures maturate into CD3+ T cells in an artificial thymic organoid (ATO) culture system more efficiently when maintained under physioxia, compared to ambient air. Low oxygen tension acts as a positive regulator of HSC commitment and HPC differentiation toward proT cells in the feeder-free culture system and for further maturation into T cells in the ATO. Culturing HSCs/HPCs in physioxia is an enhanced method of effective progenitor T and mature T-cell production ex vivo and may be of future use for HCT and T-cell immunotherapies.
High‐mobility group box‐1 induces mechanical pain hypersensitivity through astrocytic connexin 43 via the toll‐like receptor‐4/JNK signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Jiang , Li Xiuhua , Ke Ana
Published: August 2020

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of high‐mobility group box‐1 (HMGB‐1) on mechanical pain hypersensitivity and the underlying mechanism. Mouse primary astrocytes were isolated and treated as specified. A CCK‐8 assay was used to determine cytotoxicity and a gap junctional communication assay was performed. Ethidium bromide (EtBr) uptake was used to evaluate the hemichannel activity of primary astrocytes. A mouse model of neuropathic pain was developed and paw withdrawal threshold was used to evaluate hind paw sensitivity. RT‐qPCR and Western blot were used to determine mRNA and protein expression of genes, respectively. ELISA was used to measure the release of inflammatory cytokines. Treatment with HMGB‐1 increased the expression of both toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR‐4) and connexin 43 (Cx43) in mouse primary astrocytes. HMGB‐1 also promoted gap junctional intercellular communication and hemichannel function. Our results also demonstrated that HMGB‐1‐regulated Cx43 through the JNK signaling pathway, and Cx43 was involved in HMGB‐1‐mediated inflammation in astrocytes. In vivo analysis supported the idea that HMGB‐1‐induced mechanical hypersensitivity was associated with Cx43. We therefore conclude that HMGB‐1‐induced mechanical pain hypersensitivity occurs through modulating astrocytic Cx43 via the TLR‐4/JNK signaling pathway.
Entrepreneurial ecosystems
Authors: Ratten Vanessa
Published: August 2020

International business fundamentally is about creating an ecosystem environment conducive to entrepreneurship. This means fostering actions and behavior that provide a systemic interaction with multiple entities. In this editorial for the special journal issue, the historical background and origins of the entrepreneurial ecosystem concept is discussed with the view to connected different strands of literature. This provides an optimal way to understand the way entrepreneurship develops through an ecosystem logic. The theoretical perspectives for understanding entrepreneurial ecosystems are discussed that lead to a discussion on each of the articles included in the special journal issue. Themes emerging from these articles are then stated that include a focus on value co‐creation, stakeholder collaboration and entrepreneurial networks. This enables a holistic way to understand the linkages international business has with entrepreneurial ecosystems.
How tropical are seven- and eight-particle amplitudes?
Authors: Henke Niklas , Papathanasiou Georgios
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We study tropical Grassmanians Tr(k, n) in relation to cluster algebras, and assess their applicability to n-particle amplitudes for n = 7, 8. In

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 super Yang-Mills theory, we first show that while the totally positive part of Tr(4, 7) may encompass the iterated discontinuity structure of the seven-point Maximally Helicity Violating (MHV) amplitude, it is too small for the Next-to-MHV helicity configuration. Then, using Tr(4, 8) we propose a finite set of 356 cluster

$$ \mathcal{A} $$

A

-coordinates expected to contain the rational symbol letters of the eight-particle MHV amplitude, and discuss how the remaining square-root letters may be obtained from limits of infinite mutation sequences. Finally, we use a triangulation of the totally positive part of Tr(3, 8) to obtain the associated generalised biadjoint scalar amplitude in a form containing a near-minimal amount of spurious poles.
A peridynamic-based machine learning model for one-dimensional and two-dimensional structures
Authors: Nguyen Cong Tien , Oterkus Selda , Oterkus Erkan
Published: August 2020

With the rapid growth of available data and computing resources, using data-driven models is a potential approach in many scientific disciplines and engineering. However, for complex physical phenomena that have limited data, the data-driven models are lacking robustness and fail to provide good predictions. Theory-guided data science is the recent technology that can take advantage of both physics-driven and data-driven models. This study presents a novel peridynamics-based machine learning model for one- and two-dimensional structures. The linear relationships between the displacement of a material point and displacements of its family members and applied forces are obtained for the machine learning model by using linear regression. The numerical procedure for coupling the peridynamic model and the machine learning model is also provided. The numerical procedure for coupling the peridynamic model and the machine learning model is also provided. The accuracy of the coupled model is verified by considering various examples of a one-dimensional bar and two-dimensional plate. To further demonstrate the capabilities of the coupled model, damage prediction for a plate with a preexisting crack, a two-dimensional representation of a three-point bending test and a plate subjected to dynamic load are simulated.
Gluten hypersensitivities and their impact on the production of gluten-free beer
Authors: Gumienna Małgorzata , Górna Barbara
Published: August 2020

This article consists of a study of the literature and an assessment of available data on the production of gluten-free beer and its constituents. The article shows how the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission for Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses defines celiac disease, gluten-free products, and gluten-free beer. It describes diet-dependent diseases, which require a gluten-free diet, and groups of potential consumers of gluten-free beer. This article describes the use of oats as a raw material for the production of brewing malt and its usefulness in the production of beer. It specifies how the technological process of standard beer production needs to be modified so that the product meets the requirements of patients with celiac disease. The article also provides an overview of literature data on the production of gluten-free beer from pseudocereal malts, such as sorghum malt, buckwheat malt, amaranth malt, and quinoa malt.