bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Insurance Value of Trade Credit
Authors: Eboli Mario , Toto Andrea
Published: June 2019

The extensive use of trade credit in all manufacturing sectors, despite its high cost, is an apparent puzzle that economists explain in terms of asymmetric information problems affecting financial markets. The financial constraints arising from credit rationing and limited access to stock markets suffice to induce firms to resort to trade credit as a supplemental source of funding. Nonetheless, empirical evidence shows that also large and liquid firms facing no binding financial constraints use substantial amounts of trade credit. We address this issue by modelling the financial policy of a firm that does not face a binding liquidity constraint but the risk of being constrained in the future. We characterise the optimal amount of trade credit held by such a firm, and we show that a positive probability of facing a liquidity constraint leads the firm to fund its inventories with trade credit, even if cheaper sources of funds are available. The rationale is that trade credit provides implicit coverage against liquidity risk. Therefore, the optimal amount of trade credit grows with the expected size of a possible liquidity shock and with the likelihood of its occurrence.
On Characterizations of Four Recently Introduced Distributions: Two Continuous and Two Discrete
Authors: Hamedani G. G.
Published: June 2019

Oluyede et al. (2016) and Mdlongwa et al. (2017) consider the continuous univariate distributions called Dagum-Poisson (DP) and Burr XII Modified Weibull (BXIIMW), respectively, and study certain properties and applications of these distributions. Shahid and Raheel (2019) and Para and Jan (2019) proposed the univariate discrete distributions called Discrete Modified Inverse Rayleigh (DMIR) and Discrete Generalized Inverse Weibull (DGIW) and study some of their mathematical properties. The present short note is intended to complete, in some way, the works cited above via establishing certain characterizations of these distributions in different directions.
Integrating Perceived Added Educational Value Business Administration Core Course Items into Scales and Their Relationships to Degree Program Satisfaction and Business School Reputation Influence
Authors: Blau Gary
Published: June 2019

Prior research has not investigated perceived added education value in courses. Using a sample of 165 graduating business students, two business administration (BA) scales were created from six required BA core courses as part of students’ Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree. Students were asked if each required course “added value to their education”. The two core scales (number of items) were labeled: BA Unique (4 items) and BA Generic (2 items). Analysis showed that the BA Unique scale had higher perceived added education value than the BA Generic scale. The BA Unique scale had stronger relationships to program degree satisfaction and Business School reputation than the BA Generic scale. These results supported the development of more unique required core courses based on business school stakeholder needs. Other schools should consider their stakeholders’ needs to see if more unique required core courses, beyond generic, are needed. Although only six of 21 required courses could be tested due to sample size limitations, these initial results suggest it is important to evaluate the perceived added education value of required courses in a curriculum. 
POWER UP: A Persuasive Writing Strategy for Secondary Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Nordness Philip D. , Hagaman Jessica L. , Herskovitz Rebecca , Leader-Janssen Elizabeth
Published: June 2019

In the area of written expression, students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) typically perform one to two grades below their same age, non-disabled peers. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research on writing interventions to improve these outcomes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a persuasive writing strategy called POWER UP to improve the quality of persuasive essays for secondary students with EBD. The results suggest that a mnemonic strategy based on the Self-Regulated Strategy Development Model (SRSD) can improve the quality of persuasive writing essays for secondary students with EBD.
Physiotherapy Students’ Perceptions of Team-Based Learning Using the Team-Based Learning Student Assessment
Authors: Teixeira Renato da Costa , Magalhaes Atila Barros , Palacios Vera Regina , Teixeira Madacilina de Melo
Published: June 2019

According to the National Curricular Guidelines for the undergraduate-level course in physical therapy, the curriculum must promote the training of a generalist, humanist, critical, and reflective professional to develop skills focused on decision-making, communication, leadership, etc. Several methodologies are used in the teaching-learning process; of these, active methodologies are often cited, wherein, contrary to the traditional model of teaching, the roles of the teacher and student are reversed. This study aimed to evaluate students’ perception of learning in teams (Team-based learning) as a teaching-learning strategy in the physical therapy undergraduate program of the University of the State of Pará, using the Team-based Learning Student Assessment Instrument (TBL-SAI). A cross-sectional, descriptive study with 21 physical therapy undergraduate students of the UEPA Campus XII was conducted. The TBL-SAI was administered after they participated in an optional course of the respiratory system, wherein the TBL teaching was adopted. The 33 items of the TBL-SAI comprise responses ranging from 1 (I strongly disagree) to 5 (I strongly agree), divided into three subscales: perception of students’ accountability, preference for traditional approach or TBL, and students’ satisfaction. Average score on the subscales higher than the neutral scores indicated that the students perceived the TBL to be an effective learning tool. The participants reported an overall positive experience using TBL with respect to accountability toward their studies, preference for TBL, and their satisfaction with the method. Future studies should evaluate the impact of TBL on the academic performance and learning ability of undergraduate students of physical therapy.
O Peso do Discurso: A Representação da Mulher Plus Size em Campanhas Publicitárias de Lingerie no Brasil
Authors: Scussel Fernanda Bueno Cardoso , Dellagnelo Eloíse Helena Livramento
Published: June 2019

Objetivo do estudo: identificar como est representada a mulher plus size nas campanhas publicitrias de lingerie no Brasil, avaliando se tal representao contribui com o ativismo plus size, a luta das mulheres acima do peso por incluso social. Metodologia/abordagem: recorreu-se Anlise Crtica do Discurso, segundo a qual foram analisadas 27 publicidades da marca Duloren. Principais resultados: quatro discursos foram revelados discurso de positividade, discurso do apelo do produto Duloren, discurso do apelo sexual e discurso de afirmao plus size. A mulher plus size representada por estes discursos uma mulher bem resolvida, independente, segura e confiante, constituindo um esforo na mudana social engendrada pelo ativismo plus size. Destaca-se, ainda, o papel da publicidade no debate acerca de uma nova forma de olhar o corpo gordo, livre de preconceitos, de expresses pejorativas ou rtulos. Contribuies tericas/metodolgicas: espera-se contribuir com o desenvolvimento da abordagem crtica nos estudos de marketing, buscando no conhecimento das teorias crticas elementos que questionem as prticas de marketing, a forma como a propaganda desenvolvida e o impacto disso para o consumidor. Relevncia/originalidade: os achados buscam suprir uma lacuna de pesquisa no tocante aos consumidores plus size, pouco explorados na pesquisa de marketing e, quando abordados, tem-se enfatizada a perspectiva organizacional, onde so concebidos como nicho de mercado. Estes esforos vo ao encontro de um marketing mais humano, que requer o pesquisador ao lado do consumidor, e no apenas das marcas e das empresas em nossas anlises.
SOCIAL MEDIA AS A MODERN COMMUNICATION CHANNEL IN FAMILY BUSINESSES – RESULTS OF PILOT STUDIES
Authors: Brylew Tomasz
Published: June 2019

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in interest in the subject of family businesses. This coincided with the Web 2.0 revolution, which changed the nature of communication in our society. Many family businesses have noticed that the interactivity of social media can be an effective tool for competing with others. The article provides the analysis of the use of social media as a modern communication channel for family enterprises. For this purpose, the available literature and reports were analyzed and pilot studies were carried out on a group of family businesses in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodship.
Belki z okrągłymi otworami. Część 2
Authors: Niemirski Kamil
Published: June 2019

Celem artykułu jest porównanie różnych sposobów analizy nośności belki stalowej z otworami okrągłymi w aspekcie projektowania konstrukcji. Zwrócono uwagę na model zniszczenia związany z mechanizmem Vierendeela oraz utratą stateczności słupka międzyotworowego. W pierwszym modelu porównano trzy metody analizy, a drugim dwie. Otrzymane wyniki metod porównano z wynikami MES dla dwóch zestawów belek – belek ażurowych i z pojedynczymi otworami.
Influência da substituição da areia natural pelo vidro no desempenho mecânico do concreto
Authors: Correia João Victor Freitas Barros , Fraga Yuri Sotero Bomfim , Ribeiro Ruann Carlos Silva Carneiro , Lima Mislaine Moura
Published: June 2019

O concreto é o material de construção mais utilizado no mundo. Ao passo desse elevado consumo, ocorre o desmatamento de áreas para a implantação de pedreiras e jazidas para extrair as matérias-primas utilizadas no concreto. Diante disso, diversas pesquisas buscam reduzir o extrativismo mineral e se aproximar do desenvolvimento sustentável com a utilização de resíduos no processo de produção do concreto. Muitos pesquisadores tem estudado a utilização de adições minerais em substituição ao cimento Portland e resíduos em substituição ao agregado graúdo e ao agregado miúdo. A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo estudar o desempenho mecânico e a consistência de concretos com substituição de 25%, 50%, 75% e 100% da areia natural pelo vidro. Foi feita a análise da granulometria dos agregados utilizados para realizar a correta dosagem e proporcionamento dos materiais com base no método da Associação Brasileira de Cimento Portland – ABCP. Para mensurar a consistência, foi realizado o ensaio de abatimento do tronco de cone em todos os traços analisados. Para avaliar o desempenho mecânico dos concretos, foram moldados cinco corpos de prova para cada traço, que foram rompidos aos 28 dias. Os resultados mostraram que alguns teores apresentaram menor fluidez em relação ao concreto referência e que o teor de 75% apresentou o melhor desempenho mecânico entre os traços analisados.
Implicações da poluição veicular em praticantes de exercícios físicos em parque na cidade de Presidente Prudente - SP
Authors: Arana Alba Regina Azevedo , Felipe Juliana , Rodrigues Marcus Vinicius Pimenta , Ferreira Aline Duarte , Santos Victor Cesar Belloni dos , Ribeiro Gabrielle Gomes
Published: June 2019

A poluição veicular pode interferir na prática de exercícios físicos e na qualidade de vida das pessoas no ambiente urbano. O Parque do Povo, em Presidente Prudente - SP, apesar de ser um local com boa infraestrutura que proporciona a prática de exercícios físicos, é também um grande concentrador de tráfego de veículos. Desta forma, este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar a influência das possíveis implicações da poluição veicular em indivíduos praticantes de exercícios físicos regulares no Parque do Povo, na cidade de Presidente Prudente - SP. A hipótese adotada foi que a prática de exercício físico regular em parques urbanos pode interferir na qualidade respiratória do praticante, mesmo em ambientes abertos. O estudo traz implicações e enfoques multidisciplinares, que se complementam dentro da perspectiva da saúde ambiental. A metodologia utilizada neste trabalho baseou-se na investigação qualitativa, utilizando-se das pesquisas de levantamento bibliográfico, documental, e de campo, cuja técnica contou com observação direta intensiva. O cálculo amostral foi baseado no estudo de Miot (2011), totalizando um número de 36 indivíduos. Os critérios de inclusão foram participantes possuírem idade entre 18 e 40 anos, praticarem exercícios físicos pelo menos três vezes na semana por, no mínimo, 50 minutos no Parque do Povo, não apresentar histórico de doenças pulmonares crônicas e/ou episódios recentes de infeções nas vias áreas superiores. O estudo foi do tipo primário, de caráter longitudinal não controlado e prospectivo. Foi realizada a mensuração do monóxido de carbono no ar exalado (COex), bem como aplicação de dois questionários: um de sintomas respiratórios (avaliou queixas respiratórias) e outro do IPAC (avaliou nível de atividade física) - Escala de Borg. Todas as análises estatísticas foram feitas por meio do software Action Stat. O estudo foi do tipo primário, de caráter longitudinal não controlado e prospectivo. O presente estudo mostrou que os participantes da pesquisa se tornaram mais ativos, sendo possivelmente estimulados e motivados pelo ambiente com grande presença de vegetação e a boa infraestrutura do local e pelas orientações realizadas durante a pesquisa
Análise intrasazonal da radição solar global (RG) e albedo em um ecossistema de mata atlântica
Authors: Januario Italo Ramon , Lima Moura Marcos Antonio , Dos Santos Misael Ferreira , Vasconcelos Filipe Lima , Barros Rafael Ferreira de
Published: June 2019

A Mata Atlântica hoje é considerada como a área de vegetação nativa mais devastada do Brasil. É um dos cinco biomas com maior diversidade do mundo. Estudos sobre microclima de florestas tropicais auxiliam na compreensão de como esse bioma vem sofrendo com as mudanças climáticas. O objetivo geral deste trabalho foi analisar a radiação solar global (Rg) e albedo superficial em um ecossistema de Floresta Amazônica durante o período chuvoso e seco no município de Coruripe-AL. Os dados utilizados foram referentes ao período entre maio a agosto/2014. Calculou-se o albedo através da razão entre radiação solar global refletida e incidente. Foi utilizado software adequado para montagem do banco de dados, cálculos de médias horárias-diária, horárias-mensais, horárias anuais, mensais, diárias e plotagem dos respectivos gráficos. A chuva anual na Mata foi 11,4% maior que a normal climatológica. O total acumulado de chuva na Mata no período chuvoso foi praticamente igual ao da normal climatológica para a região. Os valores de Rg médios horários mensais para o período chuvoso foram 388,7; 386,7; 414,1 e 448,5 W.m-² e para o período seco foram 549,4; 582,1; 569,4 e 544,7 W.m-² respectivamente. O albedo variou entre 12,7% a 17,0% no período chuvoso e 14,1% a 18,0% no período seco.
MenuServe, plataforma de gestión de restaurantes al alcance de todos
Authors: Bigatà Iñaki
Published: June 2019

Sistema de gestión basado en la nube que permite el acceso al mundo TIC en cualquier establecimiento hostelero
Entrevista a Mar González, investigadora en Microsoft Research
Authors: Courdin Pierre
Published: June 2019

Entrevista a Mar González, investigadora en Microsoft y especializada en el ámbito de la realidad virtual.
¿Qué tipo de cámara digital elegir?
Authors: García Josep
Published: June 2019

Identifica el equipo fotográfico que necesitarás para el día a día de tu sitio web.
Fotografía de una identidad gráfica
Authors: Chavarria Arnau
Published: June 2019

Identidad gráfica de dos fotógrafos que crean una marca para dotarla de un estilo concreto que los identifique.
Stochastic and deterministic drivers of seasonal variation of fungal community in tobacco field soil
Authors: Li Xing , Li Tianming , Meng Delong , Liu Tianbo , Liu Yongjun , Yin Huaqun , Deng Jie , Zeng Songrong , Shen Li
Published: June 2019

Background

The soil fungal community plays an important role in global carbon cycling and shows obvious seasonal variations, however, drivers, particularly stochastic drivers, of the seasonal variation in the fungal community have never been addressed in sufficient detail.

Methods

We investigated the soil fungal community variation between summer growing (SG) and winter fallow (WF) stage, through high throughput sequencing of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplicons. Subsequently, we assessed the contribution of different ecological processes to community assembly using null-model-based statistical framework.

Results

The results showed that the fungal community diversity decreased significantly after tobacco cropping in the SG stage and the composition showed a clear turnover between the WF and SG stages. The variation in community composition was largely attributable to the presence of a small portion of Dothideomycetes in the WF stage that dominated the soil fungal community in the SG stage. The organic matter, temperature, and water content were the main deterministic factors that regulated the fungal community; these factors explained 34.02% of the fungal community variation. Together with the result that the fungal community was mainly assembled by the dispersal process, our results suggested that the stochastic factors played important roles in driving the seasonal variation of fungal community. The dispersal limitation dominated the fungal community assembly during the WF stage when homogenizing dispersal was the main assembly process of the fungal community in the SG stage. Thus, we proposed that the dispersal processes are important drivers for seasonal variation of fungal community in tobacco planted soil.
Association between complementary and alternative medicine use and prolonged time to conventional treatment among Thai cancer patients in a tertiary-care hospital
Authors: Chotipanich Adit , Sooksrisawat Chulaporn , Jittiworapan Benjamabhon
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to investigate the patterns of complementary and alternative medicine use and its association with time to conventional treatment.

Design

A cross-sectional study design was designed.

Setting and participants

The study was performed at the Chonburi Cancer Hospital, with chart reviews and interviews performed for 426 patients with various cancers between May and December 2018.

Results

The results indicated that 192 of the 426 patients (45.1%) reported using complementary and alternative medicines; herbal products were the most common type. Approximately 34.3% of these medicines involved unlabeled herbal products with unidentifiable components. The rates of complementary and alternative medicine use were significantly elevated for men and patients with stage IV cancer. The multivariable linear regression analysis of the relationship between factors and the time until conventional treatment was received revealed that the regression coefficient of the use of complementary and alternative medicine was 56.3 (95% confidence interval [27.9–84.6]). This coefficient reflected an additional 56.3 days of time until conventional treatment, relative to patients who did not use complementary and alternative medicine.

Conclusions

The present study revealed that complementary and alternative medicine use was fairly common among Thai patients with cancer and was associated with a prolonged time to receiving conventional treatment.
Morphometric Analysis on Two Contrasting Litho-units of a Southern Part of West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya, Based on Some Derived Aerial and Relief Parameters: Inferences on Neotectonism
Authors: Chakravartty Madhurjyojit , Das Nishanta
Published: June 2019

The present study area, occupying a major south-central part of the Jadukata river basin of the West Khasi Hills District of Meghalaya, predominantly comprises two contrasting litho-units viz., the Precambrian gneissic unit (PGU) towards the north of the study area and the Mahadek Formation constituted of sedimentary rocks (MFS) in the south. Derived areal and relief morphometric parameters have been analysed on five sub-basins two of which are in the PGU (Umlang and Umkyrtha) and the other three (Umsophew, Wah-Phodthra, and Khandow) predominantly in the MFS. The drainage density (Dd) and stream frequency (Fs) values are relatively lower for the sub-basins of PGU suggesting higher overland flow. This is substantiated by higher values of the constant of channel maintenance (C) and length of overland flow (Lg). The relief ratio (Rr) and ruggedness number (Rn) are higher for the sub-basins of MFS implying more dissection. High hypsometric integral (HI) and pseudo-hypsometric integral (PHI) suggest youthful stage and neotectonic rejuvenation with a tilt towards the west as indicated by asymmetry factor (AF) and topographic profile. Association of distinct knickpoints of longitudinal profiles with prominent lineaments indicates active fault. Preferred orientation of lower order streams in the PGU sub-basins suggests neotectonism. Deep incision by Umsophew, Wah-Phodthra, and Khandow rivers, forming V-shaped valleys through the MFS is the result of neotectonic uplift which has been further substantiated by very low valley floor-to-height ratio (Vf) at nearby locations of the confluence of these rivers with the Kynshi.
Do intraspecific life history patterns follow interspecific predictions? A test using latitudinal variation in ringed seals
Authors: Ferguson Steven H. , Yurkowski David J. , Young Brent G. , Willing Cornelia , Zhu Xinhua , Muir Derek C. G. , Fisk Aaron T. , Thiemann Gregory W.
Published: June 2019

Mammals adapted to unpredictable and low‐energy environments often evolve a “bet‐hedging” life history strategy characterized by less costly reproductive outputs over a longer and slower‐growing life. In contrast, species adapted to more predictable (i.e., low variation) and higher energy environments may evolve greater fecundity over a shorter and faster‐growing life. We tested whether this known interspecific pattern also occurs within a species. We compared life history traits of the ringed seal (Pusa hispida) in the Canadian High Arctic to those closer to the southern limit of the species' circumpolar distribution. We found that northern seals grew slower than southern seals (Brody growth coefficient), achieved a greater asymptotic body weight (82 and 69 kg vs. 74 and 54 kg female and male, respectively), reached sexual maturity later (6.1 years vs. 4.5 years), had lower fecundity (1.8 years vs. 1.3 years interbirth interval), longer average lifespan (5 years vs. 3 years median age), and greater movements (1,269 vs. 681 km). Mating systems also likely differed with northern seals showing morphological evidence of a promiscuous mating system with potential sperm competition as indicated by greater relative testes size. The northern region was also characterized by more unpredictable environmental timing of seasonal events, such as spring sea ice breakup. Life history variation between the intraspecific groups of seals appears to agree with interspecific patterns and provides a better understanding of how species' life history parameters shift in concert with environmental conditions.
Mutations in TOP2B cause autosomal‐dominant hereditary hearing loss via inhibition of the PI3K‐Akt signalling pathway
Authors: Xia Wenjun , Hu Jiongjiong , Ma Jing , Huang Jianbo , Jing Tianrui , Deng Lisha , Zhang Jin , Jiang Nan , Ma Duan , Ma Zhaoxin
Published: June 2019

Hereditary hearing impairment is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disease. Whole‐exome sequencing was performed on seven affected and six unaffected members in a large Chinese family with autosomal‐dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss. The pathogenic variant of the gene encoding human topoisomerase IIβ TOP2B (c.G4837C:p.D1613H) was cosegregated with hearing loss in this pedigree and another two variants of TOP2B were detected in 66 sporadic patients with hearing loss. top2b knockdown led to significant defects in zebrafish inner ears and caused downregulation of akt which resulted in inactivation of PI3K‐Akt signalling. As a result, supporting cell and hair cell numbers were reduced through inhibition of the PI3K‐Akt pathway. Therefore, we hypothesized that mutations in TOP2B can cause autosomal‐dominant nonsyndromic hearing impairment through inhibition of the PI3K‐Akt signalling pathway.

Database

The whole‐exome sequence data in the study are available at the Sequence Read Archive database (NCBI) under the accession numbers SRR9050868, SRR9050867, SRR90508676, SRR90508675, SRR90508674, SRR90508673, SRR90508672, SRR90508671, SRR90508679, SRR90508670, SRR9050859. SRR9050858 and SRR9050857, respectively.
Functional characterization and mechanistic modeling of the human cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP4A22
Authors: Durairaj Pradeepraj , Fan Linbing , Machalz David , Wolber Gerhard , Bureik Matthias
Published: June 2019

The human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme CYP4A22 is an orphan CYP with unknown function. Here, through functional expression in fission yeast, we show that CYP4A22 catalyzes fatty acid hydroxylation as well as aliphatic or aromatic hydroxylations of luciferin‐based probe substrates. Mechanistic molecular modeling of CYP4A22 suggests that its ω‐hydroxylation activity is hampered by a more spacious active site compared to CYP4B1. Substrate recognition via side‐chains R96 and R233 is indicated by dynamic three‐dimensional pharmacophores (dynophores) derived from molecular dynamics simulations. CYP4A22 activity is inhibited by three unspecific CYP inhibitors. A comparison of CYP4A22*1 (the reference standard sequence) with CYP4A22‐WT (the most common allele) revealed that for the four substrates tested the WT‐enzyme always had lower activity.
Validity and Reliability of Screening Measures for Depression and Anxiety Disorders in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Hitchon Carol A. , Zhang Lixia , Peschken Christine A. , Lix Lisa M. , Graff Lesley A. , Fisk John D. , Patten Scott B. , Bolton James , Sareen Jitender , El‐Gabalawy Renée , Marriott James , Bernstein Charles N. , Marrie Ruth Ann
Published: June 2019

Objective

To test the validity and reliability of screening instruments for depression and anxiety in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Participants with RA completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐2 or PHQ‐9), the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System depression short form 8a and anxiety short form 8a, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale anxiety score (HADS‐A) and depression score (HADS‐D), the Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2‐ and 7‐item scales, and the Kessler‐6 scale. Clinical depression and anxiety disorders were confirmed using the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Axis I Disorders (SCID‐1) research version. We reported sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value using SCID‐1 diagnoses as the criterion standard. Test–retest reliability was assessed with the intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results

Of 150 participants, 11.3% had SCID‐1–diagnosed depression, 7.3% had SCID‐1–diagnosed generalized anxiety disorder, and 19.3% had any SCID‐1–diagnosed anxiety disorder. For depression, sensitivity ranged from HADS‐D (cut point 11; 35%) to PHQ‐2 (88%) and PHQ‐9 (87%). Specificity ranged from PHQ‐9 (77%) and PHQ‐2 (84%) to HADS‐D (cut point 11; 94%). Positive predictive value ranged from 30% to 43%. Negative predictive value ranged from 92% to 98%. For generalized anxiety disorder, sensitivity ranged from HADS‐A (cut point 11; 45%) to HADS‐A (cut point 8; 91%). Specificity ranged from 81% to 89% for all measures except the HADS‐A (cut point 8; 63%). Intraclass correlation coefficient estimates ranging from 0.69 to 0.88 confirmed good test–retest reliability.

Conclusion

Depression screening instruments had good diagnostic performance; anxiety instruments were more variable. Identified depression and anxiety require clinical confirmation.
Photo‐Fenton‐like Metal–Protein Self‐Assemblies as Multifunctional Tumor Theranostic Agent
Authors: Li Tianliang , Zhou Jia , Wang Lirui , Zhang Hanfu , Song Cunfeng , de la Fuente Jesús M. , Pan Yunxiang , Song Jie , Zhang Chunlei , Cui Daxiang
Published: June 2019

Emerging Fenton‐like activity of copper ions has inspired great exploration for tumor microenvironment‐activated tumor therapy due to the toxic ·OH production for chemodynamic therapy and extra oxygen generation for photodynamic therapy (PDT). Still, the ·OH produced by copper ions is not satisfied even when copper ions are placed in a low pH environment (pH ≈ 5.0). To amplify its Fenton‐like activity, in this work, one kind of Cu2+–protein self‐assemblies (C‐m‐ABs) loaded with photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG) is constructed, which can catalyze H2O2 generating more amounts of ·OH under light irradiation once Cu2+ is reduced to Cu+ by glutathione. Such fantastic phenomena confirms that C‐m‐ABs can act as a photo‐Fenton‐like agent. Furthermore, C‐m‐ABs can dramatically accelerate O2 generation (catalase activity) to enhance the PDT of ICG. After loading with the anticancer drug doxorubicin, C‐m‐ABs are further self‐assembled into novel nanobelts, which simultaneously exhibit superior photo‐heat conversion effects, enhanced r1 relaxation (21.416 s−1 mm−1) and stimuli‐responsive drug release behaviors. High cytotoxicity in vitro, effective tumor accumulation capacity observed by fluorescence/photoacoustic/magnetic resonance imaging, and enhanced chemo‐/photodynamic/photothermal therapeutic performance are achieved. Based on these results, a photo‐Fenton‐like metal–protein self‐assemblies demonstrate great potential for tumor theranostics.
Human Ocular Angiogenesis‐Inspired Vascular Models on an Injection‐Molded Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Ko Jihoon , Lee Younggyun , Lee Somin , Lee Seung‐Ryeol , Jeon Noo Li
Published: June 2019

Angiogenic sprouting, which is the growth of new blood vessels from pre‐existing vessels, is orchestrated by cues from the cellular microenvironment, such as spatially controlled gradients of angiogenic factors. However, current in vitro models are less scalable for in‐depth studies of angiogenesis. In this study, a plastic‐based microfluidic chip is developed to reconstruct in vitro 3D vascular networks. The main disadvantages of the preexisting system are identified, namely, the low productivity and difficulty of experiments, and a breakthrough is suggested while minimizing disadvantages. The selection of plastic materials contributes to the productivity and usability of in vitro devices. By adopting this material, this chip offers simple fluid patterning, facilitating the construction of a cell‐culture microenvironment. Compared with previous systems, the chip, which can form both inward and outwardly radial vascular sprouting, demonstrates the growth of functional, morphologically integral microvessels. The developed angiogenic model yields dose‐dependent results for antiangiogenic drug screening. This model may contribute significantly not only to vascular studies under normal and pathological conditions, but also to fundamental research on the ocular neovascularization. Furthermore, it can be applied as a tool for more practical, extended preclinical research, providing an alternative to animal experiments.
Molecular Beam Epitaxy Scalable Growth of Wafer‐Scale Continuous Semiconducting Monolayer MoTe2 on Inert Amorphous Dielectrics
Authors: He Qingyuan , Li Pengji , Wu Zhiheng , Yuan Bin , Luo Zhongtao , Yang Wenlong , Liu Jie , Cao Guoqin , Zhang Wenfeng , Shen Yonglong , Zhang Peng , Liu Suilin , Shao Guosheng , Yao Zhiqiang
Published: June 2019

Monolayer MoTe2, with the narrowest direct bandgap of ≈1.1 eV among Mo‐ and W‐based transition metal dichalcogenides, has attracted increasing attention as a promising candidate for applications in novel near‐infrared electronics and optoelectronics. Realizing 2D lateral growth is an essential prerequisite for uniform thickness and property control over the large scale, while it is not successful yet. Here, layer‐by‐layer growth of 2 in. wafer‐scale continuous monolayer 2H‐MoTe2 films on inert SiO2 dielectrics by molecular beam epitaxy is reported. A single‐step Mo‐flux controlled nucleation and growth process is developed to suppress island growth. Atomically flat 2H‐MoTe2 with 100% monolayer coverage is successfully grown on inert 2 in. SiO2/Si wafer, which exhibits highly uniform in‐plane structural continuity and excellent phonon‐limited carrier transport behavior. The dynamics‐controlled growth recipe is also extended to fabricate continuous monolayer 2H‐MoTe2 on atomic‐layer‐deposited Al2O3 dielectric. With the breakthrough in growth of wafer‐scale continuous 2H‐MoTe2 monolayers on device compatible dielectrics, batch fabrication of high‐mobility monolayer 2H‐MoTe2 field‐effect transistors and the three‐level integration of vertically stacked monolayer 2H‐MoTe2 transistor arrays for 3D circuitry are successfully demonstrated. This work provides novel insights into the scalable synthesis of monolayer 2H‐MoTe2 films on universal substrates and paves the way for the ultimate miniaturization of electronics.
Nanotransducers for Near‐Infrared Photoregulation in Biomedicine
Authors: Li Jingchao , Duan Hongwei , Pu Kanyi
Published: June 2019

Photoregulation, which utilizes light to remotely control biological events, provides a precise way to decipher biology and innovate in medicine; however, its potential is limited by the shallow tissue penetration and/or phototoxicity of ultraviolet (UV)/visible light that are required to match the optical responses of endogenous photosensitive substances. Thereby, biologically friendly near‐infrared (NIR) light with improved tissue penetration is desired for photoregulation. Since there are a few endogenous biomolecules absorbing or emitting light in the NIR region, the development of molecular transducers is essential to convert NIR light into the cues for regulation of biological events. In this regard, optical nanomaterials able to convert NIR light into UV/visible light, heat, or free radicals are suitable for this task. Here, the recent developments of optical nanotransducers for NIR‐light‐mediated photoregulation in medicine are summarized. The emerging applications, including photoregulation of neural activity, gene expression, and visual systems, as well as photochemical tissue bonding, are highlighted, along with the design principles of nanotransducers. Moreover, the current challenges and perspectives in this field are discussed.
High‐Performance Flexible Tactile Sensor Enabling Intelligent Haptic Perception for a Soft Prosthetic Hand
Authors: Liang Ziwei , Cheng Jiahui , Zhao Qian , Zhao Xingwei , Han Zhiyuan , Chen Ying , Ma Yinji , Feng Xue
Published: June 2019

Compared to the traditional motor‐driven prosthetic hand, a soft prosthetic hand (SPD) has intrisic advantages such as kinematics dexterity and friendly external interaction. In order for an SPD to realize the function of a real hand, the integration of flexible high‐performance tactile sensors is essential. Current research on flexible tactile sensors is mainly focused on increasing sensitivity, but ignores other issues, such as the complexity of arraying and compatibility with soft actuators. A high‐performance flexible force sensor enabling intelligent tactile perception for an SPD is reported. With the aid of reasonable arrangement of functional material and effective 3D structure design, the force sensor exhibits good linearity (R2 = 0.982), accuracy and repeatability, very low hysteresis, fast dynamical response (<1 ms), high stability (30000 loading–unloading cycles), stable performance under high frequency (>50 Hz), and can easily be arrayed and integrated with an SPD. With such a sensor mounted on its surface, an SPD achieves various complicated tasks in the same manner as a real hand, including feeling the softness of objects and imitating the process of traditional Chinese medicine pulse diagnosis to monitor a pulse wave in the radial artery. Finally, through use of a force‐sensor array, an SPD provides real‐time spatial distribution of pressure during the grabbing of objects.
A Bipyridine‐Palladium Derivative as General Pre‐Catalyst for Cross‐Coupling Reactions in Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Saavedra Beatriz , González‐Gallardo Nerea , Meli Alessandro , Ramón Diego J.
Published: June 2019

A versatile and DES‐compatible bipyridine palladium complex has been developed as a general pre‐catalyst for different cross‐coupling reactions (Hiyama, Suzuki‐Miyaura, Heck‐Mizoroki and Sonogashira) in deep eutectic solvents. Hydrogen bond capacity of the ligand allows to keep the excellent level of results previously obtained in classical organic solvents. Palladium pre‐catalyst showed a high catalytic activity for many cross‐coupling reactions, demonstrating a great versatility and applicability. Also, this methodology employs sustainable solvents as a reaction medium and highlights the potential of DES as alternative solvents in organometallic catalysis. The catalyst and DES were easily and successfully recycled. The formation of PdNPs in DES has been confirmed by TEM and XPS analysis and their role as catalyst by mercury test. The dynamic coordination of bipyridine‐type ligand in the palladium complex formation has been studied via UV/Vis.

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Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among tribal and non‐tribal populations with East Asian Ancestry from North East India
Authors: Chhungi Varhlun , Ningombam Somorjit Singh , Yadav Suniti , Singh Huidrom Suraj , Devi Naorem Kiranmala , Chandel Shivani , Mondal Prakash Ranjan , Sachdeva Mohinder Pal , Saraswathy Kallur Nava
Published: June 2019

Objectives

The distribution of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity variables were studied among tribal and non‐tribal populations with East Asian ancestry from northeast India.

Methods

Data pertaining to somatometric measurements, blood pressure, lipid profile, and fasting blood glucose were collected from 1916 participants (Mizo‐422, Liangmai‐352, and Meitei‐1142) of both sexes older than 18 years. Two‐way ANOVA and chi square analysis were done to understand the inter‐population prevalence differences.

Results

Differential distribution of obesity variables, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia was observed among the three populations.

Conclusions

Population‐specific prevalence studies need to be conducted to develop population‐specific health strategies, specifically in countries like India with huge diversity.
Strong red emissions induced by Pt–Pt interactions in binuclear cycloplatinated(II) complexes containing bridging diphosphines
Authors: Nazari Morteza , Shahsavari Hamid R.
Published: June 2019

A series of dinuclear cycloplatinated(II) complexes with general closed formula of [Pt2Me2(C^N)2(μ‐P^P)] (C^N = 2‐vinylpyridine (Vpy), 2,2′‐bipyridine N‐oxide (O‐bpy), 2‐(2,4‐difluorophenyl)pyridine (dfppy); P^P = 1,1‐bis(diphenylphosphino)methane (dppm), N,N‐bis(diphenylphosphino)amine (dppa)) are reported. The complexes were characterized by means of NMR spectroscopy. Due to the presence of dppm and dppa with short backbones as bridging ligands, two platinum centres are located in front of each other in these complexes so a Pt…Pt interaction is established. Because of this Pt…Pt interaction, the complexes have bright orange colour under ambient light and are able to strongly emit red light under UV light exposure. These strong red emissions originate from a 3MMLCT (metal–metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer) electronic transition. In most of these complexes, the emissions have unstructured bell‐shaped bands, confirming the presence of large amount of 3MMLCT character in the emissive state. Only the complexes bearing dfppy and dppa ligands reveal dual luminescence: a high‐energy structured emission originating from 3ILCT/3MLCT (intra‐ligand charge transfer/metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer) and an unstructured low‐energy band associated with 3MMLCT. In order to describe the nature of the electronic transitions, density functional theory calculations were performed for all the complexes.
Development and characterization of graphitic carbon nitride as nonblack filler in natural rubber composites
Authors: Bansod Naresh D. , Roy Kumarjyoti , Das Chayan , Vidyasagar Devthade , Potiyaraj Pranut
Published: June 2019

A new type of elastomeric composite containing natural rubber (NR) and graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) has been successfully prepared with the reinforced property. The reinforcing effect of g‐C3N4 in NR composites was examined by cure, mechanical, morphological, and swelling studies. Besides, epoxidized NR with 50‐mol % epoxy level (ENR‐50) was used as a compatibilizer to enhance the hydrophilic g‐C3N4 filler capacity for hydrophobic NR composites. At the same filler load level, the mechanical properties of NR/g‐C3N4 composites, such as tensile strength and tensile modulus, were consistently increased with increased ENR‐50 content. To note, the ENR compatibilized composites have shown better‐reinforced performance, which has been attributed to the hydrogen bonding interactions between the uncondensed amine groups in g‐C3N4 and the polar groups in ENR. We believe that these newly prepared NR composites based on g‐C3N4 as nonblack filler and ENR‐50 as compatibilizer can find potential applications in modern day rubber research. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48136.
Transient response comparison of feedback and feed‐forward compensation methods in systems with zero steady state error
Authors: Matía Fernando
Published: June 2019

Proportional–Integral–Derivative (PID) controllers with integral action are conventionally used as feedback controllers. They are used to obtain zero steady‐state error when the reference input or the disturbance are steps and where zero‐type systems (i.e. with no poles at the origin) are controlled. The controller meets its objective when the controlled system is non linear, but usually introduces undesirable changes in the dynamics that must be compensated by readjusting the proportional gain. In this paper, we compare PID with two alternative techniques based on the use of a feed‐forward system and a multiple feedback system, respectively. A detailed comparison of the transient response obtained with these methods is presented and validated with some simulation examples.
Evaluation of EGFR inhibitor‐mediated acneiform skin toxicity within the double‐blind randomized EVITA trial: A thorough gender‐specific analysis using the WoMo score
Authors: Gaiser Maria R. , Lorenzen Sylvie , Merx Kirsten , Trojan Jörg , Ocvirk Janja , Ettrich Thomas J. , Al‐Batran Salah‐Eddin , Schulz Holger , Homann Nils , Feustel Hans‐Peter , Schatz Michael , Kripp Melanie , Schulte Nadine , Heeger Steffen , Vlassak Soetkin , Koch Winfried , Hofheinz Ralf‐Dieter
Published: June 2019

Acne‐like skin reactions frequently occur in patients undergoing treatment with drugs inhibiting the epidermal growth factor receptor. Recently, the effects of vitamin K1 containing cream (Reconval K1) as prophylactic skin treatment in addition to doxycycline were explored in a double‐blind randomized phase II trial (EVITA) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving cetuximab. EVITA demonstrated a trend towards less severe skin rash in Reconval K1‐treated patients using the tripartite WoMo skin reaction grading score as a thorough tool for quantification of drug related skin reactions. This gender‐specific analysis of the EVITA trial evaluated the application of the WoMo score for assessment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐related skin toxicities according to treatment arm and gender. To show the robustness of results parametric and non‐parametric statistical analyses were conducted. All three parts of the WoMo score independently demonstrated the superiority of the treatment arm (Reconval K1) regarding a significant reduction in acneiform skin reactions in women. Men did not benefit from Reconval K1 cream at any time point in none of the WoMo score analyses. The treatment effect in women was confirmed by the use of skin rash categories based on the final WoMo overall score and mixed effect longitudinal multiple linear regression analysis. The WoMo score represents a sensitive tool for studies exploiting treatments against EGFR mediated acne‐like skin rash. Part C of the WoMo score seems to be sufficient for quantification of drug related skin toxicities in further studies. Standard WoMo skin reaction score values for future studies are provided.
Pectasol‐C Modified Citrus Pectin targets Galectin‐3‐induced STAT3 activation and synergize paclitaxel cytotoxic effect on ovarian cancer spheroids
Authors: Hossein Ghamartaj , Halvaei Sina , Heidarian Yassaman , Dehghani‐Ghobadi Zeinab , Hassani Mina , Hosseini Homa , Naderi Nima , Sheikh Hassani Shahrzad
Published: June 2019

Here we sought to determine the relationship between STAT3 activity and Galectin‐3 (Gal‐3) and to investigate the cytotoxic effect of PectaSol‐C Modified Citrus Pectin (Pect‐MCP) as a specific competitive inhibitor of Galectin‐3 (Gal‐3) in combination with Paclitaxel (PTX) to kill the ovarian cancer cell SKOV‐3 multicellular tumor spheroid (MCTS). To this order, SKOV‐3 cells in 2D and 3D cultures were treated with exogenous Gal‐3 for the assessment of STAT3 activity. Two‐way ANOVA main effect and IC50 of each drug Paclitaxel (PTX) and Pect‐MCP or in combination were obtained from MTT assay results. The phosphorylated STAT3 levels, migration, invasion, integrin mRNA and p‐AKTser473 levels were assessed in the absence or presence of each drug alone or in combination. Gal‐3 expression levels were assessed in human serous ovarian cancer (SOC) specimens and its correlation with different integrin mRNA levels was further assessed. Our results showed that Gal‐3 expression level was significantly increased in MCTS compared to monolayer SKOV‐3 cells which triggered STAT3 phosphorylation. Moreover, Pect‐MCP synergized with PTX to kill SKOV3 MCTS through abrogation of STAT3 activity and reduced expression of its downstream target HIF‐1α, reduced integrin mRNA levels, and subsequently decreased AKT activity. There were higher expression levels of Gal‐3 in human high‐grade SOC specimens compared to the normal ovary and borderline SOC which positively and significantly correlated with α5, β2 and β6 integrin mRNA levels. Together, these results revealed for the first time that Pect‐MCP could be considered as a potential drug to enhance the PTX effect on ovarian cancer cells MCTS through inhibition of STAT3 activity.