bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes and risk factors of secondary extraintestinal manifestation in ulcerative colitis: results of a multicenter and long-term follow-up retrospective study
Authors: Xu Weimin , Ou Weijun , Guo Yuegui , Gu Yubei , Cui Long , Zhong Jie , Du Peng
Published: June 2019

Background

Extraintestinal manifestations (EIM) are common in ulcerative colitis (UC). In Shanghai, China, data on the incidence rate and risk factors of EIM in UC patients remain scarce.

Methods

The study population consisted of UC patients who were identified from a prospectively maintained, institutional review board-approved database at our institutes from June 1986 to December 2018. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the study participants were analyzed. The study included secondary EIM in UC patients and follow-up, while primary EIM was excluded. The diagnosis of EIM was based on clinical, radiological, endoscopic, and immunologic examination and histological findings.

Results

In total, 271 eligible patients were included in the current study, with a median follow-up time of 13.0 years (interquartile range, 9.0–17.0), and including 31 cases (11.4%) that developed EIM. EIM was associated with clinical outcomes in UC patients and the following factors were identified as contributing factors for the development of EIM: a disease duration of >5 years (odds ratio (OR), 3.721; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.209–11.456]), age at diagnosis >40 years (OR, 2.924, 95% CI [1.165–7.340]), refractory clinical symptoms (OR, 4.119; 95% CI [1.758–9.650]), and moderate or severe anemia (OR, 2.592; 95% CI [1.047–6.413]).

Conclusion

In this study, approximately 11.4% UC patients go on to develop at least one EIM. Clinicians should prioritize early control of the disease and treatment of anemia in UC in order to prevent the development of EIM and improve disease prognosis.
Efficacy of Nebulised Tobramycin in Cystic Fibrosis Management: A Systematic Review
Authors: Olowe G. T.
Published: June 2019

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a progressive clinical condition associated with decreased functionality of glands that produce mucus, sweat, and intestinal secretions. CF is one of the most common recessive genetic diseases that affect all ethnic groups without any known identified cure, having variations in the severity of symptoms. In the treatment and management of CF, The choice and routes of administration of antibiotics taken is important in assessing effectiveness at different populations. In the light of this, current study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of Nebulised Tobramycin (NT) in the treatment of mild to moderate CF within 8years study period. Study was achieved by searching known repositories and electronic databases of various sources. Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) that compares patients treated on NT and placebo were selected, including six (6) RCTs comprising 609 participants to the review. Study noticed significant clinical and methodological heterogeneity among trials with NT, varying over a total of 8years study period. Also, there were recorded evidences of improvement in pulmonary function in most of the patients, following completion of the study. This review revealed inconclusive evidence in the efficacy of NT in the treatment of mild to moderate CF. It is thus clear, that long term use of NT in mild to moderate CF can provide sustained improvements in pulmonary functions.
A Survey of Nanoindentation Studies on HPT‐Processed Materials
Authors: Choi In-Chul , Jang Jae-il
Published: June 2019

The development of high‐pressure torsion (HPT) processing has increased the possibility for achieving significant grain refinement, which leads to a material's ability to produce ultrafine‐grained or nanocrystalline materials having enhanced strength without a large expense of ductility at room temperature. Since the applied strain is locally changed across the sample disc during HPT, the microstructure and thus mechanical properties vary within the disc. Recently, as a promising tool for characterizing the mechanical behavior of the local regions within the disc, the nanoindentation technique becomes widely used mainly due to its simple and easy testing procedures and the requirement of only small volume of material. The nanoindentation technique provides important clues to better understand the relation between microstructural refinement and mechanical property enhancement of the HPT‐processed materials. Here, the nanoindentation studies performed on various HPT‐processed materials are reviewed with focus on a variety of micromechanical properties that can be estimated by nanoindentation and the interesting results are reported in the available literature.
Engineering Carbon Nanotube Forest Superstructure for Robust Thermal Desalination Membranes
Authors: Sun Meng , Boo Chanhee , Shi Wenbo , Rolf Julianne , Shaulsky Evyatar , Cheng Wei , Plata Desiree L. , Qu Jiuhui , Elimelech Menachem
Published: June 2019

Desalination by membrane distillation (MD) using low‐grade or waste heat provides a potential route for sustainable water supply. Nonwetting, porous membranes that provide a selective pathway for water vapor over nonvolatile salt are at the core of MD desalination. Conventional water‐repelling MD membranes (i.e., hydrophobic and superhydrophobic membranes) fail to ensure long‐term desalination performance due to pore wetting and surface fouling. To address these challenges, a defect‐free carbon nanotube forest (CNTF) is engineered in situ on a porous electrospun silica fiber substrate. The engineered CNTF forms an ultrarough and porous interface structure, allowing outstanding wetting resistance against water in air and oil underwater. As a result of this antiwetting property, the composite CNTF membrane displays a stable water vapor flux and a near complete salt rejection (>99.9%) in the desalination of highly saline water containing low surface tension contaminants. The antimicrobial property of the composite CNTF membrane imparted by the unique forest‐like architecture and the oxidative effect of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are further demonstrated. The results exemplify an effective strategy for engineering CNT architecture to elucidate the structure–property–performance relationship of the nanocomposite membranes and to guide the design of robust thermal desalination membranes.
Fully Integrated Microscale Quasi‐2D Crystalline Molecular Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Bandari Vineeth Kumar , Gu Yue , Shi Subao , Nan Yang , He Keqiang , Li Yang , Bandari Nooshin , Moradi Somayeh , Tian Hongkun , Zhu Feng , Geng Yanhou , Yan Donghang , Schmidt Oliver G.
Published: June 2019

Monolithic integration of microscale organic field‐effect transistors (micro‐OFETs) is the only and inevitable path toward low‐cost large‐area electronics and displays. However, to date, such an ultimate technology has not yet evolved due to challenges in positioning and patterning highly crystalline microscale molecular layers as well as in developing micrometer scale integration schemes. In this work, by mastering the local growth of molecular semiconductors on pre‐defined terraces, single‐crystal quasi‐2D molecular layers tens of square micrometers in size are created in dense periodic arrays on a Si substrate. Nondestructive photolithographic processes are developed to pattern micro‐OFETs with mobilities up to 34.6 cm2 V−1 s−1. This work demonstrates the feasibility to integrate arrays of short‐channel micro‐OFETs into electronic circuitry by highly parallel and size scalable fabrication technologies.
Formation of CX Bonds in CO2 Chemical Fixation Catalyzed by Metal−Organic Frameworks
Authors: Hou Sheng‐Li , Dong Jie , Zhao Bin
Published: June 2019

Transformation of CO2 based on metal−organic framework (MOF) catalysts is becoming a hot research topic, not only because it will help to reduce greenhouse gas emission, but also because it will allow for the production of valuable chemicals. In addition, a large number of impressive products have been synthesized by utilizing CO2. In fact, it is the formation of new covalent bonds between CO2 and substrate molecules that successfully result in CO2 solidly inserting into the products, and only four types of new CX bonds, including CH, CC, CN, and CO bonds, are observed in this exploration. An overview of recent progress in constructing CX bonds for CO2 conversion catalyzed by various MOF catalysts is provided. The catalytic mechanism of generating different CX bonds is further discussed according to both structural features of MOFs and the interactions among CO2, substrates, as well as MOFs. The future opportunities and challenges in this field are also tentatively covered.
Lead Selenide (PbSe) Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cells with >10% Efficiency
Authors: Ahmad Waqar , He Jungang , Liu Zhitian , Xu Ke , Chen Zhuang , Yang Xiaokun , Li Dengbing , Xia Yong , Zhang Jianbing , Chen Chao
Published: June 2019

Low‐cost solution‐processed lead chalcogenide colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) have garnered great attention in photovoltaic (PV) applications. In particular, lead selenide (PbSe) CQDs are regarded as attractive active absorbers in solar cells due to their high multiple‐exciton generation and large exciton Bohr radius. However, their low air stability and occurrence of traps/defects during film formation restrict their further development. Air‐stable PbSe CQDs are first synthesized through a cation exchange technique, followed by a solution‐phase ligand exchange approach, and finally absorber films are prepared using a one‐step spin‐coating method. The best PV device fabricated using PbSe CQD inks exhibits a reproducible power conversion efficiency of 10.68%, 16% higher than the previous efficiency record (9.2%). Moreover, the device displays remarkably 40‐day storage and 8 h illuminating stability. This novel strategy could provide an alternative route toward the use of PbSe CQDs in low‐cost and high‐performance infrared optoelectronic devices, such as infrared photodetectors and multijunction solar cells.
Fabrication of Lamellar Nanosphere Structure for Effective Stress‐Management in Large‐Volume‐Variation Anodes of High‐Energy Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sung Jaekyung , Ma Jiyoung , Choi Seong‐Hyeon , Hong Jaehyung , Kim Namhyung , Chae Sujong , Son Yeonguk , Kim Sung Youb , Cho Jaephil
Published: June 2019

The use of high‐capacity anode materials to overcome the energy density limits imposed by the utilization of low‐theoretical‐capacity conventional graphite has recently drawn increased attention. Until now, stress management (including strategies relying on size, surface coating, and free volume control) has been achieved by addressing the critical problems originating from significant anode volume expansion upon lithiation. However, commercially viable alternatives to graphite have not yet been found. A new stress‐management strategy relying on the use of a lamellar nanosphere Si anode is proposed. Specifically, nanospheres comprising ≈50 nm Si nanoparticles encapsulated by SiOx
/Si/SiOx
/C layers with thicknesses of <20 nm per layer are synthesized via one‐pot chemical vapor deposition in various atmospheres. SiOx
is found to act as a stress management interlayer when it is located between Si and mitigates stress intensification on the surface layer, allowing nanospheres to maintain their morphological integrity and promoting the formation of a stable solid electrolyte interphase layer during cycling. When tested using an industrial protocol, a full cell comprising a nanosphere/graphite blended anode and a lithium cobalt oxide cathode achieve an average energy density of 2440.2 Wh L−1 (1.72 times higher than that of conventional graphite) with a capacity retention ratio of 80% after 101 cycles.
Large‐Area van der Waals Epitaxial Growth of Vertical III‐Nitride Nanodevice Structures on Layered Boron Nitride
Authors: Sundaram Suresh , Li Xin , Halfaya Yacine , Ayari Taha , Patriarche Gilles , Bishop Christopher , Alam Saiful , Gautier Simon , Voss Paul L. , Salvestrini Jean Paul , Ougazzaden Abdallah
Published: June 2019

Hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) is a promising 2D template that decouples substrate effects from the layer above it by van der Waals epitaxy, because there are only weak forces out of the h‐BN. It also permits convenient mechanical transfer of devices grown on their surface to an appropriate substrate. Here, van der Waals epitaxial growth resulting in the formation of self‐organized GaN nanorods on h‐BN templates is demonstrated. This approach to the growth of III‐N nanostructures avoids transfer processes and scaling issues seen with other 2D materials, since both the 1D (GaN nanorods) and 2D (h‐BN) are grown at the wafer‐scale and in one growth run. Further, this process is used to grow vertical core–shell p‐GaN/InGaN/n‐GaN nano‐PIN device structures on wafer‐scale 2D h‐BN on sapphire and silicon substrates. The high quality of the core–shell nanostructures is confirmed by detailed electron microscopy study, which gives more insight into the nanorod formation mechanism on 2D material. Mechanical transfer of nanostructures on sapphire substrates to copper tape is then demonstrated, with no resulting damage of nanorods. Use of MOVPE grown large‐area h‐BN to realize nanostructures is a significant advancement and can lead to new nanodevice architectures needed for next‐generation optoelectronic devices.
Chemically Synthesized Electromagnetic Metal Oxide Nanoresonators
Authors: Zhuo Xiaolu , Cheng Xizhe , Guo Yanzhen , Jia Henglei , Yu Yicong , Wang Jianfang
Published: June 2019

Metal oxide nanostructures represent a large class of dielectric nanomaterials with high or moderate refractive indexes. Dielectric nanomaterials have recently attracted much attention in the field of all‐dielectric nanophotonics. They can support both electric and magnetic resonances without suffering from high losses or heating as their plasmonic counterparts. Although various intriguing optical effects have been discovered on dielectric nanostructures, a real challenge in this field is the difficulty in the production of dielectric nanostructures with well‐defined geometry, smooth surface, moderate/high refractive indexes, and good crystallinity. In this work, using an aerosol spray method and subsequent thermal treatment, smooth‐surfaced metal oxide spheres that span a broad size range from 100 nm to several micrometers in diameter and a relatively wide refractive index range from 2 to 2.35 in the visible region have been successfully synthesized. In particular, they are shown to support strong electric and magnetic resonances of different orders in excellent agreement with Mie theory, which is a signature of their outstanding optical performance. The findings offer many possibilities for a wide variety of low‐loss optical components, from Mie‐type nanoresonators and whispering gallery cavities to micrometer lenses.
Photonic Shape Memory Chiral Nematic Polymer Coatings with Changing Surface Topography and Color
Authors: Nickmans Koen , van der Heijden Danielle A. C. , Schenning Albert P. H. J.
Published: June 2019

The fabrication of shape memory coatings that change both reflectivity and topography is hampered by the lack of facile methods and materials. Now, shape memory photonic coatings are fabricated by high‐speed flexographic printing and UV‐curing in air of a chiral nematic liquid crystal ink. Deformable polymeric films with a red reflection band and a smooth surface topography are obtained which can be thermally programmed above room temperature by using a rough stamp. This thermomechanical programming results in a temporary rough surface topography leading to surface scattering and as a result a gray color below room temperature. By heating the coatings, a shape recovery to the permanent state is observed, thereby restoring the smooth surface topography and the iridescent red reflection color. It is shown that this recovery is highly temperature dependent, which allows for a fast and distinct optical and topography change upon exceeding room temperature. These thermoresponsive photonic crystal coatings have a great potential as low‐cost optical sensors, smart adhesives, and adaptive biosurfaces.
Enhanced Stability and Thickness‐Independent Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis of Heterostructured Anodes with Buried Epitaxial Bilayers
Authors: Baniecki John D. , Yamaguchi Hideshi , Harnagea Catalin , Ricinschi Dan , Gu Zongquan , Spanier Jonathan E. , Yamazaki Takashi , Aso Hiroyuki
Published: June 2019

Achieving high oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity while maintaining performance stability is a key challenge for designing perovskite structure oxide OER catalysts, which are often unstable in alkaline environments transforming into an amorphous phase. While the chemical and structural transformation occurring during electrolysis at the electrolyte–catalyst interface is now regarded as a crucial factor influencing OER activity, here, using La0.7Sr0.3CoO3−δ
(LSCO) as an active OER catalyst, the critical influence of buried layers on the oxidation current stability in nanoscopically thin, chemically and structurally evolving, catalyst layers is revealed. The use of epitaxial thin films is demonstrated to engineer both depletion layer widths and chemical stability of the catalyst support structure resulting in heterostructured anodes that maintain facile transport kinetics across the electrolyte–anode interface for atomically thin (2–3 unit cells) LSCO catalyst layers and greatly enhanced oxidation current stability as the perovskite structure OER catalysts chemically and structurally transform. This work opens up an approach to design robust and active heterostructured anodes with dynamically evolving ultrathin OER electrocatalyst layers for future green fuel technologies such as conformal coatings of high‐density 3D anode topologies for water splitting.
Enhancing the Open‐Circuit Voltage of Perovskite Solar Cells by up to 120 mV Using π‐Extended Phosphoniumfluorene Electrolytes as Hole Blocking Layers
Authors: An Qingzhi , Sun Qing , Weu Andreas , Becker‐Koch David , Paulus Fabian , Arndt Sebastian , Stuck Fabian , Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Tessler Nir , Vaynzof Yana
Published: June 2019

Four π‐extended phosphoniumfluorene electrolytes (π‐PFEs) are introduced as hole‐blocking layers (HBL) in inverted architecture planar perovskite solar cells with the structure of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/MAPbI3/PCBM/HBL/Ag. The deep‐lying highest occupied molecular orbital energy level of the π‐PFEs effectively blocks holes, decreasing contact recombination. It is demonstrated that the incorporation of π‐PFEs introduces a dipole moment at the PCBM/Ag interface, resulting in significant enhancement of the built‐in potential of the device. This enhancement results in an increase in the open‐circuit voltage of the device by up to 120 mV, when compared to the commonly used bathocuproine HBL. The results are confirmed both experimentally and by numerical simulation. This work demonstrates that interfacial engineering of the transport layer/contact interface by small molecule electrolytes is a promising route to suppress nonradiative recombination in perovskite devices and compensates for a nonideal energetic alignment at the hole‐transport layer/perovskite interface.
Increasing evidence of hereditary lymphedema caused by CELSR1 loss‐of‐function variants
Authors: Maltese Paolo E. , Michelini Sandro , Ricci Maurizio , Maitz Silvia , Fiorentino Alessandro , Serrani Roberta , Lazzerotti Alessandra , Bruson Alice , Paolacci Stefano , Benedetti Sabrina , Bertelli Matteo
Published: June 2019

A whole exome sequencing approach was recently used to detect a CELSR1 truncating variant associated with lymphedema in a large pedigree. Since this first report, no other similar associations have been reported in the literature. Here, we present the genetic results of 95 probands tested using a next generation sequencing panel that covered all known lymphedema‐associated genes, including CELSR1. Five out of 95 probands (5.3%) were found to carry novel loss‐of‐function variants in CELSR1. Family segregation studies were possible in four out of five probands and showed possible sex‐specific differences: CELSR1 variants showed almost complete penetrance in females and were associated with early‐onset lymphedema, whereas in males they showed incomplete penetrance and were associated with late onset of the condition. Since the percentage of lymphedema patients carrying CELSR1 variants is not negligible, we do not hesitate to recommend including this gene in routine genetic testing.
The views of pregnant women, midwives, and a women's panel on intrapartum ultrasound research: A pilot study
Authors: Wilkinson Michael , Usman Sana , Barton Helen , Lees Christoph C.
Published: June 2019

Background

Ultrasound is increasingly used in labour; however, little data exist on attitudes to its use. We sought to analyse and compare the views of pregnant women, midwives, and a women's panel on the value and use of ultrasound in labour.

Methods

Focus groups involving a short presentation on ultrasound, questionnaire, and a question and answer session were held with groups of pregnant women, midwives at 2 inner‐city maternity units, and a RCOG online Women's Panel. Data were collected on attitudes to vaginal examination, ultrasound, predicting Caesarean section, and the utility of a digital representation of labour.

Results

Twenty one midwives and 29 service users (19 pregnant women and 10 women's panel members) participated. Significantly more service users saw positive value in intrapartum ultrasound (P = 0.0005) and predicting Caesarean section (P = 0.03) than midwives. The majority of both groups – 72% (20/29) and 62% (13/21), respectively – thought women would want a digital representation of their labour, with the most popular format being on a mobile phone (56%, 20/36).

Conclusions

Service users were most and midwives least positive about ultrasound versus vaginal examination, indicating divergence between midwives' perspective of women's need to understand risk and desire to know about their labour. Women found the non‐intrusive nature and accuracy of ultrasound valuable while midwives were concerned about de‐skilling and medicalisation of birth. All groups felt a graphical representation of labour on a device would be helpful.
Should we ditch the supine chest X ray in early trauma assessment?
Authors: Lokuge Amaali
Published: June 2019

The supine chest X ray is a standard part of early trauma assessment protocols. It is used to rapidly identify potentially life threatening chest injuries. However, latest research shows that chest ultrasound has superior accuracy when compared to supine chest X ray for diagnosing most chest injuries. Is it time we allowed ultrasound to supersede supine chest X ray as the initial investigative modality of choice for the patient with thoracic trauma?
Experimental and numerical investigation on three‐point bending behaviors of unidirectional warp‐knitted composites
Authors: Hong Yang , Yan Ying , Guo Fangliang , Li Jie , Tian Ziyang
Published: June 2019

This study develops a novel specimen model, which considers the progressive damage of the layers, the knitting yarns, and the interlaminar cohesive zone, to investigate the flexural properties and the interlaminar shear properties of the unidirectional warp‐knitted composites. Three‐point bending tests are conducted as verification of the numerical model. Improved strain‐based Hashin criteria are proposed to analyze the shear nonlinearity. Results show that specimens with small span‐to‐thickness ratios exhibit obvious nonlinear behaviors and the corresponding simulation results are sensitive to the value of the shear nonlinear factor. Failure mechanism and stress distributions are analyzed based on numerical simulations. The effect of the specimen size on bending behaviors is discussed. The influence of the width is found to be negligible but that of the span‐to‐thickness ratio is significant. The ranges of the span‐to‐thickness ratio corresponding to different failure modes are given. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48132.
Novel Inter‐omic Analysis Reveals Relationships Between Diverse Gut Microbiota and Host Immune Dysregulation in HLA–B27–Induced Experimental Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Gill Tejpal , Brooks Stephen R. , Rosenbaum James T. , Asquith Mark , Colbert Robert A.
Published: June 2019

Objective

To define inflammation‐related host–microbe interactions in experimental spondyloarthritis (SpA) using novel inter‐omic approaches.

Methods

The relative frequency of gut microbes was determined by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing, and gene expression using RNA‐Seq of host tissue. HLA–B27/human β2‐microglobulin–transgenic (HLA–B27–transgenic) and wild‐type rats from dark agouti, Lewis, and Fischer backgrounds were used. Inter‐omic analyses using Cytoscape were employed to identify relevant relationships. PICRUSt was used to predict microbial functions based on known metagenomic profiles.

Results

Inter‐omic analysis revealed several gut microbes that were strongly associated with dysregulated cytokines driving inflammatory response pathways, such as interleukin‐17 (IL‐17), IL‐23, IL‐17, IL‐1, interferon‐γ (IFNγ), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Many microbes were uniquely associated with inflammation in Lewis or Fischer rats, and one was relevant on both backgrounds. Several microbes that were strongly correlated with immune dysregulation were not differentially abundant in HLA–B27–transgenic compared to wild‐type controls. A multi‐omic network analysis revealed non‐overlapping clusters of microbes in Lewis and Fischer rats that were strongly linked to overlapping dysregulated immune/inflammatory genes. Prevotella, Clostridiales, and Blautia were important in Lewis rats, while Akkermansia muciniphila and members of the Lachnospiraceae family dominated in Fischer rats. Inflammation‐associated metabolic pathway perturbation (e.g., butanoate, propanoate, lipopolysaccharide, and steroid biosynthesis) was also predicted from both backgrounds.

Conclusion

Inter‐omic and network analysis of gut microbes and the host immune response in experimental SpA provides an unprecedented view of organisms strongly linked to dysregulated IL‐23, IL‐17, IL‐1, IFNγ, and TNF. Functional similarities between these organisms may explain why animals of different genetic backgrounds exhibit common patterns of immune dysregulation, possibly through perturbation of similar metabolic pathways. These results highlight the power of linking analyses of gut microbiota with the host immune response to gain insights into the role of dysbiotic microbes in SpA beyond taxonomic profiling.
Using Telehealth to address disparities in cognitive, language, and emotion regulation problems in young children: A case illustration using the INvesT model
Authors: Obeid Rita , Beekman Leah , Roizen Nancy , Ciccia Angela , Short Elizabeth J.
Published: June 2019

Over the past decade, there has been a rise in the prevalence of developmental disabilities. Early diagnosis and access to healthcare services are essential for children with developmental delays to optimize development. For families living in poverty, accessing specialized assessment/intervention services for children with developmental disabilities is often a formidable task. In this study, we provide preliminary evidence for the implementation of a developmental risk assessment screening questionnaire using a telehealth format to address the gap in access to services in a community clinic serving a low‐income urban neighborhood. Ninety‐seven caregivers of children between 12 months and 7 years of age participated in this study. Caregivers completed the risk assessment screening questionnaire using an iPad that was available to them at the clinic. Results showed that while only 11% of caregivers indicated they were initially concerned about their child's overall development, completion of the focused risk assessment resulted in a completely different picture. Fifty percent of caregivers reported that their child had three or more concerns in at least one area of development that would warrant further evaluation. Alerting both families and professionals to these concerns as early as possible may position the family and child to receive the much‐needed services that have the potential to mitigate more serious developmental problems. This article discusses the promising role that Telehealth can play in providing screening services for all families, but especially low‐income urban households.
Aufnehmbare Teilflächenspannung von hochfestem Stahlfaserbeton
Authors: Plückelmann Sven , Breitenbücher Rolf , Smarslik Mario , Mark Peter
Published: June 2019

Bei Teilflächenbelastungen werden Druckkräfte teilflächig in Betonbauteile eingeleitet. Für unbewehrte und konventionell mit Betonstahl bewehrte Betone existieren diesbezüglich bereits zahlreiche Untersuchungen, die das Tragverhalten unter Teilflächenbelastung beschreiben. Durch die Tendenz zu höheren Betonfestigkeiten und dem zunehmend weit verbreiteten Einsatz von Stahlfasern in den letzten Jahren wird es notwendig, auch das Verhalten von hochfestem Stahlfaserbeton unter Teilflächenbelastung zu eruieren.

Der Beitrag beschreibt Versuche an hochfestem Stahlfaserbeton unter Teilflächenbelastung mit räumlicher und ebener Lastausbreitung. Dabei wurden unterschiedliche Flächenverhältnisse und Betone mit verschiedenen Fasertypen und ‐gehalten sowie Fasercocktails einbezogen. Auf Grundlage der Versuchsergebnisse wird ein Berechnungsansatz für die maximal aufnehmbare Teilflächenspannung vorgeschlagen. Es wird gezeigt, dass durch den Bezug auf die Biegezugfestigkeit, anstatt wie bei bekannten Berechnungsansätzen auf die Druckfestigkeit, eine deutlich genauere Berechnung der maximal aufnehmbaren Teilflächenspannung von hochfestem Stahlfaserbeton möglich ist.
Joint regression analysis for survival data in the presence of two sets of semi‐competing risks
Authors: Peng Mengjiao , Xiang Liming
Published: June 2019

In many clinical trials, multiple time‐to‐event endpoints including the primary endpoint (e.g., time to death) and secondary endpoints (e.g., progression‐related endpoints) are commonly used to determine treatment efficacy. These endpoints are often biologically related. This work is motivated by a study of bone marrow transplant (BMT) for leukemia patients, who may experience the acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), relapse of leukemia, and death after an allogeneic BMT. The acute GVHD is associated with the relapse free survival, and both the acute GVHD and relapse of leukemia are intermediate nonterminal events subject to dependent censoring by the informative terminal event death, but not vice versa, giving rise to survival data that are subject to two sets of semi‐competing risks. It is important to assess the impacts of prognostic factors on these three time‐to‐event endpoints. We propose a novel statistical approach that jointly models such data via a pair of copulas to account for multiple dependence structures, while the marginal distribution of each endpoint is formulated by a Cox proportional hazards model. We develop an estimation procedure based on pseudo‐likelihood and carry out simulation studies to examine the performance of the proposed method in finite samples. The practical utility of the proposed method is further illustrated with data from the motivating example.
Mechanisms of immunogenicity in colorectal cancer
Authors: Sillo T O , Beggs A D , Morton D G , Middleton G
Published: June 2019

Background

The immune response in cancer is increasingly understood to be important in determining clinical outcomes, including responses to cancer therapies. New insights into the mechanisms underpinning the immune microenvironment in colorectal cancer are helping to develop the role of immunotherapy and suggest targeted approaches to the management of colorectal cancer at all disease stages.

Method

A literature search was performed in PubMed, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant articles. This narrative review discusses the current understanding of the contributors to immunogenicity in colorectal cancer and potential applications for targeted therapies.

Results

Responsiveness to immunotherapy in colorectal cancer is non-uniform. Several factors, both germline and tumour-related, are potential determinants of immunogenicity in colorectal cancer. Current approaches target tumours with high immunogenicity driven by mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes. Recent work suggests a role for therapies that boost the immune response in tumours with low immunogenicity.

Conclusion

With the development of promising therapies to boost the innate immune response, there is significant potential for the expansion of the role of immunotherapy as an adjuvant to surgical treatment in colorectal cancer.
Sustainable dressing: Consumers' value perceptions towards slow fashion
Authors: Şener Tuğba , Bişkin Ferdi , Kılınç Nurgül
Published: June 2019

Slow fashion that improves with an increasing awareness of sustainability has changed consumers' value perception and purchasing behaviours. The aim of this study is to determine slow fashion dimensions that influence consumers' value perceptions for slow fashion products and to reveal the effects of the perceived value on consumers' intentions to purchase and willingness to pay higher prices. The sample includes 725 students pursuing higher education in Turkey and Kazakhstan. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to specify the factor structure of the variables used in the research, and structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses.

Data analysis showed that authenticity, locality, and exclusivity aspects in Turkey and equity, functionality, locality, and exclusivity aspects in Kazakhstan contributed to perceived customer value. Perceived customer value in both groups positively affects the intention to purchase and the willingness to pay higher prices. In addition, consumers who intend to purchase slow fashion clothing are willing to pay higher prices than other products.

The results suggest that consumers in different countries have different orientations that influence their perceptions of value. From this perspective, this study can provide designers with insights on the importance of making sustainable designs that are appropriate to the target market beyond the trends imposed by the global fashion industry.
Unfolded protein response is involved in geniposide‐regulating glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in INS‐1 cells
Authors: Hao Yanan , Shen Shenli , Yin Fei , Zhang Yonglan , Liu Jianhui
Published: June 2019

The growing evidence shows that in the early stage of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) development, when challenged by hyperglycemia and/or insulin resistance, pancreatic islets would produce more insulin to maintain the balance of blood sugar, but at the same time, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress will be initiated for the reason of over‐compensation, which might be a crucial caused factor of dysfunction and death of pancreatic beta cell. In this study, we showed that high glucose induced a remarkably unfolded protein response (UPR) with the phosphorylation of PERK/eIF2α and IRE1α in INS‐1 cells, but geniposide prevented the role of high glucose on the phosphorylation of PERK/eIF2α and IRE1α, respectively. Although inhibition of Txnip expression by siRNA had no significant effect on geniposide‐regulating UPR, PERK and IRE1α were associated with geniposide‐regulating Txnip degradation and glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in high glucose‐cultured INS‐1 cells. All these data suggest that geniposide might be an important regulator of ER stress and GSIS, and a promising compound for the treatment of T2DM.

Significance of the study

Mounting evidence indicates that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays an essential role to maintain the normal cellular functions and dysfunction. In this study, we revealed that geniposide might be an important regulator of ER stress and glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells.
Conversion of Serine‐Type Aldehyde Tags by the Radical SAM Protein AtsB from Methanosarcina mazei
Authors: Krüger Tobias , Weiland Stefanie , Boschanski Mareile , Sinha Prem Kumar , Falck Georg , Müller Kristian M. , Dierks Thomas , Sewald Norbert
Published: June 2019

Formylglycine‐generating enzymes provide a convenient tool for site‐specific protein derivatization. Their ability to oxidize cysteine or serine residues within a defined consensus sequence to Cα‐formylglycine (FGly) allows for the targeted introduction of a unique chemical handle for various bioconjugation reactions. In recent years, oxygen‐dependent FGly‐generating enzyme saw broad use in protein functionalization and the generation of protein conjugates. Yet, the FGly‐generating system AtsB, along with its capability to convert unusual aldehyde tag sequences, remains mostly unused. Herein, the ability of AtsB from Methanosarcina mazei to convert nonclassical aldehyde tags of the SX(A/P)XR‐type and its potential use in bioconjugation chemistry are demonstrated.
Porous Nitrogen Self‐Doped Carbon Wrapped Iron Phosphide Hollow Spheres as Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting
Authors: Tong Jinhui , Li Tao , Bo Lili , Li Wenyan , Li Yuliang , Zhang Yi
Published: June 2019

In this work, a series of hybrid materials of N‐self‐doped carbon wrapped Fe2P/FeP hollow spheres were prepared by using a two‐step thermal conversion of precursors derived from the in situ coating of polyaniline on commercial Prussian blue. The precursors were pyrolyzed in N2 to form the N‐doped carbon coating on carbon‐iron materials; this was followed by subsequent phosphorization using NaH2PO2 as a phosphorus source, yielding the hybrid materials of N‐doped carbon wrapped Fe2P/FeP hollow spheres. The resulting hybrid materials showed high Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller surface areas, pore volumes, and nitrogen contents, which were, more than 80 % pyridinic‐N. The hybrid materials were evaluated as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in 1.0 M KOH, and they have exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activities in the two reactions. In the case of the optimum sample, the 0.75‐NC−FexP catalyst, a low overpotential/Tafel slope of 193 mV/58 mV ⋅ dec−1 for HER and 302 mV/42 mV ⋅ dec−1 for OER were obtained. More importantly, the catalyst showed high catalytic activity for overall water splitting and only 1.63 V of cell voltage was needed to reach 10 mA/cm2 in a two‐electrode electrolyzer. The catalyst also exhibited robust long‐term durability and only a 16.0 % decrease in current density was observed after a 10 h chronoamperometric testing at 1.63 V. The results suggest that the sample is a promising alternative non‐precious‐metal catalyst for overall water splitting.
Oligopeptide Helical Conformations Control Gold Nanoparticle Cross‐Linking
Authors: Lyu Yanchao , Marafon Giulia , Martínez Álvaro , Moretto Alessandro , Scrimin Paolo
Published: June 2019

Peptide sequences functionalized with primary amines at the N‐ and C‐terminus are able to induce the aggregation of gold nanoparticles in ethanol as a consequence of their folding into a helical conformation. Random coil peptides are unable to induce such an aggregation process. Aggregation can be monitored spectrophotometrically by following the shift of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band of the nanoparticles and is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analyses. Partial denaturation of the peptides results in diminished cross‐linking ability. The helicity parameterθ222/θ208correlates fairly well with the shift of the SPR band to longer wavelengths, supporting the relationship between the amount of helical content of a peptide sequence and its ability to induce aggregation.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Alkenylation of Enelactams Using a Relay Heck Strategy
Authors: Yuan Qianjia , Sigman Matthew S.
Published: June 2019

In this report, a palladium‐catalyzed redox‐relay Heck process to access optically active alkenylated α,β‐unsaturated lactams is described. Under mild reaction conditions, electron‐deficient alkenyl triflates and electron‐rich alkenyl iodonium salts undergo enantioselective and site‐selective coupling with enelactams to deliver the products in high yields and excellent enantioselectivities. Furthermore, the products allow facile access to natural products such as (+)‐calvine and (+)‐2‐epicalvine in addition to the bioactive molecule aza‐goniothalamin.
A method for revising package image colors to express brand perceptions better
Authors: Tokutake Miwa , Kajiyama Tomoko , Ouchi Noritomo
Published: June 2019

Product packaging is an important element for branding that directly affects product sales. We have developed a method for creating package images that better express brand perception as a way to motivate purchasing behavior and increase sales. The method works by replacing a color that gives an impression different from the brand perception with one that better expresses the brand perception and that is appropriate for the target product. Brand perceptions perceived by consumers were identified by administering a questionnaire to 160 participants. We constructed two databases: a color database of the correspondence between colors and typical adjectives representing various inner emotional states and a feature database for target products. Using these databases, we applied appropriate colors to packaging (except for areas providing information or containing the logo) to express brand perceptions more accurately. We evaluated this method by performing two experiments, one with 96 participants to determine how changing a package color changed the viewer's impression of the product and the other with seven design experts to determine how this method could help them simulate package design. The results revealed that displaying an appropriately revised package image reduced the gap between the brand perception and the impression obtained upon viewing the package image and gave design experts new ideas for package design.
A novel and efficient address configuration for MANET
Authors: Li Yanli , Wang Xiaonan
Published: June 2019

At present, one technical challenge of MANET is the address configuration, and another technical challenge is to deal with the network merging in order to ensure the address uniqueness in the merging network. This paper proposes a scheme to address these two issues. In the scheme, the MANET architecture is presented, and based on the architecture the address configuration algorithm is proposed. This algorithm employs an allocation variable to achieve the address configuration, and a node can ensure the address uniqueness without any interactions with other nodes. In order to effectively detect the network merging, this scheme proposes the generation algorithm of the MANET ID which uniquely identifies MANET. Based on this generation algorithm, the network merging algorithm is proposed. In this algorithm, only the nodes with the duplicate address perform the address reconfiguration, so the network merging cost and delay are reduced. This scheme is evaluated, and the results show that this scheme effectively improves the address configuration performance and the network merging performance.
A worm in the cytology laboratory: A root cause analysis case study
Authors: El Hussein Siba , Guerrero Dominick , Rozental Stefano , Weiss Louis M. , Gera Shweta , Suhrland Mark , Fatyan Alaeddin , Khader Samer N.
Published: June 2019

In the spring of 2018, nematode‐like organisms were first noted at the time of microscopic diagnosis on gynecologic (GYN) and anal pap specimens in our institution's cytopathology department. Due to their morphology and specimen source, we considered a diagnosis of pinworm. However, after identifying at least 30 more cases over 3 months from patients living in variable locations, we started favoring a contaminant. This report studies the steps that were initiated to figure the source of pap smear‐preparation contamination and the molecular investigation to identify the nature of the contaminant.
Harvest effects on density and biomass of Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora vary along environmental gradients in the Nepalese Himalayas
Authors: Poudeyal Mukti Ram , Meilby Henrik , Shrestha Bharat Babu , Ghimire Suresh Kumar
Published: June 2019

A surprisingly large number of species potentially threatened by human harvest lack quantitative ecological studies incorporating harvest effects, especially clonal species in the alpine Himalayas. We studied density and biomass variation of a threatened medicinal herb, Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora, to examine the effect of harvest on plant performance. The study covered two regions with contrasting harvest situations—one with open‐access and another protected from commercial harvesting. Four populations from each region were compared along an elevation gradient (3,800–4,800 m). Also, we conducted in situ interviews with 165 and 38 medicinal and aromatic plant users in open‐access and protected regions, respectively, to assess the collection and use patterns of the target species. The quantity harvested per household for traditional healthcare use was similar in both regions. We found no evidence of trade‐driven collection in the protected region but in the open‐access region a trade‐based annual collection of 35–465 kg dried rhizomes per household had a strong negative effect on both density and biomass. In the protected region, the effect of harvest intensity on plant density was positive for vegetative and negative for reproductive individuals, whereas in the open‐access region, the effect was negative for both vegetative and reproductive individuals. The results indicated that a low harvest intensity had no adverse impact on N. scrophulariiflora populations; however, quantification of the optimum level of harvest remains to be explored. Shrub vegetation appeared to buffer the harvest impact on plant density, possibly through the retention of additional moisture. To maintain population viability, we suggest regulating harvest, for example, by introducing rotational harvest systems, ensuring that a sufficient number of reproductive individuals are left as a source of propagules in each harvested population and that populations are given time to recover between harvests.
Metal‐Free Approach to Zolpidem, Alpidem and their Analogues via Amination of Dibromoalkenes Derived from Imidazopyridine and Imidazothiazole
Authors: Muzalevskiy Vasiliy M. , Sizova Zoia A. , Shastin Alexey V. , Nenajdenko Valentine G.
Published: June 2019

A novel efficient approach towards Zolpidem, Alpidem and their analogues was elaborated. The corresponding amides derived from imidazopyridine and imidazothiazole were prepared by the reaction of amines with previously unknown dibromoalkenes having these heterocyclic fragments. Amination of dibromoalkenes in the presence of water led directly to target drugs and their analogues in up to 95 % yield.