bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting sustainability through corporate social responsibility implementation in the manufacturing industry: An empirical analysis of barriers using the ISM‐MICMAC approach
Authors: Bux Hussain , Zhang Zhe , Ahmad Naveed
Published: March 2020

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a useful instrument to promote sustainability in organizations by focusing on their social, economic, and environmental aspects. Despite the growing adoption of CSR in the developed countries, it is at an initial stage of adoption in developing countries owing to the challenges faced by organizations. This study empirically identified the barriers to CSR adoption in a developing country context by taking the Pakistani manufacturing industry as a case. A novel framework was developed to analyze the obstacles by integrating the Delphi method (DM), interpretive structural modeling (ISM), and MICMAC. Initially, CSR obstacles were identified from previous literature; these were later filtered by using the DM. Furthermore, the data collected from experts and the results obtained through the application of ISM and MICMAC indicate that the “lack of resources, ” “lack of regulations and standards, ” and “lack of policy incentives” are the most critical barriers impeding CSR implementation in the Pakistani manufacturing industry. “Lack of concern for reputation” and “customers do not care about CSR” emerged as the least essential barriers to CSR adoption. The government, as the primary stakeholder and implementing agency, can act as the moderator to overcome these barriers and take initiatives for the effective adoption of CSR. This study would support manufacturing industry managers’ effort to understand the main obstacles to CSR adoption and develop an effective implementation policy for CSR adoption.
Impact of anesthesia exposure in early development on learning and sensory functions
Authors: Aksenov Daniil P. , Miller Michael J. , Dixon Conor J. , Drobyshevsky Alexander
Published: March 2020

Each year, millions of children undergo anesthesia, and both human and animal studies have indicated that exposure to anesthesia at an early age can lead to neuronal damage and learning deficiency. However, disorders of sensory functions were not reported in children or animals exposed to anesthesia during infancy, which is surprising, given the significant amount of damage to brain tissue reported in many animal studies. In this review, we discuss the relationship between the systems in the brain that mediate sensory input, spatial learning, and classical conditioning, and how these systems could be affected during anesthesia exposure. Based on previous reports, we conclude that anesthesia can induce structural, functional, and compensatory changes in both sensory and learning systems. Changes in myelination following anesthesia exposure were observed as well as the neurodegeneration in the gray matter across variety of brain regions. Disproportionate cell death between excitatory and inhibitory cells induced by anesthesia exposure can lead to a long‐term shift in the excitatory/inhibitory balance, which affects both learning‐specific networks and sensory systems. Anesthesia may directly affect synaptic plasticity which is especially critical to learning acquisition. However, sensory systems appear to have better ability to compensate for damage than learning‐specific networks.
Assessing intraspecific trait variability during seedling establishment to improve restoration of tropical dry forests
Authors: Lanuza Oscar R. , Espelta Josep M. , Peñuelas Josep , Peguero Guille
Published: March 2020

Forest restoration is an effective tool to mitigate climate change, but its implementation in highly diverse and threatened tropical dry forests (TDFs) is particularly challenging due to the hostile environment. Intraspecific trait variability (ITV) in response to these constraints may be very informative for predicting the potential for species acclimation and therefore for improving trait‐based species screenings that best match each particular scenario of forest restoration. We analyzed ITV during seedling establishment of three widely distributed and ecologically contrasting TDF species in a greenhouse multifactorial experiment crossing levels of resource availability (nutrients and water) and herbivory to assess the capacity of ITV to discern strategies of seedling establishment and to predict species’ growth rates and acclimation potential. The three species studied had contrasting responses to the experimental treatments, suggesting different strategies of seedling establishment. The species with the most plastic pattern of growth performed the best, especially due to its ability to modulate the trade‐off of root‐to‐shoot allocation of biomass depending on nutrient availability. Almost 50% of the variation in the root mass ratio was within species, half of which was a direct response of the treatments, indicating a strong acclimation potential. Individual‐level trait measurements, however, were poor predictors of seedling growth rates. ITV, particularly the ability to adapt the pattern of biomass allocation, can be critical during seedling establishment. We propose incorporating information about ITV and the ability of species to modulate their phenotypic expression to cope with environmental variability into programs of forest restoration. Easily implemented and standardized greenhouse experiments are an inexpensive way to obtain high‐quality data on the plasticity of forest species, which can be very valuable for predicting the potential of species acclimation and thus improving the selection of species that better match each particular scenario of restoration.
Sensitive Anodic Stripping Voltammetric Copper Ions Determination Performed in Double Deposition and Double Stripping Steps System for Real Water Samples Analysis
Authors: Gęca Iwona , Ochab Mateusz
Published: March 2020

The article reports on utilization of double deposition and stripping steps for increasing sensitivity of Cu(II) determination by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) at two lead film working electrodes. A significant preconcentration of copper was achieved thanks to utilization of a simple design of four electrodes system that gives possibility to perform one measurement cycle consisting of two deposition and two stripping steps. Due to the fact that deposition step is doubled, the concentration of Pb(II) needed to lead film electrodes formation was significantly reduced as compared to traditional procedures using three electrodes system. The analytical procedure of Cu(II) determination was optimized. The experimental factors: supporting electrolyte's pH and its concentration, lead ions concentration, potential and time of deposition at both working electrodes were studied. The Cu(II) peak current was linearly dependent on its concentration from 5×10−10 to 2×10−8 mol L−1 (deposition time of 270 and 160 s at the first and the second working electrode, respectively). The obtained detection limit for copper ions determination was 2.1×10−10 mol L−1. The described procedure was validated by analysis of two water certified reference materials. The described procedure was also utilized for real water sample analysis.
Key Parameters of Proton‐conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells from the Perspective of Coherence with Models
Authors: Milewski J. , Szczęśniak A. , Szabłowski Ł. , Bernat R.
Published: March 2020

The paper presents a review of thermal, flow, and material parameters from the perspective of modeling proton‐conducting solid oxide fuel cells (H+SOFC). Comments are offered regarding key parameters selected through research of the literature, featuring mostly material‐related properties of electrolyte and electrodes. Some general relationships are proposed here for the purpose of modeling H+SOFC. The most important parameter is fuel cell operational temperature. Next to the temperature, partial pressures of hydrogen on both sides of H+SOFC impact mainly maximum voltage. The materials from which the fuel cell is built do not directly affect the operation of the fuel cell in the sense that they can be taken as fixed values. Indirectly, their influence can be seen in the resistances, that electrolyte conducts for proton flux and electrodes for electrons. In some cases, double ion/electron conductivity may occur.
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) item analysis of empathy and theory of mind
Authors: Tholen Matthias G. , Trautwein Fynn‐Mathis , Böckler Anne , Singer Tania , Kanske Philipp
Published: March 2020

In contrast to conventional functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) analysis across participants, item analysis allows generalizing the observed neural response patterns from a specific stimulus set to the entire population of stimuli. In the present study, we perform an item analysis on an fMRI paradigm (EmpaToM) that measures the neural correlates of empathy and Theory of Mind (ToM). The task includes a large stimulus set (240 emotional vs. neutral videos to probe empathic responding and 240 ToM or factual reasoning questions to probe ToM), which we tested in two large participant samples (N = 178, N = 130). Both, the empathy‐related network comprising anterior insula, anterior cingulate/dorsomedial prefrontal cortex, inferior frontal gyrus, and dorsal temporoparietal junction/supramarginal gyrus (TPJ) and the ToM related network including ventral TPJ, superior temporal gyrus, temporal poles, and anterior and posterior midline regions, were observed across participants and items. Regression analyses confirmed that these activations are predicted by the empathy or ToM condition of the stimuli, but not by low‐level features such as video length, number of words, syllables or syntactic complexity. The item analysis also allowed for the selection of the most effective items to create optimized stimulus sets that provide the most stable and reproducible results. Finally, reproducibility was shown in the replication of all analyses in the second participant sample. The data demonstrate (a) the generalizability of empathy and ToM related neural activity and (b) the reproducibility of the EmpaToM task and its applicability in intervention and clinical imaging studies.
Effect of Statins on the Risk of Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Lavu Sravanthi , Therneau Terry M. , Harmsen William S. , Mara Kristin C. , Wongjarupong Nicha , Hassan Mohamed , Ali Hamdi A. , Antwi Samuel , Giama Nasra H. , Miyabe Katsuyuki , Roberts Lewis R.
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims

Statins have been proven to be cytotoxic to human cholangiocarcinoma cells by inhibiting cell division and inducing apoptosis. We aimed to determine the effect of statin use on the risk of cancer development and survival in patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ECC), including perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (pCCA) and distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA).

Approach and Results

A total of 394 patients with ECC and hyperlipidemia who received care at Mayo Clinic Rochester between 2005 and 2015 were matched by age, sex, race, ethnicity, and residency to 788 controls with hyperlipidemia. Clinical and outcome data were abstracted. The odds ratios (ORs) for risk and hazard ratios for outcomes were calculated. The mean age and standard deviation (SD) for cases and controls was 65.6 years (13.8). The number of statin users in cases and controls was 73 (19%) and 403 (51%), respectively. Hepatitis C virus infection (OR, 15.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.06‐61.87; P < 0.001) was the most significant risk factor for pCCA followed by inflammatory bowel disease and cirrhosis, whereas other liver disease, including biliary stone disease (OR, 4.06; CI, 2.24‐7.36; P < 0.001), was the only significant risk factor for dCCA. Statin use was associated with significantly reduced risk for all ECC (OR, 0.22; CI, 0.16‐0.29) as well as for the subtypes pCCA (OR, 0.3; CI, 0.21‐0.41) and dCCA (OR, 0.06; CI, 0.03‐0.14), all P < 0.0001. Moderate‐intensity dosage was found to decrease the risk of ECC (OR, 0.48; CI, 0.34‐0.67; P < 0.001). Comparing statin ever users to nonusers, patients with dCCA who used statins had significantly overall better survival (hazard ratio = 0.53; CI, 0.29‐0.97; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

This case‐control study suggests that statins decrease the risk of ECC and may improve survival in patients with dCCA. Additional validation studies are warranted.
Cilofexor, a Nonsteroidal FXR Agonist, in Patients With Noncirrhotic NASH: A Phase 2 Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Patel Keyur , Harrison Stephen A. , Elkhashab Magdy , Trotter James F. , Herring Robert , Rojter Sergio E. , Kayali Zeid , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Greenbloom Susan , Jayakumar Saumya , Shiffman Mitchell L. , Freilich Bradley , Lawitz Eric J. , Gane Edward J. , Harting Eliza , Xu Jun , Billin Andrew N. , Chung Chuhan , Djedjos C. Stephen , Subramanian G. Mani , Myers Robert P. , Middleton Michael S. , Rinella Mary , Noureddin Mazen
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of cilofexor (formerly GS‐9674), a small‐molecule nonsteroidal agonist of farnesoid X receptor, in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Approach and Results

In this double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 2 trial, 140 patients with noncirrhotic NASH, diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging–proton density fat fraction (MRI‐PDFF) ≥8% and liver stiffness ≥2.5 kPa by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) or historical liver biopsy, were randomized to receive cilofexor 100 mg (n = 56), 30 mg (n = 56), or placebo (n = 28) orally once daily for 24 weeks. MRI‐PDFF, liver stiffness by MRE and transient elastography, and serum markers of fibrosis were measured at baseline and week 24. At baseline, median MRI‐PDFF was 16.3% and MRE‐stiffness was 3.27 kPa. At week 24, patients receiving cilofexor 100 mg had a median relative decrease in MRI‐PDFF of −22.7%, compared with an increase of 1.9% in those receiving placebo (P = 0.003); the 30‐mg group had a relative decrease of −1.8% (P = 0.17 vs. placebo). Declines in MRI‐PDFF of ≥30% were experienced by 39% of patients receiving cilofexor 100 mg (P = 0.011 vs. placebo), 14% of those receiving cilofexor 30 mg (P = 0.87 vs. placebo), and 13% of those receiving placebo. Serum gamma‐glutamyltransferase, C4, and primary bile acids decreased significantly at week 24 in both cilofexor treatment groups, whereas significant changes in Enhanced Liver Fibrosis scores and liver stiffness were not observed. Cilofexor was generally well‐tolerated. Moderate to severe pruritus was more common in patients receiving cilofexor 100 mg (14%) than in those receiving cilofexor 30 mg (4%) and placebo (4%).

Conclusions

Cilofexor for 24 weeks was well‐tolerated and provided significant reductions in hepatic steatosis, liver biochemistry, and serum bile acids in patients with NASH. ClinicalTrials.gov No. NCT02854605.
Constructal design associated with genetic algorithm to minimize the maximum deflection of thin stiffened steel plates
Authors: Cunha Marcelo Langhinrichs , Estrada Emanuel da Silva Diaz , Lima João Paulo Silva , Troina Grégori da Silva , dos Santos Elizaldo Domingues , Isoldi Liércio André
Published: March 2020

This paper deals with the application of stochastic technique allied to the constructal design (CD) method and computational modeling for the optimization of composed plates reinforced by stiffeners. More specifically, it seeks to determine the optimal geometric configuration of the stiffened plate that minimizes its maximum deflection. For this purpose, a simply supported rectangular plate (with no stiffeners) was adopted as a reference. Then, a set of geometric configurations was proposed, through the application of CD method, by transforming a volume fraction (ϕ) of the reference plate into longitudinal and transverse stiffeners, maintaining the total volume, in‐plane dimensions, boundary conditions, and loading. Regarding the optimization procedure, the genetic algorithm (GA) was chosen as the optimization method, and the geometric parameters considered as degrees of freedom were as follows: the number of longitudinal (Nls) and transverse (Nts) stiffeners; the thickness of the longitudinal (tls) and transverse (tts) stiffeners; and longitudinal and transverse stiffeners' heights ratio (hts/hls). Moreover, several values ofϕwere considered. Results indicated a great influence of the geometry on the mechanical behavior of the stiffened plates, as the optimal geometric configuration obtained here led to a reduction of over 98% in the maximum deflection in comparison with the reference plate.
Gastrointestinal toxicity during induction treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: The impact of the gut microbiota
Authors: De Pietri Silvia , Ingham Anna C. , Frandsen Thomas L. , Rathe Mathias , Krych Lukasz , Castro‐Mejía Josue L. , Nielsen Dennis S. , Nersting Jacob , Wehner Peder S. , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Hasle Henrik , Pamp Sünje J. , Müller Klaus
Published: March 2020

Intestinal mucositis is a common side effect of chemotherapy leading to diarrhea, abdominal pain and increased risk of infections. The intestinal microbiota has been recognized as a key regulator of mucosal immune responses. Therefore, we hypothesized that intestinal microbial changes would be associated with enterocyte loss and systemic inflammation during induction treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We prospectively included 51 children newly‐diagnosed with ALL treated in Denmark in 2015–2018. Plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP), plasma citrulline (marker of functional enterocytes mass) measurements and fecal samplings were performed on treatment Days 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. Moreover, intestinal mucositis was scored by a trained nurse/physician. Fecal samples in patients and 19 healthy siblings were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing (V3–V4 region). Bacterial alpha diversity was lower in patients compared to siblings. It decreased from Day 1 to Days 8–22 and increased on Day 29. Shannon alpha diversity index was correlated with CRP on Days 15–29 (rho = −0.33−0.49; p < 0.05) and with citrulline on Days 15 and 29 (although with p values <0.06, rho = 0.32–0.34). The abundance of unclassified Enterococcus species (spp.) was correlated with CRP on Days 22–29 (rho = 0.42–0.49; p < 0.009), while the abundance of unclassified Lachnospiraceae spp. was correlated with citrulline on days 8–15 (rho = 0.48–0.62, p < 0.001). Systemic inflammation, enterocyte loss and relative abundance of unclassified Enterococcus spp. reached a peak around Day 15. In conclusion, specific changes in the microbiota were associated with the severity of enterocyte loss and systemic inflammation during chemotherapy.
Risk factors for gastroschisis: A case–control study in a Brazilian population
Authors: Freitas Amanda B. , Centofanti Sandra F. , Osmundo‐Junior Gilmar S. , Rodrigues Agatha S. , Francisco Rossana P. V. , Brizot Maria L.
Published: March 2020

Objective

To evaluate risk factors associated with fetal gastroschisis.

Methods

As a secondary aim of a larger case–control study, pregnant women attending the Fetal Medicine Unit at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hospital das Clinicas, Sao Paulo University Medical School between July 1, 2013, and July 31, 2015, were allocated into either the gastroschisis group, where the woman was carrying a fetus with gastroschisis, or the control group, where the fetus was normal. Patients in the control group were matched at study entry for maternal age, preconception body mass index and weeks of gestation. In‐person interviews were conducted during pregnancy to obtain data on demographic, medical, and social characteristics; exposure to substances; pregnancy history; the presence of chronic disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), influenza, and fever; and the occurrence of stress events between the month before the last menstrual period and the first trimester of pregnancy.

Results

Of 171 women included in the study, 57 were allocated to the gastroschisis group and 114 to the control group. There were significant associations between gastroschisis and maternal UTI (P=0.011), tobacco use (P=0.001), alcohol consumption (P≤0.001), and illicit drug use (P=0.012). After analysis by standard logistic regression, the remaining significant factors were UTI, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

UTI and exposure to tobacco or alcohol just before conception and during early pregnancy were associated with an increase in the likelihood of fetal gastroschisis.
COMPARISON OF CLASSICAL SPRINKLER AND WHEEL MOVE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS IN DEHGOLAN PLAIN, NORTH‐WEST IRAN†
Authors: Faryabi Arsalan , Maroufpoor Eisa , Ghamarnia Houshang , Yamin Moshrefi Goran
Published: March 2020

The performance and efficiency of classical fixed sprinkler and wheel move irrigation systems were compared in the Dehgolan Plain, north‐west Iran. The field and laboratory experiments were conducted with 10 classical fixed and 10 wheel move systems. Christensen coefficient of uniformity (CU), distribution uniformity (DU), potential application efficiency of low quarter (PELQ) and application efficiency of the lower quarter (AELQ) were used for the purpose of this assessment. The results showed a low efficiency due to improper design and management of classical fixed systems. Also, the results indicated that the wheel move systems used in the Dehgolan Plain performed well. The average mean values of the above coefficients (i.e. 12.6, 19.8, 21.5 and 14.5%) were higher in wheel move systems in comparison to those of classical fixed systems. Additionally, the average mean value of wind drift and evaporation losses (WDEL) and percolation losses (DP) were 0.45 and 1.17% lower in the wheel move systems, respectively, in comparison to those of classical fixed systems. The adequacy of irrigation (ADirr) of the wheel move systems was 16.3% higher than that of classical fixed systems. Generally, the results showed that wheel move systems in the Dehgolan Plain have a substantially higher efficiency than the classical fixed systems. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ON‐FARM WATER AND SALT MANAGEMENT UNDER A STRAWBERRY–PEPPER COMBINATION IN THE KORBA AREA
Authors: Daghari Issam , Bani Azza , Bousnina Habib , Chaabane Abbes
Published: March 2020

In the irrigated area of Korba, aquifer high electrical conductivity exceeding 28 dS m‾¹ was measured. Increasing soil electrical conductivity has led to an abandonment of farms and a reduction of the area devoted to some crops, such as tomatoes, which fell from 450 to 210 ha, between 1998 and 2011. Some new practices such water blending, crop rotation and crop association have been introduced. The most important crop combination of strawberry–pepper is widespread throughout the area. The two crops were grown simultaneously in the same plots for two successive years during the first years of the project; this new combination reached 130 ha. During recent years, this combination has been maintained for only one year due to the observed yield decrease during the second year. In order to evaluate this crop combination and with the aim of understanding why farmers grow only one year of this combination, trials were conducted from July 2011 to August 2013. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) distribution and irrigation uniformity were analysed. During irrigation seasons, soil EC was 1.45 dS m‾¹ at the beginning (July 2011) and reached 3.3 and 5.52 dS m‾¹ respectively in August 2012 and August 2013. These soil EC values were high for strawberry. This explains why farmers choose rainfed crops, and salt‐tolerant crops during the second year. A survey concerning irrigation uniformity gave an acceptable figure of almost 90%. Even if the gross margin shows that it is not worthwhile to blend fresh and saline water, farmers opt for water blending. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complementary Bayesian method of moments strategies
Authors: Gallant A. Ronald
Published: March 2020

Methodology is proposed that addresses two problems that arise in application of the generalized method of moments representation of the likelihood in Bayesian inference: (1) a missing Jacobian term and (2) a normality assumption. The proposals are illustrated by application to the seminal application of the generalized method of moments methodology in the econometric literature: an endowment economy whose representative agent has constant relative risk aversion utility.
Troxerutin downregulates C/EBP‐β gene expression via modulating the IFNγ‐ERK1/2 signaling pathway to ameliorate rotenone‐induced retinal neurodegeneration
Authors: Ibrahim Rowida Raafat , El‐Esawy Rasha Osama , El‐Sakaa Mervat H.
Published: March 2020

Troxerutin, a natural flavonoid guards against oxidative stress and apoptosis with a high capability of passing through the blood‐brain barrier. Our aim was to investigate the role of troxerutin in experimentally induced retinal neurodegeneration by modulating the interferon‐gamma (IFNγ)‐extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2)‐CCAAT enhancer‐binding protein β (C/EBP‐β) signaling pathway. Three groups of rats (10 each group) were included. Group I (control group), group II (rotenone treated group): the rats were injected subcutaneously with a single rotenone dosage of 3 mg/kg repeated every 48 hours for 60 days to trigger retinal neurodegeneration. Group III (troxerutin‐treated group): rats received troxerutin (150 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage 1 hour before rotenone administration. A real‐time polymerase chain reaction technique was applied to measure messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of retinal C/EBP‐β. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay technique was utilized to assay tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), IFNγ, and ERK1/2 levels. Finally, reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as carbonylated protein (CP) levels, were assessed spectrophotometrically. Improved retinal neurodegeneration by downregulation of C/EBP‐β mRNA gene expression, also caused a significant reduction of TNF‐α, IFNγ, ERK1/2 as well as ROS and CP levels compared with the diseased group. These findings could hold promise for the usage of troxerutin as a protective agent against rotenone‐induced retinal neurodegeneration.
Portfolio strategy for managing R&D, royalties and transnational taxes
Authors: Rapp William V.
Published: March 2020

This article is based on a successful consulting project for a large Fortune 100 technology‐based US MNE facing various tax and royalty issues related to the use of its technology by its subsidiaries and affiliates and its licensing agreements with other companies in different countries.
Transcriptome‐wide study of the response of human trabecular meshwork cells to the substrate stiffness increase
Authors: Tie Jinjun , Chen Dong , Guo Junhong , Liao Shengjie , Luo Xiaotian , Zhang Yu , Guo Ruru , Xu Chenjia , Huang Dandan , Zhang Yi , Wang Jiantao
Published: March 2020

Elevated intraocular pressure, a major risk factor of glaucoma, is caused by the abnormal function of trabecular outflow pathways. Human trabecular meshwork (HTM) tissue plays an important role in the outflow pathways. However, the molecular mechanisms that how TM cells respond to the elevated IOP are largely unknown. We cultured primary HTM cells on polyacrylamide gels with tunable stiffness corresponding to Young's moduli ranging from 1.1 to 50 kPa. Then next‐generation RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) was performed to obtain the transcriptomic profiles of HTM cells. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that genes related to glaucoma including DCN, SPARC, and CTGF, were significantly increased with elevated substrate stiffness, as well as the global alteration of HTM transcriptome. Extracellular matrix (ECM)‐related genes were selectively activated in response to the elevated substrate stiffness, consistent with the known molecular alteration in glaucoma. Human normal and glaucomatous TM tissues were also obtained to perform RNA‐seq experiments and supported the substrate stiffness‐altered transcriptome profiles from the in vitro cell model. The current study profiled the transcriptomic changes in human TM cells upon increasing substrate stiffness. Global change of ECM‐related genes indicates that the in vitro substrate stiffness could greatly affect the biological processes of HTM cells. The in vitro HTM cell model could efficiently capture the main pathogenetic process in glaucoma patients, and provide a powerful method to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Enhancing the photocatalytic decomposition of acetaldehyde in air by immobilized titanium dioxide
Authors: Shiraishi Fumihide , Iwanaga Masashi , Kitagawa Natsuko , Miyazaki Fumiya
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

In treatment of air using UV‐irradiated titanium dioxide (TiO2), volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations mostly reach zero or decrease to a miniscule amount. However, when acetaldehyde (AA) is treated by photocatalysts immobilized on silica or activated carbon (AC) particles, which have a high ability to adsorb VOCs, the AA concentration decreases rapidly initially, but decreases very slowly after AA has been decomposed to a certain low concentration. To overcome this problem, the performances of photocatalysts immobilized on different supporting materials were investigated.

RESULTS

Computer simulations clarify that the slow decrease in the AA concentration in the final stage is due to the desorption of adsorbed AA, taking a much longer time to completely decompose AA. The simulations also suggest two strategies to overcome the problem: using a support with a smooth surface and low adsorption ability, and increasing the photocatalytic activity. The first strategy was tested by immobilizing TiO2 on glass tubes, PET film sheets and aluminum foil sheets with low adsorption abilities. The experimental results indicate that the AA concentrations for these supports decrease at lower rates than for supports with high adsorption ability, but decrease steadily toward zero. The second strategy was tested by increasing the amount of immobilized‐photocatalyst particles with high adsorption abilities, resulting in a shorter time for the AA concentration to reach zero.

CONCLUSION

For completely decomposing AA by an immobilized photocatalyst in a short period of time, the use of supporting particles with a high adsorption ability should be avoided. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Microporosity and polymerization contraction as function of depth in dental resin cements by X‐ray computed microtomography
Authors: Gheller Rafaela , Burey Adrieli , Vicentin Bruno Luiz Santana , dos Reis Paulo José , Appoloni Carlos Roberto , Garbelini Cássia Cilene Dezan , Hoeppner Márcio Grama
Published: March 2020

This research aimed to obtain the depth dependence of polymerization contraction and microporosity from irradiated dental resin cements by X‐ray computed microtomography (μCT). Samples (n = 5) of commercial Relyx U200 (RU) and AllCem Core (AC) dual‐cure resin cements were injected in a cylindrical Teflon sampler (25 mm3) and separated according to polymerization mechanism: self‐cured (not irradiated) and dual‐cured (irradiated from the top surface with a LED device). The cement's volume was scanned with the μCT scanning conditions kept constant. To assess the depth dependence of polymerization contraction, it was measured the displacement of the cement mass from the sample holder at 30 vertical cuts (0.1 mm distant). To probe the microporosity, the percentage of area with presence of porosity by slice was obtained. All data were statistically treated. It was observed a positive linear correlation between depth and polymerization contraction in the irradiated groups. In the other hand, the concentration of micropores decreased with increasing depth. Furthermore, the composition of the resin cement was determinant for the correlation's coefficients of these physical properties with depth. The μCT technique showed to be useful to probe physical properties of dental restorative materials that influence in the clinical outcomes, revealing that, for thin specimens, when light cured the RU cement presented mechanical behavior more favorable for clinical applications.
Editorial for "Quantitative MRCP Imaging: Accuracy, Repeatability, Reproducibility, and Cohort‐Derived Normative Ranges
Authors: Krishna Satheesh , McInnes Matthew DF
Published: March 2020

Level of Evidence

5.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:821–822.
Merged image reconstruction for anomalous systemic arterial supply to a normal lung
Authors: Hu Bin , Lan Yunping , Li Qiang , Yang Xiaozun , Tian Bo , Qing Haomiao , Zhou Peng , Wang Ting , Yang Xiaojun
Published: March 2020

We present a rare case of anomalous systemic arterial supply to normal basal segments of the left lower lobe. Plain computed tomography (CT) showed an occupancy lesion in the left lower lobe. Contrast CT and merged three‐dimensional (3D) image reconstruction showed that the anomalous systemic artery originated from the descending aorta and substituted the basilar segmental pulmonary artery and the arterial supply to the basilar segment of left lower lobe. We use the merged image reconstruction of 3D CT angiography and bronchography (3D‐CTAB) to depict the precise location and stereoscopic shape of this vascular malformation. Therefore, we think that these data add a novel comprehensive perspective on the diagnosis of the feature of malformation and treatment planning for this rare disease.
Predictive value of noninducibility after catheter ablation for paroxysmal and persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Tachibana Shinichi , Mizukami Akira , Kuroda Shunsuke , Hayashi Tatsuya , Matsumura Akihiko , Goya Masahiko , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: March 2020

Background

It is unclear whether pacing maneuver at the end of catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) predicts recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia postintervention.

Objective

To investigate whether the predictive value of incremental pacing maneuver after catheter ablation for AF depends on the pacing cycle length and type of AF.

Methods

This study included 298 consecutive patients who underwent initial catheter ablation for nonvalvular AF (61% paroxysmal AF [PAF], 39% persistent AF [PeAF]). Rapid atrial pacing was performed at the end of the procedure. We analyzed minimum coupling interval (CI) of pacing, arrhythmia‐inducibility, and atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence in patients with PAF and PeAF.

Results

Patients were divided into the following three groups according to their response to pacing maneuver: AF‐inducible (inducible group; n = 86), noninducible at CI ≥200 ms (non‐CI ≥200 group; n = 100), and noninducible at CI <200 ms (non‐CI <200 group; n = 112). Kaplan‐Meier analysis showed that response to pacing maneuver was significantly associated with recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias (P = .028). Cox‐regression analysis showed that non‐CI <200 was an independent predictor when the inducible group was used as a reference (hazard ratio 0.60, 95% confidence interval 0.40‐0.96, P = .031). However, when PAF and PeAF were analyzed separately, non‐CI <200 was an independent predictor only in PeAF.

Conclusion

Noninducibility with shorter CI predicted atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence only for PeAF. Pacing CI and type of AF could influence the predictive value of atrial tachyarrhythmia recurrence.
Enoxaparin dosing in Noonan syndrome: a case report
Authors: Tran Van N. , Tey Ai Xin N.
Published: March 2020

Background

Noonan syndrome is a genetic condition that typically includes heart abnormalities and characteristic facial features. Various bleeding disorders have been associated with Noonan syndrome. Some affected individuals have excessive bruising, nosebleeds or prolonged bleeding following injury or surgery. This paper describes anti‐Factor Xa levels following excessive enoxaparin dosing in a male patient with Noonan syndrome.

Clinical details

A 24‐year‐old male (weighing 53 kg) presented under Orthopaedics for his elective three‐stage scoliosis surgery for kyphoscoliosis. The patient was usually on warfarin for a mechanical valve replacement. Bridging enoxaparin was prescribed (initially 1.5 mg/kg, SC, daily), but failure to reach therapeutic anti‐Factor Xa levels (highest level 0.44 units/mL) resulted in escalating enoxaparin doses (90 mg, SC, twice daily).

Outcomes

Despite a doses of up to 1.7 mg/kg enoxaparin twice daily, the patient did not reach therapeutic anti‐Factor Xa levels according to recommended reference ranges. The patient’s regular warfarin dose was restarted and the enoxaparin was ceased once his International Normalised Ratio was within the therapeutic range. The patient was transferred to a a rehabilitation facility 10 days after surgery.

Conclusion

Medication assay ranges may not always be an accurate point of reference, particularly when patients present with unusual comorbidities. As health care moves towards patient‐centred care, it is essential that individual patient parameters are considered when monitoring medication treatment plans.
Magnetic amino‐functionalized hollow silica‐titania microsphere as an efficient sorbent for extraction of pesticides in green and roasted coffee beans
Authors: Asadi Marjan , Sereshti Hassan
Published: March 2020

This study describes the synthesis and application of a magnetic amino‐functionalized hollow silica‐titania microsphere as a new sorbent for magnetic dispersive micro‐solid phase extraction of selected pesticides in coffee bean samples. The sorbent was fully characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transition electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry techniques. Significant extraction parameters affecting the proposed method, such as extraction time, sorbent amount, sample solution pH, salt amount, and desorption conditions (desorption solvent and time) were investigated and optimized. All the figures of merits were validated in coffee bean samples under the matrix‐matched calibration method. Linear dynamic ranges were 5–250 µg/kg with the determination coefficients (R2) > 0.9980. The limits of detection for the pesticides of chlorpyrifos, malathion, hexaconazole, and atrazine were 1.42, 1.43, 1.35, and 1.33 µg/kg, respectively. Finally, the method was successfully applied for the determination of the pesticides in green and roasted coffee bean samples, and the obtained recoveries were in the range of 74–113% for spiked samples. The prepared sorbent could be used for the magnetic dispersive micro‐solid phase extraction of pesticides in the plant‐derived food matrix.
Fetal Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Suspected Septo‐Optic Dysplasia
Authors: Maduram Amy , Farid Nikdokht , Rakow‐Penner Rebecca , Ghassemi Neda , Khanna Paritosh C. , Robbins Shira L. , Hull Andrew , Gold Jeffrey , Pretorius Dolores H.
Published: March 2020

Objectives

To investigate prenatal imaging findings supporting a diagnosis of suspected septo‐optic dysplasia (SOD) by fetal ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or both.

Methods

A retrospective review identified 11 patients with SOD: 9 had a clinical diagnosis of SOD postnatally, and 2 were terminated on the basis of suspicious prenatal imaging. Prenatal and neonatal imaging of the cavum septi pellucidi (CSP), frontal horns (FHs), and lateral ventricles was evaluated.

Results

The appearance of the CSP varied on US and MRI. Complete (“fused”) FHs or partial absence of the CSP was reported in 6 of 11 patients by fetal US and 7 of 8 patients by fetal MRI. The diagnosis of SOD was prospectively suspected prenatally in 6 of 11 and in an additional 5 of 11 cases retrospectively. Fetal MRI incorrectly initially reported normal morphologic abnormalities for 2 cases with partial absence of the CSP, whereas US accurately identified the morphologic abnormalities in 1 of these cases before MRI. Imaging features were first suggested at anatomic US (4 patients) and follow‐up prenatal US (2 patients). Neonatal imaging was concordant in all 9 live births: 5 completely absent CSP, 3 partially absent CSP, and 1 completely present CSP. Clinical manifestations included optic nerve hypoplasia (9 of 9), panhypopituitarism (5 of 9), and neurodevelopmental delays.

Conclusions

Primary imaging features of SOD are “continuous” FHs with complete or partial absence of the CSP. Septo‐optic dysplasia can be suspected in utero and can appear isolated but has substantial associated central nervous system anomalies identified on fetal MRI or after birth. Partial absence of the CSP can be a prenatal sign of suspected SOD, although fetal MRI lacked the spatial resolution to identify it accurately in all cases.
Primary culture of aspiration residual specimens improves the diagnostic accuracy between hepatocellular carcinoma and benign nodules
Authors: Lin Zu‐Yau , Wang Jing‐Houng , Yeh Ming‐Lun , Huang Ching‐I , Kee Kwong‐Ming , Yen Yi‐Hao , Chen Shinn‐Cherng , Huang Chung‐Feng , Huang Jee‐Fu , Dai Chia‐Yen , Yu Ming‐Lung , Chuang Wan‐Long
Published: March 2020

Results of fine‐needle aspiration of hepatic nodules may be equivocal to confuse clinical judgment. The utility of primary culture of aspiration residual specimens to improve the accuracy in differential diagnosis between hepatocellular carcinoma and benign lesions was investigated. A total of 337 patients (hepatocellular carcinoma proven by aspiration 277, by other modalities 35, benign nodules 25) were included. The growth patterns of cancer cells at the 14th day of primary culture from aspiration proven hepatocellular carcinoma patients were applied as criteria for analysis. Hepatocellular carcinoma proven by aspiration showed higher incidence of outgrowth of cancer cells than those not proven by aspiration or the incidence of outgrowth of hepatocyte antigen positive cells in benign lesions (all P < .02). To differentiate hepatocellular carcinoma from benign nodules measuring ≤2 cm, growth patterns as item showed similar sensitivity and accuracy to aspiration results. The negative predictive values for the above two items in differential diagnosis were all below 45% in nodules measuring either ≤ or >2 cm. Using at least one positive result of growth patterns or aspiration as item for differential diagnosis increased the sensitivity, negative predictive value and accuracy, but little decreased the specificity and positive predictive value as compared with aspiration results alone in nodules measuring either ≤ or >2 cm. In conclusion, the growth patterns at the 14th day of primary culture can be applied for dynamic interpretation of the specimens to improve the diagnostic accuracy of fine‐needle aspiration between hepatocellular carcinoma and benign lesions.
Ultranarrow Linewidth Photonic‐Atomic Laser
Authors: Zhang Wei , Stern Liron , Carlson David , Bopp Douglas , Newman Zachary , Kang Songbai , Kitching John , Papp Scott B.
Published: March 2020

Lasers with high spectral purity can enable a diverse application space, including precision spectroscopy, coherent high‐speed communications, physical sensing, and manipulation of quantum systems. Already, meticulous design and construction of bench Fabry–Perot cavities has made possible dramatic achievements in active laser‐linewidth reduction, predominantly for optical‐atomic clocks. Yet, there is increasing demand for miniaturized laser systems operating with high performance in ambient environments. Here, a compact and robust photonic‐atomic laser comprising a 2.5 centimeter long, 20 000 finesse, monolithic Fabry–Perot cavity integrated with a micromachined rubidium vapor cell is presented. By leveraging the short‐time frequency stability of the cavity and the long‐time frequency stability of atoms, an ultranarrow‐linewidth laser that enables integration for extended measurements is realized. Specifically, the laser supports a fractional‐frequency stability of at an averaging time of 20 millisecond, at 300 second, an integrated linewidth of 25 Hz that results from thermal noise, frequency noise floor as low as 0.06 Hz2 Hz−1, and a passive vibration immunity as low as 10−10 g−1. The present work explores hybrid laser systems with monolithic photonic and atomic packages based on physical design.
Direct Nanoimprint Lithography of Polyethersulfone Using Cellulose‐Based Mold
Authors: Takei Satoshi
Published: March 2020

Polyethersulfone (PES) with a glass transition temperature of 224 °C is a class of high‐performance super engineering plastics with excellent heat resistance, as well as mechanical, electrical, and optical properties. However, the nanopatterning of PES using thermal nanoimprint lithography at a high temperature can induce technical difficulties. High‐accuracy 900‐nm line patterning of PES is fabricated 50 times using both a solvent‐permeable cellulose‐based mold and dimethylformamide as a dilution solvent in direct thermal nanoimprint lithography. The use of dilution solvents in PES has yet been limited in the nanoimprint lithography, and the developed processes expand the surface patterning of super engineering plastic.
Consumer relationship fading
Authors: Evanschitzky Heiner , Ramaseshan B. , Brady Michael K. , Rabbanee Fazlul K. , Brock Christian , Pokorska‐Zare Joanna
Published: March 2020

This paper explores the phenomenon of consumer relationship fading with a series of three adjacent studies. Analyzing two longitudinal behavioral datasets, Study 1 shows that about one‐third of the relationships could be described as fading. Drawing on prior work in the marriage disaffection literature, Study 2 defines relationship fading for the consumer marketing context as a process of gradual decline in consumers' intention to continue their relationship with a brand, generally manifested in negative feelings toward the brand, diminishing frequency and/or volume of transactions with it, and initiation of switching intentions. It further identifies disillusion, disaffection, and crossroads as three distinct fading stages, and outlines boundary conditions. Study 3 observes relationship fading through a diary study approach and finds attitude movement in both positive and negative directions between the stages. Further, while positive attitudes generally decline over the course of the fading trajectory, negative emotions peak at the penultimate fading stage and then level off at the final, crossroads stage. By defining and analyzing consumer relationship fading, we improve understanding of an under‐researched, large segment of consumers.
Saccharide analog, 2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose enhances 4‐1BB‐mediated antitumor immunity via PD‐L1 deglycosylation
Authors: Kim Bareun , Sun Ruoxuan , Oh Wonkyung , Kim Alyssa Min Jung , Schwarz Johann Richard , Lim Seung‐Oe
Published: March 2020

Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks a well‐defined molecular target and is associated with poorer outcomes compared to other breast cancer subtypes. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1)/programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) blockade therapy shows a 10% to 20% response rate in TNBC patients. Our previous studies show that PD‐L1 proteins are heavily glycosylated in TNBC, and the glycosylation plays an important role in the PD‐L1 protein's stability and immunosuppressive function. However, a strategy for PD‐L1 deglycosylation in TNBC is poorly defined. Here we found that a saccharide analog, 2‐deoxy‐
d‐glucose (2‐DG), inhibits glycosylation of PD‐L1 and its immunosuppressive function by combining with EGFR inhibitor, gefitinib. Interestingly, 2‐DG/gefitinib‐induced deglycosylation of PD‐L1 decreased the expression level of PD‐L1 protein as well as its binding with PD‐1. However, there was no significant decrease in 4‐1BB expression and its binding with 4‐1BBL by 2‐DG/gefitinib. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the combination treatment of 2‐DG/gefitinib and 4‐1BB antibody enhances antitumor immunity in TNBC syngeneic murine models. Together, our results suggest a new immunotherapeutic strategy to enhance antitumor immunity by PD‐L1 deglycosylation and 4‐1BB stimulation in TNBC.