bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate Governance Characteristics And Its Effect On The Performance Of Microfinance Institutions In Ghana
Authors: Yensu Joseph , Agyei Frank Boateng , Atuilik Daniel Abayaakadina
Published: November 2024

Background: The study aimed at assessing the effect of some selected corporate governance characteristics on
the performance of microfinance companies in Ghana. The corporate governance characteristics were CEO
duality, board size, and board composition. Tobin’s Q and Return on Assets were used as proxy for firm
performance. To assess whether there are other factors apart from the above that affect profitability, firm
characteristics such as firm size, fixed asset over total assets and debt structure were also used as control
variables.
Materials and Methods: The descriptive and the GLS panel regression analysis were used to analyse the data
of 25 microfinance companies spanning from 2005 to 2016 in Ghana.
Results: We realized that, board size had a positive impact on ROA but it had a negative impact on Tobin’s Q.
The study found a negative impact of CEO duality on Tobin’s Q and a positive impact on ROA. For board
composition, the study found that there was a negative and significant impact of board composition on ROA and
a positive impact on Tobin’s Q. Furthermore, firm size had a negative and significant impact on ROA. It had
the same negative impact on Tobin’s Q though not significant. Asset structure had a significant positive impact
on ROA but impacting Tobin’s Q negatively. On the other hand, there was also a positive impact of debt structure on ROA while impacting Tobin’s Q negatively. Conclusion: It was recommended that MFIs should be encouraged to improve all corporate governance directives in order to improve and sustain the industry
Clinical-Radiological-Ultrasonographic Correlation In Affections Of Spine – Hip - Shoulder - Knee And Foot.
Authors: Vega Reidel Laidley , Benítez-López Reynaldo , Mayol Reynaldo Benítez , Pérez Madelín Hernández , Mayol Yanela Benítez , Benítez Luis Hernández
Published: November 2024

El objetivo del presente artículo es revisar la correlación entre hallazgos clínicos, radiológicos y
ultrasonográficos en las afecciones de columna, cadera, hombro, rodilla y pie en el contexto chileno. Se utilizó
la metodología PRISMA para seleccionar estudios relevantes publicados entre 2018 y 2024. La búsqueda incluyó
bases de datos como PubMed, Scopus y Web of Science. Los criterios de inclusión consideraron estudios que
compararan evaluaciones clínicas con hallazgos radiológicos y ultrasonográficos en dichas articulaciones. Los
resultados indican una fuerte correlación entre las evaluaciones clínicas y las imágenes diagnósticas en la
mayoría de los casos, especialmente en afecciones de la rodilla y el hombro. La ecografía se destaca como una
herramienta complementaria valiosa, especialmente para el diagnóstico de patologías tendinosas y de tejidos
blandos. En cuanto a la columna y la cadera, las imágenes de resonancia magnética mostraron mayor precisión
diagnóstica en comparación con otras modalidades. Se concluye que la combinación de técnicas clínicas y de
imagen mejora significativamente la precisión diagnóstica y el manejo de las afecciones musculo esqueléticas,
lo que se traduce en mejores resultados clínicos y funcionales para los pacientes.
Las limitaciones del estudio incluyen la variabilidad en la calidad de las imágenes y la experiencia del operador en la realización de ecografías. Se recomienda la implementación de protocolos estandarizados para mejorar la reproducibilidad de los resultados.
On the equivalence of the correlation function and the distribution of time intervals between all pairs of time series events
Authors: Loznikov V.M.
Published: November 2024

This note discusses the relationship between the distribution of SI(k) time intervals between all pairs of time series
events and the non-normalized biased estimate of the correlation function rxx(k). For a discrete series of events, the equivalence of rxx(k) and SI(k) is proved in two ways (algebraic and “geometric”
Underground Water Pipe Leak Detection System Based on Soil Moisture Values with Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Murtikusuma O C , Primawan A B , Sumarno L
Published: November 2024

Water pipe underground leakage detection was very important reduces water loss in the plumbing system. The
occurrence of leakage in underground water pipelines represents a considerable challenge to the effective
conservation of water resources and the maintenance of associated infrastructure. This study proposes a novel
detection system based on soil moisture monitoring and fuzzy logic to accurately identify and classify leak
severity in subterranean water pipelines. Soil moisture sensors situated in close proximity to the pipeline are
employed to ascertain the real-time moisture levels, which are then processed by a fuzzy logic algorithm to
determine the leak condition with high accuracy. The system's efficacy was validated through a prototype that
achieved an average error rate of 6.64%, thereby demonstrating reliable performance in simulated leakage scenarios. This methodology offers a cost-effective, scalable solution to detect pipeline leaks and minimize water loss, with promising applications in urban and rural water distribution systems
Estimating relationships between size and fecundity in the threatened giant garter snake in seminatural and agricultural wetlands
Authors: Scherer Rick D. , Hansen Eric C. , Joseph Max , Wack Raymund F.
Published: April 2019

Increasing numbers of populations of threatened and endangered plants and animals occur in environments altered by human activity. Life history traits may vary among populations in natural and human‐dominated environments, and therefore, management strategies may need to be tailored to different environments to promote persistence. The primary objectives of this project were to estimate the probability of being pregnant for females of the threatened giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas) and test for differences in these demographic parameters between populations in seminatural wetlands and wetlands in areas dominated by rice agriculture. We also hypothesized that the probability of breeding and the number of fetuses would increase with increasing body size, a commonly reported relationship for snakes. We analysed data on T. gigas fecundity from 9 years using a Bayesian hurdle model and found no evidence of variation in the probability of being pregnant or in the number of fetuses given pregnancy for T. gigas in the two environments. The probability of being pregnant in a year was higher for females of larger size and ranged from <0.10 for snakes smaller than 631 mm snout‐to‐vent length (SVL) to >0.96 for the largest females. Similarly, given that a female was pregnant, the number of fetuses produced was higher for larger females. Pregnant females of average SVL were expected to produce 14 fetuses, and the largest females were expected to produce 34 fetuses. The inferences from our analyses are needed for subsequent population modeling, which will guide planning and decision‐making for T. gigas.
Evidence for weak interaction between phytochromes Agp1 and Agp2 from Agrobacterium fabrum
Authors: Xue Peng , El Kurdi Afaf , Kohler Anja , Ma Hongju , Kaeser Gero , Ali Arin , Fischer Reinhard , Krauß Norbert , Lamparter Tilman
Published: April 2019

During bacterial conjugation, plasmid DNA is transferred from cell to cell. In Agrobacterium fabrum, conjugation is regulated by the phytochrome photoreceptors Agp1 and Agp2. Both contribute equally to this regulation. Agp1 and Agp2 are histidine kinases, but, for Agp2, we found no autophosphorylation activity. A clear autophosphorylation signal, however, was obtained with mutants in which the phosphoaccepting Asp of the C‐terminal response regulator domain is replaced. Thus, the Agp2 histidine kinase differs from the classical transphosphorylation pattern. We performed size exclusion, photoconversion, dark reversion, autophosphorylation, chromophore assembly kinetics and fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurements on mixed Agp1/Agp2 samples. These assays pointed to an interaction between both proteins. This could partially explain the coaction of both phytochromes in the cell.
N‐glycome inheritance from cells to extracellular vesicles in B16 melanomas
Authors: Harada Yoichiro , Kizuka Yasuhiko , Tokoro Yuko , Kondo Kiyotaka , Yagi Hirokazu , Kato Koichi , Inoue Hiromasa , Taniguchi Naoyuki , Maruyama Ikuro
Published: April 2019

We investigated the correlation between metastatic behaviors of tumor cells and asparagine‐linked glycosylation (N‐glycosylation) of tumor‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). Three mouse melanoma B16 variants with distinct metastatic potentials show similar gene expression levels and enzymatic activities of glycosyltransferases involved in N‐glycosylation. All melanoma variants and EVs have nearly identical profiles of de‐sialylated N‐glycans. The major de‐sialylated N‐glycan structures of cells and EVs are core‐fucosylated, tetra‐antennary N‐glycans with β1,6‐N‐acetylglucosamine branches. A few N‐glycans are extended by N‐acetyllactosamine repeats. Sialylation of these N‐glycans may generate cell‐type‐specific N‐glycomes on EVs. Taken together, melanoma‐derived EVs show high expression of tumor‐associated N‐glycans, and the core structure profile is inherited during multiple selection cycles of B16 melanomas and from tumor cells to EVs.
Arrested Development of Henneguya ictaluri (Cnidaria: Myxobolidae) in ♀ Channel Catfish × ♂ Blue Catfish Hybrids
Authors: Rosser Thomas G. , Khoo Lester H. , Wise David J. , Mischke Charles C. , Greenway Terrence E. , Alberson Neely R. , Reichley Stephen R. , Woodyard Ethan T. , Steadman James , Ware Cynthia , Pote Linda M. , Griffin Matt J.
Published: April 2019

Henneguya ictaluri is the etiologic agent of proliferative gill disease (PGD) in farm-raised Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus and hybrid catfish in the southeastern United States, and significant annual losses are attributed to this disease. Research suggests that H. ictaluri infection dynamics in Blue Catfish I. furcatus and hybrid catfish (Channel Catfish × Blue Catfish) differ from those in Channel Catfish. Two separate infectivity trials were conducted to investigate H. ictaluri development in Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, and their hybrids. On two separate occasions with two different year-classes, fish were exposed to pond water containing H. ictaluri actinospores and sampled weekly for 12 weeks (trial 1) or 14 weeks (trial 2). In trial 1, the presence of H. ictaluri was evaluated histologically and by quantitative PCR of fish tissues, including gills, blood, anterior kidney, brain, heart, liver, posterior kidney, spleen, and stomach. Henneguya ictaluri DNA was detected in significantly higher concentrations throughout multiple organ systems in the Channel Catfish compared to the hybrid catfish and Blue Catfish, with the gills having higher quantities. Myxospores were observed in Channel Catfish gill tissue at 8 weeks postexposure. No myxospores were observed in Blue Catfish or hybrid catfish. The second trial focused on gills only and yielded similar results, with Channel Catfish having significantly greater H. ictaluri DNA quantities than hybrids or Blue Catfish across all time points. Myxospores were observed in Channel Catfish beginning at 6 weeks postexposure and were found in 36% (58/162) of Channel Catfish sampled for molecular and histological analysis during weeks 6–14. Myxospores in hybrid catfish were sparse, with single pseudocysts observed in two hybrid catfish (1.2%) at 14 weeks postexposure. These results imply arrested development of H. ictaluri in hybrid catfish. As such, culture of hybrid catfish may be an effective management strategy to minimize the burden of PGD.
Polymer‐Based Nano‐Composites for Thermal Insulation
Authors: Fraleoni‐Morgera Alessandro , Chhikara Manisha
Published: April 2019

The growing need for efficient energy use prompts for effective thermally insulating materials. Nano‐composites represent an important class of materials able to fulfill these needs, enabling both sizeable energy savings and specific applications where thermal insulation has to be coupled to mechanical robustness and lightness, like in automotive and aerospace applications. In view of these developments, this review summarizes the topic of polymer‐based nano‐composites for thermal insulation. The theme is introduced overviewing the features of the matrix‐filler interfaces and of the available models of thermal conductivity, with a mention of the most used types of polymeric matrices. The main three different types of polymer‐based nano‐composites for thermal insulation, that is, polymeric nano‐foams, syntactic foams and all‐solid nano‐composites, are then reviewed. For each class of material, the thermal insulation performance of selected examples is highlighted, with explicit reference to the material's structure and constitutional peculiarities (like type or size of the filler, specific filler surface functionalizations, etc). A resuming table reporting the thermal insulation performance of selected composites is also included in the review. Finally, an outlook on the possible developments in the field is given.
Glycometabolic Bioorthogonal Chemistry‐Guided Viral Transduction for Robust Human T Cell Engineering
Authors: Pan Hong , Li Ping , Li Guifei , Li Wenjun , Hu Bian , He Huamei , Chen Ze , Wang Fangfang , Liu Lanlan , Gong Yifeng , Han Yutong , Luo Yingmei , Zheng Mingbin , Ma Yifan , Cai Lintao , Jin Yan
Published: April 2019

Genetically engineered T cell therapy is emerging as a potent strategy for treating hematological and solid malignancies. Although lentivirus is the most common vector for T cell gene modification, its transduction efficacy remains unsatisfied especially during the manufacturing process. Herein, glycometabolic bioorthogonal chemistry is utilized to establish a highly efficient viral transduction system for human primary T lymphocytes. Azide motifs are anchored on the T cell surface via the intrinsic glycometabolism of exogenous azide–glucose, serving as an artificial ligand for viral binding. The complementary functional moiety dibenzocyclooctyl (DBCO)‐conjugated PEI1.8K (PEI‐DBCO) is then coated on lentiviral surface, which strengthens the virus–T cell interaction through DBCO/azide bioorthogonal chemistry. The results show that the PEI‐DBCO/azide–glucose system effectively facilitates viral binding to T cells and elevates the transduction efficiency of the lentivirus from 20% to 80% without any effect on T cell proliferation and activity. More importantly, the PEI‐DBCO/azide–glucose system significantly doubles the yield of anti‐CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR‐T) cells and robustly boosts their antitumor capability compared to polybrene‐assisted lentiviral transduction both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, the bioorthogonal PEI‐DBCO/azide–glucose system significantly boosts viral transduction efficacy and exhibits a powerful gene‐manipulating capability in human primary T cells, thereby showing a great potential for clinical‐engineered T lymphocytes manufacture.
Micro Light‐Emitting Diodes for Display and Flexible Biomedical Applications
Authors: Lee Han Eol , Shin Jung Ho , Park Jung Hwan , Hong Seong Kwang , Park Sang Hyun , Lee Seung Hyung , Lee Jae Hee , Kang Il‐Suk , Lee Keon Jae
Published: April 2019

Inorganic‐based micro light‐emitting diodes (µLEDs) have witnessed significant improvements in terms of display and biomedical applications, which can shift the paradigm of future optoelectronic systems. In particular, µLED displays are on the verge of becoming the next big interface platform for visual communications, expanding to various internet of things and wearable/bioapplications. Novel µLED concepts need to be upgraded to be able to satisfy their potential optoelectric applications, such as virtual reality, smart watches, and medical sensors for individual computing in this hyperconnected society. Here, representative progresses in the field of flexible µLEDs are reviewed with regard to device structures, massive µLED transfers, methods for performance enhancement, and applications.
Nanomaterials in Proteomics
Authors: Sun Nianrong , Wu Hao , Shen Xizhong , Deng Chunhui
Published: April 2019

For a deep understanding of the human proteome, the first crucial step is always the effective separation of targeted proteins/peptides from complex samples. In mass spectrometry‐based proteomics, nanomaterials have emerged as a highly effective means to separate targeted proteins/peptides and increase their relative abundance, which is beneficial to conduct mass spectrometric analysis. In particular, nanomaterials with different specific functionalities have received great attention in ordinary proteomics, phosphoproteomics, and glycoproteomics, for which the easily recognizable characteristics of these proteomes take the primary responsibility, such as the hydrophobicity, phosphate groups, cis–diol structure, and hydrophilicity. This review mainly focuses on the recent design and preparation of nanomaterials with specific recognition ability, as well as their application in the aforementioned three types of proteomics.
Enhanced Neurite Outgrowth on a Multiblock Conductive Nerve Scaffold with Self‐Powered Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Sun Yi , Quan Qi , Meng Haoye , Zheng Yudong , Peng Jiang , Hu Yaxin , Feng Zhaoxuan , Sang Xiao , Qiao Kun , He Wei , Chi Xiaoqi , Zhao Liang
Published: April 2019

Electrical stimulation (ES) is widely applied to promote nerve regeneration. Currently, metal needles are used to exert external ES, which may cause pain and risk of infection. In this work, a multiblock conductive nerve scaffold with self‐powered ES by the consumption of glucose and oxygen is prepared. The conductive substrate is prepared by in situ polymerization of polypyrrole (PPy) on the nanofibers of bacterial cellulose (BC). Platinum nanoparticles are electrodeposited on the anode side for glucose oxidation, while nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes (N‐CNTs) are loaded on the cathode side for oxygen reduction. The scaffold shows good mechanical property, flexibility and conductivity. The scaffold can form a potential difference of above 300 mV between the anode and the cathode in PBS with 5 × 10−3mglucose. Dorsal root ganglions cultured on the Pt‐BC/PPy‐N‐CNTs scaffold are 55% longer in mean neurite length than those cultured on BC/PPy. In addition, in vivo study indicates that the Pt‐BC/PPy‐N‐CNTs scaffold promotes nerve regeneration compared with the BC/PPy group. This paper presents a novel design of a nerve scaffold with self‐powered ES. In the future, it can be combined with other features to promote nerve regeneration.
2D Nanoclay for Biomedical Applications: Regenerative Medicine, Therapeutic Delivery, and Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Gaharwar Akhilesh K. , Cross Lauren M. , Peak Charles W. , Gold Karli , Carrow James K. , Brokesh Anna , Singh Kanwar Abhay
Published: April 2019

Clay nanomaterials are an emerging class of 2D biomaterials of interest due to their atomically thin layered structure, charged characteristics, and well‐defined composition. Synthetic nanoclays are plate‐like polyions composed of simple or complex salts of silicic acids with a heterogeneous charge distribution and patchy interactions. Due to their biocompatible characteristics, unique shape, high surface‐to‐volume ratio, and charge, nanoclays are investigated for various biomedical applications. Here, a critical overview of the physical, chemical, and physiological interactions of nanoclay with biological moieties, including cells, proteins, and polymers, is provided. The state‐of‐the‐art biomedical applications of 2D nanoclay in regenerative medicine, therapeutic delivery, and additive manufacturing are reviewed. In addition, recent developments that are shaping this emerging field are discussed and promising new research directions for 2D nanoclay‐based biomaterials are identified.
Plasmonic‐Nanopore Biosensors for Superior Single‐Molecule Detection
Authors: Spitzberg Joshua D. , Zrehen Adam , van Kooten Xander F. , Meller Amit
Published: April 2019

Plasmonic and nanopore sensors have separately received much attention for achieving single‐molecule precision. A plasmonic “hotspot” confines and enhances optical excitation at the nanometer length scale sufficient to optically detect surface–analyte interactions. A nanopore biosensor actively funnels and threads analytes through a molecular‐scale aperture, wherein they are interrogated by electrical or optical means. Recently, solid‐state plasmonic and nanopore structures have been integrated within monolithic devices that address fundamental challenges in each of the individual sensing methods and offer complimentary improvements in overall single‐molecule sensitivity, detection rates, dwell time and scalability. Here, the physical phenomena and sensing principles of plasmonic and nanopore sensing are summarized to highlight the novel complementarity in dovetailing these techniques for vastly improved single‐molecule sensing. A literature review of recent plasmonic nanopore devices is then presented to delineate methods for solid‐state fabrication of a range of hybrid device formats, evaluate the progress and challenges in the detection of unlabeled and labeled analyte, and assess the impact and utility of localized plasmonic heating. Finally, future directions and applications inspired by the present state of the art are discussed.
Enhanced Thermal Conductivity and Balanced Mechanical Performance of PP/BN Composites with 1 vol% Finely Dispersed MWCNTs Assisted by OBC
Authors: Zha Xiang‐Jun , Yang Jie , Pu Jun‐Hong , Feng Chang‐Ping , Bai Lu , Bao Rui‐Ying , Liu Zheng‐Ying , Yang Ming‐Bo , Yang Wei
Published: April 2019

1 vol% multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) is finely dispersed in poly(propylene) (PP)/boron nitride (BN) composites with the assistance of commercial ethylene‐α‐octene block copolymer (OBC) through a conventional melt‐compounding method, whereas serious agglomeration of MWCNTs occurs in the melt compounded PP/MWCNTs/BN composites. The good dispersion of MWCNTs facilitates the formation of a better conductive network to synergistically improve the thermal conductivity of PP/OBC/MWCNT/BN composites, up to 1.71 W m−1 K−1 at a BN content of 20 vol%. Meanwhile, the elastomeric OBC component leads to markedly enhanced impact toughness (>8.0 kJ m−2) and elongation at break (>23%) of the composites. This work sheds light on the fabrication of thermally conductive polymer composites with balanced mechanical performance through a conventional processing technique.
High‐Performance Organic Field‐Effect Transistor with Matching Energy‐Band Alignment between Organic Semiconductor and the Charge‐Trapping Dielectric
Authors: Wang Yiru , Yang Youbin , Ding Ping , Wei Qi , Gao Xu , Wang Suidong , Liu Chang , Li Aidong , Yin Jiang , Xia Yidong , Liu Zhiguo
Published: April 2019

High‐performance bottom‐gate nonvolatile organic field‐effect transistor (OFET) devices based on a special matching energy‐band alignment between the organic semiconductor pentacene and the charge‐trapping dielectric ZnTe are reported. The lower potential difference between the conduction band minimum of ZnTe and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of pentacene with a weak electron conductivity endows the OFET a memory window of 10 V at an applied sweeping gate‐voltage of ±15 V, a high ION/IOFF ratio of more than 106, and good retention with a high ION/IOFF ratio of 6 × 105 after 104 s. The large memory window of the OFET is attributed to the unique energy‐band alignment of the memory device and the high density of traps in Te‐deficient ZnTe film, and the prominent retention is attributed to the deeply trapped electrons in the potential well formed by Al2O3 tunneling and blocking layers.
Constitutive activation of the PI3K‐AKT pathway and cardiovascular abnormalities in an individual with Kosaki overgrowth syndrome
Authors: Zarate Yuri A. , Boccuto Luigi , Srikanth Sujata , Pauly Rini , Ocal Eylem , Balmakund Tonya , Hinkle Kevin , Stefans Vikki , Schaefer Gerald B. , Collins Ronnie Thomas
Published: April 2019

Kosaki overgrowth syndrome is a recently described syndrome characterized by distinctive facial features, brain white matter lesions, and developmental delay. Germline activating heterozygous PDGFRB mutations have been reported in this condition. Systemic connective tissue‐type findings have been described in some individuals. We describe a 19‐year‐old Caucasian female with a history of hydrocephalus, Dandy–Walker malformation, cervical spine arachnoid cyst, progressive scoliosis, and overgrowth. Her physical exam included distinctive craniofacial dysmorphism, as well as soft and hyperextensible skin. Cardiovascular imaging during adolescence revealed saccular aneurysms in both coronary artery systems and subtle tortuosity of the cervical vertebral arteries. Exome sequencing trio analysis identified a de novo previously reported pathogenic variant in PDGFRB, c.1696T>C (p.[Trp566Arg]). Further functional studies included platelet‐derived growth factor cellular metabolic pathway activity that confirmed the variant causes a constitutive activation of the PI3K‐AKT pathway. This is the first report to characterize the activating nature of this PDGFRB variant. We also highlight the connective tissue findings seen in Kosaki overgrowth syndrome and recommend baseline echocardiographic evaluation in all individuals with this condition with particular emphasis on coronary arteries.
Factors related to survival discharge in trisomy 18: A retrospective multicenter study
Authors: Kato Eiko , Kitase Yuma , Tachibana Takashi , Hattori Tetsuo , Saito Akiko , Muramatsu Yukako , Takemoto Koji , Yamamoto Hikaru , Hayashi Seiji , Yasuda Ayako , Kato Yuichi , Ieda Kuniko , Oshiro Makoto , Sato Yoshiaki , Hayakawa Masahiro
Published: April 2019

Infants with trisomy 18 (T18) previously had a poor prognosis; however, the intensive care of these patients has markedly diversified the prognosis. We investigated the current situation of patients with T18, clarified factors for survival discharge, and surveyed actual home healthcare. A total of 117 patients with T18 admitted to nine institutions between 2000 and 2015 were retrospectively investigated. After excluding four patients whose outcomes were unclear, we divided 113 patients into two groups—the survival discharge group (n = 52) and the death discharge group (n = 61)—and compared maternal factors, perinatal factors, neonatal factors, and therapeutic factors between the groups. In addition, home healthcare, readmission, utilization of respite care and home nursing, and cause of death among the survival group were surveyed. Fifty‐two (44%) patients with T18 survived at discharge and their 1‐year survival rate was 29%. The survival group had a longer gestation period, larger physique, and longer survival time, compared to the death group. Independent factors associated with survival discharge were the absence of an extremely low birthweight infant (ELBWI), the absence of esophageal atresia and patent ductus arteriosus, and cardiovascular surgery. All surviving patients required some home healthcare. The most frequent cause of death was a respiratory disorder. We recommend discussing the treatment strategy with families in the presence of neonatologists or pediatric surgeons, who can explain differences in prognosis, based on the gestation period, birthweight, severity of cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular surgery.
Primate microbiomes over time: Longitudinal answers to standing questions in microbiome research
Authors: Björk Johannes R. , Dasari Mauna , Grieneisen Laura , Archie Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2019

To date, most insights into the processes shaping vertebrate gut microbiomes have emerged from studies with cross‐sectional designs. While this approach has been valuable, emerging time series analyses on vertebrate gut microbiomes show that gut microbial composition can change rapidly from 1 day to the next, with consequences for host physical functioning, health, and fitness. Hence, the next frontier of microbiome research will require longitudinal perspectives. Here we argue that primatologists, with their traditional focus on tracking the lives of individual animals and familiarity with longitudinal fecal sampling, are well positioned to conduct research at the forefront of gut microbiome dynamics. We begin by reviewing some of the most important ecological processes governing microbiome change over time, and briefly summarizing statistical challenges and approaches to microbiome time series analysis. We then introduce five questions of general interest to microbiome science where we think field‐based primate studies are especially well positioned to fill major gaps: (a) Do early life events shape gut microbiome composition in adulthood? (b) Do shifting social landscapes cause gut microbial change? (c) Are gut microbiome phenotypes heritable across variable environments? (d) Does the gut microbiome show signs of host aging? And (e) do gut microbiome composition and dynamics predict host health and fitness? For all of these questions, we highlight areas where primatologists are uniquely positioned to make substantial contributions. We review preliminary evidence, discuss possible study designs, and suggest future directions.
If you build it, they will go: A case study of stream fish diversity loss in an urbanizing riverscape
Authors: Perkin Joshuah S. , Murphy Shannon P. , Murray Christopher M. , Gibbs W. Keith , Gebhard Amy E.
Published: April 2019

Stream fish diversity is threatened by anthropogenic environmental alterations to landscapes, and successful conservation requires knowledge of the processes that degrade diversity. A primary step in identifying diversity losses is the comparison between historical and contemporary states of landscapes and fish assemblages, but uncertainty remains regarding the appropriate spatial scales of investigation.

Historical data collected in 1976 were paired with two years of contemporary replication (2015, 2016) to assess fish diversity change at 10 sites in Blackburn Fork, TN, USA. Analyses focused on a nested hierarchy of spatial scales, including sampling sites (fine scale), nested within stream orders (intermediate scale), nested within the entire catchment (broad scale). Diversity change between 1976 and 2015–16 was assessed using traditional diversity metrics (site scale) and rarefaction (stream‐order scale), whereas spatial variation in contemporary diversity (2015–16) was assessed with nonmetric multidimensional scaling (catchment scale).

At the site scale, locations on the east side of Blackburn Fork and in close proximity to developed land experienced diversity loss. At the stream‐order scale, the effective number of species declined in first‐order streams where land development was concentrated, but no consistent species losses occurred in other stream orders. At the catchment scale, assemblages responded significantly to stream size but not land use, perhaps because diversity was already homogenized by 2015–16. Mapping 40 years of land‐use change across the catchment underscored a pattern of spatial alignment between developed lands and stream fish diversity loss.

This study highlights the benefits of considering multiple spatial scales when assessing historical change in stream fish assemblages, and highlights stronger inference derived from historical comparisons relative to contemporary space‐for‐time substitutions. This framework combines recent analytical advances in rarefaction with a riverscape perspective, and can be applied to conserve streams, and their biota, in riverscapes around the world.
Comparison of 1‐Ethyl‐5H‐tetrazole and 1‐Azidoethyl‐5H‐tetrazole as Ligands in Energetic Transition Metal Complexes
Authors: Wurzenberger Maximilian H. H. , Gruhne Michael S. , Lommel Marcus , Szimhardt Norbert , Klapötke Thomas M. , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: April 2019

Energetic coordination compounds (ECC) based on 3d or 4d transition metals show promising characteristics to be used as potential replacements for highly toxic lead‐containing primary explosives. Herein we report the synthesis of 12 new ECC based on 1‐azidoethyl‐5H‐tetrazole (AET) or 1‐ethyl‐5H‐tetrazole (1‐ETZ) as nitrogen‐rich ligands as well as various central metals (Cu2+, Fe2+, Zn2+, Ag+) and anions such as perchlorate and nitrate. The influence of the increased endothermicity by adding an additional azide group was studied by comparing analogous ECC based on AET and 1‐ETZ. Furthermore, the compounds were extensively analyzed by XRD, IR, EA, solid‐state UV/Vis, and DTA as well as their sensitivities toward impact and friction were determined with BAM standard techniques, together with their sensitivity against electrostatic discharge. The sensitivities were compared with the one toward ball drop impact measurements. Classical initiation tests (nitropenta filled detonators) and ignition by laser irradiation highly prove the potential use of the most promising compounds in lead‐free initiation systems.
Unterschiedliche Berechnungsverfahren für die Berechnung der Wärmeströme erdberührter Bauteile
Authors: Lipovcic Dejan , Hafellner Hans , Kautsch Peter
Published: April 2019

Ein Gebäude verliert einen nicht zu vernachlässigenden Teil seiner Wärme über die erdberührten Bauteile. Diese Wärmeverluste sind zwar nicht so groß wie jene von den Bauteilen, die an Außenluft angrenzen, dennoch spielen sie eine wichtige Rolle bei der Ermittlung des Gesamtwärmverlustes eines Gebäudes. Der Wärmestrom, der von den beheizten Bereichen über die erdberührten Bauteile zur Außenluft fließt, erfährt eine Dämpfung. Den wesentlichen Einfluss auf diese Dämpfung hat die dämmende und speichernde Wirkung des Erdreiches. Deswegen treten zeitliche Verzögerungen auf. Es ist von großer Bedeutung, diese Einflüsse bei der Berechnung des Wärmestromes von erdberührten Bauteilen zu berücksichtigen. Ziel dieser Untersuchung ist, die Ergebnisse der Berechnung von Wärmeverlusten über das Erdreich nach EN ISO 13370 mit jenen aus zwei‐ und dreidimensionalen Simulationen zu vergleichen. Die Wärmeverluste für die indirekte Methode mit ψg‐Werten nach EN ISO 13370 wurden einerseits anhand von Monatsmitteltemperaturen mit den Formeln, anderseits unter Verwendung sinusförmiger Temperaturschwankung und mit Hilfe von zweidimensionalen Wärmebrückenprogrammen berechnet. Drei verschiedene Anwendungsbereiche wurden untersucht und analysiert: nicht unterkellert, konditionierter Keller und unkonditionierter Keller. Weiterhin wurden für diese Systeme unterschiedliche Bauteilaufbauten definiert. Mit dieser Betrachtungsweise wurden die Einflüsse der wärmetechnischen Qualität der erdberührten Bauteile auf die Wärmeverluste analysiert. Außerdem wurden die Sockeldetails der nicht unterkellerten Systeme in unterschiedlichen Varianten untersucht, um den wesentlichen Einfluss der Einbausituation auf die Wärmeverluste festzustellen.
Two validated chromatographic determinations of an antifungal drug, its toxic impurities and degradation product: A comparative study
Authors: Abdelaleem Eglal A. , Abdelrahman Maha M. , Ali Nouruddin W. , Emam Raghda A.
Published: April 2019

Tolnaftate, a thionoester anti‐fungal drug, was subjected to alkaline hydrolysis to produce methyl(m‐tolyl)carbamic acid and β‐naphthol (tolnaftate impurity A). N‐Methyl‐m‐toluidine, tolnaftate impurity D, was synthesized and structurally elucidated along with tolnaftate alkaline degradation products using IR, H1NMR and MS. Two stability‐indicating HPTLC and RP‐HPLC methods were developed and validated, for the first time, for determination of tolnaftate, its alkaline degradation products and toxic impurities in the presence of methyl paraben, as a preservative in Tinea Cure® cream. The proposed HPTLC method depended on separation of the studied components on TLC silica gel F254 plates using hexane–glacial acetic acid (8:2, v/v) as a developing system and scanning wavelength of 230 nm. The proposed RP‐HPLC method was based on separation of the five components on an Eclipse plus C18 column. The mobile phase used was acetonitrile–water containing 1% ammonium formate (40:60, v/v), with a flow rate of 1 mL/min and detection wavelength of 230 nm. The proposed methods allowed the assay of tolnaftate toxic impurities, β‐naphthol and N‐methyl‐m‐toluidine, down to 2%, allowing tracing of β‐naphthol that could be absorbed by the skin causing systemic toxic effects, unlike tolnaftate, indicating the high significance of such determination. International Conference on Harmonization guidelines were followed for validation.
Concomitant medication use and clinical outcome of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Hunter Aimee M. , Minzenberg Michael J. , Cook Ian A. , Krantz David E. , Levitt Jennifer G. , Rotstein Natalie M. , Chawla Shweta A. , Leuchter Andrew F.
Published: April 2019

Background

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is commonly administered to Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) patients taking psychotropic medications, yet the effects on treatment outcomes remain unknown. We explored how concomitant medication use relates to clinical response to a standard course of rTMS.

Methods

Medications were tabulated for 181 MDD patients who underwent a six‐week rTMS treatment course. All patients received 10 Hz rTMS administered to left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), with 1 Hz administered to right DLPFC in patients with inadequate response to and/or intolerance of left‐sided stimulation. Primary outcomes were change in Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self Report (IDS‐SR30) total score after 2, 4, and 6 weeks.

Results

Use of benzodiazepines was associated with less improvement at week 2, whereas use of psychostimulants was associated with greater improvement at week 2 and across 6 weeks. These effects were significant controlling for baseline variables including age, overall symptom severity, and severity of anxiety symptoms. Response rates at week 6 were lower in benzodiazepine users versus non‐users (16.4% vs. 35.5%, p = 0.008), and higher in psychostimulant users versus non‐users (39.2% vs. 22.0%, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Concomitant medication use may impact rTMS treatment outcome. While the differences reported here could be considered clinically significant, results were not corrected for multiple comparisons and findings should be replicated before clinicians incorporate the evidence into clinical practice. Prospective, hypothesis‐based treatment studies will aid in determining causal relationships between medication treatments and outcome.
POLG R964C and GBA L444P mutations in familial Parkinson's disease: Case report and literature review
Authors: Hsieh Pei‐Chen , Wang Chun‐Chieh , Tsai Chia‐Lung , Yeh Yuan‐Ming , Lee Yun Shien , Wu Yih‐Ru
Published: April 2019

Polymerase gamma (POLG) is an enzyme responsible for the replication and repair of mitochondrial DNA. Mutations in POLG may cause variable clinical manifestations, including parkinsonism, epilepsy, cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, and progressive external ophthalmoplegia. However, mutations of this gene are rare in patients with typical Parkinson's disease (PD). We report a man (current age: 59 years) without any underlying disease presenting with right‐hand tremor at the age of 39 years, followed by slow movement, rigidity, and postural instability. He developed motor fluctuation and levodopa‐induced dyskinesia 8 years later. At the age of 58 years, cognitive decline and visual hallucination ensued; he was institutionalized thereafter. We used multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification, which demonstrated no large deletions or duplications of relevant PD genes. Next, targeted sequencing panel covering 51 genes causative for PD was applied for the proband; it revealed a heterozygous missense substitution R964C in POLG and a heterozygous missense substitution L444P in GBA. The patient's father, who had been diagnosed as having PD and type 2 diabetes mellitus at the age of 70 years, demonstrated identical mutations. This is the first report of familial PD combined with POLG R964C and GBA L444P mutations. Two pathogenic gene mutations potentially cause double hit in pathological neurodegeneration. This finding extends our understanding of the PD genotype–phenotype correlation.
Stigma against false confessors impacts post‐exoneration financial compensation
Authors: Kukucka Jeff , Evelo Andrew J.
Published: April 2019

False confessors are stigmatized more than other exonerees. Traditional theories of stigma suggest that this difference may result from confessors being seen as more responsible for their own wrongful conviction. In the current study, we examined an important tangible consequence of stigma against false confessors—namely, that it might impede their ability to win financial restitution in post‐exoneration civil lawsuits. Mock jurors (N = 129), recruited online, read a case summary in which an exoneree is seeking damages after being wrongly convicted due to a false confession or eyewitness misidentification, which either did or did not result from police misconduct. When the exoneree falsely confessed in the absence of police misconduct, mock jurors rated him as most responsible for his own conviction and expressed the most doubt over his actual innocence. Contrary to legal criteria, they also awarded him smaller compensatory and punitive damage awards. Notably, the false confessor was seen as more responsible than the misidentified exoneree even if his interrogation was highly coercive. In turn, false confessors who were seen as more responsible received smaller damage awards. Implications for trial procedure and exoneree compensation are discussed.
Tungsten‐Nitride‐Coated Carbon Nanospheres as a Sulfur Host for High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Honghong , Shen Hangjia , Li Rongrong , Liu Siqi , Turak Ayse , Yang Minghui
Published: April 2019

Lithium‐sulfur batteries have attracted wide attention, owing to their outstanding properties such as high theoretical specific capacity, low cost, and non‐toxic nature. However, the low conductivity of the sulfur cathode and its shuttling effects are still a challenge for the energy‐storage system. In this work, we describe a potential solution to address this challenge, using carbon nanospheres encapsulated in a tungsten nitride (WN) layer, interconnected with WN nanorods. After successfully synthesizing this composite in situ by using a straightforward method, we applied it as the sulfur host for lithium‐sulfur batteries. The results demonstrate a strong chemical trapping ability of the WN shell towards lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), and a strong electron‐transfer ability of the WN nanorods. Together, these effects alleviate LiPSs′ shuttling from carbon nanospheres (CNS) and give rise to a high sulfur content (70 wt %) in the as‐prepared S/WN‐CNS material. When compared to traditional S/N‐CNS electrodes, the tuned S/WN‐CNS cathodes deliver an outstanding electrochemical performance, including a high initial capacity of 1351 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and superior long‐term cycling stability with 80 % retention of the initial capacity with 3 mg cm−2 after 500 cycles at 0.5 C. As such, a high specific capacity, excellent rate capacity, and long cycling stability are achieved. Our approach provides a path to a broad class of high‐performance Li‐S battery applications based on nanostructured WN materials.
Structured Polyaniline: An Efficient and Durable Electrocatalyst for the Nitrogen Reduction Reaction in Acidic Media
Authors: Yu Jiali , Li Jian , Zhu Xiaojuan , Zhang Xiaoxue , Jia Kun , Kong Wenhan , Wei Peipei , Chen Hongyu , Shi Xifeng , Asiri Abdullah M. , Li Quan , Sun Xuping
Published: April 2019

NH3 production vastly relies on the Haber‐Bosch process, causing high energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission. Electrochemical N2 fixation is considered as an eco‐friendly and sustainable process, but its efficiency depends greatly on the activity and stability of the catalyst used. Therefore, it is imperative to develop efficient electrocatalysts in the field of nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR). In this communication, we propose that structured polyaniline is an efficient metal‐free NRR electrocatalyst in aqueous solution, achieving a NH3 yield rate of 5.45×10−11 mol s−1 cm−2 and a Faradaic efficiency of 3.76 % at −0.70 and −0.60 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode in 0.1 M HCl, respectively. Furthermore, it also possesses high selectivity and stability.
Chemistry at High Dilution: Dinuclear 99 mTc Complexes
Authors: Bolliger Robin , Frei Angelo , Braband Henrik , Meola Giuseppe , Spingler Bernhard , Alberto Roger
Published: April 2019

The formation of di‐ or polynuclear complexes at nanomolar concentrations is generally too slow to be observed with 99mTc. It is reported in this communication that an appropriate choice of potentially bridging ligands, herein thiols HS‐R, accelerates the dimerization reaction to an extent that dinuclear complexes are formed at very high dilution. The dinuclear nature of [99mTc2(μ2‐SR)3(CO)6]− is shown by chromatographic comparison, not only with its rhenium homologue as commonly done, but also with the true 99Tc analogue.
Steady‐State and Time‐Resolved Optical Properties of Multilayer Film of Titanium Dioxide Sandwiched by Gold Nanoparticles and Gold Thin Film
Authors: Yanagiya Shin‐ichiro , Takahata Toshihiko , Yoshitani Yuki , Kawakami Retsuo , Furube Akihiro
Published: April 2019

We proposed metal‐insulator (MI) and metal‐insulator‐metal (MIM) structures of titanium dioxide (TiO2) sandwiched by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) layer and gold sputtered thin film (only for the MIM film) to couple localized plasmon mode of AuNP with multi‐reflection mode and/or cavity resonator mode of TiO2. The optical extinctions of MI and MIM with differing TiO2 thickness were studied theoretically by finite‐element method simulation and experimentally by optical spectrometry. The extinction peaks of MI and MIM shifted by exchanging the surrounding medium from air to TiO2. The interference of TiO2 in MI structure also affected the extinction spectra showing the oscillation along the spectrum of AuNP in TiO2. Then, the extinction degree of MIM was higher than that of MI because of the coupling between cavity resonance mode with localized plasmon mode and interband transition in AuNPs. In addition, the cross section of MI and MIM films were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The surface of thinner film was rough because TiO2 heterogeneously grew from AuNP. The irregular growth of TiO2 might have induced the wide‐range extinction in 300–2500 nm after Au thin film deposition. The transient absorption spectra using a femtosecond laser were also carried out under the condition of 800 nm for excitation laser and 950 nm for probe laser. The long‐lived electron (∼1 ns) was observed in thick MIM film as a result of hot electron transfer from the gold nanostructure in the film.