bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma NT1 Tau is a Specific and Early Marker of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Mengel David , Janelidze Shorena , Glynn Robert J. , Liu Wen , Hansson Oskar , Walsh Dominic M.
Published: August 2020

Objective

There is an urgent need for sensitive, widely available, blood‐based screening tests to identify presymptomatic individuals destined to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated whether tau detected in plasma by our in‐house NT1 assay is specifically altered in AD, and when applied to patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can serve to predict progression to AD dementia. The predictive value of NT1 versus tau measured using assays from Quanterix and Roche, and the specificity of NT1 for AD versus a nonspecific marker of neurodegeneration (neurofilament light [NfL]) were also examined.

Methods

NT1 tau and NfL were measured in plasma from prospectively followed patients with SCD or MCI who remained cognitively stable, converted to AD dementia, or converted to non‐AD dementias, and in cognitively unimpaired participants. Tau was measured using Quanterix and Roche assays in baseline subjects with SCD and MCI.

Results

Plasma NT1 tau was specifically elevated in AD, but not in non‐AD dementia compared with controls, whereas NfL was increased in both AD and non‐AD dementias. Baseline specimens from individuals who had SCD or MCI revealed that NT1 tau, but not tau measured using Quanterix or Roche assays, is elevated in subjects who progress to AD dementia. As expected, baseline plasma NfL is elevated in those who progress to AD and non‐AD dementias.

Interpretation

Plasma NT1 tau is a specific marker of AD, which is elevated early in disease and may prove useful as a first round screen to identify individuals at risk of developing AD. ANN NEUROL 2020;88:878–892
Thermally resistant, mechanically stable, and processable triphenylamine‐based hyperbranched copolyimides
Authors: Khalid Naila , Siddiqi Humaira Masood , Park O OK
Published: August 2020

A trifunctional, triamine 4‐(4‐aminophenoxy)‐4′,4′′‐diamino triphenylamine (A) was successfully synthesized by N‐arylation in the presence of cesium fluoride, followed by catalytic reduction. A series of aromatic tree‐shaped hyperbranched copolyimides (HBPIs, 1–4) was fruitfully synthesized by one‐pot polycondensation of a newly synthesized triamine monomer (A), difunctional monomer 4,4′‐dianiline, 4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA) and a series of aromatic dianhydride monomers. The appropriate molar ratio of triamine, ODA to the dianhydride monomer B is 1:1:2.5 for HBPIs synthesis using the A2 A3 B5 type copolymerization approach. The synthesized HBPIs exhibited a moderate number‐average molecular weight (25,700–28,400 g/mol) and polydispersity in the range 2.6–3.0 as revealed by gel permeation chromatography measurement. The oxidative thermal degradation analyses of the HBPIs showed that the synthesized materials are thermally stable up to 500°C and glass transition temperature in the range 290–302°C. The elongation at break was found in the range 4.8%–8.1% as revealed by tensile measurement. Besides, good thermal stability the HBPIs exhibited excellent flow, appreciable organosolubility, easy processability, and noticeable mechanical stability, thus suggesting their use as thermally resistant, protective coatings for various devices and outdoor environment in the future.
Resection and survival data from a clinical trial of glioblastoma multiforme‐specific IRDye800‐BBN fluorescence‐guided surgery
Authors: He Kunshan , Chi Chongwei , Li Deling , Zhang Jingjing , Niu Gang , Lv Fangqiao , Wang Junmei , Che Wenqiang , Zhang Liwei , Ji Nan , Zhu Zhaohui , Tian Jie , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: August 2020

Supra‐maximum surgical tumor resection without neurological damage is highly valuable for treatment and prognosis of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). We developed a GBM‐specific fluorescence probe using IRDye800CW (peak absorption/emission, 778/795 nm) and bombesin (BBN), which (IRDye800‐BBN) targets the gastrin‐releasing peptide receptor, and evaluated the image‐guided resection efficiency, sensitivity, specificity, and survivability. Twenty‐nine patients with newly diagnosed GBM were enrolled. Sixteen hours preoperatively, IRDye800‐BBN (1 mg in 20 ml sterile water) was intravenously administered. A customized fluorescence surgical navigation system was used intraoperatively. Postoperatively, enhanced magnetic resonance images were used to assess the residual tumor volume, calculate the resection extent, and confirm whether complete resection was achieved. Tumor tissues and nonfluorescent brain tissue in adjacent noneloquent boundary areas were harvested and assessed for diagnostic accuracy. Complete resection was achieved in 82.76% of patients. The median extent of resection was 100% (range, 90.6–100%). Eighty‐nine samples were harvested, including 70 fluorescence‐positive and 19 fluorescence‐negative samples. The sensitivity and specificity of IRDye800‐BBN were 94.44% (95% CI, 85.65–98.21%) and 88.24% (95% CI, 62.25–97.94%), respectively. Twenty‐five patients were followed up (median, 13.5 [3.1–36.0] months), and 14 had died. The mean preoperative and immediate and 6‐month postoperative Karnofsky performance scores were 77.9 ± 11.8, 71.3 ± 19.2, and 82.6 ± 14.7, respectively. The median overall and progression‐free survival were 23.1 and 14.1 months, respectively. In conclusion, GBM‐specific fluorescent IRDye800‐BBN can help neurosurgeons identify the tumor boundary with sensitivity and specificity, and may improve survival outcomes.
Nanoparticles in cancer immunotherapies: An innovative strategy
Authors: Nasirmoghadas Pourya , Mousakhani Akbar , Behzad Farahnaz , Beheshtkhoo Nasrin , Hassanzadeh Ali , Nikoo Marzieh , Mehrabi Mohsen , Kouhbanani Mohammad Amin Jadidi
Published: August 2020

Cancer has been one of the most significant causes of mortality, worldwide. Cancer immunotherapy has recently emerged as a competent, cancer‐fighting clinical strategy. Nevertheless, due to the difficulty of such treatments, costs, and off‐target adverse effects, the implementation of cancer immunotherapy described by the antigen‐presenting cell (APC) vaccine and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy ex vivo in large clinical trials have been limited. Nowadays, the nanoparticles theranostic system as a promising target‐based modality provides new opportunities to improve cancer immunotherapy difficulties and reduce their adverse effects. Meanwhile, the appropriate engineering of nanoparticles taking into consideration nanoparticle characteristics, such as, size, shape, and surface features, as well as the use of these physicochemical properties for suitable biological interactions, provides new possibilities for the application of nanoparticles in cancer immunotherapy. In this review article, we focus on the latest state‐of‐the‐art nanoparticle‐based antigen/adjuvant delivery vehicle strategies to professional APCs and engineering specific T lymphocyte required for improving the efficiency of tumor‐specific immunotherapy.
Process intensification connects scales and disciplines towards sustainability
Authors: Boffito Daria C. , Fernandez Rivas David
Published: August 2020

Process intensification (PI) has been established as a cluster of technologies able to produce more with less. While scientists around the globe advocate for new semantics that are increasingly tied to the notion of sustainability, what does the literature data say about PI? A Vosviewer bibliometric map of PI displays it as closely linked to the subjects of design, optimization, gas‐to‐liquid technologies, mass transfer, catalysis, and kinetics. We analyze the relationship between PI and these subjects while identifying misconceptions about the intensifying potential of some of them, as is the case for process optimization. We provide examples and summarize the recent technological trends for all these cases. Finally, we provide an outlook on the future of PI in which we identify elements that will be key to accelerate the adoption of PI technologies at the commercial scale.
Dual Palladium/Scandium Catalysis toward Rotationally Hindered C3‐Naphthylated Indoles from β‐Alkynyl Ketones and o‐Alkynyl Anilines
Authors: Wang Dan , Wang Shi‐Chao , Hao Wen‐Juan , Tu Shu‐Jiang , Jiang Bo
Published: August 2020

Main observation and conclusion

A new dual palladium/scandium catalysis starting from β‐alkynyl ketones and o‐alkynyl anilines is reported for the first time, leading to the atom‐economic synthesis of rotationally hindered C3‐naphthylated indoles in moderate to good yields and high regioselectivity. This method can tolerate normal air conditions, and features the use of palladium/scandium cooperative catalysts without any ligand, facile double annulation involving various internal alkynes, and good functional group tolerance.
Identifying the moral–practical gaps in corporate social responsibility missions of Vietnamese firms: An event‐based analysis of sustainability feasibility
Authors: Vuong Quan‐Hoang , La Viet‐Phuong , Nguyen Hong‐Kong T. , Ho Manh‐Tung , Vuong Thu‐Trang , Ho Manh‐Toan
Published: August 2020

This research aims to improve stakeholder engagement, particularly local businesses, in addressing environmental problems and taking on both ecological conservation and social responsibilities. A structured dataset was built to track all major environment‐related events in Vietnam. Findings, which were extracted from 344 news reports and 75 environmental events, highlight the lack of participation on Vietnamese businesses in sustainable development, with existing corporate activities still driven by practical concerns, that is, profitability. Notably, a minimum of one governmental agency was involved in 82.6% of the events categorized as environmentally damaging, with investigative or administrative tasks being their dominant role. Going forward, there is a need for systematic information collection and public disclosure on business and government involvements in environmental events. Given that Vietnam is expected to be hard hit by climate change, a better understanding of corporate sustainability issues would be beneficial to both the firms and society in the long run.
Systematic analysis of disease‐specific immunological signatures in patients with febrile illness from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Kam Yiu‐Wing , Ahmed Mohamed Yousif , Amrun Siti Naqiah , Lee Bernett , Refaie Tarik , Elgizouli Kamla , Fong Siew‐Wai , Renia Laurent , Ng Lisa FP
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Little is known about the prevalence of febrile illness in the Arabian region as clinical, laboratory and immunological profiling remains largely uncharacterised.

Methods

A total of 2018 febrile patients from Jazan, Saudi Arabia, were recruited between 2014 and 2017. Patients were screened for dengue and chikungunya virus, Plasmodium, Brucella, Neisseria meningitidis, group A streptococcus and Leptospira. Clinical history and biochemical parameters from blood tests were collected. Patient sera of selected disease‐confirmed infections were quantified for immune mediators by multiplex microbead‐based immunoassays.

Results

Approximately 20% of febrile patients were tested positive for one of the pathogens, and they presented overlapping clinical and laboratory parameters. Nonetheless, eight disease‐specific immune mediators were identified as potential biomarkers for dengue (MIP‐1α, MCP‐1), malaria (TNF‐α), streptococcal and meningococcal (eotaxin, GRO‐α, RANTES, SDF‐1α and PIGF‐1) infections, with high specificity and sensitivity profiles. Notably, based on the conditional inference model, six of these mediators (MIP‐1α, TNF‐α, GRO‐α, RANTES, SDF‐1α and PIGF‐1) were revealed to be 68.4% accurate in diagnosing different febrile infections, including those of unknown diseases.

Conclusions

This study is the first extensive characterisation of the clinical analysis and immune biomarkers of several clinically important febrile infections in Saudi Arabia. Importantly, an immune signature with robust accuracy, specificity and sensitivity in differentiating several febrile infections was identified, providing useful insights into patient disease management in the Arabian Peninsula.
Complications of neurotoxins used in cosmetic surgery
Authors: Zito Patrick M. , Glick Brad P.
Published: August 2020

Botulinum toxin type A injectables have been increasingly used for over 20 years in cosmetic surgery and medicinal purposes. The uses in cosmetic and dermatologic surgery have increased in numbers treated per year and areas of the body treated as well. However, with expanded use in the field of cosmetic surgery, various complications may arise depending on the anatomy, dilution, patient factors, and skills of the injector. This article discusses the complications of botulinum neurotoxins used in cosmetic surgery.
Effects of Esterified Maltodextrin on In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestibility of Tween 80‐Stabilized Oil‐in‐water Emulsion
Authors: Udomrati Sunsanee , Pantoa Thidarat , Gohtani Shoichi , Nakajima Mitsutoshi , Uemura Kunihiko , Kobayashi Isao
Published: August 2020

Amphiphilic esterified maltodextrin palmitate (DE9_P) is synthesized using an enzyme‐catalyzed reaction and exhibits both emulsifying and stabilizing activity. Native maltodextrin with a dextrose equivalent of nine (DE9) and DE9_P are applied in Tween 80‐stabilized oil‐in‐water emulsions. The effects of different DE9/DE9_P concentrations (10–50% w/w) on in vitro gastrointestinal digestibility of the Tween 80‐stabilized emulsions are investigated. After complete digestion, at a low DE9/DE9_P concentration (10% w/w), the released free fatty acid (FFA) content of the Tween 80‐stabilized emulsion containing DE9_P (13%) is much lower than that of the emulsion containing DE9 (33%) because of the synergistic Tween 80 and DE9_P stabilization layer. As the concentration increases to 30% w/w, the released FFA content increases for both systems containing DE9 and DE9_P. However, the emulsion system with DE9_P still has a lower content of released FFA than for DE9. Further increasing the concentration to 50% w/w results in a clear decrease in the released FFA content for both emulsions because the highly viscous continuous phase may cause less digestive reaction. The oil‐water interfacial stabilization layer and the viscosity of the intestinal digested system may be important factors in the enhancement or inhibition of lipid digestion.

Practical Applications: The application of the potential ingredients at suitable concentrations enables the design and control of lipid digestibility and the texture of products to satisfy consumers’ needs. DE9_P may be an attractive alternative ingredient for emulsified foods because it can function both via synergistic emulsion stabilization with Tween 80 and via modification of textural characteristics as a stabilizer. Moreover, DE9_P has greater efficacy than DE9 in the inhibition of lipid digestibility of Tween 80‐stabilized oil‐in‐water emulsions.
Analysis of the mechanical and physicochemical properties of Ti‐6Al‐4 V discs obtained by selective laser melting and subtractive manufacturing method
Authors: da Costa Valente Mariana Lima , de Oliveira Thaísa Theodoro , Kreve Simone , Batalha Rodolfo Lisboa , de Oliveira Diego Pedreira , Pauly Simon , Bolfarini Claudemiro , Bachmann Luciano , dos Reis Andréa Cândido
Published: August 2020

The surface properties of titanium and its alloys are commonly modified by different techniques, including additive manufacturing (AM), to improve the osseointegration of dental implants. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the wettability, topography, chemistry, and structure of titanium‐aluminum‐vanadium (Ti‐6Al‐4 V) discs fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) and subtractive manufacturing (conventional machining). Three different groups were evaluated: selective laser melting (SLM); conventional machining with H3PO4 + NaOH surface treatment (CM + ST); and conventional machining without surface treatment (CM), including analysis of wettability and roughness, morphological and chemical analyses by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and structural characterization analysis by computed tomography (micro‐CT), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that SLM surface had higher roughness (9.09 ± 1.94 Ra; 51.93 ± 11.59 Rz; 11.03 ± 1.95 Sa) and lower wettability (103.23° ± 13) than CM (0.06 ± 0.01 Ra; 0.42 ± 0.078 Rz; 0.07 ± 0.01 Sa) (76.95° ± 4.18) and CM + ST (0.17 ± 0.38 Ra; 0.88 ± 0.15 Rz; 0.18 ± 0.04 Sa) (18.55° ± 6.47) (p < 0.05). SEM images also proved the higher roughness of SLM surface, and CM + ST discs showed a topography resembling a sponge, characteristic of the nanometric treatment applied. EDX and XRD found no differences between the different surfaces, and micro‐CT demonstrated the solid characteristic of the SLM disc. Compared with conventional machining, the SLM technique resulted in higher roughness and lower wettability. Meanwhile, the chemical properties and structure of the titanium alloy was not altered by the technique.
Regulation of RNA degradation pathways during the lipopolysaccharide response in Macrophages
Authors: Lai Hui-Chi , James Alexander , Luff John , De Souza Paul , Quek Hazel , Ho Uda , Lavin Martin F , Roberts Tara L
Published: August 2020

The innate immune response to LPS is highly dynamic yet tightly regulated. The majority of studies of gene expression have focussed on transcription. However, it is also important to understand how post-transcriptional pathways are regulated in response to inflammatory stimuli as the rate of RNA degradation relative to new transcription is important for overall expression. RNA decay pathways include nonsense-mediated decay, the RNA decay exosome, P-body localized deadenylation, decapping and degradation, and AU-rich element targeted decay mediated by tristetraprolin. Here, bone marrow-derived Mϕs were treated with LPS over a time course of 0, 2, 6, and 24 h and the transcriptional profiles were analyzed by RNA sequencing. The data show that components of RNA degradation pathways are regulated during an LPS response. Processing body associated decapping enzyme DCP2 and regulatory subunit DCP1A, and 5′ exonuclease XRN1 and sequence specific RNA decay pathways were upregulated. Nonsense mediated decay was also increased in response to LPS induced signaling, initially by increased activation and at later timepoints at the mRNA and protein levels. This leads to increased nonsense mediated decay efficiency across the 24 h following LPS treatment. These findings suggest that LPS activation of Mϕs results in targeted regulation of RNA degradation pathways in order to change how subsets of mRNAs are degraded during an inflammatory response.
The adaptive immune response toClostridioides difficile: A tricky balance between immunoprotection and immunopathogenesis
Authors: Hernández Del Pino Rodrigo Emanuel , Barbero Angela María , Español Laureano Ángel , Morro Lorenzo Sebastián , Pasquinelli Virginia
Published: August 2020

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is the major cause of hospital-acquired gastrointestinal infections in individuals following antibiotics treatment. The pathogenesis of C. difficile infection (CDI) is mediated mainly by the production of toxins that induce tissue damage and host inflammatory responses. While innate immunity is well characterized in human and animal models of CDI, adaptive immune responses remain poorly understood. In this review, the current understanding of adaptive immunity is summarized and its influence on pathogenesis and disease outcome is discussed. The perspectives on what we believe to be the main pending questions and the focus of future research are also provided. There is no doubt that the innate immune response provides a first line of defense to CDI. But, is the adaptive immune response a friend or a foe? Probably it depends on the course of the disease. Adaptive immunity is essential for pathogen eradication, but may also trigger uncontrolled or pathological inflammation. Most of the understanding of the role of T cells is based on findings from experimental models. While they are a very valuable tool for research studies, more studies in human are needed to translate these findings into human disease. Another main challenge is to unravel the role of the different T cell populations on protection or induction of immunopathogenesis.
Projected changes in precipitation and temperature regimes and extremes over the Caribbean and Central America using a multiparameter ensemble of RegCM4
Authors: Vichot‐Llano Alejandro , Martinez‐Castro Daniel , Bezanilla‐Morlot Arnoldo , Centella‐Artola Abel , Giorgi Filippo
Published: August 2020

Regional climate projections are developed four Central America and the Caribbean, based on a multiparameter ensemble formed by four configurations with different convective cumulus schemes with the regional model RegCM4 at 25 km grid spacing, driven by the HadGEM2‐ES global model under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. The precipitation change projections indicate drier conditions compared to present in the near future (2020–2049) and far future (2070–2099) time slices. These drier conditions are statistically significant at the 90% confidence level over the eastern Caribbean, central Atlantic Ocean, and the western Pacific Ocean and are more pronounced in the far future time slice. For temperature, the warmer conditions are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level over the study region. The drier and warmer signals are greater in extension and magnitude in the RCP8.5 than for RCP4.5. Projected changes in precipitation and temperature extreme indices show a reduction of consecutive wet days and an increment of consecutive dry days, with a reduction of cold days and nights and an increase of warm days and nights. Lower precipitation along with increased intensity of extreme events are projected over the Greatest Antilles region.
Nutrition and Micronutrient Therapy in Critical Illness Should Be Individualized
Authors: Berger Mette M.
Published: August 2020

Critically ill (intensive care unit [ICU]) patients are characterized by organ failure, intense inflammatory response, insulin resistance, and altered metabolic response. The sicker the patient, the higher the threat to nutrition and micronutrient status. In addition, many patients start the ICU stay with an altered nutrition status, which requires assessment upon admission. Nutrition needs vary among patients as well as during hospitalization, as the metabolic response changes over time. Shock and acute organ failure result in a metabolic shift toward intense catabolism: endogenous glucose production aiming at ensuring the basal adenosine triphosphate production starts immediately and occurs at the expense of the lean body mass using amino acids for neoglucogenesis. Later, the stabilization and recovery phases are characterized by higher energy and substrate needs. Indirect calorimetry is the only tool enabling determination of the metabolic level. When and how should feeding be started? Recent research shows that the route does not matter much, with equipoise between enteral and parenteral nutrition (PN) as long as overfeeding is avoided. As micronutrients are an integral part of metabolism and antioxidant defenses, their delivery must be ensured: whereas needs are well defined for healthy individuals, needs for illness remain poorly defined. PN that contains only macrosubstrates requires the daily prescription of multimicronutrient complements to qualify as total PN. Achievement of goals requires minimal monitoring, consisting of the daily verification of energy and protein goal delivery achievement and daily follow‐up determining blood glucose and phosphate levels and insulin requirements.
Influence of a Low‐Carbohydrate High‐Fat Diet on Peritoneal Inflammation, Cancer‐Associated Lymphocytes, and Survival in a Murine Carcinomatous Peritonitis Model
Authors: Watkins Ayako , Fukatsu Kazuhiko , Higashizono Kazuya , Watanabe Tomoki , Noguchi Midori , Tominaga Eiji , Murakoshi Satoshi , Yasuhara Hiroshi
Published: August 2020

Background

Low‐carbohydrate high‐fat diets (LCHFDs) are thought to be beneficial for metabolic support in patients with advanced cancer. However, whether LCHFDs affect the progression of carcinomatous peritonitis (CP) remains unclear. Our study examined the influence of a lard‐based LCHFD on host immunity and survival in a murine CP model.

Methods

Mice were fed either a normal diet (ND) or an LCHFD ad libitum. On day 7, Panc02 cancer cells were inoculated intraperitoneally. Mice were killed on days 7, 21, and 35, and cytokine levels in the peritoneal fluid, as well as the number and phenotypes of peritoneal, splenic, and tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes were measured. Survival studies were performed with both ad libitum and isocaloric feeding in other sets of mice.

Results

The levels of all cytokines significantly increased in the LCHFD group compared with those in the ND group on day 21. The tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin‐10 levels were higher in the LCHFD group than in the ND group on day 35. In the LCHFD group, the regulatory T‐cell (Treg) number was significantly higher in the peritoneal cavity and tumor. The survival times were worse in the LCHFD group than in the ND group.

Conclusion

The ad libitum, lard‐based LCHFD feeding of CP mice increases the peritoneal cytokine levels, which may reduce splenic, anticancer lymphocytes and increase the number of Tregs in the peritoneal cavity and tumor. The detrimental effects of LCHFD are linked to dietary composition rather than overfeeding.
Problematizing ‘predatory publishing’: A systematic review of factors shaping publishing motives, decisions, and experiences
Authors: Mills D. , Inouye K.
Published: August 2020

This article systematically reviews recent empirical research on the factors shaping academics' knowledge about, and motivations to publish work in, so‐called ‘predatory’ journals. Growing scholarly evidence suggests that the concept of ‘predatory’ publishing’ – used to describe deceptive journals exploiting vulnerable researchers – is inadequate for understanding the complex range of institutional and contextual factors that shape the publication decisions of individual academics. This review identifies relevant empirical studies on academics who have published in ‘predatory’ journals, and carries out a detailed comparison of 16 papers that meet the inclusion criteria. While most start from Beall's framing of ‘predatory’ publishing, their empirical findings move the debate beyond normative assumptions about academic vulnerability. They offer particular insights into the academic pressures on scholars at the periphery of a global research economy. This systematic review shows the value of a holistic approach to studying individual publishing decisions within specific institutional, economic and political contexts. Rather than assume that scholars publishing in ‘questionable’ journals are naïve, gullible or lacking in understanding, fine‐grained empirical research provides a more nuanced conceptualization of the pressures and incentives shaping their decisions. The review suggests areas for further research, especially in emerging research systems in the global South.
An efficient isostatic mixed shell element for coarse mesh solution
Authors: Madeo Antonio , Liguori Francesco S. , Zucco Giovanni , Fiore Stefania
Published: August 2020

A novel mixed shell finite element (FE) is presented. The element is obtained from the Hellinger–Reissner variational principle and it is based on an elastic solution of the generalized stress field, which is ruled by the minimum number of variables. As such, the new FE is isostatic because the number of stress parameters is equal to the number of kinematical parameters minus the number of rigid body motions. We name this new FE MISS‐8. MISS‐8 has generalized displacements and rotations interpolated along its contour and drilling rotation is also considered as degree of freedom. The element is integrated exactly on its contour, it does not suffer from rank defectiveness and it is locking‐free. Furthermore, it is efficient for recovering both stress and displacement fields when coarse meshes are used. The numerical investigation on its performance confirms the suitability, accuracy, and efficiency to recover elastic solutions of thick‐ and thin‐walled beam‐like structures. Numerical results obtained with the proposed FE are also compared with those obtained with isogeometric high‐performance solutions. Finally, numerical results show a rate of convergence between h2 and h4.
Optimizing patients' functional status during daily nursing care interventions: A systematic review
Authors: Verstraten Carolien C. J. M. M. , Metzelthin Silke F. , Schoonhoven Lisette , Schuurmans Marieke J. , de Man‐van Ginkel Janneke M.
Published: August 2020

Patients often experience a functional decline due to physical inactivity during illness. Nurses can influence the physical activity of patients while assisting them with activities of daily living. The purpose of this study was to identify effective interventions that are embedded in daily nursing care (irrespective of care setting) that aim to optimize the functional status of patients by increasing their physical activity. A systematic review was performed and reported following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses. PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane were searched for studies from January 2002 to March 2019. The critical appraisal tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute were used to assess the risk of bias in individual studies. Study characteristics, intervention key components, and reported effects of included studies were extracted, summarized narratively, and compared. Twenty studies, evaluating nine different interventions were included. In these interventions, eight key components were identified. Four components were included in all six interventions with a positive effect on mobility, physical activity, or functional status. These components were: assessment of patient's functionality; goal setting with the patient; establishment of an individualized plan; and engagement of patients in physical and daily activity. The effects were limited due to the risk of bias in the studies, small sample sizes, limited clinical meaning of the effects, and variability of the adherence to the interventions. Multicomponent interventions were the most promising to enhance the functional status of patients. Future research should evaluate these interventions using research methods aiming at producing more rigorous evidence.
Glycidyl carbamate functional resins and their applications: a review
Authors: Webster Dean C
Published: August 2020

The glycidyl carbamate functional group consists of an epoxide adjacent to a carbamate or urethane. Glycidyl carbamate functional resins are compounds that have two or more glycidyl carbamate groups. Glycidyl carbamate resins can be cured through the epoxy groups with any of the typical curing agents currently used for epoxy systems such as amines, anhydrides or phenolics. An advantage of glycidyl carbamate resins is that the end user can use epoxy curing chemistry to form thermosets and obtain a polyurethane without having to handle isocyanates. This review surveys the peer‐reviewed and patent literature on glycidyl carbamate functional resins and their applications. Glycidyl carbamate compositions have been explored for use in adhesives, sealants, elastomers and coatings. In most of the reported studies, glycidyl carbamate resins offer improved adhesion, flexibility and faster curing compared to conventional epoxy resin systems, making it an attractive alternative thermosetting polymer system. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Development and characterization of specific anti‐Usutu virus chicken‐derived single chain variable fragment antibodies
Authors: Schoenenwald Amelie Karin Josephine , Gwee Chin Piaw , Stiasny Karin , Hermann Marcela , Vasudevan Subhash G. , Skern Tim
Published: August 2020

Usutu virus belongs to the Japanese encephalitis serogroup within the Flaviviridae family. Mammals may become incidental hosts after the bite of an infected mosquito while birds act as the main reservoir. Human cases have become more common recently and elicit various outcomes ranging from asymptomatic to severe illness including encephalitis. Problematically, antisera against Usutu virus cross‐react with other flaviviruses such as the co‐circulating West Nile virus. As an approach to generate Usutu virus‐specific antibodies, we immunized chickens with purified Usutu virus envelope protein domain III, isolated the spleen mRNA and generated an scFv phage display library. The most potent binders for Usutu virus domain III were selected via biopanning and their affinity to domain III was examined using SPR. Four scFvs bound the domain III of Usutu virus in the nanomolar region; two bound the protein over 40 times more strongly than West Nile virus domain III. We further characterized these scFv antibodies for suitability in standard laboratory tests such as western blots, ELISA, and neutralization tests. Four specific and one cross‐reactive antibody performed well in western blots with domain III and the full‐length envelope protein of Usutu virus and West Nile virus. All antibodies bound in virus ELISA assays to Usutu virus strain Vienna‐2001. However, none of the antibodies neutralized either Usutu virus or West Nile virus. These antibody candidates could be crucial in future diagnostic tests to distinguish Usutu virus from other flaviviruses and might even offer virus neutralization after a conversion to Fab or IgG.
Low dose rate permanent seed brachytherapy: tracing its evolution and current status
Authors: Banerjee Susovan , Kataria Tejinder , Goyal Shikha , Gupta Deepak , Bisht Shyam Singh , Narang Kushal , Kadian Mohit
Published: August 2020

A recent surge in publications on low dose rate permanent seed brachytherapy prompted us to review the currently available literature in order to provide a summary of the therapy. To this end, we composed a comprehensive review on the available English language publications in PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. The general principles of seed brachytherapy are discussed, along with radiobiology and technical aspects. Seed brachytherapy has been increasingly used in various sites for primary treatment, and is considered to be particularly useful in cases of reirradiation and otherwise untreatable malignancies. In recent decades, there have been considerable advances in the technology used in seed brachytherapy, including steps to prevent the migration of seeds, reduce personnel exposure to radiation, and use of sophisticated 3‐D planning for better dosimetric results, which have ultimately translated into better clinical outputs. Technical advances in seed brachytherapy have lagged behind those in external beam radiotherapy and high dose rate brachytherapy; however, there is renewed interest due to encouraging clinical results in the primary setting, as well as reirradiation for recurrent disease across several sites.
Risk Failure Deployment: A novel integrated tool to prioritize corrective actions in failure mode and effects analysis
Authors: Braglia Marcello , Gabbrielli Roberto , Marrazzini Leonardo
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a novel integrated tool for failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), opportunely named Risk Failure Deployment (RFD), which is able to evaluate the most critical failure modes and provide analyst with a practical and step‐by‐step guidance by selecting the most effective corrective actions for removal/mitigation process of root causes, is presented. Thanks to the modification of the framework of the Manufacturing cost deployment (MCD) and to its well‐structured use of matrices, the novel RFD is able both to handle the dependencies and interactions between different and numerous failures and to evaluate the most critical ones on the basis of the risk priority number (RPN). Thereafter, the logical relationship between root causes and failure modes is assessed. Successively, the prioritization of corrective actions that are the most suitable for root causes is executed using not only the RPN but also other criteria, such as the economic aspect and the ease of implementation, that are unavoidable to execute a rational and effective selection of improvement activities. The effectiveness and usefulness in practice of the original tool for the prioritization of corrective actions to mitigate the risks due to failure modes collected during FMEA are presented in a case study.
Optimal distinctiveness in platform markets: Leveraging complementors as legitimacy buffers
Authors: Taeuscher Karl , Rothe Hannes
Published: August 2020

Research summary

Optimal distinctiveness theory highlights that firms need to balance opposing pressures for differentiation (to gain competitive benefits) and conformity (to gain legitimacy). Yet, extant optimal distinctiveness research rarely considers that the pressure for conformity can substantially vary between competing firms. Studying the positioning and growth performance of competing platforms in the market for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), we find that platforms' access to high‐status complementors—a common source of legitimacy in platform markets—substantially shapes the relationship between platforms' distinctiveness and user growth. Our longitudinal models show that platforms only benefit from a (moderately) distinctive positioning once they have buffered a certain amount of legitimacy. Our findings strongly suggest that firms can alleviate conformity pressures by accessing alternative sources of legitimacy.

Managerial summary

When does differentiation pay off? We study this question in the increasingly important context of platform markets to explain differences in platforms' user growth. Our longitudinal study of competition in the market for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)—in which platforms like Coursera and Udacity compete for online learners as users—shows that the performance implications of a distinctive positioning substantially depend on the legitimacy that a platform has gained from attracting high‐status organizations as complementors. Platforms only benefit from differentiation once they surpass a certain legitimacy threshold, and the legitimacy they gain beyond this threshold accelerates the benefits of a (moderately) distinctive positioning.
Being extraordinary: How CEOS' uncommon names explain strategic distinctiveness
Authors: Kang Yungu , Zhu David H. , Zhang Yan Anthea
Published: August 2020

Research summary

We build upon recent theories and studies about relational self to explain how a CEO's uncommon name may be related to a firm's strategic distinctiveness. Our theory explains why CEOs with uncommon names tend to develop a conception of being different from peers and accordingly pursue strategies that deviate from industry norms. We further suggest that the positive relationship between CEO name uncommonness and strategic distinctiveness is strengthened by the CEO's confidence, power, and environmental munificence. Using name commonness data from the U.S. Social Security Administration and financial data of 1,172 public firms over a 19‐year period, we find support for our theoretical predictions.

Managerial summary

Using 19 years of data on 1,172 public firms, we show that firms' distinctive strategies are systematically linked to their CEOs' uncommon names. Psychological studies suggest that individuals with uncommon names tend to have a self‐conception of being different from their peers. Although many people may not have the confidence to exhibit how unique they believe themselves to be, CEOs do—they are generally confident individuals. It is thus predicted that CEOs with more uncommon names tend to pursue strategies that deviate more from their peer firms'. This pattern is even clearer when CEOs have a higher level of confidence, possess greater power, and operate businesses in an environment with more growth opportunities. Looking for unconventional leaders? You can often tell by their names.
Job advertisements for English teachers in the Saudi Arabian context: Discourses of discrimination and inequity
Authors: Alshammari Alya
Published: August 2020

This article looks at how job advertisements for recruiting English teachers in the Saudi Preparatory Year Programs promote bias and inequity. Based on analysis of 25 job advertisements targeting overseas applicants, the article reports three kinds of selection criteria: professional, demographic, and personal qualities. Although these criteria include a wide range of requirements, speakerhood status was identified as the primary qualification in most of the advertisements. Therefore, this article argues that discrimination based on speakerhood status and country of origin is practised in the recruitment of teachers of English as a foreign language, and the TESOL community needs to problematize the discourses of native speakerism that create unequal status among English language teachers. This article concludes by presenting a number of recommendations to avoid professional inequity and to enhance advocacy and empowerment in TESOL.
Glucose transporters in the small intestine in health and disease
Authors: Koepsell Hermann
Published: August 2020

Absorption of monosaccharides is mainly mediated by Na+-d-glucose cotransporter SGLT1 and the facititative transporters GLUT2 and GLUT5. SGLT1 and GLUT2 are relevant for absorption ofd-glucose andd-galactose while GLUT5 is relevant ford-fructose absorption. SGLT1 and GLUT5 are constantly localized in the brush border membrane (BBM) of enterocytes, whereas GLUT2 is localized in the basolateral membrane (BLM) or the BBM plus BLM at low and high luminald-glucose concentrations, respectively. At high luminald-glucose, the abundance SGLT1 in the BBM is increased. Hence,d-glucose absorption at low luminal glucose is mediated via SGLT1 in the BBM and GLUT2 in the BLM whereas high-capacityd-glucose absorption at high luminal glucose is mediated by SGLT1 plus GLUT2 in the BBM and GLUT2 in the BLM. The review describes functions and regulations of SGLT1, GLUT2, and GLUT5 in the small intestine including diurnal variations and carbohydrate-dependent regulations. Also, the roles of SGLT1 and GLUT2 for secretion of enterohormones are discussed. Furthermore, diseases are described that are caused by malfunctions of small intestinal monosaccharide transporters, such as glucose-galactose malabsorption, Fanconi syndrome, and fructose intolerance. Moreover, it is reported how diabetes, small intestinal inflammation, parental nutrition, bariatric surgery, and metformin treatment affect expression of monosaccharide transporters in the small intestine. Finally, food components that decreased-glucose absorption and drugs in development that inhibit or downregulate SGLT1 in the small intestine are compiled. Models for regulations and combined functions of glucose transporters, and for interplay betweend-fructose transport and metabolism, are discussed.
Design, optimization and modelling of a chemical recovery system for wet spinning of cellulose in sodium carbonate solutions
Authors: Bialik Marta , Jensen Anna , Kotilainen Oula , Kulander Ida , Lopes Marta
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study is to present the design, optimization and modelling of a chemical recovery system for a novel CS2-free viscose-type process that entails dissolution of pre-treated dissolving pulp in a continuous-flow reactor in cold alkali and wet spinning of cellulose in sodium carbonate solutions. Technologies already known to other industries for the recovery and reuse of chemicals, such as causticizing, recalcination, recarbonization and freeze-separation, were used. Chemical equilibria simulations were performed with OLI Studio 9.5, with the purpose to select experimental conditions which avoid undesired precipitations in each unit operation. Synthetic solutions mimicking the spent coagulation liquor were used in the laboratorial experiments. The proposed chemical recovery system was shown to be technically feasible and reduce chemical make-ups to a minimum of 45 kg/ton of NaOH and 4 kg/ton of H2SO4. Small amounts of Zn are expected to precipitate during recarbonization of the coagulation liquor at 30 °C and causticizing at 98 °C. Thus, a filter for ZnO particles should be included in the design of the recarbonization unit and a continuous purge of lime mud and input of fresh lime make-up should be needed to keep burnt lime availability at an acceptable level. Overall, the results presented in this study portray a solution to reduce operating costs and the environmental impact of novel viscose-type processes with alkaline spin dopes and wet spinning of cellulose in sodium carbonate solutions.
Bonsai: diverse and shallow trees for extreme multi-label classification
Authors: Khandagale Sujay , Xiao Han , Babbar Rohit
Published: August 2020

Extreme multi-label classification (XMC) refers to supervised multi-label learning involving hundreds of thousands or even millions of labels.
In this paper, we develop a suite of algorithms, called , which generalizes the notion of label representation in XMC, and partitions the labels in the representation space to learn shallow trees.
We show three concrete realizations of this label representation space including: (i) the input space which is spanned by the input features, (ii) the output space spanned by label vectors based on their co-occurrence with other labels, and (iii) the joint space by combining the input and output representations. Furthermore, the constraint-free multi-way partitions learnt iteratively in these spaces lead to shallow trees.
By combining the effect of shallow trees and generalized label representation, achieves the best of both worlds—fast training which is comparable to state-of-the-art tree-based methods in XMC, and much better prediction accuracy, particularly on tail-labels. On a benchmark Amazon-3M dataset with 3 million labels, outperforms a state-of-the-art one-vs-rest method in terms of prediction accuracy, while being approximately 200 times faster to train. The code for is available at https://github.com/xmc-aalto/bonsai.
The Prevalence and Severity of Misophonia in a UK Undergraduate Medical Student Population and Validation of the Amsterdam Misophonia Scale
Authors: Naylor Jay , Caimino Charlotte , Scutt Polly , Hoare Derek J , Baguley David M
Published: August 2020

Misophonia is a condition of abnormal emotional responses to specific auditory stimuli. There is limited information available on the prevalence of this condition. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of misophonia in an undergraduate medical student population at the University of Nottingham. A secondary aim of this study was to assess the psychometric validity of the Amsterdam Misophonia Scale (A-Miso-S) questionnaire tool in this population. The A-Miso-S was administered online to medical students at the University of Nottingham. To assess the validity of the A-Miso-S, a factor analysis was conducted. To determine prevalence and severity the results of the questionnaire were quantitatively analysed using SPSS. Actor analysis was conducted. Free text responses to one questionnaire item were analysed using a thematic approach. Responses were obtained from 336 individuals. Clinically significant misophonic symptoms appear to be common, effecting 49.1% of the sample population. This is statistically significantly higher prevalence than previous studies have found (p < 0.00001). Using the classification of the A-Miso-S, mild symptoms were seen in 37%, moderate in 12%, severe in 0.3% of participants. No extreme cases were seen. The A-Miso-S was found to be a uni-factorial tool, with good internal consistency. This study has provided new information on misophonia and validity of the A-Miso-S questionnaire in a sample population of UK undergraduate medical students. The results indicate that misophonia is a phenomenon that a significant proportion of medical students experience though only a small subset experience it severely.