bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Fast, Low‐Temperature Synthesis Method for Hexagonal YMnO3: Kinetics, Purity, Size and Shape as Studied by In Situ X‐ray Diffraction
Authors: Marshall Kenneth P. , Blichfeld Anders B. , Skjærvø Susanne L. , Grendal Ola G. , van Beek Wouter , Selbach Sverre M. , Grande Tor , Einarsrud Mari‐Ann
Published: March 2020

The reaction mechanisms, phase development and kinetics of the hydrothermal synthesis of hexagonal‐YMnO3 from Y2O3 and Mn2O3 using in situ X‐ray diffraction are reported under different reaction conditions with temperatures ranging from 300 to 350 °C, and using 1, 5 and 10 m KOH, and 5 m NaOH mineraliser. Reactions initiated with Y2O3 hydrating to Y(OH)3, which then dehydrated to YO(OH). Higher temperatures and KOH concentrations led to faster, more complete dehydrations. However, 1 m KOH led to YO(OH) forming concurrently with Y(OH)3 before Y(OH)3 fully dehydrated but yielded a very low phase purity of hexagonal‐YMnO3. Using NaOH mineraliser, no YO(OH) was observed. Dehydration also initiated at a higher temperature in the absence of Mn2O3. The evolution of Rietveld refined scale factors was used to determine kinetic information and approximate activation energies for the reaction. The described hydrothermal synthesis offers a fast, low‐temperature method for producing anisometric h‐YMnO3 particles.
Late‐Stage Functionalization by Chan–Lam Amination: Rapid Access to Potent and Selective Integrin Inhibitors
Authors: Robinson Henry , Oatley Steven A. , Rowedder James E. , Slade Pawel , Macdonald Simon J. F. , Argent Stephen P. , Hirst Jonathan D. , McInally Thomas , Moody Christopher J.
Published: March 2020

A late‐stage functionalization of the aromatic ring in amino acid derivatives is described. The key step is a copper‐catalysed diversification of a boronate ester by amination (Chan–Lam reaction) that can be carried out on a complex β‐aryl‐β‐amino acid scaffold. This not only considerably extends the substrate scope of amination partners, but also delivers an array of potent and selective integrin inhibitors as potential treatment agents of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This versatile chemical strategy, which is amenable to high‐throughput‐array protocols, allows the installation of pharmaceutically valuable heteroaromatic fragments at a late stage by direct coupling to NH heterocycles, leading to compounds with drug‐like attributes. It thus constitutes a useful addition to the medicinal chemist's repertoire.
Asymmetric Intramolecular Hydroalkoxylation of Unactivated Alkenes Catalyzed by Chiral N‐Triflyl Phosphoramide and TiCl4†
Authors: Zhao Pengyuan , Cheng Aolin , Wang Xinxu , Ma Jiguo , Zhao Guoqing , Li Yingkun , Zhang Yi , Zhao Baoguo
Published: March 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

By using a combination of a chiral N‐triflyl phosphoramide and TiCl4 as the catalyst, a new process for asymmetric intramolecular hydroalkoxylation of unactivated alkenes was developed, producing various chiral tetrahydrofuran derivatives in 51%—99% yields with 30%—71% ee's.
A unified model for accelerating unsupervised iterative re‐ranking algorithms
Authors: Pisani Flávia , Pascotti Valem Lucas , Guimarães Pedronette Daniel Carlos , da S. Torres Ricardo , Borin Edson , Breternitz Mauricio
Published: March 2020

Despite the continuous advances in image retrieval technologies, performing effective and efficient content‐based searches remains a challenging task. Unsupervised iterative re‐ranking algorithms have emerged as a promising solution and have been widely used to improve the effectiveness of multimedia retrieval systems. Although substantially more efficient than related approaches based on diffusion processes, these re‐ranking algorithms can still be computationally costly, demanding the specification and implementation of efficient big multimedia analysis approaches. Such demand associated with the significant potential for parallelization and highly effective results achieved by recently proposed re‐ranking algorithms creates the need for exploiting efficiency vs effectiveness trade‐offs. In this article, we introduce a class of unsupervised iterative re‐ranking algorithms and present a model that can be used to guide their implementation and optimization for parallel architectures. We also analyze the impact of the parallelization on the performance of four algorithms that belong to the proposed class: Contextual Spaces, RL‐Sim, Contextual Re‐ranking, and Cartesian Product of Ranking References. The experiments show speedups that reach up to 6.0×, 16.1×, 3.3×, and 7.1× for each algorithm, respectively. These results demonstrate that the proposed parallel programming model can be successfully applied to various algorithms and used to improve the performance of multimedia retrieval systems.
A Genome‐wide Association Study of Circulating Levels of Atorvastatin and Its Major Metabolites
Authors: Turner Richard M. , Fontana Vanessa , Zhang Jieying E. , Carr Daniel , Yin Peng , FitzGerald Richard , Morris Andrew P. , Pirmohamed Munir
Published: March 2020

Atorvastatin (ATV) is frequently prescribed and generally well  tolerated, but can lead to myotoxicity, especially at higher doses. A genome‐wide association study of circulating levels of ATV, 2‐hydroxy (2‐OH) ATV, ATV lactone (ATV L), and 2‐OH ATV L was performed in 590 patients who had been hospitalized with a non‐ST elevation acute coronary syndrome 1 month earlier and were on high‐dose ATV (80 mg or 40 mg daily). The UGT1A locus (lead single nucleotide polymorphism, rs887829) was strongly associated with both increased 2‐OH ATV/ATV (P = 7.25 × 10−16) and 2‐OH ATV L/ATV L (P = 3.95 × 10−15) metabolic ratios. Moreover, rs45446698, which tags CYP3A7*1C, was nominally associated with increased 2‐OH ATV/ATV (P = 6.18 × 10−7), and SLCO1B1 rs4149056 with increased ATV (P = 2.21 × 10−6) and 2‐OH ATV (P = 1.09 × 10−6) levels. In a subset of these patients whose levels of ATV and metabolites had also been measured at 12 months after hospitalization (n = 149), all of these associations remained, except for 2‐OH ATV and rs4149056 (P = 0.057). Clinically, rs4149056 was associated with increased muscular symptoms (odds ratio (OR) 3.97; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29–12.27; P = 0.016) and ATV intolerance (OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.09–2.19; P = 0.014) in patients (n = 870) primarily discharged on high‐dose ATV. In summary, both novel and recognized genetic associations have been identified with circulating levels of ATV and its major metabolites. Further study is warranted to determine the clinical utility of genotyping rs4149056 in patients on high‐dose ATV.
Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Model of Sertraline in Human to Predict Clinical Relevance of Concentrations at Target Tissues
Authors: Alhadab Ali A. , Brundage Richard C.
Published: March 2020

Significant in vitro and in vivo evidence supports the potential use of sertraline as an anticancer and antimicrobial agent. Yet, it is unknown whether effective sertraline concentrations are clinically achieved at therapeutic doses. The study objectives were to develop a physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of sertraline and estimate the probability of achieving effective concentrations in various human tissues. A generic PBPK model consisting of perfusion‐limited compartments representing the body organs linked together by blood flows and incorporated with clearance, tissue distribution, and absorption models was implemented in R using the mrgsolve package. Sertraline clearance and volume of distribution were first optimized from i.v. plasma concentration data then absorption and bioavailability were optimized from oral data. Predicted unbound sertraline concentrations at steady‐state in human tissues did not reach concentrations determined in vitro, indicating therapeutic doses of sertraline are unlikely to produce concentrations required for anticancer and antimicrobial activities in humans.
IL‐9 exerts biological function on antigen‐experienced murine T cells and exacerbates colitis induced by adoptive transfer
Authors: de Heusch Magali , Steenwinckel Valérie , Cochez Perrine M. , Louahed Jamila , Warnier Guy , Lemaire Muriel M. , Renauld Jean‐Christophe , Dumoutier Laure
Published: March 2020

IL‐9 is involved in various T cell‐dependent inflammatory models including colitis, encepahlitis, and asthma. However, the regulation and specificity of IL‐9 responsiveness by T cells during immune responses remains poorly understood. Here, we addressed this question using two different models: experimental colitis induced by transfer of naive CD4+CD45RBhigh T cells into immunodeficient mice, and OVA‐specific T cell activation. In the colitis model, constitutive IL‐9 expression exacerbated inflammation upon transfer of CD4+CD45RBhigh T cells from WT but not from Il9r−/− mice, indicating that IL‐9 acts directly on T cells. Suprisingly, such naïve CD4+CD45RBhigh T cells failed to express the Il9r or respond to IL‐9 in vitro, in contrast with CD4+CD45RBlow T cells. By using OVA‐specific T cells, we observed that T cells acquired the capacity to respond to IL‐9 along with CD44 upregulation, after long‐lasting (5 to 12 days) in vivo antigenic stimulation. Il9r expression was associated with Th2 and Th17 phenotypes. Interestingly, in contrast to the IL‐2 response, antigen restimulation downregulated IL‐9 responsiveness. Taken together, our results demonstrate that IL‐9 does not act on naïve T cells but that IL‐9 responsiveness is acquired by CD4+ T cells after in vivo activation and acquisition of memory markers such as CD44.
Inoculum size and traits of the infecting clinical strain define the protection level against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in a rabbit model
Authors: Tsenova Liana , Fallows Dorothy , Kolloli Afsal , Singh Pooja , O'Brien Paul , Kushner Nicole , Kaplan Gilla , Subbian Selvakumar
Published: March 2020

Host protective immunity against pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection is variable and poorly understood. Both prior Mtb infection and BCG vaccination have been reported to confer some protection against subsequent infection and/or disease. However, the immune correlates of host protection with or without BCG vaccination remain poorly understood. Similarly, the host response to concomitant infection with mixed Mtb strains is unclear. In this study, we used the rabbit model to examine the host response to various infectious doses of virulent Mtb HN878 with and without prior BCG vaccination, as well as simultaneous infection with a mixture of two Mtb clinical isolates HN878 and CDC1551. We demonstrate that both the ability of host immunity to control pulmonary Mtb infection and the protective efficacy of BCG vaccination against the progression of Mtb infection to disease is dependent on the infectious inoculum. The host response to infection with mixed Mtb strains mirrors the differential responses seen during infection with each of the strains alone. The protective response mounted against a hyperimmunogenic Mtb strain has a limited impact on the control of disease caused by a hypervirulent strain. This preclinical study will aid in predicting the success of any vaccination strategy and in optimizing TB vaccines.
Multi‐Tier Electronic Structure Analysis of Sita's Mo and W Complexes Capable of Thermal or Photochemical N2Splitting
Authors: Rupp Severine , Plasser Felix , Krewald Vera
Published: March 2020

An emerging approach for the activation of the nitrogen molecule is the light‐driven splitting of the N–N bond. Less than ten examples for complexes capable of N2photoactivation are currently known, and the underlying photophysical and photochemical processes after light absorption are largely unresolved. All complexes have a central [M(µ‐η1:η1‐N2)M] unit with equivalent ligand spheres around each metal. For several of these complexes, small modifications of the ligand sphere result in thermal rather than photochemical activity. Herein, we analyse the electronic structures and computed UV/Vis spectra of four complexes: two thermally and two photochemically active complexes, each either involving molybdenum or tungsten. The analysis of electronic structures and spectra is based on the molecular orbitals, difference densities and the charge‐transfer numbers provided by TheoDORE. We find that the spectra of the photochemically active complexes contain excitations with more ligand‐to‐metal charge‐transfer character and higher intensity, providing a plausible explanation for light‐induced nitrogen splitting.
A Simple Chemical Route to Borocarbonitride Nanotubes
Authors: Chithaiah Pallellappa , Pramoda Kuppe , Kulkarni Giridhar U. , Rao C. N. R.
Published: March 2020

We have prepared borocarbonitride (BxCyNz) nanotubes of various compositions by a simple, template‐ and catalyst‐free procedure. The procedure involves heating borocarbonitride nanosheets at a high temperature (≈ 900 °C), having prepared the nanosheets by heating a mixture of boric acid and glycine at 475 °C. The nanotubes have been characterized by electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and other techniques. Supercapacitor performance of the nanotube with high carbon content, BC3N, is noteworthy, with a specific capacitance of 164 F/g at a current density of 1.0 A/g.
Mainshock‐aftershock state‐dependent fragility curves: A case of wood‐frame houses in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Zhang Lizhong , Goda Katsuichiro , De Luca Flavia , De Risi Raffaele
Published: March 2020

During a mainshock‐aftershock (MSAS) sequence, there is no time to retrofit structures that are damaged by a mainshock; therefore, aftershocks could cause additional damage. This study proposes a new approach to develop state‐dependent fragility curves using real MSAS records. Specifically, structural responses before and after each event of MSAS sequences are used to obtain statistical relationships among the engineering demand parameter prior to the seismic event (pre‐EDP), the intensity measure of the seismic event (IM), and the engineering demand parameter after the seismic event (post‐EDP). The developed fragility curves account for damage accumulation, providing the exceeding probability of damage state (DS) given the IM of the event and the DS of the structure prior to the seismic excitation. The UBC‐SAWS model, which was developed for wood‐frame houses in British Columbia, Canada, is considered as a case study application. Results indicate that for the examined structural typology, state‐dependent fragility curves based on residual interstorey drift ratio (pre‐EDP), peak ground velocity (IM), and maximum inter‐storey drift ratio (post‐EDP) are the best choice to characterise the cumulative damage effect. An illustration of the developed fragility curves is provided by considering a hypothetical MSAS scenario of a Mw 9.0 Cascadia mainshock triggering a Mw 6.0 crustal event in the Leech River fault, affecting wooden houses in Victoria, Canada. The MSAS scenario increases Yellow tags (restricted access) by 12.3% and Red tags (no access) by 4.8%.
Legacy and Current-Use Contaminants in Sediments Alter Macroinvertebrate Communities in Southeastern US Streams
Authors: Moran Patrick W. , Kemble Nile E. , Waite Ian R. , Mahler Barbara J. , Nowell Lisa H. , Van Metre Peter C.
Published: March 2020

Sediment contamination of freshwater streams in urban areas is a recognized and growing concern. As a part of a comprehensive regional stream-quality assessment, stream-bed sediment was sampled from streams spanning a gradient of urban intensity in the Piedmont ecoregion of the southeastern United States. We evaluated relations between a broad suite of sediment contaminants (metals, current-use pesticides, organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, brominated diphenyl ethers, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), ambient sediment toxicity, and macroinvertebrate communities from 76 sites. Sediment toxicity was evaluated by conducting whole-sediment laboratory toxicity testing with the amphipod Hyalella azteca (for 28 d) and the midge Chironomus dilutus (for 10 d). Approximately one-third of the sediment samples were identified as toxic for at least one test species endpoint, although concentrations of contaminants infrequently exceeded toxicity benchmarks. Ratios of contaminant concentrations relative to their benchmarks, both individually and as summed benchmark quotients, were explored on a carbon-normalized and a dry-weight basis. Invertebrate taxa measures from ecological surveys tended to decline with increasing urbanization and with sediment contamination. Toxicity test endpoints were more strongly related to sediment contamination than invertebrate community measures were. Sediment chemistry and sediment toxicity provided moderate and weak, respectively, explanatory power for the similarity/dissimilarity of invertebrate communities. The results indicate that current single-chemical sediment benchmarks may underestimate the effects from mixtures of sediment contaminants experienced by lotic invertebrates. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1219–1232. Published 2020. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Abstract

Circles indicate three data sources of the sediment quality triad and evaluated in the present study. Center list indicates those compounds that best explained community and toxicity reponses. Background photograph is of Nancy Creek at West Wesley Rd at Atlanta, GA, a stream typical of those evaluated.
An ontology‐based system for discovering landslide‐induced emergencies in electrical grid
Authors: Phengsuwan Jedsada , Shah Tejal , Sun Rui , James Philip , Thakker Dhavalkumar , Ranjan Rajiv
Published: March 2020

Early warning systems (EWS) for electrical grid infrastructure have played a significant role in the efficient management of electricity supply in natural hazard prone areas. Modern EWS rely on scientific methods to analyze a variety of Earth Observation and ancillary data provided by multiple and heterogeneous data sources for the monitoring of electrical grid infrastructure. Furthermore, through cooperation, EWS for natural hazards contribute to monitoring by reporting hazard events that are associated with a particular electrical grid network. Additionally, sophisticated domain knowledge of natural hazards and electrical grid is also required to enable dynamic and timely decision‐making about the management of electrical grid infrastructure in serious hazards. In this paper, we propose a data integration and analytics system that enables an interaction between natural hazard EWS and electrical grid EWS to contribute to electrical grid network monitoring and support decision‐making for electrical grid infrastructure management. We prototype the system using landslides as an example natural hazard for the grid infrastructure monitoring. Essentially, the system consists of background knowledge about landslides as well as information about data sources to facilitate the process of data integration and analysis. Using the knowledge modeled, the prototype system can report the occurrence of landslides and suggest potential data sources for the electrical grid network monitoring.
Option trading and the cross‐listed stock returns: Evidence from Chinese A–H shares
Authors: Luo Xingguo , Yu Xiaoli , Qin Shihua , Xu Qi
Published: March 2020

We empirically investigate the effects of option trading on the cross‐listed stock returns. Using dual‐listed stocks in mainland China (A) and Hong Kong (H) stock exchanges, we show that option order imbalance (OI) positively and significantly predicts daily stock returns for both markets, controlling for risk factors and firm characteristics. Informed trading rather than price pressure better explain the predictability. High OI stocks have higher trading volume and present lottery‐like properties. Three important events significantly affect the predictive power of OI, consistent with the improved market quality and the episode of speculative trading. Robustness checks support the main findings.
Neural network correlates of high‐altitude adaptive genetic variants in Tibetans: A pilot, exploratory study
Authors: Guo Zhiyue , Fan Cunxiu , Li Ting , Gesang Luobu , Yin Wu , Wang Ningkai , Weng Xuchu , Gong Qiyong , Zhang Jiaxing , Wang Jinhui
Published: March 2020

Although substantial progress has been made in the identification of genetic substrates underlying physiology, neuropsychology, and brain organization, the genotype–phenotype associations remain largely unknown in the context of high‐altitude (HA) adaptation. Here, we related HA adaptive genetic variants in three gene loci (EGLN1, EPAS1, and PPARA) to interindividual variance in a set of physiological characteristics, neuropsychological tests, and topological attributes of large‐scale structural and functional brain networks in 135 indigenous Tibetan highlanders. Analyses of individual HA adaptive single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) revealed that specific SNPs selectively modulated physiological characteristics (erythrocyte level, ratio between forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity, arterial oxygen saturation, and heart rate) and structural network centrality (the left anterior orbital gyrus) with no effects on neuropsychology or functional brain networks. Further analyses of genetic adaptive scores, which summarized the overall degree of genetic adaptation to HA, revealed significant correlations only with structural brain networks with respect to local interconnectivity of the whole networks, intermodule communication between the right frontal and parietal module and the left occipital module, nodal centrality in several frontal regions, and connectivity strength of a subnetwork predominantly involving in intramodule edges in the right temporal and occipital module. Moreover, the associations were dependent on gene loci, weight types, or topological scales. Together, these findings shed new light on genotype–phenotype interactions under HA hypoxia and have important implications for developing new strategies to optimize organism and tissue responses to chronic hypoxia induced by extreme environments or diseases.
Outcomes and toxicities following stereotactic ablative radiotherapy for pulmonary metastases in patients with primary head and neck cancer
Authors: Pasalic Dario , Betancourt‐Cuellar Sonia L. , Taku Nicolette , Ludmir Ethan B. , Lu Yi , Allen Pamela K. , Tang Chad , Antonoff Mara B. , Fuller Clifton D. , Rosenthal David I. , Morrison William H. , Phan Jack , Garden Adam S. , Welsh James W. , Chang Joe Y. , Liao Zhongxing , Erasmus Jeremy J. , Nguyen Quynh‐Nhu
Published: March 2020

Background

Metastatic head and neck cancers (HNCs) predominantly affect the lungs and have a two‐year overall survival (OS) of 15% to 50%, if amenable for pulmonary metastasectomy.

Methods

Retrospective review of the two‐year local control (LC), local‐regional control (LRC) within the same lobe, OS, and toxicity rates in consecutive patients with metastatic pulmonary HNC who underwent stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) January 2007 to May 2018.

Results

Evaluated 82 patients with 107 lung lesions, most commonly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC; 64%). Median follow‐up was 20 months (range: 9.0‐97.6). Systemic therapy administered in 34%. LC, LRC, and OS rates were 94%, 90%, and 62%. Patients with oligometastatic disease had a higher OS than polymetastatic disease, 72% vs 44% (HR = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.14‐0.64; P = .008). OS in oligometastatic non‐SCC and SCC were 100% and 66% (P = .03). There were no grade ≥3 toxicities.

Conclusions

Metastatic pulmonary HNCs after SABR have a two‐year OS rate comparable to pulmonary metastasectomy.
Endonasal endoscopic transpterygoid approach to the upper parapharyngeal space
Authors: Li Lifeng , London Nyall R. , Prevedello Daniel M. , Carrau Ricardo L.
Published: March 2020

Background

Lesions of the upper parapharyngeal space (UPPS) present a surgical challenge. The objective of this study was to ascertain the feasibility of a novel technique of modified transpterygoid approach to the UPPS.

Methods

Six fresh cadaveric specimens (12 sides) were dissected, developing a technique that includes en bloc mobilization of the lateral pterygoid plate and muscle to access the UPPS.

Results

Following an endoscopic Denker's approach and the removal of posterolateral wall of the antrum, the lateral pterygoid plate was detached from the pterygoid process. Subsequently, the lateral pterygoid plate and muscle were displaced laterally as a unit, allowing the identification of the posterior trunk of V3 and the fat in prestyloid compartment. Dissecting off the styloid aponeurosis affords entering the poststyloid UPPS exposing the internal carotid artery, internal jugular vein, and cranial nerves IX to XII.

Conclusion

This novel modification of the endonasal transpterygoid approach offers a viable alternative for access to the UPPS.
The Role of postoperative external beam radiotherapy for differentiated thyroid carcinoma: A Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Jacomina Luisa E. , Jacinto JC Kennetth M. , Co Lester Bryan A. , Yu Kelvin Ken L. , Agas Ryan Anthony F. , Co Jayson L. , Mejia Michael Benedict A.
Published: March 2020

The indications for external beam radiotherapy (RT) in differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTC) are still undefined. The objective of this study was to synthesize current evidence defining the role of postoperative RT in patients with DTC. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were done. Included studies compared oncologic outcomes and toxicity of RT vs no RT in patients with DTC. Nine studies were included, two prospective and seven retrospective cohorts. RT improved 5‐year locoregional recurrence‐free survival but not overall survival and distant metastasis failure‐free survival. The locoregional control benefit was seen in patients at increased risk for recurrence, including those with advanced age, locoregionally advanced disease, gross or microscopic residual tumor, and structural invasion. Serious RT‐related acute and late toxicities were rare. Available evidence suggests that postoperative RT can improve locoregional control in high‐risk DTC with acceptable toxicity. Further prospective studies are warranted.
Recommendations for Implementing Hepatitis C Virus Care in Homeless Shelters: The Stakeholder Perspective
Authors: Fokuo J. Konadu , Masson Carmen L. , Anderson August , Powell Jesse , Bush Dylan , Ricco Margaret , Zevin Barry , Ayala Claudia , Khalili Mandana
Published: March 2020

Compared with the general population, homeless individuals are at higher risk of hepatitis C infection (HCV) and may face unique barriers in receipt of HCV care. This study sought the perspectives of key stakeholders toward establishing a universal HCV screening, testing, and treatment protocol for individuals accessing homeless shelters. Four focus groups were conducted with homeless shelter staff, practice providers, and social service outreach workers (n = 27) in San Francisco, California, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Focus groups evaluated key societal, system, and individual‐level facilitators and barriers to HCV testing and management. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically. The societal‐level barriers identified were lack of insurance, high‐out‐of‐pocket expenses, restriction of access to HCV treatment due to active drug and/or alcohol use, and excessive paperwork required for HCV treatment authorization from payers. System‐level barriers included workforce constraints and limited health care infrastructure, HCV stigma, low knowledge of HCV treatment, and existing shelter policies. At the individual level, client barriers included competing priorities, behavioral health concerns, and health attitudes. Facilitators at the system level for HCV care service integration in the shelter setting included high acceptability and buy in, and linkage with social service providers. Conclusion: Despite societal, system, and individual‐level barriers identified with respect to the scale‐up of HCV services in homeless shelters, there was broad support from key stakeholders for increasing capacity for the provision of HCV services in shelter settings. Recommendations for the scale‐up of HCV services in homeless shelter settings are discussed.
Challenges experienced by clients undergoing assisted reproductive technology in Ghana: An exploratory descriptive study
Authors: Kyei Josephine M. , Manu Abubakar , Kotoh Agnes M. , Meherali Salima , Ankomah Augustine
Published: March 2020

Objective

To explore the experiences of clients accessing assisted reproductive technology (ART) services in selected health facilities in Greater Accra, Ghana.

Methods

An exploratory, descriptive, qualitative design using a purposive sampling technique was employed. Overall, 12 women and six men participated in the study. In‐depth interviews were conducted using a semi‐structured interview guide. The Braun and Clarke (2006) procedure for data analysis was followed. Data collection spanned 9 months (January to October 2017).

Results

Five major challenges were identified that were commonly experienced by our participants at every phase of the ART treatment, including the high cost of ART treatment, the long distance to treatment centers, drug treatment challenges, disturbances in daily routine and work, and anxiety about pregnancy outcome.

Conclusion

Given the emotional and psychological challenges reported by the participants in the present study, an integration of counseling units in the ART centers is recommended, manned by qualified personnel such as clinical psychologists and counselors to support clients at every stage of the treatment. Also, given the high cost of ART services, as reflected in the participants’ views, it is recommended that private health insurance companies fund some aspect of ART services, such as laboratory investigations and medications.
Predictive value of ophthalmic artery Doppler velocimetry in relation to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Matias Denise S. , Santos Rebeca , Ferreira Tatiana , Matias Bruno S. , Correia Luis Cláudio L.
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To test the predictive value of ophthalmic artery (OA) Doppler velocimetry in relation to the occurrence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP).

Methods

We compared, by analysis of variance, the values of seven OA Doppler variables (peak systolic velocity, second systolic peak velocity [P2], mean velocity, end diastolic velocity, resistance index [RI], pulsatility index [PI], and peak ratio) of 31 women with preeclampsia and 33 women with gestational hypertension vs those of 227 women without HDP. The prognostic value of these variables in relation to the occurrence of HDP was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

All OA Doppler variables except RI and PI showed significant (P < .5) differences between groups. After adjustment for confounders, only P2 was an independent predictor of HDP (P < .001), with an AUC of 0.76. The best cut‐off point for predicting HDP was P2 ≥ 21.4 cm/s, with sensitivity 69%, specificity 78%, positive likelihood ratio 3.1, negative likelihood ratio 0.4, positive predictive value 47%, and negative predictive value 90%. P2 improved the predictive ability of a model based on clinical variables, incrementing AUC from 0.77 to 0.84 in the final model containing clinical and Doppler variables.

Conclusion

The elevation of OA P2 in the second trimester of pregnancy is an independent predictor of hypertensive disorders, and improves the discriminatory ability of clinical markers.
Remediation of hexachlorobenzene‐contaminated soils with alkyl glycoside‐enhanced desorption and zero‐valent iron–EDTA–air treatment
Authors: Zhou Haiyan , Wang Di , Cao Menghua , Li Pengyu , Wang Linling , Chen Jing , Lu Xiaohua
Published: March 2020

In this work, the use of a coupled process, alkyl glycoside (APG) enhanced soil desorption followed by the zero‐valent iron–ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)–air (ZEA) Fenton‐like system, was investigated for the remediation of a simulated hexachlorobenzene (HCB)‐contaminated diatomite soil and a real HCB‐contaminated soil. Three surfactants with different concentrations were studied to obtain the suitable soil desorption agent. Compared with APG0810 and Triton x‐100, APG0814 showed a better solubilization effect due to its lower critical micelle concentration. With addition of 3000 mg L−1 APG0814, 35% of HCB was removed from contaminated diatomite soil, and a small amount of residual APG in diatomite soil was found to be beneficial for the soil dispersion. After treatment with the ZEA system, the removal efficiency of HCB in the diatomite soil desorption solution reached 76% in 2 h; we observed that a small amount of APG retained in the desorption solution accelerated the HCB removal. A real HCB‐contaminated soil was used to verify the remediation effects. This study demonstrates that our approach is a feasible alternative for remediating soil contaminated with hydrophobic organic compounds.
Morphology of the male reproductive system of freshwater prawn Macrobrachium carcinus (Decapoda, Caridea): Functional and comparative aspects
Authors: Ruiz Thalles F. R. , Vidal Mateus R. , Gardinal Mario V. Buzete , Ribeiro Karina , Vicentini Carlos A. , Franceschini Vicentini Irene B.
Published: March 2020

Testes and vasa deferentia are parts of the male reproductive system of decapod crustaceans. Both organs show morphological differences among decapod species in terms of anatomical and histological patterns reflecting the diversity of this group. Describing these features may assist in systematics, phylogenetics, and studies of reproductive behavior, especially for species of commercial interest, such as Macrobrachium carcinus, a native American species that, unusually for this genus, has no precopulation courting behavior. This study aims to describe the reproductive morphology and spermatogenesis of the male freshwater prawn M. carcinus. The male reproductive system of this species consisted of lobed testes connected to the vasa deferentia. The testis of M. carcinus was divided into several lobules. Each lobule was formed by a cluster of germ cells surrounded by connective tissue and nurse cells. This microscopic anatomy and histology of the testicular histoarchitecture has been described for many species of Decapoda and may represent a derived design of the testes. Unlike that in other decapod species, spermatogenesis proceeds in short transitory phases that produce spermatozoa at high concentrations and frequencies, corroborating the uncommon male reproductive behavior of this species. In the spermatic pathway, the lobules develop and fuse before releasing spermatozoa from the testes; however, this process has not been observed in decapods, yet. The neutral compounds secreted by the vas deferens are important for sperm nutrition as females secrete a substance for spermatophore adhesion during reproduction. This study presents different features and dynamics of the spermatogenic process in the male reproductive system of M. carcinus that have not yet been presented in the literature for decapods.
Multiparametric MR imaging reveals early cartilage degeneration at 2 and 8 weeks after ACL transection in a rabbit model
Authors: Kajabi Abdul Wahed , Casula Victor , Ojanen Simo , Finnilä Mikko A. , Herzog Walter , Saarakkala Simo , Korhonen Rami K. , Nissi Mikko J. , Nieminen Miika T.
Published: March 2020

In this study, the rabbit model with anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) was used to investigate early degenerative changes in cartilage using multiparametric quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI). ACLT was surgically induced in the knees of skeletally mature New Zealand White rabbits (n = 14). ACL transected and contralateral knee compartments—medial femur, lateral femur, medial tibia, and lateral tibia—were harvested 2 (n = 8) and 8 weeks (n = 6) postsurgery. Twelve age‐matched nonoperated rabbits served as control. qMRI was conducted at 9.4 T and included relaxation times T1, T2, continuous‐wave T1ρ (CWT1ρ), adiabatic T1ρ (AdT1ρ), adiabatic T2ρ (AdT2ρ), and relaxation along a fictitious field (TRAFF). For reference, quantitative histology and biomechanical measurements were carried out. Posttraumatic changes were primarily noted in the superficial half of the cartilage. Prolonged T1, T2, CWT1ρ, and AdT1ρ were observed in the lateral femur 2 and 8 weeks post‐ACLT, compared with the corresponding control and contralateral groups (P < .05). Collagen orientation was significantly altered in the lateral femur at 2 weeks post‐ACLT compared with the corresponding control group. In the medial femur, all the studied relaxation time parameters, except TRAFF, were increased 8 weeks post‐ACLT, as compared with the corresponding contralateral and control groups (P < .05). Similarly, significant proteoglycan loss was observed in the medial femur at 8 weeks following surgery (P < .05). Multiparametric MRI demonstrated early degenerative changes primarily in the superficial cartilage with T1, T2, CWT1ρ, and AdT1ρ sensitive to cartilage changes at 2 weeks after surgery.
Synthesis and spectroscopic study of dual self‐encoded polymer microbeads with Raman scattering and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Azhar Umar , Ahmed Qazi , Alwahabi Zeyad , Dai Sheng
Published: March 2020

The unique Raman spectra of various polymers render polymeric microbeads to be attractive in Raman‐based multiplex analysis and simultaneous biomolecular recognition as self‐encoded supports. The combination of polymer Raman signals with highly sensitive surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) codes will be able to significantly enhance the combinatory library in bioanalysis. However, there is lack of study on the preparation and spectroscopic analysis of self‐encoded microbeads with both Raman and SERS signatures. This study establishes a robust synthesis and spectral analysis protocol of the microbeads with bi‐codes, namely Raman and SERS. As modal examples, surface carboxylic acid functionalized monodisperse microbeads of polystyrene and poly(4‐tert‐butylstyrene) were conjugated with the amine group of 4‐aminothiophenol, followed by the adsorption of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) on microbead surfaces. The thiol group of 4‐aminothiophenol forms self‐assembled monolayers with AuNPs. The resulting microbeads are Raman and SERS dual self‐encoded as evident from their Raman spectroscopic and imaging analysis. The synthesis and spectroscopic analysis of the Raman and SERS dual‐encoded systems suggest the potential expansion of multiplex library in suspension bioassays.
Servitization in the automotive industry: How car manufacturers become mobility service providers
Authors: Genzlinger Felix , Zejnilovic Leid , Bustinza Oscar F.
Published: March 2020

The automotive industry, as other manufacturing industries, has evolved from competing on discrete transactions to relational agreements with customers. While previous literature calls for further analysis of the observed heterogeneity found across servitized manufacturing industries, this article contextualizes the analysis in the automotive industry. Servitization follows a sequence of stages, from offering basic and intermediate services, to new business models based on the provision of advanced services to customers. As the advanced services are related to core competencies of the car manufacturers, complex collaborative arrangements are the primary market strategy choice. This article demonstrates the challenges and opportunities related to such choices, over a set of internal and external categories and along the servitization journey.
Contingency effects of firm structure and environmental uncertainty on strategic planning process and firm performance: Evidence from UAE enterprises
Authors: Chaib Lababidi Houyem , Lababidi Reem , Colak Mustafa , Dayan Mumin
Published: March 2020

Previous research has reported inconsistent findings concerning the relationship between strategic planning and organizational performance and pointed out that a reason for this ambiguity is the fact that most research has traditionally focused on the direct effects of strategic planning on performance, taking insufficient consideration of the influence of several contextual variables on this relationship. Following this observation, this study adopts the perspective of contingency theory and develops six hypotheses predicting that strategic planning is positively related to organizational performance only when the two contextual variables of organizational structure and environmental uncertainty are aligned individually and jointly with the strategic planning process. Data were collected on senior executives and managers involved in formulating strategies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) enterprises and analyzed by using multiple regression analysis involving moderated moderation. Results supported all the six hypotheses, confirming the central assumption of the present study that, at least in the UAE setting, a holistic or multivariate fit approach to contingency theory can shed light on the planning–performance relationship. The theoretical and managerial implications of the study findings are finally discussed.
Development and optimization of a method for determining betaine and trigonelline in the fruits of Lycium species by using solid‐phase extraction combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Xia Mengqin , Yang Li , Wang Zhengtao , Wang Rui , Shi Yanhong
Published: March 2020

Betaine is an essential nutrient for humans and a source of methyl donors for methionine and S‐adenosylmethionine formation, and it is used as a biomarker for pharmacological activities and to evaluate the quality of Lycium species and common foods. However, because of its special structural features, poor ultraviolet‐chromophore, and high polarity, the existing methods for betaine extraction and quantification cannot provide higher extraction efficiency, better sensitivity, or resolution degree. A simple, fast, and efficient high‐performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector coupled with solid‐phase extraction was adopted for simultaneous separation and quantification of betaine in four types of Lycium species. The results revealed that after degreasing with dichloromethane, extraction with 80% ethanol (pH adjusted to 1.0 with hydrochloric acid), and elution with aluminum oxide (OH− form), the improvement in the average yield rate of betaine was thrice of that of the existing methods. In addition, trigonelline was identified as the interfering substance of betaine for the first time in Lycium species, and betaine and trigonelline were simultaneously separated and quantified. Furthermore, their chemical characteristics and content distribution in different Lycium species were carried out.
Preparation of hydrophilic molecularly imprinted solid‐phase microextraction fiber for the selective removal and extraction of trace tetracyclines residues in animal derived foods
Authors: Lu Yue , Lü Lei , He Jinxing , Zhao Tao
Published: March 2020

The present work reported a novel hydrophilic and selective solid‐phase microextraction fiber by improved multiple co‐polymerization method immobilization of tetracycline molecularly imprinted polymer on a stainless steel wire and directly coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography for sensitive determination of trace tetracyclines residues in animal derived foods. The developed molecularly imprinted polymer coated solid‐phase microextraction fibers were characterized through scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and adsorption experiments, the fiber with cross‐linked and porous structure was observed and high thermal and chemical stability. The maximum adsorption capacity of this fiber with good selectivity reached 2.35 µg/mg in aqueous matrices, and showed good repeatability (relative standard deviation ≤ 6.6%, n = 5) and satisfying reproducibility between fiber to fiber (relative standard deviation ≤ 7.8%, n = 5). Under the optimized solid‐phase microextraction conditions, satisfactory linearity (5–1000 µg/L) and detection limits (0.38–0.72 µg/kg, S/N = 3) for all the tetracyclines were obtained. The practicality of this method was proved by adding tetracycline, oxytetracycline at three levels to milk, chicken, and fish samples with good recoveries of 77.3–104.4%.
Business process transformation in financial market: A hybrid BPM‐ELECTRE TRI for redesigning a securities company in the Iranian stock market
Authors: Amoozad Mahdiraji Hannan , Hafeez Khalid , Razavi Hajiagha Seyyed Hossein
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Business Process Management is a systematic way to design, implement and manage business critical processes at different organizational levels to ensure business sustainability. In this paper, we conduct a business process re‐engineering exercise for KBK Securities Co., a small size security company operating in Iranian stock and mercantile market. The company suffered from in‐efficiencies and poor and delayed decision‐making due to poor visibility and complexity with business critical processes.

Design

We employed a semi‐quantitative approach using ELECTRE TRI decision‐making method to identify the business critical processes. Through document analysis, we identified 103 financial and stock market processes to streamlining purposes. We use Multi‐Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) and ELECTRE TRI methods for first, arriving to a consensus for the imprecise information elicited from a group of departmental managers, and second making a decision‐making to determine the 32 business critical processes out of 103, and third clustering these processes for business process re‐engineering. We make significant contribution in theory by employing a multi criterion decision‐making (MCDM) in the financial sector in the context of a developing economy like Iran.

Originality

We provide a structured framework along with an off the shelf software tool for practitioners to implement this approach to rationalize the number of processes and subsequently to improve the business critical processes to enhance financial performance in the stock market.

Findings

Our findings suggest that company can cut down approximately 68% waste by reducing its business critical processes and spend their available time and resources in growing the business.
Isolation of an antimicrobial‐resistant, biofilm‐forming, Klebsiella grimontii isolate from a reusable water bottle
Authors: Hubbard Alasdair T. M. , Newire Enas , Botelho João , Reiné Jesús , Wright Elli , Murphy Emma A , Hutton William , Roberts Adam P.
Published: March 2020

A reusable water bottle was swabbed as part of the citizen science project “Swab and Send,” and a Klebsiella grimontii isolate was recovered on chromogenic agar and designated SS141. Whole‐genome sequencing of SS141 showed it has the potential to be a human pathogen as it contains the biosynthetic gene cluster for the potent cytotoxin, kleboxymycin, and genes for other virulence factors. The genome also contains the antibiotic‐resistant genes, blaOXY‐6‐4, and a variant of fosA, which is likely to explain the observed resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin, and fosfomycin. We have also shown that SS141 forms biofilms on both polystyrene and polypropylene surfaces, providing a reasonable explanation for its ability to colonize a reusable water bottle. With the increasing use of reusable water bottles as an alternative to disposables and a strong forecast for growth in this industry over the next decade, this study highlights the need for cleanliness comparable to other reusable culinary items.