bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost-Effectiveness of Initial Versus Delayed Lanreotide for Treatment of Metastatic Enteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Barnes James I. , Lin John K. , Gupta Divya , Owens Douglas K. , Goldhaber-Fiebert Jeremy D. , Kunz Pamela L.
Published: September 2020

Background: The Controlled Study of Lanreotide Antiproliferative Response in Neuroendocrine Tumors (CLARINET) trial showed prolonged progression-free survival in patients initially treated with lanreotide versus placebo. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of upfront lanreotide versus active surveillance with lanreotide administered after progression in patients with metastatic enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), both of which are treatment options recommended in NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for Neuroendocrine and Adrenal Tumors. Methods: We developed a Markov model calibrated to the CLARINET trial and its extension. We based the active surveillance strategy on the CLARINET placebo arm. We calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) in dollars per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). We modeled lanreotide’s cost at $7,638 per 120 mg (average sales price plus 6%), used published utilities (stable disease, 0.77; progressed disease, 0.61), adopted a healthcare sector perspective and lifetime time horizon, and discounted costs and benefits at 3% annually. We examined sensitivity to survival extrapolation and modeled octreotide long-acting release (LAR) ($6,183 per 30 mg). We conducted one-way, multiway, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Results: Upfront lanreotide led to 5.21 QALYs and a cost of $804,600. Active surveillance followed by lanreotide after progression led to 4.84 QALYs and a cost of $590,200, giving an ICER of $578,500/QALY gained. Reducing lanreotide’s price by 95% (to $370) or 85% (to $1,128) per 120 mg would allow upfront lanreotide to reach ICERs of $100,000/QALY or $150,000/QALY. Across a range of survival curve extrapolation scenarios, pricing lanreotide at $370 to $4,000 or $1,130 to $5,600 per 120 mg would reach ICERs of $100,000/QALY or $150,000/QALY, respectively. Our findings were robust to extensive sensitivity analyses. The ICER modeling octreotide LAR is $482,700/QALY gained. Conclusions: At its current price, lanreotide is not cost-effective as initial therapy for patients with metastatic enteropancreatic NETs and should be reserved for postprogression treatment. To be cost-effective as initial therapy, the price of lanreotide would need to be lowered by 48% to 95% or 27% to 86% to reach ICERs of $100,000/QALY or $150,00/QALY, respectively.
Conditional Survival and Cure of Patients With Colon or Rectal Cancer: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Qaderi Seyed M. , Dickman Paul W. , de Wilt Johannes H.W. , Verhoeven Rob H.A.
Published: September 2020

Background: The increasing number of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors need survival estimates that account for the time already survived. The aim of this population-based study was to determine conditional survival, cure proportions, and time-to-cure (TTC) of patients with colon or rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: All patients with pathologic stage I–III CRC treated with endoscopy or surgery, diagnosed and registered in the Netherlands Cancer Registry between 1995 and 2016, and aged 18 to 99 years were included. Conditional survival was calculated for those diagnosed before and after 2007. Cure proportions were calculated using flexible parametric models. Results: A total of 175,384 patients with pathologic stage I (25%), II (38%), or III disease (37%) were included. Conditional 5-year survival of patients with stage I, II, and III colon cancer having survived 5 years was 98%, 94%, and 92%, respectively. For patients with stage I–III rectal cancer, this was 96%, 89%, and 85%, respectively. Statistical cure in patients with colon cancer was reached directly after diagnosis (stage I) to 6 years (stage III) after diagnosis depending on age, sex, and disease stage. Patients with rectal cancer reached cure 0.5 years after diagnosis (stage I) to 9 years after diagnosis (stage III). In 1995, approximately 42% to 46% of patients with stage III colon or rectal cancer, respectively, were considered cured, whereas in 2016 this percentage increased to 73% to 78%, respectively. Conclusions: The number of patients with CRC reaching cure has increased substantially over the years. This study’s results provide valuable insights into trends of CRC patient survival and are important for patients, clinicians, and policymakers.
What’s in a Number? Examining the Prognostic and Predictive Importance of Platelet Count in Patients With Essential Thrombocythemia
Authors: Kuykendall Andrew T. , Komrokji Rami
Published: September 2020

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by clonal overproduction of platelets and an increased risk of thrombohemorrhagic complications. Patients are risk stratified by driver mutation, age, and thrombotic history and treated to reduce the risk of thrombotic and hemorrhagic events. The significance of platelet number as a risk factor or treatment goal is unclear. Despite the preponderance of data failing to demonstrate an association, there exists a pervasive belief that higher platelet counts correlate with an increased thrombotic risk. In fact, the association between thrombocytosis and bleeding is more clearly supported. Variability in regional consensus guidelines contributes to the uncertainty. This article reviews the data that shed light on the importance of platelet count in patients with ET.
Strengthened convexity of positive operator monotone decreasing functions
Authors: Kirihata Megumi , Yamashita Makoto
Published: September 2020

We prove a strengthened form of convexity for operator monotone decreasing positive functions defined on the positive real numbers. This extends Ando and Hiai's work to allow arbitrary positive maps instead of states (or the identity map), and functional calculus by operator monotone functions defined on the positive real numbers instead of the logarithmic function.
Eppur si muove. Vislumbres de Galileo Galilei
Authors: Janés Clara
Published: September 2020

Cuando en 1923 Einstein estuvo en Madrid, dijo que su teoría de la relatividad no era más que la continuación de lo que habían hallado Newton y Galileo. Ciertamente este último estudió los distintos movimientos y llegó a definir sus diferencias, concluyendo que el movimiento de un sistema se capta solo en relación a «cosas que carecen de él; pero entre las cosas que participan igualmente de él, nada opera y es como si no existiese». En este texto se intenta exponer la diferencia entre su descubrimiento de la relatividad y el de Einstein, el cual comporta la equivalencia de masa y energía y la fundamental valoración de la velocidad de la luz.
Interiores digitales
Authors: Carrera Pilar
Published: September 2020

Una de las principales características de los entornos privados e íntimos de hoy en día es que están completamente impregnados por los medios de comunicación, y más concretamente por la telaraña de Internet. A través de Internet, generamos incesantemente rastros mapeables de nuestras opiniones, deseos, voluntad, preferencias, valores, intereses, temores, mentalidades y estados de ánimo, preocupaciones, etc. Si examinamos rápidamente nuestra relación con las pantallas e interfaces de los medios de comunicación de masas a lo largo del siglo XX hasta la actualidad, podemos apreciar fácilmente cómo la tendencia ha sido una reducción sostenida y progresiva de la distancia física y simbólica y una creciente sofisticación de las formas de control a través de la tecnología de los medios de comunicación de masas a medida que han ido penetrando en los espacios privados e íntimos del individuo. Este artículo analiza algunas de las consecuencias de la creciente pérdida de distancia simbólica y física con los medios de comunicación y las tecnologías de la información. El confinamiento causado por COVID-19 ha conducido a una restricción sin precedentes de las libertades públicas en países con una larga tradición democrática, combinada con la generalización de la vigilancia digital legítima e imperiosa emprendida en nombre del "interés público” especialmente a través de los teléfonos inteligentes. Es el ejemplo perfecto de una privacidad encapsulada y estrictamente controlada por los medios de comunicación, acompañada de un uso masivo, extenso y frenético de Internet como única ventana "abierta al mundo exterior” y único medio de contacto tan vicario como frustrante con el otro. La crisis de COVID-19 ha permitido presagiar la verdadera dimensión de Internet en términos de control e ingeniería social, tras décadas de adaptación, interiorización y adopción masiva del medio por parte de la ciudadanía. En esta tormenta perfecta en la que han chocado dos naturalezas virales (la de Internet y la de COVID-19), se han puesto de manifiesto los vínculos estructurales entre Internet y el aislamiento sociopolítico.
Basado en hechos reales. Mitologías mediáticas e imaginario digital
Authors: Rocco Lozano Valerio
Published: September 2020

Pilar Carrera, Basado en hechos reales. Mitologías mediáticas e imaginario digital. Madrid: Cátedra, 2020, 182 págs.
Five new pseudocryptic land planarian species of Cratera (Platyhelminthes: Tricladida) unveiled through integrative taxonomy
Authors: Araujo Ana Paula Goulart , Carbayo Fernando , Riutort Marta , Álvarez-Presas Marta
Published: September 2020

Background

Cratera is a genus of land planarians endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic forest. The species of this genus are distinguished from each other by a series of external and internal characters, nonetheless they represent a challenging taxonomic issue due to the extreme alikeness of the species analysed in the present work. To resolve these difficulties, we have performed morphological analyses and used three nuclear markers (ribosomal 18S and 28S, Elongation Factor, a new anonymous marker named Tnuc813) and two mitochondrial fragments (Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene, and a fragment encompasing NADH deshydrogenase subunit 4 gene, trnF and the beginning of the Cytochrome c oxidase I gene) in an integrative taxonomic study.

Methods

To unveil cryptic species, we applied a molecular species delimitation approach based on molecular discovery methods, followed by a validation method. The putative species so delimited were then validated on the basis of diagnostic morphological features.

Results

We discovered and described four new species, namely Cratera assu, C. tui, C. boja, and C. imbiri. A fifth new species, C. paraitinga was not highly supported by molecular evidence, but was described because its morphological attributes are unique. Our study documents for the genus Cratera the presence of a number of highly similar species, a situation that is present also in other genera of land planarians. The high number of poorly differentiated and presumably recent speciation events might be explained by the recent geological history of the area.
Risk factors for disease-related deterioration following diagnostic bronchoalveolar lavage procedures in diffuse lung disease: a case-control study
Authors: Usagawa Yuko , Komiya Kosaku , Yamasue Mari , Hashinaga Kazuhiko , Mizukami Eri , Umeki Kenji , Nureki Shin-ichi , Ando Masaru , Hiramatsu Kazufumi , Kadota Jun-ichi
Published: September 2020

Background

Although the risk factors for diagnostic bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)-induced acute exacerbations in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have been previously reported, no study has assessed these in patients with non-IPF. We aimed to identify the risk factors for BAL-induced disease deterioration (BAL-DD) in all types of diffuse lung disease.

Methods

Patients with diffuse lung disease who underwent BAL at our hospital from April 2012 to November 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The patient information, laboratory data, radiological findings, and BAL fluid analysis results in patients who developed BAL-DDs were compared with those in patients who did not.

Results

BAL-DDs occurred in 14 (3.3%) of the 429 patients included the study. The BAL-DD group had a significantly poorer performance status, higher C-reactive protein level, lower partial pressure of oxygen in the arterial blood at rest, greater proportion of desaturation on exertion and cases having followed a progressive clinical course before BAL, and more extensive consolidation and ground-glass opacity on chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) than the non-BAL-DD group. A high total cell concentration and an increased number of eosinophils in the BAL fluid were more frequently found in patients with BAL-DD than in those without.

Conclusions

Patients with decreased physical activity level, increased level of inflammatory markers, low oxygenation status, and extensive lung involvements on chest HRCT and following a progressive clinical course before BAL may be warned of the BAL-DD risk. Elevated eosinophil counts in the BAL fluid could be associated with the triggering of BAL-DDs.
Dynamics of Local Government Finance in Cameroon: An Assessment of Local Councils in the Fako Division
Authors: Takwa Chenaa Abonwi , Babila Fokwa Blaise , Teno Maclean N.
Published: September 2020

Local councils in every part of Cameroon are playing an extremely significant role in the provision of essential public services. However, the local development authorities face tremendous challenges to adequately generate finances to meet community needs. The aim of this paper is to find out whether the councils in the Fako Division have access to all the sources of finance as stipulated by statute and to determine the difficulties they face in exploiting the sources to finance their developmental plans. The exploratory and descriptive designs were adopted for the study. 4 out of the 6 councils in the Fako Division were conveniently selected. The Finance and General Affaires Officers were purposely designated as the respondents for the study. Data were collected with the aid of semi-structured questionnaires and a checklist. The collected data were descriptively analysed with the use of tables and bar charts. Mean and the Relative Important index were used to rank in terms of importance the challenges faced by the councils in the revenue generation process and the options available to them to exploit. The findings reveal that the councils have access to internal sources such as; local taxes; fees, fines, and penalties; service charges, patents and business licenses; Gifts and donations. The external sources were mostly Intergovernmental transfers and Council Development Funds from FEICOM and PNDP. The study equally found out that the most exploited options of finance by the councils are INTERCOM (M =4.25, RII = 0.85, ranked 1st) and service charge adjustment (M = 4.13, RII = 0.82, ranked 2nd) while the least utilized options were tax adjustment (Mean = 1.00, RII = 0.02, ranked 10th) and the usage of saved up profit from investments and businesses (M = 1.75, RII = 0.35, ranked 9th). The study further uncovered that the challenges with the highest mean scores are infringement by the central government on means of internal revenue generation of the municipality (M = 3.85, SD = 1.214) and lack of power to make finance bi laws (M = 3.85, SD = 1.214), while inadequate sources of revenue (M = 3.42, SD = 1.306) and narrow local tax base (M = 3.42, SD = 1.306) had the least mean scores. The study recommends among others that the framework in place needs clarification to clear off conflicting and confusing goals. It should include legislative clarification of the responsibilities of each level of government and the identification of the appropriate funding resources. These will reduce vertical imbalances and increase fiscal responsibility. Also, a transfer system should be defined that encourages local governments to collect own revenue and manage their roles efficiently, while imposing strict budget constraints to foster fiscal discipline. This will minimize conflicting responsibilities and enable the local governments to discharge their functions.
The Influence of Public Facilities on the Transaction Price of Multi-Family Residential in Xitun District
Authors: Yang Ho-Wen , Hsieh Hsien-Chi
Published: September 2020

The ratio of public area in Taiwan's multi-family residential is gradually increasing, and the items of public facilities are becoming more and more diversified. Most researches only classify them, however, it is rarely discussed how the connotation and diversity of public facilities affect residential transaction prices? This study intends to classify the public facilities in 22 multi-families residential near the Zhongke Shopping Plaza in Xitun District, Taichung City and give them diversity scores. The study uses hierarchical linear model for analysis, residential price as the dependent variable, diversity of public facilities scores as the independent variable of group-level, and public area, private area, age and floor as independent variables of individual-level. The empirical results found that floor, public area, and private area have positive and significant influence on residential transaction prices; when controlling the influence of individual-level explanatory variables on residential transaction prices, the diversity of public facilities at the group-level has a positive effect on the average residential transaction price of residential buildings.
Leaf Characteristics and Grain Yield of Three Aromatic Rice Cultivars as Influenced by 6-Benzylaminopurine
Authors: Devsharmma M. C. , Sarker B. C. , Pramanik S. K.
Published: September 2020

To explore the effects of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) on leaf characteristics and grain yield of aromatic rice the present investigation was carried out. The experimental materials comprising four concentrations of BAP (0 ppm, 30 ppm, 60 ppm and 90 ppm) and three aromatic rice cultivars (Chinigura, Kataribhog and Kalijira). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design and replicated thrice. Statistical analysis indicated that leaf characteristics and grain yield of aromatic rice were significantly influenced by the concentrations of BAP. Leaf number, leaf length, leaf breadth, leaf dry weight, panicle length, 500-grain weight and grain yield were increased with the increasing concentration of BAP. Among the concentrations, the 90 ppm of BAP performed better regarding the parameters studied. Maximum number of leaf, longest leaf, maximum leaf dry weight, highest length breadth ratio of leaf and maximum 500-grain weight was observed in Kataribhog which was statistically at par with that of Kalijira. Broader leaf was observed in Chinigura, whereas longest panicle and highest grain yield was recorded from Kalijira. Among different treatment combinations the highest grain yield (4.10 t ha-1) was recorded from Kalijira × 90 ppm BAP treatment and the lowest grain yield (3.08 t ha-1) was recorded from Chinigura × control treatment.
Characterization of Grain Boundary‐Engineered Aluminum–Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Hemmendinger Karina D. , Bahena Joel A. , Hodge Andrea M.
Published: September 2020

Herein, the effect of sputtering rate on the fraction of special grain boundaries in 5xxx series Al–Mg alloys is explored. Samples are synthesized via interrupted direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering with varying deposition rates, and the grain size and grain boundary character are evaluated with electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The highest sputtering rate (7 nm s−1) leads to an increase in the total number of special grain boundaries, ≈1.5× greater than that of the lower rates. Increased thermal energy and enhanced stress relaxation during film growth promote the formation of Σ3 and Σ7 boundaries.
Carbon Dots Induce Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition for Promoting Cutaneous Wound Healing via Activation of TGF‐β/p38/Snail Pathway
Authors: Wang Zilin , Liu Lili , Bu Wenhuan , Zheng Mengdan , Jin Nianqiang , Zhang Kai , Xu Xiaowei , Zhou Ding , Yang Bai , Sun Hongchen
Published: September 2020

Skin lesions, as a relatively common clinical manifestation, not only damage the skin's barrier function, but also affect the skin's ability to feel temperature, pain and touch. However, a highly efficient method to restore the morphology and function of damaged skin remains an unmet goal. In this work, carbon dots (CDots) with excellent biocompatibility are synthesized via microwave‐assisted heating ascorbic acid and polyethyleneimine. The synthesized CDots can induce the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process by activating transforming growth factor‐β/p‐38 mitogen‐activated kinase/Snail signaling pathway, leading to an increase of cell motility. Further, by assessing a series of in vivo wound healing assays and histological examinations, it is demonstrated that CDots can accelerate the migration of epithelial cells in the full‐thickness cutaneous wounds through EMT. As a result, a rapid re‐epithelialization covers the granulation tissue and epidermal barrier formed, leading to a block of the external stimuli, reduction of the inflammatory reaction and the granulation tissue area, and finally the promotion of the wound healing with fewer scars.
Nanotechnology Responses to COVID‐19
Authors: Ruiz‐Hitzky Eduardo , Darder Margarita , Wicklein Bernd , Ruiz‐Garcia Cristina , Martín‐Sampedro Raquel , del Real Gustavo , Aranda Pilar
Published: September 2020

Researchers, engineers, and medical doctors are made aware of the severity of the COVID‐19 infection and act quickly against the coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2 using a large variety of tools. In this review, a panoply of nanoscience and nanotechnology approaches show how these disciplines can help the medical, technical, and scientific communities to fight the pandemic, highlighting the development of nanomaterials for detection, sanitation, therapies, and vaccines. SARS‐CoV‐2, which can be regarded as a functional core–shell nanoparticle (NP), can interact with diverse materials in its vicinity and remains attached for variable times while preserving its bioactivity. These studies are critical for the appropriate use of controlled disinfection systems. Other nanotechnological approaches are also decisive for the development of improved novel testing and diagnosis kits of coronavirus that are urgently required. Therapeutics are based on nanotechnology strategies as well and focus on antiviral drug design and on new nanoarchitectured vaccines. A brief overview on patented work is presented that emphasizes nanotechnology applied to coronaviruses. Finally, some comments are made on patents of the initial technological responses to COVID‐19 that have already been put in practice.
Multifunctional Charge Transporting Materials for Perovskite Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Jeong Ji‐Eun , Park Jong Hyun , Jang Chung Hyeon , Song Myoung Hoon , Woo Han Young
Published: September 2020

Despite their low exciton‐binding energies, metal halide perovskites are extensively studied as light‐emitting materials owing to narrow emission with high color purity, easy/wide color tunability, and high photoluminescence quantum yields. To improve the efficiency of perovskite light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs), much effort has been devoted to controlling the emitting layer morphologies to induce charge confinement and decrease the nonradiative recombination. The interfaces between the emitting layer and charge transporting layer (CTL) are vulnerable to various defects that deteriorate the efficiency and stability of the PeLEDs. Therefore, the establishment of multifunctional CTLs that can improve not only charge transport but also critical factors that influence device performance, such as defect passivation, morphology/phase control, ion migration suppression, and light outcoupling efficiency, are highly required. Herein, the fundamental limitations of perovskites as emitters (i.e., defects, morphological and phase instability, high refractive index with poor outcoupling) and the recent developments with regard to multifunctional CTLs to compensate such limitations are summarized, and their device applications are also reviewed. Finally, based on the importance of multifunctional CTLs, the outlook and research prospects of multifunctional CTLs for the further improvement of PeLEDs are discussed.
Organic Broadband THz Generators Optimized for Efficient Near‐Infrared Optical Pumping
Authors: Shin Myeong‐Hoon , Kim Won Tae , Kim Se‐In , Kim Seung‐Jun , Yu In Cheol , Kim Sang‐Wook , Jazbinsek Mojca , Yoon Woojin , Yun Hoseop , Rotermund Fabian , Kwon O‐Pil
Published: September 2020

New organic THz generators are designed herein by molecular engineering of the refractive index, phonon mode, and spatial asymmetry. These benzothiazolium crystals simultaneously satisfy the crucial requirements for efficient THz wave generation, including having nonlinear optical chromophores with parallel alignment that provide large optical nonlinearity; good phase matching for enhancing the THz generation efficiency in the near‐infrared region; strong intermolecular interactions that provide restraining THz self‐absorption; high solubility that promotes good crystal growth ability; and a plate‐like crystal morphology with excellent optical quality. Consequently, the as‐grown benzothiazolium crystals exhibit excellent characteristics for THz wave generation, particularly at near‐infrared pump wavelengths around 1100 nm, which is very promising given the availability of femtosecond laser sources at this wavelength, where current conventional THz generators deliver relatively low optical‐to‐THz conversion efficiencies. Compared to a 1.0‐mm‐thick ZnTe crystal as an inorganic benchmark, the 0.28‐mm‐thick benzothiazolium crystal yields a 19 times higher peak‐to‐peak THz electric field with a broader spectral bandwidth (>6.5 THz) when pumped at 1140 nm. The present work provides a valuable approach toward realizing organic crystals that can be pumped by near‐infrared sources for efficient THz wave generation.
Efficient and Stable Colloidal Quantum Dot Solar Cells with a Green‐Solvent Hole‐Transport Layer
Authors: Kim Hong Il , Lee Junwoo , Choi Min‐Jae , Ryu Seung Un , Choi Kyoungwon , Lee Seungjin , Hoogland Sjoerd , de Arquer F. Pelayo García , Sargent Edward H. , Park Taiho
Published: September 2020

Next‐generation solution‐processed solar cells will hopefully be processed using green solvents, and will unite high performance with operating stability. Colloidal quantum dot/polymer hybrid solar cells are of interest for their harvest of the visible as well as the near infrared; however, today's best polymer hole‐transporting layers (HTLs) rely on processing using hazardous solvents such as chlorobenzene. This stems from the strong polymer–polymer attraction in polymeric p‐type materials, which accounts for their limited solubility. Here, a new random polymeric HTL (asy‐ranPBTBDT) is reported that is soluble in green solvents such as 2‐methylanisole without compromising ultimate device power conversion efficiency. The new polymer structure induces a strong π–π stacking face‐on orientation and less lateral grain growth compared to control asy‐PBTBDT, leading to reduced charge recombination and improved device stability. The resulting device exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.2% and retains 89% of its initial efficiency after 120 h of continuous device operation at the maximum power point, compared to a PCE of 11.4% and 71% degradation for control devices.
Two Birds with One Stone: High Efficiency and Low Synthetic Cost for Benzotriazole‐Based Polymer Solar Cells by a Simple Chemical Approach
Authors: Xue Xiaonan , Zheng Bing , Zhang Yu , Zhang Ming , Wei Donghui , Liu Feng , Wan Meixiu , Liu Juan , Chen Guangming , Huo Lijun
Published: September 2020

Low synthetic cost and high performance are becoming a new challenge in designing polymer donors for large‐scaled polymer solar cells (PSCs) fabrication; however, complicated synthetic routes and high material costs hamper the widespread commercial application of OPVs. Here, a simple and low‐cost chemical steric effect (SE) is introduced to BDT‐based side chains. Through adjusting alkyl side chains, the polymeric crystallinity and miscibility are rebalanced and subsequently the photovoltaic device based on the meta‐positioned alkyl polymer outperforms its para‐positioned counterpart. The champion device based on the polymer with the meta‐positioned side chains affords a PCE of 14.53% without sacrificing its high fill factor of 0.77, which could be attributed to a more balanced charge‐carrier transport ability and optimized morphology. This is the highest PCE value reported in BTZ based polymer donors to date. Thus, it shows that the SE applied in high crystalline polymer could pave an easier and cheaper chemical route to realize the coordination of low‐cost fabrication and high‐performance.
Cooling intervention studies among outdoor occupational groups: A review of the literature
Authors: Chicas Roxana , Xiuhtecutli Nezahualcoyotl , Dickman Nathan E. , Scammell Madeleine L. , Steenland Kyle , Hertzberg Vicki S. , McCauley Linda
Published: September 2020

Background

The purpose of this systematic review is to examine cooling intervention research in outdoor occupations, evaluate the effectiveness of such interventions, and offer recommendations for future studies. This review focuses on outdoor occupational studies conducted at worksites or simulated occupational tasks in climatic chambers.

Methods

This systematic review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched to identify original research on intervention studies published in peer‐reviewed journals that aimed at reducing heat stress or heat‐related illness from January 2000 to August 2020.

Results

A systematic search yielded a total of 1042 articles, of which 21 met the inclusion criteria. Occupations with cooling intervention studies included agriculture (n = 5), construction (n = 5), industrial workers (n = 4), and firefighters (n = 7). The studies focused on multiple types of cooling interventions cooling gear (vest, bandanas, cooling shirts, or head‐cooling gel pack), enhanced heat dissipation clothing, forearm or lower body immersion in cold water, water dousing, ingestion of a crushed ice slush drink, electrolyte liquid hydration, and modified Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommendations of drinking water and resting in the shade.

Conclusion

Current evidence indicates that using multiple cooling gears along with rest cycles may be the most effective method to reduce heat‐related illness. Occupational heat‐related illnesses and death may be mitigated by targeted cooling intervention and workplace controls among workers of vulnerable occupational groups and industries.
An Electrochromic Hydrogen‐Bonded Organic Framework Film
Authors: Feng Ji‐fei , Liu Tian‐Fu , Cao Rong
Published: September 2020

Hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) possess various merits, such as high porosity, tunable structure, facile modification, and ready regeneration. These properties have yet to be explored in the context of new functional HOF materials. The facile and inexpensive electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method applied in this study generated a transparent HOF film at room temperature in just 2 min and is applicable to other HOFs. The resulting film exhibited reversible electrochromism with the advantage of long cycle life (>500 cycles). More strikingly, this all‐organic film could be readily regenerated (through rinsing with DMF and redeposition) and showed tunable electrochromic behavior (through low‐cost postsynthetic modification) with the ability to undergo successive color changes, which is difficult to achieve with conventional electrochromic materials. An electrochromic device was manufactured to further demonstrate the application potential of the film.
Dynamic Trapping as a Selective Route to Renewable Phthalide from Biomass‐Derived Furfuryl Alcohol
Authors: Lancefield Christopher S. , Fölker Bart , Cioc Razvan C. , Stanciakova Katarina , Bulo Rosa E. , Lutz Martin , Crockatt Marc , Bruijnincx Pieter C. A.
Published: September 2020

A novel route for the production of the versatile chemical building block phthalide from biorenewable furfuryl alcohol and acrylate esters is presented. Two challenges that limit sustainable aromatics production via Diels–Alder (DA) aromatisation—an unfavourable equilibrium position and undesired regioselectivity when using asymmetric addends—were addressed using a dynamic kinetic trapping strategy. Activated acrylates were used to speed up the forward and reverse DA reactions, allowing for one of the four DA adducts to undergo a selective intramolecular lactonisation reaction in the presence of a weak base. The adduct is removed from the equilibrium pool, pulling the system completely to the product with a fixed, desired regiochemistry. A single 1,2‐regioisomeric lactone product was formed in up to 86 % yield and the acrylate activating agent liberated for reuse. The lactone was aromatised to give phthalide in almost quantitative yield in the presence of Ac2O and a catalytic amount of strong acid, or in 79 % using only catalytic acid.
Swimming nets have positive effects on populations of the endangered White's seahorse Hippocampus whitei
Authors: Simpson Michael , Morris Rebecca L. , Harasti David , Coleman Ross A.
Published: September 2020

Habitat degradation and destruction arising from rapidly increasing urbanization represents one of the most significant threats to biodiversity. Human populations are continuing to increase around coastal regions, and as marine habitats are displaced by artificial structures it is important to understand how marine species may be impacted by these changes in habitat availability. The endangered seahorse Hippocampus whitei has been observed inhabiting protective swimming nets in Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia, even in the presence of natural habitats.

This study tested whether the presence of a swimming net results in increased seahorse numbers at sites around Sydney Harbour, or whether seahorses are attracted away from natural habitats. Density surveys and mark–recapture population estimates were done at sites with pre‐existing swimming nets and compared to control sites where only natural habitat was present. A manipulative experiment was conducted in which panels of swimming net material were installed at two sites in Sydney Harbour, with comparisons to control sites over a period of 14 months (April 2018 to June 2019) to test whether the installation of swimming nets would affect seahorses on surrounding natural habitat or increase site abundance.

The pre‐existing and installed swimming nets were found to support greater densities of H. whitei as well as some increases in site‐scale abundance, with no effects on seahorse density on natural habitats. It is likely that increased seahorse production is occurring on the nets, with no evidence that seahorses are being attracted away from natural habitat; however, effects may vary across survey occasions and sites. Furthermore, swimming nets may serve as a useful replacement habitat in locations where natural habitat has become sparse or absent.
In silico studies, nitric oxide, and cholinesterases inhibition activities of pyrazole and pyrazoline analogs of diarylpentanoids
Authors: Mohd Faudzi Siti Munirah , Leong S. Wei , Auwal Faruk A. , Abas Faridah , Wai Lam K. , Ahmad Syahida , Tham Chau L. , Shaari Khozirah , Lajis Nordin H. , Yamin Bohari M.
Published: September 2020

A new series of pyrazole, phenylpyrazole, and pyrazoline analogs of diarylpentanoids (excluding compounds 3a, 4a, 5a, and 5b) was pan‐assay interference compounds‐filtered and synthesized via the reaction of diarylpentanoids with hydrazine monohydrate and phenylhydrazine. Each analog was evaluated for its anti‐inflammatory ability via the suppression of nitric oxide (NO) on IFN‐γ/LPS‐activated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. The compounds were also investigated for their inhibitory capability toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), using a modification of Ellman's spectrophotometric method. The most potent NO inhibitor was found to be phenylpyrazole analog 4c, followed by 4e, when compared with curcumin. In contrast, pyrazole 3a and pyrazoline 5a were found to be the most selective and effective BChE inhibitors over AChE. The data collected from the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis of compound 5a were then applied in a docking simulation to determine the potential binding interactions that were responsible for the anti‐BChE activity. The results obtained signify the potential of these pyrazole and pyrazoline scaffolds to be developed as therapeutic agents against inflammatory conditions and Alzheimer's disease.
Bayesian regularization for flexible baseline hazard functions in Cox survival models
Authors: Lázaro Elena , Armero Carmen , Alvares Danilo
Published: September 2020

Fully Bayesian methods for Cox models specify a model for the baseline hazard function. Parametric approaches generally provide monotone estimations. Semi‐parametric choices allow for more flexible patterns but they can suffer from overfitting and instability. Regularization methods through prior distributions with correlated structures usually give reasonable answers to these types of situations. We discuss Bayesian regularization for Cox survival models defined via flexible baseline hazards specified by a mixture of piecewise constant functions and by a cubic B‐spline function. For those “semi‐parametric” proposals, different prior scenarios ranging from prior independence to particular correlated structures are discussed in a real study with microvirulence data and in an extensive simulation scenario that includes different data sample and time axis partition sizes in order to capture risk variations. The posterior distribution of the parameters was approximated using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Model selection was performed in accordance with the deviance information criteria and the log pseudo‐marginal likelihood. The results obtained reveal that, in general, Cox models present great robustness in covariate effects and survival estimates independent of the baseline hazard specification. In relation to the “semi‐parametric” baseline hazard specification, the B‐splines hazard function is less dependent on the regularization process than the piecewise specification because it demands a smaller time axis partition to estimate a similar behavior of the risk.
Comparative investigation of fine bubble and macrobubble aeration on gas utility and biotransformation productivity
Authors: Thomas Benjamin , Ohde Daniel , Matthes Simon , Engelmann Claudia , Bubenheim Paul , Terasaka Koichi , Schlüter Michael , Liese Andreas
Published: September 2020

The sufficient provision of oxygen is mandatory for enzymatic oxidations in aqueous solution, however, in process optimization this still is a bottleneck that cannot be overcome with the established methods of macrobubble aeration. Providing higher mass transfer performance through microbubble aerators, inefficient aeration can be overcome or improved. Investigating the mass transport performance in a model protein solution, the microbubble aeration results in higher kLa values related to the applied airstream in comparison with macrobubble aeration. Comparing the aerators at identical kLa of 160 and 60 1/h, the microbubble aeration is resulting in 25 and 44 times enhanced gas utility compared with aeration with macrobubbles. To prove the feasibility of microbubbles in biocatalysis, the productivity of a glucose oxidase catalyzed biotransformation is compared with macrobubble aeration as well as the gas‐saving potential. In contrast to the expectation that the same productivities are achieved at identically applied kLa, microbubble aeration increased the gluconic acid productivity by 32% and resulted in 41.6 times higher oxygen utilization. The observed advantages of microbubble aeration are based on the large volume‐specific interfacial area combined with a prolonged residence time, which results in a high mass transfer performance, less enzyme deactivation by foam formation, and reduced gas consumption. This makes microbubble aerators favorable for application in biocatalysis.
Climate impacts on geographical changes in the energy industry
Authors: Nam Solji , Shin Jungwoo , Ryu Jaena , Ryu Hanee
Published: September 2020

Owing to global warming, ice in the Arctic Ocean has shrunk by 2.7% every 10 years since 1978, resulting in tremendous damage. This study uses the Cobb–Douglas production function to analyze the impact of abnormal weather on energy industry production using temperature and precipitation indicators. In particular, the government identified the impact of abnormal weather conditions on manufacturing and public works related to the Korean energy industry. The results showed that the numbers of freezing days and heavy rain days adversely affect public works, whereas hot and cold days and heavy rain days all positively affect the production of coal, petroleum, and chemical products. These results also led to regional risk assessments of the energy industry. This study can help in developing the 2030 industry climate change adaptation plan.
Suspected donepezil toxicity: A case report
Authors: Gust Carmen , Pugliese Nicholas , Stern Gretchen
Published: September 2020

Donepezil toxicity can present similarly to beta‐blocker overdose and colitis. Symptoms include confusion, diaphoresis, and bradycardia. In patients with suspected medication‐related toxicities, it is important to consider all possible causative agents in the active medication list.
Identification of dysregulated miRNAs‐genes network in ovarian cancer: An integrative approach to uncover the molecular interactions and oncomechanisms
Authors: Kadkhoda Sepideh , Darbeheshti Farzaneh , Tavakkoly‐Bazzaz Javad
Published: September 2020

Background

Ovarian (OV) cancer is considered as one of the most deadly malignancies in women, since it is unfortunately diagnosed in advanced stages. Nowadays, the importance of bioinformatics tools and their frequent usage in tracking dysregulated cancer‐related genes and pathways have been highlighted in researches.

Aim

The aim of this study is to investigate dysregulated miRNAs‐genes network and its function in OV tumors based on the integration of microarray data through a system biology approach.

Methods

Two microarray data (GSE119056 and GSE4122) were analyzed to explore the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) and genes among OV tumors and normal tissues. Then, through the help of TargetScan, miRmap, and miRTarBase databases, the dysregulated miRNA‐gene network in OV tumors was constructed by Cytoscape. In the next step, co‐expression and protein‐protein interaction networks were made using GEPIA and STRING databases. Moreover, the functional analysis of the hub genes was done by DAVID, KEGG, and Enrichr databases. Eventually, the regulatory network of TF‐miRNA‐gene was constructed.

Results

The potential dysregulated miRNAs‐genes network in OV tumors has been constructed, including 109 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 25 DEmiRs, and 213 interactions. Two down‐regulated microRNAs, miR‐660‐3p and hsa‐miR‐4510, have the most interactions with up‐expressed oncogenic DEGs. CDK1, PLK1, CCNB1, CCNA2, and EZH2 are involved in protein module, which show significant overexpression in OV tumors according to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data. EZH2 shows amplification in OV tumors with remarkable percentage. The transcription factors TFAP2C and GATA4 have the pivotal regulatory functions in oncotranscriptomic profile of OV tumors.

Conclusion

In current study, we have collected and integrated different data to uncover the complex molecular interactions and oncomechanisms in OV tumors. The DEmiRs‐DEGs and TF‐miRNA‐gene networks reveal the potential interactions that could be a significant piece of the OV onco‐puzzle.
Studying the Impact of Wall Shear Stress on the Development and Performance of Electrochemically Active Biofilms
Authors: Moß Christopher , Jarmatz Niklas , Hartig Dave , Schnöing Lukas , Scholl Stephan , Schröder Uwe
Published: September 2020

A laminar flow reactor was designed that provides constant and reproducible growth conditions for the bioelectrochemical observation of electroactive bacteria (EAB). Experiments were performed using four reactors in parallel to enable the comparison of EAB growth behavior and bioelectrochemical performance under different hydrodynamic conditions while simultaneously keeping biological conditions identical. With regard to the moderate flow conditions found in wastewater treatment applications, the wall shear stress was adjusted to a range between 0.4 mPa to 2.9 mPa. Chronoamperometric data indicate that early stage current densities are improved by a moderate increase of the wall shear stress. In the same way, current onset times were increasing slightly towards higher values of the applied wall shear stress. Long‐term observations of EAB performance showed a decrease in current density and a leveling of the trend observed for the early stages of biofilm growth.
Simulated traffic on turfgrasses during drought stress: I. Performance and recovery of turf canopies
Authors: Braun Ross C. , Bremer Dale J. , Hoyle Jared A.
Published: September 2020

During drought, golf course turf continues to receive golf cart traffic, which may compound conditions of drought stress. Our objectives in a 2‐yr field study were to evaluate responses in turf canopy variables of (a) green cover (GC) and (b) turf quality (TQ) from the impact of golf cart traffic during a 41‐d summer drought and subsequent 40‐d recovery without traffic on two cool‐season (C3) [Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)] and two warm‐season (C4) turfgrasses {buffalograss [Buchloe dactyloides (Nutt.) Engelm: syn. Bouteloua dactyloides (Nutt.) J.T. Columbus} and zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.)} maintained at golf course fairway and rough mowing heights. Better drought tolerance of C4 than C3 turfgrasses resulted in higher TQ and GC of C4 turfgrasses during drought and faster recovery regardless of traffic or mowing height. Compared with nontrafficked plots at the end of drought, traffic at rough height reduced GC by 43% in C4 turfgrasses and 33% in perennial ryegrass, while traffic at fairway height reduced GC by 26% in C4 turfgrasses but had negligible effects on GC in C3 turfgrasses. Except for Kentucky bluegrass in year two, all turf species recovered from cart traffic stress during drought and returned to acceptable TQ and high GC upon rewatering in both years. Results indicate cart traffic during drought accelerates declines in TQ and GC, which vary among species and heights, and traffic will impact turf aesthetics more severely at rough than at fairway mowing heights, so golf course superintendents should monitor and manage traffic at rough heights more closely.