bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Type 1 diabetes and disordered eating (T1DE): the ComPASSION Project – Wessex
Authors: Partridge Helen , Figueiredo Carla , Rouse Lindsey , Cross Caroline , Pinder Claire , Ryder Jacqueline , Bennett Michelle , Stacey Nicola
Published: August 2020

The combination of type 1 diabetes and an eating disorder is ill understood with no clear nomenclature, definition or evidence base defined for management and support. It is well recognised that diabetes and mental health concerns often co‐exist and type 1 diabetes per se is associated with specific self‐management requirements which may predispose an individual to challenging cognitions and behaviours around food due to the nature of carbohydrate counting and insulin management.

While most diabetes teams recognise the mental health concerns around diabetes, there are few areas where multidisciplinary teams work cohesively combining diabetes care and mental health care. This is particularly relevant in the case of eating disorders where neither team are likely to be sufficiently skilled to manage the combination of type 1 diabetes and an eating disorder individually, and a strong multidisciplinary team approach with shared learning and a holistic ethos is paramount.

We describe here an NHS England funded pilot whereby the diabetes teams and eating disorders teams in Wessex work side by side developing a service specifically for people with this incredibly complex and challenging combination. Copyright © 2020 John Wiley & Sons.
Nutrition in older adults living with diabetes
Authors: Flynn Caoimhe , Dhatariya Ketan
Published: August 2020

People in the UK are living longer, consequently an increasing number of adults are living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to an older age. Diabetes is a complex condition to manage, requiring consideration of several different dietary recommendations. In addition, there are many nutritional issues and social barriers associated with older age, which may make following these recommendations more difficult.

Older adults represent a diverse age group with varying needs. In order to give the most appropriate advice, clinicians need to consider the functional status of the older adult. Some older adults will continue to manage their diabetes and nutrition in the same manner as their younger peers. Others may have increased needs due to disease or social circumstance, which may affect how they should be advised to manage their diabetes.

Both obesity and malnutrition are prevalent in older adults. They impact both nutritional status and diabetes management and are important to consider. Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass, increases frailty in older adults which may exacerbate hypoglycaemic episodes. Nutrition support and tailored dietary interventions by a registered dietitian to help manage these conditions are essential. This, in addition to consideration of the many social, financial and physical barriers to nutrition, is key management of diabetes in older adults.

This review aims to explore the complex challenges in nutrition for older adults with diabetes. Copyright © 2020 John Wiley & Sons.
Understanding when real world data can be used to replicate a clinical trial: A cross‐sectional study of medications approved in 2011
Authors: Fralick Michael , Bartsch Emily , Darrow Jonathan J. , Kesselheim Aaron S.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To determine how commonly pre‐approval clinical trials could potentially be replicated using real‐world data from insurance claims databases.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study of medications approved by the FDA in 2011. For each medication, we reviewed the drug's label and the details of the pivotal clinical trials supporting its approval. We assessed whether each clinical trial could be replicated using an insurance claims databases by determining whether the following pivotal trial features could be reliably captured in claims data: study outcome, inclusion criteria, exclusion criteria, and the presence of an appropriate active comparator.

Results

In 2011, 28 new medications were approved. The most common disease areas were oncology (N = 8, 29%), infectious disease (N = 5, 18%), and neurology (N = 4, 14%). The primary outcome of pre‐approval clinical trials was identifiable in claims databases for six (21%) of the medications. Two (ticagrelor and linagliptin) had at least 80% of inclusion and exclusion criteria that could be identified in claims databases and had an available active comparator. The non‐identifiable primary outcomes were related to patient‐reported symptoms (N = 9, 32%), imaging findings (N = 5, 18%), laboratory values (N = 5, 18%), or other measurements (eg, blood pressure) not typically available in insurance claims databases (N = 4, 14%).

Conclusions

Among drugs FDA‐approved in 2011, two (7%) had a pre‐approval trial that could be replicated using insurance claims databases. In such qualifying trials, replication using claims databases could be useful in assessing whether they provide concordant results.
Enhanced chlorine‐resistant and low biofouling reverse osmosis polyimide‐graphene oxide thin film nanocomposite membranes for water desalination
Authors: Hamdy Gehad , Taher A.
Published: August 2020

The effect of graphene oxide (GO) loading (0.03, 0.06, 0.09, 0.12, and 0.30 wt%) in the aqueous phase on the performance of reverse osmosis (RO) polyimide (PI) thin film composite (TFC) membrane was investigated. TFC and thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes were produced through interfacial polymerization and the imide linkage was confirmed by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The spongy‐like structure with vertical fingers of RO PI‐GO TFN membranes was explored by top‐surface and cross‐sectional field emission scanning electron microscope (FE‐SEM). The roughness of the membranes was determined. All PI‐GO TFN membranes exhibited enhanced desalination performance in comparison with PI membranes. Samples with 0.06 wt% GO performed the best with a water flux of 31.80 L/m2/h, salt rejection of 98.8%, and very good antibiofouling properties. This hydrophilic membrane displayed significantly enhanced chlorine‐resistance with water flux of 36.3 L/m2/h and salt rejection of 98.5%. This work provides a promising start for designing rapid water permeation PI‐GO TFN membranes in water desalination.
Academic achievement among a sample of youth in foster care: The role of school connectedness
Authors: Somers Cheryl L. , Goutman Rachel L. , Day Angelique , Enright Oliva , Crosby Shantel , Taussig Heather
Published: August 2020

Research shows that youth in foster care experience poor academic performance and disciplinary actions in school more frequently than do non‐foster care youth. The purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to further examine youth in foster care and the relationship between individual/intrapersonal factors (future orientation and school connectedness) and exosystem factors (number of placement and school moves) and academic performance (grades) and disciplinary referrals among 363 youth (9–11 years of age; males = 52.9%). Controlling for key variables, hierarchical linear regression analysis was utilized to understand how well students' school connectedness, future outlook, number of placement changes, and number of school moves predicted academic and disciplinary outcomes. Beyond the variance explained by control variables, school connectedness made a significant contribution to this model. Results are discussed in the context of implementing interventions that foster school connectedness among this vulnerable population.
Differential localization of Hessian fly candidate effectors in resistant and susceptible wheat plants
Authors: Aljbory Zainab , Aikins Michael J. , Park Yoonseong , Reeck Gerald R. , Chen Ming‐Shun
Published: August 2020

Hessian fly Mayetiola destructor is a notorious pest of wheat. Previous studies suggest that Hessian fly uses effector‐based mechanisms to attack wheat plants during parasitism, but no direct evidence has been reported to support this postulation. Here, we produced recombinant proteins for five Family‐1 candidate effectors and antibodies. Indirect immunostaining and western blots were carried out to examine the localization of Hessian fly Family‐1 proteins in plant and insect tissues. Confocal images revealed that Family‐1 putative effectors were exclusively produced in the basal region of larval salivary glands, which are directly linked to the mandibles’ ducts for effector injection. The five Family‐1 proteins were detected in infested host plants on western blots. Indirect immunostaining of sectioned host tissues around the feeding site revealed strikingly different localization patterns between resistant and susceptible plants. In susceptible plants, the Family‐1 proteins penetrated from the feeding cell into deep tissues, indicative of movement between cells during nutritive cell formation. In contrast, the Hessian fly proteins were primarily limited to the initially attacked cells in resistant plants. The limitation of effectors’ spread in resistant plants was likely due to wall strengthening and rapid hypersensitive cell death. Cell death was found in Nicotiana benthamiana in association with hypersensitive reaction triggered by the Family‐1 effector SSGP‐1A2. Our finding represents a significant progress in visualizing insect effectors in host tissues and mechanisms of plant resistance and susceptibility to gall midge pests.
Effects of Intravesical Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG on Urinary Symptom Burden in People with Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction
Authors: Tractenberg Rochelle E. , Groah Suzanne L. , Frost Jamie K. , Rounds Amanda K. , Davis Elizabeth , Ljungberg Inger H. , Schladen Manon M.
Published: August 2020

Objective

To test the effectiveness of intravesical Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) to reduce the burden of urinary symptoms for individuals with spinal cord injury and disease (SCI/D) with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) who manage their bladders with intermittent catheterization (IC).

Design

A three‐phase study (6 months each in baseline, intervention, and washout). Participants self‐managed following the Self‐Management Protocol using Probiotics (SMP‐Pro), completing the online Urinary Symptom Questionnaire for Neurogenic Bladder‐IC version (USQNB‐IC) weekly.

Setting

Nationwide (United States).

Participants

Ninety‐six adults and seven children with SCI/D.

Interventions

In response to one or both of the SMP‐Pro trigger urinary symptoms, “cloudier” or “foul smelling” urine, participants self‐administered using a clean urinary catheter an LGG+ Normal Saline instillate once or twice in a 30‐hour period.

Main Outcome Measures

Change in USQNB‐IC burden was adjusted individually according to the previous phase for four symptom types. Adjusted changes in burden between the intervention and washout phases were analyzed using one‐sample t‐tests. Holm correction was applied for the four types of symptoms: A, clinically actionable; B1, bladder function; B2, urine quality; and C, other.

Results

During the intervention phase, participants met SMP‐Pro instillation criteria 3.83 times on average (range 1‐20). An average of 5.6 doses of LGG were instilled. For those who instilled at least once, burdens of type A and B2 symptoms were significantly improved at washout (both adjusted P < .05).

Conclusions

Self‐instilled LGG seemed to improve “clinically actionable” (A) and “urine quality” (B2) symptom burden. No changes were observed for those who did not instill. This first‐in‐human clinical trial supports ongoing research of intravesical LGG, and the SMP‐Pro for urinary symptoms.
Comparison of bis(alkylthio)carbenes by density functional and Second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory
Authors: Rahmi Keywan , Kassaee Mohammad Z. , Khorshidvand Neda
Published: August 2020

Thermodynamic parameters (including steric effects) of 15 new pairs of singlet and triplet bis(alkylthio)carbenes, R1− S1−C¨−S2− R2, (1R1,R2and3R1,R2, respectively), are compared and contrasted by B3LYP and MP2/AUG‐CC‐PVTZ; where R1(or R2) = H, Me, Et,i‐Pr, andt‐Bu. Among the 30 carbenes scrutinized, the lowest nucleophilicity (N) and the highest electrophilicity (ω) are displayed by singlet1H,H. In contract, triplet3i‐Pr,t‐Buexhibits the highestN, while the lowestωis demonstrated by3Me,Et. The maximum and minimum carbenic bond angles (S1−C¨−S2) are displayed by singlets1H,Hand1Me,Meand triplets3t‐Bu,t‐Buand3H,Et, respectively. The highest and lowest stability (∆Es‐t) are exhibited by1Me,t‐Buand1H,H, respectively. The former may be stabilized primarily through lone pair donations from their sulfur atom into the empty pπcarbenic orbital, plus the formation of a five‐membered ring between hydrogen of methyl groups and the carbenic carbons. The highest and lowest band gaps (∆EH‐L) are exhibited by3H,Hand1t‐Bu,t‐Bu, respectively. The highest and lowest chemical potentials (μ) are exhibited by3Et,i‐Prand1H,H, respectively. Moreover, second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) provided a better discrimination between the scrutinized carbenes than density functional theory (DFT).
Silica‐PMMA hairy nanoparticles prepared via phase transfer‐assisted aqueous miniemulsion atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Wu Dung‐Yi , Käfer Florian , Diaco Nicholas , Ober Christopher K.
Published: August 2020

Hairy nanoparticles (HNPs) constitute a class of hybrid nanocomposites that are resistant to aggregation and agglomeration, although the green, large‐scale synthesis of HNPs remains a challenge. In this work, 25 nm‐diameter silica‐core HNPs with a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) shell were synthesized using a graft‐from approach in aqueous miniemulsion, employing atom transfer radical polymerization with activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET‐ATRP). In particular, this work used tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB)‐assisted phase transfer of monomer, markedly improving upon earlier methods by showing that phase transfer could take place in the absence of organic solvents. Furthermore, syntheses with selected monomer addition rates produced HNP graft densities ranging from 0.011 to 0.017 chains/nm2 and shell thicknesses ranging from 2.5 to 11 nm. Finally, analysis of reaction kinetics revealed that shell growth reached completion in as little as 2 hr, confirmed by the synthesis of >1 g of PMMA‐shell HNPs in a reduced timeframe.
Timing of tracheal intubation on mortality and duration of mechanical ventilation in critically ill children: A propensity score analysis
Authors: Chong Shu‐Ling , Dang Trung Kien , Loh Tsee Foong , Mok Yee Hui , Bin Mohamed Atan Mohamed Shirhan , Montanez Eugene , Lee Jan Hau , Feng Mengling
Published: August 2020

Objective

We aimed to investigate whether early tracheal intubation (TI) is associated with a reduced risk of mortality and increased ventilator‐free days (VFD).

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of children 0 to 18 years old in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), between 2008 and 2017. Patient demographics, vital signs, and laboratory findings were extracted. Using a time‐dependent propensity score‐matched algorithm, each patient was matched with another equally likely to be intubated within the same hour but was actually intubated with ≤2 hours, 2 to 4 hours, and 4 to 6 hours delays. Outcomes were mortality and VFD.

Results

Among 333 patients, the median age was 1.72 years (interquartile range [IQR] 0.17‐7.75). Thirty children died (9.0%) and the median PICU length of stay was 6.7 days (IQR 3.9‐13.2). Early TI did not decrease mortality significantly when compared to a ≤2 hour delay (odds ratios [OR] 0.86; 95% CI, 0.40‐1.85), a 2 to 4 hour delay (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.39‐1.69), or a 4 to 6 hour delay (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.43‐1.79). Similarly, early TI did not significantly increase VFD. Patients with early TI had 0.09 more VFD (95% CI −1.83 to 2.01) when compared to a delay within 2 hours, 0.23 more VFD (95% CI −1.66 to 2.13) when compared to a 2 to 4‐hour delay and 0.56 more VFD (95% CI −1.49‐2.61) when compared to a 4 to 6‐hour delay.

Conclusions

We did not find a significant association between the timing of TI and mortality or VFD in critically ill children.
Management of hemiplegic shoulder pain: A UK‐wide online survey of physiotherapy and occupational therapy practice
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Turton Ailie , Cramp Mary , Smith Mark , McCabe Candy
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore, via an online survey, how therapists assess, diagnose and manage hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) in the United Kingdom. The objectives were to explore (1) how therapists assessed HSP, (2) what the aims of therapy were, (3) what interventions therapists used, (4) what outcome measures therapists used, (5) what training of HSP therapists had, and (6) what barriers therapists experienced in the management of HSP.

Methods

An online survey was distributed to physiotherapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) working in stroke rehabilitation via professional bodies' interest groups.

Results

Sixty‐seven responses were received: 40 (60%) were PTs and 27 (40%) were OTs. Therapists routinely screened for HSP (n = 59, 89%). When HSP was assessed, 33 (50%) spent <10 min and 34 (50%) spent >10 min on assessment. Patient‐reported pain was used for assessment of HSP by 66 (99%) of respondents. Frequent interventions included positioning (n = 62, 94%), posture re‐education (n = 57, 86%), and range of motion exercises (n = 55, 83%). Range of movement was used as an outcome measure by 31 (47%). Sixty (91%) respondents reported receiving training in HSP management. Time constraints (n = 41, 62%) and lack of diagnosis of HSP (n = 33, 54%) were identified as barriers to providing appropriate care to people with HSP

Conclusion

Study findings showed varied practice in the assessment and treatment for HSP and indicate that time constraints are a considerable barrier to the management of these patients. Further research is required to establish best practice which may help improve outcomes and care for people with poststroke shoulder pain.
The high‐resolution structure of a UDP‐L‐rhamnose synthase from Acanthamoeba polyphagaMimivirus
Authors: Bockhaus Nicholas J. , Ferek Justin D. , Thoden James B. , Holden Hazel M.
Published: August 2020

For the field of virology, perhaps one of the most paradigm‐shifting events so far in the 21st century was the identification of the giant double‐stranded DNA virus that infects amoebae. Remarkably, this virus, known as Mimivirus, has a genome that encodes for nearly 1,000 proteins, some of which are involved in the biosynthesis of unusual sugars. Indeed, the virus is coated by a layer of glycosylated fibers that contain d‐glucose, N‐acetyl‐d‐glucosamine, l‐rhamnose, and 4‐amino‐4,6‐dideoxy‐d‐glucose. Here we describe a combined structural and enzymological investigation of the protein encoded by the open‐reading frame L780, which corresponds to an l‐rhamnose synthase. The structure of the L780/NADP+/UDP‐l‐rhamnose ternary complex was determined to 1.45 Å resolution and refined to an overall R‐factor of 19.9%. Each subunit of the dimeric protein adopts a bilobal‐shaped appearance with the N‐terminal domain harboring the dinucleotide‐binding site and the C‐terminal domain positioning the UDP‐sugar into the active site. The overall molecular architecture of L780 places it into the short‐chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily. Kinetic analyses indicate that the enzyme can function on either UDP‐ and dTDP‐sugars but displays a higher catalytic efficiency with the UDP‐linked substrate. Site‐directed mutagenesis experiments suggest that both Cys 108 and Lys 175 play key roles in catalysis. This structure represents the first model of a viral UDP‐l‐rhamnose synthase and provides new details into these fascinating enzymes.
Using collections of structural models to predict changes of binding affinity caused by mutations in protein–protein interactions
Authors: Meseguer Alberto , Dominguez Lluis , Bota Patricia M. , Aguirre‐Plans Joaquim , Bonet Jaume , Fernandez‐Fuentes Narcis , Oliva Baldo
Published: August 2020

Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) in all the molecular aspects that take place both inside and outside cells. However, determining experimentally the structure and affinity of PPIs is expensive and time consuming. Therefore, the development of computational tools, as a complement to experimental methods, is fundamental. Here, we present a computational suite: MODPIN, to model and predict the changes of binding affinity of PPIs. In this approach we use homology modeling to derive the structures of PPIs and score them using state‐of‐the‐art scoring functions. We explore the conformational space of PPIs by generating not a single structural model but a collection of structural models with different conformations based on several templates. We apply the approach to predict the changes in free energy upon mutations and splicing variants of large datasets of PPIs to statistically quantify the quality and accuracy of the predictions. As an example, we use MODPIN to study the effect of mutations in the interaction between colicin endonuclease 9 and colicin endonuclease 2 immune protein from Escherichia coli. Finally, we have compared our results with other state‐of‐art methods.
Leveraging facility siting to optimize mitigation decisions
Authors: Ashiofu Annette , Bruce‐Black Joshua , Dyer John
Published: August 2020

Facility siting mitigation decisions should be made in a logical and defensible manner. This article provides a framework for making and justifying facility siting mitigation decisions beginning with presenting risk results in a clear manner prior to identifying practical risk mitigation strategies, highlighting potential source and location risk mitigation strategies, demonstrating how these strategies can be evaluated with examples, and ultimately to quantifying and optimizing the safety‐benefit of each mitigation strategy/combination of strategies. The outcome of this process provides a defensible basis for prioritization and practicality of risk mitigation strategies, or a combination of strategies that reduce facility risk to broadly acceptable levels or as low as reasonably practicable while minimizing expense.
Cover Image, Volume 76, Issue 9
Authors: Kong Wei‐Na , Wang Yi , Guo Yong‐Fu , Chai Xiao‐Han , Li Jie , Ma Rui‐Yan
Published: August 2020

The cover image is based on the Research Article Behavioral effects of different attractants on adult male and female oriental fruit moths, Grapholita molesta by Wei‐Na Kong et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.5878.

image
Study of Ammonium Sulfide Surface Treatment for Ultrathin Cu(In,Ga)Se2 with Different Cu/(Ga + In) Ratios
Authors: Buldu Dilara Gokcen , de Wild Jessica , Kohl Thierry , Brammertz Guy , Birant Gizem , Meuris Marc , Poortmans Jef , Vermang Bart
Published: August 2020

In ultrathin Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) film solar cells, the CdS/CIGS interface may become one of the limiting factors for efficiency. The first step toward reducing the impact of this problem could be a surface treatment process to improve the quality of the front interface. The purpose of this study is to have a better understanding of the effect of wet chemical surface treatment, using ammonium sulfide ((NH4)2S), on CIGS thin film layers with different Cu/(Ga + In) (CGI) ratios. Herein, photoluminescence (PL) and time‐resolved PL (TRPL) studies are conducted on bare CIGS, ammonium sulfide–treated CIGS thin films, and samples with CdS. In bare CIGS, CGI ratio–dependent changes in PL are observed on both a low‐energy (defect related transition) and a high‐energy peak (band‐to‐band transition). After the surface treatment, the PL maximum increases by factors ranging from 4 to 11 depending on the CGI ratio, accompanied by a slower decay. Trends with similar improvement as in the PL study are observed in the performance of the solar cells. It is shown that the impact of the surface treatment is beneficial independently of the CGI ratio of the absorber layers. In all cases, the treatment is shown to improve the efficiency.
Piperlongumine inhibits head and neck squamous cell carcinoma proliferation by docking to Akt
Authors: Lv Fei , Deng Mingming , Bai Jin , Zou Dan , Wang Jian , Li Hong , Zhang Ye , Ji Xu
Published: August 2020

Piperlongumine (PL) is a biologically active alkaloid isolated from the long pepper roots and widely used as a traditional medicine in Ayurvedic medicine. However, the mechanism of PL's effect on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is not well understood. We performed cell experiments to confirm PL's inhibitory effect on HNSCC and employing cisplatin as positive control. Next, we conducted bioinformatics to predict PL's potential targets and verified by western blotting. Molecular docking, Biacore experiment and kinase activity assays were applied to elucidate the mechanism by which PL inhibited target activity. In vivo efficacy was verified by xenotransplantation and immunohistochemistry. PL inhibited proliferation, promoted late apoptosis, arrested cell cycle and inhibited DNA replication of the HEp‐2 and FaDu cell lines. Employing bioinformatics, we found that PL's target was Akt and PL attenuated Akt phosphorylation. We found from molecular docking, Biacore experiment and kinase activity assay that PL inhibited Akt activation by docking to Akt to restrain its activity. In addition, PL significantly inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors by down regulating the expression of p‐Akt in vivo. This study provides new insights into the molecular functions of PL and indicate its potential as a therapeutic agent for HNSCC.
The effect of saffron supplementation on some inflammatory and oxidative markers, leptin, adiponectin, and body composition in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A double‐blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kavianipour Farnaz , Aryaeian Naheed , Mokhtare Marjan , Mirnasrollahiparsa Reyhanesadat , Jannani Leila , Agah Shahram , Fallah Sodabeh , Moradi Nariman
Published: August 2020

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation in the hepatocytes. Saffron and its constituents are reported to have several properties such as anti‐inflammatory and anti‐diabetic effects.

Materials and methods

In a randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial with two parallel groups including 76 eligible men and female patients with NAFLD aged 18–65, recruited from Hazrat Rasul Akram Hospital in Tehran, Iran. NAFLD was defined by a Gastroenterologist based on the American Gastrointestinal and Liver Association standards. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups receiving daily supplementation of either one tablet of 100 mg saffron (n = 38) or one placebo (n = 38) for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was high sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and secondary outcomes were alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), malondialdehyde (MDA), total anti‐oxidant capacity (TAC), leptin, adiponectin, anthropometric, and body composition Both groups were assigned similar diet and physical activity.

Results

In the treatment group, significant decreases in hs‐CRP (−1.80 ng/ml, 95% CI = −2.97, −0.63, p = .032), leptin (−0.27 ng/ml, 95% CI = −0.65, −0.10, p = .040), MDA (−1.01 ng/ml, 95% CI = −1.89, −0.14, p = .023) and significant increase in TAC (0.34 μmol/L, 95% CI = 0.08, 0.61, p = .011) were observed compared to the placebo group. However, there were no significant changes in serum alanine aminotransferase, AST, TNF‐α, body composition, and anthropometric indexes (p > .05).

Conclusion

In the present study, 12 weeks of 100 mg of saffron supplementation indicated beneficial effects on serum levels of some inflammatory, oxidative stress, and adipokines biomarkers but it had no significant effect on serum concentrations of liver enzymes, anthropometric, and body composition measurements.
Effect on the aromaticity of heterocyclic ligands by coordination with ruthenium electron‐withdrawing metal centers
Authors: Sanhueza Luis , Cortés‐Arriagada Diego , Díaz Ramiro , Dreyse Paulina , García Camilo , Gonzalez Iván A. , Loeb Bárbara
Published: August 2020

Density functional theory calculations of polypyridyl ruthenium complexes with polyaromatic ligands have been performed to understand the metal fragment effect on the modulation of their electronic properties and the influence on the aromatic character. The change of positions of the nitrogen atoms in the ligand structure, as well as the metal moiety, seems to influence the electronic behavior of the π‐extended structure and the aromatic character of the complexes at both the ground and excited states. In this framework, structural, electronic, and magnetic‐based aromaticity indices were used to understand the aromaticity of the free and coordinated ligands. The aromaticity character of the ligands is highly influenced by the metal fragment, and the aromaticity/antiaromaticity is achieved according to both the electron‐withdrawing capability of the ligand and the metal fragment. The electronic distribution observed on the aromatic ligand determines their π‐stacking ability; thus, it is proposed that the control of the π‐stacking ability is modulated according to the electronic nature of the ruthenium moiety.
Command filter‐based event‐triggered adaptive neural network control for uncertain nonlinear time‐delay systems
Authors: Li Baomin , Xia Jianwei , Sun Wei , Park Ju H. , Sun Zong‐Yao
Published: August 2020

In this article, the problem of command filter‐based adaptive event‐triggered neural network control is considered for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with time delay. Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functionals and command filtered technology are utilized to address the problem of unknown time‐varying delays and explosion of complexity, respectively. Furthermore, by fusing the event‐triggered mechanism, an adaptive tracking controller is designed. The proposed controller not only ensures that the system output eventually follows the desired reference signal in the sufficiently small neighborhood of zero but also reduces the communication resources from the controller to the actuator. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control method is verified by a simulation example.
State and parameter joint estimation of linear stochastic systems in presence of faults and non‐Gaussian noises
Authors: Stojanovic Vladimir , He Shuping , Zhang Baoyong
Published: August 2020

Joint estimation of states and time‐varying parameters of linear stochastic systems is of practical importance for fault diagnosis and fault tolerant control. The known fact is that measurements have outliers. They can significantly degrade the properties of linearly recursive algorithms, which are designed to work in presence of Gaussian noises. This article proposes two kinds of strategies for joint parameter‐state robust estimation of linear stochastic models in presence of all possible faults and non‐Gaussian noises. In the form of Theorem, joint robust algorithm for systems with sensor and component faults, as well as the algorithm for systems with parameter faults are proposed. Because of their good features in robust filtering, Masreliez‐Martin filter represents a cornerstone for realization of the proposed robust algorithms for joint state‐parameter estimation. The good features of proposed robust estimation algorithms, in relation to algorithms based on other widely‐used filters, are illustrated by simulation results. On the other side, intensive research in the field of mathematical modeling of pneumatic servo drives has shown that their mathematical models are nonlinear in which a lot of important details cannot be included in the model. Also, it has been well known that the nonlinear model can be approximated by a linear model with time‐varying parameters. Due to the abovementioned reasons, it can be assumed that the pneumatic cylinder model is a linear stochastic model with variable parameters. The good practical values of the proposed robust joint algorithm to identification of the pneumatic cylinder are illustrated by experimental results.
Illuminating den‐tree selection by an arboreal mammal using terrestrial laser scanning in northern Australia
Authors: Stobo‐Wilson Alyson M. , Murphy Brett P. , Cremona Teigan , Carthew Susan M. , Levick Shaun R.
Published: August 2020

There has been a significant decline in arboreal mammals in northern Australia, especially in the lower rainfall region of the tropical savannas. Currently, we lack a fundamental understanding of the habitat requirements of these species to prevent further declines. We investigated how variation in habitat structure influences den‐tree selection by an arboreal, hollow‐dwelling marsupial, the savanna glider (Petaurus ariel; Gould, 1842), in northern Australia from two populations at the climatic extremes of the species’ geographic range. We used traditional habitat surveys complemented by advanced terrestrial Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) technology to compare site habitat structure and subsequent den‐tree selection by P. ariel. Canopy height, total canopy cover and tree size were positively correlated with rainfall. At the higher rainfall site, P. ariel selected larger trees for denning than neighbouring trees; mean trunk diameter at breast height was 53.4 cm (95% CI: 49.6–56.8) and 33.8 cm (95% CI: 30.0–37.6), for den and neighbouring trees respectively. At the lower rainfall site, P. ariel den trees were no larger than neighbouring trees but were more likely to be Eucalyptus tectifica than any other available tree species. At both sites, P. ariel selected den trees that were more likely to be hollow bearing (through larger tree size or specific tree species). We found terrestrial LiDAR to be a useful tool for mapping fine‐scale variation in habitat structure which enabled us to account for variation in den‐tree selection between sites. However, we remained dependent on traditional habitat surveys to count hollows and identify tree species. With a better understanding of the relationship between tree size and den‐tree selection, future studies could use terrestrial LiDAR to map the probability of den‐tree availability for hollow‐dwelling species at a landscape scale. We emphasize the importance of protecting hollow‐bearing eucalypt trees for the conservation of arboreal mammals in northern Australia.
The creative economy and sustainable development: The Baltic States
Authors: Štreimikienė Dalia , Kačerauskas Tomas
Published: August 2020

The creative economy is one of the fastest developing sectors in the global economy, providing income growth, new jobs and export earnings. In addition to economic benefits that flow from cultural and creative industries, the aforementioned contribute to resolving issues of sustainable urban development, as well as contributing to the 2030 Agenda, which is the main initiative of the United Nations. Although it is acknowledged by scholars that creativity promotes inclusive social progress and empowers people to take responsibility for their own economic, social and personal development and encourages innovation, which contributes significantly to sustainable growth, there is lack of empirically tested results. The article aims to analyse the linkages between the implementation of sustainable development goals achieved by countries, and the development of the creative economy in such countries. The empirical data were collected for comparison of creativity and sustainability indexes by reference to the case study of the Baltic States. Policy implications were provided based on the research conducted. The study found that Estonia is the best performing country in terms of measures of creativity and assessments of that country's creative economy. Furthermore, Estonia is the most sustainable country, and has achieved the greatest progress in implementing sustainable development goals of any of the Baltic States. All of the environmental indicators for Latvia, and taking into account Lithuania's economic indicators place these two countries at the same level in terms of sustainability.

Highlights 

The linkages between sustainable development and creative economy analysed;

Creativity and sustainability indexes are critically discussed;

The creativity and sustainability indexes were compared in the case study for Baltic States;

Policy implications were provided based on the research conducted.
A Bayesian time‐to‐event pharmacokinetic model for phase I dose‐escalation trials with multiple schedules
Authors: Günhan Burak Kürsad , Weber Sebastian , Friede Tim
Published: August 2020

Phase I dose‐escalation trials must be guided by a safety model in order to avoid exposing patients to unacceptably high risk of toxicities. Traditionally, these trials are based on one type of schedule. In more recent practice, however, there is often a need to consider more than one schedule, which means that in addition to the dose itself, the schedule needs to be varied in the trial. Hence, the aim is finding an acceptable dose‐schedule combination. However, most established methods for dose‐escalation trials are designed to escalate the dose only and ad hoc choices must be made to adapt these to the more complicated setting of finding an acceptable dose‐schedule combination. In this article, we introduce a Bayesian time‐to‐event model which takes explicitly the dose amount and schedule into account through the use of pharmacokinetic principles. The model uses a time‐varying exposure measure to account for the risk of a dose‐limiting toxicity over time. The dose‐schedule decisions are informed by an escalation with overdose control criterion. The model is formulated using interpretable parameters which facilitates the specification of priors. In a simulation study, we compared the proposed method with an existing method. The simulation study demonstrates that the proposed method yields similar or better results compared with an existing method in terms of recommending acceptable dose‐schedule combinations, yet reduces the number of patients enrolled in most of scenarios. The R and Stan code to implement the proposed method is publicly available from Github (
https://github.com/gunhanb/TITEPK_code).
Avoid, acquiesce … or engage? New insights from sub‐Saharan Africa on MNE strategies for managing corruption
Authors: Stevens Charles E. , Newenham‐Kahindi Aloysius
Published: August 2020

Research summary

Many questions remain about how MNEs manage corruption. Moreover, what is known derives largely from the perspective and experiences of developed country MNEs. To address this limitation, we compare developed country and developing country MNEs' approaches for managing corruption in sub‐Saharan Africa. Through an inductive, qualitative research design, we discover how and why firms engage in “avoidance” and “acquiescence” strategies. We also uncover a novel “engagement” strategy pioneered by developing country firms that involves such tactics as finding innovative substitutes for corrupt activities, leveraging partnerships with governments and other firms, and forming deeper, long‐term relationships in the host country. These findings suggest that MNEs have more room for active agency and more proactive strategies for managing corruption than has typically been assumed in the literature.

Managerial summary

Multinational firms face challenges in host countries where corruption is common, due to concerns that they will need to engage in corrupt acts in order to survive. Some respond by simply not operating in these countries, while others fall into the trap of engaging in illicit activities. We consider an alternative perspective: that firms may use deeper positive engagement with the host country to reduce pressures to engage in corruption, by building their popular acceptance and strengthening their bargaining power. Although we find that this “engagement” approach was first used by developing country firms, developed country firms have also begun using this strategy. The logic underlying this approach can help managers succeed abroad while reducing the need to get their hands dirty in the process.
Liquid Marbles in Liquid
Authors: Zhao Zhijian , Ling Chen , Wang Dan , Wang Jie‐Xin , Saczek Joshua , Pramana Stevin , Sridhar Sreepathy , Shang Jin , Xu Ben B. , Tsang Daniel C. W. , Chen Jian‐Feng , Wang Steven
Published: August 2020

Traditional liquid marbles (LMs), liquid droplets encapsulated by hydrophobic particles at the liquid–gas interface, are restricted by their short lifetime and low heat transfer efficiency. Herein, a new paradigm for LMs immersed in various liquid mediums with massive enhanced heat transfer and spatial recognition is designed; without compromising the structural integrity, the lifetime of the liquid marbles in liquid (LMIL) is extended by ≈1000 times compared to classical LMs in air or naked droplets in organic reagents. The LMIL shows promising reverse structural re‐configurability while under external stimuli and maintaining their functionality for a very long period of time (≈weeks). These superior behaviors are further exploited as a miniature reactor with prolonged lifetimes and excellent temperature control, combined with its feasible operation, new opportunities will open up in the advanced chemical and biomedical engineering fields. It is also shown that LMIL can be applied in methylene blue degradation and 3D in‐vitro yeast cell cultures. These findings have important implications for real‐world use of LMs, with a number of applications in cell culture technology, lab‐in‐a‐drop, polymerization, encapsulation, formulation, and drug delivery.
Dual‐Carbon Batteries: Materials and Mechanism
Authors: Chen Suhua , Kuang Quan , Fan Hong Jin
Published: August 2020

Various carbon nanomaterials are being widely studied for applications in supercapacitors and Li‐ion batteries as well as hybrid energy storage devices. Dual‐carbon batteries (DCBs), in which both electrodes are composed of functionalized carbon materials, are capable of delivering high energy/power and stable cycles when they are rationally designed. This Review focuses on the electrochemical reaction mechanisms and energy storage properties of various carbon electrode materials in DCBs, including graphite, graphene, hard and soft carbon, activated carbon, and their derivatives. The interfacial chemistry between carbon electrodes and electrolyte is also discussed. The perspective for further development of DCBs is presented at the end.
Targeted Theranostic Nano Vehicle Endorsed with Self‐Destruction and Immunostimulatory Features to Circumvent Drug Resistance and Wipe‐Out Tumor Reinitiating Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Joseph Manu M. , Ramya Adukkadan N. , Vijayan Vineeth M. , Nair Jyothi B. , Bastian Blossom T. , Pillai Raveendran K. , Therakathinal Sreelekha T. , Maiti Kaustabh K.
Published: August 2020

The downsides of conventional cancer monotherapies are profound and enormously consequential, as drug‐resistant cancer cells and cancer stem cells (CSC) are typically not eliminated. Here, a targeted theranostic nano vehicle (TTNV) is designed using manganese‐doped mesoporous silica nanoparticle with an ideal surface area and pore volume for co‐loading an optimized ratio of antineoplastic doxorubicin and a drug efflux inhibitor tariquidar. This strategically framed TTNV is chemically conjugated with folic acid and hyaluronic acid as a dual‐targeting entity to promote folate receptor (FR) mediated cancer cells and CD44 mediated CSC uptake, respectively. Interestingly, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy is exploited to evaluate the molecular changes associated with therapeutic progression. Tumor microenvironment selective biodegradation and immunostimulatory potential of the MSN‐Mn core are safeguarded with a chitosan coating which modulates the premature cargo release and accords biocompatibility. The superior antitumor response in FR‐positive syngeneic and CSC‐rich human xenograft murine models is associated with a tumor‐targeted biodistribution, favorable pharmacokinetics, and an appealing bioelimination pattern of the TTNV with no palpable signs of toxicity. This dual drug‐loaded nano vehicle offers a feasible approach for efficient cancer therapy by on demand cargo release in order to execute complete wipe‐out of tumor reinitiating cancer stem cells.
Enhanced Photothermal Therapy through the In Situ Activation of a Temperature and Redox Dual‐Sensitive Nanoreservoir of Triptolide
Authors: Liu Hai‐Jun , Wang Mingming , Hu Xiangxiang , Shi Shanshan , Xu Peisheng
Published: August 2020

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has attracted tremendous attention due to its noninvasiveness and localized treatment advantages. However, heat shock proteins (HSPs) associated self‐preservation mechanisms bestow cancer cells thermoresistance to protect them from the damage of PTT. To minimize the thermoresistance of cancer cells and improve the efficacy of PTT, an integrated on‐demand nanoplatform composed of a photothermal conversion core (gold nanorod, GNR), a cargo of a HSPs inhibitor (triptolide, TPL), a mesoporous silica based nanoreservoir, and a photothermal and redox di‐responsive polymer shell is developed. The nanoplatform can be enriched in the tumor site, and internalized into cancer cells, releasing the encapsulated TPL under the trigger of intracellular elevated glutathione and near‐infrared laser irradiation. Ultimately, the liberated TPL could diminish thermoresistance of cancer cells by antagonizing the PTT induced heat shock response via multiple mechanisms to maximize the PTT effect for cancer treatment.
High‐Efficiency Organic Solar Cells with Wide Toleration of Active Layer Thickness
Authors: Weng Kangkang , Ye Linglong , Li Chao , Shen Zichao , Xu Jinqiu , Feng Xiang , Xia Tian , Tan Songting , Lu Guanghao , Liu Feng , Sun Yanming
Published: August 2020

Industrial printing production of organic solar cells (OSCs) requires high power conversion efficiency (PCE) with wide toleration of active layer thickness. Herein, high‐efficiency thick‐film OSCs are demonstrated using a polymer fibril network strategy (FNS), which involves a donor polymer (PT2) that can self‐assemble into fibril nanostructure, and two nonfullerene acceptors with different crystalline properties. The fibril network can form a high‐speed hole transport channel and the addition of IDIC as a third component in active layers can improve the electron transport. As a result, the OSCs show high PCEs of ≈12% with wide toleration of active layer thickness (from 100 to 500 nm). The results indicate that FNS is a promising approach for the fabrication of highly efficient thick‐film PSCs, which can facilitate the commercialization of OSCs.
Recent Advances in Intraoperative Nerve Bioimaging: Fluorescence‐Guided Surgery for Nerve Preservation
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhang Hongxin , Lei Zuhai , Zhang Fan
Published: August 2020

Accidental transection or injury of nerves during surgeries leads to severe patient morbidity and lowers the life quality of patients. The current imaging modality for nerves, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), and high‐resolution ultrasound, cannot provide real‐time guidance for surgeons during surgical operations. Previously, intraoperative nerve recognition mainly depended on the surgeon's experience. But now, optical imaging techniques that exploit fluorescent light enable the direct intraoperative visualization of the areas of interest on a surgical site, which has the potential to improve real‐time nerve identification during surgeries. Herein, a brief introduction is provided to the structure of peripheral nerve (PN) fiber and fluorescent probes for nerve labeling that are based on these features are summarized. Then, the recent progress in fluorescence‐guided surgeries for nerve preservation is systematically summarized. Finally, the challenges and future opportunities for in vivo real‐time nerve identification are discussed.