bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Roadmap on Ionic Liquid Electrolytes for Energy Storage Devices
Authors: Xu Chenxuan , Yang Guang , Wu Daxiong , Yao Meng , Xing Chunxian , Zhang Jiahe , Zhang Haitao , Li Fang , Feng Yuezhan , Qi Shihan , Zhuo Ming , Ma Jianmin
Published: December 2020

Ionic liquids are considered to be promising electrolyte solvents or additives for rechargeable batteries (i. e., lithium‐ion batteries, sodium‐ion batteries, lithium‐sulfur batteries, aluminum‐ion batteries, etc.) and supercapacitors. This is related with the superior physical and electrochemical properties of ionic liquids, which can influence the performance of rechargeable batteries. Therefore, it is necessary to write a roadmap on ionic liquids for rechargeable batteries. In this roadmap, some progress, critical techniques, opportunities and challenges of ionic liquid electrolytes for various batteries and supercapacitors are pointed out. Especially, properties and roles of ionic liquids should be considered in energy storage. Ionic liquids can be used as electrolyte salts, electrolyte additives, and solvents. For optimizing ionic liquid‐based electrolytes for energy storage, their applications in various energy storage devices should be considered by combing native chemical/physical properties and their roles. We expect that this roadmap will give a useful guidance in directing future research in ionic liquid electrolytes for rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors.
Discussion on “Correct and logical causal inference for binary and time‐to‐event outcomes in randomized controlled trials” by Yi Liu, Bushi Wang, Miao Yang, Jianan Hui, Heng Xu, Siyoen Kil, and Jason C. Hsu
Authors: Pennello Gene , Xu Dandan
Published: December 2020

In their paper, Liu et al. (2020) pointed out illogical discrepancies between subgroup and overall causal effects for some efficacy measures, in particular the odds and hazard ratios. As the authors show, the culprit is subgroups having prognostic effects within treatment arms. In response to their provocative findings, we found that the odds and hazard ratios are logic respecting when the subgroups are purely predictive, that is, the distribution of the potential outcome for the control treatment is homogeneous across subgroups. We also found that when we redefined the odds and hazards ratio causal estimands in terms of the joint distribution of the potential outcomes, the discrepancies are resolved under specific models in which the potential outcomes are conditionally independent. In response to other discussion points in the paper, we also provide remarks on association versus causation, confounding, statistical computing software, and dichotomania.
Insider perspectives on growth: Implications for a nondichotomous understanding of ‘sustainable’ and conventional entrepreneurship
Authors: Klapper Rita G. , Upham Paul , Blundel Richard K.
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper is to offer an alternative to a priori theorising in research on firm‐level growth and environmental sustainability. We outline an approach that combines John Shotter's phenomenology with post‐hoc application of the Bourdieusian concepts of habitus, practices and social capital. This is illustrated empirically through a study conducted with a small group of Finnish entrepreneurs, which examines their lived experience of growth alongside its practical application in their ventures. The entrepreneurs' responses reveal holistic perspectives on growth that extend beyond the economic to incorporate personal commitments to norms of collectivity and well‐being for themselves and others. The paper offers an exploratory but empirically grounded approach, arguing that a combination of insiders' perspectives and attention to the social embedding of economic activity challenge the dichotomous distinctions between sustainable and conventional entrepreneurship and reveal a degree of commonality that would not be evident via conventional categorisations on the basis of features such as business model type.
Home‐based chemotherapy for stage III colon cancer patients in Thailand: Cost‐utility and budget impact analyses
Authors: Kulthanachairojana Nattanichcha , Chansriwong Phichai , Thokanit Nintita Sripaiboonkij , Sirilerttrakul Suwannee , Wannakansophon Nopakan , Taychakhoonavudh Suthira
Published: December 2020

Home‐based chemotherapy (HC) is a new treatment alternative to hospital‐based chemotherapy treatment (IP) and is administered via portable intravenous pumps at the patient's home. HC reduces the demand for inpatient bed capacity in hospitals and reduces the cost of an infusion. This study takes a societal perspective while conducting the cost‐utility and budget impact analyses (BIA) of HC and IP with an mFOLFOX6 regimen on patients with stage III colon cancer. We conducted a cost‐utility analysis with a 6‐month time horizon. The parameter inputs for the model were gathered from a retrospective cohort study on patients diagnosed with stage III colon cancer at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok. The resource usage of HC and IP was determined based on medical records. The per‐unit direct medical, home health service, and adverse events (AE) management costs were gathered from the standard cost list. The health outcome of treatment was measured in terms of quality‐adjusted life years. Disutility related to AE was calculated. We conducted a sensitivity analysis for the uncertainty results and performed BIA based on the societal perspective on a 1‐year time horizon. HC provided a cost‐saving of $1,513.37 per patient for the period of treatment. Thus, assuming 526 patients per year, the use of HC could achieve a cumulative annual cost‐saving of $828,436. HC is a cost‐saving strategy compared to IP for stage III colon cancer treatment. We recommend that the service reimbursement should include national standardization in chemotherapy regimens as well as practice guidelines and protocols to prevent serious AEs.
Impact of the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake on patients with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and preparations for the future
Authors: Tamura Hiroshi , Nagata Hiroko , Furuie Keishiro , Kuraoka Shohei , Hidaka Yuko , Nakazato Hitoshi
Published: December 2020

Patients with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus should establish a support network system by contacting the government to ensure that water can be preferentially obtained in the event of a disaster and create and carry a medical alert card.
Cell‐Penetrating Peptides: Correlation between Peptide‐Lipid Interaction and Penetration Efficiency
Authors: Her Choong Fei , Keat Yap Beow
Published: December 2020

Cell‐penetrating peptides are used in the delivery of peptides and biologics, with some cell‐penetrating peptides found to be more efficient than others. The exact mechanism of how they interact with the cell membrane and penetrate it, however, remains unclear. This study attempts to investigate the difference in free energy profiles of three cell‐penetrating peptides (TAT, CPP1 and CPP9) with a model lipid bilayer (DOPC) using molecular dynamics pulling simulations with umbrella sampling. Potential mean force (PMF) and free energy barrier between the peptides and DOPC are determined using WHAM analysis and MM‐PBSA analysis, respectively. CPP9 is found to have the smallest PMF value, followed by CPP1 and TAT, consistent with the experimental data. YDEGE peptide, however, does not give the highest PMF value, although it is a non‐cell‐permeable peptide. YDEGE is also found to form water pores, alongside with TAT and CPP9, suggesting that it is difficult to distinguish true water pore formation from artefacts arising from pulling simulations. On the contrary, free energy analysis of the peptide‐DOPC complex at the lipid‐water interface with MM‐PBSA provides results consistent with experimental data with CPP9 having the least interaction with DOPC and lowest free energy barrier, followed by CPP1, TAT and YDEGE. These findings suggest that peptide‐lipid interaction at the lipid‐water interface has a direct correlation with the penetration efficiency of peptides across the lipid bilayer.
Linear‐Nonlinear Optical and Quantum Chemical Studies on Quinolinium 4‐Aminobenzoate: A Third Order Non‐Linear Optical Material for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Ravi Sarath , Sreedharan Rakhi , Raghi Kottoly Ravindran , Kumar Thanathu Krishnan Manoj , Naseema Kooliyankal
Published: December 2020

Good quality single crystals of a non‐linear optical (NLO) material, quinolinium 4‐aminobenzoate (ABAQ), are grown by employing solution growth technique. The crystal structure is confirmed via single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. Grown crystals of the ABAQ compound are characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, thermal analysis, and mechanical studies. Ultraviolet–vis–near infrared (UV–vis–NIR) and photoluminescence spectra reflect the optical transmission range of the obtained compound. Dielectric studies and laser damage threshold measurement are carried out to verify the non‐linear activity and surface resistance of the grown crystal. From the Kurtz Perry powder technique, the second harmonic generation efficiency of the ABAQ compound is estimated to be 90% that of the standard potassium dihydrogen phosphate. Z‐Scan technique is performed to investigate the non‐linear behavior of ABAQ crystal. The suitability of ABAQ material for optical limiting and switching applications is also verified. Computational analysis performed upon the stable geometry of ABAQ molecule using density functional theory strongly supports the experimental findings with a significant chemical background. The non‐linear behavior of the title compound is determined by investigating various non‐linear optical (NLO) parameters of electric dipole moment, polarizability, and hyperpolarizability. Based on these inferences, the ABAQ material can be declared as a promising material for optical limiting and switching applications in optoelectronics regime.
Public disclosure of mine closures by listed South African mining companies
Authors: Crous Cornelie , Owen John R. , Marais Lochner , Khanyile Samkelisiwe , Kemp Deanna
Published: December 2020

The demand for transparency in the mining sector has increased since the 1980s. Our study focused on the public reporting of four South African mining corporations and their disclosures on mine closure. South Africa was identified based on its history of mine abandonment. We found that reporting on mainstream environmental and financial matters, companies disclose little about the social aspects of mine closure. External reporting norms have evolved, with a widening scope of reporting themes presented in strategically parsimonious language. Reporting themes speak to where companies, and transparency initiatives, receive greatest external interest and much of the content in company sustainability reports appear to service this demand. This pattern is manifestly challenging for the social aspects of mine closure, where reporting is minimal and reveals little about the timing of proposed changes to the mine lifecycle, the anticipated societal effects, and how the company will address these.
Forensic application and evaluation of a commercially available pregabalin immunoassay test in serum on an Olympus AU480
Authors: Hess Cornelius , Zeidler Sandra , Roehrich Joerg
Published: December 2020

Misuse of pregabalin and its forensic relevance is steadily increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usability of the commercially available ARKTM Pregabalin II Assay (ARK Diagnostics) for serum analysis of forensic samples. Overall, 156 samples were tested by both the immunoassay and a validated liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric (LC‐MS/MS) method. Sensitivity was 100%, and specificity was 98.7% (n = 79 positive cases confirmed by LC‐MS/MS in a range of 380–37,000 ng/mL). A good correlation (R2 = 0.73) could also be shown between quantitative immunoassay and LC‐MS/MS results. In conclusion, the assay shows excellent reliability for screening of forensic serum samples.
Predator size affects the intensity of mutual interference in a predatory mirid
Authors: Papanikolaou Nikos E. , Dervisoglou Sofia , Fantinou Argyro , Kypraios Theodore , Giakoumaki Valmari , Perdikis Dionysios
Published: December 2020

Interference competition occurs when access to an available resource is negatively affected by interactions with other individuals, where mutual interference involves individuals of the same species. The interactive phenomena among individuals may be size‐dependent, since body size is a major factor that may alter prey consumption rates and ultimately the dynamics and structure of food webs.

A study was initiated in order to evaluate the effect of mutual interference in the prey‐specific attack rates and handling times of same size class predators, incorporating variation in consumer size. For this purpose, laboratory functional response experiments were conducted using same age predators, that is, newly hatched (first instar) or mature (fifth instar) nymphs of the polyphagous mirid predatorMacrolophus pygmaeuspreying onEphestia kuehniella(Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) eggs.

The experiments involved four predator density treatments, that is, one, two, three, or four predators of same age, that is, either first‐ or fifth‐instar nymphs, which were exposed to several prey densities. The Crowley–Martin model, which allows for interference competition between foraging predators, was used to fit the data.

The results showed that mutual interference between predator's nymphs may occur that affect their foraging efficiency. The values of the attack rate coefficient were dependent on the predator density and for the first‐instar nymphs were significantly lower at the highest predator density than the lower predator densities, whereas for the fifth‐instar nymphs in all density treatments were significantly lower to that of the individual foragers' ones.

These results indicate that mutual interference is more intense for larger predators and is more obvious at low prey densities where the competition level is higher. The wider use of predator‐dependent functional response models will help toward a mechanistic understanding of intraspecific interactions and its consequences on the stability and structure of food webs.
Metal‐free Photochemical Atom Transfer Radical Addition (ATRA) of BrCCl3 to Alkenes
Authors: Nikitas Nikolaos F. , Voutyritsa Errika , Gkizis Petros L. , Kokotos Christoforos G.
Published: December 2020

A simple, photochemical, and metal‐free protocol for the atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) of bromotrichloromethane onto various alkenes is described. Among a range of organic molecules, phenylglyoxylic acid proved to be the most suitable photoinitiator to promote a sustainable process for the addition of bromotrichloromethane to olefins. This photochemical atom transfer radical protocol can be expanded into a wide substrate scope of aliphatic olefins bearing various functional groups, leading to the corresponding products in good to excellent yields.
Systemic and cerebrospinal fluid immune and complement activation in Ugandan children and adolescents with long‐standing nodding syndrome: A case‐control study
Authors: Ogwang Rodney , Muhanguzi Dennis , Mwikali Kioko , Anguzu Ronald , Kubofcik Joe , Nutman Thomas B. , Taylor Mark , Newton Charles R. , Vincent Angela , Conroy Andrea L. , Marsh Kevin , Idro Richard
Published: December 2020

Objective

Nodding syndrome is a poorly understood epileptic encephalopathy characterized by a unique seizure type—head nodding—and associated with Onchocerca volvulus infection. We hypothesized that altered immune activation in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma of children with nodding syndrome may yield insights into the pathophysiology and progression of this seizure disorder.

Method

We conducted a case‐control study of 154 children (8 years or older) with long‐standing nodding syndrome and 154 healthy age‐matched community controls in 3 districts of northern Uganda affected by nodding syndrome. Control CSF samples were obtained from Ugandan children in remission from hematological malignancy during routine follow‐up. Markers of immune activation and inflammation (cytokines and chemokines) and complement activation (C5a) were measured in plasma and CSF using ELISA or Multiplex Luminex assays. O volvulus infection was assessed by serology for anti–OV‐16 IgG levels.

Results

The mean (SD) age of the population was 15.1 (SD: 1.9) years, and the mean duration of nodding syndrome from diagnosis to enrollment was 8.3 (SD: 2.7) years. The majority with nodding syndrome had been exposed to O volvulus (147/154 (95.4%)) compared with community children (86/154 (55.8%)), with an OR of 17.04 (95% CI: 7.33, 45.58), P < .001. C5a was elevated in CSF of children with nodding syndrome compared to controls (P < .0001). The levels of other CSF markers tested were comparable between cases and controls after adjusting for multiple comparisons. Children with nodding syndrome had lower plasma levels of IL‐10, APRIL, CCL5 (RANTES), CCL2, CXCL13, and MMP‐9 compared with community controls (P < .05 for all; multiple comparisons). Plasma CRP was elevated in children with nodding syndrome compared to community children and correlated with disease severity.

Significance

Nodding syndrome is associated with exposure to O. volvulus. Compared to controls, children with long‐standing symptoms of nodding syndrome show evidence of complement activation in CSF and altered immune activation in plasma.
Comprehensive assessment of hydrogen production in argon‐water vapors plasmolysis
Authors: El‐Shafie Mostafa , Kambara Shinji , Hayakawa Yukio
Published: December 2020

A simultaneous investigation of simulation and experimental analysis of hydrogen production from argon‐water vapor mixture as a function in DBD plasma applied voltage were studied. The H2 concentration results of two Ar‐H2O simulation kinetics models were compared with the experimental results. The simulation analysis was implemented for Ar‐H2O models with and without the dissociative attachment reaction (H−). The effects of argon flow rate, input water vapor temperature, and water vapor flow rate on the H2 concentration from the Ar‐H2O mixture were investigated. Furthermore, the effect of argon addition and reactor temperature on the hydrogen production from water vapor plasmolysis was performed. It was found that the hydrogen concentration was enhanced with the argon gas flow rate and plasma voltage increase. Moreover, the H2 concentration results of the water vapor simulation model selecting the dissociative attachment reaction (H−) were nearly the same as that obtained from the experimental results. Also, it was observed that the energy efficiency was enhanced with the plasma input power increased. Moreover, the comparison showed that the hydrogen concentration of argon gas addition was lower than that obtained from water vapor plasmolysis at PTR heating temperature of 90°C.
Formation of asymmetrical loess gullies in the northeastern loess plateau of China
Authors: Chen Si‐Ming , Xiong Li‐Yang , Duan Jia‐Zhen , Tang Guo‐An
Published: December 2020

Loess gullies are the most active and changeable landform unit on the Loess Plateau of China. Under the influence of inhomogeneous internal and external forces, various gully morphologies have been identified as specific forms of asymmetrical loess gullies in the northeastern Loess Plateau. Thus, the formation mechanisms of asymmetrical gullies should be examined to better understand the gully evolution processes in this area. In this study, a typical asymmetrical gully area and its geological background in the northeastern Loess Plateau are investigated. Then, the asymmetrical gullies are extracted and ordered under different watershed hierarchies using 5 m horizontal resolution digital elevation models. The asymmetrical gullies are characterized using the gully deviation index and gully asymmetrical coefficient to quantitatively and qualitatively describe the gully formation from the perspective of gully morphology. Subsequently, environmental factors, such as the bedrock, climate, vegetation and interactions with neighbouring watersheds, are combined to achieve an in‐depth understanding of the mechanisms of asymmetrical gully formation. The results show that most watersheds shift to the right side of the watershed geometric centre line, thereby forming a specific asymmetrical gully morphology. The phenomenon in which the asymmetrical degree characteristics decrease with the increase in drainage area suggests evident morphological differences on both sides of the main channel on a small scale, and relatively weak morphological differences on both sides of the main channel on a large scale. The degree of loess gully asymmetry appears higher in the area where only the windward slope is covered by loess than in areas where all slopes are covered by loess. The interaction between adjacent watersheds also influences the formation of asymmetrical gullies. These results support the understanding of asymmetrical gully formation in relation to the underlying bedrock structure and gully reorganization, thereby contributing to the development of process‐based gully evolution models.
A review on pump‐hydro storage for renewable and hybrid energy systems applications
Authors: Das Pronob , Das Barun K. , Mustafi Nirendra N. , Sakir Md. Takmil
Published: December 2020

The integration of storage technologies into the hybrid energy system (HES) offers significant stability in delivering electricity to a remote community. In addition, the benefits of using storage devices for achieving high renewable energy (RE) contribution to the total energy supply are also paramount. The present study provides a detailed review on the utilization of pump‐hydro storage (PHS) related to the RE‐based stand‐alone and grid‐connected HESs. The PHS‐based HESs have been analyzed considering the technical details, including reliability, cost‐effectiveness, and environmental indicators. The optimization techniques are critically employed to the PHS‐based systems, including metaheuristics intelligent techniques, commercially available optimization and simulation tools, and recent advanced optimization tools. A comparative analysis of PHS integration to the stand‐alone and grid‐connected systems based on techno‐economic and environmental indicators over other storage technologies is also presented. The key technical and environmental challenges related to the PHS‐based HES are identified. Results from the recent research studies indicate that the PHS‐based HESs offer significant cost and environmental benefits over battery storage technologies. The study identifies that the particle swarm optimization is the mostly appreciated optimizing technique for cost‐effective energy supply and environmental aspects followed by hybrid optimization model for electric renewables and genetic algorithm.
Three‐dimensional electrostatic capacitors as futuristic miniaturized energy storage component for energy autonomous systems
Authors: Ali Faizan , Kim Ki‐Hyun
Published: December 2020

For the integration of ambient energy sources into implantable/wearable microelectronics, the development of efficient and high‐power energy storage devices is essential (such as electrostatic or dielectric capacitors). In light of the general need for small components for energy storage devices, the development of fluorite‐based three‐dimensional structured electrostatic capacitors is expected to open new paths for the future development of on‐chip energy storage, especially because of their enhanced capacity at low deposition thicknesses (in nanometers).
Privacy‐preserving multilevel obfuscation scheme for vehicular network
Authors: Ullah Ikram , Shah Munam A. , Khan Abid , Jeon Gwanggil
Published: December 2020

For accessing various location‐based services (LBS), a device needs to update its location frequently. The vehicle requires to exchange location messages with LBS while moving on the road network. These messages contain sensitive information of vehicles, that is, location, identity, direction, and other contents. LBS is not trusted and may conspire with an adversary to capture the location messages and based on the location information the adversary tracks the future location spots of the vehicle driver. Existing location privacy schemes require the collaboration of neighbor vehicles to anonymize their location. However, such collaboration needs the consent of the neighbor vehicles. In addition, the messages exchanged with LBS contain the real identity of a vehicle and the vehicle is exposed to identity threat. In this article, we propose a multilevel location privacy scheme (MLPS) for a vehicle using location services. The vehicle generates duplicate messages by taking location positions of transmission range vehicles to anonymize its location and identity. We simulate the proposed scheme for various vehicle traffic densities. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme MLPS is more efficient than the existing scheme in terms of anonymity set size, location obfuscation, and location traceability. The MLPS reduces the vehicle location traceability from 50% to 1% compared with the existing scheme.
Transcriptomic analysis of Chlorella sp. HS2 suggests the overflow of acetyl‐CoA and NADPH cofactor induces high lipid accumulation and halotolerance
Authors: Yun Jin‐Ho , Pierrelée Michaël , Cho Dae‐Hyun , Kim Urim , Heo Jina , Choi Dong‐Yun , Lee Yong Jae , Lee Bongsoo , Kim HyeRan , Habermann Bianca , Chang Yong Keun , Kim Hee‐Sik
Published: December 2020

Previously, we isolated Chlorella sp. HS2 (referred hereupon as HS2) from a local tidal rock pool and demonstrated its halotolerance and high biomass productivity under different salinity conditions. To further understand acclimation responses of this alga under high salinity stress, we performed transcriptome analysis of triplicated culture samples grown in freshwater and marine conditions at both exponential and stationary growth phases. The results indicated that the transcripts involved in photosynthesis, TCA, and Calvin cycles were downregulated, whereas the upregulation of DNA repair mechanisms and an ABCB subfamily of eukaryotic type ABC transporter was observed at high salinity condition. In addition, while key enzymes associated with glycolysis pathway and triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis were determined to be upregulated from early growth phase, salinity stress seemed to reduce the carbohydrate content of harvested biomass from 45.6 dw% to 14.7 dw% and nearly triple the total lipid content from 26.0 dw% to 62.0 dw%. These results suggest that the reallocation of storage carbon toward lipids played a significant role in conferring the viability of this alga under high salinity stress by remediating high level of cellular stress partially resulted from ROS generated in oxygen‐evolving thylakoids as observed in a direct measure of photosystem activities.
Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction by Juniperus communis extract in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through activation of p53‐induced apoptosis pathway
Authors: Li Chia‐Yu , Lee Shan‐Chih , Lai Wen‐Lin , Chang Kai‐Fu , Huang Xiao‐Fan , Hung Peng‐Yun , Lee Chi‐Pin , Hsieh Ming‐Chang , Tsai Nu‐Man
Published: December 2020

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most common cancers. It has a high mortality rate and requires novel effective drugs and therapeutic approaches. Juniperus communis (JCo), used to flavor gin and food, has been documented to have anti‐tumor activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor activity of JCo extract against ESCC and its possible mechanisms. JCo extract suppressed cell growth in ESCC and showed higher selection for ESCC cells than normal cells compared to the clinical drug 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). JCo extract induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase by regulating the expression of p53/p21 and CDKs/cyclins, triggering cell apoptosis by activating both the extrinsic (Fas/FasL/Caspase 8) and intrinsic (Bcl‐2/Bax/Caspase 9) apoptosis pathways. Moreover, a combination treatment of JCo and 5‐FU synergistically inhibited proliferation of ESCC cells. These results suggest that JCo extract is a potential natural therapeutic agent for esophageal cancer, as it could induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in ESCC cells.
The hepatoprotective effects of fennel seeds extract and trans‐Anethole in streptozotocin‐induced liver injury in rats
Authors: Samadi‐Noshahr Zahra , Hadjzadeh Mousa‐Al‐Reza , Moradi‐Marjaneh Reyhaneh , Khajavi‐Rad Abolfazl
Published: December 2020

Hypoglycemic, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant activities of fennel have been recorded in numerous investigations. The study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of fennel or its active component trans‐Anethole (TA) on streptozotocin‐induced liver injury in rats. Rats were injected with a single dose of STZ (65 mg/kg) and treated with fennel (200 and 400 mg/kg), TA (80 mg/kg), or metformin (300 mg/kg) for 35 days. Serum lipid profile and liver enzyme activity (aminotransferases), oxidative stress markers, and the degree of fibrosis in the liver tissue were assessed. Both fennel and TA decreased blood glucose levels, reduced liver enzyme activity, food, and water intake, and intensity of weight loss, reduced serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c), and increased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c). Additionally, fennel and TA significantly reduced MDA concentration while increased CAT activity and thiol content and reduced the degree of injury and fibrosis in the liver of diabetic rats. Our results suggest that fennel seed extract and its active compound TA are able to protect the liver against diabetes‐induced hepatic injury in rats, probably via hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects.
MultimodalMRIassessment for first episode psychosis: A major change in the thalamus and an efficient stratification of a subgroup
Authors: Faria Andreia V. , Zhao Yi , Ye Chenfei , Hsu Johnny , Yang Kun , Cifuentes Elizabeth , Wang Lei , Mori Susumu , Miller Michael , Caffo Brian , Sawa Akira
Published: December 2020

Multi‐institutional brain imaging studies have emerged to resolve conflicting results among individual studies. However, adjusting multiple variables at the technical and cohort levels is challenging. Therefore, it is important to explore approaches that provide meaningful results from relatively small samples at institutional levels. We studied 87 first episode psychosis (FEP) patients and 62 healthy subjects by combining supervised integrated factor analysis (SIFA) with a novel pipeline for automated structure‐based analysis, an efficient and comprehensive method for dimensional data reduction that our group recently established. We integrated multiple MRI features (volume, DTI indices, resting state fMRI—rsfMRI) in the whole brain of each participant in an unbiased manner. The automated structure‐based analysis showed widespread DTI abnormalities in FEP and rs‐fMRI differences between FEP and healthy subjects mostly centered in thalamus. The combination of multiple modalities with SIFA was more efficient than the use of single modalities to stratify a subgroup of FEP (individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder) that had more robust deficits from the overall FEP group. The information from multiple MRI modalities and analytical methods highlighted the thalamus as significantly abnormal in FEP. This study serves as a proof‐of‐concept for the potential of this methodology to reveal disease underpins and to stratify populations into more homogeneous sub‐groups.
Can General Practitioners Be More Productive? The Impact of Teamwork and Cooperation with Nurses on GP Activities
Authors: Loussouarn Christophe , Franc Carine , Videau Yann , Mousquès Julien
Published: December 2020

The integration of primary care organizations and interprofessional cooperation is encouraged in many countries to both improve the productive and allocative efficiency of care provision and address the unequal geographical distribution of general practitioners (GPs). In France, a pilot experiment promoted the vertical integration of and teamwork between GPs and nurses. This pilot experiment relied on the staffing and training of nurses; skill mixing, including the authorization to shift tasks from GPs to nurses; and new remuneration schemes. This article evaluates the overall impact of this pilot experiment over the period 2010–2017 on GP activities based on the following indicators: number of working days, patients seen at least once, patients registered, and visits delivered. We control for endogeneity and reduce selection bias by using a case‐control design combining coarsened exact matching and difference‐in‐differences estimates on panel data. We find a small positive impact on the number of GP working days (+1.2%) following enrollment and a more pronounced effect on the number of patients seen (+7.55%) or registered (+6.87%). However, we find no effect on the number of office and home visits. In this context, cooperation and teamwork between GPs and nurses seem to improve access to care for patients.
Improved pulmonary lung nodules risk stratification in computed tomography images by fusing shape and texture features in a machine‐learning paradigm
Authors: Sahu Satya Prakash , Londhe Narendra D. , Verma Shrish , Singh Bikesh K. , Banchhor Sumit Kumar
Published: December 2020

Lung cancer is one of the most deadly cancer in both men and women. Accurate and early diagnosis of pulmonary lung nodules is critical. This study presents an accurate computer‐aided diagnosis (CADx) system for risk stratification of pulmonary nodules in computed tomography (CT) lung images by fusing shape and texture‐based features in a machine‐learning (ML) based paradigm. A database with 114 (28 high‐risk) patients acquired from Lung Image Database Consortium (LIDC) is used in this study. After nodule segmentation using K‐means clustering, features based on shape and texture attributes are extracted. Seven different filter and wrapper‐based feature selection techniques are used for dominant feature selection. Lastly, the classification of nodules is performed by a support vector machine using six different kernel functions. The classification results are evaluated using 10‐fold cross‐validation and hold‐out data division protocols. The performance of the proposed system is evaluated using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and the area under receiver operating characteristics (AUC). Using 30 dominant features from the pool of shape and texture‐based features, the proposed system achieves the highest classification accuracy and AUC of 89% and 0.92, respectively. The proposed ML‐based system showed an improvement in risk stratification accuracy by fusing shape and texture‐based features.
Role of blood oxygenation saturation in ovarian cancer diagnosis using multi‐spectral photoacoustic tomography
Authors: Amidi Eghbal , Yang Guang , Uddin K. M. Shihab , Luo Hongbo , Middleton William , Powell Matthew , Siegel Cary , Zhu Quing
Published: December 2020

In photoacoustic tomography (PAT), a tunable laser typically illuminates the tissue at multiple wavelengths, and the received photoacoustic waves are used to form functional images of relative total haemoglobin (rHbT) and blood oxygenation saturation (%sO2). Due to measurement errors, the estimation of these parameters can be challenging, especially in clinical studies. In this study, we use a multi‐pixel method to smooth the measurements before calculating rHbT and %sO2. We first perform phantom studies using blood tubes of calibrated %sO2 to evaluate the accuracy of our %sO2 estimation. We conclude by presenting diagnostic results from PAT of 33 patients with 51 ovarian masses imaged by our co‐registered PAT and ultrasound system. The ovarian masses were divided into malignant and benign/normal groups. Functional maps of rHbT and %sO2 and their histograms as well as spectral features were calculated using the PAT data from all ovaries in these two groups. Support vector machine models were trained on different combinations of the significant features. The area under ROC (AUC) of 0.93 (0.95%CI: 0.90‐0.96) on the testing data set was achieved by combining mean %sO2, a spectral feature, and the score of the study radiologist.
Investigation of BiVO4 structure variations on the dichlorotoluene ammoxidation performance
Authors: Li Xiongjian , Huang Chi
Published: December 2020

In this study, BiVO4 synthesized by hydrothermal and calcination methods were explored as catalysts in the ammoxidation of dichlorotoluenes to shed light on the structure‐reactivity correlations. The BiVO4 samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), temperature‐programmed reduction (TPR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and UV–Vis spectrophotometry. The results showed that the catalytic activity of BiVO4 greatly relied on the structure variations. The hydrothermal prepared BiVO4 exhibited better catalytic activities as a consequence of its greater structure deformation, with maximum yields of 73.1, 72.2, and 70.8% for 3,4‐, 2,4‐ and 2,6‐ dichlorobenzonitrles, respectively.
Cabbage‐derived three‐dimensional cellulose scaffold‐induced osteogenic differentiation of stem cells
Authors: Salehi Ali , Mobarhan Mohammad A. , Mohammadi Javad , Shahsavarani Hosein , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali , Alipour Atefeh
Published: December 2020

Herbal‐derived three‐dimensional scaffolds have a unique structure that represents the natural cellular microenvironment and can be potentially used for tissue engineering applications. In the present study, cabbage (Cb) leaves were decellularized and then their characteristics, such as surface roughness, wettability, porosity, mechanical properties, and specific surface area, were investigated. After that, scaffold osteoinductivity was studied by bone‐marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) osteogenic differentiation while growing on the decellularized Cb leaves. Cells mineralization, calcium secretion, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and expression levels of bone‐related genes were determined during the differentiation process. Our results from the structural characterization of the scaffolds demonstrated that decellularized Cb leaves are good candidates for bone differentiation in terms of surface roughness, mechanical properties, and interconnected pores. Osteogenic differentiation evaluation of the BM‐MSCs determined that the cell's ALP activity and mineralization were increased significantly while cultured on the decellularized Cb leaves compared to the cells cultured on the culture plate as a control. Besides, Runx2, ALP, collagen‐1 (Col‐I), and osteocalcin genes were expressed in cells cultured on decellularized Cb leaves significantly higher than cells cultured on the culture plate. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the decellularized Cb scaffold has great potential for promoting BM‐MSCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.
Right atrial thrombus complicating a right‐sided arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Li Xiao‐Dong , Kong Bo‐Yu , Bai Yang , Xu Hui
Published: December 2020

There are few studies in the literature about arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy complicated with right atrial thrombus. We report a case of right atrial thrombus complicating a right‐sided arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy detected by echocardiography. Electrocardiography showed typical Epsilon waves, and the diagnosis was further confirmed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
MRI surveillance of boys with X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy identified by newborn screening: Meta‐analysis and consensus guidelines
Authors: Mallack Eric J. , Turk Bela R. , Yan Helena , Price Carrie , Demetres Michelle , Moser Ann B. , Becker Catherine , Hollandsworth Kim , Adang Laura , Vanderver Adeline , Van Haren Keith , Ruzhnikov Maura , Kurtzberg Joanne , Maegawa Gustavo , Orchard Paul J. , Lund Troy C. , Raymond Gerald V. , Regelmann Molly , Orsini Joseph J. , Seeger Elisa , Kemp Stephan , Eichler Florian , Fatemi Ali
Published: December 2020

Background

Among boys with X‐Linked adrenoleukodystrophy, a subset will develop childhood cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy (CCALD). CCALD is typically lethal without hematopoietic stem cell transplant before or soon after symptom onset. We sought to establish evidence‐based guidelines detailing the neuroimaging surveillance of boys with neurologically asymptomatic adrenoleukodystrophy.

Methods

To establish the most frequent age and diagnostic neuroimaging modality for CCALD, we completed a meta‐analysis of relevant studies published between January 1, 1970 and September 10, 2019. We used the consensus development conference method to incorporate the resulting data into guidelines to inform the timing and techniques for neuroimaging surveillance. Final guideline agreement was defined as >80% consensus.

Results

One hundred twenty‐three studies met inclusion criteria yielding 1285 patients. The overall mean age of CCALD diagnosis is 7.91 years old. The median age of CCALD diagnosis calculated from individual patient data is 7.0 years old (IQR: 6.0‐9.5, n = 349). Ninety percent of patients were diagnosed between 3 and 12. Conventional MRI was most frequently reported, comprised most often of T2‐weighted and contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted MRI. The expert panel achieved 95.7% consensus on the following surveillance parameters: (a) Obtain an MRI between 12 and 18 months old. (b) Obtain a second MRI 1 year after baseline. (c) Between 3 and 12 years old, obtain a contrast‐enhanced MRI every 6 months. (d) After 12 years, obtain an annual MRI.

Conclusion

Boys with adrenoleukodystrophy identified early in life should be monitored with serial brain MRIs during the period of highest risk for conversion to CCALD.
Temporal transcriptomes of a marine cyanopodovirus and its Synechococcus host during infection
Authors: Huang Sijun , Sun Yingting , Zhang Si , Long Lijuan
Published: December 2020

Marine picocyanobacteria belonging to genera Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus are genetically diverged and distributed into distinct biogeographical patterns, and both are infected by genetically closely related cyanopodoviruses. Previous studies have not fully explored whether the two virus–host systems share similar gene expression patterns during infection. Whole‐genome expression dynamics of T7‐like cyanopodovirus P‐SSP7 and its host Prochlorococcus strain MED4 have already been reported. Here, we conducted genomic and transcriptomic analyses on T7‐like cyanopodovirus S‐SBP1 during its infection on Synechococcus strain WH7803. S‐SBP1 has a latent period of 8 h and phage DNA production of 30 copies per cell. In terms of whole‐genome phylogenetic relationships and average nucleotide identity, S‐SBP1 was most similar to cyanopodovirus S‐RIP2, which also infects Synechococcus WH7803. Three hypervariable genomic islands were identified when comparing the genomes of S‐SBP1 and S‐RIP2. Single nucleotide variants were also observed in three S‐SBP1 genes, which were located within the island regions. Based on RNA‐seq analysis, S‐SBP1 genes clustered into three temporal expression classes, whose gene content was similar to that of P‐SSP7. Thirty‐two host genes were upregulated during phage infection, including those involved in carbon metabolism, ribosome components, and stress response. These upregulated genes were similar to those upregulated by Prochlorococcus MED4 in response to infection by P‐SSP7. Our study demonstrates a programmed temporal expression pattern of cyanopodoviruses and hosts during infection.
Optimal licensing strategy of green technology in a mixed oligopoly: Fixed fee versus royalty
Authors: Li Dongdong
Published: December 2020

This paper develops a mixed oligopoly model to explore the optimal licensing strategy of green technology. In our model, either private firm or public firm could be the patentee. We show that when the private firm is the patentee, all the two types of licensing contracts (i.e., fixed fee and royalty) are optimal. However, when the public firm is the patentee, the fixed fee licensing is the optimal licensing contract. We examine the welfare consequence of a privatization policy under the optimal licensing contract and show that the privatization policy hinder the improvement of social welfare.
Evaluation of Nutrition Status Using the Subjective Global Assessment: Malnutrition, Cachexia, and Sarcopenia
Authors: Duerksen Donald R. , Laporte Manon , Jeejeebhoy Khursheed
Published: December 2020

The subjective global assessment (SGA) is a nutrition assessment tool that refers to an overall evaluation of a patient's history and physical examination and uses structured clinical parameters to diagnose malnutrition. The SGA is known to be a reliable and valid tool that predicts morbidity and mortality associated with malnutrition. The objective of SGA is to identify patients likely to benefit from nutrition intervention and therefore to identify persons in whom inadequate nutrition intake or absorption explain features of malnutrition, including body wasting. There are other conditions that cause weight loss, muscle wasting, and fat loss, including cachexia and sarcopenia. Acknowledging that these 2 last conditions differ in their mechanism of body wasting and consequently in the outcomes of nutrition intervention, the practitioner needs a tool to identify when malnutrition is the dominating factor to explain body wasting. The SGA form has been revised to clearly reflect the key concepts behind the diagnosis of malnutrition and help to distinguish this condition from other wasting conditions. This review presents the revised SGA form and guidance document. Using case studies, it illustrates the 3 wasting conditions, their overlap, and how the SGA identifies malnutrition as a dominating factor of body wasting and thus individuals who require nutrition intervention.
Chromatography‐Free Multicomponent Synthesis of Thioureas Enabled by Aqueous Solution of Elemental Sulfur
Authors: Németh András Gy. , Szabó Renáta , Domján Attila , Keserű György M. , Ábrányi‐Balogh Péter
Published: December 2020

The development of a new three‐component chromatography‐free reaction of isocyanides, amines and elemental sulfur allowed us the straightforward synthesis of thioureas in water. Considering a large pool of organic and inorganic bases, we first optimized the preparation of aqueous polysulfide solution from elemental sulfur. Using polysulfide solution, we were able to omit the otherwise mandatory chromatography, and to isolate the crystalline products directly from the reaction mixture by a simple filtration, retaining the sulfur in the solution phase. A wide range of thioureas synthesized in this way confirmed the reasonable substrate and functional group tolerance of our protocol.
Effect of Al2O3 nanofillers in basalt/epoxy composites: Mechanical and tribological properties
Authors: Vinay S. S. , Sanjay M. R. , Siengchin Suchart , Venkatesh C. V.
Published: December 2020

In this research, effect of Al2O3 nanofillers on mechanical, wear, and hardness characteristics of basalt/epoxy laminate composites were carried out. Composite laminates of basalt/epoxy with different percentage of Al2O3 nano fillers were manufactured by Hand layup method. Mechanical Properties which includes tensile strength, inter laminar shear strength (ILSS), flexural strength, impact strength, and hardness were investigated as per ASTM standards. Wear tests were carried out for different loads with different sliding velocities keeping sliding distance constant. It was observed that flexural strength and ILSS increases for small percentage of nanofillers, whereas tensile strength deteriorates with increase in percentage of fillers and hardness increases with increase in percentage of fillers. The wear results indicates, the addition of Al2O3 nanofillers significantly reduces the wear loss of basalt/epoxy composites. Fractured and worn surfaces were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy images which establishes a good agreement with the obtained results.