bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanics as a Means of Information Propagation in Development
Authors: Genuth Miriam A. , Holley Scott A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractNew research demonstrates that mechanics can serve as a means of information propagation in developing embryos. Historically, the study of embryonic development has had a dichotomy between morphogens and pattern formation on the one hand and morphogenesis and mechanics on the other. Secreted signals are the preeminent means of information propagation between cells and used to control cell fate, while physical forces act downstream or in parallel to shape tissue morphogenesis. However, recent work has blurred this division of function by demonstrating that mechanics can serve as a means of information propagation. Adhesive or repulsive interactions can propagate through a tissue as a wave. These waves are rapid and directional and can be used to control the flux of cells through a developmental trajectory. Here, two examples are reviewed in which mechanics both guides and mediates morphogenesis and two examples in which mechanics intertwines with morphogens to regulate cell fate.
From the completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy to surgery for colorectal cancer liver metastasis: What is the optimal timing?
Authors: Chen Qichen , Mao Rui , Zhao Jianjun , Bi Xinyu , Li Zhiyu , Huang Zhen , Zhang Yefan , Zhou Jianguo , Zhao Hong , Cai Jianqiang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundNeoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has been widely performed in the treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) patients, but the optimal timing of surgery after NAC is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the optimal timing of surgery.MethodsFrom December 2010 to May 2018, 101 consecutive patients who received NAC followed by liver resection for CRLM were included in this study. The main outcome parameters were pathological response, progression‐free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). The effect of time to surgery (TTS) on patient outcomes, defined as a high TTS and a low TTS according to an X‐tile analysis, was investigated. To adjust for potential selection bias, propensity score matching at 1:2 was performed with two high TTS patients matched to one low TTS patient. Kaplan‐Meier curves, logistic regression analyses, and Cox regression models were used for the data analysis.ResultsThe optimal cut‐off value for the TTS was 5 weeks by X‐tile analysis. The patients in this study were divided into low (≤5 weeks, n = 27) and high (>5 weeks, n = 74) TTS groups. Patients with a high TTS were more likely to have an unfavorable pathological response (75.7% vs 48.1%, P = .008). In multivariate analysis, a low TTS significantly predicted a better pathological response (OR = 3.397, 95% CI: 1.116‐10.344, P = .031). Compared to patients with a high TTS, patients with a low TTS had significantly better PFS (P < .001, mPFS: 16 months vs 7 months) and better OS (P = .037, mOS: not reached vs 36 months). Multivariate analysis revealed that a TTS > 5 weeks was an independent predictor of decreased PFS (HR = 2.041, 95% CI: 1.152‐3.616, P = .014) but not OS. After propensity matching, the patients with a low TTS had significantly better PFS (P < .001, mPFS: 18.2 months vs 10 months) and an equivalent OS (P = .115, mOS: not reached vs 41 months). Multivariate analysis revealed that a TTS > 5 weeks was an independent predictor of decreased PFS (HR = 3.031, 95% CI: 1.494‐6.149, P = .002) but not OS.ConclusionThe longer TTS after the completion of NAC may be disadvantageous for a favorable pathological response and long‐term PFS. These results should be validated prospectively in a randomized trial.
Long noncoding RNA LINC01410 promotes the tumorigenesis of neuroblastoma cells by sponging microRNA‐506‐3p and modulating WEE1
Authors: Mi Jie , Han Yang , Zhang Jin , Hao Xiwei , Xing Maoqing , Shang Cong 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectiveNeuroblastoma (NBL) is an extra‐cranial solid tumor in children. This study was attempted to investigate the regulatory mechanism of long noncoding RNA LINC01410 (LINC01410) on NBL.MethodsThe expression of LINC01410, miR‐506‐3p, and WEE1 in NBL was evaluated by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. The proliferation and colony formation ability of NBL cells were analyzed by MTT and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry assay was executed to measure the apoptosis and cell cycle. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the targeted relationships among LINC01410, miR‐506‐3p, and WEE1. Additionally, the role of LINC01410 on NBL in vivo was evaluated according to a tumor xenograft model.ResultsThe expression of LINC01410 and WEE1 was enhanced and miR‐506‐3p was inhibited in NBL. LINC01410 knockdown attenuated the cell proliferation, colony formation ability, and inhibited tumor growth. Moreover, LINC01410 silencing facilitated the apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle. LINC01410 interacted with miR‐506‐3p to elevate the WEE1 expression in NBL. Additionally, miR‐506‐3p inhibition or WEE1 overexpression weakened the reduction effects of sh‐LINC01410 on cell proliferation, colony formation ability, apoptosis, and cell cycle.ConclusionsKnockdown of LINC01410 inhibited the development of NBL by miR‐506‐3p/WEE1 axis in vitro, which could serve as a potential therapeutic target for NBL therapy.
Bioinspired Design of Hybrid Polymer Catalysts with Multicopper Sites for Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Jin Lei , Thanneeru Srinivas , Cintron Daniel , He Jie 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCu‐containing metalloenzymes are known to catalyze oxygen activation through cooperative catalysis. In the current work, we report the design of synthetic polymer Cu catalysts using pyrene‐labelled poly(2‐hydroxy‐3‐dipicolylamino) propyl methacrylate (Py‐PGMADPA) to coordinate multiple Cu sites along polymer chains. The catalysts feature a pyrene end group that can form supramolecular π‐π stacking with conductive carbon to allow efficient immobilization of catalysts to the graphite electrode. Cu‐containing Py‐PGMADPA was examined for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction. The hybrid catalyst showed an onset potential of 0.5 V (vs. RHE) at pH 7 and 0.79 V at pH 13. The kinetic study indicated that the catalyst had a 2e− reduction of oxygen mainly mediated by Cu+ centers. We demonstrated the importance of cooperative catalysis among Cu sites which did not exist for other transition metal ions, like Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, and Ni2+. The confinement of polymer chains promotes the activity and stabilizes Cu catalysts even at an extremely low Cu loading. The rational design of bioinspired polymer catalysts offers an alternative way to prepare synthetic mimics of metalloenzymes.
The Interplay between National Cultural Dimensions and Components of a Performance Management System: A Qualitative Study from Pakistan
Authors: Nadeem Sadia , Tayyab Zakia 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis paper examines the interplay between national cultural dimensions and the design, enactment, and experience of a Western model of a performance management system (PMS) in a non‐Western setting. Data from four organizations in Pakistan indicate that domestic organizations are designing their PMSs in accordance with Western practices. Additionally, it reveals that during enactment and experience, the cultural values of low assertiveness, high in‐group collectivism, and high power distance interact, although to varying degrees, with continuous feedback, appraisal meetings, final ratings, outcomes, and objective setting. Thus, while convergence in design reflects the far‐reaching influence of globalization, divergence is attributable to cultural values which act as a deep‐rooted force during enactment.
Advancements in the Development of Non‐Nitrogen‐Based Amphiphilic Antiseptics to Overcome Pathogenic Bacterial Resistance
Authors: Carden Robert G. , Sommers Kyle J. , Schrank Cassandra L. , Leitgeb Austin J. , Feliciano Javier A. , Wuest William M. , Minbiole Kevin P. C. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe prevalence of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) as common disinfecting agents for the past century has led bacteria to develop resistance to such compounds. Given the alarming increase in resistant strains, new strategies are required to combat this rise in resistance. Recent efforts to probe and combat bacterial resistance have focused on studies of multiQACs. Relatively unexplored, however, have been changes to the primary atom bearing positive charge in these antiseptics. Here we review the current state of the field of both phosphonium and sulfonium amphiphilic antiseptics, both of which hold promise as novel means to address bacterial resistance.
Mechanisms, Methods of Tracking and Applications of DNA Walkers: A Review
Authors: Valero Julián , Škugor Marko 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe front cover artwork is provided by Julián Valero and Marko Škugor from Aarhus University and University of Bonn. The image shows an ad libitum representation of a new class of artificial molecular motors, coined as DNA walkers, on an athletic track testing their performance i.e. speed, directionality and progressivity. Read the full text of the Review at 10.1002/cphc.202000235.
Quantitative Analyses of Förster Resonance Energy Transfer between Identical Pyrene Chromophores (Homo‐FRET) In DNA Scaffolds.
Authors: Kashida Hiromu , Kawai Hayato , Azuma Hidenori , Araki Yasuyuki , Wada Takehiko , Asanuma Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2020

AbstractFörster resonance energy transfer between identical chromophores (homo‐FRET) has been difficult to analyze since neither emission intensity nor lifetime changes with the occurrence of homo‐FRET. Herein we used a DNA scaffold to analyze homo‐FRET between pyrene moieties. The DNA scaffold was modified with two pyrenes and a quencher, anthraquinone. Homo‐FRET was detected by monitoring quenching of pyrene emission and the decrease in the fluorescence lifetime of pyrene. Homo‐FRET efficiencies could be calculated by excluding effects of hetero‐FRET. The experimentally determined efficiencies showed an excellent agreement with Förster theory. These results will inform design of novel molecular probes and light‐harvesting antennae.
Heart failure hospitalizations and costs in ICD/CRT‐D recipients following replacement or upgrade: the DECODE registry
Authors: Zacà Valerio , Narducci Maria Lucia , Ziacchi Matteo , Valente Serafina , Pelargonio Gemma , Tomasi Corrado , Bandini Alberto , Zingarini Gianluca , Calzolari Vittorio , Del Rosso Attilio , Boggian Giulio , Sabbatani Paolo , Bonfantino Massimo Vincenzo , Malacrida Maurizio , Biffi Mauro 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study is to report heart failure hospitalization (HFH) rates and associated costs within 12 months following implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)/cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT‐D) device replacement or upgrade from ICD to CRT‐D.Methods and resultsThe DEtect long‐term COmplications after icD rEplacement (DECODE) was a prospective, single‐arm, multicentre cohort study that explored complications in ICD/CRT‐D recipients. All clinical and survival data at 12 months were prospectively analysed. For each adjudicated HFH, admission and discharge dates and ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis and procedure codes were recorded. The reimbursement for each HFH was calculated for each diagnosis‐related group code. Between 2013 and 2015, 983 patients (mean age 71 years, male 76%, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 35%, and New York Heart Association Class I/II 75.6%) were enrolled. Patients underwent device replacement (900; 91.6%, 446 ICD/454 CRT‐D) or ICD upgrade to CRT‐D (83; 8.4%). Post‐replacement hospitalizations occurred in 220 patients, with the primary discharge diagnosis identifying cardiovascular causes in 175 patients (80%). Fifty‐five (5.6%) patients experienced at least one HFH. Overall, 91 HFH events occurred (9.6% event rate, 95% confidence interval: 7.7–11.7) in 70 patients; 66 (6.7%) patients died, 40 (60.6%) of cardiovascular causes. The HFH rate was significantly higher following upgrades, and the occurrence of HFH was associated with an 11‐fold increased mortality risk (95% confidence interval: 5.9–20.5, P < 0.0001). Medical diagnosis‐related group accounted for 91.2% of HFH; the mean cost per HFH was €5662 ± 9497, and the mean cost per patient was €9369 ± 12 687. On multivariate analysis, predictors of HFH were atrial fibrillation, chronic kidney disease, and all‐cause hospitalization within 30 days prior to the procedure.ConclusionsIn the DECODE registry, HFH and mortality rates in the year following ICD/CRT‐D replacement or upgrade were low. In this particular subset, underlying cardiac disease was the main driver of HFH, mortality, and higher healthcare expenditures.
Development of a microwave‐assisted extraction method for the recovery of bioactive inositols from lettuce (Lactuca sativa) byproducts
Authors: Zuluaga Ana M. , Mena‐García Adal , Chito‐Trujillo Diana , Rada‐Mendoza Maite , Sanz María L. , Ruiz‐Matute Ana I. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) method was developed for the extraction of bioactive inositols (D‐chiro‐ and myo‐inositols) from lettuce (Lactuca sativa) leaves as a strategy for the revalorization of these agrofood residues. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry was selected for the simultaneous determination of inositols and sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose) in these samples. A Box–Behnken experimental design was used to maximize the extraction of inositols based on the results of single factor tests. Optimal conditions of the extraction process were as follows: liquid‐to‐solid ratio of 100:1 v/w, 40°C, 30 min extraction time, 20:80 ethanol:water (v/v), and one extraction cycle. When compared with conventional solid‐liquid extraction (SLE), MAE was found to be more effective for the extraction of target bioactive carbohydrates (MAE 5.42 mg/g dry sample versus SLE 4.01 mg/g dry sample). Then, MAE methodology was applied to the extraction of inositols from L. sativa leaves of different varieties (var. longifolia, var. capitata and var. crispa). D‐chiro‐ and myo‐inositol contents varied between 0.57–7.15 and 0.83–3.48 mg/g dry sample, respectively. Interfering sugars were removed from the extracts using a biotechnological procedure based on the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae for 24 h. The developed methodology was a good alternative to classical procedures to obtain extracts enriched in inositols from lettuce residues, which could be of interest for the agrofood industry.
Enantioseparation and molecular modeling study of eight psychoactive drugs on a coated polysaccharide‐based chiral stationary phase
Authors: Cai Liangzhao , Xue Mengyao , Lun Jia , Li Shuang , Yu Jia , Guo Xingjie 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe enantioseparation of eight psychoactive drugs has been firstly performed on a coated cellulose‐based chiral stationary phase (Chiralcel OJ‐H). To obtain optimum separation conditions, the influences of alcohol modifiers and basic/acidic additives have been studied. As a result, except for the partial separation of oxybutynin enantiomers, the other seven drug enantiomers, including mirtazapine, sulpiride, promethazine, citalopram, oxazepam, donepezil, and cyamemazine, have been completely separated. Additionally, for gaining a better insight into the chiral recognition mechanisms, molecular docking was carried out using the Autodock software. Herein, binding energy and conformations of the chiral stationary phase complexes were provided, and it was found that the distinction in enantiomeric conformation determined the number and strength of intermolecular interactions between analytes and chiral stationary phase which resulted in the difference in binding energies of two enantiomers, and ultimately led to the different migration. These modeling results were in accordance with the observed enantioseparation results in high performance liquid chromatography experiments. At last, chiral separation mechanisms have been discussed in detail, and it has been confirmed that hydrogen bond, π–π, hydrophobic interactions, and some special interactions synergistically contributed to the enantioseparation of psychoactive drugs.
Maximizing secrecy rate of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing‐based multihop underwater acoustic sensor network
Authors: Aman Waqas , Rahman Muhammad M. U. , Haider Zeeshan , Qadir Junaid , Nawaz Muhammad W. , Sidhu Guftaar A. S. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this article, we consider an eavesdropping attack on a multihop, underwater acoustic sensor network that consists of M + 1 underwater sensors which report their sensed data via orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) scheme to a sink node on the water surface. Furthermore, due to the presence of a passive malicious node in nearby vicinity, the multihop underwater acoustic (UWA) channel between a sensor node and the sink node is prone to eavesdropping attack on each hop. Therefore, the problem at hand is to do (helper/relay) node selection (for data forwarding onto the next hop) as well as power allocation (across the OFDM subcarriers) in a way that the secrecy rate is maximized at each hop. To this end, this problem of node selection and power allocation (NSPA) is formulated as a mixed binary‐integer optimization program, which is then optimally solved via decomposition approach, and by exploiting duality theory along with the Karush‐Kuhn‐Tucker conditions. We also provide a computationally efficient, suboptimal solution to the NSPA problem, where we reformulate it as a mixed‐integer linear program and solve it via decomposition and geometric approach. Moreover, when the UWA channel is multipath (and not just line‐of‐sight), we investigate an additional, machine learning‐based approach to solve the NSPA problem. Finally, we compute the computational complexity of all the three proposed schemes (optimal, suboptimal, and learning‐based), and do extensive simulations to compare their performance against each other and against the baseline schemes (which allocate equal power to all the subcarriers and do depth‐based node selection). In a nutshell, this work proposes various (optimal and suboptimal) methods for providing information‐theoretic security at the physical layer of the protocol stack through resource allocation.
The Chinese warrant bubble: A fundamental analysis
Authors: Wang Yintian , Zhou Guofu , Zhu Yingzi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe investigate the information content in Chinese warrant prices based on an option pricing framework that incorporates short‐selling and margin‐trading constraints in the underlying stock market. We show that Chinese warrant prices can be explained under this pricing framework. On the basis of this new model, we develop a price deviation measure to quantify stock market investors' unobserved demand for short selling or margin trading due to market constraints. We find that warrant‐price deviations are driven by underlying stock valuation to a great extent. Chinese warrant prices, save for the time around expiration dates, are better characterized as derivatives than as pure bubbles.
Financial performance of hospitals: A critical obligation of corporate governance dimensions
Authors: Afriyie Stephen O. , Kong Yusheng , Lartey Peter Y. , Kaodui Li , Bediako Isaac A. , Wu Wenhao , Kyeremateng Peter H. 
Published: September 2020

SummaryBackgroundThis paper aims to investigate the effects of corporate governance mechanisms on the financial performance of hospitals. The statement, “good corporate governance” has been incorporated in the health care sector over the last decade, as an element to improve financial performance.MethodsThe researchers relied on both primary and secondary data in the study. For the primary data, the authors used structured and nonstructured questionnaires to obtain data from 125 hospitals. The secondary data used emanated from board meetings, financial statements and relevant reports of the selected hospitals from 2010 to 2017. However, the data was then sorted out to get the required information on Chief Executive Officer (CEO) presence, board relationship, governance dynamics, gender diversity and financial performance.ResultsOn the basis of empirical evidence provided in this study, the results show that the Independent Directors (INDPDR) variable has a positive effect on Return on Assets and Net Profit Margin and also a high statistically significant value of 0.000 for both performance measures. This is an indication that the variable, INDPDR, is highly capable of improving hospital financial performance. From our studies, Board Size and CEO Duality exhibited a negative relationship with the financial performance measures.ConclusionsEvery hospital needs money to maintain a standard health facility and to sustain in operation. However, the inclusion of board of directors improves hospital financial management and enhances performance. Corporate governance mechanisms influence the behavior of health systems in ways that are associated with financial performance.
Innovative Research Approaches to Cope with Water Security in Africa
Authors: de Miguel Angel , Froebrich Jochen , Jaouani Atef , Souissi Yasmine , Elmahdi Amgad , Mateo-Sagasta Javier , Al-Hamdi Mohamed , Frascari Dario 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
To achieve a water-secure world, water management should be approached from a multidimensional and integrative perspective, addressing the water-related issues of health, household supply, economics, the environment, and resilience to water-related and climate change hazards. Although water security has significantly improved since 2000 in Africa, there are still vast inequalities in access to water suitable in terms of quantity and quality, especially in rural areas. To achieve water-related sustainable development of African economies, a broad scope of innovative technological and management solutions is required, involving governments, research institutions, private sector parties, and civil society. This special series, composed of 8 papers, illustrates a selection of the most relevant results achieved by the 7 research projects selected and financed by the European Union under 2 dedicated Horizon 2020 calls in 2015: Water-5b-2015 “A coordination platform” and Water-5c-2015 “Development of water supply and sanitation technology, systems and tools, and/or methodologies.” The innovations presented in this special series include both technological advancements and w'ater management approaches, given that the development of water-related technologies in developing countries needs to be integrated into water management strategies and economic instruments. This special series aims to help policy makers take informed decisions on how to implement innovative approaches to increase water security in African countries. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:853–855. © 2020 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)
A meta‐analysis of SMEs literature based on the survey on access to finance of enterprises of the European central bank
Authors: Martinez Lisana B. , Guercio M. Belén , Bariviera Aurelio F. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSmall and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are substantial contributors to employment and to the GDP growth in many countries. Therefore, understanding their difficulties to find appropriate financial resources are a key task for policy makers. Despite being a long‐debated topic, there are still several gaps in the literature, probably due to the lack of empirical data. A relatively new database, the Survey of Access to Finance of Enterprises (SAFE) emerged after the subprime crisis. It is regularly conducted by the European Central Bank and can provide new information on SMEs financing. This paper conducts a meta‐analysis of the literature based upon this survey, identifying key working hypothesis, methodologies and results.