bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrical Conductivity of Halide Perovskites Follows Expectations from Classical Defect Chemistry
Authors: Leupold Nico , Seibel Anna Lena , Moos Ralf , Panzer Fabian 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDefect chemistry is key to understand electrical properties of many functional materials including halide perovskites. However, expectations from defect chemistry about the dependency of defect densities on the doping regime of halide perovskites have not yet been clearly confirmed experimentally. Here, we measure the electrical conductivity of the model halide perovskite Methylammonium Lead Iodide over a wide range of iodine partial pressures. We find that with iodine partial pressure the electrical conductivity changes with different slopes in a double‐logarithmic representation, indicating changes of the perovskite conductivity mechanism. Considering differences in the mobilities of the various defect species, we derive expectations about the dependence of the total conductivity of the perovskite as a function of iodine partial pressure. We find iodine vacancies dominating the conductivity at low iodine partial pressures, whereas at higher partial pressures holes govern the total conductivity. We find the concentration of iodide vacancies to be ∼1018 cm−3, in good agreement with the expected values based on intrinsic ionic disorder. Finally, for the case that the intrinsic ionic disorder concentration is overestimated, we elucidate the possibility to explain the conductivity profile by impurity induced acceptor doping in the perovskite. Thus, our work will allow to develop a more fundamental understanding about the electrical properties of halide perovskites.
Finite element modeling of buildings with structural and foundation rocking on dry sand
Authors: Pelekis Iason , McKenna Frank , Madabhushi Gopal S. P. , DeJong Matthew J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAllowing structures to rock during an earthquake can effectively provide base isolation at a relatively small cost. Rocking limits the base shear demand and provides self‐centering, but the rocking response depends on energy dissipation caused by interaction with the soil and impacts during re‐centering. This paper addresses the computational modeling of buildings that have either been designed to rock on the soil beneath their foundation (foundation rocking) or at the foundation–structure interface (structural rocking). Within OpenSees, foundation and structural rocking were modeled using a beam‐on‐a‐nonlinear‐Winkler‐foundation model (BNWF) combined with flat‐slider elements for footing–soil and superstructure–footing interactions, respectively. The modified with flat‐slider elements BNWF model (mBNWF) involves an uplift‐dependent stiffness and viscous damping for both vertical and horizontal directions, and a friction–vertical force coupling. The proposed computational model was used to simulate an extensive set of centrifuge tests involving both structural rocking and foundation rocking with sequential excitations. Generally, the proposed modeling approach, without calibration of built‐in parameters, adequately captured the response observed in centrifuge experiments. More specifically, the modeling captured the response amplitude and waveform of story accelerations and building rocking angle in most cases, but including potential nonlinear behavior caused by previous ground excitations was in some cases critical to obtain reasonable predictions. This was more profound for foundation rocking due to its inherent dependency on the soil strength and energy dissipation; for structural rocking previous nonlinear response primarily affected the transition time between full contact and rocking, but had a smaller effect on the prediction of maximum response.
The human health risks assessment of mercury in soils and plantains from farms in selected artisanal and small‐scale gold mining communities around Obuasi, Ghana
Authors: Addai‐Arhin Sylvester , Novirsa Randy , Jeong Hui Ho , Phan Quang Dinh , Hirota Nana , Ishibashi Yasuhiro , Shiratsuchi Hideki , Arizono Koji 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFood consumption remains the commonest pathway through which humans ingest higher levels of mercury (Hg). Long‐term exposure to Hg through Hg‐contaminated food may result in acute or chronic Hg toxicity. Incessant discharge of Hg waste from ASGM facilities into nearby farms contaminates food crops. Ingestion of such food crops by residents may lead to detrimental human health effects. The human health risks upon exposure to total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in farmland soils and plantains from farms sited near ASGM facilities were studied in four communities around Obuasi, Ghana. The human health risk assessment was evaluated using hazard quotient (HQ), estimated average daily intake (eAvDI), hazard index (HI) and Hg elimination and retention kinetics. Tweapease, Nyamebekyere and Ahansonyewodea had HQ, eAvDI and HI for THg of plantains for both adults and children below the recommended USEPA limit of 1, 3 × 10−4 mg/kg/day and 1, respectively. Odumase had HQ, eAvDI and HI for THg of plantains for both adults and children, higher than the guideline values. This meant that only Odumase may cause non‐carcinogenic human health effects upon repeated exposure. The HQ, eAvDI and HI values of MeHg for all the study areas were far below guideline values, hence may not pose any non‐carcinogenic human health risks to residents even upon repeated exposure. Retention and elimination kinetics of Hg also showed that only plantains from Odumase may pose significant non‐carcinogenic human health risks to residents because the final amount of inorganic mercury exceeded the extrapolated USEPA guideline value of 0.393 μg/kg/year.
Interleukin‐17—A multifaceted cytokine in viral infections
Authors: Sahu Utkarsha , Biswas Debasis , Prajapati Vijay Kumar , Singh Anirudh K. , Samant Mukesh , Khare Prashant 
Published: June 2021

AbstractViral infections are a major threat to the human population due to the lack of selective therapeutic measures. The morbidity and mortality reported worldwide are very alarming against viral pathogens. The proinflammatory environment is required for viral inhibition by initiating the host immune response. The host immune response fights these pathogens by secreting different cytokines. Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) a proinflammatory cytokine mainly produced by T helper type 17 cells, plays a vital role in the regulation of host immune response against various pathogens, including viruses. However, dysregulated production of IL‐17 induces chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and may lead to cancer. Recent studies suggest that IL‐17 is not only involved in the antiviral immune response but also promotes virus‐mediated illnesses. In this review, we discuss the protective and pathogenic role of IL‐17 against various viral infections. A detailed understanding of IL‐17 during viral infections could contribute to improve therapeutic measures and enable the development of an efficient and safe IL‐17 based immunotherapy.
Engineering leadership in a Chinese industrial context: An exploration using the four capabilities model
Authors: Zhu Jiabin , Hu Yu , Zheng Tianyi , Li Yike 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundOver the past two decades, state policies and industrial associations have challenged engineering educators to expand the training of future engineers beyond technical competencies to the broader domain of professional skills development, with one key aspect being engineering leadership.PurposeThis study adopted the four capabilities (4‐Cap) model, which views leadership as a set of four capabilities—sensemaking, relating, visioning, and inventing—as a conceptual framework to explore and operationalize the core skills and attributes required for engineers in a Chinese industrial context.MethodA qualitative study was conducted through semistructured interviews with 23 practicing engineers from different industries (e.g., IT, automobile) and various types of companies (e.g., state‐owned companies, foreign‐invested enterprises) in China. Using a thematic analysis approach, themes relating to engineering leadership within and beyond the 4‐Cap model were reported.ResultsQualitatively, more themes emerged for the dimension of inventing than for the other dimensions. The themes and patterns suggested the central role of inventing, which predominantly represented an innovative process of design‐oriented problem‐solving and project management closely associated with themes in the other dimensions. Therefore, the 4‐Cap model was revisited and revised by highlighting the core construct of inventing.ConclusionThis study enriches the current understanding of engineering leadership, especially in a Chinese industrial context. The results emphasize the importance of design, problem‐solving, and the social component in the daily work of engineering professionals. Suggestions for educational practices and future research, along with a call for more empirical data on engineering leadership in China and from a global context, are proposed.
A new approach for detecting multiple‐equilibria poverty traps
Authors: Mohapatra Sandeep 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDespite a large literature, empirical evidence on multiple‐equilibria poverty traps remains elusive. Current empirical methods estimate average welfare‐dynamics, which masks inherent heterogeneity across households. We develop an alternative approach that allows welfare‐dynamics to differ across the household wealth distribution. Drawing on the literature on regression discontinuity designs, we propose a new statistical test for detecting multiple‐equilibria and poverty traps. We demonstrate the approach using panel data on over 6000 rural households in India. Our application contributes to the economic development literature by examining poverty within caste, the main source of social stratification in India.
Sex influences on the neurocognitive outcome of preterm children
Authors: Taddei Matilde , Tinelli Francesca , Faccio Flavia , Riva Daria , Bulgheroni Sara 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis article presents a revision of the literature regarding the influence of sex differences on the recovery and long‐term behavioral and cognitive outcomes of preterm children. After initial discussion of some methodological concerns, the literature regarding the concept of “male disadvantage,” which is often used when talking about early neurological and psychomotor outcomes in preterm children, is presented. Subsequently, the literature data on sex‐related differences in preterm children are discussed, focusing on their influence on the developmental pathways of cognition, language, executive function, behavior and affect, and response to rehabilitation therapies. Finally, evidence about brain structural and connectivity correlates of sex differences in the brain of preterm survivors is taken into account. Although visuo‐spatial and visuo‐perceptual functioning is widely studied in the preterm child and is strongly sex specific, little to no data are available regarding male–female differences in preterm children and the interaction effect between sex and preterm birth. For this reason, original data analyses of male–female differences in visuo‐spatial performance from a small sample of preterm children are also presented.
Effects of soil water regime and nitrogen addition on ectomycorrhizal community structure ofPicea asperataseedlings
Authors: Xie Lulu , Wang Lixia , Pang Xueyong , Liu Qinghua , Yin Chunying 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundEctomycorrhizal (ECM) symbiosis is a fundamental driver in forest ecosystems. Studies of effects of fertilizer treatment on ECM fungal community structure were predominantly based on large, single additions of nitrogen. Studies involving chronic additions of nitrogen in combination with different gradients of water regime are much less common.AimTo investigate effects of water regime and nitrogen addition on the structure and diversity of ECM community, and identify main factors leading to changes in ECM community ofPicea asperata.MethodsThe structure and diversity of the ECM community were assessed by Illumina high throughput sequencing analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA extracted from ECM root tips, after 5 years of different gradients of water regimes [40% (W1), 50% (W2), 60% (W3), 80% (W4) and 100% (W5) of field capacity, respectively] and nitrogen additions [0 (N0), 20 (N1), 40 (N2) g N m–2y–1by adding ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) solution].ResultsECM community structure was altered by water and nitrogen treatments. Clearer separations were found under water treatment than under nitrogen treatment. ECM community species richness of N1 was significantly higher than that of N2 under W5 treatment and was significantly influenced by the interaction of water and nitrogen. However, the diversity and evenness of the ECM community were unaffected. Soil water content (SWC), nitrogen availability and their interaction, soil available phosphorus, and pH (which were induced by treatments) significantly explained the variation in ECM community structure among different treatments.ConclusionECM species are more sensitive to changes in SWC than changes in nitrogen addition. Nitrogen and water treatments influenced the structure of the ECM community mainly through altering the relative abundances of exploration types and specific genera. Our findings can enhance understanding of the implications of nitrogen addition and water regime on soil processes in ECM‐dominated coniferous forests under global changes.
Selective Antibacterial Activity of Palmitoleic Acid in Emulsions and Other Formulations
Authors: Watanabe Takamasa , Yano Shigekazu , Kawai Takahiro , Jinbo Yuji , Nonomura Yoshimune 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn recent years, the selective antibacterial properties of certain fatty acids (FA) against Staphylococcus aureus have received significant attention. In this study, the antibacterial properties of palmitoleic acid (16:1 FA) in oil (triolein), surfactant (Tween® 60), and water ternary systems were evaluated to demonstrate the effects of the mixed states on the biological activity. The 16:1 FA exhibited selective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 18.8 μg mL−1. In contrast, palmitoleic acid did not display any activity in water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsions and liquid crystal systems. In some micelle and surfactant‐free oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsions, the FA showed significant selective antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus. These results suggested that the mixed state of the ternary mixtures affects the antibacterial behavior of FA molecules. The findings of the present study provide a valuable platform for the design of formulations of cosmetics, topical skin products, and skin cleansers.
Extensive Health Care Utilization and Costs of an Early Liver Transplantation Program for Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Im Gene Y. , Vogel Alexander S. , Florman Sander , Nahas Jonathan , Friedman Scott L. , Aqui Sarah , Ford Laura , Mirza Omar , Kim‐Schluger Leona , Schiano Thomas D. 
Published: June 2021

Early liver transplantation (LT) for severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a rescue therapy for highly selected patients with favorable psychosocial profiles not responding to medical therapy. Given the expected increase of AH candidate referrals requiring complex care and comprehensive evaluations, increased workload and cost might be expected from implementing an early LT program for AH but have not been determined. Some centers may also view AH as a strategy to expeditiously increase LT volume and economic viability. The aim of this study was to determine the health care use and costs of an early LT program for AH. Analyses of prospective databases of AH, interhospital transfers, and the hospital accounting system at a single center were performed from July 2011 to July 2016. For 5 years, 193 patients with severe AH were evaluated at our center: 143 newly referred transfers and 50 direct admissions. Annual increases of 13% led to 2 to 3 AH transfers/month and AH becoming the top reason for transfer. There were 169 (88%) nonresponders who underwent psychosocial evaluations; 15 (9%) underwent early LT. The median cost of early LT was $297,422, which was highly correlated with length of stay (r = 0.83; P < 0.001). Total net revenue of the program from LT admission to 90 days after LT was −$630,305 (−5.0% revenue), which was inversely correlated with MELD score (r = −0.70; P = 0.004) and yielded lower revenue than a contemporaneous LT program for acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (ACLF; $118,168; 1.4% revenue; P = 0.001). The health care use and costs of an early LT program for AH are extensive and lifesaving with marginally negative net revenue. Significantly increasing care of severe AH patients over 5 years resulted in increased LT volume, but at a lower rate than ACLF, and without improving economic outcomes due to high MELD and prolonged length of stay.
Relative expression and prognostic significance of forkhead box P3 in childhood B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Abdelhafeez Hossam El‐Din A. , Hamid Fatma F. Abdel , Hassan Naglaa M. , Assem Magda M. , Soliman Ahmed F. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundDespite the favorable survival rates of childhood B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL), a significant number of patients present a dismal prognosis. Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), a marker of regulatory T cells, functions as a transcription factor involved in immune cell regulation, and its expression correlates with prognosis in many malignancies. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relative gene expression level of FOXP3 in childhood B‐ALL and to detect its prognostic utility.MethodsThe study included 139 bone marrow samples obtained from 112 patients at diagnosis and 27 healthy children. Following extraction, RNA was reverse transcribed and the relative expression level of FOXP3 was quantified by quantitative PCR. Cytogenetics, immunophenotype, and minimal residual disease were analyzed according to international guidelines.ResultsA highly significant overexpression of FOXP3 was detected in childhood B‐ALL patients at diagnosis, which was associated with a stronger risk for disease relapse and patients’ worse survival. Moreover, multivariate regression models highlighted the independent prognostic value of FOXP3 for childhood B‐ALL. Finally, the combination of FOXP3 relative expression with clinically used disease markers clearly enhanced the prediction of treatment stratification.ConclusionsHigh FOXP3 relative expression was associated with inferior outcome suggesting its potentiality as a molecular prognostic marker to predict childhood B‐ALL patients’ outcomes.
The fetal stomach throughout gestation: Normal charts and clinical implication
Authors: Kassif Eran , Weissbach Tal , Shust‐Barequet Shir , Raviv Oshrat , Snenh Samar Abu , Avraham Efrat , Cahan Tal , Koren Natalie , Yulzari Vered , Hadi Efrat , Adamo Laura , Revivo Marva , Tovi Shalev Mazaki , Achiron Reuven , Kivilevitch Zvika , Weisz Boaz , Weissmann‐Brenner Alina 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo construct a nomogram of fetal stomach, and to prospectively determine the clinical value of stomach measurement in pathological cases.MethodsA cross‐sectional prospective study was conducted between 14 and 40 weeks in well‐dated, low‐risk, singleton pregnancies. Stomach dimensions were acquired in longitudinal plane in which maximal stomach length was measured, and in axial plane in which were measured: antero‐posterior and latero‐lateral. Stomach maximal and axial 1st to 99th centiles were calculated for each gestational‐week.ResultsFive hundred fifty‐four measurements were performed. A cubic polynomial regression model best described the correlation between stomach size and gestational age. The correlation coefficient (r2) was 0.627 and 0.754 (p < 0.001) for the stomach axial and maximal diameters, respectively. Intra‐ and interobserver variability had high interclass correlation coefficients (>0.9). Nomograms were created for predicted stomach axial and maximal 1st, 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th,75th, 90th, 95th, 97th, and 99th centiles. The nomogram correctly detected 92.3% (12/13) of pathological cases including three bowel obstruction, eight esophageal atresia, and two hypotonic syndromes.ConclusionsThe present study provides updated nomograms of the fetal stomach. Clinical application of these nomograms may assist in preventing unnecessary investigation in falsely perceived small or large stomachs and may improve the in utero detection of true pathologies.
Quantitative proteomics reveals arsenic attenuates stem‐loop binding protein stability via a chaperone complex containing heat shock proteins and ERp44
Authors: Zhao Ruoyu , Wang Binghao , Guo Yan , Zhang Jingzi , Chen Danqi , He Wei Ming , Zhao Yong Juan , Ding Yibing , Jin Chunyuan , Li Chaojun , Zhao Yue , Ren Wei , Fang Lei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractArsenic pollution impacts health of millions of people in the world. Inorganic arsenic is a carcinogenic agent in skin and lung cancers. The stem‐loop binding protein (SLBP) binds to the stem‐loop of the canonical histone mRNA and regulates its metabolism during cell cycle. Our previous work has shown arsenic induces ubiquitin‐proteasome dependent degradation of SLBP and contributes to lung cancer. In this study, we established the first comprehensive SLBP interaction network by affinity purification‐mass spectrometry (AP‐MS) analysis, and further demonstrated arsenic enhanced the association between SLBP and a crucial chaperone complex containing heat shock proteins (HSPs) and ERp44. Strikingly, knockdown of these proteins markedly rescued the protein level of SLBP under arsenic exposure conditions, and abolished the increasing migration capacity of BEAS‐2B cells induced by arsenic. Taken together, our study provides a potential new mechanism that a chaperone complex containing HSPs and ERp44 attenuates the stability of SLBP under both normal and arsenic exposure conditions, which could be essential for arsenic‐induced high cell migration.