bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Conversion of Carbon Dioxide by Imidazolium‐Based Cross‐Linked Nanostructures Containing Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) Building Blocks
Authors: Calabrese Carla , Fusaro Luca , Liotta Leonarda Francesca , Giacalone Francesco , Comès Adrien , Campisciano Vincenzo , Aprile Carmela , Gruttadauria Michelangelo
Published: August 2019

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) have been employed as molecular building blocks for the synthesis of imidazolium cross‐linked networks, to be used as heterogeneous catalysts for the conversion of carbon dioxide into cyclic carbonates. Two hybrid materials with different nucleophilic species (bromide and iodide) have been prepared and characterized by means of elemental analysis, 13C and 29Si solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and IR spectroscopy. The solids were tested as the sole catalyst under metal‐ and solvent‐free reaction conditions showing full selectivity toward the formation of cyclic carbonates. High turnover number (TON) and productivity values, up to 5502 and 1081 respectively for glycidol conversion at 100 °C and up to 4942 and 1122 for epichlorohydrin conversion at 150 °C after 3 h, were obtained. Such outstanding productivity values were ascribed to the optimal organic/inorganic (i. e., imidazolium moiety/POSS support) weight ratio. The recyclability of the materials was successfully verified for five consecutive runs allowing their consideration as promising candidates for continuous flow technologies.
New Ni0.5Ti2 (PO4)3@C NASICON‐type Electrode Material with High Rate Capability Performance for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Srout Mohammed , Kwon Nam Hee , Luo Wen , Züttel Andreas , Fromm Katharina M. , Saadoune Ismael
Published: August 2019

Ni0.5Ti2(PO4)3/C NASICON‐type phosphate is introduced as a new anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Ni0.5Ti2(PO4)3/C was synthesized through the sol–gel route and delivered some remarkable electrochemical performances. Specifically, the Ni0.5Ti2(PO4)3/C electrode demonstrates a high rate capability performance and delivers high reversible capacities ranging from 130 mAh g−1 to about 111 mAh g−1 at current rates ranging from 0.1 C to 5 C in the voltage window of 1.85–3 V (vs. Li+/Li). In the same voltage range, the material reaches an initial capacity of 105 mAh g−1 with a capacity retention of about 82 % after 1000 cycles at the high current rate of 10 C. The electrodes are also tested in the wider voltage range of 0.5–3 V (vs. Li+/Li) and show good reversibility and rate capability performance. Moreover, the Ni0.5Ti2(PO4)3/C electrodes enable fast Li+ diffusion (in the order of 10−13 cm2 s−1) compared with other NASICON‐type materials. As a result, a first discharge capacity of 480 mAh g−1 is reached.
Controlled [3+2] and [2+2] Cycloadditions of 1,3‐Bifunctional Allenes with C60 by Using a Flow Reaction System
Authors: Ueda Mitsuhiro , Hayama Miho , Hashishita Hiroyuki , Munechika Aiko , Fukuyama Takahide
Published: August 2019

The reaction of 1,2‐diaryl‐1,2‐diketones, propiolic acid esters, and C60 in the presence of Et3N gave cyclopentene‐annulated fullerenes through a [3+2] cycloaddition. They were formed in two Et3N‐promoted steps, namely, the generation of 1,3‐bifunctional allenes and the cycloaddition of 1,3‐bifunctional allenes with C60. Interestingly, when a similar reaction was conducted using a flow packed‐bed reactor in combination with a silica‐supported tertiary amine, cyclobutane‐annulated fullerenes were obtained through a [2+2] cycloaddition.
Amperometric Biosensors Based on Recombinant Bacterial Laccase CotA for Hydroquinone Determination
Authors: Zhang Yue , Lv Ziyao , Zhou Jie , Fang Yan , Wu Hao , Xin Fengxue , Zhang Wenming , Ma Jiangfeng , Xu Ning , He Aiyong , Dong Weiliang , Jiang Min
Published: August 2019

In this study, stable CotA laccase from Bacillus subtilis 168 was adsorbed on electrode modified with a thiol graphene‐gold nanoparticle (thGP‐AuNPs) nanocomposite film. The novel bacterial laccase biosensor was employed for quantitative detection of hydroquinone (HQ) and the electrochemical properties of this laccase biosensor were investigated. The results indicate that the immobilized CotA shows great oxidation activity towards HQ in the presence of oxygen and the biosensor shows linear electrocatalytic activity in the concentration range from 1.6 to 409.6 μM, with a detection limit of 0.3 μM. Further, the CotA modified electrode, when compared to fungal laccase‐modified biosensors, shows better alkaline stability (retaining approximately 80 % and 70 % of response current at pH 8 and 9, respectively) and reusability (retaining ∼87 % of response current after 100 days). The development of this new kind of laccase on a biosensor will offer a novel tool for substance detection applications in hostile environments, especially for industrial pollutants.
Nano zerovalent iron (NZVI) adsorption performance on acidic dye 36 removal: Optimization of effective factors, isotherm and kinetic study
Authors: Delnavaz Mohammad , Kazemimofrad Zahra
Published: August 2019

This study focused on the efficiency of nano zerovalent iron (NZVI) for degrading industrial dye (acidic dye 36). To elucidate NZVI characteristics, some advanced analytical experiments such as FTIR, TGA, EDS, XRD, TEM as well as SEM were measured. The performance evaluation of the adsorbent was carried out within variety of adsorption influencing parameters, including pH, contact time, initial dye dosage and NZVI dosage) with the assistance of central composite design (CCD) as a strong tool suggested by response surface methodology software. The results gained through CCD illustrate that the quadratic model is the suggested one with adjusted R2 = 0.896 and predicted R2 = 0.723. The little difference between actual and predicted values proves the power of the model to satisfactorily and reliably predict the efficiency removal. Applying mathematical equations reveal that initial dye dosage and interactive contribution of pH and dye dosage are the most influential single and combined factors, respectively. The optimized condition obtained by RSM for NZVI adsorption process was determined at pH = 5.5, NZVI = 0.5, dye solution = 30 mg/L, and 90 s of contact time. The adsorption kinetic was performed, introducing the second order as the best one and the Langmuir isotherm gained high agreement with experimental data as well.
Effect of boiling time on the contents of flavor and taste in Lentinus edodes
Authors: Li Biao , Liu Changyuan , Fang Donglu , Yuan Biao , Hu Qiuhui , Zhao Liyan
Published: August 2019

The changes of flavor components during boiling in Lentinus edodes were studied by high‐performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry in this article. Results showed that nonvolatile flavor components in L. edodes gradually transferred into the soup during boiling. Contents of nonvolatile flavor substances in the soup increased significantly (p < .05) compared with the preboiling period (15 minutes) and gradually maintained a balanced situation with the boiling time extended. During boiling, content of alcohols gradually reduced, especially the content of 1‐octen‐3‐ol, which is a typical flavor component in L. edoedes. The contents of sulfur compounds, aldehydes, and hydrocarbons increased first and finally decreased gradually with the boiling time extended. Therefore, the changes of flavor components in the soup almost maintained a balanced situation with the boiling time from 30 to 60 minutes. The results of this article could provide a theoretical basis for the changes of flavor compounds in L. edodes during boiling.
Current understanding of tumor lysis syndrome
Authors: Rahmani Benjamin , Patel Shrey , Seyam Omar , Gandhi Jason , Reid Inefta , Smith Noel , Khan Sardar Ali
Published: August 2019

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is an oncologic emergency from the intracellular release of material in lysing malignant cells. The earlier it is treated, the less likely it is to be harmful to an individual and spread through the body. Common complications of TLS include arrhythmias, which are caused by hypocalcemia or hyperkalemia, renal failures due to hyperuricemia or hyperphosphatemia, and seizures. Furthermore, the risk to develop TLS varies widely based on several factors including factors that are related to disease, the patient, and the treatment of the patient. Laboratory data can be used to gauge the severity of TLS based on patient serum levels for specific markers. On the contrary, evidence of TLS via radiological imaging and electrocardiogram findings has been a limited way to evaluate TLS, indicating the need for further research in this area. Common trends of treatment have also been seen in the past several years, evident by case studies seen in the following literature review.
Causes of appointment attendance, nonattendance, and cancellation in outpatient consultations at a university hospital
Authors: Briatore Agustina , Tarsetti Estefania Veronica , Latorre Agustin , Gonzalez Bernaldo de Quirós Fernan , Luna Daniel , Fuentes Nora Angélica , Elizondo Cristina Maria , Baum Analia , Alonso Serena Marina , Giunta Diego Hernán
Published: August 2019

Background

Nonattendance to scheduled appointments in outpatient clinics is a frequent problem in ambulatory medicine with an impact on health systems and patients' health. The characterization of nonattendance is fundamental for the design of appropriate strategies for its management.

Aims

To identify causes of nonattendance of scheduled ambulatory medical appointments by adult patients.

Methods

Case and two controls study nested in a prospective cohort. A telephone‐administered questionnaire was applied within the first 72 hours to identify the causes of attendance, nonattendance, or cancellation in patients who had a scheduled appointment to which they had been present, absent, or cancelled.

Results

A total of 150 absences (cases), 176 attendances, and 147 cancellations (controls) in a prospective cohort of 160 146 scheduled appointments (2012/2013) were included. According to self‐reports in telephone interviews, the most frequent causes of nonattendance were forgetting 44% (66), unexpected competing events 15.3% (23), illness or unwellness 12% (18), work‐related inconvenience 5.3% (8), transport‐related difficulties 4.7% (4), and cause that motivated appointment scheduling already resolved 4.7% (4).

Discussion

The main cause of nonattendance is forgetting the scheduled appointment, but there is a proportion of different causes that do not respond to reminders but could respond to different strategies.
Food preferences before and during treatment for a pediatric feeding disorder
Authors: Zeleny Jason R. , Volkert Valerie M. , Ibañez Vivian F. , Crowley Jaime G. , Kirkwood Caitlin A. , Piazza Cathleen C.
Published: August 2019

Little is known about the food preferences of children with a feeding disorder and medical diagnoses. Therefore, we conducted repeated paired‐stimulus‐preference assessments with foods to which we either exposed or did not expose 3 children with a feeding disorder and medical diagnoses during clinical treatment. Responding was relatively equivalent for exposure and nonexposure foods throughout the preference assessments, suggesting that preferences for foods did not change due to exposure during treatment.
A brief review of technology‐based antecedent training procedures
Authors: Erath Tyler G. , DiGennaro Reed Florence D.
Published: August 2019

This brief review summarizes recent research on technology‐based antecedent staff training procedures, highlights key methodological components, and concludes with potential directions for future research.
Comparison of technical failure of MR elastography for measuring liver stiffness between gradient‐recalled echo and spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Dong Wook , Kim So Yeon , Yoon Hee Mang , Kim Kyung Won , Byun Jae Ho
Published: August 2019

Background

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) using a gradient‐recalled echo (GRE) or a recently available spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging (SE‐EPI) sequence is a promising noninvasive method for measuring liver stiffness. However, it sometimes fails to measure stiffness values, thereby resulting in technical failures.

Purpose

To assess and compare technical failures of MRE for measuring liver stiffness between GRE and SE‐EPI sequences.

Study Type

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Population

Eight studies with both GRE and SE‐EPI, 22 studies with only GRE, one study with only SE‐EPI.

Field Strength/Sequence

Either 1.5 or 3T MRE using GRE and/or SE‐EPI.

Assessment

Through an Ovid‐MEDLINE and EMBASE database search, original articles investigating the proportion of MRE technical failures in the measurement of liver stiffness published up until October 2018 were screened and selected.

Statistical Analysis

The pooled proportions of technical failures under GRE and SE‐EPI were calculated using random‐effects meta‐analysis of single proportions and inverse variance for calculating weights. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore the covariates affecting heterogeneity. Head‐to‐head comparisons of technical failure between the sequences were conducted with eight MRE studies using both GRE and SE‐EPI.

Results

The pooled proportion of technical failure under GRE MRE was 5.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.6–7.4%), and a subgroup analysis showed higher technical failure rates at 3T than at 1.5T. The pooled proportion of technical failure under SE‐EPI MRE was 2.0% (95% CI, 1.3–3.4%), without significant differences (P = 0.38–0.89) being observed in the subgroup analyses. In the eight studies comparing the two sequences, failure was more frequently observed with GRE than with SE‐EPI (9.4% vs. 1.9%; P < 0.01).

Data Conclusion

MRE conducted with SE‐EPI sequences showed a lower technical failure rate than GRE sequences. With GRE sequences, a magnetic field of 3T was associated with higher technical failure rates than was 1.5T.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy Stage: 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1086–1102.
Summary of the 11th International Conference on Human Herpesviruses‐6A, ‐6B, and ‐7
Authors: Komaroff Anthony L. , Zerr Danielle M. , Flamand Louis
Published: August 2019

The 11th International Conference on Human Herpesviruses (HHV)‐6A, ‐6B, and ‐7 was held in Quebec City, from 23 to 26 June 2019. It attracted 144 basic, translational, and clinical scientists from 20 countries. Important new information was presented regarding: the mechanisms of chromosomal integration for HHV‐6A and ‐6B; the biology of inherited chromosomally integrated HHV‐6A and ‐6B; animal models for, and animal viruses with similarities to, HHV‐6A, ‐6B, and ‐7; established and possible disease associations, including provocative new information suggesting these viruses may be one trigger of Alzheimer's disease, and new treatment strategies. In this review, we summarize presentations that were of particular interest. The full text of the Abstracts cited in the manuscript is available in the online Supporting Information Materials.
Autogenous soft tissue grafting for periodontal and peri‐implant plastic surgical reconstruction
Authors: Zucchelli Giovanni , Tavelli Lorenzo , McGuire Michael K. , Rasperini Giulio , Feinberg Stephen E. , Wang Hom‐Lay , Giannobile William V.
Published: August 2019

This state‐of‐the‐art review presents the latest evidence and the current status of autogenous soft tissue grafting for soft tissue augmentation and recession coverage at teeth and dental implant sites. The indications and predictability of the free gingival graft and connective tissue graft (CTG) techniques are highlighted, together with their expected clinical and esthetic outcomes. CTGs can be harvested from the maxillary tuberosity or from palate with different approaches that can have an impact on graft quality and patient morbidity. The influence of CTGs on soft tissue thickness and keratinized tissue width are also discussed.
Impacts of oil and gas development on duck brood abundance
Authors: Kemink Kaylan M. , Gue C. Tanner , Loesch Charles R. , Cressey Ryann L. , Sieges Mason L. , Szymanski Michael L.
Published: August 2019

The extraction of oil and natural gas from reserves in the Bakken Formation has increased from 2004 to 2017 in North Dakota and northeast Montana, USA. High development areas overlap substantially with wetlands and grasslands identified as high priority for waterfowl conservation in the Prairie Pothole Region. To test for anthropogenic disturbance on waterfowl brood abundance, we conducted repeat‐visit waterfowl brood surveys during 2014–2017. We tested hypotheses about disturbance and brood abundance using hierarchical zero‐inflated Poisson models and a spatially and temporally explicit disturbance index within 3 radii (0.32 km, 0.64 km, 1.51 km). Model selection supported detection and abundance parameters that were consistent with previous research and suggested that brood abundance was higher in landscapes with high densities of small, shallow wetlands. Our analysis also demonstrated a negative relationship between abundance and the disturbance index for the smallest spatial radius (0.32 km); however, the effect size was small and predictions suggested that <1% of the broods in the sample population were affected. Considering this relatively weak negative relationship and the continued role of wetlands as the primary factor influencing brood abundance, we recommended that managers continue to focus conservation efforts in landscapes with high densities of small, unprotected wetlands, even in the presence of oil and gas development. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Wildlife Management Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The Wildlife Society.
Swallowing Characteristics in Zenker's‐like Diverticulum After Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery
Authors: Dhar Shumon I. , Wegner Adam M. , Rodnoi Pope , Wuellner John C. , Mehdizadeh Omid B. , Shen Shih C. , Nachalon Yuval , Nativ‐Zeltzer Nogah , Klineberg Eric O. , Belafsky Peter C.
Published: August 2019

Objectives

A Zenker's diverticulum (ZD) is a hypopharyngeal pulsion diverticula caused by dysfunction of the cricopharyngeus muscle with herniation of hypopharyngeal mucosa through Killian's dehiscence. Anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS) can cause a Zenker's‐like traction diverticulum (ZTD) with a similar presentation but different pathophysiology. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the fluoroscopic parameters and surgical outcomes of ZTD after ACSS to those of typical ZD.

Study Design

Case‐control study.

Methods

The charts of patients undergoing a videofluoroscopic swallow study after ACSS between January 1, 2014, and January 1, 2018, were evaluated for evidence of ZTD. Patients with ZTD were age and gender matched to persons with ZD. Fluoroscopic parameters and patient‐reported outcomes were compared between groups.

Results

Eleven patients with ZTD were identified. The mean pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR) was significantly higher for persons with ZTD (0.87 [±0.07] vs. 0.17 [±0.08]; P < 0.05). Mean hyolaryngeal elevation was significantly less (2.5 [±0.9] cm vs. 3.5 [±0.7] cm) and mean diverticulum size significantly smaller (1.3 [±1.0] cm vs. 2.3 [±2.0] cm) for persons with ZTD (P < 0.05). Five ZTD patients had exposed hardware necessitating open approach for removal.

Conclusion

We report the largest cohort of ZTD after ACSS. ZTD are smaller than traditional Zenker's and associated with more pharyngeal weakness, poorer laryngeal elevation, and worse treatment outcomes. Although these diverticula can be managed endoscopically, the high percentage of exposed cervical hardware necessitates a thorough preoperative assessment and frequent need for open management and pharyngeal repair.

Level of Evidence

3b Laryngoscope, 130:1383–1387, 2020
Improved tensile properties of basalt fibre reinforced polymer composites using silica nanoparticles
Authors: Hashim U.R. , Jumahat A. , Mahmud J.
Published: August 2019

In this study, the effect of silica nanoparticles as the reinforcing filler on the tensile response of basalt fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) composite was investigated. A 40 wt.% nanosilica gel in epoxy was used to prepare a series of nanocomposites with 5 wt.%, 15 wt.% and 25 wt.% nanosilica. Static uniaxial tensile tests were conducted on the basalt fibre reinforced polymer composite to investigate the stress‐strain response of the unmodified and nanomodified composites. It was found that the incorporation of silica nanoparticles with high specific surface area improved the tensile properties of the basalt fibre reinforced polymer composite. The addition of silica nanoparticles in the composite shows significant improvement in tensile modulus with 6 %, 14 % and 19 % for 5 wt.%, 15 wt.% and 25 wt.% nanosilica content, respectively. The higher content of silica nanoparticles in the matrix increased the stiffness of the material as well as the strength of the basalt fibre reinforced polymer composite without reducing the failure strain.
A case of food supply chain management with AHP, DEMATEL, and TOPSIS
Authors: Ortiz‐Barrios Miguel , Miranda‐De la Hoz Carlos , López‐Meza Pedro , Petrillo Antonella , De Felice Fabio
Published: August 2019

The bullwhip effect leads to considerable inefficiencies along the food supply chain such as missed production schedules, poor customer service, excessive inventory, and misguided capacity plans. To tackle this problem, it is necessary, apart from other interventions, to continuously monitor the performance of food suppliers so that the demand information flow, order batching, transportation planning, and inventory management can be substantially improved. Therefore, supplier assessment has then become critical decision‐making support for identifying and addressing inefficiencies of food providers, which ends up reducing the variation of several key logistics parameters for upstream members of the food supply chain. In addition, such assessment is of multicriteria nature given the presence of several criteria from different domains and various food suppliers. With these considerations in mind, this paper proposes a hybrid approach integrating the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), and the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) for evaluating the performance of pork suppliers. Thereby, the economic and operational burden caused by the bullwhip effect throughout the pork supply chain can be alleviated. AHP was first used to determine the criteria and subcriteria weights. Then DEMATEL was applied to assess the interdependence and feedback between the decision elements. Finally, TOPSIS was implemented to discriminate between high‐performance and low‐performance pork suppliers. A case study from the Colombian pork supply chain is presented to validate the proposed approach. The results of this study evidenced that the most important criterion was the “service level” and the most influencing factor was the “financial profile.” In addition, based on the supplier assessment results, improvement plans, and new negotiation, strategies were established for each supplier in order to diminish the bullwhip effect along the pork supply chain.
A compact directional microstrip antenna with wide bandwidth, high gain, and high front‐to‐back ratio
Authors: Wang Zhe , Liu Juhua
Published: August 2019

A compact directional microstrip patch antenna is presented. The antenna shows excellent properties, such as vertical polarization, wide bandwidth, high gain, and high front‐to‐back (F/B) ratio. It consists of a main patch and a coupled patch. The two parts are connected with a narrow microstrip line. The proposed microstrip patch antenna can be considered as a Yagi antenna, in which the main patch and the coupled patch serve as the driven element and the director, respectively. With the dual‐mode property of the antenna, it exhibits a wide bandwidth inherently. With a coupled patch directly loading on the main patch as a director, the antenna has its beam pointing in the forward quadrant space. A prototype is fabricated and measured. Measured results show that the proposed microstrip antenna with a compact size provides a wide impedance bandwidth (|S11| < −10 dB) of 11%, and a wide radiation bandwidth of 8.4% in which the gain ranges from 8.35 to 10.01 dBi and the F/B ratio is higher than 15 dB.
Comparison of CsI:Tl and Gd2O2S:Tb indirect flat panel detector x‐ray imaging performance in front‐ and back‐irradiation geometries
Authors: Howansky Adrian , Mishchenko Anastasiia , Lubinsky A. R. , Zhao Wei
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The detective quantum efficiency (DQE) of indirect flat panel detectors (I‐FPDs) is limited at higher x‐ray energies (e.g., 100–140 kVp) by low absorption in their scintillating x‐ray conversion layer. While increasing the thickness of the scintillator can improve its x‐ray absorption efficiency, this approach is potentially limited by reduced spatial resolution and increased noise due to depth dependence in the scintillator’s response to x rays. One strategy proposed to mitigate these deleterious effects is to irradiate the scintillator through the pixel sensor in a “back‐irradiation” geometry. This work directly evaluates the impact of irradiation geometry on the inherent imaging performance of I‐FPDs composed with columnar CsI:Tl and powder Gd2O2S:Tb (GOS) scintillators.

Methods

A “bidirectional” FPD was constructed which allows scintillator samples to be interchangeably coupled with the detector’s active matrix to compose an I‐FPD. Radio‐translucent windows in the detector’s housing permit imaging in both “front‐irradiation” (FI) and “back‐irradiation” (BI) geometries. This test device was used to evaluate the impact of irradiation geometry on the x‐ray sensitivity, modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), and DQE of four I‐FPDs composed using columnar CsI:Tl scintillators of varying thickness (600–1000 µm) and optical backing, and a Fast Back GOS screen. All experiments used an RQA9 x‐ray beam.

Results

Each I‐FPD’s x‐ray sensitivity, MTF, and DQE was greater or equal in BI geometry than in FI. The I‐FPD composed with CsI:Tl (1 mm) and an optically absorptive backing had the largest variation in sensitivity (17%) between FI and BI geometries. The detector composed with GOS had the largest improvement in limiting resolution (31%). Irradiation geometry had little impact on MTF(f) and DQE(f) measurements near zero frequency, however, the difference between FI and BI measurements generally increased with spatial frequency. The CsI:Tl scintillator with optically absorptive backing (1 mm) in BI geometry had the highest spatial resolution and DQE over all frequencies.

Conclusions

Back irradiation may improve the inherent x‐ray imaging performance of I‐FPDs composed with CsI:Tl and GOS scintillators. This approach can be leveraged to improve tradeoffs between detector dose efficiency, spatial resolution and noise for higher energy x‐ray imaging.
Navigator‐free metabolite‐cycled proton spectroscopy of the heart
Authors: Peereboom Sophie M. , Gastl Mareike , Fuetterer Maximilian , Kozerke Sebastian
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Respiratory gating in cardiac water‐suppressed (WS) proton spectroscopy leads to long and unpredictable scan times. Metabolite cycling allows to perform frequency and phase correction on the water signal and, hence, offers an approach to navigator‐free cardiac spectroscopy with fixed scan time. The objective of the present study was to develop and implement navigator‐free metabolite‐cycled cardiac proton spectroscopy (MC nonav) and compare it with standard navigator‐gated WS (WS nav) and navigator‐free WS (WS nonav) measurements for the assessment of triglyceride‐to‐water ratios (TG/W) and creatine‐to‐water ratios (CR/W) in the intraventricular septum of the in vivo heart.

Methods

Navigator‐free metabolite‐cycled spectroscopy was implemented on a clinical 1.5T system. In vivo measurements were performed on 10 young and 5 older healthy volunteers to assess signal‐to‐noise ratio efficiency as well as TG/W and CR/W and the relative Cramér‐Rao lower bounds for CR. The performance of the metabolite‐cycled sequence was verified using simulations.

Results

On average, scan times of MC nonav were 3.4 times shorter compared with WS nav, while no significant bias for TG/W was observed (coefficient of variation = 14.0%). signal‐to‐noise ratio efficiency of both TG and CR increased for MC nonav compared with WS nav. Relative Cramér‐Rao lower bounds of CR decreased for MC nonav. Overall spectral quality was found comparable between MC nonav and WS nav, while it was inferior for WS nonav.

Conclusion

Navigator‐free metabolite‐cycled cardiac proton spectroscopy offers 3.4‐fold accelerated assessment of TG/W and CR/W in the heart with preserved spectral quality when compared with navigator‐gated WS scans.
Muscle pathology of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy with proximal dominant involvement with TFG mutation
Authors: Yamashita Satoshi , Kimura En , Zhang Ziwei , Tawara Nozomu , Hara Kentaro , Yoshimura Akiko , Takashima Hiroshi , Ando Yukio
Published: August 2019

Background

Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy with proximal dominant involvement (HMSN‐P) is characterized by adult onset, a slowly progressive course and autosomal dominant inheritance. It remains unclear whether myopathic changes occur histopathologically.

Methods

We encountered 2 patients in a family with a heterozygous p.P285L mutation in TRK‐fused gene (TFG), which is known to cause HMSN‐P. The affected individuals developed proximal‐dominant muscle weakness in their 40s, which slowly progressed to a motor neuron disease‐like phenotype.

Results

Muscle biopsy showed myopathic pathology including fiber size variability, increased internal nuclei, fiber splitting, and core‐like structures, associated with neurogenic changes: large groups of atrophic fibers and fiber type‐grouping. Immunohistochemistry revealed sarcoplasmic aggregates of TFG, TDP‐43, and p62 without congophilic material.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates myopathic changes in HMSN‐P. Although the mechanisms underlying the skeletal muscle involvement remain to be elucidated, immunohistochemistry suggests that abnormal protein aggregation may be involved in the myopathic pathology.
A simultaneous approach for compliance minimization and piezoelectric actuator design considering the polarization profile
Authors: Gonçalves Juliano Fagundes , De Leon Daniel Milbrath , Perondi Eduardo André
Published: August 2019

This article addresses the compliance problem along with the piezoelectric actuator design for active vibration control. The topology structural design is obtained by solving a compliance minimization problem with volume constraint, whereas the actuator design is carried out by the maximization of a control performance index written in terms of the controllability Gramian. This measure describes the ability of the actuator to move the structure from an initial condition to a desired final state, at rest for instance, in a finite time interval. The actuator design is also characterized by the polarization profile, which is defined according to the distribution of an additional design variable. Therefore, the actuators can yield both tensile and compressing fields at different points of the structure using the same applied control voltage. To achieve this goal, a material interpolation scheme based on the solid isotropic material with penalization and the piezoelectric material with penalization and polarization (PEMAP‐P) models is employed, and both the optimum structure/actuator layout and polarization profile are obtained simultaneously. The sensitivities with respect to the polarization and design variables are calculated analytically. Numerical examples are presented considering the design and vibration control for a cantilever beam, a beam fixed at both ends, and an L‐bracket structure to show the efficiency of the proposed formulation. The control performance of the designed structures are analyzed employing a linear‐quadratic regulator simulation, and these results are compared to verify the influence of the optimized polarization profiles.
Effect of the CuAl2O4and CuAlO2Phases in Catalytic Wet Air Oxidation of ETBE and TAME using CuO/γ‐Al2O3catalysts
Authors: Sánchez‐Trinidad Cecilia , del Angel Gloria , Torres‐Torres Gilberto , Cervantes‐Uribe Adrián , Pavón A. Abiu Silahua , Guerra‐Que Zenaida , Arévalo‐Pérez Juan Carlos , Tzompantzi‐Morales Fancisco J.
Published: August 2019

This paper studies Cu/Al2O3catalysts, synthesized in two ways: copper deposit in the synthesis of alumina (sol gel) and incipient impregnation stabilized at 400 °C. The materials were characterized by X‐ray diffraction studies, nitrogen physisorption, temperature programmed reduction of H2, dehydration of isopropanol, scanning electronic microscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, which were evaluated in the liquid phase oxidation reaction of ethyl tert‐butyl ether and tert‐amyl methyl ether. The formation of CuAl2O4and CuAlO2in the samples synthesized by sol gel, led to a modification of the texture, thus resulting in an expansion of the specific area of the materials. CuAl2O4and CuAlO2have been identified by DRX from a content of 10 % Copper, the first showed the highest intensity with this technique. In the same way, these species favor the presence of Lewis acid sites; this is reflected in the materials with (Di‐isopropyl Ether) DIPE of 96.7 % and 91.1 % for the samples SAlCu5 and SAlCu15 respectively. The catalytic activity of the materials prepared by sol gel is in the function of the number of surface acid sites, the smaller particle size of the Cu and the surface of the contact, in the case of the ETBE meanwhile for TAME the activity was based mainly on the strength of the present acid sites. With impregnated materials, the activity is attributed to the smaller particle size of the Cu and the greater strength of the surface acid sites in the solid. The formation of spinel species inhibits the leaching phenomenon in the reaction milieu.
Using Kinetic Modeling and Experimental Data to Evaluate Mechanisms in PET‐RAFT
Authors: Kuhn Leah R. , Allegrezza Michael L. , Dougher Nicholas J. , Konkolewicz Dominik
Published: August 2019

Reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) techniques have become important tools for polymer chemists because they control the structure and are tolerant to functionality. Photoinduced polymerizations have seen a growing interest due to their mild conditions, as well as spatial and temporal control over the polymerization. Among these techniques, photoinduced electron/energy transfer reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (PET‐RAFT) is one of the most widely investigated. While PET‐RAFT is seen as an increasingly useful tool, there is still much to understand about the mechanism of this process. In particular, there are ongoing questions regarding the kinetic contribution of electron versus energy transfer. In order to better understand the mechanism, this work aims to use kinetic modeling along with experimental data to help determine the likelihood of the proposed mechanisms for the PET‐RAFT process using the trithiocarbonate‐mediated polymerization of methyl acrylate with fac‐tris[2‐phenylpyridinato‐C2,N]iridium(III) as a photocatalyst. Simulation data show that electron transfer without a corresponding reduction pathway cannot explain the experimental kinetics, while energy transfer offers a good fit to experimental data. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020, 58, 139–144
Management of bronchiolitis in Portugal, 2000‐2015: Do guidelines have an impact?
Authors: Fontoura‐Matias José , Moreira‐Sousa Diana , Freitas Alberto , Azevedo Inês
Published: August 2019

Background

Several studies report an excessive use of diagnostic tests and procedures in bronchiolitis, not supported by guidelines.

Objectives

We aimed to evaluate medical interventions in children hospitalized with bronchiolitis in public Portuguese hospitals, from 2000 to 2015, to evaluate the impact of the national guideline, published in December 2012, and assess variations between regions.

Methods

Data was collected retrospectively from an administrative database that contains all hospitalizations in mainland public hospitals. Cases were selected using the ICD‐9‐CM codes 466.11 (bronchiolitis due to respiratory syncytial virus) and 466.19 (bronchiolitis due to other infectious organisms), in children under 2 years of age. For statistical analysis we used the χ2 test and logistic regression.

Results

In the 80 491 hospitalizations due to bronchiolitis, we found a high mean use rate of nonrecommended diagnostic and treatment procedures: chest x‐ray (66.5%), blood analysis (56.5%) and respiratory secretions analysis (12.7%); nebulized therapy (83.5%), intravenous (IV) corticosteroids (24.2%), IV antibiotics (26.0%), electrolytes infusion (37.6%), and chest physiotherapy (20.4%). Over time, there was a gradual change in attitudes (Ptrend < .001), with significant variation between regions. Center region registered the lowest mean rates of routinely nonrecommended procedures.

Conclusions

In this first national study, rates of the nonrecommended diagnostic and treatment attitudes in bronchiolitis were higher than desirable, although there was a modest decreasing trend in their use over time. The observed variations were mainly dependent on the region, with no clear impact of the national guideline in attitude changing, highlighting the need for more active measures.
The long‐term outcome of an isolated vascular ring – A single‐center experience
Authors: Depypere Anouk , Proesmans Marijke , Cools Björn , Vermeulen François , Daenen Willem , Meyns Bart , Rega Filip , Boon Mieke
Published: August 2019

Background and Objectives

The aim of this study is to document the long‐term outcome of patients with a vascular ring.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective review of clinical symptoms was conducted in all patients born between 1980 and 2013, diagnosed with a complete vascular ring and at least 2 years of follow‐up. Data were extracted from patient files and clinical symptoms were assessed by questionnaires sent to the parents. Age and diagnostic tools, type of surgery, postoperative complications, and the prevalence of clinical symptoms (stridor at rest, stridor with exercise, cough, exercise intolerance, dysphagia, and frequent respiratory infections) were reviewed.

Results

Fifty‐one patients were included. The diagnosis was made before the age of 2 in 35/51. Surgery was performed in 41/51 patients with a limited number of reversible complications. The median follow‐up was 8 (IQR 5‐12) years. After 2 years, 21/51 patients were asymptomatic: 2/7 asymptomatic patients at diagnosis became symptomatic and symptoms resolved in 16/44 initially symptomatic patients. Consequently, 30/51 patients still had symptoms after 2 years. Of these, 16 had partial improvement, 5 stable symptoms, and 9 aggravation of symptoms. After 10 years, 26/36 patients were free of complaints. The most frequent long‐term symptom was stridor.

Conclusion

Surgical treatment of a congenital vascular ring is safe and mostly performed in patients with a double aortic arch. Conservative treatment for patients with little symptoms seems to be justifiable. A considerable number of patients have residual long‐term symptoms after surgical relief of the vascular ring.
Major depression and psychiatric comorbidity in Turkish children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Gundogdu Ummugulsum , Fis Nese P. , Eralp Ela E. , Karadag Bulent T.
Published: August 2019

Background

Many psychological factors contribute to an increased risk of depression in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF). This study aims to evaluate coexisting psychiatric disorders, perceived social support, and quality of life (QoL) in Turkish children with CF and compare these factors with those of a control group.

Methods

The study group consisted of 32 children (8‐16 years of age) with CF and a group of 33 age‐ and sex‐matched control children. All subjects completed the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), Screen for Child Anxiety and Related Disorders (SCARED), Social Support Appraisals Scale, and Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnaire. Psychiatric diagnoses were established using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia—Present and Lifetime Version.

Results

Of the children with CF, 80% of those in the 8 to 11 years age range and 50% of those in the 12 to 17 years age range had at least one psychiatric disorder, that is, 68% of the 33 children with CF had at least one psychiatric disorder. Anxiety disorder (46.8%) and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (21.8%) were also common among children with CF. The rates of depression in the CF group and control group were 21.9% and 6.1%, respectively (P > .05). The CF subjects with coexisting depression exhibited higher levels of disease severity, longer periods of hospitalization, and more frequent anxiety disorder. When compared with the control group, the QoL among the Turkish children with CF was lower (P < .05). The CDI and SCARED are relatively sensitive and specific screening tools for depression and anxiety in children with CF.

Conclusions

Psychiatric disorders were more frequently found in children and adolescents with CF. By examining symptoms of anxiety and depression and by using screening tools, CF patients who exhibit symptoms of psychiatric disorders can be better identified and evaluated.
Bayesian additive regression trees and the General BART model
Authors: Tan Yaoyuan Vincent , Roy Jason
Published: August 2019

Bayesian additive regression trees (BART) is a flexible prediction model/machine learning approach that has gained widespread popularity in recent years. As BART becomes more mainstream, there is an increased need for a paper that walks readers through the details of BART, from what it is to why it works. This tutorial is aimed at providing such a resource. In addition to explaining the different components of BART using simple examples, we also discuss a framework, the General BART model that unifies some of the recent BART extensions, including semiparametric models, correlated outcomes, and statistical matching problems in surveys, and models with weaker distributional assumptions. By showing how these models fit into a single framework, we hope to demonstrate a simple way of applying BART to research problems that go beyond the original independent continuous or binary outcomes framework.
Simultaneous Electrochemical Sensing of p‐Aminophenol and Hydroquinone by Using Grafted Tricholoma Mushroom Polysaccharide/Gold Composite Nanoparticles in Aqueous Media
Authors: Mondal Barun , Bhanja Sunil K. , Tripathy Tridib
Published: August 2019

Herein, we report for the first time a novel electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous detection of para‐aminophenol (p‐AP) and hydroquinone (HQ) in aqueous medium using Tricholoma mushroom polysaccharide based graft copolymer‐Au composite nanoparticles (TMPG−Au NPs). The graft copolymer is synthesised by radical polymerization technique in aqueous medium using a mixture of acrylamide (AM), acrylic acid (AA) and Tricholoma mushroom polysaccharide (TMP). Further, TMPG−Au NPs is prepared using the graft copolymer as a reducing as well as stabilizing agent by green technique. The graft copolymer and TMPG−Au NPs are properly characterised. The detection of p‐AP and HQ in aqueous medium is carried out by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and Chronoamperometry (CA) without interfering other common phenolic compounds and environmentally relevant metal ions. In LSV experiment the p‐AP and HQ show clear and distinct oxidation peaks at 0.0814 V and −0.077 V respectively. The proposed sensor successfully detects p‐AP and HQ with very low detection limit 0.41 μM and 0.32 μM respectively and effectively.
Synthesis, Antimicrobial Screening and In Silico Appraisal of Iminocarbazole Derivatives
Authors: Jejurkar Valmik P. , Mali Suraj N. , Kshatriya Rajpratap , Chaudhari Hemchandra K. , Saha Satyajit
Published: August 2019

Molecular hybridization, a unique concept for rational drug designing, has been manifested in the design and synthesis of novel iminocarbazole derivatives. All the prepared molecules were tested for their in‐vitro antimicrobial potential against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 (Gram‐positive), Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352 (Gram‐negative) and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 (Fungi). All compounds showed moderate to potent antimicrobial activity (1.4 μg/mL‐125 μg/mL). The molecular modeling studies were accomplished to understand the possible ligand‐receptor intermolecular interactions together with the in‐silico ADMET predictions for all newly synthesized iminocarbazoles.
High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Battery Anode via Rapid Microwave Carbonization of Natural Cellulose Nanofibers with Graphene Initiator
Authors: Shi Qianqian , Liu Dapeng , Wang Yan , Zhao Yiwei , Yang Xiaowei , Huang Jia
Published: August 2019

Cellulose is a promising natural bio‐macromolecule due to its abundance, renewability and low cost. Here, a new method is developed to prepare pre‐sodiated carbonaceous anodes for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) from cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) under microwave irradiation for potential ultrafast and large‐scale manufacturing. While direct carbonization of CNFs through microwave treatment is usually impossible due to the weak microwave absorption of CNFs, it is found that a small amount of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) can act as an effective initiator. Microwaving rGO releases extremely high energy, giving rise to local ultrahigh temperature as well as ultrahigh heating rate, which then induces the fast carbonization of CNFs and the production of pre‐sodiated carbonaceous materials within seconds. The sodium in the carbonaceous materials, introduced from the carbonization of CNFs containing sodium‐ion carboxyl, offer favorable spaces for sodiation/desodiation, which improves the electrochemical performance of the sodium‐inserted carbonaceous anode. When the microwaved rGO‐CNF (MrGO‐CNF) is used as an anode for SIBs, a high initial capacity of 558 mAh g−1 is delivered and the capacity of 340 mAh g−1 remains after 200 cycles. The excellent reversible capacity and cycling stability indicate MrGO‐CNF a promising anode for sodium‐ion batteries.
The Unlived Life Is Worth Examining: Nothings and Nobodies behind the Scenes
Authors: Scott Susie
Published: August 2019

This paper explores how people talk about the things that have not happened in their lives. I argue that we can perform reverse biographical identity work upon our unmade selves by exploring the meanings of unlived, non‐experience. Challenging one's own rehearsed life story is an act of narrative self‐transgression, involving negative responsibility assumption. Drawing on my symbolic interactionist theory of “nothing,” I consider how negative social phenomena (no‐things, no‐bodies, and non‐events) are interactively accomplished and retrospectively made sense of in personal accounts. Themes of lost opportunities, silence, invisibility, and emptiness emerge from an analysis of twenty‐seven stories. These tales reveal a mixture of emotions: not only sadness, stigma, shame, and regret, but also relief, pride, acceptance, and gratitude. Narratives of nothing are often ambivalent in tone, reflecting the complexity of storied life behind the scenes.