bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mallard resource selection trade‐offs in a heterogeneous environment during autumn and winter
Authors: Palumbo Matthew D. , Petrie Scott A. , Schummer Michael , Rubin Benjamin D. , Bonner Simon
Published: February 2019

Animals select resources to maximize fitness but associated costs and benefits are spatially and temporally variable. Differences in wetland management influence resource availability for ducks and mortality risk from duck hunting. The local distribution of the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is affected by this resource heterogeneity and variable risk from hunting. Regional conservation strategies primarily focus on how waterfowl distributions are affected by food resources during the nonbreeding season. To test if Mallard resource selection was related to the abundance of resources, risks, or a combination, we studied resource selection of adult female Mallards during autumn and winter. We developed a digital spatial layer for Lake St. Clair, Ontario, Canada, that classified resources important to Mallards and assigned these resources a risk level based on ownership type and presumed disturbance from hunting. We monitored 59 individuals with GPS back‐pack transmitters prior to, during, and after the hunting season and used discrete choice modeling to generate diurnal and nocturnal resource selection estimates. The model that classified available resources and presumed risk best explained Mallard resource selection strategies. Resource selection varied within and among seasons. Ducks selected for federal, state and private managed wetland complexes that provided an intermediate or relatively greater amount of refuge and foraging options than public hunting areas. Across all diel periods and seasons, there was selection for federally managed marshes and private supplemental feeding refuges that prohibited hunting. Mallard resource selection demonstrated trade‐offs related to the management of mortality risk, anthropogenic disturbances, and foraging opportunities. Understanding how waterfowl respond to heterogeneous landscapes of resources and risks can inform regional conservation strategies related to waterfowl distribution during the nonbreeding season.
The adipo‐fibrokine activin A is associated with metabolic abnormalities and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in obese patients
Authors: Zeller Judith , Krüger Carolin , Lamounier‐Zepter Valeria , Sag Sabine , Strack Christina , Mohr Margareta , Loew Thomas , Schmitz Gerd , Maier Lars , Fischer Marcus , Baessler Andrea
Published: February 2019

Aims

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is common in obese subjects, and a relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), increased adipocytokines, and cardiovascular diseases has been reported. This study sought to examine as to whether the adipo‐fibrokine activin A is a link between increased EAT, the metabolic syndrome (MetS), and LVDD in severely obese subjects.

Methods and results

In 236 obese subjects (ø body mass index 39.8 ± 7.9 kg/m2) with a variable degree of the MetS and in 60 healthy non‐obese controls (ø body mass index 24.8 ± 3.4 kg/m2), serum activin A levels were measured and correlated with parameters of the MetS, epicardial fat thickness (EFT), and echocardiographic parameters of LVDD. Activin A levels were higher in obese than in non‐obese subjects (362 ± 124 vs. 301 ± 94 pg/mL, P = 0.0004), increased with the number of MetS components (from 285 ± 82 with no MetS component, 323 ± 94 with one or two MetS components, to 403 ± 131 pg/mL with ≥3 MetS components, P < 0.0001) and correlated with EFT (r = 0.41, P < 0.001). Furthermore, activin A levels were related to several parameters of LVDD [e.g. left atrial size (382 ± 117 vs. 352 125 pg/mL, P = 0.024), E/e′ (394 ± 108 vs. 356 ± 127 pg/mL, P = 0.005)]. LVDD was highest in MetS obese subjects with high EFT (44.3%) compared with MetS obese subjects with low EFT (27.0%), non‐MetS obese subjects with high EFT (24.2%), and non‐MetS obese subjects with low EFT (10.6%, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

In severe obesity, activin A was significantly related to EFT, MetS, and LVDD, implicating MetS‐related alterations in the secretory profile of EAT in the pathogenesis of obesity‐related heart disease.
A Self‐Assembling Ligand Switch That Involves Hydroxide Addition to an sp2 Hybridised Phosphorus Atom – A System Allowing OH– Mediated Uptake of [MCl2] (M = Pd, Pt) Centres
Authors: Cabon Yves , Ricard Louis , Frison Gilles , Carmichael Duncan
Published: February 2019

The coordination chemistry of the 1,1′‐diphosphacobaltocenium salt [Co(η5‐2‐TBS‐3,4‐Me2‐PC4H)2]+ BF4– (rac‐1) and its derivatives with respect to [MCl2] (M = Pd, Pt) centres is presented. Rac‐1, showing two sp2 hybridised phosphorus atoms and a positive charge, is stable towards strong electrophiles (PhCH2Br, MeI), but undergoes attack by hydroxide at phosphorus with subsequent rearrangement to form the neutral conjugate base [Co{η5‐(2‐TBS‐3,4‐Me2‐PC4H)}{η4‐(1‐O,1‐H‐2‐TBS‐3,4‐Me2‐PC4H)}] (rac‐2). Rac‐1 undergoes reaction with [MCl2(PhCN)2] (M=Pd, Pt) in damp chloroform to form the Psp2–Psp3 chelating sec‐phosphinite complexes [MCl2{Co{η5‐(2‐TBS‐3,4‐Me2‐PC4H)}{η4‐(1‐OH‐2‐TBS‐3,4‐Me2‐PC4H)}}] 4 (M = Pd, Pt), which are also accessible directly, but under more forcing conditions, from rac‐2. Computational analysis (M06/def2‐TZVP) indicates that the conjugate base, in the form of its sec‐phosphinite tautomer rac‐3, shows significantly stronger bonding to the metal centre than does the parent 1,1′‐diphosphacobaltocenium salt rac‐1. The uptake and subsequent release of a [PtCl2] centre as a function of the pH of the reaction medium hints at the potential for employing the rac‐1/rac‐2 ligand acid‐base couple as a pH‐driven coordination switch.
Morphology‐ and Size‐Controlled Fabrication of CdS from Flower‐Like to Spherical Structures and their Application for High‐Performance Photoactivity
Authors: Fu Yimin , Ding Yuanpeng , Zheng Lingxia , Zhu YuFang , Han Sancan
Published: February 2019

The control on the morphology of semiconductors is one of the most critical issues in modern synthetic chemistry. In this study, we present the shape and size‐controlled conversion of CdS from flower‐like microstructure to spherical nanostructure by simply adjusting the molar ratios of cadmium acetate to thiourea; the morphology transformation was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanism of the influence of using different amounts of thiourea on the shape evolution for CdS was discussed in detail. The photocatalytic degradation experiments for RhB under visible‐light irradiation were performed to investigate the photocatalytic performance of CdS; highly morphology‐ and size‐dependent photoactivity is presented. Taking in consideration the higher photoactivity on monodisperse nano‐spherical CdS, CdS nanosphere film‐based photodetector device has been successfully fabricated by using oil‐water interfacial self‐assembly strategy, using a Ti/Au electrode, which showed the excellent stability and repeatability. The work reveals the mechanism of the morphological transformation of CdS nanoparticles and their photoactivity, which is of great significance in the relevant fields.
Characterization of a Manganese‐Containing Nanoparticle as an MRI Contrast Agent
Authors: Gianolio Eliana , Bäckström Sania , Petoral Rodrigo M. , Olsson Anders , Aime Silvio , Axelsson Oskar
Published: February 2019

We present relaxivity and physicochemical data for a high relaxivity, manganese‐containing, nanoparticle‐based, and tumor selective MRI contrast agent, SN132D. The nanoparticles have a diameter of 5–6 nm, selected to give a compromise between renal excretion and tumor contrast, based on the Enhanced Permeability and Retention effect. The per manganese relaxivity (r1) is 24.8 ± 0.2 mm–1 Mn s–1 at 1.5 T and 37 °C in water, corresponding to per nanoparticle relaxivity of 347 ± 3 mm–1 s–1. The NMRD profiles in both water and serum showed a peak in r1 in the frequency range 20–40 MHz, which is characteristic of slowly moving paramagnetic systems. The r1 decreases when the temperature is increased from 25 °C to 37 °C, indicating fast exchange dynamics of the coordinated water molecules. The exchange time constant of the whole water molecule, τMO, was 6 ns. The r1 in serum is significantly higher than in water, due to an increase in medium viscosity and chelation of 18.9 ± 2.0 % of MnII ions to human serum components, most likely human serum albumin. The r1 is stable in the pH range 3–10. The per Mn relaxivity is among the highest reported for Mn‐containing systems and far higher than those of the clinically used gadolinium‐based contrast agents.
Crystallization Mechanisms Applied to Understand the Crystal Formation of Rotaxanes
Authors: Orlando Tainára , Salbego Paulo R. S. , Farias Fellipe F. S. , Weimer Gustavo H. , Copetti João P. P. , Bonacorso Helio G. , Zanatta Nilo , Hoerner Manfredo , Berná José , Martins Marcos A. P.
Published: February 2019

The present study discusses the crystalline packing formation of several [2]rotaxanes with Leigh‐type tetralactam macrocycle bearing different threads. The presence of solvent molecules in some structures are also addressed to shed some light on this matter. Additionally, the degree of similarity between supramolecular structures of rotaxanes was discussed using similarity indices. For this, new descriptors and crystallization mechanisms, which were proposed in terms of contact area and stabilization energy, were carried out to evaluate the rotaxane molecules. It was possible to observe similar general stages of crystallization dominated by the formation of 1D‐blocks and, in fewer cases, by dimers in the first stage of nucleation. The preference for the formation of 1D nuclei resides in the large contact area and complementarity involved in the large set of interactions between the rotaxanes at the earliest stages of crystallization. In this context, it was possible to propose when solvent molecules are trapped between the rotaxanes during crystal formation. Therefore, a unique example of a rotaxane whose topology favored the entrapment of water molecules between rotaxanes during the first stage of the crystallization process is presented. Crystallization mechanisms showed to be a valuable asset in the supramolecular investigation of rotaxanes in the crystalline state.
Horizontal cable tray fire in a well‐confined and mechanically ventilated enclosure using a two‐zone model
Authors: Plumecocq William , Audouin Laurent , Zavaleta Pascal
Published: February 2019

Electrical cable trays are used in large quantities in nuclear power plants (NPPs) and are one of the main potential sources of fire. A malfunction of electrical equipment due to thermal stress for instance may lead to the loss of important safety functions of the NPPs. The investigation of such fires in a confined and mechanically ventilated enclosure has been scarce up to now and limited to nuclear industry. In the scope of the OECD PRISME‐2 project, the Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire (IRSN) conducted more than a dozen fire tests involving horizontal electrical cable trays burning either in open atmosphere or inside mechanically ventilated compartments to investigate this topic. A semi‐empirical model of horizontal cable tray fires in a well‐confined and mechanically ventilated enclosure was developed. This model is partly based on the approach used in FLASH‐CAT and on experimental findings from IRSN cables fire tests. It was implemented in the two‐zone model SYLVIA. The major features of the compartment fire experiments could then be reproduced with acceptable error, except for combustion of unburned gases. The development of such a semi‐empirical model is a common practice in fire safety engineering concerned with complex solid fuels.
A note on the predictive power of survey data in nowcasting euro area GDP
Authors: Kurz‐Kim Jeong‐Ryeol
Published: February 2019

This paper investigates the trade‐off between timeliness and quality in nowcasting practices. This trade‐off arises when the frequency of the variable to be nowcast, such as gross domestic product (GDP), is quarterly, while that of the underlying panel data is monthly; and the latter contains both survey and macroeconomic data. These two categories of data have different properties regarding timeliness and quality: the survey data are timely available (but might possess less predictive power), while the macroeconomic data possess more predictive power (but are not timely available because of their publication lags). In our empirical analysis, we use a modified dynamic factor model which takes three refinements for the standard dynamic factor model of Stock and Watson (Journal of Business and Economic Statistics, 2002,20, 147–162) into account, namely mixed frequency, preselections and cointegration among the economic variables. Our main finding from a historical nowcasting simulation based on euro area GDP is that the predictive power of the survey data depends on the economic circumstances; namely, that survey data are more useful in tranquil times, and less so in times of turmoil.
Measurement validity of the Patient‐Health Questionnaire‐9 in US nursing home residents
Authors: Bélanger Emmanuelle , Thomas Kali S. , Jones Richard N. , Epstein‐Lubow Gary , Mor Vincent
Published: February 2019

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the measurement properties of the self‐reported Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9) and its 10‐item observer version (PHQ‐10OV) among nursing home residents.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of Minimum Data Set 3.0 assessments for national cohorts of Medicare Fee‐for‐Service beneficiaries who were newly admitted or incident long‐stay residents in 2014‐2015 at US nursing homes (NHs) certified by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Statistical analyses included examining internal reliability with McDonald's omega, structural validity with confirmatory factor analysis, and hypothesis testing for expected gender differences and criterion validity with descriptive statistics. The Chronic Condition Warehouse depression diagnoses were used as an administrative reference standard.

Results

Both the PHQ‐9 and PHQ‐10OV had good internal reliability with omega values above 0.85. The self‐reported scale yielded good model fit for a one‐factor solution, while the PHQ‐10OV had slightly poorer fit and a lower standardized factor loading on the additional irritability item. Both scales appear sufficiently one‐dimensional given that somatic items had higher factor loading on a general depression factor than on a somatic subfactor. We were unable to obtain expected gender differences on the PHQ‐10OV scale. The PHQ‐9 and PHQ‐10OV were both highly specific but had poor sensitivity compared with an administrative reference standard.

Conclusions

The PHQ‐9 appears to be a valid and promising measurement instrument for research about depression among NH residents, while the validity of the PHQ‐10OV should be examined further with a structured psychiatric interview as a stronger criterion standard.
Verbal fluency and risk of dementia
Authors: Sutin Angelina R. , Stephan Yannick , Terracciano Antonio
Published: February 2019

Objective

Verbal fluency is a common neuropsychological test that is impaired in dementia. We test whether verbal fluency is a prospective risk factor for incident dementia, cognitive impairment not dementia (CIND), and conversion from CIND to dementia.

Methods

Participants (N = 18 189) from the Health and Retirement Study were administered a standard test of verbal fluency and were assessed for cognitive status every 2 years between baseline and 6 years' follow‐up.

Results

Every standard deviation increase in verbal fluency was associated with an approximately 60% reduced risk of incident dementia, an approximately 25% reduced risk of incident CIND, and an approximately 25% reduced risk of conversion from CIND to dementia. These associations were independent of age, gender, education, race, ethnicity, and APOE risk status. The associations were slightly weaker (but still significant) for African Americans and individuals with lower education. There was no interaction between verbal fluency and APOE risk status.

Conclusion

Verbal fluency is an easily administered task that is predictive of incident cognitive impairment.
Hospital productivity: The role of efficiency drivers
Authors: Ali Manhal , Salehnejad Reza , Mansur Mohaimen
Published: February 2019

A major feature of health‐care systems is substantial variation in hospital productivity. Hospital productivity varies widely across countries. The presence of such variation suggests potential areas for improvement, which can substantially lower health‐care costs. This research aims to investigate factors that may explain variations in hospital productivity by constructing a longitudinal data (panel) on English NHS hospital trusts. It also seeks to explore possible interactions among the factors in a data–driven manner. We employ unbiased panel regression tree techniques from the machine‐learning literature to explore the complex interactive structure of the data. We next use econometric panel regression to deal with individual hospital effects to identify some of the determinants of hospital productivity. The findings point to the significance of efficiency‐enhancing mechanisms for hospital productivity, including measures to reduce the length of stay, increase day case (outpatient) surgery rate, and to minimize errors. Further, such measures are shaped by more fundamental factors such as the availability of human capital and management practices. Our results underscore the importance of within‐hospital efficiency‐enhancing mechanisms to cost‐adjusted hospital productivity. Improving hospital operational processes will enhance productivity. At a deeper level, human capital and management practices are likely to be most critical.
Therapeutic potential of toll‐like receptors in treatment of gynecological cancers
Authors: Moradi‐Marjaneh Reyhaneh , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Hasanzadeh Malihe , Rezayi Majid , Maftouh Mona , Mehramiz Mehrane , Ferns Gordon A. , Khazaei Majid , Avan Amir
Published: February 2019

Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in the innate and adaptive immune system. They are expressed in various regions of the female reproductive tract, and their regulation may be involved in the pathogenesis of gynecological lesions. There is growing evidence that ligands for several TLRs are potentially anticancer agents, some of which have already been approved by the FDA, and these compounds are now undergoing clinical evaluation. There is a rationale for using these ligands as adjuvants in the treatment or prevention of gynecological cancer. Some TLR agonists that are of potential interest in the treatment of gynecological lesions include imiquimod, motolimod, cervarix, and CpG‐oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs). In this review, we outline the different functions of TLRs in gynecological cancer with particular emphasis on the value of TLR agonists as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of gynecological cancer. © 2019 IUBMB Life, 71(5):549–564, 2019
Effect on door‐to‐needle recombinant tissue plasminogen activator administration times for acute ischemic stroke with and without an emergency department pharmacist
Authors: Gilbert Brian W. , Huffman Joel
Published: February 2019

Study Objective

A paucity of data exists on the impact emergency department (ED) pharmacists have on a stroke team's door‐to‐needle (DTN) administration time of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA). The purpose of this study was to assess the odds of achieving a DTN administration time for rTPA of 60 minutes or less with an ED pharmacist present.

Methods

This was a retrospective, cohort study of patients who received rTPA for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) from May 2017 to May 2018. Patients were included if they were at least 18 years old and received tPA for AIS in the ED. The primary outcome for this study was the likelihood of patients receiving a DTN administration time of 60 minutes or less with or without an ED pharmacist present during a stroke alert at a primary stroke center.

Results

The electronic medical record of 184 stroke alert patients was reviewed, and 65 patients were included in the final analysis. Baseline characteristics were similar in all aspects. The odds ratio was 3.3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1‐9.6; P = 0.04) to achieve a DTN administration time of 60 minutes or less when an ED pharmacist was present. The ED pharmacist present group had faster median (47 minutes vs 60 minutes; P = 0.001) and average (49 minutes vs 63 minutes; P = 0.003) DTN administration times compared with the ED pharmacist not present group.

Conclusion

An ED pharmacists present during a stroke alert at our faculty resulted in reduced overall DTN rTPA administration times and increased the odds of a patient receiving rTPA less than 60 minutes from arrival for AIS. Further study is required to determine if this finding can be replicated in other EDs.
Chinese herbal medicines of supplementing Qi and nourishing Yin combined with chemotherapy for non–small cell lung cancer: A meta‐analysis and systematic review
Authors: Shen Shuijie , Jiang Shuiju
Published: February 2019

Background

Non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the malignant tumors with the highest incidence and mortality. This meta‐analysis aimed to explore the efficacy of the supplementing Qi and nourishing Yin method combined with chemotherapy for the treatment of NSCLC based on qualified randomized controlled trials.

Method

PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched by the index words to identify the eligible studies, and relevant literature sources were also searched. The latest research was performed in December 2017. Of the eligible studies, only those involving randomized controlled trials were included. Relative risks (RR) along with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to analyze the main outcomes.

Result

A total of 41 studies were involved in the meta‐analysis with 1335 objects in the treatment group and 1272 objects in the control group. Compared with chemotherapy, supplementing Qi and nourishing Yin combined with chemotherapy significantly increased the effective rate (RR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.24‐1.51), increased the Karnofsky score (RR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.39‐1.61), and improved the TCM symptom (RR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.55‐1.85).

Conclusion

These results demonstrated that supplementing Qi and nourishing Yin combined with chemotherapy would have better clinical efficacy in effective rate, the Karnofsky score, and TCM symptom. Most of the included studies had a low Jadad score; however, there is still a need for high‐quality, larger‐sample, multicentric, and long‐term follow‐up randomized controlled trials to confirm our conclusion.
Tiaopi huxin recipe improved endothelial dysfunction and attenuated atherosclerosis by decreasing the expression of caveolin‐1 in ApoE‐deficient mice
Authors: Wen Junmao , Lin Tong , Wu Wei , Yang Yi , Luo Chuanjin , Zhou Chi , Wan Jindong , Liu Sen , Wang Dan , Wang Peijian , Li Junzhe
Published: February 2019

The Tiaopi Huxin recipe (TPHXR) is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for the clinical treatment of coronary heart disease. However, the mechanism of TPHXR treatment of atherosclerosis (AS) has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we have aimed to explore the potential antiatherosclerotic effect of TPHXR and its underlying mechanisms. Male ApoE knockout (ApoE−/−) mice were fed a high‐fat diet for 12 weeks and were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, and the low‐dose, medium‐dose, and high‐dose TPHXR groups. The nitric oxide (NO) levels in arterial tissue and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were measured by diaminofluorescein‐2 diacetate staining. Vasorelaxation of mice aorta was performed by wire myograph. Inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), hs‐CRP, IL‐6, and IL‐1β, in mice plasma were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot analysis was applied to observe protein expression. Oil Red O staining was utilized for the quantification of atherosclerotic plaques. Results showed that 4 weeks of high‐ and medium‐dose TPHXR treatment by oral gavage reduced atheromatous lesions in ApoE
−/− mice. The high‐ and medium‐dose TPHXR treatment, but not the low‐dose treatment, promoted eNOS phosphorylation, increased NO levels and improved endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation in ApoE
−/− mice. High‐ and medium‐dose TPHXR, but not low‐dose TPHXR, decreased the expression of cav‐1, NF‐κB p50, NF‐κB p65, ICAM1, VCAM‐1, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β in the vasculature of ApoE
−/− mice. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay analysis indicated that high‐ and medium‐dose TPHXR decreased the levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, hs‐CRP, and IL‐1β. In conclusion, our findings show that TPHXR improved the endothelial function and reduced atheromatous lesions in ApoE
−/− mice. This result may be due to the decreased expression of caveolin‐1 and NF‐κB and, hence, the attenuated inflammatory response in AS mice vasculature. TPHXR may represent a promising intervention in patients with AS.
Prenatal sonographic diagnosis of biliary tract malformations
Authors: Koukoura Ourania , Kelesidou Veroniki , Delianidou Marina , Athanasiadis Apostolos , Dagklis Themistoklis
Published: February 2019

Congenital anomalies of the biliary tract include a variety of pathologic conditions, such as biliary atresia, choledochal cysts, gallbladder agenesis, congenital cholelithiasis, and gallbladder duplication. Although most of these malformations are rare and benign conditions, they may occasionally represent a major threat to extrauterine life. Visualization of a normal‐sized gallbladder should be a mandatory component of the second‐trimester anomaly ultrasound scan. Advances in prenatal sonography enable the detection of biliary tract congenital malformations. In this review, we discuss the detection rates, sonographic features, and prognosis of the most frequently prenatally diagnosed biliary tract malformations.
Human platelet antigens polymorphisms; association to the development of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Ghasemi Ali , Zadsar Maryam , Shaiegan Mojgan , Samiei Shahram , Namvar Ali , Rasouli Mahboobeh , Moosanejad Molood
Published: February 2019

Recently, human platelet antigens (HPAs) polymorphisms are found to play a role in susceptibility to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and fibrosis progression. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the possible association between the HPAs polymorphisms with liver fibrosis progression in HCV patients. HPAs polymorphisms genotyping was performed in HCV patients (n = 71) by Sequence‐specific primers‐polymerase chain reaction. Fibrosis progression was evaluated using the Metavir scoring system and liver biopsy, and the patients were assigned to two groups, namely, G1 (n = 35) that included patients with F1 (portal fibrosis without septa) or F2 (few septa) and G2 (n = 36) that comprised patients with F3 (numerous septa) or F4 (cirrhosis). The data analyses were performed using Pearson's χ2 test. The genotype frequency of HPA‐3ab was significantly higher in G1 patients than in G2 patients (P = 0.015). No statistically significant differences were found between the patient groups (G1 and G2) regarding the distributions of the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the HPA‐1, ‐2, ‐4, ‐5, and ‐15 systems. Multivariate logistic regression showed an independent association between the genotype HPA‐3aa/BB and severe fibrosis (F3‐F4), when compared with genotype HPA‐3ab, independent of the viral genotype, high alanine transaminase, sex, age, time of infection, diabetes, and high cholesterol as risk factors. The present study suggested that the HPA‐3ab genotype could be noticed as a potential protecting factor against hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, the antigenic variation of integrins might be considered as a part of the coordinated inflammatory process involved in the progression of liver fibrosis.
Creativity Booster: How Time versus Money Impacts Creative Performances
Authors: Gong Han , Zhou Haotian , Zhang Xiao
Published: February 2019

Past research shows that time and money, although both scarce resources indispensable in modern societies, tend to exert distinct impacts on interpersonal behaviors. Yet, little is known about the effects of these two resources on intrapersonal cognitive processes, including creative thinking. In the present research, we explored whether and how increasing the saliency of time versus money concept would affect creative thinking. Six experiments provide converging evidence that activating time concept leads to superior creative performance than money concept. Specifically, individuals treated to time priming (versus money priming) were more likely to solve insight problems (Experiments 1a and 1b), to expand boundaries of conceptual categories (Experiment 2), and to identify connections among seemingly unrelated stimuli (Experiments 3a, 3b and 4). Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Cross‐sectional Evaluation of Home Enteral Nutrition Practice in the United States in the Context of the New Enteral Connectors
Authors: Epp Lisa M. , Salonen Bradley R. , Hurt Ryan T. , Mundi Manpreet S.
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The increased prevalence of home enteral nutrition (HEN), reemergence of blenderized tube feeding (BTF), and conversion of enteral connectors to the ISO 80369‐3 standard are creating a significant need to better understand the practices of the HEN population. A cross‐sectional survey of current HEN consumers was conducted to evaluate the demographics of HEN consumers, including formulas and feeding tubes being used.

Methods

In order to disseminate the survey to a wide range of HEN consumers, we partnered with private infusion companies (Coram and Pediatric Home Services) along with the Oley and Tube Feeding Awareness Foundations. A validated survey focusing on patient demographics, tube types, formula used, and tube clogging complications was placed online from September 1, 2016, to October 15, 2016.

Results

During the study period, 1519 surveys were completed, with 1062 respondents in the pediatric group (<18 years old) and 457 in the adult group (≥18 years old). The most popular formulas were standard polymeric and specialized formulas in both the pediatric and adult groups. However, a significant number in the pediatric (31.2%) and adult (18.6%) groups used BTF either alone or in combination with other formulas. Clogging was also quite prevalent and correlated with tube size.

Conclusions

The present study highlights the significant diversity of the HEN practice in terms of types and sizes of tubes as well as formulas used, including confirmation of the widespread use of BTF. These data are key to ensure HEN providers are able to appropriately support and educate their patients.
Comparison of keystone flaps and skin grafts for oncologic reconstruction: A retrospective review
Authors: Darrach Halley , Kokosis George , Bridgham Kelly , Stone Jill P. , Lange Julie R. , Sacks Justin M.
Published: February 2019

Background and Objectives

Two common options for the closure of complex defects are local flaps and skin grafting. The keystone flap, a fasciocutaneous flap based on perforators, has demonstrated compelling ease of use, reproducibility, and low complication rates without requiring a distant donor site. Our objective for this study was to compare postoperative outcomes for keystone flaps and skin grafts in cancer resection.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of patients undergoing keystone flap closure or skin grafting for soft tissue defects resulting from cancer resection at a single institution from June 2017 to June 2018. Patient demographics, operative indications, length of stay, time to heal, and complications were reviewed.

Results

A total of 34 patients were identified having undergone either keystone reconstruction (n = 16) or skin graft (n = 18) after oncologic resection. Patients undergoing keystone flap reconstruction had significantly shorter mobility restriction and healing times. Length of hospital stay and overall complication rates were not significantly different.

Conclusion

The keystone flap is an adaptable tool that can safely be used for the coverage of complex defects with faster healing, shorter mobility restriction, and comparable complication rates to skin grafting without the need for a distant donor site.
Electrospun metal‐organic framework/polyacrylonitrile composite nanofibrous mat as a microsorbent for the extraction of tetracycline residue in human blood plasma
Authors: Arabsorkhi Batoul , Sereshti Hassan , Abbasi Alireza
Published: February 2019

A new composite nanofiber of polyacrylonitrile doped with copper benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylate metal‐organic framework was fabricated by electrospinning and used as a microsorbent in the solid‐phase extraction of trace tetracycline. The chemical structure of the adsorbent was studied by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis, and Barrett‐Joyner‐Halenda pore size and volume analysis techniques. The significant parameters of the method including desorption solvent kind and volume, adsorbent mass, pH, and salt percentage were investigated. At the optimized conditions, the linear range was 8–1000 μg/L with a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.9954. The limits of detection and quantification were 2.40 and 8.00 μg/L, respectively. The inter‐ and intraday precisions were 4.7 and 3.4%, respectively. The developed extraction method was followed by high‐performance liquid chromatography and applied for the determination of tetracycline in human blood plasma, and good relative recoveries (97.3‐104.5%) were obtained.
Tannin‐Tethered Gelatin Hydrogels with Considerable Self‐Healing and Adhesive Performances
Authors: Zhao Qiuxia , Mu Shengdong , Long Yanru , Zhou Jin , Chen Wuyong , Astruc Didier , Gaidau Carmen , Gu Haibin
Published: February 2019

Hydrogels, especially the ones with self‐recovery and adhesive performances, have attracted more and more attention owing to their wide practical potential in the biomedical field involving cell delivery, wound filling, and tissue engineering. Tannic acid (TA), a nature‐derived gallol‐rich polyphenol, exhibits not only unique chelating properties with transition metal cations but also desirable anti‐oxidation properties and strong bonding capability to proteins and gelatin. Thus, taking advantage of the versatility of TA, a one‐pot method is proposed herein to produce TA‐modified gelatin hydrogels with the aid of NaIO4 under basic conditions. By changing the amount of NaIO4 used, the obtained hydrogels are covalently cross‐linked to different degrees and consequently exhibit diversity in their self‐healing and adhesive properties. The gelling time, viscoelasticity, and morphology of hydrogels are investigated, and when the feed molar ratio of NaIO4 to TA is adjusted to 15:1, the fabricated hydrogel shows optimum self‐healing efficiency of 73% and adhesive strength of 36 kPa. Additionally, considering the completely natural origin of TA and gelatin, this study offers an original way for the fabrication of biocompatible self‐healing and adhesive materials.
Overall Investigation of Poly (Phenylene Sulfide) from Synthesis and Process to Applications—A Review
Authors: Zuo Peiyuan , Tcharkhtchi Abbas , Shirinbayan Mohammadali , Fitoussi Joseph , Bakir Farid
Published: February 2019

Poly (phenylene sulfide) (PPS) is one kind of high‐performance polymer with high thermal stability that can be used widely in different industrial domains. However, according to an investigation of the literature, few reviews have comprehensively focused on the continuous development of PPS applications in the past decade. To meet this demand, this paper provides an overall investigation of PPS polymer and PPS‐based composites from synthesis and process to applications. Briefly, this paper introduces PPS materials according to the following topics. First, the molecular weight distribution and morphology of PPS, as well as their reinforced parts, are introduced. Afterward, the topic is focused on the synthesis, process, and blending of PPS. In the next part, this paper investigates the key points regarding PPS as a high‐performance polymer, focusing on the aspect of thermal behavior and mechanical properties. Finally, PPS composite applications are emphasized and overviewed from a wide range of aspects.
Quantitative Bessaga–Pełczyński property and quantitative Rosenthal property
Authors: Chen Dongyang , Ruan Yingbin
Published: February 2019

We prove that c0 and , where K is a dispersed compact Hausdorff space, enjoy a quantitative version of the Bessaga–Pełczyński property. We also prove that l1 possesses a quantitative version of the Pełczyński property. Finally, we show that has a quantitative version of the Rosenthal property for any finite measure μ.
High‐throughput sequencing approach in analysis of microbial communities colonizing natural gas pipelines
Authors: Staniszewska Agnieszka , Kunicka‐Styczyńska Alina , Otlewska Anna , Gawor Jan , Gromadka Robert , Żuchniewicz Karolina , Ziemiński Krzysztof
Published: February 2019

This study provides a deep modern insight into the phylogenetic diversity among bacterial consortia found in working and nonworking high‐methane natural gas pipelines located in Poland. The working pipeline was characterized by lower biodiversity (140–154 bacterial genera from 22 to 23 classes, depending on the source of the debris) in comparison to the off‐gas pipeline (169 bacterial genera from 23 classes). The sediment recovered from the working pipeline contained mostly DNA identified as belonging to the phylum Firmicutes (66.4%–45.9% operational taxonomic units [OTUs]), predominantly Bacillus (41.4%–31.1% OTUs) followed by Lysinibacillus (2.6%–1.5% OTUs) and Clostridium (2.4%–1.8% OTUs). In the nonworking pipeline, Proteobacteria (46.8% OTUs) and Cyanobacteria (27.8% OTUs) were dominant. Over 30% of the Proteobacteria sequences showed homologies to Gammaproteobacteria, with Pseudomonas (7.1%), Enhydrobacter (2.1%), Stenotrophomonas (0.5%), and Haempohilus (0.4%) among the others. Differences were noted in terms of the chemical compositions of deposits originating from the working and nonworking gas pipelines. The deposits from the nonworking gas pipeline contained iron, as well as carbon (42.58%), sulphur (15.27%), and oxygen (15.32%). This composition can be linked to both the quantity and type of the resident microorganisms. The presence of a considerable amount of silicon (17.42%), and of aluminum, potassium, calcium, and magnesium at detectable levels, may likewise affect the metabolic activity of the resident consortia in the working gas pipeline. All the analyzed sediments included both bacteria known for causing and intensifying corrosion (e.g., Pseudomonas, Desulfovibrio, Shewanella, Serratia) and bacteria that can protect the surface of pipelines against deterioration (e.g., Bacillus). Biocorrosion is not related to a single mechanism or one species of microorganism, but results from the multidirectional activity of multiple microbial communities. The analysis presented here of the state of the microbiome in a gas pipeline during the real gas transport is a particularly valuable element of this work.
Psychometric testing of the Older Patients in Acute Care Survey (OPACS) in Australian final year nursing students
Authors: Venables Helen , Wells Yvonne , Fetherstonhaugh Deirdre
Published: February 2019

Aim

To assess the internal reliability and validity (content and criterion) of the Older Patients in Acute Care Survey (OPACS) as a measure of nurses’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding care of older hospitalized patients in Australia.

Design

Cross‐sectional survey.

Method

A convenience sample of final year nursing students at an Australian university in October 2014 completed the OPACS (N = 191). Internal reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, content validity using exploratory factor analysis and criterion validity using correlations between the OPACS and Palmore's Facts on Aging Quiz and the Caring Efficacy Scale.

Results

Despite good internal reliability on both OPACS subscales, exploratory factor analysis of the 36 items representing behaviours and the 50 items on knowledge and attitudes failed to load strongly on their corresponding factors. Analyses of criterion validity suggested the OPACS scales are measures of attitude.
Thoughts of creation and the discipline of nursing
Authors: Kristoffersen Margareth
Published: February 2019

Aim

The aim is to highlight thoughts of creation as a significant fundamental of the nursing discipline. This is achieved by exploring thoughts of creation in relation to everyday nursing care.

Design

This study, based on a hermeneutical approach, provides reused data drawn from a larger Norwegian empirical study.

Method

A second thematic analysis was conducted. Data in the original study consisted of qualitative interviews and qualitative follow‐up interviews with 13 nurses. The research context was the primary and secondary somatic and psychiatric health service, inside as well as outside institutions.

Results

Three themes emerged: (a) Life as greater than a human being; (b) creational powers attributed to the human being; and (c) understanding life as basically good. Thus, thoughts of creation in terms of philosophical underpinnings seem to gain backing from nurses’ experiences of everyday nursing care and it can be argued that it adds elements that enrich nursing care.
Difference in space‐charge recombination of proton and electron irradiated GaAs solar cells
Authors: Pellegrino Carmine , Gagliardi Alessio , Zimmermann Claus G.
Published: February 2019

GaAs component cells, representative of the middle cell in Ga0.5In0.5P/GaAs/Ge triple junction solar cells, were irradiated with protons and electrons of various energies and fluences. The local ideality factor, calculated from the measured dark J‐V curves, exhibits a characteristic signature of the irradiating particle. With the help of an analytical model based on Shockley‐Read‐Hall statistics, the recombination current in the space‐charge region is calculated, and the local diode ideality factor is reproduced accurately. The inclusion of defect levels away from the intrinsic Fermi level in the bandgap is found to be essential, since a classical two‐diode model fails to describe the experimental data. On the basis of literature data of known defect levels in irradiated GaAs, the associated lifetimes and defect introduction rates are derived.
Impact of Outer Shell Structure and Localization Effects on Charge Carrier Dynamics in GaAs/(In,Ga)As Nanowire Core–Shell Quantum Wells
Authors: Küpers Hanno , Corfdir Pierre , Lewis Ryan B. , Flissikowski Timur , Tahraoui Abbes , Grahn Holger T. , Brandt Oliver , Geelhaar Lutz
Published: February 2019

Herein, the charge carrier dynamics in GaAs/(In,Ga)As/(Al,Ga)As core–shell nanowires with different outer shell structures are studied. Localization of charge carriers in the minima of potential fluctuations is shown to govern the recombination processes at low temperatures. At higher temperatures, thermionic emission of carriers from the (In,Ga)As shell quantum well leads to a decrease of the luminescence efficiency for a sample with a GaAs outer shell. This effect can be reduced by introducing an AlAs barrier shell. However, the interfaces to this barrier act as an additional source for nonradiative recombination. These results will help in achieving high luminescence intensities at room temperature of light‐emitting devices based on nanowire shell quantum wells.
Low pH treatment of starch industry effluent with bacteria from leaf debris for methane production
Authors: Chaterjee Pradip Kumar , Neogi Shubhaneel , Saha Shouvik , Jeon Byong‐Hun , Dey Apurba
Published: February 2019

Cornstarch industry generates a huge amount of acidic effluent, that is, 5–11 M3/Mt grinding, with a high load of chemical oxygen demand, 6000–19000 mg/L. The acidic effluent requires neutralization making the treatment process expensive. Methanogenesis under the acidic environment (pH 5–5.5) can reduce the cost of operation as well as treatment time. This research focuses on the evaluation of the optimum condition of COD reduction and methane generation simultaneously from leaf debris sludge using Box–Behnken model. Three 1 L bioreactors were seeded with 5000–10000 mg/L inoculum and operated at different pH 4.0–7.0 for 72 hr up to 10 cycles. The production of methane was found maximum 2980 ml after treating the wastewater from the starch industry at pH 5.57 and 9612.9 mg biomass load at 62.4 hr. The high reduction rate of around 97% shows there is ample opportunity for further research on low pH treatment of waste along with recovery as methane.

Practitioner points

The low pH tolerant methanogenic bacteria are promising and are isolable from various natural resources.

The low pH tolerant methanogens was able to remove 97% COD from starch industry effluent at pH 5.57.

The recovery of methane was 2980 ml from 9612 mg/L COD which is at per with present treatment system thus provides cost effective alternatives.
Building Bridges: Rethinking Student Activist Leadership
Authors: Stewart Terah J. , Quaye Stephen John
Published: February 2019

This chapter explores the concept of bridge leadership within the context of student activism and student activist leadership on college campuses. This work seeks to uncover certain types of leadership that can often be rendered invisible in social movement spaces.
“The Redhead Who Speaks Spanish” Speaks: A High School Principal in Iowa's First Majority Latinx Town Discusses Leadership and Student Activism
Authors: Locke Leslie Ann , Broadhurst Christopher J.
Published: February 2019

This chapter outlines an interview conducted with a principal of a high‐performing high school with a majority Latinx student population, regarding how she fostered and engaged in activism in her school and with her students.
Spectral representation of thermal OTO correlators
Authors: Chaudhuri Soumyadeep , Chowdhury Chandramouli , Loganayagam R.
Published: February 2019

Abstract

We study the spectral representation of finite temperature, out of time ordered (OTO) correlators on the multi-time-fold generalised Schwinger-Keldysh contour. We write the contour-ordered correlators as a sum over time-order permutations acting on a fundamental array of Wightman correlators. We decompose this Wightman array in a basis of column vectors, which provide a natural generalisation of the familiar retarded-advanced basis in the finite temperature Schwinger-Keldysh formalism. The coefficients of this decomposition take the form of generalised spectral functions, which are Fourier transforms of nested and double commutators. Our construction extends a variety of classical results on spectral functions in the SK formalism at finite temperature to the OTO case.
On the algebraic approach to solvable lattice models
Authors: Belavin Vladimir , Gepner Doron
Published: February 2019

Abstract

We treat here interaction round the face (IRF) solvable lattice models. We study the algebraic structures underlining such models. For the three block case, we show that the Yang Baxter equation is obeyed, if and only if, the Birman-Murakami-Wenzl (BMW) algebra is obeyed. We prove this by an algebraic expansion of the Yang Baxter equation (YBE). For four blocks IRF models, we show that the BMW algebra is also obeyed, apart from the skein relation, which is different. This indicates that the BMW algebra is a sub-algebra for all models with three or more blocks. We find additional relations for the four block algebra using the expansion of the YBE. The four blocks result, that is the BMW algebra and the four blocks skein relation, is enough to define new knot invariant, which depends on three arbitrary parameters, important in knot theory.