bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Further validation of the Genetic Counseling Self‐Efficacy Scale (GCSES): Its relationship with personality characteristics
Authors: Keller Haley , Wusik Katie , He Hua , Yager Geoffrey , Atzinger Carrie
Published: December 2019

Demonstrating validity of a tool for genetic counseling self‐efficacy could help determine if this is a useful tool for training outcomes or other purposes in the field. The purpose of the current study was to describe the relationship between genetic counseling self‐efficacy, measured by scores on the Genetic Counseling Self‐Efficacy Scale (GCSES), personality characteristics, clinical characteristics, and performance on the American Board of Genetic Counselors (ABGC) board certification examination. Genetic counselors, recruited via email through the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Student Research Survey Program, completed an online questionnaire that included the GCSES, work locus of control (WLOC) scale, trait subscale of the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and questions related to board examination performance. Higher genetic counseling self‐efficacy factor scores for four of six factors were significantly associated with lower WLOC scores indicative of internal locus of control (p's < .05); higher genetic counseling self‐efficacy factor scores for all six factors were significantly associated with lower trait anxiety scores (p's < .05). In addition, increased years of experience and providing direct patient care were found to be significantly related to higher scores for all six‐factor scores on the GCSES (p's ≤ .05). Multiple linear regression models were performed to assess combined effects of predictor and demographic variables and demonstrated that professional factors were most significantly associated with GCSES factor scores. Findings from the current study provide additional validation for the GCSES and add clarity to the relationships between genetic counseling self‐efficacy, personality characteristics, and professional factors. Validation of the GCSES supports the usefulness of this tool as an outcome for genetic counseling training purposes. In addition, the GCSES could be used for self‐reflective practice for genetic counselors. Further studies are needed to investigate the relationship between genetic counseling self‐efficacy and genetic counselor competency.
Prevalence of reflux esophagitis in obese Japanese undergoing bariatric surgery
Authors: Takahashi Kodai , Seki Yosuke , Kasama Kazunori , Amiki Manabu , Baba Satoshi , Ito Masayoshi , Tanaka Tatsuro , Kanehira Eiji
Published: December 2019

Background

Currently, the data on the relationship between obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in Asian populations are scarce.

Methods

The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of reflux esophagitis (RE) among obese Japanese patients in each body mass index (BMI) range group. In addition, we aim to investigate the risk factors for RE in obese Japanese patients. The present retrospective cohort study included 674 obese Japanese patients who underwent bariatric surgery between January 2003 and April 2016. The patients were stratified into five groups based on BMI range.

Results

The mean BMI was 42.7 ± 9.24 kg/m2. The prevalence of RE among each of the groups was as follows: Group 1 (BMI 30–34.9) = 20.7%; Group 2 (BMI 35–39.9) = 24.0%; Group 3 (BMI 40–44.9) = 25.2%; Group 4 (BMI 45–49.9) = 26.7%; and Group 5 (BMI ≥50) = 24.8%. Overall, the prevalence of RE was 24.2% in our study. Furthermore, no significant difference in BMI was noted between the RE and non‐RE groups (43.4 ± 9.3 kg/m2 and 42.5 ± 10.2 kg/m2, respectively; p = 0.24). According to the multivariate logistic regression model, gender, Helicobacter pylori infection status, GERD‐related symptoms, and hiatal hernia were significantly correlated with RE.

Conclusion

Our study shows that the prevalence of RE in severely obese Japanese patients was significantly higher than the average prevalence of RE in Japan. However, the prevalence of RE did not increase with BMI in our cohort.
Synthesis of novel 5‐substituted imidazolinones as insecticides against cotton leaf worm (Spodoptera littoralis)
Authors: Sofan Mamdouh A. , Abou Elmaaty Tarek M. , Elkafafy Abdel‐Kader M. , Abdel Mageed Ahmed E. M.
Published: December 2019

In the light of using of 5‐imidazolinones in agriculture as safe and stable herbicides, the pesticide activities of some new synthesized derivatives 3‐18 of this ring system against “cotton leaf worm (Spodoptera littoralis)” have been investigated. The interpretation of the elemental and spectral analyses proved the correct structural formulae of the new synthesized compounds. The compounds 1, 5, 6a,b, 8a,c, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, and 18 showed higher potency than chlorpyrifos (dursban) recommended insecticide. While the derivatives 2, 3, 4, 7, 8b, 10, 13, and 14 showed toxicity values less than chlorpyrifos insecticide. The 5‐imidazolinones 9 and 12 may be potentially used as insecticides for treatment of cotton leaf worm.
High throughput newborn screening for aromatic ʟ‐amino‐acid decarboxylase deficiency by analysis of concentrations of 3‐O‐methyldopa from dried blood spots
Authors: Brennenstuhl Heiko , Kohlmüller Dirk , Gramer Gwendolyn , Garbade Sven F. , Syrbe Steffen , Feyh Patrik , Kölker Stefan , Okun Jürgen G. , Hoffmann Georg F. , Opladen Thomas
Published: December 2019

Aromatic l‐amino‐acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is an inherited disorder of biogenic amine metabolism with a broad neurological phenotype. The clinical symptoms overlap with other diseases resulting in an often delayed diagnosis. Innovative disease‐changing treatment options, particularly gene therapy, have emphasised the need for an early diagnosis. We describe the first method for 3‐O‐methyldopa (3‐OMD) analysis in dried blood spots (DBS) suitable for high throughput newborn screening (NBS). We established a novel tandem mass spectrometry method to quantify 3‐OMD in DBS and successfully tested it in 38 888 unaffected newborns, 14 heterozygous DDC variant carriers, seven known AADC deficient patients, and 1079 healthy control subjects. 3‐OMD concentrations in 38 888 healthy newborns revealed a mean of 1.16 μmol/L (SD = 0.31, range 0.31‐4.6 μmol/L). 1079 non‐AADC control subjects (0‐18 years) showed a mean 3‐OMD concentration of 0.78 μmol/L (SD = 1.75, range 0.24‐2.36 μmol/L) with a negative correlation with age. Inter‐ and intra‐assay variability was low, and 3‐OMD was stable over 32 days under different storage conditions. We identified seven confirmed AADC deficient patients (mean 3‐OMD 9.88 μmol/L [SD = 13.42, range 1.82‐36.93 μmol/L]). The highest concentration of 3‐OMD was found in a NBS filter card of a confirmed AADC deficient patient with a mean 3‐OMD of 35.95 μmol/L. 14 DDC variant carriers showed normal 3‐OMD concentrations. We demonstrate a novel high‐throughput method to measure 3‐OMD in DBS, which allows integration in existing NBS programs enabling early diagnosis of AADC deficiency.
Promoting Photocatalytic Cleaning Efficiency of Textile Finishing Solutions with Nanoboron as a p‐Type Dopant
Authors: Cerhan‐Haink Asena , Basim Gul Bahar
Published: December 2019

Boron is a commonly used p‐type dopant for semiconductor and photonic applications. In this study, standard photocatalytic titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles were doped with nanosized boron particles and coated on textiles to bring the photocatalytic light intensity closer to the visible light range. Boron/titania nanoparticle composites were initially prepared in DI water solutions and studied for their photocatalytic response through a statistical central composite design. To determine the most effective titania and nanoboron particle blend for photocatalytic textile coating, absorbance and stain bleach analyses were performed by UV light exposure. The performance of the composite particles at the optimal concentration has also been evaluated in the finishing solution and compared with the performances of the pure titania particles. It was found that the textiles coated with 0.08 wt% anatase doped with 0.16 wt% nanoboron as a p‐type dopant provided improvement in self‐cleaning ability under the visible light range in the DI water environment. Energy band gap calculations further verified the nanoboron‐doped titania blend to have a lower energy barrier as compared with the 0.1 wt% anatase in agreement with the photocatalytic activity improvements. Nanoboron is shown to be a strong candidate as a p‐type dopant to titania for photocatalytic textile coatings.
Developing a novel packed in‐tube solid‐phase extraction method for determination ∆9‐tetrahydrocannabinol in biological samples and cannabis leaves
Authors: Asiabi Hamid , Yamini Yadollah , Shamsayei Maryam , Baheri Tahmine
Published: December 2019

A novel plate‐like nano‐sorbent based on copper/cobalt/chromium layered double hydroxide was synthesized by a simple coprecipitation method. The synthesized nanoparticels were introduced into a stainless steel cartridge using a dry packing method. Then, the packed cartridge was introduced as a novel on‐line “packed in‐tube” configuration and followed by high performance liquid chromatography for the determination of trace amounts of ∆9‐tetrahydrocannabinol from biological samples and cannabis leaves. The as‐prepared sorbent exhibited long lifetime, good chemical stability, and high anion‐exchange capacity. Several important factors affecting the extraction efficiency, such as extraction and desorption times, pH of the sample solution and flow rates of the sample and eluent solutions, were investigated and optimized. Under optimized conditions, this method showed good linearity for ∆9‐tetrahydrocannabinol in the ranges of 0.09–500, 0.3–500, and 0.4–500 µg/L with coefficients of determination of 0.9999, 0.9991, and 0.9994 in water, serum and plasma samples, respectively. The inter‐ and intra‐assay precisions (n = 3) were respectively in the ranges of 1.8–4.6% and 1.9–4.0% at three concentration levels of 10, 50, and 100 µg/L. The limits of detection were also in the range of 0.02–0.1 µg/L.
Thyroid‐stimulating hormone receptor antibodies during follow‐up as remission markers in childhood‐onset Graves' disease treated with antithyroid drugs
Authors: Wang Shuo‐Yu , Wang Chia‐Ti , Tien Kai‐Jen , Chang Chao‐Chun , Liu Ting‐Hsiu
Published: December 2019

Graves' disease is uncommon in children. The remission rate after antithyroid drugs (ATD) therapy is lower than in adults. We evaluated the clinical course of ATD therapy in children with Graves' disease in southern Taiwan to determine whether their biochemical markers could be used to predict remission in these patients. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 53 children diagnosed with Graves' disease between 2009 and 2019. Clinical and biochemical parameters were analyzed for predictors of remission. About three‐fourths of the patients were female. Their median age at diagnosis was 13 years. No sex differences were found in most clinical characteristics. There was no correlation between thyroid‐stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb) levels at diagnosis and thyroid function or adverse reactions to ATD. Relapse occurred in 62% of patients after discontinuation of first‐course ATD therapy. Three variables—good initial response to ATD, a decrease in TRAb levels during the first year after diagnosis, and a decrease in TRAb levels during the second year after diagnosis—were significant predictors of remission for more than 18 months. In conclusion, children with Graves' disease who had early ATD‐controlled Graves' disease and decreased TRAb levels during the first 2 years are likely to enter remission for more than 18 months.
Passive and active ecological restoration strategies for abandoned farmland leads to shifts in potential soil nitrogen loss by denitrification and soil denitrifying microbes
Authors: Wang Honglei , Shu Duntao , Liu Dong , Liu Shuang , Deng Na , An Shaoshan
Published: December 2019

Ecological restorations of abandoned farmland have been performed in degraded ecosystems with the goal of increasing ecosystem sustainability. The environmental benefits of ecological restoration can at least be partially neutralized by enhanced nitrogen (N) loss and potential nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions via denitrification. However, few studies have focussed on comparative analysis of the contributions of ecological restoration strategies to soil denitrifying microbes, particularly in arid and semiarid degraded ecosystems, where N is often the limiting nutrient. In this study, artificial afforestation (artificial forest sites) and natural revegetation (grassland sites) of abandoned farmland have an enhanced effect on reducing potential denitrification rates (PDR) compared with farmland sites and orchard sites, leading to lower N losses and potential N2O emissions. Combined analyses indicated that the greatest differences in microbial abundance, species richness, and diversity were observed among different ecological restoration strategies. The abundance, richness, and diversities of denitrifying microbes (nirS, nirK, and nosZ genes) were decreased by natural revegetation and artificial afforestation, leading to attenuated denitrifying activity responsible for the reduced PDR. Notably, the abundance and diversity of denitrifying microbes were dominant variables that explained the changes in PDR (up to 0.96). Overall, our results contribute to a better understanding of the feedback of denitrifying microorganisms to ecological restoration strategies and how these microorganisms collaboratively contribute to N loss and potential N2O emissions in arid and semiarid degraded ecosystems.
Counter Electrode in Polymer‐Electrolyte‐Based DSSC: Platinum Versus Electrodeposited MnO2
Authors: Kakroo Sunanda , Suran Karan , Bhattachary Bhaskar
Published: December 2019

Manganese oxide have been successfully electrodeposited on fluorine‐doped tin oxide glass electrodes via a facile, green, and energy‐efficient electrodeposition technique, which is used as counter electrode in a dye‐sensitized solar cell using polyethylene‐oxide‐based solid polymer electrolyte. X‐ray diffraction, energy dispersive X‐ray, and scanning electron microscopy are used to study the structure, elemental composition, and surface morphology of the electrodeposited electrode. The electrochemical performance of the electrode is studied by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Performance of the cells is investigated by photocurrent–voltage characteristics using an input power (Pin) of 100 mW cm−2. The short‐circuit current density (Jsc) is 0.22 mA cm−2, open‐circuit voltage (Voc) is 0.76 V, fill factor (FF) is 0.5, and power conversion efficiency (η) is 0.08%. Further, a comparison with the conventional platinum (Pt) counter electrode is made and presented in this paper.
Magnesium Perchlorate Mixed and Glutaraldehyde Crosslinked Potato Starch: An Economical and Flexible Electrolyte Membrane
Authors: Yadav Madhavi , Verma Akanksha , Nautiyal Gayatri , Srivastava Neelam
Published: December 2019

Environment friendly polymer electrolyte systems are the most sought over option for cheap energy efficient storage devices. The present paper discusses the results of potato starch + Mg(ClO4)2 system which satisfy the technical and economical criteria to become a potential candidate for future electrolyte systems. The developed system has high ionic conductivity (≈2.01 × 10−2 S cm−1), low relaxation time (55 µs), and wide electrochemical stability window (≈3 V). The phase angle approaches −78˚ and maintains its value for 10 Hz to 1 kHz frequency range. The prepared electrolyte system, being free standing, flexible, and having the ability of being bended and twisted, is the suitable candidate for flexible electrochemical device fabrication. The equivalent series resistance is quite low (3.6 Ω) and high self‐resonance frequency ≈0.1 MHz, below which energy can be efficiently stored. Hence, the present study reports an economical, easy to handle, and environment friendly electrolyte system suitable for flexible electrochemical device fabrication.
Exploration of Superacidic Properties of HMnFn (n = 1–6) Using Density Functional Theory
Authors: Kargeti Ankit , Sharma Gulshan , Rasheed Tabish
Published: December 2019

Superacids play a key role as catalysts in various processes, such as acylation, esterification, and protonation of diverse chemical compounds. In the present investigation, HMnFn (n = 1–6) superacid series are studied within the quantum chemical framework using density functional theory with the B3LYP functional. The new superacid series is created through protonation of MnFn superhalogen complexes. Various molecular geometries, for example, HMnF, HMnF2, HMnF3, HMnF4, HMnF5, and HMnF6, are optimized to their respective global energy minimum and molecular properties are analyzed. First, the normal mode frequencies are analyzed in order to verify that the geometries are associated with their respective global minimum. Second, the Gibbs free energy of deprotonation ΔGacid is computed to estimate acidity of the molecules in gas phase. A compound is classified as a superacid if ΔGacid value is below 300 kcal mol−1. The HMnFn superacid series is found to have ΔGacid values well below this threshold of 300 kcal mol−1 and strength is comparable with fluoroantimonic acid (HSbF6), which is the strongest superacid known having ΔGacid value of 255.5 kcal mol−1.
On the bounded and stabilizing solution of a generalized Riccati differential equation arising in connection with a zero‐sum linear quadratic stochastic differential game
Authors: Dragan V. , Aberkane S. , Morozan T.
Published: December 2019

We study a class of coupled nonlinear matrix differential equations arising in connection with the solution of a zero‐sum two‐player linear quadratic (LQ) differential game for a dynamical system modeled by an Itô differential equation subject to random switching of its coefficients. The system of differential equations under consideration contains as special cases the game‐theoretic Riccati differential equations arising in the solution of the H∞ control problem from the deterministic and stochastic cases. A set of sufficient conditions that guarantee the existence of the bounded and stabilizing solution of this kind of Riccati differential equations is provided. We show how such stabilizing solution is involved in the construction of the equilibrium strategy of a zero‐sum LQ stochastic differential game on an infinite‐time horizon and give as a byproduct the solution of such a control problem.
A study on India's first offshore LIDAR‐based wind profiling at Gulf of Khambhat
Authors: Maiti Moinak , Maiti Jayita
Published: December 2019

A maiden attempt has been made to study India's first offshore LIDAR‐based wind profiling at Gulf of Khambhat. Both time series and panel data are used to derive the study conclusions. Quantile and panel analysis of the wind profiling done and based on that study finds interesting results. Study finds that wind characteristics are not constant over the quantiles and even change the polarisation. Study also concludes that wind dispersion is highly positively related to the wind speed. Finally, study concludes that there is no cross‐sectional (12 sectors: 40 to 200 m) random effect. Study findings have high policy implications.
An exploratory study assessing compliance among municipal controllers and the possible explanations for their degree of compliance
Authors: Anderson Rick , Maks Herbert , Klaassen Henk
Published: December 2019

Municipal controllers are sometimes confronted with requests from managers that contradict with the legal provisions. This raises the question how municipal controllers deal with these requests and whether this would impact their compliance. This article is a result of an exploratory study assessing compliance among municipal controllers and the possible explanations for their degree of compliance. The study has focused on one specific provision concerning accrual accounting, one of the elements of new public management (NPM), which is prescribed for Dutch municipalities. The study is based on a survey in 22 municipalities. The results show that the majority of municipal controllers who participate in this study deviate from this legal provision. There might be a relation between the orientation of the controllers and the degree of compliance. The position of the controller within the municipality can be a significant factor explaining this orientation. However, the size of the sample is too limited to generalize. The conclusions of this study undermine the idea that municipal controllers should act as business partners to the management. Finally, the study reveals a paradox: while one of the main elements of NPM is to shift more responsibilities to decentralized managers, this shift can lead to an increased principal‐agent problem, leading to a lesser degree of compliance.
Experimental parametric study of flow‐induced fiber washout during high‐injection‐pressure resin transfer molding
Authors: Bodaghi Masoud , Simacek Pavel , Correia Nuno , Advani Suresh G.
Published: December 2019

Fiber washout during high‐injection‐pressure resin transfer molding (HIPRTM) is an unwanted emergent defect. This article addresses the mechanisms that cause fiber washout during manufacturing of composite parts by HIPRTM. The key focus of this work is on one‐dimensional flow experiments using HIPRTM process in which in‐plane drag force due to high resin pressures is responsible for the fiber washout. An experimental parametric study is conducted to investigate the influence of the fabric architecture, number of plies, and injection pressure to identify controllable process and material factors to prevent fiber washout. The results show that as the ratio of tangential force between the mold/ply and the drag force increases, one would expect fiber washout to occur and either cause fiber waviness or form wrinkles and dry spots. The fiber washout distances measured from the experiments were used to validate the model developed in our previous work. The numerical simulations by LIMS qualitatively agreed with the experimentally measured behavior. It is concluded that the formation of dry spot is due to the contribution of two main factors: (a) very significant permeability reduction in the wrinkled region and (b) some race‐tracking.
Long‐term opioid therapy definitions and predictors: A systematic review
Authors: Karmali Ruchir N. , Bush Christopher , Raman Sudha R. , Campbell Cynthia I. , Skinner Asheley C. , Roberts Andrew W.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

This review sought to (a) describe definitions of long‐term opioid therapy (LTOT) outcome measures, and (b) identify the predictors associated with the transition from short‐term opioid use to LTOT for opioid‐naïve individuals.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of the peer‐reviewed literature (January 2007 to July 2018). We included studies examining opioid use for more than 30 days. We classified operationalization of LTOT based on criteria used in the definitions. We extracted LTOT predictors from multivariate models in studies of opioid‐naïve individuals.

Results

The search retrieved 5,221 studies, and 34 studies were included. We extracted 41 unique variations of LTOT definitions. About 36% of definitions required a cumulative duration of opioid use of 3 months. Only 17% of definitions considered consecutive observation periods, 27% used days' supply, and no definitions considered dose.

We extracted 76 unique predictors of LTOT from seven studies of opioid‐naïve patients. Common predictors included pre‐existing comorbidities (21.1%), non‐opioid prescription medication use (13.2%), substance use disorders (10.5%), and mental health disorders (10.5%).

Conclusions

Most LTOT definitions aligned with the chronic pain definition (pain more than 3 months), and used cumulative duration of opioid use as a criterion, although most did not account for consistent use. Definitions were varied and rarely accounted for prescription characteristics, such as days' supply. Predictors of LTOT were similar to known risk factors of opioid abuse, misuse, and overdose. As LTOT becomes a central component of quality improvement efforts, researchers should incorporate criteria to identify consistent opioid use to build the evidence for safe and appropriate use of prescription opioids.
Outdoor photoluminescence imaging of solar panels by contactless switching: Technical considerations and applications
Authors: Bhoopathy Raghavi , Kunz Oliver , Juhl Mattias , Trupke Thorsten , Hameiri Ziv
Published: December 2019

Monitoring the performance of solar modules in a photovoltaic system is critical in order to understand the health of the system. Existing methods for field inspection have limited capability of detecting various electronic defects that can, however, be identified with luminescence‐based methods. A contactless outdoor photoluminescence‐imaging based measurement method that uses the sun as the excitation source was presented in our earlier work. This paper extends our previous work and presents two unique applications to (a) identify and quantify local areas of high series resistance within the cells and (b) identify bypass diodes that have failed in open‐circuit. The paper also discusses specific technical considerations of this method. The main merit of this method is that it can be used when the module is under normal operation in the field, without requiring changing of the electrical wiring of the photovoltaic array.
Nanophase‐separated poly(acrylic acid)/poly(ethylene oxide) plasma polymers for the spatially localized attachment of biomolecules
Authors: Pleskunov Pavel , Nikitin Daniil , Tafiichuk Renata , Khalakhan Ivan , Kolská Zdeňka , Choukourov Andrei
Published: December 2019

Carboxyl‐enriched nanoparticles are produced by the plasma polymerization of acrylic acid (ppAA NPs), whereas plasma‐assisted vapor‐phase deposition is used to prepare thin films of poly(ethylene oxide) (ppPEO). Sequential depositions generate phase‐separated coatings. The ppAA NPs are found to be in a glassy state, whereas thin films of ppPEO are found to be in a rubbery state. When immersed into a solution of lysozymes, the ppPEO absorbs water, which results in the dissociation of the carboxyls on the ppAA NP surface. Negatively charged carboxyls attract positively charged lysozymes. The ppPEO surface in between the NPs resists the accumulation of the protein, leading to the spatially localized adsorption of lysozymes only on the spots where the ppAA NPs are located.
Highly Selective Optical and Fluorescence “Turn On” Signaling of Al3+: Cell Imaging and Estimation in Rice Plant
Authors: Saha Shrabani , Das Sujoy , Sahoo Prithidipa
Published: December 2019

A new pyrene based chemosensor (PTI) has been developed for selective estimation of toxic Al3+ ion in the root extract of rice plants (Oryza sativa) in neutral aqueous medium based on signaling through inhibition of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and initiation of chelation enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) mechanism. The rapid colorimertic and fluorimetric changes of the probe PTI upon interaction with Al3+ in the nanomolar scale has been well justified by different spectroscopic and theoretical analysis. The potentiality of the “turn on” signaling property of PTI also been demonstrated through cell imaging in the roots and stems of the rice plants efficiently.
Hot‐Injection Synthesis of PbE (E= S, Se) Nanoparticles from Dichalcogenoimidophosphinato Lead (II) Complexes
Authors: Boadi Nathaniel O. , Saah Selina A. , Helliwell Madeleine , Awudza Johannes A. M.
Published: December 2019

Dichalcogenoimidodiphoshinato lead complexes, [Pb((EPiPr2)2N)2] (E=S, Se) have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of [Pb((SeSPiPr2)2N)2]), has been solved by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography and reported. These complexes have been used as single‐source precursors to synthesise PbS and PbSe nanoparticles by hot‐injection method in an oleylamine/trioctylphosphine mixture. Powder X‐ray diffraction (p‐XRD) studies indicate that the nanoparticles produced are cubic. The optical band gaps estimated from the absorption spectrum fitting curve indicate significant tuning of the bulk band gap, blue shifting towards the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum.
A Facile and Stereoselective Synthesis of 3‐Phenylsulfinyl‐β‐lactams Using Selectfluor
Authors: Pandey Suvidha , Thakur Aarti , Reshma  , Bari Shamsher S. , Thapar Renu
Published: December 2019

An operationally simple, highly efficient and stereoselective method for oxidation of trans‐3‐phenylthio‐β‐lactams to trans‐3‐phenylsulfinyl‐β‐lactams is reported. High selectivity and yields were obtained under mild conditions. The probable mechanistic scheme for the formation of oxidized product is proposed.
Sulfonimidoyl Azide: A Novel Precursor for the Direct and Rapid Access to N‐Aryl Sulfonimidamides via Cu–Catalyzed Chan‐Evans‐Lam Reaction with Boronic Acids under Mild And Efficient Condition
Authors: Ravindra S. , Rohith J. , Jesin C. P. Irfana , Kataria Ramesh , Nandi Ganesh Chandra
Published: December 2019

Herein, we have introduced sulfonimidoyl azide as a precursor in a Cu‐catalyzed Chan‐Evans‐Lam reaction with aryl boronic acid for the synthesis of N‐aryl sulfonimidamide. The CuCl catalyzed reactions of sulfonimidoyl azides and aryl boronic acids have been proceeded in the presence of triethylamine (Et3N) as base in methanol at room temperature under oxygen atmosphere and resulted moderate to good yields of corresponding products in very short time. The synthetic utilities of N‐aryl sulfonimidamides have been established by iodination reactions and Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling reactions.
Recent Advances of Device Components toward Efficient Flexible Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zeng Peng , Deng Wenbin , Liu Mingzhen
Published: December 2019

Flexible solar cells have launched potential applications in diverse areas, such as civil engineering, consumer electronics, electric automobile, and aerospace use. In recent years, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been successful with a rocketing power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 3.8% to 25.2% in the last decade. Due to its material flexibility, together with low‐cost and facile fabrication processes, perovskites have certainly been considered as a promising candidate for the next generation of flexible solar cells. So far, the PCE of single‐junction flexible perovskite solar cells (FPSCs) has reached 19.51%, which retains researchers' great enthusiasm for further development and applications of FPSCs. Herein, a brief review of the recent advances in the structural components of FPSCs is presented, including perovskite absorber layers, flexible substrates, transparent bottom electrodes, and charge carrier transport layers. In particular, the focus is on the development of low‐temperature fabrication processes of the aforementioned compositional layer structures. Finally, noticeable achievements and annual milestones are discussed and summarized, and suggestions for further improvement of FPSCs and their ways toward commercialization are presented.
Orthogonal persistence in nonvolatile memory architectures: A persistent heap design and its implementation for a Java Virtual Machine
Authors: Perez Taciano D. , Neves Marcelo V. , Medaglia Diego , Monteiro Pedro H. G. , De Rose César A. F.
Published: December 2019

Current computer systems separate main memory from storage, and programming languages typically reflect this distinction using different representations for data in memory and storage. However, moving data back and forth between these different layers and representations compromise both programming and execution efficiency. To remedy this, the concept of orthogonal persistence (OP) was proposed in the early 1980s advocating that, from a programmer's standpoint, there should be no differences in the way that short‐term and long‐term data are manipulated. However, at that time, the underlying implementations still had to cope with the complexity of moving data across memory and storage. Today, recent nonvolatile memory (NVM) technologies, such as resistive RAM and phase‐change memory, allow main memory and storage to be collapsed into a single layer of persistent memory, opening the way for more efficient programming abstractions for handling persistence. In this work, we revisit OP concepts in the context of NVM architectures and propose a persistent heap design for languages with automatic memory management. We demonstrate how it can significantly increase programmer and execution efficiency, removing the impedance mismatch of crossing semantic boundaries. To validate and demonstrate the presented concepts, we present JaphaVM, an implementation of the proposed design based on JamVM, an open‐source Java Virtual Machine. Our results show that JaphaVM, in most cases, executes the same operations between one and two orders of magnitude faster than regular database‐based and file‐based implementations, while requiring significantly less lines of code.
Performance of TXRF among other competitors' analytical techniques
Authors: Vázquez C. , Gonzáles Sintas M.F. , Cerchietti L.
Published: December 2019

The main purpose of this presentation was to evaluate the performance of total reflection X‐ray fluorescence (TXRF) among conventional analytical techniques such as atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES), and inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry ICP‐MS). In order to perform the study, one sample and a blank acidified with nitric acid (2.0%–2.5% v/v) were distributed among 10 laboratories. The investigated analytes were arsenic, chromium, nickel, and lead within 0.050 to 1.50‐mg/L concentration range. A guide protocol was elaborated for the participants in order to normalize the manipulation of the samples. In the particular case of arsenic, atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS) was incorporated. The “En” statistical test was performed in order to evaluate the results reported by each participant against the assigned value of the sample. Results show an excellent performance of TXRF among the mentioned analytical techniques.
Generalized ADHM equations from marginal deformations in open superstring field theory
Authors: Vošmera Jakub
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Working within the framework of both the A

∞
and the Berkovits open superstring field theory, we derive a necessary and sufficient condition for a Neveu-Schwarz marginal deformation to be exact up to third order in the deformation parameter. For a specific class of backgrounds, we find that this condition localizes on the boundary of the worldsheet moduli space, thus providing a very simple computational prescription for recovering algebraic constraints (generalized ADHM equations) which need to be satisfied by the moduli. Applying our results to the D(−1)/D3 system, we confirm up to third order that blowing up the size of the D-instanton inside the D3 brane worldvolume is an exact modulus of the full string theory. We also discuss examples of more complicated back- grounds, such as instantons on unresolved ALE spaces, as well as the spiked instantons.
A machine learning study to identify spinodal clumping in high energy nuclear collisions
Authors: Steinheimer Jan , Pang Long-Gang , Zhou Kai , Koch Volker , Randrup Jørgen , Stoecker Horst
Published: December 2019

Abstract

The coordinate and momentum space configurations of the net baryon number in heavy ion collisions that undergo spinodal decomposition, due to a first-order phase transition, are investigated using state-of-the-art machine-learning methods. Coordinate space clumping, which appears in the spinodal decomposition, leaves strong characteristic imprints on the spatial net density distribution in nearly every event which can be detected by modern machine learning techniques. On the other hand, the corresponding features in the momentum distributions cannot clearly be detected, by the same machine learning methods, in individual events. Only a small subset of events can be systematically differ- entiated if only the momentum space information is available. This is due to the strong similarity of the two event classes, with and without spinodal decomposition. In such sce- narios, conventional event-averaged observables like the baryon number cumulants signal a spinodal non-equilibrium phase transition. Indeed the third-order cumulant, the skewness, does exhibit a peak at the beam energy (Elab = 3–4 A GeV), where the transient hot and dense system created in the heavy ion collision reaches the first-order phase transition.
On the role of the ντ appearance in DUNE in constraining standard neutrino physics and beyond
Authors: Ghoshal A. , Giarnetti A. , Meloni D.
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We consider the ν

μ

→ ν

τ
appearance channel in the future Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) which offers a good statistics of the ν

τ
sample. In order to measure its impact on constraining the oscillation parameters, we consider several assumptions on the efficiency for ν

τ
charged-current signal events (with subsequent τ → e decay) and the related backgrounds and study the effects of various systematic uncertainties. Two different neutrino fluxes have been considered, namely a CP-violation optimized flux and a ν

τ
optimized flux.

Our results show that the addition of the ν

μ

→ ν

τ
appearance channel does not reduce the current uncertainties on the standard 3-ν oscillation parameters while it can improve in a significant way the sensitivity to the Non-Standard Interaction parameter |∈
μτ
| and to the new mixing angle θ
34 of a sterile neutrino model of the 3 + 1 type.
“Voice your choice”: a study of women’s choice of surgery for primary stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Dwyer Lucy , Weaver Emily , Rajai Azita , Cox Samantha , Reid Fiona
Published: December 2019

Introduction and hypothesis

This was an observational study aiming to determine factors which influence women’s choice of surgery for primary stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

Two hundred twelve women undergoing a primary SUI procedure were recruited to this study from 12 hospitals in the north of England. After choosing a procedure, women were asked to complete a standardized semi-structured questionnaire about their health, demographics and a free text box to record factors important to them when choosing their procedure. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the impact of demographic, lifestyle or healthcare factors on women’s decision-making. Thematic analysis of the free text data was performed to identify factors important for women when choosing a surgical procedure.

Results

Sixty-four percent of women chose urethral bulking. There was no significant difference among age, BMI, smoking status or previous laparotomy between women choosing the four types of surgery. Women were less likely to choose urethral bulking if seen in a tertiary centre compared with a secondary centre (p < 001). Major themes in decision-making were efficacy, invasiveness, recovery, risk of complications, use of mesh, the clinician, the media, hierarchy of treatments and type of anaesthetic. Some women expressed a hierarchical approach to treatment.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest decision-making is not influenced by patient factors such as age, BMI, smoking status or previous laparotomies. Women’s choices are a complex mix of factors and not simply related to efficacy.
Toda Conformal Blocks, Quantum Groups, and Flat Connections
Authors: Coman Ioana , Pomoni Elli , Teschner Jörg
Published: December 2019

This paper investigates the relations between the Toda conformal field theories, quantum group theory and the quantisation of moduli spaces of flat connections. We use the free field representation of the $${{\mathcal {W}}}$$W-algebras to define natural bases for spaces of conformal blocks of the Toda conformal field theory associated to the Lie algebra $${\mathfrak {s}}{\mathfrak {l}}_3$$sl3 on the three-punctured sphere with representations of generic type associated to the three punctures. The operator-valued monodromies of degenerate fields can be used to describe the quantisation of the moduli spaces of flat $$\mathrm {SL}(3)$$SL(3)-connections. It is shown that the matrix elements of the monodromies can be expressed as Laurent polynomials of more elementary operators which have a simple definition in the free field representation. These operators are identified as quantised counterparts of natural higher rank analogs of the Fenchel–Nielsen coordinates from Teichmüller theory. Possible applications to the study of the non-Lagrangian SUSY field theories are briefly outlined.
Measurements of cervical lymph nodes in children on computed tomography
Authors: Spijkers Suzanne , Littooij Annemieke S. , Nievelstein Rutger A. J.
Published: December 2019

Background

No normal measurements or specific size criteria have been described for cervical lymph nodes in children.

Objective

To determine the normal measurements of cervical lymph nodes in children on CT.

Materials and methods

We included 142 children (ages 1–17 years) who underwent cervical CT examination after high-energy trauma. We evaluated axial and coronal 2-mm reconstructions for lymph nodes at six cervical levels. For the largest lymph node at each level, we measured diameters in both the long and short axial axes and the long coronal axis.

Results

A total of 733 lymph nodes were measured in 142 children (62% boys, 38% girls). The greatest measured diameters were 14 mm for the short axis in the axial plane, 24 mm for the long axis in the axial plane and 28 mm for the long axis in the coronal plane. The Pearson correlation coefficient for age and lymph node size at Levels IV–VI was in the range of 0.19–0.47.

Conclusion

Lymph nodes with an axial short-axis diameter exceeding 15 mm for Level II and 10 mm for all other cervical levels are uncommon in otherwise healthy children.
Binding of [18F]AV1451 in post mortem brain slices of semantic variant primary progressive aphasia patients
Authors: Schaeverbeke Jolien , Celen Sofie , Cornelis Julie , Ronisz Alicja , Serdons Kim , Van Laere Koen , Thal Dietmar Rudolf , Tousseyn Thomas , Bormans Guy , Vandenberghe Rik
Published: December 2019

Purpose

In vivo tau-PET tracer retention in the anterior temporal lobe of patients with semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (SV PPA) has consistently been reported. This is unexpected as the majority of these patients have frontotemporal lobar degeneration TDP (FTLD-TDP).

Methods

We conducted an in vitro [18F]AV1451 autoradiography binding study in five cases with a clinical diagnosis of SV PPA constituting the range of pathologies (i.e., three FTLD-TDP, one Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and one Pick’s disease (PiD)). Binding was compared with two controls without neurodegeneration, two typical AD, one corticobasal syndrome with underlying AD, and one frontotemporal dementia behavioral variant with FTLD-TDP. The effect of blocking with the authentic reference material and with the MAO-B inhibitor deprenyl was assessed. Immunohistochemistry was performed on adjacent cryosections.

Results

Absence of specific [18F]AV1451 binding was observed for all three SV PPA FTLD-TDP cases. The absence of binding in controls as well as the successful blocking with authentic AV1451 in cases with tauopathy demonstrated specificity of the [18F]AV1451 signal for tau. The specific [18F]AV1451 binding was highest in AD, followed by PiD. This binding colocalized with the respective tau lesions and could not be blocked by deprenyl. Similar pilot findings were obtained with [18F]THK5351.

Conclusion

In vitro autoradiography showed no [18F]AV1451 binding in SV PPA due to FTLD-TDP, while specific binding was present in SV PPA due to AD and PiD. The discrepancy between in vitro and in vivo findings remains to be explained. The discordance is not related to [18F]AV1451 idiosyncrasies as [18F]THK5351 findings were similar.
Micropuncture Access Set Use During Implantation of Totally Implantable Venous Access Device May Reduce Upper Extremity DVT Incidence Among Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Lee Chul Seung , Yoon Sung‐Hoon , Lee Seung‐Min , Lee In Kyu , Kim Jang Young , Cho Hyun Min , Kim Min Ki
Published: December 2019

Background

The aim of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes when using a micropuncture access set (MS) to those when using a conventional puncture set (CS) for implantation of totally implantable venous access device (TAVID).

Methods

A total of 314 patients undergoing chemotherapy for colorectal cancer were included between June 2015 and July 2018. Of these, 123 (39.2%) received TAVID implantation using MS and 191 patients (60.8%) received TAVID using CS. Perioperative outcomes and complications were compared between both groups.

Results

Baseline characteristics, including body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia, were not significantly different between the groups. Postoperative complications occurred in 25 patients (8.0%), and the rate and incidence of venous thrombosis were significantly higher in the CS group. There were no significant differences between the groups in other complications such as the rate of port site infection, deep vein thrombosis, obstruction, catheter dislocation, and skin complications (exposure). No incidence of catheter infection, port rotation, intraoperative bleeding, or pneumothorax was observed in this cohort.

Conclusions

MS is a safe and feasible procedure and results in less thrombosis. MS may play an important role in improving outcomes for the implantation of TAVID.
Proximity Curves for Potential-Based Clustering
Authors: Csenki Attila , Neagu Daniel , Torgunov Denis , Micic Natasha
Published: December 2019

The concept of proximity curve and a new algorithm are proposed for obtaining clusters in a finite set of data points in the finite dimensional Euclidean space. Each point is endowed with a potential constructed by means of a multi-dimensional Cauchy density, contributing to an overall anisotropic potential function. Guided by the steepest descent algorithm, the data points are successively visited and removed one by one, and at each stage the overall potential is updated and the magnitude of its local gradient is calculated. The result is a finite sequence of tuples, the proximity curve, whose pattern is analysed to give rise to a deterministic clustering. The finite set of all such proximity curves in conjunction with a simulation study of their distribution results in a probabilistic clustering represented by a distribution on the set of dendrograms. A two-dimensional synthetic data set is used to illustrate the proposed potential-based clustering idea. It is shown that the results achieved are plausible since both the ‘geographic distribution’ of data points as well as the ‘topographic features’ imposed by the potential function are well reflected in the suggested clustering. Experiments using the Iris data set are conducted for validation purposes on classification and clustering benchmark data. The results are consistent with the proposed theoretical framework and data properties, and open new approaches and applications to consider data processing from different perspectives and interpret data attributes contribution to patterns.