bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary succession has surprisingly low impact on arboreal ant communities in tropical montane rainforest
Authors: Mottl Ondrej , Plowman Nichola S. , Novotny Vojtech , Gewa Bradley , Rimandai Maling , Klimes Petr
Published: August 2019

Understanding forest regeneration processes is increasingly important as disturbed forests spread rapidly in tropical landscapes. While successional dynamics are relatively well‐understood for plants, they remain poorly known for tropical insects, particularly in montane rainforests and tree canopies. We studied the effect of montane forest succession on arboreal ant communities in New Guinea near their natural elevational limit (1800 m a.s.l.). We censused ant species and nests in replicated 0.1‐ha plots of primary, old and young secondary forests, destined to be felled for gardens by the local landowners. Overall, 1249 felled trees were dissected for all ant‐associated microhabitats. We used rarefaction‐based models manipulating vegetation structure and multivariate randomizations to assess the effects of tree density, tree size, and nesting microhabitats on the ant communities. We expected increased ant species diversity, microhabitat specialization, and species turnover among trees throughout the succession, with distinct community composition among the stages. In contrast to our expectations, ant species composition and diversity per plot did not change during succession, and species similarity among trees was significantly higher only in old secondary forest. The number of ant species per tree increased with forest age, but trees of similar size hosted only slightly more species in primary than secondary forests. Many ant species were associated with particular nesting microhabitats; however, the same microhabitat types occurred in all stages and thus did not generate successional trends in ant communities. Secondary succession had an unexpectedly low impact on tree‐dwelling ant communities in this montane ecosystem, in contrast with our previous findings from lowland rainforests. These results highlight the need to study successional processes along entire elevational gradients, as montane taxa may react differently to vegetation changes than their lowland counterparts.
Dehydration of xylose to furfural in butanone catalyzed by Brønsted‐Lewis acidic ionic liquids
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Xu Hao , Lu Kaifeng , Qu Yang , Zhu Lingjun , Wang Shurong
Published: August 2019

In this study, the most abundant C5 carbohydrate unit in biomass, namely xylose, was chosen as the feedstock, and its hydrothermal conversion for furfural production was carried out in a green and renewable solvent system composed of water and butanone, in order to study the role of FeCl3 and [bmim]Cl of ionic liquid catalyst in the conversion process of xylose. A key intermediate named xylulose from Lewis acid‐catalyzed xylose isomerization was quantified. It was concluded that appropriate content of FeCl3 and [bmim]Cl favored the isomerization‐dehydration reaction path along which xylose was converted into furfural, while excessive amount of either component would result in side reactions leading to furfural consumption at long reaction times. By comparison between ionic liquid catalysts that had different active metal sites, xylose conversion and furfural yields were found to increase when the Lewis acidity of the metal ions became stronger. Moreover, chlorometallate anions with better catalytic performance than the original neutral salts were formed during catalyst preparation, and in this way, the xylose conversion and furfural formation were further promoted. Finally, the optimized ionic liquid catalyst produced a highest furfural yield of 75% and xylose conversion of 99% at 140°C.
Influence of chitosan nanoparticles and fennel essential oils (Foeniculum vulgare) on the shelf life of Huso huso fish fillets during the storage
Authors: Maghami Mohadeseh , Motalebi Abbas Ali , Anvar Seyed Amir Ali
Published: August 2019

Fish and fishery products are important parts of the human diet, but the microbial, chemical, and physical deteriorations limit their shelf life. Using the modified atmospheric packaging system and edible coatings is one of the main procedures to improve the shelf life of fish. In this research, the effect of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) loaded with fennel essential oils along with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) system on chemical, microbial, and sensorial properties of Huso huso fish fillets during storage at fridge were evaluated. The results showed that coating fish fillets with CNPs and fennel EO significantly reduced the peroxide value, total volatile nitrogen, and thiobarbituric acid value compared with the control samples. Microbial analyses showed a lower number of mesophilic, psychotropic, pseudomonas, and lactic acid bacteria in coated fillets compared with control and MAP packaging. Fish fillets coated with CNPs and EO showed high acceptability in all sensorial attribute through the storage. It can be concluded that using CNPs and fennel EO along with MAP packaging can enhance the shelf life for H. huso fillets up to 18 days in the fridge.
Factors driving frequent attendance at emergency departments for patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Tan Aidan L. , Iyer Narayanan Gopalakrishna , Putri Natascha , Nadkarni Nivedita , Skanthakumar Thakshayeni , Wong Ting Hway , Tay Gerald Ci An
Published: August 2019

Background

Patients with head and neck cancer have a higher risk of emergency department (ED) frequent attender (FA). We hypothesized that FAs present with issues different from non‐FAs.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on Singapore residents with head and neck cancers using de‐identified registry merged with electronic medical record data. A competing risk regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with FA. Aggregated primary diagnoses were compared for patients with and without FA risk factors.

Results

Thirteen percent of patients with head and neck cancer were FAs. FA risk factors were Charlson comorbidity index (3+), and socioeconomic status (SES). FAs had a higher proportion of respiratory infections. The spectrum of diagnosis was similar for patients with low and high SES. Current smokers had a greater proportion of respiratory complaints, relative to never smokers.

Conclusion

Patients with greater comorbidity scores or higher SES were more likely to be FA. FAs were more likely to present with respiratory complaints, likely related to cancer treatment, or smoking status.
Exergy analysis of single‐flow solar air collectors with different configurations of absorber plates
Authors: Khalil Wissam Hashim , Obaid Zain Alabdeen Hussein , Dawood H. K.
Published: August 2019

In the current study, an experimental analysis of exergy performance for different absorber plates is done. Three types of absorber plates are supplied with different fin arrangements with a variable air mass flow rate. The exergy analysis to evaluate the exergy performance of the solar air heaters uses experimental data for conventional and finned solar air collectors with different arrangements of fins. The main aim of the current study is to compare the exergy performance of the conventional solar air collector with those equipped with fins. The introducing of the fins in different arrangements enhances the absorber surface area, which leads to increased heat transfer. Also, fins induce air turbulence in the flow field, which improves the exergy performance of solar air collector. It is found that the exergy reduces and exergy efficiency enhances with increasing the airflow rate. The traditional flat absorber plate has undesirable exergy loss and exergy efficiency for all ranges of airflow rates. Thus, the flat plate collector presents the most substantial irreversibility, for which the exergy efficiency is the least. However, the results show that the exergy efficiency of inclined staggered turbulators is higher than that of in‐line and staggered turbulators. The optimal value of exergy efficiency is recorded at nearly 77% for the solar air collectors equipped with inclined staggered turbulators compared with other types of configurations.
Monte Carlo Simulation Methodologies for β‐Lactam/β‐Lactamase Inhibitor Combinations: Effect on Probability of Target Attainment Assessments
Authors: Kidd James M. , Stein Gary E. , Nicolau David P. , Kuti Joseph L.
Published: August 2019

Monte Carlo simulations (MCSs) are used in antibiotic development to predict the probability of pharmacodynamic target attainment (PTA) for a dosing regimen. However, for β‐lactam/β‐lactamase inhibitor combinations (BL‐BLICs), methods for linking simulated concentration profiles of the β‐lactam (BL) and β‐lactamase inhibitor (BLI) components are rarely described. Using a previously defined pharmacokinetic model of ceftazidime/avibactam from critically ill patients, we performed four 5000‐patient MCSs using different methods of increasing complexity to couple the BL and BLI components and compared PTA for ceftazidime and avibactam targets of >70% fT>MIC and >70% fT>1 mg/L, respectively, at MICs from 1 to 128 mg/L. Method A ignored all covariates and correlations, whereas methods B, C, and D enhanced associations by adding (B) pharmacokinetic parameter correlation within each drug only; (C) pharmacokinetic parameter correlation within each drug and creatinine clearance (CRCL); and (D) pharmacokinetic parameter correlation within each drug, CRCL, and pharmacokinetic parameter correlation between drugs. Method D produced a simulated patient population that best recapitulated the observed relationships between pharmacokinetic parameters in actual patients. Ceftazidime/avibactam PTA at MIC 8 mg/L (the susceptibility break point) and 16 mg/L ranged from 92.4% to 98.3% and 80.2% to 88.4%, respectively. PTA was lowest with method A, whereas PTA estimates were similar for all other methods. Compared with ignoring all pharmacokinetic parameter associations, the inclusion of covariate relationships and parameter correlation between both components of ceftazidime/avibactam leads to fewer patients with discordant pharmacokinetic parameters and results in higher PTA. Consideration of these methodologies should guide future MCS analyses for BL‐BLIC.
Complications of cold versus hot snare polypectomy of 10–20 mm polyps: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ket Shara N , Mangira Dileep , Ng Allysia , Tjandra Douglas , Koo Ja H , La Nauze Richard , Metz Andrew , Moss Alan , Brown Gregor
Published: August 2019

Background and Aim

Cold snare polypectomy is safe and efficacious for removing polyps <10 mm with reduced rates of delayed postpolypectomy bleeding and postpolypectomy syndrome. This technique can also be used for sessile polyps ≥10 mm; however, further evidence is required to establish its safety. The aim of this study was to compare intraprocedure and postprocedure adverse events in patients who underwent cold (CSP) versus hot snare polypectomy (HSP) of 10–20 mm sessile colonic polyps.

Methods

Electronic medical records and endoscopy reports of all patients who underwent polypectomy for Paris 0‐IIa, Is, or 0‐IIa + Is 10–20 mm colonic polyps between January 2015 and June 2017 at three tertiary academic hospitals and one private hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Data on patient demographics, polyp characteristics, method of polypectomy, and intraprocedural and postpolypectomy adverse events were collected.

Results

A total of 408 patients (median age 67, 50% male) had 604 polyps, 10–20 mm in size, removed. Of these, 258 polyps were removed by HSP, with a median size of 15 mm (interquartile range [IQR] 12–20), compared to 346 polyps that were removed by CSP, with median size of 12 mm (IQR 10–15), P < 0.001. In the HSP group, 15 patients presented with postprocedure complications, including 11 with clinically significant bleeding, 2 with postpolypectomy syndrome, and 2 with abdominal pain. This compares with no postpolypectomy complications in the CSP group, P < 0.001.

Conclusion

In this study, CSP was not associated with any postpolypectomy adverse events. CSP appears to be safer than HSP for removing 10–20 mm‐sized sessile polyps. A prospective multicenter study has been commenced to verify these findings and to assess the efficacy of CSP for the complete resection of polyps of this size.
Additional effect of magnifying narrow‐band imaging on estimating the invasion depth of superficial esophageal cancer
Authors: Kato Minoru , Hayashi Yoshito , Uema Ryotaro , Kimura Keiichi , Inoue Takanori , Sakatani Akihiko , Yoshii Shunsuke , Tsujii Yoshiki , Shinzaki Shinichiro , Iijima Hideki , Takehara Tetsuo
Published: August 2019

Background and Aim

To investigate whether assessment by magnifying narrow‐band imaging (M‐NBI) based on the classification of the Japan Esophageal Society provides additional value to the estimation of the invasion depth of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) compared with assessment by white light endoscopy (WLE) alone.

Methods

Endoscopic images of 211 consecutive superficial esophageal SCCs resected by endoscopic submucosal dissection were separated into WLE and M‐NBI images. Depth estimation was performed independently by five evaluators using the numerical depth estimation scale (0 = epithelium (EP)/lamina propria (LPM), 1 = EP/LPM > muscularis mucosa (MM)/shallow submucosa (SM1), 2 = MM/SM1 > EP/LPM, 3 = MM/SM1, 4 = MM/SM1 > deep submucosa (SM2), 5 = SM2 > MM/SM1, 6 = SM2), using primarily WLE images (step 1), and subsequently both WLE and M‐NBI images (step 2). The discordance scores, determined by the average of the five evaluators' difference between the estimated score (from 0 to 6) and pathological score (0 for histologically proven EP/LPM, 3 for MM/SM1, and 6 for SM2), were analyzed in steps 1 and 2.

Results

The discordance scores significantly decreased in step 2 (0.53 ± 0.06) compared with those in step 1 (0.79 ± 0.07) (P < 0.001). When the discordance score < 1.5 was regarded as a clinically correct diagnosis, the rate of the clinically correct diagnosis significantly increased in step 2 compared with that in step 1 (81% to 91%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

M‐NBI has an additive value for estimating the invasion depth of superficial esophageal SCCs.
HOXA9 rs3801776 G>A polymorphism increases congenital talipes equinovarus risk in a Chinese population
Authors: Li Jingchun , Wu Jianping , Liu Yanhan , Li Yiqiang , Xiao Zhilan , Jiang Xiaoling , Tang Yaping , Xu Hongwen
Published: August 2019

Background

Congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) is the most common congenital deformity in children, and muscular dysplasia plays a potential role in the etiology of CTEV. Notably, previous studies have found that HOXA9 rs3801776 and TPM2 rs2025126 genetic polymorphisms play important roles in regulating muscle development in Caucasian children; however, there is a lack of investigations conducted in Chinese children.

Methods

We conducted a hospital‐based, case–control study of 189 children with CTEV and 457 CTEV‐free children aiming to examine the associations between these two polymorphisms and CTEV susceptibility. The rs3801776 (G>A) and rs2025126 (G>A) polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to measure the associations between the selected polymorphisms and CTEV susceptibility.

Results

We found that rs3801776A was associated with increased CTEV risk (GA versus GG: adjusted OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.22–2.69, p = 0.0031; AA versus GG: adjusted OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.28–3.73, p = 0.0041; GA/AA versus GG: adjusted OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.29–2.76, p = 0.0010). In a stratified analysis, the risk effect of rs3801776 GA/AA was observed in both unilateral and bilateral patients.

Conclusions

The present study suggests that the rs3801776 G>A polymorphism is associated with CTEV risk in Chinese children; however, this conclusion should be validated in larger studies.
Green Synthesis of Imidazole Derivatives via Fe3O4‐MNPs as Reusable Catalyst
Authors: Shafaei Faezeh , Sharafian Shirin
Published: August 2019

In this research, a one‐pot, efficient, and high yielding procedure for the synthesis of imidazole derivatives is investigated. The procedure was carried out via multicomponent reaction of isothiocyanate, alkyl bromides, N‐methylimidazole, and triphenylphosphine in the presence of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4‐MNPs) as reusable catalyst under solvent‐free conditions at 50°C. Also, Fe3O4‐MNPs were produced using green synthetic method by reduction of ferric chloride solution with Clover Leaf water extract. The nanoparticles generated using this procedure can potentially be important in different purposes such as organic synthesis. Easy, simple, rapid, and clean procedures for the synthesis of imidazole derivatives are the advantages of this study.
Longitudinal trajectories of emotional problems and unmet mental health needs among people newly diagnosed with HIV in China
Authors: Niu Lu , Luo Dan , Chen Xi , Wang Min , Zhou Wei , Zhang Dexing , Xiao Shuiyuan
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Concern over mental health morbidity affecting people living with HIV is increasing worldwide. The objective of this study was to describe the longitudinal trajectories of depression and anxiety, and mental health service utilization among people newly diagnosed with HIV.

Methods

This was an observational cohort study that enrolled people newly diagnosed with HIV consecutively and followed them for one year in Changsha, China. Socio‐demographic, clinical and psychological data were collected at the baseline and at one‐year follow‐up. Participants were recruited between March 1, 2013 and September 30, 2014. The final follow‐up was in September 30, 2015.

Results

Among 557 people newly diagnosed with HIV enrolled at the baseline, 410 (73.6%) completed the one‐year follow‐up survey (median (interquartile range) age at follow‐up: 29 (25, 39) years; 376 men (91.7%)), and were included in the analysis. 39.3% and 30.2% of the 410 participants were screened with significant symptoms of depression and anxiety at baseline respectively. An overall drop in the prevalence of each condition was found at follow‐up, however, 10.5% and 6.1% of participants were found to have persistent depression and anxiety. The results of mixed‐effect models showed that bisexuality, homosexual transmission, other clinical symptoms (for example, not on antiretroviral therapy (ART)), non‐disclosure, higher levels of HIV/AIDS‐related stress, and lack of social support were associated with significant symptoms of depression and anxiety. One year after diagnosis, 8.3% had visited healthcare providers for emotional or psychological problems.

Conclusions

Despite the obvious need people newly diagnosed with HIV in China rarely seek professional help. Integrating depression and anxiety screening and referral into HIV care settings is warranted.
Long‐term retention in pre‐exposure prophylaxis care among men who have sex with men and transgender women in the United States
Authors: Chan Philip A , Patel Rupa R , Mena Leandro , Marshall Brandon DL , Rose Jennifer , Sutten Coats Cassandra , Montgomery Madeline C , Tao Jun , Sosnowy Collette , Mayer Kenneth H , Nunn Amy
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Retention in HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care in real‐world settings, outside of controlled trials or demonstration projects, remains poorly understood.

Methods

We evaluated retention in PrEP care outcomes among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women prescribed PrEP through March 2017 at three clinical sites in the United States (US): Jackson, Mississippi; Providence, Rhode Island; and St. Louis, Missouri. We determined retention rates by attendance of clinical visits every three months, per US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, as well as by the timing of patients’ actual clinical visits. Multivariable analyses examined demographic and behavioural factors associated with retention.

Results

From 2013 to 2015, 282 MSM and transgender women were prescribed PrEP; 82% attended a follow‐up visit. Based on CDC recommendations, 56% of patients were retained in PrEP care at the first follow‐up visit, having attended a visit three months after initiation. However, 76% had a follow‐up visit within eight months. Thirty‐percent were retained at 12 months by CDC criteria, but 62% were retained when using a 16‐month endpoint. Self‐reported adherence was strongly correlated with retention. In multivariable analyses, younger age was associated with decreased odds of retention at initial follow‐up, and completing college was associated with increased odds of retention at 16 months. Eight participants were newly diagnosed with HIV; six were African American, and seven were under 30 years of age.

Conclusions

Measuring retention in PrEP care using three‐month follow‐up intervals may underestimate true retention. Nevertheless, retention in PrEP care is suboptimal in real‐world settings and should be the focus of future interventions.
Tax Reform and Public Revenue Instability in Developing Countries: Does the Volatility of Development Aid Matter?
Authors: Gnangnon Sèna Kimm , Brun Jean‐François
Published: August 2019

This paper examines the relationship between tax transition reform, development aid volatility, and public revenue instability in developing countries. Empirical findings show that tax reform exerts a negative effect on tax revenue instability, and the magnitude of this negative effect diminishes as the degree of development aid volatility increases. Specifically, beyond a certain level of development aid volatility, tax reform enhances tax revenue instability. Overall, these findings suggest that higher development aid flows to developing countries should be accompanied by a lower aid volatility so as to ensure that tax reform would generate lower tax revenue instability in recipient countries. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vibrating tip spray ionization mass spectrometry for direct sample analysis
Authors: Yao Ya‐Nan , Wu Lin , Di Dandan , Yuan Zi‐Cheng , Hu Bin
Published: August 2019

In this work, a vibrating tip spray ionization source was developed for direct mass spectrometric analysis of raw samples under voltage‐free condition. A solid tip was mounted on a vibrator, and the solid tip was placed on the front of MS inlet. Liquid, viscous, and bulk solid samples could be directly loaded on the tip‐end surface, and then a drop of solvent at microliter level was subsequently loaded on the tip for dissolution and extraction of analytes, and a vibrator was then started to atomize and ionize the analytes under ambient condition. We demonstrated vibrating tip spray mass spectrometry in various applications, including food safety, pharmaceutical analysis, and forensic science. Furthermore, in situ analysis of biological tissues and in vivo analysis of living plants were conveniently performed, due to voltage‐free. Different vibration frequencies and solvent compositions were investigated. The analytical performances, including sensitivity, reproducibility, and linear range, were investigated. The ionization process and mechanism were also discussed in this work.
Proximal Bone Remodeling in Lower Limb Amputees Reconstructed With an Osseointegrated Prosthesis
Authors: Thomson Seamus , Lu William , Zreiqat Hala , Li Jiao Jiao , Tetsworth Kevin , Al Muderis Munjed
Published: August 2019

Mobility outcomes and changes in bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine and femoral necks in response to unilateral osseointegrated implants was investigated over a 3‐year period. A total of 48 unilateral amputees who received an osseointegrated implant, comprising 33 trans‐femoral amputees (TFA) and 15 trans‐tibial amputees (TTA), underwent dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans of the lumbar spine (L2–L4) and femoral necks at baseline, 1‐, and 3‐years follow‐ups. Mobility outcomes, including the Six‐Minute‐Walk Test (6MWT) and Timed‐Up‐and‐Go (TUG), were measured before surgery, at 1 year, and more than 2 years following the osseointegration procedure. We observed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in Z‐score values in the femoral neck of the amputated side in TFA patients without a femoral neck lag screw at the 1‐ and 3‐year follow‐ups, as well as in TFA patients with a lag screw present at 3‐year follow‐up. The BMD at 1‐year follow‐up was found to be positively correlated with pre‐surgery 6MWT values in patients who were mobile using a traditional socket prosthesis before receiving an osseointegrated implant. These results suggest that osseointegrated implants induce a physiological response in the femoral neck of recipients and appear to be evidence of restored biomechanical loading in the proximal femur. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2524–2530, 2019
Influence of mulch C/N ratio and decomposition stage on plant N uptake and N availability in soil with or without wheat straw
Authors: Truong Thi Hoang Ha , Kristiansen Paul , Marschner Petra
Published: August 2019

Mulches can improve soil properties, but little is known about nutrient availability in mulched soil that contains plant residues and the effect of mulching with manures. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of mulching with high or low C/N organic materials, in which low C/N materials differed in decomposability, and the presence of wheat straw in the soil on plant growth and N uptake, soil N availability and microbial biomass N within about four months after mulching. Three organic materials were used: mature wheat straw (W, C/N 80), young faba bean shoots (FB, C/N 7), and sheep manure (SM, C/N 8). There were eight treatments differing in amendment methods (mulching or mixing with W or both) and mulching materials (W, FB or SM). Treatments that were only mulched with W, FB or SM are referred to as m‐treatments. In m/s‐treatments, after W was mixed into the soil, W, FB or SM were placed on the soil surface as mulch. Two other treatments included an unamended control and soil mixed with W. Wheat was planted 0, 35 or 70 days after mulching (referred to as 0, 35, and 70 DAM) and grown for 35 days. Faba bean mulch increased shoot dry weight, shoot N uptake and available N compared to wheat or sheep manure mulch, particularly in the m‐treatments. Shoot dry weight was higher in m‐treatments than corresponding m/s‐treatments with the same mulch type. Shoot N uptake was higher in 70 DAM than in 0 DAM in all treatments and 0.3 to three‐fold higher in m‐treatments than the corresponding m/s‐treatments. Microbial biomass N was higher in 0 DAM than in 35 and 70 DAM in most treatments and up to two‐fold higher in m/s‐treatments than the corresponding m‐treatments. Available N in m/s‐treatments was two to six‐fold higher than m‐treatments in 0 DAM, but differed little in older mulch ages of W and SM. It can be concluded that compared to soil with only mulch, mixing of wheat straw into soil reduced plant growth and N uptake, particularly in the early stages of mulching (0 and 35 DAM). However, the presence of wheat in mulched soil may provide a longer lasting source of N for plants and reduce the risk of N leaching from rapidly decomposing low C/N mulch due to greater microbial biomass N uptake than only soil with mulch.
A simple two‐stage column chromatographic separation scheme for strontium, lead, neodymium and hafnium isotope analyses in geological samples by thermal ionization mass spectrometry or multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Authors: Lei Huan‐Ling , Yang Tao , Jiang Shao‐Yong , Pu Wei
Published: August 2019

Here, a two‐stage column separation scheme is developed for the concomitant isolation of Sr, Pb, Nd, and Hf from geological samples. The first column, which consists of three resin layers (AG50W‐X8 ion exchange resin + Ln specific resin + Sr specific resin), separates the high field strength element + rare earth element, Sr and Pb from the matrices. Subsequently, Nd and Hf are further separated from the high field strength element + rare earth element fraction on the second column using 1 mL of Ln specific resin. The two‐stage column process can be completed within about seven and a half hours for a batch of samples (20–30). The separated Sr fraction was ready for isotope ratio measurements by thermal ionization mass spectrometry. The Pb, Nd, and Hf fractions were converted to nitrate prior to isotopic analyses by multi‐collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The feasibility of this new procedure is confirmed by the analyses of four international rock standards (BCR‐2, AGV‐2, BHVO‐2, and JB‐3), which yielded isotope ratios that were in good agreement with other published data.
Commercial use of health data—A public “trial” by citizens' jury
Authors: Tully Mary P. , Hassan Lamiece , Oswald Malcolm , Ainsworth John
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Surveys suggest a dichotomy in how citizens view research for public benefit and research for commercial gain. Therefore, a research initiative, such as a learning health system, which works for both public and commercial benefit, may be controversial and lower public trust.

Methods

This study aimed to investigate what informed citizens considered to be appropriate uses of health data in a learning health system and why they made those decisions. Two‐paired 4‐day juries were run, with different jurors but the same purpose, expert witnesses, and facilitators. Overall, 694 people applied; 36 jurors were selected to match criteria based on demographics and privacy views. Jurors considered whether and why eight exemplars of anonymised patient data were acceptable. The exemplars were either planned initiatives to improve care pathways (Planned Examples) or possible commercial data uses (Potential Examples).

Results

These citizens' juries found that all Planned and two of the Potential Examples were considered appropriate by most, but not all, jurors because they could deliver public benefit. In general, positive health outcomes for patients were more acceptable than improved efficiency of services for the NHS, although they recognised that the latter also improved health. Jurors had concerns about whether improving efficiency would lead to inequitable distribution or closure of services, based on their existing understanding from media reports. Commercial gain that accrued secondary to this benefit was acceptable, with some jurors becoming more accepting of commercial uses as they understood them better. Prioritising profit, however, was unacceptable, regardless of any governance arrangements.

Conclusions

Jurors tended to be more accepting of data sharing to both private and public sectors after the jury process. Many jurors accept commercial gain if public benefit is achieved. Some were suspicious of data sharing for efficiency gains. Juries elicited more informed and nuanced judgement from citizens than surveys.
Minnesota BH center becomes 5th in state to be tobacco‐free
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: August 2019

Observing the importance of eliminating tobacco dependence in individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders, a St. Cloud, Minnesota–based behavioral health organization has implemented a tobacco‐free policy into their program and location, becoming the fifth behavioral health organization in the state to do so over the past year.
Tennessee grantees to prevent suicide, promote MH for youth
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: August 2019

New state funding proposed by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly is part of a statewide effort to prevent suicide and promote improved mental health among the state's youth. Three grantees were awarded suicide prevention grants to help prevent unnecessary deaths in this population.
Use of Predictive Equations for Energy Prescription Results in Inaccurate Estimation in Trauma Patients
Authors: Vasileiou Georgia , Qian Sinong , Iyengar Rahul , Mulder Michelle B. , Gass Lindsey M , Parks Jonathan , Pust Gerd D. , Rattan Rishi , Lineen Edward , Byers Patricia , Yeh D. Dante
Published: August 2019

Background

Overfeeding and underfeeding are associated with poor clinical outcomes. In the absence of indirect calorimetry (IC), the Society of Critical Care Medicine/ASPEN recommend prescribing 25–30 kcal/kg. The Harris‐Benedict equation (HBE) multiplied by a stress factor is commonly applied in critically ill patients. We describe the difference between estimated and actual energy needs in critically injured patients.

Methods

From March to November 2018, we collected demographics and energy needs determined by continuous IC (started within 4 days) in intubated adults. Ideal or adjusted body weight was used for 25–30 kcal/kg, and HBE was multiplied by a 1.3 stress factor (1.3HBE). Daily requirements up to 14 days, extubation, or death were calculated using all 3 methods and compared with IC.

Results

Fifty‐five subjects were included. Median age was 38 [27–58] years, 38 (69%) were male, body mass index was 28 [25–33] kg/m2, and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score was 17 [14–24] Mechanism of injury was blunt (38, 69%), penetrating (9, 16%), and burn (8, 15%). By day 14, compared with measured energy requirements by IC, the other methods could result in a cumulative 1827‐kcal (+7%) surplus (1.3HBE), a 1313‐kcal (−5%) deficit (25 kcal/kg), or a 3950‐kcal (+14%) surplus (30 kcal/kg) per patient over a median 9 days.

Conclusion

In critically injured patients, predictive equations for energy needs do not account for dynamic metabolic changes over time and could result in underfeeding or overfeeding. Adjusting daily prescription based on continuous IC may result in better individualized treatment.
Dynamic Empirically Based Model for Understanding Future Trends in US Obesity Prevalence in the Context of Social Influences
Authors: Frerichs Leah , Araz Ozgur M , Calancie Larissa , Huang Terry T‐K , Hassmiller Lich Kristen
Published: August 2019

Objective

This study aimed to (1) identify mechanistic model structures that produced quality fit to historic obesity prevalence trends and (2) evaluate the sensitivity of future obesity prevalence to social transmission and nonsocial parameters.

Methods

An age‐ and gender‐structured compartmental model was used to describe transitions between weight status groups. Four model structures with different combinations of social transmission and nonsocial mechanisms were calibrated to match historic time series and assessed for quality of fit. Projections of overall obesity prevalence to 2052 were simulated, and sensitivity analyses were conducted.

Results

The model structure that included only nonsocial mechanisms indicated that the overall obesity prevalence in the United States has already stabilized and will increase little more; however, it underestimated observed obesity prevalence since 2013. If social transmission mechanisms influence obesity, the model estimated continued increases in obesity prevalence, reaching 48.0% to 55.1% by 2050. Obesity prevalence was most sensitive to changes in the adult social transmission parameters, especially among women.

Conclusions

The model projected that US obesity prevalence in the overall population will likely continue to increase for decades. The findings that obesity prevalence was most sensitive to adult parameters can be used to inform conversations about priorities for public health and health care programs and policies.
Establishment of a formal program for retinoblastoma: Feasibility of clinical coordination across borders and impact on outcome
Authors: Al‐Haddad Christiane , Bashour Ziad , Farah Lina , Bayram Layal , Merabe Zeina , Ma'luf Riad , Alameddine Ramzi , Eid Toufic , Geara Fadi , Wilson Matthew , Brennan Rachel , Jeha Sima , Ghanem Khaled , Yousef Rasha Al , Farah Roula , Noun Peter , Yassine Nabil , Inati Adlette , Muwakkit Samar , Abboud Miguel , Tarek Nidale , Hamideh Dima , Saab Raya
Published: August 2019

Retinoblastoma is an ocular tumor that occurs in young children, in either heritable or sporadic manner. The relative rarity of retinoblastoma, and the need for expensive equipment, anesthesia, and pediatric ophthalmologic expertise, are barriers for effective treatment in developing countries. Also, with an average age‐adjusted incidence of two to five cases per million children, patient number limits development of local expertise in countries with small populations. Lebanon is a small country with a population of approximately 4.5 million. In 2012, a comprehensive retinoblastoma program was formalized at the Children's Cancer Institute (CCI) at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, and resources were allocated for efficient interdisciplinary coordination to attract patients from neighboring countries such as Syria and Iraq, where such specialized therapy is also lacking. Through this program, care was coordinated across hospitals and borders such that patients would receive scheduled chemotherapy at their institution, and monthly retinal examinations and focal laser therapy at the CCI in Lebanon. Our results show the feasibility of successful collaboration across borders, with excellent patient and physician adherence to treatment plans. This was accompanied by an increase in patient referrals, which enables continued expertise development. However, the majority of patients presented with advanced intraocular disease, necessitating enucleation in 90% of eyes in unilateral cases, and more than 50% of eyes in bilateral cases. Future efforts need to focus on expanding the program that reaches to additional hospitals in both countries, and promoting early diagnosis, for further improvement of globe salvage rates.
Untangling Intelligence, Psychopathy, Antisocial Personality Disorder, and Conduct Problems: A Meta–Analytic Review
Authors: Sánchez de Ribera Olga , Kavish Nicholas , Katz Ian M. , Boutwell Brian B.
Published: August 2019

Substantial research has investigated the association between intelligence and psychopathic traits. The findings to date have been inconsistent and have not always considered the multidimensional nature of psychopathic traits. Moreover, there has been a tendency to confuse psychopathy with other closely related, clinically significant disorders. The current study represents a meta–analysis conducted to evaluate the direction and magnitude of the association of intelligence with global psychopathy, as well as its factors and facets, and related disorders (i.e. antisocial personality disorder, conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder). Our analyses revealed a small, significant, negative relationship between intelligence and total psychopathy ( r = −.07, p = .001). Analysis of factors and facets found differential associations, including both significant positive (e.g. interpersonal facet) and negative (e.g. affective facet) associations, further affirming that psychopathy is a multidimensional construct. Additionally, intelligence was negatively associated with antisocial personality disorder ( r = −.13, p = .001) and conduct disorder ( r = −.13, p = .001) but positively with oppositional defiant disorder ( r = .06, p = .001). There was significant heterogeneity across studies for most effects, but the results of moderator analyses were inconsistent. Finally, bias analyses did not find significant evidence for publication bias or outsized effects of outliers. © 2019 European Association of Personality Psychology
Application of semitransparent photovoltaics in transportation infrastructure for energy savings and solar electricity production: Toward novel net‐zero energy tunnel design
Authors: Sun David , Athienitis Andreas , D'Avignon Katherine
Published: August 2019

Lighting subsystems account for up to 50% of the energy consumption of a typical tunnel. Day‐time lighting levels account for over two‐thirds of the total system lighting power; their periodic nature creates daily peaks in the tunnel's energy load profile. This paper studies the integration of semitransparent photovoltaic (STPV) cells into sunscreen structures installed above tunnel entrances to reduce tunnel lighting requirements and offset their day‐time lighting loads using energy generated from PVs. The electrical lighting load of a typical 1‐km length road tunnel with and without STPV sunscreen structures was modeled to establish the potential for energy savings. Using a daylighting and energy modeling plug‐in called DIVA, the transparencies and ratios of photovoltaics (PV) to glass of a STPV sunscreen that are in accordance with the luminance reduction code requirements were determined. Reduced lighting requirements over the whole tunnel length, including the threshold, transition, and interior lighting zones of the tunnel were considered, resulting in significant energy savings. The annual power production of the sections covered with STPV was then simulated using the PVsyst software. The integration of PV cells resulted in an annual energy production that reduced annual net‐energy use by up to 7% and with the potential to reduce electric lighting loads by up to 60% during the day‐time. Results also demonstrated that STPV sunscreens have the potential to meet luminance requirements if supplemented with an intelligent lighting control system.
Extensive phenotypic diversity in the cultivated Florist’s Gloxinia, Sinningia speciosa (Lodd.) Hiern, is derived from the domestication of a single founder population
Authors: Hasing Tomas , Rinaldi Elijah , Manrique Silvia , Colombo Lucia , Haak David C. , Zaitlin David , Bombarely Aureliano
Published: August 2019

Societal Impact Statement

Domesticated plants are essential for agriculture and human societies. Hence, understanding the processes of domestication will be crucial as we strive for more efficient crops and improvements to plants that benefit humankind in other ways. Here, we study the ornamental plant Sinningia speciosa, and reveal that despite the incredible variety found in domesticated varieties (e.g., in flower colour and form), they are all derived from a single founder population near Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Knowledge of the domestication of horticultural plants is scarce and given its small, low‐complexity genome, and ease of cultivation, we suggest that S. speciosa is a good model for studying genomic variation during domestication.

Summary

The process of domestication often involves a complex genetic structure with contributions from multiple founder populations, interspecific hybridization, chromosomal introgressions, and polyploidization events that occurred hundreds to thousands of years earlier. These complex origins complicate the systematic study of the sources of phenotypic variation. The Florist's Gloxinia, Sinningia speciosa (Lodd.) Hiern, was introduced into cultivation in England two hundred years ago from botanical expeditions that began in the 18th century. Since that time, amateur plant breeders and small horticultural companies have developed hundreds of cultivars with a wide range of flower colors and shapes.

In our genetic study of S. speciosa, we examined an extensive diversity panel consisting of 115 individuals that included different species, wild representatives, and cultivated accessions.

Our analysis revealed that all of the domesticated varieties are derived from a single founder population that originated in or near the city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. We did not detect any major hybridization or polyploidization events that could have contributed to the rapid increase in phenotypic diversity.

Our findings, in conjunction with other features such as a small, low‐complexity genome, ease of cultivation, and rapid generation time, makes this species an attractive model for the study of genomic variation under domestication.
Geometric considerations support the double‐displacement catalytic mechanism of l‐asparaginase
Authors: Lubkowski Jacek , Wlodawer Alexander
Published: August 2019

Twenty crystal structures of the complexes of l‐asparaginase with l‐Asn, l‐Asp, and succinic acid that are currently available in the Protein Data Bank, as well as 11 additional structures determined in the course of this project, were analyzed in order to establish the level of conservation of the geometric parameters describing interactions between the substrates and the active site of the enzymes. We found that such stereochemical relationships are highly conserved, regardless of the organism from which the enzyme was isolated, specific crystallization conditions, or the nature of the ligands. Analysis of the geometry of the interactions, including Bürgi–Dunitz and Flippin–Lodge angles, indicated that Thr12 (Escherichia coli asparaginase II numbering) is optimally placed to be the primary nucleophile in the most likely scenario utilizing a double‐displacement mechanism, whereas catalysis through a single‐displacement mechanism appears to be the least likely.
The effects of curcumin supplementation on endothelial function: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hallajzadeh Jamal , Milajerdi Alireza , Kolahdooz Fariba , Amirani Elaheh , Mirzaei Hamed , Asemi Zatollah
Published: August 2019

Impaired endothelial function is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Curcumin supplementation might be an appropriate approach to decrease the complications of CVD. Randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of curcumin supplementation on endothelial function were included. Two independent authors systematically searched online database including EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science with no time restriction. Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool was applied to assess the methodological quality of included trials. Between‐study heterogeneities were estimated using the Cochran's Q test and I‐square (I2) statistic. Data were pooled using a random‐effects model, and weighted mean differences (WMDs) were considered as the overall effect sizes. Ten studies with 11 effect sizes were included. We found a significant increase in flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) following curcumin supplementation (WMD: 1.49; 95% CI [0.16, 2.82]). There was no effect of curcumin supplement on pulse wave velocity (PWV; WMD: −41.59; 95% CI [−86.59, 3.42]), augmentation index (Aix; WMD: 0.71; 95% CI [−1.37, 2.79]), endothelin‐1 (ET‐1; WMD: −0.30; 95% CI [−0.96, 0.37]), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1; WMD: −10.11; 95% CI [−33.67, 13.46]). This meta‐analysis demonstrated the beneficial effects of curcumin supplementation on improving FMD, though it did not influence PWV, Aix, Et‐1, and sICAM‐1.
Confinement of hydrogen atom with Dirac equation
Authors: Baye Daniel
Published: August 2019

The problem of a particle confined in a spherical cavity is studied with the Dirac equation. A hard confinement is obtained by forcing the large component to vanish at the cavity radius. It is shown that the small component cannot vanish simultaneously at this radius. In the case of a confined hydrogen atom, the energies are given by an implicit equation. For some values of the radius, explicit analytical expressions of the energy exist like in the nonrelativistic case. Very accurate energies and wave functions are obtained with the Lagrange‐mesh method with few mesh points. To this end, two differently regularized Lagrange‐Jacobi bases associated with the same mesh are used for the large and small components. The importance of relativistic effects is discussed for hydrogen‐like ions. The validity of this definition of hard confinement is discussed with a soft‐confinement model studied with the R‐matrix method.
An Economic Magnetic Adsorbent for Acid Blue 80 and Methylene Blue Removal
Authors: Ren Zongli , Wang Yahui , Fei Peng , Liu Xianyi , Jing Wangli , Wang Wei
Published: August 2019

For the large volumes of dye wastewater treatment, the development of novel adsorbents with high adsorption capacity and good separation is of great significance. Here, a simple method is used to prepare a magnetic adsorbent for the efficient removal of acid blue 80 (AB‐80) and methylene blue (MB). The magnetic adsorption results show that as‐obtained MEL−Fe‐C exhibits good magnetic properties in AB‐80 and MB removal experiments. Importantly, this material shows good AB‐80 and MB removal property after ten times of repeated use. Therefore, as‐prepared MEL−Fe‐C is an ideal adsorbent candidate for removal of dyes in wastewater treatment applications.