bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Large‐Sample Properties of Minimum Discriminant Information Adjustment Estimates Under Complex Sampling Designs
Authors: Yao Lili , Haberman Shelby , McCaffrey Daniel F. , Lockwood J. R.
Published: June 2020

Minimum discriminant information adjustment (MDIA), an approach to weighting samples to conform to known population information, provides a generalization of raking and poststratification. In the case of simple random sampling with replacement with uniform sampling weights, large‐sample properties are available for MDIA estimates of population means and related functions of such means. This research report provides large‐sample properties of MDIA estimates under complex sampling designs, such as stratified and two‐stage sampling. Cases are considered for both sampling with replacement and sampling without replacement. MDIA is one case of calibration weighting, and this report includes results showing that sample calibration weights can exist only if MDIA weights exist, and MDIA weights can exist in situations where other calibration weights do not. Similarly, results in the report show that calibration weighting does properly generalize MDIA for populations. To illustrate results and explore the use of large‐sample approximations in samples of moderate size, an application from Florida middle schools is examined for several sampling procedures to evaluate MDIA estimates for the prevalence of literacy coaches in those schools.
Antibacterial and leishmanicidal activities of Syzygium aromaticum essential oil versus its major ingredient, eugenol
Authors: Moemenbellah‐Fard Mohammad Djaefar , Abdollahi Abbas , Ghanbariasad Ali , Osanloo Mahmoud
Published: June 2020

The essential oil of Syzygium aromaticum (clove EO) and its major ingredients, eugenol, possess many biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Therefore, they have been widely used in traditional and contemporary medicine. In this study, the ingredients of clove EO were identified using GC‐MS analysis. The antibacterial and leishmanicidal activities of the total essential oil and eugenol were also investigated. Eugenol (65.41%), trans‐caryophyllene (12.6%), eugenol acetate (9.85%), caryophyllene oxide (3.00%), and α‐humulene (1.73%) were identified as five major components of clove EO. Additionally, the obtained IC50s of clove EO, 177.66, 300.53, 362.94, and 248.08 μg/mL, against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, respectively, were lower than those of eugenol with IC50s of 320.80, 692.91, 591.82, and 445.87 μg/mL. However, this difference was not significant, except against E coli. Also, clove EO and eugenol showed proper leishmanicidal effects on promastigotes of Leishmania tropica (180.24 and 233.52 μg/mL) and Leishmania major (654.76 and 517.14 μg/mL). Furthermore, there was no significant statistical difference between the anti‐Leishmania effect of EO and eugenol. Clove EO and eugenol showed proper antibacterial and leishmanicidal activities. However, the use of clove EO is preferable than eugenol because of the lower cost and straightforward preparation process.
Fluorescence for biological logic gates
Authors: Barnoy Eran A. , Popovtzer Rachela , Fixler Dror
Published: June 2020

Biological logic gates are smart probes able to respond to biological conditions in behaviors similar to computer logic gates, and they pose a promising challenge for modern medicine. Researchers are creating many kinds of smart nanostructures that can respond to various biological parameters such as pH, ion presence, and enzyme activity. Each of these conditions alone might be interesting in a biological sense, but their interactions are what define specific disease conditions. Researchers over the past few decades have developed a plethora of stimuli‐responsive nanodevices, from activatable fluorescent probes to DNA origami nanomachines, many explicitly defining logic operations. Whereas many smart configurations have been explored, in this review we focus on logic operations actuated through fluorescent signals. We discuss the applicability of fluorescence as a means of logic gate implementation, and consider the use of both fluorescence intensity as well as fluorescence lifetime.
A metallic biomaterial tribocorrosion model linking fretting mechanics, currents, and potentials: Model development and experimental comparison
Authors: Gilbert Jeremy L. , Zhu Dongkai
Published: June 2020

Mechanically assisted crevice corrosion may disrupt passive oxide films on medical alloys and lead to rapid repassivation reactions which generate corrosion currents and shifts in electrode potential due to the non‐equilibrium nature of the reactions and the transient unbalancing of anodic and cathodic reactions. This study presents a theoretical approach to predict currents and voltages over time utilizing the concepts of heredity integrals, area‐dependent surface impedance, contact mechanics and the high field physics of oxide repassivation. Two heredity integrals are presented relating, first, the sliding mechanics and oxide film repassivation physics to the current, and second, relating the electrode potential to the current using impedance concepts. Current–potential–time responses to controlled fretting conditions were measured across a fretting frequency from 0.2 to 10 Hz and compared to theoretical results. The coupled integrals were shown to predict the overall current–potential–time behavior for CoCrMo alloy surfaces under several controlled fretting corrosion conditions (loads, sliding speeds, etc.) with a high degree of similarity. These models can be adapted to numerical analyses of tribocorrosion to predict performance.
Concentration‐dependent effects of latex F1‐protein fraction incorporated into deproteinized bovine bone and biphasic calcium phosphate on the repair of critical‐size bone defects
Authors: Paini Suelen , Bighetti Ana Carolina Cestari , Cestari Tania Mary , Arantes Ricardo Vinicius Nunes , Santos Paula Sanches , Mena‐Laura Ever Elias , Garlet Gustavo Pompermaier , Taga Rumio , Assis Gerson Francisco
Published: June 2020

F1‐protein fraction (F1) is a natural bioactive compound extracted from the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis, and has been recently studied for its therapeutic potential in wound healing. In this study, we investigated the concentration‐dependent effects of F1 (0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1%) incorporated into deproteinized bovine bone (DBB) and porous biphasic calcium phosphate (pBCP), on the repair of rat calvarial critical‐size bone defects (CSBD). The defects were analyzed by 3D‐microtomography and 2D‐histomorphometry at 12 weeks postsurgery. The binding efficiency of F1 to pBCP (96.3 ± 1.4%) was higher than that to DBB (67.7 ± 3.3%). In vivo analysis showed a higher bone volume (BV) gain in all defects treated with DBB (except in 0.1% of F1) and pBCP (except in 0.05% and 0.1% of F1) compared to the CSBD without treatment/control group (9.96 ± 2.8 mm3). DBB plus 0.025% F1 promoted the highest BV gain (29.7 ± 2.2 mm3, p < .0001) compared to DBB without F1 and DBB plus 0.01% and 0.1% of F1. In the pBCP group, incorporation of F1 did not promote bone gain when compared to pBCP without F1 (15.9 ± 4.2 mm3, p > .05). Additionally, a small BV occurred in defects treated with pBCP plus 0.1% F1 (10.4 ± 1.4 mm3, p < .05). In conclusion, F1 showed a higher bone formation potential in combination with DBB than with pBCP, in a concentration‐dependent manner. Incorporation of 0.25% F1 into DBB showed the best results with respect to bone formation/repair in CSBD. These results suggest that DBB plus 0.25% F1 can be used as a promising bioactive material for application in bone tissue engineering.
Grade 1 Vertebral Fractures Identified by Densitometric Lateral Spine Imaging Predict Incident Major Osteoporotic Fracture Independently of Clinical Risk Factors and Bone Mineral Density in Older Women
Authors: Johansson Lisa , Sundh Daniel , Magnusson Per , Rukmangatharajan Komagal , Mellström Dan , Nilsson Anna G , Lorentzon Mattias
Published: June 2020

Because prevalent vertebral fracture (VF) is a strong predictor of future fractures, they are important to identify in clinical practice as osteoporosis medications are effective and can be used to reduce fracture risk in postmenopausal women with VF. Lateral spine imaging (LSI) with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) can be used to diagnose VFs accurately but is not widespread in clinical practice. The prognostic value of grade 1 (20% to 25% compression) VFs diagnosed by LSI with DXA has been insufficiently studied. The aim of this study was to determine if grade 1 VF is associated with incident fracture in older women. Sahlgrenska University Hospital Prospective Evaluation of Risk of Bone Fractures (SUPERB) is a population-based study of 3028 older women from Gothenburg, Sweden. Included women were 75 to 80 years of age at baseline, answered questionnaires, and were scanned with DXA (Discovery A, Hologic, Waltham, MA, USA). LSI was used to diagnose VFs, which were classified using the Genant semiquantitative method. Cox regression models were used to estimate the association between VFs at baseline and X-ray–verified incident fractures, with adjustment for confounders. Women with a grade 1 VF (n = 264) or a grade 2–3 VF (n = 349) were compared with women without any fracture (n = 1482). During 3.6 years (median, interquartile range [IQR] 1.5 years) of follow-up, 260 women had any incident fracture and 213 a major osteoporotic fracture (MOF). Women with only grade 1 VF had increased risk of any fracture (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–2.36) and MOF (HR = 1.86; 95% CI 1.28–2.72). For MOF, this association remained after adjustment for clinical risk factors and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD). In conclusion, grade 1 VFs were associated with incident MOF, also after adjustment for clinical risk factors and BMD, indicating that all VF identified by DXA should be considered in the evaluation of fracture risk in older women. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research..
Association between variants in vitamin D‐binding protein gene and vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women in china
Authors: Dong Jinju , Zhou Qinghong , Wang Jinxiu , Lu Yangqing , Li Jun , Wang Lijun , Wang Lingyun , Meng Peng , Li Fei , Zhou Hongmei , Liu Congli , Wang Ting , Wang Juan , Mi Yi , Xu Wang‐Yang , Deng Jie
Published: June 2020

Background

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency is extremely high in pregnant women worldwide. However, the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in vitamin D metabolic pathway genes and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration among Chinese pregnant women is seldom reported. The risk of adverse neonatal outcomes due to maternal vitamin D deficiency has not been well investigated.

Methods

A total of 815 pregnant women and 407 infants were enrolled in this study. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was detected. DNA was extracted from the maternal blood for genotyping genetic SNPs in vitamin D pathway. An XGBoost model was established based on SNPs combined with external variables.

Results

Mean serum 25(OH)D level was 15.67 ± 7.98 ng/mL among the pregnant women. Seventy‐five percent of pregnant women had 25(OH)D deficiency in China. SNPs ofGC(rs17467825, rs4588, rs2282679, rs2298850, and rs1155563) were significantly associated with maternal 25(OH)D concentration. The influence of variants of rs17467825, rs4588, rs2282679, and rs2298850 on maternal 25(OH)D might be modified by vitamin D supplementation and sunshine exposure. An XGBoost model was established for monitoring 25(OH)D status in pregnant women and provided clinical advice to reduce the risk of 25(OH)D deficiency. Mothers with 25(OH)D deficiency hinted a risk for macrosomia.

Conclusion

A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in China has been confirmed. A clinical model was established to guide pregnant women to supplement vitamin D according to genotype. Furthermore, we suggest the effect of maternal vitamin D status on the risk of macrosomia.
Antibodies against atypical pathogens and respiratory viruses detected by Pneumoslide IgM test in adults with community‐acquired pneumonia in Guangzhou City
Authors: Qin Sheng , Zhang Weizheng , Chen Fu , Luo Fudong , Zhou Qiang , Ke Peifeng , Chen Cha
Published: June 2020

Background

To detect the serum antibodies against respiratory viruses and atypical pathogens in adults with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Guangzhou City (Guangdong province, China).

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out with samples from 685 adults who were admitted with CAP and 108 non‐CAP control patients. Atypical pathogens and respiratory viruses in serum were detected using the Pneumoslide IgM test from Vircell, Spain. All patients were divided into 6 groups according to age: 18‐24, 25‐44, 45‐59, 60‐74, 75‐89, and >90.

Results

The total positive rate of CAP was 35.4%, which was highest in the 18‐24 age group (P < .05). The highest positive rate, 17.11%, was observed for Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP). The mean age of MP‐infected patients was higher than that of the controls (P < .05). The positive rates for influenza B (INFB), Legionella pneumophila (LP1), Coxiella burnetii (COX), influenza A (INFA), parainfluenza virus (PIV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Chlamydophila pneumoniae (CP), and adenovirus (ADV) were 5.56%, 3.07%, 2.63%, 2.34%, 1.90%, 1.61, 0.88%, and 0.29%, respectively. There were 4.37% of patients with CAP having multiple infections. The main symptoms observed in the 685 CAP patients were cough and sputum production, in 78.4% and 67.4%. Fever was followed by 54% of CAP patients. Dyspnea (39.1%), anorexia (36.8%), increased thirst (26.7%), chills (18.7), headache (14.6%), and nausea (13.1%) were also frequently observed in the CAP patients.

Conclusions

MP infection was the most common in adult CAP patients in Guangzhou City with the highest positive rate in the 18‐24 age groups.
Steroid‐depleted endometriosis serum improves oocyte maturation in IVM systems
Authors: Asghari Samira , Nouri Mohammad , Darabi Masoud , Valizadeh Amir
Published: June 2020

In vitro maturation (IVM) is a novel approach to overcome the adverse effects of human in vitro fertilization (IVF). The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of total and steroid‐depleted serum obtained from patients with endometriosis on IVM outcome as supplementation for this system. To this purpose, patients with endometriosis were selected according to in/excluding criteria. Germinal vesicles (GVs) and cumulus cells were treated with 10% of each serum. The expression levels of stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 (SCD 1) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) genes were evaluated by RT‐qPCR. Gas‐liquid chromatography and flow cytometry were performed to analyze fatty acids composition and apoptosis. The mRNA expression levels of SCD1 (2.47 fold) and COX‐2 (6.4 fold), and also the synthesis of oleate, linoleate, and arachidonate were increased (1.19, 1.06, and 2.37 folds, respectively) in cumulus cells treated with steroid‐depleted serum (p < .05). The synthesis of palmitate, palmitoleate, and stearate (0.995, 0.67, and 0.7 folds, respectively) and also the rate of apoptosis were significantly decreased in these cells (p < .05). Moreover, GVs cultured in steroid‐depleted group showed a significantly higher rate of maturation (p < .001). Overall, our findings imply a new insight into the expansion of IVM system in oocytes development.
Isobaric vapor–liquid equilibrium of tert‐butanol + water + ionic liquids at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Jia Peng , Zhao Zongchang , Zhang Xiaodong , Hao Ce
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

tert‐Butanol (TBA) and water form an azeotrope at atmospheric pressure. Therefore, extractive distillation was adopted to separate the azeotropic mixture. As a new kind of solvent, the ionic liquids (ILs) 1,3‐dimethylimidazolium dimethylphosphate ([MMIM][DMP]) and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium diethylphosphate ([EMIM][DEP]) were chosen to break the azeotropic point in extractive distillation.

RESULTS

For the ternary mixture of TBA + water + ILs, the isobaric vapor–liquid equilibrium data at atmospheric pressure for three IL mole fractions (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) were measured. The results indicated that the volatility of TBA relative to water became higher after [MMIM][DMP] or [EMIM][DEP] was added. The nonrandom two‐liquid (NRTL) model and the COSMO‐RS theory were used to predict the ternary experimental data. The predicted results from the NRTL model showed good agreement with the experimental data. The predicted results from COSMO‐RS showed that the vapor‐phase mole fraction basically agreed with the experimental data and the equilibrium temperatures were lower than the experimental data. σ‐Profiles, σ‐potentials and σ‐surfaces were calculated based on COSMO‐RS. The results were the same as for the experiments, namely the interaction between water and ILs was stronger than other interactions; the affinity of water and [MMIM][DMP] was stronger than that of water and [EMIM][DEP].

CONCLUSIONS

The separation of the binary azeotrope of TBA and water was achieved after the ILs [MMIM][DMP] or [EMIM][DEP] were added. The separation ability of [MMIM][DMP] was better than that of [EMIM][DEP]. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of an e‐book assignment using Fink's Taxonomy of Significant Learning among undergraduate dental hygiene students
Authors: Partido Brian B. , Chartier Elizabeth , Jewell Jennifer
Published: June 2020

Context

With significant learning experiences, students undergo positive, substantial, and lasting influences on their personal and professional lives. With grant support from The Ohio State University's Affordable Learning Exchange Program, students created e‐book chapters for a Current Concepts in Dental Hygiene as a significant learning experience.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an e‐book chapter creation project on the learning of undergraduate dental hygiene students using Fink's Taxonomy of Significant Learning.

Design

Upon IRB exemption, this study involved a mixed‐methods, cross‐sectional research design involving a survey of attitudinal and reflective questions. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Results

The data from 100% (n = 41) of the dental hygiene students enrolled in the Current Concepts in Dental Hygiene course were analyzed. Most students recognized the alignment of the 6 scaffolded assignments with the 6 domains of Fink's Taxonomy of Significant Learning. Most students agreed the project focused on foundational knowledge (68.8%, n = 27), promoted active learning (73.2%, n = 30), applied to real life problems (63.4%, n = 26), and provided life lessons (56.1%, n = 23). Thematic analysis revealed students appreciated the teamwork involved and the scaffolding of assignments, recognized the challenges of inconsistent feedback and technical issues with the software, and felt that more faculty guidance and technical support would have improved their experiences.

Conclusion

Future research should evaluate the impact of using Fink's Taxonomy of Significant Learning with the design of courses or course‐long projects on the education of dental and dental hygiene students.
Novel approach in the synthesis of imidazo [1, 2‐a] pyridine from phenyl acrylic acids
Authors: Mutkule Nilesh , Bugad Nageshprasad , Mokale Santosh , Choudhari Vilas , Ubale Milind
Published: June 2020

This paper describes highly efficient concise method for the synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐a] pyridine. It is a first report employing, amino pyridines, copper nitrate, and phenyl acrylic acids in the synthesis of imidazo[1,2‐a] pyridine. The silent features of the devised protocol include the high yield, milder reaction conditions, and shorter reaction time.
Clinical Value of Noncontrast‐Enhanced Radial Quiescent‐Interval Slice‐Selective (QISS) Magnetic Resonance Angiography for the Diagnosis of Acute Pulmonary Embolism Compared to Contrast‐Enhanced Computed Tomography and Cartesian Balanced Steady‐State Free Precession
Authors: Salehi Ravesh Mona , Tesch Karolin , Lebenatus Annett , Koktzoglou Ioannis , Edelman Robert R. , Eden Matthias , Langguth Patrick , Graessner Joachim , Jansen Olav , Both Marcus
Published: June 2020

Background

Free‐breathing noncontrast‐enhanced (non‐CE) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) techniques are of considerable interest for the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism (APE), due to the possibility for repeated examinations, avoidance of side effects from iodine‐based contrast agents, and the absence of ionizing radiation exposure as compared to CE‐computed tomographic angiography (CTA).

Purpose

To analyze the clinical performance of free‐breathing and electrocardiogram (ECG)‐gated radial quiescent‐interval slice‐selective (QISS)‐MRA compared to CE‐CTA and to Cartesian balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP)‐MRA.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Thirty patients with confirmed APE and 30 healthy volunteers (HVs).

Field Strength/Sequence

Radial QISS‐ and bSSFP‐MRA at 1.5T.

Assessment

Signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) were computed to compare the pulmonary imaging quality between MRA methods. The pulmonary arterial tree was divided into 25 branches and an ordinal scoring system was used to assess the image quality of each pulmonary branch. The clinical performance of the two MRA techniques in accurately assessing APE was evaluated with respect to CE‐CTA as the clinical reference standard.

Statistical Tests

Wilcoxon signed‐rank and Spearman's correlation tests were performed. Sensitivity and specificity of the MRA techniques were determined using CE‐CTA as the clinical reference standard.

Results

Thrombus‐mimicking artifacts appeared more frequently in lobar and peripheral arteries of patients with Cartesian bSSFP than with radial QISS‐MRA (pulmonary trunk: 12.2% vs. 14.0%, P = 0.64; lobar arteries: 35.6% vs. 22.0%, P = 0.005, peripheral arteries: 74.4% vs. 49.0%, P < 0.001). The relative increases in SNR and of CNR provided by radial QISS‐MRA with respect to Cartesian bSSFP‐MRA were 30–35% (P‐values of SNR/CNR, HVs: 0.09/0.09, patients: 0.03/0.02). The image quality of pulmonary arterial branches was considered good to excellent in 77.2% of patients with radial QISS‐MRA and in 43.2% with Cartesian bSSFP‐MRA (P < 0.0001). The clinical performance of radial QISS‐MRA was higher than Cartesian bSSFP‐MRA for grading embolism, with a total sensitivity of 86.0% vs. 80.6% and a specificity of 93.3% vs. 84.0%, respectively.

Data Conclusion

Radial QISS‐MRA is a reliable and safe non‐CE angiographic technique with promising clinical potential compared to Cartesian bSSFP‐MRA and as an alternative technique to CE‐CTA for the diagnosis of APE.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy Stage

3
Dynamics of the seasonal wave height variability in the South China Sea
Authors: Zhai Fangguo , Wu Wenfan , Gu Yanzhen , Li Peiliang , Liu Zizhou
Published: June 2020

Wind‐driven ocean surface gravity waves exhibit large fluctuations on multiple scales in both space and time, which greatly impact on air‐sea interactions and human activities in the ocean. The wave height in the South China Sea (SCS) is dominated by the seasonal variability, but the underlying dynamics is poorly understood. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the dynamics of the significant wave height (SWH) seasonality in the SCS using the WAVEWATCH III wave model. The results indicate that the SCS SWH seasonality is dominated by local sea surface winds inside the SCS with a secondary contribution from remote sea surface winds in the tropical western North Pacific Ocean through the propagation of waves. Local sea surface winds alone lead to the SWH maxima occurring in different regions inside the SCS in different seasons. Remote sea surface winds, on the contrary, result in a high SWH tongue extending from the Pacific Ocean into the SCS through the Luzon Strait all year round. They contribute positively to the SCS SWH seasonality, but the contributions are only significant in the northern SCS and decrease westward/southwestward from the Luzon Strait. The SWH in the northern SCS induced by the seasonality of remote sea surface winds is largest in winter while smallest in summer. However, the contribution of remote sea surface winds relative to that of local sea surface winds gets largest in spring, when the local sea surface winds are weakest of the year. The current study emphasizes the importance of sea surface winds in the Pacific Ocean in regulating the SCS SWH seasonality and is helpful for further studies of the dynamics and predictions of wave climate variabilities on multiple time scales in the SCS.
Effect of Fine Bubbles on Removal of Linear Alkyl Benzene Sulfonate Surfactant during the Rinsing Stage of Laundry Washing
Authors: Oya Masaru
Published: June 2020

The use of fine bubbles is a promising approach to remove surfactant efficiently during the rinsing process of clothing, to fulfill a requirement. Therefore, the influence of fine bubbles on the removal performance of surfactant from cloth during the rinse process of pulsator washing machine (top loading type) was investigated. The test apparatus was assembled by connecting a microbubble generation tank and a small washing machine with tubes and circulating fine bubble water to a small washing machine. Swatches of cloth with a specified amount of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) adsorbed from aqueous solution, were rinsed with tap water, and the LAS concentration in the rinse water was examined with an HPLC system equipped with a high‐precision fluorescence detector. The average bubble diameter of the fine bubble water used was 0.13–1.4 μm. In the rinsing experiment, no difference was found in the final LAS removal efficiency between water with and without bubbles; but the former increased the LAS removal rate during the initial stage of rinsing. This tendency was particularly noticeable when the stirring power of the washing machine was weak. Therefore, it was concluded that the fine bubble effect on the removal of the surfactant is mainly a kinetic effect rather than an equilibrium effect.
Deep chlorophyll maxima across a trophic state gradient: A case study in the Laurentian Great Lakes
Authors: Scofield Anne E. , Watkins James M. , Osantowski Eric , Rudstam Lars G.
Published: June 2020

Deep chlorophyll maxima (DCM) are common in stratified lakes and oceans, and phytoplankton growth within DCM often contributes significantly to total system production. Theory suggests that properties of DCM should be predictable by trophic state, with DCM becoming deeper, broader, and less productive with greater oligotrophy. However, rigorous tests of these expectations are lacking in freshwater systems. We use data generated by the U.S. EPA from 1996 to 2017, including in situ profile data for temperature, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), chlorophyll, beam attenuation (cp), and dissolved oxygen (DO), to investigate patterns in DCM across lakes and over time. We consider trophic state, 1% PAR depth (z1%), thermal structure, and degree of photoacclimation as potential drivers of DCM characteristics. DCM depth and thickness generally increased while DCM chlorophyll concentration decreased with decreasing trophic state index (greater oligotrophy). The z1% was a stronger predictor of DCM depth than thermal structure. DCM in meso‐oligotrophic waters were closely aligned with maxima in cp and DO saturation, suggesting they are autotrophically productive. However, the depths of these maxima diverged in ultra‐oligotrophic waters, with DCM occurring deepest. This is likely a consequence of photoacclimation in high‐transparency waters, where cp can be a better proxy for phytoplankton biomass than chlorophyll. Our results are generally consistent with expectations from DCM theory, but they also identify specific gaps in our understanding of DCM in lakes, including the causes of multiple DCM, the importance of nutriclines, and the processes forming DCM at higher light levels than expected.
Robotic Versus Open Right Lobe Donor Hepatectomy for Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation: A Propensity Score–Matched Analysis
Authors: Broering Dieter C. , Elsheikh Yasser , Alnemary Yasir , Zidan Ahmed , Elsarawy Ahmed , Saleh Yahia , Alabbad Saleh ,   ,, Sturdevant Mark , Wu Yao‐Ming , Troisi Roberto I.
Published: June 2020

Robotic right lobe donor hepatectomy (RRLDH) is rarely performed, and data concerning its safety and efficacy are lacking. Here we compare our series of RRLDHs with a similar cohort undergoing open right lobe donor hepatectomy (ORLDH) with a propensity score–matched (PSM) analysis. Among 263 consecutive adult patients undergoing right lobe living donor hepatectomy from January 2015 until July 2019, 35 RRLDHs were matched to 70 ORLDHs. A 1:2 PSM analysis was performed to make the groups comparable for donor sex, age, and body mass index (BMI) and for recipient sex, age, BMI, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score, and indication for transplant. Operative time was longer in RRLDHs compared with ORLDHs (504 ± 73.5 versus 331 ± 65.1 minutes; P < 0.001) but significantly decreased with the number of patients (P < 0.001). No conversions occurred. First warm ischemia time was longer and blood loss significantly less in RRLDHs (P = 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). Overall donor complications were similar: 2 (6%) in RRLDHs versus 12 (17%) in ORLDHs (P = 0.13). Biliary leak occurred in 1 (3%) patient receiving a robotic procedure and 2 (3%) patients receiving the conventional approach. Donors undergoing robotic surgery required less patient‐controlled analgesia and had a shorter hospital stay compared with the open surgery group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). No significant differences in graft anatomical data and recipient outcomes were recorded. RRLDH is feasible, safe, and reproducible, with significantly decreased blood loss and a shorter hospital stay compared with the open procedure. The first 35 patients receiving the robotic procedure showed a substantial reduction in operative time, reflecting a rapid shortening of the learning curve.
Turing invariant sets and the perfect set property
Authors: Hamel Clovis , Horowitz Haim , Shelah Saharon
Published: June 2020

We show that implies that all sets of reals have the perfect set property. We also show that this result generalizes to all countable analytic equivalence relations.
Advection‐diffusion dynamics with nonlinear boundary flux as a model for crystal growth
Authors: Pauthier Antoine , Scheel Arnd
Published: June 2020

We analyze the effect of nonlinear boundary conditions on an advection‐diffusion equation on the half‐line. Our model is inspired by models for crystal growth where diffusion models diffusive relaxation of a displacement field, advection is induced by apical growth, and boundary conditions incorporate non‐adiabatic effects on displacement at the boundary. The equation, in particular the boundary fluxes, possesses a discrete gauge symmetry, and we study the role of simple, entire solutions, here periodic, homoclinic, or heteroclinic relative to this gauge symmetry, in the global dynamics.
Dual‐wideband bandpass filter using multilayer broadside‐coupled structure
Authors: Ji Wu‐Sheng , Tong Ying‐Yun , Zhang Zhi‐Yue , Dai Wei , Li Ya‐Jing
Published: June 2020

The paper presents a dual‐wideband bandpass filter using multilayer broadside‐coupled microstrip‐coplanar waveguide (CPW) structure. The half‐wavelength stepped‐impedance resonators at the top and bottom layers are broadside coupled in the vertical direction through a CPW‐multimode resonator (CPW‐MMR) at the mid layer, which forms a mixed MMR. The ultra‐wideband obtained from tight coupling is split into two passbands by introducing extra transmission zeros, good impedance matching is achieved by adopting open‐ended microstrip stubs on the input and output microstrip feed lines, and the dual‐wideband characteristic is realized. The proposed filter is small in size, and its operation bands and the bandwidth of the stopband are adjustable. Both experiments and computer simulations were conducted, and the measured results are in good agreement with the simulation results.
An efficient methodology for stress‐based finite element approximations in two‐dimensional elasticity
Authors: de Almeida J.P. Moitinho , Reis Jonatha
Published: June 2020

We present an efficient approach to compute the matrices used in finite element formulations where self‐equilibrated (zero divergence) approximations of the stress field are used. The fundamental aspect of this approach is that it is applicable to polynomial approximations of high degree (it was tested up to degree 10), providing closed‐form expressions for the elementary matrices involved. The components of the stress field are defined as a function of the coordinates in the master element, facilitating the postprocessing of the finite element results and allowing for the consideration of geometric parameters in reduced order models.
Nurses' perceptions of patient participation in the myocardial infarction pathway
Authors: Bårdsgjerde Elise Kvalsund , Landstad Bodil J. , Hole Torstein , Nylenna Magne , Gjeilo Kari Hanne , Kvangarsnes Marit
Published: June 2020

Aim

To explore nurses' perceptions of patient participation in different phases of the myocardial infarction pathway.

Design

Qualitative design with a hermeneutical approach.

Methods

Five focus groups were conducted at two hospitals, one with and one without percutaneous coronary intervention facilities, between February–November 2018. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Twenty‐two nurses experienced in cardiac care participated. The analysis had a hermeneutical approach.

Results

The findings revealed nurses' perceptions of patient participation in different phases of the myocardial infarction pathway. Four themes were identified: (a) variation between paternalism and autonomy in the acute phase; (b) individualization of dialogue and patient participation during treatment; (c) lack of coherence in the pathway hinders patient participation at discharge; and (d) cardiac rehabilitation promotes patients' autonomous decisions in lifestyle changes.
Supplementing forestry field instruction with video and online dynamic quizzing
Authors: Culbert Patrick D.
Published: June 2020

Plant identification is a critical skill for students in biological sciences, especially forestry. Many students begin with limited plant identification abilities and struggle to learn this skill. To support student learning of identification and ecological characteristics of important forest plants in an undergraduate forest ecology course at the University of British Columbia, I developed 53 videos, a companion website, and a dynamic quizzing system. The professionally produced, short videos each featured identification and ecological characteristics of a plant species, filmed in the field. The companion information website contained the embedded videos, botanical drawings, photographs, and general information for each species. The online, dynamic practice‐quizzing system allowed students to select which species they wanted to be quizzed on. Questions about those plants were then dynamically generated following several question templates, enabling students to take many practice quizzes with few or no repeated questions. Students were surveyed to gain insight into usage patterns and opinions of these resources. Student feedback was positive, and all three resources were heavily used. The videos are publicly available and have more than 43,000 views. Although this project required significant time and financial resources to produce, I found that field instruction can be supported by optional online resources that are both appreciated and heavily used by students.
Suprachiasmatic Nucleus–Arcuate Nucleus Axis: Interaction Between Time and Metabolism Essential for Health
Authors: Méndez‐Hernández Rebeca , Escobar Carolina , Buijs Ruud M.
Published: June 2020

In mammals, time and metabolism are tightly coupled variables; this relationship can be illustrated by numerous examples, such as the circadian variation in food intake or the circadian response to a glucose bolus. We review evidence that the interaction between the suprachiasmatic nucleus and the arcuate nucleus plays a key role in the execution of these functions. The nuclei are reciprocally connected via different projections, and this interaction provides an ideal anatomical framework to modify the temporal output of the hypothalamus to metabolic organs as a consequence of the feedback from the periphery. The suprachiasmatic nucleus–arcuate nucleus relationship is essential to integrate metabolic information into the circadian system and thus adapt circadian rhythms in core body temperature, locomotor activity, food intake, and circulating molecules such as glucose and corticosterone. With the rise in obesity‐associated diseases in the world population, gaining knowledge about this relationship, and the consequences of disturbing this liaison, is essential to understand the pathogenesis of obesity.
High Glucose‐Aggravated Hepatic Insulin Resistance: Role of the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Kupffer Cells
Authors: Zheng Tao , Wang Qibin , Dong Yongcheng , Ma Weidong , Zhang Yonghong , Zhao Yan , Bian Fang , Chen Li
Published: June 2020

Objective

This study aimed to investigate whether the NLRP3 inflammasome in Kupffer cells (KCs) can be activated in response to high glucose (HG) and to evaluate its influence on hepatic insulin sensitivity.

Methods

Primary KCs and hepatocytes were isolated from mice, and lipid accumulation, glucose output, and insulin sensitivity of hepatocytes were investigated after culturing either alone or with KCs exposed to HG. The influence of HG‐induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in KCs on insulin sensitivity of hepatocytes was examined. Treatment with gadolinium trichloride caused KC depletion, and, subsequently, a streptozotocin‐induced hyperglycemic mouse model was used to confirm the influence of KCs on hepatic insulin sensitivity.

Results

Hepatocytes cocultured with KCs showed enhanced lipid accumulation, glucose output, and impaired insulin sensitivity when exposed to HG. Enhanced NLRP3 inflammasome activation was also evident in both hepatocytes and KCs. Moreover, KCs that were pretreated with caspase‐1 inhibitor, NLRP3 inhibitor, and NLRP3 small interfering RNA corrected coculture‐induced aberrances in insulin action and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in hepatocytes. KC coculture also increased interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)–mediated nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation in hepatocytes. In hyperglycemic mice, KC depletion inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and improved hepatic insulin sensitivity.

Conclusions

NLRP3 inflammasome activation impaired insulin sensitivity through KC‐derived IL‐1β–mediated NF‐κB activation in hepatocytes exposed to HG.
Nickel ammonium phosphate and reduced graphene oxide two‐dimensional hybrid material for improving the fire safety and mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride)
Authors: Li Jiahe , Meng Weihua , Wu Weihong , Zhou Zhaoxi , Zhang Weiwei , Song Pingan , Xu Jianzhong , Qu Hongqiang
Published: June 2020

In this study, a hybrid material with band‐shaped nickel ammonium phosphate monohydrate (NiNH4PO4.H2O) (ANP) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was devised by the one‐pot method. This material is a novel, efficient and non‐halogen flame retardant and smoke suppressant. Based on the characterization results, a crystal growth and thermal decomposition process of ANP is proposed, which proves that it has flame retardancy and smoke suppression in the gas phase and condensed phase. When the amount of ANP/RGO was 15 phr (per hundred parts of resin), the total smoke production, peak smoke production rate, total heat release and peak heat release rate of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) composite were 49.76%, 59.46%, 47.48% and 69.94% lower respectively than those of pure PVC. Meanwhile, the tensile strength of the PVC composite increased by 6.74%. The results show that ANP/RGO improves the fire safety performance, smoke suppression and mechanical properties of PVC composites. The significant improvement in fire safety performance is mainly attributed to the dilution of combustible gases with ammonia and water generated by the decomposition of ANP/RGO during combustion, and the phosphide in the condensed phase made the residual char crosslinked and denser to protect the substrate more effectively. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
PDMS mixed‐matrix membranes with molecular fillers via reactive incorporation and their application for bio‐butanol recovery from aqueous solution
Authors: Chen Xi , Hung Wei‐Song , Liu Gongping , Lee Kueir‐Rarn , Jin Wanqin
Published: June 2020

Mixed‐matrix membrane (MMM) consisting of fillers in polymeric matrix offers a promising approach to develop high‐performance membranes, while remain challenges in achieving ideal filler dispersion and interfacial morphology. Herein, we reported on a new kind of MMM with molecular‐level dispersion of filler via a proposed reactive incorporation approach. Specifically, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) with vinyl groups was grafted with ethoxy groups to build covalent bond with hydroxyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chains to fabricate PDMS MMMs uniformly dispersed with POSS molecules. The molecular dispersion of POSS in PDMS matrix was visualized by SEM, AFM, and TEM characterizations, as well as reflected by XRD analysis. The PDMS chain conformation affected by the reactive incorporation of POSS was investigated by analyzing the thermal and mechanical properties of the POSS/PDMS MMMs using DSC, TGA, and DMA measurements. Contact angle test was used to study the surface affinity and positron annihilation technique was employed to probe the free volumes, which are respectively associated with the sorption and diffusion behavior in the POSS/PDMS MMMs. The results demonstrated that molecular cages and crosslinking effect of POSS led to an increase of large free volumes while a decline of small free volumes. Therefore, the PDMS MMM with reactive incorporation of only 2 wt.% POSS simultaneously enhanced the butanol permeability (by 78%) and butanol/water selectivity (by 124%) for pristine PDMS membrane, transcending the performance limit of state‐of‐the‐arts organophilic membranes. The proposed reactive incorporation approach may provide a platform of developing highly efficient membranes for molecular separation.
Serial multiple mediation of demoralization and depression in the relationship between hopelessness and suicidal ideation
Authors: Liu Su Ting , Wu Xia , Wang Ning , Zhao Qian Qian , Xiao Lin , Fang Chun Kai , Yu Ya , Lin Dong Mei , Zhang Li Li
Published: June 2020

Objective

Suicidal ideation is common in cancer patients and may be associated with hopelessness, demoralization, and depression. This study aims to investigate the serial multiple mediation of demoralization and depression in the relationship between hopelessness and suicidal ideation in cancer patients.

Methods

A total of 244 cancer patients were investigated by using the following standardized self‐reported questionnaires: self‐rating idea of suicide scale, Beck hopelessness scale, demoralization scale‐Mandarin version, and patient health questionnaire depression scale‐9. The mediation hypothesis was tested with a serial multiple mediation model (PROCESS model 6). An exploratory graph analysis was performed to detect the correlations among the dimensions of the mental conditions measured by these instruments.

Results

Bootstrap analyzes indicate that there were direct and indirect effects of hopelessness on suicidal ideation mediated solely by demoralization (B = 2.3074, SE = 0.1724, P < .001) or by demoralization together with depression (B = 0.1605, SE = 0.0303, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.1102 to 0.2303). The mediation of depression alone in the relationship between hopelessness and suicidal ideation was insignificant (B = 0.1541, SE = 0.0519, 95% CI = −0.0565 to 0.0715). The exploratory graph analysis suggests that the strongest edge of dimensions between demoralization and suicidal ideation was desperation‐disheartenment (0.62).

Conclusions

The results of the study support the hypothesis that demoralization and depression mediate between hopelessness and suicidal ideation. The early identification of and interventions for hopelessness, demoralization, and depression may prevent cancer patients from developing suicidal ideation.
A Bayesian approach in design and analysis of pediatric cancer clinical trials
Authors: Ye Jingjing , Reaman Gregory , De Claro R. Angelo , Sridhara Rajeshwari
Published: June 2020

It is well recognized that cancer drug development for children and adolescents has many challenges, from biological and societal to economic. Pediatric cancer consists of a diverse group of rare diseases, and the relatively small population of children with multiple, disparate tumor types across various age groups presents a significant challenge for drug development programs as compared to oncology drug development programs for adults. Due to the different types of cancers, limited opportunities exist for extrapolation of efficacy from adult cancer indications to children. Thus, innovative study designs including Bayesian statistical approaches should be considered. A Bayesian approach can be a flexible tool to formally leverage prior knowledge of adult or external controls in pediatric cancer trials. In this article, we provide in a case example of how Bayesian approaches can be used to design, monitor, and analyze pediatric trials. Particularly, Bayesian sequential monitoring can be useful to monitor pediatric trial results as data accumulate. In addition, designing a pediatric trial with both skeptical and enthusiastic priors with Bayesian sequential monitoring can be an efficient mechanism for early trial cessation for both efficacy and futility. The interpretation of efficacy using a Bayesian approach is based on posterior probability and is intuitive and interpretable for patients, parents and prescribers given limited data.
Relationship between nutrition and reproduction
Authors: Koga Fumitoshi , Kitagami Shigeki , Izumi Arisa , Uemura Tomoko , Takayama Osamu , Koga Tsuyoshi , Mizoguchi Toru
Published: June 2020

Background

Recently, the relationship between nutrition and reproduction is being studied. In particular, when older women receive reproductive treatment, egg aging causes greater problems than organic factors.

Methods

This study investigated the relationship between nutrition and reproduction with a focus on factors that cause aging, including oxidation, glycation, and chronic inflammation. A large volume of data concerning each nutrient's relationship with reproductive medicine was collected from a number of observational studies.

Main findings

The results showed that refined carbohydrates should be avoided and care should be taken to achieve proper intake of omega‐3 fatty acids. Folic acid and vitamin D were also effective. For men, antioxidant measures are especially effective. The effects of antioxidants are related to insulin resistance, which causes chronic inflammation.

Conclusion

Recent research has shown that rather than meal content, meal intervals are more important for improving insulin resistance. Future research should examine lifestyle‐related nutrition factors and their relationships to reproductive treatment.
Support first‐generation college students through struggles triggered by national crisis
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: June 2020

First‐generation college students already struggling with basic needs felt the impact of the COVID‐19 crisis in more significant ways than their peers.
Plan now for remote collaboration
Authors: Talarico Donna
Published: June 2020

With little notice, higher education administrators have moved to working remotely during the COVID‐19 pandemic, and at other times, we might need to move operations elsewhere due to a natural disaster, health pandemic, or other safety or public health emergency.