bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioural themes in Spanish missing persons cases: An empirical typology
Authors: García‐Barceló Néstor , González Álvarez José Luis , Woolnough Penny , Almond Louise
Published: September 2020

The high number of missing person reports that occur globally each year highlights the need for research in this academically neglected field. This research focuses on establishing whether there are different scenarios or behavioural themes that consistently appear in missing person cases in Spain, which could assist the police investigation process. A representative sample of 341 missing person police reports was collated and up to 27 behaviours, which occur during the disappearance, have been codified, as well as circumstances surrounding the case. Through multidimensional scaling four behavioural themes have been identified: intentional‐escape, intentional‐dysfunctional, unintentional‐accidental, and forced‐criminal. These findings entail implications, both in terms of prevention and in the scope of police investigations. Specifically, this research is considered a key step in the development of: (a) a predictive risk assessment system for harmed or deceased outcomes, and (b) in‐depth review of forced‐criminal disappearances that concur with homicide.
Does narcissism encourage unethical pro‐organizational behavior in the service sector? A case study in Pakistan
Authors: Shah Maryam , Sarfraz Muddassar , Khawaja Kausar Fiaz , Tariq Jasim
Published: September 2020

This study examines the role of narcissism as an antecedent of unethical pro‐organizational behavior and the extent to which this may lead to feelings of guilt and shame. It also investigates the role of organizational change as a moderating variable between narcissism and unethical pro‐organizational behavior. It presents the analysis of data from a three‐wave survey of 287 employees in the telecommunication sector of Pakistan. The results show that narcissism positively influences unethical pro‐organizational behavior, and that high rates of perceived organizational change increases this effect. It also shows that, in these circumstances, narcissists are less likely to experience emotions of guilt and shame. The study contributes to the literature on unethical pro‐organizational behavior through its use of trait activation theory and its focus on the consequences of unethical pro‐organizational behavior in terms of its emotional impact. It also offers some practical advice about how to reduce the risks of unethical pro‐organizational behavior and dealing with the role that organizational change has to play in this.
The Use of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in the Management of Parotid Sialocele: A Case Report
Authors: Oradan Alex , Muntean Maximilian
Published: September 2020

Parotid sialocele is an accumulation of saliva inside a subcutaneous cavity, usually as a result of trauma or iatrogenic injury of the parotid gland or duct, which can progress to other complications if left untreated. Numerous treatment options have been described before, but there is currently no evidence based consensus. We present a case of a patient treated for sialocele with the use of negative pressure wound therapy. Laryngoscope, 131:E1094–E1095, 2021
Leaf litter lignin degradation in response to understory vegetation removal in a Masson pine plantation
Authors: He Wei , Keyhani Abdul Baess , Ma Zhiyuan , Xu Jiaoyang , Zhang Chenchen , Xu Xin , Teng Mingjun , Yan Zhaogui , Wang Ben , Wang Pengcheng
Published: September 2020

Understory vegetation changes, caused by forestry management, can alter the litter species composition and microclimate in situ, which while profoundly influence litter lignin degradation processes, is seldom investigated. To reveal the effects of these changes, understory vegetation in plots was treated as follows: no understory vegetation removal; only shrub removal; only herb removal; and, both shrub and herb removal. Single‐ and mixed‐species litterbags (1.0 mm mesh with uncut leaf litter) matching the treated vegetation characteristics (complied with a 7:2:1 air‐dried mass ratio for the litter form trees, shrubs, and herbs) were placed on the floor. After 2 years, 5.9% (single‐tree litter in the plots with shrub removal) to 41.4% (mixture in the plots with no understory vegetation removal) of the initial lignin content was degraded among litterbag types and plot treatments. Incidence of nonadditive effects was reduced, and the nonadditive lignin degradation rate varied but remained low among plot treatments when understory vegetation was removed. In all plot treatments, lignin degradation rate was higher in single‐shrub or single‐herb litter than in single‐tree litter (at least 9.7% ± 1.2% for the deviation). Mixtures in the plots, with no understory vegetation removal, exhibited a greater lignin degradation rate than that of the litter mixtures in the other plots. Path analysis indicated that microbial biomass nitrogen, average temperature, and lignin concentration were positively correlated with lignin degradation rate. Therefore, in addition to the litter species composition, alterations in microclimate as a result of understory vegetation changes can be a key factor that influence lignin degradation rate.
Functional and pasting properties of fortified complementary foods formulated from maize (Zea mays) and African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) flours
Authors: Anosike Francis Chidi , Nwagu Kingsely Ekene , Nwalo Nweke Friday , Ikegwu Onyekachi John , Onyeji Gertrude Nneka , Enwere Evelyn Nwakaego , Nwoba Sunday Theophilus
Published: September 2020

Studies were conducted on the functional, pasting and micronutrient content of complementary weaning foods from maize (Zea mays) and African yam bean (AYB; Sphenostylis stenocarpa). The complementary foods were fortified with cattle bone meal, Brachystegia eurycoma (achi)/potash emulisified with red palm oil and Moringa oleifera, to improve the micronutrient content. Maize and AYB (malted and unmalted) were processed into flours, and the fortificants were subjected to different treatments to ascertain the treatment that has the highest micronutrient contents for use in the formulation of the weaning food. Functional properties (water absorption capacity [WAC], bulk density [BD], wettability [WB]) and dispersability [DISP]), pasting properties and micronutrient contents of the formulated blends were determined using standard methods. Ashed fermented by back‐slopping, dried and milled (AFDm) treatment for cattle bone meal, unfermented B. eurycoma/potash emulsion (PU) and fresh fermented M. oleifera treatment had the highest micronutrient contents. The Vitamin A and zinc contents of the formulated infant food were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) than the control (Nutrend, an infant complementary cereal food product made from maize and produced by Nestle Nigeria PLC). The WAC and BD ranged from 155 to 195 g/mL for maize–AYB fermented and enriched with fortificant PU (MAFEP) and maize–AYB fermented enriched with fortificant achi emulsion (MAFEA) and 0.86 to 1.43 g/mL for MAFEA and MAFEP, respectively. The WB values ranged from 16 to 40 s for maize–AYB malt‐fermented (MAMF) and MAFEP. There was no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) in the dispersability. There were significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in pasting temperature, set‐back viscosity, final viscosity, peak viscosity and breakdown viscosity except for the peak time. The fortified complementary foods prepared from maize flour and malted AYB significantly improved the functional and pasting properties of the flour blends due to their high micronutrient contents and low BD which can serve as alternative to commercial products.
Do diatoms dominate benthic production in shallow systems? A case study from a mixed seagrass bed
Authors: Cox T. Erin , Cebrian Just , Tabor Marnie , West Laura , Krause Jeffrey W.
Published: September 2020

We report an assessment for determining the contribution by diatoms to community productivity and respiration within a coastal benthic ecosystem with multiple autotrophs. During summer, cores of open sediment and seagrass habitat were collected from a lagoon within the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Cores were maintained in an outdoor mesocosm. Germanic acid, an inhibitor of diatom cell division, was added to half the cores and quantification of production and respiration was done. Inhibition of diatoms reduced benthic productivity within the seagrass habitat. 71–83% production was attributable to diatoms and this contribution moved the benthic system into net autotrophy. Diatom contribution to production in other habitat‐community components was more variable (varied from 0% to 86%). Findings underscore the ecological importance of diatoms as producers in seagrass beds, the role of seagrasses in maintaining productivity, and infer that diatoms may have similar contributions in other aquatic vegetated habitats.
A Removable Artificial Cell Wall for Withstanding Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Hu Hanjiao , Liang Xingtang , Wang Shuangshuang , Xu Zhijun , Li Junbo , Chen Haixu , Su Dongyue , Yin Yanzhen , Huang Zuqiang , Huang Xin
Published: September 2020

The pollution of antibiotics in aquaculture environment is increasingly serious, and excessive antibiotics will kill the probiotics in aquaculture feed. How to improve the viability of probiotics in the antibiotics‐contaminated environment is of significance. In this study, a new strategy for protecting Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells in situ against antibiotics is constructed based on cell surface engineering technology by putting on wearable protective layers for cells. The protective layer is constructed around cellular surface via the self‐assembly of coacervate microdroplets that consist of carboxymethyl chitosan and carboxyl dextran. Without affecting the cell viability, the protective layer can grasp ciprofloxacin and decrease the contact of ciprofloxacin to cells and consequently improve the survival rate of cells when exposing to ciprofloxacin. This work highlights a facile strategy to establish removable artificial cell wall by biodegradable polysaccharides for improving the productivity of probiotics in antibiotic environments.
On the optimal disclosure of queue length information
Authors: Li Kaili , Cui Shiliang , Wang Jinting
Published: September 2020

Simhon et al. (2016) proved that disclosing queue length to customers when the queue is shorter than some threshold and concealing the information otherwise cannot maximize the throughout of M/M/1 queues—when customers are familiar with the policy and the threshold. We show that said policy indeed maximizes throughput when customers do not have information of the policy. Furthermore, we prove that the socially optimal disclosure policy under this setting contains a “hole,” that is, it is socially optimal to disclose queue length to the customers when the queue is sufficiently short or sufficiently long but not disclose otherwise.
Fully discrete T‐ψ finite element method to solve a nonlinear induction hardening problem
Authors: Kang Tong , Wang Ran , Zhang Huai
Published: September 2020

We study an induction hardening model described by Maxwell's equations coupled with a heat equation. The magnetic induction field is assumed a nonlinear constitutional relation and the electric conductivity is temperature‐dependent. The T‐ψ method is to transform Maxwell's equations to the vector–scalar potential formulations and to solve the potentials by means of the finite element method. In this article, we present a fully discrete T‐ψ finite element scheme for this nonlinear coupled problem and discuss its solvability. We prove that the discrete solution converges to a weak solution of the continuous problem. Finally, we conclude with two numerical experiments for the coupled system.
Hybrid and Model‐Based Iterative Reconstruction Influences the Volumetry of Visceral and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue on Ultra‐Low‐Dose CT
Authors: Lambert Lukas , Novak Matej , Siklova Michaela , Krauzova Eva , Stich Vladimir , Burgetova Andrea
Published: September 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare three different reconstruction algorithms for the volumetry of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) on ultra‐low‐dose computed tomography (CT) images.

Methods

Thirty‐seven male patients underwent ultra‐low‐dose CT at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra (22.5 mm in z‐axis). The acquisitions were reconstructed in 5‐mm slices with 50% overlap using filtered back projection (FBP), hybrid iterative reconstruction (HIR), and iterative model‐based reconstruction (IMR) techniques. The volume of VAT and SAT was measured using an interactive seed‐growing segmentation and by thresholding (−30 to −190 HU).

Results

The volume of SAT measured by the interactive method was smaller in FBP compared with both HIR (P = 0.0011) and IMR (P = 0.0034), and the volume of VAT was greater in IMR compared with HIR (P = 0.0253) or FBP (P = 0.0065). Using the thresholding method, IMR volumes of VAT were greater compared with HIR (P < 0.0001), and volumes of SAT were greater compared with both HIR and FBP (both P ≤ 0.0001). The VAT to SAT ratio was greater in IMR compared with HIR or FBP (both P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

There are significant differences among FBP, HIR, and IMR in the volumetry of SAT and VAT, their ratios, and attenuation measured on ultra‐low‐dose images.
L−Lysine Amino Acid Adsorption on Zeolite L: a Combined Synchrotron, X‐Ray and Neutron Diffraction Study
Authors: Beltrami Giada , Martucci Annalisa , Pasti Luisa , Chenet Tatiana , Ardit Matteo , Gigli Lara , Cescon Mirco , Suard Emmanuelle
Published: September 2020

Invited for this month's cover are the groups of Annalisa Martucci and Luisa Pasti at the University of Ferrara (Italy). The cover picture shows L‐lysine amino acid adsorption on zeolite L. The role of zeolite channels in the stabilization of the lysine absorbed and the effect of water on protein structure are elucidated at atomistic level. The stabilization of the L α‐helical conformation is related to strong H‐bonds between the tail aminogroups of lysine molecules and the Brønsted acid site as well as to complex intermolecular H‐bond system between water molecules, zeolite and amino acid. Read the full text of their Full Paper at 10.1002/open.202000183.
Medical and rehabilitation interventions in pediatric central nervous system radiation necrosis: A case report
Authors: L'Hotta Allison J. , Thomas Kristin M. , Milgrom Sarah A. , Hemenway Molly S. , Levy Jean M. Mulcahy
Published: September 2020

Radiation necrosis is a potentially debilitating side effect of therapy necessary to treat pediatric central nervous system tumors. Clinical signs of cerebral radiation necrosis (CRN) are similar to symptoms of disease progression and require close monitoring. The case of an infant diagnosed with a malignant rhabdoid tumor is presented to describe the medical and rehabilitation interventions implemented to address CRN. Rehabilitation providers should routinely be consulted in children with CRN as they fill a critical role in treatment, neurological symptom monitoring, and intervention planning to address family‐centered functional goals.
Experimental investigation of the hydrostatic compression of a hollow glass microspheres/epoxy resin under high‐pressure conditions at the full ocean depth
Authors: Zhai Gangjun , Ding Yue , Wang Yin , Ma Zhe
Published: September 2020

An experimental study was performed on a new composite material, namely, a hollow glass microsphere/epoxy resin composite material. As a new type of solid buoyancy material, the proposed composite material is promising for use in submersible, deep‐sea oil risers. This composite material has many advantages, including the ability to bear extreme temperature, corrosion, and hydrostatic pressure up to tens of megapascals. In this study, the hydrostatic compression properties of six different mass filling ratio samples were tested based on an advanced triaxial testing system with varying temperatures. Some basic parameters, such as density, axial and radial stress‐strain curves, and volume strain, were obtained. The elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio were subjected to nonlinear fitting. Additionally, the elastic‐plastic performance was analyzed according to the residual strain. A new method to characterize the properties of the material is proposed. These data will be used to develop new constitutive models and to predict the structural strain in engineering applications under high hydrostatic compression.
Plant genetic variation drives geographic differences in atmosphere–plant–ecosystem feedbacks
Authors: Bayliss Shannon L. J. , Mueller Liam O. , Ware Ian M. , Schweitzer Jennifer A. , Bailey Joseph K.
Published: September 2020

Why this research Matters

The objective of this study was to understand how genetic variation in a riparian species, Populus angustifolia, affects mass and energy exchange between the land and atmosphere across ~1,700 km of latitude of the western United States. To examine the potential for large‐scale land–atmosphere feedbacks in hydrologic processes driven by geographic differences in plant population traits, we use a physical hydrology model, paired field, and greenhouse observations of plant traits, and stable isotope compositions of soil, stem, and leaf water of P. angustifolia populations. Populations show patterns of local adaptation in traits related to landscape hydrologic functioning—a 47% difference in stomatal density in greenhouse conditions and a 74% difference in stomatal ratio in the field. Trait and stable isotope differences reveal that populations use water differently which is related to historical landscape hydrologic functioning (evapotranspiration and streamflow). Overall, results suggest that populations from landscapes with different hydrologic histories will differ in their ability to maintain favorable water balance with changing atmospheric demands for water, with ecosystem consequences.
The unusual delamination phenomenon of three kinds of lithium‐ion battery separators
Authors: Ding Lei , Zhang Daoxin , Wu Tong , Yang Feng , Lan Fang , Cao Ya , Xiang Ming
Published: September 2020

An unusual delamination phenomenon on three kinds of lithium‐ion battery separators was investigated in this study, which is closely associated with the compression resistance of the separator. The delamination trends of three kinds of polymer separators were analyzed systematically. Scanning electron microscopy, two‐dimensional wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, compression and delamination tests show that a separator prepared by the dry process with uniaxial stretching delaminate hardest due to abundant connection or support structure along the thickness direction. However, the multilayer structure stacked along the thickness direction can be seen clearly for separators experiencing biaxial stretching, both for the dry process and wet process. In particular, a separator prepared by the wet process has the poorest connection or support structure along the thickness direction, leading to the strongest delamination trend and the worst compression resistance. Based on this, we control the delamination trend of the separator by adjusting the condensed structure of the precursor film. Besides, the delamination test can quantify the delamination trend of different kinds of separators accurately and further supplement the evaluation criteria of lithium‐ion battery separators, which can help us to better understand and design a separator with optimal microporous structure. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Catalytically Active Copper Phosphate–Dextran Sulfate Microparticle Coatings for Bioanalyte Sensing
Authors: Pacchin Tomanin Pietro , Bhangu Sukhvir Kaur , Caruso Frank , Cavalieri Francesca
Published: September 2020

Engineering reactive and functional nanostructured surfaces is important for enhancing the sensitivity and versatility of biosensors and microreactors. For example, the assembly of hybrid inorganic–organic porous microparticles on surfaces may provide a catalytic microenvironment for a wide range of reactions. Herein, the synthesis of catalytically active porous dextran sulfate–copper phosphate hybrid microparticles by a facile and rapid crystallization process in aqueous solution is reported. The sulfated polysaccharide enables control over the size and hierarchical morphology of the hybrid microparticles, as well as their assembly into stable macroporous coatings. The engineered microparticle coatings display intrinsic nonenzymatic peroxidase‐like catalytic activity when employed as a platform for the detection of hydrogen peroxide. Pairing of the microparticle coating with glucose oxidase affords a hybrid platform that is employed as a glucose sensor for monitoring physiological concentrations of a given analyte via a hybrid enzymatic/nonenzymatic cascade reaction. This work presents a strategy for the assembly of hybrid porous microparticles into enzyme‐mimicking surfaces for copper‐based catalysis and biochemical analyte sensing.
Preparation of Sub‐Micron Sized CL‐20 and Its Mechanical and Thermal Properties
Authors: Mao Xiaoxiang , Jiang Longfei , Li Yifan , Wang Xiaoming , Li Yanchun
Published: September 2020

High sensitivity limits the broad application of CL‐20 despite that it is considered as the most powerful explosive. Numerous efforts and technologies of fabricating CL‐20 with small particle size have been implemented for solving this problem. In this study, CL‐20 with sub‐micron particle size was prepared by superfine comminution technique. The results of impact and friction sensitivities tests showed that the mechanical sensitivities of CL‐20 were improved after ultra‐fine treatment. DSC results showed that the decomposition of CL‐20 advanced with the particle sizes decreased. The sub‐micron sized CL‐20 showed lower activation energy (Eα) compared to that of raw CL‐20, suggesting that particle size reduction is in favour of decreasing the threshold of decomposition. The reaction models of CL‐20 with different particle sizes could all be categorized as n‐th order reactions with autocatalysis. The function of reaction mechanism could be expressed as f(α)=(1‐α)n(1+kcat•α). On aspect of heat sensitivity, the results of deflagration point tests showed that although particle size had little influence on the deflagration point with 5 s delay time (Tb) of CL‐20, apparent activation energy of explosion (Eb) decreased apparently with the particle sizes decreased, which could impact the thermal sensitivity significantly.
Functional PPO2 mutations: co‐occurrence in one plant or the same ppo2 allele of herbicide‐resistant Amaranthus palmeri in the US mid‐south
Authors: Noguera Matheus M , Rangani Gulab , Heiser James , Bararpour Taghi , Steckel Lawrence E , Betz Michael , Porri Aimone , Lerchl Jens , Zimmermann Sophie , Nichols Robert L , Roma‐Burgos Nilda
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Protoporphyrinogen IX oxidase 2 (PPO2) inhibitors are important for the management of glyphosate‐ and acetolactate synthase‐resistant Palmer amaranth [Amaranthus palmeri (S.) Wats.]. The evolving resistance to PPO inhibitors is of great concern. We surveyed the evolution of resistance to fomesafen in the US Mid‐south and determined its correlation with the known functional PPO2 target‐site mutations (TSM).

RESULTS

The 167 accessions analyzed were grouped into five categories, four resistant (147) and one susceptible (20). Arkansas accessions constituted 100% of the susceptible group while the Missouri accessions comprised 60% of the most resistant category. The majority of Mississippi accessions (88%) clustered in the high‐survival‐high‐injury category, manifesting an early‐stage resistance evolution. One hundred and fifteen accessions were genotyped for four known TSMs; 74% of accessions carried at least one TSM. The most common single TSM was ΔG210 (18% of accessions) and the predominant double mutation was ΔG210 + G399A (17%). Other mutations are likely less favorable, hence are rare. All TSMs were detected in three accessions. Further examination revealed that 9 and two individuals carried G399A + G210 and G399A + R128G TSM in the same allele, respectively. The existence of these combinations is supported by molecular modeling.

CONCLUSIONS

Resistance to PPO inhibitors is widespread across the Mid‐southern USA. Highly resistant field populations have plants with multiple mutations. G399A is the most prone to co‐occur with other ppo2 mutations in the same allele. Mutation at R128 in the configuration of the PPO2 catalytic domain restrains the co‐occurrence of R128G with ΔG210, making ΔG210 + G399A the most plausible, tolerable functional mutation combination to co‐occur in the same ppo2 allele.
Natural compounds against doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity: A review on the involvement of Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway
Authors: Yarmohammadi Fatemeh , Rezaee Ramin , Karimi Gholamreza
Published: September 2020

Cardiotoxicity is the main concern for long‐term use of the doxorubicin (DOX). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation leads to oxidative stress that significantly contributes to the cardiac damage induced by DOX. The nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2) acts as a protective player against DOX‐induced myocardial oxidative stress. Several natural compounds (NCs) with anti‐oxidative effects, were examined to suppress DOX cardiotoxicity such as asiatic acid, α‐linolenic acid, apigenin, baicalein, β‐lapachone, curdione, dioscin, ferulic acid, Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides, genistein, ginsenoside Rg3, indole‐3‐carbinol, naringenin‐7‐O‐glucoside, neferine, p‐coumaric acid, pristimerin, punicalagin, quercetin, sulforaphane, and tanshinone IIA. The present article, reviews NCs that showed protective effects against DOX‐induced cardiac injury through induction of Nrf2 signaling pathway.
Convection‐permitting modelling improves simulated precipitation over the central and eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Puxi , Furtado Kalli , Zhou Tianjun , Chen Haoming , Li Jian
Published: September 2020

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) plays an essential role in influencing the global climate, and precipitation is one of its most important water‐cycle components. However, accurately simulating precipitation over the TP is a long‐standing challenge. In this study, a convection‐permitting model (CPM; with 4 km grid spacing) that covers the entire TP was conducted and compared to two mesoscale models (MSMs; with model horizontal resolutions of 13 and 35 km) over the course of a summer. The results showed that the two MSMs have notable wet biases over the TP and can overestimate the summer precipitation by more than 4.0 mm·day−1 in some parts of the Three Rivers Source region. Moreover, both MSMs have more frequent light rainfall; increasing horizontal resolution of the MSMs alone does not reduce the excessive precipitation. Further investigation reveals that the MSMs have a spurious early‐afternoon rainfall peak, which can be linked to a strong dependence on convective available potential energy (CAPE) that dominates the wet biases. Herein, we highlight that the sensitivity of CAPE to surface temperatures may cause the MSMs to have a spurious hydrological response to surface warming. Users of climate projections should be aware of this potential model uncertainty when investigating future hydrological changes over the TP. In comparison, the CPM removes the spurious afternoon rainfall and thus significantly reduces the wet bias simulated by the MSMs. In addition, the CPM also better depicts the precipitation frequency and intensity, and is therefore a promising tool for dynamic downscaling over the TP.
Epoxidation of propylene by hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by the silanol‐functionalized polyoxometalates‐supported ferrate: Electronic structure, bonding feature, and reaction mechanism
Authors: Chu Yun‐Jie , Sun Gang , Yang Chun‐Hua , Chen Xue‐Mei , Liu Chun‐Guang
Published: September 2020

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), as clean oxidant, has been disregarded due to its low efficiency and selectivity for the oxidation of olefins. In the present paper, the redox‐important ferrate anion (FeO42−) has been anchored to a silanol‐decorated polyoxometalates (POM) to form a single site‐supported Fe‐POM catalyst. Possible reaction mechanisms for the epoxidation of propylene with H2O2 catalyzed by the Fe‐POM catalyst have been investigated based on density functional theory with the M06L functional. The study of molecular geometry, electronic structure, and bonding feature shows that the Fe‐POM complex can be viewed as a high‐valent Fe‐oxo (FeO) species. The propylene molecule was activated by the Fe‐POM catalyst via an effective electron transfer from propylene to the Fe‐POM catalyst to form a cation propylene radical. Due to the high reactivity of radical species, the calculated activation energy barrier is only 4.50 kcal mol−1 for epoxidation of propylene to epoxypropane catalyzed by the Fe‐POM catalyst. Subsequently, the calculated free energy profiles show that H2O2 was decomposed into a H2O molecule and a surface O species over the Fe‐POM catalyst, and the remaining O atom attaches to the exposed Fe center, resulting in the replenishing of the Fe‐POM catalyst via a two‐state reaction pathway. The calculated activation energy barrier for this process is 23.42 kcal mol−1, and thus, decomposition of H2O2 is the rate‐determining step for the whole reaction. The Fe center serves as an electron acceptor, accepting electrons from the binding propylene molecule to form radical species in the first half of the reaction and, in the role of electron donor in the remaining reaction steps to eliminate the radical feature, reduces the reactivity and stops the reaction at the stage of the desired epoxypropane product.
Drug screening platform using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial cardiomyocytes and optical mapping
Authors: Gunawan Marvin G. , Sangha Sarabjit S. , Shafaattalab Sanam , Lin Eric , Heims-Waldron Danielle A. , Bezzerides Vassilios J. , Laksman Zachary , Tibbits Glen F.
Published: September 2020

Current drug development efforts for the treatment of atrial fibrillation are hampered by the fact that many preclinical models have been unsuccessful in reproducing human cardiac physiology and its response to medications. In this study, we demonstrated an approach using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-aCMs and hiPSC-vCMs, respectively) coupled with a sophisticated optical mapping system for drug screening of atrial-selective compounds in vitro. We optimized differentiation of hiPSC-aCMs by modulating the WNT and retinoid signaling pathways. Characterization of the transcriptome and proteome revealed that retinoic acid pushes the differentiation process into the atrial lineage and generated hiPSC-aCMs. Functional characterization using optical mapping showed that hiPSC-aCMs have shorter action potential durations and faster Ca2+ handling dynamics compared with hiPSC-vCMs. Furthermore, pharmacological investigation of hiPSC-aCMs captured atrial-selective effects by displaying greater sensitivity to atrial-selective compounds 4-aminopyridine, AVE0118, UCL1684, and vernakalant when compared with hiPSC-vCMs. These results established that a model system incorporating hiPSC-aCMs combined with optical mapping is well-suited for preclinical drug screening of novel and targeted atrial selective compounds.
Spectral analysis of Sr 3d XPS spectrum in Sr‐containing hydroxyapatite
Authors: Komai Shiori , Hirano Mitsuhiro , Ohtsu Naofumi
Published: September 2020

The Sr 3d X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectrum of Sr‐containing hydroxyapatite (SHAp) overlaps completely with the P 2p spectrum. Thus, the chemical state identification of Sr in SHAp is a challenging task. In this work, the Sr 3d spectrum was isolated from the overlapping spectra for analyzing the chemical state of Sr using a generic peak‐fitting method. The SHAp layers containing various Sr concentrations were produced on a Ti substrate using a chemical treatment process with a calcium phosphate slurry that included Sr (NO3)2. The distribution of the constituent elements changed according to the Sr concentration, implying that the chemical state of Sr varied with concentration. The isolation of the Sr 3d XPS spectrum was conducted via spectral deconvolution using the P 2p spectrum corresponding to HAp. The isolated Sr 3d spectrum revealed that the chemical state of Sr was in SrO and Sr‐substituted HAp states, and their ratio varied with the Sr concentration in the layer. The SrO to Sr‐substituted HAp ratios affected the Sr ion releasing behavior from the SHAp layer, supporting the validity of the obtained analytical results.
Effect of Konjac Glucomannan on Gelatinization, Retrogradation, and Gelling Properties of Frozen Wheat Starch
Authors: Guo Jinying , Wang Chengyan , Liu Changying , Wang Ping
Published: September 2020

Konjac glucomannan (KGM), a neutral hydrocolloid, is an important food additive used in many European and Asian countries. In this study, the effects of KGM on the gelatinization and retrogradation of frozen wheat starch are investigated. The effect of the addition of KGM on the freeze‐thaw stability and the textural and rheological properties of the starch gel are also examined. It is found that while KGM significantly reduces the pasting temperature, it increases the pasting viscosity, breakdown value, and setback value of frozen starch. The retrogradation and syneresis of the starch gel are inhibited after the addition of KGM. This dramatically improves the freeze‐thaw stability of the starch gel. At the same time, the viscosity and fluidity of the starch gel are increased, and its pseudoplasticity is reduced due to the addition of KGM. After comparing with the control experiment, it is found that the hardness of the KGM added starch gel is reduced and reaches a minimum at 1.5% and 2.5% of KGM addition. Based on the evaluation of these parameters, it is established that KGM is very useful for improving the quality of frozen starch gel.
Aseismic study of the frame structure with hanging prefabricated infill plate
Authors: Zhang Wenxue , Tian Yuhao , Chen Ying , Fei Kai
Published: September 2020

The previous seismic disaster indicates that the traditional masonry infill wall was easy damaged during earthquake. The traditional masonry infill wall not only increases the load of the main structure but also injures people during collapsing. So a new aseismic structure system with hanging prefabricated infill plate was proposed. The dynamical characteristic of frame structure with hanging prefabricated infill plate was analyzed. By simplifying the hanging prefabricated infill plate as a rigid bar, the free vibration equation of aseismic structure system with hanging prefabricated infill plate was established. Furthermore, the influence of main parameters on the natural frequency of the whole aseismic structure system with hanging prefabricated infill plate was discussed. Through the vibration table test and finite element simulation, the aseismic effect of hanging prefabricated infill plate was studied. The influence factors and application conditions of aseismic structure system with hanging prefabricated infill plate were discussed.
Adversarial risk analysis: An overview
Authors: Banks David , Gallego Víctor , Naveiro Roi , Ríos Insua David
Published: September 2020

Adversarial risk analysis (ARA) is a relatively new area of research that informs decision‐making when facing intelligent opponents and uncertain outcomes. It is a decision‐theoretic alternative to game theory. ARA enables an analyst to express her Bayesian beliefs about an opponent's utilities, capabilities, probabilities, and the type of strategic calculations that the opponent is using to make his decision. Within that framework, the analyst then solves the problem from the perspective of the opponent. This calculation produces a distribution over the actions of the opponent that permits the analyst to maximize her expected utility. This review covers conceptual, modeling, computational, and applied issues in ARA as well as interesting open research issues.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Bayesian Methods and Theory

Applications of Computational Statistics > Defense and National Security
Investigation of mass attenuation coefficients of copper–silver thin films at 14.93–48.82 keV energy range
Authors: Söğüt Ömer , Cengiz Erhan , Yavuz Musab
Published: September 2020

In this study, the mass attenuation coefficients of copper–silver thin‐film alloys, produced by the thermal evaporation method at various concentrations, were measured at six different energies in the range of 14.93–48.82 keV (keV) by X‐ray Fluorescence technique (XRF). A 241Americium radioisotope source, having 50 mCi intensity and 59.54 keV energy photons, was used to stimulate the samples, and an Ultra‐LEGe detector was used to count the characteristic X‐rays emitted from the samples and from the source. At 14.93, 17.44, and 23.10 keV energies, the mass attenuation coefficients of Cu–Ag thin‐film alloys increased with increasing Cu concentration, while decreasing with increasing Cu concentration at 27.37, 32.068, and 48.82 keV energies. However, at 14.93, 17.44, and 23.10 keV energies, the mass attenuation coefficients decreased with increasing Ag concentration, while increasing with increasing Ag concentration at 27.37, 32.068, and 48.82 keV energies. The obtained results were compared with the values theoretically predicted by XCOM, and the experimental results are in good agreement with theoretical values within the error limits.
Sr[ReO4]2: The First Single Crystals of an Anhydrous Alkaline‐Earth Metal Meta‐Perrhenate
Authors: Conrad Maurice , Russ Philip L. , Schleid Thomas
Published: September 2020

Colorless single crystals of Sr[ReO4]2 were obtained from halide melts at 1123 K in open corundum crucibles. X‐ray diffraction revealed that Sr[ReO4]2 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with the lattice parameters a = 627.31(4) pm, b = 1004.56(7) pm, c = 1271.25(9) pm and β = 97.118(3)° for Z = 4. The crystal structure contains a unique Sr2+‐cation site surrounded by eight crystallographically different oxygen atoms forming distorted bicapped trigonal prisms. All corners of these [SrO8]14– polyhedra (d(Sr–O) = 259–268 pm) are shared with tetrahedral meta‐perrhenate units [ReO4]– (d(Re–O) = 166–173 pm) formed from two crystallographically different Re7+ cations surrounded by four O2– anions each, building up the three‐dimensional mosaic‐like structure of Sr[ReO4]2. Single‐crystal Raman data confirm the presence of two different kinds of symmetry‐free meta‐perrhenate units [ReO4]– and match well with results known from literature.
Post-transitional Demography and Convergence: What Can We Learn from Half a Century of World Population Prospects?
Authors: Castiglioni Maria , Dalla-Zuanna Gianpiero , Tanturri Maria Letizia
Published: September 2020

After the Demographic Transition, convergence towards similar fertility and mortality levels, is the prevailing hypothesis in UN World Population Prospects Revisions. This chapter questions this assumption of “weak convergence” comparing actual data with the forecasted fertility, mortality, and migration trends computed by UN over the last half century. The “weak convergence” during 1985–2015 is not confirmed in countries that had a Total Fertility Rate below 2.5 children per woman before 1985. Moreover, in the period 2000–2015 the differences between groups of homogeneous countries actually increase. Further research can identify new regularities in order to predict future trends more accurately.
Projecting Proportionate Age–Specific Fertility Rates via Bayesian Skewed Processes
Authors: Aliverti Emanuele , Durante Daniele , Scarpa Bruno
Published: September 2020

Fertility rates show dynamically–varying shapes when modeled as a function of the age at delivery. We incorporate this behavior under a novel Bayesian approach for dynamic modeling of proportionate age–specific fertility rates via skewed processes. The model assumes a skew–normal distribution for the age at the moment of childbirth, while allowing the location and the skewness parameters to evolve in time via Gaussian processes priors. Posterior inference is performed via Monte Carlo methods, leveraging results on unified skew–normal distributions. The proposed approach is illustrated on Italian age–specific fertility rates from 1991 to 2014, providing forecasts until 2030.
Prognostic Utility of the Glasgow Prognostic Score for the Long‐Term Outcomes After Liver Resection for Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: A Multi‐institutional Study
Authors: Sui Kenta , Okabayashi Takehiro , Umeda Yuzo , Oishi Masahiro , Kojima Toru , Sato Daisuke , Endo Yoshikatsu , Ota Tetsuya , Hioki Katsuyoshi , Inagaki Masaru , Matsuda Tadakazu , Hirai Ryuji , Kimura Masashi , Yagi Takahito , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi
Published: September 2020

Objective

The usefulness of the modified Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) as a prognostic tool remains unclear for patients undergoing curative surgery for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Therefore, this study investigated the prognostic usefulness of the GPS for patients who underwent ICC surgery.

Method

All ICC patients who had a curative‐intent hepatectomy at 17 institutions between 2000 and 2016 were included. The correlation was assessed between the preoperative GPS and the baseline characteristics of the patients, histopathological parameters, surgical parameters, and the postresection overall survival (OS).

Result

There were 273 patients who met the eligibility criteria between the years 2000 and 2016. The postoperative OS rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 83.8%, 56.3%, and 41.5%, respectively (median OS, 47.7 months). A multivariate analysis revealed the factors that were associated with a worse OS, which included an increased GPS (hazard ratio = 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–2.53; P = 0.03), an elevated carcinoembryonic antigen level (hazard ratio = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.06–2.41; P = 0.02), an elevated carbohydrate antigen 19–9 level (hazard ratio = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.05–2.30; P = 0.03), undifferentiated carcinoma (hazard ratio = 2.41; 95% CI: 1.56–3.67; P < 0.01), and positive metastasis to the lymph nodes (hazard ratio = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.76–3.67; P < 0.01). In ICC patients after a hepatectomy, an elevated GPS was associated with poorer OS, even if the tumour factors that affected GPS were eliminated by propensity‐score matching.

Conclusion

Preoperative GPS can be useful to predict the postoperative outcomes of ICC patients. Therefore, this relatively simple and inexpensive scoring system can be utilized to further refine patient stratification as well as to predict survival.
Practical applications of deep learning: classifying the most common categories of plain radiographs in a PACS using a neural network
Authors: Dratsch Thomas , Korenkov Michael , Zopfs David , Brodehl Sebastian , Baessler Bettina , Giese Daniel , Brinkmann Sebastian , Maintz David , Pinto dos Santos Daniel
Published: September 2020

Objectives

The goal of the present study was to classify the most common types of plain radiographs using a neural network and to validate the network’s performance on internal and external data. Such a network could help improve various radiological workflows.

Methods

All radiographs from the year 2017 (n = 71,274) acquired at our institution were retrieved from the PACS. The 30 largest categories (n = 58,219, 81.7% of all radiographs performed in 2017) were used to develop and validate a neural network (MobileNet v1.0) using transfer learning. Image categories were extracted from DICOM metadata (study and image description) and mapped to the WHO manual of diagnostic imaging. As an independent, external validation set, we used images from other institutions that had been stored in our PACS (n = 5324).

Results

In the internal validation, the overall accuracy of the model was 90.3% (95%CI: 89.2–91.3%), whereas, for the external validation set, the overall accuracy was 94.0% (95%CI: 93.3–94.6%).

Conclusions

Using data from one single institution, we were able to classify the most common categories of radiographs with a neural network. The network showed good generalizability on the external validation set and could be used to automatically organize a PACS, preselect radiographs so that they can be routed to more specialized networks for abnormality detection or help with other parts of the radiological workflow (e.g., automated hanging protocols; check if ordered image and performed image are the same). The final AI algorithm is publicly available for evaluation and extension.

Key Points

• Data from one single institution can be used to train a neural network for the correct detection of the 30 most common categories of plain radiographs.

• The trained model achieved a high accuracy for the majority of categories and showed good generalizability to images from other institutions.

• The neural network is made publicly available and can be used to automatically organize a PACS or to preselect radiographs so that they can be routed to more specialized neural networks for abnormality detection.
Surgical resection does not avoid the risk of diverticulitis recurrence—a systematic review of risk factors
Authors: Longchamp Gregoire , Abbassi Ziad , Meyer Jeremy , Toso Christian , Buchs Nicolas C. , Ris Frederic
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Fifteen percent of patients undergoing elective sigmoidectomy will present a diverticulitis recurrence, which is associated with significant costs and morbidity. We aimed to systematically review the risk factors associated with recurrence after elective sigmoidectomy.

Methods

PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched for studies published until May 1, 2020. Original studies were included if (i) they included patients undergoing sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease, (ii) they reported postoperative recurrent diverticulitis, and (iii) they analyzed ≥ 1 variable associated with recurrence. The primary outcome was the risk factors for recurrence of diverticulitis after sigmoidectomy.

Results

From the 1463 studies initially screened, six studies were included. From the 1062 patients included, 62 patients recurred (5.8%), and six variables were associated with recurrence. Two were preoperative: age (HR = 0.96,p= 0.02) and irritable bowel syndrome (33.3% with recurrenceversus12.1% without recurrence,p= 0.02). Two were operative factors: uncomplicated recurrent diverticulitis as indication for surgery (73.3% with recurrenceversus49.9% without recurrence,p= 0.049) and anastomotic level (colorectal: HR = 11.4,p= 0.02, or colosigmoid: OR = 4,p= 0.033). Two were postoperative variables: the absence of active diverticulitis on pathology (39.6% with recurrenceversus26.6% without recurrence) and persistence of postoperative pain (HR = 4.8,p< 0.01).

Conclusion

Identification of preoperative variables that predict the occurrence of diverticulitis recurrence should help surgical decision-making for elective sigmoidectomy, while peri- and postoperative factors should be taken into account for optimal patient follow-up.