bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scale‐dependent intraspecific competition of Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) saplings in the Southern Turkey
Authors: Yılmaz Osman Yalçın , Kavgacı Ali , Sevgi Orhan , Örtel Erdal , Tecimen Hüseyin Barış , Çobanoğlu Abdurrahman , Yeşil İsmet
Published: October 2019

Better understanding of the competitive interaction at the early development stages of the stand is crucial to help schedule silvicultural treatments for young stands and for the better management of the future stands. We used scale‐dependent analysis to improve our understanding of sapling dynamics in the pure Taurus cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) stands in Southern Turkey. Using data from nine plots established at the western Taurus Mountains, diameter, height, and crown radii of saplings were compared, and spatial point pattern analyses were performed. We found significant differences for the mean diameter and height, and crown radii of saplings among the plots. Univariate pair correlation function showed that sapling pattern was regular only at small scales (r < 0.4 m) but was predominantly random. Bivariate pair correlation function revealed no evidence of spatial interaction between tall saplings and short saplings. Univariate mark correlation function revealed that strong intraspecific competition was detected at small scales (up to 0.55 m). This distance is reasonable for the juvenile age tending of Taurus cedar saplings and should be under consideration during silvicultural treatments to use the site productivity more efficiently.
Resilience to changes in lake trophic state: Nutrient allocation into Daphnia resting eggs
Authors: Isanta Navarro Jana , Kowarik Carmen , Wessels Martin , Straile Dietmar , Martin‐Creuzburg Dominik
Published: October 2019

During past decades, many lakes underwent drastic human‐caused changes in trophic state with strong implications for population dynamics and food web processes. We investigated the influence of trophic state on nutrient allocation into Daphnia resting eggs. The production of resting eggs is an important survival strategy, allowing Daphnia to cope with unfavorable environmental conditions. Allocation of essential nutrients into resting eggs may crucially influence embryonic development and offspring survival and thus is of great ecological and evolutionary interest. The capacity of Daphnia to adjust the allocation of nutrients into resting eggs may depend on the dietary nutrient supply, which may vary with trophic state‐related changes in the phytoplankton community composition. Resting eggs were isolated from sediment cores taken from Lake Constance, a large prealpine lake with a distinct eutrophication and reoligotrophication history, and analyzed for elemental (carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus) and biochemical (sterols and fatty acids) nutrients. Carbon allocation into Daphnia resting eggs continuously decreased over time, irrespective of changes in trophic state. The allocation of nitrogen into Daphnia resting eggs followed the changes in trophic state, that is, nitrogen concentrations in resting eggs increased with eutrophication and decreased again with reoligotrophication. The allocation of phosphorus, sterols and long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid, into Daphnia resting eggs did not change significantly over time. Changes in trophic state strikingly influenced all trophic levels in Lake Constance. However, nutrient allocation into Daphnia resting eggs was mostly resilient to changes in lake trophic state.
Fibromyalgia syndrome—A laser‐evoked potentials study unsupportive of small nerve fibre involvement
Authors: Van Assche Dominique C. F. , Plaghki Leon , Masquelier Etienne , Hatem Samar M.
Published: October 2019

Background

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread pain and a variety of non‐pain symptoms. Central sensitivity phenomena are found consistently in FMS. Additionally, several researchers proclaimed that a subgroup of FMS patients may present with unrecognized peripheral small fibre neuropathy (SFN). Laser‐evoked brain potentials (LEP) are considered as a reliable method for the functional assessment of the thermo‐nociceptive system, including the evaluation of SFN.

Objectives

The aim of this retrospective study was to estimate the prevalence of thermo‐nociceptive system dysfunction based on LEPs in FMS.

Methods

LEP recordings of 92 FMS patients and 39 age and gender‐matched healthy controls were selected from a database collected between 2003 and 2012 with standardized settings for laser stimulation and EEG recording. The N1, N2 and P2 LEP components were identified and characterized by peak latency and amplitude.

Results

None of the FMS patients showed signs of loss of function of the nociceptive responses evoked by A δ‐nociceptor activation, compared to healthy controls. 6.5% of the FMS patients had N2‐P2 peak‐to‐peak amplitudes above the upper limit of the 99%‐confidence interval. N2‐P2 peak‐to‐peak amplitudes were negatively correlated with age, without age‐related differences between groups.

Conclusions

The characteristic signs of a damaged thermo‐nociceptive system as revealed by LEPs were absent in this large cohort of FMS patients.

Significance

The present research does not support the hypothesis that small fibre neuropathy is a significant contributor to the pathophysiology of FMS.
Effect of surface conduction–induced electromigration on current monitoring method for electroosmotic flow measurement
Authors: Babar Mohammad , Dubey Kaushlendra , Bahga Supreet Singh
Published: October 2019

Current monitoring method for measurement of EOF in microchannels involves measurement of time‐varying current while an electrolyte displaces another electrolyte having different conductivity due to EOF. The basic premise of the current monitoring method is that an axial gradient in conductivity of a binary electrolyte in a microchannel advects only due to EOF. In the current work, using theory and experiments, we show that this assumption is not valid for low concentration electrolytes and narrow microchannels wherein surface conduction is comparable with bulk conduction. We show that in presence of surface conduction, a gradient in conductivity of binary electrolyte not only advects with EOF but also undergoes electromigration. This electromigration phenomenon is nonlinear and is characterized by propagation of shock and rarefaction waves in ion concentrations. Consequently, in presence of surface conduction, the current–time relationships for forward and reverse displacement in the current monitoring method are asymmetric and the displacement time is also direction dependent. To quantify the effect of surface conduction, we present analytical expressions for current–time relationship in the regime when surface conduction is comparable to bulk conduction. We validate these relations with experimental data by performing a series of current monitoring experiments in a glass microfluidic chip at low electrolyte concentrations. The experimentally validated analytical expressions for current–time relationships presented in this work can be used to correctly estimate EOF using the current monitoring method when surface conduction is not negligible.
X‐Ray‐Computed Radiography and Tomography Study of Electrolyte Invasion and Distribution inside Pristine and Heat‐Treated Carbon Felts for Redox Flow Batteries
Authors: Gebhard Marcus , Schnucklake Maike , Hilger André , Röhe Maximilian , Osenberg Markus , Krewer Ulrike , Manke Ingo , Roth Christina
Published: October 2019

Porous carbon felts (CFs) are widely used electrode materials for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). These materials differ in their precursor material, thickness, or graphitization degree and demonstrate broad differences in electrochemical performance. Prior to operation, an activation step, such as acid or heat treatment (HT), is commonly performed to improve their performance. A thermal treatment in air functionalizes the surface of the electrode and improves reaction kinetics as well as the wettability of the electrode. Herein, pristine and heat‐treated CFs are compared regarding their electrolyte wetting behavior for the use in VRFB. Contact angle (CA) measurements are conducted ex situ to investigate the effect of the HT. Furthermore, the porous CFs are examined in situ with an in‐house‐built flow cell regarding their invasion behavior with different types of electrolytes by X‐ray radiography. Additionally, the distribution of the electrolyte inside the felts is investigated by X‐ray tomography. The results demonstrate the effect of the HT and choice of electrolyte on the wetting behavior and electrolyte distribution.
SediNet: a configurable deep learning model for mixed qualitative and quantitative optical granulometry
Authors: Buscombe Daniel
Published: October 2019

I describe a configurable machine‐learning framework to estimate a suite of continuous and categorical sedimentological properties from photographic imagery of sediment, and to exemplify how machine learning can be a powerful and flexible tool for automated quantitative and qualitative measurements from remotely sensed imagery. The model is tested on a dataset consisting of 409 images and associated detailed label data. The data are from a much wider sedimentological spectrum than previous optical granulometry studies, consisting of both well‐ and poorly sorted sediment, terrigenous, carbonate, and volcaniclastic sands and gravels and their mixtures, and grain sizes spanning over two orders of magnitude. I demonstrate the model framework by configuring it in several ways, to estimate two categories (describing grain shape and population, respectively) and nine numeric grain size percentiles in pixels from a single input image. Grain size is then recovered using the physical size of a pixel. Finally, I demonstrate that the model can be configured and trained to estimate equivalent sieve diameters directly from image features, without the need for area‐to‐mass conversion formulas and without even knowing the scale of one pixel. Thus it is the only optical granulometry method proposed to date that does not necessarily require image scaling. The flexibility of the model framework should facilitate numerous application in the spatiotemporal monitoring of the grain size distribution, shape, mineralogy and other quantities of interest of sedimentary deposits as they evolve, as well as other texture‐based proxies extracted from remotely sensed imagery. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient three‐level explicit time‐split scheme for solving two‐dimensional unsteady nonlinear coupled Burgers' equations
Authors: Ngondiep Eric
Published: October 2019

This work deals with the numerical solutions of two‐dimensional viscous coupled Burgers' equations with appropriate initial and boundary conditions using a three‐level explicit time‐split MacCormack approach. In this technique, the differential operators split the two‐dimensional problem into two pieces so that the two‐step explicit MacCormack scheme can be easily applied to each subproblem. This reduces the computational cost of the algorithm. For low Reynolds numbers, the proposed method is second‐order accurate in time and fourth‐order convergent in space, whereas it is second‐order convergent in both time and space for high Reynolds numbers problems. This observation shows the utility and efficiency of the considered method compared with a broad range of numerical schemes widely studied in the literature for solving the two‐dimensional time‐dependent nonlinear coupled Burgers' equations. A large set of numerical examples that confirm the theoretical results are presented and critically discussed.
A wavelet‐based variational multiscale method for the LES of incompressible flows in a high‐order DG‐FEM framework
Authors: Pinto Brijesh , de la Llave Plata Marta , Lamballais Eric
Published: October 2019

This work focuses upon the development of a wavelet‐based variant of the variational multiscale method (VMS) for accurate and efficient large eddy simulation (LES) called wavelet‐based VMS‐LES (WMS‐LES). This approach has been incorporated within the framework of a high‐order incompressible flow solver based upon the pressure‐stabilized discontinuous Galerkin finite element method (DG‐FEM). The VMS approach is designed to produce an a priori scale separation of the governing equations, in a manner which makes no assumptions on either the boundary conditions or the mesh uniformity. Using second‐generation wavelets (SGWs) elementwise for scale separation ensures, on one hand, the preservation of the computational compactness of the DG‐FEM scheme and, on the other hand, the ability to achieve scale separation in wavenumber space. The optimal space‐frequency localization property of the SGW provides an improvement over the commonly used Legendre polynomials. The suitability of the elementwise SGW scale‐separation operation as a tool for error indication has been demonstrated in an h‐adaptive computation of the reentrant corner test case. Finally, the DG‐FEM solver and the WMS‐LES method have been assessed through simulations upon the three‐dimensional Taylor‐Green vortex test case. Our results indicate that the WMS‐LES approach exhibits a distinct improvement over the monolevel LES approach. This effect is not produced by a change in the magnitude of the subgrid dissipation but rather by the redistribution of the subgrid dissipation in wavenumber space.
Is preventive care utilization associated with lower outpatient and inpatient health‐care expenses among Chinese older adults? A longitudinal analysis
Authors: Lee Yen‐Han , Chang Yen‐Chang , Shelley Mack
Published: October 2019

Background

China has made major improvements to its health‐care system since the early 21st century. However, the effectiveness of preventive care utilization on health‐care costs remains limited. This study seeks to understand the effect of preventive care utilization on outpatient and inpatient health‐care expenses.

Methods

With the use of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey with older adults who were 65 years old or above (n = 2828), Tobit regression models were estimated to examine the association of preventive care utilization and expenses with medical treatments. Preventive care utilization in the previous wave was used to predict health‐care costs for treatments in the next wave. Propensity score matching was used to reduce potentially confounding factors.

Findings

Results indicated that preventive care utilization was positively associated with outpatient health care among Chinese older adults (β = 231.8, standard error [SE] = 71.5, P < .01). The association between preventive care utilization and inpatient health‐care expenses was not significant.

Conclusions

Despite the results from previous studies suggesting that preventive care utilization can help reduce health‐care expenses, this study does not support such a claim among Chinese older adults. The long‐term association between preventive care utilization and health‐care expenses for treatment should be studied further.
Lymph node detection method based on multisource transfer learning and convolutional neural network
Authors: Ma Yingran , Peng Yanjun
Published: October 2019

Recently years, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have proven to be powerful tools for a broad range of computer vision tasks. However, training a CNN from scratch is difficult because it requires a large amount of labeled training data, which remains a challenge in medical imaging domain. To this end, deep transfer learning (TL) technique is widely used for many medical image tasks. In this paper, we propose a novel multisource transfer learning CNN model for lymph node detection. The mechanism behind it is straightforward. Point‐wise (1 × 1) convolution is used to fuse multisource transfer learning knowledge. Concretely, we view the transferred features as priori domain knowledge and 1 × 1 convolutional operation is implemented after pre‐trained convolution layers to adaptively combine the transfer information for target task. In order to learn non‐linear transferred features and prevent over‐fitting, we present an encode process for the pre‐trained convolution kernels. At last, based on convolutional factorization technique, we train the proposed CNN model and the encoder process jointly, which improves the feasibility of our approach. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified on lymph node (LN) dataset: 388 mediastinal LNs labeled by radiologists in 90 patient CT scans, and 595 abdominal LNs in 86 patient CT scans for LN detection. Our method demonstrates sensitivities of about 85%/71% at 3 FP/vol. and 92%/85% at 6 FP/vol. for mediastinum and abdomen respectively, which compares favorably to previous methods.
Efficient synthesis, reactions, and biological activities of new thieno and furopyrazolo[3,4‐b]pyrazines and their related heterocycles
Authors: Zaki Remon M. , Kamal El‐Dean Adel M. , Radwan Shaban M. , Abd ul‐Malik Mokhtar A.
Published: October 2019

In the present investigation, a simple and straightforward methodology for the preparation of novel bifunctional thienopyrazolopyrazines 4a–d has been reported. Synthesis of thieno or furopyrazolopyrazines 5a,b,e,f was achieved by the reaction of o‐amino‐esters 4a,b,e,f with 2,5‐dimethoxytetrahydrofuran. The latter pyrrolyl derivatives 5a,b,e,f were used as starting intermediates for the synthesis of new pyrimido, pyrido, and pyrazino heterocycles fused to the thieno or furopyrazolopyrazine moiety. Furthermore, alkaline hydrolysis of the o‐amino‐ester 4a followed by acidification afforded the corresponding o‐amino carboxylic acid 15, which was used as a versatile precursor for the synthesis of other heterocyclic compounds fused to the thienopyrazolopyrazine ring system, namely: pyrimidine, oxazine, oxazepine, and pyridine derivatives 16–23. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed on the basis of elemental and spectral analyses (Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy [FT‐IR], 1H nuclear magnetic resonance [NMR], and mass spectroscopy [MS] in addition to 13C NMR for some of them). Moreover, from the biological screening, we found that most of the tested compounds exhibited promising antifungal, antibacterial, and anti‐inflammatory activities compared with the corresponding reference drugs.
Design, synthesis, insecticidal, and acaricidal activities of novel pyrimidinamine derivatives containing a biphenyl ether
Authors: Li Lizhong , Zhou Chunge , Liu Minhua , Zhang Ping , Zhang Ning , Li Jianming , Li Tao , Liu Xingping , Cheng Shufen , Li Qianhe , Liu Aiping
Published: October 2019

A series of original pyrimidinamine derivatives containing a biphenyl ether moiety were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, MS, and elemental analyses. Their insecticidal activities against lepidopteran and hemiptera insects and acaricidal activities were tested. The results of bioassay demonstrated that 9k showed the best activity (LC50 = 2.08 mg/L) against Tetranychus urticae, which is comparable with the positive control, spirotetramat (LC50 = 2.27 mg/L), and 9g showed better activity (LC50 = 0.52 mg/L) against Aphis fabae than the positive control, imidacloprid (LC50 = 1.02 mg/L), and relatively good activity (LC50 = 2.49 mg/L) against T urticae. Their structure‐activity relationships indicated that both an ethyl group on the 4‐position of the pyrimidine ring and alkyl chain as a para‐substituent group of the benzene ring showed good biological activity.
Summer albedo variations in the Arctic Sea ice region from 1982 to 2015
Authors: Peng Hai‐Tao , Ke Chang‐Qing , Shen Xiaoyi , Li Mengmeng , Shao Zhu‐De
Published: October 2019

The spatiotemporal changes in the sea ice region albedo over the entire Arctic region and in eight subregions (the Central Arctic Ocean [CAO], the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas [BC], the East Siberian and Laptev Seas [ESL], Baffin Bay and Labrador Sea [BL], the Canadian Archipelago [CA], the Greenland Sea [GS], Hudson Bay [HB] and the Kara and Barents Seas [KB]) in the summer of 1982–2015 are analysed with CLARA‐A2‐SAL data. The results indicate that in the summer of 1982–2015, the Arctic Sea ice region albedo fluctuated with a downward trend of −1.6% per decade (significance level of 99%). The BC had the largest decline in the albedo trend of −2.7% per decade (significance level of 99%), and most other subregions had downward trends except the GS, which exhibited a slight upward trend. The mean Arctic Sea ice region albedo was 44%. The high albedo areas were mainly concentrated in the CAO and the vicinity of Greenland. The albedo decreased with decreasing latitude, while the low‐value areas were mainly concentrated in the outer sea ice area. In the Arctic region, both the sea ice concentration (SIC) and the sea ice extent (SIE) showed a decreasing trend, while the near‐surface air temperature (NSAT) and the summer Central Arctic Index (CAI) showed an increasing trend. The Arctic Sea ice region albedo was positively correlated with the SIC and the SIE (0.84, 0.78) and negatively correlated with the NSAT (−0.72), all with a statistical significance level of 99%. The correlation between sea ice region albedo and the summer CAI revealed different relationships in these regions. The BC and ESL had a significant negative correlation, and the GS showed a significant positive correlation. These findings indicated that the decrease in albedo is closely related to the reduction in Arctic Sea ice and the increase in air temperature. In addition, the sea ice region albedo variations in the BC, ESL and GS are also greatly influenced by atmospheric circulation.
Regulation mechanism of silkworm pupa oil PUFAs on cholesterol metabolism in hepatic cell L‐02
Authors: Luo Ying , Wang Lifang , Lv Yongzhong , Wu Xiaoxia , Hou Chen , Li Jianke
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Silkworm pupa oil polyunsaturated fatty acid (SPO PUFA) has been confirmed to have a cholesterol‐lowering function.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The effect of SPO PUFA and its main component, α‐linolenic acid (ALA), on the metabolism of cholesterol and its regulation was investigated. The model of lipid denatured cells were constructed to carry out lipid accumulation, cholesterol metabolism and transformation. Real‐time PCR and western blots were also used to analyze the expression levels of related genes and proteins to investigate the cholesterol efflux regulation mechanism. The data indicated that SPO PUFA and ALA dose‐dependently decreased intracellular total cholesterol (TC) and enhanced total bile acid (TBA). They could also promote cholesterol removal by enhancing bile acid secretion and by upregulating genes LXRα, PPARγ, ABCA1, ABCG1, and CYP7A1, which were regulated by LXRα/PPARγ‐ABCA1/ABCG1‐CYP7A1 nuclear receptor signal pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is of great significance in maintaining the balance of cholesterol and lipid metabolism, and in reducing the risk of steatohepatitis. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Aligning retention time shifts in HPLC three‐dimensional spectra by icoshift approach combined with data arrangement methods and the release of a graphical user interface
Authors: Zhang Xiang‐Zhi , Feng Na , Ma Ai‐Jun , Li Bao Qiong
Published: October 2019

High‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection has been extensively applied in many fields and the peaks among the analyzed samples can be shifted due to the variations of instrumental and experimental conditions. In multivariate analysis, retention time alignment is an important pretreatment step. Hence, the shifted peaks in high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection three‐dimensional spectra should be aligned for further analysis. Being motivated by this purpose, the interval correlated shifting method combined with the proposed data arrangement methods are recommended and employed on high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection data as a demonstration. We validate the alignment performance of the proposed method through comparison the consistency of the retention time before and after alignment. The obtained results demonstrated that the proposed method is capable of successful aligning the employed data. Additionally, the interval correlated shifting method combined with the data arrangement modes is implemented in an easy‐to‐use graphical user interface environment and so can be operated easily by users not familiar with programming languages.
Efficient monooleoyl glycerol synthesis employing hybrid ultrasonic‐infrared‐wave promoted reactor: Concurrent catalytic and noncatalytic esterification kinetics
Authors: Srivastava Megha , Mukhopadhyay Punam , Chakraborty Rajat
Published: October 2019

For the first time, intensification of monooleoyl glycerol (MOG) synthesis has been investigated in an ultrasonic‐infrared‐wave (USIRW) promoted batch reactor. Esterification of octadecanoic acid (ODA) with glycerol (Gl) has been conducted [using Amberlyst 36 wet catalyst] in three different reactors, namely traditional batch reactor (TBR), infrared wave promoted batch reactor (IRWPBR), and USIRW‐promoted batch reactor (USIRWPBR) to assess the relative efficacy. The energy‐efficient USIRWPBR remarkably intensifies the ODA‐Gl esterification as manifested through superior ODA conversion (92.5 ± 1.25%) compared to that achieved in IRWPBR (79.8 ± 1.2%) and TBR (36.39 ± 1.25%). The most favorable reaction condition for optimum ODA conversion and maximum MOG yield was identified through statistical optimization over a selected parametric range, namely 3‐5 Gl/ODA mole ratio, 0.004‐0.006 g/mL Amberlyst 36 catalyst concentration, 300‐700 rpm impeller speed, and 333‐353 K reaction temperature. The present study also reports the formulation and validation of an innovative reaction kinetics, that is, concurrent noncatalytic and heterogeneously catalyzed (CNCHC) reaction mechanism in addition to the conventional heterogeneous kinetic models (LH and Eley‐Rideal mechanisms). Under combined USIRW, the CNCHC esterification mechanism could best describe ODA‐Gl esterification (R2 = 0.98) compared to LH (R2 = 0.97) and Eley‐Rideal (R2 = 0.88) mechanisms. The optimal product (MOG) was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis to assess its crystallization property and thermal stability for possible application as plasticizer/fuel additives.
Poly(2‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazoline) Bearing a Spiropyran Side‐Chain: Synthesis and Evaluation of Photo and Temperature‐Responsive Properties
Authors: Machida Shinjiro , Nakamura Yuta , Itaya Akira , Ikeda Noriaki
Published: October 2019

Poly(2‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazoline)s with varied loading of the spiropyran side‐chain are synthesized, and their photochemical and thermosensitive properties are characterized in aqueous solution. The absorption spectrum of the sample aqueous solution (0.1 wt%) indicates that 7.8 mol% of the pendant groups are in the zwitterionic merocyanine form. The introduction of spiropyran groups causes a marked decrease in the cloud point of the aqueous solution even when the pendant groups contain the zwitterionic merocyanine form. The cloud point of the aqueous solution of the samples in the spiropyran form is slightly (less than 1 °C) lower than that bearing the merocyanine group. Moreover, the photoinduced phase transition is demonstrated at an optimum temperature for the spiropyran‐bearing poly(2‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazoline). This material can be made applicable to a light‐driven drug releasing system by introducing a hydrophobic group to form micelles and increasing the photoinduced change of the cloud point.
Gender as a Risk Factor for Functional Movement Disorders: The Role of Sexual Abuse
Authors: Kletenik Isaiah , Sillau Stefan H. , Isfahani Sanaz Attaripour , LaFaver Kathrin , Hallett Mark , Berman Brian D.
Published: October 2019

Background

The prevalence of functional movement disorders is 2 to 3 times higher in women than in men. Trauma and adverse life events are important risk factors for developing functional movement disorders. On a population level, rates of sexual abuse against women are higher when compared with the rates against men.

Objectives

To determine gender differences in rates of sexual abuse in functional movement disorders compared with other neurologic disorders and evaluate if the gender prevalence is influenced by higher rates of sexual abuse against women.

Methods

We performed a case‐control series including 199 patients with functional movement disorders (149 women) and 95 controls (60 women). We employed chi‐squared test to assess gender and sexual abuse associations and Bayes formula to condition on sexual abuse.

Results

Our analysis showed an association between sexual abuse and functional movement disorders in women (odds ratio, 4.821; 95% confidence interval, 2.089–12.070;P < 0.0001), but not men. Bayesian analysis found the functional movement disorder prevalence ratio between women and men conditional on sexual abuse to be 4.87 times the unconditioned ratio.

Conclusions

There is a statistically significant association between sexual abuse and functional movement disorders in women and a greater likelihood that women who are sexually abused will develop functional movement disorders than men who are sexually abused. Our findings suggest that the increased prevalence of functional movement disorders in women is associated, at least in part, with sexual abuse and its sequelae; however, further research is needed to explore the role of other traumatic and nontraumatic factors.
Law will allow Michigan's licensed counselors to continue scope of practice
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2019

Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) across Michigan say they are elated following passage of legislation this month that would prevent proposed rules by the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) that would have removed the ability of professional counselors to diagnose patients and offer them psychotherapy.
FDA approves first, only patch for adults with schizophrenia
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: October 2019

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Oct. 11 approved the Secuado (asenapine) transdermal system, an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat adults with schizophrenia. Secuado is the first and only FDA‐approved transdermal system for schizophrenia, Noven Pharmaceuticals officials stated.
Reference dataset of users’ photon beam modeling parameters for the Eclipse, Pinnacle, and RayStation treatment planning systems
Authors: Glenn Mallory C. , Peterson Christine B. , Followill David S. , Howell Rebecca M. , Pollard‐Larkin Julianne M. , Kry Stephen F.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The aim of this work was to provide a novel description of how the radiotherapy community configures treatment planning system (TPS) radiation beam models for clinically used treatment machines. Here we describe the results of a survey of self‐reported TPS beam modeling parameter values across different C‐arm linear accelerators, beam energies, and multileaf collimator (MLC) configurations.

Acquisition and validation methods

Beam modeling data were acquired via electronic survey implemented through the Imaging and Radiation Oncology Core (IROC) Houston Quality Assurance Center’s online facility questionnaire. The survey was open to participation from January 2018 through January 2019 for all institutions monitored by IROC. After quality control, 2818 beam models were collected from 642 institutions. This survey, designed for Eclipse, Pinnacle, and RayStation, instructed physicists to report parameter values used to model the radiation source and MLC for each treatment machine and beam energy used clinically for intensity‐modulated radiation therapy. Parameters collected included the effective source/spot size, MLC transmission, dosimetric leaf gap, tongue and groove effect, and other nondosimetric parameters specific to each TPS. To facilitate survey participation, instructions were provided on how to identify requested beam modeling parameters within each TPS environment.

Data format and usage notes

Numeric values of the beam modeling parameters are compiled and tabulated according to TPS and calculation algorithm, linear accelerator model class, beam energy, and MLC configuration. Values are also presented as distributions, ranging from the 2.5th to the 97.5th percentile.

Potential applications

These data provide an independent guide describing how the radiotherapy community mathematically represents its clinical radiation beams. These distributions may be used by the community for comparison during the commissioning or verification of their TPS beam models. Ultimately, we hope that the current work will allow institutions to spot potentially suspicious parameter values and help ensure more accurate radiotherapy delivery.
Experimental estimates of compression heating and decompression cooling in ethylene glycol
Authors: Steele J. , Ames J. , Augustine M.P.
Published: October 2019

The chemical shift difference, Δσ, between the methylene and hydroxyl protons in the high resolution 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum of ethylene glycol is shown to be pressure dependent. The equilibrium Δσ values for ethylene glycol are reported as a function of temperature and pressure between ambient conditions, 323 K and 2 kbar, respectively. This surface is used along with Δσ values measured in response to a rapid pressure increase to calculate a temperature rise that is used to infer a temperature change for water that is consistent with theoretical estimates. This work implies that compression heating and decompression cooling are not significant enough to interfere with pressure induced protein folding studies.
Health and safety issues in the Victorian workplace: An example of mandibular phosphorus necrosis from Gloucester, UK
Authors: Valoriani Satu , Eliopoulos Constantine , Irish Joel D. , Borrini Matteo
Published: October 2019

Working conditions in factories during the Industrial Era in Great Britain have been linked to numerous occupational diseases. In this paper, the authors present a case study from Victorian Gloucester, where skeletal remains of a young male recovered from the Southgate Street 3/89 excavation exhibit osteonecrosis on the left mandibular ramus, a condition known as “phossy jaw.” The case is examined in terms of macroscopic characteristics, distribution and severity of lesions, and differential diagnosis.

The lesions consist of extensive bone necrosis with periosteal reaction and sub‐periosteal new bone formation that affects the left side of the mandible. Conditions that may have produced similar changes were considered and include various forms of neoplasms, actinomycosis, and taphonomic alterations. However, these are rejected as they are not supported by the lesion characteristics.

Additional supportive evidence for the case of phosphorus necrosis is offered by the historical context: In the 19th century, Gloucester was one of the main centres for match manufacture, and it is well known that individuals who were directly exposed to phosphorus fumes developed a condition known as “phossy jaw.”

The potential contribution of the current analysis in our understanding of working conditions in Victorian Gloucester is evaluated.
Pre/post effectiveness evaluation of updated additional risk minimisation measures for an orphan disease: Myozyme (alglucosidase alfa) Safety Information Packet
Authors: Artime Esther , Shui Irene , Mendez Ignacio , Tcherny‐Lessenot Stephanie , D'Arbigny Pierre , Alfaro Noelia , Qizilbash Nawab
Published: October 2019

Background

The alglucosidase alfa (Myozyme®) Safety Information Packet (“previous SIP”) was updated to improve readability and content (“updated SIP”). We compared the previous and updated SIPs.

Methods

A two‐wave pre‐post multicountry survey was conducted among health care professionals (HCPs) who prescribed or monitored patients on alglucosidase alfa in the largest European Union (“EU5”) countries and Poland. Wave (W) 2 started 15 months after completion of W1 and the implementation of the updated SIP. Changes between the waves were analysed.

Results

Forty‐six HCPs (34 physicians/12 nurses) participated in W1 and 52 in W2 (42 physicians/10 nurses); 22 participated in both waves. Nonsignificant differences were observed between waves 1 and 2 for awareness (75.6% in W1 and 82.4% in W2) and receipt (77.7% in W1 and 74.5% in W2) of the SIP, reading (88.6% in W1 and 89.5% in W2) and usage (88.2% in W1 and 89.5% in W2) among receivers of the SIP, or the overall knowledge about immunological testing (61.1% in W1 vs 55.1% in W2). Frequency of performance of immunological testing was significantly higher in W2 than in W1 (50.3% vs 34.4%; P = .024) with a tendency for increases in the appropriate performance of all types of testing in W2.

Conclusions

Both versions of the SIP showed relatively high awareness, receipt, reading, and usage, with an overall trend for most measures to improve numerically in W2. The updated SIP did not require further changes.
Micro/nanocellular polyprolene/trans‐1,4‐polyisomprene (PP/TPI) blend foams by using supercritical nitrogen as blowing agent
Authors: Zou Li , Li Huan , Wang Dan , Ma Leyuan , Prakashan Kundil , Zhang Zhen Xiu
Published: October 2019

Toughed polypropylene (PP) foams, with the combination of blending with trans‐1,4‐polyisoprene (TPI) and micro/nanocellular structure in the matrix, were prepared using a batch foaming process and N2 as the blowing agent. The incorporation of TPI in the PP matrix induces the enhanced formability and the slightly improved ductility and toughness compared to the neat PP. The simultaneous existence of the TPI phase and micro/nanocellular structure makes the fracture behavior follow the shear yielding of a bundle of fibrils in the tensile load direction. The results of mechanical properties measurements show that the notched Izod impact strengths of foamed PP/TPI blend are two to three times larger than those of the unfoamed counterparts. The PP/TPI blend foam with 5phr TPI content shows the highest impact strength when the foaming temperature is 140°C, which is fivefold increase over that of the neat PP. The enhanced ductility and toughness of PP/TPI foams were found with the increasing foaming temperature. The insert of micro−/nanocellular in PP/TPI blends simultaneously makes the notched impact strength increase significantly, tensile strength decrease, and elongation at break increase obviously, which provides the possibility to combine the higher impact strength and toughness with the advantage of microcellular foaming. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60:211–217, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Experimental and Analytical Investigation of Epoxy/MWCNT Nanocomposites: Electrical, Thermal Properties, and Electric Heating Behavior
Authors: Liang Wenyan , Wang Fangxin , Tay Tong Earn , Yang Bin , Wang Zhenqing
Published: October 2019

The epoxy–matrix nanocomposite films filled with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs, ~10 nm in out diameter and ~4 μm long) were fabricated by a shear‐dispersing and thermal curing technology. Whereafter, their microstructure, electrical, and thermal properties, as well as electric heating behavior were characterized as a function of MWCNT content. Unlike the electrical improvement filled with MWCNTs, in which an electrical percolation threshold was observed, the thermal properties showed only some improvements as filler content was increased. The electric heating behavior was studied by considering different environmental conditions, temperature response rapidity, and electric heating efficiency. With an aid of temperature data processing software, Flir Reporter, we performed a comparative analysis for the electric heat distribution on prepared nanocomposite and conventional PI‐Kanthal film surface, which demonstrated that the nanocomposite film could provide a more uniform, rapider heating function for deicing application. Moreover, the stable operating temperature (~120°C) for the nanocomposite was determined by cyclic heating–cooling test and dynamic mechanical analysis. Finally, we observed the ice melting process under the action of the electric heating function of the nanocomposite film using an infrared thermal camera. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60: 233–242, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Randomised controlled trial of internet‐delivered cognitive behaviour therapy for clinical depression and/or anxiety in cancer survivors (iCanADAPT Early)
Authors: Murphy M.J. , Newby J.M. , Butow P. , Loughnan S.A. , Joubert A.E. , Kirsten L. , Allison K. , Shaw J. , Shepherd H.L. , Smith J. , Andrews G.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

To evaluate internet‐delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) on clinical depression and/or anxiety, distress, fear of cancer recurrence, and quality of life in cancer survivors.

Methods

Random assignation of 114 participants to iCBT or treatment‐as‐usual (TAU). The clinician‐supervised iCBT program (iCanADAPT Early) consisted of eight lessons over 16 weeks. Self‐report questionnaires occurred at baseline, midpoint, and posttreatment for both groups with 3‐month follow‐up for iCBT participants. A mixed modelling approach to compare groups occurred.

Results

iCBT was superior to TAU on all outcome measures at posttreatment. Compared with TAU, the iCBT group showed a significant decrease over time in anxiety and depression symptoms (primary outcome, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Hedges g = 1.51). Additionally the iCBT group had significantly lower general distress (Kessler‐10, g = 1.56), fear of cancer recurrence (Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory, g = 0.39), and significantly higher quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—General, g = 0.74) at posttreatment compared with the TAU group. High adherence and satisfaction were found for iCBT with low clinician time.

Conclusion

Clinician‐supervised iCBT has significant benefits for cancer survivors with clinical depression and anxiety disorders.
Inter‐country trade, genetic diversity and bio‐ecological parameters upgrade pest risk maps for the coconut hispid Brontispa longissima
Authors: Lu Baoqian , Peng Zhengqiang , Lu Hui , Yang Fan , Lin Peiqun , Chu Xiaoqiang , He Xing , Tang Jihong
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND

Invasions of a number of tree‐feeding beetles have increased globally and pose a mounting threat to the world's trees, production forests and natural habitats. An in‐depth understanding of the determinants of invasion potential of a given species and invasibility of novel environments can help forecast future invasions and avert undesirable socio‐economic impacts. Here, we quantitatively assess the (multivariate) drivers of historic invasions of the coconut hispid Brontispa longissima (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) across the Asia‐Pacific region and critically assess its invasion potential for other key coconut‐growing regions.

RESULTS

Genetic variation of B. longissima in its invaded range indicated multiple incursions, likely associated with (short‐range) natural dispersal and (long‐range) trade in ornamental palms and coconut plantlets. Interception records at China's ports of entry accentuate the role of traded planting material. The high fecundity and prolonged, yet adaptable, oviposition period of B. longissima further enhance the invasiveness of this species and aid its successful establishment. Coconut‐growing areas are identified with high climatic suitability for B. longissima, and where strengthened biosecurity protocols can prevent future invasions.

CONCLUSION

A combined assessment of inter‐country trade patterns, population genetics and species bio‐ecology (e.g. climate‐related development) illuminates the dispersal pathways of invasive species, assesses invasibility of particular geographies, guides quarantine interventions and thus can effectively avert future invasions. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of 6‐bromoferulic acid as a novel common‐use matrix for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Kato Yosuke , Hirosawa Narumi , Sakamoto Takeshi , Moriguchi Takeshi , Takayama Jun , Xuan Meiyan , Okazaki Mari , Suzuki Yuko , Hoshi Ayako , Sakamoto Yasushi
Published: October 2019

Rationale

Ferulic acid (FA) is a standard matrix used for analyzing proteins. In this study, the ability of a halogenated FA to serve as an effective MALDI matrix was investigated. Various halogenated FAs were synthesized, and the characteristics and performance of each were compared with those of the standard matrices α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) and 2,5‐dihydrobenzoic acid (DHBA).

Methods

The abilities of 6‐bromoferulic acid (6‐BFA), ferulic acid (FA), and eight other halogenated FA derivatives to ionize eight synthetic peptides were examined. Absorption measurements, MM2 structure optimizations, and proton affinity (PA) calculations were also performed for 6‐BFA and FA. The suitabilities of these compounds as matrices for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) for lipids, sugar chains, polymers, cyanocobalamin, synthetic peptides, and tryptic peptides originating from two types of serum proteins were also tested.

Results

The 6‐position of FA was found to be the best site for introducing a bromine because the generated compound allowed facile detection of cyanocobalamin and several peptides. 6‐BFA exhibited good sensitivity for large peptides (3–5 kDa) and peptides containing acidic amino acids or proline. 6‐BFA was also shown to be a suitable matrix for tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis when using MALDI time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) with a quadrupole ion trap (QIT) system.

Conclusions

The properties of 6‐BFA as a MALDI matrix differed from those of DHBA and CHCA. 6‐BFA appears to be a useful matrix for de novo sequencing using MALDI‐QIT‐TOF‐MS.
Partially overlapping sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra: A methodology to improve the spectra quality of veterinary drugs present at low concentrations in highly complex biological matrices
Authors: Kaufmann Anton , Maden Kathryn , Walker Stephan
Published: October 2019

Rationale

Residues of veterinary drugs in food matrices have to be detected, identified and confirmed at low concentrations. Data‐independent acquisition (DIA) methods such as the sequential window acquisition of all theoretical spectra (SWATH) permit the extraction of relatively clean spectra out of complex matrices. Such spectra can be significantly improved by using a modified SWATH algorithm which provides several times narrower mass isolation windows without affecting the cycle time.

Methods

A quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer was operated in a partially overlapping SWATH mode. Unlike in conventional SWATH, acquisition sequences are not identically repeated, but each sequence is initiated with a mass intercept (mass shift). Pearson correlation is used to assign HRMS‐resolved product ions to the precursor mass of interest. Trace analytes (veterinary drugs) in a complex matrix extract (bovine liver) were investigated.

Results

Utilizing identical cycle times, the partially overlapping SWATH mode produced for the investigated small molecules a significantly higher selectivity than the conventional SWATH acquisition mode. The acquisition strategy enables long ion accumulation times and therefore the required high sensitivity of detection. The study investigates the quality of the obtained product ion spectra and compares it with that in conventional acquisition modes.

Conclusions

The modified SWATH mode permits high duty cycles in combination with narrow virtual mass windows. The technique is a further step toward harvesting a HRMS product ion spectrum out of a data‐independent acquisition which moves closer towards the quality of a dedicated precursor unit isolation product ion spectrum.