bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mineral Status and Lupine Yield Responses to Ascorbic Acid Spraying and Irrigation by Diluted Sea Water
Authors: Hussein M. M. , El-Khader A. Abd , El-Faham S. Y.
Published: July 2019

A pot experiment was conducted in the greenhouse of the National Research Centre at Dokki, Cairo Egypt during 2010 -2011 winter seasons to evaluate the effect of different salt stress degrees on the growth and yield characters. The salinity treatments were: Irrigation by three concentrations of diluted seawater (2000, 4000 and 6000 ppm) more than the control treatment (irrigated by tap water 250 ppm) and spraying ascorbic acid (AsA) with two concentrations (100, and 200 ppm). Salinity depressed the pods, straw, straw+ pods and seeds weight relative to the control plants but the depression of these traits showed its maximum values when plants subjected to the higher level of salinity (6000 ppm) markedly more than that with the other two levels of salinity. Slight differences in the mentioned characters of plants irrigated by solution contained 2000 or 4000 ppm. Gradual depressions in pods/straw, seeds/pods and seeds/straw ratios were detected with the increase in salt concentration in water of irrigation. Ascorbic acid application led to increase the pod, straw, total and seeds yields. The high increment in pods weight and seeds to straw ratio wereshown by using 100 ppm ascorbic acid but the increment in straw, totalseeds weight and seeds/pods and pods/straw ratios.Furthermore, the absorption rate of N, K, P, Ca, and Mg ions from the growth medium significantly inhibited as a result of treatment with diluted sea water. Meanwhile, significant increases in the uptake of these ions were obtained in response to ascorbic acid application.
A Review on Avocado Seed: Functionality, Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Bahru Tassew Belete , Tadele Zinabwa Hailu , Ajebe Eyasu Gebrie
Published: July 2019

The seed of avocado is considered as one of the non-edible part of the fruit, which are usually discarded as residues and can cause ecological problems. Exploring the possible dietary and therapeutic potentials of especially such underutilized wastes will in addition reduce the possible environmental waste burden. The objectives of this review article is to alert the functionality, chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of avocado seed for its use as food and justification for its medicinal use. The composition like proximate (protein, fat, ash, moisture, fiber and carbohydreate), minerals (Ca, Zn, K, Na, P, Fe, Cu, Pb and Co), phytochemicals (Flavinoid, Tanine, Saponine, Total phenolics, Antioxidnt capacity, Oxalates, Phytates, Alkaloids) and Vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, C and E) were reported to be present in the avocado seed in different proportions. Some poisonous phytochemicals are present in fresh seeds of avocado and not in the dry seeds, hence recommended to dry the seeds before processing for consumption. Its biological activities such as antioxidant, antihypertensive, fungicidal, larvicidal, hypolipidemic, amoebicidal and giardicidal activities had reported. Therefore, it can be concluded that, the avocado seed is nutritionally valuable as the other parts of the plant based on the phytochemical and nutrients it constitutes. The consumption of avocado seed is recommendable since it has high nutritional contents that make it enough for possible dietary and ethno-medicinal use.
Multidrug Resistant Tuberculosis in Children in Port Harcourt – A Worrisome Trend
Authors: Ide Lucy Eberechukwu Yaguo , Paul Nsirimobu Ichendu , Ugwu Rosemary Ogochukwu
Published: July 2019

Background: Drug-resistant tuberculosis and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in particular represent a major threat to the fight against tuberculosis globally. MDR-TB presents with similar features and is transmitted in the same way as drug sensitive TB but its progression is rapid and its treatment, associated drug toxicity and monitoring constitute a heavy burden to the patients and the health system. MDR-TB affect people of all age groups but very little is known about the magnitude of this problem in children.

Aims/Objectives: To determine the prevalence of multidrug resistant tuberculosis among children in Port Harcourt.

Materials and Methods: Information on Paediatric tuberculosis was retrieved from the patients’ case notes, TB registers at the directly observed treatment short course (DOTs) clinic and the Multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment center of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital from January 2018 to June 2019. Obtained data was analysed and presented in prose and tables. 

Results: There was a total of 1,860 patients records of which 37 were Paediatrics cases giving a prevalence of Paediatric tuberculosis cases of 2.0% Out of these 37cases, four were multidrug resistant tuberculosis cases giving a prevalence of MDR-TB cases of 10.8%. There were three males and one female giving a male female ratio of 3: 1. and their ages ranged from 3months to 24months. All belonged to social class 5.  Common presentation was chronic cough, prolonged fever, weight loss and lymph node swellings. Three (75%) had no prior treatment for tuberculosis while one (25%) completed 6months of anti TB drugs. All had BCG immunization within one week of delivery. One (25%) child had extra-pulmonary TB while 3(75%) children had pulmonary tuberculosis. Xpert MTB/RIF assay for all (100%) showed MTB detected, RIF resistant detected. Three (75%) of the mothers had MDRTB and the medications for their children was based on the drug sensitivity testing (DST) of their mothers. One (25%) of the children and his mother were HIV positive and the mother had died while still on the intensive phase of second line antiTB drugs. Three (75%) had completed the intensive phase of the conventional therapy with second line antiTB drugs and are closely followed up weekly on the continuation phase while one child is still on admission.

Conclusions: The prevalence of MDR-TB in children in PH is high. All childhood TB (whether drug susceptible or drug resistant) is usually traced to an adult, thus effectively diagnosing and     treating all adults as well as a high index of suspicion in presumptive cases is required to curb MDR-TB.

Recommendations: We recommend strict use of the DOTs strategy in TB management to ensure drug adherence. Also, proper contact tracing, investigation and treatment of children of infected parents to reduce cases of MDR-TB is advocated.
Calculation of Relative Uncertainty When Measuring Physical Constants: CODATA Technique Vs Information Method
Authors: Menin Boris
Published: July 2019

Aims: To analyze the results of measurements of the Boltzmann, gravitational and Planck constants using a theoretically sound information approach in comparison with the CODATA technique.

Place and Duration of Study: Beer-Sheba, between January 2019 and May 2019.

Methodology: Using the concepts of information theory, the amount of information contained in the measurement model of a physical constant is calculated. This allows us to find the value of the comparative uncertainty proposed by Brillouin, and the achievable value of the relative uncertainty, taking into account the basic SI values used on each test bench when measuring physical constants.

Results: An unsolved question was to find the amount of information contained in the model of the measurement of a physical constant, which can be converted to the value of the achievable absolute uncertainty. This value now has an exact analytical formula. It is notoriously difficult to study the consistency of the measurement results of physical constants, but the proposed mathematical tool, developed using the concepts of information theory, allow us to simplify the analysis completely.

Conclusion: The information method leads to an intuitive and logically justified calculation of the relative uncertainty, which is compatible with the current practice of CODATA. This allows you to identify the threshold discrepancy between the model and the object under study. Proof of this is the calculation of the achievable value of the relative uncertainty when measuring the Boltzmann, gravitational and Planck constants. The proposed information-oriented method for calculating the relative uncertainty in measuring physical constants represents a new tool when formulating a modernized SI.
Modeling AeroForm tissue expander for postmastectomy radiation therapy
Authors: Dziemianowicz Elaine , Gardner Stephen J. , Chin Snyder Karen , Wen Ning , Walker Eleanor M. , Fraser Correen , Reding Anne , Chetty Indrin J.
Published: July 2019

The AeroForm chest wall tissue expander (TE) is a silicon shell containing a metallic CO2 reservoir, placed surgically after mastectomy. The patient uses a remote control to release compressed CO2 from the reservoir to inflate the expander. AeroForm poses challenges in a radiation therapy setting: The high density of the metallic reservoir causes imaging artifacts on the planning CT, which encumber structure definition and cause misrepresentation of density information, in turn affecting dose calculation. Additionally, convolution‐based dose calculation algorithms may not be well‐suited to calculate dose in and around high‐density materials. In this study, a model of the AeroForm TE was created in Eclipse treatment planning system (TPS). The TPS model was validated by comparing measured to calculated transmission through the AeroForm. Transmission was measured with various geometries using radiochromic film. Dose was calculated with both Varian’s Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA) and Acuros External Beam (AXB) algorithms. AAA and AXB were compared using dose profile and gamma analyses. While both algorithms modeled direct transmission well, AXB better modeled lateral scatter from the AeroForm TE. Clinical significance was evaluated using clinical data from four patients with AeroForm TEs. The AeroForm TPS model was applied, and RT plans were optimized using AAA, then re‐calculated with AXB. Structures of clinical significance were defined and dose volume histogram analysis was performed. Compared to AXB, AAA overestimates dose in the AeroForm device. Changes in clinically significant regions were patient‐ and plan‐specific. This study proposes a clinical procedure for modeling the AeroForm in a commercial TPS, and discusses the limitations of dose calculation in and around the device. An understanding of dose calculation accuracy in the vicinity of the AeroForm is critical for assessing individual plan quality, appropriateness of different planning techniques and dose calculation algorithms, and even the decision to use the AeroForm in a postmastectomy radiation therapy setting.
Donepezil increases resistance to induced seizures in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome
Authors: Wong Jennifer C. , Thelin Jacquelyn T. , Escayg Andrew
Published: July 2019

De novo loss‐of‐function mutations in SCN1A are the main cause of Dravet syndrome, a catastrophic encephalopathy characterized by recurrent early‐life febrile seizures, a number of other afebrile seizure types that are often refractory to treatment, and behavioral abnormalities including social deficits, motor dysfunction, and cognitive impairment. We previously demonstrated that the reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, Huperzine A, increases seizure resistance in Scn1a mutants. In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of donepezil, a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration, in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome (Scn1a+/−). We found that donepezil conferred robust protection against induced seizures in Scn1a+/− mutants.
Genomic analysis of antibiotic resistance for Acinetobacter baumannii in a critical care center
Authors: Murata Kensuke , Inoue Yoshiaki , Kaiho Mayuko , Nakazawa Takeshi , Sasaki Shin‐ichi , Miyake Kazunori , Matsuda Shigeru , Tanaka Hiroshi
Published: July 2019

Aim

Acinetobacter baumannii is commonly associated with outbreaks and antibiotic‐resistant nosocomial infection. This study aimed to determine the relationship between antibiotic resistance and genotypes of A. baumannii.

Methods

A study was undertaken in the critical care center (CCC) of Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital (Urayasu, Japan) between January 2012 and September 2015. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were carried out according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. All A. baumannii isolates were verified to carry carbapenemase genes and the ISAba1 element using polymerase chain reaction. The genetic relationship of all A. baumannii isolates was determined by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing.

Results

During the study period, 1634 patients were admitted to the CCC. Acinetobacter baumannii was detected in 43 patients (average age, 58 ± 19 years; 67.4% men). Six patients were determined to be extensively drug‐resistant A. baumannii and 21 patients determined to be multidrug‐resistant A. baumannii. Antimicrobial susceptibility linked genotypes of A. baumannii. Molecular characterization by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing showed that closely related clones of A. baumannii had spread in the CCC.

Conclusion

Resistance to antimicrobial drugs was significantly associated with certain A. baumannii genotypic types and molecular types. Thus, we might be able to predict whether the genotype has spread in the CCC or not when the susceptibility is examined, facilitating the appropriate isolation of patients.
Bioactive Heteroleptic Bismuth(V) Complexes: Synthesis, Structural Analysis and Binding Pattern Validation
Authors: Andleeb Sohaila , Imtiaz‐ud‐Din  , Rauf Muhammad Khawar , Azam Syed Sikander , Haq Ihsan‐ul , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Ahmad Sajjad
Published: July 2019

Heteroleptic triorganobismuth (V) complexes of general formula, R3Bi(OOCR')2 (1–7), where R = C6H5 (1–3), p‐CH3C6H4 (4–7) and R' = 3,5‐Cl2C6H3 (1, 5); 3,4,5‐(OCH3)3C6H2 (2, 6); 3‐CH3C6H4 (3,7); 2‐OH‐3‐OCH3C6H3 (4) have been synthesized and fully characterized by FT‐IR, 1H &13C NMR spectroscopy, single crystal X‐ray crystallography and elemental analysis. The molecular geometry observed for the compounds is predominantly distorted trigonal bipyramidal, the fact which was subsequently authenticated through X‐ray analyses for (1–4). All the synthesized compounds have been bio‐assayed for antileishmanial (Leishmania tropica KWH23) and Jack beans urease inhibitory activity, and human Lymphocytes were used to measure the general toxicity. Of these, (4) proved to be highly effective against the target species (Leishmania tropica KWH23), while being non‐toxic towards the mammalian cells at levels below 0.74 μgmL−1, making it highly promising drug candidate. The high activities for (2, 4, and 6) against Jack beans Urease as compared to the reference standard demonstrate their significance in searching of therapeutic agents in future programs. The significant binding score of (2&4) against H. pylori in molecular docking studies further revealed their importance in future drug discovery processes.
Mercury occurrence modes in coal and the sulfur–mercury removal performance during coal pyrolysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyang , Fu Jiapeng , Dong Yong , An Donghai , Cui Lin
Published: July 2019

The mild pyrolysis of coal provided a promising alternative method for mercury and sulfur emission control before coal combustion. In the work, the occurrence modes of mercury in one lignite and two bituminous coals were characterized by temperature‐programmed decomposition with acid leaching. The removal performance of sulfur–mercury was also investigated by mild pyrolysis under weak oxidizing atmosphere. The results showed that the contents of organic‐bound mercury, pyrite‐bound mercury, and ash‐bound mercury were in the range of 35–55%, 15–45%, and 10–45%, with their release temperature in the range of 250–650, 500–700, and >700 °C, respectively. Sulfur and mercury were removed by fast pyrolysis at 500 °C under 2%O2 − N2 atmosphere, and the proportion of Hg2+ in gas phase increased. The results indicated that the oxygen had participated in the decomposition of the mercury‐containing and sulfur‐containing compounds, and some stable mercury‐containing and sulfur‐containing compounds were easier for decomposition under weak oxidizing atmosphere at low temperature. The removal efficiency of sulfur and mercury significantly increased under weak oxidizing atmosphere by fast pyrolysis. It was because fast pyrolysis could accelerate the breakup of molecular bonds associated with sulfur–mercury at a low temperature. The pore structure of char produced by fast pyrolysis was improved, which was favorable for sulfur containing gas and mercury release.
Iron oxide nanoparticles improved biocompatibility and removal of middle molecule uremic toxin of polysulfone hollow fiber membranes
Authors: Said Noresah , Abidin Muhammad Nidzhom Zainol , Hasbullah Hasrinah , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Goh Pei Sean , Othman Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan , Abdullah Mohd Sohaimi , Ng Be Cheer , Kadir Siti Hamimah Sheikh Abdul , Kamal Fatmawati
Published: July 2019

Middle molecule uremic toxins constitute to a quarter of uremic toxins present in human blood. In a condition where these uremic toxins accumulate in bloodstream due to renal failure, blood purification process using a high performance membrane is required. Here, we develop biocompatible mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) made up of polysulfone (PSf) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs) with the focus to remove middle molecule uremic toxin effectively. The MMMs were evaluated in terms of their biocompatibility and separation performance. At higher Fe2O3 NPs loading, the MMM displayed a huge reduction of protein adsorption and platelet adhesion while maintaining normal blood coagulation time and acceptable complement activation. The optimized MMM exhibited high permeability (110.47 L m−2 h−1 bar−1), protein retention (99.9%) and demonstrated excellent clearance of urea (82%) and lysozyme (46.7%). The PSf/Fe2O3 MMM is proven to have promising attributes for hemodialysis application. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 48234.
Collective Named Entity Recognition in User Comments via Parameterized Label Propagation
Authors: Phan Minh C. , Sun Aixin
Published: July 2019

Named entity recognition (NER) in the past has focused on extracting mentions in a local region, within a sentence or short paragraph. When dealing with user‐generated text, the diverse and informal writing style makes traditional approaches much less effective. On the other hand, in many types of text on social media such as user comments, tweets, or question–answer posts, the contextual connections between documents do exist. Examples include posts in a thread discussing the same topic, tweets that share a hashtag about the same entity. Our idea in this work is utilizing the related contexts across documents to perform mention recognition in a collective manner. Intuitively, within a mention coreference graph, the labels of mentions are expected to propagate from more confidence cases to less confidence ones. To this end, we propose a novel semisupervised inference algorithm named parameterized label propagation. In our model, the propagation weights between mentions are learned by an attention‐like mechanism, given their local contexts and the initial labels as input. We study the performance of our approach in the Yahoo! News data set, where comments and articles within a thread share similar context. The results show that our model significantly outperforms all other noncollective NER baselines.
Untangling the knot: The information practices of enthusiast car restorers
Authors: Lloyd Annemaree , Olsson Michael
Published: July 2019

A study of enthusiast car restorers is used to illustrate how an information practice approach can provide information science researchers with a richer, more nuanced understanding of the complex interrelationship between people, technology, and information. An ethnographic approach incorporating both semistructured interviews and in the garage ethnographic observation was employed. Analysis was undertaken using an inductive, thematic approach. The findings demonstrate that participants' information environments are rich and complex. Participants' accounts emphasized the corporeal and embodied nature of the restoration process, and this may account for why they privileged the social networks they had developed, often over many decades, over online resources and communities. The findings indicate that participants are engaged in much more than applied problem solving. What is also evident is that engagement in the social world of car restoration, and the networks of social knowledge sharing it affords, is significant for the emotional support it provides for older men who often lose these networks later in life. In a sense, the participants are not only rebuilding their cars but also their own sense of self.
Infant with protein C deficiency and stroke in the setting of iron deficiency anemia
Authors: Karim Tahseen Jalal , Paul Dustin J. , Troxell Regina M. , Patel Rajan , Butler Ian J.
Published: July 2019

We report an 18‐month‐old infant with ischemic stroke, neurocognitive impairment, and psychomotor retardation in the setting of severe iron deficiency anemia. Although an uncommon outcome in anemic children, stroke is important to consider as a cause for developmental delay in children with iron deficiency anemia.
Orchestration Requirements for Modular Process Plants in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries
Authors: Klose Anselm , Merkelbach Silke , Menschner Anna , Hensel Stephan , Heinze Sebastian , Bittorf Lukas , Kockmann Norbert , Schäfer Christian , Szmais Stefanie , Eckert Manfred , Rüde Timo , Scherwietes Thomas , da Silva Santos Polyana , Stenger Frank , Holm Thomas , Welscher Wolfgang , Krink Niclas , Schenk Tim , Stutz Andreas , Maurmaier Mathias , Stark Katharina , Hoernicke Mario , Unland Stefan , Erben Stefan , Kessler Franziska , Apitz Frank , Urbas Leon
Published: July 2019

The increased flexibility resulting from the modularization of process plants requires an advanced strategy to supervise the distributed control systems (DCSs). The connection and coordination of multiple process equipment assemblies (PEAs) into a modular plant (MP) is called orchestration and conducted in a so‐called process orchestration layer (POL). Standardized interfaces enable a seamless integration of PEAs into an MP. Current process control systems do not yet meet all required features regarding to interfaces and possibility of import/export of different data structures. Several aspects are presented which shall be taken into account when designing a POL. The POL's several layers are described in detail, resulting especially in flexibility and reusability of modular plants.
Rigorous correlations for predicting the solubility of H2S in methylimidazolium‐based ionic liquids
Authors: Mesbah Mohammad , Soroush Ebrahim , Momeni Masumeh , Shahsavari Shohreh , Mofidi Mehdi , Soltanali Saeed
Published: July 2019

Two general and simple models, a group contribution correlation (model I) and an empirical relation (model II), were proposed to predict the solubility of H2S in methylimidazolium based ionic liquids (ILs) over wide range of temperatures (303.15‐363.15 K) and pressures (60.8‐2016.8 kPa). The constants of the suggested functionality relations were found via the Nelder‐Mead simplex algorithm. Both correlations were trained with 407 data points of H2S solubility in 9 methylimidazolium based ILs and tested through 121 H2S solubility data points of 3 different methylimidazolium based ILs to ensure generality. A comprehensive statistical evaluation showed that both suggested correlations are vigorous and have satisfactory error trends. The dataset was subjected to a statistical outlier diagnostic test and the validity of the database was confirmed. In addition, the sensitivity analysis revealed that the experimental data and both models have the same responses toward pressure and temperature, which indicates the reliability of the proposed correlations.
Explanation of the alexandrite effect of zultanite: From the view of colorimetry and chemical analysis
Authors: Zhou Danyi , Lu Taijin , Sun Ruoduan , Shi Guanghai , Chen Hua , Ke Jie
Published: July 2019

Zultanite is the commercial name of a gem‐quality transparent diaspore that exhibits an obvious color change when exposed to different light sources. It usually appears green under daylight and red under incandescent light. This optical feature makes zultanite valuable, and the study of the spectral characteristics, as well as chemical composition, of zultanite can increase our understanding of the associated color change mechanism. Spectral transmittance curves for zultanite exposed to nonpolarized light emitted by CIE standard illuminants D65 and A show that the color change phenomenon is related to the optical characteristics of light sources. The colorimetric parameters in the CIE 1976 L*a*b* uniform color space system illustrate that the color change exhibited by zultanite is an example of the alexandrite effect, which can be quantitatively described by the significant change of a* and h° parameters. These findings and the results of chemical element analysis by X‐ray fluorescence and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy imply that electron transitions between different energy levels involving the 3d orbitals of the trace elements Fe3+ and Cr3+ in zultanite give rise to the relatively high transmittance observed in the green region (around 500 nm) and the orange‐red region (600‐780 nm) of visible light. Thus, the difference in the spectral power distributions of different ambient light sources greatly influence the color of zultanite, making zultanite show green under daylight which is richer in the green light and turns red under incandescent light in which the orange‐red light dominates.

The main contributions of this article can be summarized as follows:

The colorimetric parameters of zultanite illustrate that its color change phenomenon is an example of the alexandrite effect.

The trace elements Fe3+ and Cr3+ are the essential factors that cause the alexandrite effect, which give rise to the relatively high transmittance observed in the green and orange‐red regions of visible light.

This article will inspire deeper research on the optical properties and application of hydroxides.
Review of Drug Development Guidance to Treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:USandEUPerspectives
Authors: van Haarst Aernout , McGarvey Lorcan , Paglialunga Sabina
Published: July 2019

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a leading cause of death worldwide, yet only one new drug class has been approved in the last decade. However, resurgence inCOPDtreatment has been recently fueled by a greater understanding of the pathophysiology and natural history of the disease, as well as a growing prevalence and an aging population. Currently, there are nearly 25 novel drug targets in development. Furthermore, the indication has undergone some fundamental changes over the last couple of years, including an updated diagnosis paradigm, validation, and approval of patient‐reported outcome questionnaires for clinical trials, and drug development tools, such as a prognostic biomarker for patient selection. In the context of clinical trials, this review aims to summarize recent changes to the diagnosis and evaluation ofCOPDand to provide an overview of US and European regulatory guidance.
Incorporating p‐Phenylene as an Electron‐Donating Group into Graphitic Carbon Nitride for Efficient Charge Separation
Authors: Gao Honglin , Guo Yong , Yu Zhiwu , Zhao Meiming , Hou Yang , Zhu Zhongqi , Yan Shicheng , Liu Qingju , Zou Zhigang
Published: July 2019

Low charge‐separation transport efficiency resulting from structural defects largely limits photocatalytic hydrogen production over polymeric graphitic carbon nitride (PCN) photocatalyst. Herein, an electron‐donating group, namely p‐phenylene, is incorporated into PCN by a polycondensation reaction between carbon nitride and p‐phenylenediamine (or p‐benzoquinone) to repair the structural defects. The p‐phenylene‐modified PCN exhibits an almost fivefold increase in H2 evolution, a threefold increase in photocurrent density, and higher nonradiative rate (0.285 ns−1). Spectroscopic studies confirm that p‐phenylene tends to bridge the heptazine‐based oligomers through a polycondensation reaction. Theoretical calculations reveal that anchoring of the heptazine units by p‐phenylene induces localization of h+ and e− on the phenylene and melem moieties, respectively, which effectively separates the charge carriers. This strategy provides an opportunity to overcome structural defects in carbon nitride for efficient photocatalytic solar energy conversion.
Photothermal Conversion Material Derived from Used Cigarette Filters for Solar Steam Generation
Authors: Sun Hanxue , Li Yuanzhen , Zhu Zhaoqi , Mu Peng , Wang Fei , Liang Weidong , Ma Chonghua , Li An
Published: July 2019

Solar steam generation by photothermal materials has recently emerged as a new and feasible approach to effectively harvest solar energy in a variety of applications. This work reports an efficient heat localization material based on the renewable cellulose acetate cigarette filters and a reduced graphene oxide coating (RGO‐CF) as the light‐to‐heat conversion layer for solar steam generation. RGO‐CF possessed an aligned structure with superhydrophilic nature, lower thermal conductivity (0.0733 Wm−1 K−1), and broad light adsorption (≈100 %). These characteristics enable rapid water transportation and excellent light‐to‐heat conversion by the resulting RGO‐CF with an energy conversion efficiency of 94 % under stimulated solar illumination (1 kW m−2), which demonstrates that RGO‐CF is a promising photothermal conversion material for solar steam generation. Such strategy for preparation of photothermal materials not only reduces the fabrication cost but also provides a fundamental guidance for the practical application of renewable polymer resources from used cigarette filters.
Are children with developmental dyslexia all the same? A cluster analysis with more than 300 cases
Authors: Giofrè David , Toffalini Enrico , Provazza Serena , Calcagnì Antonio , Altoè Gianmarco , Roberts Daniel J.
Published: July 2019

Reading is vital to every aspect of modern life, exacerbated by reliance of the internet, email, and social media on the written medium. Developmental dyslexia (DD) characterizes a disorder in which the core deficit involves reading. Traditionally, DD is thought to be associated with a phonological impairment. However, recent evidence has begun to suggest that the reading impairment in some individuals is provoked by a visual processing deficit. In this paper, we present WISC‐IV data from more than 300 Italian children with a diagnosis of DD to investigate the manifestation of phonological and visual subtypes. Our results indicate the existence of two clusters of children with DD. In one cluster, the deficit was more pronounced in the phonological component, while both clusters were impaired in visual processing. These data indicate that DD may be an umbrella term that encompasses different profiles. From a theoretical perspective, our results demonstrate that dyslexia cannot be explained in terms of an isolated phonological deficit alone; visual impairment plays a crucial role. Moreover, general rather than specific accounts of DD are discussed.
Ethical Tensions Resulting from Interpreter Involvement in the Consent Process
Authors: Barwise Amelia , Sharp Richard , Hirsch Jessica
Published: July 2019

We describe how our institution responded when an interpreter who participated in the consent process involving an individual with limited English proficiency refused to cosign consent documents attesting that the individual enrolling in the study understood the consent information and that her consent to enroll was voluntary. In developing our approach, our institution took into account ethical tensions between the Belmont principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice that apply to the protection of research participants and the professional principles of beneficence, fidelity, and respect for the importance of culture that are outlined in ethical guidelines for medical interpreters.
Considerations for maximizing the adaptive potential of restored coral populations in the western Atlantic
Authors: Baums Iliana B. , Baker Andrew C. , Davies Sarah W. , Grottoli Andréa G. , Kenkel Carly D. , Kitchen Sheila A. , Kuffner Ilsa B. , LaJeunesse Todd C. , Matz Mikhail V. , Miller Margaret W. , Parkinson John E. , Shantz Andrew A.
Published: July 2019

Active coral restoration typically involves two interventions: crossing gametes to facilitate sexual larval propagation; and fragmenting, growing, and outplanting adult colonies to enhance asexual propagation. From an evolutionary perspective, the goal of these efforts is to establish self‐sustaining, sexually reproducing coral populations that have sufficient genetic and phenotypic variation to adapt to changing environments. Here, we provide concrete guidelines to help restoration practitioners meet this goal for most Caribbean species of interest. To enable the persistence of coral populations exposed to severe selection pressure from many stressors, a mixed provenance strategy is suggested: genetically unique colonies (genets) should be sourced both locally as well as from more distant, environmentally distinct sites. Sourcing three to four genets per reef along environmental gradients should be sufficient to capture a majority of intraspecies genetic diversity. It is best for practitioners to propagate genets with one or more phenotypic traits that are predicted to be valuable in the future, such as low partial mortality, high wound healing rate, high skeletal growth rate, bleaching resilience, infectious disease resilience, and high sexual reproductive output. Some effort should also be reserved for underperforming genets because colonies that grow poorly in nurseries sometimes thrive once returned to the reef and may harbor genetic variants with as yet unrecognized value. Outplants should be clustered in groups of four to six genets to enable successful fertilization upon maturation. Current evidence indicates that translocating genets among distant reefs is unlikely to be problematic from a population genetic perspective but will likely provide substantial adaptive benefits. Similarly, inbreeding depression is not a concern given that current practices only raise first‐generation offspring. Thus, proceeding with the proposed management strategies even in the absence of a detailed population genetic analysis of the focal species at sites targeted for restoration is the best course of action. These basic guidelines should help maximize the adaptive potential of reef‐building corals facing a rapidly changing environment.
The importance of simulation assumptions when evaluating detectability in population models
Authors: Monroe Adrian P. , Wann Gregory T. , Aldridge Cameron L. , Coates Peter S.
Published: July 2019

Population monitoring is important for investigating a variety of ecological questions, and N‐mixture models are increasingly used to model population size (N) and trends (λ) while estimating detectability (p) from repeated counts within primary periods (when populations are closed to changes). Extending these models to dynamic processes with serial dependence across primary periods may relax the closure assumption, but simulations to evaluate models and inform effort (e.g., number of repeated counts) typically assume p is constant or random across sites and years. Thus, it is unknown how these models perform under scenarios where trends in p confound inferences on N and λ, and conclusions regarding effort may be overoptimistic. Here, we used global positioning system data from greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) to inform simulations of the detection process for lek counts of this species, and we created scenarios with and without linear annual trends in p. We then compared estimates of N and λ from hierarchical population models either fit with single maximum counts or with detectability estimated from repeated counts (dynamic N‐mixture models). We also explored using auxiliary data to correct counts for variation in detectability. Uncorrected count models consistently underestimated N by >50%, whereas N‐mixture models without auxiliary data underestimated N to a lesser degree due to unmodeled heterogeneity in p such as age. Nevertheless, estimates of λ from both types of models were unbiased and similar for scenarios without trends in p. When p declined systematically across years, uncorrected count models underestimated λ, whereas N‐mixture models estimated λ with little bias when all sites were counted repeatedly. Auxiliary data also reduced bias in parameter estimates. Evaluating population models using scenarios with systematic variation in p may better reveal potential biases and inform effort than simulations that assume p is constant or random. Dynamic N‐mixture models can distinguish between trends in p and N, but also require repeated counts within primary periods for accurate estimates. Auxiliary data may be useful when researchers lack repeated counts, wish to monitor more sites less intensively, or require unbiased estimates of N.
Carnivore space use shifts in response to seasonal resource availability
Authors: Svoboda Nathan J. , Belant Jerrold L. , Beyer Dean E. , Duquette Jared F. , Lederle Patrick E.
Published: July 2019

Estimating spatial and temporal resource use and partitioning among carnivore species varies based on life history and is critical to understanding ecological relationships of sympatric carnivores and their prey. Temporal variation in food availability can have a substantial influence on distribution, foraging behavior, prey selection, and population dynamics of carnivores. We investigated shifts in space use of black bears (Ursus americanus), bobcats (Lynx rufus), coyotes (Canis latrans), and gray wolves (C. lupus) in response to seasonal availability of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns in Michigan,USA, May–August 2009–2011. We used generalized linear mixed models to identify whether probabilistic fawn space use resulted in shifts in carnivore space use from deer pre‐parturition (PPP, 1 May–24 May) to fawn limited mobility (LMP, 25 May–30 June) and social mobility (SMP, 1 July–31 August) periods. We developed a rule‐based algorithm to identify “clusters” of carnivoreGPSlocations and investigated carnivore clusters to identify fawn predation sites. Carnivores shifted space use among periods, but responses varied among species regarding fawn space use. Black bears selected against areas with greater fawn use duringLMPand selected areas with greater fawn use duringSMP. We suggest black bear space use was unrelated to fawn space use and reflected availability of vegetative forage. Bobcats selected areas with greater fawn use duringLMPandSMP. Coyotes were indifferent to areas where fawns occurred duringLMPbut selected against areas with greater fawn use duringSMP, likely foraging on alternative prey. Coyotes were spatially constrained by wolves, selecting against areas with greater wolf use duringLMPandSMP. Wolves selected against areas with greater fawn use duringLMPandSMPand selected areas near habitat edges and areas containing livestock carcasses. Carnivore responses to fawn white‐tailed deer distribution and vulnerability were congruent with life history strategies, resulting in space use shifts in response to temporarily abundant resources. Carnivores did not overall rely predominantly on fawns, likely shifting their space use to maximize intake of other seasonal resources. These events provide additional insight into life history strategies among co‐occurring species and dynamics of multi‐species predator–prey systems.
Palm community transects and soil properties in western Amazonia
Authors: Balslev Henrik , Kristiansen Søren M. , Muscarella Robert
Published: July 2019

Western Amazonia is a global biodiversity hotspot that encompasses extensive variation in geologic, climatic, and biotic features. Palms (Arecaceae) are among the most diverse and iconic groups of plants in the region with more than 150 species that exhibit extraordinary variation of geographical distributions, regional abundance patterns, and life history strategies and growth forms, and provide myriad ecosystem services. Understanding the ecological and evolutionary drivers that underpin palm distribution and abundance patterns may shed light on the evolution and ecology of the tropical forest biomes more generally. Edaphic conditions, in particular, are increasingly recognized as critical drivers of tropical plant diversity and distributions but data deficiencies inhibit our understanding of plant–soil relationships at broad scales, especially in the tropics. We present data from 546, 0.25‐ha (5 × 500 m) georeferenced transects located throughout western Amazonia where all individual palms were identified, counted, and assigned to a life‐history stage. Several environmental covariates were recorded along each transect and surface soil samples were collected from multiple points in N = 464 of transects. Altogether, the transects include 532,602 individuals belonging to 135 species. Variation among transects in terms of palm species richness and abundance is associated with major habitat types and soil properties. The soil properties including pH, acidity, all macronutrients for all samples, and texture, carbon, nitrogen, and micronutrients for some transects vary substantially across the study area, providing insight to broad‐scale variation of tropical surface soils. The data provided here will help advance our understanding of plant distributions and abundance patterns, and associations with soil conditions. No copyright restrictions are associated with this data set but please cite this paper if data are used for publication.
Initiation of ivabradine in cardiogenic shock
Authors: Chiu Michael H. , Howlett Jonathan G. , Sharma Nakul C.
Published: July 2019

Aims

Ivabradine is a selective sinus node inhibitor indicated in patients with symptomatic chronic heart failure on stable guideline‐recommended heart failure therapy including appropriate doses of beta‐blockers. The use in cardiogenic shock remains off label and has been considered a contraindication due to the theoretical risk of attenuating compensatory tachycardia. Tachycardia, especially in the context of inotropic therapy, may be deleterious, resulting in increased myocardial oxygen consumption and reduction in diastolic filling. As ivabradine does not have negative inotropic action, it may present a potential means to manage tachycardia in cardiogenic shock. We present a case series of four patients with cardiogenic shock started on ivabradine who were unable to tolerate beta‐blockers.

Methods and results

Five patients identified with cardiogenic shock defined as a severe reduction in cardiac index (<2.0 L/min/m2) and elevated filling pressures on inotropic therapy were started on ivabradine in patients with sinus tachycardia [heart rate (HR) >100] who were intolerant to beta‐blockers. Each patient had a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiogram, and coronary angiogram for determination of aetiology. Invasive haemodynamics via pulmonary artery catheterization were measured during initiation and titration of ivabradine (baseline, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after ivabradine administration) with continuous telemetry monitoring for any dysrhythmia or bradyarrhythmias. All patients tolerated ivabradine initiation, and at 24 h, an observed decrease in HR (106 ± 6.8 vs. 91.6 ± 6.4 b.p.m., P = 0.04), pulmonary arterial occlusion pressure (30.4 ± 4.8 vs. 24 ± 5.1 mmHg, P = 0.04), and right atrial pressure (16.8 ± 6.2 vs. 9 ± 4.3 mmHg, P = 0.0002). An improvement was observed in mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) (51 ± 8.8 vs. 64.8 ± 5.3%, P < 0.04), stroke volume (37.2 ± 7.6 vs. 49.2 ± 12.9 mL, P < 0.04), and right and left ventricular stroke work index (Table 1). No significant changes were observed with mean arterial pressure (73.4 ± 7.5 vs. 75.8 ± 5.0 mmHg, P = 0.81) and thermodilution‐derived cardiac index (1.7 ± 0.2 vs. 2.5 ± 0.7 L/min/m2, P = 0.58). Inotropic support was weaned successfully in three of five patients (88 ± 30 h) with subsequent titration of beta‐blocker therapy. Two patients improved clinically but ultimately required left ventricular assist device implantation. All patients were discharged alive from hospital at 17 ± 7.9 days following ivabradine initiation.

Conclusions

In our small non‐randomized series of patients in cardiogenic shock, ivabradine was safely used to reduce HR in patients previously intolerant of beta‐blockade. There are limited data surrounding the use of ivabradine in cardiogenic shock, and future studies should be undertaken to determine the optimal HR in humans with cardiogenic shock and whether systematic limitation of peak HR may improve outcomes.
Biogenic fabrication of iron nanoadsorbents from mixed waste biomass for aqueous phase removal of alizarin red S and tartrazine: Kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamic investigation
Authors: Gautam Pavan K. , Shivapriya Pingali M. , Banerjee Sushmita , Sahoo Amaresh K. , Samanta Sintu K.
Published: July 2019

Present work deals with the facile and ecologically viable production of iron nanoadsorbents by utilizing different waste plant biomass, orange peel, flower waste, and environmentally harmful Alligator weed. The as‐prepared nanoadsorbents were applied for the aqueous phase minimization of toxic dyes, alizarin red S and tartrazine. Different techniques, namely, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infra‐red spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and magnetic properties measurement system, were applied to characterize the synthesized material. Impact of various experimental conditions like pH, adsorbent dose, contact time, and temperature on removal trend was examined. The acidic medium positively favored the process of sorption. Kinetic analysis revealed that the adsorption of both the dyes followed pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Equilibrium sorption data were fitted better to Freundlich model as compared with Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacities at 50°C were 42.58 and 68.78 mg g–1 for alizarin red S and tartrazine at pH 4.0 and 2.0, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters exhibited that the sorption of both the dyes onto nanoadsorbent was spontaneous and endothermic with increased randomness at the solid–liquid interface. Desorption experiment demonstrated that the regenerated adsorbent can be recycled efficiently up to three times. Overall, the prepared nanomaterials exhibit remarkable removal competency for both dyes tested like alizarin red S and tartrazine.
A simple parameter‐driven binary time series model
Authors: Lu Yang
Published: July 2019

We introduce a parameter‐driven, state‐space model for binary time series data. The model is based on a state process with a binomial‐beta dynamics, which has a Markov, endogenous switching regime representation. The model allows for recursive prediction and filtering formulas with extremely low computational cost, and hence avoids the use of computational intensive simulation‐based filtering algorithms. Case studies illustrate the advantage of our model over popular intensity‐based observation‐driven models, both in terms of fit and out‐of‐sample forecast.