bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ketenedithioacetals as Surrogates for the Formal Insertion of Ketenes into Donor–Acceptor Cyclopropanes
Authors: Lücht Alexander , Kreft Alexander , Jones Peter G. , Werz Daniel B.
Published: March 2020

The reactivity of donor–acceptor (D–A) cyclopropanes towards acceptor‐substituted ketenedithioacetals was investigated. In a Lewis‐acid‐catalyzed (3+2)‐cycloaddition, the corresponding dithiaspiro compounds were synthesized in good yields. The 1,3‐dithiane unit, a masked keto functionality, was cleaved by N‐iodosuccinimide. Thus, this two‐step process represents a formal insertion of an acceptor‐substituted ketene into a D–A cyclopropane.
Using a Principles‐Focused Evaluation Approach to Evaluate Coalitions and Collaboratives Working Toward Equity and Social Justice
Authors: Wolfe Susan M. , Long Pamela D. , Brown Kyrah K.
Published: March 2020

In this chapter, the authors describe the relevance and importance of principles for collaborative evaluation work addressing inequities and social injustice. They provide a brief introduction to Principles‐Focused Evaluation and describe Principles for Collaborating for Equity and Justice to provide a rational for using the Principles‐Focused Evaluation approach when evaluating collaboratives addressing inequities. They describe useful strategies for incorporating Principles‐Focused Evaluation into evaluation of such collaboratives, demonstrate how to apply it to other evaluation approaches and models, and provide a case study of an evaluation that incorporated the Principles‐Focused Evaluation approach with Community Coalition Action Theory.
Optimizing water and phosphorus management to improve hay yield and water‐ and phosphorus‐use efficiency in alfalfa under drip irrigation
Authors: Zhang Qianbing , Liu Junying , Liu Xuanshuai , Li Shengyi , Sun Yanliang , Lu Weihua , Ma Chunhui
Published: March 2020

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an important forage legume in arid areas, but limited water resources and low fertilizer utilization have restricted its agricultural development. Meanwhile, studies on the effects of integrated water and phosphorus on production performance and water‐use efficiency and phosphorus‐use efficiency of alfalfa, especially on hay yield, phosphorus accumulation, and total phosphorus uptake are rarely reported under drip irrigation. The treatments were a factorial combination of three irrigation rates (5,250, 6,000, and 6,750 m3/ha per year) and four P rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg/ha per year) and consisted of 12 treatments for water and P management, arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Total hay yield and water‐use efficiency and phosphorus‐use efficiency of alfalfa in P2 treatment were significantly greater than those in the P1 and P3 treatments (p < .05), and the total hay yield of alfalfa with phosphorus application increased by 7.43%–29.87% compared with that in the nonphosphorus (P0) treatment under the same irrigation amount. The total phosphorus and available phosphorus concentrations in the 0–20 cm soil layer were greater than those in the 20–40 cm and 40–60 cm soil layers compared with those in the P0 treatment. Correlation analyses showed that total hay yield was significantly positively correlated with total phosphorus uptake and water‐use efficiency (p < .01). The accumulated phosphorus concentration was significantly positively correlated with total phosphorus and available phosphorus concentration (p < .01) and was positively correlated with the phosphorus‐use efficiency (p < .05). The membership function method was used to evaluate all the indicators, and the three treatments that had the greatest influence on the production performance of alfalfa were, in order, W2P2 > W3P2 > W1P2. Therefore, an irrigation rate of 6,000 m3/ha and a phosphorus application rate of 100 kg/ha per year should be considered as the best management for both high yield and water‐use efficiency and phosphorus‐use efficiency of alfalfa.
One‐year outcomes for da Vinci single port robot for transoral robotic surgery
Authors: Van Abel Kathryn M. , Yin Linda X. , Price Daniel L. , Janus Jeffery R. , Kasperbauer Jan L. , Moore Eric J.
Published: March 2020

Background

The da Vinci single‐port (SP) robot is a new instrument for transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in oropharyngeal cancers (OPSCCs). We describe one‐year SP surgical outcomes and compare them to da Vinci Si outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study at a high‐volume TORS center. Consecutive patients undergoing TORS SP procedures from 10/2018 to 09/2019 were included. SP OPSCC outcomes were compared to a historical cohort of Si OPSCC patients. t tests were used to compare continuous variables; χ2 or Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests were used to compare nonparametric categorical variables.

Results

Seventy‐eight patients underwent SP TORS. The bleed rate was 5.1%, mortality rate was 2.6%, and conversion rate was 0%. Compared to the Si cohort, OPSCC patients undergoing TORS SP procedures saw no significant differences in operative time or post‐TORS bleeds (P > .05).

Conclusions

The SP is a comparably safe surgical instrument. Overall learning curve for the SP was rapid among experienced TORS surgeons.
12‐Chemokine signature, a predictor of tumor recurrence in colorectal cancer
Authors: Tokunaga Ryuma , Nakagawa Shigeki , Sakamoto Yasuo , Nakamura Kenichi , Naseem Madiha , Izumi Daisuke , Kosumi Keisuke , Taki Katsunobu , Higashi Takaaki , Miyata Tatsunori , Miyamoto Yuji , Yoshida Naoya , Baba Hideo , Lenz Heinz‐Josef
Published: March 2020

Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) provide an immunological antineoplastic effect. Recent evidences link a unique 12‐chemokine (CCL2, ‐3, ‐4, ‐5, ‐8, ‐18, ‐19, ‐21, CXCL9, ‐10, ‐11, ‐13) signature status from tumor tissue and the TLS expression. However, the potential significance of 12‐chemokine signature status for clinical use is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the association of 12‐chemokine signature status with patient outcomes in colorectal cancer (CRC). We used integrated data of resected 975 CRC cases within three independent cohorts from France, Japan and the United States (GSE39582, KUMAMOTO from Kumamoto university hospital and TCGA). The association of 12‐chemokine signature status with clinicopathological features, patient outcome, TLS expression status and key tumor molecular features was analyzed. Patients with low 12‐chemokine signature status had a significant shorter relapse‐free survival in discovery cohort (HR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.11–2.39, p = 0.0123), which was confirmed in validation cohort (HR: 3.31, 95% CI: 1.33–10.08, p = 0.0087). High 12‐chemokine signature status had significant associations with right‐sided tumor, high tumor‐localized TLS expression, BRAF mutant, CIMP‐high status and MSI‐high status. Furthermore, RNA‐seq based analysis showed that high 12‐chemokine signature status was strongly associated with inflammation‐related, immune cells‐related and apoptosis pathways (using gene set enrichment analysis), and more tumor‐infiltrating immune cells, such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes and myeloid dendritic cells (using MCP‐counter analysis). We investigated a promising effect of 12‐chemokine signature status in CRC patients who underwent resection. Our data may be helpful in developing novel immunological treatment strategies for CRC.
Smoking-Induced Risk of Osteoporosis Is Partly Mediated by Cadmium From Tobacco Smoke: The MrOS Sweden Study
Authors: Li Huiqi , Wallin Maria , Barregard Lars , Sallsten Gerd , Lundh Thomas , Ohlsson Claes , Mellström Dan , Andersson Eva M.
Published: March 2020

Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis and bone fracture. Moreover, smoking causes exposure to cadmium, which is a known risk factor for osteoporosis. It is hypothesized that part of smoking-induced osteoporosis may be mediated via cadmium from tobacco smoke. We investigated this hypothesis using mediation analysis in a Swedish cohort of elderly men. This study was performed in 886 elderly men from the Swedish cohort of the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study. Urinary samples, bone mineral density (BMD), smoking data, and other background information were obtained at baseline in 2002–2004. Urinary cadmium was analyzed in baseline samples and adjusted for creatinine. The cohort was followed until August 2018 for fracture incidence, based on the X-ray register. Mediation analysis was conducted to evaluate the indirect effect (via cadmium) of smoking on both BMD and fractures. Time to first fracture was analyzed using the accelerated failure time (AFT) model and Aalen's additive hazard model. The mean level of urinary cadmium was 0.25 μg/g creatinine. There were significant inverse associations between smoking and total body, total hip, and trochanter BMD. The indirect effects via cadmium were estimated to be 43% of the total effects of smoking for whole-body BMD, and even more for total hip and trochanter BMD. Smoking was also associated with higher risk of all fractures and major osteoporosis fractures. The indirect effects via cadmium were largest in nonvertebral osteoporosis fractures and hip fractures, constituting at least one-half of the total effects, in both the AFT and Aalen's model. The findings in this study provide evidence that cadmium exposure from tobacco smoke plays an important role in smoking-induced osteoporosis © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Global longitudinal reference ranges for fetal myocardial deformation in the second half of pregnancy
Authors: Lee‐Tannock Alison , Hay Karen , Gooi Alex , Kumar Sailesh
Published: March 2020

Purpose

To construct longitudinal fetal reference ranges for global longitudinal myocardial deformation (strain and strain rate) of the left and right ventricles in the second half of pregnancy.

Methods

A prospective, observational, longitudinal study of 120 women with uncomplicated singleton pregnancies.

The participants underwent ultrasonographic scans every 4 weeks from enrolment (18‐28 weeks) until delivery. Strain and strain rate were measured at each examination using velocity vector imaging. Changes in strain and strain rate as functions of gestational age (GA) were modeled using Bayesian mixed effects models.

Results

A total of 406 assessments of global longitudinal strain and strain rate were performed for 120 women. Global longitudinal strain and strain rate decreased with increasing GA in the left ventricle. There was, however, no change in strain measurements of the right ventricle over the same gestational time frame. Posterior predictive distributions were used to derive reference centiles for each week of GA.

Conclusion

Assessment of myocardial deformation of the fetal heart is easily performed and may be useful for quantitative assessment of heart function, particularly in fetuses at risk of cardiac dysfunction.
Dissolved phosphate concentrations in Iowa shallow groundwater
Authors: Schilling Keith E. , Jacobson Peter J. , St. Clair Marty , Jones Christopher S.
Published: March 2020

Regional groundwater phosphorus (P) concentrations are rarely reported, and it is important to develop a better understanding of background concentrations in shallow groundwater to help develop strategies to mitigate environmental risks. In this study, results collected from 17 different Iowa‐based studies conducted from 2006 to 2019 and a total of 210 discrete locations of water table dissolved phosphate (DPO43−) measurements are summarized (a) to assess the occurrence, range, and statistical distribution of groundwater DPO43− concentrations in Iowa and (b) to evaluate statewide patterns of DPO43−concentrations related to land use or land cover and landscape position. The DPO43− concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 1.56 mg L−1 and averaged 0.15 ± 0.19 mg L−1 with a median value of 0.10 mg L−1 (95% confidence interval of 0.08–0.11 mg L−1). Although minor variations were observed among land cover class and landscape position, concentrations exhibited uniformity across the state, likely attesting to the legacy of P from historical agricultural management. Median concentrations are higher than typical water quality criteria used to assess risk to surface water systems, implying that simply discharging groundwater DPO43− to streams, rivers, and lakes would be sufficient to cause environmental degradation.
A computational method based on the modification of the variational iteration method for determining the solution of the optimal control problems
Authors: Kafash Behzad , Rafiei Zahra , Karbassi Seyed M. , Wazwaz Abdul M.
Published: March 2020

This article presents a modification of the variational iteration method (VIM) for solving Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman equations of linear and nonlinear optimal control problems. In this method, the Lagrange multiplier is chosen in such a way that a sequence of value functions that are produced by this presented method (PM) converges to exact solution faster than the standard VIM. This fast convergence is due to choosing an exponentially decaying Lagrange multiplier for the first time. Finally, some examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the PM for finding the solution of the optimal control problems.
Artificial neural network application for novel 3D printed nonuniform ceramic reflectarray antenna
Authors: Mahouti Mehran , Kuskonmaz Nilgün , Mahouti Peyman , Belen Mehmet A. , Palandoken Merih
Published: March 2020

The main inconvenience in design process of modern high performance reflectarray antennas is that these designs are heavily depended on full‐wave electromagnetic simulation tools, where in most of the cases the design optimization process would be an inefficient or impractical. However, thanks to the recent advances in computer‐aided design and advanced hardware systems, artificial neural networks based modeling of microwave systems has become a popular research topic. Herein, design optimization of an alumina‐based ceramic substrate reflectarray antenna by using multilayer perceptron (MLP) and 3D printing technology had been presented. MLP‐based model of ceramic reflectarray (CRA) unit element is used as a fast, accurate, and reliable surrogated model for the prediction of reflection phase of the incoming EM wave on the CRA unit cell with respect to the variation of unit elements design parameters, operation frequency, and substrate thickness. The structural design of a reflectarray antenna with nonuniform reflector height operating in X band has been fabricated for the experimental measurement of reflectarray performance using 3D printer technology. The horn feeding based CRA antenna has a measured gain characteristic of 22 dBi. The performance of the prototyped CRA antenna is compared with the counterpart reflectarray antenna designs in the literature.
Comparison of effectiveness and safety between uninterrupted direct oral anticoagulants with and without switching to dabigatran in atrial fibrillation ablation
Authors: Harada Masahide , Motoike Yuji , Nomura Yoshihiro , Nishimura Asuka , Koshikawa Masayuki , Murayama Kazuhiro , Ohno Yoshiharu , Watanabe Eiichi , Izawa Hideo , Ozaki Yukio
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Recent studies have demonstrated the feasibility of uninterrupted direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) with a temporary switch to dabigatran (“dabigatran bridge”) for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. We compared the effectiveness and safety between uninterrupted DOACs with and without the “dabigatran bridge” in patients taking factor Xa inhibitors.

Methods

AF patients on factor Xa inhibitors (rivaroxaban/apixaban/edoxaban) undergoing catheter ablation were eligible (n = 348). Brain MRI was performed within 2 days after the procedure to detect silent cerebral events (SCEs). Rivaroxaban/apixaban/edoxaban were uninterruptedly used in 153 patients (Group 1); these DOACs were switched to dabigatran on the day of AF ablation in 195 patients (Group 2). After propensity score matching, the unfractionated heparin (UFH) amount and the activated clotting time (ACT) kinetics during the procedure, the SCE incidence, and the follow‐up complications (30 days, thromboembolism and major/minor bleeding) in the two groups were compared.

Results

Group 2 had higher initial ACT value and shorter time to optimal ACT (>300 seconds) than Group 1 (184 ± 36 s vs 145 ± 22 s, and 34 ± 29 s vs 43 ± 34 s, P < .05, respectively). Group 2 tended to require less amount of UFH to achieve optimal ACT than Group 1, but the total amount of UFH for the procedure was comparable. Group 2 had lower SCE incidence than Group 1 (16.2% vs 26.4%, P < .05). The prevalence of follow‐up complications was unchanged between the two groups.

Conclusions

Switching to dabigatran on the day of AF ablation decreases preclinical thromboembolic events with similar bleeding risk to uninterrupted factor Xa inhibitors.
Working 9‐to‐5? A review of research on nonstandard work schedules
Authors: Bolino Mark C. , Kelemen Thomas K. , Matthews Samuel H.
Published: March 2020

Increasingly, organizations around the world need employees to work weekends and during hours that fall outside of a traditional 9‐to‐5, Monday through Friday, schedule. At the same time, in recent years, employees have sought more flexible working arrangements that result in longer work shifts that occur on fewer days each week. Although nonstandard work schedules have important organizational implications, much of this research has occurred outside of the management literature. Further, within the management literature, there has been little attempt to review and integrate the findings of prior studies of nonstandard work schedules. In this paper, we review research that has investigated nonstandard work shifts and how they affect work‐related outcomes (e.g., job behavior and job attitudes), health‐related outcomes (e.g., physiological, behavioral, and psychological consequences), and personal/family‐related outcomes (e.g., work–family conflict, divorce, and parent–child relations). Following our review, we identify avenues for future investigations, with a particular emphasis on methodological improvements and research that would facilitate the development of integrated conceptual models that more fully consider the implications of work schedules in the context of other important areas of organizational scholarship.
The Effects of Zhongyong Thinking Priming on Creative Problem‐Solving
Authors: Zhou Zhijin , Zhang Hongpo , Li Mingzhu , Sun Cuicui , Luo Hualin
Published: March 2020

Zhongyong thinking is a common approach adopted by Chinese people to solve problems encountered in life and work. Based on the four modes of zhongyong thinking proposed by Pang (Social Sciences in China, 1, 1980, 75), this study chooses the “neither A nor B” form, which represents the “mean” (中) characteristics of zhongyong thinking, called eclectic thinking, and the “both A and B” form, which reflects the “harmony” (和) feature, called integrated thinking. This study primed eclectic thinking and integrated thinking, respectively, through self‐compiled problem situations, and 150 college students and postgraduates students were the participants. Experiment 1 explored the role of the priming of zhongyong thinking in three classic creative thinking tasks: a divergent thinking test, remote association test, and insight problem‐solving test. Experiment 2 further examined the effect of priming of zhongyong thinking on “market investment problems” with higher ecological validity. The findings show that priming integrated thinking can improve remote associates test performance and promote creative solutions to market investment problems, but there is no significant impact on the scores of divergent thinking test and insight problem‐solving; priming eclectic thinking has no significant impact on any of the subsequent creative tasks. This study shows that integrated thinking primes cognitive processing related to information association and information integration, promoting subsequent creative tasks.
Low‐risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: Optimal management toward a more conservative approach
Authors: Ramundo Valeria , Sponziello Marialuisa , Falcone Rosa , Verrienti Antonella , Filetti Sebastiano , Durante Cosimo , Grani Giorgio
Published: March 2020

The incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (microPTC) has dramatically increased in the last decades. Most of these tumors remain small and clinically “silent”, only small number progress. Although thyroid surgery used to be the only therapeutic approach, recent guidelines now consider active surveillance for low‐risk microPTC. For this reason, more accurate risk stratification of microPTC is needed. The optimal management of low‐risk microPTC through accurate risk stratification represents a major clinical issue.
Influence of cathodic polarity during electrocleaning process on the brown stain defect formation after skin pass on cold‐rolled close annealed steel
Authors: Chakraborty Subho , Pandit Ashwin , Sarkar Kuntal , Rani Nitu
Published: March 2020

Skin pass rolling is considered as the final forming stage in cold‐rolled close annealed steel. Surface properties and flatness are the key attributes for automotive customers. Efficient skin pass rolling overcomes surface defects that lead to material rejection. This study portrays a brown stain defect with higher defect severity. The brown stain defect is observed in a few coils that are processed through alkaline electrocleaning (ECL). Coils bypassing ECL do not show such defect. Defect characterization through scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy shows initiation of oxidation of steel substrate. The presence of skin pass fluid residues in the defected area is the root cause for the stain formation. Techniques such as glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy, Kelvin probe, Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical tests emphasize the role of final electrode polarity in ECL with the nature of passive oxide film formed when skin pass fluid is applied on the steel surface. This study reveals that skin pass fluid applied on anodically cleaned coils provides a uniform passive surface that restricts the defect formation.
Computability of graphs
Authors: Iljazović Zvonko
Published: March 2020

We consider topological pairs , , which have computable type, which means that they have the following property: if X is a computable topological space and a topological imbedding such that and are semicomputable sets in X, then is a computable set in X. It is known, e.g., that has computable type if M is a compact manifold with boundary. In this paper we examine topological spaces called graphs and we show that we can in a natural way associate to each graph G a discrete subspace E so that has computable type. Furthermore, we use this result to conclude that certain noncompact semicomputable graphs in computable metric spaces are computable.
Analysis and numerical computations of the fractional regularized long‐wave equation with damping term
Authors: Yavuz Mehmet , Sulaiman Tukur Abdulkadir , Usta Fuat , Bulut Hasan
Published: March 2020

This study explores the fractional damped generalized regularized long‐wave equation in the sense of Caputo, Atangana‐Baleanu, and Caputo‐Fabrizio fractional derivatives. With the aid of fixed‐point theorem in the Atangana‐Baleanu fractional derivative with Mittag‐Leffler–type kernel, we show the existence and uniqueness of the solution to the damped generalized regularized long‐wave equation. The modified Laplace decomposition method (MLDM) defined in the sense of Caputo, Atangana‐Baleanu, and Caputo‐Fabrizio (in the Riemann sense) operators is used in securing the approximate‐analytical solutions of the nonlinear model. The numerical simulations of the obtained solutions are performed with different suitable values of
, which is the order of fractional parameter. We have seen the effect of the various parameters and variables on the displacement in figures.
On strong solutions of fractional nonlinear viscoelastic model of Voigt type
Authors: Zvyagin Victor , Orlov Vladimir
Published: March 2020

This paper concerns the existence and uniqueness of the strong solutions to the initial‐boundary value problems of fractional analog of Voigt model in the planar case.
Altering Routine Intensive Care Unit Practices to Support Commensalism
Authors: Hamilton Leslie A. , Behal Michael L.
Published: March 2020

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract consists of trillions of organisms that support multiple functions in the body, from immunity, digestion, and absorption to drug metabolism. These microbes form an overall collection of microorganisms that form the body's microbiome. In critical illness, many of these functions are aberrant, and the microbiome is altered, leading to untoward effects. Some of the most common medications received by patients include antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors, which affect particular changes in the microbiome. In addition, patients receiving prolonged enteral and parenteral nutrition experience changes in the microbiological composition and diversity of their GI tracts. Research is ongoing to characterize the crosstalk between the microbiome and immune function as targets for drug and nutrition therapy.
Linear edge costs and labeling algorithms: The case of the time‐dependent vehicle routing problem with time windows
Authors: Lera‐Romero Gonzalo , Miranda Bront Juan J. , Soulignac Francisco J.
Published: March 2020

In this paper we implement a branch‐price and cut algorithm for a time dependent vehicle routing problem with time windows in which the goal is to minimize the total route duration. The travel time between two customers is given by a piecewise linear function on the departure time and, thus, it need not remain fixed along the planning horizon. We discuss different alternatives for the implementation of these linear functions within the labeling algorithm applied to solve the pricing problem. We also provide a tailored implementation for one of these alternatives, relying on efficient data structures for storing the labels, and show several strategies to accelerate the algorithm. Computational results show that the proposed techniques are effective and improve the column generation step, solving all instances with 25 customers, 49 of 56 with 50 customers, and many instances with 100 customers. Furthermore, heuristic adaptations are able to find good quality solutions in reasonable computation times.
Inertia‐based spectrum slicing for symmetric quadratic eigenvalue problems
Authors: Campos Carmen , Roman Jose E.
Published: March 2020

In the quadratic eigenvalue problem (QEP) with all coefficient matrices symmetric, there can be complex eigenvalues. However, some applications need to compute real eigenvalues only. We propose a Lanczos‐based method for computing all real eigenvalues contained in a given interval of large‐scale symmetric QEPs. The method uses matrix inertias of the quadratic polynomial evaluated at different shift values. In this way, for hyperbolic problems, it is possible to make sure that all eigenvalues in the interval have been computed. We also discuss the general nonhyperbolic case. Our implementation is memory‐efficient by representing the computed pseudo‐Lanczos basis in a compact tensor product representation. We show results of computational experiments with a parallel implementation in the SLEPc library.
Fabrication of random and aligned electrospun nanofibers containing graphene oxide for skeletal muscle cells scaffold
Authors: Uehara Thiers M. , Paino Ieda M. M. , Santos Fabricio A. , Scagion Vanessa P. , Correa Daniel S. , Zucolotto Valtencir
Published: March 2020

Graphene oxide (GO)‐based materials have been explored in biomedical applications as active engineered materials for diagnosis and therapy. Although a large number of studies have been carried out in the last years, aspects involving the orientation and elongation of cells on GO immobilized on polymeric nanofibers are still scarce. We investigated the interactions between skeletal muscle cells and GO immobilized on random and aligned electrospun nanofibers of poly(caprolactone) (PCL), a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer. Oxygen plasma was employed to modify the nanofiber polymer surface to enhance the interactions between the PCL fibers and GO. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy revealed the morphology and orientation of skeletal muscle cells (C2C12 cells) on random and aligned GO/PCL nanofibers. The approach employed here is useful to investigate the interaction of skeletal muscle cells with biocompatible polymer nanofibers modified with GO intended for cell scaffolds and tissue engineering.
Impact of medication nonadherence on stroke recurrence and mortality in patients after first‐ever ischemic stroke: Insights from registry data in Singapore
Authors: Yeo See‐Hwee , Toh Matthias Paul Han Sim , Lee Sze Haur , Seet Raymond Chee Seong , Wong Lai Yin , Yau Wai‐Ping
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This retrospective cohort study aims to examine adherence to secondary stroke preventive medications and their association with risk of stroke recurrence and mortality in patients after first‐ever ischemic stroke.

Methods

Using data from the National Healthcare Group and Singapore Stroke Registry, patients with first‐ever ischemic stroke between 2010 and 2014 were included, and categorized based on antithrombotic or statin adherence using the proportion of days covered: high (≥75%), intermediate (50%‐74%), low (25%‐49%), and very low (<25%). The primary outcome was first recurrent ischemic stroke within a year after hospital discharge, while the secondary composite outcomes were (a) stroke recurrence and all‐cause mortality and (b) stroke recurrence and cardiovascular mortality. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to examine the association between medication adherence and outcomes. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.

Results

Among ischemic stroke patients prescribed with antithrombotics (n = 1139) or statins (n = 1160) at hospital discharge, about one‐third were highly adherent to their medications. Patients with lower medication adherence tended to be younger, were admitted to private ward classes, and were without hypertension. Compared with the patients with high medication adherence, the risk of stroke recurrence was higher in patients with very low antithrombotic (aHR = 4.65; 95% CI: 1.45‐14.89) or statin (aHR = 3.44; 95% CI: 0.93‐12.74) adherence. Similar findings were observed for the secondary outcomes.

Conclusions

Poor adherence to antithrombotic and statin treatment increases the risk of recurrent stroke and mortality in patients after first‐ever ischemic stroke. Further measures are needed to improve medication adherence among stroke survivors.
Improvement on properties of Chinese lacquer by polyamidoamine
Authors: Zhang Ding , Xia Jianrong , Xue Hanyu , Zhang Yuchi , Lin Qi
Published: March 2020

In this study, polyamidoamine (PAMAM) was added to raw lacquer in different proportions, and the curing process and properties of lacquer film were investigated by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To investigate the cross‐linking state between PAMAM and urushiol, NMR was used in this study. The experiments revealed that the comprehensive mechanical properties of modified‐film, especially the impact strength, were significantly improved. In addition, the touch‐free drying time of lacquer film decreased, and its alkali resistance was improved due to the cross‐linking of PAMAM and urushiol molecules.
Structure and performance of electroblown PVDF‐based nanofibrous electret filters
Authors: Al Rai Adel , Stojanovska Elena , Fidan Gizem , Yetgin Eda , Polat Yusuf , Kilic Ali , Demir Ali , Yilmaz Safak
Published: March 2020

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)‐based nanofibrous mats were produced via electrically assisted solution blowing (electroblowing). Morphology and filtration properties of the nanofibrous mats were investigated as a function of polymer concentration and applied voltage. The average fiber diameter was reduced from 727 ± 366 nm to 408 ± 143 nm and from 424 ± 233 nm to 328 ± 105 nm, using 16 wt% and 12 wt% concentrations, respectively, with an increase of electric voltage from 0 to 30 kV. In addition, the pore size of the mats produced from 12 wt% concentration decreases with the increase of electric voltage. Results showed that electroblown mats possess high filtration properties and performance. Enhancement of mechanical capturing efficiency is attributed to the reduction in fiber diameter and pore size. The enhancement of electrostatic capturing efficiency is thought to be from the improved electret property of the mats, which eliminates the need for a second step to polarize nanofibrous mats. As a result, both mechanical and electrostatic capture efficiency of the mats is enhanced compared to solution blown PVDF mats. The emerging electret property might be due to the accumulation of the electrostatic charges at high voltage and the enhanced polarized β phase, which is the result of the high drawing ratio applied to the polymer jet during the spinning process.
Detailed experimental and theoretical investigation of the thermomechanical properties of epoxy composites containing paraffin microcapsules for thermal management
Authors: Fredi Giulia , Dorigato Andrea , Fambri Luca , Pegoretti Alessandro
Published: March 2020

Microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) are being increasingly employed as functional fillers in polymer matrices for thermal management. Therefore, the effect of PCM microcapsules on the rheological, microstructural, thermal and mechanical properties of the host polymer matrices must be understood. This work concerned the preparation of epoxy polymers filled with PCM microcapsules (MC) in various concentrations and their subsequent characterization. The MC phase increases the viscosity of epoxy before curing, thereby reducing castability and hindering elimination of air bubbles. The latter was reflected in an increase in porosity for highly filled compositions, as elucidated by density measurements and microscopic investigation. SEM micrographs showed that the adhesion between the capsule shell and the epoxy matrix was not optimal. The interfacial weakness and the intrinsic low stiffness and strength of MC caused a reduction in mechanical properties, as evidenced by the Nicolais‐Narkis and Pukanszky models. On the other hand, at zero or low deformation levels, the interface presents no gaps and is able to transfer load and heat, as demonstrated by the data of elastic modulus, modeled with the Halpin‐Tsai and Lewis‐Nielsen models, and those of thermal conductivity, in excellent agreement with the Pal model. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2020. © 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers
Analytical shell models for light atoms
Authors: Finzel Kati
Published: March 2020

A parameter‐free analytical representation for the Pauli potential is presented. Minimization with respect to the energy yields a single minimum for H and He atoms, while for atoms from Li to C the energy landscape exhibits two separate minima with the proposed ansatz for the Pauli potential. Here, one of the local minima results in structured electron densities, while the other minimum is connected with an unstructured electron density. For the atoms from N to Ne, only the unstructured solution is found. Total energies resulting from the structured electron density lie in all cases above the corresponding orbital‐based Kohn–Sham (KS) data, obtained from a Slater determinant obeying the fermionic nature of the electrons, while the unstructured solution yields total energies far below the KS data. The proposed ansatz seems to allow for both energetic minima: the first one accounting for the fermionic nature of the electrons, while the second one showing Boson‐like characteristics. Thus, the proposed ansatz provides new insight for systematic approaches in orbital‐free density functional theory.
Design of optimal interval observers using set‐theoretic methods for robust state estimation
Authors: Xu Feng , Tan Junbo , Raïssi Tarek , Liang Bin
Published: March 2020

This article aims to design an optimal interval observer for discrete linear time‐invariant systems. Particularly, the proposed design method first transforms the interval observer into a zonotopic set‐valued observer by establishing an explicit mathematical relationship between the interval observer and the zonoptopic set‐valued observer. Then, based on the established mathematical relationship, a locally optimal observer gain is designed for the interval observer via the equivalent zonotopic set‐valued observer structure and the Frobenious norm‐based size of zonotopes. Third, considering that the dynamics of the optimal interval observer becomes a discrete linear time‐varying system due to the designed time‐varying optimal gain, an optimization problem to obtain a coordinate transformation matrix and the locally optimal observer gain for the interval observer is formulated and handled. Finally, a theoretic comparison on the conservatism of the interval observer and the zonotopic set‐valued observer is made. At the end of this article, a microbial growth bioprocess is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Synergy Derived from Bimetal Co−Cu in Phosphate to Enables Ultrafast Catalytic Hydrogenated Activity in Nitrophenol Reduction
Authors: Wang Jin , Gao Shuying , Hu Xu , Zhou Shijian , Yang Fu , Kong Yan
Published: March 2020

Herein, we report Co−Cu bimetal integrated phosphate catalyst, unexpectedly enables ultrafast catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol within 40 s by right of the synergy of bimetals. Impressively, the reaction induction period observed might indicate the deoxygenation of metal oxide units in phosphate, however, which was eliminated using bimetal (Co−Cu) phosphate at 30 °C and 40 °C. The calculated reaction rate constant is 4.78 min−1 at 30 °C, which exhibits a very high superiority compared to other reported cobalt‐based catalysts. This study offers the possibility for the ultrafast catalytic reduction and elimination of toxic nitrophenol using efficient‐cost transition metal catalysts.
Cobalt(II) Benzazole Derivative Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, Antibacterial and Synergistic Activity
Authors: Nandanwar Sondavid K. , Borkar Shweta B. , Wijaya Bryan Nathanael , Cho Joung Hyung , Tarte Naresh H. , Jun Kim Hak
Published: March 2020

In this study, we synthesized the cobalt(II) chelation free complexes (1–3) with the general formula of [CoCl2L2] containing monodentate ligands (L=2‐methylbenzimidazole (L1), 2‐methylbenzoxazole (L2), and 2‐methylbenzothiazole (L3) and fully characterized by UV‐vis, FT‐IR spectroscopy, and the crystal structures of 1–3 were determined by X‐ray crystallography. Complexes 1–3 showed substantial antibacterial activity against tested bacteria. Complexes 2 and 3 were more active against S. aureus with the Minimum Inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 12.5 μg/mL compared to other bacteria. Complexes 1–3 exhibited strong synergy with ampicillin (AMP) against Methicillin Resistant S. aureus strains (MRSA). Interestingly, complexes 2 and 3 in combination with AMP showed the membrane permeabilization of MRSA. This indicates that complexes 2 and 3 in combination with AMP had bacterial membrane disruption as a possible mechanism of action.
2D HSQC Chemical Shifts of Impurities from Biomass Pretreatment
Authors: Bryant Nathan , G. Yoo Chang , Pu Yunqiao , Ragauskas Arthur J.
Published: March 2020

Two dimensional (2D) heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a powerful analytical method which can be used to elucidate the structure of biomass. During processing, biomass is typically subjected to some form of chemical treatment which can be performed with a variety of compounds. The presence of these compounds, even in trace amounts, has the potential to contaminate the sample and lead to misinterpretation of the HSQC spectra. Here we report the chemical shifts of 29 compounds commonly used in biomass processing which have the potential to contaminate the biomass samples and lead to the misinterpretation of peaks associated with biomass (Populus trichocarpa) pretreated via autohydrolysis. The identification of these chemical shifts could serve as a valuable tool in preventing errors in characterizing biomass via HSQC.
Suppressing Shallow Defect of Printable Mesoscopic Perovskite Solar Cells with a N719@TiO2 Inorganic–Organic Core–Shell Structured Additive
Authors: Xu Liang , Li Yiming , Shi Jiangjian , Robertson Neil , Wu Wenjun , Meng Qingbo , Tian He
Published: March 2020

Shallow defects are one of the energy states that trap photoexcited electrons leading to charge recombination and limit the increase in the photocurrent of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Due to the large perovskite thickness and uncontrollable crystallization processes, suppressing shallow defects, especially methylamine (MA) vacancies, has become a key challenge for fully printable PSCs. Herein, nano‐TiO2 is unprecedentedly used to load the commercial dye N719, forming N719@TiO2 nanoparticles, which crucially improves the passivation effect of MA vacancies on the surface of perovskite and charge extraction, by the unbounded carboxyl group of N719 as a shell on the surface of TiO2. Meanwhile, the core TiO2 serves as a centre to bind the dyes, assisting the perovskite crystallization and enhancing the passivation effect. It is found that the charge extraction increases to 1.8007 × 10−9 C for the devices based on N719@TiO2 from 1.5507 × 10−9 C for the control group. Simultaneously, the short‐circuit current density (Jsc) is significantly enhanced to 23.58 mA cm−2 in the device containing N719@TiO2 over that of the control device (21.95 mA cm−2). This opens up a novel pathway to reduce shallow defects in PSCs via organic passivator with carboxyl anchoring group loaded on n‐type semiconductors (nano‐TiO2).
Reaction Pathway for Efficient Cu2ZnSnSe4 Solar Cells from Alloyed CuSn Precursor via a Cu‐Rich Selenization Stage
Authors: Pareek Devendra , Taskesen Teoman , Márquez José A. , Stange Helena , Levcenco Sergiu , Simsek Ibrahim , Nowak David , Pfeiffelmann Timo , Chen Wenjian , Stroth Christiane , Sayed Mohamed H. , Mikolajczak Ulf , Parisi Jürgen , Unold Thomas , Mainz Roland , Gütay Levent
Published: March 2020

The selenization of stacked elemental metallic layers (CuSn–Zn) is a commonly reported approach in kesterite Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) processing. CZTSe formation via this approach usually involves a reaction route containing binary selenides, such as SnSe2−x. The high volatility of these phases at the necessary annealing temperatures (500–550 °C) makes this reaction pathway prone to Sn loss, which makes it challenging to control the composition and quality of the grown material. Herein, an approach based on stacked elemental and alloyed precursors is reported, and the benefits of using a Zn/CuSn/Zn configuration are discussed. The absence of nonalloyed elemental Sn helps in suppressing the formation and subsequent evaporation of SnSe2−x phases, preventing Sn loss from the film during selenization. This reaction pathway involves a process scheme which 1) starts with the growth of CZTSe in a “Cu‐rich” environment, 2) includes a shift of the composition by supply of SnSe2−x vapor, and 3) terminates in the “Cu‐poor” regime, leading to device efficiencies above 10%. This composition shift in the presented process appears similar to the final stage of the commonly known CIGSe three‐stage coevaporation.
Participation in structured STEM‐focused out‐of‐school time programs in secondary school: Linkage to postsecondary STEM aspiration and major
Authors: Chan Hsun‐Yu , Choi Hyejin , Hailu Meseret F. , Whitford Melinda , Duplechain DeRouen Sheila
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we explore how secondary school students' participation in structured, math‐ and science‐focused programs outside of school is associated with the aspiration to, and actual enrollment in, a STEM major in college. Moreover, we examine how varying sociodemographic backgrounds are related to their participation in these programs. Using expectancy‐value theory and social cognitive career theory as our conceptual frameworks, we conduct a path analysis based on a nationally representative panel dataset. Results indicate that students who participate in structured science‐focused out‐of‐school programs in eighth grade are more likely to express an aspiration to and choosing a STEM major in college. The intersection of sociodemographic backgrounds further highlights the intricate differences in math‐focused programs participation outside of school between Latinx and White adolescents of varying socioeconomic status.
Bounds on non-standard interactions of neutrinos from IceCube DeepCore data
Authors: Demidov S.V.
Published: March 2020

Abstract

New physics in neutrino sector can reveal itself via non-standard neutrino in- teractions which can result in modification of the standard picture of neutrino propagation in matter. Experiments with atmospheric neutrinos has been used to probe this scenario. Using publicly available three-year low energy data in IceCube DeepCore we place bounds on the parameters Eαβ of non-standard neutrino interactions in propagation. We obtain re- strictive constraints not only for μτ sector but also for flavor changing interactions involving electron neutrinos.
Dynamic transfer of soil bacteria and dissolved organic carbon into small streams during hydrological events
Authors: Caillon Florian , Schelker Jakob
Published: March 2020

Small headwater streams interlink catchment soils with the river network. As water makes its way from the hillslopes to the stream, it may transport dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and potentially soil microbes into stream water. In this study, we aimed at quantifying the dynamic transfer of DOC and microbial life, namely bacteria from catchment soils into streams. We hypothesized that increased soil saturation enhances the lateral inflow of bacteria and DOC into streams. To address this hypothesis, we sampled six first order streams and three soil transects at two different depths located within the pre-alpine Oberer Seebach (OSB) catchment in Austria over a duration of 2 years. We found a strong variation in DOC concentrations (range 0.4–5.6 mg L−1) and bacterial abundances (range < 500,000–3,863,000 cells mL−1) measured by flow-cytometry. The highest values of DOC and bacterial cells occurred during high flow events. DOC concentration and bacterial abundance were correlated across all streams and seasons. In soils, DOC ranges were higher and were also correlated with bacterial abundance, while DOC concentrations were ∼ 10 times higher per bacterial cell than in streams. Overall we show that soils provide a dynamic inflow of bacteria and DOC to first order streams. Most probably, this results in a dynamic and reoccurring inoculation of small streams from catchment soils during runoff events. We propose that this dynamic microbial inoculation of small streams is potentially relevant for microbial community dynamics of downstream receiving waters.