bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ONE-DAY THYROID SURGERY - POSSIBILITIES AND LIMITATIONS
Authors: Mitić Stefan , Živić Rastko , Miljković Nikola , Kasalović Mladen , Balović Aleksandra , Paskaš Jovo
Published: November 2024

Introduction: This study highlights the importance of transitioning to a modern approach to outpatient surgery, analyzing the safety and feasibility of this treatment model in patients undergoing hemithyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy, with a focus on postoperative complications.

Materials and Methods: Data were collected from the medical records of 626 patients over a five-year period, from 2011 to 2015, at the Surgery Clinic of the "Dr Dragiša Mišović – Dedinje" in Belgrade. This period allowed for a reliable analysis of the safety and feasibility of outpatientthyroid surgery.

Results: A total of 97 hemithyroidectomies and 529 total thyroidectomies were performed. The average age of hemithyroidectomy patients was 51.24 years, and for total thyroidectomy patients, it was 54.88 years. The most common substrates were benign tumors (over 50%) for hemithyroidectomies and multinodular goiters (almost 50%) for total thyroidectomies. The average hospital stay was 1 day for hemithyroidectomies and 1.48 days for total thyroidectomies. Complications included postoperative bleeding (0.57%), subcutaneous hematoma (1.32%), subcutaneous seroma (2.08%), temporary hypocalcemia or hypoparathyroidism (18.9%), permanent hypocalcemia or hypoparathyroidism (0.76%), temporary vocal cord paralysis (2.65%), permanent vocal cord paralysis (1.89%), bilateral vocal cord paralysis (0.19%), and mortality (0%).

Conclusion: The study confirmed the feasibility and safety of outpatient thyroid surgery, with minimal complications and short hospital stays, especially for hemithyroidectomy, but careful postoperative monitoring is required for patients undergoing total thyroidectomy. 
Ventilator-associated pneumonia rates in a level I trauma intensive care unit in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, compared with international benchmarks
Authors: Ngxabi B , Hardcastle T C
Published: November 2024

Background. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common nosocomial infection in critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. Despite the huge healthcare economic burden and the significant negative morbidity and mortality impact of VAP, its incidence and outcomes in the trauma ICU (TICU) population were poorly documented in South Africa (SA).
Objectives. To determine the incidence of VAP in a level I trauma centre at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban, SA, compared with international benchmarks. Determining mortality rates, the average length and cost of ICU stay, ventilator days and antibiotic consumption was a secondary objective.
Methods. This retrospective chart review of the trauma registry at the centre examined the incidence of VAP and secondary outcomes over the period January 2017 - December 2019. A data pro forma was used with VAP diagnoses as per the 2015 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention definitions. The comparator was international literature-based benchmark VAP rates in TICUs.
Results. The study included 395 patients, of whom 143 (36.2%) were diagnosed with VAP. The VAP rate was calculated to be 35.6 per 1 000 ventilator days. Thirty-one patients with VAP (21.7%) died in the ICU, a similar figure to that for the non-VAP group (22.6%). There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, mechanism of injury or Injury Severity Score between the VAP and non-VAP groups (p>0.05). There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in number of days on mechanical ventilation, ICU length of stay and ICU cost. The VAP group had a median of 12 ventilation days v. 5 days for the non-VAP group (p<0.001), and spent a median of 7 days longer in the ICU (p<0.001). The median cost of ICU stay for VAP patients was almost double that for non-VAP patients (p<0.001).
Conclusion. VAP rates in this local TICU were similar to international rates. Trauma patients, especially those with traumatic brain injury, are at higher risk of VAP than general ICU patients, so strict adherence to evidence-based VAP prevention bundles is necessary among TICU staff.
Enhancing the criminology of mobility: A need for interdisciplinary and multi-sited research approaches. Introduction
Authors: Fernandez-Bessa Cristina , Ferraris Valeria , Klaus Witold , Kox Mieke
Published: November 2024

Scholars from various disciplines, geographic locations and research traditions have examined border dynamics – investigating what occurs at borders, how it happens, its origins, consequences and normative implications. This has given rise to the burgeoning field of the “Criminology of Mobility”, an academic discipline focussed on issues such as citizenship, race, gender, ethnicity and immigration control. This relatively new and innovative academic discipline delves into the processes of inclusion and exclusion both at and within state borders, often employing methods traditionally associated with the criminal justice system, law enforcement and military operations – frequently without the safeguards typically in place. Scholars in this field investigate how existing inequalities – particularly those related to gender, race, nationality and class – are exacerbated by new power structures and systems of belonging. We have observed that there remains a notable lack of diversity in research from global regions, as well as a lack of attention to the perspectives of those directly affected by or involved in border control mechanisms and their extraterritorial dimensions. This special issue is a step to address this gap.
A novel deep neural network-based technique for network embedding
Authors: Benbatata Sabrina , Saoud Bilal , Shayea Ibraheem , Alsharabi Naif , Alhammadi Abdulraqeb , Alferaidi Ali , Jadi Amr , Daradkeh Yousef Ibrahim
Published: November 2024

In this paper, the graph segmentation (GSeg) method has been proposed. This solution is a novel graph neural network framework for network embedding that leverages the inherent characteristics of nodes and the underlying local network topology. The key innovation of GSeg lies in its encoder-decoder architecture, which is specifically designed to preserve the network’s structural properties. The key contributions of GSeg are: (1) a novel graph neural network architecture that effectively captures local and global network structures, and (2) a robust node representation learning approach that achieves superior performance in various network analysis tasks. The methodology employed in our study involves the utilization of a graph neural network framework for the acquisition of node representations. The design leverages the inherent characteristics of nodes and the underlying local network topology. To enhance the architectural framework of encoder- decoder networks, the GSeg model is specifically devised to exhibit a structural resemblance to the SegNet model. The obtained empirical results on multiple benchmark datasets demonstrate that the GSeg outperforms existing state-of-the-art methods in terms of network structure preservation and prediction accuracy for downstream tasks. The proposed technique has potential utility across a range of practical applications in the real world.
Deep Learning and Genetic Algorithms Approach for Age Estimation Based on Facial Images
Authors: Aruleba Idowu T. , Sun Yanxia
Published: November 2024

Age estimation of an individual facial image has become a fascinating research topic due to its wide range of applications in real-world scenarios. In literature, significant research has been done using various techniques and approaches; these studies gave a good outcome, making this area of research a state-of-the-art area for research and giving space for more enhanced accuracy. This study aims to improve age estimation using facial biometric features by applying deep learning and transfer learning techniques. By doing this, the research aims to solve the problem of inaccurate age estimation based on facial images. This study proposed using an improved Genetic Algorithm coupled with a Convolutional Neural network (CNN) model (EfficientNet-B0) to estimate age on the Adience benchmark dataset. This study applied a Genetic algorithm for the selection of hyperparameters to help achieve an optimal result. The EfficientNet-B0 + Genetic Algorithm (GA) model's estimation accuracy yielded a good accuracy of 86.5%, which shows an improvement compared to work in the literature that used other models.
A Study of the Role of Income, Consumption Patterns and Time in Shaping Food Expenditure in India
Authors: A A Sangma, , P T Lazarus, , F Thasnimol, , A Kuruvila, , A C Chanran, , P G Pratheesh,
Published: November 2024

Aims: we sought to determine the key factors affecting per capita monthly expenditure on food across Indian states over time.
Study Design:  This is a quantitative, cross-sectional study that uses existing data from National Sample Survey (NSS), 61st, 66th and 68th rounds.
Methodology: We compiled datasets on 10 independent variables believed to influence monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) across 17 Indian states over three distinct time periods (2004-05, 2009-10, 2011-12). These variables include household size, dependency ratio, milk availability, Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), literacy rate, a time dummy variable, poverty rate, and consumption patterns of cereals, pulses, and non-vegetarian food.
Results: The analysis of 68 observations identified key factors influencing household food consumption expenditure. milk consumption showed a positive correlation with expenditure, yielding a coefficient of 1.106 (p =0.001) as did literacy rate (coefficient = 10.018, p = 0.045), expenditure on non-food items (coefficient = 0.086, p = 0.001), and expenditure share on eggs and meat (coefficient = 29.011, p = 0.001). Time dummy variables indicated rising expenditures over time, with coefficients of 517.76 (p = 0.001) for 2009-10, 703.93 (p = 0.001) for 2011-12, and 2324.29 (p = 0.001) for 2022-23. Overall, the model accounted for 90.9% of the variance in food consumption expenditure.
Conclusion: Higher per capita milk availability leads to increased overall food spending, while the time factor indicates a trend of rising expenditures, likely linked to changing consumption patterns and incomes. literacy rate also positively affect food expenditure choices The analysis also shows that spending on protein-rich foods, such as eggs and meat, positively affects overall food expenditure.
Exploring the Attributes of Customer Delight among Mall Shoppers in Davao City
Authors: Alghosain Khaled , Hinlayagan Kymwell R.
Published: November 2024

This study examined the factors contributing to customer delight among mall shoppers through explanatory factor analysis. There were five (5) key informants who participated in interviews to identify the factors of customer delight. Based on their responses, the researcher identified 50 factors, which were surveyed among 250 randomly selected shoppers to determine how these factors influenced their customer delight. Latent constructs were identified as attributes of customer delight. These constructs included Digital Integration, which refers to innovative technologies and the seamless blending of online and offline experiences; Service Quality, which refers to maintenance and courteous customer service; Customer Experience, which refers to the variety of stores, high product quality, and a pleasant ambiance; and Loyalty Convenience, which refers to essential amenities and efficient shopping processes. These findings provide valuable insights for mall managers and retailers aiming to foster customer satisfaction and loyalty and remain competitive in the evolving retail landscape. By prioritizing these factors, shopping malls can create a holistic and engaging shopping experience that meets evolving consumer preferences and maintains a competitive edge.
Assessment of Cashew Varieties against Apple and Nut Borer, Thylocoptila paurosema (Phycitidae: Lepidoptera)
Authors: R Girish , N. R Vinay , C. S Ravi , H. R Shruthi
Published: November 2024

Cashew is influenced by many of the pest out of which cashew apple and nut borer is one of the most important pest which causes economic losses, by considering the importance of this pest a field experiment was conducted at college of Horticulture, Mudigere during the year 2022. Field screening was assessed with cashew varieties to find out the less preferred variety with possible biochemical constituent against incidence of apple and nut borer in a complete randomised block design. Results revealed that, the mean incidence of apple and nut borer showed the least per cent damage in cultivar Priyanka (20.00 %), followed by VRI 3 (20.75 %) and Dhanashree (21.52 %) and highest infestation was recorded in cultivar Sulabha with 43.05 per cent damage during fruiting stage of cashew which was found highly susceptible. Relationship between cashew apple and nut borer with biochemical constituents showed negatively correlated with vitamin C (0.39) and tannin (0.23) with significant impact on pest damage. The Cashew apple and nut borer pest confined to the fruit and nut bearing stage of the crop with a peak incidence during summer season. None of the varieties screened were found resistant to apple and nut borer damage to some extent variety Priyanka is less preferred, while vitamin c and tannin content in fruits showed tolerance to some extent of damage.
Impact of Molybdenum Foliar Application on Black Bean Development and Seed Production
Authors: Ribeiro Fabio da Silva , Pagliarini Maximiliano Kawahata
Published: November 2024

Bean is a crop of great importance to Brazilian agriculture, due to their relevance for population diet and also as it is one of the countries that produces and consumes more beans. However, their production remains low and one of the reasons may be the failure in absorbing the most of the fertilization applied. Therefore, research is needed to find ways to ensure maximum efficiency and absorption of nutrients by plants, such as the use of Molybdenum application via foliar. The objective of the work was to evaluate the development and yield of beans with foliar application of Molybdenum. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks in a 2 x 4 x 3 factorial scheme (sowing season x doses x application time), with treatments consisting of two sowing season: autumn/winter (sowing in February - dry season) and spring/summer (sowing in October – rainy season), four Mo doses (0, 50, 150 and 300 ml ha-1 of commercial Mo based product) and three application times, starting the count after 50% plant emergence (10 days after emergence – DAE, 20 DAE and 30 DAE). The experiment was performed at the Experimental Farm of the Grand Dourados Federal University, at the municipality of Dourados, MS, Brazil. The Mo source was a commercial product with a concentration of 216 g l-1 Mo. Black beans were sown using a conventional procedure, with soil preparation by subsoiling, harrowing and leveling. A pneumatic seeder was used with a spacing of 0.45 m, 12 seeds per meter of furrow, in plots of 5 x 5 m, totaling 10 plants per meter, a population of 222,222 plants ha-1 and depth of 0.02 m. For the agronomic evaluations, five plants per plot were collected at the end, when the crop reached physiological maturity, in the central line, for the following determinations: number of pods per plant; number of seeds per plant; number of seeds per pod; mass of a thousand seeds and yield. Positive Results in yield components and effective yield of black-beans were found when 50 ml ha-1 of molybdenum was applied via foliar application. Although it was not one of the objectives of the study, it was concluded that the amount of rainfall in the crop cycle affects the action of molybdenum on bean plants.
Deterministic and Stochastic Nonlinear Schistosomiasis Model with Delay and Vaccination
Authors: YAPI Brou Edmond Narcisse , N’ZI Modeste
Published: November 2024

A worldwide approach is needed to combat schistosomiasis, one that addresses the disease’s mollusc problem, treats parasitised individuals, and enhances hygienic circumstances by getting rid of human waste. This paper presents a deterministic SIR delayed epidemiological model with vaccination that accounts for the dynamics of parasites in both molluscs and humans. Then, we will alter some of the coefficients to create a new stochastic SIR model that includes vaccination and delay, so expanding the range of possible control tactics. Using the Lyapunov function, we may analyse the above model to determine the necessary and sufficient conditions for the regularity, existence, and uniqueness of a global solution.
Furthermore, we examine the stochastic asymptotic stability of both the endemic and disease-free equilibrium points in this model. Finally, we present applications that highlight our overall findings.
A State-of-the-Art Review on Vortex Induced Vibrations Phenomenon Bladeless Wind Turbine Technology
Authors: Eldawy Reham S. , Ghorab Ashraf A. , Sayed Moustafa M.,
Published: November 2024

Vortex bladeless wind turbine (VBWT) is a new wind power extraction technology that is dependent on the Aero-elasticity phenomenon that is called vortex induced vibrations – VIV – which is derived from the study of flow induced vibrations, it is the phenomenon that arises from the interaction of inertial, structural and aerodynamic forces over a bluff body. it has been found that when Air – ideal gas - flows around a body an induced oscillatory motion can be established by vortex shedding. By leveraging the induced oscillatory motion resulting from VIV, Vortex Bladeless aims to generate power in a novel way. The absence of traditional blades sets this technology apart from conventional wind turbines and introduces different dynamics in the extraction of wind energy. VBWT devices are particularly advantageous in low to moderate wind situations, where traditional turbines may prove inefficient or unfeasible. Moreover, their reduced noise levels and compact size render them suitable for urban or ecologically sensitive regions. The selection of this new technology to be investigated and studied will play an important role in wind energy field of study opening a new chapter in the development of this kind of renewable energy, leading to generate power with a lesser cost than that produced by the conventional wind turbines by 40 %. Nonetheless, the efficacy of VBWT may be constrained in high-wind conditions where conventional turbines thrive, and their performance is significantly influenced by certain design and resonance attributes.
Productivity and Profitability of Cropping System and Row Ratio on the Performance of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) + Linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) Intercropping System
Authors: Verma Aparna , Yadav R. B. , Verma Sandeep Kumar , Singh Swati , Roy Shalini , Singh Preeti
Published: November 2024

An experiment was conducted to determine the performance of chickpea + linseed intercropping system at crop research center of SVPUA&T, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The field trail was laid on sandy clay loam soil with proper drainage facilities, with low levels of available nitrogen and organic carbon, medium levels of phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, and pH that were moderately alkaline, during 2021-22. The experiment comprised of Chickpea and linseed variety Avrodhi and Garima respectively was tested in a split plot design with three replications and 16 treatment combinations consisting 4 intercropping and 4 cropping modules. viz., chickpea sole, linseed sole, chickpea + linseed in ratio of 1:1, chickpea + linseed in ratio of 2:1 and 4 cropping module viz., control without application of any kind of nutrient, inorganic module with the recommended dose of fertilizer, organic module with FYM, Trichoderma, seed inoculation by Rhizobium, and PSB, and natural module with seed treatment beejamrutha, foliar application of jeevamrutha, and soil application of panchgavya. Among Intercropping system the maximum grain yield, stover yield, biological yield, harvest index and economics was recorded significantly with the combinations of 2:1 Chickpea + Linseed intercropping system. However, under cropping system modules the highest productivity and profitability of these parameters was recorded significantly with inorganic module over rest of the modules.
Spatial Analysis of School Accessibility in Tarutung District and Its Policy Implications
Authors: Siagian Indra Sumarwijaya , Badaruddin  , Revida Erika
Published: November 2024

This study evaluates the accessibility of Junior High School (SMP) educational facilities in Tarutung District, North Tapanuli Regency, with a focus on addressing socio-economic disparities and geographic challenges. Using spatial analysis methods such as buffer and overlay analysis, combined with the Neighborhood Unit theory, the research identifies critical gaps in educational access. Findings reveal that 77.41% of the district's area falls outside the ideal accessibility radius for schools, highlighting significant inequities for students in remote and underserved areas. Contributing factors include inadequate public transportation and the uneven distribution of schools, compounded by the zoning system for student admissions, which prioritizes proximity without considering geographic and infrastructural barriers. This study recommends redistributing educational facilities, enhancing transportation infrastructure, and revising zoning policies to better address regional needs. The findings underscore the importance of integrating socio-economic and spatial considerations into educational planning. By improving accessibility, these recommendations aim to foster equitable and inclusive education. This research provides a foundation for future studies and policy initiatives in other regions facing similar challenges.
Effective Teaching as Described by Teachers who Are Also Doctoral Students: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
Authors:   Grand Canyon University, Maguire Kelly R. , Anderson Amy M. ,   Spokane Community College
Published: November 2024

Teachers' roles in their students' lives cannot be underestimated because they impact students in various ways. However, what makes a good teacher is often based on personal perspectives and values, making it subjective. This qualitative descriptive study sought to explore how teachers, who are also students or recent graduates of a teaching and learning doctoral degree program, define effective teaching and describe the characteristics of effective teachers. Data were collected using semi-structured, conversational interviews. The findings revealed that effective teachers exemplify three characteristics: rapport, communication, and passion. Recommendations for practitioners and future research are included.

Keywords: effective teaching, teachers, students, rapport, communication, passion
A readout of metabolic efficiency in arylamine N‐acetyltransferase‐deficient mice reveals minor energy metabolism changes
Authors: Denis Raphaël G.P. , Busi Florent , Castel Julien , Morel Chloé , Zhang Wenchao , Bui Linh‐Chi , Sugamori Kim S. , Prokopec Stephenie D. , Boutros Paul C. , Grant Denis M. , Rodrigues‐Lima Fernando , Luquet Serge , Dupret Jean‐Marie
Published: March 2019

Recent studies have revealed a possible link between the activities of polymorphic arylamine N‐acetyltransferases (NATs) and energy metabolism. We used a Nat1/Nat2 double knockout (KO) mouse model to demonstrate that ablation of the two Nat genes is associated with modest, intermittent alterations in respiratory exchange rate. Pyruvate tolerance tests show that double KO mice have attenuated hepatic gluconeogenesis when maintained on a high‐fat/high‐sucrose diet. Absence of the two Nat genes also leads to an increase in the hepatic concentration of coenzyme A in mice fed a high‐fat/high‐sucrose diet. Our results suggest a modest involvement of NAT in energy metabolism in mice, which is consistent with the absence of major phenotypic deregulation of energy metabolism in slow human acetylators.
The development of violence from age 8 to 61
Authors: Farrington David P.
Published: March 2019

The main aim of this study is to investigate the development of violence from childhood to adulthood. In the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development (CSDD), 411 London males have been followed up from age 8 to 48 in interviews, and from age 10 to 61 in criminal records; 19% were convicted for violence. There was a surprising amount of violence committed at older ages (40–61). The number of violence convictions was similar at ages 10–20, 21–39, and 40–61. There was considerable continuity in violent offending from ages 10–20 to 40–61. There was also continuity in self‐reported violence from ages 15–18 to 43–48, and violence convictions were related to self‐reported violence at all ages. The most important childhood risk factors for violence convictions were high daring or risk‐taking, low verbal intelligence, a disrupted family, harsh parental discipline, high hyperactivity, and large family size. The extent to which these risk factors predicted violence at ages 40–61 was noteworthy. The “integrated cognitive antisocial potential (ICAP)” theory was proposed to explain the development of violence, and methods of preventing violence, targeting childhood risk factors, were reviewed.
Repurposing the KCa3.1 inhibitor senicapoc for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jin Lee‐Way , Lucente Jacopo Di , Nguyen Hai M. , Singh Vikrant , Singh Latika , Chavez Monique , Bushong Trevor , Wulff Heike , Maezawa Izumi
Published: March 2019

Objective

Microglia play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We here tested the therapeutic hypothesis that the Ca2+‐activated potassium channel KCa3.1 constitutes a potential target for treating AD by reducing neuroinflammation.

Methods

To determine if KCa3.1 is relevant to AD, we tested if treating cultured microglia or hippocampal slices with Aβ oligomer (AβO) activated KCa3.1 in microglia, and if microglial KCa3.1 was upregulated in 5xFAD mice and in human AD brains. The expression/activity of KCa3.1 was examined by qPCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and whole‐cell patch‐clamp. To investigate the role of KCa3.1 in AD pathology, we resynthesized senicapoc, a clinically tested KCa3.1 blocker, and determined its pharmacokinetic properties and its effect on microglial activation, Aβ deposition and hippocampal long‐term potentiation (hLTP) in 5xFAD mice.

Results

We found markedly enhanced microglial KCa3.1 expression/activity in brains of both 5xFAD mice and AD patients. In hippocampal slices, microglial KCa3.1 expression/activity was increased by AβO treatment, and its inhibition diminished the proinflammatory and hLTP‐impairing activities of AβO. Senicapoc exhibited excellent brain penetrance and oral availability, and in 5xFAD mice, reduced neuroinflammation, decreased cerebral amyloid load, and enhanced hippocampal neuronal plasticity.

Interpretation

Our results prompt us to propose repurposing senicapoc for AD clinical trials, as senicapoc has excellent pharmacological properties and was safe and well‐tolerated in a prior phase‐3 clinical trial for sickle cell anemia. Such repurposing has the potential to expedite the urgently needed new drug discovery for AD.
High‐frequency motor rehabilitation in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zucchi Elisabetta , Vinceti Marco , Malagoli Carlotta , Fini Nicola , Gessani Annalisa , Fasano Antonio , Rizzi Romana , Sette Elisabetta , Cavazza Stefano , Fiocchi Alena , Buja Sergio , Faccioli Tiziana , Storani Simone , Mandrioli Jessica
Published: March 2019

Objective

Exercise may be physically and psychologically important for people with ALS, especially in the earlier stages of the disease, and, as a consequence, current ALS clinical management includes individualized rehabilitation as part of multidisciplinary care because. However, while recent studies focused on which type of exercise is more indicated to ALS patients, there is no evidence at which frequency training sessions should be performed.

Methods

We performed an assessor blinded randomized clinical trial to investigate the superiority of two different frequencies of exercise on rate of progression in ALS. We enrolled 65 patients in two groups: intensive exercise regimen (IER, five sessions/week) versus usual exercise regimen (UER, two sessions/week). The primary aim was to assess if IER decreased disease progression, measured through Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale‐Revised, with respect to UER. Secondary aims included assessment of adverse events, tracheostomy‐free survival, motor and respiratory functions, fatigue, quality of life and caregiver burden. Treatment regimen consisted for both groups of the same kind of exercise including aerobic training, endurance training, stretching or assisted active mobilization, differing for frequency of intervention.

Results

No significant changes in disease progression were found in patients under IER versus UER. At the end of the study, there were no significant differences between the two groups in survival, respiratory function, time to supporting procedures, and quality of life. Adverse events, fatigue, and caregiver burden were not different between the two treatment regimens.

Conclusions

Despite some limitations, our trial demonstrated that high‐frequency physical exercise was not superior to UER on ALSFRS‐R scores, motor and respiratory functions, survival, fatigue, and quality of life of ALS patients.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Zr–Al–Ni–Cu Metallic Glassy Particles Reinforced 7056 Al Alloy Matrix Composites Obtained by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Tan Wenliang , Huang Lanping , Li Song , He Jun
Published: March 2019

New 7056 aluminum alloy matrix composites reinforced with Zr55Al10Ni5Cu30 metallic glassy particles are successfully fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) combined with gas‐atomization method. The highly dense bulk body is obtained by utilizing the viscous flow behavior of the glassy powder within the supercooled liquid region. The addition of amorphous reinforcing phase significantly increases the yield strength of Al alloys in compression from 322 to 455 MPa, with retaining a fracture strain ranging between 26% and 16%. It is confirmed that the mutual diffusion of elements takes place between Al alloy matrix and glassy reinforcement during SPS process. The imposed stress and temperature by SPS affect the mutual diffusion and elemental distribution at interface. The increased mechanical response is ascribed to the uniform distribution of the glassy particles and good interfacial bonding. The mechanical properties of such composites can be accurately described by the iso‐stress model involving the matrix‐strengthening mechanism.
Effect of Three Different Finishing Processes on the Surface Morphology and Fatigue Life of A357.0 Parts Produced by Laser‐Based Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Gatto Andrea , Bassoli Elena , Denti Lucia , Sola Antonella , Tognoli Emanuele , Comin Andrea , Porro Juan Antonio , Cordovilla Francisco , Angulo Ignacio , Ocaña Jose Luis
Published: March 2019

A357.0 parts are processed by laser‐based powder bed fusion and surface finished via plastic media blasting, ceramic sand blasting, and laser shock processing. The morphological analysis proves that plastic media blasting causes the most effective peak removal, the most efficient decrease in valley depth, and the greatest reduction in surface roughness. All the surface finishing processes enhance the fatigue life, however ceramic sand blasting bring about the greatest increase in the value of σmax for an infinite fatigue life limit of 2 × 106 cycles. The experimental results suggest therefore that the infinite fatigue life value is more sensitive to the residual stress state engendered by ceramic sand blasting than to the reduction in surface roughness. Breakthrough cracks start at the interface between crushed or modified surface particles and the underlying macro‐surface. However, at a distance of a few hundred microns from the crack initiation point, the fracture surface morphology become cellular for all the specimens.
Fused Benzothiadiazole: A Building Block for n‐Type Organic Acceptor to Achieve High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Yuan Jun , Zhang Yunqiang , Zhou Liuyang , Zhang Chujun , Lau Tsz‐Ki , Zhang Guichuan , Lu Xinhui , Yip Hin‐Lap , So Shu Kong , Beaupré Serge , Mainville Mathieu , Johnson Paul A. , Leclerc Mario , Chen Honggang , Peng Hongjian , Li Yongfang , Zou Yingping
Published: March 2019

Narrow bandgap n‐type organic semiconductors (n‐OS) have attracted great attention in recent years as acceptors in organic solar cells (OSCs), due to their easily tuned absorption and electronic energy levels in comparison with fullerene acceptors. Herein, a new n‐OS acceptor, Y5, with an electron‐deficient‐core‐based fused structure is designed and synthesized, which exhibits a strong absorption in the 600–900 nm region with an extinction coefficient of 1.24 × 105 cm−1, and an electron mobility of 2.11 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1. By blending Y5 with three types of common medium‐bandgap polymers (J61, PBDB‐T, and TTFQx‐T1) as donors, all devices exhibit high short‐circuit current densities over 20 mA cm−2. As a result, the power conversion efficiency of the Y5‐based OSCs with J61, TTFQx‐T1, and PBDB‐T reaches 11.0%, 13.1%, and 14.1%, respectively. This indicates that Y5 is a universal and highly efficient n‐OS acceptor for applications in organic solar cells.
Functionalized Porous Aromatic Frameworks as High‐Performance Adsorbents for the Rapid Removal of Boric Acid from Water
Authors: Kamcev Jovan , Taylor Mercedes K. , Shin Dong‐Myeong , Jarenwattananon Nanette N. , Colwell Kristen A. , Long Jeffrey R.
Published: March 2019

This study demonstrates that functionalized, highly porous polymers are promising for the adsorptive capture of boric acid, a neutral contaminant that is difficult to remove from seawater using conventional reverse osmosis membranes. Appending N‐methyl‐d‐glucamine (NMDG) to the pore walls of high‐surface‐area porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) yields the adsorbents PAF‐1‐NMDG and P2‐NMDG in a simple two‐step synthesis. The boron‐selective PAFs demonstrate adsorption capacities that are up to 70% higher than those of a commercial boron‐selective resin, Amberlite IRA743, and markedly faster adsorption rates, owing to their higher NMDG loadings and greater porosities relative to the resin. Remarkably, PAF‐1‐NMDG is able to reduce the boron concentration in synthetic seawater from 2.91 to <0.5 ppm in less than 3 min at an adsorbent loading of only 0.3 mg mL−1. The boron adsorption rate constants of both frameworks, determined via a pseudo‐second‐order rate model, represent the highest values reported in the literature—in most cases orders of magnitude higher than those of other boron‐selective adsorbents. The frameworks can also be readily regenerated via mild acid/base treatment and maintain constant boron adsorption capacities for at least 10 regeneration cycles. These results highlight the numerous advantages of PAFs over traditional porous polymers in water treatment applications.
Magneto‐Optical Metamaterials: Nonreciprocal Transmission and Faraday Effect Enhancement
Authors: Fan Bo , Nasir Mazhar E. , Nicholls Luke H. , Zayats Anatoly V. , Podolskiy Viktor A.
Published: March 2019

Magneto‐optical effects are at the heart of modern technologies providing opportunities for polarization control in laser physics and optical communications, metrology, and in high‐density data storage. Here a new type of a hyperbolic magneto‐optical metamaterial based on Au–Ni nanorod arrays is developed. The metamaterial exhibits an enhanced magneto‐optical response with large rotation of the polarization plane and nonreciprocal light transmission. The effective medium model that incorporates both plasmonic and magneto‐optical phenomena in complex multicomponent nanorod media is proposed and validated. The experimental and theoretical results indicate that the magneto‐optical response of the nanostructured metamaterial is drastically enhanced and spectrally modified with respect to bulk ferromagnetic media due to interplay between strong anisotropy and magnetic field induced polarization rotation.
Room Temperature Broadband Polariton Lasing from a Dye‐Filled Microcavity
Authors: Sannikov Denis , Yagafarov Timur , Georgiou Kyriacos , Zasedatelev Anton , Baranikov Anton , Gai Lizhi , Shen Zhen , Lidzey David , Lagoudakis Pavlos
Published: March 2019

A material system is proposed to generate polariton lasing at room temperature over a broad spectral range. The system developed is based on a boron‐dipyrromethene fluorescent dye (BODIPY‐G1) that is dispersed into a polystyrene matrix and used as the active layer of a strongly coupled microcavity. It is shown that the BODIPY‐G1 exciton polaritons undergo nonlinear emission over a broad range of exciton–cavity mode detuning in the green‐yellow portion of the visible spectrum, with polariton lasing achieved over a spectral range spanning 33 nm. The recorded linewidth of ≈0.1 nm corresponds to a condensate coherence lifetime of ≈1 ps. It is proposed that similar effects can be anticipated using a range of molecular dyes in the BODIPY family; a result that paves the way for tunable polariton devices over the visible and near‐infrared spectral region.
Approaching the Intrinsic Lifetime and Modulating a Graphene Plasmonic Resonance at a Few Hundred GHz
Authors: Ye Tong , Wang Bo , Wang Chun , Li Zhiyuan , Zhang Zhenwei , Jin Kuijuan , Wang Li , Yin Yan
Published: March 2019

Graphene‐based metamaterials exhibit large tunability, low insertion loss, and high field confinement compared with metal‐based structures. Graphene‐based metamaterials may find numerous applications in optical modulators, optoelectronic devices, and chemical sensors in the few‐hundred‐GHz and low‐THz regime, constituting a new frontier as electronics and wireless communication continuously push further to higher frequencies. However, the main challenge is overcoming loss in graphene‐based resonant applications. Here, a low‐loss graphene plasmonic resonant modulator is demonstrated that operates at a few hundred GHz and 1 THz. The modulation depth is in excess of 35% with two layers of graphene. Numerical simulations show good agreement with the experimental results and reveal 100–200 fs lifetimes, which are approaching the intrinsic lifetime of the graphene plasmon due to the suppression of loss from phonon and edge scattering. The above values are the closest to electronic frequencies and represent the longest plasmon lifetime and largest modulation depth in graphene plasmon resonance devices reported so far.
Hydroxyl Assisted Rhodium Catalyst Supported on Goethite Nanoflower for Chemoselective Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Fully Converted Nitrostyrenes
Authors: Hu Zenan , Ai Yongjian , Liu Lei , Zhou Junjie , Zhang Gang , Liu Hongqi , Liu Xiangyu , Liu Zhibo , Hu Jianshe , Sun Hong‐bin , Liang Qionglin
Published: March 2019

Control of chemoselectivity is a special challenge for the reduction of nitroarenes bearing one or more unsaturated groups. Here, we report a flower‐like Rh/α‐FeOOH catalyst for the chemoselective hydrogenation of nitrostyrene to vinylaniline over full conversion, which benefits the new functionalized aminostyrene because the multisubstituted aminostyrenes are usually commercially unavailable. This catalyst does not only show desirable selectivity for the vinylanilines, but also exhibits the inertness to various other reducible groups over wide reaction duration. The catalytic selectivity for the reduction of the nitro group towards vinyl group was investigated by the control experiments and FT‐IR analysis. We have found that the abundant hydroxyl groups in the α‐FeOOH may contribute to the improvement of catalytic activity and selectivity. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibits excellent stability and keeps its catalytic performance even after 6 cycles.

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Loop Swapping as a Potent Approach to Increase Ene Reductase Activity with Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH)
Authors: Mähler Christoph , Kratzl Franziska , Vogel Melina , Vinnenberg Stefan , Weuster‐Botz Dirk , Castiglione Kathrin
Published: March 2019

The asymmetric reduction of alkenes is a widely used transformation in industry. Ene reductases (ERs) are (βα)8‐barrel folded enzymes capable of catalyzing this hydrogenation reaction. At the expense of nicotinamide coenzymes, ERs can reduce a wide range of electron‐deficient alkenes in an anti‐specific manner and with high regio‐ and stereoselectivities. However, a cost‐effective industrial use of these enzymes is hampered, since most ERs prefer nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) to the more stable and less expensive non‐phosphorylated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) as coenzyme. Here, we demonstrate an approach to both modify the biocatalysts coenzyme selectivity and strongly increase the activity and affinity with NADH. By swapping loop regions of the cyanobacterial NostocER1 for the corresponding regions of two NADH‐favoring ERs, a strong alteration of the biocatalyst's coenzyme binding was achieved. This made possible a transfer of the respective donor‐ER kinetic parameters to NostocER1. Additionally, outperformance of both donors in terms of activity was achieved through combinatorial swapping of loops of both species. These findings demonstrate the high potential of loop swapping as protein engineering approach to selectively optimize the coenzyme binding of ERs.

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One‐Pot Cascade Synthesis of (3S)‐Hydroxyketones Catalyzed by Transketolase via Hydroxypyruvate Generated in Situ from d‐Serine by d‐Amino Acid Oxidase
Authors: L'enfant Mélanie , Bruna Felipe , Lorillière Marion , Ocal Nazim , Fessner Wolf‐Dieter , Pollegioni Loredano , Charmantray Franck , Hecquet Laurence
Published: March 2019

We described an efficient in situ generation of hydroxypyruvate from d‐serine catalyzed by a d‐amino acid oxidase from Rhodotorula gracilis. This strategy revealed an interesting alternative to the conventional chemical synthesis of hydroxypyruvate starting from toxic bromopyruvate or to the enzymatic transamination from l‐serine requiring an additional substrate as amino acceptor. Hydroxypyruvate thus produced was used as donor substrate of transketolases from Escherichia coli or from Geobacillus stearothermophilus catalyzing the stereoselective formation of a carbon−carbon bond. The enzymatic cascade reaction was performed in one‐pot in the presence of d‐serine and appropriate aldehydes for the synthesis of valuable (3S)‐hydroxyketones, which were obtained with high enantio‐ and diastereoselectivity and in good yield. The efficiency of the process was based on the irreversibility of both reactions allowing complete conversion of d‐serine and aldehydes.

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Co (II) Boron Imidazolate Framework with Rigid Auxiliary Linkers for Stable Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wen Tian , Zheng Yao , Zhang Jian , Davey Kenneth , Qiao Shi‐Zhang
Published: March 2019

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have significant potential for practical application in catalysis. However, many MOFs are shown to be sensitive to aqueous solution. This severely limits application of MOFs in electrocatalytic operations for energy production and storage. Here, a Co (II) boron imidazolate framework CoB(im)4(ndc)0.5 (BIF‐91, im = imidazolate, ndc = 2,6‐naphthalenedicarboxylate) that is rationally designed and successfully tested for electrocatalytic application in strong alkaline (pH ≈ 14) solution is reported. In such a BIF system, the inherent carboxylate species segment large channel spaces into multiple domains in which each single channel is filled with ndc ligands through the effect of zeolite channel confinement. These ligands, with strong CH···π interaction, act as a rigid auxiliary linker to significantly enhance the structural stability of the BIF‐91 framework. Additionally, the π‐conjugated effect in BIF‐91 stabilizes dopant Fe (III) at the atomic scale to construct Fe‐immobilized BIF‐91 (Fe@BIF‐91). Due to the synergistic effect between Fe (III) guest and Co (II) in the framework, the Fe@BIF‐91 acts as an active and stable electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline solution.
Synchrony in fall leaf drop: chlorophyll degradation, color change, and abscission layer formation in three temperate deciduous tree species
Authors: Primka Edward J. , Smith William K.
Published: March 2019

Premise of the Study

Deciduous tree species remove some nutrients from their leaves during fall leaf senescence through retranslocation. Retranslocation impacts the timeline of leaf fall, amount of active chlorophyll, and overall leaf nitrogen content as fall color change occurs. Our objective was to identify interspecific differences in the timing of abscission layer formation, leaf color change, and the level of chlorophyll degradation of young trees during fall senescence.

Methods

Leaf relative chlorophyll content for three tree species was measured during fall 2015 by a greenness meter. These measurements were calibrated for each species through spectrophotometric determination of leaf chlorophyll concentration. Abscission layer formation was tracked using light microscopy of sampled leaves. Excised leaves were photographed on a flat white surface to track species leaf color through time.

Key Results

All three species had different chlorophyll declination rates throughout the fall season. The maple species started with less chlorophyll and began abscission layer formation earlier. The other two species had a similar starting chlorophyll level and onset timing of abscission layer formation. Visible leaf color change was not associated with a threshold in either chlorophyll degradation or abscission layer formation across species.

Conclusions

Maple species degraded less chlorophyll on average, in the fall, than did the oak and beech species. The rate of chlorophyll degradation in coordination with abscission layer formation varied by species. Color change was not a good predictor of level of chlorophyll degradation in leaves across species.
Three‐Component Reaction of Potassium Alkyltrifluoroborates, Sulfur Dioxide and Allylic Bromides under Visible‐Light Irradiation
Authors: Ye Shengqing , Li Xiaofang , Xie Wenlin , Wu Jie
Published: March 2019

Diverse allylic sulfones are generated through a three‐component reaction of potassium alkyltrifluoroborates, sulfur dioxide and allylic bromides in the presence of 9‐mesityl‐10‐methyl acridinium perchlorate under visible light irradiation at room temperature. This transformation proceeds efficiently, and a broad reaction scope is demonstrated with good functional groups tolerance. This reaction is initiated by the treatment of potassium alkyltrifluoroborate under visible‐light irradiation in the presence of a photocatalyst, leading to alkyl radical. This alkyl radical intermediate is trapped by sulfur dioxide to provide alkylsulfonyl radical, which then undergoes further transformation to afford the corresponding allylic sulfone.