bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular and Self‐Trapped Excitonic Contributions to the Broadband Luminescence in Diamine‐Based Low‐Dimensional Hybrid Perovskite Systems
Authors: Krishnamurthy Shrreya , Naphade Rounak , Mir Wasim J. , Gosavi Suresh , Chakraborty Sudip , Vaidhyanathan Ramanathan , Ogale Satishchandra
Published: July 2018

The present solid state lighting (SSL) technology is based on using a combination of phosphors to give the desired white light emitting devices. The property of broadband emission from a single phosphor is not only difficult to achieve but also poses a challenge in device fabrication. Hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites especially in low dimensions (2D/1D) are being widely explored for their optoelectronic properties. Few of these materials exhibit broadband emission upon ultraviolet excitation, providing a scope for synthetic engineering in achieving commercially viable single‐phosphor materials. In this work, three interesting diammonium‐based low‐dimensional hybrid perovskites for broadband photoluminescence (PL) are examined. The doubly protonated ethylenediamine‐configured monoclinic (P21/n) 1D ribbon assembly (H3NCH2CH2NH3)8(Pb4Br18) · Br6 (1) and the orthorhombic (Pbcm) 2D‐twisted octahedral (H3NCH2CH2NH3)(Pb2Cl6) (2) show white luminescence, while the doubly protonated piperazine‐configured orthorhombic (Pnnm) 0D dual‐octahedral (C4N2H12)4(Pb2Br11) · (Br)(H2O)4 (3) exhibits bluish‐white luminescence. Based on the PL of the organic diammonium salt, the time‐resolved PL, Raman signatures, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, it is shown that the broadband luminescence has dual origin: one around 400 nm from diammonium‐related molecular fluorescence and another around 516 nm from self‐trapped excitons. The structure‐specific relative contributions and interplay between the two define the overall character of the broadband luminescence.
Electroconductive hyaluronic acid/gelatin/poly(ethylene oxide) polymeric film reinforced by reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Kaya Duygu , Alemdar Neslihan
Published: July 2018

Novel electroconductive polymeric films with enhanced mechanical performance were fabricated by encapsulating reduced graphene oxide (RGO) at different concentrations (0–50 vol %) into a hyaluronic acid/gelatin/poly(ethylene oxide) (HyA/Gel/PEO) polymeric structure. The obtained RGO‐reinforced polymeric films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Mechanical performances were measured with a universal mechanical testing machine. The results verified that the RGO reinforcement significantly enhanced the mechanical performances of the films. To determine the biocompatibility of the polymeric films, L929 (murine fibroblast) cell lines were used. The water uptake capacities were measured using swelling tests. A four‐probe method was used to measure conductivity characteristics. The conductivity results indicated that HyA/Gel/PEO film containing 20 vol % RGO has the highest average electrical conductivity (1.832 × 10−6S/cm). All of the results demonstrated that the obtained electroconductive films could be used in biomedical fields in the future, especially in controlled drug release systems and tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 46905.
Evaluating the potential of photo‐identification as a monitoring tool for flapper skate (Dipturus intermedius)
Authors: Benjamins Steven , Dodd Jane , Thorburn James , Milway Victoria A. , Campbell Ronald , Bailey David M.
Published: July 2018

Flapper skates (Dipturus intermedius) were once widespread in European shelf waters but are currently classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to historical overexploitation. Novel monitoring approaches are needed to assess the efficacy of management measures, such as dedicated marine protected areas, for the conservation of relict skate populations.

Flapper skates possess distinctive dorsal spot patterns, which could potentially be used for individual recognition using photo‐identification (photo‐ID) approaches. This study assessed the potential of photo‐ID as a method for individual recognition of a relict population of skates within a dedicated marine protected area in western Scotland (UK), which has long been targeted by directed recreational angling. A collection of 486 photographs of 373 separate skate capture events from 2011 to 2016, taken with standard mobile phones and compact cameras, was studied using visual pairwise comparison methods to determine number of individuals and recapture rates.

Results indicated that adult flapper skates were individually recognizable with a high degree of certainty through comparison of spot patterns, assuming appropriate lighting conditions. A total of 226 individuals were identified, of which 77 (34%) were recaptured at least once. The average recapture interval was 308 days (SE: 29.4 days), with the longest recapture interval to date being 4.4 years. Spot patterns among recaptured tagged or otherwise uniquely identifiable skates were found to remain stable over timescales of months to >1 year.

Results indicate that photo‐ID, based on photographs sourced through citizen science approaches, can provide a low‐cost alternative means of monitoring flapper skate presence and distribution for the purposes of underpinning management decisions.
The importance of nonnative Pacific oyster reefs as supplementary feeding areas for coastal birds on estuary mudflats
Authors: Herbert Roger J.H. , Davies Clare J. , Bowgen Katharine M. , Hatton Josh , Stillman Richard A.
Published: July 2018

A combined empirical and modelling approach was used to investigate the value of a Pacific oyster reef to feeding shorebirds and to observe and predict the impact of reef clearance on bird populations in the Colne Estuary, a protected area in south‐east England. Macro‐invertebrate biomass and numbers of feeding birds were measured on a Pacific oyster reef, an adjacent uncolonized mudflat, and an area of mudflat that had been cleared of oysters 6 months previously. These data were used to parameterize an individual‐based model (MORPH) to predict the impact of clearance of the reef on winter bird survival. Feeding success and intake rates of Eurasian oystercatcher, Eurasian curlew, and Eurasian common redshank were also recorded during the course of a winter.

The macro‐invertebrate diversity and biomass within both the oyster reef and the cleared area were significantly greater than the adjacent uncolonized mudflat. The density and biomass of large invertebrate prey in the mudflat were low, yet the Pacific oyster reef had much higher densities and biomass of large prey, especially annelids and shore crabs.

The winter assemblage of feeding birds differed significantly between each of the areas. The mean total number of feeding birds was significantly greater on the uncolonized mudflat; however, mean peak counts, feeding success rate and prey intake rate of Eurasian oystercatcher were greater on the reef. Significantly greater intake rates and feeding success rates were also observed on the reef for Eurasian curlew, a species of conservation concern.

Field data and model predictions show that Pacific oyster reefs can provide valuable supplementary feeding areas for some shorebirds, yet other species avoided the reef. However, as estuaries vary in available feeding resources, it is important that the value of reefs and their management is determined regionally.
Fostering Students’ Collaborative Learning Competencies and Professional Conduct in the Context of Two Gross Anatomy Courses in Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Laakkonen Juha , Muukkonen Hanni
Published: July 2018

Collaborative learning has been used in anatomy courses to support students’ learning of challenging topics but the success of group work depends significantly on the students’ ability to communicate in a professional manner. Veterinary students’ experiences with tasks related to collaborative learning and professional conduct were studied by comparing learning collaborative competences and pedagogy, as well as perceived positive and challenging aspects, in two gross anatomy courses. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from students’ experiences of course assignments and collaboration, as well as from self‐evaluated collaboration competence development. Trying things out oneself, practical application and professional conduct were positively highlighted particularly in the first‐year course (myology and arthrology) group work and learning from others more in the second year (topographical anatomy). Various group work challenges, often relating to practical matters or communication, were the key concerns for students. The main difference between the two courses in learning of collaborative knowledge work competencies appeared to relate to the nature of the group work assignment. The topography course included the element of collaboration in preparing a presentation and teaching session for the rest of the class. Interestingly, students on the myology and arthrology course gave more positive comments on professional conduct than the students on the topography course despite the fact that the latter course included more practical elements relating to their future profession.
Electrochemical Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria—Recent Strategies, Advances and Challenges
Authors: Kuss Sabine , Amin Hatem M. A. , Compton Richard G.
Published: July 2018

Bacterial infections represent one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, nevertheless the design and development of rapid, cost‐efficient and reliable detection methods for pathogens remains challenging. In recent years, electrochemical sensing methods have gained increasing attention for the detection of pathogenic bacteria, due to their increasingly competitive sensitivity. However, combining sensitivity with cost efficiency, high selectivity and a facile working procedure in a portable device is difficult. The presented review provides a summary of biosensing strategies for bacteria, published since 2015, by covering significant achievements towards custom‐designed portable point‐of‐care devices. Herein, the direct chemical recognition of bacteria via enzyme activity or secretion products, as well as their detection at various electrode surfaces and materials, such as nanomaterials, indium tin oxide or paper‐based immunosensors, is discussed. Furthermore, newly established hyphenated sensing principles, incorporated into lab‐on‐a‐chip and microfluidic devices, are presented and remaining technical challenges and limitations are considered.
Gold(I)‐catalyzed Benzylation of (Hetero)aryl Boronic Acids with (Hetero)benzyl Bromides by the Strategy of a SN2‐type Reaction
Authors: Zang Wenqing , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: July 2018

Herein, the first example of gold‐catalyzed benzylation of (hetero)aryl boronic acids with (hetero)benzyl bromides to give the corresponding cross‐coupling products in moderate to good yields is reported. The reaction proceeds through a possible intermolecular SN2‐type reaction pathway to give a wide variety of di(hetero)arylmethanes as the desired products. An intriguing reaction mechanism has been proposed on the basis of control experiments, 31P‐NMR spectroscopic detection and DFT calculations.
Medium‐Pressure UV/Chlorine Advanced Oxidation of Taste and Odor Compounds
Authors: Springer James C. , Kashinkunti Ramesh , Hong Ying
Published: July 2018

Installations of medium‐pressure ultraviolet (UV) disinfection systems continue to increase, and some systems have excess dose capacity that could potentially be used for a low‐level advanced oxidation process (AOP). While UV/hydrogen peroxide has been commonly used in advanced oxidation applications, UV/chlorine (Cl2) is much less understood and may have limited applications for some of these systems. This work investigates the role of Cl2 residual, pH, alkalinity, and nitrate on this AOP and the performance that can be achieved at conditions typical to drinking water treatment plants. Results show that a 40–60% reduction of 2‐methylisoborneol and geosmin could be achieved with ambient water quality conditions by adding Cl2 and significantly increasing the applied UV energy to several hundred mJ/cm2 MS2 reduction equivalent dose, potentially bringing these compounds below the odor threshold. Experiments with the addition of nitrate demonstrate that it can also serve as a radical generator in waters containing low levels of nitrate.
Population-based cohort study of diabetes mellitus and mortality in gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zheng J , Xie S-H , Santoni G , Lagergren J
Published: July 2018

Background

Gastric adenocarcinoma is a common cause of cancer death globally. It remains unclear whether coexisting diabetes mellitus influences survival in patients with this tumour. A cohort study was conducted to determine whether coexisting diabetes increases mortality in gastric adenocarcinoma.

Methods

This nationwide population-based cohort study included all patients diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma in Sweden between 1990 and 2014. Cox proportional hazards regression and competing risks regression were used to assess the influence of coexisting diabetes on disease-specific mortality in gastric adenocarcinoma with adjustment for sex, age, calendar year and co-morbidity (Charlson Co-morbidity Index score excluding diabetes).

Results

Among 23 591 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma, 2806 (11·9 per cent) had coexisting diabetes. Overall, patients with diabetes had a moderately increased risk of disease-specific mortality after diagnosis of gastric adenocarcinoma compared with those without diabetes, as shown by both Cox regression (hazard ratio (HR) 1·17, 95 per cent c.i. 1·11 to 1·22) and competing risks regression (sub-HR 1·08, 1·02 to 1·13). The HRs for disease-specific mortality were notably increased in diabetic patients without other co-morbidity (HR 1·23, 1·15 to 1·32) and in diabetic patients who had surgery with curative intent (HR 1·27, 1·16 to 1·38).

Conclusion

These findings indicate a worse prognosis in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and coexisting diabetes compared with those without diabetes.
Simultaneous determination of malondialdehyde and 3‐nitrotyrosine in cultured human hepatoma cells by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Vanova Nela , Muckova Lubica , Schmidt Monika , Herman David , Dlabkova Alzbeta , Pejchal Jaroslav , Jun Daniel
Published: July 2018

Although reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) have a fundamental role in physiological processes, enhanced ROS/RNS production induced by exogenous sources, including drugs and other xenobiotics, may result in serious damage to biomolecules. Oxidative/nitrosative stress is being intensively investigated and might be responsible for a variety of health side effects. The present liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method provides reliable and accurate simultaneous measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 3‐nitrotyrosine (3‐NT) in cultured human hepatoma (HepG2) cells. Sample preparation process involving ultrasonic homogenization, alkaline hydrolysis of protein‐bound MDA and 3‐NT, deproteination, derivatization of MDA by 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine and solid‐phase extraction was optimized, ensuring the isolation and purification of desired analytes. Additionally, nonprotein thiols and nonprotein disulfides were measured using HPLC–UV. The established lower limit of quantification (0.025 nmol/mL for MDA; 0.0125 nmol/mL for 3‐NT) allowed their LC–MS/MS determination in HepG2 cells exposed to model oxidizing agent, tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (t‐BOOH). The results show significant changes in MDA and 3‐NT concentrations and alterations in thiol redox‐state in dependence on the t‐BOOH concentration and duration of its incubation in HepG2 cells. Concurrent evaluation of oxidative/nitrosative stress biomarkers in the in vitro model may significantly facilitate assessment of toxicity of newly developed drugs in preclinical trials and thus improve their safety profile.
Chaos‐based encryption of multimedia data and design of security analysis interface as an educational tool
Authors: Akgul Akif , Kacar Sezgin , Pehlivan Ihsan , Aricioglu Burak
Published: July 2018

Data encryption has always been a topical subject. There are many encryption methods in the literature. Chaos‐based encryption is considered a different area of study among the encryption practices. In this study, a novel interface was designed for chaos‐based encryption to be used as an educational tool in cryptology. With this interface, the chaos‐based encryption of multimedia data (picture, audio, text) can be done with one, two, or three dimensional discrete‐time chaotic maps. Also, the reliability of every encryption method must be checked via certain security analyses. Thus, five different security analyses (information entropy, correlation, speed effect, differential attack, and histogram analysis), where applicable, were added into the interface to perform security analyses of chaos‐based encrypted data. In this way, the chaotic encryption and security analyses, both of which need high level programming knowledge, have become available in a compact way, for those who are interested in this subject but are not knowledgeable enough about programming, hence the interface can be used as an educational tool in chaos or encryption studies.
Research Progress of Hybrid Distillation/Crystallization Technology
Authors: Li Chunli , Zhou Yiwei , Su Weiyi , Wang Honghai
Published: July 2018

The hybrid distillation/crystallization process is successfully applied to separate azeotropes and closely boiling mixtures. This process can not only provide pure products, but also allow for significant energy savings. The research progress and industrial applications of hybrid distillation/crystallization are reviewed. Different sequences of hybrid distillation/crystallization process are presented based on the optimized design. The specific developments of each single unit, namely, distillation and crystallization, in the hybrid process are outlined. Applications of hybrid distillation/crystallization in practical cases are highlighted and analyzed. Finally, the key issues and perspectives for further research of this integrated process are illustrated.
Fabrication of Si Nanoparticles@Conductive Carbon Framework@Polymer Composite as High‐Areal‐Capacity Anode of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ren Wen‐Feng , Li Jun‐Tao , Huang Zhi‐Gen , Deng Li , Zhou Yao , Huang Ling , Sun Shi‐Gang
Published: July 2018

Low‐cost and scalable processes to fabricate Si‐based anodes with high areal capacity and excellent cycling performance remain a challenge, thereby limiting their widespread application. Herein, we report Si nanoparticles@conductive carbon framework@polymer (Si@C@P) composite electrodes, in which Si nanoparticles are homogeneously immobilized within a three‐dimensional network of conductive carbon nanofibers bound by a high‐viscosity polymer. When used as anodes for lithium‐ion batteries, the obtained Si@C@P composite electrodes deliver an initial coulombic efficiency of 83.5 % and an areal capacity of 2.0 mAh cm−2 (1152 mAh 
), with a capacity retention about 0.8 mAh cm−2 (466 mAh 
) after 150 discharge–charge cycles at 0.1 C. This work provides a low‐cost route for the large‐scale manufacture of Si‐based anodes with high areal capacity, which may be very significant for the development of lithium‐ion batteries with high energy density.
Redox‐Induced Molecular Metamorphism Promoting a Sol/Gel Phase Transition in a Viologen‐Based Coordination Polymer
Authors: Kahlfuss Christophe , Gibaud Thomas , Denis‐Quanquin Sandrine , Chowdhury Shagor , Royal Guy , Chevallier Floris , Saint‐Aman Eric , Bucher Christophe
Published: July 2018

We have developed a strategy enabling control over the organization of ditopic molecular tectons within a palladium‐based self‐assembled system. The key electron‐responsive sub‐unit is a viologen‐based mechanical hinge that can toggle under electric stimulation between a folded and a stretched position, the driving force of the folding motion being the π‐dimerisation of the electrogenerated viologen cation radicals. The title ditopic tecton features two planar, N2‐type, triazole/pyridine‐based bidentate binding units, providing the tecton with the ability to chelate two palladium ions both in its folded and in its elongated conformations. Association of this ditopic redox‐responsive tecton with palladium to form 1D self‐assembled architectures undergoing large scale reorganizations in solution under electric stimulation, has been established on the ground of spectroscopic, electrochemical, spectro‐electrochemical and rheological data. Our result reveal that addition of metal leads to a significant stabilization of the π‐dimer species in solution and that the redox‐triggered reorganisation of the tectons comes along in suitable conditions with a macroscopic sol/gel‐type phase transition.
Rethinking Carbohydrate Synthesis: Stereoretentive Reactions of Anomeric Stannanes
Authors: Zhu Feng , O'Neill Sloane , Rodriguez Jacob , Walczak Maciej A.
Published: July 2018

In this Concept article, recent advances are highlighted in the synthesis and applications of anomeric nucleophiles, a class of carbohydrates in which the C1 carbon bears a carbon–metal bond. First, the advantages of exploiting the carboanionic reactivity of carbohydrates and the methods for the synthesis of mono‐ and oligosaccharide stannanes are discussed. Second, recent developments in the glycosyl cross‐coupling method resulting in the transfer of anomeric configuration from C1 stannanes to C‐aryl glycosides are reviewed. These highly stereoretentive processes are ideally suited for the preparation of carbohydrate‐based therapeutics and were demonstrated in the synthesis of antidiabetic drugs. Next, the application of the glycosyl cross‐coupling method to the preparation of Se‐glycosides and to glycodiversification of small molecules and peptides are highlighted. These reactions proceed with exclusive anomeric control for a broad range of substrates and tolerate carbohydrates with free hydroxyl groups. Taken together, anomeric nucleophiles have emerged as powerful tools for the synthesis of oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates and their future applications will open new possibilities to incorporate saccharides into small molecules and biologics.
Mineralization of N‐Methyl‐2‐Pyrrolidone by UV‐Assisted Advanced Fenton Process in a Three‐Phase Fluidized Bed Reactor
Authors: Li Huiyuan , Liu Fuzhen , Zhang Hui , Huang Yao‐Hui
Published: July 2018

N‐Methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP), a commonly used solvent in industries, is treated with zero‐valent iron (Fe0) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) under UV irradiation. The reaction is carried out in a three‐phase fluidized bed reactor to ensure the smooth and continuous circulation of the Fe0 powder. The results reveal that NMP can be efficiently mineralized by UV‐assisted Fe0/H2O2 process (advanced photo‐Fenton process) with aeration. The mineralization process is properly fitted with the pseudo‐first order kinetics (R2 > 0.93). To determine the optimum conditions for NMP mineralization, the effects of pH, Fe0 dosage, H2O2 concentration, and initial NMP concentration are investigated. Addition of 0.05 g L−1 Fe0 and 0.1 M H2O2 yields 85.2% total organic carbon removal of NMP (10 mM) in 6 h at pH 4.0 ± 0.2. To explore the changes of the nitrogen species, released NO2−, NO3−, and NH4+ are also monitored during the reaction. The present study provides an effective method for the mineralization of NMP‐containing wastewater.
Sustainable Water‐Resources Allocation Through a Trading‐Oriented Mechanism Under Uncertainty in an Arid Region
Authors: Zeng Xueting , Li Yongping , Huang Guohe , Zhuang Xiaowen , Nie Shuang
Published: July 2018

In this study, a dual‐interval two‐stage stochastic programming (DTSP) approach is developed for planning water resources through a market‐trading‐oriented mechanism under uncertainty. The DTSP method is used for policy analysis of water trading in the Kaidu‐kongque River Basin with the efficient and sustainable manners to relieve the pressures of economic development and population growth in northwestern China. The obtained results reveals that a market‐trading‐oriented mechanism under the adjustment/regulation by water managers would be a sustainable/effective manner to allocate water resources against the market failure. Meanwhile, the trade‐off between governmental regulation and market behavior has generated a more efficient trading mode with overall consideration of factors such as food safety, drinking safety, environmental protection, and regional development in a watershed system, which could bring about a number of beneficial impacts on regional water resources development. Moreover, the DTSP method is also appropriate for discriminating varied cases associated with various levels of economic influences since the penalties could be exercised with the recourses actions against any infeasibility.
Aberrant DNA methylation at HOXA4 and HOXA5 genes are associated with resistance to imatinib mesylate among chronic myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Elias Marjanu Hikmah , Azlan Husin , Sulong Sarina , Baba Abdul Aziz , Ankathil Ravindran
Published: July 2018

Background

Imatinib mesylate is a molecularly targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor drug. It is effectively used in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. However, development of resistance to imatinib mesylate as a result of BCR‐ABL dependent and BCR‐ABL independent mechanisms has emerged as a daunting problem in the management of CML patients. Between these mechanisms, BCR‐ABL independent mechanisms are still not robustly understood.

Aim

To investigate the correlation of HOXA4 and HOXA5 promoter DNA hypermethylation with imatinib resistance among CML patients.

Methods and results

Samples from 175 Philadelphia positive CML patients (83 good response and 92 BCR‐ABL non‐mutated imatinib resistant patients) were subjected to Methylation Specific High Resolution Melt Analysis for methylation levels quantification of the HOXA4 and HOXA5 promoter regions. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was done to elucidate the optimal methylation cut‐off point followed by multiple logistic regression analysis. Log‐Rank analysis was done to measure the overall survival difference between CML groups. The optimal methylation cut‐off point was found to be at 62.5% for both HOXA4 and HOXA5. Chronic myeloid leukemia patients with ≥63% HOXA4 and HOXA5 methylation level were shown to have 3.78 and 3.95 times the odds, respectively, to acquire resistance to imatinib. However, overall survival of CML patients that have ≤62% and ≥ 63% methylation levels of HOXA4 and HOXA5 genes were found to be not significant (P‐value = 0.126 for HOXA4; P‐value = 0.217 for HOXA5).

Conclusion

Hypermethylation of the HOXA4 and HOXA5 promoter is correlated with imatinib resistance and with further investigation, it could be a potential epigenetic biomarker in supplement to the BCR‐ABL gene mutation in predicting imatinib treatment response among CML patients but could not be considered as a prognostic marker.
Ion‐ and positron‐acoustic solitons in magnetized dusty plasma with q‐non‐extensive electron and positron velocity distribution
Authors: Motevalli S.M. , Mohsenpour T. , Dashtban N.
Published: July 2018

In this study, the properties of ion‐ and positron‐acoustic solitons are investigated in a magnetized multi‐component plasma system consisting of warm fluid ions, warm fluid positrons, q‐non‐extensive distributed positrons, q‐non‐extensive distributed electrons, and immobile dust particles. To drive the Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation, the reductive perturbation method is used. The effects of the ratio of the density of positrons to ions, the temperature of the positrons, and ions to electrons, the non‐extensivity parameters qe and qp, and the angle of the propagation of the wave with the magnetic field on the potential of ion‐ and positron‐acoustic solitons are also studied. The present investigation is applicable to solitons in fusion plasmas in the edge of tokamak.
A randomized controlled trial of the compuLsive Exercise Activity TheraPy (LEAP): A new approach to compulsive exercise in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Hay Phillipa , Touyz Stephen , Arcelus Jon , Pike Kathleen , Attia Evelyn , Crosby Ross D. , Madden Sloane , Wales Jackie , La Puma Michelle , Heriseanu Andreea I. , Young Sarah , Meyer Caroline
Published: July 2018

Objective

To compare the efficacy of the compuLsive Exercise Activity theraPy (LEAP) programme integrated with manualized cognitive behavioral therapy for anorexia nervosa (CBT‐AN) compared to CBT‐AN alone.

Method

Seventy‐eight adults were randomized to CBT‐AN, delivered with or without eight embedded sessions of LEAP, for a total of 34 individual outpatient sessions. Participants were assessed at baseline, the end of the first phase of CBT‐AN (which included LEAP), mid‐therapy, end of therapy, and at 3 and 6 months follow‐up. Linear mixed effects modelling was used for comparing trajectories over time by group in primary outcomes of pathological exercise cognitions and secondary outcomes of exercise frequency, BMI, eating disorder (ED) symptoms, AN stage of change, anxiety/depression, and health related quality of life.

Results

There were significant improvements over time in all outcomes. There were no significant differences between treatment groups in primary outcome measures. Fidelity and end‐of‐treatment participant satisfaction were satisfactory across both conditions.

Discussion

CBT‐AN and LEAP added to CBT‐AN resulted in improved attitudes and beliefs toward exercise and general improvements in BMI and ED psychopathology in people with AN.
Bayesian analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Bautista Julian R. , Pavlakis Alex , Rajagopal Advait
Published: July 2018

Objective

This article is an introduction to Bayesian data analysis for empirical researchers in the field of clinical psychology, focusing on applications for the study of eating disorders. We summarize the intuition and methodology of Bayesian data analysis and motivate its use for analyzing Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT). We demonstrate the strengths of the approach through the analysis of a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy RCT on the influence of a smartphone application on binge‐eating disorder (BED) and bulimia nervosa.

Method

We fit a multilevel Poisson regression model on outcome variable Objective Bulimic Episodes (OBE) as a function of the treatment and other covariates. OBE is a discrete count variable and the Poisson model fits well. The multilevel structure accounts for individual and time‐varying effects.

Results

Our analysis suggests that the smartphone application causes a reduction in the instances of OBE for patients in the initial weeks, but the effect may wear off by the end of the treatment period. Bayesian methods allow us to obtain heterogeneous treatment effects for different individuals and stages of the therapy while explicitly modeling uncertainty around these effects.

Discussion

We conclude that Bayesian methods are a powerful tool for incorporating data and prior information into models. They have the potential to improve analyses of RCTs in eating disorders given small sample sizes, small effect size, abundant prior information, heterogeneous participants, and experimental design. These methods are useful for empirical researchers, particularly clinical psychologists.
Strain imaging to predict response to cardiac resynchronization therapy: a systematic comparison of strain parameters using multiple imaging techniques
Authors: Zweerink Alwin , van Everdingen Wouter M. , Nijveldt Robin , Salden Odette A.E. , Meine Mathias , Maass Alexander H. , Vernooy Kevin , de Lange Frederik J. , Vos Marc A. , Croisille Pierre , Clarysse Patrick , Geelhoed Bastiaan , Rienstra Michiel , van Gelder Isabelle C. , van Rossum Albert C. , Cramer Maarten J. , Allaart Cornelis P.
Published: July 2018

Aims

Various strain parameters and multiple imaging techniques are presently available including cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) tagging (CMR‐TAG), CMR feature tracking (CMR‐FT), and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). This study aims to compare predictive performance of different strain parameters and evaluate results per imaging technique to predict cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response.

Methods and results

Twenty‐seven patients were prospectively enrolled and underwent CMR and echocardiographic examination before CRT implantation. Strain analysis was performed in circumferential (CMR‐TAG, CMR‐FT, and STE‐circ) and longitudinal (STE‐long) orientations. Regional strain values, parameters of dyssynchrony, and discoordination were calculated. After 12 months, CRT response was measured by the echocardiographic change in left ventricular (LV) end‐systolic volume (LVESV). Twenty‐six patients completed follow‐up; mean LVESV change was −29 ± 27% with 17 (65%) patients showing ≥15% LVESV reduction. Measures of dyssynchrony (SD‐TTPLV) and discoordination (ISFLV) were strongly related to CRT response when using CMR‐TAG (R2 0.61 and R2 0.57, respectively), but showed poor correlations for CMR‐FT and STE (all R2 ≤ 0.32). In contrast, the end‐systolic septal strain (ESSsep) parameter showed a consistent high correlation with LVESV change for all techniques (CMR‐TAG R2 0.60; CMR‐FT R2 0.50; STE‐circ R2 0.43; and STE‐long R2 0.43). After adjustment for QRS duration and QRS morphology, ESSsep remained an independent predictor of response per technique.

Conclusions

End‐systolic septal strain was the only parameter with a consistent good relation to reverse remodelling after CRT, irrespective of assessment technique. In clinical practice, this measure can be obtained by any available strain imaging technique and provides predictive value on top of current guideline criteria.
Left ventricular assist device implantation improves glycaemic control: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Patel Nirav , Gluck Jason A. , Radojevic Joseph , Coleman Craig I. , Baker William L.
Published: July 2018

Aims

Heart failure (HF) and diabetes mellitus (DM) often coexist and have bidirectional association. Advanced HF is associated with worsened glycaemic control. This meta‐analysis investigated the effects of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation on markers of DM control.

Methods and results

We performed a systematic search of MEDLINE and Cochrane through October 2017 to identify studies evaluating advanced HF patients who had received an LVAD and reported markers of glycaemic control. The primary outcome was glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and the secondary outcomes included fasting glucose, daily insulin requirements, and body mass index (BMI). Outcomes were pooled using a Hartung–Knapp random‐effects model producing a mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Thirteen studies, including 820 participants, were included. HbA1c was 1.23% lower following LVAD implantation (95% CI −1.49 to −0.98). Greater HbA1c reductions were seen with higher pre‐LVAD values. Similarly, fasting plasma glucose (−24.4 mg/dL, 95% CI −33.4 to −15.5), daily insulin requirements (−18.8 units, 95% CI −28.8 to −8.7), and serum creatinine levels (MD −0.20, 95% CI −0.35 to −0.06) were significantly lower than pre‐LVAD levels. We saw no difference in BMI (MD 0.09, 95% CI −1.24 to 1.42).

Conclusions

LVAD implantation was associated with significant improvement in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and daily insulin need in advanced HF patients.
Comparison of sensory and instrumental methods for the analysis of texture of cooked individually quick frozen and fresh‐frozen catfish fillets
Authors: Bland John M. , Bett‐Garber Karen L. , Li Carissa H. , Brashear Suzanne S. , Lea Jeanne M. , Bechtel Peter J.
Published: July 2018

Catfish fillet texture is important to consumers, especially if the texture is not what the consumer expects. Therefore, it is important to be able to assure that texture quality is consistent. Texture is a humanly perceived sensory trait and can be costly to processors when texture quality is substandard. Instrumental methods of monitoring texture are much less costly over time than maintaining a sensory quality panel. The purpose of this research was to develop methods for monitoring texture quality using reliable instrumental methods. A descriptive sensory texture panel evaluated fresh‐frozen and individually quick frozen (IQF) catfish fillets and was compared to the instrumental analysis of the same cooked fish, using texture profile analysis (TPA). The TPA evaluation was more successful for identifying differences between IQF and fresh‐frozen catfish, with the most significance (p < 0.02) seen for the attributes springiness, resilience, chewiness‐1, hardness‐1, and residual parameters of springiness, chewiness‐1, chewiness‐1b, and hardness‐1b. For sensory evaluation, only moisture release and moisture retention were this significant. Overall, IQF fillets were more moist and cohesive, with fresh‐frozen fillets greater in all other parameters. Predictive equations were developed for sensory texture attributes from various TPA attributes calculated from the compression–force curves generated from two compressions of a ball probe. In the fresh‐frozen catfish, sensory attributes firmness, flaky, moisture retention, and residual cohesiveness of mass had correlation coefficients (R) of 0.50 or greater. For the IQF catfish, all sensory attributes had an R of less than 0.4. The firmness sensory attribute had TPA predictor variables in both fresh‐frozen and IQF that consisted mainly of hardness, chewiness, or thickness‐related attributes. Based on results, instrumental texture of catfish should be measured before further processing, such as IQF.
Do we know the cost of orthopaedic care?
Authors: Kulkarni Kunal , Shepherd Sophie
Published: July 2018

Introduction

The increasingly complex care needs of an expanding and ageing population leave a growing dichotomy between demand and supply. With sustainable cost‐efficiency gains paramount, this study explored awareness of trauma and orthopaedic (T&O) care costs among patients and health care providers, alongside the impact of greater cost awareness on care quality, experience, and equality.

Materials and methods

Surveys were distributed over a 2‐week period, at a single site, to in/outpatients and health care professionals allied to T&O. They evaluated (1) awareness of the costs of several common aspects of T&O care and (2) opinions on improved cost education.

Results

Most professionals and patients had limited and markedly variable awareness of costs. Expensive items (>£200) were commonly underestimated, and cheap items (≤£200) were overestimated. The majority reported greater cost awareness might influence their approach to care decisions.

Discussion

Cost ignorance restricts cost‐efficiency and provision of equitable care. Given the widespread lack of cost education, there is unsurprisingly a lack of cost awareness among patients and professionals alike. Cost savings through “reduced waste” were a commonly highlighted potential benefit of greater cost awareness. Patients and professionals alike must become increasingly accountable for ensuring effective and efficient use of resources.
Can a decentralized blood supply system reach 100% voluntary nonremunerated donation?
Authors: Bou Assi Tarek , Haddad Antoine , Haddad Laura , Garraud Olivier
Published: July 2018

Voluntary nonremunerated donation stands for the framework of a solid, safe, and sustainable blood supply; for this reason, the World Health Organization has set a goal toward achieving 100% voluntary nonremunerated blood donation in 2020. However, in Lebanon like in most developing countries, the majority of blood donations still come from family/replacement donors (around 75%) followed by voluntary donors for only 15%; compensated donors yet account for 10% of blood donations. Lebanon has a decentralized and fragmented blood supply system where private health care facilities predominate over the public system; thus, numerous challenges and roadblocks—that are discussed in this article—are likely to delay the fulfillment of the WHO resolution. By properly addressing (and resolving) those caveats, it should be expected that Lebanon can forecast achieving (or at least getting close to) 100% voluntary nonremunerated blood donation within the next decade.
Leadership development in health care in low and middle‐income countries: Is there another way?
Authors: Edmonstone John
Published: July 2018

Leadership and management capacity is an important factor in the health care systems of low and middle‐income countries (LMICs) due to resource scarcity and a high burden of disease. The paper identifies the key concerns of health care policy‐makers and health care leaders and managers in LMICs and, in the case of the latter, what is led and managed. It examines the two major education and training approaches adopted to develop such capacity and the cultural context against which development takes place, noting that leadership and management development in LMICs needs to reflect local cultures. From this consideration, it is proposed that action learning (which already has a track‐record of application in LMICs) would be a practical way forward.
Comparison of pulsed actinomycin D and 5‐day actinomycin D as first‐line chemotherapy for low‐risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia
Authors: Mu Xiyan , Song Liang , Li Qingli , Yin Rutie , Zhao Xia , Wang Danqing
Published: July 2018

Objective

To compare the treatment outcome and cost‐effectiveness of pulsed actinomycin D (Act‐D) and 5‐day Act‐D in patients with low‐risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN).

Method

The present retrospective study included patients with low‐risk GTN who received pulsed Act‐D or 5‐day Act‐D as first‐line chemotherapy at West China Second Hospital, Chengdu, China, between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017. Complete remission rates, mean number of treatment courses, and adverse events were compared, and a cost‐effectiveness analysis was performed.

Results

The study included 34 patients treated with pulsed Act‐D and 26 patients treated with 5‐day Act‐D. Overall complete remission was observed in 21 (62%) patients in the pulsed Act‐D group and 19 (73%) patients in the 5‐day Act‐D group (P=0.355); the mean number of treatment courses were 5.1 and 5.3, respectively (P=0.686). When Act‐D failed, patients in each group required 4.9 and 4.6 courses, respectively, of a multi‐agent regimen (P=0.545). No major adverse events were observed but moderate adverse events were more frequent in the pulsed Act‐D group (P=0.011). The 5‐day Act‐D regimen was more expensive compared with pulsed Act‐D regimen (US$7504.33 vs $5541.79), with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of $64 557.08 per avoidance of treatment failure.

Conclusion

Pulsed Act‐D was more cost‐effective than 5‐day Act‐D and could be preferred when considering Act‐D as chemotherapy for low‐risk GTN.
Controlled Subsurface Drainage as a Strategy for Improved Water Management in Irrigated Agriculture of Uzbekistan
Authors: Dukhovny Victor , Kenjabaev Shavkat , Yakubov Shavkat , Umirzakov Gulomjon
Published: July 2018

An existing conventional drainage (CVD) was modified to control the flow from the drainage lateral and to control the groundwater table depth on a portion of irrigated winter wheat during the 2014–2015 cropping season in the Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan. Drainage outflow at one of two drainages was controlled (CTD), while the other was free (CVD). The cumulative drainage water volume from the CVD treatment was 22% greater than the CTD treatment. The flow‐weighted mean salt concentration of the drainage water was on 7% lower in the CTD treatment (2.08 mS cm−1) compared to the CVD treatment (2.24 mS cm−1). The ratio of soil water content in the 1 m soil profile between inspection sumps A and B (1) versus B and the open collector (2) was 1.2, suggesting that the upper part of the field contained 20% more soil moisture. Conversely, the ratio of the groundwater table depth between (1) and (2) was 0.78, indicating that the groundwater table of the upper portion of the field was 47 cm (22%) shallower than the lower part. Thus, CTD increased the moisture storage of the soil layer in the upper part of the field. Managing the groundwater table resulted in less water stress between irrigation events and increased grain yields. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modernization of National Irrigation Systems in the Philippines: Linking Design, Operation and Water Supply
Authors: Delos Reyes Mona Liza F. , Schultz Bart
Published: July 2018

The consistent gap between the irrigation service area and irrigated areas of national irrigation systems has been attributed to shortcomings either in design, technology, system operation, maintenance and management, policy, climate change, or a combination of these factors. Conventional rehabilitation, which mainly involves restoration of irrigation structures, has had little impact in closing this gap.

This study examined the irrigation technology and water management techniques employed in two national irrigation systems. Its objectives were to identify technology constraints, cost‐effective improvement practices and the potential for improving system performance with an end view of formulating a relevant modernization approach for national irrigation systems. The study used a logical design framework, field measurements and selected procedures of the Mapping System and Services for Canal Operation Techniques (MASSCOTE) as analytical tools.

The findings show that inconsistencies among the design philosophy, system and operational objectives, flow control structures and water supply of the irrigation systems are root causes of their suboptimal performance. Careful consideration of the logical coherence among the selected irrigation technologies, water distribution techniques and water supply availability would form a crucial part of a relevant irrigation modernization planning for the case study systems and other irrigation systems in similar situations. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The in vivo inflammatory and foreign body giant cell response against different poly(l‐lactide‐co‐d/l‐lactide) implants is primarily determined by material morphology rather than surface chemistry
Authors: Lucke Silke , Walschus Uwe , Hoene Andreas , Schnabelrauch Matthias , Nebe J. Barbara , Finke Birgit , Schlosser Michael
Published: July 2018

Biomaterials can cause a chronic local inflammation called foreign body reaction, with formation of foreign body giant cells (FBGC) by monocyte/macrophage fusion. However, FBGC appearance and role for biomaterials with different physicochemical properties are not yet fully understood. This study aimed at examining FBGC and inflammatory cells after intramuscular implantation of poly(l‐lactide‐co‐d/l‐lactide) (PLA) as membranes and uncoated electro‐spun fiber meshes or meshes with a positively charged plasma‐polymer coating into rats. After 7, 14 and 56 days, CD68+ and CD163+ macrophages, T lymphocytes, MHC‐II+ cells, FBGC, and nestin‐stained tissue area as regeneration marker were morphometrically analyzed. FBGC occurrence was primarily determined by material morphology, as their numbers for meshes were 10‐fold higher during acute and 50‐fold higher during chronic inflammation than for membranes but comparable between uncoated and coated meshes. CD68+ macrophages decreased around and within meshes, while CD163+ macrophages and MHC‐II+ cells increased within meshes. T lymphocytes within meshes were higher for coated meshes, suggesting that the peri‐implant tissue immunological response is also influenced by surface chemistry. FBGC were predominantly CD68+ and CD163−, and nestin‐stained tissue area was negatively correlated with CD68+ monocytes/macrophages numbers and positively correlated with CD163+ macrophages numbers, highlighting differing roles in FBGC formation and tissue regeneration. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 2726–2734, 2018.