bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2D Metallic Transitional Metal Dichalcogenides for Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Huan Yahuan , Shi Jianping , Zhao Guanchao , Yan Xiaoqin , Zhang Yanfeng
Published: January 2019

2D metallic transition metal dichalcogenides (MTMDCs) have become the focus of intense research in many fields due to their novel physical and chemical properties (e.g., charge‐density wave order, unconventional superconductivity, and magnetism), as well as their extraordinary performance in advanced nanoelectronics and energy‐related fields. Herein, the preparation methods of 2D MTMDCs, such as chemical exfoliation via alkali metal intercalation, colloidal synthesis, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and their applications in electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) are comprehensively discussed. In particular, the first part focuses on various synthetic routes of 2D MTMDC nanosheets with different thicknesses and domain sizes, as well as the crucial factors in the corresponding synthetic process. In addition, the different growth mechanisms via the CVD processes caused by common insulating substrates (e.g., SiO2/Si, mica), unique conducing substrates (e.g., Au foil), and novel porous substrates (e.g., nanoporous gold) are also compared. In the second part, the excellent electrocatalytic performances of 2D MTMDC nanosheets in HER are also demonstrated by combining density functional theory (DFT) calculations and experimental results. Finally, challenges regarding the preparation of MTMDC nanosheets and probable routes for further improving the HER performance are also highlighted, and the future research directions are also proposed.
A study of the effects of ullage during the burning of horizontal PMMA and MMA surfaces
Authors: Ranga Rakesh H.R. , Korobeinichev Oleg P. , Raghavan Vasudevan , Tereshchenko Alexander G. , Trubachev Stanislav A. , Shmakov Andrei G.
Published: January 2019

Experimental and numerical investigations of burning of horizontal surfaces of poly methyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate are presented. A burner used in this study allows for the fuel surface to be oriented horizontally at a given distance from the burner rim. One of the aims of this study is to understand the effects of ullage (distance between burner rim and fuel surface) on the burning rate of the fuel and the flame structure. In the case of poly methyl methacrylate, the surface at an initial ullage regresses during its burning, and in the case of methyl methacrylate, the pool level is maintained at the given ullage by supplying the fuel at the rate of its burning. Careful repeatable measurements of temperature and species fields are carried out. These reveal the structure of a small‐scale pool flame established over a polymeric fluid such as methyl methacrylate, and such data are scarce in literature. In order to complement the experimental results, fire dynamics simulator is employed to simulate the experimental cases. Flame structure and flow field in the gas phase have been presented and discussed. As the ullage increases, the burning rate decreases. This trend is explained using surface convective heat flux results.
Mut zur Öffentlichkeit
Authors: Limbach Christoph
Published: January 2019

„Tierversuche verstehen” – eine Initiative der Wissenschaftsorganisationen in Deutschland – will aktiv und transparent über tierexperimentell gestützte Forschung informieren
Benzodiazepines or related drugs and risk of pneumonia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sun Guo‐qing , Zhang Lei , Zhang Li‐na , Wu Zhe , Hu De‐feng
Published: January 2019

Objective

Benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine‐related drugs (BZRDs) are used to treat various psychiatric diseases. However, there are concerns that BZRDs increase the risk of pneumonia.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies to determine whether BZRD use affects the risk of pneumonia. Our analysis included all observational studies that compared pneumonia development among patients receiving BZRD vs those with no treatment.

Results

In total, 12 citations of 10 studies involving more than 120,000 pneumonia cases were included in our meta‐analysis. After pooling the estimates, the odds for developing pneumonia were 1.25‐fold higher (odd ratio, OR = 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09‐1.44) in BZRD users compared with individuals who had not taken BZRD. On the basis of exposure window, we found an increased risk of pneumonia among current (OR = 1.4; 95%CI, 1.22‐1.6) and recent (OR = 1.38; 95%CI, 1.06‐1.8) users, but not with the past users (OR = 1.11; 95%CI, 0.96‐1.27).

Conclusion

Current or recent exposure to BZRD is associated with an increased pneumonia risk. Clinicians need to weight the benefit‐risk balance of BZRD use, especially those with other risk factors for pneumonia.
Determinants of long‐term survival in a population‐based cohort study of patients with head and neck cancer from Scotland
Authors: Ingarfield Kate , McMahon Alex D. , Douglas Catriona M. , Savage Shirley‐Anne , Conway David I. , MacKenzie Kenneth
Published: January 2019

Background

We investigated long‐term survival from head and neck cancer (HNC) using different survival approaches.

Methods

Patients were followed‐up from the Scottish Audit of Head and Neck Cancer. Overall survival and disease‐specific survival were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Net survival was calculated by the Pohar‐Perme method. Mutually adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine the predictors of survival.

Results

A total of 1820 patients were included in the analyses. Overall survival at 12 years was 26.3% (24.3%, 28.3%). Disease‐specific survival at 12 years was 56.9% (54.3%, 59.4%). Net survival at 12 years was 41.4% (37.6%, 45.1%).

Conclusion

Determinants associated with long‐term survival included age, stage, treatment modality, WHO performance status, alcohol consumption, smoking behavior, and anatomical site. We recommend that net survival is used for long‐term outcomes for HNC patients—it disentangles other causes of death, which are overestimated in overall survival and underestimated in disease‐specific survival.
Challenges and Opportunities in Trade‐off Analytics for Systems of Systems
Authors: Monahan William , Jacobs Ryan , Markina‐Khusid Aleksandra , Dahmann Judith
Published: January 2019

Increasingly the systems engineering community recognizes that success of many of today's enterprises depends on our ability to effectively reason about and harness Systems of Systems (SoS) capabilities. This paper specifically addresses the challenges in conducting trade‐off analysis for SoS, approaches that help to alleviate these challenges, and identifies opportunities for further development. For large SoS the use of lightweight analysis approaches provides a way to manage the complexity and identify promising options for more detail trade‐off analysis approaches.
COD and Color Removal from Real Dyeing Wastewater by Ozonation
Authors: Yang De‐min , Yuan Jian‐mei
Published: January 2019

Ozonation of real dye wastewater for removal of color and COD reduction covering a wide range in operating parameters forms the scope of the present work. The influence of parameters such as influent pH, ozone flow rate and initial effluent concentration on ozonation efficiency has been critically examined. It has been observed from the present investigation that a maximum of COD removal efficiency of 92.5% has been achieved under optimum operating conditions (pH=11; ozone flow rate: 6×10−3 m3/minute). Further the biodegradability index of the dye effluent has increased from an initial value of 0.18 to 0.49 during ozonation indicating favorable adaptation of ozonation as a primer to the biochemical technique to enhance the efficiency of biochemical treatment.
The Cost of Osteoporosis, Osteopenia, and Associated Fractures in Australia in 2017
Authors: Tatangelo Gemma , Watts Jennifer , Lim Karen , Connaughton Catherine , Abimanyi-Ochom Julie , Borgström Fredrik , Nicholson Geoff C , Shore-Lorenti Catherine , Stuart Amanda L , Iuliano-Burns Sandra , Seeman Ego , Prince Richard , March Lyn , Cross Marita , Winzenberg Tania , Laslett Laura L , Duque Gustavo , Ebeling Peter R , Sanders Kerrie M
Published: January 2019

Osteoporosis and osteopenia are increasingly prevalent conditions among older adults. Not only do the fractures associated with poor bone health have significant health consequences for the individual, but also their economic impact is placing increasing financial burden on governments and society. This study aimed to determine the direct economic cost of osteoporosis, osteopenia, and fractures among Australians aged 50 years and older in 2017. This study uses previous Australian data on the incidence and prevalence of osteoporosis and osteopenia together with recent Australian data on health service utilization after fracture to provide an estimate of the economic burden of osteoporosis. A bottom-up costing approach was used to determine the average direct health care and non-health care total costs of a fracture, as well as the average community health service costs of managing individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia. The total direct cost of osteoporosis in Australia in 2017 was estimated to be $3.44 billion (AUD 2017, USD 2.77 billion). Treatment of fractures accounted for 68% of total direct costs, and non-fracture management of osteoporosis accounted for 32%. Hip fractures accounted for the highest proportion (43%) of the total direct cost of fractures, although fractures at “other” sites accounted for 38.5%. Fractures among individuals aged 70 years and older accounted for 74% of the direct costs (55% and 19% in women and men, respectively). Fracture costs in those with osteopenia accounted for 50% of direct fracture treatment costs. This up-to-date cost analysis estimated that costs in 2017 were three times higher than in 2007. These estimates will aid clinicians, policy makers, researchers, and health care organizations to acknowledge the economic importance of reducing osteoporosis-related fractures and associated costs. This provides a strong public health case to promote bone health that will assist in reducing future fracture-related costs. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
MicroRNA‐375‐3p inhibitor suppresses angiotensin II‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by promoting lactate dehydrogenase B expression
Authors: Feng Huijuan , Wu Juqing , Chen Pan , Wang Jing , Deng Yuying , Zhu Guoquan , Xian Jialang , Huang Liuhua , Ouyang Wei
Published: January 2019

Cardiac hypertrophy is a myocardial enlargement due to overload pressure, and the primary cause of heart failure. We investigated the function of miR‐375‐3p in cardiac hypertrophy and its regulating mechanisms. miR‐375‐3p was upregulated in hearts of the transverse aortic constriction rat model and angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced primary cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model; the opposite was observed for lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) protein expression. miR‐375‐3p knockdown reduced the surface area of primary cardiomyocytes increased by Ang II treatment and decreased the B‐natriuretic peptide (BNP) and β‐myosin heavy chain (β‐MHC) messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels. miR‐375‐3p was also observed to directly target LDHB. LDHB knockdown increased the surface area of Ang II‐treated primary cardiomyocytes and increased the BNP and β‐MHC mRNA and protein levels. LDHB knockdown attenuated the effects of miR‐375‐3p on the surface area of primary cardiomyocytes and BNP and β‐MHC levels. Therefore, miR‐375‐3p inhibitor suppresses Ang II‐induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by promoting LDHB expression.
Facile preparation of KBiO3/g‐C3N4composites with microwave irradiation for photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Montalvo‐Herrera Teresa , Sánchez‐Martínez Daniel , Hernandez‐Uresti Diana B , Zarazua‐Morin Elvira
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

KBiO3/g‐C3N4composites were prepared under microwave irradiation to different weight ratios of KBiO3(5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 80, 90%wt) using a Mars‐6 microwave for 30 min at 100 W. The samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS)‐ mapping, N2physisorption and diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS). The photocatalytic activity of the samples was evaluated in the hydrogen evolution reaction.

RESULTS

The composites were confirmed by XRD, where it was observed that in samples with up to 60% KBiO3it is easy to identify the characteristic peak of g‐C3N4. Composites show that KBiO3was homogeneously dispersed on g‐C3N4according to EDS‐mapping observations. In the photocatalytic tests it was observed that when the concentration of g‐C3N4was greater than that of KBiO3, but up to a certain limit, there was greater production of hydrogen.

CONCLUSIONS

KBiO3/g‐C3N4composites were prepared successfully with microwave irradiation, reaching a good synergy between both materials for hydrogen production reaction.

This synergy was improved by the use of microwaves that facilitate the dispersion and binding of both materials. The sample with best hydrogen production was 40%KBiO3/60%C3N4with 698 µmol H2 g−1, which is about three times higher than that of g‐C3N4and seven times higher than that of KBiO3. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Catalytic oxidation of tricholoethylene over Cr/ZSM‐5/PSSF zeolite membrane catalysts prepared by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Zhang Yong , Zhang Huiping , Yan Ying
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a promising catalyst preparation method owing to high dispersion and small particles of metallic oxides. Besides, the ZSM‐5 zeolite membrane is used to treat volatile organic compounds (VOCs) due to relatively high contact efficiency, lower bed pressure drop and mass transfer resistance than granular ZSM‐5, giving good stability of the metal catalysts. However, Cr modified ZSM‐5 zeolite membrane prepared by CVD for trichloroethylene (TCE) catalytic oxidation was still not well‐studied. In the present study, a series of Cr(x)/ZSM‐5/PSSF (x = 1, 3, 5 and 7) catalysts with different Cr loadings was prepared by CVD and further characterized by nitrogen gas (N2) adsorption and desorption, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ammonia temperature‐programmed desorption (NH3‐TPD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), as well as catalytic performance for TCE oxidation.

RESULTS

The results showed that the Cr2O3 species were uniformly dispersed on the surface of ZSM‐5/PSSF, and that the Cr(1)/ZP catalyst exhibited the best catalytic activity for TCE oxidation owing to more Cr6+ species and adsorbed oxygen. It also demonstrated that the Cr(1)/ZP catalyst shows superior catalytic performance for TCE oxidation, giving a T90 that is about 62 °C (c.15%) lower than 1% Cr/ZSM‐5 particle catalyst. Furthermore, it exhibited an excellent stability after online testing at 440 °C for 30 h, and then dropped from 91% to 62% after 95 h, finally remaining at 62% after 120 h.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated that Cr/ZSM‐5 zoelite membrane catalysts prepared by CVD show better catalytic behavior and stability for catalytic oxidation of TCE than Cr/ZSM‐5 zoelite catalysts. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Performance of a greywater cathode in a microbial fuel cell with three ion exchange membranes
Authors: Moreno‐Cervera Rodrigo , Aguilar‐Vega Manuel , Domínguez‐Maldonado Jorge , Cámara‐Chale Gerardo , Alzate‐Gaviria Liliana
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Greywater and blackwater treatment is necessary to make sanitation and water reuse possible, and microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have emerged as a promising technology for achieving this objective. Ion exchange membranes play a key role in double chamber microbial fuel cell performance, but there are differences of opinion as to which membrane type is better.

RESULTS

This project was set up to study the effect of three ion exchange membranes (Nafion® 117, Ultrex™ CMI‐7000 and Ultrex™ AMI‐7001) in MFCs using greywater as catholyte in stacks of three microbial fuel cells each. The results demonstrate that the stacks with cationic membranes (Nafion® 117 and Ultrex™ CMI‐7000) generated higher power (201.50 ± 21.62 and 178.74 ± 56.89 mW m−3, respectively) than those with the anionic membrane stack Ultrex™ AMI‐7001 (71.57 ± 3.46 mW m−3). For the greywater catholyte, a 31% of chemical oxygen demand removal was achieved and proved to be an option as a catholyte in microbial fuel cells for countries that carry out wastewater separation.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained in this study demonstrated that an anion exchange membrane is not a better option for double chamber MFCs. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Short‐chain fatty acids as a target for prevention against food allergy by regulatory T cells
Authors: Zhu Zhenni , Zhu Bin , Hu Chijun , Liu Yang , Wang Xiaoli , Zhang Jiajia , Wang Fengge , Zhu Maolong
Published: January 2019

Objective

Food allergy (FA) has become a public health issue of global concern. Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are one of the most important biomarkers of intestinal metabolites. SCFAs may affect the occurrence and development of FA. Currently, no studies have been reported on the mechanism of FA in response to SCFAs. In this study, the common food allergen ovalbumin (OVA) was used for intestinal sensitization in Balb/c mice to study the effect of FA on intestinal barrier function and regulatory T cells in mice, thus providing a new target for the prevention and treatment of FA.

Methods

Twenty BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the experimental group and control group. The experimental group was given OVA, and the control group was given an equal amount of physiological saline. On the 31st day of modeling, the levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and serum total IgE and diamine oxidase (DAO) were determined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). At the same time, after in vitro stimulation with different concentrations of SCFAs and histone acetylase inhibitor trichostatin A (TSA), the frequency and function of Treg in OVA‐sensitized mice were detected by flow cytometry.

Results

Different concentrations of SCFAs and TSA selectively proliferate Treg cells in a dose‐dependent manner. SCFAs and TSA‐pretreated PBMCs that were injected intravenously into the OVA‐sensitized mice through the tail vein can significantly reduce the expression of IgE, DAO, and sIgA.

Conclusion

SCFAs and TSA can selectively proliferate Tregs and upregulate the expression of anti‐inflammatory cytokines, thereby suppressing allergic reactions.
An approach to determine cutoff frequency and maximum oscillation frequency of common emitter heterojunction bipolar transistor
Authors: Zhang Ao , Gao Jianjun
Published: January 2019

Analytical expressions for the short‐circuit current gain and unilateral power gain of common emitter heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) are presented in this paper. These expressions are derived from a simplified π‐type small signal equivalent circuit model, which takes into account the influence of the extrinsic resistances and base‐collector capacitance distributed nature. Good agreement is obtained between measured and calculated results for both two indium phosphide (InP) HBT devices and a gallium arsenide (GaAs) HBT device over a wide range of bias points.
Ethyl pyruvate (EP) suppressed post‐harvest blue mold of sweet cherry fruit by inhibiting the growth of Penicillium oxalicum
Authors: Wang Chu , Niu Yu , Meng Qiuxia , Zhang Lizhen
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

The shelf‐life of fresh sweet cherry is relatively short due to fungal decay during post‐harvest storage. To investigate the effect and the mechanism of action of ethyl pyruvate (EP) against blue mold of sweet cherry fruit caused by Penicillium oxalicum, the spores were treated with 25 mg L−1 EP. The spore germination rate of P. oxalicum, the integrities of the cell wall and plasma membrane, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated.

RESULTS

EP treatment significantly suppressed post‐harvest blue mold of sweet cherry fruit. We found that the treatment of 25 mg L−1 EP significantly suppressed blue mold of post‐harvest sweet cherry fruit by directly inhibiting germination and the mycelial growth of P. oxalicum. After co‐inoculation with EP for 30 min, the spore germination rate of P. oxalicum was reduced by 83.5%. In addition, the pH of the EP solution was found to affect its antimicrobial activity. After treatment with EP, the cell surface structures of the spores of P. oxalicum were much more incomplete, and higher ROS and MDA values were recorded in the spores.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested that EP treatment destroyed the integrities of the cell surface structures and caused oxidative damage of the spores of P. oxalicum. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Clinical outcomes after shared decision‐making tools with families of children with obstructive sleep apnea without tonsillar hypertrophy
Authors: Bergeron Mathieu , Duggins Angela , Chini Barbara , Ishman Stacey L.
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To determine if shared decision‐making tools (SDMTs) improve clinical outcomes for these children.

Shared decision making (SDM) is a collaborative process in which patients and clinicians jointly establish treatment plans that integrate clinical evidence and patient values/preferences. We previously reported less decisional conflict using a SDMT for families of children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) without tonsillar hypertrophyl; however, the clinical impact of this finding is unknown.

Methods

Prospective single‐blind randomized controlled trial for consecutive patients referred to a multidisciplinary upper airway center. The study group used a SDMT, whereas the control group did not; all were followed until their next appointment and polysomnogram.

Results

We assessed 50 families (24 study, 26 controls); mean age of patients was 8.8 (95% confidence interval 6.9–10.6) years, and 44% were female. After their initial visit, there was agreement between families and providers on the best treatment option for 22 of 24 (91.7%) study patients and 12 of 26 (46.2%) controls (P < 0.001). Before the first follow‐up, four control families (15.4%) modified their treatment plan, whereas none of the study families did so (P =  0.04). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compliance was 27% (3 of 11) for controls and 57% (5 of 8) for study patients (P =  0.11). The median obstructive apnea‐hypopnea index significantly improved in study patients from 13.4 (range, 20.0–57.2) to 3.5 (range 0.4–45.5, P =  0.01] events per hour, but not in controls, with 9.4 (range, 0.9–76.2) to 4.9 (range, 0–116, P =  0.10) events per hour.

Conclusion

Families of children with OSA without tonsillar hypertrophy who were counseled regarding treatment options using SMDTs were more likely to undergo agreed upon treatment and had higher CPAP compliance.

Level of Evidence

1b. Laryngoscope, 129:2646–2651, 2019
A T1 theorem and Calderón–Zygmund operators in Campanato spaces on domains
Authors: Vasin Andrei V.
Published: January 2019

Given a Lipschitz domain , a Calderón–Zygmund operator T and a modulus of continuity , we solve the problem when the truncated operator sends the Campanato space into itself. The solution is a T1 type sufficient and necessary condition for the characteristic function of D:
urn:x-wiley:0025584X:media:mana201700488:mana201700488-math-0006

To check the hypotheses of T1 theorem we need extra restrictions on both the boundary of D and the operator T. It is proved that the truncated Calderón–Zygmund operator with an even kernel is bounded on , provided D is a ‐smooth domain.
Identity theft in the internet age: Evidence from the U.S. states
Authors: Goel Rajeev K.
Published: January 2019

This paper examines the determinants of identity theft, focusing especially on the influence of internet diffusion. Results, based on panel data across the U.S. states, show that a 10% in increase households with internet access would increase identity theft by about 9%, ceteris paribus. Other noteworthy findings point to states with greater corrupt activity having greater identity theft but greater police employment not having a significant deterrent impact. Dynamic panel regressions results reveal the presence of inertia in identity thefts. Some implications for policy are discussed.
MHW looks back at some noteworthy moments involving mental health in 2018
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2019

As 2019 begins, it's time to reflect on some key moments in mental health over the past year. Some of the more notable events of 2018 included the 10th anniversary of the federal parity law, new opportunities for states to make important improvements to help Medicaid beneficiaries access quality behavioral health care, legislation to combat the opioid crisis and a ruling that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is unconstitutional.
Prediction of skin dose in low‐kV intraoperative radiotherapy using machine learning models trained on results of in vivo dosimetry
Authors: Avanzo Michele , Pirrone Giovanni , Mileto Mario , Massarut Samuele , Stancanello Joseph , Baradaran‐Ghahfarokhi Milad , Rink Alexandra , Barresi Loredana , Vinante Lorenzo , Piccoli Erica , Trovo Marco , El Naqa Issam , Sartor Giovanna
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to implement a machine learning model to predict skin dose from targeted intraoperative (TARGIT) treatment resulting in timely adoption of strategies to limit excessive skin dose.

Methods

A total of 283 patients affected by invasive breast carcinoma underwent TARGIT with a prescribed dose of 6 Gy at 1 cm, after lumpectomy. Radiochromic films were used to measure the dose to the skin for each patient. Univariate statistical analysis was performed to identify correlation of physical and patient variables with measured dose. After feature selection of predictors of in vivo skin dose, machine learning models stepwise linear regression (SLR), support vector regression (SVR), ensemble with bagging or boosting, and feed forward neural networks were trained on results of in vivo dosimetry to derive models to predict skin dose. Models were evaluated by tenfold cross validation and ranked according to root mean square error (RMSE) and adjusted correlation coefficient of true vs predicted values (adj‐R2).

Results

The predictors correlated with in vivo dosimetry were the distance of skin from source, depth‐dose in water at depth of the applicator in the breast, use of a replacement source, and irradiation time. The best performing model was SVR, which scored RMSE and adj‐R2, equal to 0.746 [95% confidence intervals (CI), 95% CI 0.737,0.756] and 0.481 (95% CI 0.468,0.494), respectively, on the tenfold cross validation.

Conclusion

The model trained on results of in vivo dosimetry can be used to predict skin dose during setup of patient for TARGIT and this allows for timely adoption of strategies to prevent of excessive skin dose.
Ecdysone inducible gene E75 from black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon: Characterization and elucidation of its role in molting
Authors: Zhou Kaimin , Zhou Falin , Jiang Song , Huang Jianhua , Yang Qibin , Yang Lishi , Jiang Shigui
Published: January 2019

Molting is controlled by ecdysteroids, which are synthesized and secreted by the Y‐organ in crustaceans. Ecdysone inducible gene, E75, is an early‐response gene in the 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) signaling pathway, with crucial roles in arthropod development. Complementary DNA (cDNA) encoding Penaeus monodon E75 (PmE75) was cloned using RT‐PCR and RACE. PmE75 cDNA was 3526 bp long and encoded a 799‐amino acid protein. Tissue distribution analysis showed that PmE75 was expressed ubiquitously in selected tissues, and was relatively abundant in the epidermis, muscle, and hepatopancreas. Developmental expression revealed that PmE75 was expressed throughout its life cycle. Silencing PmE75 significantly decreased PmE75 expression. Shrimps injected with PBS and dsGFP started molting on Day 7 and had almost completed molting on Day 9, whereas dsPmE75‐injected shrimp presented no signs of molting. These results suggested that PmE75 might be involved in molting. In situ hybridization results support this hypothesis. To explore the role of 20E and eyestalks in the regulation of molting in P. monodon, exogenous 20E injection and eyestalk ablation (ESA) were performed, and showed that 20E can induce the transcription and expression of PmE75 in the hepatopancreas, epidermis, and muscle, which were signiﬁcantly elevated after ESA. These results provide further insights into our understanding of molting.
Muscle function and age are associated with loss of bone mineral density in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Del Rocío Cruz‐Guzmán Oriana , Rodríguez‐Cruz Maricela , Almeida‐Becerril Tomas , Maldonado‐Hernández Jorge , Baeza Carlos Wong
Published: January 2019

Introduction: Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) demonstrate decreased bone mineral density (BD). It is not clear which factors exert the greatest impact on BD loss in these patients.

Methods: In 63 patients with DMD, serum cytokines (interleukin [IL]‐1, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐beta [TNF‐β]), C‐reactive protein (CRP), creatine kinase (CK), muscle function (by Vignos scale), body composition, and total BD (the latter 2 measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, or DEXA) were determined.

Results: The main factors associated with BD loss were muscle function (34.0%; β = −0.139;P< 0.023) and age (36.7%; β = −0.151;P =0.004). Cytokines, CRP, body fat mass, and CK did not contribute to BD loss.

Discussion: Muscle function and age contribute to BD loss in DMD. We propose that a cut‐off of at least 6 points for the Vignos scale and at least 10.5 years of age predict aZ‐score of less than or equal to −2.0.Muscle Nerve59:417–421, 2019
Hydroacoustic Data-Analysis Recommendations to Quantify Prey-Fish Abundance in Shallow, Target-Rich Ecosystems
Authors: Dillon Rebecca A. , Conroy Joseph D. , Ludsin Stuart A.
Published: January 2019

Standardized sampling methods can benefit fisheries management by facilitating a comparison of fish abundance estimates within and among ecosystems. Towards developing an improved standardized hydroacoustic method for estimating prey-fish abundance and target strength in small (surface areas <15 km2), shallow (maximum depths <20 m), freshwater ecosystems (e.g., north-temperate reservoirs), we evaluated how the incorporation of several recommended hydroacoustic data-analysis procedures from the Great Lakes Standard Operating Procedures (GLSOP) into an existing hydroacoustic protocol used in north-temperate reservoirs influenced estimates of prey-fish abundance. To facilitate our evaluation, we conducted hydroacoustic surveys in four Ohio reservoirs during August 2016 and then compared prey-fish abundance estimates generated from the existing Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife reservoir protocol with those that included three GLSOP recommendations separately and in combination. The three recommendations were (1) removal of background noise, (2) use of a lower maximum beam compensation (MBC) setting, and (3) application of the Sawada index (Nv) to identify and replace biased, in situ, cell-specific target strengths. Our analyses showed that the removal of background noise (−0.1% to 0% change) and application of Nv (−7.8% to 0% change) had little substantive effect. However, decreasing the MBC from 12 to 6 dB significantly reduced prey-fish abundance estimates (4.1% to 16.1% decrease). When we simultaneously applied all three GLSOP recommendations, estimated prey-fish abundance consistently decreased (−8.8 to −16.0%) across reservoirs. Collectively, our findings suggest the need for incorporation of several GLSOP data-analysis procedures into protocols developed for shallow, target-rich ecosystems, such as Ohio reservoirs. By doing so, more precise estimates of fish abundance can be generated to the benefit of fisheries management.
An approach for provisioning virtual sensors in sensor clouds
Authors: Lemos Marcus , Rabelo Ricardo , Mendes Douglas , Carvalho Carlos , Holanda Raimir
Published: January 2019

In sensor clouds environments, the provisioning process is a crucial task since it is responsible for selecting physical sensors that will be used to create virtual sensors. However, most works consider the allocation of all sensors within the region of interest, causing serious problems such as the wasting of energy consumption. The objective of this paper is to present ACxSIM, an automatic approach to the provisioning of virtual sensors. ACxSIM includes two algorithms: adaptive clustering algorithm based on similarity (ACASIM) and ant colony optimization for sensor selection based on similarity (ACOSIM). ACASIM first clusters the sensor nodes based on the similarity of its measurements (exploiting the temporal and spatial correlations between them), which may create clusters with nodes not physically close to each other. Therefore, in ACASIM, a cluster represents different geographical areas whose nodes have correlated measurements (according to a defined error threshold). Later, ACOSIM, based on ant colony optimization algorithm, creates virtual sensors by selecting only a subset of nodes from each cluster. In this way, the overall energy consumption of sensor nodes is reduced, prolonging the lifetime of the sensor cloud. Results from experiments in Intel Lab dataset show that the ACxSIM reduces energy consumption by 73.97%, providing a solution to be considered in sensor cloud scenarios.
An improved multiscale finite element method for nonlinear bending analysis of stiffened composite structures
Authors: Ren Mingfa , Cong Jie , Wang Lei , Wang Bo
Published: January 2019

Stiffened composite structures are commonly composed of skins and stiffeners that are employed to transfer and carry load, respectively. An improved multiscale finite element method is presented for geometrically nonlinear bending analysis of composite grid stiffened laminates. In the developed method, two kinds of strategies for establishing stiffened multiscale models are presented, in which the stiffeners are modeled at different scale. By introducing a virtual degree of freedom and additional coupling terms, multiscale base functions are improved to consider the local effects of stiffeners and coupling effects of composites. To construct the multiscale base functions of stiffened multiscale models, an extended displacement boundary conditions are constructed, in which the displacements of stiffeners are imposed constraints based on the displacement continuous conditions between skin and stiffener. Incremental multiscale finite element formulations are derived based on Total‐Lagrange description and von Karman's large deflection plate theory. The incremental displacement boundary conditions are constructed to consider the effect of microscopic unbalanced force on microscopic results. Numerical examples show high efficiency and applicability of the developed method for composite grid stiffened laminates.
Proper Planning Minimizes Valve Operation Problems
Authors: Gimson Mark S.
Published: January 2019

Carefully choose key components and keep personnel in mind to optimize valve station performance.
The “baby steps” in mainstreaming sustainable public procurement in Ghana: A “double‐agency” perspective
Authors: Adjei‐Bamfo Peter , Maloreh‐Nyamekye Theophilus
Published: January 2019

The emerging literature on public procurement policy suggests that public procurement may be leveraged to advance several public policy agenda. Hence, many countries have reformed their public procurement process towards social and environmental outcomes termed sustainable public procurement. These reforms have often been launched in response to international initiatives such as the global 10‐year framework for action on sustainable consumption and production by the Johannesburg implementation plan in 2002 and the Sustainable Development Goals. Yet, empirical evidence on the drivers and benefits of SPP in developing countries is still scarce. This gap is addressed with a qualitative case study of six public sector institutions in Ghana. On the basis of elite interviews, this paper highlights barriers to mainstreaming SPP in Ghana's public sector. We further advance the scanty principal–agency literature by establishing a double‐agency relationship in the context of SPP, which depicts limited agency cases where principals lack the capacity to defend their own interests.
Highly sensitive NO2 sensors based on core‐shell array of silicon nanowires/polypyrrole and new insight into gas sensing mechanism of organic/inorganic hetero‐contact
Authors: Qin Yuxiang , Cui Zhen , Wen Zongze , Bai Yinan
Published: January 2019

Uniform core‐shell hetero‐array of polypyrrole‐wrapped silicon nanowires (LNWs/PPy C‐S nanowires) with enhanced gas‐sensing response at room temperature was prepared via a two‐step process. The aligned silicon nanowires were first formed by metal‐assisted chemical etching (MACE). To achieve a loose silicon nanowires (LNWs) array facilitating the uniform deposition of PPy shell on whole wire surface, a repeated MACE treatment was further developed based on reoxidation of the MACE‐produced Ag dendrites. The PPy‐shell with adjustable thickness was then formed uniformly on the LNWs via vapor chemical polymerization (VCP) of pyrrole monomer (Py). The gas sensor based on the well‐defined LNWs/PPy C‐S heteronanowires array exhibits about 8.2 times response enhancement to 5 ppm NO2 gas compared with the pristine one at room temperature. Very low detection resolution of 50 ppb NO2 is observed when PPy shell has thickness of about 10 nm. The organic/inorganic C‐S composite of LNWs/PPy nanowires shows a different characteristic of shell thickness effect on sensing response from the general semiconductor oxides‐based C‐S sensor; much thinner PPy shell is extremely preferred for higher sensing response. A sensing mechanism model was proposed to demonstrate the featured effect of organic shell thickness on sensing behavior of LNWs/PPy C‐S heteronanowires. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3275–3284, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
High impact strength for polypropylene/titanate whisker composites with dual compatibilizing agents
Authors: Wang Xuechun , Song Renfeng , Guo Ke , Chen Yinjie , Zhao Yunhui , Zhu Kongying , Yuan Xiaoyan
Published: January 2019

Compatibilizing agents, namely, maleic anhydride‐grafted polyolefin elastomer (POE‐g‐MAH) and maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MAH), were simultaneously employed in isotactic polypropylene (PP)/titanate whisker composites for high impact toughness and improved mechanical properties. POE‐g‐MAH was used in the composites for reinforcing impact strength of PP. In the meanwhile, PP‐g‐MAH compatibilized counterpart was enrolled for modulating the composite properties. With 3‐aminopropyl triethoxysilane modified whiskers, compatible compatibilizing agent PP‐g‐MAH contributed to maintain the tensile property, while POE‐g‐MAH compatibilized content was prone to improve the composites of PP/whisker with notch impact strength of 9.9 ± 0.7 kJ/m2, which was ~220% higher than that of PP. Validity of interface regulation revealed that POE‐g‐MAH and PP‐g‐MAH were dominated separately to improve impact and tensile strengths with the diversely compatibilized part ratio, and strived in combination for more superior mechanical properties. β‐Form crystals detected by differential scanning calorimetry in the composites favored the extra improvement of tenacity, and crystalline morphology confirmed the promoted heterogeneous nucleation of PP composites with addition of PP‐g‐MAH. Variations of glass transition temperature and loss factor also indicated the different effects of the two compatibilizers on the interface between whiskers and PP matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3421–3428, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Reproducibility of fetal lung‐to‐head ratio in left diaphragmatic hernia across the North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet)
Authors: Abbasi Nimrah , Ryan Greg , Johnson Anthony , Sanz Cortes Magda , Sangi‐Haghpeykar Haleh , Ye Xiang Y. , Shah Prakesh S. , Benachi Alexandra , Saada Julien , Ruano Rodrigo ,   on behalf of the NAFTNet*
Published: January 2019

Objective

To determine the antenatal sonographic lung area measurement method in left congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) with the highest interrater agreement among North American Fetal Therapy Network (NAFTNet) centers within and outside the fetoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) consortium and in comparison with a European “expert” reviewer (ER).

Methods

Nineteen members from nine FETO consortium centers and 29 reviewers from 17 non‐FETO centers reviewed ultrasound clips of the chest from 13 fetuses with isolated left CDH and were asked to select a static plane for lung area measurement using anteroposterior (AP), longest, and trace methods. Interrater agreement in lung area measurements was determined using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Bland‐Altman analysis was used to evaluate mean difference (bias) between NAFTNet reviewers and ER.

Results

Among FETO centers, agreement was highest using trace (ICC 0.94; 95% CI, 0.83‐0.98), followed by longest (ICC 0.89; 95% CI, 0.75‐0.97) and lowest for A‐P (ICC 0.83; 95% CI, 0.67‐0.94). Similar trends were noted in non‐FETO centers. When compared with ER, bias was lowest for trace: 14 ± 38 mm2 and 19 ± 36 mm2 for FETO and non‐FETO centers, respectively.

Conclusion

The trace method demonstrated the highest interrater agreement and lowest bias for lung area estimation in left CDH across NAFTNet.
Platelet‐specific antibodies and differences in their expression in childhood immune thrombocytopenic purpura predicts clinical progression
Authors: Fu Lingling , Ma Jie , Cheng Zhengping , Gu Hao , Ma Jingyao , Wu Runhui
Published: January 2019

Importance

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is the most common bleeding disorder in children. Despite the highly spontaneously remission, still almost 20% of cases progress into chronic or refractory ITP, which seriously affects children's quality of life. Currently there is no method to predict the initial stage of childhood ITP.

Objectives

To evaluate platelet‐specific antibodies and compare differences in their expression in childhood ITP to predict clinical progression.

Methods

This is a single‐center prospective cohort study from April 2014 to October 2015. We enrolled children initially diagnosed as ITP. Anti‐GPIIb/IIIa and GPIb/IX antibodies were assayed by enzyme‐linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA) and patients were followed up for 1 year. We also analyzed the relationship between the expression of the platelet‐specific antibodies GPIIb/IIIa and GPIb/IX and their respective clinical prognoses.

Results

Overall, 134 cases were enrolled including 77 boys and 57 girls with a median age of 19 months (range: 1 to 159). Positive rates of anti‐platelet antibodies were 79.8%. After a 1‐year observation period, 84.3% were diagnosed as newly diagnosed ITP and 13.4% were diagnosed as chronic ITP. Patients with anti‐GPIIb/IIIa antibody had a higher risk for newly diagnosed ITP compared with patients who were anti‐GPIb/IX antibody positive only (93% vs 25%, P = 0.005; 87% vs 25%, P = 0.014, respectively). There were more anti‐GPIb/IX antibody positive only cases, diagnosed as chronic ITP, compared with anti‐GPIIb/IIIa antibody positive only cases and double GPIIb/IIIa and GPIb/IX antibody positive cases (75% vs 7%, P = 0.005; 75% vs 13%, P = 0.014, respectively). Interpretation

Interpretation

Patients with anti‐GPIIb/IIIa antibody (either single or double) were predicted to have a good prognosis, whereas anti‐GPIb/ IX antibody only predicted a poor prognosis. These results should be confirmed via a larger cohort multicenter study.
Biocontrol of phytobacteria with bacteriophage cocktails
Authors: Kering Kelvin K , Kibii Belindah J , Wei Hongping
Published: January 2019

Crop loss due to plant pathogens has provoked renewed interest in bacteriophages as a feasible biocontrol strategy of plant diseases. Phage cocktails in particular present a viable option for broadening the phage host range, limiting the emergence of bacterial resistance while maintaining the lytic activity of the phages. It is therefore important that the design used to formulate a phage cocktail should result in the most effective cocktail against the pathogen. It is also critical that certain factors are considered during the formulation and application of a phage cocktail: their stability, the production time and cost of complex cocktails, the potential impact on untargeted bacteria, the timing of phage application, and the persistence in the plant environment. Continuous monitoring is required to ensure that the efficacy of a cocktail is sustained due to the dynamic nature of phages. Although phage cocktails are considered as a plausible biocontrol strategy of phytobacteria, more research needs to be done to understand the complex interaction between phages and bacteria in the plant environment, and to overcome the technical obstacles. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Spatially Uniform Shallow Trap Distribution in an Ultrathin Organic Transistor
Authors: Hoffman Benjamin C. , Pazoki Sara , Apperson Aubrey , Dougherty Daniel B.
Published: January 2019

In organic electronic materials, charge carrier transport is often limited by disorder‐induced trap states very close in energy to the ideal band transport states. We directly view the location and impact of these “shallow” traps on an ultrathin transistor active layer using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy. As the transistor turns on, dramatic fluctuations in the surface potential of the active channel suddenly arise due to charge trapping and release processes. Importantly, the spatial distribution of rapid fluctuations in surface potential is uniform throughout the active channel. These facts strongly constrain the microscopic origin of shallow charge traps, and associated efforts to optimize the mobility and noise performance baseline in device applications.
Dieter Cremer's contribution to the field of theoretical chemistry
Authors: Kraka Elfi , Cremer Dieter
Published: January 2019

This legacy article reviews the contributions of Dieter Cremer (1944‐2017) to the field of theoretical chemistry, highlighting his major accomplishments in method development and applied quantum chemistry, which has led to many advances in the field. His work reflects an extraordinary breadth and deep understanding of theory, which is needed to solve complex chemical problems. His passion for science has inspired many colleagues in the past and will do so in the future.