bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of a short‐time antioxidant application on the dentin bond strength after intracoronal bleaching
Authors: Karadas Muhammet , Demirbuga Sezer
Published: July 2019

This study evaluated the effects of an antioxidant application on the compromised bond strength of an adhesive to dentin bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide. The dentin surfaces of the pulp chambers of 70 human third molars were ground, and the specimens were assigned randomly into seven groups, as follows: (a) control (unbleached); (b) bleached for 45 min, bonded immediately; (c) bleached for 45 min, treated with sodium ascorbate (SA) for 2 min, and bonded; (d) bleached for 45 min, bonded after 2 weeks; (e) bleached for 12 days, bonded immediately; (f) bleached for 12 days, treated with SA for 10 min, and bonded; and (g) bleached for 12 days, bonded after 2 weeks. In each group, the multimode adhesive was applied in etch‐and‐rinse and self‐etch modes. The dentin surfaces were covered with a resin‐based composite, and the bonded specimens were sectioned to produce composite–dentin sticks. The sticks were attached to a testing machine and subjected to a tensile force, and the representative specimens were examined via scanning electron microscopy. The bond strength was not affected by the application period of the bleaching agent. Both bleaching treatments significantly reduced the bond strength to the dentin in the self‐etch or etch‐and‐rinse mode when compared with the control group. The bond strengths returned to normal levels with the SA applications or by waiting 2 weeks, regardless of the application period of the bleaching gel. The adhesive revealed a higher bond strength in the etch‐and‐rinse mode than in the self‐etch mode.
Blue light‐emitting diode technology‐operated microscopy is preferable to both short arc mercury lamp‐operated microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy for direct immunofluorescence images evaluation in routinely diagnosing subepidermal autoimmune blistering diseases
Authors: Gornowicz‐Porowska Justyna , Bowszyc‐Dmochowska Monika , Raptis‐Bolwach Maria , Seraszek‐Jaros Agnieszka , Kaczmarek Elżbieta , Dmochowski Marian
Published: July 2019

Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) microscopy still is the gold standard in diagnosing and differentiating subepidermal autoimmune blistering diseases (SABDs) from other bullous diseases. New optical systems were developed that aim to facilitate DIF images evaluation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of three fluorescence microscopy systems with different light source for routine diagnostics of SABDs with DIF. In total, perilesional tissue samples for DIF from 34 SABD patients were examined under the three commercial microscopy systems (short arc mercury lamp‐operated microscopy—MLM, blue light‐emitting diode technology‐operated microscopy—bLED and laser scanning confocal microscopy—LSCM) for the detection and pattern analysis of IgA, IgG, IgG1, IgG4, C3 immunoreactants along the dermal–epidermal junction (DEJ) by three independent observers simultaneously. MLM, bLED, and LSCM provided comparable quality of disease‐characterizing immunoreactants imaging (number of immunoreactant types detected and patterns of their deposition along DEJ were the same) but screening of slides was quicker using bLED than both LSCM and MLM, as statistical analysis indicated. It is concluded that bLED is an efficient and preferable system for routinely diagnosing SABDs cost‐effectively.

Research Highlights

New optical systems were developed that aim to facilitate direct immunofluorescence evaluation. Here, we evaluate the usefulness of three fluorescence microscopy systems with different light source for routine diagnostics concluding that that bLED is an efficient and preferable system.
The current state of genetic counseling assistants in the United States
Authors: Hnatiuk Morgan J. , Noss Ryan , Mitchell Anna L. , Matthews Anne L.
Published: July 2019

Genetic counseling assistants (GCAs) have the potential to address the high demand for genetic counselors by promoting task‐sharing, increasing genetic counselor efficiency, and allowing for higher level duties to be optimized by genetic counselors. However, little research has been published on the role of GCAs. This study explored current tasks of GCAs in the United States, the appropriateness of those tasks, the perceived impact on the profession, and how these findings compared between genetic counselors with and without GCAs. Full members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) with and without experience working with GCAs were recruited via the NSGC Student Research listserv to complete an online survey and 271 surveys were analyzed. Participants working in both clinical and laboratory settings and in all primary specialties reported working with GCAs (n = 131); GCAs were reported to frequently perform clerical tasks but were involved less often in clinical tasks such as calling patients with genetic test results. There was no difference between participants with GCAs and those without GCAs in tasks they reported GCAs are or may be performing, yet participants without GCAs believed GCAs performed more tasks on average than those with GCAs reported (p < 0.001). Participants did not differ on the appropriateness of tasks, reporting clerical tasks as more appropriate for GCAs than clinically involved tasks, with the exception of calling patients with variant of uncertain significance (VUS) results in which more participants working with GCAs reported it as an appropriate task (13%) than those without GCAs (4%; p < 0.05). Review of open‐ended responses revealed themes pertaining to primary limitations, benefits, and concerns of the GCA role. The most commonly reported concern about GCAs was their poorly defined scope of practice (n = 182). Other reported limitations included a heavy workload, lack of training, and lack of experience for GCAs while the benefits of working with GCAs included increased time available for higher level duties, patient volumes, and efficiency. These data provide genetic counselors, their institutions, and the NSGC with a more generalizable understanding of current GCA roles on a national level, across specialties. Additionally, these data may help establish a scope of practice for GCAs by creating a baseline job description for genetic counselors and their institutions interested in implementing a GCA into their practice to increase patient access to genetic counseling services. It is recommended that further research objectively quantify the value added by GCAs using efficiency metrics and further clarify the role of laboratory GCAs.
Repackaging levothyroxine sodium tablets: storage conditions to maintain stability in a hot and humid environment
Authors: Robertson Sherryl G. , Glass Beverley D.
Published: July 2019

Background

Storage instructions for repackaging into a dose administration aid (DAA) have been included into the consumer medicines information (CMI) for some brands of levothyroxine sodium tablets. However, these storage conditions specify an ambient temperature of <25°C, which is often not representative of ambient conditions in hot and humid areas of Australia.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical stability of two brands of levothyroxine sodium tablets, Eutroxsig (Aspen Pharma, St Leonards, NSW, Australia) and Eltroxin (Aspen Pharma), when repackaged and stored at 30°C and 75% relative humidity (RH).

Methods

The physicochemical stability of levothyroxine sodium 200 microgram tablets repackaged into DAAs and stored at 30 ± 2°C and 75 ± 5% RH for 14 days (Eutroxsig) and 28 days (Eltroxin), and under refrigeration (Eutroxsig) for 28 days, was assessed. Drug content was determined using a validated HPLC method.

Results

The mean (± SEM) decrease in drug content in repackaged Eutroxsig tablets stored at 30°C and 75% RH for 14 days was 7.0 ± 1.0%, compared with only 2.4 ± 0.8% for Eltroxin tablets stored at 30°C and 75% RH for 28 days. When repackaged Eutroxsig tablets were stored under refrigeration for 28 days, no loss of levothyroxine sodium content was detected.

Conclusion

This study clearly indicates the stability of Eltroxin tablets on exposure to hot and humid conditions, and highlights the need for pharmacists to provide information depending on the brand of levothyroxine sodium tablets repackaged.
Colorectal cancer mutations are associated with survival and recurrence after pulmonary metastasectomy
Authors: Corsini Erin M. , Mitchell Kyle G. , Mehran Reza J. , Rice David C. , Sepesi Boris , Walsh Garrett L. , Swisher Stephen G. , Roth Jack A. , Hofstetter Wayne L. , Vaporciyan Ara A. , Morris Van K. , Antonoff Mara B.
Published: July 2019

Background and Objectives

While knowledge has grown extensively regarding the impact of mutations on colorectal cancer prognosis, their role in outcomes after pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) remains minimally understood. We sought to determine the prognostic role of mutant disease on survival and recurrence after metastasectomy.

Methods

Patients with available tumor sequencing profiles who underwent PM for colorectal cancer at a single institution from 2011 to 2017 were reviewed. Various demographic and clinicopathologic factors, as well as mutational status, were tested in the Cox regression analyses to identify predictors of survival and disease‐free survival (DFS).

Results

A total of 130 patients met inclusion criteria, among whom 78 (60%) were male and the mean age was 57 years. The median survival time and 5‐year survival rate were 58.2 months and 47%, respectively. A single pulmonary nodule was present in 54%. Disease recurrence occurred for 87 (67%) patients, including 75 (58%) who had at least one lung recurrence after metastasectomy at a median time to recurrence of 19.4 months. Upon multivariable analysis, RAS and TP53 mutations were associated with shorter survival DFS, while APC is associated with prolonged survival.

Conclusions

After metastasectomy for colorectal cancer, mutations in RAS, TP53, and APC play an important role in survival and recurrence.
Living Anionic Polymerization of 4‐Trimethylstannylstyrene
Authors: Takagi Naoto , Higashihara Tomoya
Published: July 2019

The living anionic polymerization of 4‐trimethylstannylstyrene in tetrahydrofuran at −78 °C, initiated with sec‐butyllithium, is achieved for the first time. Unwanted side reactions, such as the nucleophilic attack of a carbanion to the stannyl group, may be suppressed through the equimolar addition of dibutylmagnesium (Bu2Mg) to the initiator. The suppression of side reactions allows the control of the molecular weight of poly(4‐trimethylstannylstyrene) and maintains low molar‐mass dispersity (ĐM) values of less than 1.1. By increasing the feed ratio of the monomer to the initiator, the molecular weight increases proportionally, indicating a highly controllable polymerization reaction. Controlled syntheses of block and statistical copolymers derived from styrene and 4‐trimethylstannylstyrene are successfully developed due to the similar nucleophilicity of their living chain termini.
Synthesis of Multi‐Functionalized N–Cl Hydantoin Polyurethane for Chemical Warfare Agent Decomposition with High N–Cl Stability
Authors: Bae Kihyeon , Gwak Nohoon , Park Myung Kyu , Lee Bumjae , Lee Kyung Jin
Published: July 2019

N‐chlorinated hydantoin thermoplastic polyurethane (N–Cl HD‐TPU) is synthesized via azide–alkyne click reaction of the azido TPU polymers followed by chlorination in order to develop catalytic polymer materials for decomposition of chemical warfare agents. The N–Cl HD‐TPU shows good decomposition efficacy of 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (simulant of mustard gas) over 90% and 60% in the form of porous membrane and fiber, respectively. However, stability of N–Cl moiety is significantly decreased by moisture and UV from environments within 24 h. The several different types of additional moieties such as decyne, polyethylene glycol, and fluorinated alkyl chain are co‐functionalized to HD‐TPU backbone in order to improve N–Cl stability. When decyne moiety is co‐functionalized, the N–Cl HD‐TPU shows enhanced stability under maintaining their decomposition efficiency.
Clickable Zwitterionic Copolymer as a Universal Biofilm‐Resistant Coating
Authors: Sae‐ung Pornpen , Wijitamornloet Arriya , Iwasaki Yasuhiko , Thanyasrisung Panida , Hoven Voravee P.
Published: July 2019

Hospital‐acquired infections are often caused by bacterial biofilms on medical devices. To prevent biofilm formation, herein, a universal coating of an antifouling polymer that inhibits the initial adhesion of bacteria is developed. This copolymer is made of methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) and a methacrylate‐substituted dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) (poly(MPC‐DHLA)). The MPC units provide the antifouling property, while the DHLA units offer cross‐linkable sites via thiol‐ene reactions to form the stable coated copolymer film. Without the requirement for covalent surface grafting, the poly(MPC‐DHLA) coating on various biomedically relevant substrates is investigated, where X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, water contact angle measurements, atomic force microscopy, and ellipsometry are used to confirm the success of the surface coating. Moreover, to mimic an actual clinical use, the copolymer coating is applied on a titanium dental substrate and the ability to inhibit biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus is quantified and visualized by crystal violet staining and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. As compared with the bare substrate, an effective reduction in bacterial adhesion and suppression of the subsequent biofilm formation is observed on the copolymer‐modified substrate. These features are maintained for up to 7 d indicating the durability as well as universal applicability of this coating approach.
Investigating Fishing Impacts in Nigerian Coastal Waters Using Marine Trophic Index Analyses
Authors: Adebola Tunde , Mutsert Kim
Published: July 2019

In Nigerian coastal waters (NCW), fishing has increased steadily over the last seven decades. Artisanal fisheries cover the entire 850-km length of the coast, where over 1 million fishermen exploit estuarine and oceanic resources up to 40 m deep, and approximately 250 industrial trawlers target fish resources in deeper waters beyond the first 9.26 km (5 nautical miles) from shore. We investigated the hypothesis that growth in fishing effort will increase impacts on coastal fish stocks, as reflected by significant reductions in the mean trophic level (MTL) and maximum mean length of the catch and an increase in the fishing-in-balance index. Our analyses are based on a 60-year time series from 1950 to 2010 (obtained from the Sea Around Us Project; www.seaaroundus.org). Results showed that the impacts of fishing in NCW are high. The sustained increases in landings from the 1970s to the 2000s have resulted in less productive coastal fisheries, a reduction in the MTL of the catch (which might mean reduced biodiversity), a reduction of average size in the fisheries, and the need to expand further into deeper waters to maintain catch levels. This research contributes to fisheries ecology by furthering our understanding of coastal fisheries and their impacts on marine biodiversity.
Compact metamaterial inspired structure with bandpass characteristics for penta‐band applications using virtual ground concept
Authors: Choudhary Dilip Kumar , Chaudhary Raghvendra Kumar
Published: July 2019

A simple and compact metamaterial inspired filter structure for penta‐band bandpass response with minimum insertion loss is proposed in this article. The designed filter structure consists of an S‐shaped ring and two sets of meander line inductors, which provides series and shunt parallel LC circuit utilizing triangular stubs. Triangular stubs are realized as virtual grounds, which give a series combination of inductance and capacitance. A penta‐band bandpass filter operates at 1.06/1.85/2.37/2.78/3.17 GHz with the corresponding 3‐dB fractional bandwidth of 56.6%, 22.2%, 11.4%, 9.0%, and 11.6%, respectively. The operating frequencies and transmission zeros can be scaled up and down by varying the physical parameters of the designed structure. The size of the filter is 0.16λg × 0.14λg (19 mm × 17 mm) at the center frequency (1.06 GHz) of the first passband. The metamaterial properties have been verified by its extracted refractive index diagram. The filter performance has been validated through electromagnetic simulation and experimental measurements.
A semianalytical solution for one‐dimensional transient wave propagation in a saturated single‐layer porous medium with a fluid surface layer
Authors: Shan Zhendong , Ling Daosheng , Xie Zhinan , Jing Liping , Li Yongqiang
Published: July 2019

One‐dimensional transient wave propagation in a saturated single‐layer porous medium with a fluid surface layer is studied in this paper. An analytical solution for a special case with a dynamic permeability coefficient kf → ∞ and a semianalytical solution for a general case with an arbitrary dynamic permeability coefficient are presented. The eigenfunction expansion and precise time step integration methods are employed. The solution is presented in series form, and thus, the long‐term dynamic responses of saturated porous media with small permeability coefficients can be easily computed. We first transform the nonhomogeneous boundary conditions into homogeneous boundary conditions, and then we obtain the eigenvalues and orthogonal eigenfunctions of the fluid–solid system. Finally, the solutions in the time domain are developed. As the model is one dimensional, geometric attenuation is absent, and only the attenuation in the saturated porous medium is considered. We can apply this model to analyse the influences of different seabed types on the propagation of acoustic waves in the fluid layer, which is very important in ocean acoustics and ocean seismic. This solution can also be employed to validate the accuracies of various numerical methods.
Urethro‐vaginal reflux during micturition: An underestimated cause of urinary incontinence in adult women
Authors: Motavasseli Damien , Charlanes Audrey , Chesnel Camille , Menoux Diane , Charoenwong Francis , Le Breton Frederique , Jousse Marylène , Amarenco Gérard
Published: July 2019

Aims

To evaluate if urethrovaginal reflux (UVR) is an underestimated cause of insensible or postmicturition incontinence in adult women.

Methods

An observational and retrospective study was carried out on the computerized records of a neuro‐urology department. Female patients who had insensible or postmicturition incontinence were investigated. Retrograde and voiding urethrocystography (UCG), urodynamic evaluation, urethral pressure profilometry, and anamnestic and clinical examination had to be available.

Results

Among the 79 adult female patients with insensible or postmicturition incontinence in whom the whole set of required evaluations was achieved, 16 had a UVR (mean age 47 ± 15 years). There were no urethral diverticula, urethrocele, vesicovaginal, or urethrovaginal fistula on their UCG. All of them also had a cystoscopy and a CT urography which did not establish any abnormality.

Conclusions

UVR is not an exclusive pathology of children. This mechanism seems to be an underestimated cause of urinary incontinence in adult women. Retrograde and voiding UCG appears to be the gold standard to confirm the intravaginal reflux.
Periapical lesions in hominids: Abscesses on the maxilla of a 2 million‐year‐old early Homo specimen
Authors: Towle Ian , Irish Joel D.
Published: July 2019

Periapical lesions can develop after exposure of a tooth's pulp chamber and are commonly associated with heavy crown wear, trauma, or caries. In this study, maxilla and mandible fragments from the South African fossil hominin collections were studied, including specimens assigned to Homo naledi, Paranthropus robustus, Australopithecus africanus, and early Homo. Gorilla gorilla gorilla, Pan troglodytes, and Homo sapiens were also studied for comparative purposes. Only one fossil hominin specimen displayed voids consistent with periapical lesions. The specimen, SK 847, is described as early Homo and has been dated to 2.3–1.65 Ma. There is one definite periapical lesion and likely more with post‐mortem damage, all on the anterior aspect of the maxilla and associated with the incisors. The lesions originate from the apices of the incisor roots and are therefore unlikely to represent a systemic disease such as multiple myeloma. The one well‐preserved lesion was likely an abscess rather than a cyst or granuloma, with a rounded thickened rim around the lesion. These lesions in an early Homo specimen highlight that this individual used their anterior dentition extensively, to the point that the pulp chambers were exposed on multiple teeth. This is one of the earliest hominin examples of periapical lesions and shows that this individual was able to cope with potentially several concurrent abscesses, clearly surviving for an extended period. Periapical lesions are relatively common in the great ape (P. troglodytes: 1.99%; G. gorilla gorilla: 1.86%) and human samples (2.50%) but absent in large samples of P. robustus and A. africanus (n = 0/373 teeth). Therefore, this finding adds additional information to the history of dental pathology in our genus and also suggests that other hominin genera may have been less susceptible to dental abscesses, potentially relating to dietary or behavioural differences.
Prenatally diagnosed developmental abnormalities of the central nervous system and genetic syndromes: A practical review
Authors: Van den Veyver Ignatia B.
Published: July 2019

Developmental brain abnormalities are complex and can be difficult to diagnose by prenatal imaging because of the ongoing growth and development of the brain throughout pregnancy and the limitations of ultrasound, often requiring fetal magnetic resonance imaging as an additional tool. As for all major structural congenital anomalies, amniocentesis with chromosomal microarray and a karyotype is the first‐line recommended test for the genetic work‐up of prenatally diagnosed central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities. Many CNS defects, especially neuronal migration defects affecting the cerebral and cerebellar cortex, are caused by single‐gene mutations in a large number of different genes. Early data suggest that prenatal diagnostic exome sequencing for fetal CNS defects will have a high diagnostic yield, but interpretation of sequencing results can be complex. Yet a genetic diagnosis is important for prognosis prediction and recurrence risk counseling. The evaluation and management of such patients is best done in a multidisciplinary team approach. Here, we review general principles of the genetic work‐up for fetuses with CNS defects and review categories of genetic causes of prenatally diagnosed CNS phenotypes.
Impact of physical and psychosocial dysfunction on return to work in survivors of oral cavity cancer
Authors: Chen Shu‐Ching , Huang Bing‐Shen , Hung Tsung‐Min , Lin Chien‐Yu , Chang Ya‐Lan
Published: July 2019

Objective

To compare the levels of social support, physical function, and social‐emotional function between oral cavity cancer survivors who did or did not resume work 6 months or longer after treatment completion.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study examined survivors of oral cavity cancer who were treated at the outpatient radiation department of a medical center in Northern Taiwan. Questionnaires were used to collect data regarding perceived social support, physical function, social‐emotional function, and return to work status after treatment. Logistic regression was conducted to determine factors related to returning to work.

Results

We examined 174 survivors of oral cavity cancer, 55.2% of whom returned to work after treatment. Relative to survivors who returned to work, those who did not return to work reported needing greater tangible social support, having fewer positive social interactions, having poorer physical function, and having poorer social‐emotional function. Multivariable analysis indicated that younger age (OR = 0.864, P < .05), higher family income (OR = 10.835, P < .05), sufficient tangible social support (OR = 0.943, P < .05), positive social interaction (OR = 1.025, P < .05), and better physical function (OR = 1.062, P < .05) were significantly associated with the return to work.

Conclusions

Survivors of oral cavity cancer who did not return to work had worse physical and social‐emotional function and required more tangible social support and positive social interactions. Providing occupational rehabilitation and counseling for oral cavity cancer survivors may help them return to work.
Near‐Surface Defect Control by Vacancy Injecting/Out‐Diffusing Rapid Thermal Annealing
Authors: Müller Timo , Gehmlich Michael , Sattler Andreas , Kissinger Gudrun , Kot Dawid , Daub Erich , Miller Alfred
Published: July 2019

Rapid thermal annealing (RTA) can be applied to dissolve small defects such as voids or small‐sized oxygen precipitates and to manipulate vacancies in a specific depth from the surface. This can be achieved at elevated temperatures around 1300 °C and via NH3 dissociation at the surface at temperatures >1150 °C. In an earlier study (Araki et al., 2013), it had been demonstrated already that even under oxidizing ambient, enhanced bulk micro defects formation around 1300–1350 °C can occur. The near‐surface region is monitored via its homogeneity of precipitation and in‐depth vacancy profiling by Pt‐diffusion. Simulations of defect dissolution during RTA processes are performed up to 1290 °C under different ambient. The size‐dependent defect dissolution behavior is predicted and verified by measurement of the gate oxide integrity.
Estimation and prediction for a mechanistic model of measles transmission using particle filtering and maximum likelihood estimation
Authors: Eilertson Kirsten E. , Fricks John , Ferrari Matthew J.
Published: July 2019

Disease incidence reported directly within health systems frequently reflects a partial observation relative to the true incidence in the population. State‐space models present a general framework for inferring both the dynamics of infectious disease processes and the unobserved burden of disease in the population. Here, we present a state‐space model of measles transmission and vaccine‐based interventions at the country‐level and a particle filter‐based estimation procedure. Our dynamic transmission model builds on previous work by incorporating population age‐structure to allow explicit representation of age‐targeted vaccine interventions. We illustrate the performance of estimators of model parameters and predictions of unobserved states on simulated data from two dynamic models: one on the annual time‐scale of observations and one on the biweekly time‐scale of the epidemiological dynamics. We show that our model results in approximately unbiased estimates of unobserved burden and the underreporting rate. We further illustrate the performance of the fitted model for prediction of future disease burden in the next one to 15 years.
A Rare Carbon Skeletal Oxidative Rearrangement of Camphene Catalyzed by Al‐Exchanged Keggin Heteropolyacid Salts
Authors: da Silva Márcio J. , de Andrade Leles Lorena C. , Ferreira Sukarno O. , da Silva Rene C. , de V. Viveiros Kennedy , Chaves Diego M. , Pinheiro Patricia F.
Published: July 2019

In this work, aluminum‐exchanged Keggin heteropolyacid salts (i. e., AlPW12O40, AlPMo12O40, and Al4/3SiW12O40) were synthesized and evaluated as catalysts on the camphene oxidation with hydrogen peroxide. The aluminum silicotungstate salt (i. e., Al4/3SiW12O40) was the most active and selective toward formation of borneol and two novel products; 1‐(3‐(2‐hydroxypropan‐2‐yl) cyclopentyl) ethan‐1‐one, and 3‐(3‐hydroxycyclopentyl)‐3‐methylbutan‐2‐one), which were spectroscopically characterized (FT‐IR, 13C and 1H NMR analyses). All the catalysts were characterized by FT‐IR/ ATR spectroscopy, BET, XRD, EDS/SEM, and TG/DSC analyses. After the characterization of the HPA salts, it was possible to link their structural properties to their catalytic activity. The effects of the main reaction variables were assessed. The aluminum cation as well as the silicotungstic anion showed to be essential to formation of three goal‐products.
Formation of Stable Mixed LiF and Li‐Al‐Alloy Reinforced Interface Film for Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Shen Chao , Gu Jinlei , Li Xin , Bai Maohui , Shao De. Le , Xie Keyu
Published: July 2019

Metallic lithium is the most promising candidate for implementation in high energy density batteries. Nevertheless, the practical application of Li anode is hindered by its uncontrollable dendrite formation and strong electrolyte reactivity. Here, the replacement and alloying reactions are employed to form in‐situ LiF and Li−Al‐alloy mixed layers that synergistically reinforces the interfacial film on a metallic lithium anode. Due to the film's high ionic conductivity and apparent chemical stability, the artificial interfacial film can inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites and improve the cycling stability of batteries.
Synthesis of Symmetrical Diorganyl Disulfides Employing WEB as an Eco‐friendly Oxidative System
Authors: Leitemberger Andrielli , Böhs Lucas Martins C. , Rosa Clarissa Helena , Silva Cleiton Da , Galetto Fábio Z. , Godoi Marcelo
Published: July 2019

Herein, we report a straightforward and environmentally benign methodology for the preparation of symmetrical diorganyl disulfides via oxidation of thiols, under open atmosphere. Water Extract of Banana peel ash (WEB) was conveniently employed as a selective and eco‐friendly system for the oxidative dimerization of thiols, affording the corresponding disulfides in very good yields.
Selective Liquid‐Liquid Extraction of Uranium by Phosphoramidate‐Group Bearing Ionic Liquid
Authors: Saha Abhijit , Tiwari Nidhi , Deb Sadhan Bijoy , Saxena Manoj Kumar
Published: July 2019

Extraction of pure uranium (U) from its ore or spent nuclear fuel and separation of U for trace impurities characterization of nuclear fuels are the processes resulting into the accumulation of large amounts of low boiling and volatile organic waste. The limited reusability and degradation (chemical and radiation induced) of these waste solutions turning out to be an environmental threat. The authors have addressed this issue by developing an eco‐friendly, simple and selective liquid‐liquid extraction (LLE) procedure for U employing a phosphoramidate group bearing task specific ionic liquid (TSIL). Optimization of various LLE parameters resulted in high distribution ratio (D) value of 174±5 for U when extracted from 5 mol L−1 HNO3 medium. A detailed study on the infrared and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy of U loaded ionic liquid phase reveals the extraction mechanism. Such high DU value resulted in high separation factors for U with respect to the elements which are commonly present in the ore, processed nuclear fuel and spent nuclear fuel. The structural integrity and metal ion extractability of the TSIL is found to remain unaffected when irradiated up to an absorbed dose of 400 kilogray (kGy). Sodium carbonate solution is found to back‐extract ≥ 95% of U from the ionic liquid phase and regenerate it for further usage.
Halide Versus Nonhalide Salts: The Effects of Guanidinium Salts on the Structural, Morphological, and Photovoltaic Performances of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Alotaibi Mohammad Hayal , Alzahrani Yahya A. , Arora Neha , Alyamani Ahmed , Albadri Abdulrahman , Albrithen Hamad , Al-Lehyani Ibrahim H. , Alenzi Sultan M. , Alanzi Ali Z. , Alghamdi Fahad S. , Zakeeruddin Shaik M. , Meloni Simone , Dar M. Ibrahim , Graetzel Michael
Published: July 2019

The impacts of halide and nonhalide sources of guanidinium cations, including guanidinium chloride (GCl) ((NH2)3CCl) and guanidinium thiocyanate (GTC) ((NH2)3CSCN), are comparatively analyzed on the structural, morphological, and photophysical properties of (CsMAFA)PbBrxI3 − x (x = 0.17) (MA = methylammonium, FA = formamidinium) perovskite films. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) reveals that the formation of photoinactive phases depends on the nature of counterions (halide vs nonhalide). Furthermore, morphological analysis shows that with the addition of guanidinium salts, the apparent grain size decreases due to the enhancement of nucleation density and/or slow growth of perovskite structures. More importantly, the introduction of GCl leads to the fabrication of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), yielding a photovoltage as high as 1.16 V (1.1 V for reference). In contrast, the introduction of GTC minimally affects the photovoltage, underlining the significance of counterions in improving the photovoltage of PSCs. The present preliminary results of the density functional theory based theoretical investigation related to the effect of G cation on the structure of the perovskite system is presented. In summary, the insights gained through structural and morphological characterization helps to understand the critical role of counterions of guanidinium salts in PSCs.
The Role of Pullulanase in Starch Biosynthesis, Structure, and Thermal Properties by Studying Sorghum with Increased Pullulanase Activity
Authors: Li Enpeng , Hasjim Jovin , Gilding Edward K. , Godwin Ian D. , Li Cheng , Gilbert Robert G.
Published: July 2019

Pullulanase is a starch debranching enzyme involved in starch biosynthesis, but its function in starch biosynthesis is not fully established. This study aims to understand its function by analyzing a sorghum variety (SbPUL‐RA) with increased pullulanase activity (67% higher than wild‐type). The results demonstrate that increased pullulanase activity has little or no effect on crystalline structure or amylose content; however, it increases the total amount of starch, and produces amylose with longer chains. The changed amylose structures results in slightly decreased starch gelatinization temperatures. These results indicate a hitherto unconsidered role for pullulanase during amylose biosynthesis: it removes shorter amylose branches, which further facilitate the elongation of existing amylose chains.
From seven to three: Integrative species delimitation supports major reduction in species number in Rhodiola section Trifida (Crassulaceae) on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Li Yuan‐Cong , Wen Jun , Ren Yi , Zhang Jian‐Qiang
Published: July 2019

An essential component of biodiversity research and conservation is to accurately delimit species. Traditional morphology‐based taxonomy has faced great challenges in complex taxa. In the last few years, the focus of species delimitations has shifted from defining species using different species concepts to integrating multiple lines of evidence to characterize different aspects of the speciation process. This study employs an integrative taxonomic method to revise the species limits in Rhodiola sect. Trifida, based on multi‐locus sequence data from population‐level sampling, morphometric analyses, and ecological niche modeling. We surveyed 44 populations representing seven previously defined morphological species. We sequenced three plastid markers and three nuclear markers, and employed the coalescent‐based species delimitation method to assess the variational patterns from the molecular data. We also conducted a comprehensive morphological analysis, as well as ecological niche modeling for each species. The multidisciplinary data support Rhodiola liciae and R. sinuata as distinct species, which likely originated by allopatric isolation and ecological speciation. Rhodiola ovatisepala, R. sacra and R. sexifolia are suggested to be synonyms of R. chrysanthemifolia, and the status of R. alterna needs further verification. Our study suggests that the previous taxonomy of this group may depend on too many intra‐lineage variable traits, and showcases the importance of integrative taxonomy for species delimitations in morphologically complex plant groups.
Kinematic space and the orbit method
Authors: Penna Robert F. , Zukowski Claire
Published: July 2019

Abstract

Kinematic space has been defined as the space of codimension-2 spacelike extremal surfaces in anti de Sitter (AdS
d+1) spacetime which, by the Ryu-Takayanagi proposal, compute the entanglement entropy of spheres in the boundary CFT
d
. It has recently found many applications in holography. Coadjoint orbits are symplectic manifolds that are the classical analogues of a Lie group’s unitary irreducible representations. We prove that kinematic space is a particular coadjoint orbit of the d-dimensional conformal group SO(d, 2). In addition, we show that the Crofton form on kinematic space associated to AdS3, that was shown to compute the lengths of bulk curves, is equal to the standard Kirillov-Kostant symplectic form on the coadjoint orbit. Since kinematic space is Kähler in addition to symplectic, it can be quantized. The orbit method extends the kinematic space dictionary, which was originally motivated through connections to integral geometry, by directly translating geometrical properties of holographic auxiliary spaces into statements about the representation theory of the conformal group.
Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Redosing Reduces Surgical Site Infection Risk in Prolonged Duration Surgery Irrespective of Its Timing
Authors: Bertschi Daniela , Weber Walter P. , Zeindler Jasmin , Stekhoven Daniel , Mechera Robert , Salm Lilian , Kralijevic Marco , Soysal Savas D. , von Strauss Marco , Mujagic Edin , Marti Walter R.
Published: July 2019

Background

Long‐duration surgery requires repeated administration of antimicrobial prophylaxis (amp). Amp “redosing” reduces incidence of surgical site infections (SSI) but is frequently omitted. Clinical relevance of redosing timing needs to be investigated. Here, we evaluated the effects of compliance with amp redosing and its timing on SSI incidence in prolonged duration surgery.

Methods

Data from >9000 patients undergoing visceral, trauma, or vascular surgery with elective or emergency treatment in two tertiary referral Swiss hospitals were analyzed. All patients had to receive amp preoperatively and redosing, if indicated. Antibiotics used were cefuroxime (1.5 or 3 g, if weight >80 kg), or cefuroxime and metronidazole (1.5 and 0.5 g, or 3 and 1 g doses, if weight >80 kg). Alternatively, in cases of known or suspected allergies, vancomycin (1 g), gentamicin (4 mg/Kg), and metronidazole or clindamycin (300 mg) with or without ciprofloxacin (400 mg) were used. Association of defined parameters, including wound class, ASA scores, and duration of operation, with SSI incidence was explored.

Results

In the whole cohort, SSI incidence significantly correlated with duration of surgery (ρ = 0.73, p = 0.031). In 593 patients undergoing >240 min long interventions, duration of surgery was the only parameter significantly (p < 0.001) associated with increased SSI risk, whereas wound class, ASA scores, treatment areas, and emergency versus elective hospital entry were not. Redosing significantly reduced SSI incidence as shown by multivariate analysis (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37–0.96, p = 0.034), but exact timing had no significant impact.

Conclusions

Long‐duration surgery associates with higher SSI incidence. Irrespective of its exact timing, amp redosing significantly decreases SSI risk.
Knowledge-first believing the unknowable
Authors: Wimmer Simon
Published: July 2019

I develop a challenge for a widely suggested knowledge-first account of belief that turns, primarily, on unknowable propositions. I consider and reject several responses to my challenge and sketch a new knowledge-first account of belief that avoids it.
Core transcriptional signatures of phase change in the migratory locust
Authors: Yang Pengcheng , Hou Li , Wang Xianhui , Kang Le
Published: July 2019

Phenotypic plasticity plays fundamental roles in successful adaptation of animals in response to environmental variations. Here, to reveal the transcriptome reprogramming in locust phase change, a typical phenotypic plasticity, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of multiple phase-related transcriptomic datasets of the migratory locust. We defined PhaseCore genes according to their contribution to phase differentiation by the adjustment for confounding principal components analysis algorithm (AC-PCA). Compared with other genes, PhaseCore genes predicted phase status with over 87.5% accuracy and displayed more unique gene attributes including the faster evolution rate, higher CpG content and higher specific expression level. Then, we identified 20 transcription factors (TFs) named PhaseCoreTF genes that are associated with the regulation of PhaseCore genes. Finally, we experimentally verified the regulatory roles of three representative TFs (Hr4, Hr46, and grh) in phase change by RNAi. Our findings revealed that core transcriptional signatures are involved in the global regulation of locust phase changes, suggesting a potential common mechanism underlying phenotypic plasticity in insects. The expression and network data are accessible in an online resource called LocustMine (http://www.locustmine.org:8080/locustmine).
Alzheimer's disease medication and risk of all‐cause mortality and all‐cause hospitalization: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bhattacharjee Sandipan , Patanwala Asad E. , Lo‐Ciganic Wei‐Hsuan , Malone Daniel C. , Lee Jeannie K. , Knapp Shannon M. , Warholak Terri , Burke William J.
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Identifying Alzheimer's disease (AD) pharmacologic treatment options that effectively reduce the risk of mortality and hospitalization in real‐world settings is critical.

Methods

We compared donepezil, galantamine, memantine, oral rivastigmine, and transdermal rivastigmine with regard to all‐cause mortality and all‐cause hospitalization risk among fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries with AD (aged ≥ 65 years) using a retrospective cohort study design. Our primary analysis was based on intention to treat (ITT), but we also present as‐treated analysis.

Results

In our final study sample (N = 21,558), significant difference in survival among index AD medication groups were observed with donepezil being associated with better survival than memantine, and oral and transdermal forms of rivastigmine for both ITT and as‐treated analysis. Difference in hazards of all‐cause hospitalization among index AD medication groups was observed in ITT analysis but not in as‐treated analysis.

Discussion

Significant differences exist in terms of mortality and hospitalization risk with different AD medication initiation in real‐world setting.
Steady point vortex pair in a field of Stuart-type vorticity
Authors: Krishnamurthy Vikas S. , Wheeler Miles H. , Crowdy Darren G. , Constantin Adrian
Published: July 2019

A new family of exact solutions to the two-dimensional steady incompressible Euler equation is presented. The solutions provide a class of hybrid equilibria comprising two point vortices of unit circulation – a point vortex pair – embedded in a smooth sea of non-zero vorticity of ‘Stuart-type’ so that the vorticity $\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}$ and the stream function $\unicode[STIX]{x1D713}$ are related by $\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}=a\text{e}^{b\unicode[STIX]{x1D713}}-\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}(\boldsymbol{x}-\boldsymbol{x}_{0})-\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FF}(\boldsymbol{x}+\boldsymbol{x}_{0})$, where $a$ and $b$ are constants. We also examine limits of these new Stuart-embedded point vortex equilibria where the Stuart-type vorticity becomes localized into additional point vortices. One such limit results in a two-real-parameter family of smoothly deformable point vortex equilibria in an otherwise irrotational flow. The new class of hybrid equilibria can be viewed as continuously interpolating between the limiting pure point vortex equilibria. At the same time the new solutions continuously extrapolate a similar class of hybrid equilibria identified by Crowdy (Phys. Fluids, vol. 15, 2003, pp. 3710–3717).
ON MODULATED TOPOLOGICAL VECTOR SPACES AND APPLICATIONS
Authors: KOZLOWSKI WOJCIECH M.
Published: July 2019

We introduce a notion of modulated topological vector spaces, that generalises, among others, Banach and modular function spaces. As applications, we prove some results which extend Kirk’s and Browder’s fixed point theorems. The theory of modulated topological vector spaces provides a very minimalist framework, where powerful fixed point theorems are valid under a bare minimum of assumptions.
Networks of Revolutionary Workers: Socialist Red Women in Finland in 1918
Authors: Lintunen Tiina , Elo Kimmo
Published: July 2019

Revolutions need people. How do these people connect with each other, and how can the revolutionary message pass from one person to another? This article aims to answer these questions by examining the revolutionaries who participated in the Finnish Civil War on the rebellious Red side in 1918. We have chosen Red women from a particular district in Finland in order to analyse their connections and the networks created by membership of the labour movement, place of residence, and kinship. In order to see the layers of those connections, we utilize historical social network analysis rooted in digital history. This allows us to observe the significance and impact of regional, social networks and improves our understanding of structural factors affecting the intra-group dynamics among these revolutionary women. Our results support the claim that historical network analysis is a suitable tool for exploring interaction patterns and social structures in the past, and to gain new insights into historical phenomena.
How complementary are large frugivores for tree seedling recruitment? A case study in the Congo Basin
Authors: Trolliet Franck , Bauman David , Forget Pierre-Michel , Doucet Jean-Louis , Gillet Jean-François , Hambuckers Alain
Published: July 2019

Large frugivores provide critical seed dispersal services for many plant species and their extirpation from forested ecosystems can cause compositional shifts in regenerating plant cohorts. Yet, we still poorly understand whether large seed-dispersers have complementary or redundant roles for forest regeneration. Here, to assess the functional complementarity of large-bodied frugivores in forest regeneration, we quantified the effects of varying abundance of hornbills, primates and the forest elephant on the density, species richness and the mean weighted seed length of animal-dispersed tree species among seedlings in five sites in a forest–savanna mosaic in D. R. Congo, while accounting for percentage forest cover and the local presence of fruiting trees. We found that the abundance of primates was positively associated with species richness of seedlings, while percentage forest cover was negatively associated (R2 = 0.19). The abundance of hornbills, the presence of elephants and percentage forest cover were positively associated with mean seed length of the regenerating cohort (R2 = 0.13). Spatially explicit analysis indicated that some additional processes have an important influence on these response indices. Primates would seem to have a preponderant role for maintaining relatively high species richness, while hornbills and elephant would seem to be predominantly responsible for the recruitment of large-seeded trees. Our results could indicate that these taxa of frugivores play complementary functional roles for forest regeneration. This suggests that the extirpation of one or more of these dispersers would likely not be functionally compensated for by the remaining taxa, hence possibly cascading into compositional shifts.