bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial differences in investor decision making
Authors: Gutter Michael S. , Fox Jonathan J. , Montalto Catherine P.
Published: July 2002

Racial differences in investment behavior are investigated using data from the 1995 Survey of Consumer Finances. Socioeconomic, financial, and attitudinal variables are incorporated in a life-cycle savings model. The impact of all variables is allowed to differ between Black households and White households to understand racial differences in risky asset ownership. We determine that observed racial differences in risky asset ownership are explained by racial differences in the individual determinants of risky asset ownership, not by race in and of itself. Specifically, these differences seem to center on the impact of children and household size. © 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
Financial risk tolerance revisited
Authors: Grable John , Lytton Ruth H.
Published: July 2002

This paper explores conceptual, methodological, and empirical issues related to the development of a financial risk-tolerance assessment instrument. Financial risk tolerance is a significant factor in a number of household financial decisions, yet few recognized, valid, and reliable methods of assessment are available for use by financial service providers and educators. Empirical results from a multistage development of a 13-item risk assessment instrument are discussed. The multidimensional instrument is presented as the foundation for the development of a more widely used and accepted index. Future use by practitioners and researchers is encouraged to further validate the usefulness of the instrument. © 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.
CRITICAL ISSUES IN THE CARE OF PREGNANT WOMEN WITH EATING DISORDERS AND THE IMPACT ON THEIR CHILDREN
Authors: Little Liza , Lowkes Emily
Published: July 2002

Pregnancy and eating disorders is a subject that has received relatively little attention in the literature. Nevertheless, serious complications have been found in both the mother and the baby during both pregnancy and post partum period. This article alerts practitioners to the physical and psychological risks that imperil pregnant women with histories of recent eating disorders, describes the experiences of three women with eating disorders during pregnancy whose children developed eating difficulties, and suggests some guidelines for the screening and care of women with eating disorders and their babies.
Trusting Women: Essential to Midwifery
Authors: Thorstensen Katrina Alef
Published: July 2002

Nonintervention in normal processes and promoting self‐determination are both important aspects of midwifery philosophy and care; midwives are sometimes faced with situations in which these actually or potentially conflict. An example of this is epidural anesthesia, when the normal process of labor and birth may be affected by the woman's choices. This article focuses on an approach to this conflict that is essential to midwifery but often overlooked: the importance of trusting women to know what is best for themselves. The concept of trust in midwifery care is explored in depth, as a context from which to provide care, promote normal processes, ensure informed decision‐making, empower women no matter what choices they make, and, when the woman's choice and midwife's philosophy differ, as a bridge from which to provide effective midwifery care.
Newborn Hearing Screening Update For Midwifery Practice
Authors: Narrigan Deborah
Published: July 2002

Neonatal identification of congenital hearing impairment allows interventions during the first 3 years, the critical period for language and speech development. Two recently developed biophysical testing methods offer simple, accurate, and relatively inexpensive means to identify the one to three in 1,000 healthy newborns with hearing loss. Universal screening for auditory system integrity is advocated, because almost half of all newborns with hearing impairment have no risk factors associated with this impairment. Critics of universal screening cite the high rate of false positive tests (up to 7%), which increases program costs from follow‐up and re‐testing large numbers of infants to ensure identifying the few affected infants. As of early 2000, 24 states had introduced some type of auditory screening program, and the U.S. Congress had passed legislation with appropriations mandating state‐based auditory screening for all newborns. Midwives practicing in states already mandating biophysical screening need to comply with their local requirements; those in other states may voluntarily incorporate new auditory test methods into practice.
Report From Nicaragua: Midwifery and Structural Adjustment
Authors: Cruickshank Carol J.
Published: July 2002

A brief review of recent Nicaraguan political history and its impact on health care is presented. Interviews with midwives, nurses, and physicians are reported to illustrate the current health situation in Nicaragua. The effects of structural adjustment and foreign debt repayment on health in Nicaragua are discussed.
Health Care–Seeking Practices of Pregnant Women and the Role of the Midwife in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Abrahams Naeemah , Jewkes Rachel , Mvo Zodumo
Published: July 2002

The objective of this study was to investigate the health‐seeking practices of pregnant women in a periurban area in Cape Town, South Africa. This qualitative study was based on 103 minimally structured in‐depth interviews of 32 pregnant women. Most women were interviewed on several occasions, and a group discussion was held with women. The interviews were taped, transcribed, analyzed ethnographically, and, if necessary, translated into English. Antenatal care attendance was influenced by a number of factors, including women's knowledge of the role of antenatal care, perceived health needs, booking systems, nurse‐patient relationships, economics, child care, and transport. The expected benefits were weighed against the anticipated costs before decisions about seeking care were made. The findings highlight the importance of women's perceptions of quality of care in influencing their health seeking practices. The study suggests that considerably more attention needs to be given to this aspect of maternity services.
Current Best Evidence: A Review of the Literature On Umbilical Cord Clamping
Authors: Mercer Judith S.
Published: July 2002

Immediate clamping of the umbilical cord can reduce the red blood cells an infant receives at birth by more than 50%, resulting in potential short‐term and long‐term neonatal problems. Cord clamping studies from 1980 to 2001 were reviewed. Five hundred thirty‐one term infants in the nine identified randomized and nonrandomized studies experienced late clamping, ranging from 3 minutes to cessation of pulsations, without symptoms of polycythemia or significant hyperbilirubinemia. Higher red blood cell flow to vital organs in the first week was noted, and term infants had less anemia at 2 months and increased duration of early breastfeeding. In seven randomized trials of preterm infants, benefits associated with delayed clamping in these infants included higher hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, blood pressure, and blood volume, with better cardiopulmonary adaptation and fewer days of oxygen and ventilation and fewer transfusions needed. For both term and preterm infants, few, if any, risks were associated with delayed cord clamping. Longitudinal studies of infants with immediate and delayed cord clamping are needed.
Kistimonas
Authors: Glaeser Stefanie P. , Kämpfer Peter
Published: June 2020

Kis.ti.mo'nas. L. fem. n.
monas
, a unit, monad; N.L. fem. n.
Kistimonas
, a monad from KIST, the Korea Institute of Science and Technology.

Proteobacteria / Gammaproteobacteria / Oceanospirillales / Endozoicomonadaceae / Kistimonas

The genus
Kistimonas
accommodates bacteria with motile, rod‐shaped cells. Non‐spore‐forming. Gram‐strain‐negative. Aerobic or facultatively anaerobic. Catalase‐ and oxidase‐variable.

All
Kistimonas
species are able to grow between 15 and 30°C. Some species are able to grow at 10, 37, and even 45°C. All species grow at a pH range of pH 6.0–10.0 and in the presence of 1–4% NaCl. No growth without NaCl. Growth up to 9% NaCl was reported for some species.

Genome sequence data are not available yet. Predominant cellular fatty acids of all
Kistimonas
species are a summed feature composed of C
16 : 1
ω7
c
and/or iso‐C
15:0
2‐OH and C
16 : 0
. Major polar lipids are phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphoethanolamine, and diphosphatidylglycerol. The major respiratory quinone is ubiquinone Q‐9. The genus is a member of the class
Gammaproteobacteria
, order
Oceanospirillales
, forming a monophyletic clade within the family
Endozoicomonadaceae
. Known habitats are marine invertebrates including the skin of the sea star
Asterias amurensis
, the gastrointestinal tract of the sandworm
Alitta succinea
, and dead ark clam
Scapharca broughtonii
.

DNA G + C content (mol%)
: 47.3–52.5 (HPLC,
T
m
).

Type species
:
Kistimonas asteriae
Choi et al. 2010
VP
.
The dosimetric impact of stabilizing spinal implants in radiotherapy treatment planning with protons and photons: standard titanium alloy vs. radiolucent carbon‐fiber‐reinforced PEEK systems
Authors: Müller Birgit S. , Ryang Yu‐Mi , Oechsner Markus , Düsberg Mathias , Meyer Bernhard , Combs Stephanie E. , Wilkens Jan J.
Published: June 2020

Background

Throughout the last years, carbon‐fibre‐reinforced PEEK (CFP) pedicle screw systems were introduced to replace standard titanium alloy (Ti) implants for spinal instrumentation, promising improved radiotherapy (RT) treatment planning accuracy. We compared the dosimetric impact of both implants for intensity modulated proton (IMPT) and volumetric arc photon therapy (VMAT), with the focus on uncertainties in Hounsfield unit assignment of titanium alloy.

Methods

Retrospective planning was performed on CT data of five patients with Ti and five with CFP implants. Carbon‐fibre‐reinforced PEEK systems comprised radiolucent pedicle screws with thin titanium‐coated regions and titanium tulips. For each patient, one IMPT and one VMAT plan were generated with a nominal relative stopping power (SP) (IMPT) and electron density (ρ) (VMAT) and recalculated onto the identical CT with increased and decreased SP or ρ by ±6% for the titanium components.

Results

Recalculated VMAT dose distributions hardly deviated from the nominal plans for both screw types. IMPT plans resulted in more heterogeneous target coverage, measured by the standard deviation σ inside the target, which increased on average by 7.6 ± 2.3% (Ti) vs 3.4 ± 1.2% (CFP). Larger SPs lead to lower target minimum doses, lower SPs to higher dose maxima, with a more pronounced effect for Ti screws.

Conclusions

While VMAT plans showed no relevant difference in dosimetric quality between both screw types, IMPT plans demonstrated the benefit of CFP screws through a smaller dosimetric impact of CT‐value uncertainties compared to Ti. Reducing metal components in implants will therefore improve dose calculation accuracy and lower the risk for tumor underdosage.
Risk of incident autoimmune diseases in patients with thymectomy
Authors: Lin Tzu‐Min , Chang Yu‐Sheng , Hou Tsung‐Yun , Hsu Hui‐Ching , Lin Sheng‐Hung , Chen Wei‐Sheng , Kuo Pei‐i , Lin Yi‐Chun , Chen Jin‐Hua , Chang Chi‐Ching
Published: June 2020

Objectives

The data concerning the association between Tx and ADs remain unclear and are scarce. This study was undertaken to investigate whether people with Tx are more likely to develop ADs, compared to those without Tx.

Methods

Individuals who received Tx between 2002 and 2015 were identified and matched on age and sex with individuals without Tx. We performed multivariate and stratified analysis using the Kaplan–Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models in order to estimate the association between Tx and the risk of developing ADs.

Results

A total of 2550 thymectomized (Txd) patients and 24,664.941 non‐Txd comparison subjects were selected from NHIRD. Tx‐MG (myasthenia gravis) as compared with general population (nonTx‐nonMG), adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) were higher for incident Addison disease (aHR = 10.40, 95% CI 1.01–107), autoimmune hemolytic anemia (aHR = 21.54, 95% CI 2.06–14.8), Hashmoto thyroiditis (aHR = 5.52, 95% CI 1.34–34.7), ankylosing spondylitis (aHR = 2.73, 95% CI 1.09–6.84), rheumatoid arthritis (aHR = 5.25, 95% CI 1.79–15.47), primary Sjogren syndrome (pSS) (aHR = 3.77, 95% CI 1.30–11.0), and systemic lupus erythemtoasus (aHR = 10.40). Tx‐nonMG as compared with general population, aHR were higher for incident autoimmune hemolytic anemia (aHR = 25.50), Hashmoto thyroiditis (aHR = 6.75) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (aHR = 13.38). NonTx‐MG as compared with general population, aHR were higher for incident Hashmoto thyroiditis (aHR = 6.57), pSS (aHR = 4.50), SLE (aHR = 17.29), and systemic vasculitis (aHR = 25.86).

Interpretation

In conclusion, based on a retrospective cohort study throughout Taiwan, patients with Tx have a higher risk of new onset ADs than patients without Tx.
Highly dispersed and active Pd nanoparticles over titania support through engineering oxygen vacancies and their anchoring effect
Authors: Wang Xuyu , Zou Xuelin , Rui Zebao , Wang Yongqing , Ji Hongbing
Published: May 2020

Rational synthesis of highly dispersed and active metal nanoparticles (NP) for application in catalysis has been a hot but challenging research topic. Herein, we report a facile strategy for dispersing and stabilizing noble metal NP in a reducible metal oxide support (e.g., TiO2) through engineering oxygen vacancies and their anchoring effect. The pre‐reduction of TiO2 support produces oxygen vacancies, and Pd NP prefer to occupy these vacancies with a strong meal‐support interaction and near metallic state. A near monatomic Pd NP distribution over anatase TiO2 support is obtained with this strategy. Significant activity enhancement is demonstrated in both oxygen activation and formaldehyde oxidation reactions by this catalyst design method. H2, NaBH4 and HCHO are suitable reducing agent for TiO2, the pre‐reduction catalysts by H2, NaBH4 and HCHO shows highly activity for formaldehyde oxidation. Such a work demonstrates support pre‐reduction strategy is a facile way to prepare powerful supported noble metal catalysts.
Machine learning of biomarkers and clinical observation to predict eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis: a pilot study
Authors: Thorwarth Ryan M. , Scott Derek W. , Lal Devyani , Marino Michael J.
Published: May 2020

Background

Subtyping chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) by tissue eosinophilia has prognostic and therapeutic implications, and is difficult to predict using peripheral eosinophil counts or polyp status alone. The objective of this study was to test machine learning for prediction of eosinophilic CRS (eCRS).

Methods

Input variables were defined as peripheral eosinophil count, urinary leukotriene E4 (uLTE4) level, and polyp status. The output was diagnosis of eCRS, defined as tissue eosinophil count >10 per high‐power field. Patients undergoing surgery for CRS were retrospectively reviewed for complete datasets. Univariate analysis was performed for each input as a predictor of eCRS. Logistic regression and artificial neural network (ANN) machine learning models were developed using random and surgeon‐specific training/test datasets.

Results

A total of 80 patients met inclusion criteria. In univariate analysis, area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) for peripheral eosinophil count and uLTE4 were 0.738 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.616 to 0.840) and 0.728 (95% CI, 0.605 to 0.822), respectively. Presence of polyps was 94.1% sensitive, but 51.7% specific. Logistic regression models using random and surgeon specific datasets resulted in AUC of 0.882 (95% CI, 0.665 to 0.970) and 0.945 (95% CI, 0.755 to 0.995), respectively. ANN models resulted in AUC of 0.918 (95% CI, 0.756 to 0.975) and 0.956 (95% CI, 0.828 to 0.999) using random and surgeon‐specific datasets, respectively. Model comparison of logistic regression and ANN was not statistically different. All machine learning models had AUC greater than univariate analyses (all p < 0.003).

Conclusion

Machine learning of 3 clinical inputs has the potential to predict eCRS with high sensitivity and specificity in this patient population. Prospective investigation using larger and more diverse populations is warranted.
Modification of highly brittle polystyrene sulfonic acid‐co‐maleic acid crosslinked sodium alginate membrane into flexible membranes by the incorporation of dibutyl phthalate as a plasticizer for pervaporation separation
Authors: Achari Divya D. , Heggannavar Geetha B. , Kariduraganavar Mahadevappa Y.
Published: June 2020

To convert highly brittle into flexible membrane, the polystyrene sulfonic acid‐co‐maleic acid crosslinked sodium alginate (PSSAMA/NaAlg) membrane was modified by incorporating the different weight% of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) as a plasticizer. The effect of DBP content on the physico‐chemical properties of the membranes was thoroughly examined. The membranes exhibited lower glass transition temperatures with increasing the plasticizer content in the matrix of PSSAMA/NaAlg. The separation performance of the membranes for water/isopropanol and water/1,4‐dioxane was studied at different temperatures. Among the modified membranes, the membrane containing 6 wt% of DBP exhibited the highest separation factors of 24,129 with a flux of 13.57 × 10−2 kg/m2 hr and 23,353 with a flux of 12.99 × 10−2 kg/m2 hr for water/isopropanol and water/1,4‐dioxane at 30°C, respectively. From the temperature‐dependent diffusion and permeation values, the Arrhenius activation parameters were estimated. The estimated activation energy values for permeation of water (Epw) and isopropanol (EpIPA) were, respectively, ranged between 12.09 and 8.79, and 42.52 and 32.79 kJ/mol. A negative heat of sorption (ΔHs) values was obtained for all the membranes, suggesting that Langmuir's mode of sorption was predominant. Based on the results, it is concluded that the modified membranes demonstrated excellent pervaporation performance for the separation of water/isopropanol and water/1,4‐dioxane.
Comprehensive characterization of tense and relaxed quaternary state glutaraldehyde polymerized bovine hemoglobin as a function of cross‐link density
Authors: Gu Xiangming , Bolden‐Rush Crystal , Cuddington Clayton T. , Belcher Donald A. , Savla Chintan , Pires Ivan S. , Palmer Andre F.
Published: May 2020

Previously, our lab developed high molecular weight (MW) tense (T) quaternary state glutaraldehyde polymerized bovine hemoglobins (PolybHbs) that exhibited reduced vasoactivity in several small animal models. In this study, we prepared PolybHb in the T and relaxed (R) quaternary state with ultrahigh MW (>500 kDa) with varying cross‐link densities, and investigated the effect of MW on key biophysical properties (i.e., O2 affinity, cooperativity (Hill) coefficient, hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity, polymer composition, viscosity, gaseous ligand‐binding kinetics, auto‐oxidation, and haptoglobin [Hp]‐binding kinetics). To further optimize current PolybHb synthesis and purification protocols, we performed a comprehensive meta‐data analysis to evaluate correlations between procedural parameters (i.e., cross‐linker:bovine hemoglobin (bHb) molar ratio, gas‐liquid exchange time, temperature during sodium dithionite addition, and number of diafiltration cycles) and the biophysical properties of both T‐ and R‐state PolybHbs. Our results showed that, the duration of the fast‐step auto‐oxidation phase of R‐state PolybHb increased with decreasing glutaraldehyde:bHb molar ratio. Additionally, T‐state PolybHbs exhibited significantly higher bimolecular rate constants for binding to Hp and unimolecular O2 offloading rate constants compared to R‐state PolybHbs. The methemoglobin (metHb) level in the final product was insensitive to the molar ratio of glutaraldehyde to bHb for all PolybHbs. During tangential flow filtration processing of the final product, 14 diafiltration cycles was found to yield the lowest metHb level.
Study on the use of a combination of IPython Notebook and an industry‐standard package in educating a CFD course
Authors: Seddighi Mehdi , Allanson David , Rothwell Glynn , Takrouri Khaled
Published: May 2020

It is common that industry‐standard packages are used in teaching professional engineering courses in final‐year undergraduate and postgraduate levels. To improve the competency of students in using such professional packages, it is important that students develop a good understanding of theoretical/fundamental concepts used on the packages. However, it is always a challenge to teach theoretical/fundamental concepts in the computational‐related courses. The teaching of such subjects can be improved by the use of advanced open‐source web applications. The present research proposes an approach based upon the combination of Jupyter Notebook and an industry‐standard package to teach an applied, computationally related course. We investigate the use of backward design and a novel tool called IPython (Jupyter) Notebook to redesign a postgraduate Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) course. IPython Notebook is used to design a series of integrated lecture slides and tutorial tasks, and also one of the assignments for the blended‐learning‐based, semester‐run, CFD course. The tool allows the implementation of backward curriculum design and a learn‐by‐doing approach in redesigning the course. The materials produced were used on the first part of the course which contributed 40% towards the course's final mark and delivered the fundamental concepts of CFD over the first half of the semester. The remaining 60% of the mark was based on a final project from the materials taught on using an industry‐standard CFD package in solving complex CFD problems during the second half of the semester. It was shown that the Ipython environment is a very useful tool which provides learning‐by‐doing practices allowing students to have a coherent integrated lecture, tutorial, and assignment material in a highly interactive way. It improved (a) students' engagement in teaching complex theoretical concepts, (b) students satisfaction of the course and (c) students performance in working with the industry‐standard package over the second half of the semester.
Investigation of the Effects of Squalene and Squalene Epoxides on the Homeostasis of Coenzyme Q10 in Rats by UPLC‐Orbitrap MS
Authors: Yu Wenjing , Sun Kaiju , Zhang Liying , Wan Xilin , Chen Changbao , Su Rui , Liu Yifei , Wang Hongfeng , Yang Hongmei
Published: May 2020

Squalene has been used as a dietary supplement for a long history due to its potential cancer‐preventive function. However, the mechanism has not been investigated in detail yet. Therefore, the aim of this study is to see if the plasma coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) level will be altered by gavage of squalene and oxidosqualenes to rats. In the present work, a sensitive and simple high‐performance analytical method based on ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with an Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Orbitrap‐MS) was developed for the quantification of CoQ10 in rat plasma. Coenzyme Q9 (CoQ9) was employed as the internal standard. CoQ10 was determined after acetonitrile‐mediated plasma protein precipitation using UPLC‐Orbitrap‐MS in negative ion mode. Intragastric administration of squalene and the two squalene epoxides into rats once daily for several days elevated the level of CoQ10 in their plasma, but there was no significant difference between high‐dose (286 mg/kg) and low‐dose (143 mg/kg) groups. Intragastric administration of squalene once a day for 5 consecutive days and oxidosqualenes once a day for 3 consecutive days is necessary for reaching the steady‐state level of CoQ10. Our present findings indicate that squalene and oxidosqualenes may be useful for stimulating the synthesis of CoQ10 in rats.
Thymidine phosphorylase promotes angiogenesis and tumour growth in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Li Shuangling , Yang Hongli , Li Kun , Fan Guiling , Deng Li , Xu Changqing
Published: June 2020

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is the second most common primary liver cancer, and thymidine phosphorylase (TP) is a regulator of angiogenesis. To investigate the biological activities of TP in ICC, we established human cholangiocarcinoma RBE cell lines overexpressing TP or silencing TP. Overexpression of TP enhanced viability, suppressed apoptosis and increased tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells, while downregulation of TP reversed these effects. Moreover, an orthotopic xenograft mouse model of ICC was built to further explore TP's function in ICC in vivo. Histological analysis using H&E, TUNEL and Ki67 staining showed that TP promoted tumour growth and inhibited cell apoptosis. Immunostaining for CD31 revealed an elevation in microvessel density in the presence of TP. Besides, upregulation of TP increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, interleukin‐8 and tumour necrosis factor alpha. In contrast, TP knockdown inhibited tumour growth, suppressed microvessel formation and decreased the expression of angiogenesis‐related proteins. Therefore, we suggest that TP promotes angiogenesis and tumour growth in ICC, which can be a potent therapeutic target for ICC treatment.
Visible Light‐Enabled sp3‐C−H Functionalization with Chloro‐ and Bromoalkynes: Chemoselective Route to Vinylchlorides or Alkynes
Authors: Adak Tapas , Hoffmann Marvin , Witzel Sina , Rudolph Matthias , Dreuw Andreas , Hashmi A. Stephen K.
Published: May 2020

An unprecedented direct atom‐economic chemo‐ and regioselective hydroalkylation of chloroalkynes and an sp3‐C−H alkynylation of bromoalkynes was achieved. The reaction partners are unfunctionalized ethers, alcohols, amides, and even non‐activated hydrocarbons. We found that a household fluorescent bulb was able to excite a diaryl ketone, which then selectively abstracts a H‐atom from an sp3‐C−H bond. The product of a formal alkyne insertion into the sp3‐C−H bond was obtained with chloroalkynes, providing valuable vinyl chlorides. The photo‐organocatalytic hydrogen atom transfer strategy gives rise to a broad range of diversely functionalized olefins. When bromoalkynes are applied in the presence of a base, a chemoselectivity switch to an alkynylation is observed. This reaction can even be performed for the alkynylation of unactivated sp3‐C−H bonds, in this case with a preference of the more substituted carbon. Accompanying quantum chemical calculations indicate a vinyl radical intermediate with pronounced linear coordination of the carbon radical center, thus enabling the formation of both diastereoisomers after H‐atom abstraction, suggesting that the (Z)‐diastereoisomer is preferred, which supports the experimentally observed (E/Z)‐distribution.
Enhancing the Electrochemical Performance of a High‐Voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Cathode in a Carbonate‐Based Electrolyte with a Novel and Low‐Cost Functional Additive
Authors: Tan Chunlei , Wang Na , Pan Qichang , Li Yan , Li Yu , Ji Qiannan , Fan Xiaoping , Zheng Fenghua , Wang Hongqiang , Li Qingyu
Published: May 2020

Butyric anhydride (BA) is used as an effective functional additive to improve the electrochemical performance of a high‐voltage LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) cathode. In the presence of 0.5 wt % BA, the capacity retention of a LNMO/Li cell is significantly improved from 15.3 to 88.4 % after 200 cycles at 1 C. Furthermore, the rate performance of the LNMO/Li cell is also effectively enhanced, and the capacity goes up to 112 mAh g−1 even at 5 C, which is considerably higher than that of a LNMO/Li cell in electrolyte without BA additive (95.4 mAh g−1 at 5 C). Linear sweep voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry results reveal that the BA additive can be preferentially oxidized to construct a stable cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI) film on the LNMO cathode. Subsequently, the BA‐derived CEI film can alleviate the decomposition of the electrolyte and the dissolution of Mn and Ni ions from the LNMO cathode as well as maintain the structural stability of LNMO during the cycling process; this leads to outstanding electrochemical performance. Thus, this work provides an effective and low‐cost functional electrolyte for high‐voltage LNMO‐based LIBs.
Quantifying the color palettes of Naghsh‐e Jahan Square in Isfahan
Authors: Mohammadgholipour Maryam , Kirchner Eric , Salleh Elias
Published: June 2020

In the 1960s, Jean‐Philippe Lenclos introduced a structured methodology for determining the color palettes of urban environments. After half a century, this method is widely used all over the world. Since this process contains subjective and time‐consuming steps, we propose a quantitative improvement of Lenclos' methodology by introducing a fully digital procedure. This removes observer subjectivity and dependence on local illumination conditions. We applied the digital process to the four monumental buildings of Naghsh‐e Jahan Square in Isfahan, a masterpiece of world architecture. The resulting color palettes are more accurate than those obtained in earlier studies. We obtained more accurate color coordinates, characterized by a wider color gamut, and quantified color variations within buildings and between monuments as well.
Compilation of MATLAB computations to CPU/GPU via C/OpenCL generation
Authors: Reis Luís , Bispo João , Cardoso João M. P.
Published: June 2020

In order to take advantage of the processing power of current computing platforms, programmers typically need to develop software versions for different target devices. This task is time‐consuming and requires significant programming and computer architecture expertise. A possible and more convenient alternative is to start with a single high‐level description of a program with minimum implementation details, and generate custom implementations according to the target platform. In this paper, we use MATLAB as a high‐level programming language and propose a compiler that targets CPU/GPU computing platforms by generating customized implementations in C and OpenCL. We propose a number of compiler techniques to automatically generate efficient C and OpenCL code from MATLAB programs. One of such compiler techniques relies on heuristics to decide when and how to use Shared Virtual Memory (SVM). The experimental results show that our approach is able to generate code that provides significant speedups (eg, geometric mean speedup of 11× for a set of simple benchmarks) using a discrete GPU over equivalent sequential C code executing on a CPU. With more complex benchmarks, for which only some code regions can be parallelized, and are thus offloaded, the generated code achieved speedups of up to 2.2×. We also show the impact of using SVM, specifically fine‐grained buffers, and the results show that the compiler is able to achieve significant speedups, both over the versions without SVM and with naïve aggressive SVM use, across three CPU/GPU platforms.
Fenofibrate Improves Liver Function and Reduces the Toxicity of the Bile Acid Pool in Patients With Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Who Are Partial Responders to Ursodiol
Authors: Ghonem Nisanne S. , Auclair Adam M. , Hemme Christopher L. , Gallucci Gina M. , de la Rosa Rodriguez Randolph , Boyer James L. , Assis David N.
Published: June 2020

Cholestatic liver diseases result in the hepatic retention of bile acids, causing subsequent liver toxicity. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) regulates bile acid metabolism. In this retrospective observational study, we assessed the effects of fenofibrate (a PPARα agonist) therapy on bile acid metabolism when given to patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) who have had an incomplete response to Ursodiol monotherapy. When fenofibrate was added to Ursodiol therapy there was a significant reduction and in some cases normalization of serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase abnormalities, as well as pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Combination fenofibrate treatment also reduced 7α‐hydroxy‐4‐cholesten‐3‐one (C4), the bile acid precursor, as well as total, primary, and conjugated bile acids. In addition, principal components analysis and heatmap analysis show that bile acid metabolites trended closer to that of healthy control subjects. These favorable effects of fenofibrate on bile acid metabolism may contribute to its beneficial clinical effects in patients with PBC and PSC experiencing a subtherapeutic response to Ursodiol monotherapy.
Adamantinoma‐like Ewing Sarcoma of the thyroid gland: Cytomorphologic, phenotypic and molecular features
Authors: Chikeka Ijeuru , Sung Simon , Tiscornia‐Wasserman Patricia , Cimic Adela
Published: May 2020

Adamantinoma‐like Ewing Sarcoma (ALES) is a rare subtype of Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (EFTs) which are defined by their EWSR1 gene rearrangements. We present a case of a 15‐year old female with a swelling in her anterior neck of 4 months duration which had recently begun to rapidly grow in size. Fine needle aspiration showed a small blue round cell tumor with immunoreactivity for cytokeratin, CD99 and FLI1. Material for molecular testing was available on the resection specimen. Demonstration of t(11;22) (EWS‐FLI1) was helpful in establishing the diagnosis.
Intercolony variation in foraging flight characteristics of black‐headed gulls Chroicocephalus ridibundus during the incubation period
Authors: Jakubas Dariusz , Indykiewicz Piotr , Kowalski Jarosław , Iciek Tomasz , Minias Piotr
Published: June 2020

Using GPS loggers, we examined the influence of colony, sex, and bird identity on foraging flight characteristics of black‐headed gulls Chroicocephalus ridibundus during the incubation period. We studied tracks of 36 individuals breeding in one urban and two rural colonies in Poland. Birds from both rural colonies performed the furthest flights (mean max distance 8–12 km, up to 27 km) foraging mainly in agricultural areas. Gulls from the urban colony performed shorter flights (mean 5 km, up to 17 km) visiting mainly urbanized areas and water bodies. We found that females performed longer flights and their flight parameters were less repeatable compared to males. Males from both rural colonies visited water bodies more frequently than females. In all colonies, males (but not females) used habitats unproportionally to their availability in the vicinity. Relatively low interindividual and relatively high intraindividual overlap in home ranges indicated considerable foraging site fidelity. Individuals specialized in the use of a particular type of habitat performed shorter foraging flights compared to individuals using diverse habitats during their foraging flights. Our results indicate diverse foraging strategies of black‐headed gulls, including generalists that explore various habitats and specialists characterized by high foraging site and habitat fidelity.
Autocrine C‐peptide protects INS1 β cells against palmitic acid‐induced oxidative stress in peroxisomes by inducing catalase
Authors: Luppi Patrizia , Drain Nicholas , To Ramsey , Stolz Donna , Wallace Callen , Watkins Simon , Drain Peter
Published: May 2020

Aims

C‐peptide, produced by pancreatic β cells and co‐secreted in the bloodstream with insulin, has antioxidant properties in glucose‐ and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐exposed INS1 β cells. Palmitic acid, the most physiologically abundant long‐chain free fatty acid in humans, is metabolized in peroxisomes of β cells accumulating H2O2 that can lead to oxidative stress. Here, we tested the hypothesis that C‐peptide protects β cells from palmitic acid‐induced stress by lowering peroxisomal H2O2.

Materials and methods

We exposed INS1 β cells to palmitic acid and C‐peptide in the setting of increasing glucose concentration and tested for changes in parameters of stress and death. To study the ability of C‐peptide to lower peroxisomal H2O2, we engineered an INS1 β cell line stably expressing the peroxisomal‐targeted H2O2 sensor HyPer, whose fluorescence increases with cellular H2O2. An INS1 β cell line stably expressing a live‐cell fluorescent catalase reporter was used to detect changes in catalase gene expression.

Results

C‐peptide protects INS1 β cells from the combined effect of palmitic acid and glucose by reducing peroxisomal H2O2 to baseline levels and increasing expression of catalase.

Conclusions

In conditions of glucolipotoxicity, C‐peptide increases catalase expression and reduces peroxisomal oxidative stress and death of INS1 β cells. Maintenance of C‐peptide secretion is a pro‐survival requisite for β cells in adverse conditions. Loss of C‐peptide secretion would render β cells more vulnerable to stress and death leading to secretory dysfunction and diabetes.
Hexacyanidosilicates with Functionalized Imidazolium Counterions
Authors: Harloff Jörg , Laatz Karoline Charlotte , Lerch Swantje , Schulz Axel , Stoer Philip , Strassner Thomas , Villinger Alexander
Published: May 2020

Functionalized imidazolium cations were combined with the hexacyanidosilicate anion, [Si(CN)6]2–, by salt metathesis reactions with K2[Si(CN)6], yielding novel ionic compounds of the general formula [R–Ph(nBu)Im]2[Si(CN)6] {R = 2‐Me (1), 4‐Me (2), 2,4,6‐Me = Mes (3), 2‐MeO (4), 2,4‐F (5), 4‐Br (6); Im = imidazolium}. All synthesized imidazolium hexacyanidosilicates decompose upon thermal treatment above 95 °C (96 – 164 °C). Furthermore, the hexa‐borane‐adduct [Mes(nBu)Im]2{Si[(CN)B(C6F5)3]6}·6CH2Cl2 (7), which is thermally stable up to 215 °C, was obtained from the reaction of 3 with Lewis acidic B(C6F5)3. In CH3CN solution, decomposition of the hexaadduct to the Lewis‐acid‐base adduct CH3CN–B(C6F5)3 and [(C6F5)3B·(µ‐CN)·B(C6F5)3]– was observed. All synthesized compounds were isolated in good yields and were completely characterized including single crystal structure elucidations.
Influence of Fat and Emulsifier Content on Volatile Release of Butter Aroma Used in Water Phase and Physical Attributes of Model Margarines
Authors: Dadalı Ceyda , Elmacı Yeşim
Published: May 2020

Margarines are water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsion‐type products produced with butter aroma. The aim of this study is to investigate the volatile release of the butter aroma compounds used in the water phase of model margarine and sensory properties influenced by the change of fat and emulsifier. A headspace/solid phase microextraction/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS/SPME/GC/MS) system is used for the identification of the volatile compounds. It is determined that high fat content in model margarine samples results in an increase in the release of both 2,3‐butandione and butanoic acid. On the other hand, an increase in fat content reduces the release of butanoic acid ethyl ester and vanillin. In addition, an increase in the emulsifier content of the model margarines results in a decrease in butanoic acid ethyl ester release. The model margarines with 80% fat content have the highest hardness and storage modulus (G′) values. The perception of butter aroma and taste are more intense in high‐fat margarine samples, while fruity aroma and taste, vanilla aroma, and taste perception are higher in low‐fat margarine samples. However, emulsifier content does not affect the sensory properties of the model margarines.

Practical Applications: Decreasing high fat content food intake has become increasingly popular among consumers. Thus, in order to meet consumer demands, manufacturers have begun to reduce the fat content of the foods they produce. However, the flavor properties of a product can change as a consequence of fat content reduction. In order to produce a product in accordance with the properties demanded by the consumer, the change in the flavor of that product should be foreseen depending on the change in fat content. This study aimed to determine the volatile compound release and sensory properties of margarine samples due to fat and emulsifier changes. The findings of this study are a guide for the production of low‐fat products.
Characteristics of energy storage and dissipation of coal under one‐time cyclic load
Authors: Peng Kang , Shi Shaowei , Zou Quanle , Mou Junhui , Yu Jin , Zhang Yongjiang , Cheng Yanying
Published: June 2020

Energy is an important research parameter in rock mechanics. To explore the law of energy evolution of coal, a one‐time loading and unloading test under uniaxial compression was conducted on coal taken from four different coal mines. By utilizing the area integral method, the total input, elastic, and dissipated energy densities in coal at different unloading levels were calculated. The correlation between various energy densities and the evolution law of energy density with different unloading levels was attained. The peak strengths of the coal slowly declined with an increasing unloading level, which conforms to the relation of a linearly decreasing function. The energy dissipation rate has nonlinear characteristics, and the shape of the dissipation rate fitting curve changed from an upper concave to a downward concave with increasing strength. In all the coal samples, the energy density grew nonlinearly with the unloading level. Moreover, the growth rate of the total energy density was the highest, followed by the growth rates of the elastic and dissipated energy densities. All ratios of the elastic and dissipated energy densities to the total input energy density and the ratio of the dissipated energy density to the elastic energy density were constant. As the strength increased, the input energy and the elastic energy density increased at a faster rate, and they observed the same law. There is an insignificant relationship between the degree of destruction of the coal and the level of unloading. Energy is a major factor that drives the failure of a test piece, but this is not the main factor that determines the degree of damage to the test piece.
Decadal link between longitudinal morphological changes in branching channels of Yangtze estuary and movement of the offshore depo‐center
Authors: Zhu Boyuan , Yue Yao , Borthwick Alistair G.L. , Yu Wenjun , Liang Enhang , Tang Jinwu , Chai Yuanfang , Li Yitian
Published: May 2020

In estuaries, the morphology of inland and offshore areas usually evolves synergistically. This study examines the decadal link between longitudinal changes in morphology of branching channels and movement of the offshore depo‐center (where sediment deposition rate is maximum) of the Yangtze River estuary, under intense human interference. Integrated data analysis is provided on morphology, runoff discharge, and ebb partition ratio from 1950 to 2017. Channel‐volume reductions and change rates between isobaths in branching channels reflect the impact of estuarine engineering projects. Ebb partition ratio and duration of discharge ≥ 60 000 m3 s‐1 act as proxies for the water excavating force in branching channels and runoff intensity. It is found that deposition occurs in the lower/upper sub‐reaches (or further downstream/upstream channels) of the inland north/south branching channels, and the offshore depo‐center moves southward or southeastward, as runoff intensity grows; the reverse occurs as runoff intensity declines. This is because the horizontal circumfluence in the Yangtze estuary rotates clockwise as ebb partition ratios of the north/south branching channels increase/decrease for increasing runoff, and conversely rotates anticlockwise for decreasing runoff. Land reclamation activities, the Deepwater Channel Project, and the Qingcaosha Reservoir have impacted greatly on longitudinal changes of morphology in the North Branch and the South Passage and on ebb partition ratio variations in the North/South Channel and the North/South Passage. Dam‐induced runoff flattening has enhanced deposition in the upper/lower sub‐reaches of the north/south branching channels and caused northward movement of the offshore depo‐center, except in areas affected by estuarine engineering projects. Dam‐induced longitudinal evolution of branching channel morphology and offshore depo‐center movement will likely persist in the future, given the ongoing construction of large cascade dams in the upper Yangtze and the completion of major projects in the Yangtze estuary. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topoclimates, refugia, and biotic responses to climate change
Authors: Ackerly David D , Kling Matthew M , Clark Matthew L , Papper Prahlad , Oldfather Meagan F , Flint Alan L , Flint Lorraine E
Published: June 2020

Plant distributions are strongly influenced by both climate and topography. In an analysis of geographic and topographic distributions for selected tree species in California, we found that tree populations are increasingly restricted to extreme topographic positions as they approach the edge of their geographic ranges, occupying cooler, pole‐facing slopes (at the warm and dry edge) and warmer, equator‐facing slopes (at the cool and moist edge). At a local scale, species distributions across topographic gradients also correlate with species geographic ranges (species that occupy cooler locations within the landscape have cooler, moister geographic distributions, and vice versa). Model outputs indicated that species found on pole‐facing slopes and equator‐facing slopes will experience population declines and population increases, respectively, in response to a warmer and drier future. As such, tree species occupying cooler landscape locations, which are viewed as refugia in some contexts, may be most threatened by anthropogenic climate change.
Validating climate‐change refugia: empirical bottom‐up approaches to support management actions
Authors: Barrows Cameron W , Ramirez Aaron R , Sweet Lynn C , Morelli Toni Lyn , Millar Constance I , Frakes Neil , Rodgers Jane , Mahalovich Mary F
Published: June 2020

Efforts to conserve biodiversity increasingly focus on identifying climate‐change refugia – areas relatively buffered from contemporary climate change over time that enable species persistence. Identification of refugia typically includes modeling the distribution of a species’ current habitat and then extrapolating that distribution given projected changes in temperature and precipitation, or by mapping topographic features that buffer species from regional climate extremes. However, the function of those hypothesized refugia must be validated (or challenged) with independent data not used in the initial identification of the refugia. Although doing so would facilitate the incorporation of climate‐change refugia into conservation and management decision making, a synthesis of validation methods is currently lacking. We reviewed the literature and defined four methods to test refugia predictions. We propose that such bottom‐up approaches can lead to improved protected‐area designations and on‐the‐ground management actions to reduce influences from non‐climate stressors within potential refugia.
Managing climate refugia for freshwater fishes under an expanding human footprint
Authors: Ebersole Joseph L , Quiñones Rebecca M , Clements Shaun , Letcher Benjamin H
Published: June 2020

Within the context of climate adaptation, the concept of climate refugia has emerged as a framework for addressing future threats to freshwater fish populations. We evaluated recent climate‐refugia management associated with water use and landscape modification by comparing efforts in the US states of Oregon and Massachusetts, for which there are contrasting resource use patterns. Using these examples, we discuss tools and principles that can be applied more broadly. Although many early efforts to identify climate refugia have focused on water temperature, substantial gains in evaluating other factors and processes regulating climate refugia (eg stream flow, groundwater availability) are facilitating refined mapping of refugia and assessment of their ecological value. Major challenges remain for incorporating climate refugia into water‐quality standards, evaluating trade‐offs among policy options, addressing multiple species’ needs, and planning for uncertainty. However, with a procedurally transparent and conceptually sound framework to build upon, recent efforts have revealed a promising path forward.