bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive gamma passing rate for three‐dimensional dose verification with finite detector elements via improved dose uncertainty potential accumulation model
Authors: Shiba Eiji , Saito Akito , Furumi Makoto , Kawahara Daisuke , Miki Kentaro , Murakami Yuji , Ohguri Takayuki , Ozawa Shuichi , Tsuneda Masato , Yahara Katsuya , Nishio Teiji , Korogi Yukunori , Nagata Yasushi
Published: December 2019

Purpose

We aim to develop a method to predict the gamma passing rate (GPR) of a three‐dimensional (3D) dose distribution measured by the Delta4 detector system using the dose uncertainty potential (DUP) accumulation model.

Methods

Sixty head‐and‐neck intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment plans were created in the XiO treatment planning system. All plans were created using nine step‐and‐shoot beams of the ONCOR linear accelerator. Verification plans were created and measured by the Delta4 system. The planar DUP (pDUP) manifesting on a field edge was generated from the segmental aperture shape with a Gaussian folding on the beam's‐eye view. The DUP at each voxel () was calculated by projecting the pDUP on the Delta4 phantom with its attenuation considered. The learning model (LM), an average GPR as a function of the DUP, was approximated by an exponential function to compensate for the low statistics of the learning data due to a finite number of the detectors. The coefficient was optimized to ensure that the difference between the measured and predicted GPRs () was minimized. The standard deviation (SD) of the was evaluated for the optimized LM.

Results

It was confirmed that the coefficient was larger for tighter tolerance. This result corresponds to the expectation that the attenuation of the will be large for tighter tolerance. The and were observed to be proportional for all tolerances investigated. The SD of was 2.3, 4.1, and 6.7% for tolerances of 3%/3 mm, 3%/2 mm, 2%/2 mm, respectively.

Conclusion

The DUP‐based predicting method of the GPR was extended to 3D by introducing DUP attenuation and an optimized analytical LM to compensate for the low statistics of the learning data due to a finite number of detector elements. The precision of the predicted GPR is expected to be improved by improving the LM and by involving other metrics.
Magnetization transfer and frequency distribution effects in the SSFP ellipse
Authors: Wood Tobias C. , Teixeira Rui P. A. G. , Malik Shaihan J.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To demonstrate that quantitative magnetization transfer (qMT) parameters can be extracted from steady‐state free‐precession (SSFP) data with no external T1 map or banding artifacts.

Methods

SSFP images with multiple MT weightings were acquired and qMT parameters fitted with a two‐stage elliptical signal model.

Results

Monte Carlo simulations and data from a 3T scanner indicated that most qMT parameters could be recovered with reasonable accuracy. Systematic deviations from theory were observed in white matter, consistent with previous literature on frequency distribution effects.

Conclusions

qMT parameters can be extracted from SSFP data alone, in a manner robust to banding artifacts, despite several confounds.
Movement Dynamics of Smallmouth Bass in a Large Western River System
Authors: McClure Conor , Quist Michael C. , Kozfkay Joseph R. , Peterson Michael P. , Schill Daniel J.
Published: December 2019

The Snake River, Idaho, between Swan Falls and Brownlee dams supports a popular fishery for Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu. Recently, anglers have expressed concern about harvest of Smallmouth Bass associated with seasonal congregations in and near the lower reaches of several major tributaries. Little is known about Smallmouth Bass movement in the system, and a better understanding of movement dynamics will help to guide future management. From March to August 2016, Smallmouth Bass (≥260 mm; n = 1,131) were tagged with T-bar anchor tags to evaluate large-scale movement patterns. Movement was estimated from 63 angler-reported tags for which area descriptions provided sufficient detail to assign a recapture location. Extent of fish movement varied among segments and tributaries from 0 to 128 river kilometers (rkm). From March to May 2017, Smallmouth Bass (≥305 mm; n = 149) in the Snake, Boise, Payette, and Weiser rivers and in Brownlee Reservoir were implanted with radio transmitters. Of the 149 Smallmouth Bass that were released with radio transmitters, 107 were relocated at least once. Additionally, 79.6% of fish with radio transmitters had a maximum extent of movement of 5 rkm or greater and 42.6% had a maximum extent of 30 rkm or greater; one radio-tagged fish moved 167 rkm upstream. Average daily movement of Smallmouth Bass varied among river segments and was greatest in the spring and summer. Fish from the Snake River, tributaries (e.g., Boise River), and Brownlee Reservoir moved all around the study area, indicating an absence of clear population boundaries. As such, Smallmouth Bass in the study area appear to function as one large population as opposed to multiple subpopulations, thereby indicating that management as one population is likely appropriate.
A novel waterjet technology for transurethral cystoscopic injection of viable cells in the urethral sphincter complex
Authors: Jäger Luise , Linzenbold Walter , Fech Andreas , Enderle Markus , Abruzzese Tanja , Stenzl Arnulf , Aicher Wilhelm K.
Published: December 2019

Aims

In a recent preclinical study, we noticed that injection of cells in the urethral sphincter by needle through a cystoscope under visual control frequently yielded in misplacement or loss of cells. We, therefore, investigated if a needle‐free waterjet device delivers viable cells under defined settings, including injection volume and pressure, fluid velocity and transportation media, precisely through the urothelium and connective tissue close to the sphincter muscle without full penetration of the sphincter apparatus.

Methods

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) were prepared for needle‐free waterjet injections. Upon injections into liquids cell viability and yield were investigated by trypan blue dye exclusion. Upon injection into cadaveric urethral tissue samples, cells were isolated from the urethrae and expanded to prove that this novel method delivered viable cells into the tissue. MSC injections by William's needle served as controls.

Results

Waterjet injections of MSCs into isotonic cell culture medium resulted in equal or better yields of viable cells when compared with needle injections. Upon injection in urethral tissue samples, the waterjet technology facilitated fast and precise injections of viable cells through urothelial, mucosal and submucosal layers to reach the sphincter muscle. By controlling the injection pressure, loss of cells due to insufficient thrust or unintended full penetration was avoided.

Conclusions

Needle‐free waterjet injections deliver cells in the urethra faster and more precisely when compared with needle injections without compromising their viability. This is the first proof‐of‐concept study providing evidence that a waterjet transports viable cells precisely into the targeted tissue.
“Comparative intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of maximal voluntary contraction with unidigital and bidigital vaginal palpation and construct validity with Peritron manometer”
Authors: Silva Jordana B. da , Sato Tatiana O. , Rocha Ana P. R. , Driusso Patricia
Published: December 2019

Aims

Evaluate the intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) assessment by unidigital and bidigital vaginal palpation. As a secondary aim, evaluate the construct validity of vaginal palpation and a manometer.

Methods

A total of 120 women were recruited and allocated into three groups according to age (group 1 [G1]: 18‐35; G2: 36‐59; G3: ≥60 years). Examiner A conducted an interview and examiners B and C performed evaluations of PFM function using both unidigital and bidigital vaginal palpation. Seven to 10 days later, examiner B repeated both types of vaginal palpation and measured the MVC pressure with a Peritron. Reliability was analyzed using Cohen's linear weighted Kappa (κw). The construct validity was calculated using the Spearman's correlation (rs).

Results

Intra‐rater reliability of unidigital and bidigital palpation was κw = 0.75 and κw = 0.58 in G1, κw = 0.59 and κw = 0.73 in G2, and κw = 0.79 and κw = 0.86 in G3, respectively. Inter‐rater reliability of unidigital and bidigital palpation was κw = 0.52 and κw = 0.48 in G1, κw = 0.47 and κw = 0.52 in G2, and κw = 0.50 and κw = 0.64 in G3, respectively. Spearman's correlation coefficients were significant at rs = 0.79 and rs = 0.80 for unidigital and bidigital vaginal palpation, respectively.

Conclusions

Unidigital or bidigital vaginal palpation were indicated to evaluate G1 and G2 but bidigital palpation was more reliable in G3 when two examiners performed the evaluation. For the assessment conducted by one examiner, unidigital palpation was more reliable in G1 while bidigital palpation was more reliable in G2 and G3. Both unidigital and bidigital palpation have high measures of validity.
Hepatic Encephalopathy and Nutrition Influences: A Narrative Review
Authors: Fallahzadeh Mohammad Amin , Rahimi Robert S.
Published: December 2019

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a potentially reversible neurocognitive condition seen in patients with advanced liver disease. The overt form of HE has been reported in up to 45% of patients with cirrhosis. This debilitating condition is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and imposes a significant burden on the caregivers and healthcare system. After providing an overview of HE epidemiology and pathophysiology, this review focuses on the interaction of HE and frailty, nutrition requirements and recommendations in cirrhotic patients with HE, and current dietary and pharmacologic options for HE treatment.
Differential effects of stress exposure via two types of restraint apparatuses on behavior and plasma corticosterone level in inbred male BALB/cAJcl mice
Authors: Shoji Hirotaka , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi
Published: December 2019

Aims

Restraint stress is one of the most widely used experimental methods for generating rodent models of stress‐induced neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Although various types of restraint apparatuses have been used to expose animals to stress, the magnitudes of the effects of stress exposure via different types of restraint apparatuses on physiology and behavior have not been compared in the same environment. Here, we investigated the effects of stress exposure via two types of restraint apparatuses on body weight, locomotor activity, anxiety‐ and depression‐related behaviors, and plasma corticosterone levels in mice.

Methods

Adult male BALB/cAJcl mice were restrained by placing them in either a well‐ventilated plastic conical tube or a tapered plastic film envelope for 6 hours per day for 10 or 21 consecutive days. Mice were weighed during and after the stress period and were subjected to a battery of behavioral tests, including light/dark transition, open field, elevated plus maze, Porsolt forced swim, tail suspension, and sucrose preference tests, starting on the day after the last stress session. Plasma corticosterone levels were measured in another cohort of mice on the 1st and the 21st stress sessions and after the Porsolt forced swim test.

Results

Exposure to repeated stress via the two above mentioned types of restraint apparatuses caused body weight loss, heightened locomotor activity, altered immobility during forced swim, and increased plasma corticosterone levels, and some of these results differed between the restraint stress protocols. Film‐restraint–stressed mice had significantly lower body weights than tube‐restraint–stressed mice. Film‐restraint–stressed mice exhibited significantly higher or lower immobility during forced swim than tube‐restraint–stressed mice, depending on the test time. Additionally, the stress‐induced increase in plasma corticosterone levels was found to be higher in film‐restraint–stressed mice than in tube‐restraint–stressed mice.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that film‐restraint stress has more pronounced effects on body weight, depression‐related behavior, and corticosterone response than tube‐restraint stress in mice. These findings may help guide which restraint stress procedures to use, depending on the objectives of a given study, in generating animal models of stress‐induced neuropsychiatric disorders.
A parameter‐uniform scheme for singularly perturbed partial differential equations with a time lag
Authors: Kumar Devendra , Kumari Parvin
Published: December 2019

A numerical scheme for a class of singularly perturbed delay parabolic partial differential equations which has wide applications in the various branches of science and engineering is suggested. The solution of these problems exhibits a parabolic boundary layer on the lateral side of the rectangular domain which continuously depends on the perturbation parameter. For the small perturbation parameter, the standard numerical schemes for the solution of these problems fail to resolve the boundary layer(s) and the oscillations occur near the boundary layer. Thus, in this paper to resolve the boundary layer the extended cubic B‐spline basis functions consisting of a free parameter λ are used on a fitted‐mesh. The extended B‐splines are the extension of classical B‐splines. To find the best value of λ the optimization technique is adopted. The extended cubic B‐splines are an advantage over the classical B‐splines as for some optimized value of λ the solution obtained by the extended B‐splines is better than the solution obtained by classical B‐splines. The method is shown to be first‐order accurate in t and almost the second‐order accurate in x. It is also shown that this method is better than some existing methods. Several test problems are encountered to validate the theoretical results.
Using nationally representative survey data for external adjustment of unmeasured confounders: An example using the NHANES data
Authors: Hernández‐Díaz Sonia , Bateman Brian T. , Palmsten Kristin , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Huybrechts Krista F.
Published: December 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the use of data from population‐based surveys such as the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for external adjustment for confounders imperfectly measured in health care databases in the United States.

Methods

Our example study used Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX) data to estimate the relative risk (RR) for prenatal serotonin‐norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) exposure and cardiac defects. Smoking and obesity are known confounders poorly captured in databases. NHANES collects information on lifestyle factors, depression, and prescription medications. External adjustment requires information on the prevalence of confounders and their association with SNRI use; which was obtained from the NHANES. It also requires estimates of their association with the outcome, which were based on the literature and allowed us to correct the RR using sensitivity analyses.

Results

In MAX, the RR for the association between prenatal SNRI exposure and cardiac defects was 1.51 unadjusted and 1.20 adjusted for measured confounders and restricted to women with depression. In NHANES, among women of childbearing age with depression, the prevalence of smoking was 60.2% (95% Confidence Interval 43.2, 74.3) for SNRI users and 44.1% (39.6, 48.8) for nonusers of antidepressants. The corresponding estimates for obesity were 59.2% (43.2, 74.3) and 40.5% (35.9, 45.0), respectively. If the associations between smoking and obesity with cardiac defects are independent from each other and from other measured confounders, additional adjustment for smoking and obesity would move the RR from 1.20 to around 1.10.

Conclusion

National surveys like NHANES are readily available sources of information on potential confounders and they can be used to assess and improve the validity of RR estimates from observational studies missing data on known risk factors.
Surfactant protein C dysfunction with new clinical insights for diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and autoimmunity
Authors: Tang Xiaolei , Shen Yuelin , Zhou Chunju , Yang Haiming , Liu Hui , Li Huimin , Liu Jinrong , Zhao Shunying
Published: December 2019

Importance

Surfactant protein C (SP‐C) dysfunction is a rare disease associated with interstitial lung disease. Early therapies may improve outcomes but the diagnosis is often delayed owing to variability of manifestations.

Objective

To investigate the manifestations and outcomes of SP‐C dysfunction.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the records of five pediatric patients who were diagnosed with SP‐C dysfunction between February 2014 and April 2017 at Beijing Children's Hospital.

Results

The five patients included two boys and three girls with a median age at diagnosis of 1.3 years. All patients presented with interstitial lung disease and had a heterozygous SFTPC mutation, including an I73T mutation in three patients, a V39L mutation in one patient, and a Y104H mutation in one patient. In addition to common respiratory manifestations, hemoptysis and anemia were observed in one patient with the I73T mutation. Elevated levels of autoantibodies and a large number of hemosiderin‐laden macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were found in two patients with the I73T mutation, suggesting the presence of diffuse alveolar hemorrage and autoimmunity. Chest high‐resolution computed tomography features included ground‐glass opacities, reticular opacities, cysts, and pleural thickening. Transbronchial lung biopsy was performed in one patient with the I73T mutation, which revealed the presence of some hemosiderin‐laden macrophages in alveolar spaces. All patients received treatment with corticosteroids; two received combined treatment with hydroxychloroquine. During follow‐up, the two patients who received hydroxychloroquine showed improved symptoms; of the remaining three patients, two died after their families refused further treatment, while the final patient was lost to follow‐up.

Interpretation

This is the first report to describe a new phenotype of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage with autoimmunity in patients with I73T SFTPC mutation. Treatment with hydroxychloroquine should be considered for patients with SP‐C dysfunction.
Updates on management of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Yu Jason L. , Afolabi‐Brown Olufunke
Published: December 2019

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects about 1%–5% of the pediatric population. The consequences of untreated OSA in children include neurocognitive deficits, behavioral problems, poor school performance as well as systemic and pulmonary hypertension. The treatment options for pediatric OSA are numerous with a variety of surgical and non‐surgical interventions. As our understanding of the complexities of OSA grows, the options for management have continued to expand as well. The objectives of this review are to describe the commonly prescribed treatments for pediatric OSA including adenotonsillectomy as well as use of positive airway pressure. We also highlight other surgical and non‐surgical interventions available. In addition, we provide updates on current research focusing on newer diagnostic and experimental treatment modalities.
Noninvasive ventilation in a young infant with congenital central hypoventilation and 7‐year follow‐up
Authors: Xu Zhifei , Wu Yunxiao , Li Bei , Zheng Li , Liu Jingyuan , Shen Kunling
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a rare disorder characterized by alveolar hypoventilation and autonomic system dysregulation secondary to mutations of the PHOX2B gene. Treatment consists of assisted ventilation using positive‐pressure ventilators via tracheostomy, bi‐level positive airway pressure (BPAP) via a noninvasive interface, negative‐pressure ventilators, or diaphragm pacing. The long‐term use of BPAP in younger children at home has been less frequently reported.

Case presentation

We present a case of a 2‐month‐old infant with CCHS who was successfully managed by BPAP without the need for tracheostomy and followed up for 7 years.

Conclusion

CCHS is a rare disease that manifests as nocturnal desaturation and carbon dioxide retention in early life. Noninvasive ventilation can be successfully used in young infants via an appropriate mask.
Non‐Flat Universes and Black Holes in Asymptotically Free Mimetic Gravity
Authors: Chamseddine Ali H. , Mukhanov Viatcheslav , Russ Tobias B.
Published: December 2019

The recently proposed theory of “Asymptotically Free Mimetic Gravity” is extended to the general non‐homogeneous, spatially non‐flat case. We present a modified theory of gravity which is free of higher derivatives of the metric. In this theory asymptotic freedom of gravity implies the existence of a minimal black hole with vanishing Hawking temperature. Introducing a spatial curvature dependent potential, we moreover obtain non‐singular, bouncing modifications of spatially non‐flat Friedmann and Bianchi universes.
Hot water treatment: an effective method for disinfectingCastanea sativamill. dormant scions againstDryocosmus kuriphilusYasumatsu
Authors: Ciordia Marta , García Juan Carlos , Loureiro María Dolores
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

The Asian chestnut gall wasp (ACGW)Dryocosmus kuriphilusYasumatsu is the most severe pest of the genusCastaneaworldwide. After its arrival in Europe, the insect dispersed rapidly from Italy to other European countries, as well as spreading over long distances within each country because of the unintentional transport of infested chestnut material owing to the fact that infestation inside the dormant buds is visually undetectable. Hot water treatment (HWT) has been tested in terms of pest and diseases control in propagation processes with a wide range of plant material and species, including the Asian chestnutCastanea mollissimacv ‘Qing’. Taking into account the different thermal tolerances of plant species, an experiment to disinfectCastanea sativascions from ACGW by HWT was performed.The effects of the immersion of dormant scions for 10 min at two water temperatures (49 and 52 °C), with and without a previous period of water hydration, were tested.

RESULTS

A 10 min soak at 49 °C was effective in killing ACGW larvae while retaining an excellent percentage of successful grafts. The pre‐HWT hydration stage did not influence the success of the treatment. Positive shoot growth was also recorded after HWT.

CONCLUSIONS

We report for the first time the effectiveness of a simple and environmentally friendly protocol based on hot water for the disinfection of European chestnut (C. sativa) scions againstD. kuriphilus. This will enable nurseries to supply plants free from this pest, preventing the insect dispersion, which will have a positive socio‐economic impact to the chestnut tree sector. Also positive environmental impact will be favoured as gall wasp proliferation will decrease. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Covariate adjustment for randomized controlled trials revisited
Authors: Wang Jixian
Published: December 2019

Covariate adjustment for the estimation of treatment effect for randomized controlled trials (RCT) is a simple approach with a long history, hence, its pros and cons have been well‐investigated and published in the literature. It is worthwhile to revisit this topic since recently there has been significant investigation and development on model assumptions, robustness to model mis‐specification, in particular, regarding the Neyman‐Rubin model and the average treatment effect estimand. This paper discusses key results of the investigation and development and their practical implication on pharmaceutical statistics. Accordingly, we recommend that appropriate covariate adjustment should be more widely used for RCTs for both hypothesis testing and estimation.
Constructing spin‐adiabatic states for the modeling of spin‐crossing reactions. I. A shared‐orbital implementation
Authors: Tao Yunwen , Pei Zheng , Bellonzi Nicole , Mao Yuezhi , Zou Zhu , Liang Wanzhen , Yang Zhibo , Shao Yihan
Published: December 2019

In the modeling of spin‐crossing reactions, it has become popular to directly explore the spin‐adiabatic surfaces. Specifically, through constructing spin‐adiabatic states from a two‐state Hamiltonian (with spin‐orbit coupling matrix elements) at each geometry, one can readily employ advanced geometry optimization algorithms to acquire a “transition state” structure, where the spin crossing occurs. In this work, we report the implementation of a fully‐variational spin‐adiabatic approach based on Kohn‐Sham density functional theory spin states (sharing the same set of molecular orbitals) and the Breit‐Pauli one‐electron spin‐orbit operator. For three model spin‐crossing reactions (predissociation of N2O, singlet‐triplet conversion in CH2, and CO addition to Fe(CO)4), the spin‐crossing points were obtained. Our results also indicated the Breit‐Pauli one‐electron spin‐orbit coupling can vary significantly along the reaction pathway on the spin‐adiabatic energy surface. On the other hand, due to the restriction that low‐spin and high‐spin states share the same set of molecular orbitals, the acquired spin‐adiabatic energy surface shows a cusp (ie, a first‐order discontinuity) at the crossing point, which prevents the use of standard geometry optimization algorithms to pinpoint the crossing point. An extension with this restriction removed is being developed to achieve the smoothness of spin‐adiabatic surfaces.
Exploratory identification of predictive biomarkers in randomized trials with normal endpoints
Authors: Krzykalla Julia , Benner Axel , Kopp‐Schneider Annette
Published: December 2019

One of the main endeavours in present‐day medicine, especially in oncological research, is to provide evidence for individual treatment decisions (“stratified medicine”). In the pursuit of optimal treatment decision rules, the identification of predictive biomarkers that modify the treatment effect is essential. Proposed methods have often been based on recursive partitioning since a wide variety of interaction patterns can be captured automatically and the results are easily interpretable. Furthermore, these methods are readily extendable to high‐dimensional settings by means of ensemble learning. In this article, we present predMOB, an adaptation of the model‐based recursive partitioning (MOB) for subgroup analysis approach specifically tailored to the identification of predictive factors. In a simulation study, predMOB outperforms the original MOB with respect to the number of false detections and shows to be more robust in moderately complex settings. Furthermore, we compare the results of predMOB for the application to a public data base of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients to those obtained from the original MOB and are able to elucidate the nature of the biomarkers' effects.
First subadult specimen of Psephochelys polyosteoderma (Sauropterygia, Placodontia) implies turtle‐like fusion pattern of the carapace
Authors: Wang Wei , Ma Feimin , Li Chun
Published: December 2019

Placodonts are a group of turtle‐like animals, including placochelyids that are restricted entirely to the Triassic Tethyan realm. Their fossil remains are rare compared with other contemporaneous marine reptiles. Here, we report the first subadult specimen of the placochelyid Psephochelys polyosteoderma from south‐western China. It is the most complete specimen of this taxon known. The new fossil is referred confidently to Psephochelys polyosteoderma on the basis of the narrow and spatulate rostrum, toothless premaxillae, and carapace composed of small and numerous armour plates with relatively smooth surfaces. The new specimen provides additional anatomical information for Psephochelys polyosteoderma including the presence of transverse processes on the dorsal vertebrae lacking anteroposterior expansion, and a phalangeal formula in the pes of 1‐2‐3‐4‐2. The phylogeny of placodonts, especially the family Placochelyidae, is revised based on a character matrix incorporating additional postcranial characters. This resulted in a better‐resolved tree when compared with previous studies, with Psephochelys as a derived genus within Placochelyidae. On comparison with the adult holotype specimen, the incompletely developed armour in the new specimen reveals a fusion pattern of the carapace beginning with the axial and marginal regions. This surface fusion pattern resembles the ontogenetic process in the embryonic turtle shell, hinting at a possible deep homology with their common diapsid ancestor.
An Innovative Method to Increase Vanadium Extraction from Vanadium Slag by Increasing the Porosity of Roasted Pellet
Authors: Fang Xiaohong , Shen Shaobo , Li Na , Hou Quanqi
Published: December 2019

Vanadium extraction from vanadium slag is significantly increased using only NaOH‐added pellet roasting to replace the traditional powder roasting previously. To solve some issues relevant to pellet holes, an innovation process to increase vanadium extraction from vanadium slag by increasing the porosity of roasted pellet is proposed presently. For the pellet added only with Na2CO3 and roasted at 800 °C for 2 h, the melting point of Na2CO3, the pellet porosity, and the vanadium extraction are 851 °C, 6.3%, and 74%, respectively. For the roasted pellet with an optimal NaOH–Na2CO3 additive having a mole ratio of NaOH/(NaOH + Na2CO3) of 0.9, the melting point of additive, the pellet porosity, and the vanadium extraction are 300 °C, 29.6%, and 98.7%, respectively. It is confirmed that the vanadium extraction is proportional to the pellet porosity, maximum of which can be attained by optimizing mole ratio of NaOH to Na2CO3. Both the low melting point and the large alkaline of added NaOH–Na2CO3 mixture are the two possible reasons resulting in the formation of pellet holes.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of an Unusual Succinylated Starch Applied to Carbon Paste Electrodes
Authors: Sayka Rodrigo A. , Rozada Thiago C. , Lima Dhésmon , Pessôa Christiana A. , Viana Adriano G. , Fiorin Barbara C.
Published: December 2019

This work presents the structural characterization of an unusual modified starch with succinic anhydride (2% w/v). The product characterized by infrared spectroscopy shows the carbonyl group band in 1724 cm−1, while the 13C NMR spectrum shows two signals in 174.71 and 31.61 ppm associated with the carbonyl and methylenic carbons from the symmetric succinyl group (OCOCH2CH2OCO). These analyses indicate a cross‐linked structure for the modified starch (CL starch). This product is used as a chemical modifier in carbon paste electrodes (CPE). Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses show that the cross‐linked starch improves the electrochemical performance of the electrodes, since higher peak currents, lower charge transfer resistance values. Also, the increase in the CL starch proportion in CPE results in a higher current intensity for all proportions tested. This behavior can be attributed to decrease in hydrophilic character of the electrode material after the CL addition, which results in a lower capacitive behavior and a higher faradaic current. Among all the modified CPE, the one with 5% w/w CL per graphite proportion shows the best electrochemical features, suggesting its potential application as an electrochemical sensor for the detection of different chemical species of environmental and biological relevance.
Vertical shortening prediction for super‐tall buildings considering enclosure effect and coupling effect
Authors: Zhao Xin , Wang Lilin
Published: December 2019

In this paper, the time‐dependent vertical shortening behavior of the super‐tall building is studied considering the enclosure effect and the coupling effect. A combined method to predict the overall strain of the mega section is firstly proposed by combining the B3 model and the fiber modeling approach to consider the enclosure effect of mega steel and validated by a series of in‐house experiments. An iteration method is then proposed based on the construction sequence method to consider the coupling effect of stress and strain in the vertical shortening prediction and illustrated by a super‐tall building project. Finally, the vertical shortening predictions of the super‐tall building project are compared with the field monitoring records. The results show that the strain predictions by the combined method show good agreement with experiments. Without considering the enclosure effect, the overall strain of mega section is overestimated. The coupling effect affects more on the vertical shortening of the mega column than on that of the shear wall and more on the elastic shortening than on the inelastic shortening. Without considering the coupling effect, the elastic shortening is significantly underestimated in the mega column but slightly overestimated in the shear wall. The predictions of vertical shortening in the shear wall show reasonable agreement with the measurements, whereas those in the mega column show large disagreement with the measurements, which enlightens the necessity to improve the prediction method further.
An enhanced feature‐based sentiment analysis approach
Authors: Saeed Nagwa M. K. , Helal Nivin A. , Badr Nagwa L. , Gharib Tarek F.
Published: December 2019

In the last few years, online reviews where individuals express their thoughts, interests, experiences, and opinions have broadly spread over the internet. Sentiment analysis has evolved to analyze these online reviews and provide valuable insights for both individuals and organizations that may help them in making decisions. Unfortunately the performance of sentiment analysis process is affected by the nature of online reviews' content that may contain emoticons and negation words. Moreover, spam reviews have been written for the purpose of deceiving others. Therefore, there is a need to develop an approach that considers these issues. In this paper, an enhanced approach for sentiment analysis is proposed which aims to enhance the performance of classifying reviews based on their features and assigning accurate sentiment score to features. This enhanced approach is achieved by handling negation, detecting emoticons, and detecting spam reviews using a combination of different types of properties which leads to achieving better predictive performance. The proposed approach has been verified against three datasets of different sizes. The results indicate that the proposed approach achieves a maximum accuracy of about 99.06% in detecting spam reviews and a maximum accuracy of about 97.13% in classifying reviews.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Text Mining

Technologies > Classification

Technologies > Machine Learning
Scale‐up of electrospinning technology: Applications in the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Vass Panna , Szabó Edina , Domokos András , Hirsch Edit , Galata Dorián , Farkas Balázs , Démuth Balázs , Andersen Sune K. , Vigh Tamás , Verreck Geert , Marosi György , Nagy Zsombor K.
Published: December 2019

Recently, electrospinning (ES) of fibers has been shown to be an attractive strategy for drug delivery. One of the main features of ES is that a wide variety of drugs can be loaded into the fibers to improve their bioavailability, to enhance dissolution, or to achieve controlled release. Besides, ES is a continuous technology with low energy consumption, which can make it a very economic production alternative to the widely used freeze drying and spray drying. However, the low production rate of laboratory‐scaled ES has limited the industrial application of the technology so far. This article covers the various ES technologies developed for scaled‐up fiber production with an emphasis on pharmaceutically relevant examples. The methods used for increasing the productivity are complied, which is followed by a review of specific examples from literature where these technologies are utilized to produce oral drug delivery systems. The different technologies are compared in terms of their basic principles, advantages, and limitations. Finally, the different downstream processing options to prepare tablets or capsules containing the electrospun drug are covered as well.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Experiences of taking neuroleptic medication and impacts on symptoms, sense of self and agency: a systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative data
Authors: Thompson Jemima , Stansfeld Jacki L. , Cooper Ruth E. , Morant Nicola , Crellin Nadia E. , Moncrieff Joanna
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Neuroleptic (antipsychotic) drugs reduce psychotic symptoms, but how they achieve these effects and how the drugs’ effects are experienced by people who take them are less well understood. The present study describes a synthesis of qualitative data about mental and behavioural alterations associated with taking neuroleptics and how these interact with symptoms of psychosis and people’s sense of self and agency.

Methods

Nine databases were searched to identify qualitative literature concerning experiences of taking neuroleptic medication. A thematic synthesis was conducted.

Results

Neuroleptics were commonly experienced as producing a distinctive state of lethargy, cognitive slowing, emotional blunting and reduced motivation, which impaired functioning but also had beneficial effects on symptoms of psychosis and some other symptoms (e.g. insomnia). For some people, symptom reduction helped restore a sense of normality and autonomy, but others experienced a loss of important aspects of their personality. Across studies, many people adopted a passive stance towards long-term medication, expressing a sense of resignation, endurance or loss of autonomy.

Conclusions

Neuroleptic drugs modify cognition, emotions and motivation. These effects may be associated with reducing the intensity and impact of symptoms, but also affect people’s sense of self and agency. Understanding how the effects of neuroleptics are experienced by those who take them is important in developing a more collaborative approach to drug treatment in psychosis and schizophrenia.
Tissue pretreatment for LC–MS/MS analysis of PUFA and eicosanoid distribution in mouse brain and liver
Authors: Reinicke Madlen , Dorow Juliane , Bischof Karoline , Leyh Judith , Bechmann Ingo , Ceglarek Uta
Published: December 2019

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and eicosanoids are important mediators of inflammation. The functional role of eicosanoids in metabolic-syndrome-related diseases has been extensively studied. However, their role in neuroinflammation and the development of neurodegenerative diseases is still unclear. The aim of this study was the development of a sample pretreatment protocol for the simultaneous analysis of PUFAs and eicosanoids in mouse liver and brain. Liver and brain samples of male wild-type C57BL/6J mice (11–122 mg) were used to investigate conditions for tissue rinsing, homogenization, extraction, and storage. A targeted liquid chromatography–negative electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method was applied to quantify 7 PUFAs and 94 eicosanoids. The final pretreatment protocol consisted of a 5-min homogenization step by sonication in 650 μLn-hexane/2-propanol (60:40 v/v) containing 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol at 50 μg/mL. Homogenates representing 1 mg tissue were extracted in a single step withn-hexane/2-propanol (60:40 v/v) containing 0.1% formic acid. Autoxidation was prevented by addition of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol at 50 μg/mL and keeping the samples at 4 °C during sample preparation. Extracts were dried under nitrogen and reconstituted in liquid chromatography eluent before analysis. Recovery was determined to range from 45% to 149% for both liver and brain tissue. Within-run and between-run variability ranged between 7% and 18% for PUFAs and between 1% and 24% for eicosanoids. In liver, 7 PUFAs and 15 eicosanoids were quantified; in brain, 6 PUFAs and 21 eicosanoids had significant differences within the brain substructures. In conclusion, a robust and reproducible sample preparation protocol for the multiplexed analysis of PUFAs and eicosanoids by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in liver and discrete brain substructures was developed.
The relationship between pain, analgesics and survival in patients with advanced cancer; a secondary data analysis of the international European palliative care Cancer symptom study.
Authors: Boland Jason W , Allgar Victoria , Boland Elaine G , Bennett Mike I , Kaasa Stein , Hjermstad Marianne Jensen , Johnson Miriam
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Opioids reduce cancer-related pain but an association with shorter survival is variably reported. Aim: To investigate the relationship between pain, analgesics, cancer and survival within the European Palliative Care Cancer Symptom (EPCCS) study to help inform clinical decision making.

Methods

Secondary analysis of the international prospective, longitudinal EPCCS study which included 1739 adults with advanced, incurable cancer receiving palliative care. In this secondary analysis, for all participants with date of death or last follow up, a multilevel Weibull survival analysis examined whether pain, analgesics, and other relevant variables are associated with time to death.

Results

Date of death or last follow-up was available for 1404 patients (mean age 65.7 [SD:12.3];men 50%). Secondary analysis of this group showed the mean survival from baseline was 46.5 (SD:1.5) weeks (95% CI:43.6–49.3). Pain was reported by 76%; 60% were taking opioids, 51% non-opioid analgesics and 24% co-analgesics. Opioid-use was associated with decreased survival in the multivariable model (HR = 1.59 (95% CI:1.38–1.84), p < 0.001). An exploratory subgroup analysis of those with C-reactive protein (CRP) measures (n = 219) indicated higher CRP was associated with poorer survival (p = 0.001). In this model, the strength of relationship between survival and opioid-use weakened (p = 0.029).

Conclusion

Opioid-use and survival were associated; this relationship weakened in a small sensitivity-testing subgroup analysis adjusting for CRP. Thus, the observed relationship between survival and opioid-use may partly be due to tumour-related inflammation. Larger studies, measuring disease activity, are needed to confirm this finding to more accurately judge the benefits and risks of opioids in advanced progressive disease.
Climate diagnostics of the extreme floods in Peru during early 2017
Authors: Son Rackhun , Wang S.-Y. Simon , Tseng Wan-Ling , Barreto Schuler Christian W. , Becker Emily , Yoon Jin-Ho
Published: December 2019

From January through March 2017, a series of extreme precipitation events occurred in coastal Peru, causing severe floods with hundreds of human casualties and billions of dollars in economic losses. The extreme precipitation was a result of unusually strong recurrent patterns of atmospheric and oceanic conditions, including extremely warm coastal sea surface temperatures (SST) and weakened trade winds. These climatic features and their causal relationship with the Peruvian precipitation were examined. Diagnostic analysis and model experiments suggest that an atmospheric forcing in early 2017, which was moderately linked to the Trans-Niño Index (TNI), initiated the local SST warming along coastal Peru that later expanded to the equator. In January 2017, soil moisture was increased by an unusual expansion of Amazonian rainfall. By March, localized and robust SST warming provided positive feedback to the weakening of the trade winds, leading to increased onshore wind and a subsequent enhancement in rainfall. The analysis points to a tendency towards more frequent and stronger variations in the water vapor flux convergence along the equator, which is associated with the increased precipitation in coastal Peru.
Recent advances in the understanding of trimeric autotransporter adhesins
Authors: Kiessling Andreas R. , Malik Anchal , Goldman Adrian
Published: December 2019

Adhesion is the initial step in the infection process of gram-negative bacteria. It is usually followed by the formation of biofilms that serve as a hub for further spread of the infection. Type V secretion systems engage in this process by binding to components of the extracellular matrix, which is the first step in the infection process. At the same time they provide protection from the immune system by either binding components of the innate immune system or by establishing a physical layer against aggressors. Trimeric autotransporter adhesins (TAAs) are of particular interest in this family of proteins as they possess a unique structural composition which arises from constraints during translocation. The sequence of individual domains can vary dramatically while the overall structure can be very similar to one another. This patchwork approach allows researchers to draw conclusions of the underlying function of a specific domain in a structure-based approach which underscores the importance of solving structures of yet uncharacterized TAAs and their individual domains to estimate the full extent of functions of the protein a priori. Here, we describe recent advances in understanding the translocation process of TAAs and give an overview of structural motifs that are unique to this class of proteins. The role of BpaC in the infection process of Burkholderia pseudomallei is highlighted as an exceptional example of a TAA being at the centre of infection initiation.
Study on the intelligent system of sports culture centers by combining machine learning with big data
Authors: Xiao-wei Xiong
Published: December 2019

With the vigorous development of sports, people’s awareness of engaging in sports has gradually increased, and the requirements for a sports culture center have been higher. However, the service system of traditional sports cultures center is single, which cannot meet people’s growing experience needs. Therefore, it is urgent for the service system of sports culture centers to move towards intellectualization. Firstly, this paper discusses the service system of traditional sports culture centers and finds that there are some problems, such as slow transmission of information, poor sharing of resources, and weak flexibility of response, which seriously affect the consumer experience of users and restrict the development of sports culture centers. Then, with the help of computer network technology, the design of intelligent system architecture of sports culture centers is completed, which makes many intelligent subsystems interconnected and interoperable, integrates information, realizes the integration of data application network, and achieves the goal of resource sharing and function upgrading. Then, based on the intelligent system, the big data platform is built with the help of big data technology, and the support vector machine-back propagation (SVM-BP) neural network composite model is used to realize the prediction of the passenger flow in the cultural center, which provides guidance for adjusting the service plan in advance, effectively coping with the peak passenger flow and improving the user experience. Finally, through empirical analysis, we know that the design of an intelligent system greatly improves the service quality of cultural centers. The research results not only achieve a significant increase in passenger flow but also provide an effective way for the service of sports culture centers to move towards intellectualization.
Correction to: Dewatering of foam-laid and water-laid structures and the formed web properties
Authors: Lehmonen Jani , Retulainen Elias , Paltakari Jouni , Kinnunen-Raudaskoski Karita , Koponen Antti
Published: December 2019

In the original publication of the article, the sentences “Hirasaki and Lawson (1985) found a decrease by almost a factor of 104 occurring in the apparent viscosity of foam (air content 83%) in capillary tubes as the ratio of bubble radius to tube radius, , increased from 0.1 to 10.