bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐field mr diffusion‐weighted image denoising using a joint denoising convolutional neural network
Authors: Wang He , Zheng Rencheng , Dai Fei , Wang Qianfeng , Wang Chengyan
Published: April 2019

Background

Low signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) has been a major limiting factor for the application of higher‐resolution diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI). Most of the conventional denoising models suffer from the drawbacks of shallow feature extraction and hand‐crafted parameter tuning. Although multiple studies have shown the promising applications of image denoising using convolutional neural networks (CNNs), none of them have considered denoising multiple b‐value DWIs using a multichannel CNN model.

Purpose

To present a joint denoising CNN (JD‐CNN) model to improve the SNR of multiple b‐value DWI.

Study Type

Retrospective technical development.

Population

Twenty healthy rats and two rats with clinically confirmed focal cortical dysplasia were included to evaluate the performance of the proposed method.

Field Strength/Sequence

11.7T MRI, a multiple b‐values DWI sequence.

Assessment

The total variation (TV) and BM3D denoising methods were also performed on the same dataset for comparison. Peak SNR (PSNR) and normalized mean square error (NMSE) were calculated for the assessment of image qualities.

Statistical Tests

A paired Student's t‐test was conducted to compare the diffusion parameter measurements between different approaches. P < 0.01 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Simulation results showed substantial improvement of image quality after JD‐CNN denoising (PSNR of original image: 23.15 ± 1.77; PSNR of denoised image: 42.94 ± 2.12). The proposed method outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art methods on high b‐value DWIs in terms of PSNR (TV: 33.51 ± 0.83, BM3D: 35.12 ± 0.94, JD‐CNN: 46.52 ± 0.98). In addition, the NMSE of the estimated apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) reduces from 0.72 ± 0.13 to 0.45 ± 0.06 (P < 0.01) with the application of the JD‐CNN model.

Data Conclusion

The proposed method is able to remove noise with a wide range of noise levels in multiple b‐value DWI and improve the diffusion parameter estimation. This shows potential clinical promise.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy Stage: 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:1937–1947.
On the tension between standardized and customized policies in health care: The case of length‐of‐stay reduction
Authors: Catena Rodolfo , Dopson Sue , Holweg Matthias
Published: April 2019

Hospitals increasingly adopt standardized policies as a way to improve the efficiency of health care delivery. One key policy has been to reduce a patient's length of stay, which is commonly perceived as an effective means of improving patient outcome, as well as reducing the cost per procedure. We put this notion to the empirical test by using a database of 183,712,784 medical records of patients in the English NHS between 1998 and 2012, studying the effects of the NHS's policy of decreasing length of stay for hernia patients. While we found it to be an effective way of reducing the cost per procedure, on aggregate, we also found that it increases the risk of readmission and of death for vulnerable and elderly patients, unduly increasing the long‐term failure costs of the operation for these patient groups. Based on our findings, we propose a differentiated policy to selectively decrease length of stay, which we estimate could save up to US$565 per nonemergency hernia procedure (19.97% reduction in the cost per procedure). We outline the implications of our findings for medical practice and discuss the wider theoretical contributions to the wider standardization‐customization debate in health care operations management.
Cancer‐Associated Malnutrition and CT‐Defined Sarcopenia and Myosteatosis Are Endemic in Overweight and Obese Patients
Authors: Martin Lisa , Gioulbasanis Ioannis , Senesse Pierre , Baracos Vickie E.
Published: April 2019

Background

Overweight/obese patients’ large fat mass can mask the loss of skeletal muscle, which is associated with mortality in the oncology setting. We investigated the prevalence of computed tomography (CT)‐defined sarcopenia and myosteatosis across different levels of nutrition risk assessed by the Patient‐Generated Subjective Global Assessment Short Form (PG‐SGA SF). We also evaluated whether the PG‐SGA SF, sarcopenia, and myosteatosis were prognostic of overall survival.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational study. Consecutive patients with body mass index ≥25.0 kg/m2 with newly diagnosed head and neck cancer (any stage) or lung and gastrointestinal tract cancer (locally recurrent or metastatic) were screened at presentation to oncology clinics. Nutrition risk was assigned based on PG‐SGA SF triage recommendations. Based on CT, patients were classified with sarcopenia and/or myosteatosis using published cutoffs. Survival analyses were conducted.

Results

Patients (n=1157) were 63.6 ± 11.4 years, 64% male, and 61% had stage IV disease. Sarcopenia and myosteatosis were prevalent across PG‐SGA SF nutrition risk categories (scores 0–1 [no risk; 36% sarcopenic; 44% myosteatotic], scores 2–3 [37%; 37%], scores 4–8 [40%; 41%], and scores ≥9 [high risk; 50%; 49%]). In multivariable survival analysis, PG‐SGA SF scores ≥9 (hazard ratio [HR] 2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.66‐2.60, P<0.001), sarcopenia (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.06‐1.46, P=0.006), and myosteatosis (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.07‐1.46, P<0.001) independently predicted reduced survival.

Conclusion

CT‐defined sarcopenia and myosteatosis are prevalent across different levels of nutrition risk in overweight/obese patients with cancer. Assessment of skeletal muscle using CT adds prognostic value to the PG‐SGA SF.
Boundaries knowledge (knowing)—A source of business innovation
Authors: Kodama Mitsuru
Published: April 2019

This paper focuses on knowledge differences that occur between people and organizations, and various “dissimilar things,” and presents the concept of “boundaries knowledge” or “boundaries knowing” that arises from the awareness, perception, and discovery by people and organizations of such differences. Then, through in‐depth case studies, the paper identifies the impacts that the quality of boundaries knowledge and boundaries knowing has on the creativity and innovation of people and organizations. Moreover, the paper shows that “boundaries knowledge (knowing)” is a strategic thinking and action that provides optimized creations, solutions, and processes for new knowledge creation such as strategy creation and execution as personal, organizational, or corporate targets, or solutions for problems and issues faced, as “the fourth knowledge” continuing from tacit knowledge, explicit knowledge, and phronesis.
Optimal timing of endoscopic sinus surgery for odontogenic sinusitis
Authors: Craig John R. , McHugh Christopher I. , Griggs Zachary H. , Peterson Edward I.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Odontogenic sinusitis (ODS) is more common than historically reported, and management recommendations are limited in the literature. Although ODS case series have shown successful outcomes with dental treatment and endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), no studies have considered the optimal timing of these treatments. The purpose of this study was to analyze times to ODS resolution after primary dental treatment and ESS based on symptom, 22‐item sinonasal outcome test (SNOT‐22), and endoscopic outcomes.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Thirty‐seven symptomatic ODS patients who failed medical management were offered primary dental treatment or ESS. Eleven patients selected primary dental treatment, and 26 patients selected ESS. The following variables were collected prospectively at every office visit before and after dental treatment or ESS: SNOT‐22, presence or absence of cardinal sinusitis symptoms, and presence or absence of middle meatal endoscopy findings (edema, polyps, purulence). Times to resolution of these clinical variables were analyzed with t test, chi‐square test, Fisher exact test, McNemar test, and Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis.

Results

Patients in the dental treatment and ESS groups showed no significant differences in preoperative sinusitis disease burdens based on symptoms, SNOT‐22, endoscopy, and computed tomography. The ESS group experienced faster and more significant improvement in nearly all symptom, SNOT‐22, and endoscopic outcomes.

Conclusions

For symptomatic ODS, primary ESS resulted in faster resolution of SNOT‐22, sinusitis symptoms, and endoscopic findings in ODS patients compared with primary dental treatment. ESS can be considered first‐line therapy for symptomatic ODS, followed by dental treatment when necessary.

Level of Evidence

2b

Laryngoscope, 129:1976–1983, 2019
The Emerging Role of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants in Liver Transplantation
Authors: Chaney Amanda J. , Yataco Maria L.
Published: April 2019

The evolving role of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) in the United States continues to progress. NP and PA responsibilities have expanded from primary care practices to medical and surgical specialties. They provide acute care in hospitals and intensive care units, and they serve as educators, lobbyists, and researchers. Questions have arisen from NP/PA leaders, physician leaders, and administrators on how to best implement a successful NP/PA model within their practice. This article reviews some common themes in the literature by looking at the current state of NP/PA practice, outlines some practice models established therein, and provides recommendations for implementing a successful NP/PA model in a liver transplant practice.
Field exposure of FeCrAl model alloys in a waste‐fired boiler at 600°C: The influence of Cr and Si on the corrosion behaviour
Authors: Eklund Johan , Paz Maria Dolores , Jönsson Bo , Liske Jesper , Svensson Jan‐Erik , Jonsson Torbjörn
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to examine the performance of FeCrAl model alloys in a waste‐fired boiler and investigate the influence of chromium and silicon content on the corrosion behaviour. The investigation was executed by utilising an air‐cooled probe, giving a material temperature of 600°C throughout a 672 hr exposure. The material loss measurements were performed by utilizing an ultrasonic thickness gauge in combination with scanning electron microscopy analysis. It was found that increasing the chromium content significantly reduced the overall material loss of the FeCrAl model alloys but further accelerated the corrosion attack on the windward side. Simultaneously, the increased chromium content caused embrittlement of the material. Minor additions of silicon drastically reduced the material loss of the FeCrAl model alloys, whereas the sample ring with no silicon present was completely deteriorated. The trends observed in this field study correlated well with what has been observed in previous laboratory studies. A state‐of‐the‐art alloy in the present environment, Inconel 625, was simultaneously exposed and showed similar performance to the silicon‐containing FeCrAl model alloys with ≥10 wt% Cr.
The corrosion behavior and mechanism of X65 steel induced by iron‐oxidizing bacteria in the seawater environment
Authors: Yue Yongyong , Lv Meiying , Du Min
Published: April 2019

The corrosion behavior and mechanism of iron‐oxidizing bacteria (IOB) on X65 steel in seawater are studied. This study uses the methods of weight loss, electrochemical measurements, and surface analysis. The results show that the IOB increases the corrosion damage degree of steel. Pittings are observed in the medium with IOB. The potentiodynamic polarization curves show that the anodic reaction rate is accelerated in the corrosion process of IOB. The synergies in corrosion between the metal surface, abiotic corrosion products, and bacterial cells, and the pitting corrosion mechanism of X65 steel are discussed.
Structure of Superabsorbent Polyacrylate Hydrogels and Dynamics of Counterions by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Guo Xiaoai , Pfeifer Christoph , Wilhelm Manfred , Luy Burkhard , Guthausen Gisela
Published: April 2019

Polyacrylate hydrogels PAAM (M = 7Li+, 23Na+, 39K+, 87Rb+, and 133Cs+) are synthesized by free‐radical copolymerization and are studied by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) over wide time and length scales to get an insight into the polymer network structure and the dynamics of alkali ions and water. 1H double‐quantum NMR (1H DQ‐NMR) indicates that neutralization by different alkali ions influences the polymer structure in swollen PAAM hydrogels. Relaxation rates of alkali ions are found to be dominated by quadrupolar relaxation. 1H relaxation varies with the chain fraction obtained from 1H DQ‐NMR. Pulsed field gradient NMR reveals diffusion coefficients of alkali ions and water for different swelling degrees. Network structure and dynamics as well as the interactions between water, alkali ions, and polymer chains are discussed.
The cofinality of the least Berkeley cardinal and the extent of dependent choice
Authors: Cutolo Raffaella
Published: April 2019

This paper is concerned with the possible values of the cofinality of the least Berkeley cardinal. Berkeley cardinals are very large cardinal axioms incompatible with the Axiom of Choice, and the interest in the cofinality of the least Berkeley arises from a result in [1], showing it is connected with the failure of . In fact, by a theorem of Bagaria, Koellner and Woodin, if γ is the cofinality of the least Berkeley cardinal then γ‐ fails. We shall prove that this result is optimal for or . In particular, it will follow that the cofinality of the least Berkeley is independent of .
Preclinical activity of the antibody‐drug conjugate denintuzumab mafodotin (SGN‐CD19A) against pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia xenografts
Authors: Jones Luke , McCalmont Hannah , Evans Kathryn , Mayoh Chelsea , Kurmasheva Raushan T. , Billups Catherine A. , Houghton Peter J. , Smith Malcolm A. , Lock Richard B.
Published: April 2019

Background

Denintuzumab mafodotin (SGN‐CD19A) is a CD19‐targeting antibody‐drug conjugate, comprising a monoclonal antibody conjugated to the potent cytotoxin monomethyl auristatin F. Since denintuzumab mafodotin has previously shown activity against B‐cell malignancies in early‐stage clinical trials, it was of interest to test it against the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program preclinical models of CD19+ pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Procedures

Denintuzumab mafodotin was evaluated against eight B‐cell lineage ALL patient‐derived xenografts (PDXs), representing B‐cell precursor ALL, Ph‐like ALL, and mixed‐lineage leukemia rearranged infant ALL. Denintuzumab mafodotin was administered weekly for 3 weeks at 3 mg/kg. It was also tested in combination with an induction‐type chemotherapy regimen of vincristine, dexamethasone, and l‐asparaginase (VXL) against three PDXs. The relationship between cell surface and gene expression of CD19 and drug activity was also assessed.

Results

Denintuzumab mafodotin significantly delayed the progression of seven of eight PDXs tested and achieved objective responses in five of eight. There was no apparent subtype specificity of denintuzumab mafodotin activity. No correlations were observed between CD19 mRNA or cell surface expression and denintuzumab mafodotin activity, perhaps due to small sample size, and denintuzumab mafodotin treatment did not select for reduced CD19 expression. Combining denintuzumab mafodotin with VXL achieved therapeutic enhancement compared to either treatment alone.

Conclusions

Denintuzumab mafodotin showed single‐agent activity against selected B‐lineage ALL PDXs, although leukemia growth was evident in most models at 28 days from treatment initiation. This level of activity for denintuzumab mafodotin is consistent with that observed in adults with ALL.
Utilization of palliative care consultations in pediatric oncology phase I clinical trials
Authors: Cuviello Andrea , Boss Renee , Shah Nirali , Battles Haven , Beri Andrea , Wiener Lori
Published: April 2019

Pediatric phase I clinical oncology trials represent a unique cohort of patients who have not responded to standard therapies and remain highly vulnerable to treatment toxicity and/or disease burden. Incorporating a palliative care consultation into the care plan for those with relapsed/refractory cancer where chance of cure is limited is generally recommended. A retrospective chart review of pediatric phase I trials revealed that palliative care was consulted in <20% of patients, most often for symptom management. Efforts to increase the use of palliative services in this population may enhance quality of life for children and families enrolled in phase I studies.
Livestock chicken feather fiber reinforced cardanol benzoxazine‐epoxy composites for low dielectric and microbial corrosion resistant applications
Authors: Selvaraj V. , Jayanthi K. P. , Alagar M.
Published: April 2019

The present work describes the preparation of alkali‐treated chicken feather fiber (CFF)‐reinforced cardanol‐based polybezoxazine‐epoxy (CFF/PCBz‐Ep) composites for dielectric and antimicrobial studies, which can be used for antimicrobial corrosion resistant materials for coatings and low‐k applications in future. In this work, a new, more flexible cardanol‐based benzoxazine monomer was taken and it was blended with epoxy resin along with varying weight percentages of CFF to get livestock chicken feather fiber (reinforced cardanol based polybennzoxazine‐epoxy (CFF/PCBz‐Ep) composites. Further, different analytical techniques such as, FTIR, DSC, TGA, XRD, SEM, and TEM, and dielectric analysis have been used to confirm the molecular structure, thermal, dielectric, morphological, and dielectric properties. Data obtained from different studies confirm that the composites show the enhanced glass‐transition temperature (Tg), decreased dielectric values, reduced dielectric loss, improved char yield, and thermal stability compared to those of the neat cardanol‐based polybenzoxazine‐epoxy polymer matrix. In addition, the composites show the significant decrease in the value of dielectric constant than that of the neat cardanol‐based polybenzoxazine‐epoxy and cardanol based polybenzoxazine matrices. The increasedTg, decreased dielectric values, reduced dielectric loss, better char yield, and thermal stability may be explained due to the formation efficient adhesion between alkali‐treated feather fibers and the polymer matrix. Furthermore, the CFF‐reinforced cardanol‐based polybenzoxazine‐epoxy (CFF/PCBz‐Ep) composites show better antibacterial properties when compared to that of the neat cardanol‐based poly benzoxazine‐epoxy (PCBz‐Ep) matrices, which might be due to the amino acids present in the alkali treated CFF in CFF/PCBz‐Ep composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:4142–4153, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Directions for research and training in plant omics: Big Questions and Big Data
Authors: Argueso Cristiana T. , Assmann Sarah M. , Birnbaum Kenneth D. , Chen Sixue , Dinneny José R. , Doherty Colleen J. , Eveland Andrea L. , Friesner Joanna , Greenlee Vanessa R. , Law Julie A. , Marshall‐Colón Amy , Mason Grace Alex , O'Lexy Ruby , Peck Scott C. , Schmitz Robert J. , Song Liang , Stern David , Varagona Marguerite J. , Walley Justin W. , Williams Cranos M.
Published: April 2019

A key remit of the NSF‐funded “Arabidopsis Research and Training for the 21st Century” (ART‐21) Research Coordination Network has been to convene a series of workshops with community members to explore issues concerning research and training in plant biology, including the role that research using Arabidopsis thaliana can play in addressing those issues. A first workshop focused on training needs for bioinformatic and computational approaches in plant biology was held in 2016, and recommendations from that workshop have been published (Friesner et al., Plant Physiology, 175, 2017, 1499). In this white paper, we provide a summary of the discussions and insights arising from the second ART‐21 workshop. The second workshop focused on experimental aspects of omics data acquisition and analysis and involved a broad spectrum of participants from academics and industry, ranging from graduate students through post‐doctorates, early career and established investigators. Our hope is that this article will inspire beginning and established scientists, corporations, and funding agencies to pursue directions in research and training identified by this workshop, capitalizing on the reference species Arabidopsis thaliana and other valuable plant systems.
Development of a shape‐controlled H2S delivery system using epoxide‐functional nanoparticles
Authors: Yu Sul Hwa , Esser Lars , Khor Song Yang , Senyschyn Danielle , Veldhuis Nicholas A. , Whittaker Michael R. , Ercole Francesca , Davis Thomas P. , Quinn John F.
Published: April 2019

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous modulator of signaling processes, has potential as a therapeutic drug or in combination drug therapies. Due to its broad biological impacts and malodorous nature, there is considerable interest in vehicles capable of delivering H2S in a controlled manner. Herein, we report postpolymerization modification of polymers incorporating glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) units to form thiol‐triggered macromolecular H2S donors. By combining this approach with polymerization‐induced self‐assembly, this methodology allows the facile preparation of polymeric nanoparticulate donors with either spherical or worm‐like morphology. The thiol‐reactive epoxide functional groups in poly(GMA) were chemically transformed into acyl‐protected perthiol groups using a three‐step procedure throughout which both morphologies remained intact. The H2S releasing properties were subsequently studied, with both spherical and worm‐like nanoparticulate donors shown to successfully release H2S in the presence of the model thiol, l‐cysteine. In addition, the donor polymers were shown to effectively increase H2S inside cells, upon exposure to biologically relevant endogenous thiol levels. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1982–1993
A qualitative study of active participation in sport and exercise for individuals with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Smith Moira , Neibling Bridee , Williams Gavin , Birks Melanie , Barker Ruth
Published: April 2019

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore the experience of participation in sport and exercise for individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) with minimal disability. The objectives were to gain an understanding of key factors that influence participation in sport and exercise and to determine support required by individuals with MS to participate in their choice of sport and exercise for as long as possible.

Methods

A qualitative, descriptive study utilizing three focus groups was conducted. Data were analysed thematically aided by NVivo software. Participants were individuals with MS who had an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 0–4, indicating full ambulation. All participants were living in northern Queensland, Australia.

Results

Sixteen individuals participated; 63% of whom regularly participated in sport or exercise. All participants viewed sport and exercise positively and identified inherent benefits of exercise. Five key themes emerged to describe the experience of participating in sport and exercise: “personally engaging with exercise,” “influencing barriers and enablers of exercise,” “sustaining independence,” “integrating exercise into lifestyle,” and “getting the balance right.” Most participants felt that advice and guidance from health professionals about the optimum mode and dose (how much and how often) of exercise was lacking.

Conclusions

Participation in sport and exercise was valued by individuals with MS with minimal disability for sustaining independence and an active lifestyle. Personalized exercise advice from health professionals was the key support identified by participants to assist them to maintain an active lifestyle for as long as possible.
Chronic tension‐type headache and coping strategies in adolescents: A qualitative interview study
Authors: Skogvold Lars , Magnussen Liv Heide
Published: April 2019

Objective

Headache is the most common cause of chronic pain in children and adolescents and may influence on several of the life's arenas such as high absence from school and inability to maintain leisure time activities. Adolescents with chronic headache also report co‐morbidities such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to explore which strategies adolescents use to cope with chronic tension‐type headache in everyday life.

Methods

A qualitative design with semistructured individual interviews was used. A strategic sample of 17 adolescents aged 14–19 with tension‐type headache participated in the study. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed using systematic text condensation.

Results

To deal with the headache in everyday life, the adolescence expressed that it is important to have a good structure during the day, especially regarding regular meals and enough sleep. Sufficient rest and relaxation were also highlighted as crucial. Some of the adolescence had tried different therapies to help ease the pain but with varying effect. All of the adolescents had used or were using pain relievers, but they were ambivalent to the benefits. Low‐intensity physical activity was perceived as beneficial and gave increased overall well‐being. Such activity also gave release and distraction from the headache.

Conclusion

The adolescents used both problem‐focused active strategies and emotion‐focused passive strategies to deal with their headache in daily life. Through exploration and awareness of the types of behaviour that worked and did not work, they had arrived at strategies that helped them cope with their headache and its consequences.
On the Nitridation of Zn2GeO4
Authors: Breternitz Joachim , Wang Zhenyu , Glibo Albina , Franz Alexandra , Tovar Michael , Berendts Stefan , Lerch Martin , Schorr Susan
Published: April 2019

ZnGeN2 as exemplary compound for II‐IV‐N2 materials allows fascinating insights into this class of materials that can be thought of as earth‐abundant alternative to wurtzite‐type III–V semiconductors. A classical route to achieving ZnGeN2 is through the ammonolysis reaction of Zn2GeO4 at higher temperatures. Using a combination of X‐ray and neutron powder diffraction together with chemical analyses, a systematic study of the influences of time and temperature on this reaction, yielding in the formation of zinc germanium oxide nitrides in a wurtzite‐type structure with variable elemental compositions is presented. This further allows to identify the underlying reaction mechanism of this ammonolysis reaction.
Thermal Effects on the Electrical and Optical Characteristics of Micro‐Light‐Emitting Diodes with Different Current Spreading Layer
Authors: Huang Huamao , Wu Haocheng , Huang Cheng , Han Qingyuan , Wang Chao , Wang Hong
Published: April 2019

GaN‐based top‐emitting micro‐blue‐light‐emitting diode chips with different current spreading layers (CSLs) and different sizes are fabricated, analyzed at different ambient temperatures, and their performances are compared. The observed behaviors are attributed mainly to the thermal effects, determined by the ambient temperature and internal heat from the injected current. For any chip size and ambient temperature, an indium tin oxide (ITO) CSL induces higher light‐output power (LOP) and external quantum efficiency (EQE), making it the better choice in illumination scenarios; a Ni/Au CSL leads to a smaller amount of internal heat and can sustain a higher saturation current density, making it preferred in high‐bandwidth visible‐light communication systems. Moreover, if the ITO CSL is replaced by the Ni/Au CSL, owing to the faster decrease in the internal heat, the temperature stabilities of the LOP, EQE, and equilibrium point of the peak wavelength can be improved. In addition, the size effects are discussed based on the internal heat.
Preparation and Characterization of Copper Chromium Oxide Nanoparticles Using Modified Sol‐Gel Route and Evaluation of Their Microwave Absorption Properties
Authors: Peymanfar Reza , Khodamoradipoor Niloofar
Published: April 2019

In this study, simple, broadband, robust, and affordable microwave absorbing nanocomposites are prepared using CuCr2O4 nanoparticles as guests and silicone rubber or poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as host. Firstly, the pristine and modified CuCr2O4 nanoparticles are obtained by the conventional citrate gel method in the absence and presence of sucrose as a novel capping agent in the experimental steps. X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) patterns confirms that the CuCr2O4 nanoparticles are synthesized. Moreover, morphologies, chemical functional groups, and optical properties are studied using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), and diffuse reflection spectroscopy (DRS), respectively. The vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis reveals weak magnetic properties for the nanoparticles and confirms that the capping agent change the magnetic properties. Finally, bare and modified copper chromium oxide nanoparticles are separately molded with silicone rubber or PVDF to compare dipole and interfacial polarization. Besides, using a vector network analyzer (VNA) along the x and ku‐band frequency, novel organic precursor effects on their microwave absorption properties are examined. According to the obtained results, the maximum reflection loss of the modified CuCr2O4/PVDF is −65.57 dB at 14 GHz with 2 mm thickness and the CuCr2O4/PVDF nanocomposite absorbs a bandwidth of 7.73 GHz more than 10 dB with a thickness of 2 mm. Interestingly, novel one type filler lead to significant microwave absorbing properties as well as organic capping agent reinforced maximum microwave absorption also PVDF improves absorption bandwidth.
Low‐Frequency Charge Carrier Dynamics in Ferroelectric κ‐(BEDT‐TTF)2X – A Comparative Study of X = Cu[N(CN)2]Cl and X = Hg(SCN)2Cl
Authors: Thomas Tatjana , Hartmann Benedikt , Lunkenheimer Peter , Schubert Harald , Schlueter John A. , Müller Jens
Published: April 2019

This paper presents a comparative study of the low‐frequency charge carrier fluctuations of κ‐(ET)2Cu[N(CN)2]Cl (κ‐Cl) and κ‐(ET)2Hg(SCN)2Cl (κ‐Hg‐Cl), two organic charge‐transfer salts exhibiting a Mott‐insulating and charge‐ordered ground state, respectively, accompanied by ferroelectric order. For κ‐Cl, pronounced random telegraph signals are found, which are enhanced over the 1/f‐background fluctuations at characteristic temperatures where changes of either the structural or the electronic dynamics occur. From the shift of the characteristic frequencies with temperature, the corresponding activation energies are extracted. The switching of polar nanoregions related to relaxor ferroelectricity of the investigated sample is suggested as origin of the observed transport dynamics around TFE. For κ‐Hg‐Cl (showing long‐range ferroelectric order accompanied by a charge ordering metal–insulator transition), strong changes and a sharp peak in the low‐frequency fluctuations at TMI are found. For this compound also, spatially correlated and electric field‐dependent fluctuations are observed in the ferroelectric phase.
Rare Earth Doping and Co‐Doping in Lithium Strontium Silicate: A Computational Study
Authors: Santos Paulo C. L. , Neto Otávio M. , Santos Ricardo D. S. , dos S. Rezende Marcos V.
Published: April 2019

Using atomistic simulations based on lattice energy minimization, rare earth doping and co‐doping in Li2SrSiO4 (LSSO) are investigated in terms of energetics. The doping effects are determined by the calculation of atomistic energetics, using potential parameters developed from an empirical potential by fitting. The potential parameters obtained in this way allowed us to reproduce the structural parameters, and the results showed good agreement with the experimental data. The results of these calculations indicate that the Li Frenkel and Li2O Schottky defects are the most favorable intrinsic defects, and also reveal that RE3+ = Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Dy, Er and RE2+ = Eu ions are most energetically favorable for incorporation at the Sr site. Charge compensation by VLi′ vacancy defects is the most probable route for RE3+ ion incorporation. The reduction–doping processes (Eu reduction) in a H2 reducing atmosphere were considered, and the effects of co‐doping on Eu reduction were also investigated.
Temperature Driven Unusual Reversible p‐ to n‐Type Conduction Switching in Bi2Te2.7Se0.3
Authors: Bohra Anil K. , Ahmad Sajid , Bhatt Ranu , Singh Ajay , Bhattacharya Shovit , Basu Ranita , Sarkar Pritam , Meshram Kailash N. , Debnath Anil K. , Bhatt Pramod , Sarkar Shaibal K. , Patro P. K. , Dasgupta Kinshuk , Muthe Kunal P. , Aswal Dinesh K.
Published: April 2019

Bismuth telluride based alloys are electronic semiconductors, which exhibit n‐ or p‐type conduction due to the formation of Te vacancies or antisite defects, i.e., substitution of Bi on Te site or vice versa. Here, it is demonstrated that the temperature dependent Seebeck coefficient of Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 exhibits a reversible change in conduction from p‐ to n‐type at temperatures >487 K without exhibiting any structural transformation. The detailed characterization revealed that conversion of BiTe/Se antisite defects into Te vacancies is responsible for the p–n transition. The observed p–n transition makes Bi2Te2.7Se0.3 an ideal candidate for temperature controlled electronic switches.
How organized is deep convection over Germany?
Authors: Pscheidt Ieda , Senf Fabian , Heinze Rieke , Deneke Hartwig , Trömel Silke , Hohenegger Cathy
Published: April 2019

Deep moist convection shows a tendency to organize into mesoscale structures. To be able to understand the potential effect of convective organization on the climate, one needs first to characterize organization. In this study, we systematically characterize the organizational state of convection over Germany based on two years of cloud‐top observations derived from the Meteosat Second Generation satellite and of precipitation cores detected by the German C‐band radar network. The organizational state of convection is characterized by commonly employed organization indices, which are mostly based on the object numbers, sizes and nearest‐neighbour distances. According to the organization index Iorg, cloud tops and precipitation cores are found to be in an organized state for 69% and 92% of the time, respectively. There is an increase in rainfall when the number of objects and their sizes increase, independently of the organizational state. Case‐studies of specific days suggest that convectively organized states correspond to either local multi‐cell clusters, with less numerous, larger objects close to each other, or to scattered clusters, with more numerous, smaller organized objects spread out over the domain. For those days, simulations are performed with the large‐eddy model ICON with grid spacings of 625, 312 and 156 m. Although the model underestimates rainfall and shows a too large cold cloud coverage, the organizational state is reasonably well represented without significant differences between the grid spacings.
Pentapnictogen heterocyclic monoanions: Structure, stability, and aromaticity
Authors: Chen Jiatian , Yang Le , Li Ying , Hou Qinghua , Li Lanlan , Jin Peng
Published: April 2019

Inorganic planar ring‐shape molecules with 4n + 2 π electrons are always the focus of experimental synthesis and theoretical research due to their potential aromaticity and stability. In this work, the whole series of five‐membered heterocycle monoanions X
nY5‐n− (X, Y = group 15 elements; n = 1‐4) were thoroughly investigated by means of density functional theory calculations. They all have large formation energies and HOMO‐LUMO gap energies, suggesting the potential thermodynamic and kinetic stability. Their aromaticities are comparable to that of typical aromatic hydrocarbons. Their thermal stabilities were firmly established by the ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. As most of them are predicted for the first time, their various spectra were simulated for experimental characterization. Furthermore, we demonstrate that these five‐membered cyclic anions can be employed as η5‐ligand to construct novel all‐inorganic metallocenes, which may serve as the building blocks of low‐dimensional nanomaterials.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Synthesis of Propargylamine Derivatives and Sonogashira Reaction: A Comparative Study between Co‐NPs and Co‐NHC@MWCNTs
Authors: Hajipour Abdol R. , Khorsandi Zahra , Mohammadi Bahareh
Published: April 2019

Complex of cobalt N‐heterocyclic ligands supported on multi‐walled carbon nanotube (Co‐NHC@MWCNTs) and pure cobalt nanoparticles (Co‐NPs) were synthesized. Their catalytic activities for synthesis of propargylamine derivatives and Sonogashira reaction was explored and compared. All reactions resulted in moderate to excellent yields using these inexpensive and efficient catalysts in green media and mild reaction conditions. Our investigation displayed that the efficiency and reusability of the Co‐NHC@MWCNTs is superior to other (Co‐NPs).
1,1,1,4,4,4‐Hexafluorobut‐2‐yne (HFB) as a Versatile Dipolarophile for [3+2] Cycloaddition with 1,3‐Dipoles toward Azoles with Adjacent CF3 Groups
Authors: Yagupolskii Yurii L. , Pavlenko Natalia V. , Gerus Igor I. , Peng Sheng , Nappa Mario
Published: April 2019

This project involves the syntheses of novel pyrazoles, pyrazolines and isoxazoles with two CF3 groups via 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of 1,1,1,4,4,4‐hexafluorobut‐2‐yne (HFB) with diazocompounds, azomethine imines and nitrile oxides, respectively. Conditions for these azoles preparation differ in catalyst‐free mild manners and are applicable to a wide range of substrates, while demonstraiting a high functional group tolerance with yields of target heterocycles from moderate to excellent. Indeed, pyrazolines bearing two adjacent CF3 groups are practically unknown up to date.
3D Bioprinting in Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering
Authors: Ostrovidov Serge , Salehi Sahar , Costantini Marco , Suthiwanich Kasinan , Ebrahimi Majid , Sadeghian Ramin Banan , Fujie Toshinori , Shi Xuetao , Cannata Stefano , Gargioli Cesare , Tamayol Ali , Dokmeci Mehmet Remzi , Orive Gorka , Swieszkowski Wojciech , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: April 2019

Skeletal muscle tissue engineering (SMTE) aims at repairing defective skeletal muscles. Until now, numerous developments are made in SMTE; however, it is still challenging to recapitulate the complexity of muscles with current methods of fabrication. Here, after a brief description of the anatomy of skeletal muscle and a short state‐of‐the‐art on developments made in SMTE with “conventional methods,” the use of 3D bioprinting as a new tool for SMTE is in focus. The current bioprinting methods are discussed, and an overview of the bioink formulations and properties used in 3D bioprinting is provided. Finally, different advances made in SMTE by 3D bioprinting are highlighted, and future needs and a short perspective are provided.
Quantum Sensing in a Physiological‐Like Cell Niche Using Fluorescent Nanodiamonds Embedded in Electrospun Polymer Nanofibers
Authors: Price Joshua C. , Levett Simon J. , Radu Valentin , Simpson David A. , Barcons Aina Mogas , Adams Christopher F. , Mather Melissa L.
Published: April 2019

Fluorescent nanodiamonds (fNDs) containing nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers are promising candidates for quantum sensing in biological environments. This work describes the fabrication and implementation of electrospun poly lactic‐co‐glycolic acid (PLGA) nanofibers embedded with fNDs for optical quantum sensing in an environment, which recapitulates the nanoscale architecture and topography of the cell niche. A protocol that produces uniformly dispersed fNDs within electrospun nanofibers is demonstrated and the resulting fibers are characterized using fluorescent microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) and longitudinal spin relaxometry results for fNDs and embedded fNDs are compared. A new approach for fast detection of time varying magnetic fields external to the fND embedded nanofibers is demonstrated. ODMR spectra are successfully acquired from a culture of live differentiated neural stem cells functioning as a connected neural network grown on fND embedded nanofibers. This work advances the current state of the art in quantum sensing by providing a versatile sensing platform that can be tailored to produce physiological‐like cell niches to replicate biologically relevant growth environments and fast measurement protocols for the detection of co‐ordinated endogenous signals from clinically relevant populations of electrically active neuronal circuits.
The impact of cultural appropriation on destination image, tourism, and hospitality
Authors: Gertner Rosane K.
Published: April 2019

Harsh critics have relentless exposed myriad instances of misuse, exploitation, and misrepresentation of values, customs, rituals, and religious objects, for example, by different actors, such as designers and artists, and in myriad contexts, such as in art, entertainment, and tourism. Instead of being perceived as the appreciation or preservation of cultures, as claimed, they have been condemned as cultural appropriation. Occasionally, they are deemed offensive by members of the culture of origin. In the context of destination image, tourism, and hospitality, the matter can be even more problematic as many places are economically dependent on tourism and hospitality services. A growing number of critics believe place brands in general and tourist destinations in particular have exploited indigenous groups for the commercial purpose of entertaining visitors. This article represents a pioneer effort to build awareness among place marketing scholars and practitioners, particularly in the context of tourism, of the importance, implications, and risks of cultural appropriation to the future of destination image, reputation, attractiveness, and sustainability and advances suggestions for future research.
Treatment Patterns and Economic Burden by Lines of Therapy Among Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Systemic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Bonafede Machaon M. , Korytowsky Beata , Singh Prianka , Cai Qian , Cappell Katherine , Jariwala-Parikh Krutika , Sill Bruce , Parikh Neehar D.
Published: April 2019

Purpose

This study examined clinical and economic outcomes among patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with systemic agents by line of therapy.

Methods

Adults with ≥ 2 medical claims for primary diagnosed HCC (from January 1, 2008, through September 30, 2015) and ≥ 1 claim for systemic HCC-related therapy were identified in the IBM MarketScan® Research Databases. Continuous enrollment was required 6 months before and 1 month after diagnosis. Patients were categorized into first- (1L) and second-line (2L) treatment cohorts; those receiving sorafenib as 1L were evaluated. Treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization, costs, and survival during 1L and 2L therapy were measured. Survival was assessed for patients linked to the Social Security Administration Master Death File.

Results

1459 patients, 758 with death data, met the 1L cohort criteria; 163 patients, 87 with death data, later received 2L therapy. 77.1% had 1L sorafenib, alone or in combination. Median 1L treatment duration was 3.0 months; median survival time from start of 1L to death or censor was 6.8 months. There was no predominant 2L agent. Median 2L treatment duration was 3.0 months; median survival time from start of 2L was 9.3 months. Median total healthcare costs per patient per month were $13,297 for 1L (all), $13,471 for 1L (sorafenib), and $11,786 for 2L.

Conclusions

Findings confirm high 1-year mortality for advanced HCC, suggesting a high cost burden. While no 2L therapy was available during this analysis, recently approved 2L agents have the potential to improve survival after sorafenib failure or intolerance.
Stereotypes About Enterotype: The Old and New Ideas
Authors: Cheng Mingyue , Ning Kang
Published: April 2019

In 2011, the term “enterotype” first appeared to the general public in Nature, which refers to stratification of human gut microbiota. However, with more studies on enterotypes conducted nowadays, doubts about the existence and robustness of enterotypes have also emerged. Here we reviewed current opinions about enterotypes from both conceptual and analytical points of view. We firstly illustrated the definition of the enterotype and various factors influencing enterotypes, such as diet, administration of antibiotics, and age. Then we summarized lines of evidence that pose the concept against the enterotype, and described the current methods for enterotype analysis. Finally, we showed that the concept of enterotype has been extended to other ecological niches. Based on current studies on enterotypes, it has been clear that more studies with larger sample sizes are needed to characterize the enterotypes. Improved computational methods are also required to build sophisticated models, reflecting the dynamics and resilience of enterotypes.
Antibiotic Treatment Drives the Diversification of the Human Gut Resistome
Authors: Li Jun , Rettedal Elizabeth A. , van der Helm Eric , Ellabaan Mostafa , Panagiotou Gianni , Sommer Morten O.A.
Published: April 2019

Despite the documented antibiotic-induced disruption of the gut microbiota, the impact of antibiotic intake on strain-level dynamics, evolution of resistance genes, and factors influencing resistance dissemination potential remains poorly understood. To address this gap we analyzed public metagenomic datasets from 24 antibiotic treated subjects and controls, combined with an in-depth prospective functional study with two subjects investigating the bacterial community dynamics based on cultivation-dependent and independent methods. We observed that short-term antibiotic treatment shifted and diversified the resistome composition, increased the average copy number of antibiotic resistance genes, and altered the dominant strain genotypes in an individual-specific manner. More than 30% of the resistance genes underwent strong differentiation at the single nucleotide level during antibiotic treatment. We found that the increased potential for horizontal gene transfer, due to antibiotic administration, was ∼3-fold stronger in the differentiated resistance genes than the non-differentiated ones. This study highlights how antibiotic treatment has individualized impacts on the resistome and strain level composition, and drives the adaptive evolution of the gut microbiota.