bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of New Nitride Alloys with Mg by Plasma‐Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Gherasoiu Iulian , Man Yu Kin , Ekinci Huseyin , Cui Bo , Hawkridge Michael , Kuryatkov Vladimir , Gaddy Matthew , Nikishin Sergey A. , Walukiewicz Wladek
Published: May 2020

A great deal of work is currently devoted to the development of new semiconductor alloys that can expand the range of material properties and device applications. Although group‐III nitride alloys are attractive materials owing to the wide range of tunable direct bandgaps and other suitable properties, the material choices are limited to only a few binary and ternary alloys. This situation is due in part to the limitations of the conventional deposition methods, such as chemical vapor deposition, requiring high temperature and high pressure to synthesize a wider range of metastable alloys. In this context, the synthesis of previously unreported quaternary nitride alloys including Mg—(InGaMg)N—is presented. These alloys, with a tunable bandgap and good crystallinity, extend the group of the materials that may be suitable for the fabrication of optoelectronic devices. The method is based on the conventional plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PA‐MBE), using a flux‐modulation technique to enable the incorporation of all elements reaching the growth surface. In addition to detailed experimental characterization of structural and optical properties of the Mg containing nitride alloys, computations on their electronic band structures are also carried out.
InAs/InP Quantum Dots in Etched Pits by Droplet Epitaxy in Metalorganic Vapor Phase Epitaxy
Authors: Sala Elisa Maddalena , Na Young In , Godsland Max , Trapalis Aristotelis , Heffernan Jon
Published: May 2020

The growth of InAs quantum dots (QDs) on InP(100) via droplet epitaxy in a metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) reactor is studied. Formation of indium droplets is investigated with varying substrate temperature, and spontaneous formation of nanoholes is observed for the first time under MOVPE conditions. Indium droplets are crystallized into QDs under arsenic flow at different temperatures. For temperatures greater than 500 °C, a local etching takes place in the QD vicinity, showing an unexpected morphology which is found to be strongly dependent on the crystallization conditions. Such QDs are structurally and optically investigated and emission from single QDs in the telecom C‐band is detected via microphotoluminescence at low temperature.
Impacts of corn stover removal on carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions
Authors: Drury C. F. , Woodley A. L. , Reynolds W. D. , Yang X. M. , Phillips L. A. , Rehmann L. , Calder W.
Published: May 2020

Harvesting corn (Zea mays L.) stover for production of biofuels, industrial sugars, bioproducts, and livestock bedding is increasing rapidly, but little is known of the impacts of stover removal on soil‐borne greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study evaluated the impacts of removing surface corn stover (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 wt. % removal) on carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from a sandy loam soil cropped to monoculture corn using conventional moldboard plow tillage (CT) and no‐tillage (NT). Stover removal systematically decreased CO2 emissions from CT, whereas stover removal had little effect on CO2 emissions from NT. In particular, the CT 0% stover removal treatment produced 47% greater CO2 emissions (5.75 Mg CO2–C ha−1) than the CT 100% removal (3.91 Mg CO2–C ha−1) treatment. Stover removal increased N2O emissions from both tillage treatments, producing up to a 75% increase under CT (2.79 kg N ha−1 at 0% removal; 4.87 kg N ha−1 at 100% removal) and up to a 95% increase under NT (1.75 kg N ha−1 at 0% removal; 3.41 kg N ha−1 at 100% removal). Cumulative nitrate exposure increased in comparable patterns to N2O emissions when stover residues were removed. There was a trade‐off in GHG emissions resulting from stover removal under CT, whereby increasing stover removal reduced CO2 emissions but increased N2O emissions. In contrast, stover removal did not affect CO2 emissions under NT but it increased N2O emissions especially at the 100% removal rates.
Tailoring the Heterostructure of Colloidal Quantum Dots for Ratiometric Optical Nanothermometry
Authors: Zhao Haiguang , Vomiero Alberto , Rosei Federico
Published: May 2020

Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) are a fascinating class of semiconducting nanocrystals, thanks to their optical properties tunable through size and composition, and simple synthesis methods. Recently, colloidal double‐emission QDs have been successfully applied as competitive optical temperature sensors, since they exhibit structure‐tunable double emission, temperature‐dependent photoluminescence, high quantum yield, and excellent photostability. Until now, QDs have been used as nanothermometers for in vivo biological thermal imaging, and thermal mapping in complex environments at the sub‐microscale to nanoscale range. In this Review, recent progress for QD‐based nanothermometers is highlighted and perspectives for future work are described.
A critical review on blockchain assessment initiatives: A technology evolution viewpoint
Authors: Colomo‐Palacios Ricardo , Sánchez‐Gordón Mary , Arias‐Aranda Daniel
Published: May 2020

Blockchain is considered as a major emerging technology that is having an ever‐increasing spread both in industrial and academic contexts. As the usage of blockchain keeps increasing, a fourth generation of blockchain platforms is being proposed. Thus, applications of blockchain have evolved towards wider scopes than cryptocurrency and asset management. In this context, it is important for practitioners to have deep understanding of various blockchain assessment initiatives. Therefore, this work discusses blockchain assessment initiatives from a technology evolution viewpoint. Furthermore, a mapping was conducted to identify factors that impact blockchain initiatives, synthesize available evidence, and identify gaps between relevant approaches available in the literature. As a result, nine selected works were analyzed based on applicability, research approach, assessment process, blockchain adoption process, and blockchain waves. The findings can help practitioners to understand the main assessment factors that undermine blockchain implementations.
Restoring aged stem cell functionality: Current progress and future directions
Authors: Spehar Kevin , Pan Andrew , Beerman Isabel
Published: May 2020

Stem cell dysfunction is a hallmark of aging, associated with the decline of physical and cognitive abilities of humans and other mammals [Cell 2013;153:1194]. Therefore, it has become an active area of research within the aging and stem cell fields, and various techniques have been employed to mitigate the decline of stem cell function both in vitro and in vivo. While some techniques developed in model organisms are not directly translatable to humans, others show promise in becoming clinically relevant to delay or even mitigate negative phenotypes associated with aging. This review focuses on diet, treatment, and small molecule interventions that provide evidence of functional improvement in at least one type of aged adult stem cell.
Controlling incisor torque with completely customized lingual appliances
Authors: Alouini Ons , Knösel Michael , Blanck-Lubarsch Moritz , Helms Hans-Joachim , Wiechmann Dirk
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To test the null hypothesis of no significant deviation between the center of rotation (CROT) and the center of resistance (CRES) during space closure in Angle class II division 2 subjects achieved using a completely customized lingual appliance (CCLA) in combination with class II elastics and elastic chains.

Methods

This retrospective study included 29 patients (male/female 11/18; mean age 15.6 [13–27] years) with inclusion criteria of an Angle class II/2 occlusion of least of half of a cusp, maxillary dental arch spacing, completed CCLA treatment (WIN, DW Lingual Systems, Bad Essen, Germany) in one center with a standardized archwire sequence and use of class II elastics and elastic chains only. Maxillary incisor root inclination was assessed by X‑ray superimpositions of the maxilla at the beginning (T1) and the end (T3) of CCLA treatment. Using Keynote software (Apple®, Cupertino, CA, USA), the incisor’s CROT was assessed with the point of intersection of the incisor axes (T1; T3) following vertical correction of overbite changes. CRES was defined at 36% of the incisor’s apex–incisal edge distance.

Results

The null hypothesis was rejected: the mean CROT − CRES difference was 52.6% (p < 0.001). The mean CROT was located at 88.6% (min–max 51–100%) of the incisor’s apex–incisal edge distance. Although 6.9% of CROT were located between the CRES and the alveolar crest, the vast majority (93.1%) were assessed between the alveolar crest and the incisal edge, or beyond.

Conclusion

CCLAs can create upper incisor palatal root torque even in cases in which lingually oriented forces applied incisally to the center of resistance of the upper incisors counteract these intended root movements.
Valorisation of pectin-rich agro-industrial residues by yeasts: potential and challenges
Authors: Martins Luís C. , Monteiro Catarina C. , Semedo Paula M. , Sá-Correia Isabel
Published: May 2020

Pectin-rich agro-industrial residues are feedstocks with potential for sustainable biorefineries. They are generated in high amounts worldwide from the industrial processing of fruits and vegetables. The challenges posed to the industrial implementation of efficient bioprocesses are however manyfold and thoroughly discussed in this review paper, mainly at the biological level. The most important yeast cell factory platform for advanced biorefineries is currently Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but this yeast species cannot naturally catabolise the main sugars present in pectin-rich agro-industrial residues hydrolysates, in particular d-galacturonic acid and l-arabinose. However, there are non-Saccharomyces species (non-conventional yeasts) considered advantageous alternatives whenever they can express highly interesting metabolic pathways, natively assimilate a wider range of carbon sources or exhibit higher tolerance to relevant bioprocess-related stresses. For this reason, the interest in non-conventional yeasts for biomass-based biorefineries is gaining momentum. This review paper focuses on the valorisation of pectin-rich residues by exploring the potential of yeasts that exhibit vast metabolic versatility for the efficient use of the carbon substrates present in their hydrolysates and high robustness to cope with the multiple stresses encountered. The major challenges and the progresses made related with the isolation, selection, sugar catabolism, metabolic engineering and use of non-conventional yeasts and S. cerevisiae-derived strains for the bioconversion of pectin-rich residue hydrolysates are discussed. The reported examples of value-added products synthesised by different yeasts using pectin-rich residues are reviewed.

Key Points• Review of the challenges and progresses made on the bioconversion of pectin-rich residues by yeasts.• Catabolic pathways for the main carbon sources present in pectin-rich residues hydrolysates.• Multiple stresses with potential to affect bioconversion productivity.• Yeast metabolic engineering to improve pectin-rich residues bioconversion.
Provider–patient Language Discordance and Cancer Operations: Outcomes from a Single Center Linked to a State Vital Statistics Registry
Authors: Feeney Timothy , Park Christine , Godley Frederick , Cassidy Michael , Sachs Teviah , McAneny David , Tseng Jennifer F. , Drake Frederick Thurston
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Patterns of worldwide immigration have resulted in high rates of discordance between medical providers and the patients they treat. For example, in the USA, 25 million individuals in the USA self‐identified that they speak English less than “very well.” Previous studies have generated mixed results regarding differences in postoperative outcomes between English proficient (EP) and limited English proficient (LEP) patients. Our objective was to determine whether a difference in outcomes exists for non‐English‐speaking patients compared to English‐speaking patients after operations commonly performed to treat cancer.

Study design

A retrospective cohort study was performed in an urban, safety net and tertiary referral medical center over a five‐year period. Adult patients undergoing cancer operations were stratified as EP and LEP. We evaluated 30‐day revisit to the ED, length of stay (LOS), long‐term all‐cause mortality, and any major complication on index admission. Regression was used to adjust for baseline comorbidities, case risk, and socioeconomic factors.

Results

A total of 2467 patients were included. There was no difference in case risk between language groups, but EP had a larger proportion of high comorbidity scores. Patients in the non‐English group were more likely to be uninsured/self‐pay and live in neighborhoods with lower median income. After adjustment, we found no difference in long‐term mortality [hazard ratio: 0.87 (95% CI 0.52–1.45)]. LEP patients had the same LOS compared to primary EP patients with an IRR of 0.99 (95% CI 0.88–1.10). There was no difference in the odds of revisit to hospital for LEP versus EP, with an OR of 1.08, 95% CI [0.75–1.53] and no difference in major complication (OR 0.76 (95% CI 0.39–1.45).

Conclusions

We found no association between language and outcomes after cancer operations. This lack of difference may reflect local efficacy at treating non‐English‐speaking patients, and health systems with fewer services for LEP patients might show different results.
Personalized Preoperative Nomograms Predicting Postoperative Risks after Resection of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Golse Nicolas , Nunez Julio , Mazzotta Alessandro , Cano Luis , Bergeat Damien , Sulpice Laurent , Jeddou Heithem , Abdelrafee Ahmed , Sa Cunha Antonio , Cherqui Daniel , Adam René , Boudjema Karim , Vibert Eric
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Curative treatment of perihilar tumors requires major hepatectomy responsible for high morbidity and mortality. Current nomograms are based on definitive pathological analysis, not usable for patient selection. Our aim was to propose preoperative predictors for severe morbidity (Dindo–Clavien ≥3) and mortality at sixth month after resection of perihilar tumors.

Patients and methods

We reviewed perioperative data of 186 patients operated with major hepatectomy for perihilar tumors between 2012 and 2018 in two high‐volume centers. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine the preoperative predictors of morbidity and mortality. A stepwise regression in forward direction was developed to select variables for definitive models. Hosmer–Lemeshow test, Akaike information criteria and area under the ROC curves were calculated to validate both nomograms.

Results

Resections were indicated for perihilar and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in 125 and 61 cases, respectively. Severe complications occurred in 76 patients (40.8%). Nineteen patients (10.2%) deceased before the sixth postoperative month. The predictors of severe morbidity were: male gender, portal vein embolization, planned biliary resection, low psoas muscle area/height2 and low hemoglobinemia. The predictors of early mortality were: age, high bilirubinemia, hypoalbuminemia, biliary drainage and long drainage‐to‐surgery interval.

For both models, the p values of Hosmer–Lemeshow tests were of 0.9 and 0.99, respectively, the Akaike information criteria were of 35.5 and 37.7, respectively, and area under the curves was of 0.73 and 0.86, respectively.

Conclusion

We developed two accurate and practical nomograms based on exclusively preoperative data to predict early outcomes following the resection of perihilar tumors. If validated in larger series, these tools could be integrated in the decision‐making process for patient selection.
Possible impacts of anthropogenic climate change to the upwelling in the South Brazil Bight
Authors: de Souza Mihael Machado , Mathis Moritz , Mayer Bernhard , Noernberg Maurício Almeida , Pohlmann Thomas
Published: May 2020

Anthropogenic climate change is expected to strengthen upwelling events worldwide, driven by an increase of upwelling-favorable winds. However, Earth System Models (ESM) tend to underestimate regional processes due to their coarse grid resolution, which can lead to local biases. We use a high-resolution ocean model ($${1/12}^{\circ }$$

1
/
12

∘

) forced by results from the Max-Planck-Institute-ESM to analyze the impact of the RCP8.5 emission scenario on the upwelling of South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) in the South Brazil Bight (SBB). We find a stronger Ekman forcing and a higher spread of SACW over the shelf, but this does not translate into higher vertical velocities at the bottom of the mixed-layer in the end of the century. The increased winds’ effect is essentially balanced by an increase in water column stability due to the surface warming. This is particularly important during austral summer, when this process tends to weaken the upwelling. Vertical velocities decrease significantly along the shelf break. Here, the upwelling regime is governed by the Brazil Current (BC) and slight changes in transport induce large responses in upwelling strength. The consequences are increased sea surface temperatures over most of the shelf, although mitigated by the SACW upwelling and kept below global projections. However, temperatures decrease along Cabo Frio. In this region, shelf break upwelling dominates and is enhanced by a local increase in the BC transport. This highlights the importance of regional processes and, more specifically, of changes in the BC transport for the upwelling in the SBB.
Fecal continence outcomes are associated with the type, height, and stage procedure of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis
Authors: Jonker Jara E. , Hofker Hendrik S. , Trzpis Monika , Broens Paul M. A.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the quality of life in patients with an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) and to investigate the association between height and type of the anastomosis, the number of stage procedures and age, and the fecal continence outcomes.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional retrospective study in patients who had undergone IPAA between 1992 and 2016 (N = 133). We sent questionnaires to 102 eligible patients (64% response rate). We used the Wexner score to assess fecal incontinence: 0 = no incontinence to 20 = complete incontinence. We used RAND-36 to measure quality of life.

Results

Patients who underwent mucosectomy with hand-sewn anastomoses (n = 11, 17%) had significantly higher median Wexner scores than patients with stapled anastomoses (10 versus 3, P = 0.003). Lower anastomoses correlated significantly with increasing Wexner scores (r = − 0.468, P < 0.001). Quality of life of incontinent patients was diminished. Patients who were older at the time of IPAA surgery had higher Wexner scores (P = 0.004), while the time between surgery and questionnaire did not influence their Wexner scores (P = 0.810). Considering the stage procedures, multiple linear regression showed that the two-stage procedure without diverting ileostomy was significantly associated with higher Wexner scores (B = 0.815, P = 0.02), adjusted for sex (P = 0.008) and anastomosis type (P = 0.002). The three-stage procedure showed equally low complications and anastomotic leakage rates.

Conclusion

Mucosectomy with more distal, hand-sewn anastomosis and increasing age at IPAA surgery was associated with poorer fecal continence outcomes. The three-stage procedure appears to give the best fecal continence results without increasing complications. Furthermore, incontinence reduced patient’s quality of life.
Work-relatedness of inguinal hernia: a systematic review including meta-analysis and GRADE
Authors: Kuijer P. P. F. M. , Hondebrink D. , Hulshof C. T. J. , Van der Molen H. F.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Clinicians need to know whether inguinal hernia (IH) can be attributed to work to answer questions regarding prevention and medical causation. This review describes whether work-related risk factors are associated with IH.

Methods

A systematic review was performed in Medline via PubMed until February 3rd, 2020. Inclusion criteria were that IH was diagnosed by a clinician, and workers exposed to work-related risk factors were compared to workers less exposed or not at all. A quality assessment and a meta-analysis using Cochrane’s RevMan 5.3 were performed, including GRADE for quality of evidence.

Results

The search resulted in 540 references. Fourteen studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, of which three were included in a meta-analysis, all three being of high quality, including 621 workers diagnosed with IH. The meta-analysis revealed significant associations with physically demanding work (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.56–3.40). Two prospective studies, including 382 and 22,926 cases revealed associations that this was true for male workers with a lateral IH that reported standing or walking for more than six hours per workday (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.12–1.88) or lifting cumulative loads of more than 4000 kg per workday (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.27–1.38). The level of certainty for the latter two work-related risk factors was moderate and high according to GRADE.

Conclusion

Lateral IH among males is associated with work-related risk factors depending on the level of exposure to the time standing/walking per workday, or the amount of load lifted per workday.
Correction to: Sustained improvement in work outcomes in employed patients with rheumatoid arthritis during 2 years of adalimumab therapy: an observational cohort study
Authors: Behrens Frank , Tony Hans-Peter , Koehm Michaela , Schwaneck Eva C. , Gnann Holger , Greger Gerd , Burkhardt Harald , Schmalzing Marc
Published: May 2020

The original version of this article was published without open access. With the author(s)’ decision to opt for Open Choice the copyright of the article changed.]
Volume allocation in multi-sourcing: effects of the quantity–quality trade-off
Authors: Strmenik Kristian , Wall Friederike , Mitsch Christian , Mödritscher Gernot
Published: May 2020

The network of suppliers and, in particular, the allocation of a buyer’s procurement volumes is one of the key issues in supply chain management when following a multiple-sourcing strategy. This paper proposes a buyer–supplier model which considers a supplier quantity–quality trade-off reflecting the responsiveness of quality to changes in volume. The trade-off is based on the assumption that suppliers are not able to maintain the same level of quality, if quantity increases and vice versa. In order to model the relation between quantity and quality, a generalized logistic function is used. Considering heterogeneous suppliers in terms of the quantity–quality trade-off, we analyze, how different procurement volumes for a product affect the supplier structure of a buyer in a multiple-sourcing buyer–supplier network. An agent-based simulation is applied which is an appropriate approach to study systems of heterogeneous and interacting agents (e.g., buyer and suppliers, interactions between suppliers, mutual effects of parameters). The results show that in such a network not only the procurement volume remarkably shapes the supplier structure and, eventually, may lead to instability. Moreover, the results suggest that less advanced quality management systems on the buyer’s side may increase the stability of the supplier structure.
Surface-Energy-Balance Closure over Land: A Review
Authors: Mauder Matthias , Foken Thomas , Cuxart Joan
Published: May 2020

Quantitative knowledge of the surface energy balance is essential for the prediction of weather and climate. However, a multitude of studies from around the world indicate that the turbulent heat fluxes are generally underestimated using eddy-covariance measurements, and hence, the energy balance is not closed. This energy-balance-closure problem, which has been heavily covered in the literature for more than 25 years, is the topic of the present review, in which we provide an overview of the potential reason for the lack of closure. We demonstrate the effects of the diurnal cycle on the energy balance closure, and address questions with regard to the partitioning of the energy balance residual between the sensible and the latent fluxes, and whether the magnitude of the flux underestimation can be predicted based on other variables typically measured at micrometeorological stations. Remaining open questions are discussed and potential avenues for future research on this topic are laid out. Integrated studies, combining multi-tower experiments and scale-crossing, spatially-resolving lidar and airborne measurements with high-resolution large-eddy simulations, are considered to be of critical importance for enhancing our understanding of the underlying transport processes in the atmospheric boundary layer.
Sex differences in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot support a tailored approach for males and females: a cardiac magnetic resonance study
Authors: Hagdorn Quint A. J. , Beurskens Niek E. G. , Gorter Thomas M. , Eshuis Graziëlla , Hillege Hans L. , Lui George K. , Ceresnak Scott R. , Chan Frandics P. , van Melle Joost P. , Berger Rolf M. F. , Willems Tineke P.
Published: May 2020

Purpose Substantial differences between sexes exist with respect to cardiovascular diseases, including congenital heart disease. Nevertheless, clinical decisions in the long-term follow-up of patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) are currently based on unisex thresholds for cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) measurements. This study aimed to assess whether sex differences exist in cardiac adaptation to hemodynamic loading conditions in patients with rTOF. Methods and Results This cross-sectional, two-center, combined pediatric and adult cohort included 320 rTOF patients (163 males, 51%) who underwent routine CMR. Despite similar age (median and interquartile range [m + IQR] 23.4 [15.2–34.4] years), surgical history, and hemodynamic loading, males with rTOF demonstrated higher biventricular CMR-derived volumes and masses, indexed for body surface area, compared to females (e.g. m + IQR right ventricular (RV) end-diastolic volume: males 123 [100–151] mL/m2, females 114 [94–131] mL/m2, P = 0.007). Sex-specific Z-scores of biventricular volumes and masses were similar for males and females. RV volumes and masses correlated with hemodynamic loading, but these relations did not differ between sexes. Biventricular ejection fraction (EF) appeared to be lower in male patients, compared to female patients (e.g. m + IQR RVEF: males 48 [43–54]%, females 52 [46–57]%, P < 0.001). Conclusion Indexed ventricular volumes and masses are higher in males with rTOF, compared to females, similar to the healthy population. RV hypertrophy and dilatation correlated to loading conditions similarly for both sexes. However, under comparable loading conditions, males demonstrated more severe functional impairment. These results indicate that sex-differences should no longer be ignored in treatment strategies, including timing of pulmonary valve replacement.
Fibrillation and characterization of lignin-containing neutral sulphite (NS) pulps rich in hemicelluloses and anionic charge
Authors: Hanhikoski Saara , Solala Iina , Lahtinen Panu , Niemelä Klaus , Vuorinen Tapani
Published: May 2020

The potential of neutral sulphite pulps from softwood with different yields (c. 58–84%) and high residual lignin contents (c. 10–25 wt%) was investigated as a raw material for lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs) by following their fibrillation during grinding. It was found that the lower yield (58–65%) pulps needed two grinding cycles to produce fibrillated fibers with water retention values (WRV) as high as 400 g/g (at the energy consumption level of 1400 kWh/t). In contrast, the high yield (77–84%) pulps fibrillated more slowly, requiring five grinding cycles to reach comparable WRV values. Apparently, higher crosslinking degrees of lignin in the high yield pulps are hampering the fibrillation, although the high hemicellulose contents (21–24 wt%) and the high charge densities (200–350 µmol/g, originating from carboxylic and sulphonic acid groups) of the pulps were expected to enhance the fibrillation. Nevertheless, regardless of the different fibrillation behaviour, most of the pulps formed c. 10–15% of nanosized material below 30 nm and significant amounts of fibrils with size under 100 nm based on the centrifugation method and FE-SEM images. As the pulps were of moderate to high yield and fibrillated easily without any chemical or enzymatic pretreatments, they show promise for cost-efficient production of LCNFs. The nanopapers prepared from the fibrillated pulps showed tensile strengths (73–125 MPa) comparable with the nanopapers from high yield mechanical pulps, whereas the water contact angles (41°–58°) were closer the those of chemical pulps.
Structural Capacity of One-Way Spanning Large-Scale Cross-Laminated Timber Slabs in Standard and Natural Fires
Authors: Wiesner Felix , Bartlett Alastair , Mohaine Siyimane , Robert Fabienne , McNamee Robert , Mindeguia Jean-Christophe , Bisby Luke
Published: May 2020

This paper describes selected observations, measurements, and analysis from a series of large-scale experiments on cross-laminated timber (CLT) slabs that were exposed to fire from below, using four different heating scenarios, with a sustained mechanical loading of 6.3 kN m per metre width of slab. The deflection response and in-depth timber temperatures are used to compare the experimental response against a relatively simple structural fire model to assess the load bearing capacity of CLT elements in fire, including during the decay phase of natural fires. It is demonstrated that the ventilation conditions in experiments with a fixed fuel load are important in achieving burnout of the contents before structural collapse occurs. A mechanics-based structural fire model is shown to provide reasonably accurate predictions of structural failure (or lack thereof) for the experiments presented herein. The results confirm the importance of the ventilation conditions on the fire dynamics, burning duration, and the achievement of functional fire safety objectives (i.e. maintaining stability and compartmentation), in compartments with exposed CLT.
Effects of irradiance, temperature, nutrients, and pCO2 on the growth and biochemical composition of cultivated Ulva fenestrata
Authors: Toth Gunilla B. , Harrysson Hanna , Wahlström Niklas , Olsson Joakim , Oerbekke Annelous , Steinhagen Sophie , Kinnby Alexandra , White Joel , Albers Eva , Edlund Ulrica , Undeland Ingrid , Pavia Henrik
Published: May 2020

Ulva fenestrata is an economically and ecologically important green algal species with a large potential in seaweed aquaculture due to its high productivity, wide environmental tolerance, as well as interesting functional and nutritional properties. Here, we performed a series of manipulative cultivation experiments in order to investigate the effects of irradiance (50, 100, and 160 μmol photons m−2 s−1), temperature (13 and 18 °C), nitrate (< 5, 150, and 500 μM), phosphate (< 1 and 50 μM), and pCO2 (200, 400, and 2500 ppm) on the relative growth rate and biochemical composition (fatty acid, protein, phenolic, ash, and biochar content) in indoor tank cultivation of Swedish U. fenestrata. High irradiance and low temperature were optimal for the growth of this northern hemisphere U. fenestrata strain, but addition of nutrients or changes in pCO2 levels were not necessary to increase growth. Low irradiance resulted in the highest fatty acid, protein, and phenolic content, while low temperature had a negative effect on the fatty acid content but a positive effect on the protein content. Addition of nutrients (especially nitrate) increased the fatty acid, protein, and phenolic content. High nitrate levels decreased the total ash content of the seaweeds. The char content of the seaweeds did not change in response to any of the manipulated factors, and the only significant effect of changes in pCO2 was a negative relationship with phenolic content. We conclude that the optimal cultivation conditions for Swedish U. fenestrata are dependent on the desired biomass traits (biomass yield or biochemical composition).
Solving polyhedral d.c. optimization problems via concave minimization
Authors: vom Dahl Simeon , Löhne Andreas
Published: May 2020

The problem of minimizing the difference of two convex functions is called polyhedral d.c. optimization problem if at least one of the two component functions is polyhedral. We characterize the existence of global optimal solutions of polyhedral d.c. optimization problems. This result is used to show that, whenever the existence of an optimal solution can be certified, polyhedral d.c. optimization problems can be solved by certain concave minimization algorithms. No further assumptions are necessary in case of the first component being polyhedral and just some mild assumptions to the first component are required for the case where the second component is polyhedral. In case of both component functions being polyhedral, we obtain a primal and dual existence test and a primal and dual solution procedure. Numerical examples are discussed.
Genome-wide miRNA profiling in plasma of pregnant women with down syndrome fetuses
Authors: Zedníková Iveta , Chylíková Blanka , Šeda Ondřej , Korabečná Marie , Pazourková Eva , Břešťák Miroslav , Krkavcová Miroslava , Calda Pavel , Hořínek Aleš
Published: May 2020

Down syndrome (DS) is one of the most common causes of intellectual disability and new approaches allowing its rapid and effective prenatal detection are being explored. In this study, we investigated the diagnostic potential of plasma microRNAs (miRNAs). This study builds upon our previous study in DS placentas, where seven miRNAs were found to be significantly up-regulated. A total of 70 first-trimester plasma samples from pregnant women were included in the present study (35 samples with DS fetuses; 35 with euploid fetuses). Genome-wide miRNA profiling was performed in the pilot study using Affymetrix GeneChip™ miRNA 4.1 Array Strips (18 samples). Selected miRNAs were then analysed in the validation study using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR; 52 samples). Based on the current pilot study results (12 miRNAs), our previous research on chorionic villi samples (7 miRNAs) and the literature (4 miRNAs), a group of 23 miRNAs was selected for the validation study. Although the results of the pilot study were promising, the validation study using the more sensitive RT-qPCR technique and a larger group of samples revealed no significant differences in miRNA profiles between the compared groups. Our results suggest that testing of the first-trimester plasma miRNAs is probably not suitable for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Different results could be theoretically achieved at later gestational ages; however, such a result probably would have limited use in clinical practice.
Medication-related hospital admissions and readmissions in older patients: an overview of literature
Authors: Linkens A. E. M. J. H. , Milosevic V. , van der Kuy P. H. M. , Damen-Hendriks V. H. , Mestres Gonzalvo C. , Hurkens K. P. G. M.
Published: May 2020

Background The number of medication related hospital admissions and readmissions are increasing over the years due to the ageing population. Medication related hospital admissions and readmissions lead to decreased quality of life and high healthcare costs. Aim of the review To assess what is currently known about medication related hospital admissions, medication related hospital readmissions, their risk factors, and possible interventions which reduce medication related hospital readmissions. Method We searched PubMed for articles about the topic medication related hospital admissions and readmissions. Overall 54 studies were selected for the overview of literature. Results Between the different selected studies there was much heterogeneity in definitions for medication related admission and readmissions, in study population and the way studies were performed. Multiple risk factors are found in the studies for example: polypharmacy, comorbidities, therapy non adherence, cognitive impairment, depending living situation, high risk medications and higher age. Different interventions are studied to reduce the number of medication related readmission, some of these interventions may reduce the readmissions like the participation of a pharmacist, education programmes and transition-of-care interventions and the use of digital assistance in the form of Clinical Decision Support Systems. However the methods and the results of these interventions show heterogeneity in the different researches. Conclusion There is much heterogeneity in incidence and definitions for both medication related hospital admissions and readmissions. Some risk factors are known for medication related admissions and readmissions such as polypharmacy, older age and additional diseases. Known interventions that could possibly lead to a decrease in medication related hospital readmissions are spare being the involvement of a pharmacist, education programs and transition-care interventions the most mentioned ones although controversial results have been reported. More research is needed to gather more information on this topic.
Daylight savings: what an answer to the perceptual variation problem cannot be
Authors: Michaelson Eliot , Cohen Jonathan
Published: May 2020

Significant variations in the way objects appear across different viewing conditions pose a challenge to the view that they have some true, determinate color. This view would seem to require that we break the symmetry between multiple appearances in favor of a single variant. A wide range of philosophical and non-philosophical writers have held that the symmetry can be broken by appealing to daylight viewing conditions—that the appearances of objects in daylight have a stronger, and perhaps unique, claim to reveal their true colors. In this note we argue that, whatever else its merits, this appeal to daylight is not a satisfactory answer to the problem posed by perceptual variation.
Systemic Creativities in Sustainability and Social Innovation Education
Authors: Córdoba-Pachón José-Rodrigo , Mapelli Francesca , Taji Farah Nabil Adel Al , Donovan Diana M
Published: May 2020

The aim of this paper is to aid educators in sustainability or social innovation to make sense of their creativity. We use a systems model of creativity (Csikszentmihalyi 1988, 1996, 1999) as an enquiring device to tease out issues that influence creativity within these realms. Data from semi-structured interviews with senior and junior educators in two geographical locations lead us to elaborate two systems models to reflect creativity. These models portray creativity as emerging from the alignment of and connections between creators, domains and field elements as suggested by Csikszentmihalyi. However, we also identify some intermediary or absent connections between the model elements which deserve further attention, as their uncritical pursuit could potentially exacerbate exclusion or marginalisation of junior educators’ personal values and interests. Therefore, critically and creatively informed learning could be better cultivated in these realms. This and other insights could have important implications for how creativity and its nurturing in education could be advanced in the long run.
Correction to: Resveratrol oligomer structure in Dipterocarpaceaeous plants
Authors: Ito Tetsuro
Published: May 2020

The article Resveratrol oligomer structure in Dipterocarpaceaeous plants
Effects of biochar and ash outflow during updraft partial gasification on process parameters in a moving bed reactor
Authors: Ochnio Mateusz , Kluska Jacek , Kardaś Dariusz
Published: May 2020

The present paper concerns the partial updraft gasification of wheat–rye straw pellets, using air as a gasification agent. The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of biochar and ash outflow during the updraft gasification process on the parameters of the latter. For this purpose, a series of five experiments with different parameters of biochar and ash outflow and a reference experiment were carried out with a constant amount of supplied air. The results of the research show that higher volumetric outflows of biochar and ash increase the calorific value (from 6.7 to 7.4 MJ/Nm3) and production (from 34.8 to 40.3 Nm3/h) of the producer gas, as well as the rate of fuel feed rate (from 30 to 43 kg/h). Reductions in the yield of gas (from 1.16 to 0.94 Nm3/kgfuel), equivalence ratio (from 0.125 to 0.087), and cold gas efficiency (from 44.7 to 40.2%) were observed. The content of gravimetric tar in producer gas was typical of updraft gasification and fluctuated within a range of 65‒125 g/Nm3.
The Current Landscape of Prostitution and Sex Work in England and Wales
Authors: Matolcsi Andrea , Mulvihill Natasha , Lilley-Walker Sarah-Jane , Lanau Alba , Hester Marianne
Published: May 2020

This paper presents a comprehensive typology of the sex industry based on primary data collected between 2018 and 2019 for a UK Home Office-funded study. Typologies of the contemporary sex industry in England and Wales have tended to be limited to particular sectors or have been developed from a specific disciplinary perspective or theme (e.g. sexual health programming, income). Situated in the context of international sex industry typologies, this paper seeks to address this gap. Data was derived from an online survey, questionnaires and consultations with stakeholders including individuals currently or formerly involved in selling sex, service providers/NGOs, police, local authority representatives and others. The data was supplemented with insights from a systematic literature search. This work aims to assist with programme and policy planning in the UK context. Our methods can assist in developing typologies in other contexts.
Application of artificial neural network for the quality-based classification of spray-dried rhubarb juice powders
Authors: Przybył K. , Gawałek J. , Koszela K.
Published: May 2020

The aim of the study was to develop a neural model enabling classification of fruit spray dried powders, on the basis of graphic data acquired from a bitmap received in the process of spray drying. The neural model was developed with multi-layer perceptron topology. Input variables were expressed in 46 image descriptors based on RGB, YCbCr, HSV (B) and HSL models. Sensitivity analysis of input variables and principal component analysis determined the significance level of each attribute. The optimal model with the lowest error value root mean square, at the level of 0.04 contained 46 neurons in the input layer, 11 neurons in the hidden layer, 10 neurons in the output layer. The results allowed to show that dyeing force (color features) had influence on effective differentiation of the research material consisting of spray-dried powders of rhubarb juice with various dried juice content levels: 30, 40 and 50% as well as high (“H”) and low (“L”) level of saccharification a chosen carrier (potato maltodextrin).
Impact of various irrigation practices on nitrate movement in soil profile and wheat productivity
Authors: Khan Shahbaz , Abbas Syed Karamat , Irshad Sohail , Mazhar Syed Adnan , Batool Sumaira
Published: May 2020

Nitrate is important for plant nutrition and is considered as an index of soil fertility. Its leaching to underground water not only poses severe threat to environment but also to human health. Amount of water supplemented to crops have significant role in yield and nitrate distribution in soil. An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of different irrigation rates on nitrate movement, soil properties and wheat yield. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replicates. Three irrigation levels applied were I1 (0.5 ET0 deficit irrigation), I2 (1.0 ET0; according to farmer’s practice) and I3 (1.5 ET0; over irrigation). Wheat (Sehar-2006) was used as test crop. Irrigation levels had significant effects on most of growth and yield parameters of wheat. Maximum number of leaves per plant, 1000-grain weight and grain yield were observed in second irrigation level. Irrigation rates had significant effect on infiltration rate and soil saturated hydraulic conductivity, and a decrease in value of these parameters was observed in I3 that was mainly due to higher moisture contents. Bulk density and porosity of the soil remained unchanged under various treatment applied.
Development of scaling criteria for steam flooding EOR process
Authors: Rahman Arifur , Ahmed Salim , Hossain M. Enamul , Happy Fatema Akter
Published: May 2020

The development of new scaling criteria for steam flooding process is presented in this paper. The mathematical development is done by using modified Darcy’s law, constitutive relationships, constraints, and the initial and boundary conditions. Dimensional and inspectional analyses are used to develop sets of dimensionless groups by incorporating rock and fluid memory concept. The variety of scaling criteria and their comparative advantages and limitations are discussed. Currently available scaling criteria development for steam flooding processes used the same fluid, same porous media in model and prototype. However, it requires a high-pressure model with different porous media, which causes difficulties in scaling properties, and therefore, largely depends on pressure and the porous media itself. In this paper, different methods are presented which permit scaling of all properties dependent on pressure or temperature by relaxing the requirements of geometric similarity. A set of relaxed scaling criteria is determined to satisfy a major mechanism. A comparative study of different approaches and their relative merits and demerits are discussed. Approach 2 (same fluids, same pressure drop, same porous medium, and geometric similarity) seems to be the most appropriate for the steam flooding process; however, gravitational forces cannot be scaled properly with this approach. Approach 3 (same fluids, same pressure drop, same porous media, and relaxed geometric similarity) is suitable for this process if the effect of transverse dispersion is considered negligible. Finally, a table is developed which can act as a guideline to select an appropriate approach that best scales a major mechanism for a specific steam flooding recovery process.
Packings, sausages and catastrophes
Authors: Henk Martin , Wills Jörg M.
Published: May 2020

In this survey we give an overview about some of the main results on parametric densities, a concept which unifies the theory of finite (free) packings and the classical theory of infinite packings.
Parameter dependence of solutions of the Cauchy–Riemann equation on weighted spaces of smooth functions
Authors: Kruse Karsten
Published: May 2020

Let$$\varOmega $$Ωbe an open subset of$$\mathbb {R}^{2}$$R2andEa complete complex locally convex Hausdorff space. The purpose of this paper is to find conditions on certain weighted Fréchet spaces$$\mathcal {EV}(\varOmega )$$EV(Ω)of smooth functions and on the spaceEto ensure that the vector-valued Cauchy–Riemann operator$${\overline{\partial }}:\mathcal {EV}(\varOmega ,E)\rightarrow \mathcal {EV}(\varOmega ,E)$$∂¯:EV(Ω,E)→EV(Ω,E)is surjective. This is done via splitting theory and positive results can be interpreted as parameter dependence of solutions of the Cauchy–Riemann operator.