bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological response of maize and soybean to partial root-zone drying irrigation under N fertilization levels
Authors: S. Liu H. Liu, F. Song, , Xiancan Zhu Fulai Liu,
Published: June 2018

Water stress induces physiological changes in plants, and partial root-zone drying irrigation (PRD) is a water-saving irrigation strategy that can regulate plant physiological responses. This study was to investigate the physiological responses of maize and soybean to PRD and deficit irrigation (DI) under two N-fertilization levels. Plants were grown in a split-root pot culture and were exposed to three irrigation treatments, including full irrigation (FI), DI and PRD, at two fertilization levels (2 and 3 g Pot-1 N). We found that PRD and DI significantly decreased the biomass of two plant species and PRD inhibited less dry mass than DI. Water stress resulted in a higher leaf malondialdehyde content in the leaves of maize and soybean at two fertilization levels, with a smaller increment of PRD than DI. PRD had higher proline content in maize at high N fertilization and in soybean at normal N level than DI. Soluble sugar and protein contents of maize and soybean were higher under PRD than DI at two N levels, except soluble protein content of soybean at normal N level. PRD reduced superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities of maize and soybean. Moreover, soluble sugar content and APX activity of maize and soybean and proline and protein contents of maize were significantly affected by N treatments. These results indicate that PRD could alleviate the negative effects induced by water stress on maize and soybean through regulation of physiological parameters.
Rapid proteomic analysis for solid tumors revealsLSD1 as a drug target in an end‐stage cancer patient
Authors: Doll Sophia , Kriegmair Maximilian C. , Santos Alberto , Wierer Michael , Coscia Fabian , Neil Helen Michele , Porubsky Stefan , Geyer Philipp E. , Mund Andreas , Nuhn Philipp , Mann Matthias
Published: June 2018

Recent advances in mass spectrometry (MS)‐based technologies are now set to transform translational cancer proteomics from an idea to a practice. Here, we present a robust proteomic workflow for the analysis of clinically relevant human cancer tissues that allows quantitation of thousands of tumor proteins in several hours of measuring time and a total turnaround of a few days. We applied it to a chemorefractory metastatic case of the extremely rare urachal carcinoma. Quantitative comparison of lung metastases and surrounding tissue revealed several significantly upregulated proteins, among them lysine‐specific histone demethylase 1 (LSD1/KDM1A).LSD1 is an epigenetic regulator and the target of active development efforts in oncology. Thus, clinical cancer proteomics can rapidly and efficiently identify actionable therapeutic options. While currently described for a single case study, we envision that it can be applied broadly to other patients in a similar condition.
Multilevel Nanoparticles Coatings with Excellent Liquid Repellency
Authors: Zhou Lei , Yin Siliang , Guo Zhenyu , Yang Nan , Li Jitong , Zhang Mingqian , Zheng Yongmei
Published: June 2018

The excellent liquid repellency surfaces are achieved by using dual‐scale hydrophobic silica coating (d‐HSC) which nanoparticles in xylene‐based suspension without any further modification. The suspension can also be sprayed, dipped, or brushed on substrate to create a transparent superhydrophobic surface. It is demonstrated that the excellent repellency can be achieved for various liquid (e.g., water, milk, coffee, glycerol) as d‐HSC onto copper plate, polyvinyl chloride plate, glass slide, building stone, sponge, and tissue paper. Furthermore, with the addition of silane coupling agent, the d‐HSC shows resilience and maintains its performance to some extent after abrasion with sandpaper. A facile, low‐cost, and effective method to fabricate these multifunctional coatings on versatile substrates is developed without using the common method of fluoride vapor deposition for surface modification. The study is greatly significant for design of robust materials with self‐cleaning, anti‐icing, or waterproof performances that can be extended into application of many aspects (e.g., airplane wing, wall of cooling tower in industry, packing, building, etc.).
Isolation of Circulating Fetal Trophoblasts Using Inertial Microfluidics for Noninvasive Prenatal Testing
Authors: Winter Marnie , Hardy Tristan , Rezaei Meysam , Nguyen Vy , Zander‐Fox Deirdre , Ebrahimi Warkiani Majid , Thierry Benjamin
Published: June 2018

While noninvasive prenatal testing based on cell‐free fetal DNA has recently revolutionized the field of aneuploidy screening in pregnancy, it remains limited to aneuploidy and microdeletion screening, and is unable to reliably detect single gene disorders. A number of recent studies have demonstrated the potential of circulating trophoblastic cells in providing cell‐based noninvasive diagnosis with sequencing or array‐based assays. However, considering the extreme rarity of these cells in blood, efficient, high‐throughput, and clinically applicable enrichment technologies are yet to be developed. This study demonstrates for the first time the utility of inertial microfluidics for efficient isolation of trophoblastic cells from maternal peripheral blood. Under optimal operating conditions, high‐recovery yields (79%) are obtained using a trophoblastic cell‐line, which is subsequently confirmed with analysis of maternal blood. Feasibility of obtaining a diagnosis from cells isolated from a maternal sample is demonstrated in a case of confirmed fetal trisomy 21 in which six fetal cells are found in a 7 mL blood sample using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Finally, it is demonstrated that trophoblastic cells isolated using inertial microfluidics could be picked and subjected to a clinically validated sequencing assay, paving the way for further validation of this technology and larger clinical studies.
An Electroactive Binder in the Formulation of IGZO Ink to Print an IGZO‐Based Rectifier for Harvesting Direct Current (DC) Power from the Near Field Communication (NFC) Signal of a Smartphone
Authors: Rajbhandari Grishmi , Vanaraj Prince Wesley , Maskey Bijendra Bishow , Park Hyejin , Sapkota Ashish , Jung Younsu , Majima Yutaka , Cho Gyoujin
Published: June 2018

Formulating a high‐performing semiconducting ink is crucial toward printing a diode for constructing a direct current (DC) power harvesting device, consisting of an antenna, a diode, and a capacitor, that can rectify the coupled weak near field communication (NFC) (13.56 MHz) signal (<1.5 Vpp) generated from smartphones. To achieve such performance, indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO)‐based semiconducting ink is formulated by developing an electroactive binder, poly(4‐styrene sulfonic acid). By reducing the turn‐on voltage and providing a good rheological characteristic for printing metal insulator semiconductor‐Schottky diodes on plastic film, the newly formulated IGZO ink is able to print a rectifier that can harvest DC voltage with 50% efficiency from the coupled 13.56 MHz signal (NFC) of a smartphone.
Polymer Meets Frustrated Lewis Pair: Second‐Generation CO2‐Responsive Nanosystem for Sustainable CO2 Conversion
Authors: Chen Liang , Liu Renjie , Yan Qiang
Published: June 2018

Frustrated Lewis pairs (FLP), a couple comprising a sterically encumbered Lewis acid and Lewis base, can offer latent reactivity for activating inert gas molecules. However, their use as a platform for fabricating gas‐responsive materials has not yet developed. Merging the FLP concept with polymers, we report a new generation CO2‐responsive system, differing from the first‐generation ones based on an acid–base equilibrium mechanism. Two complementary Lewis acidic and basic block copolymers, installing bulky borane‐ and phosphine‐containing blocks, were built as the macromolecular FLP. They can bind CO2 to drive micellar formation, in which CO2 as a cross‐linker bridges the block chains. This dative bonding endows the assembly with ultrafast response (<20 s), thermal reversibility, and excellent reproducibility. Moreover, such micelles bound highly active CO2 can function as nanocatalysts for recyclable C1 catalysis, opening a new direction of sustainable CO2 conversion.
Applications of Pillar[n]arene‐Based Supramolecular Assemblies
Authors: Ogoshi Tomoki , Kakuta Takahiro , Yamagishi Tada‐aki
Published: June 2018

Macrocycles are an important player in supramolecular chemistry. In 2008, a new class of macrocycles, “pillar[n]arenes”, were first discovered. Research efforts in the area of pillar[n]arenes have elucidated key properties, such as their shape, reaction mechanism, host–guest properties, and their versatile functionality, which has contributed to the development of pillar[n]arene chemistry and their applications to various fields. This Minireview describes how pillar[n]arene‐based supramolecular assemblies can be applied to supramolecular gel formation, reactions, light‐harvesting systems, drug‐delivery systems, biochemical applications, separation and storage materials, and surface chemistry.
Phase‐Transition Induced Conversion into a Photothermal Material: Quasi‐Metallic WO2.9 Nanorods for Solar Water Evaporation and Anticancer Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Sun Lei , Li Zhuo , Su Rui , Wang Yuanlin , Li Zhenglin , Du Baosheng , Sun Ye , Guan Pengfei , Besenbacher Flemming , Yu Miao
Published: June 2018

Phase transition from WO3 to sub‐stoichiometric WO2.9 by a facile method has varied the typical semiconductor to be quasi‐metallic with a narrowed band gap and a shifted Femi energy to the conduction band, while maintaining a high crystallinity. The resultant WO2.9 nanorods possess a high total absorption capacity (ca. 90.6 %) over the whole solar spectrum as well as significant photothermal conversion capability, affording a conversion efficiency as high as around 86.9 % and a water evaporation efficiency of about 81 % upon solar light irradiation. Meanwhile, the promising potential of the nanorods for anticancer photothermal therapy have been also demonstrated, with a high photothermal conversion efficiency (ca. 44.9 %) upon single wavelength near‐infrared irradiation and a high tumor inhibition rate (ca. 98.5 %). This study may have opened up a feasible route to produce high‐performance photothermal materials from well‐developed oxides.
Three‐Dimensional Cathode Constructed through Confined‐Growth of FeP Nanocrystals in Ordered Mesoporous Carbon Film Coated on Carbon Cloth for Efficient Hydrogen Production
Authors: Liu Zhipeng , Gao Zhichao , Luo Feng , Yuan Shisheng , Wang Kaiwen , Li Nan , Li Xiaotian
Published: June 2018

Efficient, stable, and affordable electrocatalysts are essential for large‐scale hydrogen generation through water electrolysis. Nanosized catalyst particles integrated with a conductive current collector are highly desirable candidates yet quite challenging to synthesize. In this study, we prepared a self‐supported electrode constructed with FeP nanocrystals confined in the pores of ordered mesoporous carbon‐coated carbon cloth (FeP@OMC/CC) for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The synergistic effect of ultrafine FeP nanocrystals, ordered mesoporous configuration and highly conductive carbon fiber framework endowed the self‐supported electrode with enriched active sites, accelerated charge and mass transport and strong mechanical stability. Consequently, the as‐synthesized FeP@OMC/CC electrode exhibited remarkable HER performance with a low overpotential (10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 51 mV), small Tafel slope (39 mV dec−1), and superior structural and electrochemical stability (over 20 h under an overpotential of 70 mV), which is one of the highest electrocatalytic performance observed among all nonprecious materials.
Balancing Activity and Stability in a Ternary Au‐Pd/Fe Electrocatalyst for ORR with High Surface Coverages of Au
Authors: Yang Xiaofang , Hu Jun , Wu Ruqian , Koel Bruce E.
Published: June 2018

Sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and low durability of ORR catalysts in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEM‐FCs) requires a continued search for advanced catalysts. Bimetallic catalysts demonstrate enhanced kinetics due to the optimized electronic properties from alloying but can suffer from poor stability of the active metals. Herein we report our findings that while bulk gold is catalytically inactive, high coverages (> 0.6 monolayer) of Au deposited on a Pd3Fe(111) surface were highly active and stable. These properties of Au‐modified Pd3Fe(111) surfaces are associated with initial formation of 2D nanostructures at step edges and the transition of 2D to 3D nanostructures under reaction conditions. The balancing of activity and stability in this ternary Au‐Pd/Fe electrocatalyst provides a potential candidate for non‐Pt, highly stable ORR catalysts. Similar nanostructures and conditions may be able to activate gold for use in other electrocatalytic reactions.
Iron‐Cobalt Bi‐Metallic Sulfide Nanowires on Ni Foam for Applications in High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Shuhua , Xu Guanghua , Li Jun , Wang Bo , Huang Zongyu , Chen Qiong , Qi Xiang
Published: June 2018

Supercapacitors do not only exhibit the traditional high power density of capacitors, but also show the high energy density characteristic for batteries. In addition, fast charging, outstanding rate of magnification, and safety as well as pollutant‐free characteristics make supercapacitors unprecedented for applications and development prospects in the field of energy storage. In this study, a facile two‐step hydrothermal method was presented for the synthesis of FeCo2S4 nanowire structures directly formed on nickel (Ni) foam. The as‐prepared FeCo2S4 samples were characterized using X‐ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical performance of the as‐prepared FeCo2S4 electrodes is studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge‐discharge measurements (CD), and cycle stability tests. The as‐prepared FeCo2S4 nanowires exhibit a high specific capacitance of about 337 mAh g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1 in 3 M KOH solution. After 2000 cycles at 6 A g−1, 90 % of the initial capacity is retained, showing the excellent stability of the prepared material. At a high current density of 12 A g−1, the capacity can reach 273 mAh g−1 with 81 % remaining, exhibiting outstanding rate characteristics. The superior electrochemical performance can be attributed to the high specific surface area, ion/electron transportability, and the excellent electrical conductivity of the active material itself. Therefore, as the most advanced energy storage material, FeCo2S4 will have great development prospects in terms of energy conversion, storage, and electrocatalysis.
Selective removal of copper and nickel ions from synthetic process water using predispersed solvent extraction
Authors: Molaei Aysan , Kökkılıç Ozan , Waters Kristian E.
Published: June 2018

Selective predispersed solvent extraction and the stripping of copper and nickel ions from synthetic process water containing calcium ions was investigated, and the effect of four experimental parameters on extraction efficiency was studied. The extraction process was performed in two stages. In the first stage, maximum copper extraction was targeted with nickel extraction minimized. During the second stage, nickel was extracted from the remaining copper‐free aqueous solution and optimum experimental conditions for maximum nickel recovery were determined. In order to investigate the effect of experimental parameters (extractant concentration, phase volume ratio (PVR), equilibrium pH, and calcium concentration) on the nickel extraction, response surface methodology (RSM) was used. It was found that equilibrium pH, extractant concentration, and calcium concentration were the most significant factors on nickel extraction. While the first two factors had a positive effect, the latter one negatively affected the response. In order to selectively extract copper, the optimum range for the maximum extraction of copper with minimum nickel extraction was determined, which for any level of calcium concentration is an extractant concentration of 0.2–0.3 % (w/v), phase volume ratio of 2, and equilibrium pH of 2.5. Once copper ions were selectively removed from the process water, the optimum conditions for maximum nickel concentration were determined at three levels of calcium concentrations. Stripping experiments were also carried out, and the optimum acid concentrations of 10 and 5 g/L were determined for the stripping of copper and nickel, respectively.
Simulation of impurity behaviour in Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak L‐mode discharges with the integrated COREDIV code
Authors: Xie H. , Zagórski R. , Ding R. , Ivanova‐Stanik I. , Chen J. L. , Zang Q. , Duan Y. M. , Zhang H. M. , Lyu B. , Chen Y. J. , Feng W.
Published: June 2018

The self‐consistent COREDIV code has been used to simulate the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) L‐mode discharges of upper and lower single null configurations operated with tungsten and carbon divertors, respectively. In the simulations, a uniform lithium injection (and, in addition, a C injection for W divertor) from the wall is assumed, and calculations are performed for different diffusion coefficients in the Scrape‐Off Layer (SOL) region. Simulations demonstrate that, in the case with C target, higher lithium flux leads to lower sputtered carbon flux because of the lower particle flux to divertor due to the plasma dilution by lithium. For the case of tungsten target, lithium has almost no influence on plasma parameters. Carbon seeding first leads to higher W concentrations and then to saturated W afterwards. The effect of a prompt re‐deposition process is moderate due to the self‐regulated increase of plasma temperature at the target through tungsten radiation in the core plasma. The simulations can well reproduce the experimental measurements such as plasma density and temperature profiles in the core region, Zeff, total radiation loss and radiation profiles, and electron density and temperature profiles along divertor target.
Effects of rearing conditions on natal dispersal processes in a long‐lived predator bird
Authors: Azpillaga Maialen , Real Joan , Hernández‐Matías Antonio
Published: June 2018

Natal or prebreeding dispersal is a key driver of the functioning, dynamics, and evolution of populations. Conditions experienced by individuals during development, that is, rearing conditions, may have serious consequences for the multiple components that shape natal dispersal processes. Rearing conditions vary as a result of differences in parental and environmental quality, and it has been shown that favorable rearing conditions are beneficial for individuals throughout their lives. However, the long‐term consequences of rearing conditions on natal dispersal are still not fully understood in long‐lived birds. In this study, we aim to test the following hypotheses to address the relationship between rearing conditions and certain components of the natal dispersal process in Bonelli’s eagle (Aquila fasciata): (1) The body condition of nestlings depends on the quality of the territory and/or breeders; and (2) the survival until recruitment, (3) the age of recruitment, and (4) the natal dispersal distance (NDD) all depend on rearing conditions. As expected, nestlings reared in territories with high past productivity of chicks had better body condition, which indicates that both body condition and past productivity reflect the rearing conditions under which chicks are raised. In addition, chicks raised in territories with high past productivity and with good body condition had greater chances of surviving until recruitment. Furthermore, birds that have better condition recruit earlier, and males recruit at a younger age than females. At last, although females in good body condition exhibited higher NDD when they recruited at younger ages, this pattern was not observed in either older females or males. Overall, this study provides evidence that rearing conditions have important long‐term consequences in long‐lived birds. On the basis of our results, we advocate that conservation managers work actively in the promotion of actions aimed at improving the rearing conditions under which individuals develop in threatened populations.
Gas‐water energy conversion efficiency in two‐phase vertical downflow
Authors: Sun Yang , Yao Yuting , Fan Yawen , Su Junwei , Luo Zhaoyang , Lan Peng , Bao Yan
Published: June 2018

An automatic pump is developed using low water‐head hydropower. The energy conversion efficiency η of the gas‐water energy conversion equipment is the focus. In this equipment, low‐head water normally drains to the vertical downcomer. When water particles separate via gravity, a vacuum is generated, and air is mixed into the water spontaneously. High‐pressure gas is ultimately produced at the end of the pipe. To discuss the effects of the air intake pipe diameter, river drop and water flow rate on η, a full‐scale experiment is conducted, and an analytical solution based on the separation of water particles is derived. The air intake pipe diameter has almost no effect on η, but η changes dramatically as the water flow rate varies. Meanwhile, η initially increases and then decreases as the river drop increases. These findings enable the development of a method for low water‐head hydropower utilization.
The effect of pre‐process and transport strategies on survival, microbiologic, and physiologic of Patinopecten yessoensis
Authors: Pan Lanlan , Lin Chengxin , Zhang GuoChen , Mu Gang , Yang XiaoTong
Published: June 2018

The supply chain of shellfish is complex, with animals being subjected to several stressors during the depuration, temporary keeping, and waterless‐low‐temp transportation processing. In this paper, the recycled water system for depuration and temporary keeping was used to realize both depuration and temporary keeping of Patinopecten yessoensis. The samples were divided into three groups based on three different pre‐process involved: samples in group 1 were depurated for 48 hr straight, whereas those in group 2 were first depured for 24 hr and then cooled for 24 hr; samples in group 3 was directly kept in a polyethylene insulation box. Then group 1 and group 2 were transported in a 3L polyethylene insulation box with ice packs (250 ml) to study the quality of transport based on the different pre‐process. As a result, in group 1 (depuration for 48 hr), the first death occurred after 56 hr, and all shellfishes died after 102 hr with total bacterial density of 2,630 CFU/ml. In group 2 (depuration for 24 hr and temporary keeping for 24 hr), the first death occurred after 104 hr and the total number of bacteria was increasing steadily within 0–104 hr. After 120 hr, all shellfishes died with total bacterial density of 1,090 CFU/ml. In group 3 (directly transport), all shellfishes died in 64 hr. The total number of bacteria in groups 1 and 2 declined significantly in the depuration process. The bacteria number (p < 0.05) in group 3 was significantly different from that in groups 1 and 2. The crude protein, crude fat, and glycogen of all groups declined. However, compared to groups 1 and 3, the consumption of glycogen in group 2 (p < 0.05) was delayed by the gradual cooling procedure. Those results prove that the depuration and temporary keeping procedures can improve the sterilization of the bacteria. The survival rate is less sensitive to the temperature change. The results provide satisfactory references for the P. yessoensis’ quality studies with depuration, temporary keeping, and waterless‐low‐temp transportation technologies.
Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Gannan navel orange (Citrus sinensis Osbeck cv. Newhall) peel essential oils
Authors: Guo Qingyun , Liu Ke , Deng Weihui , Zhong Balian , Yang Wenxia , Chun Jiong
Published: June 2018

The present investigation reported the chemical composition of cold pressed Gannan navel orange peel essential oil (EO) and its molecular distillation fraction (light phase EO), and examined their antimicrobial activity against spoiling and pathogenic microorganisms. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis identified 27 and 20 different chemical constituents in cold pressed EO and light phase EO, respectively. Limonene was the major constituent, accounting for 85.32% of cold pressed EO and 60.44% of light phase EO. Both EOs and some of their constituents showed good antimicrobial activity. Compared to cold pressed EO, light phase EO exhibited the better antimicrobial activity under weak acidic and neutral conditions. The light phase EO presented a higher antimicrobial activity after thermo‐treatment at 60–100°C for 20 min than cold pressed EO. These results demonstrated that light phase EO had a potential to be used as a novel antimicrobial agent for food preservation and food processing.
The Emergence of Counseling in Sierra Leone
Authors: Akinsulure‐Smith Adeyinka M. , Conteh John A.
Published: June 2018

Sierra Leone has endured a turbulent history, including a decadelong civil war and the devastation of Ebola virus disease. Despite the psychological consequences of such events, only limited therapeutic services are available. The authors review mental health services in Sierra Leone and document the emergence of counseling as a profession in the face of challenges. They conclude by highlighting the multiple contributions that professional counselors can make to address critical mental health needs in Sierra Leone.
Incident command structure using a daily management system and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Patient Notification Toolkit drives effective response to an infection control breach
Authors: Schoonover Heather , Haydon Kristin
Published: June 2018

When breaches in infection control occur, it is imperative that organizations respond in a manner that is effective, efficient, and rebuilds trust with patients. Readers will learn how the incident command structure, daily management system, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Patient Notification Toolkit were used to drive an effective response to an infection control breach—resulting in 92% of affected patients completing the recommended testing for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus.
A comparison of 8‐mm and open‐irrigated gold‐tip catheters for typical atrial flutter ablation: Data from a prospective multicenter registry
Authors: De Ruvo Ermenegildo , Sagone Antonio , Rovaris Giovanni , Marchese Procolo , Santamaria Matteo , Solimene Francesco , Rauhe Werner , Piazzi Elena , Moretti Luciano , Parisi Quintino , Schillaci Vincenzo , Pelissero Elisa , Manfrin Massimiliano , Giacopelli Daniele , Gargaro Alessio , Calò Leonardo , Senatore Gaetano
Published: June 2018

Background

Cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation is the standard treatment for patients suffering from CTI‐dependent atrial flutter (AFL). The aim of this study was to compare the use in clinical practice of 8‐mm gold‐tip catheter (8mmRFC) and open‐irrigated gold‐tip catheter (irrRFC) for RF typical AFL ablation.

Methods

Patients with typical AFL were treated with 8mmRFC or irrRFC catheters according to investigator preferences. The primary endpoint was the cumulative radiofrequency time (CRFT). Fluoroscopy time, acute and 6‐month success rates were secondary endpoints.

Results

After excluding 3 patients with left AFL, 157 of the enrolled patients (median age 71.8 [interquartile range, 64.1‐76.2], 76% men, 91% in NYHA class ≤II, 65% with no structural heart disease) were analyzed: 74 (47%) subjects were treated with the 8mmRFC and 83 (53%) with the irrRFC. The median CRFT was 3 [2‐6] minutes in the 8mmRFC group and 5 [3‐7] minutes in the irrRFC group (P = .183). There were no significant differences in ablation success rates, intraprocedural CTI reconnections, audible steam pops, and procedural times. In the 8mmRFC group, a significantly lower fluoroscopy time was observed as compared to the irrRFC group (8 [5‐12] vs 15 [10‐20] minutes, P < .001). During the follow‐up period, AFL recurrences were documented in 3 patients in the 8mmRFC group and 2 in the irrRFC group (P = .655).

Conclusions

The 8mmRFC and the irrRFC performed similarly in routine practice for CTI ablation in terms of cumulative RF time, acute and 6‐month success rates. Fluoroscopy time was significantly lower in the 8mmRFC group.
Structural Effects of Nonionic Surfactants on Their Ability to Reduce the Dissolution Pressures of Heavy Hydrocarbons in Supercritical CO2
Authors: Shi Qingzhao , Cheng Jiecheng , Liu Yong , Qiao Weihong
Published: June 2018

The effects of selected nonionic surfactants on dissolution pressures of the octacosane and hydrocarbon mixtures in supercritical CO2 (scCO2) were investigated at 318–343 K to study relationships between the structures of the surfactants and their ability to improve solubility. Dissolution pressures of the solutes were experimentally observed to be decreased by at most 11.10% and at least 0.44% in the presence of the surfactants. However, this solubility‐improving performance was diminished with an increase in the molecular chain length of the surfactant. Linear surfactants gave better solubility‐improving performances in the octacosane/scCO2 systems, while branched compounds were better in the hydrocarbon mixture/scCO2 systems, which are attributed to the similarity of the chain length between the surfactant and the solute. X‐ray computed tomography tests provided evidence for direct material exchange between the hydrocarbon mixture and scCO2.
An analysis of the relationship between knowledge sharing and the project management process groups
Authors: Gomes Fernanda , Oliveira Mírian , Chaves Marcirio Silveira
Published: June 2018

Because knowledge sharing (KS) can leverage project results, this paper aims to analyze the relationship between KS and the project management process groups (PMPGs). This qualitative research, conducted in large information technology (IT) companies, consists of two phases: (a) an exploratory phase, based on content analysis of nine interviews and documents; and (b) a case study phase based on two cases, where data collected from six interviews and documents were analyzed using content analysis. The research facilitated the identification of the knowledge types involved in each process group as well as opportunities to influence knowledge conversion, thus enabling enhancement of the results obtained from KS in the organization. Furthermore, we identified opportunities to share interproject knowledge that can avoid rework, optimize time, and reduce costs. The study's findings will allow managers to define opportunities for KS in organizations, by identifying when knowledge is being stored and so facilitating the retrieval process. Identifying how employees share knowledge also provides an opportunity to stimulate and inhibit certain behaviors and so create control mechanisms to enhance knowledge management. Lastly, resource allocation is facilitated by identifying the IT necessary to support KS in project teams and which stakeholders are required for each process group. This research combines two different domains by focusing on the means by which KS can leverage results in project management. It also proposes a new, empirically tested, relationship for KS and PMPG, as well as expanding our understanding of the influence KS has on project management.
Indirect Electrochemical Detection of NADH Through an Active Stainless Steel Fiber Felt (SSFF) Electrode Decorated With the Amino‐Graphene/Nafion Nano Composite Films
Authors: Su Wenqiong , Li Zonglin , Liu Shuopeng , Ding Xianting
Published: June 2018

As the energy transfer mediator in the metabolism of human beings, dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is considered as an important biomarker, the concentration of which is correlated to several lethal diseases, such as breast cancer and Parkinson's disease. Due to the high oxidation potential encountered for NADH direct oxidation, herein, we report an active electrode for indirect electrochemical detection of NADH at low potential with the inexpensive stainless steel fiber felt (SSFF). The SSFF electrodes were modified through the layer‐by‐layer assembling of amino‐graphene (AG) fragments and Nafion, and characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Taking the peak current at the apparent oxidation potential (‐0.2 V) as the sensing signal, the proposed SSFF active electrode presented a stable logarithmic detection range from 100 nM to 300 μM with R2=0.996. The regeneration process was also explored and proved to be robust. Finally, the SSFF active electrode was applied to sense NADH in a bio‐mixture solution prepared from tumor cell lysate. The experimental results demonstrated that, with a facile processing, the corrosion resistant and low cost SSFF electrodes could serve as a reliable and practical probe for NADH detection, which would further benefit the clinical diagnostics of NADH‐related diseases.
Environmental quality in India: Application of environmental Kuznets curve and Sustainable Human Development Index
Authors: Rudra Ayan , Chattopadhyay Aparajita
Published: June 2018

This study explores the trend of selected air pollutants, carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen dioxide NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter 10 microns in diameter (PM10) in India. Environmental Kuznets curves (EKC), which show the association of the economy and pollution, are fitted for selected Indian states to understand whether EKC in India fits well with the inverted “U” shape. We observed that CO2 and PM10 are steadily increasing in India. The states of Kerala and Punjab follow the inverted “U” shape of EKC, while Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra may take decades to reduce pollutants. A new Sustainable Human Development Index calculated in this paper indicates a diverse picture of Indian states, especially in regard to environmental parameters. The government needs to implement stringent, state‐specific laws and regulations to assist in curbing air pollutants. The time has also come to represent the rankings of states in terms of an environmentally inclusive development index.
Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for adolescent alcohol use in Canadian pediatric emergency departments: a national survey of pediatric emergency physicians
Authors: Jun Shelly , Plint Amy C , Curtis Sarah , Newton Amanda S.
Published: June 2018

Background

Problematic alcohol use is associated with detrimental cognitive, physiological and social consequences. In the emergency department (ED), Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) is the recommended approach to identify and treat adolescent alcohol-related concerns, but is underused by physicians.

Objective

This study examined pediatric emergency physicians’ perceptions of adolescent drinking and treatment, and their current self-reported SBIRT practices.

Method

Physicians in the Pediatric Emergency Research Canada database (n=245) received a 35-item questionnaire that was administered through a web-based platform and paper-based mail-outs. Recruitment followed a modified Dillman four-contact approach.

Results

From October 2016 to January 2017, 166 pediatric emergency physicians (46.4% males; mean age=43.6 years) completed the questionnaire. The response rate was 67.8%. Physicians recognized the need (65%) and responsibility (86%) to address adolescent alcohol problems. However, confidence in knowledge and abilities for SBIRT execution was low. Twenty-five percent of physicians reported never having practiced all, or part of, SBIRT while 1.3% reported consistent SBIRT delivery for adolescents with alcohol-related visits. More alcohol education and counselling experience was associated with higher SBIRT use; however, physicians generally reported to have received minimal alcohol training. SBIRT practices were also associated with physician perceptions of problematic alcohol use and its treatability.

Conclusions

Pediatric emergency physicians acknowledge the need to address problematic adolescent alcohol use, but routine SBIRT use is lacking. Strategies to educate physicians about SBIRT and enhance perceived self-competency may improve SBIRT use. Effectiveness trials to establish SBIRT impact on patient outcomes are also needed.
Megalakes in the Sahara? A Review
Authors: Quade J. , Dente E. , Armon M. , Ben Dor Y. , Morin E. , Adam O. , Enzel Y.
Published: June 2018

The Sahara was wetter and greener during multiple interglacial periods of the Quaternary, when some have suggested it featured very large (mega) lakes, ranging in surface area from 30,000 to 350,000 km2. In this paper, we review the physical and biological evidence for these large lakes, especially during the African Humid Period (AHP) 11–5 ka. Megalake systems from around the world provide a checklist of diagnostic features, such as multiple well-defined shoreline benches, wave-rounded beach gravels where coarse material is present, landscape smoothing by lacustrine sediment, large-scale deltaic deposits, and in places, tufas encrusting shorelines. Our survey reveals no clear evidence of these features in the Sahara, except in the Chad basin. Hydrologic modeling of the proposed megalakes requires mean annual rainfall ≥1.2 m/yr and a northward displacement of tropical rainfall belts by ≥1000 km. Such a profound displacement is not supported by other paleo-climate proxies and comprehensive climate models, challenging the existence of megalakes in the Sahara. Rather than megalakes, isolated wetlands and small lakes are more consistent with the Sahelo-Sudanian paleoenvironment that prevailed in the Sahara during the AHP. A pale-green and discontinuously wet Sahara is the likelier context for human migrations out of Africa during the late Quaternary.
Separating Intervention from Regime Change: China's Diplomatic Innovations at the UN Security Council Regarding the Syria Crisis
Authors: Fung Courtney J.
Published: June 2018

China's response to the recent Syria crisis at the UN Security Council represents a crucial case in China's approach to intervention in that it breaks from China's recent practice of becoming more permissive regarding intervention. Instead, China actively worked to ensure that a firm line was drawn to separate intervention from foreign-imposed regime change. It did so by employing three diplomatic innovations: exercising multiple, successive vetoes; expanding discourse to delegitimize intervention as “regime change” by Western powers; and engaging in norm-shaping of the international community's “responsibility to protect” post-intervention. Together, these three innovations highlight China's desire to firmly separate the intervention norm from that of regime change. Using a variety of primary sources, the article also draws insights from interviews with foreign policy elites in Beijing, New York and New Delhi.
Lakes on the Tibetan Plateau as Conduits of Greenhouse Gases to the Atmosphere
Authors: Yan Fangping , Sillanpää Mika , Kang Shichang , Aho Kelly Sue , Qu Bin , Wei Da , Li Xiaofei , Li Chaoliu , Raymond Peter A.
Published: June 2018

Lakes play an important role in the global carbon cycle, and littoral zones of lakes are potential hotspots of greenhouse gas production. In this study, we measured the partial pressures of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) in the littoral zones of 17 lakes on the Tibetan Plateau. The littoral zones of lakes on the Tibetan Plateau were supersaturated and acted as sources of CO2, CH4, and N2O to the atmosphere. The average partial pressures of CO2, CH4, and N2O in the surface lake water were 664.8 ± 182.5, 139.8 ± 335.6, and 0.3 ± 0.1 μatm, respectively. The average diffusive fluxes (and uncentainty intervals) of these three gases were 73.7 (0.9–295.3) mmol · m−2 · day−1, 5.2 (0.0008–45.9) mmol · m−2 · day−1, and 6.5 (0.07–20.9) μmol · m−2 · day−1, respectively. The diffusive fluxes of CO2 in lakes were significantly correlated with dissolved organic carbon, dissolved organic nitrogen, salinity, and water temperature. The diffusive fluxes of N2O were significantly correlated with lake water depth. However, no relationships were found between environmental factors and the CH4 diffusive flux at the scale of this study. CO2 exchange with the atmosphere from saline lakes was found to be higher than from freshwater lakes with equivalent CO2 concentrations by a factor of 2.5 due to chemical enhancement of the gas transfer velocity. Therefore, further study with enhanced spatiotemporal resolution and breadth is needed to better understand the important role played by lakes on the Tibetan Plateau in both regional and global carbon cycles.
Nutrient Limitation and the Stoichiometry of Nutrient Uptake in a Tropical Rain Forest Stream
Authors: Tromboni Flavia , Thomas Steven A. , Gücker Björn , Neres‐Lima Vinicius , Lourenço‐Amorim Christine , Moulton Timothy P. , Silva‐Junior Eduardo F. , Feijó‐Lima Rafael , Boëchat Iola G. , Zandonà Eugenia
Published: June 2018

Nutrient limitation assessment is important to understand stream ecosystem functioning. Aquatic primary producers are often limited by nitrogen, phosphorus, or both, as assessed by nutrient diffusing substrata (NDS), a common method for assessing nutrient limitation in streams. But little is known regarding how this method relates to patterns of nutrient uptake at the whole‐stream scale. We combined two techniques to examine nutrient limitation in a tropical stream. First, we conducted two NDS experiments using ammonium, nitrate, and phosphate alone and combined, to determine nutrient limitation at substrata scale over several weeks. Second, we conducted whole‐stream nutrient addition experiments over the course of a year, using nutrients alone and in combination, to test theoretical predictions about uptake characteristics of limiting and nonlimiting nutrients. NDS results consistently indicated N limitation. Ambient uptake length (SW‐amb) suggested either P limitation (shorter SW‐amb for P than N) or colimitation (similar SW‐amb for both nutrients). The relationship between N uptake and concentration when added alone or with P suggested P limitation, colimitation, or neither, depending on the date. We speculate that the different conclusions arise from differences in the spatial and temporal scale assessed by these techniques and the microbial processes involved, and the potential for physical processes influencing whole‐stream uptake estimates. We conclude that nutrient limitation is not as categorical as NDS results often imply, rather habitat, resource, and biotic diversity result in nutrient uptake rates that do not necessarily conform to predictions drawn from fine scale, process‐specific bioassays such as chlorophyll‐a accrual on NDS.
Brain-actuated functional electrical stimulation elicits lasting arm motor recovery after stroke
Authors: Biasiucci A. , Leeb R. , Iturrate I. , Perdikis S. , Al-Khodairy A. , Corbet T. , Schnider A. , Schmidlin T. , Zhang H. , Bassolino M. , Viceic D. , Vuadens P. , Guggisberg A. G. , Millán J. d. R.
Published: June 2018

Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) are used in stroke rehabilitation to translate brain signals into intended movements of the paralyzed limb. However, the efficacy and mechanisms of BCI-based therapies remain unclear. Here we show that BCI coupled to functional electrical stimulation (FES) elicits significant, clinically relevant, and lasting motor recovery in chronic stroke survivors more effectively than sham FES. Such recovery is associated to quantitative signatures of functional neuroplasticity. BCI patients exhibit a significant functional recovery after the intervention, which remains 6–12 months after the end of therapy. Electroencephalography analysis pinpoints significant differences in favor of the BCI group, mainly consisting in an increase in functional connectivity between motor areas in the affected hemisphere. This increase is significantly correlated with functional improvement. Results illustrate how a BCI–FES therapy can drive significant functional recovery and purposeful plasticity thanks to contingent activation of body natural efferent and afferent pathways.
C-terminal truncation of IFN-γ inhibits proinflammatory macrophage responses and is deficient in autoimmune disease
Authors: Dufour Antoine , Bellac Caroline L. , Eckhard Ulrich , Solis Nestor , Klein Theo , Kappelhoff Reinhild , Fortelny Nikolaus , Jobin Parker , Rozmus Jacob , Mark Jennifer , Pavlidis Paul , Dive Vincent , Barbour Sean J. , Overall Christopher M.
Published: June 2018

Controlled macrophage differentiation and activation in the initiation and resolution of inflammation is crucial for averting progression to chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Here we show a negative feedback mechanism for proinflammatory IFN-γ activation of macrophages driven by macrophage-associated matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP12). Through C-terminal truncation of IFN-γ at 135Glu↓Leu136 the IFN-γ receptor-binding site was efficiently removed thereby reducing JAK-STAT1 signaling and IFN-γ activation of proinflammatory macrophages. In acute peritonitis this signature was absent inMmp12–/–mice and recapitulated inMmp12+/+mice treated with a MMP12-specific inhibitor. Similarly, loss-of-MMP12 increases IFN-γ–dependent proinflammatory markers and iNOS+/MHC class II+macrophage accumulation with worse lymphadenopathy, arthritic synovitis and lupus glomerulonephritis. In active human systemic lupus erythematosus, MMP12 levels were lower and IFN-γ higher compared to treated patients or healthy individuals. Hence, macrophage proteolytic truncation of IFN-γ attenuates classical activation of macrophages as a prelude for resolving inflammation.
Giant intrinsic circular dichroism of prolinol-derived squaraine thin films
Authors: Schulz Matthias , Zablocki Jennifer , Abdullaeva Oliya S. , Brück Stefanie , Balzer Frank , Lützen Arne , Arteaga Oriol , Schiek Manuela
Published: June 2018

Molecular chirality and the inherently connected differential absorption of circular polarized light (CD) combined with semiconducting properties offers great potential for chiral opto-electronics. Here we discuss the temperature-controlled assembly of enantiopure prolinol functionalized squaraines with opposite handedness into intrinsically circular dichroic, molecular J-aggregates in spincasted thin films. By Mueller matrix spectroscopy we accurately probe an extraordinary high excitonic circular dichroism, which is not amplified by mesoscopic ordering effects. At maximum, CD values of 1000 mdeg/nm are reached and, after accounting for reflection losses related to the thin film nature, we obtain a film thickness independent dissymmetry factorg = 0.75. The large oscillator strength of the corresponding absorption within the deep-red spectral range translates into a negative real part of the dielectric function in the spectral vicinity of the exciton resonance. Thereby, we provide a new small molecular benchmark material for the development of organic thin film based chiroptics.