bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caring for the person with cancer: Information and support needs and the role of technology
Authors: Heynsbergh Natalie , Botti Mari , Heckel Leila , Livingston Patricia M.
Published: April 2018

Objective

Informal carers experience a variety of information and support needs when providing care to someone with cancer. It is unclear when carers seek information and what resources they access to support themselves throughout the cancer trajectory.

Methods

A sample of 45 carers and 15 oncology nurses were recruited to participate in either focus groups or phone interviews.

Results

Carers in the study were more likely to be women (60%), caring for a spouse or partner (64.4%), living with the patient (86.7%), and hold a university degree (46.7%). The majority of oncology nurses were females (66.6%). Findings showed that carers had limited access to adequate information as needs arose. Supports used to address information needs included information booklets, the Internet, and communication with healthcare professionals or with other carers. Barriers in communication between nurses and carers impacted on the adequacy of information received. Participants reported that technology, such as smartphone applications, might be appropriate for improving information and support needs.

Conclusions

Caring for someone with cancer is multifaceted. Carers need access to timely information to help them effectively manage patients' needs. Future studies should assess the role of contemporary approaches, such as digital technology, as a solution to the delivery of information and support for carers of people with cancer.
Cost‐utility analysis of meaning‐centered group psychotherapy for cancer survivors
Authors: van der Spek Nadia , Jansen Femke , Holtmaat Karen , Vos Joël , Breitbart William , van Uden‐Kraan Cornelia F. , Tollenaar Rob A.E.M. , Cuijpers Pim , Coupé Veerle M.H. , Verdonck‐de Leeuw Irma M.
Published: April 2018

Background

Meaning‐centered group psychotherapy for cancer survivors (MCGP‐CS) improves meaning, psychological well‐being, and mental adjustment to cancer and reduces psychological distress. This randomized controlled trial was conducted to investigate the cost‐utility of MCGP‐CS compared with supportive group psychotherapy (SGP) and care‐as‐usual (CAU).

Methods

In total, 170 patients were randomized to MCGP‐CS, SGP, or CAU. Intervention costs, direct medical and nonmedical costs, productivity losses, and health‐related quality of life were measured until 6 months follow‐up, using the TIC‐P, PRODISQ, data from the hospital information system, and the EQ‐5D. The cost‐utility was calculated by comparing mean cumulative costs and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs).

Results

Mean total costs ranged from €4492 (MCGP‐CS) to €5304 (CAU). Mean QALYs ranged .507 (CAU) to .540 (MCGP‐CS). MCGP‐CS had a probability of 74% to be both less costly and more effective than CAU, and 49% compared with SGP. Sensitivity analyses showed these findings are robust. If society is willing to pay €0 for one gained QALY, MCGP‐CS has a 78% probability of being cost‐effective compared with CAU. This increases to 85% and 92% at willingness‐to‐pay thresholds of €10 000 and €30 000, which are commonly accepted thresholds.

Conclusions

MCGP‐CS is highly likely a cost‐effective intervention, meaning that there is a positive balance between the costs and gains of MCGP‐CS, in comparison with SGP and CAU.
Resident perceptions of urban stream restoration and water quality in South Korea
Authors: Hong Chang‐Yu , Chang Heejun , Chung Eun‐Sung
Published: April 2018

This research explores if individual preferences for the major functions of stream restoration processes correlate water quality variations in an urban watershed of South Korea. We use a set of results from an analytical hierarchy process model to rank the major stream restoration functions and compare citizens' preferences for “water quality” improvement during stream restoration based on the water quality index (WQI) and ordinary least square regression. This study identifies the correlation between the WQI and individual perceptions regarding stream restoration. Regional context and individual characteristics also influence the demands and awareness of citizens pertaining to stream restoration. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding residents' perceptions and demographic information, including education, marriage status, gender, and residence period in different subwatersheds. The largest change (28.29) in the WQI score of one subwatershed was correlated with the participants' perception of water quality changes and water pollution (analytical hierarchy process index: 66.8%). On the basis of the survey results, we recommend that a human–ecological interdependent and adaptive consultative body is established in each subwatershed to successfully implement stream restoration projects.
Spectrally based bathymetric mapping of a dynamic, sand‐bedded channel: Niobrara River, Nebraska, USA
Authors: Dilbone E. , Legleiter C.J. , Alexander J.S. , McElroy B.
Published: April 2018

Methods for spectrally based mapping of river bathymetry have been developed and tested in clear‐flowing, gravel‐bed channels, with limited application to turbid, sand‐bed rivers. This study used hyperspectral images and field surveys from the dynamic, sandy Niobrara River to evaluate three depth retrieval methods. The first regression‐based approach, optimal band ratio analysis (OBRA), paired in situ depth measurements with image pixel values to estimate depth. The second approach used ground‐based field spectra to calibrate an OBRA relationship. The third technique, image‐to‐depth quantile transformation (IDQT), estimated depth by linking the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of depth to the CDF of an image‐derived variable. OBRA yielded the lowest depth retrieval mean error (0.005 m) and highest observed versus predicted R2 (0.817). Although misalignment between field and image data did not compromise the performance of OBRA in this study, poor georeferencing could limit regression‐based approaches such as OBRA in dynamic, sand‐bedded rivers. Field spectroscopy‐based depth maps exhibited a mean error with a slight shallow bias (0.068 m) but provided reliable estimates for most of the study reach. IDQT had a strong deep bias but provided informative relative depth maps. Overprediction of depth by IDQT highlights the need for an unbiased sampling strategy to define the depth CDF. Although each of the techniques we tested demonstrated potential to provide accurate depth estimates in sand‐bed rivers, each method also was subject to certain constraints and limitations.
Did external pressures on university lead to its disciplinary actions against student?
Authors: Gelpi Aileen
Published: April 2018

Registered nurse John Doe enrolled at Ohio State University in 2011 to complete his undergraduate degree. While matriculating, he worked as a nurse at OSU's Wexner Medical Center.
Citric‐Acid‐Catalyzed Green and Sustainable Synthesis of Novel Functionalized Pyrano[2, 3‐e]pyrimidin‐ and Pyrano[2, 3‐d]pyrazol‐amines in Water via One‐Pot Multicomponent Approaches
Authors: Govindaraju Santhosh , Tabassum Sumaiya , Pasha Mohamed Afzal
Published: April 2018

An efficient entry into the preparation of elusive, novel pyrano[2, 3‐e]pyrimidin‐amines and pyrano[2, 3‐d]pyrazol‐amines has been accomplished using citric acid as a green catalyst in aqueous medium at 25 °C. The strategy successively tolerates a variety of functional groups and interestingly, it is eco‐compatible, environment‐friendly, propitious and the products are obtained in excellent yields without chromatographic purification. The current methodology unfolds the benefits of citric acid as an effective, expeditious, economical, green catalyst and thus adheres to the principles of green chemistry. Ecstatically, the reaction was scaled to the gram level ascertaining the wide applicability of the protocol in academia and industry. The green metrics (E‐factor: 0.0497, Mass intensity: 1.1022, PMI: 1.0497 and Emw: 0.0497) for the reaction was also envisaged and the pathway was found to acquaint excellent green chemistry metrics.
Photo‐Driven Chirality Switching in a Dark Conglomerate Phase of an Achiral Liquid Crystal Trimer
Authors: Sasaki Haruna , Takanishi Yoichi , Yamamoto Jun , Yoshizawa Atsushi
Published: April 2018

Chiral conglomerate phases possessing a saddle‐splay curvature have attracted much attention from researchers. A rigid bent shape is recognized to be necessary for their formations, as the tilted orientation of the bent‐core molecules in the layers drives the layers to twist, producing the saddle‐splay curvature. We prepared an achiral liquid crystal trimer, 2‐{4‐[9‐(4‐(4‐octyloxyazobenzene‐4’‐yloxy)nonyloxy)phenyl]‐5‐{9‐[4‐(5‐octyloxypyrimidin‐2‐yl)phenyloxy]nonyloxy}pyrimidine, and investigated the thermal transitions and the photo‐induced isothermal transitions. The trimer exhibited nematic and dark chiral conglomerate (DC) phases. When the trimer was exposed to UV light with wavelength 365 nm in the soft crystalline DC phase, it changed to an achiral liquid crystalline phase consisting of short correlation length layer structures. The photo‐induced phase did not appear in the thermal phase sequence. In light of this, we discuss how this photo‐driven on/off switching of the chirality occurs. Furthermore, we show that it can be applied to control the nanostructure of the DC phase.
Healthcare: ripe for disruption
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: April 2018

Consumers are beginning to expect their doctors to offer the same convenience and personalisation as online shopping with Amazon
In this issue of Weather
Authors: Galvin Jim
Published: April 2018

We begin our April issue with a paper describing the developments and effects of storm ‘Katie’, which brought significant effects to the United Kingdom on Easter Monday, 2015. In ‘Storm Katie – Rapid cyclogenesis and damaging winds of Easter Monday 2016’ on p. 103, Steven Ramsdale and Jason Kelly describe the meteorological developments that developed this low‐pressure system, the uncertainties associated with its development, the warnings issued and the damage caused, in part limited by its presence on a Bank Holiday.

On p. 109, Colin Clark describes a flood 112 years ago in ‘The storm and flood of 13 May 1906 at Mells, Somerset, UK’ Dr Clark discusses the significance of the flood and its possible return period using synoptic charts of the time and descriptions published in local newspapers immediately following the event, emphasising our need to know more about floods in history.

One of the least explored parts of the Middle East is the Empty Quarter. In the 1940s and 50s, the English explorer and writer Wilfred Thesiger crossed this area of extreme aridity. His discoveries and travels are described by Michael de Villiers in ‘Thesiger's weather in the Arabian Peninsula’ on p. 120.

On p. 123, we present Iain Cameron and Adam Watson's annual review of the survival of snow on Scottish mountains. The overall warmth of last year is reflected in this year's title: ‘No Scottish snow patches survive until winter 2017/2018’.

Weather and climate have a significant effect on human life and this journal often describes significant weather events, especially those that have affected Britain. But the local variability of weather may arguably present a more significant effect – not least, in the Developing World. Many factors affect school attendance, but weather and climate, including drought, rainstorms and dust pose important challenges, sometimes because of the secondary effects. Joseph Adejuwon discusses these effects in the Sahel zone in ‘Climate variability and the dichotomy in male–female school attendance: a case study of Zamfara State in semi‐arid Nigeria’ on p. 125.
Contrasting three alternative versions of Timoshenko‐Ehrenfest theory for beam on Winkler elastic foundation – simply supported beam
Authors: Elishakoff Isaac , Tonzani Giulio Maria , Zaza Nicolò , Marzani Alessandro
Published: April 2018

In this paper the free vibration frequencies of beam on one‐parameter (Winkler) elastic foundation are analyzed via original Timoshenko‐Ehrenfest theory as well as two truncated versions of the Timoshenko‐Ehrenfest beam theory. The traditional version of Timoshenko‐Ehrenfest beam theory is contrasted with the truncated version that lacks the fourth‐order time derivative, as well as with the recently developed version that incorporates slope inertia effect. Advantages and disadvantages of each approach are indicated in the context of free vibrations of the beam on Winkler foundation. In addition an intriguing intermingling phenomenon is discussed in detail, and its implications on three theories.
Hidden conformal symmetry for vector field on various black hole backgrounds
Authors: Shi Changfu , Zhang Jian-dong , Mei Jianwei
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Hidden conformal symmetries of scalar field on various black hole backgrounds have been investigated for years, but whether those features hold for other fields are still open questions. Recently, with proper assumptions, Lunin achieved to the separation of variables for Maxwell equations on Kerr background. In this paper, with that equation, we find that hidden conformal symmetry appears at near region under low frequency limit. We also extended those results to vector field on the more general Kerr-NUT-(A)dS background, then hidden conformal symmetry also appears if we focusing on the near-horizon region at low frequency limit.
Logarithms and volumes of polytopes
Authors: Enciso Michael
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Describing the geometry of the dual amplituhedron without reference to a particular triangulation is an open problem. In this note we introduce a new way of determining the volume of the tree-level NMHV dual amplituhedron. We show that certain contour integrals of logarithms serve as natural building blocks for computing this volume as well as the volumes of general polytopes in any dimension. These building blocks encode the geometry of the underlying polytopes in a triangulation-independent way, and make identities between different representations of the amplitudes manifest.
On the spatial organization of hairpin packets in a turbulent boundary layer at low-to-moderate Reynolds number
Authors: Deng Sichao , Pan Chong , Wang Jinjun , He Guosheng
Published: April 2018

The present study is devoted to characterizing the coherent organization of vortical structures, which can be fitted into the paradigm of the hairpin-packet model, in the streamwise–wall-normal plane of a canonical turbulent boundary layer at $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}=377{-}1093$. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) of the planar velocity fields measured via two-dimensional particle image velocimetry, together with a spatio-temporal coherence analysis, shows that the first four leading-order POD modes share both geometric similarity and dynamic coherence and jointly depict the downstream convection of the large-scale Q2/Q4 events, which can be regarded as the low-order imprints of the hairpin packets. A simple low-order indicator is then proposed to extract the inclined interfaces of the hairpin packets, based on which a two-point conditional correlation analysis forms a statistical picture of the spatial organization of multiple prograde vortices aligned along the interface within one packet. A saturation of the self-similar growth of the streamwise gap between two neighbouring vortices is seen. This implies a detachment of the hairpin packets from the inner layer. Both the detachment height and the saturated streamwise spacing are found to scale as $Re_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}}^{1/2}$.
Space–time dynamics of optimal wavepackets for streaks in a channel entrance flow
Authors: Alizard F. , Cadiou A. , Le Penven L. , Di Pierro B. , Buffat M.
Published: April 2018

The laminar–turbulent transition of a plane channel entrance flow is revisited using global linear optimization analyses and direct numerical simulations. The investigated case corresponds to uniform upstream velocity conditions and a moderate value of Reynolds number so that the two-dimensional developing flow is linearly stable under the parallel flow assumption. However, the boundary layers in the entry zone are capable of supporting the development of streaks, which may experience secondary instability and evolve to turbulence. In this study, global optimal linear perturbations are computed and studied in the nonlinear regime for different values of streak amplitude and optimization time. These optimal perturbations take the form of wavepackets having either varicose or sinuous symmetry. It is shown that, for short optimization times, varicose wavepackets grow through a combination of Orr and lift-up effects, whereas for longer target times, both sinuous and varicose wavepackets exhibit an instability mechanism driven by the presence of inflection points in the streaky flow. In addition, while the optimal varicose modes obtained for short optimization times are localized near the inlet, where the base flow is strongly three-dimensional, when the target time is increased, the sinuous and varicose optimal modes are displaced farther downstream, in the nearly parallel streaky flow. Finally, the optimal wavepackets are found to lead to turbulence for sufficiently high initial amplitudes. It is noticed that the resulting turbulent flows have the same wall-shear stress, whether the wavepackets have been obtained for short or for long time optimization.
Examining E-Cigarette Purchases and Cessation in a Consumer Panel of Smokers
Authors: Cahn Zachary , Haardörfer Regine , Lewis Michael , Wang Yanwen , Berg Carla J.
Published: April 2018

Objectives: Examine correlates of initiation of e-cigarette use among smokers and determine the impact of e-cigarette use on cessation among smokers in a national U.S. consumer panel.

Methods: This study used the Nielsen Homescan Panel data from 2011 to 2013, augmented with state-specific measures of tobacco control activities, to examine (1) correlates of single and repeat e-cigarette purchasing among panellists currently purchasing cigarettes; and (2) correlates of ‘cessation’. Participating panellists scanned all retail purchases, and Nielsen recorded over 3 million product types. The key explanatory variable for cessation was e-cigarette purchase. Parallel analysis was conducted for conventional nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) purchase. Cessation was defined as no purchases for at least 6 months and no subsequent purchases until the end of 2013. Analysis was conducted in 2015. E-cigarettes tracked by Nielsen during this period were cig-a-like products resembling tobacco cigarettes in appearance.

Results: Single e-cigarette purchase was associated with whether the panellist resided in a single person male household and bought a higher volume of cigarettes. Repeat purchase was associated with higher state cigarette taxes, less stringent state public smoke-free policies, lower cigarette prices, and more frequent cigarette purchasing. Cessation was associated with repeat e-cigarette purchasing, repeat NRT purchasing, younger age, lower monthly cigarette volume, less frequent purchasing of cigarettes, less recent cigarette purchase at baseline, and single e-cigarette purchase before baseline.

Conclusions: Both individual and policy variables were associated with e-cigarette use. Repeat e-cigarette purchase was associated with cigarette purchase discontinuation, as were various smoking intensity measures.
Meloidogyne daklakensisn. sp. (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae), a new root-knot nematode associated with Robusta coffee (Coffea canephoraPierre ex A. Froehner) in the Western Highlands, Vietnam
Authors: Trinh Q.P. , Le T.M.L. , Nguyen T.D. , Nguyen H.T. , Liebanas G. , Nguyen T.A.D.
Published: April 2018

The root-knot nematode speciesMeloidogyne daklakensisn. sp. was discovered on the roots of Robusta coffee (Coffea canephoraPierre ex A. Froehner) in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. This species is characterized by the females having rounded or oval perineal patterns, smooth, regular, continuous striae, and reduced lateral lines. The dorsal arch is low, rounded and encloses a quite distinct vulva and tail tip. The stylet is normally straight with well-developed and posteriorly sloped knobs. The males have a rounded cap that extends posteriorly into the lip region. The procorpus is outlined distinctly, and is three times longer than the metacorpus. The metacorpus is ovoid, with a strong valve apparatus. The species closely resemblesM. marylandi,M. naasi, M. ovalis, M. panyuensis, M. lopezi, M. maliandM. baeticain the perineal pattern of the females, and the morphology of the males and the second-stage juveniles. Nonetheless, it can be differentiated from other species by a combination of morphometric, morphological and molecular characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 28S rDNA as well as the region between the cytochromecoxidase I (COI) and cytochromecoxidase II (COII) mitochondrial genes. Herein, this nematode is described, illustrated, and designated as a new species,Meloidogyne daklakensissp. n., based on morphometric, morphological and molecular analyses.
The English Voluntary Sector: how Volunteering and Policy Climate Perceptions Matter
Authors: KENDALL JEREMY , MOHAN JOHN , BROOKES NADIA , YOON YEOSUN
Published: April 2018

This paper considers the situation of the English voluntary sector in relation to austerity-driven social policies. Existing characterisations are outlined and it is argued that the quantitative evidence used to represent the situation of these organisations to date has been partial because it relies too narrowly on financial resource input measures. We argue that the situation of these organisations needs to be conceptualised in a more holistic way and, to initiate a move in this direction, we identify and explicate two relevant dimensions: the perceived capacity of organisations to rely on volunteers for support (a non-financial resource input); and their perception of the effect of the policy climate in shaping their capacity to flourish, including their ability to perform multiple roles beyond service provision alone. We draw on an original mixed methods empirical study undertaken in England in 2015 to operationalise these dimensions, combining qualitative interviews with national ‘policy community’ members with a large scale on-line survey of social policy charities. We find a complex and variegated situation that, while acknowledging the fundamental importance of financial resource pressures, also points to the salience of the volunteering situation, and to the relevance of the challenging policy climate that these organisations have to navigate.
Do shamans violate notions of humanness?
Authors: Haslam Nick
Published: April 2018

Singh proposes that shamans violate notions of humanness in patterned ways that signal supernatural capacities. I argue that his account, based on a notion of humanness that contrasts humans with non-human animals, does not capture people's understandings of supernatural beings. Shamanic behavior may simply violate human norms in unstructured, improvised ways rather than contrast with a coherent concept of humanness.
A ritual by any other name
Authors: Kapitány Rohan , Kavanagh Christopher
Published: April 2018

We question the privileged role of trance within the framework presented. The features that Singh suggests make it unique are not well demarcated from those of rituals more generally, and we challenge the depth of explanation presented for the mechanisms of trance. We outline the form of a solution, which may facilitate increased operational utility for the presented framework.
Psychosis is episodically required for the enduring integrity of shamanism
Authors: Polimeni Joseph
Published: April 2018

The target article advances several original concepts about shamanism, including prospective explanations for how shamanism could express itself in different cultural settings. Although the potential for “innate psychological tendencies” is acknowledged, the target article prematurely dismisses one such hard-wired feature of shamanism: psychosis.
Psychology for language learning: Spare a thought for the teacher
Authors: Mercer Sarah
Published: April 2018

There is a wide body of research that shows how vitally important teachers are to successful learning processes. What they do, think, feel and believe are central to what happens in their classrooms, and, essentially, what happens to their learners. It is perhaps, therefore, surprising that the field of language learning psychology has focused so predominantly on the psychology of learners with so little attention devoted to teachers in comparison. In this talk, I argue it is time that we take a much closer look at language teachers’ psychology to the same degree of complexity and diversity as learner psychology has been examined. I begin by outlining the importance of teacher psychology, the links between teacher and learner psychology as well as the particular challenges facing language teachers. In the second part of the talk, I reflect on how a relational perspective can help us to appreciate the centrality of teacher psychology as well as how teacher psychology can be conceptualised through such a theoretical lens.
Kinematic and dynamic performance investigations of asymmetric (U-shape fixed base) planar parallel manipulators
Authors: Mohanta Jayant Kumar , Singh Yogesh , Mohan Santhakumar
Published: April 2018

In this paper, a new family of 3-degree-of-freedom planar parallel manipulators (PPMs), namely U-shape fixed base PPMs starting with an active prismatic joint on each leg, is proposed. In order to identify the best manipulators of this family, comparative kinematic and dynamic performance studies are performed. The kinematic performances are quantified through the local performance index, namely the kinematic isotropy. From the kinematic isotropy analysis results, it is observed thatPPR-PRP-PRP,PRP-PRP-PRP andPRR-PRP-PRP configurations have better kinematic design aspects compared to other configurations of this family of U-shape fixed base parallel configurations. Further, from the workspace analysis, it is observed that thePPR-PRP-PRP configuration has a higher value of workspace to the total area required ratio compared to other configurations. This paper also presents a comparative dynamic performance analysis of these top-three U-shape fixed base configurations in terms of dynamic driving performance measures, and energy requirements for three different (fixed base size of the manipulators) aspect ratios under two different loading conditions. From the analyses results, it is perceived that thePRP-PRP-PRP configuration is requiring lower energy and dynamic driving performances than others. These analyses are done with the help of multi-body dynamic software, namely MSC ADAMS, and the results are validated through the help of real-time experiments conducted on in-house fabricated prototypes of these three PPMs. In specific, the energy consumption is measured and compared in this study. Experimental results demonstrated that thePRP-PRP-PRP manipulator displays a considerably better performance in terms of minimum energy requirement.
A pathological case of the C1 conjecture in mixed characteristic
Authors: KAUR INDER
Published: April 2018

Let K be a field of characteristic 0. Fix integers r, d coprime with r ⩾ 2. Let XK be a smooth, projective, geometrically connected curve of genus g ⩾ 2 defined over K. Assume there exists a line bundle ${\cal L}_K$ on XK of degree d. In this paper we prove the existence of a stable locally free sheaf on XK with rank r and determinant ${\cal L}_K$. This trivially proves the C1 conjecture in mixed characteristic for the moduli space of stable locally free sheaves of fixed rank and determinant over a smooth, projective curve.
Language and literacy skills of home and international university students: How different are they, and does it matter?
Authors: TRENKIC DANIJELA , WARMINGTON MEESHA
Published: April 2018

Although international students experience lower attainment at university than home students (Morrison et al., 2005), reasons are poorly understood. Some question the role of language proficiency as international students come with required language qualifications. This study investigated language and literacy of international students who successfully met language entry requirements and those of home students, matched on non-verbal cognition, studying in their native language. In a sample of 63 Chinese and 64 British students at a UK university, large and significant group differences were found at entry and eight months later. Furthermore, language and literacy indicators explained 51% of variance in the Chinese group's grades, without predicting the home students’ achievement. Thus language proficiency appears predictive of academic outcomes only before a certain threshold is reached, and this threshold does not correspond to the minimum language entry requirements. This highlights a systematic disadvantage with which many international students pursue their education.
Image-based food portion size estimation using a smartphone without a fiducial marker
Authors: Yang Yifan , Jia Wenyan , Bucher Tamara , Zhang Hong , Sun Mingui
Published: April 2018

Objective

Current approaches to food volume estimation require the person to carry a fiducial marker (e.g. a checkerboard card), to be placed next to the food before taking a picture. This procedure is inconvenient and post-processing of the food picture is time-consuming and sometimes inaccurate. These problems keep people from using the smartphone for self-administered dietary assessment. The current bioengineering study presents a novel smartphone-based imaging approach to table-side estimation of food volume which overcomes current limitations.

Design

We present a new method for food volume estimation without a fiducial marker. Our mathematical model indicates that, using a special picture-taking strategy, the smartphone-based imaging system can be calibrated adequately if the physical length of the smartphone and the output of the motion sensor within the device are known. We also present and test a new virtual reality method for food volume estimation using the International Food Unit™ and a training process for error control.

Results

Our pilot study, with sixty-nine participants and fifteen foods, indicates that the fiducial-marker-free approach is valid and that the training improves estimation accuracy significantly (P<0·05) for all but one food (egg, P>0·05).

Conclusions

Elimination of a fiducial marker and application of virtual reality, the International Food Unit™ and an automated training allowed quick food volume estimation and control of the estimation error. The estimated volume could be used to search a nutrient database and determine energy and nutrients in the diet.
Dosimetric determination of tissue maximum ratios in small fields
Authors: Shamsi Qurat-ul-ain , Buzdar Saeed Ahmad , Atiq Atia , Atiq Maria , Altaf Saima , Iqbal Khalid
Published: April 2018

Aims

This exploration is intended to measure tissue maximum ratios (TMRs) in smaller fields through CC01 detector and to compare CC01 measured TMRs with Pinnacle treatment planning software (TPS) calculated TMRs.

Materials and methods

CC01 compact chamber detector was used to measure TMR in water phantom for 6 and 18 MV beam delivered from Varian linear accelerator. Pinnacle TPS was employed in this study to calculate TMR from the measured percentage depth doses data. CC01 measured TMR data was compared with the calculated TMR data at depths from 5 to 20 cm for field sizes varying from 1 to 10 cm2.

Results

For the smallest given field size of 1 cm2, CCO1 measured 13·95% higher TMR value for 18 MV beam than that for 6 MV beam. At 20 cm depth for 1 cm2 field size, TMR due to 18 MV beam was 52·4% higher than the TMR due to 6 MV beam. For 6 MV beam, the maximum difference appeared between the measured TMR and pinnacle calculated TMR was 2·8% and for 18 MV beam, the maximum difference was 4%.

Conclusion

For both 6 and 18 MV beam, there was good agreement between CC01 measured and Pinnacle calculated TMRs for the field sizes ranging from 1 to 10 cm2. This exploration can be extended to the determination of other dosimetric parameters like TARs, TPRs in small fields.
A catalytic role of surface silanol groups in CO2 capture on the amine-anchored silica support
Authors: Cho Moses , Park Joonho , Yavuz Cafer T. , Jung Yousung
Published: April 2018

A new mechanism of CO2 capture on the amine-functionalized silica support is demonstrated using density functional theory calculations, in which the silica surface not only acts as a support to anchor amines, but also can actively participate in the CO2 capture process through a facile proton transfer reaction with the amine groups.
Factors impacting the aggregation/agglomeration and photocatalytic activity of highly crystalline spheroid- and rod-shaped TiO2 nanoparticles in aqueous solutions
Authors: Degabriel Thomas , Colaço Elodie , Domingos Rute F. , El Kirat Karim , Brouri Dalil , Casale Sandra , Landoulsi Jessem , Spadavecchia Jolanda
Published: April 2018

We investigate the characteristics and fate of spheroid- and rod-shaped TiO2 nano-crystals in aqueous solutions and provide a proper evaluation of their reactivity.
Size-dependent magnetic and inductive heating properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticles: scaling laws across the superparamagnetic size
Authors: Mohapatra Jeotikanta , Zeng Fanhao , Elkins Kevin , Xing Meiying , Ghimire Madhav , Yoon Sunghyun , Mishra Sanjay R. , Liu J. Ping
Published: April 2018

An efficient heat activating mediator with an enhanced specific absorption rate (SAR) value is attained via control of the iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticle size from 3 to 32 nm.
Early maturation and liver necrosis in the fingerling stage of Oreochromis mossambicus due to BPA can cause an ecological imbalance
Authors: Manna Abhijit , Amutha Chinnaiah
Published: April 2018

We investigated the effect of Bisphenol-A (BPA) on the fingerlings of Oreochromis mossambicus collected from industrial waste.
3D Pd/Co core–shell nanoneedle arrays as a high-performance cathode catalyst layer for AAEMFCs
Authors: Jia Jia , Yu Hongmei , Gao Xueqiang , Chi Jun , Zeng Yachao , Qin Bowen , Yao Dewei , Song Wei , Shao Zhigang , Yi Baolian
Published: April 2018

A novel ordered Pd/Co nanoneedle array was used as a cathode in an AAEMFC and delivered a higher power density than that of conventional MEA.
Mitochondria-targeted zirconium metal–organic frameworks for enhancing the efficacy of microwave thermal therapy against tumors
Authors: Zhou Hongqiao , Fu Changhui , Chen Xiaowei , Tan Longfei , Yu Jie , Wu Qiong , Su Liuhui , Huang Zhongbing , Cao Feng , Ren Xiangling , Ren Jun , Liang Ping , Meng Xianwei
Published: April 2018

Although microwave (MW) thermal therapy has been widely studied for the treatment of tumors due to its less invasiveness, recurrence of tumors is still observed because of the relatively low bioavailability of MW sensitizers.
Significant effects of counteranions on the anticancer activity of iridium(iii) complexes
Authors: Zhang Hairong , Guo Lihua , Tian Zhenzhen , Tian Meng , Zhang Shumiao , Xu Zhishan , Gong Peiwei , Zheng Xiaofeng , Zhao Jia , Liu Zhe
Published: April 2018

The rational design of the ligands around transition metals has achieved success in the development of anticancer complexes.
Suppressing generation of iodine impurity via an amidine additive in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Hu Lin , Liu Tiefeng , Sun Lulu , Xiong Sixing , Qin Fei , Jiang Xueshi , Jiang Youyu , Zhou Yinhua
Published: April 2018

An amidine additive (DBU) was introduced into the precursor to suppress the formation of iodine impurity for high-performance perovskite solar cells.
A functional nitroxide ligand builds up two 2p–3d complexes with different spin ground states and a 2p–3d–4f chain of rings
Authors: Zhu Mei , Lou Dingshuo , Deng Xiaochun , Zhang Li , Zhang Wei , Lü Yaohong
Published: April 2018

Three new 2p–3d and 2p–3d–4f complexes derived from a functional nitroxide radical with different spin ground states and spin topologies have been synthesized.
Magnetic and structural correlations in [Fe(nsal2trien)] salts: the role of cation–anion interactions in the spin crossover phenomenon
Authors: Vieira Bruno J. C. , da Gama Vasco , Santos Isabel C. , Pereira Laura C. J. , Bandeira Nuno A. G. , Waerenborgh João C.
Published: April 2018

Cation–anion and cation–solvent–anion interactions determine the SCO behaviour of six [FeIII(nsal2trien)] salts.
Understanding the hydrogen transfer mechanism for the biodegradation of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene catalyzed by pentaerythritol tetranitrate reductase: molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Yang Zhilin , Chen Junxian , Zhou Yang , Huang Hui , Xu Dingguo , Zhang Chaoyang
Published: April 2018

The explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is a highly toxic pollutant.
Fullerene size controls the selective complexation of [11]CPP with pristine and endohedral fullerenes
Authors: González-Veloso I. , Cabaleiro-Lago E. M. , Rodríguez-Otero J.
Published: April 2018

Size complementarity of X@C82 endohedral fullerenes with [11]CPP allows their selective complexation from a mixture also containing smaller fullerenes.
Pyrochlore Ce2Zr2O7 decorated over rGO: a photocatalyst that proves to be efficient towards the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and degradation of ciprofloxacin under visible light
Authors: Mansingh Sriram , Acharya Rashmi , Martha Satyabadi , Parida K. M.
Published: April 2018

The synergistic interaction between phase pure Ce2Zr2O7 and rGO enhances the photoreduction of 4-nitrophenol under visible light.
Probing the dynamics of photogenerated holes in doped hematite photoanodes for solar water splitting using transient absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Pei Guang Xian , Wijten Jochem H. J. , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: April 2018

The dynamics of photogenerated holes in doped hematite photoanodes were probed by transient absorption spectroscopy, revealing different origins for their improved photocurrents.
Thermodynamicversusnon-equilibrium stability of palmitic acid monolayers in calcium-enriched sea spray aerosol proxy systems
Authors: Wellen Rudd Bethany A. , Vidalis Andrew S. , Allen Heather C.
Published: April 2018

Calcium ions bind to palmitic acid monolayers at the air–aqueous interface resulting in changes of both thermodynamic and non-equilibrium stability.
Photodegradation of 2,4,4′-tribrominated diphenyl ether in various surfactant solutions: kinetics, mechanisms and intermediates
Authors: Huang Kaibo , Lu Guining , Zheng Zhiqiang , Wang Rui , Tang Ting , Tao Xueqin , Cai Ruibing , Dang Zhi , Wu Pingxiao , Yin Hua
Published: April 2018

Currently, photodegradation has been proven to be an important way of eliminating polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) from the environment.
Hyperpolarised NMR to follow water proton transport through membrane channelsviaexchange with biomolecules
Authors: Nastasa Viorel , Stavarache Cristina , Hanganu Anamaria , Coroaba Adina , Nicolescu Alina , Deleanu Calin , Sadet Aude , Vasos Paul R.
Published: April 2018

Using hyperpolarised NMR attains sufficient sensitivity to detect water proton uptake in biomolecules following the crossing of membrane channels.
Transparent and double sided hydrophobic functionalization of cotton fabric by surfactant-assisted admicellar polymerization of fluoromonomers
Authors: Mondal Sourav , Pal Sukanta , Maity Jayanta
Published: April 2018

We report a simple procedure to prepare hydrophobic cotton textiles by admicellar polymerization.
Attachment of enzymes to hydrophilic magnetic nanoparticles through DNA-directed immobilization with enhanced stability and catalytic activity
Authors: Song Jiayi , Lei Ting , Yang Ye , Wu Nan , Su Ping , Yang Yi
Published: April 2018

An efficient enzyme immobilization strategy based on DNA directed immobilization on hydrophilic polydopamine (PDA) modified magnetic nanoparticles was developed in this study.
Easy sensing of lead and zinc in water using smart glass based on cationic porphyrin layers
Authors: Gangemi Chiara M. A. , Ognibene Giulia , Randazzo Rosalba , D’Urso Alessandro , Purrello Roberto , Fragalà Maria Elena
Published: April 2018

Easy to handle smart glasses for the real-time detection of Pb2+ and Zn2+ at sub-ppm levels in water obtained by spontaneous deposition of cationic porphyrins (H2T4) on glass.
A LiFePO4/Li2Sn hybrid system with enhanced Li-ion storage performance
Authors: Yuan Ye , Wang Bo , Song Rensheng , Wang Fei , Luo Hao , Gao Tiantian , Wang Dianlong
Published: April 2018

A LiFePO4/Li2Sn hybrid system was designed using a LiFePO4 cathode and a Li2Sn-added electrolyte to improve the Li-ion storage performance.
Highly active NHC–Pd(ii) complexes for cross coupling of aryl chlorides and arylboronic acids: an investigation of the effect of remote bulky groups
Authors: Han Fangwai , Xu Ying , Zhu Rongjiao , Liu Guiyan , Chen Chen , Wang Jianhui
Published: April 2018

Highly active palladium(ii) complexes bearing remote bulky ligands for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions under mild conditions are reported.
Improved photon upconversion photoluminescence and intrinsic optical bistability from a rare earth co-doped lanthanum oxide phosphor via Bi3+ doping
Authors: Yadav R. S. , Dhoble S. J. , Rai S. B.
Published: April 2018

An Er3+, Yb3+, Bi3+ co-doped La2O3 phosphor shows upconverted emission and intrinsic optical bistability properties.
Recent trends in the structural revision of natural products
Authors: Chhetri Bhuwan Khatri , Lavoie Serge , Sweeney-Jones Anne Marie , Kubanek Julia
Published: April 2018

Case study-based review on misassigned structures and measures to avoid erroneous assignments during structure determination.
Enhanced electrochromic and energy storage performance in mesoporous WO3 film and its application in a bi-functional smart window
Authors: Wang Wei-qi , Wang Xiu-li , Xia Xin-hui , Yao Zhu-jun , Zhong Yu , Tu Jiang-ping
Published: April 2018

Electrochromic energy storage window based on PANI nanoparticles and high performance mesoporous WO3 film.
Oxygen, sulfur and selenium terminated single-walled heterocyclic carbon nanobelts (SWHNBs) as potential 3D organic semiconductors
Authors: Jones L. , Lin L. , Chamberlain T. W.
Published: April 2018

Carbon nanomaterials such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), graphene, fullerenes and nanotubes are on the frontline of materials research due to their excellent physical properties, which in recent years, have started to compete with conventional inorganic materials in charge transfer based applications.
Synthesis of poly(3-hexylthiophene) based rod–coil conjugated block copolymers via photoinduced metal-free atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Nguyen Tam Huu , Nguyen Le-Thu T. , Nguyen Viet Quoc , Ngoc Tan Phan Lan , Zhang Geng , Yokozawa Tsutomu , Thuy Thi Phung Dung , Tran Nguyen Ha
Published: April 2018

Photo-mediated metal-free ATRP for the synthesis of P3HT-based rod–coil copolymers.
Acidity and basicity interplay in amide and imide self-association
Authors: Vallejo Narváez Wilmer E. , Jiménez Eddy I. , Romero-Montalvo Eduardo , Sauza-de la Vega Arturo , Quiroz-García Beatriz , Hernández-Rodríguez Marcos , Rocha-Rinza Tomás
Published: April 2018

Simple acid–base properties explain the differences in amide and imide dimerisation, and represent an alternative to the secondary interactions hypothesis.
Enriched carbon dots/graphene microfibers towards high-performance micro-supercapacitors
Authors: Li Qing , Cheng Hengyang , Wu Xingjiang , Wang Cai-Feng , Wu Guan , Chen Su
Published: April 2018

A dot-sheet structured strategy enabling construction of carbon dots/graphene fiber toward high-performance micro-supercapacitors through a microfluidic spinning technique is developed.
Observation of valence band crossing: the thermoelectric properties of CaZn2Sb2–CaMg2Sb2 solid solution
Authors: Wood Max , Aydemir Umut , Ohno Saneyuki , Snyder G. Jeffrey
Published: April 2018

Using an effective mass model, the changing valence band character of CaZn2Sb2–CaMg2Sb2 solid solution was probed along with the thermoelectric properties.
Performance comparison of fluorinated and chlorinated donor–acceptor copolymers for polymer solar cells
Authors: Zhang Yubao , Ren Fumeng , Li Qinghua , Zhang Zhixuan , He Xingdao , Chen Zhongping , Shi Jiulin , Tu Guoli
Published: April 2018

Chlorination could be an effective and simple strategy to develop highly efficient polymer donors.
Metabolic regulation of photosynthetic membrane structure tunes electron transfer function
Authors: Johnson Matthew P.
Published: April 2018

The photosynthetic chloroplast thylakoid membrane of higher plants is a complex three-dimensional structure that is morphologically dynamic on a timescale of just a few minutes. The membrane dynamics are driven by the phosphorylation of light-harvesting complex II (LHCII) by the STN7 kinase, which controls the size of the stacked grana region relative to the unstacked stromal lamellae region. Here, I hypothesise that the functional significance of these membrane dynamics is in controlling the partition of electrons between photosynthetic linear and cyclic electron transfer (LET and CET), which determines the ratio of NADPH/ATP produced. The STN7 kinase responds to the metabolic state of the chloroplast by sensing the stromal redox state. A high NADPH/ATP ratio leads to reduction of thioredoxin f (TRXf), which reduces a CxxxC motif in the stromal domain of STN7 leading to its inactivation, whereas a low NADPH/ATP ratio leads to oxidation of TRXf and STN7 activation. Phosphorylation of LHCII leads to smaller grana, which favour LET by speeding up diffusion of electron carriers plastoquinone (PQ) and plastocyanin (PC) between the domains. In contrast, dephosphorylation of LHCII leads to larger grana that slow the diffusion of PQ and PC, leaving the PQ pool in the stroma more oxidised, thus enhancing the efficiency of CET. The feedback regulation of electron transfer by the downstream metabolism is crucial to plant fitness, since perturbations in the NADPH/ATP ratio can rapidly lead to the inhibition of photosynthesis and photo-oxidative stress.
The Gcn2–eIF2α pathway connects iron and amino acid homeostasis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Caballero-Molada Marcos , Planes María D. , Benlloch Helena , Atares Sergio , Naranjo Miguel A. , Serrano Ramón
Published: April 2018

In eukaryotic cells, amino acid biosynthesis is feedback-inhibited by amino acids through inhibition of the conserved protein kinase Gcn2. This decreases phosphorylation of initiation factor eIF2α, resulting in general activation of translation but inhibition of translation of mRNA for transcription factor (TF) Gcn4 in yeast or ATF4 in mammals. These TFs are positive regulators of amino acid biosynthetic genes. As several enzymes of amino acid biosynthesis contain iron–sulfur clusters (ISCs) and iron excess is toxic, iron and amino acid homeostasis should be co-ordinated. Working with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we found that amino acid supplementation down-regulates expression of genes for iron uptake and decreases intracellular iron content. This cross-regulation requires Aft1, the major TF activated by iron scarcity, as well as Gcn2 and phosphorylatable eIF2α but not Gcn4. A mutant with constitutive activity of Gcn2 (GCN2c) shows less repression of iron transport genes by amino acids and increased nuclear localization of Aft1 in an iron-poor medium, and increases iron content in this medium. As Aft1 is activated by depletion of mitochondrial ISCs, it is plausible that the Gcn2–eIF2α pathway inhibits the formation of these complexes. Accordingly, the GCN2c mutant has strongly reduced activity of succinate dehydrogenase, an iron–sulfur mitochondrial enzyme, and is unable to grow in media with very low iron or with galactose instead of glucose, conditions where formation of ISCs is specially needed. This mechanism adjusts the uptake of iron to the needs of amino acid biosynthesis and expands the list of Gcn4-independent activities of the Gcn2–eIF2α regulatory system.