bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pore and fractal descriptions of a modified CaO‐based sorbent for sequence SO2/CO2 capture behavior
Authors: Wu Qing , He Liuqing , Zhang Lihui , Duan Feng
Published: June 2019

Sequence SO2/CO2 capture technology will be more attractive as the control on secondary pollution is strengthened and the operating cost is decreased. The sulfation, pore, and fractal characteristics of a spent CaO‐based adsorbent are studied. The spent modified CaO/Ca12Al14O33 is used in this study. The effect of cyclic numbers in the calcium‐looping process on sulfation conversion and the pore characteristics of spent adsorbents is investigated. A model between the fractal dimension and the Brunner–Emmet–Teller (BET) specific surface area (SBET) of the spent CaO/Ca12Al14O33 is established. The sulfation reaction characteristic of spent adsorbents is also interpreted by the fractal mechanism. Results show that the sulfation conversions of spent CaO/Ca12Al14O33 are almost 10% higher than those of spent CaO at the same cyclic number. The sulfation reaction rate in the product layer diffusion‐controlled stage is much lower than that in the chemical reaction‐controlled stage. The spent CaO/Ca12Al14O33 adsorbents are mainly composed of meso‐ and macropores. The pore size distributions show that there are two peaks in the curves. The surface fractal dimension (D1) and the pore fractal dimension values of spent adsorbents show a trend that is similar to those of SBET and total pore volume, respectively. The relation between the D1 values of four different CaO‐based adsorbents and their SBET values is a quadratic function, and a higher D1 indicates an irregular surface of disordered fractals, which significantly affects the efficiency of the sulfation reaction. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short‐term efficacy, safety, and cost‐effectiveness of transarterial chemoembolization with drug‐eluting beads versus synchronous radiochemotherapy for cervical cancer
Authors: Song Jingjing , Chen Weiqian , Zhu Xiaohua , Zhao Zhongwei , Chen Minjiang , Huang Lingcong , Tu Jianfei , Zhou Hongyou , Zhou Lihong , Ji Jiansong
Published: June 2019

Objective

To investigate the short‐term efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization with drug‐eluting beads (DEB‐TACE) versus synchronous radiochemotherapy among women with cervical cancer.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of women treated by synchronous radiochemotherapy (n=20) and DEB‐TACE (n=20) at a single center in China between November 2015 and September 2017. Inclusion criteria were pathologic diagnosis of cervical cancer, age at least 18 years, and complete clinicopathologic information. Hospital stay, direct medical cost, resection frequency, adverse events, treatment responses, progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between treatments.

Results

There was no difference in treatment responses, PFS, or OS between the two groups. Hospital stay was shorter, direct medical costs were lower, and resection rate was higher in the DEB‐TACE group than in the radiochemotherapy group (all P<0.05). In univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, no factor was associated with complete response. No predictive factor for PFS or OS was identified by Cox proportional regression analysis. Fewer adverse advents were recorded in the DEB‐TACE group than in the synchronous radiochemotherapy group.

Conclusion

Among women with cervical cancer, DEB‐TACE achieved equal short‐term efficacy, better tolerance, less hospital stay and medical costs, and higher resection rates as compared with synchronous radiochemotherapy.
Abnormal cerebral microstructures revealed by diffusion kurtosis imaging in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Huang Nao‐Xin , Zou Zhang‐Yu , Xue Yun‐Jing , Chen Hua‐Jun
Published: June 2019

Background

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease in which cerebral structural impairment is a consistent feature.

Purpose

To investigate cerebral microstructural changes in ALS using diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) for the first time.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Eighteen ALS patients and 20 healthy controls.

Field Strength/Sequence

DKI images were obtained by a spin‐echo echo‐planar imaging sequence on a 3T MRI scanner, with three b‐values (0, 1000, and 2000 s/mm2) and 64 diffusion encoding directions.

Assessment

The revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS‐R) was administered to assess disease severity, and the symptom duration and disease progression rate were also recorded. Voxel‐based analysis was applied to examine the alteration of DKI metrics (ie, mean kurtosis metrics [MK], axial kurtosis [AK], and radial kurtosis [RK]) and the conventional diffusion metrics (ie, fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, axial diffusivity, and radial diffusivity).

Statistical Tests

Student's t‐test, chi‐square test, and Pearson correlation analysis.

Results

ALS patients showed MK reductions in gray matter areas, including the bilateral precentral gyrus, bilateral paracentral lobule, and left anterior cingulate gyrus; they also showed decreased MK values in white matter (WM) in the bilateral precentral gyrus, bilateral corona radiata, bilateral middle corpus callosum, left occipital lobe, and right superior parietal lobule. The spatial distribution of the regions with reduced RK was similar to those with decreased MK. No significant AK difference was found between groups. The correlation analysis revealed significant associations between DKI metrics and clinical assessments such as ALSFRS‐R score and disease duration. Additionally, several WM regions showed between‐group differences in conventional diffusion metrics; but the spatial extent was smaller than that with reduced DKI metrics.

Data Conclusion

The reduction in DKI metrics indicates decreased microstructural complexity in ALS, involving both motor‐related areas and extramotor regions. DKI metrics can serve as potential biomarkers for assessing disease severity.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:554–562.
World marine fog analysis based on 58‐years of ship observations
Authors: Dorman Clive E. , Mejia John , Koračin Darko , McEvoy Daniel
Published: June 2019

This study presents the first global‐scale comprehensive climatology of marine fog and is based on ICOADS ship present weather observations for the period 1950–2007. In general, the median marine fog occurrence away from the polar oceans is low (0.2%). Substantially greater marine fog occurrences are limited to four regions, not including the polar region. Fog occurrence maxima along the western side of the sub‐polar ocean gyre occur during the warm season and over the shelf, which includes one centred over the Northwest Pacific Kuril Islands (60%) and one over the Northwest Atlantic Grand Banks (45%), while a third lies over the Argentinean shelf break. Fog maxima over seven marginal seas occur over the Okhotsk Sea, Sea of Japan, Yellow Sea, South China Sea, Nova Scotia, North Sea, and Baltic Sea. Five wind‐driven coastal upwelling zone maxima comprise the California‐Oregon, Namibia‐South Africa, Peru, Morocco and Arabian regions. Maximum upwelling fog occurrence during the warm season was found to be inversely proportional to the minimum sea surface temperature (SST). Most fog maximum occurrence locations lie over SST minima in shallow water during the warm season and are capped by a stable lower atmosphere. Positive correlations (up to 0.79) were found between 5‐year moving averages of fog in the Kuril Islands and the North Pacific Oscillation. Five‐year moving averages of fog in the Grand Banks were positively and significantly correlated (up to 0.56), with the North Atlantic Oscillation represented by the sea level pressure difference between Gibraltar and Reykjavik. In contrast, 5‐year moving averages of fog in the Grand Banks and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation index were negatively and significantly correlated (up to −0.75).
Chemically Cross‐Linked UHMWPE With Superior Toughness
Authors: Oral Ebru , Doshi Brinda N. , Fung Katharina , O'Brien Caitlin , Wannomae Keith K. , Muratoglu Orhun K.
Published: June 2019

Radiation cross‐linked ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylenes (UHMWPEs) are clinically used extensively in total joint arthroplasty due to their high wear resistance. Peroxide cross‐linking of UHMWPE has been proposed to achieve this high level of wear resistance by simultaneously consolidating and cross‐linking in the melt state. High temperature melting of uncross‐linked and cross‐linked UHMWPEs have further shown to improve the toughness. Here, we report on the wear and mechanical properties of a peroxide cross‐linked and high‐temperature melted UHMWPE as a function of vitamin E concentration for oxidative stabilization, peroxide concentration for cross‐linking and high temperature melting temperature for toughness improvement. This method, combining consolidation and cross‐linking in one step, presents an opportunity to manufacture highly wear and oxidation‐resistant joint implant‐bearing surfaces with much improved toughness. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2182–2188, 2019
Effects of rumen‐protected folic acid and rumen‐protected sodium selenite supplementation on lactation performance, nutrient digestion, ruminal fermentation and blood metabolites in dairy cows
Authors: Du Hong Sheng , Wang Cong , Wu Zhang Zhi , Zhang Guang Wen , Liu Qiang , Guo Gang , Huo Wen Jie , Zhang Yan Li , Pei Cai Xia , Zhang Shuan Lin
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Considering the insufficient ruminal synthesis of folic acid (FA), the higher degradability of FA, and the reduction of sodium selenite (SS) by ruminal microbes into non‐absorbable elemental Se, this study evaluated the effects of rumen‐protected FA (RPFA) and rumen‐protected SS (RPSS) on lactation performance, nutrient digestion and blood metabolites in dairy cows.

RESULTS

Dry matter (DM) intake and milk composition were unaltered, milk and milk fat yields were higher for both supplements, and milk protein yield was higher for RPFA addition. Digestibility of DM, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre was higher for both supplements, whereas that of organic matter and crude protein was higher for RPFA addition. Ruminal pH and ammonia N were lower, and concentration of total volatile fatty acids was higher for both supplements. Activity of cellobiase and xylanase was higher for RPFA addition, whereas that of pectinase and protease was higher for both supplements. The populations of total ruminal fungi, protozoa, Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens were higher for both supplements. The RPFA × RPSS interaction was significant for α‐amylase activity, total ruminal bacteria and R. albus populations; these three variables were increased by RPSS but the increase was greater when cows were also fed RPFA.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that addition of RPFA or RPSS improved lactation performance, nutrient digestibility and ruminal fermentation in dairy cows by stimulating ruminal microbial growth and enzyme activity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Oat protein concentrate as alternative ingredient for non‐dairy yoghurt‐type product
Authors: Brückner‐Gühmann Monika , Vasil'eva Elena , Culetu Alina , Duta Denisa , Sozer Nesli , Drusch Stephan
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

During the industrial production of β‐glucan, a protein‐rich fraction remains as a by‐product. Recovery of this protein as oat protein concentrate (OPC) results in a source of cereal protein for food and improves the overall economy of the process. In this study, a yoghurt‐type product is developed by lactic acid fermentation of an OPC suspension after subjection to heat treatment to assure starch gelatinization.

RESULTS

In detail, the process of yoghurt production involved an initial heating step to 90 °C, followed by 24 h fermentation with a starter culture consisting of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus und Streptococcus thermophilus. The resulting yoghurt‐type product was mildly sour (pH 4.2) with a certain amount of lactic acid (3.3 ± 0.2 g kg−1) and contained 4.9 × 106 cfu g−1 lactobacillus after 24 h fermentation. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a porous network presumably built up from the gelatinized starch fraction containing aggregated structures, between which were assumed to be aggregated oat proteins. Moreover, to a limited extent, proteolysis occurred during fermentation. Thus some of the proteolytic enzymes present in the yoghurt culture cleaved oat protein and released peptides. However, the effect on essential amino acids was small.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study provide a deeper knowledge into the role of starch and protein in fermented OPC yoghurts. The structure of fermented OPC verifies the applicability of oat protein as an alternative source for yoghurt‐type products. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A generalized phenological model for durum wheat: application to the Italian peninsula
Authors: Di Paola Arianna , Ventura Francesca , Vignudelli Marco , Bombelli Antonio , Severini Maurizio
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

A likely increasing demand for varieties mixtures, landraces and genetic diversity in cropping systems will underpin calls for models able to generalize phenological development at the species level, at the same time as providing the expected range of phenological variability. In the present article, we aimed to obtain a generalized phenological model of durum wheat (Triticum durum, Desf.).

RESULTS

Using a large phenological dataset embracing field data collected under different sowing dates, varieties and locations over the Italian peninsula, we searched for the phenophases enabling the best linear approximations between developmental rates and air temperature, aiming to minimize the residual variability from drivers other than temperature, as genetic and environmental diversity. The developmental rates of the resulting phases were then examined with respect to the mean daylength to determine possible additional relations with photoperiod. If a correlation with daylength was also present, the developmental rate is calibrated by multiple linear regression, or otherwise by simple linear regression of temperature. The resulting calibration, tested on an independent data subset, confirms that the model is able to generalize wheat development over the Italian peninsula with high accuracy (mean absolute error =3–8 days; r2 = 0.75–0.98), regardless of the wheat variety.

CONCLUSION

The generalized phenological model is potentially suitable for many agro‐ecological and large‐scale applications. It is hoped that the model will aid in situations where phenological observations to parameterize a model are still lacking, as is probably the case for landraces and underutilized crop varieties. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Using artificial neural network in determining postharvest LIFE of kiwifruit
Authors: Mohammadi Torkashvand Ali , Ahmadi Abbas , Gómez Perla A , Maghoumi Mahshad
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Artificial intelligence systems have been employed for the development of predictive models that estimate many agricultural processes.

RESULTS

In present study, the predictive capabilities of artificial neural networks (ANNs) were evaluated with respect to assessing fruit firmness as a postharvest life index, with determinations made at four stages of storage: 1, 60, 120 and 180 days after harvesting. Single concentrations of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) on fruit (D1), all of these nutrient concentrations (D2), the ratios of the nutrient concentrations alone (D3), and a combination of nutrient concentrations and their ratios (D4), were considered.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained showed that fruit firmness at 1 and 60 days after harvesting was not influenced by nutrients. However, the ANN model estimated fruit firmness of 120 and 180 days, respectively, for D1 and D3 more accurately than for the D2 and D4 datasets. Application of D3 (nitrogen/calcium ratio) as the input dataset improved predictions of fruit firmness, with a correlation coefficient of 0.85 between the measured and estimated data. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Diagnostic Performance for Hepatic Artery Occlusion After Liver Transplantation: Computed Tomography Angiography Versus Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound
Authors: Kim Jin Sil , Kim Kyoung Won , Lee Jeongjin , Kwon Heon‐Ju , Kwon Jae Hyun , Song Gi Won , Lee Sung Gyu
Published: June 2019

The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of computed tomography angiography (CTA) and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) when used to diagnose significant hepatic artery occlusion (HAO) in patients that was suspected on Doppler ultrasound (US). Among 3465 adult liver transplantations (LTs) performed between January 2010 and February 2018, 329 recipients were suspected of having HAO by Doppler US. In these patients, 139 recipients who had undergone both CTA and CEUS as second‐line studies were included. CTA and CEUS were retrospectively reviewed using the criteria for HAO used in previous studies (CTA, ≥50% stenosis at the anastomosis; CEUS, no HA enhancement or delayed and discontinuous enhancement). The diagnostic values of CTA and CEUS were compared using the McNemar test. CEUS showed statistically significant better accuracy and specificity than CTA in patients with Doppler US abnormality seen after LT (accuracy, 99.3% versus 89.2%, P < 0.001; specificity, 100% versus 83.1%, P < 0.001). CTA had 15 false‐positive diagnoses, and CEUS had 1 false‐negative diagnosis. In conclusion, CEUS showed higher specificity and positive predictive value than CTA for the diagnosis of HAO in selected patients with a Doppler US abnormality. However, even if there is no HAO diagnosed on CEUS, continuous monitoring and follow‐up imaging are required when HAO is strongly suspected in the clinical setting and on CTA.
Novel approaches for air temperature prediction: A comparison of four hybrid evolutionary fuzzy models
Authors: Azad Armin , Kashi Hamed , Farzin Saeed , Singh Vijay P. , Kisi Ozgur , Karami Hojat , Sanikhani Hadi
Published: June 2019

The application of a novel method of adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) for the prediction of air temperature is investigated. The paper discusses the improvement of the ANFIS when used with genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO), ant colony optimization for continuous domains (ACOR) and differential evolution (DE). For this purpose, three input of multiple variables are selected in order to predict monthly minimum, average and maximum air temperatures for 34 meteorological stations in Iran. The co‐efficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE) and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) are used as evaluation criteria. A comparison of suggested fuzzy models indicates that the ANFIS with the GA has the best performance in the prediction of maximum temperatures. It decreases the RMSE of the classic ANFIS model in the validation stage from 1.22 to 1.12°C for Mashhad, from 1.26 to 1.01°C for Zahedan, from 1.20 to 0.98°C for Ahvaz, from 1.76 to 1.24°C for Rasht and from 1.21 to 0.95°C for Tabriz.
Association of BCR/ABL transcript variants with different blood parameters and demographic features in Iraqi chronic myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Khazaal Mahmood S. , Hamdan Farqad B. , Al‐Mayah Qasim S.
Published: June 2019

Background

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by the presence of BCR‐ABL fusion gene (GenBank accession NC_000022.11). In the vast majority of CML patients, the typical subtype of BCR‐ABL transcript are b3a2, b2a2 or both. The aim of this study was to determine the different subtypes of BCR‐ABL transcript and their impact on the demographic and hematological parameters in Iraqi patients with CML.

Methods

One hundred patients with chronic phase CML (11 newly diagnosed and 89 imatinib‐resistant) were enrolled in this study. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) was extracted from leukocytes, and complementary DNA was created using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction technique. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction with four specific primers was used to determine the BCR‐ABL fusion subtypes in each patient.

Results

Male to female ratio was 1.38:1. Fifty‐nine patients expressed b3a2 transcript, whereas 39 of the remaining cases were positive for b2a2 variant. One case expressed b2a3 transcript, while the last case coexpressed the two subtypes of mRNA b3a2/b2a2. Male and female were significantly associated with b3a2 and b2a2 subtypes, respectively. The b3a2 subtype showed higher total leukocyte count than b2a2 subgroup, while b2a2 variant demonstrated significantly elevated platelet counts compared to those with b3a2 transcript. A significantly higher plateletcrit percentage (PCT%) was found in patients with b2a2 transcript whereas.

Conclusions

The testified Iraqi group expressed M‐BCR‐ABL type with preponderance of b3a2 over b2a2 subtype. There was a gender‐skewed distribution in BCR‐ABL transcript types with b3a2 transcript more prevalent in males. The type of BCR‐ABL transcript is reflected by different leukocyte and platelet counts at diagnosis, which might represent a distinct phenotype and disease biology.
The first family with adult osteogenesis imperfecta caused by a novel homozygous mutation in CREB3L1
Authors: Cayami Ferdy K. , Maugeri Alessandra , Treurniet Sanne , Setijowati Eva D. , Teunissen Bernd P. , Eekhoff Elisabeth M.W. , Pals Gerard , Faradz Sultana M. , Micha Dimitra
Published: June 2019

Background

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a clinically heterogeneous disease characterized by extreme skeletal fragility. It is caused by mutations in genes frequently affecting collagen biosynthesis. Mutations in CREB3L1 encoding the ER stress transducer OASIS are very rare and are only reported in pediatric patients. We report a large family with a novel CREB3L1 mutation, with severe adult clinical presentation.

Methods

Clinical examination was performed on the family members. Next generation sequencing was performed for the causative genes for OI. The mutation was confirmed in other family members with Sanger sequencing.

Results

A novel homozygous mutation in CREB3L1 was identified in the three affected patients. The parents and siblings who carry the mutation in heterozygous state were clinically unaffected. The three affected siblings, who were reported to have been born healthy, presented very severe progressive skeletal malformations and joint contractures but absence of common OI characteristics including blue sclerae, deafness, and dentinogenesis imperfecta. Resorption of a part of the humerus presumably associated with fracture nonunion and pseudarthrosis.

Conclusion

We report a novel homozygous CREB3L1 mutation in a large Indonesian family; the homozygous affected members have survived to adulthood and they present a more severe phenotype than previously reported, expanding the clinical spectrum of OI for this gene.
Can mothers taking lithium for bipolar disorder breastfeed?
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: June 2019

The continuation of lithium for patients who are breastfeeding remains a controversial topic, say researchers, adding that clinical recommendations vary. The topic has not involved much research; however, a recently published systematic literature review sheds new light on the subject.
Human Milk Oligosaccharides Protect against Necrotizing Enterocolitis by Inhibiting Intestinal Damage via Increasing the Proliferation of Crypt Cells
Authors: Wang Chenyuan , Zhang Ming , Guo Huiyuan , Yan Jingyu , Liu Fan , Chen Jianliang , Li Yiran , Ren Fazheng
Published: June 2019

Scope

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease that is highly lethal in premature infants. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) efficiently reduce the incidence of NEC. However, the protective mechanism of HMO treatment is unknown. It is hypothesized that HMOs protect against NEC by inhibiting the damage to intestinal epithelial cells.

Methods and results

C57BL/6 pups are challenged with hypoxia and cold stress to induce NEC. All pups are sacrificed after 72 h. It is found that HMO administration reduces the concentrations of IL‐8 in the serum and ileum of all NEC mice. Ileum toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) protein expression and nuclear factor kappa‐B (NFκB) pathway activation are inhibited. The proliferative ability of enterocytes in the ileum is restored as determined by labeling with proliferation markers (Ki67, SOX9). In a 3D culture intestinal crypt organoids study, HMO treatment improves the maturation of organoid cells and increases the ratio of proliferative cells under lipopolysaccharides (LPS) treatment. HMO treatment downregulates TLR4 expression in the organoid cells, thus reducing the effect of LPS.

Conclusion

HMOs protect intestinal epithelial cells from injury by accelerating the turnover of crypt cells by reducing the expression of TLR4 on intestinal epithelial cells.
Serial nerve ultrasound and motor nerve conduction studies in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
Authors: Niu Jingwen , Li Yi , Liu Tanxin , Ding Qingyun , Cui Liying , Guan Yuzhou , Zhang Lei , Liu Mingsheng
Published: June 2019

Introduction

The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between cross‐sectional area (CSA) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) and to determine how CSA changes over time after standard treatment.

Methods

Fifty‐four patients with CIDP were recruited prospectively, and 21 patients were followed for more than 6 months. Ultrasonography and motor NCS were performed in the median and ulnar nerves.

Results

No or weak correlation was observed between the maximum CSA and motor conduction velocity. There were segmental nerve enlargements at 61% of sites with conduction block or temporal dispersion. Among 19 patients with clinical improvement after immunotherapy, CSA decreased to normal in 5, increased in 10, and were unchanged in 4.

Discussion

Different patterns of CSA and motor NCS changes after immune treatment may indicate different CIDP pathologic mechanisms. Exploration of these pathologic mechanisms could guide treatment choices in the future. Muscle Nerve, 2019
Transport Map sampling with PGD model reduction for fast dynamical Bayesian data assimilation
Authors: Rubio Paul‐Baptiste , Louf François , Chamoin Ludovic
Published: June 2019

The motivation of this work is to address real‐time sequential inference of parameters with a full Bayesian formulation. First, the proper generalized decomposition (PGD) is used to reduce the computational evaluation of the posterior density in the online phase. Second, Transport Map sampling is used to build a deterministic coupling between a reference measure and the posterior measure. The determination of the transport maps involves the solution of a minimization problem. As the PGD model is quasi‐analytical and under a variable separation form, the use of gradient and Hessian information speeds up the minimization algorithm. Eventually, uncertainty quantification on outputs of interest of the model can be easily performed due to the global feature of the PGD solution over all coordinate domains. Numerical examples highlight the performance of the method.
Nurse staffing models in acute care: A descriptive study
Authors: Thériault Marianne , Dubois Carl‐Ardy , Borgès da Silva Roxane , Prud’homme Alexandre
Published: June 2019

Aims

To identify nurse staffing groups in acute care facilities.

Design

This retrospective descriptive study used a configurational approach.

Methods

Data from a two‐month target period from January–March 2016 were collected for 40 facilities in four different hospitals in one of the largest regions of Quebec. Multiple factorial analysis and hierarchical ascendant classification were used to generate a limited number of nurse staffing groups.

Results/Findings

Four distinct nurse staffing groups emerged from this study. The least resourced model relied mainly on less qualified personnel and agency staff. The moderately resourced basic model was assessed as average across all staffing dimensions, but employed less overtime, relying mostly on auxiliary nurses. The moderately resourced professional group, also moderate in most variables, involved more overtime and fewer less qualified personnel. The most resourced group maximized highly qualified personnel and minimized instability in the nursing team.

Conclusion

This study covered multiple staffing groups with widely varying characteristics. Most groups entailed risks for quality of care at one or more levels. Few care units approached the theoretical staffing ideal.
Exploring the use of Facebook as a marketing and branding tool by hospital foundations
Authors: Bali Suchita , Bélanger Charles H.
Published: June 2019

This study investigated how Ontario (Canada) hospital foundations use Facebook for branding, community outreach, and fundraising. The target sample included all hospital foundations in Ontario that have a presence on Facebook (N = 81). Rich, qualitative Facebook data were collected over a 7‐month period, from the beginning of June 2016 to the end of December 2016, to get a better understanding of the marketing strategies implemented by the foundations. Results were gauged against some of the best practices for Facebook marketing in order to determine practical implications and conclusions for hospital foundations. Overall, hospital foundations are aware of the utmost importance of personalizing their messages, but they are way short of Facebook benchmarks, including Frequency of Posts and Media Type Used.
An Indian story on carbon emission, energy consumption, trade openness, and financial development
Authors: Menon Priyanka
Published: June 2019

This paper empirically studies the impact of energy consumption, financial development, and trade openness on India's carbon emission for 1971 to 2014 and validates the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis for India. The Autoregressive Distributed‐lagged model (ARDL) bound test is used to test the existence of cointegration among the key variables. The results exhibit a U‐shaped relationship between carbon emission and energy consumption in the long run. Through this study, we find out the maximum threshold value of energy consumption per capita to 757 kg of oil equivalent, which is above the current consumptions levels—indicating a rise in carbon emission shortly.

Further, the long‐run results show that a 1% increase in trade openness will decrease carbon emission by 0.11%, which is a display of technological effect over scale effect and composition effect. Financial development does not exhibit a significant relation to carbon emission. The results are in line with the literature on climate change in emerging countries. This empirical work gives some insight into policy issues that have to be looked into further.
Things that matter: Adolescent and young adult patients’ priorities during cancer care
Authors: Graetz Dylan , Fasciano Karen , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Block Susan D. , Mack Jennifer W.
Published: June 2019

Background

Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) experience cancer while balancing emerging identity and life goals. We investigated AYAs’ priorities during cancer, including psychosocial concerns, cure‐directed therapy, and potential late effects.

Methods

We surveyed 203 cancer patients aged 15–29 treated at Dana‐Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, and their oncologists. Patients were approached and rated the importance of aspects of treatment, outcomes, and life during therapy. Response options were “extremely,” “very,” “somewhat,” “a little important,” or “not at all important.” Ratings of “extremely” or “very important” were used as indicators of strong priorities.

Results

Patients’ three most frequent priorities were cure (97%), being good to the people they care about (95%), and having supportive people around them (94%). Most prioritized being with family (90%), returning to school/work (89%), maintaining relationships with friends (88%), and feeling normal (85%). Fewer prioritized minimizing long‐term (78%) and acute side effects (68%) and fertility (59%). Many participants (88%) said that cure influenced their decisions “a great deal,” while fewer were influenced by side effects (32%), fertility (36%), or relationships (16%). Most patients (85%) thought their oncologist understood what was most important to them when treatment started.

Conclusion

Nearly all AYA cancer patients prioritize cure, while maintaining social relationships and a sense of normalcy. These priorities influence decisions they make about treatment to differing degrees, with cure influencing decision‐making for most patients. Although the priority of cure is well established, recognizing other AYA priorities allows providers to optimally support these patients from the time of diagnosis.
New hybrid polyoxometalate/polymer composites for photodegradation of eosin dye
Authors: Ghali Mariem , Brahmi Chaima , Benltifa Mahmoud , Dumur Frédéric , Duval Sylvain , Simonnet‐Jégat Corine , Morlet‐Savary Fabrice , Jellali Salah , Bousselmi Latifa , Lalevée Jacques
Published: June 2019

New polyoxometalate (POM)/polymer hybrid composites were prepared by photopolymerization under mild conditions for suitable photocatalytic processes. Polyoxometalates were incorporated in special photosensitive resins, which were photopolymerized under visible light to obtain new materials with photocatalytic activity for dye removal. The synthesized composites were characterized by real‐time FT‐IR, and the photocatalytic ability was investigated on Eosin‐Y removal using photolysis under near UV irradiation. Interestingly, the polyoxometalates keep their photocatalytic properties, while incorporated into the polymeric matrix since very high conversion rates of Eosin‐Y were achieved. Indeed, degradation efficiencies of about 98% and 93% were registered when using H3PMo12O40/polymer and 94% for SiMo12O40(IPh2)4/polymer composites, respectively. These first results reported in this article show that the new synthesized POM/polymer composites could be considered as promising materials for green and more suitable organic dye removal from aqueous solutions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1538–1549
Honeycomb‐like pattern formation on perfluoroethylenepropylene enhanced by plasma treatment
Authors: Slepička Petr , Neznalová Klára , Fajstavr Dominik , Slepičková Kasálková Nikola , Švorčík Václav
Published: June 2019

The presented paper is aimed on the plasma activation of perfluoroethylenepropylene for construction of honeycomb‐like structures on its surface by dip‐coating technique complemented with phase separation of biopolymer poly‐l‐lactid acid. Surface activation with plasma significantly improved the possibility of successful HCL pattern formation on perfluoroethylenepropylene polymer compared with pristine foil. The idea of surface pretreatment with plasma allowed us to prepare also pattern with different pore dimension, which may have a significant role for cytocompatibility enhancement and growth of specific cells such as osteoblasts. The unique combination of plasma treatment and dip‐coating technique as simple and cheap procedure was confirmed to be a significant tool for honeycomb‐like structure construction.
Plasma codeposition of transparent thin films: Relationship between the surface chemistry and the anti‐fogging property
Authors: Tran Thanh Hien , Debarnot Dominique , Ortiz Jose , Poncin‐Epaillard Fabienne
Published: June 2019

Anti‐fogging coatings are deposited on the polycarbonate thanks to the low pressure pulsed plasma. Two precursors are simultaneously polymerized: One contains hydrophilic groups (2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate or acrylic acid [AA]) whereas the other one (1 H,1 H,2H‐perfluoro‐1‐decene [HDFD]) is hydrophobic. Several proportions of (HDFD) are applied to prepare films with high hexadecane (≈70°) and low water (≤20°) contact angles. Evidence of their hydrophilic, oleophobic properties is given by the wettabillity and the anti‐fogging measurements. It appears that all plasma‐codeposits issued from AA and HDFD with high hexadecane contact angle are more oleophobic than the plasma‐copolymers 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate and HDFD, irrespective of the proportion of the fluorinated precursor. Such a behavior is explained by the grafting of longer perfluorinated chains. The anti‐fogging properties are not directly correlated to the wettability. Moreover, the films act as predicted by the flip flop mechanism.
Synthesis and biological activity of analogs of the antifungal antibiotic UK‐2A. III. Impact of modifications to the macrocycle isobutyryl ester position
Authors: Owen W John , Meyer Kevin G , Slanec Thomas J , Meyer Stacy T , Wang Nick X , Fitzpatrick Gina M , Niyaz Noormohamed N , Nugent Jaime , Ricks Michael J , Rogers Richard B , Yao Chenglin
Published: June 2019

BACKGROUND

Fenpicoxamid (Inatreq™ active), a new fungicide under development by Corteva Agriscience™, Agriculture Division of DowDuPont, is an isobutyryl acetal derivative of the antifungal antibiotic UK‐2A. SAR studies around the picolinamide ring and benzyl substituents attached at positions 3 and 8, respectively, of the UK‐2A bislactone macrocycle have recently been documented. This study focuses on replacement of the isobutyryl ester group in the 7 position.

RESULTS

Thirty analogs, predominantly esters and ethers, were prepared and evaluated for inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport and in vitro growth of Zymoseptoria tritici, Leptosphaeria nodorum, Pyricularia oryzae and Ustilago maydis. Aliphatic substituents containing four to six carbon atoms deliver strong intrinsic activity, the pivaloate ester (IC50 1.44 nM) and the n‐butyl, 1‐Me‐propyl, 3,3‐diMe‐propyl and 2‐c‐propyl propyl ethers (IC50 values = 1.08, 1.14, 1.15 & 1.32 nM, respectively) being the most active derivatives. QSAR modelling identified solvation energy (Esolv) and critical packing parameters (vsurf_CP) as highly significant molecular descriptors for explaining relative intrinsic activity of analogs. Activity translation to fungal growth inhibition and disease control testing was significantly influenced by intrinsic activity and physical properties, the cyclopropanecarboxylate ester (log D 3.67, IC50 3.36 nM, Z. tritici EC50 12 μg L−1) showing the strongest Z. tritici activity in protectant tests.

CONCLUSIONS

Substitution of the isobutyryl ester group of UK‐2A generates analogs that retain strong antifungal activity against Z. tritici and other fungi. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A DFT Investigation on the Structure, Spectroscopy (FT‐IR and NMR), Donor‐Acceptor Interactions and Non‐Linear Optic Properties of (±)‐1,2‐Dehydroaspidospermidine
Authors: Uludağ Nesimi , Serdaroğlu Goncagül
Published: June 2019

In this study, (±)‐1,2‐Dehydroaspidospermidine was analyzed by elemental analysis, 1H and 13C NMR, and FT‐IR spectra. Also, because the starting geometry is essential to evaluate the structural, electronic, and spectral properties of this compound, we used the potential energy surface (PES) scan by the B3LYP/6‐31G(d,p) hybrid functional to determine the stable structures of the (±)‐1,2‐Dehydroaspidospermidine. Thus, three stable conformations of the compound were used in all of the electronic and spectroscopic simulations performed by the M06‐2X, G96LYP, and B3LYP functionals at the 6–311++G(d,p) basis set in a vacuum and chloroform. After the observed and simulated FT‐IR and NMR data were compared, the second order perturbative theory in the NBO (Natural Bond Orbital) basis was used to interpret the critical donor‐acceptor interactions; the dominant contribution to the lowering of the second order energy for all conformers was the π→ π* and σ→ π* interactions. Also, we used both NLO (Non Linear Optic) and FMO (Frontier Molecular Orbital) analyses to investigate the non‐linear optical property and the biochemical reactivity of the compound. The results of this work demonstrated that the compound has an available non‐linear optical property (β=6.62 x 10−30 esu) that can be used in optoelectronic technology, and, besides, it has biological activity because of its strong intramolecular interactions.
Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of Pd‐Cu Nanoparticles for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Hosseini Sayed Reza , Ghasemi Shahram , Ghasemi Seyedeh Arefeh
Published: June 2019

Herein, the effects of different types of surfactants including sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), and t‐octyl phenoxy polyethoxy ethanol (Triton X‐100, TX‐100) were presented on the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) at the surface of carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with Pd−Cu nanoparticles. Firstly, Cu nanoparticles with average diameters at about 80 nm were electro‐deposited at the CPE surface in H2SO4 solution containing CTAB and CuSO4 by potentiostatic method. Then, Pd−Cu bimetallic nanoparticles with diameters at about 75 nm were prepared through galvanic replacement reaction between PdII ions and Cu particles. The synthesized Cu nanoparticles were covered by CTAB in solution and surface tension of the nanoparticles were decreased, and consequently stabilized. Also, the surfactants play different roles on the HER depending on the electrode polarity and surface charges. The electro‐catalytic activity of the Pd−Cu/CPE and nano‐Cu/CPE towards HER was found to be highest in the presence of SDS. The effects of galvanic replacement reaction and type of surfactants on kinetic parameters of the HER such as cathodic electron transfer coefficient and exchange current density were comparatively investigated.
Bayesian Network Resource for Meta‐Analysis: Cellular Toxicity of Quantum Dots
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Oh Eunkeu , Liu Rong , Breger Joyce C. , Medintz Igor L. , Cohen Yoram
Published: June 2019

A web‐based resource for meta‐analysis of nanomaterials toxicity is developed whereby the utility of Bayesian networks (BNs) is illustrated for exploring the cellular toxicity of Cd‐containing quantum dots (QDs). BN models are developed based on a dataset compiled from 517 publications comprising 3028 cell viability data samples and 837 IC50values. BN QD toxicity (BN‐QDTox) models are developed using both continuous (i.e., numerical) and categorical attributes. Using these models, the most relevant attributes identified for correlating IC50are: QD diameter, exposure time, surface ligand, shell, assay type, surface modification, and surface charge, with the addition of QD concentration for the cell viability analysis. Data exploration via BN models further enables identification of possible association rules for QDs cellular toxicity. The BN models as web‐based applications can be used for rapid intelligent query of the available body of evidence for a given nanomaterial and can be readily updated as the body of knowledge expands.
Lead‐Free Tin‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells: Strategies Toward High Performance
Authors: Gu Feidan , Zhao Ziran , Wang Chengbo , Rao Haixia , Zhao Boqin , Liu Zhiwei , Bian Zuqiang , Huang Chunhui
Published: June 2019

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved state‐of‐the‐art efficiency, approaching monocrystalline silicon solar cells due to the superior optoelectronic properties and intensive research efforts, fulfilling its forthcoming commercial use at affordable costs. Nevertheless, the toxicity of lead (Pb) is still one of the obstacles hindering future large‐scale production. Herein, the recent progress of emerging lead‐free tin (Sn)‐based PSCs is reviewed. First, the structural and photovoltaic‐related properties of Sn‐based perovskites are summarized. Following a brief introduction of film deposition methods, strategies recently adopted to obtain high performance are then discussed in detail. Finally, the current challenges and prospective opportunities are provided to help the further progression of Sn‐based PSCs.
August Wöhler (1819 –1914)
Authors: Zenner Harald , Hinkelmann Karsten
Published: June 2019

2014 war der 100. Todestag von August Wöhler. Aus diesem Anlass entstand gemeinsam mit dem DVM Deutscher Verband für Materialforschung und ‐prüfung e.V. ein Buch über A. Wöhler [1], welches die Biografie, seine wissenschaftlichen Arbeiten, aber auch übergeordnete Themen wie die industrielle Revolution und die Entwicklung der Technik im 19. Jahrhundert beleuchtet. Nationale und internationale Tagungen zeigten (z. B. [2]), dass diese Themen von großem Interesse sind. Daher wurde nicht zuletzt wegen des 200‐jährigen Geburtstages von A. Wöhler eine englische überarbeitete Fassung veröffentlicht [3].

August Wöhler war eine interessante und eigenwillige Persönlichkeit, geprägt durch die Industrialisierung im 19. Jahrhundert und hier insbesondere durch die Entwicklung der Eisenbahn. Die Verbreitung der neuen Technik führte zu zahlreichen Problemen. Schadensfälle an Bauteilen zeigten, dass der bisher durchgeführte Festigkeitsnachweis nicht mehr ausreichte. Brüche entstanden an Achsen, Rädern und Schienen bei Beanspruchungen, die niedriger waren als die statische Bruchfestigkeit des Bauteils. August Wöhler konnte durch systematische Versuche nachweisen, dass wiederholte, also schwingende Beanspruchungen, die weit unterhalb der statischen Festigkeit liegen, zum Bruch führen können und dass die ertragbare Schwingspielzahl bis zum Bruch mit abnehmender Beanspruchungsamplitude zunimmt. Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt einen kurzen Überblick über Wöhlers Biografie und seine Leistungen.
MicroRNAs meet with quantitative trait loci: Small powerful players in regulating quantitative yield traits in rice
Authors: Peng Ting , Teotia Sachin , Tang Guiliang , Zhao Quanzhi
Published: June 2019

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs which regulate various functions related to growth, development, and stress responses in plants and animals. Rice, Oryza sativa, is one of the most important food crops of the world. In rice, a number of quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling yield‐related traits have been identified. Some of them are actually controlled by miRNAs, which control various yield‐related quantitative traits in rice. On one hand, many of these miRNAs are found to regulate more than one yield‐related traits, such as tillering, grain size, and branch number of a panicle. On the other hand, a rice yield‐related trait is usually controlled by multiple miRNAs, for example, grain size being controlled by miR156, miR167, miR396, miR397, and miR1432. In rare case, a single miRNA may specifically regulate only one yield‐related trait, such as, miR444 regulating rice tillering. In this review, we focus on the functions of miRNAs in controlling yield‐related quantitative traits in rice, including panicle grain number, grain weight/size, panicle length and branching, tiller number per plant, spikelet number, seed setting rate, and leaf inclination, and discuss how to modulate the expression of these miRNAs using modern molecular biology tools to promote grain yield.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Measurements of L‐shell X‐ray emission lines of neonlike europium on an electron beam ion trap
Authors: Beiersdorfer Peter , Hell Natalie , Panchenko Dmytro , Brown Greg V. , Träbert Elmar , Kelley Richard L. , Kilbourne Caroline A. , Porter F. Scott
Published: June 2019

We report a measurement of the two X‐ray transitions that proceed from the
and (1s22s1/22p63p1/2)J  =  1 upper levels to the (1s22s22p6)J  =  0 ground level in neonlike Eu53+ (Z = 63), that is,  near the previously documented avoided crossing of the two upper levels at Z = 68. The measurement was carried out using the calorimeter spectrometer on the Livermore EBIT‐I electron beam ion trap. It affirms the trends set by the neighboring neonlike ions both in terms of the relative intensity of the two lines and in terms of the magnitude of disagreement with theoretical energy level predictions.