bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An empirical study of the behavior of patients who leave the emergency department without being seen
Authors: Bolandifar Ehsan , DeHoratius Nicole , Olsen Tava , Wiler Jennifer
Published: May 2019

Queue abandonment has a significant impact on system performance. However, the key drivers for abandonment, particularly in observable systems, are not well understood. To better inform our understanding of abandonment behavior, we study the effect of three operational drivers of abandonment from a hospital emergency department (ED), namely, waiting time, queue length, and observed service rate. We confirm that all three factors affect a patient's propensity for leaving the waiting area without being seen by a physician (LWBS), that is, abandoning the queue. Further, these factors interact with each other in a nonlinear fashion. Both ED crowding and observed service rate influence a patient's perception of waiting time. Moreover, patients are not homogenous in their abandonment response, and we observe behavior that is distinct for patients with severe conditions. Specifically, patients who report to a congested ED with more severe conditions are more inclined to abandon the ED early in the process compared to patients with less severe conditions. Further, we observe that patients with severe conditions who elect to remain in the crowded ED exhibit less sensitivity to waiting time and observed service rate than other patient types. We discuss the implications of this observed abandonment behavior on ED management.
Effects of a Medial Knee Unloading Implant on Tibiofemoral Joint Mechanics During Walking
Authors: Morgan Oliver J. , Hillstrom Howard J. , Ranawat Anil , Fragomen Austin T. , Rozbruch S. Robert , Hillstrom Rajshree
Published: May 2019

The Atlas™ unicompartmental knee system is a second‐generation extra‐articular unloading implant for patients with mild to moderate medial knee osteoarthritis. The technology acts to reduce a portion of the weight‐bearing load exerted on the medial knee during physical activity thereby, reducing the mechanical stress imposed on a degenerative joint. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the Atlas™ on tibiofemoral joint mechanics during walking. A computer‐aided design assembly of the Atlas™ was virtually implanted on the medial aspect of a previously validated finite element tibiofemoral joint model. Data for knee joint forces and moments from an anthropometrically matched male were applied to the model to quasi‐statically simulate the stance phase of gait. Predictions of tibiofemoral joint mechanics were computed pre‐ and post‐virtual implantation of the Atlas™. Compressive force in the medial tibiofemoral compartment was reduced by a mean of 53%, resulting in the decrement of mean cartilage–cartilage and cartilage–meniscus von Mises stress by 31% and 32%, respectively. The Atlas™ was not predicted to transfer net loading to the lateral compartment. The tibiofemoral joint model exhibited less internal–external rotation and anterior–posterior translation post‐Atlas™, indicating a change in the kinematic environment of the knee. From a biomechanical perspective, extra‐articular joint unloading may serve as a treatment option for patients recalcitrant to conservative care. Evaluation of mechanical changes in the tibiofemoral joint demonstrate the potential treatment mechanism of the Atlas™, in accordance with the available clinical data. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2149–2156, 2019
Anemia of inflammation associated with periodontitis: Analysis of two clinical studies
Authors: Nibali Luigi , Darbar Ulpee , Rakmanee Thanasak , Donos Nikos
Published: May 2019

Background

While leukocytosis is a common feature of severe periodontitis, a smaller amount of evidence has been produced on erythrocytes counts in periodontitis, suggesting a possible tendency to anemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between periodontitis and circulating leukocytes, erythrocytes, and platelets.

Methods

The study included 471 patients with periodontitis (including aggressive periodontitis [AgP], and chronic periodontitis [CP]) and periodontal health. A separate sample of 333 patients from a previous study (127 AgP and 206 periodontally healthy) was used as replication. Periodontal clinical data were collected and a blood sample was obtained from each participant for hematological analysis of leukocytes, erythrocytes and platelets.

Results

Adjusted linear regression analyses revealed associations between periodontitis and total leukocytes counts (p < 0.001), neutrophil counts (P <0.001) and hematocrit (HCT) levels (P = 0.045). Sub‐analysis revealed no statistically significant differences between AgP and CP. Disease severity was correlated with total leukocyte and neutrophil counts and HCT (P <0.001, P <0.001 and P = 0.004, respectively). In the replication sample, adjusted linear regression analysis revealed associations between periodontitis and decreased hemoglobin (HB) (P = 0.009), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (P = 0.023), and MCH concentration (P <0.001). A subset of patients included in these studies (14% to 15.7% of periodontitis versus 8.4% to 10.2% of healthy, respectively, in the two cohorts) were anemic based on the World Health Organization criteria.

Conclusion

This paper, reporting results of periodontal examination and blood sampling in over 800 patients, suggest that not just leukocytosis but also tendency to “anemia of inflammation” are typical features of periodontitis.
Research on Oleic Acid Amide Betaine Used in Surfactant‐Polymer Compound Flooding for Ordinary Heavy Oil
Authors: Fu Lipei , Liao Kaili , Pei Haihua , Zhang Guicai , Ge Jijiang , Jiang Ping
Published: May 2019

In view of the low recovery rate associated with water flooding, as well as the scaling problems caused by traditional alkali‐surfactant‐polymer flooding, the feasibility of using a betaine surfactant with high interfacial activity for chemical flooding of ordinary heavy oil was investigated. Aqueous solutions of oleic acid amide betaine (OAAB) with the mass concentration of 0.01% can reduce the oil–water interfacial tension to the ultralow level (10−3 mN m−1), making it suitable for chemical flooding. To solve the problem of high adsorption onto sandstone, static adsorption tests and dynamic adsorption tests were carried out. The results show that the weakly alkaline lignin can significantly reduce the adsorption quantity of OAAB by more than 40%, based on which, a compound‐flooding system of 0.1% partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) + 0.1% OAAB +0.75% lignin was constructed. Compared with water flooding, the ultimate rate was enhanced by 20.4%, resulting in a final recovery rate of 53.9%. The study of oil displacement mechanism shows that the excellent ability to reduce the oil–water interfacial tension of OAAB can emulsify heavy oil to small droplets easily, exhibiting better capacity in oil displacement efficiency. The polymer can increase the viscosity of the aqueous phase, reduce the mobility ratio of water to oil, weaken the fingering effect, and improve the sweep efficiency. Lignin can not only reduce the adsorption quantity of betaine surfactant, but also promote the adsorption of OAAB onto the oil–water interface, leading to enhance the emulsification performance of OAAB and maintain the oil displacement efficiency effectively. Therefore, the surfactant‐polymer flooding system based on the betaine surfactant can be developed into an economically and technically feasible flooding technology suitable for ordinary heavy oil reservoirs.
Imidazolium‐Based Stabilization of Aqueous Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Dispersions
Authors: Texter John , Crombez Rene , Maniglia Rafael , Ma Xiumin , Arjunan Vasantha Vivek , Manuelian Michael , Campbell Robert , Slater Lisa , Mourey Thomas
Published: May 2019

Imidazolium bromide, an ionic liquid surfactant acrylate, as well as its homopolymer and various copolymers are demonstrated to be superior dispersing aids for preparing aqueous multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) dispersions. We demonstrate apparent complete exfoliation in water with extinction coefficients at 500 nm of about 60 cm2 mg−1 of MWCNT dispersed, a new lower bound and the highest reported extinction to date. The efficacy or efficiency of dispersion (activated by ultrasonication) is examined in terms of a quotient of extinction and weight ratio of the active monomer and MWCNT. A rank ordering of the results obtained for seven stabilizers based on the same imidazolium bromide monomer provides insights into roles of π‐overlap adsorption onto MWCNT surfaces and how hydrogel properties of some of these polymers provide stability in water at higher concentrations than previously considered feasible for surfactant‐stabilized and polymer‐stabilized MWCNT dispersions. Simple nanocomposite film formation is demonstrated by casting and thermal diffusivity and electrical conductivity properties are examined.
Color holographic display system based on utilization of effective viewing area
Authors: Wang Di , Xiao Dan , Liu Su‐Juan , Liu Chao , Wang Qiong‐Hua
Published: May 2019

In this paper, a color holographic display system based on the utilization of effective viewing area (EVA) is proposed. Color reconstruction is achieved by using a single spatial light modulator (SLM). The EVA of three color reconstructed images is analyzed based on the holographic diffraction theory and the principle of geometrical optics. Then, the effective holograms of three colors are calculated based on the EVA of the system. When three color lasers are used to collimate the SLM, three color reconstructed images can be coincided in the same position with a fast speed of calculation. Moreover, the chromatic aberration can be eliminated and the experimental results verify the feasibility of the proposed system.
Risk Factors for Intracardiac Thrombus During Liver Transplantation
Authors: Groose Molly K. , Aldred Breanna N. , Mezrich Joshua D. , Hammel Laura L.
Published: May 2019

Intracardiac thrombus (ICT) is an intraoperative complication with high mortality that occurs during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Patients with end‐stage liver disease have compromised coagulation pathways, and when combined with stressors of surgery, thrombi can form. However, it is unknown which patients are most likely to develop ICT. We performed a retrospective cohort study of all OLT patients at our hospital from 2010 to 2017 to identify risk factors for ICT. An analysis was performed with conventional bivariate tests and logistic regression. The incidence of ICT during OLT was 4.2% (22/528) with a 45.5% (10/22) mortality. Patients who developed ICT had higher physiologic Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease scores at the time of transplant (25.1 versus 32.4; P = 0.004), received grafts from donors with a higher body mass index (28.1 versus 32.2 kg/m2; P = 0.007), and had longer intraoperative warm ischemia times (53.1 versus 67.5 minutes; P = 0.001). The odds of developing ICT were significantly lower after administration of intravenous (IV) heparin prior to inferior vena cava (IVC) clamping compared with no administration of heparin (odds ratio, 0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.08‐0.75; P = 0.01). In conclusion, the incidence of ICT at our institution is higher than previously reported, which may be explained by our routine use of transesophageal echocardiography. Although many factors associated with ICT in this study are nonmodifiable, administration of IV heparin prior to IVC cross‐clamping is modifiable and was found to be protective. Further studies will be needed to confirm findings and ultimately aid in preventing these lethal events.
The Novel N,N‐bis‐2‐Hydroxyethyl‐2‐Aminoethanesulfonic Acid–Gluconate–Polyethylene Glycol–Hypothermic Machine Perfusion Solution Improves Static Cold Storage and Reduces Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rat Liver Transplant
Authors: Carnevale Matías E. , Lausada Natalia , Juan de Paz Leonardo , Stringa Pablo , Machuca Mariana , Rumbo Martin , Guibert Edgardo E. , Tiribelli Claudio , Gondolesi Gabriel E. , Rodriguez Joaquin V.
Published: May 2019

Organ transplantation is the treatment of choice against terminal and irreversible organ failure. Optimal preservation of the graft is crucial to counteract cold ischemia effects. As we developed an N,N‐bis‐2‐hydroxyethyl‐2‐aminoethanesulfonic acid–gluconate–polyethylene glycol (BGP)–based solution (hypothermic machine perfusion [HMP]), we aimed to analyze the use of this solution on static cold storage (SCS) of rat livers for transplantation as compared with the histidine tryptophan ketoglutarate (HTK) preservation solution. Livers procured from adult male Sprague Dawley rats were preserved with BGP‐HMP or HTK solutions. Liver total water content and metabolites were measured during the SCS at 0°C for 24 hours. The function and viability of the preserved rat livers were first assessed ex vivo after rewarming (90 minutes at 37°C) and in vivo using the experimental model of reduced‐size heterotopic liver transplantation. After SCS, the water and glycogen content in both groups remained unchanged as well as the tissue glutathione concentration. In the ex vivo studies, livers preserved with the BGP‐HMP solution were hemodynamically more efficient and the O2 consumption rate was higher than in livers from the HTK group. Bile production and glycogen content after 90 minutes of normothermic reperfusion was diminished in both groups compared with the control group. Cellular integrity of the BGP‐HMP group was better, and the histological damage was reversible. In the in vivo model, HTK‐preserved livers showed a greater degree of histological injury and higher apoptosis compared with the BGP‐HMP group. In conclusion, our results suggest a better role of the BGP‐HMP solution compared with HTK in preventing ischemia/reperfusion injury in the rat liver model.
Inclusion and commitment as key pathways between leadership and nonprofit performance
Authors: Brimhall Kim C.
Published: May 2019

Given the projected growth of workforce diversity in the United States and the fact that heterogeneous workforces result in both positive (increased retention and performance) and negative (increased conflict and turnover) organizational outcomes, nonprofit leaders are faced with the challenge of effectively managing their workforces. Findings ways to ensure positive workplace outcomes, such as employee commitment (an emotional attachment to the organization) and performance, is especially critical for the overall functioning of nonprofit organizations. Using longitudinal multilevel path analyses, this study examined whether transformational leadership influenced work group performance through both creating a climate for inclusion and increasing employee affective commitment in a diverse nonprofit health care organization. Results indicate that transformational leaders help increase perceptions of inclusion, which improves employee commitment to the organization, and ultimately enhances perceived work group performance. This suggests inclusion and affective commitment as key factors for how leaders can increase nonprofit performance.
Risk of depression in pregnant women with low‐normal serum Vitamin B12
Authors: Peppard Lora , Oh Kyeung Mi , Gallo Sina , Milligan Renee
Published: May 2019

High prevalence rates of both Vitamin B12 insufficiency and depressive symptoms exist in pregnant women. Although the association between depressive symptoms and certain nutrient deficiencies like iron, folate, or Vitamin B12 has been established, the specific relationship between low‐normal serum Vitamin B12 levels and depressive symptoms in pregnant women in the United States has not been studied closely. Using 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, a secondary analysis was conducted to examine the association between low‐normal serum Vitamin B12 level and depression, as measured by a score of 10 or higher on the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9, in pregnant women (N = 174). In bivariate regression models, Vitamin B12 level, experiencing poverty, and pre‐pregnancy body mass index (BMI) were significant predictors of depression. In multivariate logistic regression models, pregnant women with low‐normal serum Vitamin B12 levels (OR = 3.82, 95% CI [1.10–13.31], p < 0.04) were 3.82 times more likely to experience depression, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, pre‐pregnancy BMI, and the biomarkers hemoglobin and folate. Identifying and treating pregnant women with low‐normal Vitamin B12 levels may enhance prenatal depression management.
Closer: A videoconference intervention for distance caregivers of cancer patients
Authors: Blackstone Eric , Lipson Amy R. , Douglas Sara L.
Published: May 2019

Distance caregivers (DCGs) represent a growing demographic. The emotional burden of caregiving for a family member with cancer is amplified by the logistical challenges of providing support from afar. DCGs feel higher levels of distress, anxiety, and depression compared with local caregivers. Videoconference technology may alleviate both the emotional and practical burdens faced by DCGs. This is an ongoing randomized controlled trial in 32 outpatient ambulatory clinics at a large, urban, comprehensive cancer center. To date, 332 patient‐DCG dyads have been enrolled. DCGs must have internet access and have been identified by the patient as a source of support. The intervention period is 4 months. DCGs are randomized to one of three arms: DCGs in Arm 1 receive four coaching sessions with an advanced practice nurse or social worker and four videoconference appointments during the oncologist‐patient office visit. DCGs in Arm 2 participate in four videoconference appointments with the oncologist and patient, and Arm 3 is the control group, which receives access to information through a website. Primary outcome variables are DCG distress, anxiety, depression, burden, self‐efficacy, and emotional support. These data are collected electronically at baseline, 4 months, and 6 months. Patient distress, anxiety, and depression are also assessed at these same intervals using brief in‐person interviews. The change in each of the DCG outcomes over time will be examined by a repeated measures analysis of covariance.
Proteomic Approaches to Decipher Mechanisms Underlying Pathogenesis in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Singh Vaibhav , Tripathi Ajai , Dutta Ranjan
Published: May 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The cause of MS is unknown, with no effective therapies available to halt the progressive neurological disability. Development of new and improvement of existing therapeutic strategies therefore require a better understanding of MS pathogenesis, especially during the progressive phase of the disease. This can be achieved through development of biomarkers that can help to identify disease pathophysiology and monitor disease progression. Proteomics is a powerful and promising tool to accelerate biomarker detection and contribute to novel therapeutics. In this review, an overview of how proteomic technology using CNS tissues and biofluids from MS patients has provided important clues to the pathogenesis of MS is provided. Current publications, pitfalls, as well as directions of future research involving proteomic approaches to understand the pathogenesis of MS are discussed.
Hunting for answers: Linking lectures with the real world using a mobile treasure hunt app
Authors: Hartman Tom , Lydon Susannah J. , Rasmussen Amanda
Published: May 2019

Societal Impact Statement

Plants underpin our society providing food, fuel, medicines, clean air and water, positive mental health, and are central to biodiversity conservation. Despite this importance and an increasing need for people with plant‐identification skills, many societies are becoming increasingly ignorant to the species with which they interact. To benefit both our undergraduates and the society they will enter, we applied mobile technology to improve plant identification and appreciation, while providing opportunities to practice transferable team work and verbal communication skills. Encouraging 'plant vision' will improve conservation efforts while increasing personal connections with green spaces, leading to mental health improvements for society.

Summary

Despite the importance of plants to human civilization, many societies are becoming increasingly ignorant to the plants that inhabit their surrounding environment. A phenomenon known as ‘plant blindness’. To address plant blindness in undergraduate students we designed an outdoor activity using a mobile phone app. Our aims were to identify the level of ‘plant blindness’ in our students; investigate engagement with the app and activity; determine if we can raise awareness of links between lecture content and real world scenarios; and assess the student experience as a result of the activity in large classes.

The app chosen was ActionBound. Students were asked to find and photograph local examples of four plant families, along with identifying physiological benefits of features covered in lectures. Two different first year classes were exposed to this activity – Plant Science and Life on Earth.

The Plant Science students (60% success rate for three families; 55 students) were less plant blind than Life on Earth students (less than 44% success rate in any of the four families; 200 students). Students engaged well with the activity with all groups submitting sensible attempts at the responses. Most students reported that the activity increased links to lecture material and all but one student reported positive experiences.

Our students found the treasure hunt learning environment is a fun way to engage with the plant topics covered in lectures. In future iterations, we will more explicitly explain the links to potential careers and will address some of the logistical challenges faced in this first cohort.
Effect of Aluminum Powder on Underwater Explosion Performance of CL‐20 Based Explosives
Authors: Hu Hongwei , Chen Lang , Yan Jiajia , Feng Haiyun , Xiao Chuan , Song Pu
Published: May 2019

The influences of particle size distributions of the nano and micro‐aluminum powders on the underwater explosion were analyzed experimentally. Both shock waves and the second pressure pulses induced by the CL‐20 based explosives were measured. Furthermore, the shock wave energy, the bubble energy, the reacting quantity of aluminum powders in the CL‐20 based explosives during the detonation and secondary reaction processes were calculated. The results indicate that: the nano‐aluminum powders have significant influences on both the detonation reaction and the secondary reaction, leading to the higher peak pressure of the shock wave while the lower peak pressure and narrower pulse width of the secondary pressure pulse; the gradations of both nano and micro‐aluminum powders improve the energy outputs of the explosives; the nano‐aluminum powders enhance the shock wave pressure while the micro‐aluminum powders maintain higher bubble energy.
Additive interaction between a root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica and a root‐feeding flea beetle Longitarsus bethae on their host Lantana camara
Authors: Musedeli Jufter N , Simelane David O , Hill Martin P , Marais Mariette
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Changes in plants induced by one species have indirect effects on interactions with other species, thus shaping their abundances. The root‐feeding beetle Longitarsus bethae released as a biological control agent for Lantana camara has established at a few sites in South Africa. Lantana camara plants infected with the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica often exhibit an increase in L. bethae abundance, suggesting that nematode‐infected plants could be enhancing the development of the beetle. This study investigated the interaction between L. bethae and M. javanica.

RESULTS

The study showed that galling by M. javanica occurred at the highest inoculation of 300 eggs of L. bethae per plant. Longitarsus bethae performed over twofold better on M. javanica‐infected L. camara roots compared with healthy roots, and 275 adult L. bethae progeny, with slightly larger body size, emerged from M. javanica‐infected compared with 167 adults that emerged from healthy plants. Fresh gall weight from treatments where both L. bethae and M. javanica were combined was 36% higher than that from M. javanica only, suggesting that the combination of both species induces more galling than the nematode does alone. The total biomass of plants with M. javanica only, L. bethae only, and the two species combined was reduced by 48%, 24% and 50%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Meloidogyne javanica improves the performance of L. bethae, and combination of the two species has an additive negative effect on L. camara. The interaction between M. javanica and L. bethae could enhance the biological control of L. camara. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A phenomenological constitutive modelling of polyethylene foam under multiple impact conditions
Authors: Lu Fu‐de , Hua Guang‐jun , Wang Li‐shu , Jiang Hai‐yun , Gao De
Published: May 2019

This paper extends the knowledge into the mechanical behaviour characterizations and constitutive modelling of polyethylene (PE) foam under multiple loading and unloading. The mechanical properties of PE foam subjected to single loading cases can be obtained by uniaxial compressive tests at quasi‐static and dynamic states. And the multiple loading and unloading behaviours of the foam can be revealed by consecutive drop tests. The major objective of this research is to propose a phenomenological model consists of shape function and modulus function, which can be predicted compressive response of PE foam for single loading cases. The constitutive models of foamed PE under multiple loading and unloading conditions are established by both using hyperbolic function, where the relations between coefficients and residual strain are introduced. And then, experiments are conducted to validate the proposed model by comparing the constitutive models proposed in this paper and those predicting by finite element software ABAQUS with those by experiments, showing that the proposed models are more accurate for predicting acceleration‐times curves of multiple drop scenarios.
Atomic H over plane: Effective potential and level reconstruction
Authors: Artyukova Svetlana , Sveshnikov Konstantin , Tolokonnikov Andrey
Published: May 2019

The behavior of atomic H in a semi‐bounded space z ≥ 0 with the condition of “not going through” the boundary (the surface z = 0) for the electronic wavefunction (WF) is considered. It is shown that in a wide range of “not going through” condition parameters the effective atomic potential, treated as a function of the distance h from H to the boundary plane, reveals a well pronounced minimum at certain finite but nonzero h, which describes the mode of “soaring” of the atom above the plane. In particular cases of Dirichlet and Neumann conditions, the analysis of the soaring effect is based on the exact analytical solutions of the problem in terms of generalized spheroidal Coulomb functions. For h varying between the regions h ≫ aB and h ≪ aB, both the deformation of the electronic WF and the atomic state are studied in detail. For a more general case of Robin (third type) condition, the variational estimates and direct numerical tools are used. By means of the latter it is also shown that in the case of a sufficiently large positive affinity of the atom to the boundary plane a significant reconstruction of the lowest levels takes place, including the change of both the asymptotics and the general dependence on h.
Robotic vs open gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A propensity score‐matched analysis on short‐ and long‐term outcomes
Authors: Solaini Leonardo , Bazzocchi Francesca , Pellegrini Sara , Avanzolini Andrea , Perenze Barbara , Curti Roberta , Morgagni Paolo , Ercolani Giorgio
Published: May 2019

Background

The aim of this study was compare short‐ and long‐term outcomes between robotic (RG) and standard open gastrectomy (OG).

Methods

This is a single‐center propensity score‐matched study including patients who underwent RG or OG for gastric cancer between 2008 and 2018.

Results

In total, 191 patients could be included for analysis. Of 60 RG patients, 49 could be matched. After matching, significant differences in baseline characteristics were no longer present. Operative time was significantly longer (451 min, IQR: 392‐513) in the RG group than in the OG (262 min, IQR: 225‐330) (P < .0001). No significant differences in postoperative complications between RG (n = 15, 30.6%) and OG (n = 15, 30.6%) were seen (P = 1.000). Overall survival was comparable between the groups.

Conclusions

RG is feasible and safe. With regard to long‐term oncologic outcomes, survivals in the RG group were similar to those in OG group.
Restoring Murray River floodplain wetlands: Does the sediment record inform on watering regime?
Authors: Gell Peter A.
Published: May 2019

The floodplain wetlands of the southern Murray Darling Basin (MDB) have been subject to the impacts of catchment and water resource development for more than a century. Their current degraded state is attributed to the regulation of the rivers and abstraction of water volume for irrigation. The MDB Plan is to return at least 2,750 Gl of mean annual flow to the system to restore the condition of waterways. Considerable recent investment in infrastructure enables water to be released into the basin's floodplain wetlands. The proposed watering regime is underpinned by modelling that suggests that, before regulation, overbank flows would have occurred regularly as discharge peaked in winter and spring. Sediment cores have been extracted from over 50 floodplain wetlands of the southern Murray Basin. Those from several, large meander wavelength billabongs extend for 1,000–5,000 years suggesting that these sites were permanently inundated over that time. Others extend to ~200 years and are presumed not to have accumulated sediment until more recently. The records of most wetlands, however, only extend to the onset of river regulation in the 1920s, suggesting that before then they were not inundated for sufficient duration for net accumulation to occur. Preserved diatoms suggest that the shallow, plant‐dominated wetlands of the past have transitioned to deep, turbid water systems today. As rivers are identified as a source of sediment to wetlands, less regular inundation, rather than more, is a viable option in restoring the ecological function of these floodplain wetlands and in slowing sediment infill.
Fractal characterizations of energetic Si ions irradiated amorphized‐Si surfaces
Authors: Maity G. , Ojha Sunil , Sulania I. , Devrani K. , Patel Shiv P.
Published: May 2019

The fractal characterizations of amorphized‐silicon (a‐Si) surfaces under low‐energy ion irradiations are presented. The crystalline Si surfaces have been irradiated with Si ions having different energy of 35, 50, 75, and 100 keV at a fixed fluence of 2 × 1015 ions‐cm−2. The samples have been characterized by means of using Raman spectroscopy, Channeling‐Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (C‐RBS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The ion irradiation leads to the amorphization of Si near surface and subsurface region, as confirmed by Raman and C‐RBS measurement. The AFM analysis shows that the ion irradiation also leads to the formation of nanodots on the surface and size of the dots increases with increasing of the ion energy. The fractal analysis has been performed using AFM images in order to get the significant evidence about nanodot formations and the correlation inside the surface microstructures. The kinetic roughening and surface smoothening, due to dissipation of kinetic energy of ions through collision cascades of the surface atoms, lead to the formation of dot‐like structures.
Exploration of the Binding Properties of the Azo Dye Pollutants with Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene Oxide by Computational Modeling for Wastewater Treatment Improvement
Authors: Hezarkhani Maryam , Ghadari Rahim
Published: May 2019

Systematic studies were carried out to investigate the binding properties of ten selected azo dye pollutants with nitrogen‐doped graphene oxide. Acid Blue 29, Acid Orange 5, Acid Orange 7, Acid Orange 8, Acid Orange 52, Blue 113, Direct Blue 71, hydrolyzed Reactive Black 5H, hydrolyzed Reactive Orange 16H, and hydrolyzed Reactive Orange 107H were selected to be studied. At the first step, docking studies were done to provide the best binding modes between azo dye and nitrogen–doped graphene oxide. In continue, molecular dynamics simulation method, molecular mechanics/generalized Born and surface area (MM/GBSA) analysis, and energy decomposition analysis were carried out to examine the strength and nature of interactions between azo dye pollutants and nitrogen–doped graphene oxide. Analyzing of interaction during molecular dynamics simulation showed that van der Waals interaction has the most important role on the binding of the azo dyes to the surface of the nitrogen‐doped graphene oxide. Also, the contribution of electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions are not ignorable. The –SO3H, –OH, and –NH2 moieties on the azo dyes have a contribution in hydrogen bonding with the epoxide and –OH functional groups and pyridinium–like and pyrrole–like nitrogen‐containing functional groups on the nitrogen‐doped graphene oxide. No contributions from the carboxylic acid moieties and graphite‐like nitrogen‐containing functional groups in the hydrogen bonding were observed.

The binding energies related to ADs/NGO systems during the MD simulation process, calculated by MM/GBSA approach.

Entry
Azo dye
Binding energy (kcal mol–1)

1
Acid Blue 29
–42.7

2
Acid Orange 5
–32.6

3
Acid Orange 7
–30.1

4
Acid Orange 8
–32.2

5
Acid Orange 52
–28.3

6
Blue 113
–55.2

7
Direct Blue 71
–67.3

8
Hydrolyzed Reactive Black 5H
–30.2

9
Hydrolyzed Reactive Orange 16H
–32.6

10
Hydrolyzed Reactive Orange 107H
–27.0
Synthesis of Cerium‐Doped Zirconia Nanoparticles for the Electrochemical Detection of Dopamine by Modified Carbon Paste Electrode
Authors: Matt Santhosh Bullapura , Manjunatha Shivakumar. , Manjunatha S. , Sidlingappa Dharmaprakash M. , Sidlingappa Manjappa
Published: May 2019

Cerium doped zirconia (ZrO2) nanoparticles are used in the electrochemical investigation of one of the important neurotransmitter Dopamine. Cerium doped ZrO2 nanoparticles finds an interesting application for the electrochemical detection of Dopamine. These cerium doped zirconia nanoparticles were synthesized by environmental benign co‐precipitation method. The phase formation and the crystallinity of the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction and it was in cubic phase. The morphology of the nanoparticles was characterized by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy and the particle size was measured by using high resolution transmission microscopy. The average particle size was measured to be 18 nm. Additionally, the effectiveness of cerium doped zirconia nanoparticles modified carbon paste electrode (Ce‐ZrO2/MCPE) was evaluated by using cyclic voltammetric technique, to assess the application as electrochemical sensor for Dopamine. Differential pulse voltammetry method is used for the detection of Dopamine, the limit of detection was found to be 3.6 μmol L−1 based on (S/N=3). This shows high stability and low detection level at modified electrode. In addition, modified electrodes are also been used the detection of Dopamine in real time sample analyses with satisfactory results.
Preparation and Characterization of Starch Nanoparticles from Potato Starch by Combined Solid‐State Acid‐Catalyzed Hydrolysis and Nanoprecipitation
Authors: Wu Juan , Huang Yadi , Yao Risheng , Deng Shengsong , Li Fenghe , Bian Xialing
Published: May 2019

Nanoprecipitation has low efficiency in preparing starch nanoparticles, which is not conducive to large‐scale production. Solid‐state acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis combined with nanoprecipitation is used to simply and efficiently prepare starch nanoparticles. The effects of different hydrolysis times on the properties of the starch nanoparticles are explored, including the morphology, crystalline structural properties, and thermal properties. In addition, the loading and release behaviors of asarone from the starch nanoparticles are evaluated. Starch nanoparticles can be prepared by solid‐state acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis (12.5:1 starch/hydrochloric acid mass ratio, 3% hydrochloric acid, 80 °C and 12 h) combined with nanoprecipitation (water/ethanol volume ratio, 1:4) using 50 mg mL−1 starch solution, and the yield is 80–85%. The starch nanoparticles have a particle size of 200–300 nm. The combined solid‐state acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis and nanoprecipitation method can effectively prepare starch nanoparticles by increasing the starch solution concentration and reducing the amount of organic solvent compared to the requirements for traditional nanoprecipitation, which promotes the formation of starch nanoparticles.
The mechanism of damage by trace amounts of acetamiprid to the midgut of the silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Wang Hui , Li Fanchi , Qu Jianwei , Mao Tingting , Chen Jian , Li Mengxue , Lu Zhengting , Fang Yilong , Shi Guofang , Li Bing
Published: May 2019

Acetamiprid is widely used for agricultural pest control. However, it remains poorly understood whether the environmental residues of acetamiprid have the potential effects on economic insect. In this study, we evaluated the effects of acetamiprid on silkworm growth and development. The exposure to trace amounts of acetamiprid significantly decreased body weight, viability, and spinning ability. In addition, the activity of trypsin in the midgut was decreased after exposure. DGE and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the significantly differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in nutrient metabolism, stress responses, and inflammation pathways. These results, in combination with hematoxylin‐eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy, indicated that acetamiprid could cause oxidative damage to midgut, lead to inflammatory responses, and affect the activities of midgut digestive enzymes, thus resulting in abnormal growth and development. Our findings greatly contributed to the evaluation of the effects of acetamiprid residues on other nontarget beneficial insect.
Erratum to: New sequestrate fungi from Guyana: Jimtrappea guyanensis gen. sp. nov., Castellanea pakaraimophila gen. sp. nov., and Costatisporus cyanescens gen. sp. nov. (Boletaceae, Boletales)
Authors: Smith Matthew E. , Amses Kevin R. , Elliott Todd F. , Obase Keisuke , Aime M. Catherine , Henkel Terry W.
Published: May 2019

Page 312, Left column, Paragraph 5: Replace “Costatisporus caerulescens” by “Costatisporus cyanescens”.
Erratum to: Diaporthe is paraphyletic
Authors: Gao Yahui , Liu Fang , Duan Weijun , Crous Pedro W. , Cai Lei
Published: May 2019

In Gao et al. (2017), the reference Thompson et al. (2011) was incorrectly cited for its contents. The statement “Thompson et al. (2017) reported significant damage to sunflower in Australia caused by Diaporthe helianthi which was originally only known from Europe (former Yugoslavia), and is apparently an invasive species in Australia”, should be corrected to: “Thompson et al. (2017) reported considerable damage to sunflower in Australia caused by Diaporthe guylae. Diaporthe helianthi has not been found in Australia and remains a biosecurity threat (Thompson et al. 2011).
Three-dimensional extended Newtonian (super)gravity
Authors: Ozdemir Nese , Ozkan Mehmet , Tunca Orhan , Zorba Utku
Published: May 2019

Abstract

We present a three dimensional non-relativistic model of gravity that is invariant under the central extension of the symmetry group that leaves the recently constructed Newtonian gravity action invariant. We show that the model arises from the contraction of a bi-metric model that is the sum of the Einstein gravity in Lorentzian and the Euclidean signatures. We also present the supersymmetric completion of this action which provides one of the very few examples of an action for non-relativistic supergravity.
Enhancing the hierarchy and octant sensitivity of ESSνSB in conjunction with T2K, NOνA and ICAL@INO
Authors: Chakraborty Kaustav , Goswami Srubabati , Gupta Chandan , Thakore Tarak
Published: May 2019

Abstract

The main aim of the ESSνSB proposal is the discovery of the leptonic CP phaseδCPwith a high significance (5σfor 50% values ofδCP) by utilizing the physics at the second oscillation maxima of thePμechannel. It can achieve 3σsensitivity to hierarchy for all values ofδCP. In this work, we concentrate on the hierarchy and octant sensitivity of the ESSνSB experiment. We show that combining the ESSνSB experiment with the atmospheric neutrino data from the proposed India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) experiment can result in an increased sensitivity to mass hierarchy. In addition, we also combine the results from the ongoing experiments T2K and NOνa assuming their full run-time and present the combined sensitivity of ESSνSB + ICAL@INO + T2K + NOνA. We show that while by itself ESSνSB can have up to 3σhierarchy sensitivity, the combination of all the experiments can give up to 5σsensitivity depending on the true hierarchy-octant combination. The octant sensitivity of ESSνSB is low by itself. However the combined sensitivity of all the above experiments can give up to 3σsensitivity depending on the choice of true hierarchy and octant. We discuss the various degeneracies and the synergies that lead to the enhanced sensitivity when combining different experimental data.
Analyticity and crossing symmetry of superstring loop amplitudes
Authors: de Lacroix Corinne , Erbin Harold , Sen Ashoke
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Bros, Epstein and Glaser proved crossing symmetry of the S-matrix of a theory without massless fields by using certain analyticity properties of the off-shell momentum space Green’s function in the complex momentum plane. The latter properties follow from representing the momentum space Green’s function as Fourier transform of the position space Green’s function, satisfying certain properties implied by the underlying local quantum field theory. We prove the same analyticity properties of the momentum space Green’s functions in superstring field theory by directly working with the momentum space Feynman rules even though the corresponding properties of the position space Green’s function are not known. Our result is valid to all orders in perturbation theory, but requires, as usual, explicitly subtracting / regulating the non-analyticities associated with massless particles. These results can also be used to prove other general analyticity properties of the S-matrix of superstring theory.
A bound on quantum chaos from Random Matrix Theory with Gaussian Unitary Ensemble
Authors: Choudhury Sayantan , Mukherjee Arkaprava
Published: May 2019

Abstract

In this article, using the principles of Random Matrix Theory (RMT) with Gaussian Unitary Ensemble (GUE), we give a measure of quantum chaos by quantifying Spectral From Factor (SFF) appearing from the computation of two point Out of Time Order Correlation function (OTOC) expressed in terms of square of the commutator bracket of quantum operators which are separated in time scale. We also provide a strict model independent bound on the measure of quantum chaos, −1/N (1 − 1/π) ≤ SFF ≤ 0 and 0 ≤ SFF ≤ 1/πN, valid for thermal systems with large and small number of degrees of freedom respectively. We have studied both the early and late behaviour of SFF to check the validity and applicability of our derived bound. Based on the appropriate physical arguments we give a precise mathematical derivation to establish this alternative strict bound of quantum chaos. Finally, we provide an example of integrability from GUE based RMT from Toda Lattice model to explicitly show the application of our derived bound on SFF to quantify chaos.
Helicon-type radiofrequency plasma thrusters and magnetic plasma nozzles
Authors: Takahashi Kazunori
Published: May 2019

Development of electrodeless radiofrequency plasma thrusters, e.g., a helicon thruster, has been one the of challenging topics for future high-power and long-lived electric propulsion systems. The concept simply has a radiofrequency plasma production/heating source and a magnetic nozzle, while it seems to include many aspects of physics and engineering issues. The plasma produced inside the source is transported along the magnetic field lines and expands in the magnetic nozzle, where the plasma is spontaneously accelerated into the axial direction along the magnetic nozzle, yielding a generation of the thrust force. Hence, the plasma transport and spontaneous acceleration phenomena in the magnetic nozzle are key issues to improve the performance of the thrusters. Since the thrust is equal in magnitude and opposite in direction to momentum flux exhausted from the system, the direct measurement of the thrust can reveal not only the thruster performance but also fundamental physical quantity of plasma momentum flux. Here studies on fundamental physics relating to the thruster development and the technology for the compact and efficient system are reviewed; the current status of the thruster performance is shown. Finally, a recently proposed future new application of the thruster is also discussed.
Neuropsychological subtypes of incident mild cognitive impairment in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging
Authors: Machulda Mary M. , Lundt Emily S. , Albertson Sabrina M. , Kremers Walter K. , Mielke Michelle M. , Knopman David S. , Bondi Mark W. , Petersen Ronald C.
Published: May 2019

Introduction

We evaluated whether incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subtypes could be empirically derived in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging.

Methods

We performed cluster analysis on neuropsychological data from 506 participants with incident MCI.

Results

The 3‐cluster solution resulted in (1) amnestic, (2) dysexecutive, (3) dysnomic subtypes. The 4‐cluster solution produced these same three groups and a fourth group with subtle cognitive impairment (SCI). The SCI cluster was a subset of the amnestic cluster and distinct from well‐matched cognitively unimpaired participants based on memory and global z‐score area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analyses and probability of progression to MCI/dementia.

Discussion

We empirically identified three neuropsychological subtypes of MCI that share some features with MCI subtypes identified in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. The fourth subtype with SCI in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging differed from the fourth cluster‐derived normal group in Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative and could represent a group to target with early interventions.