bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remarks on the design and analyses of longitudinal studies for cancer patients with anorexia and weight loss
Authors: Le‐Rademacher Jennifer G. , Storrick Elizabeth M. , Jatoi Aminah
Published: August 2019

Longitudinal data serve an important role in understanding the cancer anorexia weight loss syndrome and in testing interventions to palliative and treat patients who develop this syndrome. The element of time and the interrelatedness of data points define longitudinal data and add to the richness of this type of data. However, longitudinal data can also give rise to non‐random, missing data that can lead to flawed conclusions. This paper discusses these issues and suggests practical considerations for design and analysis of longitudinal cancer anorexia weight loss studies.
Microwave‐assisted leaching of rare earth elements (Y and Eu) from waste cathode ray tube phosphor
Authors: Lie Jenni , Ismadji Suryadi , Liu Jhy‐Chern
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Phosphor in discarded cathode ray tube (CRT) contained valuable metals, yttrium (Y) and europium (Eu), which are categorized as technology‐critical elements (TCEs) in terms of their supply risk and importance in emerging technologies. Microwave‐assisted leaching was applied to recover Y and Eu from waste CRT with sulfuric acid (H2SO4) solution as the leaching agent in the current study. It is aimed to develop an alternative leaching method of valuable metals from waste CRT phosphor.

RESULTS

The effects of microwave power and acid concentration on leaching efficiency of Y and Eu were investigated. Shrinking‐core model could describe the leaching kinetics of Y and Eu well and it was controlled by chemical reaction and diffusion through the product layer. Higher leaching efficiency was found when microwave power increased from 200 to 600 W, and was also found as acid concentration increased from 0.5 to 2 mol L−1. Leaching efficiency of Y and Eu were 78.07% and 100%, respectively, for Y and Eu within 60 min at microwave power of 400 W, using 2 mol L−1 of H2SO4 at 10 g L−1 of solid to liquid ratio. Compared with conventional leaching, microwave‐assisted leaching is an alternative technology that could shorten reaction time significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

The concentration of acid and microwave power affected microwave‐assisted leaching of Y and Eu from waste CRT phosphor. Microwave‐assisted leaching could be an alternative process for rare earth elements recovery. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Generalized designs on graphs: Sampling, spectra, symmetries
Authors: Steinerberger Stefan
Published: August 2019

Spherical designs are finite sets of points on the sphere with the property that the average of certain (low‐degree) polynomials in these points coincides with the global average of the polynomial on . They are evenly distributed and often exhibit a great degree of regularity and symmetry. We point out that a spectral definition of spherical designs transfers to finite graphs—these ‘graphical designs’ are subsets of vertices that are evenly spaced and capture the symmetries of the underlying graph (should they exist). Our main result states that good graphical designs either consist of many vertices or their neighborhoods have exponential volume growth. We show several examples, describe ways to find them and discuss problems.
XtalFluor‐E: An Efficient Reagent for Synthesis of Oxazolines from Carboxylic Acids and O‐Silylated Amino Alcohols
Authors: Kumar Vadiga Shanthi , Gudise Veera Babu , Reddy Eeda Koti , Anwar Shaik
Published: August 2019

An efficient protocol has been developed for the synthesis of 2‐oxazolines from carboxylic acids and silylated amino alcohols. The advantage of this method was demonstrated by preparing O‐silylated amino alcohols. The reaction proceeds via in situ desilylation of O‐silylated amide followed by cyclization. Studies on silyl deprotection were carried out to explain yield for 2‐oxazolines.
Severe neonatal multiple sulfatase deficiency presenting with hydrops fetalis in a preterm birth patient
Authors: Schlotawa Lars , Dierks Thomas , Christoph Sophie , Cloppenburg Eva , Ohlenbusch Andreas , Korenke G. Christoph , Gärtner Jutta
Published: August 2019

Multiple sulfatase deficiency (MSD) is an ultra‐rare lysosomal storage disorder (LSD). Mutations in the SUMF1 gene encoding the formylglycine generating enzyme (FGE) result in an unstable FGE protein with reduced enzymatic activity, thereby affecting the posttranslational activation of newly synthesized sulfatases. Complete absence of FGE function results in the most severe clinical form of MSD with neonatal onset and rapid deterioration. We report on a preterm infant presenting with hydrops fetalis, lung hypoplasia, and dysmorphism as major clinical signs. The patient died after 6 days from an intraventricular hemorrhage followed by multi‐organ failure. MSD was caused by a homozygous SUMF1 stop mutation (c.191C>A, p.Ser64Ter). FGE protein and sulfatase activities were absent in patient fibroblasts. Hydrops fetalis is a rare symptom of LSDs and should be considered in the differential diagnosis in combination with dysmorphism. The diagnostic set up should include measurements of glycosaminoglycan excretion and lysosomal enzyme activities, among them at least two sulfatases, and molecular confirmation.
HDV infection in immigrant populations
Authors: Coppola Nicola , Alessio Loredana , Onorato Lorenzo , Sagnelli Caterina , Sagnelli Evangelista , Pisaturo Mariantonietta
Published: August 2019

Aims

Little data have been published so far on the epidemiological aspects of hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection in immigrant populations and even poorer is the information on the virological, phylogenetic, and clinical aspects of this infection in these populations. This review article, aimed primarily at physicians caring for immigrants, summarizes the information available on HDV infection and analyzes data on this topic concerning the immigrant populations.

Methods and Results

The prevalence of HDV infection in HBsAg‐positive immigrants varies according to the country of origin. For example, in immigrants from sub‐Saharan Africa, this prevalence is higher in those born in Equatorial Guinea (24.4%) than those from other African countries (10.3%).

The epidemiological impact of HDV infection linked to migratory flows is a function of the different endemicity between countries of origin and countries in which a new existence has been established. This impact is high when immigrants from areas endemic to HDV infection (eg, Equatorial Guinea) settle in areas of low endemicity (eg, Germany or England, with a prevalence of around 4%), while the impact is lesser or nonexistent if the migratory flows are directed toward countries with intermediate endemicity (eg, Italy and Greece, with a prevalence of around 10%).

Conclusion

This impact of immigration on HDV epidemiology can be strong when HDV endemicity is high in the country of origin and low in the host country and slight when immigrants move to high or medium endemic countries.
An adaptive greedy flow routing algorithm for performance improvement in software‐defined network
Authors: Shirmarz Alireza , Ghaffari Ali
Published: August 2019

The software‐defined network (SDN) is an architecture to separate control and data plane. There is a central controller to control the forwarding elements (FEs) under its domain. The controller can receive flows information and requirements to make a decision and impose rules to FEs for forwarding all packets belong to each flow. Routing can be done with considering performance parameters that are needed for each flow. The routing algorithms that support the thresholds of the flows' bandwidth, delay, jitter, and packet loss rate (PLR) are needed in the SDN architecture to optimize the delay, the blocking probability (BP), and the network utilization with an acceptable algorithm running time. In this paper, we proposed the greedy routing scheme in the Floodlight controller and evaluated this algorithm with the utilization, delay, BP, and algorithm time complexity. Extensive simulations are performed, and achieved results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in comparison with other baseline routing protocols such as random, shortest path (SP), and adaptive flow routing (AFR).
Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy for the analysis of Mexican yellow dyestuff
Authors: Garcia‐Bucio María Angélica , Maynez‐Rojas Miguel Ángel , Casanova‐González Edgar , Cárcamo‐Vega José Javier , Ruvalcaba‐Sil José Luis , Mitrani Alejandro
Published: August 2019

In pre‐Hispanic Mesoamerica, pigments and dyes were used in the elaboration of a large variety of colored objects. Obtaining information regarding the objects' material composition is useful in restoration and preservation processes, as well as for recovering knowledge of its production technology and the context and history of the object. Yellow colors have been obtained from a large variety of Mexican natural resources. Although mineral yellow pigments, such as orpiment and oxides, are relatively easy to identify by nondestructive and noninvasive techniques (X‐ray fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, fiber optics reflectance spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), organic yellow colorants are difficult to analyze by these techniques. Therefore, most works dealing with the identification of yellow dyes use destructive methods such as liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The aim of this work is to elaborate a methodology based on Raman spectroscopy and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy for the study of yellow colorants used in pre‐Hispanic and colonial Mexico, in order to aid in their identification by spectroscopic techniques. The yellow colorants selected for this work were extracted from local plants:zacatlaxcalli(Cuscuta tinctoria), old fustic (Maclura tinctoria), weld (Reseda luteola), marigold (Tagetes erecta), andxochipalli(Cosmos sulphureus).
Liver stiffness measurement at complete virological response in hepatoma prediction for HBV‐related cirrhosis patient with potent antiviral agent
Authors: Wang Jing‐Houng , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Chen Chien‐Hung , Hung Chao‐Hung , Yen Yi‐Hao , Chang Kuo‐Chin , Lu Sheng‐Nan
Published: August 2019

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development is ameliorated with nucleos(t)ide agent (NA) therapy for hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related cirrhosis patients. This study investigates whether liver stiffness (LS) measurement at complete virological response (CVR) was useful in predicting HCC development. Between July 2006 and August 2016, HBV‐related cirrhosis patients with potent NA (entecavir/tenofovir) with the first LS measurement during CVR and with serial LS were enrolled. Patients developing HCC 6 months after potent NA or before the first LS measurement were excluded. Three hundred and seventy‐one patients were enrolled. The median follow‐up was 5.6 and 3.8 years from potent NA treatment and the first LS measurement respectively. Twenty‐seven patients developed HCC. The 1‐, 3‐, 5‐ and 7‐year cumulated incidences of HCC occurrence were 0%, 2.8%, 5.8% and 9%, respectively. In addition to age > 57 years, LS > =21.5 kPa (HR: 3.86, 95%CI: 1.67‐8.94) was an independent factor associated with HCC occurrence in multivariate analysis. However, the magnitude of change in LS was not associated with HCC development. For the first LS in HCC prediction, the performance was 0.636. There were two to thirteen LS measurements during CVR. The change in LS was classified into four patterns stratified by the first and serial LS. Compared with those with serial LS < 21.5 kPa, patients with LS > =21.5 kPa tend to have higher HCC occurrence (P = .062). In summary, LS at CVR was an independent factor associated with HCC development for HBV‐related cirrhosis patients with potent NA. However, LS was not satisfactory in the prediction performance of HCC development.
Curcuminoid‐Based Difluoroboron Dyes as High‐Performance Photosensitizers in Long‐Wavelength (Yellow and Red) Cationic Photopolymerization
Authors: Han Weixiang , You Jian , Li Hui , Zhao Di , Nie Jun , Wang Tao
Published: August 2019

Difluoroboron β‐diketonate dyes are reported to exhibit excellent photophysical properties (e.g., broad absorption and large extinction coefficients) and have the potential to act as high‐performance photosensitizers in cationic photopolymerization (CP). In this study, four curcuminoid‐based difluoroboron dyes (BF2Curs) are prepared. Their ability to initiate the CP of epoxides or vinyl ethers in combination with an iodonium salt under yellow and red LEDs is investigated. Some of the BF2Curs‐based photoinitiating systems exhibit much higher efficiencies than the reported anthraquinone derivative Oil Blue N (OBN). The molecular structure of BF2Curs is found to play a critical role in the photoinitiating efficiencies of cationic polymerization.
SAR comparison between CASL and pCASL at high magnetic field and evaluation of the benefit of a dedicated labeling coil
Authors: Hirschler Lydiane , Collomb Nora , Voiron Jérôme , Köhler Sascha , Barbier Emmanuel L. , Warnking Jan M.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To investigate the heating induced by (pseudo)‐continuous arterial spin labeling ((p)CASL) sequences in vivo at 9.4T and to evaluate the benefit of a dedicated labeling coil.

Methods

Temperature was measured continuously in the brain, neck, and rectum of 9 rats with fiber‐optic temperature probes while running pCASL‐EPI and CASL‐EPI sequences, with labeling B1 amplitudes (B1ave) of 3, 5, and 7 μT and using a dedicated labeling RF coil or a volume coil. From the temperature time courses, the corresponding specific absorption rate (SAR) was computed. A trade‐off between SAR and labeling quality was determined based on measured inversion efficiencies.

Results

ASL experiments with standard parameters (B1ave = 5 µT, Tacq = 4 min, labeling with volume coil) lead to a brain temperature increase due to RF of 0.72 ± 0.46 K for pCASL and 0.25 ± 0.17 K for CASL. Using a dedicated labeling coil reduced the RF‐induced SAR by a factor of 10 in the brain and a factor of 2 in the neck. Besides SAR due to RF, heat from the coil decoupling circuits produced significant temperature increases. When labeling with a dedicated coil, this mechanism was the dominant source of brain heating. At equivalent RF‐SAR, CASL provided slightly superior label efficiency to pCASL and is therefore the preferred sequence when an ASL coil is available.

Conclusion

B1ave = 4–5 µT provided a good compromise between label efficiency and SAR, both for pCASL and CASL. The sensitivity of animals to heating should be taken into account when optimizing preclinical ASL protocols and may require reducing scan duration or lowering B1ave.
Robust estimation of quantitative perfusion from multi‐phase pseudo‐continuous arterial spin labeling
Authors: Msayib Y. , Craig M. , Simard M. A. , Larkin J. R. , Shin D. D. , Liu T. T. , Sibson N. R. , Okell T. W. , Chappell M. A.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Multi‐phase PCASL has been proposed as a means to achieve accurate perfusion quantification that is robust to imperfect shim in the labeling plane. However, there exists a bias in the estimation process that is a function of noise in the data. In this work, this bias is characterized and then addressed in animal and human data.

Methods

The proposed algorithm to overcome bias uses the initial biased voxel‐wise estimate of phase tracking error to cluster regions with different off‐resonance phase shifts, from which a high‐SNR estimate of regional phase offset is derived. Simulations were used to predict the bias expected at typical SNR. Multi‐phase PCASL in 3 rat strains (n = 21) at 9.4 T was considered, along with 20 human subjects previously imaged using ASL at 3 T. The algorithm was extended to include estimation of arterial blood flow velocity.

Results

Based on simulations, a perfusion estimation bias of 6‐8% was expected using 8‐phase data at typical SNR. This bias was eliminated when a high‐precision estimate of phase error was available. In the preclinical data, the bias‐corrected measure of perfusion (107 ± 14 mL/100g/min) was lower than the standard analysis (116 ± 14 mL/100g/min), corresponding to a mean observed bias across strains of 8.0%. In the human data, bias correction resulted in a 15% decrease in the estimate of perfusion.

Conclusions

Using a retrospective algorithmic approach, it was possible to exploit common information found in multiple voxels within a whole region of the brain, offering superior SNR and thus overcoming the bias in perfusion quantification from multi‐phase PCASL.
“Keep it simple”: Perspectives of patients with low back pain on how to qualify a patient‐centred consultation using patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: Ibsen Charlotte , Schiøttz‐Christensen Berit , Maribo Thomas , Nielsen Claus Vinther , Hørder Mogens , Handberg Charlotte
Published: August 2019

Background

Patient‐reported outcomes are expected to play an important role in patient‐centred health care. To capture patients' perspectives, patient involvement in the development of patient‐reported outcome (PRO) instruments is essential, but often lacking. This qualitative study explored the perspectives of patients with low back pain, to gain an understanding of how to qualify a patient‐centred consultation by using PROs. This was done by exploring patients' perspectives regarding the assessment of functioning and disability as part of the development of a new PRO instrument based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set.

Methods

Semi‐structured focus group interviews with seven patients with low back pain were conducted. Data were analysed by drawing on the Interpretive Description methodology.

Results

The analysis revealed three core themes: simplicity, individuality and application. Simplicity represented keeping items to a minimum and avoiding overlaps; individuality implied the need for individualized answers; and application signified that PROs should be utilized during the consultation, and that they can provide useful information for clinical decision‐making.

Conclusions

The study provides essential knowledge about elements of importance to patients with low back pain when aiming for a patient‐centred consultation using PROs. Furthermore, it underlines the importance of involving patients in PRO development because their perspectives improved the new PRO instrument.
A greedy reduced basis scheme for multifrequency solution of structural acoustic systems
Authors: Baydoun Suhaib Koji , Voigt Matthias , Jelich Christopher , Marburg Steffen
Published: August 2019

The solution of frequency dependent linear systems arising from the discretization of vibro‐acoustic problems requires a significant computational effort in the case of rapidly varying responses. In this paper, we review the use of a greedy reduced basis scheme for the efficient solution in a frequency range. The reduced basis is spanned by responses of the system at certain frequencies that are chosen iteratively based on the response that is currently worst approximated in each step. The approximations at intermediate frequencies as well as the a posteriori estimations of associated errors are computed using a least squares solver. The proposed scheme is applied to the solution of an interior acoustic problem with boundary element method (BEM) and to the solution of coupled structural acoustic problems with finite element method and BEM. The computational times are compared to those of a conventional frequencywise strategy. The results illustrate the efficiency of the method.
Errors in inhaler use related to devices and to inhalation technique among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary health care
Authors: Lindh Annika , Theander Kersti , Arne Mats , Lisspers Karin , Lundh Lena , Sandelowsky Hanna , Ställberg Björn , Westerdahl Elisabeth , Zakrisson Ann‐Britt
Published: August 2019

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe inhaler use in primary health care patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to categorize these patients into those making errors related to devices, those making errors related to inhalation technique and those making errors related to both.

Design

Observational study.

Methods

COPD nurses used a checklist to assess the use of inhalers by patients with spirometry‐verified COPD (N = 183) from primary healthcare centres. The STROBE checklist has been used.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 71 (SD 9) years. Almost half of them (45%) made at least one error; of these, 50% made errors related to devices, 31% made errors related to inhalation technique and 19% made errors related both to devices and to inhalation technique.
Pharmacokinetic study of thymol after intravenous injection and high‐dose inhalation in mouse model
Authors: Xie Kevin , Tashkin Donald P. , Luo Mary Z. , Zhang Jack Y.
Published: August 2019

Thymol is generally recognized as a safe substance by the FDA and has been widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies of thymol have been previously conducted for oral administration, but there has been no PK study for inhalation administration or intravenous (IV) injection. This study aims at exploring and comparing the inhalation and IV PK profile of thymol in a mouse model. The inhalation PK for mouse model was corrected with fur/skin absorption. Thirty‐two male CD‐1 mice were randomized into two study arms, Arm‐A for intravenous (n = 16) and Arm‐B for inhalation (n = 16). The amount of thymol in the mouse serum was measured for Arm‐A and for Arm‐B at the highest dose. Furthermore, 48 mice were utilized for fur/skin absorption of thymol. In total, 320 mouse serum samples for thymol were analyzed by LC/MS method. After inhalation, the peak concentration of thymol in mouse serum was 42.3 ng/mL (Cmax) and occurred at 2 minutes (tmax). The AUC of the inhaled thymol at 0‐60 minutes (AUC0‐60) was 464 ng/mL/min. From 10‐60 minutes post‐dose, the PK inhalation curve appeared to be higher than that for the IV injection. This is likely attributed to the effect of absorption of thymol through the fur/skin of mice. After an adjustment by fur/skin absorption, the PK profile for net inhalation closely matched the two‐compartment model. In fact, the bioavailability for the net inhalation of thymol was 74% and 77% relative to that for IV injection per AUC0‐60min and AUC0‐infinite, respectively.
The Effect of Hydrogen on the Device Stability of Amorphous InGaZnO Thin‐Film Transistors under Positive Bias with Various Temperature Stresses
Authors: Kim Myeong-Ho , Park Jun-won , Lim Jun-Hyung , Choi Duck-Kyun
Published: August 2019

The effects of hydrogen incorporation in the active layer of amorphous InGaZnO (a‐IGZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) on device characteristics and instability under positive bias stress (PBS) and positive bias temperature stress (PBTS) are studied. To control the amount of incorporated hydrogen, rapid thermal annealing (RTA) treatment is conducted on the gate insulator layer before active layer deposition. It is confirmed that the amount of residual hydrogen in the gate insulator layer decreases with increasing RTA treatment time. Device stability is examined with RTA treatment times of 1 and 3 min under PBS. The device fabricated with a shorter RTA treatment time shows relatively better stability. This result is attributed to defect passivation by hydrogen that diffuses to the active layer from the gate insulator during the post‐annealing process. Additionally, TFT shows the negative shift of Vth under a high‐temperature PBTS condition. This result is due to the additional diffusion of residual hydrogen from the gate insulator into the active layer and hydrogen‐related deep state transition in the active layer by external thermal energy and a PBS condition.
A Survey of Transparent Conducting Films and Optoelectrical Materials for High Optical Power Applications
Authors: Yoo Jae-Hyuck , Lange Andrew , Chesser John , Falabella Steve , Elhadj Selim
Published: August 2019

The lifetime laser damage performance of a wide range of transparent conductive materials is assessed, including ultrathin metal films, doped metal oxides, doped compound semiconductors, and graphene whose carrier densities span five orders of magnitude from 1018 to 1023 cm−3. Lifetime laser damage thresholds are determined by exposing material surfaces to repeated nanosecond laser pulses at near IR wavelengths (1064 nm). Near threshold fluences, two distinct damage modes, i.e., bulk and discrete, emerge depending on carrier density. These bulk and discrete damage modes are attributed to free carrier‐induced bulk and localized, defect‐driven absorption processes, respectively. For polycrystalline films with free carrier densities greater than ≈1020 cm−3, laser damage thresholds are less than 5 J cm−2. In contrast, bulk absorption is not apparent at thresholds substantially higher than ≈10 J cm−2 in single‐crystal films with free carrier concentrations lower than ≈1019 cm−3. By increasing thickness, films with lower carrier densities can deliver relevant levels of sheet conductance (<200 Ω sq−1) while remaining transparent. These lifetime laser damage threshold measurements offer systematic criteria to select materials aimed at handling high optical powers in optoelectronics devices and emerging plasmonic and metamaterials for lasers.
Therapeutic effects of curcumin on sepsis and mechanisms of action: A systematic review of preclinical studies
Authors: Karimi Arash , Ghodsi Ramin , Kooshki Fateme , Karimi Mozhdeh , Asghariazar Vahid , Tarighat‐Esfanjani Ali
Published: August 2019

Sepsis is a complex disease that begins with an infectious disorder and causes excessive immune responses. Curcumin is considered as an active component of turmeric that can improve the condition in sepsis due to its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties. PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched. Searching was not limited to a specific publication period. Only English‐language original articles, which had examined the effect of curcumin on sepsis, were included. At first, 1,098 articles were totally found, and 209 articles were selected after excluding duplicated data; 46 articles were remained due to the curcumin effects on sepsis. These included 23 in vitro studies and 23 animal studies. Our results showed that curcumin and various analogs of curcumin can have an inhibitory effect on sepsis‐induced complications. Curcumin has the ability to inhibit the inflammatory, oxidative coagulation factors, and regulation of immune responses in sepsis. Despite the promising evidence of the therapeutic effects of curcumin on the sepsis complication, further studies seem necessary to investigate its effect and possible mechanisms of action in human studies.
Resilience in Crisis Management at the Municipal Level: The Synne Storm in Norway
Authors: Steen Riana , Morsut Claudia
Published: August 2019

This paper focuses on the role resilience plays in flood crisis management at the municipal level. Drawing from crisis management and the resilience literature, we outline a conceptual framework for crisis management that incorporates resilience abilities, namely the ability to respond, monitor, anticipate, and learn. Then, through an in‐depth analysis of a flood event, provoked by the Synne storm in Norway in 2015, we explore the extent to which Eigersund municipality succeeded in managing the flood. We conclude by outlining the importance of resilience abilities to cope with learning and coordination challenges and by proposing further research endeavors.
Modelling the impacts of grassland to cropland conversion on river flow regimes in Skunk Creek watershed, Upper Midwest United States
Authors: Ahiablame Laurent , Sheshukov Aleksey Y. , Mosase Esther , Hong Jiyeong
Published: August 2019

Conversion of grassland to cultivated cropland has been linked to downstream alteration of flow regimes. This study used the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to construct seven “what if” scenarios for quantifying the impacts of grassland to cropland and vice versa conversion (i.e., replacement of grassland with selected agricultural crops) on river flow regimes in Skunk Creek watershed. The Cropland Data Layer for the year 2011 in conjunction with historical climate data was used to create SWAT models for scenario simulations over 19 years, from 1996 to 2014. The model developed for the historical climate records (baseline) was compared with the scenarios examined using stream flow metrics for a range of flow regimes, including magnitude, duration, frequency, and timing of annual low‐ and high‐flow conditions. The simulation results suggest that grassland conversion to cultivated cropland would generally increase river flows compared with conversion of cultivated cropland to grassland, which may reduce flows in the watershed. Low and moderate flows increased by 2–8% from the baseline scenario with conversion of grass crop and by 1–20% decreases with crop–grass conversion. High flows increased by 3–7% and decreased by 1–18% when grass is converted to crop and crop to grass, respectively. The analysis also suggests that grassland establishment may attenuate the peaks of prolonged small floods and shorter but earlier large floods.
MgO‐Nanoparticle‐Catalyzed Synthesis and Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of New Multi‐Ring Compounds Containing Spiro[indoline‐3,4′‐[1,3]dithiine]
Authors: Moghaddam‐Manesh Mohammadreza , Ghazanfari Dadkhoda , Sheikhhosseini Enayatollah , Akhgar Mohammadreza
Published: August 2019

Multi‐component reaction indoline‐2,3‐dione derivatives, malononitrile, carbon disulfide and dimedone have led to newly synthesized 6′‐amino‐2′‐(4,4‐dimethyl‐2,6‐dioxocyclohexylidene)‐2‐oxospiro[indoline‐3,4′‐[1,3]dithiine]‐5′‐carbonitrile derivatives under acidic and base conditions with high efficiency during a simplified process. In acidic conditions, using MgO nanoparticleas as a catalyst, greater yields in shorter time was observed. The biological effects of synthetic derivatives such as antibacterial and antifungal effects based on inhibition zone diameter, minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, minimum fungicidal concentration and antioxidant effects on DPPH free radical, have been the subject of previous studies. The results showed that some derivatives show higher antimicrobial effects compared to commercial drugs.
Synthesis of Thiazolo[3,2‐b] [1,2,4]triazoles through Pd‐Catalyzed Copper‐Free Sonogashira Coupling Reaction
Authors: Bakherad Mohammad , Kakav Ghalenoei Ahmad , Keivanloo Ali
Published: August 2019

The synthesis of 2‐substituted thiazolo[3,2‐b] [1,2,4]triazoles is accomplished copper‐free, Pd‐catalyzed Sonogashira reaction of 6‐(iodomethyl)‐2‐methylthiazolo[3,2‐b][1,2,4]triazole with terminal alkynes in DMF at 70 °C. The coupling reaction of phenylacetylene and 4‐ethynyltoluene gave the desired products in high yields. While, the Sonogashira reaction of alkynes such as 1‐hexyne, 1‐octyne, propargyl alcohols, and propargyl amines afforded the products in good yields.
Reactive behavioural adaptation of service compositions
Authors: Tretola Giancarlo , Zimeo Eugenio
Published: August 2019

We are assisting to a paradigmatic shift in developing Web applications since their components are often distributed and deployed as services among different organizations. Their logic is based on a set of actions that can be linked together by exploiting higher level languages more suitable to address the scale of the Web. On this multi‐organization scale, applications can be influenced by different context events generated by the environment where they run. Handling these events requires run‐time adaptations of the application's behaviour to react, properly and quickly, to changes. The paper addresses these needs by proposing a programming paradigm based on “autonomic service compositions,” ie, compositions that are able to self‐change their structure, according to a specific life cycle, to allow for the continuation of execution, even if unexpected events arise. The approach exploits autonomic computing and reasoning for taking decision on information collected during processes execution. Autonomic actions on composition structures are performed using Event Condition Action rules and a set of meta‐operations. The approach is detailed, analysed, and discussed with reference to some examples derived from a real‐world application.
Physical‐, chemical‐, and biological‐responsive nanomedicine for cancer therapy
Authors: Liao Jinfeng , Jia Yanpeng , Wu Yongzhi , Shi Kun , Yang Dawei , Li Pei , Qian Zhiyong
Published: August 2019

Cancer therapy is unsatisfactory as it typically has serious side effects, because normal cells in healthy organs are destroyed along with the tumor. Thus, researchers have tried to develop effective therapies with minimal side effects. One such method is to use nanotechnology to carry the drugs or therapeutic agents to the tumor region by secure encapsulation without leakage. Once the nanomedicine enters the target tumor site, it can release therapeutic agents in an effective manner. Accordingly, various nanomedicines have been developed to enhance the efficiency of cancer therapy and minimize the systematic toxicity. Here, we provide an overview and discuss the different types of responsive nanomedicines including physically, chemically, biologically, dual, and multi‐responsive nanomedicines, for the in situ release of cargos in recent years. We propose critical considerations that must be considered for the design of excellent stimuli‐nanomedicine. Furthermore, the possible directions for the development of successful stimuli‐responsive (smart) nanomedicine are highlighted. With the development of responsive nanomedicines, precise and personalized nanomedicine will be realized with great promise in the future.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Composing Proof Terms
Authors: Kohl Christina , Middeldorp Aart
Published: August 2019

Proof terms are a useful concept for comparing computations in term rewriting. We analyze proof terms with composition, with an eye towards automation. We revisit permutation equivalence and projection equivalence, two key notions presented in the literature. We report on the integration of proof terms with composition into ProTeM, a tool for manipulating proof terms.
Characterization of the microbiota in long- and short-term natural indigo fermentation
Authors: Tu Zhihao , de Fátima Silva Lopes Helena , Igarashi Kensuke , Yumoto Isao
Published: August 2019

The duration for which the indigo-reducing state maintenance in indigo natural fermentation in batch dependent. The microbiota was analyzed in two batches of sukumo fermentation fluids that lasted for different durations (Batch 1: less than 2 months; Batch 2: nearly 1 year) to understand the mechanisms underlying the sustainability and deterioration of this natural fermentation process. The transformation of the microbiota suggested that the deterioration of the fermentation fluid is associated with the relative abundance of Alcaligenaceae. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) showed that the microbial community maintained a very stable state in only the long-term Batch 2. Therefore, entry of the microbiota into a stable state under alkaline anaerobic condition is an important factor for maintenance of indigo fermentation for long duration. This is the first report on the total transformation of the microbiota for investigation of long-term maintenance mechanisms and to address the problem of deterioration in indigo fermentation.
Influence of Alcohol on Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors Use in Middle- to Old-Aged Men: A Comparative Study of Adverse Events
Authors: Kim Jong Nyeong , Oh Jong Jin , Park Dong Soo , Hong Young Kwon , Yu Young Dong
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Some previous studies reported recreational use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors by ingesting the medicine with alcohol in patients with erectile dysfunction, but the rate of misuse in general population has never been researched.

Aim

To investigate the frequency of concomitant alcohol consumption with PDE-5 inhibitors in the general male population. We secondarily analyzed the influence of alcohol on PDE-5 inhibitor.

Methods

325 men with erectile dysfunction (age 34–78) who received PDE-5 inhibitors at a single medical institution from January 2016–February 2018 were included in the study. All patients fulfilled a survey questionnaire assessing (i) average alcohol consumption amount, (ii) previous use of PDE-5 inhibitors with alcohol and purpose of concomitant alcohol use, (iii) and background knowledge about PDE-5 inhibitors' side effects.

Main Outcomes Measures

The main outcome measure was frequency of concomitant alcohol consumption with PDE-5 inhibitors in the general male population.

Results

Overall 148 patients committed concomitant alcohol use (group 1), and 177 patients did not (group 2). No significant differences were observed between 2 groups regarding types of PDE-5 inhibitors used and underlying disease. Group 2 had significantly more patients with the correct knowledge concerning concomitant alcohol use than group 1 (24.9% vs 13.5%). Group 1 had more patients with average alcohol consumption >15 drinks/week (64.8% vs 14.1%). The reasons for concomitant alcohol use were curiosity (35.1%), enhancing sexual desire (27%) and recommendation from friends (16.9%). Group 1 showed significantly greater complications, including headache (23.6% vs 7.3%) and facial flushing (69.6% vs 12.4%), than group 2. 1 patient in group 1 experienced severe chest discomfort and underwent coronary artery angiography, but no severe obstructive lesion was observed.

Conclusion

45.5% of middle- to old-age men committed concomitant use of PDE-5 inhibitor with alcohol because of recreational purpose, and this alcohol abuse might lead to severe complications, including chest discomfort and dizziness.
LARGE CARDINALS BEYOND CHOICE
Authors: BAGARIA JOAN , KOELLNER PETER , WOODIN W. HUGH
Published: August 2019

The HOD Dichotomy Theorem states that if there is an extendible cardinal, δ, then either HOD is “close” to V (in the sense that it correctly computes successors of singular cardinals greater than δ) or HOD is “far” from V (in the sense that all regular cardinals greater than or equal to δ are measurable in HOD). The question is whether the future will lead to the first or the second side of the dichotomy. Is HOD “close” to V, or “far” from V? There is a program aimed at establishing the first alternative—the “close” side of the HOD Dichotomy. This is the program of inner model theory. In recent years the third author has provided evidence that there is an ultimate inner model—Ultimate-L—and he has isolated a natural conjecture associated with the model—the Ultimate-L Conjecture. This conjecture implies that (assuming the existence of an extendible cardinal) that the first alternative holds—HOD is “close” to V. This is the future in which pattern prevails. In this paper we introduce a very different program, one aimed at establishing the second alternative—the “far” side of the HOD Dichotomy. This is the program of large cardinals beyond choice. Kunen famously showed that if AC holds then there cannot be a Reinhardt cardinal. It has remained open whether Reinhardt cardinals are consistent in ZF alone. It turns out that there is an entire hierarchy of choiceless large cardinals of which Reinhardt cardinals are only the beginning, and, surprisingly, this hierarchy appears to be highly ordered and amenable to systematic investigation, as we shall show in this paper. The point is that if these choiceless large cardinals are consistent then the Ultimate-L Conjecture must fail. This is the future where chaos prevails.
An Approach to Legal Principles Based on Their Justifying Function
Authors: Etcheverry Juan B.
Published: August 2019

This paper intends to throw light upon some aspects of the debate on the characterization of legal principles and on their differences when compared to rules. Particularly, this analysis proposes differentiating principles from rules by considering the functions they perform in law instead of their structural differences. To achieve this, we distinguish between the functions of guidance and justification that legal principles fulfill. From that distinction, we observe that the attempt to characterize legal principles based on the way in which they guide conduct does not seem to be the most appropriate either. In contrast, this paper tries to show that all the different types of precepts known as principles perform a justifying function in legal reasoning.
Contemporary Tort Theory and Tort Law’s Evolution
Authors: Murphy John
Published: August 2019

Although grand, explanatory theories of tort law come apart from one another in many ways, they also have a fair amount in common. One core claim found in the work of various Kantian theorists, as well as a number of leading rights theorists, is that tort law develops, incrementally, in such a way as to achieve ever greater coherence (where such coherence is measured according to key tenets of the particular theories). This article takes issue with that claim. It shows, by reference to a host of legal landmarks, that tort law neither does, nor must, develop in this way. A great many important innovations in tort cannot be reconciled with central aspects of the theories in view, but they are easily explained by reference to major changes in material conditions of life, shifts in the ideological Zeitgeist, judicial partiality and juristic influence. As long as such factors are free to exert their influence – and there is nothing to suggest that they are not so free – it is implausible to suggest that tort law will inexorably move towards a state of ever greater coherence.
Surgical site infections in outpatient surgeries: Less invasive procedures contribute substantially to the overall burden
Authors: Linsenmeyer Katherine , Branch-Elliman Westyn , Kalver Emily , Mull Hillary J.
Published: August 2019

More than 50% of outpatient surgeries predicted to have an increased likelihood of an adverse event were excluded from surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance based on Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) eligibility criteria, defined by clinician determination of invasiveness. Burden of SSI for eligible versus ineligible surgeries was similar; thus, surveillance activities in the outpatient setting need to be re-evaluated.
A Low-cost Continuous-flow Gas Interface for Coupling an Elemental Analyzer with a Micadas AMS: gas flow Mathematical Model and first results
Authors: Salazar Gary , Szidat Sönke
Published: August 2019

A fully automatic continuous-flow gas injection interface was built to couple an elemental analyzer with a MICADAS accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) as a low-cost option that does not require an absorber trap for CO2 injection. The complication of the variable ion current during gas injection can be overcome by understanding and controlling the mass flow-dependent ionization yield. The time-varying CO2 concentrations and carbon mass flows are estimated with a mathematical model in order to investigate their relationship with the abundant isotope (12C–) signal. This model is based on a complete CO2 diffusion equation and instantaneous mass flow. It shows a good agreement between model calculations and the measurements. A reversible suppression of the formation of ions occurs, if the carbon mass flow exceeds 2.0–2.3 µg C/min. This result repeats for different injection capillaries and for different carrier volumetric flow rates.
Enzymatically modified isoquercitrin improves endothelial function in volunteers at risk of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Bondonno Nicola P. , Bondonno Catherine P. , Ward Natalie C. , Woodman Richard J. , Hodgson Jonathan M. , Croft Kevin D.
Published: August 2019

A higher intake of food rich in flavonoids such as quercetin can reduce the risk of CVD. Enzymatically modified isoquercitrin (EMIQ®) has a bioavailability 17-fold higher than quercetin aglycone and has shown potential CVD moderating effects in animal studies. The present study aimed to determine whether acute ingestion of EMIQ® improves endothelial function, blood pressure (BP) and cognitive function in human volunteers at risk of CVD. Twenty-five participants (twelve males and thirteen females) with at least one CVD risk factor completed this randomised, controlled, crossover study. In a random order, participants were given EMIQ® (2 mg aglycone equivalent)/kg body weight or placebo alongside a standard breakfast meal. Endothelial function, assessed by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery was measured before and 1·5 h after intervention. BP, arterial stiffness, cognitive function, BP during cognitive stress and measures of quercetin metabolites, oxidative stress and markers of nitric oxide (NO) production were assessed post-intervention. After adjustment for pre-treatment measurements and treatment order, EMIQ® treatment resulted in a significantly higher FMD response compared with the placebo (1·80 (95 % CI 0·23, 3·37) %; P = 0·025). Plasma concentrations of quercetin metabolites were significantly higher (P < 0·001) after EMIQ® treatment compared with the placebo. No changes in BP, arterial stiffness, cognitive function or biochemical parameters were observed. In this human intervention study, the acute administration of EMIQ® significantly increased circulating quercetin metabolites and improved endothelial function. Further clinical trials are required to assess whether health benefits are associated with long-term EMIQ® consumption.
EMPEDOCLES AND THE BIRTH OF TREES: RECONSTRUCTING P.STRASB. GR. INV. 1665–6, ENS. D–F 10B–18
Authors: Ferella Chiara
Published: August 2019

The reconstruction of ensemble d–f of the Akhmîm Papyrus, better known as the Strasbourg Papyrus, which attests approximately eighteen of the over seventy new lines of Empedocles’ physical poem, has drawn the attention of scholars over recent years. Thanks to the good condition of the papyrus and the coincidence with two Empedoclean lines, already known from the indirect tradition, ensemble d–f 1–10a presents a well-restored text and an intelligible sense. In contrast, because of the damaged state of the papyrus, the restoration of d–f 10b–18 is more complicated. These lines seem to describe a life-generative process, but what process was Empedocles talking about? Some resemblances between these papyrus lines and the lines of another Empedoclean fragment, DK 31 B 62, have suggested to scholars, notably to A. Martin and O. Primavesi in 1999 and M. Rashed in 2011, that the lines of the papyrus depict, just like DK 31 B 62, the generation of whole-natured beings (οὐλοφυεῖς; cf. B 62.4). Other scholars, however, such as R. Janko in 2004 (see n. 1) and A. Laks and G.W. Most in 2016, show more caution and leave the possibility open that Empedocles is here talking about the generation of something else.
THE POLITICS OF FILTH: SANITATION, WORK, AND COMPETING MORALITIES IN URBAN MADAGASCAR 1890s–1977
Authors: RIJKE-EPSTEIN TASHA
Published: August 2019

This article tracks the historical processes that shaped human waste management practices in Majunga, Madagascar from the city's founding in the mid-eighteenth century to contemporary times. Moving beyond colonial urban histories of sanitation, this article charts the meanings, strategies, and work practices Majunga residents employed to deal with predicaments of waste in everyday life. I argue that the particular material configuration of the colonial sanitation infrastructure in Majunga required new forms of labor — especially maintenance work — which city dwellers evaluated through existing moral norms. With the construction of French colonial sanitation infrastructures and the new labor regimes they necessitated, waste management became a key vector through which notions of difference were negotiated over the early- to mid-twentieth century. Shifting emphasis away from colonial infrastructure as disparity and onto moments of reception can contribute fresh insights not only on the histories of African cities, but also to histories of technology in the Global South.