bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Anchored in 3D Nickel Framework with Graphene Support for Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Narasimman Rajaram , Waldiya Manmohansingh , Karthik Esakki , Mukhopadhyay Indrajit , Ray Abhijit
Published: April 2019

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), MoS2, and WS2 have emerged as low‐cost and earth‐abundant electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this work, electrocatalytic HER performance of these TMDCs, supported by few layered graphene and loaded on a 3D framework of Ni foam (Gr/NF), is reported. The graphene in Gr/NF is prepared from inexpensive camphor by atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition. The graphene‐supported TMDCs anchored on the Ni foam are demonstrated with a low overpotential for HER below 200 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 which is comparable to their edge terminated counterparts and surpassing that of unsupported bulk or amorphous TMDCs. In addition, their small Tafel slopes (95 and 83 mV dec−1 for MoS2‐ and WS2‐based Gr/NF electrocatalysts, respectively), charge transfer resistance, and long‐term stability make them promising non‐noble electrocatalysts. First principle investigations of the (Mo/W)S2/Gr/NF heterostructure shows that their enhanced electrocatalytic activity can be attributed to the d‐band shift in the transition metals, Mo/W (a larger shift for WS2) by Ni, promoting unoccupied antibonding orbitals which facilitate the hydrogen adsorption–desorption process.
Confined Synthesis of 2D Nanostructured Materials toward Electrocatalysis
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Zhang Xiao , Cheng Hongfei , Liu Jiawei , Shao Mingfei , Wei Min , Evans David G. , Zhang Hua , Duan Xue
Published: April 2019

2D nanostructured materials have shown great application prospects in energy conversion, owing to their unique structural features and fascinating physicochemical properties. Developing efficient approaches for the synthesis of well‐defined 2D nanostructured materials with controllable composition and morphology is critical. The emerging concept, confined synthesis, has been regarded as a promising strategy to design and synthesize novel 2D nanostructured materials. This review mainly summarizes the recent advances in confined synthesis of 2D nanostructured materials by using layered materials as host matrices (also denoted as “nanoreactors”). By virtue of the space‐ and surface‐confinement effects of these layered hosts, various well‐organized 2D nanostructured materials, including 2D metals, 2D metal compounds, 2D carbon materials, 2D polymers, 2D metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent‐organic frameworks (COFs), as well as 2D carbon nitrides are successfully synthesized. The wide employment of these 2D materials in electrocatalytic applications (e.g., electrochemical oxygen/hydrogen evolution reactions, small molecule oxidation, and oxygen reduction reaction) is presented and discussed. In the final section, challenges and prospects in 2D confined synthesis from the viewpoint of designing new materials and exploring practical applications are commented, which would push this fast‐evolving field a step further toward greater success in both fundamental studies and ultimate industrialization.
Finite time stable attitude estimation of rigid bodies with unknown dynamics
Authors: Warier Rakesh R. , Sanyal Amit K. , Viswanathan Sasi Prabhakaran
Published: April 2019

An almost global finite time stable attitude estimation scheme for a rigid body that does not require the knowledge of the dynamics or the probability distribution of the sensor noise is presented. The attitude of the rigid body is estimated from measurements of at least two linearly independent known vectors and the angular velocity in the body‐fixed frame. The estimation scheme is shown to be almost globally finite time stable using a Lyapunov analysis in the absence of measurement errors. A generalized Wahba's cost function, designed to be a Morse function on SO(3), is used to derive the nonlinear estimation scheme and show its stability. The proposed scheme is discretized as a geometric variational integrator for digital implementation. The stability and convergence of the estimation scheme are shown analytically, and validated through numerical simulations.
New methods to realize the cluster consensus for multi‐agent networks
Authors: Guo Xing , Liang Jinling , Fardoun Habib M.
Published: April 2019

This paper investigates the cluster consensus problem for multi‐agent networks via a new method. Firstly, a distributed cluster consensus protocol is proposed by constructing a new Laplacian matrix, which is not required to be row‐zero‐sum. It is shown that the cluster consensus of directed multi‐agent networks can be achieved under the presented protocol, and the final cluster consensus values of the considered system are also given in this paper, which only depend on the initial states of all agents. Next, a pinning cluster consensus law is provided to force the dynamics of the agents to the desired trajectory. Furthermore, it is found that the cluster consensus of directed networks can be reached even in presence of arbitrary finite communication delays. Finally, effectiveness of the obtained results is demonstrated by numerical examples.
Organizational democracy and employee outcomes: The mediating role of organizational justice
Authors: Ahmed Kaleem , Adeel Ahmad , Ali Rizwan , Rehman Ramiz Ur
Published: April 2019

In the last two decades, scholars have proposed that implementing democratic practices and ideas in organizations results in significant improvements in employees' attitude and behavior. Using two widely advocated and debated dimensions of organizational democracy (empowerment and communication), the present study provides empirical evidence of this mentioned relationship between organizational democracy and employee outcomes (commitment, citizenship behavior, and turnover intentions) under mediating role of organizational justice. Based on the data of 262 employees working in fan manufacturing companies, structural equation modeling was employed to estimate the results. Results suggest that bringing democratization at workplace enhance employee commitment and citizenship behavior and reduce intentions to leave the organization. Furthermore, the study also supports organizational justice as a mediator, suggesting that the relationship between organizational democracy and employee outcomes becomes more strengthened once justice is introduced. The study provides empirical evidence to ideas and prepositions of many organizational democracy researchers working for decades.
Mortality of lung cancer as a second primary malignancy: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Deng Lei , Harðardottír Hrönn , Song Huan , Xiao Zhengrui , Jiang Changchuan , Wang Qian , Valdimarsdóttir Unnur , Cheng Haiying , Loo Billy W. , Lu Donghao
Published: April 2019

Lung cancer as a second primary malignancy (lung‐2) is increasingly common, but its prognosis is poorly understood. This study aims to examine the overall and cancer‐specific survival of patients diagnosed with lung‐2 compared to lung‐1. Primary lung cancer patients diagnosed from 1988 to 2014 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program were included. Lung‐2 was identified in patients with a previous diagnosis of nonlung primary malignancy in SEER. Hazard ratios (HRs) of overall and lung cancer‐specific mortality were estimated among patients with lung‐2 compared to lung‐1, adjusting for age and calendar period at diagnosis, sex, race, socioeconomic status, tumor stage, histology, tumor grade, and treatment. A total of 679 541 and 85 758 patients were identified as lung‐1 and lung‐2, respectively. Compared to lung‐1, patients with lung‐2 were more likely to be diagnosed at localized stage, with smaller primary tumor, and treated with surgery. Lung‐2 patients were at lower risk of lung cancer‐specific mortality in the first 5 years (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.76‐0.78 at <1 year; HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.86‐0.89 from 1 to <5 years) but at higher risk thereafter (HR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.27‐1.37 from 5 to 10 years), independent of tumor characteristics and cancer treatment. Similar pattern was found for overall mortality, although the survival benefit was restricted to the first year after diagnosis. Patients diagnosed with lung‐2 face a favorable lung cancer‐specific survival within the early period after diagnosis. A conservative approach to manage lung‐2 solely based on malignancy history is not supported.
Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage caused by IgA deposition associated with multiple myeloma
Authors: Furube Atsuki , Kagiyama Naho , Ishiguro Takashi , Takaku Yotaro , Kurashima Kazuyoshi , Shimizu Yoshihiko , Takayanagi Noboru
Published: April 2019

Key Clinical Message

We report a man with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage caused by multiple myeloma who was diagnosed with the aid of bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy. Multiple myeloma should be considered as an important differential diagnosis in patients with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, and bronchoscopy may help to differentiate the cause.
Efficient Stereoselective Synthesis of Structurally Diverse γ‐ and δ‐Lactones Using an Engineered Carbonyl Reductase
Authors: Chen Meng , Zhang Xiao‐Yan , Xing Chen‐Guang , Zhang Chao , Zheng Yu‐Cong , Pan Jiang , Xu Jian‐He , Bai Yun‐Peng
Published: April 2019

Structurally diverse γ‐ and δ‐lactones were efficiently synthesized stereoselectively using an engineered carbonyl reductase from Serratia marcescens (SmCRV4). SmCRV4 exhibited improved activity (up to 500‐fold) and thermostability toward 14 γ‐/δ‐keto acids and esters, compared with the wild‐type enzyme, with 110‐fold enhancement in catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) toward methyl 4‐oxodecanoate. The preparative synthesis of alkyl and aromatic γ‐ and δ‐lactones with 95 %–>99 % ee and 78 %–90 % yields was demonstrated. The highest space‐time yield, 1175 g L−1 d−1, was achieved for (R)‐γ‐decalactone.
Coordination‐Assembled Lanthanide‐Organic Ln3L3 Sandwiches or Ln4L4 Tetrahedron: Structural Transformation and Luminescence Modulation
Authors: Hu Shao‐Jun , Guo Xiao‐Qing , Zhou Li‐Peng , Cai Li‐Xuan , Sun Qing‐Fu
Published: April 2019

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Photo‐functional supramolecular lanthanides assemblies have shown great potential in the materials and biomedical fields. Two new tri(tridentate) ligands (L3 and L4) highlighting small variation of the connection position to the central tridentate linkers have been designed, which leads to the emergent formation of either Ln3L3‐type sandwich structures or Ln4L4‐type tetrahedral cages. Moreover, nonlinear enhancement of lanthanide luminescence based on the modulation of inter‐ligand charge‐transfer states has been revealed on the mix‐ligand Ln3L3 sandwiches. Our results provide important guidance for structure‐design and photoluminescence optimization of supramolecular lanthanide‐organic assemblies.
Motion data acquisition method for motion analysis in golf
Authors: Hwang Syehyun , Ko Kyeong‐Ri , Pan Sung Bum
Published: April 2019

As golf becomes more popular, interest in the analysis and correction of golf swing postures increases. Thus, various methods for analyzing the golf swing have been studied. Methods have recently been extended to 3D analysis systems, using motion capture technology beyond 2D analysis using cameras. The inertial sensor is one of the sensors used in 3D analysis. It is mainly used in the motion capture system, because it is cheap and has negligible space limitations. However, the motion capture system using the inertial sensor has some disadvantages in that it cannot identify body characteristics, such as joint length or the subject's initial direction, which are required to accurately analyze the swing data of the subject in golf, where the initial posture is important. This study proposes a system that obtains the same motion as the actual one by acquiring information on the motion of the subject using 15 inertial sensors and using information on the actual joint length and initial direction of the subject extracted from a depth camera. Experimental results show that the measurement error of information on the joint length and the foot stance of subjects extracted through the depth camera ranges from a minimum of 4.4% to a maximum of 6.94%. The acquired motion data from the proposed system confirms that the motion is the same as the one taken by the subject.
A high‐performance IoT solution to reduce frost damages in stone fruits
Authors: Guillén‐Navarro Miguel A. , Martínez‐España Raquel , López Belén , Cecilia José M.
Published: April 2019

Agriculture is one of the key sectors where technology is opening new opportunities to break up the market. The Internet of Things (IoT) could reduce the production costs and increase the product quality by providing intelligence services via IoT analytics. However, the hard weather conditions and the lack of connectivity in this field limit the successful deployment of such services as they require both, ie, fully connected infrastructures and highly computational resources. Edge computing has emerged as a solution to bring computing power in close proximity to the sensors, providing energy savings, highly responsive web services, and the ability to mask transient cloud outages. In this paper, we propose an IoT monitoring system to activate anti‐frost techniques to avoid crop loss, by defining two intelligent services to detect outliers caused by the sensor errors. The former is a nearest neighbor technique and the latter is the k‐means algorithm, which provides better quality results but it increases the computational cost. Cloud versus edge computing approaches are analyzed by targeting two different low‐power GPUs. Our experimental results show that cloud‐based approaches provides highest performance in general but edge computing is a compelling alternative to mask transient cloud outages and provide highly responsive data analytic services in technologically hostile environments.
Socially responsible investment: An analysis of the structure of preferences of savers
Authors: Chamorro‐Mera Antonio , Palacios‐González María Manuela
Published: April 2019

Ethical and charity financial products can be considered as a tool that drives the corporate social responsibility of the financial institutions and, indirectly, that of the companies that try to capture financial resources through them. The objective of this study is to identify the structure of preferences of savers to identify the relative importance of those attributes linked to socially responsible investment. The results allow for an estimation of the market potential of a socially responsible savings deposit and ethical banking.

A survey was conducted on 415 Spanish savers, and the analysis has been carried out using conjoint analysis technique.

Taking into account the characteristics of their preferences, four groups of savers have been identified: “potential socially responsible savers,” “charitable savers,” “savers focused on financial return,” and “conventional savers based on availability.” Some socio‐demographic variables are relevant when describing segments of savers: age, educational level, and income level.
Lead‐Free Cs3Bi2Br9 Perovskite as Photocatalyst for Ring‐Opening Reactions of Epoxides
Authors: Dai Yitao , Tüysüz Harun
Published: April 2019

Herein, an innovative approach was developed by using stable, lead‐free halide perovskite for solar‐driven organic synthesis. The ring‐opening reaction of epoxides was chosen as a model system for the synthesis of value‐added β‐alkoxy alcohols, which require energy‐intensive process conditions and corrosive, strong acids for conventional synthesis. The developed concept included the in situ preparation of Cs3Bi2Br9 and its simultaneous application as photocatalyst for epoxide alcoholysis under visible‐light irradiation in air at 293 K, with exceptional high activity and selectivity ≥86 % for β‐alkoxy alcohols and thia‐compounds. The Cs3Bi2Br9 photocatalyst exhibited good stability and recyclability. In contrast, the lead‐based perovskite showed a conversion rate of only 1 %. The origin of the unexpected catalytic behavior was attributed to the combination of the photocatalytic process and the presence of suitable Lewis‐acidic centers on the surface of the bismuth halide perovskite photocatalyst.
Genetic risk, body mass index, and weight control behaviors: Unlocking the triad
Authors: Nagata Jason M. , Braudt David B. , Domingue Benjamin W. , Bibbins‐Domingo Kirsten , Garber Andrea K. , Griffiths Scott , Murray Stuart B.
Published: April 2019

Background

The relationship between genetic risk for body mass index (BMI) and weight control behaviors remains unknown. The objectives of this study were to determine the association between genetic risk for BMI and weight control behaviors in young adults, and to examine actual measured BMI as a potential mediator variable.

Method

We analyzed data from three data collection waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. The BMI polygenic score (PGS) was based on published genome‐wide association studies for BMI. BMI was collected at 11–18 years and 18–26 years. Weight control behaviors included self‐reported: (a) weight loss behaviors (dieting, vomiting, fasting/skipping meals, diet pills, laxatives, or diuretic use to lose weight) and (b) weight gain behaviors (eating more or different foods than normal, taking supplements to gain weight).

Results

Among 4,397 participants, the BMI PGS was associated with higher odds of weight loss behaviors in females (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.14–1.35) and males (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.26–1.62), and this association was mediated by BMI (indirect effect 0.04, 95% CI 0.03–0.05 in females and 0.03, 95% CI 0.03–0.04 in males). The BMI PGS was associated with lower odds of weight gain behaviors in females and males, which was also mediated by actual BMI.

Conclusions

The BMI PGS was associated with weight loss behaviors in both males and females, and this association was mediated by actual measured BMI. Clinical interventions to prevent high BMI, particularly for individuals with genetic risk, may also prevent subsequent development of potentially unhealthy weight loss behaviors.
Protoconch enlargement in Western Atlantic turritelline gastropod species following the closure of the Central American Seaway
Authors: Sang Stephanie , Friend Dana Suzanne , Allmon Warren Douglas , Anderson Brendan Matthew
Published: April 2019

The closure of the late Neogene interoceanic seaways between the Western Atlantic (WA) and Tropical Eastern Pacific (TEP)—commonly referred to as the Central American Seaway—significantly decreased nutrient supply in the WA compared to the TEP. In marine invertebrates, an increase in parental investment is expected to be selectively favored in nutrient‐poor marine environments as prolonged feeding in the plankton becomes less reliable. Here, we examine turritelline gastropods, which were abundant and diverse across this region during the Neogene and serve as important paleoenvironmental proxies, and test whether species exhibit decreased planktotrophy in the WA postclosure as compared to preclosure fossils and extant TEP species. We also test for differences in degree of planktotrophy in extant sister species pairs. Degree of planktotrophy was inferred by measuring the size of protoconchs, the species' larval shell that represents egg size. Protoconch size was compared between extant postclosure WA and TEP species and preclosure fossil species. To compare extant sister species, we reconstructed the phylogeny of available WA and TEP species using one nuclear (H3) and three mitochondrial markers (12S, 16S, and COI). Compared to the preclosure fossils, protoconch size increased in WA species but remained the same in the TEP species. In the two extant sister species pairs recovered in the phylogenetic analysis, the WA species are inferred to be nonplanktotrophic while the TEP species are planktotrophic. This suggests that decreased nutrient availability and primary productivity in the WA may have driven this change in developmental mode, and was the primary selective force resulting in postclosure turritelline extinctions.
Estimating ecological flows for fish overwintering in plain rivers using a method based on water temperature and critical water depth
Authors: Wang Li , Mo Kangle , Chen Qiuwen , Zhang Jianyun , Xia Jun , Lin Yuqing
Published: April 2019

Ecological flow is the foundation for conservation of riverine fish habitat and ecosystem. Habitat models have been widely used to estimate ecological flow owing to their integration of hydrological regime and species hydraulic preference. Previous studies based on habitat methods focused more on the spawning season but paid less attention to the winter period, which is also essential to fish life stage. This study developed a novel approach to estimate the ecological flow for fish overwintering, particularly in plain rivers. The water depth for target fish safely overwintering was firstly determined based on the minimum tolerable water temperature of the species. A water balance model was built to estimate the ecological flow for securing the determined water depth. The developed approach was applied in the middle reaches of Huaihe River, where the flow is highly regulated by dams and sluices. Parabramis pekinensis was selected as the target fish, and the minimum water depth for it to overwinter in the river was about 20 m. The calculated ecological flow was 3.0 m3·s−1 in December, 2.2 m3·s−1 in January, and 2.1 m3·s−1 in February, respectively. The approach contributed a great supplement to fish spawning habitat model, and their combination could determine ecological flow regimes for the entire life cycle of the target fish.
Electrophoretic transport and dynamic deformation of bio‐vesicles
Authors: Morshed Adnan , Dutta Prashanta , Kim Min Jun
Published: April 2019

Study of the deformation dynamics of cells and other sub‐micron vesicles, such as virus and neurotransmitter vesicles are necessary to understand their functional properties. This mechanical characterization can be done by submerging the vesicle in a fluid medium and deforming it with a controlled electric field, which is known as electrodeformation. Electrodeformation of biological and artificial lipid vesicles is directly influenced by the vesicle and surrounding media properties and geometric factors. The problem is compounded when the vesicle is naturally charged, which creates electrophoretic forcing on the vesicle membrane. We studied the electrodeformation and transport of charged vesicles immersed in a fluid media under the influence of a DC electric field. The electric field and fluid‐solid interactions are modeled using a hybrid immersed interface‐immersed boundary technique. Model results are verified with experimental observations for electric field driven translocation of a virus through a nanopore sensor. Our modeling results show interesting changes in deformation behavior with changing electrical properties of the vesicle and the surrounding media. Vesicle movement due to electrophoresis can also be characterized by the change in local conductivity, which can serve as a potential sensing mechanism for electrodeformation experiments in solid‐state nanopore setups.
Manufacturing Process for Improved Ultra‐Thick Cathodes in High‐Energy Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kremer Lea Sophie , Hoffmann Alice , Danner Timo , Hein Simon , Prifling Benedikt , Westhoff Daniel , Dreer Christian , Latz Arnulf , Schmidt Volker , Wohlfahrt-Mehrens Margret
Published: April 2019

The effect of the mixing and drying process on the microstructure of ultra‐thick NCM 622 cathodes (50 mg cm−2, 8 mAh cm−2) and its implication for battery performance is investigated. It is observed that the shear force during the mixing process significantly influences the resulting microstructure with regard to binder migration during the drying process. Based on the information extracted from scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) cross sections, the carbon binder domain (CBD) is distributed in the pore space of virtual electrodes generated by a stochastic 3D microstructure model. Simulations predict a CBD configuration that leads to optimal performance of the electrode. Furthermore, it is shown that a low drying rate has a beneficial influence toward the rate capability of the ultra‐thick cathodes. The specific energy of an ultra‐thick cathode is 18% higher compared with a cathode prepared according to the state of the art. With an improved process in a pilot scale, the advantage can be kept up to current densities of at least 3 mA cm−².
A Taylor basis for kinematic nonlinear real‐time simulations. Part II: The Taylor basis
Authors: Andersen Sebastian , Poulsen Peter Noe
Published: April 2019

Real‐time simulations are used to a significant extent in many engineering fields. However, if nonlinearities are included, the real‐time requirement significantly limits the size and complexity of numerical models. The present work constitutes the second of two papers where a general basis method to simulate kinematic nonlinear structures more efficiently is introduced. The advantage of the basis formulation is that it enables the number of basis vectors to be increased without increasing the number of unknown basis co‐ordinates. This allows for larger numerical kinematically nonlinear models to run in real time. The basis is organized from a Taylor series that includes the system mode shapes and their complete first‐order modal derivatives derived in Part I. The Taylor series predicts fixed linear relations between the modal co‐ordinates of the system mode shapes and the modal derivatives, respectively. Thus, the full solution is known solely by determining the modal co‐ordinates of the mode shapes, which significantly minimizes the computational costs. Furthermore, it is illustrated that the stability of the Taylor basis formulation is dependent on the mode shape frequencies only, allowing the applied time steps to be significantly larger than in standard nonlinear basis analysis. An example illustrates a case where the computational time can be decreased by one order of magnitude using a Taylor basis formulation compared with a standard basis formulation including identical basis vectors.
Is Greater Access to English Language Learning Associated With Better Performance on the TOEFL Junior® Comprehensive Test? An Exploratory Investigation
Authors: Ling Guangming , Gu Lin
Published: April 2019

While many researchers have studied the relationship of socioeconomic status (SES) to adult learners' English language proficiency levels, little is known about this relationship for young learners (i.e., teenagers). In this study, we investigated the degree to which access to English language learning, as reflected by learners' SES, is associated with young learners' English language proficiency as measured by the TOEFL Junior® Comprehensive test. We analyzed data from 3,053 young English learners (aged 10–16 years) from 9 countries. Data included TOEFL Junior scores and self‐reported SES‐related background information indicating starting age of learning English, number of hours spent learning English in after‐school programs, length of stay in an English‐speaking country, and typing in and learning English on a computer. We found that the latter three factors were significantly associated with TOEFL Junior scores, with substantial variations among countries. These findings suggest that disparities in access to and opportunities for learning may have an impact on young learners' English proficiency levels. However, such relationships should be interpreted in the context of particular countries to arrive at more accurate interpretations and effective decisions in relation to English learning policies and practices.
Comparison of postoperative voice outcomes after postauricular facelift robotic hemithyroidectomy and conventional transcervical hemithyroidectomy
Authors: Song Chang M. , Kim Min S. , Lee Dong W. , Ji Yong B. , Park Jung H. , Kim Dong S. , Tae Kyung
Published: April 2019

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine whether postauricular robotic and conventional hemithyroidectomy result in significantly different voice outcomes.

Methods

We prospectively compared the voice handicap index (VHI)‐10 and acoustic parameters of a postauricular facelift robotic group and a conventional group preoperatively, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after surgery.

Results

Forty‐two patients in the postauricular group and 68 patients in the conventional group completed the VHI‐10 questionnaire and acoustic analysis. The postoperative VHI‐10 scores were not significantly different between the two groups. In female patients, the highest frequency was higher and the frequency range was wider in the postauricular group compared to the conventional group postoperatively until 1 month after surgery.

Conclusion

Postauricular facelift robotic thyroidectomy has advantages over conventional thyroidectomy in terms of postoperative voice pitch.
Performance of care for end‐of‐life cancer patients in Tuscany: The interplay between place of care, aggressive treatments, opioids, and place of death. A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ferrè Francesca , Vinci Bruna , Murante Anna Maria
Published: April 2019

Supportive and palliative care at the end of life (EOL) is a core component of health systems. Providing care at the EOL may require the interaction of several care providers working in different settings including nursing homes, home care, hospices, and hospitals. This work aims to (a) provide evidence on the performance of EOL care for cancer patients across healthcare organizations, with a focus on the place of care, aggressive treatments, opioids, and the place of death and (b) analyze factors associated with dying in hospital. A population‐based retrospective study was performed using administrative data from Tuscany region (Italy). Thirteen thousand sixty‐six cancer patients who died in 2016 were considered. There is a marked variability in EOL care within regional areas, with the multilevel logistic regression highlighting a greater likelihood of dying in hospital for patients who were admitted to intensive care units or previously hospitalized. There is a lower probability of dying in acute care setting for patients assisted in hospices and in both hospital and hospices/home care and for patients treated with opioids. This intraregional variation highlights the need to improve EOL planning and rethink the delivery of supportive/palliative care. Further investigations on the preferences of patients may lead to more understanding.
Health sector decentralisation in Tanzania: Analysis of decision space in human resources for health management
Authors: Kigume Ramadhani , Maluka Stephen
Published: April 2019

While decentralisation of health systems has dominated the political arena in the low‐ and middle‐income countries since the 1970s, many studies on decentralisation have focused on understanding who is given more decision‐making authority, but less attention is paid to understanding what that authority involves. This paper assesses the range of decision‐making authority transferred from the central government to subnational levels in the area of human resources for health management in Tanzania. This analysis was guided by the decision space framework and relied on interviews, focused group discussions, and analysis of documents. Data were analysed using thematic approach. While districts had narrow decision space on recruitment and promotion of health service providers, they had wide decision space on distributing health providers within districts and providing incentives. Centrally managed recruitments resulted in frequent delays, thereby intensifying shortages of skilled health service providers. This analysis concludes that decentralisation of human resources for health planning and deployment role to lower levels of the administrative hierarchy in Tanzania is limited. This suggests the need for the central government to increase decision space to districts in the area of recruitment. In order for the Ministry of Health to perform its functions better in the area of human resources for health management, there is a need to strengthen the capacity of the department dealing with recruitment of skilled health staff at the Ministry of Health.
The hydrological response of surface water to recent climate variability: A remote sensing case study from the central tropical Pacific
Authors: Higley Melinda C. , Conroy Jessica L.
Published: April 2019

For small tropical islands with limited freshwater resources, understanding how island hydrology is influenced by regional climate is important, considering projected hydroclimate and sea level changes as well as growing populations dependent on limited groundwater resources. However, the relationship between climate variability and hydrologic variability for many tropical islands remains uncertain due to local hydroclimatic data scarcity. Here, we present a case study from Kiritimati, Republic of Kiribati (2°N, 157°W), utilizing the normalized difference vegetation index to investigate variability in island surface water area, an important link between climate variability and groundwater storage. Kiritimati surface water area varies seasonally, following wet and dry seasons, and interannually, due to hydroclimate variability associated with the El Niño/Southern Oscillation. The NIÑO3.4 sea surface temperature index, satellite‐derived precipitation, precipitation minus evaporation, and local sea level all had significant positive correlations with surface water area. Lagged correlations show sea level changes and precipitation influence surface water area up to 6 months later. Differences in the timing of surface water area changes and variable climate‐surface water area correlations in island subregions indicate that surface hydrology on Kiritimati is not uniform in response to climate variations. Rather, the magnitude of the ocean–atmosphere anomalies and island–ocean connectivity determine the extent to which sea level and precipitation control surface water area. The very strong 2015–2016 El Niño event led to the largest surface water area measured in the 18‐year data set. Surface water area decreased to pre‐event values in a similarly rapid manner (<6 months) after both the very strong 2015–2016 event and the 2009–2010 moderate El Niño event. Future changes in the frequency and amplitude of interannual hydroclimate variability as well as seasonal duration will thus alter surface water coverage on Kiritimati, with implications for freshwater resources, flooding, and drought.
Relationship Between Sex Steroids and Deterioration of Bone Microarchitecture in Older Men: The Prospective STRAMBO Study
Authors: Piot Anne , Chapurlat Roland D , Claustrat Bruno , Szulc Pawel
Published: April 2019

In older men, low estrogen levels are associated with poor bone microarchitecture. Data on androgens are discordant. We studied the link between baseline sex steroid levels (total 17β -estradiol [17βE2], total testosterone [tT], calculated bioavailable 17βE2 [bio-17βE2], and apparent free testosterone concentration [AFTC]) and bone microarchitecture deterioration assessed prospectively in a 820 older men followed for 8 years. Bone microarchitecture was assessed by HR-pQCT at baseline, then after 4 and 8 years. At both the skeletal sites, the bone microarchitecture deterioration rate did not correlate with serum levels of tT and 17βE2. At the distal radius, cortical area (Ct.Ar) decreased more rapidly in the lowest versus the highest AFTC quartile. At the distal tibia, cortical thickness (Ct.Th) decreased and trabecular area (Tb.Ar) increased more rapidly in the highest versus the lowest AFTC quartile. At the tibia, bone mineral content (BMC), total volumetric bone mineral density (Tt.vBMD), Ct.Th, and Ct.Ar decreased, whereas Tb.Ar increased faster in the lowest versus the highest bio-17βE2 quartile. In men who had both AFTC and bio-17βE2 in the lowest quartile (high-risk group), distal radius cortical vBMD (Ct.vBMD) decreased more rapidly compared with men who had both hormones in the three upper quartiles (reference group). At the distal tibia, Tt.vBMD, Ct.Th, Ct.Ar, and Ct.vBMD decreased, whereas Tb.Ar increased more rapidly in the high-risk group versus the reference group. In men receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer, BMC, Tt.vBMD, Ct.Th, Ct.Ar, and Ct.vBMD decreased, whereas Tb.Ar increased more rapidly than in men not receiving ADT at both the skeletal sites. Thus, in older men followed up prospectively, low levels of bio-17βE2, and to a smaller extent AFTC, are associated with accelerated cortical bone deterioration. Cortical bone deterioration was strongly accelerated in men receiving ADT who had very low levels of all sex steroids. © 2019 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Early outcomes after implementation of treat all in Rwanda: an interrupted time series study
Authors: Ross Jonathan , Sinayobye Jean d'Amour , Yotebieng Marcel , Hoover Donald R , Shi Qiuhu , Ribakare Muhayimpundu , Remera Eric , Bachhuber Marcus A , Murenzi Gad , Sugira Vincent , Nash Denis , Anastos Kathryn ,   for Central Africa IeDEA
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Nearly all countries in sub‐Saharan Africa have adopted policies to provide antiretroviral therapy (ART) to all persons living with HIV (Treat All), though HIV care outcomes of these programmes are not well‐described. We estimated changes in ART initiation and retention in care following Treat All implementation in Rwanda in July 2016.

Methods

We conducted an interrupted time series analysis of adults enrolling in HIV care at ten Rwandan health centres from July 2014 to September 2017. Using segmented linear regression, we assessed changes in levels and trends of 30‐day ART initiation and six‐month retention in care before and after Treat All implementation. We compared modelled outcomes with counterfactual estimates calculated by extrapolating baseline trends. Modified Poisson regression models identified predictors of outcomes among patients enrolling after Treat All implementation.

Results

Among 2885 patients, 1803 (62.5%) enrolled in care before and 1082 (37.5%) after Treat All implementation. Immediately after Treat All implementation, there was a 31.3 percentage point increase in the predicted probability of 30‐day ART initiation (95% CI 15.5, 47.2), with a subsequent increase of 1.1 percentage points per month (95% CI 0.1, 2.1). At the end of the study period, 30‐day ART initiation was 47.8 percentage points (95% CI 8.1, 87.8) above what would have been expected under the pre‐Treat All trend. For six‐month retention, neither the immediate change nor monthly trend after Treat All were statistically significant. While 30‐day ART initiation and six‐month retention were less likely among patients 15 to 24 versus >24 years, the predicted probability of both outcomes increased significantly for younger patients in each month after Treat All implementation.

Conclusions

Implementation of Treat All in Rwanda was associated with a substantial increase in timely ART initiation without negatively impacting care retention. These early findings support Treat All as a strategy to help achieve global HIV targets.
Haloferax sulfurifontis GUMFAZ2 producing xylanase‐free cellulase retrieved from Haliclona sp. inhabiting rocky shore of Anjuna, Goa‐India
Authors: Malik Alisha D. , Furtado Irene J.
Published: April 2019

Salt stable cellulases are implicated in detritic food webs of marine invertebrates for their role in the degradation of cellulosic material. A haloarchaeon, Haloferax sulfurifontis GUMFAZ2 producing cellulase was successfully isolated from marine Haliclona sp., a sponge inhabiting the rocky intertidal region of Anjuna, Goa. The culture produced extracellular xylanase‐free cellulase with a maximum activity of 11.7 U/ml, using carboxymethylcellulose‐Na (CMC‐Na), as a sole source of carbon in 3.5 M NaCl containing medium, pH 7 at 40°C and produced cellobiose and glucose, detectable by thin‐layer chromatography. Nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the crude enzyme, revealed a single protein band of 19.6 kDa which on zymographic analysis exhibited cellulase activity while corresponding sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed a molecular weight of 46 kDa. Unlike conventional cellulases, this enzyme is active in presence of 5 M NaCl and does not have accompanying xylanase activity, hence can be considered as xylanase‐free cellulase. Such enzymes from haloarchaea offer great potential for biotechnological application because of their stability at high salinity and is therefore worth pursuing.
Effect of the bacterial growth phase and coculture conditions on the interaction of Acanthamoeba castellanii with Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri, and Shigella sonnei
Authors: Zarei Mehdi , Ghahfarokhi Mojdeh Emami , Fazlara Ali , Bahrami Somayeh
Published: April 2019

Shigella species and Acanthamoeba castellanii share the same ecological niches, and their interaction has been addressed in a limited number of research. However, there are still uncertain aspects and discrepant findings of this interaction. In the present study, the effects of the bacterial growth phase, cocultivation temperature and the type of culture media on the interaction of A. castellanii with Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri were evaluated. In nutrient‐poor page's amoeba saline (PAS) medium, the number of recovered bacteria and the uptake rates were significantly higher in stationary phase cells than logarithmic phase cells. However, no significant differences were observed in the number of recovered bacteria and the uptake rates between logarithmic and stationary phase cells in nutrient‐rich peptone–yeast extract–glucose (PYG) medium. While the number of recovered bacteria was significantly higher in nutrient‐rich than nutrient‐poor media, in all the three Shigella species, the bacterial uptake rates were significantly higher in nutrient‐poor than nutrient‐rich media at both cocultivation temperatures. In both nutrient‐poor and nutrient‐rich media and at both cocultivation temperatures, the number of viable Shigella species after 24 h incubation were not influenced by the presence of A. castellanii. Although Shigella species did not proliferate in A. castellanii trophozoites, a considerable number of bacteria were survived in the trophozoites up to 15 days. From the public health perspective, the results of this study are important for further understanding of the nature of the interaction of these organisms and to deal with Shigella species in the environment.
Inter‐annual hydroclimatic variability in coastal Tanzania
Authors: Rohli Robert V. , Ates Sara A. , Rivera‐Monroy Victor H. , Polito Michael J. , Midway Stephen R. , Castañeda‐Moya Edward , Gold Arthur J. , Uchida Emi , Mangora Mwita M. , Suwa Makoto
Published: April 2019

Climatic controls regulate the coupled natural and human systems in coastal Tanzania, where mangrove wetlands provide a wealth of ecosystem services to coastal communities. Previous research has explained the precipitation seasonality of eastern Africa in terms of the local monsoons. This research examines a wider range of hydroclimatic variables, including water vapour flux, evapotranspiration, runoff, and ocean salinity, and the sources of low‐frequency atmosphere–ocean variability that support mangrove productivity and associated ecosystem services. Results confirm previous work suggesting that the northeast monsoon (kaskazi) largely corresponds to the “short rains” of October–December and extends through February, while the southeast monsoon (kusi) corresponds to the “long rains” of March–May and the drier June–September. The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and, to a lesser extent, El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are important modulators not only of precipitation (as has been shown previously) but also of water vapour flux, evapotranspiration, runoff, and salinity variability. During kaskazi, positive (negative) hydroclimatic anomalies occur during positive (negative) IOD, with a stronger IOD influence occurring during its positive phase, when seasonal anomalies of precipitation, evapotranspiration, and runoff exceed +50, 25, and 100%, and nearby salinity decreases by 0.5 practical salinity units. During kusi, the contrast between the positive and negative IOD modes is subtler, and the pattern is dictated more by variability in “long rains” months than in the dry months. The coincidence of the positive IOD and El Niño amplify this hydroclimatic signal. Because previous work suggests the likelihood of increased tendency for positive IOD and increased moisture variability associated with El Niño events in the future, wetter conditions may accompany the kaskazi, with less change expected during the kusi. These results advance understanding of the key environmental drivers controlling mangrove productivity and wetland spatial distribution that provide ecosystem services essential to the well‐being of the human population.
Anthropogenic climate change and heat effects on health
Authors: Christidis Nikolaos , Mitchell Dann , Stott Peter A.
Published: April 2019

Increasing extreme temperatures linked to human influence amplify thermal stress and can lead to decreases in work productivity and increases in heat‐related mortality. However, studies assessing in a formal statistical way the contribution of climate change to such impacts remain sparse. Two new indices are introduced here that measure the effect of anthropogenic climate change on the intensity and frequency of health‐relevant heat extremes. Maximum daily temperature data from observations and climate models are used to compute annual index values in different regions around the world. The models employed in the study are evaluated against observational data and only the 10 best are retained for the analysis. Human‐induced warming that leads to an increase in heat‐related deaths has reached about a degree in all continents and is projected to exceed 3° by 2100. All regions currently experience at least 10 additional days per year when thermal deaths are expected to occur, but the number is several times higher in warmer tropical regions, where it is estimated to exceed 100 days by the end of the century. Significant positive trends may also arise in smaller‐scale areas, as shown for central England. Adaptation to the warmer present‐day climate would take the edge off the intensity of warming conducive to a rise in heat mortality by 2100, reducing it by about a degree, but would have a more moderate effect on the frequency of heat mortality days. Index values are also computed with data from the Hadley Centre's attribution system, and annual assessments of the associated impacts are made, which are envisaged to become part of a developing climate service. A first application to the United Kingdom for two recent years demonstrates the kind of attribution information that can be made available to users.