bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the moment redistribution for steel – concrete continuous composite beams
Authors: Yolaçan Taygun Fırat , Schäfer Markus
Published: September 2019

This study investigates moment redistribution phenomenon for pin ended double‐span steel‐concrete continuous composite beams and arise a question about moment redistribution for the continuous beams subjected to partially distributed or concentrated loading conditions. The overall objective of the study is to propose a methodology to fulfil the technical gaps adopted by Eurocode‐4, which considers the redistribution for only uniformly load condition. A robust iterative algorithm is developed to obtain moment‐curvature relations of the standard composite cross‐sections. Flexural stiffness‐curvature relations of the cross‐sections are predicted through the moment‐curvature relations. Flexural stiffness distribution along the composite beams is determined with curvature compatibility. Fourth order differential load‐deflection equation is evaluated with finite difference solution scheme for continuous beam conditions and variable flexural stiffness along the beam length. A non‐iterative incremental load‐deflection algorithm is developed to calculate moment distribution in continuous beams with variable flexural stiffness. A benchmark example is solved with Eurocode‐4 provisions to validate the developed algorithms. Moment redistribution from hogging (negative) zone to sagging (positive) zone of uniformly loaded double‐span continuous composite beam is illustrated considering the degree of flexural stiffness degradation in the composite medium. A question is arisen for moment redistribution in the continuous beams subjected to partially distributed or concentrated loading conditions.
Strength and Stiffness Deterioration Material Influence on Demand Parameters in Steel Moment Frames
Authors: Petreski Borjan , Gjorgjiev Igor
Published: September 2019

The moment resisting frames (MRF) are one of the three main structural steel typologies used for seismic design of steel frames. They are characterized as the most ductile structural type possessing a large number of possible dissipative zones, following the fact that plastic hinges can develop both in the beams and the columns. Possessing the feature of being the most ductile type, these structures exhibit very large deflections before the structural damage occurs. Additionally, the strength and stiffness deterioration of the steel material due to cyclic loading increases the effect of the lateral forces and represents the most realistic behaviour of this structural system. Hence, in this research study an improved approach using updated material model for evaluating the steel MRFs' behaviour is implemented in order to tackle the deficiency in the assessment of this type of structures. Firstly, the modelling is performed using the nonlinear beam – column elements with distributed plasticity for both the beams and the columns. Then, the same frame model is developed using the elastic beam – column elements ending with zero‐length plastic hinges modelled by a stiffness deteriorating steel material referred to as Ibarra – Krawinkler (IK) model. Two sets of seven acceleration records are chosen as realistic earthquake loading to represent the medium hazard seismicity (MH) and high hazard seismicity (HH) scenarios. Incremental nonlinear dynamic analysis of the frames is conducted by scaling the records in order to attain various levels of relative intensities. They are extracted from the database and scaled to match the EC8 elastic spectra for the two hazard scenarios.
Cancer, sleep problems, and mind‐body medicine use: Results of the 2017 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Voiss Petra , Höxtermann Melanie Désirée , Dobos Gustav , Cramer Holger
Published: September 2019

Background

Sleep problems affect physical and emotional well‐being as well as immune system function. Evidence has demonstrated an improvement in sleep problems in patients with cancer through the use of mind‐body medicine (MBM). In the current study, the authors sought to elucidate the prevalence of sleep problems and the use of MBM in adult cancer survivors.

Methods

The authors analyzed data from the 2017 US National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to estimate the prevalence of sleep problems and use of MBM in adult cancer survivors using means, standard deviations, weighted frequencies, and distributions. Backward stepwise multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of MBM use within the past 12 months: age, sex, ethnicity, region, educational level, employment, and time since cancer diagnosis.

Results

A weighted total of 13,750,028 cancer survivors (59.2%) reported sleep problems. For the most part, survivors with sleep problems were aged ≥40 years, female, and non‐Hispanic white. More survivors with (weighted N = 3,794,493; 27.6%) compared with without (weighted N = 1,695,435; 17.9%) sleep problems used MBM. Among cancer survivors with sleep problems, the most commonly used mind‐body practice was spiritual meditation (weighted N = 1,972,578; 14.3%), followed by yoga (weighted N = 1,695,553; 17.9%). The use of MBM was independently predicted by being female, living in the western United States, having a higher educational level, and being employed.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of sleep problems in cancer survivors is a major health issue that needs to be addressed. A considerable number of cancer survivors with sleep problems use MBM. This finding warrants the investigation of MBM concepts as treatment options for cancer survivors experiencing sleep problems.
Supplementing teacher knowledge using web‐based Intelligent Tutoring System for the Text Structure Strategy to improve content area reading comprehension with fourth‐ and fifth‐grade struggling readers
Authors: Wijekumar Kausalai , Meyer Bonnie J. , Lei Puiwa , Beerwinkle Andrea Lynn , Joshi Malatesha
Published: September 2019

The effects of teaching the text structure strategy using a web‐based Intelligent Tutoring System for the Text Structure Strategy (ITSS) were examined with fourth‐ and fifth‐grade children scoring below the 25th percentile on comprehension measures using the Gray Silent Reading Test (GSRT) and researcher designed assessment from 130 fourth‐grade and 130 fifth‐grade classrooms. The ITSS was designed to teach students how to select and encode strategic memory from expository texts. The system provides modelling, practice, assessment, scaffolding, and feedback to learners on identifying signalling words, summarizing, making inferences, generating elaborations, and monitoring comprehension. A large scale randomized controlled trial was conducted with 130 fourth‐grade and 130 fifth‐grade classrooms. Students completed GSRT‐ and researcher‐designed measures of reading comprehension at pretest and posttests. An analysis of fourth‐grade students using ITSS who scores less than the 25th percentile on the GSRT pretest showed small but meaningful effect sized on the posttests. The fifth‐grade students in ITSS, who scored less than the 25% percentile on the GSRT pretest, showed the highest effect sizes (moderate to large effects) on the standardized test scores on the posttests.
Historical museum collections clarify the evolutionary history of cryptic species radiation in the world's largest amphibians
Authors: Turvey Samuel T. , Marr Melissa M. , Barnes Ian , Brace Selina , Tapley Benjamin , Murphy Robert W. , Zhao Ermi , Cunningham Andrew A.
Published: September 2019

Inaccurate taxonomic assessment of threatened populations can hinder conservation prioritization and management, with human‐mediated population movements obscuring biogeographic patterns and confounding reconstructions of evolutionary history. Giant salamanders were formerly distributed widely across China, and are interpreted as a single species,Andrias davidianus. Previous phylogenetic studies have identified distinct Chinese giant salamander lineages but were unable to associate these consistently with different landscapes, probably because population structure has been modified by human‐mediated translocations for recent commercial farming. We investigated the evolutionary history and relationships of allopatric Chinese giant salamander populations with Next‐Generation Sequencing methods, using historical museum specimens and late 20th‐century samples, and retrieved partial or near‐complete mitogenomes for 17 individuals. Samples from populations unlikely to have been affected by translocations form three clades from separate regions of China, spatially congruent with isolation by either major river drainages or mountain ranges. Pliocene–Pleistocene divergences for these clades are consistent with topographic modification of southern China associated with uplift of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. General Mixed Yule Coalescent model analysis indicates that these clades represent separate species:Andrias davidianus(Blanchard, 1871) (northern Yangtze/Sichuan),Andrias sligoi(Boulenger, 1924) (Pearl/Nanling), and an undescribed species (Huangshan).Andrias sligoiis possibly the world's largest amphibian. Inclusion of additional reportedly wild samples from areas of known giant salamander exploitation and movement leads to increasing loss of biogeographic signal. Wild Chinese giant salamander populations are now critically depleted or extirpated, and conservation actions should be updated to recognize the existence of multiple species.
Stygofaunal community trends along varied rainfall conditions: Deciphering ecological niche dynamics of a shallow calcrete in Western Australia
Authors: Saccò Mattia , Blyth Alison J. , Humphreys William F. , Karasiewicz Stéphane , Meredith Karina T. , Laini Alex , Cooper Steven J.B. , Bateman Philip W. , Grice Kliti
Published: September 2019

Groundwaters host highly adapted fauna, known as stygofauna, which play a key role in maintaining the functional integrity of subterranean ecosystems. Stygofaunal niche studies provide insights into the ecological dynamics shaping the delicate balance between the hydrological conditions and community diversity patterns. This work aims to unravel the ecological trends of a calcrete stygofaunal community, with special focus on niche dynamics through the Outlying Mean Index analysis (OMI) and additional calculation of Within Outlying Mean Indexes (WitOMI), under three rainfall regimes. Temperature and pH changed significantly among different rainfall conditions (P < .001), and together with salinity were the most influential drivers in shaping stygofaunal assemblages. These environmental conditions, linked with nutrient fluctuations in the groundwater, constrained changes in niche occupation for water mites, two species of beetles and juvenile amphipods (OMI analysis, P < .05). The WitOMI analysis revealed differential subniche breadths linked with taxa‐specific adaptations after different rainfall conditions. Our results indicate that stygofaunal niches are closely linked to the hydrodynamic conditions influenced by different rainfall regimes. Further long‐term investigations, incorporating broader ecological perspectives, will help to understand the impacts associated with climate change and anthropogenic pressures on one of the most threatened ecosystems in the world.
Safety and efficacy of the partial adenosine A1 receptor agonist neladenoson bialanate in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a phase IIb, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Voors Adriaan A. , Bax Jeroen J. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Wirtz Antonieta B. , Pap Akos F. , Ferreira Anna C. , Senni Michele , van der Laan Michael , Butler Javed ,   for the PANTHEON Investigators
Published: September 2019

Aims

Neladenoson bialanate is a partial adenosine A1 receptor agonist with demonstrated beneficial effects on cardiac function in animal models. We aimed to assess the dose–response effect of neladenoson bialanate on cardiac structure and function, clinical outcome, and safety in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods and results

PANTHEON was a dose‐finding, phase IIb, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial conducted in 92 centres in 11 countries including 462 patients with chronic HFrEF, randomized to once daily oral dose of neladenoson bialanate (5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg) or placebo. The primary endpoints were change from baseline to 20 weeks in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (echocardiography) and in N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP). Mean age of the patients was 67 years, 17% were female, mean LVEF was 28%, mean NT‐proBNP was 2085 ng/L. After 20 weeks of treatment, there was no dose–effect of neladenoson bialanate on changes in NT‐proBNP or LVEF (primary endpoints). No effect of neladenoson bialanate was found on left ventricular volumes, high‐sensitivity troponin T, or cardiovascular mortality, HF hospitalization, and urgent visits for HF (secondary endpoints). There was a dose‐dependent increase in creatinine and cystatin C, and a dose‐dependent decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate and heart rate.

Conclusions

In patients with chronic HFrEF, treatment with neladenoson bialanate was not associated with dose‐dependent favourable effects on cardiac structure and function, cardiac risk markers, or clinical outcome but was associated with a dose‐dependent decrease in renal function.

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02992288.
Personalized diabetes management recommendations at hospital discharge based on a computerized, pre‐hospitalization clinical profile analysis: A prospective, electronic health records–based study
Authors: Wasserstrum Yishay , Peles‐Bortz Anat , Dabahi Sara , Gringauz Irina , Tirosh Amir , Zimlichman Eyal , Segal Gad
Published: September 2019

Background

While glycemic control of hospitalized diabetic patients is straightforward, personalization of management at discharge is challenging. Treatment guidelines base recommendations on the clinical profile of patients. We checked the feasibility of implementing discharge recommendations, based on the clinical profile in the patients' electronic health records (EHR).

Methods

A decision‐making algorithm was devised according to current guidelines. It was incorporated into the EHR. A prospective follow‐up of eligible diabetes patients was done.

Results

During 15 months, 835 patients (HbA1c was 6.9% [6.2%‐7.8%]) met our inclusion criteria. The rate of HbA1c acquisition increased from 55% during Q1 to 85%, 86%, 88%, and 87% thereafter. Also, the rate of incorporating personalized management recommendations to discharge letters increased: from 14.9% during Q1 to 42.9%, 43.0%, 47.2%, and 53.4% thereafter. Fifty‐eight (17.3%) of patients who got personalized recommendations upon discharge were found to have HbA1c values that were over 1% deviating from suggested target HbA1c. They got the most stringent recommendations. Twenty‐nine (50%) of them had available follow‐up HbA1c values showing a significant drop in HbA1c: from 9.1% (8.4%‐10.2%) to 8.5% (7.4%‐9.5%), P = .03.

Conclusions

Personalized, EHR algorithm‐based, management recommendations for diabetes upon discharge from hospitalization are feasible and beneficial.
Critical individual roles of the BCR and FGFR1 kinase domains in BCR‐FGFR1‐driven stem cell leukemia/lymphoma syndrome
Authors: Chong Yating , Liu Yun , Lu Sumin , Cai Baohuan , Qin Haiyan , Chang Chang‐Sheng , Ren Mingqiang , Cowell John K. , Hu Tianxiang
Published: September 2019

Constitutive activation of FGFR1, as a result of diverse chromosome translocations, is the hallmark of stem cell leukemia/lymphoma syndrome. The BCR‐FGFR1 variant is unique in that the BCR component contributes a serine–threonine kinase (STK) to the N‐terminal end of the chimeric FGFR1 kinase. We have deleted the STK domain and mutated the critical Y177 residue and demonstrate that the transforming activity of these mutated genes is reduced compared to the BCR‐FGFR1 parental kinase. In addition, we demonstrate that deletion of the FGFR1 tyrosine kinase domain abrogates transforming ability, which is not compensated for by BCR STK activity. Unbiased screening for proteins that are inactivated as a result of loss of the BCR STK identified activated S6 kinase and SHP2 kinase. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of SHP2 function in SCLL cells expressing BCR‐FGFR1 in vitro leads to reduced viability and increased apoptosis. In vivo treatment of SCLL in mice with SHP099 leads to suppression of leukemogenesis, supporting an important role for SHP2 in FGFR1‐driven leukemogenesis. In combination with the BGJ398 FGFR1 inhibitor, cell viability in vitro is further suppressed and acts synergistically with SHP099 in vivo suggesting a potential combined targeted therapy option in this subtype of SCLL disease.
In Vivo Bone Effects of a Novel Bisphosphonate‐EP4a Conjugate Drug (C3) for Reversing Osteoporotic Bone Loss in an Ovariectomized Rat Model
Authors: Sheikh Zeeshan , Chen Gang , Al‐Jaf Faik , Thévenin Marion , Banks Kate , Glogauer Michael , Young Robert N , Grynpas Marc D
Published: September 2019

Pathological bone loss is a regular feature of postmenopausal osteoporosis, and the microstructural changes along with the bone loss make the individual prone to getting hip, spine, and wrist fractures. We have developed a new conjugate drug named C3, which has a synthetic, stable EP4 agonist (EP4a) covalently linked to an inactive alendronate (ALN) that binds to bone and allows physiological remodeling. After losing bone for 12 weeks, seven groups of rats were treated for 8 weeks via tail‐vein injection. The groups were: C3 conjugate at low and high doses, vehicle‐treated ovariectomy (OVX) and sham, C1 (a similar conjugate, but with active ALN at high dose), inactive ALN alone, and a mixture of unconjugated ALN and EP4a to evaluate the conjugation effects. Bone turnover was determined by dynamic and static histomorphometry; μCT was employed to determine bone microarchitecture; and bone mechanical properties were evaluated via biomechanical testing. Treatment with C3 significantly increased trabecular bone volume and vertebral BMD versus OVX controls. There was also significant improvement in the vertebral load‐bearing abilities and stimulation of bone formation in femurs after C3 treatment. This preclinical research revealed that C3 resulted in significant anabolic effects on trabecular bone, and EP4a and ALN conjugation components are vital to conjugate anabolic efficacy. A combined therapy using an EP4 selective agonist anabolic agent linked to an inactive ALN is presented here that produces significant anabolic effects, allows bone remodeling, and has the potential for treating postmenopausal osteoporosis or other diseases where bone strengthening would be beneficial. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Predictors of mentoring relationship quality: Investigation from the perspectives of youth and parent participants in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada one‐to‐one mentoring programs
Authors: De Wit David J. , DuBois David L. , Erdem Gizem , Larose Simon , Lipman Ellen L.
Published: September 2019

Aims

This study examined predictors of mentoring relationship quality (MRQ) as reported by youth and parents participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Canada one‐to‐one mentoring programs.

Methods

Mentoring program capacity and other external supports, youth personal and environmental risk, youth and parent attitudes and motives, and mentoring relationship processes and attributes were examined as predictors of MRQ at 18 months following youth referral to the program using data from a longitudinal study of the Canadian BBBS mentoring programs.

Results

For youth (n = 335), significant predictors of MRQ included: minimal difficulties pairing youth and mentors, perceptions of shared attributes with their mentor, mentor emotional engagement and support, and longer relationships. For parents (n = 356) higher MRQ was correlated with parent report of minimal difficulties pairing youth and mentors, a high‐quality relationship with the youth's mentor, and longer relationships.

Conclusion

Implications for program and policy development are discussed.
Patient characteristics and in‐hospital complications of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator for Brugada syndrome in Japan
Authors: Kawamura Iwanari , Nakajima Mikio , Kitamura Takeshi , Kaszynski Richard H. , Hojo Rintaro , Ohbe Hiroyuki , Sasabuchi Yusuke , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Fukamizu Seiji , Yasunaga Hideo
Published: September 2019

Background

Clinical features and complications of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) implantation for Brugada syndrome have not been well studied.

Methods

We used the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database to retrospectively investigate patients who had undergone ICD implantation between April 2016 and March 2017. We compared the characteristics and in‐hospital complications of patients with Brugada syndrome implanted with S‐ICD or transvenous (TV)‐ICD.

Results

We extracted 3090 patients who received ICD implantation. Among them, we identified 278 Brugada patients. The mean age was 43 ± 14.4 years and 262 (94%) were male. Of these 278 patients, 136 (49%) received S‐ICD and 142 (51%) received TV‐ICD. TV‐ICD recipients had a history of atrial fibrillation more frequently compared with S‐ICD recipients. The median (interquartile range) of length of hospital stay was not significantly different between patients with S‐ICD and TV‐ICD (13 days [10‐20.5] vs 12 days [10‐18], respectively). The prevalence of in‐hospital complications after ICD implantation was similar between the two groups. There were no patients with cardiac tamponade, hemothorax, pneumothorax, cardiovascular event, stroke, and death following the procedure during hospitalization in either group.

Conclusions

Short‐term safety of S‐ICD implantation may be identical to that of TV‐ICD. Large prospective studies are warranted to compare the effects and long‐term safety of S‐ICD compared with TV‐ICD.
Ultra‐high density mapping of intra‐atrial reentrant tachycardia in a patient after a lateral tunnel total cavopulmonary connection
Authors: Mori Hitoshi , Sumitomo Naokata , Muraji Shota , Iwashita Noriyuki , Kobayashi Toshiki , Kato Ritsushi
Published: September 2019

We report a case of an 18‐year‐old male with a postsurgical lateral tunnel (LT) total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Patients after an LT TCPC have complicated suture lines and a considerable area of damaged myocardium in the LT, which could become a complex arrhythmogenic substrate of tachycardias. Detailed three‐dimensional (3D) mapping of the LT and atrium is important for a successful ablation. In this patient, successful catheter ablation of two types of complex tachycardias was accomplished using an ultra‐high density 3D mapping system inside the LT.
Impact of the value‐based purchasing program on hospital operations outcomes: An econometric analysis
Authors: Lee Seung Jun , Venkataraman Sriram , Heim Gregory R. , Roth Aleda V. , Chilingerian Jon
Published: September 2019

The Hospital Value‐Based Purchasing (VBP) Program, one of several federal regulations mandated by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, uses Medicare provider payment penalties and bonuses to encourage hospital administrators to improve performance in four domains: clinical processes, patient outcomes, patient experiences, and efficiency. Before VBP's launch, some practitioners claimed VBP would have little impact, while others feared well‐off hospitals would be unfairly rewarded at the expense of previously poor‐performing hospitals. We examine whether and how the VBP penalties affect aggregate operating outcomes of healthcare providers in hospitals. Using secondary data, we find empirical evidence that hospitals with prior‐year VBP penalties exhibit positive associations between the penalty magnitude and certain current‐year care process improvements. Over the prior year, penalized hospitals also tend to exhibit increased patient case mix metrics, which should enhance revenue as a spillover effect. In a post hoc analysis, we observe that bonus‐receiving hospitals are less apt to exhibit subsequent performance improvements for these same metrics. Our contributions result from theoretically framing differences in hospital operating activities when facing the VBP Program's penalties as well as empirically demonstrating consequences of the penalty's magnitude.
Excited‐state proton transfer via higher excited state in 2‐mercaptobenzothiazole: Absorption, fluorescence, Raman spectroscopic study, and theoretical calculation
Authors: Wei Xin , Duan Aimin , Deng Yaoliang , Xue Jiadan , Zheng Xuming , Zhao Yanying
Published: September 2019

Excited‐state proton transfer (ESPT) photochemical reactions are attracting increasing attention because of their many applications in materials science and biology. 2‐Mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) is investigated in solid, protic, and aprotic solvents using vibrational and electronic spectroscopies combined with density functional theory (DFT). The presence of the stable dimer conformer in the solid and solvents was confirmed by vibrational spectroscopy. Steady‐state absorption and fluorescence emission spectra of MBT in different pH solvent environments indicate that the intermolecular hydrogen bonding may reveal important insights into the ESPT mechanisms involving single and double proton transfers. With the aid of DFT and time‐dependent density functional theory calculations, we assigned the observed Raman spectra to the dimer in water and methanol solvents and carried out preliminary investigations into the effect of hydrogen bonding with the solvent on the excited‐state proton transfer process.
Effect of different inoculation strategies of selected yeast and LAB cultures on Conservolea and Kalamàta table olives considering phenol content, texture, and sensory attributes
Authors: Chytiri Agathi , Tasioula‐Margari Maria , Bleve Gianluca , Kontogianni Vasiliki G , Kallimanis Aristeidis , Kontominas Michael G
Published: September 2019

BACKGROUND

The effects were studied of different inoculation strategies for selected starters –yeasts and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) – used for the fermentation process of two Greek olive cultivars, Conservolea and Kalamàta. The LAB strains applied were Leuconostoc mesenteroides K T5‐1 and L. plantarum A 135–5; the selected yeast strains were S. cerevisiae KI 30–16 and Debaryomyces hansenii A 15–44 for Kalamàta and Conservolea olives, respectively.

RESULTS

Table olive fermentation processes were monitored by performing microbiological analyses, and by monitoring changes in pH, titratable acidity and salinity, sugar consumption, and the evolution of volatile compounds. Structural modifications occurring in phenolic compounds of brine were investigated during the fermentation using liquid chromatography / diode array detection / electrospray ion trap tandem mass spectrometry (LC/DAD/ESI‐MSn) and quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a diode array detector. Phenolic compounds in processed Kalamàta olive brines consisted of phenolic acids, verbascoside, caffeoyl‐6‐secologanoside, comselogoside, and the dialdehydic form of decarboxymethylelenolic acid linked to hydroxytyrosol, whereas oleoside and oleoside 11‐methyl ester were identified only in Conservolea olive brines.

CONCLUSION

Volatile profile and sensory evaluation revealed that the ‘MIX’ (co‐inoculum of yeast and LAB strain) inoculation strategy led to the most aromatic and acceptable Kalamàta olives. For the Conservolea table olives, the ‘YL’ treatment gave the most aromatic and the overall most acceptable product. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Extraction of acetanilide herbicides in naked oat (Avena nuda L.) by using ionic‐liquid‐based matrix solid‐phase dispersion‐foam flotation solid‐phase extraction
Authors: Zhang Liyuan , Ma Zhenchuan , Wang Changyuan , Yu Runzhong , Zhang Dongjie
Published: September 2019

The herbicides in naked oat (Avena nuda L.) samples were extracted, separated, and determined by using ionic‐liquid‐based matrix solid‐phase dispersion‐solvent flotation coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography. The experimental parameters were optimized and evaluated by a univariate method and orthogonal experiment. A good linear relationship was obtained in the range of 5–5000 µg/kg, and the linear correlation coefficient are between 0.9989∼0.9993. The quantification limits for alachlor, metazachlor, propanil, acetochlor, pretilachlor, metolachlor, and butachlor are 5.03, 2.62, 2.73, 4.58, 7.28, 5.05, 5.78 µg/kg, respectively. The average recoveries of the acetanilide herbicides at spiked concentrations of 10, 100, and 500 µg/kg ranged from 92.1 to 104.7%, and relative standard deviations were equal to or lower than 2.9%.
Role of eelgrass on bed‐load transport and sediment resuspension under oscillatory flow
Authors: Marin‐Diaz Beatriz , Bouma Tjeerd J. , Infantes Eduardo
Published: September 2019

Coastal vegetation is widely attributed to stabilize sediment. While most studies focused on how canopy causes flow reduction and thereby affects sediment dynamics, the role of roots and rhizomes on stabilizing the surface sediment has been less well studied. This study aims to quantify interactions between above‐ and belowground biomass of eelgrass (i.e., living Zostera marina plants and mimics) with surface sediment erosion (i.e., bed load and suspended load), under different hydrodynamic forcing that was created using a wave flume. Belowground biomass played an important role preventing bed‐load erosion, by roughly halving the amount of sediment transported after being exposed to maximal orbital velocities of 27 cm s−1, with and without canopy. Surprisingly, for suspended sediment transport, we found opposite effects. In the presence of eelgrass, the critical erosion threshold started at lower velocities than on bare sediment, including sand and mud treatments. Moreover, in muddy systems, such resuspension reduced the light level below the minimum requirement of Z. marina. This surprising result for sediment resuspension was ascribed to a too small eelgrass patch for reducing waves but rather showing enhanced turbulence and scouring at meadow edges. Overall, we conclude that the conservation of the existent eelgrass meadows with developed roots and rhizomes is important for the sediment stabilization and the meadow scale should be taken into account to decrease sediment resuspension.
Interleaving of oxygenized intrusions into the Baltic Sea redoxcline
Authors: Holtermann Peter , Prien Ralf , Naumann Michael , Umlauf Lars
Published: September 2019

Semi‐enclosed marginal seas like the Baltic Sea are often characterized by permanently anoxic deep layers, and may therefore serve as important model systems to study the causes and consequences of the predicted global expansion of oxygen minimum zones. Here, we focus on the role of lateral intrusions in maintaining the “hypoxic transition zone” (HTZ) of the Baltic Sea, which characterizes the quasi‐permanent hypoxic region located between the oxygenized surface layer and the sulfidic deep‐water region. Based on long‐term deployments of an autonomous profiling system in the central Baltic Sea, we show that oxic mid‐water intrusions are ubiquitous features, providing the most important oxygen source for the HTZ, and largely control the vertical and lateral extent of the hypoxic areas. An oxygen budget for the HTZ suggests that oxygen turnover in the HTZ is, to first order, determined by a long‐term balance between sedimentary oxygen demand and oxygen import by intrusions. The downward mixing of oxygen into the HTZ is generally non‐negligible but unlikely to provide a first‐order contribution to the HTZ oxygen budget. On the long‐term average, mid‐water intrusions were shown to inject 30–60 Gmol of oxygen per year into the deep‐water region below the permanent halocline. This is approximately one order of magnitude larger than the average amount of oxygen imported during the massive deep‐water inflow events (Major Baltic Inflows) that occur on an approximately decadal time scale, highlighting the HTZ as a hotspot for biogeochemical turnover.
Brightening and Guiding Single‐Photon Emission by Plasmonic Waveguide–Slit Structures on a Metallic Substrate
Authors: Zhang Guorui , Jia Shangtong , Gu Ying , Chen Jianjun
Published: September 2019

By designing a plasmonic waveguide–slit structure (a nanoslit etched in a silver nanowire) on a silver substrate, an ultrahigh Purcell factor and ultralarge figure of merit (FOM) are numerically predicted. Because of the large field enhancement (>150 times the incident field) and the ultrasmall optical volume (V ≈ 2 × 10−5λ3) of the resonant mode in the metallic nanoslit, the simulations show that the Purcell factor in the system can reach up toFP = 1.68 × 105, which is more than ten times the maximum Purcell factor in previous work (by placing metallic nanoparticles on a metal surface with a nanogap). Because of the utilization of a silver substrate rather than the common dielectric substrate, the mode cutoff of the surface plasmon polariton (SPP) waveguide mode is completely eliminated, which provides a large selection range of the nanowire radii to support the resonant mode in the nanoslit. Moreover, the SPP propagation length is significantly increased by more than 30 times. As a result, an ultralarge FOM of 1.40 × 107is obtained, which is more than 80 times the maximum FOM in previous work where the metallic nanowire is placed on or surrounded by dielectric materials.
Enhanced Dynamic Casimir Effect in Temporally and Spatially Modulated Josephson Transmission Line
Authors: Ma Shaojie , Miao Haixing , Xiang Yuanjiang , Zhang Shuang
Published: September 2019

Real photon pairs can be created in a dynamic cavity with an oscillating boundary or temporally modulated refractive index of the constituent medium. This effect is called dynamic Casimir effect (DCE), which represents one of the most amazing predictions of quantum field theory. The DCE has been experimentally observed in Josephson metamaterials embedded in a microwave cavity. However, the efficiency of the observed DCE is extremely weak, entailing a complex external signal enhancement process to detect the signal. Here, it is shown that the DCE can be drastically enhanced in a dynamic 1D cavity consisting of a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID)‐based Josephson transmission line with both temporal and spatial modulation on the effective inductance profile through flux‐biasing. Such a system can resonantly generate photons at driving frequencies equal to even or odd integer times of that of the fundamental cavity mode governed by the symmetry of the spatial modulation. Interesting spectral and scaling behaviors for photons excited at the band edge are further observed. The discovery introduces a new degree of freedom—spatial modulation—to enhance the efficiency of DCE.
Supramolecular Competitive Host–Guest Interaction Induced Reversible Macromolecular Metamorphosis
Authors: Bera Debaditya , Hou Zhanyao , Glassner Mathias , Lyskawa Joel , Malfait Aurélie , Woisel Patrice , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: September 2019

In this work, a rational strategy of competitive host–guest complexation between dioxynaphthalene (Naph) and tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) subunits as guests and cyclophane cyclobis(paraquat‐p‐phenylene) (CBPQT4+) module as host is exploited to modify the macromolecular architecture, so‐called supramolecular metamorphosis, in aqueous media. The architectures of the polymers can be reversibly transformed from a linear diblock copolymer AB to a linear AC block copolymer or from a linear block copolymer to a comb copolymer by redox switching. Interestingly, as TTF‐ and Naph‐based complexes feature different characteristic colors, it offers a great opportunity to directly observe nanoscaled macromolecular metamorphosis of materials with the naked eye.
Keratin 9 L164P mutation in a Chinese pedigree with epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma, cytokeratin analysis, and literature review
Authors: Liu Xiaoliang , Qiu Chuang , He Rong , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhao Yanyan
Published: September 2019

Background

Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (EPPK) is characterized by hyperkeratotic lesions on palms and soles. The disorder is caused by mutations of keratin 9 (KRT9) or KRT1 gene.

Methods

Epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma was diagnosed by physical examination and histopathological analysis in a five‐generation Chinese family. Mutation was screened by Sanger sequencing. The palmar expression of multiple cytokeratins were analyzed by tape‐stripping and Real‐time PCR. Literatures of EPPK with additional symptoms were reviewed.

Results

Affected family members showed diffuse palmoplantar keratosis, with knuckle pads, friction‐related lesions and a novel additional symptom of palmar constriction. A heterozygous mutation of c.T491C (p.L164P) of KRT9 was found within the helix initiation motif. The hydrophobic effect was decreased and the initiation of coiled‐coil conformation was delayed. The KRT16/KRT6 expression were significantly increased in the patients, especially on the right, indicating activation of stress‐response and wound‐healing cytokeratins. There were also increased KRT9/KRT2, unchanged KRT10/KRT1, and undetectable KRT14/KRT5 expression. The genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity of EPPK with additional symptoms were summarized by literature review.

Conclusion

The p.L164P mutation of KRT9 caused EPPK with a novel symptom of palmar constriction. The expression of multiple cytokeratins was altered in EPPK patients.
White paper addresses VBP opportunities, challenges for BH providers
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2019

Health care payments continue to evolve and shift away from fee‐for‐service payment systems that typically reward volume and move to value‐based payment (VBP) models that incentivize high‐quality, cost‐effective care. While this is happening more for physical health services, there's more uncertainty about the role of behavioral health. A new white paper aims to tackle that question with information about existing models that have been implemented along with recommendations for federal and state policymakers.
Model School Policy template on suicide prevention launched
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2019

In a move to provide guidance to school districts in developing suicide prevention procedures, four national organizations on Sept. 9 launched an evidence‐based Model School Policy to help prevent, assess the risk of, intervene, and respond to youth suicidal behavior.
Existence of global mild solutions for a class of fractional partial functional differential equations
Authors: Xi Xuan‐Xuan , Hou Mimi , Zhou Xian‐Feng
Published: September 2019

This paper is concerned with a class of fractional partial functional differential equations with nonlocal conditions in Banach spaces. By using the theories of resolvent operator, the Schauder fixed point theorem and the Banach contraction mapping principle, we obtain the sufficient conditions for the local and global existence of the mild solution.
Design and testing of microbubble‐based MRI contrast agents for gastric pressure measurement
Authors: Abdurakman Edwin , Bencsik Martin , Cave Gareth W. V. , Hoad Caroline L. , McGowan Scott , Fairhurst David J. , Major Giles , Gowland Penny A. , Bowtell Richard
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This work demonstrates specifically tailored microbubble‐based preparations and their suitability as MRI contrast agents for ingestion and measuring temporal and spatial pressure variation in the human stomach.

Methods

Enhanced alginate spheres were prepared by incorporating gas‐filled microbubbles into sodium alginate solution followed by the polymerization of the mixture in an aqueous calcium lactate solution. The microbubbles were prepared with a phospholipid shell and perfluorocarbon gas filling, using a mechanical cavitational agitation regime. The NMR signal changes to externally applied pressure and coming from the enhanced alginate spheres were acquired and compared with that of alginate spheres without microbubbles. In vivo investigations were also carried out on healthy volunteers to measure the pressure variation in the stomach.

Results

The MR signal changes in the contrast agent exhibits a linear sensitivity of approximately 40% per bar, as opposed to no measurable signal change seen in the control gas‐free spheres. This novel contrast agent also demonstrates an excellent stability in simulated gastric conditions, including at body temperature. In vivo studies showed that the signal change exhibited in the meal within the antrum region is between 5% and 10%, but appears to come from both pressure changes and partial volume artifacts.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that alginate spheres with microbubbles can be used as an MRI contrast agent to measure pressure changes. The peristaltic movement within the stomach is seen to substantially alter the overall signal intensity of the contrast agent meal. Future work must focus on improving the contrast agent's sensitivity to pressure changes.
Climate variability and its impacts on agriculture production and future prediction using autoregressive integrated moving average method (ARIMA)
Authors: Praveen Bushra , Sharma Pritee
Published: September 2019

This study assesses the impacts of climate variation on land productivity for major Indian food and non‐food grain crops. We collected data for 50 years from (1967–2016) with 15 crops across India. To estimate the variation of agriculture production for each crop by different variables, for instance, rainfall and temperature estimation and future prediction for 20 years, that is, until 2036. Our results specify that land productivity drops with a rise in annual mean temperature in most of the crops. The adverse impact of climate variation on agricultural production recommends food security risk to minor and marginal agricultural families, badly affected by climatic variations. Results show that a rise in temperature would reduce agricultural productivity and assessed sensitivity of Indian agriculture to climate change. We did forecasting using the autoregressive integrated moving average model for 20 years. It shows that as temperature and rainfall upturns in the future, production of some crops, such as gram, sesamum (til), jowar, groundnut, sugarcane, and bajra, will also increase. Some crops are climate sensitive, such as arhar, wheat, rice, cotton, and tea. As temperature increases, the production of these crops slightly increase or decrease.
Cerebral blood flow dynamic in foetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome: Incremental value of the first segment of the anterior cerebral artery over the middle cerebral artery?
Authors: Liu Yushan , Zeng Shi , Tan Ya , Zhou Jiawei , Zhao Baihua
Published: September 2019

Objective

To investigate the blood flow Doppler parameters of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) in foetuses with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

Methods

Doppler parameters (peak systolic velocity [PSV], end‐diastolic velocity [EDV], time‐averaged maximum velocity [TAMXV] and pulsatility index [PI]) and biometric parameters were measured in two anatomical segments of the ACA (S1 and S2) and in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in 35 HLHS foetuses and 73 gestational age‐matched normal foetuses. Correlations between the cerebral artery PIs and head circumference (HC) were assessed.

Results

Both EDV and TAMXV of the ACA and MCA in the HLHS group were significantly higher than in the normal group (P < .05). The PI of the ACA and MCA in the HLHS group were significantly lower than in the normal group (P < .05). ACAS1PI and ACAS2PI in the HLHS foetuses with retrograde blood flow in the aortic isthmus (AoI) were significantly lower than those of HLHS foetuses without retrograde blood flow in the AoI (P < .05). ACAS2PI was significantly lower than ACAS1PI in the HLHS foetuses with retrograde blood flow in the AoI (P = .047). The abnormal rates of ACAS1 and ACAS2 were significantly higher than that of the MCA (P < .05) in the HLHS group. The HC and biparietal diameter were significantly lower in the HLHS group than in the control group (P < .05). HC was correlated with the PIs of ACAS1, ACAS2 and the MCA in the HLHS group (P < .05).

Conclusion

A redistribution of foetal cerebral blood flow appeared in HLHS, and the measurement of ACA PI might provide early information on brain hypoxia.
Outcomes beyond hospital discharge in infants and children with viral meningitis: A systematic review
Authors: Hudson Jessica A. , Broad Jonathan , Martin Natalie G. , Sadarangani Manish , Galal Ushma , Kelly Dominic F. , Pollard Andrew J. , Kadambari Seilesh
Published: September 2019

Viruses are the commonest cause of childhood meningitis, but outcomes beyond hospital discharge are poorly described. We undertook a systematic literature review of long‐term outcomes following paediatric viral meningitis. A search was carried out using MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Review for studies from 1 January 1990 to 31 December 2018. Studies were included where specific outcome measures were available beyond hospital discharge for children <16 years old with viral meningitis. In total, 3588 papers were identified of which 14 were eligible for inclusion. Four studies reported outcomes in children with nonenterovirus 71 meningitis. A US study of 16 cases demonstrated subtle language difficulties at 3‐year follow‐up in infants in contrast to an Australian study, which revealed no impairment in language. A Fijian study showed that two out of eight cases had sensorineural hearing loss compared with none in a UK cohort of 668 infants. Three studies evaluated outcomes of enterovirus 71 meningitis in China and Taiwan, two showed cases recovered without sequelae, while one demonstrated an increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Two studies including 141 cases of human parechovirus revealed no evidence of neurodevelopmental sequelae. Conversely, an Australian study demonstrated neurodevelopmental sequelae in 11 out of 77 infants with parechovirus meningitis. Most studies identified in this review demonstrated a high proportion of good clinical outcomes following viral meningitis. However, the data are limited, so robustly conducted neurodevelopmental studies are warranted to inform the evidence‐based management of viral meningitis beyond hospital discharge.
A New Photoresponsive Bis (Crown Ether) for Extraction of Metal Ions
Authors: Liang Yong , Wang Xiang , Zhao Siqi , He Piao , Luo Ting , Jiang Jinzhi , Liang Wenjie , Cai Jianfeng , Xu Hai
Published: September 2019

A new photoresponsive bis (crown ether) 1 was synthesized from carboxylic crown ethers and 4,4′ ‐ hydroxy azobenzene, and its ability for the extraction of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, and partial transition metal ions was also studied. Intriguingly, our results showed that the extraction rate of metal ions by compound 1 after light irradiation was generally more efficient than in the ambient light. Particularly, compound 1 displayed excellent selectivity for Sr2+ under UV light irradiation, as a result of the formation of a sandwich complex with metal ions, suggesting its promising potential application to selectively extract strontium ions.