bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fully numerical Hartree‐Fock and density functional calculations. I. Atoms
Authors: Lehtola Susi
Published: April 2019

Although many programs have been published for fully numerical Hartree‐Fock (HF) or density functional (DF) calculations on atoms, we are not aware of any programs that support hybrid DFs, which are popular within the quantum chemistry community due to their better accuracy for many applications, or that can be used to calculate electric properties. Here, we present a variational atomic finite element solver in theHelFEMprogram suite that overcomes these limitations. A basis set of the typeis used, whereBn(r)are finite element shape functions andare spherical harmonics, which allows for an arbitrary level of accuracy.HelFEMsupports nonrelativistic HF and DF calculations even with hybrid functionals, which are not available in other commonly available program packages. Hundreds of functionals at the local spin‐density approximation (LDA), generalized‐gradient approximation (GGA), as well as the meta‐GGA levels of theory are included through an interface with theLibxclibrary. Electric response properties are achievable via finite field calculations. We introduce an alternative grid that yields faster convergence to the complete basis set limit than commonly used alternatives. We also show that high‐order Lagrange interpolating polynomials yield the best convergence, and that excellent agreement with literature HF limit values for electric properties, such as static dipole polarizabilities, can be achieved with the present approach. Dipole moments and dipole polarizabilities at finite field are also reported with the PBE, PBEh, TPSS, and TPSSh functionals. Finally, we show that a recently published Gaussian basis set is able to reproduce absolute HF and DF energies of neutral atoms, cations, as well as anions within a few dozen microhartrees.
Storm effects on nitrogen flux and longitudinal variability in a river–reservoir system
Authors: Keys Tyler A. , Caudill Madeline F. , Scott Durelle T.
Published: April 2019

Sustainable management of the nitrogen (N) cycle remains a considerable global challenge that has major implications for aquatic ecosystems. Dams play a critical yet often neglected role in addressing this challenge as they increase hydraulic residence time and denitrification potential. However, during storm events when the majority of N loading occurs, less is known about the effects dams have on N fate and transport processes. Here, we examined the flux of N species and phosphorus (P) and longitudinal profiles of nitrate (NO3−) along a sixth‐order river–reservoir system at baseflow and across the falling limb of a multiday, 1‐year storm hydrograph. During the storm event, the reservoir reduced total NO3− flux by 19.1% and P flux by 12.7%. On the contrary, ammonium (NH4+) fluxes were 200% higher downstream of the dam in comparison with fluxes into the reservoir, indicating that there was a substantial net export of NH4+ from the reservoir during the storm event. Longitudinally along the river to reservoir transition, a breakpoint of statistical significance was identified, highlighting the sharp contrast between NO3− concentrations within the river and reservoir. Results suggest that frequent storm events such as the one presented here can greatly alter N removal processes in river–reservoir systems. Overall, this study highlights the need to better understand the role that storm events play in river–reservoir N cycling dynamics.
Spatial modeling of brain connectivity data via latent distance models with nodes clustering
Authors: Aliverti Emanuele , Durante Daniele
Published: April 2019

Brain network data—measuring structural interconnections among brain regions of interest—are increasingly collected for multiple individuals. Moreover, recent analyses provide additional information on the brain regions under study. These predictors typically include the three‐dimensional anatomical coordinates of the regions, and their membership to hemispheres and lobes. Although recent studies have explored the spatial effects underlying brain networks, there is still a lack of statistical analyses on the net connectivity structure which is not explained by the physical proximity of the brain regions. We answer this question via a predictor‐dependent latent space model for replicated brain network data which provides a meaningful representation for the net connectivity architecture via a set of latent positions having a mixture of Gaussians prior. This model allows for flexible inference on brain network patterns which are not explained by the anatomical structure, and facilitates clustering among brain regions according to local similarities in the latent space. Our findings offer novel insights on wiring mechanisms among subsets of brain regions which interestingly departs from the anatomical proximity structure.
Indene‐Based Donor‐Acceptor Type Small Molecular Semiconductors for High‐Performance n‐Channel Transistors
Authors: Wei Qibing , Wang Jinlong , Wu Hongzhuo , Qiao Xiaolan , Zhao Baoguo , Li Hongxiang
Published: April 2019

It is a great challenge to design n‐channel donor‐acceptor (D−A) type small molecules because of the lack of strong electron withdrawing acceptor unit. Herein, 3‐(dicyanomethylidene)‐indan‐1‐one (IC) and 1,3‐bis(dicyanomethylidene)‐indene (IDC) based D−A type small molecular organic semiconductors IC–DDTPTI and IDC‐DDTPTI are synthesized and characterized. Both compounds have low‐lying LUMO energy levels, especially for IDC‐DDTPTI with LUMO energy level lower than −4.0 eV. Thin film transistor characteristics show IC–DDTPTI displays ambipolar transistor behavior with balanced hole and electron mobility. The electron mobility is 0.40 cm2 V−1 s−1 and the hole mobility reaches 0.18 cm2 V−1 s−1. IDC‐DDTPTI exhibits unipolar n‐channel character with an electron mobility of 0.027 cm2 V−1 s−1. These results highlight the applications of IC and IDC units in high performance D−A type n‐channel organic semiconductors.
Binding Interaction of Gemini Surfactants with Nanotubes of β‐Cyclodextrin and Controlled Release of Guest Molecules: Effect of Spacer Chain Length and Concentration of Surfactants
Authors: Kumari Sunita , Sundar Ganapathisubramanian , Saha Subit K.
Published: April 2019

The formation of guest molecule (Coumarin 485, C‐485) induced nanotubes by β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and their interactions with cationic gemini surfactants (12‐n‐12, where n=3, 6, and 12) have been explored by means of UV‐visible absorption, steady‐state fluorescence and fluorescence anisotropy, time‐resolved fluorescence and fluorescence anisotropy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. β‐CD at its high concentration form extended nanotubes and secondary aggregates of nanotubes. A gemini surfactant has a significant role in binding interactions between C‐485 and nanotubes of β‐CD. In a low concentration range, surfactant molecules are co‐associated with the guest molecules, C‐485, however, at high concentrations, they are capable of pushing C‐485 out of the nanotubular cavities. A gemini molecule with a comparatively longer spacer chain is more efficient in removing the guest molecules out of the nanotubular cavities. Also, the rate of release of guest molecules increases with increasing concentration of surfactants. Release of guest molecules from the nanotubes can be tuned by changing the spacer chain length and concentration of gemini surfactants. Guest molecules after coming out of the nanotubular cavities, get solubilized in the micelles formed by surfactant molecules in the solution. The results of the present work suggest potential application in the development of promising drug delivery systems.
Rice Husk Lignin‐Derived Porous Carbon Anode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Yi , Huang Yan , Song Kexian , Wang Xiaofeng , Yu Kaifeng , Liang Ce
Published: April 2019

Lignin carbonaceous is extracted from alkali‐treated rice husk waste liquid through an acid precipitation process, and used as carbon source to prepare porous carbon in one‐step and two‐step methods with zinc chloride as activator at different temperatures. Then the obtained rice husk lignin‐derived porous carbon has been used as anode materials for the lithium‐ion batteries. After comparison, the material obtained by calcination at 500 °C (one‐step method) has displayed excellent cycle stability and high cycle specific capacity (469 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles), much higher than the theoretical capacity of graphite. Good electrochemical performance is attributed to the unique porous structure of lignin‐derived carbon material, which can shorten the diffusion distance of lithium ions and increase the contact area between electrode and electrolyte. This work provides an effective method to rationally utilize biomass waste materials, and supplies a new kind of biomass carbon anode materials for lithium ion batteries.
Preparation and Thermal Properties of Stearic Acid/n‐Octadecane Binary Eutectic Mixture as Phase Change Materials for Energy Storage
Authors: Shen Jianfen , Hu Zhanjiang , Wang Chaoming , Chen Ke , Cai Zhengyu , Wang Tingjun
Published: April 2019

Stearic acid/n‐octadecane (SA‐ODE) binary eutectic mixture was made by simple melt blending method and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to characterize the thermal properties of SA, ODE, and their binary mixtures. The phase diagram of SA‐ODE binary system displays a eutectic behavior and the corresponding mass percentage of SA at eutectic point is 4 wt%. The onset melting temperature (Ton) of binary eutectic mixture is 27.4°C, and the latent heat (ΔfusH) is 227 J g−1. The solid‐liquid phase transition temperature and the latent heat of fusion of SA‐ODE binary eutectic mixture have no obvious change after 100 repeated thermal cycles, which suggests the SA‐ODE binary eutectic mixture has good thermal durability and has potential as phase change materials for thermal energy storage.
Cationic‐Polymer‐Functionalized Zinc Oxide Quantum Dots: Preparation and Application to Iron(II) Ion Detection
Authors: Laopa Praethong , Vilaivan Tirayut
Published: April 2019

This research focuses on the synthesis of ZnO quantum dots with a cationic polymer coating consisting of poly[2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]‐ammonium chloride–co‐poly(poly‐ethyleneglycol methyl methacrylate (p(METAC‐PEOMEMA)) for Fe2+ detection. The copolymers of p(METAC‐PEOMEMA) at various molar ratios of METAC/PEOMEMA (100/0, 38/62, and 9/91) were synthesized by RAFT polymerization. The p(METAC‐PEOMEMA) capped trisodium citrate‐ZnO quantum dot (p(METAC‐PEOMEMA)‐ZnO QDs) were prepared via ionic interaction of trisodium citrate‐ZnO QDs and p(METAC‐PEOMEMA). The optical properties of the polymer‐capped ZnO QDs were studied by UV‐Vis and fluororescence spectrophotometry. The p(METAC‐PEOMEMA)‐ZnO QDs exhibited excellent properties such as high monodispersity in particle sizes, good stability, excellent water dispersibility, and good quantum yield of 27–32%. The p(METAC9‐PEOMEMA91)‐ZnO QDs is quenched by Fe2+ with a good selectivity over other metal ions such as Fe3+, Hg2+, Co2+, Pb2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, Ag+, Cu2+, and Na+. A good linear relationship between relative fluorescence intensity and the concentration of Fe2+ ion was observed over an Fe2+ concentration range from 0.47 μM to 5.6 μM, with a limit of detection and limit of quantitation at 0.34 μM and 0.51 μM, respectively. Its application for the detection of Fe2+ ion in drinking water samples was demonstrated.
A Convenient Synthetic Route towards 3,5‐Bis(hydroxymethyl)pyrrolizidines: Stereoselective Synthesis of Unnatural (–)‐Hyacinthacine B2
Authors: Malatinský Tomáš , Otočková Barbora , Dikošová Lívia , Fischer Róbert
Published: April 2019

A convenient synthetic route towards structurally intriguing hyacinthacines bearing an additional hydroxymethyl substituent at the C‐5 position is described. The strategy relies on syn‐stereoselective 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of D‐mannose‐derived nitrone, which provides the required stereochemistry at the A‐ring and at the bridgehead C‐7a carbon atom in target pyrrolizidines. Consecutive Horner‐Wadsworth‐Emmons olefination and intramolecular reductive amination cyclization are employed for the B‐ring construction with an emphasis on the stereochemistry of the newly formed stereocenter at C‐5. The simplicity of this method is exemplified by effective and highly stereocontrolled synthesis of the unnatural (–)‐enantiomer of hyacinthacine B2.
Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Modified 2D N‐Doped Porous Graphene‐like Carbon as an Efficient and Robust Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Ye Yuzhen , Wang Bin , Liu Gaopeng , Xu Li , Xia Jiexiang , Li Huaming
Published: April 2019

As the high expense and poor stability of Pt‐based catalysts have severely limited the commercial applications of cathodic catalysts in fuel cells, the steps towards developing low‐cost and stable catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) have never stopped. In this work, we designed a Fe2O3 nanoparticles decorated 2D N‐doped porous graphene‐like carbon material (Fe(1.0)–N/C‐800) from the one‐step pyrolysis of low‐cost and abundant substrates (β‐cyclodextrin, urea and FeCl3) under N2 atmosphere. The doped N can change the charge distribution of C atoms around N atoms and offer active N species such as pyridinic‐N and graphitic‐N to provide more ORR active sites. The appropriate Fe2O3 nanoparticles encapsulated in the graphene‐like carbon layer can enhance the electron and O2 transfer and boost the ORR process. Therefore, the synergetic effect of Fe2O3 nanoparticles modifying and N doping can greatly promote the ORR process. The study on the poisoning of Fe3+ by SCN– further reveals that the Fe2O3 nanoparticles wrapped in the carbon layer will coordinate with N to form Fe–Nx active sites, which can further enhance ORR activity. Thus, the obtained Fe(1.0)–N/C‐800 electrocatalyst possesses excellent ORR catalytic performance in alkaline media (Eonset=0.937 V, E1/2=0.832 V) as well as a superior methanol tolerance and long‐term test stability both in alkaline and acidic media. This work leads a simple and cost‐efficient way to fabricate high‐performance ORR catalysts.
One‐Pot Hydrothermal Synthesis of Elements (B, N, P)‐Doped Fluorescent Carbon Dots for Cell Labelling, Differentiation and Outgrowth of Neuronal Cells
Authors: Kumar Vijay B. , Kumar Raj , Friedman Ofir , Golan Yuval , Gedanken Aharon , Shefi Orit
Published: April 2019

Here, we report the use of the chemically modified one‐step facile hydrothermal process to develop Boron (B), Nitrogen (N), and Phosphorous (P) doped carbon dots (E@CDs). The chemical characterization of the E@CDs was systematically studied by several analytical techniques that confer doping of elements by known characteristics. The obtained E@CDs had observed very homogeneous size distribution and displayed excitation dependent fluorescence properties, and high quantum yield (QY) was measured in case of B and N doping. Excellent cell viability and good cellular uptake was observed for all E@CDs. Finally, E@CDs were compared with pristine CDs on their effect on cell labelling, neural differentiation process and outgrowth of neurite network. By manipulating the doping of CDs, we can control the branching pattern and outgrowth of neuronal developments. The E@CDs are capable due to their photostability biocompatibility, and possible selective affinity towards nanomedicine applications.
Specific K+ Binding Sites as CO2 Traps in a Porous MOF for Enhanced CO2 Selective Sorption
Authors: Li Na , Chang Ze , Huang Hongliang , Feng Rui , He Wei‐Wei , Zhong Ming , Madden David G. , Zaworotko Michael J. , Bu Xian‐He
Published: April 2019

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) can be fine‐tuned to boost sorbent‐sorbate interactions in order to improve gas sorption and separation performance, but the design of MOFs with ideal structural features for gas separation applications remains a challenge. Herein it is reported that unsaturated alkali metal sites can be immobilized in MOFs through a tetrazole based motif and that gas affinity can thereby be boosted. In the prototypal MOF of this type‐NKU‐521 (NKU denotes Nankai University), K+ cations are effectively embedded in a trinuclear Co2+‐tetrazole coordination motif. The embedded K+ sites are exposed to the pores of NKU‐521 through water removal, and the isosteric heat (Qst) for CO2 is boosted to 41 kJ mol‐1. The nature of the binding site is validated by molecular simulations and structural characterization. The K+ cations in effect serve as gas traps and boost the CO2‐framework affinity, as measured by the Qst, by 24%. In addition, the impact of unsaturated alkali metal sites upon the separation of hydrocarbons is evaluated for the first time in MOFs using ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) calculations and column breakthrough experiments. The results reveal that the presence of exposed K+ sites benefits gas sorption and hydrocarbon separation performances of this MOF.
Recent Progress in Three‐Terminal Artificial Synapses: From Device to System
Authors: Han Hong , Yu Haiyang , Wei Huanhuan , Gong Jiangdong , Xu Wentao
Published: April 2019

Synapses are essential to the transmission of nervous signals. Synaptic plasticity allows changes in synaptic strength that make a brain capable of learning from experience. During development of neuromorphic electronics, great efforts have been made to design and fabricate electronic devices that emulate synapses. Three‐terminal artificial synapses have the merits of concurrently transmitting signals and learning. Inorganic and organic electronic synapses have mimicked plasticity and learning. Optoelectronic synapses and photonic synapses have the prospective benefits of low electrical energy loss, high bandwidth, and mechanical robustness. These artificial synapses provide new opportunities for the development of neuromorphic systems that can use parallel processing to manipulate datasets in real time. Synaptic devices have also been used to build artificial sensory systems. Here, recent progress in the development and application of three‐terminal artificial synapses and artificial sensory systems is reviewed.
Solution‐Processed 2D Nb2O5(001) Nanosheets for Inverted CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells: Interfacial and Diffusion Engineering
Authors: Han Dongwei , Xin Yu , Yuan Quan , Yang Qifeng , Wang Yu , Yang Yang , Yi Siwei , Zhou Dongying , Feng Lai , Wang Yanqin
Published: April 2019

Herein, solution‐processed 2D Nb2O5(001) nanosheets (c‐Nb2O5 NS) are prepared and combined with [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) as an electron transport layer (ETL) for inverted inorganic CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cells (PeSCs). The PeSCs with a c‐Nb2O5/PC61BM bilayer ETL yield a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 11.74%, remarkably outperforming the devices with only PC61BM (9.10%) and those with the state‐of‐the‐art ZnO/C60 ETL (10.65%) prepared under the same conditions. More importantly, the nonencapsulated PeSCs with c‐Nb2O5 exhibit a high thermal stability with only 20% PCE loss after 400 h thermal aging at 85 °C. Such an impressive performance and a high stability can be attributed to the introduction of c‐Nb2O5(001) NS with favorable band levels, strong acid nature, and the small lattice fringe spacing along the large lateral (001) surface, which not only facilitate the electron transport, blocking the hole transport, but also contribute to defect passivation and retard the iodine ions diffusion toward the Ag electrode. This study thus provides a deeper insight for the interfacial design in inverted inorganic PeSCs and contributes to PCE improvement in the future.
FE‐Berechnungen mit Fließzonen für Tragfähigkeitsnachweise nach DIN EN 1993‐1‐1
Authors: Kindmann Rolf , Kraus Matthias
Published: April 2019

Herrn Univ.‐Prof. Dr.‐Ing. habil. Frank Werner zur Vollendung seines 70. Lebensjahres gewidmet

Tragfähigkeitsnachweise für stabilitätsgefährdete Stäbe werden nach DIN EN 1993‐1‐1 [1] in der Regel mit Abminderungsfaktoren oder geometrischen Ersatzimperfektionen geführt. Prinzipiell ist dies auch mit FE‐Berechnungen nach der Fließzonentheorie möglich, jedoch bisher aus verschiedenen Gründen nicht üblich. Im Folgenden werden Nachweise mit FE‐Berechnungen nach der Fließzonentheorie behandelt, da die Tragfähigkeit auf dieser Grundlage genauer und in vielen Fällen auch schneller ermittelt werden kann als mit den o. g. Methoden. Der entscheidende Vorteil liegt auch in der realitätsnahen Beschreibung des tatsächlichen Tragverhaltens, das Erkenntnisse zur Ursache für das Erreichen von Grenztragfähigkeiten liefert und damit das Verständnis zum Tragverhalten stabilitätsgefährdeter Bauteile entscheidend fördert. Da in der Baupraxis häufig Nachweise zum Biegeknicken und Biegedrillknicken von Bauteilen mit doppeltsymmetrischen I‐Querschnitten aus Baustahl S 235 und S 355 geführt werden müssen, wird im Folgenden eine auf diese Anwendungsfälle zugeschnittene Lösung vorgestellt. Ziel des vorliegenden Aufsatzes ist es, Nachweise mit FE‐Berechnungen nach der Fließzonentheorie mittelfristig als Standardverfahren zu etablieren.
Concise Review: Mesenchymal Stem Cells: From Roots to Boost
Authors: Andrzejewska Anna , Lukomska Barbara , Janowski Miroslaw
Published: April 2019

It was shown as long as half a century ago that bone marrow is a source of not only hematopoietic stem cells, but also stem cells of mesenchymal tissues. Then the term “mesenchymal stem cells” (MSCs) was coined in the early 1990s, and more than a decade later, the criteria for defining MSCs have been released by the International Society for Cellular Therapy. The easy derivation from a variety of fetal and adult tissues and undemanding cell culture conditions made MSCs an attractive research object. It was followed by the avalanche of reports from preclinical studies on potentially therapeutic properties of MSCs, such as immunomodulation, trophic support and capability for a spontaneous differentiation into connective tissue cells, and differentiation into the majority of cell types upon specific inductive conditions. Although ontogenesis, niche, and heterogeneity of MSCs are still under investigation, there is a rapid boost of attempts at clinical applications of MSCs, especially for a flood of civilization-driven conditions in so quickly aging societies, not only in the developed countries, but also in the populous developing world. The fields of regenerative medicine and oncology are particularly extensively addressed by MSC applications, in part due to the paucity of traditional therapeutic options for these highly demanding and costly conditions. There are currently almost 1,000 clinical trials registered worldwide at ClinicalTrials.gov, and it seems that we are starting to witness the snowball effect with MSCs becoming a powerful global industry; however, the spectacular effects of MSCs in the clinic still need to be shown. Stem Cells  2019;37:855–864
Loss of the Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Glypican5 Facilitates Long-Range Sonic Hedgehog Signaling
Authors: Guo Wei , Roelink Henk
Published: April 2019

As a morphogen, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) mediates signaling at a distance from its sites of synthesis. After secretion, Shh must traverse a distance through the extracellular matrix (ECM) to reach the target cells and activate the Hh response. ECM proteins, in particular, the heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) of the glypican family, have both negative and positive effects on Shh signaling, all attributed to their ability to bind Shh. Using mouse embryonic stem cell-derived mosaic tissues with compartments that lack the glycosyltransferases Exostosin1 and Exostosin2, or the HSPG core protein Glypican5, we show that Shh accumulates around its source cells when they are surrounded by cells that have a mutated ECM. This accumulation of Shh is correlated with an increased noncell autonomous Shh response. Our results support a model in which Shh presented on the cell surface accumulates at or near ECM that lacks HSPGs, possibly due to the absence of these Shh sequestering molecules. Stem Cells  2019;37:899–909
Energy recovery from municipal solid waste in Nigeria and its economic and environmental implications
Authors: Yusuf R. O. , Adeniran J. A. , Mustapha S. I. , Sonibare J. A.
Published: April 2019

An assessment of potential biomass resources in Nigeria for the production of methane and power generation is presented in this paper. Nigeria, as an underdeveloped and populous country, needs an uninterrupted source of energy. The country's energy problems have crippled large sectors of the economy. The percentage of people connected to the national grid is 40%. These 40% experience electricity supply failure on average 10–12 hours daily. Energy generation from municipal solid waste (MSW) is an effective MSW management strategy. Yearly waste generation has increased from 6,471 gigagrams (Gg) in 1959 to 26,600 Gg in 2015. This amount is projected to reach 36,250 Gg per year by 2030. Methane emission for 2015 was 491 Gg, and it is projected to reach 669 Gg in 2030. These values translate to 3.48 × 109 kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity for 2015, with a projected 4.74 × 109 kWh by 2030. The revenue to be derived from the electricity that is generated could have been US$365.04 × 106 for 2015, and it is estimated that it will reach US$473.82 × 106 by 2030. It was found that methane emissions from MSW increased with time, and capturing this gas for energy production will lead to a sustainable waste management.
The top 5 sections of the FERPA regs: §99.3 definitions, Part 3
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: April 2019

Most of us don't think much about the steps we use to address a problem that involves the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. We just go through some mental gymnastics and arrive at an answer. But where do you start?
Give staff the autonomy to achieve goals
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: April 2019

Mike Burke's career path to becoming a registrar was rooted in the positive experiences he gained as an undergraduate while working at his school's student events center. As the center's special events manager at Syracuse University, Burke managed a multipurpose auditorium, supervised a staff for the first time, and interacted with university leaders.
Outcome of fetuses with lower urinary tract obstruction and normal amniotic fluid volume in second trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Nassr A. A. , Shamshirsaz A. A. , Erfani H. , Espinoza J. , Sanz Cortes M. , Koh C. J. , Roth D. R. , Angelo J. R. , Mandy G. T. , Braun M. C. , Ruano R. , Belfort M. A.
Published: April 2019

Objective

Congenital lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) is a rare condition with high perinatal mortality and morbidity when associated with severe oligohydramnios or anhydramnios in the second trimester of pregnancy. Severe pulmonary hypoplasia and end‐stage renal disease are the underlying causes of poor neonatal outcome in these cases. However, little is known about the subset of fetal LUTO that is associated with a normal volume of amniotic fluid at midgestation. The objective of the current study was to describe the natural history, underlying causes, survival and postnatal renal function outcomes in pregnancies with fetal LUTO and normal amniotic fluid volume during the second trimester of pregnancy.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of all pregnancies with fetal LUTO and normal amniotic fluid volume in the second trimester that received prenatal and postnatal care at our quaternary care institution between 2013 and 2017. Data on demographic characteristics, fetal interventions, perinatal survival, need for neonatal respiratory support, postnatal renal function and need for dialysis at the age of 1 and 24 months were analyzed.

Results

Of the 18 fetuses that met the study criteria, 17 (94.4%) survived the perinatal period. Eleven (61.1%) pregnancies developed oligohydramnios in the third trimester, six of which were eligible for and underwent fetal intervention with vesicoamniotic shunt placement, which was performed successfully in all six cases. Two (11.1%) neonates required respiratory support owing to pulmonary hypoplasia. At the age of 2 years, 14 children had follow‐up information available, two (14.3%) of whom had normal renal function, eight (57.1%) had developed some degree of chronic kidney disease (Stage 1–4) and four (28.6%) had developed end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), including two who had already manifested ESRD in the neonatal period.

Conclusions

Most fetuses diagnosed prenatally with LUTO that is associated with a normal volume of amniotic fluid at midgestation will have a favorable outcome in terms of perinatal survival and few will need long‐term respiratory support. However, these children are still at increased risk for chronic renal disease, ESRD and need for renal replacement therapy. Larger multicenter studies are needed to characterize the prenatal factors associated with postnatal renal function, and to investigate the role of fetal intervention in the group of fetuses that present with late‐onset oligohydramnios and evidence of preserved fetal renal function. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Ultrasonographic soft markers for detection of rectosigmoid deep endometriosis
Authors: Guerriero S. , Ajossa S. , Pascual M. A. , Rodriguez I. , Piras A. , Perniciano M. , Saba L. , Paoletti A. M. , Mais V. , Alcazar J. L.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of ultrasound (US) soft markers as a first‐line imaging tool to raise suspicion of rectosigmoid (RS) involvement in women suspected of having deep endometriosis.

Methods

We included in this prospective observational study all patients with clinical suspicion of deep endometriosis who underwent diagnostic transvaginal US evaluation at our unit from January 2016 to February 2017. Several US soft markers were evaluated for prediction of RS involvement (presence of US signs of uterine adenomyosis, presence of an endometrioma, adhesion of the ovary to the uterus (reduced ovarian mobility), presence of ‘kissing ovaries’ (KO) and absence of the ‘sliding sign’), using as the gold standard expert US examination for the presence of RS endometriosis.

Results

Included were 333 patients with clinical suspicion of deep endometriosis. Of these, 106 had an US diagnosis of RS endometriosis by an expert. The only significant variables found in the prediction model were absence of the sliding sign (odds ratio (OR), 13.95; 95% CI, 7.7–25.3), presence of KO (OR, 22.5; 95% CI, 4.1–124.0) and the interaction between these two variables (OR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.004–0.28). Regarding their interaction, RS endometriosis was present when KO was absent and the sliding sign was present in 10% (19/190) of cases, when both KO and the sliding sign were present in 71.4% (5/7) of cases, when both KO and the sliding sign were absent in 60.8% (76/125) of cases and when KO was present and the sliding sign was absent in 54.5% (6/11) of cases. Thus, when the sliding sign was absent and/or KO was present, transvaginal US showed a specificity of 75% (95% CI, 69–80%) and a sensitivity of 82% (95% CI, 73–88%).

Conclusions

US findings of absence of the sliding sign and/or presence of KO in patients with clinical suspicion of endometriosis should raise suspicion of RS involvement and indicate referral for expert US examination, with a low rate of false‐negative diagnosis. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Yupingfeng polysaccharides enhances growth performance in Qingyuan partridge chicken by up‐regulating the mRNA expression of SGLT1, GLUT2 and GLUT5
Authors: Yin Fuquan , Lan Ruixia , Wu Zhengmin , Wang Zhijing , Wu Haohao , Li Zhiming , Yu Hui , Zhao Zhihui , Li Hua
Published: April 2019

The ban on the use of antibiotic in feed encouraged nutritionists to using alternatives to maintain growth performance and intestinal function of broilers. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Yupingfeng polysaccharides (YP) supplementation on growth performance and expression of SGLT1, GLUT2 and GLUT5 in Qingyuan partridge chicken. Experiment 1: a total of 540 chickens were randomly allocated to five groups with six replication. Dietary treatments were: (1) CON (control group), basal diet; (2) T1, CON + 0.5 g kg−1 YP; (3) T2, CON + 1 g kg−1 YP; (4) T3, CON + 2 g kg−1 YP; (5) T4, CON + 4 g kg−1 YP. Experiment 2, a total of 162 were randomly allocated to three groups with three replication. Dietary treatments were: (1) CON, basal diet; (2) T1, CON + 0.5 g kg−1 YP; (3) T2, CON + 1 g kg−1 YP. From days 1 to 14 and overall, chicken fed T1 diet had higher ADG. On day 42, there was increased villus height of jejunum in T1 group. On days 14 and 28, there was decreased villus height of duodenum and jejunum in T2 group. In duodenum, the expression of SGLT1 (days 21, 35 and 42), GLUT2 (days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42) and GLUT5 (days 7, 14, 21 and 28) was increased with YP supplementation. In jejunum, the expression of SGLT1 (days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35), GLUT2 (days 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42) and GLUT5 (days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42) was increased with YP supplementation. In ileum, the expression of SGLT1 (days 7, 21, 35 and 42), GLUT2 (days 7, 14, 21 and 42) and GLUT5 (days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42) was increased with YP supplementation. Dietary YP supplementation improves growth performance and expression of SGLT1, GLUT2 and GLUT5 in intestine.
Defects in intervertebral disc and spine during development, degeneration, and pain: New research directions for disc regeneration and therapy
Authors: Mohanty Sarthak , Dahia Chitra L.
Published: April 2019

Intervertebral discs are cartilaginous joints present between vertebrae. The centers of the intervertebral discs consist of a gelatinous nucleus pulposus derived from the embryonic notochord. With age or injury, intervertebral discs may degenerate, causing neurological symptoms including back pain, which affects millions of people worldwide. Back pain is a multifactorial disorder, and disc degeneration is one of the primary contributing factors. Recent studies in mice have identified the key molecules involved in the formation of intervertebral discs. Several of these key molecules including sonic hedgehog and Brachyury are not only expressed by notochord during development, but are also expressed by neonatal mouse nucleus pulposus cells, and are crucial for postnatal disc maintenance. These findings suggest that intrinsic signals in each disc may maintain the nucleus pulposus microenvironment. However, since expression of these developmental signals declines with age and degeneration, disc degeneration may be related to the loss of these intrinsic signals. In addition, findings from mouse and other mammalian models have identified similarities between the patterning capabilities of the embryonic notochord and young nucleus pulposus cells, suggesting that mouse is a suitable model system to understand disc development and aging. Future research aimed at understanding the upstream regulators of these developmental signals and the modes by which they regulate disc growth and maintenance will likely provide mechanistic insights into disc growth and aging. Further, such findings will likely provide insights relevant to the development of effective therapies for treatment of back pain and reversing the disc degenerative process.

This article is categorized under:

Birth Defects > Organ Anomalies

Vertebrate Organogenesis > Musculoskeletal and Vascular

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Regeneration

Adult Stem Cells, Tissue Renewal, and Regeneration > Stem Cells and Aging
A novel nonlinear observer‐based LQ control system design for wind energy conversion systems with single measurement
Authors: Vu Van‐Phong , Do Ton Duc
Published: April 2019

The issue of tracking the optimal power for wind energy conversion systems (WECSs) via regulating the rotor speed of the generator is taken into account in this study. Additionally, a novel polynomial observer is proposed for estimating not only aerodynamic torque in WECSs but also d‐axis and electromagnetic torque. Therefore, in this new approach, only the rotor speed of the generator is required to be measured instead of measuring all state variables. With the new observer form, the aerodynamic torque does not need to satisfy any constraints, which are mandatory in the previous methods. It should be noted that this methodology has not been investigated for the WECSs in any previous papers. To design a complete control system, a linear optimal control method cooperated with the polynomial observer is employed to track the optimal trajectory of a generator. Moreover, in this paper, the permanent magnet synchronous generator is used. In addition, on the basis of the Lyapunov theory and sum‐of‐square (SOS) technique, the conditions for observer synthesis are derived in the main theorems. Finally, the simulation results are provided to prove the effectiveness and merit of the proposed method.
Positive water linkages of producing short rotation poplars and willows for bioenergy and phytotechnologies
Authors: Zalesny Ronald S. , Berndes Göran , Dimitriou Ioannis , Fritsche Uwe , Miller Constance , Eisenbies Mark , Ghezehei Solomon , Hazel Dennis , Headlee William L. , Mola‐Yudego Blas , Negri M. Cristina , Nichols Elizabeth Guthrie , Quinn John , Shifflett Shawn Dayson , Therasme Obste , Volk Timothy A. , Zumpf Colleen R.
Published: April 2019

The production of short rotation woody crops (SRWCs) such as poplars and willows is a promising component of global bioenergy and phytotechnology portfolios. In addition to the provision of biomass feedstocks and pollution remediation, these trees and shrubs have been sustainably grown to conserve or utilize water in a variety of applications. Growing these woody plants for multiple uses supports many of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG6) and Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG7). As a result, focusing on ecosystem services such as freshwater and biomass has become an important aspect of deploying these production systems across variable landscapes. The current review consists of an introduction of ecosystem services and the SDGs, as well as SRWCs and their applications. The middle section of the review contains case studies highlighting the positive water linkages of producing short rotation poplars and willows for bioenergy and phytotechnologies. The review concludes with a section that combines the common themes that are consistent among the case studies to address options for integrating new bioenergy feedstock production systems into rural and urban landscapes to promote environmental, social and economic sustainability.

This article is categorized under:

Bioenergy > Economics and Policy

Bioenergy > Climate and Environment
Time evolution of complexity: a critique of three methods
Authors: Ali Tibra , Bhattacharyya Arpan , Haque S. Shajidul , Kim Eugene H. , Moynihan Nathan
Published: April 2019

Abstract

In this work, we propose a testing procedure to distinguish between the different approaches for computing complexity. Our test does not require a direct comparison between the approaches and thus avoids the issue of choice of gates, basis, etc. The proposed testing procedure employs the information-theoretic measures Loschmidt echo and Fidelity; the idea is to investigate the sensitivity of the complexity (derived from the different approaches) to the evolution of states. We discover that only circuit complexity obtained directly from the wave function is sensitive to time evolution, leaving us to claim that it surpasses the other approaches. We also demonstrate that circuit complexity displays a universal behaviour — the complexity is proportional to the number of distinct Hamiltonian evolutions that act on a reference state. Due to this fact, for a given number of Hamiltonians, we can always find the combination of states that provides the maximum complexity; consequently, other combinations involving a smaller number of evolutions will have less than maximum complexity and, hence, will have resources. Finally, we explore the evolution of complexity in non-local theories; we demonstrate the growth of complexity is sustained over a longer period of time as compared to a local theory.
Faint light from dark matter: classifying and constraining dark matter-photon effective operators
Authors: Kavanagh Bradley J. , Panci Paolo , Ziegler Robert
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Even if Dark Matter (DM) is neutral under electromagnetism, it can still interact with the Standard Model (SM) via photon exchange from higher-dimensional operators. Here we classify the general effective operators coupling DM to photons, distinguishing between Dirac/Majorana fermion and complex/real scalar DM. We provide model-independent constraints on these operators from direct and indirect detection. We also constrain various DM-lepton operators, which induce DM-photon interactions via RG running or which typically arise in sensible UV-completions. This provides a simple way to quickly assess constraints on any DM model that interacts mainly via photon exchange or couples to SM leptons.
Emotion dysregulation and non-suicidal self-injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wolff Jennifer C. , Thompson Elizabeth , Thomas Sarah A. , Nesi Jacqueline , Bettis Alexandra H. , Ransford Briana , Scopelliti Katie , Frazier Elisabeth A. , Liu Richard T.
Published: April 2019

Background:

Over the past several years there has been considerable interest in the relation between emotion dysregulation and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), particularly given that rates of NSSI have been increasing and NSSI is a critical risk factor for suicidal behavior. To date, however, no synthesis of empirical findings exists.

Methods:

The present study presents a comprehensive meta-analytic review of the literature on the association between NSSI and emotion dysregulation. A total of 48 publications, including 49 independent samples, were included in this analysis.

Results:

Overall, a significant association was found between emotion dysregulation and NSSI (pooled OR = 3.03 [95% CI = 2.56–3.59]). This association was reduced but remained significant (OR = 2.40 [95% CI = 2.01–2.86]) after adjustment for publication bias. Emotion dysregulation subscales most strongly associated with NSSI included limited access to regulation strategies, non-acceptance of emotional responses, impulse control difficulties, and difficulties engaging goal-directed behavior. Lack of emotional awareness/clarity and cognitive aspects of dysregulation yielded weaker, yet significant, positive associations with NSSI.

Conclusions:

Findings support the notion that greater emotion dysregulation is associated with higher risk for NSSI among individuals across settings, regardless of age or sex. Furthermore, findings reveal facets of dysregulation that may have unique implications for NSSI. This meta-analysis highlights the importance of better understanding emotion dysregulation as a treatment target for preventing NSSI.
Search and Rescue and Remote Medical Evacuation in a Norwegian Setting: Comparison of Two Systems
Authors: Reid Bjørn O. , Haugland Helge , Rehn Marius , Uleberg Oddvar , Krüger Andreas J.
Published: April 2019

Introduction

Helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) contribute to and complement other specialized search and rescue (SAR) services. Conversely, traditional SAR services perform medical evacuation (medevac), depending on crew, training, medical equipment, and procedures for interdisciplinary cooperation. We aim to describe and compare SAR and remote medevac mission characteristics in a military SAR helicopter system to a civilian HEMS operating in the same region.

Methods

Retrospective, observational study of SAR and remote medevac missions performed at a Norwegian military SAR helicopter and civilian HEMS base in the 5-y period from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017. Descriptive statistics and median values with interquartile range (IQR) were applied where appropriate. Comparisons were performed with the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

We included 721 missions. The SAR service performed 359 (50%) missions, of which 237 (33%) were SAR and 122 (17%) were remote medevac missions. The HEMS service performed 85 (12%) SAR and 277 (38%) remote medevac missions. Median mission time for SAR missions was 152 (IQR 100–235) min for the SAR service and 57 (IQR 34–89) min for the HEMS service. Trauma was the dominating mechanism in 48% of patients, followed by medical conditions (21%) and psychiatric disorders (9%). Medevac patients in both services had a higher median National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics score of 3 (IQR 2–4) compared to 1 (IQR 0–3) in SAR missions ( P<0.05).

Conclusions

Both SAR and HEMS services perform SAR and remote medevac missions extensively and mission profiles vary.
Frederick William Faber’s Sermons on the Spiritual Life: 1847-1863
Authors: Wilkinson Melissa
Published: April 2019

Frederick William Faber (1814-1863) became a Roman Catholic priest in 1847. He founded the London Oratory and was its Provost between its foundation in April 1849 and his death. This article explores Faber’s public role as spiritual director to his congregation, through an examination of his sermons concerned specifically with private spirituality and which mention spirituality within the context of a broader sermon. Faber’s major preoccupations within these sermons will be explored, and the devotions which he encouraged his parishioners to practice, both in private and in public will be highlighted.
Characteristic Cerebrovascular Findings Associated with ACTA2 Gene Mutations
Authors: Zhang Andrew , Jo Alexandria , Grajewski Karen , Kim John
Published: April 2019

A specific mutation (Arg179) of the ACTA2 gene has previously been described to cause a syndrome of multisystemic smooth muscle dysfunction with an extremely characteristic cerebrovascular appearance.1 Accurate neuroimaging diagnosis of this entity is important as this syndrome predisposes to complications such as early-onset ischemic stroke and ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm.2,3 The following case demonstrates a previously undescribed ACTA2 mutation (Met46) with an identical cerebrovascular imaging appearance to that of Arg179 mutations, but a less severe overall phenotype.
Female labor force participation and fertility differentials
Authors: Japaridze Irakli
Published: April 2019

US women, on average, had approximately two children in both the 1930s and in the 1970s, yet the fertility distribution in the 1930s was less concentrated. This implies change in reproductive behavior, which cannot be captured by models focusing on average fertility. To explain these changes, I have developed a model that makes a distinction between sons and daughters. In this model, the female labor force participation rate is the probability of each girl becoming an employed woman. This endogenizes the empirically observed difference in the propensity for an all-girl household to have another child compared to an all-boy household, generating large fertility differentials at low participation rates. Higher participation rates raise the expected return from an additional child, as well as the expected return from existing daughters. The first effect tends to increase fertility, while the second effect, for relatively concave utility functions, tends to decrease it, so that the distribution of completed fertilities becomes more concentrated.
A rational map with infinitely many points of distinct arithmetic degrees
Authors: LESIEUTRE JOHN , SATRIANO MATTHEW
Published: April 2019

Letbe a dominant rational self-map of a smooth projective variety defined over$\overline{\mathbb{Q}}$. For each point$P\in X(\overline{\mathbb{Q}})$whose forward$f$-orbit is well defined, Silverman introduced the arithmetic degree$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}_{f}(P)$, which measures the growth rate of the heights of the points$f^{n}(P)$. Kawaguchi and Silverman conjectured that$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}_{f}(P)$is well defined and that, as$P$varies, the set of values obtained by$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}_{f}(P)$is finite. Based on constructions by Bedford and Kim and by McMullen, we give a counterexample to this conjecture when$X=\mathbb{P}^{4}$.