bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of sodium hydroxide for securing high thermoelectric performance in polycrystalline Sn1 − xSe via anisotropy and vacancy synergy
Authors: Shi Xiao‐Lei , Liu Wei‐Di , Wu Ang‐Yin , Nguyen Van T. , Gao Han , Sun Qiang , Moshwan Raza , Zou Jin , Chen Zhi‐Gang
Published: December 2019

The morphology and composition are two key factors to determine the thermoelectric performance of aqueously synthesized tin selenide (SnSe) crystals; however, their controlling is still under exploring. In this study, we report a high figure‐of‐merit (ZT) of ∼1.5 at 823 K in p‐type polycrystalline Sn1 − xSe resulted from a synergy of morphology control and vacancy optimization, realized by carefully tuning the sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration during solvothermal synthesis. After a comprehensive investigation on various NaOH concentrations, it was found that an optimized NaOH amount of 10 mL with a concentration of 10 mol L−1 can simultaneously achieve a large average crystal size and a high Sn vacancy concentration of ∼2.5%. The large microplate‐like crystals lead to a considerable anisotropy in the sintered pellets, and the high Sn vacancy level contributes to an optimum hole concentration to the level of ∼2.3 × 1019 cm−3, and in turn a high power factor of ∼7.4 μW cm−1 K−2 at 823 K, measured along the direction perpendicular to the sintering pressure. In addition, a low thermal conductivity of ∼0.41 W m−1 K−1 is achieved by effective phonon scattering at localized crystal imperfections including lattice distortions, grain boundaries, and vacancy domains, as observed by detailed structural characterizations. Furthermore, a competitive compressive strength of ∼52.1 MPa can be achieved along the direction of high thermoelectric performance, indicating a mechanically robust feature. This study provides a new avenue in achieving high thermoelectric performance in SnSe‐based thermoelectric materials.

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Validation of the Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale on experienced meditators and nonmeditators
Authors: Morgan Matthew C. , Cardaciotto LeeAnn , Moon Simon , Marks Donald
Published: December 2019

Objective

The Philadelphia Mindfulness Scale's (PHLMS) psychometric properties, theoretical assumptions, convergent validity, and relationships to symptom, happiness and social desirability measures were investigated in novel samples.

Methods

Internet‐recruited general public samples of experienced meditators (n = 67, 21 male, 46 female, average age 50) and nonmeditators (n = 61, 28 male, 32 female, and 1 transgender; average age 41.9) were used.

Results

Meditators scored higher than nonmeditators on both PHLMS Acceptance, t(126) = 2.77, p < .01, d = 0.49, and Awareness t(126) = 4.18, p < .01, d = 0.74. Higher PHLMS Acceptance subscale scores were associated with decreased scores on all symptom measures in nonmeditators, but only in select measures among meditators. Generally, PHLMS Awareness subscale scores were not related to symptoms. Awareness interacted with meditator status on outcome measures.

Conclusions

PHLMS may be used in the general public and experienced meditator populations. Mindfulness facets become intercorrelated in experienced meditators.
Cardioprotective effects of high‐intensity interval training are mediated through microRNA regulation of mitochondrial and oxidative stress pathways
Authors: Jeremic Nevena , Weber Gregory J. , Theilen Nicholas T. , Tyagi Suresh C.
Published: December 2019

Human studies have shown high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) has beneficial cardiovascular effects and is typically more time‐efficient compared with traditional endurance exercise. The main goal of this study is to show the potential molecular and functional cardiovascular benefits of HIIT compared with endurance training (ET). Three groups of mice were used including sedentary‐control, ET mice, and HIIT mice groups. Results indicated ejection fraction was increased in HIIT compared with ET while fractional shortening was increased in the HIIT group compared with both groups. Blood flow of the abdominal aorta was increased in both exercise groups compared with control. Increases in cross‐sectional area and mitochondrial and antioxidative markers in HIIT compared with control were observed, along with several microRNAs. These findings indicate HIIT has specific cardiac‐protective effects and may be a viable alternative to traditional ET as a cardiovascular preventative medicine intervention.
Immersion by rotation‐based application of the matrix for fast and reproducible sample preparations and robust results in mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Schäfermann Johanna , Kliewer Georg , Lösch Jan , Bednarz Hanna , Giampà Marco , Niehaus Karsten
Published: December 2019

Automated matrix deposition for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is crucial for producing reproducible analyte ion signals. Here we report an innovative method employing an automated immersion apparatus, which enables a robust matrix deposition within 5 minutes and with scalable throughput by using MAPS matrix and non‐polar solvents. MSI results received from mouse heart and rat brain tissues were qualitatively similar to those from nozzle sprayed samples with respect to peak number and quality of the ion images. Overall, the immersion‐method enables a fast and careful matrix deposition and has the future potential for implementation in clinical tissue diagnostics.
IL6 and FAS/FASL gene polymorphisms may be associated with disease progression in HIV‐1‐positive ethnically mixed patients
Authors: Loureiro dos Reis Marília M. , Queiroz Maria A. F. , da Silva Bosco C. M. , da Silva Duarte Alberto J. , Casseb Jorge , Arganaraz Gustavo A. , Vallinoto Antonio C. R. , Argañaraz Enrique R.
Published: December 2019

The progression of AIDS depends on the complex host and virus interactions. The most important disease progression hallmarks are immune activation and apoptosis. In this study, we address the prevalence of polymorphisms related to proinflammatory and apoptotic genes, such as IFNG (+874T/A), TNF (308G/A), IL6 (−174G/C), IL8 (−251A/T), FAS (−670A/G), and FASL (−124A/G) in 160 ethnically mixed HIV‐1‐infected patients from multicentre cohorts with different clinical outcomes (13 elite controllers [EC], 66 slow long‐term non‐progressors [LTNPs], and 81 progressors [P]). The genotyping was accomplished by TaqMan‐qPCR. Among all the polymorphisms analyzed in the cytokines, the IL6 −174G/C polymorphism showed a higher frequency of GG genotype in the LTNP and LTNP+EC groups as compared to the P group. Moreover, there was a significantly higher frequency of the G allele in the LTNP and LTNP+EC groups as compared to the P group. On the other hand, the levels of CD4+ T lymphocytes were higher among individuals showing the AA and AG genotypes for the FASL −124A/G polymorphism as compared to the GG genotype. Furthermore, the AG and AA genotypes were more frequent, as compared to the GG genotype, in individuals showing a lower viral load. In contrast, for the FAS −670A/G polymorphism, a significantly higher viral load was observed in individuals with the AG genotype as compared to the GG genotype. In conclusion, we found three genetic allelic variants of the IL6 −174G/C, FASL −124A/G, and FAS −670A/G polymorphisms that were related to disease progression and immunological and virological markers in cohorts of HIV‐1‐positive ethnically mixed patients.
Climate prediction of summer extreme precipitation frequency in the Yangtze River valley based on sea surface temperature in the southern Indian Ocean and ice concentration in the Beaufort Sea
Authors: Tian Baoqiang , Fan Ke
Published: December 2019

Three statistical prediction models for the summer extreme precipitation frequency (EPF) in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River valley (MLYRV) based on the winter sea surface temperature in the southern Indian Ocean (SIO‐SST; Scheme‐SST), the spring sea‐ice concentration in the Beaufort Sea (Scheme‐SIC), and both predictors (Scheme‐SS), are established by using the year‐to‐year increment method. The winter SIO‐SST may affect the SST anomaly in the east of Australia via a teleconnection pattern. The east of Australia SST signal in winter continues until the following summer and then affects the summer EPF in the MLYRV via modulation of the meridional Hadley circulation in the western North Pacific. The positive Beaufort SIC anomaly may result in a negative summer SST anomaly by the increased surface albedo. In response, the atmospheric circulation presents a dipole anomaly distribution in the Beaufort Sea and the Barents Sea. The Arctic dipole anomaly may bring about frequent extreme precipitation in the MLYRV by adjusting the position of the East Asian westerly jet and Eurasian teleconnection pattern. The prediction skill of the summer EPF for Scheme‐SS is higher than that of Scheme‐SST and Scheme‐SIC in the cross‐validation test during 1962–2017 and the independent hindcast during 1992–2017. Scheme‐SS shows a higher prediction skill of the summer EPF than that of Scheme‐SST and Scheme‐SIC, with a time correlation coefficient of 0.62, accounting for 39% of the total variance, of which 35% is the winter SIO‐SST and 4% the spring Beaufort SIC. Scheme‐SS not only shows a rather high predictive ability for the anomalous summer EPF but can also reproduce the increasing trend of extremely heavy precipitation.
Development of an in vitro intervertebral disc innervation model to screen neuroinhibitory biomaterials
Authors: Romereim Sarah M. , Johnston Caleb A. , Redwine Adan L. , Wachs Rebecca A.
Published: December 2019

Pain originating from an intervertebral disc (discogenic pain) is a major source of chronic low back pain. Pathological innervation of the disc by pain‐sensing nerve fibers is thought to be a key component of discogenic pain, so treatment with biomaterials that have the ability to inhibit neurite growth will greatly benefit novel disc therapeutics. Currently, disc therapeutic biomaterials are rarely screened for their ability to modulate nerve growth, mainly due to a lack of models to screen neuromodulation. To address this deficit, our lab has engineered a three dimensional in vitro disc innervation model that mimics the interface between primary sensory nerves and the intervertebral disc. Further, herein we have demonstrated the utility of this model to screen the efficacy of chondroitin sulfate biomaterials to inhibit nerve fiber invasion into the model disc. Biomaterials containing chondroitin‐4‐sulfate (CS‐A) decrease neurite growth in a uniform gel and at an interface between a growth‐permissive and a growth‐inhibitory gel, while chondroitin‐6‐sulfate (CS‐C) is less neuroinhibitory. This in vitro model holds great potential for screening inhibitors of nerve fiber growth to further improve intervertebral disc replacements and therapeutics. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:1016‐1026, 2020
Early changes in serum osteocalcin and body weight are predictive of implant fixation in a rat model of implant loosening
Authors: Wilson Brittany M. , Moran Meghan M. , Meagher Matthew J. , Ross Ryan D. , Mashiatulla Maleeha , Virdi Amarjit S. , Sumner Dale R.
Published: December 2019

Biomarkers are of interest to identify patients at risk for peri‐implant osteolysis and aseptic loosening. We used a rat model of particle‐induced peri‐implant osteolysis to investigate if early changes in biomarkers were associated with subsequent implant fixation strength. Implants were placed in rat femora, which were then challenged with intra‐articular knee injections of either clean polyethylene, lipopolysaccharide‐doped polyethylene, or cobalt‐chromium alloy particles, with particle‐free vehicle serving as control (n ≥ 8 per group). Rats were weighed weekly, blood was collected at weeks 0, 3, 5, and 6, and locomotor behavior was assessed 4 days before study conclusion. Rats were euthanized 6 weeks post surgery. Week 6 serum was analyzed for five bone remodeling markers, while longitudinal serum was assessed for osteocalcin. Bone‐implant contact, peri‐implant trabecular architecture, and implant fixation strength were measured. Rats challenged with cobalt‐chromium particles had a significant reduction in implant fixation strength compared with the vehicle‐control group (P = .034). This group also had elevated serum osteocalcin (P = .005), depressed weight gain (P = .001) and less frequent rearing behavior (P = .029). Regardless of group, change in serum osteocalcin at week 3 (r = −.368;P = .046), change in weight at week 2 (r = .586;P < .001), as well as weight change at all other time intervals were associated with fixation strength. The finding that early alterations in serum osteocalcin and body weight were predictive of subsequent implant fixation strength supports continued investigation of biomarkers for early detection of peri‐implant osteolysis and implant loosening. Further, change in biomarker levels was found to be more indicative of implant fixation status than any single measurement.
Focused high‐energy extracorporeal shockwaves as supplemental treatment in a rabbit model of fracture‐related infection
Authors: Puetzler Jan , Milstrey Alexander , Everding Jens , Raschke Michael , Arens Daniel , Zeiter Stephan , Geoff Richards Robert , Fintan Moriarty Thomas
Published: December 2019

Focused high‐energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy (fhESWT) is used to improve fracture healing in cases of nonunion. In addition, it has been shown to have direct antibacterial effects. We evaluated fhESWT as an adjunct to conventional treatment in a clinically relevant rabbit model of fracture‐related infection (FRI). A humeral osteotomy in 31 rabbits was fixed with a seven‐hole locking compression plate. FRI was established with a clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolate. After 2 weeks, a revision surgery was performed with debridement, irrigation, and implant retention. Rabbits then received: no further treatment (controls); shockwaves (4000 impulses with 23 kV at days 2 and 6 after revision); systemic antibiotics (rifampin and nafcillin); or the combination of antibiotics and shockwaves. Treatments were applied over 1 week. Blood cultures were taken before and after shockwave sessions. After another week without treatment, rabbits were euthanized and quantitative bacteriology was performed on implants and tissues to determine infection burden. Indicator organs (brain, heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, and spleen) were cultured to assess possible bacteremia. All the rabbits were infected at revision surgery as determined by the bacteriological culture of debrided materials. fhESWT in combination with antibiotic treatment lowered the bacterial burden 100‐fold compared with antibiotic treatment alone in all samples (P = .38). This effect was most prevalent for the implant sample (P = .08). No significant effect was seen for fhESWT alone compared with untreated controls. No signs of bacteremia occurred in blood cultures and organs. fhESWT appears safe and could be a helpful adjunct to conventional treatment in certain difficult‐to‐treat FRIs.
Casein hydrolysate supplementation in low‐crude protein diets increases feed intake and nitrogen retention without affecting nitrogen utilization of growing pigs
Authors: Shen Junhua , Wang Huisong , Pi Yu , Gao Kan , Zhu Weiyun
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

An extreme reduction of the crude protein (CP) level in diets, even balanced with amino acids (AAs), is detrimental for intestinal nitrogen (N) metabolism and the growth of pigs. This study investigated the effects of casein hydrolysate supplementation in low‐CP diets on growth performance, N balance, and intestinal N supply for pigs. A total of 24 barrows were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments of 160 g kg−1 CP (control), 130 g kg−1 CP (LAA), and 130 g kg−1 CP plus casein hydrolysate (LCH) for 28 days.

RESULTS

The LCH group had a higher average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG) than the LAA group, and a higher ADG than the control (P < 0.05). Compared with the control, both the LAA and LCH decreased N intake, serum urea N, fecal N, and N excretion, and increased apparent N availability, with LCH having higher N intake and N retention than LAA group (P < 0.05). Compared with LAA, LCH increased ileal fluxes of CP and AA (P < 0.05), and with values similar to those of the control. However, ileal flows of CP and AA were similar between LCH and LAA, both of which were lower than those in the control (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Using protein hydrolysate to replace some crystalline AAs in low‐CP diets increased feed intake, N retention and ADG without affecting N utilization. These findings point to the important impact of protein hydrolysate supplementation on improving growth for pigs fed low‐CP diets. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Recent advances in breath analysis to track human health by new enrichment technologies
Authors: Ghosh Chiranjit , Singh Varoon , Grandy Jonathan , Pawliszyn Janusz
Published: December 2019

Detection of biomarkers in exhaled breath has been gaining increasing attention as a tool for diagnosis of specific diseases. However, rapid and accurate quantification of biomarkers associated with specific diseases requires the use of analytical methods capable of fast sampling and preconcentration from breath matrix. In this regard, solid phase microextraction and needle trap technology are becoming increasingly popular in the field of breath analysis due to the unique benefits imparted by such methods, such as the integration of sampling, extraction, and preconcentration in a single step. This review discusses recent advances in breath analysis using these sample preparation techniques, providing a summary of recent developments of analytical methods based on breath volatile organic compounds analysis, including the successful identification of various biomarkers related to human diseases.
The solution of anisotropic sixth‐order Schrödinger equation
Authors: Su Hailing , Guo Cuihua
Published: December 2019

This paper studies the local existence of solutions in Sobolev space for anisotropic sixth‐order Schrödinger‐type equation
, under the initial conditions u(x,0)=φ(x),x∈Rn. In particular, when n=2 and d=1, we consider the global existence of solutions in Sobolev space for anisotropic sixth‐order Schrödinger equation. By using the Banach fixed point theorem, we obtain the existence, the uniqueness, the continuous dependence of the solution on the initial value, and the decay estimate of the global solution about such problems in anisotropic Sobolev spaces
.
Approximation properties of the generalized Szasz operators by multiple Appell polynomials via power summability method
Authors: Braha Naim L. , Kadak Ugur
Published: December 2019

In this paper some properties of the generalized Szasz operators by multiple Appell polynomials are given, using into consideration the power summability method. In the first section are given some direct estimation related to the generalized Szasz operators by multiple Appell polynomials, including Korovkin type theorem. In the second section, we give some results related to the weighted spaces of continuous functions and Voronovskaya type theorem. In the third section, we have proved some results related to the statistical convergence of the generalized Szasz operators by multiple Appell polynomials, using into consideration theA− transformation.

At the end of the paper are given some illustrative computational examples which make such summability methods (for example, power series method) more useful and fruitful for applications of functional analysis in approximation theory.
Solution to Kim‐Rassias's question on stability of generalized Euler‐Lagrange quadratic functional equations in quasi‐Banach spaces
Authors: van Dung Nguyen , Thi Le Hang Vo
Published: December 2019

By using Aoki‐Rolewicz Theorem on p‐normalizing a quasi‐normed space, we prove stability results for Euler‐Lagrange quadratic functional equations in quasi‐Banach spaces. These results improve stability results and give the answer to Kim‐Rassias's question.
Numerical modeling the propagation path of radio waves with atmospheric refractivity
Authors: Tang Tao , Liu Guo , Liu Lang
Published: December 2019

The meteorological elements will affect the propagation of the radio wave. These meteorological elements can be reflected by the atmospheric refractive index, which is derived from the pressure, temperature, relative humidity, and vapor pressure. Using the atmospheric sounding data, a real atmospheric refractive index model for an identified area can be obtained. Combined with the refractive index model, the atmosphere can be divided into layered media with different refractive index, and a numerical model can be established to indicate the wave propagation path. The numerical solution results are verified by the analytical solution and other presented model. Due to its high accuracy and computational efficiency, the proposed numerical model can be used to quickly illustrate the physical path of radio wave atmospheric propagation, providing theoretical guidance for related applications.
The impact of pre‐round meetings on quality of care: A qualitative study
Authors: Kyte Lars , Sjursen Irene , Kleiven Ole T.
Published: December 2019

Aim

This study's aim was to improve our understanding of the impact of pre‐round meetings before ward rounds on hospital wards.

Design

Qualitative study.

Method

Focus group interviews were conducted with nurses and doctors.

Results

Participants reported that pre‐round meetings provide opportunities for interdisciplinary cooperation and have a positive impact on the quality of treatment and care. These meetings offer a forum for health professionals to develop a shared understanding and to convey congruent information to the patient. However, there may be reasons for omitting the pre‐round meetings before ward rounds on wards with acute admissions and high patient turnover. Continuity of those attending the meetings and attendance by consultants are needed for timely decision‐making and hence, successful pre‐round meetings. If health trusts establish systems promoting successful pre‐round meetings, the quality of treatment received by patients has potential for improvement.
CO2 Capture with Silylated Ethanolamines and Piperazines
Authors: Herbig Marcus , Gevorgyan Lia , Pflug Moritz , Wagler Jörg , Schwarzer Sandra , Kroke Edwin
Published: December 2019

Amine treatment is commonly used to capture CO2 from exhaust gases and from ambient air. The Si−N bond in aminosilanes is capable of reacting with CO2 more readily than amines. In the current study we have synthesized trimethylsilylated ethanolamines, diethanolamines and piperazines and investigated their reaction toward CO2. All products were characterized by 1H, 13C, and 29Si NMR, RAMAN spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry. The product of a twofold CO2‐insertion into bis‐trimethylsilylated piperazine was analysed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Furthermore, quantum chemical calculations (DFT) were used to supplement the experimental results. Geometry optimizations and NBO calculations for each starting material were carried out at the B3LYP level with different basis sets. DFT calculations at the B3LYP, WB97XD and M062x level were conducted for geometry optimization and frequency calculations to examine the thermochemical data. The calculations were carried out both for the gas phase and in solvent environment. The calculated reaction enthalpies varied between −37 and −107 kJ mol−1, while experimental values around −100 kJ mol−1 were determined.
Hydrogenative Depolymerization of End‐of‐Life Poly‐(Bisphenol A Carbonate) Catalyzed by a Ruthenium‐MACHO‐Complex
Authors: Kindler Tim‐Oliver , Alberti Christoph , Sundermeier Jannis , Enthaler Stephan
Published: December 2019

The valorization of waste to valuable chemicals can contribute to a more resource‐efficient and circular chemistry. In this regard, the selective degradation of end‐of‐life polymers/plastics to produce useful chemical building blocks can be a promising target. We have investigated the hydrogenative depolymerization of end‐of‐life poly(bisphenol A carbonate). Applying catalytic amounts of the commercial available Ruthenium‐MACHO‐BH complex the end‐of‐life polycarbonate was converted to bisphenol A and methanol. Importantly, bisphenol A can be reprocessed for the manufacture of new poly‐(bisphenol A carbonate) and methanol can be utilized as energy storage material.
Influence of the molding angle on tensile properties of FDM parts with orthogonal layering
Authors: Ding Shijie , Kong Lingyu , Jin Yanjuan , Lin Jinbao , Chang Chao , Li Huaying , Liu Erqiang , Liu Haitao
Published: December 2019

Fused deposition molding (FDM) is one of the most widely used three‐dimensional (3D) printing technologies. This paper explores the influence of the forming angle on the tensile properties of FDM specimens. Orthogonal layering details were studied through experiments, theory, and finite element simulations. The stiffness and strength of the specimens were analyzed using the classical laminated plate theory and the Tsai–Wu failure criterion. The experimental process was simulated using finite element simulations. Results show that it is feasible to predict the stiffness and strength of FDM specimens using classical laminated plate theory and the Tsai–Wu failure criterion. A molding angle of 45° leads to specimens with maximized tensile properties. Numerical simulations show that changing the molding angle changes the internal stress and deformation fields inside samples, leading to FDM samples with different mechanical properties due to the orthogonal layers at different molding angles.
Simultaneously electrochemical exfoliation and functionalization of graphene nanosheets: Multifunctional reinforcements in thermal, flame‐retardant, and mechanical properties of polyacrylonitrile composite fibers
Authors: Qiu Minghui , Wang Dong , Zhang Liping , Li Min , Liu Mingming , Fu Shaohai
Published: December 2019

Functionalized graphene has a promising prospect in improving the thermal, mechanical, and flame‐retardant properties of polymer composites, which was unfortunately limited by the low yield and high pollution during graphene production. In this study, we reported a facile and eco‐friendly electrochemical approach to prepare ferric diethylenetriaminepentakis (methylphosphonic acid) functionalized graphene nanosheets (FGNS), which were subsequently used to fabricate polyacrylonitrile (PAN) composite fibers by a wet spinning strategy. Composite fibers showed better thermal stability above 350°C in contrast to pure PAN. Furthermore, a significant improvement on flame‐retardant properties of PAN fibers in the case of peak heat release rate (decreased by 36.7%) was caused by the inclusion of FGNS. The analysis results of condensed phase revealed that FGNS facilitated the formation of the compact and graphitic char residues, protecting underlying composite fibers during combustion. With adding 3.0 wt% FGNS, the tensile strength and breaking elongation of PAN composite fibers achieved 67.6% and 126.5% increment, respectively. This electrochemical method provides an eco‐friendly approach for scale production of functional graphene.
Protection motivation theory in predicting cervical cancer screening participation: A longitudinal study in rural Chinese women
Authors: Li Qinmei , Liu Qing , Chen Xinguang , Tan Xiaodong , Zhang Min , Tuo Jiyu , Xiang Qunying , Yu Qiuli , Zhu Zhu
Published: December 2019

Objective

To examine factors longitudinally associated with cervical cancer screening uptake among rural Chinese women, guided by protection motivation theory (PMT).

Methods

A large sample of women (n = 2408, aged 35‐65 years old) was randomly selected from a rural county in China in 2015 and followed up for 2 years. Data for demographic factors, knowledge of cervical cancer screening, screening outcome, and six PMT constructs measured at the baseline in 2015 were used to predict cervical cancer screening participation at the follow‐up in 2017 using structural equation model method.

Results

Among the 2408 women at the baseline, 1879 (78.03%) participated in the screening services at the follow‐up. In addition to significant direct effect of age, social status and baseline screening outcome, and three (perceived severity, fear arousal and response efficacy) of the six PMT subconstructs, four variables (age, social status, knowledge of cervical cancer screening, and baseline screening outcome) at the baseline were indirectly associated with screening participation, mediated by the three significant PMT subconstructs.

Conclusions

Findings of this study indicate that the rate of participating in cervical cancer screening for rural women needs to be further improved. In addition to the commonly reported influential factors, PMT subconstructs play important roles in encouraging rural women in China to participate in cervical cancer screening. These longitudinal findings provided data much needed for future research to develop evidence‐based intervention programs to enhance cervical cancer screening among rural women in China.
Degradable Nanomotors Using Platinum Deposited Complex of Calcium Carbonate and Hyaluronate Nanogels for Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Choi Hyunsik , Hwang Byung Woo , Park Kyeng Min , Kim Ki Su , Hahn Sei Kwang
Published: December 2019

Recently, micro/nanomotor systems have been widely investigated for biomedical applications especially for the active transport and delivery of specific drugs. However, there are few stimuli‐responsive micro/nanomotor systems to enhance the drug delivery efficiency and reduce side effects by the spatiotemporal controllability. Here, a degradable nanomotor is first fabricated for targeted drug delivery using a platinum (Pt)‐deposited complex of calcium carbonate and cuccurbit[6]uril‐conjugated hyaluronate (Pt/CaCO3@HA‐CB[6]). The nanomotors could efficiently deliver model drugs to the cells in reactive oxygen species (ROS) abundant environments such as the tumor site. After reaching the tumor site around pH 6.5, Pt/CaCO3@HA‐CB[6] nanomotors (≈1 µm) are pH‐responsively disintegrated by the dissociation of CaCO3and the encapsulated HA‐CB[6] (≈300 nm) are released for cancer cell uptake. The released HA conjugate are finally uptaken into cancer cells via HA receptor‐mediated endocytosis. Moreover, model drugs are modularly loaded into the nanomotors via the host–guest chemistry of CB[6] for stable delivery to cancer cells. Taken together, Pt/CaCO3@HA‐CB[6] nanomotors systems could be successfully harnessed for active drug delivery to cancer cells.
Only Numerical Modeling of Detonation Properties for Some Metal Azides
Authors: Yue Peng , Long Xinping , Jiang Xiaohua , Zhang Zhiming
Published: December 2019

In this paper, for research the detonation performance of some metal azides, the detonation CJ parameters in different initial density of three kinds of metal azides: Lead Azide, Cupric Azide and Silver Azide, are calculated using thermodynamic calculation method. The calculation results of detonation velocity are compared with the literature record, and the calculation results by Keshavarz and Explo5 software. We also use this method to calculate the Isentropic expansion process of these three kinds of Metal Azides, and fit the JWL equation of state(EOS) parameters of detonation product for them. Then, using LS‐DYNA software to simulate the process of detonation driving flyer for Lead Azide and Cupric Azide, and compared with the experimental results recorded in the literature, and with the simulation results which the JWL EOS parameters obtained by Explo5.
Cold‐born killers: exploiting temperature–size rule enhances predation capacity of a predatory mite
Authors: Vangansbeke Dominiek , Duarte Marcus VA , Gobin Bruno , Tirry Luc , Wäckers Felix , De Clercq Patrick
Published: December 2019

BACKGROUND

The temperature–size rule is a well‐known example of phenotypic plasticity in ectothermic organisms. When exposed to colder temperatures, ectotherms develop more slowly, but mature at larger body sizes andvice versaat higher temperatures. We investigated whether a phytoseiid predatory mite can obtain a larger body size by rearing it at a low temperature and how the increased body size affected predatory performance on its natural prey. Therefore, we allowed the predatory miteAmblydromalus limonicus(Garman & McGregor) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to develop at either 15 or 25 °C.

RESULTS

A. limonicusreared at 15 °C had a 6% larger body size than those reared at 25 °C. Larger predators showed higher predation rates on first instars of the western flower thrips,Frankliniella occidentalisPergande (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), with 9.6 instars/female/day and 8.5 instars/female/day, for larger and standard‐sized females, respectively. After three generations reared at 15 °C, body size did not increase any further. When reared for five generations at 15 °C, largerA. limonicusfemales demonstrated a better ability to subdue second‐instarF. occidentalis.

CONCLUSION

Low juvenile rearing temperatures may result in phytoseiid predators with a predator/prey size benefit that could improve their biological control function. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Tight‐Binding Parameterizations of Ti and Ba Oxides and Their Application for the Prediction of 2D Phases
Authors: Huran Ahmad W. , Marques Miguel A. L.
Published: December 2019

Herein, a set of Slater–Koster parameters for the O–Ti–Ba system to be used within the self‐consistent‐charge, density‐functional tight‐binding method is developed. This parameterization follows the recently suggested procedure by Huran et al. in 2018, and is based on the fitting to density‐functional theory (DFT) results. This approach yields improved energies and forces compared with existing parameterizations, and is, therefore, useful for the applications in molecular dynamics or global structural prediction. The O–Ba subset of the parameters is then used to investigate the low‐dimensional phase diagram of Ba–O using global structural prediction techniques. The resulting convex hull of stability is validated using DFT, and the most interesting phases are subsequently analyzed and characterized. Among the stable systems, superoxides, peroxides, BaO, and oxygen‐deficient phases are found with different geometrical arrangements and electronic properties.
A review on gentisic acid as a plant derived phenolic acid and metabolite of aspirin: Comprehensive pharmacology, toxicology, and some pharmaceutical aspects
Authors: Abedi Farshad , Razavi Bibi Marjan , Hosseinzadeh Hossein
Published: December 2019

Beneficial therapeutic effects of phenolic acids have been proven in various research projects including in vivo and in vitro studies. Gentisic acid (GA) is a phenolic acid that has been associated with useful effects on human health, such as antiinflammatory, antigenotoxic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and especially antioxidant activities. It is an important metabolite of aspirin and also widely distributed in plants as a secondary plant product such as Gentiana spp., Citrus spp., Vitis vinifera, Pterocarpus santalinus, Helianthus tuberosus, Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis, Olea europaea, and Sesamum indicum and in fruits such as avocados, batoko plum, kiwi fruits, apple, bitter melon, black berries, pears, and some mushrooms. This study was undertaken to review the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic properties as well as toxicity and pharmaceutical applications of GA.
Plant‐derived glucose transport inhibitors with potential antitumor activity
Authors: Shriwas Pratik , Chen Xiaozhuo , Kinghorn A. Douglas , Ren Yulin
Published: December 2019

Glucose, a key nutrient utilized by human cells to provide cellular energy and a carbon source for biomass synthesis, is internalized in cells via glucose transporters that regulate glucose homeostasis throughout the human body. Glucose transporters have been used as important targets for the discovery of new drugs to treat cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, owing to their abnormal expression during these disease conditions. Thus far, several glucose transport inhibitors have been used in clinical trials, and increasing numbers of natural products have been characterized as potential anticancer agents targeting glucose transport. The present review focuses on natural product glucose transport inhibitors of plant origin, including alkaloids, flavonoids and other phenolic compounds, and isoprenoids, with their potential antitumor properties also discussed.
Distributed resource allocation of second‐order multiagent systems with exogenous disturbances
Authors: Li Shiling , Nian Xiaohong , Deng Zhenhua
Published: December 2019

In this paper, we study the resource allocation problem of second‐order multiagent systems with exogenous disturbances, and the communication networks are weight‐balanced digraphs. Different from the well‐studied resource allocation problems, our problem involves the disturbed second‐order dynamics of agents. In order to achieve the optimal allocation, we propose a distributed algorithm based on gradient descent and internal model approach. Furthermore, we analyze the convergence of the algorithm by constructing a suitable Lyapunov function. Moreover, we prove that the agents in the network can achieve the exact optimal allocation even in the presence of external disturbances. Finally, we provide two examples to illustrate our result.
An event‐triggered approach to quantized resilient consensus
Authors: Wang Yuan , Ishii Hideaki
Published: December 2019

We consider an event‐triggered update scheme for the problem of multiagent consensus in the presence of faulty and malicious agents within the network. In particular, we focus on the case where the agents take integer (or quantized) values. To keep the regular agents from being affected by the behavior of faulty agents, algorithms of the mean subsequence reduced type are employed, where neighbors taking extreme values are ignored in the updates. Different from the real‐valued case, the quantized version requires the update rule to be randomized. We characterize the error bound on the achievable level of consensus among the agents as well as the necessary structure for the network in terms of the notion of robust graphs. We verify via a numerical example the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Rapid, 3D Chemical Profiling of Individual Atmospheric Aerosols with Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy
Authors: Ao Jianpeng , Feng Yiqing , Wu Simin , Wang Tao , Ling Jiwei , Zhang Liwu , Ji Minbiao
Published: December 2019

Visualizing the 3D chemical profiles of individual aerosols is crucial to understand their formation and aging processes, yet remains technically challenging. Here, the first application of stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy on 3D chemical imaging of individual aerosols in a nondestructive manner is demonstrated. SRS is capable of mapping chemical components of aerosols at a speed four orders of magnitude faster than conventional spontaneous Raman microscopy. Spatially resolved distributions of nitrates and sulfates reveal the fine structures and different mixing states of atmospheric particles. Moreover, high‐throughput quantifications of chemical compositions and particle size distributions are realized by large‐area imaging and statistical analysis. Its high‐speed and 3D chemical quantification capabilities promise SRS microscopy as a unique tool for studying the properties of single atmospheric particles, and ultimately their impacts on climate and human health.
A systems perspective on contact centers and customer service reliability modeling
Authors: Andrade Rodrigo , Moazeni Somayeh , Ramirez‐Marquez Jose Emmanuel
Published: December 2019

Contact centers play a critical role in service businesses by acting as the interface between customers and organizations. They are strategic tools to establish a relationship with customers to promote customer satisfaction, which can lead to an increase in customer loyalty and sales. One important factor impacting customer satisfaction is service reliability, which should be constantly monitored to enhance customer satisfaction. This paper uses a systems thinking approach to investigate contact centers from a systems perspective. We aim to provide a holistic view of the customer support process to help decision makers infer transformations in the system. We present an architecture of the contact center operations management system incorporating concepts of systems engineering, and describe its components and functions. The systems perspective to contact center processes facilitates developing a customer service reliability model. Since the reliability metric takes into account the fundamentals of the contact center processes and key input data, the modeling approach can dynamically adapt to changes in the contact center processes and data. The developed system architecture and reliability metric are general and adaptable to be expanded to other domains. An empirical analysis using data from a major insurance company is provided to illustrate the applicability of the system design, reliability, and performance control using a control chart.
Evaluation of barrier lake breach floods: Insights from recent case studies in China
Authors: Chen Zuyu , Zhang Qiang , Chen Shujing , Wang Lin , Zhou Xingbo
Published: December 2019

Historically, China has experienced frequent barrier lake breach hazards, and several cases have been monitored during their occurrences using complete breach flood hydrographs. These have enabled the analysis of dam breaches to be improved by merging hydraulics and soil mechanics expertise. Some novel improvements to analytical methods have also been published. This study presents the authors' proposed hyperbolic soil erosion and lateral enlargement models, together with a numerical algorithm that enables easy calculation of the breach flood hydrograph. In general, the peak flows calculated using this improved method agree with field measurements and are less sensitive to input parameters. The research outcomes are presented on an Excel spreadsheet (DB‐IWHR, online download available), and these are self‐explanatory with minimal tutorials. This software will be of particular use in an emergency situation, when it is necessary to quickly evaluate the breach flood. This study reviews four large‐scale barrier lake breaches; the Yigong breach which documented a peak flow close to 100,000 m3/s and the recent Baige breaches featuring burst recurrences over a month‐long period.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water> Water Extremes

Engineering Water > Planning Water
Preventing wind turbine tower natural frequency excitation with a quasi‐LPV model predictive control scheme
Authors: Mulders Sebastiaan Paul , Hovgaard Tobias Gybel , Grunnet Jacob Deleuran , van Wingerden Jan‐Willem
Published: December 2019

With the ever increasing power rates of wind turbines, more advanced control techniques are needed to facilitate tall towers that are low in weight and cost‐effective but in effect more flexible. Such soft‐soft tower configurations generally have their fundamental side‐side frequency in the below‐rated operational domain. Because the turbine rotor practically has or develops a mass imbalance over time, a periodic and rotor‐speed dependent side‐side excitation is present during below‐rated operation. Persistent operation at the coinciding tower and rotational frequency degrades the expected structural life span. To reduce this effect, earlier work has shown the effectiveness of active tower damping control strategies using collective pitch control. A more passive approach is frequency skipping by inclusion of speed exclusion zones, which avoids prolonged operation near the critical frequency. However, neither of the methods incorporates a convenient way of performing a trade‐off between energy maximization and fatigue load minimization. Therefore, this paper introduces a quasi‐linear parameter varying model predictive control (qLPV‐MPC) scheme, exploiting the beneficial (convex) properties of a qLPV system description. The qLPV model is obtained by a demodulation transformation and is subsequently augmented with a simple wind turbine model. Results show the effectiveness of the algorithm in synthetic and realistic simulations using the NREL 5‐MW reference wind turbine in high‐fidelity simulation code. Prolonged rotor speed operation at the tower side‐side natural frequency is prevented, whereas when the trade‐off is in favor of energy production, the algorithm decides to rapidly pass over the natural frequency to attain higher rotor speeds and power productions.
Direct analysis of essential oils by means of TXRF spectrometry
Authors: Shaltout Abdallah A. , Abdel‐Hameed El‐Sayed S. , Bilo Fabjola , Borgese Laura , Depero Laura E.
Published: December 2019

Direct analysis of essential oil has been performed for estimation of the elemental content in five different extracted essential oils from the leaves of different plants, namely, Mentha longifolia, Rosmarinus officinalis, Ocimum basilicum, Elletaria cardamomum, and Lavandula hybrida. A benchtop total reflection X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer with a maximum power of 40 W was used for this purpose. Fourteen elements have been quantified in most of the extracted essential oil samples, and their limits of detection were determined. The detected elements are P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Br, Ni, and Hf. The validity of the present method was demonstrated using a standard reference material of organometallic oil sample. Two extraction methods of essential oils from leaves of the mentioned plants are evaluated, namely, classical hydro‐distillation and microwave‐assisted hydro‐distillation. The quantitative elemental analysis of the extracted essential oils using the two extracted methods was studied and compared.
Lipid composition and cell surface hydrophobicity of Candida albicans influence the efficacy of fluconazole–gentamicin treatment
Authors: Suchodolski Jakub , Muraszko Jakub , Korba Aleksandra , Bernat Przemysław , Krasowska Anna
Published: December 2019

Adherence of the fungus, Candida albicans, to biotic (e.g. human tissues) and abiotic (e.g. catheters) surfaces can lead to emergence of opportunistic infections in humans. The process of adhesion and further biofilm development depends, in part, on cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH). In this study, we compared the resistance of C. albicans strains with different CSH to the most commonly prescribed antifungal drug, fluconazole, and the newly described synergistic combination, fluconazole and gentamicin. The hydrophobic strain was more resistant to fluconazole due to, among others, overexpression of the ERG11 gene encoding the fluconazole target protein (CYP51A1, Erg11p), which leads to overproduction of ergosterol in this strain. Additionally, the hydrophobic strain displayed high efflux activity of the multidrug resistance Cdr1 pump due to high expression of the CDR1 gene. On the other hand, the hydrophobic C. albicans strain was more susceptible to fluconazole–gentamicin combination because of its different effect on lipid content in the two strains. The combination resulted in ergosterol depletion with subsequent Cdr1p mislocalization and loss of activity in the hydrophobic strain. We propose that C. albicans strains with different CSH may possess altered lipid metabolism and consequently may differ in their response to treatment.
Towards the weighted Bounded Negativity Conjecture for blow-ups of algebraic surfaces
Authors: Laface Roberto , Pokora Piotr
Published: December 2019

In the present paper we focus on a weighted version of the Bounded Negativity Conjecture, which predicts that for every smooth projective surface in characteristic zero the self-intersection numbers of reduced and irreducible curves are bounded from below by a function depending on the intesection of curve with an arbitrary big and nef line bundle that is positive on the curve. We gather evidence for this conjecture by showing various bounds on the self-intersection number of curves in an algebraic surface. We focus our attention on blow-ups of algebraic surfaces, which have so far been neglected.