bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable development and supply chain coordination: The impact of corporate social responsibility rules in the European Union food industry
Authors: Stranieri Stefanella , Orsi Luigi , Banterle Alessandro , Ricci Elena Claire
Published: November 2018

Corporate social responsibility has become a strategic asset for food firms to demonstrate their good environmental conduct. The aim of this paper is to investigate the role of the implementation of corporate social responsibility activities on the reorganization of vertical relationships within food supply chains. Applying content analysis techniques to the Global Reporting Initiative reports, we collected qualitative data on investments in environmentally friendly options, the adoption of standards, stakeholder engagement, information searches, impact‐monitoring activities, and chain coordination to transform it into quali‐quantitative data. We find that the variables affecting chain coordination relate to the presence of sourcing standards, effort in discussing with chain partners ways to prevent and manage chain environmental impacts, and costs related to stakeholder feedback collection. The results of the analysis confirm corporate social responsibility as a strategic tool to improve supply chain relationships through an augmented vertical coordination and to integrate environmental policy.
Wildflower strips enhance pollination in adjacent strawberry crops at the small scale
Authors: Ganser Dominik , Mayr Barbara , Albrecht Matthias , Knop Eva
Published: November 2018

Wildflower strips (WFS) are increasingly used to counteract the negative consequences of agricultural intensification. To date, it is poorly understood how WFS promote flower visitation and pollination services in nearby insect‐pollinated crops. We therefore ask whether WFS enhance pollination service in adjacent strawberry crops, and how such an effect depends on the distance from WFS. Over 2 years, we examined the effects of experimentally sown WFS compared to grassy strips on pollination services in adjacent strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) crops across a total of 19 study sites. Moreover, we examined flower visitation, species richness and community composition of the most important insect pollinator taxa at different within‐field locations varying in distance to WFS. We found increased pollination services at the edge of WFS compared to locally reduced pollination services at the center, which resulted in no significant difference in seed set between WFS and control fields. Total flower visits and species richness of pollinators were higher in WFS than in adjacent strawberry fields. Moreover, wild bee visitation was enhanced in adjacent strawberry crops near WFS compared to field centers, and intermediate at field edges near grassy strips. Our study demonstrates that diverse WFS can increase wild bee visitation and pollination services in the field edges of adjacent strawberry crops, but that overall visitation and pollination services do not increase. Moreover, our findings show that major pollinator taxa exhibit distinct responses, resulting in a shift of pollinator community composition as a function of distance to WFS with direct effects on crop pollination. Our results that WFS enhance rather than reduce crop pollination services near WFS should distract possible concerns by farmers that WFS may locally absorb rather than export crop pollinators. Considering the spatial restricted enhancement of wild bees and associated pollination services we suggest to establish WFS in the center of crop fields.
Local adaptation in mainland anole lizards: Integrating population history and genome–environment associations
Authors: Prates Ivan , Penna Anna , Rodrigues Miguel Trefaut , Carnaval Ana Carolina
Published: November 2018

Environmental gradients constrain physiological performance and thus species’ ranges, suggesting that species occurrence in diverse environments may be associated with local adaptation. Genome–environment association analyses (GEAA) have become central for studies of local adaptation, yet they are sensitive to the spatial orientation of historical range expansions relative to landscape gradients. To test whether potentially adaptive genotypes occur in varied climates in wide‐ranged species, we implemented GEAA on the basis of genomewide data from the anole lizards Anolis ortonii and Anolis punctatus, which expanded from Amazonia, presently dominated by warm and wet settings, into the cooler and less rainy Atlantic Forest. To examine whether local adaptation has been constrained by population structure and history, we estimated effective population sizes, divergence times, and gene flow under a coalescent framework. In both species, divergence between Amazonian and Atlantic Forest populations dates back to the mid‐Pleistocene, with subsequent gene flow. We recovered eleven candidate genes involved with metabolism, immunity, development, and cell signaling in A. punctatus and found no loci whose frequency is associated with environmental gradients in A. ortonii. Distinct signatures of adaptation between these species are not associated with historical constraints or distinct climatic space occupancies. Similar patterns of spatial structure between selected and neutral SNPs along the climatic gradient, as supported by patterns of genetic clustering in A. punctatus, may have led to conservative GEAA performance. This study illustrates how tests of local adaptation can benefit from knowledge about species histories to support hypothesis formulation, sampling design, and landscape gradient characterization.
Photocatalytic Hydrophosphination of Alkenes and Alkynes Using Diphenylphosphine and Triamidoamine‐Supported Zirconium
Authors: Novas Bryan T. , Bange Christine A. , Waterman Rory
Published: November 2018

Reactions of alkene or alkyne with diphenylphosphine and catalytic [κ5‐N,N,N,N,C‐(Me3SiNCH2CH2)2NCH2CH2NSiMe2CH2]Zr (1) are greatly enhanced under photolysis, providing viable catalytic hydrophosphination with a broad substrate scope. Whereas diphenylphosphine had been an inaccessible substrate under thermal conditions, complete conversion of alkene substrates to tertiary phosphine is achieved in as little as four hours at ambient temperature with 1 under ultraviolet irradiation. Previously inactive alkenes are now hydrophosphination substrates with diphenylphosphine to produce tertiary phosphine ligands possessing tunable steric and electronic properties.
Diversity‐Oriented Approach to Spirorhodanines via a [2+2+2] Cyclotrimerization
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Sreevani Gaddamedi
Published: November 2018

Spirocyclic compounds have been increasingly utilized in drug discovery due to their inherent three‐dimensional structural complexity. Here, we report a diversity oriented approach to spirorhodanines via a [2+2+2] cyclotrimerization reaction with propargyl halides as co‐partners. In another sequence, we employed o‐xylylene dibromide as a coupling partner to assemble spirorhodanines.
Asymmetric Michael Reaction of Aldehydes and Dicyanoalkenes Catalyzed by Diphenylprolinol Silyl Ether
Authors: Hayashi Yujiro , Kranidiotis‐Hisatomi Nektarios , Sakamoto Daisuke , Oritani Kyohei , Kawamoto Takuji , Kamimura Akio
Published: November 2018

Asymmetric Michael reactions of aldehydes and dicyanoalkenes catalyzed by diphenylprolinol silyl ether give the corresponding Michael adducts in good yields with excellent enantioselectivities. The diastereoselectivity is dependent on the bulkiness of the Michael donor. The Michael adducts can be easily transformed into useful chiral compounds such as lactones, esters, and monocyanated derivatives.
Bottom‐Up Synthesis of Acrylic and Styrylic RhII Carboxylate Polymer Beads: Solid‐Supported Analogs of Rh2(OAc)4
Authors: Levchenko Vladimir , Sundsli Bård , Øien‐Ødegaard Sigurd , Tilset Mats , Hansen Finn K. , Bonge‐Hansen Tore
Published: November 2018

We have developed a short and efficient bottom‐up synthesis of acrylic and styrylic polymer beads containing dirhodium(II) tetracarboxylates. The solid supported dirhodium(II) tetracarboxylate catalysts were synthesized in as little as two steps overall from dirhodium tetratrifluoroacetate and commercially available carboxylic acids, making the bottom‐up approach a viable alternative to the post‐modification approach commonly used. The dirhodium(II) tetracarboxylate polymer beads have a convenient size (ca. 100 µm), are easy to handle, and can be considered solid‐supported analogs of Rh2(OAc)4. Beads generated from dirhodium(II) tetracarboxylates with four polymerizable carboxylate ligands displayed the best catalytic performance and compared favorably to Rh2(OAc)4 in benchmarked cyclopropanation reactions. The results imply that the cumbersome synthesis of monomeric dirhodium(II) tetracarboxylates with mixed ligands systems can be avoided and that immobilized dirhodium(II)‐catalysts with a higher degree of crosslinking is a viable option to catalysts linked in an anchor‐like fashion. We demonstrate recovery and recycling, and a potential use of the beads as catalysts in a cyclopropanation reaction towards the insecticide chrysanthemic acid.
Synthesis of Ultrahigh Surface Area of Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon Materials from Alginic‐Based Protic Polyanion Ionic Liquids for High‐Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Cheng Jian , Xu Qinqin , Lu Jiangteng , Du Jiehao , Chen Qin , Zhang Yanmei , Li Zaiquan , He Feng , Wu Fuzhong , Xie Haibo
Published: November 2018

Carbon materials with a high specific surface area, large pore size, high electrical conductivity, and high chemical stability are regarded as promising electrode materials for supercapacitors. With the advantages of using ionic liquids precursors and biomass‐based precursors for the synthesis of carbon materials, nitrogen‐doped porous activated carbon materials with an ultrahigh surface area (up to 3638 m2 g−1), a desirable pore size (up to 2.44 nm), and a high content of 10.38 at % oxygen and 1.14 at % nitrogen are prepared from alginic‐based protic polyanion ionic liquids (APPILs) using the KOH activation method. The specific structural properties of the as‐prepared carbon materials can be tuned by the nature of organic bases in the APPILs and carbonization conditions. When used as electrode materials for symmetric supercapacitors in 6 m KOH electrolytes, the obtained carbon material shows a significantly high gravimetric capacitance of up to 354 F g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1. Moreover, the assembled supercapacitor delivers a relatively high energy density of 12.3 W h kg−1 and a power density of 26 W kg−1, as well as a high cycling stability of 95% capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles.
Zoogeomorphological behaviours in fish and the potential impact of benthic feeding on bed material mobility in fluvial landscapes
Authors: Rice Stephen , Pledger Andrew , Toone Julia , Mathers Kate
Published: November 2018

Foraging by benthivorous fish can affect bed material mobility and sediment flux. This paper collates evidence of benthic feeding effects at local scales and evaluates the possibility that large numbers of foraging fish, each of which accomplishes a small amount of geomorphic work when feeding, may have a cumulative effect across river systems. A first synthesis of research from several disciplines provides a deeper understanding of how fish disturb and condition bed materials with implications for sediment mobility. To evaluate the spatial extent of benthic feeding and therefore the potential for it to have a large‐scale effect, the distribution of benthivorous fish is established across a large river network. After quality control, the dataset yields a comprehensive set of fish community information based on over 61 000 individuals and 30 species at 176 sites. The factors that are likely to mediate foraging and its geomorphological effectiveness are considered. A novel scoring system that incorporates three key controls (fish feeding behaviour, fish abundance and fish body size) is then applied across the river network to predict where geomorphologically effective benthic feeding is feasible and its possible relative magnitude. Our results demonstrate, for the first time, that the potential for zoogeomorphic impacts is widespread but variable in space as a function of community composition and the abundance of key benthivores. An initial calibration against measured field impacts suggests that benthic feeding may cause measurable geomorphological disturbance at more than 90% of sites in this large network. Together, previous work and this unique analysis suggest that benthic feeding is sufficiently effective and extensive to warrant additional research. Investigating the role of benthivorous fish in fluvial geomorphology is important because it may yield results that challenge the assumption that biota are irrelevant sources of energy in geomorphological systems. Key research questions and a roadmap to facilitate progress are identified. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When stock futures dominate price discovery
Authors: Aggarwal Nidhi , Thomas Susan
Published: November 2018

This paper revisits the role of leverage in price discovery, using one of the most liquid single‐stock futures (SSFs) markets in the world. Price discovery is analysed as a dynamic intraday process. We find that the information share of the SSFs is 55% during news arrivals. It increases to 61%, when the news is negative and the futures is preferred because of short‐sales restrictions on the spot. A partial equilibrium analysis predicts that the trade‐off between leverage and market liquidity determines price discovery across securities. These predictions are validated by empirical evidence.
Stability, Stimuli‐Responsiveness, and Versatile Sorption Properties of a Dynamic Covalent Acylhydrazone Gel
Authors: Fang Haobin , Chen Lingyu , Zeng Lihua , Yang Zujin , Zhang Jianyong
Published: November 2018

Gel adsorbents are promising for pollutant removal from the wastewater. Herein, an acylhydrazone gel is developed from acylhydrazide‐terminated pentaerythritol (PAT) and 2,4,6‐triformylphloroglucinol (TFP) based on dynamic covalent acylhydrazone chemistry. PAT‐TFP gel is stable under various conditions, while it shows reversible Cu2+ adsorption and desorption. PAT‐TFP gel is studied as a versatile adsorbent for the capture of a range of (bulky) organic contaminants and heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. Fast and good adsorption capacities are achieved for various dyes (rhodamine B and methyl orange), amines (aniline, p‐chloroaniline, 4‐methylaniline, and p‐aminobenzoic acid), phenols (phenol, 1‐naphthol, p‐methylphenol, and bisphenol A), and metal ions (Cu2+, Cr3+, and Hg2+). The maximum adsorption capacity is 107.5 mg g−1 for Cu2+ and the equilibrium adsorption time is 30 min. PAT‐TFP gel can be regenerated efficiently and used repeatedly.
Evapotranspiration response to multiyear dry periods in the semiarid western United States
Authors: Rungee Joseph , Bales Roger , Goulden Michael
Published: November 2018

Analysis of measured evapotranspiration shows that subsurface plant‐accessible water storage (PAWS) can sustain evapotranspiration through multiyear dry periods. Measurements at 25 flux tower sites in the semiarid western United States, distributed across five land cover types, show both resistance and vulnerability to multiyear dry periods. Average (±standard deviation) evapotranspiration ranged from 660 ± 230 mm yr−1 (October–September) in evergreen needleleaf forests to 310 ± 200 mm yr−1 in grasslands and shrublands. More than 52% of the annual evapotranspiration in Mediterranean climates is supported on average by seasonal drawdown of subsurface PAWS, versus 29% in monsoon‐influenced climates. Snowmelt replenishes dry‐season PAWS by as much as 20% at sites with significant seasonal snow accumulation but was insignificant at most sites. Evapotranspiration exceeded precipitation in more than half of the observation years at sites below 35°N. Annual evapotranspiration at non‐energy‐limited sites increased with precipitation, reaching a mean wet‐year evapotranspiration of 833 mm for evergreen needleleaf forests, 861 mm for mixed forests, 558 mm for woody savannas, 367 mm for grasslands, and 254 mm for shrublands. Thirteen sites experienced at least one multiyear dry period, when mean precipitation was more than one standard deviation below the historical mean. All vegetation types except evergreen needleleaf forests responded to multiyear dry periods by lowering evapotranspiration and/or significant year‐over‐year depletion of subsurface PAWS. Sites maintained wet‐year evapotranspiration rates for 8–33 months before attenuation, with a corresponding net PAWS drawdown of as much as 334 mm. Net drawdown at many sites continued until the dry period ended, resulting in an overall cumulative withdrawal of as much as 558 mm. Evergreen needleleaf forests maintained high evapotranspiration during multiyear dry periods with no apparent PAWS drawdown; these forests currently avoid drought but may prove vulnerable to longer and warmer dry periods that reduce snowpack storage and accelerate evapotranspiration.
Muscle mass measures and incident osteoporosis in a large cohort of postmenopausal women
Authors: Papageorgiou Maria , Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Schutte Rudolph
Published: November 2018

Background

Despite several muscle mass measures being used in the current definitions of sarcopenia, their usefulness is uncertain because of limited data on their association with health outcomes. The aim of the study was to compare the performance of different muscle mass measures for predicting incident osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Methods

This study included data from 149 166 participants (aged 60.3 ± 5.5 years) as part of the UK Biobank cohort. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance. The muscle mass measures included were total body skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and appendicular SMM (aSMM) divided by height squared (ht2), derived residuals, SMM, SMM adjusted for body mass (SMM/bm × 100), and aSMM normalized for body mass index (aSMM/BMI). Diagnoses of the events were confirmed by primary care physicians and coded according to the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD‐10: M80‐M82).

Results

Over a median follow‐up of 6.75 (5th to 95th percentile interval, 1.53 to 8.37) years, 394 newly diagnosed cases of osteoporosis occurred, with 40 (10.2%) cases being associated with a pathological fracture. SMM/ht2, aSMM/ht2 residual, and SMM were lower in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis compared with women without (all P < 0.0001), while SMM/bm × 100 (P = 0.003), but not aSMM/BMI (P = 0.59), was higher in the osteoporosis group. The unadjusted rates of osteoporosis increased with decreasing quintiles for SMM/ht2, aSMM/ht2, residuals, and SMM (all P trend <0.0001), while the incidence of osteoporosis increased with increasing SMM/bm × 100 (P trend =0.001), but not for aSMM/BMI (P = 0.45). After minimally adjusting for age and after full adjustment, SMM/ht2, aSMM/ht2, and SMM were the only measure that consistently predicted osteoporosis in the total group of postmenopausal women [hazard ratio (HR) 0.65–0.67, all P ≤ 0.0001], in lean women (HR 0.62–0.68; all P ≤ 0.001), and women with increased adiposity (HR 0.64–0.68; all P ≤ 0.01). In fully adjusted models, the changes in the R2 statistic were 13.4%, 11.6%, and 15.3% for the SMM/ht2 (aSMM/ht2), residual, and SMM, but only 4.9% and 1.3% for SMM/bm × 100 and aSMM/BMI.

Conclusions

Muscle mass measures adjusted for height only (SMM/ht2, aSMM/ht2) appear to be better muscle‐relevant risk factors for incident osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, including when stratified into lean participants and participants with increased adiposity.
Ultrastructural variation and adaptive evolution of the ovipositor in the endemic Hawaiian Drosophilidae
Authors: Craddock Elysse M. , Kambysellis Michael P. , Franchi Lisa , Francisco Peter , Grey Marques , Hutchinson Angela , Nanhoo Shawn , Antar Shyar
Published: November 2018

Ecological diversification of the endemic Hawaiian Drosophilidae has been accompanied by striking divergence in egg morphology, and ovarian structure and function. To determine how these flies successfully oviposit in a variety of breeding substrates, we used Scanning Electron Microscopy to examine the ultrastructure of the ovipositor of a sample of 65Drosophilaspecies and fiveScaptomyzaspecies of this hyperdiverse monophyletic group. TheDrosophilaspecies analyzed included representatives of the fungus‐breedinghaleakalaegroup, the leaf‐breedingantopocerusand modified tarsus groups, the modified mouthparts species group, thenudidrosophila, and the picture wing clade; the latter sample of 41 species from four species groups included stem‐ and bark‐breeders, as well as tree sap flux‐breeders. Ovipositor length was found to vary more than 12‐fold among Hawaiian drosophilids, with the longest ovipositors observed in the bark‐breeding species and the shortest among theScaptomyzaand fungus‐breeders. More noteworthy is the striking variation in overall shape and proportions of the ovipositor, in the shape of the apical region, and in the pattern of sensory structures or ovisensilla. Ultrastructural observations of the pair of long subapical sensilla on the ventral side identify these, for the first time, as taste bristles. Ovipositor form correlates strongly with the oviposition substrate used by the species, being of a distinctive shape and size in each case. We infer that the observed morphological divergence in the ovipositor is adaptive and the product of natural selection for successful reproduction in alternate microhabitats. The array of ovipositor forms that have evolved among the HawaiianDrosophilaspecies represent a series of ecomorphs that along with other divergent traits of the female reproductive system, have contributed to the successful adaptive radiation of this remarkable fauna.
Memento Mori: The development and validation of the Death Reflection Scale
Authors: Yuan Zhenyu , Baranik Lisa E. , Sinclair Robert R. , Sliter Michael T. , Rand Kevin L. , Salyers Michelle P.
Published: November 2018

Despite its potential for advancing organizational behavior (OB) research, the topic of death awareness has been vastly understudied. Moreover, research on death awareness has predominantly focused on the anxiety‐provoking aspect of death‐related cognitions, thus overlooking the positive aspect of death awareness, death reflection. This gap is exacerbated by the lack of a valid research instrument to measure death reflection. To address this issue, we offer a systematic conceptualization of death reflection, develop the Death Reflection Scale, and assess its psychometric properties across four studies. Further, using a sample of 268 firefighters, we examine whether death reflection buffers the detrimental impact of mortality cues at work on employee well‐being and safety performance. Results provide strong support for the psychometric properties of the Death Reflection Scale. Further, moderation analysis indicates death reflection weakens the negative effect of mortality cues on firefighters' safety performance. Overall, these findings suggest the newly developed Death Reflection Scale will prove useful in future research on death‐related cognitions.
The interaction between BRAF mutation and microsatellite instability (MSI) status in determining survival outcomes after adjuvant 5FU based chemotherapy in stage III colon cancer
Authors: Chouhan Hanumant , Sammour Tarik , Thomas Michelle L , Moore James W
Published: November 2018

Purpose

The predictive role of biomarkers in colon cancer is still being defined. The aim of this study is to determine the interaction between BRAF mutation and microsatellite instability (MSI) status in determining survival benefit after adjuvant 5‐FU based chemotherapy in stage III colon cancer.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study including all curatively resected stage III colon cancer cases over a 33‐year period. A clinicopathological database was collated (adjuvant chemotherapy, age, gender, obstruction, perforation, tumor location, grade, mucin, nodal stage, extramural vascular, and perineural invasion). BRAF (V600E) mutation testing was performed and MSI status established by immunohistochemistry for mismatch repair proteins and molecular testing for National Cancer Institute panel markers. Patients were categorized into four groups for comparison: MSS and BRAF−ve (termed “
traditional”), MSI and BRAF−ve (termed “
presumed Lynch”), MSI and BRAF+ve (termed “
sporadic MSI”), and MSS and BRAF+ve (termed “
other BRAF”). The primary endpoint was cancer specific survival. Interaction testing was conducted to determine whether there were different responses to chemotherapy between groups.

Results

A total of 686 unselected cases met inclusion criteria and had tissue available, of which 15.7% had BRAF mutation (BRAF+ve) and 13.8% had MSI. Thirty‐nine percent received chemotherapy. Overall, adjuvant chemotherapy produced a cancer specific survival benefit (HR 0.66, 95% CI, 0.49‐0.88,
P < 0.01). On adjusted analysis, neither
BRAF nor MSI status were individually predictive of survival benefit. On adjusted analysis specifically of the chemotherapy effect in each subgroup, only patients in the
presumed Lynch (HR 0.260, 95% CI, 0.09‐0.80,
P < 0.01) and
other BRAF groups (HR 0.45, 95% CI, 0.23‐0.87,
P < 0.01) had a significant survival benefit from chemotherapy. On interaction testing of subgroups, adjusting for all the clinicopathological parameters, only patients in the
presumed Lynch group (HR 0.277, 95% CI, 0.10‐0.75,
P < 0.01) gained a differentially greater benefit from chemotherapy than other groups.

Conclusions

In this historical cohort, MSI testing is predictive of response to adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III colon cancer, but only when results are interpreted in combination with BRAF. This supports the role of routine testing for these biomarkers.
Pre‐operative predictors of early recurrence/mortality including the role of inflammatory indices in patients undergoing partial hepatectomy for spontaneously ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chua Darren W , KOH Ye Xin , LIEW Yi Xin , Chan Chung‐Yip , Lee Ser‐Yee , Cheow Peng‐Chung , Chow Pierce K , Chung Alexander Y , Ooi London L , Goh Brian KP
Published: November 2018

Background and Objectives

Spontaneous rupture of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (srHCC) is a life‐threatening emergency. We sought to identify the pre‐operative predictors of early tumor recurrence/mortality including the role of inflammatory indices after partial hepatectomy for srHCC.

Methods

Between 2000‐2015, 79 patients with srHCC were identified to have undergone upfront partial hepatectomy following srHCC. Clinicopathologic data were retrospectively analyzed to identify pre‐operative predictors of early (<1 year) recurrence and mortality.

Results

Seventy‐nine patients were identified to have undergone partial hepatectomy for srHCC. The 1‐year mortality and 1‐year recurrence rate in our series was 30.3% and 41.8% respectively. On multivariate analyses, free tumor rupture and a tumor size > 10 cm were identified to be independent predictors of early recurrence while an alpha fetoprotein (AFP) > 200 ng/mL was an independent predictor of early mortality. Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio > 3 and prognostic nutritional index < 40 were predictors of early recurrence while PLR > 180 was a predictor of early mortality on univariate analyses but not multivariate analyses.

Conclusions

Tumor size > 10 cm, free tumor rupture, and an AFP > 200 ng/mL were useful predictors in avoiding “futile surgery” in patients with srHCC undergoing a partial hepatectomy. Preoperative inflammatory markers appear to be less useful as predictors of early recurrence/mortality in this cohort of patients.
The everlasting issue of prolonged air leaks after lobectomy for non‐small cell lung cancer: A data‐driven prevention planning model in the era of minimally invasive approaches
Authors: Viti Andrea , Socci Laura , Congregado Miguel , Ismail Mahmoud , Nachira Dania , Muñoz Carlos Galvez , Bolufer Sergio , Rückert Jens C. , Margaritora Stefano , Terzi Alberto
Published: November 2018

Background and Objectives

Prolonged air leaks (PAL) are the most frequent complication after lobectomy for non–small cell lung cancer, even in case of minimally invasive approaches. We developed a novel score to identify high‐risk patients for PAL during minimally invasive lobectomy.

Methods

A dedicated database was created. We investigated preoperative candidate features and specific intraoperative variables. Univariate and subsequent logistic regression analysis with bootstrap resampling have been used. Model performance has been assessed by reckoning the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve and the Hosmer‐Lemeshow goodness of fit.

Results

PAL (>5 days) occurred in 72 (15.69%) patients. Five variables emerged from the model. Each one was assigned a score to provide a cumulative scoring system: forced expiratory volume in 1 second below 86% (P = 0.004, 1.5 points), body mass index <24 (
P = 0.002, 1 point), active smoking (
P = 0.001, 1.5 points), incomplete fissures (
P = 0.004, 1.5 points), and adhesions (
P = 0.0001, 1 point). The new score provided a stratification into four risk classes.

Conclusions

The risk score incorporates either general or more specific variables, providing a risk stratification that could be readily applied intra‐ and postoperatively. Henceforth, specific technical and management measures could be properly allocated to curb PAL.
Design of a wideband antenna by manipulating characteristic modes of a metallic loop
Authors: Wen Dingliang , Hao Yang , Wang Hanyang , Zhou Hai
Published: November 2018

A wideband antenna is designed by manipulating characteristic modes (CMs) of a metallic loop structure. It is shown that the resonant behavior of the CMs can be modified by inductive loading on the specific positions of the loop antenna. Therefore, it is possible to manipulate certain modes to ensure their resonant frequencies are close to each other. Then, a proper feeding scheme can be designed such that these modes are excited simultaneously and a multi‐mode wideband antenna can be obtained. It is found that by using the theory of characteristic modes (TCMs), the antenna design procedure becomes more intuitive. To validate the proposed approach, the wideband antenna was fabricated and tested. Simulation and measurement results indicate that it can achieve a wide impedance bandwidth of 51.6% with |S11| < −10 dB.
Electro‐optic conversion circuit incorporating a fiber optic loop for light fidelity up‐down link use
Authors: Chaiwong Khomyuth , Bahadoran Mahdi , Amiri Iraj Sadegh , Youplao Phichai , Pornsuwancharoen Nithiroth , Yupapin Preecha
Published: November 2018

We propose the use of the electro‐optic circuit to integrate with the short distance fiber optic loop network, which can be used to form the light fidelity (LiFi) network platform within the building. The electro‐optic conversion circuit is formed by a plasmonic circuit. It is a passive device consisting of an embedded plasmonic island within the microring conjugate mirror (MCM), in which the applied input‐output information can be connected to the fiber optic loop. In this design, all sources of the information can be coupled to the plasmonic transducer and connected to the network. The transducer mobility and two different wavelengths of the input sources are demonstrated and all port signals plotted. The free spectral range and the full‐width at half maximum at the center wavelength of 1.30 μm are ~370.0 and ~0.62 nm, respectively. This is equal to the bandwidth of ~77 PetaHz, from which the output intensity power is ranged between 5 and 15 mW (μm)−2. The linear relationship between the driven mobility and the input power of ~0.75 (cm)2. (Vs)−1 W−1 is achieved at the drop port, with the gold layer length is 600 nm.
Dose reduction of biologic therapy in inflammatory arthritis: A qualitative study of patients' perceptions and needs
Authors: Hewlett Sarah , Haig‐Ferguson Andrew , Rose‐Parfitt Emily , Halls Serena , Freke Samuel , Creamer Paul
Published: November 2018

Objective

Successful biologic disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drug (bDMARD) dose reduction appears increasingly possible from clinical trials. The present study aimed to understand the patient perspective of bDMARD dose reduction.

Methods

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis who were self‐administering subcutaneous bDMARDs therapy at two National Health Service trusts participated in semi‐structured interviews. To capture multiple experiences, patients were purposefully sampled for a range of age, gender, disease duration, reducing/not reducing bDMARDs and either within 3–12 months of bDMARD initiation or ≥12 months and in remission/low disease activity. Inductive thematic analysis was utilized.

Results

Fifteen patients were interviewed (six on dose reduction). Five overarching themes were identified. When thinking about dose reduction, patients reflected on their difficult life before bDMARDs (“Where I was then”) compared with their transformative effects (“Where I am now”). All raised concerns that a dose reduction would take them back to where they used to be (“Fears for the future”) and most believed it to be a cost‐cutting exercise. Most had “Hopes for the future”, that a reduction would lower their risk of side effects, and release funds for other patients. They wanted a clear rationale for reduction, collaborative decision making, and control over flexible dosing (“Information needs”).

Conclusion

Patients were fearful of reducing the dose of their bDMARDs, having previously experienced uncontrollable symptoms. However, most were willing to try, provided that there was a clear rationale and that it was in their best interests, with opportunities for collaboration and dose control. These patient perspectives will inform the provision of patient information to guide clinical discussions.
One machine, one minute, three billion tetrahedra
Authors: Marot Célestin , Pellerin Jeanne , Remacle Jean‐François
Published: November 2018

This paper presents a new scalable parallelization scheme to generate the 3D Delaunay triangulation of a given set of points. Our first contribution is an efficient serial implementation of the incremental Delaunay insertion algorithm. A simple dedicated data structure, an efficient sorting of the points, and the optimization of the insertion algorithm have permitted to accelerate reference implementations by a factor three. Our second contribution is a multithreaded version of the Delaunay kernel that is able to concurrently insert vertices. Moore curve coordinates are used to partition the point set, avoiding heavy synchronization overheads. Conflicts are managed by modifying the partitions with a simple rescaling of the space‐filling curve. The performances of our implementation have been measured on three different processors: an Intel core‐i7, an Intel Xeon Phi, and an AMD EPYC, on which we have been able to compute three billion tetrahedra in 53 seconds. This corresponds to a generation rate of over 55 million tetrahedra per second. We finally show how this very efficient parallel Delaunay triangulation can be integrated in a Delaunay refinement mesh generator, which takes as input the triangulated surface boundary of the volume to mesh.
The relationships between coping, occupational stress, and emotional intelligence in newly hired oncology nurses
Authors: Mazzella Ebstein Ann M. , Sanzero Eller Lucille , Tan Kay See , Cherniss Cary , Ruggiero Jeanne S. , Cimiotti Jeannie P.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Associations between the varying levels of emotional intelligence in newly hired oncology nurses and their responses to stress and coping were examined. The secondary aim was to analyze whether emotional intelligence could moderate their choice of problem‐focused or emotion‐focused coping strategies.

Methods

Newly hired nurses (n = 114) were recruited from a national cancer institute. Data were collected through surveys using the Ways of Coping Questionnaire, the Nursing Stress Scale, and the Emotional Quotient Inventory between the eighth and twelfth weeks post‐hire date. Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses were conducted on all variables. Regression models determined whether emotional intelligence moderated the choice of coping strategies.

Results

Emotional intelligence had a mean value of M = 105.24, SD = 13.02, and occupational stress scores were M = 65.57, SD = 15.68. Significant negative correlations were found for occupational stress and problem‐focused coping (r = −.189, P = .022), emotional intelligence and emotion‐focused coping (r = −.340, P = .000), and emotional intelligence and occupational stress (r = −.428, P < 0.001). Positive correlations were noted between occupational stress and emotion‐focused coping (r = .189, P = .022) and emotional intelligence and problem‐focused coping (r = .340, P = .000). Emotional intelligence did not predict the choice of coping strategies.

Conclusions

Although emotional intelligence did not moderate coping strategies in newly hired nurses, using problem focused coping to address occupational stress during the initial employment period may be a protective factor for coping with stress in the oncology workplace.
Effects of cardiopulmonary bypass on the disposition of cefazolin in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery
Authors: Asada Mizuho , Nagata Masashi , Mizuno Tomohiro , Uchida Tokujiro , Kurashima Naoki , Takahashi Hiromitsu , Makita Koshi , Arai Hirokuni , Echizen Hirotoshi , Yasuhara Masato
Published: November 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate the disposition of plasma unbound cefazolin in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Adult patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery with CPB were enrolled in the study. Cefazolin sodium was given intravenously before skin incision (1 g) and at the beginning of CPB (2 g). Thereafter, an additional dose (1 g) was given every 4 hours. Seven to ten blood samples were collected before and during surgery. Plasma total and unbound (ultrafiltrated) cefazolin concentrations were analyzed using an HPLC‐UV method. Plasma protein binding was analyzed with the Langmuir model. Twenty‐seven patients (aged 70 ± 12 years, body weight 62 ± 12 kg, mean ± SD) with GFR >30 mL min−1 completed the study. There was a significant (P < 0.001) increase in median plasma unbound fraction of cefazolin from 21% before skin incision to 45% during CPB (P < 0.001), which was accompanied by a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in median plasma albumin concentration from 36 to 27 g L−1. Plasma concentrations of unbound cefazolin exceeded the assumed target thresholds of 2 μg mL−1 in all samples and of 8 μg mL−1 in all but one of 199 samples. The increased plasma unbound fraction of cefazolin would be attributable to dilutional reduction of serum albumin at the beginning of CPB and to saturable plasma protein binding of cefazolin. These data reveal CPB may alter the plasma protein binding and possibly distribution of cefazolin. Further studies are warranted to reappraise the protocol of antimicrobial prophylaxis with cefazolin in patients undergoing surgery with CPB.
Extracting Small‐Signal Model Parameters of Graphene‐Based Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Wang Shao‐Qing , Miao Rui‐Xia , Peng Song‐Ang , Jin Zhi
Published: November 2018

This paper is aimed at extracting the intrinsic and extrinsic model parameter values of a small signal model based only on S‐parameter measurements. An analytically derived method to extract parasitic resistances and then obtain the all intrinsic parameters according to the previous method are proposed. Experiment results show the extracted model parameters can fit the test data well for our device, which illustrate the validity and accuracy of the extraction method. In addition, the authors analyze the huge differences of small‐signal parameters between graphene‐based field‐effect transistors (FETs) and traditional MOSFETs in saturation, and then point out the specific direction of improving the radio frequency performance of graphene‐based field‐effect transistors.
The circular economy's closed loop and product service systems for sustainable development: A review and appraisal
Authors: Camilleri Mark Anthony
Published: November 2018

This review paper examines relevant regulatory guidelines, policies, and recommendations on sustainable development, where it traces the origins of circular economy (CE). Afterwards, it sheds light on key theoretical underpinnings on CE's closed loop and product service systems. The findings suggest that the CE's regenerative systems minimise the environmental impact as practitioners reduce their externalities, including waste, emissions, and energy leakages through the use and reuse of resources. Therefore, this contribution offers a critique on CE's inherent limitations and discusses about the implications of having regulatory interventions that are intended to encourage responsible consumption and production behaviours. This contribution implies that CE is creating value to business and the environment. The closed loop and product service systems can unleash a new wave of operational efficiencies through increased throughput in production processes, as practitioners repair, reuse, remanufacture, refurbish, and recycle resources, whilst safeguarding the natural environment.
Sample size estimation for case‐crossover studies
Authors: Dharmarajan Sai , Lee Joo‐Yeon , Izem Rima
Published: November 2018

Case‐crossover study designs are observational studies used to assess postmarket safety of medical products (eg, vaccines or drugs). As a case‐crossover study is self‐controlled, its advantages include better control for confounding because the design controls for any time‐invariant measured and unmeasured confounding and potentially greater feasibility as only data from those experiencing an event (or cases) are required. However, self‐matching also introduces correlation between case and control periods within a subject or matched unit. To estimate sample size in a case‐crossover study, investigators currently use Dupont's formula (Biometrics 1988; 43:1157‐1168), which was originally developed for a matched case‐control study. This formula is relevant as it takes into account correlation in exposure between controls and cases, which are expected to be high in self‐controlled studies. However, in our study, we show that Dupont's formula and other currently used methods to determine sample size for case‐crossover studies may be inadequate. Specifically, these formulas tend to underestimate the true required sample size, determined through simulations, for a range of values in the parameter space. We present mathematical derivations to explain where some currently used methods fail and propose two new sample size estimation methods that provide a more accurate estimate of the true required sample size.
Programed Assembly of Nucleoprotein Nanoparticles Using DNA and Zinc Fingers for Targeted Protein Delivery
Authors: Ryu Yiseul , Kang Jung Ae , Kim Dasom , Kim Song‐Rae , Kim Seungmin , Park Seong Ji , Kwon Seung‐Hae , Kim Kil‐Nam , Lee Dong‐Eun , Lee Joong‐jae , Kim Hak‐Sung
Published: November 2018

With a growing number of intracellular drug targets and the high efficacy of protein therapeutics, the targeted delivery of active proteins with negligible toxicity is a challenging issue in the field of precision medicine. Herein, a programed assembly of nucleoprotein nanoparticles (NNPs) using DNA and zinc fingers (ZnFs) for targeted protein delivery is presented. Two types of ZnFs with different sequence specificities are genetically fused to a targeting moiety and a protein cargo, respectively. Double‐stranded DNA with multiple ZnF‐binding sequences is grafted onto inorganic nanoparticles, followed by conjugation with the ZnF‐fused proteins, generating the assembly of NNPs with a uniform size distribution and high stability. The approach enables controlled loading of a protein cargo on the NNPs, offering a high cytosolic delivery efficiency and target specificity. The utility and potential of the assembly as a versatile protein delivery vehicle is demonstrated based on their remarkable antitumor activity and target specificity with negligible toxicity in a xenograft mice model.
Nanoparticle Gradient Materials by Centrifugation
Authors: Spinnrock Andreas , Schupp David , Cölfen Helmut
Published: November 2018

Nanoparticle gradient materials are a unique class of functional materials. They combine the specific properties of nanoparticles with macroscopic materials. A continuous spatial gradient of the nanoparticle concentration leads to diverse physical property profiles. Therefore, these materials have a remarkable potential for applications in optics, electronics, and sensors. A novel approach for the defined and controlled synthesis of this material class is the fabrication in ultracentrifugal fields. The formation of a nanoparticle gradient by sedimentation in a gelatin solution is monitored online with optical systems inside an analytical ultracentrifuge. As soon as the desired nanoparticle concentration gradient is generated, the material is solidified by gelation and the desired gradient is fixed in the material. Application of the established theory of analytical ultracentrifugation allows simulations of the sedimentation process of the nanoparticles in advance. Thus, desired nanoparticle gradient materials can also be tailor‐made and fabricated on a preparative scale. This is demonstrated for the example of spherical gold nanoparticles of different sizes, gold nanorods, mixtures thereof, and spherical superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles.
A Conductive and Highly Deformable All‐Pseudocapacitive Composite Paper as Supercapacitor Electrode with Improved Areal and Volumetric Capacitance
Authors: Zhou Jie , Yu Jiali , Shi Ludi , Wang Zhe , Liu Huichao , Yang Bo , Li Cuihua , Zhu Caizhen , Xu Jian
Published: November 2018

Flexible energy storage electronics have gained increasing attention in recent years, but the simultaneous acquiring of high volumetric and high areal capacities as well as excellent flexibility in order to truly implement wearable and portable electronics in practice remains challenging. Here, a conductive and highly deformable freestanding all‐pseudocapacitive paper electrode (Ti3C2Tx/MnO2 NWs) is fabricated by solution processing of hybrid inks based on Ti3C2Tx MXene and ultralong MnO2 nanowires. The resulting Ti3C2Tx/MnO2 NWs hybrid paper manifests a remarkable areal capacitance of up to 205 mF cm−2 and outstanding volumetric capacitance of 1025 F cm−3. Both the values are highly comparable with, or in most cases much higher than those of previously reported MXene‐based flexible electrodes. The excellent energy storage performance is well maintained with a capacitance retention of 98.38% during 10 000 charge–discharge cycles. In addition, the flexible supercapacitor demonstrates excellent flexibility and electrochemical stability during repeated mechanical bendings of up to 120°, suggesting great potentials for the applications in future flexible and portable electronics.