bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changing trends in elephant camp management in northern Thailand and implications for welfare
Authors: Bansiddhi Pakkanut , Brown Janine L. , Thitaram Chatchote , Punyapornwithaya Veerasak , Somgird Chaleamchat , Edwards Katie L. , Nganvongpanit Korakot
Published: November 2018

Background

Elephant camps are among the most attractive destinations in Thailand for tourists from many countries. A wide range of management strategies are used by these camps, which can have varied impacts on health and welfare of elephants.

Methods

This study surveyed 33 camps with 627 elephants in northern Thailand to quantify the types of management practices and work activities experienced by captive elephants. The survey consisted of an interview with camp owners, and direct observations of camp operations.

Results

Data revealed considerable variation in elephant demographics, work activities, elephant care (i.e., housing, restraint, nutrition, health care, and breeding), and mahout management among the camps. In general, older camps (those in existence for >16 years) were involved in more intensive activities, like riding with saddles and shows. By contrast, newer camps provided more one-on-one activities for tourists and elephants, and emphasized more intimate, relaxing experiences (e.g., feeding, bathing, walking) than entertainment. A demographic shift also was observed, with elephants 20 years of age and younger having a sex ratio closer to 1:1 compared to elephants in older age categories (1:4.1–1:9.8).

Discussion

Shifts in elephant management to less intensive activities were observed, which could have positive implications for elephant welfare. The shifting sex ratio suggests successful captive breeding is resulting in the birth of more males, which could present new welfare challenges in the future, because bulls can be more difficult to manage and socialize, and are more likely to be kept isolated during musth. Ultimately, the goal is to understand how camp activities affect welfare, and to develop science-based guidelines and standards to aid in the management of both male and female elephants used in tourism.
Cyclooxygenase‐2 expression correlates with development, progression, metastasis, and prognosis of osteosarcoma: a meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: Wang Shengqun , Gao Hongwei , Zuo Jianlin , Gao Zhongli
Published: November 2018

Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), a key enzyme in arachidonic acid metabolism, is involved in several cancers, including osteosarcoma. The prognostic significance of COX‐2 in osteosarcoma remains controversial. This study was to analyze the potential clinical and prognostic effects of COX‐2 protein expression in patients with osteosarcoma. Eligible articles were searched via online databases. The combined odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using the random‐effects model. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was applied to analyze the required information size and determine the reliability of the evidence. Twenty‐three studies on COX‐2 expression were identified, which included a total of 1084 patients with malignant osteosarcoma and 247 patients with benign osteochondroma. COX‐2 protein expression in osteosarcoma was higher than in benign osteochondroma (OR = 7.66, P < 0.001). COX‐2 expression was not correlated with age, gender, tumor location, cancer histology, or necrosis (P > 0.1), but was significantly associated with tumor grade (high grade vs. low grade: OR = 4.81, P < 0.001), clinical stage (stage 3–4 vs. stage 1–2: OR = 4.89, P < 0.001), and metastasis (yes vs. no: OR = 3.53, P < 0.001). Based on TSA results, we suggest that additional studies are not required to examine osteosarcoma vs. benign osteochondroma, tumor grade, clinical stage, or metastasis. No heterogeneity was observed in these analyses. COX‐2 expression is linked to poor prognosis in metastasis‐free survival, overall survival, and relapse‐free survival, as indicated by multivariate analysis. Therefore, the expression of COX‐2 may correlate with the development, progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis of osteosarcoma.
Picture this! Effects of photographs, diagrams, animations, and sketching on learning and beliefs about learning from a geoscience text
Authors: Wiley Jennifer
Published: November 2018

Many studies have demonstrated that illustrating expository science texts with images that are interesting, but irrelevant for understanding the causal relations underlying scientific phenomena, can cause seduction effects, which can reduce understanding from text. The term “seduction effects” refers to the influence that images are thought to have on readers, seducing them away from deeply processing important information. The present study explores whether images relevant for instructional goals may also show some seduction effects. In this study, the presence of photographic images negatively impacted understanding compared with the presence of relevant animations or instructing students to sketch a drawing during reading. However, the results showed that both photographic images and relevant animations could lead to illusions of understanding, whereas sketching did not. The results suggest that even images that are relevant for instructional goals may sometimes result in seduction effects that deceive readers when judging their own understanding.
Correcting the misinformation effect
Authors: Crozier William E. , Strange Deryn
Published: November 2018

Decades of memory research have demonstrated a dire need for effective methods of correcting misinformation, particularly once it has been encoded. However, much of this research has exposed participants to misinformation first then provided a correction, and used indirect memory questions. Using a misinformation effect (ME) paradigm, in which participants' memory is distorted by misleading postevent information, we examine whether corrections can combat memory distortion on direct memory tests. Experiment 1 showed corrections greatly reduced the ME. Experiment 2 replicated this finding with a longer lag time (3 min) between exposure to misinformation and its correction, except for participants that read only the misinformation and its correction. Experiment 3 ruled out the possibility that participants reported the most recent information they read, suggesting participants evaluate the correction's veracity. Finally, a meta‐analysis of the three experiments reiterates that corrections may be effective in combating misinformation.
Ligand Shell Engineering to Achieve Optimal Photoalignment of Semiconductor Quantum Rods for Liquid Crystal Displays
Authors: Zhang Wanlong , Prodanov Maksym F. , Schneider Julian , Gupta Swadesh K. , Dudka Tetiana , Vashchenko Valerii V. , Rogach Andrey L. , Srivastava Abhishek K.
Published: November 2018

The photoalignment process to align semiconductor quantum rods (QRs) in the liquid crystal monomer (LCM) matrix is a flexible technology; however, the optical quality of the resulting enhancement films drops at high concentrations of the QRs. The compatibility between the ligand shell on the QRs and the LCM plays an important role in avoiding this issue. Herein, several kinds of ligand shells on the rod‐in‐rod CdSe/CdS QRs are designed, without affecting the optical properties of QRs, and their compatibility with LCM molecules is studied. Promesogenic dendritic ligands in combination with relatively short alkylphosphonic acids are found to provide the highest optical quality, without QR aggregation, and so the high brightness of the resulting enhancement films, even at higher concentrations of QRs in LCM, which is perfectly suitable for the application in liquid crystal displays.
Dimensionally Designed Carbon–Silicon Hybrids for Lithium Storage
Authors: Zhang Xinghao , Kong Debin , Li Xianglong , Zhi Linjie
Published: November 2018

Silicon, as one of the most promising candidates for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries (LIB), is intensively researched. Although various efforts is devoted to addressing major issues of silicon anodes, the intrinsic low conductivity and tremendous volume change still hinder its further real practical applications. Constructing carbon–silicon hybrid materials is regarded as the powerful strategy to improve the electrochemical lithium storage performance of silicon, in which the component dimensional variations and the dimensional hybridization way play critical roles in improving lithium storage performances. Carbon–silicon hybrids are classified herein, based on dimensional variations of silicon and carbon, and the latest representative progresses on carbon–silicon hybrids following such classifications are elaborated, with emphasis on the involved dimensional design formulas, the resultant synergistic effects, and the potential in performance enhancement. To conclude, the future directions and prospects in the field are discussed, providing insight into the rational design and scalable construction of advanced carbon–silicon hybrids and electrode systems for practical LIB.
2D Tellurium Based High‐Performance All‐Optical Nonlinear Photonic Devices
Authors: Wu Leiming , Huang Weichun , Wang Yunzheng , Zhao Jinlai , Ma Dingtao , Xiang Yuanjiang , Li Jianqing , Ponraj Joice Sophia , Dhanabalan Sathish Chander , Zhang Han
Published: November 2018

Tellurium (Te), as one of the rarest stable solid elements far more common in the universe than on earth, is a p‐type semiconductor with excellent optical properties. Herein, a novel two‐dimensional (2D) Te nanosheets (Ns)‐based air‐stable nonlinear photonic devices: all‐optical switcher and photonic diode, owing to its strong light–matter interaction in the visible‐to‐infrared band are reported. The findings validate that the proposed photonic diode can be utilized for the function of nonreciprocal light propagation in optical telecommunications or integrated photonics. Moreover, 2D Te‐based light‐modulate‐light system is successfully designed to realize “ON” and “OFF” modes for all‐optical switching operation. This work highlights a good promise of 2D Te in the field of nonlinear photonics, leading to an important step toward 2D Te‐based advanced photonics devices. The versatile solution process allows a universal access of 2D Te as a new 2D material in a wider range of photonics device applications such as, detector, modulator, switcher, etc.
Electrically Responsive Materials and Devices Directly Driven by the High Voltage of Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Nie Jinhui , Chen Xiangyu , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: November 2018

Smart materials with electrically responsive characteristics and devices relying on different electrostatic effects can be directly driven by triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). The open circuit voltage from a TENG can easily reach thousands of volts with a separation distance of a few millimeters and this high output voltage can be used to effectively drive or control some devices with high internal resistance. This kind of combination is the most straightforward way for achieving a self‐powered smart system. Hence, a detailed survey of electrically responsive materials and devices that can be successfully combined with TENG is summarized, including dielectric elastomers, piezoelectric materials, ferroelectric materials, electrostatic manipulators, electrostatic air cleaners, and field emission and mass spectrometers. Moreover, key factors in determining suitable materials or devices to work with TENG are clarified and an in‐depth discussion of the current challenges related to these combined systems is provided. With the cost‐effectiveness and simple manufacturing process, these TENG‐based composite systems have great application prospects in the field of smart mechanics, human–machine interaction systems, intelligent storage systems, self‐powered microfluidic chips, portable mass spectrometers, and so on.
Subwavelength Artificial Structures: Opening a New Era for Engineering Optics
Authors: Luo Xiangang
Published: November 2018

In the past centuries, the scale of engineering optics has evolved toward two opposite directions: one is represented by giant telescopes with apertures larger than tens of meters and the other is the rapidly developing micro/nano‐optics and nanophotonics. At the nanoscale, subwavelength light–matter interaction is blended with classic and quantum effects in various functional materials such as noble metals, semiconductors, phase‐change materials, and 2D materials, which provides unprecedented opportunities to upgrade the performance of classic optical devices and overcome the fundamental and engineering difficulties faced by traditional optical engineers. Here, the research motivations and recent advances in subwavelength artificial structures are summarized, with a particular emphasis on their practical applications in super‐resolution and large‐aperture imaging systems, as well as highly efficient and spectrally selective absorbers and emitters. The role of dispersion engineering and near‐field coupling in the form of catenary optical fields is highlighted, which reveals a methodology to engineer the electromagnetic response of complex subwavelength structures. Challenges and tentative solutions are presented regarding multiscale design, optimization, fabrication, and system integration, with the hope of providing recipes to transform the theoretical and technological breakthroughs on subwavelength hierarchical structures to the next generation of engineering optics, namely Engineering Optics 2.0.
Single‐Step Approach to Tailor Surface Chemistry and Potential on Electrospun PCL Fibers for Tissue Engineering Application
Authors: Metwally Sara , Karbowniczek Joanna E. , Szewczyk Piotr K. , Marzec Mateusz M. , Gruszczyński Adam , Bernasik Andrzej , Stachewicz Urszula
Published: November 2018

A single‐step electrospinning approach enables controlling surface potential of fibers by changing voltage polarities during scaffolds production to enhance cells biointegration. This innovative and facile way of fibers production regulates the interfacial properties to enhance cells adhesion and filopodia formation on fibrous tissue scaffolds for possible bone regeneration. Tuning surface chemistry of polycaprolactone (PCL) by altering voltage polarity during electrospinning allows to double the surface potential on fibers up to 145 mV, which is directly measured using Kelvin probe force microscopy. The obtained surface potential on PCL fibers is directly correlated with surface chemistry analyzed at the grazing angle by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, showing lower oxygen content at PCL fiber surfaces, produced with negative voltage polarity, PCL (−). These fibers create well‐engineered scaffolds that are able to increase significantly cell proliferation that is visualized with fluorescence microscopy, and filopodia formation on positively charged fibers, investigated with high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy. This work introduces electrospun PCL fibers without a need for chemical modification to tune electrostatic interactions between cells and fibrous scaffolds for biomaterials used in regenerative medicine.
Iridium‐Catalyzed Propenylation Reactions for the Synthesis of 4‐Pyridone Derivatives
Authors: Bai Xue‐dan , Wang Jie , He Ying
Published: November 2018

Herein we report an iridium‐catalyzed propenylation reaction of allylic carbonates with 4‐hydroxypyridine derivatives. The process efficiently provides 4‐pyridone derivatives with high stereoselectivities under mild conditions. The products could constitute valuable building blocks for the synthesis of natural products and other bioactive molecules. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that a tandem allylic substitution/isomerization reaction occurs to afford the propenylation products.

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Photon‐Induced Spintronic Polaron Channel Modulator of CeO2‐x NP Thin Films Hydrogen Evolution Cells
Authors: Lai Yi‐Sheng , Su Yen‐Hsun
Published: November 2018

Water splitting cells are the green energy generation and storage devices for saving the energy risk. Hydrogen and oxygen gases are the most important source in fuel cells. Here, a photogalvanic spin battery is observed by generating spin‐polarized charge currents without spin orbital coupling under the irradiation of the coherent circularly h−/−h− circular polarization light as the photogalvanic spin battery in water splitting cells. The polaron generated by the O vacancy and Ce ions at the CeO2 nanoparticle surface corresponding to coherent h−/–h− angular momentum circular polarization light injection is utilized in spintronic electrons generation and a modulator. Polaron channel raises the charge mobility to 2.19 × 1015 m2 (V s)−1. The energy conversion efficiency of the polaron modulated spintronic electrons hydrogen evolution water splitting cell with optical spin injection is as high as 161% and the spin polarization is up to 75%. The polaron modulated spintronic electrons are successfully applied in water splitting and hydrogen evolution devices, serving as a photogalvanic spin small‐polaron cell. The energy conversion efficiency and spintronics controlling systems of the water splitting are well controlled and can provide actual benefits in near future.
Hybrid‐RRAM toward Next Generation of Nonvolatile Memory: Coupling of Oxygen Vacancies and Metal Ions
Authors: Sassine Gilbert , Nail Cécile , Blaise Philippe , Sklenard Benoit , Bernard Mathieu , Gassilloud Rémy , Marty Aurélie , Veillerot Marc , Vallée Christophe , Nowak Etienne , Molas Gabriel
Published: November 2018

Here, the impact of copper and oxygen vacancy balance in filament composition as a key factor for oxide‐based conductive bridge random access memories (hybrid resistive random access memories (HRRAMs)) performances is investigated. To this aim, several RRAM technologies are studied using various resistive layers and top electrodes. Material analyses allow to highlight the hybrid aspect of HRRAM conductive filament. Density functional theory simulations are used to extract microscopic features and highlight differences from a material point of view. Integrated RRAM technology performances such as window margin, endurance, and retention are then measured to analyze copper and oxygen vacancy influence on device characteristics. A new RRAM classification correlating filament composition and memory performances is proposed.
Nationwide analysis of unplanned 30‐day readmissions after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery
Authors: Rizvi Zain H. , Ferrandino Rocco , Luu Quang , Suh Jeffrey D. , Wang Marilene B.
Published: November 2018

Background

Transsphenoidal pituitary surgery has evolved into a safe procedure with shorter hospitalizations, yet unplanned readmissions remain a quality measure for which there is a paucity of data. We sought to examine rates, timing, etiologic factors, and costs surrounding readmission after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.

Methods

The Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) was queried for patients who underwent transsphenoidal pituitary between January 2013 and November 2013. Patient, procedure, admission, and hospital‐level characteristics were compared for patients with and without unplanned 30‐day readmission. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify readmission predictors. A total of 8546 patients were included in this retrospective study.

Results

A total of 8546 patients with a median age of 54 years and female predominance were identified, with 742 patients experiencing at least 1 unplanned readmission within 30 days of index admission. Hypertension, hypothyroidism, diabetes, and obesity were common comorbidities among readmitted patients. Readmission was most frequently because of nervous system complications, followed by neurohypophyseal or electrolyte disorders, cerebrospinal fluid leak, hemorrhage, and meningitis. Median length and cost of stay of index admission was greater in the readmission group (p < 0.001). Fluid and electrolyte disorders as well as neurologic disease (most commonly epilepsy or convulsions) present on initial admission were predictive of length of initial stay and readmission (p < 0.001). Median readmission cost was $7723 and was expected to occur within 7 days.

Conclusion

Approximately 8.7% of patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary surgery experience an unplanned readmission within 30 days of discharge. Risk factors identified should be considered to reduce preventable readmissions and identify medically complex patients.
Impact of operating conditions on a single droplet and spray drying of hydroxypropylated pea starch: Process performance and final powder properties
Authors: Gouaou Imen , Shamaei Samira , Koutchoukali Mohamed Salah , Bouhelassa Mohamed , Tsotsas Evangelos , Kharaghani Abdolreza
Published: November 2018

For an efficient production of spray‐dried fine powders having controllable properties (size, size distribution, and morphology), finding suitable operating conditions and an appropriate initial composition of the fluid material is important. For this purpose, a suspension device is employed to investigate the drying kinetics of a single droplet of hydroxypropylated pea starch (HPS). In the current work, the effect of the drying air temperature (80–160°C) and of the initial solid content of the agent (15–30%w/w) on the drying kinetics, shrinkage, and locking point of a single droplet was systematically investigated to acquire the optimal conditions required for producing HPS powder using a pilot‐scale spray dryer. In addition to the previously mentioned parameters, the atomization pressure effect (2–3 bars) on the spray‐drying process yield, thermal efficiency, and final powder properties were also considered. A laboratory‐scale X‐ray microtomograph and a camsizer‐XT were employed for the acquisition of three‐dimensional images and surface morphology of single dried particles and spray‐dried powder, respectively. Hollow particles were obtained in all single droplet experiments. The drying kinetic study results were supported by those obtained by the spray drying of HPS. An increased temperature of the drying air and the initial solid content of the solution results in higher powder recovery, lower residual moisture content, and larger particle size. Otherwise, the final particles are larger at a decreased atomization pressure. The optimized parameters for the high spray‐drying process yield (24.54%; 3 bars, 140°C, 25 wt%) and better powder homogeneity (span = 2.31; 3 bars, 140°C, 20 wt%) were defined. A mixture of particle morphologies was observed among the different final powders. A broken shell corresponding to rigid particles was obtained at a drying temperature of 140°C and an initial solid content of 25 wt%. A nonbroken particle refers to a pliable particle that corresponds to inflated and collapsed particles dried at high and low drying temperatures.
Nanomorphology and nanomechanical characteristics of solution‐blow‐spun PVDF‐based fibers filled with carbon nanotubes
Authors: González‐Benito Javier , Olmos Dania , Teno Jorge , González‐Gaitano Gustavo
Published: November 2018

Fibers of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) filled with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared by solution blow spinning (SBS). The influence of the MWCNTs on the surface morphology and mechanical behavior of single fibers was studied. The morphology of the materials prepared and the dispersion of the MWCNTs within the polymer were studied by optical microscopy (OM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), while atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to inspect the topography of single fibers and to perform nanoindentation tests. OM and TEM images indicated a good dispersion of the MWCNTs within the PVDF. AFM images evidenced clear changes in the topography of the blow‐spun fibers when the MWCNTs were present in the polymer. A greater amount of MWCNTs in the PVDF led to more heterogeneous fiber surfaces. The nanoindentation force curves revealed that the stiffness was practically constant along the fibers, which indicated that the mechanical response was homogeneous and, in turn, an even distribution of the MWCNTs. The incorporation of the MWCNTs produced a mechanical reinforcement of the PVDF fibers, showing increases of 31% and 49% in the elastic modulus when 1% and 5% by weight of MWCNTs were added to the polymer, respectively. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47115.
Mechanical, dielectric, and thermal properties of polydimethylsiloxane/polysilsesquioxane nanocomposite for sealant application
Authors: Anoop V. , Subramani S. , Jaisankar S. N. , Sohini C. , Mary N. L.
Published: November 2018

Polysilsesquioxanes (PS) powder was synthesized from methyltrimethoxysilane and vinyltrimethoxysilane by hydrolytic condensation method in aqueous phase. The prepared PS powder was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, particle size, and polydispersity of the powders was determined using dynamic light scattering technique. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanocomposites and the sealant were synthesized using different weight percentage (1–4 wt %) of PS powder and hydrophobic fumed silica. Tensile strength and thermal stability of the nanocomposites showed perceptible enhancement on increasing the filler ratio when compared to pristine PDMS composites. The surface morphology and the extent of filler dispersion were visualized from the scanning electron microscopy images. Dielectric strength of the composites also showed significant improvement on increasing the filler loading. Poly(methyl/vinyl)silsesquioxane (PMVS) (4 wt %) reinforced composites showed a considerable enrichment in properties when compared to other formulations. Adhesive strength of silicone sealant on both the alumina and mild steel substrate was studied by conducting lap shear test. PMVS‐loaded nanocomposites exhibited more adhesive strength on both the substrates and hence it can be used as a sealant in electronic assemblies. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47228.
Thermally resistant photocrosslinked damping poly(phenylene oxide)–fluorosilicone rubber films with broad and high effective damping temperatures
Authors: Shen Da , Yuan Li , Liang Guozheng , Gu Aijuan , Guan Qingbao
Published: November 2018

The development of an energy‐efficient strategy to prepare thermally resistant damping materials with high damping capacities (tan δ values) and broad effective damping temperature ranges (ΔTs) at high temperatures (>150 °C) is still an interesting challenge. In this study, a graft copolymer (PSi‐g‐APPO) was synthesized through the reaction between hydrogen‐terminated fluorosilicone and allyl poly(phenylene oxide) (APPO), and a unique kind of photocrosslinkable film (coded as GFA) consisting of FSR, APPO and PSi‐g‐APPO was prepared. The resultant GFA has high thermal resistance, wide ΔT, and high tan δ. When the weight ratio of APPO to FSR to PSi‐g‐APPO was 81:9:10, the obtained film exhibited a broad ΔT of 64 °C and a high tan δ (≤1.01) from 157 to 221 °C; this was the best comprehensive performance among the GFA systems. The mechanism behind the excellent integrated performance of GFA was studied and was proven to be due to the unique structure of the heterogeneous GFA system. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47231.
Construction of improved isothermal TTT cure diagram based on an epoxy–amine thermoset
Authors: Zhang Chi , Wang Yichao , Liu Yuhong
Published: November 2018

Cure degree plays a pivotal role in determining the final properties of thermosetting resin, while the parameter cannot be visually presented by the classic isothermal time–temperature‐transformation (TTT) diagram. An improved isothermal TTT cure diagram is built for an epoxy–amine thermoset with the visual relationship between temperature, time, and cure degree during the whole curing. As for the improved isothermal TTT cure diagram, the curing surface and the gelation plane were developed using Vyazovkin method and rheological analysis in turn, and the variation between glass transition temperature (T
g) and curing degree was described by Dibenedetto's equation. The obtained improved isothermal TTT diagram of epoxy–amine thermoset was constructed by the combination of calorimetric and rheological analysis. The fitting results of vitrification surface and gelation plane obtained via improved isothermal TTT diagram were in good agreement with experimental results. In addition, the experimental gelation curve of epoxy–amine thermoset is directly linked to the steepest location of curing surface. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47279.
Neither a Bazaar nor a cathedral: The interplay between structure and agency in Wikipedia's role system
Authors: Arazy Ofer , Lifshitz‐Assaf Hila , Balila Adam
Published: November 2018

Roles provide a key coordination mechanism in peer‐production. Whereas one stream in the literature has focused on the structural responsibilities associated with roles, another has stressed the emergent nature of work. To date, these streams have proceeded largely in parallel. In seeking to enhance our understanding of the tension between structure and agency in peer‐production, we investigated the interplay between structural and emergent roles. Our study explored the breadth of structural roles in Wikipedia (English version) and their linkage to various forms of activities. Our analyses show that despite the latitude in selecting their mode of participation, participants' structural and emergent roles are tightly coupled. Our discussion highlights that: (a) participants often stay close to the “production ground floor” despite the assignment into structural roles; and (b) there are typical modifications in activity patterns associated with role‐assignment, namely: functional specialization, multispecialization, defunctionalization, changes in communication patterns, management of identity, and role definition. We contribute to theory of coordination and roles, as well as provide some practical implications.
The Relative Influences of Government Funding and International Collaboration on Citation Impact
Authors: Leydesdorff Loet , Bornmann Lutz , Wagner Caroline S.
Published: November 2018

A recent publication inNaturereports that public R&D funding is only weakly correlated with the citation impact of a nation's articles as measured by the field‐weighted citation index (FWCI; defined by Scopus). On the basis of the supplementary data, we up‐scaled the design using Web of Science data for the decade 2003–2013 and OECD funding data for the corresponding decade assuming a 2‐year delay (2001‐2011). Using negative binomial regression analysis, we found very small coefficients, but the effects of international collaboration are positive and statistically significant, whereas the effects of government funding are negative, an order of magnitude smaller, and statistically nonsignificant (in two of three analyses). In other words, international collaboration improves the impact of research articles, whereas more government funding tends to have a small adverse effect when comparing OECD countries.
How are information deserts created? A theory of local information landscapes
Authors: Lee Myeong , Butler Brian S.
Published: November 2018

To understand information accessibility issues, research has examined human and technical factors by taking a socio‐technical view. While this view provides a profound understanding of how people seek, use, and access information, it often overlooks the larger structure of the information landscapes that shape people's information access. However, theorizing the information landscape of a local community at the community level is challenging because of the diverse contexts and users. One way to minimize the complexity is to focus on the materiality of information. By highlighting the material aspects of information, it becomes possible to understand the community‐level structure of local information. This paper develops a theory of local information landscapes (LIL theory) to conceptualize the material structure of local information. LIL theory adapts a concept of the virtual as an ontological view of the local information that is embedded in technical infrastructures, spaces, and people. By complementing existing theories, this paper provides a new perspective on how information deserts manifest as a material pre‐condition of information inequality. Based on these theoretical models, a research agenda is presented for future studies of local communities.
Cai's Neiyi Prescription promotes apoptosis and inhibits inflammation in endometrial stromal cells with endometriosis through inhibiting USP10
Authors: Li Shuangdi , Zhu Yaping , Zhang Tingting , Hang Yuanyuan , Chen Qiong , Jin Yuli
Published: November 2018

To observe the effect of Cai's Neiyi Prescription (CNYP) on the apoptosis and inflammation in endometrial stromal cells with endometriosis (EM) both in vivo and in vitro, EM model rats and endometrial stromal cells were treated with CNYP and the level of USP10, p‐ERK1/2, ERK1/2, and apoptosis‐related protein as well as the levels of proinflammatory factors were measured by Western blotting and ELISA, respectively. Rats with surgically induced EM showed increased USP10 expression and ERK/2 activation. Intragastric administration of CNYP granule significantly inhibited EM‐induced ERK1/2 activation and expression of USP10 and Bcl‐2, but increased the expression of Bax and Caspase‐7 in EM‐induced rats. CNYP granule administration also inhibited EM‐induced inflammation in rats. Moreover, the ectopic endometrial stromal cells isolated from EM patients demonstrated decreased ERK1/2 activation and expression of USP10 and Bcl‐2 and increased expression of Bax and Caspase‐7 after cultured in DMEM containing CNYP‐medicated rat serum, which were reversed by USP10 overexpression and were enhanced by USP10 siRNA. USP10 overexpression also inhibited while USP10 siRNA enhanced the CNYP‐induced inhibition of inflammation in ectopic endometrial stromal cells. Taken together, our results suggest that CNYP granule promotes apoptosis and inhibits inflammation in endometrial stromal cells with EM through inhibiting USP10.
Investigating the role of mechanics in lignocellulosic biomass degradation during hydrolysis
Authors: Digaitis Ramūnas , Thybring Emil Engelund , Thygesen Lisbeth Garbrecht
Published: November 2018

Enzymes and mechanics play major roles in lignocellulosic biomass deconstruction in biorefineries by catalyzing chemical cleavage or inducing physical breakdown of biomass, respectively. At industrially relevant substrate concentrations mechanical agitation is also a driving force for mass transfer as well as agglomeration of elongated biomass particles. Contrary to the physically induced particle attrition, which typically facilitates feedstock handling, particle agglomeration tends to hinder mass transfer and in the worst case induces processing difficulties like pipe blockage. Understanding the complex interplay between mechanical agitation and enzymatic degradation during hydrolysis is therefore critical and was the aim of this study. Particle size analyses revealed that neither mechanical agitation alone nor enzymatic treatment without mechanical agitation had any noteworthy effect on flax fiber attrition. Similarly, successive treatment, where mechanical agitation was either preceded or proceeded by enzymatic hydrolysis, did not induce any substantial segmentation of flax fibers. Simultaneous enzymatic and mechanical treatment on the other hand was found to promote fast fiber shortening. Higher hydrolysis yields, however, were obtained from nonagitated samples after prolonged enzymatic treatment, indicating that mechanical agitation in the long run reduces activity of the cellulolytic enzymes. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 35: e2754, 2019.
Working Together to Understand Why Infants Die: A Qualitative Study of Professionals' Experiences of Joint Agency Investigation of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy
Authors: Garstang Joanna , Griffiths Frances
Published: November 2018

A comprehensive Child Death Review programme commenced in England in 2008; police, healthcare and social care professionals now work together, using a joint agency approach (JAA) to investigate unexpected child deaths. The aim of this paper is to explore professionals' experiences of the JAA investigation of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). This was part of a mixed‐methods study evaluating the JAA investigation of SUDI. Professionals participated in qualitative interviews and case notes were scrutinised. Data were analysed using a framework approach. A total of 23 of a possible 113 eligible SUDI cases were recruited. Twenty‐six professionals involved in investigating 12 of the 23 SUDI cases were interviewed giving theoretical saturation of data. The overarching theme was the conflict between the need to investigate deaths while remaining sensitive to families. Other themes were working together, supporting parents, and the benefits and difficulties of joint working practices. All professionals were positive about the JAA, especially joint police and paediatric interviews and home visits. The difficulties included non‐engagement by social care and poor liaison with coroners. The JAA seems to be a thorough investigative process but could be improved by closer joint agency working and information sharing, and more support and training for professionals. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Messages

Joint agency investigation of unexpected infant deaths enables a detailed understanding of the causes of death and the provision of support to families.

Joint home visits by police and paediatricians following unexpected infant deaths provide more detailed information and can be more sensitive to families than police death scene examination alone.

Prompt information sharing across all agencies is a key part of effective investigation of unexpected infant deaths.

‘Explore[s] professionals' experiences of the joint agency approach investigation of sudden unexpected death in infancy’
Lambda sign in sarcoidosis using PET/CT
Authors: Thomas Joe , Shagos Gopalannair Santhamma , Firuz Ibrahim
Published: November 2018

Key Clinical Message

Lambda sign is a valuable sign in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis, and FDGPET/CT has been used for planning therapy, monitoring treatment response, and for the follow‐up of patients with chronic persistent sarcoidosis.
C3 and C6 Modification‐Specific OYE Biotransformations of Synthetic Carvones and Sequential BVMO Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Chiral Caprolactones
Authors: Issa Issa S. , Toogood Helen S. , Johannissen Linus O. , Raftery James , Scrutton Nigel S. , Gardiner John M.
Published: November 2018

The scope for biocatalytic modification of non‐native carvone derivatives for speciality intermediates has hitherto been limited. Additionally, caprolactones are important feedstocks with diverse applications in the polymer industry and new non‐native terpenone‐derived biocatalytic caprolactone syntheses are thus of potential value for industrial biocatalytic materials applications. Biocatalytic reduction of synthetic analogues of R‐(−)‐carvone with additional substituents at C3 or C6, or both C3 and C6, using three types of OYEs (OYE2, PETNR and OYE3) shows significant impact of both regio‐substitution and the substrate diastereomer. Bioreduction of (−)‐carvone derivatives substituted with a Me and/or OH group at C6 is highly dependent on the diastereomer of the substrate. Derivatives bearing C6 substituents larger than methyl moieties are not substrates. Computer docking studies of PETNR with both (6S)‐Me and (6R)‐Me substituted (−)‐carvone provides a model consistent with the outcomes of bioconversion. The products of bioreduction were efficiently biotransformed by the Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase (BVase) CHMO_Phi1 to afford novel trisubstituted lactones with complete regioselectivity to provide a new biocatalytic entry to these chiral caprolactones. This provides both new non‐native polymerization feedstock chemicals, but also with enhanced efficiency and selectivity over native (+)‐dihydrocarvone Baeyer–Villigerase expansion. Optimum enzymatic reactions were scaled up to 60–100 mg, demonstrating the utility for preparative biocatalytic synthesis of both new synthetic scaffold‐modified dihydrocarvones and efficient biocatalytic entry to new chiral caprolactones, which are potential single‐isomer chiral polymer feedstocks.
Improving the performance of nadolol stereoisomers' preparative separation using Chiralpak IA by SMB chromatography
Authors: Arafah Rami S. , Ribeiro António E. , Rodrigues Alírio E. , Pais Luís S.
Published: November 2018

The pseudobinary preparative separation of nadolol stereoisomers is performed by simulated moving bed chromatography (SMB). Using the Chiralpak IA adsorbent, a new 25:75:0.1 (v/v/v) methanol‐acetonitrile‐diethylamine solvent composition was selected to perform the experimental SMB separation and compare it with the previous results obtained using pure methanol. Using a 2 g L−1total feed concentration of an equimolar mixture of the four stereoisomers of nadolol, the more retained component was fully recovered (100% purity and 100% recovery), with a system productivity of 0.77 g L−1 hour−1and a solvent consumption of 9.62 L g−1. Comparing these results with the ones previously reported using 100:0.1 methanol‐diethylamine solvent composition, this work shows that the 25:75:0.1 methanol‐acetonitrile‐diethylamine is a better alternative for the preparative separation of nadolol stereoisomers by SMB chromatography. These results are confirmed by simulation of the SMB operation for higher feed concentrations, by comparing the performances of the two solvent compositions using the data obtained experimentally through the measurement of the adsorption equilibrium isotherms and the kinetic data obtained for both solvents. The new experimental and simulation results stress out that the performance of the preparative separation can be improved by a careful selection of the solvent composition.
A Novel Architecture of Modified Turbo Codes with an area efficient high speed interleaver
Authors: Ilango Poonguzhali , Chokkalingam Arun
Published: November 2018

Modified Turbo Codes (MTC) is preferred over conventional Turbo Convolutional Codes (TCC) as they provide nearly the same performance but with the additional benefit of reduced decoding complexity. The Improved Low Complexity Hybrid Turbo Codes (ILCHTC) is a type of MTC, which achieves a Bit Error Rate (BER) performance near to Shannon's limit. This paper presents a high speed novel encoder structure called Enhanced ILCHTC and a high speed low power novel interleaver for the MTC and analyzes its BER performance. From the simulation results, it is observed that BER performance of Enhanced ILCHTC and ILCHTC with proposed interleaver is better and has high degree of error convergence and requires less than 50% of computations than TCC. From the synthesized results, it is observed that the computation time required to shuffle the bits by the proposed interleaver is 7.4% less than the time required by the existing interleaver. In addition, it is observed that the number of logic elements utilized by the proposed interleaver is 95, which is 8% less than the number of logic elements, utilized by the existing interleaver but the tradeoff is power, which is 1.63% more when compared to the existing interleaver. Thus, a high speed area efficient interleaver is proposed along with a novel encoder structure.
Clustering‐based approach for medical data classification
Authors: Kodabagi Mallikarjun M. , Tikotikar Ahelam
Published: November 2018

Medical data records are growing enormously in present days due to the growth of various medical technologies and population of the globe. It is a difficult task for a medical expert to process these data records to identify and provide treatment regarding the disease of patient. Hence, it is necessary to automate the processing of such medical data using machine learning‐based Medical Decision Support System. In this proposed work, an Effective Fuzzy Rule Classifier (EFRC)–based decision support system is used for analysis of UCI medical dataset for identification of disease of patients. Initially, the method determines the best centroid value for each of the attribute using training dataset. Furthermore, the centroid value is refined using test samples. The refined centroid values of all the attributes are used by the fuzzy classifier for medical data classification. Experimental results have proven that EFRC performs better classification than existing systems in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.
Accurate counting algorithm for high‐speed parallel applications
Authors: Wang Junchang , Li Tao , Fu Xiong
Published: November 2018

Statistical counter offers the appeal of an efficient and scalable counting mechanism on multi‐core architectures where parallelism has been increasing sharply. Statistical counter has been widely used in practice (eg, in high‐end network devices to count the number of packets received) despite the truth that it can only provide weak consistency guarantee on the counting results it returns, that is, statistical counter could miscount and the returned results may be inaccurate. As hardware and its parallelism advances, the miscount issue has raised concerns in both industry and academy. This paper is motivated by this real‐world miscount issue that we were facing when building a high‐speed intrusion detection system on a commercial multi‐core server with 40Gbps NICs. To tackle the problem, we first systematically analyze the miscount issue and quantify the miscounts in counting results. Then, we present a novel counting algorithm that (1) is competitive to statistical counter in performance on multi‐core architectures and (2) provides strong consistency guarantee on counting results returned. Experiments show that it takes the new counting algorithm 10ns and 1,500ns to perform an update and a read operation, respectively. Moreover, the counting results returned are accurate.
Cytomorphological features of high‐grade intraepithelial neoplasia/carcinoma of the cervix following chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Serrano‐Arévalo Mónica L. , Flores‐Hernández Lorena , Villegas‐González Lidia F. , Zamora‐Zarco Sandy , España‐Ferrufino Alejandro , Lino‐Silva Leonardo S. , Barquet‐Muñoz Salim A.
Published: November 2018

Background

Cervicovaginal cytology as a follow‐up study in women with a history of a cervical carcinoma treated with chemo‐radiotherapy (CRT) plays an important role; however, the cytomorphological characteristics for the diagnosis of high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (H‐SIL) in post‐CRT patients have not been established. The aim of the study is to find the cytomorphological characteristics that support the diagnosis of H‐SIL by conventional cytology in these patients.

Materials and methods

This is a cross‐sectional study from 2009 to 2015, which includes patients with a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma treated with CRT, who all have cervix cytology for follow‐up and a later biopsy.

Results

We identified 82 cases, where the most frequent clinical stage was IIA1 to IIB with 26 cases (61.9%), the most common symptom was transvaginal bleeding (64.29%). The cytological characteristics that were statistically associated with the presence of a positive biopsy were the presence of a hemorrhagic background (45.2% vs. 12.5%, P = .007), high cellularity (45.2% vs. 15%, P < .001), disposition in groups/sheets (69% vs. 22.5%, P < .001), postradiotherapy changes at the background of the smear (73.8 vs. 50%, P < .001) and an increased nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio (100% vs. 22.5%, P < .001).

Conclusions

In patients with CRT, the presence of specific features can help the diagnosis of H‐SIL with excellent diagnostic performance.