bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of Residence Time Distributions in a Continuously Operated Spouted Bed
Authors: Pietsch Swantje , Schönherr Michael , Kleine Jäger Frank , Heinrich Stefan
Published: March 2020

Continuous gas‐solid processes are applied in many industries with particulate products, e.g. for granulation or coating. In this contribution, the residence time behavior in a continuously operated prismatic spouted bed was determined by applying an impulse of magnetizable tracer particles. Experiments were performed with the original configuration and with separation plates including mouse holes of varying size between the different chambers of the ProCell 25 apparatus. It is shown that the shape of the residence time distribution is influenced by the separation plates. In order to quantify the backmixing between the chambers, discontinuous experiments were performed, and the bed mass distribution and the distribution of the tracer were measured and compared to the initial conditions.
Application of Nanoscale Zero‐Valent Iron‐Loaded Natural Zeolite for Tetracycline Removal Process
Authors: Lye Jimmy Wei Ping , Saman Norasikin , Noor Ahmad Mujahid Md , Mohtar Safia Syazana , Othman Nurul Sakinah , Sharuddin Siti Shilatul Najwa , Kong Helen , Mat Hanapi
Published: March 2020

Immobilized nanoscale zero‐valent iron on natural zeolite (NI‐NZ) was synthesized for remediation of antibiotics‐contaminated wastewater. A series of characterization methods confirmed the success of preventing the agglomeration of nanoscale zero‐valent iron particles, using natural zeolite as supporting media. The equilibrium data fitted well with the Langmuir and Temkin models, whereas the pseudo‐second‐order and Elovich kinetic models were suitable to describe the kinetic data. The versatility of NI‐NZ was also tested in a coagulation‐flocculation process which increased the removal of tetracycline from 10 to 75 %.
Influence of the Temperature on Coccolith‐Containing Systems fromEmiliania huxleyiCultivations
Authors: Chairopoulou Makrina A. , Kratzer Fabian , Gross Roland , Herrmann Michael , Teipel Ulrich
Published: March 2020

Thermogravimetric analysis of a coccolith‐containing biogenic broth showed a three‐step degradation process. According to this system behavior, the biogenic broth was heated to specific temperatures and characterized in terms of its morphology, surface chemistry, and crystallinity. The elemental and organic composition of the treated samples was also evaluated and compared to the reference material. The presented results were acquired in an effort to exploit pretreatment scenarios for such a biogenic system that would improve and support a separation process.
Multiscale Modeling of Superheated Steam Drying of Particulate Materials
Authors: Le Kieu Hiep , Tran Thi Thu Hang , Nguyen Nguyen An , Kharaghani Abdolreza
Published: March 2020

A multiscale model for predicting the superheated steam drying behavior of a packed bed filled with particulate porous material is presented. By using a reaction engineering approach (REA) a semi‐empirical model is developed that can describe the heat and mass transfer between a single particle and the surrounding drying agent. By analogy between superheated steam drying and hot air drying, the relative activation energy of the REA model is formulated. Next, the single‐particle drying model is fed into a continuum‐scale model of a packed bed. The temperature and moisture content of the solid and the vapor temperature are successfully predicted by the bed‐scale model. To endow the bed‐scale model with predictive capabilities, simulation results are compared with experimental literature data.
Gas‐Liquid Mixing in a Grid‐Disc Impeller Stirred Tank
Authors: Yang Fengling , Sun Haiyao , Zhang Cuixun
Published: March 2020

To enhance the gas‐liquid mixing performance in stirred tanks, the grid‐disc impeller was designed by replacing the solid disc of the standard Rushton impeller with a grid disc. Gas‐liquid hydrodynamics of the new impeller was studied by employing the Eulerian‐Eulerian two‐phase model coupled with the dispersed k‐ε turbulence model. Rotation of the impeller was simulated with the multiple reference frame method. Flow field, gas holdup, and power consumption were investigated and compared with the standard Rushton impeller. The numerical method was validated by comparing the gas holdup with literature. The grid‐disc impeller performed better than the Rushton impeller in terms of gas dispersion performance, axial pumping capacity, and energy requirement, indicating its potential for gas‐liquid mixing applications.
Colour metrics for image edge detection
Authors: Abasi Saeedeh , A. Tehran Mohammad , Fairchild Mark D.
Published: March 2020

Image edge detection based on low‐level feature is usually performed on gray‐scale images. Some methods have been developed for edge detection on colour images based on low‐level feature, but they are not consistent with human colour perception. This research provides a new algorithm for edge detection based on the “HyAB” large‐colour‐difference formula. This algorithm uses Sobel operators for gradient‐magnitude calculations and Canny methods for localizing edge points. The performance of the new algorithm is qualitatively compared with Sobal and Canny methods using some challenging colour images. The results indicate that gradient magnitudes are best calculated using the HyAB colour‐difference formula, and that CIELAB and CIEDE2000 differences are not suitable for this purpose. Definition of gradient magnitudes according human perception is essential in applications such as quality control of fabric printing, calculation of disruptive colouration, and so on. The new algorithm is successful in accuracy and fine edge detection in comparison with the Sobel and Canny methods. The new method is quantitatively compared with state‐of‐the‐art methods using three datasets including BSDS500, MBDD, and BIPED. The correctness and accuracy of annotations of images in datasets have an important effect on results. The new method does not reach scores better than deep‐learning‐based methods, but it is simple and does not need training. It could probably have better results with improving noise‐suppression.
Revisiting van der Waals Radii: From Comprehensive Structural Analysis to Knowledge‐Based Classification of Interatomic Contacts
Authors: Chernyshov Ivan Yu. , Ananyev Ivan V. , Pidko Evgeny A.
Published: March 2020

The front cover artwork is provided by the TheoMAT group of ITMO University (Russia) and the Inorganic Systems Engineering Group of Delft University of Technology (The Netherlands). The image illustrates how one can find the most probable interatomic distance and determine the van der Waals parameters for interatomic interaction from extended and diverse structural datasets. The new approach for background elimination and analysis of extended bulk structural datasets is reported in our paper. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/cphc.201901083.
Sustainable human resource management and employee engagement: A holistic assessment instrument
Authors: Diaz‐Carrion Rosalia , López‐Fernández Macarena , Romero‐Fernandez Pedro M.
Published: March 2020

Faced with the need to develop more responsible models of human resource management (HRM), the aim of this research is to develop a measurement instrument that allows the systematic assessment of sustainable HRM systems. The research provides a comprehensive framework of analysis for evaluating HRM sustainability by relying on the sustainability approach. The article proposes an evaluation of sustainable HRM systems per their balanced application of corporate social responsibility (CSR) principles. The research identifies the different CSR dimensions that characterize sustainable HRM systems, creates the measurement instrument, and theoretically—through a Delphi study—and empirically validates this measure on a sample of European firms.
Curtailing the Overpotential of Li–CO2 Batteries with Shape‐Controlled Cu2O as Cathode: Effect of Illuminating the Cathode
Authors: Jena Anirudha , Hsieh He Chin , Thoka Subashchandrabose , Hu Shu Fen , Chang Ho , Liu Ru Shi
Published: March 2020

Li–air batteries are limited to lab‐scale research owing to the uninterrupted formation of discharge products. In the case of Li–CO2 batteries, the increase in overpotential caused by Li2CO3 formation results in cell death. In this study, Cu2O crystals having three different types of shapes (i.e., cubic, octahedral, and rhombic) were synthesized to compare their catalytic activity toward CO2 reactions. The full‐cycle and long‐term stability test revealed that rhombohedral Cu2O facilitates Li2CO3 decomposition more efficiently than that of cubic and octahedral Cu2O. The cycle was extended to investigate the photocatalytic activity of the rhombic Cu2O by illuminating the cell. The repeated cycles to 1 h showed a maximum overpotential of 1.5 V, which is 0.5 V lower than that of the cell without illumination. A postmortem analysis of the cell after dividing the cycles into segments demonstrated interesting results concerning the role of light and Cu2O during the cell cycle.
Central pattern generating networks in insect locomotion
Authors: Mantziaris Charalampos , Bockemühl Till , Büschges Ansgar
Published: March 2020

Central pattern generators (CPGs) are neural circuits that based on their connectivity can generate rhythmic and patterned output in the absence of rhythmic external inputs. This property makes CPGs crucial elements in the generation of many kinds of rhythmic motor behaviors in insects, such as flying, walking, swimming, or crawling. Arguably representing the most diverse group of animals, insects utilize at least one of these types of locomotion during one stage of their ontogenesis. Insects have been extensively used to study the neural basis of rhythmic motor behaviors, and particularly the structure and operation of CPGs involved in locomotion. Here, we review insect locomotion with regard to flying, walking, and crawling, and we discuss the contribution of central pattern generation to these three forms of locomotion. In each case, we compare and contrast the topology and structure of the CPGs, and we point out how these factors are involved in the generation of the respective motor pattern. We focus on the importance of sensory information for establishing a functional motor output and we indicate behavior‐specific adaptations. Furthermore, we report on the mechanisms underlying coordination between different body parts. Last but not least, by reviewing the state‐of‐the‐art knowledge concerning the role of CPGs in insect locomotion, we endeavor to create a common ground, upon which future research in the field of motor control in insects can build.
Validating environmental DNA metabarcoding for marine fishes in diverse ecosystems using a public aquarium
Authors: Morey Kevin C. , Bartley Timothy J. , Hanner Robert H.
Published: March 2020

Environmental DNA metabarcoding has been widely touted as a powerful tool for monitoring biodiversity in marine ecosystems. However, this method still requires thorough validation and standardization before it can be widely applied for ecological monitoring. The potential utility of environmental DNA metabarcoding is greatest in systems with high levels of diversity, yet environmental DNA metabarcoding has typically been validated in closed systems with relatively low levels of diversity. Additionally, the use of a multiple marker approach has been minimally explored under controlled, closed systems in the literature. Using a pilot study, we assess the ability of eDNA metabarcoding to capture biodiversity in a highly diverse closed system at the Ripley's Aquarium of Canada in Toronto, Ontario. Our pilot study highlights several key knowledge gaps that must be addressed before metabarcoding can be employed for widespread use in ecological monitoring. We found that environmental DNA metabarcoding recovered just over 50% of target species and 80% of target genera within a closed marine system containing 107 species and 44 genera using previously published markers for COI, 12S, and 16S. Additionally, COI and 12S were found to identify fewer target species than 16S, with COI generating the most off‐target identifications, but maximum detection success was achievable by combining all three markers. We discuss numerous key limitations which currently present barriers to the application of eDNA metabarcoding for studying highly diverse marine systems. These include marker selection, data validation and confidence, and the complexity of abundant and diverse novel systems. This study highlights important, yet incompletely resolved, challenges of environmental DNA metabarcoding for the detection of marine fishes in a diverse closed system environment using a multiple marker approach.
Back to the future: Can Chinese doubling down and American muddling through fulfill 21st century needs for environmental governance?
Authors: Zhao Xiaofan , Young Oran R. , Qi Ye , Guttman Dan
Published: March 2020

At the close of the last millennium, prominent thinkers projected that the political systems of leading economies would converge during the coming years. Yet, research has shown that China and the United States have developed distinctive institutionalized governance processes (IGPs) to address environmental issues. Can these distinctive processes persist in turbulent times? In reality, the two countries seem to be decoupling in their economic ties and diverging in political pursuit. Under the current circumstances, what can we say about the ability of the two systems to meet emerging environmental challenges of the 21st century? We argue that neither system is likely to experience fundamental change during the foreseeable future. Current developments are highlighting differences between goal‐based governance strategies prominent in China and the rule‐based strategies of the United States. As the urgency of solving transcendent problems like climate change rises and political tensions grow, it is essential to work with divergent systems to address common problems.
Comfort and clinical events at the end of life of nursing home residents with and without dementia: The six‐country epidemiological PACE study
Authors: Miranda Rose , van der Steen Jenny T. , Smets Tinne , Van den Noortgate Nele , Deliens Luc , Payne Sheila , Kylänen Marika , Szczerbińska Katarzyna , Gambassi Giovanni , Van den Block Lieve ,   PACE
Published: March 2020

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the occurrence rates of clinical events and their associations with comfort in dying nursing home residents with and without dementia.

Methods

Epidemiological after‐death survey was performed in nationwide representative samples of 322 nursing homes in Belgium, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and England. Nursing staff reported clinical events and assessed comfort. The nursing staff or physician assessed the presence of dementia; severity was determined using two highly discriminatory staff‐reported instruments.

Results

The sample comprised 401 residents with advanced dementia, 377 with other stages of dementia, and 419 without dementia (N = 1197). Across the three groups, pneumonia occurred in 24 to 27% of residents. Febrile episodes (unrelated to pneumonia) occurred in 39% of residents with advanced dementia, 34% in residents with other stages of dementia and 28% in residents without dementia (P = .03). Intake problems occurred in 74% of residents with advanced dementia, 55% in residents with other stages of dementia, and 48% in residents without dementia (P < .001). Overall, these three clinical events were inversely associated with comfort. Less comfort was observed in all resident groups who had pneumonia (advanced dementia, P = .04; other stages of dementia, P = .04; without dementia, P < .001). Among residents with intake problems, less comfort was observed only in those with other stages of dementia (P < .001) and without dementia (P = .003), while the presence and severity of dementia moderated this association (P = .03). Developing “other clinical events” was not associated with comfort.

Conclusions

Discomfort was observed in dying residents who developed major clinical events, especially pneumonia, which was not specific to advanced dementia. It is crucial to identify and address the clinical events potentially associated with discomfort in dying residents with and without dementia.
Body mass index, residual psychotic symptoms, and inflammation associated with brain volume reduction in older patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Tsai Shang‐Ying , Sajatovic Martha , Hsu Jung‐Lung , Chung Kuo‐Hsuan , Chen Pao‐Huan , Huang Yu‐Jui
Published: March 2020

Objective

Obesity, aging, and pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SCZ) may collectively contribute to the gray matter loss in brain regions of SCZ. We attempted to examine the association between volumes of specific brain regions, body mass index (BMI), inflammatory markers, and clinical features in older SCZ patients.

Method

Clinically stable outpatients with schizophrenia (DSM‐IV) aged ≥50 years were recruited to undergo whole‐brain magnetic resonance imaging. We measured patients' plasma levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor‐1, soluble interleukin (IL)‐2 receptor (sIL‐2R), IL‐1β, and IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra). Clinical data were obtained from medical records and interviewing patients along with their reliable others.

Results

There were 32 patients with mean age 58.8 years in this study. Multivariate regression analysis found only higher BMI significantly associated with lower volume of total gray matter, bilateral orbitofrontal and prefrontal cortexes, and the right hippocampal and frontal cortexes. Increased intensity of residual symptoms (higher Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores) was related to lower volumes of frontal lobe, prefrontal cortex, insula, hippocampus, left hemisphere amygdala, and total white matter. The lower volume of left anterior cingulum was associated with older age and higher sIL‐2R plasma level; and higher IL‐1Ra level was associated with greater right anterior cingulate volume. Older age at illness onset was significantly associated with the smaller right insula volume.

Conclusions

Higher BMI, more residual symptoms, and inflammatory activity in IL‐2 and IL‐1 systems may play a role in gray matter loss in various brain regions of schizophrenia across the life span.
The developmental trajectory of fronto‐temporoparietal connectivity as a proxy of the default mode network: a longitudinal fNIRS investigation
Authors: Bulgarelli Chiara , de Klerk Carina C. J. M. , Richards John E. , Southgate Victoria , Hamilton Antonia , Blasi Anna
Published: March 2020

The default mode network (DMN) is a network of brain regions that is activated while we are not engaged in any particular task. While there is a large volume of research documenting functional connectivity within the DMN in adults, knowledge of the development of this network is still limited. There is some evidence for a gradual increase in the functional connections within the DMN during the first 2 years of life, in contrast to other functional resting‐state networks that support primary sensorimotor functions, which are online from very early in life. Previous studies that investigated the development of the DMN acquired data from sleeping infants using fMRI. However, sleep stages are known to affect functional connectivity. In the current longitudinal study, fNIRS was used to measure spontaneous fluctuations in connectivity within fronto‐temporoparietal areas—as a proxy for the DMN—in awake participants every 6 months from 11 months till 36 months. This study validates a method for recording resting‐state data from awake infants, and presents a data analysis pipeline for the investigation of functional connections with infant fNIRS data, which will be beneficial for researchers in this field. A gradual development of fronto‐temporoparietal connectivity was found, supporting the idea that the DMN develops over the first years of life. Functional connectivity reached its maximum peak at about 24 months, which is consistent with previous findings showing that, by 2 years of age, DMN connectivity is similar to that observed in adults.
Targeted Apoptosis of Ductular Reactive Cells Reduces Hepatic Fibrosis in a Mouse Model of Cholestasis
Authors: Azad Adiba I. , Krishnan Anuradha , Troop Leia , Li Ying , Katsumi Tomohiro , Pavelko Kevin , Kostallari Enis , Guicciardi Maria Eugenia , Gores Gregory J.
Published: March 2020

Background and Aims

In cholestatic liver diseases, ductular reactive (DR) cells extend into the hepatic parenchyma and promote inflammation and fibrosis. We have previously observed that multidrug‐resistant 2 (Mdr2−/−
) double knockout (DKO) mice lacking tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis‐inducing ligand receptor (Tr−/−
) display a more extensive ductular reaction and hepatic fibrosis compared to Mdr2−/−
mice. This observation suggests that the magnitude of the DR‐cell population may be regulated by apoptosis.

Approach and Results

To examine this concept, we cultured epithelial cell adhesion molecule–positive reactive cholangioids (ERCs) obtained from wild‐type (WT), Tr−/−
, Mdr2−/−
and DKO mice. Single‐cell transcriptomics and immunostaining of both WT and DKO ERCs confirmed their DR‐cell phenotype. Moreover, DKO ERCs displayed a unique translational cluster with expression of chemokines, indicating a reactive state. Incubation with the myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1) inhibitor S63845, a proapoptotic BH3‐mimetic therapy, significantly decreased DKO and Mdr2−/−
ERC viability compared to WT. Intravenous administration of S63845 significantly reduced the DR‐cell population and markers of inflammation and liver fibrosis in Mdr2−/−
and DKO mice. Furthermore, DKO mice treated with S63845 displayed a significant decrease in hepatic B lymphocytes compared to untreated mice as assessed by high‐definition mass cytometry by time‐of‐flight. Coculture of bone marrow–derived macrophages with ERCs from DKO mouse livers up‐regulated expression of the B cell–directed chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 5. Finally, DR cells were noted to be primed for apoptosis with Bcl‐2 homologous antagonist/killer activation in vitro and in vivo in primary sclerosing cholangitis liver specimens.

Conclusions

DR cells appear to play a key role in recruiting immune cells to the liver to actively create an inflammatory and profibrogenic microenvironment. Pharmacologic targeting of MCL1 in a mouse model of chronic cholestasis reduces DR‐cell and B‐cell populations and hepatic fibrosis.
Hepatocellular Protein Arginine Methyltransferase 1 Suppresses Alcohol‐Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Formation by Inhibition of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase
Authors: Zhao Jie , O'Neil Maura , Schonfeld Michael , Komatz Amberly , Weinman Steven A. , Tikhanovich Irina
Published: March 2020

Alcohol is a well‐established risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the mechanisms by which alcohol promotes liver cancer are not well understood. Studies suggest that ethanol may enhance tumor progression by increasing hepatocyte proliferation and through alcohol‐induced liver inflammation. Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) is the main enzyme responsible for cellular arginine methylation. Asymmetric dimethyl arginine, produced by PRMT1, is a potent inhibitor of nitric oxide synthases. PRMT1 is implicated in the development of several types of tumors and cardiovascular disease. Our previous work has shown that PRMT1 in the liver regulates hepatocyte proliferation and oxidative stress and protects from alcohol‐induced liver injury. However, its role in HCC development remains controversial. In this study, we found that hepatocyte‐specific PRMT1‐knockout mice develop an increased number of tumors in an N‐nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) alcohol model of liver tumorigenesis in mice. This effect was specific to the alcohol‐related component because wild‐type and knockout mice developed similar tumor numbers in the DEN model without the addition of alcohol. We found that in the presence of alcohol, the increase in tumor number was associated with increased proliferation in liver and tumor, increased WNT/β‐catenin signaling, and increased inflammation. We hypothesized that increased inflammation was due to increased oxidative and nitrosative stress in knockout mice. By blocking excess nitric oxide production using an inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, we reduced hepatocyte death and inflammation in the liver and prevented the increase in WNT/β‐catenin signaling, proliferation, and tumor number in livers of knockout mice. Conclusion: PRMT1 is an important protection factor from alcohol‐induced liver injury, inflammation, and HCC development.
Influence of magnetic field and thermal radiation on peristaltic motion with double‐diffusive convection in Jeffery nanofluids
Authors: Ganesan Senthamarai , Vasanthakumari Ramanujam
Published: March 2020

A theoretical study is conducted to examine the peristaltic pumping with double‐diffusive convection in Jeffery nanofluids through a two‐dimensional infinite asymmetric channel. The flow is examined in a wave casing of orientation that moves pace with the velocity of the wave. The peristaltic wave train on the walls that have different amplitude and phase is chosen to form channel irregularity. Rosseland approximation is noticed in the modeling of the transmission radiation heat transfer and temperatures of the walls are recognized constants. The replica has a great impact in discovering nanofluid dynamic influences on peristaltic motion, in biological vessels as symbolized by transportation of heat in blood flow, food molecules, hormones, novel pharmacodynamics pumps, and engineered gastrointestinal motility enhancement. Peristaltic motion has applications in physiology, such as transport of urine, transport of food bolus through gastrointestinal tract, and transport of blood through small blood vessels. Analytical results have been established for stream function, axial velocity, temperature, and absorption and nanoparticle volume fraction. The effect of the principal hydrodynamic parameters (thermophoresis, Brownian motion, Dufour, and Soret) and Grashof numbers (concentration, thermal, nanoparticle) on peristaltic transport patterns with double‐diffusive convection are deliberated with the support of computational outcomes found. The pictorial investigation is done to investigate the possessions of miscellaneous limitations on flow quantities of curiosity.
Impact of slip effects on unsteady Sisko nanoliquid heat and mass transfer characteristics over stretching sheet filled with gold nanoparticles
Authors: Jyothi Kotike , Sudarsana Reddy Patakota , Suryanarayana Reddy Machi Reddy , Prabhavathi Bathula
Published: March 2020

We have presented a comparison between steady and unsteady magnetohydrodynamic boundary layer flow, heat transfer features of Au–kerosene‐based nanoliquid over a stretching surface by taking variable viscosity, variable thermal conductivity, and slip boundary conditions in this study. Appropriate similarity translations are engaged to reduce nonlinear partial differential equations into a set of ordinary differential equations. These equations along with boundary conditions are elucidated numerically by finite‐element technique. Influence of several pertinent parameters on velocity, temperature, and concentration scatterings, in addition to that, the values of Nusselt number, skin‐friction coefficient, and Sherwood number are scrutinized in detail and the outcomes are exhibited through plots and tables. It is perceived that the values of Nusselt number, skin‐friction coefficient, and Sherwood number intensify in both steady–unsteady cases as the values of volume fraction parameter rise.
Mechanistic understanding of the role separators playing in advanced lithium‐sulfur batteries
Authors: Wei Zhaohuan , Ren Yaqi , Sokolowski Joshua , Zhu Xiaodong , Wu Gang
Published: March 2020

The lithium‐sulfur battery is considered one of the most promising candidates for portable energy storage devices due to its low cost and high energy density. However, many critical issues, including polysulfide shuttling, self‐discharge, lithium dendritic growth, and thermal hazards need to be addressed before the commercialization of lithium‐sulfur batteries. To this end, tremendous efforts have been made to explore battery configurations and components, such as electrodes, electrolytes, and separators, among which the separator plays an especially critical role in addressing aforementioned issues. Thus, this review analyzes the mechanisms and interactions of these critical issues and summarizes both the function of separators and recent progress made towards remedying such issues. Additionally, promising directions for the development of separators in lithium‐sulfur batteries are proposed.
Divergent thinking and academic performance of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder characteristics in engineering
Authors: Taylor Christa L. , Esmaili Zaghi Arash , Kaufman James C. , Reis Sally M. , Renzulli Joseph S.
Published: March 2020

Background

Creativity is increasingly recognized as an important skill for success in the field of engineering, but most traditional, post‐secondary engineering education programs do not reward creative efforts. Failing to recognize creativity or creative efforts can have particularly negative effects for those students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), who may exhibit enhanced divergent thinking ability yet struggle in the traditional educational environment.

Purpose/Hypothesis

This study was conducted to investigate how ADHD characteristics, academic aptitude, and one important component of creativity (divergent thinking) contribute to academic performance in engineering programs and how traditional markers of academic performance and ADHD characteristics predict divergent thinking.

Design/Method

Undergraduate engineering students (n= 60) completed measures of ADHD symptoms and divergent thinking. Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores and grade point average (GPA) were collected from university records, and hypotheses were tested using a series of multivariate regression models.

Results

Verbal SAT scores were the only positive predictor of overall GPA and engineering GPA. ADHD characteristics did not significantly predict overall GPA but negatively predicted engineering GPA. ADHD characteristics were the only positive predictor of divergent thinking ability.

Conclusions

ADHD characteristics negatively predict academic performance (i.e., GPA) in engineering programs but are more predictive of divergent thinking ability than traditional markers of academic performance.
New corrosion cast media and its ability for SEM and light microscope investigation
Authors: Tsomaia Keti , Patarashvili Leila , Bebiashvili Irakli , Azmaiparashvili Elza , Kakabadze Manana , Jalabadze Nikoloz , Sareli Marom , Gusev Sergey , Kordzaia Dimitri
Published: March 2020

SEM of corrosion casts (CC) provides the opportunities to study the vessels and ducts in the phyllogenetic and ontogenetic (age‐related) settings, as well as the pathogenesis, compensation, and sanogenesis in different diseases and experimental models. Along with the refinement of SEM CC, the requirements toward casting media (CM) as nontoxicity, low viscosity, quick polymerization, resistance to corrosion solutions, availability, and so on, gradually has developed. We aimed to adapt the sets widely used in dental practice toward the modern requirements to the CC. The following ratio of the components of Protacryl‐M and Aycryl‐C sets were used for the preparation CM—0.25 g MAYCRYL Powder +0.08 g Benzoyl Peroxide +5.0 ml Protacryl‐M liquid component +0.2 Redont Colour (dye concentrate). The obtained solidifying mass was injected in the blood vessels and biliary ducts of the adult Wistar white rats. The SEM of CC of different organs’ vascular networks, as well as a biliary tract, reveals that offered CM excellently replicates the forms and branching features of studied tubular structures of all sizes and gives the adequate imprinting of their luminal surfaces. Besides, CM may provide the replication of perivascular spaces and give the casts having no analogous in the appropriate literature. The CM prepared by us perfectly reproduces all possibilities of famous rubbers widely used for the casting of different vascular–ductular structures. Besides, it presents the new implications, which should be implemented in the profound research of the connective‐tissue skeleton of different organs.
The gendered pay gap in genetic counseling
Authors: Barnett Chloe , Myers Melanie F. , Spaeth Christine G. , Pilipenko Valentina , Bucheit Leslie A.
Published: March 2020

A gendered pay gap in the genetic counseling profession has been identified in recent years, though reasons for its existence have not been explored in depth. The primary aim of this study was to determine what demographic characteristics and career experiences influence annual salary rates and which of those factors differ between male and female genetic counselors. The secondary aim of this study was to determine whether genetic counselors perceive a pay gap and to identify attitudes toward their salaries. Surveys were sent to the nearly 4,000 genetic counselors who are members of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC), and we report results from 355 respondents. A significant interaction was found between gender and position (direct vs. non‐direct patient care). In the best‐fitting multiple regression model, male genetic counselors earned $23,736 more than females in non‐direct patient care roles (p < .001) and $1,552 more than females in direct patient care roles (p < .001). Years of experience, leadership experience score, negotiation attempts, licensure, and certification were all found to be predictors of annual salary. Most female genetic counselors perceived there to be a pay gap and most male genetic counselors did not (p = .01). Results from this study could contribute to changes in employment and compensation practices, as well as impact genetic counselors’ strategies in role‐ and salary‐based conversations.
One‐pot synthesis of novel polysubstituted furopyran derivatives via pseudo seven‐component reaction (6 + 1) of isocyanides with bisarylidene Meldrum's acid containing ether groups
Authors: Moosazadeh Elham , Sheikhhosseini Enayatollah , Ghazanfari Dadkhoda , Soltaninejad Shahla
Published: March 2020

In the present study, a group of polysubstituted furopyran derivatives possessing ether spacer groups were synthesized under good‐to‐exceptional yields via cycloaddition of bisarylidene Meldrum's acid derivatives (1 mmol) with isocyanides (6 mmol) within dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) for 3 to6 hours at room temperature with no assistance from any type of catalysts. The structure of the products was then confirmed by Fourier Transform‐infrared spectroscopy, 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Moreover, the 5c, 5d, and 5f compounds exhibited favorable pharmaceutical behavior as antibacterial.
HIV programmatic outcomes following implementation of the ‘Treat‐All’ policy in a public sector setting in Eswatini: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kerschberger Bernhard , Schomaker Michael , Jobanputra Kiran , Kabore Serge M , Teck Roger , Mabhena Edwin , Mthethwa‐Hleza Simangele , Rusch Barbara , Ciglenecki Iza , Boulle Andrew
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The Treat‐All policy – antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation irrespective of CD4 cell criteria – increases access to treatment. Many ART programmes, however, reported increasing attrition and viral failure during treatment expansion, questioning the programmatic feasibility of Treat‐All in resource‐limited settings. We aimed to describe and compare programmatic outcomes between Treat‐All and standard of care (SOC) in the public sectors of Eswatini.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study of ≥16‐year‐old HIV‐positive patients initiated on first‐line ART under Treat‐All and SOC in 18 health facilities of the Shiselweni region, from October 2014 to March 2016. SOC followed the CD4 350 and 500 cells/mm3 treatment eligibility thresholds. Kaplan‐Meier estimates were used to describe crude programmatic outcomes. Multivariate flexible parametric survival models were built to assess associations of time from ART initiation with the composite unfavourable outcome of all‐cause attrition and viral failure.

Results

Of the 3170 patients, 1888 (59.6%) initiated ART under Treat‐All at a median CD4 cell count of 329 (IQR 168 to 488) cells/mm3 compared with 292 (IQR 161 to 430) (p < 0.001) under SOC. Although crude programme retention at 36 months tended to be lower under Treat‐All (71%) than SOC (75%) (p = 0.002), it was similar in covariate‐adjusted analysis (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.06, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.23). The hazard of viral suppression was higher for Treat‐All (aHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.23), while the hazard of viral failure was comparable (Treat‐All: aHR 0.89, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.49). Among patients with advanced HIV disease (n = 1080), those under Treat‐All (aHR 1.13, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.44) had a similar risk of an composite unfavourable outcome to SOC. Factors increasing the risk of the composite unfavourable outcome under both interventions were aged 16 to 24 years, being unmarried, anaemia, ART initiation on the same day as HIV care enrolment and CD4 ≤ 100 cells/mm3. Under Treat‐All only, the risk of the unfavourable outcome was higher for pregnant women, WHO III/IV clinical stage and elevated creatinine.

Conclusions

Compared to SOC, Treat‐All resulted in comparable retention, improved viral suppression and comparable composite outcomes of retention without viral failure.
Prospective assessment of loss to follow‐up: incidence and associated factors in a cohort of HIV‐positive adults in rural Tanzania
Authors: Kalinjuma Aneth V , Glass Tracy R , Weisser Maja , Myeya Selarine J , Kasuga Bryson , Kisung'a Yassin , Sikalengo George , Katende Andrew , Battegay Manuel , Vanobberghen Fiona ,   the KIULARCO Study Group
Published: March 2020

Introduction

Lifelong antiretroviral therapy (ART) improves health outcomes for HIV‐positive individuals, but is jeopardized by irregular clinic attendance and hence poor adherence. Loss to follow‐up (LTFU) is typically defined retrospectively but this may lead to biased inferences. We assessed incidence of and factors associated with LTFU, prospectively and accounting for recurrent LTFU episodes, in the Kilombero and Ulanga Antiretroviral Cohort (KIULARCO) of HIV‐positive persons in rural Tanzania.

Methods

We included adults (≥15 years) enrolled in 2005 to 2016, regardless of ART status, with follow‐up through April 2017. LTFU was defined as >60 days late for a scheduled appointment. Participants could experience multiple LTFU episodes. We performed analyses based on the first (prospective) and last (retrospective) events observed during follow‐up, and accounting for recurrent LTFU episodes. Time to LTFU was estimated using cumulative incidence functions. We assessed factors associated with LTFU using cause‐specific proportional hazards, marginal means/rates, and Prentice, Williams and Peterson models.

Results

Among 8087 participants (65% female, 60% aged ≥35 years, 42% WHO stage 3/4, and 47% CD4 count <200 cells/mm3), there were 8140 LTFU episodes, after which there were 2483 (31%) returns to care. One‐year LTFU probabilities were 0.41 (95% confidence interval 0.40, 0.42) and 0.21 (0.20, 0.22) considering the first and last events respectively. Factors associated with LTFU were broadly consistent across different models: being male, younger age, never married, living far from the clinic, not having an HIV‐positive partner, lower BMI, advanced WHO stage, not having tuberculosis, and shorter time since ART initiation. Associations between LTFU and pregnancy, CD4 count, and enrolment year depended on the analysis approach.

Conclusions

LTFU episodes were common and prompt tracing efforts are urgently needed. We identified socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics associated with LTFU that can be used to target tracing efforts and to help inform the design of appropriate interventions. Incidence of and risk factors for LTFU differed based on the LTFU definition applied, highlighting the importance of appropriately accounting for recurrent LTFU episodes. We recommend using a prospective definition of LTFU combined with recurrent event analyses in cohorts where repeated interruptions in care are common.
Data‐Driven Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping Using Loss Adaptive Dipole Inversion (LADI)
Authors: Kamesh Iyer Srikant , Moon Brianna F. , Josselyn Nicholas , Ruparel Kosha , Roalf David , Song Jae W. , Guiry Samantha , Ware Jeffrey B. , Kurtz Robert M. , Chawla Sanjeev , Nabavizadeh S. Ali , Witschey Walter R.
Published: March 2020

Background

Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) uses prior information to reconstruct maps, but prior information may not show pathology and introduce inconsistencies with susceptibility maps, degrade image quality and inadvertently smoothing image features.

Purpose

To develop a local field data‐driven QSM reconstruction that does not depend on spatial edge prior information.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects, animal models

A dataset from 2016 ISMRM QSM Challenge, 11 patients with glioblastoma, a patient with microbleeds and porcine heart.

Sequence/Field Strength

3D gradient echo sequence on 3T and 7T scanners.

Assessment

Accuracy was compared to Calculation of Susceptibility through Multiple Orientation Sampling (COSMOS), and several published techniques using region of interest (ROI) measurements, root‐mean‐squared error (RMSE), structural similarity index metric (SSIM), and high‐frequency error norm (HFEN). Numerical ranking and semiquantitative image grading was performed by three expert observers to assess overall image quality (IQ) and image sharpness (IS).

Statistical Tests

Bland–Altman, Friedman test, and Conover multiple comparisons.

Results

Loss adaptive dipole inversion (LADI) (β = 0.82, R2 = 0.96), morphology‐enabled dipole inversion (MEDI) (β = 0.91, R2 = 0.97), and fast nonlinear susceptibility inversion (FANSI) (β = 0.81, R2 = 0.98) had excellent correlation with COSMOS and no bias was detected (bias = 0.006 ± 0.014, P < 0.05). In glioblastoma patients, LADI showed consistently better performance (IQGrade = 2.6 ± 0.4, ISGrade = 2.6 ± 0.3, IQRank = 3.5 ± 0.4, ISRank = 3.9 ± 0.2) compared with MEDI (IQGrade = 2.1 ± 0.3, ISGrade = 2 ± 0.5, IQRank = 2.4 ± 0.5, ISRank = 2.8 ± 0.2) and FANSI (IQGrade = 2.2 ± 0.5, ISGrade = 2 ± 0.4, IQRank = 2.8 ± 0.3, ISRank = 2.1 ± 0.2). Dark artifact visible near the infarcted region in MEDI (InfMEDI = −0.27 ± 0.06 ppm) was better mitigated by FANSI (InfFANSI‐TGV = −0.17 ± 0.05 ppm) and LADI (InfLADI = −0.18 ± 0.05 ppm).

Conclusion

For neuroimaging applications, LADI preserved image sharpness and fine features in glioblastoma and microbleed patients. LADI performed better at mitigating artifacts in cardiac QSM.

Evidence Level

4

Technical Efficacy Stage

1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:823–835.
Rotator Cuff Tendon Assessment in Symptomatic and Control Groups Using Quantitative MRI
Authors: Ashir Aria , Ma Yajun , Jerban Saeed , Jang Hyungseok , Wei Zhao , Le Nicole , Du Jiang , Chang Eric Y.
Published: March 2020

Background

Relatively weak correlations between patient symptoms and rotator cuff tendon (RCT) tearing have been reported; however, the relationship between symptoms and tendinosis has been less well‐studied.

Purpose/Hypothesis

To use quantitative MRI to assess the bilateral RCTs in shoulders of both patients with unilateral symptomatic tendinopathy and control subjects. We hypothesized that quantitative MRI measures would differ between symptomatic patients and controls.

Study Type

Prospective imaging study.

Population/Subjects

In all, 48 shoulders from 24 subjects (mean age, 32.8 years), including 14 patients with unilateral symptomatic tendinopathy and 10 asymptomatic controls.

Field Strength/Sequence

3T/3D ultrashort echo time Cones sequence with magnetization transfer preparation (UTE‐Cones‐MT) and Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill.

Assessment

Macromolecular fraction (MMF) and T2 relaxation were measured in four regions of the superior RCT, including all‐segments, and lateral‐third, bursal‐sided, and articular‐sided segments. The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index and visual analog scale were assessed.

Statistical Tests

Three shoulder groups were evaluated, including symptomatic shoulders, contralateral asymptomatic shoulders in patients, and asymptomatic controls. MMF and T2 values were compared between groups using a bootstrap‐based comparison of means.

Results

Significant differences were found in both MMF and T2 values between symptomatic and control RCTs when analyzing all‐segments (P = 0.027 and P = 0.006, respectively) and articular‐sided segments (both P = 0.001). Significant differences between asymptomatic RCTs in patients and control RCTs were also found, including MMF in all four anatomic regions analyzed (P = 0.024–0.044), as well as T2 in all‐segments (P = 0.003), bursal‐sided segments (P = 0.021), and articular‐sided segments (P = 0.002). No significant differences in MMF (P = 0.420–0.950) or T2 (P = 0.380–0.910) were seen between ipsilateral symptomatic and contralateral asymptomatic RCTs in patients.

Data Conclusion

Symptomatic RCTs showed significantly lower MMF values and higher T2 values compared with control RCTs. In patients with unilateral symptomatic tendinopathy, the contralateral shoulder can demonstrate asymptomatic tendinopathy, which can be quantified using MMF or T2.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:864–872.
Mergers, acquisitions, and strategic alliances as collaborative methods of strategic development and change
Authors: Gomes Emanuel
Published: March 2020

This overview article briefly discusses the importance and implications of collaborative methods of development. It provides an overview of the various alternative collaborative methods available and highlights the main critical success factors associated with the management of the strategic change processes which these often are. While providing an overview of each paper, this article highlights the importance of a multi‐disciplinary approach and highlights the interconnectedness between a variety of factors and their performance implications. To conclude, avenues for further research are suggested to further strengthen the view of a more pluralistic, multi‐disciplinary, multi‐phasic, and interconnected approach to external collaborative methods of development.
Does changing contexts affect linkages throughout the mergers and acquisition process? A multiphasic investigation of motives, pre‐ and post‐acquisition and performance
Authors: Thanos Ioannis C. , Papadakis Vassilis M. , Angwin Duncan
Published: March 2020

Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) are important organizational change phenomena that have attracted significant research focusing on many aspects, but only recently has attention begun to concentrate on its complex multiphasic nature and its embeddedness in multiple contexts. So far, the influence of the macro context in M&A deals has been little studied and its interaction with M&A's multiphasic nature has been ignored. This article addresses this limitation by investigating whether different macroeconomic wave and non‐wave periods of M&A activity influence phases of M&A in terms of motives, pre‐ and post‐acquisition processes, and acquisition performances. Drawing on a dataset of Greek M&As, an under‐researched M&A context, findings suggest that acquisitions in non‐wave periods are driven by different motives from those in‐wave periods. Interestingly though, we found no statistically significant changes in pre‐ and post‐acquisition processes and M&A performance between in‐wave and non‐wave periods. We suggest this finding of organizational change may be due to the nature of the early stage of Greek M&A and may also apply to the experience of other countries. Further theoretical and practical implications of these findings are also discussed.