bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atrial fibrillation and non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy in the peripartum period
Authors: Harper A. , Gerth A. , Marsh C. , Park C.
Published: December 2020

A 31‐year‐old primiparous woman with a history of bigeminy as a teenager developed atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response during elective caesarean section. Initial postoperative medical management was undertaken on the maternal high dependency unit and involved the administration of beta‐blockers and digoxin. On postoperative day 1 the patient was transferred to the coronary care unit where she subsequently required synchronised direct current cardioversion to restore sinus rhythm. The patient remained on the coronary care unit for 5 days before discharge. Magnetic resonance imaging undertaken 6 weeks postpartum showed non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy. In this report, we discuss tachycardia‐induced and peripartum cardiomyopathies, along with their potential underlying pathologies, incidence and associated morbidity. We describe potential pharmacological therapies including beta‐blockers and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, as well as the implications of such medications for breastfeeding mothers. Patients presenting with palpitations in the antenatal period should receive prompt investigation including electrocardiography with ambulatory monitoring considered for those with persistent symptoms. Anyone with a proven cardiac arrhythmia should undergo echocardiography. This report illustrates the importance of the investigation of the symptoms of arrhythmia during pregnancy and emphasises the role of multidisciplinary working in the management of obstetric patients with complex medical comorbidity.
DNA interactive and selective anticancer activity studies of copper(II) complexes decorated water‐soluble porphyrin
Authors: Zhang Qian , Hou Bing‐jie , Li Yan‐yan , Zhang Wen‐yuan , Liu Jia‐cheng
Published: December 2020

Cancer is one of the diseases that seriously threaten the health of peoples. As a representative of metal drugs, cisplatin has considerable promise for the treatment of cancer. However, side effects are one of major problems for cisplatin due to their poor selectivity for cancer cells. We report here, for the first time, the syntheses of three new water‐soluble porphyrin‐modified copper(II) complexes Cu‐P1, Cu‐P2, and Cu‐P3. Results from calf thymus DNA (ct‐DNA)‐binding efficiency tests show that three copper(II) complexes could obviously interact with ct‐DNA and Cu‐P1 characterized the strongest bound performance. Besides, their function on anticancer against A549, H1975, HepG2, and T47D cells were analyzed, they show the best anticancer activity against lung cancer cells H1975, Cu‐P1 exhibited the greatest cytotoxic effect among the series, and the ligand L was less active against cancer cells. Furthermore, the cytotoxicities of ligand L, complexes Cu‐P1, Cu‐P2, Cu‐P3, and cisplatin were further evaluated against the breast cells Hs 578Bst and complexes more negligible cytotoxicity than ligand L and cisplatin. The anticancer mechanism is discussed by flow cytometer. Then, density functional theory (DFT) calculations analysis further proved the biological activities of the target compounds. Therefore, preliminary research suggests that these copper(II) complexes can inhibit human malignancy cells.
In Utero and Early Life Exposure to the Great Chinese Famine and Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Adulthood
Authors: VanEvery Hannah , Yang Wen‐hao , Olsen Nancy , Zhang Xinyuan , Shu Rong , Lu Bing , Wu Shouling , Cui Liufu , Gao Xiang
Published: December 2020

Objective

To investigate whether early life exposure to the Great Chinese Famine of 1959−1961 is associated with the risk of RA development in adulthood.

Methods

This study included 101,510 participants who were enrolled in the Kailuan Study in 2006. RA cases were confirmed by medical record review. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for RA according to famine exposure status (exposed in utero or between ages 0 and 3 years, between ages 3 and 6 years, or at age 6 years or older), in comparison to participants born after 1961 who were not exposed to famine.

Results

During 12 years of follow‐up (2006−2018), we identified 187 RA cases. Individuals exposed to famine in utero or between ages 0 and 3 years had a higher prevalence of RA relative to other groups (0.2−0.35% versus 0.08−0.20%). After adjustment for potential confounders, the OR for RA was 2.95 (95% CI 1.55−5.59) for individuals exposed in utero, 4.53 (95% CI 2.72−7.54) for those exposed between ages 0 and 3 years, 2.55 (95% CI 1.43−4.57) for those exposed between ages 3 and 6 years, and 2.72 (95% CI 1.70−4.36) for those exposed at age 6 years or older versus individuals born after 1961. Similar associations with the risk of RA were observed for men and women when subjects were stratified by sex (P for interaction = 0.89).

Conclusion

Individuals exposed to famine in utero or in early childhood (between ages 0 and 3 years) were more likely to develop RA in adulthood, highlighting the importance of early life as a vulnerable developmental period.
Evaluation of sweet sorghum genotypes for bioethanol yield and related traits
Authors: Guden Birgul , Erdurmus Cengiz , Erdal Sekip , Uzun Bulent
Published: December 2020

The cultivation of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) for bioethanol production is receiving global attention due to the plant's sugar‐rich stalk juice, which can be fermented directly to ethanol. One of the important steps toward the development of a superior sweet sorghum cultivar is proper assessment of bioethanol‐related traits in different environments. This study was conducted to characterize global sweet sorghum accessions for bioethanol yield and related traits. To do this and to obtain a final cultivar suitable for efficient bioethanol production, two different environments were chosen to select for the characteristics studied. In total, 53 genotypes, which were selected from 551 accessions and nine cultivars, were evaluated in two contrasting environments and two consecutive years (2014–2015). The results revealed wide variability among the genotypes for the traits investigated. In all the growing years and locations, the highest values for the extractable stalk juice yield, bioethanol yield, and juice Brix content were recorded for BSS55 (22 740 L ha−1), BSS46 (1569.6 L ha−1), and BSS67 (15.63 °Bx), respectively. The genotypes that originated from the USA showed some of the highest values for bioethanol yield and related traits. Positive and very high correlations were observed between the bioethanol yield and extractable stalk juice yield (r = 0.861**) and fructose and glucose concentration (r = 0.856**). The knowledge obtained in this investigation about the variation in the bioethanol yield and related traits led to potential genotypes that can be used in sweet sorghum breeding programs for bioenergy production. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Low sodium diet for gastric cancer prevention in the United States: Results of a Markov model
Authors: Kim Judith , Oh Aaron , Truong Han , Laszkowska Monika , Camargo M. Constanza , Abrams Julian , Hur Chin
Published: December 2020

Background and Aims

High sodium consumption has been associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer. The mean daily sodium intake in the United States substantially exceeds the national recommended amount. The low sodium‐DASH diet has been shown to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease in the United States, but its impact on gastric cancer has not been well studied. We therefore aimed to model the impact and cost‐effectiveness of the low sodium‐DASH diet for gastric cancer prevention in the U.S. population.

Methods

A Markov cohort state‐transition model was developed to simulate the impact of the low sodium‐DASH diet on gastric cancer outcomes for the average 40‐year‐old in the United States compared to no intervention. Primary outcomes of interest were gastric cancer incidence and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICER).

Results

Our model found that compared to the no intervention cohort, the risk of gastric cancer decreased by 24.8% for males and 21.2% for females on the low sodium‐DASH diet. 27 cases and 14 cases per 10,000 individuals were prevented for males and females, respectively, in the intervention group. The ICER for the low sodium‐DASH diet strategy was $287,726 for males and $423,878 for females compared to the no intervention strategy.

Conclusions

Using a Markov model of gastric cancer risk, we found that adherence to a low sodium‐DASH diet could decrease the risk of gastric cancer. This intervention was not cost‐effective due to the high cost of a low sodium‐DASH accordant diet, but significantly improved for high‐risk populations and when the cost of the diet became slightly more affordable.
The Peculiar Case of the Hyper‐thermostable Pyrimidine Nucleoside Phosphorylase from Thermus thermophilus**
Authors: Kaspar Felix , Neubauer Peter , Kurreck Anke
Published: December 2020

The poor solubility of many nucleosides and nucleobases in aqueous solution demands harsh reaction conditions (base, heat, cosolvent) in nucleoside phosphorylase‐catalyzed processes to facilitate substrate loading beyond the low millimolar range. This, in turn, requires enzymes that can withstand these conditions. Herein, we report that the pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase from Thermus thermophilus is active over an exceptionally broad pH (4–10), temperature (up to 100 °C) and cosolvent space (up to 80 % (v/v) nonaqueous medium), and displays tremendous stability under harsh reaction conditions with predicted total turnover numbers of more than 106 for various pyrimidine nucleosides. However, its use as a biocatalyst for preparative applications is critically limited due to its inhibition by nucleobases at low concentrations, which is unprecedented among nonspecific pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylases.
An Economical High‐Throughput “FP‐Tag” Assay for Screening Glycosyltransferase Inhibitors**
Authors: Yin Xinjian , Li Jiaxin , Chen Senhua , Wu Yuping , She Zhigang , Liu Lan , Wang Yue , Gao Zhizeng
Published: December 2020

O‐GlcNAc transferase (OGT) is involved in many cellular processes, and selective OGT inhibitors are valuable tools to investigate O‐GlcNAcylation functions, and could potentially lead to therapeutics. However, high‐throughput OGT assays that are suitable for large‐scale HTS and can identify inhibitors targeting both acceptor, donor sites, and allosteric binding‐sites are still lacking. Here, we report the development of a high‐throughput “FP‐Tag” OGT assay with bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a low‐cost and superior “FP‐Tag”. With this assay, 2‐methyleurotinone was identified as a low‐micromolar OGT inhibitor. This type of assay with BSA as “FP‐Tag” would find more applications with other glycosyltransferases.
Daten manipulationssicher erfassen
Authors: Brosig Michael
Published: December 2020

Ein Bildschirmschreiber kann wohl nicht alle Cyber‐Security‐Probleme dieser Welt lösen, aber durch ausgereifte Technik kann er dafür sorgen, dass die Prozesse, die durch ihn überwacht werden, für den Anwender eine „sichere Sache‟ sind.
Combined XPS and DFT investigation of the adsorption modes of methyl enol ether functionalized cyclooctyne on Si(001)
Authors: Glaser Timo , Meinecke Jannick , Länger Christian , Luy Jan‐Niclas , Tonner Ralf , Koert Ulrich , Dürr Michael
Published: December 2020

The reaction of methyl enol ether functionalized cyclooctyne on the silicon (001) surface was investigated by means of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and density functional theory (DFT). Three different groups of final states were identified; all of them bind on Si(001) via the strained triple bond of cyclooctyne but they differ in the configuration of the methyl enol ether group. The majority of molecules adsorbs without additional reaction of the enol ether group; the relative contribution of this configuration to the total coverage depends on substrate temperature and coverage. Further configurations include enol ether groups which reacted on the silicon surface either via ether cleavage or enol ether groups which transformed on the surface into a carbonyl group.
Impact of Check of Medication Appropriateness (CMA) in optimizing analgesic prescribing: An interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Quintens Charlotte , De Coster Johan , Van der Linden Lorenz , Morlion Bart , Nijns Egon , Van den Bosch Bart , Peetermans Willy E. , Spriet Isabel
Published: December 2020

Background

Pain therapy in inpatients is regularly suboptimal and might be improved by clinical pharmacy services. In our hospital, we have implemented a software‐supported ‘Check of Medication Appropriateness’ (CMA), which is a centralized pharmacist‐led service consisting of a clinical rule‐based screening for potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIPs), and a subsequent medication review by pharmacists. We aimed to investigate the impact of the CMA on pain‐related prescribing.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental study was performed in a large teaching hospital, using an interrupted time series design. Pre‐implementation, patients were exposed to standard of care. Afterwards, a pain‐focused CMA comprising 12 specific clinical rules pertaining to analgesic prescribing were implemented in the post‐implementation period. A regression model was used to assess the impact of the intervention on the number of pain‐related residual PIPs between both periods. The total number of recommendations and acceptance rate was recorded for the post‐implementation period.

Results

At baseline, a median number of 13.1 (range: 9.5–15.8) residual PIPs per day was observed. After the CMA intervention, the number was reduced to 2.2 (range: 0–9.5) per day. Clinical rules showed an immediate relative reduction of 66% (p < .0001) in pain‐related residual PIPs. A significant decreasing time trend was observed during the post‐implementation period. Post‐implementation, 1683 recommendations were given over 1 year with an acceptance rate of 74.3%.

Conclusions

We proved that the CMA approach reduced the number of pain‐related residual PIPs. More pharmacist involvement and the use of clinical rules during hospital stay should be further promoted to optimize appropriate prescribing of analgesics.

Significance

Prescribing of analgesics should be improved in inpatients to optimize pain control and to reduce iatrogenic harm. The Check of Medication Appropriateness (CMA) approach, comprising a clinical rule‐based screening for patients at risk and a targeted medication review by pharmacists, reduced the number of pain‐related potentially inappropriate prescriptions in a highly significant and sustained manner. This study presents the opportunities of a centralized clinical pharmacy service to help clinicians to further improve analgesic prescribing.
Comprehensive targeted next‐generation sequencing approach in the molecular diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor
Authors: Vanden Bempt Isabelle , Vander Borght Sara , Sciot Raf , Spans Lien , Claerhout Sofie , Brems Hilde , Lehnert Stefan , Dehaspe Luc , Fransis Sabine , Neuville Bart , Topal Baki , Schöffski Patrick , Legius Eric , Debiec‐Rychter Maria
Published: December 2020

Mutational analysis guides therapeutic decision making in patients with advanced‐stage gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). We evaluated three targeted next‐generation sequencing (NGS) assays, consecutively used over 4 years in our laboratory for mutational analysis of 162 primary GISTs: Agilent GIST MASTR, Illumina TruSight 26 and an in‐house developed 96 gene panels. In addition, we investigated the feasibility of a more comprehensive approach by adding targeted RNA sequencing (Archer FusionPlex, 11 genes) in an attempt to reduce the number of Wild Type GISTs. We found KIT or PDGFRA mutations in 149 out of 162 GISTs (92.0%). Challenging KIT exon 11 alterations were initially missed by different assays in seven GISTs and typically represented deletions at the KIT intron 10‐exon 11 boundary or large insertions/deletions (>24 base pairs). Comprehensive analysis led to the additional identification of driver alterations in 8/162 GISTs (4.9%): apart from BRAF and SDHA mutations (one case each), we found five GISTs harboring somatic neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) alterations (3.1%) and one case with an in‐frame TRIM4‐BRAF fusion not reported in GIST before. Eventually, no driver alteration was found in two out of 162 GISTs (1.2%) and three samples (1.9%) failed analysis. Our study shows that a comprehensive targeted NGS approach is feasible for routine mutational analysis of GIST, thereby substantially reducing the number of Wild Type GISTs, and highlights the need to optimize assays for challenging KIT exon 11 alterations.
Associations between spousal caregiving and health among older adults in Mexico: A targeted estimation approach
Authors: Torres Jacqueline M. , Mitchell Uchechi A. , Sofrygin Oleg , Rudolph Kara E. , López‐Ortega Mariana , Sharif Mienah Z. , Wong Rebeca , Glymour M. Maria
Published: December 2020

Objective

To evaluate associations between spousal caregiving and mental and physical health among older adults in Mexico.

Methods

Data come from the Mexican Health & Aging Study, a national population‐based study of adults ≥50 years and their spouses (2001–2015). We compared outcomes for spousal caregivers to outcomes for those whose spouses had difficulty with at least one basic or instrumental activity of daily living (I/ADL) but were not providing care; the control group conventionally includes all married respondents regardless of spouse's need for care. We used targeted maximum likelihood estimation to evaluate the associations with past‐week depressive symptoms, lower‐body functional limitations, and chronic health conditions.

Results

At baseline, 846 women and 629 men had a spouse with ≥1 I/ADL. Of these, 60.9% of women and 52.6% of men were spousal caregivers. Spousal caregiving was associated with more past‐week depressive symptoms for men (Marginal Risk Difference (RD): 0.27, 95% confidence internal [CI]: 0.03, 0.51) and women (RD: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.23). We could not draw conclusions about associations with lower‐body functional limitations and chronic health conditions. On average, all respondents whose spouses had caregiving needs had poorer health than the overall sample.

Conclusion

We found evidence of an association between spousal caregiving and mental health among older Mexican adults with spouses who had need for care. However, our findings suggest that older adults who are both currently providing or at risk of providing spousal care may need targeted programs and policies to support health and long‐term care needs.
Cerebroplacental ratio as a predictor of intrapartum fetal compromise in term pregnancy
Authors: Meena Seema , Dadhwal Vatsla , Sharma Kandala A. , Perumal Vanamail
Published: December 2020

Objective

To predict intrapartum fetal compromise (FC) and admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) by cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) in term pregnancies.

Methods

A prospective observational study recruited women with singleton, term pregnancies. Ultrasound (US) was done for fetal biometry, umbilical and middle cerebral artery (UA, MCA) Doppler parameters, and CPR calculated. Intrapartum variables and neonatal data were recorded.

Results

Mean interval from US to delivery was 2.21 ± 2.71 days. Rate of operative delivery for FC was 17.47%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that UA pulsatility index (PI) multiples of median (MoM) (P = 0.001), MCA PI MoM (P = 0.001), and CPR MoM (P = 0.001) were significantly and independently associated with operative delivery for FC. Similarly, UA PI MoM (P = 0.004), MCA PI MoM (P = 0.009), and CPR MoM (P = 0.003) were also significantly and independently associated with admission to the NICU. Rate of operative delivery for presumed FC was higher in approprate‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses with low CPR than in small‐for‐gestational‐age fetuses with normal CPR (43.1% and 37.5%, respectively).

Conclusion

Lower mean CPR and CPR MoM were independently associated with the need for operative delivery for presumed FC and NICU admission at term. CPR is more likely to be associated with FC due to placental insufficiency than birth weight.
Myeloperoxidase Controls Bone Turnover by Suppressing Osteoclast Differentiation Through Modulating Reactive Oxygen Species Level
Authors: Zhao Xiaoli , Lin Shuai , Li Huiying , Si Shuyi , Wang Zhen
Published: December 2020

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a heme peroxidase that plays an important role in innate immunity for host defense against invading microorganisms by catalyzing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-mediated reactions. Although many reports indicate MPO exerts beneficial or detrimental effects on a variety of inflammatory diseases, little is known with regard to its functional role in bone homeostasis in vivo. Here, our work demonstrates that MPO was transcriptionally downregulated in response to osteoclastogenic stimuli and that exogenous alteration of MPO expression negatively regulated osteoclast (OC) differentiation in vitro. Genetic ablation of Mpo resulted in osteoporotic phenotypes and potentiated bone-resorptive capacity in mice. Mechanistically, accumulation of intracellular H2O2 and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed in MPO deficiency, and MPO overexpression suppressed ROS production in mouse OC precursors. Moreover, a ROS scavenger Tempol inhibited the effect of MPO deficiency on OC formation and function as well as on receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-initiated transduction signal activation including NF-κB, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and Akt, indicating the increased ROS caused by MPO deficiency contributes to osteoclastogenesis. Taken together, our data demonstrate that MPO has a protective role in bone turnover by limiting osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption physiologically through modulating intracellular H2O2 level. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Raman maps reveal heterogeneous hydrogenation on carbon materials
Authors: daFonseca Bruno G. , Thind Sapanbir S. , Brolo Alexandre G.
Published: December 2020

This work presents an application of Raman spectroscopy as a tool to investigate heterogeneity in the composition of carbon materials obtained electrochemically. A combination of Raman maps and histograms has been used to describe samples synthesized via wet chemistry. The results showed that a simple evaluation of an average spectrum or one single spectrum per sample would have hidden important compositional variations present in the film. The Raman maps revealed heterogeneous hydrogenation in different areas of the carbon films, whereas histograms described the statistical relevance of the classification of the different types of carbon materials. The effect of electrosynthesis parameters on the quality of the films was also investigated. As the deposition time increased, the carbon films showed higher homogeneity in their spatial composition. The nature of the electrolyte led to differences in film functionalization and on the degree of hydrogenation.
Survival and adequate preoperative staging in patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery at a Peruvian Police Hospital
Authors: Panduro‐Correa Vicky , Cubas W. Samir , Herrera‐Matta Juan Jaime , Maguiña Jorge L. , Dámaso‐Mata Bernardo , Guisasola Germán , Navarro‐Solsol Ana Claudia , Pecho‐Silva Samuel , Arteaga‐Livias Kovy
Published: December 2020

Introduction

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common malignant neoplasm and the third leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. In Peru, its incidence is 15.8 per 100,000 population, and it is associated with high mortality rates, especially in areas with low socioeconomic status. The aim of this study was to compare preoperative, postoperative, and anatomopathological staging results and their relation to disease recurrence and survival.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing surgery for gastric cancer with a definitive postoperative anatomopathological diagnosis from 2005 to 2014 at the Hospital Nacional Luis N. Sáenz. Statistical analyses included descriptive and correlation statistics using the κ index, determination of associations between preoperative and postoperative staging and surgical reintervention and recurrence using the χ2 test, as well as Kaplan Meier survival analysis.

Results

There was little correlation between preoperative staging and final anatomopathological diagnosis, while there was a good correlation with postoperative staging. A significant association was found between preoperative staging and cancer recurrence. In the survival analysis, survival was lower among patients with underestimated staging.

Conclusions

The survival of patients with gastric cancer can be affected by an overestimation of preoperative staging, therefore improvements in preoperative staging could lengthen the survival of patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery.
Early postoperative decrease of albumin is an independent predictor of major complications after oncological esophagectomy: A multicenter study
Authors: Labgaa Ismail , Mantziari Styliani , Genety Maxime , Elliott Jessie A. , Kamiya Satoshi , Kalff Marianne C. , Winiker Michaël , Pasquier Jérôme , Allemann Pierre , Messier Marguerite , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I. , Nilsson Magnus , Reynolds John V. , Piessen Guillaume , Hübner Martin , Demartines Nicolas , Schäfer Markus
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives

Serum albumin perioperative decrease (∆Alb) may reflect the magnitude of the physiological stress induced by surgery. Studies highlighted its value to predict adverse postoperative outcomes, but data in esophageal surgery are scant. This study aimed to investigate the role of ∆Alb to predict major complications after esophagectomy for cancer.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study conducted in five high‐volume centers, including consecutive patients undergoing an esophagectomy for cancer between 2006 and 2017. Patients were randomly assigned to a training (n = 696) and a validation (n = 350) cohort. Albumin decrease was calculated on postoperative day 1 and defined as ΔAlb. The primary endpoint was major complications according to Clavien classification.

Results

In the training cohort, esophagectomy induced a rapid drop of albumin. Cut‐off of ΔAlb was established at 11 g/L and allowed to distinguish patients with adverse outcomes. On multivariable analysis, ΔAlb was identified as an independent predictor of major complications (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01–1.11; p = .014). Higher BMI and laparoscopy were associated with lower ΔAlb. Analysis of the validation cohort provided consistent findings.

Conclusions

ΔAlb appeared as a promising biomarker after oncological esophagectomy, allowing prediction of potential adverse outcomes.
Estimating the Audibility of Industrial Noise to Denning Polar Bears
Authors: Owen Megan A. , Pagano Anthony M. , Wisdom Sheyna S. , Kirschhoffer Bj , Bowles Ann E. , O'Neill Caitlin
Published: December 2020

Oil and gas activities on Alaska's North Slope overlap spatially with polar bear (Ursus maritimus) maternal denning habitat and temporally with the peri‐partum and emergence periods. Noise associated with these activities can be substantial and concerns regarding the effects on polar bears have been acknowledged. But the secluded and ephemeral nature of subnivean maternal dens renders the measurement of behavioral and physiological responses of bears to noise exposure challenging, except for rare cases when disturbance‐prompted den abandonment has been documented. These limitations, coupled with the uncertainty associated with the synergistic effects of anthropogenic activities on bears in a rapidly changing Arctic, prompt the need to develop predictive models of disturbance to ensure management guidelines effectively mitigate disturbance. Towards this end, we characterized noise propagation from 9 sources (2 aircraft, 2 over‐tundra tracked vehicles, 4 wheeled on‐road vehicles, and humans walking) used to support industrial activities around artificial snow dens near Milne Point, Alaska, USA, in March–April 2010. We built dens in 4 configurations to mimic variability in den roof thickness and to evaluate differences in noise propagation from when the den was closed compared to being open, similar to den emergence. We integrated these data with an existing polar bear audiogram and developed models to predict auditory‐detection probabilities as a function of distance from the den. Within a closed den, aircraft had high probabilities (detection probability ≥75%) of being detected by polar bears at distances ≤1.6 km and ground‐based sources had high probabilities of detection at distances ≤0.8 km. On average, closed dens reduced noise levels by 15 decibels (dB) relative to open dens. Our findings indicate that although polar bear snow dens effectively attenuate acoustic sound pressure levels, noise from some industrial support vehicles was likely to be detected farther from dens than previously documented. These results reinforce the importance of maintaining buffer zones around polar bear dens to minimize the potential for den disturbance. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
A highly efficient low‐cost reflective anisotropic metasurface for linear to linearly cross‐ and circular‐polarization conversion
Authors: Murtaza Mudassir , Rashid Aamir , Tahir Farooq A.
Published: December 2020

In this research, a highly efficient single‐layer reflective polarization converter based on anisotropic metasurface is proposed for microwave communications. The periodic design works in a dual‐operation mode as a half‐wave plate (cross‐polarizer) and a quarter‐wave plate (circular‐polarizer) over multiple frequency bands. The unit‐cell is comprised of coupled D‐shaped resonators printed on a low‐cost FR‐4 substrate offering cross‐polarization conversion (above −3 dB) over three frequency bands (6.45–6.87, 9.94–11.34, and 15.99–18.60 GHz) with cross conversion efficiency higher than 90%. Moreover, the proposed metasurface can also work as a linear to circular polarizer over three bands (6.0–6.25, 7.35–9.05, and 12.28–15.18 GHz). The design is further shown to be angularly stable for incidence angles up to 30°. The proposed design has been validated experimentally after fabrication.
Vorstandssitzung
Authors: Koch Wolfram
Published: December 2020

Bericht über die Sitzung (Videokonferenz) des GDCh‐Vorstands am 11. September 2020.
Polypropylene and polyvinylidene fluoride transobturator slings for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence: 1‐Year outcomes from a multicentre randomized trial
Authors: Sabadell Jordi , Pereda‐Núñez Anna , Ojeda‐de‐los‐Santos Fernando , Urbaneja Manuel , González‐García Carmen , Camps‐Lloveras Narcís , Pérez‐Plantado Àngela , Canet‐Rodríguez Judit , Pérez‐Espejo Maria Paz , Rodríguez‐Mias Nuria , Sarasa‐Castelló Núria , Palau Marta , Montero‐Armengol Anabel , Salicrú Sabina , Gil‐Moreno Antonio , Poza Jose L.
Published: December 2020

Aims

To compare the effectiveness and safety of polypropylene (PP) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) transobturator tapes (TOT) for the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Methods

This is a multicentre randomized trial. Women with SUI or stress‐predominant mixed urinary incontinence and scheduled for a TOT procedure were randomized to PP or PVDF slings. The primary outcome was 1‐year cure or improvement rate using composite criteria. Complications were also compared. Relationships with outcomes were analyzed using multivariable logistic regressions models.

Results

From April 2016 to January 2018 285 participants were randomized. PP and PVDF slings showed similar high cure or improvement rate (91.0% vs. 95.6%, p = .138). Improvement in validated questionnaires was also similar. PVDF slings were associated with a lower rate of de novo urgency incontinence (adjusted odds ratio = 0.35; 95% confidence interval = 0.15–0.80). We found no statistical differences in complications rates, although a higher incidence of long‐term pain events were observed in the PP group. The study is underpowered to find differences in specific complications owing to the low number of events.

Conclusion

PP and PVDF TOTs are equally effective, although PVDF is associated with fewer cases of de novo urgency incontinence. Further studies are needed to give robust conclusions on safety profiles.
Optimal error estimates of fourth‐order compact finite difference methods for the nonlinear Klein–Gordon equation in the nonrelativistic regime
Authors: Zhang Teng , Wang Tingchun
Published: December 2020

Two fourth‐order compact finite difference schemes including a Crank–Nicolson one and a semi‐implicit one are derived for solving the nonlinear Klein–Gordon equations in the nonrelativistic regime. The optimal error estimates and the strategy in choosing time step are rigorously analyzed, and the energy conservation in the discrete sense is also studied. Under proper assumption on the analytical solutions, the errors of the two schemes both are proved to be of with mesh size h and time‐step τ. Numerical simulations are provided to confirm the theoretical analysis.
Speciation of Copper(II)‐Betaine Complexes as Starting Point for Electrochemical Copper Deposition from Ionic Liquids
Authors: Richter Janine , Knies Maximilian , Ruck Michael
Published: December 2020

The application of ionic liquids for the dissolution of metal oxides is a promising field for the development of more energy‐ and resource‐efficient metallurgical processes. Using such solutions for the production of valuable chemicals or electrochemical metal deposition requires a detailed understanding of the chemical system and the factors influencing it. In the present work, several compounds are reported that crystallize after the dissolution of copper(II) oxide in the ionic liquid [Hbet][NTf2]. Dependent on the initial amount of chloride, the reaction temperature and the purity of the reagent, copper crystallizes in complexes with varying coordination geometries and ligands. Subsequently, the influence of these different complex species on electrochemical properties is shown. For the first time, copper is deposited from the ionic liquid [Hbet][NTf2], giving promising opportunities for more resource‐efficient copper plating. The copper coatings were analyzed by SEM and EDX measurements. Furthermore, a mechanism for the decomposition of [Hbet][NTf2] in the presence of chloride is suggested and supported by experimental evidence.
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes/castor‐oil–based waterborne polyurethane nanocomposite prepared using a solvent‐free method
Authors: Dai Zhuding , Jiang Pingping , Zhang Pingbo , Wai Phyu T. , Bao Yanmin , Gao Xuewen , Xia Jialiang , Haryono Agus
Published: December 2020

In this article, castor‐oil–based emulsifier was prepared by the esterification reaction between castor oil and maleic anhydride in the solvent‐free and catalyst‐free conditions, and the emulsifier was used to fabricate the multiwalled carbon nanotubes/castor‐oil–based waterborne polyurethane (WPU) nanocomposite in the absence of solvent. The structure of castor‐oil–based emulsifier was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and the thermal properties, mechanical properties, hydrophobicity and morphology of pure WPU and nanocomposite films with different content of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes were investigated. The result showed that due to interaction between polymer matrix and multiwalled carbon nanotubes, the tensile strength was improved and thermal stability of polyurethane films was enhanced from 223°C to 248°C with multiwalled carbon nanotubes loading up to 0.5 wt%. In addition, because of lower surface energy and higher roughness of materials, water contact angle of polyurethane films was increased from 69.1° to 86.9°. However, when the content of multiwalled carbon nanotubes of nanocomposite was 0.5 wt%, the elongation at break decreases. The reason was attributed to the fact that the agglomeration of nanoparticles was observed in the scanning electron microscope image with multiwalled carbon nanotubes loading up to 0.5 wt%, which destroyed structure of the polymer.
Characterization, Thermolysis, and Energetic Properties of an MTNP/PETN Eutectic Prepared via the Solvent/Anti‐Solvent Method
Authors: Kou Yong , Song Xiaolan , Guo Kaige , Cheng Zhipeng , Wang Yi
Published: December 2020

In this article, a eutectic mixture was prepared by mixing 1‐methyl‐3,4,5‐trinitropyrazole (MTNP) and pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) by a new method. The T−X phase diagram and H−X phase diagram were obtained by means of DSC analysis, and then the ratio of the eutectic was obtained. All systems displayed simple eutectic behavior. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were performed to characterize the structure of the eutectic. Thermodynamic analysis and TG‐MS tests were carried out to explore the thermal decomposition of the eutectic. Then, the mechanical sensitivity and thermal sensitivity of the raw materials and the eutectic were tested, and the detonation performance was also calculated. The results show that the compatibility of the components of the eutectic is not perfect because of the intermolecular forces between the raw materials. Thermal the decomposition products are mainly H2, H2O, N2, CO, NO, N2O and CO2 and a small amount of CH4. The eutectic has the characteristics of high energy and insensitivity and is expected to replace TNT‐based molten cast explosives.
Design and analysis of three‐arm parallel cluster randomized trials with small numbers of clusters
Authors: Watson Samuel I. , Girling Alan , Hemming Karla
Published: December 2020

In this article, we review and evaluate a number of methods used in the design and analysis of small three‐arm parallel cluster randomized trials. We conduct a simulation‐based study to evaluate restricted randomization methods including covariate‐constrained randomization and a novel method for matched‐group cluster randomization. We also evaluate the appropriate modelling of the data and small sample inferential methods for a variety of treatment effects relevant to three‐arm trials. Our results indicate that small‐sample corrections are required for high (0.05) but not low (0.001) values of the intraclass correlation coefficient and their performance can depend on trial design, number of clusters, and the nature of the hypothesis being tested. The Satterthwaite correction generally performed best at an ICC of 0.05 with a nominal type I error rate for single‐period trials, and in trials with repeated measures type I error rates were between 0.04 and 0.06. Restricted randomization methods produce little benefit in trials with repeated measures but in trials with single post‐intervention design can provide relatively large gains in power when compared to the most unbalanced possible allocations. Matched‐group randomization improves power but is not as effective as covariate‐constrained randomization. For model‐based analysis, adjusting for fewer covariates than were used in a restricted randomization process under any design can produce non‐nominal type I error rates and reductions in power. Where comparisons to two‐arm cluster trials are possible, the performance of the methods is qualitatively very similar.
Effect of heat processing on the quality and alkaloid contents of Coptis Rhizome
Authors: Akiba Shuichiro , Sahashi Yoshiro , Mitsuma Tadamichi
Published: December 2020

Aim

The outer color of the Chinese herbal medicine Oren (Coptis Rhizome) in the market has lately been darker than usual. A survey in China revealed that the preparation process was performed in conditions of excessive heat, and as a result there was concern about both the medicine's ingredients, as well as properties such as color and taste. Therefore, in the current study, we examined the influence of excess heat during processing on the ingredients and properties of Coptis Rhizome.

Methods

We obtained six samples of heat‐processed chopped Oren pieces from a market in Japan, sorted the pieces into three groups according to the color, and measured the alkaloid content in each color group. In addition, the effect of heating on the alkaloid content was examined by directly heating Oren.

Results

In each sample, 7–31% of the Oren pieces had a black tone, and their coptisine chloride content was as low as 37–91% compared with normal‐tone pieces. As a result of heat‐processing crude Oren at 160°C for 150 min in a constant‐temperature oven, the coptisine chloride content decreased to 25.6%. Furthermore, the coptisine chloride content decreased to about 70% when heating heat‐processed Oren for 3 min with an open flame, and the color changed to a dark brown.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that black‐colored chopped Oren pieces in the market are produced by excessive heating, which affects the quality of the medicine and its alkaloid content.
Estimation of coastal aquifer properties: A review of the tidal method based on theoretical solutions
Authors: Zhang Ming , Hao Yonghong , Zhao Zhixue , Wang Tongke , Yang Ling
Published: December 2020

Determination of the hydraulic properties of coastal aquifer systems has important implications that are related to the issues such as seawater intrusion, submarine groundwater discharge, migration of contaminants, assessment of water resources, and geotechnical engineering. Over recent decades, many analytical solutions that consider different types of coastal aquifer systems or models have been developed. These solutions can be used as a theoretical basis for the tidal method that characterizes the hydraulic properties of a coastal aquifer system using hydraulic response measurements in an observation well or wells induced by tidal waves in the ocean. The hydraulic properties of an aquifer can be estimated through fitting a series of time‐dependent changes of hydraulic head detected in an observation well to those calculated based on theoretical solutions. For simplicity, most theoretical solutions only consider one tidal component and idealized boundary conditions, although in reality multiple tidal components exist simultaneously and boundary conditions can be more complicated. For practical applications of the tidal method and to increase its reliability, multiple tidal components should be considered and models considering more complicated boundary conditions should be developed. In addition, methods that can determine both the hydraulic conductivity and storage coefficient, rather than only the hydraulic diffusivity, that is, the ratio of hydraulic conductivity to storage coefficient of coastal aquifer, should be developed. Cautions should be taken into account when using the tidal method because earth tides and changes in local atmospheric pressure may induce similar tidal fluctuations in the hydraulic head within inland observation wells.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Methods
A review of hydrologic signatures and their applications
Authors: McMillan Hilary K.
Published: December 2020

Hydrologic signatures are quantitative metrics or indices that describe statistical or dynamical properties of hydrologic data series, primarily streamflow. Hydrologic signatures were first used in eco‐hydrology to assess alterations in flow regime, and have since seen wide uptake across a variety of hydrological fields. Their applications include extracting biologically relevant attributes of streamflow data, monitoring hydrologic change, analyzing runoff generation processes, defining similarity between watersheds, and calibrating and evaluating hydrologic models. Hydrologic signatures allow us to extract meaningful information about watershed processes from streamflow series, and are therefore seeing increasing use in emerging information‐rich areas such as global‐scale hydrologic modeling, machine learning, and large‐sample hydrology. This overview paper describes the background and development of hydrologic signature theory, reviews hydrologic signature use across a variety of applications, and discusses ongoing hydrologic signature research including current challenges.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Science of Water
Experimental evaluation of self‐remediation mechanism by groundwater flow in unconfined aquifers
Authors: Mostafazadeh Farzad , Kilanehei Fouad , Hassanlourad Mahmoud
Published: December 2020

The main goal of this study is to investigate the effect of soil properties such as permeability on the dispersion and movement of a water dissolved contaminant in three types of soil in saturated and 2D conditions. The experimental modeling was conducted using a constructed sand box. In order to evaluate the effect of soils particle size on the distribution and self‐remediation of the contaminant, three types of soil, as coarse, medium, and fine‐grained sand were used. Results of experiments showed that, at the first 25% of the test time, the contaminated area reduction rate in all three specimens varies significantly, so that for the medium and coarse sand, it is 2.2 and 3 times that of fine sand, respectively. The contaminant width reduction at the first 25% of the test time was 5%, 6%, and 35% for the fine, medium, and coarse sand, respectively, while the contaminant length reduction was 13%, 18%, and 37% for the fine, medium, and coarse sand, respectively. In addition, by comparing the contaminant movement in the saturated and semi‐saturated areas, it was observed that the longitudinal and transverse movement of the contaminant under the water level are almost 2.5 times of the semi‐saturated area.

Practitioner points

Reduction rate of solution area in fine, medium and coarse‐grained sample are nearly convex, linear and concave‐shaped, respectively.

The remediation process in saturated zones is implemented in both directions with higher intensity in a shorter time than unsaturated zones.

In the strip formed plumes, the volume of the self‐remediation is proportional to the time intervals during the test.

In the elliptic masses the self‐purification amount is lower at the beginning, due to the small cross‐section ending of the contamination mass.
Deepening, Broadening, and Charting: Extending the Reach and Impact of Evidence‐Based Practices for Leadership Development
Authors: Johnson Matthew R. , Soria Krista M.
Published: December 2020

In this chapter, the authors synthesize key ideas presented by authors in this issue to leverage evidence‐based practice in curricular and co‐curricular leadership development. Additionally, they offer guidance for deepening the impact of these practices and broadening their effects to other groups. Lastly, they chart directions for future research on evidence‐based practices.