bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic trends in the incidence of young-onset colorectal cancer: a population-based study
Authors: Chambers A C , Dixon S W , White P , Williams A C , Thomas M G , Messenger D E
Published: March 2020

Background

Evidence is emerging that the incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing in young adults, but the descriptive epidemiology required to better understand these trends is currently lacking.

Methods

A population-based cohort study was carried out including all adults aged 20–49 years diagnosed with colorectal cancer in England between 1974 and 2015. Data were extracted from the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service database using ICD-9/10 codes for colorectal cancer. Temporal trends in age-specific incidence rates according to sex, anatomical subsite, index of multiple deprivation quintile and geographical region were analysed using Joinpoint regression.

Results

A total of 56 134 new diagnoses of colorectal cancer were analysed. The most sustained increase in incidence rate was in the group aged 20–29 years, which was mainly driven by a rise in distal tumours. The magnitude of incident rate increases was similar in both sexes and across Index of Multiple Deprivation quintiles, although the most pronounced increases in incidence occurred in the southern regions of England.

Conclusion

Colorectal cancer should no longer be considered a disease of older people. Changes in incidence rates should be used to inform future screening policy, preventative strategies and research agendas, as well as increasing public understanding that younger people need to be aware of the symptoms of colorectal cancer.
Cation Deficiency Tuning of LaCoO3 Perovskite as Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalyst
Authors: Wang Haizhen , Chen Xinqi , Huang Di , Zhou Meng , Ding Dong , Luo Hongmei
Published: March 2020

Oxygen electrocatalysis, including both oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), dominates the performance of various electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems. However, the practical applications of these devices are limited as a result of the sluggish kinetics of OER and ORR as well as the high cost and instability of the state‐of‐the‐art noble metal catalyst used in these systems. In this study, cation deficiency is introduced to the A‐site of perovskite LaCoO3 synthesized via polymer‐assisted approach to enhance the electrocatalytic activity of both OER and ORR, leading to the boosted bifunctionality of the resultant electrocatalysts, which might be attributed to oxygen vacancy introduction in perovskites. The bifunctionality of the A‐site deficiency perovskite (ΔE=0.948 V) is comparable or even better than the pristine LaCoO3 (ΔE=1.063 V) as well as the reported state‐of‐the‐art electrocatalysts, including both perovskites and noble metal electrocatalysts. The stability test also indicates their good stability under alkaline solutions, suggesting that the as‐prepared materials can be good candidates as bifunctional electrocatalysts in oxygen‐based electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells and metal‐air batteries. This work introduces the A‐site cation deficiency strategy to improve the bifunctional electrocatalytic performance of perovskites, and highlights the facile polymer‐assisted approach for perovskites synthesis.
Electrochemical Reduction of [Ni(Mebpy)3]2+: Elucidation of the Redox Mechanism by Cyclic Voltammetry and Steady‐State Voltammetry in Low Ionic Strength Solutions
Authors: Barman Koushik , Edwards Martin A. , Hickey David P. , Sandford Christopher , Qiu Yinghua , Gao Rui , Minteer Shelley D. , White Henry S.
Published: March 2020

Bipyridine complexes of Ni are used as catalysts in a variety of reductive transformations. Here, the electroreduction of [Ni(Mebpy)3]2+ (Mebpy=4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) in dimethylformamide is reported, with the aim of determining the redox mechanism and oxidation states of products formed under well‐controlled electrochemical conditions. Results from cyclic voltammetry, steady‐state voltammetry (SSV) and chronoamperometry demonstrate that [Ni(Mebpy)3]2+ undergoes two sequential 1e reductions at closely separated potentials (E10’=−1.06±0.01 V and E20’=−1.15±0.01 V vs Ag/AgCl (3.4 M KCl)). Homogeneous comproportionation to generate [Ni(Mebpy)3]+ is demonstrated in SSV experiments in low ionic strength solutions. The comproportionation rate constant is determined to be >106 M−1 s−1, consistent with rapid outer‐sphere electron transfer. Consequentially, on voltammetric time scales, the 2e reduction of [Ni(Mebpy)3]2+ results in formation of [Ni(Mebpy)3]+ as the predominant species released into bulk solution. We also demonstrate that [Ni(Mebpy)3]0 slowly loses a Mebpy ligand (∼10 s−1).
Design of Steel Structure for Retaining of Existing Façade (10 story height) ‐ Jardins de S. Mamede Building (Lisbon)
Authors: Pires Miguel M.
Published: March 2020

This communication describes the set of problems, challenges and solutions found during the conception project of 30‐metre hight steel façade containment structure inside the existing building, developed in the context of the rehabilitation project of the Jardins de S. Mamede building in Lisbon. Despite the height equivalent to 10 floors and the demanding deformation criteria it was possible to conceive a retaining steel structure of Existing Façade of reduced dimensions, in a plant compatible with the existing structures (to demolish), future definitive structure (to be built) and all other needs.
NETWORK ARCH BRIDGES WITH ROLLED SECTIONS: IDEAS FOR ECONOMIC AND DURABLE DETAILING
Authors: Zanon Riccardo , Matos Rui , Rademacher Dennis , Lorenc Wojciech
Published: March 2020

In the 50‐ to 120‐meter span range, the bowstring bridge (arch above the traffic way anchored in the deck acting as tie so to equilibrate the horizontal component) is an aesthetic and effective solution when available construction height is limited. Beside the bridges realized as landmarks and therefore designed with specific architectural features, there are more and more realizations characterized by pragmatic structural choices aiming at optimized and economic construction. Different from vertical or radial hanger arrangement, the network bridge minimizes the bending moments thanks to the optimized arrangement, with the arch working mainly in compression with very little eccentricity. For this case, the arches can be realized with heavy rolled HD sections in high steel strength, developing an effective and economic solution.
HUMAN COMFORT ANALYSIS OF STEEL‐CONCRETE COMPOSITE BUILDINGS SUBJECTED TO THE WIND DYNAMIC ACTION
Authors: de Souza Bastos Leonardo , da Silva José Guilherme Santos
Published: March 2020

Structural systems designed for tall buildings move due to wind action, having in mind that these structures have become more slender and more sensitive to dynamic wind excitations and thus more vulnerable to excessive vibrations. This way, this research work aims to evaluate the dynamic structural behaviour of a 48‐story steel‐concrete composite building, total height of 172.8 m, storey height equal to 3.6 m, dimensions of 45 m by 32 m, when subjected to wind actions. This investigation considers the results of the non‐deterministic dynamic analysis of the building, aiming to evaluate the service limit states. The conclusions obtained of this study, based on the peak accelerations values, indicate that the investigated building does not satisfy the human comfort criteria.
STIFFNESS OF CORRUGATED STEEL PLATE ON BURIED IN SURROUNDIG SOIL US AN ECOLOGICAL BRIDGE STRUCTURE
Authors: Machelski Czesław , Czerepak Adam , Basar Onur
Published: March 2020

Shell deformation when backfilling soil‐steel structures of corrugated sheet is substantial and can be controlled using geodetic techniques. Typically, crown deflection is observed, which is subject to significant changes during the backfilling process. In the initial phase of the construction, the shell undergoes uplift followed by reduction. The paper analyses changes to the curvature radius as a function of the vertical displacement of the shell crown. A characteristic graph is thus created to assess the safety of the shell (and the structure) both during construction (as in the paper) and exploitation. The paper presents an algorithm of structure safety assessment based on shell deformation.
BEHAVIOUR OF SLENDER STIFFENERS IN EXTENDED END‐PLATE JOINTS
Authors: Kuříková Marta , Wald František , Kabeláč Jaromír
Published: March 2020

The paper shows the current trends in advanced modelling of joints and differences of the research oriented and design‐oriented models. The behaviour of the slender stiffeners in extended end‐plate joints is presented. The finite element method is employed to examine the resistance of a joint with an extended endplate connection. The FE model is validated to results of experimental tests and verified by an analytical solution based on existing formulas.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON SQUARE STEEL TUBULAR COLUMNS UNDER COMPRESSIVE AXIAL FORCE WITH CYCLIC BIAXIAL BENDING MOMENT
Authors: Onogi T. , Sato A. , Yoshioka S.
Published: March 2020

Steel column testing in which a compressive axial force and a cyclic biaxial bending moment were applied simultaneously was conducted in order to clarify the structural performance of the column. Although the AIJ beam‐column design formula provided overly conservative results, the correlation equation for full plasticity evaluated the results with reasonable accuracy. The loading direction was not crucial to the plastic deformation capacity. As a result, the limitation applied to columns in order to guarantee sufficient plastic deformation under a loading direction of 0‐degree can also be used for columns with a loading direction of 45‐degree.
LASTEICON OPEN‐TO‐CHS BEAM‐TO‐COLUMN CONNECTIONS
Authors: Das Rajarshi , Henriques José , Degée Hervé
Published: March 2020

This paper presents different types of two‐way and four‐way nominally pinned as well as moment resisting open‐to‐CHS connection configurations obtained via an innovative “passing‐through” approach and primarily proposed through the European research project LASTEICON. The two‐way moment resisting connections are emphasized in this article. The nonlinear behaviour of the connections is discussed through a suitable understanding of the force‐transfer mechanism involved. Furthermore, these innovative connections are compared with the directly welded conventional open‐to‐CHS connections to highlight the advantages offered by the “passing‐through” approach.
Solid‐Phase Multicomponent Synthesis of 3‐Substituted Isoindolinones Generates New Cell‐Penetrating Probes as Drug Carriers
Authors: Massarano Tlalit , Mazir Alexandra , Lavi Ronit , Byk Gerardo
Published: March 2020

A modular solid‐phase multicomponent reaction for the synthesis of 3‐substituted isoindolinone derivatives has been carried out. A mixture of a chiral β‐keto lactam, an aldehyde, an isocyanide and a dienophile react to produce chiral 3‐substituted isoindolinones in one pot. Modularity was accomplished by using solid supported aldehydes and dienophiles. Optimization was achieved by using microwave as the source of energy. The reaction was also performed on a biologically relevant well‐known programed cell death‐inducing peptide D(KLAKLAK)2 on solid phase. The molecules show significant fluorescence with large Stokes shifts and fast cell penetration. The chimeric peptides can be tracked under a microscope thus proving the potential of the probes as cell sensors. They were efficiently internalized compared to unlabeled peptide, with a concomitant induction of programed cell death, thereby proving their potential as drug carriers.
High‐density SNP‐based genetic diversity and heterotic patterns of tropical maize breeding lines
Authors: Silva Karla Jorge , Guimarães Claudia Teixeira , Guilhen José Henrique Soler , Guimarães Paulo Evaristo de Oliveira , Parentoni Sidney Netto , Trindade Roberto dos Santos , de Oliveira Amanda Avelar , Bernardino Karine da Costa , Pinto Marcos de Oliveira , Dias Kaio Olímpio das Graças , Bernardes Carolina de Oliveira , Dias Luiz Antônio dos Santos , Guimarães Lauro José Moreira , Pastina Maria Marta
Published: March 2020

Understanding the crop diversity is critical for a successful breeding program, helping to dissect the genetic relationship among lines, and to identify superior parents. This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines and to verify the relationship between genetic diversity and heterotic patterns based on hybrid yield performance. A total of 1,041 maize inbred lines were genotyped‐by‐sequencing, generating 32,840 quality‐filtered single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Diversity analyses were performed using the neighbor‐joining clustering method, which generated diversity groups. The clustering of lines based on the diversity groups was compared with the predefined heterotic groups using the additive genomic relationship matrix and unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean. Additionally, the genetic diversity of lines was correlated with yield performance of their corresponding 591 single‐cross hybrids. The SNP‐based genetic diversity analysis was efficient and reliable to assign lines within predefined heterotic groups. However, these genetic distances among inbred lines were not good predictors of the hybrid performance for grain yield, once a low but significant Pearson's correlation (.22, p‐value ≤ .01) was obtained between parental genetic distances and adjusted means of hybrids. Thus, SNP‐based genetic distances provided important insights for effective parental selection, avoiding crosses between genetically similar tropical maize lines.
Partial substitution of mineral fertilizer with biofertilizer enhances cauliflower nutritional quality, yield, and soil characteristics
Authors: Yang Ping , Lyu Jian , Sohail Hamza , Yu Jihua , Xie Jianming , Li Jie
Published: March 2020

Cauliflower (Brassica oleraceaL. var. botrytisL.) is as an important ingredient in many healthy diets worldwide, but there is a lack of scientific knowledge about fertilizer management during cauliflower production. We conducted field experiments in Yuzhong, China, in 2015 and 2016 to determine the effects of the integrated use of biofertilizer and a reduced rate of mineral fertilizers on cauliflower growth, quality, and yield and on soil characteristics. Three different rates of mineral fertilizer (60, 80, and 100% of the mineral fertilizers; 100% rate = 400 N kg ha−1, 225 kg P2O5ha−1, 125 kg K2O ha−1) and 500 kg ha−1biofertilizer were applied to the crop with three replicates. The results showed that the use of the mineral fertilizer at 80% in combination with biofertilizer (80% BF) increased the vitamin C content of cauliflower heads by 39.5% in 2015 and 43.6% in 2016 compared with the 100% mineral fertilization treatment (100% MF). The 80% BF treatment decreased the nitrate content by 27.1% in 2015 and 27.6% in 2016 and improved the soluble sugar contents by 19.1% in 2015 and 29.5% in 2016 compared with the 100% MF treatment. However, the effect of the 80% BF treatment on marketable yield was found to be nonsignificant. Biofertilization also improved the soil organic matter, available N, P, and K, and enzyme activities. We observed that conjugative use of biofertilizer and a reduction in mineral N–P–K fertilizer can be used successfully in cauliflower production without compromising marketable yields.
Development of barley introgression lines carrying the leaf rust resistance genes Rph1 to Rph15
Authors: Martin Matthew J. , Chicaiza Oswaldo , Caffarel Juan C. , Sallam Ahmad H. , Druka Arnis , Waugh Robbie , Ordon Frank , Kopahnke Doris , Keilwagen Jens , Perovic Dragan , Fetch Thomas G. , Jin Yue , Franckowiak Jerome D. , Steffenson Brian J.
Published: March 2020

In many production areas, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is attacked by the leaf rust pathogen (Puccinia hordei Otth), a basidiomycetous fungus that reduces both its yield and quality. Many leaf rust resistance genes, known as reaction to P. hordei (Rph) genes, have been described in barley. To differentiate genetic variants for virulence in pathogen populations, plant pathologists use differentials (i.e., sets of host lines carrying different resistance genes). The sources of Rph1–15 were derived from cultivars, landraces, and wild barley (H. vulgare ssp. spontaneum K. Koch) accessions with diverse geographic origins and agromorphological traits. Ideal differential sets comprise single‐gene lines backcrossed to a single adapted accession that is susceptible to all known races of a pathogen. In this study, sources of Rph1–15 and other Rph gene donors were backcrossed to the susceptible barley cultivar Bowman and then genotyped to characterize the chromosomal positions and sizes of introgressions. Overall, 95 Bowman introgression lines for leaf rust resistance were developed and characterized for their rust phenotypes and genotypes. A single line was selected to represent each of the 15 Rph genes for use as the new barley leaf rust differential set. The existence of possible new resistance genes in the studied germplasm was postulated. The new Bowman Rph1–15 differential lines will facilitate the efficient virulence phenotyping of P. hordei and serve as valuable genetic stocks for Rph gene stacking and cloning in barley.
Qualitative traits in sunflower breeding: UGA‐SAM1 phenotyping case study
Authors: Terzić Sreten , Zorić Miroslav , Seiler Gerald J.
Published: March 2020

The production of the first permanent, publicly available sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) association mapping population (UGA‐SAM1) provided material to test the usability of morphological descriptors for discriminating germplasm accessions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phenotypic diversity in the UGA‐SAM1 population and evaluate the usefulness of qualitative traits for the discrimination of genotypes. The SAM1 population consists of 285 accessions characterized for 20 morphological traits. The Shannon–Weaver diversity index (H′) was used to determine phenotypic diversity, whereas HOMALS (homogeneity analysis by alternating least squares) and association statistics were used to determine discriminative power of the descriptors. Phenotypic diversity was moderately high for the traits (0.74). The highest diversity was found in the less developed genotypes followed by non‐oil genotypes. Pronounced associations in individual genotype groups and category traits, most notably for the maturity trait in the restorer line (RHA) oil group, resulted in both high association and diversity index values. The association test proved to be a useful addition to HOMALS analysis for determining the trait discriminative power. Adequate selection of traits used in germplasm evaluation can improve the efficiency of breeding programs, whereas the loss of variability could be lowered if diversity focused traits were used including leaf, seed, and certain flower traits, instead of only focusing on yield and quality.
Improving photosynthetic production in rice using integrated crop management in northeast China
Authors: Guo Xiaohong , Hu Yue , Jiang Hongfang , Lan Yuchen , Wang Heying , Xu Lingqi , Yin Dawei , Wang Haize , Zheng Guiping , Lv Yandong
Published: March 2020

Integrated crop management practices can improve rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain yield, but the effects of such practices on dry matter accumulation and photosynthetic productivity are inconsistent and not well understood. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of integrated crop management practices on dry matter accumulation and redistribution, photosynthetic production, and yield of rice in northeast China. Medium‐ and high‐yielding potential japonica rice cultivars were grown using four crop management practices, including no N application (N0), local farmers’ cultivation practice (FP), high‐yield cultivation practice (HYP), and super‐high‐yield cultivation practice (SHYP). The increases in average yield with the HYP and SHYP treatments were 16.87 and 36.70%, respectively, in 2017 and 14.70 and 31.05%, respectively, in 2018, compared with FP. Increases in effective panicle number and spikelet number per panicle were the main reason for the increase in yield under the integrated crop management treatments. Compared with FP, the HYP and SHYP treatments significantly increased the population dry matter by 26.40 and 56.64%, respectively, before the heading stage. Relative to N0 and FP, HYP and SHYP significantly increased the dry matter export, export rate, and translocation rate in the leaves, stems, and sheaths and significantly increased the photosynthetic potential throughout the growth stage and the net assimilation rate after the tillering stage. These increases were critical for improving the quality of rice and achieving higher yields. Our study provides a theoretical basis for the development of high‐yield cultivation methods for rice in northeast China.
Analyzing the performance of corn in China using a factor‐analytic variance‐covariance structure with multiple factors
Authors: Zhang Renhe , Han Dejun , Hu Xiyuan
Published: March 2020

For effective use of the factor‐analytic (FA) model in analyzing data from multi‐environmental trials (METs), we undertook an empirical study of data sets from the corn (Zea mays L.) performance trails in China to compare all FA models with possible number of factors. We found that for the variety main effects, the estimate, ranking, and test efficiency of contrast were compatible among the FA models with various numbers of factors. For the variety simple effects, the effect estimate, and hence the ranking, changed; the test efficiency of contrast and discrimination power increased with increasing number of factors as the number of factors was smaller than a specific number. With consideration of both test efficiency of contrast and discrimination power of varieties for the trials analyzed, about 10 could be chosen as the optimal number of factors of the FA model approach.
“Transpiration and crop yields” by C.T. de Wit, 1958, Institute of biological and chemical research of field crops and herbage, No. 64.6, Wageningen, the Netherlands
Authors: Sinclair Thomas R.
Published: March 2020

This article is part of a series of brief commentaries to highlight papers that have resulted in important and distinctly new perspectives in crop science. A criterion for selection of papers is that they must have been published at least 20 yr ago to allow for a long‐range perspective in assessment of the papers. The current article briefly reviews the paper by C.T. de Wit published in 1958 that explored the relationship between transpiration and crop growth. He organized his analysis data from experiments from a range of environments, many of which were done early in the 20th century. He found that there was a very high correlation within a species between growth and transpiration normalized for pan evaporation over a wide range of conditions, and the slope of the relationship was distinct for each species. He examined possible variation in the slope to growth conditions and found the slope remained essentially constant. Thus, he concluded that there was an intimate, stable dependence for each crop species on the amount of water lost and its growth.
Seismic demands on nonstructural components anchored to concrete accounting for structure‐fastener‐nonstructural interaction (SFNI)
Authors: Pürgstaller Andreas , Quintana Gallo Patricio , Pampanin Stefano , Bergmeister Konrad
Published: March 2020

This paper investigates the influence of the hysteretic shear behavior of postinstalled anchors in concrete on the seismic response of nonstructural components (NSCs) using numerical methods. The purpose of the investigation is to evaluate current design requirements for NSC and their anchorage. Current design guidelines and simplified methods, such as floor response spectra (FRS), typically approach the dynamics of the structure‐fastener‐NSC (SFN) system using simplified empirical formulae. These formulations decouple the structure from the NSC and neglect the behavior of the anchor connection, with the assumption of full rigidity. There is a lack of knowledge on the complex interaction between a host structure, the fastening system, and the NSC, herein referred to as structure‐fastener‐nonstructural interaction (SFNI). More specifically, it is important to investigate whether and how the actual hysteresis shear behavior that takes place in the anchorage could alter the seismic response of the SFN system and its components. Herein, the results of extensive nonlinear dynamic analyses (NLDA) with different models for the anchorage force‐displacement relationship are presented and compared with those obtained with FRS procedures and current code provisions. The anchor models include (a) linear‐elastic, (b) bilinear, and (c) a recently developed hysteresis rule. The results of the NLDA showed that the first two approaches are not able to reflect the behavior of an anchor loaded in dynamic shear. Moreover, when using the more refined hysteresis model, it appears that current code provisions might underestimate the component and anchor shear amplification factors for rigid NSC fixed to the host structure through anchors.
Leveraging operational information from wastewater injection wells to evaluate CO2 injection performance for carbon storage applications in the Appalachian Basin
Authors: Valluri Manoj , Sminchak Joel , Cumming Lydia , Main Joel , Larsen Glenn
Published: March 2020

Geologic parameters, geophysical logging, injection testing, and operational metrics from wastewater injection wells were integrated to develop a preliminary design of a carbon storage facility in the Appalachian Basin. A scattered group of 10–20 commercial wastewater injection wells dispose off produced water from oil and gas wells in the region, utilizing a sequence of stacked deep saline formations for injection zones. These wastewater injection wells provide practical benchmarks for understanding the feasibility of carbon dioxide (CO2) storage. Geologic models were developed based on characterization data from the wastewater injection wells. Reservoir simulations were calibrated according to injection testing and operational data from the wastewater injection wells. Long‐term operational data on injection flow rates and pressures measured in the wastewater injection wells were especially useful to evaluate the performance of carbon storage applications. The simulations were used to estimate injection pressures, radius of CO2 saturation, and pressure response for industrial scale CO2 storage applications. Results were also used to provide a design basis in terms of number of injection wells, well spacing, area of review, injection system components, monitoring plan, and CO2 pipeline distribution system. The analysis demonstrates that there is sufficient injectivity in the deep saline formations in the west‐central Appalachian Basin to store commercial volumes of anthropogenic CO2. The geologic system appears suitable for supporting CO2 injection rates of 0.5–1.0 million metric tons per year at injection pressures below formation fracture pressure in a single well. The long‐term operational data of wastewater injection wells within the study area suggested a lower permeability‐thickness values than indicated by initial reservoir tests. A workflow for developing realistic permeability values for input into reservoir simulations is presented. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RESPONSES OF SOIL WATER‐SALT VARIATION AND COTTON GROWTH TO DRIP IRRIGATION WITH SALINE WATER IN THE LOW PLAIN NEAR THE BOHAI SEA
Authors: Zhang Anqi , Zheng Chunlian , Li Kejiang , Dang Hongkai , Cao Caiyun , Rahma Abbas E. , Zhang Junpeng , Feng Di
Published: March 2020

To test the feasibility and sustainability of drip irrigation with saline water in the Low Plain near the Bohai Sea (BHLP) in North China, the effects of drip irrigation using saline water on soil water salt, cotton growth, seed cotton yield and fibre quality were conducted during 2017–2018. Five salinity levels of irrigation water were set up: 1.3, 5.4, 8.8, 12.4 and 15.9 dS m‾¹. Cotton evapotranspiration increased first and then decreased with increasing salinity of irrigation water. Soil ECe within the cotton root zone at each stage increased with greater salinity of irrigation water. After a 2‐year experiment soil desalination occurred in the main root layer (top 0–60 cm soil layer) when water salinity was less than 8.8 dS m‾¹. The significant (p < 0.05) decline of seedling establishment rate and seed cotton yield only occurred in 15.9 dS m‾¹ treatment in 2017 when saline water was drip irrigated right after sowing. Leaf area index and plant height were inhibited when irrigation water salinity was more than 12.4 dS m‾¹ in both years. Additionally, saline water irrigation had little effect on fibre quality. To avoid a secondary salinization risk in this region, water with the salinity level of ≤8.8 dS m‾¹ was recommended under drip irrigation. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence and predictors of psychological distress in congenital heart disease patients
Authors: Martínez‐Quintana Efrén , Girolimetti Angela , Jiménez‐Rodríguez Sara , Fraguela‐Medina Carla , Rodríguez‐González Fayna , Tugores Antonio
Published: March 2020

Objective

To determine psychological distress in congenital heart disease (CHD) patients.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study among consecutive CHD patients recruited from a single hospital outpatient clinic to determine anxiety and depression according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐nine CHD patients [29 (19–39) years old, 100 (59%) males] were studied. A total of 25% and 9% of CHD patients showed anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively. Patients with an HADS score ≥ 8 had a significantly worse New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, needed more psychological support, had more mental health history, and took more anxiolytic/antidepressant medication than the CHD patients with an HADS score below 8. A worse NYHA functional class [OR, 1.88 (1.01–3.52)] proved to be a predictor of a borderline/abnormal HADS score.

Conclusion

Psychological distress has a high prevalence among CHD patients and having an NYHA Class II and III is a significant predictor of an HADS score ≥ 8.
Importance of Tissue Selection for Genetic Testing: Detection of a Terminal 18q Deletion after Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Mainka Tina , Biskup Saskia , Kühn Andrea A. , Klein Christine , Lohmann Katja , Ganos Christos
Published: March 2020

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Discovery of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) Inhibitors by Ligand‐based Virtual High Throughput Screening
Authors: Selvam Chelliah , Mock Charlotta D. , Mathew Omana P. , Ranganna Kasturi , Thilagavathi Ramasamy
Published: March 2020

Virtual screening has become one of the important tools in the discovery of novel hits for the given target. The present study reports the successful application of ligand‐based virtual screening method for the discovery of novel vascular endothelial growth factor receptor‐2 (VEGFR‐2) inhibitors. We generated a ligand query model with pharmacophore features from the reported VEGFR‐2 inhibitors using vROCS tool and performed virtual screening. Among the 2.4 million lead like molecules of ZINC database screened, nineteen prioritized compounds were purchased from Enamine and ChemBridge and tested for VEGFR‐2 inhibitory activity using Promega's ADP‐Glo™ kinase assay. Experimental validation led to the discovery of four compounds 3, 7, 10, and 13. Compound 10 exhibited moderate inhibitory activity with the IC50 value of 19.3 μM. Molecular docking was performed for these compounds and the predicted binding modes reported in this paper may further guide to explore the possible structural changes to get more potent VEGFR‐2 inhibitors
Level‐set topology optimization for maximizing fracture resistance of brittle materials using phase‐field fracture model
Authors: Wu Chi , Fang Jianguang , Zhou Shiwei , Zhang Zhongpu , Sun Guangyong , Steven Grant P. , Li Qing
Published: March 2020

Fracture is one of the most common failure modes in brittle materials. It can drastically decrease material integrity and structural strength. To address this issue, we propose a level‐set (LS) based topology optimization procedure to optimize the distribution of reinforced inclusions within matrix materials subject to the volume constraint for maximizing structural resistance to fracture. A phase‐field fracture model is formulated herein to simulate crack initiation and propagation, in which a staggered algorithm is developed to solve such time‐dependent crack propagation problems. In line with diffusive damage of the phase‐field approach for fracture; topological derivatives, which provide gradient information for the topology optimization in a LS framework, are derived for fracture mechanics problems. A reaction‐diffusion equation is adopted to update the LS function within a finite element framework. This avoids the reinitialization by overcoming the limitation to time step with the Courant‐Friedrichs‐Lewy condition. In this article, three numerical examples, namely, a L‐shaped section, a rectangular slab with predefined cracks, and an all‐ceramic onlay dental bridge (namely, fixed partial denture), are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed LS based topology optimization for enhancing fracture resistance of multimaterial composite structures in a phase‐field fracture context.
The fragmentation patterns of maternal plasma cell‐free DNA and its applications in non‐invasive prenatal testing
Authors: Pan Min , Chen Pingsheng , Lu Jiafeng , Liu Zhiyu , Jia Erteng , Ge Qinyu
Published: March 2020

The discovery of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in maternal plasma has opened up new promises for the development of non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Application of cfDNA in NIPT of fetus diseases and abnormalities is restricted by the low amount of fetal DNA molecules in maternal plasma. Fetus‐derived cfDNA in maternal plasma are shorter than maternal DNA, thus leveraging the maternal and fetus‐derived cfDNA molecules size difference has become a novel and more accurate method for NIPT. However, multiple biological properties such as size distribution of plasma DNA, proportion of fetal‐derived DNA and methylation levels in maternal plasma across different gestational ages still remain largely unknown. Further insights into the size distribution and fragmentation pattern of circulating plasma cfDNA will shed light on the origin and fragmentation mechanisms of cfDNA during physiological and pathological processes in prenatal diseases and enhance our ability to take the advantage of plasma cfDNA as a molecular diagnostic tool. In the review, we start by summarizing the research techniques for the determination of the fragmentation profiles of cfDNA in maternal plasma. We then summarize the main progress and findings in size profiles of maternal plasma cfDNA and cffDNA. Finally, we discuss the potential diagnostic applications of plasma cfDNA size profiling.
Solid‐state grafting of maleic anhydride onto polypropylene: The influence of morphology of polypropylene on heterogeneous reaction
Authors: Kučera František , Petruš Josef , Bálková Radka , Jančář Josef
Published: March 2020

Polypropylene (PP) was modified with maleic anhydride (MAH) via heterogeneous solid‐state radical grafting performed in a fluidized polymerization reactor. The effect of PP morphology and different concentration of initiator (dibenzoyl peroxide, DBP) on the course of the reaction and grafting efficiency was evaluated with using infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle surface analysis (BET method). With respect to obtained results, the reaction course can be strongly affected by the reaction conditions and PP morphology. Unlike the reactive modification in melt, heterogeneous reaction exhibits lower extent of β‐scission albeit the reaction conversion is lower. Solid‐state grafting can be used as an alternative method for the surface modification of nonpolar surfaces with polar monomers under mild conditions.
Scripting the DSM‐5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders assessment procedure: A clinically feasible multi‐informant multi‐method approach
Authors: Weekers Laura C. , Hutsebaut Joost , Bach Bo , Kamphuis Jan H.
Published: March 2020

Published case studies on the DSM‐5 (section III) Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) generally utilized unstandardized assessment procedures or mono‐method approaches. We present a case from clinical practice to illustrate a standardized, clinically feasible procedure for assessing personality pathology according to the full AMPD model, using a multi‐method approach. We aim to present a procedure that can guide and inspire clinicians that are going to work with dimensional models as presented in DSM‐5 and ICD‐11. Specifically, we show how questionnaire and interview data from multiple sources (i.e. patient and family) can be combined. The clinical case also illustrates how Criterion A (i.e. functioning) and B (i.e. traits) are interrelated, suggesting that the joint assessment of both Criterion A and B is necessary for a comprehensive and clinically relevant case formulation. It also highlights how multi‐method information can enhance diagnostic formulations. Finally, we show how the AMPD model can serve treatment planning and provide suggestions for how patient feedback might be delivered. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lung ultrasound evaluation of incremental PEEP recruitment maneuver in children undergoing cardiac surgery
Authors: Sun Liping , Wu Lei , Zhang Kan , Tan Ruizhen , Bai Jie , Zhang Mazhong , Zheng Jijian
Published: March 2020

Aim

To explore the effect of incremental positive end‐expiratory pressure recruitment maneuver (iPEEPRM) in children with congenital heart diseases (CHDs) using lung ultrasound.

Methods

Thirty‐six children aged 3 months to 5 years scheduled for cardiac surgery participated. iPEEPRM was performed with PEEP stepwise increase (0‐5‐10‐15 cmH2O) and decrease at the same rate before and after surgery. Atelectatic areas, ultrasound scores, arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2), and respiratory system dynamic compliance per kilogram body weight (CDyn/kg) were analyzed before and after iPEEPRM. The primary outcome is the incidence of atelectasis. Secondary outcomes are oxygenation, ventilation, CDyn/kg, and atelectasis area.

Results

iPEEPRM was successfully applied in 92% (33/36) children before surgery and 71% (24/34) children after surgery. The incidence of atelectasis was significantly reduced by iPEEPRM from 76% to 15% before surgery and from 92% to 38% after surgery, respectively (P < .001). Before surgery, iPEEPRM significantly reduced atelectatic areas and ultrasound scores: 32.5 (0‐128.1) mm2 vs 0 (0‐0) mm2 and 8 (3‐12) vs 2 (0‐4). PaO2 and CDyn/kg were significantly increased after iPEEPRM: 243 (129‐275) mm Hg vs 278 (207‐323) mm Hg and 0.6 (0.4‐0.7) mL/cmH2O/kg vs 0.8 (0.6‐1.0) mL/cmH2O/kg. After surgery, iPEEPRM significantly reduced atelectatic areas and ultrasound scores: 45.7 (13.1‐115.8) mm2 vs 0 (0‐34.7) mm2, and 9 (6‐12) vs 3 (0‐5). PaO2 and CDyn/kg were also significantly increased after iPEEPRM.

Conclusions

iPEEPRM effectively reduced atelectasis, improved lung aeration, oxygenation, and CDyn/kg in children undergoing cardiac surgery.
A comprehensive review on ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers.
Authors: Rao A. S. , Yadav S. S. , Singh Priya , Nandal Abhishek , Singh Neetu , Ganaie S. A. , Yadav Neelam , Kumar Rajesh , Bhandoria M. S. , Bansal Pradeep
Published: March 2020

Tephrosia purpurea (L.) Pers. is a well‐known plant in Ayurveda and named “Sarwa wranvishapaka” for its property to heal wounds. Traditionally, it is practiced for impotency, asthma, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, syphilis gonorrhea, rheumatism, enlargement of kidney and spleen. It is an important component of herbal preparations like Tephroli and Yakrifti used to cure liver disorders. Various phytocompounds including pongamol, purpurin, purpurenone, tephrosin, bulnesol, tephrostachin, β‐sitosterol, and so on have been reported. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that the plant have wound healing, antileishmanial, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antifertility, antispermatogenic, anti‐diarrheal, diuretic, and insecticidal properties. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory action reported from this plant aids its utilization for the development of drugs for Alzheimer's and dementia neurological disorders. Among the known active compounds of T. purpurea, tephrostachin is responsible for antiplasmodial activity, tephrosin, pongaglabol, and semiglabrin exerts antiulcer activity while quercetin, rutin, β‐sitosterol, and lupeol are mainly responsible for its anti‐inflammatory and anti‐cancer properties. From different toxicological studies, concentrations up to 2,000 mg/kg were considered safe. The present review comprehensively summarizes the ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of T. purpurea. Further research on elucidation of the structure–function relationship among active compounds, understanding of multi‐target network pharmacology and clinical applications will intensify its therapeutic potential.
Extending the scope of configuration management for the development and life cycle support of systems of systems—An ontology‐driven framework applied to the Enceladus Submarine Exploration Lander
Authors: Kossmann Mario , Samhan Ahmad , Odeh Mohammed , Qaddoumi Eman , Tbakhi AbdelGhani , Watts Stephen
Published: March 2020

Increasingly complex systems of systems (SoS) have to be developed in ever shorter times‐to‐market at reduced costs and with high reliability. In addition, as the life cycle of such SoS frequently spans across several decades, customer expectations and market conditions will evolve. Systems engineering (SE)/model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) and configuration management (CM) need to be ever more closely integrated to appropriately address this situation. CM as a discipline is essential for establishing traceability and controlling baseline evolutions between all the relevant pieces of information resulting from the related system life cycle processes of all constituent systems of such SoS; but for this to work, the scope of CM must be extended both throughout the entire life cycle and across all participating monolithic systems. New frameworks are needed to effectively and efficiently apply CM across SoS arrangements. This paper proposes an ontology‐based, federative approach to managing the inherent complexity of CM in the context of SoS, with particular focus on a change management framework for SoS. Examples from a conceptual system that is concerned with the submarine exploration of Enceladus as part of the “Saturn exploration system” are used to demonstrate typical SE/MBSE artifacts and how CM needs to address them across the involved operational and enabling systems.
Removal of organic pollutants by contact oxidation of biological carbon sludge
Authors: Song Wuchang , Ren Yanglong , Jia Ruibao , Zhao Liang , Chen Faming , Zhu Zhaoliang
Published: March 2020

A pilot‐scale (5 m3/day) study was conducted for the treatment of micro‐polluted low‐turbidity water using a biological contact oxidation high‐density sedimentation tank system with biochar sludge. First, the best operating conditions were found through system debugging; then, biological characteristics were investigated during system debugging; and finally, the performance in terms of pollutant elimination was investigated. The carbon sludge tank biomass was stable, which provided good stability for the removal of organic matter in raw water. The average reduction in absorbance of UV254 and total organic carbon were 36.71% and 29.63%, respectively, when compared with conventional coagulation. The adsorption and degradation of the mixture comprising carbon and sludge played an important role in removing organic pollutants; most of the humic and fulvic acid content of the water was removed during the coagulation processes.

Practitioner points

The contact oxidation of biological carbon sludge system can effectively treat low‐turbidity water.

The extracellular polymeric substances and the filamentous bacteria connecting the structure provided good settling for the carbon sludge mixture.

The adsorption and degradation of the mixture comprising carbon and sludge played an important role in removing organic pollutants.

With the carbon sludge reflux, organic matter with molecular weight >30K and 10K–3K was greatly reduced.

The contact oxidation of biological carbon sludge system was successful in reducing the concentrations of DBPs and their precursors.
A Lower Density Operator for the Borel Algebra
Authors: Balcerzak Marek , Gła̧b Szymon
Published: March 2020

We prove that the existence of a Borel lower density operator (a Borel lifting) with respect to the $$\sigma $$σ-ideal of countable sets, for an uncountable Polish space, is equivalent to CH. One of the implications is known (due to K. Musiał) and the remaining implication is derived from a general abstract result dealing with the negation of GCH. We observe that there is no lower density Borel operator with respect to the $$\sigma $$σ-ideal of countable sets, whose range is of bounded level in the Borel hierarchy.
The impact of the MIB-1 index on facial nerve outcomes in vestibular schwannoma surgery
Authors: Wach Johannes , Brandecker Simon , Güresir Agi , Schuss Patrick , Vatter Hartmut , Güresir Erdem
Published: March 2020

Background

Facial nerve palsy is a severe morbid condition that occurs after vestibular schwannoma (VS) surgery. The objective of this study was to evaluate facial nerve outcomes based on surgical techniques, tumour size, and immunohistochemical factors.

Methods

One hundred eighteen patients with VS were retrospectively analysed. Gross total resection (GTR) was achieved in 83 patients, and subtotal resection (STR) was achieved in 35 patients. Follow-up was 60 months (median). Facial nerve outcomes were assessed for 24 months after surgery. Analysis of the MIB-1 index was performed in 114 patients (97%) to evaluate recurrence and facial nerve outcomes.

Results

Immediately after surgery, 16 of 35 patients (45.7%) with STR and 21 of 83 patients (25.3%) with GTR had a good (House-Brackmann (HB) score ≤ 2) facial nerve outcome (p = 0.029). Semi-sitting positioning (p = 0.002) and tumour size class of 3 (> 4 cm) were also associated with worse HB outcomes after 2 years (p = 0.004) in univariate analyses. The MIB-1 index was significantly correlated with diffuse infiltration of tumour-associated CD45+ lymphocytes (r = 0.63, p = 0.015) and CD68+ macrophages (r = 0.43, p = 0.021). ROC analysis found an AUC of 0.73 (95% CI = 0.60–0.86, p = 0.003) for the MIB-1 index in predicting poor facial nerve outcomes. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed an MIB-1 index ≥ 5% (16/28 (57.1%) vs. 5/40 (12.5%); p < 0.001, OR = 14.0, 95% CI = 3.2–61.1) and a tumour size class of 3 (6/8 (75.0%) vs. 2/8 (25.0%); p = 0.01, OR = 14.56, 95% CI = 1.9–113.4) were predictors of poor HB scores (≥ 3) after 1 year.

Conclusions

An MIB-1 index ≥ 5% seems to predict worse long-term facial nerve outcomes in VS surgery.