bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Z‐scores unite pairwise indices of ecological similarity and association for binary data
Authors: Keil Petr
Published: November 2019

Pairwise ecological resemblance, which includes compositional similarity between sites (beta diversity), or associations between species (co‐occurrence), can be measured by >70 indices. Classical examples for presence–absence data are Jaccard index or C‐score. These can be expressed using contingency table matching components a, b, c, and d—the joint presences, presences at only one site/species, and joint absences. Using simulations of point patterns for two species with known magnitude of association, I demonstrate that most of the indices converge to a similar value and they describe the simulated association almost identically, as long as they are calculated as a Z‐score, that is, as deviation of the index from a null expectation. Further, I show that Z‐scores estimate resemblance on average better than raw forms of the indices, particularly in the face of confounding effects of spatial scale and conspecific aggregation. Finally, I show that any single of the matching components, when expressed as Z‐score, can be used as an index that performs as good as the classical indices; this also includes joint absences. All this simplifies selection of the right resemblance index, it underscores the advantage of expressing resemblance as deviation from a null expectation, and it revives the potential of joint absences as a meaningful ecological quantity.
Reactive Milling Induced Structure Changes in Phenylphosphonic Acid Functionalized LiMn2O4 Nanocrystals – Synthesis, Rietveld Refinement, and Thermal Stability
Authors: Becker Dennis , Haberkorn Robert , Kickelbick Guido
Published: November 2019

Spinel LiMn2O4 formed in a solid‐state reaction was treated with a high energy planetary ball mill. A mechanochemical in situ surface functionalization of the nanocrystallites with a size smaller than 10 nm was achieved by addition of phenylphosphonic acid. The functionalization was proven by infrared spectroscopy and it can be shown that it prevents the formation of Mn2O3 during the milling process. Structural changes of the samples were investigated via XRD and Rietveld refinement. Mild milling conditions induce an anisotropic broadening of the reflections caused by a distribution of lattice parameters. In this first stage, we propose a structure model based on orthorhombic LiMn2O4. DSC and in situ XRD measurements also verify the presence of the orthorhombic low temperature phase. Medium milling conditions induce a change of intensities, correlated to a cation disorder. Harsher milling conditions induce the transformation to a tetragonal phase. The thermal stability of the formed phases was investigated via in situ high temperature XRD. The reformation of cubic spinel is observed in all samples; however, the transition point depends on the previous milling parameters.
On the Virtue of Indium in Reduction Reactions. A Comparison of Reductions Mediated by Indium and Zinc: Is Indium Metal an Effective Catalyst for Zinc Induced Reductions?
Authors: Matassini Camilla , Bonanni Marco , Marradi Marco , Cicchi Stefano , Goti Andrea
Published: November 2019

Indium(0)‐mediated reductions have been reported for the transformation of several functional groups (imines, oximes, nitro groups, isoxazolidines, and conjugated alkenes, among others), prompted by the opportunity of performing the reactions in aqueous media and green conditions. We describe here the comparison of several reactions using indium or the less expensive zinc, carried out in order to evaluate the effective advantages brought about indium metal. We found some reactions for which use of In is mandatory and others where Zn worked equally well or even better. The reduction of hydroxylamines to the corresponding amines was the only reduction for which use of In provided much better results than Zn and was also possible to apply an efficient catalytic version with use of 2–5 mol‐% In in the presence of stoichiometric Zn. Applicability of this catalytic reduction to “one‐pot” model processes is also demonstrated.
The Split Primer Ligation‐triggered 8‐17 DNAzyme Assisted Cascade Rolling Circle Amplification for High Specific Detection of Liver Cancer‐involved mRNAs: TK1 and c‐myc
Authors: Dai Shiyan , Zhou Yuting , Dai Peiqing , Cheng Guifang , He Pingang , Fang Yuzhi
Published: November 2019

Simultaneous detection of various intracellular biomarkers is promising for early diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Herein, we develop a novel method for high specific and ultrasensitive detection of liver cancer cell‐involved mRNAs: TK1 and c‐myc based on the split primer ligation‐triggered 8‐17 DNAzyme assisted cascade rolling circle amplification. Only two targets exist simultaneously, can trigger the rolling circle amplification to improve the accuracy and sensitivity. Meanwhile, an electrochemical molecular beacon, based on the host‐guest recognition between ferrocene groups and cucurbit urils [7] (CB[7]/Fc‐MB), is used to cause a “turn‐off” electrochemical signal which is decreased by disrupting its hairpin structure. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limit of TK1 and c‐myc mRNA is as low as 0.06 nM. Moreover, this method can be used to detect the TK1 and c‐myc mRNA in HepG2 cells and distinguish between cancer cells and their normal cells, proving that the method has the potential to detect the variation of biomarkers in vivo.
Inequality of childhood undernutrition in Bangladesh: A decomposition approach
Authors: Sarker Abdur Razzaque , Sultana Marufa , Sheikh Nurnabi , Akram Raisul , Ali Nausad , Mahumud Rashidul Alam , Alam Khorshed , Morton Alec
Published: November 2019

Background

Undernutrition is one of the major public health concerns in Bangladesh. This study examined the trends and patterns of childhood undernutrition, inequality, and its socioeconomic contributors in Bangladesh.

Methods

Data were extracted from the last four rounds of the Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey (BDHS). A regression‐based decomposition method was applied to assess the socioeconomic contributors of inequality.

Results

Although the prevalence of childhood undernutrition has declined during the period 2004 to 2014, the rate of undernutrition is higher among the children of mothers who had lower education, live in rural areas, and are from the poorest wealth quintile. Socioeconomic status accounted for almost half of the total inequality in the prevalence of both stunting and underweight among children, whereas maternal education was ranked second among the contributors.

Conclusions

Findings of the study indicate that undernutrition inequalities in terms of socioeconomic aspects appear to have widened over time. Improving economic activity and maternal education will improve the nutritional status of children and as a consequence reduce inequality. Therefore, investments in education, creation of working opportunities, and empowerment of vulnerable and disadvantaged people along with nutrition‐specific interventions will be important measures to eliminate this inequality at the population level.
Impacts of climate variability and landscape pattern change on evapotranspiration in a grassland landscape mosaic
Authors: Yu Deyong , Li Xiaoyuan , Cao Qian , Hao Ruifang , Qiao Jianmin
Published: November 2019

Evapotranspiration (ET), a key component of the hydrological cycle, affects the transport of water and energy in the soil–vegetation–atmosphere system. Thus, quantifying the driving forces of ET dynamics is important to ensure rational water resource utilization. Based on meteorological and satellite data, spatiotemporal dynamics of ET were detected using the Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) model, and effects of climate variability and landscape pattern change on ET dynamics in an arid to semiarid landscape mosaic during the growing season (April‐October) from 2001 to 2015 in Xilingol League, China were evaluated. The results indicated that (a) a significant increase (P < .05) in ET was found in the north‐eastern Xilingol League, and a significant decrease (P < .05) in ET was confined to the southwest and (b) climate variability had significant effects on ET dynamics. All climatic factors showed a positive correlation relationship with ET dynamics, and mean temperature (Ta) was the most influential climatic factor on ET dynamics followed by relative humidity (Rh), wind speed (Ws), and precipitation (Pr), respectively. The influence of landscape pattern change on ET dynamics was mainly reflected in the increase of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) promoting ET dynamics. Several other landscape pattern metrics also had important impacts on ET dynamics, which were mainly reflected in the positive effect of the aggregation index (AI) on ET dynamics and the negative effects of the largest patch index (LPI), edge density (ED), and percentage of landscape (PLAND) on ET dynamics. To promote effective water resource utilization, landscape managers should continue to moderately implement vegetation restoration projects such as the Grain for Green Project, orient with conversion of low‐quality cropland into grassland, and conserve large areas of grassland. Appropriate management measures for forests and cropland scattered in the landscape mosaic, based on local climate and soil properties, as well as socioeconomic goals, are also required.
Exosome loaded alginate hydrogel promotes tissue regeneration in full‐thickness skin wounds: An in vivo study
Authors: Shafei Shilan , Khanmohammadi Mehdi , Heidari Reza , Ghanbari Hossein , Taghdiri Nooshabadi Vajihe , Farzamfar Saeed , Akbariqomi Mostafa , Sanikhani Nafiseh S. , Absalan Moloud , Tavoosidana Gholamreza
Published: November 2019

Wound healing is known as one of the most complicated biological processes for injured skin caused by surgical, trauma, burns, or diabetic diseases, which causes a nonfunctioning mass of fibrotic tissue. Recent reports have suggested that exosomes (EXOs) secreted by this type of stem cells may contribute to their paracrine effect. In this study, the EXOs were isolated from the supernatant of cultured adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) via ultracentrifugation and filtration. The EXO loaded in the alginate‐based hydrogel was used as a bioactive scaffold to preserve the EXO in the wound site in the animal model. The physical and biochemical properties of EXO loaded Alg hydrogel were characterized and results proved that fabricated structure was biodegradable and biocompatible. This bioactive wound dressing technique has significantly improved wound closure, collagen synthesis, and vessel formation in the wound area. Results offer a new viewpoint and a cell‐free therapeutic strategy, for wound healing through the application of the composite structure of EXO encapsulated in alginate hydrogel.
CYP3A4 and microRNA‐122 are involved in the apoptosis of HepG2 cells induced by ILs 1‐decyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide
Authors: Li Ai‐Ling , Gao Shan‐Shan , Guo Meng‐Long , Jing Chang‐Qin
Published: November 2019

Ionic liquids (ILs) as green alternatives for volatile organic solvents are increasingly used in commercial applications. It is necessary to explore the cytotoxic mechanism of ILs to reduce the risk to human health. For this purpose, cell viability, apoptosis, cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), glucose transporter type 2 (GLUT2), and microRNA‐122 (miR‐122) gene expression in HepG2 cells was evaluated after IL exposure. The results showed that ILs reduced the viability of HepG2 cells through apoptotic cell death. Moreover, ILs markedly upregulated the transcription and protein levels of CYP3A4, but did not affect the expression of GLUT2 in either messenger RNA level or protein level. Finally, ILs increased the expression of miR‐122 and inhibition of miR‐122 with miR‐122 inhibitor blocked ILs‐induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells. This finding may contribute to an increased understanding of the in vitro molecular toxicity mechanism of ILs to further understand IL‐related human health risks.
Exosomes: New insights into cancer mechanisms
Authors: Sahebi Reza , Langari Hadis , Fathinezhad Zohre , Bahari Sani Zahra  , Avan Amir , Ghayour Mobarhan Majid  , Rezayi Majid
Published: November 2019

Exosomes are mobile extracellular vesicles with a diameter 40 to 150 nm. They play a critical role in several processes such as the development of cancers, intercellular signaling, drug resistance mechanisms, and cell‐to‐cell communication by fusion onto the cell membrane of recipient cells. These vesicles contain endogenous proteins and both noncoding and coding RNAs (microRNA and messenger RNAs) that can be delivered to various types of cells. Furthermore, exosomes exist in body fluids such as plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, and urine. Therefore, they could be used as a novel carrier to deliver therapeutic nucleic‐acid drugs for cancer therapy. It was recently documented that, hypoxia promotes exosomes secretion in different tumor types leading to the activation of vascular cells and angiogenesis. Cancer cell‐derived exosomes (CCEs) have been used as prognostic and diagnostic markers in many types of cancers because exosomes are stable at 4°C and −70°C. CCEs have many functional roles in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and invasion. Consequently, this review presents the data about the therapeutic application of exosomes and the role of CCEs in cancer invasion, drug resistance, and metastasis.
Modularity as a universal emergent property of biological traits
Authors: West‐Eberhard Mary Jane
Published: November 2019

An emergent property of an entity is one that results from the organization or interaction of its components. Here I argue that modularity (discreteness) is a universal emergent property of organismic traits that results from the universal bounded responsiveness, to inputs (e.g., genomic or environmental), of the phenotype at all levels of organization. While degree of modularity is variable and may be subject to change under selection, I argue that the consequences of modularity, such as the evolvability of modular traits (e.g., due to their somewhat independent expression and selection; and their potential for expression in new combinations) are not responsible for the existence of modularity itself. I discuss some other views of modularity in biology; and the related idea that increased complexity (e.g., increased numbers of kinds of modular traits) is a product of selection. I argue that emergent properties characterize innovative phenotypes at their origin. When emergent properties occur at more than one level of phenotypic organization, they sometimes lead to confusion due to confounding levels of organization with levels of selection, as has occurred in discussions of group selection in the evolution of sociality. Phenotypes, whose environmental sensitivity and (emergent) properties are emphasized here, seem likely to assume increasing importance as biology moves toward a better understanding of the genome as agent of both the transmission and the expression of traits.
Genetic counselors’ attitudes toward and practice related to psychiatric genetic counseling
Authors: Booke Stephanie , Austin Jehannine , Calderwood Laurel , Campion MaryAnn
Published: November 2019

Despite the high demand for psychiatric genetic counseling among people with psychiatric conditions (>90%), surveys show that genetic counselors rarely receive primary referrals for psychiatric cases. The purpose of this study was to further investigate potential barriers to the provision of psychiatric genetic counseling services, focusing specifically on the prevalence and impact of psychiatric stigmatization among genetic counselors. Board‐certified, practicing genetic counselors were invited to participate in an anonymous survey via the National Society of Genetic Counselors. Survey measures included a validated psychiatric stigmatization scale (OMS‐HC) and questions assaying genetic counselors’ experiences with and opinions of psychiatric genetic counseling. Associations between psychiatric stigmatization and attitudes toward and practice related to psychiatric genetic counseling were computed using Pearson's correlation. The majority of respondents believed that psychiatric genetic counseling is of value to families (94%) and that it is indicated if there is a relevant personal or family history (90.3%), but only 44.6% reported providing this service. On average, respondents scored neutrally on psychiatric stigma scales; however, higher stigma levels were associated with less frequent psychiatric discussions (p = .05), less counselor comfort and perceived qualification (p = .003) and perceptions of having insufficient psychiatric genetic data (p < .02), resources (p < .02) and time (p < .03). This study suggests that the limits of psychiatric genetics research and unavailability of genetic testing lead many genetic counselors to doubt the utility of psychiatric genetic counseling. Should this mindset persist, without the intervention of psychiatric education and training, the field of genetic counseling risks continuing to inadequately serve a historically underserved population.
A variant of the Erdős‐Sós conjecture
Authors: Havet Frédéric , Reed Bruce , Stein Maya , Wood David R.
Published: November 2019

A well‐known conjecture of Erdős and Sós states that every graph with average degree exceeding contains every tree with edges as a subgraph. We propose a variant of this conjecture, which states that every graph of maximum degree exceeding and minimum degree at least contains every tree with edges. As evidence for our conjecture we show (a) for every there is a such that the weakening of the conjecture obtained by replacing the first by holds, and (b) there is a such that the weakening of the conjecture obtained by replacing by holds.
Isometric copies of directed trees in orientations of graphs
Authors: Banakh Taras , Idzik Adam , Pikhurko Oleg , Protasov Igor , Pszczoła Krzysztof
Published: November 2019

The isometric Ramsey number of a family of digraphs is the smallest number of vertices in a graph such that any orientation of the edges of contains every member of in the distance‐preserving way. We observe that the isometric Ramsey number of a finite family of finite acyclic digraphs is always finite, and present some bounds in special cases. For example, we show that the isometric Ramsey number of the family of all oriented trees with vertices is at most .
Cycle decompositions of pathwidth‐6 graphs
Authors: Fuchs Elke , Gellert Laura , Heinrich Irene
Published: November 2019

Hajós' conjecture asserts that a simple Eulerian graph on vertices can be decomposed into at most cycles. The conjecture is only proved for graph classes in which every element contains vertices of degree 2 or 4. We develop new techniques to construct cycle decompositions. They work on the common neighborhood of two degree‐6 vertices. With these techniques, we find structures that cannot occur in a minimal counterexample to Hajós' conjecture and verify the conjecture for Eulerian graphs of pathwidth at most 6. This implies that these graphs satisfy the small cycle double cover conjecture.
Toward Cereceda's conjecture for planar graphs
Authors: Eiben Eduard , Feghali Carl
Published: November 2019

The reconfiguration graph of the ‐colorings of a graph has as vertex set the set of all possible ‐colorings of and two colorings are adjacent if they differ on the color of exactly one vertex. Cereceda conjectured 10 years ago that, for every ‐degenerate graph on vertices, has diameter . The conjecture is wide open, with a best known bound of , even for planar graphs. We improve this bound for planar graphs to . Our proof can be transformed into an algorithm that runs in time.
Reticular pattern around superior mesenteric artery in computed tomography imaging predicting poor prognosis of pancreatic head cancer
Authors: Kato Tomotaka , Ban Daisuke , Tateishi Ukihide , Ogura Toshiro , Ogawa Kosuke , Ono Hiroaki , Mitsunori Yusuke , Kudo Atsushi , Tanaka Shinji , Tanabe Minoru
Published: November 2019

Background

Some patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) demonstrate a reticular pattern around the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in computed tomography scans. This study aimed to clarify the clinical significance of the reticular pattern in pancreatic head cancer.

Methods

A total of 91 patients with pancreatic head cancer, who underwent upfront pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2004 and 2017, were included. Patients without reticular pattern (Non‐group, n = 39); with reticular pattern around SMA (Ret‐group, n = 39); and with soft tissue contact (Soft‐group, n = 13) were compared.

Results

Median overall survival (OS) of patients in the Ret‐group was significantly worse than that in the Non‐group (21.3 vs. 57.0 months; P < 0.001) and equivalent to that in the Soft‐group. In the multivariate analysis, reticular pattern and high CA19‐9 levels were identified as independent predictors of OS. Microscopically, only fibrotic thickenings were identified corresponding to the reticular pattern areas, and no difference in the frequency of early local recurrence was noted between the Non and Ret‐groups. Lymphovascular invasion was significantly different between the two groups; furthermore, early distant recurrence was more frequent in the Ret‐group.

Conclusions

The reticular pattern around SMA is an important prognostic factor related to frequent distant recurrence in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Pharmacokinetics of 10‐hydroxycamptothecin–tetrandrine liposome complexes in rat by a simple and sensitive ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Shuang Ruonan , Wang Mengdi , Mao Juanling , Zou Jiamei , Ping Yuhui
Published: November 2019

10‐Hydroxycamptothecin is a drug to cure various cancers. However, the 10‐hydroxycamptothecin cannot be widely applied in clinics due to fast elimination and resistance of various cancers to the drug. Nevertheless, co‐treatment with tetrandine is known to reverse the resistance of multi‐drug resistant cancers, and may present an effective strategy to improve the efficacy of 10‐hydroxycamptothecin. In order to improve the bioavailability and prolong the treatment time of the 10‐hydroxycamptothecin in vivo, we prepared 10‐hydroxycamptothecin‐tetrandrine liposome complexes with 10‐hydroxycamptothecin as the basic anticancer drug, tetrandrine and liposomes as carriers. In this article, an ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the analysis of 10‐hydroxycamptothecin and tetrandrine in plasma has been developed, validated, and utilized to compare the pharmacokinetics of both drugs in the original dosage form and administered as liposome complexes. According to the pharmacokinetic parameters of mean residence time, half‐life period and clearance rate, the 10‐hydroxycamptothecin‐tetrandrine liposome complexes prolongs the retention and circulation time of 10‐hydroxycamptothecin in vivo, achieving a good sustained release effect. To the best of our current knowledge, the pharmacokinetic properties of 10‐hydroxycamptothecin‐tetrandrine liposome complexes in rats have not been reported yet. Our study can provide a helpful reference for further related study.
Diarylbiindolinones as Substituent‐Tunable Mechanochromophores and Their Application in Mechanochromic Polymers
Authors: Kawasaki Kazuma , Aoki Daisuke , Otsuka Hideyuki
Published: November 2019

The synthesis and characterization of a series of diarylbiindolinone derivatives as substituent‐tunable mechanochromophores that generate pink carbon‐centered radicals in response to mechanical stimuli are reported. The changes in mechano‐responsiveness, which result from the introduction of various substituents on the diarylbiindolinone skeleton, are systematically studied and mechanochromic polymers that contain such diarylbiindolinone units are developed.
Importance of Sample Gear in the Identification of Trophic Guilds and Forage Species in a Large Lagoonal Estuary
Authors: Binion-Rock Samantha M. , Buckel Jeffrey A. , Rock Jason E. , West Katy , Paramore Lee M.
Published: November 2019

Food habits in Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, are poorly described despite the estuary's large size and importance as nursery and fisheries habitat. We conducted the first multi-year, multispecies food habits study in Pamlico Sound, sampling the stomach contents of 16,913 predators representing 25 species. Predators were sampled from fisheries-independent trawl and gill-net surveys. We used multivariate analyses to compare diets between surveys, used agglomerative hierarchical cluster analyses and similarity profiles to identify significant trophic guilds, and identified forage fish using multiple approaches (qualitative classification criteria, connectance, and supportive role to fishery ecosystems [SURF]). The diets of predators sampled from the trawl survey were significantly different than predators sampled from the gill-net survey. Mysids and anchovies were more important for trawl-caught predators, with the majority of those predators belonging to nonpiscivorous guilds. Half of the gill-net survey predators were piscivorous and relied more heavily on Atlantic Menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus and sciaenids. Differences in the level of piscivory between the surveys are most likely a result of larger predators being sampled in gill nets relative to trawls. There was little agreement among approaches in forage species identification, and only anchovies in the trawl survey were identified as a forage species using all approaches. Quantitative metrics identified forage species (e.g., Spot Leiostomus xanthurus and invertebrates) that were not identified by qualitative classification criteria. Our work shows the effect of gear size selection on estimates of predator diets and the need to use a variety of gears that sample a wide range of predator sizes. Additionally, the identification of forage species requires an evaluation of criteria outside of life history characteristics and a greater emphasis on the contribution of a prey species to a predator's diet.
Perturbed spiral real‐time phase‐contrast MR with compressive sensing reconstruction for assessment of flow in children
Authors: Kowalik Grzegorz Tomasz , Knight Daniel , Steeden Jennifer Anne , Muthurangu Vivek
Published: November 2019

Purpose

we implemented a golden‐angle spiral phase contrast sequence. A commonly used uniform density spiral and a new ‘perturbed’ spiral that produces more incoherent aliases were assessed. The aim was to ascertain whether greater incoherence enabled more accurate Compressive Sensing reconstruction and superior measurement of flow and velocity.

Methods

A range of ‘perturbed’ spiral trajectories based on a uniform spiral trajectory were formulated. The trajectory that produced the most noise‐like aliases was selected for further testing. For in‐silico and in‐vivo experiments, data was reconstructed using total Variation L1 regularisation in the spatial and temporal domains. In‐silico, the reconstruction accuracy of the ‘perturbed’ golden spiral was compared to uniform density golden‐angle spiral. For the in‐vivo experiment, stroke volume and peak mean velocity were measured in 20 children using ‘perturbed’ and uniform density golden‐angle spiral sequences. These were compared to a reference standard gated Cartesian sequence.

Results

In‐silico, the perturbed spiral acquisition produced more accurate reconstructions with less temporal blurring (NRMSE ranging from 0.03 to 0.05) than the uniform density acquisition (NRMSE ranging from 0.06 to 0.12). This translated in more accurate results in‐vivo with no significant bias in the peak mean velocity (bias: −0.1, limits: −4.4 to 4.1 cm/s;P= 0.98) or stroke volume (bias: −1.8, limits: −9.4 to 5.8 ml,P= 0.19).

Conclusion

We showed that a ‘perturbed’ golden‐angle spiral approach is better suited to Compressive Sensing reconstruction due to more incoherent aliases. This enabled accurate real‐time measurement of flow and peak velocity in children.
Propeller echo‐planar time‐resolved imaging with dynamic encoding (PEPTIDE)
Authors: Fair Merlin J. , Wang Fuyixue , Dong Zijing , Reese Timothy G. , Setsompop Kawin
Published: November 2019

Purpose

To develop a motion‐robust extension to the recently developed echo‐planar time‐resolved imaging (EPTI) approach, referred to as PROPELLER EPTI with dynamic encoding (PEPTIDE), by incorporating rotations into the rapid, multishot acquisition to enable shot‐to‐shot motion correction.

Methods

Echo‐planar time‐resolved imaging is a multishot EPI‐based approach that allows extremely rapid acquisition of distortion‐free and blurring‐free multicontrast imaging and quantitative mapping. By combining k‐space encoding rotations into the EPTI sampling strategy to repeatedly sample the low‐resolution k‐space center, PEPTIDE enables significant tolerance to shot‐to‐shot motion and B0 phase variations. Retrospective PEPTIDE data sets are created through a combination of in vivo EPTI data sets with rotationally acquired protocols, to enable direct comparison of the 2 methods and their robustness to identical motion. The PEPTIDE data sets are also prospectively acquired and again compared with EPTI, in the presence of true subject motion.

Results

The PEPTIDE approach is shown to be motion‐robust to even severe subject motion (demonstrated > 30° in‐plane rotation, alongside translational and through‐plane motion), while maintaining the rapid encoding benefits of the EPTI technique. The technique enables accurate quantitative maps to be calculated from even severe motion data sets. While the performance of the motion correction depends on the type and severity of motion encountered, in all cases PEPTIDE significantly increases image quality in the presence of motion comparative to conventional EPTI.

Conclusion

The newly developed PEPTIDE technique combines a high degree of motion tolerance into the EPTI framework, enabling highly rapid acquisition of distortion‐free and blurring‐free images at multiple TEs in the presence of motion.
Relationships between the Advanced Nursing Process quality and nurses' and patient' characteristics: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Leoni‐Scheiber Claudia , Mayer Hanna , Müller‐Staub Maria
Published: November 2019

Aim

This study aimed to assess (a) nurses' knowledge and their attitude towards the Advanced Nursing Process—nursing assessment, diagnoses, interventions, outcomes, (b) the quality of the Advanced Nursing Process and (c) relationships with patient characteristics.

Design

A cross‐sectional, descriptive correlational study was performed.

Methods

Ninety‐two registered nurses and ninety nursing records of six hospital wards were included. In January 2016, a knowledge test, a self‐assessment tool for measuring nurses' attitude (PND) and the Quality of Diagnoses, Interventions and Outcomes Revised instrument (Q‐DIO R) were applied. The correlations between nurses' knowledge, attitude, patient characteristics, organizational factors and the Advanced Nursing Process quality were investigated.

Results

Nurses demonstrated low levels of knowledge, positive attitudes and an average Advanced Nursing Process quality. Accurate nursing diagnoses were strong and highly significantly related to effective nursing interventions and better nursing‐sensitive patient outcomes. A higher proportion of registered nurses was related to better nursing outcomes.
Assessing the impact of climate change on Indian agriculture: Evidence from major crop yields
Authors: Guntukula Raju
Published: November 2019

This study empirically examines the effect of climate change on the yields of primary food as well as non‐food crops in India. The present study uses annual time‐series data of seven major crops such as rice, wheat, pulses, rapeseeds and mustard, cotton, sugarcane, and groundnut for 58 years (1961–20 17) to assess the influence climatic variables namely rainfall, maximum, and minimum temperatures on crop yields. The empirical findings of the study indicate that a significant effect on major crop yields from rainfall, maximum and minimum temperatures, but the level of impact varies across the crops studied. A rise in rainfall has an adverse effect on food crops except for pulses, however it has a positive relationship with non‐food crops throughout the study period. Further, the average maximum temperature has a positive influence on food and non‐food crops excluding rice. The average minimum temperature has an adverse impact on non‐food crops, but it has a positive association with food crops. The adverse effects of climatic factors on crop yields may be likely to pose severe implications for food and nutritional security. Conclusively, this study recommends taking adaptation activities to cope with the adverse impacts of climate change.
Combatting corruption in Kazakhstan: A role for ethics commissioners?
Authors: Janenova Saltanat , Knox Colin
Published: November 2019

Central Asian countries have, since gaining independence in 1991, suffered from endemic corruption as a legacy of their Soviet roots. There are multiple ways of tackling corruption ranging from preventative to control measures. One tool in this battery of measures is the use of codes of ethics enforced through ethics commissioners. Kazakhstan is attempting to take a lead role in driving public sector reforms in the Central Asian region but has achieved limited success in addressing the seemingly intractable problem of corruption. This paper offers a formative assessment of the impact of ethics commissioners on the problem. We find limited political commitment for the initiative, institutional weaknesses, and the absence of a problem solving approach by the Kazakhstani government.
Flame retardant and toughening behaviors of bio‐based DOPO‐containing curing agent in epoxy thermoset
Authors: Yao Zhongying , Qian Lijun , Qiu Yong , Chen Yajun , Xu Bo , Li Jie
Published: November 2019

Based on bio‐based furfural, a phosphorus‐containing curing agent (FPD) was successfully synthesized, via the addition reaction between 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10 phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) and furfural‐derived Schiff base. Then, as co‐curing agent, FPD was used to prepare flame retardant epoxy thermosets (EP) cured by 4, 4′‐diaminodiphenyl methane. The incorporated FPD improved the flame retardancy and toughness of epoxy thermoset, simultaneously. When 5 wt% FPD was added into EP, the FPD/EP achieved 35.7% limited oxygen index (LOI) value and passed UL94 V‐0 rating, meanwhile. In FPD/EP thermoset, the incorporated FPD reduced the thermal decomposition rate, increased the charring capacity, and inhibited the combustion intensity of epoxy thermoset. Through gas‐phase and condensed‐phase actions in weakening fuel supply, suppressing volatile combustion, and enhancing charring barrier effect, FPD decreased the heat release of burning epoxy thermoset, significantly. For the outstanding effectiveness on both flame retardancy and toughness, the study on FPD provides a promising way to manufacture high‐performance epoxy thermoset.
Design and Characterization of a New Food Packaging Material by Recycling Blends Virgin and Recovered polyethylene terephthalate
Authors: Masmoudi Fatma , Alix Sébastien , Buet Stéphane , Mehri Afef , Bessadok Atef , Jaziri Mohamed , Ammar Emna
Published: November 2019

This research is dealing with plastic wastes recycling environmental problem. The objective is the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) valorization from postconsumer bottles by the optimization of the most suitable virgin and recycled PET mixture to be used as food contact packaging. Mixtures of these materials were elaborated by extrusion and injection molding using different recycled PET rates. Rheological, mechanical, and thermal analyses were achieved, and then migration tests were investigated to assess the recycled PET compatibility for food contact packaging. The rheological analysis showed a PET degradation after the mechanical recycling, with PET viscosity decrease, compared to that of the virgin material. The blends properties showed that at low deformation, mechanical properties were significantly improved by adding recycled PET. Consequently, the new material was more rigid with a crystallinity degree improvement, increasing the materials resistance that enhanced their tenacity. However, at great deformations, the PET mixed materials were deteriorated through drastic ductility losses. The mixture 30/70 recycled/virgin PET seems to be the best blend. For all the studied mixtures, the overall migrations conformed the European Standard, allowing the use of the recycled PET for packaging as an issue in circular economy principles for a sustainable development. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60: 250–256, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
Usefulness of Electromyography to Predict Future Muscle Weakness in Clinically Unaffected Muscles of Polio Survivors
Authors: Sawada Koshiro , Horii Motoyuki , Imoto Daisuke , Ozaki Kenichi , Toyama Shogo , Saitoh Eiichi , Mikami Yasuo , Kubo Toshikazu
Published: November 2019

Background

Post‐polio syndrome–induced muscle weakness may develop in limbs that have had normal muscle strength and have been considered unaffected by polio.

Objective

To investigate the utility of electromyography (EMG) for predicting future muscle weakness in clinically unaffected limb muscles of polio survivors.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Academic polio clinic.

Participants

Polio survivors (N = 77) who underwent EMG between April 2008 and March 2010 and were followed for at least 2 years.

Materials and Methods

Chart reviews were conducted to extract baseline EMG and manual muscle strength test (MMT) results to investigate the relationship between baseline EMG abnormalities and change in muscle strength over 2 years for various upper and lower limb muscles that control movement in the limb joints.

Main Outcome Measurements

Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of EMG findings for prediction of subsequent muscle weakness.

Results

EMG data were available for 44 deltoid, 59 biceps brachii, 60 triceps brachii, 59 vastus lateralis, 59 tibialis anterior, and 55 gastrocnemius (medial head) muscles. The percentage of muscles with an initial MMT of grade 5 that developed weakness over 2 years of follow‐up was approximately 15% for most muscle types. Sensitivity of EMG to predict subsequent weakness was higher in the lower limbs (0.67‐1.00). Specificity was higher in the biceps brachii (0.83). PPV was higher in the biceps brachii (0.50). NPV was higher in the lower limbs (0.89‐1.00) but lower in the deltoid (0.75).

Conclusion

EMG abnormalities were detected in some clinically normal muscles of polio survivors. EMG abnormalities predicted muscle weakness 2 years later, although the strength of this relationship varied depending on the muscle.
Muscle Fatigue in Response to Electrical Stimulation Pattern and Frequency in Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Qiu Shuang , Draghici Adina E. , Picard Glen , Taylor J. Andrew
Published: November 2019

Background

Functional electrical stimulation (FES) is widely used to induce functional movements for paralyzed muscles. However, rapid muscle fatigue during FES‐induced muscle contractions limits FES clinical efficacy.

Objective

To investigate muscle fatigue response across stimulation patterns and frequencies during FES in able‐bodied individuals and in those with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design

Four stimulation protocols combining 20 and 40 Hz average frequency with either constant frequency trains (CFTs) or with doublet frequency trains (DFTs) were applied to the quadriceps of seven adults with SCI and eight able‐bodied participants.

Setting

A FES‐row training laboratory.

Participants

Seven individuals with SCI (one female; age range, 25 ± 6 years) and eight age‐matched able‐bodied participants (one female).

Intervention

None.

Main Outcome Measures

Fatigue was defined as the number of contractions until force decreased by 20% from the target level of 25% maximal contraction force. The number of contractions and the stimulation current used during the four stimulation protocols were compared.

Results

There was a significant effect of frequency, as well as interaction between group and stimulation pattern (P < .05). In both groups, 20‐Hz trains increased the number of contractions to fatigue compared to 40‐Hz trains. However, the responses to the pattern of stimulation differed. In the able‐bodied participants, CFT increased the number of contractions to fatigue compared to DFT, whereas in those with SCI, DFT increased the number of contractions to fatigue. In fact, DFT resulted in similar number of contractions to fatigue in both populations.

Conclusions

These results indicate that DFT at 20 Hz may be a better stimulation protocol to delay fatigue onset in the SCI population than the other three protocols. In addition, this work implies that results from able‐bodied persons may not be directly applicable to those with SCI.
Nurses' experiences and attitudes toward diagnosis disclosure for cancer patients in China: A qualitative study
Authors: Liu Yuxiu , Yang Jinhong , Song Lei , Yang Xiao , Yin Yanling , Yan Liping
Published: November 2019

Objective

To qualitatively investigate and explore oncology nurses' perceptions of cancer diagnosis disclosure (CDD) for cancer patients.

Methods

Purposive sampling led to the inclusion of 25 nurses with diverse characteristics from four inpatient oncology nursing wards in two tertiary hospitals. Semistructured, one‐on‐one, in‐depth interviews were conducted. Colaizzi's analysis method was performed with NVivo software to develop categories and themes.

Results

Four themes were identified: (a) impact of CDD, including advantages and disadvantages for patients and nurse distress; (b) barriers to CDD, including requests from family members, patients themselves, and communication skills; (c) strategies for CDD, including communication with family members, physician‐nurse collaboration, and patient education; and (d) nurses' roles in CDD, including active participants and promoters and advocates.

Conclusions

More channels of information and education on cancer, cancer diagnosis, life, and death will be needed in the future. Nurses should actively participate in cancer diagnosis delivery, and more collaboration between nurses and physicians must occur.
Using cognition to predict the ability to understand medical treatment in brain and metastatic cancer
Authors: Gerstenecker Adam , Gammon Meredith , Marotta Dario , Fiveash John , Nabors Burt , Mulhauser Kyler , Triebel Kristen
Published: November 2019

Objective

To determine if cognition can be used to identify persons with cancer at high risk for the impaired ability to understand treatment decisions.

Methods

The association between understanding treatment decisions and cognition was examined using data from 181 participants across four groups: 67 with brain metastasis, 41 with metastatic cancer that has not spread to the brain, 27 with malignant glioma, and 46 healthy controls. All diagnoses were made by board‐certified oncologists and were verified histologically.

Results

Results indicated that numerous cognitive functions were associated with the ability to understand treatment decisions in persons with cancer. The following proportion of participants demonstrated impaired understanding of treatment decisions in our three patient groups: approximately 51% malignant glioma, approximately 46% brain metastasis, and approximately 24% metastatic cancer. In a combined brain cancer group, we were able to use cognitive performance to predict the impaired ability to understand treatment decisions.

Conclusions

An impaired ability to understand treatment decisions is prevalent in persons with brain cancer and persons with metastatic cancer. Performance on a brief cognitive battery can be used to help clinicians identify patients at particular risk for impaired medical decision making.
Are Rural Egyptians Better Off? Trends in Inequality and Real Consumption Expenditure in Rural Egypt
Authors: Helmy Heba E.
Published: November 2019

This article uses three selected national household surveys conducted in Egypt in 1981/1982, 2004/2005, and 2015 to assess the evolution of rural consumption inequality and trends in real rural consumption expenditure at the beginning year of Mubarak’s era, his end years, and the post‐Mubarak era, respectively. After evaluating inequality using inequality measures, we construct two consumer price indices (CPIs), a general and a food CPI, for rural Egypt for the period 1981 till 2015 to evaluate rural real consumption. The article concludes that rural consumption inequality had slightly fallen from the beginning of the Mubarak era toward its end, but slightly rose again in the post‐Mubarak era. Despite the changes, estimates of rural inequality were moderate. Nevertheless, such moderate levels of inequality are expected to be higher if the new rural areas in reclaimed desert lands are accounted for separately in national surveys. The article also concludes that according to our CPI, real rural consumption expenditure had fallen in most expenditure brackets throughout the whole period, with the exception of some small‐sized brackets at the very top and very bottom ends of the consumption expenditure distribution.
Surface modification of albumin/gelatin films gelled on low‐temperature plasma‐treated polyethylene terephthalate plates
Authors: Pérez‐Huertas Salvador , Terpiłowski Konrad , Tomczyńska‐Mleko Marta , Mleko Stanisław
Published: November 2019

Albumin/gelatin gel (AG) properties are studied with an innovative cold‐plasma‐treatment‐based technique. Gel films are produced in situ on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plates previously treated by gas (O2, air and Ar) cold plasma. After detaching the films from the surface, the contact angles of probe liquids are measured and wettability studied, based upon the induced changes of AG surface free energy. The effect of gelatin concentration in the AG is analysed. Oxygen‐cold‐plasma‐treated PET plates induce outstanding changes in wetting properties. Optical profilometry is used for the characterisation of surface topography. Dynamic oscillatory measurements help check for mesoscopic changes. The latter technique allows shaping of gel sample stiffness. The findings support a new methodology for biomaterials/biopolymer activation when unable to be exposed to the plasma working conditions.
Molecular dynamics simulations of an engineered T4 lysozyme exclude helix to sheet transition, and provide insights into long distance, intra‐protein switchable motion
Authors: Biggers Laurence , Elhabashy Hadeer , Ackad Edward , Yousef Mohammad S.
Published: November 2019

An engineered variant of T4 lysozyme serves as a model for studying induced remote conformational changes in a full protein context. The design involves a duplicated surface helix, flanked by two loops, that switches between two different conformations spanning about 20 Å. Molecular dynamics simulations of the engineered protein, up to 1 μs, rule out α‐helix to β‐sheet transitions within the duplicated helix as suggested by others. These simulations highlight how the use of different force fields can lead to radical differences in the structure of the protein. In addition, Markov state modeling and transition path theory were employed to map a 6.6 μs simulation for possible early intermediate states and to provide insights into the onset of the switching motion. The putative intermediates involve the folding of one helical turn in the C‐terminal loop through energy driven, sequential rearrangement of nearby salt bridges around the key residue Arg63. These results provide a first step towards understanding the energetics and dynamics of a rather complicated intra‐protein motion.