bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of a novel bentonite intercalation composite by changing the chemical state of aluminum
Authors: Peng Qian , Kong Decun , Shi Li , Wang Xin , Meng Xuan , Liu Naiwang
Published: January 2020

A new environment‐friendly bentonite intercalation composite was successfully obtained from alumina sol intercalation. This process used industrial grade pseudo boehmite as the aluminum source and provided with the advantage of zero emission of acidic wastewater. The bentonite intercalation composite was investigated by XRF, ICP, XRD, FT‐IR, BET, and pyridine‐FTIR. Results indicated that the basal spacing was enlarged from 14.72 to 15.60 Å; the specific surface area increased by 128%; and the total acid content increased from 65.32 to 245.76 μmol/g. The catalytic activity of this composite was tested by alkylation of aromatics with olefins. The results show that the weak Lewis acid generated by extra‐framework aluminum and specific surface area play a decisive role, while weak Brønsted acid site is not the active site for this alkylation reaction.
Retracted: Rs11655237 polymorphism of LINC00673 affects the prognosis of cervical cancer by interfering with the interaction between LINC00673 and microRNA‐1231
Authors: Zhu Wei , Li Linlin , Li Dejia
Published: January 2020

Single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is known to disrupt the binding between lncRNAs and microRNAs. In this paper, we aimed to explore the role of LINC00673 rs11655237 SNP in the survival of cervical cancer (CC). Real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western‐blot analysis were used to detect expressions of LINC00673 and microRNA‐1231 (miR‐1231) in CC patients with different rs11655237 SNP genotypes. And the expression of LINC00673, miR‐1231, and IFNAR1 was measured in mice and cells treated with exosomes carrying GG, GA, and AA rs11655237 genotypes. Compared with patients carrying the rs11655237 A allele of LINC00673 rs11655237 SNP, patients carrying the G allele showed higher overall survival and higher miR‐1231 expression. In addition, the expression of miR‐1231 was the highest in patients carrying the GG genotype and the lowest in patients carrying the AA genotype. Furthermore, the exosomes carrying GG, GA, and AA genotypes of LINC00673 rs11655237 SNP reduced tumor growth in mice, while the inhibitory effect of rs11655237 A allele was much stronger than that of the rs11655237 G allele. Additionally, exosome treatment upregulated the expression of LINC000673 and IFNAR1 while downregulating the expression of miR‐1231. Interestingly, the A allele of rs11655237 generated a binding site for miR‐1231 and subsequently affected the expression of IFNAR1, a target gene of miR‐1231 containing a miR‐1231 binding site in its 3′‐untranslated region. Cells transfected with exosomes carrying GG, GA, and AA genotypes of LINC00673 rs11655237 SNP achieved higher LINC000673 and IFNAR1 expression along with lower miR‐1231 expression. Therefore, rs11655237 can be used as a prognostic biomarker for CC.
Gli1 interacts with YAP1 to promote tumorigenesis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Chongchong , Cheng Li , Song Shasha , Wu Shan , Sun Guoping
Published: January 2020

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the predominant esophageal cancer type in China. The aberrant activation of glioma‐associated oncogene homolog1 (Gli1), a key factor in Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, has been found in esophageal carcinoma. Moreover, Yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1), the major mediator of Hippo signaling pathway, has been linked to esophageal carcinoma progression. However, the precise roles and the underlying mechanism of both Gli1 and YAP1 in ESCC are unclear. Here, we found that Gli1 and YAP1 are overexpressed in ESCC and are associated with poor prognosis. In addition, we confirmed that knockdown of Gli1 or YAP1 suppresses ESCC cell growth, migration, and invasion in ESCC TE1 and EC109 cells. Significantly, Gli1 interacts with YAP1 in ESCC cells. Both Gli1 and YAP1 proteins are closely correlated with each other in human ESCC samples. Mechanistically, Gli1 upregulates YAP1 in a LATS1‐independent manner. Conversely, YAP1 induces Gli1 by regulating phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway. Most importantly, we demonstrated that the interaction between Gli1 and YAP1 promotes ESCC tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Our findings established a novel signaling mechanism by which the interaction between Gli1 and YAP1 promotes ESCC cell growth. This signaling regulation of the tumorigenesis provides a new therapeutic strategy for highly lethal ESCC.
Preparation and catalytic performance of ZrO2‐supported Pt single‐atom and cluster catalyst for hydrogenation of 2,4‐dinitrotoluene to 2,4‐toluenediamine
Authors: Ren Xiaoliang , Li Jingde , Wang Shufang , Zhang Dongsheng , Wang Yanji
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

The catalytic hydrogenation of 2,4‐dinitrotoluene is an environmentally benign technology for the production of 2,4‐toluenediamine, which is a key intermediate in production of polyurethane foams, elastomers and sealants. Most of the existing precious metal nanocatalysts, however, suffer from low catalytic efficiency and high catalyst costs. Single metal atoms and clusters anchored on carriers, with high atom utilization efficiency, provide a good strategy for creating cost‐effective catalysts. In the work reported, a ZrO2‐supported Pt single‐atom and cluster catalyst was successfully prepared using a facile adsorption method for hydrogenation of 2,4‐dinitrotoluene to 2,4‐toluenediamine.

RESULTS

Pt concentration in solution and reduction temperature had a substantial effect on the Pt loadings, dispersion and the corresponding catalytic performance. The 15Pt/ZrO2‐300 catalyst exhibited the highest catalytic activity. At 80 °C and hydrogen pressure of 1 MPa, the initial hydrogenation rate reached as high as 4583.33 molH2 molPt−1 min−1, which was more than 40 times that for a conventional Pd/C catalyst.

CONCLUSIONS

ZrO2‐supported Pt single‐atom and cluster catalyst was successfully fabricated. The method was implemented on the foundation of strong charge adsorption between Pt ions and ZrO2 carrier. The prepared Pt single‐atom and cluster catalyst showed excellent catalytic activity for hydrogenation of 2,4‐dinitrotoluene to 2,4‐toluenediamine. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Modeling pH and temperature effects on the anaerobic treatment of tequila vinasses
Authors: Moguel‐Castañeda Jazael G , Puebla Hector , Méndez‐Acosta Hugo O , Hernandez‐Martinez Eliseo
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

An unstructured mathematical model is proposed to evaluate the effect of key variables on the anaerobic digestion of tequila vinasses and to determine the operating conditions that improve biogas production. Most of the models currently reported do not consider the simultaneous effects of pH and temperature on the process kinetics. Instead, they only recognize the specific operational conditions under which the experiments were conducted. Hence, this work presents a mathematical model that considers the effects of pH and temperature on methane production.

RESULTS

Experimental data were obtained from the anaerobic treatment of tequila vinasses conducted in a sequencing batch reactor, which was evaluated at two temperatures (32 and 38 °C) and two pH values (7 and 8) to validate the proposed model. Parameter estimation was performed using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm yielding a simplified model with high determination coefficients (R2 > 0.99). Moreover, kinetic parameters estimated were consistent physically and statistically.

CONCLUSIONS

Numerical simulations provide the operating conditions under which methane production can be favored. Therefore, the proposed model might be advantageous in predicting the maximum methane production rate and the maximum organic loading rate that could be used without risking the stability of an anaerobic digestion process. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Differential roles of ash in sorption of triclosan to wood‐derived biochars produced at different temperatures
Authors: Chen Weifeng , Zhang Huiying , Wang Caiting , Yang Liuming , Ni Jinzhi , Wei Ran
Published: January 2020

Biochar is composed of carbonaceous and inorganic (ash) fractions. The structural properties of carbonaceous fractions and the composition of ash in biochar are both variable with pyrolysis temperature. However, it is unknown whether ash may play different roles in sorption of organic compounds to the carbonaceous fraction of biochars produced at different temperatures. Hence, in this study, the pristine biochars produced at 300–900°C and their corresponding deashed biochars were investigated, and the combined roles of carbonaceous fraction and ash in sorption of triclosan were compared. The results showed that the biochars produced at 300–400°C had high content of uncarbonized organic structure with dominating partition effect. The combination of uncarbonized organic structure and ash had comparable or even higher sorption coefficient (KD) for triclosan at low concentration compared with a single uncarbonized organic structure. However, for the biochars produced at 600–900°C, which were mainly composed of carbonized or graphitized carbon structure, ash had significant effect on triclosan sorption by reducing surface adsorption and pore filling effect. The combination of carbonaceous fraction and ash decreased KD values for triclosan at any tested concentrations. In addition, the results of pH effect on sorption indicated that ash possibly decreased the electrostatic repulsion of deprotonated phenolic hydroxyl between biochars and triclosan. Accordingly, it will be more valuable to design biochars for pollutant sorption from the perspective of combined role of carbonaceous fraction and ash rather than a single role of carbonaceous fraction.
Factors affecting readmission rates after pancreatectomy
Authors: Hue Jonathan J. , Navale Suparna , Schiltz Nicholas , Koroukian Siran M. , Ammori John B.
Published: January 2020

Background

Pancreatectomy is a complex operation with a historic readmission rate of approximately 20%. Hospital readmissions lead to increased patient and health system costs, morbidity, and mortality making them a topic of great interest. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with readmission after pancreatectomy in order to target areas for improvement.

Methods

Pancreatectomy procedures for malignancy in adults from 2005 to 2011 were identified in the California State Inpatient Database. Descriptive analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between baseline variables and readmission status. Logistic regression models were developed to determine whether the bivariate associations identified persisted after adjusting for patient characteristics.

Results

Of the 4262 patients who underwent a pancreatectomy, 843 (19.8%) were readmitted within 30 days. Readmission rates by year did not vary over the study period. Results from multivariable analysis showed that males, Hispanics, Medicare recipients, patients with an initial length of stay >11 days, patients who were discharged to a skilled nursing facility, and those with chronic anemia were more likely to be readmitted compared to those without these characteristics. The majority of readmissions occurred within 15 days after discharge.

Conclusions

Readmissions after pancreatectomy are multifactorial. Preoperative optimization, minimizing postoperative complications, and assuring patients have been evaluated by a multidisciplinary team may reduce the readmission rate.
Developing front‐end devices for improved sample preparation in MS‐based proteome analysis
Authors: Doucette Alan A. , Nickerson Jessica L.
Published: January 2020

Chemical analysis has long relied on instrumentation, from the simplest (eg, burets) to the more sophisticated (eg, mass spectrometers) to facilitate precision measurements. Regardless of their complexity, the development of a new instrumental device can be a valued approach to address problems in science. In this perspective, we outline the process of novel device design, from early phase conception to the manufacturing and testing of the tool or gadget. Focus is placed on the development of improved front‐end devices to facilitate protein sample manipulations ahead of mass spectrometry, which therefore augment the proteomics workflow. Highlighted are some of the many training secrets, choices, and challenges that are inherent to the often iterative process of device design. In hopes of inspiring others to pursue instrument design to address relevant research questions, we present a summary list of points to consider prior to innovating their own devices.
Neuropeptide Y modulates membrane excitability in neonatal rat mesencephalic V neurons
Authors: Seki Soju , Tanaka Susumu , Yamada Saori , Tsuji Tadataka , Enomoto Akifumi , Ono Yudai , Chandler Scott H. , Kogo Mikihiko
Published: January 2020

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is one of a number of neuropeptides with powerful orexigenic effects. Intracerebroventricular administration of NPY induces increases in food intake and alters feeding rate. Besides it role in feeding behavior, NPY also has significant effects on neuronal systems related to other spontaneous behaviors such as rearing and grooming. In the present study, we examined the direct effects of NPY on mesencephalic V neurons (Mes V), which are important sensory neurons involved in oral motor reflexes and rhythmical jaw movements, as well as masticatory proprioception. Coronal brain slices were prepared from neonatal Sprague‐Dawley rats (P3‐17) and whole‐cell patch clamp recordings were obtained from Mes V neurons. Bath application of NPY depolarized the membrane potential and induced inward current in most neurons. Application of NPY shortened the duration of the afterhyperpolarization following an action potential, and increased the mean spike frequency during repetitive discharge. In those neurons which exhibited rhythmical burst discharge in response to maintained current injection, the bursting frequency was also increased. These effects were mediated predominately by both Y1 and Y5 receptors.
Evaluation of multivariate analyses and data fusion between Raman and laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy in binary mixtures and its potential for solar system exploration
Authors: Manrique‐Martinez Jose A. , Lopez‐Reyes Guillermo , Alvarez‐Perez Andres , Bozic Thomas , Veneranda Marco , Sanz‐Arranz Aurelio , Saiz Jesus , Medina‐Garcia Jesus , Rull‐Perez Fernando
Published: January 2020

Raman and laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) spectroscopies will play an important role in planetary exploration missions in the following years, not only with Raman instruments like Raman laser spectrometer on board of Rosalid Franklin Rover or scanning habitable environments with Raman and luminescence for organics and chemicals on board Mars2020 Rover but also with combined instruments such as SuperCam. These techniques will be part of the upcoming planetary exploration missions because they can provide complementary information from the analysed sample while potentially sharing hardware components, maximizing the scientific return of the samples while limiting mass. In this framework, this study seeks to test the feasibility of combining several univariate and multivariate analysis techniques with data fusion techniques of different instruments (532 and 785 nm Raman and LIBS) to evaluate the improvements in the quantitative classification of samples in binary mixtures. We prepared two‐component mixtures that are potentially relevant in planetary exploration missions, using two different sulfates and a chloride. A more accurate classification of the samples is possible through a univariate analysis that combines the calculated concentration indicators for Raman and LIBS. On the other hand, multivariate analysis was run on Raman, LIBS, and Raman + LIBS low‐level fused data sets. The results showed a better improvement when fusing LIBS and Raman when compared with the redundant fusion but not a systematic improvement when compared with individual sets. We demonstrate that a quantification of the mineral abundances in binary mixtures can be obtained from Raman and LIBS data using univariate and multivariate analysis techniques, being the latter remarkably better, moving from performances of classification, in the whole range of concentrations, that could be over the 10% to values under 3.5%. Furthermore, the fusion of data coming from these techniques improves the classification limit with respect to the individual techniques. Thus, besides the (evident) hardware convenience of combining LIBS with 532‐nm Raman, there could be analytical advantages as well.
Progress of Raman spectroscopic investigations on the structure and properties of coal
Authors: Xu Yanmei , Chen Xia , Wang Liang , Bei Ke , Wang Junliang , Chou I‐Ming , Pan Zhiyan
Published: January 2020

Raman spectroscopy is a nondestructive and in situ analytical technique that could provide information on the chemical structure and structural ordering of carbonaceous materials. Based on the E2g symmetric stretching vibration mode in the aromatic layers (G band, ~1,580 cm−1) and the defect structure in graphite (D band, ~1,350 cm−1), Raman spectroscopy has been used extensively to characterize the structural features of carbonaceous matters since 1970. Coal is a complex organic compound made up mainly by carbon showing characteristic Raman bands. This article reviews the application of Raman spectroscopy for coal structure characterization under room temperature, to determine its chemical structure, crystallite size, coal rank, and combustion reactivity. Future research for collecting Raman spectra during coal pyrolysis at high temperatures is also discussed. The combination of high‐temperature hot stage with Raman spectroscopy technology allows direct collection of Raman spectra at high temperature.
Ultrasound Assessment of Disease Activity Prevents Disease‐Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD) Escalation and May Reduce DMARD‐Related Direct Costs in Rheumatoid Arthritis With Fibromyalgia
Authors: Silva Chakr Rafael Mendonça da , Santos João Cláudio de Oliveira , Alves Laura da Silva , de Andrade Nicole Pamplona Bueno , Ranzolin Aline , Brenol Claiton Viegas
Published: January 2020

Objectives

as an objective measure, ultrasound (US) could prevent rheumatoid arthritis (RA) overtreatment induced by concomitant fibromyalgia (FM). Our goal was to study how patients with RA and FM who underwent a US examination differed from those without a US examination in terms of overall disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) escalation and biologic DMARD‐related direct costs.

Methods

Patients with RA and FM were seen between 2011 and 2017. In cases of 28‐joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) overestimation, patients were referred to undergo a US examination. The US group underwent a US examination to confirm disease activity, and the DAS28 group had disease activity assessment based solely on the DAS28.

Results

Of 230 patients with RA, 22 women with RA and FM (DAS28 group, n = 9; and US group, n = 13) were seen in 316 visits (115.68 patient‐years). The DMARD treatment was escalated in 27.1% of visits in the DAS28 group versus 17.3% in the US group (P = .046). The relative risk of DMARD escalation in the DAS28 group compared to the US group was 1.57 (95% confidence interval, 1.01–2.43). In sum total, US$240,784.52 were spent on biologics throughout the entire study period. Basing biologic DMARD prescriptions on US results could save an average of US$405.66 per patient‐year.

Conclusions

In this real‐life study of patients with RA and FM, a US examination was associated with less DMARD escalation and could reduce biologic DMARD direct costs. Specifically, synovitis as scored by power Doppler US could be useful as a treatment target for RA in patients with DAS28 overestimation due to FM, but further studies are necessary.
Sources of Mortality in Bald Eagles in Michigan, 1986–2017
Authors: Simon Kendall L. , Best David A. , Sikarskie James G. , Pittman H. Tyler , Bowerman William W. , Cooley Thomas M. , Stolz Scott
Published: January 2020

As bald eagle populations recover, defining major sources of mortality provides managers important information to develop management plans and mitigation efforts. We obtained data from necropsies on 1,490 dead bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) collected in Michigan, USA, conducted from 1986 to 2017 to determine causes of death (COD). Trauma and poisoning were the most common primary COD categories, followed by disease. Within trauma and poisoning, vehicular trauma (n = 532) and lead poisoning (n = 176) were the leading COD subcategories, respectively. Females comprised a greater number of carcasses for most COD diagnoses. The proportion of trauma and poisoning CODs significantly increased in the last few years of the study in comparison to a select few years at the beginning. Trauma CODs were greater in autumn months during whitetail deer (Odocoileus virginianus) breeding and hunting seasons and in February, when aquatic foraging is unavailable and eagles are likely forced to scavenge along roadsides. Poisoning CODs were greatest in late winter and early spring months, when deer carcasses containing lead ammunition, which are preserved by the cold weather, also become a supplemental food source. The major infectious disease CODs, West Nile virus and botulism (Clostridium botulinum type E), were more prevalent during summer months. We recommend moving road‐killed carcasses, especially white‐tailed deer, from the main thoroughfare to the back of the right‐of‐way, and the transition from lead ammunition and fishing tackle to non‐toxic alternatives to decrease these main anthropogenic sources of mortality for bald eagles, and other scavenger species. © 2020 The Wildlife Society.
Use of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in Aesthetic Skin Assessment—A Short Review
Authors: Kislevitz Mikaela , Akgul Yucel , Wamsley Christine , Hoopman John , Kenkel Jeffrey
Published: January 2020

Assessments of non‐surgical office‐based aesthetic treatments' efficacy including lasers are mostly based on subjective evaluation of clinical photography. Accumulating evidence suggest that non‐invasive skin imaging such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be effectively used to assess not only the skin surface but also the underlying epidermis and dermis, providing objective and clinically relevant data. In this review, we highlight the potential of OCT imaging for the aesthetic medicine field along with OCT measurement parameters and their clinical relevance to healthy and pathological skin conditions. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐Fidelity, Sub‐5 nm Patterns from High‐χ Block Copolymer Films with Vapor‐Deposited Ultrathin, Cross‐Linked Surface‐Modification Layers
Authors: Wang Hyun Suk , Oh Seula , Choi Junhwan , Jang Wontae , Kim Ki Hyun , Arellano Carlos Luis , Huh June , Bang Joona , Im Sung Gap
Published: January 2020

Despite their capability, sub‐10 nm periodic nano‐patterns formed by strongly segregating block copolymer (BCP) thin films cannot be easily oriented perpendicular to the substrate due to the huge surface energy differences of the constituent blocks. To produce perpendicular nano‐patterns, the interfacial energies of both the substrate and free interfaces should be controlled precisely to induce non‐preferential wetting. Unfortunately, high‐performance surface modification layers are challenging to design, and different kinds of surface modification methods must be devised respectively for each neutral layer and top coat. Furthermore, conventional approaches, largely based on spin‐coating processes, are highly prone to defect formation and may readily cause dewetting at sub‐10 nm thickness. To date, these obstacles have hampered the development of high‐fidelity, sub‐5 nm BCP patterns. Herein, an all‐vapor phase deposition approach initiated chemical vapor deposition is demonstrated to form 9‐nm‐thick, uniform neutral bottom layer and top coat with exquisite control of composition and thickness. These layers are employed in BCP films to produce perpendicular cylinders with a diameter of ≈4 nm that propagate throughout a BCP thickness of up to ≈60 nm, corresponding to five natural domain spacings of the BCP. Such a robust approach will serve as an advancement for the reliable generation of sub‐10 nm nano‐patterns.
Easily Processable Thermosets with Outstanding Performance via Smart Twisted Small‐Molecule Benzoxazines
Authors: Zhang Kan , Liu Yuqi , Evans Corey J. , Yang Shengfu
Published: January 2020

High‐performance aromatic polymers have excellent thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties and are lightweight, but it is highly challenging to deliver outstanding performances while still maintaining good processability of the precursors. Here, a new family of small‐molecule benzoxazine resins with ortho‐maleimide functionality is reported, which strikes an exceptional balance between the processability and performance. The excellent processability is attributed to the twisted molecular configurations of ortho‐maleimide‐substituted benzoxazines, which prevent intermolecular packing in the resin systems. The new benzoxazines can polymerize through multiple routes, which eliminate the twisted structures and create highly cross‐linked polymer networks. The resulting new polymers are found to possess fascinating properties such as a high thermal stability (no Tg can be detected before 400 °C), excellent flame retardancy (a heat release capacity of 42.5 J g−1 K−1), and low dielectric constants (2.62–2.30 in the frequency range of 1 Hz to 10 MHz). The combined processability and versatility highlight the potential of smart benzoxazines in the preparation of high‐performance thermosets, with important new applications that may span aerospace, transportation, and electronic packaging materials.
A hybrid projective method for solving system of equilibrium problems with demicontractive mappings applicable in image restoration problems
Authors: Khan Suhel Ahmad , Kazmi Kaleem Raza , Yambangwai Damrongsak , Cholamjiak Watcharaporn
Published: January 2020

In this paper, we propose a general iterative scheme based on CQ projection method for finding a common solution of system of equilibrium problems and the fixed point set of a finite family of demicontractive mappings. We also prove strong convergence of the scheme to a common element of the two above‐described sets. We then give a numerical example to justify our main result. An example is given in an infinite dimensional space for supporting our main result. Moreover, we apply our main result to solve the unconstrained image restoration problems with a finite family of blurring operators. Our results extend and improve some existing results in the literature.
Dynamic T2 mapping by multi‐spin‐echo spatiotemporal encoding
Authors: Bao Qingjia , Ma Lingceng , Liberman Gilad , Solomon Eddy , Martinho Ricardo P. , Frydman Lucio
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To develop a pulse sequence for acquiring robust, quantitative T2 relaxation maps in real time.

Methods

The pulse scheme relies on fully refocused spatiotemporally encoded multi‐spin‐echo trains, which provide images that are significantly less distorted than spin‐echo echo planar imaging‐based counterparts. This enables single‐shot T2 mapping in inhomogeneity‐prone regions. Another advantage of these schemes stems from their ability to interleave multiple scans in a reference‐free manner, providing an option to increase sensitivity and spatial resolution with minimal motional artifacts.

Results

The method was implemented in preclinical and clinical scanners, where single‐shot acquisitions delivered reliable T2 maps in ≤200 ms with ≈250 µm and ≈3 mm resolutions, respectively. Ca. 4 times higher spatial resolutions were achieved for the motion‐compensated interleaved versions of these acquisitions, delivering T2 maps in ca. 10 s per slice. These maps were nearly indistinguishable from multi‐scan relaxometric maps requiring orders‐of‐magnitude longer acquisitions; this was confirmed by mice head and real‐time mice abdomen 7T scans performed following contrast‐agent injections, as well as by 3T human brain and breast scans.

Conclusion

This study introduced and demonstrated a new approach for acquiring rapid and quantitative T2 data, which is particularly reliable when operating at high fields and/or targeting heterogeneous organs or regions.
Pseudo‐spiral sampling and compressed sensing reconstruction provides flexibility of temporal resolution in accelerated aortic 4D flow MRI: A comparison with k‐t principal component analysis
Authors: Gottwald Lukas M. , Peper Eva S. , Zhang Qinwei , Coolen Bram F. , Strijkers Gustav J. , Nederveen Aart J. , van Ooij Pim
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Time‐resolved three‐dimensional phase contrast MRI (4D flow) of aortic blood flow requires acceleration to reduce scan time. Two established techniques for highly accelerated 4D flow MRI are k‐t principal component analysis (k‐t PCA) and compressed sensing (CS), which employ either regular or random k‐space undersampling. The goal of this study was to gain insights into the quantitative differences between k‐t PCA‐ and CS‐derived aortic blood flow, especially for high temporal resolution CS 4D flow MRI.

Methods

The scan protocol consisted of both k‐t PCA and CS accelerated 4D flow MRI, as well as a 2D flow reference scan through the ascending aorta acquired in 15 subjects. 4D flow scans were accelerated with factor R = 8. For CS accelerated scans, we used a pseudo‐spiral Cartesian sampling scheme, which could additionally be reconstructed at higher temporal resolution, resulting in R = 13. 4D flow data were compared with the 2D flow scan in terms of flow, peak flow and stroke volume. A 3D peak systolic voxel‐wise velocity and wall shear stress (WSS) comparison between k‐t PCA and CS 4D flow was also performed.

Results

The mean difference in flow/peak flow/stroke volume between the 2D flow scan and the 4D flow CS with R = 8 and R = 13 was 4.2%/9.1%/3.0% and 5.3%/7.1%/1.9%, respectively, whereas for k‐t PCA with R = 8 the difference was 9.7%/25.8%/10.4%. In the voxel‐by‐voxel 4D flow comparison we found 13.6% and 3.5% lower velocity and WSS values of k‐t PCA compared with CS with R = 8, and 15.9% and 5.5% lower velocity and WSS values of k‐t PCA compared with CS with R = 13.

Conclusion

Pseudo‐spiral accelerated 4D flow acquisitions in combination with CS reconstruction provides a flexible choice of temporal resolution. We showed that our proposed strategy achieves better agreement in flow values with 2D reference scans compared with using k‐t PCA accelerated acquisitions.
Fixed parameter tractability of a biconnected bottleneck Steiner network problem
Authors: Ras Charl J.
Published: January 2020

For a given set X of points in the plane, we consider the problem of constructing a 2‐vertex‐connected network spanning X and at most k additional Steiner points such that the length of the longest edge (the so‐called bottleneck) of the network is minimized. When one introduces a constraint on the network specifying that all Steiner points must be of degree 2 the problem remains NP‐complete but becomes fixed parameter tractable with respect to k. We prove this by presenting an algorithm which solves the degree‐2 bounded problem optimally in a time of O(n4k62k), where n = |X|. We also present a simple 3‐approximation algorithm for the degree‐2 bounded problem and show that the bottleneck length of an optimal solution to the degree‐2 bounded problem is at most twice the bottleneck length when degree is not bounded.
“I train and mentor, they take them”: A qualitative study of nurses' perspectives of neonatal nursing expertise and its development in Kenyan hospitals
Authors: Nyikuri Mary , Kumar Pratap , English Mike , Jones Caroline
Published: January 2020

Aims and Objectives

Neonatal inpatient care is reliant on experienced nursing care, yet little is known about how Kenyan hospitals foster the development of newborn nursing experience in newborn units.

Design

A Qualitative ethnographic design.

Methods

Face to face 29 in depth interviews were conducted with nurses providing neonatal care in one private, one faith based and one public hospital in Nairobi, Kenya between January 2017 and March 2018. All data were transcribed verbatim, coded in the original language and analysed using a framework approach.

Results

Across the sectors, nurses perceived experience as important to the provision of quality care. They noted that hospitals could foster experience through recruitment, orientation, continuous learning and retention. However, while the private hospital facilitated experience building the public and faith‐based hospitals experienced challenges due to human resource management practices and nursing shortages.

Conclusion

Health sector context influenced how experience was developed among nurses.

Implications

Nurturing experience will require that different health sectors adopt better recruitment for people interested in NBU work, better orientation and fewer rotations even without specialist nurse training.
Poly(ester imide)s possessing low coefficients of thermal expansion and low water absorption (IV): Effects of ester‐linked tetracarboxylic dianhydrides with longitudinally extended structures
Authors: Hasegawa Masatoshi , Saito Takayuki , Tsujimura Yumi
Published: January 2020

A series of poly(ester imide)s (PEsIs) were prepared using longitudinally extended structures of ester‐linked tetracarboxylic dianhydrides with different numbers of aromatic rings (NAr = 4‐6). In the PEsIs obtained using p‐phenylenediamine (p‐PDA), a clear trend was observed: the water absorption (WA) decreased with increasing NAr. In contrast, no clear decrease in the Tg with increasing NAr was observed for the PEsIs obtained using 4,4′‐oxydianiline (4,4′‐ODA). The PEsIs obtained using a methyl‐substituted tetracarboxylic dianhydride (NAr = 5) showed more suppressed WA and higher elongation at break (εb) values than those of the nonsubstituted counterparts. The former result is probably closely related to the enhanced crystallinity. However, methyl substitution caused an appreciable reduction in the thermal stability. Thus, the methyl‐substituted PEsIs did not meet the V‐0 standard in the UL‐94V test, unlike the substituent‐free counterparts. The PEsI copolymer obtained using the substituent‐free tetracarboxylic dianhydride (NAr = 6) with p‐PDA (75 mol%) and 4,4′‐ODA (25 mol%) had excellent combined properties, ie, a very high Tg (361°C), an ultralow coefficient of thermal expansion (2.2 ppm K−1), an extremely low coefficient of hygroscopic expansion (3.3 ppm/RH%), moderate film ductility (εbmax = 23%), a moderate dielectric constant (3.22), and a low tan δ (2.76 × 10−3) at 10 GHz in 50% relative humidity. Thus, this PEsI is a promising novel dielectric substrate material for use in the next generation of high‐performance flexible printed circuit boards.
Social anhedonia across mental disorders: A validation study of the Anticipatory and Consummatory Interpersonal Pleasure Scale
Authors: Liang Yun‐si , Wang Yi , Wang Yan‐yu , Ni Ke , Gooding Diane C. , Chan Raymond C. K.
Published: January 2020

The present study validated the Chinese version of the Anticipatory and Consummatory Interpersonal Pleasure Scale (ACIPS) in a group of patients with mental disorders. The results replicated the four‐factor structure of the ACIPS in a Chinese setting and showed good discrimination validity.
Comparison of medication adherence measures derived from linked administrative data and associations with mortality using restricted cubic splines in heart failure patients
Authors: Qin Xiwen , Hung Joseph , Knuiman Matthew W , Briffa Tom G , Teng Tiew‐Hwa Katherine , Sanfilippo Frank M
Published: January 2020

Purpose

There is no gold standard method to calculate medication adherence using administrative drug data. We compared three common methods and their ability to predict subsequent mortality in patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods

Person‐linked population‐based datasets were used to identify 4234 patients (56% male, mean age of 76), who survived 1 year (landmark period) following hospitalization for HF in Western Australia from 2003 to 2008. Adherence was estimated by the medication possession ratio (MPR), MPR modified (MPRm), and proportion of days covered (PDC) in patients dispensed a renin‐angiotensin system inhibitor (RASI) and/or β‐blocker within the landmark period. Adjusted Cox regression models that fitted restricted cubic splines (RCS) assessed the relationship between medication adherence and 1‐year all‐cause death postlandmark period.

Results

In the landmark period, 87% and 68% of the HF cohort were dispensed RASI and β‐blockers, respectively. Mean adherence estimates for RASI and β‐blockers were 90% and 79% for MPR, 96% and 86% for MPRm, and 82% and 73% for PDC, respectively. In RCS models, MPRm was not associated with subsequent 1‐year death in either the RASI or β‐blocker group, while MPR was independently associated with death in the RASI group only (P ≤ .01). However, PDC as a binary variable (PDC <80% or ≥80%) or continuous variable was independently associated with 1‐year death in both RASI and β‐blocker groups (all P ≤ .02).

Conclusion

Proportion of days covered calculated from administrative drug data provides a more conservative estimate of adherence than MPR or MPRm and was the most consistent predictor of subsequent mortality in an HF cohort using RCS analysis.
Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy study of polyvinylpyrrolidone‐added polyvinylidene fluoride membranes: Investigation of free volume and permeation relationships
Authors: Eren Bilge , Eren Erdal , Guney Murat , Jean Yan‐Ching , Van Horn J. David
Published: January 2020

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes were prepared via the phase inversion method from casting solutions containing PVDF, dimethylformamide (DMF), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as pore former. PVP was used in the casting solution in a range of 0–5 wt % and extracted. The effect on membranes of using PVP in the casting process was analyzed by X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, viscosity, and water permeability techniques. With an increase of PVP from 0 to 5 wt %, the PVDF casting solution viscosities increased from 858 to 1148 cP; the resulting PVDF membrane thickness increased; and the crystallinity of PVDF membranes decreased from 40.0 to 33.3%, which indicates that the addition of PVP inhibits the degree of crystallization in the PVDF membranes. SEM results revealed the shape and size of macropores in the membranes; these macropores changed after PVP addition to the casting solutions. The impact of structural changes on free‐volume properties was evaluated using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) studies. PALS analysis indicated no effect on the average radius (~3.4 Å) of membrane free‐volume holes from the addition of PVP to the casting solution. However, the percentage ofo‐Ps pick‐off annihilation intensity, I3, increased from 1.7 to 5.1% with increased PVP content. Further, increasing the PVP content from 0.5 to 5% resulted in an increased final pure water permeability flux. For instance, the 210 min flux for a 14% PVDF + 0.5% PVP membrane was found to be 3.3 times greater than a control membrane having the same PVDF concentration. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci.2020,58, 589–598
Extracting uncrosslinked material from low modulus sylgard 184 and the effect on mechanical properties
Authors: Glover Justin D. , McLaughlin Colbi E. , McFarland Mary K. , Pham Jonathan T.
Published: January 2020

Commercial silicone elastomers are commonly used in soft materials research due to their easily tunable mechanical properties. However, conventional polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomers with moduli below ∼100 kPa contain uncrosslinked free molecules, which play a significant role in their behavior. To utilize these materials, it is important to quantify what role these free molecules play in the mechanical response before and after their removal. We present a simple and inexpensive extraction method that enables the removal of free molecules from a lightly crosslinked sheet of Sylgard 184, a commercially available PDMS elastomer. The materials can contain a majority of free molecules yet maintain a thin and flat geometry without fractures after extraction. Subsequently, we compare the modulus, maximum stretchability, and hysteresis behavior with mixing ratios ranging from 60:1 to 30:1, before and after extraction. We show that the modulus, maximum stretchability, and dissipation increase upon extraction. Moreover, our approach offers a route to prepare crosslinked silicone elastomers with a modulus as low as ∼20 kPa without free molecules from a commercially available kit. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci.2020,58, 343–351
Patterns of posttraumatic stress disorder and posttraumatic growth among breast cancer patients in China: A latent profile analysis
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Zhang Qian , Yu Meng , Xu Wei
Published: January 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the patterns of posttraumatic responses among breast cancer (BC) patients, to explore the variables associated with these patterns, and to compare anxiety and depression on various posttraumatic response patterns.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was conducted with a sample of 612 BC patients who were currently undergoing treatment. The questionnaire package included Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Scale (PSS), Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Network of Relationships Inventory, Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7), and Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9). Modeling was performed using a latent profile analysis (LPA) to explore patterns of posttraumatic responses among BC patients.

Results

Based on the fitting indicators of LPA, three‐class patterns model of posttraumatic responses was optimal. Resisting group (34.6%): patients reported mild posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and mild posttraumatic growth (PTG). Growth group (47.4%): patients showed mild PTSS and high PTG. Struggling group (18.0%): patients showed high PTSS and high PTG. BC patients with lower income were more likely to belong to Resisting group and Struggling group. BC patients with high levels of social support were more likely to belong to Growth group. Patients in Struggling group had the highest levels of anxiety and depression.

Conclusions

This study showed that there was heterogeneity in posttraumatic response patterns of BC patients. The results provided theoretical base guiding the development of health care schemes and psychological interventions for patients, suggesting the necessity of differentiated health care for BC patients with different posttraumatic response patterns.
Highly flexible, hydrophobic, and large area plasma‐polymer‐fluorocarbon/Cu/SiNx transparent thin film heater and thermotherapy pad application
Authors: Kang Tae‐Woon , Kim Sung Hyun , Kim Mac , Cho Eunmi , Lee Sang‐Jin
Published: January 2020

In this study, we prepared a plasma‐polymer‐fluorocarbon/Cu/SiNx (PCS) film heater with a transparent, self‐cleaning surface and excellent mechanical flexibility by using Cu as the heating metal. The PCS film heater exhibited a maximum transmittance of 78.3% in the visible region, a sheet resistance of 4.6 Ω/sq, and a water contact angle of 105° on the film surface. The maximum mechanical inner bending radius was 4 mm, and the cyclic reliability was excellent. In particular, despite the lower optical properties, compared with those of the Ag‐based heater, the maximum transmittance of the PCS film heater in the visible light region was almost the same as that of Ag, and the maximum bending radius was smaller. To evaluate the industrial applicability of the PCS film heater, various sizes were fabricated to evaluate the electrical and heating properties, and a thermotherapy pad was fabricated to demonstrate its applicability as a medical device.
Radionuclide 188Re‐Loaded Photothermal Hydrogel for Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Wang Yangyun , Li Linlin , Shi Xingpeng , Dong Liu , Yang Yihang , Zhang Youjiu , Wu Guolin , Zhu Ran
Published: January 2020

Herein, an injectable photothermal hydrogel system containing a therapeutic radionuclide 188Re is studied for combined radioisotope therapy and photothermal therapy (PTT) of cancer. A dopamine‐conjugated poly(α,β‐aspartic acid) copolymer (PDAEA) is used to trigger a sol–gel phase transition in mixture with Fe3+ ions, rapidly forming a gel by simply mixing PDAEA and FeCl3 phosphate buffer saline solutions. The injectable hydrogel exhibits strong near‐infrared light absorbance and can efficiently convert light into a heating effect for local PTT treatment. The obtained hydrogel possesses a porous 3D microstructure, and can be utilized for radionuclide loading. After the Na188ReO4 loading, the hydrogel is intratumorally injected into the tumor of mice bearing 4T1 murine breast cancer cells for studying the tumor retention and therapeutic efficiency. In vivo results show that Na188ReO4‐loaded hydrogel exhibits significantly longer time in the tumor sites than that of free Na188ReO4. The tumor growth of mice treated with Na188ReO4‐loaded hydrogel under near‐infrared radiation is significantly inhibited compared with control groups. Therefore, the results show that the developed strategy using an injectable and biocompatible hydrogel may promote the applications of radioisotope therapy and photothermal therapy for cancer.
Patterns of insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti: meta‐analyses of surveys in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Guedes Raul Narciso C , Beins Kaley , Navarro Costa Dennis , Coelho Giovanini E , Bezerra Haroldo Sérgio da S
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

The re‐emergence of worldwide concern with arthropod‐borne viruses (arboviruses) draws increasing attention to their mosquito vectors, particularly Aedes aegypti, whose control heavily rely on insecticide use. As a consequence, insecticide resistance is frequent, but the general patterns of occurrence, cross‐resistance and prevailing mechanisms remain unrecognized in some areas such as the Neotropical region. Thus, we sought here to recognize the general trends and patterns of insecticide resistance in Latin America and the Caribbean. A systematic literature review (2008–2018) aimed the data‐gathering for the region and meta‐analyses to address the stated knowledge gap.

RESULTS

A high incidence of insecticide resistance prevails in the mosquito populations of the region. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), temephos and deltamethrin were the main insecticides evaluated and the meta‐analyses indicate a high frequency of DDT‐resistant populations (86.7 ± 0.1%), followed by temephos (75.7 ± 0.1%) and deltamethrin (33.0 ± 0.1%). No evidence of cross‐resistance was detected among these three insecticides, and the V1016I knockdown (KDR) site mutation does not explain the patterns of deltamethrin resistance in the region.

CONCLUSION

Resistance to DDT, temephos and deltamethrin is serious and widespread, and there is no cross‐resistance among them. Altered target site sensitivity is not the main pyrethroid resistance mechanism, which is likely due to a mix of mechanisms. Therefore, the replacement of deltamethrin and particularly temephos in the region by alternative insecticides is an important resistance management recommendation, but should be done with compounds out of the cross‐resistance spectrum for these populations and insecticides. Nonetheless, the non‐recognition of the prevalent resistance mechanisms in the region makes this suggestion more difficult to apply and invites more broad‐scale studies of resistance mechanisms to fill this knowledge gap and improve the resistance management recommendations. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Autism in children: improving screening, diagnosis and support
Authors: Weir Elizabeth , Allison Carrie , Baron‐Cohen Simon
Published: January 2020

Although symptoms of autism often first appear before the age of three years, many children experience significant delays in identification, diagnosis and access to specialist services. This article discusses the signs and symptoms of autism in children, screening and referral, and the management options available.