bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A low pressure SWCNT‐ENM sandwich membrane system for the removal of PPCPs from water
Authors: Soberman Mark J. , Farnood Ramin R. , Tabe Shahram
Published: January 2020

While carbon nanotubes are known as efficient adsorbents for removal of a number of contaminants from water, the possibility of their leaching into drinking water has prevented their application in water treatment. In this study, single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were sandwiched between two electrospun nanofibre membranes (ENM). The relatively small pore size of the ENM prevented the mechanically entangled nanotubes from passing through and contaminating the water. The performance of the SWCNT‐ENM was evaluated in a lab‐scale setup for the removal of PPCPs. For this purpose, a feed solution spiked with known concentrations of six PPCPs was passed through the membrane system. The target substances included acetaminophen (ACT), bezafibrate (BZF), iopromide (IOP), diclofenac (DCF), carbamazepine (CBZ), and sulphamethoxazole (SMX). The same test was also conducted using a single contaminant (ACT). Results demonstrated a decrease in the overall percent removal of PPCPs as feed flow rate and PPCP concentration increased. For multi‐component feeds containing equal amounts of the aforementioned PPCPs, the overall percent removal decreased from 90.8% to 71.0% when increasing the feed concentration from 30 to 600 μg/L. Experiments using sandwiched powdered activated carbon (PAC) showed that the dynamic adsorption capacity of PPCPs by SWCNT‐ENM was higher than that of PAC‐ENM, and remained unaffected by the feed composition. In addition, the high porosity of this novel membrane allowed for flow of water with low resistance such that the trans‐membrane pressure was found to be as low as 4 kPa at a pure water flux of 330 L/m2h.
Green Effectively Enhanced Extraction to Produce Yttrium(III) in Slug Flow Microreactor
Authors: He Yuan , Guo Shenghui , Chen Kaihua , Li Shiwei , Yin Shaohua
Published: January 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusion

Process reinforcement research was carried out in Y‐junction slug flow microreactors under variable conditions, using EHEHPA (2‐ethylhexyl phosphonic acid mono‐2‐ethylhexyl) to extract yttrium(III) from hydrochloric acid solution. The influence of pH and flow rate on the extraction‐reaction efficiency, slug size, mass transfer performance was assessed. The experimental results showed that maximum extraction‐reaction efficiency of 91.85% can be achieved in the smallest microreactor (residence time is 11.25 s), which was significantly higher than traditional extraction requiring more than 10 min. The slug length tended to decrease with the increase of pH and flow rate. Volumetric mass transfer coefficients for the slug flow microreactors were found to be in the range of 1.39×10−1—1.642 s−1 that is several orders of magnitude higher as compared to traditional extractors, which testified the beneficial effects of Y‐junction slug flow microreactor. Significant mass transfer reinforcement has prompted the use of microreactor as a suitable alternative to traditional extractors, which can advantageously improve the economic and environmental development of mineral processing.
Real‐world use and survival outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitors in older adults with non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Youn Bora , Trikalinos Nikolaos A. , Mor Vincent , Wilson Ira B. , Dahabreh Issa J.
Published: January 2020

Background

Limited data exist regarding the characteristics and survival outcomes of older adults with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who receive immune checkpoint inhibitors in routine oncology practice.

Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare linked database, we identified 1256 patients aged ≥65 years who were diagnosed with pathologically confirmed stage I to stage IV NSCLC between 2002 and 2015 and initiated nivolumab or pembrolizumab in 2016. We examined patient characteristics and overall survival from the time of immune checkpoint inhibitor initiation through December 31, 2017.

Results

The median patient age at the time of immune checkpoint inhibitor initiatiton was 75.3 years (interquartile range, 8.5). A substantial percentage of patients were initially diagnosed with stage IV disease (42.6%) and had ≥2 comorbid conditions (48.7%). Using a claims‐based proxy, 11.5% of patients had poor performance status and 12.6% had a history of autoimmune conditions. The median overall survival after initiation of immune checkpoint inhibitor was 9.3 months (95% CI, 8.5‐10.5 months). The 1‐year survival rate was 43.0% (95% CI, 40.2‐45.7%). In multivariable analyses, multiple comorbid conditions, squamous histology, a history of nonplatinum doublet systemic therapy, recent radiotherapy, and a shorter time from initial diagnosis to treatment initiation were found to be statistically significantly associated with an increased hazard of death. Demographics, poor performance status, and prior autoimmune conditions were not significantly associated with the hazard of death.

Conclusions

Many older adults with NSCLC who initiated immune checkpoint inhibitors had multiple comorbidities, a history of autoimmune disease, or poor performance status. Factors associated with poor prognosis among patients with advanced NSCLC were also associated with worse survival in older adults treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Finite element analysis of bone‐prosthesis interface micromotion for cementless talar component fixation through critical loading conditions
Authors: Moideen Irwan S.M. , Lim Chin Tat , Yeow Raye C.H. , Chong Desmond Y.R.
Published: January 2020

The total ankle replacement (TAR) survivability rate is still suboptimal, and this leads to many orthopaedic surgeons opting arthrodesis as a better option for the ankle arthritis patients. One of the fundamental reasons is due to the lack of primary stability of the prosthesis fixation at the bone‐prosthesis interface hence leading to long‐term aseptic loosening of the talar component. The commercially available Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR) Ankle design and several additional design features (including trabecular metal, side fin, double fin, and polka‐dot designs) were studied using finite element analysis, and the bone‐prosthesis interface relative micromotion (BPIRM) and talar bone minimum principal stresses were examined and analysed. Three loading conditions at a gait cycle of heel strike, midstance, and toe off with different meniscal bearing displacement were also included as part of the study parameters. The results were correlated to in vitro cadaveric measurements and reported clinical studies. Simulated results showed that the de‐bonding relative distance between the bone and prosthesis upon loading (COPEN defined by the simulation software) was the main reason constituting to the high interface micromotion between the talar component and talus bone (which could lead to long‐term aseptic loosening). The polka‐dot design was shown to induce the lowest BPIRM among all the designs studied.
Load balancing in cloud computing environments based on adaptive starvation threshold
Authors: Semmoud Abderraziq , Hakem Mourad , Benmammar Badr , Charr Jean‐Claude
Published: January 2020

Clouds provide to users on‐demand access to large computing and storing resources and offer over on premise IT infrastructures many advantages in terms of cost, flexibility, and availability. However, this new paradigm still faces many challenges, and in this paper, we address the load balancing problem. Even though many approaches have been proposed to balance the load among the servers, most of them are too sensitive to the fluctuation in the clouds load and produce unstable systems. In this paper, we propose a new distributed load balancing algorithm, based on adaptive starvation threshold. It tries to balance the load between the servers while minimizing the response time of the cloud, maximizing the utilization rate of the servers, decreasing the overall migration cost, and maintaining the stability of the system. The performance of the proposed algorithm was compared to a well‐known load balancing algorithm, inspired from the honey bee behavior (HBB). The experimental results showed that the application of the proposed load balancing algorithm gives considerable performance gains and a significant reduction in number of migrations when compared to the performance of the HBB algorithm.
Tailoring a Zinc Oxide Nanorod Surface by Adding an Earth‐Abundant Cocatalyst for Induced Sunlight Water Oxidation
Authors: de Almeida Rafael M. , Ferrari Victoria C. , dos S. Souza Juliana , Souza Flavio L. , Alves Wendel A.
Published: January 2020

Herein, a detailed investigation of the surface modification of a zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod electrode with FeOOH nanoparticles dispersed in glycine was conducted to improve the water oxidation reaction assisted by sunlight. The results were systematically analysed in terms of the general parameters (light absorption, charge separation, and surface for catalysis) that govern the photocurrent density response of metal oxide as photoanode in a photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell. ZnO electrodes surface were modified with different concentration of FeOOH nanoparticles using the spin‐coating deposition method, and it was found that 6‐layer deposition of glycine‐FeOOH nanoparticles is the optimum condition. The glycine plays an important role decreasing the agglomeration of FeOOH nanoparticles over the ZnO electrode surface and increasing the overall performance. Comparing bare ZnO electrodes with the ones modified with glycine‐FeOOH nanoparticles an enhanced photocurrent density can be observed from 0.27 to 0.57 mA/cm2 at 1.23 VRHE under sunlight irradiation. The impedance spectroscopy data aid us to conclude that the higher photocurrent density is an effect associated with more efficient surface for chemical reaction instead of electronic improvement. Nevertheless, the charge separation efficiency remains low for this system. The present discovery shows that the combination of glycine‐FeOOH nanoparticle is suitable and environmentally‐friend cocatalyst to enhance the ZnO nanorod electrode activity for the oxygen evolution reaction assisted by sunlight irradiation.
Variance component estimations and mega‐environments for sweetpotato breeding in West Africa
Authors: Swanckaert Jolien , Akansake Daniel , Adofo Kwadwo , Acheremu Kwabena , De Boeck Bert , Eyzaguirre Raul , Grüneberg Wolfgang J. , Low Jan W. , Campos Hugo
Published: January 2020

The current study was aimed at identifying mega‐environments in Ghana and evaluating adaptability of superior sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] genotypes from a targeted breeding effort. Three sets of genotypes were evaluated in multi‐environment trials (MET). Twelve sweetpotato varieties were evaluated across nine environments representing the main agro‐ecological zones in Ghana. MET analysis was conducted using a stage‐wise approach with the genotype × environment (G × E) table of means used as a starting point to model the G × E interaction for sweetpotato yield. Emphasis was given to the genetic correlation matrix used in a second‐order factor analytic model that accommodates heterogeneity of genetic variances across environments. A genotype main effect and G × E interaction of storage root yield explained 82% of the variation in the first principal component, and visualized the genetic variances and discriminating power of each environment and the genetic correlation between the environments. Two mega‐environments, corresponding to northern and southern trial sites, were delineated. Six breeding lines selected from the south and eight breeding lines selected from the north were tested and compared to two common check clones at five locations in Ghana. A Finlay–Wilkinson stability analysis resulted in stable performances within the target mega‐environment from which the genotypes were selected, but predominantly without adaptation to the other region. Our results provide a strong rationale for running separate programs to allow for faster genetic progress in each of these two major West African mega‐environments by selecting for specific and broad adaptation.
Interchange‐turbulence‐based radial transport model for SOLPS‐ITER: A COMPASS case study
Authors: Carli Stefano , Dekeyser Wouter , Coosemans Reinart , Dejarnac Renaud , Komm Michael , Dimitrova Miglena , Adámek Jiří , Bílková Petra , Böhm Petr
Published: January 2020

Mean‐field plasma edge transport codes such as SOLPS‐ITER heavily rely on ad‐hoc radial diffusion coefficients to approximately model anomalous transport. Such coefficients are experimentally determined and vary between different machines, and also depend on the operational regime and plasma location within the same device. Therefore, to match experimental data the modeller is required to manually tune several free parameters in expensive simulations, and the code's predictive capabilities are significantly downgraded. As a solution, a new model has been developed for SOLPS‐ITER, solving an additional transport equation for the turbulent kinetic energy k, derived by consistently time‐averaging the Braginskii equations, and including a diffusive closure for the anomalous particle flux. This closure model relates the anomalous diffusion coefficient to the local k value. The resulting equation structure and its closure are inspired by TOKAM2D isothermal interchange turbulence simulation results. Within this model, fewer and hopefully more universal free parameters are retained, thus improving the code's predictive capabilities. The new model has been tested on a COMPASS case for which upstream plasma profiles were available. Experimental data and a reference solution, obtained by matching the profiles through manual tuning of radial diffusivities, have been used to estimate the parameters of our new transport model. A ballooned particle diffusivity profile is retrieved by the new radial transport model, thanks to the proposed interchange drive. The obtained upstream profiles qualitatively agree with the experiment and prove the new model is a promising first attempt to be further refined.
An evolutionary game theory–based security model in vehicular ad hoc networks
Authors: Zahedi Fatemeh , Farzaneh Nazbanoo
Published: January 2020

The word population is growing on a daily basis; consequently, the growth of commute and transport, developing efficient and intelligent transportation systems (ITS), has become one of the most popular requirements and the most significant attempts in modern urban areas containing large population. A key component of intelligent transportation systems is a vehicular ad hoc network. Devising internet‐based practical programs such as awareness of climatic conditions, geographical location, practical programs like on‐line payment services in the vehicular ad hoc network has led to safer driving, prevention of deadly accidents, transportation improvement, more welfare and convenience for passengers, and even offering more commercial opportunities. The special features of vehicular ad hoc network, such as intense activity, constantly‐changing topology, the vehicles' high speed, etc, will lead to challenges in gaining security. Therefore, providing vehicular ad hoc networks with security is of extreme importance in terms of users' anonymity, identification, and data privacy. In this paper, a security model is presented using a method based on evolutionary games. This method, in every vehicle, is applied as a node in the network while interacting with other vehicles; it aims at distinguishing some common attacks and defending against attackers. In this method, defending (honest) vehicles and attacking vehicles take part in an asymmetrical game; each vehicle aims at gaining the most utility and achieving its goals. The proposed method is simulated using various scenarios. The simulation results reveal that the proposed method is efficient and it reaches equilibrium and convergence at the end of the game in each scenario.
What controls fire spatial patterns? Predictability of fire characteristics in the Canadian boreal plains ecozone
Authors: San‐Miguel Ignacio , Coops Nicholas C. , Chavardès Raphaël D. , Andison David W. , Pickell Paul D.
Published: January 2020

Most regulatory and certification agencies in Canada now require forest management plans to include some level of historical fire pattern approximation. As a result, sustainable forest management and enhancements to existing fire management policies and practices require a thorough understanding of the spatial fire patterns created and maintained by fire as well as the environmental conditions when they occur. To date, however, no boreal fire pattern study has examined relationships between the spatial arrangement of fire patterns, including vegetation remnants, and its main environmental top‐down and bottom‐up controls, based on a large number of fire events across large areas of the Canadian boreal forest. In this study, we leverage a recent, comprehensive, Landsat‐derived fire pattern dataset that includes information on fire vegetation remnants for the Canadian boreal plains ecozone, covering 507 fires and 2.5 Mha, to characterize the predictability of six fire pattern metrics. We then compare these metrics to multiple top‐down (monthly climate) and bottom‐up (topography, fuels, natural barriers, and disturbance history) controls on fire behavior. To do so, we first reduced the fire pattern metrics to three principal components and used a random forest modeling approach to better understand the main environmental explanatory controls. Across this large number of fires, we identified three dimensions of fire patterns: compactness, or the complexity of the perimeter; patchiness, or the spatial heterogeneity in the burned patches; and residualness, or the amount of fire vegetation remnants within the burned patches. We found that patchiness was mostly conditioned by the land cover through variables characterizing the type and connectedness of the fuels; however, summer and spring drought were locally important. Compactness responded to a combination of the disturbance history, land cover, and summer drought. The presence of water resulted in less compact fires. Residualness was a function of the disturbance history, topography, and land cover. Fires in lower elevations presented the most variable patterns, in response to changes in the amount and types of fuel. This research offers an enhanced understanding of the hierarchical interactions between resulting fire patterns and environmental conditions that are critical to supporting management decisions.
The underappreciated role of rodent generalists in fungal spore dispersal networks
Authors: Stephens Ryan B. , Rowe Rebecca J.
Published: January 2020

Animals are often the primary dispersers of seeds and fungal spores. Specialist species that consume fruits or fungal fruiting bodies (sporocarps) as their main food source are thought to play a more important role in dispersal networks compared to generalist species. However, dispersal networks are often based on occurrence data, overlooking the influence of animal abundance and dispersal effectiveness on network interactions. Using rodent‐mycorrhizal fungi networks, we determined how diet specialization and abundance influence the role of rodent species in dispersing fungal spores in temperate forests of northern New Hampshire, USA. We tracked the interactions of five rodent species and 34 fungal taxa over a 3‐yr period across hardwood, mixed, and softwood forest stands. We accounted for fluctuations in rodent abundance and differences in the number of spores dispersed in rodent scat.Myodes gapperi, a fungal specialist, dispersed a more diverse spore community than rodent generalists and was consistently the most important disperser in forest types with high fungal availability. Nevertheless, during years when generalist species such asTamias striatusandPeromyscus maniculatusreached high abundance, their relative importance (species strength) in networks approached or even surpassed that ofM. gapperi, particularly in forest types whereM. gapperiwas less common and fungal availability was low. Increased numbers of generalists enhanced network interaction diversity and the number of fungal taxa dispersed, the timing of which was coincident with seedling establishment following masting, a stage when inoculation by mycorrhizal fungi is critical for growth and survival. Our findings suggest that although specialists play key roles in dispersing mycorrhizal fungal spores, generalists play a heretofore underappreciated role.
Trauma exposure and stress‐related disorders in African‐American women with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Dixon H. Drew , Michopoulos Vasiliki , Gluck Rachel L. , Mendoza Hadrian , Munoz Adam P. , Wilson Joseph G. , Powers Abigail , Schwartz Ann C. , Umpierrez Guillermo E. , Gillespie Charles F.
Published: January 2020

Objective

The purpose of the study was to assess demographic features, rates of trauma exposure, prevalence of post‐traumatic stress and depressive symptoms in a group of urban, low‐income, African‐American women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted a survey of (n = 290) low‐income, African‐American women seeking care in the diabetes clinic of an urban hospital and collected data on the demographic characteristics, childhood and nonchildhood abuse trauma exposure, and the severity of post‐traumatic stress and depressive symptoms using the Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Symptom Scale (PSS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). In a subset of women with type 2 diabetes (n = 96), we assessed haemoglobin A1c to examine the relationship between psychopathology and glycaemic control.

Results

Of the overall sample, 61.7% reported exposure to trauma in their lifetime, and 30.4% and 29.3% had current PTSD and MDD, respectively. Exposure to both childhood and nonchildhood abuse trauma was associated with an increased PTSD and depressive symptom severity (P's < .05). PTSD diagnosis, but not depression, was associated with increased haemoglobin A1c (P = .002).

Conclusions

These data document high levels of trauma exposure, PTSD and depressive symptoms in diabetic African‐American women treated in a specialty clinic of an urban hospital setting. Furthermore, these data indicate that the presence of PTSD is negatively associated with glycaemic control.
(Electro‐)chemical Splitting of Dinitrogen with a Rhenium Pincer Complex
Authors: van Alten Richt S. , Wätjen Florian , Demeshko Serhiy , Miller Alexander J. M. , Würtele Christian , Siewert Inke , Schneider Sven
Published: January 2020

The splitting of N2into well‐defined terminal nitride complexes is a key reaction for nitrogen fixation at ambient conditions. In continuation of our previous work on rhenium pincer mediated N2splitting, nitrogen activation and cleavage upon (electro)chemical reduction of [ReCl2(L2)] {L2 = N(CHCHPtBu2)2–} is reported. The electrochemical characterization of [ReCl2(L2)] and comparison with our previously reported platform [ReCl2(L1)] {L1 = N(CH2CH2PtBu2)2–} provides mechanistic insight to rationalize the dependence of nitride yield on the reductant. Furthermore, the reactivity of N2derived nitride complex [Re(N)Cl(L2)] with electrophiles is presented.
Synthesis of Porous Carbon Nanotubes@LiVTiO4 Composites and Their Advanced Electrochemical Properties for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zeng Xingyan , Tang Yakun , Liu Lang , Gao Yang , Zhang Yang
Published: January 2020

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)@LiVTiO4 composites are successfully constructed by a series of treatments, including sol–gel method, solid phase grinding, and a subsequent calcination procedure. In the composite, some LiVTiO4 nanoparticles are adhered on the surface of the bamboo‐like CNTs, whereas others are embedded in the walls of CNTs. As the anode for lithium‐ion batteries, the CNTs@LiVTiO4 nanocomposite delivers a high specific capacity of 346 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles at 0.2 A g−1. Even at a high current density of 5 A g−1, the electrode still maintains the capacity of 111.1 mA h g−1 after 1000 cycles. The excellent electrochemical performance is attributed to the unique structure of CNTs@LiVTiO4, which can successfully prevent the pulverization and aggregation of LiVTiO4 nanoparticles and enhance the electrical conductivity. All these favorable factors make CNTs@LiVTiO4 a promising anode material for stable, safe, and high‐energy lithium‐ion batteries.
On how asymmetric stimulated rock volume in shales may impact casing integrity
Authors: Yu Hao , Dahi Taleghani Arash , Lian Zhanghua , Lin Tiejun
Published: January 2020

Microseismic data and production logs in our study area have confirmed asymmetric developments of the stimulation rock volume in shales with respect to the wellbore, while severe casing deformation problems have been reported frequently in this area. Here, we propose a systematic methodology to investigate the possibility of casing failure due to strong shear stresses induced by asymmetric stimulated zones. A mechanical earth modeling (MEM) is initially performed to determine the in situ stress field in the target layer before fracturing by incorporating the existing geological features, logging data, and rock anisotropy. Then, we provide a computationally cheap and efficient estimation for stimulated rock volume of each stage by considering the possible overlaps in adjacent stages based on the clustered microseismic clouds. Using this approach, a reservoir‐scale 3D coupled model tied to a more detailed near‐wellbore part incorporating the casing string and the cement sheath is established to simulate the development of stimulation zones, stress redistribution, and their impacts on casing deformation as each stage fracturing treatment chronologically goes on. Our numerical results indicate that continuous redistribution and re‐orientation of stress field near the borehole are tracked during pumping the treatment which reveals formation of some pockets of tensile stresses along and around the wellbore. Asymmetric stimulations are observed to generate strong shear stress on the suspended casing. These shear forces result in deflection and S‐shape deformations accompanied with cross‐sectional ovality. Some regions receive repeating treatments, which results in intensifying formation stress heterogeneity and worsen casing deformation severity. The calculation results are compared with measurement of multi‐finger imaging tool (MIT) to validate the accuracy. Our analysis has indicated that simply increasing the flexural strength by increasing thickness of casing cannot radically mitigate casing deformation problems. This paper presents a novel workflow for a coupled modeling of casing deformation during hydraulic fracturing operations, while current modeling efforts assume symmetric bi‐wing fracture geometries.
Comparing the behaviour of spherical beads and natural grains in bedload mixtures
Authors: Dudill Ashley , Venditti Jeremy G. , Church Michael , Frey Philippe
Published: January 2020

It is common to use idealised materials to study the dynamics of granular transport in fluid flows, but the impact of this choice upon sediment behaviour has not been extensively explored. To tackle this research gap, two experiments were undertaken to explore the influence of a finer grain input to a channelized coarser granular flow driven by a shallow fluid flow. The first set of runs was undertaken using spherical glass beads, and the second set with natural fluvial sediment. The transport system approximates a narrow slice through the bedload at the bottom of a river. In the runs with natural grains, the infiltration of fine sediment into the bed was similar to the spherical glass beads, but with reduced infiltration capacity. We ascribe this behaviour to irregular and variable pore shapes and sizes in the natural material. The behaviour of the bedload in the natural material runs matched that of the bead runs only when the feed contained a high content of fines. When the feed contained a low content of fines the transport of natural grains was more complex, including the emergence of migrating collections of grains. However, the overall changes in bed and water slope due to the finer grain input were comparable in both sets of experiments. We conclude that artificial, idealised materials qualitatively represent sedimentary phenomena, but that quantitative differences in the outcomes must be expected. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Virtual network embedding on massive substrate networks
Authors: Zhao Chenggui , Parhami Behrooz
Published: January 2020

To alleviate the computational burden of previous virtual network embedding (VNE) approaches when the resource network scales up significantly, we propose an efficient node ranking strategy that considers both global and local topological characteristics of the substrate network in mapping virtual nodes to physical nodes. This method ranks the substrate network nodes in two stages. First, all nodes are ranked globally with respect to the stationary distribution of the entire network. Then, a connected subset of the ranked substrate nodes, forming the H‐admissible embedding subgraph, is extracted. Finally, the subgraph nodes are ranked according to a local node ranking vector derived from a random‐walking scheme. The local rank vector is resolved using discrete Green's function satisfying the Dirichelet boundary condition. The more accurate association of node demands and resources that our proposed method provides leads to both better acceptance ratio and lower computational overhead. These claims have been justified via theoretical and algorithmic presentation of our scheme and offer experimental results obtained through simulation, to confirm its execution efficiency and solution quality compared with a couple of previous VNE proposals.
Evolutionary genomics can improve prediction of species’ responses to climate change
Authors: Waldvogel Ann-Marie , Feldmeyer Barbara , Rolshausen Gregor , Exposito-Alonso Moises , Rellstab Christian , Kofler Robert , Mock Thomas , Schmid Karl , Schmitt Imke , Bataillon Thomas , Savolainen Outi , Bergland Alan , Flatt Thomas , Guillaume Frederic , Pfenninger Markus
Published: January 2020

Global climate change (GCC) increasingly threatens biodiversity through the loss of species, and the transformation of entire ecosystems. Many species are challenged by the pace of GCC because they might not be able to respond fast enough to changing biotic and abiotic conditions. Species can respond either by shifting their range, or by persisting in their local habitat. If populations persist, they can tolerate climatic changes through phenotypic plasticity, or genetically adapt to changing conditions depending on their genetic variability and census population size to allow for de novo mutations. Otherwise, populations will experience demographic collapses and species may go extinct. Current approaches to predicting species responses to GCC begin to combine ecological and evolutionary information for species distribution modelling. Including an evolutionary dimension will substantially improve species distribution projections which have not accounted for key processes such as dispersal, adaptive genetic change, demography, or species interactions. However, eco-evolutionary models require new data and methods for the estimation of a species' adaptive potential, which have so far only been available for a small number of model species. To represent global biodiversity, we need to devise large-scale data collection strategies to define the ecology and evolutionary potential of a broad range of species, especially of keystone species of ecosystems. We also need standardized and replicable modelling approaches that integrate these new data to account for eco-evolutionary processes when predicting the impact of GCC on species' survival. Here, we discuss different genomic approaches that can be used to investigate and predict species responses to GCC. This can serve as guidance for researchers looking for the appropriate experimental setup for their particular system. We furthermore highlight future directions for moving forward in the field and allocating available resources more effectively, to implement mitigation measures before species go extinct and ecosystems lose important functions.
Unraveling ingredients in complex mixtures by chromatographic spectrum recognition: Application to perfume deformulation
Authors: Truan Clément , Peres Christophe , Engel Erwan
Published: January 2020

In the past 40 years, progress in GC‐MS and GC‐FID has lent the modern perfume industry powerful tools for determining raw ingredients in fragrances, which is still often manual and based on molecular markers thus subjective and unreliable due to variability and chromatographic challenges. This article presents an alternative approach by introducing the concept of chromatographic spectrum. This approach was evaluated on a commercial database containing molecular composition of 4106 perfumery ingredients and on real and simulated mixtures. Five hundred and seven out of 565 database ingredients classes were differentiated by their chromatographic spectrum against 164 with distinctive markers. The 5 ingredients of a real Eau de Cologne mixture were identified, and their proportions estimated with less than 12% relative error for 4 of them. The usefulness of chromatographic spectra in a deformulation support algorithm is discussed based on the deformulation of 210 simulated mixtures of 5, 10, and 15 ingredients.
Effects of heat–moisture, autoclaving, and microwave treatments on physicochemical properties of proso millet starch
Authors: Zheng Ming‐zhu , Xiao Yu , Yang Shuang , Liu Hui‐min , Liu Mei‐hong , Yaqoob Sanabil , Xu Xiu‐ying , Liu Jing‐sheng
Published: January 2020

Proso millet starch was modified by heat–moisture treatment (HMT), autoclaving treatment (AT), and microwave treatment (MT). The effects of these treatments on the starch physicochemical, structural, and molecular properties were investigated. The amylose and resistant starch contents were increased by AT and MT, but only slightly by HMT. HMT and AT significantly increased the water‐holding capacity, to 172.66% and 191.63%, respectively. X‐ray diffractometry showed that the relative crystallinity of the HMT sample decreased by 20.88%, and the crystalline peaks disappeared from the AT and MT sample patterns. The thermal treatments decreased the proso millet starch molecular weight to 1.769 × 106, 7.886 × 105, and 3.411 × 104 g/mol, respectively. The thermal enthalpy decreased significantly in HMT. Modification significantly changed the pasting profiles of the native proso millet starch, and the peak viscosity, setback, and breakdown values decreased. These results clarify the mechanism of starch changes caused by thermal treatment.
Effects of four cooking methods on sensory and taste quality of Portunus trituberculatus
Authors: Shi Shanshan , Wang Xichang , Wu Xugan , Shi Wenzheng
Published: January 2020

The effect of heating medium (with water and steam) and initial temperature of heating medium (cold and boiling) on the taste quality and sensory properties of Portunus trituberculatus was investigated. Nonvolatile taste active components in the meat and gonad of crabs cooked under four different methods were detected and compared. Sensory evaluation and electronic tongue assessment were also conducted. Sensory evaluation and electronic tongue indicated that taste quality was different under four cooking methods. The results showed that steaming cooking preserved more water‐soluble substances as compared with boiling cooking, especially cooking began with boiling water. It is noteworthy that the umami intensity in gonad cooked from boiling water was stronger, either steaming or boiling. Therefore, this study can provide a theoretical basis and suggest the dynamic chemical changes of different organs during heating process need to be further studied.
Pursuing Grid Modernization: With a ‘New Regulatory Paradigm’?
Authors: Makholm Jeff D.
Published: January 2020

Grid modernization is an exciting and sophisticated field. A Smart Grid anticipates two‐way flows of energy and information along power grids and the addition of many new innovative grid‐edge technologies—a veritable revolution for a system originally built to accommodate one‐way service that seems to have changed little since the watt‐hour meter was invented in 1894. This column is not about that technological revolution—many studies exist on that subject. Rather, this column is about who decides what technologies to buy to modernize the grid—who regulates the introduction of and payment for these new technologies.
Characterization of renal cell carcinoma‐associated constitutional chromosome abnormalities by genome sequencing
Authors: Smith Philip S. , Whitworth James , West Hannah , Cook Jacqueline , Gardiner Carol , Lim Derek H. K. , Morrison Patrick J. , Hislop R. Gordon , Murray Emily ,   NIHR Rare Disease BioResource, Tischkowitz Marc , Warren Anne Y. , Woodward Emma R. , Maher Eamonn R.
Published: January 2020

Constitutional translocations, typically involving chromosome 3, have been recognized as a rare cause of inherited predisposition to renal cell carcinoma (RCC) for four decades. However, knowledge of the molecular basis of this association is limited. We have characterized the breakpoints by genome sequencing (GS) of constitutional chromosome abnormalities in five individuals who presented with RCC. In one individual with constitutional t(10;17)(q11.21;p11.2), the translocation breakpoint disrupted two genes: the known renal tumor suppressor gene (TSG) FLCN (and clinical features of Birt‐Hogg‐Dubé syndrome were detected) and RASGEF1A. In four cases, the rearrangement breakpoints did not disrupt known inherited RCC genes. In the second case without chromosome 3 involvement, the translocation breakpoint in an individual with a constitutional t(2;17)(q21.1;q11.2) mapped 12 Kb upstream of NLK. Interestingly, NLK has been reported to interact indirectly with FBXW7 and a previously reported RCC‐associated translocation breakpoint disrupted FBXW7. In two cases of constitutional chromosome 3 translocations, no candidate TSGs were identified in the vicinity of the breakpoints. However, in an individual with a constitutional chromosome 3 inversion, the 3p breakpoint disrupted the FHIT TSG (which has been reported previously to be disrupted in two apparently unrelated families with an RCC‐associated t(3;8)(p14.2;q24.1). These findings (a) expand the range of constitutional chromosome rearrangements that may be associated with predisposition to RCC, (b) confirm that chromosome rearrangements not involving chromosome 3 can predispose to RCC, (c) suggest that a variety of molecular mechanisms are involved the pathogenesis of translocation‐associated RCC, and (d) demonstrate the utility of GS for investigating such cases.
Longitudinal trajectory of Amyloid‐related hippocampal subfield atrophy in nondemented elderly
Authors: Zhang Liwen , Mak Elijah , Reilhac Anthonin , Shim Hee Y. , Ng Kwun K. , Ong Marcus Q. W. , Ji Fang , Chong Eddie J. Y. , Xu Xin , Wong Zi X. , Stephenson Mary C. , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Tan Boon Y. , O'Brien John T. , Zhou Juan H. , Chen Christopher L.H. ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: January 2020

Hippocampal atrophy and abnormal β‐Amyloid (Aβ) deposition are established markers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nonetheless, longitudinal trajectory of Aβ‐associated hippocampal subfield atrophy prior to dementia remains unclear. We hypothesized that elevated Aβ correlated with longitudinal subfield atrophy selectively in no cognitive impairment (NCI), spreading to other subfields in mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We analyzed data from two independent longitudinal cohorts of nondemented elderly, including global PET‐Aβ in AD‐vulnerable cortical regions and longitudinal subfield volumes quantified with a novel auto‐segmentation method (FreeSurfer v.6.0). Moreover, we investigated associations of Aβ‐related progressive subfield atrophy with memory decline. Across both datasets, we found a converging pattern that higher Aβ correlated with faster CA1 volume decline in NCI. This pattern spread to other hippocampal subfields in MCI group, correlating with memory decline. Our results for the first time suggest a longitudinal focal‐to‐widespread trajectory of Aβ‐associated hippocampal subfield atrophy over disease progression in nondemented elderly.
Capacity constraints and time allocation in public health clinics
Authors: Harris Matthew C. , Liu Yinan , McCarthy Ian
Published: January 2020

Unlike in the production of most goods, changes in capacity for labor‐intensive services only affect outcomes of interest insofar as service providers change the way they allocate their time in response to those capacity changes. In this paper, we examine how public sector service providers respond to unexpected capacity constraints in the specific context of public health clinics. We exploit an exogenous reduction in public health clinic capacity to quantify the trade‐off between patients treated and time spent with each patient, which we treat as a proxy for a quality versus quantity decision. We provide evidence that these small and generally insignificant effects on nurse time favor public sector employees prioritizing quality of each interaction over clearing the patient queue.
Assessment of long‐term survival of cancer patients using cancer registry data from eastern China: Period analysis is superior to traditional methods
Authors: Jiang Xiyi , Wang Liangyou , Cheng Yongran , Tang Huijuan , Chen Tianhui
Published: January 2020

We aimed to provide a systematical evaluation of the performance of period analysis compared to traditional cohort and complete methods, using cancer registry data from Taizhou, eastern China. Overall, 5‐year relative survival (RS) estimate was calculated using cohort analysis, complete analysis and period analysis, respectively; further analyses were stratified by sex, region, age at diagnosis and cancer sites. Deviation value (DV), defined as the deviation between the estimated 5‐year RS obtained from each method and the observed actual survival, was calculated to evaluate the accuracy of each method. Overall, 5‐year RS derived by period analysis were much closer to the observed actual survival (51.4%), compared to those by complete and cohort methods, with the estimates of 48.7% (DV: −2.7%), 43.2% (DV: −8.2%) and 36.3% (DV: −15.1%), respectively. Further stratifications by sex, age at diagnosis, region and cancer sites also supported period analysis provided more precise estimates, compared to complete and cohort methods. We found, for first time systematically using cancer registry data from eastern China, period analysis provided more up‐to‐date precise estimates of long‐term survival for overall and stratifications by sex, age at diagnosis, region and cancer sites, compared to traditional cohort and complete methods. Nevertheless, further investigations using large cancer registry data across China are warranted for the widespread use of period analysis in China.
Addressing the fistula treatment gap and rising to the 2030 challenge
Authors: Slinger Gillian , Trautvetter Lilli
Published: January 2020

Obstetric fistula is a neglected public health and human rights issue. It occurs almost exclusively in low‐resource regions, resulting in permanent urinary and/or fecal incontinence. Although the exact prevalence remains unknown, it starkly outweighs the limited pool of skilled fistula surgeons needed to repair this childbirth injury. Several global movements have, however, enabled the international community to make major strides in recent decades. FIGO's Fistula Surgery Training Initiative, launched in 2012, has made significant gains in building the capacity of local fistula surgeons to steadily close the fistula treatment gap. Training and education are delivered via FIGO and partners’ Global Competency‐based Fistula Surgery Training Manual and tailored toward the needs and skill level of each trainee surgeon (FIGO Fellow). There are currently 62 Fellows from 22 fistula‐affected countries on the training program, who have collectively performed over 10 000 surgical repairs. The initiative also contributes to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (1, 3, 5, 8, 10, and 17). The UN's ambitious target to end fistula by 2030 will be unobtainable unless sufficient resources are mobilized and affected countries are empowered to develop their own sustainable eradication plans, including access to safe delivery and emergency obstetric services.
Knowledge of obstetric fistula among prenatal clinic attendees and midwives in Mfantsiman municipality, Ghana
Authors: Azanu Wisdom K. , Dassah Edward T. , Agbeno Evans K. , Ofori Anthony A. , Opare‐Addo Henry S.
Published: January 2020

Objective

To determine obstetric fistula knowledge among prenatal attendees and midwives in Mfantsiman municipality, Ghana.

Methods

An analytical cross‐sectional study was conducted among prenatal clinic attendees and midwives in Mfantsiman municipality from March to April, 2016. Women were selected by systematic sampling and consenting midwives were recruited. Respondents were interviewed using a pretested structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the χ2 test and Poisson regression with a robust error variance to generate relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Altogether, 393 prenatal attendees and 45 midwives were studied. Mean age of attendees was 28.1 ± 7.1 years. About 29% of prenatal attendees knew of, 37.2% had poor knowledge of, and 56.6% had some misconceptions about obstetric fistula. Women who had attained some level of education (P trend=0.001), were employed (adjusted RR 4.92; 95% CI, 1.98–12.21), or had given birth before (P trend=0.01) were more likely to have heard of obstetric fistula. All midwives knew of obstetric fistula and its preventive measures; however, up to 73.3% had some misconceptions about it.

Conclusion

Educating prenatal attendees and organizing regular refresher courses on obstetric fistula for midwives should be a priority in the municipality.
A review of surgical procedures to repair obstetric fistula
Authors: Pope Rachel , Beddow Meghan
Published: January 2020

Although approximately 2 million women suffer from an obstetric fistula, the surgical literature is sparse. This review examines the evidence published to date. The most relevant surgical evidence is included, highlighting the need for further scientific investigations to contribute to our surgical practice. The most pressing needs relate to anti‐incontinence techniques and complex obstetric fistula repairs.
Primary basal cell carcinoma of the prostate with concurrent adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hennes David , Dragovic Adrian , Sewell James , Hoh Meng Yeong , Grills Richard
Published: January 2020

Introduction

Prostatic basal cell carcinoma is an extremely rare tumor, exhibiting various histopathological features and clinical spectrums of disease.

Case presentation

A 69‐year‐old male presented to our department with 2 years of voiding difficulty and intermittent macroscopic hematuria. With a presumed diagnosis of benign prostatic hyperplasia, he underwent a transurethral resection of the prostate. Pathological examination revealed atypical basaloid cells forming solid nests. Robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy was subsequently performed, confirming a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma with coexisting acinar adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion

Although more cases of basal cell carcinoma are indolent than aggressive, there is no reliable method of differentiation between these presentations. Thus, we recommend radical surgery and 6‐monthly disease surveillance until more is discovered about this very rare malignancy.