bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extent of structural change during the reaction and its relationship to isoselectivity in polypropylene polymerization with ansa‐zirconocene/borate catalyst: A computational study
Authors: Orimoto Yuuichi , Shirane Satoru , Aoki Yuriko
Published: August 2019

The mechanism of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) polymerization with an (R,R)‐ansa‐zirconocene/borate catalyst system was analyzed using quantum chemistry (QC) calculations by focusing on the extent of structural change during monomer insertion. The activation energy for migratory insertion, Ea, was compared for four possible reaction paths with regard to monomer coordination, that is, 1,2‐re, 1,2‐si, 2,1‐si, and 2,1‐re, until the seventh monomer insertion step, explicitly including a borate anion cocatalyst. This indicated that the 1,2‐re path was most favorable, except for the first step, which favored 1,2‐si. As far as the first step, the product of 1,2‐si is a conformational isomer to that of the 1,2‐re path, and the exceptional favorability of 1,2‐si does not affect the isoselectivity. These results support previous studies, except that our results address the unexplored seventh insertion step with a borate anion cocatalyst by QC calculations. The isoselectivity correlated with the extent of structural change in the whole system during the reaction. It was proved from our detail analysis that the advantage of 1,2‐re with a small Ea is attributed to its smaller structural changes due to low steric repulsion in the system compared with other paths. Conversely, larger repulsion in the systems involved in other paths results in larger structural changes to minimize the structural strain. However, the relaxation appears insufficient due to structural restriction of the enforced four‐membered ring transition state structure. A borate anion cocatalyst broke the C2 symmetry of the electronic structures of zirconocene, resulting in an odd–even Ea frequency for the monomer insertion. Molecular orbital analysis demonstrated that the d–π orbital overlaps can explain the approach direction of the olefin coordination and the bent structure of zirconocene, providing a different viewpoint from previous studies. The potential for catalyst control was discussed based on our results. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcomes of root resection therapy up to 16.8 years: A retrospective study in an academic setting
Authors: Alassadi Madi , Qazi Musa , Ravidà Andrea , Siqueira Rafael , Garaicoa‐Pazmiño Carlos , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: August 2019

Background

Root resection has been considered a viable treatment option for molars with furcation defects. However, need of a multidisciplinary approach could potentially deem this procedure less successful. The aim of the present article was to determine survival rates of root resection procedure and reasons for failure in an academic setting.

Methods

Patient‐related demographic data, medical history information, and relevant data pertaining to the root‐resected teeth performed from January 1990 to September 2017 were reviewed through electronic and paper chart. Survival rates were analyzed using Kaplan‐Meier estimate. Association between the reasons for failure and independent variables was established by a Pearson Chi‐squared and Kruskal‐Wallis test.

Results

A total of 85 patients with an average follow‐up of 5 ± 4.3 years (range: 1 to 16.8 years) were included in the present article. A total of 47 molar teeth treated with root resection remained as part of the dentition (55.3%) and 38 (44.7%) failed. The mean survival time with the Kaplan‐Mayer analysis was 109.9 months (9.1 years). Fracture (39.5%), caries (26.3%), and periodontal disease (23.7%) were the most common causes for failure. Interestingly, the majority of failures occurred in the first 4 years after therapy (n = 31; 81.5% of all failures).

Conclusions

Root resection therapy remains a treatment solution for molars with furcation defects. In an academic setting, >50% of teeth remained functional after 9 years of root resection therapy.
A rapid, sensitive, and widely applicable method for quantitative analysis of underivatized amino acids in different biological matrices by UHPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Guo Na , Yang Dawei , Yang Xiaofang , Yan Han , Fan Bin , Dai Jingang , Lei Yan , Yan Dan
Published: August 2019

A rapid, sensitive, and widely applicable method for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of 20 underivatized amino acids in different biological matrices, including serum, plasma, and tissue homogenates, using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was developed and validated. Only 4 µL of serum, plasma, or tissue homogenate was extracted with 996 µL of solution (1.7 mM ammonium formate in 85% acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid) containing 100 ng/mL phenylalanine‐d5 as an internal standard without any further derivatization step. In addition, the matrix effects were small because a large volume of extraction solution was used. The total run time including reequilibration was 13 min. The results of linearity, accuracy, repeatability, precision, limits of detection, limits of quantification, and sample stability were sufficient to allow the measurement of the amino acids in different biological matrices. We conclude that our method is rapid, sensitive, and widely applicable and represents an improvement over other currently available technologies.
Dissipation of chlortetracycline in the aquatic environment: Characterization in terms of a generalized multiphase pseudo–zero‐order rate law
Authors: Zaranyika Mark F. , Dzomba Pamhidzai
Published: August 2019

The kinetics of the dissipation of chlortetracycline in the aquatic environment was studied over a period of 90 days using microcosm experiments and distilled water controls. The distilled water control experiments, carried out under dark conditions as well as exposed to natural sunlight, exhibited biphasic linear rates of dissipation. The microcosm experiments exhibited triphasic linear rates of degradation both in the water phase (2.7 × 10−2, 7 × 10−3, 1.3 × 10−3 μg g−1 day–1) and the sediment phase (3.4 × 10−2, 6 × 10−3, 1 × 10−3 μg g−1 day–1). The initial slow rate of dissipation in the dark control (3 × 10−3 μg g−1 day–1) was attributed to a combination of evaporation and hydrolysis, whereas the subsequent fast rate (1.8 × 10−3 μg g−1 day–1) was attributed to a combination of evaporation, hydrolysis, and microbial degradation. For the sunlight‐exposed control, the initial slow rate of dissipation (1.5 × 10−3 μg g−1 day–1) was attributed to a combination of evaporation, hydrolysis, and photolysis, whereas the subsequent fast rate was attributed to a combination of evaporation, hydrolysis, photolysis, and microbial degradation (5.1 × 10−3 μg g−1 day–1). The initial fast rate of dissipation in the water phase of the microcosm experiment is attributed to a combination of evaporation, hydrolysis, photolysis, and microbial degradation, whereas all subsequent slow rates in the water phase and all rates of degradation in the sediment phase are attributed to microbial degradation of the colloidal and sediment particle adsorbed antibiotic. A multiphase zero‐order kinetic model is presented that takes into account (a) dissipation of the antibiotic via evaporation, hydrolysis, photolysis, microbial degradation, and adsorption by colloidal and sediment particles and (b) the dependence of the dissipation rate on the concentration of the antibiotic, type and count of microorganisms, and type and concentration of colloidal particles and sediment particle adsorption sites within a given aquatic environment.
Temporal and spatial variability analysis of the solar radiation in a region affected by the intertropical convergence zone
Authors: Vindel Jose M. , Valenzuela Rita X. , Navarro Ana A. , Polo Jesús
Published: August 2019

The first aim of this work was to obtain temporal variability patterns for satellite‐derived solar radiation estimations in Zambia. A principal component analysis, in Zambia and the surrounding zones, was performed and from this analysis the physical phenomena associated with these patterns were established. According to the results, two temporal variability patterns stand out: the first is associated with the regional global climate characteristics, including both the deterministic and non‐deterministic components of solar radiation, and the other is strictly associated with the influence of the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) responsible for the behaviour of solar radiation during October–March. The second aim of the work was to analyse the spatial variability of the irradiance in the study area. For this aim, a clustering analysis based on the interquartile range of the data was performed. The analysis leads to a spatial distribution of the radiation in agreement with the influence of the ITCZ on the territory. Indeed, those stations less affected by the ITCZ, in the south and east of the territory, show a clear diminution of the radiation around June. However, the stations of the northwest zone, the most affected by the belt of low pressure during November–April, do not present this diminution.
Technical Note: Simultaneous segmentation and relaxometry for MRI through multitask learning
Authors: Cao Peng , Liu Jing , Tang Shuyu , Leynes Andrew P. , Lupo Janine M. , Xu Duan , Larson Peder E. Z.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study demonstrated a magnetic resonance (MR) signal multitask learning method for three‐dimensional (3D) simultaneous segmentation and relaxometry of human brain tissues.

Materials and Methods

A 3D inversion‐prepared balanced steady‐state free precession sequence was used for acquiring in vivo multicontrast brain images. The deep neural network contained three residual blocks, and each block had 8 fully connected layers with sigmoid activation, layer norm, and 256 neurons in each layer. Online‐synthesized MR signal evolutions and labels were used to train the neural network batch‐by‐batch. Empirically defined ranges of T1 and T2 values for the normal gray matter, white matter, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were used as the prior knowledge. MRI brain experiments were performed on three healthy volunteers. The mean and standard deviation for the T1 and T2 values in vivo were reported and compared to literature values. Additional animal (N = 6) and prostate patient (N = 1) experiments were performed to compare the estimated T1 and T2 values with those from gold standard methods and to demonstrate clinical applications of the proposed method.

Results

In animal validation experiment, the differences/errors (mean difference ± standard deviation of difference) between the T1 and T2 values estimated from the proposed method and the ground truth were 113 ± 486 and 154 ± 512 ms for T1, and 5 ± 33 and 7 ± 41 ms for T2, respectively. In healthy volunteer experiments (N = 3), whole brain segmentation and relaxometry were finished within ~ 5 s. The estimated apparent T1 and T2 maps were in accordance with known brain anatomy, and not affected by coil sensitivity variation. Gray matter, white matter, and CSF were successfully segmented. The deep neural network can also generate synthetic T1‐ and T2‐weighted images.

Conclusion

The proposed multitask learning method can directly generate brain apparent T1 and T2 maps, as well as synthetic T1‐ and T2‐weighted images, in conjunction with segmentation of gray matter, white matter, and CSF.
Muscle percentage index as a marker of disease severity in golden retriever muscular dystrophy
Authors: Eresen Aydin , Hafsa Noor E. , Alic Lejla , Birch Sharla M. , Griffin John F. , Kornegay Joe N. , Ji Jim X.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD) is a spontaneous X‐linked canine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy that resembles the human condition. Muscle percentage index (MPI) is proposed as an imaging biomarker of disease severity in GRMD.

Methods

To assess MPI, we used MRI data acquired from nine GRMD samples using a 4.7 T small‐bore scanner. A machine learning approach was used with eight raw quantitative mapping of MRI data images (T1m, T2m, two Dixon maps, and four diffusion tensor imaging maps), three types of texture descriptors (local binary pattern, gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix, gray‐level run‐length matrix), and a gradient descriptor (histogram of oriented gradients).

Results

The confusion matrix, averaged over all samples, showed 93.5% of muscle pixels classified correctly. The classification, optimized in a leave‐one‐out cross‐validation, provided an average accuracy of 80% with a discrepancy in overestimation for young (8%) and old (20%) dogs.

Discussion

MPI could be useful for quantifying GRMD severity, but careful interpretation is needed for severe cases.
Social media taxation and its impact on Africa's economic growth
Authors: Kasadha Juma , Alli Adam A. , Basuuta Aisha Kasujja , Mpoza Abdulhamid
Published: August 2019

Technology affordances enable citizens to digitally connect and collectively act towards realization of established economic goals of a given country. This paper contributes to scholarly discussions on the effects of social media tax on Africa's economic growth. For African economies to grow, there is need to abolish social media tax and device means through which social media discussions that generate billions of data are captured and analyzed to guide policymaking processes aimed at economic growth. We connote that social media tax disengages the government from its citizens that access information through social media platforms. The tax is a hindrance to realization of the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA‐2024) and the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063.
Exploring the possibilities of double proton transfer in hydrazides: A theoretical approach
Authors: Mohan Makesh , Satyanarayan M.N. , Trivedi Darshak R.
Published: August 2019

Hydrazides are known to exhibit keto‐enol tautomerism upon photoexcitation. Theoretical aspects uncovering excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) of N‐acylsubstituted hydrazides with bithiophene core have been investigated. Geometrical aspects of the system are expected to undergo double proton translocation at its excited state. However, potential energy surface study for all the molecules reveals an impossible concurrent double proton translocation and to a greater extent dubious step‐wise double proton translocation in the system. Potential energy scans reveal molecules possessing a lower forward barrier at its excited state in comparison with their ground state suggestive of possible excited state single proton transfer. Geometrical attributes and spectral analysis suggest the strengthening of intramolecular hydrogen bond (N―H▪▪▪O) at its excited state, favoring single proton translocation. Theoretical estimation of electronic energy transition for all the conformers yields good correlation with the experimental figures with an energy overestimation <0.17 eV.
Health literacy in Saudi Arabia: Implications for public health and healthcare access
Authors: Almubark Rasha , Basyouni Mada , Alghanem Ashjan , Althumairi Nora , Alkhamis Dalal , Alharbi Lamya S. , Alammari Nouf , Algabbani Aljoharah , Alnofal Fatemah , Alqahtani Amani , BinDhim Nasser
Published: August 2019

This study aims to describe the distribution of low health literacy (HL) in the population in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and to analyze factors associated with low HL in KSA. A cross‐sectional national survey using quota sampling, population‐based of residents of KSA conducted via phone interviews supplemented by in‐person interviews. The survey included an overall evidence‐based measurement of HL. Both descriptive statistics of the sample and a multivariable logistic regression model predicting low HL were developed. A total of 3557 surveys were available for analysis, and 46% of the respondents were classified as having low HL. In regression modelling, low HL was associated with older age groups (age 47‐56 odds ratio [OR] 1.60, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30‐1.97; age 57‐66 OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.98‐1.94), the regions of Ha’il (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.5‐0.85) and Najran (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.99‐1.64), having been formerly married, lower levels of education (less than elementary OR 3.20, 95% CI 2.10‐4.88; and elementary, OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.14‐2.30), lower levels of income, and having sought healthcare exactly three times in the last year. Approximately half of KSA has low HL, and risk factors for low HL were older ages, lower income and education, having been formerly married, and a moderate pattern of health use. Future studies are needed to better characterize the distribution and determinants of low HL across KSA.
Study of uterine kinetics in nonpregnant women using cine‐mode magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Nakashima Akira , Komesu Isamu , Sakumoto Tetsuro , Hamakawa Hakuraku , Terada Yoko , Takayama Hisako , Kamiyama Sigeru , Higashi Masahiro , Ishigaki Keiko , Nakaza Aritoshi , Ushijima Kimio , Tokunaga Yoshimitsu
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To evaluate the uterine kinetics in each phase of the menstrual cycle when observed in detail using cine‐mode magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of sagittal and transverse plane images.

Methods

Seven volunteers with a history of multiple natural pregnancies and deliveries were enrolled from January 2017 to May 2017. The kinetic parameters (depth, frequency, and direction) of uterine muscle contractions were evaluated in cine‐mode MRI.

Results

Strong contractions from the uterine cornua to cervix were detected during menstruation. In the late follicular phase, the frequency of opposing contractions from the cervix and uterine cornua increased. Immediately before ovulation, contractions from the cervix reached the uterine fundus. After ovulation, opposing contractions returned. These contractions gradually decreased in the mid‐luteal phase, while fine contractions from the cervix to the middle of the uterine body were frequently observed until 7 days after ovulation. Few contractions were observed in the implantation phase.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the uterine kinetics change in each phase of the menstrual cycle in accordance with the purpose of the uterus in each phase. Further, cine‐mode MRI studies of each phase are needed to assess the relationships between uterine kinetics and infertility.
Influence of coarse aggregate type on the damage mechanism in high‐strength concrete under compressive fatigue loading
Authors: Scheiden Tim , Oneschkow Nadja
Published: August 2019

This paper is published on the occasion of the 65th birthday of Prof. Dr.‐Ing. Ludger Lohaus, Director of the Institute of Building Materials Science, Leibniz University Hannover and coordinator of the SPP 2020, offering congratulations. Within the Priority Program SPP 2020 “Cyclic deterioration of High‐Performance Concrete in an experimental virtual lab,” the damage mechanisms of high‐performance concrete due to fatigue loading are investigated. At the Institute of Building Materials Science, Leibniz University Hannover, the influence of different concrete microstructures on the damage mechanisms is investigated in a conjoint project. Based on a systematic variation of concrete composition, for example, coarse grain aggregate, water/cement ratio and additives, different concrete mixtures, mainly high‐strength concrete, with different microstructures are created and systematically analyzed. The results of the fatigue tests are analyzed regarding different damage indicators, for example, strain development, stiffness development, and acoustic emission. The overall objective is to obtain comprehensive knowledge concerning the damage mechanisms by conjoint analyses of damage indicators and results of the imaging techniques and to provide specifically aligned data to calibrate numerical models within the conjoint project. For future investigations, high‐resolution imaging techniques, such as computer tomography and scanning electron microscope, will be applied to investigate the crack growth in the microstructure caused by fatigue loading. In this paper, the results of the analysis of the damage indicators for two high‐strength concretes differing only in the type of coarse aggregate used are presented comparatively.
Entanglement entropy, relative entropy and duality
Authors: Moitra Upamanyu , Soni Ronak M , Trivedi Sandip P.
Published: August 2019

Abstract

A definition for the entanglement entropy in both Abelian and non-Abelian gauge theories has been given in the literature, based on an extended Hilbert space construction. The result can be expressed as a sum of two terms, a classical term and a quantum term. It has been argued that only the quantum term is extractable through the processes of quantum distillation and dilution. Here we consider gauge theories in the continuum limit and argue that quite generically, the classical piece is dominated by modes with very high momentum, of order the cut-off, in the direction normal to the entangling surface. As a result, we find that the classical term does not contribute to the relative entropy or the mutual information, in the continuum limit, for states which only carry a finite amount of energy above the ground state. We extend these considerations for p-form theories, and also discuss some aspects pertaining to electric-magnetic duality.
The Efficacy of PTGBD for Acute Cholecystitis Based on the Tokyo Guidelines 2018
Authors: Abe Kodai , Suzuki Keiichi , Yahagi Masashi , Murata Takeru , Sako Hiroyuki , Ishii Yoshiyuki
Published: August 2019

Backgrounds

We usually performed percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) for moderate and severe acute cholecystitis (AC) prior to cholecystectomy. But, the validity of preoperative drainage for AC is still controversial. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PTGBD for moderate and severe AC, based on the Tokyo Guidelines 2018.

Materials

Total of 146 AC patients from 2012 to 2017 were enrolled. Patients were classified in the grade of severity according to TG18, compared with PTGBD and non‐PTGBD group. We retrospectively reviewed clinical backgrounds and laboratory data at admission. We evaluated surgical performances as the primary outcomes and recovery periods based on guidelines.

Results

A total of 61 cases were moderate, and 18 cases were severe AC, and PTGBD were performed in 34 cases. For moderate AC, age, DM rate and ASA in PTGBD group were significantly higher than those in non‐PTGBD group. Also, serum albumin and hemoglobin at admission were significantly lower in the PTGBD group. However, surgical outcomes were almost the same. For severe AC patients, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed safely in all of pre‐operating drainage cases, while almost all of non‐PTGBD cases underwent open laparotomy and needed transfusion for massive bleeding.

Conclusions

Preoperative PTGBD is a useful and safe procedure for AC patients with comorbidities, especially in severe AC cases. Treatment flowchart in TG18 can be feasible to make accurate prediction for surgically high‐risk patients in AC.
Cost differences between digital tomosynthesis and standard digital mammography in a breast cancer screening programme: results from the To-Be trial in Norway
Authors: Moger Tron Anders , Swanson Jayson O. , Holen Åsne Sørlien , Hanestad Berit , Hofvind Solveig
Published: August 2019

Background

Several studies in Europe and the US have shown promising results favouring digital breast tomosynthesis compared to standard digital mammography (DM). However, the costs of implementing the technology in screening programmes are not yet known.

Methods

A randomised controlled trial comparing the results from digital breast tomosynthesis including synthetic mammograms (DBT) vs. DM was performed in Bergen during 2016 and 2017 as a part of BreastScreen Norway. The trial included 29,453 women and allowed for a detailed comparison of procedure use and screening, recall and treatment costs estimated at the individual level.

Results

The increased cost of equipment, examination and reading time with DBT vs. DM was €8.5 per screened woman (95% CI 8.4−8.6). Costs of DBT remained significantly higher after adding recall assessment costs, €6.2 (95% CI 4.6−7.9). Substantial reductions in either examination and reading times, price of DBT equipment or price of IT storage and connectivity did not change the conclusion. Adding treatment costs resulted in too wide confidence intervals to draw definitive conclusions (additional costs of tomosynthesis €9.8, 95% CI –56 to 74). Performing biopsy at recall, radiation therapy and chemotherapy was significantly more frequent among women screened with DBT.

Conclusion

The results showed lower incremental costs of DBT vs. DM, compared to what is found in previous cost analyses of DBT and DM. However, the incremental costs were still higher for DBT compared with DM after including recall costs. Further studies with long-term treatment data are needed to understand the complete costs of implementing DBT in screening.
Revisiting the combinatorics of lifting line and 2D vortex lattice theory
Authors: Yukish M. A.
Published: August 2019

This work revisits analyses of lifting line theory by A.R. Collar from 1958, bringing to bear some modern tools and techniques. The 2D vortex lattice model is also considered. Interesting combinatorial properties and simplified expressions for terms are presented, a simplified proof of model convergence shown, extension of the convergence properties to elliptical and arbitrary wing planforms is demonstrated, and approximations provided. An alternative proof of the optimality of constant downwash is presented. Modern automated theorem proving techniques are employed in confirming the combinatorial results.
Impact of Clinician Personal Protective Equipment on Medical Device Use During Public Health Emergency: A Review
Authors: Wiyor Hanniebey D. , Coburn James C. , Siegel Karen L.
Published: August 2019

The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the impact of personal protective equipment (PPE) on medical device use during public health emergency responses. We conducted a systematic literature search of peer-reviewed journals in PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO databases. Twenty-nine of 92 articles published between 1984 and 2015 met the inclusion criteria for the review. Although many medical device use impacts were reported, they predominantly fell into 3 categories: airway management, drug administration, and diagnostics and monitoring. Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN)-PPE increased completion times for emergency clinical procedures by as much as 130% and first attempt failure rates by 35% (anesthetist) versus 55% (non-anesthetist). Effects of CBRN-PPE use depend on device, CBRN-PPE level, and clinician experience and training. Continuous clinical training of responders in CBRN-PPE and device modifications can improve safety and effectiveness of medical device use during public health emergency response.
Fungal pathogens and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of abandoned agricultural fields: potential limits to restoration
Authors: Hilbig Bridget E. , Allen Edith B.
Published: August 2019

Little is known about impacts of soilborne pathogen legacies on reestablishment of native plant species in abandoned agricultural fields. We tested whether pathogens found in abandoned citrus orchards affect growth of native and invasive plant species in a controlled greenhouse experiment. In previous research, we identified several species of ascomycete (Fusariumspp.) and oomycete (Pythiumspp.) pathogens from field roots and soils. The invasive annual grass, ripgut brome [Bromus diandrus(Roth.)], and native forbs, common fiddleneck [Amsinckia intermediaFisch. & C.A. Mey.], coastal tidytips [Layia platyglossa(Fisch. & C.A. Mey.) A. Gray], and California goldfields [Lasthenia californica(DC. ex Lindl.)], were grown together in four different field soil treatments. Using pesticides on soils collected from abandoned citrus fields, we created four soil treatments that excluded different groups of potential pathogens: (1) untreated control (2) metalaxyl (oomyceticide) (3) fludioxonil (fungicide), and (4) steam-sterilized. Fludioxonil increased aboveground biomass ofL. platyglossa(P = 0.005) andL. californica(P= 0.02) compared with sterile and metalaxyl-treated soils.Lasthenia californicahad decreased arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization with metalaxyl, suggesting metalaxyl has non-target effects on mycorrhizae. Fludioxonil decreased potential pathogens inL. californicaroots while having no effect on mycorrhizal colonization.Bromus diandrushad higher biomass in sterile and fludioxonil-treated soils than untreated soils (P = 0.0001), suggesting a release from soilborne pathogens. The release from soilborne pathogens with the use of fludioxonil in both native forbs andB. diandrus, combined with overall higher biomass across treatments inB. diandrus, suggests that pathogen impacts in a field setting are insufficient to reduce success of this invasive grass, and use of a fungicide would not benefit native species in mixed stands withB. diandrus.
Linear Hydrodynamic Stability of Fluid Flow in Curved Rectangular Ducts: Semi-Analytical Study
Authors: Nowruzi H. , Ghassemi H. , Nourazar S. S.
Published: August 2019

In the current study, for the first time, a semi-analytical technique is used for solving eigenvalue problem arising from linear hydrodynamics stability of fluid flow through the curved rectangular ducts at different curvature ratios and aspect ratios. To this accomplishment, symmetric disturbances are assumed and the Homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is applied to solve our eigenvalue problem for curvature ratios ranging from 0.01 to 0.8 and aspect ratios ranging from 0.05 to 20. Our semi-analytical results are validated through the existing numerical and experimental data, showing good agreement. The semi-analytical results indicate that, as the curvature ratio increases the critical Dean number (Dnc) is increased and the flow becomes more stable, especially for aspect ratios lower than 1.Moreover, for all intended curvature ratios, irregular behavior in variation of Dnc is detected by an increase in the aspect ratio. So that, the Dnc is decreased when the aspect ratio increases from 0.05 up to 1 and the fluid flow becomes unstable. When the aspect ratio is increased from 1 to 5, it causes to increase the Dnc and fluid flow becomes stable. Furthermore, when the aspect ratio increases from 5 to 20, the Dnc is decreased again. In addition, Dnc and eigenvalues of critical complex wave number corresponding to Dnc for the onset of Dean flow instability is reported under different curvature ratios and aspect ratios.
Two Early Dutch Translations of the United States Constitution: Public Meaning in a Transnational Context
Authors: Douma Michael
Published: August 2019

In 1788, a Dutch-born minister in upstate New York named Lambertus De Ronde translated the U.S. Constitution into Dutch. Five years later, a legal scholar in the Netherlands, Gerhard Dumbar, produced another Dutch translation of the U.S. Constitution. De Ronde's translation was printed on at least two separate occasions in 1788, and scores of editorial changes between the two printings demonstrate that De Ronde was working to make the text appealing and understandable to his audience. Dumbar, however, disparaged De Ronde's translation for its amateurish character. Dumbar claimed, furthermore, that a legal education, and not experience in an American context, was essential for understanding the Constitution. In an analysis of the context and language of these two early Dutch translations of the Constitution, this article contributes new perspectives on the transnational character and influence of the U.S. Constitution. This article argues that for the Dutch in New York, debates about ratification and interpretation of the U.S. Constitution, were as much concerned with local character and transnational currents as with national politics.
Differences in resistance against osmotic challenge among C57BL/6, DBA/2 and their hybrid mice metaphase II (MII) stage oocytes
Authors: Goto Mei , Saito Hirokatsu , Hiradate Yuki , Hara Kenshiro , Tanemura Kentaro
Published: August 2019

Oocytes of B6D2F1 (BDF1) mice are often used as recipients for intracytoplasmic sperm injection because of their cell membrane resistance against capillary penetration. It is assumed that oocytes of BDF1 mice have superior traits because of their hybrid vigour. However, the mechanisms of hybrid vigour are unclear. In this study, we focused on the membrane resistance of MII stage oocytes against changes in extracellular osmotic pressure. As a result, MII stage oocytes of inbred C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice showed high tolerance in either a hypertonic or a hypotonic environment. Conversely, MII stage oocytes of hybrid BDF1 and D2B6F1 mice showed high tolerance in both hypertonic and hypotonic environments. Therefore, it is considered that MII stage oocytes of hybrid mice have superior traits than those of inbred mice. Our findings demonstrated that the hybrid vigour exists in the form of resistance to extracellular osmotic environment in hybrid MII stage oocytes.
National general truck drivers’ strike and food security in a Brazilian metropolis
Authors: Lopes Mariana Souza , Araújo Melissa Luciana de , Lopes Aline Cristine Souza
Published: August 2019

Objective:

We analysed the impact of the national general truck drivers’ strike on the availability, variety and price of foods sold by a food supply centre.

Design:

Descriptive study using secondary data to examine the percentage change in the mean price of fruits, vegetables and eggs before, during and after the strike. The strike in Brazil lasted 10 d from 21 to 30 May 2018. The drivers were on strike in order to make diesel oil tax-free and to obtain better working conditions.

Setting:

The food supply centre, named CEASA-Minas Grande BH, was located in the metropolitan area of a Brazilian city.

Participants:

We examined twenty types of foods.

Results:

After 10 d, there was a ~30 % reduction in the availability of all types of foods and prices increased. Foods with the highest price increases included cabbage (233·3 %), potatoes (220·0 %), papaya (160·0 %) and oranges (78·6 %). At the end of the strike, we observed reductions in the price of eggs, fruits, vegetables, roots and tubers; however, some foods remained more expensive than before the strike, including chayote (203·2 % higher), cucumber (66·7 % higher) and potatoes (60·0 % higher).

Conclusions:

The general truck drivers’ strike was correlated with a reduction in the availability of food and, consequently, increases in price and possibly restrictions on access. The strike demonstrated the dependence of metropolises on road transportation and the conventional market. We speculate that initiatives aiming to shorten the food supply chain and promote food sovereignty and resilience of the supply circuits could be important.
Demographic and socio-economic predictors of diet quality among adults in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Gicevic Selma , Gaskins Audrey J , Fung Teresa T , Rosner Bernard , Sabanovic Edin , Milesevic Jelena , Kadvan Agnes , Kremic Emir , Willett Walter
Published: August 2019

Objective:

To evaluate associations of demographic and socio-economic factors with diet quality among population subgroups in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H).

Design:

A cross-sectional analysis of 2017 B&H dietary survey data. Diet quality was assessed by the Prime Diet Quality Score (PDQS) utilizing data from two non-consecutive 24 h diet recalls. Socio-economic variables were extracted from the 2015 B&H Household Budget Survey. Homogeneity of means across population subgroups was evaluated using multivariable regression.

Setting:

B&H population survey.

Participants:

A population-based sample of 853 adults.

Results:

The mean PDQS was 15·8 (range 7–28 out of a possible 42 points). In general, Bosnian adults had low PDQS due to high intakes of refined grains, high-fat dairy and processed meats, and low intakes of whole grains, nuts and fish. The PDQS was significantly higher (P < 0·0001) among older individuals (17·0) compared with those in the youngest group (14·5), among individuals living in the central and northern regions (16·5) compared with those living in the south (15·1; P < 0·0001), and among people who are married/cohabitating (16·1) v. single (14·8; P = 0·02). In energy-adjusted models, socio-economic status (P = 0·04) and tertiles of household spending (P = 0·002) were inversely associated with the PDQS.

Conclusions:

Diet quality in this population was low. Young and middle-aged individuals, singles and those living in the south had significantly lower quality diets compared with other subgroups. Public health action is needed to promote higher consumption of whole grains, nuts and fish, and a higher variety of fruits and vegetables.
Evaluation of an in-house self-held respiration monitoring device for deep inspiration breath hold techniques for radiotherapy of patients with cancer of the left breast
Authors: Chan Yuen Yan , Ku Ki Man , Ng Yin Ping , Yu Siu Ki Ben , Kong Chi Wah Tony , Mui Wing Lun Alan , Wong Chun Man Cornel , Kong Sze Wan , Wong Sze Ming , Chiu George
Published: August 2019

Background:

An in-house self-held respiration monitoring device (SHRMD) was developed for providing deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) radiotherapy. The use of SHRMD is evaluated in terms of reproducibility, stability and heart dose reduction.

Methods and materials:

Sixteen patients receiving radiotherapy of left breast cancer were planned for treatment with both a free breathing (FB) scan and a DIBH scan. Both FB and DIBH plans were generated for comparison of the heart, left anterior descending (LAD) artery and lung dose. All patients received their treatments with DIBH using SHRMD. Megavoltage cine images were acquired during treatments for evaluating the reproducibility and stability of treatment position using SHRMD.

Results:

Compared with FB plans, the maximum dose to the heart by DIBH technique with SHRMD was reduced by 29·9 ± 15·6%; and the maximum dose of the LAD artery was reduced by 41·6 ± 18·3%. The inter-fractional overall mean error was 0·01 cm and the intra-fractional overall mean error was 0·04 cm.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated the potential benefits of using the SHRMD for DIBH to reduce the heart and LAD dose. The patients were able to perform stable and reproducible DIBHs.
SiO2‐SiC Mixtures at High Pressures and Temperatures: Implications for Planetary Bodies Containing SiC
Authors: Daviau Kierstin , Meng Yue , Lee Kanani K. M.
Published: August 2019

We present results from high‐pressure and high‐temperature experiments on mixtures of SiC and SiO2 to explore the stability of SiC in the presence of oxygen‐rich silicates at planetary mantle conditions. We observe no evidence of the ambient pressure predicted oxidation products, CO or SiO, resulting from oxidation reactions between SiC and SiO2 at pressures up to ~40 GPa and temperatures up to ~2500 K. We observe the decomposition of SiC through releasing C, resulting in vacancies in the SiC lattice and consequently the contracted SiC ambient volume V0 observed in the heated regions of sample. The decomposition is further supported by the observations of diamond formation and the expanded SiO2 V0 in the heated regions of samples indicating the incorporation of C into SiO2 stishovite. We provide a new interpretation of SiC decomposition on laboratory timescales, in which kinetics prevent the reaction from reaching equilibrium. We consider how the equilibrium decomposition reaction of SiC will influence the differentiation of a SiC‐containing body on planetary timescales and find that the decomposition products may become isolated during early planetary differentiation. The resulting presence of elemental Si and C within a planetary body may have important consequences for the compositions of the mantles and atmospheres of such planets.
An Overview of Low‐Level Jet Winds and Corresponding Mixed Layer Depths During PECAN
Authors: Carroll Brian J. , Demoz Belay B. , Delgado Ruben
Published: August 2019

Thirty southerly low‐level jet (LLJ) events were observed during the Plains Elevated Convection at Night (PECAN) field campaign in the Great Plains region of the United States during summer 2015. Here we present Doppler lidar wind data from three PECAN instrumentation sites to explore characteristics of LLJs and the boundary layer as well as some of the heterogeneities possible within the wind field of a LLJ. Southerly LLJs were observed on 66% of nights at the southwestern site (Greensburg, KS) but only 56% and 53% of nights at the eastern and northern sites, respectively (Hesston and Ellis, KS). The northernmost site had a relative abundance of weaker jets or nonjet conditions due to fronts or convective systems that only affected part of the observation domain. Plotting mean wind fields of each LLJ type reveals that the strongest LLJs tend to develop under very similar conditions but begin to show variability in wind profile evolution after several hours. A robust mixed layer height retrieval algorithm is used to investigate the interplay between the jets and the turbulent convective boundary layer, showing that stronger LLJs are preceded by deeper afternoon mixed layers and often have a later decoupling of mixing between the upper convective mixed layer and the near‐surface layer. Only the strongest LLJs generated a shallow mixing layer overnight. Comparing jet strength and direction to pristine nocturnal convection initiation shows that the strongest southerly LLJs yielded the most pristine nocturnal convection initiation events per night, and the pristine nocturnal convection initiation occurred farther north.
Measurement of the combined quantum and electrochemical capacitance of a carbon nanotube
Authors: Li Jinfeng , Burke Peter J.
Published: August 2019

The nature of the electronic interface between a nanotube and solvated ions in a liquid electrolyte is governed by two distinct physical phenomena: quantum and chemical. The quantum component arises from the sharply varying electronic density of states and the chemical component arises from ion screening and diffusion. Here, using an integrated on-chip shield technology, we measure the capacitance of one to a few nanotubes quantitatively as a function of both bias potential (from −0.7 V to 0.3 V) and ionic concentration (from 10 mM to 1 M KCl) at room temperature. We determine the relative contributions of the quantum and electrochemical capacitance, and confirm the measurements with theoretical models. This represents an important measurement of the quantum effects on capacitance in reduced dimensional systems in contact with liquid electrolytes, an important and emerging theme in the interface between nanotechnology, energy, and life.
Doping induced Mott collapse and possible density wave instabilities in (Sr1−xLax)3Ir2O7
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Walkup Daniel , Maximenko Yulia , Zhou Wenwen , Hogan Tom , Wang Ziqiang , Wilson Stephen D. , Madhavan Vidya
Published: August 2019

The path from a Mott insulating phase to high temperature superconductivity encounters a rich set of unconventional phenomena involving the insulator-to-metal transition (IMT), such as emergent electronic orders and pseudogaps, that ultimately affect the condensation of Cooper pairs. A huge hindrance to understanding the origin of these phenomena is the difficulty in accessing doping levels near the parent state. The Jeff = 1/2 Mott state of the perovskite strontium iridates has revealed intriguing parallels to the cuprates, with the advantage that it provides unique access to the Mott transition. Here, we exploit this accessibility to study the IMT and the possible nearby electronic orders in the electron-doped bilayer iridate (Sr1 − xLax)3Ir2O7. Using spectroscopic imaging scanning tunneling microscopy, we image the La dopants in the top as well as the interlayer SrO planes. Surprisingly, we find a disproportionate distribution of La between these layers with the interlayer La being primarily responsible for the IMT. This reveals the distinct site-dependent effects of dopants on the electronic properties of bilayer systems. Electron doping also results in charge reordering. We find unidirectional electronic order concomitant with the structural distortion known to exist in this system. Intriguingly, similar to the single layer iridate, we also find local resonant states forming a checkerboard-like pattern trapped by La. This suggests that multiple charge orders may exist simultaneously in Mott systems, even with only one band crossing the Fermi energy.
High mobility Si0.15Ge0.85 growth by using the molten target sputtering (MTS) within heteroepitaxy framework
Authors: Kim Hyun Jung
Published: August 2019

High-speed SiGe film is promising use in photonics and electronics technologies continue to replace Si-based devices. High mobility Si0.15 Ge0.85 film on sapphire was grown at 890 °C substrate temperature by using a conventional magnetron sputtering system within the heteroepitaxy framework. 890 °C substrate temperate is impractical for commercial device manufacturing due to long thermal soak, loading time, and costly process. To leverage the practical SiGe device applications, the Molten Target Sputtering (MTS) techniques is developed. The MTS is an economic and robust process from high flux density and liquid-state of molecules benefits. At 500 °C, the lowest substrate temperature, high mobility Si0.15Ge0.85 film with continues morphology and 99.7% majority-orientation were grown by using the MTS. The hall electron mobilities of the Si0.15Ge0.85 grown at 500 °C are 456 cm2V−1s−1 and 123.9 cm2V−1s−1 at 5.59 × 1018 cm3 and 3.5 × 1020 cm3 carrier concentration at 22.38 °C, respectively. The values are 550% higher hall electron mobilities than that of Si at equivalent carrier concentration and temperatures. We envision that the MTS is beneficial for the heteroepitaxy framework film growth that requires high substrate temperature to overcome the large lattice parameter mismatch between film and substrate.
Efficient derivation of knock-out and knock-in rats using embryos obtained by in vitro fertilization
Authors: Honda Arata , Tachibana Ryoma , Hamada Kazuya , Morita Kohtaro , Mizuno Naoaki , Morita Kento , Asano Masahide
Published: August 2019

Rats are effective model animals and have contributed to the development of human medicine and basic research. However, the application of reproductive engineering techniques to rats is not as advanced compared with mice, and genome editing in rats has not been achieved using embryos obtained by in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this study, we conducted superovulation, IVF, and knock out and knock in using IVF rat embryos. We found that superovulation effectively occurred in the synchronized oestrus cycle and with anti-inhibin antiserum treatment in immature rats, including the Brown Norway rat, which is a very difficult rat strain to superovulate. Next, we collected superovulated oocytes under anaesthesia, and offspring derived from IVF embryos were obtained from all of the rat strains that we examined. When the tyrosinase gene was targeted by electroporation in these embryos, both alleles were disrupted with 100% efficiency. Furthermore, we conducted long DNA fragment knock in using adeno-associated virus and found that the knock-in litter was obtained with high efficiency (33.3–47.4%). Thus, in this study, we developed methods to allow the simple and efficient production of model rats.
Facile synthesis of substituted quinolines by iron(iii)-catalyzed cascade reaction between anilines, aldehydes and nitroalkanes
Authors: Mahato Sachinta , Mukherjee Anindita , Santra Sougata , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Majee Adinath
Published: August 2019

A library of substituted quinolines has been synthesized by the reaction of aldehydes, anilines and nitroalkanes using a catalytic amount of Fe(iii) chloride.