bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Induced polarization applied to biogeophysics: recent advances and future prospects
Authors: Kessouri P. , Furman A. , Huisman J.A. , Martin T. , Mellage A. , Ntarlagiannis D. , Bücker M. , Ehosioke S. , Fernandez P. , Flores‐Orozco A. , Kemna A. , Nguyen F. , Pilawski T. , Saneiyan S. , Schmutz M. , Schwartz N. , Weigand M. , Wu Y. , Zhang C. , Placencia‐Gomez E. 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACTThis paper provides an update on the fast‐evolving field of the induced polarization method applied to biogeophysics. It emphasizes recent advances in the understanding of the induced polarization signals stemming from biological materials and their activity, points out new developments and applications, and identifies existing knowledge gaps. The focus of this review is on the application of induced polarization to study living organisms: soil microorganisms and plants (both roots and stems). We first discuss observed links between the induced polarization signal and microbial cell structure, activity and biofilm formation. We provide an up‐to‐date conceptual model of the electrical behaviour of the microbial cells and biofilms under the influence of an external electrical field. We also review the latest biogeophysical studies, including work on hydrocarbon biodegradation, contaminant sequestration, soil strengthening and peatland characterization. We then elaborate on the induced polarization signature of the plant‐root zone, relying on a conceptual model for the generation of biogeophysical signals from a plant‐root cell. First laboratory experiments show that single roots and root system are highly polarizable. They also present encouraging results for imaging root systems embedded in a medium, and gaining information on the mass density distribution, the structure or the physiological characteristics of root systems. In addition, we highlight the application of induced polarization to characterize wood and tree structures through tomography of the stem. Finally, we discuss up‐ and down‐scaling between laboratory and field studies, as well as joint interpretation of induced polarization and other environmental data. We emphasize the need for intermediate‐scale studies and the benefits of using induced polarization as a time‐lapse monitoring method. We conclude with the promising integration of induced polarization in interdisciplinary mechanistic models to better understand and quantify subsurface biogeochemical processes.
Costs Associated with the Treatment of Low Back Disorders: A Comparison of Surgeons and Physiatrists
Authors: Standaert Christopher J. , Li Justin W. , Glassman Stuart J. , Manolov Nikolay E. , Thomas Santhosh A. , Lee Anthony A. , Dolak Melanie A. , Stinneford M. Kate 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundSpine care is costly and subject to wide variability. Defining costs and patterns of care for different specialties is critical to improving value.ObjectiveDetermine costs, utilization, and differences therein for nonoperative and operative specialists in treating low back disorders. We hypothesized costs associated with nonoperative specialists would be lower.DesignRetrospective cohort.SettingMedicare Limited Data Set (5% sample), 2011 to 2014.ParticipantsA total of 170 011 patients saw a primary care provider for a low back disorder between 1 July 2011, and 1 January 2013. Excluding those seen for a low back disorder in the preceding 6 months, final cohorts totaled 11 829 patients subsequently evaluated by a physiatrist (specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation; 3183 patients) or surgeon (orthopedic or neurosurgeon; 8646 patients) within the following 6 months.Main Outcome MeasuresTotal Medicare expenditures, spine‐specific costs, spine surgical rates over 24 months.ResultsCohorts had comparable demographics, initial diagnoses, and baseline mean per‐member per‐month (PMPM) total spending. Mean 2‐year spine‐specific spending was $3978 for the physiatrist cohort and $7387 for the surgeon cohort. Comparatively, the physiatrist cohort had lower total mean 2‐year spine‐specific spending (−$3409; 95% confidence interval [CI] −$3824 to −$2994), mean PMPM total spending (−$122/mo; CI −$184 to −$60), and surgical rate (7.8% vs. 18.9%, risk ratio [RR] = 0.41; CI 0.36‐0.47). Surgery predominantly drove cost differential. Mean PMPM total spending for both cohorts remained elevated at 24 months compared to baseline mean spending (physiatrist: +$293; CI $447 to $138; surgeon: +$325; CI $425 to $225).ConclusionsFollowing a new episode of a low back disorder, substantial costs were seen for those subsequently evaluated by a physiatrist or surgeon. Costs were considerably lower for those first seen by a physiatrist. Patients in both cohorts displayed long‐term increases in health care costs. Our data suggest that early engagement in nonoperative care, when appropriate, may improve value.
MS‐Based Biomarker Discovery in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid for Lung Cancer
Authors: Matthiesen Rune 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) is a lung fluid. BALF is extracted from the lungs by a bronchoscope. The first step is to instill saline liquid into the lungs followed by extraction. The extracted liquid is depleted from cells by low spin centrifugation. The biochemical content of BALF is mainly composed of phospholipids and proteins and to less extent nucleic acids (DNA, miRNA, mRNA). The proteins, mRNAs, miRNAs, and lipids mirror the pathophysiological state of the patient and are consequently regarded as a rich source of biomarkers with already some examples of established clinical applications. Recently, in Proteomics Clin. Appl. 2019, 13, 1900028, Sim et al. established a novel MS‐based proteomics protocol for BALF lung cancer sample analysis by combining antibody‐based depletion of high abundant BALF proteins, high pH peptide fractionation, and label free quantitation on a high resolution Orbitrap Fusion instrument. They demonstrate an improvement in BALF sample coverage compared with some previous published methodologies. Notably, the result from the study supports the hypothesis that BALF more than serum reflects the lung cancer proteome and for this reason is a promising source for lung cancer biomarkers.
Assessment of the awareness, adherence, and barriers to low back pain clinical practice guidelines by practicing physiotherapists in a low‐resourced country
Authors: Akindele Mukadas , Rabiu Mubasshir , Useh Efe 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesMany clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for low back pain (LBP) management have been developed, but adherence to CPGs seems to be challenging as developing them in the first place. This cross‐sectional survey study was carried out to determine the awareness level, the level of adherence, and barriers to adherence to CPGs of LBP among physiotherapists in Nigeria.MethodsA total of 189 participants were recruited for this study using the convenience sampling technique. The data were collected using researcher‐designed questionnaires, the data were analysed using SPSS Version 20, and barriers to adherence to CPGs of LBP was analysed using simple thematic analysis. Descriptive statistics, frequency, and percentage were used to summarize the data, whereas inferential statistic of chi square and Fisher's exact were used to test the association between sociodemographic variables and adherence.ResultsThe results obtained showed that only a small percentage (27.50%) of the respondents adhered to LBP CPGs, whereas higher percentage (78.80%) was aware to the LBP CPGs. There were no significant associations between age (p = .90, χ2 = 0.72), certification courses (p = .476, χ2 = 0.508), place of practice (p = .380, χ2 = 0.845), and adherence to CPGs of LBP, respectively. However, there was a statistical significant association between specialization (p = .009, χ2 = 16.725), political zone (p = .007, χ2 = 15.243), awareness (p = .003, χ2 = 8.957), and adherence to CPGs of LBP, respectively.ConclusionSmall proportions of the respondents adhered to the LBP CPGs, whereas higher population were aware of the LBP CPGs, and some of the characteristics of the physiotherapists influence adherence to LBP CPGs.
The impact of ant mutualistic and antagonistic interactions on the population dynamics of sap‐sucking hemipterans in pear orchards
Authors: Sanchez Juan A , López‐Gallego Elena , La‐Spina Michelangelo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDAnts are known to establish antagonistic and mutualistic interactions with honeydew‐producing hemipterans, depending on the species involved and the ecological context. The aim of this work was to infer the role that such interactions play in the population dynamics of psyllids and aphids in pear orchards. Interactions were inferred from field data and periodical sampling along a 4‐year study, and from interaction assays performed under controlled conditions.RESULTSA decline in the abundance of the pear psyllid (Cacopsylla pyriL.), parallel to an increase in the abundance of aphids, was registered over 4 years. Ants were the dominant species, representing about 90% of the predators, followed by spiders and predatory hemipterans (namelyPilophorus gallicusRemane). Ant abundance increased over the 4 years, matching the population dynamics of aphids. Evidence of mutualistic and antagonistic interactions were found for ant–aphid and ant–psyllid, respectively: (i) ant–aphid abundances on pear trees were positively correlated, and ants reduced predation on aphids by generalist predators, and (ii) ant–psyllid abundances were negatively correlated, ants have a negative effect on the psyllid population growth rates, and ants were found to prey on the psyllid.CONCLUSIONSBecause of their high abundance in comparison with other predators and the mutualistic–antagonistic relationships with aphids–psyllids, ants are considered to be the principal force behind the decline of pear psyllid populations and the increase in aphid numbers. In summary, ants contribute positively to biological control by the suppresion of pests (i.e. the psyllid) which are more damaging than those they protect (i.e. aphids). © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Portfolio concentration and fund manager performance
Authors: Hung Pi‐Hsia , Lien Donald , Chien Yun‐Ju 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThis research examines the relationships among portfolio concentration, fund manager skills, and fund performance in Taiwan's equity mutual fund industry, yielding several empirical findings as follows. First, after controlling for other factors, concentrated equity funds tend to have smaller net asset values, larger fund flows, higher turnover rates, and a younger age and prevail in smaller fund families. Second, concentrated fund managers buy and sell stocks more smartly based on economic trends or market factors than do diversified fund managers, i.e., they have better market‐timing abilities. Third, only partial evidence supports the premise that concentrated equity funds have better next‐quarter risk‐adjusted performances than do diversified ones, as these fund managers' skills positively correlate to risk‐adjusted fund performance. Fourth, fund managers who have better stock‐picking abilities and intensively invest in certain industries generally exhibit better Carhart's alpha in the next quarter than do other fund managers. Fifth, fund managers' stock‐picking abilities more closely relate to long‐term performance than do their market‐timing abilities. Lastly, positive performance persistence is much stronger than negative performance persistence, but concentrated funds do not have stronger performance persistence than do diversified funds.
Analysis and design of chattering‐free discrete‐time sliding mode control
Authors: Zhang Jinhui , Zhang Na , Shen Ganghui , Xia Yuanqing 
Published: October 2019

SummaryIn this paper, the disturbance observer–based chattering‐free discrete‐time sliding mode control (DSMC) approach is proposed for systems with external disturbances. The proposed disturbance observer, which makes full use of the state and input information at the current and last steps, improves the estimation accuracy and achieves accurate compensation for disturbances. Then, with the help of disturbance observer, a new reaching law, which contains not only a nonsmooth term with a dynamically adjusted gain parameter but also a second order difference of the disturbance, is proposed to reduce the range of the quasi‐sliding mode band and eliminate chattering. The proposed DSMC approach realizes the active disturbance rejection and strong robustness. Finally, a simulation example is presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Direct Alkaline Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell to Converting Methane into Methanol
Authors: Santos Monique C. L. , Nunes Livia C. , Silva Luis M. G. , Ramos Andrezza S. , Fonseca Fabio C. , de Souza Rodrigo F. B. , Neto Almir O. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMethane is the main constituent of natural gas and can be converted in higher value‐added products for electricity cogeneration. It could be used as a solid membrane reactor (SMR) for application in Alkaline Anion‐Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (AAEMFC). The investigation for the conversion of methane was based on sodium borohydride (NaBH4) method using Pt/C Basf, Pd/C, Ni/C as catalysts. The electrocatalysts were prepared with 20 wt% of metals loading on carbon. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a face‐centered cubic structure (FCC) for Pt/C and Pd/C catalysts, was observed Ni/NiO phases for Ni/C electrocatalyst. The Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) exhibited a good dispersion of nanoparticles and some agglomerations on the support, with a mean size of 6.4 nm for Pd/C, 5.7 nm for Ni/C and near to 2 nm size for Pt/C. The experiments with AAEMFC showed that all materials can carry out the reaction spontaneously. Pt/C catalyst presents energy density higher than the other materials. FTIR data suggest that methane was converted into small products organic molecules such as methanol and formate in different potentials for Pt/C, Pd/C, and Ni/C. The products were quantified by Raman spectroscopy. The high conversion efficiency obtained was about 20% at 0.3 V using Pt/C catalyst, the maximum conversion over Pd/C was 17.5% at 0.15 V, associated with the formation of a thin layer of PdO on the catalytic surface. The highest conversion rate (13%) was observed in closed circuit potentials to the short circuit in the cell with Ni/C catalyst. The results suggest that for the selective conversion of methane to methanol are most promising using materials containing Pt or Pd.
Sulfobetaine N‐Chloramines: Chemical Synthesis and Antibacterial Application
Authors: Li Lingdong , Wang Hande , Jin Yanan , Wang Peiqi , Jia Dongxue 
Published: October 2019

AbstractA series of sulfobetaine N‐chloramines, covalently combining an N‐chloramine unit and a sulfobetaine unit with varied intercharge linkers, were chemically synthesized. Preliminary antibacterial tests showed that the antibacterial activity decreased as the methylene linker increases from ‐(CH2)2‐ to ‐(CH2)8‐ except the linker of ‐(CH2)6‐, which exerted remarkable bactericidal efficacy unusually. In addition, the analogue with the linker of ‐(CH2)10‐ displayed the highest bactericidal efficacy among all synthetic N‐chloramines, probably due to its neutral zwitterionic characteristic on structure. Our research provided highly efficacious antibacterial agents together with the vital references to design novel ionic N‐chloramine biocides.
Synthesis of Organic−Inorganic Hybrid Nanocomposite Polyoxometalate/Metal Oxide/CS Polymer (PMnW11@TiO2@CS): Nanocatalyst for Oxidative Desulfurization of Real Fuel
Authors: Rezvani Mohammad Ali , Fereyduni Mohsen 
Published: October 2019

AbstractA new type of organic‐inorganic hybrid nanocatalyst was synthesized by composition of Mn(II)‐substituted Keggin‐type polyoxometalate (PMnW11), titaniumdioxide(TiO2)and chitosan polymer (CS)viasol‐gel method. The synthesized nanocomposite (PMnW11@TiO2@CS) was characterized by fouriour transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. PMnW11@TiO2@CS was used as a new hybrid nanocatalyst for catalytic oxidative desulfurization (CODS) of real and model fuel in the presence of CH3COOH/H2O2in the volume ratio of 1/2 as oxidant system at 35 °C after 60 min. On the basis of the suggested CODS system, mercaptan and sulfur content of real fuel could be removed lowered with 97%. The CODS of dibenzothiophene molecules, which are difficult to remove, could be reached to 98%. The main factors affecting on the CODS efficiency were investigated in detail. The PMnW11@TiO2@CS was demonstrated an excellent recyclability performance in the CODS reactions for five times without noticeable decrease in catalytic activity.
Anti‐Cancerous Brucine and Colchicine: Experimental and Theoretical Characterization
Authors: Afzal Aboothahir , Thayyil Mohamed Shahin , Shariq Mohammad , Mary Yohannan Sheena , Resmi Kaippallil Sundaresan , Thomas Renjith , Islam Nasarul , Abinu Ajithan Jyothi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBrucine and colchicine are alkaloids, which are found abundantly in Asian Countries, having medicinal values in Ayurveda and is used widely in China. But surprisingly, it is reported recently in the literature that both brucine and colchicine possess anti‐cancerous effects. A comprehensive quantum computational study of brucine and colchicine to determine its structural and electronic properties is lacking in the literature. The optimized molecular geometries, electronic and vibrational spectral analysis, Frontier Molecular orbital analysis, natural bonding orbitals (NBO), non linear optical properties (NLO), Vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra were studied by Density Functional Theory (DFT) method by Computational Chemistry tool Gaussian‐09 with B3LYP/6‐311++G(d, p) basis set. Relaxed energy scans on dihedral angles in brucine and colchicine were performed to generate potential energy surfaces (PES) corresponding to rotational motions for conformational analysis. Theoretical Light Harvesting Efficiency (LHE) parameter for different halogen substitutions for brucine and colchicine were determined by TD‐DFT method. Molecular electrostatic potential surfaces (MEP) of the title compounds were generated to find the reactive molecular sites. Nonlinear optical properties (NLO) analysis showed that the first hyper polarizability values of brucine and colchicine are 25.56 and 22.15 times than that of urea. The in‐silica molecular docking analysis of brucine and colchicine were done using the Maestro ‐ Schrodinger suite 8.0 with cancer target proteins.
Aerobic Oxidative C(CO)–C Bond Cleavage under Catalyst‐Free and Additive‐Free Conditions
Authors: Tian Xinzhe , Ren Yun‐Lai , Cheng Xinqiang , Lu Weiwei 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIt was found that C(CO)–C bonds could undergo aerobic oxidative cleavage under catalyst‐free and additive‐free conditions. In the presence of environmentally friendly reagents including O2 and H2O, a series of 1,1‐diphenylacetones, diphenyl‐acetaldehydes, phenylacetones and their derivatives were smoothly converted into the desired products.
Novel Fabrication Of N/S Co‐doped Hierarchically Porous Carbon For Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ma Heli , Qi Xiujun , Peng Daqing , Chen Yaxin , Wei Denghu , Ju Zhicheng , Zhuang Quanchao 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIt has been demonstrated that embedding potassium ions into graphitic carbon is viable. However, the large ionic radius of potassium‐ions is a severe obstacle of potassium‐ion transmission between the cathode and anode. Therefore, it is urgent to find an electrode material with larger interlayer spacing to facilitate potassium‐ion intercalation/deintercalation. Herein, hierarchically nitrogen and sulfur co‐doped porous carbon (NSPC) have been prepared with sodium polyacrylate as the carbon precursor and sodium chloride as the template. When used as the anode materials for PIBs, NSPC shows reversible capacities of 289.7 mAh g−1 after 70 cycles at 50 mA g−1 and 156.8 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 500 mA g−1. The high reversible capacity and excellent cyclic performance of NSPC can be ascribed to the three‐dimensional structure with nitrogen and sulfur co‐doping, which improves electronic conductivity and enlarged interlayer spacing, facilitating potassium‐ion insertion. This work provides some insights into the fabrication of heteroatom‐doped carbon materials and is helpful for the design of high‐performance anode materials for PIBs.
Green Synthesis of a Metal‐Free 0D/2D Heterojunction: A Cost‐Effective Approach
Authors: Xavier Marilyn Mary , George Jis , Divya K. S. , Adarsh N. N. , Nair P. Radhakrishnan , Mathew Suresh 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPhotocatalyst derived from 0D/2D heterojunction composite is highly attractive for their great potential in environmental remediation and energy conversion. Herein we constructed a 0D/2D heterojunction built from carbon quantum dots (CD) and carbon nitride sheets (GCN) by microwave irradiation, which ensures the uniform dispersion of CDs. The electric field generated at the interface of this heterojunction favored the prevention of rapid recombination of photogenerated charge carriers. The successful heterojunction formation is due to the uniform dispersion of CDs, acting as electron sink over the sheets. A four‐fold enhancement in photocatalytic activity is obtained for this heterojunction, compared to pristine carbon nitride. With the support of the scavenger studies, the possible mechanism behind the photocatalytic activity is proposed. Interestingly, herewith we report an eco‐friendly method for the synthesis of CD/GCN composite material by using cheaply available and non‐hazardous precursors such as urea and glucose.
Preparation and Characterization of Composites of Hydroxypropyl Tapioca Starch and Zein
Authors: Liu Jie , Lai Rui , Wang Xiangli , Wang Haiyang , Liu Yawei 
Published: October 2019

AbstractHydroxypropyl tapioca starch and zein composites are prepared and the properties of composites are investigated. Starch granules can readily aggregate in the presence of zein to form large granules more than 30 µm. The total preparation concentration of zein and starch of 45% can be critical, as inferred from the relation between the zein content and the particle size of the composite. An increase of zein content or reaction time allows the starch granules to be adhered with zein, wrapped by zein, or even be embedded in the zein matrix. The characteristic peaks of zein shifting to the lower wavenumber and that of hydrogen bonds moving to higher wavenumbers in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicate the interaction between zein and starch. Zein reduces the viscosity, increases gelatinization temperature, and decreases gelatinization enthalpy of the composites compared with that of starch. This insight may be helpful in designing and preparing composites of zein and starch with promising properties.